Kindness: To Save a Lifeby wiccanminnesotaChaptersChapter 2 - Shimmering Solitude Part 1 of 3 : August 2nd, Tuesday, 6:00 AMChapter 3 - Shimmering Solitude Part 2 of 3, August 2nd, Tuesday 3:00 PMChapter 4 - Shimmering Solitude Part 3 of 3: August 2nd, Tuesday 6:30 PMChapter 5 - Dimming Suns Part 1 Of 19 August 3rd, Wednesday 2 AMChapter 6 – Dimming Suns Part 2 Of 19 Wednesday August 3rd, 7:45amChapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AMChapter 8 – Dimming Suns Part 4 Of 19 August 3rd – Wednesday, 8:00amWednesday, August 3rd 12:15 pm part sevenAugust 3rd, Wednesday, 1 pm part eightWednesday, August 3rd 1:02 pm part nineAugust 3rd, Wednesday 1:10 pm part tenAugust 3rd Wednesday, 2:00 pm part eleven (First indecent with Rainbow/ Fluttershy witness)August 3rd, Wednesday 2:30 pm part twelveAugust 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 PM (Applejack's chapter) part thirteenAugust 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rarity's chapter) part fourteenAugust 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rainbows chapter) part fifteenAugust 3rd, Wednesday, 4:00 pm (Fluttershy, Sunset chapter) part sixteenAugust 3rd Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.Part Seventeen Starknight's chapterAugust 3rd, Wednesday 5:36 pm part eighteenAugust 3rd, Wednesday 11:45 pm Part nineteenAugust, 4th, Thursday 4:00 A.M. part oneAugust, 4th, Thursday 7:00 A.M. Part TwoAugust, 4th Thursday, 11:30 AM part threeChapter 1 - Flickering Flame: August 1st, 10:00pmWednesday, August 3rd 9:00 AM part fiveWednesday, August 3rd 12:00 pm Part SixChapter 2 - Shimmering Solitude Part 1 of 3 : August 2nd, Tuesday, 6:00 AMSunlight rose over the city like a sprout emerging from within the earth as the night turned to dawn. Shadows that stretched across the city streets receded as if scared away by the morning daylight. Within the trees, birds woke, gearing up for a new day while the more nocturnal ones retreated into the dark areas. People within Canterlot joined in as well, going through the same routine. Although they did it with more reluctance than their furry, feathered and scaly-skinned counterparts. A girl could be seen in the sky of light pink, orange and dusty gray, soaring through the air like an airplane after liftoff. Every several moments, the girl flapped her wings, the feathered membranes gleaming in the sunlight. A few feathers fell, she noticed them falling and swooped downwards catching them before they touched the ground or fell into the wrong hands the girl safely tucked the feathers into her skirt pockets. The girl rose back to the sky as her teal eyes stared at the incoming city. Her hair flew gracefully behind her, her bangs whipping around her face but not in front. She paid little mind to her hair whipping around her ears and lower neck, for the girl had more important and tragic things that were on her mind. “By the Goddess, I can’t believe this is happening. Of all the things I thought that I’d find while on my nightly flight, I never thought I’d find what I did.” Fluttershy McPherson said softly, her voice filled with sadness. “Oh, why did things have to turn out like this?” Feeling her eyes watering, Fluttershy lifted an arm to her face, wiping at the liquid threatening to fly out of her eyes. Pulling her arm away, she saw the outlines of what looked to be birds flying towards her, recognizing them as geese. A gasped and a swerve later, Fluttershy quickly moved out of the way as they zoomed past her. Her ears took in their honking and she found herself smiling by its pleasantness as she waved at them. Watching as they slowly vanished into the ever-brightening morning sky. “My goodness, I’m out of it today? I guess the situation with Sunset left me more worked up than I thought.” Fluttershy muttered as she pushed her hair away from her face. She gave another flap of her wings as she passed by numerous houses, faintly paying attention to the people getting up for the day. “I can’t believe it ended up this way. And right after we managed to turn her back to normal from that horrible monster.” A frown drew its way onto Fluttershy’s face as the thought back to what had led up to her horrible discovery. She, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash had all been attending the Annual Canterlot High Junior High School Fall Formal said to be going off that night. One of their companions was a dimension traveling girl named Twilight Sparkle. A girl who was from a world where according to her pastel-colored talking equines lived and behaved like humans. From what this girl had told her and her friends, she had come to their world because her crown was stolen by Sunset Shimmer. And Twilight came to get it back before it was used for more sinister purposes. By some miracle, the Canterlot Five somehow believed her, and even decided to help her get back her crown. Especially after finding out it was one of six important magical artifacts needed to protect her land. As thanks, the princess helped the girls prepare for the Fall Formal while preparing for the inevitable attack. Sometime during the party, Sunset had finally decided to instigate her plan to take over the school. With the help of Snips and Snails, she got Twilight’s crown and turned herself into a raging she-demon. Along with making all the Canterlot Highschool Students as her own personal zombified army. What happened afterwards was undoubtedly the longest ten minutes of Fluttershy’s young thirteen-year-old life. Watching as the demonized Sunset and her monstrous minions wreaked havoc on the School of Canterlot. Despite this, the girls were still able to activate their magic and defeat Sunset before she did permanent damage. Victory was theirs, but the damage that had been done to Sunset outweighed any feeling of accomplishment Fluttershy had. She could still remember the broken look on the girl’s face. Along with the despair in her voice when she expressed her doubts about learning to be a friend. “But… all I’ve ever done is push everyone away from me.” Sunset had sobbed while looking at the six girls with shattered eyes. “I don’t know the first thing about friendship… nothing at all.” “Yes, it’s true that you don’t.” Twilight had stated as she pulled the bruised and bloodied girl out of her crater, presenting her to the other girls. “But it doesn’t mean that they can’t teach you.” Fluttershy closed her eyes, feeling a mixture of happiness and sadness as she recalled that tender moment. While elated Twilight had chosen her and her friends to help Sunset, she was not exactly proud of the responses she got. Not from Sunset, but from the rest of the Canterlot Five, who were less than happy to be teachers to the one that bullied them. Fluttershy could still remember the objections from them when Twilight gave them their task. Rainbow Dash most of all, who laid into Sunset about how horrible she was for the atrocities Rainbow thought she had committed. “You are just the worst Sunset!” Fluttershy recalled Rainbow Dash shouting, as the rainbow haired girl towered over the bacon-haired girl as she cowered in fear under the athlete’s magenta gaze. “You pulled off a lot of stupid crap in the past, but this one is just way over the line! Starting a fight with me and my swim team?! What in the hell is wrong with you?!” “I…I-I’m sorry…!” Fluttershy recalled Sunset whimpering, her eyes darting to and fro in an effort to escape the verbal lashing being given to her. “I didn’t mean to start that fight… I-I was just-” “You were just what?!” Fluttershy recalled Rainbow Dash demanding, cutting Sunset off with such intensity that she almost fell back into the crater she had just been pulled out of. “You were just jealous?! So jealous of how awesome we were that you just had to ruin something good for us?! Real mature Sunset! Real, real mature!” “P-please! I’m so, so sorry! I never meant to hurt any of you! Honest!” Fluttershy recalled Sunset pleading with the Canterlot Five as she looked for any means of escape, while the frightened girl fought back the urge to cry again. “I was just so full of myself that I didn’t think about how much I was tearing you all apart! I didn’t think it would end that badly!” “Well, there’s something that we don’t hear every day.” Fluttershy recalled feeling angry as Rainbow spat; her lips pulled back into a snarl. “Always coming up with excuses and lies to make yourself look like a sad villain! Why don’t you just leave this school and never come back you no good-” “That is enough!” Fluttershy recalled having finally heard enough from Rainbow as she found herself the once timid scared girl suddenly yelling at her rainbow haired friend. The assertiveness in her tone made Rainbow go quiet as a graveyard while she and the other girls turned to her. “Rainbow Ashley Dash, don’t you dare go yelling at Sunset like that! Can you not see how beaten and broken she is right now?! There is no need for you to go at her so hard! Especially while she’s down!” “Fluttershy darling, why in the world are you defending her?” Fluttershy thought of how Rarity asked incredulously Fluttershy recalled giving Rarity a scornful stare as her friend spoke her next words. “Sunset is nothing but an uncouth oppressor! And a lady should never defend any that’s as an oppressing and uncouth ruffian such as this!” “I’m defending her because you four are being cruel to her for no reason!” Fluttershy sniffed trying to fight back her own tears at the memory of her reply, her anger had been steadily but slowly increasing with each second that passed by. “I get that we’ve had things happen to us because of her and she in turn got turned into a raging demon due to us, but you’re all taking it too far! We’re supposed to be helping her to see the error of her ways and become a better person! Not break her more than she already is!” “If ya ask me Fluttershy, we haven’t broken her enough.” Fluttershy closed her eyes recalling how Applejack had all but hissed at Sunset, spitting on the ground as she glowered at Sunset. “Ain’t nothin’ we can help about that varmint. All she is, is a lyin’ snake in a field o’ grass. The only thing we should help her do is slither back to where she done come from so she doesn’t poison us in th’ head with her venomous lies.” “Yeah! I’m with AJ on that!” Fluttershy’s eyes tightened and a few tears trickled down her cheeks as she recalled unhappily as her best friend Pinkie had nodded with a harumph. “We had just an amazing party going on and Sunset Shimmer ruined it for us and everyone else! This party pooper has no idea how much I looked forward to throwing a party that big! That wet-blanket should just go back to her party-pooping home and never come back!” “Speaking of leaving, why don’t I take care of that?” Fluttershy’s hands tightened into fist she recalled vividly as Rainbow added to her already unwanted suggestion. Fluttershy thought of how both of Rainbow’s hands came up to crack at the knuckles. “You don’t have anything to use as a hold on us anymore. And you sure as heck don’t have your little lackies to back you up either. That only leaves one thing to do.” Fluttershy remembered sadly seeing a sick grin of satisfaction spread across Rainbow’s face. She recalled how Rainbow had reached out grabbing Sunset by her jackets lapel and reached her arm back to throw the punch. Upon seeing the petrified look of sheer terroir in Sunset Shimmer's eyes and watching Sunset trembling in fear; it was almost as if Sunset herself was actually expecting to be hit at these words. “But I think I’ll be generous tonight and give you a free pass… if you manage to get out of my sight in the next ten seconds. Otherwise I'll beat your ass till you can't move any longer”. “Rainbow, don’t you dare hit Sunset Shimmer!” Fluttershy recalled how she finally couldn’t take any more of her friends' unwanted or needed aggression towards Sunset. She recalled vividly that before anyone around her could stop her she marched over to Rainbow Dash and grabbed friends' raised fist. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you need to stop right now before you get yourself and the rest of us in real trouble! or did you forget that we’re still on school grounds?! You know that you could potentially get yourself expelled, right?” “And what if I do?” Fluttershy remembered how Rainbow countered her question while pulling her arm away. “Whether I get kicked out or not, I would feel a whole lot better off if I was in a place that didn’t have her anywhere there!” Fluttershy recalled seeing Rainbow pointing an accusatory finger at Sunset as if she was coming upon a horrible adventure movie. “Sunset is done, Fluttershy! She’s no longer the self-proclaimed Queen of Canterlot High and Junior High School she always boasted about in the hallways! The sooner we get rid of her, the better!” “I have no doubt she’ll be punished for her actions, but this isn’t the way to do it!” Fluttershy remembered saying angrily. “If anyone should be punishing Sunset, it’s Principal Celestia not us! Neither of them let anything of this magnitude go unpunished, so I’m sure our principal will be giving Sunset a proper punishment to fit what she has done!” “I think my sister and I may be punishing more than one student, Fluttershy dear.” Recalling how Principal Celestia finally came to the rescue Fluttershy sighed remembering the angry look Rainbow gave Celestia. “Don’t give me that look Rainbow Ashely Dash! Listen here young lady you are two seconds away from being brought up on charges of assault now leave Sunset Shimmer alone!!” Fluttershy happily remembered how all four of her friends had paused at the sudden new voice, the sternness behind it prompting them to look to where it was coming from. All but one of them paled at seeing Vice-Principal Luna coming to where they were, her face matching her tone. Her teal eyes scanned each of the girls, looking over them as if she was piecing together an incredibly complicated math problem. Both finally settled on Rainbow Dash, who looked like her cyan skin was just a little bit lighter. Fluttershy smiled to herself recalling how Rarity had stammered out. “V-Vice Principal Luna!” remembering the worried look that Rarity had on her moon pale colored face Flutteshy remembered Rarity adding “What are you doing out here?! I thought you and Principal Celestia were with the other students?” Fluttershy stopped flying for a few moments and began to hover just above a few houses recalling Vice Principal Luna’s words to Rarity. “My sister wanted to know where Sunset was, so she sent me out here to look for her while she looked after the other students.” Luna had said so curtly, her voice had become flat and dark and face hard and scornful. “But I’m far more curious as to what’s going on out here.” Still hovering over the house Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes remembering how her friend who was always so honest had lied through her teeth to the vice principal “Uh, w-we weren’t doin’ anythin’ wrong Vice-Principal Luna!” Applejack tried to deny though it was clear that her fear of looking into Luna’s eyes, gave away the lie that Applejack was trying to spin. “W-way wuz gist makin’ shore thet Sunset wuz okay iz all”. “Is that so?” Fluttershy remembered, sad though it was that Luna had asked, seeing right through Applejack’s clear lies like she was looking through glass. “I’m assuming that also includes tearing the emotional skin off a student who looks like she was nearly burned alive?” Feeling that enough time had passed Fluttershy began to make her way back home once more. She gracefully soared through a grey cloud letting the cold moist air molecules slide down her soft warm skin. Flying past a few apartment buildings she recalled that before Rarity, Applejack or even Rainbow could reply, Pinkie had done it for them. “They sure did! Dashie and AJ really let Sunset Shimmer have it! I mean you should’ve seen them when they shouted at her! Heck Dashie was even threatening to beat her up if she didn’t go away! Fluttershy stopped her before she could do anything so that didn’t happen, but oh boy it was just wow!” Fluttershy remembered how each of her three friends except for herself had all shouted at Pinkie “Pinkie!” causing the cotton candy fluffy haired girl to look at them with a foolish gleeful look in her soft blue eyes. Landing on an apartment rooftop to catch her breath Fluttershy walked over to the ledge of the wooden rooftop and put her foot to the ledge. Looking out to the city beyond she shook her head recalling how angry Luna was at hearing Pinkie’s words and how Pinkie didn’t seem to notice or care. But mostly Fluttershy recalled how Luna’s eyes had severely narrowed. Fluttershy remembered Luna saying, "Really now? So not only were you girls hurting Sunset Shimmer with your words, you”, Fluttershy remembered Luna had marched over to Rainbow Dash glaring daggers at her and Rainbow stood her ground with her arms crossed just under her chest. “Rainbow Dash, according to your friend, were also planning on hurting Sunset with your fists as well?” Pushing off from the ledge of the building Fluttershy looked down, noticing a few people walking down the sidewalk towards a bus stop. She smiled while she flew above them watching a little girl in a red dress happily pick some flowers and the girl's mother laughing at the sight of the child waving her hand back and forth. Fluttershy’s mind shifted quickly however back to the Fall Formal and to what a friend had said to Luna that night. “N-now Vice-Principal, it’s not what it looks like!” Fluttershy recalled Rarity saying as her purple haired fashiondiva friend had been trying to weasel herself and her friends out of trouble, “What Pinkie Pie was saying was just utter nonsense! None of the things she said had really happened! It’s just her imagination! Y-yes, that’s it! Her imagination!” “I am well aware of Ms. Pie’s wild way of thinking young lady! No one can deny what goes on in your friend's head which I imagine is quite the rollercoaster.” Fluttershy recalled Luna had said levelly. “That being said, you and I also know that whatever she says is usually something she does not make-up. The level of honesty she exhibits is one that can even leave Ms. Applejack to shame, and something tells me what she said just now is not a lie.” Seeing a firehouse coming into view Flutteshy banked upwards and hovered for a few moments. Closing her eyes she listened to the Firefighters getting up and ready to begin their morning shift. She could hear one was eating a doughnut with peanuts on it another was cracking eggs over an open gas fire. While a third was making toast and complaining about there not being enough coffee. Fluttershy turned and flew towards the city park knowing she was half way home she recalled sadly her last few memories of the Fall Formal. Fluttershy flew over the park, looked down and saw a few cats climbing the trees. She recalled how Rainbow flat out challenged Luna’s authority. “Oh yeah, and how do you know that?!” Rainbow, much to Fluttershy’s shock, had regained a bit of confidence. “It was only just a few seconds ago that you came out here!” Fluttershy remembered Rainbow adding quite angrily, “There’s no way you could’ve known that what we said or did was really what happened! Even if one of us said it!” “That is where you are dead wrong Miss. Dash. You see I have seen all of this on the security cameras as has the security guard Corky” This is why I will be addressing this incident with your families once all is said and done here.” Luna declared, her words making Rainbow pale even harder. “Your curfew is getting closer to its end so you can either leave of your own free accord or stay and get arrested for criminal trespassing.” Fluttershy recalled quite vividly Rainbow balling her hand into a tight fist Luna was unfazed by Rainbows antics “As for you Ms. Dash, we’ll be discussing your punishment for trying to physically harm another student.” “What?! B-but we didn’t do anything!” Fluttershy recalled how Rainbow had protested but stopped upon seeing Luna’s eyes sharpen. “This was all Sun---” “It was not a suggestion, Miss. Dash, that you all leave and leave immediately. That was an order.” Fluttershy recalled Luna saying, Luna’s tone of voice was firm but dark. Fluttershy remembered looking into Luna’s eyes. They were cold as ice. The older woman never once took her gaze off of Rainbow who stared back at Luna like a deer in headlights. “My patience is wearing very thin at the moment, and I don’t have nearly enough to deal with this.” Letting the athlete know she was not messing around Luna stepped forward placing herself between Sunset and Rainbow. “So, stop what you are doing right now before the severity of your punishment is increased. Or do you wish to be expelled like Ms. Fluttershy said ``may happen if you continue with this behavior?” For a moment, Rainbow looked like she wanted to keep arguing with the Vice Principal and fight for her innocence. However, the glare from the Vice Principal and the sound of Her parent’s car pulling up was the final push Rainbow needed to give up. Growling lowly, she huffed and turned to storm off towards her parents’ car. The rest of the girls left, but not before Rainbow threw a final verbal assault at Sunset. Fluttershy stayed for a bit longer, watching as Sunset sobbed and sniffed while wiping her tears away. Eventually, Fluttershy too went on her way, barely registering the sounds of Luna’s conversation with Sunset while making her way home. More tears filled Fluttershy’s eyes as the recollection of the later hours played in her mind over and over. She could still remember the pain in her chest from seeing Sunset weak and broken as if she had lost everything precious to her. So much did Fluttershy want to take her in her arms and make everything hurting her go away. Sadly, Luna had made it clear that she would handle Sunset, leaving the shy girl with no other choice but back off for now. While walking back home, Fluttershy suddenly found herself wanting to check on Sunset for some reason. Not one to ignore her gut instincts, Fluttershy went back to the scene of the battle to see what had happened to the bacon-haired girl. From there, she watched the former bully go through various scenarios. Being found by a kind-hearted police officer, defending their Principal’s unjust actions, and running from the only help she was given. Fluttershy felt her heart break the longer she watched. Even more so after making her discovery of Sunset not having a home. She didn’t know how or why her former bully was in such a situation, but Fluttershy cared not for it. What she did know was that Sunset needed help. How that would happen was uncertain, but it had to be done. Or else the former bully was at a risk of being in far more danger than she already was. ‘Easier said than done at this point.’ Fluttershy thought, her brows furrowing. ‘I really wish that the girls didn’t react the way they did. Sunset was already beaten down! They were just being mean to her!’ Her teeth came to bite at her lower lip, her soft hands clenched as if she was gripping tightly to twin stress balls. ‘Rainbow Dash is the guiltiest of all for saying what she said. Even if they were true, it was still a rotten thing to do. Rainbow Dash will definitely be getting a very stern talking to the next time I see her. By the Goddess Danu this has been a horrible night!’ Pushing the thoughts out of her head for the time being, Fluttershy refocused on her flying. Her wings gave continuous gentle beats as they carried her through the sky and clouds high above the city. From buildings to stores, she passed them all, until she made it to a large expansion of houses. As the cool morning wind brushed against her face, she spotted her house coming up within her field of vision. Fluttershy smiled to herself, happy that she had managed to get home without crashing into a tree. Arching herself upwards, she gave a little quick beat of her wings to let herself land on her home balcony. “Home sweet home.” Fluttershy muttered to herself as she hopped down from the balcony railing onto the wooden floor. Closing her eyes, she concentrated her energy on her wings, feeling as they began to fade. In less than a second, they were gone, leaving two small tattoos where her wings used to be. Satisfied her wings were well hidden, Fluttershy opened her balcony door and went inside. Her nostrils flared as the scent of flowers whisked its way into her nasal cavities like smoke from a cigar. Her ears were then greeted with the squeaks of her bunny, Angel, who woke up upon hearing her. Smiling, she reached out and gave him a little scratch upon his head, and he closed his eyes at the gentleness of her soft touch. After kissing him on the nose, she went to her closet for a new pair of clothes to change into. “I have to help Sunset. There’s absolutely no reason for her to be out on the streets. I also want to help her become a better person. I can tell that she wants it as well.” Fluttershy said to herself, silently gathering up her new clean clothing and heading into the bathroom for a nice hot shower. Turning the water on and testing it with her hand she added, “I just wish that the other girls could see it. Although I can’t really blame them, none of us can just leave her like this, especially after Twilight had asked us to help her. Maybe I can talk to my parents about this… they always seem to know what to do.” With this idea set in her mind, Fluttershy took her shower, washing herself for a half-hour without any issues. Turning off the water and drying off Fluttershy got dressed and headed downstairs. She walked into the kitchen, only for a clattering sound made her pause as a curse followed suit. Entering it, she found herself staring at a young boy picking up some scattered utensils. She looked to her left and saw her mother was at the kitchen stove making her usual pot and cup of tea while her father sat at the kitchen table reading a newspaper. Wordlessly, Fluttershy went to the fridge, the sound of her opening its door alerting the trio to her presence. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite big sister.” Zephyr drawled brassily, setting a large pot on the counter. “Finally decided to be an early bird to get the worm, eh?” “I don’t have time or the patience for your games Zephyr.” Fluttershy said neutrally, not bothering to look at him. Walking over to a cupboard, she reached inside and took out a medium sized tube of oatmeal and a bowl to pour it into. “I want to eat my breakfast without you getting in the way so please leave me alone”. With that she walked over to the kitchen sink and put some water into the bowl before putting it into the microwave ignoring the worried looks she got from her parents. “Honey please don’t talk to your brother like that” Her mother softly said, “It’s not very nice and neither I nor your father wants to be, referee this early in the morning”. “I ...” Fluttershy began but quickly changed her approach upon receiving a concerned look from her mother, “you’re right mom it wasn’t very nice” Turning her attention to her brother she offered him a weak smile not receiving her smile in return she turned her attention to her father, “Good morning Dad, did you sleep well last night?” Mr. MacPherson, who was reading his newspaper, lowered it to address his daughter. “Oh, I’m so sorry honey, I wasn’t paying attention. Yes, I slept very well last night; thank you for asking.” “Zephyr accept your sister's apology” Mrs. MacPherson softly said, taking a seat at the table “You know she didn’t mean to be so harsh with you”. “But mom---” Zephyr tried to protest, stopping when his father lowered his morning paper giving the boy a stern look “Oh, very well”. Clearing his throat Zephyr stuck out his hand to his sister who took his hand into her own “I fully accept your apology sis”. “Good now there will be no further arguing or fighting within this household” Mrs. MacPherson said adding, “Fluttershy dear did you sleep well last night?” Getting up Mrs. MacPherson headed to the stove, got her kettle and brought it over to the table setting a teacup on the table and kettle down on a hot pad she sat back down picking up the cup taking a sip of her tea she added “Is your back bothering you honey? There is some ointment in my medicine cabinet upstairs if it is.” “I… didn’t really sleep last night.” Fluttershy replied, somberly softly. “Don’t worry, my back feels fine mom. I’ll be alright.” after turning the microwave on. A sigh left her as she leaned in against the counter while looking at her parents. “I didn’t really get back home until just a little while.” “Were you out late with your friends last night?” Mr. MacPherson asked inquisitively. “I’m not mad about it, I’m just wondering.” “You could say that. Something happened between us while we were at school and we, um… got into a bit of a fight.” Fluttershy explained, hugging herself while looking away. “I didn’t want it to happen but … it did.” “Oh my, that doesn’t sound good…” Mrs. MacPherson murmured, giving her daughter a look of worry. “Did Rainbow do something to make you angry again?” “Yes, but it wasn’t just her that made me upset.” Fluttershy nodded before quickly adding. “Not this time at least.” “Ah, so you had a fallout with all of your friends, huh?” Zephyr asked sleazily, curiosity filling him as he leaned in towards his sister. “Come on sis, you can tell me I promise I won’t make this any bigger than it already is”. “Yeah, sure you won’t.” Fluttershy merely gave him a raised eyebrow as she gently pushed him back. At that same moment, before scrunching her face up, she furiously rubbed at her nose. “Ack, your breath stinks Zephyr! Why do you want to know what happened last night anyways?” “Oh, come on sis my breath doesn’t smell that bad!” He whined in protest. “I’m just curious as to what would’ve happened that caused you to be upset with all of your friends; Rainbow Dash especially.” Her younger brother replied, giving a non-caring shrug that didn’t do anything to hide his curiosity. “It’s cool if you don’t want to tell me, but wouldn’t it be helpful for you if you confided in me about what happened.” “As tempting as that is, I’d rather not.” Fluttershy said curtly, listening as the microwave let off a ding. “Every time I do tell you about what’s bothering me, you may make it into a bigger problem than it is. And that is not something that I need or want. Especially in this situation.” Zephyr held his chest, as if his sister’s words pierced it like an arrow flying into it. “Ouch sis, that hurts. I’m surprised that you have so little faith in me. Do you really not trust me that you won’t even confide in me about your life?” An urge to shout out a confirmation rose in Fluttershy’s chest that she forced down with a deep calming breath. To say she held no trust for her brother about her problems would be like saying that the wolf was nothing more than a feral version of a domestic dog. For her whole life, there were hardly any times that Zephyr acted as a confidant for the things troubling her. Each time she felt he could be trusted, he went and did the same thing over and over again, thus breaking her heart. Over the years, Fluttershy learned not to rely on Zephyr with her secrets or anything that was causing her turmoil. Especially when she became a teenager and he turned eleven, and the problems became personal and serious. She loved her brother dearly, but there was no way she could ever see him as someone to open up to. “…Do you really want me to answer?” Fluttershy’s reply was short and to the point as she grabbed her breakfast and went to the kitchen table. “It’s not like anything good has come of it in the past. You always run off and either tell your own friends about the problems I’m facing or make the problem bigger than what it is instead of keeping it to yourself. That should be an indication as to why I don’t tell you anything anymore.” “Hey now, I don’t go around telling people what’s bothering you.” Zephyr denied, while crossing his arms. “I’m good at keeping secrets when the time comes! What about that time when you came to me and told me that you had wanted to hang out with Rainbow Dash? I didn’t tell anyone about that, did I?” “Not to the people we both knew. Those that we know separately. Now that’s a different story.” Fluttershy replied, watching Zephyr smile triumphantly before shattering his pride with her next sentences. “I remember one time you had your friends over and you were all hanging out in your room. I brought you some cookies, and one of them happened to congratulate me on finding some new friends to hang out with” Fluttershy, angry by his words, shot her brother a glare which instantly ended her brother's useless prattle as her mother rubbed her back comfortingly. “I think you can guess who’s at fault for that.” “Come on sis! You know I didn’t mean for that to happen!” Zephyr said in a feeble attempt at self-defense. “They were just probing me to tell them something juicy and it just slipped out! I really tried to deflect it, but they just wouldn’t let it go! I didn’t know what I was supposed to do!” “Maybe tell them to stop or walk away when they didn’t get the message? Instead of giving into the peer pressure of others?” Fluttershy suggested offhandedly, biting into her spoon of oatmeal. Zephyr winced. “I could’ve, but I didn’t wanna disappoint the boys with something boring. I guess I was so desperate to keep the group hyped that your… wanting to hang out with her was the first thing I thought of. Heh, you know me… always doing the first thing that comes to mind.” “Now there’s an unexpected surprise.” Fluttershy uttered softly, rolling her eyes while eating her breakfast. “And you wonder why I don’t select you as a confidant anymore…” “I see, so that’s how it’s going to be today huh?” Zephyr asked, his face scrunching up as his eyes well up. “Well, I can see that I’m obviously not wanted here if you’re being this grumpy towards me in the morning. Alright then, I’ll give you your alone time. You always preferred that over me anyway.” “I wonder why I did…” Fluttershy mumbled sarcastically as her brother made his way to the front door. “Don’t let the door hit you on your way out!” “Hold it right there.” Mr. MacPherson’s soft but firm voice stopped Zephyr in his tracks as he faced the stern eyes of his father. “Aren’t you forgetting something young man?” “What? Oh yeah! I almost forgot my backpack…” He replied spinning around to the item that was next to a sliding glass door. Ignoring the scornful look that he got from his sister, Zephyr gave a little wave to his family. “See you guys later! Don’t wait up for me!” None of the trio said anything in response as the boy exited the kitchen and went straight for the door. It was only when they heard it close did any of them make a move, Fluttershy being the first one to do so. Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson watched as she held her head, gripping her hair as if trying to yank clumps of it out. In an effort to comfort her, Mrs. MacPherson got up and walked over to hug her, giving a soft kiss to Fluttershy’s forehead. “Feeling alright honey?” The gentle woman asked, breaking the slowly calming silence. “Come with me upstairs honey. I’ll put some ointment on your back before you head out for school. I don’t want you walking around with a sore back and letting the nurse see those scars of yours.” Getting up from the table, Fluttershy followed her mother upstairs to her mother’s bedroom, leaving Mrs. MacPherson to keep reading his paper. Their footsteps gave soft thumps as they went down the hall towards the older woman and her husband’s bedroom. She opened the door and let Fluttershy go in first, giving a single glance down the hallway before following. Closing the door behind her, Mrs. MacPherson laid her hands on Fluttershy’s shoulders, turning her daughter around. Raising up the back of her daughter’s shirt, Mrs. MacPherson sighed looking at the tattoo-like wings covering her daughter's shoulder blades. “Honey, tell me the truth. Did you lose any feathers while you were out flying last night?” She asked, making the girl turn to her. “I promise I won’t get angry. I just want to know if you’ve been flying too fast and where people may see you.” “Y-yes mom I did. B-but don’t worry, I gathered them up right before they hit the ground or fell into anyone’s hands.” Fluttershy replied. “I have them in my room in my skirt pocket if you want to see them.” Her mother shook her head, letting her know she wanted no evidence of Fluttershy’s statement, instinctively knowing her daughter wasn’t lying. Turning to a large wooden medicine cabinet that hung on her wall above her dresser, Mrs. MacPherson opened it taking out a wooden jar. Placing her hand on the cork stopper, she twisted it to the right, opening it and taking out a small amount of blue gel. Fluttershy smiled softly as her mother applied the gel to her back, the coolness and the smooth texture sending a wave of pleasure down her spine. “Honey, do you understand why I asked you if you lost any feathers?” Her mother asked. “Yes, Mom I do.” Fluttershy replied solemnly. “It was because Angelic gave me a gift and I mustn’t abuse it. I also mustn’t let any humans see my wings or let them know that the Angein exist. If that ever happens, it could and more than likely would cause a lot of trouble for us and everyone else that got involved.” “Exactly.” Mrs. MacPherson nodded, giving a faint note. “Angelic has been telling me that due to what happened, she is trying to keep you out of the war that she is in. She doesn't want you to get involved in matters such as that, and I don't want you involved either. War is not for a thirteen year old girl not now not ever”. “I know Mom, I know.” Fluttershy agreed, lowering her head. “I’m sorry I did what I had done last night. I knew I was taking a risk when I was showing my wings, but… what went down last night was just so awful that I needed to do something to clear my head. It won’t excuse what I did, I’m aware of that but-” “It’s okay honey.'' Her mother spoke softly, “Like I said I am not mad. I was just making sure you knew what might happen if you let yourself be seen in your Angein Form.” Mrs. MacPherson interrupted with a gentle head pat as she finished applying the gel. “We Dukán’s kept the world of the Angein secret for nine thousand years with no soul knowing about them, even today. It would be very bad for us if someone were to learn of their existence. What you have admitted to doing last night, while it might have been completely innocent, it was still very risky.” “I know mom I know and I am sorry” Fluttershy sighed as her mother turned around, helping her to pull her shirt down. “I wasn’t taking into account how it would mess things up for us.” “As I said dear, I’m not looking for any apologies. Everyone has their bad days, including us, and we will need our alone time every now and again.” Mrs. MacPherson held her daughter’s face in her hands like she was holding a kitten. “I want you to promise me from now on not to use your wings so carelessly like that again. You were very lucky that no one was able to see you due to it being so late at night. But I’d like it if you used other ways to channel your anger that are safer, and not use your wings unless there’s no other choice.” “But Mom, I-” “Promise me!” Mrs. MacPherson begged, hugging her daughter’s head tightly to her bosom. “Please honey, promise me this one thing. I felt so scared when I found out you lost your feathers during your flight. If anyone were to discover your identity, I don’t know what I, or your father would do. It’s a lot to ask Fluttershy, I know, but… please… just do this one thing? For me?” Fluttershy sighed defeatedly, returning her mother’s hug as she gave a mutter in response. “Okay Mom, I’ll do it… I’ll do it for you.” “Thank you Fluttershy.” Her mother cooed, giving a tender kiss to Fluttershy’s forehead. “Now that we have that out of the way, I want to address another issue. I noticed that you and Zephyr were not getting along very well recently. Did he do something to annoy you again?” “Oh, right… that.” Fluttershy murmured, pulling her head away from her mother’s chest. “I didn’t mean for you guys to see me behave the way I did a few minutes ago. I don’t know what set me off, but Zephyr was just making me so… angry. I didn’t mean to come off as so snappy in front of you or Dad. It’s just… I really hate it when he acts like that sometimes.” “I know you do, sweetheart.” Mrs. MacPherson said, leading Fluttershy back downstairs and to the kitchen table. Taking a seat next to her father, she let go of her mother’s hand as her mother continued her talking. “We don’t like it any more than you do. It’s just that Zephyr is in a stage where he’s feeling a little… well, rebellious. It happens with a lot of kids, so it’s not like it’s a big surprise.” “As true as that may be, it’s no reason for either of you to deal with his antics.” Fluttershy replied adamantly. “It’s even less of an excuse to let him act the way he is acting!” “Which is why your mother and I are doing our best to lead and guide your brother in the right direction so he can properly grow.” Mr. MacPherson agreed, letting his daughter calm down before he continued. “A lot of our neighbors have come to us and complained about him and what he does. We’ve taken all of it into account and we both realized we need to get more involved in his life. That is a big mistake we made after he had gotten kicked out of Crystal Prep, and one we don’t intend on making again.” “I hope you’re able to. I’m getting sick of being the one having to clean up after his messes and be the one to apologize for it.” Fluttershy replied, thinking back on the six-hour task she endured with one of the neighborhood cats. “I’m still mad at him for what he did to Professor Zooling’s cat Mr. Squeaky. It took me six hours to clean his coat after Zephyr turned it pink and covered it with glitter! I fully thank Cernunnos, I found him just after it happened. Who knows what the damage might have been to that cat’s fur and body due to what my brother did!” “Well, we never really know until we try, do we honey?” Mrs. MacPherson asked, holding back a wince at what her daughter said. “Don’t worry. While it may not look like it now, your brother will take things more seriously at some point. It’s certainly not going to happen immediately, but it will if we just give him a push in the right direction. And like we said before, he’s going through a phase. It’ll surely pass soon.” “If you both say so” Fluttershy sighed and nodded. “I just hope that it’ll happen soon, because I don’t see myself listening to his complaining in the future. The last thing I wanna be is his therapist for the next twenty years. His wakeup call had better come hard and fast, or else I’m going to bury my head like an ostrich in a desert.” “You and us both, dear.” Mrs. MacPherson said, giggling at her daughter’s last sentence. “Now, run along honey. If you stay here much longer, you’re gonna be late for school. I do believe that Rainbow is supposed to be going to school with you if I recall.” “Yes, I know, I’m sorry for getting off track like that.” Fluttershy nodded, getting up from her seat and walking over to her backpack that was by the kitchen entrance. Picking it up, she paused and looked back at her parents nervously. “Actually Mom, Dad, before I head off, I wanted to talk to you about something. Something very, um… important and personal.” Mr. MacPherson, sensing the tone in his daughter’s voice, asked, “And what’s that sweetie? Does it have to do with your friend Rainbow?” “N-no, it’s not that!” Fluttershy replied, waving her hands as her face heated up. “It actually has to do with my school. Y-you see… I was wondering how you two would feel about me wanting to help someone who bullied me in the past?” “By ‘helping’, do you mean making them into a much better person?” Mrs. MacPherson asked innocently, giving a slight raise of her eyebrow. At her daughter's soft nod, both she and her husband shared a smile before she went on. “If that’s the case then why even ask dear? I said it before and so has your father. We believe that it’s wonderful of you to help a person become something more than what they were. It isn’t like it hasn’t succeeded before. Like it did with that Dumbbell boy at that Everfree Camp Group you went to for the summer.” “I’m aware, and I appreciate your support for me while doing this.” Fluttershy nodded, giving her parents a thankful smile as she blushed at the memory. “But… that’s not why I’m asking.” “What is it then?” Mr. MacPherson asked patiently, his tone soft so as to not scare his daughter. Fluttershy breathed in deeply. “See, the person I want to help is the same one that was giving me problems not more than six months ago. That one that I talked to you guys about a few times when I first started going to Canterlot Junior and High school.” It took less than a second for the MacPherson’s to figure out what their daughter meant. Once they did, Mrs. MacPherson was the one to voice it out. “You wouldn’t happen to be talking about Sunset Shimmer, would you?” “…Yes.” Fluttershy winced, curling her fingers within her hands. “She’s the person that I’m aiming to help right now. T-that was why… I wanted your input on it.” Neither of her parents said anything for a second, letting their teen daughter’s words sink in like a sponge soaking up water. All the while, their daughter stood silently, confined to her spot like her parents’ lack of response kept her from moving. She was totally expecting them to be upset with what she was planning. To express some disapproval or rebuttal over her genuinely noble actions with reasonable explanations. All of this, along with her fear of their criticism, was why she was all the more surprised by their response. One that came out so small, yet so unexpected. “Is that all?” Her mother softly asked, her response making Fluttershy jump. “Honey, are you sure about this? I mean really sure?” Her father asked, his words so soft that they felt like pillows Fluttershy could lay her head on. “Fluttershy, we’ll be here whenever you need us. And if you need our help to help her then please, let us know so we can help.” Fluttershy blinked, her parents’ words not completely processing in her head. “W-what?” she asked in a timid whisper. “Is that all you wanted to know, sweetie?” Mrs. MacPherson asked, smiling warmly. “We already gave you our answer about wanting to help a former bully. Does it really matter who it is?” “W-well, I guess it doesn’t but… t-this is different!” Fluttershy exclaimed, turning to her parents. “This is not some typical bully that steals your lunch money or trips you in the hallways or takes your books! I’m talking about the self-proclaimed Ruler of Canterlot Junior High and High School! The one person that even the normal bullies are afraid of and back away from! The infamous Flaming Hornet of the school! That Sunset Shimmer!” “I’m aware of that Fluttershy, and so is your mother. Believe me, we’ve heard plenty of tales from the other kids here in the neighborhood.” Mr. MacPherson nodded, wrapping a loving arm around his wife’s shoulder. “In spite of that, none of us are upset about what you’re doing. And don’t see a reason to be upset about it. “…Really?” The pink-haired animal lover asked, dumbfounded. “Y-you’re really not upset about what I’m doing or what I want to do?” “No parent worth their dignity would ever be upset with their children for wanting to do the right thing.” Mrs. MacPherson replied, a firm undertone coating her gentle voice. “It’s just you giving a hand to someone who needs it. Nothing more, nothing less.” For a moment, Fluttershy was at a loss for words, completely taken aback by her parent’s words like she wasn’t really expecting them. A feeling of silliness filled her at this thought, and she very nearly kicked herself for thinking so. It was no shock to anyone, Fluttershy included, that Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson were some of the kindest and understanding people in their neighborhood. Very rarely did they get angry, and when that happened, it was usually leveled and controlled, and not really over the top. Judgment was something they hardly displayed as well. Usually for something that was perfectly reasonable, bullying included. Combined with how much Fluttershy suffered under Sunset, she was less than hopeful about gaining her parents’ support. It seemed now that it was nothing more than paranoia eating away at her. “Oh my… t-this is really a surprise.” Fluttershy muttered after taking her parents' words in. “I didn’t really expect you guys to be on board with this. I thought that you would say something that was opposing… or something along those lines.” “If we were any other couple with kids and they were having a bully problem, we probably would have.” Mr. MacPherson shrugged. “But we don’t really see it that way. We can both tell that even though you endured a lot with Sunset, you still believe she’s good and can be something better. You also don’t have any grudge against her for what she did to you, nor do you hate her, and you’re not helping her because of obligations. You’re doing it based on choice, and that’s all we need to know to support you in your decision.” Fluttershy frowned. “In what way did I say that I was helping Sunset because I felt obligated to do it? It’s because my feelings about it are genuine! Not because of pity!” “Neither of us said that dear.” Mrs. MacPherson stated in a calming voice. “All we’re saying is that it is because you’re doing it out of the goodness of your heart that we’re glad you’re doing this. If we felt you were helping Sunset because you felt pity for her, we would’ve at least advised you to think more on it.” “O-oh… well, that makes sense.” Fluttershy said softly, her feeling of hurt leaving her faster than a falcon diving upon a duck. “I-I’m sorry for getting upset with both of you like that… I didn’t think clearly on what both of you were trying to convey.” “No apologies needed dear. We should’ve specified ourselves better there.” Mr. MacPherson waved the apology off. “Just… be careful sweetheart. Like your mother stated, you suffered a lot while being bullied by Sunset and… we don’t want to see that happen again if we can help it.” “Neither do I.” Mrs. MacPherson nodded, her worried look matching her husband’s own. “Don’t get the wrong idea, it’s not that we believe Sunset will hurt you again. It’s just that even if you’re willing to forgive Sunset for what she did, that doesn’t mean everyone that she hurt will. Grudges and spite can run deep, and it wouldn’t make sense if no one held any grudge or some form of spite for Sunset due to her past actions. Your friends also fit this scenario, and I know at least one or two of them would still think she’s a bad person.” “Yes, that is true. And to answer your questions, yes I am sure about helping her.” Fluttershy nodded, agreeing fully with her mother’s statement. “I’m not naïve enough to think everyone will forgive her just like that. Some of the things she did cut deep in a lot of the other students before the Fall Formal. It’s not like that’s gonna go away, if ever, and I do know many will hold those against her for a very long time.” She looked up as her eyes filled with determination. “Still, that doesn’t mean Sunset deserves to be all alone. One thing that I know that many cannot stand is loneliness and being around those who make you feel you’re alone. I don’t want to be that person. I want to be the one that Sunset can confide in. The one that won’t make her feel alone and believe she has at least one friend. Even if no one else will do it, I really want to be that person. And if that means sharing the backlash with her, that’s what I’ll do.” “In that case, we both wish you good luck on your task.” Mr. MacPherson said, chuckling at his daughter’s declaration. “All that we ask is that you make your decisions wisely Fluttershy. Not that we don’t believe you won’t do so, but irrational decisions can be bad. If you’re not careful, you might end up doing more harm to Sunset than what you’re really intending. So please make sure that any decision you make will be beneficial rather than consequential.” “I’ll be sure to remember that.” Fluttershy replied, walking over to her parents and hugging them both. “Thank you so much for this, both of you. You have no idea how happy this makes me.” “I think we have a good hunch as to how happy you are right now dearie.” Mrs. MacPherson said, her hand coming to stroke Fluttershy’s soft hair. “Now, I think you’d better get moving now. Rainbow should be here any minute now to take you to school. And something tells me she’ll be pounding on our door if you’re not outside soon.” Fluttershy gasped, the memory of what she was just about to do hitting her like a swan slapping her with its wings. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot!” Swiftly turning around, she adjusted her backpack on her shoulders as she rushed for the door. “See you two later!” Barely registering her parents' loving responses, Fluttershy got her scarf hanging on the front door before wrapping it around her neck. She just barely got it around her neck before a loud knock on her door made her pause. From how it sounded, she immediately knew who it was on the other side, and she felt herself turn red. Her head hung low as she slowly opened it, feeling the sympathetic eyes of her parents pressing against the back of her skull as they both silently giggled to themselves. Mustering up all of the willpower she had left, Fluttershy looked up to see the annoyed eyes of Rainbow Dash. Awkward quietness passed between them for what felt like an hour as the girls looked at each other, their eyes telling more than their mouths did. Then, the latter’s eyes slowly furrowed a bit as she spoke, her tone synchronizing perfectly with her face. “Good morning.” Rainbow all but growled. A wince left Fluttershy’s lips and face as those words were spoken, the irritation hitting her like a horse’s kick to the chest. Whatever willpower she had vanished while she lowered her head, defeat coating her words as she uttered the same greeting. “G-Good morning… sorry for being late.” Fluttershy looked up as she struggled to meet Rainbow’s eyes. “You weren’t waiting long, were you?” “Nah, not really… except I was waiting out here for a total of ten whole minutes straight!” Came the athlete’s seemingly calm and now angry response. “That entire time was out here freezing my butt off while you-” She pointed a finger at Fluttershy like she had insulted her most favorite band. “-were in here in your nice cozy cottage doing who knows what! Are you seriously trying to let me get cold until I’m frozen solid?! Not cool Fluttershy! So not cool!” “No Rainbow, I’m sorry.” Fluttershy replied meekly, repeating her apology as she took her eyes away from her friend’s own. “I didn’t mean to make you stay out so long like that. I had a bit of a talk with my Mom about something serious… I should’ve paid more attention to the time.” “Darn right you should have! You’d better hope we don’t miss our morning chillaxing with the other girls, or else it’s going to be quite uncool at school if you know what I mean Shy” Rainbow grunted, giving a snort, “Anyway, let’s get going already.” “C-coming…!” Fluttershy stammered as she followed Rainbow outside. “By Mom and Dad! I’ll see you both after school!” “So long dear! Have a nice day!” Mrs. MacPherson said back as he and his wife waved back. As their daughter shut the door behind them, Mr. MacPherson turned to his wife and said, “Well, I think we can both agree that was a rather awkward moment.” “It was. Let’s hope that Fluttershy can make it up to Rainbow for making her wait so long to take her to school.” Mr. MacPherson said quietly, rubbing the back of his head. “Then again, we were the ones who kept her here for longer than necessary, so that’s mainly on us. We’re definitely going to have to make it up to our daughter later when she gets home.” “We can worry about that later.” Mrs. MacPherson stated, her hands coming to press against her husband's stomach. She smiled, feeling how soft and mostly round his belly was. “While our children are away, why don’t we take this time to fatten you up a little bit? You're getting a bit thin and I want you to get fatter. I want a nice plump, round, fat husband between my legs.” “That sounds wonderful dear.” Mr. MacPherson cooed. “Come on” Mr. MacPherson said taking his wife by her hand and leading her upstairs to their bedroom “I’ll be sure to get really plump and round for you honey” Smiling Mrs. MacPherson leaned in, pressing her lips against her husbands as their tongues danced like cobras being enchanted by music in each other's mouths. It lasted for just under a few seconds before they broke away, their cheeks as red as Mrs. MacPherson’s hair as they painted quietly. Ending the embrace, Mrs. MacPherson put her hands on her husband's stomach, stroking it tenderly, licking her lips with each stroke. Getting into bed Mrs. MacPhers headed back into the kitchen returning several moments later with lots of food. “I’m going to stuff you till you are ready to pop” she softly said, closing the door she headed for the bed setting the food down she smiled patting his round, soft warm belly “then when your fat enough you’ll give me another baby”. “It will be my pleasure to fill you up till you can’t take anymore and you pass out in my arms” He replied, “I love you so much my dear.” The sounds of crunching leaves filled the ears of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash as both girls made their way down the leaf covered sidewalk. Wind blew in their faces, their scarfs helping to protect their necks from the cold yet not totally freezing August air. All around them, other teens and kids ranging between the ages of eleven and seventeen exited their houses. Fluttershy watched as many of her neighbors were either with their parents or with their friends as they headed to Canterlot High and Junior High School. For the most part, many seemed to be in a good mood. The same couldn’t be said for the timid pink-haired girl and athlete, though it was for a reason in no way related to what the former was soon going to bring up. “Rainbow, how long are you going to stay quiet?” Fluttershy asked, breaking the rock-hard silence that had been going on for a good ten minutes. “I already said that I was sorry three times now. How many more times do I have to say it for you to not be mad at me anymore?” “About seven more times, plus twenty.” Rainbow replied, looking in Fluttershy’s direction. “Even if you did that, none of it would keep me from being a little bit mad at you. Not after that move you just pulled back there.” “For the last and final time Rainbow, I never meant to leave you out there in the cold like that!” Fluttershy exclaimed, doing her best not to feel annoyed. “I know I said that I was going to wait outside for you before you got to my house, and I meant it! It’s just that… Well, some things kept me from fulfilling that promise that I made to you! I did not forget any of it, I swear!” “Are you sure? ‘Cause your actions today make me believe otherwise.” Rainbow said, giving a small glance towards the other girl. “Look, I get that you had bigger things to worry about than waiting for me so we could walk to school together, that’s cool. But did you have to make me wait for that long? I mean come on! I was getting bored.” “Which is why I’m saying you shouldn’t be mad at me for what I did earlier.” Fluttershy stated, her frown deepening. “I was already packed up and ready to meet you outside so you could pick me up. It’s just that I was having a talk with my parents about something and I uh, I got sidetracked a little bit. I was on my way outside before that, really!” “I think the amount of time you made me wait would tell a different story.” Rainbow countered as she pointed to her watch. “Ten minutes Fluttershy! For ten minutes you made me wait while you were fooling around in your home! The first few minutes I can understand but make me wait ten whole minutes for you to finish saying hello and goodbye to your Mom and Dad?! Like, who takes that long to say, ‘I love you’, to their parents?!” “No one, really. Except for maybe Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy replied, after giving some thought. “And allow me to correct you on your last question: I was not just saying I love you to my Mom and Dad. In fact, it wasn’t just my parents I was with. My brother was there with me as well, which is another reason why it took me longer than necessary to go outside and wait for you.” Rainbow paused. “Wait, Zephyr was with you too?” “He was.” Fluttershy nodded, seeing her chance to quell Rainbow Dash’s anger. “I just got up from… sleeping and was making myself breakfast when he decided to give me his usual nonsense. I don’t want to get into it, but let’s just say I was two seconds away from giving him my Stare. I think that should tell you how upset I was.” The prismatic haired girl froze, her blue skin turning a shade lighter than normal. Since childhood, Rainbow knew that Fluttershy was rather unique out of her five friends. Fluttershy was the only person who could stare Lucifer himself down and not blink an eye. With the exception of Pinkie Pie which was for obvious reasons to anyone who was asked. One thing that set her apart from them, the party girl included, was her ability to stare others into submission. It didn’t matter if they were human or animal. None were safe if Fluttershy was pushed to the point of doing this incredible power. No one knew how it was possible. Not even the girl currently standing next to her as they continued their way to their school. It just happened to appear one day, and it stuck with her ever since or so everyone including her rainbow haired friend thought. Whichever way it had originated, no one could deny Fluttershy’s stare was a force to be reckoned with. And while it was very rare for her to actually use it, whoever did fall victim to it had either really annoyed her, or really got on her bad side. “Y-yeah, I can totally see how upset you must’ve been if your brother nearly made you give him your Stare.” Rainbow agreed, doing her best not to let the nervousness show inside of her voice. “By the way, I noticed him walking down the other side of the street, looking pretty miffed. What did you say to him to get him so mad?” “Nothing that warranted whatever reaction you saw from him.” Fluttershy sighed, snuggling a bit deeper in her scarf. “It’s just another one of his usual complaints. It’s not worth worrying about.” “If it’s anything involving Zephyr it’s bound to not be important.” Rainbow snorted dryly, crossing her arms. “Anyway, what was it you were talking to your parents about? Did it have to do with your lazy loaf of a brother getting in trouble for not doing his homework again?” Fluttershy flinched from the first question. “U-um, no it wasn’t that. My parents and I already laid that topic to rest. It was about something… a bit more serious.” “A bit?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Judging from the way you jumped just now, I think it’s bigger than that.” Moving closer, she wrapped an arm around the scarfed neck of the other girl. “Come on, Flutters, tell the awesome and cool’ Rainbow Dash' what's going on. If it’s about a bully, I’ll be sure to be the ‘cool’ friend and take care of the issue for you”. No reply came from Fluttershy, her fear kept her from telling her friend just what she was planning to do. Throughout their lives, Rainbow had proven countless times that she was the most loyal of all their friends. Even when having disagreements, Rainbow still stayed by all their sides in the end. As loyal as she was, Fluttershy knew that even she had her limits and moments. And there were some things that even she would follow her friends in doing. Like not helping someone who hurt them in the past. While Fluttershy couldn’t really fault anyone for feeling this way, she still felt it should at least be attempted to help that person. She knew that Rainbow held a special hatred for Sunset and didn’t see any reason to help her at this point in time. Regardless, Fluttershy still wanted to try to get her friend to help her with her task, despite knowing it could backfire on her. However, this would go, she knew she had to act now. Sooner rather than later. “You’re right about one thing.” Fluttershy responded quietly. “It is about a bully, but they’re not trying to bully me. I’m actually trying to help them to become a better person.” “Oooh, so you’re trying to make a bully into a cooler person huh?” Rainbow asked, her response taking the shyer girl by surprise. “For some reason, I felt that was going to be your response. You always were one for “helping bring the better side out of people”. Or something like that.” “M-mhm…” Fluttershy mumbled, lowering her head as her heart pounded hard against her chest. “Please, please don’t blow up at me” she muttered. “So, who is the self-proclaimed tough kid you wanna help this time?” Rainbow asked casually. “Is it that jerk Garble and or any of his goons that like to act like they own the school and treat anyone who says otherwise like dirt? Or did Dumbbell decide he wanted to be an egotistical jerk again?” Fluttershy stretched out her scarf. “…N-no. I-it’s someone else that we all know. S-someone that I’m pretty sure would be the last person you'd even think of helping.” “Oh, really now?” Rainbow asked teasingly. “And who is this person that even I wouldn’t think of trying to help one hundred and twenty percent?” ‘Here we go…’ Fluttershy thought, mentally preparing for the heated debate she knew was going to come. Gathering all the inward strength she had, she stammered, “I-It’s… Sunset Shimmer.” A deep silence washed over the two friends as Rainbow took in Fluttershy’s reply while she herself waited for a response. It wasn’t long before she got one, which was in the form of the athlete bursting out laughing, falling to the ground Rainbow rolled back and forth with tears filling her eyes from her laughter. Ten seconds went by before she finally stopped and got up dusting herself off, looking up just in time to see the disgusted look that replaced the shocked one that Fluttershy originally had. At that moment, Rainbow realized Fluttershy was not joking, and she quickly gained a shock look of her own. “Wait, hold on… you’re serious?!” She exclaimed; all humor gone in her voice. “Sunset Shimmer is the one you want to help?!” “Did it look like I wasn’t serious?” Fluttershy asked, not even bothering to hide the disgust in her tone. “I think you heard exactly what I said Rainbow, and you and I both know it was not in any way a joke.” Rainbow’s face scrunched up. “Um, Fluttershy, you do realize who it is you’re trying to help out, right? This is Sunset Shimmer that we’re talking about right? You know the self-titled Queen Bee and Flaming Hornet of Canterlot High and Junior High School! The demon girl who tormented us and everyone in the school since she first came here! That Sunset Shimmer!” “Believe me Rainbow, I know who I’m talking about.” Fluttershy said curtly. “Is it really that hard for you to believe that I want to help her?” “Uh, yes! It is!” Rainbow almost shouted, feeling herself getting upset along with Fluttershy. “In what world would you ever want to help someone who made all our lives miserable?! The very same girl who not only stole a princess’s crown, but also tried to nuke us into next week with her demon powers?! I get it if it was just some normal bully who tries to take your lunch money or mess up your books, but Sunset Shimmer?! Are you crazy?! That-this is so uncool Fluttershy!” “If I was any other person doing this, I may have agreed with you and probably backed out of this task.” Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head. “But you see Rainbow, I’m not that kind of person. I know that this feels all out of the blue to you. I will admit that Sunset did a lot of horrible things to us over the past few months and that you have every reason to be angry at her for. Still, that doesn’t mean that she should just be left on her own. You saw that look she gave us after we turned her back from that awful demon form of her’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so broken in my life.” “Well, if you asked me, she deserved it.” Rainbow spat with a sneer. “Who cares if she’s suddenly all beat up and sad right now? After all the crap she put us through, the least that can happen is that she gets nuked the same way she did us.” A gasp left Fluttershy as her repulsed look, and tone, came back with a full force. “Rainbow Dash, how can you say that?! Sunset may have been a bully, but that doesn’t mean what happened to her was something we wanted to happen! We only did it because she was corrupted by the magic of Princess Twilight’s crown! There was no other way to stop and save her other than that! Or … at least I don’t think there was.” “I get that, which is why I participated.” Rainbow nodded. “I only did it because I wanted to help my friends and Princess Twilight stop someone who messed with her. I didn’t do it because I wanted later on to help Sunset Shimmer out or anything. I would be happy if Sunset left Canterlot never to return again”. “W-what?” Fluttershy sputtered, the careless words hitting her like a tail slap from a territorial alligator. “I-I…” “What?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her. “You seriously thought I did it because I wanted to help her? Come on Fluttershy, get with the program! You know my feelings about Sunset Shimmer! If there was any other way to stop her that didn’t involve us, then I wouldn’t have even bothered! I would sooner give up trying to be an athlete than be involved with someone like her.” “You… you c-can’t mean that?” Fluttershy breathed, appalled. “You don’t honestly feel that way about her? Do you Rainbow?” “I’d be an even worse liar than Sunset Shimmer herself if I didn’t.” Rainbow replied coldly. “Sorry Fluttershy, but you’re wasting your time if you think there’s any chance Sunset demon girl Shimmer can be cool. She’s proven time and time again that she will never change how she is. Trust me when I say, it is not worth even trying.” Fluttershy stopped in her tracks completely speechless, barely able to comprehend the callous words she just heard from her friend's mouth. She didn’t even think she was breathing as she stared at Rainbow, utterly horrified by what she had heard. It only lasted for nearly a minute, but Fluttershy felt it was longer than that while she tried forming some response. Soon, another feeling came over the kind girl; one that she rarely ever felt unless she was quickly pushed to that point. Anger. “So that’s it then…” Fluttershy murmured as she lowered her head. “You’re really not gonna do anything for Sunset? Even after showing how much she regretted her actions?” “The day I believe that demon girl regrets her actions is the day that I hear someone saying that the Canterlot Sliders aren’t awesome, and I don’t sock ‘em in the face.” Rainbow replied, seemingly oblivious to how hard Fluttershy was currently shaking. “I wouldn’t even be surprised if her not knowing anything about friendship was another way to make us feel sorry for her. Not that I ever would feel sorry for anyone like that.” “I see…” Fluttershy said as she slowly looked up, finally letting Rainbow see the hurt she was beginning to feel and the tears in her eyes. “If that’s honestly how you feel about Sunset, then… I’ll just help her by myself! Some friend you turned out to be, you traitor!” “Traitor?! Wha-hey!” Rainbow cried as she watched Fluttershy take off down the sidewalk. “Hey Fluttershy! Where are you going?!” “To do what I should’ve done sooner that you see no need to do!” Fluttershy shouted back, her words every bit as harsh, if not a little harsher, than she intended. She then stopped long enough to turn her head and give Rainbow such a glare that it made her flinch. “And don’t even think of trying to stop me! Or I swear to all Divinity that I will give you such a Stare that you’ll be blind for a week!” With those words, Fluttershy continued on her way, letting her tears fly behind her as they fell on the snowy sidewalk. Behind her, Rainbow stood feeling a mixture of confusion and shock at what transpired. Something that she could not help voice out with a single sentence. “What the heck just happened?” Exhaustion was the first thing Fluttershy felt by the time she reached her school. She didn’t know how far she ran, but she knew her lungs burnt like fire when she finally stopped. It meant nothing to her, for the physical strain on her body was nothing like what she was feeling in her heart. The Jr highschooler’s face glistened with sweat as her breaths came out hard forming into a fog of mist each time she exhaled. While she tried to catch her breath, recaps of the conversation began to assault her mind. “I can’t believe it… I just can’t believe it! For such things to be said about Sunset… and by Rainbow Dash of all people!” Fluttershy thought, feeling herself becoming angry again as it mixed with the sadness throbbing in her chest. She began heading towards the school entrance, barely noticing the looks given to her by the other students. “I knew her dislike for Sunset was bad but to be at such a level. Did Sunset bully Rainbow in the past really affect her that much?! What am I saying?” Fluttershy muttered to herself, “of course it did! I just didn’t think she’d be so… heartless about it!” Groaning disdainfully, Fluttershy wiped her sweat away and made her way to the school’s front doors, taking notice of the messiness of the entrance. Her frown deepened upon seeing the large crater next to her, and the splits where the stairs to the entrance were. For just a split second, Fluttershy felt herself at the scene of the night prior. Bearing witness to all that happened up to her finding out about Sunset being homeless. Something that still left a horrid taste in her mouth and feeling unable to do anything about it “I almost forgot how much of a mess we made of this place when we turned Sunset back to the way she was.” Fluttershy mumbled, speed walking from the crater like it was something creepy and crawly. She made her way towards the stairs, taking care to not walk up them too quickly lest she got a bruise or worse. As she made her way inside the school, she felt her mind wander back to her current situation. “I suppose it was foolish of me to think that Rainbow would give me a hand in making things better for Sunset.” Fluttershy murmured, feeling her eyes start to well up as her tears plopped onto her boots. “Still, I can’t let that be a reason for me to give up. Even if Rainbow is right about Sunset, the pain and suffering she’s getting is still not okay. It looks like I’m on my own for now at least.” “So, you want to help Sunset, do you?” A mousey squeak flew out of Fluttershy’s mouth as she whipped her head to see who decided to speak to her. Her jaw dropped upon seeing a red-skinned boy leaning against one of the lockers with a grin so sly only he could produce it. “G-Garble?!” The pink-haired girl sputtered, the urge to run away vanishing like the pellets of a dandelion. “W-what are you doing here?” “Oh, nothing much. Just decided to get here a bit early for once so I don’t miss all the stuff going on right now.” Garble replied, giving a shrug. “But enough about me, what’s this I hear about you wanting to help Sunset?” “Wait, you know about that? Did you hear what I had said?” Fluttershy asked, too surprised to get upset with Garble for eavesdropping. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed”. “Not all. Only the last thing that you said.” The boy replied casually, sliding back his Faux Hawk blond hair. “Before you ask, I wasn’t eavesdropping on your self-conversation. You just happened to come at the right time for me to hear it and what was bothering you.” Fluttershy blushed. “Oh… so you did, huh? I guess I was talking a bit louder than usual then…” “More like a lot. And that is saying a lot coming from a girl who’s so quiet that even a mouse is louder than you.” Garble chuckled, making his fellow teenage peer look away bashfully. “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I just wanna say that whatever you’re planning on doing for Sunset, I’ll give you my support however I can.” “Y-you want to help Sunset?!” Fluttershy exclaimed, “But…I thought you didn’t like Sunset? She did bully you and your friends in the past, didn’t… she?” Garble’s sly grin turned into a serious frown. “She did but not as bad as some, and let’s be fair here, I wasn’t really that good myself.” An embarrassed look of his own formed in his eyes and a slight red tinge came to blend in with his scarlet cheeks. “All that aside, I don’t think it’s cool that she’s going through all of this, even if others think that she deserves it. Which is why I wanna help in any way that I can to, you know… make her cool again.” Fluttershy did not give any response right away. Mainly because of how right Garble was with his first statement. It was indeed surprising, at least to her, that he’d be willing to help someone that caused him to have some trouble before. Being a former bully himself, Fluttershy felt he’d be one of those people not wanting anything to do with the task of helping Sunset Shimmer. She could now see there was some she was not giving enough credit for when it came to putting personal grudges aside. Especially if some of those people used to be bullies themselves. “My goodness… I have to say Garble, I’m surprised at you right now.” Fluttershy admitted after taking some time to process his words. “I never thought that you would want to side with Sunset after all she put us through… I know she didn’t put you through that much but, well still.” “I was pretty much a total dick a few months ago, so I don’t blame you for not trusting me right away with this.” Garble nodded, crossing his arms. “But it’s not like I care about that. I do, however, care about how much Sunset’s going though, a lot. I don’t know what Sunset is going through right now but I’ll be here when you need me to be.” “So… you want to work together with me to get Sunset the support she needs?” Fluttershy asked, watching as the former bully gave a nod. “I see… Well then, if that’s what you’d like to do, then I’ll let you aid me Garble. Besides, I'll take all the help I can get at this point.” “I’ll do my best.” Garble confirmed, giving a little thumbs up. “So, are you gonna go meet up with Sunset then?” Fluttershy paused. “That… was my original plan, yes. I wasn’t planning to do it alone though, but the last person I talked to about it wasn’t too keen on it. But if you want to fill in that role for me, I’d appreciate it very much.” “In that case, lead the way, Fluttershy.” Garble agreed with a smirk. Fluttershy straightened her dress and headed to where Sunset’s locker was. Garble followed close behind her, making sure to walk by her side, rather than behind her as to not raise too much suspicion. A few looks were shot their way in spite of this, but one glare from the blond fauxhawk haired boy was enough to stop them from going any further. It didn’t take long before they made it to Sunset's locker, pausing when they saw an all too familiar girl right in front of it. A slightly gasping wince left both of them upon seeing the dirty state Sunset Shimmer was in but it wasn’t too surprising given what she went through the previous night. Fluttershy gulped watching Sunset put away her books, the somber girl feeling her feet stick to the ground as her fear returned tenfold. “What’s the matter? Getting cold feet?” Garble asked, taking notice of the girls’ trembling. “Here I’ll take the lead and you follow”. Taking a step he stopped feeling Fluttershy’s hand coming to rest on his shoulder, looking over his shoulder a grin etched over his lips “oh, you want to take the lead alright that’s cool with me.” “I…I-I’m sorry, I’m just feeling nervous is all.” Fluttershy replied, trying to calm her nerves. “I’m wondering how Sunset will feel at the prospect of me wanting to help her. I was a part of the group that embarrassed her when I and all of my friends defeated her last night.” “I feel the same way… odds are pretty low she’d be willing to accept your help. Let alone believe that you want to help her at all.” Garble added, hands sliding in his pockets. “I still think you need to give it a try. You came this far, so it won’t really make much sense for you to suddenly back off at the last second. After all, you did come here for a reason, didn’t you?” Fluttershy nodded. “I did… I guess I’m just really scared about how it’ll go. And if it’ll be like how it was during our battle.” “In that case, go on and talk to her. Don’t know if she will be willing to listen, but you should still give it a shot.” Garble encouraged. “I’ll be right here if you need any help, and if it doesn’t work, there’s always another way.” Smiling gratefully, Fluttershy inhaled and let it out slowly, preparing herself for what she hoped was a smooth operation. She slowly walked up to Sunset, making sure to make her footsteps loud enough for her to hear. The results came in the form of the bacon-haired girl turning to her and pausing in surprise. “F-Fluttershy?” Sunset stuttered, her voice seemed to crack at the first letter. “I-I, erm-uh” “Hello Sunset,” The aforementioned shy girl greeted gently, albeit bashfully. “How’re you doing this morning?” It took a moment for Sunset to realize that Fluttershy was actually being kind to her. Once it sunk in, she found herself stammering out another response. “U-um… I’m o-okay, I guess. Sort of.” ‘Sort of… right.’ Garble thought, knowing that statement was a bold-faced lie. “Is that so? Well, I’m glad that your morning is going somewhat well.” Fluttershy said, giving the former bully the best smile that she could. Fluttershy began to think ‘Goodness, what a ridiculous thing to ask! I literally saw her only a few hours ago sleeping in that shack she must call home! Of course she’s not doing okay! If she was, she’d be having a much better morning right now! Oh, why must I ask the silliest things?!” Fluttershy thought. “Was there… something that you needed Fluttershy?” Sunset asked warily, her question helping to snap Fluttershy out of her internal self-scolding. “I’m not trying to sound rude, but you’re kind of making me nervous right now.” “What? Oh I uh…” Fluttershy held her hands up. “I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to scare you! Don’t worry, I’m not here to take revenge or anything.” Thanks to the sincerity and the gentleness filling her voice, Sunset visibly relaxed, much to the other girl’s relief. “I actually wanted to know how your night had gone is all… and if you needed any help.” “L… last night?” Sunset asked with a flinch. “It was uh, fine yeah it was fine”. “Mhm… I didn’t know where you had gone after Vice-Principal Luna had us go home after the… verbal assault Rainbow gave you.” Fluttershy said, holding her hands together while giving Sunset a sympathetic look. “It’s also why I wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing after that.” “I… I-I’m fine. I was hurt by what was said to me, but I’m okay. It’s not like I didn’t deserve it. Not after what I did last night.” Sunset replied, sounding like she did not want to bring it up. “It doesn’t really matter anymore. I just want to get through this day so I can go home.” “But Sunset-” Fluttershy protested only to be interrupted by Sunset. “I just---” “I said it doesn’t matter!” Sunset yelped, the sharpness behind her words caused both Fluttershy and Garble to flinch. A few other students stopped to look at where the shout came from, but a look from the red-skinned boy quickly sent them on their way. Realizing what she did, Sunset collected herself and breathed deeply. “I’m s-sorry… I didn’t mean to make you upset.” Fluttershy said meekly. “It was wrong of me to ask you about something that you didn’t want to talk about.” Sunset held her hand up to her. “No, I’m sorry. Me yelling at you like that wasn’t okay… I guess all that happened last night messed with me more than I thought.” A sigh left her as she gathered a notebook and pen, putting them in her backpack, slinging the worn out bag over her shoulder. “Forget about it, I need to head to class. I promised Snails last night that I’d do his homework and I need to get it done so I can turn it in for him. Otherwise, he’ll never let me hear the end of it.” “Sunset, wait, there’s something else I need to-” Fluttershy said before pausing to take in what the other girl had said. “Hold on, did you just say that you were going to do Snail’s homework?” A ringing sound suddenly echoed through the hallway, making Sunset look to where the entrance was. A frown pulled the corner of her lips down seeing a small crew of construction workers were pulling up on the street. “Uh-huh… I promised Snails I’d do his homework. Look Fluttershy I know you want to help but I really wish that you wouldn’t. And don’t expect me to say why I made that promise to Snails, just understand that I made it.” Sunset admitted absentmindedly, not noticing two people walking up to the trio. “It’s not anything that’s important, just a person helping out another person is all.” “Just a minute Ms. Shimmer.” A familiar firm voice suddenly said just as Sunset was walking past them. All three students turned around to see Principal Celestia and her sister Luna standing right behind them, their faces neutral, if not a bit suspicious. “P-Principal Celestia! Vice Principal Luna!” Sunset said as she backed away from the duo as if they were two growling rabid dogs. “Is… is there something that you needed?” “More like something that we heard.” Celestia replied, her tone calm yet firm. “Did we just hear you correctly? Were you really planning to do the homework of another classmate?” Sunset paled. “Y-you heard what I was saying?” “Not all of it. We just happened to be coming down the hall after finding out the construction crew had come to fix the front entrance.” Luna explained coolly. “Now, back to my sister’s question. Were you or were you not planning to do someone else’s homework for them Ms. Shimmer? Yes, or no?” “I…I-I… yes, I was.” Sunset admitted, hanging her head in defeat. “I know it’s wrong, but he did a favor for me a few weeks ago.” “While your intentions may have been somewhat noble, your actions tell a different story. I don’t doubt that whatever Snails helped you with had to be of great importance, but that doesn’t excuse trying to go against one of the rules this school upholds.” Celestia lectured. “We will be sure to have a talk with you about this after school, but for now, I think it’d be best if you get to class.” “Yes Ma’am.” Sunset nodded, turning tail and speed walking to her class. As she vanished in the crowd, Fluttershy and Garble looked at each other and then to the principals, who already had their eyes on them. “That goes for you two as well.” Luna added, giving a gesture with her head. “We both apologize for interrupting whatever you were talking about, but it will have to wait. For the time being, you should both go to your classes before you’re tardy. You can meet back up with Sunset and go on with your talk at lunch if you’d like.” “O-okay.” Fluttershy stammered, giving a bow to both principles. She looked at Garble, passing on a silent message to him in a way she was sure he’d be able to get. He gave a slight nod himself before they both walked away for their classes. Celestia and Luna watched them go for a few seconds. “I’m going to stay out here to make sure that all of the students here are headed for their respective classes.” Luna said to her sister watching her make her way towards the front entrance. “I take it you’ll be with the construction workers?” Celestia nodded. “Yes, I want to know how much the repairs will cost. I’ll get back to you once I’m done there.” “Very well, I’ll see you at your office when you're done.” Luna replied, waving her sister off “I have a report to file with the district lieutenant so it might be a few minutes before I get to your office”. Celestia made her through the school’s broken and battered entrance to meet with the construction crew. Sixteen men were seen making their way through the rubble as they assessed the situation and the damage. Upon seeing the principal, they stopped all activity as she carefully made her way down the stairs, being sure not to trip over the piles of desbri . “Hello everyone.” She greeted warmly, putting on her best cordial smile. “I am Celestia Sunrise, the Principal of Canterlot Jr High school and High School. It’s nice to meet you all this morning. I would like to chat with you all, but I’m quite pressed for time so I’ll make this meeting quick. Which one of you is in charge here?” “I am ma’am.” A stern voice made her look to her right. She saw a rough heavyweight man with a yellow hard hat and black wire frame glasses step forward. A red and black flannel shirt hugged his muscled body while a pair of blue dirty genes and boots covered his legs and feet. Reaching a handout, he let Celestia shake his hand before continuing. “I’m Thunderhoof, the foreman.” “Yes, I’d imagine so.” Celestia nodded, “Did you and your men have a chance to assess the damages here yet?” “We’re still working on it, but we should be done within a few minutes.” Mr. Thunderhoof replied. “As for the damages, do you want us to start fixing them after we finish our assessments? Or do you want us to wait for a little bit?” “You can start after your assessment is completed if that is what you’d like.” Celestia said, taking a look around at the devastated front yard. “I assume you’d like to have this area to yourselves for the time being?” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded. “Yes, we will need to block off the entrance here, so we won’t have anyone getting in the way. Do you have anywhere else that the students can enter the school from?” “There’s a back entrance I can let the students use until the front entrance is fixed.” she replied as she pointed to where the hallway was. “Classes won’t be starting for the next five minutes, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to stay outside so I can direct the students that will show up late to head to the back entrance.” “Alright then. We’ll set our equipment up and I’ll have my men get to work after we finish our assessments. We should have that hole filled by the time school ends.” He replied as he finished placing the steaks into the ground and tying safety tape to them. “The rest of the damage will take a bit longer to fix. You're looking at about six weeks’ worth of work at least.” Celestia frowned. “Very well.” She grumbled, trying her best not to sound too annoyed. “Just remember, you are working around teenagers, and some of them might want to help others might try to get in the way. I don’t want anyone getting hurt while you're out here working.” “Understood.” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded, giving Celestia a reassuring nod. Satisfied with the response, Celestia quickly moved down the sidewalk, ushering the students that were showing up late for school towards the back entrance. Some gave her angry looks, others muttered under their breath. A black Toyota Mercedes Benz pulled up to the sidewalk. Watching the car from where she stood Celestia paid its driver little mind, continuing to usher more students to the back of school. Once she was sure no other students would be showing up, Celestia headed inside quickly making her way towards her office. Mr. Thunderhoof, who had noticed where the woman was looking, took a look in that same direction, and froze. ‘Oh boy…’ He thought grimly as the driver side door slowly opened. “Not him again”. An individual stepped out of the car dressed, in a black suit, that made him look very professional. A Black three button dress coat hugged the upper half of his body, while sunglasses matching the color of his suit covering his eyes. Mr. Thunderhoof watched as the man stopped briefly, scanning the school before letting out a soft whistle. “Wow, this is worse than I thought.” The man said, expertly hiding the shock in his tone while he took a phone out from his inner coat pocket. As Mr. Thunderhoof stood nearby keeping his eyes on him while the businessman dialed a number before speaking into it. “Hello? It's me again. Yes, she is in trouble again. Big, big trouble. Thank you, you can leave it on my desk when I get back. I will remain here for a little bit until my… business is concluded.” Putting away his flip phone he pursed his lips together as Mr. Thunderhoof continued to watch him closely trying not to arouse his suppositions. Realizing Mr. Thunderhoof had not taken his eyes off of him; the businessman slowly walked over to him, giving Mr. Thunderhoof a deep frown causing the foremen to gulp slightly. Looking around Mr. Thunderhoof tried to ignore the uneasy feeling he was getting as the businessman stood a few feet from him staring coldly at him through dark black sunglasses. “Is there a problem Mr. Thunderhoof?” The man growled out. “What are you all standing around for?” Mr. Thunderhoof yelled to his men in annoyance.seeing none of them were working “Get back to work now!” Watching the foremen's men quickly get back to their duties, the businessman approached him saying, “Mr. Thunderhoof I asked you a question. I ask only that you answer it.” “N-no problem at all sir I can promise you that” Giving the business man a slight nod, the foreman gulped in his reply, “May I ask what brings you out here today?” “You may not.” The man's reply was as cold as ice as it was’ relaxed’ . At those words Mr. Thunderhoof was clearly visibly tense and pale, knowing that this could either be very good or very bad for him. “You do remember me correct Mr. Thunderhoof and you do know what I do for a living. Am I correct in that assumption as well?” “Y-yes Mr. Varnas you are correct in both assumptions” 'He replied, taking his hat off and wiping away a few beads of sweat from his forehead. “I wasn’t trying to interfere with your work sir but I really don’t see why you had to come all the way out here.” “Why I am here is none of your business do you fully understand Mr. Thunderhoof?” Varnas replied coldly “get back to work and make sure your men do a good job here less you want to deal with me directly”. “No thank you I’ll be sure to have my men do their best work I promise.” Before he could say anything more, Mr. Varnas took out a checkbook, writing down what looked to be a rather large compensation. Handing it over to the foreman, the businessman watched as Mr. Thunderhoof gasped as his hands began to give little shakes. “I don’t understand why you are paying me this amount”. Varnas’s jaw tightened slightly and his sunglasses prevented Mr. Thunderhoof from seeing his eyes; the man's eyes were cold and empty. “This money is to go to you and your men; it must be split evenly amongst you.” putting away his checkbook and pen he finished, “The payment that you will get from Principal Celestia is to be given back to her and you are to use this payment instead to pay your men and it is to be done by tonight” Mr. Varnas sternly explained. “If it is not, there will be…. consequences. Do I make myself clear Mr. Thunderhoof?” “Y-yes sir.” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded once he got over his shock. “C - Crystal clear.” “Good.” Mr. Varnas nodded as he walked past the foreman, making his way towards the school's entrance stopping briefly to shoot Mr. Thunderhoof one last stern cold look. “Now back to work and have this cleaned up by the time this school lets out. I have some other business I need to take care of.” Firm knocking on her office door was the first thing Principal Celestia heard as she sat at her desk. The pen in her hand stopped in the process of writing paperwork as she set it down and got out of her chair. Reaching the door, she gently opened it up to be greeted by the face of Mr. Varnas, his expression was nothing short of stern and cold. “Please pardon me for the interruption,” He said, keeping his tone polite, yet firm. “But are you the Principal of this school?” “Yes, I am Celestia Sunrise.” she replied with an inquisitive look. “How may I help you?” “I am Varnas, and I am from the Canterlot Bureau of Investigation.” He replied by flashing his badge at her as if he was using a flashlight in a dark room. Ignoring the wince that the woman gave, he put his badge back in his jacket pocket and continued “I am here to talk to you about what took place last night.” Celestia gave the slightest of flinches before her face contorted into a serious one. “This wouldn’t happen to be about what happened the previous night, would it?” “I wouldn’t be here if it was about anything else.” Mr. Varnas replied. “I’m not here to do anything major. I just want to get your rundown of what actually took place here last night.” Sighing, Celestia moved to the side to let Mr. Varnas in her office before shutting her office door and returning to her desk. She sat back down in her chair before closing her eyes momentarily and slowly reopened them as she silently collected her thoughts. Placing her hands on her desk Celestia sighed, watching him carefully for any sign of falsehood. Seeing no lie in his eyes, she let in an inhale of breathing, before slowly letting it out. “Look, I am aware that things don’t look the best right now, and I admit, it has been quite a hassle to deal with.” Celestia began as calmly as she could. “That being said, I do not appreciate what you are doing right now. If you think you can just come in here and tell me or my faculty how to run this school, then you are sorely mista-” “If you are worried that we are going to take you, Ms. Moonrise and Shimmer away, you needn’t think that.” Mr. Varnas interrupted, setting his briefcase down. “All I want to do is talk about last night, nothing more than that. I also want to make sure you get the payment that you made to the crew outside back with an extra ninety thousand added to it.” “Y-you’re not?” Stumbling back into her chair, Celestia blinked in disbelief, watching him take out a checkbook. He jotted down the amount and signed the check before handing it to her. “W-what do you want to talk about then if I may ask?” “What I need to know is this. Has Sunset displayed anything similar to what happened last night before now?” Seeing her shake her head, Mr. Varnas added, “How many others know about what happened last night other than yourself and your sister?” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she set the check down. “And why do you want to know that?” “I think you know exactly why Ms. Sunrise.” Mr. Varnas said calmly, brows furrowing. “To make a long story short, I had gotten a call from the police department about you having a few young children working in a rather dangerous area. While I don’t doubt that they did something in need of punishment, I feel that there is something about this whole thing that isn’t adding up. I’d like to hear how it was that such a situation had taken place.” Sighing, Celestia fell silent as she crossed her arms, considering the options she had. There wasn’t any way that she could tell the man sitting before her of what transpired leading up to today. While Sunset’s punishment could easily be explained, how it led up to it was something Celestia knew would not be. Her mind wandered back to the confrontation with Officer Starknight and she wondered if she called Mr. Varnas to her school. As unsurprising as it would have been, none of it made Celestia any less annoyed by how things were turning out. Especially after how hard the policewoman grilled into her and Luna while they were still at the school. It looked like she would have to remind the man before her who was in charge here. “I’m afraid that I cannot in any way give you that information Mr. Varnas.” Picking up the check in front of her she handed it back to him. Watching him take the check back she coldly, and very sternly added, “I may be breaking the law, but I will not give you that information without a court order or permission from the parents of those that attend this school. While this is a generous amount of money, I cannot accept it. Nor will I ever accept it.” “Are you sure about that?” Mr. Varnas asked, tilting his head. “You do realize that by doing this you could be facing trouble in the future. It would be in your best interest to inform me of all that went down last night so you can better resolve this situation.” “I am aware that I may face consequences should I do this.” Celestia replied resolutely. “However, with how things are right now, the violent incident that occurred last night just can’t be said. If it were any other situation with any other student, I would be more open. But right now, this is not the time, and most certainly not the place.” Mr. Varnas was unmoved. “And just what is it about this incident that’s so crazy that you cannot say it outright? You don’t have to worry about not being believed if that is the case. I can tell that you are someone who doesn’t lie. We’re willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.” “As I said, I am choosing not to say anything at the moment.” Celestia rebutted, grabbing at the sides of her office desk. “Everything that’s happened up to this point is something that no amount of proper explanation can do. I want to say what happened. Believe me, I do… but this is just too much to give out all at once. Maybe some other time it will come to light, but for now… it’s best to just leave it unsaid.” “Is that so… and you’re certain that’s your decision?” Mr. Varnas asked softly, feeling Celestia’s eyes burn into his like two miniature suns. Her nod ended less than a few seconds before he let out a sigh of resignation. “Alright then, it looks like my business here is done … for now.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a business card and set it down on Celestia’s desk for her to look at. The man then got up and grabbed his suitcase, putting his glasses back on his face as he straightened his suit. “That is my business card. You can use it to contact me should you decide to come forward with what you know.” Mr. Varnas said as he headed for the door, casting one last glance at her. “The check I wanted you to take is good for at least five months, so please call me before the end of that time and I’ll make sure you get the money. In the meantime, you should know that from today, the bureau will not interfere with anything that happens here at this school. Have a good day Ms. Sunrise.” After he closed her door, Celestia let out a tired sigh before taking out a coffee mug from her top left desk drawer. Turning to her right, she opened a small mini refrigerator and took out a bottle of water filling her cup with water. She then placed it into her office microwave setting the timer for how long it would heat the item inside. While Celestia waited for her cup of water to heat up, she took out a tea bag, setting it on her desk. ‘This cannot be happening! Why are the Canterlot Bureau of Investigations looking into Sunset Shimmer? Did Officer Starknight call them here under her suspicion of us abusing our power?’ She thought to herself, placing a hand on her head. ‘I know that she doesn’t want us to use Sunset to repair the school but honestly, she wasn’t here to see what Sunset did. Still, we should take her warning seriously. We have enough on our plates with how the student body is treating Sunset. The last thing Luna and I need is to be branded as criminals. Let alone child abusers. I wonder how she’ll feel about this when I tell her. Knowing her, she’ll certainly not be happy about it. But, as things stand, it's either listen to Starknight, or sleep inside a prison cell.’ Just as that last sentence finished going through her head, another knock on her door shook the tired woman from her trance. Irritation filled her as a sigh matching it left her, thinking that it was Mr. Varnas coming back again. She was quickly proven wrong when she saw the familiar face of her younger sister coming inside. “’Tia!” Luna began, pausing in her steps. “What’re you doing back here? I thought that you were still with the construction crew.” “Not anymore. I just finished talking to them about the school’s repairs. Was there something that you needed?” Celestia said, her irritation melting away as relief filled her. “I just came to tell you that I need to check on the rest of the school to see if there is any other damage that was caused by Sunset and Twilight's battle.” Luna replied, looking back outside as if she was expecting Mr. Varnas to come back. “Who was that man in your office just now?” “Oh, no one Luna. Just someone who wanted to discuss some business with me, that's all.” Celestia replied, taking out a clipboard from the top right drawer of her desk. “I’m ready now; let’s get to looking around the rest of the school.” “Alright then.” Luna conceded, letting her sister walk past her as she closed the door. As they headed down the hallway, the Vice-Principal suddenly brought something up. “By the way ‘Tia, I have been wondering about something…” “And what might that be?” Celestia asked curiously, holding her clipboard firmly in her hands. “It’s about the incident with Officer Starknight. Are you sure that it is wise to go along with what officer Starknight said to us last night?” Luna asked skeptically, as if she was trying to sort out the holes in a fishy story. “Not letting Sunset do such manually laboring work I mean.” “Is that a question that even needs to be thought about?” Celestia asked dryly. “You heard what she said Lu. From her point of view, it looked like we were abusing our power as school principals by having Sunset do what we made her do. Despite the fact that she wasn’t there to see Sunset turn into a demon or her battle with Twilight, that doesn’t change the fact that to her, we were breaking the law.” She stopped as she carefully considered her last words. “Actually no, what we did was certainly breaking the law.” “You mean by having her and two other students work in an environment that was clearly not a safe one?” Luna asked, fighting back a cringe at how the two of them had acted towards Sunset, Snips and Snails. “Exactly.” Celestia sighed. “We could have both gone to jail for keeping Sunset here past curfew and making her repair the school without proper training or showing any regard to her safety. It would’ve been worse if she had stepped on that electrical wire. She could’ve been seriously hurt, or worse.” “I agree. How we acted last night was completely unacceptable. It’s a miracle that neither of us are in jail already. Officer Starknight really was being lenient on us; something that I know won’t happen a second time.” Luna nodded, mentally kicking herself for her unjust behavior. “Still, just because we went over the line with punishing Sunset, doesn’t mean she should get away with what she did. That won’t sit well with the student body, and I’m too busy to be constantly trying to protect Sunset from any reprisals that the other students might want to do to her. And in case you didn’t notice, there are many who want to dish out their own form of retribution.” “Rest assured Luna, I have no intention of letting Sunset off scot free.” Celestia said sternly “But you heard Starknight last night. If we do anything other than teach Sunset, we’ll both get in very serious trouble. We will have to find another form of punishment for her that does not involve her getting harmed, which we have plenty of. But we must make sure that nothing we choose will threaten her life in any sort of way. We just have to figure out which type of punishment will be good enough is all.” “That’s reasonable enough. Just as long as she faces some sort of punishment for her actions.” Luna murmured, running a hand through her hair as they neared a classroom with the number two-o-six. “Hold on, I need to check something for a moment.” Walking past her sister, Luna peered through the window of the class, scanning the students that were inside. It took less than a second for her to see who the person she was looking for was, and what they were doing. In the middle row of the desks Sunset sat, her head was slightly bent downwards and a pencil was seen in her hand as she jotted down answers on the paper on her desk. Snails sat across from her, taking glances up at their teacher like he was trying to make sure the teacher didn’t see what they were doing. “Sunset really is doing another students' homework. This must have to do with that favor she said she owed to Snails the night before. No matter… she will still be given quite the firm talking to by the both of us when she comes to our office.” Luna murmured to herself as she silently observed the girl. As she went to leave, she caught sight of a student putting a small note atop Sunset’s desk, making her flinch. “Wait, was that a note just no-” “Luna, are you coming?” Celestia asked, her question making Luna turn to her. “If you’re wanting to talk to Sunset, we can do it when this period is over. We still have damages that we need to look over.” “Oh, y-yes! Coming ‘Tia!” Luna replied, quickly catching up with her sister as they continued down the hallway and both entered the library. “Principal Celestia! Vice-Principal Luna!” Cheerilee said, her kind voice leveled as the two women entered the Canterlot High and Junior High School Library. “Nice to see you two this morning!” “We could say the same about you Ms. Cheerilee.” Celestia said, giving her best warm smile that still held some tiredness to it. “How are you doing today? Is everything going well in the library?” “Oh, it’s fine... well, as fine as it could be anyway.” Cheerilee replied, her smile faltering a bit. “If you’re wondering if the library suffered any damage from what happened last night, everything is fine. Some books were scattered all over the place at best, but nothing too bad. Other than all of that, it’s as quiet as always.” “Glad to hear that someone's day is going well.” Luna commented enviously. “Celestia and I are stuck with the task of looking over the repairs that need to be done. And that’s not even getting into the amount of money those repairs will be going into.” “My, you two have it quite hard, don’t you?” Cheerilee asked sympathetically. “Well, I don’t think you should worry too much. The school’s been through lots since we’ve been here, damages and all. It’s not the first time it’ll be like this, and it definitely won’t be the last. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as it was the other night after… that happened. But given how this school is, the chances of that aren’t very good.” “More like they’re not very bright.” Celestia snorted. “With the money we have right now, there’s nothing left to spend it on other than books and supplies. The school board will throw a fit when they see this, and I am not going to like it.” “Correction. We aren’t going to like it, ‘Tia.” Luna paraphrased. “I have no doubt that you will.” Cheerilee said, giving them her most comforting smile. “By the way, do you guys have any idea where Sunset is? I was sort of wondering where she’d got to”. These words made the principals stop and give each other confused looks. They then looked back at the librarian with looks telling Cheerilee of all the confusion they had. “She’s… in her homeroom class right now with her friend Snails.” Celestia replied slowly. “Why do you ask?” “Oh nothing, I was just wondering why she wasn’t inside the library last night.” Cheerilee replied, looking to the side. “I normally find her sleeping at one of the desks near the computers, but I didn’t see her this morning. Is she alright?” Celestia’s confusion gave way to shock. “Sunset actually sleeps here in the library?” The Principal breathed incredulously, not noticing the look on Luna’s face. “We thought she’d have a home to go to whenever she left school.” “I did too. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but it started to happen more and more often the more she came to this school.” Cheerilee replied with a look of concern. “I was starting to suspect she may be homeless, but I never asked her because I didn’t feel like it was my place to ask her something like that.” Celestia looked down at the ground in thought. “This… this is troubling. Very troubling indeed. It never occurred to me that Sunset was without a home. I was wondering why she was always one of the students who stayed the longest out of all the other students. I’ll have to look into this more and-” Anything else that the main principal was going to say was cut off when the school bell gave out a ring, signaling the end of homeroom period. Luna, who looked to be deep in thought, snapped out of her trance as she and the other two women looked to where the sound was coming from. “It looks like, homeroom period is over now.” Luna muttered. “We’re sorry Cheerilee but we’ll need to continue this conversation later. Thank you for telling us this important information. We’ll be in touch with you later.” “…Alright, then. Have a good rest of your day you two.” Cheerilee nodded. “When you see Sunset please tell her that I’m here if she needs me. And if she ever needs somewhere to sleep, well… it’s available.” Neither principal gave a reply to that. A nod from both was all they gave Cheerilee before they exited the library. The librarian’s words echoed in both of their heads as they headed to the class they saw Sunset in. In the entire time while coming to Canterlot, Celestia and Luna did not once think that the teenager was homeless. Not ever did those thoughts ever cross their minds. Sunset certainly didn’t look like she was homeless, having always come in clothes that gave her the look of someone who was very well off. The sisters could now see that wasn’t the case, and they both intended to investigate it further. First, they needed to confront the subject of their thoughts. Just as they reached Sunset’s homeroom classroom, they saw the familiar bacon-haired girl come out in the hallway. Her cyan eyes widened when she saw the principals approaching her, and she stopped in her action of going down the opposite way. Lowering her head, she bit her lower right lip as she stammered something out. “If the two of you are here to tell me to meet you both in Principal Celestia’s office”. The shame she had felt earlier had returned like waves crashing on a seashore. “I promise that I won’t forget, in fact I’m headed there now.” “We saw you getting a note passed to you in class Sunset.” Luna said pointedly, ignoring Sunset’s statement as if she didn’t even hear it. Her hand shot out towards her as if she was pointing a gun at a suspect. “Hand it over.” Sunset looked back up, her mouth opening to probably ask Luna how she knew that, only to close just as quickly. Looking down again, she sighed and put a hand in one of her pockets, taking out the note and handing it to Luna. With Celestia standing just next to her, Luna opened it and saw a phrase that made her blood run cold. ‘If you think you got all that you deserved last night, you’ve got another thing coming, Sunset Shimmer. Just wait until school ends, you’ll get what’s coming to you eventually.’ Handing the note to her sister, Celestia read it, gaining a look of horror herself before looking at Sunset. With the gentleness of a mother trying to soothe a frightened child, she asked, “Sunset, who gave you this note?” “It doesn’t matter.” She replied, not bothering to look the principals in the eye. “It was someone who just wanted to get back at me for something that I did to them; nothing more.” “All the more reason why we must know who it is that is bothering you.” Luna pushed firmly, her hands on her hips. “We’re your Principals Sunset. As such, it is our job to protect students who are being harassed by people in this school, child or adult. Bully or not, this is not something that you should be going through. Nor should you let yourself go through it either.” Celestia nodded, backing her sister up. “That’s right, Sunset. We’re here to help you, not to make you more of a scapegoat than you already are. If there is something wrong, then we must know, or else we won’t be able to-” “You can’t!” Sunset suddenly interrupted, her anguished cry washing over the principals like ice cold water being dumped upon their heads. “You can’t help me… no one can. Not after all of the things that I did at this school. It’s not like I don’t deserve it anyway.” A brief moment of silence passed between the trio as Sunset shook, using all of her inner strength not to break down. Luna and Celestia stood wordlessly, trying to come up with something to say that could soothe Sunset’s worries. Unfortunately, this time was not given to them before Sunset looked at them, her eyes of twin skies gleaming with tears. “I… I appreciate what you’re trying to do for me, who it was that gave me that note. But… it just doesn’t matter right now.” She continued, her voice quieter but by no means any less empty. “It was something that was coming for a real long time… something I knew deep down would. I just didn’t want to believe it until it hit me right in the face. And now that it has, it’s going to continue, until I eventually just go away.” While wiping away her tears, the school bell from earlier vibrated, expanding through the hallway as it rang. Footsteps slowly filled the silence of the hallway as students exited their classes, filling the area where Celestia, Luna and Sunset were. Sensing her chance to get away, Sunset quickly collected herself before looking at the principals again. “I’m sorry I can’t meet you both at your office Principal Celestia like I said I would but the bell just rang so I need to get to class.” Sunset kept her gaze down adding just above a whisper. “I am also sorry, very sorry for yelling at you both like that. I just got a little triggered by everything that’s happening.” She mumbled. “I’ve got to get my next class now. My first period teacher will be angry if I don’t get there on time. I’ll meet you again at your office.” Adjusting her backpack, she whirled around and ran down the hall, blocking out the calls of the two principals. Students left and right cried out in surprise and shouted at her as she ran, but it was barely registered. Thanks to her eyes being closed, Sunset failed to notice the student that was in her path until she ran right into him. Falling to the floor, she let out a yelp as she landed on her butt with a hard thud. Rubbing at her right hip with her hand she heard a voice speak to her. “Whoa, sorry! Are you alright?” “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry for running into you like tha-” Sunset stopped apologizing as she saw who she had run into. “G-garble?” “Yeah, it’s all good. You didn’t really hurt me, so it’s not biggie.” Garble replied casually, wiping at his green striped short-sleeve flannel shirt. After straightening out his dark blue jeans, he held a hand to her, the chain on his left belt loop swinging along with his movement. “Are you heading off to class too?” “Uh…y-yeah.” The fiery red head said, cautiously accepting the help. “My next class is Math, which will be with Mr. Cranky Doodle. A-are you heading there too?” “Yes I am.” Garble replied, giving a scratch of his blue bandana. “You wanna head over there together?” Sunset looked at him, a little surprised at the sudden request from the person who used to be a bully himself. A part of her wanted to refuse him, if not to keep from causing him any more trouble than she probably already did. This was soon shot down when she noticed some of the looks the other students were giving her. Looks only given to those who were the targets of someone’s act of revenge. In a few seconds, Sunset’s mind was made up, knowing what may happen should she refuse Garble’s offer. “Actually… I think that’d be a good idea.” Sunset replied, unable to bear the looks. “I can see how the others are looking at me right now and… I really don’t like it. I just wanna get through this day so I can go home. If I’m able to.” “I can tell…” Garble nodded with a frown of his own as they both went down the hall. As they neared their next class, the boy found himself asking, “By the way Sunset… I was wondering about something. Do you want to hang out together sometime?” Sunset nearly tripped over in the midst of her walking. “W-what?” “It’s cool if you don’t want to.” Garble said quickly, holding one of his hands up. “I just wondered if you wanted someone to hang out with since you were all by your lonesome. You looked like you needed a friend, and I wanted to know if you wanted to, you know… do something together?” “You… you really wanna hang out? With ….me?” Sunset asked after making sure she wasn’t hearing things. “An-and you're sure ab-about doing this?” “That’s what I said wasn’t it? And yes I am sure about hanging out with you”. Garble asked and stated with a raised brow. “I’m not the only one either. Your other classmate that was with me earlier wanted to know the same thing. She wanted to ask you herself, but she couldn’t really bring herself to do it. Plus, she had a different class, so only one of us could come to see you.” ‘He must be talking about Fluttershy.’ Sunset thought as they both entered their next classroom. “I sort of have a lot of stuff I’m going through right now, so I don’t know”. “So that's ‘a maybe later’ then?” Garble asked with a casual head tilt. Before Sunset could reply, a loud and very cranky voice cut through the classroom. “Sunset Shimmer!” Mr. Cranky shouted as he slammed a ruler atop his desk, making both teens turn to him. “Just what do you think you’re doing?! Are you trying to hold up my class?!” Sunset shrunk back. “N-n-no Mr. Doodle, I wasn’t! I was just talking with Garble and we-” “I don’t care what you two were yapping about! What I do care about is that you’re holding up the class!” The middle-aged man interrupted snappily. “Now take your seat so I can begin the lesson! Or else you’ll both be looking at a good long detention after school!” “Y-yes, of course!” Sunset squeaked, quickly getting in her seat with Garble doing the same. “I’m sorry for making you wait Mr. Doodle. I won’t do it again I promise...” “You’d better not do it again or else you’ll be really sorry.” Mr. Cranky growled, walking in front of his desk as he began to organize some papers. “Same goes for the rest of you too! I expect you all to pay attention or you will all get detention! Just like Mr. Shimmer!” “Mr. Cranky Doodle!” Another sharper voice burst through the class as both Mr. Cranky Doodle and the entire class flinched in their seats. All eyes looked to see Celestia standing just outside of the doorway, eyes narrowed into a glare with her hands on both her hips. Just behind her, Luna stood, looking to be just as displeased as she shot daggers at the math teacher. ‘Oh no, they followed me here?!’ Sunset thought, dread consuming her as her hands clenched on her desk. ‘I thought that I already left them behind in the hallway! For Centauria sakes, why can’t they just take the hint and leave me alone?!’ “Just what do you think you’re doing assigning detention to students for not being in their seats?!” Celestia all but demanded, her voice dripping with scorn. “You know that is an improper use of power, and of authority as a teacher!” “B-but Principal Celestia, Ms. Shimmer was holding up the class!” Mr. Cranky protested, the anger in his voice completely replaced by fear. “She knows when she comes to my class I fully expect every student to quickly and quietly take their seats and she didn’t take her seat as expected of her or any other student! I did nothing wrong, I was only calling Sunset out on this subject nothing more”. “Maybe from your perspective, but it is clearer than the day your actions are telling a different story.” Luna interjected, her commanding tone cowing Mr. Cranky like a disobedient puppy. “As my sister stated, giving students detention simply for not being seated is abuse of your authority. It is also especially not becoming of a teacher to threaten detention for not paying attention in class!” She gestured to the hallway with her head. “Please see us in our office after class. We will need to have a thorough talk about your misuse of power.” “What?! B-but-” Mr. Cranky started, but stopped at the cold glare Luna gave him. “I-I” “I was not asking you Mr. Doodle.” Luna hissed; her voice still very calm but by no means any less stern. “Please be in my and my sister’s office as soon as your class is over. If you are not there, I will personally bring you there myself. Do I make myself clear?” “I… y-yes, Vice-Principal Luna…” Mr. Doodle stammered, hanging his head in defeat. “I’ll be there as soon as school lets out”. “Good. We’ll leave you to your lesson now.” Luna murmured, giving a satisfied nod as she and her sister exited out of the classroom. As they walked away, both looked directly where Sunset was, giving her looks that told her all she needed to know. Sunset grimaced while they did this, holding their gazes until they vanished completely out of sight. Sighing, the girl turned back to where Mr. Cranky Doodle was now teaching, ignoring the several dirty looks she was receiving from several other students including one student called ‘Lightning Dust’. . Sunset could not remember a time where she was more thankful to hear the school bells ringing than she was now. It seemed like forever that first period went on, even though it only went on for a little less than an hour. When it finally ended, she got out of her seat so fast that she almost made her desk fall over; something that Mr. Cranky admonished her for. It barely reached her as she rushed out of the classroom, making a beeline for her next period before it happened to her. ‘Thank Centauria first period is over! I thought it was never going to end! If I had to go through one more minute of my classmates glaring at me, I was gonna lose it!’ Sunset thought to herself, swerving her way through the increasing number of students. ‘I just hope that the second period isn’t as bad as the first. I just wanna get through this day and go home! Let me make it through this day!’ While Sunset silently walked through the crowd, she suddenly felt a very ominous presence from behind her. Suddenly feeling a cold shiver run down her spine Sunset almost stopped in her tracks feeling as if death had its icy cold fingers around her neck she closed her eyes silently hoping no one was there. The girl’s eyes snapped open and she looked back to see who might be behind her, only to see nothing but students going their own way. For a split single second, Sunset could have sworn she had seen an orange haired girl in the crowd, looking right in her direction. As quickly as she was there though, she was gone. It was like she was a blast of lightning that was there for one second and gone the next. ‘That’s strange… I thought that I saw someone glaring at me just now.’ Sunset internally speculated as she continued her walk. ‘Of course, it could’ve been one of the many students that aren’t too happy to see me. I really hope they don’t do anything to me until after school. Not that I don’t deserve it…’ As if to tell her she would not be that lucky, Sunset felt a hand grab her by the back collar of her coat and pull her backwards. Metallic steel collided with her face as she felt her face hit one of the lockers with such force that she almost lost consciousness. Trying to stand up, she barely managed to turn to her attacker, as a fist slammed into her right eye. Whiteness filled her vision like tipped-over paint. She held a hand to her right eye, feeling it swell under her fingers. Using her remaining good eye, she looked to see who had struck her, and found herself gasping at seeing the girl she thought she saw earlier. “Well, if it isn’t the famous Flaming Hornet of Canterlot.” Lightning Dust growled out, while cracking her fist. “Or should I say the former Flaming Hornet?” “L-Lightning Dust” Sunset shrunk back. “Pl-please don’t do this”. “Huh, so you remember who I am huh? Then you must know why I’m here then.” Lightning Dust said, reaching up and grabbing Sunset by her shirt. “Don’t think that I’ve forgotten what you did to us; what you did to me while you were running this school like you owned it! You thought that you could just slink away and not get any payment from us for it?! Well too bad! No way you’re getting off that easy!” “Please I don’t want to fight with you just let me go” Sunset pleaded, shaking under the wrathful gaze of the athlete that had a hold of her. “I-I know what I did caused you pain and anger, a-and I’m sorry! I really am! I’ll never hurt any of you again! I promise!” “As if I’d let a demon like you get off the hook after all that you did to us!” Lightning Dust spat, pulling the scared girl closer to her face. “You’ve been avoiding your just dues for way too long! It’s time you finally get some payback you bitch!” A stomach-churning smirk crept up on Lightning Dust’s face. “And I know just the way to do it.” With speed that was worthy of her name, Dust shot her fight fist forward connecting with Sunset’s jaw. Sunset’s head swerved to the side, feeling her jaw burn with agony Sunset spat a glob of blood on the floor. As she reeled from the blow, Sunset felt the air in her lungs fly out as the other girl kneed Sunset in the gut, making her gag. Dust then let her fall out of her grip, only to grab the back of her head and slam the front of her head against the floor. A sickening crack split through the air as stars exploded within Sunset’s eyes, feeling her head begin to throb from the impact. Ringing soon formed in her ears, muffling the cheers of the other students she was hearing. “Yeah, Lightning Dust! You go!” One of the students yelled out. “Show that demon who’s boss!” “Mess her up good!” Another shouted out as the beating intensified. “Make her feel the pain she made us feel for all these months!” “Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!” The rest of the crowd jeered, fists thrown in the air. “Beat her, beat her, beat her, beat her”. Through the ever-increasing violence, Sunset stayed where she lay, beaten and bloodied as Dust continued with her relentless assault. Sunset made no attempt to defend herself from the onslaught, and not because she couldn’t do so. In Sunset’s mind, this was the just dues she was getting after all the bad things she made happen while at this school. Sunset did not expect it to get it like this, it wasn’t really a surprise at this point. All she hoped was that they didn’t kill her; not really any reason for them to have their lives ruined. As unconsciousness took Sunset, something yellow and fast flew out of the crowd, making students cease their movements. All eyes in the ground widened in shock as Fluttershy stood over Sunset, blocking the kick Lightning Dust tried to give to Sunset’s face. The other girl stared at her in utter surprise at the interference before her anger returned. “Well, look who it is? It’s everyone’s favorite Little Timid Butterfly…” Lightning Dust sneered, shifting her anger from Sunset to the girl standing protectively over her. “Come to protect the demon bitch of Conaterlot huh? I'm surprised after all she tormented you the worst of all of us so why not help me get us all some much needed payback?.” “No Sunset may have bullied me but that is no reason to act like a bully yourself Lighten Dust”. Fluttershy said. “You and the other students here are all ganging up on her like a pack of jackals after a dear! She hasn’t done anything to you guys! I knew that you could be petty Lightning Dust, but this is a new low! Even for you!” “Petty? How is dishing out some well-deserved karma petty?” Lightning Dust asked incredulously. “Sunset Shimmer is a bully Fluttershy. She always has been, and always will be as long as she’s here. If you ask me, I’m doing her a favor by showing her just how much of a monster she is! I’m sure the others can agree with me.” “The only thing that I see is someone picking on someone who wants to change!” Fluttershy shot back, her sharp voice making Lightning Dust step back. “I don’t know what Sunset did to you, for you think it’s okay to do this, and I don’t care! Do you even realize where you’re doing this?!” “Yeah, I do.” Lightning Dust asked as she regained her composure. “You think I care that this is in school? I could care less what the principals do to me as long as that bitch gets what’s coming to her. Speaking of which, you’d better get out of my way, or else you’re gonna get it too.” Fluttershy pursed her lips, crouching down and hugging Sunset’s body close to her. “If you want to hit her again then, you’re gonna have to get through me to do it. And trust me when I say I am not going to make it easy for you.” “Tch… so you wanna join your little friend in her comeuppance huh?” Lightning Dust hissed as she grabbed Fluttershy by her shirt. “Fine then! If you want me to beat your ass as well then I’ll be happy to do so”. Raising her fist to strike Fluttershy in her face Lightning spat out, “I’ll beat you till you pass out you fucking whore I’ll only stop when you beg me for mercy!” “As if I’d expect mercy from a cum sucker like you.” Fluttershy spat, leveling her gaze with the other girl she added, “Leave or I swear I’ll---”. Just before Lightning Dust could land a blow, a loud commanding voice exploded through the crowd. “ENOUGH!” The silence that followed held such thickness, that all the students who heard it could’ve been passed on for statues rather than actual beings. Each of them parted away as Vice-Principal Luna, with a look of utter fury, stormed her way through the crowd. Her eyes held such anger that, if looks had any sort of power, each teenager there would’ve been frozen solid. “What is the meaning of this?!” Luna demanded, her voice every bit as loud as she intended as she cast her gaze upon the group. Upon getting no answer, she focused on Dust, who looked to be moments away from wetting her pants. “Lightning Dust, what in god’s name do you think you are doing to Fluttershy and Sunset?!” “I… I… I wasn’t doing anything!” Dust replied, saying the first thing that came to mind. She dropped Fluttershy and backed away from her, like she was a girl who suddenly turned into a vampire. “I saw her getting into a scuffle with Sunset, a-and I was just trying to stop her! Really, I was keeping her safe!” “Were you? It looks to me that you were doing anything but that.” Luna replied, not falling for Dust’s made-up story. “No, I take that back. You were doing the exact opposite of that given the evidence I’m seeing here.” “N-no, I wasn't, I swear!” Lightning pleaded, still trying futilely to explain her case. “This is all just a misunderstanding! It’s not what it looks like!” “Tell that to anyone who’s naïve enough to believe it.” Luna said harshly. “Be in the Principal’s Office no later than five minutes after your last period. My sister and I will give you your punishment after we take care of things here.” “But-” Lightning Dust began, only to whimper as Luna’s glare became sharper than a razor. “I just---” “I am not asking you Ms. Dust.” Luna interrupted, “I am telling you.” her tone synchronizing with her look. “Meet us in the Principal’s office as soon as your final period ends, or else you will face a punishment even more severe than what we will have planned. Am I clear?” Lightning Dust lowered her head in submission. “Y-yes ma’am.” “Good, now get to your next class.” Luna said, her anger diminishing slightly as she turned attention to the other students. “That goes for the rest of you! Get to your classes, now!” None of the other students wasted time in getting out of the halls as quickly as possible, leaving Luna, Fluttershy, and Sunset alone in the hallway. As soon as the last student was gone, Luna turned to the two girls. For a moment, nothing was said between the woman and the gentle teen, both of their gazes telling each other everything. “Please head to your next class Fluttershy.” Luna instructed, her voice firm but carrying an air of gentleness. “Do not worry about Sunset, I’ll take care of her from here.” “Are you sure she’ll be alright?” Fluttershy asked, looking at the unmoving girl at her knees. “I mean she’s been hurt rather badly”. “She does appear to be rather injured.” Luna said, inspecting Sunset’s injuries. “But most of them don’t look to be life threatening. I cannot say the same about this head injury though…” “Please let her be okay, Vice-Principal Luna.” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice soft and shaky. “Sunset has been through more than enough… She needs help. So, so much help…” “And help she will get.” Luna declared, taking Sunset’s head and putting it in her lap. “Now please head off to class. You’ll be late for your next lesson if you don’t.” Casting one last look at Sunset, Fluttershy nodded before quickly walking to class, doing her best not to start crying. Luna watched her go for a moment before reaching for the radio on her belt and speaking into it. “Nurses Office, this is Luna! I have a student in need of medical attention in hallway sixteen” She said into the speaker. “I repeat, I have a student in need of medical attention in hallway sixteen”. Swiftly setting the radio back on her belt, Luna turned her attention back to Sunset, keeping her body close to hers. As she looked at Sunset’s bloodied and bruised face, a sigh of frustration left her, the hallway’s silence helping it to echo. ‘This is going to be a long year.’ Chapter 3 - Shimmering Solitude Part 2 of 3, August 2nd, Tuesday 3:00 PMYawning echoed off the walls of the house of Officer Starknight as she awoke in the darkness of her bedroom. Feeling a crick inside her neck, she pulled herself out underneath the covers of her bed and gave a few twists of her head. About a minute of this passed before she felt satisfied enough to get up and freshen herself up. Cool air ran across her skin like a hairbrush going along her hair as the covers on her body slid off. Ignoring the coldness on her body, she got off the bed before giving a stretch to adjust the bones in her limbs. “Holy Cow! Now that was a deep sleep!” Starknight sighed to herself while scratching one of her arms. “I can’t believe how different I feel when sleeping without my pajamas. Probably would’ve done this sooner if I’d known the effects of that.” Grunting, Starknight flipped her hair behind her neck and trudged to the bathroom to get rid of the sleepiness. Flicking the light on, she went to the sink to turn the water on to wash and freshen up with a flew splashes to the face. A sigh left the woman as she locked eyes with her reflection in the bathroom mirror, taking in her tired appearance. “Girl…” She said groggily rubbing at the bags underneath her eyes. “You seriously need a better job than this.” Having had enough of eyeing her worn out facial features, Starknight began getting herself ready for a shower. She was a few seconds away from turning on the shower water before she heard a ringing sound. A ringing that could’ve only come from the one electronic item that she spent the most time on. Grabbing her towel from the towel rack she quickly wrapped it around her body and headed back into her bedroom. “Blasted it!” Starknight groaned, as she followed the sound “What now?! Can’t I be left alone to take my shower in peace?!” Starknight headed towards her bed, quickly finding her phone sitting in its normal place on her nightstand next to her bed. Reaching for her phone, she snatched it up and looked at the screen where the Caller Identification was. Much to her dismay, she saw that it was Canterlot Child Protective Services; one of the two places she did not want her calling her after she just woke up. Huffing like a bull getting increasingly annoyed, she pressed the answer button and put it next to her ear. “Hello?” She asked, trying to hold back as much of her crankiness as she could, she thought to herself as she held the small phone against her ear. ‘This had better be important.’ “Hello is this officer Starknight?” A professional and feminine, yet familiar voice politely replied. “This is Rosy Petal with Canterlot Child Protective Services”. “Yes, this is Starknight.” She replied adding, “Why are you calling me at this hour?” Hearing some papers shuffle around in the background and typing on a keyboard she waited for a few minutes before getting a reply. “I wanted you to know Officer Starknight that I-” Mrs. Petal began only to be interrupted by Starknight “Please just call me Starknight, Mrs. Petal. I don’t really like it when someone from a branch of law enforcement calls me ‘officer’ every time I interact with them” Starknight quickly added, “I’m sorry for the interruption. Were you calling to let me know that you scheduled an appointment for Snips Sheldon?” “Yes, I did.” Rosy replied, her tone holding no offense at being interrupted. “I talked it over with the rest of my colleagues and I have scheduled a date for it. I will be conducting the interview myself on Monday the 8th of August at four in the afternoon.” ‘So… it’ll be held a week from now.’ Starknight thought, sitting down on the edge of her mattress as the images of Snip’s guardians came back into her mind. Holding the phone a little tighter. she almost snarled into it. “If you ask me, it should be held the very next day considering what I saw while I was out there.” Taking a breath she thought, ‘Not like I can really make them do anything about it but still.’ “Listen I know you want us to jump right into this,” Mrs. Petal’s voice came with a note of concern and slight annoyance at being told how to do her job “But there are protocols and procedures that I have to follow.” “Are you sure there isn’t any other time or way that you can conduct this interview Mrs. Petal ?” Starknight asked worriedly while feeling somewhat irritated. “I am sure.” Mrs. Petal sharply replied before taking a breath and continuing. “My colleagues are all swamped with other cases and I-” “I understand.” Starknight, having heard enough interrupted her “Thank you for scheduling the appointment”, closing her eyes, Starknight put her face in her free hand, ignoring the feeling of her towel falling off her ample body she thought. ‘Please don’t let my fears be true.’ “It’s going to be alright, officer. I know it seems bad now” She heard Mrs. Petal say into the phone, the sound of her voice snapping Starknight back to her current situation. “C.C.P.S will make sure if Snips Sheldon is in danger, we’ll do our jobs. I promise”. ‘Oh great you just reneged on saying you would help’. Starknight thought as she continued to think about Snips, she heard typing in the background choosing to refocus her attention on the conversation she said out loud, “Is there anything else that you need Ms. Petal ?” “Yes, there is. I will need you to get me Ms. Sunset Shimmer’s address.” Rosy Petal replied. “You mentioned that there was a potential runaway, but I did not have her information at the time of the report being made. If you could let me know her address, I can proceed further with this investigation.” “Sure, but I’ll have to do that at work. I don’t have the means to look that information up here at home.” Starknight grumbled. “Speaking of ‘home’, how did you get this number? It isn’t supposed to be listed.” “I tried to call you back earlier today about the scheduled appointment, but I couldn’t reach you.” Rosy Petal replied casually. “I called your police precinct, and your police captain gave me your number.” “I see.” Starknight murmured, her tone synchronizing with the irritation on her face. “Is that all for now Mrs. Petal ?” “One more thing Starknight. I will also need either you or another officer to accompany me to the interview, but you may not interfere unless a threat is clear and present.” Rosy added with a firm undertone, “The interview will be conducted at Snips Sheldon's home. You may be in the room with me if you so choose but again, I must ask that you do not interfere at all.” “Alright, thank you. I’ll be sure to be on time.” Glancing at her clock she noticed it was three ten in the afternoon. Realizing she needed to go, she hurriedly tried to conclude the call. “If there is nothing else. I need to get going so I won’t be late for work.” “As far as I know there is nothing else that I will need from you.” Rosy calmly stated, “I’ll call you a half hour before the interview to make sure you're still able to make it. Please have a second police officer on standby in case you are not able to make it. Have a good day Officer Starknight.” “You too…” Starknight said back with as much politeness as she could muster. “I’ll see you next Monday.” Hearing the click go off on the other end, Starknight set her phone down, taking a minute to take in what was discussed. A mixture of thoughts swirled in her mind like an aquatic spout of water as she tried registering all that she had seen the previous night regarding her fears in regard to Snip’s home life. What stood out most was her unlisted phone number being given without permission. By the person who she should’ve trusted not to give unless Starknight herself said otherwise. It was not known to her why her captain decided to do it, but she could only guess it was for the reason Rosy Petal said. A sense of hurt and betrayal was still left in Starknight from this revelation, and Starknight had every intention of chewing her captain out for it. ‘Just when I thought I had enough on my plate… now I have this!’ Starknight thought, getting up and grabbing her towel. Wrapping it around her, she returned to her bathroom to take her shower. ‘I don’t understand why he would do this. He knows my phone number is to be lent out by me and me alone! What in the actual hell does he think he is doing?!’ She thought as the hot water ran down her naked body. A half hour later, she found herself dressed and ready to leave for work. ‘Captain you and I will SO be discussing this!’ Contrary to stopping at almost every red light on the way to her work, Starknight was able to get to the precinct much quicker than anticipated. Nothing she thought of could pinpoint exactly how she was able to accomplish such a feat in the angry state of mind she was in. Not that the woman was complaining, since it allowed her more time to accomplish what she planned to do sooner. The biggest one to get to the very bottom of the usage of her private number by her captain. Officers left and right gave stares at Starknight as she stomped her way through the halls of the Canterlot Police Department One Twelve Precinct. The lack of much talking from them allowed them to hear the sharp taps of her shoes meeting the floor. Just from the way she walked they could all tell she was very annoyed, and they all had an inkling as to who was the target. “Oh, hello Starknight!” Officer Winter Skies greeted warmly as the women came to his front desk. “You’re getting in a little bit later than normal, aren’t you? What brings you here this late in the afternoon?” “Yes I am but that is how things are now I have some urgent business to attend to. Part of it being with the captain.” Starknight replied quickly but, calmly, having taken a breath to soothe herself. “Have there been any messages left for me?” Looking up from his work he blinked a few times saying, “Oh, yes there were. A few calls for you, but I told them that you weren’t in at the moment. I’ll get your messages and bring them to your desk.” Starknight nodded “Thank you. I’ll be sure to look at them when they’re sent. Is the captain in?” Not looking up while he sorted through a pile of papers, he nodded his reply. Turning to her left, she walked down a small hallway past several desks towards the locker rooms where police gear was put and stored. Getting there a few moments later, she proceeded to her locker, opening it, and taking her uniform. Setting it down on the bench she changed out of her civilian clothing into her uniform quickly. Looking up she grabbed her duty belt, wrapped it around her waist and buckled it tight. Taking out her Glock Twenty-Two Forty Caliber, she checked the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds, before placing it into her holster on her right hip. Once she was sure it was secure, she reached back into her locker taking out her Ruger LC9. She placed it into a hostler strapped to her left leg and closed her locker before heading back towards the front of the precinct. “Excuse me, Spring Gemstone.” She said to another officer behind a desk when she got back up front. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask. What time does my shift end today?”’ Looking up from her work, the seasoned officer Spring Gemstone with a few blank blinks of her rose-colored eyes picked up a large black folder next to her and opened it. She then looked up at Starknight before saying, “According to this you are getting off at around four in the morning Sergeant. But uh, shouldn’t you already know what time your shift ends sergeant?” “I just wanted to check to make sure of that.” Starknight replied with a light hand wave. “I’ll call dispatch in a few minutes to clock in. Before I do… I need to have a little talk with the captain.” Ignoring the wince Spring Gemstone gave, Starknight made a beeline to the captain's office, getting there in less than a few minutes. Noticing that his office door was open, she knocked on its frame to get his attention. Hearing the knock, he looked up from his desk offering Starknight a warm smile as she entered his office. She heard him say, “Ah, good! Please come in my nie--er--I mean Sergeant. To what do I owe this meeting?” “Hello Unc--er--I mean Captain.” Starknight replied softly, doing her best to compose herself for what she would to say next. “I’m sorry for interrupting whatever you were working on, but there is something very important I need to talk to you about.” Duke’s brow raised at this. “Oh really? Is it tied to the Snips Sheldon Case?” “Partially, yes… what I wanted to know was why you gave my phone number to C.C.P.S?” Entering his office, Starknight closed the door as she continued on, feeling her anger return. “My number and my home address are supposed to be private sir. It is my place to let go from outside of work and whenever I have my days off. It doesn’t make any sense for you of all people to do something like this!” Both sides of the Captain's lips went down into a frown as if two invisible fish hooks were tugging on them. It wasn’t the slightest bit surprising to him that his niece would be coming to him about this. Her number being lent to someone outside of her own fruition and given to someone else she had no idea had it. He’d honestly be upset too if someone had done the same to him, and he would surely do what Starknight was already doing now. Guilty as he felt, he knew he’d need to give his segreant a proper explanation for his actions. If not to calm his niece down. “While I can understand your reason for being a bit upset, you also need to understand that C.C.P.S has called here ten times trying to find you.” Duke replied, getting up from behind his desk with a sigh. “I agree with you that your home is your home and that I shouldn’t have given out your home phone number without permission. However, when I learned that the Sheldon’s were involved, I thought it best to---” “Invade my personal privacy?!” Starknight bitterly snapped in reply, “Seriously Captain, what in the world were you thinking?! You are the one person that I trust not to do such a thing like this! I get that it was because you wanted Mrs. Petal to get back to me about the Sheldon Case, but still! Do you know how hurt I felt when she told me that?! How could you?!” ‘So… Mrs. Petal said I gave Starknight’s personal phone number. I guess I shouldn’t be shocked by that.’ Duke thought with a look to the side. ‘My niece would be suspicious of why someone she doesn’t know has her personal number without her knowledge. I really should have thought this through more. No turning back now.’ “Are you going to answer me or what?” Her gruff voice brought him back to reality. “Yes, you’re right… I should’ve been the one you should’ve trusted more than anyone here not to do something like this. Even if it was to help out with the case, it was still your number and yours to do with as you see fit.” Duke said, his remorse filled eyes looking into his niece’s own indignant ones. “I should’ve waited until you at least came back here so you and Ms. Petal could talk about the case here rather than at your home. I hope you can forgive me for this act.” Starknight, taking note of the guilt in her uncle’s eyes, let her anger go with a sigh. “…Look Captain, I’m not that mad. I’m just …disappointed. I mean… that was my number. It was supposed to be given by me and me alone. No one else has a right to it but me, and you took that away.” “I did, and there’s no excuse.” He agreed, not even bothering to skirt around how bad what he did was. “Nothing I can say can make up for that breach of trust. I’ll understand if you’ll have a hard time trusting me forward.” It was now Starknight’s turn for her own lips to go into a frown unlike that of her captain’s. Angry as she was with her uncle about what he did, it didn’t stop her from seeing how guilty he was with all of this. One thing that she respected about her uncle was that he never tried to downplay all that he did to someone. Be it with friends, family or her, no one was given a pass and her uncle went out of his way to not hold back how much he had messed up. It was no surprise to her because of this that her captain wasn't trying to dance around the issue. Not that it would make sense anyway since it was one of his relatives, he unintentionally betrayed. Even with this in mind, Starknight still felt that he needed to be given a nice scolding for this stunt. Regardless of whether or not it was to give help for a case they were all involved with in some way. “It’s definitely going to be hard for me to forgive you for this Captain… but that doesn’t mean that I don’t trust you anymore. I get that it was because of what’s going on right now, but you could’ve at least asked me before giving Ms. Petal my number.” Starknight murmured, crossing her arms underneath her breasts. “I’ll let it slide this time, since it was for a reason regarding the runaway that I lost last night, but please do better. I’m someone who values my privacy deeply and hates it when my privacy or trust is breached. And you know how I get when something like that happens.” “Believe me, I know that like the back of my own hand.” Duke said while holding back a shiver. “I promise that I’ll be sure to get your consent first before doing this again.” “You’d better, or else it’ll be more than my trust that’ll be lost.” Starknight growled, slits forming in her eyes as she narrowed them. “Noted.” Nervousness filled the cough that left Duke before he changed the subject. “Now I have a few new assignments for you and the rest of the team involving a few matters. I was going to wait until you got here to hand them out. Since you’re here though, I’ll be able to do it quicker. But I have a favor I need to ask of you beforehand.” “Let me guess you want me to gather everyone in a single file line like school graders? That way you won’t have to go to them one by one?” Starknight asked casually, receiving no answer only a slight nod from her captain she added quickly. “Alright, give me about five minutes and I’ll have them all ready for you.” “I’ll give you ten minutes instead as a way to make up for giving out your personal information.” The Captain said as he watched Starknight turn towards the door and begin to head out of it. “Having more time helps to get important stuff done at a quicker pace after all.” “Might wanna add helping to get more sleep with that one.” Starknight countered before closing the door behind her. Sighing to herself, Starknight called out to all those who were within earshot of her voice, “Alright everyone head over to the Briefing Room now!” Everyone within earshot of her stopped what they were doing and headed for the briefing room with Starknight walking close behind them. Stopping from time to time at each desk and room to make sure all the officers who didn’t overhear her knew where to go. The captain watched all this from his office with a smirk on his face Starknight could be seen ushering officer after officer to the briefing room some gave her grief others headed there quickly and quietly. Still, she managed to get all who needed to be there into the room in record time. ‘Looks like she was able to get everyone there on time.’ Sighing, Duke reached to his phone and began dialing a number. ‘All that’s left now is to call Lucy and tell her that I’ll have to cancel dinner tonight.’ Picking up his phone, he dialed a number and waited for a few minutes as he prepared the words he did not want to use. Soon enough, he heard Ms. Sheldon’s soft voice over the phone. “Hello, this is Lucy Sheldon. How may I help you?” “Hello, Lucy, it's Duke Whiskers.” Duke began after clearing his throat. “I am calling to let you know I have an update regarding our dinner date.” “Oh, why hello Duke! It’s nice to hear from you today! I was wondering when you were going to call.” Lucy chirped, sounding happy to hear from him. “What about our dinner date? Is there something that came up?” Hearing doorbells chiming and people talking in the background, Duke turned his office chair and looked out his office window. Watching cars drive past the precinct. Turning back around he proceeded to open his desk drawers one by one shuffling papers, files, paper clips, and pencils around. Finding what he was looking for he took out a silver cigar case, placing it on the top of his desk. Feeling his pockets with his left hand, he took out from his vest pocket his cigar cutter and a box of matches. “Unfortunately, yes… an issue has come up that needs my attention.” Duke explained. “I’m sorry for this. I didn’t wanna wait until the last second to let you know beforehand.” “Well… that is a shame. Snips was looking forward to seeing you again” He heard Ms. Sheldon replied, her own tone sounding almost just as sad, “Will we at least be able to see you this Saturday then?” Picking up one of his cigars and cutting in it with his cigar cutter, Duke placed it between his lips before taking out his lighter and lighting the cigar. Blue steel smoke circled up and twirled above his head puffs of smoke came from his lips billowing forward like a chimney that had not yet been swept out for many years. “Yes, though I am not sure what time.” He said, taking in a breath before exhaling the smoke out. “I do have some free time Saturday, so I can take the day before that to think of a proper time that we can meet up. I need to make sure everyone has called dispatch and clocked in on time.” “I understand.” Lucy replied soothingly. “I appreciate you telling me early on about this setback you have. I would’ve liked to see you earlier, but I can work with this. Snips and I will have to wait just a little bit longer. Is there anything else you need to tell me?” “No, that was all I wanted to let you know about.” Duke concluded. “I must get going now. I have a rookie showing up here later on today. That in unto itself will take up most of my time tonight and the rest of the week as well.” “Okay dearie. Have a good night. I’ll tell Snips you said hello. Take care of yourself!” Lucy said as a click came just a second later. Closing his eyes, Duke lowered the phone to his desk and let out a breath. Mulling over the short, yet sweet talk between himself and Lucy. He set the phone back on its holder before getting up, taking his lighter with his smoking cigar still in his mouth. Picking up a pile of folders, Duke placed them under his arm and carried them out of his office, shutting the door behind him. ‘This is going to be a long afternoon.’ He thought getting a little further down the hallway leading to the Briefing Room he continued to think. ‘I have to come up with something that will make up for this but what?’ Minutes after talking with his niece and girlfriend, Duke went to meet Starknight and the other officers. Pleasantness filled him like coffee being filled in a mug at seeing all the officers clocked in for work and not late. It was a bit marred by the fact hardly any of them were paying attention when entering the Briefing Room. Anger was the last thing he could feel at them as they all looked just as, if not more tired than Starknight was when she arrived. It was why he had at least three coffees before she had arrived to give him the energy needed to get through the day. “Attention!” Starknight’s voice boomed out like a military drill sergeant upon seeing him enter the Briefing Room. All the officers came to attention their faces stern showing no sign of emotion. “At ease officers. Let's begin, shall we?” A stern voice clipped like a coach about to give his players some bad news; Duke held up a calming demeanor. Silence swept through the crowded room as officers as their faces went to meet their Captains. “I’d first like to say that I appreciate you coming in like this. I’m sure some of you were hoping to get a good sleep or spend time with your loved ones. Alas, duty calls, and we have quite a bit to accomplish today.” Clearing his throat, he set the pile of folders down on the podium, took out his glasses from his front shirt pocket and continued. “We have quite a few assignments and I’ll need you to do the best you can this week. Because trust me when I say this will be a tough week it shall and will be tough.” No response was given to the Captain, but the faces they gave him spoke of what he saw many times before. Fatigue, annoyance, exhaustion and unenthusiasm for what was going to come, with Starknight’s face showing the most of it. “Now for the first order of business. We have a new rookie coming in going by the name of Moonstonewho should be arriving in the next few minutes.” Duke explained, seeing a few faces of the officers’ ears perk up a bit. “Officer Starknight, you will be in charge of showing him the ropes for the next few months. If you feel like he’s efficient enough to be working all on his own, that’s great until then however, you will be his T.O. Is that understood?” “Yes sir.” Adding under her breath, Starknight muttered, “I’ll teach him to be here on time.” “What was that sergeant? I didn’t quite catch what you said.” Bitterness filled her Captain's voice like cold coffee. “If you feel that you have something to add that we all should know, then please do so now.” “No sir it was… nothing.” She quickly replied while clearing her throat. “I was just mentally reminding myself too… uh, pick up some bread and steak for dinner tonight sir.” “…Very well let's continue, shall we?” He asked, giving his niece the stink eye before continuing on with his announcements. “As I was saying, there are some assignments that need to be given out. Berk Comet and Sky Cloud, you’ll be working undercover. Based on our intelligence, there seems to be a new type of drug called Xeno Dust hitting the streets. If you can, find out where it is coming from and put a stop to it. We can’t fail the families of those harmed by this drug.” “Yes sir!” Both officers replied with a salute. Handing both men their assignments he moved on to another couple. “Officers Dew Shadows, Cloudy Skies and Meadow Brooks will work traffic and the streets. A rash of auto thefts has been happening in the area, find out what is going on and who is picking up the tab for this.” “We will sir! We won’t let you down!” Dew Shadows replied, taking the folder he opened it, glanced at the paperwork inside. “Sir, are these cars connected to the drug case by any chance?” Cloudy Skies asked with a curious voice. “I don’t know if they are, but if so, I need you to let me know right away.” Duke replied. “We will sir” Meadow Brooks said, turning her attention to Cloudy she added, “Cloudy we can check with our database and then get back to the others before we hit the streets.” “Sounds like a plan to me” He replied in full agreement. “Glad to see you two are actually getting along for once.” Captain Duke grumbled as he went to the last few officers. “Lastly,” He stopped and headed back up front to the podium with a look of anger that could have frozen hell over. “There are fourteen missing children whose parents are demanding answers and I don’t have any to give them.” All the officers stood pale and worried looks plastered on each of their faces all that is but for Starknight who stood with a look of pure rage on her face. Trying hard to contain her anger she closed her eyes silently counting to ten to regain her composer. Opening her eyes, she saw her Captain was looking right at her swallowing hard she opened her mouth to address him only to be cut off. “I want Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly to work with detectives Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper to find these missing children. I can’t stress this enough ladies and gentlemen! Find those kids and bring them home safely! Failure to do so is not an option! Do I make myself clear in this matter?!” “Yes sir!” All the assigned officers yelled out in unison. Captain Duke Whiskers nodded approvingly. “Alright, you are all dismissed. Sergeant Starknight, you will remain here.” As the other officer’s left the room, Starknight stood in place hoping her uncle wasn’t about to rip her a new one for her display of anger only a moment ago. She met his cold steel gray eyes with her soft blue eyes both stared at each other for what to her felt like an eternity but was in fact only a few seconds. “I saw the look on your face. Don't think I didn’t notice it” He said firmly. “Sir I ---” she began fumbling over her words, closing her eyes and tightening her hand. “It’s just, well, every time that I hear that a child has been taken, I … I can’t help but think-” “I know.” He replied gently, stepping away from the podium he placed his hand on her shoulder. “I was there, remember? It won’t happen again Starknight. I know you won’t let it happen again.” “If you will please excuse me sir, I need to get out there.” She quickly began to make her way to the door stopping just before the threshold of it. “And you’re right sir. I won’t ever let it happen again. Not EVER.’ Perhaps she chose her last words because she really was thinking of such a thing. An incident that happened so many years ago that, even now, still haunted her in her nightmares. No matter how rare or occasional it became over the years it would always haunt her. ‘No, don’t think about that right now.’ She thought silently making her way to her desk ‘You have things more important than that to mull over.’ Getting to her desk a moment later, she noticed several pink slips placed on her computer council, just in front of her chair. Flipping through them, she saw that most were from Canterlot Child Protective Services; something she was more or less expecting. Three were from her mother and four others were from a friend she hadn’t seen since the incident. Putting them in her drawer, she turned her computer on and typed in Sunset Shimmer’s name and waited for the page to load. Looking around, she saw most of her fellow officers making themselves busy going over either their assignments or other forms of paperwork. ‘What I would not give to be in their position right now.’ Starknight muttered herself, looking at the screen again as it slowly loaded. Groaning, she clenched the side of her desk with her hand in an attempt to suppress her annoyance. “Come on! Come on you piece of-“ ‘First Name: Sunset, Last Name: Shimmer, D. O. B: July 15th, 2005, Height: Five Feet, Six inches, Weight: One Hundred Ten Pounds, Eye color: Cyan, Hair Color: Red and Yellow, Address: Fifteen Ten Apple-lane Fourth Street. Area code: Five Six One Two Eight. Parents: Winter-song Shimmer, Melody Shimmer.’ Staring blankly at her computer, Starknight turned to her right, picking up her phone to dial the number for C.C.P.S. Looking back at her screen with confusion, she muttered, “I’m sure I had seen ‘classified information’ flash across my screen. How in the hell did--?” Her words were cut short when she heard a familiar voice over her phone, “Hello, this is Canterlot Child Protective Services Rosy Petal speaking. How may I help you?” “Yes? Hello, is this Rosy Petal ?” Starknight replied, forcing the irritation out of her voice. “This is Sergeant Starknight from earlier this morning.” “Oh, hello Officer Starknight! Nice to hear from you again!” Warmth smoothly laced itself within the professional tone that Rose Petal was using at the first sentence. “How’ve you been during our last conversation?” “I’m doing a little better than I was before. I appreciate your asking.” Starknight replied, feeling herself calming down a bit from how pleasant Rose Petal ’s voice sounded. “I was just calling to get back to you about Sunset Shimmer’s address and where you can find her.” “Oh yes! The runaway I talked about with you and your Captain. Please give me just a moment!” Rosy acknowledged, typing following her reply. “Alright, everything is up and ready to go! Could you please relay where Sunset Shimmer’s home is?” Starknight coughed into her fisted hand. “Yes of course. Her address is Fifteen Ten Apple-Lane fourth street. The area code is Five Six One Two Eight.” “Alright… there we go! Her address is set and secure!” Rosy cheerfully confirmed after a moment or two of not speaking. “Thank you for the information Sergeant Starknight! I’ll send someone out as soon as possible to see her! Is there anything else Officer Starknight that I can help you with?” “No, I believe that will do it. Thank you, Ms. Petal .” Starknight replied with a hand wave. “Oh, and um, I’m sorry for my rudeness during our first phone call.” Hearing light chuckling from the other end of the phone she pursed her lips as Rosy gently replied, “Please think nothing of it, I’ve heard far worse in my twenty-five years of doing this line of work. Being curtly hung up on is nothing new to me. I get told off by almost everyone that I meet! So yeah, it's nothing to worry about deary.” ‘She is way too laid back for that type of work.’ Starknight thought with a little head shake. “I appreciate you saying that Ms. Petal . I’m glad I didn’t make you feel offended with the way I treated you. Was there anything else that you needed from me?” “No, nothing at all. But I will be calling you later on when I have set up the interview with Sunset Shimmer’s family.” Rosy reminded her sweetly. “You know, so you can be there to stop anything bad from happening?” “Yes, of course.” Starknight replied, adding, “I’ll be ready and on call for that, Ms. Petal . Have a good afternoon.” “Thank you, I will.” Ms. Petal replied warmly. “I’ll see you soon.” After hearing the line cut off, Starknight set the phone down. “Hey Captain, do you know if that rookie has come in yet?” “Not yet. He seems to be running late. Must be the traffic.” Duke replied as he stopped at Starknight’s desk. “Listen, about what we talked about before our meeting with the officers--” “Yeah, I actually wanted to talk to you about that too.” Starknight’s hand went up to stop him. “I take that back. What I really wanted to do was apologize to you for my outburst.” “Please don’t bother. It’s not like I didn't deserve it anyway. It was a breach of your privacy so it’s not like I can’t expect you to not be angry about it.” heading back to his office she got up from her desk and followed him to his office upon entering she closed the door behind the two of them. “Look… I am sorry I had to do things how I did. But you need to understand I was in a tight spot. You do at least understand that don’t you?” “Yeah, I do… and I fully understand your position in this matter Captain.” Starknight replied. “I just wish you had called me and asked me first before going through with it.That’s all I wanted was a simple heads up is all”. Seeing a look of concern on her face he sat down in his chair gesturing for her to take the chair in front of his desk. Starknight sat down putting her hands over her knees she looked at him as he turned still in his chair taking up a coffee pot and cup. Handing the cup to her he poured some coffee into it, set it back to its place and waited for her to take a sip. “Was there something else I needed to know about the Sheldon case Sergeant?” He finally asked, not able to stand the silence any longer. “Now that we’re on the subject, I noticed Ms. Sheldon had bruises on her face when I went to drop Snips off. Could you explain to me the reason for that?” Any and all semblance of relaxation disappeared from Duke’s face at this. He knew exactly why the person in question from the way Starknight described her would have bruises on her face. It was in both their best interest that he gave his niece clarity regarding the situation. None of it made it easier for him, but Duke knew it was part of the job. Even if it made his stomach churn doing so. “Yes, I can. She works at the local hospital’s E.R and has to deal with the cases that nobody else wants. Sometimes those cases involve people that are high on drugs. Other times it's dealing with your basic drunks.” taking a breath he sighed adding, “I have known the Sheldon’s since Snips was only a little baby. I have tried many times to get Lucy...” Getting a slightly confused look from his niece he added, “Snip's mother's name is Lucy Sheldon. Anyways like I was trying to say, I have been trying to get Lucy to end her days at that hospital. Yet she won’t do it because of her son. She needs the money to cloth, feed, and take care of him. Or they may end up on the streets.” “And what about his father?” Starknight asked, her tone somewhat disappointed. “I would think Snips' father would have at least some say in this, wouldn’t he?” Duke shook his head in response. “Actually, no. He is, as far as I know, not in the picture.” “I see. Who is the other person I saw at her home last night?” Grimness filled Starknight’s face when recalling the earlier hours. “When I was over at her home there was a big burly man who approached me and looked rather pissed off by my presence. I thought I would have to use my taser on him.” “Ah, yes. That was more than likely Nikolai Rosuki Sheldon.” Another confused look from his niece made Duke add more information. “The Sheldon family is from Strussia. As for Nikolai he is Lucy Sheldon’s older brother. It doesn’t surprise me you thought you would have to take him down. Nikolai cares deeply for his sister and his nephew, but he has been in trouble with the Strussian Authorities since he was a kid. Or so I am told by Lucy.” Starknight nodded her head after letting the facts sink in. “I hope I didn’t do anything to cost Ms. Sheldon custody of her son by informing C.C.P.S of my concerns?” Chuckling to himself, Duke gave reassurance to his niece. “No, you were right to call them. After all, you said you have concerns which need to be addressed. Please follow up on your concerns and make yourself completely available to C.C.P.S.” “I will sir. C.C.P.S wants to conduct an interview with Snips Sheldon on Monday the 8th of August that I plan to be available for” Starknight confirmed. “But I do have one question though sir.” “Oh, and what would that be?” Duke replied with a slight grin, having a feeling he knew what she was referring to. “How am I supposed to make myself available to them if I have to train in a rookie sir?” Both of the corners of Starknight’s lips went down to form an annoyed frown. “I kinda need to know how to handle this.” “Let’s see how best we can handle this?” Letting his thoughts wander, Duke Whiskers got up and walked over to his office window, pulling the cord to the window shade he replied, “It’s simple. You take him with you when you conduct the interview.” He went silent while watching the traffic flow by the precinct for a few minutes. Looking over his shoulder to his niece he concluded their conversation. “You're a good officer Starknight don’t let anyone, not even me tell you different. Now, I suggest you get out there and get to work, alright?” “I will. Thank you for providing me with that much-needed information Captain.” Starknight said as she got up from the chair she had been sitting on. “Before I head out to clock in, I need to know… who classified Sunset Shimmers information?” “As far as I know, no one has classified anyone’s information.” Duke replied, turning back around placing his hands behind his back. “It must be a case of you being overworked, so I am going to suggest that you take the next few days off to get some rest. For now, get clocked in and then be ready to head out on patrol in a few minutes got it?” “But I-” Starknight started cutting herself short, seeing a grim look on his face. “Yes sir.” Heading out of her Captains office, she made her way to the clock area, only for a sudden arrival to stop her. A man in his early twenties stood just a couple feet away from the precinct entrance. In his right hand was a duffel bag, along with a uniform covered by a dark green coat. Matching green crew cut hair covered his head, none of it covering his bright purple eyes. On either cheek were a few freckles, giving him the appearance of a farm boy in spite of him being rather short. While taking his coat off, Starknight noticed a snake tattoo on his forearm encircling a knife in the center with a globe and skull at the bottom of the knife. “I’m sorry ma’am! I didn’t mean to stand in your way like that”. He said, holding up a hand to convey his apology. “I’m looking for Officer Starknight? I’m supposed to be getting trained in and she is supposed to be my training officer today”. “You’re looking at her rookie.” Starknight replied curtly with a somewhat cold stare. “I take it you’re the new recruit?” Locking eyes with her he held out his hand and confirmed what the woman assumed, “Yes, I am. My name is-” “Moon Stone, I know. My Captain let all of us know before you came.” Starknight interrupted briskly, pushing his hand away. “I don’t have time for this! Get yourself clocked in now!” Seeing Moonstone wasn’t moving she sighed as a few other officers stopped what they were doing to look in her direction. Feeling their eyes upon her Starknight’s hand balled into a fist releasing her fist. Staring into his soft olive-green eyes she looked at him not liking what she saw in him. A young rookie who had little to no idea how to follow basic orders or had any idea what it took to be a police officer. “Now listen to me.” She began trying to break the silence between them. “I have to report to patrol in a few minutes and like you, I too need to clock in! Get moving!” Seeing he still wasn’t moving she frowned, pointing down the other hallway she added bluntly. “When you get to the end of the hallway, turn right. You’ll find your locker in the men's changing room. Once you have your gear head to the garage. If you still can’t find it, you can ask one of the other officers to guide you.” “Sure thing!” Moonstone said with a firm nod as he began walking off. “Thank you, I’ll get right on to it Ma’am! “Don’t ever call me ‘Ma’am’ again! It’s Sergeant to you! ” Starknight bitterly snapped. “… Oh, and rookie?” Watching him stop in his walk down the hallway to look back at her, she finished their small talk with a little piece of advice. “Next time be on time! I don’t like training officers who show up late. If you can’t bother to be here on time, then don’t bother showing up for your shift at all!” “Y-yes Sergeant! I’ll be here on time from now on.” He replied, turning to leave while muttering under his breath. “Wow... what a day this is turning out to be.” Quickly making his way to the men's locker room, Moonstone found his locker after a minute of searching and greeting another officer. Opening it, he took out his duty belt before strapping it around his waist. He then reached in his locker to take out his mace, handcuffs, and keys to place on his belt. Turning around, he faced another officer who was in the changing room and quietly, yet politely, got his attention. “Excuse me, sir?” Moonstone asked, looking anywhere but at the officer himself. “Can you tell me where the garage is, please?” “Yes, but you might want to hurry. The sergeant doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” He replied, as he put away his own duty belt and gun into his own locker. “Names Comet Duster. I’m one of the few officers the sergeant trained. Now it’s your turn to face the dragon of precinct one twelve and let me tell you… she does not hold back.” “Given the line of work I chose to take, I’d be surprised if no sergeant here held back in training a rookie.” Moonstonemurmured with a weak smile, making the other officer laugh. “One more thing, rookie? Make sure you have your gun on you at all times.” Looking him over, he noticed Moonstone wasn’t carrying a backup weapon. “I would also suggest you buy a second gun too. Carrying a second weapon on you can very easily mean the difference between coming home alive. Or winding up six feet under, you got it?” “Yes, sir.” Moonstonereplied, reaching into his locker taking out his Smith and Wesson M-9. He took out the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds in it. Pulling the slide back and doing one last check of it, he placed it into his holster giving the other officer a weak smile. “Now that I have everything, can you help me please?” “Only because you said please.” He replied teasingly, shutting his own locker and locking it with a padlock. “Just go out the way you came. Follow the hallway down to your left and head out the door that says ‘Garage’. You can’t miss it. You’ll more than likely find the sergeant in car number sixty-four-seven. You better hurry. Otherwise, you risk her coming in and dragging you out by your ear... literally.” Giving him a concerned look, Moonstonefinished getting his things before making his way to the garage. Once he arrived there, he opened the door, the sounds of cars pulling in and out of the garage echoed in his ears. Gasoline, freshly washed rubber, and spilled oil all permeated his nostrils like the spray from a skunk as he sniffed it in. Looking around, he found a car numbered sixty-four-seven near the back of the garage. Quickly making his way to the squad car he got in, finding officer Starknight talking on the radio. Deciding to wait until she was finished, Moonstonegot into the passenger side door right next to her. “Dispatch.” He heard Starknight say into the car's radio mic. “Go for dispatch.” “Sergeant Starknight is calling right now. I’m calling in my ten - twenty. I am currently at Canterlot Precinct One twelve. The time is currently….” Watching her twist her right wrist round revealing her watch he heard her finish “Sixteen hundred hours and fifteen minutes.” “Ten - Twelve officer”. “Roger that.” Looking at Moonstoneshe murmured, “We’ll have to get you clocked in since I took up your time showing you where to go. I’ll drive us around the city once that’s over with and see-” “Officer, be advised we have a two - forty and two - forty-two at Canterlot High School.” Sighing from the interruption, Starknight logged into her duty roster saying, “Ten-four dispatch. I am ten - seventy-six to Canterlot High School now. Giving her rookie partner a passing glance she added, “Hold on, I need to turn the mic over to the rookie who needs to clock in.” “Ten - twelve officer”. Hearing static over the radio, both officers waited for a few minutes while she started up the car and began to pull out in the main pathway of the garage. Picking up the mic himself, Moonstonesaid into it, “Dispatch?” “Go for dispatch.” “This is officer Moonstonecalling.” Watching her flip on the sirens he continued, “I’m in my Ten - forty-one. The current time is sixteen hundred and thirty minutes.” “Ten-four officer, you are clocked in now.” Placing the mic back at its place, Moonstone leaned back into the leather seat letting out a sigh catching Starknight’s attention. He shot her his own passing glance as if feeling her looking at him and gave a little smile. Rolling her eyes, Starknight continued backing out of the garage to get to the main road. Feeling the tires roll on the flat back substance, she proceeded to speed off. Taking great amusement and watching Moonstonehold onto his seat for dear life. Moonstone and Starknight found themselves at the school twenty minutes after leaving the police department. No attempt was made by the latter to hide the amusement she felt at seeing the former look so caught off guard by the destruction. It was sadly short-lived for her due to the fact they had to meet with the head of the school. A couple of reports to dispatch later Moonstoneand Starknight went up to the entrance to look for Principal Celestia. Neither needed to look for they could already see her there talking with a man that clearly looked like he was in trouble. “I’m sorry Mr. Doodle, but this is what is going to happen due to your poor behavior.” Celestia said firmly, taking notice of the approaching officers. “Abuse of power is not something that will be tolerated in this school, regardless of your exceptional teaching skills. Consequences will come for that and it’s time you face that.” “I was only doing what I was supposed to do.” Mr. Doodle argued, indignantly. “You and the Vice principal saw what happened with Sunset, didn’t you? She needed to be punished!” “In ways that are under the confinements of school rules. Confinements that you failed to uphold today.” Celestia shot back one hand on her hip with a stern glare. “Now, I am going to be talking with someone regarding outside business. Until I’m done, please remain here so we can discuss what you should do with your behavior as a teacher going forward.” “Fine! I’ll wait in my classroom! I have to catch up on some work anyway.” He grumbled in reply, turning to leave. “Kids these days have no respect for their elders.” Shaking her head, Celestia turned her attention to the two officers. “Thank you for coming officers Starknight and Moon Stone. I’m sorry for that little spew you saw earlier. One of my teachers was being rather… unprofessional.” “It’s cool. Not the first time I’ve dealt with people like that. Can’t say the same for my new recruit here.” Starknight replied, gesturing to a nervous looking Moon Stone. “We got a call saying there was an assault at this location. Can you tell us please what happened? ” “I can. Please follow me. ”Leading them down the hallway and towards the Canterlot High Nurse Office. “Sunset Shimmer got into a fight with another student by the name of Lightning Dust who is currently in my sister's office awaiting the arrival of her father. Fluttershy McPherson, who appears to be the only witness to this, is in the nurse's office right now... She won’t leave Sunset’s side.” “Ah, I get it…” Moonstonemurmured. “A stereotypical scenario involving high schoolers. I think I can guess where this is going.” “If you were able to get that much, you have to.” Celestia somewhat confirmed grimly. “Although I will say you may not be in for what it’s really about.” “I don’t feel like I’m ready for it at all.” Came the apprehensive reply from the rookie officer. “Oh, um, by the way, sergeant, is it alright if I go get a statement from Lightning Dust? That way I can have a better feel as to what may happen here?” Starknight gave a consenting nod. “I think that will be a good idea. It’ll make my part of the job a bit easier. Just be sure to be quick, alright? I don’t want this to drag out more than needed.” Nodding to his trainer, Moonstone turned his attention to Celestia. “Do you know where I can find your sister’s office?” “Just go out the way we came in and take a left corner. You can’t miss her office from there.” As the new officer went where she directed, Celestia cast her eyes back to Starknight. “If you’ll follow me here, Officer, I believe Nurse Red Heart is in the back with Sunset and Fluttershy.” “Thank you, Mrs. Sunrise.” Starknight as they continued down the opposite hall. “I would like to know if you have contacted Sunsets parents yet Principal Celestia?” “Not yet, but I will.” She replied. Getting to the back of the office a few moments later both found Fluttershy sitting in a chair next to Sunset. Said girl was unconscious, but other than the injuries she had, seemed alright. “How is she doing Red Heart?” Celestia asked, closing the door behind her. Redheart, who was checking Sunset’s vitals, gave the results. “It doesn’t look like Sunset has a concussion. She should be awake in just a few minutes. She’ll have a nasty black eye but other than that she'll be alright.” “That's good to hear. I’ll speak with you after we are done here.” Celestia said after giving a sigh. With a gentle look, she addressed Fluttershy in a similar manner. “Fluttershy, can you follow me to my office please? There are some questions that I would like to ask you.” “A-alright.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper as she gently moved a lock from Sunset’s hair. “Is S-Sunset going to get into trouble for this?” “I can’t answer that ‘till after the police speak to her and her parents.” She replied solemnly. “I will also need to call your parents and make them aware of what happened here today.” Gently taking Fluttershy’s hand, Celestia started to usher her out of the office towards her own office. At the threshold of the office door, she heard Starknight speak up. “I’ll stay here until Sunset wakes up. When she is able to speak to us, I’ll bring her to your office, Celestia.” “I appreciate that Officer Starknight, but I would prefer you to bring her to the conference room. I’ll come back in a little bit and show you how to get there.” Celestia advised before looking back at Fluttershy. “Let's go call your parents. I’ll also need to radio my sister to bring Lightning Dust to the conference room.” “Okay.” Fluttershy agreed, casting a brief look at Starknight. “Please take care of Sunset Officer, I don’t want her hurt any more than she already is.” “Don’t worry sweetie. No one’s gonna harm this girl on my watch.” The policewoman assured as she put a finger on her taser. “You just go with your principal to get your parents here. Sunset and I will meet up with you, and hopefully my trainee soon.” Getting to her office with Fluttershy in tow, Celestia opened her door ushering Fluttershy in the small office. Looking around for a brief moment, Fluttershy saw sitting on Celestia's desk a picture of Luna. It showed Luna holding a fish in her right hand and net in her left. Picking it up she looked at it like it was a rare type of shell found on the beach. "When did you two go fishing Principal Celestia?" Fluttershy asked, glancing up at the principal. "Huh? Oh, that picture was taken when Luna was fourteen. I just turned eighteen and decided to take her on her first fishing trip.” Celestia explained somewhat solemnly. “Needless to say, it was also our last fishing trip.” Both ends of Fluttershy’s eyebrows went downward. “Oh my… did something bad happen on the trip?” “Not exactly… but all I will say it was the last time we ever did that together. ”Pulling out a chair in front of her desk she continued, “Please sit down, we’ll begin our questions shortly. First, I have to call Sunset's parents.” Picking up her phone and turning her computer on, she found Sunset’s information. Clicking a few buttons on her keyboard she scrolled through the information passing the address and zip code sections. Finding what she was looking for she reached over to her phone's keypad dialing the number she had on screen. “Hello! You have reached the Shimmer household. We can't come to the phone right now but if you leave your name and a message, we’ll get back to you as soon as we possibly can.” Sighing, Celestia heard the phone chime out, “At the tone please leave your message.”` Waiting for a few minutes Celestia heard the phone beep before quickly speaking into it. “Yes hello? This is Principal Celestia. I’m calling in regard to your daughter Sunset Shimmer. There was an incident at school today and I need either her mother or father to come to the school.” Her voice echoed off the walls of her office. My office number is 651 - 473 - 2677, the extension is 758. I’ll have my cell phone on me at this meeting which will be taking place in our conference room. My cell phone is 651 - 569 - 7659.” Hanging up the phone, Celestia sighed and turned to her office window, as she did many times during moments like this. Opening the blind, she watched the traffic drive past the school. A few vehicles would slow down every few minutes then speed past the school. Guessing the occupants were trying to figure out what happened, she turned back around closing the blind. ‘This is going to be a long and hard year for us to get through.’ She thought to herself. ‘If just one of my students is willing to do this to Sunset Shimmer then what are the rest of the students willing to do to her? I really don’t want to find out… and it’s best for her if I make sure I don’t.’ Walking over to a set of cabinets located to the right of her desk she took out a teacup, tea, sugar packets and creamer cups placing them on her desk. Holding up the teacup for Fluttershy to see she smiled warmly to her. Receiving only a nod from her student, Celestia quickly made her way over to the sink, filling the cup up, and placed it into a microwave located at the back of her office. Setting the timer for three minutes she waited for the microwave to get done warming the water. “What I wanted to ask you was.” She began turning back around to face Fluttershy who offered her a very weak smile in return. “Do you know who started the fight that happened today?” Hearing the microwave chime out that it was done Fluttershy watched Celestia take the cup from the microwave placing two bags of tea into it. Placing it in front of her she returned to her own seat sitting down, she smiled pleasantly to Fluttershy placing the sugar packets and creamer cups in front of her as well. “It's going to be alright Fluttershy. You're not in any trouble at all.” Watching her take the sugar packets and creamer cups she continued softly, “I can see you're rather frightened to be in here with me. Would you feel better if your parents were here?” “Yes, Principal Celestia.” Fluttershy replied gratefully. “I’d feel much better if my mother or father were here.” Giving her an approving smile, she handed her office phone over to Fluttershy. She waited silently as she dialed her parent's number and put the phone to her ear. A few moments later she heard her mother's voice over the phone. “Hello?” “Mom it's me.” Getting nervous, Fluttershy began to play with the cord of the phone. “Can you, um… come to the school? I-I need your help.” “What’s wrong honey?” She heard her mother say, voice filled with a worry that could only come from a concerned parent. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy grew in a calming breath. “I’m fine, it is just that Sunset got into a fight at school and I am really scared. I don’t know what to do. How soon till you can get here?” “I should be there within ten minutes, honey.” Mrs. McPherson said in an assuring tone. “Is a teacher with you now sweetheart?” “Yes, I am in Principle Celestia’s office. Do you want to talk to her?” “Yes honey. Can you put her on please?” Handing the phone over to Celestia, Fluttershy looked away while Celestia took the phone and spoke into it. “Hello? This is Principal Celestia. Is this Mrs. McPherson?” “Yes, this is her. Is my daughter in trouble?” Mrs. Shy asked in the same concerned voice that she used with Fluttershy. “I would like to know what is going on.” “No Mrs. MacPherson, your daughter isn’t in any trouble.” Celestia began noticing Fluttershy was starting to fidget with her backpack, “There was a fight between Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Dust. It seems that Fluttershy is the only witness to this fight. Your daughter is perfectly fine. But I do need you here while the police question her about what happened.” “I see.” She replied flatly. “I am at the corner of Fifth and Mane now. I’ll be at the school in about eight to six minutes. In the meantime, you may talk with her until I get there.” “Thank you, Mrs. MacPherson, I’ll see you then.” Hanging up the phone she looked at Fluttershy who sunk into her chair adding, “Alright Fluttershy, your mother will be here shortly. She has given me permission to speak with you until she gets here. Until then, let’s stay in here alright?” “S-sure,” Fluttershy mumbled, playing with her pink hair as she took a sip of her tea. “Wow… this really is good tea? Where did you get it if I may ask?” “I got this tea from a trip I took to Prance several months ago.” She replied, taking a cup for herself she placed it into the microwave, pressed a few buttons and waited for it to warm up once it was done she took it out and took her seat again. “I wanted to bring back a few souvenirs, so I thought the tea and cups would do nicely and it looks like it did. I am glad that you enjoy it.” “I am enjoying it very much. I think I have a new idea of what to get my parents for Mother and Father’s Day.” Fluttershy giggled while playing with a lock of her hair. “But it may take a while.” “Better get yourself a ticket to prance then.” Celestia chuckled, leaning back into her chair before she took on a serious tone. “Now then… I think we should start this from the beginning. You tried defending Sunset from Lightning Dust, yes? What did you see when you got to the fight?” “When I got there, I saw Lightning Dust hit Sunset,” Fluttershy said, taking another sip from her cup and putting it down. “Sunset didn't bother to fight back which is why I rushed to her aid.” “I see.” Celestia replied, narrowing her eyes “And when you saw Sunset was in trouble, did you see if anyone else was going to jump in or if anyone was already getting involved?” “No, as far as I know. I was the only one that actually did anything to help Sunset.” Fluttershy replied. “No one else bothered to do anything. They either stood back and watched or… cheered the fight on. It was just me helping her and no one else.” Celestia grimaced, feeling her fingers curl up into fists as if attempting to squeeze a stress ball from what Fluttershy was saying. She knew from what Luna told her that it was bad when no attempt was made to protect Sunset from the onslaught of Lightning Dust's bullying. It wasn’t something totally out of the unexpected given how much many of the students hated Sunset and had a grudge towards her. But to hear not one student who helped her and even cheered her tormentor on? Some firmer means of reprimanding were most certainly in need later on. “I see… that’s rather unfortunate.” She said after a time, disgust and disappointment sticking to her tone. “Was it around that time when my sister showed up to assist you?” “It was. She took Sunset to the nurse’s office and had me go back to class. I went to the nurse’s office after my last period, and I was there until you came.” Celestia nodded. “Okay, I think I have the entirety of this incident down now. Thank you for telling it to me Fluttershy. I promise that Sunset will get the care and help she needs. As for the students… I am not sure there is much I can do but the expected. But I’ll make sure an extra close eye is kept on them from now on.” “Thank you… please help her.” Fluttershy whispered, her yellow cheeks alight with her tears. “I don’t know what else I can do, or if I can keep doing it, but… please help her. For her sake.” In spite of the distance between her house and the school, Mrs. McPherson was able to get there surprisingly quickly. It was speculated by Celestia that the thought of her child being in danger was what helped her achieve the impossible. Something that made total sense if any parent were to hear their child got involved in a fight. She still felt a sense of discomfort at seeing the look on the woman’s face at seeing the state of the school. Fortunately, she didn’t have to explain why it was like that. All Ms. McPherson cared about was seeing that her daughter was okay. As soon as she saw her mother, Fluttershy wasted no time in running to her mothers open arms. She nuzzled her mother’s bosom like a kitten snuggling into a blanket as she was comforted for all she was worth. Some tears and motherly tenderness later, Celestia gracefully shifted both their attention back to what she planned to talk to Fluttershy about. It took a bit of coaxing, but she slowly began to recap what happened earlier that afternoon. “My goodness… that is just awful! What a horrible thing to do to such a young girl.” Mrs. McPherson whispered after Fluttershy finished her retelling. “I had no idea such students went to this school. For her to do what she tried to do to Sunset? I just can’t wrap my head around it.” “I was about to say the same thing. I know Sunset has made a few mistakes, but I don’t see why one of my students would do this.” Celestia agreed, running a hand across her rainbow hair. “All I do know is that Fluttershy was the only one protecting Sunset Shimmer from Lightning Dust. As for the other students… well, I don’t think I really need to think about why they didn’t.” “Whatever the reason was for not helping Sunset, it doesn’t matter.” Fluttershy murmured with a clench of her fists. “She was getting bullied in front of all of them and none of them did a thing to help her. No matter what hate they have for her, it’s not an excuse to hurt her! Let alone allow someone else to do that bullying too!” “No, it isn’t. Which is why I will see to it that Lightning Dust is punished for her actions. Once I’ve spoken to her father after he gets here that is.” Celestia said, clasping her fingers together. “Anyhow, is that all that went down between you and Lightning Dust, Fluttershy? Or is there any additional information?” A head shake from the teen confirmed the answer to Celestia’s second question. “N-no, nothing else happened after that. Aside from Vice-Principal Luna coming in to take Sunset to the Nurse’s Office. I just wish I did something more. Maybe she would’ve been as hurt as she was.” “You did all you could sweetheart. At the end of it all, Sunset is safe, and that is all that matters.” Ms. McPherson stated, stroking her daughter’s hair. “If you want, I can lend my help. I just need to know what you want me to do.” “Um, Sunset isn’t my friend Mom… at least not yet since she’s pretty distrusting right now.” Both of Fluttershy’s hands went up to fiddle with her hair like she was trying to braid it. “But I’ll let you know if I need your help too, help Sunset. She needs a lot of it.” “And help she will get.” Celestia added, leaning back in her chair. “Thank you for all that you have told us Fluttershy. Your statement will be vital for the case at hand. I would let you two go for the night, but I will need the two of you to stay for a bit longer. If you don’t mind, can you head to the Conference Room? I’ll need you to tell my sister and the officers about this.” “Y-yes, of course.” Fluttershy nodded as she and her mother got up from her seat. “Will Lightning Dust be there as well?” “If you’re worried about her hurting you, don’t. My sister, me and the officers will keep an eye on her in case she tries to.” Celestia replied with a reassuring hand wave. “I’d also like to let you two know that Lightning Dust’s father will be with us as well too. Since, well…” “We understand Principal Celestia. Thank you for giving us the heads up about the… storm that’ll come.” Ms. McPherson thanked, looking a bit nervous herself. “Will you be coming with us?” “In a couple of minutes. I need to radio my sister and let her, and Officer Moonstoneknow what you two will be joining her.” Celestia said, reaching into her desk and pulling out said device. “Can you show your mother where the Conference Room is Fluttershy?” “Okay.” Fluttershy turned to her mother and took her hand. “Come on Mom, I’ll show you where we should go.” Giving a little wave of goodbye to the principal, the two McPhersons quietly exited the office to allow Celestia privacy. Dialing into the radio, she held to her mouth so she would be able to speak clearly through it. Buzzing roared in her ears for a little bit before Luna’s voice replaced it. “Sister? Is that you?” Her stern voice asked inquisitively. “Did you need something?” “No Luna, but I wanted to give you a heads up on something.” Celestia cleared her throat before continuing. “I just finished speaking to Fluttershy about the fight that happened yesterday. I have sent her to the Conference Room along with her mother and I would like you and Moonstoneto meet them there.” “Understood. We will be there as soon as we can.” Luna affirmed after a moment. “Oh, and sister, I’d like to let you know I have called Lightning Dust’s father and he’ll be arriving soon. Before he does, should I turn on the television in the conference room when I get in there?” “Yes, Luna. We’ll need it for what will be discussed. I’ll bring Sunset and officer Starknight there in a little bit. There are some things that I need to take care of first.” Celestia consented. “I’ll also be bringing the tapes from this afternoon with me. Along with the ones from last night for Officer Starknight to review as well.” “Very well. We’ll be in the conference room shortly.” Luna replied before the radio went silent. ‘Well, that went faster than expected.’ Celestia thought, holding onto her radio as she sighed. ‘All that’s left to do now is to get those tapes. Before I do that, I chew a certain math teacher out.’ Setting her own radio back in the drawer, Celestia went out from behind her desk and exited her office seeing Fluttershy and her mother talking to each other. Clicking her door shut, the principal made her way towards the library, vaguely hearing the mother and daughter’s conversation. “Honey, do you know where to go?” Mrs. McPherson asked gently, taking her daughter’s hand “I am sure Sunset will be alright, you’ll see. If it is possible, I would like you to help Sunset Shimmer out.” “Yes mom. I know where to go.” Fluttershy replied, leading her mother down the hallway through the multiple classes and lockers. “If you want me to help Sunset out perhaps we could invite her over for dinner. Or perhaps some tea and sandwiches. Something that’ll help her take her mind off of things.” Mrs. McPherson’s tone gave her smile away. “I think that would be lovely dear. I can ask your father if that’ll be fine with him.” “Really?! Oh, thank you mom!” Smiling to herself, Celestia refocused on going to the library. Catching Fluttershy’s teal eyes land on her from the corners of her own. Her hand met the door of the library a few seconds later and her gaze immediately met Cheerilee's. “Principal Celestia! What a surprise seeing you here today!” Cheerilee greeted, as she staked the papers and books on her desk. “What can I do for you this afternoon?” “Hello Ms. Cheerilee. I hope I’m not interrupting you in your cleaning of the library.” Celestia said, her voice polite yet tired. “I came to ask you something if you don’t mind. It may end up being a bit triggering, but I would like to know the details if you’re willing to share it.” Sensing where the conversation may be going, Cheerilee started things off with a question of her own. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with what happened to Sunset Shimmer would, it?” “More or less… in the perspective sense.” Celestia grimly replied. “You said earlier today that you knew what it was like to have students treat you or someone else with scorn and hate. Along with the lifelong effects that has on someone?” “…I did, yes.” Cheerilee confirmed after a second of saying nothing. “Did you want to know more about it?” Not choosing to say anything, Celestia nodded, and Cheerilee closed her eyes as a sigh of regret as well as pain left her. Lifting a hand, she pointed to the top drawer of her desk, telling Celestia where her deepest secret was. Doing as instructed Celestia opened the top drawer finding a worn-out picture that was dated, ‘June 15th, 1988, Thursday’. It showed a girl with short shoulder length icy blue hair, freckles, glasses and braces. She had a striped red and blue sweater on with a yellow flower in her icy hair. Taking the photo from her hand Celestia gave Cheerilee a confused look as the librarian began to speak. “Her name was Gracey Snowheart. She was a bully who went to my high school.” Leaning against a shelf she continued looking at the photo. “She was much like Sunset was before Twilight came here. Gracey Snowheart would bully me and everyone else at school almost every day.” “I see... What happened to her?” “I did what Twilight did to Sunset. I stood up to Gracey Snowheart and embarrassed her in front of the entire school. I don’t want to say what I did, but… it was bad. Really bad.” Cheerilee winced as if she was suddenly slapped in the face. “Once everyone saw how weak and pathetic she was, all the students turned on her. This caused her to shut down mentally, only I didn’t know that until it was too late to do anything about it.” “I don’t-” Celestia began being cut off by Cheerilee. “Gracey Snowheart took her own life.” Cheerilee interrupted as Celestia’s mouth snapped shut. “She… she couldn’t handle how the other students at school treated her and chose to end it. I… watched her run out in front of a school bus and… it hit her. The bus dragged her twenty feet from the schools' entrance before the shouting of the students and teachers had reached the ears of the bus driver. He got out and went as white as snow upon realizing what he had done. He was eventually charged with murder in the third degree”. Tears squeezed themselves out of the librarian’s eyes as she went on. “I ran over to her as she was lying on the ground bleeding as her body had been crushed by the bus and… she died in my arms. I was such a mess after that... I kept her picture to remind myself that bullies need to be dealt with accordingly, but carefully.” Celestia stared at Cheerilee in horror, her light face paler than a full moon. “…For such a thing to be done… I cannot imagine anyone doing something like that. Even if they did torment their fellow students to end it all just like that?” She took in a shaky breath. “Did she not get any help from anyone? Even you? I’m sure you saw the signs early on. You may have been able to do something.” “I didn’t want to, at least not at first.” Looking away, Cheerilee wiped at her face. “By the time I had decided to actually do something it was already too late, and I was left with the guilt that, even now, still at times eats away at me. I’m not sure why you asked me all this, but if it’s to help Sunset Shimmer, then I suppose it’s vital you do. You have to be careful with how you handle what Sunset Shimmer is now going through, I can promise you that you’ll go through what I went through.” “I don’t understand Ms. Cheerilee. I haven’t seen anything at all to indicate that Sunset is going to try to do something so foolish.” “You may not see it now, but she’ll do something like this when it gets worse.” Cheerilee warned, while folding her arms under her rather ample chest. “I don’t want to see you go through what I have already been through. The guilt, the shame, the anger, I can’t bear the thought of what happened to me happening to you.” Swallowing hard while closing her eyes she slowly returned to her desk with her head bowed low, her jaw trembling. Reaching her hand out, she took the photo back from Celestia and placed it back into the desk drawer before looking back up at the younger woman. “Please Celestia… whatever it takes, don’t let Sunset face the same fate that Gracey made for herself. I don’t know what you’ll do, but…try hard to prevent it at all cost. I will be living with this regret until the day I die. Don’t let yourself be faced with that same punishment too.” “I… I won’t Cheerilee. I promise.” Celestia said hesitantly before she found her resolve again. “ I will see to it that Sunset recovers from this and will go on to live a peaceful life. It may take time, and plenty of hurdles will be met along the way, but… Sunset will get the help she needs.” “She’d better.” Cheerilee threatened before giving another sigh. “I think that’s enough digging in the past for me tonight. I have some work to complete here before I head home for the day… I thank you for your time Celestia. “Yes of course, feel free to turn in for the night if you wish.” Celestia readily blessed, feeling she had questioned the woman enough. “And Cheerilee I’m… sorry for reopening old wounds that you were trying to keep closed. I can see how much that upset you.” “It’s alright, really. Things like this need to be talked about every now and again. I just wish it didn’t have to be during something like this”. Cheerilee rejected the apology as if turning down one’s request for a date. I’ll be going now… tell Sunset I said hello.” “Will do,” Celestia said, giving a parting nod to Ms Cheerilee as she exited her workplace. On her way down the hallway she thought, ‘What a cruel world we live in.” Firm knocking from his classroom door drew Mr. Doodle’s focus from grading the sheets laying on his desk. He didn’t even need to think who it was before the name and face settled itself into his mind, and why they were here. Frustratingly sighing, he got up from his desk to head over to the door but was stopped when the visitor spoke. “Mr. Doodle you know why I have come here so let's get this over with shall we”. Celestia said from outside in the hallway. “May I come in?” “It’s your school.” He replied curtly returning to his desk and taking his seat he added. “Do as you like.” Entering his room Celestia looked around seeing the chairs stacked in the back of the classroom as she pursed her lips together. Walking up to Mr. Doodle’s desk, she pulled up a chair and sat down while vaguely eyeing the coffee cup sitting atop his desk. While not looking up to her, the math teacher reached over to his coffee cup, stopping when he heard her speak again. “Mr. Cranky Doodle I want to make it clear that your actions earlier today were completely unacceptable.” Celestia began, her tone calm yet firm. “You know that you are in no way to give out detention to any student unless it is truly warranted. Having a student standing in your classroom while you are just getting in yourself doesn’t warrant getting detention.” “I know it seems bad Celestia, but it isn’t what you think it is.” Mr. Doodle began trying to keep his temper in check. “Sunset Shimmer is a student that thrives off causing nothing but trouble for both her fellow students and the rest of the faculty. I thought it would be appropriate to take her down a peg or two by doing what I did. It’s not like I was tormenting her or anything.” “Maybe not in the way you thought but, what you did was still wrong! And you know it!” Celestia retorted, feeling herself get angrier. “Detentions are only to be given for a reason that warrants it. Like disturbances in class! Or fighting! Or being constantly tardy to class.” “Yes, but I-” He began to argue with her before being cut off. “None of which Sunset Shimmer was currently doing or had been doing from what my sister and I or you were seeing!” She continued, not in the mood to hear his excuses. “You do realize what you did was an abusive move of power?” “Listen, I was only doing what I felt was right. Nothing more and nothing less!” Mr. Doodle said in a vain effort to prove his innocence. “Why when I was a high schooler, I would get into all sorts of trouble with only one reprimand from my teachers. Which is why I don’t let bad behavior go unpunished. I can assure you that you wouldn’t believe how many detentions I got as a kid.” “That was then, this is now!” Celestia replied flatly as she got up from her seat. “Let me put this to you in words so that you will understand Mr. Doodle. You. Are. A. High. and Junior. High. School. Teacher. Not the principal of this school! Even if by some chance you were, not even that would excuse the unprofessional actions you were displaying and have been displaying since the beginning of this year! I have been patient with you for as long as I can! But it is apparent no improvements have been made on your part and you have forced my hand!” “Forced your hand? What’re you talking about?” Mr. Doodle asked, getting more nervous by the second. Leaning in with her eyes narrowed and jaw tightened, Celestia delivered her non-idle threat. “If you give any student in your class detention for anything less than what is necessary, you will force me to conclude that your services are no longer needed at this school!” “What?!” Mr. Doodle’s shout exploded from outside of his classroom as if the door wasn’t even closed. “You can’t do that! it’s the only job I have that keeps me afloat in this city! Where am I supposed to go if not here?!” “I’m afraid that is not anyone’s concern but yours.” Celestia replied flippantly. “I won’t put this into your record as a termination, but as a simple transfer to a different school. Either way, it will be a punishment fit for what you have done. Your role as a teacher is to teach your students and help mold them into good matured and productive adults. Not to try to be a dictator to your students.” Mr. Doodle sputtered out a final protest. “B-but… but…!” “No buts Mr. Doodle.” Celestia put her hand up and the math teacher found himself silenced in less than a second. “You will have until the end of this year to improve your behavior. Step out of line even a little, and you will see that I will fully do what I stated. Do I make myself clear?” “I… I…” After one last powerless plea, Mr. Doodle slumped in his seat. “Yes, Principal Celestia.” “Good.” She nodded, sighing as her legs pulled her to her feet. “Now, I need to get going. I suggest you take some time and think about what you have done today after you have completed your work and left. Do not think I am merely blowing hot air! I promise I will see to it you are punished for abuse of power if this ever happens again.” Gulping, Mr. Doodle nodded while quickly gathering up his belongings and making a hasty retreat towards the classroom door. Watching him get out in the hallway, Celestia followed him, staring coldly at him as he made his way out of the school's broken entrance. Turning to head towards the conference room, she began walking to it but stopped upon hearing a gruff voice behind her. “Excuse me.” At the sound of the newcomer Celestia turned to see a white-haired mustached man wearing a blue long sleeve dress shirt, a red tie and black slack pants. From the look on his face, she could tell he wasn’t too happy to be here and wondered who he was. A look at his orange eyes quickly dismissed that train of thought and recognition clicked instantly. “Mr. Dust?” She asked as he stopped in front of her. “Hello Principal Celestia.” Mr. Dust greeted, trying his best to sound formal. “Nice to see you here tonight.” “I didn’t expect you to arrive here so soon.” Celestia commented. “I just got off the radio with my sister less than a minute ago. I thought it’d take you longer to come.” “Yes well, when you get a phone call telling of your daughter being in trouble at school, you tend to get a little time on your side.” Mr. Dust stated, crossing his arms. “Speaking of which, what did my idiot daughter do this time? I’m really getting tired of dealing with her insolence.” “Unfortunately, it is much worse than you’re probably thinking.” Celestia winced watching as Mr. Dust’s expression scrunched up. “Your daughter apparently started a fight with someone in the hallway. It led to the victim being sent over to the Nurse’s Office as a result of them not fighting back. Your daughter is in the Conference Room along with my sister and an officer and there will be a couple other people, including myself joining them.” “I see… ” Mr. Dust coldly stated. “And my daughter will be punished for this?” “Yes, but I’d like to discuss that with all those involved if I may.” Celestia gestured down the hall. “I would accompany you, but I need to head over to the Security Room. Please refrain from doing anything rash until I get to the conference room.” “No promises.” Mr. Dust murmured as he marched down the hallway. Watching him walk off, Celestia quickly proceeded to the security room. Opening the door she saw a stout green-haired man in a brown security guard uniform looking over several monitors. Knocking on the door frame, Celestia entered while watching the person in front of her bring up various security footage. “Oh, Principal Celestia! I didn’t see you come in.” Corky exclaimed, his pumpkin orange eyes going wide with surprise. Getting up, he pulled out a chair that was located next to him. “I take it this isn’t a social visit. What can I do for you?” “Corky, I need your help.” Celestia replied, sitting in the chair. “I need to know if you got any video footage from the fight that took place earlier today?” “You mean the one with Lightning Dust?” Corky asked as Celestia nodded affirmatively. “Yes, it’s there. Why do you ask?” “I have a conference I need to attend with my sister, some officers, and the parents of the witness and attacker.” Celestia explained, keeping it short and sweet. “It’ll be starting in a bit, and I need what you gathered as evidence to show Lightning’s father that she harmed one of her fellow classmates.” Gesturing towards the monitors he pressed a few buttons on the control panel and brought up Lightning and Sunset’s fight. Celestia watched in shock as the monitor showed Lightning shove Sunset in a locker behind her. Watching further, the principal saw Sunset clearly refusing to fight back. Lightning Dust was then seen pinning Sunset to the ground just as Fluttershy arrived. Clearly throwing herself over Sunset’s body protecting her from Lightning's attack. “Why would Lightning Dust do something so foolish? She's a sophomore and should know better than this” She muttered to herself, catching Corky’s attention. “I admit Sunset Shimmer isn’t the best student, but she didn’t deserve this.” “When is bullying ever deserved?” Corky asked as Celestia stood up and pushed her chair back into place. After sorting everything out and handing her the video evidence, she heard Corky ask something. “Besides this tape, is there anything you need pulled up for your meeting?” “Yes,” She said as she kept the tape secured in her hands. “I need you to pull up the tape from the Fall Formal as well. I need to give that to the police.” “Alright, I’ll have that up in a few moments.” He nodded, turning back to his desk. “Are you going to need a TV to take back to the conference room as well?” “No, I won’t need one but thanks for the offer.” She replied, taking the second tape from him once he was done rewinding it and ejecting it from the recording council. “Oh, and Corky? Can you tell me why you weren't on duty when Sunset got beaten up by Lightning Dust?” Corky paused in his typing to give Celestia a bit of a nervous look. “I was on my lunch break in my car listening to music and had turned my radio off.” “I see.” She bitterly murmured. “Corky from now on, I fully expect you to take your lunch break in this office with your radio turned on in case something like this happens again. Do I make myself perfectly clear?” “Yes, ma’am.” He replied, returning to his work. “I hope Sunset will be alright.” “As do I...” She said, turning to exit out of the Camera Surveillance Room she thought as she made her way to the nurses room ‘I need to hire a better security guard.’ When Celestia returned to the Nurse’s Office, she was surprised to see Sunset up and awake. It was briefly explained by Redheart that she regained consciousness shortly after the principal left to talk with Fluttershy. Relieved as she was that Sunset was awake, Celestia and Redheart still wanted to make sure she didn’t have any lasting injuries. Which is what led the nurse to do a quick scan, most of which was on Sunset’s swollen eye. “Now as best as you can Sunset, I want you to follow the direction of this light alright?” Redheart instructed, holding a small light in front of Sunset’s eye. “This will only take a few minutes.” Compliantly nodding, Sunset forced her eye to look into the bead of brightness pointed at it as the object was moved around. To Redheart’s relief, her pupil contracted from the bright light shining in Sunset’s eye. It let her know that it was still functioning, despite looking like it took a hit from a metallic baseball bat. ‘Good. I was right to diagnose her as I did earlier today.’ Redheart thought, turning to a drawer and taking out an ice pack to place over Sunset's right eye. “Here this will help cut down on the swelling from your eye. How do you feel right now, Sunset?” “I feel like I went ten rounds with a pro boxer and lost after the first round.” Turning her attention to Principal Celestia while still holding the ice pack to her eye she added, “Can I go home now?” “No Sunset, you can’t go home just yet.” Celestia objected, walking up to where she sat. “While I do want to let you leave for the day, I want to talk to you in regards to Snail’s homework. But I’m afraid I’ll have to save that for after you’ve talked to Officer Starknight. As she has quite a couple of things to talk to you about.” “Oh… okay.” Sunset murmured while looking at the officer with her one good eye. ‘This must be about what I did last night.’ “I’ll leave her to you, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised turning back to the door. “Please just wait a couple more minutes longer. I have another teacher I need to have a little discussion with.” “Take your time Principal Celestia. I’m not going anywhere.” Starknight uttered, getting up and pulling her chair toward where Sunset was. Watching Celestia walk out of the small room, Sunset laid back down as Nurse Redheart placed a pillow behind Sunset's head to make her more comfortable. Starknight took a seat in front of her, one leg crossed over the other. Taking out a pen and notebook from her front shirt pocket, she pressed the pen to the paper before looking at Sunset Shimmer. “Alright Sunset, before I ask you about your fight with Lightning Dust…” She began calmly. “I want to know where you decided to head off to last night while I was driving you home?” “I uh, headed home officer.” Sunset replied hesitantly, bowing her head. “Besides it's not like it is any of your business as to where I was going.” “I see… and did you tell Snails Garlan to play a game with me when you left my car?” Starknight asked somewhat agitatedly, watching Sunset nod her head again. “You do realize how dangerous that was do you not? I was terrified something happened to you. I had to call into the precinct asking other officers to stop what they were doing to try to find you.” “So what? Who the heck cares about what happens to me?! I mean besides what’s your point?” Sunset asked not wanting to look up. “I mean I didn’t get hurt! I don’t see what you're so upset about?” “I am not upset per se, I am more concerned. Which is why I contacted C.C.P.S.” Starknight said simply, her response making Sunset snap her head towards her. “You did what?!” She replied, snapping her head up. “What in Centaria’s name gives you the right to call them?! Yes, I told Snails to play that game with you, but I don’t see how getting a ten-year-old to play games warrants calling C.C.P.S! Why would you do that?! “I am concerned that you are a runaway!” Putting her pen and notebook away Starknight firmly continued. “That alone gives me the right to contact them and by law, I have to inform them if that is indeed why you left my custody the way you did.” “Well, I’m not a runaway! You can drop your motherly concern because I don’t want any of it!” She snapped in reply just as Celestia re-entered the room. “All I did was get into a fight today and a fight last night as well! But I don’t see why a cop has to be involved in something like this! Besides, if my mother and father were here, they wouldn’t have anything to say on this subject!” “I doubt very much.” Starknight countered firmly as she crossed her arms under her rather plump ample chest. “And what do you mean ‘if your parents were here’? Are you saying they are not in this city and that you are homeless?” “That is none of your business!” Sunset screamed. “My mother and father are just busy with-” “Excuse me.” Celestia said, the clearing of her voice cutting Sunset off. “I had to interrupt, but everyone is in the conference room. Officer Starknight, Sunset if you two will follow me I think we can get this cleared.” Walking over to Sunset, the principal helped her up on her feet. “I called your parents Sunset and left a voicemail on their phone so I hope they will show up this time.” ‘If she only knew the truth of what really happened to them.’ Sunset thought while saying aloud, “Alright, fine. I’ll go with you. Let's get this over with so I can go. If I have to stay here any longer, I feel like I’m gonna pass out from a headache.” “I was about to say the exact same thing.” Starknight commented, opening the door for Sunset and Celestia as the older woman led them both to the conference room. “Sunset!” Fluttershy cried with surprise and joy as she saw the injured girl walk in the conference room. Had it not been for the fact that Celestia and Starknight were with her and where they all were, she would’ve tackled the former bully into a hug. “Thank The Mother Goddess you're alright! I was beginning to think the worst!” “Why wouldn’t I be alright Fluttershy? I was only knocked out. I wasn’t stabbed or shot to death.” Sunset bluntly stated, giving Lighting Dust a brief glance. “There’s no need for you to get so worked up about it all… not that you should anyway.” Fluttershy shrunk back into herself, not hearing the last bit of Sunset’s statement. “I-I know… I’m sorry if I sound overly worried. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” “I’m fine Fluttershy.” Sternness sat on Sunset’s tired voice like a hard-covered textbook on a desk as she took a seat at the conference table. Getting in herself, Officer Starknight took notice of Lightning Dust was at the head of the table towards the back near the television. Her father sat at the left corner. Fluttershy and her mother sat at the middle of the table each next to the other and Sunset sat closest to the door. Giving Moonstone a nod as she walked over to him, getting in position near Mr. Dust and keeping her right hand on her taser. Celestia entered the room a few seconds after Starknight and Sunset, heading for the far back of the room, placing one of the two videotapes she had with her into the VCR. Picking up the television remote control, Celestia took a seat at the middle of the table on the other side of Fluttershy and her mother. “Alright now that everyone is here, I would like to begin the conference meeting regarding the violent incident between Lightning Dust and Sunset Shimmer. As Principal of this school, I Celestia Sunrise, will reside.” Celestia began formally watching her look around the room. “Before we do, I’d like to make a quick call. Luna, were you able to get a hold onto Sunset’s parents and tell them what’s going on?” “Unfortunately, I wasn’t. I still wasn’t able to get them even before you showed up.” Luna replied with a headshake. “It must be quite a busy schedule if they’re not able to do even this. We will have to start this meeting without them. “If only they knew the truth”. Sunset thought. Celestia sighed. “That’s rather disappointing. I was hoping to make Sunset a bit more at ease here if she had a trusted guardian with her. I suppose I have no choice but to call our legal aid now and see if I can act as Sunset’s legal guardian”. “If I may say Principal Celestia,” Starknight spoke up “That seems a little unlikely to happen. You can’t just become someone's legal guardian just because someone's parents refused to show up to this meeting.” “Don’t I get a say in any of this?” Sunset asked, clearly agitated. “Besides, I don’t really want to sign anything. All I want to do is go home.” “No Sunset, you sadly don’t. I don’t like this anymore than you do, really. But it needs to be done.” Celestia murmured regretfully, taking out her cell phone she searched her contacts list bringing up the number she was looking for she added, “This might take a few minutes. I appreciate you ever so much for your patience in this matter, officers.” Watching her walk back to the table Celestia held the phone to her ear waiting for the person she had dialed to answer. It only took a few minutes before she got a familiar voice on the other end of the phone. “Hello?” A poise and mature voice said over the line. “Yes, Fancy Pants this is Celestia. I’m calling because I need to know something important. What is involved in faxing over to C.H.J.H.S legal temporary guardian papers?” “To take legal guardianship over someone?” Came Fancy Pants’ own serious question. “Quite a bit actually. You need to go to court for that sort of thing. Unless a court rules in your favor that you and you alone are to be the guardian to whomever you want this to happen to there is nothing you can do.” “I see. Are you sure there isn’t any legal way I can become a temporary guardian to my student?” Not noticing Sunset’s smirk or Fluttershy’s frown, Celestia closed her eyes and silently prayed to herself. ‘Please let this work.” “The only way this will happen without a court getting involved is if you can prove beyond any measure of a doubt this person is in danger of being abused.” Fancy Pants added. “Otherwise, there is absolutely nothing you can do”. “I completely understand. Thank you, Mr. Pa-” “Wait!” everyone heard him yell “There is one other thing that might work but you’ll have to completely give up guardianship within three days.” “Yes?” Celestia replied with a slight tone of urgency to her voice “What must I do?” “You have to be able to prove that this person is a runaway and has no intention of returning to their parents or legal guardian or guardians”. Fancy Pants explained as Sunset’s eyes widened with horror. “If you can’t prove that your hands will be tied.” Sweet Centauria horns of the Dan’lu! I am so screwed! I thought I was gonna be able to get out of this, but they’re dead set on having me be under their control! why did things have to be this way?!’ Sunset thought, panic filling her like the toxins of an Amazonian Dart Frog’s Poison. She looked down at her clenched fists as an idea flickered inside her. ‘I didn’t want to have to do this, but… I can’t think of anything else! I know I’m probably going to regret it later on but… it’s my last shot!’ “Wait!” Sunset cried out, raising her hand up as everyone’s gaze went to her. “W-what if I can prove it?” “Principal Celestia? Who was that?” Fancy Pants asked, sounding like he had been startled as well. “Er, t-that was the person I wanted to take custody of. Please hold a moment.” Putting her hand on the speaker part of the phone, Celestia put her full attention on Sunset. “What do you mean by ‘proving it’ Sunset?” “That I’m not being abused by my own parents.” Sunset continued as confidently as she could, knowing her next few words may cost her. “They’re on an expedition right now in Eastern Mareway, but I can have them talk to you. If I can get them to prove I’m not being abused, will you let me go?” “Hmmm… hold that thought for a moment Sunset.” Eyeing the girl suspiciously, Celestia returned her attention to her caller. “My apologies Mr. Fancy Pants… the girl you just heard was the girl I am wanting to take guardianship of. Her name is Sunset Shimmer and she’ll be turning fourteen this May.” “I see… Is Ms. Shimmer a runaway?” Fancy was heard asking over the speaker. “Please remember you have to be able to prove this in a court of law.” “No, but I can prove that my parents are in Eastern Mareway.” Sunset replied, loud enough to wear Fancy Pants, was easily able to hear her. “Would you mind if I make a phone call?” “Actually, I believe we can do a three-way call?” Fancy’s words caused Sunset to frown. “Besides I need to hear what her family has to say… Celestia?” “Yes, we can.” Celestia confirmed. “Just give me one moment”. Pressing a few buttons on the phone’s dial pad Celestia, looked at Sunset with expectant eyes, causing Sunset to sigh. She dialed the number and waited as the phone on the other end rang for what Celestia and Mr. Pants seemed like an eternity before someone finally picked up. Gulping, Sunset held the phone close to her while praying the person she was calling would help her. “Hello?” A gruff voice asked on the other line. “Hello, Mr. Varnas, it's me.” Sunset said nervously. “I kinda need your help.” “Sunset Shimmer… surprising to hear you calling me at this time of day?” Varnas said as he got over the shock. “Do you need my assistance with something? What would that be?” “Well… someone wants to take legal ownership over me and I kinda gotta prove to this lawyer on the other end that you're my guardian. And that my family is in Eastern Mareway on some expedition.” She replied hesitantly. “Do you think you can, um give me a hand with that?” “A guardianship battle hm? …Yes, I can aid you with this.” Varnas replied after some moments of contemplation. “What is this lawyer's name?” “Hello Mr. Varnas. My name is Fancy Doran Cooper Pants and I am legal advisor to Canterlot High and Junior High School and Canterlot’s School Board.” Fancy’s incoming voice provided the man an answer. “I was called about Sunset and her predicament, along with why Celestia wants guardianship over her.” “Hello, Mr. Pants. Thank you for informing me of this.” Varnas could be heard saying over his end of the phone call. “What do you precisely need from me?” “I need to get proof that Sunset is your legal charge.” Fancy Pants explained. “And that you in turn know where her parents exactly are. We would also like to know if you are willing to let Celestia become a three-day guardian to Sunset Shimmer.” “Legal Charge hm? Very well but I would first like to say that I am not in any way willing to let anyone become this girls’ guardian.” Mr. Varnas grumbled. “Second I’ll fax you their plane ticket departure and arrival information since what you asked demands it Mr. Pants. What I am willing to do though is I’ll fax over papers that will allow Sunset to act on her own behalf. And to talk to whomever it is that is necessary for her to talk to without my presence being needed. If that will be okay with you, Sunset.” “Oh, believe me! I am more than willing to do that.” Sunset pipped happily. “As long as it gets me out of this conference meeting and away from this nut police officer”. “Wait police officer? Sunset, what is actually going on?” Mr. Varnas asked, clearly a bit miffed. “I um, er-kinda got into a fight with another girl at school today and now the police are here with me Mr. Varnas.” Sunset tapped her index fingers together fainting a weak smile “And now I have to prove that I am not a runaway and that I live with you and such”. “Whoa hold on! What do you mean you got into a fight today Sunset?! You’re supposed to be staying out of trouble!” Varnas practically yelled. “Uh-oh, somebody’s in trouble!” Lightning squealed with glee earning herself an irritated glare from her father. “What was that?” Both Varnas and Fancy Pants asked in unison. “Nothing, that was just a classmate being a brat as usual” Sunset replied giving the other girl the stink eye “Pay her no mind. She just wants attention.” “Sunset, you still haven't answered my question.” Mr. Varnas pressed over the phone. “What do you mean by, you got into a fight today?” “I… was just minding my own business when Lightning Dust here started a fight. I chose not to fight back because I just wanted to be left alone but… she didn’t listen.” Sunset protested. “Look, all I want to do is go home okay? Please just send the Tophet paperwork so I can sign the-” “Alright calm down Sunset… just calm down please. I’ll get to it.” Varnas interrupted in a gentle attempt to soothe the girl. “Mr. Pants, if I fax this information over to you will there be any other information you will need?” “Not to my knowledge sir” Fancy Pants said. “Just be sure to fax a copy to Celestia as well.” “I will, and Sunset?” Varnas said sternly. “Y-yes” She asked fearfully in full preparation for a scolding. “I don’t want to get another call like this from you again.” Varnas added,“You need to stay out of trouble. If not for my sake or your parents then for yours.” “I understand sir.” She replied bashfully. “I will do what I can to keep out of trouble.” “Good, I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding.” Mr. Varnas said, sounding satisfied with Sunset’s reply. “Celestia, I will fax the paperwork over now. You should be receiving it in a moment.” Walking over to the Fax Machine, Celestia pressed a few of the buttons on it, hearing it begin to print out the paperwork Mr. Varnas was true to his word he had indeed sent the correct paperwork over to her. Taking the papers from the fax machine Celestia looked them over and let out a little sigh. Walking back to the table, she placed them in front of Sunset taking a pen from her inner left coat pocket. “Sunset, these are papers Mr. Varnas created for you to sign.” Celestia said sitting down next to. “By signing this you will agree to take part in this conference. Does this satisfy everyone?” “Yes,” Both Mr. Varnas and Fancy Pants said together, knowing she was addressing them too. “Alright, I’ll sign them.” Sunset replied suspiciously, taking the papers. “But I still think I don’t need anyone looking out for me.” “Good.” Seeing Sunset had done as she was asked, Celestia cleared her throat adding, “Now that is taken care of, I can hang up or is there anything else you need to clear up with Mr. Varnas or Fancy Pants, Ms. Shimmer?” “No, not that I know of.” She replied, folding her arms under her chest with a grunt. “Stupid rules.” ‘Stupid rules… come on Sunset don’t be like this the rules aren’t that bad’. Fluttershy thought humorously as Celestia bid farewell to Varnas. “And just what are you all happy about Fluttershy?” Irritation and annoyance smoothed themselves onto Sunset’s voice as she questioned the timid girl. “What?” Fluttershy quipped trying to play innocent even though she was not. “Oh uh… nothing at all!” ‘You are a horrible liar.’ Sunset thought with a sweat drop. With Lightning Dust sitting in her chair with a confident look, Sunset placed her hand upon the surface of the table and looked down trying to hide her anger. Fluttershy reached over, placing her hand over Sunsets trying to reassure her that she would be alright in spite of the other girl’s own feelings on the matter. A few minutes went by before the phone rang and Celestia pressed the speaker button on it. “You’ve reached Canterlot High Junior High School, Principal Celestia speaking?” “Yes? Hello, Celestia. It’s Fancy Pants,” Fancy answered. “I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Varnas’ information checks out Sunset’s family is indeed in Eastern Mareway and won’t be back until Monday the 8th of August”. “Alright, thank you Mr. Fancy.” Celestia thanked before quickly adding something else. “By the way, Sunset simply saying she isn’t a runaway does that help to prove she isn’t? Or do you need more than just her word on the subject”. “No, I can take her word for now. I already got the information I needed from Mr. Varnas”. Fancy Pants replied. “I think we are good in that regard.” “Okay then, that will be all. Good day to you, Mr. Fancy Pants.” Celestia murmured, hanging up the phone and readdressing her audience. “Alright now let's actually get this meeting started, shall we?” Hearing her principal’s words Sunset sighed pushing the papers over to her Celestia took them and handed them to Starknight. Looking over the papers, the officer looked at Celestia with her own look of confusion. Putting the papers back on the table she read them over as the principal gave her a pen. “I’ll need you to sign these as well, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised firmly. “It’ll prove that you were an assigned witness to Sunset Shimmer signing them.” “Not like it’ll make things any easier if I don’t.” The older woman murmured, taking the paper as well as the pen and jotting down her name. Handing them back to Celestia, she watched as she went over and set them down on a large table nearby. “Are you sure there won’t be any further interruptions? Because if you are wasting my time, I’ll leave the rookie here to do that and go out on patrol myself.” “Yes, I am sure there won’t be any more interruptions.” Celestia replied, adding as she turned her attention to Lightning Dust, giving her an icy glare. “Now Ms. Dust, according to Fluttershy she stated that you started the fight with Sunset Shimmer. Is this true or false?” “It’s false Principal Celestia! I didn’t start the fight regardless of what Flutterbrat here says.” Lightning grinned slyly. “It was Sunset who started it! I was just defending myself and I did nothing wrong!” “First of all, Lightning Dust, do not call Ms. MacPherson names.” Walking over to the TV, Celestia picked up a remote control in front of it. Turning to face Lightning Dust she asked another question. “And second, are you telling me the truth?” “Y-yes I am telling you the truth it was Sunset Shimmer who started the fight. Fluttershy is lying through her teeth.” Lightning stated, again, albeit in a far less confident tone than before. “Sunset is the one in the wrong here, not me!” Folding her arms over her chest Celestia gave Lightning Dust a cold hard stare before raising the remote to the T.V. Lightning looked at it, then over to Fluttershy until her eyes landed on Sunset, who had her head bowed, feeling a bit more confident in herself she smirked. Luna caught the arrogant girl's smirk glaring at her and she stood up to take her place next to her older sister. “Lightning Dust, before we proceed any further, I’d like to let you know what will happen if you are exposed as a liar and assailant”. Luna looked to the young woman for any sign of repentance for her actions. “Are you prepared to face the consequences that may come from this?” Lightning Dust paused. “C-consequences?” “Yes. Depending on how this goes, one of two things will happen.” Luna continued with a hand on her hip. “One you will more than likely be suspended or possibly even expelled from school for this. Or two…” her eyes flashed dangerously. “You will certainly be charged for assault and be forced to spend time in juvenile court and a detention center.” “I… I’ll be sent to juvie?” Whiteness took some of the place of the suspect’s skin color as the words squeaked their way out of their mouth. “It is not known for sure, but depending on what will be shown, that will undoubtedly happen.” Luna paused to let the words sink in. “We’ll put it to you once again. Do you want to change your story and confess for a more lenient punishment? Yes or no?” “No, I don’t! I didn’t do anything wrong!” Lightning spat. “Why can’t you idiots see that Sunset here was the one that started that fight not me?! I did what I had to do to defend myself!” “I am sorry Lightning Dust, but I feel you are not telling us the real truth. The tape will be the only way to confirm it and show us what really happened.” Celestia said in a sterner voice, making Lightning a little nervous. “I will give one final chance for you to come clean about this incident. Who started the fight in the hallway? Was it you or Sunset?” “It was Sun-” “No!” Fluttershy suddenly yelled out, much to the shock of her mother and all else present. “It wasn’t Sunset that started that fight. It was Lightning Dust! I saw her also give Sunset a note during class. As well as everything leading up to the fight! It’s why I rushed to cover Sunset with my… with my body.” Looking down Fluttershy sniffed, Sunset placed her hands on the table pushing herself away from it standing up. She began to head for the door, stopping when Luna called out to her. “Sunset, don't you want to see what evidence we have?” “What’s the point?” She replied bitterly. “It's not going to change anything.” “Sunset, please sit back down.” Celestia commanded as she pressed a button on the television remote. Walking back and taking her seat again she watched Celestia’s attention go back to the suspect in question. “I have given you a chance to change your story Lightning Dust. Seeing as how you don’t want to do that you have left me no other choice in this matter.” “Principal, you’re not listening!” Lightning tried to explain heatedly. “Sunset Shimmer attacked-” Her words were cut short when the television came on, bringing up the fight she had with Sunset earlier that day. Mr. Dust leaned in, placing his hands onto the table, watching the video play out in front him, seeing his daughter throw a fist at Sunset. Watching further the video showed Sunset not fighting back. As it went on, he saw Fluttershy coming to Sunset's rescue, which proved that she indeed was trying to save her. Stopping the tape and ejecting it, Celestia took it from the tape player handing it over to Starknight. “I think this shows that Sunset isn’t the one that started the fight.” Celestia stated,“As of right now Lightning Dust, you are hereby suspended for the next two weeks starting today.” Turning her attention to the aforementioned girl she added something else. “Sunset, the paperwork that you signed will let me file charges against Lightning Dust on your behalf. I need to know. Do you want me to do this for you?” Not looking up Sunset sniffed a reply “No I d-don’t want you to do that Principal Celestia. Please just send me home already. That's all I really want is to go home”. “I don’t know if I can do that. I really-” Celestia began only to be cut off by Fluttershy’s mother. “Principal Celestia.” Mrs. MaCpherson suddenly chimed in. “As a former guidance counselor I can tell you that Sunset Shimmer has been through enough for today. I think it would be best for her to go home. As for Lightning Dust don’t you think that filing charges on her would do her more harm than good? A juvenile record, while it can be expunged at the age of eighteen, will still cause issues for her when she tries to get a job once she is old enough to do so.” “While I agree with your first statement Mrs. MaCpherson, I don’t know if I should let this slide.” Celestia objected, looking to Lightning Dust and her father. “If I do, what lesson will that teach Lightning Dust? Other than the fact that she can do whatever she wants with no consequences of her actions”. “It wouldn’t teach her anything Principal Celestia.” Standing up, Mr. Dust looked at Fluttershy, her mother, Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna and finally to Sunset Shimmer who he gave a disgusted stare too. “After seeing what was on this video and how you handled yourself today Lightning, my decision is this. I want Officer’s Starknight and Moonstone here to personally take you into custody and be put in jail for the night. That alone should give you plenty of time to think about your actions.” Giving a disappointed glance to his daughter he headed towards the door. “Let this be a lesson to you young lady!” “Dad, wait! Please you can’t do this!” Lightning screamed out desperately. “Just watch me!” He replied adding as he got to the threshold of the conference room door “I am sick of your behavior!” Watching him storm off, Lightning Dust stood up quickly following her father out the conference room door into the hallway. Following her out as well, Moonstone and Luna both headed to the hallway getting to the front of the school a few minutes later. Lightning Dust was soon found on the steps crying as if something tragic had happened to her. Sighing, Luna sat next to the crying teen. “You know this police officer will have to arrest you for what you did today, right?” “My father doesn’t love me.” She sobbed out nearly choking on them as Luna’s hands rested on her shoulders. “Please don’t let him take me away! I'll be a good girl! I promise!” “I am sorry, Lightning Dust, but there is nothing I can do please don’t resist arrest. If you do, you'll just make things harder on yourself.” Looking over to Officer Moonstone she asked, “Can you let her calm down before you take her officer?” Moonstone shrugged. “Yeah I suppose I can do that as she’s been through a lot today too. But if she tries to flee, I-” Anything else the young man was going to say stopped as Lightning Dust suddenly pulled away from Luna fleeing to the street. Running after her, Luna pushed her out of the way of a speeding car as its honking horns flared to life. Tolling in a mess of twisted limbs towards the sidewalk, Lightning tried to stand up as Moonstone rushed towards her. “I’d rather die than go to jail.” Lighting Dust screamed out running directly in front of oncoming traffic again. “I hate my life! I hate you all!” Taking action, Moonstone drew his taser and went to thrust it right at the fleeing girl. Much to his horror, Luna jumped in front of him taking the full force of the electrocution as she fell to the ground screaming in agony. While he wanted to help her, he knew he had bigger priorities at the moment, and went after Lightning Dust. “Help! Please! Someone, help!” She screamed out feeling herself being rolled onto her stomach. “Luna help! Please! I don’t want to go to jail!” Slamming his fist into her back, Lightning screamed as pain shot up into it as if someone had just stabbed her. This distraction made from it gave Moonstonethe time he needed to take her by the arms and cuff them. By the time Lightning regained her senses, she found herself on her knees and looking into the stony face of Moon. “You’re definitely going to jail after what you just did young lady.” He scolded, his hardened voice matching the second part of his name. “Now I can add an attempt at resisting arrest to your charge!” Sounds of groaning pulled Moon Stone’s focus from the teenage girl to the woman attempting to get onto her feet. Feeling his anger quelled a bit, he went over to Luna, Lightning still in one hand as he offered his free one to her. She shakily accepted it, holding her right side where Moon Stone’s taser hit her. “How is Lightning Dust?” Luna wheezed through clenched teeth. “Is she alright?” “Aside from the aching back I gave her, yes. Though she did try to resist arrest.” Moonstonesaid, keeping a firm grip on the still crying girl. “Why the hell did you get in front of my taser like that?! It could’ve ended a lot worse for you, you know!” “I-I didn’t want you to hurt her.” Luna explained weakly, struggling to stand upright. “I thought the force you were using on her was unnecessary as she wasn’t directly fighting you. Plus, tasers are rather dangerous to use on a child.” “Maybe so, but that was still a stupid thing to do! Even if Lightning wasn’t trying to fight me, her trying to flee and resist me is still grounds for me to do what I need to in order to stop her.” Moon countered as he kept Lightning close to her. “Another reason why it was dumb is that you could be charged for interfering with an arrest! And what you did would’ve been for nothing! Even if you thought that it was right!” “…Yes, you’re right.” Luna yielded. “I would appear I let my desire to protect my students get the better of me. I hope you can forgive me for my recklessness.” “Only if you give me your word that you’ll never do something that dangerous again.” Moonstonesighed as he calmed down. “Otherwise, I’ll have to have you arrested along with Lightning as well.” Not having the words to reply, Luna just meekly nodded as she took the young officer’s hand and led her back to the school. Seconds after getting across the road, they heard the sounds of arguing in the form of Celestia and Starknight. Fluttershy and Mrs. McPherson stood between them, the younger of the two relatives looking unsure what to do. By the time they were within actual hearing range, the duo managed to pick up the last of the conversation. “Just what kind of game is this you’re playing with me, Celestia?!” Starknight snapped, sounding as if she was given the wrong box of donuts. “I wanted to see the actual tape from last night's incident! Not some child's fantasy of a monster attacking your students which you have shown me here today!” “But officer, that is the real tape!” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice just above a whisper. “All those events of Sunset turning into a demon really did happen! The tape wasn’t faked! Principal Celestia, is telling you the truth.” Realizing she wasn’t getting anywhere with her pleas to officer Starknight, Fluttershy turned her attention to Sunset Shimmer who stood nearby “Sunset you have to tell-“ “Ask yourself this question, Fluttershy.” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “How the Jo’vek am I supposed to prove that anything on that tape really happened?” “It’s simple. You can’t prove it because it isn’t real.” Starknight bitterly snapped, “Nothing that I saw on that tape is real and that can be seen clearer than day” Starknight grumbled just as bitterly as she glared at Celestia. “Now I need to get going. I’ll call for a squad car to sit out front of this school until the faculty comes back in the morning. But when I come back here to relieve them, I expect to see the real tape and not the foolish fantasy that you tried to show me today.” Spinning around on her heels and balls of her feet, Starknight marched down the stairs and nodded to Moon Stone, who followed her with Lightning Dust by the arm. Sunset watched quietly as the crying girl got hauled off, her orange eyes blazing with fiery hatred that she aimed directly at her victim. Unable to take it any longer, Sunset began heading off into the direction of the state park to clear her head. Or she would have if a certain principal did not stop her. “Sunset, wait!” She heard Celestia call out to her stopping her in her tracks quickly getting up to her she added, “Look... I know I said I would talk about this tomorrow and I know you think what you did was right by doing Snail's homework. But I can’t allow you to do that anymore. He needs to do his own work just as you need to do yours. If you do however insist on doing his homework, I’ll have to give you detention for it. Do you understand?” “Fine!” Sunset shouted with a foot stomp. “At least I’ll have a place to study and sleep! Now will you please leave me alone?!” “Young lady, that is no way to speak to us!” Luna chastised upon catching up to her sister and Sunset herself earning a scoff from Sunset. Grunting, the Vice-Principal looked up to her older sister. “If you are willing, dear sister, perhaps we should give her detention now?” “No, Luna. She hasn’t done anything. Not yet.” Turning her attention to Sunset, Celestia gave a parting statement to Sunset. “Listen I know you think the whole world must be against you right now Sunset. But I am not against you at all. Neither are Luna and Fluttershy. All we’re doing is trying to help you. Nothing more and nothing less. Now, I’m sure you are beyond tired right now, so you can head back home. Just try to stay out of trouble alright?” Too tired to say anything, Sunset just gave a nod before turning and heading to where the public park was. Watching until she was out of sight, Celestia and Luna turned to Mrs. McPherson and Fluttershy, the mother holding her daughter. It looked like the younger of the two was going to speak but stopped when Officer Starknight walked up to them. “Okay, Lightning Dust is seated inside the back seat of my car and Moonstone is with her.” She said, looking slightly calmer than before. “Like I stated before, I will be back for the actual tape in regards to last night's incident. And it better be the right one, or I’m going to have a couple other suspects in jail.” “Yes, Officer Starknight. Thank you” Luna nodded, relieved nothing further troubling had happened. “Before you leave with Lightning Dust, there’s something I’d like to let you know. Something that involves your other officer Moon Stone.” “Yeah, what about him?” Starknight corrected, one hand on her hip. “I noticed you shaking like you were in a snowstorm after you and he came back here. Did something happen between the two of you?” “Er…yes, it did.” Luna replied hesitantly, not looking into her sister’s concerned eyes. “It wasn’t anything too dangerous. But I did something that more or less warranted him stopping me.” Starknight’s pupils narrowed. “What. Happened?” Sighing in preparation for the incoming verbal assault, the Vice-Principal made her confession. “Officer, uh, Well, he tried to use his taser on Lightning Dust when she didn't do anything at all. She ran out into the street in front of an oncoming car, yelling that she would rather die than go to jail. I chased after Lightning and pushed her out of the way, only to find that as I was getting up Moonstone had gotten up behind us and had drawn his taser on a defenseless child." "You what?!" Celestia exclaimed before Starknight could even begin to form a reply. "That was incredibly foolish of you to do! What would you have done if he decided to arrest you as well for interfering in his arrest of Lightning Dust?!” "Listen, I just did what I thought was right.” Luna protested, under Celestia’s glare. "I understand I should not have interfered, but… my body just moved. I didn’t have any time to think.” “Time to think or not, it was still an unwarranted move. You’re lucky Moonstone didn’t do worse to you other than tazing you!” Celestia heatedly scolded as Luna looked away. While her younger sister stewed in her guilt, the elder of the principal sisters eyed Starknight. “I hope you can accept my apologies for my sister’s interference with your job, Officer Starknight. She… has a tendency to let her care and safety for students get the better of her sometimes. If you wish, I won’t stop you from pressing charges against her.” “If I was any other officer, I probably would’ve.” Starknight murmured. “But given the situation that played out… I think I will let you off with a warning. Though I’ll have to talk to my captain about it. Should it happen again either way, my hands will be tied and you’ll be on your own.” “Yes of course, I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again.” Celestia nodded thankfully. “Right Luna?” “I-indeed,” Luna feebly added, rubbing one of her arms as she looked at Fluttershy and Mrs. MacPherson. “I appreciate you and your mother partaking in this Fluttershy. I apologize if we caused you two any distress. Are you and your mother going to be safe going home by yourselves?” “We’ll be alright Vice-Principal Luna, thank you.” Her student responded, looking at her mother as they both went to their care. “We will need to hurry though. It’s getting dark and I don’t want to get caught in the rain.” Celestia glanced up at the sky, taking notice of the gathering clouds. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea. We should go to Luna, lest we run the risk of potentially getting soaked.” “Very well then.” Luna agreed, walking beside her sister. “You and your mother please drive safely Mrs. MacPherson, don't hesitate to call us if there’s anything you need.” We will, thank you, Vice-Principal Luna.” Fluttershy accepted with a thankful smile, accepting her mother’s one-armed embrace as they headed to their car. “Mom, you said that you used to be a guidance counselor, right? Is there anything you can do for Sunset? Or Lightning Dust to help her out of this situation?” “I don’t know if I can honey, she did get herself put in a tough situation. It may very well be out of my power.” Mrs. McPherson replied with uncertainty, stopping in front of her car and looking at the principal duo. "But I will try to look into it. I can’t guarantee anything but… I’ll do all that I can." Hope filled Fluttershy’s eyes as she smiled. “Okay Mom, thank you.” As the mother daughter duo and the school principals got in their cars, Starknight stayed in her position. Watching as they started their vehicles and drove off into the distance, the officer pulled out her radio and pressed the button on the side to speak into it. “Dispatch.” “Go for dispatch.” “We have a ten - ninety-five so I need any current ten-sixty’s to be sent to my ten-twenty at Canterlot High School they will be doing a ten - ninety-one of the suspect in custody. Once they are here, I’ll need a ten - forty-four at my ten - twenty so I can head back to the one-twelve.” “Ten - Twelve officer.” “Roger that dispatch.” Starknight stated, ending the chat as she put her radio back onto her belt and walked to her car where Moonstone was standing. Sobbing from inside caught her attention as she got there, and it was soon apparent that Lightning Dust was the one who was crying. “Got everything under control here?” Moonstone casually asked. “Yeah, nothing too serious. But I have a feeling someone is going to be getting a little call from the captain later on tonight.” Starknight uttered, furrowing her brows at the younger officer. Taking her attention away from him, she shifted it to Lightning Dust, who was whimpering. “Hey kid, I know you’re upset but you couldn’t have expected this not to happen. It’s what you get when you resist arrest and don’t comply with orders, so quit the waterworks will you?” “That’s… t-that’s not it.” Lightning Dust sputtered. “He hit me.” Starknight paused. “What?” “Y-your partner. He hit me in the back while I was running.” The teenager continued, looking at Moonstone like tried to assault her. “My cuffs are too tight and they’re making my hands go numb. I wasn’t even told my rights either! H-he just… caught me and said why I was under arrest and that was it.” “Is this true?” Starknight’s head snapped to the rookie who was sweating a little and giving her a bewildered look. “Don’t give me that look! Is what she said true?!” “Sort of.” Moonstonefinally confessed, unable to look his trainer in the face. “It was a spur of the moment thing and… I may have used more force than necessary.” “It sounds like there was a lot more to it than that.” Starknight sneered, huffing as she shook her head. “We’ll be having a talk with the captain about tonight rookie and it’d better not be as bad as you're claiming. If what this girl told me is true, you’re going to be on desk duty for an entire month!” Not giving Moonstonethe chance to talk, Starknight looked back at Lightning Dust with a gentler gaze. “As for you, Lightning Dust, we'll take you to the station and have a talk with you about what you did here tonight”. "A-alright." She replied, sounding more in control of herself now. "What happens now? Do I-?" “Ten - sixty is ten - seventy-six their ten - seventy-seven is one minute.” Dispatch said over Starknight’s radio without warning. “Do you need a ten - seventy-eight officer?” Picking up her radio, Starknight gave her response. “That’s a ten-four dispatch. I’ll need at least two ten - sixties sent to my ten - twenty. They need to stay out here until the faculty shows up in the morning.” “Ten-four officer, will inform them and be advised the captain wants your ten - nineteen to be less than thirty minutes.” Rolling her eyes Starknight set the mic back to its place waiting and leaned on the passenger door of her car. Seconds after she did so, two other police cars pulled into the driveway before their drivers exited out of their vehicles. Upon eyeing the name tag “W. Tails” on the more intimidating one, Starknight felt her neck hairs stand up. “Officer Tails?” Starknight asked warily. "What are you doing here?" "Hey there Starknight! I got the call about a disturbance, so I came to see if you wanted me to handle this for you." Tails with a sick smirk on his face as he took notice of Lightning Dust. "Heh, juvenile delinquents huh? You’ve got your work cut out for you here babe." "Watch your mouth Tails!" Starknight reprimanded him sharply. "I am a sergeant, and I will not have you talking like that around me!" "Yeah, yeah, I do." Tails replied with a shrug, giving Moonstone an apathetic look. "Shall I take her in? Or do you want to take her in yourself, sergeant?" ‘I do not like the feel of this guy.’ Moonstone thought, feeling his spine tingle. "No, you’ll have to take her. I still have to finish my patrol with the new rookie here." Starknight denied, gesturing to Moonstone as she caught his face. ‘Looks like I’m not the only one who can smell the BS coming from this guy.’ “Alright then! Guess I’m handling the whiny brat tonight!" He replied a little too eagerly, walking over to Starknight’s car and opening the back-passenger door. “Get out now!” Quickly doing as he instructed, Lightning Dust found herself being forcibly slammed into the other squad car. Letting out loud painful yelp she tried to say something only to be cut off when a hand slapped the back of her head. “Shut up!” He yelled to her, dragging her over to his own car and opening the entrance to the back seat. “Get your butt into the back of this car now! Don’t make me drag you in there!” “Officer Tails!” Starknight screamed ragefully at the other officer, making Moonstone and Breeze flinch. “What in Hell’s name do you think you’re doing! She’s already cuffed and she’s not trying to resist! You are going over the line here!” “Not from where I’m standing.” Officer Tails rebutted smugly. “I hate it when people don’t follow my orders, I’m just making sure she’s aware that if she screws up she’ll get a lot worse than what she already got”. “Making sure, my foot!” Starknight retorted, taking a threatening step towards him. “Now get your stuff together right this second! Or I will have you on desk duty for excessive force! Don’t test me on that!” Getting an annoyed nod from Officer Tails, Starknight growled before looking at the other officer in between her and Moonstone. Her hand went to rest on the latter’s shoulder at seeing the look of horror and anger on the rookie’s face. When he eventually calmed down, Starknight turned to talk to the other cop that was with Officer Tails. “Did dispatch inform you that you will be staying out here until the faculty return in the morning Officer Wish Star?” She asked as calmly as she could. “Or did you need them to let you know?” “Yes, they did. Both I and Cloudy Skies will be out here all night as much as neither of us really want to.” Officer Wish Star confirmed softly, giving a smile to Moonstone. Watching as Officer Tails got in his car, he leaned closer to the woman. “Can you tell me why White Tails is still a cop after the stunt he pulled last month? I mean to plant evidence on a kid just to make an arrest? I’m pretty sure that warrants a termination.” “We all know he is guilty of it but it doesn't matter what we think at this point.” Starknight sighed, turning back to her own squad car. “Internal Affairs cleared him of any wrongdoing, and they were the ones to put Tails back on active duty. Not the captain or me for that matter.” “Even so! To do it to a child of all people!” Wish Star insisted, her words stopping Starknight from her departure. “Even if they were nasty, nothing can justify doing something so horrible to someone who isn’t even sixteen! It kind of makes me wish I didn’t choose being a cop as my career choice…” “Believe me, cops like him are a lot more common than you think.” Starknight grunted, her mind going back to unpleasant parts of her career. “All we can do at this point is wait for him to mess up again. I only hope, God-forbid, that he doesn’t get someone killed the next time he does… or worse, get a child killed.” “You and me both.” Officer Wish Star murmured sadly, turning her own back towards Starknight as she and Moonstone went into the woman’s car. “Drive safe out there, Officer Starknight. And try not to get the rookie killed on his first time on the job.” “No promises.” Starknight waved as she pulled out of the school’s driveway. With a final wave to Wish Star by Moonstone, the pair drove off, leaving the new arrival to stand guard till morning. Roaring thunder shook inside the inner canals of Sunset’s ears as she walked down the paths of Canterlot City Park. Her backpack hung from behind her like a baby in a chest seat while her feet briskly stepped on the cement sidewalk. Soreness ached in her eyes from the furrowing of her brows due to her making them look that way. It was the furthest thing from Sunset’s mind despite how much it hurt. Getting back to shelter was all she thought about, not wanting to be around anyone else for the rest of the night. Going down a pair of stairs that was part of the park, Sunset went straight for its center, wanting to catch her breath. She suddenly heard a door opening and looked to see Garble coming out of the bathroom with a spray can in hand. Seeing the girl in the park, he tossed away the can and sauntered towards her, one hand in his pocket as if he was grabbing something. “Yo Sunset! I’m surprised to see that you’re here in the park.” He greeted casually, his grin fading when he saw her bruises. “Holy hell! What happened to you?!” “I got into a fight. What’s it to you?” Sunset said, her tone the definition of snarky. “You're not going to lecture me like principals did about doing Snails homework are you?” Gable held a hand up. “No, no! I ain’t here for that. Not like I didn’t do the same thing anyway so it really would not be fair. I actually came here for… something else.” “Whatever it is, make it quick.” Sunset urged him impatiently. “In case you haven’t noticed, other than my injuries, I am tired, cold, hungry, and feel like I’m going to collapse. If what you’re here for is just gonna waste my time, then I’m just gonna head off.” “Don’t worry, I won’t hold you up for long.” Pulling his right hand out of his pocket, Garble gave Sunset a piece of paper. “Here. This is my phone number.” “Huh?” Sunset blinked at him in confusion. “You’re…giving your contact info to me?” “Why not? I can tell you need a friend, and other than Fluttershy, it’s not like everyone else will be willing to do that.” Garble explained with another smile. “Before you ask, no, I’m not doing it out of pity because I know that would piss you off. I’m doing this because I do want to be a friend of yours. If you’ll let me.” Sunset stayed quiet for at least five seconds. “I… I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?” “Why shouldn’t I?” Garble asked back gently. “I mean, I know you’ve been a jerk in the past, but even a blockhead like me can see you’re not the same person you were before. Plus, I feel all of the cold shoulder treatment being given to you is a little bit over the top and you deserve a break from all of that. With that being said, I think it’s time you got a fresh start from all of that and got someone else, other than the principals being there for you for once. Does that sound good to you?” “…Well you haven’t really given me any problems since that whole She-Demon incident… and it isn’t like you weren’t a victim of my former bully self either. I guess I can possibly accept you as one of my acquaintances… besides Fluttershy that is .” She lowered the paper that was in her hands. “B-but… I don’t have a phone to contact you with. I never had one even before the whole ‘She-Demon’ thing.” “Don’t worry about that. I have a spare phone I almost never use anymore, so I can give you that as compensation.” Garble assured confidently with a thumbs up. “So, wanna meet back up here on… let’s say Saturday?” “Y-yeah, I almost never have anything to do over the weekends”. Sunset replied with a slight stammer. “Um,I gotta go now… I’ll see you tomorrow I suppose.” “You too, girl. Oh, and Sunset?” Garble said, taking a slight look behind him as Sunset stopped for the last time. “My number is the only one programmed on that phone, so I’ll be calling you soon. Make sure you don’t lose it! Or you won’t be able to get in touch with me, got it?” “Yeah, okay whatever Garble!” Feeling she had said enough to her fellow former bully, Sunset continued further into the park, vaguely hearing Garble’s retreating footsteps. Nearing where the benches were, she heard crying from the furthest one. Her first thought was that it was Lightning Dust and almost stopped where she was but hesitated when the cries became more distinct. She felt a gasp when she saw a young boy sitting at one of the benches and let out another when she saw who it was. “Snails?!” At the sound of his name being called, the boy looked up from his hands and found himself staring into Sunset’s shocked eyes. No more time was given to him to even give a response before she ran over to him. Kneeling in front of him, she took a wet cheek into her hand like he was a toddler that got a bruise on his face. “Celestia’s flaming hair Snails! What are you doing out here?!” She asked worriedly, wiping some of his tears away. “Curfew will be started soon. You need to get home before the police find you out here and drag your butt into the precinct for being out past curfew.” “I wanted to give you my homework Sunset and I also wanted to be alone.” He replied not looking up. “I know you like to walk home through this park, and I knew you might be out here. So, I took a chance that you might be here. I am glad to see you are not too badly hurt.” Wiping the rest of his face, he asked, “I heard you got into a fight today too… are you going to be alright Sunset?” “Yes Snails, I did. But don’t worry about that, I’ll be fine. I just had a pretty rough day is all.” Was the swift and sweet response from the former bully. Looking down, she noticed a small picture of a woman and a younger version of Snails in his hands. “Is that your mother?” “Yeah… it’s a picture that was taken when I was little. Or littler.” Snails replied, fondness filling his voice in spite of how sad it sounded. “It’s one of the last pictures we had of each other before she… she passed away. Most of the other pictures were thrown away by my dad except for this. I hid it so he wouldn’t find it.” His eyes glistened as salty water began to rise once more. “I’m sure you would’ve loved her Sunset, and I know she would have tried to help you even if you were still a bully in the past. I wish you got the chance to meet her and she was still here, but… but she’s… she’s-!” Dropping her backpack, Sunset pulled Snails into her arms gently running her fingers through his hair as he began to break down. “Shh, it's alright Snails. I am here now, it's alright now.” Wrapping his arms around her he sobbed into her chest for several moments hugging her tightly not wanting to let go. She gently picked him up sitting back down on the bench placing him into her lap and holding him tightly. “Why did my mom have to die Sunset?” Snails wailed. “Why?! I miss her so much!” “I don’t know Snails. I wish I could answer that for you, but I can't. All that I can do is be here for you.” Feeling him let go of her she gently wiped her thumb under his right eye wiping away his tears. “Hey, Let's get you home... I’ll take care of your homework. You just get some well-needed rest, alright?” “I want to stay with you Sunset.” He replied, watching her pick up her backpack. “I don’t want to go home! My father doesn’t love me! I know he doesn’t! Not after getting rid of all of… of…” “Don’t say that Snails! You have a home and a loving family. I don’t. I live in a shack and sleep on a cement floor, and that isn’t any sort of life for you.” Gently taking him by his hand she began to lead him towards the entrance of the park adding, “I know it hurts Snails... this type of hurt will never really go away. But I’ll be there for you. I promise.” Sniffling in the back of his hand, Snails offered her a weak smile as he held her hand tightly. As if she would just vanish into thin air should he decide to let her go. Nothing else was said between the two of them as they walked away from the bench and towards the park’s entrance. In the few seconds they did, Sunset felt snails lean into her side before taking notice of his droopy eyes. With a little chuckle, she grabbed the boy by his backside and hoisted him in her arms before continuing on to his house. One hour after silent walking and carrying a sleeping runaway, Sunset found herself at the home of the Garlans. Contrary to her expectations, she ended up not needing to knock on the front door due to seeing Snail’s father sitting on the porch. A single look into his eyes was all that Sunset needed for her to know she was welcome and there’d be no hostility given. Slowly, she walked up to the entrance stairs and watched as he got up from his chair, face unchanging and emotionless. “Hello Sunset. Nice to see you out here tonight.” Mr. Garlan greeted calmly, taking his pipe out of his hands. “Thank you for bringing Snails back home. I was wondering when he’d return.” “It’s no trouble Mr. Garlan. I’m happy that I could help.” Sunset thanked awkwardly, not really knowing what else to say. “Is Snails in trouble for running away from home?” Mr. Garlan sighed as he opened the door to his house. “He’s not. I know he needed some time to deal with the pain of losing his mother. It’s the only thing that can explain him running off when he did.” “After what he told me today, I’d be shocked if he didn’t.” Sunset murmured while walking inside the house. “Um, Mr. Sheldon, I know I probably shouldn’t be asking this, but I was wondering if I could-” “You could stay for the night?” He finished watching as her jaw went slack. “It’s fine if you want to do that. Snails may want to have your company once he wakes up. Of course, you can go on back home if you’d like. Either way, it’s up to you.” “If… if it’s really alright with you, then I guess I can’t refuse.” Sunset accepted after thinking over it for a minute. “I have to ask though, why do this at all? You know all of the things I did with Snips and Snails. It just doesn’t make sense.” “Good question.” Mr. Garlan sighed, taking another inhale from his pipe. “I suppose it’s because of the fact that you have almost no one to help you. Or maybe because I did it out of sympathy. Or it’s probably because you’re the only person who managed to bring a smile to my son’s face at such a trying time in his life.” He let a moment of silence wash over so his words could sink in. “I really don’t know. But… I did it now, and there’s no taking it back.” Seeing that he was becoming solemn by the second, Sunset stopped her questioning and went down to where Snails’ room was at. Following him down the hall, she and Mr. Garlan made it to a small room that contained a somewhat large bed. Sunset watched as the man pulled off the covers to let her put Snails in the bed before covering him up. Mr. Garlan then went back to the front door, letting Sunset tend to Snails one last time. “If you need a room, you can take the room down the hallway from here. I know you live far from here which is partially the reason why I said you could stay here.” Mr. Garlan stated. “Of course, you don’t have to leave in the morning. Stay for as long as you need to.” “Thank you for the offer Mr. Garlan, but I’ll have to decline.” Sunset replied slowly, getting up to face him. “I do have school tomorrow and as much as I want to stay for Snails sake at least I can’t I have… things to do. However, for right now though, I’m gonna get some sleep.” Nodding in understanding, Mr. Garlan took one more smoke from his pipe before going back up the hall. Sunset listened as his footsteps slowly faded before she exited the bedroom flicking the light to Snails’ room off. Going down the opposite way, she arrived at a slightly larger bedroom that had all the standard essentials of one. Yawning, she took her coat off and hung it on the back of a chair located in front of a large oak desk before walking to the dresser and setting the alarm clock. Sunset then turned and sat down on the bed, taking off her boots and setting them on the floor. Laying down, she pulled the covers back and laid her head against the soft pillow, raising her right arm and resting it on her head as the thunderstorm raged outside. Taking no notice of the horned and bell brand on her right under forearm located just under her wrist , she let herself sink into the bed mattress. ‘Why didn't you take me back with you Twilight?’ Sunset thought to herself, closing her eyes as sleep pulled her into its soothing grip. ‘Why?’ Chapter 4 - Shimmering Solitude Part 3 of 3: August 2nd, Tuesday 6:30 PM‘I cannot believe my new partner had the stupidity to do this!’ It was this thought that first entered Officer Starknight’s mind as she drove into the parking lot of the Canterlot Precinct. Nearly a few hours had passed since she and Moonstone departed from the city’s high school and back to the station. Tense was the perfect word to describe their mood with Moonstone being the sole reason for it. It wasn’t like he didn’t know why, given what he had done when dealing with the investigation involving Sunset Shimmer. He didn’t feel any less scared about the reaction from the Duke when he would hear about it. Or of the consequences that would come from his forced, yet potentially deadly mistake. “How long are going to stay quiet rookie?” Starknight finally asked, her voice shocked her partner out of his trance of fear. “It’s getting kind of unnerving seeing you constantly looking like you’re going to wet your pants.” “Even if I did, I don’t think you can really blame me,” Moonstone replied, the softness in his voice doing nothing to hide the terror draped under it. “You do remember what happened back at that school, don’t you? What, Lightning Dust tried to do?” “I remember. I was there along with you during it, even if I didn’t see it all.” Starknight rolled her eyes while giving her confirmation. “I could already guess that's why you’re acting as you are now. But I can tell there’s another reason concerning that.” Moonstone nodded. “Yeah, and it has to do with Duke. I get the feeling he is not going to be happy with me about what I did. Even though I was just following protocol.” “Maybe so, but with how you decided to follow it he’ll be less than impressed,” Starknight added as she secured their car in a parking spot. “No chance of taking it back now. He might charge you or he might not, it all depends on what he thinks is the best solution to this problem”. “I think I’ll be lucky if that’s all I get when this is over”. Moonstone muttered. Opening his side of the car, Moonstone let himself out and dragged himself inside the precinct. Silently preparing himself for the reprimanding he would get while Starknight stayed behind to get a few minutes of rest. Even as the entrance door shut behind him the woman did not exit the car. It was like her body and mind were refusing to let her move until it got the relaxation that it was consistently denied since her first day on this job. “Breath Starknight just breath” She thought, taking in a few breaths. “He’s only a rookie, he'll learn all you have to do is stay calm and remember how it was when you first started”. If one were to see her face now, they could see Starknight was trying to take what happened that afternoon. It wasn’t like she could be blamed for it. Never in her career as an officer had she been given a case so common yet so perplexing at the same time. Starknight was wondering if some of it was even real in spite of the evidence shown by Celestia. Evidence she still could not find herself able to believe in spite of it being on actual camera. “There is no way any of that was real,” Starknight muttered. A part of her wanted to believe it, especially since Celestia seemed so sincere in her explanation over it. Even one of her own students tried to back her up and strengthen her principal’s testimony while not seeming very confident in it herself. Said principal’s tape also seemed more legitimate than it seemed when she thought about it. With how real it looked, one would think it was actually a childish fantasy come to life. Which would also explain why the school looked so disarrayed. “It had to be a gas mane, nothing else could have caused that creator” opening the door and stepping out she thought, ‘Yes that has to be the answer, so there’s no reason to dwell on it.’ headed towards the entrance she continued to think, ‘So why do I feel like it’s deeper than that when it clearly isn’t? I guess all of this deprivation of sleep is making my brain trick me.’ An internal sigh caused a pause in her train of thought before it was concluded. ‘Yeah… I seriously need to get a more suitable job.’ Grunting in unexcited preparation for the continuance of her shift, Starknight entered the police precinct. In her walk down the halls, silence blessed her ears before the sounds of conversing abolished it a few seconds. Its voices let her know who it was and gave her a clue as to where to go to find them. Turning a corner, she looked around before she saw Duke Whiskers The Captain of Police Precinct one twelve standing at her desk, along with rookie officer Moonstone. From what she saw on their faces, Starknight could see it was not a pleasant conversation. Not that she was really expecting it to be given with all that had gone down earlier in the day. “While I’m glad that nothing bad happened between you and Officer Tails, I have more pressing matters I need to ask you about.” Duke said gravely. “Care to explain to me why I got a call from Celestia and Luna claiming that you assaulted Lightning Dust and Luna herself mister?” “Yeah, I was going to explain it sir.” Moonstone murmured nervously. “I was trying to keep Ms. Dust from escaping and resisting arrest. She also ran onto the road and I was afraid she was going to run over so I just… acted. And Vice principal Luna… she threw herself in the way of my taser, so I ended up hitting her instead.” “I see…” Duke said, brows furrowing as if some supernatural force was pulling them to form a look of anger. “And what about Lightning Dust?” “I was able to take her into custody but not until after she attempted to resist.” Moonstone concluded, doing his best to keep his fear down. “I know what I did was bad, and I agree it was more than likely unnecessary, but Lightning Dust was fleeing the scene of an assault sir. I pursued her and used my taser. I didn’t know that the vice principal was going to jump in like that sir. I am very sorry for what happened, but what else could I do?” “HOW ABOUT NOT USING AN ELECTRICAL WEAPON ON AN UNARMED GIRL?!” Moonstone and Starknight flinched at the explosion of anger that came out from Duke Whisker’s scream. Neither of them expected him to be happy about Moonstone’s reckless actions, but the new recruit was not expecting this level of anger. Thinking about it at that moment, he realized how stupid it was since he assaulted someone who, despite being a minor, was still a child. A part of him hoped it wouldn’t end too badly for him since he was trying to do his duty, but he doubted he’d be that lucky. “Y…y-you’re right. Using my taser was taking it up a notch.” Moonstone admitted with a shameful hang of his head. “Perhaps I should’ve used another method that didn’t risk her life.” “You’re damn right you should’ve, and now you’ll have plenty of time to think on that while I will think of your punishment.” Duke Whisker stated sternly before turning to his niece. “And where were you when this was going on?” “Getting information from Celestia about last night's call.” Starknight replied, while looking down. “From what I gathered, it seemed that the school principal decided to play a prank on us.” “Prank? What in the world do you mean by that?” Duke Whiskers asked with a raised eyebrow. While she didn’t explain it, her sigh indicated it would be a long story. “It’s a long story that I can promise to tell you later on. Right now, can you tell us where Lightning Dust is now captain?” “…She’s in Holding Cell A, put in there by Officer Tails.” He replied, watching as Starknight flinched at his mentioning of the corrupt officer. “But now that you two are here, I would like for you to transfer her to Holding Cell D so she will not have to deal with him anymore. While she is there, I want you to make sure her rights are adhered to at all times!” “Would these happen to be the rights that I failed to read her?” Moonstone asked feebly, raising a hand timidly. “What do you think, rookie?!” Starknight shouted, giving him a smack to the back of his head. “I think I already made it apparent.” Duke huffed as he walked away from Starknight’s desk. “Now go, both of you! And make sure no more harm comes to Lightning Dust tonight. Should I find out this is not seen to by either of you, both of you will be on desk duty! Do I make myself clear?!” “Yes sir!” His sergeant and rookie affirmed, the latter saying it a bit more nervously. Getting out of his office Moonstone followed his partner towards the back of the precinct, soon finding himself standing in front of a large and grated gate. An officer that was behind the gate smiled pleasantly to both. Watching Starknight take her duty belt off and place it on a metal shelf in front his gated window. “Alright.” Starknight began, turning her attention to Moonstone, “You need to take your duty belt off, leave your weapons here and follow me to holding cell A.” Turning her attention to the officer behind the locked gated window she added, “Colt Comet, I would like to sign myself in please.” “What about the Ruger LC9 on your ankle sergeant?” Moonstone asked in confusion. “I thought you said we needed to leave all our weapons here?” Grinning slightly, she reached down unstrapping the holster from her ankle, placing it onto the metal shelf in front of her. Turning to take a clipboard that Colt Comet produced for her to sign, Starknight signed herself in. “I was wondering how long it would take you to notice I was carrying that extra gun on my ankle Moonstone?” “My brother is with C.I.B.” He replied, taking his own duty belt off and placing it on the metal shelf next to Starknight’s. “He trained me. I know almost all there is to know about weapons and what to look for, like when it comes to hiding a weapon on your person like you, sergeant.” He turned his attention to Colt Comet. “I’d like to thank you for letting us sign in, by the way Colt Comet.” “It's not a problem.” He replied before turning his attention to Starknight. “Now if you have gotten all of your weapons off, I’ll buzz the two of you in sergeant.” Buzzing the two of them in, Colt Comet returned to his desk, taking up his clipboard walking past his area, leading Starknight and Moon Stone down a long white hallway. Coming up to a large cell, he saw Lightning Dust sitting on a bench with her legs pulled up to her chest. She was rocking back and forth like she was in the middle of a mental breakdown even though she was not inside a mental asylum. Opening the cell door, Starknight went in, noticing several other people in the cell with her she turned her attention to Moonstone. “You stay at the cell door. I don’t want anyone trying to get out while I get Lightning Dust.” She instructed as she reverted her attention back to the young school girl in front of her. “Lightning it's going to be alright okay? We’re going to have you moved to another cell so you can be a little bit more comfortable.” Taking a pause, she noticed a damp spot between Lightning Dust’s legs. Letting her know she had soiled herself prior to their arrival to her cell. Gently laying her hand on Lightning’s shoulder, she helped her up, looking anywhere but at that spot. “I know you’re probably feeling cold in your current attire, so we’ll get you some clean clothing to wear while you are here.” She continued while rubbing her back. “Have you made your phone call to your parents yet?” “N-no not yet. I was told by that officer that you left me with that I don’t get a phone call.” “… Is that so?” Bitterness laced the softness in Starknight’s voice as she spoke. “I’m not sure what Officer Tails said to you, Lightning Dust, but he was mistaken about that. You do get a phone call as part of your rights. Is there anyone you know you would like to call? Family? friends?” “I…I-I do have one. Since I can’t call my father right now, I’ll go for my mother instead.” Lightning said while wiping her hand at her face. “W-where do I go?” Leading her over to Moonstone and out of the cell, Starknight closed the cell door while the rookie officer led Lightning by her upper forearm towards another part of the precinct. Quickly following the pair, the sergeant immediately gave him directions. “Officer Moonstone, you need to take a left at the end of this hallway. You’ll find Cell C on your left after you get past the intake desk.” Said intake desk was soon found right after this was said, and Moonstone gently cuffed Lightning Dust to it. While he stood guard over her, Starknight went up to the ice-haired, crystalline officer that sat behind the desk. “Hello Officer Glacier Flow. It is good to see you this evening.” She greeted as politely as she was able to. “We have a transferee that needs fresh clothing and will need to remain in the cell until her mother gets here.” “Very well.” Glacier Flow replied, giving Lightning Dust a stern look before typing on his keyboard. “What’s the prisoner's name?” “First she isn’t a prisoner. I would appreciate it if you don’t treat her like one. As for your question, her name is Lightning Dust.” After swiftly reprimanding Glacier, Starknight gently addressed the girl behind her. “How old are you Lightning?” “I’m fifteen,” She sniffled, her legs shaking from the increased coldness by the damp parts on her pants. “P-please, I just want to get cleaned up and not be in these pants anymore? Do I really have to go through with this?” Looking her over Starknight sighed, turning her attention back to Glacier Flow who continued to type ignoring her looks. Seeing there was a phone next to Glacier, Moonstone stepped up to the desk picking it up, he turned his attention to Lightning Dust, receiving scornful looks from both Starknight and Glacier Flow. “What is the telephone number you would like me to call Lightning Dust?” He asked, paying no attention to the looks he received. “I can only do this once so I’ll need a number that you are sure someone will be at to answer the phone.” “Uh, can you call (785) - 986 - 4632. I’ll need you to explain why I am here to the person on the other end. May I speak to the person on that phone after you are done Mr. Stone?” “Let me get the person with the number you gave me on the phone, and then I’ll decide.” Dialing the number MoonStone waited for a few minutes looking back at Lightning Dust he gave her a nod before hearing someone answer the phone. His eyes widened in shock hearing over the other end of the phone. “This is the Prance Embassy to whom are you looking for?” A feminine and refined voice asked out of nowhere. Receiving a smirk from Lightning Dust, Moonstone tried to backpedal. “I, uh, think I might have called the wrong---” “No, you didn’t. My mother works at that Embassy, so you don’t need to worry. Could you please hand me the phone now?” Dust interrupted, taking the phone from him she placed it to her ear as Starknight gave Moonstone a confused look. “My name is Lightning Dust. This is a Code Seventy-Six Alpha Four. I need to speak with my mother immediately.” “I need your identification before I can transfer the call. What is the code number and serial number?” “My code number is seven alpha tango Seven Six Zulu.” Frowning, Dust turned to face Starknight with a smile aimed at her. “My serial number is Tango One Seven Zulu Four Delta. Tell her that I am in jail and that I need her help asap!” ‘What the hell did we get ourselves into here?’ Starknight thought to herself out loud as she went over to the girl. “Ok that’s enough Mrs. Dust. This game has gone on long enough! Give me the phone!” Trying to take the phone away from her, Lightning Dust pressed the speaker button causing all in the small cell room to freeze. It stayed like that for five seconds which felt like it went longer than it was supposed to. It was soon stopped when the same voice from before finally shouted over the enhanced speaker. “This is ambassador Emerald Dust! I would like to speak with my daughter Lightning Dust, NOW!” Taking the phone from Lightning, Starknight pressed the speaker button again so no one would be able to hear their conversation. Part of her wanted to give Lightning Dust a piece of her mind for what she just did but knew that the girls’ mother was her main problem right now. She did not know what position the other woman had at the embassy, but Starknight knew trying to push the issue would not be helpful. With a gulp, she put the phone to her ear, praying she could settle the matter as peacefully as possible. “This is Canterlot Officer Starknight Justice of the Canterlot Police Department, Ms. Emerald Dust.” She began as calmly as possible. “Before we allow you to speak to your daughter, would you please tell me why she doesn’t have her embassy identification on her? I find it difficult for it to be possible given your occupation.” “I see no reason to tell you anything, officer, but in the interest of keeping things civil she doesn’t have it with her because I lost custody of her two years ago.” Emerald Dust replied solemnly. “She has been living with her father ever since he and I divorced him due to his indiscretions. I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you what that means.” ‘Ah… the old infidelity card.’ Starknight thought, feeling a little bad for the embassy worker. “No Ma’am, I don’t. I’m… sorry you had to go through that.” “I would like it if you did not show me any pity Officer Starknight, for I have had more than enough of that. Now I would like you to put my daughter on the phone now!” Seeing she had little choice, and sensing things would get worse if she didn’t, Starknight handed the phone over to Lightning Dust. Inwardly seething at the grin the girl gave her, she watched as Lightning Dust began her conversation with her mother. “Hi Mom, I am in jail… I was blamed for a fight I didn’t start, and the police have been rather… abusive towards me. Can you come here and get me out?” “A fight?” Shock filled Emerald’s voice as she took in her daughter’s words. “What do you mean you got into a fight? And what is this about the police being abusive to you? What happened?!” “It’s… a long story that I don’t want to get into right now, but let’s just say it was bad. A-and it was just a couple of police officers being mean to me, b-but… I’m feeling really scared right now.” Lightning replied, rubbing her arm. “I don’t wanna talk about it right now, ‘cause it’s too long of a story. Can you just come and get me out please?” Hearing her mother's heavy breathing over the phone and papers shuffling followed by computer typing in the background, Lightning waited for her mother’s reply. She looked down and sniffed as a tear trickled down her cheek, watching Starknight scoff in disbelief out of the corner of her eye. Feeling she sensed her gaze, Lightning Dust looked away from her, trying to avoid the sheer piercing coldness in Starknight’s steel blue eyes. “Honey if I get you out.” Her mother said at last “You must swear to me that you won’t say a word to your father about this until you are living with me in Prance. You must also completely leave your life behind. Including that city and school your father sent you too. You are no longer safe there. Do you understand me?” “Yes mom.” She replied adding, “What should I do until you get here?” “I’ll be there in about twenty or thirty minutes. For right now I want you to sit tight and not do anything until I come get you.” With a happy sigh of relief Lightning pointed to her handcuffed hand, indicating she wanted it off. Moonstone got the message and went to set her free from it as Starknight took the phone back from the teen. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to give her final statement until she was interrupted by Emerald. “I want my daughter ready to leave by the time I get there, am I understood officer?” She asked calmly with a threatening undertone. “I don’t know what you did to her or what you will do to her, but I expect her to be unharmed when I arrive.” “I understand completely Ms. Dust. I can assure you; your daughter will not be hurt. Will there be anything else you need tonight? Or will this be all tonight?” “Nothing will be needed from you Officer Starknight, except the continued protection of my daughter. Now, I must be leaving so I can be prepared for whatever I will come upon in that city.” Emerald replied curtly, sounding ready to hang up. “I will also be calling the state department about this, and believe me, I will make sure your life is ruined if my request is not heeded to!” “I will take that into account Ms. Dust.” Starknight agreed, hiding the nervousness in her voice. “Rest assured, I will see you when you get here.” “You’d better hope you’re not alone when I do…” Hearing the phone being hung up, Starknight swallowed hard before looking into Lightning Dust eyes, seeing only a conceited look in her eyes. Hanging up the phone, she led Lightning Dust back to the cell opening the door for her receiving an angry look from her. “Go inside Lightning Dust.” She instructed. “While you may be the daughter of a diplomat, that doesn’t matter so long as you are here in this precinct. You are just another kid like any who come here and thus the people being kept here won’t think twice about hurting you.” “I know… I won’t cause them any trouble.” Lightning Dust sat obediently. “At least more of it than I did tonight.” “For both our sakes, I hope you do.” Shaking her head, Starknight added something that caused Lightning’s heart to leap in her throat. “Since your mother won’t be here for some time, and your father has custody of you, I need to call him, and I must let him know what is going on.” “But my mother asked me not to inform him of her involvement in this matter!” She cried with a look of pure fright etched on her face. “Please, I'll do whatever you want! I’ll even make sure my mother doesn’t cause any trouble for you! Just don’t call him about this.” “And why don’t you want me to call your father?” Starknight pressed. “You make it sound like you have some sort of grudge against him or something.” Lightning looked away. “T…that’s the thing. I sort of like you, and it’s for something that they’re both doing.” “Care to elaborate?” Starknight asked. Watching her look down, the girl sighed heavily, blinking away her tears as she took a seat on the cold cement floor. Staring coldly at Starknight for a few moments, Lightning looked back down staring coldly at her feet. “My mother and father hate each other.” She finally stated. “It wasn’t as bad as it is now, but ever since my dad… betrayed my Mom, they’ve been fighting like crazy. I didn’t see a lot of it since they separated after what my Dad did, but it was really bad. It got a bit better since they aren’t together anymore, but it's still bad. Starknight quirked a brow while still listening. “Bad how?” “I… I’m a weapon.” Lightning continued, lifting her head up from behind her knees. “I’m a weapon my parents use to hurt each other. I didn’t really understand it at first but… I kind of figured it out on my own and… it’s really getting to me. I don’t know how long they’re going to go, but I’m tired of it! I want it to end already!” Holding her head in her hands, Dust began to rock back and forth again. “I want to go back to how it was! I just want my Mom and Dad to be cool with each other again!” With each second that passed of Lightning Dust telling her story, Starknight felt her empathy for the girl grow bit by bit. It would not be the first time she would hear from a juvenile, delinquent to otherwise about being used as a means to hurt their guardians. Being one of the most common things known in her job as an officer, Starknight learned to tell when a tale like this would be told to her. It never stopped her from doing her job and making sure the minor criminals would face any punishment given for their crimes. But the woman still gave her sympathies for something no child should have to be forced to endure. Least of all by the ones expected to protect them the most. “I swear to you officer if you don’t contact my father, I promise you won’t have to deal with my mother.” Pleas from the girl pulled Starknight’s attention back to her. “Let me make one more phone call. I'll call her cell phone. I’m sure I can convince her to let this all go.” Looking her over for a few minutes, Starknight considered her options before letting out a quick breath and turning to Moonstone. Watching him walk out of the area turning her attention back to Lightning Dust, she paused for a few minutes collecting her thoughts. With a last look at the girl after having an internal debate, Starknight finally made up her mind. “I’ll go get you some clean clothing. It won’t be much but at least you’ll have something fresh to wear.” Walking away from her she looked over her shoulder adding, “When I get back, I’ll take you to the showers where you can get cleaned up to make your second call. If you do anything other than that, I’ll send you back to this cell until your mother gets here. Am I understood?” “Yes ma’am, I promise you won’t get any further trouble out of me.” Giving her a nod, Starknight left down the hallway, turning to her left to find Moonstone filing paperwork along with Glacier. Setting down the clipboard and signing out, Moonstone looked between the two of them before walking past her towards the front of the precinct getting back up front a minute later. ‘We are getting busted for this.’ Starknight grimly thought, heading for Duke’s office knocking on his door a few seconds later. “Come in.” Duke replied, watching as the woman opened the door and went inside. “Hello Officer Starknight, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Are you here to report to me about Ms. Dust?” “I am.” She nodded, deciding to hold off telling him the bad news for a little bit. “We were able to move her to Cell C and we’re going to get her new clothing since she’s feeling… uncomfortable at the moment.” “Given what your rookie partner did to her, I would be uncomfortable too if the roles were switched.” Duke bitterly stated with a scowl. “And Moonstone is on desk duty correct?” “I haven't assigned him to that just yet, but I will before I leave the station.” Starknight assured, making a mental note to do just that so Moonstone could learn from his actions. “But… that’s not all I came to tell you about, sir. It concerns Lightning Dust and… you’re not going to like it.” Duke’s eyes narrowed as he picked up his coffee mug. “Did Moonstone do something again?” “No, it doesn’t concern Moonstone, but… Ms. Dust’s mother.” Starknight explained rubbing at her arm. “We had a talk with her a couple of minutes ago and… well, her mother just so happens to be a diplomat in a powerful part of the city.” Liquid splashing onto the Duke’s desk cracked the silence of the office as the captain spat out his coffee. While he did his best to not choke on it, his skin grew lighter as his pupils minimized in size and sweat dripped down his forehead. Jaw trembling, he wiped a hand over his mouth and shakily asked, “She’s a what?” “A diplomat, sir. And from how she sounded on the phone, she’s a high ranking one.” Starknight repeated wincing at the man’s fearful look. “And in case you’re wondering about what she said to us, it has to do with the assault on her daughter.” Duke froze. “She knows what happened?!” “Lightning Dust was the one who told her, but yes.” Starknight confirmed. “Her mother also stated to me that she would be calling the department about this matter. And judging from how she was on the phone, she’s out for blood. Our blood specifically.” Letting out a forced sigh, Duke Whiskers glanced down collecting his thoughts, looking back up momentarily he looked into his niece’s blue eyes for any sign of false hood. It caused him to go even paler as the gravity of the situation truly began sinking in. Duke knew that Lightning Dust’s parents would not be happy about the attack on their daughter by their rookie, but he was not in any way expecting this. Not only was Lightning’s family on the high important people list, but one of them was one of the diplomats of the entire city. He wasn’t aware of just how powerful of a diplomat that Lightning’s mother was, but he knew they were in hot water right now. Water that’s heat would only increase if things went further south. Not many options could be used by Duke to try to calm this problem, but he was intent on calming it as much as he could. For he now knew the wrath of an angry mother was the least of his worries. “I want you to make absolutely sure that no one goes near her sergeant. You and you alone are to be held responsible for taking care of that child and no one else.” Duke firmly instructed, piercing Starknight’s eyes with his own steely gaze. “I can see this is worse than I thought, and we need to do everything we can to ensure this doesn’t blow up. For now, you need to get her cleaned up and ready to see her mother as soon as you can, and do not let Lightning out of your right. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes sir!” Starknight said obediently, giving a nod before heading out of the office back to Cell C. ‘I doubt that Lightning Dust will do as she said she would. She is after all a kid and kids can be vengeful if given half the chance. Still, with what her mother does for a living, I guess I have no choice but to hope she stands by her word. If she does at all.’ Getting to the police lost and found room, Starknight shifted through some pants, shirts and socks Starknight found some clothing that looked about Lightning’s size. An extra moment was spent to make sure the pants weren’t stained and weren’t damp in certain areas. Before returning to Lightning Dust, Starknight stopped by the precincts Womans and Childrens Care room finding an unopened pack of underwear that looked to be the right size. She took these and headed back to the cell checked herself back in with Glacier Flow she soon found Lightning staring off into the nothingness of the cell. Whipping out her flashlight, she tapped the bars getting Lightning Dust’s attention while surprising her in the process. “I have some clean pants, underwear and a shirt for you Lightning. If you are tired of being in this cell, I’ll take you to the showers then to my desk where you can await your mother.” “I’d like that Officer Starknight.” She replied watching her open the cell door gesturing to the open hallway beyond the cell. “Can I make that phone call now instead of needing to wait till I get to your desk?” “How about we clean you up first, then you can make your phone call will that be alright?” she replied, ushering Lightning Dust down the hallway she added, “I’ll stay outside of the showers, and make sure you are not disturbed while you clean up.” Leading her to a large shower room, she led Lightning over to the shower, turned the water on and tested it with her hand. Once she was sure the water was warm enough, she placed the clothing near a bench located at the front of the shower. Lightning waited for Starknight to leave before getting undressed and going into the shower to wash herself. Several minutes passed without incident before Lightning Dust came out clean and fully dressed, ready for her next task. Leading the girl back the way they came, Starknight let out a soft sigh catching Lightning’s attention. “Is there something on your mind officer?” Lightning tentatively asked. “If you're worried about my mother, I won’t let her do anything to cost you your job. I know I brought all this upon myself and I’m sorry for that.” A shake of the head was the first response the girl got before the verbal one came. “While your apology is appreciated it's not my job that I am worried about Lightning, it's Moonstone’s. He is a rookie officer and could be fired for this. I’ll agree not to contact your father about this, but you need to live up to your end of the deal, otherwise, diplomatic immunity or not I’ll show you what true fear really is and how I can apply it to this situation.” “I understand… I won’t give you any trouble. I swear I just want to get out of here.” Lighting cast her eyes down to her feet with a gulp. “I-I didn’t know calling her would cost you your partner! I really am sorry and want to fix this!” Ushering her towards the front of the precinct, Starknight didn’t reply, a solemn look etched over her face as she got back to her desk. Pulling up a nearby chair gesturing for Lightning Dust to take a seat, the woman sat down herself, and handed her phone over to the teenager. “If you want to ‘fix’ this then you need to tell your mother the truth let her know that you started the fight at school today and that you brought this upon yourself. That is the only way to ‘fix’ this situation.” Starknight said sternly, adjusting herself inside her seat. “I know that your mother has diplomatic immunity and that she will more than likely use it to hide from the law. But that isn’t how you fix things by hiding from your problems.” Lightning stayed quiet, clasping her hands in her lap. “You need to face your problems head on and take care of them like an adult. Not like a spoiled child that gets whatever they want. Or else you’ll never learn and grow from them.” Giving her a stare with the intensity of a taser, Starknight concluded her parental lecture. “Do you understand what I’m saying Lightning?” “I do.” She replied picking up the phone she dialed her mother’s cell phone number and held the phone to her ear. “Hello?” “Honey it's me. I’m sorry the phone dropped the call the driver is a complete-” A familiar and unwanted voice spoke from the other end of the line. “Mom, listen. I need to talk to you about something.” Lightning interrupted, both to keep Ms. Dust from cursing and to get the situation over with as soon as possible. “It’s about the officers again.” Emerald’s next question came in a tone filled with a mixture of worry and anger. “Oh no, what is it sweetie? Did they do something to you again?” “No, it’s nothing like that I promise.” Lightning quickly rejected, gripping the phone in both of her hands. “Look, I know that you’re planning to do something to the officers for what I told you about how they treated me, and I…” She took in a breath before pushing the next words out. “I want you to leave them be.” A brief silence greeted her ear from the other end before Emerald Dust ended it. “You want me to leave them alone? Honey am I hearing you right?” Incredulity was planted firm in her tone like a weed sprouting from the earth. “Why would you want me to do that?!” “Because they were only doing their jobs!” Lightning protested, her shout causing Starknight to jump in surprise. “I know that sounds crazy but none of the officers did anything wrong! I brought it on myself by making things harder for them! It is my fault anyway since I started the fight back in school.” “But they assaulted-” “Only one did, but that was on me!” Lighting cut in again. “Listen Mom, if you want me to go with you then you’ll have to leave the state department out of this. And make sure the officers don’t get into any sort of trouble over this despite what happened to me.” ‘Except Moonstone.’ Starknight thought dryly, still intent on making sure her rookie partner was reigned in. Emerald hesitated. “I… I…” “That is the price you’ll have to pay if you want me to go with you Mom. Otherwise, I’ll let dad know I contacted you and you’ll never hear from me again.” Lightning stated firmly, sensing her mother was about to give in. “I don’t want to do this, but I don’t want to drag this out any longer, and you’re not really giving me any other choice. It’s up to you.” “F-fine, fine! I won’t do anything to the officers… Nothing too bad. I want them to face some sort of penance for what they did, but it won’t be permanent.” Emerald replied, sounding somewhat defeated. “Just please be careful next time okay sweetie. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you when I’m not there. I already lost my time with your father because of his selfishness. I don’t want to lose you too. More than I have already.” “I will Mom… thank you.” Lightning Dust nodded, relief filling her. “By the way… how long do you think you have left to get here?” “A few more minutes.” Emerald assured her daughter. “I’m nearly at the police department. Please make sure you’re ready for me by the time I get there. If you’re in there longer than I can handle I think I’m gonna break something.” “Only if you promise that you won’t go crazy.” “…I’ll do my best.” “Alright, I gotta go. I’ll be near the back towards all the desks and computers.” Lightning ended the discussion and hung up the phone after a few seconds. Giving it back to Starknight, she noticed a proud look on the policewoman’s face. Like she had done something that was worthy of her praise. “What’s that look for?” Starknight smiled as she took the phone. “For showing how a real adult atones for their actions.” While she stated she would only be about three minutes away, Emerald Dust managed to get to the precinct in less than a quarter of that time. It took even less time to get inside the station, with the clacking of high heels being the first sign to indicate she was there. Starknight and Dust only needed to wait nearly a half minute for the latter’s mother to arrive. She bore a bit of a resemblance to her daughter, save for some minor gray streaks in her hair. But when it came to her clothing, it was obvious she was someone of importance. From her black overcoat, blue silk shirt, black slacks and black high heel shoes. “I take it you must be Lightning Dust’s mother?” Starknight asked, ending the awkward silence. “I am Sergeant Starknight.” “What if I am?” She replied, adding “I don’t really care for your identity. What I do care about is getting my daughter out of here and home with me.” “Mom! You promised me that you wouldn’t act like this! Please calm down! ” Quickly turning her attention to Starknight Lightning Dust gave her parting words. “I’m sorry for how my mother has acted, officer Starknight. She’s just worried about me and upset. I hope you can forgive her.” “It’s fine. Not like I can blame her even if I wanted to. I’d be lying if I said I could keep a cool head in her shoes.” Starknight murmured, coughing in her fist. “Figuratively speaking.” “Right, so… I would like to go and leave with my Mom now… if that is alright with you?” “Yes, Lightning Dust, you may leave. Please follow me to the front of the precinct.” She instructed, watching Lightning’s mother take out her badge. “There is no need to show me your credentials, I’ll escort the both of you out. But I should advise you Lightning Dust that when and if you do come here again please have your Diplomatic Identification on you. You may be able to avoid what went down in the future if you do.” “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.” Narrowing her eyes Mrs. Dust took her daughter by her hand leading her towards her car parked out front of the precinct. Cold freshness bit at their skin as the rain came down as hard as it was when it first started. As Mrs. Dust and her daughter went to their car, Lightning turned her attention towards officer Starknight, feeling sadness creep within her. Letting go of her mother’s hand she looked down before approaching the officer. “L-Lightning Dust?” “Just a second Mom, I need to say something to the officer real quick.” Not looking at her mother, she approached Starknight with resolution in her eyes. “So, uh… I wanted to thank you for looking after me, especially from that Officer Tails guy. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to handle it if it wasn’t for you.” “I’m just doing my job, kid. What any other officer would do.” Starknight dismissed the girl’s gratitude with a wave of her arms. ‘Unlike what Tails would.’ “And one more thing… It's about Sunset.” Lightning continued, scratching her cheek. “If you don’t want a repeat of what I did to Sunset Shimmer at school today, then spend some time with her. I won’t be the only person that wants to start fights with Sunset so if you want to avoid all that give her something positive in her life.” “I’ll be sure to do that Lightning Dust, but I have more pressing matters at hand right now.” Starknight said while turning on her heels. “You should be lucky that you got let off as lightly as this. Had this been a normal situation I would have had to bring you to Juvenile Hall for what you did today. Consider this as a lesson to be mindful of your actions and contemplate whether they’ll be worth the consequences. ‘Cause you never know how dire they could be.” “It's a good thing my mother got to me first then, isn’t it? I know my father would’ve let me rot in jail for this if she didn’t.” She replied before following her mother back to her car. “Alright Mom, I’m ready to go! Remember you can't get the state department involved in this!” “I know, I know!” Mrs. Dust yelled in annoyance. “We’re ready now Ms. Maisy! Take us to the airport this instant!” As the woman slammed the door to her expensive car, Starknight finally went back inside as the mother and daughter drove off. Going down the hall of the precinct, she went for her desk where she saw Moonstone going over some paperwork. “Hello Sergeant, did Ms. Lightning leave with her mother?” He asked with some inquisitiveness. “She did.” Starknight sighed, placing a hand on her hip. “But enough about that. I need to let you know of your punishment for your assault on Lightning Dust.” “I suspected as much.” Moonstone murmured grimly, pausing in his paper sorting. “For your use of excessive force on a minor and misuse of your weapons, as of this moment you are on desk duty. Until I say otherwise, you are not to do anything else regarding your other roles as an officer. Should this not work to help you learn, your penance will be more severe. Do you fully understand?” “Yes ma’am…” Moonstone confirmed bitterly, giving a little tsk. “This is total-” “Don’t you dare finish that sentence mister or your desk duty will be extended. Now get back to work.” She interrupted as she headed for the captain's office. “I really hate this job sometimes.” “Come in Sargent.” Duke commanded, watching his niece come inside and shut the door behind them. “Are Miss Lightning Dust and her mother gone yet?” “Yes, I had to let her go. I didn’t want to embarrass the precinct.” Starknight replied while sitting in front of her uncle’s desk. “I am sure there will be a news conference about this in the morning sir.” “I doubt her mother will carry out her threat to call the state department. Doing so might just as easily embarrass her like her new husband.” Getting a confused look from his niece he added, “I was with her when she got the divorce two years ago. Both blamed the other, but Mr. Dust got temporary custody of their daughter. I know we shouldn’t have let Lightning Dust go with her mother, but I think it might be best to let the courts deal with this one. And for us to stay out of it as much as we can.” “I agree with that part of it at least sir.” Starknight grumbled while crossing her arms. “Captain sir, I don’t like not being able to put someone into jail for causing a crime. Lightning Dust committed assault! We had everything we needed to press charges and she called her mother! Who swoops in flashes some diplomatic badge around and presto! They get to walk out of here Scott-free! It’s times like this I’m reminded just how screwed up this city is!” “I don’t like it either, but we have little if any say in this matter. Now, please return to your duties, Officer Starknight.” Watching her head for the door, he stopped her in her tracks. “I also want you to know that Moonstone will be fully investigated by I.A. You’re to stay out of it and not do a thing to interfere. Is that clear?” With a guttural growl in her throat, Starknight nodded. “Yes, sir!” Not wanting to hear whatever else her uncle had to say, the policewoman stormed back out of his office. Returning to her desk, later she sat down and started her paperwork, where she stayed for the next several hours. Near the end, Moon Stone got up from his desk and checked the time, seeing it was four-forty-five in the morning. “It's been a long night, sergeant.” He said in an effort to break the silence. “How about we call it and head home? I for one could use some sleep.” “Sure thing. But before we go, I want to know why you were late today?” She replied, getting up and cracking her back and neck back into place. “And I fully and completely expect you to be on time for now. Do you fully understand?” “Yes, but can this wait until after I have had some sleep sergeant? I’m feeling really drained right now.” Seeing that Moonstone was quite tired and wasn’t in the mood for anything further she nodded picking up her phone. She dialed a number and waited for a minute. Looking around she saw the other officers going about their own business. With some of them filing paperwork while others were working on their computers, and a few just standing around talking among themselves. “Dispatch.” The dispatcher said. “This is Starknight Justice. I am calling in my ten - forty-two and the.” Glancing at her watch she added, “Time is zero four hundred hours and fifty-nine minutes. I’m turning the phone over to officer Moonstone to end his tour of duty.” “Ten four - officer.” The dispatcher replied. Taking the phone from her he held the receiver to her right ear and waited for a couple minutes in silence. Looking around he saw several other officers talking about other cases looking over to Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper’s desks he saw officers Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly talking with Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper. “Has anyone heard anything about those missing kids, sergeant?” Moonstone asked curiously. “Not that I know. I’ll check in with Mustang Tails and see how things are going. You stay here and clock yourself out, got it?” “Yes ma’am.” He affirmed. Watching her walking over to Mustangs desk he sighed hearing while he heard a voice over the phone. “This is Dispatch. Go ahead, officer.” “What? Oh, yes this is Moonstone I am calling in my Ten - Forty-two.” Moonstone responded quickly. “The time is zero five hundred hours and three minutes.” “Ten - Twelve officer.” His dispatcher replied a few seconds later. “Alright officer. You are clocked out now.” Hanging up the phone, Moonstone stood up and walked over to Mustang’s desk getting many concerned looks from all that were over at his desk. Turning his attention to Starknight, Mustang growled out to her. “Like I said, you shouldn’t have an idiot like him as your rookie sergeant! He’s liable to get you hurt or even killed if he screws up like---” “And how were you when you first started, you jerk?! You, according to your partner, were a complete idiot! Now quit it with that protective shit ‘because you are the last person who should be preaching about that!” Starknight snapped back, not any mood to deal with his ranting. “Now then… have you and the others heard anything about those missing kids yet or not?” “No nothing yet sergeant. It seems like no one has anything we can use.” Mustang sighed as he calmed down. “It’s nothing you need to concern yourself over right now. Just go home… the rest of us can handle this.” “Yeah, we don’t need your help sergeant. But we do appreciate it.” Scarlet Bee chimed in kindly. “I am sure we’ll find them... We just have to.” Jewel Lilly murmured quietly. “We don’t want them to go through what you did, Sargent. When you were kid-” “What happened to me is none of your damn business!” She yelled back, interrupting her, causing everyone other than Mustang and Breeze Sweeper to take a step back. Turning her attention to Moonstone she more calmly asked, “Are you clocked out yet rookie?” “Y-yes I am.” He replied gulping, “Please don’t be too hard on them sergeant. All of them are just doing their jobs.” “Good, you’re free to go. And make sure to come early next time like I said.” Starknight nodded, turning her attention back to the group. “All of you, go home now! And don’t bring up my past again unless it is called for by a warrant or summons! Is that clear?” “Yes ma’am.” Everyone replied in unison. “We’re sorry sergeant, we didn’t-'' Dusk Song injected only to be left standing to watch Starknight storm off. “I guess we’ll just get back to work then…” Turning to leave, Moonstone took one last look at Sergeant Starknight before collecting his things and making his way to the officers changing room. Getting to his locker several moments later, he opened it, placing his duty belt inside. He was going to head for the exit when he heard a voice call out to him. “Hey rookie, don't be too afraid of the sergeant.” Turning around he saw another officer who was putting on his vest. “She was only a kid when something horrible happened to her. Something that stayed with her for a pretty long time.” Moonstone tilted his head. “Uh, who are you?” “Oh, I am Lieutenant Starchaser.” Moonstone noticed the Lieutenant had snow white hair, glasses, slightly wrinkled skin and freckles. “I’m nearly fifty years old, close to retirement and I know what she is going through. Though I can’t go into details I can say this, the sergeant is a good person deep down. Try to take her rough attitude with anything other than a grain of salt. ” “I see...” Moonstone replied, taking off his duty shirt he quickly put it into his locker, taking out a clean green t-shirt slipping it on. “And I take it that ‘something bad’ that happened to her turned her into who she is today?” “Yeah, you could say that.” Starchaser said sadly. “It’s not something any of us can really help her with other than perhaps the captain. He knows it better than anyone else.” “Captain Duke?” “Our captain happens to be her uncle.” Walking towards the exit, not noticing the look of surprise on Moonstone’s face. “He has helped her deal with the ‘indecent’ and helped her get some peace back into her life, but as you saw, it still gets to her every now and again. He won’t like it if you or anyone else for that matter brings it up, and he prefers it if no one does. Just be careful what you say, and you bring up around her for your own sake, got it kid?” Not knowing exactly what to say, Moonstone just nodded and finished his redressing, locking his equipment and heading out the precinct. Just seconds later Starknight joined him, holding a look of bitterness and anger as she went to her car. Without a single word in his direction, she opened up the driver’s door and started up her car. Leaning back into her chair she closed her eyes, her thoughts dwelling on her childhood memories. Memories she would rather sooner forget than remember if given the chance to do so. Hearing a knock on the driver’s side window her eyes snapped open and saw Moonstone’s worried face looking at it from behind. Groaning softly, Starknight rolled down “What is it rookie?” “Just wanted to know if you were okay, sergeant.” He replied nervously, not really knowing how to begin. “I noticed you looking a little down there.” “I’m fine. You don’t need to concern yourself with me.” She rebutted with a snort, her voice lacking the annoyance and irritation she had earlier. “Just been a really stressful day, nothing more.” “Yeah… I can tell.” Moonstone murmured, pausing to let some awkward silence pass. “Look… I know you were upset by what happened back there. I honestly would be too if someone were to try and bring something up that I would rather forget. But I want you to know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer alone either. Everyone has things that they don’t want to remember, and while I have my own skeletons, I can see your closet is pretty packed.” He stopped for a second when Starknight looked over at him. “I can’t say that I know what you’re going through, and I won’t pretend I do. But… if you need to talk, I’m a really good listener. It’s kind of a specialty of mine since I was a kid and it’s helped a lot of people so… don’t hesitate to vent to me if you’d like.” Nothing was said from Starknight to follow up these words as she sat in her seat and let her and Moonstone’s eyes merge with each other. From her eyes of pain, sadness and bitterness came a small light brought out by the warmth, kindness and brightness of the younger officer’s. Part of her was tempted by the offer. To have someone other than her uncle know the pain of what she went through under means out of her control. However, a sadder part of her rejected it and not out of fear of how he would see her. No part of Starknight doubted Moonstone’s words and that he was willing to be her confidant… but she couldn’t do it. Not to someone with eyes like his. “Go home rookie.” She softly commanded after a full minute, putting her car in driving mode. “Be here at 8 o’clock sharp. If you are even a minute late, I’ll give you a reprimand.” With those parting words, Starknight drove off leaving Moonstone standing in the street a little bit dumbfounded at what was said. It soon turned into dismay as he went to his own car, silently beating himself over with what he tried, and failed to do. As he thought back on it, he remembered the look in Starknight’s eyes and felt his mood lighten. Moonstone didn’t know whether his sergeant was willing to trust his words, but he hoped she could trust him in the future. Chapter 5 - Dimming Suns Part 1 Of 19 August 3rd, Wednesday 2 AMThunder crashed and clapped from out the window of the Shepard Household as Sunset Shimmer tossed in her guest bed. Light flashed through her shut eyelids, indicated by the lightning bursting from the clouds. Her sleep was disrupted as a result and she tossed and turned to fall back into it with no success. Pulling her legs to her chest, her arms hugged them like a twin set of teddy bears as sniffles took up her soft breathing. “I know why you didn’t take me home Twilight.” Tears began to trickle down her cheeks like sap from a tree as Sunset ran her fingers over her right forearm and the brand she had just below her right wrist. “It's because I don’t deserve to go home. I am a monster thus you chose to banish me from your world forever”. Looking out the window she saw the rain was falling hard, showing it would not be a good idea to go outside. Not that this mattered to Sunset as she didn’t have any intentions of staying longer than she needed to. It wasn’t like it was her home anyway. And it was only due to being the friend of the owner’s nephew that she was even here. Well, now she felt like her time here was up and was fully intent on getting back to her old place as quickly as possible. “I gotta be as quiet as possible” she thought “I can’t risk waking them up”. Quickly making the bed up and putting on her boots, Sunset began gathering up her homework, placing it into the opening of her backpack. Taking her coat from the back of the chair, she went to put it on only to see it had several holes in the back of it. A flash of a certain demonic girl went coursing through her head, causing her to nearly drop her jacket as she looked at the floor. “I’ll need to find a way to fix this when I get back to my shack,” Putting it on and zipping it closed as best as she could, Sunset pulled the collar close around her neck before picking up Snails’ own schoolwork. “Need to leave this where he’ll find it before I head out.” Heading for the door, Sunset quietly opened it before glancing back at the clock on the dresser behind her. Eyes widening as if she remembered something, Sunset went over to switch it off. It would certainly be bad for her if it were still on, and that was the last thing she wanted right now. “Good thing I stopped to take care of that,” She whispered, taking her hand away from the clock. “No way it would be good to have the clock go off and wake up Snails’ dad. I have bothered him and Snails’ enough tonight.” “Bothered who enough?” A soft voice came from behind her. Jumping in surprise, Sunset whipped around to see Snails standing in the doorway. “Snails! What are you-” “Where are you going Sunset”? He asked, scratching at his pajama pants while stretching out his green t-shirt “It’s two in the morning. Curfew doesn’t end until six.” “I um, was going to head...” Sunset glanced down with a look of shame. “Home. Back over to my… home.” “Home? You’re not going to stay the night?” Snails softly asked, tilting his head like he was a little preschooler confused by a lesson. The older girl shook her head. “No… I’m not. I’m not… feeling comfortable being here and I would rather be back at my hut. It has nothing to do with you, but… I just don’t want to be her anymore.” “Oh, I see…” Snails muttered, fumbling with his hands. “I’m sorry for asking.” Quietly turning around, the boy went back down the hall to his room before Sunset had a chance to say anything else. She stood there for a time even after hearing his door close, like Snails’ action alone was rooting her in the doorframe. Gathering her wits, she slowly followed where he went, a hand lifting to knock at the door. “Come in,” Snails meekly replied. Opening the door and stepping into his room, Sunset locked eyes with the younger boy. “Listen Snails, I know you wanted me to stay at least until the storm’s gone, but I can’t,” Walking up to his bed, Sunset sat down on the edge of it, setting her backpack down. “I appreciate what your father has done for me I really do it's just that--” “It’s alright,” He interrupted, giving her an understanding but sad smile. “You’re not a part of my family so you feel as if you're taking advantage of my father, right?” “Y-yes,” She replied looking down while she desperately fought off her tears. “Look, there is no need to be sad alright? I’ll be fine. You know how I am, being the ‘Big Bad Shimmer’ and all. A few hours out on the streets won’t be able to get me down.” “Yeah, I get that, but I’m still pretty sad about it. I was actually going to see if my dad could make you breakfast before you left.” Snails commented, taking a close look at her. “You look like you hadn’t eaten in days.” “Heh, aren’t you the sweet sidekick?” Sunset chuckled with a coo while rubbing Snails on the head. “I’m touched that you’re worried about me, but you have your own issues to worry about. You don’t need my own piling on of them. You just focus on yourself and try to keep yourself out of trouble.” Snails still looked a bit unsure. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay till the morning? My Dad will understand, I swear.” “The longer I stay, the more I’ll feel like I’m burdening you and your father, and I don’t want you to deal with it,” Sunset rejected, a hand on Snails’ back. “You can just tell your dad I left early because I wanted to get to class without being late. Trust me Snails, it’ll be better this way.” “…Well, okay. If you’re really sure about this. Just please be careful out there okay?” Snails finally submitted. “If you end up getting hurt, I’m gonna have Dad bring you back here. And it’ll be until we’re sure you’re better!” “Understood,” Sunset smiled with approval equivalent to an older sibling finding out the younger one succeeded in something. “Now, go get some sleep. I’ll see you at school in a few hours once the sun is up. I’ll place your homework in your backpack for you before I head out. Be sure to have it with you so you don’t get a zero, alright?” “Alright,” Snails nodded, settling back into his bed. “See you in the morning Sunset.” “You too Snails,” Once she was sure he was again fast asleep Sunset and headed out of Snails' room quietly closing the door behind her. Tiptoeing down the hallway she soon found herself standing at the front door and Snails’ backpack hanging on a rack attached to the door. Taking it down, she placed his homework into it and hung it back on the door before opening it and stepping out into the cold chilly night. “Huh… I was expecting it to be chillier, but it feels good,” She muttered to herself stepping off the front porch. “It’ll take at least an hour and a half to get back to the shack… might as well go now since I’m gonna get soaked anyway.” Quickly making her way down the street, Sunset stopped to look both ways before crossing the street. Getting across the road safely she continued to head back to her shack keeping her head bowed low. Her thoughts began to dwell on a past, not like that of the one in this world. One she would sooner forget and never have to worry about. Even with the rain giving her a comforting feeling, it did little to assuage her anger or guilt. Feelings Sunset knew she would need to confront sooner or later. Feeling the wind begin to pick up, the rain began to fall harder, stinging Sunset’s face with each tiny droplet like tiny pebbles from a cliff’s edge. Before the orphan girl even realized it, she was standing in front of the shack she called home. Having gotten there at the same time she thought she would. Going inside, he fished through her coat pockets, trying to find the phone Garble had given her the day earlier. “Come on! Which pocket did I place that phone into?” she whispered to herself finally finding it she quickly turned it on opened the door to her shack and stepped inside. Water dripped off her clothing forming a small puddle on the cement floor taking her coat off she let it fall in a heap on the floor before sitting down leaning her back against the cold metal frame of the shack. “I’m soaking wet but at least I am out of that storm. I’m sure to get sick from this weather but at least I won’t have to go back to school,” Taking her wet clothes off, Sunset leaned against the wall of her shack, placing the phone next to her. “I wonder if Garble would actually want to hang out before school starts… oh, who am I kidding? Like he would ever-” Her words were interrupted by the ringing of her phone, causing her to look at the device resting in her hand. Feeling she should answer it, Sunset pressed the answer button and held the phone to her ear. “Hey Shimmer!” She heard him greet her over the other end of the line. “Nice to hear from you! didn’t think you’d actually pick up for a while there.” “Me neither. I honestly wasn’t sure if you’d even want to call me at all. Given my rep at school and everything,” Sunset murmured, one arm wrapping around her knees like a snake around a tree. “Anyway, what’s with the call? You’re not here to talk about who would call who, are you” “I would if that was why I was doin’ this shit in the first place.” Garble chuckled, the sound gently thumping against Sunset’s ear canal. “I actually wanted to know if you wanted to hang out with me.” Sunset blinked like he had said something alien to her. “Hang out… with… me?” “Yeah, why not? I’m feelin’ kind of bored and wanted to know if the Big Bad Shimmer of Canterlot Junior High and High School wanted to chill with the Big Bad Dragon.” Garble explained casually. “It’s cool if you decide not to, given the shit you’re dealing with, but I’m sure you could use the company.” “Uh, sure… I guess. But it's raining like cats and dogs outside and I don’t think it’d be a good idea to meet up in this weather.” Sunset replied, glancing out the open gap in her shack that held the window. “And what about the city's curfew? Aren’t you worried you’ll get tossed in jail for being out past curfew?” “Nah, I’m not. Besides, my stepfather Torch and my stepsister Ember could care less about me so I don’t see any reason to care about the rules,” Garble murmured. “Look, just tell me where you’re at and I’ll have someone drive me to you.” “I don’t really have a location, but I’ll meet you in the park in about an hour if that’s okay,” Sunset said, thinking it wouldn’t be a good idea to tell him where her shack was. While she didn’t think he’d sell her out in that regard, Sunset preferred to keep this part of her life private no matter what. “You’d better not be late either.” “Yeah, yeah, don’t worry. He grumbled, his tone telling the girl he heard that statement about a hundred times. “What side of the park should I meet you at? South or North?” “Hmm...North Side. It's quicker to get back home that way than the south.” “Cool, I’ll see ya there then!” It took an hour longer than Sunset would’ve liked, but she managed to make it to the Northern Canterlot Park. It was a little marred by how much mud she got on her because of how wet the dirt paths were from the rain. Due to that same water washing her clean of the dirt though, she did put up much of a fuss. It would have been a different story if it were her jacket because that’d have been truly upsetting. Once she entered the north side of the park, Sunset found a bench and sat down to relax while waiting for Garble to show up. Glancing at her phone she saw it was four-thirty in the morning. Only a few hours before she would have to head to school. Not aware of just what she would find when entering the school grounds. ‘Why am I even bothering to meet with him? I hardly even know him outside of the fact he’s one of the bullies I brought down.’ Sunset thought as she looked at the sky. ‘Garble has no reason to see me either, and yet he’s acting and treating me as if I’m already his friend. Was he always like that or has he had a change of heart? It’s pretty weird either way.’ A groan left her lips as her eyes went from the sea of blackness above her to her lap. ‘I don’t know why, but I’ve got a strange feeling about this. Whatever Garble’s planning, I hope it won’t involve the police. No way they’ll let me go as easily the first time if they find me doing something illegal.’ “Hey Sunset!” She heard Garble’s voice in the distance. “Over here!” Looking in the direction he had called; she saw him walking towards her carrying in his hands a small plastic bag. She saw that Garble had an excited smile on his rather smug looking face, making the feeling in her chest tighten to discomforting levels. Sunset would not have the chance to think on it more for the other had already started the conversation. “Glad you came! Thought you might want to play hooky from school today!” He said, setting the back down in front of them. “I brought some food with us too in case you were hungry. alongside a few other things we’ll need.” “What other things?” Sunset asked, taking the back and taking it apart to look inside. “Some spray cans and whatnot. Got something rather funny planned that I wanna do before we go off to school.” Garble replied, crossing his arms as if proud. He then saw Sunset’s frown and got one of his own. “What’s up? Having second thoughts?” “No, it’s just… I can’t eat the peanuts, cause I’m allergic to them, but I can take the crackers.” She explained, finding boxes of crackers, two jars of peanuts, and spray paint cans in the bag. “I‘m not sure what you want me to do with the spray paint though. Don’t really see any use for it.” “Not to worry, the spray paint isn’t for you. I’m heading to the city to mark up a few….buildings.” Glancing back at her as he turned around, Garble smirked. “You care to join me, Shimmer?” Sunset shrugged her shoulders while taking the crackers in her hand. “Might as well. Not like I’ll have anything better to do. I doubt anyone would care if I don’t show up at school today anyway.” “Took the thoughts right out of my head.” Following him out of the park the two walked side by side each other for an hour before stopping at an old building. Sunset instantly took notice of the building having broken windows on the second and third floors. Along with peeling paint on the side and the roof looked like it had been struck by the earlier thunderstorm. Another building stood a few feet away, it looked just as badly damaged as the first one. Between the two, an ally darker than a cavern gave Sunset the creeps as she watched Garble take out a spray paint can and shake it. “I don’t know about this Garble. What do we do if we get caught?” She asked nervously, staring at the gang symbols covering the buildings. “Isn’t this illegal or something? I can see gang symbols on those buildings and it’s giving me the creeps. What if some of their owners happened to be nearby?” “Relax, none of the gangs will be here. They have been here for a long time, and it’s just been the Griffins and no one else,” Garble assured, looking and sounding nowhere near as nervous as his companion did. “Not like the Griffins will care if I leave a little message anyway. But it’ll definitely be one worth remembering.” “I wouldn’t be so sure about that Garble. You never know if groups like that are still around.” Her words and tone showed she was not willing to throw out that possibility. “What message are you even gonna leave?” “Not sure, but I’ll make sure it’ll be one that’s cooler than any of the ones here!” Garble said as he took hold of one of the spray bottles. “Alright, I’m gonna make my move. You stay here and be my lookout while I do my thing. If someone comes, let me know!” “Alright, fine… just be care-” Hearing the approach of a car she turned around seeing a police car coming down the street, much to her horror and terror. Grabbing Garble by his right arm, she pulled him away from the building, causing him to drop the spray paint bottle. “Hey! What the hell are you doing, Sunset?!” He cried out. “Come on, let go already!” “Police! Police cars are here!” She warned, her words making him freeze. “Get back down here now! Before they see you!” Pulling him towards the alley, Sunset quickly found a large metal dumpster and guided the boy to it so they could duck behind it. Sticking her head around its corner, she watched while the police car pulled to a stop near the entrance. One of the officers got out and turned on their flashlight, shining it towards the alley where the duo was. “Please don’t see us,” She pleaded, more to herself than anyone else. “Please, please go away!” Both teens watched the officer begin to walk into the alley moving his flashlight from right to left and back again. Gulping, Sunset curled up into Garble's chest, gripping his shirt tightly in her hands as she shivered in his arms. Smiling softly, he pulled her a little closer as if he was a dad trying to calm his child from a nightmare. “It’ll be alright, Shimmer. I won’t let those oinks take you,” He comforted. “I’ll take care of them while you just stay here alright?” Letting her go, her eyes snapped in shock as he pulled out an actual switchblade. Quickly grabbing his right hand, she leveled him with an intense glare that rivaled an active heatwave. Receiving a confused look, Garble prepared to push Sunset off when they both heard over the officer’s radio. ‘All officers we have a Ten-Ten at Canterlot Square all officers, possibly Ten-Seventy-two suspects fleeing the scene. Ten Fifty-five suspects are considered armed and dangerous; all units respond to Ten-Twenty’. Garble watched as the officer stopped and turned around from where they were looking, going back in the direction he came. While he ran to his squad car, the bigger teenager turned back to Sunset to give him a glare of his own. Nothing was said by her as she got up, still holding his hand in her own as she watched the officer leave. “What the hell was that Shimmer?!” He shouted angrily as soon as the officer was out of sight and out of earshot. “I was about to take care of him for you! Why did you stop me?!” “You’re holding the reason, dumbass!” Sunset angrily pointed to the blade as if it was a gun made for killing multiple people instead of one. “Why in all of Stygia would you have a knife?! You do realize officers carry Tasers and guns, right?!” “Yeah, so what? I have a nice one so that counts as having a weapon too!” Garble argued, putting the knife away. “Sure, he may have had a gun, but he was close enough to where I could have gotten a good enough hit on him! That way he wouldn’t have been able to shoot me at all!” “Try saying that after getting past his bullet proof vest or try to get him in the neck!” Sunset retorted. “And it’s not that he may have had a gun, he did have a gun! Officers carry guns on them for a reason! To protect themselves from idiots like you!” “I’d say you’re the idiot for stopping me when I had the chance.” Garble snorted with a cross of his arms. “You worry way too much about stuff like this.” “And you need to try thinking before acting!” Sunset shot back, her comeback holding more fire than the other former bully’s own. “Please promise me that you’ll never do something so stupid like this ever again. I’m not going to be hanging out with you if this is the stuff you’re gonna be dragging me into.” “But I was gonna-” “Promise me, Garble! “Fine, fine! I promise I won’t do something that stupid again!” Garble finally relented, crossing his left index and middle finger behind his back. “Are you happy now?” “…That depends on how sincere your promise is.” Sunset replied after a second. “If you’re being sincere at all.” “Well, you’ll just have to see it for yourself huh?” A smirk drew itself across Garble’s face, which earned an eye roll from the girl in front of him. “Anyway… you wanna head over to my house and play some video games? I got some really cool ones I think you’ll like!” A feeling of uneasiness suddenly washed over Sunset. “Go over… to your house?” “Yep! It’s a pretty rundown house but it’s still cool, nonetheless. At least when you go inside of it,” Garble nodded. “Trust me, it’s a really awesome house with lots of things to do there! You’ll be in for one heck of a time!” “Um… actually, I think I’m gonna go ahead and pass on this one.” Sunset responded, taking a step away from Garble. “It’s not gonna be long before school starts and I wanna get there without a tardy.” “You wanna go to school instead?” He asked with a snap of his head and clear confusion plastered on his face. “What for? I mean yea sure it’s school but I think we could do a few… things here that you might like.” “Uh-huh! I remembered that I forgot something there anyway, and I need to get it back.” Sunset quickly replied with a hastily thought-up excuse. “You can go on without me!” “But I-hey wait!” Garble shouted as the bacon-haired girl ran down the street. “What about the games?!” “I can come by to play some other time!” Sunset shouted over her shoulder. “Gotta go now!” “Wait, hold on!” Garble yelled out as Sunset vanished out of sight. “Damn it… and here I thought I’d be able to play New Mario Bros U with her.” A half hour later and Sunset found herself within sight of Canterlot Junior High and High School. Unlike with the trek to the park, Sunset found this one easier as it allowed her to think to herself. About the little exchange that happened between her and Garble with him inviting her to his home. Sunset was not sure what it was, but something about that request felt off to her. It wasn’t that she believed Garble had any ill intentions – at least not from what she saw – but she couldn’t help but feel discomfort from it. Like what Sunset was being offered was more than she would be able to handle. “I can’t believe he wanted me to go to his home and play ‘video games’ with him” she thought “Sure games yeah probably some code for something” She didn’t know what was in store for her accepting Garble's invitation but she felt it had been wise to turn it down. At least for the time being, since she was not in a mood, or mindset appropriate for something like a gaming session. Sunset hoped Garble wouldn’t be mad at her later on and find another sort of activity not involving going to an acquaintance's home. If he chose not to, that is. “I’ll have to remember to read up on this subject later on when I am alone at school”. Sunset muttered to herself as she approached the school's entrance which was still covered in plastic and still had a giant gaping hole in it. “Yeesh I really did make a mess of things during the Fall Formal. Why couldn’t you just let me have what I wanted Twilight? Why?” Deciding to save any further thoughts on the subject for later, Sunset stopped just short of entering the school's entrance taking note of a police car parked in the front parking lot of the school. Turning her head in the general direction of the officer she noticed a few faculty members coming down the sidewalk one stopped and nodded to the officer. Paying neither the school's faculty members nor the officer any attention she began to make her way inside the school and to a not so nice surprise. “What the bucking Stragoth?!” She screamed, causing several faculty members to turn their heads to her general direction. Cunt. Demon. Bitch. Whore. Skank. It was these five words that were crudely drawn on her locker in permanent marker that caused her to scream. Done in a way that showed it was in no way cordial or playful. She didn’t know who did it, but she did know that it had to be from some of the people who she messed with before The Fall Formal. Sunset figured that some would still have a bone or two to pick with her, proven by the fight with Lightning Dust. But for them to do something like this? It was honestly more insulting than having the stuffing beaten out of her. “Who did this to my locker?!” She cried out again, not noticing – or ignoring – the crowd that was forming all around her. “I… I-I didn’t do anything. I wasn’t even trying to mess with anyone. Why… why would they target me like this?!” “Why do you think?” One student called out to her from within the crowd that had formed around her. “We all hate you Sunset!” “Yeah why don’t you just leave and never return”. Another student called out from the crowd that had started to form around her. “You should have left when you had the chance to bitch”. “You don’t belong here” Still another voice came from the crowd “How dare you stay here when you're not welcome here!” Liquid began to bubble within Sunset’s eyes like bubbles from boiling water as her eyes shut to keep them in. It was made futile thanks to the laughter she heard coming from the crowd of students that had now almost completely formed around her. Feeling the need to get away, Sunset pushed her way through the crowd and ran down the hallway, hands covering her face. Had she been paying attention she would have realized she was running towards Cheerilee, who saw her coming long before she escaped the crowd. Her arms opened to catch the distraught teen before they wrapped around her with the protectiveness of a first-time mother. Gazing up at the students still laughing and pointing to Sunsets locker, her green eyes sharpened to an edge so razor-like it was like looking into twin blades of fauna. “I think you’d all better be on your way,” She advised softly, an undertone sharper than her eyes covering her normal one. “And I’d suggest you do it now… before I decide to call the principal who is in her office as well as the police who are currently if I am not mistaken outside at this very moment. The choice ladies and gentlemen is yours to make”. Watching the crowd disperse, one of Cheerilee’s hands went to stroke the crying girl’s hair, her glare still on the shrinking group. Once the last one was out of her sight, her hand went down to Sunset’s head as she whispered softly and gently to the sobbing girl held tenderly in her arms. “There, there Sunset… I’m here, they’re all gone now.” She cooed. “It’ll be alright, sweetheart… I promise.” “Why… w-why is this happening? They already saw me get beat once… twice even! How much do they need to see me suffer before they’re satisfied?!” Sunset sobbed; face buried in the librarian’s shoulder. Cheerilee sighed. “I don’t know honey… some students – er people are just like that. No one knows why they do things like this.” That was more or less a lie. She and everyone else knew the exact reason why the students at this school were doing what they did. For the same ones they had for despising Sunset Shimmer, even before the aftermath of her fall from the top. While the students had full reason to feel upset and hurt for what they were put through, their actions were just deplorable. Cheerilee just could not fathom why they would let their hate and vengeance push them so far. It probably had to do with them having different perspectives on what counted as revenge and what didn’t. But one fact was known for certain to the librarian. No matter how much of a bully one was to you, that was never an excuse to be one yourself. And if you ever did get to that point, you’re really no better than the one who hurt you. “I… I don’t want to be here.” Whimpers crawled from Sunset like lava from open soil. “I want to be somewhere else… a-anywhere else. Please… just please take me away.” “Why don’t you let me take you to the library.” Cheerilee offered. “You can calm down there and get a nice cup of tea before you start your day. Does that sound good to you?” Sunset gave a sniffle before giving her response. “Y-yeah… I think I’d like that.” Beaming at the acceptance of her request, Cheerilee took the girl by her hand and led her to where the library was. She didn’t look behind her at her new guest, for she felt Sunset did not want her to look at how broken she was. It was not aware to Cheerilee just how much pain she was in, but she was nonetheless determined to do something about it. Even if it meant just giving her a silent place to talk to someone, with some to ease her worries. Chapter 6 – Dimming Suns Part 2 Of 19 Wednesday August 3rd, 7:45amMoonstone let out a grim sigh as he looked out his kitchen window at the city that was his home. Sunlight peered from out of the top of the buildings, casting away the shadows with its morning glow. With their disappearance, came the unraveling of the destruction of the storm that ravaged Canterlot the previous night. Power lines hung from their poles, electricity sparking and buzzing, ready to strike anything within range. Trees torn from their roots lay on the grass, soil sticking to the ends as if they fought to the end to keep the big plants standing. Debree lay scattered, no longer kept in the confinements of the tipped trash cans meant to contain them. “What a mess”. Moonstone thought looking out his bedroom window. It wouldn’t be the first time that Moonstone had borne witness to meteorological catastrophes. Having lived in Canterlot for many years, he experienced countless storms – each ferocious in their own varying degrees. Yet he never saw or heard of one being this bad, especially in a city of all places. Moonstone only hoped that thunderstorms like this would not become the norm. Or his time in Canterlot would be far more unpleasant than it already was becoming. “Well I better head downstairs and see if Moon Dancer is up yet”. He muttered to himself opening his bedroom door he headed downstairs finding his little 11 year old little sister in the kitchen. “At least no one was killed or hurt in that storm last night” He thought as he headed into the kitchen to begin his day. Cereal being poured brought the officer's attention back to the present, and he turned to see a girl of middle school age in his kitchen. He watched as she opened the carton of milk and poured it into her bowl before sitting to eat. It was a moment or two in her morning meal before she eyed her brother while he made himself a cup of dark coffee with a mischievous smile as she returned to her own meal. “How long are you going to sit there staring at your cup of coffee, Bro?” Moon Dancer asked in a laid-back and casual tone. “You look like you’re upset over a breakup or something.” “Believe me sis, I wish that was what occupied my mind instead,” Moonstone replied tiredly. “But I don’t really have the luxury for that right now. The state of the city has my thoughts occupied on just how damaged it is right now.” “Yeah, that storm was crazy!” Moon Dancer agreed with a whistle. “I couldn’t get a single minute of sleep with all that thunder rumbling out of my window! I can’t believe how long it lasted!” “I know I listened to you tossing and turning all night.” “Sorry bro I didn’t mean to keep you up last night but that storm was just awful”. “It’s alright sis just be sure to get ready to go soon alright ” Moonstone murmured. “Also I’ll be getting home a bit late tonight so I want your homework done and completed by the time I get home. I’ll text once I am on the way home”. Moondancer huffed. “Yeah, yeah I know I’ll have my chores and homework ready for you to look over by time you get here sheesh”. Moonstone gave no reply to his sister’s irrational voice, knowing that she didn’t mean it out of malice. These banters were something they participated in from time to time and today wasn’t any different. If anything, it served as a welcome distraction for Moonstone from what was going on. That wasn’t to say he didn’t have his day where Moon Dancer got on his nerves to the point of ripping his own hair out. It was just that sometimes these little squabbles with his sister did help to ease him when he felt troubled. “We will leave as soon as you are done with your breakfast so hurry up,” Moonstone sighed, pushing himself away from the kitchen table. “I think it’s time you get yourself dressed. I need to take you to school so I can be at work on time. I don’t want to have to get a writeup after the last time I had to drop you off.” “If you say so,” Moondancer shrugged as she continued to munch on her cereal. “Can I stay over at the library today bro? I want to catch up on some books I didn't finish the last time I was there.” “No, you can’t. I have a long day ahead of me and I won’t be able to give you the free time I usually do. I’ll call Minuette to see if she will be able to watch you too.” “Awww… no fair!” Ignoring his sister's disappointed complaints, Moonstone pulled out his phone from his pocket and began dialing. Once he finished putting in the number, he put it next to his phone and waited for the receiver to pick up. His eyes went back to the devastation outside, causing a frown of concern to tug at his lips. ‘I hope Minuette has her cell phone turned on,’ He thought as the wait dragged on. ‘I’m not going to be able to get ahold of her the other way with the land lines damaged. If she doesn’t pick up, I don’t know how else I’m going to reach her.' “Hello?” A chipper and tired voice said from the other end of the line. “Yeah Min, it’s me. Sorry for calling so early, did I wake you up?” “I wouldn’t sound so tired if you didn’t wake me up! But yeah, I’m up now,” She replied dryly, the creaking of a bed coming from the other end. “Anyway, what’s up? Family emergency going on?” Moonstone sweat dropped. “Er, yeah… something like that. I was wondering if you could watch my little sister while I’m at the station today.” A moment of silence passed before Minuette gave her response. “Are you serious? Of all the things you ask me, that’s what you woke me up for? Come on Moonstone, at least come up with a better reason!” “I wish I could, seriously. But this is the one I have. I understand if you can’t do it, but I’m in a tight spot right now and-” “Hold on, hold on, I didn’t say that I wouldn’t do it. I just wish you could have waited for a least a couple more hours before coming to me with something like this. You know how I liked my beauty sleep.” “Yes, I do,” Moonstone nodded with a sigh. “So, will you be able to do it?” A yawn came from the other end before the woman gave her reply. “Sure, I’ll watch the kid. Just give me a time when I should pick her up and I’ll take care of everything from there.” “Alright, thank you Minuette. I promise, I’ll be sure to pay you back for this. And I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” Moonstone said with great appreciation and remorse in his tone. Looking through his wallet he grumbled seeing there was only a ten and five dollar bill in his wallet he handed them to his sister adding quickly, “Ok, I need you to pick her up at 3:30 today”. “Alright that’s fine I’ll be there. Not like I’d really turn down the kid just to hang with my friends,” Minuette said with a sigh. “Next time though don’t call me so early in the blasted morning alright?” “I’ll be more mindful of that,” Moonstone assured with a small smile. “Alright, I need to get going now. I’ll let you go back to sleep. And again, thank you for doing this to me. It really means a lot.” “Yeah, yeah whatever,” Minuette grunted, sounding tired of the continuous gratitude. “I’ll be going now… see ya!” “Have a good… sleep,” Moonstone said, pausing in finishing his sentence after the woman hung up on him. Moon Dancer took the money, placing it into her purse which was located on the kitchen countertop. He mouthed silently to her, “Give this to Minuette when you see her”. Turning back to him his sister watched him put his phone back in his pocket, he turned his attention to his watch to see what the time was. “Cripes, it’s almost eight! The sergeant is going to have my ass!” catching his sister's attention as she finished her cereal. “What’s the matter, bro? Running late already?” Moon Dancer asked to get up to put her dishes into the dishwasher. “Yes, and I’m not going to waste another second doing so!” He stated firmly, pointing up the stairs like he was banishing his sister to her room. “Go upstairs and get dressed, breakfast time is over!” “But I’m not-” “Now, Moon Dancer! I’m not going to say it again! Shoo!” “Alright, alright!” She relented, rushing through the exit down the hall. As soon as his sister vanished from sight, Moonstone looked over at the kitchen clock as his forehead began to sweat. ‘Please have Sergeant Starknight go easy on me today!’ “Moon Dancer, are you ready to go yet?” He called out to her from the front door as he rushed outside to start the car, “I’m seriously running late!” “I’m coming bro, don’t worry!” Moon Dancer shouted back to her brother, getting to the front door and shutting it behind herself. “I told you I wasn’t going to take as long this time! You really need to learn how to wait.” “I can wait.” Watching his sister open the back door and slam it shut he grunted as she opened the front door, “Get in already, I don't have time for these games!” Moonstone retorted as his sister climbed into the front passenger seat of his police car. Looking behind him he saw a large pile of old school and academic books in the backseat. His sister offered a slight grin. “You know there’s such a thing as too much studying, right?” “As if! There's no way that anyone can study too much and have it fail!” Moon Dancer scoffed. “I’m just a student who wants to stay on top of her grades, nothing more!” “That’s all well and good, but it is still important to take breaks from it. Otherwise, you’re going to get burned out.” “Like that will ever happen. Now, don’t you have somewhere to take your precious little sister? Like school perhaps? I just got a new record for getting ready on time and I’d like it if it wasn’t broken.” “Yeah, yeah, I got it. How much time do I have to get you there?” “It's seven-forty-five now. you got fifteen minutes to get me to school and less than five after that to get to work. Think you can manage that time?” “Oh, trust me little sister,” Her older brother replied with a smirk. “I can do that and then some.” His sister gave him a raised eyebrow. “Really, ho-” Roaring from the car engine cut the high schooler off as her brother’s hands wrapped around the steering wheel. His foot lightly tapped at the gas pedal; the corners of his lips still upturned in the smirk he was giving her. It took less than a second for her to realize what was going to happen… and that she could do nothing to stop it. “Wait… you’re not going to do what I think you’re going to-” Moon Dancer’s sentence was put to a stop by Moonstone pressing his foot on the gas pedal. The speedometer shot up from zero to one hundred and twenty as he peeled out of the driveway hearing his sister scream out. “-DO?!” Speeding down the street, Moon Dancer glanced out the passenger side window watching as her brother flew past all the houses, street signs and apartments. Some debris and litter got flown in the air due to the speed in which the officer was driving. Noticing a red light that was coming up, the bookworm looked to her brother, noticing he wasn’t making any effort to stop the vehicle. “Are you nuts?! That’s a red light!” Moon Dancer cried out pointing at the light as if it was a deer they were about to run over. Seeing that he wasn’t replying – or stopping – the girl began to panic and shout. “Moon Stone, what the hell are you doing?!” “Getting my little sister to school and me to work on time so the sergeant can’t have my backside for being late?” He replied as if it was the most obvious thing. “What does it look like?” “Like you’re already on the job and chasing down a criminal?!” Moon Dancer replied despite the fact her brother wasn’t really asking. “You don’t need to go this fast!’ “And who was it that said the time I had to do what I’m setting out to do right now? You only have yourself to blame for this.” “I’m not the one who’s driving like a maniac! And it’s not like we’re running that late anyway!” “Then take this as a lesson to not goat your dear brother into doing things like this,” Moonstone advised with a cheeky grin. “Now hush up, I need to concentrate so I don’t get into an accident.” “Ugh, fine!” Moon Dancer relented, gripping the sides of her seat. “But you’ll be responsible for my hospital bill if that happens!” “Yes ma’am.” Gripping the sides of her seat, Moonstone watched with wide eyes and a pale face as Moonstone paid little attention as he drove through the busy intersection. Glancing down at the speedometer, he saw the needle was trembling just past one hundred and thirty mph, indicating the speed in which he was going. He looked back up and swerved the car to the right, avoiding a big oncoming semi-truck that was coming up where he was going down. Irritated squeals came from the tires of the truck as the driver honked his horn, clearly not happy with what Moonstone was doing. Swerving to the left, then to the right again, he avoided three more cars who used their honks to show how they felt about the officer’s actions. All the while his sister sat next to him, face in her hands as if shielding her eyes from a scene in a horror movie. “Oh God! Oh God! Oh God! I’m so going to die!” She whimpered. “Please slow down Moonstone, please! I seriously don’t want us to crash!” “Oh, come on sis relax,” Moonstone assured, not glancing once at the panicking teenager. “This isn’t the first time you saw me driving like this. You have nothing to worry about… I’ve never hurt you before, have I?” Moon Dancer’s head flew up from her hands to shoot a glare at him. “No, but you just might this time! And that won’t be the only thing you have to worry about either!” “You mean me getting pulled over? It’s early in the morning sis, I doubt anyone is going to notice or care that a cop car is speeding. Other than another police officer.” “Oh, really? Like that one?” Blinking in confusion, the officer looked to where the younger girl was pointing and saw another cop stationed behind a billboard sign. Their eyes locked for just a second, but that was all that it took for the other officer to recognize who he was. Just a moment later, the man got into his car and drove onto the road, car siren’s blaring. “And there you go!” Moon Dancer grunted with crossed arms. “Still think that speeding is such a good idea now?!” “I think it’s a bit late for you to be scolding me now,” Moonstone murmured, looking out the back-car window. “Hold on, I gotta lose this guy.” Pressing the pedal all the way to the floor, the car lurched forward quickly, gaining speed and turning the right as the tires squealed. Moon Stone then had his steering wheel roll to the right, trying to make the turn completely losing control of his cruiser. Looking in the rearview mirror, Moonstone grinned as he watched the officer’s cruiser hit the sidewalk, slamming into a tree. ‘He’ll be alright. I’m sure,’ Moonstone thought to himself, turning to his shocked sister. “Alright, we are about halfway to your school. Do you have your homework with you, Moon Dancer?” “Are you serious?!” She screamed back “You want to know if I have my homework when you have been driving like a complete idiot?!” “Yeah, you’re the one who wants to maintain your grades and all. Isn’t that right?” “Well... yeah, but I don’t think any sane person would ask that of someone while driving like you are! What sense does that make?!” “None. Unless you are an older sibling who wants to make sure their younger siblings stay on the straight and narrow,” Moonstone said innocently, noticing an incoming building out of the corner of his eye. “Oh look, we finally made it!” Moon Dancer’s eyes practically sprayed with tears. “Really?! Oh, thank you!” Chuckling at his sister’s elation, Moonstone gave one last push on the gas pedal to speed them to Canterlot High. He paid no mind to the damage around the school, having had his fill of just how much destruction the storm caused. Stopping at the drive in at the entrance, he stopped his car just as Moon Dancer flew open the entrance. “Land!” She screamed jovially, kissing the concrete like it was a long-awaited lover. “Oh, the love I have for you land!” “Hate to interrupt you there sis, but could you maybe save that for when no one sees you?” Came the dry voice of the middle schooler’s brother. “People are starting to stare.” “Shut up! You’re in no position to tell me what to do!” Moon Dancer snapped as she whipped her head around to face him. “After that hell you called a ride, you deserve this much humiliation!” “Probably, but you could at least tone it down a little bit. People are giving you looks like you’ve gone mental or something,” Moonstone continued, looking around at the passing students.” “I don’t think they’ll be thinking that once I tell them just what you put me through!” Moon Dancer growled. “Would you like to do some verification for that, dear brother?” Her backpack hitting her face was the response given as Moonstone threw it out his car. Nothing was said about it as it plopped to the ground, allowing the glare on Moon Dancer’s face to pierce into Moonstone’s eyes. “Can’t, I gotta get going. I’ll have much more to worry about then telling your friends of our little drive together if I don’t leave.” Moonstone said, closing the front passenger door behind him. “I’ll call Minuette when I get to the station and have her meet you after school. Be good, love you!” “Whatever, just leave already you jerk!” Moon Dancer shouted, ushering him away. As he drove off, she yelled behind him. “I love you too!” In response to this, Moonstone stuck out his hand to wave at his sister, watching with a smile as she repeated the action. As she headed for the Canterlot High’s entrance, the smile fell as he made his way down the road, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. Moonstone brushed it off, chalking it up to his nerves messing with his head as he made his way to the police station. If only he knew how wrong he would be. Impossible as it seemed, Moonstone managed to arrive to work just before the time his shift was supposed to begin. It was already seven fifty-five and he knew he had not a second to waste with checking himself in. He barely parked his car securely enough before he rushed inside, getting to the front desk a couple of minutes later. Relief filled him at seeing Starknight not at her desk and went to clock in, feeling all the gladder to do it since he had less than a minute left. ‘Now that was too close,’ Moonstone thought as he straightened his uniform. ‘I thought for sure I would get a chewing out today by Sargent Starknight. Guess luck decided to give me a break...’ “Moonstone!” A flinch left the officer upon hearing his name – as well as who was saying it – being called. ‘Or not…’ “Sargent Starknight, g-good morning!” He said with a slight stutter, standing to attention in front of his higher-ranking senior. “Is there something the matter?” “Involving me? No, you don’t need to worry about that,” She replied shortly. “If it did have to do with me, you wouldn’t be in as much trouble as you are now.” Moonstone paused. “W…what do you mean by that?” “I don’t have time to explain, so I’ll just have to take you there instead,” She said, waving him over as she turned on her heels. “Follow me, we don’t have time to waste.” “But sergeant I-I-” He began to protest, only to receive an angry look that quickly cowed him. “Lead the way ma’am.” With no further protests, Starknight led him around the front desk towards the left of the precinct. Moonstone took notice of how they were headed for a large metal door that read ‘Internal Affairs Officers Only Beyond This Point’ and felt his stomach drop. Not liking where she was leading him, he looked down, letting out a sigh that expressed his nervousness and dismay. Starknight stopped at hearing this, her sudden movement causing moonstone to almost bump into her. “Listen, I know this seems bad, but it doesn’t need to be if you do as you're told. Just answer their questions truthfully and don’t leave anything out.” Looking towards the door then back to him, she added another tidbit. “I’ve gone through this myself, so I know what it's like to be where you are now. Don’t fret, you’ll do fine. Just keep calm and don’t act as if you have something to hide.” “A-am I in trouble sergeant?” “I can’t answer that rookie. All I can say is that I need to escort you in there. You’ll be on your own after that.” “Alright… if you say so,” Moonstone murmured, rubbing one of his arms. Knocking on the door, Starknight stepped back as the door opened and two men in gray three-piece suits stepped out. Each gave Moonstone looks dirtier than gum on a shoe as they stood in front of the duo of officers. One had blond hair with a hint of snow white, a scar on his right cheek and blue eyes like cold steel. Deep purple made up the hair of the other man, his cheeks adorned with small freckles and skin like that of a silver blade. “Thank you for bringing him to us, Officer Starknight.” The first man said, giving a respectful nod to the woman. Turning his attention to Moonstone, he addressed him in a slightly colder voice. “I am Internal Affairs Officer Zaros Frost. I would like you to come with us, Officer Moonstone.” Moonstone gulped. “Y-yes sir… if I may ask, what is this all about?” “You will know that once you are inside. Now follow us”. “I’ll leave you to it,” Starknight said softly, turning to leave. “Just remember what I told you, Moonstone. Answer their questions fully and truthfully, don't leave anything out and you’ll do just fine.” “S-sure.” With a silent nod, Starknight headed back down the hall as Moonstone was escorted down another that felt too long for him. They soon reached an interrogation room, entering through the open door. Moonstone immediately took notice of a metal table right in the middle and three chairs in the center, and it clicked in his head what was going on. Looking to the right, he noticed a security camera was pointed towards the table, set in the upper right corner of the small room. The drop Moonstone felt in his stomach from moments ago came back tenfold, and he knew right then and there that this would not be a pleasant talk. “Take a seat officer,” Zaros said, gesturing to the seat on the opposite end. “This won’t take long. we just need to ask you a few questions and we’ll send you on your way.” Doing as he was instructed, Moonstone gulped as his mind flashed to the possible outcomes that led to him in this situation. A brief thought of the officer that was tailing came, and he wondered if that was what they were here for. The cold smile from the detective banished it, and what left his mouth made Moonstone wish it was that instead. “Alright rookie, my partner Zeck and I have some questions for you regarding your treatment of a certain someone named Lightning Dust,” Zaros began, watching Moonstone flinch. “Now before we begin, just know this. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Think carefully about how you answer us. If you like you can have union representation here. Do you fully understand?” “I do, and I don’t think I need them at this time sir” Moonstone replied, trying to keep a calm head. “What do you want to ask me?” “This interrogation is regarding your report concerning a young lady named Lightning Dust.” Zeck interjected. “Can you walk us through how you arrested her and the reason you placed her under arrest?”’ “I was late showing up on my first day of work due to needing to drop off my little sister at her babysitters. Traffic was a mess that day, which was another factor,” Moon Stone started, keeping in mind the advice Starknight had previously given him. “Right on my first day, I managed to anger the Sergeant by being late to my shift. We got a call as I was clocking in that a fight had taken place at Canterlot High School., So we did what I believe any other officer would do and responded to the call.” “What happened next?” Zaros asked, crossing his arms over his chest glaring at Moon Stone. “Did you go to that school with the intention of hurting Ms. Dust? Or were you there simply to-” “Now wait just a bloody minute,” Moon Stone interrupted, receiving dirty looks from both officers. “I was in no way at all going there just to ‘hurt’ someone! I went there because my partner drove us there. Nothing more! As police officers it's our job to respond to any situations! Like the one that happened at Canterlot High School! Sure, I don’t like having to place that child under arrest, but I only did my job and nothing else!” “I don’t think punching Ms. Dust in the back of her head or using your taser on the vice principal qualifies you as, “doing your job”,” Zeck shot back sharply and sarcastically. “If you think it was, then you will find that you are sorely mistaken.” Looking at the table, Moonstone took a moment to think his eyes shifted from left to right. While he understood the Internal Affairs Officers’ feelings, on the subject at hand he did not like being looked at like someone who was being harassed rather than protected. He meant what was said when he was only doing his job when it came to how things went with Lightning Dust, despite the excessiveness. But it seemed like Zeck and Zaros saw it differently, and Moonstone had every intention of proving it otherwise. “Look, the vice principal jumped in the way just as I pulled the trigger to my taser, so I wound up tasing her due to her getting in the way.” Lowering his voice, a bit he continued. “Ms. Dust was fleeing the scene, I tried stopping her by tackling her, but I got into a scuffle with her as a result.” “And this is when you did what you resorted to doing?” Zeck snorted out his question like someone bent on fully proving him wrong. “Let me guess you enjoyed using that taser on Ms. Moonriser?” “WHAT?! No '' Moonstone shot back in horror at the implication and indifference “I most certainly didn’t enjoy it at all. Yes I used my taser but I had no intention of using it on Ms. Moonriser” Moonstone replied after some hesitation. “It is not my job to punch, nor to tase someone that I am not arresting. Listen I am telling you the truth Lightning Dust didn’t leave me much of a choice. It’s not like I wanted to harm her but… it just happened.” “I see...” Zaros murmured. “And that is all that truly happened? You’re not leaving anything out?” “No sir, it is nothing but the absolute truth. Every single thing.” Zeck stayed silent for a moment before speaking up again. “Alright then, I think that will be it for now. We will inform you later on when we have made our decision as to how to go forward with this incident. Until then, you will be restricted to desk duty for the next-” “That won’t be an option,” Zaros interrupted before his partner could finish and Moonstone could complain. “While Officer Moonstone did make a mistake, it was not made of his own accord. And by law, it would be unreasonable to punish him for something like that. So we will let him off with a warning for the time being.” “If you say so,” Zeck said with his arms crossed, not sounding too happy with the outcome. “As for you Officer Moonstone, you will be allowed to return to duty. However, you will need to undergo more training as an officer and what to do in cases like with Ms. Dust,” Zack said, turning his attention back to the younger man in front of him. “A strict written warning will be placed into your personnel file. If this happens again officer you will not be let off as easily, am I clear?” “Yes sir,” Moonstone replied bitterly, trying to keep the growl in his voice at bay. “I’ll be extra sure to keep that in mind.” “Good. You are dismissed.” Zaros grumbled folding his arms over his chest. Getting up from his seat, Moonstone headed out of the room, and made his way back to his desk. He glanced at his watch, noticing it was already eight fifteen. Getting to his desk a few minutes later, he took a seat at his chair as Starknight came back to her own with a cup of coffee in hand. Setting it down, she silently handed him several files, letting him take them as the duo began their day. ‘And what a long day was going to be.’ Chapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AMAuthor's Note This chapter take's place while Officer Moon Stone is racing down the street trying to get his little sister to school on time. Chapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AM A smile that was the embodiment of angelic made its way across Fluttershy’s face as the light of the sun gently caressed her face. She rolled over in her bed, feeling her eyes begin to slowly open as she fought the urge to let the daylight coax her back to sleep. After one brief battle, she managed to get up, stretching to set her bones back into place. ‘Oh my, I slept so good last night. I don’t think I’ve had a slumber like that in a long time,’ She thought to herself, pushing some strands of her cherry blossom hair from her face. ‘I guess I was so exhausted from everything that happened that my body just shut down on its own.’ With a soft exhale, Fluttershy made her way to her bathroom to freshen up and get ready for school. Things went fine for the first few minutes as her mind was still in the process of leaving the realm that was dreamland. It was while Fluttershy was showering did she find her mind beginning to form thoughts – specifically those of Sunset Shimmer. It had been some time since MacPherson saw the former bully; the last being on the night she was part of the case involving Lightning Dust’s assault on her. In the time following, Fluttershy did not have any opportunities to see Sunset due to her being focused on other things. It wasn’t as if she put in no effort to do so, but the girl proved to be as stealthy as a cat, leaving Fluttershy with little to no clue of her whereabouts. Not that this ever kept her from keeping an eye out, though it did prove to have its own difficulties. However good Sunset was at hiding herself, Fluttershy was not going to give up just like that. She vowed to herself – and the one who used to torment her – that the latter would have the helping hand she needed. Despite this, Fluttershy knew what she put in was not going to be enough to get Sunset to trust her with such a thing. She needed to do more – to show through greater actions that she could be depended on and cautious of. ‘But what could I possibly do?’ Fluttershy thought while exiting her shower and putting on her bathrobe. ‘This isn’t something I’m used to doing. It’s not like I can treat this as if I’m trying to help a sick animal either. This is a lot more complicated, and it’ll take more than hugs to make Sunset’s pain go away. I just hope I can come up with something soon… before it’s too late.’ As Fluttershy exited her bathroom, she heard the gentle voice of her mother coming from downstairs. Since her bedroom was closed, it was somewhat muffled, but she could still hear that she was talking to someone. And something told her that it was not her dad her mom was talking to. ‘Is she one the phone with someone?’ Feeling the need to investigate, Fluttershy sped up in dressing herself before exiting her bedroom and going into the hallway. She went down the corner just as her mother turned to look in the same direction of where she was entering. A warm smile was quickly given to her before the older woman turned her attention back to her conversation. “Yes, Mrs. Dust. I want to know if she will be able to help her.” Mrs. Macpherson said as she patted Fluttershy on her head. A moment passed before she continued with a bit more of a somber tone. “Oh, I see… so Lightning Dust isn’t in the city right now? Alright then, thank you for your help. I’ll get back to you soon.” Just seconds after she hung up the phone, Fluttershy addressed the elephant in the room. “Mom, what’s the matter? Who were you on the phone with?” “Oh, I was just on the phone with CPS honey. Don’t worry, it isn’t anything important you need to worry about,” Her mother replied with as much reassurance as she could. “Did I wake you up?” “No, I was already awake before I heard you from outside. I was just finished preparing for school,” Fluttershy replied, pointing to her drying hair. “Why were you on the phone with CPS? Are you sure that everything is alright?” “Yes dear, it’s all fine. It was just something involving Lightning Dust. Nothing you need to trouble yourself over,” Mrs. Macpherson said with a bit more firmness. “Now it is time for breakfast. Please come join me in the kitchen so we can eat. You’ll need a full stomach so you can think during your classes.” Hanging up the home phone, her mother gestured towards the downstairs following her daughter down into the kitchen. Getting to the kitchen, Fluttershy watched as her mother began to make them coffee and tea. Wanting to help, she quickly got out three cups from the kitchen cupboards and set them on the kitchen table. A soft sigh escaped her before she could stop herself and it immediately caught her mother's attention. Sensing that her daughter wasn’t feeling well, she turned her attention to the pinkette. “Fluttershy? is there something the matter dear? You seem to be upset this morning.” “Hm?” Not expecting her mother to address her, Fluttershy jumped and glanced over at her. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just… have a lot on my mind.” “Yes, it’s clear you do. I could tell just from the sigh you gave,” Mrs. MacPherson said as she gave a small smile. “Let me guess: is it about Sunset?” “…Was it that obvious?” “Well, you have been set on getting her help and perhaps doing something more. And I often hear you talking to yourself about how you can go about that. And even if I didn’t, it doesn’t take a mind reader to know that’s mostly what you’ve been thinking about.” Fluttershy gave no retorts, too consumed by the embarrassment of her failure of trying to conceal her worry for Sunset. ‘Wow… I guess I made it more obvious than I thought.’ “Judging by your expression, it you must be quite shocked by how I figured that out. It’s also apparent that you’re lost on how about all of this,” Mrs. MacPherson continued. “Is there anything I’m getting wrong about that?” “…No, there isn’t,” Fluttershy confirmed with another sigh. “I’m worried I might not be able to help Sunset as I thought I would be able to. I tried to offer her a hand, but she just keeps turning me down. I don’t want to give up, but… I just don’t know what to do!” “Let me ask you this. What do you have in common with Sunset Shimmer?” Her mother began, placing a plate of sunny side up eggs and strips of bacon in front of her daughter. “What do I have… in common with her?” Fluttershy repeated perplexedly as she began to eat her breakfast. “I don’t think I understand.” “What she means is things like what hobbies or interest, honey,” The deeper but just as gentle voice of Mr. MacPherson specified as he entered the kitchen, covered in dirt and oil. “Things that allow a person to connect with another.” “Oh, good morning Dad,” Fluttershy greeted, watching as her father went to her mother and gave her a loving kiss. As she laughed and playfully pushed him away, she steered his attention back to her with what he just brought up. “So, by hobbies or interests… do you mean what we like to do?” “Yes, exactly that,” Mr. Macpherson nodded, sitting at the table with his daughter. “Like what you like to do for fun or on your days off from work. Or what characteristics either of you have that remind you of each other.” “Oh, I see…” Fluttershy nodded, immediately getting what he was saying with his other statement. “I suppose I could start there, but I don’t know what we could talk about. And it’s not like Sunset and I started off as friends when we first started high school so...” “True, but it isn’t like you can’t think of anything you both would like.” Mr. Macpherson said, running his hand down his daughter’s back. “Everyone knows that finding what it is you have in common is one of the biggest indicators of a growing friendship. Shimmer may have been a bully before, but that doesn’t erase the possibility of her being a friend. There are cases where the bully and those they bullied become friends.” There was a ring of truth to this. Shocking as it is for others to believe, there were incidents where school tormentors did a turnaround and became friends with those they hurt. This wasn’t to say it happened every time as some victimizers didn’t change while the victim refuses to even give them the time of day. While it was dim, there seemed to be one small change of Sunset falling into the former category. Caution still needed to be taken on the part of Fluttershy, and everyone else that wanted to give aid. Or else they would be stuck at square one. Her father’s suggestion didn’t seem like a bad one in spite of this. Maybe… “Yes, that is true. People who once disliked each other sometimes do create a friendship of some sorts between one another. And Sunset didn’t really have true friends even with Snips and Snails being her, um… accomplices.” Fluttershy explained, looking downward at her plate. “I wonder if I’ll be able to succeed though… or at least talk to her on friendlier terms.” “Nothing is ever known for certain honey – especially those you don’t try in. And this is one of those situations where the outcome can go either way, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the plunge to get the end results.” Her father said softly. “Don’t fret, your mother and I are positive you can find something you and Sunset can talk about. Even if it’s just one thing. Whatever it is, use it to the best of your abilities to build your potential friendship, alright?” Fluttershy smiled as she clenched her fists with conviction. “Of course, Dad. I will!” At that moment, a ring resounded through the house. “Oh, it’s the doorbell. Someone must be waiting outside,” Mr. Macpherson murmured. “Dear, can you go see who it is?” “Sure, thing honey.” His wife replied as she stood up from her chair. “I’ll be back in just a minute Fluttershy. Please make sure to finish your food before we leave.” “Yes Mom.” Flashing her a loving smile, Mrs. Macpherson left the kitchen and walked down the hall to where the front door was. She took a moment to prep up her hair before she opened it to see who came to see them. One look at the visitor’s purple hair and sapphire eyes were everything she needed to figure out their identity. “Good morning Rarity! What brings you here today?” “Good morning Mrs. Shy! I am here to walk Fluttershy to school,” Rarity explained with a polite yet warm smile. “Is she ready to head to out yet?” “I’ll be ready in just a second Rarity!” The animal lover’s voice yelled from afar, making the duo turn to see where it was coming from. “Goodness, that was fast,” Mrs. Macpherson said, watching as her daughter grabbed her coat from the foyer closet. “Did you finish your meal already?” “I did. Oh, and don’t worry. I made sure to put my dish in the sink too.” Fluttershy said, as she put her coat on. “I’m sorry I won’t be here to help you with Zephyr. I know how lazy he can be with school and all and I would stay a little longer to help but… well…” “It’s perfectly alright dear. It isn’t your job to parent your little brother anyhow. The last thing we want for you is to be parentified. Least of all to him,” Mrs. Macpherson laughed, not noticing the shivers her daughter and Rarity gave. “Now, I would like for you to be home before dark alright? And if you happen to be late, please call me as soon as possible so I can come and pick you up right away. You can even stay over at one of your friends if you feel it makes you safer.” “Sure thing Mom,” Turning her attention to Rarity as her mother closed the front door, Fluttershy asked the obvious. “So, um… should we head to school now?” “So darling, would you mind telling me why seem to be all gloomy today?” Rarity asked as the two girls walked down the sidewalk. Pulling her gaze up from the ground to the girl walking in front of her, Fluttershy gave a little blink. “What do you mean Rarity?” “I’m asking why do look so… not like yourself.” The fashionista reiterated. “You are far calmer and more… serene than you are right now. And you’re not even marveling at the trees around you like you usually do when you walk to school. Is there something that’s on your mind?” “Oh, um… I’m just thinking of somebody right now. Someone I feel needs my help with some… issues they’re dealing with at the moment.” “I see. Would this perhaps be a victim of bullying or an outcast perhaps?” “T-they’re an outcast yes,” Fluttershy confirmed, not having the heart to reveal who they were. “I don’t want to say who they are because I want to respect their right to privacy… but this person is really going through something. I asked my parents what I should do and they gave me some helpful tips. I just don’t know how to go about it since… I’m not use to doing this kind of thing.” Rarity hummed thoughtfully, rubbing one finger against her pristine chin. “Well, if you’d like my advice darling, I say to just do what you can while also not pushing the issue too much. You have good intentions, but it is never a good idea to be overbearing. Doing that can make whatever this person is going through worse than it must already be. And we know how badly that can turn out.” “Yes, you’re right. I’m not trying to force them or anything like that. I just wanted to see how I could use the idea I was given,” Fluttershy agreed, seeing where Rarity was coming from. “I guess I’ll just have to do it little by little if I want them to get better. Hopefully it won’t end up failing if I do it right.” “I don’t think there is exactly a right or wrong way to do it. I think it’s a matter of whether you do it at all or not,” Rarity stated with a gesture of her hand. “Still, even the smallest of steps can lead to the biggest results. That’s how it is with my dresses, so perhaps it will be the same with your quest to help this poor victim of yours.” “Y-yeah… maybe,” Fluttershy agreed halfheartedly with a sweat drop. Sweetly smiling, Rarity refocused her attention in front of her as to make sure she didn’t bump into anything or anyone. One moment passed before she looked down at her watch to see what time it was that morning. A gasp escaped her, and before Fluttershy knew it, her hand was being grabbed by one of Rarity’s own as she got dragged down the street. “Uh, Rarity?” The shy girl asked, her annoyance giving way to worry. “What’s wrong?” No response came from the other girl. Her head swiveled this way and that, looking like she was looking for something that was supposed to be where she was going. Fluttershy picked up on it and decided to stay quiet – feeling something tell her not to interrupt her friend from her task. The answer regarding what that task was came a moment later. “Hold that bus!” A cry of surprise left Fluttershy at the sudden rising of Rarity’s elegant voice, temporarily distracting her from the feeling of being pulled along even harder. It took a few minutes, but the girls were able to get to the city bus just before it was preparing to take off. “Um, Rarity… I don’t think I can get on with you.” Fluttershy stated as they climbed on. “I don’t have the means to pay for this ride.” “Nonsense darling, I’ll take care of it,” Rarity said understandingly, her generous side coming forth as she pulled out her wallet. “It’s not like I’m hurting for money right now, so I don’t mind spending an extra dollar or two.” “Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you with having to spend your money on me.” “Perish the thought darling! You will never be a burden to me when you need a hand in something. And it’s not like you haven’t given just as much back in the past – even if you were rather… excessive. Just worry about yourself for now, alright? Your mother can pay me back when she gets the chance. Or you if you prefer it that way.” “Okay, if you’re sure.” Fluttershy said, finally backing off. “Thank you.” “Of course dear.” Rarity cooed. “Now go and take your seat. I’ll be there in just a minute.” Not needing to be told twice, Fluttershy went down to where the bus’s seats were. Before long, she found two sets that were in the back and set herself and her backpack on one of them and the floor. A minute passed before Rarity joined her, and the two hold onto their sears as the bus made its departure for their school. “Oh, by the way Fluttershy,” Rarity suddenly began. “I need someone to help me model for a dress that I’m trying to put together. I was wondering if you would like to do this after we get our homework done?” The pinkette didn’t say anything at first, looking to be distracted by something weighing on her mind. “Fluttershy?” Rarity asked again, noticing her expression. “Fluttershy can you hear me?” “Hm? Oh, yes I heard you,” Giving a shake of her head, Fluttershy gave her an apologetic smile. “Y-you said you needed someone to model for you?” “…I did,” The purple-haired fashion designer confirmed, brows slightly furrowed. “You look like something is troubling you. Are you sure everything is alright?” ‘Sunset shimmer is a monster! Nothing more and nothing less!’ “I’m sure. I just have a lot on my mind. You know, with the whole bully victim and all…” Not feeling like going any further on the topic, Fluttershy tried steering it onto something else. “So um, how i-is drama class going Rarity? Are you enjoying it?” Rarity – sensing that Fluttershy was not in the mood for discussing serious topics – wisely opted to drop the subject. “Why yes, I’m enjoying it very much! I’ll be playing Katharyn from the greatest plays of all time ‘King Sombra the Fifth’ which was written in the late fifteenth century by Shakespeare.” A slightly confused look etched its way on Fluttershy’s face. “Shakespeare?” “Exaclty him! He was and shall always be the great-no-the greatest of all playwrights! It is an honor-nay-a absolute privilege to study that play! Let alone to act one of the most important scenes in the entire play. I can’t think of anything greater than that, can you?” “Um… probably not since I’m not really one for plays. I do like the costumes they make, so there’s that.” Fluttershy admitted, looking down at her bunny-styled shoes. “Oh, I was wondering, can I take a rain check on helping you with your modeling for that dress?” “Of course, darling!” Rarity agreed, taking out her pocket calendar. “How about we put you down for three after school next… Thursday? I can pick you up and bring you to my home if you’d like. “I don’t mind. I’ll have to check with my mom first, but I am sure she’ll say I will be able to go,” Fluttershy said, making a mental note to inform her mother about what she’d be doing after school. “Oh, and one more thing…. Do you mind if I bring a friend with me?” Before Rarity could give a reply – or as who this supposed friend was – a screech coming from the bus drew their focus to the window. The girls watched as the it turned the corner and made its way towards the drop-off spot in front of Canterlot High School. After waiting for a few minutes for the bus to come to a complete stop, the back door opened, allowing them to step off the bus. “Looks like the construction crew are still working to repair the damage from Sunset’s fight with Twilight,” Fluttershy commented, looking around the main entrance. “Indeed.” Rarity added with a nod of agreement. “What a mess it is.” Looking around, she saw the crater from the battle had two crewmen inside of it, a long rope attached to large crane was unloading several large pipes to the men below. Each crewman could be seen taking a hold of the pipes as they guided them into position; using all the manpower they had to put them back into place. Other crewmen could be seen measuring the hole, keeping their distance to let their other partners work. A police officer stood guard near the entrance, letting students and faculty filed past him on their way to their classes and offices. Trucks moved back and forth on the road and the lawn dropping off wood, brick, wires, drywall sheets and glass panes. “Look at those poor men are out here, pushing themselves to the limit to ensure nothing hazardous happens at our school.” Rarity commented with pity. “ And to think this was all started by that uncouth fight Twilight had with Sunset Shimmer! I do hope they are getting decent pay for doing such laborious work. Because that could never be me. not at all!” Heading inside the school the girls parted ways and headed over to their lockers, wanting to get their supplies as quickly as possible. Glancing at her watch, Fluttershy saw it was 7:55 in the morning – indicating the amount of time she had to get to her class. Hurrying to her locker, she found herself freezing in her tracks her eyes fell onto Sunset’s, a hand raising to her mouth as she let out soft gasp. ‘What in God’s name…? What happened to her locker?!’ She thought to herself, taking in the damage – alongside the profanity – etched onto the metallic door. ‘It wasn’t like this when I left school yesterday, and everyone else had gone home for the day. It couldn’t have been Lighting Dust, since I tried stopping her from assaulting Sunset. Could it have been one of the other bully groups that go here? If it was, then which one?!’ “Hey look, it’s Klutzershy!” Jumping at the unpleasant voice, Fluttershy looked behind her to see one of the bullies of the school – Crackle – standing behind her. Behind him stood his group of friends, eyeing the girl as if they found their favorite food to eat. Fluttershy stood where she was, keeping her eyes on the floor but not exactly backing off from their approach. “Aww, what’s the matter? Don’t got anything to say to us?” Crackle continued, leaning uncomfortably close to the girl. “We’re your classmates; the least you can do is say hi to us; or are you just not in the mood to speak today?” “You’re half-right,” Fluttershy replied curtly. “I’m not in the mood to talk right now. Not to you guys at least.” “And why not? You have someone else you want to buddies with instead of me and the boys?” Crackle asked before he took a pause and smiled even wider. “Oh wait – you have a secret boyfriend or something, don’t you?” Fluttershy’s cheeks found themselves matchin the color of her hair at that moment. “And what if… I do?” “Holy shit, you’re not denying it?! Now that’s something I didn’t expect to find out!” The boy’s laugh echoed through the halls, slightly drowned out by those of his gang. “Damn, who would have thought the meek and shy Klutzershy would managed to snag a guy! I don’t know whether I should laugh or pity the guy.” “Look, can you please just leave?” Fluttershy asked, trying to sound as polite as she could in spite of her growing irritation. “I just arrived at school and I have to get to class soon; I don’t want to be late and I don’t think you do either.” Crackle made a fake pout as he slung an arm over the shorter student’s shoulder. “What, you’re leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay with us for a bit longer? There’s still at least five minutes before the bell. The teachers won’t get mad at you for being a little late, will they?” “Maybe not her teachers,” Another voice said from behind them. “But ours definitely will. Including yours.” Before either Fluttershy or Crackle knew what happened, the ladder was forcibly grabbed and slammed into the lockers just next to Sunset’s. A shout of pain left him as he slumped to the floor, holding his shoulder as it throbbed with agony. Gulps left the throats of his possie – not just from the assault, but from just who it was that committed it. “Are you seriously starting this shit right now Crackle? Right when classes are going to start? I swear it’s like you have no sense of time at all,” Garble grumbled, looking down at Crackle with disapproval. “And what do you think you were doing, talking to her like that and invading her space? Do you not understand boundaries at all?” Crackle gave him an incredulous look. “W-what do you mean? I wasn’t doing anything! to her! I just was talking with her and asking if she wanted to hang with us!” “More like you were trying to pry some pretty personal stuff from her when she clearly doesn’t want to. Like – oh I don’t know – having a boyfriend and shit,” Garble retorted, watching as the other boy paled. “Yep, that’s right. Didn’t expect me to catch onto all that now did you?” “N-now hold on a second, I was just-” “Save it,” Turning to Fluttershy after effectively silencing Crackle, the blonde’s blue eyes stared at her teal ones apologetically. “Fluttershy, please allow me to ask your forgiveness in this matter. Had I have known this craven idiot would act like that I never would have allowed him to be within ten feet of yon. Can you forgive me for this careless mistake?” “U-um, sure… I can,” Fluttershy replied tentatively, confused as to why Garble was the one doing the apologizing when he all he did was come to her aid. She supposed this was due to him feeling like he should have kept a better eye on his friend group. which would explain why he was apologizing on their behalf. While Fluttershy didn’t feel it was Garble who needed to do it, she decided to accept it – if not to avoid any further conflict. “It's really not you that needs to apologize, but I don’t really have time to argue who is at fault here. Do any of you know where I can find Sunset Shimmer”? Garble – after taking a moment to let the ringing of the bell pass – replied to her question dejectedly. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I don’t know where I can find her. She’s became pretty hard to after that whole fight that happened at the front of the school, but I’m sure you’ll be able to eventually.” “I see…” Lowering her head in disappointment, she looked to the rest of his boys for their alibis. “And I suppose you all don’t know where she is either?” “No idea,” Crackle murmured, “but I am sure she has to be around here somewhere.” “None here either,” Backdraft added. “If she has come to school today then she more than likely already saw her locker and ran out crying. Not that I blame her. She is a loser after all.” Turning his attention to Backdraft, Fluttershy watched as Garble cracked his knuckles, giving the teen a dirty look. Not wanting a fight to break out, she got in between the two, giving the blond an expression that made him stop in his tracks. Feeling her hands resting on his chest, Garble shook his head and rolled, his eyes, gently pushed Fluttershy off of him. “Look, we need to get to class right now, so we don’t really have time to find her for you Fluttershy,” He said once he calmed down. “But we can try to do it during lunch hour if that will help you. I’ll even have the rest of the guys give you a hand to make it easier for you.” “Y…you would do that?” “Sure. It’s the least I can do for putting up with their shit,” Giving a gold glare to the boys standing behind him, he added with a low growl, “Right guys?” “Y-yeah,” Backdraft stuttered. “W-we’ll help you out if you want.” Fluttershy smiled in gratitude. “Thank you, I’ll take you up on that offer. Just um… please don’t cause any trouble for me while we do it. O-or for Sunset. I don’t want things to be harder for her than it already is.” “You can leave that to me,” Garble said confidently. “I’ll make sure these guys don’t try to step out of line. And if they do… well, it’ll be the last time they ever do. Count on it!” Giving a little chuckle at the boy’s response, Fluttershy nodded before giving a farewell wave to them. Her departure to her class was stopped just a second later when she found herself bumping into Vice Principal Luna. She gulped as her cold blue eyes locked on her tranquil teal ones momentarily while brushing her hand against Sunset’s locker. Exhaling heavily, she turned her full attention to Fluttershy and frowned, causing the timid girl to take a step back. “Miss Macpherson” Luna began. “Do you know who did this to Sunset’s locker?” “N-no ma’am I don’t,” Fluttershy replied, trying to stay calm. “B-but if you like I can-” “That’s not necessary. Just go to class,” Luna interrupted, turning her attention to Garble and his group. “I assume none of you know who did this either?” “No ma’am,” All three replied in unison. Sighing, Luna began to say something else, but was interrupted by the second ringing of the bell, giving the boys the break they needed to get out of there. Fluttershy stayed for a bit longer before walking off, giving one final glace at the older woman. Watching them leave she took out her radio pressing the button, her eyes locked with Sunset’s locker, her thoughts drifting to her own days of being bullied. “Celestia what is your current location?” She solemnly asked into the radio. “I am in the library with Cheerilee. Do you need some help with something?” “Yes, I do,” She replied sighing in irritation, “Should I meet you in the library or in your office?” “Meet me in my office Luna I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to walk Sunset to class then I can join you and we can talk about whatever it is you want to discuss.” Putting away her radio, Luna took one last look at Sunset’s locker before heading down the hallway towards Celestia’s office getting there a few minutes later. Opening the door, she took a seat in front of her sister’s desk, waiting for Celestia to show. Looking around, her sisters small but quaint office Luna couldn’t help but smile to herself. The walls were covered with many photographs of the students that Celestia had helped over the years. ‘It feels like only yesterday she aided these students with going on the right path. Even if some of them didn’t, we still have the students who succeeded, so there’s that at least…’ She thought to herself, feeling her smile turn bittersweet. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a photo that was not expecting to be there. ‘What the…?’ The photograph showed Luna in a green and white plaid skirt with a white long sleeve button down shirt and blue vest. Her hair was tied in a ponytail her eyes were warm and soft thick glasses could be seen adorning Luna’s face. Getting up, she picked up the photo and ran her fingers over it, tracing a girl’s face that stood next to her. A plaid green and white skirt and blue vest her oil black made up her attire, with her skin looking almost grey. The girls flowing sparkling dark blue hair also was tied in ponytail, her deep purple eyes staring intently at the person behind the camera. ‘Why would Celestia bother to keep this?’ Luna thought, not noticing her sister coming into the office as stared intently at the photo. ‘I asked her to get rid of this photograph a long time ago. What is it doing here in the office? Did she forget?’ “Lulu?” Upon hearing her sister’s voice, Luna’s mind snapped back into focus as she turned and eyed her sister with surprise and confusion. Celestia shared a similar look, but that faded once she saw what it was that her younger sister was eyeing. “Oh… so you saw the photo?” She asked guiltily. Luna gently set the photo down. “I did... and I wasn’t expecting to see it here again. Did I ask you to throw it away the last time I saw it?” “I’m sorry Lu,” Celestia said as she attempted to explain. “I know you’re upset with me for keeping it, but she was my friend too. I kept it to remind myself of how I hurt you. I miss her as much as you and I want to-” “Don’t,” Luna’s sharp cut off silence her older sister like a stab to the heart. “I know what you’re trying to say, but don’t. That is in the past, and I don’t want to talk about that right now. We have other important matters to address. Like morning.” “What happened? Was there another fight?” “No, but something I consider to be just as bad,” Luna flatly stated, pulling out her chair and taking a seat. “Someone has vandalized Miss Shimmers locker.” “T-they what?!” After recovering from her shook, Celestia’s anger came forth. “Who?!” “You’re guess is as good as mine, and I had even less success getting witness statements,” Luna replied, rubbing her temples as she leaned back in her chair. “It was quite a sight if I do say so myself; one that I almost have to applaud the perpetrator for having the guts to pull off.” “If you’re describing it like that, then it has to be bad,” Taking a couple of steps closer, the main principal. “Have you found any other clues as to who could’ve done it?” “Not at the moment, but I intend to,” Luna said firmly, crossing her arms. “I feel that this person truly has it out for Sunset if they’re making their dislike for her so public. That is all the more reason why we need to catch them as quickly, so that this can never happen again; to Sunset Shimmer or anyone else.” Chapter 8 – Dimming Suns Part 4 Of 19 August 3rd – Wednesday, 8:00amSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Wednesday, August 3rd 12:15 pm part sevenGlancing at her watch Sunset saw it was twelve in the after noon walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria to get lunch she stopped in her tracks watching Corky escorting Trixie and Lavender Lace towards Principal Celestia’s office. Wanting to know what was going on she decided to follow them making sure to stay back a bit as she made her way to the office door. Sitting down on a set of chairs located outside of the office she waited for a few minutes before the door opened and Corky came out into the hallway. “Sunset Shimmer” Corky said noticing she was there “shouldn’t you be in the cafeteria getting your lunch” offering her a warm smile he added “if you like I can walk with you while you head there it’ll be no trouble at all”? “No Co-Corky that won’t be n-necessary I, um that is-well-er” she began, “I was actually wondering if you have seen Flash Sentry I really need to talk to him” “Yes I have seen him” he replied, adding, “Flash Sentry is in Principal Celestia’s office as we speak so you’ll have to wait until they are done before you can speak to him” “Wait why is Flash in Principal Celestia’s office Corky? That doesn’t make any sense at all I mean he is a good student” looking down she tried hard not to make eye contact with him “Unlike me who spent most of her time here wrecking everyone’s friendships and causing nothing but trouble”. “As much as I would like to tell you Sunset why he, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon are in there right now. I am afraid that is a matter for her to discuss with you.” seeing a slightly confused hurt look etched on her face he added, “don’t worry Sunset if you are thinking that you are in trouble I can assure you that you are not the one in trouble at all.” glancing at his watch he finished, “hey it's almost twelve fifteen I need to get going unless there is something that you need from me”? “Uh no-not that I can thi-think of Corky thanks for t-trying at least” she replied rubbing her left arm he noticed she kept looking away from him her voice seemed to shake with each word that formed, “I’ll eat when I...g-get home”. Feeling her hands being taken into his own she looked up locking eyes with his, quickly glancing back down to her hands she felt something being placed into her hands, “What’s this”? “Its a power bar I eat them all the time it should tide you over until you get home” giving her a nod he smiled turning to leave he added, “but you really should try to get something other than that power bar to eat Sunset the bell will ring soon so you might want to hurry”. Watching him leave she turned her attention towards Principal Celestia’s door wanting to learn what was being said behind the door she pressed her ear to the door. Hearing Celestia’s voice Sunset gulped hoping not to be discovered. “So Trixie” she heard Celestia say, “can you tell me why you felt the need to spray paint Sunset Shimmers locker”? “The great and powerful Trixie” she heard Trixie reply, “doesn’t know what a mere mortal like you are talking about”. Rolling her eyes in annoyance Sunset listened further as Trixie added, “besides if Trixie had actually done this she would be too proud to just out right admit any wrongdoing”. “That sure sounds like Trixie” Sunset thought to herself “a fully self absorbed annoying girl”. Realizing what she was thinking she whispered out loud, “wow I acted just like her completely self absorbed and very annoying”. Her eyes widened in shock trembling she thought to herself “oh I hope Celestia didn’t hear that”. “Alright Trixie if you want to play that game with me” Sunset heard Celestia start wanting to know what Celestia was talking about Sunset quietly began to open the door. Peering into Celestia’s office she watched her principal stand up placing a video into a player “I have you on tape vandalizing Sunset Shimmer’s locker” She heard Celestia bitterly say, “would you care to change your story Trixie or should I call your adoptive parents and let them deal with this”? “Oh, please, as if the great and powerful Trixie actually fears idol threats from you” Sunset heard Trixie reply she continued to watch while Trixie twirled her hair “I am the great and power----” “No” Sunset heard Celestia interrupt the upstart magician “you are not great and you most certainly are not powerful what you are is a thirteen year old girl that is in very much need of discipline and respect towards other people and the schools property”! She heard Celestia snap watching her turn her attention to Lavender Lace “And you young lady would you care to explain to me why you felt the need to take part in this”? Opening the door a little further Sunset watched in confusion as Lavender Lace scoffed, “Like duh Principal Celestia everyone here at CHS knows that Sunset Shimmer is a bully only we were too afraid to speak up about her actions towards us.” folding her arms over her chest she waved her right hand around a bit adding, “I was just giving that upstart little brat a piece of my mind nothing more and nothing less”. Sunset continued to listen in hearing Principal Celestia turn the conversation to Flash Sentry she watched Celestia stand up pick up a remote from her desk and press a button on it. Flash being the arrogant jock that he already was leaned back in his chair snickering to himself. Sunset looked towards the video her eyes widened in shock as she watched in horrified realization as the scene played out on the video monitor. “As you can clearly see Mr. Sentry” she heard Celestia begin, “I have you on tape spray painting locker two thirty six which is currently used by Sunset Shimmer care to explain why you did this Flash” Standing up still going completely unnoticed by anyone within Principal Celestia’s office Sunset’s eyes narrowed her breath quickened. Her left hand slowly clenched into a tight fist her jaw began to tremble feeling her whole body shake with anger she pressed her hand to the door freezing in her movements as she heard Flash reply, “oh come on Principal Celestia I didn’t do anything wrong, I mean it's like Lavender Lace said ‘I was just giving that upstart little brat a piece of my mind nothing more and nothing less’ besides who cares I mean you allowed her to stay here and no one wants her here right”? “I care Flash Sentry” Sunset thought to herself pressing her hand further into the door she closed her eyes continuing to think to herself “I know that isn’t the truth there has to be another reason for his actions.'' “Nothing wrong?” Celestia bitterly snarled back “First you took part in vandalizing another students locker and second though I am angry with Sunset for what she did durning the Fall Formal that doesn’t---” Opening the door completely Sunset walked into the office stopping Celestia mid sentence “What the? Sunset Shimmer how long have you been standing there”? “Long enough to hear every word” she replied keeping her eyes on Flash not noticing Trixie and Lavender Lace both had taken out their phones and began to record her reaction. “I want to know why you did this Flash Sentry”. “Oh get over yourself Sunset Shimmer” he replied getting up “you and I both know you had this coming to you for a long time.” narrowing his eyes he locked eyes with hers seeing only pain in hers he smiled knowing she was on the verge of tears “you come off as this cool girl that everyone wants to hang out with yet treat them like trash when they don’t do what you want them to besides that you treated me like shit” “Flash Sentry that is enough” Celestia yelled out “how dare you use such language in my office let alone at this school and how dare you do this to Sun---” “Oh, grow up” he screamed back “stop defending her for crying out loud, why can’t you see that no one wants her around any more”. Seeing her sister entering the office Celestia narrowed her eyes letting out a noticeable sigh. Sunset for her part stood there fuming with anger taking a step towards Flash. “You can’t intimidate me any longer Sunset Shimmer so why don’t you do us all a favor and go back to where you belong”. “Before I leave I want to know why you did this Flash” clenching her fist tighter she finished, “I want to know the tru---” Thinking he was about to hit her Luna quickly stepped between Flash Sentry and Sunset Shimmer placing her hands on their chest. Feeling Luna’s hand resting on her chest Sunset stepped back giving Flash a bitter angry glare desperately fighting back her tears. Getting behind Flash Sentry and very worried for her sister Celestia prepared herself for a scuffle with the young teenager. “You want to know the truth” he screamed out “you want to know why I did this Sunset Shimmer” clenching his own hands into fists he finished, “I did this because I don’t love you anymore I did this because I never loved you Sunset. I hate you”! Realizing what he was saying she took another step back turning to leave Sunset looked over her shoulder as her tears broke the surface of her eyes. Watching her cry Trixie smiled catching Sunsets attention Lavender Lace grinned putting her phone away with a smirk etched on her face. “Were I come from Flash Sentry we have a word for someone like you” Sunset started to sob “you are nothing more than a-a” her tears trickled down her cheeks as she screamed out “Lat ayhTye Ùqua” holding herself she finished, “dammit Flash if you wanted to break up with me why didn’t you just tell me instead of doing this”? Not giving him a chance to answer Sunset ran from Celestia’s office with Celestia quickly running after her. “Luna take over” Celestia yelled out “I have to go after her I have to help her” Not noticing Fluttershy entering the hallway Sunset ran past her clearly upset seeing how hurt Sunset was she tried to say something only to be cut off when she heard Celestia call out. “Sunset wait please”. “Principal Celestia” she heard Fluttershy call out to her stopping Celestia in her tracks “what is going on? Why is Sunset running down the hallway and why did she look really upset?” “I am sorry Fluttershy” she replied breathing heavily “I don’t have time to talk about this right---” “Listen I clearly have walked into something that has caused Sunset to run off let me help please” Fluttershy called back catching up to her she added, “I am sure I can get Sunset to come back if you only let me help besides I think I know where she is going”. Wheezing Celestia placed a hand to her chest her jaw tightened feeling an asthma attack coming on she breathed deeply trying to calm herself down. Seeing how hard it was for Celestia to breath Fluttershy reached out gently taking a hold of her helping her over to a nearby bench. Sitting down Celestia reached into her left inside coat pocket taking out her inhalant taking a few quick puffs from it she coughed looking into Fluttershy’s soft warm eyes. “Very well Fluttershy” she began trying not to cough again “it would seem I will not be able to catch up to Sunset so if you know where she is going then please go there now and bring her back.” taking a few breaths she finished “just keep in mind she just had a really bad fight with Flash Sentry so she might not be in the mood to talk” “I will thank you Principal Celestia” she replied running out the front of the school she quickly looked around noticing the construction crew was gone she thought to herself. “They must have gone to lunch good that’ll make this easier” unfurling her wings Fluttershy took the air whispering to herself “I hope I am right about Sunset going to that shack that I found her in a few days ago”. Flying high in the sky Fluttershy looked down watching all the people below carrying on about their daily lives without a care in the world. “I don’t have time to dawdle” she thought out loud she said to no one in particular “I have to help Sunset….even is she doesn’t want my help”. Getting to the shack that Sunset called home Fluttershy landed letting out a gasp clearly getting a much better look at Sunset Shimmers living conditions. The timid girl stood in complete and total shock the place was a complete wreck clearly unsuitable for anything or anyone to be living in. “This can’t be the right place,” she muttered to herself looking around she added, “I don’t recall seeing any of this stuff here when I followed her home two days ago”. The shack itself was made of blue steel roofing with a hole in the left side of it for a window looking to right she saw two large red lockers next to it. One of the lockers had its door bent and twisted outwards a tipped over safety cone lay a few feet from the lockers. “I wish had done something to get her out of this before now” looking down she whipped a hand over her eyes mustering up what little courage she could “Oh, Fluttershy you sugar head why didn’t you just pick her up and carry her to your home when you had the chance?” A severely damaged rusted car sat several feet from the shack looking around a bit further before heading towards the shack itself she saw a shopping cart full of trash a few feet from her position. “This won’t due this won’t due at all not by any means”. A broken down wooden chair was placed next to the car with a pair of familiar looking black and purple leather boots sitting in front of it. Quickly heading to the shack itself and guessing Sunset was indeed inside of it she noticed two large cardboard boxes placed outside of the shack both filled with trash and other throw away items. Finally having enough of the horrible conditions Fluttershy knocked on a large piece of wood that was clearly made to be the door. “Sunset” she called out not getting a reply “its me, its Fluttershy” still not getting a reply she added, “oh please be here” taking a step back she closed her eyes cupping her hands together interlocking her fingers her body began to glow a soft pink her hearing increased. Hearing sobbing coming from inside the shack she reached out taking a hold of the piece of wood she moved it to the left entering the shack she found Sunset crying lying on the floor of the shack. “Sunset” kneeling down next to her she saw Sunset was holding a very worn out plush toy of a purple pony with a horn and wings. “Oh Sunset it's going to be alright I’m here now” gently taking a hold of her Fluttershy held Sunset in her arms while Sunset cried, “shhh” Fluttershy softly soothingly whispered. “Why did she leave me here” she heard Sunset sob “Why didn’t she take me back with her everyone hates me and their right to hate me I am just a-a” feeling soft warm wings wrap around pulling her in closer Sunset began to calm down but only slightly. “I’m so sorry, I’m so very sorry for all that I did I-I” she continued to sob "I want to change who I am but I can't I don't know how". “It’s alright Sunset I know you are sorry” closing her eyes Fluttershy held Sunset for a long time gently running her fingers through Sunsets hair “and I am ready to help you now Sunset”. August 3rd, Wednesday, 1 pm part eightThe putrescent of rotting flesh and sunbaked wood mixed with the smell of musty salty air filled Moon Stone’s nose. Giving Starknight a disgusted look she paid him no attention while she brought the car to a stop near a large wooden fence. Getting out both officers uncliped their holster straps keeping their hands close to their guns ready to draw them in a moments notice. “Ugh” Starknight heard Moon Stone groan out in disgust, “I thought I had completely forgotten what the smell of burnt flesh smelled, like” making a slightly sickly face he added, “can we get this done with as soon as possible please? This place is bringing back memories that I would sooner forget sergeant”. Looking around Starknight quickly found a burned body nearby getting closer to it she saw its head, and arms above the elbows, as well as its legs above the knees were all missing. Gulping at the ghastly sight she covered her mouth and nose with her hand trying hard not to vomit. Looking around further and not seeing the CSI team within her immediate sight she dropped her hand to her gun as she began to search the area. “Where the hell is the CSI person that is supposed to be---” she began only to cut herself short hearing the sound of metal clips popping open spinning around her eyes fell to a young woman with shoulder length red hair, deep orange eyes, tan skin with thick glasses under thick protective goggles. “Ah there you are Charm Haste I was---” she started to finish only to be interrupted. “Ooh lookie here” Charm Haste said leaning close to the burned corpse, not looking up as she yanked something from the cadaver’s upper chest area “I think I found something”. Glancing up she offered Starknight who glared back at her with scorn a happy but concerned smile, “here take a look” she continued eagerly practically thrusting her hand into Starknights face. “Really do you have to thrust that so close to my face Charm Haste”? “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to see this really cool piece of wood that I found” she replied watching in disbelief as Starknight took a few steps back. “ It's from the Sequoia Sempervirens also known as redwood which into itself is rather cool because it's rare to find something like this in this area” Starknight could see held in Charm Haste hand was a small split piece of wood “I think this is what killed this person though” looking back at the burned corpse Charm Haste finished, “I won’t know that for sure until I get this person back to the C.P.S and finish with the autopsy”. “Really you think that tiny piece of wood killed this person”? She replied making a slightly sickly face as Charm Haste cut bits and pieces of burnt flesh off the dead body and placed them into plastic jars for later study. “Alright then who cut off the head, arms and l-legs”? Getting a better look at the corpse in front of her Starknight saw to her complete disgust that the bodies stomach had burst open from the inside out. Its large and small intestines were splattered on the wharfs wooden surface. “I can’t believe I am actually looking at this disgusting thing”. She thought to herself. “This is why I didn’t want my little sister to join us” Moon Stone chimed in giving Starknight a passing glance he added, “Hey didn’t you say we got a call for a ten-twenty four so uh,” looking around he finished, “where are the officers that went down in this area” “Oh, those idiots” Charm Haste quipped “are in the back of the warehouse section taking a swan dive off the peer and right into nap ville”. “ What else do you have there Charm Haste” Starknight asked foolishly stepping a bit closer she caught sight of the rest of the burned corpse something she very quickly came to regret. The chest itself was ripped open a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid was clearly seen seeping forth from the wound. Gulping she stepped back having seen the heart, esophagus, trachea, lungs, and thoracic diaphragm were all completely ripped out turning away from the grizzly sight she whispered to herself, “God I’m going to be sick”. “I’ve seen worse you know” Moon Stone said noticing how sick Starknight was starting to look “trust me sergeant I have seen much, much worse than this”. “Aw shut up Rookie” he heard Starknight groan “let's go see if we can find our fallen officers and find out if the person that did this is still here” turning her attention to Charm Haste she added, “you get that---” Starknight watched in complete disgust while Charm Haste cut the cadavers penis off placed it into a plastic jar and stood up. Holding the penis up to the sunlight she snickered to herself, “Well this poor fellow won’t have to worry about fathering any children any time soon.'' “Listen I am going to go see if I can find those officers” Moon Stone finally said trying to step in between the two “Seargant I---” “If I can’t figure out what actually killed this person” Charm Haste interrupted him “I might as well have some free lunch while I am here” hearing Starknight retch Charm Haste turned in her attention fully to her rolling her eyes while Starknight lost her lunch all over the wharf she added, “you know this might actually make a pretty good hot-dog” holding up the severed penis she looked around with a foolish smirk on her face finishing, “Hey Starknight you got any mustard”? “To heck with this” she growled in reply whipping her hand over her mouth turning her attention to Moon Stone she angrily finished, “Lets go rookie”! Taking Moon Stone by his hand Starknight quickly led him down the pier towards a large stone and brick building getting to it a few minutes later. Walking inside she saw an ambulance and paramedics already inside. Following her in both kept a very watchful eye out for anyone that might want to use them for some target practice. Getting to the medics a few seconds later she noticed the fallen officer was Dew Shadow rushing over to him she stopped hearing Meadows Brook’s familiar voice. “Whoa hold up there sergeant” he called out to her “He’ll be alright just a broken shoulder and busted leg”. “The person that did this has already left the area”. She heard Cloudy Skies inject giving him a confused look she listened as he finished, “Be grateful that you and the rookie weren’t here for it whatever drug that person was using it made her or him really fast and very strong''. Looking around she saw a large hole in the right side of the building walking up to it Starknight noticed the wall was made of brick and concrete slabs each nearly three feet thick. Turning back to Cloudy Skies she gave him as confused look before stepping through the hole heading towards the stony shoreline. Noticing a flipped over car she turned to all the two officer while Moon Stone stayed behind a bit to check the immediate area for anything that might help with their case. “The person that attacked us sergeant” she heard Cloudy Skies begin, “also punch through that brick wall back there and did this to this car”. “You’re kidding right?” she asked pointing to the car “there is no way a human being can do this much damage to a brick wall or to a car I mean look at this thing it's completely trashed”. Starknight saw clearly that the car’s windshield was completely caved inwards the steering wheel was sticking through a large hole in the center of the windshield. “I mean really you guys must think me to be a complete idiot if you honestly expect me to fall for this bullshit”. “But sergeant its true”. Meadows Brook protested “we both nearly got killed fighting with that person she or he moved so fast I couldn’t get a shot off both of us tried to take that person into custody yet we couldn’t do so due to that person being so fast and strong”. “Okay I am so not playing this game with either of you two” Looking further at the car she saw that the driver’s side door was completely ripped off its hinges and the back of the car was ripped apart. “now I will ask you both one more time, what actually happened here and how did that hole in that brick wall back there actually get there”? Both Meadows Brook and Cloudy Skies frowned at Starknights disbelief in their words to her each officer stared coldly at her neither were sure what to do next. The sudden sound of gunfire followed by of the medics screaming for help quickly drew their attention back to the building. Racing past them Starknight drew her weapon watching Moon Stone enter the building his weapon already drawn. To her horror and shock she watched him come flying back out hitting the water's surface with a sickening watery splash. Skidding to a halt a few feet from the hole in the way her heart pounded in her chest her breathing slowed her eyes narrowed. Looking around she slowly entered the building gulping soon finding a person cloaked in a dusty black cloak kneeling down next to Dew Shadow. “You there freeze” she screamed pointing her gun at the cloaked figure watching as the cloaked figure slowly stood up turned to face her and titled its hooded head to the right “I said---” Her words were painfully cut short as a gloved fist struck her in the middle of her chest, sending her flying backwards out the hole and into the freezing water. Hitting the water with a loud splash she frantically began trying to keep her head above the water feeling something grab onto her Starknight screamed gulping down some water. “Hold on” Moon Stone’s voice boomed like thunder “Keep your head above the water” he screamed desperately trying to help her stay a float “sergeant you need to calm down”. Seeing her go under he dove after her his thoughts began to dwell on his sister, reaching Starknight a few moments later he reached out grabbing her hand pulling her back to the surface. “Don’t do this to me sergeant I can’t do this job on my own” he thought to himself making it to the surface of the water gasping for air he quickly placed her on top of him getting the two of them back to shore. Coughing he rolled Starknight off of him patting her back as she upchucked several mouthfuls of water. “That’s it serge spit it out get it all out of your body”. “What the---” she coughed out “did you---” coughing some more Starknight laid on her back grateful to be alive “see what it was that did this Moon Stone?” she finally said through a few more bouts of coughing. “No all I saw was something in black then I hit the water and came back up as you hit the water” getting up he held out his hand to her helping her up he added, “what the hell was that”? Whipping her hand over her mouth she went to draw her weapon only to find it was gone, her eyes widened in shock looking to Moon Stone she glanced down seeing his weapon as also missing. Closing her eyes she thought to herself, “this can’t be happening how could we both lose our weapons”? Heading back to the building she noticed Dew Shadow was out cold the medics were both lying face down each one having clearly been knocked out and Meadow Brooks was gone along with Cloudy Skies. “Dammit” she screamed in frustration “come on we have to get to Charm Haste”. Both officers quickly ran to the other side of the building getting back to Charm Haste’s location a few minutes later. Looking around Moon Stone spotted her a few feet from his location getting up to her he watched her rub the back of her head giving him a confused very disoriented look. Looking around herself Charm Haste slowly stood up groaning in both pain and irritation. “Damn” she said getting help from Moon Stone to stand up “they took the body, my evidence case and all my equipment” dusting herself off she growled out “Son of a flower” receiving a slightly raised eyebrow from Moon Stone she blushed adding, “oh sorry pardon my language”. “Who’s ‘they’ Charm Haste” he asked nodding towards Starknight who was just coming up to the pair, “can you tell us who actually did this to us or why those other officers were actually down here”. “I believe we can answer your second question officer Moon Stone” he heard Cloudy Skies say behind him turning around he grunted out a forced sigh as Cloudy Skies finished, “the two of us got a tip saying that several of the stolen cars that were reported in were somewhere in this immediate vicinity so we came to check it out and got ambushed by whatever that person is or…was”. Giving Cloudy Skies a concerned look he looked over to Starknight who in turn gave both an angry glare. Hearing footsteps coming up behind them all three turned around to see Meadows Brook coming up to them. His clothing was covered in dust and like Moon Stone and Starknight he was also missing his gun getting a worried look from Starknight he shook his head. “First” he began, “you should know that Dew Shadow is going to be alright” hearing the ambulance sirens coming from the building everyone watched the ambulance drive out of the building heading towards the inner city “and second” he added, “I also don’t know what really happened here all I can say is that person was fast and very well trained in some form of hand to hand combat” walking away from the group he stopped looking over his shoulder finishing, “you coming Cloudy or are you just going to sit here and twiddle your thumbs”? “Hey wait a minute” he heard Starknight call out to them “I’m not done questioning you two yet”. “Hey sergeant” he grumbled out as Cloudy Skies headed towards him “ask me if I give a flying rats tail if your done or not”? Turing to leave he snickered, “unlike you I don’t have to babysit this idiot so you go off and have fun playing ‘cop’ while the rest of us actually have work to do Cloudy and I have two more places to check for the stolen cars so we’ll be seeing you and the kid later”. Laughing coldly he slapped Cloudy Skies on his shoulder pushing him forward “come on we need to find those damn cars and close this case”. “Uh, er ye-yeah sure thing Meadows” He replied rubbing his shoulder. “Sergeant Starknight” she heard Moon Stone growl bitterly “why are you letting them talk to you like that let alone walk away from this”. “Because they are both detectives and I am only a sergeant I don’t have the authority to suspend them or punish them unlike the authority that I have with you that is” shaking her head she added, “now let's go back in there and see if we can find out missing weapons before we both get reported for losing them”. Giving her a confirmed nod he followed her back to the building each getting their a few moments later entering the building again both stood in silence. Each officer saw their weapon lying on the ground in the center of the building walking up to their weapons both gave the other a confused look. Looking at the spot where their weapons were placed Starknight saw a note card had been left behind taking out a medical glove from her duty belt she knelt down picking it up. “I am terribly sorry for the trouble she caused you” Starknight began to read aloud “I promise you both, I will speak with her about her actions at the pier today. Please be rest assured that this won’t happen again”. Setting the card into an evidence pouch she stood up picking up the guns handing Moon Stone his gun and holstering hers she watched him check his gun then put it back into his holster. Looking around she quickly found the other officers guns nearby. “Come on we better collect those before someone else does” Walking over the guns she stopped as she was about to pick up the other officers weapons when Moon Stone asked, “So back at the water sergeant why couldn’t you keep your head above the water”? “I, uh” sighing she picked up the other two guns checked them and handed them to Moon Stone finishing, “let's go back to the precinct and forget about this awful day alright rookie”? “But sergeant if you can’t swim I’d be more than----” “You will drop this line of questioning this instinct do you fully understand me”!?! She growled out adding, “now I am going to head back to the car you however can stay here if you like or you can come back to the precinct however, if you choose to head back to the precinct then you’ll fully drop this right here and right now” walking away from him she finished, “make your choice”. Choosing to drop his line of inquiry with her he quickly followed her back outside towards their parked cruiser getting inside the car a few moments later he looked at the wharf and the building. Glancing down he sighed catching Starknights attention looking back up as she started up the car he buckled up saying, “I take it no one is going to believe us when we file this report huh sergeant”? “Your right Moon Stone I doubt anyone would actually believe this” starting up the car she added, “but either way Internal Affairs is going to want to know what happened here and we have a duty to perform”. “Not those assholes again come on do I really have to deal with those idiots again sergeant”? “It may not be the same pair of officers who will question you or it might be the same ones I can’t say for sure all I can say is that you just be yourself and stick to the facts nothing less and nothing more.” Taking a right and stopping at a red light she turned to face him adding, “Don’t add stuff that didn’t happen and don’t try to imply anything just stick to what you know and you’ll be fine.” hearing him grumble something under his breath she finished, “and no grumbling either they hate it when officers do that”. “Fine” he replied folding his arms over his chest noticing the time he added, “hey it's almost one o’clock you want to get something to eat before we head back and uh, deal with this mess” “Sure where too” she replied driving forward. “How about the sweet snacks cafè it's only about thirty minutes away from our present location”. Picking up the radio he added, “mind if I call it in while you drive”? Giving him approving nod she let her thoughts dwell on her first time going to the restaurant snapping back to reality hearing Moon Stone call in their plans for lunch. “Dispatch this is car Sixty-four-seven we are requesting a ten - forty seven” “This is dispatch car sixty-four-seven” he heard over the radio “ten - twelve officers” a few more seconds went by while the pair waited for confirmation for their break time to be approved they didn’t need to wait long, “alright car sixty-four-seven your ten - forty seven is a ten - four” putting the radio back in its place his hand froze as the dispatcher continued, “What will be your ten - twenty”? “Damn I forgot about that,” he muttered to himself causing Starknight to chuckle, picking up the radio he added, “our ten - twenty will be the sweet snacks cafè”. “Alright ten - four officers both of you enjoy your ten - forty seven” “We will” he replied placing the radio back into its position “once we get there I’ll pay for the meal” getting a disapproving look from Starknight he added, “I know I should use that extra money for Moon Dancer but I wanted to do something nice for you”. “Then perhaps you should reread the officers code of conduct booklet because I as your training officer and your sergeant can’t and won’t allow you to do this. You will pay for own meal as I will pay for mine. Got it? Now don’t even think of doing this again”. Getting to the restaurant thirty minutes Starknight pulled into a parking space shut the car off and got out still soaking wet she walked behind the car opened it taking out a two bags. Setting them down on the ground she heard the passenger door open and close paying Moon Stone little attention she rummaged through the trunk of the car before setting down a third small duffel bag. Seeing what she was doing he walked over to her looking at the bags then to her with a confused look on his face. “We’re both soaking wet I have in these bags clothing that will fit both of us now” handing him one of the three bags she added, “take this go into the restroom get changed and meet me in the dining area then we can get some food”. “Alright” he replied taking the bag from her “I’ll be back in about ten minutes”. Entering the restaurant he quickly found the restroom opening the door he walked in turning to face one of the five stalls he froze feeling something cold, hard and metal being thrust against the back of his head, “aw son of a----” hearing the clicking of a guns hammer being cocked into position he cut his words short. “You move you die” Wednesday, August 3rd 1:02 pm part nineAuthor's Note This chapter takes place while rookie officer Moon Stone is in the bathroom at the restaurant with a gun pressed to the back of his head. I didn't know how to combine both chapters into one single chapter so I broke it into two separate parts. Wednesday, August 3rd 1:02 pm part nine “I know it hurts Sunset I know but it’s alright I’m here now” holding Sunset warmly in her arms Fluttershy hearing Sunset Shimmer sniff hugged her a little more tightly giving Sunset the time she needed to calm down. “I know what you are going through Sunset, I know it hurts let it out honey let it all out”. Letting out a few breaths Sunset swallowed hard blinking away the last of her tears closing her eyes she rested her head on Fluttershy’s shoulder. Tucking her wings against her back Fluttershy slowly helped Sunset up, “Do you feel better now Sunset” letting her go Fluttershy reached into her own skirt pocket taking out a handkerchief handing it to Sunset she added, “It’s going to alright Sunset trust me everything will be okay”. “How is it going to be alright” she asked, taking the handkerchief she dried her eyes handing it back to Fluttershy adding, “why are you here Fluttershy? Shouldn’t you be in class and not wasting your time with” looking down she held her left arm finishing, “a creep like me”. “Sunset” she began taking a seat on the cold and very uncomfortable cement floor seeing Sunset wasn’t about to join her she added, “please sit-down I have something important to tell you”. Staring at her Sunset turned around folding her arms over her chest closing her eyes she sighed though she was silently grateful to Fluttershy she was also afraid of her. Hearing Fluttershy’s hand pat the cement floor Sunset turned back around looking down she slowly walked over to her taking a seat making sure to keep herself at arm’s length from Fluttershy burying her head into her arms. “Sunset” she listened to Fluttershy begin, “it's going to be a long time before anyone can actually forgive you” taking a moment to let her words sink in she looked Sunset over making sure she wasn’t about to break down again before continuing, “I don’t know why Twilight chose to leave you here in this world Sunset. However, in my heart I believe she wanted us to teach you about friendship I fully intend to do just that.'' noticing Sunset was still not looking up she added, “I know you think that everyone at school hates you and while you are probably right about that I for one don’t hate you at all, in fact I really do want to become your friend”. “Why?” Sunset asked slightly looking up catching Fluttershy’s attention she continued, “just tell me why”. “I don’t understand Sunset” watching her get up Fluttershy also stood up watching Sunset turn around she added, “please don’t turn away from me I really do want to help you but I can’t do that if you don’t confide in me what it is that is troubling you” not getting a reply she reached out laying a gentle hand on Sunsets shoulder finishing, “please tell me Sunset what you meant”. Both stood silently for a few minutes before Sunset reached up taking Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder the other letting it happen watching as Sunset let go of Fluttershy’s hand. Taking a step forward Sunset pressed her forehead against the metal lining the walls of the shack she called home the metal felt cold, smooth and soothing. Turning around she leaned her back into the wall of the shack locking eyes with Fluttershy momentarily before looking away from her. “Tell me Fluttershy I know I have asked you this before” she finally began after what seemed like hours but was only a few moments “why do you want to become my friend?" sliding down she pulled her legs up close to her chin adding, “I tormented you, teased you, humiliated you and caused you to cry so many times that I can’t even begin to count on one hand just how many times I caused you to run off crying.” placing her head back into her arms she finished, “Just tell me 'why' please that’s all I want to know”. Taking a seat next to her Fluttershy gently wrapped her arm around Sunset letting out a soft but noticeable sigh. Looking around she saw that the shack was covered in old dusty cobwebs the metal lining the walls had clearly seen better days as much of the metal were riddled with bullet holes. Feeling Sunsets hand against her own she quickly turned her attention to her as Sunset once again removed Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder. “Alright Sunset” she began, “if you want to know why I want to become your friend the truth of the matter is this” getting up she dusted herself off adding, “I know there is goodness in you, you just need help to bring that side of you out”. “Goodness!?! You must be joking?” She replied, adding, “Flash Sentry was right about me I am someone to hate” scoffing she stood up and headed outside with Fluttershy much to Sunsets irritation following her out. Letting out a forced sigh Sunset turned around pointing in the direction of the school practically growling out, “Leave”! unsure what caused Sunset to become upset Fluttershy took a tentative step towards her. “why are you still here I told----”. “I can’t do that Sunset Shimmer I won’t do that” she interrupted her “I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me”. Realizing Fluttershy wasn’t going to leave her alone Sunset balled her hand into a tight fist her body trembled with anger not wanting to start a fight she turned to leave. Walking away from her Sunset got a few blocks before she stopped noticing Fluttershy was following her. “You really don’t know how to take ‘I don’t want to be your friend’ for an answer do you Fluttershy?” she bitterly asked causing Fluttershy to bump into her. “Really! I tell you to leave and you decide to---” hearing a sorrowful sound a few feet from her Sunset cut her words short adding, “What was that?” “What was what” Fluttershy replied, “I didn’t---” “I know I heard something” Looking around she again heard the sorrowful sound noticing Fluttershy was about to speak she quickly placed her hand over Fluttershy's mouth whispering, “Shh”. Removing her hand from the timid girl’s mouth she placed a finger to her own lips adding, “you need to keep quiet” taking a few steps away from Fluttershy she finished “I thought I heard a cat cry out”. Looking around herself and not really hearing anything Fluttershy gave Sunset a slightly confused glance. Unconvinced that there wasn’t something there making the soft sorrowful sound Sunset started to head further down the street towards the back of the alley. Following the sounds, she quickly came to a sewer grate kneeling next to it she heard a cat’s cries for help. Getting back up Sunset looked at Fluttershy who had a worried look etched on her soft angelic face. “Please oh, please don’t let there be a little kitten in there”. Getting next to the grate as Sunset started to look around for anything to use as a pry bar, she knelt peering into sewer grate. Sure enough there was indeed a little kitten trapped under a sewer grate. “Oh, my gosh you poor thing how on earth did you get yourself stuck down there”? the kitten had white, brown and orange patches over most of its tiny body. Deep yellow eyes looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes locking with hers as it cried and mewed for help. ‘Mew’ “Shh little kitten we’ll get you out don’t worry we’ll help you”. Getting up she started to look around not finding anything of use she added, “Sunset we need to do something to get---” Her words were interrupted when Sunset knelt placing both hands onto the grate, “uh, Sunset that grate must weigh at least sixty pounds!" She watched as Sunset prepared to lift the grate "your not going to be able to move it without some sort of---” A low guttural growl was heard from Sunset causing Fluttershy to take a step back “lever” she finished watching in complete shock as Sunset began to pull hard on the grate. The alley was quickly filled with the echoing sounds of metal bending, twisting and snapping like dry twigs. Pulling back on the grate Sunset ripped it from its place in the alley holding it in her hands both girls stood up with Sunset staring coldly at Fluttershy. Taking a few steps away from the sewer she raised the heavy metal above her head Fluttershy stood in stunned silence to shocked to do anything. “I need you to move to the right Fluttershy” She heard Sunset say Fluttershy unsure what just happened immediately got out of her way as Sunset threw the sewer grate several feet from their position. “Now to get that kitten out of there” she continued, dusting her dirty hands off turning her attention to frightened kitten she finished, “Just don’t bite me”. “How did you---” Fluttershy began to ask while she watched Sunset reach inside the basin scooping up the little frightened kitten in her hand. Standing up Sunset dusted her skirt off and placed the small furry animal into Fluttershy’s warm, soft, protective arms. Noticing the kittens right front paw was injured Fluttershy added, “Oh, no his poor little paw is hurt”. Hearing a coat flop on the ground and the sound of cloth ripping she turned her attention to Sunset finishing, “uh, Sunset what are you doing”? Wordlessly Sunset had begun to tear her shirt ripping off a large piece of her shirt she gently took the kittens paw into her right hand and began wrapping the cloth around its injured paw. Once finished she gave the little kitten a soft pat on its fury head “There you go little fellow” she said, adding, “don’t worry Fluttershy will take good care of you”. Picking up her coat she glanced up momentarily locking eyes with the kitten seeing two big, round sad eyes staring back at her she grumbled “don’t give me those sad eyes” standing up she finished, “your Fluttershy’s problem now, not mine”. ‘Mew’ “I think he likes you” she heard Fluttershy softly whisper “and he isn’t my problem he is ‘our’ problem Sunset besides that he needs you” looking to the little kitten in her arms she snuggled his soft fury face finishing, “yes you need Sunset don’t you little guy you like her huh? Yes, you do, you want her to take care of you huh little fellow”. “ugh, I’m going to be sick” she heard Sunset groan “enough with the mushy stuff already Fluttershy I mean really what’s the big deal we got him out of there now he is your problem not mine” snapping her head up she heard Sunset add in disgusted irritation, “which means you can leave now and I can go back to sulking in my shack” Watching her head back to the shack Fluttershy began to follow her again quickly catching Sunsets attention once again. “Fluttershy will you stop following me I mean really you have your own friends to go pester you don’t need an eowynthir like me making your life any more difficult than what it already is.'' With a very confused look plastered on her face she replied, “A what? Sunset I have no idea what you just said but it doesn’t sound very---" “You need to take the kitten to the animal shelter” Sunset interrupted her adding, “just go out to the street take a right at the corner keep going until you come to a stop sign from there take a left walk straight until you come to a large brick building” noticing Fluttershy wasn’t moving she finished, “please just leave Fluttershy and take that kitten with you he won’t survive out here on his own”. “I’m not going anywhere Sunset Shimmer until you explain to me what it is that you said to me because it sounded like some sort of …insult” petting the kitten she added, “I hope you didn’t try to insult me because that wasn’t very nice especially since all I want to do is take you back to school and become your friend”. “How many times do I have to say this Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend” Looking away Sunset began to stutter adding , “a-and no I di-didn’t insult y-you Fluttershy” swallowing hard she continued, “I called myself what I am and what I always will be an ‘eowynthir’ it means a pitifully shellfish coward”. “Why on earth would you dare call yourself that Sunset”?! Fluttershy exclaimed a complete look of utter shock was clearly plastered across her face “Sunset there is no reason for you to call yourself that”. “Yes there is, there is a good reason to call myself that" she yelled back, "it's because it is what I am! It is what I always will be that and nothing more”. Trying hard to fight back her tears Sunset took a step back silently hoping that Fluttershy would leave taking the small kitten with her. “So just leave me here where I belong in the slums and dirt with all the other trash you humans throw away” “Let me explain something to you Sunset” she heard Fluttershy softly begin just above a whisper “I don’t know why you think that you are a pitifully selfish coward and I don’t much care to know because to me you are not this at all”. “Please just stop trying to be my friend Fluttershy just stop already! I can’t take my heart being broken again”. Feeling her tears breaking the surface of her eyes Sunset tried to run only to find herself on her knees having tripped over her own two feet, “you said ‘I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me’ holding herself she finished, “You have no idea what I am feeling how can any of you understand what I am going through”? Helping her up Fluttershy with the kitten still in her arms Fluttershy gently took Sunsets right hand into her own. Setting the kitten down for a few moments she leaned towards Sunset gently wiping away Sunset's tears. Taking a step back Fluttershy knelt picking up the kitten as she offered Sunset a warm, pleasant smile watching her step back as well. Both stood silently for a few moments each unsure what to do next. “Fluttershy how did you find this place” Sunset finally asked, “that is if you don’t mind an eowynthir like me asking you”? “First Sunset” she began holding up her right hand indicating with her index finger “you will stop referring to yourself as a-a, um, err- however you say that word that you just called, yourself do you fully understand?” indicating with her middle finger she continued, “and second I want to know why you feel that you and I shouldn’t be friends when you have every reason to be my friend" indicating with her ring finger she finished. " Third and finally what did you mean by you can’t take having your heart broken again”? “Y-yes I un-understand” she replied clearly unsure of herself keeping her gaze fixed to the ground she continued, “ as for the second part I don’t want to be friends with you because I don’t want to hurt you again for the third part I really don't want to talk about it”. “I see Sunset” Fluttershy replied flatly adding more calmly and just above a whisper, “ Very well Sunset as for how I found this place I simply followed you here for the second time this week. You see after you ran out of Principal Celestia’s office she ran after you” gently petting the kittens head she added, “only Principal Celestia couldn’t keep up with you due to having an asthma attack”, Putting a finger to her chin she continued, “I hope she’ll be alright”. Looking down Sunset turned to head into her shack stopping in her tracks hearing snickering and laughing from her right. Turning in the direction the sound was coming from she quickly placed Fluttershy behind her seeing three boys approaching them each one with a sickening leer plastered on their faces. “Great the diamond dogs” she muttered to herself feeling Fluttershy’s hand grip her own she turned her attention to her adding, “don’t worry I won’t let them hurt you” tugging on Sunsets hand Fluttershy tried in vain to get Sunset to follow her out of the alley. “Fido care to tell me what you three want?” Fluttershy heard Sunset snarl out “because if it's money you three are after neither of us have any”. “Sunset let’s go I really don’t want to be here any longer” she heard Fluttershy whimper. “I want to get back to shc---” “Now what's the hurry baby?” she heard one of the diamond dogs say interrupting her Fluttershy turned her attention fully to him his eyes locked with hers noticing his dog collar had the name ‘Rover’ pinned to it. His dirty red denim vest did little to hide his broad muscular chest and shoulders, his white torn t-shirt clearly had seen better days. “The names Rover girls and making your day really special is my game so how about we all head to my place for some ...fun?” “No thanks” Sunset chimed in making sure to keep Fluttershy behind her and keep herself between the diamond dogs and Fluttershy who showed signs she was clearly worried, “I think it's time for you three to leave”. “Now don’t be like that Sunset after all we just got here” Rover replied with a sick grin plastered on his face looking him over Sunset noticed his grey jeans had spots of car oil covering most of his thighs and shins. “All my brothers and I want is a good time sister think you two are up for that?” Noticing Fluttershy was holding the small kitten in her arms, “Hey Fido isn’t that the stupid stray” he added turning his attention to his older brother “that you shoved into that sewer grate last night”? “Why I believe it is Rover” having taken notice of the kitten in Fluttershy’s arms as well Fido stepped forward watching in delight as Fluttershy and Sunset both stepped back. Fluttershy watched as Fido reached out to grab the kitten his merlot colored hair blew lightly in the breeze. “Hand it over kid”. “No” Fluttershy screamed in fear pulling back trying desperately to keep Fido from grabbing the small kitten “get away from me”. “Get away from her!” she heard Sunset scream out, reaching out and grabbing the Fido’s hand, “You need to leave Fido” turning her attention to the other two while wrenching Fido’s arm painfully behind his back she added, “and take your trash with you”. Quickly she pushed him forwards causing him to fall into a pile of nearby broken crates, “I won’t let you degenerates hurt Fluttershy or that kitten she is holding”. Watching him get back up she lunged in catching him completely off guard getting a good hold of his bluish gray vest. Much to his and Fluttershy’s surprise Sunset spun on her right heel throwing him headfirst into a trash can dusting her hands off she finished, “and take your Neanderthal brothers with you Fido”. “What did you just call us”? Fido’s younger brother Spot screamed out balling his hands into tight fist “we’re the diamond dogs you can’t talk to us like that” watching him drop his hand to a knife tucked under the waistband of his jeans she prepared for his attack, “you’re going to pay for what you did to my brother Sunset Shimmer”. “Really because I just don’t see that happening, do you?” Turning her attention to him she added, “Aw what's wrong Spotty Spot did I hurt your little feelings?” locking eyes with Spot she finished, “too bad you little runt now I would suggest you three leave”. A soft growl escaped her lips Spot for his part having been too preoccupied with Sunset Shimmer completely failed to notice Sunsets pupils were beginning to glow red. “before things get” her voice darkened her jaw locked gritting her teeth she concluded, “violent”. Pulling out his knife Spot lunged in taking a swipe at Sunsets stomach just barely getting out of the way in time she moved to the right raising her hands up to attack. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in complete fear as Sunset reached out to grab Spots arm. “I can’t let this go any further even if it means revealing to her what I am” Fluttershy thought to herself, “this has to end now before someone gets hurt” The sudden sound of a gun going off quickly caused everyone to freeze in their tracks turning her attention to the street beyond the alley Sunset saw a man entering the alley. Looking him over while still fully prepared for Fido’s attack she saw he was dressed in a black denim vest, brown t-shirt and dark stained blue jeans. “Alright, what the hell is going on here”? The person yelled putting away his gun noticing Fido was just getting up and Spot was still holding his knife fully pointed at Sunset the person added, “Spot drop the knife”. Seeing Spot wasn’t about to obey him he growled out, “NOW”. “Oh, come on Jim” he spat back in anger “Sunset attacked us first and I’m---” having suddenly felt the cold steel of Jim's gun pressing against his right temple Spot wisely decided not to finish his sentence “alright, alright I’m dropping it” letting go of the knife it clattered noisily on the pavement “just don’t shoot me please Jim” he finished taking a step back from Sunset. Turning his attention to Fluttershy and Sunset who both stood dumbfounded Jim smiled to both, “Alright girls I think it’s time for you two, to get out of this area and head back to school” looking to Rover who snarled to him he added, “don’t worry girls these three idiots won’t bother you two any longer”. “Who by the flames of Tartarus are you?!” Sunset exclaimed “and more to the point how in all of this world did you find us?” “Huh, oh my name is Jim Diamond” he replied keeping a watchful eye on all three diamond dogs especially Rover “I am their older brother and a bounty hunter I placed a small tracking device into Rover, Fido and Spot’s bodies with those I can track their location at any time I see fit to do so.'' “I see”. She replied folding her arms over her chest glaring at him “and you just happen to come by at the right time because?” “I was as I said tracking them and uh, your principal called me asking for my help in finding Sunset” leading the girls to his jeep he unlocked the trailer pointing to it he added, “Alright you three get into the trailer and be quick about it” Watching all three of his brothers begrudgingly get into the trailer each one taking a seat near the front of it. Taking out three sets of handcuffs he cuffed each of them to the sides of the trailer closing the gate once finished. Opening the jeeps door for Fluttershy and Sunset to get in he stood for a few seconds before adding, “I’ll take you to the local animal shelter then I’ll drop the two of you off at your school afterwards I need to get these three idiots back home”. “How did you know we needed to go to the animal shelter” Fluttershy chimed in clearly confused, “neither of us said anything about needing to do that”. Watching him point to the kitten in her arms she blushed finishing, “oh”. Getting into the jeep Fluttershy noticed Sunset wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you coming Sunset?” she asked. “I thought you and I were becoming friends after all you did stand up for me”. “No Fluttershy I am not and for the last time Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend!” turning to leave she looked over her shoulder adding, “I want you too---” Hearing the jeep door open and slam shut she cut her words short as Fluttershy got out of the jeep leaving the kitten to sit in the front seat. Walking up to Sunset she placed her hand on Sunsets shoulder spinning her around she pointed to the jeep growling out, “get in the jeep Sunset” watching Sunset shake her head she angrily added, “NOW”. Watching Sunset head towards the jeep with her head bowed low she finished, “that’s better now we will head to the animal shelter to drop this kitten off then you and I will head back to school”. Begrudgingly getting into the jeep Sunset sat in the back looking out the back-left passenger window hearing the jeep start up she sighed. Looking back up front she leaned in asking, “Fluttershy can I ask you something”? “Sure, thing Sunset”. “You said that you followed me for the second time this week yet I don’t remember seeing you at all other than at school so my question is this, How were you able to follow me without me seeing you or knowing that you where there”? “It’s really quite simple you were rather preoccupied from your defeat at the Fall Formal” she replied feeling the kitten resting in her lap she added, “Sunset would you like to hold the kitten for a little bit at least until we get to the animal shelter that is”? Shrugging she gently took the small fury kitten from Fluttershy leaning back into the soft leather seat she placed the kitten into her lap smiling to herself. Softly stroking the kittens fur Sunset closed her eyes letting her thoughts drift to more pleasant times. The kitten purred contently in Sunsets lap as both the kitten and Sunset enjoyed the ride looking out the window Sunset said, “Fluttershy there is something I think you should know”. “Oh, what’s that Sunset” “While I am not ready to be your friend, I would however accept you as an acquaintance at least until I am more comfortable with the idea of us being friends”. “I fully understand” she replied, adding “likewise I feel there is something that you need to know as well Sunset”. “Let me guess you’re not going to let me slip away once we get to the animal shelter huh Fluttershy” scoffing while shaking her head she finished, “what do I need to know Fluttershy”. “one you are correct that I won’t allow you to slip away once we drop off this kitten you see Sunset, I made Principal Celestia a promise. And a promise is well, err it’s a-a, um well it’s a promise” turning around to face Sunset she finished, “secondly you took your first step today to becoming a better person by showing kindness when you helped to save this kitten from that sewer and bravery when you defended me from Rover and his brothers”. Hearing the jeep coming to a stop and seeing they were at the animal shelter she finished, “tell me Sunset doesn’t it feel good to have done something nice for someone else without the thought of a reward of any kind”. “You know” she replied opening the door with the kitten in her arms stepping out she finished, “it does feel rather good I do feel kind of fuzzy inside”. “Alright girls let me check on my brothers then we can go inside” both girls heard Jim begin watching him move to the trailer Fluttershy and Sunset headed up to the front door of the animal shelter while Jim checked on his brothers “alright you three” he added looking them over with a smirk on his face all three of his brothers gave him scornful glares “look comfortable” turning his attention to Fluttershy he finished, “Fluttershy why don’t you and Sunset take the kitten inside I’ll join you both in a few minutes”. “Alright” she replied gently taking Sunsets hand into her own “come on Sunset lets go and drop off this kitten then we need to get back to school”. Getting inside the shelter both looked around letting go of Sunsets hand Fluttershy took the kitten from Sunset adding, “we need to find the person that runs this shelter then we can drop you off little kitten and they will be able to find you a good home”. ‘Mew’ The shelter was filled with cages of all sizes and shapes several tanks of fish were stacked in the back. Looking around Sunset saw several boxes of open topped crates in the middle of the shelter walking over to them she peered inside seeing guinea pigs of all colors running around each one either playing on wheels or eating fresh grass. “Aw how cute” she said catching Fluttershy’s attention “hey Fluttershy check this out aren’t they just adorable”. “Huh?” confused Fluttershy walked over to Sunset who gestured towards the guinea pigs her eyes lit up like a christmas tree “awww they are cute Sunset”. Hearing a door open and close behind them both girls turned around seeing a young woman with bright red hair, silver glasses and a white lab coat coming out of the back, “oh, that much be the person that runs the shelter”. Walking over to the front desk Sunset cleared her throat catching the young woman's attention, “May I help you?” the woman cheerfully asked. “Yes, Fluttershy and I found this kitten a few blocks from here it was trapped in a sewer its right front paw is hurt so we were hoping you could take a look at it for us”. Turning to face Fluttershy she quickly motioned her over adding, “Fluttershy are you sure about leaving this kitten here? I mean what if he gets, oh, I don’t know lonely or, or something bad happens to him?” “I know you girls are worried about this kitten but I can assure you that we have the most qualified staff working here no harm of any kind will befall this beautiful kitten” the young woman said adding, “please place the kitten onto the desk so I can examine it”. Gently placing the kitten onto the front desk the young woman proceed to look the kitten over noticing her name tag Sunset said, “Miss Cloudy Heart I am sorry for my concern about this place I have never done something like this before and there for I got worried uh, for the kitten I mean”. “I understand” looking up from her work Cloudy Heart smiled to both girls picking up the kitten she walked over to a small cage near the back of the shelter opened it and placed the kitten inside adding, “we will have to leave him in this isolation cage for a few days to allow his paw to heal properly.” turning back to both Sunset and Fluttershy she finished, “you girls did a good thing bringing that little kitten here though he is a bit malnourished but not to worry I can most certainly help with that.” “Oh good” Fluttershy chimed in turning her attention to Sunset, “You see Sunset there was nothing to---” noticing Sunset wasn’t next to her added, “where did she go” looking around she saw Sunset sitting on the floor of the shelter with a small puppy in her arms watching the puppy lick Sunsets face for a few minutes Fluttershy headed over to the two of them finishing, “I see you made a new friend Sunset”. “Hey stop that” she heard Sunset happily laugh the puppy kept licking Sunsets face while Sunset laughed happily, “h-hey come on now” gently picking up the little puppy she sighed placing him back into his enclosure seeing a sad look on the puppies face she finished, “Sorry little guy but I have to go I’ll come by some other time to play with you again”. “So Sunset” she heard Fluttershy ask, “Are you ready to head out now”? “I suppose you want me to head back to school now huh Fluttershy?” she replied, adding, “I really don’t want to go back there not after what I said to Flash Sentry not after what I called him” looking away a look of pain and anger etched across her face balling her right hand into a tight fist she finished, “he’s going to hate me even more and I can’t blame him but do what he did it just hurts.'' “If you don’t mind me asking Sunset” noticing her hand was squeezed tightly into a fist Fluttershy quickly took Sunsets hand into her own calming her down, “what did he do that caused you to run away from CHS”? “He vandalized my locker I can handle that upstart little tart Trixie” she replied calming down a bit “or that fool Lavender Lace doing something like that but to have Flash Sentry do something like that it, well it just curdles my blood to have that, that, Lat ayhTye Ùqua” getting a confused look from Fluttershy, Sunset finished, “Lat ayhTye Ùqua means ‘bastard of a Pegasus’ in the country that I come from if Flash Sentry were to be a Pegasus I would not only be insulting him but his enter families lineage.” Leading her outside Fluttershy opened the front door to the Jim’s jeep gesturing to the jeep she smiled to her watching Sunset get into the front seat she got into the back seat. “You are right Sunset I do want you to return to school but not because I made that promise to Principal Celestia I want you to return to school because even though we are not formally friends I still want to help you.” buckling up she added, “I uh, also kind of want to apologize to Flash Sentry as well for what you said to him earlier today.” Jim came out a few minutes later getting into his jeep he turned the radio on selecting a lively toon turning her attention to him Sunset asked, “So um, what is going to happen to your brothers Jim”? “Well Sunset they will be brought to the police and charged with violating their parole which is why I had to place the tracking devices on them” starting up the jeep he added, “I was actually tracking them when your principal called me in the hopes that I could also help find you as well” checking his mirrors he pulled away from the shelter finished, “Though Fluttershy was already out looking for you principal Celestia wanted to make sure you also had a safe ride back to Canterlot High School”. “I see” she said, looking out the window as Jim came to a stop at a red light she thought to herself “so she didn’t even trust Fluttershy to bring me back she once again has proven to not trust her students I suppose I can’t expect anything less from anyone called Celestia” “We should be at CHS in a few minutes” she heard Jim say snapping Sunset back to reality “Fluttershy would you like me to walk you and your friend to your class when we pull up to CHS or do you think you can take it from here?” “Thank you, Jim, but I think Sunset and I can handle this on our own”. She replied. Pulling into Canterlot High’s parking lot a few minutes later both girls saw Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna standing out front each had angry looks on their faces. Shutting off his jeep Jim got out opening the front passenger door for Sunset getting out she hung her head in shame not wanting to make eye contact with either Luna or Celestia. Approaching them Celestia noticed the diamond dog brothers handcuffed to the back of Jim’s trailer angry that Sunset had run off she pointed to the school entrance. “Go to detention hall two B this instant young lady you are in very big trouble for what you did earlier to---” “Principal Celestia I must protest this Sunset” Fluttershy interrupted her “has been through enough for one day please I think she can have detention tomorrow”. “How can you possibly stand up for her” Luna chimed in “Fluttershy she bullied you, lied to you, hurt you and humiliated you and yet you defend her”? “While Sunset did do that to me I too must take responsibility for that, I could have stood up to her yet I didn’t” Taking Sunsets hand into her own she stared coldly at Luna and Celestia adding, “all I can do now is try to help her” taking a step towards Luna she finished, “I am going stand up for her just like she stood up for me earlier today”. “Now is not the time for this Fluttershy” Celestia began adding, “Sunset ran away from school though she was upset by what Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon did that is still absolutely no excuse for her to run away.” Turning her attention to Sunset who kept her head hung in shame she finished, “it is for that reason that I have decided to give her detention”. “But I don’t---” Fluttershy began only to be interrupted by Sunset. “Fluttershy listen to me” letting go of Fluttershy’s hand she added, “Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna are correct in their decision to give me detention besides it’ll give me what I want most of all”. “and that is” everyone asked in unison. “Simple it’ll” She replied, still keeping her head hung in shame, “give me the means to be left alone that is after all what I want now just to be left alone”. Walking past Celestia she finished, “how many days do you want me to spend in detention Principal Celestia?” “I haven’t decided yet please go there now and do not leave the room until I call you over the intercom” she replied turning her attention back to Fluttershy “as for you Fluttershy please go to class I’ll talk to you about this after school has let out”. “very well” she replied having been defeated she watched Sunset head inside knowing in her heart Sunset needed a friend now more than ever “I swear to you I won’t let you be alone” she thought to herself “not ever will you be alone again Sunset not ever”. Everyone headed inside Sunset headed to detention hall two B while Fluttershy headed to her next class. Celestia headed to her office with her sister in tow entering the office she sat down placing her head into her hands letting out a disgruntle sigh feeling her sisters’ hands resting on her shoulders she looked up. Receiving a warm smile from Luna began to massage her sisters’ shoulders once finished she hugged Celestia returning the hug Celestia leaned into her chair hoping the worst was over. August 3rd, Wednesday 1:10 pm part tenSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.August 3rd Wednesday, 2:00 pm part eleven (First indecent with Rainbow/ Fluttershy witness)Opening her locker Fluttershy glanced at her watch noticing it was two in the afternoon. Looking through her locker she found a paper bag taking it out she smiled opening it taking out a medium sized shirt. Looking it over, she thought to herself, “I hope this will fit Sunset”. Quickly putting the shirt back into the bag and getting her books she closed her locker and headed to class taking out her phone on the way there she began to text Rarity. “please meet me after school I need to talk to you” Bumping into Garble on the way to her last class her books, bag and phone fell out of her hands hitting the floor with a noticeable clatter. Looking down she knelt to pick up her things stopping as Garble also knelt to help her pick up her pick up her belongings feeling his hand brush against her own she gulped not sure what to do next. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bump into you” she began just barely above a whisper locking eyes with him she finished “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going”. Picking up her phone and books he smiled handing them one by one to her replying, “Hey it's all good” handing Fluttershy her last book he added, “do you know where Sunset is? I kinda want to hang out with her after school but I have not been able to find her and she won’t answer the phone that I gave her”. Noticing the paper bag in her hand he pointed to it finishing, “hey what’s in the bag Fluttershy?” “Huh? Oh, its a shirt for Sunset” Taking her books from him she smiled, “Thank you for helping me to pick up my books Garble that was really nice of you”. Hearing the bell ring she quickly added, “if you are looking for Sunset you’ll find her in detention hall two B” thinking to herself, “I hope Sunset won’t mind me giving her this shirt” turning to leave she looked over her shoulder finishing, “Sunset should be done with detention when school lets out” Entering her final class of the day a few minutes later Fluttershy quickly took her seat next to Rarity and Applejack. Setting her books down on her desk she took out a notepad and pencil seeing Fluttershy had sat down next to her Rarity tapped Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Fluttershy dear can you please tell us why you were not at lunch today?” “I, uh, had something that I needed to take care of Rarity” she replied opening her book she turned to page two twenty two and began jotting down notes finishing “I brought a lost kitten to the local animal shelter”. “Couldn't that there have done waited till ya where out ov school ayn' done headed home faw the day?” Applejack chimed in noticing Fluttershy wasn’t acting like her normal cheerful quite self she added, “y'all are acting mighty peculiar fluttershy anthing ya wan-ta talk about”? “N-no I just made a new f-friend is all” looking back at the front of class she finished, “only it didn’t go as planned”. Seeing Mrs. Harshwhinny walk into the classroom all three turned their attention to the head of the class. Wanting to know more Applejack leaned in whispering to Fluttershy, “What do y’all mean ‘it didn’t go as planned’ Fluttershy”? Setting her things down Mrs. Harshwhinny glared menacingly at her students looking around the classroom she noticed Fluttershy was whispering to Applejack. Taking out a ruler from the middle drawer she tapped her desk catching Applejack’s and Fluttershy’s attention. Frowning, she walked over to Fluttershy her brow knitted, her face scorned, her lips barely curled. Locking eyes with the timid young girl who stared back at her with fear showing in her own eyes she sneered. “Is there something you would like to add to my class before we get started Mrs. McPherson” she snarled bitterly “because if you are not going to pay attention Fluttershy McPherson I’ll gladly assign you detention for the next six months!” “N-no ma’am” she replied. “I’ll pay attention I really do-don’t want detention”. “I’m glad to see you fully understand the consequences of your actions Mrs. McPherson” quickly turning her attention to Applejack she gave her a glare of contempt, “As for you Mrs. Applejack Sower you will be in detention for at least seven months for instigating this little spectacle” turning around she headed back to her desk adding, “oh, by the way you Mrs. Sower will be starting detention first thing tomorrow morning”. “What?! But darling Applejack didn’t do---” Rarity tried to chime in only to be cut off. “Well Mrs. Sower it looks like you’ll have some company with you for those seven months that you are in detention” she interrupted Rarity, “for talking out of turn and for interrupting my class Mrs. Rarity Gentry you now have detention” sitting down she interlocked her fingers locking eyes with Rarity who angrily glared back at her, “you will take your detention first thing on Thursday morning” turning her attention to the rest of her class she finished, “now if there will be no further interruptions take out your science books and turn to page two twenty two this instant!” Everyone quickly got out their books turning to the page Mrs. Harshwhinny demanded of them staring at the page in front of her Fluttershy let out a soft sigh. Looking at the clock, she shook her head the minutes seemed to pass like cold molasses dripping from a saucepan. Turning back to her assignment she jotted down some notes waiting for the bell to ring singling the end of class and her awful day. “Well at least Sunset will have some company” she thought “while she is serving her detention”. The bell rang and all the students expect Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity began to head for the door. Picking up her things Rarity let out a noticeable ‘humph’. Applejack got up gathered up her belongings giving Mrs. Harshwhinny a cold hard stare before turning her attention to Fluttershy. “So who is this here friend that ya done made who caused ya ta miss lunch today”? Giving her an expression of concern she added, “why didn't ya tell us befawe a-leavin' that ya done needed help with getting that kitten to the animal shelter?” Fluttershy put things into her backpack zipped it up slung the bag over her shoulder and picked up the paper bag doing all without giving Applejack an answer. Slinging their own bags over their shoulders Applejack and Rarity both headed for the door, stopping by Mrs. Harshwhinny’s desk. Receiving a bitter glare from Mrs. Harshwhinny Applejack steeled her nerves taking a breath she began to open her mouth stopping as Rarity laid her hand on her shoulder. “Come on darling let’s go home besides a lady doesn’t cause trouble for their educator she simply takes what she is given and nothing more”. Walking out into the hallway she added, “we need to go after Fluttershy she’s more than likely outside by now and I for one want to know who her new friend is”. “Fine” Applejack snarled turning to leave she added, “we’ll finish this later” following Rarity out into the hallway she finished, “so who do ya think is fluttershy's new friend rarity?” “Hmm, I am not sure Applejack I only hope that it isn’t that uncouth Sunset Shimmer” shivering at the mere thought of Fluttershy and Sunset becoming friends she added, “a true lady doesn’t make time for those that are the dregs of society”. “Ah, hear that” getting to her locker she looked over towards Fluttershy’s locker seeing she wasn’t there she continued, “Fluttershy is ayy done might too kind-hearted ayn' that there varmint Sunset has taken advantage av hur once too often faw my a-likin” slamming her fist into her palm she finished, “why if ay evur catch that there naw darn good sunset shimmur anywhere near our fluttershy i’ll. whel. I’ll do something that my granny would tan my hide faw”. “I’m afraid I’m inclined to agree with you on that subject at least Applejack though I loath violence”. She replied walking with Applejack towards the front of the school, “though when it comes to Sunset she isn’t a ‘lady’ at all so there for hurting her would actually be a good thing”. Getting out front a few minutes later both girls looked around finding Fluttershy talking with Sunset near the statue. Watching the pair for a few seconds Applejacks eyes narrowed as Fluttershy handed over a paper bag to Sunset. Growing angry she rushed over to Fluttershy screaming out, “Just what the hell do y'all think y'all are a-doin' Sunset Shimmur y'all leave Fluttershy alone! Naw one is interested in y'all's horse feathers crap any more”. “Applejack please I was just giving Sunset a new shirt” Fluttershy tried in vein to intervene seeing Applejack was having none of it, she added, “please you don’t understand I was---” “Get the hell out ov here Sunset befawe ay beat y'all's ass”. Watching her tuck the bag under her arm Sunset turned to leave stopping in her tracks “anit you forgetting something Shimmur”. “First you tell me to leave, now you say that I have forgotten something” turning around she noticed Rainbow was coming out of the front entrance not wanting to get into another fight she quickly finished, “make up your mind whether you want me to stay or you want me to leave you can’t have it be both”. “Thay bag that my friend Fluttershy done gave ya” thrusting her hand out Applejack demand as Rainbow got up to them “hand it over now!” “I don’t want to fight again I just want to go home,” she replied gripping the bag tightly in her hand “so if you want this bag tha---”. Too every one’s shock Rainbow having gotten to the scene a few minutes after Applejack and Rarity did had lunged in interrupting Sunset. A loud ‘thwack’ was heard as Rainbows fist suddenly collided with Sunset’s nose knocking violently knocking Sunset to the ground and the bag out of her hand. A shocked gasp very quickly escaped Fluttershy’s lips her eyes widened in complete shock. Thinking fast just as Rainbow was about to kick Sunset, Fluttershy threw herself on top of Sunset much to everyone's surprise pinning Sunset to the ground. A loud angry voice screamed out from behind Rainbow freezing her in her tracks. “What the heck do you think you’re doing Rainbow!” Garble’s voice boomed like thunder rushing over to the group his fist slammed into Rainbows right cheek knocking her into the statue and to the ground. “Get the hell away from Sunset Shimmer NOW!” turning his attention to Fluttershy who very protectively covered Sunset with her body he knelt holding his hands out to both girls, “come on girls let’s get the two of you up and get Sunset to the nurse’s office”. “What in tarnation do you think y’all are doing Garble don’t y'all know that is Sunset Shimmur the demon of CHS that y’all just helped!?!” Applejack exclaimed her eyes darkened tipping her hat back she stepped in stopping as Rainbow got back up preparing for another fight this time with Garble. Applejack turned her attention to Rainbow giving Rainbow a nod she continued, “Lookie like its just you---” Hearing a truck horn blare out she gulped watching as her big brother got out of his truck slamming the door. Marching over to the group he glared at his younger sister pointing to the car he snarled, “Applejack Crofting Sower y'all are in so much trouble little sistur when granny finds out about this here she will tan y'all's hide faw sure. Now get into that there truk!” “Bu-but big Mac ah wa-was just---” She protested. Receiving a very angry look from her older brother she lowered her hat over her eyes marched over to his truck opened the door and got in. Giving the others a scornful glare he grunted, “As faw the rest av y'all go home now!" Storming back to his truck he slammed the door pressing his foot on the gas pedal the tires squealed loudly leaving the only indication he was ever there burned into the school’s parking lot. Crossing her arms over her chest Rainbow was about to say something when Garble cut her off, “Don’t even think of opening your mouth Rainbow unless you want a beating”. "Screw you Garble" she screamed back. Helping Sunset to the steps he knelt looking her over her nose was clearly bleeding “well I don’t think you have a broken nose Sunset but you still need to see the nurse I’ll go get her while you rest here” looking at Fluttershy he finished, “take care of her for me while I’m gone will you Fluttershy?” “Of course” she replied turning her attention to Rainbow who stood glaring at both of them “what has gotten into you Rainbow Dash?!” “Me? Your the one that got bullied once again by this she-demon why I was just acting in your---” “No Rainbow I was not being bullied I gave that bag to Sunset out of the kindness of my own heart” she interrupted her getting up Fluttershy balled her hands into tight fist storming over to Rainbow she stood on her tip-toes Rainbow being six inches taller than her. “How dare you hit her Rainbow” Fluttershy yelled not noticing Sunset getting up and heading in the opposite direction. “How dare you even raise a hand to her”. Having heard enough Rarity who stood next to the statue chimed in, “Fluttershy you are acting as if that uncouth, unsophisticated, unrefined, Sunset Shimmer is your....friend". Sniffing Fluttershy looked around finding the paper bag she had given to Sunset earlier lying in a heap near the statue walking over to it she picked it up opened and closed it clutching it tightly in her hands. Pressing the bag to her chest she tried to calm down not wanting to cry in front of her friends she wiped a hand over her eyes. “Sunset had a very bad break up with Flash Sentry today she said something really bad to him and then ran off in tears,” she began, “that’s why I wasn’t at lunch today I ran after her after she helped me to get a lost hurt kitten to the animal shelter earlier this afternoon she even got into a fight with the Diamond Dogs over the kitten”. “We both know that Sunset Shimmer had that coming to her besides she isn’t cool unlike me why I bet I am way cooler than that punk Sunset Shimmer. Which is why if I ever dated someone they would have to be pretty uncool to break up with me”. Giving Fluttershy a smug smile she added, “I don’t believe that Sunset would have done anything like that she’s too much of a bully to have done something like---" No longer able to take her friends words and feeling her tears beginning to break the surface of her eyes Fluttershy spun around screaming, “She is too my friend!” Crying hard she ran off entering the cities local park several moments later taking a seat on a bench she sobbed, “Why would they do this to her? Why would they say such mean things about Sunset?” The wind began to pick up lightly blowing Fluttershy's hair back sniffing and feeling cold she pulled her legs up close to her chest. Angry, confused and hurt by Rainbows words to her she began to rock back and forth trying to figure out how best to help her friends to see that Sunset wasn't the bully everyone was making her out to be and to help Sunset become friends with each of her friends. Noticing a squirrel was playing with an acorn nearby she wiped away her tears watching the little creature run back and forth each time it would bring the acorn up a tree only to drop it half way up the tree the act caused the little creature to scurry back down and repeat the process. Smiling to herself she watched the little creature for several moments before another gust of wind blew causing her to shiver. "Brrr its getting a bit cold" she thought unfurling her wings she wrapped her self in her soft warm translucent crystal pink feathers. "It doesn't make any sense that they would go against what Twilight asked us to do for Sunset it-it just doesn't". Clutching her shirt just below her neck she squeezed a silver circle with a upright five pointed star in the middle of it tucked under her shirt. "Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals" she whispered "please show me the way to help my friend Sunset she needs your kindness and tenderness now" calming down a bit she took out her necklace holding the fragile thing in her right hand fishing, "Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature elder sister to Thokarae watch over Sunset and my...friends as well they-er-we all need your love now more than ever". The time passed slowly as Rarity and Rainbow waited for Garble to return with the nurse looking around she scoffed having noticed Sunset had already left the area. Turning her attention to Rainbow she watched her friend kick a small pebble into the street sulking. Setting her backpack down Rarity opened it taking out her note book jotting down a few things she began to zip it up stopping as she heard Rainbow sigh. “Now what do we do”? she heard Rainbow ask clearly unsure what to do "Sunset left and I for one am way to cool to go after that bully over this so which one do we go after Rarity"? “Simple Rainbow dear we go after Fluttershy and try to calm her down as for Sunset that uncouth girl can take care of herself as a lady darling it quite improper for me to help her.” she replied just as a green car pulled into the school parking lot knowing who it was that was driving the car she gulped adding, “or not”. The drivers side door opened Fluttershy’s father stepped out smiling to the girls seeing their faces his smile quickly faded. Walking over to them he looked at each one crossly saying, “Where is Fluttershy”? seeing a young man coming back out with a nurse following him Garble looked around not seeing Sunset anywhere in sight he looked at the nurse who gave him a concerned look. Looking to Fluttershy's father Nurse Blue Shield said, "Mr. McPherson I am glad to see you". "As I am happy to see you too Ms. Blue Shield can either of you two tell me where my daughter is?" "Yeah she was right here a few minutes ago" Garble replied. "She helped Sunset when Sunset got into a fight with Rainbow Dash and Applejack who doesn't seem to be here right now." "I see do you know where they are now young man?" Her father asked in a bitter tone. Rainbow cleared her throat chiming in, "Fluttershy ran off towards the park I was about to---" Receiving an angry glare from Fluttershy's father she wisely decided to hold her tongue taking a step back she bowed her head not wanting to get a scolding from him. Nurse Blue Shield turned her attention to Garble, "I think its time for you to head home Fluttershy's father and I will deal with this now please head home Garble". "Yes ma'am" he replied grumbling under his breath he started to walk away purposely bumping into Rainbow earning himself a bitter glare from her locking eyes with her he finished, "if I ever see you hit Sunset again I'll kick your butt Rainbow understand"? "Yeah whatever Garble". She replied walking away from him, "I hope Fluttershy will be alright" she thought. Mr. Shy opened the side front passenger door for Ms. Blue Shield who promptly got in buckled up and closed the door. Looking at Rarity who started to head for a bus stop located across the street from CHS Mrs Blue Shield thought, "why must teenagers be so difficult?" Mr. Shy got into his car started it up and drove off headed towards the cities park. Rarity seeing her bus was coming took out her wallet waited for the bus to pull up and got on paying for her ride home Rainbow headed towards her home grumbling to herself with each step she took. Getting to the park several moments later both Ms. Blue Shield and Fluttershy's father found Fluttershy sitting on a bench looking down at the bag she had intended on giving to Sunset. Looking up she tucked her wings against her back completely hiding them from her father and nurse Blue Shield if they saw her wings neither gave any indication of seeing them. "Honey, we need to talk" he began, kneeling he gently took her hands into his own finishing, "I know about the fight all I want to know is are you alright." "Yeah dad I'm fine". she whispered, "I just wanted to help Sunset by giving her one of my shirts and my intentions blew up in my face". Putting away her necklace she finished just barley above a whisper, "Thank you "Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature elder sister to Thokarae goddess of animals for helping me to feel better". "I don't understand honey" her father asked clearly confused "why did you thank the goddesses? We would've come regardless of their intent for us to be here with you". "I thanked them dad because they sent a cute little squirrel who played with some acorns his behavior was so funny that watching him made me feel better" looking into nurse Blue Shields soft eyes she added, "Why are you here nurse Blue Shield here?" "I want to help your friend Sunset Shimmer dear" she replied sitting down on the bench next to Fluttershy, adding, "Garble told me about the fight and that Sunset got a bloody nose so I wanted to make sure she was alright". Giving Fluttershy a much needed hug she finished, "So dry your tears sweetie and let's go find Sunset so all three of us can try to help her". August 3rd, Wednesday 2:30 pm part twelveSitting in a chair while waiting for news on Starknights condition Moon Stone looked around the E.R. lobby seeing several people sitting in various spots throughout the lobby. He observed a young man in his mid thirties to early forties with a small child on his lap the child looked over to Moon Stone making a funny face earning a light chuckle from the police officer. Looking to his right he found several disheveled piles of magazines and discarded newspapers on an end table next to him. “How much longer will that doctor be” he thought, getting up he stretched cracking his back and neck looking at the time he noticed it was two thirty in the afternoon, “good grief we have been here for nearly an hour,” he groaned out loud, “this is taking forever” he grumbled “I mean really how long does it take to get someone checked out for a concussion”? Catching the attention of a nurse behind the receptionist desk she shot him a contemptuous glare locking eyes with him. Getting up herself she pointed to the door, “If you have a grievance with how long it is taking officer,” she whinged “there is the door!” sitting back down she picked up a stack of papers nest to her shuffled through them placed them into an ‘outgoing’ box and continued working adding under her breath, “no good acrid noisome officer thinks it takes only a few minutes too---” noticing he was suddenly standing right in front of her desk she cut her words short looking up from her work she bitterly finished, “What do you want?” Smiling pleasantly to her he took a sucker from a tin near her computer opening it he nodded replying, “My name is Moon Stone what’s your name?” “Frigid Gelid what’s it to you?!” she demanded looking back at her work she added, “I have work to do so bug off”. “Nothing at all I was just wondering what your name was is all” he replied popping the sucker into his mouth. “Oh, and before I forget that’ll be seventy five dollars officers!” Blinking a few seconds his eyebrows scrunched giving her a confused look she paid him little attention returning once again to her work. Shaking his head he turned to head back to his seat stopping in his tracks he heard Frigid clear her throat “Aren’t you forgetting something officer Moon Stone?” she scornfully called out to him. “Um, not that I know” he replied turning back around with a sincere smile on his face, “I filled out all the paperwork when the paramedics brought in my---” “The seventy five dollars you owe me for the sucker that you just popped into your mouth!” thrusting her open hand out to him she watched him gulp nearly choking on the sucker not caring if he choked or not she added, “well pay up”! Taking the sucker out of his mouth he gulped knowing he didn’t have the requested sum of money hearing a door open he looked to his left. A doctor was coming out into the lobby her smile was warming and welcome her deep purple eyes seemed to shine like brightly polished gemstones. She had soft blue hair she wore a pink hair binder and lab coat typical of a doctor. Her soft skin looked almost milk white in the dim light of the lobby he watched her walk behind the desk for a few seconds. She laid a gentle hand on Frigid's shoulder giving her shoulder a soft squeeze. Noticing he was staring at the two of them she softly said, “Please don’t mind my girlfriend she has had a very rough night officer”. Turning her attention to her girlfriend the doctor continued, “Frigid, honey I could hear you through the door please calm down let me help you”. “I-I...I’m sorry Gemmy” she looked away from her girlfriend watching for a few more minutes Moon Stone saw a few tears trickle down Frigid's cheeks, “I’m so upset I am taking it out on anyone that gets within earshot of me”. Gently taking her hands into her own Gemmy whispered softly, “It’s alright the police will find your missing niece and they will arrest the person that took her”. Wanting to know more Moon Stone chimed in, “What was the child's name”? Receiving a sigh from Gemmy he added, “I can’t help if you two don’t tell me who it was that was taken”. “He-her name is Daisy Green she is s-seven years old” He heard Frigid Gelid say heading over to the desk he placed his pen and notepad onto the desk Frigid took a handkerchief from her girlfriend drying her tears she finished, “I don’t understand, why did you place your notepad and pen onto my desk”? “Because I need you to write down what your niece looks like, what she was wearing the last time you saw her. Where you last saw her, I also need any information no matter how trivial it might seem to you as to who had contact with her last.” looking into Frigid's eyes he saw a slight glimmer of hope where none had existed before gently pushing the pen and notepad towards her, he added, “I promise we will find her and bring her home safely to you” locking eyes with Gemmy he finished, “to both of you”. “Thank you officer Moon Stone” Gemmy replied, taking the pen and notepad she jotted down anything she could think of handing it to Frigid, she added, “you’ll be pleased to know officer that your partner is doing well I’ll take you too her oh and about the sucker”? “Uh, y-yes” he replied “I don’t have that type of money on me at this moment so I---” “You don’t have to worry about it.” Putting a finger to her chin Gemmy tapped her chin adding, “Though you did take the last pineapple, banana cream” giving her girlfriend’s shoulder a reassuring last squeeze she finished, “Frigid likes those types of suckers they help take her mind off-well-of all that has happened” handing Frigid the notepad she nodded to her thinking, “please for the love of God find our niece and bring her home safely”. Taking the notepad from Gemmy, Frigid Gelid also wrote down anything she could think of that might help to bring her niece safely home to her. Handing the notepad back to him she sniffed, “I’m sorry for my behavior officer I didn’t mean to come off as a cold mean selfish---” “Think nothing of it I get treated far worse by those that I have to arrest” he interrupted watching Gemmy head for the door she turned pantomiming him to follow her, “Thank you for the information” following Gemmy into the doorway he looked over his shoulder finishing, “I’ll let Starknight know about this perhaps she can offer some insight into this case and while I am at it I’ll get you a bag of those suckers you like so much”. “Thank you officer” she replied watching him follow Gemmy into the hallway. Following her down the hallway towards Starknight’s room he passed a large desk with three nurses behind it all bustling about their duties none noticed him walk by. Arriving at room two twenty two Gemmy opened the door getting a very morose, sullen look from the sergeant. Starknight much to Moon Stones chucklesome pleasure was in a bed dressed in a pink polka dotted hospital smock her clothing was folded neatly on a chair next to her. “Just how the hell long are you doctors planning on keeping me here?!” she demanded as the two walked into the room. “I have a job to do so either tell me that I can’t do that damn job or bloody well let me leave!” Picking up a chart from a stand nearby Gemmy paid Starknight little attention turning her own attention instead to Moon Stone. Taking Starknights clothing off the chair he placed them neatly on her legs taking a seat next to her chuckling lightly to himself quickly earning a scornful eye-shot from Starknight. Watching Gemmy look over a few papers and x-ray pictures Starknight folded her arms over her chest, letting out a noticeable irritated “Well officer Starknight it looks like you do indeed have a concussion you’ll have to stay off your feet for at least two days.” setting the papers down she took out a pen handing Starknight a clipboard and pen “here sign these and you’ll be discharged within the hour. You’ll also have to take some medication while you are out of the hospital and if you feel any dizziness or sickness of any type please come back right away”. Grumbling under her breath she felt Moon Stone jab her side “now don’t be a grouch just sign the papers smile and you’ll be out of here before you know it,” he said, “besides this poor doctor has enough to deal with, without you making her life any more miserable than it already is so cool it with the bad attitude”. “Excuse us doctor” Starknight grumbled glaring at Moon Stone, “there are a few ...words that I need to say to the rookie”. Watching Gemmy leave she continued, “how dare you tell me rookie how I should or shouldn’t behave here Moon Stone” getting up she glared at him adding, “first I don’t have a concussion and second I told you at the restaurant that I was perfectly fine there was no reason at all for you to waste the paramedics time by calling them for me”. Picking up her uniform she finished, “and third next time you decide to stop someone from robbing the Sweet Snacks Cafe or feel that it is a good idea to let them go do me a favor”. “Yeah what’s that” he grunted folding his arms over his chest. “DON’T”. She yelled calming down a bit she heard a knock on the door rolling her eyes in disgust she finished, “come in”. Opening the door Gemmy walked in pushing a wheelchair she proceeded to set the brakes and lower the footplates patting the seat upholstery she smiled earning herself a disapproving frown from Starknight. Looking over the chair while still holding her uniform in her hands Starknight groaned giving Moon Stone a slightly pleading passing glance. “Uh, any chance I skip this part of the E.R. doc”? She asked, “I feel fine. Really there is no need for me to be wheeled about like a sack of groceries in a cart”. Looking down at her uniform she added, “Moon Stone can you wait outside while I get dressed”? “Not until you fully apologize to Ms. Gemmy for your behavior towards her” he replied locking eyes with her “besides its standard E.R. policy to bring you out front into the lobby in a wheelchair so stop complaining and hop to it already”. Growing angry she pointed to the door staring into his purple eyes she all but shouted, “out” turning her attention to Gemmy she added, “you to doc sorry but I don’t want anyone to see me-well-uh in my” clearing her throat she finished, “well without my clothing on” “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before” Gemmy replied. “I already told you sergeant I am not leaving until you offer Ms. Gemmy here a full and sincere apologize for your behavior towards her”. She heard Moon Stone chime in “so we can wait as long as you can but it would go faster---” “Listen I will apologize to both of you,” she interrupted him “but not until I am fully dressed” opening the door she pointed to the nearly empty hallway outside of her room adding, “now please will you both just get out oh, will you please take that damn wheelchair with you”? “Very well” Gemmy sighed, “if you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask”. Watching her shut the door behind them she turned her attention to Moon Stone, “is she always this....pleasant?” “Well she does have a bit of a reputation at the precinct one of the other officers told me she is hard to deal with, though I am not sure why she is hard to work with” hearing the door open he added, “but that is not for me to discuss so if you can get the wheelchair ready we’ll be on our way”. Getting the wheelchair ready Gemmy pushed it over to Starknight taking a seat in the chair she looked down pressing her hands to the wheels she gripped them tightly. Closing her eyes for a moment felt Moon Stone tap her shoulder opening her eyes she looked into his nodding to him. “I am very sorry for my behavior today” she began, “it's hard for me to know when I need help I know that is no excuse for how I have acted towards you bo---” “It’s alright I have been treated far worse than this” Gemmy interrupted offer Starknight a very sincere pleasant smile “besides there is one nurse here that got treated like crap last weekend her name was Lucy Shel---” Gemmy’s words were cut short by Starknight. “Lucy Sheldon she works here?'' she asked “when you saw her last can you tell us how she got what appeared to be a black eye and bruises on her jaw” looking over her shoulder she quickly added, “please this is important we-er-I was sent to her house after picking up her son Snips from Canterlot High School when I got to her place I saw what was clearly a black right eye and bruises over most of her jaw”. Trying to stand up she finished, “Lucy had done her best to cover them with make-up but it was still easy to see the bruises”. “She got them due to a drunk beating her however she gave as good if not better than what she got” Gemmy replied, placing her hands on Starknights shoulders she gently persuaded Starknight to remain in the wheelchair getting the message Starknight sat back down listening to Gemmy’s every word, “Oh, Lucy is a fighter that is for sure that drunk got his butt handed to him with a few fists and a foot too I might add.'' “Oh, I don’t recall seeing any damage done to her hands when I was over at her house” Starknight chimed in. “Trust me she is a fighter it took me and five others to pull her off that bastard I thought for sure she would lose her job over the fight” pushing Starknight down the hallway towards the lobby Gemmy added, “but no the medical board found nothing wrong with what happened that night and labeled it all as self defense though I do wish I could have gotten in a few hits to the guys nuts before the other officers took him away to detox”. “What actually caused the fight if I may ask?” Moon Stone asked clearly wanted to know more. Getting to the lobby door a few minutes later Gemmy set the breaks, to the wheelchair turning her attention to a desk near the door she picked up a clipboard handing it to Moon Stone. Taking the clipboard he looked it over seeing it was a standard release form showing it to Starknight she smiled. Gemmy pressed a button opening the door for the two officers wheeling Starknight into the lobby she proceeded to wheel her up to the front desk setting the breaks once more. Getting behind the desk Gemmy looked to her girlfriend giving her a nod sitting down next to her she handed Starknight a pen. “As for your question officer Moon Stone” she began as Starknight started to fill out the release form “though I can’t actually talk about it I can at least tell you that drunk will think twice before coming after Lucy again”. Taking the clipboard back from Starknight she looked over the paperwork handing it to Frigid who entered the information into her computer. “Alright I know I said it would take an hour to get you discharged officer Starknight but it looks” looking over the last of the paperwork she finished, “like we might be able to get you both out of here within ten minutes let us finish our work here and we’ll get you on your way”. “Thank you” she replied looking to Frigid she added, “thank you both I am again sorry for how I acted”. “Like I said think nothing of it” Gemmy chimed, “now we should be done in a few moments oh and officer Moon Stone”. “Yes” he replied. “If you really want to make it up to my girlfriend you can bring over a bag of suckers for us tomorrow or whenever you get the chance to do so”. Taking her girlfriends hand into her own Gemmy added, “I think we would both like that very much that is if it's not too much trouble to ask that of you”. “It’s no trouble at all” he replied unlocking the breaks to the wheelchair he continued, “come on sergeant lets let these two get their work done so we can leave” wheeling her over to a nearby TV he set the breaks switched it on and sat down next to her taking out his notepad he handed it to her finishing, “Gemmy told me she and Frigid lost their niece she was taken from them so I was thinking---” “That as long as I am on the bench we could look into it” she interrupted adding, “sure that sounds like it could help take my mind off of how bored I am going to be over the next two or three days”. Getting a confused look she finished, “when an officer regardless of rank gets benched due to a head injury the policy is to add at least one more day to the hospital’s recommendations to make sure there isn’t any further problems”. “I see so you basically get desk duty for the next three days and I get partnered with someone else” grumbling under his breath he added, “great this is going to be loads of fun”. “There is something I have been wanting to ask you Moon Stone” he heard Starknight began as the afternoon news came on “what did you mean at the docs when you said ‘I thought I had completely forgotten what the smell of burnt flesh smelled, like’ what I have wanted to ask you is this what did you mean by that? I also wanted to ask you about the tattoo on your arm I have as far as I know never seen something like that”. “All I can tell you about the docs is that I have not always been interested in being a police officer as for the tattoo I can’t talk about it all, I will tell you though is I got it while I was overseas”. “I understand” she replied turning her attention to the TV “lets see how the Canterlot Sliders are doing I’ll bet they found yet another way to lose” “In this afternoon report the Canterlot Sliders have lost seventy two to one” announcer said as Moon Stone and Starknight watched the tv “their coach was seen being dragged off field after throwing a cooler at one of the team players of the opposing team” Shaking her head Starknight grinned listening to last of the report, “it took seven security officers to drag coach Iron Will off the grounds and into the lockers”. “Officer Starknight” both heard Gemmy say behind them each turned in her general direction “your paperwork is done now you are free to leave”. “Bout time” she thought to herself out loud she sighed “alright uh, do I have to be wheeled to the squad car too or can I walk?” “No you can walk just no driving for at least two days. Got it?” Gemmy replied. “I understand” turning her attention to Moon Stone she added, “well let's go rookie we need to get back to the precinct and see if we can help these two find their missing niece” Getting up both officers headed for the door with Moon Stone giving Frigid Gelid one last reassuring nod getting outside a few minutes later he quickly located the parked squad car. Getting in he started up the car with Starknight begrudgingly getting into the passenger side. Shutting the door she turned on the car's computer connected to the precinct’s missing children database and began to search through the files stopping when she found the file she was looking for. Her eyes narrowed her jaw clenched tight as she read the report on the child squeezing her hand into a tight fist she trembled with rage. “This child's file” she muttered, “it’s the same as” looking out the window she finished, “....mine”. August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 PM (Applejack's chapter) part thirteenAuthor's Note Rarity's chapter, Rainbow's and Fluttershy's chapters all take place at the same time of day which is 3 pm. This is the first of those chapters. Starknights Chapter will take place at 4 pm or 5 pm August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 PM (Applejack's chapter) part thirteen The sweet smell of freshly cut grass, apples ripening on trees and fresh air filled Applejack’s nostrils as her brother pulled onto a long sunny dirt road leading to their home. Glancing at the trucks clock it read three pm pulling her hat down she leaned into the soft well worn out leather of her brothers truck. Hearing the brakes being applied a few minutes later and a dog barking Applejack lifted her hat taking in the smells of fresh pies baking in Granny Smiths oven. “Ay want ya upstairs ayn' in y'all's room without any complaining ay need-ta talk ta Granny about y'all's behavior this here afternoon Applejack”. “But Ah didn’t do nothing wrong Big Mac”. she protested “Ay were just a-tryin' ta get some stolen property bak from Sunset Shimmur who fawced Fluttershy ta hand it over to hur. That shirt didn’t belong to Sunset so I was a’gona get it back and return it to Fluttershy”. “Get upstairs now!'' Watching his sister open and slam the truck door shut he sat in the truck as Applejack headed inside thinking to himself, “Ma and Pa wouldn’t want us to fight like this Applejack” getting out himself Winona came through the dog door wagging her tail and barking loudly, “Yes Winona” he softly said, “I’ll feed y’all in a few minutes”. Giving her a scratch behind her left ear he headed into the house with Winona following him calling out “Granny y’all home”? Hearing pots and pans rattling about in the kitchen he sniffed the air taking in the wonderful scent of his grandmother's cooking. Smiling to himself, he proceeded to head into the kitchen stopping momentarily to pick up Winona’s food dish. Entering the kitchen with her in tow he opened a cupboard listening to Winona whine and whimper taking the dish he filled it with food and placed it on the floor in front of her. Taking a seat he watched Winona eat letting out a noticeable grunt. “What's done got y'all upset this here tyme” Granny asked setting several pots and pans to the stove “Y’all ain't fighting with Applejack again are ya? But if ya are that would explain why she done headed upstairs without even a word ta me.” Sniffing the air her eyes widened in shock the smell of burning crust having quickly caught her attention. Turning around she opened the stove door setting off the fire alarm in the process. “Dagnabbit that there fire alarm has gone off yet agayn ever' time ay open this here stove it goes off!” She screamed taking out her pies she added setting them down on the counter to cool “Ay swear if Ay have ta her that there stupid thing go off one mawe time today ay'll shoot that there thing”. Getting up Big Mac opened the kitchen window letting in some much needed fresh air. Walking into the hallway he took a nearby broom pressing the handle to the alarm shutting it off. Setting the broom back to its proper place he sat back down with a sullen look plastered on his face staring at Winona who happily wagged her tail as she gobbled down the last of her food he sighed. “Granny Ay done got something ta tell ya but ya will nahwt like what Ay am about ta say” he began, gesturing to a chair he continued, “please sit down”. Taking a seat Granny Smith blinked away her tears seeing her sad expression Big Mac got up giving her a much needed hug. Returning the gesture she watched him take his seat again looking more complex and sullen than before. Feeling Winona’s warm soft fury head resting on his lap he looked to her petting her head looking back at his grandmother he heard her begin, “Yer gunna mowve out huh? Ay mean y'all've been a-talkin' about it faw thay last two summers now ayn' now it is finally gunna happen. Y'all've been a-wantin' ta see the city ayn' see the world evur since y'all done started collage”. Looking into his eyes she finished, “just promise me two things Big Mac” “What?” he replied not looking up. “Ya will take care av yerself” sighing she added “Ayn' second ya done won't fawget ta write an a visit”. She replied, letting out a sigh of her own finished “Now ah’ve got pies ta cook so you run alo---” “Ah anit about ta promise y’all that Granny my playe is here at y'all's side not in thay city doing who knows what” he interrupted getting up he walked over to the window looking out at all the apple trees he helped care for. Closing his eyes he paused for a minute before continuing, “Y’all wer right Ah had a fight with A.J. she done got into ayy scrap at school ayn' now is maddur than ay wet hen”. Trying to hold her temper in Granny Smith’s eyes closed, turning to face her he watched her get up and walk over to the stove turning it off. Not wanting to lose her temper in front of her grandson she walked out into the living room looking at the fireplace she walked up to it picking up a small photo of her daughter and son-in-law. Resting a gentle hand to its fragile frame she swallowed her anger setting the photo back to its place on the mantle. “Granny we need-ta talk about this here. What A.J. done here today she had naw right ta start ay fight at school ayn' ta make matters worse.” She heard him say watching him walk into the living room. Taking the photo of his parents off the mantle into his hands he looked at it with sadness clearly plastered in his soft warm green eyes. “It were with Sunset Shimmur who Applejack done got into ay fight with over av all thay stupidest things ay shert that she thinks Sunset fawced anothur gurl done called Fluttershy ta give hur”. Setting the photo back to its place he finished, “Ah made Ma and Pa a promise that day Granny Ah, made them a promise but Ah feel like Ah’ve not been keeping it.” “Ah know y’all done made that promise Ah know” she replied, heading back into the kitchen she sat down at the table Winona wagged her tail gently snuggling into Granny’s lap giving the dog a soft pat on the head she finished. “Alright Big Mac bring yer sister here but Ah won’t allow you to switch her for this do y’all understand youngin”? Giving her a nod he headed upstairs to his room opening his door he looked around a red duffel bag sat in a lump next to his dresser. His bed with a soft goose feather pillow, wool comforter and linen sheets sat in the middle of the room against the far back wall. A lamp stood next to his bed looking it over he remembered fondly when he and his father built it. Looking it over he walked up to it switched it on and off a few times before sitting down on the corner of his bed. “That’s it son take slow and easy you need to let the wood choose you, not the other way around.” He remembered his father telling him “Remember son the wood wants to be used so it will have a special connection to you son”. Hearing a nearby door open and close and boot-steps headed towards his door getting back up he walked over to his dresser opening the top drawer. Taking out a soft green shirt with a big green apple printed on the front of it he folded it in half placing it into his duffel bag. Hearing a knock on his door and the handle turning he turned around seeing his sister standing in the doorway, her face was full of guilt. “Big Mac may Ah come in?” She asked swallowing hard she added, “Ah, want to talk to y’all if Ay’may”. “Downstairs” he replied zipping the bag closed picking it up he added, “y’all got some explaining ta do and yer gona explain to both me and Granny downstairs why y’all felt the need to fight with Sunset Shimmur”. Following him downstairs Applejack followed her older brother into the kitchen were her grandmother was waiting for her. Pulling out a seat McIntosh pointed to it watching his sister quickly take a seat taking his own seat he set the duffel bag down next to himself staring coldly at his younger sister. Trying to think of something to say Applejack fumbled with her hat for a few minutes before feeling Winona’s soft fury head resting on her lap. “Go lay down Winona now ain't the time to play” she softly whispered watching her furry friend walk away whimpering with her tail between her legs. Applejack turned her attention to her grandmother, “Granny Ah-er-well that is Ah know there ain’t no excuse for what Ah did today”. “Y’all done got that there raheet Applejack. Now tell me what proof done ya have that there Sunset Shimmur actually stowl the shert that yer friend Fluttershy supposedly done gave ta her?” Looking down she tried to think of what proof there was that Sunset had actually stolen the shirt in question. Unable to think of any she looked back up gulping locking eyes with her grandmother who waited patiently for her granddaughter to reply. Getting up from his seat Big Mac opened the back door letting Winona out returning to his seat he glared at his sister. “Well answur us! What proof done y’all actually have” he demanded not getting a reply he folded his arms across his chest adding, “Ah see so there is naw proof y’all just done wanted ta pick a fight with someone”. Her eyes widened in shock gasping she replied, “no that ain’t true at all I just---” “Then what in tarnation is the truth Applejack?!” he screamed “answer me now!” “It was Rainbow Dash that done picked that fight she hit Sunset but Ah demaned that Sunset return the shirt she stole from Fluttershy” Applejack screamed back “Sunset Shimmur is nothing more than ay lousy varmint! She is evil ta hur core nothing more ayn' nothing less!” watching her brother bow his head a look of shame plastered on his kind-hearted face she looked away with guilt and shame etched on her own. “Ah was just trying to do what Ah felt was right honest Ah was”. “Applejack ah’ve a good notion to put yer rump over m’ah knee for what yo’ve done here today” her grandmother injected “Ah’ve never been ashamed of m’ah family” getting up she headed for the living room stopping just before the entryway Applejack saw her grandmother was crying “until now that...is”. “Applejack in the mawning ya will take this here bag ta Sunset y’all will make absolutely sure ta place it into hur hands”. Picking up the duffel bag Big Mac set it on the table adding, “Until done told otherwise by eithur myself aw Granny y'all are grounded. Y'all are nahwt undur any reason ta go out with y'all's friends aw have them come ovur here”. heading towards the living room he stopped looking over his shoulder he bitterly added, “Y'all done broke y'all's grandmother’s heart ayn' y'all done acted shamefully! Y’all's an Apple ayn' as such y'all don’t act like this here nahwt evur! Now go back ta y'all's room ayn' remayn there until sun up”. “But Ah was supposed to go with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to the market get supplies for the upcoming harvest” she protested throwing her arms out “Please big Mac Ah really was just trying to do what’ah felt was right”. “Maybe y’all should’ve thought about before y’all did this now get to yer room! Ah don’t want to hear any more complaining from y’all” Applejack in her fury got up grabbing the duffel bag from the table pushing past her older brother she stomped up stairs slamming her bedroom door shut. Entering the living room Big McIntosh found his grandmother crying on the couch holding the picture of her daughter and son-in-law in her hands. Her crystal clear tears dripped onto it’s fragile frame. “Shh Granny it’ll be alright” he gently said to her sitting down next to her he held her in his arms adding, “She’ll be fine Granny y’all will see Applejack just made a mistake is all”. “Ah miss them so much” pulling her into a warm much needed hug he held her in his powerful muscular arms “Ah don’t like feeling ashamed of m’ah family”. She sobbed into his shoulder. "She never wouldn've done this if he-yer-ma'am was alive not never would Ah thought it possiable for Applejack to break M'ah heart like this". “Shh Granny let me help you to yer room Ah think y’all need some rest Ah’ll take care of the pie baking for tomorrow’s sale” he softly whispered gently helping her up he lead her past the stairs to her room getting there a few minutes later opening the door he helped her to her bed. Gently helping her into bed he gently kissed her forehead taking out a dog whistle from his front pants pocket he blew into it waiting for Winona to come to him. A few minutes went by before Winona poked her fury head around the door pointing to the bed Big Mac finished, “come Winona”. Instinctively the dog ran up to Granny Smiths bed getting in she laid down next to her placing her fury head on Granny’s hip letting out a soft whimper. Shutting off the light Big McIntosh smiled to himself heading back into the kitchen looking at the mess he sighed. Rolling up his sleeves he set to work cleaning and washing the dishes once done he got out Granny’s cooking book following each recipe as best as he could making apple fritters, pies, candied apples and jam all to sell at the local market. Hearing a horn honk outside he looked up from his work watching his youngest sister Apple Bloom getting off a school bus. “Well lookie who’s back from summer camp” he thought drying his hands he quickly went to answer the door opening it just as Apple Bloom was about to lay her hand onto the handle “Hey kiddo how y’all be---” suddenly being knocked down by his youngest sister he laughed as she snuggled into his warm chest hugging him tightly “well Ah take y’ave done had yer self a good time at summer camp Apple Bloom?” “Yeah you betcha Ah did” she replied letting him pick her up he placed her onto his shoulders carrying her into the kitchen “Hey where are Granny, Applejack and Winona?” she added noticing that neither were in the kitchen to greet her when she came in “Ah thought they would be here to greet me”. “Granny is sleeping” he replied setting her down he took her bag from her setting it next to the back door adding, “Yer sister is upstairs probably madder now than she was before and Winona is with Granny” heading back to her he added, “Ah want you to help me with the dishes then help me make dinner yer granny has had a hard day so y’all need to be on yer best behavior understand”? “Ok” she said, taking a pot from him she dried it off taking a plate drying that she added, “can we make Granny some ‘get well’ pie Big Mac”? “Sure thing kiddo sure thing” For the rest of the afternoon Apple Bloom spent her time telling Big McIntosh all about her time at summer camp while the two worked to make dinner for the family. Smelling the good food cooking from downstairs Applejack rolled over in her bed pulling her blankets up close trying not to think of how she had upset her grandmother and brother. Granny Smith slept soundly with Winona protectively snuggled up next to her while McIntosh spent his time cutting up onions, celery, carrots and other vegetables adding them to a large pot of stew. August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rarity's chapter) part fourteenSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rainbows chapter) part fifteenWalking into her home Rainbow opened a door next to her leading into the garage noticing her parents velchiel wasn’t there she shrugged her shoulders and shut the door. Turning to her right she headed downstairs to her room setting her backpack down next to her dresser. “It feels good to be home now I can relax and watch some Tv I wonder if there is a soccer game on today” she thought entering her room. “I bet the Canterlot horseshoes are finding yet another way to lose yet another game”. Her room was filled with all sorts of sports memorabilia and pennants of various soccer, and baseball teams she and her family rooted for. The top of her dresser was covered with trophies and medals she won for either soccer or baseball games she had taken part in. Taking off her shirt she held it in her hands noticing it had blood splattered on the front of it. “Great if mom sees I got blood on my shirt from hitting that uncool Sunset Shimmer she’ll get really mad at me”. She muttered, walking over to her dresser she opened the top drawer taking out a fresh shirt quickly getting dressed she tossed her dirty shirt into her laundry basket. “Now to head upstairs and watch some Tv” she muttered. Heading back upstairs she took a seat on the couch picking up the remote turning the Tv on she began flipping through various channels stopping at a soccer game. A few minutes went by before she heard the garage door begin to open getting up she looked out the front window seeing her parents car pulling into the garage. Returning to the couch she continued to watch the soccer game play out turning the volume up she listened to the announcer. “It’s Daisy Fields going for the goal with a penalty kick can she make the goal and win the game for the Sovereign Horns” The announcer said, as Rainbow intently watched the game play out. Another announcer chimed in, “I don’t know Note Beat things are looking pretty bad for the Sovereign Horns with the game scored at one and one this might not go well for Daisy Fields” Entering the house Mrs. Dash set down a bag of groceries giving her daughter a slightly angery look, “Rainbow why are you watching Tv and not doing your homework?” she said, noticing Rainbow was wearing a dark blue hoodie she added, “And why are you wearing your winter hoodie when it's” turning her attention to the thermostat located on the wall next to her she finished “sixty-eight inside and sixty four outside I swear honey there is no need to wear your winter clothing right now”. “Duh” Rainbow replied, “the reason I am not doing my ‘homework’ right now is because I’m watching a soccer game.” turning her attention back to the game Rainbow added, “obviously it's a bit chilly in here why else would I wear a hoodie in doors”? “Don’t get snippy with your mother Rainbow” Mr. Dash chimed in getting inside himself Mr. Dash set his things down adding,“Rainbow you know the rules” walking over to her he took the remote from Rainbows hand and switching off the Tv adding “no sports shows or Tv of any kind until your homework is done”. “Aww come on dad I was just about to find something really cool to watch” she whined in protest, “can’t I do my homework after I watch some Tv”? “No” he flatly replied, “I want you at the kitchen table doing your homework within five minutes.'' watching her get off the couch with a very sullen attitude he finished, “you can stop with the attitude this instant young lady” “Fine, whatever” she replied, receiving an angry look from her father she headed downstairs to collect her homework. Grumbling under her breath she entered her room “I better get my laundry into the laundry room before mom yells at me as well” she thought. Picking up her laundry basket she called out, “Mom, I’m going to leave my laundry next to the washer for you”. “Alright honey,'' her mother called back “I’ll be downstairs in a few minutes”. Walking into the laundry room Rainbow very unceremoniously dumped her laundry onto the floor making sure to pick up her bloodstained shirt first. Placing it back into the basket at the bottom she quickly placed the rest of her laundry on top returning to her room a few seconds later. Getting her homework she headed upstairs taking a seat at the kitchen table looking over her homework she sighed. “Man I hate math” she groaned, “I mean really I don’t see why I have to learn this boring stuff it's not like I’m actually going to use any of this when I get older”. Catching her mother's attention she added, “This sucks I would rather be watching Tv”. Opening a cupboard Mrs. Dash began to put away the groceries, “Now honey if you give it a try, I am sure you’ll come to see that math isn’t that hard you just have to apply yourself to it is all” putting the last of the food away she closed the cupboard as Mr. Dash came into the kitchen “Dear did you remember to bring in the laundry detergent”? “I thought you had it honey” He replied entering the kitchen, receiving a flat look from her he turned around and headed for the garage door “I’ll go check the car” turning his attention to Rainbow he finished, “and you I want your homework done before dinner do you understand Rainbow”? “Yeah I understand” she replied, looking down at her homework she muttered “I bet Glider Fire doesn’t have to do any boring homework” Heading into the garage Bow returned a few minutes later with a green bottle of detergent placing it on the kitchen table. Taking the detergent with her Mrs. Dash headed downstairs entering the laundry room a few seconds later. Turning the washer on she picked up her daughters laundry basket placing it on the dryer next to her. Taking Rainbows clothing out one piece of clothing at a time she began to place her daughters clothing into the machine. Finding Rainbows blood stained shirt at the bottom of the basket she took it out looking it over her eyes narrowed furious anger swept over her like a tidal wave. “Rainbow Alice Dash” she screamed out, “get down here now!” hearing two sets of footsteps coming down the stairs and the door opening and closing she tried to remain calm, “get in here” she finished. “Honey why are you---” Thrusting her hand into his chest she cut his words short. Taking the shirt from her Bow looked it over turning his attention to Rainbow who stood nearby his own anger began to surge handing it over to Rainbow he finished, “You need to explain to us why your shirt has blood on it when this morning it didn’t have any”. Looking down Rainbow sighed slowly she looked back up her eyes locked with her parents fearing the punishment she would receive she decided to play it cool. Hoping her parents wouldn’t catch on she grinned catching their daughters facial expression her father folded his arms over his chest his jaw locked with immeasurable anger. “It's not blood” He heard Rainbow say to his complete disbelief, “it's actually ketchup there was a food fight at school today and I got splattered by a flying tomato” further adding to their disbelief and anger both her parents watched in shock as their Rainbow headed back upstairs. “It’s nothing to be worried about trust me you guys there wasn’t any trouble at school today” “Rainbow are you telling us the truth” her mother asked clearly upset by her daughters behavior, “Rainbow where are you going you need to answer our questions”? “Uh, into the kitchen to finish my homework before you and dad start dinner” she replied. She watched Rainbow head into the kitchen taking a seat at the kitchen table following her into the kitchen Mrs. Dash sat down across from her daughter. Growing impatient with her daughters behavior Mrs. Dash folded her arms under her large ample breast staring coldly at Rainbow. Rainbow for her part sat in her chair staring at her math homework trying hard to make herself look as innocent as she could. “Yeah that was a really bad food fight that we had at school today,” she half-heartedly snickered, not finding her daughter's behavior the least bit funny Mrs. Dash tried all she could to contain her anger while listening to her daughters every word. “but since Sunset Shimmer was the one who started the food fight in the first place she had to be the one to clean up the mess”. Returning to her homework she finished much to her mother's anger, “I wasn’t about to stick around and help Sunset clean up the entire cafeteria no sir I had way too many cool things to do like soccer pra---” “If you are trying to get out of this trust me Rainbow you won’t like our response” Mrs. Dash interrupted her having heard enough of her daughters transparent lies. Slamming her hands palms down on the table she watched as Rainbow jumped having been startled by the sudden noise, “We will give you one last chance to come clean about this Rainbow!” “Are you sure about that Principal Celestia” hearing her father's voice in the hallway leading to her parents' room Rainbow gulped clearly catching her mother's attention. “Are you going to file charges against my daughter for this”? “Charges”? Rainbow thought, “you have got to be kidding me!?! Why would principal Celestia file charges on me for hitting that brat Sunset Shimmer” she continued to think, hearing her father’s footsteps coming down the hallway she turned her attention to him receiving a very angry glare from him. Out loud she began, “Uh, dad I-I can expl---” “Save it” he interrupted her watching her look down he turned his attention to his wife, adding, “I have good news and bad news honey which do you want to hear first”? Sighing she stood up leaning against a chimney cabinet Windy looked into her husband's eyes seeing only worry staring back at her own. Thinking over her choices she gave her daughter a passing glance, “tell me” she began, “how bad is it Bow?” Taking his wife into a hug he whispered into her ear, “It’s not as bad as you might think Windy” ending the hug he added, “would you like me to tell you the good news first honey”? “Yes” she flatly replied sitting back down she stared daggers at her daughter, “I think we all need to hear both the good and bad news isn’t that right Rainbow Alice Dash”? “Y-yes mo-mom” she replied not looking up. Taking a seat himself Bow cleared his throat, letting out a sigh he began, “Alright it was principal Celestia who called me a few moments ago she wanted to know if there was any trouble going on at home that would explain Rainbow’s recent behavior.” looking at his daughter, he continued, “I told her that as far as I know there isn’t anything going on”. “So what is the ‘good news’ then honey” Windy chimed in clearly worried, “and better still why would Principal Celestia--” her eyes widened with relation swallowing hard she finished, “our daughter got into a fight today didn’t she honey?” “Yes” he grumbled adding, “Celestia told me she has video evidence of this so the good news is that Celestia while she explained to me that she is Sunset Shimmers legal guardian she won’t be filling charges against our daughter. However,” taking a breath he tried to calm himself down trying to remind himself that his daughter was only thirteen, “she wants the choice to file charges against Rainbow to be Sunsets choice”. “Ok so what’s the bad news then” Windy asked. “The bad news is that Rainbow will either be suspended or expelled from school for this”. He replied, tightening his hand into a fist he closed his eyes continuing, “you do understand what that means Rainbow don’t you?” “Yes sir I do” she replied, looking up she fought back her tears, “I-It means that I---” “You will tells us this instant why you felt the need to fight with Sunset Shimmer!” her father demanded “Did you think it was ‘cool’ to start a fight with her?!” “I fought with her because she is a bully she was trying to take a shirt from Fluttershy Applejack was trying to get the shirt back from Sunset and Rarity stood there not getting involved.” Confounded by their daughters confession Rainbow saw only looks of anger and shame etched on her parents' faces feeling guilty over her actions from earlier in the day she sniffed. “Everyone knows that Sunset is a bully, always has been, always will be,” she continued, “I only did what I thought was right nothing more and nothing less”. “Why did you lie to us and why did you try to cover up the fact that you got into a fight with Sunset” Her mother finally spoke her voice shook with shame and anger “Tell us Rainbow why you did this”. “I don’t know why I lied to either of you about this” she replied “I only know that I did what I had to do to help Fluttershy get her shirt back”. Placing a soft gentle hand on his forearm Windy tried to comfort her husband seeing his temper was reaching the breaking point. Trying to keep himself from screaming at Rainbow he stood up crossing his arms over his muscular chest. Swallowing hard he sighed getting up herself Windy stared at Rainbow trying hard not loose her own temper. “You don’t know ‘why’ you lied to us yet you did,” Bow finally spoke having calmed down a bit, “tell me Rainbow did you fear the punishment that you would receive”? “I’m sorry” she whispered back. Getting up she continued slightly raising her voice, “Look I don’t know if that was the reason or not for my actions today but I am sorry for what I did”. “Do you fully understand that if Sunsets parents get involved and they more than likely will they could file charges against you for doing this to their daughter,” her mother snapped, “you could face juvenile hall for this and being expelled from school won’t look good on your academic record”. sighing finished, “Not to mention you;re a junior black-belt in karate for crying out loud Rainbow you’re supposed to know better than this! Or did you skip the lessons about martial arts being for defense only”? “I didn’t skip anything mom you were both there when sensei Jiro gave me my black-belt” she snapped back in rage, “Sunset stole that shirt from Fluttershy I was only trying to help get it back nothing more than that” “What proof do you have that Sunset actually stole that shirt and that Fluttershy didn’t give her that shirt Rainbow?” her father yelled. “I-well-she, that is, well I--she” Rainbow stammered trying to find the right words to defend her action “she is a bully that’s all the proof that I needed” she finally got out, “I don’t need any other proof than that”. “Take your homework to your room Rainbow as now you are grounded and just so you know you will not be going to the Colts game on Saturday” her father growled, “you are as of this moment grounded for the next two weeks”. “But that’s not fair,” she protested. “Fair you want to talk about what’s fair! Do you honestly think it was fair to either of us that you lied to you us about this whole incident Rainbow?!” Her mother screamed, “Do you think it was fair of you to hit Sunset Shimmer over of all the dumbest most, stupidest things like a shirt?” “No I---” Rainbow began only to be interrupted by her father. “Perhaps you think it is fair that both your mother and I are worried that your principal will expel you from school when she sees us tomorrow” turning to his wife, he added, “I will go to CHS tomorrow and talk with Principal Celestia perhaps there is a solution to this other than expelling our daughter”. Turning his attention back to Rainbow he finished, “You are to go to your room this instant and remain there until dinner is ready after diner you are to go back to your room, there will be no video games or tv while you are grounded”. Grabbing her homework from the kitchen table Rainbow stormed off slamming her bedroom door behind her. Rainbow threw herself into her bed angry and hurt by her parents decision she buried her face into her pillow thinking about her actions earlier in the day. Taking his wife gently by the arms Mr. Dash led her to the couch sitting down next to her he held her in his arms. Laying her head onto his shoulder she blinked away her tears. August 3rd, Wednesday, 4:00 pm (Fluttershy, Sunset chapter) part sixteenFeeling much better and still holding the bag she had intended to give to Sunset in her hands Fluttershy stood up. Having dried her tears and having fully tucked her wings behind her back making sure to hide them from nurse Blue Shield she smiled taking her father's hand into her own. Getting up himself the two headed for the parks entrance stopping just before the entrance. “Hang on dad” She softly said remembering the little squirrel, “there is something that I need to do before we leave”. Quickly turning around feeling the need to help the little creature out she let go of her father’s hand she headed for a patch of nearby trees. Kneeling she picked up the acorn looking up into the trees she saw the small brown squirrel that had cheered her up earlier smiling warmly to it she held up her hand in her palm sat the acorn. “Go on little guy” she softly whispered, watching the small timid squirrel come out of the trees tentatively sniffing the air, it’s little whiskers flexed back and forth with each sniff from its nose, it’s tiny black eyes were full of fear. “Shh” Fluttershy very softly spoke, “It’s alright I won’t hurt you”. Remaining perfectly still she let the squirrel come to her, “Here you go the acorn is all yours you helped me to feel better now I will help you”. Slowly the squirrel came to Fluttershy’s palm taking the acorn from her. “It’s alright now, everything is going to be alright I promise you’ll see”. Being ever so very gentle she slowly raised her hand towards a single branch setting the squirrel with it’s precious treasure on the branch. “There you go, you head home now to your family while I go to help someone that needs a friend”. Headed back to her father he gently took her under his arm pressing his lips to the top of her head lightly kissing her. Ending the kiss he smiled, “that’s my little angel” he said, adding “come on let’s go find Sunset and help her”. “Dad what's the current time” she asked, “and is it alright if I have Sunset come over tonight for dinner” looking down she continued, “I know it is rather short---” "It's four o'clock honey" interrupting her he replied, pulling out his cellphone Mr. McPherson began to press buttons on it cutting his daughters words short. Pressing the phone to his ear he waited turning to Fluttershy he smiled to her stopping her in her tracks. “Honey” he began “please have Zephyr help you with rearranging the table so Fluttershy can have a friend over for dinner tonight” looking into his daughter's eyes he cupped the phone with his hand adding, “psst, what else sweetheart”. “Ok honey we’ll be all set by the time you three get home” Mrs. McPherson replied. “Oh, uh sh-she needs a place t-to sleep and to sh-shower” Fluttershy replied grimacing “Ooh I can’t believe I just told dad that about Sunset” she thought, out loud she finished, “thank you dad” “Sunset will also need a place to sleep tonight so I was thinking we could have Fluttershy and Sunset sleep in the old guest room upstairs. It still has the old bunk beds from when Zephyr and Fluttershy were kids and I am sure I can get a couple fresh new mattress before seven tonight”. “That’s a wonderful idea honey in fact it's been far too long since Fluttershy has had anyone over let alone over for a sleepover” Mr. McPherson heard his wife say. Hanging up his phone he gave Fluttershy a nod smiling she raced back to the car finding nurse Blue Shield in the passenger front seat reading a map. Knocking on the passenger side window she watched Blue Shield roll down the window. Setting the map down she turned her attention to Fluttershy, “have you found Sunset yet Fluttershy” she asked. “Not yet” she replied, looking over the map she continued, “Mrs. Blue Shield can I ask you something” hearing her father coming up behind her she finished, “if you felt you were alone and lost in this city where would you go to collect your thoughts”. “That’s simple I would go to Canterlot Square” she replied, tapping her chin she waited for Mr. McPherson to get in adding, “though you should know dear that place is currently condemned so come to think of it I wouldn’t actually go there”. “Condemned, huh?” Fluttershy asked getting in and buckling up “doesn’t that mean that no one else would be there at all” Remembering Sunsets words to her ‘So just leave me here where I belong in the slums and dirt with all the other trash you humans throw away’. Looking out the passenger window she finished, “That area is a slum and lots of people throw their trash away there I am sure that is where Sunset has gone because she feels like trash”. Starting up the car Mr. McPherson buckled up pressing his foot to the gas pedal driving down the street entering Canterlot Square a half hour later. The place was in utter ruins everywhere the three looked there were old broken down buildings many with their windows smashed. Trash littered the streets, broken piles of wood lined the sidewalks, graffiti could be seen on most of the rundown buildings. Several junkies sat in the doorways of several of the buildings. A run down gazebo with a badly broken frame and split roof stood lopsided in the center of the square the only thing holding it up was the paint. “Great this is where Sunset is supposed to be” He muttered irritably to himself, looking around he shook his head, “I can’t believe anyone would be foolish enough to come here” reaching into the car’s center council he took out a flask of pepper spray and a handheld taser getting out he looked at Fluttershy finishing, “What does Sunset look like honey” “Oh, she is about five feet six inches tall, she weighs about ninety pounds has red and yellow hair.” Getting out herself she added, “she was wearing a black leather coat the last time I saw here, with a pink t-shirt and orange mini skirt with black and purple knee high boots”. Looking around as well Blue Shield saw someone matching Sunset's description sitting alone in the gazebo. Gesturing towards the gazebo she tried hard not to bring any unwanted attention to either themselves or the person she saw. Walking towards the gazebo Blue Shield whispered, “Is that her Fluttershy”? “Yes that’s her” she replied. “Alright,” turning her attention to Mr. McPherson she finished, “Mr. McPherson do you have a first aid kit in your car by any chance?” Getting out of the car he opened the trunk taking out a small red and white first aid kit handing it to nurse Blue Shield. Taking the kit she, Fluttershy and her father began to walk up to Sunset all three noticed Sunset was facing the back of the gazebo entering the gazebo Fluttershy reached out gently laying a hand on Sunsets shoulder. Looking up she sniffed gently pushing Fluttershy's hand off her shoulder getting up Sunset walked over to the right side of the gazebo looking out to the city square. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy begin, “why would you come to this place? it's really scary here.” “I just wanted to find someplace that I thought you wouldn’t follow me I guess I was wrong so I’ll leave” Stepping in front of her Mrs. Blue Shield frowned giving Sunset a cold stare, “if you are from CHS then you should know I don’t plan on going back there” Sunset added, looking down she finished, “I will be leaving this city tonight I know now that I am not wanted here”. “Yes I work at CHS I am nurse Blue Shield and I take it you are planning on running away Sunset” Mrs. Blue Shield replied, “Sunset though you and I don’t really know each other, I can tell you that running away won’t solve your problems”. Leading Sunset back to the bench and taking a seat with Sunset standing in front of her, she finished, “I came to make sure you are alright Garble told me about the fight you had with Rainbow Dash before coming here I asked Principal Celestia to look into it”. “What good will that do?” Sunset protested, “All Celestia will do is side with Rainbow besides Principal Celestia hates me as does Rainbow”. “I think you---” Mrs. Blue Shield tried being cut off by Sunset. “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE” she screamed looking down her jaw trembled, “please” she whispered, adding “I-I” feeling her jaw trembling she finished, “I’m sorry”. “It’s quite alright Sunset there is nothing to be sorry about” She replied, while not all surprised by Sunset’s reaction Blue Shield took a step towards her, “you should at least know that I can’t leave you alone Sunset I am after all a nurse and I would be negligent in my duties if I walked away from someone that clearly needed my help.” sitting down on the bench she further added, “I at least need to make sure you don’t have a broken nose from your fight with Rainbow”. Giving her an expectant look she finished, “please Sunset I know you are hurt and scared all I want to do is help”. “Fine if it gets you to leave me alone then ... a-alright” taking a seat next to her Sunset swallowed hard trying to hide her anger, fear and discomfort. “Is this going to you know hurt?” “No, Sunset it shouldn’t hurt at all” Setting the first aid kit down next to her Blue Shield opened it taking out a pad of clean wipes she began to check Sunset over. “Well I don’t think your nose is broken I’ll give you some aspirin for the pain and a pack of clean wipes so you can clean the blood off your lips and chin” handing the items over to her, she stood up, adding, “I’ll be in the car if you need any further assistance”. Heading back to the car she gave Fluttershy’s father a worried glance as his daughter took a step further inside the gazebo. Watching both her father and nurse Blue Shield head back to the car she turned her attention to Sunset. Sunset had stood up walking to the back of the gazebo placing her arms on the railing burying her face in her arms she sniffed trying hard to hold back her tears. “This is where I belong,” Fluttershy heard Sunset muter “with all the trash that the humans threw away” Wanting to find something, anything to cheer Sunset up she gently tapped Sunsets shoulder gesturing to another bench located only a few feet from the gazebo. Looking up and taking a breath Sunset looked in the direction of the other bench. Sighing she slowly straightened up looking into her eyes Fluttershy saw only sad, hurt, confused eyes staring back at her own. “Coming with me” she said softly, carrying the paper bag in her arms, she added, “I brought you that shirt that I was trying to give to you earlier today” setting it down next the bench she sat down patting the seat next to her “please come sit down” she finished. “Thank you for the shirt Fluttershy but aren’t you at all worried that your friend Rainbow won’t approve of this?” she heard Sunset reply, watching Sunset turn around and kick a small pebble towards the gazebo Fluttershy quirked an eyebrow watching the small stone hit the gazebo and bounce off. Much to both the girls surprise the gazebo collapsed, looking down Sunset finished, “I can’t do anything right even when I kick something as small as that stupid stone I cause nothing but trouble!" “You didn’t knock down that gazebo Sunset it was already falling apart and it would have come down during the next big storm so don’t feel bad about it” watching Sunset turn away she added, “I don’t really care whether Rainbow will approve or not about me giving you this shirt Sunset it isn’t her concern but my own” placing her chin into her hands she stared at Sunset’s back for a long time realizing she was enjoying the view a little too much she shook her head. “Come on Fluttershy” she thought, “get it together your supposed to be helping her not falling for her” she continued to think to herself. “I don’t know what it is like to have a real friend” she whispered catching Fluttershy’s attention. Sunset thought, “I have already had my heart broken once before, I can’t go through that again I need to find a way to get her to leave” Unfortunately for Fluttershy she got a rather nice view of the back of Sunset’s boots, and the back of Sunset’s bare legs that weren’t covered by her boots. Gulping she watched Sunset bend over though Sunsets rear was fully covered by her mini skirt that didn't stop Fluttershy from getting a really nice look at Sunsets rear end. “Damn” Fluttershy whispered fully hoping that Sunset didn’t hear her, “she’s has a nice rear”. “But you shouldn’t be bothering yourself with things such as this besides” Sunsets words caught Fluttershy off guard breaking her out of her trance. Turning around Sunset folded her arms over her chest rubbing her thumb over her left bicep feeling the soft leather of her coat. “I-well, that is it’s not really---” she glanced down trying to find the right words, “I don’t want you to run off crying so I am not sure how to put this Fluttershy”. “Please just say what you have to say and I’ll react however I feel like it” she replied. “Alright here it goes” taking a breath she silently prayed to herself that Fluttershy wouldn’t run off crying, “please don’t run off crying” she said out loud, “it’s not really your place to give me clothing, food, bits, or whatever it is that you think I should get or need therefore I don’t think I can accept your, um shirt” Getting up Fluttershy left the bag next to the bench walking up to Sunset she stood on her tiptoes looking into Sunsets clearly bloodshot cried out eyes. Smiling much to Sunsets surprise Fluttershy hugged her laying her head over Sunsets soft chest listening to her heart beating. “Fluttershy I, um thanks for the hug… I think” She heard Sunset begin “uh, um w-what now”. “Now you come sit down” Letting her go Fluttershy returned to the bench patting the seat once more hoping that Sunset would this time get the message and sit down. “I fully intend to do right by you Sunset Shimmer and that entails doing what I promised Twilight” Leaning back into the hardwood of the bench she flatly finished “Sunset will you please come sit down you're driving me nuts standing there with your back facing me”. Though Fluttershy couldn’t see it Sunset rolled her eyes in annoyance turning around she took a seat next to her. “Look Fluttershy I...really don’t know how to act right now” Looking at the bag she gave Fluttershy a passing glance watching Fluttershy gently nudge the bag closer to her. “I take it you want me to open this bag and take out the shirt huh?” “Yep” Getting the message Sunset picked up the bag opening it, looking inside she saw a medium sized green shirt with a white bunny on the front of it. Taking out the shirt she looked it over holding it out in front of herself, “What do you think Fluttershy?” she asked pressing the shirt to her coat with one hand while holding the shirt up with the other, “Do you think grey suits me?” “Grey?” Fluttershy asked in reply, curious and a bit confused by Sunsets question she pointed to her own skirt adding, “Sunset can you tell me what color my skirt is?” “Uh, su-sure” she replied a bit confused herself by Fluttershy’s odd question looking at Fluttershy's skirt she finished, “Your wearing a grey skirt … r-right”. “Uh, y-yes I ... a-am” she answered, taking the shirt from Sunset she placed it back into the bag she didn’t have the heart to tell Sunset the truth. Looking down Fluttershy moved her right foot in a half circle sighing. “So um, my father’s car is parked just before the entrance to this” looking around and seeing only junkies, and drug dealers around the dis-shambled place she finished, “creepy place and I was kinda hoping we could um, you know … leave”. “Sure thing you go I’ll stay here I am sure I can find some place to---” “Sunset Shimmer” Fluttershy irritably snapped, “I meant ‘we’ as in the two of us I want you to come home with me tonight” getting up for the last time she stared at Sunset watching her look away placing a hand under Sunsets chin she gently turned Sunsets head so their eyes locked. “I will not take ‘no’ for an answer you are coming home with me even if I have to pick you up and carry you all the way to the car” pointing in the direction of her father's car she finished, “now get moving”. Knowing she was completely defeated Sunset began to follow Fluttershy towards her father's car stopping when a cell phone's ringtone caught her attention, “Oh, right I forgot Garble gave me a cellphone a few days ago” reaching into her coat pocket Sunset took out the phone Garble had given her a few days earlier flipping it open she held it to her ear, “Hello”. “Hey shimmer it’s me Garble I just want to make sure your alright I kinda lost track of you after your fight with that idiot Rainbow Dash”. “Yeah I’m fine though my nose does hurt a bit nurse Blue Shield checked me out she says I’ll be fine. I’ll more than likely have another bruise in the morning”. Noticing Fluttershy was getting a little antsy she quickly added, “look I have to go I’ll talk to you later goodbye”. Hanging up she turned her attention to Fluttershy finishing, “so what’s got you so upset”? “Oh, uh well do you promise not to freak out if I tell you?” she asked in reply. “That depends on what it is that has you so upset,” she began, walking with Fluttershy next to her towards the car she stopped giving Fluttershy a passing glance. “Come on Fluttershy I know you and I aren’t exactly ...friends, but if you are willing to trust that I won’t freak out then I am willing to start trusting you” looking down she finished, “please just tell me what is wrong”. Taking a breath Fluttershy swallowing hard, “Well when I went looking for you, my father came to school when he didn’t find me at school he and Mrs. Blue Shield drove around for a bit till they found me at the city park located a few blocks away from school” she added, “I maybe, kinda, sorta, told him that I would bring you back to school”. “I see, and what else did you promise your father if I may ask”? “That if you didn’t want nurse Blue Shield to check you over and make sure you didn’t have a broken nose I would take you to the local hospital.” pressing her hand to her own bicep Fluttershy looked away adding, “once i actually got you there you would have gotten a full clean bill of health but since you allowed nurse Blue Shield to check you over that kinda negates that idea completely”. Taking the clean wipes from Sunsets hand she opened them handing one to her while Sunset cleaned herself up she finished, “Sunset can I ask you something”? “Sure” she replied, taking another clean wipe from Fluttershy, finishing what she was doing, she added, “what do you want to know”? “What was that language you spoke earlier when you ran away from Principal Celestia I know it's not Latin or Strussian so what other languages do you speak other than English”? “Oh, I’m fluent in three languages,” she replied, “I'm not trying to boast or anything like that but I can speak Griffin, Dragnic, and my own country's native language as well.'' Thinking it was time to go Fluttershy took Sunset's hand into her own offering her a soft genuine smile. Walking with Fluttershy still holding her hand towards the car Sunset sighed “I’m sorry I am such a loser Fluttershy” “Okay that is more than enough of that Sunset Shimmer” she heard Fluttershy snap, stopping in her tracks she finished, “you will from this day forward not ever put yourself down like that again and Sunset” “Ye-yes Fluttershy” she replied clearly unsure of herself. “I won’t take ‘no’ or ‘I deserve to be treated like this’ or ‘i’m a loser’ from you any longer you are none of those things do you fully understand me?” laying her hands on Sunsets shoulders she continued, “now my mother is expecting us for a nice hot homemade dinner and your coming home with me this very instant. You are going to have dinner with my family, so let's get going” Looking into Fluttershy’s soft ocean blue eyes much to Fluttershy’s delight Sunset smiled. Seeing Sunset smile a real genuine smile for the first time Fluttershy found herself very secretly hoping this would be one of many genuine smiles to come from Sunset. “I like your smile” she finished, “I think you have a nice smile Sunset”. Hearing her words Sunset gulped, “Tha-thank you” realizing she needed to accept Fluttershy’s invitation to dinner, she added, “and Fluttershy I would love to come to your house for dinner” looking down she finished, “though there is one condition that I am afraid I must insist upon”. “Oh what’s that”? Fluttershy replied curious she finished, “Sunset” “I can’t eat anything with nuts or peanuts in it” she heard Sunset reply “as I am allergic to that type of food”. “Deal” hearing thunder boom over head as thick rain started to fall Fluttershy added, “S-Sunset I-I really don’t like---” Fluttershy’s words were cut short by a loud thunderous boom “thu-thunder” “I know its not the greatest thing in the world Fluttershy but it can't hurt you.” she replied, taking her coat off she gently wrapped it around Fluttershy’s body. Sunsets fingers stopped just above Fluttershy’s shoulders giving Fluttershy a confused look she thought, “why do I feel extra bone in Fluttershy’s shoulder blades it doesn't---” Her train of thought was interrupted by the sounds of laughter. “Great” she muttered, turning her attention towards three boys coming towards them. “That’s all we need now” as it started to downpour she finished, “the dragon gang we’re in trouble”. “Well, well looks like we got ourselves some trespassers boys” of the three cooed, he wore a short waist coat over a red shirt with black jeans and steel toe brown leather boots taking a step towards Fluttershy he added, “I’m Fume little girl and your in Dragon territory so how about you pay us and we’ll” sickly licking his lips he finished, “let you go about your business otherwise the boys and I will make your day real miserable". “Leave her alone” Sunset snarled stepping between the two of them to Fluttershy’s shock she watched Sunset foolishly turn her back on Fume “Come on Flu---” Feeling anger after being told to leave Fluttershy alone Fume balled his hand into a tight fist slamming his fist into the back of Sunsets head. The sudden blow knocked Sunset to the ground trying to shake off the pain she felt she tried to stand quickly taking a boot to her sternum. Her eyes widened, her iris’s shrank to pinpricks from the sheer pain she felt. Doubling over she held herself unable to move or fight back unaware that Fluttershy took a sudden step forward. “Leave her alone we just to go home” Fluttershy pleaded with Fume feeling a sense of coldness come over her body her eyes began to narrow, her hand balled into a tight trembling fist, “please I’ll give you anything you---” “Oh, it’s too late for that girl” Fume snarled interrupting her bending down he grabbed Sunset by her jacket lapel, “I’ll take what I want and the two of you will enjoy every minute of it” raising his fist to strike her again he finished, “I bet you both will---” His words were painfully cut short by the sound of electricity watching him drop to the ground Fluttershy stared coldly at him. His screams of pain and mercy echoed in her ears turning off his taser Fluttershy’s father turned his attention to the other two glaring at both. “Either leave or you both will be tazed as well, it’s your choice boys” he said, turning his attention to Fluttershy he added, “Are you alright sweetheart”? “Yes dad but Sunset needs help”, Fluttershy replied. Kneeling next to Sunset he looked her over with Fluttershy keeping a close on Fume’s two friends watching them pick him up and carry him towards a nearby building. Looking up Mr. McPherson saw Fluttershy was about to follow the gang not wanting her to get hurt he called out to her. “Fluttershy I need you stay here” getting her attention he added, “I doubt those three will do anything else but in case they do I want you by my side”. “Alright” she replied, “how is Sunset” “I’ll” Sunset coughed, “be alright I just had the wind knocked out of me” feeling herself being picked up and carried out of the area she looked into Mr. McPherson's navy blue eyes adding, “hey I can walk on my own you know”. “No, I’m taking you to our car from there I’ll bring you to our home were you’ll enjoy a proper meal and a good night's rest” getting to the car a few minutes later much to Sunset's irritation nurse Blue Shield opened the door for him, “I’ll call Principal Celestia in the morning to excuse you both from school I think you both could use some time away from school to rest from this incident”. “Uh, dad that isn’t going to work” Fluttershy chimed in, “you see I kinda, sort of got ... detention” His right eyebrow quirked slightly at the news of his daughter receiving detention setting Sunset into the car and making sure to buckle her up he chuckled as she groaned in anger. Offering her a pleasant smile he turned his attention to Fluttershy while Mrs. Blue Shield got into the car next to Sunset. “I will definitely be calling Principal Celestia about this in the morning now get in sweetheart” Checking Sunset over Mrs. Blue Shield gave her a nod, “Don’t worry Sunset these are good people you can trust them and I know Mr. McPherson will look after you”. “I suppose I could use a shower or bath” Looking herself over she noticed she had some dirt on her knees and her coat was ripped in the front, “I am a bit of a mess” swallowing hard she finished, “Mr. McPherson I just want to say thank you, you know for um, doing this”. “It’s not a problem Sunset besides it's not everyday that both my wife and I get to meet someone that Fluttershy is helping” Though she couldn’t see it Mr. McPherson smiled, “and who in turn is also helping Fluttershy out as well”. Turning her attention to Fluttershy Sunset gave her a questionable look getting only a smile in return Sunset turned her attention to nurse Blue Shield who sat beside her. Hearing her sigh Sunset looked out her own passenger window watching all the cars and houses go by as Mr. McPherson drove her thoughts began to dwell on her time with Princess Celestia. Not fully realizing what she was doing Sunset began to rub her forearm lifting up her coat sleeve. Noticing a bell with a horn on the left and right side of it branded into her arm nurse Blue Shield took out her phone. Wordlessly she set her phone to ‘silent’ holding the phone up she snapped a shot of Sunsets right forearm hoping Sunset wouldn't notice. Putting her phone back into her coat pocket nurse Blue Shield also turned her attention to all the cars, houses, and people being passed by as Mr. McPherson drove towards his home. “Mr. McPherson can you stop by CHS please before you bring Sunset to your home”? She asked, adding, “I’d like to get---” noticing they were pulling into the parking lot of CHS she cut her words short finishing, “never mind”. Parking the car Mr. McPherson got out opening the door for nurse Blue Shield. Getting out herself Mrs. Blue Shield headed for her car waving her goodbyes to both Fluttershy and Sunset. Getting got out as well Fluttershy much to her father's surprise and Sunset's switched seats deciding to sit next to Sunset in the back of the car. Taking Sunsets left arm into her own she laid her head on Sunsets shoulder much to Sunset's irritation. Getting back in Mr. McPherson started up the car heading for home. Deciding there was little point in arguing with Fluttershy about her personal space Sunset leaned into the soft cushions of the back seat letting her thoughts dwell on Princess Celestia and her time spent in Equestria once again. “I wish I could just tell Fluttershy the real reason I am in this world” Sunset thought looking at the brand on her forearm, “but if I told Fluttershy or anyone for that matter the real reason I am here she or they would hate me for it so I better keep it to” out loud she softly whispered, “myself”. Turning her head to the left a single tear trickled down Sunsets cheek dripping off her chin falling to Fluttershy’s hand, “I’m sorry Fluttershy” she whispered watching Fluttershy move her head while Fluttershy fell further into a deep relaxing sleep, “I am so sorry for how I treated you”. August 3rd Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.Part Seventeen Starknight's chapterSitting at his desk Moonstone looked over several piles of files trying to find the one Starknight had mentioned while on the way back to the precinct. Getting up he noticed Starknight was still in the captain’s office turning his attention towards Starknight’s computer he wiggled the mouse hoping she had left it in sleep mode. The screen turned on a smile quickly etched on his face sitting down at Starknight’s desk he clicked on the ‘files open’ tab. Reading through several open cases under her supervision he failed to notice Starknight was coming out of the captain’s office. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing Moonstone”?! She all but yelled out to him catching him by surprise looking up he quickly got out of her chair as she finished, “Get away from my computer”. “Relax I am just trying to find out more information about Daisy Green” he replied stepping aside allowing her to take sit “you had said her file is the same as yours so I thought there might be a contention between you and her”,going back to his side of the desk he finished, “I didn’t mean anything by this sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid and her girlfriend is all”. Glaring at him she received only a concerned look in return picking up a file Moonstone set the folder down on his desk returning to his work. “I spoke with the captain though I am ‘benched’ for at least four days due to you taking me to the E.R. I know you did what you felt was right”, watching him pick up another file she reached over the double desk tapping his left hand. Moonstone glanced up locking eyes with hers “I was able to get the captain to give you your own computer Moonstone but you need to understand that what you did by going through my computer like that could have cost me my job”. “I don’t understand why would I have cost you your job sergeant? And besides if you’re so concerned about your ‘job’ then you should turn your computer off rather than leaving it in sleep mode” looking back at his work he added, “I don’t get why I wasn’t given a computer when I first started here I swear I never had this sort of trouble when I was with the---” cutting his words short he closed the file setting it aside he sighed, “it doesn’t matter”. “Listen it would have cost me my job if you had learned or read information that doesn’t concern you, such as information about a pending case going for out to I.A. or to trial.” squeezing her hand into a tight fist she added,“Or information about other cases that I need to work on such as cases that C.I.B need me to look over prior to me submitting them next time think twice before you act!” opening her hand she took her cup of coffee taking a sip she tried hard to calm down further adding, “And as for my own file which I might add my file doesn’t concern you at all Moonstone” she harshly all but growled, “my file wouldn’t be kept here for anyone to see it” setting her coffee cup down she took a breath finishing, “The tech guys should be here in a few minutes to set up your computer and to give you the necessary paperwork to sign for it.” Taking up another file he opened it, “I’m sorry sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid this mistake will not be repeated” noticing two people approaching their desk he added with a gesture towards them “are these the tech guys you told me about sergeant?” “Yes they are” getting up and stepping aside Starknight allowed the technicians to do their job “I’ll go get you a cup of coffee Moonstone while they work this should only take about ten minutes”. Returning a few minutes later with a full cup of coffee for him Starknight gave him the cup watching the technicians do their job. Ten minutes passed before Moonstone signed several papers, set his password and sat in front of his new computer. Sitting down herself Starknight sighed looking at the piles of folders on her side of the desk turning her attention back to Moonstone she handed him a file. “What’s this for?'' he asked clearly a bit confused. “Just another file to go through and see if there is any connection to the children that are missing” going through several computer documents she added, “Moonstone believe it or not I too want to help Frigid and her girlfriend find their niece Daisy Green”. “I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through” He replied, “all you can or I can do for that matter is offer them some sliver of hope and pray you make good on that offer”. Looking up from his work he finished, “If you don’t mind me asking Sergeant where's your file the one that you mentioned on the way back from the hospital”? Trying to ignore him Starknight continued to work going over other computer files glancing up at the clock located above the coffee station she noticed it was four thirty. Returning to her work she moved the mouse icon over the ‘open file’ tab clicking on it she brought up several other cases she had been assigned to. Watching her work for a few seconds Moonstone sighed catching Starknights attention quickly returning to his own work he got up headed for the coffee station returning a few minutes later with a fresh cup of coffee. “As for my file I am not allowed to let anyone look at it as the record was sealed, I can’t even look at it unless I have a court order to do so.” Starknight bitterly began “what I will tell you though Moonstone is that if my case is truly connected to this case then I won’t stop you from doing what is ...right. Or what you have to do in order to see that case file.” “Thank you sergeant I’ll try not to bring up your past if I can avoid it” He replied taking up his cup of coffee taking a sip his eyes widened in aghast painful shock “ow, wow that’s hot” almost dropping his coffee cup he added, “what temperature is that coffee maker set to?” Hearing Starknight chuckle he gave her a stern glare before returning to his work a few moments passed without further incident. Both officers continued to look through file after file before another officer approached their desk offering both a friendly smile. Looking up from her work sergeant Starknight nodded to the other officer, “Comet Duster what brings you to my desk this afternoon?” she asked giving him a concerned look. “I just wanted to see how you were doing sergeant we all heard about your activity at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ and thus I just wanted to make sure your doing alright,” he replied with a sincere smile, looking at Moonstone he added, “and how you kid? You got anything good to report”? “Kid?” Moonstone replied looking up from his work with a confused look “I happen to be twenty eight sir, as for your other question; no I don’t have anything to report, other than that, I don’t like doing all this paperwork”. “I am doing rather ...well Comet Duster” she replied “though I do have a question for you,” she added, “when you say ‘we all heard about your activities at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ what did you mean by that” giving Moonstone a disapproving glance she added, “I take it someone is talking about me again”? Chuckling officer Comet Duster walked away with a smile on his face leaving Moonstone bemused and Starknight fuming choosing to let it go she sighed returning to her work. “You know sergeant since you have to ride a desk for the next three or four days why not spend that time doing something meaningful?” She heard Moonstone begin, taking notice he was looking over more files as he continued, “you could use this time to join a youth mentor program and help someone that really needs your help, it's just a thought mind you”. Taking a pencil from her desk she tapped her chin, letting his words sink in leaning back into her chair she took out her notepad from her front shirt pocket jotting down a few things on it. Putting it back into her shirt pocket she glanced at the clock, seeing it was five o’clock closing down her computer she stood up giving Moonstone a firm stare. “You know I might take you up on that offer of helping someone out Moonstone.” gesturing towards the clock in and out station she finished, “before you head out remember to file your report about what happened at the docks today and at the Sweet Snacks Cafe as for me I am going to head out have a good night”. “You too, wait what about your reports sergeant I didn’t see you file them” he replied watching her stop in her tracks, Starknight turned around and headed back to her computer watching her press a few keys on her keyboard he added, “I doubt anyone will actually believe us about those reports oh, where are the kids that we arrested earlier today sergeant?” “They should be holding I’ll call down there once I get this last file sent via email to the captain,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number pressing it to her ear she waiting for the clerk at the other end to answer. “Once I find out what their status is I am going home to a much needed couch and good book”. “Hello this is officer Joslin Trueclaw how may I help you?” “Yes this sergeant Starknight I need to know if Gust Chaser and his two friends are still in holding right now” “One moment while I check” Starknight waited for a few moments before hearing the phone being picked up again “yes sergeant all three are still in holding as a matter of fact neither of those three have requested any phone call or lawyer of any kind” “You’re joking right we read them their miranda rights and we clearly stated they could have one phone call and a lawyer at any time so why have they not gotten a phone call or a lawyer”? Noticing Filthy Rich was coming near her desk she quickly added, “tell you what Joslin we will talk about this in about an hour I have someone at my desk that needs to talk to me”. Hanging up the phone she finished, “it’s about time you showed up I was about to leave but I’ll stay just to hear what you have to say about your daughter and her friend Silver Spoon”. “My sincerest apologies sergeant Starknight” Filthy Rich began, “I was on the phone for the past few hours with Silver Spoons father whom is currently away in Ponland he unfortunately won’t be returning until next month” pulling up a nearby chair Filthy Rich sat down placing his briefcase on the floor next to him, “I informed him of his daughters distasteful behavior his reaction was, well less than cordial so in lue of this I asked him if I could make decisions for his daughter”. “And what did he say?” Moonstone chimed in clearly angry “let me guess he wants you to free his brat of a daughter and for me to not only lose my job but to also agree to not file charges on that brat” looking to Starknight he added, “speaking of those two where are Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?” “They should both be in holding cell six,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number waiting for the clerk to answer she added, “The officers who took them in were Cloudy Skies and Fancy Wish-star both of whom should be in the holding cells block their shifts should be ending in about fifteen minutes”. “Hello this is Cloudy Skies” sereagent Starknight heard over the phone “how many I help you?” “Cloudy this is Starknight I want to know if Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are in holding cell six”. “Yes they are” she replied “Should I have them moved into another holding cell? Or has there been some sort of arrangement made so they can see a judge about bail?” “Hang on” Starknight sternly replied, giving Filthy Rich a glare she added, “has anyone asked you for bail for either of those two yet or have you set a time and day for them to see a judge about this matter?” “The answer is no to both of those questions sergeants” he replied, “I don’t think that will be necessary for either girl however if you want to go through that we can” turning his attention to Moonstone he finished, “you officer Moonstone said that you were going to file charges on both girls for what they did to your sister. I agree fully that they should be punished for this so tell me, are you going to go through with this?” “Give me one very good reason why I shouldn’t file charges on both of them Filthy Rich” Moonstone demanded folding his arms over his chest “I pulled my little sister out of another school two years ago and sent her to that school because she went through something like this when she was in the fifth grade. So tell me why I should allow your daughter and her friend to make going to school a living hell for my little sister Mr. Rich!” “Listen I know how you feel and I do fully agree that both girls need to be punished for what they did, they have already been expelled from school, what more do you want from them?” Getting up Moonstone sighed uncrossing his arms he looked to Starknight who was still awaiting a decision from both Filthy Rich and Moonstone. Clearing his throat Moonstone sat down staring at his computer hearing Starknight clear her throat he gave her a concerned glance before turning his attention fully to Filthy Rich. “One” Moonstone began, “I doubt very much sir that you have any idea as to how I ‘feel’ about this whole entire situation and two, ‘what more do I want?’ Mr. Rich I want those two to actually feel some sort of remorse for what they did to my little sister. I want them to know that what they did wasn’t acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. I want to be able to send Moon Dancer to school and not have to worry if she is going to be bullied by a pair of brats that have no idea how the real world works.” Moonstone continued, “If it were up to me I would place them both into a cell and toss away the key however it is not up to me.” with anger clearly showing in his purple eyes he further added, “Therefore Mr. Rich being an attorney you know as I know that this country's laws state that both girls can be released on their own recognizance if they both agree to appear before a judge within two weeks of their internal release” trying to hold his temper in check he finished, “I am sorry but I must go through with this there for you and I will be seeing each other in court.” “Very well” Mr. Rich replied opening his briefcase he took out a file handing it to Moonstone “in that case I have already prepared this forum for you in which I will request that you release both girls into my custody” Moonstone barely believing his ears stood up watching Filthy Rich smirk as he added, “I know you're upset about this officer but I promise you I will take both girls to court within two weeks”. Setting the file down on his desk Moonstone didn’t bother to open it and read it turning to leave Moonstone snarled, “I’m going home sergeant deal with this scum as you see fit to do so” taking his radio in his hand before Starknight could say anything to him Moonstone called into it, “Dispatch this is officer Moonstone I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is Seventeen hundred hours”. “Roger that officer Moonstone ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before everyone heard over Moonstones radio, “Ten four officer you are clear to end your shift have a good night” “I can’t believe he actually did that” Filthy Rich muttered catching Starknights attention “Hey scumbag” Starknight snarled back to Filthy Rich, “can you actually blame him for storming off like that?” Turning her attention back to her phone call with Cloudy Skies sergeant Starknight gruffly added, “bring both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to my desk within ten minutes they are going...home”. Hanging up the phone she shook her head finishing, “well I hope your happy Mr. Rich now neither of those girls will learn anything from this all they will learn is that their fathers money can buy them out of any sort of trouble they get into”. “Well no now that you mention it I can’t actually blame Moonstone for storming off like that” Filthy Rich replied standing up and moving behind officer Moonstones desk chair, “Actually you would be very wrong in that statement” He added taking Moonstones chair out and sitting down receiving an angry glare from Starknight his right eyebrow quirked slightly, “now before you say something that might be ...actionable I do indeed want those girls to be punished for what they did.” leaning back in the seat he added, “believe it or not I do also want them to learn that my money and Silver Spoons father’s money can’t buy either of them out of whatever trouble they find themselves in”. Ten minutes went by before Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara appeared beside Starknights desk both girls kept their gaze fixed upon the floor. Starknight got up giving both girls a cold hard icy stare before turning her attention to Filthy Rich. “You say you want them to learn from this how do you plan on doing this”? “It’s simple” He replied getting for the last time, “I will take both girls before a city judge like I said this will be done within two weeks from today I will therefore ask the judge to sentence both girls to probation at which they will be made to pay restitution to Moon Dancer” receiving a bitter hurt glare from Diamond Tiara and a cold stare from Silver Spoon he added, “don’t even think about opening your mouth’s you two have caused enough trouble as is with your behavior” turning back to Starknight he finished, “now as I was saying, Moon Dancer will receive some sort of recompense for what these two have done. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon will also have to serve their probation at a local public school and not be allowed to attend any ivy league school until they are both in their twenties. Tell me sergeant Starknight does that suit your form of punishment?” “It is not up to me to decide who is punished or how they are punished however, I do feel that officer Moonstone might object to this but we will have to wait and see what he will do when he comes back to work tomorrow morning” getting up herself she walked over to a printer located on a nearby desk adding, “now these girls will be free to go as soon as I sign the paperwork for their release” pressing the print tab she finished, “you three should know that by me doing this I am taking the chance that both girls as well as yourself Mr. Rich are not a flight risk.” Returning with the paperwork she watched Filthy Rich and both girls sign it before finishing, “If however you do become a flight risk, then you three should know that I will ensure that the letter of the law will be fully followed through without regard to your feelings on the subject”. “Is that a threat sergeant Starknight?” Filthy Rich bitterly growled. “Oh, no not at all Mr. Rich” grinning she added, “you see I like it when fat, rich pilgarlic people such as yourselves think they are above the law.” signing the release papers herself she finished, “now if you three will please leave I am tired and I want to go home to a nice book and soft comfy couch”. Watching the three of them head to the front Starknight shut off her computer heading for the front herself stopping by the captain's office on her way out. Knocking on the door jam she entered her uncles office taking a seat at his desk watching him light a cigar she gave him a concerned questionable look receiving a mild smirk in return. “I take it your dealings with Mr. Rich and those two brats are over with” Duke Whisker asked, “I overheard some of it are you going to stay long enough to find out why those three lads in holding didn’t make a phone call and why they seem to not want a lawyer even though it is by state law their fundamental right to have one.” “Darn-it I knew I forgot to do something” Starknight grumbled under her breath getting up she quickly added, “yes sir I’ll take care of that right now”. Heading back to her desk she picked up her phone dialed up Cloudy Skies and waited for to answer “Come on pick up already” she grumbled irritatedlytapping her foot “will you pick---” “Hello this is Solar Toes how may I help you” “This is sergeant Starknight, Solar Toes I need to know why Gust Comet and his two friends have refused their phone call and a lawyer” “Ah, yes those idiots” He replied “well when I heard about that from Cloudy Skies I had to ask those three idiots myself that same question” “And what did they tell you Solar?” Starknight asked clearly confused by Gust Chaser and his two friends decision. “They told me its because they don’t want to embarrass their folks by asking them to help them out of this”. Solar Toes replied adding, “is there anything else I can help you with sergeant? Oh, you should know that Cloudy Skies and her partner Fancy Wish-star have signed out for the night. So if you want to talk to them, they'll be in at five tomorrow night.” Hanging up the phone without a ‘thank you’ to officer Solar Toes sergeant Starknight headed back to the captain's office watching him pack his briefcase she knocked on the door jam. Looking up from his work he motioned for her to enter his office shaking her head she pulled out a chair taking a seat placing the last of his things into his briefcase Duke Whiskers sighed. “What's wrong? You look like the cat that got caught eating the canary”. “Oh, it’s nothing really it’s just that I can’t figure out why those idiots who Moonstone and I busted earlier today at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ would want to sit in jail rather than try to get out”. “I see” he replied locking his briefcase “listen don’t waste your time worrying about those idiots try to help the ones that you can and let the law and courts deal with people like those fools” gesturing towards the lobby and the rest of the precinct he and Starknight walked out of the office with Duke closing the door behind him. “Now hon-er-I mean sergeant Starknight if you don’t mind I have a pitcher of lemonade and orange juice waiting for me at home I would suggest to you that you also head home and stay off your feet for the next four days”. “Yes uncle I’ll do that” she sullenly replied. Heading back to her computer Starknight pressed the button on her shoulder radio adding, “Dispatch this sergeant Starknight I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is seventy fourty five hours”. “Roger that sergeant, ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before Starknight heard, “Alright officer you are ten - four on that you may end your shift have a good night sergeant”. Starknight made sure everything was in proper order before making her way to the women's locker room entering the locker room a few minutes later. With a very tired sigh she headed to her locker opened it and took off her duty belt. Taking her Gloc twenty-two forty caliber handgun out of its holster she set it on a bench next to her. Taking her Ruger LC9 handgun out from her holster on her left leg she set that on the bench next to her Gloc. Taking her uniform shirt off and paints off she stood in her bra and panties letting her thoughts drift back to her time in Manehatten. Opening her eyes he gaze fell to a slightly worn out photo tucked just behind the door of her locker. “Why” Starknight thought. "Why did it have to happen"? The photo showed a young girl in her mid twenties with shoulder-length purple, green and blue hair sparkling cozy sapphire eyes and soft lush lavender skin. The girl was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater over a white button down blouse and peach colored mini skirt. “God I miss you” picking up her Gloc twenty-two while still in just her underwear she took out the magazine placing it onto the bench next to her continuing to think “It should have---” her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of another gun’s slide being slid back and forth and the sound of another magazine being equipped to it. “No don’t you dare think like that Starknight” she said to herself catching another female officer's attention. “Hey kiddo, you OK honey” a soft voice shook Starknight out of her current state of mind and back to reality. “Huh? What”? Starknight replied looking into the soft warm eyes of another officer. “Hey kiddo’ it’s me Berry Chiming you know Lieutenant Shinning's cousin the ass-hat that you decked two years ago for being a pig”. Seeing how upset Starknight was Berry Chiming gently pulled her into a warm hug whispering into her ear, “I know honey, you miss her, I too miss her as well, but you do have family here and colleges that care about you”. Ending the much needed hug Starknight wiped a hand over her eyes scoffing at herself taking up her Ruger LC9 she took out the magazine placing both the gun into her locker and the magazine next to her on the bench. Giving Berry Chiming a smile Starknight sighed, “Thanks for that I ...needed that any how I need to get dressed and head home.” “Ok, well you call me if you need anything dear alright?” Berry Chiming said with a sincere smile. “Oh, before I head out I thought you might want to know there is a poker game at Nickels tomorrow night and I-er-umm”. realizing Berry Chimming was checking her out Starknight blushed replying, "go a head and say it Berry I won't say anything I promise". "Well I um, th-think you look very beautiful standing there in your undergarments" she replied her face turned beat red clearing her throat she added, "Anyways about that poker game I am sure there will be a extra chair for you that is if you want to join us, the game will be at six". "Thanks Berry" looking herself over as she stood in her bra and panties Starknight blushed, "I guess I needed someone to tell me that I was still beautiful considering all the scars I have as for that game I might take you up on that offer". Watching her leave the women's restroom Starknight returned to putting her things away putting her Ruger LC9 into her locker and picking up her gloc she slid the slide back taking out the bullet inside of it. Picking up the magazine for it she placed the single bullet into it placing both the gun and magazine separately back into her locker doing the same to her Ruger LC9. "There now that is done I just have to get dressed and be on my way" Starknight muttered to herself. Once she was satisfied that she had completed her gun safety inspection she sighed giving herself one last look over before taking out her civilian clothing. Taking a blue t-shirt out of her locker and putting it on she quickly took out a pair of blue jeans and sneakers she slipped them on and proceeded to place her uniform pants and shoes into her locker. Closing her locker Starknight headed back to the front of the precinct heading outside to her car parked across the street seeing Filthy Rich was still at the precinct she approached him. “Why are you still here Mr. Rich” she asked. “Huh, oh, the car won’t start so I am waiting for my tow truck operator to show he’ll tow it then we can leave”. “We I in any case I am glad that I caught you before you left I wanted to say I think it’s despicable with how you are treating this situation.” receiving only a harsh scoff in return she turned to leave stopping in her tracks turning around she added, “you know maybe if your daughter and Silver Spoon had a mentor someone they can look up to for guidance and support things might have turned out quite differently for them”. “Bah!” he snarled in reply “What do you know about raising a child? Nothing! How I raise my daughter and conduct my affairs are none of your damn business” Seeing a tow truck pulling up to the curb he finished, “now unless you are going to take the job of parenting these two I need to get them home so goodbye!” Shaking her head Starknight left crossing the street getting to her car a few minutes later opening the front door to her vehicle she thought, “Maybe Moonstone is right maybe I should become a mentor to someone that needs my help” getting in she started up her car continuing to think, “perhaps if I do that then the person that I help might not turn out to be like those brats Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon” pulling out into the street she said to herself, “I know just who to mentor”. A half hour passed before Starknight pulled into her driveway parked her car and headed into her home for some much needed rest. Taking off her shoes she placed them next to the front door and headed into the kitchen making herself a cup of tea. Taking the tea into the living room she sat down on her couch picking up a book reading several chapters and sipping her tea before heading to bed. August 3rd, Wednesday 5:36 pm part eighteenPulling into his driveway Mr. Macpherson put the car into park looking at the clock on the dashboard he saw it was five thirty six in the evening. Reaching over to his door console he pressed the unlock button getting out of the car. Thinking he had unlocked the back passenger side door as well and forgetting about the child safety locks he headed towards the house. “Let’s see keys, wallet cell phone” he muttered to himself, “yeah I didn’t forget anything” Opening the foyer closet he was hit with a nearly overpowering smell of rotten bird seed. Grimencing he shook his head, “I wish I had taken care of this stuff yesterday like I said I was going to” he thought, “man this stuff reeks” Shortly being followed by Fluttershy who also forgot about the child safety locks. “Dad did you remember to take out that old bird seed like you had promised mom two weeks ago” He heard Fluttershy ask, getting to the front door she opened it adding “I don’t want Sunset to be offended by that foul smell that stuff has caused” she sniffed the air frowning giving her father a flat look of disappointment., “by the smell of things I can see you didn’t do it”. “You’re right honey I forgot ...again” he replied “I’ll take care of this in a just a little bit” giving her a sheepish grin he finished, “I promise to take care of it today.'' Knowing her father's promise to take care of the bird seed really meant he would let it go for another two weeks Fluttershy decided action was clearly called for. Placing a hand over her nose Fluttershy took a hold of a trash can located at the back of the foyer dragging it outside and towards the curb she shook her head. “I can’t believe dad didn’t take care of this” she muttered to herself adding, “well at least it is taken care of now” Heading back towards the house she stopped next to the car noticing Sunset was still in the car “Why isn’t she getting out” she thought, “I better see what’s going on”. knocking on the back left passenger window she said out loud, “Why are you still in the car Sunset”? “The door is stuck” she replied, “I can’t” watching her struggle to open the door Fluttershy giggled softly hoping Sunset wouldn’t notice, “ugh, get this silly door open”. She heard Sunset finish. “Come on open up you silly door”. “Ok hold on” Fluttershy said, placing her hand on the door handle, opening the door for Sunset she finished “there now you can step out”. “I can’t believe I got stuck in your car Fluttershy” Shaking her head Sunset grabbed her backpack from the back seat groaning in irritation she grumbled under her breath, “stupid car”. “Hey now it’s not the cars’ fault you couldn’t get the door open” she heard Fluttershy begin just above a soft whisper, “if anything or anyone is actually at fault here its my father for not opening the door for you and I too am ...at fault as well because I didn’t tell you about the child safety locks”. “Why did your father put those child locks on your families car Fluttershy I mean your not a little kid?” “First my father didn’t put them onto the car Sunset they have always been there” Fluttershy replied, “and second well you see three years ago my little brother tried to jump out of the car while it was still moving.” Getting up to the house with Sunset in tow Fluttershy opened the door, adding, “So since then dad has used them and every now and then he forgets to unlock them”. Realizing her mistake and the error made by both of them Sunset began to laugh hearing her laugh Fluttershy joined in. Following Fluttershy into her house Sunset watched her open the foyer closet the pungent smell from the rotten bird seed quickly filled Sunsets nostrils. Setting her backpack down next to the door she coughed, trying hard to hide her disgust. “By the Centaurion guards” she thought, “what is that foul smell?!” Noticing Sunset was covering her nose with her hand Fluttershy offered her a sheepish grin gently laying her hands on Sunsets shoulders. Looking into Fluttershy’s eyes Sunset sighed resigning herself to deal with the foul smell coming from Fluttershy's foyer closet. Taking a breath she watched Fluttershy enter the fetid room Sunset shook her head. “I can’t believe dad didn’t air this out let alone clean it out when he had the chance” Fluttershy muttered “well no matter, I guess what is done is well ...done”. Wanting to be a polite guest Sunset kept quiet about it guessing Fluttershy already knew about it. Following Fluttershy into the foyer, she watched her take her boots off placing them onto a boot mat near the back. Kneeling Sunset began to untie her right boot stopping half way down the boot shaft standing back up a look of concern showed on her face. “Uh, F-Fluttershy you umm, more than likely don’t want me to take off my boots”. “Oh, why’s that Sunset?” she replied with a puzzled look. “Trust me Fluttershy” Sunset replied sternly “you really don’t want me to take my boots off”. Leaning against the wall of the foyer Sunset folded her arms over her chest, letting out a hard sigh. Looking away the look of concern she had a few seconds ago became a look of shame. Feeling soft warm hands gently pressing on her shoulders she looked back locking eyes with Fluttershy. “I hope she doesn’t get too upset with me for doing this” Fluttershy thought offering Sunset a warm smile she knelt untying Sunsets left boot before Sunset could protest Fluttershy moved to Sunsets right boot untying it. “I can’t believe how soft and subtle her leg feels in my hand” she continued to think placing both of her hands behind Sunsets right leg.” “I can do this by myself Fluttershy”. Sunset said with slight irritation in her voice. “Why am I enjoying the sensation of her hands around my leg?” Sunset began to think. Out loud she added, “This is causing me to become rather ...nervous Fluttershy.” Feeling Fluttershy’s warm soft hand against her calf Sunset gulped closing her eyes she began to tremble “Besides, I really don’t want to upset your parents who might not like the idea you doing this”. Ignoring her words Fluttershy gently lifted Sunset right leg out of her boot quickly followed by her left leg. Once Sunset was standing in the foyer without her boots on Fluttershy picked up Sunset’s leather boots placing them on a boot mat located a few feet from the foyer door. Taking Sunset by her hand she led her downstairs to the laundry room and bathroom. “This is our downstairs bathroom and laundry room Sunset” leading her into the laundry and shower room she added, “here you will find everything you need to take a warm relaxing shower and to do your laundry”. “Uh, o-ok” Sunset replied clearly a little nervous, thinking to herself she thought, “why is she being so nice to me none of this makes any sense?” Looking around Sunset saw a shower with sliding curtain, toilet, mirrored cabinet, linen closet and clothing rack hanging on the way above a washing and drying machine. Letting go of Sunset’s hand Fluttershy headed out of the room and around the corner into an adjacent room returning with a folding screen a few seconds later. Placing it in the middle of the room she opened it and gestured towards a wall mounted retractable clothing rack. “You go behind the folding screen and place everything you are currently wearing on the folding rack then hop into the shower”. turning to face her, she added, “I will take your coat and give it to my mother so she can sew and repair it for you” heading towards the door she stopped adding, “I’ll also go get you some warm clothing to wear tonight while you do your laundry”. “Alright” she replied stepping behind the changing screen and thinking it best to not go into too much detail about her life before she got to Equestria she continued, “I am not sure what type of soap to use for my leather coat Fluttershy though I do know how to wash my shirt and mini skirt” “You’re joking right? Sunset you do know you can’t put leather into a washing machine” Fluttershy asked clearly confused “Why would you want to wreck such a nice looking coat as this Sunset?” “Wreck my coat? Fluttershy I don’t want to wreck it I only want to clean it” Sunset replied “Besides I am sure that my coat has gotten rather dirty over the last two months so it needs to be cleaned” “Well you won’t get any arguments out of me about that Sunset”. taking Sunsets coat from the top of the changing screen Fluttershy looked it over thinking, “wow, I can’t believe how badly damaged her coat is, mom might not be able to repair this like I thought” seeing two large long tares in the back of it and several rips on both sleeves she sighed. “Sunset” Fluttershy said out loud, “I have a few things to take care before I help you with your laundry” She watched further as Sunset tossed her shirt and mini skirt over the folding rack next to the shower. “I’ll be back in a little bit”. “Ok Fluttershy” she replied. Looking at the shower itself she saw it had one single knob instead of three knobs completely unsure how to turn it on, she added, “Hey wait before you go can you tell me how I am supposed to turn on your shower Fluttershy?” “Oh, you um, turn the nozzle to the left and pull it out that should turn it on,” she replied, “Then you turn the nozzle located above the faucet to the left or right depending on how hot or cold you want the water to be”. Sliding the shower curtain to one side and doing as instructed Sunset turned it on and waited for a few minutes before sticking her hand into the shower to test the water. Feeling that the water wasn’t the right temperature she took a seat on the toilet. A few minutes went by before she stood up again testing the water a second time seeing it was still a bit too cold to the touch she frowned in irritation. Becoming rather impatient she turned the knob as far right as she could, hoping the water would heat up faster. Finally after what seemed like forever the water began to warm up breathing in the warm steam coming from the shower Sunset sat back down allowing herself to relax a bit. “This feels nice” she thought closing her eyes she let herself fall into trance light state “I wonder if Fluttershy ever does this?” “Sunset I was wondering something?” She heard Fluttershy ask, her eyes snapped open breaking her out of her relaxed trance rolling her eyes Sunset listened as Fluttershy added, “Why don’t you know how to turn on a shower?” “Fluttershy I know how to turn on a shower!” Sunset snapped grimencing she sighed “I was just unsure how to turn on this type of shower is all I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.” “It’s alright Sunset” She replied “I understand I asked a foolish question”. “No you didn’t ask a ‘foolish question’ Fluttershy there was no reason for me to snap at you” getting up Sunset stepped into the shower adding,“The style of showers that I am used to using” she closed the curtain adding, “are the ones with three knobs instead of one knob” taking a bar of soap from the shelf inside the shower she began to wash herself down, “can you tell me why you didn’t get upset for how badly my socks and for that matter how badly my clothing smells.” putting the soap away she rinsed off finishing, “I mean with me being homeless it's not like I can actually afford to pay anyone to wash my clothing”. “I don’t understand Sunset how can you be homeless when you have only been here for about six months?” wanting to know more Fluttershy added, “and for that matter why didn’t you ask for help before now? I am sure you could have gotten help before now”. “Four months prior to my current situation I had a home with a rather nice couple through them I learned much about your food, movies, places of interest, how to cook and how do laundry”. Closing her eyes Sunset thought of those that took her in during her first four months in the human world, “I have only been living on the streets for the past two months the point is Fluttershy” she bitterly added picking up a conditioner bottle, “I haven’t always been homeless” lathering up some of the conditioner she continued, “As for the for the part of why I didn’t ask for help until now I really highly doubt anyone would have actually wanted to help me”. Washing out the conditioner and wanting to change the subject, she added, “I am sorry but, I really don’t feel like talking about this any further Fluttershy.” picking up the soap again she washed herself down a second time adding, “I am sorry that my clothing stinks Fluttershy”. “Sunset” Fluttershy began taking Sunsets clothing and placing them into the washing machine“I have smelled way more foul things than your clothing” Turning to leave she added, “I’m going to take care of my stuff now Sunset I’ll be back in a little bit. Oh, Sunset what size pants do you wear?” “I must be a fool for coming here with her” she thought Sunset let the warm water wash down her body, “I know this won’t last nothing ever does.” Turning around she laid her back against the wall of the shower sliding down she pulled her legs close to her chest she began to sob. “By Centauria I wish there was someone there for me that actually wanted to take care of ...me”. Laying her head into her arms she continued, “That is why when Fluttershy is asleep I’ll simply leave” calming down a bit she shut off the water wiping a hand over her eyes “no one wanted me around then and no one wants me around now” sniffing she finished, “not ...ever”. Not hearing Sunsets words or the showering haven been turned off Fluttershy entered an adjacent room next to the room Sunset was in. She smiled seeing her little rabbit nibbling on some hay in his cage. Setting Sunsets coat down next to the cage she knelt watching her little rabbit hop about inside his cage. The cage sat on a small wooden table in the center of the room Angel Bunny playfully hopped about minding his own business and paying little attention to Fluttershy. “Alright hold on Angel Bunny I’ll let you out in a second” Fluttershy softly said adding, “then you and I can go upstairs and give mom Sunset’s coat”. Opening his cage she took him out petting his soft fury head carrying him in her arms upstairs remembering to take Sunsets coat with her. Getting upstairs a few minutes later Fluttershy carried Angel Bunny and Sunsets coat up to her room setting both down on her bed. Hearing music coming from her little brothers room located across from her own she stepped into the hallway finding her little brother in his room playing video games. “Come on, come on just a little further” Zephyr said rapidly pressing the buttons on his controller watching him for a few seconds she shook her head, “Woohoo” she listened to him yell having scored on his game “It's about time I got past that level” Deciding to leave it up to her parents to deal with him she returned to her own room walking up to her dresser and opening it. Taking out an unopened pink shirt with a red and yellow sun printed on the front of it she turned around watching Angel Bunny as he hopped off the bed landing in a laundry basket next to her bed. Setting the unopened packaged down she took out another unopened pajama package setting it on top of the first one. Closing the drawer she picked up both packages taking a seat on her bed placing both packages next to her before picking up Angel Bunny placing him next to her. “I hope I was wrong about Sunset not being able to see in color”she whispered gently petting her rabbit as he sniffed the edges of both packages she added, “but I don’t see how I could be wrong about that seeing as how she got both the color of the shirt I gave her and the color of my skirt wrong”. looking over the pajamas again she muttered to herself out loud, “these should fit Sunset nicely and I think this yellow and red sun pattern will look so cute on her as well.'' Picking up the pajamas, Sunsets coat, and her rabbit Fluttershy placed all three into her laundry basket carrying all three downstairs and into the kitchen. Finding her mother sitting at the kitchen table drinking a mug of tea Fluttershy set the basket down letting Angel Bunny hop out of the basket onto the kitchen floor much to her mother's annoyance. Mrs McPherson stood up trying hard not to step on Angel Bunny in the process setting her mug of tea down on the table. “Honestly honey why can’t you take Angel Rabbit outside where he belongs,” her mother scolded adding “A house is no place for a rabbit”. “Angel Bunny” she corrected getting an annoyed look for her mother in return clearing her throat Fluttershy continued, “Mom he doesn’t like being out in the cold” hugging Angel Bunny she added, “besides I could never just kick him out of our house,” Ending the hug she gave Angel Bunny she added “why that would be the same as kicking him out of my heart and I can’t do that” standing up while Angel Bunny started to hop all over the kitchen floor Fluttershy gave her mother a soft smile finishing, “Sunset is downstairs taking her shower I have her coat here and I was hoping you could look at it for me”. Much to Fluttershy’s shock Angel Bunny hopped upon the kitchen counter knocking over several pots and pans. Quickly placing Sunset’s coat over one of the five kitchen table chairs Fluttershy offered her mother a very sheepish grin. Hopping off the counter Fluttershy watched her rabbit hop over to the kitchen table on one of the five chairs and on top it knocking over her mother's tea mug spilling the hot tea all over the floor. Thrusting her hand out with her index finger pointed straight out Mrs. McPherson pointed to Angel Bunny who Fluttershy quickly scooped up in her arms. “Fluttershy” her mother yelped in anger “get that rabbit out of my kitchen before I turn him into a pie!” her eyes widened in shock collapsing a hand over her mouth she turned away adding, “I-I am sorry honey please forgive me” “It's alright mom I forgive you” Fluttershy said hugging Angel Bunny, “And Angel Bunny forgives you too” Looking at him she continued “Angel you didn’t mean to knock over those pots and pans or to spill mom’s tea did you sweety?” Setting him down she followed him into the living room and down the hallway toward her father's office getting to the door she opened it watching him scamper inside hiding under a large bookshelf. “I doubt you’ll get into trouble if you stay here Angel Bunny” she muttered shutting the door and returning to the kitchen a few seconds later picking up Sunsets coat she showed it to her mother, “Sunsets coat needs to be fixed I was hoping you could look at it for me mom”. “Well let's see what I am working with here honey” Taking the coat from her daughter Mrs. Macperson held it up to the light getting a really good look at it Fluttershy’s mother exclaimed, “Wow”, turning it around she held it up to the light fully looking it over “Fluttershy, honey what happened to this coat?” “Her coat got like that during the Fall Formal three days ago” finished cleaning up the mess made by her rabbit Fluttershy held the soiled cloth over the sink wringing it out. “I kinda already told Sunset that you might be able to sew it and perhaps fix it for her” “Honey I don’t know if I can fix this but I will at least try my best” she replied setting it back upon the back of the chair she added, “Listen I’ll see what I can do you run along now sweetheart, oh before you take off I noticed your altar could use some cleaning but there is no rush for this”. “Alright thanks, mom” Fluttershy said heading outside towards her altar getting up to it she saw it was covered in green algae “Yeesh if Angelic saw this she would throw a fit I know mother lets this stuff slide every now and then but this is truly a mess.” Looking up towards the sky Fluttershy saw a few grey clouds forming in the distance “I should also do a cleansing as well before I clean this off besides I don’t think it will rain tonight.” Pressing her hand to her chest she gripped a circular piece of metal hidden under her shirt whispering, “Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals, and Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature please send me a sign that I am indeed doing the right thing with Sunset Shimmer. And if it's not too much trouble could you also show Zephyr that you are indeed real?” Heading back inside she thought, “Perhaps Sunset would like to help me clean off my altar after all it might actually be fun for her to help with this”. Getting back downstairs a few minutes later Fluttershy headed into the other room and opened a closet finding several packs of hay, pellets and a mini refrigerator plugged into the wall. Opening it she took out a bag of fresh veggies. “Lets see I got his hay, pellets and veggies” she began muttering to herself “now all I need is fresh water for his dish” setting everything on top of the cage she began to head towards the laundry room stopping in her tracks, “Oh wait Sunset won’t like it if I just burst in and she is standing there without her clothing on” heading upstairs she finished, “I better get Angel a new water dish from upstairs”. “Fluttershy” she heard her little brother call out from the top of the steps “Fluttershy come quick you have got to come see this”. “Oh, what does that little pygmy twerp want now?!” she exclaimed, remembering her guest and her manners she let out a soft quick breath before adding, “Well I might as well go see what Zypher wants”. Getting back upstairs a few seconds later she saw Zephyr holding in his right hand a bag of chips quirking an eyebrow she folded her arms over her chest. Looking at his bag of chips he offered her a repentant smile quickly taking Fluttershy by the hand Zephyr led his sister to the living room window. Pointing out to the side yard he grinned wondering what he was grinning about Fluttershy peered out the window seeing seven white ravens all hopping about the yard. Each one was enjoying the bird seed left in the feeders located a few feet from the window a few splashed about in several bird baths. “Thank you so much for showing this to me Zephyr” she squealed with excitement hugging him tightly, “Do you have any idea what this means little brother?” “No I don’t and I don’t care” he scoffed wrinkling his nose he added “I showed you them because I thought you liked birds besides what's the big deal their just ravens” suddenly receiving a hug from Fluttershy he whined, “H-hey let go” struggling to free himself from his sisters embrace he finished, “Aw come on Fluttershy let go already”. “It means that the goddesses and gods are smiling upon us Zephyr and it also means that I am doing something right and it also means that they are real”. Fluttershy began ending the hug she added, “I asked the goddesses Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals, and Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature to send me a sign showing me that I was doing something right with Sunset and they did”. Counting all seven ravens one by one she finished, “there are seven of them out there and all of them are white which means Thokarae and her twin sister Kozyja are giving me seven chances to do right by Sunset Shimmer”. “Yeah well whatever Fluttershy” Zephyr scoffed “look it's bad enough that mom wants you to study that Druid stuff but do you have to get me involved as well?” turning to face her he added half mockingly “besides Fluttershy you and I both know that these goddesses and gods you and mom both enjoy speaking of are nothing more than a fantasy”. Taking a seat on the couch and much to his sister irritation he continued, “now take Zel from my latest video game if these goddesses and gods were real and I am totally saying they are not but if they were real then that is for sure a goddesses I would like to meet”. “Zephyr!” his sister exclaimed her eyes widened in shocked disbelief from her little brothers behavior, “how dare you insult them in that manner especially in my presence!” Turning to head back downstairs she added, “I will be downstairs with Sunset please try to refrain from being the pest that you are”. “Hmph” he scoffed rolling his eyes, “I’m not a pest I’m just ...different”. “Zephyr stop bugging your sister” their mother called out from the kitchen “and Fluttershy” “Yes mom” she replied. “Your brother has the right to say and think what he wants whether it is in your presence or not the goddesses and gods will judge his words accordly” coming around the corner with a concerned look on her face Mrs. Macpherson added, “There for honey it is not your place to judge your brother for his actions or words that he has spoken to you” gently pulling her daughter into a warm hug she finished, “do you understand honey?” “Yes mom I do” she replied gratefully returning the hug “I’ll be downstairs with Sunset for a little bit we’ll come up before dinner”. Ending the hug Fluttershy headed downstairs “now I need to finish cleaning out Angels cage and get him a fresh water dish”. Heading into the kitchen Fluttershy got her dish then headed back down stairs. “Baby brothers who needs them?” she scoffed placing the pajamas next to the laundry room door “I sure don’t need Zephyr he always makes me so-so mad”. Entering the room she had been in only moments ago Fluttershy set to work cleaning out Angel Bunny’s cage. Placing fresh hay into his cage and the fresh clean water dish complete with fresh cold water for him to drink. Standing up she headed towards the steps stopping when she noticed Angel Bunny was at the top of the stairs worried for his safety she tried to catch him only to completely miss. Falling to her rear she watched him land on her head, hop off and hop through a hole in the wall leading into the laundry room. “Oh, no Sunset is going throw a fit for sure” stopping in front of the laundry room door she gulped, “I do hope Sunset won’t be upset with me for doing this”. “Well I better get up there is little to no sense in moping about” Sunset thought “at least not on this cold hard floor with my head in my arms.” Having emotionally pulled herself together enough to stand up she slid the shower curtain open stepping out of the shower still dripping wet. “Though I did enjoy that shower” she muttered closing her eyes she folded her arms over her chest adding, “I should have asked Fluttershy to bring down that shirt she gave me” suddenly feeling something soft and fuzzy brush against her toes her eyes snapped open, “What the heck was that?!” she screamed, putting a hand over her heart she looked down seeing Angel Bunny hopping about the floor. “Oh, umm hi there” she finished, “how did you get in here” Hearing the laundry room door open and close she poked her head around the folding screen watching Fluttershy turn on the washer. Ducking back behind the folding screen she laughed to herself feeling a little foolish having been scared by a simple creature like a bunny. Still dripping wet and feeling the cold air on her bare skin she began to shiver, her teeth began to clatter the sound quickly caught Fluttershy’s attention. “Sunset there are fresh clean towels in the linen closet behind you” She heard Fluttershy call out to her “feel free to use one or two so you can dry off” holding up the pajamas for her to take Fluttershy finished, “Here are the warm clothes I promised you I hope you don’t mind the color pink Sunset I don’t have any other color of these to give you”. “I don't mind pink at all” she replied, muttering to herself she added, "even though I suffer from achromatopsia so I can't see anything in color at all" taking out a towel from the linen closet Sunset dried off looking up she took the pajamas from Fluttershy quickly getting dressed, “Ah yes, that is much better,” she muttered looking herself over coming out from behind the folding screen and wanting to know a little bit more Fluttershy’s pet Sunset added, “Fluttershy what is your rabbits name?” coming out from behind the changing screen she finished, “h-how do I lo-look?” “You look absolutely alluring Sunset” she replied looking her over Fluttershy watched her spin around giving a noticeable whistle. “I think those clothes suit you nicely” Watching Sunset take a seat on the cold hard floor she took a seat across from her adding “My bunnies name is Angel Bunny and he is a Blanc De Hotot” feeling him sniff her hand she gently reached out softly stroking his fury head, “when your ready would you like to hold him for a little bit Sunset”? Blinking in disbelief Sunset gulped clearly showing signs she was completely unsure what to do or say. Gently picking up her bunny Fluttershy carefully held him in her arms kneeling in front of Sunset who looked slightly worried Fluttershy placed her pet into Sunsets arms. Softly slowly stroking his fury body Fluttershy sat back down watching Sunset hold him clearly unsure what to do next. “What do I do now Fluttershy”? Sunset asked. “Well Sunset” she replied “you can either hold him like you are doing now or you can gently stroke his fur with your hand allowing the warmth of his little body to fill you with good feelings and happy thoughts”. “Like this?” Sunset stroked Angel Bunnies fury body making sure to hold him gently but firmly in her arms keeping his rump on her right forearm and his head against her left shoulder. “Am I doing this right Fluttershy? I feel like I am going to drop him and I don’t want to do that”. “Yes you are doing fine.” watching Sunset gently stroke Angel Bunnies furry body she added, “Doesn’t it feel good to be lulled into a relaxing state of mind”. “Yes it does feel good to hold a bunny in my arms” unsure of what to say next she added, “what do I say” looking down she began to mutter to herself, “oh, come on Sunset there has to be something you can say to her to show her you are grateful to hold this bunny in your arms” Catching Fluttershy's attention Sunset looked up her eyes widened knowing Fluttershy had heard every word she said slightly gulping she continued, “Fluttershy Kirimvoāīē Bin'ühva” receiving a very confused look from Fluttershy she finished, “Did I say something wrong Fluttershy?” Blinking a couple of times Fluttershy slightly tilted her head to the right trying to figure out what Sunset had just said to her. Pressing a finger to her own lips she tapped her lower lip chewing on her lower lip and index finger. Looking down she closed her eyes reminding herself that Sunset had spoken to her about being able to speak more than one language. “Sunset I know you said to me something about being able to speak other languages” finally looking back up she finished, “but can you please tell me what you were trying to say to me a few moments ago”. “Oh I um-er I mean” realizing her mistake Sunset looked away trying hard not to show her shame and disesteem, feeling a soft hand under her chin she looked back seeing only friendship showing in Fluttershy’s eyes. “I was trying” Sunset began “to tell how you much I appreciate you allowing me to hold your severvent” “Severvent? Sunset, Angel Bunny is my friend not my servant” seeing a look of perplexed concern and confusion Fluttershy gently laid her hand on Sunsets right knee adding, “Tell you what, how about you teach me your native language and in return I’ll help you to become better at knowing what too actually say to someone and how to say it” “Ok that sounds like it might work” Sunset replied “and Fluttershy I am sorry I thought Angel Bunny was a servant” “That’s alright I know you are struggling right now and I forgive you” Fluttershy replied. Standing up Fluttershy motioned for Sunset to join her bringing her and Angel Bunny into the room adjacent to the laundry room hearing the washer buzzer go off she quickly added, “You and Angel Bunny stay here while I transfer your clothing into the dryer I’ll be right back in just a few seconds”. Heading out of the room Fluttershy returned a few minutes later opening the closet she took out a small bag of carrots handing one to Sunset.“Here we can use these as treats for Ang---” Thinking Fluttershy was offering her something to eat Sunset took the carrot in her hands taking a bite out of it “Did you just eat that carrot Sunset?” Fluttershy asked “please tell me you didn’t just eat that carrot”. “Yes I did it was really good” Sunset replied, “I thought you were offering me something to eat so I ate it” hearing her own stomach churn, grumble and growl she laid a hand over her stomach adding, “Sorry Fluttershy I was thinking with my stomach and not with my head”. “Its alright Sunset” handing her another carrot she continued, “now this one is for Angel Bunny alright?” taking a seat on the warm soft carpeted floor she added, “Now Sunset instead of saying what you said only a few minutes ago, why don’t you say ‘Thank you’ that is what is normally said when someone wants to show their appreciation towards someone else or for receiving something” clearing her throat she added, “case in point” gesturing towards Sunsets hand and the carrot she finished, “the carrot”. “What? Oh, um” looking at the carrot Sunset added, “Uh, th-thank you for the um food”. Receiving an expectant look from Fluttershy she continued, “Thank you for the uh, er-umm clothing and shower” realizing she had forgotten something but unsure what it was she looked down finishing,“I’m never going to get this to work am I Fluttershy?” “Yes you will Sunset you just have to work on it a little bit” wanting to know a little bit more about her Fluttershy added, “So what does Kiri mvo āīē Bin' ühva mean anyways Sunset?” Hearing Fluttershy accurately speak the words she herself had said only a few seconds ago Sunset decided to start teaching Fluttershy her native language. “It means ‘I and your servant are forever one’ the word ‘Kiri’ means ‘I’, in my natative language, the word ‘mvo’ means ‘and your’ likewise the word ‘aie’ means ‘servant’. Just as the word ‘bin’ means ‘one’ and the last word ‘uhva’ means ‘forever’ so when you put it all together, it sounds like this ‘Kirimvo āīēBin' ühva’. So what you are saying to someone when you say this to them is that you are offering to serve them forever as you are now that person's personal severant” looking at the carrot she added, “now you try Fluttershy” holding up the carrot she continued “vi^sut” “Ok but before I try it I want you to know Sunset that I would never offer to become someone else’s servant because to me at least that sounds an awful like slaverly” Looking at the carrot in Sunsets hand Fluttershy replied, “carrot” receiving a nod she added, “so the word vi^sut means carrot am I correct in this Sunset?” Choosing to let Fluttershy’s words to her go Sunset replied, “Yes, however, if you drop ‘ut’ at the end of that word it becomes something else entirely so if I were to say to you ‘vi^s’ I would be instead saying ‘fork’ rather than carrot”. Sunset thought to herself, “I am so glad she is not in the land that I am from she wouldn’t last five minutes there she would be sent to the coliseum and that would be that for her”. “Okay let me try” taking a breath Fluttershy closed her eyes slowly opening them she continued, “Vi^s” “Very good Fluttershy” Sunset replied. “I really like being able to teach you my native language.” pressing a finger to her chin, she continued, “I was wondering Fluttershy can you tell me how to respond to someone else when they have said the word ‘thank you’ to me?” watching Angel Bunny hop out of the room and into the short hallway she added, “I still find it hard to believe he isn’t a servant”. “Trust me Sunset my bunny is no ones servant” Fluttershy added, “and in this world you would say ‘you're welcome’ or ‘you are welcome’ getting up she finished, “Sunset you really do need to understand that Angel Bunny is my friend perhaps my only ...friend” “Whoa wait a minute Fluttershy” she replied her eyes widened in shock, standing up herself Sunset added, “what about Rainbow Dash, Applejack Sower, Rarity Gentry and Pinkamena Diane Pie I thought they were your friends”. “While they are my friends now Sunset” Fluttershy replied heading out into the hallway to check on Angel Bunny she continued, “I am afraid to tell you this but not one of them was there for me when” looking down she finished, “well you know”. “Yeah ...I ...know”. Finding Angel Bunny just past the laundry room door Sunset knelt picking him giving him a hug “I really don’t deserve to be in your home or to be anywhere near you” “Let’s face it Sunset you were pretty awful to me” taking a seat on the floor with Angel Bunny still in Sunsets arms Fluttershy watched Sunset sit down in front of her, Fluttershy added, “I didn’t like it when you bullied me Sunset. It made me feel less of a person and more like a coward all those times you said mean things to me I wanted to say mean things back”. Swallowing hard and fighting back her tears she finished, “The reason I didn’t is because I knew that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to come back from that.'' “And all the while you kept backing down I kept enjoying it seeing you cower before me made me feel better about ...myself” Setting Angel Bunny down Sunset fought back her tears letting out a languished sigh of frustration and anger at her behavior before and during the Fall Formal. “Fluttershy I don’t know how else to atone for what I did to you other than to beg your forgiveness even though I know I am not worthy of a second chance”. Looking at Sunsets face and into her eyes Fluttershy saw a look of pure profound sadness and regret carved on her face and in her eyes. Watching her Sunset stand back up Fluttershy quickly got up as well following Sunset into the laundry room she watched her check her laundry clearly fighting back her tears. Wanting to help her Fluttershy laid her hands on Sunsets shoulders pulling her into a very much needed warm hug. “Hey don’t worry about it Sunset” Fluttershy spoke softly into Sunsets ear just above a whisper, “You are more than on your way to gaining new friends and becoming a new, better and much happier person”. Holding her dry clothing in her hands Sunset returned the hug feeling safe and secure in Fluttershy’s arms. Ending the hug Sunset sniffed folding up her laundry heading back into the room she sat back down on the floor with Angel Bunny hopping into her lap. “I don’t feel as if I am ‘on the way to gaining new friends and becoming a new, better and much happier person’ in fact I feel like I am always going to be like this” Sunset said placing her laundry down next to her, trying hard to contain her tears she added, “I wish I knew why Twilight just left me in this world instead of taking me back to Equestria but the answer is obvious I was clearly exiled”. “That will be quite enough of that Sunset Shimmer!” Flutteshy rebuked trying to hide her anger towards Sunset for having put herself down again “Listen to me it doesn’t matter what Twilight has or has not done. What does matter is what you do with your second chance that you are right now this very second being given” scooting over to her Fluttershy looked directly into Sunsets eyes seeing Sunsets eyes were becoming teary Fluttershy added, “So tell me Sunset Shimmer are you going to waste this second chance by spending all your time moping about feeling sorry for yourself or are you actually going to get off your rear and do something about this?'' “I don’t know” she replied, pulling her legs in close to her chest Sunset folded her arms over her knees continuing, “it just hurts knowing that she sent Twilight to retrieve the crown and didn’t bother coming herself” feeling her jaw beginning to tremble Sunset continued as best as she could, “I wanted it to be her to come after me so I could finally tell her how hurt I was when she turned her back on me all I wanted was----” her words trailed off wiping a hand over her eyes she calmed down a bit she finished, “I’m being selfish, here I am in your house as your guest and all I do is pour my heart out to you”. “It’s alright Sunset I really don’t mind at all” Fluttershy replied, adding, “but you shouldn’t put yourself down like that it doesn’t do you any good at all”. Wanting to change the subject before she could no longer contain her tears Sunset looked around for anything to talk about all she was able to find was Angel Bunny. Watching him hop out of her lap and sprawl across the floor with his hind legs facing Fluttershy and his little head facing her she gently caressed his soft fury head. “I am a little confused about one thing though Fluttershy why doesn’t Angel Bunny have any antlers?” she asked slowly petting Angel Bunny “I was also wondering if all bunnies are this soft and as well tempered as Angel Bunny is?” “Antlers? Sunset” Fluttershy giggled “he’s a rabbit not a deer.” watching Sunset slowly softly pet Angel Bunny she continued, “Hares and rabbitsare both in a family called Leporidae, but they’re separate species. Both animals have long ears, powerful back legs, and a divided upper lip. However, hares are larger than rabbits. And, instead of creating burrows, hares make nests in the grass. The exposed nesting sites of hares hint at another big difference—when they’re born” a bit confused by her first question Fluttershy continued, “Sunset why did you want to know why Angel Bunny doesn’t have antlers?” “I asked because where I am from most rabbits have antlers sticking out of their heads at least the ones that wound up on the---” her voice trailed off thinking it best to not push the issue any further and not wanting to upset Fluttershy, she changed the subject, “So um, ca-can go get something to eat I am getting rather hungry”. “Sure thing Sunset” Getting up Fluttershy held her hand out to Sunset taking Fluttershy’s soft, warm hand into her own Sunset let Angel Bunny hop out of her arms and around the corner. “come on Sunset let's go see if dad has ordered dinner yet”. Heading towards the stairs Fluttershy suddenly stopped causing Sunset to bump into her, “Oh, wait I forgot about Angel Bunny I can’t let him stay down here without supervision”. Wanting to help and show she had started to change her behavior Sunset turned around as Angel Bunny hopped into the laundry room. Rolling her eyes she sighed following him into the laundry room watching him hopping about the floor. Angel Bunny hopped towards the shower sniffing the edge of it then hopped back towards Sunset stopping half way between her and the shower. “Hey you” she said kneeling, “Fluttershy said you can’t be down here without supervision so that means you need to come upstairs with the two of us” Holding her arms out she watched him tentatively hop towards her “There you go little guy” she added gently wrapping her arms around him, “see I won’t hurt you”. Picking him up she carried him out of the laundry room placing him into Fluttershy’s arms softly petting his head. Both girls upon getting upstairs found Fluttershy’s parents and little brother watching Tv setting Angel Bunny down Fluttershy sat down next to him petting him. Picking up the Tv remote Mr. Machperson pressed the mute button much to Zephyr’s annoyance. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy begin “I know you have already met my father and you met my mother at school two days ago” gesturing towards her little brother Fluttershy continued,“the little lump on the couch there is my little brother ...Zephyr” Leaning in she whispered in Sunset’s ear, “don’t pay any attention to my little brother I don’t”. Taking a seat on the couch Fluttershy patted the open space between her and Zephyr. Unsure what to do Sunset tentatively sat down “Now that you both are up here I will order our food” turning his attention to Sunset he added, “Sunset would you like to watch a movie or game show?” “Uh, ok” she replied remembering Fluttershy’s words to her about ‘you’re welcome and ‘thank you’ she continued, “I would like to say thank you for allowing me into your home tonight”. “Sunset dear you are very welcome” Fluttershy’s mother began “we really do appreciate having you here so please feel free to come over as much as you want”. “Yes my wife is right Sunset please feel free to call our home your home” Mr. Machperson chimed in adding, “I am sure if Fluttershy has anything to say about it your going to feel right at home here” Taking out his phone he added, “I know you Fluttershy want a vegan pizza as you are a vegan” turning his attention to Sunset he added, “Sunset what would you like to have?” “Huh?” Half heartedly pointing to herself she added, “Wh-who me?” feeling Fluttershy nudge her side she finished, “well that is I um-er- I don’t know”. “Yes dear” Mrs. Macperson pleasantly stated, “What would you like on your pizza?” “Oh, I um, er-is it alright if I get a veggie pizza I don’t eat meat oh, is it also alright if there are no nuts on it as I am allergic to nuts?” swallowing hard she thought to herself, “I can’t believe it Fluttershy’s parents are actually offering to buy food for me?” “Of course it is alright Sunset” Mr. Macperson replied. “And don’t worry about there being any nuts on your pizza Sunset for you see pizza doesn’t normally come with nuts at least not that I know of that is”. “Hello this Cinnamon Goll with Pizza Buy n’go how may I take your order?” “This is Onyx McPherson I would like to order five large pizzas please.” Fluttershy’s father began “One will be a vegan pizza, the second will have Canuckistan bacon and pineapple.” Picking up the remote Mr. Macperson set it into an end table next to him taking out his wifes knitting supplies handing them to her he continued, “the third one will be stuffed crust with black olives, onions, green peppers, and extra cheese. The fourth one will have sausage, green olives and jalapenos the last pizza will be a veggie pizza”. Taking out his credit card he finished, “Do you need my credit card number ma’am?” “No sir I don’t need your credit card number I see you have ordered from us many times before” “Oh, ok” he replied, adding “how much will it all come to?” “The total comes to ninety four dollars and fifty cents that also includes the tip to the driver which is twenty dollars and a ten dollar delevery fee.” hearing groaning on his end of the phone she finished, “Oh, I forgot there is also a thirty dollar gas fee your order will be ready in about forty five minutes and will be delivered within twenty five minutes after that.'' Shaking his head, Mr. McPherson hung up his phone letting out a rough sigh feeling his wife jab his side he quickly remembered his manners. Taking the Tv remote out from the end table he un-muted the Tv grumbling under his breath another jab to his ribs from his wife quickly ended any further protest he might have had. “Everything OK dad” Fluttershy asked clearly concerned “is there anything I can do to help” “N-no honey everything is alright” glancing outside he added, “hey how about you show Sunset our backyard I am sure she would love to see it”. Seeing Sunset didn’t have any slippers on he added, “oh, wait before you go out there let me get something for Sunset to wear on her feet while you both are out there”. Getting up he headed into his office returning a few minutes with a four white shoe boxes placing them in front of Sunset he finished, “my wife and I buy these in gross in case any of our daughters uh, furry friends decides to play with them” Opening the first box Sunset saw a pair of pink fuzzy slippers taking them out she looked them over smiling. Seeing they were size twelve in teen age girls she put them on standing up she walked around a bit making sure they were comfortable enough for her feet. Sitting back down and hearing Fluttershy clear her throat Sunset blinked confused by Fluttershy's action she quickly gave Fluttershy a passing glance. “Uh Sunset the slippers” Fluttershy leaned forward whispering in Sunsets ear adding, “you forgot to thank my father for giving you those slippers”. “Oh, your right” Sunset whispered back quickly turning her attention fully to Mr. McPherson she stood up clearing her throat, “Thank you sir for the slippers they are most comfortable”. Sitting back down Sunset let out a quick short sigh, thinking, “I’ll need to work on that”. Getting up her self Fluttershy took Sunsets hand into her own leading her through the kitten into out onto the deck and into the backyard. Looking around Sunset saw a fenced in yard with several bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths lining most of the outer rim of the backyard. Walking around a bit she saw several oak, ash, weeping willow and spruce trees throughout Fluttershy’s backyard. Getting close to one of the oak trees she saw it had several ornate carvings in its bark looking at the other trees she saw each one had ornate ornaments hanging from the branches. “This is a very beautiful backyard Fluttershy” Sunset said watching several birds fly down from the trees and land in one of the birdbaths noticing two stone pillars with a stone slab across them pointing to it, she added, “Hey Fluttershy what’s that stone bench for if I may ask”? “Stone bench” she replied, looking in the direction that Sunset was pointing in she continued, “Oh this?” still fuming by her little brothers insulting words to her she thought “I’ll show that little twerp that the goddesses and gods are indeed real” turning to face Sunset out loud Fluttershy added, “It's not a bench Sunset though now that you mention it, I can see how you might confuse it for one, it's actually my altar.” walking up to it she laid her hand over the smooth marble surface finishing, “I need to wash and clean it before I pray to the goddesses and gods for giving my family a bountiful meal for our dinner tonight and for sending you to me”. “I don’t understand Fluttershy what did you mean by sending ‘you to me’ that really doesn’t make much sense” “Oh, after we all headed home the night of the Fall Formal I came out here and prayed for a fiend for you to show you the way to friendship.” listening to the birds chirp and ravens caw she continued, “I didn’t know that the goddesses and gods would actually send you to me and that I would be the one to become your friend but I am glad they did because you clearly need a friend” remembering Sunsets words to earlier in the week she added, “though we are only acquaintances right now I look very much forward to the day that I can call you ‘my friend’ Sunset.” leaning and whispering into Sunsets ear she finished, “I am more than just a little certain Sunset that day when I can call you my friend is indeed coming soon”. Not wanting to hurt Fluttershy’s feelings Sunset gulped recalling her very painful past before she had met Princess Celestia or had ever gone to Equestria. Deciding not to talk about it she instead approached the alater looking it over she saw two Obsidian Stone candlesticks each one with a green candle in it. She watched Fluttershy begin to walk around the altar in a clockwise motion with both her hands held above her head her eyes closed. “To all the goddesses and gods I know my altar is not clean but I humbly ask that you look past that.” feeling a soft breeze blowing through her hair she continued, “I hear by, call upon the goddess Danu to guide me in all things pertaining to life and teacher of knowledge come and cleans my alatar.” bowing her head she continued, “I call upon the ancient goddesses and gods to thank them for all that they have given my family and for sending Sunset to me”. “Uh, Fluttershy what you doing?'' she asked. “And what is a goddess or god?” Hearing a door open and close behind her Sunset heard Mrs. McPherson whisper, “Shh” turning around she looked into Mrs. McPherson's eyes, “please Sunset don’t interrupt Fluttershy while she is cleansing her sacred altar a druid must never be interrupted while doing this for it could go very badly for them and for the one that interrupts them” Stepping next to her Mrs. McPherson finished, “She should be done cleansing the altar in just a few minutes after she is done then you can ask her your questions”. “Alright and I am sorry I didn’t mean to be rude to her or to your family”. Sunset replied. “It’s alright dear you didn’t know and there is no need to apologize you did absolutely nothing wrong” turning to head back inside Mrs. McPherson glanced upwards seeing the sky above beginning to darken a storm was clearly coming, “I do wish Fluttershy had chosen a better day” she added “to cleanse her altar it looks like it is going to rain”. Looking up herself Sunset saw the same darkening sky that Mrs. McPherson had seen looking back down she watched Fluttershy for a few more minutes. Fluttershy stood perfectly silent with her arms held out in front of her before bringing her hands together with a loud clap. Taking three steps backwards Fluttershy turned around her eyes opened a pleasant smile showed on her soft angelic face letting out a few breaths she walked over to Sunset nodding to her. “I heard what you asked Sunset while I was cleansing my altar I am sorry that I wasn’t able to stop what I was doing in order to answer your questions”. Heading towards her house she stopped just at the threshold of the doorway turning to face Sunset she added, “now to answer your first question Sunset, ‘what are you doing?’. That is simple I was sending my energy or soul into my altar and asking for the goddesses and gods to whom I pray each day to send me someone that will make sure my altar remains pure of good energy. ” Entering the house she with Sunset in tow continued, “to answer your second question ‘what is a goddess or god’ well that is going to be a little harder to explain. A goddess or god is a female and or male deity. Goddesses and gods alike have been linked with virtues such as beauty, love, motherhood, fatherhood and fertility. They have also been associated with ideas such as war, creation, and death. In some faiths, a sacred female or male figure holds a central place in religious prayer and worship” Entering the kitchen she finished, “would you like to help me clean and wash my altar Sunset?” “Sure thing but there is something I would like to ask you before we start Fluttershy” she replied following Fluttershy into the house and into the kitchen she added, “your father said that you are something called a ‘vegan’ and your mother said that you are a ‘Druid’ so my question is which one are you Fluttershy? Druid or Vegan?” Trying hard to contain her laughter Fluttershy took out a bucket, dish detergent, latex rubber gloves and two sponges. Setting the bucket into the sink she turned on the faucet placing the detergent on the counter next to the sink. Moving over to a cabinet next to the sink she took out two towels handing them to Sunset. “Sunset” she began trying not to giggle though as Sunset observed Fluttershy was clearly failing. “you and I are going to have the most cherished friendship”. Getting a rather confused look from Sunset clearing her throat, Fluttershy continued, “alright the word ‘vegan’ means I don’t eat animal products of any kind this includes dairy products such as cheese, milk, butter or anything made from animals”. Turning to face Sunset and receiving a nod from her Fluttershy further continued, “Alright the word ‘Druid’ refers to what religion I study and there are many different ones to choose from.” adding some soap to the hot water and putting away the bottle she finished, “ however I find that practicing an earth based religion that teaches that all life is sacred is the right choice for me though it might not be the right choice for other people”. “I think I understand Fluttershy though I might come to you in a few days from now with some questions” Sunset replied adding, “uh, if that is alright with you Fluttershy”. “Of course that is alright with me besides Sunset how else are you supposed to learn?” Fluttershy replied looking at everything she took out from the kitchen cabinet she added, “let’s see we have a bucket, clean hot soapy water, spongages, rubber gloves and towels I think we have everything we need to clean my altar”. Taking the towels from Fluttershy, Sunset followed her back outside several birds chirped in the trees as the wind began to pick up a bit. Fluttershy placed the bucket in front of her altar looking over her altar once more before placing a hand to her own chest gripping the hidden piece of metal under her shirt. Taking it out she revealed it was a tree of life necklace closing her eyes Fluttershy breathed in the cool night air opening her eyes she smiled to Sunset. “Thank you for helping with this Sunset”. “You are welcome Fluttershy” handing her the towels she added, “did I say that correctly Fluttershy?” receiving a confirming nod she finished, “what is the first thing we need to do to clean your altar Fluttershy?” “Now in order to clean the altar I need to take the candles off of it and then we need to scrub every inch of it after that we need to dry the altar with the towels.” Taking the candles off the altar she added, “Sunset once we are done doing this can you teach more of your native language?” “Yeah I’ll teach you some more once we are done,” she replied, dipping her sponge into the warm soapy water wringing it out a bit she finished, “which side do you want me to start on Fluttershy?” “Let me take the candles off of the altar first then you can take the right side and I’ll take the left” she replied picking up the candles and setting them down in front of the altar, she added, “once the altar is clean and dried off I’ll make an offering to the goddesses and gods to thank them for giving us a bountiful meal tonight”. Pressing her sponge to the left side of the altar she began to wash it with Sunset following suit. Looking up while she and Fluttershy both washed the altar Sunset saw the clouds above looked even more foreboding than before. Quickly looking back down she finished scrubbing and cleaning the altar standing up a few minutes later she took one of the towels hanging in the trees placing it to the wet stone. Fluttershy having gotten done with her side of the altar also stood up taking the second towel from the trees pressing it to the stone as well. Ten minutes passed without incident as both girls dried the altar. “Alright now that your altar is washed, cleaned and dried off is there anything else you need help with Fluttershy”? She asked clearly wanting to do more for her Sunset added “Perhaps I could make you something to eat or drink “Hmm” putting her towel back onto the tree to dry she pressed a finger to her chin, “uh not that I know of later on tonight and hopefully” looking up she looked at the darkening sky above adding, “before it rains I’ll make an offering to the goddesses and gods to thank them for sending my family the bountiful meal that you and I are about to enjoy”. “Fluttershy, Sunset” both girls heard Mrs. Macperson call to them from the sliding door “the pizza will be here in just a few minutes better come in and wash up”. “Alright mom” Fluttershy called back. “Well we should head inside now Sunset”. Getting up to the sliding door she added, “I do have a question for you” “Sure what is it Fluttershy” Sunset replied. “You said that you are allergic to peanuts but I have not seen you wear a medical bracelet” opening the door and stepping inside with Sunset following she added, “did you lose yours or have you never actually had one before until now?” “I don’t have the bits to buy one of those Fluttershy” she replied, adding, “due to this I never actually had one”. Getting inside Sunset and Fluttershy both washed up at the kitchen sink, “as much as I would like to get one as well as any medication that by the horn of Centrix forbid should anything actually happen to me I simply can’t”. Both girls took a seat on the couch with Mrs. Macperson taking Sunsets coat into her sewing room wanting to know if she could help Sunset got up following Fluttershy’s mother into the sewing room. “Umm, I w-was wondering if you needed any h-help with my uh, coat?” Laying Sunsets coat out on a sewing board in front of her Mrs. Macpherson pleasantly smiled to Sunset. “Actually yes, Sunset I could use your help” she replied, adding “can you open the third drawer from the cabinet behind you and take out the leather and cloth scraps for me?” taking up her sewing needle she tapped it a couple of times against the board. “Sure thing Mrs. Macperson” Sunset replied, doing as instructed Sunset turned around opening the third drawer to a cabinet she found behind her. “Let’s see” she muttered to herself, “leather and cloth straps, hmmm” her gaze fell to a small plastic bag at the bottom of the drawer picking it up she turned handing it to Fluttershy's mother, “is this what you need Mrs. Macpherson?” “Yes dear these will do lovely” she replied taking the bag from Sunset adding, “now all I need to do is measure the rips and see what I can do here.'' Taking up her measuring tape Fluttershy’s mother measured each rip and tear jotting down each one on a piece of paper. “Alright that should do it, yes I think that will do rather nicely.” she muttered to herself, adding, “now for the hard part”. “Oh, what’s that?” Sunset asked clearly interested. “I have to move everything back into place and if I miss a space or something doesn't line up it could ruin your coat” she replied. “Now let’s take care of the biggest hole first shall we?” Using the dull end of her needle, Mrs. Macperson positioned the torn leather of Sunsets coat back into place as best as she could. Making sure to apply a piece of scotch tape over the tear to hold the leather in position.“there we go that should hopefully hold long enough for me to get a new piece of leather onto this”. “Wow that’s really cool” Sunset chimed in adding, “do you think I could perhaps learn how to do this Mrs. Macpherson?” “I don’t see why not Sunset dear” Turning Sunsets leather coat inside out Fluttershy’s mother quickly located the area of the tear from the interior. “This actually doesn’t look as bad as I thought it did” Checking to see if Sunsets coat was lined, Mrs. Macperson traced the lining with her finger to the beginning of the first intal tear. “Alright now I just have to mark that spot and I should be able to start adding in the patches” . “Is there anything else I can do to help you with this in the meantime” Sunset asked, hearing a soft cough behind her she turned around seeing Fluttershy standing behind her. “Oh, Fluttershy I was umm”. Smiling Fluttershy took Sunsets hands into her own locking eyes with her, “you were doing exactly what I thought you were going to be doing Sunset” she said, adding, “being helpful, being polite and taking an interest in something other than yourself” giving Sunset a hug, “you see Sunset, you are on your way to becoming a different person”. Whispering into Sunsets ear and hoping her mother wouldn’t hear her Fluttershy finished, “it doesn’t matter that you are homeless I will always be there for you I promise”. “Thank you Fl-Fluttershy” She replied returning the hug. “Why don’t you two run along and go watch a movie with Zephyr while I finish this” Fluttershy’s mother chimed in, “Sunset I’ll leave your coat on the couch when it is done alright?” Sunset nodded to Fluttershy’s mother, Mrs. Macperson watched both girls head back out into the living room, “That poor girl she needs a home and someone to take care of her.'' Shutting the door Mrs. McPherson took out her cell phone dialing a number she held it to her ear waiting for the person she called to pick up. Returning to her work she waited for a few minutes before the person she had called picked up. “Hello this is Rosy Peddle” “Yes hello Rosy” she replied, “this is Dahlia McPherson I am calling in regards to a friend of my daughter’s her name is Sun---” “Sunset Shimmer”Rosy replied interrupting Mrs. McPherson adding, “yes, I am already aware of her Dahlia” she finished, “I got a call earlier this week about her from a police officer by the name of Starknight Justice.” “Oh, then you must already be aware that she is apparently homeless?” Mrs. Macpherson asked. “Yes, I am well aware of that, therefore I will be meeting with her at CHS on Monday at three I’ll be calling her principal tomorrow morning” wanting to know a little more on her end Rosy added, “Do you know if anyone has told Sunset yet that I’ll be meeting with her on Monday?” “I honestly don’t know my daughter hasn’t said anything”. Mrs. Macperson added, “do you want me to ask either Sunset or Fluttershy about this Rosy?” “No don’t do that! Dahlia listen to me carefully please. if you flat out ask Sunset if she is aware that I will be calling upon her she might react badly to it and there for refuse my help.”Feeling the need to explain herself Rosy continued, “These things need to be handled carefully push a child to hard and they shut down refusing to cooperate. However, if you hold your hand out and offer your help with sincere kindness to that child they will accept your help and not turn away from you”. “Alright thank you Rosy I’ll keep that in mind” Mrs. Macperson added, “I need to go now I’ll talk with you later thank you for the information”. Hanging up she continued to work on Sunsets coat for another few minutes thinking to herself, “I do hope Rosy can help Sunset find a good home perhaps Rosy can even make it possible for Sunset to stay here with us.” Entering the living room a few minutes after her phone call with Rosy Peddle, Mrs. McPherson found Fluttershy sitting to Sunsets right on the couch watching a movie. Zephyr sat next to Fluttershy on her right amusing himself by poking his sister in her ribs just below her chest. Fluttershy did her best to ignore him clearly showing signs she was very quickly losing her patience with her little brother. Not wanting a fight to break out between her two children, especially in front of a guest Mrs. Macperson took Zephyr by the arm leading him into the kitchen. “Aw mom” he whined, “I was just having a bit of fun with Fluttershy” “No! Young man what you were doing was annoying your sister and you know it would have lead to a fight” she scolded “now we have a guest in our home one whom I hope will stay here for as long as possible now I fully expect you to apologize to your sister for you’re behavior.” “But mom Fluttershy won’t let me watch Ape Ponies and Star Command’ “I don’t care what Fluttershy will or will not let you do young man you do as I tell you too and you apologize for your behavior”. Seeing her husband, Sunset and Fluttershy enter the kitchen with Mr. Macperson carrying all five pizza boxes in his hands she added, “Honey do you want to add to this?” “I wasn’t there to see it myself” turning his attention to his son Mr. Macpehson added, “however Zephyr I do agree fully with your mother you need to apologize for whatever it is that you did” frowning he crossed his arms over his chest finishing, “and you need to do it now young man” “Oh, alright I’ll tell her that I am sorry” he replied clearly not happy about it, watching Fluttershy and Sunset both enter the kitchen he added, “Fluttershy I am sorry I was bothering you” “I accept your apology Zephyr” she replied, Getting out five plates and setting them on the table next to the pizza boxes Mr. Macperson pursed his lips together, trying not to show his irritation towards his son in front of Sunset. Taking out five cups Fluttershy set them down next to the pizza boxes filling four out of the five with soda looking to Sunset she smiled finishing, “Sunset would you like soda, juice or milk with your pizza tonight?” Fluttershy asked “Thank you” remembering Fluttershy’s lesson about thanking someone she added, “Soda would be nice Fluttershy”. Receiving a cup full of soda from Fluttershy, Sunset headed into the living room taking a seat on the couch “thank you all for allowing me to eat with you and your family”. “You are most welcome Sunset dear” Fluttershy’s mother replied picking up the remote she added, “what type of movie would you like to watch tonight Sunset?” “Umm,” putting a finger to her chin, she added, “how about one about a mistry such as trying to find a hidden treasure or sanctorium”. Turning the tv on Mrs. Macpherson clicked through the movie guide before selecting a movie that was rated G. A storm began to brew outside Zephyr turned his attention towards the living room window watching the storm pick up. Getting up he continued to watch the storm seeing all the birds and animals run for shelter he chuckled to himself catching his father's attention. “What’s so funny son” His father asked having heard his son’s laughter and wanting to know what caused Zephyr to laugh. “looks like a storm is coming dear we better get ready to head downstairs in case it gets worse”. “Alright” Mrs. Macperson replied as her husband returned to his seat on the couch “I think there might be a flash light in the kitchen though I am not sure I’ll check in a little bit now honey come sit back down and enjoy the show I am sure the storm will pass quickly and there won’t really be any need for me to get that flashlight.” Lightning flashed violently across the sky thick heavy rain began to fall trying to ignore the storm brewing outside Fluttershy did her best to enjoy the show. Watching the program play out she took a sip of her soda setting it down hearing a loud thunderclap over head she jumped in fright nearly spilling her soda on Sunset. Giving her a confused look Sunset gently took Fluttershy’s cup from her setting it back down on the Tv tray in front of herself. “Hey you alright?” she asked seeing Fluttershy was clearly not alright she added “it's only thunder”. Hearing another loud boom overhead Fluttershy shivered clearly showing signs she was anything but alright another loud thunderclap boomed over head. The power much to Fluttershy’s building anxiety went out causing her to let out a scream quickly but gently Sunset placed her arms around Fluttershy’s body pulling her into a much needed warm, safe hug. Fluttershy’s father got up again grumbling under his breath almost knocking over his Tv tray Mrs. Macperson also got up heading as best as she could into the kitchen. “Alright nobody move we’ll take care of this” he called out, “I’ll go see if I can get the power back on” “I’ll get a flashlight out of the kitchen Zephyr please stay away from the windows I mean it young man.” Fluttershy’s mother called out from the darkness in the kitchen “Sunset dear stay with Fluttershy we don’t want you to get hurt while we get the power back on” “Aw mom I want to go out and see the storm” Zephyr replied, “besides I doubt anything will actually happen”. “Zephyr you heard mom stay put!” Fluttershsy cried out still being held warmly and safely in Sunsets arms “Mom and dad should have the power back on soon ….I hope”. Grouping around as best as she could while she stumbled through the darkness in the kitchen her fingers finally found what she was looking for. Opening a dawar Fluttershy’s mother took out a crank handle style flashlight turning it on she froze in fear as a lightning bolt suddenly struck one of the trees next to her daughters altar. “Mom is everything alright” Fluttershy called from the living room. “Y-yes dear stay with Sunset I’ll be back in just a few minutes honey” she replied. Thinking she had seen something or someone moving around in their backyard Mrs. Macperson opened the kitchen sliding door stepping out into the storm. Shining the flashlight towards the downed tree she headed towards it to her shock she saw her daughters altar was tipped over with everything strewn across the lawn. The heavy rain had already put out most of the fire caused by lightning bolt, though it was clear that that tree could not be saved shaking her head she closed her eyes silently “I know the storm is starting to get bad but I doubt it could do this” she muttered shining the light in every direction her eyes caught something in the brownish-green grass. “What the heck” she exclaimed her eyes widened in shock her irises shrank in fear “this can not be”. Seeing several footprints leading away from Fluttershy’s altar each one having clearly been burned into the grass, and muddy ground. “Why would she show herself now after all these years?” It was as if the very gates of hell itself had opened letting loose all of the devils fury into the footprints that lead away from the altar.“why would Fluttershy call upon her” heading back inside she took one last look to her damaged backyard finishing, “It doesn’t make sense”. Closing the sliding door Mrs. Macperson took a towel from the cabinet drying her hair before reentering the living room finding her son standing right in front of the living room window. Placing her hands on her hips she frowned, turning her attention to Sunset she saw Sunset holding Fluttershy in her arms both cuddled up on the couch. Walking over to her son as a loud clap of thunder caused Zephyr to squeal with excitement Fluttershy’s mother paid little attention to her sons enthuseasum about the storm. Hearing the thunder boom outside Fluttershy buried her face into Sunsets shoulder desperately trying to hide from the storm knowing in her mind it was a futile effort. “Young man I thought I made it clear that you where not to go near the windows!” she scolded catching his and Fluttershy’s attention, “now get away from there while I tend to your sister”. “But I want to watch the storm mom” he whined in protest adding, “besides I think the storm is almost done I don’t see what the big deal is”. “The big deal is” Mr. Macperson called out from his office having heard the conversation taking place in the living room “Zephyr is that you could get hurt if something comes flying through that window now do as your mother tells you and sit back down on the couch!” Not wanting to get into further trouble Zephyr sat down folding his arms over his chest, letting out a noticeable angry grunt. Taking a seat next to her daughter Mrs. Macperson hugged Fluttershy wanting to give them what she felt was some much needed space Sunset let go of Fluttershy. “It might be best for me to leave them alone for a bit” Sunset thought, “After all, I am not apart of this family and therefore I have no right to assume that I ever will be apart of any family” deciding to look out the window she sighed continuing to think, “Which is why when Fluttershy and her family go to bed which I hope will be soon I’ll leave and head back to my shack to clean it out then I’ll find a new place to call ….home”. Standing up, she walked over to the living room window keeping a relatively safe distance from it watching the storm through the window she closed her eyes. Her mind began to wander back to a time long before she had ever met Princess Celestia, Twilight and her friends or had ever heard of Equestria. Zephyr got up just as the power came back on heading into the kitchen he got himself a glass of water returning to the couch a few minutes later. “Wow” Sunset said turning around, “I haven’t been in a storm like this since I was ten years old” seeing Fluttershy’s father entering the living room she finished, “do you think we will be alright upstairs now? I does seem like the storm is starting to pass us by sir I mean you did say something needing to head into the lower level if it gets worse” “Yes Sunset dear I think we will be fine” sitting back down on the couch he hugged Fluttershy adding, “Don’t worry sweetie we didn’t leave you and Sunset is right here the storm will be over soon honey I promise”. Hearing another loud thunderclap he glanced up finishing, “I know it sounds big and scary but I promise you honey that the storm won’t hurt you Fluttershy so there is no need to be afraid”. “I know dad it’s just that I really don’t like storms,” she replied, thinking “besides it's not the storm that frightens me”. “Fluttershy honey I am sorry to tell you this” She heard her mother begin, “but your altar somehow tipped over I think it was caused by the strong wind”. Thinking it best not to tell Fluttershy what she had seen outside in the backyard Mrs. Macperson added, “tomorrow when you get home from school and you get your homework done I’ll help you clean up the mess and help you do another cleansing” giving her daughter a warm hug she further added, “you should also know honey that one of our trees was hit by lightning though the rain put the fire out the tree itself was split in two, thus it can not be saved”. Ending the hug she finished, “so we will have to find another home for the birdhouses that you were going to set up next week”. Beginning to feel a bit better Fluttershy sniffed letting her mother wipe away her tears Sunset stood nearby silently wishing she had someone to comfort her like Fluttershy had with her parents. Taking a step back from the window she sighed returning to the couch sitting down she looked down hoping Fluttershy’s family wouldn’t see her despair. Taking up another slice of her pizza Sunset bit into it feeling Fluttershy’s hand coming to rest on her own she swallowed giving Fluttershy a puzzled look. “How about we take these into my father office Sunset and spend some time with Angel Bunny?” standing up with Sunsets hand held warmly in her own she added, “I am sure he would like that very much”. “Um don’t you think your family might get upset with me if I spend some alone time with you Fluttershy?” she replied. “Sunset” turning her attention to Fluttershy’s father she looked down listening to him added, “that is nonsense our home is your home and if you want to spend some alone time with Fluttershy you may do so you don’t need to worry about anything we trust you dear”. Looking up and locking eyes with his she stammered on her words, “Yo-you trust m-me but sir you do-don’t even know m-me.” slowly looking back down she finished “How c-can you trust somepon-er-I mean someone if you don’t really know them all that well we after all just met a few days ago”. “It doesn’t matter” he gently replied closing Sunsets pizza box he handed it to Fluttershy who took it in her free hand turning his attention back to Sunset he finished, “you go on now and spend as much time as you want with Fluttershy dear later on tonight I’ll set up an air mattress in her room so you can get a good night's rest in the morning I’ll drive you and her to school”. Hearing his words Sunset stood up, letting out a noticeable grunt facepalming herself she began to look around. Watching Sunset head into the kitchen and return to the living room clearly looking for something Fluttershy raised her hands stepping in front of her stopping Sunset in her tracks. Wanting to help Sunset out Fluttershy gently took Sunsets hands into her own softly saying, “Sunset what is wrong? You look troubled”. “I am worried about something is all Fluttershy” Taking a step back Sunset removed her hands from Fluttershy's soft angelic grasp adding, “you see while I was enjoying watching Tv and eating dinner with your family I completely forgot to do my ...homework which is due first thing tomorrow morning” Fluttershy watched Sunset head back into kitchen listening to her add, “I already have two weeks worth of detention I don’t need any more added to that so it is best that I find my backpack and get started on my homework right away.'' “Oh, your backpack Sunset is still downstairs in front of the foyer closet right where you left it” she replied, adding, “I’ll get my homework and then we both can get our homework done while we spend time with Angel Bunny how does that sound to you Sunset?” “That sounds good to me,” she replied heading downstairs to the foyer finding her backpack sitting right where she had left it she unzipped it taking out two books setting them down next to her bag. “Let’s see I have my English Literature and my History report now I just need to find is my notebook and pencil” she muttered to herself rummaging through her backpack she frowned, “Hey Fluttershy” she called out, “do you by chance have a spare notebook and pencil that I can borrow just for tonight?” “Yes I do” Fluttershy replied carrying Sunsets pizza and her own in her hands towards her father's office watching Sunset come upstairs Fluttershy led her to the office door. “Well here we are” opening the door she added, “Oh, Angel Bunny is under one of the book shelves but he’ll come out if we are quiet”. Looking around Sunset saw Mr. Macperson’s office had twelve large oak bookshelves lining the walls each one filled with many different books on many different subjects. In one corner sat a desk with a computer on top of it next to it sat two mini refrigerators looking to her right Sunset saw several family portraits hanging on the wall. Walking up to them she examined one of them the picture showed Fluttershy’s mother holding a baby girl with a tuft of hair sticking out from an infant warmer. Looking at the other ones one picture caught Sunsets attention examining it further she saw it was a picture of Fluttershy wearing a hospital gown and sitting in a bed with an IV in her left arm. Examining the picture further Sunset saw Fluttershy though she was very young in the photo she had bandages covering most of her chest, part of her head and part of her right shoulder. A thick cast could be seen covering Fluttershy’s right arm. “Fluttershy” Sunset wanting to know more about the picture added, “why are you in a hospital gown in this picture? And furthermore what happened to you the day this was taken?” “Oh, I was in the hospital due to being in a car accident when I was seven,” she replied. “I had been thrown from the front seat of my families car and was very badly hurt that is why I am covered in bandages and have that cast on my arm in that photo”. “And who is the person in this photo next to you?” Sunset asked gesturing towards the picture she added, “she looks like a …nice person” having noticed how cold and lifeless the woman's eyes were she thought, “Nice being a more of a polite thing to say she actually looks really like she is dead inside and very angry”. “Ah, yes that person is my mothers friend her name is Angelic” taking up her homework while Sunset started her own homework she continued, “she performed a blood transfusion on me which saved my life she checks in on me from time to time” taking a sip of her soda setting the can down next to her she finished, “she also helped me to get Angel Bunny”. Both girls returned to their homework Angel Bunny came out from under his hiding spot hopping up to Sunset much to her surprise he plopped down into her lap. Sprawling his little legs over her thighs and shins reaching out Sunset gently stroked his soft fury head silently returning to her homework. A few minutes went by before Sunset reached up taking a slice of her pizza taking a bit of it she closed her eyes savoring the gooey, greasy taste of it. “There that should do it for the last problem” Fluttershy muttered. “Alright I think that should cover everything about the ‘Allies and Alponia war’ of nineteen fourty three” looking over her homework she added, “so my history assignment should now be done”. Yawning a half hour had passed without incident Sunset stretched cracking her back, neck and shoulders back into place Fluttershy hearing the sounds of Sunsets bones popping grimaced. Looking down Sunset saw Angel Bunny had fallen asleep on her legs his little head rest just past her left hip above the rim line to her pants. Giving him a soft pat on his head Sunset waited for Fluttershy to finish her own homework reaching out with her free hand Sunset picked up her can of soda taking a sip. Setting it down she leaned against the wall closing her eyes. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy ask, “are you ...a sleep?” “No just resting is all” she replied opening her eyes she added, “why? Whats up?” “I was hoping you would be willing to teach more of your native language I really do enjoy learning after all and I think it would be fun to be able to speak to you in your native language”. Setting her homework aside with the intent of taking it out to the kitchen table later that night so her father could make corrections to it Fluttershy added. “I was also kinda hoping you would tell me a little bit about where you're from that is if you don’t mind”. “Alright” Sunset replied pressing her back against the wall, she added, “now I am not sure how much about me Princess Twilight told you or chose not to tell you so what I will say is this”. Gently petting Angel Bunny she continued, “Twilight and I both come from a world called Equeti however that is as far as my, uh similarities with her extends beyond that I would rather not say where I am actually from”. “I understand Sunset” she replied, adding, “please continue”. “In this world you have all sorts of creatures, none of which I have yet seen in this world but I have read about them” taking a breath she closed her eyes, letting her thoughts shift to a time after she had met Princess Celestia and had stolen Twilight's crown sighing she further added, “your myths and legends speak highly of dragons, minotaurs and giants these creatures while only myth and legend here are very real in the world that I come from”. Looking at her pizza box she finished, “if it's ok with you Fluttershy I’d like to eat the rest of this tomorrow” “ I have no problem with that Sunset” she replied, adding, “do you think that perhaps at one point in time these creatures actually existed in this world Sunset?” hearing Sunset yawn Fluttershy quickly changed the subject, “oh you must be tired come on let's go see if dad has set up the air mattress yet so you can get some sleep.'' “Alri-right” Sunset said through another yawn blinking a couple of times she finished, “and as for your question Fluttershy I am not sure if dragons, Minotaur's and giants ever did exist in this world.” Reaching over to Sunsets lap Fluttershy gently took Angel Bunny from her Sunset stood up picking up own her homework and both pizza boxes. Fluttershy remembering her own homework and Sunsets empty soda can set Angel Bunny down picking up her own homework and Sunsets soda can placing the can into a trashcan next to her father's desk. Opening the door Sunset and Fluttershy stepped out into the hallway both girls headed into the living room. Fluttershy’s father was just finishing inflating an air mattress seeing both Sunset and Fluttershy standing in the living room he gave them both a happy, pleasant smile. Fluttershy’s mother came into the living room from the kitchen carrying a cup of tea with her setting it down on one of the Tv trays. “You look tired Sunset” she said “if you follow Fluttershy she’ll take you to her room where you can get a proper night's sleep” taking the pizza boxes from Sunsets hands she finished, “I’ll place these into the refrigerator and you can enjoy them when you wake up”. “A-alright” Sunset replied “thank you for letting me sleep here tonight”. “It’s no problem at all dear” placing the air mattress into Fluttershy’s hands Mr. McPherson added, “Fluttershy please take this to your room so Sunset and you can get some much needed rest” Sunset followed Fluttershy upstairs into her room watching her set the mattress down next to her bed looking around Fluttershy's room she smirked. Sunset watched as Fluttershy set Angel Bunny down letting him hop onto her bed as he curled up in her blanket. Fluttershy’s bed was covered with soft fluffy comforters with two big feather pillows lying against the headrest. A small vanity mirror hung on the far wall from the doorway a large double screen glass window stood at the opposite end of the room and a small walk in folding closet stood across from the vanity. A night light was plugged into the wall on the right of the vanity walking over to it Fluttershy switched it on. “Is it alright if I help you make the bed Fluttershy?” Sunset asked gesturing towards the air mattress as Fluttershy turned around. “Oh, as for teaching your more of my native language I’d like to do that tomorrow if that is alright with you I am rather tired” “Of course it is alright with me if you help make the bed Sunset” Fluttershy replied walking over to her closet she opened it, taking out a spare pillow, sheets and a spare blanket. “I think tomorrow after school will be perfect to learn more about your native language” placing everything onto her own bed she added, “I just need to check my schedule to see if I am doing anything with girls before hand”. Sunset took the sheets placing them on the mattress followed by the pillow and lastly the blanket climbing into bed she laid down. Much to Angel Bunny’s irritation Fluttershy gently moved him over to the right before she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up letting out tired yet happy yawn. Laying down into her soft pillows Fluttershy closed her eyes soon falling into a deep well needed restful sleep. Sunset rolled over letting out a soft sigh feeling something soft and fury landing on her side she looked seeing Angel Bunny twitching his little nose sniffing her shoulder. Raising the covers she whispered, “Alright little guy” watching him snuggle against her she added, “you may stay with me tonight that is until I am sure that Fluttershy is asleep and I am able to leave without causing any issues”. Pulling the covers back over herself and making sure not to squish Angel Bunny she rested her head against the soft feathery pillow. The storm had let up quite a bit looking out the window she watched as a few remaining raindrops trickled down Fluttershy’s bedroom window. Rolling to her back Sunset placed Angel Bunny on her stomach watching his ears perk up and his nose twitch gently she stroked his soft body. Taking one last look at Fluttershy while she slept soundly in bed Sunset soon found herself falling into a much needed deep relaxing sleep. August 3rd, Wednesday 11:45 pm Part nineteenA female warrior found herself standing in the middle of a backyard she didn’t recognize looking around she saw a clock in a near by window seeing it was eleven forty five in the evening. Taking a few steps she steadied herself she looked around, seeing only a few trees and bushes in the immediate surroundings. Unfurling her wings she knelt pushing with all her might she ascended high into the cold night sky just as a sliding glass door opened. Fluttershy’s mother stepped out of the house and looked around seeing her daughter's altar was nearly destroyed by the storm she sighed stepping back into the house. “I need to figure out where I am” the celestial being thought as she flew away “then I need to find my friends perhaps they can help me with my task”. The celestial, heavenly being clad entirely from neck to toe in ethereal silver-golden armor navigated her way throughthe rain drowned city. She had long slender white-snow colored wings protruding through the back of her backplate with a slight flap of her wings she began to descend towards the mostly empty city streets and parking lot below. “This looks like a good place to land” she muttered having chosen a spot to land making sure to look around first in case anyone saw her before fully landing. “Joe’s Corner” she muttered to herself having noticed the store she had seen during her last visit to the city, “I don’t believe it” she muttered, “but that’s only in … Canterlot City”. Shaking her head she added, “This isn’t good”. Not seeing anyone within a few blocks of her location she continued, “no one is around I need to find those two if they are actually in this city that is” she added, “now to get off the streets before someone actually does see me”. She quickly made her way into a nearby alleyway making sure to use the shadows of the alley to her complete advantage. She had a leather pouch strapped to her right hip and a short dagger strapped to her left hip and a long sword strapped to her back. Her soft silver hair was cut short above her slender ‘elf-like’ ears, her green eyes glowed with an eerie otherworldly light. Her soft milky-cream lush colored skin looked almost charcoal grey in the dim city's light. “I can’t believe the city has changed so much in the last six years” she whispered looking around and not recognizing anything in sight seeing nothing but litter around her location, “this used to be a much cleaner city than what it is now” making her way further into the alley she finished, “ah, well I don’t have time to pity such things”. Another thick strap was belted around her waist she wore knee high boots that though they were made of leather they were clearly worn and badly used. With each step she took she could hear the leather from her boots crinkle getting close enough to the exit to where she could stand up without being seen by anyone. “Damn” she muttered through a forced sigh, seeing far too many people out and about for her liking “There’s too many of them to get by without being seen” Standing up fully her seven feet seven inch height muscular frame nearly hit a fire escape ladder that was located just a few inches above her head. Glancing up she gulped muttering, “That would have been rather painful I can’t believe I left my helmet behind” looking back in the direction of the exit and towards the city streets she finished, “I better stay out of sight until I can figure out where those two are.” Making her way towards another alley she ducked into an abandoned building next to a pet food store. Peering through one of the buildings many dirty and broken windows to the streets across from her current location she saw to her delight a few people coming and going each minding their own business. “If I can get to that street without being seen by those people then I can try to find those two and ask for their help.” she thought. Feeling something run over her left boot her right eyebrow raised slightly, “what was---” she began only to cut her words short, “please for the love of Divinity don’t be what I think that was”. glancing down to her shock she was standing in a nest of nauseating rats. “Oh, gross! Get away from me you disgusting vile vermin!” Kicking several of the rats out of the immediate area and into another part of the building she hastily found a door and exited making her way to the street. Shaking off the dreaded nauseating feelings she had gotten from the rats she took a few short breaths before making her way further into the city. Looking back she shook her head, turning a corner and heading down the street while trying hard to keep to the shadows she stopped short of a large brick building that had clearly seen better days. Looking at it she saw that most of the brick making up the buildings structure was covered in gang graffiti, feces and torn movie posters. “I need to find another alley, hopefully one without any rats” she muttered “Oooh, I hate rats disgusting little things!” looking around she saw a rusted fire escape ladder nearby overhanging a large city dumpster, “Ah, yes that will do nicely” she finished. Taking a few steps back she took a running start leaping over the dumpster onto the fire escape running up the rusted metal stairs, her boots ‘clunked’ with each step she took. The sound echoed in the otherwise quiet alley fearing that someone might come to investigate the sounds she quickened her pace. “Move it, you fool!” scolding herself she added, “damn someone will for sure come to see what all this noise is, I need to get off this thing now!” Instinctively she unfurled her wings taking to the air soaring high above the city surveying the city from above the rooftops she saw a reachable alleyway. Folding her wings against her back she dropped like a stone aiming for it. Getting close enough to the alleyway so as not to be seen she outstretched her wings coming to an inaudible landing touching down near the entrance. The alleyway was very sparsely lit, a single overhead street lamp flickered on and off moths fluttered around its outer base frying themselves when they got too close to its hot surface. “I better not do that again less I wish for someone to come see what I am doing here.” she thought,“now I just need to see if those two are actually in this city.” A light breeze blew up ferrying with it a newspaper bending over to pick it up she failed to see someone coming up behind her. “Hmm, What’s this?” she muttered straightening up, she held the torn newspaper out in front of her reading the article it contained. “Those idiots!” she all but screamed having finished reading the article, growing angry she quickly folded it up placing it into her pouch, “well that proves beyond any doubt that they are indeed here in this city” she headed into the alleyway making her way towards the other side.“by the Holy Light of Div---” “Hey lady!” a male voice behind her suddenly caught her attention cutting her words short, she impatiently spun around locking eyes with a man in his early twenties. “You lost?” “No I am not!” she abrasively snarled in irritation, “What do you want?” Noticing her armor and weapons he sneered a grin gesturing to her body, “You know it's a bit early for Halloween” he whistled, “my you do look very beautiful lady” looking her over, her armor did little to hide her plump full breast or very fit trim muscular figure. “You one of those cos-players, lady? I mean you're dressed like something out of a comic book.” “I don’t have time for this”. She replied turning around she stopped feeling his hand on her shoulder, dropping her own hand to her dagger she snarled, “either let go or lose your hand”. “Hey calm down I just want to make sure you make it out of here in one piece” Stepping towards her he gave her a contemptuous sneering smile adding, “if you're lost perhaps I can help my name is Steel Haze” letting her go he finished, “of course my help doesn’t come for …free”. “I don’t ‘cosplay’ sir and I do not require your kind of help” she bitterly replied taking a step back making sure to keep herself in what little illumination the overhead streetlamp added to the otherwise dark alleyway. “keep this up and I’ll make sure that you will be the one that requires help”. Hearing a door open and slam shut both turned their attention towards a building adjacent to their position two men in a drunken stupor stepped into the alleyway. One had short blond hair, vomit covering most of his midsection and was wearing a torn t-shirt with dirty urine stained blue-jeans. The second had long dyed chartreuse, glaucous hair, a deep navy-blue vest with torn pockets, and black ripped up jeans. “Ley there Steel Haze” one of the two men slurred “how are y-you toing tonight” “It’s been a while since I had myself a good time” the other one said, showing he was not nearly as drunk as the other one was, “Steel Haze do you mind if Drake and I join you?” “Not at all Eldritch” gesturing towards the woman in front of him he continued, “I found us something fun to do tonight.” Taking a quick glance around the immediate surrounding area she saw a dumpster located a few feet from the entrance to the alleyway. Deciding to use it as a means of escape she drew her dagger taking a swipe at Steel Haze’s face catching him by surprise ducking he laughed as she turned headed for the dumpster. Getting up to it she re-sheathed her dagger planting her right foot against the dumpster using it to push herself up towards the fire escape. Reaching up she scrambled as best as she could up the fire escape trying to elude her assailants. “Hey what the hell Steel Haze” Eldritch yelled out watching her make it to the roof tops “why did you let her go?” “Who says I did?” he replied, “come on boy’s this is going to be fun”. Thinking she had escaped all three of them she ran across the rooftop throwing her arms above her head she flipped over to another roof landing safely. Glancing over her right shoulder she saw no one was following her racing to another rooftop she looked around deciding it was best to take to the streets. Using a rain gutter she slid down not knowing that Steel Haze and his friends had followed her from the streets below. Making her way into another alleyway she took a fist to her right temple the sudden blow sent her sprawling to the ground. “Now to make sure you can’t use your pretty knife on us again” Steel Haze jeered, reaching down he took her dagger and sword tossing them down the alleyway “boys lets have some fun with this bitch then we’ll go get ourselves some ale” “Alright” she said rolling to the right, getting up she made sure to keep her wings tucked against her back, “I can see you three really want to do this”. Eldritch wanting to be first pushed past his two friends knocking both of them down lunging in threw himself at her only to be tripped by her right foot. Landing face first in a pile of dog poop he rolled to his back whipping the feces off his face getting up he threw a fist at her. Ducking she landed a clean right-hook to his left eye knocking him back a few feet. “That hurt you bitch” he yelled. “Well then back off and you won’t get hurt” she replied, throwing a fist missing her target she moved to the right ducking an incoming fist “Boy you really just can’t seem to learn can ya?” she smiled tauntingly “now lets see how you handle this”. Reaching out to grab her she stepped to his left, tripping him with her foot waiting for him to get back up she placed a hand to her mouth faking a yawn. Placing two fingers to her mouth she gave a loud whistle receiving a look of confusion from Eldritch. “If that was supposed to make me stop then you are sorely mistaken” he asked, picking himself up “What were you trying to do to call a cop to come get you out of this mess?” Reaching out she grabbed him by his wrist flipping him head over heels sending him face first into the cold, wet street. Hitting the street with a thud he slowly climbed back to his frowning getting angry he lunged in throwing several fists to her face, each one missing her. Shaking her head she smiled holding her hand out with her palm facing up she flexed her fingers taunting him. Eldritch became enraged by Angelic’s taunting bull-rushing; he quickly took a knee to his groin, a fist to his jaw, and an elbow to his left shoulder for his trouble. Stumbling backwards he slumped to the ground letting out a pained groan. “Next time when someone says back off” she snarled, “do as you are told and back the fuck off”. “Screw you lady” Eldritch called back trying to climb back to his feet, “I aim to get myself a good time and that is just what I am going to do” seeing her grin he finished, “Just what the hell are you grinning abo---” A metal plated fist slammed hard into Eldritch’s jaw, cutting his words short, the blow violently knocked the man back causing him to stumble backwards. Catching him, Steel Haze laughed, pushing Eldritch back at her. Spinning on her right heel she quickly planted her left foot into his stomach the blow immediately doubled him over causing him to fall to the ground. Raising her hands up she bawled her hands into tight fists throwing a right hook she hit Drake in his chin knocking him into the wall of the alley. Turning her attention back to Eldritch she watched him get back up. “Damn-it stay down!” she screamed. Grabbing him by his shoulders she threw him into the ground watching him roll to a sitting position, “ ”. “Screw off!” Eldritch replied. Placing a hand to his stomach he turned his attention to Drake helping him up, yelling out “Steel Haze are you going to help or not?” Growing angry at his friend's words Steel Haze prepared to bull rush the woman, cracking her knuckles she prepared for his attack. Taking her stance, her eyes narrowed, gauging his body position, she saw Steel Haze was putting all his weight on his left leg. Her eyes changed from green to aureate in color causing Steel Haze to momentarily freeze in his tracks. Keeping her eyes on all three men she waited for them to make their move. The fight only stopped when a girl's voice suddenly called out from the entrance of the alley. “I wouldn’t perpetuate to assail her any further if I were you three.” The girl’s voice said, “our dear friend Angelic doesn’t enjoy being messed with”. Looking over Steel Haze’s right shoulder Angelic could barely make out the silhouette of a girl standing near the entrance of the alleyway. “We don’t want to intervene on our friends behalf” recognizing the voice she heard the unseen person add, “It’s time for you three to depart and leave Angelic to travel in peace”. The unseen person further called out, “if we have to avail our friend then it will result in you three getting hurt or perhaps worse. So you can leave or you can stay and get hurt. The cull is yours.”. The moon crept out from behind some clouds shining brightly above the cold, wet city, illuminating the streets and alleys below Angelic’s friend took a step into the alleyway. Drake momentarily glanced over his shoulder thinking he would be able to see the person who was standing behind him. To his disappointment the darkened shadowy silhouette of the person standing behind him was all he could make out. Wanting a better look at the newcomer he foolishly dropped his guard much to his friends dismay he turned completely around. “Who are you?” he asked, seeing a darkened female silhouette standing only a few feet from him, “what do you want with us?” squinting his eyes he could just barely make out something being held in the unseen person's hand, “What is that you're holding”. He asked, giving the person a very concerned suspicious look, “is it a knife?” The clouds moved silently above covering the moon darkening the alleyway once more Drake could only see a mere few feet in front of him. Though he tried as hard as he could he could only see darkness in all directions. The overhead street lamp did very little to light the already almost entirely darkened eerie alleyway. Getting worried he stepped back looking around his feeling of worry quickly became a deep seeded feeling of uneasiness. Glancing down a hand holding a single dethroned rose in its grip penetrated the darkness in front of him feeling his heart race he gulped. “My name isn’t important at this time sir” he heard the unseen person softly call out to him, “I do not opiate to intervene on my friends behalf sir.” the unseen person called out from the shadows, “I cadge, you not to cull the option of staying for you will only entice upon your own deaths.” A gust of air quickly blew past Drake and Eldritch; both men chose to ignore it, with Drake fully focusing his attention on the newcomer and Eldritch focusing his attention on Angelic instead, “So please take my trinket, leave this area and gain a friend in the action of departing”. “Screw you lady” Drake snarled, “You can take that fil---” “Píseň” Angelic interrupted him calling out to the unseen person, “it’s good of you to come” Píseň took another step into the alleyway keeping to the shadows trying to stay out of Drake's line of vision. “I’ve gotten myself in a bit of trouble and could definitely use your help” she finished, “is Kāṭṭēri with you?” “Yes I am.” a voice snarled behind Eldritch causing him to jump in fright. “Choose now humans” a hand suddenly reached out from the shadows grabbing Eldritch by his shoulder further adding to his fright, “or we’ll make the choice for the three of you”. “What the fuck?!” he screamed, pulling away and jumping back he quickly turned around his eyes locked with a milky-white skinned girl with ocean and sky-blue hair standing a few feet behind him. “where the hell did you come from?!” he yelped in fright watching her move to his right, “I’m Kāṭṭēri” disappearing back into the shadows she called out to him,“in front of your friend is my girlfriend Píseň”. Taking a step towards the area that she had disappeared in his eyes widened in fear, glowing red eyes stared hungrily back at him from the shadows. Looking over her prey from her hiding place she sniffed the air smelling his sweat; his scent was almost intoxicating to her. “What the fuck are you”? He asked watching step out of the shadows once more Eldritch gulped trying hard not to let his sudden feeling of fear get the best of him. “Please don’t hurt me”. “Aw, is the little human afraid” she teasingly cooed “perhaps I should” flashing him a elongated fanged grin she finished, “save you for later after all I wouldn’t want to spoil my ... dinner”. Nearly pissing himself, Eldritch took a step back, his eyes locked with hers getting a very good look at her. He saw her eyes glowing red with hate showing in her irises and rage clearly plasturd on her lips. Her mouth opened and to his horror he saw several pointed sharp teeth next to for long curving inward canines. The bridge of her nose was lined and her nose was flat her ears were slender and pointed much like a elf's ears. Her tounge was thin, lean and forked in fours she had tuffs of hair just above the points of her ears. The girl before him was wearing a denim mud-red hooded vest with the hood pulled down and the vest was worn over a white t-shirt, with black torn skin tight ass hugging jeans and blue sneakers. A leather belt was looped through the jeans belt loops with a chained leather strap attached to the belt itself on her right side. “You guys need to leave” Angelic chimed in catching Eldritch’s attention turning his attention to her she frowned adding, “if these two get involved I won’t be able to stop them from hurting the three of you”. “W-we just want a little f-fun” he stammered trying to hide his growing fear, “you know a little something nice to do for the evening”. Sensing his fear Kāṭṭēri quickly decided to have a bit of fun with Eldritch she took another step towards him causing him to step back again. Leaning in, she licked his right ear almost tasting his fear shuddering with delight her eyes ceased glowing becoming a soft aquamarine. “Fun? huh?” Kāṭṭēri giggled sickly “Why honey I’ve seen how you get your ‘fun’ and you know what?” she added, looking him over, “you and your dumb-ass friends here have treated my friend Angelic like shit”. She whispered in his ear, “that really ticks me off”. Reaching out, she grabbed him by his shirt and spun him around forcing him to face her fully, placing a finger to Eldritch’s chest. “I mean really you ‘men’ think even in this day and age that it's OK to treat someone like a dog”. “Wh-what are you going to do” he gulped, “t-to me?” “Oh nothing much” watching him turn away from her she growled, “look at me” not getting the response she wanted from him she grabbed his mouth, “LOOK AT ME!” getting what she wanted from him she smiled. “That’s better”. Slowly she ran a finger in a circular motion over his chest stopping just over his heart. “So if I were you baby I’d get the fuck out of here while you and you’re three friends still can”. Running her hand down his shirt he felt her nails digging into his flesh, delightfully she watched him wince in pain, “Otherwise my girlfriend and I will have to” clicking her tongue she finished, “have our own ‘fun’ with you three shitheads”. “This needs to end” Angelic thought “I wanted their help but not if it meant that these three men will get killed”. Stepping back into the shadows Kāṭṭēri disappeared from Eldritch’s line of sight again Angelic watched her friend climb a wall like a bat preparing to strike down its prey. Quickly ceasing the moment she turned her attention to Drake surprising him grabbing his wrist she spun him around. Giving a hard shove she pushed him towards Steel Haze knocking both men down. Glancing up she saw Kāṭṭēri chose a hiding place above the alley hanging upside down like a bat near a broken window ledge. “Mithrandir’al ” Angelic, heard Kāṭṭēri’s thoughts in her mind, “can you still hear my thoughts?” “Yes” Angelic menteally replied, “It’s good to speak to you like this again”. “Good Mithrandir’al so you are not out of practice” Angelic heard Kāṭṭēri’s thoughts within her own mind clear as crystal, “ I’m gonna sit this one out at least for the time being that is.” Not realizing the danger he and his friends were in, Steel Haze got up helping his friend Drake up as well. Though the above hanging street light did show Píseň’s silhouette she stood just out of clear view of Steel Haze and his friends. Taking a step towards Píseň he rushed her, throwing his arms out; he took her by complete surprise grabbing her by her shoulders. Turning to his right he threw her into the ground Píseň fell to her hands and knees hitting the ground with a soft thud tearing trousers in the process. “I really wish you hadn’t done that” Angelic said, “Now you have really made Kāṭṭēri mad”. “You son of a bitch!” Kāṭṭēri screamed having seen everything from her hiding place. “I’ll tear you apart, human!” Without warning she dropped like a stone from her hiding place landing in front of Steel Haze back fisting him in the jaw, the blow knocked him down and sent him flying into a wall back first. His body hit the wall with a sickening thud Steel Haze felt three of his ribs crack from impacting with the wall behind him. A bit dazed and cunfused he heard her finish, “I’ll kill you for this”. “Don’t do it please” Angelic screamed out “Kāṭṭēri we can’t afford any more mistakes”. “Fuck off Angelic that bastard hurt my girlfriend he has to pay for that!” she yelled back, turning her attention to Píseň she rushed to her side helping her up. “Are you alright Píseň?” “Y-yes I think so” looking herself over she frowned “though I do need to get some new trousers” “Stay here I’ll deal with him” turning around she added, “Now” Taking a step towards Steel Haze she finished, “you die, human!” Raising a sharp finger nailed hand above her head she lunged in letting out a loud snarling growl her lips parted seductively as she took in his sent savoring the onslaught that was to come. "I'll tare your heart out and eat it raw!" Not wanting her girlfriend to kill him Píseň jumped in front of Kāṭṭēri placing her hands on her girlfriends chest. A sad, desperate, pleading look quickly etched across Píseň’s face a look of worry plastered in her eyes. Sighing Kāṭṭēri nodded stepping back keeping her eyes on Steel Haze and his two friends silently waiting for the right opportunity to end him. “You tell us to leave, I say screw you both'' Steel Haze yelled getting back up placing a hand to his side over his cracked but not broken ribs, “I’m going to enjoy having fun with your friend you cunt”. Stepping forward he got a good look at the person he just threw into the ground, “my you are indeed a beauty” he sneered. “Girls listen to me” Angelic yelled in desperation, “Kāṭṭēri please don’t hurt him!” turning her attention to Píseň she finished, “you both need to go easy on them, their only humans”. “Boy this human is such a jerk.” Kāṭṭēri thought. “Damn-it if I were here by myself he would be dead already”. Píseň stood six feet tall with long shoulder length raven colored hair deep purple eyes that shimmered like freshly polished gemstones. Her skin was a rich charcoal grey under the pale moonlight though in sunlight her skin was a calm soothing peaches and cream color. she wore white silk gloves over each hand with a silver band on her left ring finger. She was wearing a white silk blouse, with a black silk tie around her neck. A silver g-clef was pinned in the center of her tie In her right hand she held a single rose. A pink rose was delicately pinned to the right lapel of her jacket with a rainbow colored ribbon tied between the peduncle and bract. “I must say” Steel Haze began, “you really do look beautiful in that outfit girl” looking both girls over he grinned finishing, “I wouldn’t mind at all watching her dance on a pole with you taking part in it”. Píseň was wearing a black jacket tailored with a welt front pocket and flap waist pockets sewn to either side of it. She wore sophisticated trousers that were now torn at the cuff which had been crafted from Fleece black silk with a subtly lustrous finish. Her trousers were styled with a streamlined contoured waistband. A black leather belt was looped through the loopholes of her trousers. “Why don’t you unbutton that thing and show me the good’s girl?” He flashed her a sickening smile adding, “Come on now, don’t be shy all you have to do is unbutton your jacket girl”. “Sir please stop, you're making me sick” she replied. “Besides I am as you have already seen for yourself clearly spoken for”. “Yeah so what? Who---” he replied, only to be cut off as something brushed past him “Hey what the hell?” Drake without any warning rushed in only to be completely caught off guard a well planted fist violently slammed into his jaw. The sudden blow sent him stumbling backwards into his friend Eldritch. Pushing Drake off of him Eldritch also rushed in only to take a knee to the groin, an elbow to the ribs, and a fist to the sternum. Stumbling backwards he fell butt first to the cold, wet street his head came to rest against a wooden fence behind him. “Finally, now to end this!” Kāṭṭēri sneered having waited long enough, “you stupid humans think only with your dicks and not your heads” rushing in Kāṭṭēri grabbed him by his lapel picking him up his feet dangled above her knees, “this fight was over long before it got started”. Letting him go he hit the ground with a thud she reached into her vest taking out a knife flicking it open, “leave” she growled “or die”. Throwing the knife it slammed blade-first into the wooden fence next to his right ear. “the choice is yours” he heard her finish. “Make it now you piece of---” “Kāṭṭēri! What the hell are you doing?!” Angelic screamed, completely ignoring her current situation, “Píseň will you---” Taking full advantage of her distraction Steel Haze threw a fist striking Angelic in her face, cutting her words short, knocking her head back, slowly her head tilted forward. “OK, that’s it!” she snarled, “I’m through giving you and your friends chances to walk away”. A single droplet of blood dripped from her lower left lip raising her hand to her lip, she wiped off the blood giving him a scornful glare. “I didn’t want to fight however, you have brought this upon yourselves”. Dropping to the ground she planted both hands firmly on the street flexing her legs forward spinning in a half-circle she knocked his feet out from under him. Everything else from Steel Haze’s perspective seemed to happen in slow motion. With inhuman speed Angelic raced forward grabbing Steel Haze by his left bicep twisting herself around she threw him, head over heels into the dumpster. “That’s going to hurt” Kāṭṭēri thought watching Angelic fight Steel Haze, “man she is going to mop the floor with that asshole”. Hitting the dumpster back first he slumped to the ground letting out a pained grunt. Backing away she breathed heavily catching her breath seeing he was trying to get back up Angelic quickly rushed in punching Steel Haze in the forehead knocking him out cold. “Stupid idiot” she snarled, “he should have just stayed down”. Taking a step back from him she reached down grabbing him by his lapel picking him up. “Lets put you someplace where you can’t do any more harm to anyone else tonight”. Drake stepped in throwing a fist at Píseň completely missing his target ducking she stepped to the left dogging another incoming fist. “My friend Angelic didn’t want to fight with you or your friends sir” Reaching out to him she held her rose out to him confusing him he stopped in his tracks momentarily looking at the rose then into her eyes. “I will in regards to that stipulation I will offer you this rose” ducking another incoming fist she locked eyes with his finishing, “please stop this foolishness and take this token of friendship sir”. He lunged in throwing his leg out trying to kick Píseň in the stomach evading his attack, she spun around getting behind him slapping the back of his head with her free hand. She watched him stumble forward hitting the wall face first breaking his nose. Turning around his eyes watered from the pain rushing in she swept his legs out from under him hitting the ground butt first he sat in a dazed stupor fresh blood gushed from his broken nose staining his shirt. “All you had to do was” he heard Píseň softly say “take my rose and depart this area” She watched Drake trying as best as he could to get back up. “I offered you friendship instead you chose to keep fighting”. She watched him place his hand over his nose. “you could have left here as a friend”. Shaking her head she threw a fist adding,“instead of being an enemy”. She struck his left temple, knocking Drake out cold. “You little slut” she heard Eldritch scream catching her attention spinning back around she ducked an incoming fist, “you’ll pay for that”. “Don’t do this sir please don’t do this” Throwing a fist herself she hit him in the chest knocking him down, “Stay down! Please just stay down” she screamed. Eldritch climbed back to his feet, lunging; he threw a fist missing her face by a few inches, growing angry he tried to kick Píseň in the stomach. Dogging the attack she momentarily forgot her own strength catching him off guard flat palming him in the chest. The blow immediately sent him hurtling out of the alleyway into a parked car across the street. Hearing a very loud sickening bone breaking, crunching thud Angelic’s eyes widened in comprehension of the sound from the mans body exploding upon impacting with the car. “Píseň!” she heard her friend Angelic scream out, “what have you done?!” Angelic raced past her friend towards the street adding, “Come on Kāṭṭēri” leaving Drake where he lay and Steel Haze stuck inside the dumpster, “we have to make sure he’s alright” Kāṭṭēri followed her friend, stopping just short of her friends back hearing a gasp escape Angelic’s lips “Oh, God” Kāṭṭēri watched her friend Angelic clasp a hand over her mouth a sneering grin etched over Kāṭṭēri's lips at the grissly sight . “No”. she heard Angelic whisper, Kāṭṭēri watched her friend take a step back hearing her finish, “How could Pisen have done this?” To their horror the car was toppled over on its side Elderitch’s twisted, mangled body was pinned to the car’s metal frame, blood pooled in the center of the wreckage. His body had indeed exploded open from impacting the car most but not all of his internal organs were splattered on the sidewalk and wall of the building next to the car. His bones though mostly crushed from impacting the car punctured what was left of his skin, his right eye dangled from his smashed skull. His brain lay several feet past the car with bits of skull and hair still attached to it. his left eye bulged outwards looking as it was ready to pop the eye itself was oozing puss from what was left of his skull. Most of the center of the car was smashed inwards held together only by Elderitch’s lifeless body. Getting closer to the car Kāṭṭēri saw to her astonishment some of Elderitch’s organs were splattered over the front windshield as well as the sidewalk and building next to the car. “Angelic, Kāṭṭēri is---” Píseň called out to them getting up to them her eyes widened in fear, cutting her words short she stood nearly frozen seeing what she had done to him, “I-I didn’t m-mean” shaking her head her eyes filled with tears, “to do this to him”. “Well you did Píseň, you lost control!” Angelic screamed pointing to the mangled mess that once was a man but was now only a corpse “no amount of tears will change it!” “Hey!” Kāṭṭēri, chimed in rushing to her girlfriends side, “don’t you dare yell at her like that Angelic besides you have done far worse to humans than this” stepping between Angelic and Píseň she growled out, “so back off”. “I didn’t want this, I didn’t want to kill ...again”. Píseň turned away from the horrible sight, almost choking on her words, “I’m going to be sick”. She turned to the right retching, emptying the contents of her stomach onto the street swallowing hard trying to calm down she coughed adding, “I hate what I am”. “Hey it’ll be alright” Kāṭṭēri softly spoke trying to calm her girlfriend down gently laying a hand on her shoulder she added, “it's going to OK, honey”. “The hell it is!” Angelic chimed in stomping towards her friends she added, “you two idiots have really screwed up” throwing her arms up her eyes narrowed glaring at Píseň she almost screamed, “Píseň what were you thinking?! I told you,” turning her attention to both of her friends she added further, “I told both of you, that we can’t afford any more mistakes” Thrusting her hand outward she pointed to the mangled corpse finishing, “that we needed to go easy on them!” “Just what the hell are you talking about Angelic?” Kāṭṭēri demanded. “This is what I am talking about!” reaching into her pouch Angelic retrieved the newspaper article thrusting it into Kāṭṭēri’s chest she added, “read it” watching Kāṭṭēri turn her attention to Píseň she finished through a forced snarl, “don’t worry about Píseň she’ll be fine!” Taking the news article Kāṭṭēri handed it over to Píseň turning her attention back to Angelic, “why the hell should I care about som---” ‘An eviscerated body was taken from the docks to the city morgue earlier today.’ Píseň read outloud unintentionally cutting Kāṭṭēri’s words short, not giving her girlfriend time to say anything she added, ‘C.S.I squad member Charm Haste shall be the one to perform the autopsy on the body which is scheduled to take place at eleven tonight at the 112 precinct.’ “Píseň stop there for a moment” Angelic chimed in holding up her hand, “can either of you tell me whom you two were fighting with earlier today”? Looking down, Kāṭṭēri began to walk away folding her arms under her very round plump chest noticing this Angelic quickly followed her. Getting up close to her Angelic reached out grabbing Kāṭṭēri by her shoulder spinning her around Angelic’s deep mousey colored eyes stared deeply into Kāṭṭēri’s aquamarine eyes. Seeing only anger, loneliness, hatred and sadness, staring back into her own eyes she let Kāṭṭēri go frowning deeply. “I am afraid that I don’t know whom we were fighting Angelic” Píseň chimed in “I can only tell you that a fight did occur at the docks earlier today my girlfriend was unfortunately rather ... mum on that subject.” Taking a step back, Kāṭṭēri’s jaw began to tremble looking away she gulped trying hard to suppress her emotions. Her mind shifted back to a time long before she had met Angelic or Píseň; her whole body trembled with anger. Kāṭṭēri’s eyes closed tightly, her right hand balled into a tight fist she stood silently listening to the sounds of the city. Her anger boiled within her threatening to erupt at any moment. “Tell me whom did you fight down at the docks” Angelic’s words snapped, Kāṭṭēri out of her anger induced state of mind, hearing her friend add, “why did you go there endangering not only yourselves but all of us as well.” Several long silent moments passed reaching up Kāṭṭēri placed her hand over Angelic’s removing her friends hand from her own shoulder. Turning around she stared at a nearby puddle of dirty oily water walking over to it she saw her reflection in the water kicking a pebble into the water she watched her reflection twist and distort. Several clouds slowly drifted overhead covering the moon’s soft glow. The wind blew lightly through the alleyway, a few strands of her double blue tone hair flowed in the wind tucking the flowing strands of hair behind a slender elf-like pointed ear that was slowly returning to a human sized and shapped ear Kāṭṭēri turned around facing her friend. “We were tracking” she finally spoke, “that is all I am willing to say on this subject so just leave it alone”. “I understand that Kāṭṭēri!" Angelic snapped bitterly " But for the love of Divinity's Light tell me who you two were tracking and fighting with?” taking a step towards her Angelic added, “since the winter of 1420 I have never known you to make a mis---” her eyes widened a look of realization quickly etched over her face. “Tell me you didn’t go after---” “we-er that is -I found one of them” she replied interrupting her friend, “so I did what was needed, what you wouldn’t have done”. “You stupid fool” Angelic all but screamed at her friend, “your need for vengeance has put us all at risk!” balling her hand into a fist she added, “and to make it worse you put the humans in danger as well”. Growing angry herself Kāṭṭēri snarled out, “fuck the humans! I lost my family due to humans and their damn war!!” pushing past Angelic she headed back over to Píseň muttering, “stupid fools why should I care about them anyway?” getting up to her girlfriend she received an angry look from Píseň, “I take it your siding with her on this?” Stepping back a bit and clearing her throat Píseň waited for Angelic to rejoin them Kāṭṭēri scoffed kicking the ground with her left foot. Angelic rejoined them a few minutes later giving Píseň a nod with a deep sigh Píseň begrudgingly returned to reading the news article out loud. ‘A few witnesses stated that when the police arrived after the sounds of gunfire were heard they found three people in an all out gun fight. However it would appear that only one person was killed during the battle while the police tried to get things under control. Witnesses also stated that the police were hopelessly outmatched by one of the three assailants. A police officer by the name of White Tails was badly hurt during the gunfight it is unclear if he will make it or not.’ Angelic watched her friend Kāṭṭēri lean against the wall folding her arms under her chest once more turning back to Píseň she sighed shaking her head in annoyance. Kāṭṭēri stood staring at her girlfriend and Angelic letting her anger brewing within her a slight movement to her right quickly caught her attention. Her eyes followed a rat as it climbed out of a sewer drain cleaning its face and whiskers with its tiny paws. Looking up from the news article Píseň watched her girlfriend for a few minutes “Ughh” she groaned in sickening irritation “Kāṭṭēri’s not going to do what I think she is going to do ... is she ... Angelic?” “Not if I” she replied, “can help it Píseň”. A soft, growling snarl escaped Kāṭṭēri’s lips taking a step away from the wall her eyes glowed a pearly soft white. With anticipation of the meal to come she tracked the rats every movement watching it dart in and out of various hiding places. Her mind drifted to a time when she used to hut such small animals for food, game and fun. Her senses enhanced, licking her lips she savored the smell of her prey rushing forward much to the rats squealing squeaking surprise scooped the little furry Píseň up in her hands. Holding it by its tail at eye level she opened her mouth raising her hand upward her eyes rolled back her jaw slightly quivered. “Kāṭṭēri!” Angelic called out, snapping her friend out of her predator-like state of mind, “don’t even think about eating the disgusting vermin” stepping forward she finished, “besides you have no idea where that sickening little beast has been”. “But I’m hungry” she protested, lowering the rat back to ground, she watched it scamper off, “and besides this is getting boring”. “I don’t care” gently taking Kāṭṭēri by her forearm she added, “now come back over here, you need to hear what is written in that article”. Leading her back over to Píseň she nodded to her letting Kāṭṭēri go finishing, “go ahead Píseň honey please continue”. Giving both her girlfriend and Angelic a cold scrutinizing hard stare Píseň sighed a soft breeze blew her raven colored hair back. Tucking a lock of her hair behind her pointed ears she turned her attention back to the newspaper held in her hands flexing her fingers a soft noticeable cracking pop came from the paper. “According to witness statements two of the three assailants were cloaked though their cloaks did at one point during the gunfight with the unknown assailant come off. Much to the fright of the local homeless living in the immediate area. Several doc workers also claim to have seen the gruesome looking pair as well. Quirking an eyebrow Kāṭṭēri smirked shaking her head quickly earning herself a very unpleasant frown from her friend Angelic and girlfriend Píseň. Taking a step back Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic close her own eyes placing to fingers to the bridge of own her nose letting out forced irritated sigh. Wanting to lighten the sour mood she was perceiving from her girlfriend Píseň and their friend Kāṭṭēri reached into her vest pocket taking out a pack of cards. Realizing what she was doing Angelic rolled her eyes reaching out she took the deck from Kāṭṭēri placing it into her pouch earning herself a confused look from her friend. “You know very well Kāṭṭēri” Angelic irately growled, “that I don’t like card games”. “Fine whatever” Kāṭṭēri derided in reply adding, “I was just trying to lighten the mood is all”. “There is no time for that now” turning her attention away from Kāṭṭēri she finished, “we need to get going and soon”. Watching her friend put away her cards, Angelic finished, “Píseň please finish reading the rest of the news article”. Looking back at the newspaper in her hands Píseň walked over to her girlfriend and Angelic staring at both of them intently. Frowning she folded up the newspaper unbuttoned her jacket retrieving her cell phone from her innermost left pocket tossing it to Kāṭṭēri who gave her a confused look. “Use it to call Varnas” she all but growled out giving Kāṭṭēri a cold, hard emotionless stare “I’m going topside” turning her attention to Angelic she finished, “come or stay the choice is yours”. Without another word to either Angelic or her girlfriend Píseň turned around heading towards the nearby fire escape. Getting up close to it she used it to vault from one building to the adjacent one till she reached the top of the first building she was headed for. Landing safely on the rooftop she looked around seeing only an empty roof with a single entry for maintenance workers located in the middle of the rooftop. Stepping towards the ledge she placed her right leg to the grey stone ledge looking down. She waited and watched her friend Angelic give her wings a hard flap lifting herself into the air. “I’m going to go see what caused her to leave” Angelic said, rising further into the sky, looking down at Kāṭṭēri she added, “you stay down here and take care of this mess”. “Aww come on!” she heard Kāṭṭēri protest “this is so not fair!” glancing at the phone in her hand she shrugged “well she said to ‘stay down here and take care of this mess’ she didn’t say ‘how’ to handle this” dialing a number she held the phone to ear waiting for the other person to pick up, “Come on pick up already”. She waited for a few minutes before hearing a tired voice on the other end of the phone say, “Hello this is Canterlot Investigations Bureau, Agent Varnas speaking how may I---” “It’s me I’m-well-I’m in trouble and need your help” hearing a very irritated groan on the other end she quickly added, “hey come on I hardly ever call you please I like, really could use your help”. “Fine!” she heard him bitterly reply. “I need to know where you are at this pierce moment” “I am not sure where in the city we are located” she replied. “Wait … you said ‘I am in trouble’ so tell me what do you mean by this ‘we’? Who else is there with you?” she heard him ask, his tone of voice indicating he was less than enthused to learn she was not alone, “tell me what happened?” “Well there is Píseň my girlfriend and um-er-uh,” clearing her throat she silently prayed and hoped that Varnas wouldn’t blow up clenching her left hand into a tight fist she gulped, “Angelic … is here as ... well”. “I see” hearing the phone being set down and placed onto speaker Kāṭṭēri waited for a few seconds before she heard him finish, “I’m not happy to hear that Angelic is back Kāṭṭēri! Nor am I happy to learn that you're with her”. She listened to the sounds of water running and squeaking coming from what was more than likely his bed, “I am equally not happy to learn that you are once again in trouble and that your girlfriend is also I assume in trouble as well due to your actions”. “I understand” she replied, looking around she added, “Hey I am not sure where I am located so I was wondering if you could just oh, I don’t know, perhaps trace the call?” “I’ll do that but you need to tell me what happened first and foremost I can’t do anything at all until I know fully what I am getting my department into”. “We-er-I mean I was tracking or rather hunting one of them and well I wound up getting myself and Píseň into a gunfight at the docs earlier today.” taking a breath she added, “I didn’t call you about that because I thought I could handle it on my own I have after all lived for well.... a rather long time” she began to pace back and forth her mind started to race trying to calm down she sat down pressing her back against the cold wet brick wall of the alleyway. “Well one thing led to another and during the gunfight the cops got called one of them got hurt and I killed the um, thing that I was hunting .” bowing her head a single tear threatened to break the surface of her right eye wiping it away she let out a forced sigh, “Several hours after we got away Píseň wanted to go out for dinner so with my weapons or hers we left. Perhaps it was meant as a way to take my mind off of it I don’t know and I don’t care what her real intention was”. “I see, tell me Kāṭṭēri what happened next?” “Well we were headed into the city using the rooftops and alleyways to keep out of sight when we-er-I mean when I heard a whistle” leaning her head back against the brick wall she added, “I knew that whistle quite well as I was the one who taught it to Angelic. I had made it clear to her she was only to use it when she needed either my help or Píseň’s help”. Closing her eyes she further continued dreading the words that were to come, “Angelic had somehow gotten herself into a bit of a skirmish with three hu-er-people. One of them is knocked out in this alleyway, the second is locked inside a dumpster and the third” her eyes opened, sniffing, believing that her girlfriend wasn’t ready to face Varnas, she thought it best to take the blame for her girlfriends actions. “I-I killed him”. “You did what?!” she heard him reply the tone in his voice was stark and full of anger, “say that again Kāṭṭēri”. “You heard me! I killed him I placed my hand to his chest shoved him and he went hurtling out of the alleyway into a parked car across the street” getting up she finished, “upon impacting with the car his body exploded I didn’t mean to kill him I just wanted him to leave Angelic alone”. “Are you with your friends now”? “No I am in the alleyway, Angelic and Píseň are headed for precinct one twelve they need to retrieve the bodies that were sent there.” turning around she placed her arm above her head placing her forearm to the brick wall leaning forward she finished, “there was a news article about this incident though it stated that there was only one body found at the docs there are in fact two, one of which is human the other … is not''. “Get me the license plate of that car then rejoin your friends I’ll meet you at Fourth and Hallard street in about twenty minutes”. Walking down the alleyway Kāṭṭēri stood in front of the twisted metal mess that once was a car looking it over she found the license plate giving that to Varnas. Turning back towards the alleyway entrance she took a few steps away from the mangled twisted wreckage stopping in her tracks hearing her stomach growl she placed a hand to her very muscalur flat well tone 12 pack abb stomach frowning. Turning around she reached out taking Eldritch’s heart into her hands surprisingly it was still warm. Licking her lips she pressed it to her mouth biting into it, her eyes darkened turning dark purple and glowing brightly the warm blood gushing over her lips, down her throat was intoxicating. Finishing her meal she wiped a hand over her lips licking her fingers a soft growling laughter escaped her lips. “Well at least this bastard was good for something” she thought, out loud she said into the phone, “Varnas as long as you are coming can you be a dear and perhaps bring me something to ….snack on?” “Alright I’ll make something for you to snack on” he replied “oh, Kāṭṭēri don’t touch anything from the wreckage or the body I need to---” Hanging up before he could finish she smirked, shaking her head heading back into the alleyway she soon found Angelic’s sword and Drake still unconscious. Picking up her friend's weapons she carried them over to him setting them down next to him kneeling next to him. She placed her hands to his head very violently twisting his head to the right a sickening bone snapping, crunching sound echoed in her ears. Dropping his lifeless body where it lay, she picked up Angelic’s weapons once more, carrying them over to the dumpster that held Steel Haze in it. “Hey let me out” she listened to him bang and thrash about inside the dumpster “someone please let me out there are roaches in here for the---” Pressing the tip of Angelic’s sword to the metal dumpster Kāṭṭēri thrusted her hand forward penetrating the dumpster with the sword. A soft squelching gurgle came from inside the dumpster, her eyes narrowed twisting the blade to the right she smiled she slowly methodically twisted the blade to the left. Drawing her arm back Kāṭṭēri watched as blood slowly drip from the blade onto the street. Reaching out with her free hand she ripped open the dumpster looking inside she saw Steel Haze’s lifeless body lying on a small pile of rags. “This scum will never hurt anyone else again”. She thought, out loud she muttered to herself “Angelic should have backed down as soon as I showed up then this wouldn’t have been necessary”. Reaching inside the dumpster she retrieved a handful of rags quickly using them to clean off her friend's weapon. Sighing, she tossed the rags back into the dumpster over Steel Haze’s lifeless corps she turned to leave stopping in her tracks. “Oh, right I mustn’t forget Drake's body” she muttered. Heading a little further down the alleyway she quickly located Drake's body getting up close to it. She sniffed the air, the putrid smell of death hung heavy in the air. Setting Angelic’s weapon down for a moment she knelt next to his body picking him up heading back to the dumpster she tossed him inside of it slamming the lid closed laughing. Kāṭṭēri retrieved her friends weapon once more before heading for the fire escape getting up close to it she looked it over scoffing at its rusted frame and damaged exterior. “I can’t actually believe this rusted piece of junk actually held Píseň as she made her way to the top” Tucking friends sword under her left arm Kāṭṭēri turned around taking a running start running towards the fire escape she planted her right foot against it. The massive ten story structure creaked, groaned and shook from the slightest touch of her feet using it to vault from one building to the next she headed for the top. “You told me that Kāṭṭēri found you in 1720, February the 8th in Shoreham which if I recall correctly was a small sailing port of Neighland”. Kāṭṭēri heard landing on the legde of the building just behind Angelic and Pisen who both didn't see her she decided it was best not to interfere with Angelic’s tale choosing rather to remain silent as she listened in on the conversation, “she took you in, fed you, bathed you, clothed you and eventually had sex with you she also taught you how more or less to fight”. Recalling the memory herself Kāṭṭēri silently crept into the shadows of the maintenance doorway listening intently to Angelic’s every word. “In the early spring which I do believe was March 6th of 1728 you found those that you believed took away from you what you can not replace which was your family” Kāṭṭēri watched from her hiding place as her friend Angelic laid her hands on Píseň’s shoulders “That was if my memory still serves me correctly eight years after Kāṭṭēri found you Píseň. You do understand sweetheart that was 292 years ago. So tell me why are you still carrying this around with you?” “Because I killed two innocent people that day” she sniffed “and I did some checking on my own before the dock incident from earlier today. I know that the Sower family is still in this area. They have no idea what I did” looking into Angelic’s eyes she added, “just like you have no idea whom it was that we …. killed earliertoday.” “I would if you or Kāṭṭēri would just tell me” she replied. “It was Riz^tyākt her fourth in command”. Kāṭṭēri still choosing to hide and listen in watched her girlfriend Píseň look down with shame etched over her regal face, “Once again I took a life, he like the Sower family did me no wrong at all. Yet like before I wanted blood for blood so I hunted him down, but I couldn’t do it I wanted to but I just ... couldn’t.” Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic gently place a finger under Píseň’s jaw slowly raising the distraught girls head up so ther gaze locked. Offering her a simple yet pleasant smile she wrapped her arms around Píseň gently pulling her into a warm reassuring safe hug. Kāṭṭēri watched further as her girlfriend returned the hug burying her face into Angelic’s breastplate wrapping her own arms around her friends shoulders. Trembling Píseň began to cry gently Angelic much to Kāṭṭēri’s hope was indeed a friend to her gently Angelic ran her fingers through Píseň’s raven-black hair. “Shh, honey it’s going to be alright”. Angelic was heard whispering. “How is this going to be alright?” pulling Angelic in a little closer Kāṭṭēri listened to her girlfriend add, “I wanted him dead for what she did to me for what she took from me and I took two incconcent lives that day” Kāṭṭēri watched Píseň end the hug hearing her finish, “Why did I do this, why?” “Listen to me honey Eldritch was a fool he could have left at anytime but he chose to stay so thus his fate was sealed” Kāṭṭēri watched further as Angelic whipped away Píseň’s tears hearing her winged friend add, “what happened today and all those many long years ago wasn’t your fault Píseň you need to learn to live with this and let it go otherwise it’ll eat you up inside until you become like---” “Like who” Kāṭṭēri heard her girlfriend ask “whom will I become like Angelic please tell me”. “I am afraid that you’ll wind up like … Kāṭṭēri. I am afraid that you’ll become a killer who kills at their leisure without regard or remorse for their actions”. Having heard more than enough Kāṭṭēri snarled her eyes glowed incarnadine in color quickly remembering that Angelic was only trying to help Píseň she calmed down if only a bit. Stepping out of the shadows she placed two fingers to her lips giving a loud whistle watching in delight as Píseň and Angelic both jumped with fright. Snickering to herself she playfully tilted her head to the right enthralled by Angelic’s and Píseň reactions to her whistling at them. “Dammit!” Angelic yelped, “I swear by Divinity’s Light Kāṭṭēri!” placing a hand over her own heart she finished, “don’t you ever do that again”. “Kāṭṭēri that was not funny” Píseň chimed in taking a step towards her girlfriend her eyebrows scrunched sniffing the air her eyes slightly narrowed, “why do I smell fresh blood on you?” looking her over she finished, “y-your not hurt are you”. Holding out Angelic’s dagger Kāṭṭēri feeling a bit playful tossed it to Angelic watching her friend catch the blade and placing it against her left hip she smiled. Leaping from the ledge she landed next to her girlfriend in a squatting position standing up she began to playfully twirl Angelic’s five foot long sword moving around the pair in a circular formation. “You know honey” she began tossing the blade into the air much to Angelic’s annoyance catching it she added, “it occurs to me that if you” giving Angelic a very tauntingly half-hearted grin “two wanted to be alone together” tossing the blade back into the air again she watched it spin reaching out to catch it she stopped when a metal plated hand suddenly reached out catching it. “All you had to do was ask” taking a step back with a playful bow she added, “instead of leaping all the way up” straightening up she finished, “here”. “Kāṭṭēri you know very damn well that” Holding up her sword Angelic snarled, “this is a weapon!” sheathing her sword she added “it's not a damn toy”. Sniffing the air Angelic also smelled the scent of blood stepping towards Kāṭṭēri she finished, “I too smell blood on you so tell us why do we both smell blood coming off of you Kāṭṭēri?” “If its blood you smell it is not my own” she replied, grinning she added, “but you are right Angelic there is a scent of blood in the air and its closer to you than what you would like it to be”. Giving her a concerned look Angelic pursed her lips together not liking where the conversation was going, reaching behind herself she drew her blade giving it a once over. Her gaze quickly fell back to Kāṭṭēri who offered her a very playful smile. Not wanting a fight to break out between her girlfriend and her friend Píseň stepped between the two hearing growl coming from Kāṭṭēri she turned to her growling herself. Kāṭṭēri not wanting to fight with her girlfriend chose to back down folding her arms under her own chest. An uneasy silence filled the air wanting more information Angelic stepped back knowing her next words could easily start a fight with her friend. “Tell me Kāṭṭēri” she asked showing she was growing angry “what did you do?” “I did what you either couldn’t or be it wouldn’t do” she replied taking a step back herself she sneered showing her left fang to Angelic “I believe your words were ‘you stay down here and take care of this mess’ you never said ‘how’ I should take care of it” she turned her attention fully to Píseň adding, “I called Varnas like you asked he’ll meet us at Fourth and Hallard in about” glancing at her watch she finished, “ten minutes that is if we hurry”. “You killed them didn’t you?” Angelic said, her words caught Kāṭṭēri by surprise “that isn’t what I meant when I---” “So what if I did?!” she screamed back “they are three humans” holding up her hand with three fingers showing she added, “count them three nothing more and nothing less” Dropping her hand she finished, “there are seven hundred billion more where they came from!” Looking away Kāṭṭēri’s hand trembled swallowing hard her gaze slowly returned to Angelic’s eyes. Placing her own hands on Angelic's she pushed herself free from her friends grasp the wind picked up blowing several strands of Kāṭṭēri’s hair into her own eyes. Squinting slightly from the irritation she raised her hand to her eyes brushing away the strands of hair. Her left hand trembled, turning around to leave she stopped hearing her girlfriend Píseň call out to her. “Why would you do this Kāṭṭēri? Why?” Thrusting her hand forward she pointed to Píseň almost screaming out, “they would have hurt you” pointing to herself she added, “they would have hurt me” pointing to Angelic she added, “Angelic or anyone that would have come along” taking a breath she tried to calm herself down finishing, “I won’t shed a tear for them they won’t be missed least of all by me”. Turning around Kāṭṭēri much to her girlfriends shock and dismay raced forward leaping from the rooftop to another stepping forward to go after her Píseň stopped feeling a arm collide into her chest. Grunting a bit from the impact she felt in her chest she gave Angelic; a confused, concerning look watching as Kāṭṭēri disappeared over the edge of another roof. Taking a step to her right she locked eyes with Angelic staring into Angelic’s green eyes she saw only sadness and comprehension staring back at her. “Let her go” Angelic softly whispered “you’ll do her no good by chasing after her like a love sick dog chasing after its mate or owner”. “How dare you of all people call me a ‘dog’ you know I am not of their ilk” Píseň growled, calming down a bit she added, “tell me at least why did you stop me from going after her?” “I stopped you because she needs to be alone right now” she replied, “you and I however we may feel about this situation need to get to that precinct” gently laying a hand on Píseň’s shoulder she finished, “if you doubt me then read the rest of the news article”. Taking out the news article Píseň held it out in front of her reading it out loud, “One worker stated that those who were fighting with both the police and the unknown assailant as well looked like something out of a horror movie. One of these Píseňs according to the eye-witness reported that it looked almost like a wolf the other looked almost bat-like in appearance both according to what the witness saw and heard could actually speak.” folding it up she tucked into her jacket front pocket closing her eyes she finished, “alright I’ll ...go with you”. “Good” giving her friend a foolish grin she added, “oh, you might want to brace yourself”. “What do you---” Angelic much to her friends' shock rushed forward scooping up Píseň in her arms her friends eyes widened. She quickly realized what Angelic was about to do, “Angelic wait, stop what are you doing?!” Píseň screamed. Angelic ran towards the ledge of the building scooping up her friend Píseň in her arms planting her foot against the ledge she lept off taking her very frightened friend with her. Twisting around Angelic held tightly to her friend not letting her slip once while the two of them plummeted towards the ground. Her wings outstretched catching the cool nights air keeping herself and Píseň aloft gently. “Oh, God, oh, god, oh, god” Píseň, scared for her own life, wrapped her arms around Angelic’s neck nearly choking her friend in the process, “we’re gonna die, we’re so gonna to die!” Feeling Píseň’s arms wrapping tighter around her neck Angelic tapped her friend's forearm with her finger cuing her to let go. Coughing a bit she half-heartedly chuckled, turning, twisting and swooping high into the night sky much to Píseň’s ever growing worry and fear. Feeling the cool air rush through her hair and over her arms, shoulders and sides Píseň buried her face into Angelic’s chest plate silently praying her friend wouldn’t accidentally drop her. “Thanks for not choking me to death Píseň” she halfheartedly chuckled, “now you might want to hold on”. “Wait hold on?” Píseň cried out holding on in mortal terror “What the hell do you think I’m” her words were almost cut short as Angelic swooped downwards coming close to the ground but not close enough to crash “doiiing?!” Píseň screamed. “Relax” she soothingly whispered “Don’t worry Píseň I won’t be dropping you any time soon” smirking she added, “yet”. “Oh, that’s comforting,” she halfheartedly replied, “now put me down!” Angelic flew for another ten super-blocks before up-righting herself stretching her wings out she came in for a landing hearing Píseň add, “I don’t see why we couldn’t have just used a taxi”. “On these streets and in this city?!” she replied, setting her friend down earning herself a very scornful glare she sheepishly grinned adding, “besides we made it to the rendezvous point with” taking her friend’s arm into her own hand she glanced at Píseň’s watch, “Ha! Three minutes to spare” smiling she finished, “besides that was---” “I can’t believe you actually did that to me!” Flailing her arms around she added “that wasn’t bloody funny Angelic!” her eyes scrunched tightly together “don’t you ever do that to me again”. Failing to notice her girlfriend leaning against a wall nearby Píseň turned around folding her arms under her chest, stewing in her anger. Shaking her head with a slight smirk etched on her lips Angelic noticed a Black Mercedes Benz with fully tinted windows, no front license plate and black headlights pulling up alongside the curb. “Looks like Varnas is right on time” Angelic said. Noticing the car as well, Píseň stepped back as the car rolled to a stop in front of her. Both Angelic and Píseň waited for the occupant to step out of the vehicle. Stepping away from the wall she had been leaning against Kāṭṭēri without a word to either her girlfriend or Angelic walked over to the car tapping the drivers side window. The occupant of the car shut off the vehicle Kāṭṭēri sniffing the air caught the familiar scent of what she was after. Her eyes slowly became a soft erubescent cerise in color impatiently she tapped her foot waiting for the occupant to lower the window. “Uh, Kāṭṭēri” she heard Angelic ask, “what are you doing?” The window lowered looking into the car Kāṭṭēri saw a young blond haired woman driving the vehicle. The occupant was in her late teens she was wearing a three piece full button down black suit with a black silk tie around her neck and black tinted sunglasses covering her eyes. Handing over a medium sized brown paper bag the woman waited for a few seconds for Kāṭṭēri to take the bag from her. Taking the bag Kāṭṭēri opened it, looked inside of it hearing Angelic clear her throat she looked up giving her a grinning smile. “If you must know what I am doing Angelic” she began “I am getting something to snack on” being too hungry to fully realize what she was saying she foolishly added, “besides that human’s heart wasn’t nearly as satisfying as this will soon be”. Reaching into the bag she retrieved a small plastic pouch containing red liquid licking her lips she finished, “nor was it as tasty”. “Human heart?” Píseň chimed in “what human … heart” her eyes slowly widened with realization a gasp escaped her lips covering her mouth with her hand she finished, “Kāṭṭēri honey, how could you eat Eldritch’s heart like that?” “What?” she replied “I mean, it's not like he’s actually going to need it” tightly gripping the plastic bag in her hand she finished, “besides he’s dead so I don’t see what your getting so worked up about”. “That is truly disgusting Ms. Kāṭṭēri” the woman said chiming in, turning her attention to Angelic she gave her a once over adding, “I am agent Snow I take it you must be Angelic and the person standing to your right is Píseň correct?” “That is correct” Angelic replied instinctively placing herself between agent Snow and Píseň dropping her hand to her dagger and raising her free hand to her sword she added, “what do you want with Píseň?” “Whoa, wait please, my orders are to help you.” Raising her hands, agent Snow quickly added, “I was not ordered to harm either of you three”. Hearing another car pull up, stop and park behind the first one Snow watched Varnas step out of the second car sighing in relief. “Angelic!” he growled “stand down now”. Turning his attention to agent Snow he added, “Snow why have you not given Angelic the package I told you to give her?” “Sir I was going to but I---” “Don’t make excuses” he barked “hop to it” taking off his glasses, “Angelic” he added turning his attention fully to her “there is no reason for you to protect Píseň from agent Snow” putting his sunglasses into his innermost right jacket pocket he finished, “please stand down”. “Hmph” Angelic snorted in reply, stepping back but making sure to keep herself between Snow and Varnas she stood down snarling out, “we shall see … saurian”. The sound of a car’s trunk opening and closing caught her attention, “what is your agent doing Varnas?” “You’ll see,” he replied, “Snow you are to place that item in front of Angelic,” he demanded, “then get the other item from the other car and hand that over to Píseň as well”. Taking off his sunglasses he added, “Oh, and Snow”. “Yes sir?” she asked, “was there something else that is needed?” “Yes there is” he replied, “don’t do anything stupid”. Without another word, agent Snow continued about her business placing a wooden box in front of Angelic. Doing as instructed; Snow returned to the first car retrieving another item from inside of it. Confusion showed in Angelic’s eyes and on her face she watched Snow close the car door tentatively she approached Angelic holding out her hand. In her hand Snow held a black leather wallet still not convinced that Snow wasn’t a threat to her friend Angelic stood her ground placing her right hand on the hilt of her dagger. “Easy Angelic” she heard Varnas warn, “she’s not a threat, she's just obeying my orders”. “This is for Píseň,” Snow quickly injected. “May I please approach her and give this item to her?” “No you may not” staring her down Angelic bitterly added, “Don’t. Move”, kneeling, she further added, “you move and I will slam you into the ground.” hearing Snow gulp she added, “Do you understand?” “Y-yes I understand” She replied. “Good” Angelic added, “I’m glad to see you understand Snow” opening the box Angelic found a silk blue full button down blouse, charcoal grey trousers, a leather black belt, white cotton socks and suede shoes inside of it. “What am I supposed to do with these?” “You need to change out of your armor and get dressed in those clothes” gesturing towards the car she silently prayed to herself hoping that Angelic would ignore her movements, “if you wish to Angelic you may use my car to change from what you are currently wearing” She added, looking down at Angelic she finished, “that is if you will let me move so I can open the car door for you?” Standing up Angelic lightly kicked the box staring Snow down she reached out placing her fingers on Snow’s sunglasses removing them. Tucking them into Snow’s lapel pocket she looked the teenager over looking into Snow’s silvery argent colored eyes she saw only self-doubt, disquiet and tension staring back at her. “Place the wallet into your innermost pocket and raise your arms to the sides fully outstretched” she said, adding “and spread your legs agent Snow”. “Whatever for?” she replied, “Varnas has already told you I am not a threat to you”. “Yeah he has already told me that but you know what?” leaning in her face came within inches from Snow's face, “I don’t trust his word and he doesn’t trust me so do as you are told!” Staring into Angelic’s eyes she saw only anger and hate staring back at her. Snow quickly did as she was instructed much to her own building anger. Angelic thinking Snow had a hidden weapon of sorts hidden on her person laid her hands on Snow’s left shoulder moving slowly towards her wrist. Finding nothing hidden she moved to Snow’s right shoulder feeling the soft fabric of Snow’s jacket running under her fingers Angelic once more found nothing hidden under Snow’s right arm. Placing her hands on Snow’s collar bones she slowly made her way to Snow’s minuscular, pygmy, elfin sized breast. “OK,” she said feeling Angelic’s hands run across her breast “I’m going to take that personally in a second”. Ignoring Snow’s words Angelic slowly moved to Snow’s stomach much to the teens irritation finding nothing hidden she moved to Snow’s hips. Running her fingers down the teen’s nuanced, graceful, petite hips finally having had more than enough Snow foolishly dropped her arms placing her right hand over her own right hip. Much to her shock Angelic without a word to her immediately carried out her threat, wrapping her right arm around Snow’s legs and her left arm around Snow's hips picking her up. “Angelic no!” she heard Píseň and Varnas call out in unison. Thinking quickly Snow tucked her chin against her own chest trying to protect the back of her own head from impacting with the ground. Angelic violently slammed Snow back first onto the cold, hard ground kneeing her in the stomach and pelvis. Snow for her part fought back as best as she could hitting Angelic in her lower back and upper shoulders. Angelic, wanting to end the fight, quickly placed a hand over Snow’s neck wrapping her fingers around the teens throat while keeping her free hand against Snow’s legs slowly she choked Snow into submission. “You listen” she snarled, “human and you listen real good” she tightened her grip around Snow’s throat, “I know Varnas!” standing up, Angelic kept her hand over Snow’s throat, “How he thinks” She dragged Snow to her feet, “How he moves during a fight”. She thrusted her arm outwards, “How breaths” Snow quickly found herself suspended in mid-air, “how he deals with threats” Snow’s feet dangled just above Angelic’s knees, “I know what to look for when he tries to hide a weapon from me” pulling her in close their faces almost touched Angelic’s eyes turned from green to fuchsia in color, “you I don’t know”. Letting her go, Snow hit the ground painfully landing on her right side. Angelic used her foot to roll Snow over to her back, Thinking Snow still had some fight left in her Angelic knelt planting her knee into Snow’s stomach knocking the wind out of the teenager. Snow’s eyes shrank to pinpricks she gasped for breath rolling to her side she felt Angelic’s hand reach inside her jacket retrieving the wallet. Standing up Angelic opened the wallet making sure it wasn’t laced with a hidden needle or some other form of trap. Finding only a gold badge and identification card inside she stepped over Snow’s body handing the wallet to Píseň a single tear trickled down Snow’s right cheek. “That was completely---” “Necessary” Angelic unintentionally interrupted her friend Píseň “this blond-haired sylph of a pixie will think twice before moving when someone tells her not to move”. Turning around she watched Snow slowly climb back to her feet, “I did warn you” listening to her cough and watching her place a hand over her stomach she added, “Next time Snow I won’t be so … gentle”. “Screw you” she coughed in reply, limping away from Angelic she painfully made her way over to Varnas,“Sir I request to formally file charges against her for attacking a C.I.B agent”. “Your request is denied, Snow” he replied, reaching out he proceeded to unbutton the first two buttons of her shirt lowering her collar he examined her throat, “you’ll have some bruising by tomorrow”. Buttoning her shirt up she frowned glaring at him, “I told you not to do anything stupid” he added, turning his attention to Angelic he continued, “Angelic you need to get dressed while Píseň and Snow head inside to retrieve the bodies and all other data concerning them”. “Hey wait a minute?!” everyone heard Kāṭṭēri exclaim “why can’t I just go in there and get the bo---” “Because you have no regard whatsoever for human life Kāṭṭēri” Varnas intentionally interrupted her, “If I were to send you in there you would most certainly kill everyone inside that precinct”. He turned his attention to Píseň, “this requires stealth and someone that actually gives a damn about human life”. Turning to Snow he finished, “just get the bodies and all evidence collected do nothing more than that Snow”. “I’ll need papers that show why I am there sir” Snow replied, “my badge alone won’t be enough to---” “It’s already done” he replied, reaching into his jacket he handed her a folded piece of white paper, “give this to the officer behind the front desk” watching her take the piece of paper, “come out through the south entrance you’ll find a van waiting there for you”. Sore, angry and concerned about her objective Snow headed for the entrance watching her and Píseň go Angelic knelt reopening the box. Rummaging inside of it Angelic found a thin leather harness at the bottom of the box taking it out she looked it over holding it up for Varnas to see. “And just what by Divinities Light am I supposed to do with this?” she asked. “That is for your wings” he replied “so you can hopefully hide them” receiving a disgusted look from her as well as a rather devious look from Kāṭṭēri he finished, “while you’re in plain sight of humans”. Putting the harness back into the box she closed the lid, pick it up heading for Varnas’s car with Kāṭṭēri in close proximity to her. With her hands full from carrying the box Kāṭṭēri opened the passenger door for Angelic watching her winged friend toss the box inside the car getting in Angelic closed the door directing Kāṭṭēri to stand guard. Doing as instructed Kāṭṭēri pressed her back against the car’s passenger window folding her arms under her cantaloupe sized breast while Angelic proceeded to dress herself. Inside the precinct Píseň made her way to the front desk while Snow did her best to keep up though she was clearly in pain. “You going to be alright, Snow?” she heard Píseň whisper, “we can always leave and try to get this done some other way”. “I’ll be fine!” she snorted in reply “let’s just get this over with” making her way past Píseň she limped in her approach to the front desk placing her left arm on the desk to balance herself and help further hide the pain she was in she added, “I can’t believe Varnas denied me like that” she muttered. A officer in his mid twenties with short crew cut white hair and hazel eyes sat behind the desk compiling files paying her little attention to either of them, “which way do I go to get to the C.S.I autopsy room?” she finished catching the officers attention. “You need a warrant to get in there” He replied not looking up from his work “or you need a ba---” he tried to add looking up from his work as he was interrupted by Agent Snow. “Warrant” she handed over the piece of paper holding up her badge she added, “and badge” she flipped it open for him to see it fully, “Agent Snow C.I.B now can you show me how to get to the C.S.I.U room?” gesturing to Píseň she added, “this is Agent Winter she’ll be accompanying me”. Taking the piece of paper from her he read it, handing it back to Snow he snorted “Very well” getting up he added, “follow me”. Muttering to himself he finished, “lousy CIB's think they can do whatever they damn well want!” “What was that officer” Snow piped up, “I didn’t quite catch what you just said”. “Oh, uh, it’s nothing ma’am I’ll---” he began, noticing she was limping with each step she took he added, “are you alright you seem to be--- he tried to finish being interrupted once more by Snow “I’m fine” she snapped, “You listen and you listen well officer I don’t have time or the patience for an officer that can’t or won’t do as I have instructed him to do” her eyes narrowed with anger, “So you either show us the way to your C.S.I.U door or I swear I’ll have your gun and badge on my desk by dawn’s end! Do you fully understand me?” “Y-yes ma’am” he replied gulping, “I fully u-understand”. Stepping around his desk he led them down a hallway around a corner to another hallway at the end of which was a large steel door. Getting up to it Snow saw it had a retinal scanner, palm scanner and several locks on it engraved on the door were the words, ‘Crime Squad Investigations Unit’. Snow and Píseň watched the officer fish out a set of keys from his pants pocket, place his hand to the hand scanner and his face to the retinal scanner a soft beeping was heard. He stepped back placing a key to each lock unlocking the door for them, opening it he gestured inside of the doorway allowing both to enter. “Thank you” Píseň said, stepping past him she added, “now if you’ll be so kind please return to your duties Agent Snow and I shall take it from here”. Looking around Píseň saw several lab technicians working on various cases. Each lab technician wore a blue lab coat, clear plastic goggles, white latex gloves, hairnets and a face-mask with plastic face shield. The lab walls were plain simple walls, the floor was metal leading from the door to the back south wall, multiple security cameras lined the top of the lab walls. Three computers lined the west and east walls and a lab technician sat at each computer working on various files and compiling various cases for later use. Taking a step further into the room Snow stopped in her tracks noticing security cameras located at top and middle of each wall were moving from left to right. A large metal double door was located in the back of the room and the word’s ‘autopsy room’ was inscribed upon it. “Damn” she thought, taking out her cell phone from her outer jacket pocket she texted, ‘problem, security cams recording, need instructions’ she waited for a few seconds impatiently tapping her foot, “Come on, come on, reply already!” she muttered, getting a confused look from Píseň ignoring her Agent Snow heard her phone blip grumbling to herself, “finally”. “Don’t worry about them, I’ll have someone take care of it, hurry”. “Ok, we need to move Píseň, place the badge into your front pocket” Agent Snow began, “walk in front of me and let me do most of the talking”. Approaching one of the lab technicians Snow cleared her throat, “excuse me can you tell me where Charm Haste is?” “Yes she is in the autopsy room” the technician replied, “It’s located behind the door right behind me”. “Thank you” Snow said, looking around she saw a shelf containing multiple boxes of latex gloves taking one of the boxes down she opened it up handing a pair to Píseň, “Here you’ll need these while we are in there” receiving a confused look she added, “so you don’t accidentally contaminate anything that is in there”. Taking a pair for herself she put them on reaching into her outer pocket she took two evidence bags handing them to Píseň “you’ll need these as well” Taking the gloves and bags Píseň followed Snow as she opened the metal door and stepped through into the next room with the technician in pursuit of both of them. Looking around both saw the east and west walls were lined with many metal doors each door had numbers inscribed upon their surfaces. A digital clock was hung on the wall above a computer, a large metal table was positioned in the center of the room. Charm Haste was standing at the far right of the table setting up everything she needed to conduct a thorough autopsy. Looking around the room Snow saw the autopsy room didn’t have any cameras inside the room. “Excuse me are you Charm Haste?” agent Snow asked. “Yes I am” she replied “I don’t have time for an interview right now”. She was wearing a white lab coat, blue hairnet, black latex gloves, thick plastic goggles with a face shield pointed upwards at a forty five degree angle and a cloth white face mask. Looking around a bit Snow saw there was a first aid kit next to a large table located in the far right corner of the room. A set of double metal doors located at the south wall of the room each door had a light above it with a sign attached to each light that read, ‘when flashing do not open’. Under the sign was another sign that read ‘intake doors authorized personnel only’. “So this is what a morgue looks like?” Píseň thought. A shelf containing several boxes of n-ninety five respirator face masks and power respirator hooded masks stood near the intake doors. A microscope and computer were on a glass desk located to the left far northern wall with a sliding railing bolted to the floor attached to it was a metal chair. A trash can with a clear plastic liner was positioned next to the desk with a bio-hazard symbol on it positioned next to it was a box with the words ‘place bio-hazardous materials in here’. “An interview” Snow said, “isn’t the reason the two of us are here”. “Hey you guys can’t be in here” the technician said catching Charm Haste’s attention “I must insist that the two of you leave now”. “Unless this has to do with another case, do as my lab tech says” Charm Haste snorted irritably placing a tape recorder next to the computer, “I’m busy” taking a seat in front of the microscope she leaned in muttering to herself, “ok, let's see what we have here?” Ignoring both the lab technicians and Charm Haste’s words, Snow walked up to her tapping Charm Haste's shoulder becoming angry she grumbled, “go away”. Feeling Snow tap her shoulder again Charm Haste looked up from her work growling out, “Hey didn’t I say I was busy?” Turning her attention to her lab tech she finished, “Don’t you have work to be doing mister?” “But ma’am they just---” the technician began. “I don’t care if your nut sack is on fire” Charm Haste interrupted him, “get your butt back to work now!” The lab technician quickly made a hasty retreat back to his station. “Now if I am not mistaken” Charm Haste stated returning to her own work doing her best to ignore agent Snow, “I do believe that I already told you that I am busy”. Agent Snow watched Charm Haste pick up the tape recorder finishing, “am I correct in that regard?” “Yes you did say that” She replied, reaching out taking the tape recorder from her handing it over to Píseň. “But you know what” turning to fully face her she leaned forward locking eyes with Charm Haste finishing, “I don’t care”. “What on earth is so important that you both felt the need to barge in here and interrupt my work?” turning her attention to Píseň she held her hand out to her adding, “may I have the tape recorder back please I need it for my notes and for work”. “I’m afraid not Ms. Haste” she replied, placing the tape recorder into one of the two evidence bags that Snow had given her “this belongs to us now”. “I don’t believe this” she balked, “what on earth is so damn important that you both felt the need to barge in here and interrupt my work?” “This is what is so important.” Handing over the warrant Snow frowned, adding, “Agent Winter will need full access to your computer Ms. Haste” she added, “other than what is stated in the warrant what else have you collected from that case thus far Ms. Haste”? “Nothing” she replied, “I have as of yet, not had time to conduct the autopsies”. Reading the warrant she added, “you C.I.B’s get around fast I have just barely started the autopsies” handing the warrant back to agent Snow she finished, “I haven’t even collected blood and tissue samples from the second body yet”. Taking a step towards her Píseň's nostrils filled with an all too familiar scent sniffing the air she silently prayed that the scent wasn’t what she thought it was. Filled with growing dread her eyes shifted back and forth for a split second, worried she gave Charm Haste a concerned glance Píseň's gaze quickly shifted to the microscope. “But you have collected a blood sample from the first body right Ms. Haste?” her concern only grew with each passing moment “may I please see it?” “No you may you not” she replied, stepping away from the microscope, “you only have a pair of latex gloves on therefore, you’ll contaminate the evidence if you touch it”. Píseň, much to Charm Haste’s building anger, was brushed aside; all she could do was watch Píseň take a seat in front of the microscope,“Hey! What the hell are you doing?!” leaning in Píseň pressed her face to the ocular viewing shield, completely ignoring Charm Haste’s words, “I told you that you couldn’t look at that”. “It can’t be” Píseň thought, viewing the specimen on the glass slide, “that monster actually did it.” continuing to view the specimen she continued to think, “Angelic and my girlfriend are not going to like this”. “What the hell gives you the right to view what I am working on?” Charm Haste barked furiously, looking over to Agent Snow, she added, “Is your idiot partner trying to contaminate my case?!” Continuing to fully Ignore Charm Haste’s words Píseň pressed her fingers to the viewing dial adjusting it for a better look at the specimen placed on the microscope's aperture. The specimen was a green globular cluster containing hickory brown and yellow blood cells. To Píseň's horror she watched the cells within the blood sample with growing alarm begin to self replicate with each new cell that was formed she grew more and more concerned. Agent Snow noticed Píseň clenching her right hand into a tight fist thinking something was very wrong she reached out tapping Píseň’s right shoulder. “Hey you alright” she asked, “agent Winter?” Not looking up she replied, “I’m fine Snow” continuing to look at the specimen she added, “Ms. Haste this blood sample is from the body on the table correct?” finally looking up Píseň added, “and where is the second body that you and your team found at the docks today?” “Yes it is” she replied, wanting to know a bit more she added, “why do you ask?” “I have my reasons for wanting to know where this came from” Píseň replied, “we’ll need any and all slides that you may have collected Ms. Haste”. “Before I hand them over, you both should at least note that I am not happy about you CIB's taking over a case that is under my jurisdiction” Reaching out Charm Haste placed her hand on the glass slide removing it from the microscope's mechanical stage, “the second body is in storage cooler two seventy-six”. In her haste to pick up the glass slide Charm Haste accidentally dropped the slide watching it hit the floor and break into multiple sharp shards she grumbled, “dammit”. Bending down to clean up the mess she stopped hearing Píseň say, “Don’t touch it” sighing Charm Haste stood up turned and headed for the door, stopping in her tracks as Píseň called out to her, “hey” gesturing to the computer she finished, “the password, I still need it”. “I don’t see why you need it when I don’t have any notes stored on the computer” she replied with clear irritation in her voice, “I have already stated that I have not as of yet been able to fully conduct a full autopsy”. Frowning she added, “on either this body or the other one”. “It doesn’t matter weather you have or have not done a full autopsy Ms. Haste” Agent Snow chimed in “the warrant states that you are to give us full access to this lab and your work that also entails any computer files that we might need” folding her arms under her own chest she added, “Agent Winter is required by law to check your computer just as you are required to fully cooperate with us regardless of your inability to perform the autopsiesyou willcooperate with us”. “Fine!” she snarled in reply. Walking over to the computer Charm Haste pressed a few keys entering her password, glaring at Píseň before irritably storming out of the room. Opening the intake doors Agent Snow was greeted by a male and female standing in front of a black van with tinted windows and no license plate. The van was parked with its back doors already opened. “Get the bodies loaded and move out” she said, “Píseň” she added, turning her attention to her, “we need to hurry”. Turning back to the male and female she finished, “the second body is in the storage cooler the door number is two seventy-six”. The female had shoulder length brown hair, wore black sunglasses, she stood five feet six inches tall the male stood five feet, nine inches. The male had military crew-cut red hair, both he and the female wore the same suit as Agent Snow guessing they were both C.I.B agents Píseň paid them little attention. The male wordlessly stepped towards the first body pushing aside a metal autopsy tool cart placing his hands on the medical cart he pushed it towards the van. Getting the cart into position he pressed a lever on the cart collapsing the front wheels pushing forward he loaded the cart and body into the van. “The second body is in a storage cooler slot number two seventy-six” Snow began directing the female to the cooler adding, “I’ll help you get the body into the van” The female agent wordlessly opened the holding door and sliding the medical slab within outwards, “while Píseň checks the computer”. Píseň sat down in front of the computer using the mouse she clicked on the ‘open all files’ tab she began to shift through all the files stored on the computer. “Agent Snow” Píseň began “I can’t find any file pertaining to this case” not getting a reply she returned to her work pressing various keys on the keyboard. “It looks as if the computer is clean”. satisfied she stood up taking out the other evidence bag she added, “is there anything else that we need from Charm Haste or her staff?” “Not that I know of,” she replied, carrying the body past Píseň with the males help. Snow hefted it into the van. Her work done she turned and headed back inside all without showing any sign of her injuries from earlier that night adding, “Píseň I don’t mean to question you but are you sure the computer is clean?” “Yes I am sure that the computer is clean” she replied scrunching her eyebrows. She shot Snow a questionable look not wanting to give away her suspicions she gestured to the computer, “but if you don’t believe me take a seat and check the computer for yourself”. “Very well if you insist” Watching Píseň step away from the computer Snow added, “can I ask you something?” “sure” she replied, “what is it?” “Why did Angelic refer to Varnas as saurian?” directing the female to get into the van “she does know that word means of or like a lizard right?” watching the female do as directed she added, “Varnas is human so why call him something that he is not?” hearing the van’s engine start up she smirked finishing, “care to tell me why you didn’t want Charm Haste to clean up the broken slide that you are kneeling next to?” “Angelic has her reasons for calling him that” she replied, “just as I have my own reasons for not allowing Charm Haste to clean this up” picking up several pieces of the slide she placed them into the evidence bag standing up she handed it to Snow “Just leave it at that”. Snow took the bag from Píseň as the door opened and Charm Haste stepped back into the room with a dustpan and broom in her hands. Píseň turned her attention to Charm Haste failing to notice Snow taking out a slender shard of glass from the evidence bag. She placed it between the interdigital folds of her own right hand holding it in place between her middle and ring fingers. Charm Haste began to sweep up the smaller pieces of broken glass that Píseň wasn’t able to pick up. “Ms. Haste” she began holding up her hand. She stopped Charm Haste for a moment adding, “I would like to offer you my-er-I mean our most sincere apology for any inconvenience that our actions here tonight have caused you”. “Well you’ll forgive me if I don’t accept it” she replied, kneeling she placed the dustpan on the floor sweeping what was left of the slide into it, “you C.I.B agents always think you can do whatever you want” finished sweeping up the glass she stood up finishing, “This case was clearly under my jurisdiction” Snow stepped forward holding up her left hand, “I fully promise you both that I will be lodging a complaint with your superior for this” “If you wouldn’t mind,” Snow said, holding up the evidence bag in her left hand, Charm Haste dumped the rest of the glass into the bag, “I think that is everything we needed” handing it to the male she watched him get into the van, close the back doors and drive off with the female, stepping towards the intake doors, “now that they are gone Snow closed the intake doors finishing,“there’s one last thing that I need to do”. “I don’t understand” Charm Haste said, returning to the computer she added, “I assume you’ve both checked this computer and found nothing on it” pulling out the chair she sat down, switched the computer on and logged in “you’ve got the broken slide and bodies that I collected from the docks” gesturing to Píseň she continued, “You agent Winter have my tape recorder, which by the way I want that back”. Turning her attention back to the computer she grumbled, “what else is there for you to do here?” “What else needs to be done here Ms. Haste” Agent Snow replied, “is between myself and Píseň though because you are a boffin you may listen in if you wish to do so that is”. “I’d rather not” Charm Haste replied, “in fact I would really rather you both just leave”. “Suit yourself” Snow replied, heading for the door she stopped in front of it tracing the lock with her fingers it felt cold and smooth to the touch, “though you might find this interesting”. Turning the lock to the right she locked the door turning around she added, “Píseň didn’t you ask me if there was anything else we needed from Charm Haste or her staff?” receiving a silent nod from her she walked over to her further adding, “I think a better question would have been is there anything else you need from me?” taking a step towards her she brushed her shoulder into Píseň nearly knocking her down flicking her wrist she smirked, “and what I needed from you has now been taken care of”. Glancing downwards Píseň felt something wet dripping between her fingers glancing back up her eyes widened in fear to Píseň’s shock Snow’s eyes changed before her own. A moderate harlequin color slowly overtook Snow’s blue eyes with her pupils becoming a dark grayish opal in color. Hearing her snicker Píseň backed away feeling something sharp in her right middle finger she cupped her hand in her own, raising her hand she saw a slender shard of glass had penetrated her finger. Looking back at Snow she watched as Snow’s hair slowly grew in length changing from blond to dark cerulean feeling pain throughout her hand Píseň fell to her knees wrapping her arms around herself. “Hey what the hell are you doing?!” Charm Haste yelled, getting up from her computer, she quickly rushed to Píseň’s side, “Snow for crying out loud can’t you see she’s in pain?” “Oh, I can see just fine Charm Haste I just don’t care” she replied through a half hiss, her work done Snow walked over to the door she had locked striking it with the side of her fist “this should make sure you don’t have any other way out except through the intake doors” the sound of metal bending, creaking and twisting echoed in her ears walking past Píseň and Charm Haste she stopped, turned around, her lush winter color skin turned a blackish dark grey, “tell Imzadi” her laughter echoed in Píseň’s ears “I said ‘hello’ as for you Charm Haste I hope yous survive though” turning around she exited through the intake doors, “I doubt it”. Trying to help Píseň up Charm Haste fell to her butt with Píseň falling on top of her pushing Píseň off of her Charm Haste got up rushing for the exit door. Banging on it as hard and as loud as she could, Píseň's screams quickly caught her attention, turning around she watched in growing fear as Píseň writhed on the floor in pain. Píseň’s muscles, tendons, hand and arm felt as if someone was pressing a thousand cherry hot needles into her flesh for sheer enjoyment her body began to spasm. “No” Píseň snarled, her body twitched with each muscle spasm she suffered, “not” flipping to her hands and knees “now” she felt her back rise, arch and fall her bones “aaargh” painfully creaked, popped and snapped, “m-make-argh- i-it stop” she cried out in pain, black grayish hair grew over her hands, and face. “Help please” Charm Haste screamed, pounding on the door with all her might “somebody help please” Píseň's ears painfully elongated, becoming wider at the lobes and slender at the tips, her face contorted, her jaw popped and creaked slowly becoming a snout. Her eyes glowed bright yellow, her canines pushed downwards painfully curving inwards each of her teeth became jagged, pointed and sharp perfectly shaped for ripping flesh from bones. Her thumbs shrunk becoming dewclaws, her fingers grew in length becoming slender, her palms became fuller fur sprouted from her shoulders. Her muscular transformation tore apart her suit, thick fur sprouted from her back. “For God’s sake somebody open this damn door” Charm Haste screamed, continuing to pound on the door as hard as she could, being completely unaware that everyone had left for the evening, “Let me out, let me out”. Hearing growling behind her, Charm Haste looked over her shoulder seeing to her horror a tail began to form from Píseň’s tailbone. Loud cracking could be heard coming from Píseň’s legs, to Píseň’s growing painful anguish her legs began to painfully bend backwards forming a Z shape with a slight S shape to them. Her fingernails formed into sharp claws, her clothing ripped around her waist, back, chest and most of her legs leaving only her upper legs covered in ragged torn cloth. Her hair fell out being replaced by thick fur, her eyes ceased glowing purple becoming a soft golden brown. “Run” with one last cracking sound emanating from her neck, back and forearms she managed to snarl out, “now”. Charm Haste too scared to move stood frozen like a deer in headlights the creature before her let out a loud mournful howl, it breathed heavily sniffing the air before locking eyes with its prey. A clawed paw furry hand swiped downwards striking Charm Hast in the face, flesh painfully ripped and tore from her bones a blood curdling scream escaped Charm Haste’s lips. The creature grabbed Charm Haste by her lab coat’s lapel and blouse throwing her into and out of the intake doors into the street beyond. Hitting a fire escape with a sickening bone snapping thud she slumped to the ground wounded, through forced breaths she coughed badly. The creature burst through the doors ripping them from their hinges; the sounds of the doors hitting the ground echoed in Charm Haste’s ears. “No please” she barely managed to spit out, “L-lea-leave me-a-alone”. Standing on its hind legs it growled, falling to its forelegs Charm Haste though her vision blurred badly, watched in stunned fear as the fury thing slowly made its way over to her. Sniffing her body it snarled reaching out a furry paw it wrapped thick fury fingers around her throat picking her up. Choking on her own blood a few tears trickled down Charm Haste’s left cheek, her right cheek being too badly ripped apart to feel them. “Please” she begged, blood spat from her lips splattering on the creatures fury face, “don’t”. Violently it threw her behind itself towards an allay wall the only thing that saved Charm Haste from an untimely demise was a metal dumpster. Hitting the dumpster Charm Haste’s right shoulder shattered like glass sliding from the dumpster she slumped to the ground, badly wounded she painfully cried out in anguished pain placing her right arm in front of her as best as she could. “Help” she screamed out as best as she could, “somebody help me!” Looking over her shoulder her eyes widened in fear to her horror, the monster had leapt into the air landing a few feet in front of her. Striking her chin with its pawed hand the blow instantly sent Charm Haste hurtling backwards back first into the dumpster. A large dent showed in the dumpster from where she impacted with it, sliding to the ground a stain of blood smeared over the metal surface of the dumpster. The crazed monster reached down grabbing Charm Haste by her hair hoisting her off the ground staring into its brown-golden eyes Charm Haste coughed. “S-scr-screw you” she barely managed to mouth. Hearing footsteps approaching their position, the last thing Charm Haste saw before she began to slip into unconsciousness was a man followed by two women running towards her and it. The creature dropped Charm Haste with a sickening thud she hit the hard, cold, wet street her legs bent painfully under the weight of her own body. “Angelic go” “On it” “Kāṭṭēri protect that woman” “Aw, come on do I have too” “YES”!! Angelic getting caught up in the moment tried to stretch out her wings completely forgetting about the harness that Varnas had insisted she wear while in public. “Damn!” she yelled. Ducking an incoming hand she back-flipped catching the monster in the snout. “Where the hell is Píseň? We could use her help right about now”. Kāṭṭēri quickly knelt next to Charm Haste picking her up turning to run from the battle she frowned carrying the badly injured women to Varnas and to relative safety. “Píseň where the hell are you?” she heard Angelic scream out, turning around Kāṭṭēri quickly rejoined the battle watching Angelic duck another incoming pawed hand “I can’t hold this thing back for long. Varnas get that woman out of here now”. “We can’t fight this thing in the city” Varnas yelled out, “too many people will get hurt trying to get involved”. Turning around he ran as fast as he could carrying Charm Haste in his arms towards his car “I hope those two can hold her off long enough to get you to a hospital”. Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic run up the wall sideways leaping over the monster’s head landing safely behind it she punched it in the lower back. The blow did little more than anger her furry crazed thing. Taking a back paw to her jaw Angelic was knocked backwards hitting the ground hard wiping a hand over her mouth she glared at the pinkish substance on the back of her hand. “Okay it’s time” she snarled in anger, “for you to go down”. Hearing Varnas’s car start up and drive away Kāṭṭēri rushed forward sliding on her shins she slid between and under the monsters legs. Angelic leapt at it, kicking the creature's jaw, knocking the crazed beast back several feet. In rage and in pain the monster hit the dumpster with a sickening thud. Growing angry it grabbed the dumpster lifting it above its large fury head throwing the dumpster at Angelic. “Angelic watch out” Kāṭṭēri yelled. “Oh, shit” Trying to get out of the way Angelic dove to the ground though to her shock it wasn’t enough the dumpster collided with her body sending her cannoning into the alley wall. “Okay” she grunted slamming into the wall, “yeah” pushing the dumpster off of her, “ow”. She grunted slumping to the ground “yah that’s going to leave a bruise”. “Severs you right for being so stupid Angelic” Kāṭṭēri yelled out to her, ducking an incoming swipe from the creatures left paw, “hey watch it”. Hearing the monster let out a loud blood drenched roar Kāṭṭēri’s eyes closed she whispered, “I have no choice”. Her eyes snapped open, she screamed out, “you’re going down”. Rushing forward she threw a clean right hook catching the creature’s chest with her fist, backflipping she caught its fury chin with the tips of her feet knocking the crazed enraged beast backwards. Using the alley wall to her advantage she ran up it sideways and flipped, getting behind it. The monster spun around trying to bite Kāṭṭēri’s shoulder ducking out of the way she reached out grabbing it by it’s large fury neck. Leaning forward Kāṭṭēri violently threw monster into the street. The beast roared in rage, taking a fist to the abdomen and a foot to its chest for it’s trouble. “That thing will eventually get the upper hand” Angelic thought watching the two fight, “I need to do something”. Feeling a rock next to her right hand she glanced down picking it up, “Oh, I hope this works” throwing the rock at the creatures head she watched it hit the crazed beast momentarily distracting it, “Now Kāṭṭēri now!” Taking advantage of the monsters momentary distraction Kāṭṭēri upper cutted the stunned beast in the snout knocking it backwards several yards. Rushing forward Kāṭṭēri once more threw her arms around the creatures neck firmly planting her knee in it’s stomach taking the fight out of the monster. Both breathed heavily Kāṭṭēri waited only for a moment as the creature stumbled forward thinking it still had some fight left in it she ran forward grabbing by its ears. With a scream she slammed her forehead into the monster's head knocking it down and out cold taking several steps back she turned to Angelic giving her tired thumbs up. Turning back to the creature Kāṭṭēri’s eyes widened in shock as it changed from a beast to its human form. “No” she whispered, putting her hand over her mouth “this can’t be”. “Oh, thank Divinities Light” Angelic whispered to herself, “It worked”. Getting up and she walked over to Kāṭṭēri seeing what her friend was looking at she gasped, “oh, no please, no not this”. Turning away she glanced up seeing agent Snow wave them off before disappearing from view turning back to her friends she finished through a whisper, “I’ll make that bitch pay for this”. Kāṭṭēri fell to her knees next to Píseň’s unconscious body she reached out pulling Píseň into her lap thick tears trickled down her cheeks wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's body. Several long moments passed, Angelic stood up holding her right shoulder with her hand. She watched Píseň slowly begin to regain consciousness, Píseň’s eyes slowly fluttered open, the nearly unconscious girl’s vision blurred only for a moment. “Uh-hmm-uh” she groggily groaned, sitting up Píseň felt Kāṭṭēri cover her breast with her arms, “wh-where am I?” looking around she felt something wet and sticky on the palms of her hands, “what happened?” trying to look at her own palms she added, “what did I do?” “No honey” she heard Kāṭṭēri whisper trying hard to prevent Píseň from looking at her own hands, “don’t look, you don’t want---” “Tell me what happened?!” she screamed interrupting her girlfriend, she wrestled for a moment with Kāṭṭēri freeing one of her arms from her girlfriends grasp. “Please tell me”. Getting a good look at her own hand she trembled with fear. Píseň's palm and fingers were covered with Charm Haste’s blood, “ please, not ...again”. Her nails had bits of Charm Haste’s flesh under them. “tell me I didn’t hurt anyone”. Seeing the glass shard was still in her right middle finger she wrestled her other hand free from Kāṭṭēri’s grasp. Pulling it out Píseň let it drop to the ground listening to it shatter she cried, fully burying her face into Kāṭṭēri’s half-pint, petite breast. “Please, no this can’t be”. “I’m so sorry baby” her girlfriend softly whispered “I’m afraid you … attacked that biped” Helping her up Kāṭṭēri took off her vest taking Píseň's right arm she threaded her girlfriend’s arm through the right armhole repeating the process with Píseň's left arm. “Varnas is I assume taking that errable, weakly biddy to the hospital as we speak”. Whipping her thumb under her girlfriend's eyes she dried away Píseň's tears, finishing, “if it’ll help you to feel better honey I suppose we can go check up on that hominid”. “Kāṭṭēri before we head out what happened to that bag you got from Agent Snow?” Angelic asked. “Does it really matter what happened to it?” she replied, not looking up “but if you really want to know I dropped it somewhere near the car though I am not sure entirely where”. “Very well as long as you didn’t drink any of it” her eyes locked with Kāṭṭēri’s “you didn’t did you?” “No I was going to but Varnas being the ass that he is stopped me before I could consume it” helping her girlfriend up she added, “Why do you ask?” “I asked, because I am worried that there was something wrong with it,” Angelic replied. Píseň fully able to stand wordlessly buttoned up the vest covering her half-naked body. Angelic feeling her own shoulder was dislocated, slowly stretched her dislocated arm out and over her head. Slowly she rotated her hand behind her head as if she was going to scratch her own neck, reaching for her opposite shoulder a loud cracking, crunching pop caught Píseň and Kāṭṭēri’s attention. Both girls winced hearing Angelic’s shoulder ball and socket pop back into place. Angelic for her part let out a pained grunt rubbing her shoulder with her free hand sighing. Noticing her two friends were staring at her, she gently laid a hand on Píseň and Kāṭṭēri’s shoulders giving them both a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry I’m alright” she said, adding much to Kāṭṭēri’s displeasure, “just had to get myself fixed up is all.” heading towards the autopsy room she glanced behind her finishing, “you two stay here I’ll be back in a few minutes”. Finding Píseň’s shredded clothing lying in a heap in the middle of the autopsy room floor Angelic picked up the tattered garment placing it over her right forearm. Getting back outside a couple minutes later she nodded to her two friends leading them to Snow’s car. Finding the bag Snow had given to Kāṭṭēri, Angelic stepped on it splattering its contents over the blacktop picking up the bag she carried it to the car. Opening the back passenger door Angelic tossed both the bag and Píseň’s tattered garment onto the back seat. Taking the driver's seat Angelic buckled up, reached over to the glove box, opened it taking out various papers, a mini flat-head screwdriver and a map of the city. Kāṭṭēri climbed into the front passenger seat opened the map tracing the quickest route to the nearest hospital while her girlfriend got into the backseat and buckled up. “Hm” she muttered, “let’s see, it looks like if we take route 10 to highway 787” folding up the map and putting it back into the glove box along with the papers she finished, “we should get there in about forty minutes though Angelic you do realize we would get there faster if we use the sirens”. “Absolutely not” she replied taking the screw driver Kāṭṭēri, watched her friend set it to the cars ignition “we are not going to do anything that will draw further attention to us”. “Uh, you mean like stealing this car and busting the ignition with that screwdriver?” she playfully giggled in reply adding, “you do know that won’t---” Hearing the car’s engine start up she cut her words short buckling up herself, she finished, “nevermind”. “Angelic dear” Píseň chimed in “which hospital do you think Varnas took Charm Haste too”. “Wait ….what? Charm Haste?” turning around as best as she could she finished, “you mean to tell me that woman that Varnas helped was Charm Haste?!” Shrinking back a bit, Píseň cupped her hands together trembling with fearful anxiety, her eyes began to shift rapidly from left to right as she tried to reply. Opening her mouth she could only make a soft squeak looking away she sniffed trying desperately to keep her emotions in check. Feeling her girlfriends hand on her right knee she opened her eyes looking into her girlfriends she silently nodded. “Angelic why are you so upset about one human getting mauled” Kāṭṭēri asked, “I mean it's like I said twice today its one human being out of seven hundred billion”. “Because Charm Haste is the absolute head of the C.S.I.U team here in this city Kāṭṭēri” she snarled in her reply, “you don’t think that her going missing or being mauled by your girlfriend won’t go unnoticed?” Pulling out into the street she added through a grumble, “If I need to reiterate this then I will; humans are not supposed to know about us at all”. Coming to a red light she stopped the car momentarily closing her eyes, her grip tightened around the steering wheel, “I should be in Sethfril not in Canterlot”. “Ya why are you here Angelic?” Kāṭṭēri asked, “the last time I saw you was seventeen eighteen in uh, I believe it was march the eighth or tenth”. “I was fighting a ‘Brozgil’ and during the fight I got hit with some sort of energy beam” She replied, “next thing I knew I was in a backyard of some sort”. Waiting for the light to change she finished, “though I don’t know whom the backyard belonged to”. “That would explain why you were wearing your armor and weapons”. Kāṭṭēri said, adding, “where were you when your fight with the Brozgil took place Angelic?” A car pulled up behind the one that Angelic was driving the driver irritably began to honk his horn, growing irritated from the irritating loud noise Kāṭṭēri turned on the radio. Trying to find a station to listen to she switched through multiple stations settling on soft orchestral music the driver continued to honk his horn pushing slowly pushing Kāṭṭēri to her mental limits. Angelic watched Kāṭṭēri place her right hand on the door handle and her left on her seat belt latch not wanting her friend to get into a potential fight she reached over placing her own hand on Kāṭṭēri’s left knee. “Just sit tight, the light will change in a few minutes” the two locked eyes for a split second “that person will pass us. I know that driver is upsetting you, that person is upsetting me as well so just relax”. Taking a breath she finished, “I was in Kentare”. “That’s not possible!” both her friends yelped in unison. “Angelic, Kentare is three thousand nine-hundred ninety one miles away” Píseň said, “How did you possibly get here when it takes eight and half hours to fly there?!” “I don’t know like I said Píseň, I was fighting the Brozgil next thing I knew I was here in this city I have no idea what happened or even how it happened”. She replied, “besides right now it doesn’t matter what does matter is what we do from this point on”. Trying her best to ignore the other driver Kāṭṭēri focused her attention on the music hearing another loud honk from the other car she dug her fingernails into her palms clenching her hands into tight fists. Another loud honk came from the car glancing up. Angelic saw that light was still red reaching over to the radio; she turned the volume up, doing her best to ignore the other driver as well. Píseň sighed; silently hoping the light would change soon and the other driver would simply drive off. Trying to ignore the person in the other car Kāṭṭēri opened the center council finding a glock twenty-two inside of it taking the gun out she grinned. “Don’t even think about it” Angelic said, “that driver isn’t worth it dear”. Taking the gun from her, Angelic put it back into the center council, “just focus on the music honey, ignore that idiot”. Hearing another loud, long honk Kāṭṭēri nearly lost her patience feeling Angelic’s hand resting on her thigh she nodded to her, “Hey I know that person is being a jerk but don’t worry honey everything will work out in the end”. “Alright, if you say so.” she replied, watching the light change she added, “its green” “Alright, time to go.” Angelic replied, pulling out into the intersection she glanced to the rearview mirror watching the other driver follow them honking, flicking them the bird and surviving all over the road. “I better pull over and let this idiot have the road”. Pulling over Angelic grinned watching the other driver speed past them to her delight a silver Dodge Charger going in the opposite direction slowed down and turned around. To her and two friends' amusement they saw red and blue lights flashing. The other car sped down the street with the unmarked police car in hot pursuit of it chuckling to herself Angelic pulled back out into the street and drove down the street for a few minutes. Pulling up to a stop sign she, Kāṭṭēri and Píseň all saw the other driver being handcuffed by the officer of the Dodge Charger. Bursting with laughter Kāṭṭēri rolled her window down as Angelic drove by the officer and other driver sticking her head out the window she yelled “yeah bitch that’s karma for you!”. Rolling the window back up she happily grinned Píseň’s eyes rolled though she was happy the other driver would no longer be a problem. Angelic reached over switching off the radio, smirking she chuckled happily she too was happy the other driver wouldn’t be a problem any longer. Nearly thirty minutes passed without further incident pulling into the hospital parking lot Angelic found a place to park, shut off the car and got out. Kāṭṭēri also got out stopping just short of her girlfriends door. “You better stay out here honey” she said, “with what little you have on I doubt Angelic wants an inquiry to why you look-well-the way you do”. “Alright just please tell me how Charm Haste is doing” watching Kāṭṭēri walk away from the car she yelled out adding, “hey don’t forget about Angelic’s armor and weapons”. “Right, got it” she replied catching up to her friend she added, “so um, you know who’s going to do the---” “Return to the car Kāṭṭēri” Angelic interrupted her. “I don’t have time or the patience to listen to you make things worse than what they already are so please return to the car”. “Aw come on Angelic that is so not fair” she whined in protest, receiving a slightly irritated angry look from her friend Kāṭṭēri bowed her head in defeat, “Oh, very well”. Turning to head back to the car she called out over her shoulder, “will you at least get us something to snack on?” “I’ll do my best” she called over her shoulder heading inside the hospital Angelic found Varnas in the lobby waiting room “Varnas how is Charm Haste doing?” Walking up to him she noticed he was hardly paying any attention to her. Varnas kept his back to her while he looked over a file. Setting it down he pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose closing his eyes, a door next to him opened and two doctors and a nurse came out each talked among themselves before one of the doctors approached Varnas tapping his right shoulder. Opening his eyes he glared at Angelic turning his attention to the doctor he frowned asking, “How is she?” “Not good” the doctor replied, gesturing towards another door he led Varnas towards it with Angelic following them, “she has multiple lacerations on her face”. Opening the door all three stepped through turning his attention to Angelic he finished, “are you Charm Haste’s partner or family?” “Neither” she replied, “I’m---” “It's alright doctor she’s with me” Varnas interrupted “please continue doctor”. Leading them to another room the doctor opened the door gesturing for Angelic and Varnas to enter, the room was sparsely furnished. A single desk sat in the middle of the room with a brown leather chair behind it. A single manila folder sat on the desk, a large metal filing cabinet filled the far left corner of the room. Entering the room Varnas and Angelic waited for the doctor to enter watching him close the door. Walking behind the desk the doctor pulled out the chair taking a seat giving both a concerned bitter stare, opening the file in front of him he handed it to Varnas. “That is Charm Haste’s file” watching him look it over, “as you can see by her xrays her T4 through her T6 vertebrae are broken” taking the file back he added, “the maxillofacial trauma done to her face was rather … extreme to say the least.” Looking down he further added, “almost all of her Orbicularis oculi, Procerus, Corrugator superclii and her Zygomatic muscles major and minor were all torn to shreds” opening his desk middle drawer he took out a pack of smokes lit one inhaled letting out a long puff of silver-grey smoke. “Her risorius, Orbicularis oris, and her Depressor anguli oris were also ripped apart as if some sort of wild animal did this to her.” taking another puff he continued, “the Levator labii superioris and her depressor labii inferioris were also torn apart” putting out his cigarette he finished, “her Mentalis and her Platysma all needed surgery to give her a chance at all of recovery”. Getting up he finished, “if she is actually able to recover and I do mean ‘if’ then she will never walk again let alone be able to eat without a feeding tube”. Looking down herself Angelic turned to head for the door, stopping as the doctor finished, “there is something else you need to know”. “What?” Angelic asked, clearly upset, “what else do we need to know, doctor?” “After the surgery was completed Ms. Haste slipped into a coma” walking around his desk he watched Angelic open the office door finishing, “it could take days, weeks, months … even years … for her to recover from this”. “Th-thank you doctor” Angelic said, walking away from him she headed back the way she and Varnas had come, entering the lobby several minutes later, “I need to speak to Píseň about this perhaps she knows why this happened”. Angelic thought “I just hope she’ll be in the mood to discuss this incident.” Getting outside a few minutes later she closed her eyes feeling a soft hand coming to rest on her shoulder. “I need my armor and weapons.” She opened her eyes looking into Varnas’s sunglasses, “Where is your car parked?” “I’ll go get my car and pull it around, you go get Snow’s car and we’ll trade” heading away from Angelic he looked over his shoulder finishing “I’ll have a car complete with all the paperwork ready for you by tomorrow”. Heading to Snows car Angelic got in started it up and pulled it up to the front of the hospital Kāṭṭēri wanting to know what happened gave her friend a expectant look. Ignoring her friend Angelic shut the car off, got out waiting for Varnas to pull up a few minutes went by before his car pulled up behind theirs. “Angelic please don’t do this” she heard Píseň called out from the back seat, “tell me how Charm Haste is doing”. “Not good Píseň” she grumbled in reply “she has a broken back, severe lacerations on her face and will be blind in her right eye”. Turning to face her she finished, “she slipped into a coma the doctor thinks it could take months perhaps even years for her to recover if she does actually recover that is”. “I-I understand”. Doing her best to contain her guilt she finished, “thank you for telling” Opening the drivers side door Angelic motioned for Kāṭṭēri and Píseň to exit the vehicle shutting the door she headed over to the one that Varnas was occupying. Kāṭṭēri and Píseň each a bit confused both got out also heading over to Varnas’s car watching Angelic take the keys from him Kāṭṭēri and Píseň gave each other passing glances. Getting in Angelic started up the car rolling down the drivers side window. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything for” she began, noticing her friends both looked tired and hungry “Kāṭṭēri and Píseň to um, snack on w-would you?” “You’ll find everything you need in the glove box” he replied. “Alright, oh, Píseň’s tattered clothing is still in the back seat of Snow’s car” Angelic began as Kāṭṭēri got in taking the passenger front seat with Píseň taking the right back passenger seat, both buckled up. “Varnas you should know that you will also find the bag that Snow tried to give to Kāṭṭēri in the backseat as well.” Opening the glove box she took out a clear plastic bag. It contained the same red liquid as the one that Snow had offered to Kāṭṭēri earlier that night. “Hey what’s this?” she asked, taking out eighty dollars placing it into her blouse front pocket handing the bag over to Kāṭṭēri she finished, “here this should hopefully tied you over until we can get you something else to eat”. “Looks like you got enough money there to do some shopping” Kāṭṭēri said through a light hearted grin, taking the plastic bag from Angelic she added, “Thanks” wrapping her fingers around it she froze giving Varnas a concerned glance, “wait it's not poisoned is it?” “Seriously?!” he balked, “You really think I would do that to you Kāṭṭēri?” “Well yes I do think you might do that” she replied. “No it's not poisoned,” leaning on the driver side door a bit he added, “Listen to me; all three of you,” stepping back a bit he added, “tomorrow we’ll need to discuss your new identities”. Looking at Angelic he finished, “Angelic do you have a place to stay tonight?” “I um,” Angelic began cutting her words short as her friend Píseň interrupted her. “I’ll find a place in---” “Angelic will be staying with us tonight” Píseň interrupted, laying her hand on her friend's shoulder she finished, “we will not under any reason take ‘no’ for an answer”. “Very well” Varnas said, “Kāṭṭēri you have my number call me if there are any further issues”. Turning around he finished through a soft but noticeable mutter, “I need to get some agents together and find that beast before it can harm anyone else”. “If only he knew the truth” Angelic thought. “You be careful” she said, “that uh bear looked really big and powerful so don’t go getting yourself hurt”. “Don’t worry I won’t get hurt. We will tranquilize it and relocate it to a wilderness area”. Giving him a nod she pulled away from the hospital letting out a relieved forced breath glancing to the rearview mirror; she smiled slightly grateful Varnas had not figured out what happened to her friend. Tired from the night's excursion Píseň laid her head against the passenger back window closing her eyes. Kāṭṭēri opened the bag Varnas had given her raising it to her lips she squeezed it slurping down its contents finished with the bag she whipped the back of her hand over her mouth erasing any trace of it. Letting out a soft belch she opened the window letting the cool nights air blow on her face, cooling her down a bit. “Ugh, it sure is hot for this time of year” Kāṭṭēri muttered. Píseň opened her eyes, inhaled deeply, stretching out her arms, cracking her neck, lower back and shoulders back into place. She noticed a drive-in fast food restaurant coming into view. Reaching out she tapped Angelic’s shoulder cueing her to pull over for some much needed food taking the hint Angelic pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant directly into the drive thru. Looking over the menu she grimaced seeing the selection of choices deciding not to get anything for herself she instead ordered some food for Píseň. After paying for the meal and handing it back to Píseň she drove back out to the street while Kāṭṭēri looked over the map directing Angelic towards their home. “Thank you both for allowing me to stay with the two of you.” compared to the bustle and noise of the city the neighborhood Angelic was driving through was relatively quiet taking a corner she added, “where to now?” “Take the this street until you reach the end of it” Kāṭṭēri replied, five minutes slowly passed folding up the map and putting it away she added, “alright we’re here”. Angelic pulled up along the street, parked and unbuckled, “home sweet home”. She heard Kāṭṭēri finish. Getting out Angelic looked around for a bit the house had a large three sectional window to the right of a tan front windowed door. The siding of the house was a soft red with a pink siding just under the roof. The house had a screened porch connected to the front of it leading from the front door to the right of the house. The front yard was small but adequate for the small yet humble looking home. Walking up to the house Angelic headed to the left taking in the house's size and shape, it was a single square floor home. The left side of the house had two sash windows each window had an air conditioner sticking out of it. Heading to the back of it she saw four more sash windows with wooden shutters connected to left and right of each window. Each shutter was painted to match the outside of the house. Getting to the right side she saw ivy growing along the side of the house and two more sash windows each with an air conditioner sticking out from it. “Hey you coming inside?” she heard Kāṭṭēri call out to her. “Come on let’s go”. “Huh?” she replied. “Oh, yes.” stopping for a brief second she added, “I need to get my armor and weapons”. Heading back to the car she opened the back door retrieving her armor and weapons. “I can’t believe I almost left these in here for someone to steal”. Carrying her armor and weapons into the house Angelic set them down next to the front door with a loud ‘clang’. Receiving a playful ‘shh’ from Kāṭṭēri, she shook her head rolling her eyes turning to her right she saw a medium sized living room. Turning to her left she saw the kitchen was openly contented to the living room, a refrigerator could be seen from the front doors entrance-way. A smooth-top range sat across from the refrigerator, next to the range was a mini counter top cabinet with a microwave on top of it. An eighteen inch dishwasher was located under a single basin sink to the right of the mini counter top cabinet. A tan sectional sofa lined the back wall of the living room; a large flat screen TV was hanging on the wall in front of the sofa. A tri-sectional bookshelf stood near to the left of the TV with multiple DVD and Blu-ray movies lining its six shelved body. A short hallway led from the kitchen to the back of the house with two blue doors at the end of it. “Angelic would you like something to eat and drink?” Entering the the kitchen Kāṭṭēri opened the refrigerator “lets see, we have eggs, bacon” poking around a bit she added, “uh cold six week old tea, carrots and” taking out a moldy bag she held it up finishing, “I think this was cheese”. Making a sickly face she replied, “uh I’ll pass on everything else expect the eggs and bacon”. Píseň walked by her headed for the rooms in the back of the house, “Píseň, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me stay here tonight”. “If you two will excuse me I want to get some sleep” taking her food with her Píseň headed for the back rooms. “Charm Haste was hurt because I didn’t act upon my instincts.” she thought, entering one of the two bed rooms setting her food down on her desk she sat down on her bed pulling her legs up to her chest, “I knew something was wrong so why didn’t I do something?”. Wrapping her arms around her legs she muttered, “now because of my inability to act Charm Haste is in a coma, blind in her right eye and has a broken back”. Hearing a knock on the door her eyes rolled in annoyance, “Kāṭṭēri I want to be left alone!” she snapped. The door opened, Angelic walked wordlessly into the room sitting next to Píseň gently, she pulled Píseň into a warm, safe reassuring hug. Slowly she ran her fingers through Píseň’s shoulder length raven-black hair no longer able to hide her anger or sadness Píseň burst into tears burying her face in Angelic’s full, plump, ample breast sobbing. “Shh” Angelic soothenly whispered “It’s alright honey I’m here”. Leaning against the wall she held Píseň in her arms gently rubbing her shoulders and biceps, “It wasn’t your fault sweetheart you mustn’t blame yourself”. “Yes it was!” Píseň cried out, “it was my fault I caught that monster's scent yet I did nothing.” wrapping her arms around her friend Píseň sniffed trying to calm herself down. “I didn’t act upon my instincts because I value human life and was worried if I acted Charm Haste would have been hurt” Pushing Angelic off of herself she sat up taking a breath she finished, “you said it yourself ‘our kind isn’t supposed to be known by humans’ with that regard I chose not to act when I should have”. “I can tell you beyond any doubt within my mind that this wasn’t your fault” Angelic said, getting up she turned to look Píseň in her eyes adding, “I too didn’t trust her and I should have killed her when I had the chance”. Angelic folded her arms under her own chest, “the reason I didn’t kill Snow is because I didn’t think she was working for her”. Looking up Píseň whipped away her tears, getting up she gulped hoping her friend wouldn’t lose her temper. Looking into Angelic’s eyes she saw only love staring back at her, knowing deep within herself she had to tell Angelic and Kāṭṭēri the truth about agent Snow she wordlessly headed out into the hallway. Angelic followed Píseň back to the kitchen where Kāṭṭēri was putzing around in the refrigerator. Several boxes of molding old strawberries, blueberries and cranberries sat on the counter next to the range. Kāṭṭēri took out a carton of milk, opened the top sniffed it and grimaced putting it next to the moldy fruit. “There is something that I need to tell you,” Píseň said, catching her girlfriend's attention, “Something that I need to tell you both”. “Your finally giving in and taking that trip to Everfree right” Kāṭṭēri playfully asked, taking out a carton of eggs “I mean I’ve been on you about that trip for like what six years, eight years now?” “No honey that isn’t what I need to talk to you about” Píseň replied, stepping into the kitchen she took Kāṭṭēri by her hands leading her over to the couch gesturing for her and Angelic to sit, “what I wanted to talk you both about was what happened tonight”. “Píseň, honey that wasn’t your fault” Kāṭṭēri chipped in, “you were not in control of your own faculties” heading into the kitchen she began to rummage through one of the cabinets adding, “besides it was only one single human out of seven hundred billion more so I don’t see why your so upset over this”. “Before I changed I used Charm Haste’s microscope and saw within it a green globular cluster of blood, the cells within this blood sample were beginning to replicate.” she replied, adding “It was her'” feeling Angelic’s hands on her shoulders she added, “when Charm Haste went to remove the glass slide from the microscope it broke she didn’t use it on me.” trying to control her emotions she further added, “someone else used it on me”. Turning around she buried her face in Angelic’s chest, “Kāṭṭēri she found a way to force me to change without a sanguine moon”. “There is one thing I don’t fully understand” Angelic chimed in, “What does a sanguine moon have to do with this?” turning her attention to Kāṭṭēri she added, “I know the moon doesn’t have any affect on you Píseň while you are fully changed and that you can talk like we can.” Hugging her tightly she finished, “so what happened this time around?” “The sanguine moon causes me to become that monster that you all saw earlier tonight” Píseň sniffed, adding, “Snow wanted me to be killed by either you Angelic or by Kāṭṭēri”. Ending the hug she finished, “what went wrong this time? I am not sure I have no idea what it was that I saw in that microscope, only that something in that blood sample caused all this to happen”. “I see,” Angelic sternly said, “what else do you recall, Píseň honey?” “I was told to say something to Kāṭṭēri” she said watching her girlfriend stop what she was doing, “but I am sure she won’t like it”. “What was it?” Kāṭṭēri bitterly said, “what were you told to say to me?” ‘tell Imzadi I said hello’ Píseň softly replied, “that is what Snow told me to tell you while I was changing into that monster.” “Imzadi now that is a word” Kāṭṭēri softly spoke, looking down she opened the cabinet next to the range rummaging through it she took out a frying pan, Angelic and Píseň exchanged passing glances. “I have not heard for one thousand nine hundred forty one years”. Setting the pan down next to the range she sighed whipping a hand over her eyes blinking away a single tear that threatened to fall she added, “it is a word that I have not spoken in, oh, about seventy eight years”. Letting out a forced breath she looked up, “Angelic do you still want to get something to eat” looking back at all the rotted fruit on the counter, “errn; this won’t do at all, not at all” opening the refrigerator again she took out a carton of eggs, “ah, here we go” opening them she finished, “these look...uh-er-somewhat still um, usable”. “Thank you for the kind offer Kāṭṭēri” She replied, “but I think we should be talking about this situation besides I’ll order some takeout” “Don’t be silly” she replied, “these eggs are only,” Kāṭṭēri glanced at the expiration date, “wow would you look at that? These eggs are twelve weeks out of date” setting them down, she finished, “they should s-still be good r-right?” Shaking her head Angelic walked into the kitchen gently taking her friend by the hands pulling her into a warm hug taking in her friend's perfume she smiled. Kāṭṭēri unsure what to do returned the gesture a few minutes went by before both ended the hug. “Don’t run from this Kāṭṭēri let us help you” “I’m fine” she replied “I’ll be alright”. “Hey, I know you're not fine,” Angelic laid a hand on Kāṭṭēri’s shoulder adding, ``you're in pain, you're hurt, you're angry”. “I said ‘I’m fine’. She grumbled in her reply, “I don’t need anyone's help”. “If you feel like screaming and throwing things,” Angelic said, removing her hand from her friend's shoulder, “I won’t stop you but please note we both love you”. “I know” Kāṭṭēri, sniffed trying her best to hide her anger and sadness, “l-let's just get you something to eat and have ourselves a good night's rest alright?” “Alright” She replied, “but, we will both be here whenever you need us”. Píseň headed into her room retrieving her food she then headed into the guest room next to her own bedroom. The room had a twin sized bed, dresser and night lamp. A push button phone sat on the dresser. Pressing the speaker button she dialed a number. ‘Hello this is Dough Bellies Pizzeria’. “Yes hello this is Píseň I’d like to order a large vegetarian pizza please”. ‘One moment’ hearing computer keys clicking in the background she waited for a few moments, ‘ok so that is one large veggie pizza would you care to add anything else?’ “Yes I would like to add one two liter of Moxxi Tab and a two liter of Zero Peps to the order” ‘Alright so that is a veggie large with one two liter of Moxxi Tab and Zero Peps, anything else?’ “No thank you, that’ll be all” ‘Alright your total comes to Thirty six dollars and Twenty five cents. Will that be cash or charge?’ “Hmm, that’ll be cash, oh, I need to tip the driver. How much will that be?” ‘With a tip of forty percent comes forty five dollars and fifteen cents.’ “Alright I’ll have that ready when the driver shows up. Have the driver come to one seventy-six Lake road boulevard west Canterlot five five two six”. ‘Alright your order will be delivered in about forty five minutes’. “Thank you, have a nice night”. Hanging up the phone Píseň returned to the living room finding Kāṭṭēri and Angelic sitting on the couch watching Tv together “alright I ordered Angelic a large veggie pizza with a bottle of Zero Peps” taking a set to Angelic’s left she finished, “I ordered a two liter bottle of Moxxi Tab for you Kāṭṭēri” setting her food down on the arm of the couch she opened it, taking out her burger unwrapping it she groaned tossing the burger back into the paper bag, “perhaps I should have ordered a pizza for myself”. “Why do you say that Píseň?” Angelic asked, “was there something wrong with your burger?” “Yes there was, it had maggots on it”. Receiving nearly sickly green expressions from both of her friends she finished, “needless to say I’ll be leaving that out for the birds and squirrels in the morning”. Forty Five minutes ticked by slowly, Píseň bored with what was currently on switched the channel to a opera while Kāṭṭēri got up and headed for their bedroom. Angelic followed Kāṭṭēri, concerned for her friend's state of mind following her friend over to the bed taking a seat next to her. Kāṭṭēri looked Angelic over noticing her friends newly acquired silk blue blouse did little to hide her friends wings or the harness she was wearing. Getting up Kāṭṭēri opened her closet door taking out a large green t-shirt coming back to the bed she reached over to the night stand next to her bed, opened the drawer taking out a pair of scissors. “Now hold on” Angelic protested seeing the scissors in her friends hand, “you are not about to cut this blouse or harness are you?” “What? No! I am however going to cut the back of this shirt” She replied, taking a seat next to her, “so your wings can slip through it”. “Oh”. Cutting two large holes in the back of the shirt Kāṭṭēri held it up for Angelic to examine it giving a approving nod Angelic stood up taking the shirt in her hands. Headed for the door she turned smiling to her friend getting up as well Kāṭṭēri nodded following Angelic out into the hallway. Hearing the doorbell ring she and Angelic headed for the living room finding Píseň in the living room with the front door open. Kāṭṭēri wordlessly walked into the kitchen opening the cabinet next to the stove taking out two plates and three cups setting them on the counter. Angelic headed into the living room with the box of pizza taking a seat on the couch. She set the box on the couch’s seat and draped the shirt over the couch’s right arm, Kāṭṭēri joined her a few seconds later carrying the soda bottles and cups with her. “Angelic would you like me to pour you a cup of soda?” she asked, holding up the bottle of Zero Peps she added “also do you want ice with this soda?” “Thank you” she replied picking up the pizza box she sat down placing it on her lap, “I’ll take just the soda without ice please”. Pouring the soda into one of the three cups Kāṭṭēri sat down next to Angelic placing the cup on the couch’s left arm with her free hand she picked up the remote changing the channel. Píseň walked into the hallway stopping by a single thin white door opening it, she rolled out a set of Tv trays. Closing the door she rolled them into the living room to the left of the couch setting one of them up in front of Angelic. Taking the pizza box from Angelic’s lap and the cup from Kāṭṭēri’s hand she set both down on the Tv tray before taking a seat to Angelic’s right. “Thank you both for allowing me to stay here tonight,” Angelic said, reaching out for a piece of pizza she added, “I’ll be sure to find a place of my own tomorrow”. “Absolutely not dear I won’t hear of it” Píseň said, “our home is and shall always be your home” turning to face her she finished, “stay as long as you wish”. “Angelic neither I or Píseň will have it anyother way” Kāṭṭēri began, taking the bottle of Moxxi she took one of the two remaining cups pouring Píseň a drink adding, “I think your just tired after all fighting with Píseň does take a lot out of one's self”. Handing the cup over to Píseň she poured herself a cup finishing, “perhaps some rest will do you and us some good so let's watch a movie then it's off to bed”. Taking a sip of her soda Kāṭṭēri leaned into the soft cushions of the couch Píseň took a sip from her own cup setting it down on the TV tray. Watching the movie play out she reached over giving Angelic’s knee a soft pat, looking into her friends eyes she saw only love staring back at her own. Laying her head on Angelic’s shoulder she closed her eyes taking in her friend's scented aroma snuggling a little closer to her. She smiled taking comfort knowing she didn’t hurt either her girlfriend or Angelic. "I can't believe that happened to me" Píseň thought. The movie ended an hour and half later, Kāṭṭēri stretched, yawned and got up helping Angelic and Píseň to clean up the living room before heading to the bedroom she shared with Píseň. Angelic stretched, yawned and headed to the room next to her friend's shared bedroom she nodded to them turning in for the night. Closing the door Angelic took a seat on the bed unbuttoned her blouse taking it off she reached behind her unclasping the harness letting it fall she fully stretched her wings out to their full forty foot length. Cracking her neck, back and shoulders into place she tucked her wings against her back slipping the shirt on it fit snugly around her waist and under her wings. “I am glad this shirt fits” she thought, getting up she picked up her blouse and opened the dresser top drawer she folded it placing it inside the top dresser drawer, “alright now to get these pants off”. Unbuckling her pants she unbuttoned and unzipped them letting the gourmet fall to the carpeted floor, walking over to a sliding door she opened it finding a closet full of clothing. “Well at least I won’t have to walk around half naked”. Looking through the clothing she took out a pair of purple pajama pants holding them up, “I hope these fit”. Putting them on she smiled picking up her paints. She folded them, opened the second drawer placing her pants inside. “Now to get some much needed” placing a hand to her shoulder she groaned in pain, “ugh rest, I can’t believe Píseň turned into her monstrous form all without the add of a sanguine moon”. Pulling the blankets back she tucked her wings against her back climbing into bed she laid her head against the soft fluffy pillow falling fast asleep. A few hours went by while Kāṭṭēri waited for everyone to fall asleep looking over to her girlfriend she saw she was fast asleep, gently she carefully moved the blanket off of her getting up she tiptoed to the door. Laying her hand on it she stopped; turned around heading back to her bed, taking the blanket she tucked Píseň in leaning she kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back soon honey I promise”. Opening the bedroom door she stopped by Angelic’s room making sure her warrior friend was fast asleep satisfied; she headed outside. Taking in the cool nights air she knelt placing her right hand on the ground spreading her fingers as wide as she could she bowed her head. Her hair fell over her face partially covering her eyes, her canines began to elongate, her ears pointed becoming slender at the middle more so at the tips. Her face contorted, becoming bat-like, her nose shrunk inwards becoming a shrunken snout, her eyes glowed red flesh formed between her ribs and arms becoming wings. With a push she vaulted high into the sky letting out a screech she began to search the city and neighborhood below for her prey. “Come on I know you're out there” she thought to herself, "where are you?!" Flying over the city slums, a part of the city she would normally avoid even during the day; she failed to notice something big coming up behind her. The creature reached out grabbing Kāṭṭēri by feet pulling her into a downward spiral she hit a old church rooftop with a sickening bone shattering thud. Pulling herself out of the wreckage she felt pain throughout her body as her bones put themselves back together breathing deeply she whenced from the pain holding herself she fell forward screaming. The creature took delight in hearing her screams rushing in it caught her by complete surprise upper cutting Kāṭṭēri in her jaw the impact from the blow instantaneously sent her flying backwards out of the church into a wall. Leaving a body impression in the wall she coughed hitting the ground with a thud her bones rehealed shaking off the blow she stood up snarling in rage. “Alright come out!” using her bat-like senses she looked around, her eyes widened in shock “you?!” taking a stumbling step back she finished, “how are you alive Riz^tyākt?” dropping her hand to her hip, eyes shrank in fear to her horror she had been in such a hurry to get out of the house she had forgotten her weapons, “Son of--I’m no match for him without my weapons”. Feeling a strong need to retreat she back-flipped latching onto the wall behind her using it to climb out of the area upside down she watched as he jumped grabbing onto the wall himself. Turning herself right-side up she scrambled as best as she could up the wall stopping only when she felt his hand grasp around her left foot like a vice. Kicking him in the head with her other foot she watched him let go falling back to the ground desperately she climbed the rest of the wall. Getting to the roof a few seconds later she ran across it leaping to another roof several yards away landing she rolled standing up. Hearing him let out a loud angry roar she glanced over her shoulder making a B-Line for a maintenance hatch. “Move it you fool” she screamed to herself, “move it”. Throwing her hand outwards she grabbed the handle of the hatch ripping the door from its base turning around she threw the door at Riz^tyākt “Screw You!” she screamed in raged fear. The door hit him in the face doing little more than ticking him off, she ran into the maintenance hallway, sliding down a ladder and through another hallway before coming to a dead end. Looking around she found a door with a sign posted to it ‘fire stairs’. kicking it open she raced down the flight of stairs trying hard to make it to the first floor. Hearing the flooring, walls and wood breaking from above her she picked up the pace searching frantically for a way out of the building the sound grew louder and louder. "Wheres the way out of this dump?" she blurted out, "come on, I need to get out of here". Finding a window leading to the outside she dove for it only to be stopped in mid flight as a thick muscular arm burst through the ceiling above her. A thick twisted hand grabbed Kāṭṭēri by her right shoulder violently throwing her back into the hallway. The ceiling came crashing in around her, covering herself up she screamed in fear Riz^tyākt fell through the ceiling a few feet behind her. Crawling under and around the debri she made her escape to the window the sounds of his roar echoed in her ears. “Get the hell away from me you freak” Breaking the window she began to climb out of it cutting her leg in the process, Riz^tyākt pushed through the debri, fear etched over her face she fell backwards just in time. Thrusting his massive body through the broken window he watched her hit a industrial caged truck growling he watched her roll off the truck hitting the ground. Getting up, wounded and scared out of her mind she limped down the sidewalk towards a hardware store. Hearing the sounds of metal crunching beneath something massive and heavy she breathed heavily forcing herself to endure the pain she ran as fast as she could towards the hardware store. Breaking the door open the alarm sounded running inside with Riz^tyākt in pursuit she ran to the tools section finding several shelves containing circular saw blades. Grabbing as many as she could hold she threw them at him like shuriken each one finding its mark. “You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me?!”, to her horror he kept coming, throwing another round of blades at him, “die already!” she screamed, she turned, grabbing another volley of blades, “how the hell do y---” Her words were cut short, his hand wrapped around her throat picking her up he threw her into a nearby shelf toppling it over. Coughing she climbed back to her feet growing angry she lunged at him taking a back-fist to her jaw the impacting blow sent her hurtling backwards into another shelf. Shaking off the blow she threw several boxes of screws and nails at him looking around for any weapon she could use against him, her eyes fell to a monkey-wrench sticking out from the debris. "Alright if I can't kill him with saw blades I'll just beat him to death". Backing away from him she dogged an incoming fist rolling to the right she scrambled for the wrench hoping to get to it before he could make the kill. Grabbing it she swung with all her might striking his head knocking him over she raised the wrench above her head taking a twenty-four inch foot to her abdomen for her effort. Stumbling backwards she hit the ground back first striking the back of her head on the hardware shop's linoleum floor. Getting up Riz^tyākt grabbed her by her shirt picking her up, her vision blurred, he dropped her watching her hit the ground with a thud. Climbing to her knees he reached out placing both hands over her head slowly he began to crush her skull. “Stop” a familiar voice called out, turning around Riz^tyākt still holding Kāṭṭēri between his palms watched his master step into the destroyed hardware store, “don’t kill her”. Riz^tyākt snarled pressing tightly against Kāṭṭēri’s skull causing her to scream in pain, “I said stop!” striking Riz^tyākt’s face his master yelled, “obey me!”. Watching him ease up a bit his master grinned, “that’s better” Riz^tyākt observed his master kneeling next to Kāṭṭēri “I don’t want her to die at least not just .... yet”. Riz^tyākt master tapped Kāṭṭēri’s forehead, “come on open your eyes” not getting a reply Riz^tyākt’s master yelled, “open your damn eyes!” Opening her eyes, Kāṭṭēri’s irises shrank with anger watching agent Snow’s body change before her very eyes. Snow’s hair grew in length turning into a deep seaweed green, her eyes turned to a dark forest green and her skin changed from a pinkish soft white to a dark oil black. Fly like wings flicked and fluttered every few seconds her canines grew in length becoming jagged and sharp. “YOU!” Kāṭṭēri screamed in rage, wounded though she was she tried to grab onto Riz^tyākt master being pulled just out of reach by Riz^tyākt. “I’ll kill you!” She listened to Riz^tyākt master’s tongue click, the fiend stood up slowly passing back and forth snickering. Stopping for a brief moment Riz^tyākt master cooed letting out a deep contented sigh. “Order your dog to let me go so I can die with my hands around your neck”. “Now why would I want to do that Imazdi?” “You no longer have the right to call me that” she replied “after all the harm you’ve---” “As if that dog could ever truly understand you Imazdi” kneeling Riz^tyākt master added, “I---” A sword burst through Riz^tyākt's chest cutting his master's words short, Riz^tyākt master watched in anger as the sword slid upwards splaying Riz^tyākt in two. His body fell to the ground, Kāṭṭēri also fell to the ground passing out from her injuries Riz^tyākt’s master turned to face the wielder of the sword. Winter snow-colored wings flapped lifting the swords wielder off the ground flapping her wings the warrior landing near Kāṭṭēri kneeling next to her the warrior pressed two fingers to her friends neck checking her pulse. Standing the winged warrior placed herself between Riz^tyākt’s master and her injured friend gripping her sword with both hands she locked eyes with Riz^tyākt’s master. “Angelic” Riz^tyākt’s master snarled. “You have a choice to make” she replied, keeping herself between Riz^tyākt’s master and her friend, “you can face me in combat or you can leave”. Taking a step towards Riz^tyākt’s master she finished, “the choice is yours”. “How did you find us?” “Does it matter? Make your choice or I’ll make it for you!” “Given the choice I’ll leave … for now”. Watching Riz^tyākt’s master unfurl her wings and leave the area Angelic turned her attention to Riz^tyākt sheathing her sword she looked Riz^tyākt over. Knowing she couldn’t take him on by herself she knelt behind him reaching into his split open skull she tore his brain from his skull. Holding the grayish misshapen thing between her palms she pressed inwards squishing it to little more than jelly. Using his deformed body to wipe off the bits and pieces of brain matter from her palms she turned her attention to her injured friend shaking her head, she helped her friend up. “Are you alright?” receiving a tired but glad nod she slammed her fist into her friends face knocking her down, standing over her she added, “that was for being so stupid”. Holding her hand out to her Angelic help Kāṭṭēri back to her feet once more, “let's go home”. “I don’t think I can fly with my injuries”. “Alright then I’ll carry you” Angelic said adding, “but you are not staying here”. “We can’t leave that thing for someone to find” Kāṭṭēri replied stumbling forward she began to look around for anything to use to destroy the body finding several bottles of lighter fluid she picked up two of them “I hope this time this works” dousing Riz^tyākt’s body in the fluid she placed the other bottles around his dead body “last time I burned him I didn’t remove his brain only his heart and organs”. “Well this time” Angelic began, finding a box of matches she struck one throwing the box onto his body, “we’ve removed his brain and there is enough lighter fluid here to make sure he is reduced to ash” tossing the match on his body both watched Riz^tyākt’s body burst into flames, “let’s go we can’t wait around for the police to show up”. Both unaware that four winged warriors who had chosen to remain out of sight had seen everything Angelic and Kāṭṭēri had done to Riz^tyākt’s body. The warriors watched Kāṭṭēri from a safe hiding place as she looked around the surrounding area finding a gas valve near the back of the store. Kāṭṭēri kicked it busting it open letting the gas flow the warriors watched her run towards Angelic grabbing her by the wrist. Flying into the nights sky they watched from above as Kāṭṭēri and Angelic just barely managed to escape the fiery blast. “Your nuts!” The warriors heard Angelic yell, watching her pull her hand back they listened to her add, “what if we hadn’t been able to get out in time?” “Hey relax” The heard Kāṭṭēri reply “we made it didn’t we?” The warriors flew away from the burning building soon joining others of their kind as Angelic picked up her friend. Spreading her wings out her she took to the air flying high over the city with Kāṭṭēri nestled in her arms. Returning home a half hour later both found Píseň waiting our front angrily tapping her foot giving both a very unpleasant stare. Still completely unaware of what transpired at the hardware store Angelic landed on the front lawn setting Kāṭṭēri down. Both girls offered Píseň a foolish, sheepish grin, Píseň having none of their foolishness pointed to the house, her eyes narrowed with anger. Knowing they were both in big trouble Angelic headed for the house leaving Kāṭṭēri outside to deal with her girlfriends ire. “So” Kāṭṭēri began, rocking back and forth on her heels rubbing the back of her head, “I guess I am in trouble huh honey?” Wordlessly Píseň reached out grabbing her girlfriends ear giving Kāṭṭēri’s ear a hard, tight, painful twist she dragged her girlfriend into the house. Kāṭṭēri flailed her arms in protest letting out a blood curdling yelp. Píseň’s grip only grew tighter, opening the door she marched Kāṭṭēri inside slamming the door loudly behind them. Heading for their bedroom she stopped by Angelic’s room knocking on the door with her free hand while Kāṭṭēri continued to flail about Angelic answered the door quirking an eyebrow at the sight before her. “Thank you dear for finding her and returning her to me”. Píseň said, “now please get some sleep while I deal with this … idiot”. “Go easy on her she’s had a rough night” Angelic softly replied, “her injuries have not yet fully healed” “I’ll bear that in mind good night”. Píseň replied, dragging her girlfriend to their bedroom opening their bedroom door she added, “as for you, Kāṭṭēri you are in big trouble” letting her girlfriend go she shut the door behind her, ignoring the fact her girlfriend was in pain she pointed to the bed, “get in bed NOW!” “Ye-yes honey” Kāṭṭēri undressed, redressing in her pajamas, climbed into bed with Píseň getting into bed a few seconds after her. Reaching over to her side of the bedroom Píseň switched off the lights and rolled over taking all of the blanket with her. Kāṭṭēri rolled to her right keeping her back facing her girlfriend curling up in a fetal position she silently cried herself to sleep shivering in the cold night. “I’m sorry” “Go to sleep” “But, I’m really sorry” “I don’t care go to sleep” Listening to Kāṭṭēri cry for a little bit Píseň though she was still very angry with her girlfriend rolled back over placing the blanket over Kāṭṭēri’s body laying her head down next to Kāṭṭēri’s she soon found herself falling fast asleep. Angelic, tired, angry and worried also laid down for a much needed good night's rest she found the soft pillows of her bed to be more than welcoming as she also soon fell fast asleep. Unaware that a certain green haired black oil-skinned woman had followed them home, the woman flew high into the sky soon being joined by multiple legions of winged warriors. “Go my offspring, my children, my … babies” she hissed, pointing to city behind them she added, “find us a new home away from prying human eyes and ears” she turned her attention back to the small humble, quant, small home before her, make sure it is far away from Kāṭṭēri, Píseň or Angelic”. Laughing wickedly she was joined by four others “ah, now that you four have returned tell me where is Riz^tyākt?” “He is dead” “They burned his body asunder” “There was nothing we could do” “Yes nothing, nothing at all yes, yes yes”. “It doesn’t matter, Riz^tyākt was a fool” the woman growled, “GO find my eldest tell him I want a meeting with him” watching all but one leave she hissed, “within a fortnight tell him that my preciouses” turning back to the house one last time she finished, “Soon you three shall pay and as for you Imazdi you’ll be mine … again”. Flying away, her laughter turned to a cold cruel cackle. August, 4th, Thursday 4:00 A.M. part oneThe clouds moved slowly outside in the night sky creating shadows and shapes along the walls and floor of Fluttershy’s room. Angel Bunny lay snuggled in Sunset Shimmer's arms, his ears ever listening to the sounds around him flexed and twitched back and forth, alerting him to any danger that might be present. Feeling Sunset moving around under his fury body Angel Bunny hopped off of her landing a few feet from her. Turning around he watched her intently for a few minutes, his little nose twitched, his soft black beady eyes searched the room for anything that was causing Sunset to feel afraid. Not finding anything that could cause Sunset harm, Angel Bunny slowly took a tentative step towards her. “No,” She moaned, “not again please not again”. Sunset, tossed and turned sweat slowly trickled down her forehead dripping to her pillow. Her face scrunched up, her eyebrows pursed together tightly, she gripped the sheets tightly in her hands. Rolling to her side she sat up almost screaming, her vision blurred for a few seconds placing a hand to her chest, her heart thumped rapidly as she gasped for breath. Feeling Angel Bunny’s soft, fury body touching her left forearm she glanced down moving her right hand from her chest to her forehead. “It was just a nightmare” she whispered, gently she petted Angel Bunny trying to calm down, “just a bad memory nothing more”. Picking him up Sunset placed Angel Bunny in her lap wiggling around a bit he snuggled into her stomach turning over to his back. Realizing Angel Bunny wanted a belly rub Sunset obliged him, closing her eyes, a single tear trickled down her cheek splashing on Angel’s soft, fury head. Looking to her right she saw Fluttershy was still asleep, ending the belly rub Sunset gently placed Angel Bunny on the floor standing up she tip-toed to the door stopping as Angel Bunny followed her. “No, no you need to stay here”. She whispered, kneeling, she scooped him up, placing him in Fluttershy’s bed next to the shy sleeping teen, “Take care of her”. Stepping back from Fluttershy’s bed she added, “keep her warm and safe”. Watching Fluttershy roll over with Angel Bunny lying down next to her Sunset smiled before tip-toeing back to the door, “now to leave before I wind up waking her and this entire household up”. Looking at the clock on Fluttershy’s dresser she finished, “I can’t believe it’s four in the morning Sunset you idiot you stayed far too late”. Opening the door Sunset froze in place to her surprise Mrs. McPherson stood in the doorway holding in her hands two mugs of tea. Offering one of the mugs to Sunset who silently took it without question Mrs. McPherson wordlessly gestured for Sunset to follow her downstairs. Being as quiet as she could, Sunset crept out into the hallway closing the door behind her. A few minutes later Sunset found herself sitting at the kitchen table with the mug of tea in front of her. “I uh---” “Sunset” Mrs. McPherson interrupted, holding up her hand, “whatever is bothering you” she gestured towards the mug of tea in front of her; finishing, “I am sure it can wait for two minutes for you to take a sip of tea”. Slightly irritated from being interrupted Sunset pulled the mug in closer, inhaling deeply the soothing, warm scent filled her nostrils. The tea smelt like Chamomile, and Passionflower two of Sunset’s favorite teas, taking a sip she set the mug down letting the warm liquid calm her mind and relax her body. Looking down Sunset closed her eyes placing a hand over her left bicep rubbing her own arm tenderly. Becoming a bit worried Mrs. McPherson got up taking a seat next to the distraught teenager gently laying a hand on Sunset's shoulder. “H-how did you know I needed the tea?” “A mother knows these things dear” picking up her own mug Mrs. McPherson sipped her tea adding, “I want you to know I am here for you if you want to talk?” “I-I had a bad dream”. Looking down Sunset silently wondered to herself if she should tell Fluttershy’s mother the truth or let it go, feeling soft hands on her arm and shoulder she looked up into Mrs. McPherson's eyes. Fluttershy’s mother pulled the distraught teenager into a hug running her fingers through Sunset’s hair. Burying her face into Mrs. McPherson's shoulder Sunset began to cry her tears trickled down her cheeks onto Mrs. McPherson's robe wrapping her own arms around Mrs. McPherson's body Sunset returned the hug. “There, there honey it's alright I’m here for you” Fluttershy’s mother whispered, “no matter what is bothering you dear I won’t get mad and I absolutely won’t judge you”. Sunset cried in Mrs. McPherson's arms for a few minutes listening to Fluttershy’s mother add, “Shh, honey, it’s OK you can tell me anything you want I’m here now honey you just let it all out”. Calming down a bit, Sunset sniffed letting go of Mrs. McPherson gently Fluttershy’s mother wiped away Sunset’s tears laying a soft, gentle hand on Sunset’s right forearm. Sunset sighed, not wanting to upset Fluttershy’s mother, she looked down, gulping trying to choose her words carefully; Sunset closed her eyes with a lump catching in her throat. Clearing her throat Sunset unsure if Fluttershy’s mother would keep her word glanced up seeing only love, patience and kindness lovingly staring back at her. Feeling safe and secure Sunset decided there was only way to be sure if Mrs. McPherson was telling the truth. “I was dreaming that I was at the Fall Formal”. “Go on honey, I’m listening” placing her hands over Sunset’s Mrs. McPherson continued, “you take as much time as you need dear we have all night there is absolutely no rush”. “F-Fluttershy was t-there” looking away she added, “I was standing over her laughing as she stared up at me in fear”. Holding herself she finished, “I-I hate what I did to her, to everyone”. “It’ll be alright sweetheart trust me”. Getting up Mrs. McPherson hugged the very distraught teen running her fingers through Sunset’s hair, “I fully forgive you for what you did to Fluttershy and I know she forgives you too”. Returning the hug Sunset buried her face into Mrs. McPherson's chest, the sound of the older woman’s heartbeat was soothing. Picking her up Mrs. McPherson carried Sunset upstairs into the guest room. The room was covered wall to wall with basketballs and star stickers, a dresser stood in the far left corner of the room with a way-fair lamp on top of it. A bunk bed stood against the left wall with only the bottom bunk being covered in a mattress, blanket and pillows. An electric clock sat on an end table next to the bed gently Fluttershy’s mother carried Sunset over to the bed. Kneeling she laid Sunset into bed pulling the covers over her, Sunset laid her head into the soft fluffy pillows yawning soon falling back asleep. Getting up, Mrs. McPherson tiptoed out into the hallway closing the door behind her, finding Fluttershy and Angel Bunny both in the hallway. Fluttershy looked around, putting a finger to her lower lip kissing her daughter's forehead. Mrs. McPherson smiled. “Mom, where is Sunset? I woke up and didn’t see her sleeping in my room”. “She’s fast asleep in the guestroom honey she had a nightmare so I gave her some tea” she replied ending the kiss, turning around Mrs. McPherson cracked the door open adding, “See honey Sunset is safe and is sleeping; which you should be doing right now”. Turning to her daughter she finished, “but before you go back to bed sweetheart you need to put Angel back into his cage or least take him back into your room”. “I’ll go back to bed in a few minutes but first Angel Bunny and I want to make sure Sunset is alright”. “Alright honey, I’m going to go back to bed please don’t stay up to late”. Nodding her reply Fluttershy tiptoed into the guest room with Angel Bunny following her Sunset lay completely out cold gently laying a hand on Sunset’s forehead Fluttershy sighed. Angel Bunny hopped about the room stopping only when Fluttershy began to tiptoe back to the hallway following her out he twitched his little nose and blinked a few times. Fluttershy headed down stairs into the kitchen Angel Bunny followed her, he watched from the entrance to the kitchen as she took out a fresh bowl from the kitchen cabinet, placed it under the sink and filled it with water. Carrying the bowl back upstairs she headed back into her bedroom placing it on the floor next to her bed Angel Bunny following her in hopped about the floor before stopping to take a drink from the bowl. Fluttershy knelt petting him as he drank some of the water getting up a few minutes later she opened her dresser taking out a pink pajama shirt. The shirt had two medium sized holes in the back of it just right for her wings. Taking her current shirt off she placed it on her vanity chair stretching out her wings. “I wish I could Show Sunset my wings” putting the pink shirt on she continued to mutter, “Oh, I hope Sunset doesn’t have another nightmare”. Turning to leave her room she gave Angel Bunny a kiss before opening her door, “you stay here Angel” stepping into the hallway she closed her door leaving Angel Bunny to fall asleep on her bed, “there is something I need to do”. Being as quiet as she could be Fluttershy opened the guest bedroom door tiptoeing over to Sunset she watched her sleep for a few minutes before tucking a lock hair behind Sunsets right ear. Sunset rolled over causing Fluttershy’s hand to recoil and a gasp to escape her lips watching Sunset for a few more minutes Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief when Sunset didn’t wake up. Slowly, carefully Fluttershy pulled back the covers climbing into the bed next to Sunset. Trying to be just as careful Fluttershy didn’t want to risk waking up the sleeping teenager placing her hands around Sunset’s torso she gently turned her over placing her wings around Sunset’s shoulder and waist. Gently Fluttershy laid Sunsets head on her chest. “M-Master” Fluttershy listened to Sunset cry in her sleep being held in Fluttershy’s arms, “where’s mommy?” “Shh, Sunset” Fluttershy whispered, feeling Sunset tremble in her arms, she softly added, “I’m here now”. Feeling a tear splash on her chest Fluttershy reached out taking a hold of the blanket pulling it up and over herself and Sunset’s body. Feeling something very warm soft wrapped around her own body Sunset’s eyes slowly fluttered open. Slowly she raised her head in a bit of a confused state of mind she looked at Fluttershy who lay awake just underneath her. “I am so sorry Fluttershy” Sunset whispered, “for everything that I ever said or did to you”. Another tear trickled down Sunset’s cheek dripping offer the tip of her chin splashing on Fluttershy’s chest, “I don’t want to be a burden to you or your family”. “Sunset” “Y-yes Fluttershy” Wrapping her arms a little more around Sunset’s body, Fluttershy pulled her in a little closer. Sunset tried to get up only to find herself completely held fast by the timid girl. Slowly Fluttershy caressed Sunset’s back feeling ridges and bumps as if multiple scars were etched into Sunset’s skin just under Sunset’s shirt she gave Sunset a concerned look. Opening her mouth to say something she received a sad look from the distraught teenager deciding it was best not to upset her any further Fluttershy chose not to convey her growing concerns. Smiling warmly to Sunset she closed her eyes hoping and praying that Sunset would someday tell her about what she felt along Sunsets back. “I want you to know Sunset” she whispered, “I forgive you for all that you did or said to me”. “Are you going to let me get up?” Sunset asked clearly wanting to get up “I don’t think your parents will like it if we are in the same bed together.” looking away she continued, “after all I am just taking advantage of your family or least that is I am sure how everyone else will see it I am just a burden to you” feeling a soft hand on her cheek she turned back finishing, “so please let me up so I can leave”. “I can’t let you leave Sunset and my parents will be fine you’ll see” she replied adding, “I know you feel like a burden but you are not as such” gently laying Sunset’s head into her chest, Sunset listened to Fluttershy’s heartbeat the sound was positively soothing. “You are a good person Sunset” pulling the blanket up a little closer she finished, “I’m going to help you even if you don’t want me to so get some sleep Sunset”. “I-I-er, mm--well, that is” closing her eyes Sunset breathed in Fluttershy’s scent snuggling further into the timid girl's body and arms, realizing she was all but defeated she sighed finishing, “Th-thank you Fluttershy”. “Your very welcome Sunset” yawning Fluttershy finished, “now get some sleep”. “Alright you win” Sunset yawed becoming too tired to struggle anymore she finished, “but in the morning we need to talk about a few things”. “Sunset go to sleep” Fluttershy tiredly replied, “I promise you that we’ll talk some more in the morning”. Gently rolling over with Sunset moving with her Fluttershy laid Sunsets head in her arms whispering, “no matter what I won’t let anyone hurt you Sunset I promise”. Fluttershy’s mother, wanting to check up on the girls, got out of bed tiptoeing into the hallway not hearing anything from her daughter's room. She opened her daughters bedroom door taking a step back as Angel Bunny hopped out of the room into the hallway stopping in front of the guest bedroom door. Shaking her head Mrs. McPherson cracked the door open peering into the room she found both girls out cold. Both girls had fallen fast asleep in each other’s arms with Fluttershy keeping her wings protectively wrapped around Sunsets body. Stepping into the room Mrs. McPherson smiled as Angel Bunny followed her in gently picking him she placed him on top of the sleeping teens patting his head. “Keep them both safe our little fury Angel” she whispered, yawning herself she stood up as Angel Bunny curled up on top of Sunset’s right side “and may the sun, moon and stars guide you both to happy dreams”. Turning to leave she stopped for a brief moment and leaned in kissing Fluttershy’s and Sunset’s cheeks, “sleep well children and dream of sunny days and starry nights filled with excitement and wonder”. Getting to the door she looked over her shoulder finishing, “especially you Sunset may you dream of happier times”. Returning to her own bedroom a few minutes later she climbed into bed next to her husband receiving a questionable concerning look from him she added, “Both Sunset and Fluttershy are asleep honey don’t worry everything will be just fine”. Turning out the light she laid down “a mother knows these things”. “Alright honey” he replied, laying down next to her, “we’ll take care of everything tomorrow right after I call Celestia to excuse both girls from school”. Turning out the light he finished, “sleep well honey”. August, 4th, Thursday 7:00 A.M. Part TwoAn alarm irritatedly buzzed at seven in the morning awakening Starknight from her sleep. Cracking open her eyes she was momentarily blinded by the sun's rays raising her hand to shield her eyes from the blazing light she groaned pulling her pillow over her head. The buzzing from the alarm continued for several long moments. The sound eventually drove Starknight mad enough to sit up dropping her pillow to her lap she frowned staring blankly at her alarm clock. The sunlight emanating from her bedroom window felt warm but that feeling of warmth did little to assuage Starknight from her grogginess. Stretching she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, bending her neck to the right and left she cracked her bones shuttering at the sheer sound she heard. “Perhaps I should see if my chiropractor will see me today”. She thought sitting in bed for several long moments, “My bones sound like I’ve aged at least seventy years.” Reaching over to her nightstand she pressed the button to her alarm trying to shut it off not realizing she was actually pressing the radio button. Growing angry when the alarm wouldn’t shut off she knocked it across the room sending the alarm clock careening into her bedroom wall watching it break upon impact she groaned in irritation. “Well looks like I have to buy yet another alarm clock” cleaning up the mess she thought, “might as well get some new sheets and a blanket as well while I am at it”. Heading into her bathroom she took a quick shower before getting herself some much needed coffee and breakfast. Getting dressed she collected her keys, coat, wallet and cellphone from a table next to her front door and headed out to her car. Stepping out onto the front porch she walked the short distance to her car suddenly stopping in her tracks. Her eyes instantly narrowed, her lips curled with anger to her shock, her car was covered in graffiti and her drivers side window was broken. Approaching her car with caution she looked it over to her growing annoyance her back left wheel was missing along with her headlights. “Seriously what the heck?!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms up “who the hell did this to my car?!” Taking out her cell phone she dialed a number waiting for the person on the other end to pick up. A few of her neighbors came out of their homes to collect the morning paper and mail. Some began to point and stare at her while others smirked and laughed. Feeling even more upset than before she turned her back to them trying to hide her embarrassment Sophia Jilmed was one such neighbor. Walking over to Starknight she smiled gesturing to Starknight’s car; she all but laughed. “Well, well it looks like the old dragon lady” she giggled “got what she’s needed coming to her for a long time”. “You're about to see how much of a ‘dragon lady’ I can---” Starknight began only to be interrupted by her phone. “Hello” a male voice said over it. “What? Oh, yes officer Moonstone its Starknight listen if you have the time this morning and if I relay to you my address can you stop by?” “Uh, sure thing. Is there something wrong?” “You’ll see when you get here”. She replied, quickly giving him her address she hung up turning her attention to Sophia Jilmed. “I don’t have time to get into an argument with you Sophia please go back to your home”. Watching Sophia flick her hair Starknight sighed, a half hour slowly went by before a red pontiac pulled up. Opening the front passenger door Moon Dancer jumped out giving a loud whistle upon seeing Starknight’s car her older brother shook his head. Heading over to her both gave her a concerned glance Moon Stone took out his notepad noticing Sophia was still there looking at her she batted her eyes offering him an insincere smile. “You know officer you don’t need to waste your time with this” Sophia began, “I am sure I can find something else for you to be doing with your time not to mention with your hands”. “Ugh” he groaned, “Sergeant, are all your neighbors this … obnoxiously irritating?” turning his attention back to Sophia who gave him a scornful, disdainful glare he smiled, “or is it just this tortoiseshell?” “Why I never!” Sophia Jilmed yelled out, “How dare you speak to me like that!” storming off both officers and Moon Dancer watched Sophia head up the street screaming out, “all I wanted was to make you happy!”. “Well rookie I think you're perhaps the second person that I have known who really ticked her off like that.” Starknight said looking over the damage to her car she added, “This is going to cost me quite a bit of money to get this thing fixed let alone towed to the nearest fix-it shop”. “Really? Who’s the first?” he replied. “Let me make a call. I have … friend that can handle this cheap for you”. “Me when I gave her a ticket for speeding last month”. Standing up she finished, “thank you but I am not sure it would be appropriate”. Watching him take out his cellphone she sighed, “oh, very well just don’t let it slip out that I let you do this after all I am still your training officer and your sergeant”. Nodding Moon Stone quickly made his call while his little sister Moon Dancer headed back to her brother's car. Hanging up a few minutes later Moon Stone smiled taking out a notepad and pen from his shirt pocket jotting down a phone number and address he handed it to Starknight. “Thank you” she said, taking the piece of paper and placing it into her pants pocket, “I’ll head there later on today”. Turning towards her house Starknight gestured for officer Moon Stone to join her following her up the small sidewalk leading to her front door, he stopped for a second turning back to face his sister who sat in the front seat of his car. “You stay here and keep the window up and doors locked”. Looking around Moon Stone didn’t like how Starknight's neighborhood looked. He quickly turned around opening the car door, “hop out” watching his sister get out. He finished, “follow me and don’t touch anything do you understand?” “I understand” Moon Dancer said following her brother towards Starknight's front door, “hey after I get home from school today can you teach me some cool mi---” “I will say this once and only once” he interrupted, “you are not to mention that while in Starknight's presence EVER!” “Yes” Moon Dancer replied, looking down she quietly finished, “brother”. Entering Starknight's home a few seconds later both Moon Stone and Moon Dancer looked around; the house was small; tiny in fact. Both saw a fireplace in Starknight's living room, a retro mini refrigerator with a dual door freezer sat in her kitchen. A twenty inch smooth top freestanding electric range stood next to the mini refrigerator and a single basin sink with a portable dishwasher with a built in water tank stood on an end table. The kitchen also had a freestanding cabinet connected to the dishwasher with a hose running to the sink. “How can she live like this?” Letting out a noticeable whistle he gave her a passing glance, “wow” he said, “your home is … tiny”. “Did you come here to take a report” Starknight quipped irritability, “or are you here just to make fun of how I live?” “Well I-er-um” he stammered, “I’ll take your statement but you know as well as I do that there is little chance of finding the person that did that to your car”. “I know”. She humorlessly solemnly replied. Several long moments passed while Starknight gave officer Moon Stone her statement glancing at her watch she added, “I need to get going now rookie please file this report with traffic and road operations''. Walking him to her front door she finished, “I’ll stop by in a few hours after I have gone to the car depot to get a rental”. “Wait a minute aren’t you supposed to be staying off your feet?” Moon Dancer asked giving Starknight a questionable look, “I thought you had hurt your back so doesn’t that imply that you should stay home?” “It wasn’t my back I hit my head while I was taking down some uh, bad people” she replied glaring at Moon Stone “Tell me rookie how does Moon Dancer know I got hurt?” “Huh? Oh, I told her about it before we came here”. He replied adding, “Now as for your report about your car.” “I was making breakfast and didn’t see or hear anything so I assume it happened sometime last night though I am not sure what time”. Letting out forced sigh she added, “and officer Moon Stone the next time you decide to discuss work with your sister do me a favor.” Catching Moon Dancers attention she continued, “leave me out of your talks with her”. Fishing her keys out of her pants pocket she finished, “I am just grateful whoever did this didn’t try to break into my home or my garage”. “Why's that officer Starknight?” Moon Dancer asked “do you have something really neat in there?” Laying a hand on his sister's shoulder Moon Stone began to lead her over to the front door earning himself a playful pout from the pre-teenager. Chuckling to herself Starknight headed for her front door opening the door for Moon Stone and his sister she bid them farewell closing the door she headed to her bedroom. Entering her bedroom she tapped her foot on the floor three times; a soft mechanical sound soon resonated in the room. Starknight waited for three seconds as a black metal box rose up to the left of her bed. Opening her bedroom closet she took out a notepad and pen placing them into her shirt pocket. “I wish I could afford to live someplace other than this dump” she thought, “it would be nice to live in the country”. Walking over to it she pressed a few buttons on the face of it unlocking the box she opened it reached in taking out her conceal and carry license. Taking out a holster containing a chambered 500 S.M.W Magnum the revolver itself had a fluted five shot cylinder and weighed four point three pounds. Looking into the box she took out her shoulder holster placing it over her shoulders. Fitting it comfortably on her shoulders she took out a hip holster strapping it to her left hip while making sure her shoulder holster was under her left shoulder. “I would be so nice if people around here would just leave other people's things alone”. Placing the revolver on her bed she reached back inside the box taking out three five hundred grain jacketed hollow point Hornady X.C.P cartridges. Running her fingers over the hand-grip she smiled to herself; the revolver had a silver chrome plated eight in three eights inch barrel with an integrated muzzle brake and compensator attached to it. Looking it over she placed onto it an interchangeable front high visibility sight locking the sight into place she quickly holstered on her left side. “Okay I think I have everything I need”. Remembering her other gun still inside the safe, this one a Glock twenty one generation two still inside the safe she quickly took it out placing it into her hip holster. Reaching back inside the safe she took out four extra magazines clipping each one to her belt on her right side. Closing the lid and locking it in place she tapped her foot sending the hidden safe back to its hiding place. Heading out into the garage she grabbed her helmet from the back wall and power scooter. Kicking the kickstand to it up she opened the garage door and pressed the power button three times turning her scooter on. “I might as well stop by the Brisk Star gun shop as long as I am out and about”. Looking back at her car she muttered, “I should stop by CHS as well perhaps I can talk to Principal Celestia about setting up a ‘at risk’ program that will” letting out a forced sigh she finished, “prevent any kid from doing this in the foreseeable future”. Heading down the street she looked to her right seeing Sophia Jilmed crying on her front stoop Starknight turning around and headed back up the street towards Sophia’s. Shutting off her scooter she kicked the kick stand out and got off heading up to the crying woman. Seeing how very upset Sophia was Starknight reached out laying a hand on Sophia’s shoulder looking up through a sob Sophia gulped her teary red eyes met with Starknights soft warm blue eyes. Helping Sophia to her feet Starknight did the best she could to dry her neighbors tears speaking softly to her. “Sophia I am very sorry for what Moon Stone and I said to you”. Standing there for a few minutes she added, “It’s just that you came onto him so strongly I am sure he was insulted and not to mention he had his little sister with him”. “It’s a-alright” Sophia sobbed out, “I am a just a sl---” “Hey! I don’t want to hear you talking about yourself like that again” Starknight interrupted “you are not that type of person I know you and I have had our differences but that doesn’t make you like that”. Helping her inside Starknight finished, “now you go get cleaned up I’ll be back in a little while and we’ll go and do something fun”. “A-alright” turning to head further into her home Sophia stopped adding, “wait what little sister?” “The little girl with the purple and red hair that child is Moon Stones little sister”. Gently leading Sophia to her living room, Starknight added, “He was taking her to school when I called him due to what happened to my car”. “I see. Couldn’t you have called someone else?” “Yes I probably could have called someone else but I also wanted to see what Moon Stone would do in this situation”. She replied, “you Sophia I am training him in so I thought this might be a good learning experience for him.” “That’s a bit sneaky don’t you think?” taking a seat on her couch Sophia whipped the last of her tears away adding, “your right you know I shouldn’t have come on that strongly”. Getting up she finished, “now when you say ‘fun’ what type of ‘fun’ are you talking about?” “You’ll see”. Starknight finished, “now go on scoot, go get cleaned up I promise you’ll like what I have in mind.” “Very well”. Grinning, Starknight headed back outside looking around she saw a few her neighbors walking their dogs, the paperboy zoomed by throwing the morning paper at various houses. A mail truck pulled up to the curb. Starknight stood silently watching the postal carrier get out, open the back of their truck and proceed to carry a box stuffed to the brim with mail. Hearing Sophia turn on her shower Starknight closed Sophia’s front door. Getting on her scooter Starknight started it up heading down the street as the car slowly rolled down the street. “I wonder if Sophia likes air hockey” she thought coming to a red light she stopped failing to notice the back continental was slowly following her, “better stop by Score’N’Fun on my way home to pick up a mini board so she and I can play a few rounds”. Pulling into the parking lot of CHS a half hour later she shut off her scooter and got off completely forgetting to take her helmet off she headed up the steps. Stopping at the front door she looked back watching the construction crew setting new pipes and wires in the crater left by Sunset’s and Twilight's battle. Walking through the plastic liners that hung front the top of the school she headed for the receptionist desk. Before Starknight could say anything to the woman sitting behind the desk she spotted Principal Celestia coming into the hallway. “Principal Celesita” Starknight called out to her, “do you have a minute?” “Is this an official police matter officer?” she replied with clear irritation in her voice, “because I only have a few minutes and I am already late for a meeting with one of my students and their parents”. “Yes and no” wanting to talk in private she quickly added, “is there someplace more private we can talk?” “If you won’t talk to her sister then I will” Luna chimed in coming out of her office “besides I doubt you really need me for this meeting”. “Alright Luna but please make it brief” Celesita replied, turning her attention back to Starknight she added, “you can talk about whatever it is you came here for in my sisters office”. Leading Starknight to her officer Luna opened the door gesturing for Starknight to sit in a chair in front of her desk Luna walked behind her desk taking a seat. Starknight sat down taking her helmet off taking a few moments to gather her thoughts. Luna seeing Starknight looked a little uneasy and wanting to make things go easier for her opened a drawer in her desk taking out a box of mint tea. Placing the box in front of Starknight she gestured to the box receiving a resurasing nod from the officer. Getting up Luna walked over to a coffee pot, poured some hot water into a cup and returned to her desk placing the cup in front of Starknight. “Whatever you have come here to say can wait for two minutes while you take a sip” she said. Picking up the tea Starknight took a sip calming herself down a bit, “now what I wanted to talk to you about was starting up a ‘at risk’ program.” Starknight took a moment to let her words sink in with Luna before finishing, “in this program a teacher would be paired with a police officer and together they would help any student that is at risk of dropping out or perhaps joining a gang”. “I see and what else would this program do?” “Well I haven’t gotten all the details in order just yet” Looking down she took a breath adding, “my car was vandalized this morning and I can’t help but think if the people that did this had a positive place to go this sort of thing wouldn’t have happened”. Looking up she finished, “I know I need to work on this idea but I just wanted to run it by you and your sister who really doesn’t seem to well like me very much”. “I don’t blame her for that officer, I mean you did come on rather strongly when we first met you” Luna replied, “but as for this program you get the ‘go a head’ from your captain and I’ll run this by my sister. If she is in then I’ll call you and we’ll take it from there”. Standing up she added, “incidentally which student did you have in mind that might benefit from this program and more to the point which precinct do you work at?” “I was thinking Sunset could be the first student and this has to be her choice I won’t force any student no matter how at risk they are to take part in this program” getting up herself Starknight finished, “I work at the one twelve I’ll leave you my desk number” reaching over Luna’s desk Starknight took a pen and paper jotted down her number handing it to Luna, “I really do hope this works out for Sunset she seemed rather … lost and hurt when I first met her”. “I also hope it works out for her now let me walk you out and I be in touch in a few days”. Walking Starknight back to the front of the school Luna finished, “thank you for stopping by officer I am sure Celestia will approve of this program”. Getting on her scooter and putting her helmet back on Starknight waved goodbye to Luna before starting up the scooter and heading down the street. Luna returned to her office, collected her things and headed for the meeting with Celestia and their student. Twenty minutes later Starknight pulled into the auto rental lot parked and got off her scooter. Heading inside she found a sales representative an hour later she drove out of the parking lot with a rental volvo. Fifthteen minutes later she pulled into the parking lot of Brisk Star and Sprocket parked and headed inside. “Brisk you in here” she called out hearing the door chime, “Sprocket?” “We’re back here” a male voice called from the back of the store “loading an order”. Heading into the back of the store she found a stout senescent man with silvery hair lining most of his head; he had soft warm green eyes. A deeply characteristically noble face withered from his many long years in service to his country and state. Standing next to him was a middle aged man with a brown mustache and slightly graying hair; he had kind joyful blue eyes that had not yet seen the horrors of war. A red pickup truck was parked at the loading dock both men stopped their work offering Starknight a pleasant smile. “Have you come to order some more ammo?” one of them asked. “Yes I have” she replied, “Oh, I’ll need a new holster for my glock twenty one and Brisk Star I’ll also need to pick up a new gun as well”. “Really? I mean you already have one of the most powerful handguns on the market”. Sprocket said making a gesture to her coat underneath he could see the butt end of her revolver he added, “what type of gun are you looking for sergeant and do you need this for work or personal use?” “I am looking for a handgun” she replied, turning around to head back to the front she looked over her shoulder adding, “I am looking to use it only at the range and nothing else. I have no desire to take it to work with me”. “Very well” Brisk replied, “Sprocket you go with her and get her what she needs and I’ll finish loading this order”. Following Starknight back to the front of the store Sprocket headed behind a large glass case containing many different types of ammo, guns and hunting knives. Taking out a set of keys he opened the case while Brisk remained in the back finishing the order Sprocket took out several guns laying them on the case Starknight looked at each of them shaking her head. Putting each of them back into the case, Sprocket tapped his chin thinking his eyes widened, turning around he opened a case behind him taking out a medium sized metal box. Setting it on the counter he opened it placing a set of twin magnums on the counter. “Seriously” Starknight grumbled looking over the twin magnums “these are far too big for what I am looking for” “Ok how about this” He replied placing another gun on the counter “this is the Glock Forty Two it holds eight rounds and weighs about thirteen point eight ounces”. Gesturing to it he finished, “go ahead give it a once over”. Picking up the gun she checked the sight sliding her fingers over the slide taking apart the gun she placed each piece onto the counter checking each of them one by one. Picking up each piece she reassembled the gun handing it back to Sprocket taking the magazine she looked it over handing it to him. Looking around she pointed to a 2 SRM arms shotgun model twelve sixteen watching Sprocket take it off the shelf she looked it over placing the stock to her shoulder. Feeling its weight in her arms and hands she shook her head handing it back to him. “I’ll come back for the Glock Forty Two in three weeks”. “Actually you don’t need to wait for three weeks to take this home,” Brisk said, picking up the gun he placed it into a brown box adding, “all we need is your license, permit and credit card and you can have it shipped to your home in about three or four days”. “What about your ammo and holster?” Sprocket asked. “Oh, yes I forget about those, let's see I need another magazine for my glock and another cartridge for my revolver.” Placing two magazines and two cartridges onto the counter Starknight picked them up and looked them over placing them back onto the counter. Sprocket took out a Vertical Carry Shoulder Holster for 6 & 7 Shot, 4" Barrel Revolvers in 38 & 357. Looking it over she placed it back onto the counter running her fingers over the Lightweight Nylon Harness it’s Wide Stay Flat Shoulder Pads was made for a right handed person. Looking at it’s snap-release thumb-break retaining strap she smiled feeling the built-in tie down strap release and easy carry mount. “So what do you think?” Sprocket asked, “do you like it?” “Yes I do I’ll have it added to my purchase” she replied, “Alright I think the ammo and this holster will do it then” taking out her wallet from her left coat pocket and her permit from her front shirt pocket. “Who will be shipping it then if I may ask?” “I’ll take care of that” Sprocket chimed in “just let me look up your address in the computer and you’ll be all set”. Looking at the 2 SRM arms shotgun he added, “Any reason why you don’t want the 2 SRM arms shotgun?” “Yeah it's too heavy and cumbersome for what I am looking to do with it”. Paying for the other gun she finished, “I mean don’t get me wrong it’s a nice gun and all but I don’t want to always be carrying that thing to the range just to shoot it four or five times per week”. “That’s completely understandable,” Brisk said, swiping Starknight's credit card, punching a few buttons on his computer he finished, “OK do you want us to email you your receipt or would you like a paper one?” “Hmm paper would be fine”. She replied taking her receipt, “thank you both I’ll more than likely stop by again in about four or five weeks when I have the money to pick up something else”. Heading across the street she walked briskly to the Score’N’Go opening the door she headed inside looking around she saw shelves upon shelves filled with various games. Quickly finding a sales clerk kneeling in front of one of the aisles near the back of the store she walked over to him. He had soft auburn hair, he had a slightly bronze complexion. Noticing she was staring at him; the young man glanced up from his work, his tender wam green eyes met with hers. “Can I help you?” he asked. “Yes I am looking to purchase an air hockey board” she replied, “can you show me where they are located”. “I am sorry but we don’t sell those here however we do sell puzzles, backgammon, chess, and table hockey” he replied, gesturing towards the back of the store he added, “if you will follow me I’ll show you where those are located”. “Alright while I am at it do you by chance sell any playing cards here?” “Yes those are located on an end-cap in front of checkout lane six” he replied. Leading her down the aisle, Starknight selected a table hockey board and a fifty piece puzzle for herself, taking the items up front placing them on the cash register. Looking to her right she found several packs of playing cards selecting one that had mouse and cheese cartoon characters on them. The cashier began to ring up the order as Starknight looked around the store hearing the last of her items being wrung up her vision fell to the front window watching a black continental pull into the parking lot. Three men got out of the car with one of them talking to an unseen fourth. “OK your all set” the cashier said “will there be anything else?” “Huh? Oh, no thank you” Starknight replied, “you have a nice---” Her words were cut short as the three men entered the store one was wearing a black bandana over his head with a white tank top and baggy shorts and untied sneakers. The second was wearing three-quarter-length cutoff pants and knee-high socks with his jeans sagging at his waist. The third was wearing a thick gold chain hung around his neck and a plaid Pendleton shirt; the sleeves were pulled up to his elbows; all three men had gang tattoos on their faces, arms, and hands. To Starknights horror two of the three three men were carrying uzi’s while the third was sporting an AK-Forty Seven dropping her items Starknight spun around grabbing the frightened cashier. “GET DOWN”! She screamed pushing the cashier to the floor, a hailstorm of bullets tore through the building reducing the shelving, walls, and items on the shelves to bits of rubble, “STAY DOWN”. Covering the cashier with her own body Starknight screamed out, “I’m a cop drop your weapons now!” “You ain't no cop” one of the three men yelled back, “yous a dead pig”. “Last chance, drop your weapons!” Rolling over on her back Starknight used herself as a human shield trying to protect the innocent cashier underneath her, “Don’t do---” Her words were cut short one of the three men rushed around the cashregister nearly taking Starknight by surprise. Drawing her weapon she watched him raise his uzi pointing it directly at her the two momentarily locked eyes the man sneering a faint smile to her. With little choice left she raised her Glock took aim emptying her weapon into his neck, chest, and stomach. Watching his lifeless body hit the floor she rolled over to her hands and knees grabbing the frightened cashier by the shirt. “Move, move, move!” Starknight screamed out; the cashier froze too terrified to move. “Dammit I said move!” wrapping one arm around the cashier she emptied her gun pressing the top of it to her belt pushing down and away from herself she reloaded it, “Is there another way out of here?” The other two gang members stood in stunned silence for a split second. Starknight used their indecision to head towards the back of the store dragging the very frightened cashsheir with her. Breathing heavily Starknight pushed the cashier behind a metal closed faced shelf. She took a breath taking out her cell phone she dialed for backup. Holding the phone to her ear she waited only for a few seconds. “911 what is your---” “I have a Ten - Fifty Seven I need a code Eight and Thirty” hearing the man with the AK - Forty Seven slide the bolt back she screamed into her phone, “now dammit now!” Dropping her phone she shoved the cashier to the floor climbing on top of them using her own body as a shield. The man emptied the entire amount of ammo from his weapon throughout the store reducing the rest of the shelving to little pieces of broken plastic, shards of wood and bent metal fragments. Thinking it was safe to leave the cashier to Starknights horror wiggled out from underneath her, got up and tried to run, taking several bullets to the back from the second person with the uzi. Starknight watched as the cashier fell to the ground dead. Kicking the shelf Starknight pushed herself backwards firing her weapon at the man with the AK - Forty Seven missing him. Watching him nosedive behind a shelf she rolled over to her hands and knees. “That wasn’t some kid you shot you pig” the man screamed out from his hiding place, “I’ll kill you for that pig!” Scrambling to her feet Starknight ran trying to keep herself from getting hit by the man with the uzi followed her towards the back causing a running firefight all the way. Starknight emptied her Glock tossing the useless weapon away she drew her revolver sliding behind a stack of boxes and barrels. Gasping for breath she peeked around the boxes waiting for her chance to take aim at him. The man searched the back of the store for her kicking over boxes and crates walking directly past her location. Looking down she found a lead-pipe sticking out of one the boxes she was using for cover grabbing it she tossed it away hoping the man would fall for her ruse. Watching from her hiding place as the man turned in the direction of the sound she came out from behind the boxes. “Drop your weapon and get on the ground!” she screamed failing to notice the third man coming up behind her watching the second gang member turn around raising his uzi. She raised her revolver, “Don’t make me do this please”. Seeing his finger was on the trigger her nerves turned to steel, three loud shots rang out one by one each shot hitting its mark directly into his chest. “Dammit you son of a---” Hearing multiple gunshots from behind her she spun around watching the man with the AK - Forty Seven fall to the ground, his chest and back riddled with bullets. Moon Stone stood behind the man with his own gun pointed at the fallen man, blood slowly pooled around the man's shoulders and neck. Sputtering the coughed Starknight rushed over to the fallen person kicking the AK - Forty Seven away from him she watched it slide towards nearby empty crates. Moon Stone reached up to his shoulder radio calling in the incident. Starknight in a state of shock to see Moon Stone but glad he had been there to save her life knelt next to the fallen gang member pressing her hands to the young man's wounds, her eyes filled with tears. “Please hold on” she almost sobbed, “the a-ambulance will be here soon”. “T-tr” the man sputtered coughing up blood reaching up a blood soaked hand he wrapped his hand around Starknights head pulling her in closer, “trunk open tr-trunk”. Racing outside Starknight saw the fourth person in handcuffs lying on the ground with two other officers standing over him. Looking at the gang's car she walked over to it and opened the front door popping the trunk a red ambulance pulled into the parking lot just as she headed to the back of the vehicle opening it she saw a child's backpack. Picking it up she held it in her hands for a few seconds and a bit confused she headed back inside being stopped by the medics. “Whatever you want to ask him is going to have to wait” one medic said, “he’s in critical and we need to leave now”. Watching them load the perp onto the gurney she noticed his hand fell towards the ground a piece of crumpled up paper fell out of his hand, “alright this is west bound with a ten seventy seven eighty two en-rout to Glacier Bay Hospital E.T.A is five minutes”. “Roger that medics and doctors standing by” Starknight listened to the medics radio chatter “Ten Forty three will be northbound on Eighty One two”. Moonstone Followed Starknight as she made her way back outside still clutching the child’s backpack in her hands. Noticing the bag himself he reached out taking it from her opening it his eyes widened in shock growing angry he rushed the last gang member who was being placed into a squad car. Without thinking Moonstone got too close to the hardened gang member taking a swift foot to his stomach the blow sent the rookie officer falling to his butt. Seeing he had dropped his keys the gang member scrambled for them kicking another officer in the face knocking that officer to the ground. Grabbing Moonstone's keys the man frantically placed them to the handcuffs unlocking his wrist. Rolling out of the way of a third officer the gang member kicked him in the side standing up he grabbed the officers gun pointing it at Moonstone’s head. “Get up pig” the gangster screamed, shoving the gun into Moonstone’s face, “Get up now!” “Let him go” an officer screamed out, catching the gangster's attention, Moonstone’s head snapped in the direction of the sound seeing it was officer White Tails, “Let the rookie go and get on the ground now”. “Screw you” the gang member screamed back pointing the gun at White Tails, “I’ll kill him I’ll kill you all!” waving the gun around the crazed man screamed, “get back all of ya me and this here piggy are leaving this area”. “We can’t let you do that” White tails yelled back, “let him go and we’ll talk”. Foolishly holistering his weapon White Tails raised his hands in a vain attempt to gain the man's trust, “tells what you---” Five shots rang out; Moonstone and the other officers watched in horror as White Tails fell to the ground, blood pooling around his chest and stomach.Taking no further chances Moonstone elbowed the crazed man in the stomach diving for the ground the other officer immediately opened fire. The crazed man coughed up blood falling to the ground he smirked as his lifeless body fell to the side Moonstone scrambled to his feet racing over to White Tails. Ripping open the officers shirt he desperately pressed his hands to White Tails chest trying hard to stop the bleeding. “NO NOT AGAIN, PLEASE NO NOT AGAIN” Starknight rushed over to him realizing White Tails was gone she heard Moonstone scream, “Timothy” “Moonstone, MOONSTONE! He’s gone” pulling him away she finished, “there is nothing more you can do for him”. Looking at his bloodstained hands Moonstone sniffed wiping a bloodsoaked hand under his nose. Getting up he found the backpack throwing it into his squad car slamming the door Starknight looked to her own bloodsoaked hands closing her eyes. Officers yelled and screamed into their radios the world began to spin slowly she looked up seeing rain clouds forming gulping hard she stood up. “There is nothing either of us could have done” heading back inside she found an officer near the back tugging on his coat. She asked, “how old were the people I shot?” “Both were fifteenth years old and both went to Canterlot High School” he replied. Stunned Starknight headed back up front finding her packages lying in a heap near the entrance. With each step she took a tear, fell trickling down her cheeks whipping them away she looked back at her own blood soaked hands closing her eyes. Collapsing to the ground with other officers rushing to her aid she leaned forward screaming in rage. Her tears fell thickly down her cheeks mixing in a growing pool of blood from the gang member who was killed out front of the store. Trembling in shock, hurt and angry she felt herself being picked up. Moonstone carried Starknight to his squad car pulling out of the parking lot a few minutes later he drove her home. August, 4th Thursday, 11:30 AM part three"Sunset wait up" Fluttershy called out to her, panting she ran after Sunset finally stopping in front of the school, "W-why didn't you stay at my home?" "Listen your father wanted to call us both in sick today right?" Sunset replied seeing Fluttershy nodd though she was clearly out of breath Sunset turned and headed inside adding, "I can't do that Fluttershy, I can't lie and cheat my way through life or anything else for that mater any longer". "But" Turning around Sunset glared at Fluttershy trying hard to contain her growing anger remembering how she had treated the timid girl before Twilight came Sunset looked away. Getting fully inside Sunset soon found herself standing in front of her locker the graffiti that had been spray painted to it a few days ago was gone but the feelings those words brought out in her were still there burred deep within her. Opening her locker she placed her backpack inside of it closing it she began to head for detention hall 2 B. Noticing Fluttershy had followed her to her locker and had begun following her down the hallway she stopped in her tracks unaware Garble was hiding around the corner listening into their conversations. "Fluttershy leave me alone". taking a step she added, "I don't want to do this. I don't want to be how I once was so just leave me alone". "I just want to help Sunset" she replied. "You can 'help' by leaving me alone". With that Sunset headed for detention leaving Fluttershy bewildered and confused hearing the first bell ring Fluttershy headed to her own class her head bowed low. Garble grinned grabbing Backdraft by his collar he shoved him out into the hallway, "go find Applejack and Rarity make them think Sunset is up to her old tricks again". "S-sure thing Garble but what are you going to do?" Backdraft nervously asked. "I'm going to set my first part of my plan in motion" heading away from the pair he turned around growling out, "oh, and Backdraft don't mess this up I need Sunset to think that no one likes her." Laughing coldly he walked away leaving his friend to his work Backdraft headed down the hallway soon finding Rarity at her locker. He cleared his throat and straightened his rats nest of hair out he approached her tapping the side of her locker door to get her attention. "Yes?" she asked with a pen in her mouth, "can I uh, help you Backdraft or did you come here to stare at me?" "I thought you should know I saw Sunset not more than five minutes ago maybe ten minutes yelling at Fluttershy". He said, smirking he added, "Fluttershy ran off I don't know where she went but she looked really upset". Slamming her locker door Rarity's hand clenched tightly into a fist feeling something grasp her shoulder she spun around throwing a fist nearly punching Applejack in the face. Applejack ducked just in time quickly she pinned Rarity to her locker giving Backdraft a scornful glare realizing her mistake Rarity calmed down taking a few short but much needed breaths. Letting her go Applejack backed away giving her best friend a concerned yet cautious look. "Y'all alright nuw sugar cube?" she asked keeping her distance, "Rarity what in all tarnation was that there about?" "Please Applejack darling please forgive me I didn't know it was you". Rarity replied, "I am so sorry dear I thought you where Sunset Shimmer". "What in tarnation does that no good cocky rooster Sunset have to do with y'all throwing down on me like that?" "Well honey it looks like Sunset is up to her old tricks again" Rarity replied, adding, "Fluttershy ran off and it seems as if Sunset---" Grabbing Rarity by her arm Applejack pulled the stunned girl down the hallway and around the corner leaving Backdraft alone smirking to himself. Quickly as he could he raced down the hallway towards the front of the school finding Garble outside on the front steps smoking a cigarette. Taking a long puff Garble let out a long trail of smoke Backdraft watched the iron blue colored smoke curl around his friends nose and head rising and disappearing high into the sky. Taking a seat next to him he lightly punched his friends shoulder grinning. "You where successful I take it?" Grable asked sneering at his friend. "I sure was those two idiots fell for it hook, line and sinker". Backdraft replied "hey we better get to class before we get busted by Corky and you better put that thing out before Luna finds you out here with it". dusting himself off Garble stood up flicking the cigarette butt into the sidewalk heading back inside he headed for his class followed by Backdraft. Garble smiled to himself his plan was in motion Backdraft had done his part getting to their class each took their seats catching Fluttershy's attention. Watching the boys from the back of the room snickering to each other she thumped her thumbs on her desk trying to discern what they were so going on about. Turning her attention to the window she gazed out to the parking lot watching the crew work on fixing the broken schools front door, sidewalk and stairs. "What did those two do" she muttered to herself. "I am sure they are up to no good but what did they---" her words where cut short as her eyes befell Applejack coming out of the front the school taking a trash can and heading back inside. "What is Applejack doing she is supposed to be in class". before Fluttershy could figure out what was going on the bell rang brining her mind back to her class, "I hope Applejack isn't planning on doing something with that trash can she can be rather mean when she doesn't stop to think about her actions." The sounds of the construction crew working on the front of the school echoed in the hallway many times it disrupted the various classes taking place. Several teachers had already taken measures to ensure they could teach without being disrupted by the awful sounds being made from the work crew as they rebuilt the front of the school. Many of the doors had large amounts of insulation stuffed in between the door frames and under the windows. Sweetie Belle sat in orientation listening to the teacher drivel on and on about the school's history. The sound of the bell ringing was music to her ears. “YES!” she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air, “free! I’m free” all eyes feel to her suddenly realizing everyone was staring at her she shrunk back a bit letting out a soft but noticeable chuckle “sorry”. “Don’t worry about it” The teacher laughed glancing at the clock overhead he noticed it was eleven thirty, “you’re not the first student to not like orientation and you won’t be the last” ushering her out the teacher smiled warmly to her “now run along you have your next class to get to”. “Thank you” Sweetie Belle replied, “I’ll try not to do that again in my next class”. Getting out of orientation, Sweetie Belle looked at a piece of paper deciding to head for her sister's locker; she failed to notice how full the hallway was. Heading down the hallway and towards the lockers she bumped into another student causing herself to stumble backwards. Hitting the floor butt first her backpack slipped from her shoulder spilling its contents out over the black and white tile floor. Looking at all her notebooks, pencils and pens spilt on the floor she sighed reaching out to pick them up she stopped when a hand reached down picking up one of her notebooks. “Ay am so sawry about that” A kind voice said to her, “here let me help y’all up” letting the person she had bumped into help her up a red-headed girl wearing a deep brown stetson hat, a light green t-shirt and blue jeans continued, “There ya go.” Sweetie Belle locked eyes with two brilliant gamboge eyes “All bettur now.” Smiling warmly, the kind person finished, “What's y'all's name?” “What? Oh, I-I’m Sweetie Belle Gentry” Looking around she added, “are you new here as well?” “Nah Uh’m been hare fahwar uh few weeks though Ah did gist git back frum camp” holding out her hand she finished, “Ay'm Apple Bloom” taking the cue Sweetie Belle shook Apple Blooms hand, “ya’ll say y'all's jist yer last name were Gentry?” “Um …. Yes” she hesitantly replied “why do you ask?” Hearing another bell ring, Sweetie Belle headed down the hallway trying to find her sister's locker Apple Bloom wanting to get an answer to her question followed her. Realizing she was being followed Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks not noticing Sweetie Belle had stopped Apple Bloom bumped into her and stumbled backwards, falling to the cold hard floor. Letting out a soft grunt she got up rubbing her rear end giving Sweetie Belle a slight smirk. “Why are you following me?” Sweetie Belle asked, “You need to get to class before you get in trouble and I need to find my sisters locker” looking around she groaned in irritation, “oooh all these lockers look the same!” she yelped stomping her foot “How am I going to find Rarities locker if every one of these things looks like the other?!” Taking Sweetie Belle by her hand Apple Bloom led her further down the hallway much to Sweetie Belle's irritation. Pulling her hand back Sweetie Belle gave the young girl a stern look before relaxing where she was standing. Looking at her sister’s locker she raised a finger to her lower lip unsure what to do next Apple Bloom stood nearby smiling. She tipped her hat back, her smile slowly turned into a foolish grin. Gesturing to the lockers in front of the young girl, Apple Bloom waited for the slightly distraught girl to open the locker and retrieve her belongings. Hearing a locker open to the left of her sisters, Sweetie Belle looked at Apple Bloom as she set her backpack inside the locker taking out a notepad and pen. “This is why I was following you” she said, “you were almost there all you had to do was go another six feet and you would have found your sisters locker”. “T-thank you” looking down she slowly moved her right foot in a half circle placing her hands behind her back she added, “I didn’t mean to scream at you like that its---” “Your new here” Apple Bloom interrupted, “this place can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers” holding out her hand she finished, “so lets make a deal I’ll show you around----” Hearing a commotion coming from down the hallway her words fell short, “what the heck is going on?” “You're asking me?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, putting a hand over her chest she raised her other hand to her head pretending to be dramatic, “Why this young lady just got here and oh, this place is so big and soooo overwhelming”. Taking Sweetie Belle by her hand Apple Bloom led the young girl down the hallway towards the sounds of the commotion. Suddenly stopping in their tracks both girls saw their older sisters fighting with a girl with red and yellow hair wearing a leather coat and orange mini skirt. Applejack had the other girl pinned by her shoulders to a locker Sweetie Belle stood nearby watching her older sister Rarity come up from the right carrying in her hands a trash can. “Get out of the way A.J.” Rarity called out, “we’ll show this repugnant nuisance where trash like her belongs” to the cheers of a crowd that was forming Rarity emptied the entire trash can over the other girls head placing the can itself over the girls head she laughed, “there that is where a repulsive abhorrent person like you belongs Sunset”. Turning to leave Rarity spun around shoving Sunset backwards watching her hit the floor with soft thud Rarity snickered, “come on App---” “What is wrong with you?!” Sweetie Belle's voice rang out from the crowd catching both girls' attention, “wasn’t being grounded for this behavior enough for you!” “What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed seeing her little sister in the crowd “Apple Bloom what in the heck are ya’ll doing here? Yer supposed to be in class!” “i'm batting eyes cuz mah older sister is a’beatin' up an innocent person” she replied, “wasn’t causin' granny Smith ta cry her eyes out when ah gawt home from camp enough for ya Applejack?” Taking a step between Sunset Shimmer and her older sister Apple Bloom finished, “do ya really need t' add pickin' awn sumone else who can’t brush back t' thuh list?” “Well A’h” Glancing down Applejack watched Sunset pull the trash can off her head a look of shame, humiliation and disgust was plastered on the fiery red-heads face, “Y’all need ta get Sunset yer not welcome here so y’all need ta get.” A crowd had begun to form around the pair. Applejack smiled as Rarity took a step back. Sweetie Belle, horrified by her sister's actions, turned around and ran away. Apple Bloom wanting to help chased after her as Corky followed by two faculty members came into the hallway. Seeing them coming Applejack moved to the right allowing them to pass her by Rarity unconcerned about her little sister decided to remain in the hallway. Corky stooped down helping Sunset to take the trash can off her head helping her up he gave Rarity and Applejack a disapproving glare. “You two come with me” turning his attention towards the crowd he shouted, “alright break it up everyone get back to class NOW!” Turning back to Rarity and Applejack he finished, “as for you two you’re both going to the principal's office”. “B-but we didn’t do anything” Rarity protested, feeling a hand grasping her left bicep she quickly found herself being escorted by one of the faculty members down the hallway, “Hey let go I didn’t do anything wrong!” she yelled. Frowning Corky took a step towards Applejack gesturing towards the office he glared at her bowing her head Applejack silently began to follow him. Sunset followed close behind stopping only when Corky turned around facing her unsure what to do she looked away. A teacher dressed in a long black skirt, white full button down blouse and black velvet vest walked past them. Stopping, she laid a hand on Sunset’s shoulder offering her gentle smile gulping Sunset took a step back brushing the teachers hand from her shoulder. “Corky I’ll take Sunset to the nurses office” The teacher said continuing to smile pleasantly, “continue escorting those two to Principal Celestia’s office”. “Will do,” he replied. Bringing Sunset down the hallway towards the nurses office the teacher soon found Sweetie Belle sitting in front of a row of lockers next to Apple Bloom. Both girls looked confused and angry stopping in her tracks the teacher held out her hand towards Sweetie Belle. Looking up to her Sweetie Belle took the teachers hand allowing the older woman to help her up Apple Bloom also got up. Dusting herself off she took off her hat holding it in her hands a look of pure shame etched over the young farmers face. “Which class are you supposed to be in?” she asked. “I am not sure” Sweetie Belle replied, taking out her orientation paper she handed it to the teacher finishing “who are you?” “Huh? Oh, I’m Ivy Dreams” taking the paper from Sweetie Belle she looked it over handing it back to her “your supposed to be in science one follow the hallway down towards the end and take a right then head to room two forty one A”. turning her attention to Sunset she finished, “Come along Sunset lets get you cleaned and fixed up” “Wait,” Apple Bloom said, holding out her hand, “Ah’d like to apologize to her for M’ah sisters behavior”. Sunset stood silently waiting to hear Apple Bloom’s words Ivy Dreams gave Sunset a passing glance also standing silently. Sweetie Belle took a breath offering Sunset her best courtesy; she bowed her head hoping Sunset would accept her words. Apple Bloom unsure what to do stood nearby. “Sunset I as Rarity Gentry’s younger sister do hereby offer to you my most sincere apology for how my sister treated you” Straightening up she finished, “I am so very sorry for what happened to you and I want to assure you that my uncle Light Brush and aunt Bouffant will hear of this”. “I … um-er-t-thank you,” Sunset said. “Ah too will be a-tellin' my granny about this here sunset how m’ah sistur done treated y’all were disgusting ta say thay least” Apple Bloom piped up still holding her hat in her hands she added, “ayn' ah swear ta y’all ah won’t let my sistur get away with this here”. Reaching out Sunset took Apple Blooms hat from her placing it on top of the young farmer's head giving her a nod as she proceeded to head down the hallway. Ivy Dreams nodded to both girls as well watching them head off to their next class. She turned to Sunset giving the fiery redheaded teenager a hopeful smile. Both walked into Nurse Red Hearts office a few minutes later taking a seat Sunset sniffed closing her eyes she silently cursed herself for not fighting back. “I should have kicked their butts” she thought, “What am I thinking?! I can’t do this I need to leave NOW”. Sunset’s eyes snapped open, not wanting to be the school bully any longer and to Ivy Dreams surprise she suddenly bolted from the nurses office. Running as fast and as hard as her legs could carry her Sunset ran out of the school tears flowing down her soft cheeks her mind began to race thinking she wouldn’t get a second chance she ran towards the only place she felt safe. Ivy Dreams worried for Sunsets safety dashed down the hallway towards Principal Celestia’s office. “I really do hope Celestia can find her before anything bad happens to her” she thought, getting to the office, slightly opening the door she continued, “why did Sunset take off like that? There has to be a good reason for this there just has to be?” Principal Celestia sat in her chair behind her desk glaring daggers at Rarity and Applejack both girls stared blankly back at her. Folding her arms over her chest she took a long deep breath Corky stood behind Applejack with a video tap in his hand receiving a nod from Celestia he placed the tape into a VCR pressing the play button. Applejack and Rarity both watched themselves on the video approach Sunset from behind with Applejack grabbing Sunsets shoulders and spinning her around. Rarity watched herself headed for the trash can picking it up as Applejack was seen pinning Sunset to the locker just as Rarity dumped the trash can over Sunset's head. Applejack watched herself shove Sunset backwards both girls looked away as Sunset was seen hitting the ground and not getting back up. Shutting off the video Celestia placed her hands on her desk. “Well” she almost snarled, “I’m waiting for either of you two to explain to me why you did this?” “Well y'all see Principal Celestia it’s like this here Sunset Shimmur is ayy bully ayn' she bullied us ayn' preytty much ever'one else faw months befawe twilight, done came here. Applejack began “Ay just done wanted ta show hur what it felt like ta be bullied maybe then she would leave us ayn' ever'one else alone” “And you Rarity what is your excuse for your behavior shown on that video tape?” Celestia said, turning her attention to the fashion deva, “I hope you have something better than what Applejack just said”. “Principal Celestia I can’t understand why you would sanction that uncouth bully to stay at this school?” Rarity exclaimed, her eyes widened putting a hand over her forehead. She tried to be dramatic earning herself a very angry frown from both Corky and Celestia, “Why it's an extravagant amount for this lady to aspire to. Therefore as a lady I had to act for the good of all Canterlot High School.” Lowering her hand she continued ignoring the ever growing angry looks on Celestia’s and Corky’s faces. “I had to show Sunset Shimmer who’s an authentic lady around here and who’s the trash that should be discarded.” feeling an elbow nudge her side she finished still ignoring the very angry glares she was getting from Celestia and Corky. “I did what was needed. I have no regrets, preserve only that I didn't do this sooner.”. “I think---” Celestia began only to cut her words short as her office door opened and Ivy Dreams walked in breathing heavily “goodness Ms. Dreams whatever is the matter?” “It’s Su-Sunset” she panted trying to catch her breath she added, “Sh-she’s run a-away”. “Well good riddance to that snake in the grass” Applejack confidently said catching everyone’s attention, “er-I mean well that is I---” “I think the both of you have said quite enough” Celestia snarled, standing up she offered her chair to Ivy Dreams who took it without question, “now I’m going to go look for Sunset and hopefully bring her back”. “BRING HER BACK?!” Both Applejack and Rarity exclaimed in unison. “But y’all can’t bring that snaking varmint back here Principal Celestia it just ain't right”. Applejack protested. “Yes darling Applejack is right Sunset doesn’t deserve to be at this school why she even ruined the Spring Fling which I’ll remind you was supposed to be my greatest night ev---” Spinning around Celestia yelled out, “I’ll tell you what Sunset Shimmer doesn’t deserve Rarity Gentry she doesn’t deserve to be bullied by two brats who only care about themselves!” trying to calm down she took a breath turning her attention to Corky she added, “Corky please make sure to keep these two in my office until I get back Ms. Dreams” she finished, turning her attention to Ivy Dreams, “Let Luna know that I have gone out looking for Sunset Shimmer and when I get back I want Rarity’s and Applejacks families in my office”. “I’ll make sure they don’t go anywhere,” Corky said. “I’ll let Luna know about this. Is there anything else you require while you’re out looking for her?” Ms. Dreams asked. “Good,” Celestia replied, “I should be back in a few hours please tell Luna to write up the necessary paperwork that I need to take care of this incident”. Turning to leave she stopped and turned around finishing, “Don’t worry about your detention girls you won’t be going to detention in fact neither of you two will be stepping foot on CHS property for the next few weeks”. Heading out of her office Celestia clenched her right hand into a tight fist not paying attention to where she was going Celestia bumped into another student roaming the hallways. Fluttershy let out a soft yelp hitting the floor rump first kneeling Celestia silently helped the teenager up. Shaking her head with a soft smile Celestia proceeded to head out of the school towards the faculty parking lot stopping when she realized Fluttershy was following her. “Is there something you need Mrs. MacPherson”. “I just wanted to say thank you for helping me up and for not scolding me for being in the hallways when I am supposed to be in class”. She replied through a soft whisper. “Why are you out of class?” Celestia asked. “I wanted to walk Sunset to her next class to show her that there is at least one person here who does care about her” looking down she added, “Sunset spent the night at my house last night she had a nightmare and cried out for her mother. I think something happened to her mom.” “I’ll be sure to bring it up when I find her” Opening her car door she finished, “now please go back to class Fluttershy”. “Wait what do you mean ‘when you find her’ has something happened?” running up to Celestia's car and before her principal could stop her Fluttershy opened the passenger door and buckled up finishing, “If Sunset has run off again I think I know where you’ll find her.” “Fluttershy what the heck are you doing?!” Celestia exclaimed. “You're supposed to be going back to class”. “Please drive,”. She said, slowly wrapping her fingers around the edges of her skirt, “I’ll show you where to go though you won’t like it.” “But you’re---” Celestia began only to be interrupted. “DRIVE” Fluttershy yelled out causing Celestia to rear to the left giving the teenager a shocked look calming down a bit Fluttershy took a breath adding, “listen without my help you’ll never be able to find her I am the only person that knows where Sunset has been” gulping she finished, “s-staying so please drive”. “Very well,” Celestia said, starting up her car, she added, “but when we get back I expect a full explanation for your outburst understand” pulling out of her parking space she finished, “Which way?” “Turn left”. Celestia did as instructed, pulling out into the street with each stop, turn and street she took she followed Fluttershy's words hoping silently that Sunset was alright. Fluttershy sat in the passenger seat muttering to herself as she asked the Elder Gods for help, Celestia catching some of what Fluttershy was saying chimed in. “Ask the Elder Gods to send love and light to Sunset so they can watch over her and guide her to us”. “What the?” Fluttershy stated her eyes widened slightly, “Y-you know about the Elder Gods principal Celestia?” “Yes I do. I wasn’t always a high school principal now which way do we go?” “Oh, umm turn right at the stop sign” Fluttershy replied finishing, “do you have a taser and mace? You’re going to need them principal Celestia”. “Trust me Fluttershy I won’t need either of those”. She said. Chapter 1 - Flickering Flame: August 1st, 10:00pmMoonlight hovered over the darkness of the night like a lamp lighting an office desk as it cast its light over the City of Canterlot. Stars dotted the night sky, covering it in their lights as they lit it in their tiny twinkling beds of light. Shadows washed over the entirety of the streets and alleys in inky blankets that the buildings hid from the light of the moon. Residents could be seen coming to and fro, going in numerous directions with various destinations in mind. Every few seconds, a car would go zooming down the roads giving the occasional honk as to crossers and other drivers of potential crashes. A police car rode through the city, its blue and red lights flashing as it drove through the roads of the giant of a city. Its engine hummed from behind as the tires spurred the vehicle onward, its front lights glaring ahead and acting as a guide for the driver currently inside of the car. The engine behind the car growled and roared slightly, smoke emitting from its gaping hole as it burned away at the gas lying within the machinery. Calming music flowed within the ears of Officer Starknight as she sat silently within the front seat of her car. One of her hands gripped at the steering while in front of her while the other lay on the armrest, her fingers tapping away in rhythm of the music. Her crystalline eyes stared straight as she watched out for anything that may jump out in front of her. The woman’s snow colored skin gleamed in the moon’s light, giving her an almost ghostly glow that contrasted with her golden shoulder length blonde hair. Lights would occasionally appear in her line of vision, letting her know another vehicle passing by her. She paid it no mind, focused only on keeping herself from being run over by another car, and her destination at hand. “Man, the moon sure is bright tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it shine so strongly before.” Officer Starknight said to herself as she stared at the massive orb of white. “It must be a special night for it to be glowing this beautifully.” She sighed as she looked away from the ghostly sphere, focusing her gaze back on the road ahead of her. “Too bad I don’t have any time to admire it, given where I’m heading to right now.” It had been a particularly normal day for Officer Starknight; at least as normal as it could be for a member of the local police department. After arriving at the station, she went through the normal routine of patrolling the city, looking out for anything or anyone that may have seemed out of the ordinary. A few times she had received a few calls from the city police dispatcher about a few rowdy individuals throughout the city that needed to be dealt with, but otherwise her day had been relatively uneventful. While it wasn’t as busy as she thought it’d be, Starknight was thankful for it being one of those slow days, as she didn’t quite feel top notch for a fast day. Before the woman knew it, her day was already over, and she was truly looking forward to heading back home and relaxing for the rest of the night. That hope was soon brought to an unfortunate end when she received a call from dispatch about a disturbance on the southern side of the city. Starknight was expecting it to be something such as two people fighting in the street or a commotion stirring within a restaurant. She was not expecting to be called to a high school that, from what she was told by dispatch, looked like a bomb had been set off within it. “I can’t believe this had to happen now of all times. And just when I was about to get off and head up to my nice cozy bed. I swear it’s like the universe is screwing with me and keeping me from enjoying the rest of my night or something!” Starknight groaned, her head hitting the headrest of her driver’s seat in irritation. She gave another sigh as she blew at her hair. “Oh well, might as well get this over with now while the night is still young. Don’t wanna have to come into work and get chewed out by the captain for looking like I had way too many drinks… again.” As Starknight mentally prepared herself for the task ahead, she caught something out of the corner of her eye that made her look over. She could see a building closing in as she got closer to it, and Starknight had a sneaking suspicion that it was the place she was supposed to head to. Her gut feeling was soon confirmed when she saw the sign in front of the building saying, ‘Canterlot High And Junior High School’. As Starknight closed in on her assigned destination, she felt her eyes slowly grow wide with deep concern. To say that the school was damaged would’ve been saying that a nuclear bomb had the devastation equivalent to mere firecrackers. It looked like it had been used as a turf war or like it had been through a tornado. A massive hole gaped within the school’s entrance, the stairs in front of it scattered all about the ground in the form of giant rocks. A huge crater lay within the school’s front lawn like land mines had gone off within the soil and earth. Inside some of those craters, electrical wires and gas mains were exposed, electricity crackling from the wires and ready to zap anyone idiotic enough to get too close. It was truly a frightening sight, probably more so than anything Starknight had seen before in her years as an officer. “What happened here? … I mean look at this place. It looks like something really bad went on around here. I wonder what the hell happened here?…” The woman said, slowly coming out of her shock. A heavy sigh blew from her lips as she looked around a bit taking in the damage, “I better call in some back up”. Reaching to her dash radio, Starknight took hold of the police mic hanging from the dashboard. She brought it up to her face before pressing the button on the side, static filling her ears seconds later. Clearing her throat, she murmured, “Canterlot Police Department, this is Officer Starknight coming in”. “Go for dispatch. What’s your situation?” She heard over the radio. “I'm ten twenty-three at the moment and I’ll be out of my car for the next twenty minutes doing some investigation.” Starknight replied, “I’m currently at the ten-twenty, Canterlot High and Junior High school” “Ten-twelve, officer.” The dispatcher replied after a second or two passed. “Are you in need of a ten-seventy-eight officer?” “Negative. I’ll be needing a Code 8 and a ten-seventy-four, though.” Starknight replied swiftly. “Ten-four officer Starknight.” The dispatcher replied as Starknight exited out of her vehicle. “I’ll be right back with you shortly.” “Well, isn’t that just swell…” Starknight said to herself, giving a little headshake. While assessing the situation she suddenly noticed something coming from around one of the corners of the school. Her sky blue eyes narrowed as she looked at the person, who, from what she could tell, was a young teenage girl. “Dispatch, we have a possible ten-fourteen.” “Ten-four. Your Code 8 will be there shortly”. Came the dispatches reply almost immediately after. “Ten-four dispatch.” Starknight replied quietly, keeping her eyes on the girl. “Also, I need a Ten-25 at my current Ten-Twenty.” “Ten-four officer Starknight. Please be advised that the Fire Department is Ten-eighty-five due to an out-of-control fire and a ten-ninety-three. Badnews there, ten-seventy-seven will be at least an hour.” The dispatch replied after a couple seconds of static. “An hour?!” Starknight exclaimed, losing her cool demeanor at that moment. A spark of anger went through her head as she clenched the mic in her hand, feeling like throwing it into the dashboard. She stopped herself just in time as she took in a calming inhale, before replying. “Alright, so be it… ten-four. Will there be another ten-sixty sent to this location?” “That will be a ten-seventy-four officer.” The dispatch replied, sounding almost amused as Starknight grumbled under her breath. “All other officers are at the first scene, so it will be sometime before they come to your aid. It looks like you’re on your own for the time being.” “I see… Thank you dispatch. I’ll take it from here until the ten-seventy-seven gets here.” Starknight said, concluding the conversation as the static in the mic went off. “Sergeant Starknight, out.” Putting the mic back on the dashboard, the woman focused her attention fully on the girl walking around the piles of rock and rubble. It was at that moment that Starknight noticed two more kids with her, showing the girl was not alone. While she didn’t know where they had come from, Starknight did know that now that they were here, the situation had just become more complicated. She didn’t know why they were here specifically, but something told her that the reason for it would be crazier than it looked. “I better go see why those kids are out here.” Starknight said to herself, stepping out of the car she shut the door taking out her flashlight, switching it on she gave a loud “HALT!” All three kids heeded the order before their minds had time to catch up, their hands shooting in the air as if they were puppets being controlled by strings. Each of the three squinted their eyes, the brightness of Starknight’s flashlight causing them to wince in pain as they tried to see who it was that had yelled at them. None of them had any time to figure out before Starknight did it for them, addressing the tallest teen first. “Don’t move, miss! You are about to step on an exposed electrical wire!” Starknight informed the frightened teenager, one of her fingers pointing down to the ground beneath the girl’s feet. “Please step to your right now! You two boys, do the same!” “O-okay! Okay, I will! P-please don’t shoot us!” The girl replied, her voice laced with fear as slowly went to her right. “W-we weren’t doing anything wrong; I-I swear!” “Calm down miss, I am not here to arrest you.” Starknight assured, her voice still firm but carrying an undertone of reassurance to it. “I just need you and those boys to step to your right and away from those cords.” “Y-yes ma’am!” The teen girl replied, giving a gulp as she continued to walk sideways. “U-um, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you lower your light please? I can’t really see where I’m walking with your flashlight in my eyes.” Starknight lowered her flashlight, allowing the young trio to carefully make their way through the rubble. She kept her eyes on them as they slowly made their way towards her, keeping their hands up just in case the older woman did decide to shoot them on the spot. Once they were in range, Starknight held her hand up, causing them to stop right where they were. “Good, that’s far enough.” Starknight said, looking the three kids up and down. “Are the three of you alright? Do you have any injuries or anything of the sort?” “N-no, we don’t…” The first boy replied, sounding younger even more scared than the girl was. “M-Ma’am, if you don’t mind me asking, what’re you doing here at this school? “I was going to ask you the same thing kiddo.” Starknight replied, her arms crossing atop her rather plump ample chest. “What are a few kids like yourselves doing wandering around a school that looks like it had a multitude of bombs going off in it? Especially in the middle of the night?” “T-that’s kind of a funny story.” The second boy replied, flinching when Starknight’s eyes flickered over to him. “See, we’re kind of on cleaning duty right now.” One of Starknight’s brows raised at the statement. “…Cleaning duty?” “Uh-huh, we were tasked to clean up the destroyed debris that’s around the school.” The first boy confirmed, his arms shaking as he fought to keep them raised. “Long story short, we had caused a, uh… ruckus at the school and our principles punished us by having us clean up the damage we caused to the school. Along with repairing the walls of the school.” “Wait a second!” Starknight held a hand up to stop the first boy from talking. “Your principles had you, three, try to clean up all of this mess? All by yourselves?! Without any assistance from more experienced cleaners?” “Um…y-yeah...” The girl replied shamefully, her teal eyes meeting Starknight’s own. “Like Snails said, he, Snips and I had caused a lot of damage to the school and our principals are really upset about it.” She gestured to the entrance of the school where a hallway of lockers could be seen. “If you want, you can ask them yourself as to why we’re not at home. But I don’t think you’re going to get much out of them.” “Is that so? Well, from where I’m standing, I don’t think anyone will be able to explain to me how this level of damage came to be.” Starknight muttered as she looked around her and the young trio. “Still, that’s the only option that I have at the moment.” Pushing her bangs from her face, she put away her flashlight and said, “Okay, I’m going to need the three of you to come with me. It is way too late for three youngsters like yourselves to be out here alone, you should be home with your parents. I’ll explain the situation to your principles in a bit, but right now, I’ll have to take you down to the police station.” “T-the police station?!” Snips asked, paling. “Easy, there young man. I already said twice that I’m not placing you under arrest. And I’m definitely not gonna put you in a jail cell either.” Starknight said, holding her hand out before the smaller boy could have a full-blown panic attack. “I’m just gonna drive you down there and wait in our waiting room while I call your parents to come pick you up. You’re not going to jail, I promise”. “A…alright, we’ll do what you say.” Snails said, looking less nervous than Snips was. “D-do you promise not to blow our brains out if we follow your orders?” “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Starknight replied dryly. “Now, before we do that, I’m gonna need to know your names. Can’t know who to send you off to if I don’t even know that.” “T-this boy over here is Snails Garlan, a-and this is his friend, Snips Sheldon . Both of them are ten years old.” The girl said, gesturing to the taller boy on her right before doing the same with the one on her left. “As for me I’m, um… My name is Sunset. S-Sunset Shimmer… a-and I’m about thirteen years old.” “Sunset Shimmer huh? Well, you definitely live up to the name. If the hair is anything to go by.” Starknight commented as Sunset blushed in response. After writing down their names, in her notebook, she placed her notebook in one of her back pockets before motioning the trio over to her. “Alright, that should be it for now. Please come with me to my vehicle. I’ll have you wait there while I talk to your principles. After that, we’ll be heading off.” “O-okay, thank you miss… Snips replied, trailing off as he stared at the officer, mainly at her chest. “I’m sorry, but what should we call you?” Snorting in amusement at where Snips was staring, Starknight tapped at the name tag hanging just above her left breast. “Starknight. Sergeant Starknight.” “Starknight…” Snails whispered, the name rolling off his tongue like water in a stream. “That’s a really awesome name.” “Glad you think so.” Starknight chuckled, winking at the kid before leading all three of them to her car. They only managed to get halfway to the vehicle before they were stopped by a voice that boomed with the force of a drill sergeant. “Sunset Shimmer!” The quartet stopped where they were, all of them spinning around to the source of the voice with Starknight having been startled the most. Her emotions running high she dropped her hand towards her taser. Stopping herself just short of drawing it when she saw a grayish blue skinned woman standing just outside of the destroyed entrance. A frown was plastered on the woman's face while she glared at the group, her aquamarine eyes peering from behind her navy blue and deep purple hair. While Starknight didn’t know who the woman was, she could tell just by the woman’s body language alone she was the one in charge of this school. Or at least, one of the people in charge. “V-Vice Principal Luna…” Sunset stammered, her surprise giving way to slight fear as she shrunk slightly under the glare the other woman was giving her. “Now just where do you think you’re doing young lady?” Luna demanded, her tone sounding like that of a teacher that caught her students doing something incredibly stupid. “I did not say you could go home yet, and you are nowhere near done with-” She paused in her scolding as she took notice of Starknight. “Who are you? And why are you on our school grounds?” “I am Sergeant Starknight. Canterlot City Police Department.” Starknight replied firmly, taking her hand off her taser. “Are you the principal of this school?” “I am. What brings you here to Canterlot High School?” Luna asked as she gazed upon the other woman with weariness. “I was called here because of a disturbance that was said to have happened here. Though I would like to address another more important matter at hand.” Starknight replied, with a scowl. “Could you please explain to me why you have three young kids, working far past curfew while endangering them? Without any supervision or assistance?” “Endangered?” Luna said incredulously, taking a step back from the accusation. “Whatever do you mean? Sunset, Snips and Snails were not in any danger whatso—”. “This young lady was two seconds away from stepping on one of these exposed electrical wires and possibly getting electrocuted!” Starknight hissed, sharply cutting Luna off as she put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “What made you think that it was a good idea to let children as young as these three, wander around in such a dangerous environment?! Especially past this hour?!” “W-well, I erm… that’s uh…” Luna sputtered, trying to come up with a plausible explanation for the officer. “M-my sister and I were just having them clean up the mess that was caused here by them. They had caused a rather big ruckus on the school campus, so we were only giving them a fitting punishment to learn from that.” “By letting them wander around all this debris with the possibility of falling in that large hole out front? Or tripping over all this mess and breaking a bone, or possibly getting electrocuted?!” Starknight went on, stepping angrily towards Luna. “I don’t see how that is a fitting punishment for anything these three could have done! I’d call it straight up negligence and abuse more than anything! Is this a first for you?! Or is this how you normally discipline your students when they do something bad?!” Luna gave no reply, just standing where she was gob smacked as the officer tore into her like a guard dog ripping into a criminal. In all her years of being a vice principle, she never had to deal with anyone of this magnitude. Let alone anyone with the level of authority and power the woman glaring at her currently had, which honestly wasn’t much. It was really a first with her and she had no idea as to how to properly go about without angering the officer more. Or without getting her a long uncomfortable night in a jail cell. Upon getting no answer, Starknight grew even angrier and opened her mouth again to chew the younger woman out, only to be stopped by a gentler, but equally firm voice. “Now what is going on here?” For the second time that night, Starknight, Sunset, Snips and Snails all looked to the school’s entrance, with Luna adding herself to the action. Calmly coming down the remains of the stairs was a cream-colored woman with long quartet-colored hair flowing all the way down to her knees. Both her magenta pink eyes regarded the officer with calmness as she went to stand next to her sister, putting a protective hand on Luna’s shoulder. “And just who might you be?” Starknight asked wearily, raising an eyebrow. “Good evening officer. I am Celestia Sunrise, and this is my younger sister Luna Moonrise. I am the Main Principle of Canterlot High School and Junior High School. Luna is the Vice-Principal.” Celestia replied, giving a polite nod to the other woman. “May I ask what all the commotion is here?” “As I was saying to your sister, I got called out here because of a disturbance” Starknight replied, her own voice polite, yet still holding some measure of weariness. “When I arrived here just minutes ago I found Sunset, Snips and Snails all walking around this debris with no one around to make sure they didn’t get hurt!” Seeing a raised eyebrow from Celestia, Starknight continued, “Perhaps you could explain to me what actually happened here whereas your sister doesn’t seem able to or willing to”. “Yes, I can.” Celestia said calmly, “See, Snips and Snails here had brought some items to school that they wanted to use for a prank”. As for Sunset Shimmer here…” She gestured to her student. “…She’s the one responsible for the creator located at the front of the school for doing something of a similar nature earlier tonight. My sister and I decided to keep all of them here to clean up the destruction they’ve caused as punishment for causing such damage to the school.” Luna, wanting to intervene as much as possible quickly butted in, “You see Sergeant we didn’t know that a gas main was going to blow had we known we would have shut down the school”. “Officer” Celestia injected, “Our students little prank did indeed cause damage to the school but that damage is located inside of the school” Giving Sunset a quick glance Celestia hoped and prayed she wouldn’t intervene as she continued, “These three offered to help clean up the mess so my sister and I talked and felt it was a good idea to let them stay and help out”. “I see…” Starknight replied not believing one word from either of the two older women “and I take it that leaving them to deal with this all by themselves with the risk of getting potential injuries was the way to go about it huh?” Starknight asked. “W-well, we were just doing our jobs as the principals of this school.” Celestia said with a bit of nervousness. “These three had caused a rather big mess in our school, so we only did what we thought was right and needed. Giving them proper punishment that would be effective in preventing them from doing anything like this again.” “Uh-huh,” Starknight murmured, “I can definitely see why the two of you were put in charge.” “And just what is that supposed to mean?!” Luna asked, taking a step towards the officer. She felt Celestia grab her by her shoulders, but she yanked herself off and squared off with Starknight. “Are you implying that we would dare endanger the lives of our students simply because we want to exercise our authority over them?! My sister and I have been running this school for years since we were elected by the school board! We’d rather have ourselves banished to the moon rather than do something so atrocious and petty!” “Luna, calm down!” Celestia commanded, pulling her sister back before she did anything stupid. “Oh, really now?” Starknight challenged, not in the least bit intimidated by the vice principal’s icy glare. “So, you care about your students to the point where you’d face an eternity in outer space than see any of them hurt through any faults of your own? I have a hard time believing that!” “Well, you’d better believe it!” Luna countered, her teeth gritting. “You have no idea the care and love my and I have for the students at this school! Sunset, Snips and Snails included! We love these students as if they are lost children cooped up together in an orphanage! We’d do anything to ensure they go on the right path for success! Absolutely anything!” “And that includes putting them in such a dangerous environment as an effective way for them to learn from their stunts?” Starknight asked, to which neither of the principles responded. After a moment, Starknight shook her head and reached out to the back of her belt. “Alright, I think I’ve heard just about enough of this from you two. Get on the ground right now.” Luna’s eyes widened, as did Celestia’s. “W-what?” both said in unison. “You heard what I said. What, have you two gone deaf all of a sudden?” Starknight asked as she pulled out two pairs of cuffs, her eyes as piercing as a switch blade. “I am placing the both of you under arrest for child endangerment as of this moment. Get your hands behind your back and get on the ground now! Failure to comply with these orders will result in force being used against you.” “What… n-no! Please wait!” Celestia pleaded, holding her hands out as the officer moved towards them. “We didn’t do anything wrong! We're only acting as the principles we should be!” “Tell it to the judge lady.” Starknight spat, growling as she stepped closer. “Now, you’d better get on the ground right now or I’m gonna-” “STOP!!!” A shrill voice screamed out from behind the officer. All three women paused as Sunset jumped in between them, holding her arms out as if she was trying to stop a potential fight from happening. Officer Starknight stared at her in surprise, her anger gone while Celestia and Luna stood there, caught off guard by the sudden intervention. “S-sunset?” Starknight sputtered. “Honey, what are you-?” “Please don’t arrest them!” Sunset pleaded, her hair whipping back and forth as she shook her head. “I know it seems unbelievable, but everything Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna said is true! Everything that happened here is because of me! Snips and Snails may have done some damage too, but I’m the one who’s really responsible here! If there’s anyone who you should arrest, it’s me!” Starknight frowned as she looked at the young girl with sympathy and pity. She could tell from the look in her eyes that Celestia and Luna were people she cared about a lot. Even if the older woman didn’t really show the same to her, let alone to her two friends. While Starknight could understand where the girl was coming from, she was not feeling anywhere near as caring towards the women she deemed responsible for what the young trio was going through. Unintentional or not, they still put innocent children in danger, and that was not something she was planning to overlook so easily. “Sunset, even if all of that is true, it still doesn’t excuse their actions.” She said, her eyes and tone softening. “They put you and your friends here in danger while knowing what would happen if they did. I cannot overlook something that was clearly their fault.” “Except it wasn’t!” Sunset continued to plead, waving her hands in front of her. “Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna didn’t leave us here unwatched! They were watching us from inside the school the whole time!” Starknight gave a pause. “What are you talking about?” “Exactly as Sunset just said.” Celestia said, stepping forward and pointing to a camera that hung just outside of the school's entrance. “There are cameras set up within the school and outside of it as well. Luna and I have been in the security room the entire time making sure they didn’t try to sneak off with their work unfinished.” “You… actually had security cameras put outside the school?” Starknight asked, slowly lowering her cuffs. “We did.” Luna confirmed with a firm nod. “My sister ended up needing to go to the restroom and I took a coffee break. When we came back, we found they were no longer there so I headed to the security office to see if I could find them on camera. That's when my sister called me over the radio saying there was a police car out front. Not sure what was going on I told her to come to the security office. We looked over the camera footage, found our students and came out thinking something had happened, and… that’s what led up to everything right now.” “So… you really were watching them? This entire time?” Starknight asked slowly. “They were!” Sunset concluded. “Both of them were watching us even though they weren’t outside with us. Neither of them did anything wrong to us and they really were doing their jobs. If they did notice something was wrong, they would’ve already sent us home by now! But they didn’t, so it’s not really their fault!” The girl’s head hung as her flaming hair cascaded in front of it, blocking it like a curtain covering a window. “So, p-please… can you just let them go?” She whimpered pleadingly. “I-I won’t stop you again if they do anything about it next time. B-but… just this once… can you overlook it? Just this one time?” Starknight stood silently, caught in a silent battle with her mind and heart. One on hand, she wanted to have Celestia and Luna punished and held accountable for what they had done to Sunset and her two friends. Leaving them to fend for themselves in such a dangerous environment while simultaneously punishing them for the mischief they had done at the school was unthinkable and unforgivable to say the least. On the other hand, Starknight found herself not so sure if she should, especially with the evidence she was given from both Celestia, Luna and Sunset herself. Even if it was true, Starknight was still irked that they left the young trio to such heavy work by themselves, regardless if it was a form of punishment or not. Still, something about the way Sunset was looking at her made her want to reconsider; to perhaps give the principals a chance to redeem themselves for doing something so reckless and dangerous to such a young trio. Starknight stayed like that for a moment longer, looking in between the trio and two women as she silently worked out what she should do within her mind. Eventually, she let out a sigh and backed off a bit. “I have to say, there’s nothing that I love more than to send a remorseless scumbag to pay for any crime they committed.” Starknight said slowly, giving Celestia and Luna a look that was nothing short of icy. “Of all the crimes I despise most of all, it is child endangerment. And nothing brings me more satisfaction than helping to punish those who engage in it”. Another tense moment of silence passed before Starknight spoke again. “However, due to what Sunset and you two told me here tonight, and seeing how much this young girl holds you in such high value… I suppose I’ll make an exception tonight.” “Really… you’re not going to arrest us?” Luna asked with a blank look. “Only because you just so happen to have evidence of you not neglecting any of your students.” Starknight replied, the last few words coming out in a bit of a scornful spit. “However, if I find out that you have been using any child to such a degree again, I will see to it that you are sent to prison for this. While you have proven to not have intentionally put these three in harm’s way, that does not mean it doesn’t look like you didn’t. So, don’t let me catch you doing this a second time, or I will see to it that neither of you will escape going to jail. Am I making myself crystal clear?” “Y-yes officer… we understand clearly.” Celestia replied, looking and sounding more than a little fearful. “We will be sure that nothing of this magnitude happens like this again.” “See to it that you don’t.” Starknight growled, putting her handcuffs away as she exhaled deeply before looking at Sunset, Snips and Snails. “Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get the three of you three home shall we”. Excited to be going home, Snails blurted out. “Our addresses are Seven Sixty Yackastan Lane Canterlot city Five Six One Two Eight. And Snips address is One Seven Sixteen Canterlot Park Avenue” “Alright, just a minute.” Starknight nodded as she took out a notebook and wrote down the information given to her. Once she was done, Starknight went for her police mic and spoke into it. “Dispatch, this is Officer Starknight; come in Dispatch.” “Dispatch here.” The voice from earlier said in the span of several seconds. “I’m going to need a ten-forty-four. I have three children that I need to take home.” Starknight said, pressing one of the buttons on her mic. “Permission to leave my current ten twenty and take the children back to their families?” “Ten four.” Dispatch replied immediately. A couple of seconds later he continued, “Ten twelve officers. All units are in need of a ten fifty-six at Canterlot High School. Two patrol guards are needed for stationary guard duty.” “Ten-four we’ll take that call” Another officer called back. “Our ten-twenty is only ten minutes away. Send Sergeant Starknight out, we’re on the way”. Hearing more static over the radio Starknight set her mic back to its place as she waited for the go from dispatch. Sighing, she picked up her clipboard and began filling out paperwork that was stuck to it. Almost a minute later, she heard the dispatcher’s voice over the mic again. “Sixty-four-seven that is a ten-four.” The dispatcher replied, pausing for a brief second. “Permission granted to leave ten-twenty.” “Roger that dispatch. I’ll be taking the children home.” Starknight said, giving a relieved sigh as she ended the call. “Alright kiddos, you’re all coming with me. First, I’ll be dropping off Snips to his home, and Snails will be next afterwards. Once they’re safe I’ll return Sunset to wherever she lives.” “Y-yes, that’s okay.” Sunset said, not bothering to look the officer in the eyes. “Thank you for helping me back there. I really appreciated that.” “It’s no trouble at all I’m willing to do anything for a child who’s in danger.” Starknight replied kindly, giving a pointed look to the two principals. “I’ll be taking my leave now. My fellow officers will be here shortly to assess the situation, so I’m afraid I cannot see the camera evidence you have. You will have to do that with them since I’ll be busy with these three.” “That’s alright.” Celestia nodded with a gentle handwave. “We’re just glad to not have to sleep in a jail cell tonight. Given all that we’ve been through… and what we will be going through next.” “Yeah, I’m sure that it must’ve been pretty taxing.” Starknight nodded, ignoring the frown Luna gave her at her slight passive aggressiveness. “Anyway, I’ll be off now. I hope you two learned a good lesson tonight.” “We have.” Luna murmured. “Thank you for your time Officer.” “Just don’t me come back here again” Starknight said, giving a little nod of her own as she turned her attention to her temporary companions. With a smile that was nothing short of motherly, she sweetly asked, “Alright then let’s head out”. Unlike most kids, Sunset never had the fortune nor the misfortune of riding in a police car. Having come from a land where cars were practically nonexistent, the closest she knew of what it was like were carriage rides she’d sometimes take with her old mentor. None of those rides had confinements that prevented her from feeling the warmth that was the Princess’s sun. Or the coolness of the breeze that blew in her mane that was now her hair, helping her feel comfortable and relaxed on those hot days. It was the one thing that she loved about riding carriages, since it allowed her to really see what she was passing by on the few happy days she had back in her previous home. Something that, even now, she yearned to have back, despite having vowed to never return there again. As Sunset rode in the front seat of Starknight’s car, Snips and Snails in tow in the back seat, she found herself feeling none of that. It wasn’t really a surprise, given that she was just taken away from a school that was turned into a battleground only a few hours prior to officer Starknight showing up. Regardless of how she truly felt, Sunset did her best to keep calm, not wanting to cause the officer driving them home any trouble. She watched as the officer hummed to a tune she was listening to over her car's radio. As if she could feel Sunset’s gaze on her, Starknight looked in Sunset’s direction. Seeing the younger girl’s look, the officer chose that moment to make some small talk. If not to try to make Sunset and her two friends feel more relaxed. “How’re things going, Sunset?” Starknight asked, speaking with the same kind voice she used while helping them into the car. “Are you doing alright? What about you Snail and Snips are you two alright back there?” “U-um, yes, Miss Starknight,I’m okay.” Sunset replied, “T-thank you for asking...” “We’re fine too” Snips said nudging his friend Snails with his elbow “Right Snails” “What? Oh, yes r-right” Snails said gulping. “Are you sure? You three don’t seem to sound very ‘fine’ to me.” Starknight replied skeptically. “Is there something bothering the three of you?” Snails shook his head. “No, nothing’s wrong. We just um… this is the first time that we’ve been in a situation like this.” “Ah, you mean being in a police car?” Starknight asked, quickly connecting the dots. “Let me guess, you two being in the back are a bit put off by the bars while you Sunset aren’t as you are up front and not in the back am I right?” “Uh, yeah. It’s the first time we’ve seen something like that inside of a car. It’s kind of scary.” Snips replied, looking at the bars as if they were actual jail cell bars. “I’m not surprised. A lot of people who are put in the back of a police car feel like they’re already in a prison cell, even if they’re not really being arrested.” Starknight pressed her foot to the break coming to a red light she slowed to a stop adding, “Some of the younger folk find it cool, while others see it as a reminder of where they’re going to go.” She chuckled, not noticing the shivers Snips gave. “Of course, that’s not the case now, and it’s not like you’re going to be in this car all night either anyway. I said I was going to take you all home,and that’s what I am going to do.” “Yeah, you did. I really wouldn’t want to spend the night in a place where a lot of big and scary guys are ready to beat me up.” Snails said while hugging himself. “I’d rather sleep in a garden full of flowers than go a single night in a place like that.” “For some reason, I believe you.” Starknight murmured, “In any case, it’s good that you three stay on the straight and narrow path neither of you three need to be seeing what prison is like.” “Duly noted.” Snips replied as he gave a hasty nod, knowing Starknight was serious despite her humorous voice. “We’ve done more than enough of our fair share of trouble tonight, including me. I just wanna go home, sleep this night off, let my mom and uncle scream their heads off at me, and just forget this ever happened.” “I’d be shocked if they didn't find out why you were out so late.” Starknight said with a laugh, not noticing the flinch Snips gave. “Though, from where I’m sitting, it looks like your odds of not being scolded are rather slim.” “Still, it’s better than what we went through back at CHS, even if it’ll be just as scary.” Snips muttered, his face scrunching as he let out a groan. “I just hope they’ll go easy on me once I do tell them why I was out past my bedtime.” “Well, it looks like you won’t have to wonder what your mother and uncle will do for very long Snips.” Starknight commented, giving a turn of her steering wheel. “Because it looks like we’ve finally made it to your home.” Resisting the urge to laugh at the squeak of fear she heard from Snips, Starknight came to a slow stop in front of a house. It was medium in size, looking like it was built for the countryside rather than the big city. A white picket fence stuck out from either side, coming to the front to stop at a fenced door that stood in front of the sidewalk leading to the house’s front door. Bushes dotted and poked out of random spots of its front yard, done so in a way that made it look like a garden, except without flowers. A large oak tree stood at the far left, its massive shadow covering nearly half of the bushes while a tire swung from it, held by a thick rope. Truly the definition of a home built for life in the country if one did say so themselves. “Hang on, I'll let you out in a moment.” Starknight said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “It must be nice to be home after being outside for so long, huh?” “Yeah, it is.” The younger boy replied, not sounding as enthusiastic as he probably wanted to be. “I’d be more excited if it was any other time or any other place though… ugh, why did things have to turn out like this?” “Hey, I know where you’re coming from Snips. Believe me, I really do.” Starknight said, putting a comforting hand on Snip’s shoulder. “A lot of kids have been in your situation before, including myself, and that’s just how it is in general. You’re not the first, and you definitely won't be the last, you can count on that.” “I know, I know… still, it’s not gonna make it any easier when I do see my mother and uncle.” Snips said, sighing as he undid his own seatbelt. “I can already see my uncle not being very happy with me about this nor will my mother be happy about this either.” “I think any kid would be terrified if they were in your position.” Starknight agreed as she walked beside him. “Still, it’s not gonna keep it from happening’ regardless. Best to just face the music now and hope for the best.” “True.” Snips agreed as made his way up the path leading to the front door of his house “Alright, let’s get this over with.” As officer Starknight walked besides Snips he bit his lower lip, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable hailstorm that was about to happen. All too soon they arrived at the front door, and Starknight knocked to see if anyone was inside. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a muscular burly man in a white tank-top and brown slacks wearing slippers. The man stared at Starknight with a look that was nothing short of frosty. A chill went down Starknight’s spine as the man’s gaze locked onto her’s, and she instinctively reached for her taser. Something that did not go unnoticed by the now terrified child standing next to her. “Yeah?” The man asked gruffly as he looked at the woman with curiosity, not noticing Snips next to her. “What do you want?!” “Hello sir, my name is Starknight, I'm with the Canterlot Police Department.” Starknight said, giving a tip of her hat. “I’m sorry to disturb your night sir, but I need to borrow a moment of your time.” “Just what the hell do you need from me lady?” The man frowned. “Have you come here because our idiot neighbor called you pigs again due to my sister coming home with yet another black eye?!” He all but screamed at her. “No,” Starknight instinctively took a step back, keeping her hand on her taser “but I think you’ll find what I have to say to be more important.” Starknight replied, stepping to the side and revealing Snips to him who was sweating bullets. “Do you know this child, sir?” The man’s eyes widened slightly. “I do… that’s my nephew, Snips'' The man looked back at Starknight adding, “What has he done now?” “Nothing too serious sir” Officer Starknight replied, still keeping her hand on her taser adding, “I found him and his two friends Snails Garlan and Sunset Shimmer at Canterlot High and Junior School past curfew I thought I would bring him home”. “I see,” his uncle bitterly grumbled. “Hey… Uncle Nikolai.” He said meekly, trying, and utterly failing, to give the man his best happy smile. “Get inside Snips.” Nikolai replied slowly, regaining his composure. Sighing, he looked back at the officer with a half-lidded gaze and asked, “Is he in trouble?” “No sir. He was apparently helping with cleaning up some damage that I was told by the principals that he and his two friends caused.” Starknight replied, relaxing a bit as the man’s face became more and more deadpan. “I take it that this isn’t the first time he’s done something like this?” Before Nikolai could reply, he was interrupted by an ear-piercing squeal that came from within the house. A second later, a flash of white emerged from behind the man as a elderly woman went straight for a shocked Snips. The woman appeared to be in her early forties, dressed in a beautiful flannel nightgown with hair the color of silver and glasses that were wire framed. As Starknight got a good look at her, she could just make out a series of bruises on her chin, left eye, right cheek, and the left portion of her mouth. All of which were covered by makeup that was more or less poorly done, at least from Starknight’s personal perspective. “Snippy honey! My goodness, you’re finally back home!” Ms. Sheldon cried out happily to have her son safe and sound once again. She hugged the boy like a little girl who was embracing a stuffed animal. “Where in the world have you been honey?! I’ve been worried sick about you!” “Mom, too tight!” Snips whined as he struggled in vain to escape the much older woman’s grasp. “Oooh”” feeling his belly be squished up against his mothers round plump body Snips wined. “I’m going to p-pop” letting her son go for a moment. His mother chuckled as he quickly added “Mom you’re embarrassing me in front of this cool officer.” “Officer?” Ms. Sheldon asked, finally taking notice of Starknight. As soon as she did, she gasped, as she addressed the officer. “Oh my! I didn’t even see you there dear! Thank you for bringing my precious Snippy home! I hope he didn’t cause you any trouble.” “No need to thank me ma’am. I was just bringing a child back home after being out far later than he should’ve been.” Starknight replied, holding her hand up to stop the women from thanking her any further. “And no, he didn’t cause any trouble. At least not with me in particular. As for where he was… well, I have already told his uncle here where your son was ma’am.” “Let me guess, he and his friends Snails and Sunset Shimmer got into another one of their crusades again?” Snips mother asked while already knowing the answer. “Is that what happened?” “Well… if you wanna call destroying the front of a school entrance and turning its front lawn into a battlefield a little crusade, then yes.” Starknight shrugged while Snips audibly gulped, sweating like a pig in summer heat. “I thought so.” Snips mother replied, dragging her hand down her face before facing her son. “Snips” “Ye-yes mom?” “I am not happy with you at all. '' Her face softened a bit as she added, “but we will talk about this tomorr---” Her words were cut off by her brother Nikolai. “You. Bed.” Nikolai all but shouted at his nephew “NOW!!” “Awww man!” Snips whined. “Do I have to…?” “Yes, you do have to!” Nikolai snarled, making Snips step back from him in fear. “You’ve caused your mother enough trouble for one night, along with Snails and that idiot Sunset Shimmer. Believe me boy!, if you don’t get your butt into bed this instant your punishment will be a hell of a lot worse!” “Ok that’s enough!” Starknight said stepping in between Snips and his uncle something his uncle didn’t like one bit “I know your nephew is in trouble sir for staying out past curfew but if you yell at him like that again I’ll arrest you for child abuse”. “What?! How dare you tell me---” He protested being cut off by Starknight “It’s your choice sir back off or go to jail what’s going to be?” Starknight replied drawing her taser she held it down so as not to intimidate him rather more to show him she was serious “I will use this if I have to sir so make your choice and make it now.” “Wait please” Ms. Sheldon said stepping in between her brother and Starknight “My brother is very sorry for how he acted please put your taser away officer my brother will cooperate fully with you I promise” Ms. Sheldon turned to face her brother adding in all but growl to him, “won’t you?!” “Y-yes” Nikolai replied, backing away from his sister and looking more scared of her than he was of officer Starknight “I’ll do as you ask I promise”. “There that’s better” Ms. Sheldon softly said, “Now officer you can put your taser away he won’t cause any more trouble” shooting her brother a very angry dirty look she finished, “will you brother?” Starknight watched in concerned shock Nikolai gulp and back away from his sister he looked to Starknight then to his sister then down to the floor. Putting her taser away Starknight shook her head. Snips stood nearby not sure what to do or say. His mother turned to him saying softly, “Alright honey go bed now”. “Yes mom…” Snips mumbled with his head bowed low as he went into the house, doing what had to be the slowest and saddest walk that Starknight had ever seen in her life. Just as he was inside, Snips gave Starknight, who was intently staring at his uncle, one last weak smile and a wave before going down a hallway and disappearing from sight. As soon as he was out of sight, Ms. Sheldon turned her attention back to Starknight offering her a weak smile. “I’m so very sorry that you had to see my brother snap at my son like that officer.” She said remorsefully. “He’s going through a difficult time right now. He had only recently lost his wife to cancer and he’s having trouble with coping. Again, thank you so much for bringing my son back to me safe and unharmed.” “No problem at all ma’am. As I said, I was just doing my duty.” Starknight nodded. “Though, I will have to advise you to please be more careful as to how long you let your son stay out. I will let him off with a verbal warning this time, since he was being punished for causing trouble. But if I find him outside and on the streets again past curfew, I will have to take him to the precinct.” “Yes, yes of course.” Ms. Sheldon replied, giving a nod of her own. “I promise I’ll make sure that my little Snippy is home well before his bedtime from now on.” She looked over at her brother, who was looking at the officer scornfully. “Right Nikolai?” “Yeah, yeah… whatever.” Nikolai replied, snorting as he crossed his arms. “Now if you are done here please leave!” “Very well then. I think that’s all for today. Have a good night, the both of you.” Starknight replied, giving Nikolai one last good look before turning and walking back to her car. The second her back was turned, her ears were blessed with the sound of the door slamming shut with the force of a musk ox ramming its head into a tree. Immediately after, she heard what seemed to be yelling coming from inside, though she couldn’t quite make it out. Whatever was happening behind those doors now, Starknight knew it wasn’t good, and probably a lot worse than she was currently thinking. ‘The hell is that guy's problem with the police?! Sounds like they are having an argument of some kind. It must be over Snips’ Starknight thought, mentally slapping herself as she got further from the door. ‘That woman’s face was covered in bruises underneath all of that make up! Did she seriously think that'd be enough to hide injuries as serious as that? I’ve seen clowns with makeup done better than that!’ She continued to think as she pinched the bridge of her nose, silently scolding herself for her train of thought. ‘In any case, I’m gonna have to make a call to Canterlot Child Protective Services when I get back to the station. From how that woman and Snips were acting around that man, they are more than likely being abused by him. I’m not really sure if that is happening, but I did not like how that man looked at me. Not at all. I’ll need to put a stop to it before it gets worse… sooner rather than later.’ As all this was happening Sunset opened the front passenger door and got out, stopping when she was about to close the door only when Snails called out to her, “Hey Sunset where are you going?” “I have things to do Snails”. She replied. An unseen figure with translucent cerise crystal wings watched from a nearby house hiding in the shadows of its rooftop while Sunset silently closed the car door. “Now is my chance to get away from that officer before she finds out where I am actually living.” Turning to leave she stopped quickly saying to Snails. “Snails we are going to play a game alright?” Knowing he liked mind games and was a little slow, she added, “If you win I’ll do your homework for the next three weeks, alright?” “I know you don’t really want to play this game Sunset.” He replied looking into her pleading eyes he looked down adding, “But I’ll play along.” Looking back he finished, “if you do my homework for the next five weeks, alright?” Groaning in slight irritation she sighed glancing over to Starknight seeing she was heading towards them she said, “Alright deal” Stepping back from the car she added, “The game Snails is a simple one. It's called ‘Who is Sunset?’ the officer who is currently headed this way is also playing it she will ask you where I am and you need to tell her---” “That I don’t know right?” He replied, his eyebrow raised slightly. “Yes, you don't know who I am or where I have gone.” She replied, offering him a weak smile. Seeing he was ready to play she gave him a nod and turned to leave saying over her shoulder quickly,” Thanks Snails I will pay you back for this.” The unseen figure unfurled its wings thinking to itself “Now where do you think you're going Sunset? You should have stayed with that officer, she was only trying to help you.” Seeing that officer Starknight was getting alongside the squad car the unseen figure took to the air following Sunset down the street and into a nearby alleyway saying to itself. “Sunset, what are you doing?” Starknight made it to her car safely, getting right up to it she saw Snails was sleeping in the back seat. Smiling to herself she walked up front freezing in her tracks to her shock and bewilderment she saw something was clearly off. Opening the front passenger door Starknight was not pleased to see that a certain fiery yellow and red headed girl was not where she was supposed to be. “What the?! Sunset’s… not here! Where did she go?!” Starknight asked, looking around the car and outside of it for any sign of the young thirteen year old girl. Seeing no sign of her, Starknight immediately opened the back rear door and went to Snails, placing a hand under his ear and tickling his ear saying, “Snails! Snails,” she continued to tickle his ear trying to wake him up “Wake up already!” After a few moments of tickling his ear the ten year old boy finally woke up, the first thing he saw being the wide and terrified eyes of the officer before him. Doing his best not to stare at her chest, Snails rubbed at his eyes and groggily asked, “Oh, hey there Officer Starknight? What’s the matter?” “Snails, it’s Sunset!” Starknight replied, sounding like a mother who had just discovered her child was missing. “She’s not here in the car anymore! She’s gone!” Quickly remembering Sunset's words to him he replied, “Huh? Uh, who is Sunset?” He replied. Giving her a confused half-witted look he added, “I wasn’t paying attention so I don’t know who you are talking about. Can I go home now?” “No you can’t go home now, I need your help to find Sunset Shimmer.” Starknight replied, one of her hands coming to rest on the boy’s shoulder. “Did you see her sneak out of the car before you went to sleep? Please Snails, if you know where she is, I need you to tell me so I can find her!” “N-no… I’m sorry, but I don’t know where she went too” Snails replied, almost breaking eye contact with the officer. “All I remember is suddenly getting tired and Sunset asking me if I wanted to rest my head on her lap. After that I fell asleep… and that was when you woke me up. I didn’t hear or even feel her move me or even leave the car. I’m sorry Officer Starknight…” “Great… that’s just great! First, I have a potential abuse situation with Snips, and now I have a runaway?! This night just keeps getting worse and worse!” Starknight shouted as she slammed her fest on one of her car’s seats. “The universe really must be messing with me tonight!” “Um, Officer Starknight? What do you mean by abusive situation? Is Snips in any sort of danger?” Snails asked, his apprehensive tone causing the women to look back up at him. Starknight, realizing what she had just let slip out, quickly calmed herself down. “Oh, no Snails, it’s nothing to worry about. I just got caught up in the situation, is all. Snips isn’t in any danger, I promise. Please, just forget what I said.” “Okay… well if you say so.” Snails asked, watching as Starknight made her way to the front of her diver car seat. Not even a split second after the door closed, the woman reached for her mic, pressing on the call button as static echoed within the car. “I don’t believe this!” Taking her radio from its position in her squad car she said, “Dispatch I need a ten-fifty-seven.” “Ten-twelve officer.” Hearing static over the radio she heard the dispatcher add, “Alright officer go ahead with the person's description.” “The name of the runaway in question is Sunset Shimmer.” Starknight replied, not wasting a single millisecond. “She’s a Canterlot High and Junior High School student. She is about five feet and eight inches tall looking to be in her early teens. She was last seen wearing a torn-up leather coat, a ripped orange mini skirt, with a purplish-pink low back sleeveless shirt with a sun emblem on the front, and black and purple leather knee-high boots. She also has cyan colored eyes, red and yellow flaming hair and is estimated to be about one hundred twenty pounds.” “Ten-four officer Starknight. Ten-sixty-nine will relay messages about your other task.” “That’s a ten-four dispatch.” Starknight murmured as she hung up her radio before the dispatcher could reply. Once it was safely secured onto her belt, she turned to Snails and said, “Sorry about that Snails, I was just having a little moment with the dispatcher.” “Now can I go home now officer?” Snails asked, clearly worried. “Yes you can Snails I’ll take you home now.” Starknight said as she started the engine. “Alright, from now on I want you to be off the streets before curfew starts up, got it Snails? I will give you a warning this time since you had some stuff you needed to fix, but this will be the only time that I will do this for you. If I catch you on the streets again past curfew again then I’ll have to bring you to the precinct and have your father get you there. Do you understand?” “Yes ma’am, I understand.” Snails replied as they began to drive off. “And thank you for giving me and Snips a ride in your car. It was a lot of fun.” “Sure thing, kid. Anytime.” Starknight said, giving the boy her best smile before turning and staring ahead. With those last words, the woman sped off, her siren lights flashing in the darkness as her car took her down the shadow covered road. Had she looked in the top mirror, Starknight would’ve seen Snails fiddling with his thumbs. Along with the look of guilt the boy had as he quietly looked out the window. An hour later Starknight pulled into a long curving gravel driveway with bushes lining most of the pathway leading up to the house. The house she had pulled up to looked old as if it had been built before the civil war. The grand architecture of the house was such that Starknight upon seeing it let out a soft noticeable whistle. The very symmetrical, and boxy style of the house was a pleasure to say the least, with its center entrance in the front and a large stone pillar balcony above the front door. Looking over the front of the house she noticed it had a gabled roof; symmetrical façade; evenly-spaced windows; Greek-type pillars and very elaborate friezes. Parking the car Starknight got out and headed to the back of the vehicle stopping in her tracks she thought she saw large scratches etched in the stone structure of the house as if they were made by a large beast. “What in the world?” She thought, hearing tapping on the car's window the sound of which quickly brought her back to her senses, opening the door for Snails. She smiled as she gazed at the massive house in front of her. “Wow” Starknight whistled again, giving Snails a nudge she added, “you live here?” “Yep I sure do well that is me and my father do” the boy sniffed Starknight notice he was clearly fighting back his tears “an-anyways you should come up and meet my father I am sure he’d love to meet you”. Taking Snails by the hand, Starknight walked him up the path taking in the neighborhood's homes, each one looking more splendid than Snail's own house. Getting to the front door she raised her hand to knock stopping and she turned to him stooped down to one knee and smiled. “Snails before I knock on your door I want you to promise me that, from now on you will be off the streets before curfew starts up, got it?” receiving a nod from him she stood up Knocking on the door, she added, “I will give you a warning this time; if I catch you on the streets again past curfew then I’ll have to bring you to the precinct. Do you understand?” “I understand fully officer” He replied. “Good to hear,” she said to him. Knocking again she and Snails waited for a few more moments before the door opened and a short stocky man appeared in the entrance. The man upon seeing Snail shot him a dirty look causing him to let out a light weak chuckle. Looking at the man in front of her Starknight saw he was balding, he had a mustache and a robe on he had a wooden pipe in his mouth. Thick charcoal gray smoke rose from his lips curling around his head. He stood four feet to her six feet eight inches causing him to crane his neck to look into her eyes. “I am grateful you have found my son.” The man said taking a puff from his pipe and blowing it out in Starknights face she coughed giving him a dirty look in reply, “I have already called the police department I am so happy to see that you responded so quickly.” taking another puff he added, “Mrs, Ms, miss er-umm uh---” “Starknight sir, my name is Starknight” She replied with a slight smile adding quickly, “And I am happy that your son is back at home where he belongs.” “Can you tell me where he was?” Turning his attention to his son he added, “You get into your room this instant!” “Yes, sir.” Snails squeaked out timidly running off towards his bedroom adding, “Thanks for the ride home officer Starknight it was a lot of fun.” Looking back at Officer Star knight she sighed saying to his father, “He was at Canterlot High Junior High School when I found him. His friends Snips and Sunset Shimmer were also there, each of them were working there past curfew under Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna’s orders.” Quirking an eyebrow Mr. Garlan stepped out onto his porch coming to rest his arms on the railing of the porch. Looking out to the street beyond his property he puffed on his pipe for a few moments letting out a sigh. “It's been rough on him this past year after his mother passed away last September.” Looking back at Officer Starknight he added, “Well if Celestia and Luna needed him past curfew then that is fine with me but I do wish they had called first.” straightening up and turning he placed his hand on the door, “I won’t do anything to interfere with how Celestia or Luna run that school. Goodnight Officer Starknight.” “Your welcome sir.” She replied. “And have a good night yourself, sir.” Heading back to her car she called dispatch, got in and started up the car and headed out of the area. Officer Starknight made her way back to the police station. Getting there an hour later she entered the police station taking her seat at her desk. Taking up her phone she dialed a number and waited for a few moments. “Hello, this is Canterlot Child Protective Services. My name is Rosy Peddle. How may I help you tonight?” “Yes, Hello Rosy, this is Officer Starknight with the Canterlot Police Department. I am calling in regards to a possible child neglect and abuse case that I may have.” Looking down for a moment she added, “I would feel better if someone, anyone would just check on this child and his mother for me. I don’t really have probable cause to do so myself so I need someone from your agency to do it.” “I see. What evidence do you have if any officer?” She heard Rosy reply. “Other than your gut feelings' that is?” “I saw the child's mother wearing makeup over several places on her face that looked slightly bruised. I couldn’t do anything at the time being as I was without back up and I didn’t want to risk putting either the mother or child at risk. I also need someone to check on a ‘Sunset Shimmer’ as well.” “Alright I have made a note of that and I will have one of our agents look for this when we conduct the interview. What is the child's name and address?” Rosy replied gently, showing concern in her voice. “Snips Sheldon and his address is seven sixty yackastan lane Canterlot city Five Six One Two Eight.” She replied. “And what is Sunset Shimmer's address?" She heard Rosy ask. “Let me look up Sunset Shimmer’s address,” Starknight replied, “It’ll just take a second to pull that up on my computer.” Typing on her computer she noticed the time was four in the morning. She groaned lightly to herself in irritation as she waited for Sunset's address to appear on the screen. A few moments later she saw the words ‘Classified Information’ flash across her screen and a buzzing alarm sounded causing her computer to shut down. “What the heck?!” She exclaimed, her eyes widened slightly quickly saying into her phone “Uh, Rosy, I am sorry about this but I need to call you back. My computer just crashed. I’ll get you Sunset Shimmer's address tomorrow.” “Alright, I’ll be at my desk at around ten tomorrow morning you can call me then.” She replied. Adding quickly, “In the meantime, I’ll send someone out to Snips Sheldon’s residence. Have a good night officer.” Shaking her head she got up from behind her desk and ending her shift she headed for the back door and to her own car. Getting to her vehicle a few moments later letting out a sigh she thought to herself “Whoever classified Sunset Shimmer’s information is going to have a lot to answer for.” Starting up the car she drove towards her home and a well earned nights rest. In another part of the city on a rundown road the sounds of rapid footsteps echoed across the streets of Canterlot as Sunset sped her way through the allies of the city. Her breaths came out short and rapid, giving an indication as to just how fast she was running and how much she was pushing herself. Behind her, the girl’s hair flew, whipping about in the air like a flag atop a pole as she stared ahead of her. Every few seconds her feet would meet a water puddle, making the liquid splash across her bloodied golden skin as she sprinted for everything that she was worth. In the midst of her running, Sunset found herself almost running into a stray cat that was making its way through the alleyway. The sight of its glowing piercing eyes was enough to make her stop as the cat let out a loud yowl of surprise. At the same time, she stepped on a rather slippery part of the ground, and she half flipped through the air. A cry of pain escaped her as she met the ground with a wet thud, her limbs and hair sprawling out like a starfish in seawater as the cat ran away. “Owww, my head…I can’t believe I just flipped through the air like that.” Sunset groaned, one of her hands moving to place itself on the part where her head was throbbing. “I guess I shouldn’t have been running so fast like that when I got away from that police officer. Looks like I’ll have to watch where I go around here when it’s raining.” An all too familiar sound of blaring police lights pulled Sunset out of her soothing her pain. She whipped her head to see dim red and blue lights brightening the path that she took, making her realize that it was a police car. Possibly the very same one that she had escaped from just a few minutes earlier. Wasting no time, Sunset went and hid in a few nearby trash cans, using her coat as extra camouflage to conceal herself. As quickly as the police siren and lights came, they faded away, allowing the sweet silence to fill Sunset’s ears. Only when she was sure that the police car was long gone did she dare to move out of her hiding place. “Whew… that was a close one. For a second there I thought that officer was actually going to find me here.” Sunset said to herself. “I guess I was able to get away from her a lot better than I thought I did. I wish I didn’t have to do that though… She was only trying to help me. Not that it would’ve really done me any good anyway.” Deciding to finally get a move on, Sunset moved away from the trash cans and trudged down the alleyway she was in. Her obsidian leather boots connected softly with the hard concrete, barely registering in her ears. A few stray cats popped out and ran either on the other side or up and down the alley, stopping briefly to look at the girl before continuing on their way. One or two of them even hissed at her for invading what they claimed as their territory. But Sunset paid it no mind, too focused on past events that led to where she currently was. ‘Oh traust, why did things have to turn out like this?’ Sunset thought to herself, the corner of her lips forming a frown. ‘All I wanted was to have a new life and get away from the one that I was living. I just wanted to escape from the people that hurt me every single day. I thought that by escaping through that mirror, taking over that school, and taking that alicorn’s crown would make it all go away’ Her eyes shut tightly to keep the tears she felt from flowing out. ‘It looks like all that did was take me back right where I started. And right where I didn’t want to be anymore… I guess I ended up just screwing myself back over… again.’ Giving a melancholy sigh, Sunset lifted her arm to her face, using the leathery fabric to catch the tears beginning to stain her cheeks. She did this for the next couple of minutes, keeping both eyes on the path in front of her in case she ran into something or someone. The entire time that she was walking, Sunset felt her mind keep going back to the officer she escaped from. A clogged sob grew within her throat, and she did everything she could to keep it down, not wanting to cry anymore than she already did. ‘I still can’t believe I left that officer like that. And after she treated me so kindly and stood up for me against Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna.’ Sunset thought, feeling her heart squeeze within her chest. ‘I didn’t wanna do that to her… but I had to. Or else I would’ve never been able to explain away my situation to Starknight. She definitely would’ve sent me to an orphanage or something like that.’ She looked back to where she had hidden to get herself out of sight of Officer Starknight. ‘I only hope that Snails can keep his promise to me and not say where I really went. I don’t wanna have to do his homework for him for the next month for nothing. Though, knowing him, he’s someone that can keep his word.’ Silently praying that her lackey friend will be able to keep his word, Sunset turned and went the rest of her way down the entrance. Just as she was able to take a left, she felt a shadow zoom past her from above. She froze as if that same shadow turned her rock solid and looked up in fear of someone or something about to jump her. The teen just managed to see something vanish over the edge of the building next to her before she was all alone once again. ‘Strange… I could’ve sworn that I saw something fly over me for a second.’ Sunset thought as her body got moving again. A shrug left her as she made a full right turn in the corner, with another one waiting for her. ‘I guess it was just my imagination. Still, I’m pretty sure that I felt someone watching me back there. Better get back to my hideout before I get caught by another officer, or someone even worse.’ Right as this thought crossed her mind, a crackling sound shot its way into Sunset’s ears, causing her to nearly trip over her own feet. She looked down to see a few soda cans laying in front of her, one of them lying flat under her right foot. Glancing up, she found herself standing in front of a medium sized rundown shack that looked like it hadn’t been used in months. From the dust ridden front porch, to the dirty wooden walls, and the water dripping roof, it looked to be all but destroyed. A sharp contrast to the houses seen on the other side of the city, and somewhere no one would expect someone like Sunset to be living. Then again, it probably wouldn’t be all that surprising if they knew where she was really from. As well as the conditions she was forced to live in during that time. “Well, it looks like I’m back now. That was a lot quicker than I thought it’d be.” Sunset said to herself, relieved that she was finally back at her hiding spot at last. A shiver went through her as she felt the night air blow through a crack in the shack she called home, making her two-toned hair flutter like a curtain. “It’s starting to get cold… winter will be here soon. I better start looking for a better place to sleep than this”. The unseen figure silently leapt from her hiding place above the alleyway and landed near the alleyway entrance creeping up to the shack. Looking through a window in the shack the unseen figure watched Sunset curl up on a pile of cold, wet hardwood lining the back most right portion of the shack crying herself to sleep. In disbelief as to what she was seeing inside the shake the unseen figure turned around pressing her back to the shack wall and slid downwards. Her butt touching the cold, wet hard ground, her wings curling around her protectively. She pulled her legs up to her chest, burying her face into her arms. Small tears silently flowed down her cheeks dripping upon the ground beneath her. “How? How can this be possible” the figure cried, “How can she be… homeless?” feeling a soft cold breeze blow the figure sniffed, dried her tears and stood up “something has to be done”. The figure took to the air once more headed for her own home while Sunset slept soundly unaware of the angelic figure flying away from her shack. “I want to help her but...how?” The unseen figure disappeared into its vast endless ebony cloak of darkness. Wednesday, August 3rd 9:00 AM part fiveSitting in her sister’s office Luna glanced at the photo she had found earlier letting her mind wander back to her high school days. Hearing tapping coming from her sisters computer keyboard she turned to face Celestia watching her type up some much needed paperwork. While they both waited for the security guard to show up Luna looked around her sisters office catching Celestia’s attention. A digital clock sat on Celestia’s desk picking it up Luna turned it towards her noticing the time was 9:45 in the morning setting the clock back on the desk she glanced at her sister. “Something wrong Luna”? She heard Celestia ask “you seem to be wound up rather tightly”. “Oh, no nothing is really….wrong” she replied hearing a knock on the doorframe “I am just thinking of well, er--that is, well back then” she finished looking down “at any rate it doesn’t matter we don’t have time to discus that right now, no right now we must focus on the matter at hand and that is finding those that vandalized Sunset Shimmer’s locker”. “Come in Corky” Celestia called out “I agree with you Luna that we need to find out who did this and put a stop to this type of behavior” she added, giving her sister a nod as she returned to her paperwork hearing the door open and close she finished, “did you bring the security tapes for the hallway lockers”? “Yes I did” he replied handing over two security tapes to Luna “I watched the video tapes and found that there were three students who took part in damaging Sunset Shimmers locker.” “Who were the three that did that to Miss Shimmer’s locker” Luna chimed in locking eyes with him she added, “and did you notify these students that we would be calling upon them later on today Corkey”? Taking the tapes from him and placing the tapes onto Celestia’s desk Luna watched him turn his attention to her sister watching her type on her computer for a few seconds. Noticing he was staring at her Celestia looked up from her work offering him a pleasant but unsure smile. “To answer your sister’s question Principal Celestia” he began, “as I said I reviewed the tapes and the two on your desk show which students damaged Sunsets locker and which ones didn’t” stepping back he continued“you are not going to like seeing which students did this to Sunsets locker” turning his attention to Luna he finished, “No I have not informed them as of yet that you and Celestia will be calling upon them”. “I understand that you think Corky we will not like what is on these tapes” He heard Celestia begin catching his attention she continued “but, can you please just tell us which students did this” Celestia grumbled finishing her computer work. “We need to know who did this so we can take the appropriate amount of action towards them”. Looking down he sighed hearing Luna clear her throat he quickly looked back up momentarily locking eyes with her for a few seconds. Taking the tapes from her sisters desk Luna walked over to a nearby cabinet opened it revealing a TV and tape player inside. Placing the tapes inside the player and pressing play Celestia and Corky turned their attention towards the monitor. While the tapes played Luna looked at the time stamp located at the lower right hand corner of the screen noticing the time was stamped at 7:50 in the morning she returned her gaze to the scene unfolding in front of her. Watching three students in particular stop in front of Sunset Shimmers locker Celestia took notice that Luna was showing signs she was becoming very angry. Noticing Luna’s hand was beginning to clench into a tight fist Celestia gently laid her hand on her sisters shoulder silently trying to calm her down. “Lavender Lace, Trixie Lulamoon” Celestia heard Luna begin “and---” Luna cut her words short when she saw who the third person on the videotape was her jaw trembled with anger. “ is that….Flash Sentry”?! She exclaimed in rage causing Celestia to let go her shoulder quickly turning to face her sister Luna finished, “I can understand why the other two would do this Celestia as they are always looking for some form of attention but Flash Sentry has been a model student”. “He is also a thirteen year old young man and is angry with Sunset Shimmer for how she treated him before and during the Fall Formal” Corky chimed in receiving a annoyed look from Celestia and a even angrier look from Luna he quickly added, “it is not unreasonable for him to ‘act out’ towards someone he thought he cared about who in turn treated him badly”. “Out” Luna growled pointing to the door “we'll take it from here Corky go and tell those students that they will be brought in here during lunch hour Leaving the office he closed the door leaving Celestia and Luna to continue about their duties headed down the hallway towards the classrooms he shook his head. Stopping at room 24 A he looked through the rooms door window seeing Lavender Lace sitting in class reading from her text book. Lightly knocking on the door he caught the teachers attention waving him over he waited for a few seconds before the door opened. “Yes” the teacher asked clearly confused, “may I help you Corky”? “Yes Mr. Order please have Lavender Lace come out into the hallway I need to talk to her” He replied. Watching Mr. Order head back into the classroom Corky waited for a few moments before Lavender Lace came out twirling her hair and blowing a small balloon of bubblegum. Crossing his arms over his chest Mr. Order glared at his student paying little attention to him she continued to twirl her hair for several seconds before popping her gum loudly. “Ms Lace you will need to go to Principal Celestia’s office during your lunch hour” he began receiving a angry look from her he added, “I will escort you there when the lunch bell has sounded”. Turning his attention to Mr. Order he finished “I am sorry to have pulled you away from your students Mr. Order”. Turning to leave he stopped a few feet from her hearing her call out to him, “Hey what is this all about”? Looking over his shoulder he replied, “Oh, I think you know damn well what this is all about kid”. Heading down the hallway he walked past the library stopping when heard several books fall to the ground. Turning around he quickly headed inside finding Cheerilee picking up a small pile of books and placing them back onto the shelves. Watching her pick up several books he cleared his throat catching her attention stopping what she was doing she stared at him for a few seconds. A awkward silence began to fill the room picking up three books he watched her set them down on the desk in front of her fully giving him her attention. “Hello Corky” she finally said breaking the silence between them “how are you doing today”? “I am doing well” he replied, “I was wondering how is Sunset Shimmer doing since you last saw her”? “How do you know I was with her Corky?” she asked clearly confused. Smiling he pointed above and behind her head towards a security camera turning to look in the direction he was pointing she frowned. Watching her turn back around his smile quickly faded seeing a look of concern on her face she picked up the three books placing them onto the shelf behind her. Once finished she began to type on her computer realizing he had not left she shut her computer off glaring at him. “Hey” he said raising his hands “don’t get upset with me I am the security guard after all it's my job to look after the interest of both the faculty and students” lowering his hands his tone changed slightly becoming more serious than playful. “Look I know you care deeply about Sunset, Mrs. Cheerilee I just wanted you and her as well to know that the locker situation from this morning has been taken care of.” looking down he finished, “though when she finds out who it was that spray painted those words on her locker she will be more than a little miffed” “And who was it that did that to her locker Corky”? “It was Flash Sentry who wrote the words the ‘Demon’, ‘Princess Slut’ and ‘Cunt’ Lavender Lace wrote the word ‘Whore’ and it was Trixie Lulamoon that wrote the word ‘Bitch’ onto Sunsets locker” Turning to leave he finished, “I can understand fully like Luna that Trixie and her friend Lavender Lace would want to do this but for Flash Sentry to actually take part in something like this makes no sense at all”. Heading back into the hallway Corky headed towards another classroom while Cheerilee returned to her work. Getting to room 26-A a few minutes later he opened the door catching everyone’s attention looking around he quickly found Trixie at the back of the classroom. Finding the teacher Mrs. Harshwhinny looking over several piles of paper at her desk he walked up to her clearing his throat. “Yes what do you want”? She bitterly snapped “if this is about your test last week Trixie I have already told you that you can’t retake it”. “This isn’t about a test” she heard Corky begin “I need to speak with Trixie before her next class begins”. Looking up from her work Mrs Harshwhinny frowned getting up she walked over to Trixie taping her shoulder. Turning around Trixie grinned seeing Corky standing a few feet from Mrs. Harshwhinny’s desk turning her attention towards her teacher her right eyebrow quirked. “Oooh has someone come to see the great and powerful Trixie perform a magic act”? “No Trixie he is not here to watch you perform one of your stupid tricks” taking her by the arm Mrs. Harshwhinny added, “and you Trixie are not great nor are you powerful you young lady are nothing more than a foolish child with dreams of grandeur foolish thoughts now come along”. Leading her up to the front of the class both Mrs. Harshwhinny and Trixie followed Corky out to the hallway. Looking down Trixie fought back her tears as Corky stared at her turning his attention towards her teacher he softly said, “Mrs. Harshwhinny please return to your students I can handle this without you being here” “What? How dare you ask me to---” “Now” He interrupted her fully turning his attention towards Trixie he finished, “Trixie do you know why I need to talk to you”? Watching Mrs. Harshwhinny storm back into the class she looked down lightly twirling her hair feeling soft warm hands coming to rest on her shoulders she looked up locking eyes with Corky. Fighting back her tears she pulled out a deck of cars from her skirt pocket shuffled them and handed them over to him. “Pick a card” getting a confused look she sniffed, adding, “j-just pick o-one please Trixie doesn’t have all day so just pick one”. Smirking and deciding to play along he quickly picked a card looked at it then placed it back into the deck giving her a nod. Watching her reshuffle the deck he smiled to her as she drew a card from the deck holding up the Ace of Spades she proudly proclaimed, “This my kind sir is your card”. Knowing that it wasn’t the card he had picked but not wanting to hurt her feelings he nodded receiving a pleasant smile and a bow from her. Sighing he softly said to her, “Alright now that you are feeling better I need you to report to the principal's office during your lunch hour.” “This has to do with Sunset’s locker doesn’t it”? She replied. “Yes kido I am afraid you are in trouble for what you did but don’t worry I’ll do what I can to help you through this.” gently laying his hands on her shoulders he added, “Listen Trixie I know you want people to pay attention to you but this type of attention isn’t good and it could lead to more very serious consequences.” Letting her go he turned to leave looking over his shoulder he finished, “do me a favor will you try to remember that the choices you make in life will always affect you”. “Trixie will try to remember that Corky” she called out to him watching him head down the hallway “I wonder who will be Trixie’s next audience”. Turning to head back to class she smiled to herself thinking, “Trixie bets he would like a balloon animal perhaps a dog to keep him company while he works alone”? Getting further down the hallway Corky quickly found the schools gym entering the large area he looked around soon finding Flash Sentry lining up for his wrestling class. Taking a seat on one of the many bleachers he watched Flash and another student head out to the matts each one fully prepared for their match. Noticing Corky was watching the match the coach waved him over quickly heading over to him Corky nodded to the coach turning his attention back to the teenagers as the coach blew his whistle. “What can I do for you Corky” He asked a bit confused “if this is about the drug testing I’ll have that paperwork to you by the end of the day I promise”. “Now that you bring that up coach Ironhide while this isn’t about that I will be however taking a look at your paperwork once I am done with what I must do here” turning his attention towards the kids on the mat he finished, “I need to speak with Flash Sentry as soon as his match is over”. Corky watched the match playout as Flash Sentry very quickly pinned his opponent to the mat a referee counted out the second till it was over with Flash being the victor. Getting up sweat dripping down his forehead he heard the coach's whistle quickly followed by Coach Ironhide yelling out, “Fall in all of you”! All the students got into single file line each one clearly showed signs of being worn out gesturing towards the security guard coach Ironhide finished, “listen up! Corky needs one of you to talk to you one of you and I expect that student to do as they are told when they are told. Got it”? “Yes sir coach sir” all the students yelled in unison. Turning his attention towards Corky he nodded saying, “There’ll all yours Corky”. “Um, thanks.” he replied, quickly turning his attention to Flash Sentry he added, “Flash Sentry you will go to the principal's office during your lunch hour do you fully understand”? “Yes sir I do” seeing Corky was about to turn to leave he added, “though I am not sure what is going on perhaps you---” Growing irritated his voice deepened, his eyes narrowed, his jaw locked with anger leaning towards Flash Sentry he locked eyes with the upstart youth. Clearly making him uncomfortable Corky frowned clenching his hand into a tight he growled back in anger, “You young man know damn flipping well why you must go to the principal's office” turning to leave he looked over his shoulder giving coach Ironhide a cold intense stare “I want your paper work on my desk by no later than lunch period”! Leaving the gym Corky quickly found himself trying to calm down in the hallway heading back to Principal Celestia’s office he stopped by a water fountain. Taking a drink he closed his letting his anger flow through him he knew Principal Celestia wouldn’t tolerate her staff showing anger towards the students. Taking a few breaths to calm down he proceeded towards Celestia’s office stopping when he heard a voice call out to him. “Excuses me where is Principal Celestia at this moment”? Turning around he saw Mr. Varnas walking towards him hearing him add, “I need to speak with her” watching him reach into his coat Corky dropped his hand to his mace as Mr. Varnas took out a thin black wallet from his coat handing it to Corky who took it and flipped it open “As you can tell by that badge sir I am with the Canterlot Investigations Bureau”. Handing him his badge back Corky gestured towards the hallway replying, “Follow me sir I’ll take you to her though you should know she isn’t in a good mood right now and your being here will only make her mood worse”. “I don’t care about her current mood sir I only give a damn about being able to speak with her” He replied adding, “It would be best if I speak to her alone do you know if there is anyone else that will be speaking to her today”? Leading him down the hallway towards Celestia’s office Corky muttered under his breath earning himself a disapproving look from Mr. Varnas. Getting back to Celestia’s office a few moments later Corky knocked on the door looking up from her work Celestia frowned seeing Mr. Varnas. “What are you doing” she demanded “I thought I told you I wasn’t going to give you that student lis---” “Relax Principal Celestia” he interrupted her quickly adding, “though that is only part of the reason I am here there is however another reason I have come back.” turning his attention to Luna he finished, “I need you to leave so I can talk your sister in private”. “I’m not going anywhere sir” she replied folding her arms over her chest “whatever you have to say can be said in front of me.” quickly turning her attention to Corky she added, “Thank you Corky I believe my sister and I can handle this please carry on with your duties” watching him turn to leave she finished, “Corky hang on before you leave I have just one quick question for you. Did you inform Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon that we would be calling upon them later on today”? “Yes I did” He replied stopping in his tracks she watched him turn around fully giving her his full attention, “do you want me to escort them to the office during their lunch hour or should I leave it up to them to come in on their own free accord”? Looking to her sister Luna quickly turned to Mr. Varnas who stood in the doorway a few feet from Corky both looked at Luna expectly. Giving a cold stare she locked eyes with him for a few seconds before turning her gaze to Corky. “Cory please allow Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon to come to us of their own accord” turning her attention back to Mr. Varnas she gave him another cold intense stare before finishing, “if however those three have not complied with our request by no later than twelve thirty then by all means bring all three to my sisters office”. “Very well” he replied heading out of Principal Celestia’s office being sure to shut the door behind him. Taking a seat in front of them Mr. Varnas began to reach into his coat pocket pulling out a small silver flash drive placing it onto Celestia’s desk. Looking at the small device she glared at him for a few seconds before picking it up. “What you are holding there in your hand Principal Celestia” he began “is the only known video from the Fall Formal all other videos from that night that were posted online either during or after that night have been erased”. Receiving a confused look from Luna he continued, “I am giving Celestia this flash drive Mrs. Moon” he added giving Luna an intense stare “because I wanted her to know that I will not being needing that student list after all”. Blinking in disbelief Celestia gave her sister a passing unsure glance returning her gaze to him she set the device down on her desk got up staring coldly at him. Luna crossed her arms over her chest waiting for Mr. Varnas to finish watching him lean into his chair she frowned as he stared back at them both with an assurance that caused Luna to shiver. “What do you mean” Celestia finally spoke ending the uneasy tension between herself, her sister and Mr. Varnas “that you won’t be needing that student body list any more”? “It’s really quite simple” he replied adding, “because I work for the government more over for the Canterlot Investigations Bureau I was able to use them to help find any and all videos containing any and all information about the Fall Formal”. Leaning forward he placed his hands onto Celestia’s desk quickly earning himself a very angry stare from Luna paying her little attention he continued, “As of now the government doesn’t have any clue who Sunset Shimmer is or what school she attends other than myself and I fully intend to keep it that way”. “Explain this to us Mr. Varnas” Luna chimed in “under what right or law for that matter do you have any right or reason to keep Sunset’s actions during the Fall Formal secret from the government”? Turning his attention to Luna he frowned leaning back into the chair he began, “I don’t have to explain that to you Mrs. Moon nor do I have to explain it to Celestia.” Getting up he added, “I however share some information with you both about Sunset Shimmer and you may use this information if you want to or not the choice is yours to make”. “Go on” Celestia chimed in “we're listing”. “I classified Sunset Shimmers file because I don’t want her to be used as a weapon either in this world or in the country that she comes from” turning towards the door he added, “beyond that I will share nothing else now if you both will excuse me I must be going” stopping in his tracks he snapped his fingers quickly turning to face Celestia he finished, “Oh one more thing before I go I took the liberty of hiring more construction workers to help repair the front of the school. They will be here tomorrow and should have the entire schools front side fixed, cleaned and ready to go within three weeks”. Watching him leave Luna quickly turned to her sister giving her a confused look sitting back down she folded her arms over her chest letting out a forced sigh. Watching Celestia pick up a pile of papers that sat to the right of her desk Luna cleared her throat catching Celestia’s attention. “Well” she grumbled out “what are we going to do about this situation Tia”? “We dear sister aren’t going to do anything” setting her paperwork down she added “if Mr. Varnas wants to pay for more workers then so be it. I am not going to argue it with him besides Luna what good would it do me to try to keep him from doing that”? “That isn’t what I am talking about Tia and you know you it now come on be serious what are we going to do”? “I know that isn’t what you were talking about Luna however, I am not about to drag Sunset Shimmer in here and demand to know what is going on” seeing a angry look on her sisters face she quickly added, “and neither are you for that matter” getting up Celestia gently laid her hands on Luna’s shoulders finishing, “look all we can do is let this play out and hope for the best now it is nearly time for the lunch period to start I’ll deal with the students that vandalized Sunset’s locker I want you to go and try to enjoy your lunch”. “But I---” Luna tried to protest. “Go on scoot” Celestia interrupted her gently pushing her sister out of the office adding, “now you go enjoy your lunch by the time you come back I’ll have everything taken care of and Luna” “Yes” she replied giving her sister a concerned look. “I mean it I don’t want you to go to Sunset Shimmer about any of this all I want you to do is enjoy your lunch do you understand”? “Fine alright I’ll go and enjoy my lunch”. Closing her office door Celestia sat back down opening the top right drawer of her desk taking out a microphone. Plugging it into the overhead speakers she pressed a button switching it on leaning in Celestia said, “Attention all Students will the following Students come to my office immediately Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon” unplugging the device she put it away looking at the time her clock read 12:00 noon. Waiting for her students to show up she interlocked her fingers placing her hands onto her desk a few moments went by before the first student knocked on her office door. “Come in please” she called out watching the door open her eyes narrowed seeing Flash Sentry was the first of the three to show up “have a seat Mr. Sentry we need to talk”. Wednesday, August 3rd 12:00 pm Part SixDriving up to Moon Stones driveway Starknight noticed the time was twelve in the afternoon parking the car along side the curb she turned her attention to Moon Stone giving him a nod. "Okay" she said "we're here" "Thanks for doing this sergeant" he replied. "Not a problem just don't make this a habit got it rookie"? Nodding his reply Moon Stone got out and opened the back passenger door for Moon Dancer. Getting out Moon Dancer quickly grabbed her backpack and headed inside with her brother and Starknight following her. Entering Moon Stone’s home Starknight looked around and smiled turning her attention to Moon Stone. “So” she began, “this is your home” the living room was like any other living room with a sofa at one end of the room, a warm comforting fireplace at the other end. A large flat screen Tv placed above the fireplace and a sliding glass door leading out to a stone walkway. “Its very nice Moon Stone” she finished. “Thank you” he replied heading into the kitchen he quickly added, “would you like something to eat before we head back to work sergeant”? “I have a question” Starknight heard Moon Dancer call out from behind her turning around she heard Moon Dancer finish, “Why does my big brother call you ‘sergeant’? I mean you and he are in the same police department aren’t you”? “You are correct Moon Dancer” she replied, “your brother and I are in the same department but we are not the same rank. Therefore by calling me ‘sergeant’ rather than Starknight your brother is showing me the proper respect that I am owed due to my rank and title.” Turning her attention too Moon Stone she watched him for a few minutes while he made a PB&J sandwich she added, “I thank you for asking me to join you for some food officer Moon Stone but I must respectfully decline the offer besides we both have to---” Hearing a phone ring he interrupted her, “Hang on let me get that” picking up the phone he continued, “hello” “like hey tihere Mr. stione it’s likue mme minuettem” hearing her hiccup several times as well as her slurred speech he gave Starknight a very concerned look i’m well like aso sorry about this bust ii afcn’t watch your sifster today”. “Are you drunk”!?! he asked quickly receiving a concerned look from Starknight she watched him clench his hand into a tight fist “Minuette I can’t believe this I called you earlier today and you sounded fine what the actual---” Coming around a corner with a large glass jar in her hands Moon Dancer grinned holding the jar up for Starknight to see it quickly earning herself a grin from the sergeant. On the front of the glass jar were the words ‘swear jar ten dollars per naughty word’. Seeing the jar in his sister's hands Moon Stone set the phone to speaker getting out his wallet from his back pants pocket. Placing ten dollars into the jar he gave his sister a scornful glare returning to his conversation with Minuette. “I'm jinsulted htat you would think that fo me i’hm like os not wasted” he heard her slur out i“ jsut had only rthree dor maybe it was six beergs before calling you” “Yeah you're obviously not in any condition to watch my little sister so I am going to hang up now goodbye”! Sighing he looked to his sister before adding, “Looks like I’m going to have to take you with us kido”. “Absolutely not” Starknight injected crossing her arms “leaving aside the clear fact that you should be able to find another babysitter a police precinct is no place for a child regardless of the fact that she is your little sister”! Hearing tapping from behind him he turned around seeing his sister impatiently tapping her foot glaring at her big brother she crossed her arms giving him a scornful scowl. Smiling to herself Starknight watched the specital begin as Moon Stone’s little sister frowned. “Why can’t you just stay home today Moon Stone”? “Because without a steady job, I won’t be able to afford this house or to keep you in school”. He replied looking at the phone he sighed turning his attention to Starknight he finished, “I suppose you are right that the police precinct is no place for a child”. “I’m not really good with kidsMoon Stone so before you ask me to watch over her please don’t” she replied, turning her attention to his little sister she finished, “I know you really want him to stay home today Moon Dancer but you’re brother is right that he needs to work in order to provide a stable life for you”. Pouting Moon Dancer headed to her room while Starknight simply shook her head with a slight smirk etched on her face she sighed to herself. Seeing her reaction Moon Stone’s confidence began to waver as he started to let his thoughts dwell on the current situation. “I need to find someone to watch her I can’t just leave her here alone” he thought to himself flipping through his phone his eyes fell to one number in particular hoping that the person it belonged to would be willing to watch over his little sister. “I hope this works” he said out loud catching Starknights attention dialing the number he finished, “Please be home and please, be willing to watch my sis---” “Hello” “Hello Mrs. Smith its Moon Stone” he began getting a positive look from Starknight “I am in need of your services” closing his eyes he silently prayed to himself, “there was an incident at Moon Dancers school today due to this I need your help can you-well-that is would you be willing to watch my little sister for a few hours today”? “av course ay would be mawe than awful happy ta watch y'all's little sistur Moon Stone just bring hur down here ayn' ay'll watch hur faw ya” hearing him let out a sigh of relief, she added, “well whatcha waiting fur I ain't got all day sonny Ah’ll see you in a few hours”. “Thank you Mrs. Smith this means a lot to me” hanging up his phone he smiled finishing, “good now that is---” Hearing the front door open and slam shut quickly followed by a car horn blaring his eyes widened giving Starknight a confused look he hurried over to the living room window. Peering out he saw his sister Moon Dancer in the front seat of the patrol car beeping the car horn clearly showing she was very impatiently waiting to go. Feeling a finger tapping his shoulder he turned around locking eyes with Starknight. “Well are you going to stand there all day”? she asked, “or are you going to take your sister to Mrs. Smith's ranch so she can have some fun and perhaps learn about the animals and plants that Granny Smith has up there”? Leading Starknight out of the house he closed the door being sure to lock it getting to the car first Starknight opened the front and door knelt down. Giving Moon Dancer a nod locking eyes with her she grinded. “Come on hurry up” she heard Moon Dancer wine “I want to go see all the neat animals and learn about the plants and, and oh, what else do you do on a farm”? “Well tell you what” Starknight pleasantly began “if you hop out and get into the back seat I’ll tell you what else you can do on a farm”. “Really” she exclaimed with excitement her eyes beamed with joyful happiness “cool I’m going to learn so much today this is so exciting”. Quickly getting out of the front seat and into the back passenger seat Moon Dancer buckled in while her brother got into the front left passenger seat. Starknight climbed in shut the door and started up the car backing out of the driveway heading down the street a few moments later coming to a stop sign she turned on the radio before looking both ways. “In today's news” everyone heard over the radio “we have two mangled bodies found near the Canterlot Harbor”. “Looks like we might have to take that case sergeant” she heard Moon Stone say picking up the cars mic he added, “Dispatch this is car sexyfour seven do you want us to take that ten - thrity nine”? “That’s a ten - seventy four officers there is already three ten - sixties in the local area continue about your duties”. The dispatcher replied. Hanging up the mic he grunted to himself catching both Starknights and Moon Dancers attention turning a corner Starknight glanced over to him. Noticing he was annoyed by the lack of assignments he was getting remembering her own lack of assignments she chuckled to herself. Letting her thoughts shift to her first few days on the force in Mainehatten New Bork. Tilting her head to the right and being a bit curious herself Moon Dancer chimed in, “What's a ten - sixty Moon Stone and can we go to the area that has that body that we heard about over the radio”? “Well depending on how you use it Moon Dancer honey” he replied, “it could mean that an officer such as Sergeant Starknight here could use some back up” receiving a quirked eyebrow from Starknight he quickly added “or it could mean that other officers are already on the scene and don’t require any backup” looking ahead he smirked to himself “in this case kido it means that we don’t need to go there besides that you uh, don’t need to see a dead body at least not at your age” he finished. “Or any age for that matter” Starknight injected taking a right turn she stopped at a red light turning around she looked into Moon Dancers eyes for a few seconds before adding, “listen kid, it sounds like you want to learn all you can about being a cop. While I can tell you that it is an exciting job there are aspects of this job that you at your young age you don’t need to know about or hear about”. “Aww phooey” she whined in protest “that doesn’t sound like any fun to me besides I wanted to see my big brother in action”. Turning back around and heading further into the country Starknight bit her lower lip thinking to herself, “God I wish I could make it clear to her why she shouldn’t become a police officer”. Getting to Sweet Apple Acres a half hour later Starknight drove down the long dusty dirt road pulling up alongside a long wooden fence. Getting out of the car Moon Stone turned his shoulder radio volume down and opened the back door for his little sister as Granny Smith came up to the fence greeting them with a pleasant smile. “Can I go see the chickens and horses” Moon Dancer asked while she looked around for anything that would excite her curiosity, “I promise I won’t bother them I just want to look at them,” she finished trying to look away from Granny Smith who gave her a sympathetic stare clearly taking notice of Moon Dancers blackeye and split lip. “Sure thing kido” Her brother replied watching her scamper off. “How done y'all's little sistur get that there awful a-lookin' split lip ayn' blaykeye” Turning his attention fully to Granny Smith he frowned replying, “She got that from two girls that have been bulling her at school.” Looking towards the direction his sister ran off in he continued, “thanks again ever so much for doing this Mrs. Smith I’ll get her backpack from the car” turning to get his sister bag from the car he looked over his shoulder finishing, “It pains me greatly to see her hurt like that, that’s why I am pulling her from school as soon as I am able to do so. I want her to go to a school where this type of thing doesn’t happen”. Turning to watch Moon Dancer run towards the horse carel Mrs. Smith sighed letting her thoughts dwell on her mother. “Ay see.” she finally growled out in anger tightening her hand into a fist “Why when ay were hur age my mowthur would have whipped the floaw with the person that evur dare lay ayy hand on me.” Feeling a soft firm hand resting on her shoulder she sniffed fighting back her tears gently patting Moon Stones hand she added, “Ma would have taken hur belt off and given them bullies ay darn good crak on the skull ayn' ay tell ya what Moon Stone that there would be that there naw mawe bullies”. “I am sure she would have made them pay dearly for hurting you Mrs. Smith” He softly replied watching her turn around the two locked eyes for a moment offering her a smile as best as he could, he added, “you wouldn’t happen to have some old clothing my sister could use while she is up here would you Mrs. Smith”? “Why sure ay do y'all's little sistur ken use some ov Applejak's old cloths ay am sure they will fit hur just fine” she replied watching him head over to the police car, “My granddaughtur’s will be home in ay few hours Applejaks away at school and Apple Bloom’s away at summur camp right now. But when they get back ay am sure The'll wan-ta show y'all's sistur around ayn' perhaps Moon Dancur will also help with the chores around here”. “That'd be great” He replied picking up his sister backpack he carried it over to Granny Smith placing it into her hands adding, “now she has her homework to do as well so be---” His words were cut short when both heard Starknight yell to them from the car, “Moon Stone get in now we need to leave”! Spinning around he ran towards the car getting in giving her a concerned look leaving Granny Smith to shake her head and carry Moon Dancers backpack towards the farm house. Starknight slammed her foot into the gas growling out into the car’s mic, “This is squad sixty four seven we are ten-seventy six copying that ten-twenty four repeat we are copying that ten-twenty four”! Knowing that ten-twenty four meant officer down Moon Stone braced himself for what was sure to be a rough afternoon. Flipping on the sirens he pressed his back into the soft leather of the police cruiser noticing the speedometer was trembling just past one hundred twenty two. Gripping the doors handle he gulped as Starknight took a sharp right leaving only tread marks behind the only indication that they were ever there. Blaring the horn she screamed out to a velchel that wasn’t yielding to her right of way, “Get the hell out of the way”!
Chapter 2 - Shimmering Solitude Part 1 of 3 : August 2nd, Tuesday, 6:00 AMSunlight rose over the city like a sprout emerging from within the earth as the night turned to dawn. Shadows that stretched across the city streets receded as if scared away by the morning daylight. Within the trees, birds woke, gearing up for a new day while the more nocturnal ones retreated into the dark areas. People within Canterlot joined in as well, going through the same routine. Although they did it with more reluctance than their furry, feathered and scaly-skinned counterparts. A girl could be seen in the sky of light pink, orange and dusty gray, soaring through the air like an airplane after liftoff. Every several moments, the girl flapped her wings, the feathered membranes gleaming in the sunlight. A few feathers fell, she noticed them falling and swooped downwards catching them before they touched the ground or fell into the wrong hands the girl safely tucked the feathers into her skirt pockets. The girl rose back to the sky as her teal eyes stared at the incoming city. Her hair flew gracefully behind her, her bangs whipping around her face but not in front. She paid little mind to her hair whipping around her ears and lower neck, for the girl had more important and tragic things that were on her mind. “By the Goddess, I can’t believe this is happening. Of all the things I thought that I’d find while on my nightly flight, I never thought I’d find what I did.” Fluttershy McPherson said softly, her voice filled with sadness. “Oh, why did things have to turn out like this?” Feeling her eyes watering, Fluttershy lifted an arm to her face, wiping at the liquid threatening to fly out of her eyes. Pulling her arm away, she saw the outlines of what looked to be birds flying towards her, recognizing them as geese. A gasped and a swerve later, Fluttershy quickly moved out of the way as they zoomed past her. Her ears took in their honking and she found herself smiling by its pleasantness as she waved at them. Watching as they slowly vanished into the ever-brightening morning sky. “My goodness, I’m out of it today? I guess the situation with Sunset left me more worked up than I thought.” Fluttershy muttered as she pushed her hair away from her face. She gave another flap of her wings as she passed by numerous houses, faintly paying attention to the people getting up for the day. “I can’t believe it ended up this way. And right after we managed to turn her back to normal from that horrible monster.” A frown drew its way onto Fluttershy’s face as the thought back to what had led up to her horrible discovery. She, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash had all been attending the Annual Canterlot High Junior High School Fall Formal said to be going off that night. One of their companions was a dimension traveling girl named Twilight Sparkle. A girl who was from a world where according to her pastel-colored talking equines lived and behaved like humans. From what this girl had told her and her friends, she had come to their world because her crown was stolen by Sunset Shimmer. And Twilight came to get it back before it was used for more sinister purposes. By some miracle, the Canterlot Five somehow believed her, and even decided to help her get back her crown. Especially after finding out it was one of six important magical artifacts needed to protect her land. As thanks, the princess helped the girls prepare for the Fall Formal while preparing for the inevitable attack. Sometime during the party, Sunset had finally decided to instigate her plan to take over the school. With the help of Snips and Snails, she got Twilight’s crown and turned herself into a raging she-demon. Along with making all the Canterlot Highschool Students as her own personal zombified army. What happened afterwards was undoubtedly the longest ten minutes of Fluttershy’s young thirteen-year-old life. Watching as the demonized Sunset and her monstrous minions wreaked havoc on the School of Canterlot. Despite this, the girls were still able to activate their magic and defeat Sunset before she did permanent damage. Victory was theirs, but the damage that had been done to Sunset outweighed any feeling of accomplishment Fluttershy had. She could still remember the broken look on the girl’s face. Along with the despair in her voice when she expressed her doubts about learning to be a friend. “But… all I’ve ever done is push everyone away from me.” Sunset had sobbed while looking at the six girls with shattered eyes. “I don’t know the first thing about friendship… nothing at all.” “Yes, it’s true that you don’t.” Twilight had stated as she pulled the bruised and bloodied girl out of her crater, presenting her to the other girls. “But it doesn’t mean that they can’t teach you.” Fluttershy closed her eyes, feeling a mixture of happiness and sadness as she recalled that tender moment. While elated Twilight had chosen her and her friends to help Sunset, she was not exactly proud of the responses she got. Not from Sunset, but from the rest of the Canterlot Five, who were less than happy to be teachers to the one that bullied them. Fluttershy could still remember the objections from them when Twilight gave them their task. Rainbow Dash most of all, who laid into Sunset about how horrible she was for the atrocities Rainbow thought she had committed. “You are just the worst Sunset!” Fluttershy recalled Rainbow Dash shouting, as the rainbow haired girl towered over the bacon-haired girl as she cowered in fear under the athlete’s magenta gaze. “You pulled off a lot of stupid crap in the past, but this one is just way over the line! Starting a fight with me and my swim team?! What in the hell is wrong with you?!” “I…I-I’m sorry…!” Fluttershy recalled Sunset whimpering, her eyes darting to and fro in an effort to escape the verbal lashing being given to her. “I didn’t mean to start that fight… I-I was just-” “You were just what?!” Fluttershy recalled Rainbow Dash demanding, cutting Sunset off with such intensity that she almost fell back into the crater she had just been pulled out of. “You were just jealous?! So jealous of how awesome we were that you just had to ruin something good for us?! Real mature Sunset! Real, real mature!” “P-please! I’m so, so sorry! I never meant to hurt any of you! Honest!” Fluttershy recalled Sunset pleading with the Canterlot Five as she looked for any means of escape, while the frightened girl fought back the urge to cry again. “I was just so full of myself that I didn’t think about how much I was tearing you all apart! I didn’t think it would end that badly!” “Well, there’s something that we don’t hear every day.” Fluttershy recalled feeling angry as Rainbow spat; her lips pulled back into a snarl. “Always coming up with excuses and lies to make yourself look like a sad villain! Why don’t you just leave this school and never come back you no good-” “That is enough!” Fluttershy recalled having finally heard enough from Rainbow as she found herself the once timid scared girl suddenly yelling at her rainbow haired friend. The assertiveness in her tone made Rainbow go quiet as a graveyard while she and the other girls turned to her. “Rainbow Ashley Dash, don’t you dare go yelling at Sunset like that! Can you not see how beaten and broken she is right now?! There is no need for you to go at her so hard! Especially while she’s down!” “Fluttershy darling, why in the world are you defending her?” Fluttershy thought of how Rarity asked incredulously Fluttershy recalled giving Rarity a scornful stare as her friend spoke her next words. “Sunset is nothing but an uncouth oppressor! And a lady should never defend any that’s as an oppressing and uncouth ruffian such as this!” “I’m defending her because you four are being cruel to her for no reason!” Fluttershy sniffed trying to fight back her own tears at the memory of her reply, her anger had been steadily but slowly increasing with each second that passed by. “I get that we’ve had things happen to us because of her and she in turn got turned into a raging demon due to us, but you’re all taking it too far! We’re supposed to be helping her to see the error of her ways and become a better person! Not break her more than she already is!” “If ya ask me Fluttershy, we haven’t broken her enough.” Fluttershy closed her eyes recalling how Applejack had all but hissed at Sunset, spitting on the ground as she glowered at Sunset. “Ain’t nothin’ we can help about that varmint. All she is, is a lyin’ snake in a field o’ grass. The only thing we should help her do is slither back to where she done come from so she doesn’t poison us in th’ head with her venomous lies.” “Yeah! I’m with AJ on that!” Fluttershy’s eyes tightened and a few tears trickled down her cheeks as she recalled unhappily as her best friend Pinkie had nodded with a harumph. “We had just an amazing party going on and Sunset Shimmer ruined it for us and everyone else! This party pooper has no idea how much I looked forward to throwing a party that big! That wet-blanket should just go back to her party-pooping home and never come back!” “Speaking of leaving, why don’t I take care of that?” Fluttershy’s hands tightened into fist she recalled vividly as Rainbow added to her already unwanted suggestion. Fluttershy thought of how both of Rainbow’s hands came up to crack at the knuckles. “You don’t have anything to use as a hold on us anymore. And you sure as heck don’t have your little lackies to back you up either. That only leaves one thing to do.” Fluttershy remembered sadly seeing a sick grin of satisfaction spread across Rainbow’s face. She recalled how Rainbow had reached out grabbing Sunset by her jackets lapel and reached her arm back to throw the punch. Upon seeing the petrified look of sheer terroir in Sunset Shimmer's eyes and watching Sunset trembling in fear; it was almost as if Sunset herself was actually expecting to be hit at these words. “But I think I’ll be generous tonight and give you a free pass… if you manage to get out of my sight in the next ten seconds. Otherwise I'll beat your ass till you can't move any longer”. “Rainbow, don’t you dare hit Sunset Shimmer!” Fluttershy recalled how she finally couldn’t take any more of her friends' unwanted or needed aggression towards Sunset. She recalled vividly that before anyone around her could stop her she marched over to Rainbow Dash and grabbed friends' raised fist. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you need to stop right now before you get yourself and the rest of us in real trouble! or did you forget that we’re still on school grounds?! You know that you could potentially get yourself expelled, right?” “And what if I do?” Fluttershy remembered how Rainbow countered her question while pulling her arm away. “Whether I get kicked out or not, I would feel a whole lot better off if I was in a place that didn’t have her anywhere there!” Fluttershy recalled seeing Rainbow pointing an accusatory finger at Sunset as if she was coming upon a horrible adventure movie. “Sunset is done, Fluttershy! She’s no longer the self-proclaimed Queen of Canterlot High and Junior High School she always boasted about in the hallways! The sooner we get rid of her, the better!” “I have no doubt she’ll be punished for her actions, but this isn’t the way to do it!” Fluttershy remembered saying angrily. “If anyone should be punishing Sunset, it’s Principal Celestia not us! Neither of them let anything of this magnitude go unpunished, so I’m sure our principal will be giving Sunset a proper punishment to fit what she has done!” “I think my sister and I may be punishing more than one student, Fluttershy dear.” Recalling how Principal Celestia finally came to the rescue Fluttershy sighed remembering the angry look Rainbow gave Celestia. “Don’t give me that look Rainbow Ashely Dash! Listen here young lady you are two seconds away from being brought up on charges of assault now leave Sunset Shimmer alone!!” Fluttershy happily remembered how all four of her friends had paused at the sudden new voice, the sternness behind it prompting them to look to where it was coming from. All but one of them paled at seeing Vice-Principal Luna coming to where they were, her face matching her tone. Her teal eyes scanned each of the girls, looking over them as if she was piecing together an incredibly complicated math problem. Both finally settled on Rainbow Dash, who looked like her cyan skin was just a little bit lighter. Fluttershy smiled to herself recalling how Rarity had stammered out. “V-Vice Principal Luna!” remembering the worried look that Rarity had on her moon pale colored face Flutteshy remembered Rarity adding “What are you doing out here?! I thought you and Principal Celestia were with the other students?” Fluttershy stopped flying for a few moments and began to hover just above a few houses recalling Vice Principal Luna’s words to Rarity. “My sister wanted to know where Sunset was, so she sent me out here to look for her while she looked after the other students.” Luna had said so curtly, her voice had become flat and dark and face hard and scornful. “But I’m far more curious as to what’s going on out here.” Still hovering over the house Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes remembering how her friend who was always so honest had lied through her teeth to the vice principal “Uh, w-we weren’t doin’ anythin’ wrong Vice-Principal Luna!” Applejack tried to deny though it was clear that her fear of looking into Luna’s eyes, gave away the lie that Applejack was trying to spin. “W-way wuz gist makin’ shore thet Sunset wuz okay iz all”. “Is that so?” Fluttershy remembered, sad though it was that Luna had asked, seeing right through Applejack’s clear lies like she was looking through glass. “I’m assuming that also includes tearing the emotional skin off a student who looks like she was nearly burned alive?” Feeling that enough time had passed Fluttershy began to make her way back home once more. She gracefully soared through a grey cloud letting the cold moist air molecules slide down her soft warm skin. Flying past a few apartment buildings she recalled that before Rarity, Applejack or even Rainbow could reply, Pinkie had done it for them. “They sure did! Dashie and AJ really let Sunset Shimmer have it! I mean you should’ve seen them when they shouted at her! Heck Dashie was even threatening to beat her up if she didn’t go away! Fluttershy stopped her before she could do anything so that didn’t happen, but oh boy it was just wow!” Fluttershy remembered how each of her three friends except for herself had all shouted at Pinkie “Pinkie!” causing the cotton candy fluffy haired girl to look at them with a foolish gleeful look in her soft blue eyes. Landing on an apartment rooftop to catch her breath Fluttershy walked over to the ledge of the wooden rooftop and put her foot to the ledge. Looking out to the city beyond she shook her head recalling how angry Luna was at hearing Pinkie’s words and how Pinkie didn’t seem to notice or care. But mostly Fluttershy recalled how Luna’s eyes had severely narrowed. Fluttershy remembered Luna saying, "Really now? So not only were you girls hurting Sunset Shimmer with your words, you”, Fluttershy remembered Luna had marched over to Rainbow Dash glaring daggers at her and Rainbow stood her ground with her arms crossed just under her chest. “Rainbow Dash, according to your friend, were also planning on hurting Sunset with your fists as well?” Pushing off from the ledge of the building Fluttershy looked down, noticing a few people walking down the sidewalk towards a bus stop. She smiled while she flew above them watching a little girl in a red dress happily pick some flowers and the girl's mother laughing at the sight of the child waving her hand back and forth. Fluttershy’s mind shifted quickly however back to the Fall Formal and to what a friend had said to Luna that night. “N-now Vice-Principal, it’s not what it looks like!” Fluttershy recalled Rarity saying as her purple haired fashiondiva friend had been trying to weasel herself and her friends out of trouble, “What Pinkie Pie was saying was just utter nonsense! None of the things she said had really happened! It’s just her imagination! Y-yes, that’s it! Her imagination!” “I am well aware of Ms. Pie’s wild way of thinking young lady! No one can deny what goes on in your friend's head which I imagine is quite the rollercoaster.” Fluttershy recalled Luna had said levelly. “That being said, you and I also know that whatever she says is usually something she does not make-up. The level of honesty she exhibits is one that can even leave Ms. Applejack to shame, and something tells me what she said just now is not a lie.” Seeing a firehouse coming into view Flutteshy banked upwards and hovered for a few moments. Closing her eyes she listened to the Firefighters getting up and ready to begin their morning shift. She could hear one was eating a doughnut with peanuts on it another was cracking eggs over an open gas fire. While a third was making toast and complaining about there not being enough coffee. Fluttershy turned and flew towards the city park knowing she was half way home she recalled sadly her last few memories of the Fall Formal. Fluttershy flew over the park, looked down and saw a few cats climbing the trees. She recalled how Rainbow flat out challenged Luna’s authority. “Oh yeah, and how do you know that?!” Rainbow, much to Fluttershy’s shock, had regained a bit of confidence. “It was only just a few seconds ago that you came out here!” Fluttershy remembered Rainbow adding quite angrily, “There’s no way you could’ve known that what we said or did was really what happened! Even if one of us said it!” “That is where you are dead wrong Miss. Dash. You see I have seen all of this on the security cameras as has the security guard Corky” This is why I will be addressing this incident with your families once all is said and done here.” Luna declared, her words making Rainbow pale even harder. “Your curfew is getting closer to its end so you can either leave of your own free accord or stay and get arrested for criminal trespassing.” Fluttershy recalled quite vividly Rainbow balling her hand into a tight fist Luna was unfazed by Rainbows antics “As for you Ms. Dash, we’ll be discussing your punishment for trying to physically harm another student.” “What?! B-but we didn’t do anything!” Fluttershy recalled how Rainbow had protested but stopped upon seeing Luna’s eyes sharpen. “This was all Sun---” “It was not a suggestion, Miss. Dash, that you all leave and leave immediately. That was an order.” Fluttershy recalled Luna saying, Luna’s tone of voice was firm but dark. Fluttershy remembered looking into Luna’s eyes. They were cold as ice. The older woman never once took her gaze off of Rainbow who stared back at Luna like a deer in headlights. “My patience is wearing very thin at the moment, and I don’t have nearly enough to deal with this.” Letting the athlete know she was not messing around Luna stepped forward placing herself between Sunset and Rainbow. “So, stop what you are doing right now before the severity of your punishment is increased. Or do you wish to be expelled like Ms. Fluttershy said ``may happen if you continue with this behavior?” For a moment, Rainbow looked like she wanted to keep arguing with the Vice Principal and fight for her innocence. However, the glare from the Vice Principal and the sound of Her parent’s car pulling up was the final push Rainbow needed to give up. Growling lowly, she huffed and turned to storm off towards her parents’ car. The rest of the girls left, but not before Rainbow threw a final verbal assault at Sunset. Fluttershy stayed for a bit longer, watching as Sunset sobbed and sniffed while wiping her tears away. Eventually, Fluttershy too went on her way, barely registering the sounds of Luna’s conversation with Sunset while making her way home. More tears filled Fluttershy’s eyes as the recollection of the later hours played in her mind over and over. She could still remember the pain in her chest from seeing Sunset weak and broken as if she had lost everything precious to her. So much did Fluttershy want to take her in her arms and make everything hurting her go away. Sadly, Luna had made it clear that she would handle Sunset, leaving the shy girl with no other choice but back off for now. While walking back home, Fluttershy suddenly found herself wanting to check on Sunset for some reason. Not one to ignore her gut instincts, Fluttershy went back to the scene of the battle to see what had happened to the bacon-haired girl. From there, she watched the former bully go through various scenarios. Being found by a kind-hearted police officer, defending their Principal’s unjust actions, and running from the only help she was given. Fluttershy felt her heart break the longer she watched. Even more so after making her discovery of Sunset not having a home. She didn’t know how or why her former bully was in such a situation, but Fluttershy cared not for it. What she did know was that Sunset needed help. How that would happen was uncertain, but it had to be done. Or else the former bully was at a risk of being in far more danger than she already was. ‘Easier said than done at this point.’ Fluttershy thought, her brows furrowing. ‘I really wish that the girls didn’t react the way they did. Sunset was already beaten down! They were just being mean to her!’ Her teeth came to bite at her lower lip, her soft hands clenched as if she was gripping tightly to twin stress balls. ‘Rainbow Dash is the guiltiest of all for saying what she said. Even if they were true, it was still a rotten thing to do. Rainbow Dash will definitely be getting a very stern talking to the next time I see her. By the Goddess Danu this has been a horrible night!’ Pushing the thoughts out of her head for the time being, Fluttershy refocused on her flying. Her wings gave continuous gentle beats as they carried her through the sky and clouds high above the city. From buildings to stores, she passed them all, until she made it to a large expansion of houses. As the cool morning wind brushed against her face, she spotted her house coming up within her field of vision. Fluttershy smiled to herself, happy that she had managed to get home without crashing into a tree. Arching herself upwards, she gave a little quick beat of her wings to let herself land on her home balcony. “Home sweet home.” Fluttershy muttered to herself as she hopped down from the balcony railing onto the wooden floor. Closing her eyes, she concentrated her energy on her wings, feeling as they began to fade. In less than a second, they were gone, leaving two small tattoos where her wings used to be. Satisfied her wings were well hidden, Fluttershy opened her balcony door and went inside. Her nostrils flared as the scent of flowers whisked its way into her nasal cavities like smoke from a cigar. Her ears were then greeted with the squeaks of her bunny, Angel, who woke up upon hearing her. Smiling, she reached out and gave him a little scratch upon his head, and he closed his eyes at the gentleness of her soft touch. After kissing him on the nose, she went to her closet for a new pair of clothes to change into. “I have to help Sunset. There’s absolutely no reason for her to be out on the streets. I also want to help her become a better person. I can tell that she wants it as well.” Fluttershy said to herself, silently gathering up her new clean clothing and heading into the bathroom for a nice hot shower. Turning the water on and testing it with her hand she added, “I just wish that the other girls could see it. Although I can’t really blame them, none of us can just leave her like this, especially after Twilight had asked us to help her. Maybe I can talk to my parents about this… they always seem to know what to do.” With this idea set in her mind, Fluttershy took her shower, washing herself for a half-hour without any issues. Turning off the water and drying off Fluttershy got dressed and headed downstairs. She walked into the kitchen, only for a clattering sound made her pause as a curse followed suit. Entering it, she found herself staring at a young boy picking up some scattered utensils. She looked to her left and saw her mother was at the kitchen stove making her usual pot and cup of tea while her father sat at the kitchen table reading a newspaper. Wordlessly, Fluttershy went to the fridge, the sound of her opening its door alerting the trio to her presence. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite big sister.” Zephyr drawled brassily, setting a large pot on the counter. “Finally decided to be an early bird to get the worm, eh?” “I don’t have time or the patience for your games Zephyr.” Fluttershy said neutrally, not bothering to look at him. Walking over to a cupboard, she reached inside and took out a medium sized tube of oatmeal and a bowl to pour it into. “I want to eat my breakfast without you getting in the way so please leave me alone”. With that she walked over to the kitchen sink and put some water into the bowl before putting it into the microwave ignoring the worried looks she got from her parents. “Honey please don’t talk to your brother like that” Her mother softly said, “It’s not very nice and neither I nor your father wants to be, referee this early in the morning”. “I ...” Fluttershy began but quickly changed her approach upon receiving a concerned look from her mother, “you’re right mom it wasn’t very nice” Turning her attention to her brother she offered him a weak smile not receiving her smile in return she turned her attention to her father, “Good morning Dad, did you sleep well last night?” Mr. MacPherson, who was reading his newspaper, lowered it to address his daughter. “Oh, I’m so sorry honey, I wasn’t paying attention. Yes, I slept very well last night; thank you for asking.” “Zephyr accept your sister's apology” Mrs. MacPherson softly said, taking a seat at the table “You know she didn’t mean to be so harsh with you”. “But mom---” Zephyr tried to protest, stopping when his father lowered his morning paper giving the boy a stern look “Oh, very well”. Clearing his throat Zephyr stuck out his hand to his sister who took his hand into her own “I fully accept your apology sis”. “Good now there will be no further arguing or fighting within this household” Mrs. MacPherson said adding, “Fluttershy dear did you sleep well last night?” Getting up Mrs. MacPherson headed to the stove, got her kettle and brought it over to the table setting a teacup on the table and kettle down on a hot pad she sat back down picking up the cup taking a sip of her tea she added “Is your back bothering you honey? There is some ointment in my medicine cabinet upstairs if it is.” “I… didn’t really sleep last night.” Fluttershy replied, somberly softly. “Don’t worry, my back feels fine mom. I’ll be alright.” after turning the microwave on. A sigh left her as she leaned in against the counter while looking at her parents. “I didn’t really get back home until just a little while.” “Were you out late with your friends last night?” Mr. MacPherson asked inquisitively. “I’m not mad about it, I’m just wondering.” “You could say that. Something happened between us while we were at school and we, um… got into a bit of a fight.” Fluttershy explained, hugging herself while looking away. “I didn’t want it to happen but … it did.” “Oh my, that doesn’t sound good…” Mrs. MacPherson murmured, giving her daughter a look of worry. “Did Rainbow do something to make you angry again?” “Yes, but it wasn’t just her that made me upset.” Fluttershy nodded before quickly adding. “Not this time at least.” “Ah, so you had a fallout with all of your friends, huh?” Zephyr asked sleazily, curiosity filling him as he leaned in towards his sister. “Come on sis, you can tell me I promise I won’t make this any bigger than it already is”. “Yeah, sure you won’t.” Fluttershy merely gave him a raised eyebrow as she gently pushed him back. At that same moment, before scrunching her face up, she furiously rubbed at her nose. “Ack, your breath stinks Zephyr! Why do you want to know what happened last night anyways?” “Oh, come on sis my breath doesn’t smell that bad!” He whined in protest. “I’m just curious as to what would’ve happened that caused you to be upset with all of your friends; Rainbow Dash especially.” Her younger brother replied, giving a non-caring shrug that didn’t do anything to hide his curiosity. “It’s cool if you don’t want to tell me, but wouldn’t it be helpful for you if you confided in me about what happened.” “As tempting as that is, I’d rather not.” Fluttershy said curtly, listening as the microwave let off a ding. “Every time I do tell you about what’s bothering me, you may make it into a bigger problem than it is. And that is not something that I need or want. Especially in this situation.” Zephyr held his chest, as if his sister’s words pierced it like an arrow flying into it. “Ouch sis, that hurts. I’m surprised that you have so little faith in me. Do you really not trust me that you won’t even confide in me about your life?” An urge to shout out a confirmation rose in Fluttershy’s chest that she forced down with a deep calming breath. To say she held no trust for her brother about her problems would be like saying that the wolf was nothing more than a feral version of a domestic dog. For her whole life, there were hardly any times that Zephyr acted as a confidant for the things troubling her. Each time she felt he could be trusted, he went and did the same thing over and over again, thus breaking her heart. Over the years, Fluttershy learned not to rely on Zephyr with her secrets or anything that was causing her turmoil. Especially when she became a teenager and he turned eleven, and the problems became personal and serious. She loved her brother dearly, but there was no way she could ever see him as someone to open up to. “…Do you really want me to answer?” Fluttershy’s reply was short and to the point as she grabbed her breakfast and went to the kitchen table. “It’s not like anything good has come of it in the past. You always run off and either tell your own friends about the problems I’m facing or make the problem bigger than what it is instead of keeping it to yourself. That should be an indication as to why I don’t tell you anything anymore.” “Hey now, I don’t go around telling people what’s bothering you.” Zephyr denied, while crossing his arms. “I’m good at keeping secrets when the time comes! What about that time when you came to me and told me that you had wanted to hang out with Rainbow Dash? I didn’t tell anyone about that, did I?” “Not to the people we both knew. Those that we know separately. Now that’s a different story.” Fluttershy replied, watching Zephyr smile triumphantly before shattering his pride with her next sentences. “I remember one time you had your friends over and you were all hanging out in your room. I brought you some cookies, and one of them happened to congratulate me on finding some new friends to hang out with” Fluttershy, angry by his words, shot her brother a glare which instantly ended her brother's useless prattle as her mother rubbed her back comfortingly. “I think you can guess who’s at fault for that.” “Come on sis! You know I didn’t mean for that to happen!” Zephyr said in a feeble attempt at self-defense. “They were just probing me to tell them something juicy and it just slipped out! I really tried to deflect it, but they just wouldn’t let it go! I didn’t know what I was supposed to do!” “Maybe tell them to stop or walk away when they didn’t get the message? Instead of giving into the peer pressure of others?” Fluttershy suggested offhandedly, biting into her spoon of oatmeal. Zephyr winced. “I could’ve, but I didn’t wanna disappoint the boys with something boring. I guess I was so desperate to keep the group hyped that your… wanting to hang out with her was the first thing I thought of. Heh, you know me… always doing the first thing that comes to mind.” “Now there’s an unexpected surprise.” Fluttershy uttered softly, rolling her eyes while eating her breakfast. “And you wonder why I don’t select you as a confidant anymore…” “I see, so that’s how it’s going to be today huh?” Zephyr asked, his face scrunching up as his eyes well up. “Well, I can see that I’m obviously not wanted here if you’re being this grumpy towards me in the morning. Alright then, I’ll give you your alone time. You always preferred that over me anyway.” “I wonder why I did…” Fluttershy mumbled sarcastically as her brother made his way to the front door. “Don’t let the door hit you on your way out!” “Hold it right there.” Mr. MacPherson’s soft but firm voice stopped Zephyr in his tracks as he faced the stern eyes of his father. “Aren’t you forgetting something young man?” “What? Oh yeah! I almost forgot my backpack…” He replied spinning around to the item that was next to a sliding glass door. Ignoring the scornful look that he got from his sister, Zephyr gave a little wave to his family. “See you guys later! Don’t wait up for me!” None of the trio said anything in response as the boy exited the kitchen and went straight for the door. It was only when they heard it close did any of them make a move, Fluttershy being the first one to do so. Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson watched as she held her head, gripping her hair as if trying to yank clumps of it out. In an effort to comfort her, Mrs. MacPherson got up and walked over to hug her, giving a soft kiss to Fluttershy’s forehead. “Feeling alright honey?” The gentle woman asked, breaking the slowly calming silence. “Come with me upstairs honey. I’ll put some ointment on your back before you head out for school. I don’t want you walking around with a sore back and letting the nurse see those scars of yours.” Getting up from the table, Fluttershy followed her mother upstairs to her mother’s bedroom, leaving Mrs. MacPherson to keep reading his paper. Their footsteps gave soft thumps as they went down the hall towards the older woman and her husband’s bedroom. She opened the door and let Fluttershy go in first, giving a single glance down the hallway before following. Closing the door behind her, Mrs. MacPherson laid her hands on Fluttershy’s shoulders, turning her daughter around. Raising up the back of her daughter’s shirt, Mrs. MacPherson sighed looking at the tattoo-like wings covering her daughter's shoulder blades. “Honey, tell me the truth. Did you lose any feathers while you were out flying last night?” She asked, making the girl turn to her. “I promise I won’t get angry. I just want to know if you’ve been flying too fast and where people may see you.” “Y-yes mom I did. B-but don’t worry, I gathered them up right before they hit the ground or fell into anyone’s hands.” Fluttershy replied. “I have them in my room in my skirt pocket if you want to see them.” Her mother shook her head, letting her know she wanted no evidence of Fluttershy’s statement, instinctively knowing her daughter wasn’t lying. Turning to a large wooden medicine cabinet that hung on her wall above her dresser, Mrs. MacPherson opened it taking out a wooden jar. Placing her hand on the cork stopper, she twisted it to the right, opening it and taking out a small amount of blue gel. Fluttershy smiled softly as her mother applied the gel to her back, the coolness and the smooth texture sending a wave of pleasure down her spine. “Honey, do you understand why I asked you if you lost any feathers?” Her mother asked. “Yes, Mom I do.” Fluttershy replied solemnly. “It was because Angelic gave me a gift and I mustn’t abuse it. I also mustn’t let any humans see my wings or let them know that the Angein exist. If that ever happens, it could and more than likely would cause a lot of trouble for us and everyone else that got involved.” “Exactly.” Mrs. MacPherson nodded, giving a faint note. “Angelic has been telling me that due to what happened, she is trying to keep you out of the war that she is in. She doesn't want you to get involved in matters such as that, and I don't want you involved either. War is not for a thirteen year old girl not now not ever”. “I know Mom, I know.” Fluttershy agreed, lowering her head. “I’m sorry I did what I had done last night. I knew I was taking a risk when I was showing my wings, but… what went down last night was just so awful that I needed to do something to clear my head. It won’t excuse what I did, I’m aware of that but-” “It’s okay honey.'' Her mother spoke softly, “Like I said I am not mad. I was just making sure you knew what might happen if you let yourself be seen in your Angein Form.” Mrs. MacPherson interrupted with a gentle head pat as she finished applying the gel. “We Dukán’s kept the world of the Angein secret for nine thousand years with no soul knowing about them, even today. It would be very bad for us if someone were to learn of their existence. What you have admitted to doing last night, while it might have been completely innocent, it was still very risky.” “I know mom I know and I am sorry” Fluttershy sighed as her mother turned around, helping her to pull her shirt down. “I wasn’t taking into account how it would mess things up for us.” “As I said dear, I’m not looking for any apologies. Everyone has their bad days, including us, and we will need our alone time every now and again.” Mrs. MacPherson held her daughter’s face in her hands like she was holding a kitten. “I want you to promise me from now on not to use your wings so carelessly like that again. You were very lucky that no one was able to see you due to it being so late at night. But I’d like it if you used other ways to channel your anger that are safer, and not use your wings unless there’s no other choice.” “But Mom, I-” “Promise me!” Mrs. MacPherson begged, hugging her daughter’s head tightly to her bosom. “Please honey, promise me this one thing. I felt so scared when I found out you lost your feathers during your flight. If anyone were to discover your identity, I don’t know what I, or your father would do. It’s a lot to ask Fluttershy, I know, but… please… just do this one thing? For me?” Fluttershy sighed defeatedly, returning her mother’s hug as she gave a mutter in response. “Okay Mom, I’ll do it… I’ll do it for you.” “Thank you Fluttershy.” Her mother cooed, giving a tender kiss to Fluttershy’s forehead. “Now that we have that out of the way, I want to address another issue. I noticed that you and Zephyr were not getting along very well recently. Did he do something to annoy you again?” “Oh, right… that.” Fluttershy murmured, pulling her head away from her mother’s chest. “I didn’t mean for you guys to see me behave the way I did a few minutes ago. I don’t know what set me off, but Zephyr was just making me so… angry. I didn’t mean to come off as so snappy in front of you or Dad. It’s just… I really hate it when he acts like that sometimes.” “I know you do, sweetheart.” Mrs. MacPherson said, leading Fluttershy back downstairs and to the kitchen table. Taking a seat next to her father, she let go of her mother’s hand as her mother continued her talking. “We don’t like it any more than you do. It’s just that Zephyr is in a stage where he’s feeling a little… well, rebellious. It happens with a lot of kids, so it’s not like it’s a big surprise.” “As true as that may be, it’s no reason for either of you to deal with his antics.” Fluttershy replied adamantly. “It’s even less of an excuse to let him act the way he is acting!” “Which is why your mother and I are doing our best to lead and guide your brother in the right direction so he can properly grow.” Mr. MacPherson agreed, letting his daughter calm down before he continued. “A lot of our neighbors have come to us and complained about him and what he does. We’ve taken all of it into account and we both realized we need to get more involved in his life. That is a big mistake we made after he had gotten kicked out of Crystal Prep, and one we don’t intend on making again.” “I hope you’re able to. I’m getting sick of being the one having to clean up after his messes and be the one to apologize for it.” Fluttershy replied, thinking back on the six-hour task she endured with one of the neighborhood cats. “I’m still mad at him for what he did to Professor Zooling’s cat Mr. Squeaky. It took me six hours to clean his coat after Zephyr turned it pink and covered it with glitter! I fully thank Cernunnos, I found him just after it happened. Who knows what the damage might have been to that cat’s fur and body due to what my brother did!” “Well, we never really know until we try, do we honey?” Mrs. MacPherson asked, holding back a wince at what her daughter said. “Don’t worry. While it may not look like it now, your brother will take things more seriously at some point. It’s certainly not going to happen immediately, but it will if we just give him a push in the right direction. And like we said before, he’s going through a phase. It’ll surely pass soon.” “If you both say so” Fluttershy sighed and nodded. “I just hope that it’ll happen soon, because I don’t see myself listening to his complaining in the future. The last thing I wanna be is his therapist for the next twenty years. His wakeup call had better come hard and fast, or else I’m going to bury my head like an ostrich in a desert.” “You and us both, dear.” Mrs. MacPherson said, giggling at her daughter’s last sentence. “Now, run along honey. If you stay here much longer, you’re gonna be late for school. I do believe that Rainbow is supposed to be going to school with you if I recall.” “Yes, I know, I’m sorry for getting off track like that.” Fluttershy nodded, getting up from her seat and walking over to her backpack that was by the kitchen entrance. Picking it up, she paused and looked back at her parents nervously. “Actually Mom, Dad, before I head off, I wanted to talk to you about something. Something very, um… important and personal.” Mr. MacPherson, sensing the tone in his daughter’s voice, asked, “And what’s that sweetie? Does it have to do with your friend Rainbow?” “N-no, it’s not that!” Fluttershy replied, waving her hands as her face heated up. “It actually has to do with my school. Y-you see… I was wondering how you two would feel about me wanting to help someone who bullied me in the past?” “By ‘helping’, do you mean making them into a much better person?” Mrs. MacPherson asked innocently, giving a slight raise of her eyebrow. At her daughter's soft nod, both she and her husband shared a smile before she went on. “If that’s the case then why even ask dear? I said it before and so has your father. We believe that it’s wonderful of you to help a person become something more than what they were. It isn’t like it hasn’t succeeded before. Like it did with that Dumbbell boy at that Everfree Camp Group you went to for the summer.” “I’m aware, and I appreciate your support for me while doing this.” Fluttershy nodded, giving her parents a thankful smile as she blushed at the memory. “But… that’s not why I’m asking.” “What is it then?” Mr. MacPherson asked patiently, his tone soft so as to not scare his daughter. Fluttershy breathed in deeply. “See, the person I want to help is the same one that was giving me problems not more than six months ago. That one that I talked to you guys about a few times when I first started going to Canterlot Junior and High school.” It took less than a second for the MacPherson’s to figure out what their daughter meant. Once they did, Mrs. MacPherson was the one to voice it out. “You wouldn’t happen to be talking about Sunset Shimmer, would you?” “…Yes.” Fluttershy winced, curling her fingers within her hands. “She’s the person that I’m aiming to help right now. T-that was why… I wanted your input on it.” Neither of her parents said anything for a second, letting their teen daughter’s words sink in like a sponge soaking up water. All the while, their daughter stood silently, confined to her spot like her parents’ lack of response kept her from moving. She was totally expecting them to be upset with what she was planning. To express some disapproval or rebuttal over her genuinely noble actions with reasonable explanations. All of this, along with her fear of their criticism, was why she was all the more surprised by their response. One that came out so small, yet so unexpected. “Is that all?” Her mother softly asked, her response making Fluttershy jump. “Honey, are you sure about this? I mean really sure?” Her father asked, his words so soft that they felt like pillows Fluttershy could lay her head on. “Fluttershy, we’ll be here whenever you need us. And if you need our help to help her then please, let us know so we can help.” Fluttershy blinked, her parents’ words not completely processing in her head. “W-what?” she asked in a timid whisper. “Is that all you wanted to know, sweetie?” Mrs. MacPherson asked, smiling warmly. “We already gave you our answer about wanting to help a former bully. Does it really matter who it is?” “W-well, I guess it doesn’t but… t-this is different!” Fluttershy exclaimed, turning to her parents. “This is not some typical bully that steals your lunch money or trips you in the hallways or takes your books! I’m talking about the self-proclaimed Ruler of Canterlot Junior High and High School! The one person that even the normal bullies are afraid of and back away from! The infamous Flaming Hornet of the school! That Sunset Shimmer!” “I’m aware of that Fluttershy, and so is your mother. Believe me, we’ve heard plenty of tales from the other kids here in the neighborhood.” Mr. MacPherson nodded, wrapping a loving arm around his wife’s shoulder. “In spite of that, none of us are upset about what you’re doing. And don’t see a reason to be upset about it. “…Really?” The pink-haired animal lover asked, dumbfounded. “Y-you’re really not upset about what I’m doing or what I want to do?” “No parent worth their dignity would ever be upset with their children for wanting to do the right thing.” Mrs. MacPherson replied, a firm undertone coating her gentle voice. “It’s just you giving a hand to someone who needs it. Nothing more, nothing less.” For a moment, Fluttershy was at a loss for words, completely taken aback by her parent’s words like she wasn’t really expecting them. A feeling of silliness filled her at this thought, and she very nearly kicked herself for thinking so. It was no shock to anyone, Fluttershy included, that Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson were some of the kindest and understanding people in their neighborhood. Very rarely did they get angry, and when that happened, it was usually leveled and controlled, and not really over the top. Judgment was something they hardly displayed as well. Usually for something that was perfectly reasonable, bullying included. Combined with how much Fluttershy suffered under Sunset, she was less than hopeful about gaining her parents’ support. It seemed now that it was nothing more than paranoia eating away at her. “Oh my… t-this is really a surprise.” Fluttershy muttered after taking her parents' words in. “I didn’t really expect you guys to be on board with this. I thought that you would say something that was opposing… or something along those lines.” “If we were any other couple with kids and they were having a bully problem, we probably would have.” Mr. MacPherson shrugged. “But we don’t really see it that way. We can both tell that even though you endured a lot with Sunset, you still believe she’s good and can be something better. You also don’t have any grudge against her for what she did to you, nor do you hate her, and you’re not helping her because of obligations. You’re doing it based on choice, and that’s all we need to know to support you in your decision.” Fluttershy frowned. “In what way did I say that I was helping Sunset because I felt obligated to do it? It’s because my feelings about it are genuine! Not because of pity!” “Neither of us said that dear.” Mrs. MacPherson stated in a calming voice. “All we’re saying is that it is because you’re doing it out of the goodness of your heart that we’re glad you’re doing this. If we felt you were helping Sunset because you felt pity for her, we would’ve at least advised you to think more on it.” “O-oh… well, that makes sense.” Fluttershy said softly, her feeling of hurt leaving her faster than a falcon diving upon a duck. “I-I’m sorry for getting upset with both of you like that… I didn’t think clearly on what both of you were trying to convey.” “No apologies needed dear. We should’ve specified ourselves better there.” Mr. MacPherson waved the apology off. “Just… be careful sweetheart. Like your mother stated, you suffered a lot while being bullied by Sunset and… we don’t want to see that happen again if we can help it.” “Neither do I.” Mrs. MacPherson nodded, her worried look matching her husband’s own. “Don’t get the wrong idea, it’s not that we believe Sunset will hurt you again. It’s just that even if you’re willing to forgive Sunset for what she did, that doesn’t mean everyone that she hurt will. Grudges and spite can run deep, and it wouldn’t make sense if no one held any grudge or some form of spite for Sunset due to her past actions. Your friends also fit this scenario, and I know at least one or two of them would still think she’s a bad person.” “Yes, that is true. And to answer your questions, yes I am sure about helping her.” Fluttershy nodded, agreeing fully with her mother’s statement. “I’m not naïve enough to think everyone will forgive her just like that. Some of the things she did cut deep in a lot of the other students before the Fall Formal. It’s not like that’s gonna go away, if ever, and I do know many will hold those against her for a very long time.” She looked up as her eyes filled with determination. “Still, that doesn’t mean Sunset deserves to be all alone. One thing that I know that many cannot stand is loneliness and being around those who make you feel you’re alone. I don’t want to be that person. I want to be the one that Sunset can confide in. The one that won’t make her feel alone and believe she has at least one friend. Even if no one else will do it, I really want to be that person. And if that means sharing the backlash with her, that’s what I’ll do.” “In that case, we both wish you good luck on your task.” Mr. MacPherson said, chuckling at his daughter’s declaration. “All that we ask is that you make your decisions wisely Fluttershy. Not that we don’t believe you won’t do so, but irrational decisions can be bad. If you’re not careful, you might end up doing more harm to Sunset than what you’re really intending. So please make sure that any decision you make will be beneficial rather than consequential.” “I’ll be sure to remember that.” Fluttershy replied, walking over to her parents and hugging them both. “Thank you so much for this, both of you. You have no idea how happy this makes me.” “I think we have a good hunch as to how happy you are right now dearie.” Mrs. MacPherson said, her hand coming to stroke Fluttershy’s soft hair. “Now, I think you’d better get moving now. Rainbow should be here any minute now to take you to school. And something tells me she’ll be pounding on our door if you’re not outside soon.” Fluttershy gasped, the memory of what she was just about to do hitting her like a swan slapping her with its wings. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot!” Swiftly turning around, she adjusted her backpack on her shoulders as she rushed for the door. “See you two later!” Barely registering her parents' loving responses, Fluttershy got her scarf hanging on the front door before wrapping it around her neck. She just barely got it around her neck before a loud knock on her door made her pause. From how it sounded, she immediately knew who it was on the other side, and she felt herself turn red. Her head hung low as she slowly opened it, feeling the sympathetic eyes of her parents pressing against the back of her skull as they both silently giggled to themselves. Mustering up all of the willpower she had left, Fluttershy looked up to see the annoyed eyes of Rainbow Dash. Awkward quietness passed between them for what felt like an hour as the girls looked at each other, their eyes telling more than their mouths did. Then, the latter’s eyes slowly furrowed a bit as she spoke, her tone synchronizing perfectly with her face. “Good morning.” Rainbow all but growled. A wince left Fluttershy’s lips and face as those words were spoken, the irritation hitting her like a horse’s kick to the chest. Whatever willpower she had vanished while she lowered her head, defeat coating her words as she uttered the same greeting. “G-Good morning… sorry for being late.” Fluttershy looked up as she struggled to meet Rainbow’s eyes. “You weren’t waiting long, were you?” “Nah, not really… except I was waiting out here for a total of ten whole minutes straight!” Came the athlete’s seemingly calm and now angry response. “That entire time was out here freezing my butt off while you-” She pointed a finger at Fluttershy like she had insulted her most favorite band. “-were in here in your nice cozy cottage doing who knows what! Are you seriously trying to let me get cold until I’m frozen solid?! Not cool Fluttershy! So not cool!” “No Rainbow, I’m sorry.” Fluttershy replied meekly, repeating her apology as she took her eyes away from her friend’s own. “I didn’t mean to make you stay out so long like that. I had a bit of a talk with my Mom about something serious… I should’ve paid more attention to the time.” “Darn right you should have! You’d better hope we don’t miss our morning chillaxing with the other girls, or else it’s going to be quite uncool at school if you know what I mean Shy” Rainbow grunted, giving a snort, “Anyway, let’s get going already.” “C-coming…!” Fluttershy stammered as she followed Rainbow outside. “By Mom and Dad! I’ll see you both after school!” “So long dear! Have a nice day!” Mrs. MacPherson said back as he and his wife waved back. As their daughter shut the door behind them, Mr. MacPherson turned to his wife and said, “Well, I think we can both agree that was a rather awkward moment.” “It was. Let’s hope that Fluttershy can make it up to Rainbow for making her wait so long to take her to school.” Mr. MacPherson said quietly, rubbing the back of his head. “Then again, we were the ones who kept her here for longer than necessary, so that’s mainly on us. We’re definitely going to have to make it up to our daughter later when she gets home.” “We can worry about that later.” Mrs. MacPherson stated, her hands coming to press against her husband's stomach. She smiled, feeling how soft and mostly round his belly was. “While our children are away, why don’t we take this time to fatten you up a little bit? You're getting a bit thin and I want you to get fatter. I want a nice plump, round, fat husband between my legs.” “That sounds wonderful dear.” Mr. MacPherson cooed. “Come on” Mr. MacPherson said taking his wife by her hand and leading her upstairs to their bedroom “I’ll be sure to get really plump and round for you honey” Smiling Mrs. MacPherson leaned in, pressing her lips against her husbands as their tongues danced like cobras being enchanted by music in each other's mouths. It lasted for just under a few seconds before they broke away, their cheeks as red as Mrs. MacPherson’s hair as they painted quietly. Ending the embrace, Mrs. MacPherson put her hands on her husband's stomach, stroking it tenderly, licking her lips with each stroke. Getting into bed Mrs. MacPhers headed back into the kitchen returning several moments later with lots of food. “I’m going to stuff you till you are ready to pop” she softly said, closing the door she headed for the bed setting the food down she smiled patting his round, soft warm belly “then when your fat enough you’ll give me another baby”. “It will be my pleasure to fill you up till you can’t take anymore and you pass out in my arms” He replied, “I love you so much my dear.” The sounds of crunching leaves filled the ears of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash as both girls made their way down the leaf covered sidewalk. Wind blew in their faces, their scarfs helping to protect their necks from the cold yet not totally freezing August air. All around them, other teens and kids ranging between the ages of eleven and seventeen exited their houses. Fluttershy watched as many of her neighbors were either with their parents or with their friends as they headed to Canterlot High and Junior High School. For the most part, many seemed to be in a good mood. The same couldn’t be said for the timid pink-haired girl and athlete, though it was for a reason in no way related to what the former was soon going to bring up. “Rainbow, how long are you going to stay quiet?” Fluttershy asked, breaking the rock-hard silence that had been going on for a good ten minutes. “I already said that I was sorry three times now. How many more times do I have to say it for you to not be mad at me anymore?” “About seven more times, plus twenty.” Rainbow replied, looking in Fluttershy’s direction. “Even if you did that, none of it would keep me from being a little bit mad at you. Not after that move you just pulled back there.” “For the last and final time Rainbow, I never meant to leave you out there in the cold like that!” Fluttershy exclaimed, doing her best not to feel annoyed. “I know I said that I was going to wait outside for you before you got to my house, and I meant it! It’s just that… Well, some things kept me from fulfilling that promise that I made to you! I did not forget any of it, I swear!” “Are you sure? ‘Cause your actions today make me believe otherwise.” Rainbow said, giving a small glance towards the other girl. “Look, I get that you had bigger things to worry about than waiting for me so we could walk to school together, that’s cool. But did you have to make me wait for that long? I mean come on! I was getting bored.” “Which is why I’m saying you shouldn’t be mad at me for what I did earlier.” Fluttershy stated, her frown deepening. “I was already packed up and ready to meet you outside so you could pick me up. It’s just that I was having a talk with my parents about something and I uh, I got sidetracked a little bit. I was on my way outside before that, really!” “I think the amount of time you made me wait would tell a different story.” Rainbow countered as she pointed to her watch. “Ten minutes Fluttershy! For ten minutes you made me wait while you were fooling around in your home! The first few minutes I can understand but make me wait ten whole minutes for you to finish saying hello and goodbye to your Mom and Dad?! Like, who takes that long to say, ‘I love you’, to their parents?!” “No one, really. Except for maybe Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy replied, after giving some thought. “And allow me to correct you on your last question: I was not just saying I love you to my Mom and Dad. In fact, it wasn’t just my parents I was with. My brother was there with me as well, which is another reason why it took me longer than necessary to go outside and wait for you.” Rainbow paused. “Wait, Zephyr was with you too?” “He was.” Fluttershy nodded, seeing her chance to quell Rainbow Dash’s anger. “I just got up from… sleeping and was making myself breakfast when he decided to give me his usual nonsense. I don’t want to get into it, but let’s just say I was two seconds away from giving him my Stare. I think that should tell you how upset I was.” The prismatic haired girl froze, her blue skin turning a shade lighter than normal. Since childhood, Rainbow knew that Fluttershy was rather unique out of her five friends. Fluttershy was the only person who could stare Lucifer himself down and not blink an eye. With the exception of Pinkie Pie which was for obvious reasons to anyone who was asked. One thing that set her apart from them, the party girl included, was her ability to stare others into submission. It didn’t matter if they were human or animal. None were safe if Fluttershy was pushed to the point of doing this incredible power. No one knew how it was possible. Not even the girl currently standing next to her as they continued their way to their school. It just happened to appear one day, and it stuck with her ever since or so everyone including her rainbow haired friend thought. Whichever way it had originated, no one could deny Fluttershy’s stare was a force to be reckoned with. And while it was very rare for her to actually use it, whoever did fall victim to it had either really annoyed her, or really got on her bad side. “Y-yeah, I can totally see how upset you must’ve been if your brother nearly made you give him your Stare.” Rainbow agreed, doing her best not to let the nervousness show inside of her voice. “By the way, I noticed him walking down the other side of the street, looking pretty miffed. What did you say to him to get him so mad?” “Nothing that warranted whatever reaction you saw from him.” Fluttershy sighed, snuggling a bit deeper in her scarf. “It’s just another one of his usual complaints. It’s not worth worrying about.” “If it’s anything involving Zephyr it’s bound to not be important.” Rainbow snorted dryly, crossing her arms. “Anyway, what was it you were talking to your parents about? Did it have to do with your lazy loaf of a brother getting in trouble for not doing his homework again?” Fluttershy flinched from the first question. “U-um, no it wasn’t that. My parents and I already laid that topic to rest. It was about something… a bit more serious.” “A bit?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Judging from the way you jumped just now, I think it’s bigger than that.” Moving closer, she wrapped an arm around the scarfed neck of the other girl. “Come on, Flutters, tell the awesome and cool’ Rainbow Dash' what's going on. If it’s about a bully, I’ll be sure to be the ‘cool’ friend and take care of the issue for you”. No reply came from Fluttershy, her fear kept her from telling her friend just what she was planning to do. Throughout their lives, Rainbow had proven countless times that she was the most loyal of all their friends. Even when having disagreements, Rainbow still stayed by all their sides in the end. As loyal as she was, Fluttershy knew that even she had her limits and moments. And there were some things that even she would follow her friends in doing. Like not helping someone who hurt them in the past. While Fluttershy couldn’t really fault anyone for feeling this way, she still felt it should at least be attempted to help that person. She knew that Rainbow held a special hatred for Sunset and didn’t see any reason to help her at this point in time. Regardless, Fluttershy still wanted to try to get her friend to help her with her task, despite knowing it could backfire on her. However, this would go, she knew she had to act now. Sooner rather than later. “You’re right about one thing.” Fluttershy responded quietly. “It is about a bully, but they’re not trying to bully me. I’m actually trying to help them to become a better person.” “Oooh, so you’re trying to make a bully into a cooler person huh?” Rainbow asked, her response taking the shyer girl by surprise. “For some reason, I felt that was going to be your response. You always were one for “helping bring the better side out of people”. Or something like that.” “M-mhm…” Fluttershy mumbled, lowering her head as her heart pounded hard against her chest. “Please, please don’t blow up at me” she muttered. “So, who is the self-proclaimed tough kid you wanna help this time?” Rainbow asked casually. “Is it that jerk Garble and or any of his goons that like to act like they own the school and treat anyone who says otherwise like dirt? Or did Dumbbell decide he wanted to be an egotistical jerk again?” Fluttershy stretched out her scarf. “…N-no. I-it’s someone else that we all know. S-someone that I’m pretty sure would be the last person you'd even think of helping.” “Oh, really now?” Rainbow asked teasingly. “And who is this person that even I wouldn’t think of trying to help one hundred and twenty percent?” ‘Here we go…’ Fluttershy thought, mentally preparing for the heated debate she knew was going to come. Gathering all the inward strength she had, she stammered, “I-It’s… Sunset Shimmer.” A deep silence washed over the two friends as Rainbow took in Fluttershy’s reply while she herself waited for a response. It wasn’t long before she got one, which was in the form of the athlete bursting out laughing, falling to the ground Rainbow rolled back and forth with tears filling her eyes from her laughter. Ten seconds went by before she finally stopped and got up dusting herself off, looking up just in time to see the disgusted look that replaced the shocked one that Fluttershy originally had. At that moment, Rainbow realized Fluttershy was not joking, and she quickly gained a shock look of her own. “Wait, hold on… you’re serious?!” She exclaimed; all humor gone in her voice. “Sunset Shimmer is the one you want to help?!” “Did it look like I wasn’t serious?” Fluttershy asked, not even bothering to hide the disgust in her tone. “I think you heard exactly what I said Rainbow, and you and I both know it was not in any way a joke.” Rainbow’s face scrunched up. “Um, Fluttershy, you do realize who it is you’re trying to help out, right? This is Sunset Shimmer that we’re talking about right? You know the self-titled Queen Bee and Flaming Hornet of Canterlot High and Junior High School! The demon girl who tormented us and everyone in the school since she first came here! That Sunset Shimmer!” “Believe me Rainbow, I know who I’m talking about.” Fluttershy said curtly. “Is it really that hard for you to believe that I want to help her?” “Uh, yes! It is!” Rainbow almost shouted, feeling herself getting upset along with Fluttershy. “In what world would you ever want to help someone who made all our lives miserable?! The very same girl who not only stole a princess’s crown, but also tried to nuke us into next week with her demon powers?! I get it if it was just some normal bully who tries to take your lunch money or mess up your books, but Sunset Shimmer?! Are you crazy?! That-this is so uncool Fluttershy!” “If I was any other person doing this, I may have agreed with you and probably backed out of this task.” Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head. “But you see Rainbow, I’m not that kind of person. I know that this feels all out of the blue to you. I will admit that Sunset did a lot of horrible things to us over the past few months and that you have every reason to be angry at her for. Still, that doesn’t mean that she should just be left on her own. You saw that look she gave us after we turned her back from that awful demon form of her’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so broken in my life.” “Well, if you asked me, she deserved it.” Rainbow spat with a sneer. “Who cares if she’s suddenly all beat up and sad right now? After all the crap she put us through, the least that can happen is that she gets nuked the same way she did us.” A gasp left Fluttershy as her repulsed look, and tone, came back with a full force. “Rainbow Dash, how can you say that?! Sunset may have been a bully, but that doesn’t mean what happened to her was something we wanted to happen! We only did it because she was corrupted by the magic of Princess Twilight’s crown! There was no other way to stop and save her other than that! Or … at least I don’t think there was.” “I get that, which is why I participated.” Rainbow nodded. “I only did it because I wanted to help my friends and Princess Twilight stop someone who messed with her. I didn’t do it because I wanted later on to help Sunset Shimmer out or anything. I would be happy if Sunset left Canterlot never to return again”. “W-what?” Fluttershy sputtered, the careless words hitting her like a tail slap from a territorial alligator. “I-I…” “What?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her. “You seriously thought I did it because I wanted to help her? Come on Fluttershy, get with the program! You know my feelings about Sunset Shimmer! If there was any other way to stop her that didn’t involve us, then I wouldn’t have even bothered! I would sooner give up trying to be an athlete than be involved with someone like her.” “You… you c-can’t mean that?” Fluttershy breathed, appalled. “You don’t honestly feel that way about her? Do you Rainbow?” “I’d be an even worse liar than Sunset Shimmer herself if I didn’t.” Rainbow replied coldly. “Sorry Fluttershy, but you’re wasting your time if you think there’s any chance Sunset demon girl Shimmer can be cool. She’s proven time and time again that she will never change how she is. Trust me when I say, it is not worth even trying.” Fluttershy stopped in her tracks completely speechless, barely able to comprehend the callous words she just heard from her friend's mouth. She didn’t even think she was breathing as she stared at Rainbow, utterly horrified by what she had heard. It only lasted for nearly a minute, but Fluttershy felt it was longer than that while she tried forming some response. Soon, another feeling came over the kind girl; one that she rarely ever felt unless she was quickly pushed to that point. Anger. “So that’s it then…” Fluttershy murmured as she lowered her head. “You’re really not gonna do anything for Sunset? Even after showing how much she regretted her actions?” “The day I believe that demon girl regrets her actions is the day that I hear someone saying that the Canterlot Sliders aren’t awesome, and I don’t sock ‘em in the face.” Rainbow replied, seemingly oblivious to how hard Fluttershy was currently shaking. “I wouldn’t even be surprised if her not knowing anything about friendship was another way to make us feel sorry for her. Not that I ever would feel sorry for anyone like that.” “I see…” Fluttershy said as she slowly looked up, finally letting Rainbow see the hurt she was beginning to feel and the tears in her eyes. “If that’s honestly how you feel about Sunset, then… I’ll just help her by myself! Some friend you turned out to be, you traitor!” “Traitor?! Wha-hey!” Rainbow cried as she watched Fluttershy take off down the sidewalk. “Hey Fluttershy! Where are you going?!” “To do what I should’ve done sooner that you see no need to do!” Fluttershy shouted back, her words every bit as harsh, if not a little harsher, than she intended. She then stopped long enough to turn her head and give Rainbow such a glare that it made her flinch. “And don’t even think of trying to stop me! Or I swear to all Divinity that I will give you such a Stare that you’ll be blind for a week!” With those words, Fluttershy continued on her way, letting her tears fly behind her as they fell on the snowy sidewalk. Behind her, Rainbow stood feeling a mixture of confusion and shock at what transpired. Something that she could not help voice out with a single sentence. “What the heck just happened?” Exhaustion was the first thing Fluttershy felt by the time she reached her school. She didn’t know how far she ran, but she knew her lungs burnt like fire when she finally stopped. It meant nothing to her, for the physical strain on her body was nothing like what she was feeling in her heart. The Jr highschooler’s face glistened with sweat as her breaths came out hard forming into a fog of mist each time she exhaled. While she tried to catch her breath, recaps of the conversation began to assault her mind. “I can’t believe it… I just can’t believe it! For such things to be said about Sunset… and by Rainbow Dash of all people!” Fluttershy thought, feeling herself becoming angry again as it mixed with the sadness throbbing in her chest. She began heading towards the school entrance, barely noticing the looks given to her by the other students. “I knew her dislike for Sunset was bad but to be at such a level. Did Sunset bully Rainbow in the past really affect her that much?! What am I saying?” Fluttershy muttered to herself, “of course it did! I just didn’t think she’d be so… heartless about it!” Groaning disdainfully, Fluttershy wiped her sweat away and made her way to the school’s front doors, taking notice of the messiness of the entrance. Her frown deepened upon seeing the large crater next to her, and the splits where the stairs to the entrance were. For just a split second, Fluttershy felt herself at the scene of the night prior. Bearing witness to all that happened up to her finding out about Sunset being homeless. Something that still left a horrid taste in her mouth and feeling unable to do anything about it “I almost forgot how much of a mess we made of this place when we turned Sunset back to the way she was.” Fluttershy mumbled, speed walking from the crater like it was something creepy and crawly. She made her way towards the stairs, taking care to not walk up them too quickly lest she got a bruise or worse. As she made her way inside the school, she felt her mind wander back to her current situation. “I suppose it was foolish of me to think that Rainbow would give me a hand in making things better for Sunset.” Fluttershy murmured, feeling her eyes start to well up as her tears plopped onto her boots. “Still, I can’t let that be a reason for me to give up. Even if Rainbow is right about Sunset, the pain and suffering she’s getting is still not okay. It looks like I’m on my own for now at least.” “So, you want to help Sunset, do you?” A mousey squeak flew out of Fluttershy’s mouth as she whipped her head to see who decided to speak to her. Her jaw dropped upon seeing a red-skinned boy leaning against one of the lockers with a grin so sly only he could produce it. “G-Garble?!” The pink-haired girl sputtered, the urge to run away vanishing like the pellets of a dandelion. “W-what are you doing here?” “Oh, nothing much. Just decided to get here a bit early for once so I don’t miss all the stuff going on right now.” Garble replied, giving a shrug. “But enough about me, what’s this I hear about you wanting to help Sunset?” “Wait, you know about that? Did you hear what I had said?” Fluttershy asked, too surprised to get upset with Garble for eavesdropping. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed”. “Not all. Only the last thing that you said.” The boy replied casually, sliding back his Faux Hawk blond hair. “Before you ask, I wasn’t eavesdropping on your self-conversation. You just happened to come at the right time for me to hear it and what was bothering you.” Fluttershy blushed. “Oh… so you did, huh? I guess I was talking a bit louder than usual then…” “More like a lot. And that is saying a lot coming from a girl who’s so quiet that even a mouse is louder than you.” Garble chuckled, making his fellow teenage peer look away bashfully. “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I just wanna say that whatever you’re planning on doing for Sunset, I’ll give you my support however I can.” “Y-you want to help Sunset?!” Fluttershy exclaimed, “But…I thought you didn’t like Sunset? She did bully you and your friends in the past, didn’t… she?” Garble’s sly grin turned into a serious frown. “She did but not as bad as some, and let’s be fair here, I wasn’t really that good myself.” An embarrassed look of his own formed in his eyes and a slight red tinge came to blend in with his scarlet cheeks. “All that aside, I don’t think it’s cool that she’s going through all of this, even if others think that she deserves it. Which is why I wanna help in any way that I can to, you know… make her cool again.” Fluttershy did not give any response right away. Mainly because of how right Garble was with his first statement. It was indeed surprising, at least to her, that he’d be willing to help someone that caused him to have some trouble before. Being a former bully himself, Fluttershy felt he’d be one of those people not wanting anything to do with the task of helping Sunset Shimmer. She could now see there was some she was not giving enough credit for when it came to putting personal grudges aside. Especially if some of those people used to be bullies themselves. “My goodness… I have to say Garble, I’m surprised at you right now.” Fluttershy admitted after taking some time to process his words. “I never thought that you would want to side with Sunset after all she put us through… I know she didn’t put you through that much but, well still.” “I was pretty much a total dick a few months ago, so I don’t blame you for not trusting me right away with this.” Garble nodded, crossing his arms. “But it’s not like I care about that. I do, however, care about how much Sunset’s going though, a lot. I don’t know what Sunset is going through right now but I’ll be here when you need me to be.” “So… you want to work together with me to get Sunset the support she needs?” Fluttershy asked, watching as the former bully gave a nod. “I see… Well then, if that’s what you’d like to do, then I’ll let you aid me Garble. Besides, I'll take all the help I can get at this point.” “I’ll do my best.” Garble confirmed, giving a little thumbs up. “So, are you gonna go meet up with Sunset then?” Fluttershy paused. “That… was my original plan, yes. I wasn’t planning to do it alone though, but the last person I talked to about it wasn’t too keen on it. But if you want to fill in that role for me, I’d appreciate it very much.” “In that case, lead the way, Fluttershy.” Garble agreed with a smirk. Fluttershy straightened her dress and headed to where Sunset’s locker was. Garble followed close behind her, making sure to walk by her side, rather than behind her as to not raise too much suspicion. A few looks were shot their way in spite of this, but one glare from the blond fauxhawk haired boy was enough to stop them from going any further. It didn’t take long before they made it to Sunset's locker, pausing when they saw an all too familiar girl right in front of it. A slightly gasping wince left both of them upon seeing the dirty state Sunset Shimmer was in but it wasn’t too surprising given what she went through the previous night. Fluttershy gulped watching Sunset put away her books, the somber girl feeling her feet stick to the ground as her fear returned tenfold. “What’s the matter? Getting cold feet?” Garble asked, taking notice of the girls’ trembling. “Here I’ll take the lead and you follow”. Taking a step he stopped feeling Fluttershy’s hand coming to rest on his shoulder, looking over his shoulder a grin etched over his lips “oh, you want to take the lead alright that’s cool with me.” “I…I-I’m sorry, I’m just feeling nervous is all.” Fluttershy replied, trying to calm her nerves. “I’m wondering how Sunset will feel at the prospect of me wanting to help her. I was a part of the group that embarrassed her when I and all of my friends defeated her last night.” “I feel the same way… odds are pretty low she’d be willing to accept your help. Let alone believe that you want to help her at all.” Garble added, hands sliding in his pockets. “I still think you need to give it a try. You came this far, so it won’t really make much sense for you to suddenly back off at the last second. After all, you did come here for a reason, didn’t you?” Fluttershy nodded. “I did… I guess I’m just really scared about how it’ll go. And if it’ll be like how it was during our battle.” “In that case, go on and talk to her. Don’t know if she will be willing to listen, but you should still give it a shot.” Garble encouraged. “I’ll be right here if you need any help, and if it doesn’t work, there’s always another way.” Smiling gratefully, Fluttershy inhaled and let it out slowly, preparing herself for what she hoped was a smooth operation. She slowly walked up to Sunset, making sure to make her footsteps loud enough for her to hear. The results came in the form of the bacon-haired girl turning to her and pausing in surprise. “F-Fluttershy?” Sunset stuttered, her voice seemed to crack at the first letter. “I-I, erm-uh” “Hello Sunset,” The aforementioned shy girl greeted gently, albeit bashfully. “How’re you doing this morning?” It took a moment for Sunset to realize that Fluttershy was actually being kind to her. Once it sunk in, she found herself stammering out another response. “U-um… I’m o-okay, I guess. Sort of.” ‘Sort of… right.’ Garble thought, knowing that statement was a bold-faced lie. “Is that so? Well, I’m glad that your morning is going somewhat well.” Fluttershy said, giving the former bully the best smile that she could. Fluttershy began to think ‘Goodness, what a ridiculous thing to ask! I literally saw her only a few hours ago sleeping in that shack she must call home! Of course she’s not doing okay! If she was, she’d be having a much better morning right now! Oh, why must I ask the silliest things?!” Fluttershy thought. “Was there… something that you needed Fluttershy?” Sunset asked warily, her question helping to snap Fluttershy out of her internal self-scolding. “I’m not trying to sound rude, but you’re kind of making me nervous right now.” “What? Oh I uh…” Fluttershy held her hands up. “I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to scare you! Don’t worry, I’m not here to take revenge or anything.” Thanks to the sincerity and the gentleness filling her voice, Sunset visibly relaxed, much to the other girl’s relief. “I actually wanted to know how your night had gone is all… and if you needed any help.” “L… last night?” Sunset asked with a flinch. “It was uh, fine yeah it was fine”. “Mhm… I didn’t know where you had gone after Vice-Principal Luna had us go home after the… verbal assault Rainbow gave you.” Fluttershy said, holding her hands together while giving Sunset a sympathetic look. “It’s also why I wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing after that.” “I… I-I’m fine. I was hurt by what was said to me, but I’m okay. It’s not like I didn’t deserve it. Not after what I did last night.” Sunset replied, sounding like she did not want to bring it up. “It doesn’t really matter anymore. I just want to get through this day so I can go home.” “But Sunset-” Fluttershy protested only to be interrupted by Sunset. “I just---” “I said it doesn’t matter!” Sunset yelped, the sharpness behind her words caused both Fluttershy and Garble to flinch. A few other students stopped to look at where the shout came from, but a look from the red-skinned boy quickly sent them on their way. Realizing what she did, Sunset collected herself and breathed deeply. “I’m s-sorry… I didn’t mean to make you upset.” Fluttershy said meekly. “It was wrong of me to ask you about something that you didn’t want to talk about.” Sunset held her hand up to her. “No, I’m sorry. Me yelling at you like that wasn’t okay… I guess all that happened last night messed with me more than I thought.” A sigh left her as she gathered a notebook and pen, putting them in her backpack, slinging the worn out bag over her shoulder. “Forget about it, I need to head to class. I promised Snails last night that I’d do his homework and I need to get it done so I can turn it in for him. Otherwise, he’ll never let me hear the end of it.” “Sunset, wait, there’s something else I need to-” Fluttershy said before pausing to take in what the other girl had said. “Hold on, did you just say that you were going to do Snail’s homework?” A ringing sound suddenly echoed through the hallway, making Sunset look to where the entrance was. A frown pulled the corner of her lips down seeing a small crew of construction workers were pulling up on the street. “Uh-huh… I promised Snails I’d do his homework. Look Fluttershy I know you want to help but I really wish that you wouldn’t. And don’t expect me to say why I made that promise to Snails, just understand that I made it.” Sunset admitted absentmindedly, not noticing two people walking up to the trio. “It’s not anything that’s important, just a person helping out another person is all.” “Just a minute Ms. Shimmer.” A familiar firm voice suddenly said just as Sunset was walking past them. All three students turned around to see Principal Celestia and her sister Luna standing right behind them, their faces neutral, if not a bit suspicious. “P-Principal Celestia! Vice Principal Luna!” Sunset said as she backed away from the duo as if they were two growling rabid dogs. “Is… is there something that you needed?” “More like something that we heard.” Celestia replied, her tone calm yet firm. “Did we just hear you correctly? Were you really planning to do the homework of another classmate?” Sunset paled. “Y-you heard what I was saying?” “Not all of it. We just happened to be coming down the hall after finding out the construction crew had come to fix the front entrance.” Luna explained coolly. “Now, back to my sister’s question. Were you or were you not planning to do someone else’s homework for them Ms. Shimmer? Yes, or no?” “I…I-I… yes, I was.” Sunset admitted, hanging her head in defeat. “I know it’s wrong, but he did a favor for me a few weeks ago.” “While your intentions may have been somewhat noble, your actions tell a different story. I don’t doubt that whatever Snails helped you with had to be of great importance, but that doesn’t excuse trying to go against one of the rules this school upholds.” Celestia lectured. “We will be sure to have a talk with you about this after school, but for now, I think it’d be best if you get to class.” “Yes Ma’am.” Sunset nodded, turning tail and speed walking to her class. As she vanished in the crowd, Fluttershy and Garble looked at each other and then to the principals, who already had their eyes on them. “That goes for you two as well.” Luna added, giving a gesture with her head. “We both apologize for interrupting whatever you were talking about, but it will have to wait. For the time being, you should both go to your classes before you’re tardy. You can meet back up with Sunset and go on with your talk at lunch if you’d like.” “O-okay.” Fluttershy stammered, giving a bow to both principles. She looked at Garble, passing on a silent message to him in a way she was sure he’d be able to get. He gave a slight nod himself before they both walked away for their classes. Celestia and Luna watched them go for a few seconds. “I’m going to stay out here to make sure that all of the students here are headed for their respective classes.” Luna said to her sister watching her make her way towards the front entrance. “I take it you’ll be with the construction workers?” Celestia nodded. “Yes, I want to know how much the repairs will cost. I’ll get back to you once I’m done there.” “Very well, I’ll see you at your office when you're done.” Luna replied, waving her sister off “I have a report to file with the district lieutenant so it might be a few minutes before I get to your office”. Celestia made her through the school’s broken and battered entrance to meet with the construction crew. Sixteen men were seen making their way through the rubble as they assessed the situation and the damage. Upon seeing the principal, they stopped all activity as she carefully made her way down the stairs, being sure not to trip over the piles of desbri . “Hello everyone.” She greeted warmly, putting on her best cordial smile. “I am Celestia Sunrise, the Principal of Canterlot Jr High school and High School. It’s nice to meet you all this morning. I would like to chat with you all, but I’m quite pressed for time so I’ll make this meeting quick. Which one of you is in charge here?” “I am ma’am.” A stern voice made her look to her right. She saw a rough heavyweight man with a yellow hard hat and black wire frame glasses step forward. A red and black flannel shirt hugged his muscled body while a pair of blue dirty genes and boots covered his legs and feet. Reaching a handout, he let Celestia shake his hand before continuing. “I’m Thunderhoof, the foreman.” “Yes, I’d imagine so.” Celestia nodded, “Did you and your men have a chance to assess the damages here yet?” “We’re still working on it, but we should be done within a few minutes.” Mr. Thunderhoof replied. “As for the damages, do you want us to start fixing them after we finish our assessments? Or do you want us to wait for a little bit?” “You can start after your assessment is completed if that is what you’d like.” Celestia said, taking a look around at the devastated front yard. “I assume you’d like to have this area to yourselves for the time being?” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded. “Yes, we will need to block off the entrance here, so we won’t have anyone getting in the way. Do you have anywhere else that the students can enter the school from?” “There’s a back entrance I can let the students use until the front entrance is fixed.” she replied as she pointed to where the hallway was. “Classes won’t be starting for the next five minutes, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to stay outside so I can direct the students that will show up late to head to the back entrance.” “Alright then. We’ll set our equipment up and I’ll have my men get to work after we finish our assessments. We should have that hole filled by the time school ends.” He replied as he finished placing the steaks into the ground and tying safety tape to them. “The rest of the damage will take a bit longer to fix. You're looking at about six weeks’ worth of work at least.” Celestia frowned. “Very well.” She grumbled, trying her best not to sound too annoyed. “Just remember, you are working around teenagers, and some of them might want to help others might try to get in the way. I don’t want anyone getting hurt while you're out here working.” “Understood.” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded, giving Celestia a reassuring nod. Satisfied with the response, Celestia quickly moved down the sidewalk, ushering the students that were showing up late for school towards the back entrance. Some gave her angry looks, others muttered under their breath. A black Toyota Mercedes Benz pulled up to the sidewalk. Watching the car from where she stood Celestia paid its driver little mind, continuing to usher more students to the back of school. Once she was sure no other students would be showing up, Celestia headed inside quickly making her way towards her office. Mr. Thunderhoof, who had noticed where the woman was looking, took a look in that same direction, and froze. ‘Oh boy…’ He thought grimly as the driver side door slowly opened. “Not him again”. An individual stepped out of the car dressed, in a black suit, that made him look very professional. A Black three button dress coat hugged the upper half of his body, while sunglasses matching the color of his suit covering his eyes. Mr. Thunderhoof watched as the man stopped briefly, scanning the school before letting out a soft whistle. “Wow, this is worse than I thought.” The man said, expertly hiding the shock in his tone while he took a phone out from his inner coat pocket. As Mr. Thunderhoof stood nearby keeping his eyes on him while the businessman dialed a number before speaking into it. “Hello? It's me again. Yes, she is in trouble again. Big, big trouble. Thank you, you can leave it on my desk when I get back. I will remain here for a little bit until my… business is concluded.” Putting away his flip phone he pursed his lips together as Mr. Thunderhoof continued to watch him closely trying not to arouse his suppositions. Realizing Mr. Thunderhoof had not taken his eyes off of him; the businessman slowly walked over to him, giving Mr. Thunderhoof a deep frown causing the foremen to gulp slightly. Looking around Mr. Thunderhoof tried to ignore the uneasy feeling he was getting as the businessman stood a few feet from him staring coldly at him through dark black sunglasses. “Is there a problem Mr. Thunderhoof?” The man growled out. “What are you all standing around for?” Mr. Thunderhoof yelled to his men in annoyance.seeing none of them were working “Get back to work now!” Watching the foremen's men quickly get back to their duties, the businessman approached him saying, “Mr. Thunderhoof I asked you a question. I ask only that you answer it.” “N-no problem at all sir I can promise you that” Giving the business man a slight nod, the foreman gulped in his reply, “May I ask what brings you out here today?” “You may not.” The man's reply was as cold as ice as it was’ relaxed’ . At those words Mr. Thunderhoof was clearly visibly tense and pale, knowing that this could either be very good or very bad for him. “You do remember me correct Mr. Thunderhoof and you do know what I do for a living. Am I correct in that assumption as well?” “Y-yes Mr. Varnas you are correct in both assumptions” 'He replied, taking his hat off and wiping away a few beads of sweat from his forehead. “I wasn’t trying to interfere with your work sir but I really don’t see why you had to come all the way out here.” “Why I am here is none of your business do you fully understand Mr. Thunderhoof?” Varnas replied coldly “get back to work and make sure your men do a good job here less you want to deal with me directly”. “No thank you I’ll be sure to have my men do their best work I promise.” Before he could say anything more, Mr. Varnas took out a checkbook, writing down what looked to be a rather large compensation. Handing it over to the foreman, the businessman watched as Mr. Thunderhoof gasped as his hands began to give little shakes. “I don’t understand why you are paying me this amount”. Varnas’s jaw tightened slightly and his sunglasses prevented Mr. Thunderhoof from seeing his eyes; the man's eyes were cold and empty. “This money is to go to you and your men; it must be split evenly amongst you.” putting away his checkbook and pen he finished, “The payment that you will get from Principal Celestia is to be given back to her and you are to use this payment instead to pay your men and it is to be done by tonight” Mr. Varnas sternly explained. “If it is not, there will be…. consequences. Do I make myself clear Mr. Thunderhoof?” “Y-yes sir.” Mr. Thunderhoof nodded once he got over his shock. “C - Crystal clear.” “Good.” Mr. Varnas nodded as he walked past the foreman, making his way towards the school's entrance stopping briefly to shoot Mr. Thunderhoof one last stern cold look. “Now back to work and have this cleaned up by the time this school lets out. I have some other business I need to take care of.” Firm knocking on her office door was the first thing Principal Celestia heard as she sat at her desk. The pen in her hand stopped in the process of writing paperwork as she set it down and got out of her chair. Reaching the door, she gently opened it up to be greeted by the face of Mr. Varnas, his expression was nothing short of stern and cold. “Please pardon me for the interruption,” He said, keeping his tone polite, yet firm. “But are you the Principal of this school?” “Yes, I am Celestia Sunrise.” she replied with an inquisitive look. “How may I help you?” “I am Varnas, and I am from the Canterlot Bureau of Investigation.” He replied by flashing his badge at her as if he was using a flashlight in a dark room. Ignoring the wince that the woman gave, he put his badge back in his jacket pocket and continued “I am here to talk to you about what took place last night.” Celestia gave the slightest of flinches before her face contorted into a serious one. “This wouldn’t happen to be about what happened the previous night, would it?” “I wouldn’t be here if it was about anything else.” Mr. Varnas replied. “I’m not here to do anything major. I just want to get your rundown of what actually took place here last night.” Sighing, Celestia moved to the side to let Mr. Varnas in her office before shutting her office door and returning to her desk. She sat back down in her chair before closing her eyes momentarily and slowly reopened them as she silently collected her thoughts. Placing her hands on her desk Celestia sighed, watching him carefully for any sign of falsehood. Seeing no lie in his eyes, she let in an inhale of breathing, before slowly letting it out. “Look, I am aware that things don’t look the best right now, and I admit, it has been quite a hassle to deal with.” Celestia began as calmly as she could. “That being said, I do not appreciate what you are doing right now. If you think you can just come in here and tell me or my faculty how to run this school, then you are sorely mista-” “If you are worried that we are going to take you, Ms. Moonrise and Shimmer away, you needn’t think that.” Mr. Varnas interrupted, setting his briefcase down. “All I want to do is talk about last night, nothing more than that. I also want to make sure you get the payment that you made to the crew outside back with an extra ninety thousand added to it.” “Y-you’re not?” Stumbling back into her chair, Celestia blinked in disbelief, watching him take out a checkbook. He jotted down the amount and signed the check before handing it to her. “W-what do you want to talk about then if I may ask?” “What I need to know is this. Has Sunset displayed anything similar to what happened last night before now?” Seeing her shake her head, Mr. Varnas added, “How many others know about what happened last night other than yourself and your sister?” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she set the check down. “And why do you want to know that?” “I think you know exactly why Ms. Sunrise.” Mr. Varnas said calmly, brows furrowing. “To make a long story short, I had gotten a call from the police department about you having a few young children working in a rather dangerous area. While I don’t doubt that they did something in need of punishment, I feel that there is something about this whole thing that isn’t adding up. I’d like to hear how it was that such a situation had taken place.” Sighing, Celestia fell silent as she crossed her arms, considering the options she had. There wasn’t any way that she could tell the man sitting before her of what transpired leading up to today. While Sunset’s punishment could easily be explained, how it led up to it was something Celestia knew would not be. Her mind wandered back to the confrontation with Officer Starknight and she wondered if she called Mr. Varnas to her school. As unsurprising as it would have been, none of it made Celestia any less annoyed by how things were turning out. Especially after how hard the policewoman grilled into her and Luna while they were still at the school. It looked like she would have to remind the man before her who was in charge here. “I’m afraid that I cannot in any way give you that information Mr. Varnas.” Picking up the check in front of her she handed it back to him. Watching him take the check back she coldly, and very sternly added, “I may be breaking the law, but I will not give you that information without a court order or permission from the parents of those that attend this school. While this is a generous amount of money, I cannot accept it. Nor will I ever accept it.” “Are you sure about that?” Mr. Varnas asked, tilting his head. “You do realize that by doing this you could be facing trouble in the future. It would be in your best interest to inform me of all that went down last night so you can better resolve this situation.” “I am aware that I may face consequences should I do this.” Celestia replied resolutely. “However, with how things are right now, the violent incident that occurred last night just can’t be said. If it were any other situation with any other student, I would be more open. But right now, this is not the time, and most certainly not the place.” Mr. Varnas was unmoved. “And just what is it about this incident that’s so crazy that you cannot say it outright? You don’t have to worry about not being believed if that is the case. I can tell that you are someone who doesn’t lie. We’re willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.” “As I said, I am choosing not to say anything at the moment.” Celestia rebutted, grabbing at the sides of her office desk. “Everything that’s happened up to this point is something that no amount of proper explanation can do. I want to say what happened. Believe me, I do… but this is just too much to give out all at once. Maybe some other time it will come to light, but for now… it’s best to just leave it unsaid.” “Is that so… and you’re certain that’s your decision?” Mr. Varnas asked softly, feeling Celestia’s eyes burn into his like two miniature suns. Her nod ended less than a few seconds before he let out a sigh of resignation. “Alright then, it looks like my business here is done … for now.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a business card and set it down on Celestia’s desk for her to look at. The man then got up and grabbed his suitcase, putting his glasses back on his face as he straightened his suit. “That is my business card. You can use it to contact me should you decide to come forward with what you know.” Mr. Varnas said as he headed for the door, casting one last glance at her. “The check I wanted you to take is good for at least five months, so please call me before the end of that time and I’ll make sure you get the money. In the meantime, you should know that from today, the bureau will not interfere with anything that happens here at this school. Have a good day Ms. Sunrise.” After he closed her door, Celestia let out a tired sigh before taking out a coffee mug from her top left desk drawer. Turning to her right, she opened a small mini refrigerator and took out a bottle of water filling her cup with water. She then placed it into her office microwave setting the timer for how long it would heat the item inside. While Celestia waited for her cup of water to heat up, she took out a tea bag, setting it on her desk. ‘This cannot be happening! Why are the Canterlot Bureau of Investigations looking into Sunset Shimmer? Did Officer Starknight call them here under her suspicion of us abusing our power?’ She thought to herself, placing a hand on her head. ‘I know that she doesn’t want us to use Sunset to repair the school but honestly, she wasn’t here to see what Sunset did. Still, we should take her warning seriously. We have enough on our plates with how the student body is treating Sunset. The last thing Luna and I need is to be branded as criminals. Let alone child abusers. I wonder how she’ll feel about this when I tell her. Knowing her, she’ll certainly not be happy about it. But, as things stand, it's either listen to Starknight, or sleep inside a prison cell.’ Just as that last sentence finished going through her head, another knock on her door shook the tired woman from her trance. Irritation filled her as a sigh matching it left her, thinking that it was Mr. Varnas coming back again. She was quickly proven wrong when she saw the familiar face of her younger sister coming inside. “’Tia!” Luna began, pausing in her steps. “What’re you doing back here? I thought that you were still with the construction crew.” “Not anymore. I just finished talking to them about the school’s repairs. Was there something that you needed?” Celestia said, her irritation melting away as relief filled her. “I just came to tell you that I need to check on the rest of the school to see if there is any other damage that was caused by Sunset and Twilight's battle.” Luna replied, looking back outside as if she was expecting Mr. Varnas to come back. “Who was that man in your office just now?” “Oh, no one Luna. Just someone who wanted to discuss some business with me, that's all.” Celestia replied, taking out a clipboard from the top right drawer of her desk. “I’m ready now; let’s get to looking around the rest of the school.” “Alright then.” Luna conceded, letting her sister walk past her as she closed the door. As they headed down the hallway, the Vice-Principal suddenly brought something up. “By the way ‘Tia, I have been wondering about something…” “And what might that be?” Celestia asked curiously, holding her clipboard firmly in her hands. “It’s about the incident with Officer Starknight. Are you sure that it is wise to go along with what officer Starknight said to us last night?” Luna asked skeptically, as if she was trying to sort out the holes in a fishy story. “Not letting Sunset do such manually laboring work I mean.” “Is that a question that even needs to be thought about?” Celestia asked dryly. “You heard what she said Lu. From her point of view, it looked like we were abusing our power as school principals by having Sunset do what we made her do. Despite the fact that she wasn’t there to see Sunset turn into a demon or her battle with Twilight, that doesn’t change the fact that to her, we were breaking the law.” She stopped as she carefully considered her last words. “Actually no, what we did was certainly breaking the law.” “You mean by having her and two other students work in an environment that was clearly not a safe one?” Luna asked, fighting back a cringe at how the two of them had acted towards Sunset, Snips and Snails. “Exactly.” Celestia sighed. “We could have both gone to jail for keeping Sunset here past curfew and making her repair the school without proper training or showing any regard to her safety. It would’ve been worse if she had stepped on that electrical wire. She could’ve been seriously hurt, or worse.” “I agree. How we acted last night was completely unacceptable. It’s a miracle that neither of us are in jail already. Officer Starknight really was being lenient on us; something that I know won’t happen a second time.” Luna nodded, mentally kicking herself for her unjust behavior. “Still, just because we went over the line with punishing Sunset, doesn’t mean she should get away with what she did. That won’t sit well with the student body, and I’m too busy to be constantly trying to protect Sunset from any reprisals that the other students might want to do to her. And in case you didn’t notice, there are many who want to dish out their own form of retribution.” “Rest assured Luna, I have no intention of letting Sunset off scot free.” Celestia said sternly “But you heard Starknight last night. If we do anything other than teach Sunset, we’ll both get in very serious trouble. We will have to find another form of punishment for her that does not involve her getting harmed, which we have plenty of. But we must make sure that nothing we choose will threaten her life in any sort of way. We just have to figure out which type of punishment will be good enough is all.” “That’s reasonable enough. Just as long as she faces some sort of punishment for her actions.” Luna murmured, running a hand through her hair as they neared a classroom with the number two-o-six. “Hold on, I need to check something for a moment.” Walking past her sister, Luna peered through the window of the class, scanning the students that were inside. It took less than a second for her to see who the person she was looking for was, and what they were doing. In the middle row of the desks Sunset sat, her head was slightly bent downwards and a pencil was seen in her hand as she jotted down answers on the paper on her desk. Snails sat across from her, taking glances up at their teacher like he was trying to make sure the teacher didn’t see what they were doing. “Sunset really is doing another students' homework. This must have to do with that favor she said she owed to Snails the night before. No matter… she will still be given quite the firm talking to by the both of us when she comes to our office.” Luna murmured to herself as she silently observed the girl. As she went to leave, she caught sight of a student putting a small note atop Sunset’s desk, making her flinch. “Wait, was that a note just no-” “Luna, are you coming?” Celestia asked, her question making Luna turn to her. “If you’re wanting to talk to Sunset, we can do it when this period is over. We still have damages that we need to look over.” “Oh, y-yes! Coming ‘Tia!” Luna replied, quickly catching up with her sister as they continued down the hallway and both entered the library. “Principal Celestia! Vice-Principal Luna!” Cheerilee said, her kind voice leveled as the two women entered the Canterlot High and Junior High School Library. “Nice to see you two this morning!” “We could say the same about you Ms. Cheerilee.” Celestia said, giving her best warm smile that still held some tiredness to it. “How are you doing today? Is everything going well in the library?” “Oh, it’s fine... well, as fine as it could be anyway.” Cheerilee replied, her smile faltering a bit. “If you’re wondering if the library suffered any damage from what happened last night, everything is fine. Some books were scattered all over the place at best, but nothing too bad. Other than all of that, it’s as quiet as always.” “Glad to hear that someone's day is going well.” Luna commented enviously. “Celestia and I are stuck with the task of looking over the repairs that need to be done. And that’s not even getting into the amount of money those repairs will be going into.” “My, you two have it quite hard, don’t you?” Cheerilee asked sympathetically. “Well, I don’t think you should worry too much. The school’s been through lots since we’ve been here, damages and all. It’s not the first time it’ll be like this, and it definitely won’t be the last. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as it was the other night after… that happened. But given how this school is, the chances of that aren’t very good.” “More like they’re not very bright.” Celestia snorted. “With the money we have right now, there’s nothing left to spend it on other than books and supplies. The school board will throw a fit when they see this, and I am not going to like it.” “Correction. We aren’t going to like it, ‘Tia.” Luna paraphrased. “I have no doubt that you will.” Cheerilee said, giving them her most comforting smile. “By the way, do you guys have any idea where Sunset is? I was sort of wondering where she’d got to”. These words made the principals stop and give each other confused looks. They then looked back at the librarian with looks telling Cheerilee of all the confusion they had. “She’s… in her homeroom class right now with her friend Snails.” Celestia replied slowly. “Why do you ask?” “Oh nothing, I was just wondering why she wasn’t inside the library last night.” Cheerilee replied, looking to the side. “I normally find her sleeping at one of the desks near the computers, but I didn’t see her this morning. Is she alright?” Celestia’s confusion gave way to shock. “Sunset actually sleeps here in the library?” The Principal breathed incredulously, not noticing the look on Luna’s face. “We thought she’d have a home to go to whenever she left school.” “I did too. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but it started to happen more and more often the more she came to this school.” Cheerilee replied with a look of concern. “I was starting to suspect she may be homeless, but I never asked her because I didn’t feel like it was my place to ask her something like that.” Celestia looked down at the ground in thought. “This… this is troubling. Very troubling indeed. It never occurred to me that Sunset was without a home. I was wondering why she was always one of the students who stayed the longest out of all the other students. I’ll have to look into this more and-” Anything else that the main principal was going to say was cut off when the school bell gave out a ring, signaling the end of homeroom period. Luna, who looked to be deep in thought, snapped out of her trance as she and the other two women looked to where the sound was coming from. “It looks like, homeroom period is over now.” Luna muttered. “We’re sorry Cheerilee but we’ll need to continue this conversation later. Thank you for telling us this important information. We’ll be in touch with you later.” “…Alright, then. Have a good rest of your day you two.” Cheerilee nodded. “When you see Sunset please tell her that I’m here if she needs me. And if she ever needs somewhere to sleep, well… it’s available.” Neither principal gave a reply to that. A nod from both was all they gave Cheerilee before they exited the library. The librarian’s words echoed in both of their heads as they headed to the class they saw Sunset in. In the entire time while coming to Canterlot, Celestia and Luna did not once think that the teenager was homeless. Not ever did those thoughts ever cross their minds. Sunset certainly didn’t look like she was homeless, having always come in clothes that gave her the look of someone who was very well off. The sisters could now see that wasn’t the case, and they both intended to investigate it further. First, they needed to confront the subject of their thoughts. Just as they reached Sunset’s homeroom classroom, they saw the familiar bacon-haired girl come out in the hallway. Her cyan eyes widened when she saw the principals approaching her, and she stopped in her action of going down the opposite way. Lowering her head, she bit her lower right lip as she stammered something out. “If the two of you are here to tell me to meet you both in Principal Celestia’s office”. The shame she had felt earlier had returned like waves crashing on a seashore. “I promise that I won’t forget, in fact I’m headed there now.” “We saw you getting a note passed to you in class Sunset.” Luna said pointedly, ignoring Sunset’s statement as if she didn’t even hear it. Her hand shot out towards her as if she was pointing a gun at a suspect. “Hand it over.” Sunset looked back up, her mouth opening to probably ask Luna how she knew that, only to close just as quickly. Looking down again, she sighed and put a hand in one of her pockets, taking out the note and handing it to Luna. With Celestia standing just next to her, Luna opened it and saw a phrase that made her blood run cold. ‘If you think you got all that you deserved last night, you’ve got another thing coming, Sunset Shimmer. Just wait until school ends, you’ll get what’s coming to you eventually.’ Handing the note to her sister, Celestia read it, gaining a look of horror herself before looking at Sunset. With the gentleness of a mother trying to soothe a frightened child, she asked, “Sunset, who gave you this note?” “It doesn’t matter.” She replied, not bothering to look the principals in the eye. “It was someone who just wanted to get back at me for something that I did to them; nothing more.” “All the more reason why we must know who it is that is bothering you.” Luna pushed firmly, her hands on her hips. “We’re your Principals Sunset. As such, it is our job to protect students who are being harassed by people in this school, child or adult. Bully or not, this is not something that you should be going through. Nor should you let yourself go through it either.” Celestia nodded, backing her sister up. “That’s right, Sunset. We’re here to help you, not to make you more of a scapegoat than you already are. If there is something wrong, then we must know, or else we won’t be able to-” “You can’t!” Sunset suddenly interrupted, her anguished cry washing over the principals like ice cold water being dumped upon their heads. “You can’t help me… no one can. Not after all of the things that I did at this school. It’s not like I don’t deserve it anyway.” A brief moment of silence passed between the trio as Sunset shook, using all of her inner strength not to break down. Luna and Celestia stood wordlessly, trying to come up with something to say that could soothe Sunset’s worries. Unfortunately, this time was not given to them before Sunset looked at them, her eyes of twin skies gleaming with tears. “I… I appreciate what you’re trying to do for me, who it was that gave me that note. But… it just doesn’t matter right now.” She continued, her voice quieter but by no means any less empty. “It was something that was coming for a real long time… something I knew deep down would. I just didn’t want to believe it until it hit me right in the face. And now that it has, it’s going to continue, until I eventually just go away.” While wiping away her tears, the school bell from earlier vibrated, expanding through the hallway as it rang. Footsteps slowly filled the silence of the hallway as students exited their classes, filling the area where Celestia, Luna and Sunset were. Sensing her chance to get away, Sunset quickly collected herself before looking at the principals again. “I’m sorry I can’t meet you both at your office Principal Celestia like I said I would but the bell just rang so I need to get to class.” Sunset kept her gaze down adding just above a whisper. “I am also sorry, very sorry for yelling at you both like that. I just got a little triggered by everything that’s happening.” She mumbled. “I’ve got to get my next class now. My first period teacher will be angry if I don’t get there on time. I’ll meet you again at your office.” Adjusting her backpack, she whirled around and ran down the hall, blocking out the calls of the two principals. Students left and right cried out in surprise and shouted at her as she ran, but it was barely registered. Thanks to her eyes being closed, Sunset failed to notice the student that was in her path until she ran right into him. Falling to the floor, she let out a yelp as she landed on her butt with a hard thud. Rubbing at her right hip with her hand she heard a voice speak to her. “Whoa, sorry! Are you alright?” “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry for running into you like tha-” Sunset stopped apologizing as she saw who she had run into. “G-garble?” “Yeah, it’s all good. You didn’t really hurt me, so it’s not biggie.” Garble replied casually, wiping at his green striped short-sleeve flannel shirt. After straightening out his dark blue jeans, he held a hand to her, the chain on his left belt loop swinging along with his movement. “Are you heading off to class too?” “Uh…y-yeah.” The fiery red head said, cautiously accepting the help. “My next class is Math, which will be with Mr. Cranky Doodle. A-are you heading there too?” “Yes I am.” Garble replied, giving a scratch of his blue bandana. “You wanna head over there together?” Sunset looked at him, a little surprised at the sudden request from the person who used to be a bully himself. A part of her wanted to refuse him, if not to keep from causing him any more trouble than she probably already did. This was soon shot down when she noticed some of the looks the other students were giving her. Looks only given to those who were the targets of someone’s act of revenge. In a few seconds, Sunset’s mind was made up, knowing what may happen should she refuse Garble’s offer. “Actually… I think that’d be a good idea.” Sunset replied, unable to bear the looks. “I can see how the others are looking at me right now and… I really don’t like it. I just wanna get through this day so I can go home. If I’m able to.” “I can tell…” Garble nodded with a frown of his own as they both went down the hall. As they neared their next class, the boy found himself asking, “By the way Sunset… I was wondering about something. Do you want to hang out together sometime?” Sunset nearly tripped over in the midst of her walking. “W-what?” “It’s cool if you don’t want to.” Garble said quickly, holding one of his hands up. “I just wondered if you wanted someone to hang out with since you were all by your lonesome. You looked like you needed a friend, and I wanted to know if you wanted to, you know… do something together?” “You… you really wanna hang out? With ….me?” Sunset asked after making sure she wasn’t hearing things. “An-and you're sure ab-about doing this?” “That’s what I said wasn’t it? And yes I am sure about hanging out with you”. Garble asked and stated with a raised brow. “I’m not the only one either. Your other classmate that was with me earlier wanted to know the same thing. She wanted to ask you herself, but she couldn’t really bring herself to do it. Plus, she had a different class, so only one of us could come to see you.” ‘He must be talking about Fluttershy.’ Sunset thought as they both entered their next classroom. “I sort of have a lot of stuff I’m going through right now, so I don’t know”. “So that's ‘a maybe later’ then?” Garble asked with a casual head tilt. Before Sunset could reply, a loud and very cranky voice cut through the classroom. “Sunset Shimmer!” Mr. Cranky shouted as he slammed a ruler atop his desk, making both teens turn to him. “Just what do you think you’re doing?! Are you trying to hold up my class?!” Sunset shrunk back. “N-n-no Mr. Doodle, I wasn’t! I was just talking with Garble and we-” “I don’t care what you two were yapping about! What I do care about is that you’re holding up the class!” The middle-aged man interrupted snappily. “Now take your seat so I can begin the lesson! Or else you’ll both be looking at a good long detention after school!” “Y-yes, of course!” Sunset squeaked, quickly getting in her seat with Garble doing the same. “I’m sorry for making you wait Mr. Doodle. I won’t do it again I promise...” “You’d better not do it again or else you’ll be really sorry.” Mr. Cranky growled, walking in front of his desk as he began to organize some papers. “Same goes for the rest of you too! I expect you all to pay attention or you will all get detention! Just like Mr. Shimmer!” “Mr. Cranky Doodle!” Another sharper voice burst through the class as both Mr. Cranky Doodle and the entire class flinched in their seats. All eyes looked to see Celestia standing just outside of the doorway, eyes narrowed into a glare with her hands on both her hips. Just behind her, Luna stood, looking to be just as displeased as she shot daggers at the math teacher. ‘Oh no, they followed me here?!’ Sunset thought, dread consuming her as her hands clenched on her desk. ‘I thought that I already left them behind in the hallway! For Centauria sakes, why can’t they just take the hint and leave me alone?!’ “Just what do you think you’re doing assigning detention to students for not being in their seats?!” Celestia all but demanded, her voice dripping with scorn. “You know that is an improper use of power, and of authority as a teacher!” “B-but Principal Celestia, Ms. Shimmer was holding up the class!” Mr. Cranky protested, the anger in his voice completely replaced by fear. “She knows when she comes to my class I fully expect every student to quickly and quietly take their seats and she didn’t take her seat as expected of her or any other student! I did nothing wrong, I was only calling Sunset out on this subject nothing more”. “Maybe from your perspective, but it is clearer than the day your actions are telling a different story.” Luna interjected, her commanding tone cowing Mr. Cranky like a disobedient puppy. “As my sister stated, giving students detention simply for not being seated is abuse of your authority. It is also especially not becoming of a teacher to threaten detention for not paying attention in class!” She gestured to the hallway with her head. “Please see us in our office after class. We will need to have a thorough talk about your misuse of power.” “What?! B-but-” Mr. Cranky started, but stopped at the cold glare Luna gave him. “I-I” “I was not asking you Mr. Doodle.” Luna hissed; her voice still very calm but by no means any less stern. “Please be in my and my sister’s office as soon as your class is over. If you are not there, I will personally bring you there myself. Do I make myself clear?” “I… y-yes, Vice-Principal Luna…” Mr. Doodle stammered, hanging his head in defeat. “I’ll be there as soon as school lets out”. “Good. We’ll leave you to your lesson now.” Luna murmured, giving a satisfied nod as she and her sister exited out of the classroom. As they walked away, both looked directly where Sunset was, giving her looks that told her all she needed to know. Sunset grimaced while they did this, holding their gazes until they vanished completely out of sight. Sighing, the girl turned back to where Mr. Cranky Doodle was now teaching, ignoring the several dirty looks she was receiving from several other students including one student called ‘Lightning Dust’. . Sunset could not remember a time where she was more thankful to hear the school bells ringing than she was now. It seemed like forever that first period went on, even though it only went on for a little less than an hour. When it finally ended, she got out of her seat so fast that she almost made her desk fall over; something that Mr. Cranky admonished her for. It barely reached her as she rushed out of the classroom, making a beeline for her next period before it happened to her. ‘Thank Centauria first period is over! I thought it was never going to end! If I had to go through one more minute of my classmates glaring at me, I was gonna lose it!’ Sunset thought to herself, swerving her way through the increasing number of students. ‘I just hope that the second period isn’t as bad as the first. I just wanna get through this day and go home! Let me make it through this day!’ While Sunset silently walked through the crowd, she suddenly felt a very ominous presence from behind her. Suddenly feeling a cold shiver run down her spine Sunset almost stopped in her tracks feeling as if death had its icy cold fingers around her neck she closed her eyes silently hoping no one was there. The girl’s eyes snapped open and she looked back to see who might be behind her, only to see nothing but students going their own way. For a split single second, Sunset could have sworn she had seen an orange haired girl in the crowd, looking right in her direction. As quickly as she was there though, she was gone. It was like she was a blast of lightning that was there for one second and gone the next. ‘That’s strange… I thought that I saw someone glaring at me just now.’ Sunset internally speculated as she continued her walk. ‘Of course, it could’ve been one of the many students that aren’t too happy to see me. I really hope they don’t do anything to me until after school. Not that I don’t deserve it…’ As if to tell her she would not be that lucky, Sunset felt a hand grab her by the back collar of her coat and pull her backwards. Metallic steel collided with her face as she felt her face hit one of the lockers with such force that she almost lost consciousness. Trying to stand up, she barely managed to turn to her attacker, as a fist slammed into her right eye. Whiteness filled her vision like tipped-over paint. She held a hand to her right eye, feeling it swell under her fingers. Using her remaining good eye, she looked to see who had struck her, and found herself gasping at seeing the girl she thought she saw earlier. “Well, if it isn’t the famous Flaming Hornet of Canterlot.” Lightning Dust growled out, while cracking her fist. “Or should I say the former Flaming Hornet?” “L-Lightning Dust” Sunset shrunk back. “Pl-please don’t do this”. “Huh, so you remember who I am huh? Then you must know why I’m here then.” Lightning Dust said, reaching up and grabbing Sunset by her shirt. “Don’t think that I’ve forgotten what you did to us; what you did to me while you were running this school like you owned it! You thought that you could just slink away and not get any payment from us for it?! Well too bad! No way you’re getting off that easy!” “Please I don’t want to fight with you just let me go” Sunset pleaded, shaking under the wrathful gaze of the athlete that had a hold of her. “I-I know what I did caused you pain and anger, a-and I’m sorry! I really am! I’ll never hurt any of you again! I promise!” “As if I’d let a demon like you get off the hook after all that you did to us!” Lightning Dust spat, pulling the scared girl closer to her face. “You’ve been avoiding your just dues for way too long! It’s time you finally get some payback you bitch!” A stomach-churning smirk crept up on Lightning Dust’s face. “And I know just the way to do it.” With speed that was worthy of her name, Dust shot her fight fist forward connecting with Sunset’s jaw. Sunset’s head swerved to the side, feeling her jaw burn with agony Sunset spat a glob of blood on the floor. As she reeled from the blow, Sunset felt the air in her lungs fly out as the other girl kneed Sunset in the gut, making her gag. Dust then let her fall out of her grip, only to grab the back of her head and slam the front of her head against the floor. A sickening crack split through the air as stars exploded within Sunset’s eyes, feeling her head begin to throb from the impact. Ringing soon formed in her ears, muffling the cheers of the other students she was hearing. “Yeah, Lightning Dust! You go!” One of the students yelled out. “Show that demon who’s boss!” “Mess her up good!” Another shouted out as the beating intensified. “Make her feel the pain she made us feel for all these months!” “Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!” The rest of the crowd jeered, fists thrown in the air. “Beat her, beat her, beat her, beat her”. Through the ever-increasing violence, Sunset stayed where she lay, beaten and bloodied as Dust continued with her relentless assault. Sunset made no attempt to defend herself from the onslaught, and not because she couldn’t do so. In Sunset’s mind, this was the just dues she was getting after all the bad things she made happen while at this school. Sunset did not expect it to get it like this, it wasn’t really a surprise at this point. All she hoped was that they didn’t kill her; not really any reason for them to have their lives ruined. As unconsciousness took Sunset, something yellow and fast flew out of the crowd, making students cease their movements. All eyes in the ground widened in shock as Fluttershy stood over Sunset, blocking the kick Lightning Dust tried to give to Sunset’s face. The other girl stared at her in utter surprise at the interference before her anger returned. “Well, look who it is? It’s everyone’s favorite Little Timid Butterfly…” Lightning Dust sneered, shifting her anger from Sunset to the girl standing protectively over her. “Come to protect the demon bitch of Conaterlot huh? I'm surprised after all she tormented you the worst of all of us so why not help me get us all some much needed payback?.” “No Sunset may have bullied me but that is no reason to act like a bully yourself Lighten Dust”. Fluttershy said. “You and the other students here are all ganging up on her like a pack of jackals after a dear! She hasn’t done anything to you guys! I knew that you could be petty Lightning Dust, but this is a new low! Even for you!” “Petty? How is dishing out some well-deserved karma petty?” Lightning Dust asked incredulously. “Sunset Shimmer is a bully Fluttershy. She always has been, and always will be as long as she’s here. If you ask me, I’m doing her a favor by showing her just how much of a monster she is! I’m sure the others can agree with me.” “The only thing that I see is someone picking on someone who wants to change!” Fluttershy shot back, her sharp voice making Lightning Dust step back. “I don’t know what Sunset did to you, for you think it’s okay to do this, and I don’t care! Do you even realize where you’re doing this?!” “Yeah, I do.” Lightning Dust asked as she regained her composure. “You think I care that this is in school? I could care less what the principals do to me as long as that bitch gets what’s coming to her. Speaking of which, you’d better get out of my way, or else you’re gonna get it too.” Fluttershy pursed her lips, crouching down and hugging Sunset’s body close to her. “If you want to hit her again then, you’re gonna have to get through me to do it. And trust me when I say I am not going to make it easy for you.” “Tch… so you wanna join your little friend in her comeuppance huh?” Lightning Dust hissed as she grabbed Fluttershy by her shirt. “Fine then! If you want me to beat your ass as well then I’ll be happy to do so”. Raising her fist to strike Fluttershy in her face Lightning spat out, “I’ll beat you till you pass out you fucking whore I’ll only stop when you beg me for mercy!” “As if I’d expect mercy from a cum sucker like you.” Fluttershy spat, leveling her gaze with the other girl she added, “Leave or I swear I’ll---”. Just before Lightning Dust could land a blow, a loud commanding voice exploded through the crowd. “ENOUGH!” The silence that followed held such thickness, that all the students who heard it could’ve been passed on for statues rather than actual beings. Each of them parted away as Vice-Principal Luna, with a look of utter fury, stormed her way through the crowd. Her eyes held such anger that, if looks had any sort of power, each teenager there would’ve been frozen solid. “What is the meaning of this?!” Luna demanded, her voice every bit as loud as she intended as she cast her gaze upon the group. Upon getting no answer, she focused on Dust, who looked to be moments away from wetting her pants. “Lightning Dust, what in god’s name do you think you are doing to Fluttershy and Sunset?!” “I… I… I wasn’t doing anything!” Dust replied, saying the first thing that came to mind. She dropped Fluttershy and backed away from her, like she was a girl who suddenly turned into a vampire. “I saw her getting into a scuffle with Sunset, a-and I was just trying to stop her! Really, I was keeping her safe!” “Were you? It looks to me that you were doing anything but that.” Luna replied, not falling for Dust’s made-up story. “No, I take that back. You were doing the exact opposite of that given the evidence I’m seeing here.” “N-no, I wasn't, I swear!” Lightning pleaded, still trying futilely to explain her case. “This is all just a misunderstanding! It’s not what it looks like!” “Tell that to anyone who’s naïve enough to believe it.” Luna said harshly. “Be in the Principal’s Office no later than five minutes after your last period. My sister and I will give you your punishment after we take care of things here.” “But-” Lightning Dust began, only to whimper as Luna’s glare became sharper than a razor. “I just---” “I am not asking you Ms. Dust.” Luna interrupted, “I am telling you.” her tone synchronizing with her look. “Meet us in the Principal’s office as soon as your final period ends, or else you will face a punishment even more severe than what we will have planned. Am I clear?” Lightning Dust lowered her head in submission. “Y-yes ma’am.” “Good, now get to your next class.” Luna said, her anger diminishing slightly as she turned attention to the other students. “That goes for the rest of you! Get to your classes, now!” None of the other students wasted time in getting out of the halls as quickly as possible, leaving Luna, Fluttershy, and Sunset alone in the hallway. As soon as the last student was gone, Luna turned to the two girls. For a moment, nothing was said between the woman and the gentle teen, both of their gazes telling each other everything. “Please head to your next class Fluttershy.” Luna instructed, her voice firm but carrying an air of gentleness. “Do not worry about Sunset, I’ll take care of her from here.” “Are you sure she’ll be alright?” Fluttershy asked, looking at the unmoving girl at her knees. “I mean she’s been hurt rather badly”. “She does appear to be rather injured.” Luna said, inspecting Sunset’s injuries. “But most of them don’t look to be life threatening. I cannot say the same about this head injury though…” “Please let her be okay, Vice-Principal Luna.” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice soft and shaky. “Sunset has been through more than enough… She needs help. So, so much help…” “And help she will get.” Luna declared, taking Sunset’s head and putting it in her lap. “Now please head off to class. You’ll be late for your next lesson if you don’t.” Casting one last look at Sunset, Fluttershy nodded before quickly walking to class, doing her best not to start crying. Luna watched her go for a moment before reaching for the radio on her belt and speaking into it. “Nurses Office, this is Luna! I have a student in need of medical attention in hallway sixteen” She said into the speaker. “I repeat, I have a student in need of medical attention in hallway sixteen”. Swiftly setting the radio back on her belt, Luna turned her attention back to Sunset, keeping her body close to hers. As she looked at Sunset’s bloodied and bruised face, a sigh of frustration left her, the hallway’s silence helping it to echo. ‘This is going to be a long year.’
Chapter 3 - Shimmering Solitude Part 2 of 3, August 2nd, Tuesday 3:00 PMYawning echoed off the walls of the house of Officer Starknight as she awoke in the darkness of her bedroom. Feeling a crick inside her neck, she pulled herself out underneath the covers of her bed and gave a few twists of her head. About a minute of this passed before she felt satisfied enough to get up and freshen herself up. Cool air ran across her skin like a hairbrush going along her hair as the covers on her body slid off. Ignoring the coldness on her body, she got off the bed before giving a stretch to adjust the bones in her limbs. “Holy Cow! Now that was a deep sleep!” Starknight sighed to herself while scratching one of her arms. “I can’t believe how different I feel when sleeping without my pajamas. Probably would’ve done this sooner if I’d known the effects of that.” Grunting, Starknight flipped her hair behind her neck and trudged to the bathroom to get rid of the sleepiness. Flicking the light on, she went to the sink to turn the water on to wash and freshen up with a flew splashes to the face. A sigh left the woman as she locked eyes with her reflection in the bathroom mirror, taking in her tired appearance. “Girl…” She said groggily rubbing at the bags underneath her eyes. “You seriously need a better job than this.” Having had enough of eyeing her worn out facial features, Starknight began getting herself ready for a shower. She was a few seconds away from turning on the shower water before she heard a ringing sound. A ringing that could’ve only come from the one electronic item that she spent the most time on. Grabbing her towel from the towel rack she quickly wrapped it around her body and headed back into her bedroom. “Blasted it!” Starknight groaned, as she followed the sound “What now?! Can’t I be left alone to take my shower in peace?!” Starknight headed towards her bed, quickly finding her phone sitting in its normal place on her nightstand next to her bed. Reaching for her phone, she snatched it up and looked at the screen where the Caller Identification was. Much to her dismay, she saw that it was Canterlot Child Protective Services; one of the two places she did not want her calling her after she just woke up. Huffing like a bull getting increasingly annoyed, she pressed the answer button and put it next to her ear. “Hello?” She asked, trying to hold back as much of her crankiness as she could, she thought to herself as she held the small phone against her ear. ‘This had better be important.’ “Hello is this officer Starknight?” A professional and feminine, yet familiar voice politely replied. “This is Rosy Petal with Canterlot Child Protective Services”. “Yes, this is Starknight.” She replied adding, “Why are you calling me at this hour?” Hearing some papers shuffle around in the background and typing on a keyboard she waited for a few minutes before getting a reply. “I wanted you to know Officer Starknight that I-” Mrs. Petal began only to be interrupted by Starknight “Please just call me Starknight, Mrs. Petal. I don’t really like it when someone from a branch of law enforcement calls me ‘officer’ every time I interact with them” Starknight quickly added, “I’m sorry for the interruption. Were you calling to let me know that you scheduled an appointment for Snips Sheldon?” “Yes, I did.” Rosy replied, her tone holding no offense at being interrupted. “I talked it over with the rest of my colleagues and I have scheduled a date for it. I will be conducting the interview myself on Monday the 8th of August at four in the afternoon.” ‘So… it’ll be held a week from now.’ Starknight thought, sitting down on the edge of her mattress as the images of Snip’s guardians came back into her mind. Holding the phone a little tighter. she almost snarled into it. “If you ask me, it should be held the very next day considering what I saw while I was out there.” Taking a breath she thought, ‘Not like I can really make them do anything about it but still.’ “Listen I know you want us to jump right into this,” Mrs. Petal’s voice came with a note of concern and slight annoyance at being told how to do her job “But there are protocols and procedures that I have to follow.” “Are you sure there isn’t any other time or way that you can conduct this interview Mrs. Petal ?” Starknight asked worriedly while feeling somewhat irritated. “I am sure.” Mrs. Petal sharply replied before taking a breath and continuing. “My colleagues are all swamped with other cases and I-” “I understand.” Starknight, having heard enough interrupted her “Thank you for scheduling the appointment”, closing her eyes, Starknight put her face in her free hand, ignoring the feeling of her towel falling off her ample body she thought. ‘Please don’t let my fears be true.’ “It’s going to be alright, officer. I know it seems bad now” She heard Mrs. Petal say into the phone, the sound of her voice snapping Starknight back to her current situation. “C.C.P.S will make sure if Snips Sheldon is in danger, we’ll do our jobs. I promise”. ‘Oh great you just reneged on saying you would help’. Starknight thought as she continued to think about Snips, she heard typing in the background choosing to refocus her attention on the conversation she said out loud, “Is there anything else that you need Ms. Petal ?” “Yes, there is. I will need you to get me Ms. Sunset Shimmer’s address.” Rosy Petal replied. “You mentioned that there was a potential runaway, but I did not have her information at the time of the report being made. If you could let me know her address, I can proceed further with this investigation.” “Sure, but I’ll have to do that at work. I don’t have the means to look that information up here at home.” Starknight grumbled. “Speaking of ‘home’, how did you get this number? It isn’t supposed to be listed.” “I tried to call you back earlier today about the scheduled appointment, but I couldn’t reach you.” Rosy Petal replied casually. “I called your police precinct, and your police captain gave me your number.” “I see.” Starknight murmured, her tone synchronizing with the irritation on her face. “Is that all for now Mrs. Petal ?” “One more thing Starknight. I will also need either you or another officer to accompany me to the interview, but you may not interfere unless a threat is clear and present.” Rosy added with a firm undertone, “The interview will be conducted at Snips Sheldon's home. You may be in the room with me if you so choose but again, I must ask that you do not interfere at all.” “Alright, thank you. I’ll be sure to be on time.” Glancing at her clock she noticed it was three ten in the afternoon. Realizing she needed to go, she hurriedly tried to conclude the call. “If there is nothing else. I need to get going so I won’t be late for work.” “As far as I know there is nothing else that I will need from you.” Rosy calmly stated, “I’ll call you a half hour before the interview to make sure you're still able to make it. Please have a second police officer on standby in case you are not able to make it. Have a good day Officer Starknight.” “You too…” Starknight said back with as much politeness as she could muster. “I’ll see you next Monday.” Hearing the click go off on the other end, Starknight set her phone down, taking a minute to take in what was discussed. A mixture of thoughts swirled in her mind like an aquatic spout of water as she tried registering all that she had seen the previous night regarding her fears in regard to Snip’s home life. What stood out most was her unlisted phone number being given without permission. By the person who she should’ve trusted not to give unless Starknight herself said otherwise. It was not known to her why her captain decided to do it, but she could only guess it was for the reason Rosy Petal said. A sense of hurt and betrayal was still left in Starknight from this revelation, and Starknight had every intention of chewing her captain out for it. ‘Just when I thought I had enough on my plate… now I have this!’ Starknight thought, getting up and grabbing her towel. Wrapping it around her, she returned to her bathroom to take her shower. ‘I don’t understand why he would do this. He knows my phone number is to be lent out by me and me alone! What in the actual hell does he think he is doing?!’ She thought as the hot water ran down her naked body. A half hour later, she found herself dressed and ready to leave for work. ‘Captain you and I will SO be discussing this!’ Contrary to stopping at almost every red light on the way to her work, Starknight was able to get to the precinct much quicker than anticipated. Nothing she thought of could pinpoint exactly how she was able to accomplish such a feat in the angry state of mind she was in. Not that the woman was complaining, since it allowed her more time to accomplish what she planned to do sooner. The biggest one to get to the very bottom of the usage of her private number by her captain. Officers left and right gave stares at Starknight as she stomped her way through the halls of the Canterlot Police Department One Twelve Precinct. The lack of much talking from them allowed them to hear the sharp taps of her shoes meeting the floor. Just from the way she walked they could all tell she was very annoyed, and they all had an inkling as to who was the target. “Oh, hello Starknight!” Officer Winter Skies greeted warmly as the women came to his front desk. “You’re getting in a little bit later than normal, aren’t you? What brings you here this late in the afternoon?” “Yes I am but that is how things are now I have some urgent business to attend to. Part of it being with the captain.” Starknight replied quickly but, calmly, having taken a breath to soothe herself. “Have there been any messages left for me?” Looking up from his work he blinked a few times saying, “Oh, yes there were. A few calls for you, but I told them that you weren’t in at the moment. I’ll get your messages and bring them to your desk.” Starknight nodded “Thank you. I’ll be sure to look at them when they’re sent. Is the captain in?” Not looking up while he sorted through a pile of papers, he nodded his reply. Turning to her left, she walked down a small hallway past several desks towards the locker rooms where police gear was put and stored. Getting there a few moments later, she proceeded to her locker, opening it, and taking her uniform. Setting it down on the bench she changed out of her civilian clothing into her uniform quickly. Looking up she grabbed her duty belt, wrapped it around her waist and buckled it tight. Taking out her Glock Twenty-Two Forty Caliber, she checked the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds, before placing it into her holster on her right hip. Once she was sure it was secure, she reached back into her locker taking out her Ruger LC9. She placed it into a hostler strapped to her left leg and closed her locker before heading back towards the front of the precinct. “Excuse me, Spring Gemstone.” She said to another officer behind a desk when she got back up front. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask. What time does my shift end today?”’ Looking up from her work, the seasoned officer Spring Gemstone with a few blank blinks of her rose-colored eyes picked up a large black folder next to her and opened it. She then looked up at Starknight before saying, “According to this you are getting off at around four in the morning Sergeant. But uh, shouldn’t you already know what time your shift ends sergeant?” “I just wanted to check to make sure of that.” Starknight replied with a light hand wave. “I’ll call dispatch in a few minutes to clock in. Before I do… I need to have a little talk with the captain.” Ignoring the wince Spring Gemstone gave, Starknight made a beeline to the captain's office, getting there in less than a few minutes. Noticing that his office door was open, she knocked on its frame to get his attention. Hearing the knock, he looked up from his desk offering Starknight a warm smile as she entered his office. She heard him say, “Ah, good! Please come in my nie--er--I mean Sergeant. To what do I owe this meeting?” “Hello Unc--er--I mean Captain.” Starknight replied softly, doing her best to compose herself for what she would to say next. “I’m sorry for interrupting whatever you were working on, but there is something very important I need to talk to you about.” Duke’s brow raised at this. “Oh really? Is it tied to the Snips Sheldon Case?” “Partially, yes… what I wanted to know was why you gave my phone number to C.C.P.S?” Entering his office, Starknight closed the door as she continued on, feeling her anger return. “My number and my home address are supposed to be private sir. It is my place to let go from outside of work and whenever I have my days off. It doesn’t make any sense for you of all people to do something like this!” Both sides of the Captain's lips went down into a frown as if two invisible fish hooks were tugging on them. It wasn’t the slightest bit surprising to him that his niece would be coming to him about this. Her number being lent to someone outside of her own fruition and given to someone else she had no idea had it. He’d honestly be upset too if someone had done the same to him, and he would surely do what Starknight was already doing now. Guilty as he felt, he knew he’d need to give his segreant a proper explanation for his actions. If not to calm his niece down. “While I can understand your reason for being a bit upset, you also need to understand that C.C.P.S has called here ten times trying to find you.” Duke replied, getting up from behind his desk with a sigh. “I agree with you that your home is your home and that I shouldn’t have given out your home phone number without permission. However, when I learned that the Sheldon’s were involved, I thought it best to---” “Invade my personal privacy?!” Starknight bitterly snapped in reply, “Seriously Captain, what in the world were you thinking?! You are the one person that I trust not to do such a thing like this! I get that it was because you wanted Mrs. Petal to get back to me about the Sheldon Case, but still! Do you know how hurt I felt when she told me that?! How could you?!” ‘So… Mrs. Petal said I gave Starknight’s personal phone number. I guess I shouldn’t be shocked by that.’ Duke thought with a look to the side. ‘My niece would be suspicious of why someone she doesn’t know has her personal number without her knowledge. I really should have thought this through more. No turning back now.’ “Are you going to answer me or what?” Her gruff voice brought him back to reality. “Yes, you’re right… I should’ve been the one you should’ve trusted more than anyone here not to do something like this. Even if it was to help out with the case, it was still your number and yours to do with as you see fit.” Duke said, his remorse filled eyes looking into his niece’s own indignant ones. “I should’ve waited until you at least came back here so you and Ms. Petal could talk about the case here rather than at your home. I hope you can forgive me for this act.” Starknight, taking note of the guilt in her uncle’s eyes, let her anger go with a sigh. “…Look Captain, I’m not that mad. I’m just …disappointed. I mean… that was my number. It was supposed to be given by me and me alone. No one else has a right to it but me, and you took that away.” “I did, and there’s no excuse.” He agreed, not even bothering to skirt around how bad what he did was. “Nothing I can say can make up for that breach of trust. I’ll understand if you’ll have a hard time trusting me forward.” It was now Starknight’s turn for her own lips to go into a frown unlike that of her captain’s. Angry as she was with her uncle about what he did, it didn’t stop her from seeing how guilty he was with all of this. One thing that she respected about her uncle was that he never tried to downplay all that he did to someone. Be it with friends, family or her, no one was given a pass and her uncle went out of his way to not hold back how much he had messed up. It was no surprise to her because of this that her captain wasn't trying to dance around the issue. Not that it would make sense anyway since it was one of his relatives, he unintentionally betrayed. Even with this in mind, Starknight still felt that he needed to be given a nice scolding for this stunt. Regardless of whether or not it was to give help for a case they were all involved with in some way. “It’s definitely going to be hard for me to forgive you for this Captain… but that doesn’t mean that I don’t trust you anymore. I get that it was because of what’s going on right now, but you could’ve at least asked me before giving Ms. Petal my number.” Starknight murmured, crossing her arms underneath her breasts. “I’ll let it slide this time, since it was for a reason regarding the runaway that I lost last night, but please do better. I’m someone who values my privacy deeply and hates it when my privacy or trust is breached. And you know how I get when something like that happens.” “Believe me, I know that like the back of my own hand.” Duke said while holding back a shiver. “I promise that I’ll be sure to get your consent first before doing this again.” “You’d better, or else it’ll be more than my trust that’ll be lost.” Starknight growled, slits forming in her eyes as she narrowed them. “Noted.” Nervousness filled the cough that left Duke before he changed the subject. “Now I have a few new assignments for you and the rest of the team involving a few matters. I was going to wait until you got here to hand them out. Since you’re here though, I’ll be able to do it quicker. But I have a favor I need to ask of you beforehand.” “Let me guess you want me to gather everyone in a single file line like school graders? That way you won’t have to go to them one by one?” Starknight asked casually, receiving no answer only a slight nod from her captain she added quickly. “Alright, give me about five minutes and I’ll have them all ready for you.” “I’ll give you ten minutes instead as a way to make up for giving out your personal information.” The Captain said as he watched Starknight turn towards the door and begin to head out of it. “Having more time helps to get important stuff done at a quicker pace after all.” “Might wanna add helping to get more sleep with that one.” Starknight countered before closing the door behind her. Sighing to herself, Starknight called out to all those who were within earshot of her voice, “Alright everyone head over to the Briefing Room now!” Everyone within earshot of her stopped what they were doing and headed for the briefing room with Starknight walking close behind them. Stopping from time to time at each desk and room to make sure all the officers who didn’t overhear her knew where to go. The captain watched all this from his office with a smirk on his face Starknight could be seen ushering officer after officer to the briefing room some gave her grief others headed there quickly and quietly. Still, she managed to get all who needed to be there into the room in record time. ‘Looks like she was able to get everyone there on time.’ Sighing, Duke reached to his phone and began dialing a number. ‘All that’s left now is to call Lucy and tell her that I’ll have to cancel dinner tonight.’ Picking up his phone, he dialed a number and waited for a few minutes as he prepared the words he did not want to use. Soon enough, he heard Ms. Sheldon’s soft voice over the phone. “Hello, this is Lucy Sheldon. How may I help you?” “Hello, Lucy, it's Duke Whiskers.” Duke began after clearing his throat. “I am calling to let you know I have an update regarding our dinner date.” “Oh, why hello Duke! It’s nice to hear from you today! I was wondering when you were going to call.” Lucy chirped, sounding happy to hear from him. “What about our dinner date? Is there something that came up?” Hearing doorbells chiming and people talking in the background, Duke turned his office chair and looked out his office window. Watching cars drive past the precinct. Turning back around he proceeded to open his desk drawers one by one shuffling papers, files, paper clips, and pencils around. Finding what he was looking for he took out a silver cigar case, placing it on the top of his desk. Feeling his pockets with his left hand, he took out from his vest pocket his cigar cutter and a box of matches. “Unfortunately, yes… an issue has come up that needs my attention.” Duke explained. “I’m sorry for this. I didn’t wanna wait until the last second to let you know beforehand.” “Well… that is a shame. Snips was looking forward to seeing you again” He heard Ms. Sheldon replied, her own tone sounding almost just as sad, “Will we at least be able to see you this Saturday then?” Picking up one of his cigars and cutting in it with his cigar cutter, Duke placed it between his lips before taking out his lighter and lighting the cigar. Blue steel smoke circled up and twirled above his head puffs of smoke came from his lips billowing forward like a chimney that had not yet been swept out for many years. “Yes, though I am not sure what time.” He said, taking in a breath before exhaling the smoke out. “I do have some free time Saturday, so I can take the day before that to think of a proper time that we can meet up. I need to make sure everyone has called dispatch and clocked in on time.” “I understand.” Lucy replied soothingly. “I appreciate you telling me early on about this setback you have. I would’ve liked to see you earlier, but I can work with this. Snips and I will have to wait just a little bit longer. Is there anything else you need to tell me?” “No, that was all I wanted to let you know about.” Duke concluded. “I must get going now. I have a rookie showing up here later on today. That in unto itself will take up most of my time tonight and the rest of the week as well.” “Okay dearie. Have a good night. I’ll tell Snips you said hello. Take care of yourself!” Lucy said as a click came just a second later. Closing his eyes, Duke lowered the phone to his desk and let out a breath. Mulling over the short, yet sweet talk between himself and Lucy. He set the phone back on its holder before getting up, taking his lighter with his smoking cigar still in his mouth. Picking up a pile of folders, Duke placed them under his arm and carried them out of his office, shutting the door behind him. ‘This is going to be a long afternoon.’ He thought getting a little further down the hallway leading to the Briefing Room he continued to think. ‘I have to come up with something that will make up for this but what?’ Minutes after talking with his niece and girlfriend, Duke went to meet Starknight and the other officers. Pleasantness filled him like coffee being filled in a mug at seeing all the officers clocked in for work and not late. It was a bit marred by the fact hardly any of them were paying attention when entering the Briefing Room. Anger was the last thing he could feel at them as they all looked just as, if not more tired than Starknight was when she arrived. It was why he had at least three coffees before she had arrived to give him the energy needed to get through the day. “Attention!” Starknight’s voice boomed out like a military drill sergeant upon seeing him enter the Briefing Room. All the officers came to attention their faces stern showing no sign of emotion. “At ease officers. Let's begin, shall we?” A stern voice clipped like a coach about to give his players some bad news; Duke held up a calming demeanor. Silence swept through the crowded room as officers as their faces went to meet their Captains. “I’d first like to say that I appreciate you coming in like this. I’m sure some of you were hoping to get a good sleep or spend time with your loved ones. Alas, duty calls, and we have quite a bit to accomplish today.” Clearing his throat, he set the pile of folders down on the podium, took out his glasses from his front shirt pocket and continued. “We have quite a few assignments and I’ll need you to do the best you can this week. Because trust me when I say this will be a tough week it shall and will be tough.” No response was given to the Captain, but the faces they gave him spoke of what he saw many times before. Fatigue, annoyance, exhaustion and unenthusiasm for what was going to come, with Starknight’s face showing the most of it. “Now for the first order of business. We have a new rookie coming in going by the name of Moonstonewho should be arriving in the next few minutes.” Duke explained, seeing a few faces of the officers’ ears perk up a bit. “Officer Starknight, you will be in charge of showing him the ropes for the next few months. If you feel like he’s efficient enough to be working all on his own, that’s great until then however, you will be his T.O. Is that understood?” “Yes sir.” Adding under her breath, Starknight muttered, “I’ll teach him to be here on time.” “What was that sergeant? I didn’t quite catch what you said.” Bitterness filled her Captain's voice like cold coffee. “If you feel that you have something to add that we all should know, then please do so now.” “No sir it was… nothing.” She quickly replied while clearing her throat. “I was just mentally reminding myself too… uh, pick up some bread and steak for dinner tonight sir.” “…Very well let's continue, shall we?” He asked, giving his niece the stink eye before continuing on with his announcements. “As I was saying, there are some assignments that need to be given out. Berk Comet and Sky Cloud, you’ll be working undercover. Based on our intelligence, there seems to be a new type of drug called Xeno Dust hitting the streets. If you can, find out where it is coming from and put a stop to it. We can’t fail the families of those harmed by this drug.” “Yes sir!” Both officers replied with a salute. Handing both men their assignments he moved on to another couple. “Officers Dew Shadows, Cloudy Skies and Meadow Brooks will work traffic and the streets. A rash of auto thefts has been happening in the area, find out what is going on and who is picking up the tab for this.” “We will sir! We won’t let you down!” Dew Shadows replied, taking the folder he opened it, glanced at the paperwork inside. “Sir, are these cars connected to the drug case by any chance?” Cloudy Skies asked with a curious voice. “I don’t know if they are, but if so, I need you to let me know right away.” Duke replied. “We will sir” Meadow Brooks said, turning her attention to Cloudy she added, “Cloudy we can check with our database and then get back to the others before we hit the streets.” “Sounds like a plan to me” He replied in full agreement. “Glad to see you two are actually getting along for once.” Captain Duke grumbled as he went to the last few officers. “Lastly,” He stopped and headed back up front to the podium with a look of anger that could have frozen hell over. “There are fourteen missing children whose parents are demanding answers and I don’t have any to give them.” All the officers stood pale and worried looks plastered on each of their faces all that is but for Starknight who stood with a look of pure rage on her face. Trying hard to contain her anger she closed her eyes silently counting to ten to regain her composer. Opening her eyes, she saw her Captain was looking right at her swallowing hard she opened her mouth to address him only to be cut off. “I want Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly to work with detectives Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper to find these missing children. I can’t stress this enough ladies and gentlemen! Find those kids and bring them home safely! Failure to do so is not an option! Do I make myself clear in this matter?!” “Yes sir!” All the assigned officers yelled out in unison. Captain Duke Whiskers nodded approvingly. “Alright, you are all dismissed. Sergeant Starknight, you will remain here.” As the other officer’s left the room, Starknight stood in place hoping her uncle wasn’t about to rip her a new one for her display of anger only a moment ago. She met his cold steel gray eyes with her soft blue eyes both stared at each other for what to her felt like an eternity but was in fact only a few seconds. “I saw the look on your face. Don't think I didn’t notice it” He said firmly. “Sir I ---” she began fumbling over her words, closing her eyes and tightening her hand. “It’s just, well, every time that I hear that a child has been taken, I … I can’t help but think-” “I know.” He replied gently, stepping away from the podium he placed his hand on her shoulder. “I was there, remember? It won’t happen again Starknight. I know you won’t let it happen again.” “If you will please excuse me sir, I need to get out there.” She quickly began to make her way to the door stopping just before the threshold of it. “And you’re right sir. I won’t ever let it happen again. Not EVER.’ Perhaps she chose her last words because she really was thinking of such a thing. An incident that happened so many years ago that, even now, still haunted her in her nightmares. No matter how rare or occasional it became over the years it would always haunt her. ‘No, don’t think about that right now.’ She thought silently making her way to her desk ‘You have things more important than that to mull over.’ Getting to her desk a moment later, she noticed several pink slips placed on her computer council, just in front of her chair. Flipping through them, she saw that most were from Canterlot Child Protective Services; something she was more or less expecting. Three were from her mother and four others were from a friend she hadn’t seen since the incident. Putting them in her drawer, she turned her computer on and typed in Sunset Shimmer’s name and waited for the page to load. Looking around, she saw most of her fellow officers making themselves busy going over either their assignments or other forms of paperwork. ‘What I would not give to be in their position right now.’ Starknight muttered herself, looking at the screen again as it slowly loaded. Groaning, she clenched the side of her desk with her hand in an attempt to suppress her annoyance. “Come on! Come on you piece of-“ ‘First Name: Sunset, Last Name: Shimmer, D. O. B: July 15th, 2005, Height: Five Feet, Six inches, Weight: One Hundred Ten Pounds, Eye color: Cyan, Hair Color: Red and Yellow, Address: Fifteen Ten Apple-lane Fourth Street. Area code: Five Six One Two Eight. Parents: Winter-song Shimmer, Melody Shimmer.’ Staring blankly at her computer, Starknight turned to her right, picking up her phone to dial the number for C.C.P.S. Looking back at her screen with confusion, she muttered, “I’m sure I had seen ‘classified information’ flash across my screen. How in the hell did--?” Her words were cut short when she heard a familiar voice over her phone, “Hello, this is Canterlot Child Protective Services Rosy Petal speaking. How may I help you?” “Yes? Hello, is this Rosy Petal ?” Starknight replied, forcing the irritation out of her voice. “This is Sergeant Starknight from earlier this morning.” “Oh, hello Officer Starknight! Nice to hear from you again!” Warmth smoothly laced itself within the professional tone that Rose Petal was using at the first sentence. “How’ve you been during our last conversation?” “I’m doing a little better than I was before. I appreciate your asking.” Starknight replied, feeling herself calming down a bit from how pleasant Rose Petal ’s voice sounded. “I was just calling to get back to you about Sunset Shimmer’s address and where you can find her.” “Oh yes! The runaway I talked about with you and your Captain. Please give me just a moment!” Rosy acknowledged, typing following her reply. “Alright, everything is up and ready to go! Could you please relay where Sunset Shimmer’s home is?” Starknight coughed into her fisted hand. “Yes of course. Her address is Fifteen Ten Apple-Lane fourth street. The area code is Five Six One Two Eight.” “Alright… there we go! Her address is set and secure!” Rosy cheerfully confirmed after a moment or two of not speaking. “Thank you for the information Sergeant Starknight! I’ll send someone out as soon as possible to see her! Is there anything else Officer Starknight that I can help you with?” “No, I believe that will do it. Thank you, Ms. Petal .” Starknight replied with a hand wave. “Oh, and um, I’m sorry for my rudeness during our first phone call.” Hearing light chuckling from the other end of the phone she pursed her lips as Rosy gently replied, “Please think nothing of it, I’ve heard far worse in my twenty-five years of doing this line of work. Being curtly hung up on is nothing new to me. I get told off by almost everyone that I meet! So yeah, it's nothing to worry about deary.” ‘She is way too laid back for that type of work.’ Starknight thought with a little head shake. “I appreciate you saying that Ms. Petal . I’m glad I didn’t make you feel offended with the way I treated you. Was there anything else that you needed from me?” “No, nothing at all. But I will be calling you later on when I have set up the interview with Sunset Shimmer’s family.” Rosy reminded her sweetly. “You know, so you can be there to stop anything bad from happening?” “Yes, of course.” Starknight replied, adding, “I’ll be ready and on call for that, Ms. Petal . Have a good afternoon.” “Thank you, I will.” Ms. Petal replied warmly. “I’ll see you soon.” After hearing the line cut off, Starknight set the phone down. “Hey Captain, do you know if that rookie has come in yet?” “Not yet. He seems to be running late. Must be the traffic.” Duke replied as he stopped at Starknight’s desk. “Listen, about what we talked about before our meeting with the officers--” “Yeah, I actually wanted to talk to you about that too.” Starknight’s hand went up to stop him. “I take that back. What I really wanted to do was apologize to you for my outburst.” “Please don’t bother. It’s not like I didn't deserve it anyway. It was a breach of your privacy so it’s not like I can’t expect you to not be angry about it.” heading back to his office she got up from her desk and followed him to his office upon entering she closed the door behind the two of them. “Look… I am sorry I had to do things how I did. But you need to understand I was in a tight spot. You do at least understand that don’t you?” “Yeah, I do… and I fully understand your position in this matter Captain.” Starknight replied. “I just wish you had called me and asked me first before going through with it.That’s all I wanted was a simple heads up is all”. Seeing a look of concern on her face he sat down in his chair gesturing for her to take the chair in front of his desk. Starknight sat down putting her hands over her knees she looked at him as he turned still in his chair taking up a coffee pot and cup. Handing the cup to her he poured some coffee into it, set it back to its place and waited for her to take a sip. “Was there something else I needed to know about the Sheldon case Sergeant?” He finally asked, not able to stand the silence any longer. “Now that we’re on the subject, I noticed Ms. Sheldon had bruises on her face when I went to drop Snips off. Could you explain to me the reason for that?” Any and all semblance of relaxation disappeared from Duke’s face at this. He knew exactly why the person in question from the way Starknight described her would have bruises on her face. It was in both their best interest that he gave his niece clarity regarding the situation. None of it made it easier for him, but Duke knew it was part of the job. Even if it made his stomach churn doing so. “Yes, I can. She works at the local hospital’s E.R and has to deal with the cases that nobody else wants. Sometimes those cases involve people that are high on drugs. Other times it's dealing with your basic drunks.” taking a breath he sighed adding, “I have known the Sheldon’s since Snips was only a little baby. I have tried many times to get Lucy...” Getting a slightly confused look from his niece he added, “Snip's mother's name is Lucy Sheldon. Anyways like I was trying to say, I have been trying to get Lucy to end her days at that hospital. Yet she won’t do it because of her son. She needs the money to cloth, feed, and take care of him. Or they may end up on the streets.” “And what about his father?” Starknight asked, her tone somewhat disappointed. “I would think Snips' father would have at least some say in this, wouldn’t he?” Duke shook his head in response. “Actually, no. He is, as far as I know, not in the picture.” “I see. Who is the other person I saw at her home last night?” Grimness filled Starknight’s face when recalling the earlier hours. “When I was over at her home there was a big burly man who approached me and looked rather pissed off by my presence. I thought I would have to use my taser on him.” “Ah, yes. That was more than likely Nikolai Rosuki Sheldon.” Another confused look from his niece made Duke add more information. “The Sheldon family is from Strussia. As for Nikolai he is Lucy Sheldon’s older brother. It doesn’t surprise me you thought you would have to take him down. Nikolai cares deeply for his sister and his nephew, but he has been in trouble with the Strussian Authorities since he was a kid. Or so I am told by Lucy.” Starknight nodded her head after letting the facts sink in. “I hope I didn’t do anything to cost Ms. Sheldon custody of her son by informing C.C.P.S of my concerns?” Chuckling to himself, Duke gave reassurance to his niece. “No, you were right to call them. After all, you said you have concerns which need to be addressed. Please follow up on your concerns and make yourself completely available to C.C.P.S.” “I will sir. C.C.P.S wants to conduct an interview with Snips Sheldon on Monday the 8th of August that I plan to be available for” Starknight confirmed. “But I do have one question though sir.” “Oh, and what would that be?” Duke replied with a slight grin, having a feeling he knew what she was referring to. “How am I supposed to make myself available to them if I have to train in a rookie sir?” Both of the corners of Starknight’s lips went down to form an annoyed frown. “I kinda need to know how to handle this.” “Let’s see how best we can handle this?” Letting his thoughts wander, Duke Whiskers got up and walked over to his office window, pulling the cord to the window shade he replied, “It’s simple. You take him with you when you conduct the interview.” He went silent while watching the traffic flow by the precinct for a few minutes. Looking over his shoulder to his niece he concluded their conversation. “You're a good officer Starknight don’t let anyone, not even me tell you different. Now, I suggest you get out there and get to work, alright?” “I will. Thank you for providing me with that much-needed information Captain.” Starknight said as she got up from the chair she had been sitting on. “Before I head out to clock in, I need to know… who classified Sunset Shimmers information?” “As far as I know, no one has classified anyone’s information.” Duke replied, turning back around placing his hands behind his back. “It must be a case of you being overworked, so I am going to suggest that you take the next few days off to get some rest. For now, get clocked in and then be ready to head out on patrol in a few minutes got it?” “But I-” Starknight started cutting herself short, seeing a grim look on his face. “Yes sir.” Heading out of her Captains office, she made her way to the clock area, only for a sudden arrival to stop her. A man in his early twenties stood just a couple feet away from the precinct entrance. In his right hand was a duffel bag, along with a uniform covered by a dark green coat. Matching green crew cut hair covered his head, none of it covering his bright purple eyes. On either cheek were a few freckles, giving him the appearance of a farm boy in spite of him being rather short. While taking his coat off, Starknight noticed a snake tattoo on his forearm encircling a knife in the center with a globe and skull at the bottom of the knife. “I’m sorry ma’am! I didn’t mean to stand in your way like that”. He said, holding up a hand to convey his apology. “I’m looking for Officer Starknight? I’m supposed to be getting trained in and she is supposed to be my training officer today”. “You’re looking at her rookie.” Starknight replied curtly with a somewhat cold stare. “I take it you’re the new recruit?” Locking eyes with her he held out his hand and confirmed what the woman assumed, “Yes, I am. My name is-” “Moon Stone, I know. My Captain let all of us know before you came.” Starknight interrupted briskly, pushing his hand away. “I don’t have time for this! Get yourself clocked in now!” Seeing Moonstone wasn’t moving she sighed as a few other officers stopped what they were doing to look in her direction. Feeling their eyes upon her Starknight’s hand balled into a fist releasing her fist. Staring into his soft olive-green eyes she looked at him not liking what she saw in him. A young rookie who had little to no idea how to follow basic orders or had any idea what it took to be a police officer. “Now listen to me.” She began trying to break the silence between them. “I have to report to patrol in a few minutes and like you, I too need to clock in! Get moving!” Seeing he still wasn’t moving she frowned, pointing down the other hallway she added bluntly. “When you get to the end of the hallway, turn right. You’ll find your locker in the men's changing room. Once you have your gear head to the garage. If you still can’t find it, you can ask one of the other officers to guide you.” “Sure thing!” Moonstone said with a firm nod as he began walking off. “Thank you, I’ll get right on to it Ma’am! “Don’t ever call me ‘Ma’am’ again! It’s Sergeant to you! ” Starknight bitterly snapped. “… Oh, and rookie?” Watching him stop in his walk down the hallway to look back at her, she finished their small talk with a little piece of advice. “Next time be on time! I don’t like training officers who show up late. If you can’t bother to be here on time, then don’t bother showing up for your shift at all!” “Y-yes Sergeant! I’ll be here on time from now on.” He replied, turning to leave while muttering under his breath. “Wow... what a day this is turning out to be.” Quickly making his way to the men's locker room, Moonstone found his locker after a minute of searching and greeting another officer. Opening it, he took out his duty belt before strapping it around his waist. He then reached in his locker to take out his mace, handcuffs, and keys to place on his belt. Turning around, he faced another officer who was in the changing room and quietly, yet politely, got his attention. “Excuse me, sir?” Moonstone asked, looking anywhere but at the officer himself. “Can you tell me where the garage is, please?” “Yes, but you might want to hurry. The sergeant doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” He replied, as he put away his own duty belt and gun into his own locker. “Names Comet Duster. I’m one of the few officers the sergeant trained. Now it’s your turn to face the dragon of precinct one twelve and let me tell you… she does not hold back.” “Given the line of work I chose to take, I’d be surprised if no sergeant here held back in training a rookie.” Moonstonemurmured with a weak smile, making the other officer laugh. “One more thing, rookie? Make sure you have your gun on you at all times.” Looking him over, he noticed Moonstone wasn’t carrying a backup weapon. “I would also suggest you buy a second gun too. Carrying a second weapon on you can very easily mean the difference between coming home alive. Or winding up six feet under, you got it?” “Yes, sir.” Moonstonereplied, reaching into his locker taking out his Smith and Wesson M-9. He took out the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds in it. Pulling the slide back and doing one last check of it, he placed it into his holster giving the other officer a weak smile. “Now that I have everything, can you help me please?” “Only because you said please.” He replied teasingly, shutting his own locker and locking it with a padlock. “Just go out the way you came. Follow the hallway down to your left and head out the door that says ‘Garage’. You can’t miss it. You’ll more than likely find the sergeant in car number sixty-four-seven. You better hurry. Otherwise, you risk her coming in and dragging you out by your ear... literally.” Giving him a concerned look, Moonstonefinished getting his things before making his way to the garage. Once he arrived there, he opened the door, the sounds of cars pulling in and out of the garage echoed in his ears. Gasoline, freshly washed rubber, and spilled oil all permeated his nostrils like the spray from a skunk as he sniffed it in. Looking around, he found a car numbered sixty-four-seven near the back of the garage. Quickly making his way to the squad car he got in, finding officer Starknight talking on the radio. Deciding to wait until she was finished, Moonstonegot into the passenger side door right next to her. “Dispatch.” He heard Starknight say into the car's radio mic. “Go for dispatch.” “Sergeant Starknight is calling right now. I’m calling in my ten - twenty. I am currently at Canterlot Precinct One twelve. The time is currently….” Watching her twist her right wrist round revealing her watch he heard her finish “Sixteen hundred hours and fifteen minutes.” “Ten - Twelve officer”. “Roger that.” Looking at Moonstoneshe murmured, “We’ll have to get you clocked in since I took up your time showing you where to go. I’ll drive us around the city once that’s over with and see-” “Officer, be advised we have a two - forty and two - forty-two at Canterlot High School.” Sighing from the interruption, Starknight logged into her duty roster saying, “Ten-four dispatch. I am ten - seventy-six to Canterlot High School now. Giving her rookie partner a passing glance she added, “Hold on, I need to turn the mic over to the rookie who needs to clock in.” “Ten - twelve officer”. Hearing static over the radio, both officers waited for a few minutes while she started up the car and began to pull out in the main pathway of the garage. Picking up the mic himself, Moonstonesaid into it, “Dispatch?” “Go for dispatch.” “This is officer Moonstonecalling.” Watching her flip on the sirens he continued, “I’m in my Ten - forty-one. The current time is sixteen hundred and thirty minutes.” “Ten-four officer, you are clocked in now.” Placing the mic back at its place, Moonstone leaned back into the leather seat letting out a sigh catching Starknight’s attention. He shot her his own passing glance as if feeling her looking at him and gave a little smile. Rolling her eyes, Starknight continued backing out of the garage to get to the main road. Feeling the tires roll on the flat back substance, she proceeded to speed off. Taking great amusement and watching Moonstonehold onto his seat for dear life. Moonstone and Starknight found themselves at the school twenty minutes after leaving the police department. No attempt was made by the latter to hide the amusement she felt at seeing the former look so caught off guard by the destruction. It was sadly short-lived for her due to the fact they had to meet with the head of the school. A couple of reports to dispatch later Moonstoneand Starknight went up to the entrance to look for Principal Celestia. Neither needed to look for they could already see her there talking with a man that clearly looked like he was in trouble. “I’m sorry Mr. Doodle, but this is what is going to happen due to your poor behavior.” Celestia said firmly, taking notice of the approaching officers. “Abuse of power is not something that will be tolerated in this school, regardless of your exceptional teaching skills. Consequences will come for that and it’s time you face that.” “I was only doing what I was supposed to do.” Mr. Doodle argued, indignantly. “You and the Vice principal saw what happened with Sunset, didn’t you? She needed to be punished!” “In ways that are under the confinements of school rules. Confinements that you failed to uphold today.” Celestia shot back one hand on her hip with a stern glare. “Now, I am going to be talking with someone regarding outside business. Until I’m done, please remain here so we can discuss what you should do with your behavior as a teacher going forward.” “Fine! I’ll wait in my classroom! I have to catch up on some work anyway.” He grumbled in reply, turning to leave. “Kids these days have no respect for their elders.” Shaking her head, Celestia turned her attention to the two officers. “Thank you for coming officers Starknight and Moon Stone. I’m sorry for that little spew you saw earlier. One of my teachers was being rather… unprofessional.” “It’s cool. Not the first time I’ve dealt with people like that. Can’t say the same for my new recruit here.” Starknight replied, gesturing to a nervous looking Moon Stone. “We got a call saying there was an assault at this location. Can you tell us please what happened? ” “I can. Please follow me. ”Leading them down the hallway and towards the Canterlot High Nurse Office. “Sunset Shimmer got into a fight with another student by the name of Lightning Dust who is currently in my sister's office awaiting the arrival of her father. Fluttershy McPherson, who appears to be the only witness to this, is in the nurse's office right now... She won’t leave Sunset’s side.” “Ah, I get it…” Moonstonemurmured. “A stereotypical scenario involving high schoolers. I think I can guess where this is going.” “If you were able to get that much, you have to.” Celestia somewhat confirmed grimly. “Although I will say you may not be in for what it’s really about.” “I don’t feel like I’m ready for it at all.” Came the apprehensive reply from the rookie officer. “Oh, um, by the way, sergeant, is it alright if I go get a statement from Lightning Dust? That way I can have a better feel as to what may happen here?” Starknight gave a consenting nod. “I think that will be a good idea. It’ll make my part of the job a bit easier. Just be sure to be quick, alright? I don’t want this to drag out more than needed.” Nodding to his trainer, Moonstone turned his attention to Celestia. “Do you know where I can find your sister’s office?” “Just go out the way we came in and take a left corner. You can’t miss her office from there.” As the new officer went where she directed, Celestia cast her eyes back to Starknight. “If you’ll follow me here, Officer, I believe Nurse Red Heart is in the back with Sunset and Fluttershy.” “Thank you, Mrs. Sunrise.” Starknight as they continued down the opposite hall. “I would like to know if you have contacted Sunsets parents yet Principal Celestia?” “Not yet, but I will.” She replied. Getting to the back of the office a few moments later both found Fluttershy sitting in a chair next to Sunset. Said girl was unconscious, but other than the injuries she had, seemed alright. “How is she doing Red Heart?” Celestia asked, closing the door behind her. Redheart, who was checking Sunset’s vitals, gave the results. “It doesn’t look like Sunset has a concussion. She should be awake in just a few minutes. She’ll have a nasty black eye but other than that she'll be alright.” “That's good to hear. I’ll speak with you after we are done here.” Celestia said after giving a sigh. With a gentle look, she addressed Fluttershy in a similar manner. “Fluttershy, can you follow me to my office please? There are some questions that I would like to ask you.” “A-alright.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper as she gently moved a lock from Sunset’s hair. “Is S-Sunset going to get into trouble for this?” “I can’t answer that ‘till after the police speak to her and her parents.” She replied solemnly. “I will also need to call your parents and make them aware of what happened here today.” Gently taking Fluttershy’s hand, Celestia started to usher her out of the office towards her own office. At the threshold of the office door, she heard Starknight speak up. “I’ll stay here until Sunset wakes up. When she is able to speak to us, I’ll bring her to your office, Celestia.” “I appreciate that Officer Starknight, but I would prefer you to bring her to the conference room. I’ll come back in a little bit and show you how to get there.” Celestia advised before looking back at Fluttershy. “Let's go call your parents. I’ll also need to radio my sister to bring Lightning Dust to the conference room.” “Okay.” Fluttershy agreed, casting a brief look at Starknight. “Please take care of Sunset Officer, I don’t want her hurt any more than she already is.” “Don’t worry sweetie. No one’s gonna harm this girl on my watch.” The policewoman assured as she put a finger on her taser. “You just go with your principal to get your parents here. Sunset and I will meet up with you, and hopefully my trainee soon.” Getting to her office with Fluttershy in tow, Celestia opened her door ushering Fluttershy in the small office. Looking around for a brief moment, Fluttershy saw sitting on Celestia's desk a picture of Luna. It showed Luna holding a fish in her right hand and net in her left. Picking it up she looked at it like it was a rare type of shell found on the beach. "When did you two go fishing Principal Celestia?" Fluttershy asked, glancing up at the principal. "Huh? Oh, that picture was taken when Luna was fourteen. I just turned eighteen and decided to take her on her first fishing trip.” Celestia explained somewhat solemnly. “Needless to say, it was also our last fishing trip.” Both ends of Fluttershy’s eyebrows went downward. “Oh my… did something bad happen on the trip?” “Not exactly… but all I will say it was the last time we ever did that together. ”Pulling out a chair in front of her desk she continued, “Please sit down, we’ll begin our questions shortly. First, I have to call Sunset's parents.” Picking up her phone and turning her computer on, she found Sunset’s information. Clicking a few buttons on her keyboard she scrolled through the information passing the address and zip code sections. Finding what she was looking for she reached over to her phone's keypad dialing the number she had on screen. “Hello! You have reached the Shimmer household. We can't come to the phone right now but if you leave your name and a message, we’ll get back to you as soon as we possibly can.” Sighing, Celestia heard the phone chime out, “At the tone please leave your message.”` Waiting for a few minutes Celestia heard the phone beep before quickly speaking into it. “Yes hello? This is Principal Celestia. I’m calling in regard to your daughter Sunset Shimmer. There was an incident at school today and I need either her mother or father to come to the school.” Her voice echoed off the walls of her office. My office number is 651 - 473 - 2677, the extension is 758. I’ll have my cell phone on me at this meeting which will be taking place in our conference room. My cell phone is 651 - 569 - 7659.” Hanging up the phone, Celestia sighed and turned to her office window, as she did many times during moments like this. Opening the blind, she watched the traffic drive past the school. A few vehicles would slow down every few minutes then speed past the school. Guessing the occupants were trying to figure out what happened, she turned back around closing the blind. ‘This is going to be a long and hard year for us to get through.’ She thought to herself. ‘If just one of my students is willing to do this to Sunset Shimmer then what are the rest of the students willing to do to her? I really don’t want to find out… and it’s best for her if I make sure I don’t.’ Walking over to a set of cabinets located to the right of her desk she took out a teacup, tea, sugar packets and creamer cups placing them on her desk. Holding up the teacup for Fluttershy to see she smiled warmly to her. Receiving only a nod from her student, Celestia quickly made her way over to the sink, filling the cup up, and placed it into a microwave located at the back of her office. Setting the timer for three minutes she waited for the microwave to get done warming the water. “What I wanted to ask you was.” She began turning back around to face Fluttershy who offered her a very weak smile in return. “Do you know who started the fight that happened today?” Hearing the microwave chime out that it was done Fluttershy watched Celestia take the cup from the microwave placing two bags of tea into it. Placing it in front of her she returned to her own seat sitting down, she smiled pleasantly to Fluttershy placing the sugar packets and creamer cups in front of her as well. “It's going to be alright Fluttershy. You're not in any trouble at all.” Watching her take the sugar packets and creamer cups she continued softly, “I can see you're rather frightened to be in here with me. Would you feel better if your parents were here?” “Yes, Principal Celestia.” Fluttershy replied gratefully. “I’d feel much better if my mother or father were here.” Giving her an approving smile, she handed her office phone over to Fluttershy. She waited silently as she dialed her parent's number and put the phone to her ear. A few moments later she heard her mother's voice over the phone. “Hello?” “Mom it's me.” Getting nervous, Fluttershy began to play with the cord of the phone. “Can you, um… come to the school? I-I need your help.” “What’s wrong honey?” She heard her mother say, voice filled with a worry that could only come from a concerned parent. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy grew in a calming breath. “I’m fine, it is just that Sunset got into a fight at school and I am really scared. I don’t know what to do. How soon till you can get here?” “I should be there within ten minutes, honey.” Mrs. McPherson said in an assuring tone. “Is a teacher with you now sweetheart?” “Yes, I am in Principle Celestia’s office. Do you want to talk to her?” “Yes honey. Can you put her on please?” Handing the phone over to Celestia, Fluttershy looked away while Celestia took the phone and spoke into it. “Hello? This is Principal Celestia. Is this Mrs. McPherson?” “Yes, this is her. Is my daughter in trouble?” Mrs. Shy asked in the same concerned voice that she used with Fluttershy. “I would like to know what is going on.” “No Mrs. MacPherson, your daughter isn’t in any trouble.” Celestia began noticing Fluttershy was starting to fidget with her backpack, “There was a fight between Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Dust. It seems that Fluttershy is the only witness to this fight. Your daughter is perfectly fine. But I do need you here while the police question her about what happened.” “I see.” She replied flatly. “I am at the corner of Fifth and Mane now. I’ll be at the school in about eight to six minutes. In the meantime, you may talk with her until I get there.” “Thank you, Mrs. MacPherson, I’ll see you then.” Hanging up the phone she looked at Fluttershy who sunk into her chair adding, “Alright Fluttershy, your mother will be here shortly. She has given me permission to speak with you until she gets here. Until then, let’s stay in here alright?” “S-sure,” Fluttershy mumbled, playing with her pink hair as she took a sip of her tea. “Wow… this really is good tea? Where did you get it if I may ask?” “I got this tea from a trip I took to Prance several months ago.” She replied, taking a cup for herself she placed it into the microwave, pressed a few buttons and waited for it to warm up once it was done she took it out and took her seat again. “I wanted to bring back a few souvenirs, so I thought the tea and cups would do nicely and it looks like it did. I am glad that you enjoy it.” “I am enjoying it very much. I think I have a new idea of what to get my parents for Mother and Father’s Day.” Fluttershy giggled while playing with a lock of her hair. “But it may take a while.” “Better get yourself a ticket to prance then.” Celestia chuckled, leaning back into her chair before she took on a serious tone. “Now then… I think we should start this from the beginning. You tried defending Sunset from Lightning Dust, yes? What did you see when you got to the fight?” “When I got there, I saw Lightning Dust hit Sunset,” Fluttershy said, taking another sip from her cup and putting it down. “Sunset didn't bother to fight back which is why I rushed to her aid.” “I see.” Celestia replied, narrowing her eyes “And when you saw Sunset was in trouble, did you see if anyone else was going to jump in or if anyone was already getting involved?” “No, as far as I know. I was the only one that actually did anything to help Sunset.” Fluttershy replied. “No one else bothered to do anything. They either stood back and watched or… cheered the fight on. It was just me helping her and no one else.” Celestia grimaced, feeling her fingers curl up into fists as if attempting to squeeze a stress ball from what Fluttershy was saying. She knew from what Luna told her that it was bad when no attempt was made to protect Sunset from the onslaught of Lightning Dust's bullying. It wasn’t something totally out of the unexpected given how much many of the students hated Sunset and had a grudge towards her. But to hear not one student who helped her and even cheered her tormentor on? Some firmer means of reprimanding were most certainly in need later on. “I see… that’s rather unfortunate.” She said after a time, disgust and disappointment sticking to her tone. “Was it around that time when my sister showed up to assist you?” “It was. She took Sunset to the nurse’s office and had me go back to class. I went to the nurse’s office after my last period, and I was there until you came.” Celestia nodded. “Okay, I think I have the entirety of this incident down now. Thank you for telling it to me Fluttershy. I promise that Sunset will get the care and help she needs. As for the students… I am not sure there is much I can do but the expected. But I’ll make sure an extra close eye is kept on them from now on.” “Thank you… please help her.” Fluttershy whispered, her yellow cheeks alight with her tears. “I don’t know what else I can do, or if I can keep doing it, but… please help her. For her sake.” In spite of the distance between her house and the school, Mrs. McPherson was able to get there surprisingly quickly. It was speculated by Celestia that the thought of her child being in danger was what helped her achieve the impossible. Something that made total sense if any parent were to hear their child got involved in a fight. She still felt a sense of discomfort at seeing the look on the woman’s face at seeing the state of the school. Fortunately, she didn’t have to explain why it was like that. All Ms. McPherson cared about was seeing that her daughter was okay. As soon as she saw her mother, Fluttershy wasted no time in running to her mothers open arms. She nuzzled her mother’s bosom like a kitten snuggling into a blanket as she was comforted for all she was worth. Some tears and motherly tenderness later, Celestia gracefully shifted both their attention back to what she planned to talk to Fluttershy about. It took a bit of coaxing, but she slowly began to recap what happened earlier that afternoon. “My goodness… that is just awful! What a horrible thing to do to such a young girl.” Mrs. McPherson whispered after Fluttershy finished her retelling. “I had no idea such students went to this school. For her to do what she tried to do to Sunset? I just can’t wrap my head around it.” “I was about to say the same thing. I know Sunset has made a few mistakes, but I don’t see why one of my students would do this.” Celestia agreed, running a hand across her rainbow hair. “All I do know is that Fluttershy was the only one protecting Sunset Shimmer from Lightning Dust. As for the other students… well, I don’t think I really need to think about why they didn’t.” “Whatever the reason was for not helping Sunset, it doesn’t matter.” Fluttershy murmured with a clench of her fists. “She was getting bullied in front of all of them and none of them did a thing to help her. No matter what hate they have for her, it’s not an excuse to hurt her! Let alone allow someone else to do that bullying too!” “No, it isn’t. Which is why I will see to it that Lightning Dust is punished for her actions. Once I’ve spoken to her father after he gets here that is.” Celestia said, clasping her fingers together. “Anyhow, is that all that went down between you and Lightning Dust, Fluttershy? Or is there any additional information?” A head shake from the teen confirmed the answer to Celestia’s second question. “N-no, nothing else happened after that. Aside from Vice-Principal Luna coming in to take Sunset to the Nurse’s Office. I just wish I did something more. Maybe she would’ve been as hurt as she was.” “You did all you could sweetheart. At the end of it all, Sunset is safe, and that is all that matters.” Ms. McPherson stated, stroking her daughter’s hair. “If you want, I can lend my help. I just need to know what you want me to do.” “Um, Sunset isn’t my friend Mom… at least not yet since she’s pretty distrusting right now.” Both of Fluttershy’s hands went up to fiddle with her hair like she was trying to braid it. “But I’ll let you know if I need your help too, help Sunset. She needs a lot of it.” “And help she will get.” Celestia added, leaning back in her chair. “Thank you for all that you have told us Fluttershy. Your statement will be vital for the case at hand. I would let you two go for the night, but I will need the two of you to stay for a bit longer. If you don’t mind, can you head to the Conference Room? I’ll need you to tell my sister and the officers about this.” “Y-yes, of course.” Fluttershy nodded as she and her mother got up from her seat. “Will Lightning Dust be there as well?” “If you’re worried about her hurting you, don’t. My sister, me and the officers will keep an eye on her in case she tries to.” Celestia replied with a reassuring hand wave. “I’d also like to let you two know that Lightning Dust’s father will be with us as well too. Since, well…” “We understand Principal Celestia. Thank you for giving us the heads up about the… storm that’ll come.” Ms. McPherson thanked, looking a bit nervous herself. “Will you be coming with us?” “In a couple of minutes. I need to radio my sister and let her, and Officer Moonstoneknow what you two will be joining her.” Celestia said, reaching into her desk and pulling out said device. “Can you show your mother where the Conference Room is Fluttershy?” “Okay.” Fluttershy turned to her mother and took her hand. “Come on Mom, I’ll show you where we should go.” Giving a little wave of goodbye to the principal, the two McPhersons quietly exited the office to allow Celestia privacy. Dialing into the radio, she held to her mouth so she would be able to speak clearly through it. Buzzing roared in her ears for a little bit before Luna’s voice replaced it. “Sister? Is that you?” Her stern voice asked inquisitively. “Did you need something?” “No Luna, but I wanted to give you a heads up on something.” Celestia cleared her throat before continuing. “I just finished speaking to Fluttershy about the fight that happened yesterday. I have sent her to the Conference Room along with her mother and I would like you and Moonstoneto meet them there.” “Understood. We will be there as soon as we can.” Luna affirmed after a moment. “Oh, and sister, I’d like to let you know I have called Lightning Dust’s father and he’ll be arriving soon. Before he does, should I turn on the television in the conference room when I get in there?” “Yes, Luna. We’ll need it for what will be discussed. I’ll bring Sunset and officer Starknight there in a little bit. There are some things that I need to take care of first.” Celestia consented. “I’ll also be bringing the tapes from this afternoon with me. Along with the ones from last night for Officer Starknight to review as well.” “Very well. We’ll be in the conference room shortly.” Luna replied before the radio went silent. ‘Well, that went faster than expected.’ Celestia thought, holding onto her radio as she sighed. ‘All that’s left to do now is to get those tapes. Before I do that, I chew a certain math teacher out.’ Setting her own radio back in the drawer, Celestia went out from behind her desk and exited her office seeing Fluttershy and her mother talking to each other. Clicking her door shut, the principal made her way towards the library, vaguely hearing the mother and daughter’s conversation. “Honey, do you know where to go?” Mrs. McPherson asked gently, taking her daughter’s hand “I am sure Sunset will be alright, you’ll see. If it is possible, I would like you to help Sunset Shimmer out.” “Yes mom. I know where to go.” Fluttershy replied, leading her mother down the hallway through the multiple classes and lockers. “If you want me to help Sunset out perhaps we could invite her over for dinner. Or perhaps some tea and sandwiches. Something that’ll help her take her mind off of things.” Mrs. McPherson’s tone gave her smile away. “I think that would be lovely dear. I can ask your father if that’ll be fine with him.” “Really?! Oh, thank you mom!” Smiling to herself, Celestia refocused on going to the library. Catching Fluttershy’s teal eyes land on her from the corners of her own. Her hand met the door of the library a few seconds later and her gaze immediately met Cheerilee's. “Principal Celestia! What a surprise seeing you here today!” Cheerilee greeted, as she staked the papers and books on her desk. “What can I do for you this afternoon?” “Hello Ms. Cheerilee. I hope I’m not interrupting you in your cleaning of the library.” Celestia said, her voice polite yet tired. “I came to ask you something if you don’t mind. It may end up being a bit triggering, but I would like to know the details if you’re willing to share it.” Sensing where the conversation may be going, Cheerilee started things off with a question of her own. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with what happened to Sunset Shimmer would, it?” “More or less… in the perspective sense.” Celestia grimly replied. “You said earlier today that you knew what it was like to have students treat you or someone else with scorn and hate. Along with the lifelong effects that has on someone?” “…I did, yes.” Cheerilee confirmed after a second of saying nothing. “Did you want to know more about it?” Not choosing to say anything, Celestia nodded, and Cheerilee closed her eyes as a sigh of regret as well as pain left her. Lifting a hand, she pointed to the top drawer of her desk, telling Celestia where her deepest secret was. Doing as instructed Celestia opened the top drawer finding a worn-out picture that was dated, ‘June 15th, 1988, Thursday’. It showed a girl with short shoulder length icy blue hair, freckles, glasses and braces. She had a striped red and blue sweater on with a yellow flower in her icy hair. Taking the photo from her hand Celestia gave Cheerilee a confused look as the librarian began to speak. “Her name was Gracey Snowheart. She was a bully who went to my high school.” Leaning against a shelf she continued looking at the photo. “She was much like Sunset was before Twilight came here. Gracey Snowheart would bully me and everyone else at school almost every day.” “I see... What happened to her?” “I did what Twilight did to Sunset. I stood up to Gracey Snowheart and embarrassed her in front of the entire school. I don’t want to say what I did, but… it was bad. Really bad.” Cheerilee winced as if she was suddenly slapped in the face. “Once everyone saw how weak and pathetic she was, all the students turned on her. This caused her to shut down mentally, only I didn’t know that until it was too late to do anything about it.” “I don’t-” Celestia began being cut off by Cheerilee. “Gracey Snowheart took her own life.” Cheerilee interrupted as Celestia’s mouth snapped shut. “She… she couldn’t handle how the other students at school treated her and chose to end it. I… watched her run out in front of a school bus and… it hit her. The bus dragged her twenty feet from the schools' entrance before the shouting of the students and teachers had reached the ears of the bus driver. He got out and went as white as snow upon realizing what he had done. He was eventually charged with murder in the third degree”. Tears squeezed themselves out of the librarian’s eyes as she went on. “I ran over to her as she was lying on the ground bleeding as her body had been crushed by the bus and… she died in my arms. I was such a mess after that... I kept her picture to remind myself that bullies need to be dealt with accordingly, but carefully.” Celestia stared at Cheerilee in horror, her light face paler than a full moon. “…For such a thing to be done… I cannot imagine anyone doing something like that. Even if they did torment their fellow students to end it all just like that?” She took in a shaky breath. “Did she not get any help from anyone? Even you? I’m sure you saw the signs early on. You may have been able to do something.” “I didn’t want to, at least not at first.” Looking away, Cheerilee wiped at her face. “By the time I had decided to actually do something it was already too late, and I was left with the guilt that, even now, still at times eats away at me. I’m not sure why you asked me all this, but if it’s to help Sunset Shimmer, then I suppose it’s vital you do. You have to be careful with how you handle what Sunset Shimmer is now going through, I can promise you that you’ll go through what I went through.” “I don’t understand Ms. Cheerilee. I haven’t seen anything at all to indicate that Sunset is going to try to do something so foolish.” “You may not see it now, but she’ll do something like this when it gets worse.” Cheerilee warned, while folding her arms under her rather ample chest. “I don’t want to see you go through what I have already been through. The guilt, the shame, the anger, I can’t bear the thought of what happened to me happening to you.” Swallowing hard while closing her eyes she slowly returned to her desk with her head bowed low, her jaw trembling. Reaching her hand out, she took the photo back from Celestia and placed it back into the desk drawer before looking back up at the younger woman. “Please Celestia… whatever it takes, don’t let Sunset face the same fate that Gracey made for herself. I don’t know what you’ll do, but…try hard to prevent it at all cost. I will be living with this regret until the day I die. Don’t let yourself be faced with that same punishment too.” “I… I won’t Cheerilee. I promise.” Celestia said hesitantly before she found her resolve again. “ I will see to it that Sunset recovers from this and will go on to live a peaceful life. It may take time, and plenty of hurdles will be met along the way, but… Sunset will get the help she needs.” “She’d better.” Cheerilee threatened before giving another sigh. “I think that’s enough digging in the past for me tonight. I have some work to complete here before I head home for the day… I thank you for your time Celestia. “Yes of course, feel free to turn in for the night if you wish.” Celestia readily blessed, feeling she had questioned the woman enough. “And Cheerilee I’m… sorry for reopening old wounds that you were trying to keep closed. I can see how much that upset you.” “It’s alright, really. Things like this need to be talked about every now and again. I just wish it didn’t have to be during something like this”. Cheerilee rejected the apology as if turning down one’s request for a date. I’ll be going now… tell Sunset I said hello.” “Will do,” Celestia said, giving a parting nod to Ms Cheerilee as she exited her workplace. On her way down the hallway she thought, ‘What a cruel world we live in.” Firm knocking from his classroom door drew Mr. Doodle’s focus from grading the sheets laying on his desk. He didn’t even need to think who it was before the name and face settled itself into his mind, and why they were here. Frustratingly sighing, he got up from his desk to head over to the door but was stopped when the visitor spoke. “Mr. Doodle you know why I have come here so let's get this over with shall we”. Celestia said from outside in the hallway. “May I come in?” “It’s your school.” He replied curtly returning to his desk and taking his seat he added. “Do as you like.” Entering his room Celestia looked around seeing the chairs stacked in the back of the classroom as she pursed her lips together. Walking up to Mr. Doodle’s desk, she pulled up a chair and sat down while vaguely eyeing the coffee cup sitting atop his desk. While not looking up to her, the math teacher reached over to his coffee cup, stopping when he heard her speak again. “Mr. Cranky Doodle I want to make it clear that your actions earlier today were completely unacceptable.” Celestia began, her tone calm yet firm. “You know that you are in no way to give out detention to any student unless it is truly warranted. Having a student standing in your classroom while you are just getting in yourself doesn’t warrant getting detention.” “I know it seems bad Celestia, but it isn’t what you think it is.” Mr. Doodle began trying to keep his temper in check. “Sunset Shimmer is a student that thrives off causing nothing but trouble for both her fellow students and the rest of the faculty. I thought it would be appropriate to take her down a peg or two by doing what I did. It’s not like I was tormenting her or anything.” “Maybe not in the way you thought but, what you did was still wrong! And you know it!” Celestia retorted, feeling herself get angrier. “Detentions are only to be given for a reason that warrants it. Like disturbances in class! Or fighting! Or being constantly tardy to class.” “Yes, but I-” He began to argue with her before being cut off. “None of which Sunset Shimmer was currently doing or had been doing from what my sister and I or you were seeing!” She continued, not in the mood to hear his excuses. “You do realize what you did was an abusive move of power?” “Listen, I was only doing what I felt was right. Nothing more and nothing less!” Mr. Doodle said in a vain effort to prove his innocence. “Why when I was a high schooler, I would get into all sorts of trouble with only one reprimand from my teachers. Which is why I don’t let bad behavior go unpunished. I can assure you that you wouldn’t believe how many detentions I got as a kid.” “That was then, this is now!” Celestia replied flatly as she got up from her seat. “Let me put this to you in words so that you will understand Mr. Doodle. You. Are. A. High. and Junior. High. School. Teacher. Not the principal of this school! Even if by some chance you were, not even that would excuse the unprofessional actions you were displaying and have been displaying since the beginning of this year! I have been patient with you for as long as I can! But it is apparent no improvements have been made on your part and you have forced my hand!” “Forced your hand? What’re you talking about?” Mr. Doodle asked, getting more nervous by the second. Leaning in with her eyes narrowed and jaw tightened, Celestia delivered her non-idle threat. “If you give any student in your class detention for anything less than what is necessary, you will force me to conclude that your services are no longer needed at this school!” “What?!” Mr. Doodle’s shout exploded from outside of his classroom as if the door wasn’t even closed. “You can’t do that! it’s the only job I have that keeps me afloat in this city! Where am I supposed to go if not here?!” “I’m afraid that is not anyone’s concern but yours.” Celestia replied flippantly. “I won’t put this into your record as a termination, but as a simple transfer to a different school. Either way, it will be a punishment fit for what you have done. Your role as a teacher is to teach your students and help mold them into good matured and productive adults. Not to try to be a dictator to your students.” Mr. Doodle sputtered out a final protest. “B-but… but…!” “No buts Mr. Doodle.” Celestia put her hand up and the math teacher found himself silenced in less than a second. “You will have until the end of this year to improve your behavior. Step out of line even a little, and you will see that I will fully do what I stated. Do I make myself clear?” “I… I…” After one last powerless plea, Mr. Doodle slumped in his seat. “Yes, Principal Celestia.” “Good.” She nodded, sighing as her legs pulled her to her feet. “Now, I need to get going. I suggest you take some time and think about what you have done today after you have completed your work and left. Do not think I am merely blowing hot air! I promise I will see to it you are punished for abuse of power if this ever happens again.” Gulping, Mr. Doodle nodded while quickly gathering up his belongings and making a hasty retreat towards the classroom door. Watching him get out in the hallway, Celestia followed him, staring coldly at him as he made his way out of the school's broken entrance. Turning to head towards the conference room, she began walking to it but stopped upon hearing a gruff voice behind her. “Excuse me.” At the sound of the newcomer Celestia turned to see a white-haired mustached man wearing a blue long sleeve dress shirt, a red tie and black slack pants. From the look on his face, she could tell he wasn’t too happy to be here and wondered who he was. A look at his orange eyes quickly dismissed that train of thought and recognition clicked instantly. “Mr. Dust?” She asked as he stopped in front of her. “Hello Principal Celestia.” Mr. Dust greeted, trying his best to sound formal. “Nice to see you here tonight.” “I didn’t expect you to arrive here so soon.” Celestia commented. “I just got off the radio with my sister less than a minute ago. I thought it’d take you longer to come.” “Yes well, when you get a phone call telling of your daughter being in trouble at school, you tend to get a little time on your side.” Mr. Dust stated, crossing his arms. “Speaking of which, what did my idiot daughter do this time? I’m really getting tired of dealing with her insolence.” “Unfortunately, it is much worse than you’re probably thinking.” Celestia winced watching as Mr. Dust’s expression scrunched up. “Your daughter apparently started a fight with someone in the hallway. It led to the victim being sent over to the Nurse’s Office as a result of them not fighting back. Your daughter is in the Conference Room along with my sister and an officer and there will be a couple other people, including myself joining them.” “I see… ” Mr. Dust coldly stated. “And my daughter will be punished for this?” “Yes, but I’d like to discuss that with all those involved if I may.” Celestia gestured down the hall. “I would accompany you, but I need to head over to the Security Room. Please refrain from doing anything rash until I get to the conference room.” “No promises.” Mr. Dust murmured as he marched down the hallway. Watching him walk off, Celestia quickly proceeded to the security room. Opening the door she saw a stout green-haired man in a brown security guard uniform looking over several monitors. Knocking on the door frame, Celestia entered while watching the person in front of her bring up various security footage. “Oh, Principal Celestia! I didn’t see you come in.” Corky exclaimed, his pumpkin orange eyes going wide with surprise. Getting up, he pulled out a chair that was located next to him. “I take it this isn’t a social visit. What can I do for you?” “Corky, I need your help.” Celestia replied, sitting in the chair. “I need to know if you got any video footage from the fight that took place earlier today?” “You mean the one with Lightning Dust?” Corky asked as Celestia nodded affirmatively. “Yes, it’s there. Why do you ask?” “I have a conference I need to attend with my sister, some officers, and the parents of the witness and attacker.” Celestia explained, keeping it short and sweet. “It’ll be starting in a bit, and I need what you gathered as evidence to show Lightning’s father that she harmed one of her fellow classmates.” Gesturing towards the monitors he pressed a few buttons on the control panel and brought up Lightning and Sunset’s fight. Celestia watched in shock as the monitor showed Lightning shove Sunset in a locker behind her. Watching further, the principal saw Sunset clearly refusing to fight back. Lightning Dust was then seen pinning Sunset to the ground just as Fluttershy arrived. Clearly throwing herself over Sunset’s body protecting her from Lightning's attack. “Why would Lightning Dust do something so foolish? She's a sophomore and should know better than this” She muttered to herself, catching Corky’s attention. “I admit Sunset Shimmer isn’t the best student, but she didn’t deserve this.” “When is bullying ever deserved?” Corky asked as Celestia stood up and pushed her chair back into place. After sorting everything out and handing her the video evidence, she heard Corky ask something. “Besides this tape, is there anything you need pulled up for your meeting?” “Yes,” She said as she kept the tape secured in her hands. “I need you to pull up the tape from the Fall Formal as well. I need to give that to the police.” “Alright, I’ll have that up in a few moments.” He nodded, turning back to his desk. “Are you going to need a TV to take back to the conference room as well?” “No, I won’t need one but thanks for the offer.” She replied, taking the second tape from him once he was done rewinding it and ejecting it from the recording council. “Oh, and Corky? Can you tell me why you weren't on duty when Sunset got beaten up by Lightning Dust?” Corky paused in his typing to give Celestia a bit of a nervous look. “I was on my lunch break in my car listening to music and had turned my radio off.” “I see.” She bitterly murmured. “Corky from now on, I fully expect you to take your lunch break in this office with your radio turned on in case something like this happens again. Do I make myself perfectly clear?” “Yes, ma’am.” He replied, returning to his work. “I hope Sunset will be alright.” “As do I...” She said, turning to exit out of the Camera Surveillance Room she thought as she made her way to the nurses room ‘I need to hire a better security guard.’ When Celestia returned to the Nurse’s Office, she was surprised to see Sunset up and awake. It was briefly explained by Redheart that she regained consciousness shortly after the principal left to talk with Fluttershy. Relieved as she was that Sunset was awake, Celestia and Redheart still wanted to make sure she didn’t have any lasting injuries. Which is what led the nurse to do a quick scan, most of which was on Sunset’s swollen eye. “Now as best as you can Sunset, I want you to follow the direction of this light alright?” Redheart instructed, holding a small light in front of Sunset’s eye. “This will only take a few minutes.” Compliantly nodding, Sunset forced her eye to look into the bead of brightness pointed at it as the object was moved around. To Redheart’s relief, her pupil contracted from the bright light shining in Sunset’s eye. It let her know that it was still functioning, despite looking like it took a hit from a metallic baseball bat. ‘Good. I was right to diagnose her as I did earlier today.’ Redheart thought, turning to a drawer and taking out an ice pack to place over Sunset's right eye. “Here this will help cut down on the swelling from your eye. How do you feel right now, Sunset?” “I feel like I went ten rounds with a pro boxer and lost after the first round.” Turning her attention to Principal Celestia while still holding the ice pack to her eye she added, “Can I go home now?” “No Sunset, you can’t go home just yet.” Celestia objected, walking up to where she sat. “While I do want to let you leave for the day, I want to talk to you in regards to Snail’s homework. But I’m afraid I’ll have to save that for after you’ve talked to Officer Starknight. As she has quite a couple of things to talk to you about.” “Oh… okay.” Sunset murmured while looking at the officer with her one good eye. ‘This must be about what I did last night.’ “I’ll leave her to you, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised turning back to the door. “Please just wait a couple more minutes longer. I have another teacher I need to have a little discussion with.” “Take your time Principal Celestia. I’m not going anywhere.” Starknight uttered, getting up and pulling her chair toward where Sunset was. Watching Celestia walk out of the small room, Sunset laid back down as Nurse Redheart placed a pillow behind Sunset's head to make her more comfortable. Starknight took a seat in front of her, one leg crossed over the other. Taking out a pen and notebook from her front shirt pocket, she pressed the pen to the paper before looking at Sunset Shimmer. “Alright Sunset, before I ask you about your fight with Lightning Dust…” She began calmly. “I want to know where you decided to head off to last night while I was driving you home?” “I uh, headed home officer.” Sunset replied hesitantly, bowing her head. “Besides it's not like it is any of your business as to where I was going.” “I see… and did you tell Snails Garlan to play a game with me when you left my car?” Starknight asked somewhat agitatedly, watching Sunset nod her head again. “You do realize how dangerous that was do you not? I was terrified something happened to you. I had to call into the precinct asking other officers to stop what they were doing to try to find you.” “So what? Who the heck cares about what happens to me?! I mean besides what’s your point?” Sunset asked not wanting to look up. “I mean I didn’t get hurt! I don’t see what you're so upset about?” “I am not upset per se, I am more concerned. Which is why I contacted C.C.P.S.” Starknight said simply, her response making Sunset snap her head towards her. “You did what?!” She replied, snapping her head up. “What in Centaria’s name gives you the right to call them?! Yes, I told Snails to play that game with you, but I don’t see how getting a ten-year-old to play games warrants calling C.C.P.S! Why would you do that?! “I am concerned that you are a runaway!” Putting her pen and notebook away Starknight firmly continued. “That alone gives me the right to contact them and by law, I have to inform them if that is indeed why you left my custody the way you did.” “Well, I’m not a runaway! You can drop your motherly concern because I don’t want any of it!” She snapped in reply just as Celestia re-entered the room. “All I did was get into a fight today and a fight last night as well! But I don’t see why a cop has to be involved in something like this! Besides, if my mother and father were here, they wouldn’t have anything to say on this subject!” “I doubt very much.” Starknight countered firmly as she crossed her arms under her rather plump ample chest. “And what do you mean ‘if your parents were here’? Are you saying they are not in this city and that you are homeless?” “That is none of your business!” Sunset screamed. “My mother and father are just busy with-” “Excuse me.” Celestia said, the clearing of her voice cutting Sunset off. “I had to interrupt, but everyone is in the conference room. Officer Starknight, Sunset if you two will follow me I think we can get this cleared.” Walking over to Sunset, the principal helped her up on her feet. “I called your parents Sunset and left a voicemail on their phone so I hope they will show up this time.” ‘If she only knew the truth of what really happened to them.’ Sunset thought while saying aloud, “Alright, fine. I’ll go with you. Let's get this over with so I can go. If I have to stay here any longer, I feel like I’m gonna pass out from a headache.” “I was about to say the exact same thing.” Starknight commented, opening the door for Sunset and Celestia as the older woman led them both to the conference room. “Sunset!” Fluttershy cried with surprise and joy as she saw the injured girl walk in the conference room. Had it not been for the fact that Celestia and Starknight were with her and where they all were, she would’ve tackled the former bully into a hug. “Thank The Mother Goddess you're alright! I was beginning to think the worst!” “Why wouldn’t I be alright Fluttershy? I was only knocked out. I wasn’t stabbed or shot to death.” Sunset bluntly stated, giving Lighting Dust a brief glance. “There’s no need for you to get so worked up about it all… not that you should anyway.” Fluttershy shrunk back into herself, not hearing the last bit of Sunset’s statement. “I-I know… I’m sorry if I sound overly worried. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” “I’m fine Fluttershy.” Sternness sat on Sunset’s tired voice like a hard-covered textbook on a desk as she took a seat at the conference table. Getting in herself, Officer Starknight took notice of Lightning Dust was at the head of the table towards the back near the television. Her father sat at the left corner. Fluttershy and her mother sat at the middle of the table each next to the other and Sunset sat closest to the door. Giving Moonstone a nod as she walked over to him, getting in position near Mr. Dust and keeping her right hand on her taser. Celestia entered the room a few seconds after Starknight and Sunset, heading for the far back of the room, placing one of the two videotapes she had with her into the VCR. Picking up the television remote control, Celestia took a seat at the middle of the table on the other side of Fluttershy and her mother. “Alright now that everyone is here, I would like to begin the conference meeting regarding the violent incident between Lightning Dust and Sunset Shimmer. As Principal of this school, I Celestia Sunrise, will reside.” Celestia began formally watching her look around the room. “Before we do, I’d like to make a quick call. Luna, were you able to get a hold onto Sunset’s parents and tell them what’s going on?” “Unfortunately, I wasn’t. I still wasn’t able to get them even before you showed up.” Luna replied with a headshake. “It must be quite a busy schedule if they’re not able to do even this. We will have to start this meeting without them. “If only they knew the truth”. Sunset thought. Celestia sighed. “That’s rather disappointing. I was hoping to make Sunset a bit more at ease here if she had a trusted guardian with her. I suppose I have no choice but to call our legal aid now and see if I can act as Sunset’s legal guardian”. “If I may say Principal Celestia,” Starknight spoke up “That seems a little unlikely to happen. You can’t just become someone's legal guardian just because someone's parents refused to show up to this meeting.” “Don’t I get a say in any of this?” Sunset asked, clearly agitated. “Besides, I don’t really want to sign anything. All I want to do is go home.” “No Sunset, you sadly don’t. I don’t like this anymore than you do, really. But it needs to be done.” Celestia murmured regretfully, taking out her cell phone she searched her contacts list bringing up the number she was looking for she added, “This might take a few minutes. I appreciate you ever so much for your patience in this matter, officers.” Watching her walk back to the table Celestia held the phone to her ear waiting for the person she had dialed to answer. It only took a few minutes before she got a familiar voice on the other end of the phone. “Hello?” A poise and mature voice said over the line. “Yes, Fancy Pants this is Celestia. I’m calling because I need to know something important. What is involved in faxing over to C.H.J.H.S legal temporary guardian papers?” “To take legal guardianship over someone?” Came Fancy Pants’ own serious question. “Quite a bit actually. You need to go to court for that sort of thing. Unless a court rules in your favor that you and you alone are to be the guardian to whomever you want this to happen to there is nothing you can do.” “I see. Are you sure there isn’t any legal way I can become a temporary guardian to my student?” Not noticing Sunset’s smirk or Fluttershy’s frown, Celestia closed her eyes and silently prayed to herself. ‘Please let this work.” “The only way this will happen without a court getting involved is if you can prove beyond any measure of a doubt this person is in danger of being abused.” Fancy Pants added. “Otherwise, there is absolutely nothing you can do”. “I completely understand. Thank you, Mr. Pa-” “Wait!” everyone heard him yell “There is one other thing that might work but you’ll have to completely give up guardianship within three days.” “Yes?” Celestia replied with a slight tone of urgency to her voice “What must I do?” “You have to be able to prove that this person is a runaway and has no intention of returning to their parents or legal guardian or guardians”. Fancy Pants explained as Sunset’s eyes widened with horror. “If you can’t prove that your hands will be tied.” Sweet Centauria horns of the Dan’lu! I am so screwed! I thought I was gonna be able to get out of this, but they’re dead set on having me be under their control! why did things have to be this way?!’ Sunset thought, panic filling her like the toxins of an Amazonian Dart Frog’s Poison. She looked down at her clenched fists as an idea flickered inside her. ‘I didn’t want to have to do this, but… I can’t think of anything else! I know I’m probably going to regret it later on but… it’s my last shot!’ “Wait!” Sunset cried out, raising her hand up as everyone’s gaze went to her. “W-what if I can prove it?” “Principal Celestia? Who was that?” Fancy Pants asked, sounding like he had been startled as well. “Er, t-that was the person I wanted to take custody of. Please hold a moment.” Putting her hand on the speaker part of the phone, Celestia put her full attention on Sunset. “What do you mean by ‘proving it’ Sunset?” “That I’m not being abused by my own parents.” Sunset continued as confidently as she could, knowing her next few words may cost her. “They’re on an expedition right now in Eastern Mareway, but I can have them talk to you. If I can get them to prove I’m not being abused, will you let me go?” “Hmmm… hold that thought for a moment Sunset.” Eyeing the girl suspiciously, Celestia returned her attention to her caller. “My apologies Mr. Fancy Pants… the girl you just heard was the girl I am wanting to take guardianship of. Her name is Sunset Shimmer and she’ll be turning fourteen this May.” “I see… Is Ms. Shimmer a runaway?” Fancy was heard asking over the speaker. “Please remember you have to be able to prove this in a court of law.” “No, but I can prove that my parents are in Eastern Mareway.” Sunset replied, loud enough to wear Fancy Pants, was easily able to hear her. “Would you mind if I make a phone call?” “Actually, I believe we can do a three-way call?” Fancy’s words caused Sunset to frown. “Besides I need to hear what her family has to say… Celestia?” “Yes, we can.” Celestia confirmed. “Just give me one moment”. Pressing a few buttons on the phone’s dial pad Celestia, looked at Sunset with expectant eyes, causing Sunset to sigh. She dialed the number and waited as the phone on the other end rang for what Celestia and Mr. Pants seemed like an eternity before someone finally picked up. Gulping, Sunset held the phone close to her while praying the person she was calling would help her. “Hello?” A gruff voice asked on the other line. “Hello, Mr. Varnas, it's me.” Sunset said nervously. “I kinda need your help.” “Sunset Shimmer… surprising to hear you calling me at this time of day?” Varnas said as he got over the shock. “Do you need my assistance with something? What would that be?” “Well… someone wants to take legal ownership over me and I kinda gotta prove to this lawyer on the other end that you're my guardian. And that my family is in Eastern Mareway on some expedition.” She replied hesitantly. “Do you think you can, um give me a hand with that?” “A guardianship battle hm? …Yes, I can aid you with this.” Varnas replied after some moments of contemplation. “What is this lawyer's name?” “Hello Mr. Varnas. My name is Fancy Doran Cooper Pants and I am legal advisor to Canterlot High and Junior High School and Canterlot’s School Board.” Fancy’s incoming voice provided the man an answer. “I was called about Sunset and her predicament, along with why Celestia wants guardianship over her.” “Hello, Mr. Pants. Thank you for informing me of this.” Varnas could be heard saying over his end of the phone call. “What do you precisely need from me?” “I need to get proof that Sunset is your legal charge.” Fancy Pants explained. “And that you in turn know where her parents exactly are. We would also like to know if you are willing to let Celestia become a three-day guardian to Sunset Shimmer.” “Legal Charge hm? Very well but I would first like to say that I am not in any way willing to let anyone become this girls’ guardian.” Mr. Varnas grumbled. “Second I’ll fax you their plane ticket departure and arrival information since what you asked demands it Mr. Pants. What I am willing to do though is I’ll fax over papers that will allow Sunset to act on her own behalf. And to talk to whomever it is that is necessary for her to talk to without my presence being needed. If that will be okay with you, Sunset.” “Oh, believe me! I am more than willing to do that.” Sunset pipped happily. “As long as it gets me out of this conference meeting and away from this nut police officer”. “Wait police officer? Sunset, what is actually going on?” Mr. Varnas asked, clearly a bit miffed. “I um, er-kinda got into a fight with another girl at school today and now the police are here with me Mr. Varnas.” Sunset tapped her index fingers together fainting a weak smile “And now I have to prove that I am not a runaway and that I live with you and such”. “Whoa hold on! What do you mean you got into a fight today Sunset?! You’re supposed to be staying out of trouble!” Varnas practically yelled. “Uh-oh, somebody’s in trouble!” Lightning squealed with glee earning herself an irritated glare from her father. “What was that?” Both Varnas and Fancy Pants asked in unison. “Nothing, that was just a classmate being a brat as usual” Sunset replied giving the other girl the stink eye “Pay her no mind. She just wants attention.” “Sunset, you still haven't answered my question.” Mr. Varnas pressed over the phone. “What do you mean by, you got into a fight today?” “I… was just minding my own business when Lightning Dust here started a fight. I chose not to fight back because I just wanted to be left alone but… she didn’t listen.” Sunset protested. “Look, all I want to do is go home okay? Please just send the Tophet paperwork so I can sign the-” “Alright calm down Sunset… just calm down please. I’ll get to it.” Varnas interrupted in a gentle attempt to soothe the girl. “Mr. Pants, if I fax this information over to you will there be any other information you will need?” “Not to my knowledge sir” Fancy Pants said. “Just be sure to fax a copy to Celestia as well.” “I will, and Sunset?” Varnas said sternly. “Y-yes” She asked fearfully in full preparation for a scolding. “I don’t want to get another call like this from you again.” Varnas added,“You need to stay out of trouble. If not for my sake or your parents then for yours.” “I understand sir.” She replied bashfully. “I will do what I can to keep out of trouble.” “Good, I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding.” Mr. Varnas said, sounding satisfied with Sunset’s reply. “Celestia, I will fax the paperwork over now. You should be receiving it in a moment.” Walking over to the Fax Machine, Celestia pressed a few of the buttons on it, hearing it begin to print out the paperwork Mr. Varnas was true to his word he had indeed sent the correct paperwork over to her. Taking the papers from the fax machine Celestia looked them over and let out a little sigh. Walking back to the table, she placed them in front of Sunset taking a pen from her inner left coat pocket. “Sunset, these are papers Mr. Varnas created for you to sign.” Celestia said sitting down next to. “By signing this you will agree to take part in this conference. Does this satisfy everyone?” “Yes,” Both Mr. Varnas and Fancy Pants said together, knowing she was addressing them too. “Alright, I’ll sign them.” Sunset replied suspiciously, taking the papers. “But I still think I don’t need anyone looking out for me.” “Good.” Seeing Sunset had done as she was asked, Celestia cleared her throat adding, “Now that is taken care of, I can hang up or is there anything else you need to clear up with Mr. Varnas or Fancy Pants, Ms. Shimmer?” “No, not that I know of.” She replied, folding her arms under her chest with a grunt. “Stupid rules.” ‘Stupid rules… come on Sunset don’t be like this the rules aren’t that bad’. Fluttershy thought humorously as Celestia bid farewell to Varnas. “And just what are you all happy about Fluttershy?” Irritation and annoyance smoothed themselves onto Sunset’s voice as she questioned the timid girl. “What?” Fluttershy quipped trying to play innocent even though she was not. “Oh uh… nothing at all!” ‘You are a horrible liar.’ Sunset thought with a sweat drop. With Lightning Dust sitting in her chair with a confident look, Sunset placed her hand upon the surface of the table and looked down trying to hide her anger. Fluttershy reached over, placing her hand over Sunsets trying to reassure her that she would be alright in spite of the other girl’s own feelings on the matter. A few minutes went by before the phone rang and Celestia pressed the speaker button on it. “You’ve reached Canterlot High Junior High School, Principal Celestia speaking?” “Yes? Hello, Celestia. It’s Fancy Pants,” Fancy answered. “I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Varnas’ information checks out Sunset’s family is indeed in Eastern Mareway and won’t be back until Monday the 8th of August”. “Alright, thank you Mr. Fancy.” Celestia thanked before quickly adding something else. “By the way, Sunset simply saying she isn’t a runaway does that help to prove she isn’t? Or do you need more than just her word on the subject”. “No, I can take her word for now. I already got the information I needed from Mr. Varnas”. Fancy Pants replied. “I think we are good in that regard.” “Okay then, that will be all. Good day to you, Mr. Fancy Pants.” Celestia murmured, hanging up the phone and readdressing her audience. “Alright now let's actually get this meeting started, shall we?” Hearing her principal’s words Sunset sighed pushing the papers over to her Celestia took them and handed them to Starknight. Looking over the papers, the officer looked at Celestia with her own look of confusion. Putting the papers back on the table she read them over as the principal gave her a pen. “I’ll need you to sign these as well, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised firmly. “It’ll prove that you were an assigned witness to Sunset Shimmer signing them.” “Not like it’ll make things any easier if I don’t.” The older woman murmured, taking the paper as well as the pen and jotting down her name. Handing them back to Celestia, she watched as she went over and set them down on a large table nearby. “Are you sure there won’t be any further interruptions? Because if you are wasting my time, I’ll leave the rookie here to do that and go out on patrol myself.” “Yes, I am sure there won’t be any more interruptions.” Celestia replied, adding as she turned her attention to Lightning Dust, giving her an icy glare. “Now Ms. Dust, according to Fluttershy she stated that you started the fight with Sunset Shimmer. Is this true or false?” “It’s false Principal Celestia! I didn’t start the fight regardless of what Flutterbrat here says.” Lightning grinned slyly. “It was Sunset who started it! I was just defending myself and I did nothing wrong!” “First of all, Lightning Dust, do not call Ms. MacPherson names.” Walking over to the TV, Celestia picked up a remote control in front of it. Turning to face Lightning Dust she asked another question. “And second, are you telling me the truth?” “Y-yes I am telling you the truth it was Sunset Shimmer who started the fight. Fluttershy is lying through her teeth.” Lightning stated, again, albeit in a far less confident tone than before. “Sunset is the one in the wrong here, not me!” Folding her arms over her chest Celestia gave Lightning Dust a cold hard stare before raising the remote to the T.V. Lightning looked at it, then over to Fluttershy until her eyes landed on Sunset, who had her head bowed, feeling a bit more confident in herself she smirked. Luna caught the arrogant girl's smirk glaring at her and she stood up to take her place next to her older sister. “Lightning Dust, before we proceed any further, I’d like to let you know what will happen if you are exposed as a liar and assailant”. Luna looked to the young woman for any sign of repentance for her actions. “Are you prepared to face the consequences that may come from this?” Lightning Dust paused. “C-consequences?” “Yes. Depending on how this goes, one of two things will happen.” Luna continued with a hand on her hip. “One you will more than likely be suspended or possibly even expelled from school for this. Or two…” her eyes flashed dangerously. “You will certainly be charged for assault and be forced to spend time in juvenile court and a detention center.” “I… I’ll be sent to juvie?” Whiteness took some of the place of the suspect’s skin color as the words squeaked their way out of their mouth. “It is not known for sure, but depending on what will be shown, that will undoubtedly happen.” Luna paused to let the words sink in. “We’ll put it to you once again. Do you want to change your story and confess for a more lenient punishment? Yes or no?” “No, I don’t! I didn’t do anything wrong!” Lightning spat. “Why can’t you idiots see that Sunset here was the one that started that fight not me?! I did what I had to do to defend myself!” “I am sorry Lightning Dust, but I feel you are not telling us the real truth. The tape will be the only way to confirm it and show us what really happened.” Celestia said in a sterner voice, making Lightning a little nervous. “I will give one final chance for you to come clean about this incident. Who started the fight in the hallway? Was it you or Sunset?” “It was Sun-” “No!” Fluttershy suddenly yelled out, much to the shock of her mother and all else present. “It wasn’t Sunset that started that fight. It was Lightning Dust! I saw her also give Sunset a note during class. As well as everything leading up to the fight! It’s why I rushed to cover Sunset with my… with my body.” Looking down Fluttershy sniffed, Sunset placed her hands on the table pushing herself away from it standing up. She began to head for the door, stopping when Luna called out to her. “Sunset, don't you want to see what evidence we have?” “What’s the point?” She replied bitterly. “It's not going to change anything.” “Sunset, please sit back down.” Celestia commanded as she pressed a button on the television remote. Walking back and taking her seat again she watched Celestia’s attention go back to the suspect in question. “I have given you a chance to change your story Lightning Dust. Seeing as how you don’t want to do that you have left me no other choice in this matter.” “Principal, you’re not listening!” Lightning tried to explain heatedly. “Sunset Shimmer attacked-” Her words were cut short when the television came on, bringing up the fight she had with Sunset earlier that day. Mr. Dust leaned in, placing his hands onto the table, watching the video play out in front him, seeing his daughter throw a fist at Sunset. Watching further the video showed Sunset not fighting back. As it went on, he saw Fluttershy coming to Sunset's rescue, which proved that she indeed was trying to save her. Stopping the tape and ejecting it, Celestia took it from the tape player handing it over to Starknight. “I think this shows that Sunset isn’t the one that started the fight.” Celestia stated,“As of right now Lightning Dust, you are hereby suspended for the next two weeks starting today.” Turning her attention to the aforementioned girl she added something else. “Sunset, the paperwork that you signed will let me file charges against Lightning Dust on your behalf. I need to know. Do you want me to do this for you?” Not looking up Sunset sniffed a reply “No I d-don’t want you to do that Principal Celestia. Please just send me home already. That's all I really want is to go home”. “I don’t know if I can do that. I really-” Celestia began only to be cut off by Fluttershy’s mother. “Principal Celestia.” Mrs. MaCpherson suddenly chimed in. “As a former guidance counselor I can tell you that Sunset Shimmer has been through enough for today. I think it would be best for her to go home. As for Lightning Dust don’t you think that filing charges on her would do her more harm than good? A juvenile record, while it can be expunged at the age of eighteen, will still cause issues for her when she tries to get a job once she is old enough to do so.” “While I agree with your first statement Mrs. MaCpherson, I don’t know if I should let this slide.” Celestia objected, looking to Lightning Dust and her father. “If I do, what lesson will that teach Lightning Dust? Other than the fact that she can do whatever she wants with no consequences of her actions”. “It wouldn’t teach her anything Principal Celestia.” Standing up, Mr. Dust looked at Fluttershy, her mother, Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna and finally to Sunset Shimmer who he gave a disgusted stare too. “After seeing what was on this video and how you handled yourself today Lightning, my decision is this. I want Officer’s Starknight and Moonstone here to personally take you into custody and be put in jail for the night. That alone should give you plenty of time to think about your actions.” Giving a disappointed glance to his daughter he headed towards the door. “Let this be a lesson to you young lady!” “Dad, wait! Please you can’t do this!” Lightning screamed out desperately. “Just watch me!” He replied adding as he got to the threshold of the conference room door “I am sick of your behavior!” Watching him storm off, Lightning Dust stood up quickly following her father out the conference room door into the hallway. Following her out as well, Moonstone and Luna both headed to the hallway getting to the front of the school a few minutes later. Lightning Dust was soon found on the steps crying as if something tragic had happened to her. Sighing, Luna sat next to the crying teen. “You know this police officer will have to arrest you for what you did today, right?” “My father doesn’t love me.” She sobbed out nearly choking on them as Luna’s hands rested on her shoulders. “Please don’t let him take me away! I'll be a good girl! I promise!” “I am sorry, Lightning Dust, but there is nothing I can do please don’t resist arrest. If you do, you'll just make things harder on yourself.” Looking over to Officer Moonstone she asked, “Can you let her calm down before you take her officer?” Moonstone shrugged. “Yeah I suppose I can do that as she’s been through a lot today too. But if she tries to flee, I-” Anything else the young man was going to say stopped as Lightning Dust suddenly pulled away from Luna fleeing to the street. Running after her, Luna pushed her out of the way of a speeding car as its honking horns flared to life. Tolling in a mess of twisted limbs towards the sidewalk, Lightning tried to stand up as Moonstone rushed towards her. “I’d rather die than go to jail.” Lighting Dust screamed out running directly in front of oncoming traffic again. “I hate my life! I hate you all!” Taking action, Moonstone drew his taser and went to thrust it right at the fleeing girl. Much to his horror, Luna jumped in front of him taking the full force of the electrocution as she fell to the ground screaming in agony. While he wanted to help her, he knew he had bigger priorities at the moment, and went after Lightning Dust. “Help! Please! Someone, help!” She screamed out feeling herself being rolled onto her stomach. “Luna help! Please! I don’t want to go to jail!” Slamming his fist into her back, Lightning screamed as pain shot up into it as if someone had just stabbed her. This distraction made from it gave Moonstonethe time he needed to take her by the arms and cuff them. By the time Lightning regained her senses, she found herself on her knees and looking into the stony face of Moon. “You’re definitely going to jail after what you just did young lady.” He scolded, his hardened voice matching the second part of his name. “Now I can add an attempt at resisting arrest to your charge!” Sounds of groaning pulled Moon Stone’s focus from the teenage girl to the woman attempting to get onto her feet. Feeling his anger quelled a bit, he went over to Luna, Lightning still in one hand as he offered his free one to her. She shakily accepted it, holding her right side where Moon Stone’s taser hit her. “How is Lightning Dust?” Luna wheezed through clenched teeth. “Is she alright?” “Aside from the aching back I gave her, yes. Though she did try to resist arrest.” Moonstonesaid, keeping a firm grip on the still crying girl. “Why the hell did you get in front of my taser like that?! It could’ve ended a lot worse for you, you know!” “I-I didn’t want you to hurt her.” Luna explained weakly, struggling to stand upright. “I thought the force you were using on her was unnecessary as she wasn’t directly fighting you. Plus, tasers are rather dangerous to use on a child.” “Maybe so, but that was still a stupid thing to do! Even if Lightning wasn’t trying to fight me, her trying to flee and resist me is still grounds for me to do what I need to in order to stop her.” Moon countered as he kept Lightning close to her. “Another reason why it was dumb is that you could be charged for interfering with an arrest! And what you did would’ve been for nothing! Even if you thought that it was right!” “…Yes, you’re right.” Luna yielded. “I would appear I let my desire to protect my students get the better of me. I hope you can forgive me for my recklessness.” “Only if you give me your word that you’ll never do something that dangerous again.” Moonstonesighed as he calmed down. “Otherwise, I’ll have to have you arrested along with Lightning as well.” Not having the words to reply, Luna just meekly nodded as she took the young officer’s hand and led her back to the school. Seconds after getting across the road, they heard the sounds of arguing in the form of Celestia and Starknight. Fluttershy and Mrs. McPherson stood between them, the younger of the two relatives looking unsure what to do. By the time they were within actual hearing range, the duo managed to pick up the last of the conversation. “Just what kind of game is this you’re playing with me, Celestia?!” Starknight snapped, sounding as if she was given the wrong box of donuts. “I wanted to see the actual tape from last night's incident! Not some child's fantasy of a monster attacking your students which you have shown me here today!” “But officer, that is the real tape!” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice just above a whisper. “All those events of Sunset turning into a demon really did happen! The tape wasn’t faked! Principal Celestia, is telling you the truth.” Realizing she wasn’t getting anywhere with her pleas to officer Starknight, Fluttershy turned her attention to Sunset Shimmer who stood nearby “Sunset you have to tell-“ “Ask yourself this question, Fluttershy.” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “How the Jo’vek am I supposed to prove that anything on that tape really happened?” “It’s simple. You can’t prove it because it isn’t real.” Starknight bitterly snapped, “Nothing that I saw on that tape is real and that can be seen clearer than day” Starknight grumbled just as bitterly as she glared at Celestia. “Now I need to get going. I’ll call for a squad car to sit out front of this school until the faculty comes back in the morning. But when I come back here to relieve them, I expect to see the real tape and not the foolish fantasy that you tried to show me today.” Spinning around on her heels and balls of her feet, Starknight marched down the stairs and nodded to Moon Stone, who followed her with Lightning Dust by the arm. Sunset watched quietly as the crying girl got hauled off, her orange eyes blazing with fiery hatred that she aimed directly at her victim. Unable to take it any longer, Sunset began heading off into the direction of the state park to clear her head. Or she would have if a certain principal did not stop her. “Sunset, wait!” She heard Celestia call out to her stopping her in her tracks quickly getting up to her she added, “Look... I know I said I would talk about this tomorrow and I know you think what you did was right by doing Snail's homework. But I can’t allow you to do that anymore. He needs to do his own work just as you need to do yours. If you do however insist on doing his homework, I’ll have to give you detention for it. Do you understand?” “Fine!” Sunset shouted with a foot stomp. “At least I’ll have a place to study and sleep! Now will you please leave me alone?!” “Young lady, that is no way to speak to us!” Luna chastised upon catching up to her sister and Sunset herself earning a scoff from Sunset. Grunting, the Vice-Principal looked up to her older sister. “If you are willing, dear sister, perhaps we should give her detention now?” “No, Luna. She hasn’t done anything. Not yet.” Turning her attention to Sunset, Celestia gave a parting statement to Sunset. “Listen I know you think the whole world must be against you right now Sunset. But I am not against you at all. Neither are Luna and Fluttershy. All we’re doing is trying to help you. Nothing more and nothing less. Now, I’m sure you are beyond tired right now, so you can head back home. Just try to stay out of trouble alright?” Too tired to say anything, Sunset just gave a nod before turning and heading to where the public park was. Watching until she was out of sight, Celestia and Luna turned to Mrs. McPherson and Fluttershy, the mother holding her daughter. It looked like the younger of the two was going to speak but stopped when Officer Starknight walked up to them. “Okay, Lightning Dust is seated inside the back seat of my car and Moonstone is with her.” She said, looking slightly calmer than before. “Like I stated before, I will be back for the actual tape in regards to last night's incident. And it better be the right one, or I’m going to have a couple other suspects in jail.” “Yes, Officer Starknight. Thank you” Luna nodded, relieved nothing further troubling had happened. “Before you leave with Lightning Dust, there’s something I’d like to let you know. Something that involves your other officer Moon Stone.” “Yeah, what about him?” Starknight corrected, one hand on her hip. “I noticed you shaking like you were in a snowstorm after you and he came back here. Did something happen between the two of you?” “Er…yes, it did.” Luna replied hesitantly, not looking into her sister’s concerned eyes. “It wasn’t anything too dangerous. But I did something that more or less warranted him stopping me.” Starknight’s pupils narrowed. “What. Happened?” Sighing in preparation for the incoming verbal assault, the Vice-Principal made her confession. “Officer, uh, Well, he tried to use his taser on Lightning Dust when she didn't do anything at all. She ran out into the street in front of an oncoming car, yelling that she would rather die than go to jail. I chased after Lightning and pushed her out of the way, only to find that as I was getting up Moonstone had gotten up behind us and had drawn his taser on a defenseless child." "You what?!" Celestia exclaimed before Starknight could even begin to form a reply. "That was incredibly foolish of you to do! What would you have done if he decided to arrest you as well for interfering in his arrest of Lightning Dust?!” "Listen, I just did what I thought was right.” Luna protested, under Celestia’s glare. "I understand I should not have interfered, but… my body just moved. I didn’t have any time to think.” “Time to think or not, it was still an unwarranted move. You’re lucky Moonstone didn’t do worse to you other than tazing you!” Celestia heatedly scolded as Luna looked away. While her younger sister stewed in her guilt, the elder of the principal sisters eyed Starknight. “I hope you can accept my apologies for my sister’s interference with your job, Officer Starknight. She… has a tendency to let her care and safety for students get the better of her sometimes. If you wish, I won’t stop you from pressing charges against her.” “If I was any other officer, I probably would’ve.” Starknight murmured. “But given the situation that played out… I think I will let you off with a warning. Though I’ll have to talk to my captain about it. Should it happen again either way, my hands will be tied and you’ll be on your own.” “Yes of course, I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again.” Celestia nodded thankfully. “Right Luna?” “I-indeed,” Luna feebly added, rubbing one of her arms as she looked at Fluttershy and Mrs. MacPherson. “I appreciate you and your mother partaking in this Fluttershy. I apologize if we caused you two any distress. Are you and your mother going to be safe going home by yourselves?” “We’ll be alright Vice-Principal Luna, thank you.” Her student responded, looking at her mother as they both went to their care. “We will need to hurry though. It’s getting dark and I don’t want to get caught in the rain.” Celestia glanced up at the sky, taking notice of the gathering clouds. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea. We should go to Luna, lest we run the risk of potentially getting soaked.” “Very well then.” Luna agreed, walking beside her sister. “You and your mother please drive safely Mrs. MacPherson, don't hesitate to call us if there’s anything you need.” We will, thank you, Vice-Principal Luna.” Fluttershy accepted with a thankful smile, accepting her mother’s one-armed embrace as they headed to their car. “Mom, you said that you used to be a guidance counselor, right? Is there anything you can do for Sunset? Or Lightning Dust to help her out of this situation?” “I don’t know if I can honey, she did get herself put in a tough situation. It may very well be out of my power.” Mrs. McPherson replied with uncertainty, stopping in front of her car and looking at the principal duo. "But I will try to look into it. I can’t guarantee anything but… I’ll do all that I can." Hope filled Fluttershy’s eyes as she smiled. “Okay Mom, thank you.” As the mother daughter duo and the school principals got in their cars, Starknight stayed in her position. Watching as they started their vehicles and drove off into the distance, the officer pulled out her radio and pressed the button on the side to speak into it. “Dispatch.” “Go for dispatch.” “We have a ten - ninety-five so I need any current ten-sixty’s to be sent to my ten-twenty at Canterlot High School they will be doing a ten - ninety-one of the suspect in custody. Once they are here, I’ll need a ten - forty-four at my ten - twenty so I can head back to the one-twelve.” “Ten - Twelve officer.” “Roger that dispatch.” Starknight stated, ending the chat as she put her radio back onto her belt and walked to her car where Moonstone was standing. Sobbing from inside caught her attention as she got there, and it was soon apparent that Lightning Dust was the one who was crying. “Got everything under control here?” Moonstone casually asked. “Yeah, nothing too serious. But I have a feeling someone is going to be getting a little call from the captain later on tonight.” Starknight uttered, furrowing her brows at the younger officer. Taking her attention away from him, she shifted it to Lightning Dust, who was whimpering. “Hey kid, I know you’re upset but you couldn’t have expected this not to happen. It’s what you get when you resist arrest and don’t comply with orders, so quit the waterworks will you?” “That’s… t-that’s not it.” Lightning Dust sputtered. “He hit me.” Starknight paused. “What?” “Y-your partner. He hit me in the back while I was running.” The teenager continued, looking at Moonstone like tried to assault her. “My cuffs are too tight and they’re making my hands go numb. I wasn’t even told my rights either! H-he just… caught me and said why I was under arrest and that was it.” “Is this true?” Starknight’s head snapped to the rookie who was sweating a little and giving her a bewildered look. “Don’t give me that look! Is what she said true?!” “Sort of.” Moonstonefinally confessed, unable to look his trainer in the face. “It was a spur of the moment thing and… I may have used more force than necessary.” “It sounds like there was a lot more to it than that.” Starknight sneered, huffing as she shook her head. “We’ll be having a talk with the captain about tonight rookie and it’d better not be as bad as you're claiming. If what this girl told me is true, you’re going to be on desk duty for an entire month!” Not giving Moonstonethe chance to talk, Starknight looked back at Lightning Dust with a gentler gaze. “As for you, Lightning Dust, we'll take you to the station and have a talk with you about what you did here tonight”. "A-alright." She replied, sounding more in control of herself now. "What happens now? Do I-?" “Ten - sixty is ten - seventy-six their ten - seventy-seven is one minute.” Dispatch said over Starknight’s radio without warning. “Do you need a ten - seventy-eight officer?” Picking up her radio, Starknight gave her response. “That’s a ten-four dispatch. I’ll need at least two ten - sixties sent to my ten - twenty. They need to stay out here until the faculty shows up in the morning.” “Ten-four officer, will inform them and be advised the captain wants your ten - nineteen to be less than thirty minutes.” Rolling her eyes Starknight set the mic back to its place waiting and leaned on the passenger door of her car. Seconds after she did so, two other police cars pulled into the driveway before their drivers exited out of their vehicles. Upon eyeing the name tag “W. Tails” on the more intimidating one, Starknight felt her neck hairs stand up. “Officer Tails?” Starknight asked warily. "What are you doing here?" "Hey there Starknight! I got the call about a disturbance, so I came to see if you wanted me to handle this for you." Tails with a sick smirk on his face as he took notice of Lightning Dust. "Heh, juvenile delinquents huh? You’ve got your work cut out for you here babe." "Watch your mouth Tails!" Starknight reprimanded him sharply. "I am a sergeant, and I will not have you talking like that around me!" "Yeah, yeah, I do." Tails replied with a shrug, giving Moonstone an apathetic look. "Shall I take her in? Or do you want to take her in yourself, sergeant?" ‘I do not like the feel of this guy.’ Moonstone thought, feeling his spine tingle. "No, you’ll have to take her. I still have to finish my patrol with the new rookie here." Starknight denied, gesturing to Moonstone as she caught his face. ‘Looks like I’m not the only one who can smell the BS coming from this guy.’ “Alright then! Guess I’m handling the whiny brat tonight!" He replied a little too eagerly, walking over to Starknight’s car and opening the back-passenger door. “Get out now!” Quickly doing as he instructed, Lightning Dust found herself being forcibly slammed into the other squad car. Letting out loud painful yelp she tried to say something only to be cut off when a hand slapped the back of her head. “Shut up!” He yelled to her, dragging her over to his own car and opening the entrance to the back seat. “Get your butt into the back of this car now! Don’t make me drag you in there!” “Officer Tails!” Starknight screamed ragefully at the other officer, making Moonstone and Breeze flinch. “What in Hell’s name do you think you’re doing! She’s already cuffed and she’s not trying to resist! You are going over the line here!” “Not from where I’m standing.” Officer Tails rebutted smugly. “I hate it when people don’t follow my orders, I’m just making sure she’s aware that if she screws up she’ll get a lot worse than what she already got”. “Making sure, my foot!” Starknight retorted, taking a threatening step towards him. “Now get your stuff together right this second! Or I will have you on desk duty for excessive force! Don’t test me on that!” Getting an annoyed nod from Officer Tails, Starknight growled before looking at the other officer in between her and Moonstone. Her hand went to rest on the latter’s shoulder at seeing the look of horror and anger on the rookie’s face. When he eventually calmed down, Starknight turned to talk to the other cop that was with Officer Tails. “Did dispatch inform you that you will be staying out here until the faculty return in the morning Officer Wish Star?” She asked as calmly as she could. “Or did you need them to let you know?” “Yes, they did. Both I and Cloudy Skies will be out here all night as much as neither of us really want to.” Officer Wish Star confirmed softly, giving a smile to Moonstone. Watching as Officer Tails got in his car, he leaned closer to the woman. “Can you tell me why White Tails is still a cop after the stunt he pulled last month? I mean to plant evidence on a kid just to make an arrest? I’m pretty sure that warrants a termination.” “We all know he is guilty of it but it doesn't matter what we think at this point.” Starknight sighed, turning back to her own squad car. “Internal Affairs cleared him of any wrongdoing, and they were the ones to put Tails back on active duty. Not the captain or me for that matter.” “Even so! To do it to a child of all people!” Wish Star insisted, her words stopping Starknight from her departure. “Even if they were nasty, nothing can justify doing something so horrible to someone who isn’t even sixteen! It kind of makes me wish I didn’t choose being a cop as my career choice…” “Believe me, cops like him are a lot more common than you think.” Starknight grunted, her mind going back to unpleasant parts of her career. “All we can do at this point is wait for him to mess up again. I only hope, God-forbid, that he doesn’t get someone killed the next time he does… or worse, get a child killed.” “You and me both.” Officer Wish Star murmured sadly, turning her own back towards Starknight as she and Moonstone went into the woman’s car. “Drive safe out there, Officer Starknight. And try not to get the rookie killed on his first time on the job.” “No promises.” Starknight waved as she pulled out of the school’s driveway. With a final wave to Wish Star by Moonstone, the pair drove off, leaving the new arrival to stand guard till morning. Roaring thunder shook inside the inner canals of Sunset’s ears as she walked down the paths of Canterlot City Park. Her backpack hung from behind her like a baby in a chest seat while her feet briskly stepped on the cement sidewalk. Soreness ached in her eyes from the furrowing of her brows due to her making them look that way. It was the furthest thing from Sunset’s mind despite how much it hurt. Getting back to shelter was all she thought about, not wanting to be around anyone else for the rest of the night. Going down a pair of stairs that was part of the park, Sunset went straight for its center, wanting to catch her breath. She suddenly heard a door opening and looked to see Garble coming out of the bathroom with a spray can in hand. Seeing the girl in the park, he tossed away the can and sauntered towards her, one hand in his pocket as if he was grabbing something. “Yo Sunset! I’m surprised to see that you’re here in the park.” He greeted casually, his grin fading when he saw her bruises. “Holy hell! What happened to you?!” “I got into a fight. What’s it to you?” Sunset said, her tone the definition of snarky. “You're not going to lecture me like principals did about doing Snails homework are you?” Gable held a hand up. “No, no! I ain’t here for that. Not like I didn’t do the same thing anyway so it really would not be fair. I actually came here for… something else.” “Whatever it is, make it quick.” Sunset urged him impatiently. “In case you haven’t noticed, other than my injuries, I am tired, cold, hungry, and feel like I’m going to collapse. If what you’re here for is just gonna waste my time, then I’m just gonna head off.” “Don’t worry, I won’t hold you up for long.” Pulling his right hand out of his pocket, Garble gave Sunset a piece of paper. “Here. This is my phone number.” “Huh?” Sunset blinked at him in confusion. “You’re…giving your contact info to me?” “Why not? I can tell you need a friend, and other than Fluttershy, it’s not like everyone else will be willing to do that.” Garble explained with another smile. “Before you ask, no, I’m not doing it out of pity because I know that would piss you off. I’m doing this because I do want to be a friend of yours. If you’ll let me.” Sunset stayed quiet for at least five seconds. “I… I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?” “Why shouldn’t I?” Garble asked back gently. “I mean, I know you’ve been a jerk in the past, but even a blockhead like me can see you’re not the same person you were before. Plus, I feel all of the cold shoulder treatment being given to you is a little bit over the top and you deserve a break from all of that. With that being said, I think it’s time you got a fresh start from all of that and got someone else, other than the principals being there for you for once. Does that sound good to you?” “…Well you haven’t really given me any problems since that whole She-Demon incident… and it isn’t like you weren’t a victim of my former bully self either. I guess I can possibly accept you as one of my acquaintances… besides Fluttershy that is .” She lowered the paper that was in her hands. “B-but… I don’t have a phone to contact you with. I never had one even before the whole ‘She-Demon’ thing.” “Don’t worry about that. I have a spare phone I almost never use anymore, so I can give you that as compensation.” Garble assured confidently with a thumbs up. “So, wanna meet back up here on… let’s say Saturday?” “Y-yeah, I almost never have anything to do over the weekends”. Sunset replied with a slight stammer. “Um,I gotta go now… I’ll see you tomorrow I suppose.” “You too, girl. Oh, and Sunset?” Garble said, taking a slight look behind him as Sunset stopped for the last time. “My number is the only one programmed on that phone, so I’ll be calling you soon. Make sure you don’t lose it! Or you won’t be able to get in touch with me, got it?” “Yeah, okay whatever Garble!” Feeling she had said enough to her fellow former bully, Sunset continued further into the park, vaguely hearing Garble’s retreating footsteps. Nearing where the benches were, she heard crying from the furthest one. Her first thought was that it was Lightning Dust and almost stopped where she was but hesitated when the cries became more distinct. She felt a gasp when she saw a young boy sitting at one of the benches and let out another when she saw who it was. “Snails?!” At the sound of his name being called, the boy looked up from his hands and found himself staring into Sunset’s shocked eyes. No more time was given to him to even give a response before she ran over to him. Kneeling in front of him, she took a wet cheek into her hand like he was a toddler that got a bruise on his face. “Celestia’s flaming hair Snails! What are you doing out here?!” She asked worriedly, wiping some of his tears away. “Curfew will be started soon. You need to get home before the police find you out here and drag your butt into the precinct for being out past curfew.” “I wanted to give you my homework Sunset and I also wanted to be alone.” He replied not looking up. “I know you like to walk home through this park, and I knew you might be out here. So, I took a chance that you might be here. I am glad to see you are not too badly hurt.” Wiping the rest of his face, he asked, “I heard you got into a fight today too… are you going to be alright Sunset?” “Yes Snails, I did. But don’t worry about that, I’ll be fine. I just had a pretty rough day is all.” Was the swift and sweet response from the former bully. Looking down, she noticed a small picture of a woman and a younger version of Snails in his hands. “Is that your mother?” “Yeah… it’s a picture that was taken when I was little. Or littler.” Snails replied, fondness filling his voice in spite of how sad it sounded. “It’s one of the last pictures we had of each other before she… she passed away. Most of the other pictures were thrown away by my dad except for this. I hid it so he wouldn’t find it.” His eyes glistened as salty water began to rise once more. “I’m sure you would’ve loved her Sunset, and I know she would have tried to help you even if you were still a bully in the past. I wish you got the chance to meet her and she was still here, but… but she’s… she’s-!” Dropping her backpack, Sunset pulled Snails into her arms gently running her fingers through his hair as he began to break down. “Shh, it's alright Snails. I am here now, it's alright now.” Wrapping his arms around her he sobbed into her chest for several moments hugging her tightly not wanting to let go. She gently picked him up sitting back down on the bench placing him into her lap and holding him tightly. “Why did my mom have to die Sunset?” Snails wailed. “Why?! I miss her so much!” “I don’t know Snails. I wish I could answer that for you, but I can't. All that I can do is be here for you.” Feeling him let go of her she gently wiped her thumb under his right eye wiping away his tears. “Hey, Let's get you home... I’ll take care of your homework. You just get some well-needed rest, alright?” “I want to stay with you Sunset.” He replied, watching her pick up her backpack. “I don’t want to go home! My father doesn’t love me! I know he doesn’t! Not after getting rid of all of… of…” “Don’t say that Snails! You have a home and a loving family. I don’t. I live in a shack and sleep on a cement floor, and that isn’t any sort of life for you.” Gently taking him by his hand she began to lead him towards the entrance of the park adding, “I know it hurts Snails... this type of hurt will never really go away. But I’ll be there for you. I promise.” Sniffling in the back of his hand, Snails offered her a weak smile as he held her hand tightly. As if she would just vanish into thin air should he decide to let her go. Nothing else was said between the two of them as they walked away from the bench and towards the park’s entrance. In the few seconds they did, Sunset felt snails lean into her side before taking notice of his droopy eyes. With a little chuckle, she grabbed the boy by his backside and hoisted him in her arms before continuing on to his house. One hour after silent walking and carrying a sleeping runaway, Sunset found herself at the home of the Garlans. Contrary to her expectations, she ended up not needing to knock on the front door due to seeing Snail’s father sitting on the porch. A single look into his eyes was all that Sunset needed for her to know she was welcome and there’d be no hostility given. Slowly, she walked up to the entrance stairs and watched as he got up from his chair, face unchanging and emotionless. “Hello Sunset. Nice to see you out here tonight.” Mr. Garlan greeted calmly, taking his pipe out of his hands. “Thank you for bringing Snails back home. I was wondering when he’d return.” “It’s no trouble Mr. Garlan. I’m happy that I could help.” Sunset thanked awkwardly, not really knowing what else to say. “Is Snails in trouble for running away from home?” Mr. Garlan sighed as he opened the door to his house. “He’s not. I know he needed some time to deal with the pain of losing his mother. It’s the only thing that can explain him running off when he did.” “After what he told me today, I’d be shocked if he didn’t.” Sunset murmured while walking inside the house. “Um, Mr. Sheldon, I know I probably shouldn’t be asking this, but I was wondering if I could-” “You could stay for the night?” He finished watching as her jaw went slack. “It’s fine if you want to do that. Snails may want to have your company once he wakes up. Of course, you can go on back home if you’d like. Either way, it’s up to you.” “If… if it’s really alright with you, then I guess I can’t refuse.” Sunset accepted after thinking over it for a minute. “I have to ask though, why do this at all? You know all of the things I did with Snips and Snails. It just doesn’t make sense.” “Good question.” Mr. Garlan sighed, taking another inhale from his pipe. “I suppose it’s because of the fact that you have almost no one to help you. Or maybe because I did it out of sympathy. Or it’s probably because you’re the only person who managed to bring a smile to my son’s face at such a trying time in his life.” He let a moment of silence wash over so his words could sink in. “I really don’t know. But… I did it now, and there’s no taking it back.” Seeing that he was becoming solemn by the second, Sunset stopped her questioning and went down to where Snails’ room was at. Following him down the hall, she and Mr. Garlan made it to a small room that contained a somewhat large bed. Sunset watched as the man pulled off the covers to let her put Snails in the bed before covering him up. Mr. Garlan then went back to the front door, letting Sunset tend to Snails one last time. “If you need a room, you can take the room down the hallway from here. I know you live far from here which is partially the reason why I said you could stay here.” Mr. Garlan stated. “Of course, you don’t have to leave in the morning. Stay for as long as you need to.” “Thank you for the offer Mr. Garlan, but I’ll have to decline.” Sunset replied slowly, getting up to face him. “I do have school tomorrow and as much as I want to stay for Snails sake at least I can’t I have… things to do. However, for right now though, I’m gonna get some sleep.” Nodding in understanding, Mr. Garlan took one more smoke from his pipe before going back up the hall. Sunset listened as his footsteps slowly faded before she exited the bedroom flicking the light to Snails’ room off. Going down the opposite way, she arrived at a slightly larger bedroom that had all the standard essentials of one. Yawning, she took her coat off and hung it on the back of a chair located in front of a large oak desk before walking to the dresser and setting the alarm clock. Sunset then turned and sat down on the bed, taking off her boots and setting them on the floor. Laying down, she pulled the covers back and laid her head against the soft pillow, raising her right arm and resting it on her head as the thunderstorm raged outside. Taking no notice of the horned and bell brand on her right under forearm located just under her wrist , she let herself sink into the bed mattress. ‘Why didn't you take me back with you Twilight?’ Sunset thought to herself, closing her eyes as sleep pulled her into its soothing grip. ‘Why?’
Chapter 4 - Shimmering Solitude Part 3 of 3: August 2nd, Tuesday 6:30 PM‘I cannot believe my new partner had the stupidity to do this!’ It was this thought that first entered Officer Starknight’s mind as she drove into the parking lot of the Canterlot Precinct. Nearly a few hours had passed since she and Moonstone departed from the city’s high school and back to the station. Tense was the perfect word to describe their mood with Moonstone being the sole reason for it. It wasn’t like he didn’t know why, given what he had done when dealing with the investigation involving Sunset Shimmer. He didn’t feel any less scared about the reaction from the Duke when he would hear about it. Or of the consequences that would come from his forced, yet potentially deadly mistake. “How long are going to stay quiet rookie?” Starknight finally asked, her voice shocked her partner out of his trance of fear. “It’s getting kind of unnerving seeing you constantly looking like you’re going to wet your pants.” “Even if I did, I don’t think you can really blame me,” Moonstone replied, the softness in his voice doing nothing to hide the terror draped under it. “You do remember what happened back at that school, don’t you? What, Lightning Dust tried to do?” “I remember. I was there along with you during it, even if I didn’t see it all.” Starknight rolled her eyes while giving her confirmation. “I could already guess that's why you’re acting as you are now. But I can tell there’s another reason concerning that.” Moonstone nodded. “Yeah, and it has to do with Duke. I get the feeling he is not going to be happy with me about what I did. Even though I was just following protocol.” “Maybe so, but with how you decided to follow it he’ll be less than impressed,” Starknight added as she secured their car in a parking spot. “No chance of taking it back now. He might charge you or he might not, it all depends on what he thinks is the best solution to this problem”. “I think I’ll be lucky if that’s all I get when this is over”. Moonstone muttered. Opening his side of the car, Moonstone let himself out and dragged himself inside the precinct. Silently preparing himself for the reprimanding he would get while Starknight stayed behind to get a few minutes of rest. Even as the entrance door shut behind him the woman did not exit the car. It was like her body and mind were refusing to let her move until it got the relaxation that it was consistently denied since her first day on this job. “Breath Starknight just breath” She thought, taking in a few breaths. “He’s only a rookie, he'll learn all you have to do is stay calm and remember how it was when you first started”. If one were to see her face now, they could see Starknight was trying to take what happened that afternoon. It wasn’t like she could be blamed for it. Never in her career as an officer had she been given a case so common yet so perplexing at the same time. Starknight was wondering if some of it was even real in spite of the evidence shown by Celestia. Evidence she still could not find herself able to believe in spite of it being on actual camera. “There is no way any of that was real,” Starknight muttered. A part of her wanted to believe it, especially since Celestia seemed so sincere in her explanation over it. Even one of her own students tried to back her up and strengthen her principal’s testimony while not seeming very confident in it herself. Said principal’s tape also seemed more legitimate than it seemed when she thought about it. With how real it looked, one would think it was actually a childish fantasy come to life. Which would also explain why the school looked so disarrayed. “It had to be a gas mane, nothing else could have caused that creator” opening the door and stepping out she thought, ‘Yes that has to be the answer, so there’s no reason to dwell on it.’ headed towards the entrance she continued to think, ‘So why do I feel like it’s deeper than that when it clearly isn’t? I guess all of this deprivation of sleep is making my brain trick me.’ An internal sigh caused a pause in her train of thought before it was concluded. ‘Yeah… I seriously need to get a more suitable job.’ Grunting in unexcited preparation for the continuance of her shift, Starknight entered the police precinct. In her walk down the halls, silence blessed her ears before the sounds of conversing abolished it a few seconds. Its voices let her know who it was and gave her a clue as to where to go to find them. Turning a corner, she looked around before she saw Duke Whiskers The Captain of Police Precinct one twelve standing at her desk, along with rookie officer Moonstone. From what she saw on their faces, Starknight could see it was not a pleasant conversation. Not that she was really expecting it to be given with all that had gone down earlier in the day. “While I’m glad that nothing bad happened between you and Officer Tails, I have more pressing matters I need to ask you about.” Duke said gravely. “Care to explain to me why I got a call from Celestia and Luna claiming that you assaulted Lightning Dust and Luna herself mister?” “Yeah, I was going to explain it sir.” Moonstone murmured nervously. “I was trying to keep Ms. Dust from escaping and resisting arrest. She also ran onto the road and I was afraid she was going to run over so I just… acted. And Vice principal Luna… she threw herself in the way of my taser, so I ended up hitting her instead.” “I see…” Duke said, brows furrowing as if some supernatural force was pulling them to form a look of anger. “And what about Lightning Dust?” “I was able to take her into custody but not until after she attempted to resist.” Moonstone concluded, doing his best to keep his fear down. “I know what I did was bad, and I agree it was more than likely unnecessary, but Lightning Dust was fleeing the scene of an assault sir. I pursued her and used my taser. I didn’t know that the vice principal was going to jump in like that sir. I am very sorry for what happened, but what else could I do?” “HOW ABOUT NOT USING AN ELECTRICAL WEAPON ON AN UNARMED GIRL?!” Moonstone and Starknight flinched at the explosion of anger that came out from Duke Whisker’s scream. Neither of them expected him to be happy about Moonstone’s reckless actions, but the new recruit was not expecting this level of anger. Thinking about it at that moment, he realized how stupid it was since he assaulted someone who, despite being a minor, was still a child. A part of him hoped it wouldn’t end too badly for him since he was trying to do his duty, but he doubted he’d be that lucky. “Y…y-you’re right. Using my taser was taking it up a notch.” Moonstone admitted with a shameful hang of his head. “Perhaps I should’ve used another method that didn’t risk her life.” “You’re damn right you should’ve, and now you’ll have plenty of time to think on that while I will think of your punishment.” Duke Whisker stated sternly before turning to his niece. “And where were you when this was going on?” “Getting information from Celestia about last night's call.” Starknight replied, while looking down. “From what I gathered, it seemed that the school principal decided to play a prank on us.” “Prank? What in the world do you mean by that?” Duke Whiskers asked with a raised eyebrow. While she didn’t explain it, her sigh indicated it would be a long story. “It’s a long story that I can promise to tell you later on. Right now, can you tell us where Lightning Dust is now captain?” “…She’s in Holding Cell A, put in there by Officer Tails.” He replied, watching as Starknight flinched at his mentioning of the corrupt officer. “But now that you two are here, I would like for you to transfer her to Holding Cell D so she will not have to deal with him anymore. While she is there, I want you to make sure her rights are adhered to at all times!” “Would these happen to be the rights that I failed to read her?” Moonstone asked feebly, raising a hand timidly. “What do you think, rookie?!” Starknight shouted, giving him a smack to the back of his head. “I think I already made it apparent.” Duke huffed as he walked away from Starknight’s desk. “Now go, both of you! And make sure no more harm comes to Lightning Dust tonight. Should I find out this is not seen to by either of you, both of you will be on desk duty! Do I make myself clear?!” “Yes sir!” His sergeant and rookie affirmed, the latter saying it a bit more nervously. Getting out of his office Moonstone followed his partner towards the back of the precinct, soon finding himself standing in front of a large and grated gate. An officer that was behind the gate smiled pleasantly to both. Watching Starknight take her duty belt off and place it on a metal shelf in front his gated window. “Alright.” Starknight began, turning her attention to Moonstone, “You need to take your duty belt off, leave your weapons here and follow me to holding cell A.” Turning her attention to the officer behind the locked gated window she added, “Colt Comet, I would like to sign myself in please.” “What about the Ruger LC9 on your ankle sergeant?” Moonstone asked in confusion. “I thought you said we needed to leave all our weapons here?” Grinning slightly, she reached down unstrapping the holster from her ankle, placing it onto the metal shelf in front of her. Turning to take a clipboard that Colt Comet produced for her to sign, Starknight signed herself in. “I was wondering how long it would take you to notice I was carrying that extra gun on my ankle Moonstone?” “My brother is with C.I.B.” He replied, taking his own duty belt off and placing it on the metal shelf next to Starknight’s. “He trained me. I know almost all there is to know about weapons and what to look for, like when it comes to hiding a weapon on your person like you, sergeant.” He turned his attention to Colt Comet. “I’d like to thank you for letting us sign in, by the way Colt Comet.” “It's not a problem.” He replied before turning his attention to Starknight. “Now if you have gotten all of your weapons off, I’ll buzz the two of you in sergeant.” Buzzing the two of them in, Colt Comet returned to his desk, taking up his clipboard walking past his area, leading Starknight and Moon Stone down a long white hallway. Coming up to a large cell, he saw Lightning Dust sitting on a bench with her legs pulled up to her chest. She was rocking back and forth like she was in the middle of a mental breakdown even though she was not inside a mental asylum. Opening the cell door, Starknight went in, noticing several other people in the cell with her she turned her attention to Moonstone. “You stay at the cell door. I don’t want anyone trying to get out while I get Lightning Dust.” She instructed as she reverted her attention back to the young school girl in front of her. “Lightning it's going to be alright okay? We’re going to have you moved to another cell so you can be a little bit more comfortable.” Taking a pause, she noticed a damp spot between Lightning Dust’s legs. Letting her know she had soiled herself prior to their arrival to her cell. Gently laying her hand on Lightning’s shoulder, she helped her up, looking anywhere but at that spot. “I know you’re probably feeling cold in your current attire, so we’ll get you some clean clothing to wear while you are here.” She continued while rubbing her back. “Have you made your phone call to your parents yet?” “N-no not yet. I was told by that officer that you left me with that I don’t get a phone call.” “… Is that so?” Bitterness laced the softness in Starknight’s voice as she spoke. “I’m not sure what Officer Tails said to you, Lightning Dust, but he was mistaken about that. You do get a phone call as part of your rights. Is there anyone you know you would like to call? Family? friends?” “I…I-I do have one. Since I can’t call my father right now, I’ll go for my mother instead.” Lightning said while wiping her hand at her face. “W-where do I go?” Leading her over to Moonstone and out of the cell, Starknight closed the cell door while the rookie officer led Lightning by her upper forearm towards another part of the precinct. Quickly following the pair, the sergeant immediately gave him directions. “Officer Moonstone, you need to take a left at the end of this hallway. You’ll find Cell C on your left after you get past the intake desk.” Said intake desk was soon found right after this was said, and Moonstone gently cuffed Lightning Dust to it. While he stood guard over her, Starknight went up to the ice-haired, crystalline officer that sat behind the desk. “Hello Officer Glacier Flow. It is good to see you this evening.” She greeted as politely as she was able to. “We have a transferee that needs fresh clothing and will need to remain in the cell until her mother gets here.” “Very well.” Glacier Flow replied, giving Lightning Dust a stern look before typing on his keyboard. “What’s the prisoner's name?” “First she isn’t a prisoner. I would appreciate it if you don’t treat her like one. As for your question, her name is Lightning Dust.” After swiftly reprimanding Glacier, Starknight gently addressed the girl behind her. “How old are you Lightning?” “I’m fifteen,” She sniffled, her legs shaking from the increased coldness by the damp parts on her pants. “P-please, I just want to get cleaned up and not be in these pants anymore? Do I really have to go through with this?” Looking her over Starknight sighed, turning her attention back to Glacier Flow who continued to type ignoring her looks. Seeing there was a phone next to Glacier, Moonstone stepped up to the desk picking it up, he turned his attention to Lightning Dust, receiving scornful looks from both Starknight and Glacier Flow. “What is the telephone number you would like me to call Lightning Dust?” He asked, paying no attention to the looks he received. “I can only do this once so I’ll need a number that you are sure someone will be at to answer the phone.” “Uh, can you call (785) - 986 - 4632. I’ll need you to explain why I am here to the person on the other end. May I speak to the person on that phone after you are done Mr. Stone?” “Let me get the person with the number you gave me on the phone, and then I’ll decide.” Dialing the number MoonStone waited for a few minutes looking back at Lightning Dust he gave her a nod before hearing someone answer the phone. His eyes widened in shock hearing over the other end of the phone. “This is the Prance Embassy to whom are you looking for?” A feminine and refined voice asked out of nowhere. Receiving a smirk from Lightning Dust, Moonstone tried to backpedal. “I, uh, think I might have called the wrong---” “No, you didn’t. My mother works at that Embassy, so you don’t need to worry. Could you please hand me the phone now?” Dust interrupted, taking the phone from him she placed it to her ear as Starknight gave Moonstone a confused look. “My name is Lightning Dust. This is a Code Seventy-Six Alpha Four. I need to speak with my mother immediately.” “I need your identification before I can transfer the call. What is the code number and serial number?” “My code number is seven alpha tango Seven Six Zulu.” Frowning, Dust turned to face Starknight with a smile aimed at her. “My serial number is Tango One Seven Zulu Four Delta. Tell her that I am in jail and that I need her help asap!” ‘What the hell did we get ourselves into here?’ Starknight thought to herself out loud as she went over to the girl. “Ok that’s enough Mrs. Dust. This game has gone on long enough! Give me the phone!” Trying to take the phone away from her, Lightning Dust pressed the speaker button causing all in the small cell room to freeze. It stayed like that for five seconds which felt like it went longer than it was supposed to. It was soon stopped when the same voice from before finally shouted over the enhanced speaker. “This is ambassador Emerald Dust! I would like to speak with my daughter Lightning Dust, NOW!” Taking the phone from Lightning, Starknight pressed the speaker button again so no one would be able to hear their conversation. Part of her wanted to give Lightning Dust a piece of her mind for what she just did but knew that the girls’ mother was her main problem right now. She did not know what position the other woman had at the embassy, but Starknight knew trying to push the issue would not be helpful. With a gulp, she put the phone to her ear, praying she could settle the matter as peacefully as possible. “This is Canterlot Officer Starknight Justice of the Canterlot Police Department, Ms. Emerald Dust.” She began as calmly as possible. “Before we allow you to speak to your daughter, would you please tell me why she doesn’t have her embassy identification on her? I find it difficult for it to be possible given your occupation.” “I see no reason to tell you anything, officer, but in the interest of keeping things civil she doesn’t have it with her because I lost custody of her two years ago.” Emerald Dust replied solemnly. “She has been living with her father ever since he and I divorced him due to his indiscretions. I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you what that means.” ‘Ah… the old infidelity card.’ Starknight thought, feeling a little bad for the embassy worker. “No Ma’am, I don’t. I’m… sorry you had to go through that.” “I would like it if you did not show me any pity Officer Starknight, for I have had more than enough of that. Now I would like you to put my daughter on the phone now!” Seeing she had little choice, and sensing things would get worse if she didn’t, Starknight handed the phone over to Lightning Dust. Inwardly seething at the grin the girl gave her, she watched as Lightning Dust began her conversation with her mother. “Hi Mom, I am in jail… I was blamed for a fight I didn’t start, and the police have been rather… abusive towards me. Can you come here and get me out?” “A fight?” Shock filled Emerald’s voice as she took in her daughter’s words. “What do you mean you got into a fight? And what is this about the police being abusive to you? What happened?!” “It’s… a long story that I don’t want to get into right now, but let’s just say it was bad. A-and it was just a couple of police officers being mean to me, b-but… I’m feeling really scared right now.” Lightning replied, rubbing her arm. “I don’t wanna talk about it right now, ‘cause it’s too long of a story. Can you just come and get me out please?” Hearing her mother's heavy breathing over the phone and papers shuffling followed by computer typing in the background, Lightning waited for her mother’s reply. She looked down and sniffed as a tear trickled down her cheek, watching Starknight scoff in disbelief out of the corner of her eye. Feeling she sensed her gaze, Lightning Dust looked away from her, trying to avoid the sheer piercing coldness in Starknight’s steel blue eyes. “Honey if I get you out.” Her mother said at last “You must swear to me that you won’t say a word to your father about this until you are living with me in Prance. You must also completely leave your life behind. Including that city and school your father sent you too. You are no longer safe there. Do you understand me?” “Yes mom.” She replied adding, “What should I do until you get here?” “I’ll be there in about twenty or thirty minutes. For right now I want you to sit tight and not do anything until I come get you.” With a happy sigh of relief Lightning pointed to her handcuffed hand, indicating she wanted it off. Moonstone got the message and went to set her free from it as Starknight took the phone back from the teen. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to give her final statement until she was interrupted by Emerald. “I want my daughter ready to leave by the time I get there, am I understood officer?” She asked calmly with a threatening undertone. “I don’t know what you did to her or what you will do to her, but I expect her to be unharmed when I arrive.” “I understand completely Ms. Dust. I can assure you; your daughter will not be hurt. Will there be anything else you need tonight? Or will this be all tonight?” “Nothing will be needed from you Officer Starknight, except the continued protection of my daughter. Now, I must be leaving so I can be prepared for whatever I will come upon in that city.” Emerald replied curtly, sounding ready to hang up. “I will also be calling the state department about this, and believe me, I will make sure your life is ruined if my request is not heeded to!” “I will take that into account Ms. Dust.” Starknight agreed, hiding the nervousness in her voice. “Rest assured, I will see you when you get here.” “You’d better hope you’re not alone when I do…” Hearing the phone being hung up, Starknight swallowed hard before looking into Lightning Dust eyes, seeing only a conceited look in her eyes. Hanging up the phone, she led Lightning Dust back to the cell opening the door for her receiving an angry look from her. “Go inside Lightning Dust.” She instructed. “While you may be the daughter of a diplomat, that doesn’t matter so long as you are here in this precinct. You are just another kid like any who come here and thus the people being kept here won’t think twice about hurting you.” “I know… I won’t cause them any trouble.” Lightning Dust sat obediently. “At least more of it than I did tonight.” “For both our sakes, I hope you do.” Shaking her head, Starknight added something that caused Lightning’s heart to leap in her throat. “Since your mother won’t be here for some time, and your father has custody of you, I need to call him, and I must let him know what is going on.” “But my mother asked me not to inform him of her involvement in this matter!” She cried with a look of pure fright etched on her face. “Please, I'll do whatever you want! I’ll even make sure my mother doesn’t cause any trouble for you! Just don’t call him about this.” “And why don’t you want me to call your father?” Starknight pressed. “You make it sound like you have some sort of grudge against him or something.” Lightning looked away. “T…that’s the thing. I sort of like you, and it’s for something that they’re both doing.” “Care to elaborate?” Starknight asked. Watching her look down, the girl sighed heavily, blinking away her tears as she took a seat on the cold cement floor. Staring coldly at Starknight for a few moments, Lightning looked back down staring coldly at her feet. “My mother and father hate each other.” She finally stated. “It wasn’t as bad as it is now, but ever since my dad… betrayed my Mom, they’ve been fighting like crazy. I didn’t see a lot of it since they separated after what my Dad did, but it was really bad. It got a bit better since they aren’t together anymore, but it's still bad. Starknight quirked a brow while still listening. “Bad how?” “I… I’m a weapon.” Lightning continued, lifting her head up from behind her knees. “I’m a weapon my parents use to hurt each other. I didn’t really understand it at first but… I kind of figured it out on my own and… it’s really getting to me. I don’t know how long they’re going to go, but I’m tired of it! I want it to end already!” Holding her head in her hands, Dust began to rock back and forth again. “I want to go back to how it was! I just want my Mom and Dad to be cool with each other again!” With each second that passed of Lightning Dust telling her story, Starknight felt her empathy for the girl grow bit by bit. It would not be the first time she would hear from a juvenile, delinquent to otherwise about being used as a means to hurt their guardians. Being one of the most common things known in her job as an officer, Starknight learned to tell when a tale like this would be told to her. It never stopped her from doing her job and making sure the minor criminals would face any punishment given for their crimes. But the woman still gave her sympathies for something no child should have to be forced to endure. Least of all by the ones expected to protect them the most. “I swear to you officer if you don’t contact my father, I promise you won’t have to deal with my mother.” Pleas from the girl pulled Starknight’s attention back to her. “Let me make one more phone call. I'll call her cell phone. I’m sure I can convince her to let this all go.” Looking her over for a few minutes, Starknight considered her options before letting out a quick breath and turning to Moonstone. Watching him walk out of the area turning her attention back to Lightning Dust, she paused for a few minutes collecting her thoughts. With a last look at the girl after having an internal debate, Starknight finally made up her mind. “I’ll go get you some clean clothing. It won’t be much but at least you’ll have something fresh to wear.” Walking away from her she looked over her shoulder adding, “When I get back, I’ll take you to the showers where you can get cleaned up to make your second call. If you do anything other than that, I’ll send you back to this cell until your mother gets here. Am I understood?” “Yes ma’am, I promise you won’t get any further trouble out of me.” Giving her a nod, Starknight left down the hallway, turning to her left to find Moonstone filing paperwork along with Glacier. Setting down the clipboard and signing out, Moonstone looked between the two of them before walking past her towards the front of the precinct getting back up front a minute later. ‘We are getting busted for this.’ Starknight grimly thought, heading for Duke’s office knocking on his door a few seconds later. “Come in.” Duke replied, watching as the woman opened the door and went inside. “Hello Officer Starknight, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Are you here to report to me about Ms. Dust?” “I am.” She nodded, deciding to hold off telling him the bad news for a little bit. “We were able to move her to Cell C and we’re going to get her new clothing since she’s feeling… uncomfortable at the moment.” “Given what your rookie partner did to her, I would be uncomfortable too if the roles were switched.” Duke bitterly stated with a scowl. “And Moonstone is on desk duty correct?” “I haven't assigned him to that just yet, but I will before I leave the station.” Starknight assured, making a mental note to do just that so Moonstone could learn from his actions. “But… that’s not all I came to tell you about, sir. It concerns Lightning Dust and… you’re not going to like it.” Duke’s eyes narrowed as he picked up his coffee mug. “Did Moonstone do something again?” “No, it doesn’t concern Moonstone, but… Ms. Dust’s mother.” Starknight explained rubbing at her arm. “We had a talk with her a couple of minutes ago and… well, her mother just so happens to be a diplomat in a powerful part of the city.” Liquid splashing onto the Duke’s desk cracked the silence of the office as the captain spat out his coffee. While he did his best to not choke on it, his skin grew lighter as his pupils minimized in size and sweat dripped down his forehead. Jaw trembling, he wiped a hand over his mouth and shakily asked, “She’s a what?” “A diplomat, sir. And from how she sounded on the phone, she’s a high ranking one.” Starknight repeated wincing at the man’s fearful look. “And in case you’re wondering about what she said to us, it has to do with the assault on her daughter.” Duke froze. “She knows what happened?!” “Lightning Dust was the one who told her, but yes.” Starknight confirmed. “Her mother also stated to me that she would be calling the department about this matter. And judging from how she was on the phone, she’s out for blood. Our blood specifically.” Letting out a forced sigh, Duke Whiskers glanced down collecting his thoughts, looking back up momentarily he looked into his niece’s blue eyes for any sign of false hood. It caused him to go even paler as the gravity of the situation truly began sinking in. Duke knew that Lightning Dust’s parents would not be happy about the attack on their daughter by their rookie, but he was not in any way expecting this. Not only was Lightning’s family on the high important people list, but one of them was one of the diplomats of the entire city. He wasn’t aware of just how powerful of a diplomat that Lightning’s mother was, but he knew they were in hot water right now. Water that’s heat would only increase if things went further south. Not many options could be used by Duke to try to calm this problem, but he was intent on calming it as much as he could. For he now knew the wrath of an angry mother was the least of his worries. “I want you to make absolutely sure that no one goes near her sergeant. You and you alone are to be held responsible for taking care of that child and no one else.” Duke firmly instructed, piercing Starknight’s eyes with his own steely gaze. “I can see this is worse than I thought, and we need to do everything we can to ensure this doesn’t blow up. For now, you need to get her cleaned up and ready to see her mother as soon as you can, and do not let Lightning out of your right. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes sir!” Starknight said obediently, giving a nod before heading out of the office back to Cell C. ‘I doubt that Lightning Dust will do as she said she would. She is after all a kid and kids can be vengeful if given half the chance. Still, with what her mother does for a living, I guess I have no choice but to hope she stands by her word. If she does at all.’ Getting to the police lost and found room, Starknight shifted through some pants, shirts and socks Starknight found some clothing that looked about Lightning’s size. An extra moment was spent to make sure the pants weren’t stained and weren’t damp in certain areas. Before returning to Lightning Dust, Starknight stopped by the precincts Womans and Childrens Care room finding an unopened pack of underwear that looked to be the right size. She took these and headed back to the cell checked herself back in with Glacier Flow she soon found Lightning staring off into the nothingness of the cell. Whipping out her flashlight, she tapped the bars getting Lightning Dust’s attention while surprising her in the process. “I have some clean pants, underwear and a shirt for you Lightning. If you are tired of being in this cell, I’ll take you to the showers then to my desk where you can await your mother.” “I’d like that Officer Starknight.” She replied watching her open the cell door gesturing to the open hallway beyond the cell. “Can I make that phone call now instead of needing to wait till I get to your desk?” “How about we clean you up first, then you can make your phone call will that be alright?” she replied, ushering Lightning Dust down the hallway she added, “I’ll stay outside of the showers, and make sure you are not disturbed while you clean up.” Leading her to a large shower room, she led Lightning over to the shower, turned the water on and tested it with her hand. Once she was sure the water was warm enough, she placed the clothing near a bench located at the front of the shower. Lightning waited for Starknight to leave before getting undressed and going into the shower to wash herself. Several minutes passed without incident before Lightning Dust came out clean and fully dressed, ready for her next task. Leading the girl back the way they came, Starknight let out a soft sigh catching Lightning’s attention. “Is there something on your mind officer?” Lightning tentatively asked. “If you're worried about my mother, I won’t let her do anything to cost you your job. I know I brought all this upon myself and I’m sorry for that.” A shake of the head was the first response the girl got before the verbal one came. “While your apology is appreciated it's not my job that I am worried about Lightning, it's Moonstone’s. He is a rookie officer and could be fired for this. I’ll agree not to contact your father about this, but you need to live up to your end of the deal, otherwise, diplomatic immunity or not I’ll show you what true fear really is and how I can apply it to this situation.” “I understand… I won’t give you any trouble. I swear I just want to get out of here.” Lighting cast her eyes down to her feet with a gulp. “I-I didn’t know calling her would cost you your partner! I really am sorry and want to fix this!” Ushering her towards the front of the precinct, Starknight didn’t reply, a solemn look etched over her face as she got back to her desk. Pulling up a nearby chair gesturing for Lightning Dust to take a seat, the woman sat down herself, and handed her phone over to the teenager. “If you want to ‘fix’ this then you need to tell your mother the truth let her know that you started the fight at school today and that you brought this upon yourself. That is the only way to ‘fix’ this situation.” Starknight said sternly, adjusting herself inside her seat. “I know that your mother has diplomatic immunity and that she will more than likely use it to hide from the law. But that isn’t how you fix things by hiding from your problems.” Lightning stayed quiet, clasping her hands in her lap. “You need to face your problems head on and take care of them like an adult. Not like a spoiled child that gets whatever they want. Or else you’ll never learn and grow from them.” Giving her a stare with the intensity of a taser, Starknight concluded her parental lecture. “Do you understand what I’m saying Lightning?” “I do.” She replied picking up the phone she dialed her mother’s cell phone number and held the phone to her ear. “Hello?” “Honey it's me. I’m sorry the phone dropped the call the driver is a complete-” A familiar and unwanted voice spoke from the other end of the line. “Mom, listen. I need to talk to you about something.” Lightning interrupted, both to keep Ms. Dust from cursing and to get the situation over with as soon as possible. “It’s about the officers again.” Emerald’s next question came in a tone filled with a mixture of worry and anger. “Oh no, what is it sweetie? Did they do something to you again?” “No, it’s nothing like that I promise.” Lightning quickly rejected, gripping the phone in both of her hands. “Look, I know that you’re planning to do something to the officers for what I told you about how they treated me, and I…” She took in a breath before pushing the next words out. “I want you to leave them be.” A brief silence greeted her ear from the other end before Emerald Dust ended it. “You want me to leave them alone? Honey am I hearing you right?” Incredulity was planted firm in her tone like a weed sprouting from the earth. “Why would you want me to do that?!” “Because they were only doing their jobs!” Lightning protested, her shout causing Starknight to jump in surprise. “I know that sounds crazy but none of the officers did anything wrong! I brought it on myself by making things harder for them! It is my fault anyway since I started the fight back in school.” “But they assaulted-” “Only one did, but that was on me!” Lighting cut in again. “Listen Mom, if you want me to go with you then you’ll have to leave the state department out of this. And make sure the officers don’t get into any sort of trouble over this despite what happened to me.” ‘Except Moonstone.’ Starknight thought dryly, still intent on making sure her rookie partner was reigned in. Emerald hesitated. “I… I…” “That is the price you’ll have to pay if you want me to go with you Mom. Otherwise, I’ll let dad know I contacted you and you’ll never hear from me again.” Lightning stated firmly, sensing her mother was about to give in. “I don’t want to do this, but I don’t want to drag this out any longer, and you’re not really giving me any other choice. It’s up to you.” “F-fine, fine! I won’t do anything to the officers… Nothing too bad. I want them to face some sort of penance for what they did, but it won’t be permanent.” Emerald replied, sounding somewhat defeated. “Just please be careful next time okay sweetie. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you when I’m not there. I already lost my time with your father because of his selfishness. I don’t want to lose you too. More than I have already.” “I will Mom… thank you.” Lightning Dust nodded, relief filling her. “By the way… how long do you think you have left to get here?” “A few more minutes.” Emerald assured her daughter. “I’m nearly at the police department. Please make sure you’re ready for me by the time I get there. If you’re in there longer than I can handle I think I’m gonna break something.” “Only if you promise that you won’t go crazy.” “…I’ll do my best.” “Alright, I gotta go. I’ll be near the back towards all the desks and computers.” Lightning ended the discussion and hung up the phone after a few seconds. Giving it back to Starknight, she noticed a proud look on the policewoman’s face. Like she had done something that was worthy of her praise. “What’s that look for?” Starknight smiled as she took the phone. “For showing how a real adult atones for their actions.” While she stated she would only be about three minutes away, Emerald Dust managed to get to the precinct in less than a quarter of that time. It took even less time to get inside the station, with the clacking of high heels being the first sign to indicate she was there. Starknight and Dust only needed to wait nearly a half minute for the latter’s mother to arrive. She bore a bit of a resemblance to her daughter, save for some minor gray streaks in her hair. But when it came to her clothing, it was obvious she was someone of importance. From her black overcoat, blue silk shirt, black slacks and black high heel shoes. “I take it you must be Lightning Dust’s mother?” Starknight asked, ending the awkward silence. “I am Sergeant Starknight.” “What if I am?” She replied, adding “I don’t really care for your identity. What I do care about is getting my daughter out of here and home with me.” “Mom! You promised me that you wouldn’t act like this! Please calm down! ” Quickly turning her attention to Starknight Lightning Dust gave her parting words. “I’m sorry for how my mother has acted, officer Starknight. She’s just worried about me and upset. I hope you can forgive her.” “It’s fine. Not like I can blame her even if I wanted to. I’d be lying if I said I could keep a cool head in her shoes.” Starknight murmured, coughing in her fist. “Figuratively speaking.” “Right, so… I would like to go and leave with my Mom now… if that is alright with you?” “Yes, Lightning Dust, you may leave. Please follow me to the front of the precinct.” She instructed, watching Lightning’s mother take out her badge. “There is no need to show me your credentials, I’ll escort the both of you out. But I should advise you Lightning Dust that when and if you do come here again please have your Diplomatic Identification on you. You may be able to avoid what went down in the future if you do.” “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.” Narrowing her eyes Mrs. Dust took her daughter by her hand leading her towards her car parked out front of the precinct. Cold freshness bit at their skin as the rain came down as hard as it was when it first started. As Mrs. Dust and her daughter went to their car, Lightning turned her attention towards officer Starknight, feeling sadness creep within her. Letting go of her mother’s hand she looked down before approaching the officer. “L-Lightning Dust?” “Just a second Mom, I need to say something to the officer real quick.” Not looking at her mother, she approached Starknight with resolution in her eyes. “So, uh… I wanted to thank you for looking after me, especially from that Officer Tails guy. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to handle it if it wasn’t for you.” “I’m just doing my job, kid. What any other officer would do.” Starknight dismissed the girl’s gratitude with a wave of her arms. ‘Unlike what Tails would.’ “And one more thing… It's about Sunset.” Lightning continued, scratching her cheek. “If you don’t want a repeat of what I did to Sunset Shimmer at school today, then spend some time with her. I won’t be the only person that wants to start fights with Sunset so if you want to avoid all that give her something positive in her life.” “I’ll be sure to do that Lightning Dust, but I have more pressing matters at hand right now.” Starknight said while turning on her heels. “You should be lucky that you got let off as lightly as this. Had this been a normal situation I would have had to bring you to Juvenile Hall for what you did today. Consider this as a lesson to be mindful of your actions and contemplate whether they’ll be worth the consequences. ‘Cause you never know how dire they could be.” “It's a good thing my mother got to me first then, isn’t it? I know my father would’ve let me rot in jail for this if she didn’t.” She replied before following her mother back to her car. “Alright Mom, I’m ready to go! Remember you can't get the state department involved in this!” “I know, I know!” Mrs. Dust yelled in annoyance. “We’re ready now Ms. Maisy! Take us to the airport this instant!” As the woman slammed the door to her expensive car, Starknight finally went back inside as the mother and daughter drove off. Going down the hall of the precinct, she went for her desk where she saw Moonstone going over some paperwork. “Hello Sergeant, did Ms. Lightning leave with her mother?” He asked with some inquisitiveness. “She did.” Starknight sighed, placing a hand on her hip. “But enough about that. I need to let you know of your punishment for your assault on Lightning Dust.” “I suspected as much.” Moonstone murmured grimly, pausing in his paper sorting. “For your use of excessive force on a minor and misuse of your weapons, as of this moment you are on desk duty. Until I say otherwise, you are not to do anything else regarding your other roles as an officer. Should this not work to help you learn, your penance will be more severe. Do you fully understand?” “Yes ma’am…” Moonstone confirmed bitterly, giving a little tsk. “This is total-” “Don’t you dare finish that sentence mister or your desk duty will be extended. Now get back to work.” She interrupted as she headed for the captain's office. “I really hate this job sometimes.” “Come in Sargent.” Duke commanded, watching his niece come inside and shut the door behind them. “Are Miss Lightning Dust and her mother gone yet?” “Yes, I had to let her go. I didn’t want to embarrass the precinct.” Starknight replied while sitting in front of her uncle’s desk. “I am sure there will be a news conference about this in the morning sir.” “I doubt her mother will carry out her threat to call the state department. Doing so might just as easily embarrass her like her new husband.” Getting a confused look from his niece he added, “I was with her when she got the divorce two years ago. Both blamed the other, but Mr. Dust got temporary custody of their daughter. I know we shouldn’t have let Lightning Dust go with her mother, but I think it might be best to let the courts deal with this one. And for us to stay out of it as much as we can.” “I agree with that part of it at least sir.” Starknight grumbled while crossing her arms. “Captain sir, I don’t like not being able to put someone into jail for causing a crime. Lightning Dust committed assault! We had everything we needed to press charges and she called her mother! Who swoops in flashes some diplomatic badge around and presto! They get to walk out of here Scott-free! It’s times like this I’m reminded just how screwed up this city is!” “I don’t like it either, but we have little if any say in this matter. Now, please return to your duties, Officer Starknight.” Watching her head for the door, he stopped her in her tracks. “I also want you to know that Moonstone will be fully investigated by I.A. You’re to stay out of it and not do a thing to interfere. Is that clear?” With a guttural growl in her throat, Starknight nodded. “Yes, sir!” Not wanting to hear whatever else her uncle had to say, the policewoman stormed back out of his office. Returning to her desk, later she sat down and started her paperwork, where she stayed for the next several hours. Near the end, Moon Stone got up from his desk and checked the time, seeing it was four-forty-five in the morning. “It's been a long night, sergeant.” He said in an effort to break the silence. “How about we call it and head home? I for one could use some sleep.” “Sure thing. But before we go, I want to know why you were late today?” She replied, getting up and cracking her back and neck back into place. “And I fully and completely expect you to be on time for now. Do you fully understand?” “Yes, but can this wait until after I have had some sleep sergeant? I’m feeling really drained right now.” Seeing that Moonstone was quite tired and wasn’t in the mood for anything further she nodded picking up her phone. She dialed a number and waited for a minute. Looking around she saw the other officers going about their own business. With some of them filing paperwork while others were working on their computers, and a few just standing around talking among themselves. “Dispatch.” The dispatcher said. “This is Starknight Justice. I am calling in my ten - forty-two and the.” Glancing at her watch she added, “Time is zero four hundred hours and fifty-nine minutes. I’m turning the phone over to officer Moonstone to end his tour of duty.” “Ten four - officer.” The dispatcher replied. Taking the phone from her he held the receiver to her right ear and waited for a couple minutes in silence. Looking around he saw several other officers talking about other cases looking over to Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper’s desks he saw officers Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly talking with Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper. “Has anyone heard anything about those missing kids, sergeant?” Moonstone asked curiously. “Not that I know. I’ll check in with Mustang Tails and see how things are going. You stay here and clock yourself out, got it?” “Yes ma’am.” He affirmed. Watching her walking over to Mustangs desk he sighed hearing while he heard a voice over the phone. “This is Dispatch. Go ahead, officer.” “What? Oh, yes this is Moonstone I am calling in my Ten - Forty-two.” Moonstone responded quickly. “The time is zero five hundred hours and three minutes.” “Ten - Twelve officer.” His dispatcher replied a few seconds later. “Alright officer. You are clocked out now.” Hanging up the phone, Moonstone stood up and walked over to Mustang’s desk getting many concerned looks from all that were over at his desk. Turning his attention to Starknight, Mustang growled out to her. “Like I said, you shouldn’t have an idiot like him as your rookie sergeant! He’s liable to get you hurt or even killed if he screws up like---” “And how were you when you first started, you jerk?! You, according to your partner, were a complete idiot! Now quit it with that protective shit ‘because you are the last person who should be preaching about that!” Starknight snapped back, not any mood to deal with his ranting. “Now then… have you and the others heard anything about those missing kids yet or not?” “No nothing yet sergeant. It seems like no one has anything we can use.” Mustang sighed as he calmed down. “It’s nothing you need to concern yourself over right now. Just go home… the rest of us can handle this.” “Yeah, we don’t need your help sergeant. But we do appreciate it.” Scarlet Bee chimed in kindly. “I am sure we’ll find them... We just have to.” Jewel Lilly murmured quietly. “We don’t want them to go through what you did, Sargent. When you were kid-” “What happened to me is none of your damn business!” She yelled back, interrupting her, causing everyone other than Mustang and Breeze Sweeper to take a step back. Turning her attention to Moonstone she more calmly asked, “Are you clocked out yet rookie?” “Y-yes I am.” He replied gulping, “Please don’t be too hard on them sergeant. All of them are just doing their jobs.” “Good, you’re free to go. And make sure to come early next time like I said.” Starknight nodded, turning her attention back to the group. “All of you, go home now! And don’t bring up my past again unless it is called for by a warrant or summons! Is that clear?” “Yes ma’am.” Everyone replied in unison. “We’re sorry sergeant, we didn’t-'' Dusk Song injected only to be left standing to watch Starknight storm off. “I guess we’ll just get back to work then…” Turning to leave, Moonstone took one last look at Sergeant Starknight before collecting his things and making his way to the officers changing room. Getting to his locker several moments later, he opened it, placing his duty belt inside. He was going to head for the exit when he heard a voice call out to him. “Hey rookie, don't be too afraid of the sergeant.” Turning around he saw another officer who was putting on his vest. “She was only a kid when something horrible happened to her. Something that stayed with her for a pretty long time.” Moonstone tilted his head. “Uh, who are you?” “Oh, I am Lieutenant Starchaser.” Moonstone noticed the Lieutenant had snow white hair, glasses, slightly wrinkled skin and freckles. “I’m nearly fifty years old, close to retirement and I know what she is going through. Though I can’t go into details I can say this, the sergeant is a good person deep down. Try to take her rough attitude with anything other than a grain of salt. ” “I see...” Moonstone replied, taking off his duty shirt he quickly put it into his locker, taking out a clean green t-shirt slipping it on. “And I take it that ‘something bad’ that happened to her turned her into who she is today?” “Yeah, you could say that.” Starchaser said sadly. “It’s not something any of us can really help her with other than perhaps the captain. He knows it better than anyone else.” “Captain Duke?” “Our captain happens to be her uncle.” Walking towards the exit, not noticing the look of surprise on Moonstone’s face. “He has helped her deal with the ‘indecent’ and helped her get some peace back into her life, but as you saw, it still gets to her every now and again. He won’t like it if you or anyone else for that matter brings it up, and he prefers it if no one does. Just be careful what you say, and you bring up around her for your own sake, got it kid?” Not knowing exactly what to say, Moonstone just nodded and finished his redressing, locking his equipment and heading out the precinct. Just seconds later Starknight joined him, holding a look of bitterness and anger as she went to her car. Without a single word in his direction, she opened up the driver’s door and started up her car. Leaning back into her chair she closed her eyes, her thoughts dwelling on her childhood memories. Memories she would rather sooner forget than remember if given the chance to do so. Hearing a knock on the driver’s side window her eyes snapped open and saw Moonstone’s worried face looking at it from behind. Groaning softly, Starknight rolled down “What is it rookie?” “Just wanted to know if you were okay, sergeant.” He replied nervously, not really knowing how to begin. “I noticed you looking a little down there.” “I’m fine. You don’t need to concern yourself with me.” She rebutted with a snort, her voice lacking the annoyance and irritation she had earlier. “Just been a really stressful day, nothing more.” “Yeah… I can tell.” Moonstone murmured, pausing to let some awkward silence pass. “Look… I know you were upset by what happened back there. I honestly would be too if someone were to try and bring something up that I would rather forget. But I want you to know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer alone either. Everyone has things that they don’t want to remember, and while I have my own skeletons, I can see your closet is pretty packed.” He stopped for a second when Starknight looked over at him. “I can’t say that I know what you’re going through, and I won’t pretend I do. But… if you need to talk, I’m a really good listener. It’s kind of a specialty of mine since I was a kid and it’s helped a lot of people so… don’t hesitate to vent to me if you’d like.” Nothing was said from Starknight to follow up these words as she sat in her seat and let her and Moonstone’s eyes merge with each other. From her eyes of pain, sadness and bitterness came a small light brought out by the warmth, kindness and brightness of the younger officer’s. Part of her was tempted by the offer. To have someone other than her uncle know the pain of what she went through under means out of her control. However, a sadder part of her rejected it and not out of fear of how he would see her. No part of Starknight doubted Moonstone’s words and that he was willing to be her confidant… but she couldn’t do it. Not to someone with eyes like his. “Go home rookie.” She softly commanded after a full minute, putting her car in driving mode. “Be here at 8 o’clock sharp. If you are even a minute late, I’ll give you a reprimand.” With those parting words, Starknight drove off leaving Moonstone standing in the street a little bit dumbfounded at what was said. It soon turned into dismay as he went to his own car, silently beating himself over with what he tried, and failed to do. As he thought back on it, he remembered the look in Starknight’s eyes and felt his mood lighten. Moonstone didn’t know whether his sergeant was willing to trust his words, but he hoped she could trust him in the future.
Chapter 5 - Dimming Suns Part 1 Of 19 August 3rd, Wednesday 2 AMThunder crashed and clapped from out the window of the Shepard Household as Sunset Shimmer tossed in her guest bed. Light flashed through her shut eyelids, indicated by the lightning bursting from the clouds. Her sleep was disrupted as a result and she tossed and turned to fall back into it with no success. Pulling her legs to her chest, her arms hugged them like a twin set of teddy bears as sniffles took up her soft breathing. “I know why you didn’t take me home Twilight.” Tears began to trickle down her cheeks like sap from a tree as Sunset ran her fingers over her right forearm and the brand she had just below her right wrist. “It's because I don’t deserve to go home. I am a monster thus you chose to banish me from your world forever”. Looking out the window she saw the rain was falling hard, showing it would not be a good idea to go outside. Not that this mattered to Sunset as she didn’t have any intentions of staying longer than she needed to. It wasn’t like it was her home anyway. And it was only due to being the friend of the owner’s nephew that she was even here. Well, now she felt like her time here was up and was fully intent on getting back to her old place as quickly as possible. “I gotta be as quiet as possible” she thought “I can’t risk waking them up”. Quickly making the bed up and putting on her boots, Sunset began gathering up her homework, placing it into the opening of her backpack. Taking her coat from the back of the chair, she went to put it on only to see it had several holes in the back of it. A flash of a certain demonic girl went coursing through her head, causing her to nearly drop her jacket as she looked at the floor. “I’ll need to find a way to fix this when I get back to my shack,” Putting it on and zipping it closed as best as she could, Sunset pulled the collar close around her neck before picking up Snails’ own schoolwork. “Need to leave this where he’ll find it before I head out.” Heading for the door, Sunset quietly opened it before glancing back at the clock on the dresser behind her. Eyes widening as if she remembered something, Sunset went over to switch it off. It would certainly be bad for her if it were still on, and that was the last thing she wanted right now. “Good thing I stopped to take care of that,” She whispered, taking her hand away from the clock. “No way it would be good to have the clock go off and wake up Snails’ dad. I have bothered him and Snails’ enough tonight.” “Bothered who enough?” A soft voice came from behind her. Jumping in surprise, Sunset whipped around to see Snails standing in the doorway. “Snails! What are you-” “Where are you going Sunset”? He asked, scratching at his pajama pants while stretching out his green t-shirt “It’s two in the morning. Curfew doesn’t end until six.” “I um, was going to head...” Sunset glanced down with a look of shame. “Home. Back over to my… home.” “Home? You’re not going to stay the night?” Snails softly asked, tilting his head like he was a little preschooler confused by a lesson. The older girl shook her head. “No… I’m not. I’m not… feeling comfortable being here and I would rather be back at my hut. It has nothing to do with you, but… I just don’t want to be her anymore.” “Oh, I see…” Snails muttered, fumbling with his hands. “I’m sorry for asking.” Quietly turning around, the boy went back down the hall to his room before Sunset had a chance to say anything else. She stood there for a time even after hearing his door close, like Snails’ action alone was rooting her in the doorframe. Gathering her wits, she slowly followed where he went, a hand lifting to knock at the door. “Come in,” Snails meekly replied. Opening the door and stepping into his room, Sunset locked eyes with the younger boy. “Listen Snails, I know you wanted me to stay at least until the storm’s gone, but I can’t,” Walking up to his bed, Sunset sat down on the edge of it, setting her backpack down. “I appreciate what your father has done for me I really do it's just that--” “It’s alright,” He interrupted, giving her an understanding but sad smile. “You’re not a part of my family so you feel as if you're taking advantage of my father, right?” “Y-yes,” She replied looking down while she desperately fought off her tears. “Look, there is no need to be sad alright? I’ll be fine. You know how I am, being the ‘Big Bad Shimmer’ and all. A few hours out on the streets won’t be able to get me down.” “Yeah, I get that, but I’m still pretty sad about it. I was actually going to see if my dad could make you breakfast before you left.” Snails commented, taking a close look at her. “You look like you hadn’t eaten in days.” “Heh, aren’t you the sweet sidekick?” Sunset chuckled with a coo while rubbing Snails on the head. “I’m touched that you’re worried about me, but you have your own issues to worry about. You don’t need my own piling on of them. You just focus on yourself and try to keep yourself out of trouble.” Snails still looked a bit unsure. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay till the morning? My Dad will understand, I swear.” “The longer I stay, the more I’ll feel like I’m burdening you and your father, and I don’t want you to deal with it,” Sunset rejected, a hand on Snails’ back. “You can just tell your dad I left early because I wanted to get to class without being late. Trust me Snails, it’ll be better this way.” “…Well, okay. If you’re really sure about this. Just please be careful out there okay?” Snails finally submitted. “If you end up getting hurt, I’m gonna have Dad bring you back here. And it’ll be until we’re sure you’re better!” “Understood,” Sunset smiled with approval equivalent to an older sibling finding out the younger one succeeded in something. “Now, go get some sleep. I’ll see you at school in a few hours once the sun is up. I’ll place your homework in your backpack for you before I head out. Be sure to have it with you so you don’t get a zero, alright?” “Alright,” Snails nodded, settling back into his bed. “See you in the morning Sunset.” “You too Snails,” Once she was sure he was again fast asleep Sunset and headed out of Snails' room quietly closing the door behind her. Tiptoeing down the hallway she soon found herself standing at the front door and Snails’ backpack hanging on a rack attached to the door. Taking it down, she placed his homework into it and hung it back on the door before opening it and stepping out into the cold chilly night. “Huh… I was expecting it to be chillier, but it feels good,” She muttered to herself stepping off the front porch. “It’ll take at least an hour and a half to get back to the shack… might as well go now since I’m gonna get soaked anyway.” Quickly making her way down the street, Sunset stopped to look both ways before crossing the street. Getting across the road safely she continued to head back to her shack keeping her head bowed low. Her thoughts began to dwell on a past, not like that of the one in this world. One she would sooner forget and never have to worry about. Even with the rain giving her a comforting feeling, it did little to assuage her anger or guilt. Feelings Sunset knew she would need to confront sooner or later. Feeling the wind begin to pick up, the rain began to fall harder, stinging Sunset’s face with each tiny droplet like tiny pebbles from a cliff’s edge. Before the orphan girl even realized it, she was standing in front of the shack she called home. Having gotten there at the same time she thought she would. Going inside, he fished through her coat pockets, trying to find the phone Garble had given her the day earlier. “Come on! Which pocket did I place that phone into?” she whispered to herself finally finding it she quickly turned it on opened the door to her shack and stepped inside. Water dripped off her clothing forming a small puddle on the cement floor taking her coat off she let it fall in a heap on the floor before sitting down leaning her back against the cold metal frame of the shack. “I’m soaking wet but at least I am out of that storm. I’m sure to get sick from this weather but at least I won’t have to go back to school,” Taking her wet clothes off, Sunset leaned against the wall of her shack, placing the phone next to her. “I wonder if Garble would actually want to hang out before school starts… oh, who am I kidding? Like he would ever-” Her words were interrupted by the ringing of her phone, causing her to look at the device resting in her hand. Feeling she should answer it, Sunset pressed the answer button and held the phone to her ear. “Hey Shimmer!” She heard him greet her over the other end of the line. “Nice to hear from you! didn’t think you’d actually pick up for a while there.” “Me neither. I honestly wasn’t sure if you’d even want to call me at all. Given my rep at school and everything,” Sunset murmured, one arm wrapping around her knees like a snake around a tree. “Anyway, what’s with the call? You’re not here to talk about who would call who, are you” “I would if that was why I was doin’ this shit in the first place.” Garble chuckled, the sound gently thumping against Sunset’s ear canal. “I actually wanted to know if you wanted to hang out with me.” Sunset blinked like he had said something alien to her. “Hang out… with… me?” “Yeah, why not? I’m feelin’ kind of bored and wanted to know if the Big Bad Shimmer of Canterlot Junior High and High School wanted to chill with the Big Bad Dragon.” Garble explained casually. “It’s cool if you decide not to, given the shit you’re dealing with, but I’m sure you could use the company.” “Uh, sure… I guess. But it's raining like cats and dogs outside and I don’t think it’d be a good idea to meet up in this weather.” Sunset replied, glancing out the open gap in her shack that held the window. “And what about the city's curfew? Aren’t you worried you’ll get tossed in jail for being out past curfew?” “Nah, I’m not. Besides, my stepfather Torch and my stepsister Ember could care less about me so I don’t see any reason to care about the rules,” Garble murmured. “Look, just tell me where you’re at and I’ll have someone drive me to you.” “I don’t really have a location, but I’ll meet you in the park in about an hour if that’s okay,” Sunset said, thinking it wouldn’t be a good idea to tell him where her shack was. While she didn’t think he’d sell her out in that regard, Sunset preferred to keep this part of her life private no matter what. “You’d better not be late either.” “Yeah, yeah, don’t worry. He grumbled, his tone telling the girl he heard that statement about a hundred times. “What side of the park should I meet you at? South or North?” “Hmm...North Side. It's quicker to get back home that way than the south.” “Cool, I’ll see ya there then!” It took an hour longer than Sunset would’ve liked, but she managed to make it to the Northern Canterlot Park. It was a little marred by how much mud she got on her because of how wet the dirt paths were from the rain. Due to that same water washing her clean of the dirt though, she did put up much of a fuss. It would have been a different story if it were her jacket because that’d have been truly upsetting. Once she entered the north side of the park, Sunset found a bench and sat down to relax while waiting for Garble to show up. Glancing at her phone she saw it was four-thirty in the morning. Only a few hours before she would have to head to school. Not aware of just what she would find when entering the school grounds. ‘Why am I even bothering to meet with him? I hardly even know him outside of the fact he’s one of the bullies I brought down.’ Sunset thought as she looked at the sky. ‘Garble has no reason to see me either, and yet he’s acting and treating me as if I’m already his friend. Was he always like that or has he had a change of heart? It’s pretty weird either way.’ A groan left her lips as her eyes went from the sea of blackness above her to her lap. ‘I don’t know why, but I’ve got a strange feeling about this. Whatever Garble’s planning, I hope it won’t involve the police. No way they’ll let me go as easily the first time if they find me doing something illegal.’ “Hey Sunset!” She heard Garble’s voice in the distance. “Over here!” Looking in the direction he had called; she saw him walking towards her carrying in his hands a small plastic bag. She saw that Garble had an excited smile on his rather smug looking face, making the feeling in her chest tighten to discomforting levels. Sunset would not have the chance to think on it more for the other had already started the conversation. “Glad you came! Thought you might want to play hooky from school today!” He said, setting the back down in front of them. “I brought some food with us too in case you were hungry. alongside a few other things we’ll need.” “What other things?” Sunset asked, taking the back and taking it apart to look inside. “Some spray cans and whatnot. Got something rather funny planned that I wanna do before we go off to school.” Garble replied, crossing his arms as if proud. He then saw Sunset’s frown and got one of his own. “What’s up? Having second thoughts?” “No, it’s just… I can’t eat the peanuts, cause I’m allergic to them, but I can take the crackers.” She explained, finding boxes of crackers, two jars of peanuts, and spray paint cans in the bag. “I‘m not sure what you want me to do with the spray paint though. Don’t really see any use for it.” “Not to worry, the spray paint isn’t for you. I’m heading to the city to mark up a few….buildings.” Glancing back at her as he turned around, Garble smirked. “You care to join me, Shimmer?” Sunset shrugged her shoulders while taking the crackers in her hand. “Might as well. Not like I’ll have anything better to do. I doubt anyone would care if I don’t show up at school today anyway.” “Took the thoughts right out of my head.” Following him out of the park the two walked side by side each other for an hour before stopping at an old building. Sunset instantly took notice of the building having broken windows on the second and third floors. Along with peeling paint on the side and the roof looked like it had been struck by the earlier thunderstorm. Another building stood a few feet away, it looked just as badly damaged as the first one. Between the two, an ally darker than a cavern gave Sunset the creeps as she watched Garble take out a spray paint can and shake it. “I don’t know about this Garble. What do we do if we get caught?” She asked nervously, staring at the gang symbols covering the buildings. “Isn’t this illegal or something? I can see gang symbols on those buildings and it’s giving me the creeps. What if some of their owners happened to be nearby?” “Relax, none of the gangs will be here. They have been here for a long time, and it’s just been the Griffins and no one else,” Garble assured, looking and sounding nowhere near as nervous as his companion did. “Not like the Griffins will care if I leave a little message anyway. But it’ll definitely be one worth remembering.” “I wouldn’t be so sure about that Garble. You never know if groups like that are still around.” Her words and tone showed she was not willing to throw out that possibility. “What message are you even gonna leave?” “Not sure, but I’ll make sure it’ll be one that’s cooler than any of the ones here!” Garble said as he took hold of one of the spray bottles. “Alright, I’m gonna make my move. You stay here and be my lookout while I do my thing. If someone comes, let me know!” “Alright, fine… just be care-” Hearing the approach of a car she turned around seeing a police car coming down the street, much to her horror and terror. Grabbing Garble by his right arm, she pulled him away from the building, causing him to drop the spray paint bottle. “Hey! What the hell are you doing, Sunset?!” He cried out. “Come on, let go already!” “Police! Police cars are here!” She warned, her words making him freeze. “Get back down here now! Before they see you!” Pulling him towards the alley, Sunset quickly found a large metal dumpster and guided the boy to it so they could duck behind it. Sticking her head around its corner, she watched while the police car pulled to a stop near the entrance. One of the officers got out and turned on their flashlight, shining it towards the alley where the duo was. “Please don’t see us,” She pleaded, more to herself than anyone else. “Please, please go away!” Both teens watched the officer begin to walk into the alley moving his flashlight from right to left and back again. Gulping, Sunset curled up into Garble's chest, gripping his shirt tightly in her hands as she shivered in his arms. Smiling softly, he pulled her a little closer as if he was a dad trying to calm his child from a nightmare. “It’ll be alright, Shimmer. I won’t let those oinks take you,” He comforted. “I’ll take care of them while you just stay here alright?” Letting her go, her eyes snapped in shock as he pulled out an actual switchblade. Quickly grabbing his right hand, she leveled him with an intense glare that rivaled an active heatwave. Receiving a confused look, Garble prepared to push Sunset off when they both heard over the officer’s radio. ‘All officers we have a Ten-Ten at Canterlot Square all officers, possibly Ten-Seventy-two suspects fleeing the scene. Ten Fifty-five suspects are considered armed and dangerous; all units respond to Ten-Twenty’. Garble watched as the officer stopped and turned around from where they were looking, going back in the direction he came. While he ran to his squad car, the bigger teenager turned back to Sunset to give him a glare of his own. Nothing was said by her as she got up, still holding his hand in her own as she watched the officer leave. “What the hell was that Shimmer?!” He shouted angrily as soon as the officer was out of sight and out of earshot. “I was about to take care of him for you! Why did you stop me?!” “You’re holding the reason, dumbass!” Sunset angrily pointed to the blade as if it was a gun made for killing multiple people instead of one. “Why in all of Stygia would you have a knife?! You do realize officers carry Tasers and guns, right?!” “Yeah, so what? I have a nice one so that counts as having a weapon too!” Garble argued, putting the knife away. “Sure, he may have had a gun, but he was close enough to where I could have gotten a good enough hit on him! That way he wouldn’t have been able to shoot me at all!” “Try saying that after getting past his bullet proof vest or try to get him in the neck!” Sunset retorted. “And it’s not that he may have had a gun, he did have a gun! Officers carry guns on them for a reason! To protect themselves from idiots like you!” “I’d say you’re the idiot for stopping me when I had the chance.” Garble snorted with a cross of his arms. “You worry way too much about stuff like this.” “And you need to try thinking before acting!” Sunset shot back, her comeback holding more fire than the other former bully’s own. “Please promise me that you’ll never do something so stupid like this ever again. I’m not going to be hanging out with you if this is the stuff you’re gonna be dragging me into.” “But I was gonna-” “Promise me, Garble! “Fine, fine! I promise I won’t do something that stupid again!” Garble finally relented, crossing his left index and middle finger behind his back. “Are you happy now?” “…That depends on how sincere your promise is.” Sunset replied after a second. “If you’re being sincere at all.” “Well, you’ll just have to see it for yourself huh?” A smirk drew itself across Garble’s face, which earned an eye roll from the girl in front of him. “Anyway… you wanna head over to my house and play some video games? I got some really cool ones I think you’ll like!” A feeling of uneasiness suddenly washed over Sunset. “Go over… to your house?” “Yep! It’s a pretty rundown house but it’s still cool, nonetheless. At least when you go inside of it,” Garble nodded. “Trust me, it’s a really awesome house with lots of things to do there! You’ll be in for one heck of a time!” “Um… actually, I think I’m gonna go ahead and pass on this one.” Sunset responded, taking a step away from Garble. “It’s not gonna be long before school starts and I wanna get there without a tardy.” “You wanna go to school instead?” He asked with a snap of his head and clear confusion plastered on his face. “What for? I mean yea sure it’s school but I think we could do a few… things here that you might like.” “Uh-huh! I remembered that I forgot something there anyway, and I need to get it back.” Sunset quickly replied with a hastily thought-up excuse. “You can go on without me!” “But I-hey wait!” Garble shouted as the bacon-haired girl ran down the street. “What about the games?!” “I can come by to play some other time!” Sunset shouted over her shoulder. “Gotta go now!” “Wait, hold on!” Garble yelled out as Sunset vanished out of sight. “Damn it… and here I thought I’d be able to play New Mario Bros U with her.” A half hour later and Sunset found herself within sight of Canterlot Junior High and High School. Unlike with the trek to the park, Sunset found this one easier as it allowed her to think to herself. About the little exchange that happened between her and Garble with him inviting her to his home. Sunset was not sure what it was, but something about that request felt off to her. It wasn’t that she believed Garble had any ill intentions – at least not from what she saw – but she couldn’t help but feel discomfort from it. Like what Sunset was being offered was more than she would be able to handle. “I can’t believe he wanted me to go to his home and play ‘video games’ with him” she thought “Sure games yeah probably some code for something” She didn’t know what was in store for her accepting Garble's invitation but she felt it had been wise to turn it down. At least for the time being, since she was not in a mood, or mindset appropriate for something like a gaming session. Sunset hoped Garble wouldn’t be mad at her later on and find another sort of activity not involving going to an acquaintance's home. If he chose not to, that is. “I’ll have to remember to read up on this subject later on when I am alone at school”. Sunset muttered to herself as she approached the school's entrance which was still covered in plastic and still had a giant gaping hole in it. “Yeesh I really did make a mess of things during the Fall Formal. Why couldn’t you just let me have what I wanted Twilight? Why?” Deciding to save any further thoughts on the subject for later, Sunset stopped just short of entering the school's entrance taking note of a police car parked in the front parking lot of the school. Turning her head in the general direction of the officer she noticed a few faculty members coming down the sidewalk one stopped and nodded to the officer. Paying neither the school's faculty members nor the officer any attention she began to make her way inside the school and to a not so nice surprise. “What the bucking Stragoth?!” She screamed, causing several faculty members to turn their heads to her general direction. Cunt. Demon. Bitch. Whore. Skank. It was these five words that were crudely drawn on her locker in permanent marker that caused her to scream. Done in a way that showed it was in no way cordial or playful. She didn’t know who did it, but she did know that it had to be from some of the people who she messed with before The Fall Formal. Sunset figured that some would still have a bone or two to pick with her, proven by the fight with Lightning Dust. But for them to do something like this? It was honestly more insulting than having the stuffing beaten out of her. “Who did this to my locker?!” She cried out again, not noticing – or ignoring – the crowd that was forming all around her. “I… I-I didn’t do anything. I wasn’t even trying to mess with anyone. Why… why would they target me like this?!” “Why do you think?” One student called out to her from within the crowd that had formed around her. “We all hate you Sunset!” “Yeah why don’t you just leave and never return”. Another student called out from the crowd that had started to form around her. “You should have left when you had the chance to bitch”. “You don’t belong here” Still another voice came from the crowd “How dare you stay here when you're not welcome here!” Liquid began to bubble within Sunset’s eyes like bubbles from boiling water as her eyes shut to keep them in. It was made futile thanks to the laughter she heard coming from the crowd of students that had now almost completely formed around her. Feeling the need to get away, Sunset pushed her way through the crowd and ran down the hallway, hands covering her face. Had she been paying attention she would have realized she was running towards Cheerilee, who saw her coming long before she escaped the crowd. Her arms opened to catch the distraught teen before they wrapped around her with the protectiveness of a first-time mother. Gazing up at the students still laughing and pointing to Sunsets locker, her green eyes sharpened to an edge so razor-like it was like looking into twin blades of fauna. “I think you’d all better be on your way,” She advised softly, an undertone sharper than her eyes covering her normal one. “And I’d suggest you do it now… before I decide to call the principal who is in her office as well as the police who are currently if I am not mistaken outside at this very moment. The choice ladies and gentlemen is yours to make”. Watching the crowd disperse, one of Cheerilee’s hands went to stroke the crying girl’s hair, her glare still on the shrinking group. Once the last one was out of her sight, her hand went down to Sunset’s head as she whispered softly and gently to the sobbing girl held tenderly in her arms. “There, there Sunset… I’m here, they’re all gone now.” She cooed. “It’ll be alright, sweetheart… I promise.” “Why… w-why is this happening? They already saw me get beat once… twice even! How much do they need to see me suffer before they’re satisfied?!” Sunset sobbed; face buried in the librarian’s shoulder. Cheerilee sighed. “I don’t know honey… some students – er people are just like that. No one knows why they do things like this.” That was more or less a lie. She and everyone else knew the exact reason why the students at this school were doing what they did. For the same ones they had for despising Sunset Shimmer, even before the aftermath of her fall from the top. While the students had full reason to feel upset and hurt for what they were put through, their actions were just deplorable. Cheerilee just could not fathom why they would let their hate and vengeance push them so far. It probably had to do with them having different perspectives on what counted as revenge and what didn’t. But one fact was known for certain to the librarian. No matter how much of a bully one was to you, that was never an excuse to be one yourself. And if you ever did get to that point, you’re really no better than the one who hurt you. “I… I don’t want to be here.” Whimpers crawled from Sunset like lava from open soil. “I want to be somewhere else… a-anywhere else. Please… just please take me away.” “Why don’t you let me take you to the library.” Cheerilee offered. “You can calm down there and get a nice cup of tea before you start your day. Does that sound good to you?” Sunset gave a sniffle before giving her response. “Y-yeah… I think I’d like that.” Beaming at the acceptance of her request, Cheerilee took the girl by her hand and led her to where the library was. She didn’t look behind her at her new guest, for she felt Sunset did not want her to look at how broken she was. It was not aware to Cheerilee just how much pain she was in, but she was nonetheless determined to do something about it. Even if it meant just giving her a silent place to talk to someone, with some to ease her worries.
Chapter 6 – Dimming Suns Part 2 Of 19 Wednesday August 3rd, 7:45amMoonstone let out a grim sigh as he looked out his kitchen window at the city that was his home. Sunlight peered from out of the top of the buildings, casting away the shadows with its morning glow. With their disappearance, came the unraveling of the destruction of the storm that ravaged Canterlot the previous night. Power lines hung from their poles, electricity sparking and buzzing, ready to strike anything within range. Trees torn from their roots lay on the grass, soil sticking to the ends as if they fought to the end to keep the big plants standing. Debree lay scattered, no longer kept in the confinements of the tipped trash cans meant to contain them. “What a mess”. Moonstone thought looking out his bedroom window. It wouldn’t be the first time that Moonstone had borne witness to meteorological catastrophes. Having lived in Canterlot for many years, he experienced countless storms – each ferocious in their own varying degrees. Yet he never saw or heard of one being this bad, especially in a city of all places. Moonstone only hoped that thunderstorms like this would not become the norm. Or his time in Canterlot would be far more unpleasant than it already was becoming. “Well I better head downstairs and see if Moon Dancer is up yet”. He muttered to himself opening his bedroom door he headed downstairs finding his little 11 year old little sister in the kitchen. “At least no one was killed or hurt in that storm last night” He thought as he headed into the kitchen to begin his day. Cereal being poured brought the officer's attention back to the present, and he turned to see a girl of middle school age in his kitchen. He watched as she opened the carton of milk and poured it into her bowl before sitting to eat. It was a moment or two in her morning meal before she eyed her brother while he made himself a cup of dark coffee with a mischievous smile as she returned to her own meal. “How long are you going to sit there staring at your cup of coffee, Bro?” Moon Dancer asked in a laid-back and casual tone. “You look like you’re upset over a breakup or something.” “Believe me sis, I wish that was what occupied my mind instead,” Moonstone replied tiredly. “But I don’t really have the luxury for that right now. The state of the city has my thoughts occupied on just how damaged it is right now.” “Yeah, that storm was crazy!” Moon Dancer agreed with a whistle. “I couldn’t get a single minute of sleep with all that thunder rumbling out of my window! I can’t believe how long it lasted!” “I know I listened to you tossing and turning all night.” “Sorry bro I didn’t mean to keep you up last night but that storm was just awful”. “It’s alright sis just be sure to get ready to go soon alright ” Moonstone murmured. “Also I’ll be getting home a bit late tonight so I want your homework done and completed by the time I get home. I’ll text once I am on the way home”. Moondancer huffed. “Yeah, yeah I know I’ll have my chores and homework ready for you to look over by time you get here sheesh”. Moonstone gave no reply to his sister’s irrational voice, knowing that she didn’t mean it out of malice. These banters were something they participated in from time to time and today wasn’t any different. If anything, it served as a welcome distraction for Moonstone from what was going on. That wasn’t to say he didn’t have his day where Moon Dancer got on his nerves to the point of ripping his own hair out. It was just that sometimes these little squabbles with his sister did help to ease him when he felt troubled. “We will leave as soon as you are done with your breakfast so hurry up,” Moonstone sighed, pushing himself away from the kitchen table. “I think it’s time you get yourself dressed. I need to take you to school so I can be at work on time. I don’t want to have to get a writeup after the last time I had to drop you off.” “If you say so,” Moondancer shrugged as she continued to munch on her cereal. “Can I stay over at the library today bro? I want to catch up on some books I didn't finish the last time I was there.” “No, you can’t. I have a long day ahead of me and I won’t be able to give you the free time I usually do. I’ll call Minuette to see if she will be able to watch you too.” “Awww… no fair!” Ignoring his sister's disappointed complaints, Moonstone pulled out his phone from his pocket and began dialing. Once he finished putting in the number, he put it next to his phone and waited for the receiver to pick up. His eyes went back to the devastation outside, causing a frown of concern to tug at his lips. ‘I hope Minuette has her cell phone turned on,’ He thought as the wait dragged on. ‘I’m not going to be able to get ahold of her the other way with the land lines damaged. If she doesn’t pick up, I don’t know how else I’m going to reach her.' “Hello?” A chipper and tired voice said from the other end of the line. “Yeah Min, it’s me. Sorry for calling so early, did I wake you up?” “I wouldn’t sound so tired if you didn’t wake me up! But yeah, I’m up now,” She replied dryly, the creaking of a bed coming from the other end. “Anyway, what’s up? Family emergency going on?” Moonstone sweat dropped. “Er, yeah… something like that. I was wondering if you could watch my little sister while I’m at the station today.” A moment of silence passed before Minuette gave her response. “Are you serious? Of all the things you ask me, that’s what you woke me up for? Come on Moonstone, at least come up with a better reason!” “I wish I could, seriously. But this is the one I have. I understand if you can’t do it, but I’m in a tight spot right now and-” “Hold on, hold on, I didn’t say that I wouldn’t do it. I just wish you could have waited for a least a couple more hours before coming to me with something like this. You know how I liked my beauty sleep.” “Yes, I do,” Moonstone nodded with a sigh. “So, will you be able to do it?” A yawn came from the other end before the woman gave her reply. “Sure, I’ll watch the kid. Just give me a time when I should pick her up and I’ll take care of everything from there.” “Alright, thank you Minuette. I promise, I’ll be sure to pay you back for this. And I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” Moonstone said with great appreciation and remorse in his tone. Looking through his wallet he grumbled seeing there was only a ten and five dollar bill in his wallet he handed them to his sister adding quickly, “Ok, I need you to pick her up at 3:30 today”. “Alright that’s fine I’ll be there. Not like I’d really turn down the kid just to hang with my friends,” Minuette said with a sigh. “Next time though don’t call me so early in the blasted morning alright?” “I’ll be more mindful of that,” Moonstone assured with a small smile. “Alright, I need to get going now. I’ll let you go back to sleep. And again, thank you for doing this to me. It really means a lot.” “Yeah, yeah whatever,” Minuette grunted, sounding tired of the continuous gratitude. “I’ll be going now… see ya!” “Have a good… sleep,” Moonstone said, pausing in finishing his sentence after the woman hung up on him. Moon Dancer took the money, placing it into her purse which was located on the kitchen countertop. He mouthed silently to her, “Give this to Minuette when you see her”. Turning back to him his sister watched him put his phone back in his pocket, he turned his attention to his watch to see what the time was. “Cripes, it’s almost eight! The sergeant is going to have my ass!” catching his sister's attention as she finished her cereal. “What’s the matter, bro? Running late already?” Moon Dancer asked to get up to put her dishes into the dishwasher. “Yes, and I’m not going to waste another second doing so!” He stated firmly, pointing up the stairs like he was banishing his sister to her room. “Go upstairs and get dressed, breakfast time is over!” “But I’m not-” “Now, Moon Dancer! I’m not going to say it again! Shoo!” “Alright, alright!” She relented, rushing through the exit down the hall. As soon as his sister vanished from sight, Moonstone looked over at the kitchen clock as his forehead began to sweat. ‘Please have Sergeant Starknight go easy on me today!’ “Moon Dancer, are you ready to go yet?” He called out to her from the front door as he rushed outside to start the car, “I’m seriously running late!” “I’m coming bro, don’t worry!” Moon Dancer shouted back to her brother, getting to the front door and shutting it behind herself. “I told you I wasn’t going to take as long this time! You really need to learn how to wait.” “I can wait.” Watching his sister open the back door and slam it shut he grunted as she opened the front door, “Get in already, I don't have time for these games!” Moonstone retorted as his sister climbed into the front passenger seat of his police car. Looking behind him he saw a large pile of old school and academic books in the backseat. His sister offered a slight grin. “You know there’s such a thing as too much studying, right?” “As if! There's no way that anyone can study too much and have it fail!” Moon Dancer scoffed. “I’m just a student who wants to stay on top of her grades, nothing more!” “That’s all well and good, but it is still important to take breaks from it. Otherwise, you’re going to get burned out.” “Like that will ever happen. Now, don’t you have somewhere to take your precious little sister? Like school perhaps? I just got a new record for getting ready on time and I’d like it if it wasn’t broken.” “Yeah, yeah, I got it. How much time do I have to get you there?” “It's seven-forty-five now. you got fifteen minutes to get me to school and less than five after that to get to work. Think you can manage that time?” “Oh, trust me little sister,” Her older brother replied with a smirk. “I can do that and then some.” His sister gave him a raised eyebrow. “Really, ho-” Roaring from the car engine cut the high schooler off as her brother’s hands wrapped around the steering wheel. His foot lightly tapped at the gas pedal; the corners of his lips still upturned in the smirk he was giving her. It took less than a second for her to realize what was going to happen… and that she could do nothing to stop it. “Wait… you’re not going to do what I think you’re going to-” Moon Dancer’s sentence was put to a stop by Moonstone pressing his foot on the gas pedal. The speedometer shot up from zero to one hundred and twenty as he peeled out of the driveway hearing his sister scream out. “-DO?!” Speeding down the street, Moon Dancer glanced out the passenger side window watching as her brother flew past all the houses, street signs and apartments. Some debris and litter got flown in the air due to the speed in which the officer was driving. Noticing a red light that was coming up, the bookworm looked to her brother, noticing he wasn’t making any effort to stop the vehicle. “Are you nuts?! That’s a red light!” Moon Dancer cried out pointing at the light as if it was a deer they were about to run over. Seeing that he wasn’t replying – or stopping – the girl began to panic and shout. “Moon Stone, what the hell are you doing?!” “Getting my little sister to school and me to work on time so the sergeant can’t have my backside for being late?” He replied as if it was the most obvious thing. “What does it look like?” “Like you’re already on the job and chasing down a criminal?!” Moon Dancer replied despite the fact her brother wasn’t really asking. “You don’t need to go this fast!’ “And who was it that said the time I had to do what I’m setting out to do right now? You only have yourself to blame for this.” “I’m not the one who’s driving like a maniac! And it’s not like we’re running that late anyway!” “Then take this as a lesson to not goat your dear brother into doing things like this,” Moonstone advised with a cheeky grin. “Now hush up, I need to concentrate so I don’t get into an accident.” “Ugh, fine!” Moon Dancer relented, gripping the sides of her seat. “But you’ll be responsible for my hospital bill if that happens!” “Yes ma’am.” Gripping the sides of her seat, Moonstone watched with wide eyes and a pale face as Moonstone paid little attention as he drove through the busy intersection. Glancing down at the speedometer, he saw the needle was trembling just past one hundred and thirty mph, indicating the speed in which he was going. He looked back up and swerved the car to the right, avoiding a big oncoming semi-truck that was coming up where he was going down. Irritated squeals came from the tires of the truck as the driver honked his horn, clearly not happy with what Moonstone was doing. Swerving to the left, then to the right again, he avoided three more cars who used their honks to show how they felt about the officer’s actions. All the while his sister sat next to him, face in her hands as if shielding her eyes from a scene in a horror movie. “Oh God! Oh God! Oh God! I’m so going to die!” She whimpered. “Please slow down Moonstone, please! I seriously don’t want us to crash!” “Oh, come on sis relax,” Moonstone assured, not glancing once at the panicking teenager. “This isn’t the first time you saw me driving like this. You have nothing to worry about… I’ve never hurt you before, have I?” Moon Dancer’s head flew up from her hands to shoot a glare at him. “No, but you just might this time! And that won’t be the only thing you have to worry about either!” “You mean me getting pulled over? It’s early in the morning sis, I doubt anyone is going to notice or care that a cop car is speeding. Other than another police officer.” “Oh, really? Like that one?” Blinking in confusion, the officer looked to where the younger girl was pointing and saw another cop stationed behind a billboard sign. Their eyes locked for just a second, but that was all that it took for the other officer to recognize who he was. Just a moment later, the man got into his car and drove onto the road, car siren’s blaring. “And there you go!” Moon Dancer grunted with crossed arms. “Still think that speeding is such a good idea now?!” “I think it’s a bit late for you to be scolding me now,” Moonstone murmured, looking out the back-car window. “Hold on, I gotta lose this guy.” Pressing the pedal all the way to the floor, the car lurched forward quickly, gaining speed and turning the right as the tires squealed. Moon Stone then had his steering wheel roll to the right, trying to make the turn completely losing control of his cruiser. Looking in the rearview mirror, Moonstone grinned as he watched the officer’s cruiser hit the sidewalk, slamming into a tree. ‘He’ll be alright. I’m sure,’ Moonstone thought to himself, turning to his shocked sister. “Alright, we are about halfway to your school. Do you have your homework with you, Moon Dancer?” “Are you serious?!” She screamed back “You want to know if I have my homework when you have been driving like a complete idiot?!” “Yeah, you’re the one who wants to maintain your grades and all. Isn’t that right?” “Well... yeah, but I don’t think any sane person would ask that of someone while driving like you are! What sense does that make?!” “None. Unless you are an older sibling who wants to make sure their younger siblings stay on the straight and narrow,” Moonstone said innocently, noticing an incoming building out of the corner of his eye. “Oh look, we finally made it!” Moon Dancer’s eyes practically sprayed with tears. “Really?! Oh, thank you!” Chuckling at his sister’s elation, Moonstone gave one last push on the gas pedal to speed them to Canterlot High. He paid no mind to the damage around the school, having had his fill of just how much destruction the storm caused. Stopping at the drive in at the entrance, he stopped his car just as Moon Dancer flew open the entrance. “Land!” She screamed jovially, kissing the concrete like it was a long-awaited lover. “Oh, the love I have for you land!” “Hate to interrupt you there sis, but could you maybe save that for when no one sees you?” Came the dry voice of the middle schooler’s brother. “People are starting to stare.” “Shut up! You’re in no position to tell me what to do!” Moon Dancer snapped as she whipped her head around to face him. “After that hell you called a ride, you deserve this much humiliation!” “Probably, but you could at least tone it down a little bit. People are giving you looks like you’ve gone mental or something,” Moonstone continued, looking around at the passing students.” “I don’t think they’ll be thinking that once I tell them just what you put me through!” Moon Dancer growled. “Would you like to do some verification for that, dear brother?” Her backpack hitting her face was the response given as Moonstone threw it out his car. Nothing was said about it as it plopped to the ground, allowing the glare on Moon Dancer’s face to pierce into Moonstone’s eyes. “Can’t, I gotta get going. I’ll have much more to worry about then telling your friends of our little drive together if I don’t leave.” Moonstone said, closing the front passenger door behind him. “I’ll call Minuette when I get to the station and have her meet you after school. Be good, love you!” “Whatever, just leave already you jerk!” Moon Dancer shouted, ushering him away. As he drove off, she yelled behind him. “I love you too!” In response to this, Moonstone stuck out his hand to wave at his sister, watching with a smile as she repeated the action. As she headed for the Canterlot High’s entrance, the smile fell as he made his way down the road, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. Moonstone brushed it off, chalking it up to his nerves messing with his head as he made his way to the police station. If only he knew how wrong he would be. Impossible as it seemed, Moonstone managed to arrive to work just before the time his shift was supposed to begin. It was already seven fifty-five and he knew he had not a second to waste with checking himself in. He barely parked his car securely enough before he rushed inside, getting to the front desk a couple of minutes later. Relief filled him at seeing Starknight not at her desk and went to clock in, feeling all the gladder to do it since he had less than a minute left. ‘Now that was too close,’ Moonstone thought as he straightened his uniform. ‘I thought for sure I would get a chewing out today by Sargent Starknight. Guess luck decided to give me a break...’ “Moonstone!” A flinch left the officer upon hearing his name – as well as who was saying it – being called. ‘Or not…’ “Sargent Starknight, g-good morning!” He said with a slight stutter, standing to attention in front of his higher-ranking senior. “Is there something the matter?” “Involving me? No, you don’t need to worry about that,” She replied shortly. “If it did have to do with me, you wouldn’t be in as much trouble as you are now.” Moonstone paused. “W…what do you mean by that?” “I don’t have time to explain, so I’ll just have to take you there instead,” She said, waving him over as she turned on her heels. “Follow me, we don’t have time to waste.” “But sergeant I-I-” He began to protest, only to receive an angry look that quickly cowed him. “Lead the way ma’am.” With no further protests, Starknight led him around the front desk towards the left of the precinct. Moonstone took notice of how they were headed for a large metal door that read ‘Internal Affairs Officers Only Beyond This Point’ and felt his stomach drop. Not liking where she was leading him, he looked down, letting out a sigh that expressed his nervousness and dismay. Starknight stopped at hearing this, her sudden movement causing moonstone to almost bump into her. “Listen, I know this seems bad, but it doesn’t need to be if you do as you're told. Just answer their questions truthfully and don’t leave anything out.” Looking towards the door then back to him, she added another tidbit. “I’ve gone through this myself, so I know what it's like to be where you are now. Don’t fret, you’ll do fine. Just keep calm and don’t act as if you have something to hide.” “A-am I in trouble sergeant?” “I can’t answer that rookie. All I can say is that I need to escort you in there. You’ll be on your own after that.” “Alright… if you say so,” Moonstone murmured, rubbing one of his arms. Knocking on the door, Starknight stepped back as the door opened and two men in gray three-piece suits stepped out. Each gave Moonstone looks dirtier than gum on a shoe as they stood in front of the duo of officers. One had blond hair with a hint of snow white, a scar on his right cheek and blue eyes like cold steel. Deep purple made up the hair of the other man, his cheeks adorned with small freckles and skin like that of a silver blade. “Thank you for bringing him to us, Officer Starknight.” The first man said, giving a respectful nod to the woman. Turning his attention to Moonstone, he addressed him in a slightly colder voice. “I am Internal Affairs Officer Zaros Frost. I would like you to come with us, Officer Moonstone.” Moonstone gulped. “Y-yes sir… if I may ask, what is this all about?” “You will know that once you are inside. Now follow us”. “I’ll leave you to it,” Starknight said softly, turning to leave. “Just remember what I told you, Moonstone. Answer their questions fully and truthfully, don't leave anything out and you’ll do just fine.” “S-sure.” With a silent nod, Starknight headed back down the hall as Moonstone was escorted down another that felt too long for him. They soon reached an interrogation room, entering through the open door. Moonstone immediately took notice of a metal table right in the middle and three chairs in the center, and it clicked in his head what was going on. Looking to the right, he noticed a security camera was pointed towards the table, set in the upper right corner of the small room. The drop Moonstone felt in his stomach from moments ago came back tenfold, and he knew right then and there that this would not be a pleasant talk. “Take a seat officer,” Zaros said, gesturing to the seat on the opposite end. “This won’t take long. we just need to ask you a few questions and we’ll send you on your way.” Doing as he was instructed, Moonstone gulped as his mind flashed to the possible outcomes that led to him in this situation. A brief thought of the officer that was tailing came, and he wondered if that was what they were here for. The cold smile from the detective banished it, and what left his mouth made Moonstone wish it was that instead. “Alright rookie, my partner Zeck and I have some questions for you regarding your treatment of a certain someone named Lightning Dust,” Zaros began, watching Moonstone flinch. “Now before we begin, just know this. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Think carefully about how you answer us. If you like you can have union representation here. Do you fully understand?” “I do, and I don’t think I need them at this time sir” Moonstone replied, trying to keep a calm head. “What do you want to ask me?” “This interrogation is regarding your report concerning a young lady named Lightning Dust.” Zeck interjected. “Can you walk us through how you arrested her and the reason you placed her under arrest?”’ “I was late showing up on my first day of work due to needing to drop off my little sister at her babysitters. Traffic was a mess that day, which was another factor,” Moon Stone started, keeping in mind the advice Starknight had previously given him. “Right on my first day, I managed to anger the Sergeant by being late to my shift. We got a call as I was clocking in that a fight had taken place at Canterlot High School., So we did what I believe any other officer would do and responded to the call.” “What happened next?” Zaros asked, crossing his arms over his chest glaring at Moon Stone. “Did you go to that school with the intention of hurting Ms. Dust? Or were you there simply to-” “Now wait just a bloody minute,” Moon Stone interrupted, receiving dirty looks from both officers. “I was in no way at all going there just to ‘hurt’ someone! I went there because my partner drove us there. Nothing more! As police officers it's our job to respond to any situations! Like the one that happened at Canterlot High School! Sure, I don’t like having to place that child under arrest, but I only did my job and nothing else!” “I don’t think punching Ms. Dust in the back of her head or using your taser on the vice principal qualifies you as, “doing your job”,” Zeck shot back sharply and sarcastically. “If you think it was, then you will find that you are sorely mistaken.” Looking at the table, Moonstone took a moment to think his eyes shifted from left to right. While he understood the Internal Affairs Officers’ feelings, on the subject at hand he did not like being looked at like someone who was being harassed rather than protected. He meant what was said when he was only doing his job when it came to how things went with Lightning Dust, despite the excessiveness. But it seemed like Zeck and Zaros saw it differently, and Moonstone had every intention of proving it otherwise. “Look, the vice principal jumped in the way just as I pulled the trigger to my taser, so I wound up tasing her due to her getting in the way.” Lowering his voice, a bit he continued. “Ms. Dust was fleeing the scene, I tried stopping her by tackling her, but I got into a scuffle with her as a result.” “And this is when you did what you resorted to doing?” Zeck snorted out his question like someone bent on fully proving him wrong. “Let me guess you enjoyed using that taser on Ms. Moonriser?” “WHAT?! No '' Moonstone shot back in horror at the implication and indifference “I most certainly didn’t enjoy it at all. Yes I used my taser but I had no intention of using it on Ms. Moonriser” Moonstone replied after some hesitation. “It is not my job to punch, nor to tase someone that I am not arresting. Listen I am telling you the truth Lightning Dust didn’t leave me much of a choice. It’s not like I wanted to harm her but… it just happened.” “I see...” Zaros murmured. “And that is all that truly happened? You’re not leaving anything out?” “No sir, it is nothing but the absolute truth. Every single thing.” Zeck stayed silent for a moment before speaking up again. “Alright then, I think that will be it for now. We will inform you later on when we have made our decision as to how to go forward with this incident. Until then, you will be restricted to desk duty for the next-” “That won’t be an option,” Zaros interrupted before his partner could finish and Moonstone could complain. “While Officer Moonstone did make a mistake, it was not made of his own accord. And by law, it would be unreasonable to punish him for something like that. So we will let him off with a warning for the time being.” “If you say so,” Zeck said with his arms crossed, not sounding too happy with the outcome. “As for you Officer Moonstone, you will be allowed to return to duty. However, you will need to undergo more training as an officer and what to do in cases like with Ms. Dust,” Zack said, turning his attention back to the younger man in front of him. “A strict written warning will be placed into your personnel file. If this happens again officer you will not be let off as easily, am I clear?” “Yes sir,” Moonstone replied bitterly, trying to keep the growl in his voice at bay. “I’ll be extra sure to keep that in mind.” “Good. You are dismissed.” Zaros grumbled folding his arms over his chest. Getting up from his seat, Moonstone headed out of the room, and made his way back to his desk. He glanced at his watch, noticing it was already eight fifteen. Getting to his desk a few minutes later, he took a seat at his chair as Starknight came back to her own with a cup of coffee in hand. Setting it down, she silently handed him several files, letting him take them as the duo began their day. ‘And what a long day was going to be.’
Chapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AMAuthor's Note This chapter take's place while Officer Moon Stone is racing down the street trying to get his little sister to school on time. Chapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AM A smile that was the embodiment of angelic made its way across Fluttershy’s face as the light of the sun gently caressed her face. She rolled over in her bed, feeling her eyes begin to slowly open as she fought the urge to let the daylight coax her back to sleep. After one brief battle, she managed to get up, stretching to set her bones back into place. ‘Oh my, I slept so good last night. I don’t think I’ve had a slumber like that in a long time,’ She thought to herself, pushing some strands of her cherry blossom hair from her face. ‘I guess I was so exhausted from everything that happened that my body just shut down on its own.’ With a soft exhale, Fluttershy made her way to her bathroom to freshen up and get ready for school. Things went fine for the first few minutes as her mind was still in the process of leaving the realm that was dreamland. It was while Fluttershy was showering did she find her mind beginning to form thoughts – specifically those of Sunset Shimmer. It had been some time since MacPherson saw the former bully; the last being on the night she was part of the case involving Lightning Dust’s assault on her. In the time following, Fluttershy did not have any opportunities to see Sunset due to her being focused on other things. It wasn’t as if she put in no effort to do so, but the girl proved to be as stealthy as a cat, leaving Fluttershy with little to no clue of her whereabouts. Not that this ever kept her from keeping an eye out, though it did prove to have its own difficulties. However good Sunset was at hiding herself, Fluttershy was not going to give up just like that. She vowed to herself – and the one who used to torment her – that the latter would have the helping hand she needed. Despite this, Fluttershy knew what she put in was not going to be enough to get Sunset to trust her with such a thing. She needed to do more – to show through greater actions that she could be depended on and cautious of. ‘But what could I possibly do?’ Fluttershy thought while exiting her shower and putting on her bathrobe. ‘This isn’t something I’m used to doing. It’s not like I can treat this as if I’m trying to help a sick animal either. This is a lot more complicated, and it’ll take more than hugs to make Sunset’s pain go away. I just hope I can come up with something soon… before it’s too late.’ As Fluttershy exited her bathroom, she heard the gentle voice of her mother coming from downstairs. Since her bedroom was closed, it was somewhat muffled, but she could still hear that she was talking to someone. And something told her that it was not her dad her mom was talking to. ‘Is she one the phone with someone?’ Feeling the need to investigate, Fluttershy sped up in dressing herself before exiting her bedroom and going into the hallway. She went down the corner just as her mother turned to look in the same direction of where she was entering. A warm smile was quickly given to her before the older woman turned her attention back to her conversation. “Yes, Mrs. Dust. I want to know if she will be able to help her.” Mrs. Macpherson said as she patted Fluttershy on her head. A moment passed before she continued with a bit more of a somber tone. “Oh, I see… so Lightning Dust isn’t in the city right now? Alright then, thank you for your help. I’ll get back to you soon.” Just seconds after she hung up the phone, Fluttershy addressed the elephant in the room. “Mom, what’s the matter? Who were you on the phone with?” “Oh, I was just on the phone with CPS honey. Don’t worry, it isn’t anything important you need to worry about,” Her mother replied with as much reassurance as she could. “Did I wake you up?” “No, I was already awake before I heard you from outside. I was just finished preparing for school,” Fluttershy replied, pointing to her drying hair. “Why were you on the phone with CPS? Are you sure that everything is alright?” “Yes dear, it’s all fine. It was just something involving Lightning Dust. Nothing you need to trouble yourself over,” Mrs. Macpherson said with a bit more firmness. “Now it is time for breakfast. Please come join me in the kitchen so we can eat. You’ll need a full stomach so you can think during your classes.” Hanging up the home phone, her mother gestured towards the downstairs following her daughter down into the kitchen. Getting to the kitchen, Fluttershy watched as her mother began to make them coffee and tea. Wanting to help, she quickly got out three cups from the kitchen cupboards and set them on the kitchen table. A soft sigh escaped her before she could stop herself and it immediately caught her mother's attention. Sensing that her daughter wasn’t feeling well, she turned her attention to the pinkette. “Fluttershy? is there something the matter dear? You seem to be upset this morning.” “Hm?” Not expecting her mother to address her, Fluttershy jumped and glanced over at her. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just… have a lot on my mind.” “Yes, it’s clear you do. I could tell just from the sigh you gave,” Mrs. MacPherson said as she gave a small smile. “Let me guess: is it about Sunset?” “…Was it that obvious?” “Well, you have been set on getting her help and perhaps doing something more. And I often hear you talking to yourself about how you can go about that. And even if I didn’t, it doesn’t take a mind reader to know that’s mostly what you’ve been thinking about.” Fluttershy gave no retorts, too consumed by the embarrassment of her failure of trying to conceal her worry for Sunset. ‘Wow… I guess I made it more obvious than I thought.’ “Judging by your expression, it you must be quite shocked by how I figured that out. It’s also apparent that you’re lost on how about all of this,” Mrs. MacPherson continued. “Is there anything I’m getting wrong about that?” “…No, there isn’t,” Fluttershy confirmed with another sigh. “I’m worried I might not be able to help Sunset as I thought I would be able to. I tried to offer her a hand, but she just keeps turning me down. I don’t want to give up, but… I just don’t know what to do!” “Let me ask you this. What do you have in common with Sunset Shimmer?” Her mother began, placing a plate of sunny side up eggs and strips of bacon in front of her daughter. “What do I have… in common with her?” Fluttershy repeated perplexedly as she began to eat her breakfast. “I don’t think I understand.” “What she means is things like what hobbies or interest, honey,” The deeper but just as gentle voice of Mr. MacPherson specified as he entered the kitchen, covered in dirt and oil. “Things that allow a person to connect with another.” “Oh, good morning Dad,” Fluttershy greeted, watching as her father went to her mother and gave her a loving kiss. As she laughed and playfully pushed him away, she steered his attention back to her with what he just brought up. “So, by hobbies or interests… do you mean what we like to do?” “Yes, exactly that,” Mr. Macpherson nodded, sitting at the table with his daughter. “Like what you like to do for fun or on your days off from work. Or what characteristics either of you have that remind you of each other.” “Oh, I see…” Fluttershy nodded, immediately getting what he was saying with his other statement. “I suppose I could start there, but I don’t know what we could talk about. And it’s not like Sunset and I started off as friends when we first started high school so...” “True, but it isn’t like you can’t think of anything you both would like.” Mr. Macpherson said, running his hand down his daughter’s back. “Everyone knows that finding what it is you have in common is one of the biggest indicators of a growing friendship. Shimmer may have been a bully before, but that doesn’t erase the possibility of her being a friend. There are cases where the bully and those they bullied become friends.” There was a ring of truth to this. Shocking as it is for others to believe, there were incidents where school tormentors did a turnaround and became friends with those they hurt. This wasn’t to say it happened every time as some victimizers didn’t change while the victim refuses to even give them the time of day. While it was dim, there seemed to be one small change of Sunset falling into the former category. Caution still needed to be taken on the part of Fluttershy, and everyone else that wanted to give aid. Or else they would be stuck at square one. Her father’s suggestion didn’t seem like a bad one in spite of this. Maybe… “Yes, that is true. People who once disliked each other sometimes do create a friendship of some sorts between one another. And Sunset didn’t really have true friends even with Snips and Snails being her, um… accomplices.” Fluttershy explained, looking downward at her plate. “I wonder if I’ll be able to succeed though… or at least talk to her on friendlier terms.” “Nothing is ever known for certain honey – especially those you don’t try in. And this is one of those situations where the outcome can go either way, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the plunge to get the end results.” Her father said softly. “Don’t fret, your mother and I are positive you can find something you and Sunset can talk about. Even if it’s just one thing. Whatever it is, use it to the best of your abilities to build your potential friendship, alright?” Fluttershy smiled as she clenched her fists with conviction. “Of course, Dad. I will!” At that moment, a ring resounded through the house. “Oh, it’s the doorbell. Someone must be waiting outside,” Mr. Macpherson murmured. “Dear, can you go see who it is?” “Sure, thing honey.” His wife replied as she stood up from her chair. “I’ll be back in just a minute Fluttershy. Please make sure to finish your food before we leave.” “Yes Mom.” Flashing her a loving smile, Mrs. Macpherson left the kitchen and walked down the hall to where the front door was. She took a moment to prep up her hair before she opened it to see who came to see them. One look at the visitor’s purple hair and sapphire eyes were everything she needed to figure out their identity. “Good morning Rarity! What brings you here today?” “Good morning Mrs. Shy! I am here to walk Fluttershy to school,” Rarity explained with a polite yet warm smile. “Is she ready to head to out yet?” “I’ll be ready in just a second Rarity!” The animal lover’s voice yelled from afar, making the duo turn to see where it was coming from. “Goodness, that was fast,” Mrs. Macpherson said, watching as her daughter grabbed her coat from the foyer closet. “Did you finish your meal already?” “I did. Oh, and don’t worry. I made sure to put my dish in the sink too.” Fluttershy said, as she put her coat on. “I’m sorry I won’t be here to help you with Zephyr. I know how lazy he can be with school and all and I would stay a little longer to help but… well…” “It’s perfectly alright dear. It isn’t your job to parent your little brother anyhow. The last thing we want for you is to be parentified. Least of all to him,” Mrs. Macpherson laughed, not noticing the shivers her daughter and Rarity gave. “Now, I would like for you to be home before dark alright? And if you happen to be late, please call me as soon as possible so I can come and pick you up right away. You can even stay over at one of your friends if you feel it makes you safer.” “Sure thing Mom,” Turning her attention to Rarity as her mother closed the front door, Fluttershy asked the obvious. “So, um… should we head to school now?” “So darling, would you mind telling me why seem to be all gloomy today?” Rarity asked as the two girls walked down the sidewalk. Pulling her gaze up from the ground to the girl walking in front of her, Fluttershy gave a little blink. “What do you mean Rarity?” “I’m asking why do look so… not like yourself.” The fashionista reiterated. “You are far calmer and more… serene than you are right now. And you’re not even marveling at the trees around you like you usually do when you walk to school. Is there something that’s on your mind?” “Oh, um… I’m just thinking of somebody right now. Someone I feel needs my help with some… issues they’re dealing with at the moment.” “I see. Would this perhaps be a victim of bullying or an outcast perhaps?” “T-they’re an outcast yes,” Fluttershy confirmed, not having the heart to reveal who they were. “I don’t want to say who they are because I want to respect their right to privacy… but this person is really going through something. I asked my parents what I should do and they gave me some helpful tips. I just don’t know how to go about it since… I’m not use to doing this kind of thing.” Rarity hummed thoughtfully, rubbing one finger against her pristine chin. “Well, if you’d like my advice darling, I say to just do what you can while also not pushing the issue too much. You have good intentions, but it is never a good idea to be overbearing. Doing that can make whatever this person is going through worse than it must already be. And we know how badly that can turn out.” “Yes, you’re right. I’m not trying to force them or anything like that. I just wanted to see how I could use the idea I was given,” Fluttershy agreed, seeing where Rarity was coming from. “I guess I’ll just have to do it little by little if I want them to get better. Hopefully it won’t end up failing if I do it right.” “I don’t think there is exactly a right or wrong way to do it. I think it’s a matter of whether you do it at all or not,” Rarity stated with a gesture of her hand. “Still, even the smallest of steps can lead to the biggest results. That’s how it is with my dresses, so perhaps it will be the same with your quest to help this poor victim of yours.” “Y-yeah… maybe,” Fluttershy agreed halfheartedly with a sweat drop. Sweetly smiling, Rarity refocused her attention in front of her as to make sure she didn’t bump into anything or anyone. One moment passed before she looked down at her watch to see what time it was that morning. A gasp escaped her, and before Fluttershy knew it, her hand was being grabbed by one of Rarity’s own as she got dragged down the street. “Uh, Rarity?” The shy girl asked, her annoyance giving way to worry. “What’s wrong?” No response came from the other girl. Her head swiveled this way and that, looking like she was looking for something that was supposed to be where she was going. Fluttershy picked up on it and decided to stay quiet – feeling something tell her not to interrupt her friend from her task. The answer regarding what that task was came a moment later. “Hold that bus!” A cry of surprise left Fluttershy at the sudden rising of Rarity’s elegant voice, temporarily distracting her from the feeling of being pulled along even harder. It took a few minutes, but the girls were able to get to the city bus just before it was preparing to take off. “Um, Rarity… I don’t think I can get on with you.” Fluttershy stated as they climbed on. “I don’t have the means to pay for this ride.” “Nonsense darling, I’ll take care of it,” Rarity said understandingly, her generous side coming forth as she pulled out her wallet. “It’s not like I’m hurting for money right now, so I don’t mind spending an extra dollar or two.” “Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you with having to spend your money on me.” “Perish the thought darling! You will never be a burden to me when you need a hand in something. And it’s not like you haven’t given just as much back in the past – even if you were rather… excessive. Just worry about yourself for now, alright? Your mother can pay me back when she gets the chance. Or you if you prefer it that way.” “Okay, if you’re sure.” Fluttershy said, finally backing off. “Thank you.” “Of course dear.” Rarity cooed. “Now go and take your seat. I’ll be there in just a minute.” Not needing to be told twice, Fluttershy went down to where the bus’s seats were. Before long, she found two sets that were in the back and set herself and her backpack on one of them and the floor. A minute passed before Rarity joined her, and the two hold onto their sears as the bus made its departure for their school. “Oh, by the way Fluttershy,” Rarity suddenly began. “I need someone to help me model for a dress that I’m trying to put together. I was wondering if you would like to do this after we get our homework done?” The pinkette didn’t say anything at first, looking to be distracted by something weighing on her mind. “Fluttershy?” Rarity asked again, noticing her expression. “Fluttershy can you hear me?” “Hm? Oh, yes I heard you,” Giving a shake of her head, Fluttershy gave her an apologetic smile. “Y-you said you needed someone to model for you?” “…I did,” The purple-haired fashion designer confirmed, brows slightly furrowed. “You look like something is troubling you. Are you sure everything is alright?” ‘Sunset shimmer is a monster! Nothing more and nothing less!’ “I’m sure. I just have a lot on my mind. You know, with the whole bully victim and all…” Not feeling like going any further on the topic, Fluttershy tried steering it onto something else. “So um, how i-is drama class going Rarity? Are you enjoying it?” Rarity – sensing that Fluttershy was not in the mood for discussing serious topics – wisely opted to drop the subject. “Why yes, I’m enjoying it very much! I’ll be playing Katharyn from the greatest plays of all time ‘King Sombra the Fifth’ which was written in the late fifteenth century by Shakespeare.” A slightly confused look etched its way on Fluttershy’s face. “Shakespeare?” “Exaclty him! He was and shall always be the great-no-the greatest of all playwrights! It is an honor-nay-a absolute privilege to study that play! Let alone to act one of the most important scenes in the entire play. I can’t think of anything greater than that, can you?” “Um… probably not since I’m not really one for plays. I do like the costumes they make, so there’s that.” Fluttershy admitted, looking down at her bunny-styled shoes. “Oh, I was wondering, can I take a rain check on helping you with your modeling for that dress?” “Of course, darling!” Rarity agreed, taking out her pocket calendar. “How about we put you down for three after school next… Thursday? I can pick you up and bring you to my home if you’d like. “I don’t mind. I’ll have to check with my mom first, but I am sure she’ll say I will be able to go,” Fluttershy said, making a mental note to inform her mother about what she’d be doing after school. “Oh, and one more thing…. Do you mind if I bring a friend with me?” Before Rarity could give a reply – or as who this supposed friend was – a screech coming from the bus drew their focus to the window. The girls watched as the it turned the corner and made its way towards the drop-off spot in front of Canterlot High School. After waiting for a few minutes for the bus to come to a complete stop, the back door opened, allowing them to step off the bus. “Looks like the construction crew are still working to repair the damage from Sunset’s fight with Twilight,” Fluttershy commented, looking around the main entrance. “Indeed.” Rarity added with a nod of agreement. “What a mess it is.” Looking around, she saw the crater from the battle had two crewmen inside of it, a long rope attached to large crane was unloading several large pipes to the men below. Each crewman could be seen taking a hold of the pipes as they guided them into position; using all the manpower they had to put them back into place. Other crewmen could be seen measuring the hole, keeping their distance to let their other partners work. A police officer stood guard near the entrance, letting students and faculty filed past him on their way to their classes and offices. Trucks moved back and forth on the road and the lawn dropping off wood, brick, wires, drywall sheets and glass panes. “Look at those poor men are out here, pushing themselves to the limit to ensure nothing hazardous happens at our school.” Rarity commented with pity. “ And to think this was all started by that uncouth fight Twilight had with Sunset Shimmer! I do hope they are getting decent pay for doing such laborious work. Because that could never be me. not at all!” Heading inside the school the girls parted ways and headed over to their lockers, wanting to get their supplies as quickly as possible. Glancing at her watch, Fluttershy saw it was 7:55 in the morning – indicating the amount of time she had to get to her class. Hurrying to her locker, she found herself freezing in her tracks her eyes fell onto Sunset’s, a hand raising to her mouth as she let out soft gasp. ‘What in God’s name…? What happened to her locker?!’ She thought to herself, taking in the damage – alongside the profanity – etched onto the metallic door. ‘It wasn’t like this when I left school yesterday, and everyone else had gone home for the day. It couldn’t have been Lighting Dust, since I tried stopping her from assaulting Sunset. Could it have been one of the other bully groups that go here? If it was, then which one?!’ “Hey look, it’s Klutzershy!” Jumping at the unpleasant voice, Fluttershy looked behind her to see one of the bullies of the school – Crackle – standing behind her. Behind him stood his group of friends, eyeing the girl as if they found their favorite food to eat. Fluttershy stood where she was, keeping her eyes on the floor but not exactly backing off from their approach. “Aww, what’s the matter? Don’t got anything to say to us?” Crackle continued, leaning uncomfortably close to the girl. “We’re your classmates; the least you can do is say hi to us; or are you just not in the mood to speak today?” “You’re half-right,” Fluttershy replied curtly. “I’m not in the mood to talk right now. Not to you guys at least.” “And why not? You have someone else you want to buddies with instead of me and the boys?” Crackle asked before he took a pause and smiled even wider. “Oh wait – you have a secret boyfriend or something, don’t you?” Fluttershy’s cheeks found themselves matchin the color of her hair at that moment. “And what if… I do?” “Holy shit, you’re not denying it?! Now that’s something I didn’t expect to find out!” The boy’s laugh echoed through the halls, slightly drowned out by those of his gang. “Damn, who would have thought the meek and shy Klutzershy would managed to snag a guy! I don’t know whether I should laugh or pity the guy.” “Look, can you please just leave?” Fluttershy asked, trying to sound as polite as she could in spite of her growing irritation. “I just arrived at school and I have to get to class soon; I don’t want to be late and I don’t think you do either.” Crackle made a fake pout as he slung an arm over the shorter student’s shoulder. “What, you’re leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay with us for a bit longer? There’s still at least five minutes before the bell. The teachers won’t get mad at you for being a little late, will they?” “Maybe not her teachers,” Another voice said from behind them. “But ours definitely will. Including yours.” Before either Fluttershy or Crackle knew what happened, the ladder was forcibly grabbed and slammed into the lockers just next to Sunset’s. A shout of pain left him as he slumped to the floor, holding his shoulder as it throbbed with agony. Gulps left the throats of his possie – not just from the assault, but from just who it was that committed it. “Are you seriously starting this shit right now Crackle? Right when classes are going to start? I swear it’s like you have no sense of time at all,” Garble grumbled, looking down at Crackle with disapproval. “And what do you think you were doing, talking to her like that and invading her space? Do you not understand boundaries at all?” Crackle gave him an incredulous look. “W-what do you mean? I wasn’t doing anything! to her! I just was talking with her and asking if she wanted to hang with us!” “More like you were trying to pry some pretty personal stuff from her when she clearly doesn’t want to. Like – oh I don’t know – having a boyfriend and shit,” Garble retorted, watching as the other boy paled. “Yep, that’s right. Didn’t expect me to catch onto all that now did you?” “N-now hold on a second, I was just-” “Save it,” Turning to Fluttershy after effectively silencing Crackle, the blonde’s blue eyes stared at her teal ones apologetically. “Fluttershy, please allow me to ask your forgiveness in this matter. Had I have known this craven idiot would act like that I never would have allowed him to be within ten feet of yon. Can you forgive me for this careless mistake?” “U-um, sure… I can,” Fluttershy replied tentatively, confused as to why Garble was the one doing the apologizing when he all he did was come to her aid. She supposed this was due to him feeling like he should have kept a better eye on his friend group. which would explain why he was apologizing on their behalf. While Fluttershy didn’t feel it was Garble who needed to do it, she decided to accept it – if not to avoid any further conflict. “It's really not you that needs to apologize, but I don’t really have time to argue who is at fault here. Do any of you know where I can find Sunset Shimmer”? Garble – after taking a moment to let the ringing of the bell pass – replied to her question dejectedly. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I don’t know where I can find her. She’s became pretty hard to after that whole fight that happened at the front of the school, but I’m sure you’ll be able to eventually.” “I see…” Lowering her head in disappointment, she looked to the rest of his boys for their alibis. “And I suppose you all don’t know where she is either?” “No idea,” Crackle murmured, “but I am sure she has to be around here somewhere.” “None here either,” Backdraft added. “If she has come to school today then she more than likely already saw her locker and ran out crying. Not that I blame her. She is a loser after all.” Turning his attention to Backdraft, Fluttershy watched as Garble cracked his knuckles, giving the teen a dirty look. Not wanting a fight to break out, she got in between the two, giving the blond an expression that made him stop in his tracks. Feeling her hands resting on his chest, Garble shook his head and rolled, his eyes, gently pushed Fluttershy off of him. “Look, we need to get to class right now, so we don’t really have time to find her for you Fluttershy,” He said once he calmed down. “But we can try to do it during lunch hour if that will help you. I’ll even have the rest of the guys give you a hand to make it easier for you.” “Y…you would do that?” “Sure. It’s the least I can do for putting up with their shit,” Giving a gold glare to the boys standing behind him, he added with a low growl, “Right guys?” “Y-yeah,” Backdraft stuttered. “W-we’ll help you out if you want.” Fluttershy smiled in gratitude. “Thank you, I’ll take you up on that offer. Just um… please don’t cause any trouble for me while we do it. O-or for Sunset. I don’t want things to be harder for her than it already is.” “You can leave that to me,” Garble said confidently. “I’ll make sure these guys don’t try to step out of line. And if they do… well, it’ll be the last time they ever do. Count on it!” Giving a little chuckle at the boy’s response, Fluttershy nodded before giving a farewell wave to them. Her departure to her class was stopped just a second later when she found herself bumping into Vice Principal Luna. She gulped as her cold blue eyes locked on her tranquil teal ones momentarily while brushing her hand against Sunset’s locker. Exhaling heavily, she turned her full attention to Fluttershy and frowned, causing the timid girl to take a step back. “Miss Macpherson” Luna began. “Do you know who did this to Sunset’s locker?” “N-no ma’am I don’t,” Fluttershy replied, trying to stay calm. “B-but if you like I can-” “That’s not necessary. Just go to class,” Luna interrupted, turning her attention to Garble and his group. “I assume none of you know who did this either?” “No ma’am,” All three replied in unison. Sighing, Luna began to say something else, but was interrupted by the second ringing of the bell, giving the boys the break they needed to get out of there. Fluttershy stayed for a bit longer before walking off, giving one final glace at the older woman. Watching them leave she took out her radio pressing the button, her eyes locked with Sunset’s locker, her thoughts drifting to her own days of being bullied. “Celestia what is your current location?” She solemnly asked into the radio. “I am in the library with Cheerilee. Do you need some help with something?” “Yes, I do,” She replied sighing in irritation, “Should I meet you in the library or in your office?” “Meet me in my office Luna I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to walk Sunset to class then I can join you and we can talk about whatever it is you want to discuss.” Putting away her radio, Luna took one last look at Sunset’s locker before heading down the hallway towards Celestia’s office getting there a few minutes later. Opening the door, she took a seat in front of her sister’s desk, waiting for Celestia to show. Looking around, her sisters small but quaint office Luna couldn’t help but smile to herself. The walls were covered with many photographs of the students that Celestia had helped over the years. ‘It feels like only yesterday she aided these students with going on the right path. Even if some of them didn’t, we still have the students who succeeded, so there’s that at least…’ She thought to herself, feeling her smile turn bittersweet. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a photo that was not expecting to be there. ‘What the…?’ The photograph showed Luna in a green and white plaid skirt with a white long sleeve button down shirt and blue vest. Her hair was tied in a ponytail her eyes were warm and soft thick glasses could be seen adorning Luna’s face. Getting up, she picked up the photo and ran her fingers over it, tracing a girl’s face that stood next to her. A plaid green and white skirt and blue vest her oil black made up her attire, with her skin looking almost grey. The girls flowing sparkling dark blue hair also was tied in ponytail, her deep purple eyes staring intently at the person behind the camera. ‘Why would Celestia bother to keep this?’ Luna thought, not noticing her sister coming into the office as stared intently at the photo. ‘I asked her to get rid of this photograph a long time ago. What is it doing here in the office? Did she forget?’ “Lulu?” Upon hearing her sister’s voice, Luna’s mind snapped back into focus as she turned and eyed her sister with surprise and confusion. Celestia shared a similar look, but that faded once she saw what it was that her younger sister was eyeing. “Oh… so you saw the photo?” She asked guiltily. Luna gently set the photo down. “I did... and I wasn’t expecting to see it here again. Did I ask you to throw it away the last time I saw it?” “I’m sorry Lu,” Celestia said as she attempted to explain. “I know you’re upset with me for keeping it, but she was my friend too. I kept it to remind myself of how I hurt you. I miss her as much as you and I want to-” “Don’t,” Luna’s sharp cut off silence her older sister like a stab to the heart. “I know what you’re trying to say, but don’t. That is in the past, and I don’t want to talk about that right now. We have other important matters to address. Like morning.” “What happened? Was there another fight?” “No, but something I consider to be just as bad,” Luna flatly stated, pulling out her chair and taking a seat. “Someone has vandalized Miss Shimmers locker.” “T-they what?!” After recovering from her shook, Celestia’s anger came forth. “Who?!” “You’re guess is as good as mine, and I had even less success getting witness statements,” Luna replied, rubbing her temples as she leaned back in her chair. “It was quite a sight if I do say so myself; one that I almost have to applaud the perpetrator for having the guts to pull off.” “If you’re describing it like that, then it has to be bad,” Taking a couple of steps closer, the main principal. “Have you found any other clues as to who could’ve done it?” “Not at the moment, but I intend to,” Luna said firmly, crossing her arms. “I feel that this person truly has it out for Sunset if they’re making their dislike for her so public. That is all the more reason why we need to catch them as quickly, so that this can never happen again; to Sunset Shimmer or anyone else.”
Chapter 8 – Dimming Suns Part 4 Of 19 August 3rd – Wednesday, 8:00amSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Wednesday, August 3rd 12:15 pm part sevenGlancing at her watch Sunset saw it was twelve in the after noon walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria to get lunch she stopped in her tracks watching Corky escorting Trixie and Lavender Lace towards Principal Celestia’s office. Wanting to know what was going on she decided to follow them making sure to stay back a bit as she made her way to the office door. Sitting down on a set of chairs located outside of the office she waited for a few minutes before the door opened and Corky came out into the hallway. “Sunset Shimmer” Corky said noticing she was there “shouldn’t you be in the cafeteria getting your lunch” offering her a warm smile he added “if you like I can walk with you while you head there it’ll be no trouble at all”? “No Co-Corky that won’t be n-necessary I, um that is-well-er” she began, “I was actually wondering if you have seen Flash Sentry I really need to talk to him” “Yes I have seen him” he replied, adding, “Flash Sentry is in Principal Celestia’s office as we speak so you’ll have to wait until they are done before you can speak to him” “Wait why is Flash in Principal Celestia’s office Corky? That doesn’t make any sense at all I mean he is a good student” looking down she tried hard not to make eye contact with him “Unlike me who spent most of her time here wrecking everyone’s friendships and causing nothing but trouble”. “As much as I would like to tell you Sunset why he, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon are in there right now. I am afraid that is a matter for her to discuss with you.” seeing a slightly confused hurt look etched on her face he added, “don’t worry Sunset if you are thinking that you are in trouble I can assure you that you are not the one in trouble at all.” glancing at his watch he finished, “hey it's almost twelve fifteen I need to get going unless there is something that you need from me”? “Uh no-not that I can thi-think of Corky thanks for t-trying at least” she replied rubbing her left arm he noticed she kept looking away from him her voice seemed to shake with each word that formed, “I’ll eat when I...g-get home”. Feeling her hands being taken into his own she looked up locking eyes with his, quickly glancing back down to her hands she felt something being placed into her hands, “What’s this”? “Its a power bar I eat them all the time it should tide you over until you get home” giving her a nod he smiled turning to leave he added, “but you really should try to get something other than that power bar to eat Sunset the bell will ring soon so you might want to hurry”. Watching him leave she turned her attention towards Principal Celestia’s door wanting to learn what was being said behind the door she pressed her ear to the door. Hearing Celestia’s voice Sunset gulped hoping not to be discovered. “So Trixie” she heard Celestia say, “can you tell me why you felt the need to spray paint Sunset Shimmers locker”? “The great and powerful Trixie” she heard Trixie reply, “doesn’t know what a mere mortal like you are talking about”. Rolling her eyes in annoyance Sunset listened further as Trixie added, “besides if Trixie had actually done this she would be too proud to just out right admit any wrongdoing”. “That sure sounds like Trixie” Sunset thought to herself “a fully self absorbed annoying girl”. Realizing what she was thinking she whispered out loud, “wow I acted just like her completely self absorbed and very annoying”. Her eyes widened in shock trembling she thought to herself “oh I hope Celestia didn’t hear that”. “Alright Trixie if you want to play that game with me” Sunset heard Celestia start wanting to know what Celestia was talking about Sunset quietly began to open the door. Peering into Celestia’s office she watched her principal stand up placing a video into a player “I have you on tape vandalizing Sunset Shimmer’s locker” She heard Celestia bitterly say, “would you care to change your story Trixie or should I call your adoptive parents and let them deal with this”? “Oh, please, as if the great and powerful Trixie actually fears idol threats from you” Sunset heard Trixie reply she continued to watch while Trixie twirled her hair “I am the great and power----” “No” Sunset heard Celestia interrupt the upstart magician “you are not great and you most certainly are not powerful what you are is a thirteen year old girl that is in very much need of discipline and respect towards other people and the schools property”! She heard Celestia snap watching her turn her attention to Lavender Lace “And you young lady would you care to explain to me why you felt the need to take part in this”? Opening the door a little further Sunset watched in confusion as Lavender Lace scoffed, “Like duh Principal Celestia everyone here at CHS knows that Sunset Shimmer is a bully only we were too afraid to speak up about her actions towards us.” folding her arms over her chest she waved her right hand around a bit adding, “I was just giving that upstart little brat a piece of my mind nothing more and nothing less”. Sunset continued to listen in hearing Principal Celestia turn the conversation to Flash Sentry she watched Celestia stand up pick up a remote from her desk and press a button on it. Flash being the arrogant jock that he already was leaned back in his chair snickering to himself. Sunset looked towards the video her eyes widened in shock as she watched in horrified realization as the scene played out on the video monitor. “As you can clearly see Mr. Sentry” she heard Celestia begin, “I have you on tape spray painting locker two thirty six which is currently used by Sunset Shimmer care to explain why you did this Flash” Standing up still going completely unnoticed by anyone within Principal Celestia’s office Sunset’s eyes narrowed her breath quickened. Her left hand slowly clenched into a tight fist her jaw began to tremble feeling her whole body shake with anger she pressed her hand to the door freezing in her movements as she heard Flash reply, “oh come on Principal Celestia I didn’t do anything wrong, I mean it's like Lavender Lace said ‘I was just giving that upstart little brat a piece of my mind nothing more and nothing less’ besides who cares I mean you allowed her to stay here and no one wants her here right”? “I care Flash Sentry” Sunset thought to herself pressing her hand further into the door she closed her eyes continuing to think to herself “I know that isn’t the truth there has to be another reason for his actions.'' “Nothing wrong?” Celestia bitterly snarled back “First you took part in vandalizing another students locker and second though I am angry with Sunset for what she did durning the Fall Formal that doesn’t---” Opening the door completely Sunset walked into the office stopping Celestia mid sentence “What the? Sunset Shimmer how long have you been standing there”? “Long enough to hear every word” she replied keeping her eyes on Flash not noticing Trixie and Lavender Lace both had taken out their phones and began to record her reaction. “I want to know why you did this Flash Sentry”. “Oh get over yourself Sunset Shimmer” he replied getting up “you and I both know you had this coming to you for a long time.” narrowing his eyes he locked eyes with hers seeing only pain in hers he smiled knowing she was on the verge of tears “you come off as this cool girl that everyone wants to hang out with yet treat them like trash when they don’t do what you want them to besides that you treated me like shit” “Flash Sentry that is enough” Celestia yelled out “how dare you use such language in my office let alone at this school and how dare you do this to Sun---” “Oh, grow up” he screamed back “stop defending her for crying out loud, why can’t you see that no one wants her around any more”. Seeing her sister entering the office Celestia narrowed her eyes letting out a noticeable sigh. Sunset for her part stood there fuming with anger taking a step towards Flash. “You can’t intimidate me any longer Sunset Shimmer so why don’t you do us all a favor and go back to where you belong”. “Before I leave I want to know why you did this Flash” clenching her fist tighter she finished, “I want to know the tru---” Thinking he was about to hit her Luna quickly stepped between Flash Sentry and Sunset Shimmer placing her hands on their chest. Feeling Luna’s hand resting on her chest Sunset stepped back giving Flash a bitter angry glare desperately fighting back her tears. Getting behind Flash Sentry and very worried for her sister Celestia prepared herself for a scuffle with the young teenager. “You want to know the truth” he screamed out “you want to know why I did this Sunset Shimmer” clenching his own hands into fists he finished, “I did this because I don’t love you anymore I did this because I never loved you Sunset. I hate you”! Realizing what he was saying she took another step back turning to leave Sunset looked over her shoulder as her tears broke the surface of her eyes. Watching her cry Trixie smiled catching Sunsets attention Lavender Lace grinned putting her phone away with a smirk etched on her face. “Were I come from Flash Sentry we have a word for someone like you” Sunset started to sob “you are nothing more than a-a” her tears trickled down her cheeks as she screamed out “Lat ayhTye Ùqua” holding herself she finished, “dammit Flash if you wanted to break up with me why didn’t you just tell me instead of doing this”? Not giving him a chance to answer Sunset ran from Celestia’s office with Celestia quickly running after her. “Luna take over” Celestia yelled out “I have to go after her I have to help her” Not noticing Fluttershy entering the hallway Sunset ran past her clearly upset seeing how hurt Sunset was she tried to say something only to be cut off when she heard Celestia call out. “Sunset wait please”. “Principal Celestia” she heard Fluttershy call out to her stopping Celestia in her tracks “what is going on? Why is Sunset running down the hallway and why did she look really upset?” “I am sorry Fluttershy” she replied breathing heavily “I don’t have time to talk about this right---” “Listen I clearly have walked into something that has caused Sunset to run off let me help please” Fluttershy called back catching up to her she added, “I am sure I can get Sunset to come back if you only let me help besides I think I know where she is going”. Wheezing Celestia placed a hand to her chest her jaw tightened feeling an asthma attack coming on she breathed deeply trying to calm herself down. Seeing how hard it was for Celestia to breath Fluttershy reached out gently taking a hold of her helping her over to a nearby bench. Sitting down Celestia reached into her left inside coat pocket taking out her inhalant taking a few quick puffs from it she coughed looking into Fluttershy’s soft warm eyes. “Very well Fluttershy” she began trying not to cough again “it would seem I will not be able to catch up to Sunset so if you know where she is going then please go there now and bring her back.” taking a few breaths she finished “just keep in mind she just had a really bad fight with Flash Sentry so she might not be in the mood to talk” “I will thank you Principal Celestia” she replied running out the front of the school she quickly looked around noticing the construction crew was gone she thought to herself. “They must have gone to lunch good that’ll make this easier” unfurling her wings Fluttershy took the air whispering to herself “I hope I am right about Sunset going to that shack that I found her in a few days ago”. Flying high in the sky Fluttershy looked down watching all the people below carrying on about their daily lives without a care in the world. “I don’t have time to dawdle” she thought out loud she said to no one in particular “I have to help Sunset….even is she doesn’t want my help”. Getting to the shack that Sunset called home Fluttershy landed letting out a gasp clearly getting a much better look at Sunset Shimmers living conditions. The timid girl stood in complete and total shock the place was a complete wreck clearly unsuitable for anything or anyone to be living in. “This can’t be the right place,” she muttered to herself looking around she added, “I don’t recall seeing any of this stuff here when I followed her home two days ago”. The shack itself was made of blue steel roofing with a hole in the left side of it for a window looking to right she saw two large red lockers next to it. One of the lockers had its door bent and twisted outwards a tipped over safety cone lay a few feet from the lockers. “I wish had done something to get her out of this before now” looking down she whipped a hand over her eyes mustering up what little courage she could “Oh, Fluttershy you sugar head why didn’t you just pick her up and carry her to your home when you had the chance?” A severely damaged rusted car sat several feet from the shack looking around a bit further before heading towards the shack itself she saw a shopping cart full of trash a few feet from her position. “This won’t due this won’t due at all not by any means”. A broken down wooden chair was placed next to the car with a pair of familiar looking black and purple leather boots sitting in front of it. Quickly heading to the shack itself and guessing Sunset was indeed inside of it she noticed two large cardboard boxes placed outside of the shack both filled with trash and other throw away items. Finally having enough of the horrible conditions Fluttershy knocked on a large piece of wood that was clearly made to be the door. “Sunset” she called out not getting a reply “its me, its Fluttershy” still not getting a reply she added, “oh please be here” taking a step back she closed her eyes cupping her hands together interlocking her fingers her body began to glow a soft pink her hearing increased. Hearing sobbing coming from inside the shack she reached out taking a hold of the piece of wood she moved it to the left entering the shack she found Sunset crying lying on the floor of the shack. “Sunset” kneeling down next to her she saw Sunset was holding a very worn out plush toy of a purple pony with a horn and wings. “Oh Sunset it's going to be alright I’m here now” gently taking a hold of her Fluttershy held Sunset in her arms while Sunset cried, “shhh” Fluttershy softly soothingly whispered. “Why did she leave me here” she heard Sunset sob “Why didn’t she take me back with her everyone hates me and their right to hate me I am just a-a” feeling soft warm wings wrap around pulling her in closer Sunset began to calm down but only slightly. “I’m so sorry, I’m so very sorry for all that I did I-I” she continued to sob "I want to change who I am but I can't I don't know how". “It’s alright Sunset I know you are sorry” closing her eyes Fluttershy held Sunset for a long time gently running her fingers through Sunsets hair “and I am ready to help you now Sunset”.
August 3rd, Wednesday, 1 pm part eightThe putrescent of rotting flesh and sunbaked wood mixed with the smell of musty salty air filled Moon Stone’s nose. Giving Starknight a disgusted look she paid him no attention while she brought the car to a stop near a large wooden fence. Getting out both officers uncliped their holster straps keeping their hands close to their guns ready to draw them in a moments notice. “Ugh” Starknight heard Moon Stone groan out in disgust, “I thought I had completely forgotten what the smell of burnt flesh smelled, like” making a slightly sickly face he added, “can we get this done with as soon as possible please? This place is bringing back memories that I would sooner forget sergeant”. Looking around Starknight quickly found a burned body nearby getting closer to it she saw its head, and arms above the elbows, as well as its legs above the knees were all missing. Gulping at the ghastly sight she covered her mouth and nose with her hand trying hard not to vomit. Looking around further and not seeing the CSI team within her immediate sight she dropped her hand to her gun as she began to search the area. “Where the hell is the CSI person that is supposed to be---” she began only to cut herself short hearing the sound of metal clips popping open spinning around her eyes fell to a young woman with shoulder length red hair, deep orange eyes, tan skin with thick glasses under thick protective goggles. “Ah there you are Charm Haste I was---” she started to finish only to be interrupted. “Ooh lookie here” Charm Haste said leaning close to the burned corpse, not looking up as she yanked something from the cadaver’s upper chest area “I think I found something”. Glancing up she offered Starknight who glared back at her with scorn a happy but concerned smile, “here take a look” she continued eagerly practically thrusting her hand into Starknights face. “Really do you have to thrust that so close to my face Charm Haste”? “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to see this really cool piece of wood that I found” she replied watching in disbelief as Starknight took a few steps back. “ It's from the Sequoia Sempervirens also known as redwood which into itself is rather cool because it's rare to find something like this in this area” Starknight could see held in Charm Haste hand was a small split piece of wood “I think this is what killed this person though” looking back at the burned corpse Charm Haste finished, “I won’t know that for sure until I get this person back to the C.P.S and finish with the autopsy”. “Really you think that tiny piece of wood killed this person”? She replied making a slightly sickly face as Charm Haste cut bits and pieces of burnt flesh off the dead body and placed them into plastic jars for later study. “Alright then who cut off the head, arms and l-legs”? Getting a better look at the corpse in front of her Starknight saw to her complete disgust that the bodies stomach had burst open from the inside out. Its large and small intestines were splattered on the wharfs wooden surface. “I can’t believe I am actually looking at this disgusting thing”. She thought to herself. “This is why I didn’t want my little sister to join us” Moon Stone chimed in giving Starknight a passing glance he added, “Hey didn’t you say we got a call for a ten-twenty four so uh,” looking around he finished, “where are the officers that went down in this area” “Oh, those idiots” Charm Haste quipped “are in the back of the warehouse section taking a swan dive off the peer and right into nap ville”. “ What else do you have there Charm Haste” Starknight asked foolishly stepping a bit closer she caught sight of the rest of the burned corpse something she very quickly came to regret. The chest itself was ripped open a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid was clearly seen seeping forth from the wound. Gulping she stepped back having seen the heart, esophagus, trachea, lungs, and thoracic diaphragm were all completely ripped out turning away from the grizzly sight she whispered to herself, “God I’m going to be sick”. “I’ve seen worse you know” Moon Stone said noticing how sick Starknight was starting to look “trust me sergeant I have seen much, much worse than this”. “Aw shut up Rookie” he heard Starknight groan “let's go see if we can find our fallen officers and find out if the person that did this is still here” turning her attention to Charm Haste she added, “you get that---” Starknight watched in complete disgust while Charm Haste cut the cadavers penis off placed it into a plastic jar and stood up. Holding the penis up to the sunlight she snickered to herself, “Well this poor fellow won’t have to worry about fathering any children any time soon.'' “Listen I am going to go see if I can find those officers” Moon Stone finally said trying to step in between the two “Seargant I---” “If I can’t figure out what actually killed this person” Charm Haste interrupted him “I might as well have some free lunch while I am here” hearing Starknight retch Charm Haste turned in her attention fully to her rolling her eyes while Starknight lost her lunch all over the wharf she added, “you know this might actually make a pretty good hot-dog” holding up the severed penis she looked around with a foolish smirk on her face finishing, “Hey Starknight you got any mustard”? “To heck with this” she growled in reply whipping her hand over her mouth turning her attention to Moon Stone she angrily finished, “Lets go rookie”! Taking Moon Stone by his hand Starknight quickly led him down the pier towards a large stone and brick building getting to it a few minutes later. Walking inside she saw an ambulance and paramedics already inside. Following her in both kept a very watchful eye out for anyone that might want to use them for some target practice. Getting to the medics a few seconds later she noticed the fallen officer was Dew Shadow rushing over to him she stopped hearing Meadows Brook’s familiar voice. “Whoa hold up there sergeant” he called out to her “He’ll be alright just a broken shoulder and busted leg”. “The person that did this has already left the area”. She heard Cloudy Skies inject giving him a confused look she listened as he finished, “Be grateful that you and the rookie weren’t here for it whatever drug that person was using it made her or him really fast and very strong''. Looking around she saw a large hole in the right side of the building walking up to it Starknight noticed the wall was made of brick and concrete slabs each nearly three feet thick. Turning back to Cloudy Skies she gave him as confused look before stepping through the hole heading towards the stony shoreline. Noticing a flipped over car she turned to all the two officer while Moon Stone stayed behind a bit to check the immediate area for anything that might help with their case. “The person that attacked us sergeant” she heard Cloudy Skies begin, “also punch through that brick wall back there and did this to this car”. “You’re kidding right?” she asked pointing to the car “there is no way a human being can do this much damage to a brick wall or to a car I mean look at this thing it's completely trashed”. Starknight saw clearly that the car’s windshield was completely caved inwards the steering wheel was sticking through a large hole in the center of the windshield. “I mean really you guys must think me to be a complete idiot if you honestly expect me to fall for this bullshit”. “But sergeant its true”. Meadows Brook protested “we both nearly got killed fighting with that person she or he moved so fast I couldn’t get a shot off both of us tried to take that person into custody yet we couldn’t do so due to that person being so fast and strong”. “Okay I am so not playing this game with either of you two” Looking further at the car she saw that the driver’s side door was completely ripped off its hinges and the back of the car was ripped apart. “now I will ask you both one more time, what actually happened here and how did that hole in that brick wall back there actually get there”? Both Meadows Brook and Cloudy Skies frowned at Starknights disbelief in their words to her each officer stared coldly at her neither were sure what to do next. The sudden sound of gunfire followed by of the medics screaming for help quickly drew their attention back to the building. Racing past them Starknight drew her weapon watching Moon Stone enter the building his weapon already drawn. To her horror and shock she watched him come flying back out hitting the water's surface with a sickening watery splash. Skidding to a halt a few feet from the hole in the way her heart pounded in her chest her breathing slowed her eyes narrowed. Looking around she slowly entered the building gulping soon finding a person cloaked in a dusty black cloak kneeling down next to Dew Shadow. “You there freeze” she screamed pointing her gun at the cloaked figure watching as the cloaked figure slowly stood up turned to face her and titled its hooded head to the right “I said---” Her words were painfully cut short as a gloved fist struck her in the middle of her chest, sending her flying backwards out the hole and into the freezing water. Hitting the water with a loud splash she frantically began trying to keep her head above the water feeling something grab onto her Starknight screamed gulping down some water. “Hold on” Moon Stone’s voice boomed like thunder “Keep your head above the water” he screamed desperately trying to help her stay a float “sergeant you need to calm down”. Seeing her go under he dove after her his thoughts began to dwell on his sister, reaching Starknight a few moments later he reached out grabbing her hand pulling her back to the surface. “Don’t do this to me sergeant I can’t do this job on my own” he thought to himself making it to the surface of the water gasping for air he quickly placed her on top of him getting the two of them back to shore. Coughing he rolled Starknight off of him patting her back as she upchucked several mouthfuls of water. “That’s it serge spit it out get it all out of your body”. “What the---” she coughed out “did you---” coughing some more Starknight laid on her back grateful to be alive “see what it was that did this Moon Stone?” she finally said through a few more bouts of coughing. “No all I saw was something in black then I hit the water and came back up as you hit the water” getting up he held out his hand to her helping her up he added, “what the hell was that”? Whipping her hand over her mouth she went to draw her weapon only to find it was gone, her eyes widened in shock looking to Moon Stone she glanced down seeing his weapon as also missing. Closing her eyes she thought to herself, “this can’t be happening how could we both lose our weapons”? Heading back to the building she noticed Dew Shadow was out cold the medics were both lying face down each one having clearly been knocked out and Meadow Brooks was gone along with Cloudy Skies. “Dammit” she screamed in frustration “come on we have to get to Charm Haste”. Both officers quickly ran to the other side of the building getting back to Charm Haste’s location a few minutes later. Looking around Moon Stone spotted her a few feet from his location getting up to her he watched her rub the back of her head giving him a confused very disoriented look. Looking around herself Charm Haste slowly stood up groaning in both pain and irritation. “Damn” she said getting help from Moon Stone to stand up “they took the body, my evidence case and all my equipment” dusting herself off she growled out “Son of a flower” receiving a slightly raised eyebrow from Moon Stone she blushed adding, “oh sorry pardon my language”. “Who’s ‘they’ Charm Haste” he asked nodding towards Starknight who was just coming up to the pair, “can you tell us who actually did this to us or why those other officers were actually down here”. “I believe we can answer your second question officer Moon Stone” he heard Cloudy Skies say behind him turning around he grunted out a forced sigh as Cloudy Skies finished, “the two of us got a tip saying that several of the stolen cars that were reported in were somewhere in this immediate vicinity so we came to check it out and got ambushed by whatever that person is or…was”. Giving Cloudy Skies a concerned look he looked over to Starknight who in turn gave both an angry glare. Hearing footsteps coming up behind them all three turned around to see Meadows Brook coming up to them. His clothing was covered in dust and like Moon Stone and Starknight he was also missing his gun getting a worried look from Starknight he shook his head. “First” he began, “you should know that Dew Shadow is going to be alright” hearing the ambulance sirens coming from the building everyone watched the ambulance drive out of the building heading towards the inner city “and second” he added, “I also don’t know what really happened here all I can say is that person was fast and very well trained in some form of hand to hand combat” walking away from the group he stopped looking over his shoulder finishing, “you coming Cloudy or are you just going to sit here and twiddle your thumbs”? “Hey wait a minute” he heard Starknight call out to them “I’m not done questioning you two yet”. “Hey sergeant” he grumbled out as Cloudy Skies headed towards him “ask me if I give a flying rats tail if your done or not”? Turing to leave he snickered, “unlike you I don’t have to babysit this idiot so you go off and have fun playing ‘cop’ while the rest of us actually have work to do Cloudy and I have two more places to check for the stolen cars so we’ll be seeing you and the kid later”. Laughing coldly he slapped Cloudy Skies on his shoulder pushing him forward “come on we need to find those damn cars and close this case”. “Uh, er ye-yeah sure thing Meadows” He replied rubbing his shoulder. “Sergeant Starknight” she heard Moon Stone growl bitterly “why are you letting them talk to you like that let alone walk away from this”. “Because they are both detectives and I am only a sergeant I don’t have the authority to suspend them or punish them unlike the authority that I have with you that is” shaking her head she added, “now let's go back in there and see if we can find out missing weapons before we both get reported for losing them”. Giving her a confirmed nod he followed her back to the building each getting their a few moments later entering the building again both stood in silence. Each officer saw their weapon lying on the ground in the center of the building walking up to their weapons both gave the other a confused look. Looking at the spot where their weapons were placed Starknight saw a note card had been left behind taking out a medical glove from her duty belt she knelt down picking it up. “I am terribly sorry for the trouble she caused you” Starknight began to read aloud “I promise you both, I will speak with her about her actions at the pier today. Please be rest assured that this won’t happen again”. Setting the card into an evidence pouch she stood up picking up the guns handing Moon Stone his gun and holstering hers she watched him check his gun then put it back into his holster. Looking around she quickly found the other officers guns nearby. “Come on we better collect those before someone else does” Walking over the guns she stopped as she was about to pick up the other officers weapons when Moon Stone asked, “So back at the water sergeant why couldn’t you keep your head above the water”? “I, uh” sighing she picked up the other two guns checked them and handed them to Moon Stone finishing, “let's go back to the precinct and forget about this awful day alright rookie”? “But sergeant if you can’t swim I’d be more than----” “You will drop this line of questioning this instinct do you fully understand me”!?! She growled out adding, “now I am going to head back to the car you however can stay here if you like or you can come back to the precinct however, if you choose to head back to the precinct then you’ll fully drop this right here and right now” walking away from him she finished, “make your choice”. Choosing to drop his line of inquiry with her he quickly followed her back outside towards their parked cruiser getting inside the car a few moments later he looked at the wharf and the building. Glancing down he sighed catching Starknights attention looking back up as she started up the car he buckled up saying, “I take it no one is going to believe us when we file this report huh sergeant”? “Your right Moon Stone I doubt anyone would actually believe this” starting up the car she added, “but either way Internal Affairs is going to want to know what happened here and we have a duty to perform”. “Not those assholes again come on do I really have to deal with those idiots again sergeant”? “It may not be the same pair of officers who will question you or it might be the same ones I can’t say for sure all I can say is that you just be yourself and stick to the facts nothing less and nothing more.” Taking a right and stopping at a red light she turned to face him adding, “Don’t add stuff that didn’t happen and don’t try to imply anything just stick to what you know and you’ll be fine.” hearing him grumble something under his breath she finished, “and no grumbling either they hate it when officers do that”. “Fine” he replied folding his arms over his chest noticing the time he added, “hey it's almost one o’clock you want to get something to eat before we head back and uh, deal with this mess” “Sure where too” she replied driving forward. “How about the sweet snacks cafè it's only about thirty minutes away from our present location”. Picking up the radio he added, “mind if I call it in while you drive”? Giving him approving nod she let her thoughts dwell on her first time going to the restaurant snapping back to reality hearing Moon Stone call in their plans for lunch. “Dispatch this is car Sixty-four-seven we are requesting a ten - forty seven” “This is dispatch car sixty-four-seven” he heard over the radio “ten - twelve officers” a few more seconds went by while the pair waited for confirmation for their break time to be approved they didn’t need to wait long, “alright car sixty-four-seven your ten - forty seven is a ten - four” putting the radio back in its place his hand froze as the dispatcher continued, “What will be your ten - twenty”? “Damn I forgot about that,” he muttered to himself causing Starknight to chuckle, picking up the radio he added, “our ten - twenty will be the sweet snacks cafè”. “Alright ten - four officers both of you enjoy your ten - forty seven” “We will” he replied placing the radio back into its position “once we get there I’ll pay for the meal” getting a disapproving look from Starknight he added, “I know I should use that extra money for Moon Dancer but I wanted to do something nice for you”. “Then perhaps you should reread the officers code of conduct booklet because I as your training officer and your sergeant can’t and won’t allow you to do this. You will pay for own meal as I will pay for mine. Got it? Now don’t even think of doing this again”. Getting to the restaurant thirty minutes Starknight pulled into a parking space shut the car off and got out still soaking wet she walked behind the car opened it taking out a two bags. Setting them down on the ground she heard the passenger door open and close paying Moon Stone little attention she rummaged through the trunk of the car before setting down a third small duffel bag. Seeing what she was doing he walked over to her looking at the bags then to her with a confused look on his face. “We’re both soaking wet I have in these bags clothing that will fit both of us now” handing him one of the three bags she added, “take this go into the restroom get changed and meet me in the dining area then we can get some food”. “Alright” he replied taking the bag from her “I’ll be back in about ten minutes”. Entering the restaurant he quickly found the restroom opening the door he walked in turning to face one of the five stalls he froze feeling something cold, hard and metal being thrust against the back of his head, “aw son of a----” hearing the clicking of a guns hammer being cocked into position he cut his words short. “You move you die”
Wednesday, August 3rd 1:02 pm part nineAuthor's Note This chapter takes place while rookie officer Moon Stone is in the bathroom at the restaurant with a gun pressed to the back of his head. I didn't know how to combine both chapters into one single chapter so I broke it into two separate parts. Wednesday, August 3rd 1:02 pm part nine “I know it hurts Sunset I know but it’s alright I’m here now” holding Sunset warmly in her arms Fluttershy hearing Sunset Shimmer sniff hugged her a little more tightly giving Sunset the time she needed to calm down. “I know what you are going through Sunset, I know it hurts let it out honey let it all out”. Letting out a few breaths Sunset swallowed hard blinking away the last of her tears closing her eyes she rested her head on Fluttershy’s shoulder. Tucking her wings against her back Fluttershy slowly helped Sunset up, “Do you feel better now Sunset” letting her go Fluttershy reached into her own skirt pocket taking out a handkerchief handing it to Sunset she added, “It’s going to alright Sunset trust me everything will be okay”. “How is it going to be alright” she asked, taking the handkerchief she dried her eyes handing it back to Fluttershy adding, “why are you here Fluttershy? Shouldn’t you be in class and not wasting your time with” looking down she held her left arm finishing, “a creep like me”. “Sunset” she began taking a seat on the cold and very uncomfortable cement floor seeing Sunset wasn’t about to join her she added, “please sit-down I have something important to tell you”. Staring at her Sunset turned around folding her arms over her chest closing her eyes she sighed though she was silently grateful to Fluttershy she was also afraid of her. Hearing Fluttershy’s hand pat the cement floor Sunset turned back around looking down she slowly walked over to her taking a seat making sure to keep herself at arm’s length from Fluttershy burying her head into her arms. “Sunset” she listened to Fluttershy begin, “it's going to be a long time before anyone can actually forgive you” taking a moment to let her words sink in she looked Sunset over making sure she wasn’t about to break down again before continuing, “I don’t know why Twilight chose to leave you here in this world Sunset. However, in my heart I believe she wanted us to teach you about friendship I fully intend to do just that.'' noticing Sunset was still not looking up she added, “I know you think that everyone at school hates you and while you are probably right about that I for one don’t hate you at all, in fact I really do want to become your friend”. “Why?” Sunset asked slightly looking up catching Fluttershy’s attention she continued, “just tell me why”. “I don’t understand Sunset” watching her get up Fluttershy also stood up watching Sunset turn around she added, “please don’t turn away from me I really do want to help you but I can’t do that if you don’t confide in me what it is that is troubling you” not getting a reply she reached out laying a gentle hand on Sunsets shoulder finishing, “please tell me Sunset what you meant”. Both stood silently for a few minutes before Sunset reached up taking Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder the other letting it happen watching as Sunset let go of Fluttershy’s hand. Taking a step forward Sunset pressed her forehead against the metal lining the walls of the shack she called home the metal felt cold, smooth and soothing. Turning around she leaned her back into the wall of the shack locking eyes with Fluttershy momentarily before looking away from her. “Tell me Fluttershy I know I have asked you this before” she finally began after what seemed like hours but was only a few moments “why do you want to become my friend?" sliding down she pulled her legs up close to her chin adding, “I tormented you, teased you, humiliated you and caused you to cry so many times that I can’t even begin to count on one hand just how many times I caused you to run off crying.” placing her head back into her arms she finished, “Just tell me 'why' please that’s all I want to know”. Taking a seat next to her Fluttershy gently wrapped her arm around Sunset letting out a soft but noticeable sigh. Looking around she saw that the shack was covered in old dusty cobwebs the metal lining the walls had clearly seen better days as much of the metal were riddled with bullet holes. Feeling Sunsets hand against her own she quickly turned her attention to her as Sunset once again removed Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder. “Alright Sunset” she began, “if you want to know why I want to become your friend the truth of the matter is this” getting up she dusted herself off adding, “I know there is goodness in you, you just need help to bring that side of you out”. “Goodness!?! You must be joking?” She replied, adding, “Flash Sentry was right about me I am someone to hate” scoffing she stood up and headed outside with Fluttershy much to Sunsets irritation following her out. Letting out a forced sigh Sunset turned around pointing in the direction of the school practically growling out, “Leave”! unsure what caused Sunset to become upset Fluttershy took a tentative step towards her. “why are you still here I told----”. “I can’t do that Sunset Shimmer I won’t do that” she interrupted her “I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me”. Realizing Fluttershy wasn’t going to leave her alone Sunset balled her hand into a tight fist her body trembled with anger not wanting to start a fight she turned to leave. Walking away from her Sunset got a few blocks before she stopped noticing Fluttershy was following her. “You really don’t know how to take ‘I don’t want to be your friend’ for an answer do you Fluttershy?” she bitterly asked causing Fluttershy to bump into her. “Really! I tell you to leave and you decide to---” hearing a sorrowful sound a few feet from her Sunset cut her words short adding, “What was that?” “What was what” Fluttershy replied, “I didn’t---” “I know I heard something” Looking around she again heard the sorrowful sound noticing Fluttershy was about to speak she quickly placed her hand over Fluttershy's mouth whispering, “Shh”. Removing her hand from the timid girl’s mouth she placed a finger to her own lips adding, “you need to keep quiet” taking a few steps away from Fluttershy she finished “I thought I heard a cat cry out”. Looking around herself and not really hearing anything Fluttershy gave Sunset a slightly confused glance. Unconvinced that there wasn’t something there making the soft sorrowful sound Sunset started to head further down the street towards the back of the alley. Following the sounds, she quickly came to a sewer grate kneeling next to it she heard a cat’s cries for help. Getting back up Sunset looked at Fluttershy who had a worried look etched on her soft angelic face. “Please oh, please don’t let there be a little kitten in there”. Getting next to the grate as Sunset started to look around for anything to use as a pry bar, she knelt peering into sewer grate. Sure enough there was indeed a little kitten trapped under a sewer grate. “Oh, my gosh you poor thing how on earth did you get yourself stuck down there”? the kitten had white, brown and orange patches over most of its tiny body. Deep yellow eyes looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes locking with hers as it cried and mewed for help. ‘Mew’ “Shh little kitten we’ll get you out don’t worry we’ll help you”. Getting up she started to look around not finding anything of use she added, “Sunset we need to do something to get---” Her words were interrupted when Sunset knelt placing both hands onto the grate, “uh, Sunset that grate must weigh at least sixty pounds!" She watched as Sunset prepared to lift the grate "your not going to be able to move it without some sort of---” A low guttural growl was heard from Sunset causing Fluttershy to take a step back “lever” she finished watching in complete shock as Sunset began to pull hard on the grate. The alley was quickly filled with the echoing sounds of metal bending, twisting and snapping like dry twigs. Pulling back on the grate Sunset ripped it from its place in the alley holding it in her hands both girls stood up with Sunset staring coldly at Fluttershy. Taking a few steps away from the sewer she raised the heavy metal above her head Fluttershy stood in stunned silence to shocked to do anything. “I need you to move to the right Fluttershy” She heard Sunset say Fluttershy unsure what just happened immediately got out of her way as Sunset threw the sewer grate several feet from their position. “Now to get that kitten out of there” she continued, dusting her dirty hands off turning her attention to frightened kitten she finished, “Just don’t bite me”. “How did you---” Fluttershy began to ask while she watched Sunset reach inside the basin scooping up the little frightened kitten in her hand. Standing up Sunset dusted her skirt off and placed the small furry animal into Fluttershy’s warm, soft, protective arms. Noticing the kittens right front paw was injured Fluttershy added, “Oh, no his poor little paw is hurt”. Hearing a coat flop on the ground and the sound of cloth ripping she turned her attention to Sunset finishing, “uh, Sunset what are you doing”? Wordlessly Sunset had begun to tear her shirt ripping off a large piece of her shirt she gently took the kittens paw into her right hand and began wrapping the cloth around its injured paw. Once finished she gave the little kitten a soft pat on its fury head “There you go little fellow” she said, adding, “don’t worry Fluttershy will take good care of you”. Picking up her coat she glanced up momentarily locking eyes with the kitten seeing two big, round sad eyes staring back at her she grumbled “don’t give me those sad eyes” standing up she finished, “your Fluttershy’s problem now, not mine”. ‘Mew’ “I think he likes you” she heard Fluttershy softly whisper “and he isn’t my problem he is ‘our’ problem Sunset besides that he needs you” looking to the little kitten in her arms she snuggled his soft fury face finishing, “yes you need Sunset don’t you little guy you like her huh? Yes, you do, you want her to take care of you huh little fellow”. “ugh, I’m going to be sick” she heard Sunset groan “enough with the mushy stuff already Fluttershy I mean really what’s the big deal we got him out of there now he is your problem not mine” snapping her head up she heard Sunset add in disgusted irritation, “which means you can leave now and I can go back to sulking in my shack” Watching her head back to the shack Fluttershy began to follow her again quickly catching Sunsets attention once again. “Fluttershy will you stop following me I mean really you have your own friends to go pester you don’t need an eowynthir like me making your life any more difficult than what it already is.'' With a very confused look plastered on her face she replied, “A what? Sunset I have no idea what you just said but it doesn’t sound very---" “You need to take the kitten to the animal shelter” Sunset interrupted her adding, “just go out to the street take a right at the corner keep going until you come to a stop sign from there take a left walk straight until you come to a large brick building” noticing Fluttershy wasn’t moving she finished, “please just leave Fluttershy and take that kitten with you he won’t survive out here on his own”. “I’m not going anywhere Sunset Shimmer until you explain to me what it is that you said to me because it sounded like some sort of …insult” petting the kitten she added, “I hope you didn’t try to insult me because that wasn’t very nice especially since all I want to do is take you back to school and become your friend”. “How many times do I have to say this Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend” Looking away Sunset began to stutter adding , “a-and no I di-didn’t insult y-you Fluttershy” swallowing hard she continued, “I called myself what I am and what I always will be an ‘eowynthir’ it means a pitifully shellfish coward”. “Why on earth would you dare call yourself that Sunset”?! Fluttershy exclaimed a complete look of utter shock was clearly plastered across her face “Sunset there is no reason for you to call yourself that”. “Yes there is, there is a good reason to call myself that" she yelled back, "it's because it is what I am! It is what I always will be that and nothing more”. Trying hard to fight back her tears Sunset took a step back silently hoping that Fluttershy would leave taking the small kitten with her. “So just leave me here where I belong in the slums and dirt with all the other trash you humans throw away” “Let me explain something to you Sunset” she heard Fluttershy softly begin just above a whisper “I don’t know why you think that you are a pitifully selfish coward and I don’t much care to know because to me you are not this at all”. “Please just stop trying to be my friend Fluttershy just stop already! I can’t take my heart being broken again”. Feeling her tears breaking the surface of her eyes Sunset tried to run only to find herself on her knees having tripped over her own two feet, “you said ‘I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me’ holding herself she finished, “You have no idea what I am feeling how can any of you understand what I am going through”? Helping her up Fluttershy with the kitten still in her arms Fluttershy gently took Sunsets right hand into her own. Setting the kitten down for a few moments she leaned towards Sunset gently wiping away Sunset's tears. Taking a step back Fluttershy knelt picking up the kitten as she offered Sunset a warm, pleasant smile watching her step back as well. Both stood silently for a few moments each unsure what to do next. “Fluttershy how did you find this place” Sunset finally asked, “that is if you don’t mind an eowynthir like me asking you”? “First Sunset” she began holding up her right hand indicating with her index finger “you will stop referring to yourself as a-a, um, err- however you say that word that you just called, yourself do you fully understand?” indicating with her middle finger she continued, “and second I want to know why you feel that you and I shouldn’t be friends when you have every reason to be my friend" indicating with her ring finger she finished. " Third and finally what did you mean by you can’t take having your heart broken again”? “Y-yes I un-understand” she replied clearly unsure of herself keeping her gaze fixed to the ground she continued, “ as for the second part I don’t want to be friends with you because I don’t want to hurt you again for the third part I really don't want to talk about it”. “I see Sunset” Fluttershy replied flatly adding more calmly and just above a whisper, “ Very well Sunset as for how I found this place I simply followed you here for the second time this week. You see after you ran out of Principal Celestia’s office she ran after you” gently petting the kittens head she added, “only Principal Celestia couldn’t keep up with you due to having an asthma attack”, Putting a finger to her chin she continued, “I hope she’ll be alright”. Looking down Sunset turned to head into her shack stopping in her tracks hearing snickering and laughing from her right. Turning in the direction the sound was coming from she quickly placed Fluttershy behind her seeing three boys approaching them each one with a sickening leer plastered on their faces. “Great the diamond dogs” she muttered to herself feeling Fluttershy’s hand grip her own she turned her attention to her adding, “don’t worry I won’t let them hurt you” tugging on Sunsets hand Fluttershy tried in vain to get Sunset to follow her out of the alley. “Fido care to tell me what you three want?” Fluttershy heard Sunset snarl out “because if it's money you three are after neither of us have any”. “Sunset let’s go I really don’t want to be here any longer” she heard Fluttershy whimper. “I want to get back to shc---” “Now what's the hurry baby?” she heard one of the diamond dogs say interrupting her Fluttershy turned her attention fully to him his eyes locked with hers noticing his dog collar had the name ‘Rover’ pinned to it. His dirty red denim vest did little to hide his broad muscular chest and shoulders, his white torn t-shirt clearly had seen better days. “The names Rover girls and making your day really special is my game so how about we all head to my place for some ...fun?” “No thanks” Sunset chimed in making sure to keep Fluttershy behind her and keep herself between the diamond dogs and Fluttershy who showed signs she was clearly worried, “I think it's time for you three to leave”. “Now don’t be like that Sunset after all we just got here” Rover replied with a sick grin plastered on his face looking him over Sunset noticed his grey jeans had spots of car oil covering most of his thighs and shins. “All my brothers and I want is a good time sister think you two are up for that?” Noticing Fluttershy was holding the small kitten in her arms, “Hey Fido isn’t that the stupid stray” he added turning his attention to his older brother “that you shoved into that sewer grate last night”? “Why I believe it is Rover” having taken notice of the kitten in Fluttershy’s arms as well Fido stepped forward watching in delight as Fluttershy and Sunset both stepped back. Fluttershy watched as Fido reached out to grab the kitten his merlot colored hair blew lightly in the breeze. “Hand it over kid”. “No” Fluttershy screamed in fear pulling back trying desperately to keep Fido from grabbing the small kitten “get away from me”. “Get away from her!” she heard Sunset scream out, reaching out and grabbing the Fido’s hand, “You need to leave Fido” turning her attention to the other two while wrenching Fido’s arm painfully behind his back she added, “and take your trash with you”. Quickly she pushed him forwards causing him to fall into a pile of nearby broken crates, “I won’t let you degenerates hurt Fluttershy or that kitten she is holding”. Watching him get back up she lunged in catching him completely off guard getting a good hold of his bluish gray vest. Much to his and Fluttershy’s surprise Sunset spun on her right heel throwing him headfirst into a trash can dusting her hands off she finished, “and take your Neanderthal brothers with you Fido”. “What did you just call us”? Fido’s younger brother Spot screamed out balling his hands into tight fist “we’re the diamond dogs you can’t talk to us like that” watching him drop his hand to a knife tucked under the waistband of his jeans she prepared for his attack, “you’re going to pay for what you did to my brother Sunset Shimmer”. “Really because I just don’t see that happening, do you?” Turning her attention to him she added, “Aw what's wrong Spotty Spot did I hurt your little feelings?” locking eyes with Spot she finished, “too bad you little runt now I would suggest you three leave”. A soft growl escaped her lips Spot for his part having been too preoccupied with Sunset Shimmer completely failed to notice Sunsets pupils were beginning to glow red. “before things get” her voice darkened her jaw locked gritting her teeth she concluded, “violent”. Pulling out his knife Spot lunged in taking a swipe at Sunsets stomach just barely getting out of the way in time she moved to the right raising her hands up to attack. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in complete fear as Sunset reached out to grab Spots arm. “I can’t let this go any further even if it means revealing to her what I am” Fluttershy thought to herself, “this has to end now before someone gets hurt” The sudden sound of a gun going off quickly caused everyone to freeze in their tracks turning her attention to the street beyond the alley Sunset saw a man entering the alley. Looking him over while still fully prepared for Fido’s attack she saw he was dressed in a black denim vest, brown t-shirt and dark stained blue jeans. “Alright, what the hell is going on here”? The person yelled putting away his gun noticing Fido was just getting up and Spot was still holding his knife fully pointed at Sunset the person added, “Spot drop the knife”. Seeing Spot wasn’t about to obey him he growled out, “NOW”. “Oh, come on Jim” he spat back in anger “Sunset attacked us first and I’m---” having suddenly felt the cold steel of Jim's gun pressing against his right temple Spot wisely decided not to finish his sentence “alright, alright I’m dropping it” letting go of the knife it clattered noisily on the pavement “just don’t shoot me please Jim” he finished taking a step back from Sunset. Turning his attention to Fluttershy and Sunset who both stood dumbfounded Jim smiled to both, “Alright girls I think it’s time for you two, to get out of this area and head back to school” looking to Rover who snarled to him he added, “don’t worry girls these three idiots won’t bother you two any longer”. “Who by the flames of Tartarus are you?!” Sunset exclaimed “and more to the point how in all of this world did you find us?” “Huh, oh my name is Jim Diamond” he replied keeping a watchful eye on all three diamond dogs especially Rover “I am their older brother and a bounty hunter I placed a small tracking device into Rover, Fido and Spot’s bodies with those I can track their location at any time I see fit to do so.'' “I see”. She replied folding her arms over her chest glaring at him “and you just happen to come by at the right time because?” “I was as I said tracking them and uh, your principal called me asking for my help in finding Sunset” leading the girls to his jeep he unlocked the trailer pointing to it he added, “Alright you three get into the trailer and be quick about it” Watching all three of his brothers begrudgingly get into the trailer each one taking a seat near the front of it. Taking out three sets of handcuffs he cuffed each of them to the sides of the trailer closing the gate once finished. Opening the jeeps door for Fluttershy and Sunset to get in he stood for a few seconds before adding, “I’ll take you to the local animal shelter then I’ll drop the two of you off at your school afterwards I need to get these three idiots back home”. “How did you know we needed to go to the animal shelter” Fluttershy chimed in clearly confused, “neither of us said anything about needing to do that”. Watching him point to the kitten in her arms she blushed finishing, “oh”. Getting into the jeep Fluttershy noticed Sunset wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you coming Sunset?” she asked. “I thought you and I were becoming friends after all you did stand up for me”. “No Fluttershy I am not and for the last time Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend!” turning to leave she looked over her shoulder adding, “I want you too---” Hearing the jeep door open and slam shut she cut her words short as Fluttershy got out of the jeep leaving the kitten to sit in the front seat. Walking up to Sunset she placed her hand on Sunsets shoulder spinning her around she pointed to the jeep growling out, “get in the jeep Sunset” watching Sunset shake her head she angrily added, “NOW”. Watching Sunset head towards the jeep with her head bowed low she finished, “that’s better now we will head to the animal shelter to drop this kitten off then you and I will head back to school”. Begrudgingly getting into the jeep Sunset sat in the back looking out the back-left passenger window hearing the jeep start up she sighed. Looking back up front she leaned in asking, “Fluttershy can I ask you something”? “Sure, thing Sunset”. “You said that you followed me for the second time this week yet I don’t remember seeing you at all other than at school so my question is this, How were you able to follow me without me seeing you or knowing that you where there”? “It’s really quite simple you were rather preoccupied from your defeat at the Fall Formal” she replied feeling the kitten resting in her lap she added, “Sunset would you like to hold the kitten for a little bit at least until we get to the animal shelter that is”? Shrugging she gently took the small fury kitten from Fluttershy leaning back into the soft leather seat she placed the kitten into her lap smiling to herself. Softly stroking the kittens fur Sunset closed her eyes letting her thoughts drift to more pleasant times. The kitten purred contently in Sunsets lap as both the kitten and Sunset enjoyed the ride looking out the window Sunset said, “Fluttershy there is something I think you should know”. “Oh, what’s that Sunset” “While I am not ready to be your friend, I would however accept you as an acquaintance at least until I am more comfortable with the idea of us being friends”. “I fully understand” she replied, adding “likewise I feel there is something that you need to know as well Sunset”. “Let me guess you’re not going to let me slip away once we get to the animal shelter huh Fluttershy” scoffing while shaking her head she finished, “what do I need to know Fluttershy”. “one you are correct that I won’t allow you to slip away once we drop off this kitten you see Sunset, I made Principal Celestia a promise. And a promise is well, err it’s a-a, um well it’s a promise” turning around to face Sunset she finished, “secondly you took your first step today to becoming a better person by showing kindness when you helped to save this kitten from that sewer and bravery when you defended me from Rover and his brothers”. Hearing the jeep coming to a stop and seeing they were at the animal shelter she finished, “tell me Sunset doesn’t it feel good to have done something nice for someone else without the thought of a reward of any kind”. “You know” she replied opening the door with the kitten in her arms stepping out she finished, “it does feel rather good I do feel kind of fuzzy inside”. “Alright girls let me check on my brothers then we can go inside” both girls heard Jim begin watching him move to the trailer Fluttershy and Sunset headed up to the front door of the animal shelter while Jim checked on his brothers “alright you three” he added looking them over with a smirk on his face all three of his brothers gave him scornful glares “look comfortable” turning his attention to Fluttershy he finished, “Fluttershy why don’t you and Sunset take the kitten inside I’ll join you both in a few minutes”. “Alright” she replied gently taking Sunsets hand into her own “come on Sunset lets go and drop off this kitten then we need to get back to school”. Getting inside the shelter both looked around letting go of Sunsets hand Fluttershy took the kitten from Sunset adding, “we need to find the person that runs this shelter then we can drop you off little kitten and they will be able to find you a good home”. ‘Mew’ The shelter was filled with cages of all sizes and shapes several tanks of fish were stacked in the back. Looking around Sunset saw several boxes of open topped crates in the middle of the shelter walking over to them she peered inside seeing guinea pigs of all colors running around each one either playing on wheels or eating fresh grass. “Aw how cute” she said catching Fluttershy’s attention “hey Fluttershy check this out aren’t they just adorable”. “Huh?” confused Fluttershy walked over to Sunset who gestured towards the guinea pigs her eyes lit up like a christmas tree “awww they are cute Sunset”. Hearing a door open and close behind them both girls turned around seeing a young woman with bright red hair, silver glasses and a white lab coat coming out of the back, “oh, that much be the person that runs the shelter”. Walking over to the front desk Sunset cleared her throat catching the young woman's attention, “May I help you?” the woman cheerfully asked. “Yes, Fluttershy and I found this kitten a few blocks from here it was trapped in a sewer its right front paw is hurt so we were hoping you could take a look at it for us”. Turning to face Fluttershy she quickly motioned her over adding, “Fluttershy are you sure about leaving this kitten here? I mean what if he gets, oh, I don’t know lonely or, or something bad happens to him?” “I know you girls are worried about this kitten but I can assure you that we have the most qualified staff working here no harm of any kind will befall this beautiful kitten” the young woman said adding, “please place the kitten onto the desk so I can examine it”. Gently placing the kitten onto the front desk the young woman proceed to look the kitten over noticing her name tag Sunset said, “Miss Cloudy Heart I am sorry for my concern about this place I have never done something like this before and there for I got worried uh, for the kitten I mean”. “I understand” looking up from her work Cloudy Heart smiled to both girls picking up the kitten she walked over to a small cage near the back of the shelter opened it and placed the kitten inside adding, “we will have to leave him in this isolation cage for a few days to allow his paw to heal properly.” turning back to both Sunset and Fluttershy she finished, “you girls did a good thing bringing that little kitten here though he is a bit malnourished but not to worry I can most certainly help with that.” “Oh good” Fluttershy chimed in turning her attention to Sunset, “You see Sunset there was nothing to---” noticing Sunset wasn’t next to her added, “where did she go” looking around she saw Sunset sitting on the floor of the shelter with a small puppy in her arms watching the puppy lick Sunsets face for a few minutes Fluttershy headed over to the two of them finishing, “I see you made a new friend Sunset”. “Hey stop that” she heard Sunset happily laugh the puppy kept licking Sunsets face while Sunset laughed happily, “h-hey come on now” gently picking up the little puppy she sighed placing him back into his enclosure seeing a sad look on the puppies face she finished, “Sorry little guy but I have to go I’ll come by some other time to play with you again”. “So Sunset” she heard Fluttershy ask, “Are you ready to head out now”? “I suppose you want me to head back to school now huh Fluttershy?” she replied, adding, “I really don’t want to go back there not after what I said to Flash Sentry not after what I called him” looking away a look of pain and anger etched across her face balling her right hand into a tight fist she finished, “he’s going to hate me even more and I can’t blame him but do what he did it just hurts.'' “If you don’t mind me asking Sunset” noticing her hand was squeezed tightly into a fist Fluttershy quickly took Sunsets hand into her own calming her down, “what did he do that caused you to run away from CHS”? “He vandalized my locker I can handle that upstart little tart Trixie” she replied calming down a bit “or that fool Lavender Lace doing something like that but to have Flash Sentry do something like that it, well it just curdles my blood to have that, that, Lat ayhTye Ùqua” getting a confused look from Fluttershy, Sunset finished, “Lat ayhTye Ùqua means ‘bastard of a Pegasus’ in the country that I come from if Flash Sentry were to be a Pegasus I would not only be insulting him but his enter families lineage.” Leading her outside Fluttershy opened the front door to the Jim’s jeep gesturing to the jeep she smiled to her watching Sunset get into the front seat she got into the back seat. “You are right Sunset I do want you to return to school but not because I made that promise to Principal Celestia I want you to return to school because even though we are not formally friends I still want to help you.” buckling up she added, “I uh, also kind of want to apologize to Flash Sentry as well for what you said to him earlier today.” Jim came out a few minutes later getting into his jeep he turned the radio on selecting a lively toon turning her attention to him Sunset asked, “So um, what is going to happen to your brothers Jim”? “Well Sunset they will be brought to the police and charged with violating their parole which is why I had to place the tracking devices on them” starting up the jeep he added, “I was actually tracking them when your principal called me in the hopes that I could also help find you as well” checking his mirrors he pulled away from the shelter finished, “Though Fluttershy was already out looking for you principal Celestia wanted to make sure you also had a safe ride back to Canterlot High School”. “I see” she said, looking out the window as Jim came to a stop at a red light she thought to herself “so she didn’t even trust Fluttershy to bring me back she once again has proven to not trust her students I suppose I can’t expect anything less from anyone called Celestia” “We should be at CHS in a few minutes” she heard Jim say snapping Sunset back to reality “Fluttershy would you like me to walk you and your friend to your class when we pull up to CHS or do you think you can take it from here?” “Thank you, Jim, but I think Sunset and I can handle this on our own”. She replied. Pulling into Canterlot High’s parking lot a few minutes later both girls saw Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna standing out front each had angry looks on their faces. Shutting off his jeep Jim got out opening the front passenger door for Sunset getting out she hung her head in shame not wanting to make eye contact with either Luna or Celestia. Approaching them Celestia noticed the diamond dog brothers handcuffed to the back of Jim’s trailer angry that Sunset had run off she pointed to the school entrance. “Go to detention hall two B this instant young lady you are in very big trouble for what you did earlier to---” “Principal Celestia I must protest this Sunset” Fluttershy interrupted her “has been through enough for one day please I think she can have detention tomorrow”. “How can you possibly stand up for her” Luna chimed in “Fluttershy she bullied you, lied to you, hurt you and humiliated you and yet you defend her”? “While Sunset did do that to me I too must take responsibility for that, I could have stood up to her yet I didn’t” Taking Sunsets hand into her own she stared coldly at Luna and Celestia adding, “all I can do now is try to help her” taking a step towards Luna she finished, “I am going stand up for her just like she stood up for me earlier today”. “Now is not the time for this Fluttershy” Celestia began adding, “Sunset ran away from school though she was upset by what Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon did that is still absolutely no excuse for her to run away.” Turning her attention to Sunset who kept her head hung in shame she finished, “it is for that reason that I have decided to give her detention”. “But I don’t---” Fluttershy began only to be interrupted by Sunset. “Fluttershy listen to me” letting go of Fluttershy’s hand she added, “Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna are correct in their decision to give me detention besides it’ll give me what I want most of all”. “and that is” everyone asked in unison. “Simple it’ll” She replied, still keeping her head hung in shame, “give me the means to be left alone that is after all what I want now just to be left alone”. Walking past Celestia she finished, “how many days do you want me to spend in detention Principal Celestia?” “I haven’t decided yet please go there now and do not leave the room until I call you over the intercom” she replied turning her attention back to Fluttershy “as for you Fluttershy please go to class I’ll talk to you about this after school has let out”. “very well” she replied having been defeated she watched Sunset head inside knowing in her heart Sunset needed a friend now more than ever “I swear to you I won’t let you be alone” she thought to herself “not ever will you be alone again Sunset not ever”. Everyone headed inside Sunset headed to detention hall two B while Fluttershy headed to her next class. Celestia headed to her office with her sister in tow entering the office she sat down placing her head into her hands letting out a disgruntle sigh feeling her sisters’ hands resting on her shoulders she looked up. Receiving a warm smile from Luna began to massage her sisters’ shoulders once finished she hugged Celestia returning the hug Celestia leaned into her chair hoping the worst was over.
August 3rd, Wednesday 1:10 pm part tenSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
August 3rd Wednesday, 2:00 pm part eleven (First indecent with Rainbow/ Fluttershy witness)Opening her locker Fluttershy glanced at her watch noticing it was two in the afternoon. Looking through her locker she found a paper bag taking it out she smiled opening it taking out a medium sized shirt. Looking it over, she thought to herself, “I hope this will fit Sunset”. Quickly putting the shirt back into the bag and getting her books she closed her locker and headed to class taking out her phone on the way there she began to text Rarity. “please meet me after school I need to talk to you” Bumping into Garble on the way to her last class her books, bag and phone fell out of her hands hitting the floor with a noticeable clatter. Looking down she knelt to pick up her things stopping as Garble also knelt to help her pick up her pick up her belongings feeling his hand brush against her own she gulped not sure what to do next. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bump into you” she began just barely above a whisper locking eyes with him she finished “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going”. Picking up her phone and books he smiled handing them one by one to her replying, “Hey it's all good” handing Fluttershy her last book he added, “do you know where Sunset is? I kinda want to hang out with her after school but I have not been able to find her and she won’t answer the phone that I gave her”. Noticing the paper bag in her hand he pointed to it finishing, “hey what’s in the bag Fluttershy?” “Huh? Oh, its a shirt for Sunset” Taking her books from him she smiled, “Thank you for helping me to pick up my books Garble that was really nice of you”. Hearing the bell ring she quickly added, “if you are looking for Sunset you’ll find her in detention hall two B” thinking to herself, “I hope Sunset won’t mind me giving her this shirt” turning to leave she looked over her shoulder finishing, “Sunset should be done with detention when school lets out” Entering her final class of the day a few minutes later Fluttershy quickly took her seat next to Rarity and Applejack. Setting her books down on her desk she took out a notepad and pencil seeing Fluttershy had sat down next to her Rarity tapped Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Fluttershy dear can you please tell us why you were not at lunch today?” “I, uh, had something that I needed to take care of Rarity” she replied opening her book she turned to page two twenty two and began jotting down notes finishing “I brought a lost kitten to the local animal shelter”. “Couldn't that there have done waited till ya where out ov school ayn' done headed home faw the day?” Applejack chimed in noticing Fluttershy wasn’t acting like her normal cheerful quite self she added, “y'all are acting mighty peculiar fluttershy anthing ya wan-ta talk about”? “N-no I just made a new f-friend is all” looking back at the front of class she finished, “only it didn’t go as planned”. Seeing Mrs. Harshwhinny walk into the classroom all three turned their attention to the head of the class. Wanting to know more Applejack leaned in whispering to Fluttershy, “What do y’all mean ‘it didn’t go as planned’ Fluttershy”? Setting her things down Mrs. Harshwhinny glared menacingly at her students looking around the classroom she noticed Fluttershy was whispering to Applejack. Taking out a ruler from the middle drawer she tapped her desk catching Applejack’s and Fluttershy’s attention. Frowning, she walked over to Fluttershy her brow knitted, her face scorned, her lips barely curled. Locking eyes with the timid young girl who stared back at her with fear showing in her own eyes she sneered. “Is there something you would like to add to my class before we get started Mrs. McPherson” she snarled bitterly “because if you are not going to pay attention Fluttershy McPherson I’ll gladly assign you detention for the next six months!” “N-no ma’am” she replied. “I’ll pay attention I really do-don’t want detention”. “I’m glad to see you fully understand the consequences of your actions Mrs. McPherson” quickly turning her attention to Applejack she gave her a glare of contempt, “As for you Mrs. Applejack Sower you will be in detention for at least seven months for instigating this little spectacle” turning around she headed back to her desk adding, “oh, by the way you Mrs. Sower will be starting detention first thing tomorrow morning”. “What?! But darling Applejack didn’t do---” Rarity tried to chime in only to be cut off. “Well Mrs. Sower it looks like you’ll have some company with you for those seven months that you are in detention” she interrupted Rarity, “for talking out of turn and for interrupting my class Mrs. Rarity Gentry you now have detention” sitting down she interlocked her fingers locking eyes with Rarity who angrily glared back at her, “you will take your detention first thing on Thursday morning” turning her attention to the rest of her class she finished, “now if there will be no further interruptions take out your science books and turn to page two twenty two this instant!” Everyone quickly got out their books turning to the page Mrs. Harshwhinny demanded of them staring at the page in front of her Fluttershy let out a soft sigh. Looking at the clock, she shook her head the minutes seemed to pass like cold molasses dripping from a saucepan. Turning back to her assignment she jotted down some notes waiting for the bell to ring singling the end of class and her awful day. “Well at least Sunset will have some company” she thought “while she is serving her detention”. The bell rang and all the students expect Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity began to head for the door. Picking up her things Rarity let out a noticeable ‘humph’. Applejack got up gathered up her belongings giving Mrs. Harshwhinny a cold hard stare before turning her attention to Fluttershy. “So who is this here friend that ya done made who caused ya ta miss lunch today”? Giving her an expression of concern she added, “why didn't ya tell us befawe a-leavin' that ya done needed help with getting that kitten to the animal shelter?” Fluttershy put things into her backpack zipped it up slung the bag over her shoulder and picked up the paper bag doing all without giving Applejack an answer. Slinging their own bags over their shoulders Applejack and Rarity both headed for the door, stopping by Mrs. Harshwhinny’s desk. Receiving a bitter glare from Mrs. Harshwhinny Applejack steeled her nerves taking a breath she began to open her mouth stopping as Rarity laid her hand on her shoulder. “Come on darling let’s go home besides a lady doesn’t cause trouble for their educator she simply takes what she is given and nothing more”. Walking out into the hallway she added, “we need to go after Fluttershy she’s more than likely outside by now and I for one want to know who her new friend is”. “Fine” Applejack snarled turning to leave she added, “we’ll finish this later” following Rarity out into the hallway she finished, “so who do ya think is fluttershy's new friend rarity?” “Hmm, I am not sure Applejack I only hope that it isn’t that uncouth Sunset Shimmer” shivering at the mere thought of Fluttershy and Sunset becoming friends she added, “a true lady doesn’t make time for those that are the dregs of society”. “Ah, hear that” getting to her locker she looked over towards Fluttershy’s locker seeing she wasn’t there she continued, “Fluttershy is ayy done might too kind-hearted ayn' that there varmint Sunset has taken advantage av hur once too often faw my a-likin” slamming her fist into her palm she finished, “why if ay evur catch that there naw darn good sunset shimmur anywhere near our fluttershy i’ll. whel. I’ll do something that my granny would tan my hide faw”. “I’m afraid I’m inclined to agree with you on that subject at least Applejack though I loath violence”. She replied walking with Applejack towards the front of the school, “though when it comes to Sunset she isn’t a ‘lady’ at all so there for hurting her would actually be a good thing”. Getting out front a few minutes later both girls looked around finding Fluttershy talking with Sunset near the statue. Watching the pair for a few seconds Applejacks eyes narrowed as Fluttershy handed over a paper bag to Sunset. Growing angry she rushed over to Fluttershy screaming out, “Just what the hell do y'all think y'all are a-doin' Sunset Shimmur y'all leave Fluttershy alone! Naw one is interested in y'all's horse feathers crap any more”. “Applejack please I was just giving Sunset a new shirt” Fluttershy tried in vein to intervene seeing Applejack was having none of it, she added, “please you don’t understand I was---” “Get the hell out ov here Sunset befawe ay beat y'all's ass”. Watching her tuck the bag under her arm Sunset turned to leave stopping in her tracks “anit you forgetting something Shimmur”. “First you tell me to leave, now you say that I have forgotten something” turning around she noticed Rainbow was coming out of the front entrance not wanting to get into another fight she quickly finished, “make up your mind whether you want me to stay or you want me to leave you can’t have it be both”. “Thay bag that my friend Fluttershy done gave ya” thrusting her hand out Applejack demand as Rainbow got up to them “hand it over now!” “I don’t want to fight again I just want to go home,” she replied gripping the bag tightly in her hand “so if you want this bag tha---”. Too every one’s shock Rainbow having gotten to the scene a few minutes after Applejack and Rarity did had lunged in interrupting Sunset. A loud ‘thwack’ was heard as Rainbows fist suddenly collided with Sunset’s nose knocking violently knocking Sunset to the ground and the bag out of her hand. A shocked gasp very quickly escaped Fluttershy’s lips her eyes widened in complete shock. Thinking fast just as Rainbow was about to kick Sunset, Fluttershy threw herself on top of Sunset much to everyone's surprise pinning Sunset to the ground. A loud angry voice screamed out from behind Rainbow freezing her in her tracks. “What the heck do you think you’re doing Rainbow!” Garble’s voice boomed like thunder rushing over to the group his fist slammed into Rainbows right cheek knocking her into the statue and to the ground. “Get the hell away from Sunset Shimmer NOW!” turning his attention to Fluttershy who very protectively covered Sunset with her body he knelt holding his hands out to both girls, “come on girls let’s get the two of you up and get Sunset to the nurse’s office”. “What in tarnation do you think y’all are doing Garble don’t y'all know that is Sunset Shimmur the demon of CHS that y’all just helped!?!” Applejack exclaimed her eyes darkened tipping her hat back she stepped in stopping as Rainbow got back up preparing for another fight this time with Garble. Applejack turned her attention to Rainbow giving Rainbow a nod she continued, “Lookie like its just you---” Hearing a truck horn blare out she gulped watching as her big brother got out of his truck slamming the door. Marching over to the group he glared at his younger sister pointing to the car he snarled, “Applejack Crofting Sower y'all are in so much trouble little sistur when granny finds out about this here she will tan y'all's hide faw sure. Now get into that there truk!” “Bu-but big Mac ah wa-was just---” She protested. Receiving a very angry look from her older brother she lowered her hat over her eyes marched over to his truck opened the door and got in. Giving the others a scornful glare he grunted, “As faw the rest av y'all go home now!" Storming back to his truck he slammed the door pressing his foot on the gas pedal the tires squealed loudly leaving the only indication he was ever there burned into the school’s parking lot. Crossing her arms over her chest Rainbow was about to say something when Garble cut her off, “Don’t even think of opening your mouth Rainbow unless you want a beating”. "Screw you Garble" she screamed back. Helping Sunset to the steps he knelt looking her over her nose was clearly bleeding “well I don’t think you have a broken nose Sunset but you still need to see the nurse I’ll go get her while you rest here” looking at Fluttershy he finished, “take care of her for me while I’m gone will you Fluttershy?” “Of course” she replied turning her attention to Rainbow who stood glaring at both of them “what has gotten into you Rainbow Dash?!” “Me? Your the one that got bullied once again by this she-demon why I was just acting in your---” “No Rainbow I was not being bullied I gave that bag to Sunset out of the kindness of my own heart” she interrupted her getting up Fluttershy balled her hands into tight fist storming over to Rainbow she stood on her tip-toes Rainbow being six inches taller than her. “How dare you hit her Rainbow” Fluttershy yelled not noticing Sunset getting up and heading in the opposite direction. “How dare you even raise a hand to her”. Having heard enough Rarity who stood next to the statue chimed in, “Fluttershy you are acting as if that uncouth, unsophisticated, unrefined, Sunset Shimmer is your....friend". Sniffing Fluttershy looked around finding the paper bag she had given to Sunset earlier lying in a heap near the statue walking over to it she picked it up opened and closed it clutching it tightly in her hands. Pressing the bag to her chest she tried to calm down not wanting to cry in front of her friends she wiped a hand over her eyes. “Sunset had a very bad break up with Flash Sentry today she said something really bad to him and then ran off in tears,” she began, “that’s why I wasn’t at lunch today I ran after her after she helped me to get a lost hurt kitten to the animal shelter earlier this afternoon she even got into a fight with the Diamond Dogs over the kitten”. “We both know that Sunset Shimmer had that coming to her besides she isn’t cool unlike me why I bet I am way cooler than that punk Sunset Shimmer. Which is why if I ever dated someone they would have to be pretty uncool to break up with me”. Giving Fluttershy a smug smile she added, “I don’t believe that Sunset would have done anything like that she’s too much of a bully to have done something like---" No longer able to take her friends words and feeling her tears beginning to break the surface of her eyes Fluttershy spun around screaming, “She is too my friend!” Crying hard she ran off entering the cities local park several moments later taking a seat on a bench she sobbed, “Why would they do this to her? Why would they say such mean things about Sunset?” The wind began to pick up lightly blowing Fluttershy's hair back sniffing and feeling cold she pulled her legs up close to her chest. Angry, confused and hurt by Rainbows words to her she began to rock back and forth trying to figure out how best to help her friends to see that Sunset wasn't the bully everyone was making her out to be and to help Sunset become friends with each of her friends. Noticing a squirrel was playing with an acorn nearby she wiped away her tears watching the little creature run back and forth each time it would bring the acorn up a tree only to drop it half way up the tree the act caused the little creature to scurry back down and repeat the process. Smiling to herself she watched the little creature for several moments before another gust of wind blew causing her to shiver. "Brrr its getting a bit cold" she thought unfurling her wings she wrapped her self in her soft warm translucent crystal pink feathers. "It doesn't make any sense that they would go against what Twilight asked us to do for Sunset it-it just doesn't". Clutching her shirt just below her neck she squeezed a silver circle with a upright five pointed star in the middle of it tucked under her shirt. "Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals" she whispered "please show me the way to help my friend Sunset she needs your kindness and tenderness now" calming down a bit she took out her necklace holding the fragile thing in her right hand fishing, "Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature elder sister to Thokarae watch over Sunset and my...friends as well they-er-we all need your love now more than ever". The time passed slowly as Rarity and Rainbow waited for Garble to return with the nurse looking around she scoffed having noticed Sunset had already left the area. Turning her attention to Rainbow she watched her friend kick a small pebble into the street sulking. Setting her backpack down Rarity opened it taking out her note book jotting down a few things she began to zip it up stopping as she heard Rainbow sigh. “Now what do we do”? she heard Rainbow ask clearly unsure what to do "Sunset left and I for one am way to cool to go after that bully over this so which one do we go after Rarity"? “Simple Rainbow dear we go after Fluttershy and try to calm her down as for Sunset that uncouth girl can take care of herself as a lady darling it quite improper for me to help her.” she replied just as a green car pulled into the school parking lot knowing who it was that was driving the car she gulped adding, “or not”. The drivers side door opened Fluttershy’s father stepped out smiling to the girls seeing their faces his smile quickly faded. Walking over to them he looked at each one crossly saying, “Where is Fluttershy”? seeing a young man coming back out with a nurse following him Garble looked around not seeing Sunset anywhere in sight he looked at the nurse who gave him a concerned look. Looking to Fluttershy's father Nurse Blue Shield said, "Mr. McPherson I am glad to see you". "As I am happy to see you too Ms. Blue Shield can either of you two tell me where my daughter is?" "Yeah she was right here a few minutes ago" Garble replied. "She helped Sunset when Sunset got into a fight with Rainbow Dash and Applejack who doesn't seem to be here right now." "I see do you know where they are now young man?" Her father asked in a bitter tone. Rainbow cleared her throat chiming in, "Fluttershy ran off towards the park I was about to---" Receiving an angry glare from Fluttershy's father she wisely decided to hold her tongue taking a step back she bowed her head not wanting to get a scolding from him. Nurse Blue Shield turned her attention to Garble, "I think its time for you to head home Fluttershy's father and I will deal with this now please head home Garble". "Yes ma'am" he replied grumbling under his breath he started to walk away purposely bumping into Rainbow earning himself a bitter glare from her locking eyes with her he finished, "if I ever see you hit Sunset again I'll kick your butt Rainbow understand"? "Yeah whatever Garble". She replied walking away from him, "I hope Fluttershy will be alright" she thought. Mr. Shy opened the side front passenger door for Ms. Blue Shield who promptly got in buckled up and closed the door. Looking at Rarity who started to head for a bus stop located across the street from CHS Mrs Blue Shield thought, "why must teenagers be so difficult?" Mr. Shy got into his car started it up and drove off headed towards the cities park. Rarity seeing her bus was coming took out her wallet waited for the bus to pull up and got on paying for her ride home Rainbow headed towards her home grumbling to herself with each step she took. Getting to the park several moments later both Ms. Blue Shield and Fluttershy's father found Fluttershy sitting on a bench looking down at the bag she had intended on giving to Sunset. Looking up she tucked her wings against her back completely hiding them from her father and nurse Blue Shield if they saw her wings neither gave any indication of seeing them. "Honey, we need to talk" he began, kneeling he gently took her hands into his own finishing, "I know about the fight all I want to know is are you alright." "Yeah dad I'm fine". she whispered, "I just wanted to help Sunset by giving her one of my shirts and my intentions blew up in my face". Putting away her necklace she finished just barley above a whisper, "Thank you "Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature elder sister to Thokarae goddess of animals for helping me to feel better". "I don't understand honey" her father asked clearly confused "why did you thank the goddesses? We would've come regardless of their intent for us to be here with you". "I thanked them dad because they sent a cute little squirrel who played with some acorns his behavior was so funny that watching him made me feel better" looking into nurse Blue Shields soft eyes she added, "Why are you here nurse Blue Shield here?" "I want to help your friend Sunset Shimmer dear" she replied sitting down on the bench next to Fluttershy, adding, "Garble told me about the fight and that Sunset got a bloody nose so I wanted to make sure she was alright". Giving Fluttershy a much needed hug she finished, "So dry your tears sweetie and let's go find Sunset so all three of us can try to help her".
August 3rd, Wednesday 2:30 pm part twelveSitting in a chair while waiting for news on Starknights condition Moon Stone looked around the E.R. lobby seeing several people sitting in various spots throughout the lobby. He observed a young man in his mid thirties to early forties with a small child on his lap the child looked over to Moon Stone making a funny face earning a light chuckle from the police officer. Looking to his right he found several disheveled piles of magazines and discarded newspapers on an end table next to him. “How much longer will that doctor be” he thought, getting up he stretched cracking his back and neck looking at the time he noticed it was two thirty in the afternoon, “good grief we have been here for nearly an hour,” he groaned out loud, “this is taking forever” he grumbled “I mean really how long does it take to get someone checked out for a concussion”? Catching the attention of a nurse behind the receptionist desk she shot him a contemptuous glare locking eyes with him. Getting up herself she pointed to the door, “If you have a grievance with how long it is taking officer,” she whinged “there is the door!” sitting back down she picked up a stack of papers nest to her shuffled through them placed them into an ‘outgoing’ box and continued working adding under her breath, “no good acrid noisome officer thinks it takes only a few minutes too---” noticing he was suddenly standing right in front of her desk she cut her words short looking up from her work she bitterly finished, “What do you want?” Smiling pleasantly to her he took a sucker from a tin near her computer opening it he nodded replying, “My name is Moon Stone what’s your name?” “Frigid Gelid what’s it to you?!” she demanded looking back at her work she added, “I have work to do so bug off”. “Nothing at all I was just wondering what your name was is all” he replied popping the sucker into his mouth. “Oh, and before I forget that’ll be seventy five dollars officers!” Blinking a few seconds his eyebrows scrunched giving her a confused look she paid him little attention returning once again to her work. Shaking his head he turned to head back to his seat stopping in his tracks he heard Frigid clear her throat “Aren’t you forgetting something officer Moon Stone?” she scornfully called out to him. “Um, not that I know” he replied turning back around with a sincere smile on his face, “I filled out all the paperwork when the paramedics brought in my---” “The seventy five dollars you owe me for the sucker that you just popped into your mouth!” thrusting her open hand out to him she watched him gulp nearly choking on the sucker not caring if he choked or not she added, “well pay up”! Taking the sucker out of his mouth he gulped knowing he didn’t have the requested sum of money hearing a door open he looked to his left. A doctor was coming out into the lobby her smile was warming and welcome her deep purple eyes seemed to shine like brightly polished gemstones. She had soft blue hair she wore a pink hair binder and lab coat typical of a doctor. Her soft skin looked almost milk white in the dim light of the lobby he watched her walk behind the desk for a few seconds. She laid a gentle hand on Frigid's shoulder giving her shoulder a soft squeeze. Noticing he was staring at the two of them she softly said, “Please don’t mind my girlfriend she has had a very rough night officer”. Turning her attention to her girlfriend the doctor continued, “Frigid, honey I could hear you through the door please calm down let me help you”. “I-I...I’m sorry Gemmy” she looked away from her girlfriend watching for a few more minutes Moon Stone saw a few tears trickle down Frigid's cheeks, “I’m so upset I am taking it out on anyone that gets within earshot of me”. Gently taking her hands into her own Gemmy whispered softly, “It’s alright the police will find your missing niece and they will arrest the person that took her”. Wanting to know more Moon Stone chimed in, “What was the child's name”? Receiving a sigh from Gemmy he added, “I can’t help if you two don’t tell me who it was that was taken”. “He-her name is Daisy Green she is s-seven years old” He heard Frigid Gelid say heading over to the desk he placed his pen and notepad onto the desk Frigid took a handkerchief from her girlfriend drying her tears she finished, “I don’t understand, why did you place your notepad and pen onto my desk”? “Because I need you to write down what your niece looks like, what she was wearing the last time you saw her. Where you last saw her, I also need any information no matter how trivial it might seem to you as to who had contact with her last.” looking into Frigid's eyes he saw a slight glimmer of hope where none had existed before gently pushing the pen and notepad towards her, he added, “I promise we will find her and bring her home safely to you” locking eyes with Gemmy he finished, “to both of you”. “Thank you officer Moon Stone” Gemmy replied, taking the pen and notepad she jotted down anything she could think of handing it to Frigid, she added, “you’ll be pleased to know officer that your partner is doing well I’ll take you too her oh and about the sucker”? “Uh, y-yes” he replied “I don’t have that type of money on me at this moment so I---” “You don’t have to worry about it.” Putting a finger to her chin Gemmy tapped her chin adding, “Though you did take the last pineapple, banana cream” giving her girlfriend’s shoulder a reassuring last squeeze she finished, “Frigid likes those types of suckers they help take her mind off-well-of all that has happened” handing Frigid the notepad she nodded to her thinking, “please for the love of God find our niece and bring her home safely”. Taking the notepad from Gemmy, Frigid Gelid also wrote down anything she could think of that might help to bring her niece safely home to her. Handing the notepad back to him she sniffed, “I’m sorry for my behavior officer I didn’t mean to come off as a cold mean selfish---” “Think nothing of it I get treated far worse by those that I have to arrest” he interrupted watching Gemmy head for the door she turned pantomiming him to follow her, “Thank you for the information” following Gemmy into the doorway he looked over his shoulder finishing, “I’ll let Starknight know about this perhaps she can offer some insight into this case and while I am at it I’ll get you a bag of those suckers you like so much”. “Thank you officer” she replied watching him follow Gemmy into the hallway. Following her down the hallway towards Starknight’s room he passed a large desk with three nurses behind it all bustling about their duties none noticed him walk by. Arriving at room two twenty two Gemmy opened the door getting a very morose, sullen look from the sergeant. Starknight much to Moon Stones chucklesome pleasure was in a bed dressed in a pink polka dotted hospital smock her clothing was folded neatly on a chair next to her. “Just how the hell long are you doctors planning on keeping me here?!” she demanded as the two walked into the room. “I have a job to do so either tell me that I can’t do that damn job or bloody well let me leave!” Picking up a chart from a stand nearby Gemmy paid Starknight little attention turning her own attention instead to Moon Stone. Taking Starknights clothing off the chair he placed them neatly on her legs taking a seat next to her chuckling lightly to himself quickly earning a scornful eye-shot from Starknight. Watching Gemmy look over a few papers and x-ray pictures Starknight folded her arms over her chest, letting out a noticeable irritated “Well officer Starknight it looks like you do indeed have a concussion you’ll have to stay off your feet for at least two days.” setting the papers down she took out a pen handing Starknight a clipboard and pen “here sign these and you’ll be discharged within the hour. You’ll also have to take some medication while you are out of the hospital and if you feel any dizziness or sickness of any type please come back right away”. Grumbling under her breath she felt Moon Stone jab her side “now don’t be a grouch just sign the papers smile and you’ll be out of here before you know it,” he said, “besides this poor doctor has enough to deal with, without you making her life any more miserable than it already is so cool it with the bad attitude”. “Excuse us doctor” Starknight grumbled glaring at Moon Stone, “there are a few ...words that I need to say to the rookie”. Watching Gemmy leave she continued, “how dare you tell me rookie how I should or shouldn’t behave here Moon Stone” getting up she glared at him adding, “first I don’t have a concussion and second I told you at the restaurant that I was perfectly fine there was no reason at all for you to waste the paramedics time by calling them for me”. Picking up her uniform she finished, “and third next time you decide to stop someone from robbing the Sweet Snacks Cafe or feel that it is a good idea to let them go do me a favor”. “Yeah what’s that” he grunted folding his arms over his chest. “DON’T”. She yelled calming down a bit she heard a knock on the door rolling her eyes in disgust she finished, “come in”. Opening the door Gemmy walked in pushing a wheelchair she proceeded to set the brakes and lower the footplates patting the seat upholstery she smiled earning herself a disapproving frown from Starknight. Looking over the chair while still holding her uniform in her hands Starknight groaned giving Moon Stone a slightly pleading passing glance. “Uh, any chance I skip this part of the E.R. doc”? She asked, “I feel fine. Really there is no need for me to be wheeled about like a sack of groceries in a cart”. Looking down at her uniform she added, “Moon Stone can you wait outside while I get dressed”? “Not until you fully apologize to Ms. Gemmy for your behavior towards her” he replied locking eyes with her “besides its standard E.R. policy to bring you out front into the lobby in a wheelchair so stop complaining and hop to it already”. Growing angry she pointed to the door staring into his purple eyes she all but shouted, “out” turning her attention to Gemmy she added, “you to doc sorry but I don’t want anyone to see me-well-uh in my” clearing her throat she finished, “well without my clothing on” “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before” Gemmy replied. “I already told you sergeant I am not leaving until you offer Ms. Gemmy here a full and sincere apologize for your behavior towards her”. She heard Moon Stone chime in “so we can wait as long as you can but it would go faster---” “Listen I will apologize to both of you,” she interrupted him “but not until I am fully dressed” opening the door she pointed to the nearly empty hallway outside of her room adding, “now please will you both just get out oh, will you please take that damn wheelchair with you”? “Very well” Gemmy sighed, “if you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask”. Watching her shut the door behind them she turned her attention to Moon Stone, “is she always this....pleasant?” “Well she does have a bit of a reputation at the precinct one of the other officers told me she is hard to deal with, though I am not sure why she is hard to work with” hearing the door open he added, “but that is not for me to discuss so if you can get the wheelchair ready we’ll be on our way”. Getting the wheelchair ready Gemmy pushed it over to Starknight taking a seat in the chair she looked down pressing her hands to the wheels she gripped them tightly. Closing her eyes for a moment felt Moon Stone tap her shoulder opening her eyes she looked into his nodding to him. “I am very sorry for my behavior today” she began, “it's hard for me to know when I need help I know that is no excuse for how I have acted towards you bo---” “It’s alright I have been treated far worse than this” Gemmy interrupted offer Starknight a very sincere pleasant smile “besides there is one nurse here that got treated like crap last weekend her name was Lucy Shel---” Gemmy’s words were cut short by Starknight. “Lucy Sheldon she works here?'' she asked “when you saw her last can you tell us how she got what appeared to be a black eye and bruises on her jaw” looking over her shoulder she quickly added, “please this is important we-er-I was sent to her house after picking up her son Snips from Canterlot High School when I got to her place I saw what was clearly a black right eye and bruises over most of her jaw”. Trying to stand up she finished, “Lucy had done her best to cover them with make-up but it was still easy to see the bruises”. “She got them due to a drunk beating her however she gave as good if not better than what she got” Gemmy replied, placing her hands on Starknights shoulders she gently persuaded Starknight to remain in the wheelchair getting the message Starknight sat back down listening to Gemmy’s every word, “Oh, Lucy is a fighter that is for sure that drunk got his butt handed to him with a few fists and a foot too I might add.'' “Oh, I don’t recall seeing any damage done to her hands when I was over at her house” Starknight chimed in. “Trust me she is a fighter it took me and five others to pull her off that bastard I thought for sure she would lose her job over the fight” pushing Starknight down the hallway towards the lobby Gemmy added, “but no the medical board found nothing wrong with what happened that night and labeled it all as self defense though I do wish I could have gotten in a few hits to the guys nuts before the other officers took him away to detox”. “What actually caused the fight if I may ask?” Moon Stone asked clearly wanted to know more. Getting to the lobby door a few minutes later Gemmy set the breaks, to the wheelchair turning her attention to a desk near the door she picked up a clipboard handing it to Moon Stone. Taking the clipboard he looked it over seeing it was a standard release form showing it to Starknight she smiled. Gemmy pressed a button opening the door for the two officers wheeling Starknight into the lobby she proceeded to wheel her up to the front desk setting the breaks once more. Getting behind the desk Gemmy looked to her girlfriend giving her a nod sitting down next to her she handed Starknight a pen. “As for your question officer Moon Stone” she began as Starknight started to fill out the release form “though I can’t actually talk about it I can at least tell you that drunk will think twice before coming after Lucy again”. Taking the clipboard back from Starknight she looked over the paperwork handing it to Frigid who entered the information into her computer. “Alright I know I said it would take an hour to get you discharged officer Starknight but it looks” looking over the last of the paperwork she finished, “like we might be able to get you both out of here within ten minutes let us finish our work here and we’ll get you on your way”. “Thank you” she replied looking to Frigid she added, “thank you both I am again sorry for how I acted”. “Like I said think nothing of it” Gemmy chimed, “now we should be done in a few moments oh and officer Moon Stone”. “Yes” he replied. “If you really want to make it up to my girlfriend you can bring over a bag of suckers for us tomorrow or whenever you get the chance to do so”. Taking her girlfriends hand into her own Gemmy added, “I think we would both like that very much that is if it's not too much trouble to ask that of you”. “It’s no trouble at all” he replied unlocking the breaks to the wheelchair he continued, “come on sergeant lets let these two get their work done so we can leave” wheeling her over to a nearby TV he set the breaks switched it on and sat down next to her taking out his notepad he handed it to her finishing, “Gemmy told me she and Frigid lost their niece she was taken from them so I was thinking---” “That as long as I am on the bench we could look into it” she interrupted adding, “sure that sounds like it could help take my mind off of how bored I am going to be over the next two or three days”. Getting a confused look she finished, “when an officer regardless of rank gets benched due to a head injury the policy is to add at least one more day to the hospital’s recommendations to make sure there isn’t any further problems”. “I see so you basically get desk duty for the next three days and I get partnered with someone else” grumbling under his breath he added, “great this is going to be loads of fun”. “There is something I have been wanting to ask you Moon Stone” he heard Starknight began as the afternoon news came on “what did you mean at the docs when you said ‘I thought I had completely forgotten what the smell of burnt flesh smelled, like’ what I have wanted to ask you is this what did you mean by that? I also wanted to ask you about the tattoo on your arm I have as far as I know never seen something like that”. “All I can tell you about the docs is that I have not always been interested in being a police officer as for the tattoo I can’t talk about it all, I will tell you though is I got it while I was overseas”. “I understand” she replied turning her attention to the TV “lets see how the Canterlot Sliders are doing I’ll bet they found yet another way to lose” “In this afternoon report the Canterlot Sliders have lost seventy two to one” announcer said as Moon Stone and Starknight watched the tv “their coach was seen being dragged off field after throwing a cooler at one of the team players of the opposing team” Shaking her head Starknight grinned listening to last of the report, “it took seven security officers to drag coach Iron Will off the grounds and into the lockers”. “Officer Starknight” both heard Gemmy say behind them each turned in her general direction “your paperwork is done now you are free to leave”. “Bout time” she thought to herself out loud she sighed “alright uh, do I have to be wheeled to the squad car too or can I walk?” “No you can walk just no driving for at least two days. Got it?” Gemmy replied. “I understand” turning her attention to Moon Stone she added, “well let's go rookie we need to get back to the precinct and see if we can help these two find their missing niece” Getting up both officers headed for the door with Moon Stone giving Frigid Gelid one last reassuring nod getting outside a few minutes later he quickly located the parked squad car. Getting in he started up the car with Starknight begrudgingly getting into the passenger side. Shutting the door she turned on the car's computer connected to the precinct’s missing children database and began to search through the files stopping when she found the file she was looking for. Her eyes narrowed her jaw clenched tight as she read the report on the child squeezing her hand into a tight fist she trembled with rage. “This child's file” she muttered, “it’s the same as” looking out the window she finished, “....mine”.
August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 PM (Applejack's chapter) part thirteenAuthor's Note Rarity's chapter, Rainbow's and Fluttershy's chapters all take place at the same time of day which is 3 pm. This is the first of those chapters. Starknights Chapter will take place at 4 pm or 5 pm August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 PM (Applejack's chapter) part thirteen The sweet smell of freshly cut grass, apples ripening on trees and fresh air filled Applejack’s nostrils as her brother pulled onto a long sunny dirt road leading to their home. Glancing at the trucks clock it read three pm pulling her hat down she leaned into the soft well worn out leather of her brothers truck. Hearing the brakes being applied a few minutes later and a dog barking Applejack lifted her hat taking in the smells of fresh pies baking in Granny Smiths oven. “Ay want ya upstairs ayn' in y'all's room without any complaining ay need-ta talk ta Granny about y'all's behavior this here afternoon Applejack”. “But Ah didn’t do nothing wrong Big Mac”. she protested “Ay were just a-tryin' ta get some stolen property bak from Sunset Shimmur who fawced Fluttershy ta hand it over to hur. That shirt didn’t belong to Sunset so I was a’gona get it back and return it to Fluttershy”. “Get upstairs now!'' Watching his sister open and slam the truck door shut he sat in the truck as Applejack headed inside thinking to himself, “Ma and Pa wouldn’t want us to fight like this Applejack” getting out himself Winona came through the dog door wagging her tail and barking loudly, “Yes Winona” he softly said, “I’ll feed y’all in a few minutes”. Giving her a scratch behind her left ear he headed into the house with Winona following him calling out “Granny y’all home”? Hearing pots and pans rattling about in the kitchen he sniffed the air taking in the wonderful scent of his grandmother's cooking. Smiling to himself, he proceeded to head into the kitchen stopping momentarily to pick up Winona’s food dish. Entering the kitchen with her in tow he opened a cupboard listening to Winona whine and whimper taking the dish he filled it with food and placed it on the floor in front of her. Taking a seat he watched Winona eat letting out a noticeable grunt. “What's done got y'all upset this here tyme” Granny asked setting several pots and pans to the stove “Y’all ain't fighting with Applejack again are ya? But if ya are that would explain why she done headed upstairs without even a word ta me.” Sniffing the air her eyes widened in shock the smell of burning crust having quickly caught her attention. Turning around she opened the stove door setting off the fire alarm in the process. “Dagnabbit that there fire alarm has gone off yet agayn ever' time ay open this here stove it goes off!” She screamed taking out her pies she added setting them down on the counter to cool “Ay swear if Ay have ta her that there stupid thing go off one mawe time today ay'll shoot that there thing”. Getting up Big Mac opened the kitchen window letting in some much needed fresh air. Walking into the hallway he took a nearby broom pressing the handle to the alarm shutting it off. Setting the broom back to its proper place he sat back down with a sullen look plastered on his face staring at Winona who happily wagged her tail as she gobbled down the last of her food he sighed. “Granny Ay done got something ta tell ya but ya will nahwt like what Ay am about ta say” he began, gesturing to a chair he continued, “please sit down”. Taking a seat Granny Smith blinked away her tears seeing her sad expression Big Mac got up giving her a much needed hug. Returning the gesture she watched him take his seat again looking more complex and sullen than before. Feeling Winona’s warm soft fury head resting on his lap he looked to her petting her head looking back at his grandmother he heard her begin, “Yer gunna mowve out huh? Ay mean y'all've been a-talkin' about it faw thay last two summers now ayn' now it is finally gunna happen. Y'all've been a-wantin' ta see the city ayn' see the world evur since y'all done started collage”. Looking into his eyes she finished, “just promise me two things Big Mac” “What?” he replied not looking up. “Ya will take care av yerself” sighing she added “Ayn' second ya done won't fawget ta write an a visit”. She replied, letting out a sigh of her own finished “Now ah’ve got pies ta cook so you run alo---” “Ah anit about ta promise y’all that Granny my playe is here at y'all's side not in thay city doing who knows what” he interrupted getting up he walked over to the window looking out at all the apple trees he helped care for. Closing his eyes he paused for a minute before continuing, “Y’all wer right Ah had a fight with A.J. she done got into ayy scrap at school ayn' now is maddur than ay wet hen”. Trying to hold her temper in Granny Smith’s eyes closed, turning to face her he watched her get up and walk over to the stove turning it off. Not wanting to lose her temper in front of her grandson she walked out into the living room looking at the fireplace she walked up to it picking up a small photo of her daughter and son-in-law. Resting a gentle hand to its fragile frame she swallowed her anger setting the photo back to its place on the mantle. “Granny we need-ta talk about this here. What A.J. done here today she had naw right ta start ay fight at school ayn' ta make matters worse.” She heard him say watching him walk into the living room. Taking the photo of his parents off the mantle into his hands he looked at it with sadness clearly plastered in his soft warm green eyes. “It were with Sunset Shimmur who Applejack done got into ay fight with over av all thay stupidest things ay shert that she thinks Sunset fawced anothur gurl done called Fluttershy ta give hur”. Setting the photo back to its place he finished, “Ah made Ma and Pa a promise that day Granny Ah, made them a promise but Ah feel like Ah’ve not been keeping it.” “Ah know y’all done made that promise Ah know” she replied, heading back into the kitchen she sat down at the table Winona wagged her tail gently snuggling into Granny’s lap giving the dog a soft pat on the head she finished. “Alright Big Mac bring yer sister here but Ah won’t allow you to switch her for this do y’all understand youngin”? Giving her a nod he headed upstairs to his room opening his door he looked around a red duffel bag sat in a lump next to his dresser. His bed with a soft goose feather pillow, wool comforter and linen sheets sat in the middle of the room against the far back wall. A lamp stood next to his bed looking it over he remembered fondly when he and his father built it. Looking it over he walked up to it switched it on and off a few times before sitting down on the corner of his bed. “That’s it son take slow and easy you need to let the wood choose you, not the other way around.” He remembered his father telling him “Remember son the wood wants to be used so it will have a special connection to you son”. Hearing a nearby door open and close and boot-steps headed towards his door getting back up he walked over to his dresser opening the top drawer. Taking out a soft green shirt with a big green apple printed on the front of it he folded it in half placing it into his duffel bag. Hearing a knock on his door and the handle turning he turned around seeing his sister standing in the doorway, her face was full of guilt. “Big Mac may Ah come in?” She asked swallowing hard she added, “Ah, want to talk to y’all if Ay’may”. “Downstairs” he replied zipping the bag closed picking it up he added, “y’all got some explaining ta do and yer gona explain to both me and Granny downstairs why y’all felt the need to fight with Sunset Shimmur”. Following him downstairs Applejack followed her older brother into the kitchen were her grandmother was waiting for her. Pulling out a seat McIntosh pointed to it watching his sister quickly take a seat taking his own seat he set the duffel bag down next to himself staring coldly at his younger sister. Trying to think of something to say Applejack fumbled with her hat for a few minutes before feeling Winona’s soft fury head resting on her lap. “Go lay down Winona now ain't the time to play” she softly whispered watching her furry friend walk away whimpering with her tail between her legs. Applejack turned her attention to her grandmother, “Granny Ah-er-well that is Ah know there ain’t no excuse for what Ah did today”. “Y’all done got that there raheet Applejack. Now tell me what proof done ya have that there Sunset Shimmur actually stowl the shert that yer friend Fluttershy supposedly done gave ta her?” Looking down she tried to think of what proof there was that Sunset had actually stolen the shirt in question. Unable to think of any she looked back up gulping locking eyes with her grandmother who waited patiently for her granddaughter to reply. Getting up from his seat Big Mac opened the back door letting Winona out returning to his seat he glared at his sister. “Well answur us! What proof done y’all actually have” he demanded not getting a reply he folded his arms across his chest adding, “Ah see so there is naw proof y’all just done wanted ta pick a fight with someone”. Her eyes widened in shock gasping she replied, “no that ain’t true at all I just---” “Then what in tarnation is the truth Applejack?!” he screamed “answer me now!” “It was Rainbow Dash that done picked that fight she hit Sunset but Ah demaned that Sunset return the shirt she stole from Fluttershy” Applejack screamed back “Sunset Shimmur is nothing more than ay lousy varmint! She is evil ta hur core nothing more ayn' nothing less!” watching her brother bow his head a look of shame plastered on his kind-hearted face she looked away with guilt and shame etched on her own. “Ah was just trying to do what Ah felt was right honest Ah was”. “Applejack ah’ve a good notion to put yer rump over m’ah knee for what yo’ve done here today” her grandmother injected “Ah’ve never been ashamed of m’ah family” getting up she headed for the living room stopping just before the entryway Applejack saw her grandmother was crying “until now that...is”. “Applejack in the mawning ya will take this here bag ta Sunset y’all will make absolutely sure ta place it into hur hands”. Picking up the duffel bag Big Mac set it on the table adding, “Until done told otherwise by eithur myself aw Granny y'all are grounded. Y'all are nahwt undur any reason ta go out with y'all's friends aw have them come ovur here”. heading towards the living room he stopped looking over his shoulder he bitterly added, “Y'all done broke y'all's grandmother’s heart ayn' y'all done acted shamefully! Y’all's an Apple ayn' as such y'all don’t act like this here nahwt evur! Now go back ta y'all's room ayn' remayn there until sun up”. “But Ah was supposed to go with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to the market get supplies for the upcoming harvest” she protested throwing her arms out “Please big Mac Ah really was just trying to do what’ah felt was right”. “Maybe y’all should’ve thought about before y’all did this now get to yer room! Ah don’t want to hear any more complaining from y’all” Applejack in her fury got up grabbing the duffel bag from the table pushing past her older brother she stomped up stairs slamming her bedroom door shut. Entering the living room Big McIntosh found his grandmother crying on the couch holding the picture of her daughter and son-in-law in her hands. Her crystal clear tears dripped onto it’s fragile frame. “Shh Granny it’ll be alright” he gently said to her sitting down next to her he held her in his arms adding, “She’ll be fine Granny y’all will see Applejack just made a mistake is all”. “Ah miss them so much” pulling her into a warm much needed hug he held her in his powerful muscular arms “Ah don’t like feeling ashamed of m’ah family”. She sobbed into his shoulder. "She never wouldn've done this if he-yer-ma'am was alive not never would Ah thought it possiable for Applejack to break M'ah heart like this". “Shh Granny let me help you to yer room Ah think y’all need some rest Ah’ll take care of the pie baking for tomorrow’s sale” he softly whispered gently helping her up he lead her past the stairs to her room getting there a few minutes later opening the door he helped her to her bed. Gently helping her into bed he gently kissed her forehead taking out a dog whistle from his front pants pocket he blew into it waiting for Winona to come to him. A few minutes went by before Winona poked her fury head around the door pointing to the bed Big Mac finished, “come Winona”. Instinctively the dog ran up to Granny Smiths bed getting in she laid down next to her placing her fury head on Granny’s hip letting out a soft whimper. Shutting off the light Big McIntosh smiled to himself heading back into the kitchen looking at the mess he sighed. Rolling up his sleeves he set to work cleaning and washing the dishes once done he got out Granny’s cooking book following each recipe as best as he could making apple fritters, pies, candied apples and jam all to sell at the local market. Hearing a horn honk outside he looked up from his work watching his youngest sister Apple Bloom getting off a school bus. “Well lookie who’s back from summer camp” he thought drying his hands he quickly went to answer the door opening it just as Apple Bloom was about to lay her hand onto the handle “Hey kiddo how y’all be---” suddenly being knocked down by his youngest sister he laughed as she snuggled into his warm chest hugging him tightly “well Ah take y’ave done had yer self a good time at summer camp Apple Bloom?” “Yeah you betcha Ah did” she replied letting him pick her up he placed her onto his shoulders carrying her into the kitchen “Hey where are Granny, Applejack and Winona?” she added noticing that neither were in the kitchen to greet her when she came in “Ah thought they would be here to greet me”. “Granny is sleeping” he replied setting her down he took her bag from her setting it next to the back door adding, “Yer sister is upstairs probably madder now than she was before and Winona is with Granny” heading back to her he added, “Ah want you to help me with the dishes then help me make dinner yer granny has had a hard day so y’all need to be on yer best behavior understand”? “Ok” she said, taking a pot from him she dried it off taking a plate drying that she added, “can we make Granny some ‘get well’ pie Big Mac”? “Sure thing kiddo sure thing” For the rest of the afternoon Apple Bloom spent her time telling Big McIntosh all about her time at summer camp while the two worked to make dinner for the family. Smelling the good food cooking from downstairs Applejack rolled over in her bed pulling her blankets up close trying not to think of how she had upset her grandmother and brother. Granny Smith slept soundly with Winona protectively snuggled up next to her while McIntosh spent his time cutting up onions, celery, carrots and other vegetables adding them to a large pot of stew.
August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rarity's chapter) part fourteenSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
August 3rd, Wednesday 3:00 pm (Rainbows chapter) part fifteenWalking into her home Rainbow opened a door next to her leading into the garage noticing her parents velchiel wasn’t there she shrugged her shoulders and shut the door. Turning to her right she headed downstairs to her room setting her backpack down next to her dresser. “It feels good to be home now I can relax and watch some Tv I wonder if there is a soccer game on today” she thought entering her room. “I bet the Canterlot horseshoes are finding yet another way to lose yet another game”. Her room was filled with all sorts of sports memorabilia and pennants of various soccer, and baseball teams she and her family rooted for. The top of her dresser was covered with trophies and medals she won for either soccer or baseball games she had taken part in. Taking off her shirt she held it in her hands noticing it had blood splattered on the front of it. “Great if mom sees I got blood on my shirt from hitting that uncool Sunset Shimmer she’ll get really mad at me”. She muttered, walking over to her dresser she opened the top drawer taking out a fresh shirt quickly getting dressed she tossed her dirty shirt into her laundry basket. “Now to head upstairs and watch some Tv” she muttered. Heading back upstairs she took a seat on the couch picking up the remote turning the Tv on she began flipping through various channels stopping at a soccer game. A few minutes went by before she heard the garage door begin to open getting up she looked out the front window seeing her parents car pulling into the garage. Returning to the couch she continued to watch the soccer game play out turning the volume up she listened to the announcer. “It’s Daisy Fields going for the goal with a penalty kick can she make the goal and win the game for the Sovereign Horns” The announcer said, as Rainbow intently watched the game play out. Another announcer chimed in, “I don’t know Note Beat things are looking pretty bad for the Sovereign Horns with the game scored at one and one this might not go well for Daisy Fields” Entering the house Mrs. Dash set down a bag of groceries giving her daughter a slightly angery look, “Rainbow why are you watching Tv and not doing your homework?” she said, noticing Rainbow was wearing a dark blue hoodie she added, “And why are you wearing your winter hoodie when it's” turning her attention to the thermostat located on the wall next to her she finished “sixty-eight inside and sixty four outside I swear honey there is no need to wear your winter clothing right now”. “Duh” Rainbow replied, “the reason I am not doing my ‘homework’ right now is because I’m watching a soccer game.” turning her attention back to the game Rainbow added, “obviously it's a bit chilly in here why else would I wear a hoodie in doors”? “Don’t get snippy with your mother Rainbow” Mr. Dash chimed in getting inside himself Mr. Dash set his things down adding,“Rainbow you know the rules” walking over to her he took the remote from Rainbows hand and switching off the Tv adding “no sports shows or Tv of any kind until your homework is done”. “Aww come on dad I was just about to find something really cool to watch” she whined in protest, “can’t I do my homework after I watch some Tv”? “No” he flatly replied, “I want you at the kitchen table doing your homework within five minutes.'' watching her get off the couch with a very sullen attitude he finished, “you can stop with the attitude this instant young lady” “Fine, whatever” she replied, receiving an angry look from her father she headed downstairs to collect her homework. Grumbling under her breath she entered her room “I better get my laundry into the laundry room before mom yells at me as well” she thought. Picking up her laundry basket she called out, “Mom, I’m going to leave my laundry next to the washer for you”. “Alright honey,'' her mother called back “I’ll be downstairs in a few minutes”. Walking into the laundry room Rainbow very unceremoniously dumped her laundry onto the floor making sure to pick up her bloodstained shirt first. Placing it back into the basket at the bottom she quickly placed the rest of her laundry on top returning to her room a few seconds later. Getting her homework she headed upstairs taking a seat at the kitchen table looking over her homework she sighed. “Man I hate math” she groaned, “I mean really I don’t see why I have to learn this boring stuff it's not like I’m actually going to use any of this when I get older”. Catching her mother's attention she added, “This sucks I would rather be watching Tv”. Opening a cupboard Mrs. Dash began to put away the groceries, “Now honey if you give it a try, I am sure you’ll come to see that math isn’t that hard you just have to apply yourself to it is all” putting the last of the food away she closed the cupboard as Mr. Dash came into the kitchen “Dear did you remember to bring in the laundry detergent”? “I thought you had it honey” He replied entering the kitchen, receiving a flat look from her he turned around and headed for the garage door “I’ll go check the car” turning his attention to Rainbow he finished, “and you I want your homework done before dinner do you understand Rainbow”? “Yeah I understand” she replied, looking down at her homework she muttered “I bet Glider Fire doesn’t have to do any boring homework” Heading into the garage Bow returned a few minutes later with a green bottle of detergent placing it on the kitchen table. Taking the detergent with her Mrs. Dash headed downstairs entering the laundry room a few seconds later. Turning the washer on she picked up her daughters laundry basket placing it on the dryer next to her. Taking Rainbows clothing out one piece of clothing at a time she began to place her daughters clothing into the machine. Finding Rainbows blood stained shirt at the bottom of the basket she took it out looking it over her eyes narrowed furious anger swept over her like a tidal wave. “Rainbow Alice Dash” she screamed out, “get down here now!” hearing two sets of footsteps coming down the stairs and the door opening and closing she tried to remain calm, “get in here” she finished. “Honey why are you---” Thrusting her hand into his chest she cut his words short. Taking the shirt from her Bow looked it over turning his attention to Rainbow who stood nearby his own anger began to surge handing it over to Rainbow he finished, “You need to explain to us why your shirt has blood on it when this morning it didn’t have any”. Looking down Rainbow sighed slowly she looked back up her eyes locked with her parents fearing the punishment she would receive she decided to play it cool. Hoping her parents wouldn’t catch on she grinned catching their daughters facial expression her father folded his arms over his chest his jaw locked with immeasurable anger. “It's not blood” He heard Rainbow say to his complete disbelief, “it's actually ketchup there was a food fight at school today and I got splattered by a flying tomato” further adding to their disbelief and anger both her parents watched in shock as their Rainbow headed back upstairs. “It’s nothing to be worried about trust me you guys there wasn’t any trouble at school today” “Rainbow are you telling us the truth” her mother asked clearly upset by her daughters behavior, “Rainbow where are you going you need to answer our questions”? “Uh, into the kitchen to finish my homework before you and dad start dinner” she replied. She watched Rainbow head into the kitchen taking a seat at the kitchen table following her into the kitchen Mrs. Dash sat down across from her daughter. Growing impatient with her daughters behavior Mrs. Dash folded her arms under her large ample breast staring coldly at Rainbow. Rainbow for her part sat in her chair staring at her math homework trying hard to make herself look as innocent as she could. “Yeah that was a really bad food fight that we had at school today,” she half-heartedly snickered, not finding her daughter's behavior the least bit funny Mrs. Dash tried all she could to contain her anger while listening to her daughters every word. “but since Sunset Shimmer was the one who started the food fight in the first place she had to be the one to clean up the mess”. Returning to her homework she finished much to her mother's anger, “I wasn’t about to stick around and help Sunset clean up the entire cafeteria no sir I had way too many cool things to do like soccer pra---” “If you are trying to get out of this trust me Rainbow you won’t like our response” Mrs. Dash interrupted her having heard enough of her daughters transparent lies. Slamming her hands palms down on the table she watched as Rainbow jumped having been startled by the sudden noise, “We will give you one last chance to come clean about this Rainbow!” “Are you sure about that Principal Celestia” hearing her father's voice in the hallway leading to her parents' room Rainbow gulped clearly catching her mother's attention. “Are you going to file charges against my daughter for this”? “Charges”? Rainbow thought, “you have got to be kidding me!?! Why would principal Celestia file charges on me for hitting that brat Sunset Shimmer” she continued to think, hearing her father’s footsteps coming down the hallway she turned her attention to him receiving a very angry glare from him. Out loud she began, “Uh, dad I-I can expl---” “Save it” he interrupted her watching her look down he turned his attention to his wife, adding, “I have good news and bad news honey which do you want to hear first”? Sighing she stood up leaning against a chimney cabinet Windy looked into her husband's eyes seeing only worry staring back at her own. Thinking over her choices she gave her daughter a passing glance, “tell me” she began, “how bad is it Bow?” Taking his wife into a hug he whispered into her ear, “It’s not as bad as you might think Windy” ending the hug he added, “would you like me to tell you the good news first honey”? “Yes” she flatly replied sitting back down she stared daggers at her daughter, “I think we all need to hear both the good and bad news isn’t that right Rainbow Alice Dash”? “Y-yes mo-mom” she replied not looking up. Taking a seat himself Bow cleared his throat, letting out a sigh he began, “Alright it was principal Celestia who called me a few moments ago she wanted to know if there was any trouble going on at home that would explain Rainbow’s recent behavior.” looking at his daughter, he continued, “I told her that as far as I know there isn’t anything going on”. “So what is the ‘good news’ then honey” Windy chimed in clearly worried, “and better still why would Principal Celestia--” her eyes widened with relation swallowing hard she finished, “our daughter got into a fight today didn’t she honey?” “Yes” he grumbled adding, “Celestia told me she has video evidence of this so the good news is that Celestia while she explained to me that she is Sunset Shimmers legal guardian she won’t be filling charges against our daughter. However,” taking a breath he tried to calm himself down trying to remind himself that his daughter was only thirteen, “she wants the choice to file charges against Rainbow to be Sunsets choice”. “Ok so what’s the bad news then” Windy asked. “The bad news is that Rainbow will either be suspended or expelled from school for this”. He replied, tightening his hand into a fist he closed his eyes continuing, “you do understand what that means Rainbow don’t you?” “Yes sir I do” she replied, looking up she fought back her tears, “I-It means that I---” “You will tells us this instant why you felt the need to fight with Sunset Shimmer!” her father demanded “Did you think it was ‘cool’ to start a fight with her?!” “I fought with her because she is a bully she was trying to take a shirt from Fluttershy Applejack was trying to get the shirt back from Sunset and Rarity stood there not getting involved.” Confounded by their daughters confession Rainbow saw only looks of anger and shame etched on her parents' faces feeling guilty over her actions from earlier in the day she sniffed. “Everyone knows that Sunset is a bully, always has been, always will be,” she continued, “I only did what I thought was right nothing more and nothing less”. “Why did you lie to us and why did you try to cover up the fact that you got into a fight with Sunset” Her mother finally spoke her voice shook with shame and anger “Tell us Rainbow why you did this”. “I don’t know why I lied to either of you about this” she replied “I only know that I did what I had to do to help Fluttershy get her shirt back”. Placing a soft gentle hand on his forearm Windy tried to comfort her husband seeing his temper was reaching the breaking point. Trying to keep himself from screaming at Rainbow he stood up crossing his arms over his muscular chest. Swallowing hard he sighed getting up herself Windy stared at Rainbow trying hard not loose her own temper. “You don’t know ‘why’ you lied to us yet you did,” Bow finally spoke having calmed down a bit, “tell me Rainbow did you fear the punishment that you would receive”? “I’m sorry” she whispered back. Getting up she continued slightly raising her voice, “Look I don’t know if that was the reason or not for my actions today but I am sorry for what I did”. “Do you fully understand that if Sunsets parents get involved and they more than likely will they could file charges against you for doing this to their daughter,” her mother snapped, “you could face juvenile hall for this and being expelled from school won’t look good on your academic record”. sighing finished, “Not to mention you;re a junior black-belt in karate for crying out loud Rainbow you’re supposed to know better than this! Or did you skip the lessons about martial arts being for defense only”? “I didn’t skip anything mom you were both there when sensei Jiro gave me my black-belt” she snapped back in rage, “Sunset stole that shirt from Fluttershy I was only trying to help get it back nothing more than that” “What proof do you have that Sunset actually stole that shirt and that Fluttershy didn’t give her that shirt Rainbow?” her father yelled. “I-well-she, that is, well I--she” Rainbow stammered trying to find the right words to defend her action “she is a bully that’s all the proof that I needed” she finally got out, “I don’t need any other proof than that”. “Take your homework to your room Rainbow as now you are grounded and just so you know you will not be going to the Colts game on Saturday” her father growled, “you are as of this moment grounded for the next two weeks”. “But that’s not fair,” she protested. “Fair you want to talk about what’s fair! Do you honestly think it was fair to either of us that you lied to you us about this whole incident Rainbow?!” Her mother screamed, “Do you think it was fair of you to hit Sunset Shimmer over of all the dumbest most, stupidest things like a shirt?” “No I---” Rainbow began only to be interrupted by her father. “Perhaps you think it is fair that both your mother and I are worried that your principal will expel you from school when she sees us tomorrow” turning to his wife, he added, “I will go to CHS tomorrow and talk with Principal Celestia perhaps there is a solution to this other than expelling our daughter”. Turning his attention back to Rainbow he finished, “You are to go to your room this instant and remain there until dinner is ready after diner you are to go back to your room, there will be no video games or tv while you are grounded”. Grabbing her homework from the kitchen table Rainbow stormed off slamming her bedroom door behind her. Rainbow threw herself into her bed angry and hurt by her parents decision she buried her face into her pillow thinking about her actions earlier in the day. Taking his wife gently by the arms Mr. Dash led her to the couch sitting down next to her he held her in his arms. Laying her head onto his shoulder she blinked away her tears.
August 3rd, Wednesday, 4:00 pm (Fluttershy, Sunset chapter) part sixteenFeeling much better and still holding the bag she had intended to give to Sunset in her hands Fluttershy stood up. Having dried her tears and having fully tucked her wings behind her back making sure to hide them from nurse Blue Shield she smiled taking her father's hand into her own. Getting up himself the two headed for the parks entrance stopping just before the entrance. “Hang on dad” She softly said remembering the little squirrel, “there is something that I need to do before we leave”. Quickly turning around feeling the need to help the little creature out she let go of her father’s hand she headed for a patch of nearby trees. Kneeling she picked up the acorn looking up into the trees she saw the small brown squirrel that had cheered her up earlier smiling warmly to it she held up her hand in her palm sat the acorn. “Go on little guy” she softly whispered, watching the small timid squirrel come out of the trees tentatively sniffing the air, it’s little whiskers flexed back and forth with each sniff from its nose, it’s tiny black eyes were full of fear. “Shh” Fluttershy very softly spoke, “It’s alright I won’t hurt you”. Remaining perfectly still she let the squirrel come to her, “Here you go the acorn is all yours you helped me to feel better now I will help you”. Slowly the squirrel came to Fluttershy’s palm taking the acorn from her. “It’s alright now, everything is going to be alright I promise you’ll see”. Being ever so very gentle she slowly raised her hand towards a single branch setting the squirrel with it’s precious treasure on the branch. “There you go, you head home now to your family while I go to help someone that needs a friend”. Headed back to her father he gently took her under his arm pressing his lips to the top of her head lightly kissing her. Ending the kiss he smiled, “that’s my little angel” he said, adding “come on let’s go find Sunset and help her”. “Dad what's the current time” she asked, “and is it alright if I have Sunset come over tonight for dinner” looking down she continued, “I know it is rather short---” "It's four o'clock honey" interrupting her he replied, pulling out his cellphone Mr. McPherson began to press buttons on it cutting his daughters words short. Pressing the phone to his ear he waited turning to Fluttershy he smiled to her stopping her in her tracks. “Honey” he began “please have Zephyr help you with rearranging the table so Fluttershy can have a friend over for dinner tonight” looking into his daughter's eyes he cupped the phone with his hand adding, “psst, what else sweetheart”. “Ok honey we’ll be all set by the time you three get home” Mrs. McPherson replied. “Oh, uh sh-she needs a place t-to sleep and to sh-shower” Fluttershy replied grimacing “Ooh I can’t believe I just told dad that about Sunset” she thought, out loud she finished, “thank you dad” “Sunset will also need a place to sleep tonight so I was thinking we could have Fluttershy and Sunset sleep in the old guest room upstairs. It still has the old bunk beds from when Zephyr and Fluttershy were kids and I am sure I can get a couple fresh new mattress before seven tonight”. “That’s a wonderful idea honey in fact it's been far too long since Fluttershy has had anyone over let alone over for a sleepover” Mr. McPherson heard his wife say. Hanging up his phone he gave Fluttershy a nod smiling she raced back to the car finding nurse Blue Shield in the passenger front seat reading a map. Knocking on the passenger side window she watched Blue Shield roll down the window. Setting the map down she turned her attention to Fluttershy, “have you found Sunset yet Fluttershy” she asked. “Not yet” she replied, looking over the map she continued, “Mrs. Blue Shield can I ask you something” hearing her father coming up behind her she finished, “if you felt you were alone and lost in this city where would you go to collect your thoughts”. “That’s simple I would go to Canterlot Square” she replied, tapping her chin she waited for Mr. McPherson to get in adding, “though you should know dear that place is currently condemned so come to think of it I wouldn’t actually go there”. “Condemned, huh?” Fluttershy asked getting in and buckling up “doesn’t that mean that no one else would be there at all” Remembering Sunsets words to her ‘So just leave me here where I belong in the slums and dirt with all the other trash you humans throw away’. Looking out the passenger window she finished, “That area is a slum and lots of people throw their trash away there I am sure that is where Sunset has gone because she feels like trash”. Starting up the car Mr. McPherson buckled up pressing his foot to the gas pedal driving down the street entering Canterlot Square a half hour later. The place was in utter ruins everywhere the three looked there were old broken down buildings many with their windows smashed. Trash littered the streets, broken piles of wood lined the sidewalks, graffiti could be seen on most of the rundown buildings. Several junkies sat in the doorways of several of the buildings. A run down gazebo with a badly broken frame and split roof stood lopsided in the center of the square the only thing holding it up was the paint. “Great this is where Sunset is supposed to be” He muttered irritably to himself, looking around he shook his head, “I can’t believe anyone would be foolish enough to come here” reaching into the car’s center council he took out a flask of pepper spray and a handheld taser getting out he looked at Fluttershy finishing, “What does Sunset look like honey” “Oh, she is about five feet six inches tall, she weighs about ninety pounds has red and yellow hair.” Getting out herself she added, “she was wearing a black leather coat the last time I saw here, with a pink t-shirt and orange mini skirt with black and purple knee high boots”. Looking around as well Blue Shield saw someone matching Sunset's description sitting alone in the gazebo. Gesturing towards the gazebo she tried hard not to bring any unwanted attention to either themselves or the person she saw. Walking towards the gazebo Blue Shield whispered, “Is that her Fluttershy”? “Yes that’s her” she replied. “Alright,” turning her attention to Mr. McPherson she finished, “Mr. McPherson do you have a first aid kit in your car by any chance?” Getting out of the car he opened the trunk taking out a small red and white first aid kit handing it to nurse Blue Shield. Taking the kit she, Fluttershy and her father began to walk up to Sunset all three noticed Sunset was facing the back of the gazebo entering the gazebo Fluttershy reached out gently laying a hand on Sunsets shoulder. Looking up she sniffed gently pushing Fluttershy's hand off her shoulder getting up Sunset walked over to the right side of the gazebo looking out to the city square. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy begin, “why would you come to this place? it's really scary here.” “I just wanted to find someplace that I thought you wouldn’t follow me I guess I was wrong so I’ll leave” Stepping in front of her Mrs. Blue Shield frowned giving Sunset a cold stare, “if you are from CHS then you should know I don’t plan on going back there” Sunset added, looking down she finished, “I will be leaving this city tonight I know now that I am not wanted here”. “Yes I work at CHS I am nurse Blue Shield and I take it you are planning on running away Sunset” Mrs. Blue Shield replied, “Sunset though you and I don’t really know each other, I can tell you that running away won’t solve your problems”. Leading Sunset back to the bench and taking a seat with Sunset standing in front of her, she finished, “I came to make sure you are alright Garble told me about the fight you had with Rainbow Dash before coming here I asked Principal Celestia to look into it”. “What good will that do?” Sunset protested, “All Celestia will do is side with Rainbow besides Principal Celestia hates me as does Rainbow”. “I think you---” Mrs. Blue Shield tried being cut off by Sunset. “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE” she screamed looking down her jaw trembled, “please” she whispered, adding “I-I” feeling her jaw trembling she finished, “I’m sorry”. “It’s quite alright Sunset there is nothing to be sorry about” She replied, while not all surprised by Sunset’s reaction Blue Shield took a step towards her, “you should at least know that I can’t leave you alone Sunset I am after all a nurse and I would be negligent in my duties if I walked away from someone that clearly needed my help.” sitting down on the bench she further added, “I at least need to make sure you don’t have a broken nose from your fight with Rainbow”. Giving her an expectant look she finished, “please Sunset I know you are hurt and scared all I want to do is help”. “Fine if it gets you to leave me alone then ... a-alright” taking a seat next to her Sunset swallowed hard trying to hide her anger, fear and discomfort. “Is this going to you know hurt?” “No, Sunset it shouldn’t hurt at all” Setting the first aid kit down next to her Blue Shield opened it taking out a pad of clean wipes she began to check Sunset over. “Well I don’t think your nose is broken I’ll give you some aspirin for the pain and a pack of clean wipes so you can clean the blood off your lips and chin” handing the items over to her, she stood up, adding, “I’ll be in the car if you need any further assistance”. Heading back to the car she gave Fluttershy’s father a worried glance as his daughter took a step further inside the gazebo. Watching both her father and nurse Blue Shield head back to the car she turned her attention to Sunset. Sunset had stood up walking to the back of the gazebo placing her arms on the railing burying her face in her arms she sniffed trying hard to hold back her tears. “This is where I belong,” Fluttershy heard Sunset muter “with all the trash that the humans threw away” Wanting to find something, anything to cheer Sunset up she gently tapped Sunsets shoulder gesturing to another bench located only a few feet from the gazebo. Looking up and taking a breath Sunset looked in the direction of the other bench. Sighing she slowly straightened up looking into her eyes Fluttershy saw only sad, hurt, confused eyes staring back at her own. “Coming with me” she said softly, carrying the paper bag in her arms, she added, “I brought you that shirt that I was trying to give to you earlier today” setting it down next the bench she sat down patting the seat next to her “please come sit down” she finished. “Thank you for the shirt Fluttershy but aren’t you at all worried that your friend Rainbow won’t approve of this?” she heard Sunset reply, watching Sunset turn around and kick a small pebble towards the gazebo Fluttershy quirked an eyebrow watching the small stone hit the gazebo and bounce off. Much to both the girls surprise the gazebo collapsed, looking down Sunset finished, “I can’t do anything right even when I kick something as small as that stupid stone I cause nothing but trouble!" “You didn’t knock down that gazebo Sunset it was already falling apart and it would have come down during the next big storm so don’t feel bad about it” watching Sunset turn away she added, “I don’t really care whether Rainbow will approve or not about me giving you this shirt Sunset it isn’t her concern but my own” placing her chin into her hands she stared at Sunset’s back for a long time realizing she was enjoying the view a little too much she shook her head. “Come on Fluttershy” she thought, “get it together your supposed to be helping her not falling for her” she continued to think to herself. “I don’t know what it is like to have a real friend” she whispered catching Fluttershy’s attention. Sunset thought, “I have already had my heart broken once before, I can’t go through that again I need to find a way to get her to leave” Unfortunately for Fluttershy she got a rather nice view of the back of Sunset’s boots, and the back of Sunset’s bare legs that weren’t covered by her boots. Gulping she watched Sunset bend over though Sunsets rear was fully covered by her mini skirt that didn't stop Fluttershy from getting a really nice look at Sunsets rear end. “Damn” Fluttershy whispered fully hoping that Sunset didn’t hear her, “she’s has a nice rear”. “But you shouldn’t be bothering yourself with things such as this besides” Sunsets words caught Fluttershy off guard breaking her out of her trance. Turning around Sunset folded her arms over her chest rubbing her thumb over her left bicep feeling the soft leather of her coat. “I-well, that is it’s not really---” she glanced down trying to find the right words, “I don’t want you to run off crying so I am not sure how to put this Fluttershy”. “Please just say what you have to say and I’ll react however I feel like it” she replied. “Alright here it goes” taking a breath she silently prayed to herself that Fluttershy wouldn’t run off crying, “please don’t run off crying” she said out loud, “it’s not really your place to give me clothing, food, bits, or whatever it is that you think I should get or need therefore I don’t think I can accept your, um shirt” Getting up Fluttershy left the bag next to the bench walking up to Sunset she stood on her tiptoes looking into Sunsets clearly bloodshot cried out eyes. Smiling much to Sunsets surprise Fluttershy hugged her laying her head over Sunsets soft chest listening to her heart beating. “Fluttershy I, um thanks for the hug… I think” She heard Sunset begin “uh, um w-what now”. “Now you come sit down” Letting her go Fluttershy returned to the bench patting the seat once more hoping that Sunset would this time get the message and sit down. “I fully intend to do right by you Sunset Shimmer and that entails doing what I promised Twilight” Leaning back into the hardwood of the bench she flatly finished “Sunset will you please come sit down you're driving me nuts standing there with your back facing me”. Though Fluttershy couldn’t see it Sunset rolled her eyes in annoyance turning around she took a seat next to her. “Look Fluttershy I...really don’t know how to act right now” Looking at the bag she gave Fluttershy a passing glance watching Fluttershy gently nudge the bag closer to her. “I take it you want me to open this bag and take out the shirt huh?” “Yep” Getting the message Sunset picked up the bag opening it, looking inside she saw a medium sized green shirt with a white bunny on the front of it. Taking out the shirt she looked it over holding it out in front of herself, “What do you think Fluttershy?” she asked pressing the shirt to her coat with one hand while holding the shirt up with the other, “Do you think grey suits me?” “Grey?” Fluttershy asked in reply, curious and a bit confused by Sunsets question she pointed to her own skirt adding, “Sunset can you tell me what color my skirt is?” “Uh, su-sure” she replied a bit confused herself by Fluttershy’s odd question looking at Fluttershy's skirt she finished, “Your wearing a grey skirt … r-right”. “Uh, y-yes I ... a-am” she answered, taking the shirt from Sunset she placed it back into the bag she didn’t have the heart to tell Sunset the truth. Looking down Fluttershy moved her right foot in a half circle sighing. “So um, my father’s car is parked just before the entrance to this” looking around and seeing only junkies, and drug dealers around the dis-shambled place she finished, “creepy place and I was kinda hoping we could um, you know … leave”. “Sure thing you go I’ll stay here I am sure I can find some place to---” “Sunset Shimmer” Fluttershy irritably snapped, “I meant ‘we’ as in the two of us I want you to come home with me tonight” getting up for the last time she stared at Sunset watching her look away placing a hand under Sunsets chin she gently turned Sunsets head so their eyes locked. “I will not take ‘no’ for an answer you are coming home with me even if I have to pick you up and carry you all the way to the car” pointing in the direction of her father's car she finished, “now get moving”. Knowing she was completely defeated Sunset began to follow Fluttershy towards her father's car stopping when a cell phone's ringtone caught her attention, “Oh, right I forgot Garble gave me a cellphone a few days ago” reaching into her coat pocket Sunset took out the phone Garble had given her a few days earlier flipping it open she held it to her ear, “Hello”. “Hey shimmer it’s me Garble I just want to make sure your alright I kinda lost track of you after your fight with that idiot Rainbow Dash”. “Yeah I’m fine though my nose does hurt a bit nurse Blue Shield checked me out she says I’ll be fine. I’ll more than likely have another bruise in the morning”. Noticing Fluttershy was getting a little antsy she quickly added, “look I have to go I’ll talk to you later goodbye”. Hanging up she turned her attention to Fluttershy finishing, “so what’s got you so upset”? “Oh, uh well do you promise not to freak out if I tell you?” she asked in reply. “That depends on what it is that has you so upset,” she began, walking with Fluttershy next to her towards the car she stopped giving Fluttershy a passing glance. “Come on Fluttershy I know you and I aren’t exactly ...friends, but if you are willing to trust that I won’t freak out then I am willing to start trusting you” looking down she finished, “please just tell me what is wrong”. Taking a breath Fluttershy swallowing hard, “Well when I went looking for you, my father came to school when he didn’t find me at school he and Mrs. Blue Shield drove around for a bit till they found me at the city park located a few blocks away from school” she added, “I maybe, kinda, sorta, told him that I would bring you back to school”. “I see, and what else did you promise your father if I may ask”? “That if you didn’t want nurse Blue Shield to check you over and make sure you didn’t have a broken nose I would take you to the local hospital.” pressing her hand to her own bicep Fluttershy looked away adding, “once i actually got you there you would have gotten a full clean bill of health but since you allowed nurse Blue Shield to check you over that kinda negates that idea completely”. Taking the clean wipes from Sunsets hand she opened them handing one to her while Sunset cleaned herself up she finished, “Sunset can I ask you something”? “Sure” she replied, taking another clean wipe from Fluttershy, finishing what she was doing, she added, “what do you want to know”? “What was that language you spoke earlier when you ran away from Principal Celestia I know it's not Latin or Strussian so what other languages do you speak other than English”? “Oh, I’m fluent in three languages,” she replied, “I'm not trying to boast or anything like that but I can speak Griffin, Dragnic, and my own country's native language as well.'' Thinking it was time to go Fluttershy took Sunset's hand into her own offering her a soft genuine smile. Walking with Fluttershy still holding her hand towards the car Sunset sighed “I’m sorry I am such a loser Fluttershy” “Okay that is more than enough of that Sunset Shimmer” she heard Fluttershy snap, stopping in her tracks she finished, “you will from this day forward not ever put yourself down like that again and Sunset” “Ye-yes Fluttershy” she replied clearly unsure of herself. “I won’t take ‘no’ or ‘I deserve to be treated like this’ or ‘i’m a loser’ from you any longer you are none of those things do you fully understand me?” laying her hands on Sunsets shoulders she continued, “now my mother is expecting us for a nice hot homemade dinner and your coming home with me this very instant. You are going to have dinner with my family, so let's get going” Looking into Fluttershy’s soft ocean blue eyes much to Fluttershy’s delight Sunset smiled. Seeing Sunset smile a real genuine smile for the first time Fluttershy found herself very secretly hoping this would be one of many genuine smiles to come from Sunset. “I like your smile” she finished, “I think you have a nice smile Sunset”. Hearing her words Sunset gulped, “Tha-thank you” realizing she needed to accept Fluttershy’s invitation to dinner, she added, “and Fluttershy I would love to come to your house for dinner” looking down she finished, “though there is one condition that I am afraid I must insist upon”. “Oh what’s that”? Fluttershy replied curious she finished, “Sunset” “I can’t eat anything with nuts or peanuts in it” she heard Sunset reply “as I am allergic to that type of food”. “Deal” hearing thunder boom over head as thick rain started to fall Fluttershy added, “S-Sunset I-I really don’t like---” Fluttershy’s words were cut short by a loud thunderous boom “thu-thunder” “I know its not the greatest thing in the world Fluttershy but it can't hurt you.” she replied, taking her coat off she gently wrapped it around Fluttershy’s body. Sunsets fingers stopped just above Fluttershy’s shoulders giving Fluttershy a confused look she thought, “why do I feel extra bone in Fluttershy’s shoulder blades it doesn't---” Her train of thought was interrupted by the sounds of laughter. “Great” she muttered, turning her attention towards three boys coming towards them. “That’s all we need now” as it started to downpour she finished, “the dragon gang we’re in trouble”. “Well, well looks like we got ourselves some trespassers boys” of the three cooed, he wore a short waist coat over a red shirt with black jeans and steel toe brown leather boots taking a step towards Fluttershy he added, “I’m Fume little girl and your in Dragon territory so how about you pay us and we’ll” sickly licking his lips he finished, “let you go about your business otherwise the boys and I will make your day real miserable". “Leave her alone” Sunset snarled stepping between the two of them to Fluttershy’s shock she watched Sunset foolishly turn her back on Fume “Come on Flu---” Feeling anger after being told to leave Fluttershy alone Fume balled his hand into a tight fist slamming his fist into the back of Sunsets head. The sudden blow knocked Sunset to the ground trying to shake off the pain she felt she tried to stand quickly taking a boot to her sternum. Her eyes widened, her iris’s shrank to pinpricks from the sheer pain she felt. Doubling over she held herself unable to move or fight back unaware that Fluttershy took a sudden step forward. “Leave her alone we just to go home” Fluttershy pleaded with Fume feeling a sense of coldness come over her body her eyes began to narrow, her hand balled into a tight trembling fist, “please I’ll give you anything you---” “Oh, it’s too late for that girl” Fume snarled interrupting her bending down he grabbed Sunset by her jacket lapel, “I’ll take what I want and the two of you will enjoy every minute of it” raising his fist to strike her again he finished, “I bet you both will---” His words were painfully cut short by the sound of electricity watching him drop to the ground Fluttershy stared coldly at him. His screams of pain and mercy echoed in her ears turning off his taser Fluttershy’s father turned his attention to the other two glaring at both. “Either leave or you both will be tazed as well, it’s your choice boys” he said, turning his attention to Fluttershy he added, “Are you alright sweetheart”? “Yes dad but Sunset needs help”, Fluttershy replied. Kneeling next to Sunset he looked her over with Fluttershy keeping a close on Fume’s two friends watching them pick him up and carry him towards a nearby building. Looking up Mr. McPherson saw Fluttershy was about to follow the gang not wanting her to get hurt he called out to her. “Fluttershy I need you stay here” getting her attention he added, “I doubt those three will do anything else but in case they do I want you by my side”. “Alright” she replied, “how is Sunset” “I’ll” Sunset coughed, “be alright I just had the wind knocked out of me” feeling herself being picked up and carried out of the area she looked into Mr. McPherson's navy blue eyes adding, “hey I can walk on my own you know”. “No, I’m taking you to our car from there I’ll bring you to our home were you’ll enjoy a proper meal and a good night's rest” getting to the car a few minutes later much to Sunset's irritation nurse Blue Shield opened the door for him, “I’ll call Principal Celestia in the morning to excuse you both from school I think you both could use some time away from school to rest from this incident”. “Uh, dad that isn’t going to work” Fluttershy chimed in, “you see I kinda, sort of got ... detention” His right eyebrow quirked slightly at the news of his daughter receiving detention setting Sunset into the car and making sure to buckle her up he chuckled as she groaned in anger. Offering her a pleasant smile he turned his attention to Fluttershy while Mrs. Blue Shield got into the car next to Sunset. “I will definitely be calling Principal Celestia about this in the morning now get in sweetheart” Checking Sunset over Mrs. Blue Shield gave her a nod, “Don’t worry Sunset these are good people you can trust them and I know Mr. McPherson will look after you”. “I suppose I could use a shower or bath” Looking herself over she noticed she had some dirt on her knees and her coat was ripped in the front, “I am a bit of a mess” swallowing hard she finished, “Mr. McPherson I just want to say thank you, you know for um, doing this”. “It’s not a problem Sunset besides it's not everyday that both my wife and I get to meet someone that Fluttershy is helping” Though she couldn’t see it Mr. McPherson smiled, “and who in turn is also helping Fluttershy out as well”. Turning her attention to Fluttershy Sunset gave her a questionable look getting only a smile in return Sunset turned her attention to nurse Blue Shield who sat beside her. Hearing her sigh Sunset looked out her own passenger window watching all the cars and houses go by as Mr. McPherson drove her thoughts began to dwell on her time with Princess Celestia. Not fully realizing what she was doing Sunset began to rub her forearm lifting up her coat sleeve. Noticing a bell with a horn on the left and right side of it branded into her arm nurse Blue Shield took out her phone. Wordlessly she set her phone to ‘silent’ holding the phone up she snapped a shot of Sunsets right forearm hoping Sunset wouldn't notice. Putting her phone back into her coat pocket nurse Blue Shield also turned her attention to all the cars, houses, and people being passed by as Mr. McPherson drove towards his home. “Mr. McPherson can you stop by CHS please before you bring Sunset to your home”? She asked, adding, “I’d like to get---” noticing they were pulling into the parking lot of CHS she cut her words short finishing, “never mind”. Parking the car Mr. McPherson got out opening the door for nurse Blue Shield. Getting out herself Mrs. Blue Shield headed for her car waving her goodbyes to both Fluttershy and Sunset. Getting got out as well Fluttershy much to her father's surprise and Sunset's switched seats deciding to sit next to Sunset in the back of the car. Taking Sunsets left arm into her own she laid her head on Sunsets shoulder much to Sunset's irritation. Getting back in Mr. McPherson started up the car heading for home. Deciding there was little point in arguing with Fluttershy about her personal space Sunset leaned into the soft cushions of the back seat letting her thoughts dwell on Princess Celestia and her time spent in Equestria once again. “I wish I could just tell Fluttershy the real reason I am in this world” Sunset thought looking at the brand on her forearm, “but if I told Fluttershy or anyone for that matter the real reason I am here she or they would hate me for it so I better keep it to” out loud she softly whispered, “myself”. Turning her head to the left a single tear trickled down Sunsets cheek dripping off her chin falling to Fluttershy’s hand, “I’m sorry Fluttershy” she whispered watching Fluttershy move her head while Fluttershy fell further into a deep relaxing sleep, “I am so sorry for how I treated you”.
August 3rd Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.Part Seventeen Starknight's chapterSitting at his desk Moonstone looked over several piles of files trying to find the one Starknight had mentioned while on the way back to the precinct. Getting up he noticed Starknight was still in the captain’s office turning his attention towards Starknight’s computer he wiggled the mouse hoping she had left it in sleep mode. The screen turned on a smile quickly etched on his face sitting down at Starknight’s desk he clicked on the ‘files open’ tab. Reading through several open cases under her supervision he failed to notice Starknight was coming out of the captain’s office. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing Moonstone”?! She all but yelled out to him catching him by surprise looking up he quickly got out of her chair as she finished, “Get away from my computer”. “Relax I am just trying to find out more information about Daisy Green” he replied stepping aside allowing her to take sit “you had said her file is the same as yours so I thought there might be a contention between you and her”,going back to his side of the desk he finished, “I didn’t mean anything by this sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid and her girlfriend is all”. Glaring at him she received only a concerned look in return picking up a file Moonstone set the folder down on his desk returning to his work. “I spoke with the captain though I am ‘benched’ for at least four days due to you taking me to the E.R. I know you did what you felt was right”, watching him pick up another file she reached over the double desk tapping his left hand. Moonstone glanced up locking eyes with hers “I was able to get the captain to give you your own computer Moonstone but you need to understand that what you did by going through my computer like that could have cost me my job”. “I don’t understand why would I have cost you your job sergeant? And besides if you’re so concerned about your ‘job’ then you should turn your computer off rather than leaving it in sleep mode” looking back at his work he added, “I don’t get why I wasn’t given a computer when I first started here I swear I never had this sort of trouble when I was with the---” cutting his words short he closed the file setting it aside he sighed, “it doesn’t matter”. “Listen it would have cost me my job if you had learned or read information that doesn’t concern you, such as information about a pending case going for out to I.A. or to trial.” squeezing her hand into a tight fist she added,“Or information about other cases that I need to work on such as cases that C.I.B need me to look over prior to me submitting them next time think twice before you act!” opening her hand she took her cup of coffee taking a sip she tried hard to calm down further adding, “And as for my own file which I might add my file doesn’t concern you at all Moonstone” she harshly all but growled, “my file wouldn’t be kept here for anyone to see it” setting her coffee cup down she took a breath finishing, “The tech guys should be here in a few minutes to set up your computer and to give you the necessary paperwork to sign for it.” Taking up another file he opened it, “I’m sorry sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid this mistake will not be repeated” noticing two people approaching their desk he added with a gesture towards them “are these the tech guys you told me about sergeant?” “Yes they are” getting up and stepping aside Starknight allowed the technicians to do their job “I’ll go get you a cup of coffee Moonstone while they work this should only take about ten minutes”. Returning a few minutes later with a full cup of coffee for him Starknight gave him the cup watching the technicians do their job. Ten minutes passed before Moonstone signed several papers, set his password and sat in front of his new computer. Sitting down herself Starknight sighed looking at the piles of folders on her side of the desk turning her attention back to Moonstone she handed him a file. “What’s this for?'' he asked clearly a bit confused. “Just another file to go through and see if there is any connection to the children that are missing” going through several computer documents she added, “Moonstone believe it or not I too want to help Frigid and her girlfriend find their niece Daisy Green”. “I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through” He replied, “all you can or I can do for that matter is offer them some sliver of hope and pray you make good on that offer”. Looking up from his work he finished, “If you don’t mind me asking Sergeant where's your file the one that you mentioned on the way back from the hospital”? Trying to ignore him Starknight continued to work going over other computer files glancing up at the clock located above the coffee station she noticed it was four thirty. Returning to her work she moved the mouse icon over the ‘open file’ tab clicking on it she brought up several other cases she had been assigned to. Watching her work for a few seconds Moonstone sighed catching Starknights attention quickly returning to his own work he got up headed for the coffee station returning a few minutes later with a fresh cup of coffee. “As for my file I am not allowed to let anyone look at it as the record was sealed, I can’t even look at it unless I have a court order to do so.” Starknight bitterly began “what I will tell you though Moonstone is that if my case is truly connected to this case then I won’t stop you from doing what is ...right. Or what you have to do in order to see that case file.” “Thank you sergeant I’ll try not to bring up your past if I can avoid it” He replied taking up his cup of coffee taking a sip his eyes widened in aghast painful shock “ow, wow that’s hot” almost dropping his coffee cup he added, “what temperature is that coffee maker set to?” Hearing Starknight chuckle he gave her a stern glare before returning to his work a few moments passed without further incident. Both officers continued to look through file after file before another officer approached their desk offering both a friendly smile. Looking up from her work sergeant Starknight nodded to the other officer, “Comet Duster what brings you to my desk this afternoon?” she asked giving him a concerned look. “I just wanted to see how you were doing sergeant we all heard about your activity at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ and thus I just wanted to make sure your doing alright,” he replied with a sincere smile, looking at Moonstone he added, “and how you kid? You got anything good to report”? “Kid?” Moonstone replied looking up from his work with a confused look “I happen to be twenty eight sir, as for your other question; no I don’t have anything to report, other than that, I don’t like doing all this paperwork”. “I am doing rather ...well Comet Duster” she replied “though I do have a question for you,” she added, “when you say ‘we all heard about your activities at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ what did you mean by that” giving Moonstone a disapproving glance she added, “I take it someone is talking about me again”? Chuckling officer Comet Duster walked away with a smile on his face leaving Moonstone bemused and Starknight fuming choosing to let it go she sighed returning to her work. “You know sergeant since you have to ride a desk for the next three or four days why not spend that time doing something meaningful?” She heard Moonstone begin, taking notice he was looking over more files as he continued, “you could use this time to join a youth mentor program and help someone that really needs your help, it's just a thought mind you”. Taking a pencil from her desk she tapped her chin, letting his words sink in leaning back into her chair she took out her notepad from her front shirt pocket jotting down a few things on it. Putting it back into her shirt pocket she glanced at the clock, seeing it was five o’clock closing down her computer she stood up giving Moonstone a firm stare. “You know I might take you up on that offer of helping someone out Moonstone.” gesturing towards the clock in and out station she finished, “before you head out remember to file your report about what happened at the docks today and at the Sweet Snacks Cafe as for me I am going to head out have a good night”. “You too, wait what about your reports sergeant I didn’t see you file them” he replied watching her stop in her tracks, Starknight turned around and headed back to her computer watching her press a few keys on her keyboard he added, “I doubt anyone will actually believe us about those reports oh, where are the kids that we arrested earlier today sergeant?” “They should be holding I’ll call down there once I get this last file sent via email to the captain,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number pressing it to her ear she waiting for the clerk at the other end to answer. “Once I find out what their status is I am going home to a much needed couch and good book”. “Hello this is officer Joslin Trueclaw how may I help you?” “Yes this sergeant Starknight I need to know if Gust Chaser and his two friends are still in holding right now” “One moment while I check” Starknight waited for a few moments before hearing the phone being picked up again “yes sergeant all three are still in holding as a matter of fact neither of those three have requested any phone call or lawyer of any kind” “You’re joking right we read them their miranda rights and we clearly stated they could have one phone call and a lawyer at any time so why have they not gotten a phone call or a lawyer”? Noticing Filthy Rich was coming near her desk she quickly added, “tell you what Joslin we will talk about this in about an hour I have someone at my desk that needs to talk to me”. Hanging up the phone she finished, “it’s about time you showed up I was about to leave but I’ll stay just to hear what you have to say about your daughter and her friend Silver Spoon”. “My sincerest apologies sergeant Starknight” Filthy Rich began, “I was on the phone for the past few hours with Silver Spoons father whom is currently away in Ponland he unfortunately won’t be returning until next month” pulling up a nearby chair Filthy Rich sat down placing his briefcase on the floor next to him, “I informed him of his daughters distasteful behavior his reaction was, well less than cordial so in lue of this I asked him if I could make decisions for his daughter”. “And what did he say?” Moonstone chimed in clearly angry “let me guess he wants you to free his brat of a daughter and for me to not only lose my job but to also agree to not file charges on that brat” looking to Starknight he added, “speaking of those two where are Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?” “They should both be in holding cell six,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number waiting for the clerk to answer she added, “The officers who took them in were Cloudy Skies and Fancy Wish-star both of whom should be in the holding cells block their shifts should be ending in about fifteen minutes”. “Hello this is Cloudy Skies” sereagent Starknight heard over the phone “how many I help you?” “Cloudy this is Starknight I want to know if Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are in holding cell six”. “Yes they are” she replied “Should I have them moved into another holding cell? Or has there been some sort of arrangement made so they can see a judge about bail?” “Hang on” Starknight sternly replied, giving Filthy Rich a glare she added, “has anyone asked you for bail for either of those two yet or have you set a time and day for them to see a judge about this matter?” “The answer is no to both of those questions sergeants” he replied, “I don’t think that will be necessary for either girl however if you want to go through that we can” turning his attention to Moonstone he finished, “you officer Moonstone said that you were going to file charges on both girls for what they did to your sister. I agree fully that they should be punished for this so tell me, are you going to go through with this?” “Give me one very good reason why I shouldn’t file charges on both of them Filthy Rich” Moonstone demanded folding his arms over his chest “I pulled my little sister out of another school two years ago and sent her to that school because she went through something like this when she was in the fifth grade. So tell me why I should allow your daughter and her friend to make going to school a living hell for my little sister Mr. Rich!” “Listen I know how you feel and I do fully agree that both girls need to be punished for what they did, they have already been expelled from school, what more do you want from them?” Getting up Moonstone sighed uncrossing his arms he looked to Starknight who was still awaiting a decision from both Filthy Rich and Moonstone. Clearing his throat Moonstone sat down staring at his computer hearing Starknight clear her throat he gave her a concerned glance before turning his attention fully to Filthy Rich. “One” Moonstone began, “I doubt very much sir that you have any idea as to how I ‘feel’ about this whole entire situation and two, ‘what more do I want?’ Mr. Rich I want those two to actually feel some sort of remorse for what they did to my little sister. I want them to know that what they did wasn’t acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. I want to be able to send Moon Dancer to school and not have to worry if she is going to be bullied by a pair of brats that have no idea how the real world works.” Moonstone continued, “If it were up to me I would place them both into a cell and toss away the key however it is not up to me.” with anger clearly showing in his purple eyes he further added, “Therefore Mr. Rich being an attorney you know as I know that this country's laws state that both girls can be released on their own recognizance if they both agree to appear before a judge within two weeks of their internal release” trying to hold his temper in check he finished, “I am sorry but I must go through with this there for you and I will be seeing each other in court.” “Very well” Mr. Rich replied opening his briefcase he took out a file handing it to Moonstone “in that case I have already prepared this forum for you in which I will request that you release both girls into my custody” Moonstone barely believing his ears stood up watching Filthy Rich smirk as he added, “I know you're upset about this officer but I promise you I will take both girls to court within two weeks”. Setting the file down on his desk Moonstone didn’t bother to open it and read it turning to leave Moonstone snarled, “I’m going home sergeant deal with this scum as you see fit to do so” taking his radio in his hand before Starknight could say anything to him Moonstone called into it, “Dispatch this is officer Moonstone I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is Seventeen hundred hours”. “Roger that officer Moonstone ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before everyone heard over Moonstones radio, “Ten four officer you are clear to end your shift have a good night” “I can’t believe he actually did that” Filthy Rich muttered catching Starknights attention “Hey scumbag” Starknight snarled back to Filthy Rich, “can you actually blame him for storming off like that?” Turning her attention back to her phone call with Cloudy Skies sergeant Starknight gruffly added, “bring both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to my desk within ten minutes they are going...home”. Hanging up the phone she shook her head finishing, “well I hope your happy Mr. Rich now neither of those girls will learn anything from this all they will learn is that their fathers money can buy them out of any sort of trouble they get into”. “Well no now that you mention it I can’t actually blame Moonstone for storming off like that” Filthy Rich replied standing up and moving behind officer Moonstones desk chair, “Actually you would be very wrong in that statement” He added taking Moonstones chair out and sitting down receiving an angry glare from Starknight his right eyebrow quirked slightly, “now before you say something that might be ...actionable I do indeed want those girls to be punished for what they did.” leaning back in the seat he added, “believe it or not I do also want them to learn that my money and Silver Spoons father’s money can’t buy either of them out of whatever trouble they find themselves in”. Ten minutes went by before Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara appeared beside Starknights desk both girls kept their gaze fixed upon the floor. Starknight got up giving both girls a cold hard icy stare before turning her attention to Filthy Rich. “You say you want them to learn from this how do you plan on doing this”? “It’s simple” He replied getting for the last time, “I will take both girls before a city judge like I said this will be done within two weeks from today I will therefore ask the judge to sentence both girls to probation at which they will be made to pay restitution to Moon Dancer” receiving a bitter hurt glare from Diamond Tiara and a cold stare from Silver Spoon he added, “don’t even think about opening your mouth’s you two have caused enough trouble as is with your behavior” turning back to Starknight he finished, “now as I was saying, Moon Dancer will receive some sort of recompense for what these two have done. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon will also have to serve their probation at a local public school and not be allowed to attend any ivy league school until they are both in their twenties. Tell me sergeant Starknight does that suit your form of punishment?” “It is not up to me to decide who is punished or how they are punished however, I do feel that officer Moonstone might object to this but we will have to wait and see what he will do when he comes back to work tomorrow morning” getting up herself she walked over to a printer located on a nearby desk adding, “now these girls will be free to go as soon as I sign the paperwork for their release” pressing the print tab she finished, “you three should know that by me doing this I am taking the chance that both girls as well as yourself Mr. Rich are not a flight risk.” Returning with the paperwork she watched Filthy Rich and both girls sign it before finishing, “If however you do become a flight risk, then you three should know that I will ensure that the letter of the law will be fully followed through without regard to your feelings on the subject”. “Is that a threat sergeant Starknight?” Filthy Rich bitterly growled. “Oh, no not at all Mr. Rich” grinning she added, “you see I like it when fat, rich pilgarlic people such as yourselves think they are above the law.” signing the release papers herself she finished, “now if you three will please leave I am tired and I want to go home to a nice book and soft comfy couch”. Watching the three of them head to the front Starknight shut off her computer heading for the front herself stopping by the captain's office on her way out. Knocking on the door jam she entered her uncles office taking a seat at his desk watching him light a cigar she gave him a concerned questionable look receiving a mild smirk in return. “I take it your dealings with Mr. Rich and those two brats are over with” Duke Whisker asked, “I overheard some of it are you going to stay long enough to find out why those three lads in holding didn’t make a phone call and why they seem to not want a lawyer even though it is by state law their fundamental right to have one.” “Darn-it I knew I forgot to do something” Starknight grumbled under her breath getting up she quickly added, “yes sir I’ll take care of that right now”. Heading back to her desk she picked up her phone dialed up Cloudy Skies and waited for to answer “Come on pick up already” she grumbled irritatedlytapping her foot “will you pick---” “Hello this is Solar Toes how may I help you” “This is sergeant Starknight, Solar Toes I need to know why Gust Comet and his two friends have refused their phone call and a lawyer” “Ah, yes those idiots” He replied “well when I heard about that from Cloudy Skies I had to ask those three idiots myself that same question” “And what did they tell you Solar?” Starknight asked clearly confused by Gust Chaser and his two friends decision. “They told me its because they don’t want to embarrass their folks by asking them to help them out of this”. Solar Toes replied adding, “is there anything else I can help you with sergeant? Oh, you should know that Cloudy Skies and her partner Fancy Wish-star have signed out for the night. So if you want to talk to them, they'll be in at five tomorrow night.” Hanging up the phone without a ‘thank you’ to officer Solar Toes sergeant Starknight headed back to the captain's office watching him pack his briefcase she knocked on the door jam. Looking up from his work he motioned for her to enter his office shaking her head she pulled out a chair taking a seat placing the last of his things into his briefcase Duke Whiskers sighed. “What's wrong? You look like the cat that got caught eating the canary”. “Oh, it’s nothing really it’s just that I can’t figure out why those idiots who Moonstone and I busted earlier today at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ would want to sit in jail rather than try to get out”. “I see” he replied locking his briefcase “listen don’t waste your time worrying about those idiots try to help the ones that you can and let the law and courts deal with people like those fools” gesturing towards the lobby and the rest of the precinct he and Starknight walked out of the office with Duke closing the door behind him. “Now hon-er-I mean sergeant Starknight if you don’t mind I have a pitcher of lemonade and orange juice waiting for me at home I would suggest to you that you also head home and stay off your feet for the next four days”. “Yes uncle I’ll do that” she sullenly replied. Heading back to her computer Starknight pressed the button on her shoulder radio adding, “Dispatch this sergeant Starknight I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is seventy fourty five hours”. “Roger that sergeant, ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before Starknight heard, “Alright officer you are ten - four on that you may end your shift have a good night sergeant”. Starknight made sure everything was in proper order before making her way to the women's locker room entering the locker room a few minutes later. With a very tired sigh she headed to her locker opened it and took off her duty belt. Taking her Gloc twenty-two forty caliber handgun out of its holster she set it on a bench next to her. Taking her Ruger LC9 handgun out from her holster on her left leg she set that on the bench next to her Gloc. Taking her uniform shirt off and paints off she stood in her bra and panties letting her thoughts drift back to her time in Manehatten. Opening her eyes he gaze fell to a slightly worn out photo tucked just behind the door of her locker. “Why” Starknight thought. "Why did it have to happen"? The photo showed a young girl in her mid twenties with shoulder-length purple, green and blue hair sparkling cozy sapphire eyes and soft lush lavender skin. The girl was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater over a white button down blouse and peach colored mini skirt. “God I miss you” picking up her Gloc twenty-two while still in just her underwear she took out the magazine placing it onto the bench next to her continuing to think “It should have---” her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of another gun’s slide being slid back and forth and the sound of another magazine being equipped to it. “No don’t you dare think like that Starknight” she said to herself catching another female officer's attention. “Hey kiddo, you OK honey” a soft voice shook Starknight out of her current state of mind and back to reality. “Huh? What”? Starknight replied looking into the soft warm eyes of another officer. “Hey kiddo’ it’s me Berry Chiming you know Lieutenant Shinning's cousin the ass-hat that you decked two years ago for being a pig”. Seeing how upset Starknight was Berry Chiming gently pulled her into a warm hug whispering into her ear, “I know honey, you miss her, I too miss her as well, but you do have family here and colleges that care about you”. Ending the much needed hug Starknight wiped a hand over her eyes scoffing at herself taking up her Ruger LC9 she took out the magazine placing both the gun into her locker and the magazine next to her on the bench. Giving Berry Chiming a smile Starknight sighed, “Thanks for that I ...needed that any how I need to get dressed and head home.” “Ok, well you call me if you need anything dear alright?” Berry Chiming said with a sincere smile. “Oh, before I head out I thought you might want to know there is a poker game at Nickels tomorrow night and I-er-umm”. realizing Berry Chimming was checking her out Starknight blushed replying, "go a head and say it Berry I won't say anything I promise". "Well I um, th-think you look very beautiful standing there in your undergarments" she replied her face turned beat red clearing her throat she added, "Anyways about that poker game I am sure there will be a extra chair for you that is if you want to join us, the game will be at six". "Thanks Berry" looking herself over as she stood in her bra and panties Starknight blushed, "I guess I needed someone to tell me that I was still beautiful considering all the scars I have as for that game I might take you up on that offer". Watching her leave the women's restroom Starknight returned to putting her things away putting her Ruger LC9 into her locker and picking up her gloc she slid the slide back taking out the bullet inside of it. Picking up the magazine for it she placed the single bullet into it placing both the gun and magazine separately back into her locker doing the same to her Ruger LC9. "There now that is done I just have to get dressed and be on my way" Starknight muttered to herself. Once she was satisfied that she had completed her gun safety inspection she sighed giving herself one last look over before taking out her civilian clothing. Taking a blue t-shirt out of her locker and putting it on she quickly took out a pair of blue jeans and sneakers she slipped them on and proceeded to place her uniform pants and shoes into her locker. Closing her locker Starknight headed back to the front of the precinct heading outside to her car parked across the street seeing Filthy Rich was still at the precinct she approached him. “Why are you still here Mr. Rich” she asked. “Huh, oh, the car won’t start so I am waiting for my tow truck operator to show he’ll tow it then we can leave”. “We I in any case I am glad that I caught you before you left I wanted to say I think it’s despicable with how you are treating this situation.” receiving only a harsh scoff in return she turned to leave stopping in her tracks turning around she added, “you know maybe if your daughter and Silver Spoon had a mentor someone they can look up to for guidance and support things might have turned out quite differently for them”. “Bah!” he snarled in reply “What do you know about raising a child? Nothing! How I raise my daughter and conduct my affairs are none of your damn business” Seeing a tow truck pulling up to the curb he finished, “now unless you are going to take the job of parenting these two I need to get them home so goodbye!” Shaking her head Starknight left crossing the street getting to her car a few minutes later opening the front door to her vehicle she thought, “Maybe Moonstone is right maybe I should become a mentor to someone that needs my help” getting in she started up her car continuing to think, “perhaps if I do that then the person that I help might not turn out to be like those brats Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon” pulling out into the street she said to herself, “I know just who to mentor”. A half hour passed before Starknight pulled into her driveway parked her car and headed into her home for some much needed rest. Taking off her shoes she placed them next to the front door and headed into the kitchen making herself a cup of tea. Taking the tea into the living room she sat down on her couch picking up a book reading several chapters and sipping her tea before heading to bed.
August 3rd, Wednesday 5:36 pm part eighteenPulling into his driveway Mr. Macpherson put the car into park looking at the clock on the dashboard he saw it was five thirty six in the evening. Reaching over to his door console he pressed the unlock button getting out of the car. Thinking he had unlocked the back passenger side door as well and forgetting about the child safety locks he headed towards the house. “Let’s see keys, wallet cell phone” he muttered to himself, “yeah I didn’t forget anything” Opening the foyer closet he was hit with a nearly overpowering smell of rotten bird seed. Grimencing he shook his head, “I wish I had taken care of this stuff yesterday like I said I was going to” he thought, “man this stuff reeks” Shortly being followed by Fluttershy who also forgot about the child safety locks. “Dad did you remember to take out that old bird seed like you had promised mom two weeks ago” He heard Fluttershy ask, getting to the front door she opened it adding “I don’t want Sunset to be offended by that foul smell that stuff has caused” she sniffed the air frowning giving her father a flat look of disappointment., “by the smell of things I can see you didn’t do it”. “You’re right honey I forgot ...again” he replied “I’ll take care of this in a just a little bit” giving her a sheepish grin he finished, “I promise to take care of it today.'' Knowing her father's promise to take care of the bird seed really meant he would let it go for another two weeks Fluttershy decided action was clearly called for. Placing a hand over her nose Fluttershy took a hold of a trash can located at the back of the foyer dragging it outside and towards the curb she shook her head. “I can’t believe dad didn’t take care of this” she muttered to herself adding, “well at least it is taken care of now” Heading back towards the house she stopped next to the car noticing Sunset was still in the car “Why isn’t she getting out” she thought, “I better see what’s going on”. knocking on the back left passenger window she said out loud, “Why are you still in the car Sunset”? “The door is stuck” she replied, “I can’t” watching her struggle to open the door Fluttershy giggled softly hoping Sunset wouldn’t notice, “ugh, get this silly door open”. She heard Sunset finish. “Come on open up you silly door”. “Ok hold on” Fluttershy said, placing her hand on the door handle, opening the door for Sunset she finished “there now you can step out”. “I can’t believe I got stuck in your car Fluttershy” Shaking her head Sunset grabbed her backpack from the back seat groaning in irritation she grumbled under her breath, “stupid car”. “Hey now it’s not the cars’ fault you couldn’t get the door open” she heard Fluttershy begin just above a soft whisper, “if anything or anyone is actually at fault here its my father for not opening the door for you and I too am ...at fault as well because I didn’t tell you about the child safety locks”. “Why did your father put those child locks on your families car Fluttershy I mean your not a little kid?” “First my father didn’t put them onto the car Sunset they have always been there” Fluttershy replied, “and second well you see three years ago my little brother tried to jump out of the car while it was still moving.” Getting up to the house with Sunset in tow Fluttershy opened the door, adding, “So since then dad has used them and every now and then he forgets to unlock them”. Realizing her mistake and the error made by both of them Sunset began to laugh hearing her laugh Fluttershy joined in. Following Fluttershy into her house Sunset watched her open the foyer closet the pungent smell from the rotten bird seed quickly filled Sunsets nostrils. Setting her backpack down next to the door she coughed, trying hard to hide her disgust. “By the Centaurion guards” she thought, “what is that foul smell?!” Noticing Sunset was covering her nose with her hand Fluttershy offered her a sheepish grin gently laying her hands on Sunsets shoulders. Looking into Fluttershy’s eyes Sunset sighed resigning herself to deal with the foul smell coming from Fluttershy's foyer closet. Taking a breath she watched Fluttershy enter the fetid room Sunset shook her head. “I can’t believe dad didn’t air this out let alone clean it out when he had the chance” Fluttershy muttered “well no matter, I guess what is done is well ...done”. Wanting to be a polite guest Sunset kept quiet about it guessing Fluttershy already knew about it. Following Fluttershy into the foyer, she watched her take her boots off placing them onto a boot mat near the back. Kneeling Sunset began to untie her right boot stopping half way down the boot shaft standing back up a look of concern showed on her face. “Uh, F-Fluttershy you umm, more than likely don’t want me to take off my boots”. “Oh, why’s that Sunset?” she replied with a puzzled look. “Trust me Fluttershy” Sunset replied sternly “you really don’t want me to take my boots off”. Leaning against the wall of the foyer Sunset folded her arms over her chest, letting out a hard sigh. Looking away the look of concern she had a few seconds ago became a look of shame. Feeling soft warm hands gently pressing on her shoulders she looked back locking eyes with Fluttershy. “I hope she doesn’t get too upset with me for doing this” Fluttershy thought offering Sunset a warm smile she knelt untying Sunsets left boot before Sunset could protest Fluttershy moved to Sunsets right boot untying it. “I can’t believe how soft and subtle her leg feels in my hand” she continued to think placing both of her hands behind Sunsets right leg.” “I can do this by myself Fluttershy”. Sunset said with slight irritation in her voice. “Why am I enjoying the sensation of her hands around my leg?” Sunset began to think. Out loud she added, “This is causing me to become rather ...nervous Fluttershy.” Feeling Fluttershy’s warm soft hand against her calf Sunset gulped closing her eyes she began to tremble “Besides, I really don’t want to upset your parents who might not like the idea you doing this”. Ignoring her words Fluttershy gently lifted Sunset right leg out of her boot quickly followed by her left leg. Once Sunset was standing in the foyer without her boots on Fluttershy picked up Sunset’s leather boots placing them on a boot mat located a few feet from the foyer door. Taking Sunset by her hand she led her downstairs to the laundry room and bathroom. “This is our downstairs bathroom and laundry room Sunset” leading her into the laundry and shower room she added, “here you will find everything you need to take a warm relaxing shower and to do your laundry”. “Uh, o-ok” Sunset replied clearly a little nervous, thinking to herself she thought, “why is she being so nice to me none of this makes any sense?” Looking around Sunset saw a shower with sliding curtain, toilet, mirrored cabinet, linen closet and clothing rack hanging on the way above a washing and drying machine. Letting go of Sunset’s hand Fluttershy headed out of the room and around the corner into an adjacent room returning with a folding screen a few seconds later. Placing it in the middle of the room she opened it and gestured towards a wall mounted retractable clothing rack. “You go behind the folding screen and place everything you are currently wearing on the folding rack then hop into the shower”. turning to face her, she added, “I will take your coat and give it to my mother so she can sew and repair it for you” heading towards the door she stopped adding, “I’ll also go get you some warm clothing to wear tonight while you do your laundry”. “Alright” she replied stepping behind the changing screen and thinking it best to not go into too much detail about her life before she got to Equestria she continued, “I am not sure what type of soap to use for my leather coat Fluttershy though I do know how to wash my shirt and mini skirt” “You’re joking right? Sunset you do know you can’t put leather into a washing machine” Fluttershy asked clearly confused “Why would you want to wreck such a nice looking coat as this Sunset?” “Wreck my coat? Fluttershy I don’t want to wreck it I only want to clean it” Sunset replied “Besides I am sure that my coat has gotten rather dirty over the last two months so it needs to be cleaned” “Well you won’t get any arguments out of me about that Sunset”. taking Sunsets coat from the top of the changing screen Fluttershy looked it over thinking, “wow, I can’t believe how badly damaged her coat is, mom might not be able to repair this like I thought” seeing two large long tares in the back of it and several rips on both sleeves she sighed. “Sunset” Fluttershy said out loud, “I have a few things to take care before I help you with your laundry” She watched further as Sunset tossed her shirt and mini skirt over the folding rack next to the shower. “I’ll be back in a little bit”. “Ok Fluttershy” she replied. Looking at the shower itself she saw it had one single knob instead of three knobs completely unsure how to turn it on, she added, “Hey wait before you go can you tell me how I am supposed to turn on your shower Fluttershy?” “Oh, you um, turn the nozzle to the left and pull it out that should turn it on,” she replied, “Then you turn the nozzle located above the faucet to the left or right depending on how hot or cold you want the water to be”. Sliding the shower curtain to one side and doing as instructed Sunset turned it on and waited for a few minutes before sticking her hand into the shower to test the water. Feeling that the water wasn’t the right temperature she took a seat on the toilet. A few minutes went by before she stood up again testing the water a second time seeing it was still a bit too cold to the touch she frowned in irritation. Becoming rather impatient she turned the knob as far right as she could, hoping the water would heat up faster. Finally after what seemed like forever the water began to warm up breathing in the warm steam coming from the shower Sunset sat back down allowing herself to relax a bit. “This feels nice” she thought closing her eyes she let herself fall into trance light state “I wonder if Fluttershy ever does this?” “Sunset I was wondering something?” She heard Fluttershy ask, her eyes snapped open breaking her out of her relaxed trance rolling her eyes Sunset listened as Fluttershy added, “Why don’t you know how to turn on a shower?” “Fluttershy I know how to turn on a shower!” Sunset snapped grimencing she sighed “I was just unsure how to turn on this type of shower is all I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.” “It’s alright Sunset” She replied “I understand I asked a foolish question”. “No you didn’t ask a ‘foolish question’ Fluttershy there was no reason for me to snap at you” getting up Sunset stepped into the shower adding,“The style of showers that I am used to using” she closed the curtain adding, “are the ones with three knobs instead of one knob” taking a bar of soap from the shelf inside the shower she began to wash herself down, “can you tell me why you didn’t get upset for how badly my socks and for that matter how badly my clothing smells.” putting the soap away she rinsed off finishing, “I mean with me being homeless it's not like I can actually afford to pay anyone to wash my clothing”. “I don’t understand Sunset how can you be homeless when you have only been here for about six months?” wanting to know more Fluttershy added, “and for that matter why didn’t you ask for help before now? I am sure you could have gotten help before now”. “Four months prior to my current situation I had a home with a rather nice couple through them I learned much about your food, movies, places of interest, how to cook and how do laundry”. Closing her eyes Sunset thought of those that took her in during her first four months in the human world, “I have only been living on the streets for the past two months the point is Fluttershy” she bitterly added picking up a conditioner bottle, “I haven’t always been homeless” lathering up some of the conditioner she continued, “As for the for the part of why I didn’t ask for help until now I really highly doubt anyone would have actually wanted to help me”. Washing out the conditioner and wanting to change the subject, she added, “I am sorry but, I really don’t feel like talking about this any further Fluttershy.” picking up the soap again she washed herself down a second time adding, “I am sorry that my clothing stinks Fluttershy”. “Sunset” Fluttershy began taking Sunsets clothing and placing them into the washing machine“I have smelled way more foul things than your clothing” Turning to leave she added, “I’m going to take care of my stuff now Sunset I’ll be back in a little bit. Oh, Sunset what size pants do you wear?” “I must be a fool for coming here with her” she thought Sunset let the warm water wash down her body, “I know this won’t last nothing ever does.” Turning around she laid her back against the wall of the shower sliding down she pulled her legs close to her chest she began to sob. “By Centauria I wish there was someone there for me that actually wanted to take care of ...me”. Laying her head into her arms she continued, “That is why when Fluttershy is asleep I’ll simply leave” calming down a bit she shut off the water wiping a hand over her eyes “no one wanted me around then and no one wants me around now” sniffing she finished, “not ...ever”. Not hearing Sunsets words or the showering haven been turned off Fluttershy entered an adjacent room next to the room Sunset was in. She smiled seeing her little rabbit nibbling on some hay in his cage. Setting Sunsets coat down next to the cage she knelt watching her little rabbit hop about inside his cage. The cage sat on a small wooden table in the center of the room Angel Bunny playfully hopped about minding his own business and paying little attention to Fluttershy. “Alright hold on Angel Bunny I’ll let you out in a second” Fluttershy softly said adding, “then you and I can go upstairs and give mom Sunset’s coat”. Opening his cage she took him out petting his soft fury head carrying him in her arms upstairs remembering to take Sunsets coat with her. Getting upstairs a few minutes later Fluttershy carried Angel Bunny and Sunsets coat up to her room setting both down on her bed. Hearing music coming from her little brothers room located across from her own she stepped into the hallway finding her little brother in his room playing video games. “Come on, come on just a little further” Zephyr said rapidly pressing the buttons on his controller watching him for a few seconds she shook her head, “Woohoo” she listened to him yell having scored on his game “It's about time I got past that level” Deciding to leave it up to her parents to deal with him she returned to her own room walking up to her dresser and opening it. Taking out an unopened pink shirt with a red and yellow sun printed on the front of it she turned around watching Angel Bunny as he hopped off the bed landing in a laundry basket next to her bed. Setting the unopened packaged down she took out another unopened pajama package setting it on top of the first one. Closing the drawer she picked up both packages taking a seat on her bed placing both packages next to her before picking up Angel Bunny placing him next to her. “I hope I was wrong about Sunset not being able to see in color”she whispered gently petting her rabbit as he sniffed the edges of both packages she added, “but I don’t see how I could be wrong about that seeing as how she got both the color of the shirt I gave her and the color of my skirt wrong”. looking over the pajamas again she muttered to herself out loud, “these should fit Sunset nicely and I think this yellow and red sun pattern will look so cute on her as well.'' Picking up the pajamas, Sunsets coat, and her rabbit Fluttershy placed all three into her laundry basket carrying all three downstairs and into the kitchen. Finding her mother sitting at the kitchen table drinking a mug of tea Fluttershy set the basket down letting Angel Bunny hop out of the basket onto the kitchen floor much to her mother's annoyance. Mrs McPherson stood up trying hard not to step on Angel Bunny in the process setting her mug of tea down on the table. “Honestly honey why can’t you take Angel Rabbit outside where he belongs,” her mother scolded adding “A house is no place for a rabbit”. “Angel Bunny” she corrected getting an annoyed look for her mother in return clearing her throat Fluttershy continued, “Mom he doesn’t like being out in the cold” hugging Angel Bunny she added, “besides I could never just kick him out of our house,” Ending the hug she gave Angel Bunny she added “why that would be the same as kicking him out of my heart and I can’t do that” standing up while Angel Bunny started to hop all over the kitchen floor Fluttershy gave her mother a soft smile finishing, “Sunset is downstairs taking her shower I have her coat here and I was hoping you could look at it for me”. Much to Fluttershy’s shock Angel Bunny hopped upon the kitchen counter knocking over several pots and pans. Quickly placing Sunset’s coat over one of the five kitchen table chairs Fluttershy offered her mother a very sheepish grin. Hopping off the counter Fluttershy watched her rabbit hop over to the kitchen table on one of the five chairs and on top it knocking over her mother's tea mug spilling the hot tea all over the floor. Thrusting her hand out with her index finger pointed straight out Mrs. McPherson pointed to Angel Bunny who Fluttershy quickly scooped up in her arms. “Fluttershy” her mother yelped in anger “get that rabbit out of my kitchen before I turn him into a pie!” her eyes widened in shock collapsing a hand over her mouth she turned away adding, “I-I am sorry honey please forgive me” “It's alright mom I forgive you” Fluttershy said hugging Angel Bunny, “And Angel Bunny forgives you too” Looking at him she continued “Angel you didn’t mean to knock over those pots and pans or to spill mom’s tea did you sweety?” Setting him down she followed him into the living room and down the hallway toward her father's office getting to the door she opened it watching him scamper inside hiding under a large bookshelf. “I doubt you’ll get into trouble if you stay here Angel Bunny” she muttered shutting the door and returning to the kitchen a few seconds later picking up Sunsets coat she showed it to her mother, “Sunsets coat needs to be fixed I was hoping you could look at it for me mom”. “Well let's see what I am working with here honey” Taking the coat from her daughter Mrs. Macperson held it up to the light getting a really good look at it Fluttershy’s mother exclaimed, “Wow”, turning it around she held it up to the light fully looking it over “Fluttershy, honey what happened to this coat?” “Her coat got like that during the Fall Formal three days ago” finished cleaning up the mess made by her rabbit Fluttershy held the soiled cloth over the sink wringing it out. “I kinda already told Sunset that you might be able to sew it and perhaps fix it for her” “Honey I don’t know if I can fix this but I will at least try my best” she replied setting it back upon the back of the chair she added, “Listen I’ll see what I can do you run along now sweetheart, oh before you take off I noticed your altar could use some cleaning but there is no rush for this”. “Alright thanks, mom” Fluttershy said heading outside towards her altar getting up to it she saw it was covered in green algae “Yeesh if Angelic saw this she would throw a fit I know mother lets this stuff slide every now and then but this is truly a mess.” Looking up towards the sky Fluttershy saw a few grey clouds forming in the distance “I should also do a cleansing as well before I clean this off besides I don’t think it will rain tonight.” Pressing her hand to her chest she gripped a circular piece of metal hidden under her shirt whispering, “Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals, and Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature please send me a sign that I am indeed doing the right thing with Sunset Shimmer. And if it's not too much trouble could you also show Zephyr that you are indeed real?” Heading back inside she thought, “Perhaps Sunset would like to help me clean off my altar after all it might actually be fun for her to help with this”. Getting back downstairs a few minutes later Fluttershy headed into the other room and opened a closet finding several packs of hay, pellets and a mini refrigerator plugged into the wall. Opening it she took out a bag of fresh veggies. “Lets see I got his hay, pellets and veggies” she began muttering to herself “now all I need is fresh water for his dish” setting everything on top of the cage she began to head towards the laundry room stopping in her tracks, “Oh wait Sunset won’t like it if I just burst in and she is standing there without her clothing on” heading upstairs she finished, “I better get Angel a new water dish from upstairs”. “Fluttershy” she heard her little brother call out from the top of the steps “Fluttershy come quick you have got to come see this”. “Oh, what does that little pygmy twerp want now?!” she exclaimed, remembering her guest and her manners she let out a soft quick breath before adding, “Well I might as well go see what Zypher wants”. Getting back upstairs a few seconds later she saw Zephyr holding in his right hand a bag of chips quirking an eyebrow she folded her arms over her chest. Looking at his bag of chips he offered her a repentant smile quickly taking Fluttershy by the hand Zephyr led his sister to the living room window. Pointing out to the side yard he grinned wondering what he was grinning about Fluttershy peered out the window seeing seven white ravens all hopping about the yard. Each one was enjoying the bird seed left in the feeders located a few feet from the window a few splashed about in several bird baths. “Thank you so much for showing this to me Zephyr” she squealed with excitement hugging him tightly, “Do you have any idea what this means little brother?” “No I don’t and I don’t care” he scoffed wrinkling his nose he added “I showed you them because I thought you liked birds besides what's the big deal their just ravens” suddenly receiving a hug from Fluttershy he whined, “H-hey let go” struggling to free himself from his sisters embrace he finished, “Aw come on Fluttershy let go already”. “It means that the goddesses and gods are smiling upon us Zephyr and it also means that I am doing something right and it also means that they are real”. Fluttershy began ending the hug she added, “I asked the goddesses Thokarae, Goddess Of Animals, and Kozyja, Goddess Of Nature to send me a sign showing me that I was doing something right with Sunset and they did”. Counting all seven ravens one by one she finished, “there are seven of them out there and all of them are white which means Thokarae and her twin sister Kozyja are giving me seven chances to do right by Sunset Shimmer”. “Yeah well whatever Fluttershy” Zephyr scoffed “look it's bad enough that mom wants you to study that Druid stuff but do you have to get me involved as well?” turning to face her he added half mockingly “besides Fluttershy you and I both know that these goddesses and gods you and mom both enjoy speaking of are nothing more than a fantasy”. Taking a seat on the couch and much to his sister irritation he continued, “now take Zel from my latest video game if these goddesses and gods were real and I am totally saying they are not but if they were real then that is for sure a goddesses I would like to meet”. “Zephyr!” his sister exclaimed her eyes widened in shocked disbelief from her little brothers behavior, “how dare you insult them in that manner especially in my presence!” Turning to head back downstairs she added, “I will be downstairs with Sunset please try to refrain from being the pest that you are”. “Hmph” he scoffed rolling his eyes, “I’m not a pest I’m just ...different”. “Zephyr stop bugging your sister” their mother called out from the kitchen “and Fluttershy” “Yes mom” she replied. “Your brother has the right to say and think what he wants whether it is in your presence or not the goddesses and gods will judge his words accordly” coming around the corner with a concerned look on her face Mrs. Macpherson added, “There for honey it is not your place to judge your brother for his actions or words that he has spoken to you” gently pulling her daughter into a warm hug she finished, “do you understand honey?” “Yes mom I do” she replied gratefully returning the hug “I’ll be downstairs with Sunset for a little bit we’ll come up before dinner”. Ending the hug Fluttershy headed downstairs “now I need to finish cleaning out Angels cage and get him a fresh water dish”. Heading into the kitchen Fluttershy got her dish then headed back down stairs. “Baby brothers who needs them?” she scoffed placing the pajamas next to the laundry room door “I sure don’t need Zephyr he always makes me so-so mad”. Entering the room she had been in only moments ago Fluttershy set to work cleaning out Angel Bunny’s cage. Placing fresh hay into his cage and the fresh clean water dish complete with fresh cold water for him to drink. Standing up she headed towards the steps stopping when she noticed Angel Bunny was at the top of the stairs worried for his safety she tried to catch him only to completely miss. Falling to her rear she watched him land on her head, hop off and hop through a hole in the wall leading into the laundry room. “Oh, no Sunset is going throw a fit for sure” stopping in front of the laundry room door she gulped, “I do hope Sunset won’t be upset with me for doing this”. “Well I better get up there is little to no sense in moping about” Sunset thought “at least not on this cold hard floor with my head in my arms.” Having emotionally pulled herself together enough to stand up she slid the shower curtain open stepping out of the shower still dripping wet. “Though I did enjoy that shower” she muttered closing her eyes she folded her arms over her chest adding, “I should have asked Fluttershy to bring down that shirt she gave me” suddenly feeling something soft and fuzzy brush against her toes her eyes snapped open, “What the heck was that?!” she screamed, putting a hand over her heart she looked down seeing Angel Bunny hopping about the floor. “Oh, umm hi there” she finished, “how did you get in here” Hearing the laundry room door open and close she poked her head around the folding screen watching Fluttershy turn on the washer. Ducking back behind the folding screen she laughed to herself feeling a little foolish having been scared by a simple creature like a bunny. Still dripping wet and feeling the cold air on her bare skin she began to shiver, her teeth began to clatter the sound quickly caught Fluttershy’s attention. “Sunset there are fresh clean towels in the linen closet behind you” She heard Fluttershy call out to her “feel free to use one or two so you can dry off” holding up the pajamas for her to take Fluttershy finished, “Here are the warm clothes I promised you I hope you don’t mind the color pink Sunset I don’t have any other color of these to give you”. “I don't mind pink at all” she replied, muttering to herself she added, "even though I suffer from achromatopsia so I can't see anything in color at all" taking out a towel from the linen closet Sunset dried off looking up she took the pajamas from Fluttershy quickly getting dressed, “Ah yes, that is much better,” she muttered looking herself over coming out from behind the folding screen and wanting to know a little bit more Fluttershy’s pet Sunset added, “Fluttershy what is your rabbits name?” coming out from behind the changing screen she finished, “h-how do I lo-look?” “You look absolutely alluring Sunset” she replied looking her over Fluttershy watched her spin around giving a noticeable whistle. “I think those clothes suit you nicely” Watching Sunset take a seat on the cold hard floor she took a seat across from her adding “My bunnies name is Angel Bunny and he is a Blanc De Hotot” feeling him sniff her hand she gently reached out softly stroking his fury head, “when your ready would you like to hold him for a little bit Sunset”? Blinking in disbelief Sunset gulped clearly showing signs she was completely unsure what to do or say. Gently picking up her bunny Fluttershy carefully held him in her arms kneeling in front of Sunset who looked slightly worried Fluttershy placed her pet into Sunsets arms. Softly slowly stroking his fury body Fluttershy sat back down watching Sunset hold him clearly unsure what to do next. “What do I do now Fluttershy”? Sunset asked. “Well Sunset” she replied “you can either hold him like you are doing now or you can gently stroke his fur with your hand allowing the warmth of his little body to fill you with good feelings and happy thoughts”. “Like this?” Sunset stroked Angel Bunnies fury body making sure to hold him gently but firmly in her arms keeping his rump on her right forearm and his head against her left shoulder. “Am I doing this right Fluttershy? I feel like I am going to drop him and I don’t want to do that”. “Yes you are doing fine.” watching Sunset gently stroke Angel Bunnies furry body she added, “Doesn’t it feel good to be lulled into a relaxing state of mind”. “Yes it does feel good to hold a bunny in my arms” unsure of what to say next she added, “what do I say” looking down she began to mutter to herself, “oh, come on Sunset there has to be something you can say to her to show her you are grateful to hold this bunny in your arms” Catching Fluttershy's attention Sunset looked up her eyes widened knowing Fluttershy had heard every word she said slightly gulping she continued, “Fluttershy Kirimvoāīē Bin'ühva” receiving a very confused look from Fluttershy she finished, “Did I say something wrong Fluttershy?” Blinking a couple of times Fluttershy slightly tilted her head to the right trying to figure out what Sunset had just said to her. Pressing a finger to her own lips she tapped her lower lip chewing on her lower lip and index finger. Looking down she closed her eyes reminding herself that Sunset had spoken to her about being able to speak more than one language. “Sunset I know you said to me something about being able to speak other languages” finally looking back up she finished, “but can you please tell me what you were trying to say to me a few moments ago”. “Oh I um-er I mean” realizing her mistake Sunset looked away trying hard not to show her shame and disesteem, feeling a soft hand under her chin she looked back seeing only friendship showing in Fluttershy’s eyes. “I was trying” Sunset began “to tell how you much I appreciate you allowing me to hold your severvent” “Severvent? Sunset, Angel Bunny is my friend not my servant” seeing a look of perplexed concern and confusion Fluttershy gently laid her hand on Sunsets right knee adding, “Tell you what, how about you teach me your native language and in return I’ll help you to become better at knowing what too actually say to someone and how to say it” “Ok that sounds like it might work” Sunset replied “and Fluttershy I am sorry I thought Angel Bunny was a servant” “That’s alright I know you are struggling right now and I forgive you” Fluttershy replied. Standing up Fluttershy motioned for Sunset to join her bringing her and Angel Bunny into the room adjacent to the laundry room hearing the washer buzzer go off she quickly added, “You and Angel Bunny stay here while I transfer your clothing into the dryer I’ll be right back in just a few seconds”. Heading out of the room Fluttershy returned a few minutes later opening the closet she took out a small bag of carrots handing one to Sunset.“Here we can use these as treats for Ang---” Thinking Fluttershy was offering her something to eat Sunset took the carrot in her hands taking a bite out of it “Did you just eat that carrot Sunset?” Fluttershy asked “please tell me you didn’t just eat that carrot”. “Yes I did it was really good” Sunset replied, “I thought you were offering me something to eat so I ate it” hearing her own stomach churn, grumble and growl she laid a hand over her stomach adding, “Sorry Fluttershy I was thinking with my stomach and not with my head”. “Its alright Sunset” handing her another carrot she continued, “now this one is for Angel Bunny alright?” taking a seat on the warm soft carpeted floor she added, “Now Sunset instead of saying what you said only a few minutes ago, why don’t you say ‘Thank you’ that is what is normally said when someone wants to show their appreciation towards someone else or for receiving something” clearing her throat she added, “case in point” gesturing towards Sunsets hand and the carrot she finished, “the carrot”. “What? Oh, um” looking at the carrot Sunset added, “Uh, th-thank you for the um food”. Receiving an expectant look from Fluttershy she continued, “Thank you for the uh, er-umm clothing and shower” realizing she had forgotten something but unsure what it was she looked down finishing,“I’m never going to get this to work am I Fluttershy?” “Yes you will Sunset you just have to work on it a little bit” wanting to know a little bit more about her Fluttershy added, “So what does Kiri mvo āīē Bin' ühva mean anyways Sunset?” Hearing Fluttershy accurately speak the words she herself had said only a few seconds ago Sunset decided to start teaching Fluttershy her native language. “It means ‘I and your servant are forever one’ the word ‘Kiri’ means ‘I’, in my natative language, the word ‘mvo’ means ‘and your’ likewise the word ‘aie’ means ‘servant’. Just as the word ‘bin’ means ‘one’ and the last word ‘uhva’ means ‘forever’ so when you put it all together, it sounds like this ‘Kirimvo āīēBin' ühva’. So what you are saying to someone when you say this to them is that you are offering to serve them forever as you are now that person's personal severant” looking at the carrot she added, “now you try Fluttershy” holding up the carrot she continued “vi^sut” “Ok but before I try it I want you to know Sunset that I would never offer to become someone else’s servant because to me at least that sounds an awful like slaverly” Looking at the carrot in Sunsets hand Fluttershy replied, “carrot” receiving a nod she added, “so the word vi^sut means carrot am I correct in this Sunset?” Choosing to let Fluttershy’s words to her go Sunset replied, “Yes, however, if you drop ‘ut’ at the end of that word it becomes something else entirely so if I were to say to you ‘vi^s’ I would be instead saying ‘fork’ rather than carrot”. Sunset thought to herself, “I am so glad she is not in the land that I am from she wouldn’t last five minutes there she would be sent to the coliseum and that would be that for her”. “Okay let me try” taking a breath Fluttershy closed her eyes slowly opening them she continued, “Vi^s” “Very good Fluttershy” Sunset replied. “I really like being able to teach you my native language.” pressing a finger to her chin, she continued, “I was wondering Fluttershy can you tell me how to respond to someone else when they have said the word ‘thank you’ to me?” watching Angel Bunny hop out of the room and into the short hallway she added, “I still find it hard to believe he isn’t a servant”. “Trust me Sunset my bunny is no ones servant” Fluttershy added, “and in this world you would say ‘you're welcome’ or ‘you are welcome’ getting up she finished, “Sunset you really do need to understand that Angel Bunny is my friend perhaps my only ...friend” “Whoa wait a minute Fluttershy” she replied her eyes widened in shock, standing up herself Sunset added, “what about Rainbow Dash, Applejack Sower, Rarity Gentry and Pinkamena Diane Pie I thought they were your friends”. “While they are my friends now Sunset” Fluttershy replied heading out into the hallway to check on Angel Bunny she continued, “I am afraid to tell you this but not one of them was there for me when” looking down she finished, “well you know”. “Yeah ...I ...know”. Finding Angel Bunny just past the laundry room door Sunset knelt picking him giving him a hug “I really don’t deserve to be in your home or to be anywhere near you” “Let’s face it Sunset you were pretty awful to me” taking a seat on the floor with Angel Bunny still in Sunsets arms Fluttershy watched Sunset sit down in front of her, Fluttershy added, “I didn’t like it when you bullied me Sunset. It made me feel less of a person and more like a coward all those times you said mean things to me I wanted to say mean things back”. Swallowing hard and fighting back her tears she finished, “The reason I didn’t is because I knew that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to come back from that.'' “And all the while you kept backing down I kept enjoying it seeing you cower before me made me feel better about ...myself” Setting Angel Bunny down Sunset fought back her tears letting out a languished sigh of frustration and anger at her behavior before and during the Fall Formal. “Fluttershy I don’t know how else to atone for what I did to you other than to beg your forgiveness even though I know I am not worthy of a second chance”. Looking at Sunsets face and into her eyes Fluttershy saw a look of pure profound sadness and regret carved on her face and in her eyes. Watching her Sunset stand back up Fluttershy quickly got up as well following Sunset into the laundry room she watched her check her laundry clearly fighting back her tears. Wanting to help her Fluttershy laid her hands on Sunsets shoulders pulling her into a very much needed warm hug. “Hey don’t worry about it Sunset” Fluttershy spoke softly into Sunsets ear just above a whisper, “You are more than on your way to gaining new friends and becoming a new, better and much happier person”. Holding her dry clothing in her hands Sunset returned the hug feeling safe and secure in Fluttershy’s arms. Ending the hug Sunset sniffed folding up her laundry heading back into the room she sat back down on the floor with Angel Bunny hopping into her lap. “I don’t feel as if I am ‘on the way to gaining new friends and becoming a new, better and much happier person’ in fact I feel like I am always going to be like this” Sunset said placing her laundry down next to her, trying hard to contain her tears she added, “I wish I knew why Twilight just left me in this world instead of taking me back to Equestria but the answer is obvious I was clearly exiled”. “That will be quite enough of that Sunset Shimmer!” Flutteshy rebuked trying to hide her anger towards Sunset for having put herself down again “Listen to me it doesn’t matter what Twilight has or has not done. What does matter is what you do with your second chance that you are right now this very second being given” scooting over to her Fluttershy looked directly into Sunsets eyes seeing Sunsets eyes were becoming teary Fluttershy added, “So tell me Sunset Shimmer are you going to waste this second chance by spending all your time moping about feeling sorry for yourself or are you actually going to get off your rear and do something about this?'' “I don’t know” she replied, pulling her legs in close to her chest Sunset folded her arms over her knees continuing, “it just hurts knowing that she sent Twilight to retrieve the crown and didn’t bother coming herself” feeling her jaw beginning to tremble Sunset continued as best as she could, “I wanted it to be her to come after me so I could finally tell her how hurt I was when she turned her back on me all I wanted was----” her words trailed off wiping a hand over her eyes she calmed down a bit she finished, “I’m being selfish, here I am in your house as your guest and all I do is pour my heart out to you”. “It’s alright Sunset I really don’t mind at all” Fluttershy replied, adding, “but you shouldn’t put yourself down like that it doesn’t do you any good at all”. Wanting to change the subject before she could no longer contain her tears Sunset looked around for anything to talk about all she was able to find was Angel Bunny. Watching him hop out of her lap and sprawl across the floor with his hind legs facing Fluttershy and his little head facing her she gently caressed his soft fury head. “I am a little confused about one thing though Fluttershy why doesn’t Angel Bunny have any antlers?” she asked slowly petting Angel Bunny “I was also wondering if all bunnies are this soft and as well tempered as Angel Bunny is?” “Antlers? Sunset” Fluttershy giggled “he’s a rabbit not a deer.” watching Sunset slowly softly pet Angel Bunny she continued, “Hares and rabbitsare both in a family called Leporidae, but they’re separate species. Both animals have long ears, powerful back legs, and a divided upper lip. However, hares are larger than rabbits. And, instead of creating burrows, hares make nests in the grass. The exposed nesting sites of hares hint at another big difference—when they’re born” a bit confused by her first question Fluttershy continued, “Sunset why did you want to know why Angel Bunny doesn’t have antlers?” “I asked because where I am from most rabbits have antlers sticking out of their heads at least the ones that wound up on the---” her voice trailed off thinking it best to not push the issue any further and not wanting to upset Fluttershy, she changed the subject, “So um, ca-can go get something to eat I am getting rather hungry”. “Sure thing Sunset” Getting up Fluttershy held her hand out to Sunset taking Fluttershy’s soft, warm hand into her own Sunset let Angel Bunny hop out of her arms and around the corner. “come on Sunset let's go see if dad has ordered dinner yet”. Heading towards the stairs Fluttershy suddenly stopped causing Sunset to bump into her, “Oh, wait I forgot about Angel Bunny I can’t let him stay down here without supervision”. Wanting to help and show she had started to change her behavior Sunset turned around as Angel Bunny hopped into the laundry room. Rolling her eyes she sighed following him into the laundry room watching him hopping about the floor. Angel Bunny hopped towards the shower sniffing the edge of it then hopped back towards Sunset stopping half way between her and the shower. “Hey you” she said kneeling, “Fluttershy said you can’t be down here without supervision so that means you need to come upstairs with the two of us” Holding her arms out she watched him tentatively hop towards her “There you go little guy” she added gently wrapping her arms around him, “see I won’t hurt you”. Picking him up she carried him out of the laundry room placing him into Fluttershy’s arms softly petting his head. Both girls upon getting upstairs found Fluttershy’s parents and little brother watching Tv setting Angel Bunny down Fluttershy sat down next to him petting him. Picking up the Tv remote Mr. Machperson pressed the mute button much to Zephyr’s annoyance. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy begin “I know you have already met my father and you met my mother at school two days ago” gesturing towards her little brother Fluttershy continued,“the little lump on the couch there is my little brother ...Zephyr” Leaning in she whispered in Sunset’s ear, “don’t pay any attention to my little brother I don’t”. Taking a seat on the couch Fluttershy patted the open space between her and Zephyr. Unsure what to do Sunset tentatively sat down “Now that you both are up here I will order our food” turning his attention to Sunset he added, “Sunset would you like to watch a movie or game show?” “Uh, ok” she replied remembering Fluttershy’s words to her about ‘you’re welcome and ‘thank you’ she continued, “I would like to say thank you for allowing me into your home tonight”. “Sunset dear you are very welcome” Fluttershy’s mother began “we really do appreciate having you here so please feel free to come over as much as you want”. “Yes my wife is right Sunset please feel free to call our home your home” Mr. Machperson chimed in adding, “I am sure if Fluttershy has anything to say about it your going to feel right at home here” Taking out his phone he added, “I know you Fluttershy want a vegan pizza as you are a vegan” turning his attention to Sunset he added, “Sunset what would you like to have?” “Huh?” Half heartedly pointing to herself she added, “Wh-who me?” feeling Fluttershy nudge her side she finished, “well that is I um-er- I don’t know”. “Yes dear” Mrs. Macperson pleasantly stated, “What would you like on your pizza?” “Oh, I um, er-is it alright if I get a veggie pizza I don’t eat meat oh, is it also alright if there are no nuts on it as I am allergic to nuts?” swallowing hard she thought to herself, “I can’t believe it Fluttershy’s parents are actually offering to buy food for me?” “Of course it is alright Sunset” Mr. Macperson replied. “And don’t worry about there being any nuts on your pizza Sunset for you see pizza doesn’t normally come with nuts at least not that I know of that is”. “Hello this Cinnamon Goll with Pizza Buy n’go how may I take your order?” “This is Onyx McPherson I would like to order five large pizzas please.” Fluttershy’s father began “One will be a vegan pizza, the second will have Canuckistan bacon and pineapple.” Picking up the remote Mr. Macperson set it into an end table next to him taking out his wifes knitting supplies handing them to her he continued, “the third one will be stuffed crust with black olives, onions, green peppers, and extra cheese. The fourth one will have sausage, green olives and jalapenos the last pizza will be a veggie pizza”. Taking out his credit card he finished, “Do you need my credit card number ma’am?” “No sir I don’t need your credit card number I see you have ordered from us many times before” “Oh, ok” he replied, adding “how much will it all come to?” “The total comes to ninety four dollars and fifty cents that also includes the tip to the driver which is twenty dollars and a ten dollar delevery fee.” hearing groaning on his end of the phone she finished, “Oh, I forgot there is also a thirty dollar gas fee your order will be ready in about forty five minutes and will be delivered within twenty five minutes after that.'' Shaking his head, Mr. McPherson hung up his phone letting out a rough sigh feeling his wife jab his side he quickly remembered his manners. Taking the Tv remote out from the end table he un-muted the Tv grumbling under his breath another jab to his ribs from his wife quickly ended any further protest he might have had. “Everything OK dad” Fluttershy asked clearly concerned “is there anything I can do to help” “N-no honey everything is alright” glancing outside he added, “hey how about you show Sunset our backyard I am sure she would love to see it”. Seeing Sunset didn’t have any slippers on he added, “oh, wait before you go out there let me get something for Sunset to wear on her feet while you both are out there”. Getting up he headed into his office returning a few minutes with a four white shoe boxes placing them in front of Sunset he finished, “my wife and I buy these in gross in case any of our daughters uh, furry friends decides to play with them” Opening the first box Sunset saw a pair of pink fuzzy slippers taking them out she looked them over smiling. Seeing they were size twelve in teen age girls she put them on standing up she walked around a bit making sure they were comfortable enough for her feet. Sitting back down and hearing Fluttershy clear her throat Sunset blinked confused by Fluttershy's action she quickly gave Fluttershy a passing glance. “Uh Sunset the slippers” Fluttershy leaned forward whispering in Sunsets ear adding, “you forgot to thank my father for giving you those slippers”. “Oh, your right” Sunset whispered back quickly turning her attention fully to Mr. McPherson she stood up clearing her throat, “Thank you sir for the slippers they are most comfortable”. Sitting back down Sunset let out a quick short sigh, thinking, “I’ll need to work on that”. Getting up her self Fluttershy took Sunsets hand into her own leading her through the kitten into out onto the deck and into the backyard. Looking around Sunset saw a fenced in yard with several bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths lining most of the outer rim of the backyard. Walking around a bit she saw several oak, ash, weeping willow and spruce trees throughout Fluttershy’s backyard. Getting close to one of the oak trees she saw it had several ornate carvings in its bark looking at the other trees she saw each one had ornate ornaments hanging from the branches. “This is a very beautiful backyard Fluttershy” Sunset said watching several birds fly down from the trees and land in one of the birdbaths noticing two stone pillars with a stone slab across them pointing to it, she added, “Hey Fluttershy what’s that stone bench for if I may ask”? “Stone bench” she replied, looking in the direction that Sunset was pointing in she continued, “Oh this?” still fuming by her little brothers insulting words to her she thought “I’ll show that little twerp that the goddesses and gods are indeed real” turning to face Sunset out loud Fluttershy added, “It's not a bench Sunset though now that you mention it, I can see how you might confuse it for one, it's actually my altar.” walking up to it she laid her hand over the smooth marble surface finishing, “I need to wash and clean it before I pray to the goddesses and gods for giving my family a bountiful meal for our dinner tonight and for sending you to me”. “I don’t understand Fluttershy what did you mean by sending ‘you to me’ that really doesn’t make much sense” “Oh, after we all headed home the night of the Fall Formal I came out here and prayed for a fiend for you to show you the way to friendship.” listening to the birds chirp and ravens caw she continued, “I didn’t know that the goddesses and gods would actually send you to me and that I would be the one to become your friend but I am glad they did because you clearly need a friend” remembering Sunsets words to earlier in the week she added, “though we are only acquaintances right now I look very much forward to the day that I can call you ‘my friend’ Sunset.” leaning and whispering into Sunsets ear she finished, “I am more than just a little certain Sunset that day when I can call you my friend is indeed coming soon”. Not wanting to hurt Fluttershy’s feelings Sunset gulped recalling her very painful past before she had met Princess Celestia or had ever gone to Equestria. Deciding not to talk about it she instead approached the alater looking it over she saw two Obsidian Stone candlesticks each one with a green candle in it. She watched Fluttershy begin to walk around the altar in a clockwise motion with both her hands held above her head her eyes closed. “To all the goddesses and gods I know my altar is not clean but I humbly ask that you look past that.” feeling a soft breeze blowing through her hair she continued, “I hear by, call upon the goddess Danu to guide me in all things pertaining to life and teacher of knowledge come and cleans my alatar.” bowing her head she continued, “I call upon the ancient goddesses and gods to thank them for all that they have given my family and for sending Sunset to me”. “Uh, Fluttershy what you doing?'' she asked. “And what is a goddess or god?” Hearing a door open and close behind her Sunset heard Mrs. McPherson whisper, “Shh” turning around she looked into Mrs. McPherson's eyes, “please Sunset don’t interrupt Fluttershy while she is cleansing her sacred altar a druid must never be interrupted while doing this for it could go very badly for them and for the one that interrupts them” Stepping next to her Mrs. McPherson finished, “She should be done cleansing the altar in just a few minutes after she is done then you can ask her your questions”. “Alright and I am sorry I didn’t mean to be rude to her or to your family”. Sunset replied. “It’s alright dear you didn’t know and there is no need to apologize you did absolutely nothing wrong” turning to head back inside Mrs. McPherson glanced upwards seeing the sky above beginning to darken a storm was clearly coming, “I do wish Fluttershy had chosen a better day” she added “to cleanse her altar it looks like it is going to rain”. Looking up herself Sunset saw the same darkening sky that Mrs. McPherson had seen looking back down she watched Fluttershy for a few more minutes. Fluttershy stood perfectly silent with her arms held out in front of her before bringing her hands together with a loud clap. Taking three steps backwards Fluttershy turned around her eyes opened a pleasant smile showed on her soft angelic face letting out a few breaths she walked over to Sunset nodding to her. “I heard what you asked Sunset while I was cleansing my altar I am sorry that I wasn’t able to stop what I was doing in order to answer your questions”. Heading towards her house she stopped just at the threshold of the doorway turning to face Sunset she added, “now to answer your first question Sunset, ‘what are you doing?’. That is simple I was sending my energy or soul into my altar and asking for the goddesses and gods to whom I pray each day to send me someone that will make sure my altar remains pure of good energy. ” Entering the house she with Sunset in tow continued, “to answer your second question ‘what is a goddess or god’ well that is going to be a little harder to explain. A goddess or god is a female and or male deity. Goddesses and gods alike have been linked with virtues such as beauty, love, motherhood, fatherhood and fertility. They have also been associated with ideas such as war, creation, and death. In some faiths, a sacred female or male figure holds a central place in religious prayer and worship” Entering the kitchen she finished, “would you like to help me clean and wash my altar Sunset?” “Sure thing but there is something I would like to ask you before we start Fluttershy” she replied following Fluttershy into the house and into the kitchen she added, “your father said that you are something called a ‘vegan’ and your mother said that you are a ‘Druid’ so my question is which one are you Fluttershy? Druid or Vegan?” Trying hard to contain her laughter Fluttershy took out a bucket, dish detergent, latex rubber gloves and two sponges. Setting the bucket into the sink she turned on the faucet placing the detergent on the counter next to the sink. Moving over to a cabinet next to the sink she took out two towels handing them to Sunset. “Sunset” she began trying not to giggle though as Sunset observed Fluttershy was clearly failing. “you and I are going to have the most cherished friendship”. Getting a rather confused look from Sunset clearing her throat, Fluttershy continued, “alright the word ‘vegan’ means I don’t eat animal products of any kind this includes dairy products such as cheese, milk, butter or anything made from animals”. Turning to face Sunset and receiving a nod from her Fluttershy further continued, “Alright the word ‘Druid’ refers to what religion I study and there are many different ones to choose from.” adding some soap to the hot water and putting away the bottle she finished, “ however I find that practicing an earth based religion that teaches that all life is sacred is the right choice for me though it might not be the right choice for other people”. “I think I understand Fluttershy though I might come to you in a few days from now with some questions” Sunset replied adding, “uh, if that is alright with you Fluttershy”. “Of course that is alright with me besides Sunset how else are you supposed to learn?” Fluttershy replied looking at everything she took out from the kitchen cabinet she added, “let’s see we have a bucket, clean hot soapy water, spongages, rubber gloves and towels I think we have everything we need to clean my altar”. Taking the towels from Fluttershy, Sunset followed her back outside several birds chirped in the trees as the wind began to pick up a bit. Fluttershy placed the bucket in front of her altar looking over her altar once more before placing a hand to her own chest gripping the hidden piece of metal under her shirt. Taking it out she revealed it was a tree of life necklace closing her eyes Fluttershy breathed in the cool night air opening her eyes she smiled to Sunset. “Thank you for helping with this Sunset”. “You are welcome Fluttershy” handing her the towels she added, “did I say that correctly Fluttershy?” receiving a confirming nod she finished, “what is the first thing we need to do to clean your altar Fluttershy?” “Now in order to clean the altar I need to take the candles off of it and then we need to scrub every inch of it after that we need to dry the altar with the towels.” Taking the candles off the altar she added, “Sunset once we are done doing this can you teach more of your native language?” “Yeah I’ll teach you some more once we are done,” she replied, dipping her sponge into the warm soapy water wringing it out a bit she finished, “which side do you want me to start on Fluttershy?” “Let me take the candles off of the altar first then you can take the right side and I’ll take the left” she replied picking up the candles and setting them down in front of the altar, she added, “once the altar is clean and dried off I’ll make an offering to the goddesses and gods to thank them for giving us a bountiful meal tonight”. Pressing her sponge to the left side of the altar she began to wash it with Sunset following suit. Looking up while she and Fluttershy both washed the altar Sunset saw the clouds above looked even more foreboding than before. Quickly looking back down she finished scrubbing and cleaning the altar standing up a few minutes later she took one of the towels hanging in the trees placing it to the wet stone. Fluttershy having gotten done with her side of the altar also stood up taking the second towel from the trees pressing it to the stone as well. Ten minutes passed without incident as both girls dried the altar. “Alright now that your altar is washed, cleaned and dried off is there anything else you need help with Fluttershy”? She asked clearly wanting to do more for her Sunset added “Perhaps I could make you something to eat or drink “Hmm” putting her towel back onto the tree to dry she pressed a finger to her chin, “uh not that I know of later on tonight and hopefully” looking up she looked at the darkening sky above adding, “before it rains I’ll make an offering to the goddesses and gods to thank them for sending my family the bountiful meal that you and I are about to enjoy”. “Fluttershy, Sunset” both girls heard Mrs. Macperson call to them from the sliding door “the pizza will be here in just a few minutes better come in and wash up”. “Alright mom” Fluttershy called back. “Well we should head inside now Sunset”. Getting up to the sliding door she added, “I do have a question for you” “Sure what is it Fluttershy” Sunset replied. “You said that you are allergic to peanuts but I have not seen you wear a medical bracelet” opening the door and stepping inside with Sunset following she added, “did you lose yours or have you never actually had one before until now?” “I don’t have the bits to buy one of those Fluttershy” she replied, adding, “due to this I never actually had one”. Getting inside Sunset and Fluttershy both washed up at the kitchen sink, “as much as I would like to get one as well as any medication that by the horn of Centrix forbid should anything actually happen to me I simply can’t”. Both girls took a seat on the couch with Mrs. Macperson taking Sunsets coat into her sewing room wanting to know if she could help Sunset got up following Fluttershy’s mother into the sewing room. “Umm, I w-was wondering if you needed any h-help with my uh, coat?” Laying Sunsets coat out on a sewing board in front of her Mrs. Macpherson pleasantly smiled to Sunset. “Actually yes, Sunset I could use your help” she replied, adding “can you open the third drawer from the cabinet behind you and take out the leather and cloth scraps for me?” taking up her sewing needle she tapped it a couple of times against the board. “Sure thing Mrs. Macperson” Sunset replied, doing as instructed Sunset turned around opening the third drawer to a cabinet she found behind her. “Let’s see” she muttered to herself, “leather and cloth straps, hmmm” her gaze fell to a small plastic bag at the bottom of the drawer picking it up she turned handing it to Fluttershy's mother, “is this what you need Mrs. Macpherson?” “Yes dear these will do lovely” she replied taking the bag from Sunset adding, “now all I need to do is measure the rips and see what I can do here.'' Taking up her measuring tape Fluttershy’s mother measured each rip and tear jotting down each one on a piece of paper. “Alright that should do it, yes I think that will do rather nicely.” she muttered to herself, adding, “now for the hard part”. “Oh, what’s that?” Sunset asked clearly interested. “I have to move everything back into place and if I miss a space or something doesn't line up it could ruin your coat” she replied. “Now let’s take care of the biggest hole first shall we?” Using the dull end of her needle, Mrs. Macperson positioned the torn leather of Sunsets coat back into place as best as she could. Making sure to apply a piece of scotch tape over the tear to hold the leather in position.“there we go that should hopefully hold long enough for me to get a new piece of leather onto this”. “Wow that’s really cool” Sunset chimed in adding, “do you think I could perhaps learn how to do this Mrs. Macpherson?” “I don’t see why not Sunset dear” Turning Sunsets leather coat inside out Fluttershy’s mother quickly located the area of the tear from the interior. “This actually doesn’t look as bad as I thought it did” Checking to see if Sunsets coat was lined, Mrs. Macperson traced the lining with her finger to the beginning of the first intal tear. “Alright now I just have to mark that spot and I should be able to start adding in the patches” . “Is there anything else I can do to help you with this in the meantime” Sunset asked, hearing a soft cough behind her she turned around seeing Fluttershy standing behind her. “Oh, Fluttershy I was umm”. Smiling Fluttershy took Sunsets hands into her own locking eyes with her, “you were doing exactly what I thought you were going to be doing Sunset” she said, adding, “being helpful, being polite and taking an interest in something other than yourself” giving Sunset a hug, “you see Sunset, you are on your way to becoming a different person”. Whispering into Sunsets ear and hoping her mother wouldn’t hear her Fluttershy finished, “it doesn’t matter that you are homeless I will always be there for you I promise”. “Thank you Fl-Fluttershy” She replied returning the hug. “Why don’t you two run along and go watch a movie with Zephyr while I finish this” Fluttershy’s mother chimed in, “Sunset I’ll leave your coat on the couch when it is done alright?” Sunset nodded to Fluttershy’s mother, Mrs. Macperson watched both girls head back out into the living room, “That poor girl she needs a home and someone to take care of her.'' Shutting the door Mrs. McPherson took out her cell phone dialing a number she held it to her ear waiting for the person she called to pick up. Returning to her work she waited for a few minutes before the person she had called picked up. “Hello this is Rosy Peddle” “Yes hello Rosy” she replied, “this is Dahlia McPherson I am calling in regards to a friend of my daughter’s her name is Sun---” “Sunset Shimmer”Rosy replied interrupting Mrs. McPherson adding, “yes, I am already aware of her Dahlia” she finished, “I got a call earlier this week about her from a police officer by the name of Starknight Justice.” “Oh, then you must already be aware that she is apparently homeless?” Mrs. Macpherson asked. “Yes, I am well aware of that, therefore I will be meeting with her at CHS on Monday at three I’ll be calling her principal tomorrow morning” wanting to know a little more on her end Rosy added, “Do you know if anyone has told Sunset yet that I’ll be meeting with her on Monday?” “I honestly don’t know my daughter hasn’t said anything”. Mrs. Macperson added, “do you want me to ask either Sunset or Fluttershy about this Rosy?” “No don’t do that! Dahlia listen to me carefully please. if you flat out ask Sunset if she is aware that I will be calling upon her she might react badly to it and there for refuse my help.”Feeling the need to explain herself Rosy continued, “These things need to be handled carefully push a child to hard and they shut down refusing to cooperate. However, if you hold your hand out and offer your help with sincere kindness to that child they will accept your help and not turn away from you”. “Alright thank you Rosy I’ll keep that in mind” Mrs. Macperson added, “I need to go now I’ll talk with you later thank you for the information”. Hanging up she continued to work on Sunsets coat for another few minutes thinking to herself, “I do hope Rosy can help Sunset find a good home perhaps Rosy can even make it possible for Sunset to stay here with us.” Entering the living room a few minutes after her phone call with Rosy Peddle, Mrs. McPherson found Fluttershy sitting to Sunsets right on the couch watching a movie. Zephyr sat next to Fluttershy on her right amusing himself by poking his sister in her ribs just below her chest. Fluttershy did her best to ignore him clearly showing signs she was very quickly losing her patience with her little brother. Not wanting a fight to break out between her two children, especially in front of a guest Mrs. Macperson took Zephyr by the arm leading him into the kitchen. “Aw mom” he whined, “I was just having a bit of fun with Fluttershy” “No! Young man what you were doing was annoying your sister and you know it would have lead to a fight” she scolded “now we have a guest in our home one whom I hope will stay here for as long as possible now I fully expect you to apologize to your sister for you’re behavior.” “But mom Fluttershy won’t let me watch Ape Ponies and Star Command’ “I don’t care what Fluttershy will or will not let you do young man you do as I tell you too and you apologize for your behavior”. Seeing her husband, Sunset and Fluttershy enter the kitchen with Mr. Macperson carrying all five pizza boxes in his hands she added, “Honey do you want to add to this?” “I wasn’t there to see it myself” turning his attention to his son Mr. Macpehson added, “however Zephyr I do agree fully with your mother you need to apologize for whatever it is that you did” frowning he crossed his arms over his chest finishing, “and you need to do it now young man” “Oh, alright I’ll tell her that I am sorry” he replied clearly not happy about it, watching Fluttershy and Sunset both enter the kitchen he added, “Fluttershy I am sorry I was bothering you” “I accept your apology Zephyr” she replied, Getting out five plates and setting them on the table next to the pizza boxes Mr. Macperson pursed his lips together, trying not to show his irritation towards his son in front of Sunset. Taking out five cups Fluttershy set them down next to the pizza boxes filling four out of the five with soda looking to Sunset she smiled finishing, “Sunset would you like soda, juice or milk with your pizza tonight?” Fluttershy asked “Thank you” remembering Fluttershy’s lesson about thanking someone she added, “Soda would be nice Fluttershy”. Receiving a cup full of soda from Fluttershy, Sunset headed into the living room taking a seat on the couch “thank you all for allowing me to eat with you and your family”. “You are most welcome Sunset dear” Fluttershy’s mother replied picking up the remote she added, “what type of movie would you like to watch tonight Sunset?” “Umm,” putting a finger to her chin, she added, “how about one about a mistry such as trying to find a hidden treasure or sanctorium”. Turning the tv on Mrs. Macpherson clicked through the movie guide before selecting a movie that was rated G. A storm began to brew outside Zephyr turned his attention towards the living room window watching the storm pick up. Getting up he continued to watch the storm seeing all the birds and animals run for shelter he chuckled to himself catching his father's attention. “What’s so funny son” His father asked having heard his son’s laughter and wanting to know what caused Zephyr to laugh. “looks like a storm is coming dear we better get ready to head downstairs in case it gets worse”. “Alright” Mrs. Macperson replied as her husband returned to his seat on the couch “I think there might be a flash light in the kitchen though I am not sure I’ll check in a little bit now honey come sit back down and enjoy the show I am sure the storm will pass quickly and there won’t really be any need for me to get that flashlight.” Lightning flashed violently across the sky thick heavy rain began to fall trying to ignore the storm brewing outside Fluttershy did her best to enjoy the show. Watching the program play out she took a sip of her soda setting it down hearing a loud thunderclap over head she jumped in fright nearly spilling her soda on Sunset. Giving her a confused look Sunset gently took Fluttershy’s cup from her setting it back down on the Tv tray in front of herself. “Hey you alright?” she asked seeing Fluttershy was clearly not alright she added “it's only thunder”. Hearing another loud boom overhead Fluttershy shivered clearly showing signs she was anything but alright another loud thunderclap boomed over head. The power much to Fluttershy’s building anxiety went out causing her to let out a scream quickly but gently Sunset placed her arms around Fluttershy’s body pulling her into a much needed warm, safe hug. Fluttershy’s father got up again grumbling under his breath almost knocking over his Tv tray Mrs. Macperson also got up heading as best as she could into the kitchen. “Alright nobody move we’ll take care of this” he called out, “I’ll go see if I can get the power back on” “I’ll get a flashlight out of the kitchen Zephyr please stay away from the windows I mean it young man.” Fluttershy’s mother called out from the darkness in the kitchen “Sunset dear stay with Fluttershy we don’t want you to get hurt while we get the power back on” “Aw mom I want to go out and see the storm” Zephyr replied, “besides I doubt anything will actually happen”. “Zephyr you heard mom stay put!” Fluttershsy cried out still being held warmly and safely in Sunsets arms “Mom and dad should have the power back on soon ….I hope”. Grouping around as best as she could while she stumbled through the darkness in the kitchen her fingers finally found what she was looking for. Opening a dawar Fluttershy’s mother took out a crank handle style flashlight turning it on she froze in fear as a lightning bolt suddenly struck one of the trees next to her daughters altar. “Mom is everything alright” Fluttershy called from the living room. “Y-yes dear stay with Sunset I’ll be back in just a few minutes honey” she replied. Thinking she had seen something or someone moving around in their backyard Mrs. Macperson opened the kitchen sliding door stepping out into the storm. Shining the flashlight towards the downed tree she headed towards it to her shock she saw her daughters altar was tipped over with everything strewn across the lawn. The heavy rain had already put out most of the fire caused by lightning bolt, though it was clear that that tree could not be saved shaking her head she closed her eyes silently “I know the storm is starting to get bad but I doubt it could do this” she muttered shining the light in every direction her eyes caught something in the brownish-green grass. “What the heck” she exclaimed her eyes widened in shock her irises shrank in fear “this can not be”. Seeing several footprints leading away from Fluttershy’s altar each one having clearly been burned into the grass, and muddy ground. “Why would she show herself now after all these years?” It was as if the very gates of hell itself had opened letting loose all of the devils fury into the footprints that lead away from the altar.“why would Fluttershy call upon her” heading back inside she took one last look to her damaged backyard finishing, “It doesn’t make sense”. Closing the sliding door Mrs. Macperson took a towel from the cabinet drying her hair before reentering the living room finding her son standing right in front of the living room window. Placing her hands on her hips she frowned, turning her attention to Sunset she saw Sunset holding Fluttershy in her arms both cuddled up on the couch. Walking over to her son as a loud clap of thunder caused Zephyr to squeal with excitement Fluttershy’s mother paid little attention to her sons enthuseasum about the storm. Hearing the thunder boom outside Fluttershy buried her face into Sunsets shoulder desperately trying to hide from the storm knowing in her mind it was a futile effort. “Young man I thought I made it clear that you where not to go near the windows!” she scolded catching his and Fluttershy’s attention, “now get away from there while I tend to your sister”. “But I want to watch the storm mom” he whined in protest adding, “besides I think the storm is almost done I don’t see what the big deal is”. “The big deal is” Mr. Macperson called out from his office having heard the conversation taking place in the living room “Zephyr is that you could get hurt if something comes flying through that window now do as your mother tells you and sit back down on the couch!” Not wanting to get into further trouble Zephyr sat down folding his arms over his chest, letting out a noticeable angry grunt. Taking a seat next to her daughter Mrs. Macperson hugged Fluttershy wanting to give them what she felt was some much needed space Sunset let go of Fluttershy. “It might be best for me to leave them alone for a bit” Sunset thought, “After all, I am not apart of this family and therefore I have no right to assume that I ever will be apart of any family” deciding to look out the window she sighed continuing to think, “Which is why when Fluttershy and her family go to bed which I hope will be soon I’ll leave and head back to my shack to clean it out then I’ll find a new place to call ….home”. Standing up, she walked over to the living room window keeping a relatively safe distance from it watching the storm through the window she closed her eyes. Her mind began to wander back to a time long before she had ever met Princess Celestia, Twilight and her friends or had ever heard of Equestria. Zephyr got up just as the power came back on heading into the kitchen he got himself a glass of water returning to the couch a few minutes later. “Wow” Sunset said turning around, “I haven’t been in a storm like this since I was ten years old” seeing Fluttershy’s father entering the living room she finished, “do you think we will be alright upstairs now? I does seem like the storm is starting to pass us by sir I mean you did say something needing to head into the lower level if it gets worse” “Yes Sunset dear I think we will be fine” sitting back down on the couch he hugged Fluttershy adding, “Don’t worry sweetie we didn’t leave you and Sunset is right here the storm will be over soon honey I promise”. Hearing another loud thunderclap he glanced up finishing, “I know it sounds big and scary but I promise you honey that the storm won’t hurt you Fluttershy so there is no need to be afraid”. “I know dad it’s just that I really don’t like storms,” she replied, thinking “besides it's not the storm that frightens me”. “Fluttershy honey I am sorry to tell you this” She heard her mother begin, “but your altar somehow tipped over I think it was caused by the strong wind”. Thinking it best not to tell Fluttershy what she had seen outside in the backyard Mrs. Macperson added, “tomorrow when you get home from school and you get your homework done I’ll help you clean up the mess and help you do another cleansing” giving her daughter a warm hug she further added, “you should also know honey that one of our trees was hit by lightning though the rain put the fire out the tree itself was split in two, thus it can not be saved”. Ending the hug she finished, “so we will have to find another home for the birdhouses that you were going to set up next week”. Beginning to feel a bit better Fluttershy sniffed letting her mother wipe away her tears Sunset stood nearby silently wishing she had someone to comfort her like Fluttershy had with her parents. Taking a step back from the window she sighed returning to the couch sitting down she looked down hoping Fluttershy’s family wouldn’t see her despair. Taking up another slice of her pizza Sunset bit into it feeling Fluttershy’s hand coming to rest on her own she swallowed giving Fluttershy a puzzled look. “How about we take these into my father office Sunset and spend some time with Angel Bunny?” standing up with Sunsets hand held warmly in her own she added, “I am sure he would like that very much”. “Um don’t you think your family might get upset with me if I spend some alone time with you Fluttershy?” she replied. “Sunset” turning her attention to Fluttershy’s father she looked down listening to him added, “that is nonsense our home is your home and if you want to spend some alone time with Fluttershy you may do so you don’t need to worry about anything we trust you dear”. Looking up and locking eyes with his she stammered on her words, “Yo-you trust m-me but sir you do-don’t even know m-me.” slowly looking back down she finished “How c-can you trust somepon-er-I mean someone if you don’t really know them all that well we after all just met a few days ago”. “It doesn’t matter” he gently replied closing Sunsets pizza box he handed it to Fluttershy who took it in her free hand turning his attention back to Sunset he finished, “you go on now and spend as much time as you want with Fluttershy dear later on tonight I’ll set up an air mattress in her room so you can get a good night's rest in the morning I’ll drive you and her to school”. Hearing his words Sunset stood up, letting out a noticeable grunt facepalming herself she began to look around. Watching Sunset head into the kitchen and return to the living room clearly looking for something Fluttershy raised her hands stepping in front of her stopping Sunset in her tracks. Wanting to help Sunset out Fluttershy gently took Sunsets hands into her own softly saying, “Sunset what is wrong? You look troubled”. “I am worried about something is all Fluttershy” Taking a step back Sunset removed her hands from Fluttershy's soft angelic grasp adding, “you see while I was enjoying watching Tv and eating dinner with your family I completely forgot to do my ...homework which is due first thing tomorrow morning” Fluttershy watched Sunset head back into kitchen listening to her add, “I already have two weeks worth of detention I don’t need any more added to that so it is best that I find my backpack and get started on my homework right away.'' “Oh, your backpack Sunset is still downstairs in front of the foyer closet right where you left it” she replied, adding, “I’ll get my homework and then we both can get our homework done while we spend time with Angel Bunny how does that sound to you Sunset?” “That sounds good to me,” she replied heading downstairs to the foyer finding her backpack sitting right where she had left it she unzipped it taking out two books setting them down next to her bag. “Let’s see I have my English Literature and my History report now I just need to find is my notebook and pencil” she muttered to herself rummaging through her backpack she frowned, “Hey Fluttershy” she called out, “do you by chance have a spare notebook and pencil that I can borrow just for tonight?” “Yes I do” Fluttershy replied carrying Sunsets pizza and her own in her hands towards her father's office watching Sunset come upstairs Fluttershy led her to the office door. “Well here we are” opening the door she added, “Oh, Angel Bunny is under one of the book shelves but he’ll come out if we are quiet”. Looking around Sunset saw Mr. Macperson’s office had twelve large oak bookshelves lining the walls each one filled with many different books on many different subjects. In one corner sat a desk with a computer on top of it next to it sat two mini refrigerators looking to her right Sunset saw several family portraits hanging on the wall. Walking up to them she examined one of them the picture showed Fluttershy’s mother holding a baby girl with a tuft of hair sticking out from an infant warmer. Looking at the other ones one picture caught Sunsets attention examining it further she saw it was a picture of Fluttershy wearing a hospital gown and sitting in a bed with an IV in her left arm. Examining the picture further Sunset saw Fluttershy though she was very young in the photo she had bandages covering most of her chest, part of her head and part of her right shoulder. A thick cast could be seen covering Fluttershy’s right arm. “Fluttershy” Sunset wanting to know more about the picture added, “why are you in a hospital gown in this picture? And furthermore what happened to you the day this was taken?” “Oh, I was in the hospital due to being in a car accident when I was seven,” she replied. “I had been thrown from the front seat of my families car and was very badly hurt that is why I am covered in bandages and have that cast on my arm in that photo”. “And who is the person in this photo next to you?” Sunset asked gesturing towards the picture she added, “she looks like a …nice person” having noticed how cold and lifeless the woman's eyes were she thought, “Nice being a more of a polite thing to say she actually looks really like she is dead inside and very angry”. “Ah, yes that person is my mothers friend her name is Angelic” taking up her homework while Sunset started her own homework she continued, “she performed a blood transfusion on me which saved my life she checks in on me from time to time” taking a sip of her soda setting the can down next to her she finished, “she also helped me to get Angel Bunny”. Both girls returned to their homework Angel Bunny came out from under his hiding spot hopping up to Sunset much to her surprise he plopped down into her lap. Sprawling his little legs over her thighs and shins reaching out Sunset gently stroked his soft fury head silently returning to her homework. A few minutes went by before Sunset reached up taking a slice of her pizza taking a bit of it she closed her eyes savoring the gooey, greasy taste of it. “There that should do it for the last problem” Fluttershy muttered. “Alright I think that should cover everything about the ‘Allies and Alponia war’ of nineteen fourty three” looking over her homework she added, “so my history assignment should now be done”. Yawning a half hour had passed without incident Sunset stretched cracking her back, neck and shoulders back into place Fluttershy hearing the sounds of Sunsets bones popping grimaced. Looking down Sunset saw Angel Bunny had fallen asleep on her legs his little head rest just past her left hip above the rim line to her pants. Giving him a soft pat on his head Sunset waited for Fluttershy to finish her own homework reaching out with her free hand Sunset picked up her can of soda taking a sip. Setting it down she leaned against the wall closing her eyes. “Sunset” she heard Fluttershy ask, “are you ...a sleep?” “No just resting is all” she replied opening her eyes she added, “why? Whats up?” “I was hoping you would be willing to teach more of your native language I really do enjoy learning after all and I think it would be fun to be able to speak to you in your native language”. Setting her homework aside with the intent of taking it out to the kitchen table later that night so her father could make corrections to it Fluttershy added. “I was also kinda hoping you would tell me a little bit about where you're from that is if you don’t mind”. “Alright” Sunset replied pressing her back against the wall, she added, “now I am not sure how much about me Princess Twilight told you or chose not to tell you so what I will say is this”. Gently petting Angel Bunny she continued, “Twilight and I both come from a world called Equeti however that is as far as my, uh similarities with her extends beyond that I would rather not say where I am actually from”. “I understand Sunset” she replied, adding, “please continue”. “In this world you have all sorts of creatures, none of which I have yet seen in this world but I have read about them” taking a breath she closed her eyes, letting her thoughts shift to a time after she had met Princess Celestia and had stolen Twilight's crown sighing she further added, “your myths and legends speak highly of dragons, minotaurs and giants these creatures while only myth and legend here are very real in the world that I come from”. Looking at her pizza box she finished, “if it's ok with you Fluttershy I’d like to eat the rest of this tomorrow” “ I have no problem with that Sunset” she replied, adding, “do you think that perhaps at one point in time these creatures actually existed in this world Sunset?” hearing Sunset yawn Fluttershy quickly changed the subject, “oh you must be tired come on let's go see if dad has set up the air mattress yet so you can get some sleep.'' “Alri-right” Sunset said through another yawn blinking a couple of times she finished, “and as for your question Fluttershy I am not sure if dragons, Minotaur's and giants ever did exist in this world.” Reaching over to Sunsets lap Fluttershy gently took Angel Bunny from her Sunset stood up picking up own her homework and both pizza boxes. Fluttershy remembering her own homework and Sunsets empty soda can set Angel Bunny down picking up her own homework and Sunsets soda can placing the can into a trashcan next to her father's desk. Opening the door Sunset and Fluttershy stepped out into the hallway both girls headed into the living room. Fluttershy’s father was just finishing inflating an air mattress seeing both Sunset and Fluttershy standing in the living room he gave them both a happy, pleasant smile. Fluttershy’s mother came into the living room from the kitchen carrying a cup of tea with her setting it down on one of the Tv trays. “You look tired Sunset” she said “if you follow Fluttershy she’ll take you to her room where you can get a proper night's sleep” taking the pizza boxes from Sunsets hands she finished, “I’ll place these into the refrigerator and you can enjoy them when you wake up”. “A-alright” Sunset replied “thank you for letting me sleep here tonight”. “It’s no problem at all dear” placing the air mattress into Fluttershy’s hands Mr. McPherson added, “Fluttershy please take this to your room so Sunset and you can get some much needed rest” Sunset followed Fluttershy upstairs into her room watching her set the mattress down next to her bed looking around Fluttershy's room she smirked. Sunset watched as Fluttershy set Angel Bunny down letting him hop onto her bed as he curled up in her blanket. Fluttershy’s bed was covered with soft fluffy comforters with two big feather pillows lying against the headrest. A small vanity mirror hung on the far wall from the doorway a large double screen glass window stood at the opposite end of the room and a small walk in folding closet stood across from the vanity. A night light was plugged into the wall on the right of the vanity walking over to it Fluttershy switched it on. “Is it alright if I help you make the bed Fluttershy?” Sunset asked gesturing towards the air mattress as Fluttershy turned around. “Oh, as for teaching your more of my native language I’d like to do that tomorrow if that is alright with you I am rather tired” “Of course it is alright with me if you help make the bed Sunset” Fluttershy replied walking over to her closet she opened it, taking out a spare pillow, sheets and a spare blanket. “I think tomorrow after school will be perfect to learn more about your native language” placing everything onto her own bed she added, “I just need to check my schedule to see if I am doing anything with girls before hand”. Sunset took the sheets placing them on the mattress followed by the pillow and lastly the blanket climbing into bed she laid down. Much to Angel Bunny’s irritation Fluttershy gently moved him over to the right before she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up letting out tired yet happy yawn. Laying down into her soft pillows Fluttershy closed her eyes soon falling into a deep well needed restful sleep. Sunset rolled over letting out a soft sigh feeling something soft and fury landing on her side she looked seeing Angel Bunny twitching his little nose sniffing her shoulder. Raising the covers she whispered, “Alright little guy” watching him snuggle against her she added, “you may stay with me tonight that is until I am sure that Fluttershy is asleep and I am able to leave without causing any issues”. Pulling the covers back over herself and making sure not to squish Angel Bunny she rested her head against the soft feathery pillow. The storm had let up quite a bit looking out the window she watched as a few remaining raindrops trickled down Fluttershy’s bedroom window. Rolling to her back Sunset placed Angel Bunny on her stomach watching his ears perk up and his nose twitch gently she stroked his soft body. Taking one last look at Fluttershy while she slept soundly in bed Sunset soon found herself falling into a much needed deep relaxing sleep.
August 3rd, Wednesday 11:45 pm Part nineteenA female warrior found herself standing in the middle of a backyard she didn’t recognize looking around she saw a clock in a near by window seeing it was eleven forty five in the evening. Taking a few steps she steadied herself she looked around, seeing only a few trees and bushes in the immediate surroundings. Unfurling her wings she knelt pushing with all her might she ascended high into the cold night sky just as a sliding glass door opened. Fluttershy’s mother stepped out of the house and looked around seeing her daughter's altar was nearly destroyed by the storm she sighed stepping back into the house. “I need to figure out where I am” the celestial being thought as she flew away “then I need to find my friends perhaps they can help me with my task”. The celestial, heavenly being clad entirely from neck to toe in ethereal silver-golden armor navigated her way throughthe rain drowned city. She had long slender white-snow colored wings protruding through the back of her backplate with a slight flap of her wings she began to descend towards the mostly empty city streets and parking lot below. “This looks like a good place to land” she muttered having chosen a spot to land making sure to look around first in case anyone saw her before fully landing. “Joe’s Corner” she muttered to herself having noticed the store she had seen during her last visit to the city, “I don’t believe it” she muttered, “but that’s only in … Canterlot City”. Shaking her head she added, “This isn’t good”. Not seeing anyone within a few blocks of her location she continued, “no one is around I need to find those two if they are actually in this city that is” she added, “now to get off the streets before someone actually does see me”. She quickly made her way into a nearby alleyway making sure to use the shadows of the alley to her complete advantage. She had a leather pouch strapped to her right hip and a short dagger strapped to her left hip and a long sword strapped to her back. Her soft silver hair was cut short above her slender ‘elf-like’ ears, her green eyes glowed with an eerie otherworldly light. Her soft milky-cream lush colored skin looked almost charcoal grey in the dim city's light. “I can’t believe the city has changed so much in the last six years” she whispered looking around and not recognizing anything in sight seeing nothing but litter around her location, “this used to be a much cleaner city than what it is now” making her way further into the alley she finished, “ah, well I don’t have time to pity such things”. Another thick strap was belted around her waist she wore knee high boots that though they were made of leather they were clearly worn and badly used. With each step she took she could hear the leather from her boots crinkle getting close enough to the exit to where she could stand up without being seen by anyone. “Damn” she muttered through a forced sigh, seeing far too many people out and about for her liking “There’s too many of them to get by without being seen” Standing up fully her seven feet seven inch height muscular frame nearly hit a fire escape ladder that was located just a few inches above her head. Glancing up she gulped muttering, “That would have been rather painful I can’t believe I left my helmet behind” looking back in the direction of the exit and towards the city streets she finished, “I better stay out of sight until I can figure out where those two are.” Making her way towards another alley she ducked into an abandoned building next to a pet food store. Peering through one of the buildings many dirty and broken windows to the streets across from her current location she saw to her delight a few people coming and going each minding their own business. “If I can get to that street without being seen by those people then I can try to find those two and ask for their help.” she thought. Feeling something run over her left boot her right eyebrow raised slightly, “what was---” she began only to cut her words short, “please for the love of Divinity don’t be what I think that was”. glancing down to her shock she was standing in a nest of nauseating rats. “Oh, gross! Get away from me you disgusting vile vermin!” Kicking several of the rats out of the immediate area and into another part of the building she hastily found a door and exited making her way to the street. Shaking off the dreaded nauseating feelings she had gotten from the rats she took a few short breaths before making her way further into the city. Looking back she shook her head, turning a corner and heading down the street while trying hard to keep to the shadows she stopped short of a large brick building that had clearly seen better days. Looking at it she saw that most of the brick making up the buildings structure was covered in gang graffiti, feces and torn movie posters. “I need to find another alley, hopefully one without any rats” she muttered “Oooh, I hate rats disgusting little things!” looking around she saw a rusted fire escape ladder nearby overhanging a large city dumpster, “Ah, yes that will do nicely” she finished. Taking a few steps back she took a running start leaping over the dumpster onto the fire escape running up the rusted metal stairs, her boots ‘clunked’ with each step she took. The sound echoed in the otherwise quiet alley fearing that someone might come to investigate the sounds she quickened her pace. “Move it, you fool!” scolding herself she added, “damn someone will for sure come to see what all this noise is, I need to get off this thing now!” Instinctively she unfurled her wings taking to the air soaring high above the city surveying the city from above the rooftops she saw a reachable alleyway. Folding her wings against her back she dropped like a stone aiming for it. Getting close enough to the alleyway so as not to be seen she outstretched her wings coming to an inaudible landing touching down near the entrance. The alleyway was very sparsely lit, a single overhead street lamp flickered on and off moths fluttered around its outer base frying themselves when they got too close to its hot surface. “I better not do that again less I wish for someone to come see what I am doing here.” she thought,“now I just need to see if those two are actually in this city.” A light breeze blew up ferrying with it a newspaper bending over to pick it up she failed to see someone coming up behind her. “Hmm, What’s this?” she muttered straightening up, she held the torn newspaper out in front of her reading the article it contained. “Those idiots!” she all but screamed having finished reading the article, growing angry she quickly folded it up placing it into her pouch, “well that proves beyond any doubt that they are indeed here in this city” she headed into the alleyway making her way towards the other side.“by the Holy Light of Div---” “Hey lady!” a male voice behind her suddenly caught her attention cutting her words short, she impatiently spun around locking eyes with a man in his early twenties. “You lost?” “No I am not!” she abrasively snarled in irritation, “What do you want?” Noticing her armor and weapons he sneered a grin gesturing to her body, “You know it's a bit early for Halloween” he whistled, “my you do look very beautiful lady” looking her over, her armor did little to hide her plump full breast or very fit trim muscular figure. “You one of those cos-players, lady? I mean you're dressed like something out of a comic book.” “I don’t have time for this”. She replied turning around she stopped feeling his hand on her shoulder, dropping her own hand to her dagger she snarled, “either let go or lose your hand”. “Hey calm down I just want to make sure you make it out of here in one piece” Stepping towards her he gave her a contemptuous sneering smile adding, “if you're lost perhaps I can help my name is Steel Haze” letting her go he finished, “of course my help doesn’t come for …free”. “I don’t ‘cosplay’ sir and I do not require your kind of help” she bitterly replied taking a step back making sure to keep herself in what little illumination the overhead streetlamp added to the otherwise dark alleyway. “keep this up and I’ll make sure that you will be the one that requires help”. Hearing a door open and slam shut both turned their attention towards a building adjacent to their position two men in a drunken stupor stepped into the alleyway. One had short blond hair, vomit covering most of his midsection and was wearing a torn t-shirt with dirty urine stained blue-jeans. The second had long dyed chartreuse, glaucous hair, a deep navy-blue vest with torn pockets, and black ripped up jeans. “Ley there Steel Haze” one of the two men slurred “how are y-you toing tonight” “It’s been a while since I had myself a good time” the other one said, showing he was not nearly as drunk as the other one was, “Steel Haze do you mind if Drake and I join you?” “Not at all Eldritch” gesturing towards the woman in front of him he continued, “I found us something fun to do tonight.” Taking a quick glance around the immediate surrounding area she saw a dumpster located a few feet from the entrance to the alleyway. Deciding to use it as a means of escape she drew her dagger taking a swipe at Steel Haze’s face catching him by surprise ducking he laughed as she turned headed for the dumpster. Getting up to it she re-sheathed her dagger planting her right foot against the dumpster using it to push herself up towards the fire escape. Reaching up she scrambled as best as she could up the fire escape trying to elude her assailants. “Hey what the hell Steel Haze” Eldritch yelled out watching her make it to the roof tops “why did you let her go?” “Who says I did?” he replied, “come on boy’s this is going to be fun”. Thinking she had escaped all three of them she ran across the rooftop throwing her arms above her head she flipped over to another roof landing safely. Glancing over her right shoulder she saw no one was following her racing to another rooftop she looked around deciding it was best to take to the streets. Using a rain gutter she slid down not knowing that Steel Haze and his friends had followed her from the streets below. Making her way into another alleyway she took a fist to her right temple the sudden blow sent her sprawling to the ground. “Now to make sure you can’t use your pretty knife on us again” Steel Haze jeered, reaching down he took her dagger and sword tossing them down the alleyway “boys lets have some fun with this bitch then we’ll go get ourselves some ale” “Alright” she said rolling to the right, getting up she made sure to keep her wings tucked against her back, “I can see you three really want to do this”. Eldritch wanting to be first pushed past his two friends knocking both of them down lunging in threw himself at her only to be tripped by her right foot. Landing face first in a pile of dog poop he rolled to his back whipping the feces off his face getting up he threw a fist at her. Ducking she landed a clean right-hook to his left eye knocking him back a few feet. “That hurt you bitch” he yelled. “Well then back off and you won’t get hurt” she replied, throwing a fist missing her target she moved to the right ducking an incoming fist “Boy you really just can’t seem to learn can ya?” she smiled tauntingly “now lets see how you handle this”. Reaching out to grab her she stepped to his left, tripping him with her foot waiting for him to get back up she placed a hand to her mouth faking a yawn. Placing two fingers to her mouth she gave a loud whistle receiving a look of confusion from Eldritch. “If that was supposed to make me stop then you are sorely mistaken” he asked, picking himself up “What were you trying to do to call a cop to come get you out of this mess?” Reaching out she grabbed him by his wrist flipping him head over heels sending him face first into the cold, wet street. Hitting the street with a thud he slowly climbed back to his frowning getting angry he lunged in throwing several fists to her face, each one missing her. Shaking her head she smiled holding her hand out with her palm facing up she flexed her fingers taunting him. Eldritch became enraged by Angelic’s taunting bull-rushing; he quickly took a knee to his groin, a fist to his jaw, and an elbow to his left shoulder for his trouble. Stumbling backwards he slumped to the ground letting out a pained groan. “Next time when someone says back off” she snarled, “do as you are told and back the fuck off”. “Screw you lady” Eldritch called back trying to climb back to his feet, “I aim to get myself a good time and that is just what I am going to do” seeing her grin he finished, “Just what the hell are you grinning abo---” A metal plated fist slammed hard into Eldritch’s jaw, cutting his words short, the blow violently knocked the man back causing him to stumble backwards. Catching him, Steel Haze laughed, pushing Eldritch back at her. Spinning on her right heel she quickly planted her left foot into his stomach the blow immediately doubled him over causing him to fall to the ground. Raising her hands up she bawled her hands into tight fists throwing a right hook she hit Drake in his chin knocking him into the wall of the alley. Turning her attention back to Eldritch she watched him get back up. “Damn-it stay down!” she screamed. Grabbing him by his shoulders she threw him into the ground watching him roll to a sitting position, “ ”. “Screw off!” Eldritch replied. Placing a hand to his stomach he turned his attention to Drake helping him up, yelling out “Steel Haze are you going to help or not?” Growing angry at his friend's words Steel Haze prepared to bull rush the woman, cracking her knuckles she prepared for his attack. Taking her stance, her eyes narrowed, gauging his body position, she saw Steel Haze was putting all his weight on his left leg. Her eyes changed from green to aureate in color causing Steel Haze to momentarily freeze in his tracks. Keeping her eyes on all three men she waited for them to make their move. The fight only stopped when a girl's voice suddenly called out from the entrance of the alley. “I wouldn’t perpetuate to assail her any further if I were you three.” The girl’s voice said, “our dear friend Angelic doesn’t enjoy being messed with”. Looking over Steel Haze’s right shoulder Angelic could barely make out the silhouette of a girl standing near the entrance of the alleyway. “We don’t want to intervene on our friends behalf” recognizing the voice she heard the unseen person add, “It’s time for you three to depart and leave Angelic to travel in peace”. The unseen person further called out, “if we have to avail our friend then it will result in you three getting hurt or perhaps worse. So you can leave or you can stay and get hurt. The cull is yours.”. The moon crept out from behind some clouds shining brightly above the cold, wet city, illuminating the streets and alleys below Angelic’s friend took a step into the alleyway. Drake momentarily glanced over his shoulder thinking he would be able to see the person who was standing behind him. To his disappointment the darkened shadowy silhouette of the person standing behind him was all he could make out. Wanting a better look at the newcomer he foolishly dropped his guard much to his friends dismay he turned completely around. “Who are you?” he asked, seeing a darkened female silhouette standing only a few feet from him, “what do you want with us?” squinting his eyes he could just barely make out something being held in the unseen person's hand, “What is that you're holding”. He asked, giving the person a very concerned suspicious look, “is it a knife?” The clouds moved silently above covering the moon darkening the alleyway once more Drake could only see a mere few feet in front of him. Though he tried as hard as he could he could only see darkness in all directions. The overhead street lamp did very little to light the already almost entirely darkened eerie alleyway. Getting worried he stepped back looking around his feeling of worry quickly became a deep seeded feeling of uneasiness. Glancing down a hand holding a single dethroned rose in its grip penetrated the darkness in front of him feeling his heart race he gulped. “My name isn’t important at this time sir” he heard the unseen person softly call out to him, “I do not opiate to intervene on my friends behalf sir.” the unseen person called out from the shadows, “I cadge, you not to cull the option of staying for you will only entice upon your own deaths.” A gust of air quickly blew past Drake and Eldritch; both men chose to ignore it, with Drake fully focusing his attention on the newcomer and Eldritch focusing his attention on Angelic instead, “So please take my trinket, leave this area and gain a friend in the action of departing”. “Screw you lady” Drake snarled, “You can take that fil---” “Píseň” Angelic interrupted him calling out to the unseen person, “it’s good of you to come” Píseň took another step into the alleyway keeping to the shadows trying to stay out of Drake's line of vision. “I’ve gotten myself in a bit of trouble and could definitely use your help” she finished, “is Kāṭṭēri with you?” “Yes I am.” a voice snarled behind Eldritch causing him to jump in fright. “Choose now humans” a hand suddenly reached out from the shadows grabbing Eldritch by his shoulder further adding to his fright, “or we’ll make the choice for the three of you”. “What the fuck?!” he screamed, pulling away and jumping back he quickly turned around his eyes locked with a milky-white skinned girl with ocean and sky-blue hair standing a few feet behind him. “where the hell did you come from?!” he yelped in fright watching her move to his right, “I’m Kāṭṭēri” disappearing back into the shadows she called out to him,“in front of your friend is my girlfriend Píseň”. Taking a step towards the area that she had disappeared in his eyes widened in fear, glowing red eyes stared hungrily back at him from the shadows. Looking over her prey from her hiding place she sniffed the air smelling his sweat; his scent was almost intoxicating to her. “What the fuck are you”? He asked watching step out of the shadows once more Eldritch gulped trying hard not to let his sudden feeling of fear get the best of him. “Please don’t hurt me”. “Aw, is the little human afraid” she teasingly cooed “perhaps I should” flashing him a elongated fanged grin she finished, “save you for later after all I wouldn’t want to spoil my ... dinner”. Nearly pissing himself, Eldritch took a step back, his eyes locked with hers getting a very good look at her. He saw her eyes glowing red with hate showing in her irises and rage clearly plasturd on her lips. Her mouth opened and to his horror he saw several pointed sharp teeth next to for long curving inward canines. The bridge of her nose was lined and her nose was flat her ears were slender and pointed much like a elf's ears. Her tounge was thin, lean and forked in fours she had tuffs of hair just above the points of her ears. The girl before him was wearing a denim mud-red hooded vest with the hood pulled down and the vest was worn over a white t-shirt, with black torn skin tight ass hugging jeans and blue sneakers. A leather belt was looped through the jeans belt loops with a chained leather strap attached to the belt itself on her right side. “You guys need to leave” Angelic chimed in catching Eldritch’s attention turning his attention to her she frowned adding, “if these two get involved I won’t be able to stop them from hurting the three of you”. “W-we just want a little f-fun” he stammered trying to hide his growing fear, “you know a little something nice to do for the evening”. Sensing his fear Kāṭṭēri quickly decided to have a bit of fun with Eldritch she took another step towards him causing him to step back again. Leaning in, she licked his right ear almost tasting his fear shuddering with delight her eyes ceased glowing becoming a soft aquamarine. “Fun? huh?” Kāṭṭēri giggled sickly “Why honey I’ve seen how you get your ‘fun’ and you know what?” she added, looking him over, “you and your dumb-ass friends here have treated my friend Angelic like shit”. She whispered in his ear, “that really ticks me off”. Reaching out, she grabbed him by his shirt and spun him around forcing him to face her fully, placing a finger to Eldritch’s chest. “I mean really you ‘men’ think even in this day and age that it's OK to treat someone like a dog”. “Wh-what are you going to do” he gulped, “t-to me?” “Oh nothing much” watching him turn away from her she growled, “look at me” not getting the response she wanted from him she grabbed his mouth, “LOOK AT ME!” getting what she wanted from him she smiled. “That’s better”. Slowly she ran a finger in a circular motion over his chest stopping just over his heart. “So if I were you baby I’d get the fuck out of here while you and you’re three friends still can”. Running her hand down his shirt he felt her nails digging into his flesh, delightfully she watched him wince in pain, “Otherwise my girlfriend and I will have to” clicking her tongue she finished, “have our own ‘fun’ with you three shitheads”. “This needs to end” Angelic thought “I wanted their help but not if it meant that these three men will get killed”. Stepping back into the shadows Kāṭṭēri disappeared from Eldritch’s line of sight again Angelic watched her friend climb a wall like a bat preparing to strike down its prey. Quickly ceasing the moment she turned her attention to Drake surprising him grabbing his wrist she spun him around. Giving a hard shove she pushed him towards Steel Haze knocking both men down. Glancing up she saw Kāṭṭēri chose a hiding place above the alley hanging upside down like a bat near a broken window ledge. “Mithrandir’al ” Angelic, heard Kāṭṭēri’s thoughts in her mind, “can you still hear my thoughts?” “Yes” Angelic menteally replied, “It’s good to speak to you like this again”. “Good Mithrandir’al so you are not out of practice” Angelic heard Kāṭṭēri’s thoughts within her own mind clear as crystal, “ I’m gonna sit this one out at least for the time being that is.” Not realizing the danger he and his friends were in, Steel Haze got up helping his friend Drake up as well. Though the above hanging street light did show Píseň’s silhouette she stood just out of clear view of Steel Haze and his friends. Taking a step towards Píseň he rushed her, throwing his arms out; he took her by complete surprise grabbing her by her shoulders. Turning to his right he threw her into the ground Píseň fell to her hands and knees hitting the ground with a soft thud tearing trousers in the process. “I really wish you hadn’t done that” Angelic said, “Now you have really made Kāṭṭēri mad”. “You son of a bitch!” Kāṭṭēri screamed having seen everything from her hiding place. “I’ll tear you apart, human!” Without warning she dropped like a stone from her hiding place landing in front of Steel Haze back fisting him in the jaw, the blow knocked him down and sent him flying into a wall back first. His body hit the wall with a sickening thud Steel Haze felt three of his ribs crack from impacting with the wall behind him. A bit dazed and cunfused he heard her finish, “I’ll kill you for this”. “Don’t do it please” Angelic screamed out “Kāṭṭēri we can’t afford any more mistakes”. “Fuck off Angelic that bastard hurt my girlfriend he has to pay for that!” she yelled back, turning her attention to Píseň she rushed to her side helping her up. “Are you alright Píseň?” “Y-yes I think so” looking herself over she frowned “though I do need to get some new trousers” “Stay here I’ll deal with him” turning around she added, “Now” Taking a step towards Steel Haze she finished, “you die, human!” Raising a sharp finger nailed hand above her head she lunged in letting out a loud snarling growl her lips parted seductively as she took in his sent savoring the onslaught that was to come. "I'll tare your heart out and eat it raw!" Not wanting her girlfriend to kill him Píseň jumped in front of Kāṭṭēri placing her hands on her girlfriends chest. A sad, desperate, pleading look quickly etched across Píseň’s face a look of worry plastered in her eyes. Sighing Kāṭṭēri nodded stepping back keeping her eyes on Steel Haze and his two friends silently waiting for the right opportunity to end him. “You tell us to leave, I say screw you both'' Steel Haze yelled getting back up placing a hand to his side over his cracked but not broken ribs, “I’m going to enjoy having fun with your friend you cunt”. Stepping forward he got a good look at the person he just threw into the ground, “my you are indeed a beauty” he sneered. “Girls listen to me” Angelic yelled in desperation, “Kāṭṭēri please don’t hurt him!” turning her attention to Píseň she finished, “you both need to go easy on them, their only humans”. “Boy this human is such a jerk.” Kāṭṭēri thought. “Damn-it if I were here by myself he would be dead already”. Píseň stood six feet tall with long shoulder length raven colored hair deep purple eyes that shimmered like freshly polished gemstones. Her skin was a rich charcoal grey under the pale moonlight though in sunlight her skin was a calm soothing peaches and cream color. she wore white silk gloves over each hand with a silver band on her left ring finger. She was wearing a white silk blouse, with a black silk tie around her neck. A silver g-clef was pinned in the center of her tie In her right hand she held a single rose. A pink rose was delicately pinned to the right lapel of her jacket with a rainbow colored ribbon tied between the peduncle and bract. “I must say” Steel Haze began, “you really do look beautiful in that outfit girl” looking both girls over he grinned finishing, “I wouldn’t mind at all watching her dance on a pole with you taking part in it”. Píseň was wearing a black jacket tailored with a welt front pocket and flap waist pockets sewn to either side of it. She wore sophisticated trousers that were now torn at the cuff which had been crafted from Fleece black silk with a subtly lustrous finish. Her trousers were styled with a streamlined contoured waistband. A black leather belt was looped through the loopholes of her trousers. “Why don’t you unbutton that thing and show me the good’s girl?” He flashed her a sickening smile adding, “Come on now, don’t be shy all you have to do is unbutton your jacket girl”. “Sir please stop, you're making me sick” she replied. “Besides I am as you have already seen for yourself clearly spoken for”. “Yeah so what? Who---” he replied, only to be cut off as something brushed past him “Hey what the hell?” Drake without any warning rushed in only to be completely caught off guard a well planted fist violently slammed into his jaw. The sudden blow sent him stumbling backwards into his friend Eldritch. Pushing Drake off of him Eldritch also rushed in only to take a knee to the groin, an elbow to the ribs, and a fist to the sternum. Stumbling backwards he fell butt first to the cold, wet street his head came to rest against a wooden fence behind him. “Finally, now to end this!” Kāṭṭēri sneered having waited long enough, “you stupid humans think only with your dicks and not your heads” rushing in Kāṭṭēri grabbed him by his lapel picking him up his feet dangled above her knees, “this fight was over long before it got started”. Letting him go he hit the ground with a thud she reached into her vest taking out a knife flicking it open, “leave” she growled “or die”. Throwing the knife it slammed blade-first into the wooden fence next to his right ear. “the choice is yours” he heard her finish. “Make it now you piece of---” “Kāṭṭēri! What the hell are you doing?!” Angelic screamed, completely ignoring her current situation, “Píseň will you---” Taking full advantage of her distraction Steel Haze threw a fist striking Angelic in her face, cutting her words short, knocking her head back, slowly her head tilted forward. “OK, that’s it!” she snarled, “I’m through giving you and your friends chances to walk away”. A single droplet of blood dripped from her lower left lip raising her hand to her lip, she wiped off the blood giving him a scornful glare. “I didn’t want to fight however, you have brought this upon yourselves”. Dropping to the ground she planted both hands firmly on the street flexing her legs forward spinning in a half-circle she knocked his feet out from under him. Everything else from Steel Haze’s perspective seemed to happen in slow motion. With inhuman speed Angelic raced forward grabbing Steel Haze by his left bicep twisting herself around she threw him, head over heels into the dumpster. “That’s going to hurt” Kāṭṭēri thought watching Angelic fight Steel Haze, “man she is going to mop the floor with that asshole”. Hitting the dumpster back first he slumped to the ground letting out a pained grunt. Backing away she breathed heavily catching her breath seeing he was trying to get back up Angelic quickly rushed in punching Steel Haze in the forehead knocking him out cold. “Stupid idiot” she snarled, “he should have just stayed down”. Taking a step back from him she reached down grabbing him by his lapel picking him up. “Lets put you someplace where you can’t do any more harm to anyone else tonight”. Drake stepped in throwing a fist at Píseň completely missing his target ducking she stepped to the left dogging another incoming fist. “My friend Angelic didn’t want to fight with you or your friends sir” Reaching out to him she held her rose out to him confusing him he stopped in his tracks momentarily looking at the rose then into her eyes. “I will in regards to that stipulation I will offer you this rose” ducking another incoming fist she locked eyes with his finishing, “please stop this foolishness and take this token of friendship sir”. He lunged in throwing his leg out trying to kick Píseň in the stomach evading his attack, she spun around getting behind him slapping the back of his head with her free hand. She watched him stumble forward hitting the wall face first breaking his nose. Turning around his eyes watered from the pain rushing in she swept his legs out from under him hitting the ground butt first he sat in a dazed stupor fresh blood gushed from his broken nose staining his shirt. “All you had to do was” he heard Píseň softly say “take my rose and depart this area” She watched Drake trying as best as he could to get back up. “I offered you friendship instead you chose to keep fighting”. She watched him place his hand over his nose. “you could have left here as a friend”. Shaking her head she threw a fist adding,“instead of being an enemy”. She struck his left temple, knocking Drake out cold. “You little slut” she heard Eldritch scream catching her attention spinning back around she ducked an incoming fist, “you’ll pay for that”. “Don’t do this sir please don’t do this” Throwing a fist herself she hit him in the chest knocking him down, “Stay down! Please just stay down” she screamed. Eldritch climbed back to his feet, lunging; he threw a fist missing her face by a few inches, growing angry he tried to kick Píseň in the stomach. Dogging the attack she momentarily forgot her own strength catching him off guard flat palming him in the chest. The blow immediately sent him hurtling out of the alleyway into a parked car across the street. Hearing a very loud sickening bone breaking, crunching thud Angelic’s eyes widened in comprehension of the sound from the mans body exploding upon impacting with the car. “Píseň!” she heard her friend Angelic scream out, “what have you done?!” Angelic raced past her friend towards the street adding, “Come on Kāṭṭēri” leaving Drake where he lay and Steel Haze stuck inside the dumpster, “we have to make sure he’s alright” Kāṭṭēri followed her friend, stopping just short of her friends back hearing a gasp escape Angelic’s lips “Oh, God” Kāṭṭēri watched her friend Angelic clasp a hand over her mouth a sneering grin etched over Kāṭṭēri's lips at the grissly sight . “No”. she heard Angelic whisper, Kāṭṭēri watched her friend take a step back hearing her finish, “How could Pisen have done this?” To their horror the car was toppled over on its side Elderitch’s twisted, mangled body was pinned to the car’s metal frame, blood pooled in the center of the wreckage. His body had indeed exploded open from impacting the car most but not all of his internal organs were splattered on the sidewalk and wall of the building next to the car. His bones though mostly crushed from impacting the car punctured what was left of his skin, his right eye dangled from his smashed skull. His brain lay several feet past the car with bits of skull and hair still attached to it. his left eye bulged outwards looking as it was ready to pop the eye itself was oozing puss from what was left of his skull. Most of the center of the car was smashed inwards held together only by Elderitch’s lifeless body. Getting closer to the car Kāṭṭēri saw to her astonishment some of Elderitch’s organs were splattered over the front windshield as well as the sidewalk and building next to the car. “Angelic, Kāṭṭēri is---” Píseň called out to them getting up to them her eyes widened in fear, cutting her words short she stood nearly frozen seeing what she had done to him, “I-I didn’t m-mean” shaking her head her eyes filled with tears, “to do this to him”. “Well you did Píseň, you lost control!” Angelic screamed pointing to the mangled mess that once was a man but was now only a corpse “no amount of tears will change it!” “Hey!” Kāṭṭēri, chimed in rushing to her girlfriends side, “don’t you dare yell at her like that Angelic besides you have done far worse to humans than this” stepping between Angelic and Píseň she growled out, “so back off”. “I didn’t want this, I didn’t want to kill ...again”. Píseň turned away from the horrible sight, almost choking on her words, “I’m going to be sick”. She turned to the right retching, emptying the contents of her stomach onto the street swallowing hard trying to calm down she coughed adding, “I hate what I am”. “Hey it’ll be alright” Kāṭṭēri softly spoke trying to calm her girlfriend down gently laying a hand on her shoulder she added, “it's going to OK, honey”. “The hell it is!” Angelic chimed in stomping towards her friends she added, “you two idiots have really screwed up” throwing her arms up her eyes narrowed glaring at Píseň she almost screamed, “Píseň what were you thinking?! I told you,” turning her attention to both of her friends she added further, “I told both of you, that we can’t afford any more mistakes” Thrusting her hand outward she pointed to the mangled corpse finishing, “that we needed to go easy on them!” “Just what the hell are you talking about Angelic?” Kāṭṭēri demanded. “This is what I am talking about!” reaching into her pouch Angelic retrieved the newspaper article thrusting it into Kāṭṭēri’s chest she added, “read it” watching Kāṭṭēri turn her attention to Píseň she finished through a forced snarl, “don’t worry about Píseň she’ll be fine!” Taking the news article Kāṭṭēri handed it over to Píseň turning her attention back to Angelic, “why the hell should I care about som---” ‘An eviscerated body was taken from the docks to the city morgue earlier today.’ Píseň read outloud unintentionally cutting Kāṭṭēri’s words short, not giving her girlfriend time to say anything she added, ‘C.S.I squad member Charm Haste shall be the one to perform the autopsy on the body which is scheduled to take place at eleven tonight at the 112 precinct.’ “Píseň stop there for a moment” Angelic chimed in holding up her hand, “can either of you tell me whom you two were fighting with earlier today”? Looking down, Kāṭṭēri began to walk away folding her arms under her very round plump chest noticing this Angelic quickly followed her. Getting up close to her Angelic reached out grabbing Kāṭṭēri by her shoulder spinning her around Angelic’s deep mousey colored eyes stared deeply into Kāṭṭēri’s aquamarine eyes. Seeing only anger, loneliness, hatred and sadness, staring back into her own eyes she let Kāṭṭēri go frowning deeply. “I am afraid that I don’t know whom we were fighting Angelic” Píseň chimed in “I can only tell you that a fight did occur at the docks earlier today my girlfriend was unfortunately rather ... mum on that subject.” Taking a step back, Kāṭṭēri’s jaw began to tremble looking away she gulped trying hard to suppress her emotions. Her mind shifted back to a time long before she had met Angelic or Píseň; her whole body trembled with anger. Kāṭṭēri’s eyes closed tightly, her right hand balled into a tight fist she stood silently listening to the sounds of the city. Her anger boiled within her threatening to erupt at any moment. “Tell me whom did you fight down at the docks” Angelic’s words snapped, Kāṭṭēri out of her anger induced state of mind, hearing her friend add, “why did you go there endangering not only yourselves but all of us as well.” Several long silent moments passed reaching up Kāṭṭēri placed her hand over Angelic’s removing her friends hand from her own shoulder. Turning around she stared at a nearby puddle of dirty oily water walking over to it she saw her reflection in the water kicking a pebble into the water she watched her reflection twist and distort. Several clouds slowly drifted overhead covering the moon’s soft glow. The wind blew lightly through the alleyway, a few strands of her double blue tone hair flowed in the wind tucking the flowing strands of hair behind a slender elf-like pointed ear that was slowly returning to a human sized and shapped ear Kāṭṭēri turned around facing her friend. “We were tracking” she finally spoke, “that is all I am willing to say on this subject so just leave it alone”. “I understand that Kāṭṭēri!" Angelic snapped bitterly " But for the love of Divinity's Light tell me who you two were tracking and fighting with?” taking a step towards her Angelic added, “since the winter of 1420 I have never known you to make a mis---” her eyes widened a look of realization quickly etched over her face. “Tell me you didn’t go after---” “we-er that is -I found one of them” she replied interrupting her friend, “so I did what was needed, what you wouldn’t have done”. “You stupid fool” Angelic all but screamed at her friend, “your need for vengeance has put us all at risk!” balling her hand into a fist she added, “and to make it worse you put the humans in danger as well”. Growing angry herself Kāṭṭēri snarled out, “fuck the humans! I lost my family due to humans and their damn war!!” pushing past Angelic she headed back over to Píseň muttering, “stupid fools why should I care about them anyway?” getting up to her girlfriend she received an angry look from Píseň, “I take it your siding with her on this?” Stepping back a bit and clearing her throat Píseň waited for Angelic to rejoin them Kāṭṭēri scoffed kicking the ground with her left foot. Angelic rejoined them a few minutes later giving Píseň a nod with a deep sigh Píseň begrudgingly returned to reading the news article out loud. ‘A few witnesses stated that when the police arrived after the sounds of gunfire were heard they found three people in an all out gun fight. However it would appear that only one person was killed during the battle while the police tried to get things under control. Witnesses also stated that the police were hopelessly outmatched by one of the three assailants. A police officer by the name of White Tails was badly hurt during the gunfight it is unclear if he will make it or not.’ Angelic watched her friend Kāṭṭēri lean against the wall folding her arms under her chest once more turning back to Píseň she sighed shaking her head in annoyance. Kāṭṭēri stood staring at her girlfriend and Angelic letting her anger brewing within her a slight movement to her right quickly caught her attention. Her eyes followed a rat as it climbed out of a sewer drain cleaning its face and whiskers with its tiny paws. Looking up from the news article Píseň watched her girlfriend for a few minutes “Ughh” she groaned in sickening irritation “Kāṭṭēri’s not going to do what I think she is going to do ... is she ... Angelic?” “Not if I” she replied, “can help it Píseň”. A soft, growling snarl escaped Kāṭṭēri’s lips taking a step away from the wall her eyes glowed a pearly soft white. With anticipation of the meal to come she tracked the rats every movement watching it dart in and out of various hiding places. Her mind drifted to a time when she used to hut such small animals for food, game and fun. Her senses enhanced, licking her lips she savored the smell of her prey rushing forward much to the rats squealing squeaking surprise scooped the little furry Píseň up in her hands. Holding it by its tail at eye level she opened her mouth raising her hand upward her eyes rolled back her jaw slightly quivered. “Kāṭṭēri!” Angelic called out, snapping her friend out of her predator-like state of mind, “don’t even think about eating the disgusting vermin” stepping forward she finished, “besides you have no idea where that sickening little beast has been”. “But I’m hungry” she protested, lowering the rat back to ground, she watched it scamper off, “and besides this is getting boring”. “I don’t care” gently taking Kāṭṭēri by her forearm she added, “now come back over here, you need to hear what is written in that article”. Leading her back over to Píseň she nodded to her letting Kāṭṭēri go finishing, “go ahead Píseň honey please continue”. Giving both her girlfriend and Angelic a cold scrutinizing hard stare Píseň sighed a soft breeze blew her raven colored hair back. Tucking a lock of her hair behind her pointed ears she turned her attention back to the newspaper held in her hands flexing her fingers a soft noticeable cracking pop came from the paper. “According to witness statements two of the three assailants were cloaked though their cloaks did at one point during the gunfight with the unknown assailant come off. Much to the fright of the local homeless living in the immediate area. Several doc workers also claim to have seen the gruesome looking pair as well. Quirking an eyebrow Kāṭṭēri smirked shaking her head quickly earning herself a very unpleasant frown from her friend Angelic and girlfriend Píseň. Taking a step back Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic close her own eyes placing to fingers to the bridge of own her nose letting out forced irritated sigh. Wanting to lighten the sour mood she was perceiving from her girlfriend Píseň and their friend Kāṭṭēri reached into her vest pocket taking out a pack of cards. Realizing what she was doing Angelic rolled her eyes reaching out she took the deck from Kāṭṭēri placing it into her pouch earning herself a confused look from her friend. “You know very well Kāṭṭēri” Angelic irately growled, “that I don’t like card games”. “Fine whatever” Kāṭṭēri derided in reply adding, “I was just trying to lighten the mood is all”. “There is no time for that now” turning her attention away from Kāṭṭēri she finished, “we need to get going and soon”. Watching her friend put away her cards, Angelic finished, “Píseň please finish reading the rest of the news article”. Looking back at the newspaper in her hands Píseň walked over to her girlfriend and Angelic staring at both of them intently. Frowning she folded up the newspaper unbuttoned her jacket retrieving her cell phone from her innermost left pocket tossing it to Kāṭṭēri who gave her a confused look. “Use it to call Varnas” she all but growled out giving Kāṭṭēri a cold, hard emotionless stare “I’m going topside” turning her attention to Angelic she finished, “come or stay the choice is yours”. Without another word to either Angelic or her girlfriend Píseň turned around heading towards the nearby fire escape. Getting up close to it she used it to vault from one building to the adjacent one till she reached the top of the first building she was headed for. Landing safely on the rooftop she looked around seeing only an empty roof with a single entry for maintenance workers located in the middle of the rooftop. Stepping towards the ledge she placed her right leg to the grey stone ledge looking down. She waited and watched her friend Angelic give her wings a hard flap lifting herself into the air. “I’m going to go see what caused her to leave” Angelic said, rising further into the sky, looking down at Kāṭṭēri she added, “you stay down here and take care of this mess”. “Aww come on!” she heard Kāṭṭēri protest “this is so not fair!” glancing at the phone in her hand she shrugged “well she said to ‘stay down here and take care of this mess’ she didn’t say ‘how’ to handle this” dialing a number she held the phone to ear waiting for the other person to pick up, “Come on pick up already”. She waited for a few minutes before hearing a tired voice on the other end of the phone say, “Hello this is Canterlot Investigations Bureau, Agent Varnas speaking how may I---” “It’s me I’m-well-I’m in trouble and need your help” hearing a very irritated groan on the other end she quickly added, “hey come on I hardly ever call you please I like, really could use your help”. “Fine!” she heard him bitterly reply. “I need to know where you are at this pierce moment” “I am not sure where in the city we are located” she replied. “Wait … you said ‘I am in trouble’ so tell me what do you mean by this ‘we’? Who else is there with you?” she heard him ask, his tone of voice indicating he was less than enthused to learn she was not alone, “tell me what happened?” “Well there is Píseň my girlfriend and um-er-uh,” clearing her throat she silently prayed and hoped that Varnas wouldn’t blow up clenching her left hand into a tight fist she gulped, “Angelic … is here as ... well”. “I see” hearing the phone being set down and placed onto speaker Kāṭṭēri waited for a few seconds before she heard him finish, “I’m not happy to hear that Angelic is back Kāṭṭēri! Nor am I happy to learn that you're with her”. She listened to the sounds of water running and squeaking coming from what was more than likely his bed, “I am equally not happy to learn that you are once again in trouble and that your girlfriend is also I assume in trouble as well due to your actions”. “I understand” she replied, looking around she added, “Hey I am not sure where I am located so I was wondering if you could just oh, I don’t know, perhaps trace the call?” “I’ll do that but you need to tell me what happened first and foremost I can’t do anything at all until I know fully what I am getting my department into”. “We-er-I mean I was tracking or rather hunting one of them and well I wound up getting myself and Píseň into a gunfight at the docs earlier today.” taking a breath she added, “I didn’t call you about that because I thought I could handle it on my own I have after all lived for well.... a rather long time” she began to pace back and forth her mind started to race trying to calm down she sat down pressing her back against the cold wet brick wall of the alleyway. “Well one thing led to another and during the gunfight the cops got called one of them got hurt and I killed the um, thing that I was hunting .” bowing her head a single tear threatened to break the surface of her right eye wiping it away she let out a forced sigh, “Several hours after we got away Píseň wanted to go out for dinner so with my weapons or hers we left. Perhaps it was meant as a way to take my mind off of it I don’t know and I don’t care what her real intention was”. “I see, tell me Kāṭṭēri what happened next?” “Well we were headed into the city using the rooftops and alleyways to keep out of sight when we-er-I mean when I heard a whistle” leaning her head back against the brick wall she added, “I knew that whistle quite well as I was the one who taught it to Angelic. I had made it clear to her she was only to use it when she needed either my help or Píseň’s help”. Closing her eyes she further continued dreading the words that were to come, “Angelic had somehow gotten herself into a bit of a skirmish with three hu-er-people. One of them is knocked out in this alleyway, the second is locked inside a dumpster and the third” her eyes opened, sniffing, believing that her girlfriend wasn’t ready to face Varnas, she thought it best to take the blame for her girlfriends actions. “I-I killed him”. “You did what?!” she heard him reply the tone in his voice was stark and full of anger, “say that again Kāṭṭēri”. “You heard me! I killed him I placed my hand to his chest shoved him and he went hurtling out of the alleyway into a parked car across the street” getting up she finished, “upon impacting with the car his body exploded I didn’t mean to kill him I just wanted him to leave Angelic alone”. “Are you with your friends now”? “No I am in the alleyway, Angelic and Píseň are headed for precinct one twelve they need to retrieve the bodies that were sent there.” turning around she placed her arm above her head placing her forearm to the brick wall leaning forward she finished, “there was a news article about this incident though it stated that there was only one body found at the docs there are in fact two, one of which is human the other … is not''. “Get me the license plate of that car then rejoin your friends I’ll meet you at Fourth and Hallard street in about twenty minutes”. Walking down the alleyway Kāṭṭēri stood in front of the twisted metal mess that once was a car looking it over she found the license plate giving that to Varnas. Turning back towards the alleyway entrance she took a few steps away from the mangled twisted wreckage stopping in her tracks hearing her stomach growl she placed a hand to her very muscalur flat well tone 12 pack abb stomach frowning. Turning around she reached out taking Eldritch’s heart into her hands surprisingly it was still warm. Licking her lips she pressed it to her mouth biting into it, her eyes darkened turning dark purple and glowing brightly the warm blood gushing over her lips, down her throat was intoxicating. Finishing her meal she wiped a hand over her lips licking her fingers a soft growling laughter escaped her lips. “Well at least this bastard was good for something” she thought, out loud she said into the phone, “Varnas as long as you are coming can you be a dear and perhaps bring me something to ….snack on?” “Alright I’ll make something for you to snack on” he replied “oh, Kāṭṭēri don’t touch anything from the wreckage or the body I need to---” Hanging up before he could finish she smirked, shaking her head heading back into the alleyway she soon found Angelic’s sword and Drake still unconscious. Picking up her friend's weapons she carried them over to him setting them down next to him kneeling next to him. She placed her hands to his head very violently twisting his head to the right a sickening bone snapping, crunching sound echoed in her ears. Dropping his lifeless body where it lay, she picked up Angelic’s weapons once more, carrying them over to the dumpster that held Steel Haze in it. “Hey let me out” she listened to him bang and thrash about inside the dumpster “someone please let me out there are roaches in here for the---” Pressing the tip of Angelic’s sword to the metal dumpster Kāṭṭēri thrusted her hand forward penetrating the dumpster with the sword. A soft squelching gurgle came from inside the dumpster, her eyes narrowed twisting the blade to the right she smiled she slowly methodically twisted the blade to the left. Drawing her arm back Kāṭṭēri watched as blood slowly drip from the blade onto the street. Reaching out with her free hand she ripped open the dumpster looking inside she saw Steel Haze’s lifeless body lying on a small pile of rags. “This scum will never hurt anyone else again”. She thought, out loud she muttered to herself “Angelic should have backed down as soon as I showed up then this wouldn’t have been necessary”. Reaching inside the dumpster she retrieved a handful of rags quickly using them to clean off her friend's weapon. Sighing, she tossed the rags back into the dumpster over Steel Haze’s lifeless corps she turned to leave stopping in her tracks. “Oh, right I mustn’t forget Drake's body” she muttered. Heading a little further down the alleyway she quickly located Drake's body getting up close to it. She sniffed the air, the putrid smell of death hung heavy in the air. Setting Angelic’s weapon down for a moment she knelt next to his body picking him up heading back to the dumpster she tossed him inside of it slamming the lid closed laughing. Kāṭṭēri retrieved her friends weapon once more before heading for the fire escape getting up close to it she looked it over scoffing at its rusted frame and damaged exterior. “I can’t actually believe this rusted piece of junk actually held Píseň as she made her way to the top” Tucking friends sword under her left arm Kāṭṭēri turned around taking a running start running towards the fire escape she planted her right foot against it. The massive ten story structure creaked, groaned and shook from the slightest touch of her feet using it to vault from one building to the next she headed for the top. “You told me that Kāṭṭēri found you in 1720, February the 8th in Shoreham which if I recall correctly was a small sailing port of Neighland”. Kāṭṭēri heard landing on the legde of the building just behind Angelic and Pisen who both didn't see her she decided it was best not to interfere with Angelic’s tale choosing rather to remain silent as she listened in on the conversation, “she took you in, fed you, bathed you, clothed you and eventually had sex with you she also taught you how more or less to fight”. Recalling the memory herself Kāṭṭēri silently crept into the shadows of the maintenance doorway listening intently to Angelic’s every word. “In the early spring which I do believe was March 6th of 1728 you found those that you believed took away from you what you can not replace which was your family” Kāṭṭēri watched from her hiding place as her friend Angelic laid her hands on Píseň’s shoulders “That was if my memory still serves me correctly eight years after Kāṭṭēri found you Píseň. You do understand sweetheart that was 292 years ago. So tell me why are you still carrying this around with you?” “Because I killed two innocent people that day” she sniffed “and I did some checking on my own before the dock incident from earlier today. I know that the Sower family is still in this area. They have no idea what I did” looking into Angelic’s eyes she added, “just like you have no idea whom it was that we …. killed earliertoday.” “I would if you or Kāṭṭēri would just tell me” she replied. “It was Riz^tyākt her fourth in command”. Kāṭṭēri still choosing to hide and listen in watched her girlfriend Píseň look down with shame etched over her regal face, “Once again I took a life, he like the Sower family did me no wrong at all. Yet like before I wanted blood for blood so I hunted him down, but I couldn’t do it I wanted to but I just ... couldn’t.” Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic gently place a finger under Píseň’s jaw slowly raising the distraught girls head up so ther gaze locked. Offering her a simple yet pleasant smile she wrapped her arms around Píseň gently pulling her into a warm reassuring safe hug. Kāṭṭēri watched further as her girlfriend returned the hug burying her face into Angelic’s breastplate wrapping her own arms around her friends shoulders. Trembling Píseň began to cry gently Angelic much to Kāṭṭēri’s hope was indeed a friend to her gently Angelic ran her fingers through Píseň’s raven-black hair. “Shh, honey it’s going to be alright”. Angelic was heard whispering. “How is this going to be alright?” pulling Angelic in a little closer Kāṭṭēri listened to her girlfriend add, “I wanted him dead for what she did to me for what she took from me and I took two incconcent lives that day” Kāṭṭēri watched Píseň end the hug hearing her finish, “Why did I do this, why?” “Listen to me honey Eldritch was a fool he could have left at anytime but he chose to stay so thus his fate was sealed” Kāṭṭēri watched further as Angelic whipped away Píseň’s tears hearing her winged friend add, “what happened today and all those many long years ago wasn’t your fault Píseň you need to learn to live with this and let it go otherwise it’ll eat you up inside until you become like---” “Like who” Kāṭṭēri heard her girlfriend ask “whom will I become like Angelic please tell me”. “I am afraid that you’ll wind up like … Kāṭṭēri. I am afraid that you’ll become a killer who kills at their leisure without regard or remorse for their actions”. Having heard more than enough Kāṭṭēri snarled her eyes glowed incarnadine in color quickly remembering that Angelic was only trying to help Píseň she calmed down if only a bit. Stepping out of the shadows she placed two fingers to her lips giving a loud whistle watching in delight as Píseň and Angelic both jumped with fright. Snickering to herself she playfully tilted her head to the right enthralled by Angelic’s and Píseň reactions to her whistling at them. “Dammit!” Angelic yelped, “I swear by Divinity’s Light Kāṭṭēri!” placing a hand over her own heart she finished, “don’t you ever do that again”. “Kāṭṭēri that was not funny” Píseň chimed in taking a step towards her girlfriend her eyebrows scrunched sniffing the air her eyes slightly narrowed, “why do I smell fresh blood on you?” looking her over she finished, “y-your not hurt are you”. Holding out Angelic’s dagger Kāṭṭēri feeling a bit playful tossed it to Angelic watching her friend catch the blade and placing it against her left hip she smiled. Leaping from the ledge she landed next to her girlfriend in a squatting position standing up she began to playfully twirl Angelic’s five foot long sword moving around the pair in a circular formation. “You know honey” she began tossing the blade into the air much to Angelic’s annoyance catching it she added, “it occurs to me that if you” giving Angelic a very tauntingly half-hearted grin “two wanted to be alone together” tossing the blade back into the air again she watched it spin reaching out to catch it she stopped when a metal plated hand suddenly reached out catching it. “All you had to do was ask” taking a step back with a playful bow she added, “instead of leaping all the way up” straightening up she finished, “here”. “Kāṭṭēri you know very damn well that” Holding up her sword Angelic snarled, “this is a weapon!” sheathing her sword she added “it's not a damn toy”. Sniffing the air Angelic also smelled the scent of blood stepping towards Kāṭṭēri she finished, “I too smell blood on you so tell us why do we both smell blood coming off of you Kāṭṭēri?” “If its blood you smell it is not my own” she replied, grinning she added, “but you are right Angelic there is a scent of blood in the air and its closer to you than what you would like it to be”. Giving her a concerned look Angelic pursed her lips together not liking where the conversation was going, reaching behind herself she drew her blade giving it a once over. Her gaze quickly fell back to Kāṭṭēri who offered her a very playful smile. Not wanting a fight to break out between her girlfriend and her friend Píseň stepped between the two hearing growl coming from Kāṭṭēri she turned to her growling herself. Kāṭṭēri not wanting to fight with her girlfriend chose to back down folding her arms under her own chest. An uneasy silence filled the air wanting more information Angelic stepped back knowing her next words could easily start a fight with her friend. “Tell me Kāṭṭēri” she asked showing she was growing angry “what did you do?” “I did what you either couldn’t or be it wouldn’t do” she replied taking a step back herself she sneered showing her left fang to Angelic “I believe your words were ‘you stay down here and take care of this mess’ you never said ‘how’ I should take care of it” she turned her attention fully to Píseň adding, “I called Varnas like you asked he’ll meet us at Fourth and Hallard in about” glancing at her watch she finished, “ten minutes that is if we hurry”. “You killed them didn’t you?” Angelic said, her words caught Kāṭṭēri by surprise “that isn’t what I meant when I---” “So what if I did?!” she screamed back “they are three humans” holding up her hand with three fingers showing she added, “count them three nothing more and nothing less” Dropping her hand she finished, “there are seven hundred billion more where they came from!” Looking away Kāṭṭēri’s hand trembled swallowing hard her gaze slowly returned to Angelic’s eyes. Placing her own hands on Angelic's she pushed herself free from her friends grasp the wind picked up blowing several strands of Kāṭṭēri’s hair into her own eyes. Squinting slightly from the irritation she raised her hand to her eyes brushing away the strands of hair. Her left hand trembled, turning around to leave she stopped hearing her girlfriend Píseň call out to her. “Why would you do this Kāṭṭēri? Why?” Thrusting her hand forward she pointed to Píseň almost screaming out, “they would have hurt you” pointing to herself she added, “they would have hurt me” pointing to Angelic she added, “Angelic or anyone that would have come along” taking a breath she tried to calm herself down finishing, “I won’t shed a tear for them they won’t be missed least of all by me”. Turning around Kāṭṭēri much to her girlfriends shock and dismay raced forward leaping from the rooftop to another stepping forward to go after her Píseň stopped feeling a arm collide into her chest. Grunting a bit from the impact she felt in her chest she gave Angelic; a confused, concerning look watching as Kāṭṭēri disappeared over the edge of another roof. Taking a step to her right she locked eyes with Angelic staring into Angelic’s green eyes she saw only sadness and comprehension staring back at her. “Let her go” Angelic softly whispered “you’ll do her no good by chasing after her like a love sick dog chasing after its mate or owner”. “How dare you of all people call me a ‘dog’ you know I am not of their ilk” Píseň growled, calming down a bit she added, “tell me at least why did you stop me from going after her?” “I stopped you because she needs to be alone right now” she replied, “you and I however we may feel about this situation need to get to that precinct” gently laying a hand on Píseň’s shoulder she finished, “if you doubt me then read the rest of the news article”. Taking out the news article Píseň held it out in front of her reading it out loud, “One worker stated that those who were fighting with both the police and the unknown assailant as well looked like something out of a horror movie. One of these Píseňs according to the eye-witness reported that it looked almost like a wolf the other looked almost bat-like in appearance both according to what the witness saw and heard could actually speak.” folding it up she tucked into her jacket front pocket closing her eyes she finished, “alright I’ll ...go with you”. “Good” giving her friend a foolish grin she added, “oh, you might want to brace yourself”. “What do you---” Angelic much to her friends' shock rushed forward scooping up Píseň in her arms her friends eyes widened. She quickly realized what Angelic was about to do, “Angelic wait, stop what are you doing?!” Píseň screamed. Angelic ran towards the ledge of the building scooping up her friend Píseň in her arms planting her foot against the ledge she lept off taking her very frightened friend with her. Twisting around Angelic held tightly to her friend not letting her slip once while the two of them plummeted towards the ground. Her wings outstretched catching the cool nights air keeping herself and Píseň aloft gently. “Oh, God, oh, god, oh, god” Píseň, scared for her own life, wrapped her arms around Angelic’s neck nearly choking her friend in the process, “we’re gonna die, we’re so gonna to die!” Feeling Píseň’s arms wrapping tighter around her neck Angelic tapped her friend's forearm with her finger cuing her to let go. Coughing a bit she half-heartedly chuckled, turning, twisting and swooping high into the night sky much to Píseň’s ever growing worry and fear. Feeling the cool air rush through her hair and over her arms, shoulders and sides Píseň buried her face into Angelic’s chest plate silently praying her friend wouldn’t accidentally drop her. “Thanks for not choking me to death Píseň” she halfheartedly chuckled, “now you might want to hold on”. “Wait hold on?” Píseň cried out holding on in mortal terror “What the hell do you think I’m” her words were almost cut short as Angelic swooped downwards coming close to the ground but not close enough to crash “doiiing?!” Píseň screamed. “Relax” she soothingly whispered “Don’t worry Píseň I won’t be dropping you any time soon” smirking she added, “yet”. “Oh, that’s comforting,” she halfheartedly replied, “now put me down!” Angelic flew for another ten super-blocks before up-righting herself stretching her wings out she came in for a landing hearing Píseň add, “I don’t see why we couldn’t have just used a taxi”. “On these streets and in this city?!” she replied, setting her friend down earning herself a very scornful glare she sheepishly grinned adding, “besides we made it to the rendezvous point with” taking her friend’s arm into her own hand she glanced at Píseň’s watch, “Ha! Three minutes to spare” smiling she finished, “besides that was---” “I can’t believe you actually did that to me!” Flailing her arms around she added “that wasn’t bloody funny Angelic!” her eyes scrunched tightly together “don’t you ever do that to me again”. Failing to notice her girlfriend leaning against a wall nearby Píseň turned around folding her arms under her chest, stewing in her anger. Shaking her head with a slight smirk etched on her lips Angelic noticed a Black Mercedes Benz with fully tinted windows, no front license plate and black headlights pulling up alongside the curb. “Looks like Varnas is right on time” Angelic said. Noticing the car as well, Píseň stepped back as the car rolled to a stop in front of her. Both Angelic and Píseň waited for the occupant to step out of the vehicle. Stepping away from the wall she had been leaning against Kāṭṭēri without a word to either her girlfriend or Angelic walked over to the car tapping the drivers side window. The occupant of the car shut off the vehicle Kāṭṭēri sniffing the air caught the familiar scent of what she was after. Her eyes slowly became a soft erubescent cerise in color impatiently she tapped her foot waiting for the occupant to lower the window. “Uh, Kāṭṭēri” she heard Angelic ask, “what are you doing?” The window lowered looking into the car Kāṭṭēri saw a young blond haired woman driving the vehicle. The occupant was in her late teens she was wearing a three piece full button down black suit with a black silk tie around her neck and black tinted sunglasses covering her eyes. Handing over a medium sized brown paper bag the woman waited for a few seconds for Kāṭṭēri to take the bag from her. Taking the bag Kāṭṭēri opened it, looked inside of it hearing Angelic clear her throat she looked up giving her a grinning smile. “If you must know what I am doing Angelic” she began “I am getting something to snack on” being too hungry to fully realize what she was saying she foolishly added, “besides that human’s heart wasn’t nearly as satisfying as this will soon be”. Reaching into the bag she retrieved a small plastic pouch containing red liquid licking her lips she finished, “nor was it as tasty”. “Human heart?” Píseň chimed in “what human … heart” her eyes slowly widened with realization a gasp escaped her lips covering her mouth with her hand she finished, “Kāṭṭēri honey, how could you eat Eldritch’s heart like that?” “What?” she replied “I mean, it's not like he’s actually going to need it” tightly gripping the plastic bag in her hand she finished, “besides he’s dead so I don’t see what your getting so worked up about”. “That is truly disgusting Ms. Kāṭṭēri” the woman said chiming in, turning her attention to Angelic she gave her a once over adding, “I am agent Snow I take it you must be Angelic and the person standing to your right is Píseň correct?” “That is correct” Angelic replied instinctively placing herself between agent Snow and Píseň dropping her hand to her dagger and raising her free hand to her sword she added, “what do you want with Píseň?” “Whoa, wait please, my orders are to help you.” Raising her hands, agent Snow quickly added, “I was not ordered to harm either of you three”. Hearing another car pull up, stop and park behind the first one Snow watched Varnas step out of the second car sighing in relief. “Angelic!” he growled “stand down now”. Turning his attention to agent Snow he added, “Snow why have you not given Angelic the package I told you to give her?” “Sir I was going to but I---” “Don’t make excuses” he barked “hop to it” taking off his glasses, “Angelic” he added turning his attention fully to her “there is no reason for you to protect Píseň from agent Snow” putting his sunglasses into his innermost right jacket pocket he finished, “please stand down”. “Hmph” Angelic snorted in reply, stepping back but making sure to keep herself between Snow and Varnas she stood down snarling out, “we shall see … saurian”. The sound of a car’s trunk opening and closing caught her attention, “what is your agent doing Varnas?” “You’ll see,” he replied, “Snow you are to place that item in front of Angelic,” he demanded, “then get the other item from the other car and hand that over to Píseň as well”. Taking off his sunglasses he added, “Oh, and Snow”. “Yes sir?” she asked, “was there something else that is needed?” “Yes there is” he replied, “don’t do anything stupid”. Without another word, agent Snow continued about her business placing a wooden box in front of Angelic. Doing as instructed; Snow returned to the first car retrieving another item from inside of it. Confusion showed in Angelic’s eyes and on her face she watched Snow close the car door tentatively she approached Angelic holding out her hand. In her hand Snow held a black leather wallet still not convinced that Snow wasn’t a threat to her friend Angelic stood her ground placing her right hand on the hilt of her dagger. “Easy Angelic” she heard Varnas warn, “she’s not a threat, she's just obeying my orders”. “This is for Píseň,” Snow quickly injected. “May I please approach her and give this item to her?” “No you may not” staring her down Angelic bitterly added, “Don’t. Move”, kneeling, she further added, “you move and I will slam you into the ground.” hearing Snow gulp she added, “Do you understand?” “Y-yes I understand” She replied. “Good” Angelic added, “I’m glad to see you understand Snow” opening the box Angelic found a silk blue full button down blouse, charcoal grey trousers, a leather black belt, white cotton socks and suede shoes inside of it. “What am I supposed to do with these?” “You need to change out of your armor and get dressed in those clothes” gesturing towards the car she silently prayed to herself hoping that Angelic would ignore her movements, “if you wish to Angelic you may use my car to change from what you are currently wearing” She added, looking down at Angelic she finished, “that is if you will let me move so I can open the car door for you?” Standing up Angelic lightly kicked the box staring Snow down she reached out placing her fingers on Snow’s sunglasses removing them. Tucking them into Snow’s lapel pocket she looked the teenager over looking into Snow’s silvery argent colored eyes she saw only self-doubt, disquiet and tension staring back at her. “Place the wallet into your innermost pocket and raise your arms to the sides fully outstretched” she said, adding “and spread your legs agent Snow”. “Whatever for?” she replied, “Varnas has already told you I am not a threat to you”. “Yeah he has already told me that but you know what?” leaning in her face came within inches from Snow's face, “I don’t trust his word and he doesn’t trust me so do as you are told!” Staring into Angelic’s eyes she saw only anger and hate staring back at her. Snow quickly did as she was instructed much to her own building anger. Angelic thinking Snow had a hidden weapon of sorts hidden on her person laid her hands on Snow’s left shoulder moving slowly towards her wrist. Finding nothing hidden she moved to Snow’s right shoulder feeling the soft fabric of Snow’s jacket running under her fingers Angelic once more found nothing hidden under Snow’s right arm. Placing her hands on Snow’s collar bones she slowly made her way to Snow’s minuscular, pygmy, elfin sized breast. “OK,” she said feeling Angelic’s hands run across her breast “I’m going to take that personally in a second”. Ignoring Snow’s words Angelic slowly moved to Snow’s stomach much to the teens irritation finding nothing hidden she moved to Snow’s hips. Running her fingers down the teen’s nuanced, graceful, petite hips finally having had more than enough Snow foolishly dropped her arms placing her right hand over her own right hip. Much to her shock Angelic without a word to her immediately carried out her threat, wrapping her right arm around Snow’s legs and her left arm around Snow's hips picking her up. “Angelic no!” she heard Píseň and Varnas call out in unison. Thinking quickly Snow tucked her chin against her own chest trying to protect the back of her own head from impacting with the ground. Angelic violently slammed Snow back first onto the cold, hard ground kneeing her in the stomach and pelvis. Snow for her part fought back as best as she could hitting Angelic in her lower back and upper shoulders. Angelic, wanting to end the fight, quickly placed a hand over Snow’s neck wrapping her fingers around the teens throat while keeping her free hand against Snow’s legs slowly she choked Snow into submission. “You listen” she snarled, “human and you listen real good” she tightened her grip around Snow’s throat, “I know Varnas!” standing up, Angelic kept her hand over Snow’s throat, “How he thinks” She dragged Snow to her feet, “How he moves during a fight”. She thrusted her arm outwards, “How breaths” Snow quickly found herself suspended in mid-air, “how he deals with threats” Snow’s feet dangled just above Angelic’s knees, “I know what to look for when he tries to hide a weapon from me” pulling her in close their faces almost touched Angelic’s eyes turned from green to fuchsia in color, “you I don’t know”. Letting her go, Snow hit the ground painfully landing on her right side. Angelic used her foot to roll Snow over to her back, Thinking Snow still had some fight left in her Angelic knelt planting her knee into Snow’s stomach knocking the wind out of the teenager. Snow’s eyes shrank to pinpricks she gasped for breath rolling to her side she felt Angelic’s hand reach inside her jacket retrieving the wallet. Standing up Angelic opened the wallet making sure it wasn’t laced with a hidden needle or some other form of trap. Finding only a gold badge and identification card inside she stepped over Snow’s body handing the wallet to Píseň a single tear trickled down Snow’s right cheek. “That was completely---” “Necessary” Angelic unintentionally interrupted her friend Píseň “this blond-haired sylph of a pixie will think twice before moving when someone tells her not to move”. Turning around she watched Snow slowly climb back to her feet, “I did warn you” listening to her cough and watching her place a hand over her stomach she added, “Next time Snow I won’t be so … gentle”. “Screw you” she coughed in reply, limping away from Angelic she painfully made her way over to Varnas,“Sir I request to formally file charges against her for attacking a C.I.B agent”. “Your request is denied, Snow” he replied, reaching out he proceeded to unbutton the first two buttons of her shirt lowering her collar he examined her throat, “you’ll have some bruising by tomorrow”. Buttoning her shirt up she frowned glaring at him, “I told you not to do anything stupid” he added, turning his attention to Angelic he continued, “Angelic you need to get dressed while Píseň and Snow head inside to retrieve the bodies and all other data concerning them”. “Hey wait a minute?!” everyone heard Kāṭṭēri exclaim “why can’t I just go in there and get the bo---” “Because you have no regard whatsoever for human life Kāṭṭēri” Varnas intentionally interrupted her, “If I were to send you in there you would most certainly kill everyone inside that precinct”. He turned his attention to Píseň, “this requires stealth and someone that actually gives a damn about human life”. Turning to Snow he finished, “just get the bodies and all evidence collected do nothing more than that Snow”. “I’ll need papers that show why I am there sir” Snow replied, “my badge alone won’t be enough to---” “It’s already done” he replied, reaching into his jacket he handed her a folded piece of white paper, “give this to the officer behind the front desk” watching her take the piece of paper, “come out through the south entrance you’ll find a van waiting there for you”. Sore, angry and concerned about her objective Snow headed for the entrance watching her and Píseň go Angelic knelt reopening the box. Rummaging inside of it Angelic found a thin leather harness at the bottom of the box taking it out she looked it over holding it up for Varnas to see. “And just what by Divinities Light am I supposed to do with this?” she asked. “That is for your wings” he replied “so you can hopefully hide them” receiving a disgusted look from her as well as a rather devious look from Kāṭṭēri he finished, “while you’re in plain sight of humans”. Putting the harness back into the box she closed the lid, pick it up heading for Varnas’s car with Kāṭṭēri in close proximity to her. With her hands full from carrying the box Kāṭṭēri opened the passenger door for Angelic watching her winged friend toss the box inside the car getting in Angelic closed the door directing Kāṭṭēri to stand guard. Doing as instructed Kāṭṭēri pressed her back against the car’s passenger window folding her arms under her cantaloupe sized breast while Angelic proceeded to dress herself. Inside the precinct Píseň made her way to the front desk while Snow did her best to keep up though she was clearly in pain. “You going to be alright, Snow?” she heard Píseň whisper, “we can always leave and try to get this done some other way”. “I’ll be fine!” she snorted in reply “let’s just get this over with” making her way past Píseň she limped in her approach to the front desk placing her left arm on the desk to balance herself and help further hide the pain she was in she added, “I can’t believe Varnas denied me like that” she muttered. A officer in his mid twenties with short crew cut white hair and hazel eyes sat behind the desk compiling files paying her little attention to either of them, “which way do I go to get to the C.S.I autopsy room?” she finished catching the officers attention. “You need a warrant to get in there” He replied not looking up from his work “or you need a ba---” he tried to add looking up from his work as he was interrupted by Agent Snow. “Warrant” she handed over the piece of paper holding up her badge she added, “and badge” she flipped it open for him to see it fully, “Agent Snow C.I.B now can you show me how to get to the C.S.I.U room?” gesturing to Píseň she added, “this is Agent Winter she’ll be accompanying me”. Taking the piece of paper from her he read it, handing it back to Snow he snorted “Very well” getting up he added, “follow me”. Muttering to himself he finished, “lousy CIB's think they can do whatever they damn well want!” “What was that officer” Snow piped up, “I didn’t quite catch what you just said”. “Oh, uh, it’s nothing ma’am I’ll---” he began, noticing she was limping with each step she took he added, “are you alright you seem to be--- he tried to finish being interrupted once more by Snow “I’m fine” she snapped, “You listen and you listen well officer I don’t have time or the patience for an officer that can’t or won’t do as I have instructed him to do” her eyes narrowed with anger, “So you either show us the way to your C.S.I.U door or I swear I’ll have your gun and badge on my desk by dawn’s end! Do you fully understand me?” “Y-yes ma’am” he replied gulping, “I fully u-understand”. Stepping around his desk he led them down a hallway around a corner to another hallway at the end of which was a large steel door. Getting up to it Snow saw it had a retinal scanner, palm scanner and several locks on it engraved on the door were the words, ‘Crime Squad Investigations Unit’. Snow and Píseň watched the officer fish out a set of keys from his pants pocket, place his hand to the hand scanner and his face to the retinal scanner a soft beeping was heard. He stepped back placing a key to each lock unlocking the door for them, opening it he gestured inside of the doorway allowing both to enter. “Thank you” Píseň said, stepping past him she added, “now if you’ll be so kind please return to your duties Agent Snow and I shall take it from here”. Looking around Píseň saw several lab technicians working on various cases. Each lab technician wore a blue lab coat, clear plastic goggles, white latex gloves, hairnets and a face-mask with plastic face shield. The lab walls were plain simple walls, the floor was metal leading from the door to the back south wall, multiple security cameras lined the top of the lab walls. Three computers lined the west and east walls and a lab technician sat at each computer working on various files and compiling various cases for later use. Taking a step further into the room Snow stopped in her tracks noticing security cameras located at top and middle of each wall were moving from left to right. A large metal double door was located in the back of the room and the word’s ‘autopsy room’ was inscribed upon it. “Damn” she thought, taking out her cell phone from her outer jacket pocket she texted, ‘problem, security cams recording, need instructions’ she waited for a few seconds impatiently tapping her foot, “Come on, come on, reply already!” she muttered, getting a confused look from Píseň ignoring her Agent Snow heard her phone blip grumbling to herself, “finally”. “Don’t worry about them, I’ll have someone take care of it, hurry”. “Ok, we need to move Píseň, place the badge into your front pocket” Agent Snow began, “walk in front of me and let me do most of the talking”. Approaching one of the lab technicians Snow cleared her throat, “excuse me can you tell me where Charm Haste is?” “Yes she is in the autopsy room” the technician replied, “It’s located behind the door right behind me”. “Thank you” Snow said, looking around she saw a shelf containing multiple boxes of latex gloves taking one of the boxes down she opened it up handing a pair to Píseň, “Here you’ll need these while we are in there” receiving a confused look she added, “so you don’t accidentally contaminate anything that is in there”. Taking a pair for herself she put them on reaching into her outer pocket she took two evidence bags handing them to Píseň “you’ll need these as well” Taking the gloves and bags Píseň followed Snow as she opened the metal door and stepped through into the next room with the technician in pursuit of both of them. Looking around both saw the east and west walls were lined with many metal doors each door had numbers inscribed upon their surfaces. A digital clock was hung on the wall above a computer, a large metal table was positioned in the center of the room. Charm Haste was standing at the far right of the table setting up everything she needed to conduct a thorough autopsy. Looking around the room Snow saw the autopsy room didn’t have any cameras inside the room. “Excuse me are you Charm Haste?” agent Snow asked. “Yes I am” she replied “I don’t have time for an interview right now”. She was wearing a white lab coat, blue hairnet, black latex gloves, thick plastic goggles with a face shield pointed upwards at a forty five degree angle and a cloth white face mask. Looking around a bit Snow saw there was a first aid kit next to a large table located in the far right corner of the room. A set of double metal doors located at the south wall of the room each door had a light above it with a sign attached to each light that read, ‘when flashing do not open’. Under the sign was another sign that read ‘intake doors authorized personnel only’. “So this is what a morgue looks like?” Píseň thought. A shelf containing several boxes of n-ninety five respirator face masks and power respirator hooded masks stood near the intake doors. A microscope and computer were on a glass desk located to the left far northern wall with a sliding railing bolted to the floor attached to it was a metal chair. A trash can with a clear plastic liner was positioned next to the desk with a bio-hazard symbol on it positioned next to it was a box with the words ‘place bio-hazardous materials in here’. “An interview” Snow said, “isn’t the reason the two of us are here”. “Hey you guys can’t be in here” the technician said catching Charm Haste’s attention “I must insist that the two of you leave now”. “Unless this has to do with another case, do as my lab tech says” Charm Haste snorted irritably placing a tape recorder next to the computer, “I’m busy” taking a seat in front of the microscope she leaned in muttering to herself, “ok, let's see what we have here?” Ignoring both the lab technicians and Charm Haste’s words, Snow walked up to her tapping Charm Haste's shoulder becoming angry she grumbled, “go away”. Feeling Snow tap her shoulder again Charm Haste looked up from her work growling out, “Hey didn’t I say I was busy?” Turning her attention to her lab tech she finished, “Don’t you have work to be doing mister?” “But ma’am they just---” the technician began. “I don’t care if your nut sack is on fire” Charm Haste interrupted him, “get your butt back to work now!” The lab technician quickly made a hasty retreat back to his station. “Now if I am not mistaken” Charm Haste stated returning to her own work doing her best to ignore agent Snow, “I do believe that I already told you that I am busy”. Agent Snow watched Charm Haste pick up the tape recorder finishing, “am I correct in that regard?” “Yes you did say that” She replied, reaching out taking the tape recorder from her handing it over to Píseň. “But you know what” turning to fully face her she leaned forward locking eyes with Charm Haste finishing, “I don’t care”. “What on earth is so important that you both felt the need to barge in here and interrupt my work?” turning her attention to Píseň she held her hand out to her adding, “may I have the tape recorder back please I need it for my notes and for work”. “I’m afraid not Ms. Haste” she replied, placing the tape recorder into one of the two evidence bags that Snow had given her “this belongs to us now”. “I don’t believe this” she balked, “what on earth is so damn important that you both felt the need to barge in here and interrupt my work?” “This is what is so important.” Handing over the warrant Snow frowned, adding, “Agent Winter will need full access to your computer Ms. Haste” she added, “other than what is stated in the warrant what else have you collected from that case thus far Ms. Haste”? “Nothing” she replied, “I have as of yet, not had time to conduct the autopsies”. Reading the warrant she added, “you C.I.B’s get around fast I have just barely started the autopsies” handing the warrant back to agent Snow she finished, “I haven’t even collected blood and tissue samples from the second body yet”. Taking a step towards her Píseň's nostrils filled with an all too familiar scent sniffing the air she silently prayed that the scent wasn’t what she thought it was. Filled with growing dread her eyes shifted back and forth for a split second, worried she gave Charm Haste a concerned glance Píseň's gaze quickly shifted to the microscope. “But you have collected a blood sample from the first body right Ms. Haste?” her concern only grew with each passing moment “may I please see it?” “No you may you not” she replied, stepping away from the microscope, “you only have a pair of latex gloves on therefore, you’ll contaminate the evidence if you touch it”. Píseň, much to Charm Haste’s building anger, was brushed aside; all she could do was watch Píseň take a seat in front of the microscope,“Hey! What the hell are you doing?!” leaning in Píseň pressed her face to the ocular viewing shield, completely ignoring Charm Haste’s words, “I told you that you couldn’t look at that”. “It can’t be” Píseň thought, viewing the specimen on the glass slide, “that monster actually did it.” continuing to view the specimen she continued to think, “Angelic and my girlfriend are not going to like this”. “What the hell gives you the right to view what I am working on?” Charm Haste barked furiously, looking over to Agent Snow, she added, “Is your idiot partner trying to contaminate my case?!” Continuing to fully Ignore Charm Haste’s words Píseň pressed her fingers to the viewing dial adjusting it for a better look at the specimen placed on the microscope's aperture. The specimen was a green globular cluster containing hickory brown and yellow blood cells. To Píseň's horror she watched the cells within the blood sample with growing alarm begin to self replicate with each new cell that was formed she grew more and more concerned. Agent Snow noticed Píseň clenching her right hand into a tight fist thinking something was very wrong she reached out tapping Píseň’s right shoulder. “Hey you alright” she asked, “agent Winter?” Not looking up she replied, “I’m fine Snow” continuing to look at the specimen she added, “Ms. Haste this blood sample is from the body on the table correct?” finally looking up Píseň added, “and where is the second body that you and your team found at the docks today?” “Yes it is” she replied, wanting to know a bit more she added, “why do you ask?” “I have my reasons for wanting to know where this came from” Píseň replied, “we’ll need any and all slides that you may have collected Ms. Haste”. “Before I hand them over, you both should at least note that I am not happy about you CIB's taking over a case that is under my jurisdiction” Reaching out Charm Haste placed her hand on the glass slide removing it from the microscope's mechanical stage, “the second body is in storage cooler two seventy-six”. In her haste to pick up the glass slide Charm Haste accidentally dropped the slide watching it hit the floor and break into multiple sharp shards she grumbled, “dammit”. Bending down to clean up the mess she stopped hearing Píseň say, “Don’t touch it” sighing Charm Haste stood up turned and headed for the door, stopping in her tracks as Píseň called out to her, “hey” gesturing to the computer she finished, “the password, I still need it”. “I don’t see why you need it when I don’t have any notes stored on the computer” she replied with clear irritation in her voice, “I have already stated that I have not as of yet been able to fully conduct a full autopsy”. Frowning she added, “on either this body or the other one”. “It doesn’t matter weather you have or have not done a full autopsy Ms. Haste” Agent Snow chimed in “the warrant states that you are to give us full access to this lab and your work that also entails any computer files that we might need” folding her arms under her own chest she added, “Agent Winter is required by law to check your computer just as you are required to fully cooperate with us regardless of your inability to perform the autopsiesyou willcooperate with us”. “Fine!” she snarled in reply. Walking over to the computer Charm Haste pressed a few keys entering her password, glaring at Píseň before irritably storming out of the room. Opening the intake doors Agent Snow was greeted by a male and female standing in front of a black van with tinted windows and no license plate. The van was parked with its back doors already opened. “Get the bodies loaded and move out” she said, “Píseň” she added, turning her attention to her, “we need to hurry”. Turning back to the male and female she finished, “the second body is in the storage cooler the door number is two seventy-six”. The female had shoulder length brown hair, wore black sunglasses, she stood five feet six inches tall the male stood five feet, nine inches. The male had military crew-cut red hair, both he and the female wore the same suit as Agent Snow guessing they were both C.I.B agents Píseň paid them little attention. The male wordlessly stepped towards the first body pushing aside a metal autopsy tool cart placing his hands on the medical cart he pushed it towards the van. Getting the cart into position he pressed a lever on the cart collapsing the front wheels pushing forward he loaded the cart and body into the van. “The second body is in a storage cooler slot number two seventy-six” Snow began directing the female to the cooler adding, “I’ll help you get the body into the van” The female agent wordlessly opened the holding door and sliding the medical slab within outwards, “while Píseň checks the computer”. Píseň sat down in front of the computer using the mouse she clicked on the ‘open all files’ tab she began to shift through all the files stored on the computer. “Agent Snow” Píseň began “I can’t find any file pertaining to this case” not getting a reply she returned to her work pressing various keys on the keyboard. “It looks as if the computer is clean”. satisfied she stood up taking out the other evidence bag she added, “is there anything else that we need from Charm Haste or her staff?” “Not that I know of,” she replied, carrying the body past Píseň with the males help. Snow hefted it into the van. Her work done she turned and headed back inside all without showing any sign of her injuries from earlier that night adding, “Píseň I don’t mean to question you but are you sure the computer is clean?” “Yes I am sure that the computer is clean” she replied scrunching her eyebrows. She shot Snow a questionable look not wanting to give away her suspicions she gestured to the computer, “but if you don’t believe me take a seat and check the computer for yourself”. “Very well if you insist” Watching Píseň step away from the computer Snow added, “can I ask you something?” “sure” she replied, “what is it?” “Why did Angelic refer to Varnas as saurian?” directing the female to get into the van “she does know that word means of or like a lizard right?” watching the female do as directed she added, “Varnas is human so why call him something that he is not?” hearing the van’s engine start up she smirked finishing, “care to tell me why you didn’t want Charm Haste to clean up the broken slide that you are kneeling next to?” “Angelic has her reasons for calling him that” she replied, “just as I have my own reasons for not allowing Charm Haste to clean this up” picking up several pieces of the slide she placed them into the evidence bag standing up she handed it to Snow “Just leave it at that”. Snow took the bag from Píseň as the door opened and Charm Haste stepped back into the room with a dustpan and broom in her hands. Píseň turned her attention to Charm Haste failing to notice Snow taking out a slender shard of glass from the evidence bag. She placed it between the interdigital folds of her own right hand holding it in place between her middle and ring fingers. Charm Haste began to sweep up the smaller pieces of broken glass that Píseň wasn’t able to pick up. “Ms. Haste” she began holding up her hand. She stopped Charm Haste for a moment adding, “I would like to offer you my-er-I mean our most sincere apology for any inconvenience that our actions here tonight have caused you”. “Well you’ll forgive me if I don’t accept it” she replied, kneeling she placed the dustpan on the floor sweeping what was left of the slide into it, “you C.I.B agents always think you can do whatever you want” finished sweeping up the glass she stood up finishing, “This case was clearly under my jurisdiction” Snow stepped forward holding up her left hand, “I fully promise you both that I will be lodging a complaint with your superior for this” “If you wouldn’t mind,” Snow said, holding up the evidence bag in her left hand, Charm Haste dumped the rest of the glass into the bag, “I think that is everything we needed” handing it to the male she watched him get into the van, close the back doors and drive off with the female, stepping towards the intake doors, “now that they are gone Snow closed the intake doors finishing,“there’s one last thing that I need to do”. “I don’t understand” Charm Haste said, returning to the computer she added, “I assume you’ve both checked this computer and found nothing on it” pulling out the chair she sat down, switched the computer on and logged in “you’ve got the broken slide and bodies that I collected from the docks” gesturing to Píseň she continued, “You agent Winter have my tape recorder, which by the way I want that back”. Turning her attention back to the computer she grumbled, “what else is there for you to do here?” “What else needs to be done here Ms. Haste” Agent Snow replied, “is between myself and Píseň though because you are a boffin you may listen in if you wish to do so that is”. “I’d rather not” Charm Haste replied, “in fact I would really rather you both just leave”. “Suit yourself” Snow replied, heading for the door she stopped in front of it tracing the lock with her fingers it felt cold and smooth to the touch, “though you might find this interesting”. Turning the lock to the right she locked the door turning around she added, “Píseň didn’t you ask me if there was anything else we needed from Charm Haste or her staff?” receiving a silent nod from her she walked over to her further adding, “I think a better question would have been is there anything else you need from me?” taking a step towards her she brushed her shoulder into Píseň nearly knocking her down flicking her wrist she smirked, “and what I needed from you has now been taken care of”. Glancing downwards Píseň felt something wet dripping between her fingers glancing back up her eyes widened in fear to Píseň’s shock Snow’s eyes changed before her own. A moderate harlequin color slowly overtook Snow’s blue eyes with her pupils becoming a dark grayish opal in color. Hearing her snicker Píseň backed away feeling something sharp in her right middle finger she cupped her hand in her own, raising her hand she saw a slender shard of glass had penetrated her finger. Looking back at Snow she watched as Snow’s hair slowly grew in length changing from blond to dark cerulean feeling pain throughout her hand Píseň fell to her knees wrapping her arms around herself. “Hey what the hell are you doing?!” Charm Haste yelled, getting up from her computer, she quickly rushed to Píseň’s side, “Snow for crying out loud can’t you see she’s in pain?” “Oh, I can see just fine Charm Haste I just don’t care” she replied through a half hiss, her work done Snow walked over to the door she had locked striking it with the side of her fist “this should make sure you don’t have any other way out except through the intake doors” the sound of metal bending, creaking and twisting echoed in her ears walking past Píseň and Charm Haste she stopped, turned around, her lush winter color skin turned a blackish dark grey, “tell Imzadi” her laughter echoed in Píseň’s ears “I said ‘hello’ as for you Charm Haste I hope yous survive though” turning around she exited through the intake doors, “I doubt it”. Trying to help Píseň up Charm Haste fell to her butt with Píseň falling on top of her pushing Píseň off of her Charm Haste got up rushing for the exit door. Banging on it as hard and as loud as she could, Píseň's screams quickly caught her attention, turning around she watched in growing fear as Píseň writhed on the floor in pain. Píseň’s muscles, tendons, hand and arm felt as if someone was pressing a thousand cherry hot needles into her flesh for sheer enjoyment her body began to spasm. “No” Píseň snarled, her body twitched with each muscle spasm she suffered, “not” flipping to her hands and knees “now” she felt her back rise, arch and fall her bones “aaargh” painfully creaked, popped and snapped, “m-make-argh- i-it stop” she cried out in pain, black grayish hair grew over her hands, and face. “Help please” Charm Haste screamed, pounding on the door with all her might “somebody help please” Píseň's ears painfully elongated, becoming wider at the lobes and slender at the tips, her face contorted, her jaw popped and creaked slowly becoming a snout. Her eyes glowed bright yellow, her canines pushed downwards painfully curving inwards each of her teeth became jagged, pointed and sharp perfectly shaped for ripping flesh from bones. Her thumbs shrunk becoming dewclaws, her fingers grew in length becoming slender, her palms became fuller fur sprouted from her shoulders. Her muscular transformation tore apart her suit, thick fur sprouted from her back. “For God’s sake somebody open this damn door” Charm Haste screamed, continuing to pound on the door as hard as she could, being completely unaware that everyone had left for the evening, “Let me out, let me out”. Hearing growling behind her, Charm Haste looked over her shoulder seeing to her horror a tail began to form from Píseň’s tailbone. Loud cracking could be heard coming from Píseň’s legs, to Píseň’s growing painful anguish her legs began to painfully bend backwards forming a Z shape with a slight S shape to them. Her fingernails formed into sharp claws, her clothing ripped around her waist, back, chest and most of her legs leaving only her upper legs covered in ragged torn cloth. Her hair fell out being replaced by thick fur, her eyes ceased glowing purple becoming a soft golden brown. “Run” with one last cracking sound emanating from her neck, back and forearms she managed to snarl out, “now”. Charm Haste too scared to move stood frozen like a deer in headlights the creature before her let out a loud mournful howl, it breathed heavily sniffing the air before locking eyes with its prey. A clawed paw furry hand swiped downwards striking Charm Hast in the face, flesh painfully ripped and tore from her bones a blood curdling scream escaped Charm Haste’s lips. The creature grabbed Charm Haste by her lab coat’s lapel and blouse throwing her into and out of the intake doors into the street beyond. Hitting a fire escape with a sickening bone snapping thud she slumped to the ground wounded, through forced breaths she coughed badly. The creature burst through the doors ripping them from their hinges; the sounds of the doors hitting the ground echoed in Charm Haste’s ears. “No please” she barely managed to spit out, “L-lea-leave me-a-alone”. Standing on its hind legs it growled, falling to its forelegs Charm Haste though her vision blurred badly, watched in stunned fear as the fury thing slowly made its way over to her. Sniffing her body it snarled reaching out a furry paw it wrapped thick fury fingers around her throat picking her up. Choking on her own blood a few tears trickled down Charm Haste’s left cheek, her right cheek being too badly ripped apart to feel them. “Please” she begged, blood spat from her lips splattering on the creatures fury face, “don’t”. Violently it threw her behind itself towards an allay wall the only thing that saved Charm Haste from an untimely demise was a metal dumpster. Hitting the dumpster Charm Haste’s right shoulder shattered like glass sliding from the dumpster she slumped to the ground, badly wounded she painfully cried out in anguished pain placing her right arm in front of her as best as she could. “Help” she screamed out as best as she could, “somebody help me!” Looking over her shoulder her eyes widened in fear to her horror, the monster had leapt into the air landing a few feet in front of her. Striking her chin with its pawed hand the blow instantly sent Charm Haste hurtling backwards back first into the dumpster. A large dent showed in the dumpster from where she impacted with it, sliding to the ground a stain of blood smeared over the metal surface of the dumpster. The crazed monster reached down grabbing Charm Haste by her hair hoisting her off the ground staring into its brown-golden eyes Charm Haste coughed. “S-scr-screw you” she barely managed to mouth. Hearing footsteps approaching their position, the last thing Charm Haste saw before she began to slip into unconsciousness was a man followed by two women running towards her and it. The creature dropped Charm Haste with a sickening thud she hit the hard, cold, wet street her legs bent painfully under the weight of her own body. “Angelic go” “On it” “Kāṭṭēri protect that woman” “Aw, come on do I have too” “YES”!! Angelic getting caught up in the moment tried to stretch out her wings completely forgetting about the harness that Varnas had insisted she wear while in public. “Damn!” she yelled. Ducking an incoming hand she back-flipped catching the monster in the snout. “Where the hell is Píseň? We could use her help right about now”. Kāṭṭēri quickly knelt next to Charm Haste picking her up turning to run from the battle she frowned carrying the badly injured women to Varnas and to relative safety. “Píseň where the hell are you?” she heard Angelic scream out, turning around Kāṭṭēri quickly rejoined the battle watching Angelic duck another incoming pawed hand “I can’t hold this thing back for long. Varnas get that woman out of here now”. “We can’t fight this thing in the city” Varnas yelled out, “too many people will get hurt trying to get involved”. Turning around he ran as fast as he could carrying Charm Haste in his arms towards his car “I hope those two can hold her off long enough to get you to a hospital”. Kāṭṭēri watched Angelic run up the wall sideways leaping over the monster’s head landing safely behind it she punched it in the lower back. The blow did little more than anger her furry crazed thing. Taking a back paw to her jaw Angelic was knocked backwards hitting the ground hard wiping a hand over her mouth she glared at the pinkish substance on the back of her hand. “Okay it’s time” she snarled in anger, “for you to go down”. Hearing Varnas’s car start up and drive away Kāṭṭēri rushed forward sliding on her shins she slid between and under the monsters legs. Angelic leapt at it, kicking the creature's jaw, knocking the crazed beast back several feet. In rage and in pain the monster hit the dumpster with a sickening thud. Growing angry it grabbed the dumpster lifting it above its large fury head throwing the dumpster at Angelic. “Angelic watch out” Kāṭṭēri yelled. “Oh, shit” Trying to get out of the way Angelic dove to the ground though to her shock it wasn’t enough the dumpster collided with her body sending her cannoning into the alley wall. “Okay” she grunted slamming into the wall, “yeah” pushing the dumpster off of her, “ow”. She grunted slumping to the ground “yah that’s going to leave a bruise”. “Severs you right for being so stupid Angelic” Kāṭṭēri yelled out to her, ducking an incoming swipe from the creatures left paw, “hey watch it”. Hearing the monster let out a loud blood drenched roar Kāṭṭēri’s eyes closed she whispered, “I have no choice”. Her eyes snapped open, she screamed out, “you’re going down”. Rushing forward she threw a clean right hook catching the creature’s chest with her fist, backflipping she caught its fury chin with the tips of her feet knocking the crazed enraged beast backwards. Using the alley wall to her advantage she ran up it sideways and flipped, getting behind it. The monster spun around trying to bite Kāṭṭēri’s shoulder ducking out of the way she reached out grabbing it by it’s large fury neck. Leaning forward Kāṭṭēri violently threw monster into the street. The beast roared in rage, taking a fist to the abdomen and a foot to its chest for it’s trouble. “That thing will eventually get the upper hand” Angelic thought watching the two fight, “I need to do something”. Feeling a rock next to her right hand she glanced down picking it up, “Oh, I hope this works” throwing the rock at the creatures head she watched it hit the crazed beast momentarily distracting it, “Now Kāṭṭēri now!” Taking advantage of the monsters momentary distraction Kāṭṭēri upper cutted the stunned beast in the snout knocking it backwards several yards. Rushing forward Kāṭṭēri once more threw her arms around the creatures neck firmly planting her knee in it’s stomach taking the fight out of the monster. Both breathed heavily Kāṭṭēri waited only for a moment as the creature stumbled forward thinking it still had some fight left in it she ran forward grabbing by its ears. With a scream she slammed her forehead into the monster's head knocking it down and out cold taking several steps back she turned to Angelic giving her tired thumbs up. Turning back to the creature Kāṭṭēri’s eyes widened in shock as it changed from a beast to its human form. “No” she whispered, putting her hand over her mouth “this can’t be”. “Oh, thank Divinities Light” Angelic whispered to herself, “It worked”. Getting up and she walked over to Kāṭṭēri seeing what her friend was looking at she gasped, “oh, no please, no not this”. Turning away she glanced up seeing agent Snow wave them off before disappearing from view turning back to her friends she finished through a whisper, “I’ll make that bitch pay for this”. Kāṭṭēri fell to her knees next to Píseň’s unconscious body she reached out pulling Píseň into her lap thick tears trickled down her cheeks wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's body. Several long moments passed, Angelic stood up holding her right shoulder with her hand. She watched Píseň slowly begin to regain consciousness, Píseň’s eyes slowly fluttered open, the nearly unconscious girl’s vision blurred only for a moment. “Uh-hmm-uh” she groggily groaned, sitting up Píseň felt Kāṭṭēri cover her breast with her arms, “wh-where am I?” looking around she felt something wet and sticky on the palms of her hands, “what happened?” trying to look at her own palms she added, “what did I do?” “No honey” she heard Kāṭṭēri whisper trying hard to prevent Píseň from looking at her own hands, “don’t look, you don’t want---” “Tell me what happened?!” she screamed interrupting her girlfriend, she wrestled for a moment with Kāṭṭēri freeing one of her arms from her girlfriends grasp. “Please tell me”. Getting a good look at her own hand she trembled with fear. Píseň's palm and fingers were covered with Charm Haste’s blood, “ please, not ...again”. Her nails had bits of Charm Haste’s flesh under them. “tell me I didn’t hurt anyone”. Seeing the glass shard was still in her right middle finger she wrestled her other hand free from Kāṭṭēri’s grasp. Pulling it out Píseň let it drop to the ground listening to it shatter she cried, fully burying her face into Kāṭṭēri’s half-pint, petite breast. “Please, no this can’t be”. “I’m so sorry baby” her girlfriend softly whispered “I’m afraid you … attacked that biped” Helping her up Kāṭṭēri took off her vest taking Píseň's right arm she threaded her girlfriend’s arm through the right armhole repeating the process with Píseň's left arm. “Varnas is I assume taking that errable, weakly biddy to the hospital as we speak”. Whipping her thumb under her girlfriend's eyes she dried away Píseň's tears, finishing, “if it’ll help you to feel better honey I suppose we can go check up on that hominid”. “Kāṭṭēri before we head out what happened to that bag you got from Agent Snow?” Angelic asked. “Does it really matter what happened to it?” she replied, not looking up “but if you really want to know I dropped it somewhere near the car though I am not sure entirely where”. “Very well as long as you didn’t drink any of it” her eyes locked with Kāṭṭēri’s “you didn’t did you?” “No I was going to but Varnas being the ass that he is stopped me before I could consume it” helping her girlfriend up she added, “Why do you ask?” “I asked, because I am worried that there was something wrong with it,” Angelic replied. Píseň fully able to stand wordlessly buttoned up the vest covering her half-naked body. Angelic feeling her own shoulder was dislocated, slowly stretched her dislocated arm out and over her head. Slowly she rotated her hand behind her head as if she was going to scratch her own neck, reaching for her opposite shoulder a loud cracking, crunching pop caught Píseň and Kāṭṭēri’s attention. Both girls winced hearing Angelic’s shoulder ball and socket pop back into place. Angelic for her part let out a pained grunt rubbing her shoulder with her free hand sighing. Noticing her two friends were staring at her, she gently laid a hand on Píseň and Kāṭṭēri’s shoulders giving them both a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry I’m alright” she said, adding much to Kāṭṭēri’s displeasure, “just had to get myself fixed up is all.” heading towards the autopsy room she glanced behind her finishing, “you two stay here I’ll be back in a few minutes”. Finding Píseň’s shredded clothing lying in a heap in the middle of the autopsy room floor Angelic picked up the tattered garment placing it over her right forearm. Getting back outside a couple minutes later she nodded to her two friends leading them to Snow’s car. Finding the bag Snow had given to Kāṭṭēri, Angelic stepped on it splattering its contents over the blacktop picking up the bag she carried it to the car. Opening the back passenger door Angelic tossed both the bag and Píseň’s tattered garment onto the back seat. Taking the driver's seat Angelic buckled up, reached over to the glove box, opened it taking out various papers, a mini flat-head screwdriver and a map of the city. Kāṭṭēri climbed into the front passenger seat opened the map tracing the quickest route to the nearest hospital while her girlfriend got into the backseat and buckled up. “Hm” she muttered, “let’s see, it looks like if we take route 10 to highway 787” folding up the map and putting it back into the glove box along with the papers she finished, “we should get there in about forty minutes though Angelic you do realize we would get there faster if we use the sirens”. “Absolutely not” she replied taking the screw driver Kāṭṭēri, watched her friend set it to the cars ignition “we are not going to do anything that will draw further attention to us”. “Uh, you mean like stealing this car and busting the ignition with that screwdriver?” she playfully giggled in reply adding, “you do know that won’t---” Hearing the car’s engine start up she cut her words short buckling up herself, she finished, “nevermind”. “Angelic dear” Píseň chimed in “which hospital do you think Varnas took Charm Haste too”. “Wait ….what? Charm Haste?” turning around as best as she could she finished, “you mean to tell me that woman that Varnas helped was Charm Haste?!” Shrinking back a bit, Píseň cupped her hands together trembling with fearful anxiety, her eyes began to shift rapidly from left to right as she tried to reply. Opening her mouth she could only make a soft squeak looking away she sniffed trying desperately to keep her emotions in check. Feeling her girlfriends hand on her right knee she opened her eyes looking into her girlfriends she silently nodded. “Angelic why are you so upset about one human getting mauled” Kāṭṭēri asked, “I mean it's like I said twice today its one human being out of seven hundred billion”. “Because Charm Haste is the absolute head of the C.S.I.U team here in this city Kāṭṭēri” she snarled in her reply, “you don’t think that her going missing or being mauled by your girlfriend won’t go unnoticed?” Pulling out into the street she added through a grumble, “If I need to reiterate this then I will; humans are not supposed to know about us at all”. Coming to a red light she stopped the car momentarily closing her eyes, her grip tightened around the steering wheel, “I should be in Sethfril not in Canterlot”. “Ya why are you here Angelic?” Kāṭṭēri asked, “the last time I saw you was seventeen eighteen in uh, I believe it was march the eighth or tenth”. “I was fighting a ‘Brozgil’ and during the fight I got hit with some sort of energy beam” She replied, “next thing I knew I was in a backyard of some sort”. Waiting for the light to change she finished, “though I don’t know whom the backyard belonged to”. “That would explain why you were wearing your armor and weapons”. Kāṭṭēri said, adding, “where were you when your fight with the Brozgil took place Angelic?” A car pulled up behind the one that Angelic was driving the driver irritably began to honk his horn, growing irritated from the irritating loud noise Kāṭṭēri turned on the radio. Trying to find a station to listen to she switched through multiple stations settling on soft orchestral music the driver continued to honk his horn pushing slowly pushing Kāṭṭēri to her mental limits. Angelic watched Kāṭṭēri place her right hand on the door handle and her left on her seat belt latch not wanting her friend to get into a potential fight she reached over placing her own hand on Kāṭṭēri’s left knee. “Just sit tight, the light will change in a few minutes” the two locked eyes for a split second “that person will pass us. I know that driver is upsetting you, that person is upsetting me as well so just relax”. Taking a breath she finished, “I was in Kentare”. “That’s not possible!” both her friends yelped in unison. “Angelic, Kentare is three thousand nine-hundred ninety one miles away” Píseň said, “How did you possibly get here when it takes eight and half hours to fly there?!” “I don’t know like I said Píseň, I was fighting the Brozgil next thing I knew I was here in this city I have no idea what happened or even how it happened”. She replied, “besides right now it doesn’t matter what does matter is what we do from this point on”. Trying her best to ignore the other driver Kāṭṭēri focused her attention on the music hearing another loud honk from the other car she dug her fingernails into her palms clenching her hands into tight fists. Another loud honk came from the car glancing up. Angelic saw that light was still red reaching over to the radio; she turned the volume up, doing her best to ignore the other driver as well. Píseň sighed; silently hoping the light would change soon and the other driver would simply drive off. Trying to ignore the person in the other car Kāṭṭēri opened the center council finding a glock twenty-two inside of it taking the gun out she grinned. “Don’t even think about it” Angelic said, “that driver isn’t worth it dear”. Taking the gun from her, Angelic put it back into the center council, “just focus on the music honey, ignore that idiot”. Hearing another loud, long honk Kāṭṭēri nearly lost her patience feeling Angelic’s hand resting on her thigh she nodded to her, “Hey I know that person is being a jerk but don’t worry honey everything will work out in the end”. “Alright, if you say so.” she replied, watching the light change she added, “its green” “Alright, time to go.” Angelic replied, pulling out into the intersection she glanced to the rearview mirror watching the other driver follow them honking, flicking them the bird and surviving all over the road. “I better pull over and let this idiot have the road”. Pulling over Angelic grinned watching the other driver speed past them to her delight a silver Dodge Charger going in the opposite direction slowed down and turned around. To her and two friends' amusement they saw red and blue lights flashing. The other car sped down the street with the unmarked police car in hot pursuit of it chuckling to herself Angelic pulled back out into the street and drove down the street for a few minutes. Pulling up to a stop sign she, Kāṭṭēri and Píseň all saw the other driver being handcuffed by the officer of the Dodge Charger. Bursting with laughter Kāṭṭēri rolled her window down as Angelic drove by the officer and other driver sticking her head out the window she yelled “yeah bitch that’s karma for you!”. Rolling the window back up she happily grinned Píseň’s eyes rolled though she was happy the other driver would no longer be a problem. Angelic reached over switching off the radio, smirking she chuckled happily she too was happy the other driver wouldn’t be a problem any longer. Nearly thirty minutes passed without further incident pulling into the hospital parking lot Angelic found a place to park, shut off the car and got out. Kāṭṭēri also got out stopping just short of her girlfriends door. “You better stay out here honey” she said, “with what little you have on I doubt Angelic wants an inquiry to why you look-well-the way you do”. “Alright just please tell me how Charm Haste is doing” watching Kāṭṭēri walk away from the car she yelled out adding, “hey don’t forget about Angelic’s armor and weapons”. “Right, got it” she replied catching up to her friend she added, “so um, you know who’s going to do the---” “Return to the car Kāṭṭēri” Angelic interrupted her. “I don’t have time or the patience to listen to you make things worse than what they already are so please return to the car”. “Aw come on Angelic that is so not fair” she whined in protest, receiving a slightly irritated angry look from her friend Kāṭṭēri bowed her head in defeat, “Oh, very well”. Turning to head back to the car she called out over her shoulder, “will you at least get us something to snack on?” “I’ll do my best” she called over her shoulder heading inside the hospital Angelic found Varnas in the lobby waiting room “Varnas how is Charm Haste doing?” Walking up to him she noticed he was hardly paying any attention to her. Varnas kept his back to her while he looked over a file. Setting it down he pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose closing his eyes, a door next to him opened and two doctors and a nurse came out each talked among themselves before one of the doctors approached Varnas tapping his right shoulder. Opening his eyes he glared at Angelic turning his attention to the doctor he frowned asking, “How is she?” “Not good” the doctor replied, gesturing towards another door he led Varnas towards it with Angelic following them, “she has multiple lacerations on her face”. Opening the door all three stepped through turning his attention to Angelic he finished, “are you Charm Haste’s partner or family?” “Neither” she replied, “I’m---” “It's alright doctor she’s with me” Varnas interrupted “please continue doctor”. Leading them to another room the doctor opened the door gesturing for Angelic and Varnas to enter, the room was sparsely furnished. A single desk sat in the middle of the room with a brown leather chair behind it. A single manila folder sat on the desk, a large metal filing cabinet filled the far left corner of the room. Entering the room Varnas and Angelic waited for the doctor to enter watching him close the door. Walking behind the desk the doctor pulled out the chair taking a seat giving both a concerned bitter stare, opening the file in front of him he handed it to Varnas. “That is Charm Haste’s file” watching him look it over, “as you can see by her xrays her T4 through her T6 vertebrae are broken” taking the file back he added, “the maxillofacial trauma done to her face was rather … extreme to say the least.” Looking down he further added, “almost all of her Orbicularis oculi, Procerus, Corrugator superclii and her Zygomatic muscles major and minor were all torn to shreds” opening his desk middle drawer he took out a pack of smokes lit one inhaled letting out a long puff of silver-grey smoke. “Her risorius, Orbicularis oris, and her Depressor anguli oris were also ripped apart as if some sort of wild animal did this to her.” taking another puff he continued, “the Levator labii superioris and her depressor labii inferioris were also torn apart” putting out his cigarette he finished, “her Mentalis and her Platysma all needed surgery to give her a chance at all of recovery”. Getting up he finished, “if she is actually able to recover and I do mean ‘if’ then she will never walk again let alone be able to eat without a feeding tube”. Looking down herself Angelic turned to head for the door, stopping as the doctor finished, “there is something else you need to know”. “What?” Angelic asked, clearly upset, “what else do we need to know, doctor?” “After the surgery was completed Ms. Haste slipped into a coma” walking around his desk he watched Angelic open the office door finishing, “it could take days, weeks, months … even years … for her to recover from this”. “Th-thank you doctor” Angelic said, walking away from him she headed back the way she and Varnas had come, entering the lobby several minutes later, “I need to speak to Píseň about this perhaps she knows why this happened”. Angelic thought “I just hope she’ll be in the mood to discuss this incident.” Getting outside a few minutes later she closed her eyes feeling a soft hand coming to rest on her shoulder. “I need my armor and weapons.” She opened her eyes looking into Varnas’s sunglasses, “Where is your car parked?” “I’ll go get my car and pull it around, you go get Snow’s car and we’ll trade” heading away from Angelic he looked over his shoulder finishing “I’ll have a car complete with all the paperwork ready for you by tomorrow”. Heading to Snows car Angelic got in started it up and pulled it up to the front of the hospital Kāṭṭēri wanting to know what happened gave her friend a expectant look. Ignoring her friend Angelic shut the car off, got out waiting for Varnas to pull up a few minutes went by before his car pulled up behind theirs. “Angelic please don’t do this” she heard Píseň called out from the back seat, “tell me how Charm Haste is doing”. “Not good Píseň” she grumbled in reply “she has a broken back, severe lacerations on her face and will be blind in her right eye”. Turning to face her she finished, “she slipped into a coma the doctor thinks it could take months perhaps even years for her to recover if she does actually recover that is”. “I-I understand”. Doing her best to contain her guilt she finished, “thank you for telling” Opening the drivers side door Angelic motioned for Kāṭṭēri and Píseň to exit the vehicle shutting the door she headed over to the one that Varnas was occupying. Kāṭṭēri and Píseň each a bit confused both got out also heading over to Varnas’s car watching Angelic take the keys from him Kāṭṭēri and Píseň gave each other passing glances. Getting in Angelic started up the car rolling down the drivers side window. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything for” she began, noticing her friends both looked tired and hungry “Kāṭṭēri and Píseň to um, snack on w-would you?” “You’ll find everything you need in the glove box” he replied. “Alright, oh, Píseň’s tattered clothing is still in the back seat of Snow’s car” Angelic began as Kāṭṭēri got in taking the passenger front seat with Píseň taking the right back passenger seat, both buckled up. “Varnas you should know that you will also find the bag that Snow tried to give to Kāṭṭēri in the backseat as well.” Opening the glove box she took out a clear plastic bag. It contained the same red liquid as the one that Snow had offered to Kāṭṭēri earlier that night. “Hey what’s this?” she asked, taking out eighty dollars placing it into her blouse front pocket handing the bag over to Kāṭṭēri she finished, “here this should hopefully tied you over until we can get you something else to eat”. “Looks like you got enough money there to do some shopping” Kāṭṭēri said through a light hearted grin, taking the plastic bag from Angelic she added, “Thanks” wrapping her fingers around it she froze giving Varnas a concerned glance, “wait it's not poisoned is it?” “Seriously?!” he balked, “You really think I would do that to you Kāṭṭēri?” “Well yes I do think you might do that” she replied. “No it's not poisoned,” leaning on the driver side door a bit he added, “Listen to me; all three of you,” stepping back a bit he added, “tomorrow we’ll need to discuss your new identities”. Looking at Angelic he finished, “Angelic do you have a place to stay tonight?” “I um,” Angelic began cutting her words short as her friend Píseň interrupted her. “I’ll find a place in---” “Angelic will be staying with us tonight” Píseň interrupted, laying her hand on her friend's shoulder she finished, “we will not under any reason take ‘no’ for an answer”. “Very well” Varnas said, “Kāṭṭēri you have my number call me if there are any further issues”. Turning around he finished through a soft but noticeable mutter, “I need to get some agents together and find that beast before it can harm anyone else”. “If only he knew the truth” Angelic thought. “You be careful” she said, “that uh bear looked really big and powerful so don’t go getting yourself hurt”. “Don’t worry I won’t get hurt. We will tranquilize it and relocate it to a wilderness area”. Giving him a nod she pulled away from the hospital letting out a relieved forced breath glancing to the rearview mirror; she smiled slightly grateful Varnas had not figured out what happened to her friend. Tired from the night's excursion Píseň laid her head against the passenger back window closing her eyes. Kāṭṭēri opened the bag Varnas had given her raising it to her lips she squeezed it slurping down its contents finished with the bag she whipped the back of her hand over her mouth erasing any trace of it. Letting out a soft belch she opened the window letting the cool nights air blow on her face, cooling her down a bit. “Ugh, it sure is hot for this time of year” Kāṭṭēri muttered. Píseň opened her eyes, inhaled deeply, stretching out her arms, cracking her neck, lower back and shoulders back into place. She noticed a drive-in fast food restaurant coming into view. Reaching out she tapped Angelic’s shoulder cueing her to pull over for some much needed food taking the hint Angelic pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant directly into the drive thru. Looking over the menu she grimaced seeing the selection of choices deciding not to get anything for herself she instead ordered some food for Píseň. After paying for the meal and handing it back to Píseň she drove back out to the street while Kāṭṭēri looked over the map directing Angelic towards their home. “Thank you both for allowing me to stay with the two of you.” compared to the bustle and noise of the city the neighborhood Angelic was driving through was relatively quiet taking a corner she added, “where to now?” “Take the this street until you reach the end of it” Kāṭṭēri replied, five minutes slowly passed folding up the map and putting it away she added, “alright we’re here”. Angelic pulled up along the street, parked and unbuckled, “home sweet home”. She heard Kāṭṭēri finish. Getting out Angelic looked around for a bit the house had a large three sectional window to the right of a tan front windowed door. The siding of the house was a soft red with a pink siding just under the roof. The house had a screened porch connected to the front of it leading from the front door to the right of the house. The front yard was small but adequate for the small yet humble looking home. Walking up to the house Angelic headed to the left taking in the house's size and shape, it was a single square floor home. The left side of the house had two sash windows each window had an air conditioner sticking out of it. Heading to the back of it she saw four more sash windows with wooden shutters connected to left and right of each window. Each shutter was painted to match the outside of the house. Getting to the right side she saw ivy growing along the side of the house and two more sash windows each with an air conditioner sticking out from it. “Hey you coming inside?” she heard Kāṭṭēri call out to her. “Come on let’s go”. “Huh?” she replied. “Oh, yes.” stopping for a brief second she added, “I need to get my armor and weapons”. Heading back to the car she opened the back door retrieving her armor and weapons. “I can’t believe I almost left these in here for someone to steal”. Carrying her armor and weapons into the house Angelic set them down next to the front door with a loud ‘clang’. Receiving a playful ‘shh’ from Kāṭṭēri, she shook her head rolling her eyes turning to her right she saw a medium sized living room. Turning to her left she saw the kitchen was openly contented to the living room, a refrigerator could be seen from the front doors entrance-way. A smooth-top range sat across from the refrigerator, next to the range was a mini counter top cabinet with a microwave on top of it. An eighteen inch dishwasher was located under a single basin sink to the right of the mini counter top cabinet. A tan sectional sofa lined the back wall of the living room; a large flat screen TV was hanging on the wall in front of the sofa. A tri-sectional bookshelf stood near to the left of the TV with multiple DVD and Blu-ray movies lining its six shelved body. A short hallway led from the kitchen to the back of the house with two blue doors at the end of it. “Angelic would you like something to eat and drink?” Entering the the kitchen Kāṭṭēri opened the refrigerator “lets see, we have eggs, bacon” poking around a bit she added, “uh cold six week old tea, carrots and” taking out a moldy bag she held it up finishing, “I think this was cheese”. Making a sickly face she replied, “uh I’ll pass on everything else expect the eggs and bacon”. Píseň walked by her headed for the rooms in the back of the house, “Píseň, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me stay here tonight”. “If you two will excuse me I want to get some sleep” taking her food with her Píseň headed for the back rooms. “Charm Haste was hurt because I didn’t act upon my instincts.” she thought, entering one of the two bed rooms setting her food down on her desk she sat down on her bed pulling her legs up to her chest, “I knew something was wrong so why didn’t I do something?”. Wrapping her arms around her legs she muttered, “now because of my inability to act Charm Haste is in a coma, blind in her right eye and has a broken back”. Hearing a knock on the door her eyes rolled in annoyance, “Kāṭṭēri I want to be left alone!” she snapped. The door opened, Angelic walked wordlessly into the room sitting next to Píseň gently, she pulled Píseň into a warm, safe reassuring hug. Slowly she ran her fingers through Píseň’s shoulder length raven-black hair no longer able to hide her anger or sadness Píseň burst into tears burying her face in Angelic’s full, plump, ample breast sobbing. “Shh” Angelic soothenly whispered “It’s alright honey I’m here”. Leaning against the wall she held Píseň in her arms gently rubbing her shoulders and biceps, “It wasn’t your fault sweetheart you mustn’t blame yourself”. “Yes it was!” Píseň cried out, “it was my fault I caught that monster's scent yet I did nothing.” wrapping her arms around her friend Píseň sniffed trying to calm herself down. “I didn’t act upon my instincts because I value human life and was worried if I acted Charm Haste would have been hurt” Pushing Angelic off of herself she sat up taking a breath she finished, “you said it yourself ‘our kind isn’t supposed to be known by humans’ with that regard I chose not to act when I should have”. “I can tell you beyond any doubt within my mind that this wasn’t your fault” Angelic said, getting up she turned to look Píseň in her eyes adding, “I too didn’t trust her and I should have killed her when I had the chance”. Angelic folded her arms under her own chest, “the reason I didn’t kill Snow is because I didn’t think she was working for her”. Looking up Píseň whipped away her tears, getting up she gulped hoping her friend wouldn’t lose her temper. Looking into Angelic’s eyes she saw only love staring back at her, knowing deep within herself she had to tell Angelic and Kāṭṭēri the truth about agent Snow she wordlessly headed out into the hallway. Angelic followed Píseň back to the kitchen where Kāṭṭēri was putzing around in the refrigerator. Several boxes of molding old strawberries, blueberries and cranberries sat on the counter next to the range. Kāṭṭēri took out a carton of milk, opened the top sniffed it and grimaced putting it next to the moldy fruit. “There is something that I need to tell you,” Píseň said, catching her girlfriend's attention, “Something that I need to tell you both”. “Your finally giving in and taking that trip to Everfree right” Kāṭṭēri playfully asked, taking out a carton of eggs “I mean I’ve been on you about that trip for like what six years, eight years now?” “No honey that isn’t what I need to talk to you about” Píseň replied, stepping into the kitchen she took Kāṭṭēri by her hands leading her over to the couch gesturing for her and Angelic to sit, “what I wanted to talk you both about was what happened tonight”. “Píseň, honey that wasn’t your fault” Kāṭṭēri chipped in, “you were not in control of your own faculties” heading into the kitchen she began to rummage through one of the cabinets adding, “besides it was only one single human out of seven hundred billion more so I don’t see why your so upset over this”. “Before I changed I used Charm Haste’s microscope and saw within it a green globular cluster of blood, the cells within this blood sample were beginning to replicate.” she replied, adding “It was her'” feeling Angelic’s hands on her shoulders she added, “when Charm Haste went to remove the glass slide from the microscope it broke she didn’t use it on me.” trying to control her emotions she further added, “someone else used it on me”. Turning around she buried her face in Angelic’s chest, “Kāṭṭēri she found a way to force me to change without a sanguine moon”. “There is one thing I don’t fully understand” Angelic chimed in, “What does a sanguine moon have to do with this?” turning her attention to Kāṭṭēri she added, “I know the moon doesn’t have any affect on you Píseň while you are fully changed and that you can talk like we can.” Hugging her tightly she finished, “so what happened this time around?” “The sanguine moon causes me to become that monster that you all saw earlier tonight” Píseň sniffed, adding, “Snow wanted me to be killed by either you Angelic or by Kāṭṭēri”. Ending the hug she finished, “what went wrong this time? I am not sure I have no idea what it was that I saw in that microscope, only that something in that blood sample caused all this to happen”. “I see,” Angelic sternly said, “what else do you recall, Píseň honey?” “I was told to say something to Kāṭṭēri” she said watching her girlfriend stop what she was doing, “but I am sure she won’t like it”. “What was it?” Kāṭṭēri bitterly said, “what were you told to say to me?” ‘tell Imzadi I said hello’ Píseň softly replied, “that is what Snow told me to tell you while I was changing into that monster.” “Imzadi now that is a word” Kāṭṭēri softly spoke, looking down she opened the cabinet next to the range rummaging through it she took out a frying pan, Angelic and Píseň exchanged passing glances. “I have not heard for one thousand nine hundred forty one years”. Setting the pan down next to the range she sighed whipping a hand over her eyes blinking away a single tear that threatened to fall she added, “it is a word that I have not spoken in, oh, about seventy eight years”. Letting out a forced breath she looked up, “Angelic do you still want to get something to eat” looking back at all the rotted fruit on the counter, “errn; this won’t do at all, not at all” opening the refrigerator again she took out a carton of eggs, “ah, here we go” opening them she finished, “these look...uh-er-somewhat still um, usable”. “Thank you for the kind offer Kāṭṭēri” She replied, “but I think we should be talking about this situation besides I’ll order some takeout” “Don’t be silly” she replied, “these eggs are only,” Kāṭṭēri glanced at the expiration date, “wow would you look at that? These eggs are twelve weeks out of date” setting them down, she finished, “they should s-still be good r-right?” Shaking her head Angelic walked into the kitchen gently taking her friend by the hands pulling her into a warm hug taking in her friend's perfume she smiled. Kāṭṭēri unsure what to do returned the gesture a few minutes went by before both ended the hug. “Don’t run from this Kāṭṭēri let us help you” “I’m fine” she replied “I’ll be alright”. “Hey, I know you're not fine,” Angelic laid a hand on Kāṭṭēri’s shoulder adding, ``you're in pain, you're hurt, you're angry”. “I said ‘I’m fine’. She grumbled in her reply, “I don’t need anyone's help”. “If you feel like screaming and throwing things,” Angelic said, removing her hand from her friend's shoulder, “I won’t stop you but please note we both love you”. “I know” Kāṭṭēri, sniffed trying her best to hide her anger and sadness, “l-let's just get you something to eat and have ourselves a good night's rest alright?” “Alright” She replied, “but, we will both be here whenever you need us”. Píseň headed into her room retrieving her food she then headed into the guest room next to her own bedroom. The room had a twin sized bed, dresser and night lamp. A push button phone sat on the dresser. Pressing the speaker button she dialed a number. ‘Hello this is Dough Bellies Pizzeria’. “Yes hello this is Píseň I’d like to order a large vegetarian pizza please”. ‘One moment’ hearing computer keys clicking in the background she waited for a few moments, ‘ok so that is one large veggie pizza would you care to add anything else?’ “Yes I would like to add one two liter of Moxxi Tab and a two liter of Zero Peps to the order” ‘Alright so that is a veggie large with one two liter of Moxxi Tab and Zero Peps, anything else?’ “No thank you, that’ll be all” ‘Alright your total comes to Thirty six dollars and Twenty five cents. Will that be cash or charge?’ “Hmm, that’ll be cash, oh, I need to tip the driver. How much will that be?” ‘With a tip of forty percent comes forty five dollars and fifteen cents.’ “Alright I’ll have that ready when the driver shows up. Have the driver come to one seventy-six Lake road boulevard west Canterlot five five two six”. ‘Alright your order will be delivered in about forty five minutes’. “Thank you, have a nice night”. Hanging up the phone Píseň returned to the living room finding Kāṭṭēri and Angelic sitting on the couch watching Tv together “alright I ordered Angelic a large veggie pizza with a bottle of Zero Peps” taking a set to Angelic’s left she finished, “I ordered a two liter bottle of Moxxi Tab for you Kāṭṭēri” setting her food down on the arm of the couch she opened it, taking out her burger unwrapping it she groaned tossing the burger back into the paper bag, “perhaps I should have ordered a pizza for myself”. “Why do you say that Píseň?” Angelic asked, “was there something wrong with your burger?” “Yes there was, it had maggots on it”. Receiving nearly sickly green expressions from both of her friends she finished, “needless to say I’ll be leaving that out for the birds and squirrels in the morning”. Forty Five minutes ticked by slowly, Píseň bored with what was currently on switched the channel to a opera while Kāṭṭēri got up and headed for their bedroom. Angelic followed Kāṭṭēri, concerned for her friend's state of mind following her friend over to the bed taking a seat next to her. Kāṭṭēri looked Angelic over noticing her friends newly acquired silk blue blouse did little to hide her friends wings or the harness she was wearing. Getting up Kāṭṭēri opened her closet door taking out a large green t-shirt coming back to the bed she reached over to the night stand next to her bed, opened the drawer taking out a pair of scissors. “Now hold on” Angelic protested seeing the scissors in her friends hand, “you are not about to cut this blouse or harness are you?” “What? No! I am however going to cut the back of this shirt” She replied, taking a seat next to her, “so your wings can slip through it”. “Oh”. Cutting two large holes in the back of the shirt Kāṭṭēri held it up for Angelic to examine it giving a approving nod Angelic stood up taking the shirt in her hands. Headed for the door she turned smiling to her friend getting up as well Kāṭṭēri nodded following Angelic out into the hallway. Hearing the doorbell ring she and Angelic headed for the living room finding Píseň in the living room with the front door open. Kāṭṭēri wordlessly walked into the kitchen opening the cabinet next to the stove taking out two plates and three cups setting them on the counter. Angelic headed into the living room with the box of pizza taking a seat on the couch. She set the box on the couch’s seat and draped the shirt over the couch’s right arm, Kāṭṭēri joined her a few seconds later carrying the soda bottles and cups with her. “Angelic would you like me to pour you a cup of soda?” she asked, holding up the bottle of Zero Peps she added “also do you want ice with this soda?” “Thank you” she replied picking up the pizza box she sat down placing it on her lap, “I’ll take just the soda without ice please”. Pouring the soda into one of the three cups Kāṭṭēri sat down next to Angelic placing the cup on the couch’s left arm with her free hand she picked up the remote changing the channel. Píseň walked into the hallway stopping by a single thin white door opening it, she rolled out a set of Tv trays. Closing the door she rolled them into the living room to the left of the couch setting one of them up in front of Angelic. Taking the pizza box from Angelic’s lap and the cup from Kāṭṭēri’s hand she set both down on the Tv tray before taking a seat to Angelic’s right. “Thank you both for allowing me to stay here tonight,” Angelic said, reaching out for a piece of pizza she added, “I’ll be sure to find a place of my own tomorrow”. “Absolutely not dear I won’t hear of it” Píseň said, “our home is and shall always be your home” turning to face her she finished, “stay as long as you wish”. “Angelic neither I or Píseň will have it anyother way” Kāṭṭēri began, taking the bottle of Moxxi she took one of the two remaining cups pouring Píseň a drink adding, “I think your just tired after all fighting with Píseň does take a lot out of one's self”. Handing the cup over to Píseň she poured herself a cup finishing, “perhaps some rest will do you and us some good so let's watch a movie then it's off to bed”. Taking a sip of her soda Kāṭṭēri leaned into the soft cushions of the couch Píseň took a sip from her own cup setting it down on the TV tray. Watching the movie play out she reached over giving Angelic’s knee a soft pat, looking into her friends eyes she saw only love staring back at her own. Laying her head on Angelic’s shoulder she closed her eyes taking in her friend's scented aroma snuggling a little closer to her. She smiled taking comfort knowing she didn’t hurt either her girlfriend or Angelic. "I can't believe that happened to me" Píseň thought. The movie ended an hour and half later, Kāṭṭēri stretched, yawned and got up helping Angelic and Píseň to clean up the living room before heading to the bedroom she shared with Píseň. Angelic stretched, yawned and headed to the room next to her friend's shared bedroom she nodded to them turning in for the night. Closing the door Angelic took a seat on the bed unbuttoned her blouse taking it off she reached behind her unclasping the harness letting it fall she fully stretched her wings out to their full forty foot length. Cracking her neck, back and shoulders into place she tucked her wings against her back slipping the shirt on it fit snugly around her waist and under her wings. “I am glad this shirt fits” she thought, getting up she picked up her blouse and opened the dresser top drawer she folded it placing it inside the top dresser drawer, “alright now to get these pants off”. Unbuckling her pants she unbuttoned and unzipped them letting the gourmet fall to the carpeted floor, walking over to a sliding door she opened it finding a closet full of clothing. “Well at least I won’t have to walk around half naked”. Looking through the clothing she took out a pair of purple pajama pants holding them up, “I hope these fit”. Putting them on she smiled picking up her paints. She folded them, opened the second drawer placing her pants inside. “Now to get some much needed” placing a hand to her shoulder she groaned in pain, “ugh rest, I can’t believe Píseň turned into her monstrous form all without the add of a sanguine moon”. Pulling the blankets back she tucked her wings against her back climbing into bed she laid her head against the soft fluffy pillow falling fast asleep. A few hours went by while Kāṭṭēri waited for everyone to fall asleep looking over to her girlfriend she saw she was fast asleep, gently she carefully moved the blanket off of her getting up she tiptoed to the door. Laying her hand on it she stopped; turned around heading back to her bed, taking the blanket she tucked Píseň in leaning she kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back soon honey I promise”. Opening the bedroom door she stopped by Angelic’s room making sure her warrior friend was fast asleep satisfied; she headed outside. Taking in the cool nights air she knelt placing her right hand on the ground spreading her fingers as wide as she could she bowed her head. Her hair fell over her face partially covering her eyes, her canines began to elongate, her ears pointed becoming slender at the middle more so at the tips. Her face contorted, becoming bat-like, her nose shrunk inwards becoming a shrunken snout, her eyes glowed red flesh formed between her ribs and arms becoming wings. With a push she vaulted high into the sky letting out a screech she began to search the city and neighborhood below for her prey. “Come on I know you're out there” she thought to herself, "where are you?!" Flying over the city slums, a part of the city she would normally avoid even during the day; she failed to notice something big coming up behind her. The creature reached out grabbing Kāṭṭēri by feet pulling her into a downward spiral she hit a old church rooftop with a sickening bone shattering thud. Pulling herself out of the wreckage she felt pain throughout her body as her bones put themselves back together breathing deeply she whenced from the pain holding herself she fell forward screaming. The creature took delight in hearing her screams rushing in it caught her by complete surprise upper cutting Kāṭṭēri in her jaw the impact from the blow instantaneously sent her flying backwards out of the church into a wall. Leaving a body impression in the wall she coughed hitting the ground with a thud her bones rehealed shaking off the blow she stood up snarling in rage. “Alright come out!” using her bat-like senses she looked around, her eyes widened in shock “you?!” taking a stumbling step back she finished, “how are you alive Riz^tyākt?” dropping her hand to her hip, eyes shrank in fear to her horror she had been in such a hurry to get out of the house she had forgotten her weapons, “Son of--I’m no match for him without my weapons”. Feeling a strong need to retreat she back-flipped latching onto the wall behind her using it to climb out of the area upside down she watched as he jumped grabbing onto the wall himself. Turning herself right-side up she scrambled as best as she could up the wall stopping only when she felt his hand grasp around her left foot like a vice. Kicking him in the head with her other foot she watched him let go falling back to the ground desperately she climbed the rest of the wall. Getting to the roof a few seconds later she ran across it leaping to another roof several yards away landing she rolled standing up. Hearing him let out a loud angry roar she glanced over her shoulder making a B-Line for a maintenance hatch. “Move it you fool” she screamed to herself, “move it”. Throwing her hand outwards she grabbed the handle of the hatch ripping the door from its base turning around she threw the door at Riz^tyākt “Screw You!” she screamed in raged fear. The door hit him in the face doing little more than ticking him off, she ran into the maintenance hallway, sliding down a ladder and through another hallway before coming to a dead end. Looking around she found a door with a sign posted to it ‘fire stairs’. kicking it open she raced down the flight of stairs trying hard to make it to the first floor. Hearing the flooring, walls and wood breaking from above her she picked up the pace searching frantically for a way out of the building the sound grew louder and louder. "Wheres the way out of this dump?" she blurted out, "come on, I need to get out of here". Finding a window leading to the outside she dove for it only to be stopped in mid flight as a thick muscular arm burst through the ceiling above her. A thick twisted hand grabbed Kāṭṭēri by her right shoulder violently throwing her back into the hallway. The ceiling came crashing in around her, covering herself up she screamed in fear Riz^tyākt fell through the ceiling a few feet behind her. Crawling under and around the debri she made her escape to the window the sounds of his roar echoed in her ears. “Get the hell away from me you freak” Breaking the window she began to climb out of it cutting her leg in the process, Riz^tyākt pushed through the debri, fear etched over her face she fell backwards just in time. Thrusting his massive body through the broken window he watched her hit a industrial caged truck growling he watched her roll off the truck hitting the ground. Getting up, wounded and scared out of her mind she limped down the sidewalk towards a hardware store. Hearing the sounds of metal crunching beneath something massive and heavy she breathed heavily forcing herself to endure the pain she ran as fast as she could towards the hardware store. Breaking the door open the alarm sounded running inside with Riz^tyākt in pursuit she ran to the tools section finding several shelves containing circular saw blades. Grabbing as many as she could hold she threw them at him like shuriken each one finding its mark. “You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me?!”, to her horror he kept coming, throwing another round of blades at him, “die already!” she screamed, she turned, grabbing another volley of blades, “how the hell do y---” Her words were cut short, his hand wrapped around her throat picking her up he threw her into a nearby shelf toppling it over. Coughing she climbed back to her feet growing angry she lunged at him taking a back-fist to her jaw the impacting blow sent her hurtling backwards into another shelf. Shaking off the blow she threw several boxes of screws and nails at him looking around for any weapon she could use against him, her eyes fell to a monkey-wrench sticking out from the debris. "Alright if I can't kill him with saw blades I'll just beat him to death". Backing away from him she dogged an incoming fist rolling to the right she scrambled for the wrench hoping to get to it before he could make the kill. Grabbing it she swung with all her might striking his head knocking him over she raised the wrench above her head taking a twenty-four inch foot to her abdomen for her effort. Stumbling backwards she hit the ground back first striking the back of her head on the hardware shop's linoleum floor. Getting up Riz^tyākt grabbed her by her shirt picking her up, her vision blurred, he dropped her watching her hit the ground with a thud. Climbing to her knees he reached out placing both hands over her head slowly he began to crush her skull. “Stop” a familiar voice called out, turning around Riz^tyākt still holding Kāṭṭēri between his palms watched his master step into the destroyed hardware store, “don’t kill her”. Riz^tyākt snarled pressing tightly against Kāṭṭēri’s skull causing her to scream in pain, “I said stop!” striking Riz^tyākt’s face his master yelled, “obey me!”. Watching him ease up a bit his master grinned, “that’s better” Riz^tyākt observed his master kneeling next to Kāṭṭēri “I don’t want her to die at least not just .... yet”. Riz^tyākt master tapped Kāṭṭēri’s forehead, “come on open your eyes” not getting a reply Riz^tyākt’s master yelled, “open your damn eyes!” Opening her eyes, Kāṭṭēri’s irises shrank with anger watching agent Snow’s body change before her very eyes. Snow’s hair grew in length turning into a deep seaweed green, her eyes turned to a dark forest green and her skin changed from a pinkish soft white to a dark oil black. Fly like wings flicked and fluttered every few seconds her canines grew in length becoming jagged and sharp. “YOU!” Kāṭṭēri screamed in rage, wounded though she was she tried to grab onto Riz^tyākt master being pulled just out of reach by Riz^tyākt. “I’ll kill you!” She listened to Riz^tyākt master’s tongue click, the fiend stood up slowly passing back and forth snickering. Stopping for a brief moment Riz^tyākt master cooed letting out a deep contented sigh. “Order your dog to let me go so I can die with my hands around your neck”. “Now why would I want to do that Imazdi?” “You no longer have the right to call me that” she replied “after all the harm you’ve---” “As if that dog could ever truly understand you Imazdi” kneeling Riz^tyākt master added, “I---” A sword burst through Riz^tyākt's chest cutting his master's words short, Riz^tyākt master watched in anger as the sword slid upwards splaying Riz^tyākt in two. His body fell to the ground, Kāṭṭēri also fell to the ground passing out from her injuries Riz^tyākt’s master turned to face the wielder of the sword. Winter snow-colored wings flapped lifting the swords wielder off the ground flapping her wings the warrior landing near Kāṭṭēri kneeling next to her the warrior pressed two fingers to her friends neck checking her pulse. Standing the winged warrior placed herself between Riz^tyākt’s master and her injured friend gripping her sword with both hands she locked eyes with Riz^tyākt’s master. “Angelic” Riz^tyākt’s master snarled. “You have a choice to make” she replied, keeping herself between Riz^tyākt’s master and her friend, “you can face me in combat or you can leave”. Taking a step towards Riz^tyākt’s master she finished, “the choice is yours”. “How did you find us?” “Does it matter? Make your choice or I’ll make it for you!” “Given the choice I’ll leave … for now”. Watching Riz^tyākt’s master unfurl her wings and leave the area Angelic turned her attention to Riz^tyākt sheathing her sword she looked Riz^tyākt over. Knowing she couldn’t take him on by herself she knelt behind him reaching into his split open skull she tore his brain from his skull. Holding the grayish misshapen thing between her palms she pressed inwards squishing it to little more than jelly. Using his deformed body to wipe off the bits and pieces of brain matter from her palms she turned her attention to her injured friend shaking her head, she helped her friend up. “Are you alright?” receiving a tired but glad nod she slammed her fist into her friends face knocking her down, standing over her she added, “that was for being so stupid”. Holding her hand out to her Angelic help Kāṭṭēri back to her feet once more, “let's go home”. “I don’t think I can fly with my injuries”. “Alright then I’ll carry you” Angelic said adding, “but you are not staying here”. “We can’t leave that thing for someone to find” Kāṭṭēri replied stumbling forward she began to look around for anything to use to destroy the body finding several bottles of lighter fluid she picked up two of them “I hope this time this works” dousing Riz^tyākt’s body in the fluid she placed the other bottles around his dead body “last time I burned him I didn’t remove his brain only his heart and organs”. “Well this time” Angelic began, finding a box of matches she struck one throwing the box onto his body, “we’ve removed his brain and there is enough lighter fluid here to make sure he is reduced to ash” tossing the match on his body both watched Riz^tyākt’s body burst into flames, “let’s go we can’t wait around for the police to show up”. Both unaware that four winged warriors who had chosen to remain out of sight had seen everything Angelic and Kāṭṭēri had done to Riz^tyākt’s body. The warriors watched Kāṭṭēri from a safe hiding place as she looked around the surrounding area finding a gas valve near the back of the store. Kāṭṭēri kicked it busting it open letting the gas flow the warriors watched her run towards Angelic grabbing her by the wrist. Flying into the nights sky they watched from above as Kāṭṭēri and Angelic just barely managed to escape the fiery blast. “Your nuts!” The warriors heard Angelic yell, watching her pull her hand back they listened to her add, “what if we hadn’t been able to get out in time?” “Hey relax” The heard Kāṭṭēri reply “we made it didn’t we?” The warriors flew away from the burning building soon joining others of their kind as Angelic picked up her friend. Spreading her wings out her she took to the air flying high over the city with Kāṭṭēri nestled in her arms. Returning home a half hour later both found Píseň waiting our front angrily tapping her foot giving both a very unpleasant stare. Still completely unaware of what transpired at the hardware store Angelic landed on the front lawn setting Kāṭṭēri down. Both girls offered Píseň a foolish, sheepish grin, Píseň having none of their foolishness pointed to the house, her eyes narrowed with anger. Knowing they were both in big trouble Angelic headed for the house leaving Kāṭṭēri outside to deal with her girlfriends ire. “So” Kāṭṭēri began, rocking back and forth on her heels rubbing the back of her head, “I guess I am in trouble huh honey?” Wordlessly Píseň reached out grabbing her girlfriends ear giving Kāṭṭēri’s ear a hard, tight, painful twist she dragged her girlfriend into the house. Kāṭṭēri flailed her arms in protest letting out a blood curdling yelp. Píseň’s grip only grew tighter, opening the door she marched Kāṭṭēri inside slamming the door loudly behind them. Heading for their bedroom she stopped by Angelic’s room knocking on the door with her free hand while Kāṭṭēri continued to flail about Angelic answered the door quirking an eyebrow at the sight before her. “Thank you dear for finding her and returning her to me”. Píseň said, “now please get some sleep while I deal with this … idiot”. “Go easy on her she’s had a rough night” Angelic softly replied, “her injuries have not yet fully healed” “I’ll bear that in mind good night”. Píseň replied, dragging her girlfriend to their bedroom opening their bedroom door she added, “as for you, Kāṭṭēri you are in big trouble” letting her girlfriend go she shut the door behind her, ignoring the fact her girlfriend was in pain she pointed to the bed, “get in bed NOW!” “Ye-yes honey” Kāṭṭēri undressed, redressing in her pajamas, climbed into bed with Píseň getting into bed a few seconds after her. Reaching over to her side of the bedroom Píseň switched off the lights and rolled over taking all of the blanket with her. Kāṭṭēri rolled to her right keeping her back facing her girlfriend curling up in a fetal position she silently cried herself to sleep shivering in the cold night. “I’m sorry” “Go to sleep” “But, I’m really sorry” “I don’t care go to sleep” Listening to Kāṭṭēri cry for a little bit Píseň though she was still very angry with her girlfriend rolled back over placing the blanket over Kāṭṭēri’s body laying her head down next to Kāṭṭēri’s she soon found herself falling fast asleep. Angelic, tired, angry and worried also laid down for a much needed good night's rest she found the soft pillows of her bed to be more than welcoming as she also soon fell fast asleep. Unaware that a certain green haired black oil-skinned woman had followed them home, the woman flew high into the sky soon being joined by multiple legions of winged warriors. “Go my offspring, my children, my … babies” she hissed, pointing to city behind them she added, “find us a new home away from prying human eyes and ears” she turned her attention back to the small humble, quant, small home before her, make sure it is far away from Kāṭṭēri, Píseň or Angelic”. Laughing wickedly she was joined by four others “ah, now that you four have returned tell me where is Riz^tyākt?” “He is dead” “They burned his body asunder” “There was nothing we could do” “Yes nothing, nothing at all yes, yes yes”. “It doesn’t matter, Riz^tyākt was a fool” the woman growled, “GO find my eldest tell him I want a meeting with him” watching all but one leave she hissed, “within a fortnight tell him that my preciouses” turning back to the house one last time she finished, “Soon you three shall pay and as for you Imazdi you’ll be mine … again”. Flying away, her laughter turned to a cold cruel cackle.
August, 4th, Thursday 4:00 A.M. part oneThe clouds moved slowly outside in the night sky creating shadows and shapes along the walls and floor of Fluttershy’s room. Angel Bunny lay snuggled in Sunset Shimmer's arms, his ears ever listening to the sounds around him flexed and twitched back and forth, alerting him to any danger that might be present. Feeling Sunset moving around under his fury body Angel Bunny hopped off of her landing a few feet from her. Turning around he watched her intently for a few minutes, his little nose twitched, his soft black beady eyes searched the room for anything that was causing Sunset to feel afraid. Not finding anything that could cause Sunset harm, Angel Bunny slowly took a tentative step towards her. “No,” She moaned, “not again please not again”. Sunset, tossed and turned sweat slowly trickled down her forehead dripping to her pillow. Her face scrunched up, her eyebrows pursed together tightly, she gripped the sheets tightly in her hands. Rolling to her side she sat up almost screaming, her vision blurred for a few seconds placing a hand to her chest, her heart thumped rapidly as she gasped for breath. Feeling Angel Bunny’s soft, fury body touching her left forearm she glanced down moving her right hand from her chest to her forehead. “It was just a nightmare” she whispered, gently she petted Angel Bunny trying to calm down, “just a bad memory nothing more”. Picking him up Sunset placed Angel Bunny in her lap wiggling around a bit he snuggled into her stomach turning over to his back. Realizing Angel Bunny wanted a belly rub Sunset obliged him, closing her eyes, a single tear trickled down her cheek splashing on Angel’s soft, fury head. Looking to her right she saw Fluttershy was still asleep, ending the belly rub Sunset gently placed Angel Bunny on the floor standing up she tip-toed to the door stopping as Angel Bunny followed her. “No, no you need to stay here”. She whispered, kneeling, she scooped him up, placing him in Fluttershy’s bed next to the shy sleeping teen, “Take care of her”. Stepping back from Fluttershy’s bed she added, “keep her warm and safe”. Watching Fluttershy roll over with Angel Bunny lying down next to her Sunset smiled before tip-toeing back to the door, “now to leave before I wind up waking her and this entire household up”. Looking at the clock on Fluttershy’s dresser she finished, “I can’t believe it’s four in the morning Sunset you idiot you stayed far too late”. Opening the door Sunset froze in place to her surprise Mrs. McPherson stood in the doorway holding in her hands two mugs of tea. Offering one of the mugs to Sunset who silently took it without question Mrs. McPherson wordlessly gestured for Sunset to follow her downstairs. Being as quiet as she could, Sunset crept out into the hallway closing the door behind her. A few minutes later Sunset found herself sitting at the kitchen table with the mug of tea in front of her. “I uh---” “Sunset” Mrs. McPherson interrupted, holding up her hand, “whatever is bothering you” she gestured towards the mug of tea in front of her; finishing, “I am sure it can wait for two minutes for you to take a sip of tea”. Slightly irritated from being interrupted Sunset pulled the mug in closer, inhaling deeply the soothing, warm scent filled her nostrils. The tea smelt like Chamomile, and Passionflower two of Sunset’s favorite teas, taking a sip she set the mug down letting the warm liquid calm her mind and relax her body. Looking down Sunset closed her eyes placing a hand over her left bicep rubbing her own arm tenderly. Becoming a bit worried Mrs. McPherson got up taking a seat next to the distraught teenager gently laying a hand on Sunset's shoulder. “H-how did you know I needed the tea?” “A mother knows these things dear” picking up her own mug Mrs. McPherson sipped her tea adding, “I want you to know I am here for you if you want to talk?” “I-I had a bad dream”. Looking down Sunset silently wondered to herself if she should tell Fluttershy’s mother the truth or let it go, feeling soft hands on her arm and shoulder she looked up into Mrs. McPherson's eyes. Fluttershy’s mother pulled the distraught teenager into a hug running her fingers through Sunset’s hair. Burying her face into Mrs. McPherson's shoulder Sunset began to cry her tears trickled down her cheeks onto Mrs. McPherson's robe wrapping her own arms around Mrs. McPherson's body Sunset returned the hug. “There, there honey it's alright I’m here for you” Fluttershy’s mother whispered, “no matter what is bothering you dear I won’t get mad and I absolutely won’t judge you”. Sunset cried in Mrs. McPherson's arms for a few minutes listening to Fluttershy’s mother add, “Shh, honey, it’s OK you can tell me anything you want I’m here now honey you just let it all out”. Calming down a bit, Sunset sniffed letting go of Mrs. McPherson gently Fluttershy’s mother wiped away Sunset’s tears laying a soft, gentle hand on Sunset’s right forearm. Sunset sighed, not wanting to upset Fluttershy’s mother, she looked down, gulping trying to choose her words carefully; Sunset closed her eyes with a lump catching in her throat. Clearing her throat Sunset unsure if Fluttershy’s mother would keep her word glanced up seeing only love, patience and kindness lovingly staring back at her. Feeling safe and secure Sunset decided there was only way to be sure if Mrs. McPherson was telling the truth. “I was dreaming that I was at the Fall Formal”. “Go on honey, I’m listening” placing her hands over Sunset’s Mrs. McPherson continued, “you take as much time as you need dear we have all night there is absolutely no rush”. “F-Fluttershy was t-there” looking away she added, “I was standing over her laughing as she stared up at me in fear”. Holding herself she finished, “I-I hate what I did to her, to everyone”. “It’ll be alright sweetheart trust me”. Getting up Mrs. McPherson hugged the very distraught teen running her fingers through Sunset’s hair, “I fully forgive you for what you did to Fluttershy and I know she forgives you too”. Returning the hug Sunset buried her face into Mrs. McPherson's chest, the sound of the older woman’s heartbeat was soothing. Picking her up Mrs. McPherson carried Sunset upstairs into the guest room. The room was covered wall to wall with basketballs and star stickers, a dresser stood in the far left corner of the room with a way-fair lamp on top of it. A bunk bed stood against the left wall with only the bottom bunk being covered in a mattress, blanket and pillows. An electric clock sat on an end table next to the bed gently Fluttershy’s mother carried Sunset over to the bed. Kneeling she laid Sunset into bed pulling the covers over her, Sunset laid her head into the soft fluffy pillows yawning soon falling back asleep. Getting up, Mrs. McPherson tiptoed out into the hallway closing the door behind her, finding Fluttershy and Angel Bunny both in the hallway. Fluttershy looked around, putting a finger to her lower lip kissing her daughter's forehead. Mrs. McPherson smiled. “Mom, where is Sunset? I woke up and didn’t see her sleeping in my room”. “She’s fast asleep in the guestroom honey she had a nightmare so I gave her some tea” she replied ending the kiss, turning around Mrs. McPherson cracked the door open adding, “See honey Sunset is safe and is sleeping; which you should be doing right now”. Turning to her daughter she finished, “but before you go back to bed sweetheart you need to put Angel back into his cage or least take him back into your room”. “I’ll go back to bed in a few minutes but first Angel Bunny and I want to make sure Sunset is alright”. “Alright honey, I’m going to go back to bed please don’t stay up to late”. Nodding her reply Fluttershy tiptoed into the guest room with Angel Bunny following her Sunset lay completely out cold gently laying a hand on Sunset’s forehead Fluttershy sighed. Angel Bunny hopped about the room stopping only when Fluttershy began to tiptoe back to the hallway following her out he twitched his little nose and blinked a few times. Fluttershy headed down stairs into the kitchen Angel Bunny followed her, he watched from the entrance to the kitchen as she took out a fresh bowl from the kitchen cabinet, placed it under the sink and filled it with water. Carrying the bowl back upstairs she headed back into her bedroom placing it on the floor next to her bed Angel Bunny following her in hopped about the floor before stopping to take a drink from the bowl. Fluttershy knelt petting him as he drank some of the water getting up a few minutes later she opened her dresser taking out a pink pajama shirt. The shirt had two medium sized holes in the back of it just right for her wings. Taking her current shirt off she placed it on her vanity chair stretching out her wings. “I wish I could Show Sunset my wings” putting the pink shirt on she continued to mutter, “Oh, I hope Sunset doesn’t have another nightmare”. Turning to leave her room she gave Angel Bunny a kiss before opening her door, “you stay here Angel” stepping into the hallway she closed her door leaving Angel Bunny to fall asleep on her bed, “there is something I need to do”. Being as quiet as she could be Fluttershy opened the guest bedroom door tiptoeing over to Sunset she watched her sleep for a few minutes before tucking a lock hair behind Sunsets right ear. Sunset rolled over causing Fluttershy’s hand to recoil and a gasp to escape her lips watching Sunset for a few more minutes Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief when Sunset didn’t wake up. Slowly, carefully Fluttershy pulled back the covers climbing into the bed next to Sunset. Trying to be just as careful Fluttershy didn’t want to risk waking up the sleeping teenager placing her hands around Sunset’s torso she gently turned her over placing her wings around Sunset’s shoulder and waist. Gently Fluttershy laid Sunsets head on her chest. “M-Master” Fluttershy listened to Sunset cry in her sleep being held in Fluttershy’s arms, “where’s mommy?” “Shh, Sunset” Fluttershy whispered, feeling Sunset tremble in her arms, she softly added, “I’m here now”. Feeling a tear splash on her chest Fluttershy reached out taking a hold of the blanket pulling it up and over herself and Sunset’s body. Feeling something very warm soft wrapped around her own body Sunset’s eyes slowly fluttered open. Slowly she raised her head in a bit of a confused state of mind she looked at Fluttershy who lay awake just underneath her. “I am so sorry Fluttershy” Sunset whispered, “for everything that I ever said or did to you”. Another tear trickled down Sunset’s cheek dripping offer the tip of her chin splashing on Fluttershy’s chest, “I don’t want to be a burden to you or your family”. “Sunset” “Y-yes Fluttershy” Wrapping her arms a little more around Sunset’s body, Fluttershy pulled her in a little closer. Sunset tried to get up only to find herself completely held fast by the timid girl. Slowly Fluttershy caressed Sunset’s back feeling ridges and bumps as if multiple scars were etched into Sunset’s skin just under Sunset’s shirt she gave Sunset a concerned look. Opening her mouth to say something she received a sad look from the distraught teenager deciding it was best not to upset her any further Fluttershy chose not to convey her growing concerns. Smiling warmly to Sunset she closed her eyes hoping and praying that Sunset would someday tell her about what she felt along Sunsets back. “I want you to know Sunset” she whispered, “I forgive you for all that you did or said to me”. “Are you going to let me get up?” Sunset asked clearly wanting to get up “I don’t think your parents will like it if we are in the same bed together.” looking away she continued, “after all I am just taking advantage of your family or least that is I am sure how everyone else will see it I am just a burden to you” feeling a soft hand on her cheek she turned back finishing, “so please let me up so I can leave”. “I can’t let you leave Sunset and my parents will be fine you’ll see” she replied adding, “I know you feel like a burden but you are not as such” gently laying Sunset’s head into her chest, Sunset listened to Fluttershy’s heartbeat the sound was positively soothing. “You are a good person Sunset” pulling the blanket up a little closer she finished, “I’m going to help you even if you don’t want me to so get some sleep Sunset”. “I-I-er, mm--well, that is” closing her eyes Sunset breathed in Fluttershy’s scent snuggling further into the timid girl's body and arms, realizing she was all but defeated she sighed finishing, “Th-thank you Fluttershy”. “Your very welcome Sunset” yawning Fluttershy finished, “now get some sleep”. “Alright you win” Sunset yawed becoming too tired to struggle anymore she finished, “but in the morning we need to talk about a few things”. “Sunset go to sleep” Fluttershy tiredly replied, “I promise you that we’ll talk some more in the morning”. Gently rolling over with Sunset moving with her Fluttershy laid Sunsets head in her arms whispering, “no matter what I won’t let anyone hurt you Sunset I promise”. Fluttershy’s mother, wanting to check up on the girls, got out of bed tiptoeing into the hallway not hearing anything from her daughter's room. She opened her daughters bedroom door taking a step back as Angel Bunny hopped out of the room into the hallway stopping in front of the guest bedroom door. Shaking her head Mrs. McPherson cracked the door open peering into the room she found both girls out cold. Both girls had fallen fast asleep in each other’s arms with Fluttershy keeping her wings protectively wrapped around Sunsets body. Stepping into the room Mrs. McPherson smiled as Angel Bunny followed her in gently picking him she placed him on top of the sleeping teens patting his head. “Keep them both safe our little fury Angel” she whispered, yawning herself she stood up as Angel Bunny curled up on top of Sunset’s right side “and may the sun, moon and stars guide you both to happy dreams”. Turning to leave she stopped for a brief moment and leaned in kissing Fluttershy’s and Sunset’s cheeks, “sleep well children and dream of sunny days and starry nights filled with excitement and wonder”. Getting to the door she looked over her shoulder finishing, “especially you Sunset may you dream of happier times”. Returning to her own bedroom a few minutes later she climbed into bed next to her husband receiving a questionable concerning look from him she added, “Both Sunset and Fluttershy are asleep honey don’t worry everything will be just fine”. Turning out the light she laid down “a mother knows these things”. “Alright honey” he replied, laying down next to her, “we’ll take care of everything tomorrow right after I call Celestia to excuse both girls from school”. Turning out the light he finished, “sleep well honey”.
August, 4th, Thursday 7:00 A.M. Part TwoAn alarm irritatedly buzzed at seven in the morning awakening Starknight from her sleep. Cracking open her eyes she was momentarily blinded by the sun's rays raising her hand to shield her eyes from the blazing light she groaned pulling her pillow over her head. The buzzing from the alarm continued for several long moments. The sound eventually drove Starknight mad enough to sit up dropping her pillow to her lap she frowned staring blankly at her alarm clock. The sunlight emanating from her bedroom window felt warm but that feeling of warmth did little to assuage Starknight from her grogginess. Stretching she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, bending her neck to the right and left she cracked her bones shuttering at the sheer sound she heard. “Perhaps I should see if my chiropractor will see me today”. She thought sitting in bed for several long moments, “My bones sound like I’ve aged at least seventy years.” Reaching over to her nightstand she pressed the button to her alarm trying to shut it off not realizing she was actually pressing the radio button. Growing angry when the alarm wouldn’t shut off she knocked it across the room sending the alarm clock careening into her bedroom wall watching it break upon impact she groaned in irritation. “Well looks like I have to buy yet another alarm clock” cleaning up the mess she thought, “might as well get some new sheets and a blanket as well while I am at it”. Heading into her bathroom she took a quick shower before getting herself some much needed coffee and breakfast. Getting dressed she collected her keys, coat, wallet and cellphone from a table next to her front door and headed out to her car. Stepping out onto the front porch she walked the short distance to her car suddenly stopping in her tracks. Her eyes instantly narrowed, her lips curled with anger to her shock, her car was covered in graffiti and her drivers side window was broken. Approaching her car with caution she looked it over to her growing annoyance her back left wheel was missing along with her headlights. “Seriously what the heck?!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms up “who the hell did this to my car?!” Taking out her cell phone she dialed a number waiting for the person on the other end to pick up. A few of her neighbors came out of their homes to collect the morning paper and mail. Some began to point and stare at her while others smirked and laughed. Feeling even more upset than before she turned her back to them trying to hide her embarrassment Sophia Jilmed was one such neighbor. Walking over to Starknight she smiled gesturing to Starknight’s car; she all but laughed. “Well, well it looks like the old dragon lady” she giggled “got what she’s needed coming to her for a long time”. “You're about to see how much of a ‘dragon lady’ I can---” Starknight began only to be interrupted by her phone. “Hello” a male voice said over it. “What? Oh, yes officer Moonstone its Starknight listen if you have the time this morning and if I relay to you my address can you stop by?” “Uh, sure thing. Is there something wrong?” “You’ll see when you get here”. She replied, quickly giving him her address she hung up turning her attention to Sophia Jilmed. “I don’t have time to get into an argument with you Sophia please go back to your home”. Watching Sophia flick her hair Starknight sighed, a half hour slowly went by before a red pontiac pulled up. Opening the front passenger door Moon Dancer jumped out giving a loud whistle upon seeing Starknight’s car her older brother shook his head. Heading over to her both gave her a concerned glance Moon Stone took out his notepad noticing Sophia was still there looking at her she batted her eyes offering him an insincere smile. “You know officer you don’t need to waste your time with this” Sophia began, “I am sure I can find something else for you to be doing with your time not to mention with your hands”. “Ugh” he groaned, “Sergeant, are all your neighbors this … obnoxiously irritating?” turning his attention back to Sophia who gave him a scornful, disdainful glare he smiled, “or is it just this tortoiseshell?” “Why I never!” Sophia Jilmed yelled out, “How dare you speak to me like that!” storming off both officers and Moon Dancer watched Sophia head up the street screaming out, “all I wanted was to make you happy!”. “Well rookie I think you're perhaps the second person that I have known who really ticked her off like that.” Starknight said looking over the damage to her car she added, “This is going to cost me quite a bit of money to get this thing fixed let alone towed to the nearest fix-it shop”. “Really? Who’s the first?” he replied. “Let me make a call. I have … friend that can handle this cheap for you”. “Me when I gave her a ticket for speeding last month”. Standing up she finished, “thank you but I am not sure it would be appropriate”. Watching him take out his cellphone she sighed, “oh, very well just don’t let it slip out that I let you do this after all I am still your training officer and your sergeant”. Nodding Moon Stone quickly made his call while his little sister Moon Dancer headed back to her brother's car. Hanging up a few minutes later Moon Stone smiled taking out a notepad and pen from his shirt pocket jotting down a phone number and address he handed it to Starknight. “Thank you” she said, taking the piece of paper and placing it into her pants pocket, “I’ll head there later on today”. Turning towards her house Starknight gestured for officer Moon Stone to join her following her up the small sidewalk leading to her front door, he stopped for a second turning back to face his sister who sat in the front seat of his car. “You stay here and keep the window up and doors locked”. Looking around Moon Stone didn’t like how Starknight's neighborhood looked. He quickly turned around opening the car door, “hop out” watching his sister get out. He finished, “follow me and don’t touch anything do you understand?” “I understand” Moon Dancer said following her brother towards Starknight's front door, “hey after I get home from school today can you teach me some cool mi---” “I will say this once and only once” he interrupted, “you are not to mention that while in Starknight's presence EVER!” “Yes” Moon Dancer replied, looking down she quietly finished, “brother”. Entering Starknight's home a few seconds later both Moon Stone and Moon Dancer looked around; the house was small; tiny in fact. Both saw a fireplace in Starknight's living room, a retro mini refrigerator with a dual door freezer sat in her kitchen. A twenty inch smooth top freestanding electric range stood next to the mini refrigerator and a single basin sink with a portable dishwasher with a built in water tank stood on an end table. The kitchen also had a freestanding cabinet connected to the dishwasher with a hose running to the sink. “How can she live like this?” Letting out a noticeable whistle he gave her a passing glance, “wow” he said, “your home is … tiny”. “Did you come here to take a report” Starknight quipped irritability, “or are you here just to make fun of how I live?” “Well I-er-um” he stammered, “I’ll take your statement but you know as well as I do that there is little chance of finding the person that did that to your car”. “I know”. She humorlessly solemnly replied. Several long moments passed while Starknight gave officer Moon Stone her statement glancing at her watch she added, “I need to get going now rookie please file this report with traffic and road operations''. Walking him to her front door she finished, “I’ll stop by in a few hours after I have gone to the car depot to get a rental”. “Wait a minute aren’t you supposed to be staying off your feet?” Moon Dancer asked giving Starknight a questionable look, “I thought you had hurt your back so doesn’t that imply that you should stay home?” “It wasn’t my back I hit my head while I was taking down some uh, bad people” she replied glaring at Moon Stone “Tell me rookie how does Moon Dancer know I got hurt?” “Huh? Oh, I told her about it before we came here”. He replied adding, “Now as for your report about your car.” “I was making breakfast and didn’t see or hear anything so I assume it happened sometime last night though I am not sure what time”. Letting out forced sigh she added, “and officer Moon Stone the next time you decide to discuss work with your sister do me a favor.” Catching Moon Dancers attention she continued, “leave me out of your talks with her”. Fishing her keys out of her pants pocket she finished, “I am just grateful whoever did this didn’t try to break into my home or my garage”. “Why's that officer Starknight?” Moon Dancer asked “do you have something really neat in there?” Laying a hand on his sister's shoulder Moon Stone began to lead her over to the front door earning himself a playful pout from the pre-teenager. Chuckling to herself Starknight headed for her front door opening the door for Moon Stone and his sister she bid them farewell closing the door she headed to her bedroom. Entering her bedroom she tapped her foot on the floor three times; a soft mechanical sound soon resonated in the room. Starknight waited for three seconds as a black metal box rose up to the left of her bed. Opening her bedroom closet she took out a notepad and pen placing them into her shirt pocket. “I wish I could afford to live someplace other than this dump” she thought, “it would be nice to live in the country”. Walking over to it she pressed a few buttons on the face of it unlocking the box she opened it reached in taking out her conceal and carry license. Taking out a holster containing a chambered 500 S.M.W Magnum the revolver itself had a fluted five shot cylinder and weighed four point three pounds. Looking into the box she took out her shoulder holster placing it over her shoulders. Fitting it comfortably on her shoulders she took out a hip holster strapping it to her left hip while making sure her shoulder holster was under her left shoulder. “I would be so nice if people around here would just leave other people's things alone”. Placing the revolver on her bed she reached back inside the box taking out three five hundred grain jacketed hollow point Hornady X.C.P cartridges. Running her fingers over the hand-grip she smiled to herself; the revolver had a silver chrome plated eight in three eights inch barrel with an integrated muzzle brake and compensator attached to it. Looking it over she placed onto it an interchangeable front high visibility sight locking the sight into place she quickly holstered on her left side. “Okay I think I have everything I need”. Remembering her other gun still inside the safe, this one a Glock twenty one generation two still inside the safe she quickly took it out placing it into her hip holster. Reaching back inside the safe she took out four extra magazines clipping each one to her belt on her right side. Closing the lid and locking it in place she tapped her foot sending the hidden safe back to its hiding place. Heading out into the garage she grabbed her helmet from the back wall and power scooter. Kicking the kickstand to it up she opened the garage door and pressed the power button three times turning her scooter on. “I might as well stop by the Brisk Star gun shop as long as I am out and about”. Looking back at her car she muttered, “I should stop by CHS as well perhaps I can talk to Principal Celestia about setting up a ‘at risk’ program that will” letting out a forced sigh she finished, “prevent any kid from doing this in the foreseeable future”. Heading down the street she looked to her right seeing Sophia Jilmed crying on her front stoop Starknight turning around and headed back up the street towards Sophia’s. Shutting off her scooter she kicked the kick stand out and got off heading up to the crying woman. Seeing how very upset Sophia was Starknight reached out laying a hand on Sophia’s shoulder looking up through a sob Sophia gulped her teary red eyes met with Starknights soft warm blue eyes. Helping Sophia to her feet Starknight did the best she could to dry her neighbors tears speaking softly to her. “Sophia I am very sorry for what Moon Stone and I said to you”. Standing there for a few minutes she added, “It’s just that you came onto him so strongly I am sure he was insulted and not to mention he had his little sister with him”. “It’s a-alright” Sophia sobbed out, “I am a just a sl---” “Hey! I don’t want to hear you talking about yourself like that again” Starknight interrupted “you are not that type of person I know you and I have had our differences but that doesn’t make you like that”. Helping her inside Starknight finished, “now you go get cleaned up I’ll be back in a little while and we’ll go and do something fun”. “A-alright” turning to head further into her home Sophia stopped adding, “wait what little sister?” “The little girl with the purple and red hair that child is Moon Stones little sister”. Gently leading Sophia to her living room, Starknight added, “He was taking her to school when I called him due to what happened to my car”. “I see. Couldn’t you have called someone else?” “Yes I probably could have called someone else but I also wanted to see what Moon Stone would do in this situation”. She replied, “you Sophia I am training him in so I thought this might be a good learning experience for him.” “That’s a bit sneaky don’t you think?” taking a seat on her couch Sophia whipped the last of her tears away adding, “your right you know I shouldn’t have come on that strongly”. Getting up she finished, “now when you say ‘fun’ what type of ‘fun’ are you talking about?” “You’ll see”. Starknight finished, “now go on scoot, go get cleaned up I promise you’ll like what I have in mind.” “Very well”. Grinning, Starknight headed back outside looking around she saw a few her neighbors walking their dogs, the paperboy zoomed by throwing the morning paper at various houses. A mail truck pulled up to the curb. Starknight stood silently watching the postal carrier get out, open the back of their truck and proceed to carry a box stuffed to the brim with mail. Hearing Sophia turn on her shower Starknight closed Sophia’s front door. Getting on her scooter Starknight started it up heading down the street as the car slowly rolled down the street. “I wonder if Sophia likes air hockey” she thought coming to a red light she stopped failing to notice the back continental was slowly following her, “better stop by Score’N’Fun on my way home to pick up a mini board so she and I can play a few rounds”. Pulling into the parking lot of CHS a half hour later she shut off her scooter and got off completely forgetting to take her helmet off she headed up the steps. Stopping at the front door she looked back watching the construction crew setting new pipes and wires in the crater left by Sunset’s and Twilight's battle. Walking through the plastic liners that hung front the top of the school she headed for the receptionist desk. Before Starknight could say anything to the woman sitting behind the desk she spotted Principal Celestia coming into the hallway. “Principal Celesita” Starknight called out to her, “do you have a minute?” “Is this an official police matter officer?” she replied with clear irritation in her voice, “because I only have a few minutes and I am already late for a meeting with one of my students and their parents”. “Yes and no” wanting to talk in private she quickly added, “is there someplace more private we can talk?” “If you won’t talk to her sister then I will” Luna chimed in coming out of her office “besides I doubt you really need me for this meeting”. “Alright Luna but please make it brief” Celesita replied, turning her attention back to Starknight she added, “you can talk about whatever it is you came here for in my sisters office”. Leading Starknight to her officer Luna opened the door gesturing for Starknight to sit in a chair in front of her desk Luna walked behind her desk taking a seat. Starknight sat down taking her helmet off taking a few moments to gather her thoughts. Luna seeing Starknight looked a little uneasy and wanting to make things go easier for her opened a drawer in her desk taking out a box of mint tea. Placing the box in front of Starknight she gestured to the box receiving a resurasing nod from the officer. Getting up Luna walked over to a coffee pot, poured some hot water into a cup and returned to her desk placing the cup in front of Starknight. “Whatever you have come here to say can wait for two minutes while you take a sip” she said. Picking up the tea Starknight took a sip calming herself down a bit, “now what I wanted to talk to you about was starting up a ‘at risk’ program.” Starknight took a moment to let her words sink in with Luna before finishing, “in this program a teacher would be paired with a police officer and together they would help any student that is at risk of dropping out or perhaps joining a gang”. “I see and what else would this program do?” “Well I haven’t gotten all the details in order just yet” Looking down she took a breath adding, “my car was vandalized this morning and I can’t help but think if the people that did this had a positive place to go this sort of thing wouldn’t have happened”. Looking up she finished, “I know I need to work on this idea but I just wanted to run it by you and your sister who really doesn’t seem to well like me very much”. “I don’t blame her for that officer, I mean you did come on rather strongly when we first met you” Luna replied, “but as for this program you get the ‘go a head’ from your captain and I’ll run this by my sister. If she is in then I’ll call you and we’ll take it from there”. Standing up she added, “incidentally which student did you have in mind that might benefit from this program and more to the point which precinct do you work at?” “I was thinking Sunset could be the first student and this has to be her choice I won’t force any student no matter how at risk they are to take part in this program” getting up herself Starknight finished, “I work at the one twelve I’ll leave you my desk number” reaching over Luna’s desk Starknight took a pen and paper jotted down her number handing it to Luna, “I really do hope this works out for Sunset she seemed rather … lost and hurt when I first met her”. “I also hope it works out for her now let me walk you out and I be in touch in a few days”. Walking Starknight back to the front of the school Luna finished, “thank you for stopping by officer I am sure Celestia will approve of this program”. Getting on her scooter and putting her helmet back on Starknight waved goodbye to Luna before starting up the scooter and heading down the street. Luna returned to her office, collected her things and headed for the meeting with Celestia and their student. Twenty minutes later Starknight pulled into the auto rental lot parked and got off her scooter. Heading inside she found a sales representative an hour later she drove out of the parking lot with a rental volvo. Fifthteen minutes later she pulled into the parking lot of Brisk Star and Sprocket parked and headed inside. “Brisk you in here” she called out hearing the door chime, “Sprocket?” “We’re back here” a male voice called from the back of the store “loading an order”. Heading into the back of the store she found a stout senescent man with silvery hair lining most of his head; he had soft warm green eyes. A deeply characteristically noble face withered from his many long years in service to his country and state. Standing next to him was a middle aged man with a brown mustache and slightly graying hair; he had kind joyful blue eyes that had not yet seen the horrors of war. A red pickup truck was parked at the loading dock both men stopped their work offering Starknight a pleasant smile. “Have you come to order some more ammo?” one of them asked. “Yes I have” she replied, “Oh, I’ll need a new holster for my glock twenty one and Brisk Star I’ll also need to pick up a new gun as well”. “Really? I mean you already have one of the most powerful handguns on the market”. Sprocket said making a gesture to her coat underneath he could see the butt end of her revolver he added, “what type of gun are you looking for sergeant and do you need this for work or personal use?” “I am looking for a handgun” she replied, turning around to head back to the front she looked over her shoulder adding, “I am looking to use it only at the range and nothing else. I have no desire to take it to work with me”. “Very well” Brisk replied, “Sprocket you go with her and get her what she needs and I’ll finish loading this order”. Following Starknight back to the front of the store Sprocket headed behind a large glass case containing many different types of ammo, guns and hunting knives. Taking out a set of keys he opened the case while Brisk remained in the back finishing the order Sprocket took out several guns laying them on the case Starknight looked at each of them shaking her head. Putting each of them back into the case, Sprocket tapped his chin thinking his eyes widened, turning around he opened a case behind him taking out a medium sized metal box. Setting it on the counter he opened it placing a set of twin magnums on the counter. “Seriously” Starknight grumbled looking over the twin magnums “these are far too big for what I am looking for” “Ok how about this” He replied placing another gun on the counter “this is the Glock Forty Two it holds eight rounds and weighs about thirteen point eight ounces”. Gesturing to it he finished, “go ahead give it a once over”. Picking up the gun she checked the sight sliding her fingers over the slide taking apart the gun she placed each piece onto the counter checking each of them one by one. Picking up each piece she reassembled the gun handing it back to Sprocket taking the magazine she looked it over handing it to him. Looking around she pointed to a 2 SRM arms shotgun model twelve sixteen watching Sprocket take it off the shelf she looked it over placing the stock to her shoulder. Feeling its weight in her arms and hands she shook her head handing it back to him. “I’ll come back for the Glock Forty Two in three weeks”. “Actually you don’t need to wait for three weeks to take this home,” Brisk said, picking up the gun he placed it into a brown box adding, “all we need is your license, permit and credit card and you can have it shipped to your home in about three or four days”. “What about your ammo and holster?” Sprocket asked. “Oh, yes I forget about those, let's see I need another magazine for my glock and another cartridge for my revolver.” Placing two magazines and two cartridges onto the counter Starknight picked them up and looked them over placing them back onto the counter. Sprocket took out a Vertical Carry Shoulder Holster for 6 & 7 Shot, 4" Barrel Revolvers in 38 & 357. Looking it over she placed it back onto the counter running her fingers over the Lightweight Nylon Harness it’s Wide Stay Flat Shoulder Pads was made for a right handed person. Looking at it’s snap-release thumb-break retaining strap she smiled feeling the built-in tie down strap release and easy carry mount. “So what do you think?” Sprocket asked, “do you like it?” “Yes I do I’ll have it added to my purchase” she replied, “Alright I think the ammo and this holster will do it then” taking out her wallet from her left coat pocket and her permit from her front shirt pocket. “Who will be shipping it then if I may ask?” “I’ll take care of that” Sprocket chimed in “just let me look up your address in the computer and you’ll be all set”. Looking at the 2 SRM arms shotgun he added, “Any reason why you don’t want the 2 SRM arms shotgun?” “Yeah it's too heavy and cumbersome for what I am looking to do with it”. Paying for the other gun she finished, “I mean don’t get me wrong it’s a nice gun and all but I don’t want to always be carrying that thing to the range just to shoot it four or five times per week”. “That’s completely understandable,” Brisk said, swiping Starknight's credit card, punching a few buttons on his computer he finished, “OK do you want us to email you your receipt or would you like a paper one?” “Hmm paper would be fine”. She replied taking her receipt, “thank you both I’ll more than likely stop by again in about four or five weeks when I have the money to pick up something else”. Heading across the street she walked briskly to the Score’N’Go opening the door she headed inside looking around she saw shelves upon shelves filled with various games. Quickly finding a sales clerk kneeling in front of one of the aisles near the back of the store she walked over to him. He had soft auburn hair, he had a slightly bronze complexion. Noticing she was staring at him; the young man glanced up from his work, his tender wam green eyes met with hers. “Can I help you?” he asked. “Yes I am looking to purchase an air hockey board” she replied, “can you show me where they are located”. “I am sorry but we don’t sell those here however we do sell puzzles, backgammon, chess, and table hockey” he replied, gesturing towards the back of the store he added, “if you will follow me I’ll show you where those are located”. “Alright while I am at it do you by chance sell any playing cards here?” “Yes those are located on an end-cap in front of checkout lane six” he replied. Leading her down the aisle, Starknight selected a table hockey board and a fifty piece puzzle for herself, taking the items up front placing them on the cash register. Looking to her right she found several packs of playing cards selecting one that had mouse and cheese cartoon characters on them. The cashier began to ring up the order as Starknight looked around the store hearing the last of her items being wrung up her vision fell to the front window watching a black continental pull into the parking lot. Three men got out of the car with one of them talking to an unseen fourth. “OK your all set” the cashier said “will there be anything else?” “Huh? Oh, no thank you” Starknight replied, “you have a nice---” Her words were cut short as the three men entered the store one was wearing a black bandana over his head with a white tank top and baggy shorts and untied sneakers. The second was wearing three-quarter-length cutoff pants and knee-high socks with his jeans sagging at his waist. The third was wearing a thick gold chain hung around his neck and a plaid Pendleton shirt; the sleeves were pulled up to his elbows; all three men had gang tattoos on their faces, arms, and hands. To Starknights horror two of the three three men were carrying uzi’s while the third was sporting an AK-Forty Seven dropping her items Starknight spun around grabbing the frightened cashier. “GET DOWN”! She screamed pushing the cashier to the floor, a hailstorm of bullets tore through the building reducing the shelving, walls, and items on the shelves to bits of rubble, “STAY DOWN”. Covering the cashier with her own body Starknight screamed out, “I’m a cop drop your weapons now!” “You ain't no cop” one of the three men yelled back, “yous a dead pig”. “Last chance, drop your weapons!” Rolling over on her back Starknight used herself as a human shield trying to protect the innocent cashier underneath her, “Don’t do---” Her words were cut short one of the three men rushed around the cashregister nearly taking Starknight by surprise. Drawing her weapon she watched him raise his uzi pointing it directly at her the two momentarily locked eyes the man sneering a faint smile to her. With little choice left she raised her Glock took aim emptying her weapon into his neck, chest, and stomach. Watching his lifeless body hit the floor she rolled over to her hands and knees grabbing the frightened cashier by the shirt. “Move, move, move!” Starknight screamed out; the cashier froze too terrified to move. “Dammit I said move!” wrapping one arm around the cashier she emptied her gun pressing the top of it to her belt pushing down and away from herself she reloaded it, “Is there another way out of here?” The other two gang members stood in stunned silence for a split second. Starknight used their indecision to head towards the back of the store dragging the very frightened cashsheir with her. Breathing heavily Starknight pushed the cashier behind a metal closed faced shelf. She took a breath taking out her cell phone she dialed for backup. Holding the phone to her ear she waited only for a few seconds. “911 what is your---” “I have a Ten - Fifty Seven I need a code Eight and Thirty” hearing the man with the AK - Forty Seven slide the bolt back she screamed into her phone, “now dammit now!” Dropping her phone she shoved the cashier to the floor climbing on top of them using her own body as a shield. The man emptied the entire amount of ammo from his weapon throughout the store reducing the rest of the shelving to little pieces of broken plastic, shards of wood and bent metal fragments. Thinking it was safe to leave the cashier to Starknights horror wiggled out from underneath her, got up and tried to run, taking several bullets to the back from the second person with the uzi. Starknight watched as the cashier fell to the ground dead. Kicking the shelf Starknight pushed herself backwards firing her weapon at the man with the AK - Forty Seven missing him. Watching him nosedive behind a shelf she rolled over to her hands and knees. “That wasn’t some kid you shot you pig” the man screamed out from his hiding place, “I’ll kill you for that pig!” Scrambling to her feet Starknight ran trying to keep herself from getting hit by the man with the uzi followed her towards the back causing a running firefight all the way. Starknight emptied her Glock tossing the useless weapon away she drew her revolver sliding behind a stack of boxes and barrels. Gasping for breath she peeked around the boxes waiting for her chance to take aim at him. The man searched the back of the store for her kicking over boxes and crates walking directly past her location. Looking down she found a lead-pipe sticking out of one the boxes she was using for cover grabbing it she tossed it away hoping the man would fall for her ruse. Watching from her hiding place as the man turned in the direction of the sound she came out from behind the boxes. “Drop your weapon and get on the ground!” she screamed failing to notice the third man coming up behind her watching the second gang member turn around raising his uzi. She raised her revolver, “Don’t make me do this please”. Seeing his finger was on the trigger her nerves turned to steel, three loud shots rang out one by one each shot hitting its mark directly into his chest. “Dammit you son of a---” Hearing multiple gunshots from behind her she spun around watching the man with the AK - Forty Seven fall to the ground, his chest and back riddled with bullets. Moon Stone stood behind the man with his own gun pointed at the fallen man, blood slowly pooled around the man's shoulders and neck. Sputtering the coughed Starknight rushed over to the fallen person kicking the AK - Forty Seven away from him she watched it slide towards nearby empty crates. Moon Stone reached up to his shoulder radio calling in the incident. Starknight in a state of shock to see Moon Stone but glad he had been there to save her life knelt next to the fallen gang member pressing her hands to the young man's wounds, her eyes filled with tears. “Please hold on” she almost sobbed, “the a-ambulance will be here soon”. “T-tr” the man sputtered coughing up blood reaching up a blood soaked hand he wrapped his hand around Starknights head pulling her in closer, “trunk open tr-trunk”. Racing outside Starknight saw the fourth person in handcuffs lying on the ground with two other officers standing over him. Looking at the gang's car she walked over to it and opened the front door popping the trunk a red ambulance pulled into the parking lot just as she headed to the back of the vehicle opening it she saw a child's backpack. Picking it up she held it in her hands for a few seconds and a bit confused she headed back inside being stopped by the medics. “Whatever you want to ask him is going to have to wait” one medic said, “he’s in critical and we need to leave now”. Watching them load the perp onto the gurney she noticed his hand fell towards the ground a piece of crumpled up paper fell out of his hand, “alright this is west bound with a ten seventy seven eighty two en-rout to Glacier Bay Hospital E.T.A is five minutes”. “Roger that medics and doctors standing by” Starknight listened to the medics radio chatter “Ten Forty three will be northbound on Eighty One two”. Moonstone Followed Starknight as she made her way back outside still clutching the child’s backpack in her hands. Noticing the bag himself he reached out taking it from her opening it his eyes widened in shock growing angry he rushed the last gang member who was being placed into a squad car. Without thinking Moonstone got too close to the hardened gang member taking a swift foot to his stomach the blow sent the rookie officer falling to his butt. Seeing he had dropped his keys the gang member scrambled for them kicking another officer in the face knocking that officer to the ground. Grabbing Moonstone's keys the man frantically placed them to the handcuffs unlocking his wrist. Rolling out of the way of a third officer the gang member kicked him in the side standing up he grabbed the officers gun pointing it at Moonstone’s head. “Get up pig” the gangster screamed, shoving the gun into Moonstone’s face, “Get up now!” “Let him go” an officer screamed out, catching the gangster's attention, Moonstone’s head snapped in the direction of the sound seeing it was officer White Tails, “Let the rookie go and get on the ground now”. “Screw you” the gang member screamed back pointing the gun at White Tails, “I’ll kill him I’ll kill you all!” waving the gun around the crazed man screamed, “get back all of ya me and this here piggy are leaving this area”. “We can’t let you do that” White tails yelled back, “let him go and we’ll talk”. Foolishly holistering his weapon White Tails raised his hands in a vain attempt to gain the man's trust, “tells what you---” Five shots rang out; Moonstone and the other officers watched in horror as White Tails fell to the ground, blood pooling around his chest and stomach.Taking no further chances Moonstone elbowed the crazed man in the stomach diving for the ground the other officer immediately opened fire. The crazed man coughed up blood falling to the ground he smirked as his lifeless body fell to the side Moonstone scrambled to his feet racing over to White Tails. Ripping open the officers shirt he desperately pressed his hands to White Tails chest trying hard to stop the bleeding. “NO NOT AGAIN, PLEASE NO NOT AGAIN” Starknight rushed over to him realizing White Tails was gone she heard Moonstone scream, “Timothy” “Moonstone, MOONSTONE! He’s gone” pulling him away she finished, “there is nothing more you can do for him”. Looking at his bloodstained hands Moonstone sniffed wiping a bloodsoaked hand under his nose. Getting up he found the backpack throwing it into his squad car slamming the door Starknight looked to her own bloodsoaked hands closing her eyes. Officers yelled and screamed into their radios the world began to spin slowly she looked up seeing rain clouds forming gulping hard she stood up. “There is nothing either of us could have done” heading back inside she found an officer near the back tugging on his coat. She asked, “how old were the people I shot?” “Both were fifteenth years old and both went to Canterlot High School” he replied. Stunned Starknight headed back up front finding her packages lying in a heap near the entrance. With each step she took a tear, fell trickling down her cheeks whipping them away she looked back at her own blood soaked hands closing her eyes. Collapsing to the ground with other officers rushing to her aid she leaned forward screaming in rage. Her tears fell thickly down her cheeks mixing in a growing pool of blood from the gang member who was killed out front of the store. Trembling in shock, hurt and angry she felt herself being picked up. Moonstone carried Starknight to his squad car pulling out of the parking lot a few minutes later he drove her home.
August, 4th Thursday, 11:30 AM part three"Sunset wait up" Fluttershy called out to her, panting she ran after Sunset finally stopping in front of the school, "W-why didn't you stay at my home?" "Listen your father wanted to call us both in sick today right?" Sunset replied seeing Fluttershy nodd though she was clearly out of breath Sunset turned and headed inside adding, "I can't do that Fluttershy, I can't lie and cheat my way through life or anything else for that mater any longer". "But" Turning around Sunset glared at Fluttershy trying hard to contain her growing anger remembering how she had treated the timid girl before Twilight came Sunset looked away. Getting fully inside Sunset soon found herself standing in front of her locker the graffiti that had been spray painted to it a few days ago was gone but the feelings those words brought out in her were still there burred deep within her. Opening her locker she placed her backpack inside of it closing it she began to head for detention hall 2 B. Noticing Fluttershy had followed her to her locker and had begun following her down the hallway she stopped in her tracks unaware Garble was hiding around the corner listening into their conversations. "Fluttershy leave me alone". taking a step she added, "I don't want to do this. I don't want to be how I once was so just leave me alone". "I just want to help Sunset" she replied. "You can 'help' by leaving me alone". With that Sunset headed for detention leaving Fluttershy bewildered and confused hearing the first bell ring Fluttershy headed to her own class her head bowed low. Garble grinned grabbing Backdraft by his collar he shoved him out into the hallway, "go find Applejack and Rarity make them think Sunset is up to her old tricks again". "S-sure thing Garble but what are you going to do?" Backdraft nervously asked. "I'm going to set my first part of my plan in motion" heading away from the pair he turned around growling out, "oh, and Backdraft don't mess this up I need Sunset to think that no one likes her." Laughing coldly he walked away leaving his friend to his work Backdraft headed down the hallway soon finding Rarity at her locker. He cleared his throat and straightened his rats nest of hair out he approached her tapping the side of her locker door to get her attention. "Yes?" she asked with a pen in her mouth, "can I uh, help you Backdraft or did you come here to stare at me?" "I thought you should know I saw Sunset not more than five minutes ago maybe ten minutes yelling at Fluttershy". He said, smirking he added, "Fluttershy ran off I don't know where she went but she looked really upset". Slamming her locker door Rarity's hand clenched tightly into a fist feeling something grasp her shoulder she spun around throwing a fist nearly punching Applejack in the face. Applejack ducked just in time quickly she pinned Rarity to her locker giving Backdraft a scornful glare realizing her mistake Rarity calmed down taking a few short but much needed breaths. Letting her go Applejack backed away giving her best friend a concerned yet cautious look. "Y'all alright nuw sugar cube?" she asked keeping her distance, "Rarity what in all tarnation was that there about?" "Please Applejack darling please forgive me I didn't know it was you". Rarity replied, "I am so sorry dear I thought you where Sunset Shimmer". "What in tarnation does that no good cocky rooster Sunset have to do with y'all throwing down on me like that?" "Well honey it looks like Sunset is up to her old tricks again" Rarity replied, adding, "Fluttershy ran off and it seems as if Sunset---" Grabbing Rarity by her arm Applejack pulled the stunned girl down the hallway and around the corner leaving Backdraft alone smirking to himself. Quickly as he could he raced down the hallway towards the front of the school finding Garble outside on the front steps smoking a cigarette. Taking a long puff Garble let out a long trail of smoke Backdraft watched the iron blue colored smoke curl around his friends nose and head rising and disappearing high into the sky. Taking a seat next to him he lightly punched his friends shoulder grinning. "You where successful I take it?" Grable asked sneering at his friend. "I sure was those two idiots fell for it hook, line and sinker". Backdraft replied "hey we better get to class before we get busted by Corky and you better put that thing out before Luna finds you out here with it". dusting himself off Garble stood up flicking the cigarette butt into the sidewalk heading back inside he headed for his class followed by Backdraft. Garble smiled to himself his plan was in motion Backdraft had done his part getting to their class each took their seats catching Fluttershy's attention. Watching the boys from the back of the room snickering to each other she thumped her thumbs on her desk trying to discern what they were so going on about. Turning her attention to the window she gazed out to the parking lot watching the crew work on fixing the broken schools front door, sidewalk and stairs. "What did those two do" she muttered to herself. "I am sure they are up to no good but what did they---" her words where cut short as her eyes befell Applejack coming out of the front the school taking a trash can and heading back inside. "What is Applejack doing she is supposed to be in class". before Fluttershy could figure out what was going on the bell rang brining her mind back to her class, "I hope Applejack isn't planning on doing something with that trash can she can be rather mean when she doesn't stop to think about her actions." The sounds of the construction crew working on the front of the school echoed in the hallway many times it disrupted the various classes taking place. Several teachers had already taken measures to ensure they could teach without being disrupted by the awful sounds being made from the work crew as they rebuilt the front of the school. Many of the doors had large amounts of insulation stuffed in between the door frames and under the windows. Sweetie Belle sat in orientation listening to the teacher drivel on and on about the school's history. The sound of the bell ringing was music to her ears. “YES!” she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air, “free! I’m free” all eyes feel to her suddenly realizing everyone was staring at her she shrunk back a bit letting out a soft but noticeable chuckle “sorry”. “Don’t worry about it” The teacher laughed glancing at the clock overhead he noticed it was eleven thirty, “you’re not the first student to not like orientation and you won’t be the last” ushering her out the teacher smiled warmly to her “now run along you have your next class to get to”. “Thank you” Sweetie Belle replied, “I’ll try not to do that again in my next class”. Getting out of orientation, Sweetie Belle looked at a piece of paper deciding to head for her sister's locker; she failed to notice how full the hallway was. Heading down the hallway and towards the lockers she bumped into another student causing herself to stumble backwards. Hitting the floor butt first her backpack slipped from her shoulder spilling its contents out over the black and white tile floor. Looking at all her notebooks, pencils and pens spilt on the floor she sighed reaching out to pick them up she stopped when a hand reached down picking up one of her notebooks. “Ay am so sawry about that” A kind voice said to her, “here let me help y’all up” letting the person she had bumped into help her up a red-headed girl wearing a deep brown stetson hat, a light green t-shirt and blue jeans continued, “There ya go.” Sweetie Belle locked eyes with two brilliant gamboge eyes “All bettur now.” Smiling warmly, the kind person finished, “What's y'all's name?” “What? Oh, I-I’m Sweetie Belle Gentry” Looking around she added, “are you new here as well?” “Nah Uh’m been hare fahwar uh few weeks though Ah did gist git back frum camp” holding out her hand she finished, “Ay'm Apple Bloom” taking the cue Sweetie Belle shook Apple Blooms hand, “ya’ll say y'all's jist yer last name were Gentry?” “Um …. Yes” she hesitantly replied “why do you ask?” Hearing another bell ring, Sweetie Belle headed down the hallway trying to find her sister's locker Apple Bloom wanting to get an answer to her question followed her. Realizing she was being followed Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks not noticing Sweetie Belle had stopped Apple Bloom bumped into her and stumbled backwards, falling to the cold hard floor. Letting out a soft grunt she got up rubbing her rear end giving Sweetie Belle a slight smirk. “Why are you following me?” Sweetie Belle asked, “You need to get to class before you get in trouble and I need to find my sisters locker” looking around she groaned in irritation, “oooh all these lockers look the same!” she yelped stomping her foot “How am I going to find Rarities locker if every one of these things looks like the other?!” Taking Sweetie Belle by her hand Apple Bloom led her further down the hallway much to Sweetie Belle's irritation. Pulling her hand back Sweetie Belle gave the young girl a stern look before relaxing where she was standing. Looking at her sister’s locker she raised a finger to her lower lip unsure what to do next Apple Bloom stood nearby smiling. She tipped her hat back, her smile slowly turned into a foolish grin. Gesturing to the lockers in front of the young girl, Apple Bloom waited for the slightly distraught girl to open the locker and retrieve her belongings. Hearing a locker open to the left of her sisters, Sweetie Belle looked at Apple Bloom as she set her backpack inside the locker taking out a notepad and pen. “This is why I was following you” she said, “you were almost there all you had to do was go another six feet and you would have found your sisters locker”. “T-thank you” looking down she slowly moved her right foot in a half circle placing her hands behind her back she added, “I didn’t mean to scream at you like that its---” “Your new here” Apple Bloom interrupted, “this place can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers” holding out her hand she finished, “so lets make a deal I’ll show you around----” Hearing a commotion coming from down the hallway her words fell short, “what the heck is going on?” “You're asking me?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, putting a hand over her chest she raised her other hand to her head pretending to be dramatic, “Why this young lady just got here and oh, this place is so big and soooo overwhelming”. Taking Sweetie Belle by her hand Apple Bloom led the young girl down the hallway towards the sounds of the commotion. Suddenly stopping in their tracks both girls saw their older sisters fighting with a girl with red and yellow hair wearing a leather coat and orange mini skirt. Applejack had the other girl pinned by her shoulders to a locker Sweetie Belle stood nearby watching her older sister Rarity come up from the right carrying in her hands a trash can. “Get out of the way A.J.” Rarity called out, “we’ll show this repugnant nuisance where trash like her belongs” to the cheers of a crowd that was forming Rarity emptied the entire trash can over the other girls head placing the can itself over the girls head she laughed, “there that is where a repulsive abhorrent person like you belongs Sunset”. Turning to leave Rarity spun around shoving Sunset backwards watching her hit the floor with soft thud Rarity snickered, “come on App---” “What is wrong with you?!” Sweetie Belle's voice rang out from the crowd catching both girls' attention, “wasn’t being grounded for this behavior enough for you!” “What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed seeing her little sister in the crowd “Apple Bloom what in the heck are ya’ll doing here? Yer supposed to be in class!” “i'm batting eyes cuz mah older sister is a’beatin' up an innocent person” she replied, “wasn’t causin' granny Smith ta cry her eyes out when ah gawt home from camp enough for ya Applejack?” Taking a step between Sunset Shimmer and her older sister Apple Bloom finished, “do ya really need t' add pickin' awn sumone else who can’t brush back t' thuh list?” “Well A’h” Glancing down Applejack watched Sunset pull the trash can off her head a look of shame, humiliation and disgust was plastered on the fiery red-heads face, “Y’all need ta get Sunset yer not welcome here so y’all need ta get.” A crowd had begun to form around the pair. Applejack smiled as Rarity took a step back. Sweetie Belle, horrified by her sister's actions, turned around and ran away. Apple Bloom wanting to help chased after her as Corky followed by two faculty members came into the hallway. Seeing them coming Applejack moved to the right allowing them to pass her by Rarity unconcerned about her little sister decided to remain in the hallway. Corky stooped down helping Sunset to take the trash can off her head helping her up he gave Rarity and Applejack a disapproving glare. “You two come with me” turning his attention towards the crowd he shouted, “alright break it up everyone get back to class NOW!” Turning back to Rarity and Applejack he finished, “as for you two you’re both going to the principal's office”. “B-but we didn’t do anything” Rarity protested, feeling a hand grasping her left bicep she quickly found herself being escorted by one of the faculty members down the hallway, “Hey let go I didn’t do anything wrong!” she yelled. Frowning Corky took a step towards Applejack gesturing towards the office he glared at her bowing her head Applejack silently began to follow him. Sunset followed close behind stopping only when Corky turned around facing her unsure what to do she looked away. A teacher dressed in a long black skirt, white full button down blouse and black velvet vest walked past them. Stopping, she laid a hand on Sunset’s shoulder offering her gentle smile gulping Sunset took a step back brushing the teachers hand from her shoulder. “Corky I’ll take Sunset to the nurses office” The teacher said continuing to smile pleasantly, “continue escorting those two to Principal Celestia’s office”. “Will do,” he replied. Bringing Sunset down the hallway towards the nurses office the teacher soon found Sweetie Belle sitting in front of a row of lockers next to Apple Bloom. Both girls looked confused and angry stopping in her tracks the teacher held out her hand towards Sweetie Belle. Looking up to her Sweetie Belle took the teachers hand allowing the older woman to help her up Apple Bloom also got up. Dusting herself off she took off her hat holding it in her hands a look of pure shame etched over the young farmers face. “Which class are you supposed to be in?” she asked. “I am not sure” Sweetie Belle replied, taking out her orientation paper she handed it to the teacher finishing “who are you?” “Huh? Oh, I’m Ivy Dreams” taking the paper from Sweetie Belle she looked it over handing it back to her “your supposed to be in science one follow the hallway down towards the end and take a right then head to room two forty one A”. turning her attention to Sunset she finished, “Come along Sunset lets get you cleaned and fixed up” “Wait,” Apple Bloom said, holding out her hand, “Ah’d like to apologize to her for M’ah sisters behavior”. Sunset stood silently waiting to hear Apple Bloom’s words Ivy Dreams gave Sunset a passing glance also standing silently. Sweetie Belle took a breath offering Sunset her best courtesy; she bowed her head hoping Sunset would accept her words. Apple Bloom unsure what to do stood nearby. “Sunset I as Rarity Gentry’s younger sister do hereby offer to you my most sincere apology for how my sister treated you” Straightening up she finished, “I am so very sorry for what happened to you and I want to assure you that my uncle Light Brush and aunt Bouffant will hear of this”. “I … um-er-t-thank you,” Sunset said. “Ah too will be a-tellin' my granny about this here sunset how m’ah sistur done treated y’all were disgusting ta say thay least” Apple Bloom piped up still holding her hat in her hands she added, “ayn' ah swear ta y’all ah won’t let my sistur get away with this here”. Reaching out Sunset took Apple Blooms hat from her placing it on top of the young farmer's head giving her a nod as she proceeded to head down the hallway. Ivy Dreams nodded to both girls as well watching them head off to their next class. She turned to Sunset giving the fiery redheaded teenager a hopeful smile. Both walked into Nurse Red Hearts office a few minutes later taking a seat Sunset sniffed closing her eyes she silently cursed herself for not fighting back. “I should have kicked their butts” she thought, “What am I thinking?! I can’t do this I need to leave NOW”. Sunset’s eyes snapped open, not wanting to be the school bully any longer and to Ivy Dreams surprise she suddenly bolted from the nurses office. Running as fast and as hard as her legs could carry her Sunset ran out of the school tears flowing down her soft cheeks her mind began to race thinking she wouldn’t get a second chance she ran towards the only place she felt safe. Ivy Dreams worried for Sunsets safety dashed down the hallway towards Principal Celestia’s office. “I really do hope Celestia can find her before anything bad happens to her” she thought, getting to the office, slightly opening the door she continued, “why did Sunset take off like that? There has to be a good reason for this there just has to be?” Principal Celestia sat in her chair behind her desk glaring daggers at Rarity and Applejack both girls stared blankly back at her. Folding her arms over her chest she took a long deep breath Corky stood behind Applejack with a video tap in his hand receiving a nod from Celestia he placed the tape into a VCR pressing the play button. Applejack and Rarity both watched themselves on the video approach Sunset from behind with Applejack grabbing Sunsets shoulders and spinning her around. Rarity watched herself headed for the trash can picking it up as Applejack was seen pinning Sunset to the locker just as Rarity dumped the trash can over Sunset's head. Applejack watched herself shove Sunset backwards both girls looked away as Sunset was seen hitting the ground and not getting back up. Shutting off the video Celestia placed her hands on her desk. “Well” she almost snarled, “I’m waiting for either of you two to explain to me why you did this?” “Well y'all see Principal Celestia it’s like this here Sunset Shimmur is ayy bully ayn' she bullied us ayn' preytty much ever'one else faw months befawe twilight, done came here. Applejack began “Ay just done wanted ta show hur what it felt like ta be bullied maybe then she would leave us ayn' ever'one else alone” “And you Rarity what is your excuse for your behavior shown on that video tape?” Celestia said, turning her attention to the fashion deva, “I hope you have something better than what Applejack just said”. “Principal Celestia I can’t understand why you would sanction that uncouth bully to stay at this school?” Rarity exclaimed, her eyes widened putting a hand over her forehead. She tried to be dramatic earning herself a very angry frown from both Corky and Celestia, “Why it's an extravagant amount for this lady to aspire to. Therefore as a lady I had to act for the good of all Canterlot High School.” Lowering her hand she continued ignoring the ever growing angry looks on Celestia’s and Corky’s faces. “I had to show Sunset Shimmer who’s an authentic lady around here and who’s the trash that should be discarded.” feeling an elbow nudge her side she finished still ignoring the very angry glares she was getting from Celestia and Corky. “I did what was needed. I have no regrets, preserve only that I didn't do this sooner.”. “I think---” Celestia began only to cut her words short as her office door opened and Ivy Dreams walked in breathing heavily “goodness Ms. Dreams whatever is the matter?” “It’s Su-Sunset” she panted trying to catch her breath she added, “Sh-she’s run a-away”. “Well good riddance to that snake in the grass” Applejack confidently said catching everyone’s attention, “er-I mean well that is I---” “I think the both of you have said quite enough” Celestia snarled, standing up she offered her chair to Ivy Dreams who took it without question, “now I’m going to go look for Sunset and hopefully bring her back”. “BRING HER BACK?!” Both Applejack and Rarity exclaimed in unison. “But y’all can’t bring that snaking varmint back here Principal Celestia it just ain't right”. Applejack protested. “Yes darling Applejack is right Sunset doesn’t deserve to be at this school why she even ruined the Spring Fling which I’ll remind you was supposed to be my greatest night ev---” Spinning around Celestia yelled out, “I’ll tell you what Sunset Shimmer doesn’t deserve Rarity Gentry she doesn’t deserve to be bullied by two brats who only care about themselves!” trying to calm down she took a breath turning her attention to Corky she added, “Corky please make sure to keep these two in my office until I get back Ms. Dreams” she finished, turning her attention to Ivy Dreams, “Let Luna know that I have gone out looking for Sunset Shimmer and when I get back I want Rarity’s and Applejacks families in my office”. “I’ll make sure they don’t go anywhere,” Corky said. “I’ll let Luna know about this. Is there anything else you require while you’re out looking for her?” Ms. Dreams asked. “Good,” Celestia replied, “I should be back in a few hours please tell Luna to write up the necessary paperwork that I need to take care of this incident”. Turning to leave she stopped and turned around finishing, “Don’t worry about your detention girls you won’t be going to detention in fact neither of you two will be stepping foot on CHS property for the next few weeks”. Heading out of her office Celestia clenched her right hand into a tight fist not paying attention to where she was going Celestia bumped into another student roaming the hallways. Fluttershy let out a soft yelp hitting the floor rump first kneeling Celestia silently helped the teenager up. Shaking her head with a soft smile Celestia proceeded to head out of the school towards the faculty parking lot stopping when she realized Fluttershy was following her. “Is there something you need Mrs. MacPherson”. “I just wanted to say thank you for helping me up and for not scolding me for being in the hallways when I am supposed to be in class”. She replied through a soft whisper. “Why are you out of class?” Celestia asked. “I wanted to walk Sunset to her next class to show her that there is at least one person here who does care about her” looking down she added, “Sunset spent the night at my house last night she had a nightmare and cried out for her mother. I think something happened to her mom.” “I’ll be sure to bring it up when I find her” Opening her car door she finished, “now please go back to class Fluttershy”. “Wait what do you mean ‘when you find her’ has something happened?” running up to Celestia's car and before her principal could stop her Fluttershy opened the passenger door and buckled up finishing, “If Sunset has run off again I think I know where you’ll find her.” “Fluttershy what the heck are you doing?!” Celestia exclaimed. “You're supposed to be going back to class”. “Please drive,”. She said, slowly wrapping her fingers around the edges of her skirt, “I’ll show you where to go though you won’t like it.” “But you’re---” Celestia began only to be interrupted. “DRIVE” Fluttershy yelled out causing Celestia to rear to the left giving the teenager a shocked look calming down a bit Fluttershy took a breath adding, “listen without my help you’ll never be able to find her I am the only person that knows where Sunset has been” gulping she finished, “s-staying so please drive”. “Very well,” Celestia said, starting up her car, she added, “but when we get back I expect a full explanation for your outburst understand” pulling out of her parking space she finished, “Which way?” “Turn left”. Celestia did as instructed, pulling out into the street with each stop, turn and street she took she followed Fluttershy's words hoping silently that Sunset was alright. Fluttershy sat in the passenger seat muttering to herself as she asked the Elder Gods for help, Celestia catching some of what Fluttershy was saying chimed in. “Ask the Elder Gods to send love and light to Sunset so they can watch over her and guide her to us”. “What the?” Fluttershy stated her eyes widened slightly, “Y-you know about the Elder Gods principal Celestia?” “Yes I do. I wasn’t always a high school principal now which way do we go?” “Oh, umm turn right at the stop sign” Fluttershy replied finishing, “do you have a taser and mace? You’re going to need them principal Celestia”. “Trust me Fluttershy I won’t need either of those”. She said.
Chapter 1 - Flickering Flame: August 1st, 10:00pmMoonlight hovered over the darkness of the night like a lamp lighting an office desk as it cast its light over the City of Canterlot. Stars dotted the night sky, covering it in their lights as they lit it in their tiny twinkling beds of light. Shadows washed over the entirety of the streets and alleys in inky blankets that the buildings hid from the light of the moon. Residents could be seen coming to and fro, going in numerous directions with various destinations in mind. Every few seconds, a car would go zooming down the roads giving the occasional honk as to crossers and other drivers of potential crashes. A police car rode through the city, its blue and red lights flashing as it drove through the roads of the giant of a city. Its engine hummed from behind as the tires spurred the vehicle onward, its front lights glaring ahead and acting as a guide for the driver currently inside of the car. The engine behind the car growled and roared slightly, smoke emitting from its gaping hole as it burned away at the gas lying within the machinery. Calming music flowed within the ears of Officer Starknight as she sat silently within the front seat of her car. One of her hands gripped at the steering while in front of her while the other lay on the armrest, her fingers tapping away in rhythm of the music. Her crystalline eyes stared straight as she watched out for anything that may jump out in front of her. The woman’s snow colored skin gleamed in the moon’s light, giving her an almost ghostly glow that contrasted with her golden shoulder length blonde hair. Lights would occasionally appear in her line of vision, letting her know another vehicle passing by her. She paid it no mind, focused only on keeping herself from being run over by another car, and her destination at hand. “Man, the moon sure is bright tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it shine so strongly before.” Officer Starknight said to herself as she stared at the massive orb of white. “It must be a special night for it to be glowing this beautifully.” She sighed as she looked away from the ghostly sphere, focusing her gaze back on the road ahead of her. “Too bad I don’t have any time to admire it, given where I’m heading to right now.” It had been a particularly normal day for Officer Starknight; at least as normal as it could be for a member of the local police department. After arriving at the station, she went through the normal routine of patrolling the city, looking out for anything or anyone that may have seemed out of the ordinary. A few times she had received a few calls from the city police dispatcher about a few rowdy individuals throughout the city that needed to be dealt with, but otherwise her day had been relatively uneventful. While it wasn’t as busy as she thought it’d be, Starknight was thankful for it being one of those slow days, as she didn’t quite feel top notch for a fast day. Before the woman knew it, her day was already over, and she was truly looking forward to heading back home and relaxing for the rest of the night. That hope was soon brought to an unfortunate end when she received a call from dispatch about a disturbance on the southern side of the city. Starknight was expecting it to be something such as two people fighting in the street or a commotion stirring within a restaurant. She was not expecting to be called to a high school that, from what she was told by dispatch, looked like a bomb had been set off within it. “I can’t believe this had to happen now of all times. And just when I was about to get off and head up to my nice cozy bed. I swear it’s like the universe is screwing with me and keeping me from enjoying the rest of my night or something!” Starknight groaned, her head hitting the headrest of her driver’s seat in irritation. She gave another sigh as she blew at her hair. “Oh well, might as well get this over with now while the night is still young. Don’t wanna have to come into work and get chewed out by the captain for looking like I had way too many drinks… again.” As Starknight mentally prepared herself for the task ahead, she caught something out of the corner of her eye that made her look over. She could see a building closing in as she got closer to it, and Starknight had a sneaking suspicion that it was the place she was supposed to head to. Her gut feeling was soon confirmed when she saw the sign in front of the building saying, ‘Canterlot High And Junior High School’. As Starknight closed in on her assigned destination, she felt her eyes slowly grow wide with deep concern. To say that the school was damaged would’ve been saying that a nuclear bomb had the devastation equivalent to mere firecrackers. It looked like it had been used as a turf war or like it had been through a tornado. A massive hole gaped within the school’s entrance, the stairs in front of it scattered all about the ground in the form of giant rocks. A huge crater lay within the school’s front lawn like land mines had gone off within the soil and earth. Inside some of those craters, electrical wires and gas mains were exposed, electricity crackling from the wires and ready to zap anyone idiotic enough to get too close. It was truly a frightening sight, probably more so than anything Starknight had seen before in her years as an officer. “What happened here? … I mean look at this place. It looks like something really bad went on around here. I wonder what the hell happened here?…” The woman said, slowly coming out of her shock. A heavy sigh blew from her lips as she looked around a bit taking in the damage, “I better call in some back up”. Reaching to her dash radio, Starknight took hold of the police mic hanging from the dashboard. She brought it up to her face before pressing the button on the side, static filling her ears seconds later. Clearing her throat, she murmured, “Canterlot Police Department, this is Officer Starknight coming in”. “Go for dispatch. What’s your situation?” She heard over the radio. “I'm ten twenty-three at the moment and I’ll be out of my car for the next twenty minutes doing some investigation.” Starknight replied, “I’m currently at the ten-twenty, Canterlot High and Junior High school” “Ten-twelve, officer.” The dispatcher replied after a second or two passed. “Are you in need of a ten-seventy-eight officer?” “Negative. I’ll be needing a Code 8 and a ten-seventy-four, though.” Starknight replied swiftly. “Ten-four officer Starknight.” The dispatcher replied as Starknight exited out of her vehicle. “I’ll be right back with you shortly.” “Well, isn’t that just swell…” Starknight said to herself, giving a little headshake. While assessing the situation she suddenly noticed something coming from around one of the corners of the school. Her sky blue eyes narrowed as she looked at the person, who, from what she could tell, was a young teenage girl. “Dispatch, we have a possible ten-fourteen.” “Ten-four. Your Code 8 will be there shortly”. Came the dispatches reply almost immediately after. “Ten-four dispatch.” Starknight replied quietly, keeping her eyes on the girl. “Also, I need a Ten-25 at my current Ten-Twenty.” “Ten-four officer Starknight. Please be advised that the Fire Department is Ten-eighty-five due to an out-of-control fire and a ten-ninety-three. Badnews there, ten-seventy-seven will be at least an hour.” The dispatch replied after a couple seconds of static. “An hour?!” Starknight exclaimed, losing her cool demeanor at that moment. A spark of anger went through her head as she clenched the mic in her hand, feeling like throwing it into the dashboard. She stopped herself just in time as she took in a calming inhale, before replying. “Alright, so be it… ten-four. Will there be another ten-sixty sent to this location?” “That will be a ten-seventy-four officer.” The dispatch replied, sounding almost amused as Starknight grumbled under her breath. “All other officers are at the first scene, so it will be sometime before they come to your aid. It looks like you’re on your own for the time being.” “I see… Thank you dispatch. I’ll take it from here until the ten-seventy-seven gets here.” Starknight said, concluding the conversation as the static in the mic went off. “Sergeant Starknight, out.” Putting the mic back on the dashboard, the woman focused her attention fully on the girl walking around the piles of rock and rubble. It was at that moment that Starknight noticed two more kids with her, showing the girl was not alone. While she didn’t know where they had come from, Starknight did know that now that they were here, the situation had just become more complicated. She didn’t know why they were here specifically, but something told her that the reason for it would be crazier than it looked. “I better go see why those kids are out here.” Starknight said to herself, stepping out of the car she shut the door taking out her flashlight, switching it on she gave a loud “HALT!” All three kids heeded the order before their minds had time to catch up, their hands shooting in the air as if they were puppets being controlled by strings. Each of the three squinted their eyes, the brightness of Starknight’s flashlight causing them to wince in pain as they tried to see who it was that had yelled at them. None of them had any time to figure out before Starknight did it for them, addressing the tallest teen first. “Don’t move, miss! You are about to step on an exposed electrical wire!” Starknight informed the frightened teenager, one of her fingers pointing down to the ground beneath the girl’s feet. “Please step to your right now! You two boys, do the same!” “O-okay! Okay, I will! P-please don’t shoot us!” The girl replied, her voice laced with fear as slowly went to her right. “W-we weren’t doing anything wrong; I-I swear!” “Calm down miss, I am not here to arrest you.” Starknight assured, her voice still firm but carrying an undertone of reassurance to it. “I just need you and those boys to step to your right and away from those cords.” “Y-yes ma’am!” The teen girl replied, giving a gulp as she continued to walk sideways. “U-um, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you lower your light please? I can’t really see where I’m walking with your flashlight in my eyes.” Starknight lowered her flashlight, allowing the young trio to carefully make their way through the rubble. She kept her eyes on them as they slowly made their way towards her, keeping their hands up just in case the older woman did decide to shoot them on the spot. Once they were in range, Starknight held her hand up, causing them to stop right where they were. “Good, that’s far enough.” Starknight said, looking the three kids up and down. “Are the three of you alright? Do you have any injuries or anything of the sort?” “N-no, we don’t…” The first boy replied, sounding younger even more scared than the girl was. “M-Ma’am, if you don’t mind me asking, what’re you doing here at this school? “I was going to ask you the same thing kiddo.” Starknight replied, her arms crossing atop her rather plump ample chest. “What are a few kids like yourselves doing wandering around a school that looks like it had a multitude of bombs going off in it? Especially in the middle of the night?” “T-that’s kind of a funny story.” The second boy replied, flinching when Starknight’s eyes flickered over to him. “See, we’re kind of on cleaning duty right now.” One of Starknight’s brows raised at the statement. “…Cleaning duty?” “Uh-huh, we were tasked to clean up the destroyed debris that’s around the school.” The first boy confirmed, his arms shaking as he fought to keep them raised. “Long story short, we had caused a, uh… ruckus at the school and our principles punished us by having us clean up the damage we caused to the school. Along with repairing the walls of the school.” “Wait a second!” Starknight held a hand up to stop the first boy from talking. “Your principles had you, three, try to clean up all of this mess? All by yourselves?! Without any assistance from more experienced cleaners?” “Um…y-yeah...” The girl replied shamefully, her teal eyes meeting Starknight’s own. “Like Snails said, he, Snips and I had caused a lot of damage to the school and our principals are really upset about it.” She gestured to the entrance of the school where a hallway of lockers could be seen. “If you want, you can ask them yourself as to why we’re not at home. But I don’t think you’re going to get much out of them.” “Is that so? Well, from where I’m standing, I don’t think anyone will be able to explain to me how this level of damage came to be.” Starknight muttered as she looked around her and the young trio. “Still, that’s the only option that I have at the moment.” Pushing her bangs from her face, she put away her flashlight and said, “Okay, I’m going to need the three of you to come with me. It is way too late for three youngsters like yourselves to be out here alone, you should be home with your parents. I’ll explain the situation to your principles in a bit, but right now, I’ll have to take you down to the police station.” “T-the police station?!” Snips asked, paling. “Easy, there young man. I already said twice that I’m not placing you under arrest. And I’m definitely not gonna put you in a jail cell either.” Starknight said, holding her hand out before the smaller boy could have a full-blown panic attack. “I’m just gonna drive you down there and wait in our waiting room while I call your parents to come pick you up. You’re not going to jail, I promise”. “A…alright, we’ll do what you say.” Snails said, looking less nervous than Snips was. “D-do you promise not to blow our brains out if we follow your orders?” “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Starknight replied dryly. “Now, before we do that, I’m gonna need to know your names. Can’t know who to send you off to if I don’t even know that.” “T-this boy over here is Snails Garlan, a-and this is his friend, Snips Sheldon . Both of them are ten years old.” The girl said, gesturing to the taller boy on her right before doing the same with the one on her left. “As for me I’m, um… My name is Sunset. S-Sunset Shimmer… a-and I’m about thirteen years old.” “Sunset Shimmer huh? Well, you definitely live up to the name. If the hair is anything to go by.” Starknight commented as Sunset blushed in response. After writing down their names, in her notebook, she placed her notebook in one of her back pockets before motioning the trio over to her. “Alright, that should be it for now. Please come with me to my vehicle. I’ll have you wait there while I talk to your principles. After that, we’ll be heading off.” “O-okay, thank you miss… Snips replied, trailing off as he stared at the officer, mainly at her chest. “I’m sorry, but what should we call you?” Snorting in amusement at where Snips was staring, Starknight tapped at the name tag hanging just above her left breast. “Starknight. Sergeant Starknight.” “Starknight…” Snails whispered, the name rolling off his tongue like water in a stream. “That’s a really awesome name.” “Glad you think so.” Starknight chuckled, winking at the kid before leading all three of them to her car. They only managed to get halfway to the vehicle before they were stopped by a voice that boomed with the force of a drill sergeant. “Sunset Shimmer!” The quartet stopped where they were, all of them spinning around to the source of the voice with Starknight having been startled the most. Her emotions running high she dropped her hand towards her taser. Stopping herself just short of drawing it when she saw a grayish blue skinned woman standing just outside of the destroyed entrance. A frown was plastered on the woman's face while she glared at the group, her aquamarine eyes peering from behind her navy blue and deep purple hair. While Starknight didn’t know who the woman was, she could tell just by the woman’s body language alone she was the one in charge of this school. Or at least, one of the people in charge. “V-Vice Principal Luna…” Sunset stammered, her surprise giving way to slight fear as she shrunk slightly under the glare the other woman was giving her. “Now just where do you think you’re doing young lady?” Luna demanded, her tone sounding like that of a teacher that caught her students doing something incredibly stupid. “I did not say you could go home yet, and you are nowhere near done with-” She paused in her scolding as she took notice of Starknight. “Who are you? And why are you on our school grounds?” “I am Sergeant Starknight. Canterlot City Police Department.” Starknight replied firmly, taking her hand off her taser. “Are you the principal of this school?” “I am. What brings you here to Canterlot High School?” Luna asked as she gazed upon the other woman with weariness. “I was called here because of a disturbance that was said to have happened here. Though I would like to address another more important matter at hand.” Starknight replied, with a scowl. “Could you please explain to me why you have three young kids, working far past curfew while endangering them? Without any supervision or assistance?” “Endangered?” Luna said incredulously, taking a step back from the accusation. “Whatever do you mean? Sunset, Snips and Snails were not in any danger whatso—”. “This young lady was two seconds away from stepping on one of these exposed electrical wires and possibly getting electrocuted!” Starknight hissed, sharply cutting Luna off as she put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “What made you think that it was a good idea to let children as young as these three, wander around in such a dangerous environment?! Especially past this hour?!” “W-well, I erm… that’s uh…” Luna sputtered, trying to come up with a plausible explanation for the officer. “M-my sister and I were just having them clean up the mess that was caused here by them. They had caused a rather big ruckus on the school campus, so we were only giving them a fitting punishment to learn from that.” “By letting them wander around all this debris with the possibility of falling in that large hole out front? Or tripping over all this mess and breaking a bone, or possibly getting electrocuted?!” Starknight went on, stepping angrily towards Luna. “I don’t see how that is a fitting punishment for anything these three could have done! I’d call it straight up negligence and abuse more than anything! Is this a first for you?! Or is this how you normally discipline your students when they do something bad?!” Luna gave no reply, just standing where she was gob smacked as the officer tore into her like a guard dog ripping into a criminal. In all her years of being a vice principle, she never had to deal with anyone of this magnitude. Let alone anyone with the level of authority and power the woman glaring at her currently had, which honestly wasn’t much. It was really a first with her and she had no idea as to how to properly go about without angering the officer more. Or without getting her a long uncomfortable night in a jail cell. Upon getting no answer, Starknight grew even angrier and opened her mouth again to chew the younger woman out, only to be stopped by a gentler, but equally firm voice. “Now what is going on here?” For the second time that night, Starknight, Sunset, Snips and Snails all looked to the school’s entrance, with Luna adding herself to the action. Calmly coming down the remains of the stairs was a cream-colored woman with long quartet-colored hair flowing all the way down to her knees. Both her magenta pink eyes regarded the officer with calmness as she went to stand next to her sister, putting a protective hand on Luna’s shoulder. “And just who might you be?” Starknight asked wearily, raising an eyebrow. “Good evening officer. I am Celestia Sunrise, and this is my younger sister Luna Moonrise. I am the Main Principle of Canterlot High School and Junior High School. Luna is the Vice-Principal.” Celestia replied, giving a polite nod to the other woman. “May I ask what all the commotion is here?” “As I was saying to your sister, I got called out here because of a disturbance” Starknight replied, her own voice polite, yet still holding some measure of weariness. “When I arrived here just minutes ago I found Sunset, Snips and Snails all walking around this debris with no one around to make sure they didn’t get hurt!” Seeing a raised eyebrow from Celestia, Starknight continued, “Perhaps you could explain to me what actually happened here whereas your sister doesn’t seem able to or willing to”. “Yes, I can.” Celestia said calmly, “See, Snips and Snails here had brought some items to school that they wanted to use for a prank”. As for Sunset Shimmer here…” She gestured to her student. “…She’s the one responsible for the creator located at the front of the school for doing something of a similar nature earlier tonight. My sister and I decided to keep all of them here to clean up the destruction they’ve caused as punishment for causing such damage to the school.” Luna, wanting to intervene as much as possible quickly butted in, “You see Sergeant we didn’t know that a gas main was going to blow had we known we would have shut down the school”. “Officer” Celestia injected, “Our students little prank did indeed cause damage to the school but that damage is located inside of the school” Giving Sunset a quick glance Celestia hoped and prayed she wouldn’t intervene as she continued, “These three offered to help clean up the mess so my sister and I talked and felt it was a good idea to let them stay and help out”. “I see…” Starknight replied not believing one word from either of the two older women “and I take it that leaving them to deal with this all by themselves with the risk of getting potential injuries was the way to go about it huh?” Starknight asked. “W-well, we were just doing our jobs as the principals of this school.” Celestia said with a bit of nervousness. “These three had caused a rather big mess in our school, so we only did what we thought was right and needed. Giving them proper punishment that would be effective in preventing them from doing anything like this again.” “Uh-huh,” Starknight murmured, “I can definitely see why the two of you were put in charge.” “And just what is that supposed to mean?!” Luna asked, taking a step towards the officer. She felt Celestia grab her by her shoulders, but she yanked herself off and squared off with Starknight. “Are you implying that we would dare endanger the lives of our students simply because we want to exercise our authority over them?! My sister and I have been running this school for years since we were elected by the school board! We’d rather have ourselves banished to the moon rather than do something so atrocious and petty!” “Luna, calm down!” Celestia commanded, pulling her sister back before she did anything stupid. “Oh, really now?” Starknight challenged, not in the least bit intimidated by the vice principal’s icy glare. “So, you care about your students to the point where you’d face an eternity in outer space than see any of them hurt through any faults of your own? I have a hard time believing that!” “Well, you’d better believe it!” Luna countered, her teeth gritting. “You have no idea the care and love my and I have for the students at this school! Sunset, Snips and Snails included! We love these students as if they are lost children cooped up together in an orphanage! We’d do anything to ensure they go on the right path for success! Absolutely anything!” “And that includes putting them in such a dangerous environment as an effective way for them to learn from their stunts?” Starknight asked, to which neither of the principles responded. After a moment, Starknight shook her head and reached out to the back of her belt. “Alright, I think I’ve heard just about enough of this from you two. Get on the ground right now.” Luna’s eyes widened, as did Celestia’s. “W-what?” both said in unison. “You heard what I said. What, have you two gone deaf all of a sudden?” Starknight asked as she pulled out two pairs of cuffs, her eyes as piercing as a switch blade. “I am placing the both of you under arrest for child endangerment as of this moment. Get your hands behind your back and get on the ground now! Failure to comply with these orders will result in force being used against you.” “What… n-no! Please wait!” Celestia pleaded, holding her hands out as the officer moved towards them. “We didn’t do anything wrong! We're only acting as the principles we should be!” “Tell it to the judge lady.” Starknight spat, growling as she stepped closer. “Now, you’d better get on the ground right now or I’m gonna-” “STOP!!!” A shrill voice screamed out from behind the officer. All three women paused as Sunset jumped in between them, holding her arms out as if she was trying to stop a potential fight from happening. Officer Starknight stared at her in surprise, her anger gone while Celestia and Luna stood there, caught off guard by the sudden intervention. “S-sunset?” Starknight sputtered. “Honey, what are you-?” “Please don’t arrest them!” Sunset pleaded, her hair whipping back and forth as she shook her head. “I know it seems unbelievable, but everything Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna said is true! Everything that happened here is because of me! Snips and Snails may have done some damage too, but I’m the one who’s really responsible here! If there’s anyone who you should arrest, it’s me!” Starknight frowned as she looked at the young girl with sympathy and pity. She could tell from the look in her eyes that Celestia and Luna were people she cared about a lot. Even if the older woman didn’t really show the same to her, let alone to her two friends. While Starknight could understand where the girl was coming from, she was not feeling anywhere near as caring towards the women she deemed responsible for what the young trio was going through. Unintentional or not, they still put innocent children in danger, and that was not something she was planning to overlook so easily. “Sunset, even if all of that is true, it still doesn’t excuse their actions.” She said, her eyes and tone softening. “They put you and your friends here in danger while knowing what would happen if they did. I cannot overlook something that was clearly their fault.” “Except it wasn’t!” Sunset continued to plead, waving her hands in front of her. “Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna didn’t leave us here unwatched! They were watching us from inside the school the whole time!” Starknight gave a pause. “What are you talking about?” “Exactly as Sunset just said.” Celestia said, stepping forward and pointing to a camera that hung just outside of the school's entrance. “There are cameras set up within the school and outside of it as well. Luna and I have been in the security room the entire time making sure they didn’t try to sneak off with their work unfinished.” “You… actually had security cameras put outside the school?” Starknight asked, slowly lowering her cuffs. “We did.” Luna confirmed with a firm nod. “My sister ended up needing to go to the restroom and I took a coffee break. When we came back, we found they were no longer there so I headed to the security office to see if I could find them on camera. That's when my sister called me over the radio saying there was a police car out front. Not sure what was going on I told her to come to the security office. We looked over the camera footage, found our students and came out thinking something had happened, and… that’s what led up to everything right now.” “So… you really were watching them? This entire time?” Starknight asked slowly. “They were!” Sunset concluded. “Both of them were watching us even though they weren’t outside with us. Neither of them did anything wrong to us and they really were doing their jobs. If they did notice something was wrong, they would’ve already sent us home by now! But they didn’t, so it’s not really their fault!” The girl’s head hung as her flaming hair cascaded in front of it, blocking it like a curtain covering a window. “So, p-please… can you just let them go?” She whimpered pleadingly. “I-I won’t stop you again if they do anything about it next time. B-but… just this once… can you overlook it? Just this one time?” Starknight stood silently, caught in a silent battle with her mind and heart. One on hand, she wanted to have Celestia and Luna punished and held accountable for what they had done to Sunset and her two friends. Leaving them to fend for themselves in such a dangerous environment while simultaneously punishing them for the mischief they had done at the school was unthinkable and unforgivable to say the least. On the other hand, Starknight found herself not so sure if she should, especially with the evidence she was given from both Celestia, Luna and Sunset herself. Even if it was true, Starknight was still irked that they left the young trio to such heavy work by themselves, regardless if it was a form of punishment or not. Still, something about the way Sunset was looking at her made her want to reconsider; to perhaps give the principals a chance to redeem themselves for doing something so reckless and dangerous to such a young trio. Starknight stayed like that for a moment longer, looking in between the trio and two women as she silently worked out what she should do within her mind. Eventually, she let out a sigh and backed off a bit. “I have to say, there’s nothing that I love more than to send a remorseless scumbag to pay for any crime they committed.” Starknight said slowly, giving Celestia and Luna a look that was nothing short of icy. “Of all the crimes I despise most of all, it is child endangerment. And nothing brings me more satisfaction than helping to punish those who engage in it”. Another tense moment of silence passed before Starknight spoke again. “However, due to what Sunset and you two told me here tonight, and seeing how much this young girl holds you in such high value… I suppose I’ll make an exception tonight.” “Really… you’re not going to arrest us?” Luna asked with a blank look. “Only because you just so happen to have evidence of you not neglecting any of your students.” Starknight replied, the last few words coming out in a bit of a scornful spit. “However, if I find out that you have been using any child to such a degree again, I will see to it that you are sent to prison for this. While you have proven to not have intentionally put these three in harm’s way, that does not mean it doesn’t look like you didn’t. So, don’t let me catch you doing this a second time, or I will see to it that neither of you will escape going to jail. Am I making myself crystal clear?” “Y-yes officer… we understand clearly.” Celestia replied, looking and sounding more than a little fearful. “We will be sure that nothing of this magnitude happens like this again.” “See to it that you don’t.” Starknight growled, putting her handcuffs away as she exhaled deeply before looking at Sunset, Snips and Snails. “Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get the three of you three home shall we”. Excited to be going home, Snails blurted out. “Our addresses are Seven Sixty Yackastan Lane Canterlot city Five Six One Two Eight. And Snips address is One Seven Sixteen Canterlot Park Avenue” “Alright, just a minute.” Starknight nodded as she took out a notebook and wrote down the information given to her. Once she was done, Starknight went for her police mic and spoke into it. “Dispatch, this is Officer Starknight; come in Dispatch.” “Dispatch here.” The voice from earlier said in the span of several seconds. “I’m going to need a ten-forty-four. I have three children that I need to take home.” Starknight said, pressing one of the buttons on her mic. “Permission to leave my current ten twenty and take the children back to their families?” “Ten four.” Dispatch replied immediately. A couple of seconds later he continued, “Ten twelve officers. All units are in need of a ten fifty-six at Canterlot High School. Two patrol guards are needed for stationary guard duty.” “Ten-four we’ll take that call” Another officer called back. “Our ten-twenty is only ten minutes away. Send Sergeant Starknight out, we’re on the way”. Hearing more static over the radio Starknight set her mic back to its place as she waited for the go from dispatch. Sighing, she picked up her clipboard and began filling out paperwork that was stuck to it. Almost a minute later, she heard the dispatcher’s voice over the mic again. “Sixty-four-seven that is a ten-four.” The dispatcher replied, pausing for a brief second. “Permission granted to leave ten-twenty.” “Roger that dispatch. I’ll be taking the children home.” Starknight said, giving a relieved sigh as she ended the call. “Alright kiddos, you’re all coming with me. First, I’ll be dropping off Snips to his home, and Snails will be next afterwards. Once they’re safe I’ll return Sunset to wherever she lives.” “Y-yes, that’s okay.” Sunset said, not bothering to look the officer in the eyes. “Thank you for helping me back there. I really appreciated that.” “It’s no trouble at all I’m willing to do anything for a child who’s in danger.” Starknight replied kindly, giving a pointed look to the two principals. “I’ll be taking my leave now. My fellow officers will be here shortly to assess the situation, so I’m afraid I cannot see the camera evidence you have. You will have to do that with them since I’ll be busy with these three.” “That’s alright.” Celestia nodded with a gentle handwave. “We’re just glad to not have to sleep in a jail cell tonight. Given all that we’ve been through… and what we will be going through next.” “Yeah, I’m sure that it must’ve been pretty taxing.” Starknight nodded, ignoring the frown Luna gave her at her slight passive aggressiveness. “Anyway, I’ll be off now. I hope you two learned a good lesson tonight.” “We have.” Luna murmured. “Thank you for your time Officer.” “Just don’t me come back here again” Starknight said, giving a little nod of her own as she turned her attention to her temporary companions. With a smile that was nothing short of motherly, she sweetly asked, “Alright then let’s head out”. Unlike most kids, Sunset never had the fortune nor the misfortune of riding in a police car. Having come from a land where cars were practically nonexistent, the closest she knew of what it was like were carriage rides she’d sometimes take with her old mentor. None of those rides had confinements that prevented her from feeling the warmth that was the Princess’s sun. Or the coolness of the breeze that blew in her mane that was now her hair, helping her feel comfortable and relaxed on those hot days. It was the one thing that she loved about riding carriages, since it allowed her to really see what she was passing by on the few happy days she had back in her previous home. Something that, even now, she yearned to have back, despite having vowed to never return there again. As Sunset rode in the front seat of Starknight’s car, Snips and Snails in tow in the back seat, she found herself feeling none of that. It wasn’t really a surprise, given that she was just taken away from a school that was turned into a battleground only a few hours prior to officer Starknight showing up. Regardless of how she truly felt, Sunset did her best to keep calm, not wanting to cause the officer driving them home any trouble. She watched as the officer hummed to a tune she was listening to over her car's radio. As if she could feel Sunset’s gaze on her, Starknight looked in Sunset’s direction. Seeing the younger girl’s look, the officer chose that moment to make some small talk. If not to try to make Sunset and her two friends feel more relaxed. “How’re things going, Sunset?” Starknight asked, speaking with the same kind voice she used while helping them into the car. “Are you doing alright? What about you Snail and Snips are you two alright back there?” “U-um, yes, Miss Starknight,I’m okay.” Sunset replied, “T-thank you for asking...” “We’re fine too” Snips said nudging his friend Snails with his elbow “Right Snails” “What? Oh, yes r-right” Snails said gulping. “Are you sure? You three don’t seem to sound very ‘fine’ to me.” Starknight replied skeptically. “Is there something bothering the three of you?” Snails shook his head. “No, nothing’s wrong. We just um… this is the first time that we’ve been in a situation like this.” “Ah, you mean being in a police car?” Starknight asked, quickly connecting the dots. “Let me guess, you two being in the back are a bit put off by the bars while you Sunset aren’t as you are up front and not in the back am I right?” “Uh, yeah. It’s the first time we’ve seen something like that inside of a car. It’s kind of scary.” Snips replied, looking at the bars as if they were actual jail cell bars. “I’m not surprised. A lot of people who are put in the back of a police car feel like they’re already in a prison cell, even if they’re not really being arrested.” Starknight pressed her foot to the break coming to a red light she slowed to a stop adding, “Some of the younger folk find it cool, while others see it as a reminder of where they’re going to go.” She chuckled, not noticing the shivers Snips gave. “Of course, that’s not the case now, and it’s not like you’re going to be in this car all night either anyway. I said I was going to take you all home,and that’s what I am going to do.” “Yeah, you did. I really wouldn’t want to spend the night in a place where a lot of big and scary guys are ready to beat me up.” Snails said while hugging himself. “I’d rather sleep in a garden full of flowers than go a single night in a place like that.” “For some reason, I believe you.” Starknight murmured, “In any case, it’s good that you three stay on the straight and narrow path neither of you three need to be seeing what prison is like.” “Duly noted.” Snips replied as he gave a hasty nod, knowing Starknight was serious despite her humorous voice. “We’ve done more than enough of our fair share of trouble tonight, including me. I just wanna go home, sleep this night off, let my mom and uncle scream their heads off at me, and just forget this ever happened.” “I’d be shocked if they didn't find out why you were out so late.” Starknight said with a laugh, not noticing the flinch Snips gave. “Though, from where I’m sitting, it looks like your odds of not being scolded are rather slim.” “Still, it’s better than what we went through back at CHS, even if it’ll be just as scary.” Snips muttered, his face scrunching as he let out a groan. “I just hope they’ll go easy on me once I do tell them why I was out past my bedtime.” “Well, it looks like you won’t have to wonder what your mother and uncle will do for very long Snips.” Starknight commented, giving a turn of her steering wheel. “Because it looks like we’ve finally made it to your home.” Resisting the urge to laugh at the squeak of fear she heard from Snips, Starknight came to a slow stop in front of a house. It was medium in size, looking like it was built for the countryside rather than the big city. A white picket fence stuck out from either side, coming to the front to stop at a fenced door that stood in front of the sidewalk leading to the house’s front door. Bushes dotted and poked out of random spots of its front yard, done so in a way that made it look like a garden, except without flowers. A large oak tree stood at the far left, its massive shadow covering nearly half of the bushes while a tire swung from it, held by a thick rope. Truly the definition of a home built for life in the country if one did say so themselves. “Hang on, I'll let you out in a moment.” Starknight said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “It must be nice to be home after being outside for so long, huh?” “Yeah, it is.” The younger boy replied, not sounding as enthusiastic as he probably wanted to be. “I’d be more excited if it was any other time or any other place though… ugh, why did things have to turn out like this?” “Hey, I know where you’re coming from Snips. Believe me, I really do.” Starknight said, putting a comforting hand on Snip’s shoulder. “A lot of kids have been in your situation before, including myself, and that’s just how it is in general. You’re not the first, and you definitely won't be the last, you can count on that.” “I know, I know… still, it’s not gonna make it any easier when I do see my mother and uncle.” Snips said, sighing as he undid his own seatbelt. “I can already see my uncle not being very happy with me about this nor will my mother be happy about this either.” “I think any kid would be terrified if they were in your position.” Starknight agreed as she walked beside him. “Still, it’s not gonna keep it from happening’ regardless. Best to just face the music now and hope for the best.” “True.” Snips agreed as made his way up the path leading to the front door of his house “Alright, let’s get this over with.” As officer Starknight walked besides Snips he bit his lower lip, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable hailstorm that was about to happen. All too soon they arrived at the front door, and Starknight knocked to see if anyone was inside. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a muscular burly man in a white tank-top and brown slacks wearing slippers. The man stared at Starknight with a look that was nothing short of frosty. A chill went down Starknight’s spine as the man’s gaze locked onto her’s, and she instinctively reached for her taser. Something that did not go unnoticed by the now terrified child standing next to her. “Yeah?” The man asked gruffly as he looked at the woman with curiosity, not noticing Snips next to her. “What do you want?!” “Hello sir, my name is Starknight, I'm with the Canterlot Police Department.” Starknight said, giving a tip of her hat. “I’m sorry to disturb your night sir, but I need to borrow a moment of your time.” “Just what the hell do you need from me lady?” The man frowned. “Have you come here because our idiot neighbor called you pigs again due to my sister coming home with yet another black eye?!” He all but screamed at her. “No,” Starknight instinctively took a step back, keeping her hand on her taser “but I think you’ll find what I have to say to be more important.” Starknight replied, stepping to the side and revealing Snips to him who was sweating bullets. “Do you know this child, sir?” The man’s eyes widened slightly. “I do… that’s my nephew, Snips'' The man looked back at Starknight adding, “What has he done now?” “Nothing too serious sir” Officer Starknight replied, still keeping her hand on her taser adding, “I found him and his two friends Snails Garlan and Sunset Shimmer at Canterlot High and Junior School past curfew I thought I would bring him home”. “I see,” his uncle bitterly grumbled. “Hey… Uncle Nikolai.” He said meekly, trying, and utterly failing, to give the man his best happy smile. “Get inside Snips.” Nikolai replied slowly, regaining his composure. Sighing, he looked back at the officer with a half-lidded gaze and asked, “Is he in trouble?” “No sir. He was apparently helping with cleaning up some damage that I was told by the principals that he and his two friends caused.” Starknight replied, relaxing a bit as the man’s face became more and more deadpan. “I take it that this isn’t the first time he’s done something like this?” Before Nikolai could reply, he was interrupted by an ear-piercing squeal that came from within the house. A second later, a flash of white emerged from behind the man as a elderly woman went straight for a shocked Snips. The woman appeared to be in her early forties, dressed in a beautiful flannel nightgown with hair the color of silver and glasses that were wire framed. As Starknight got a good look at her, she could just make out a series of bruises on her chin, left eye, right cheek, and the left portion of her mouth. All of which were covered by makeup that was more or less poorly done, at least from Starknight’s personal perspective. “Snippy honey! My goodness, you’re finally back home!” Ms. Sheldon cried out happily to have her son safe and sound once again. She hugged the boy like a little girl who was embracing a stuffed animal. “Where in the world have you been honey?! I’ve been worried sick about you!” “Mom, too tight!” Snips whined as he struggled in vain to escape the much older woman’s grasp. “Oooh”” feeling his belly be squished up against his mothers round plump body Snips wined. “I’m going to p-pop” letting her son go for a moment. His mother chuckled as he quickly added “Mom you’re embarrassing me in front of this cool officer.” “Officer?” Ms. Sheldon asked, finally taking notice of Starknight. As soon as she did, she gasped, as she addressed the officer. “Oh my! I didn’t even see you there dear! Thank you for bringing my precious Snippy home! I hope he didn’t cause you any trouble.” “No need to thank me ma’am. I was just bringing a child back home after being out far later than he should’ve been.” Starknight replied, holding her hand up to stop the women from thanking her any further. “And no, he didn’t cause any trouble. At least not with me in particular. As for where he was… well, I have already told his uncle here where your son was ma’am.” “Let me guess, he and his friends Snails and Sunset Shimmer got into another one of their crusades again?” Snips mother asked while already knowing the answer. “Is that what happened?” “Well… if you wanna call destroying the front of a school entrance and turning its front lawn into a battlefield a little crusade, then yes.” Starknight shrugged while Snips audibly gulped, sweating like a pig in summer heat. “I thought so.” Snips mother replied, dragging her hand down her face before facing her son. “Snips” “Ye-yes mom?” “I am not happy with you at all. '' Her face softened a bit as she added, “but we will talk about this tomorr---” Her words were cut off by her brother Nikolai. “You. Bed.” Nikolai all but shouted at his nephew “NOW!!” “Awww man!” Snips whined. “Do I have to…?” “Yes, you do have to!” Nikolai snarled, making Snips step back from him in fear. “You’ve caused your mother enough trouble for one night, along with Snails and that idiot Sunset Shimmer. Believe me boy!, if you don’t get your butt into bed this instant your punishment will be a hell of a lot worse!” “Ok that’s enough!” Starknight said stepping in between Snips and his uncle something his uncle didn’t like one bit “I know your nephew is in trouble sir for staying out past curfew but if you yell at him like that again I’ll arrest you for child abuse”. “What?! How dare you tell me---” He protested being cut off by Starknight “It’s your choice sir back off or go to jail what’s going to be?” Starknight replied drawing her taser she held it down so as not to intimidate him rather more to show him she was serious “I will use this if I have to sir so make your choice and make it now.” “Wait please” Ms. Sheldon said stepping in between her brother and Starknight “My brother is very sorry for how he acted please put your taser away officer my brother will cooperate fully with you I promise” Ms. Sheldon turned to face her brother adding in all but growl to him, “won’t you?!” “Y-yes” Nikolai replied, backing away from his sister and looking more scared of her than he was of officer Starknight “I’ll do as you ask I promise”. “There that’s better” Ms. Sheldon softly said, “Now officer you can put your taser away he won’t cause any more trouble” shooting her brother a very angry dirty look she finished, “will you brother?” Starknight watched in concerned shock Nikolai gulp and back away from his sister he looked to Starknight then to his sister then down to the floor. Putting her taser away Starknight shook her head. Snips stood nearby not sure what to do or say. His mother turned to him saying softly, “Alright honey go bed now”. “Yes mom…” Snips mumbled with his head bowed low as he went into the house, doing what had to be the slowest and saddest walk that Starknight had ever seen in her life. Just as he was inside, Snips gave Starknight, who was intently staring at his uncle, one last weak smile and a wave before going down a hallway and disappearing from sight. As soon as he was out of sight, Ms. Sheldon turned her attention back to Starknight offering her a weak smile. “I’m so very sorry that you had to see my brother snap at my son like that officer.” She said remorsefully. “He’s going through a difficult time right now. He had only recently lost his wife to cancer and he’s having trouble with coping. Again, thank you so much for bringing my son back to me safe and unharmed.” “No problem at all ma’am. As I said, I was just doing my duty.” Starknight nodded. “Though, I will have to advise you to please be more careful as to how long you let your son stay out. I will let him off with a verbal warning this time, since he was being punished for causing trouble. But if I find him outside and on the streets again past curfew, I will have to take him to the precinct.” “Yes, yes of course.” Ms. Sheldon replied, giving a nod of her own. “I promise I’ll make sure that my little Snippy is home well before his bedtime from now on.” She looked over at her brother, who was looking at the officer scornfully. “Right Nikolai?” “Yeah, yeah… whatever.” Nikolai replied, snorting as he crossed his arms. “Now if you are done here please leave!” “Very well then. I think that’s all for today. Have a good night, the both of you.” Starknight replied, giving Nikolai one last good look before turning and walking back to her car. The second her back was turned, her ears were blessed with the sound of the door slamming shut with the force of a musk ox ramming its head into a tree. Immediately after, she heard what seemed to be yelling coming from inside, though she couldn’t quite make it out. Whatever was happening behind those doors now, Starknight knew it wasn’t good, and probably a lot worse than she was currently thinking. ‘The hell is that guy's problem with the police?! Sounds like they are having an argument of some kind. It must be over Snips’ Starknight thought, mentally slapping herself as she got further from the door. ‘That woman’s face was covered in bruises underneath all of that make up! Did she seriously think that'd be enough to hide injuries as serious as that? I’ve seen clowns with makeup done better than that!’ She continued to think as she pinched the bridge of her nose, silently scolding herself for her train of thought. ‘In any case, I’m gonna have to make a call to Canterlot Child Protective Services when I get back to the station. From how that woman and Snips were acting around that man, they are more than likely being abused by him. I’m not really sure if that is happening, but I did not like how that man looked at me. Not at all. I’ll need to put a stop to it before it gets worse… sooner rather than later.’ As all this was happening Sunset opened the front passenger door and got out, stopping when she was about to close the door only when Snails called out to her, “Hey Sunset where are you going?” “I have things to do Snails”. She replied. An unseen figure with translucent cerise crystal wings watched from a nearby house hiding in the shadows of its rooftop while Sunset silently closed the car door. “Now is my chance to get away from that officer before she finds out where I am actually living.” Turning to leave she stopped quickly saying to Snails. “Snails we are going to play a game alright?” Knowing he liked mind games and was a little slow, she added, “If you win I’ll do your homework for the next three weeks, alright?” “I know you don’t really want to play this game Sunset.” He replied looking into her pleading eyes he looked down adding, “But I’ll play along.” Looking back he finished, “if you do my homework for the next five weeks, alright?” Groaning in slight irritation she sighed glancing over to Starknight seeing she was heading towards them she said, “Alright deal” Stepping back from the car she added, “The game Snails is a simple one. It's called ‘Who is Sunset?’ the officer who is currently headed this way is also playing it she will ask you where I am and you need to tell her---” “That I don’t know right?” He replied, his eyebrow raised slightly. “Yes, you don't know who I am or where I have gone.” She replied, offering him a weak smile. Seeing he was ready to play she gave him a nod and turned to leave saying over her shoulder quickly,” Thanks Snails I will pay you back for this.” The unseen figure unfurled its wings thinking to itself “Now where do you think you're going Sunset? You should have stayed with that officer, she was only trying to help you.” Seeing that officer Starknight was getting alongside the squad car the unseen figure took to the air following Sunset down the street and into a nearby alleyway saying to itself. “Sunset, what are you doing?” Starknight made it to her car safely, getting right up to it she saw Snails was sleeping in the back seat. Smiling to herself she walked up front freezing in her tracks to her shock and bewilderment she saw something was clearly off. Opening the front passenger door Starknight was not pleased to see that a certain fiery yellow and red headed girl was not where she was supposed to be. “What the?! Sunset’s… not here! Where did she go?!” Starknight asked, looking around the car and outside of it for any sign of the young thirteen year old girl. Seeing no sign of her, Starknight immediately opened the back rear door and went to Snails, placing a hand under his ear and tickling his ear saying, “Snails! Snails,” she continued to tickle his ear trying to wake him up “Wake up already!” After a few moments of tickling his ear the ten year old boy finally woke up, the first thing he saw being the wide and terrified eyes of the officer before him. Doing his best not to stare at her chest, Snails rubbed at his eyes and groggily asked, “Oh, hey there Officer Starknight? What’s the matter?” “Snails, it’s Sunset!” Starknight replied, sounding like a mother who had just discovered her child was missing. “She’s not here in the car anymore! She’s gone!” Quickly remembering Sunset's words to him he replied, “Huh? Uh, who is Sunset?” He replied. Giving her a confused half-witted look he added, “I wasn’t paying attention so I don’t know who you are talking about. Can I go home now?” “No you can’t go home now, I need your help to find Sunset Shimmer.” Starknight replied, one of her hands coming to rest on the boy’s shoulder. “Did you see her sneak out of the car before you went to sleep? Please Snails, if you know where she is, I need you to tell me so I can find her!” “N-no… I’m sorry, but I don’t know where she went too” Snails replied, almost breaking eye contact with the officer. “All I remember is suddenly getting tired and Sunset asking me if I wanted to rest my head on her lap. After that I fell asleep… and that was when you woke me up. I didn’t hear or even feel her move me or even leave the car. I’m sorry Officer Starknight…” “Great… that’s just great! First, I have a potential abuse situation with Snips, and now I have a runaway?! This night just keeps getting worse and worse!” Starknight shouted as she slammed her fest on one of her car’s seats. “The universe really must be messing with me tonight!” “Um, Officer Starknight? What do you mean by abusive situation? Is Snips in any sort of danger?” Snails asked, his apprehensive tone causing the women to look back up at him. Starknight, realizing what she had just let slip out, quickly calmed herself down. “Oh, no Snails, it’s nothing to worry about. I just got caught up in the situation, is all. Snips isn’t in any danger, I promise. Please, just forget what I said.” “Okay… well if you say so.” Snails asked, watching as Starknight made her way to the front of her diver car seat. Not even a split second after the door closed, the woman reached for her mic, pressing on the call button as static echoed within the car. “I don’t believe this!” Taking her radio from its position in her squad car she said, “Dispatch I need a ten-fifty-seven.” “Ten-twelve officer.” Hearing static over the radio she heard the dispatcher add, “Alright officer go ahead with the person's description.” “The name of the runaway in question is Sunset Shimmer.” Starknight replied, not wasting a single millisecond. “She’s a Canterlot High and Junior High School student. She is about five feet and eight inches tall looking to be in her early teens. She was last seen wearing a torn-up leather coat, a ripped orange mini skirt, with a purplish-pink low back sleeveless shirt with a sun emblem on the front, and black and purple leather knee-high boots. She also has cyan colored eyes, red and yellow flaming hair and is estimated to be about one hundred twenty pounds.” “Ten-four officer Starknight. Ten-sixty-nine will relay messages about your other task.” “That’s a ten-four dispatch.” Starknight murmured as she hung up her radio before the dispatcher could reply. Once it was safely secured onto her belt, she turned to Snails and said, “Sorry about that Snails, I was just having a little moment with the dispatcher.” “Now can I go home now officer?” Snails asked, clearly worried. “Yes you can Snails I’ll take you home now.” Starknight said as she started the engine. “Alright, from now on I want you to be off the streets before curfew starts up, got it Snails? I will give you a warning this time since you had some stuff you needed to fix, but this will be the only time that I will do this for you. If I catch you on the streets again past curfew again then I’ll have to bring you to the precinct and have your father get you there. Do you understand?” “Yes ma’am, I understand.” Snails replied as they began to drive off. “And thank you for giving me and Snips a ride in your car. It was a lot of fun.” “Sure thing, kid. Anytime.” Starknight said, giving the boy her best smile before turning and staring ahead. With those last words, the woman sped off, her siren lights flashing in the darkness as her car took her down the shadow covered road. Had she looked in the top mirror, Starknight would’ve seen Snails fiddling with his thumbs. Along with the look of guilt the boy had as he quietly looked out the window. An hour later Starknight pulled into a long curving gravel driveway with bushes lining most of the pathway leading up to the house. The house she had pulled up to looked old as if it had been built before the civil war. The grand architecture of the house was such that Starknight upon seeing it let out a soft noticeable whistle. The very symmetrical, and boxy style of the house was a pleasure to say the least, with its center entrance in the front and a large stone pillar balcony above the front door. Looking over the front of the house she noticed it had a gabled roof; symmetrical façade; evenly-spaced windows; Greek-type pillars and very elaborate friezes. Parking the car Starknight got out and headed to the back of the vehicle stopping in her tracks she thought she saw large scratches etched in the stone structure of the house as if they were made by a large beast. “What in the world?” She thought, hearing tapping on the car's window the sound of which quickly brought her back to her senses, opening the door for Snails. She smiled as she gazed at the massive house in front of her. “Wow” Starknight whistled again, giving Snails a nudge she added, “you live here?” “Yep I sure do well that is me and my father do” the boy sniffed Starknight notice he was clearly fighting back his tears “an-anyways you should come up and meet my father I am sure he’d love to meet you”. Taking Snails by the hand, Starknight walked him up the path taking in the neighborhood's homes, each one looking more splendid than Snail's own house. Getting to the front door she raised her hand to knock stopping and she turned to him stooped down to one knee and smiled. “Snails before I knock on your door I want you to promise me that, from now on you will be off the streets before curfew starts up, got it?” receiving a nod from him she stood up Knocking on the door, she added, “I will give you a warning this time; if I catch you on the streets again past curfew then I’ll have to bring you to the precinct. Do you understand?” “I understand fully officer” He replied. “Good to hear,” she said to him. Knocking again she and Snails waited for a few more moments before the door opened and a short stocky man appeared in the entrance. The man upon seeing Snail shot him a dirty look causing him to let out a light weak chuckle. Looking at the man in front of her Starknight saw he was balding, he had a mustache and a robe on he had a wooden pipe in his mouth. Thick charcoal gray smoke rose from his lips curling around his head. He stood four feet to her six feet eight inches causing him to crane his neck to look into her eyes. “I am grateful you have found my son.” The man said taking a puff from his pipe and blowing it out in Starknights face she coughed giving him a dirty look in reply, “I have already called the police department I am so happy to see that you responded so quickly.” taking another puff he added, “Mrs, Ms, miss er-umm uh---” “Starknight sir, my name is Starknight” She replied with a slight smile adding quickly, “And I am happy that your son is back at home where he belongs.” “Can you tell me where he was?” Turning his attention to his son he added, “You get into your room this instant!” “Yes, sir.” Snails squeaked out timidly running off towards his bedroom adding, “Thanks for the ride home officer Starknight it was a lot of fun.” Looking back at Officer Star knight she sighed saying to his father, “He was at Canterlot High Junior High School when I found him. His friends Snips and Sunset Shimmer were also there, each of them were working there past curfew under Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna’s orders.” Quirking an eyebrow Mr. Garlan stepped out onto his porch coming to rest his arms on the railing of the porch. Looking out to the street beyond his property he puffed on his pipe for a few moments letting out a sigh. “It's been rough on him this past year after his mother passed away last September.” Looking back at Officer Starknight he added, “Well if Celestia and Luna needed him past curfew then that is fine with me but I do wish they had called first.” straightening up and turning he placed his hand on the door, “I won’t do anything to interfere with how Celestia or Luna run that school. Goodnight Officer Starknight.” “Your welcome sir.” She replied. “And have a good night yourself, sir.” Heading back to her car she called dispatch, got in and started up the car and headed out of the area. Officer Starknight made her way back to the police station. Getting there an hour later she entered the police station taking her seat at her desk. Taking up her phone she dialed a number and waited for a few moments. “Hello, this is Canterlot Child Protective Services. My name is Rosy Peddle. How may I help you tonight?” “Yes, Hello Rosy, this is Officer Starknight with the Canterlot Police Department. I am calling in regards to a possible child neglect and abuse case that I may have.” Looking down for a moment she added, “I would feel better if someone, anyone would just check on this child and his mother for me. I don’t really have probable cause to do so myself so I need someone from your agency to do it.” “I see. What evidence do you have if any officer?” She heard Rosy reply. “Other than your gut feelings' that is?” “I saw the child's mother wearing makeup over several places on her face that looked slightly bruised. I couldn’t do anything at the time being as I was without back up and I didn’t want to risk putting either the mother or child at risk. I also need someone to check on a ‘Sunset Shimmer’ as well.” “Alright I have made a note of that and I will have one of our agents look for this when we conduct the interview. What is the child's name and address?” Rosy replied gently, showing concern in her voice. “Snips Sheldon and his address is seven sixty yackastan lane Canterlot city Five Six One Two Eight.” She replied. “And what is Sunset Shimmer's address?" She heard Rosy ask. “Let me look up Sunset Shimmer’s address,” Starknight replied, “It’ll just take a second to pull that up on my computer.” Typing on her computer she noticed the time was four in the morning. She groaned lightly to herself in irritation as she waited for Sunset's address to appear on the screen. A few moments later she saw the words ‘Classified Information’ flash across her screen and a buzzing alarm sounded causing her computer to shut down. “What the heck?!” She exclaimed, her eyes widened slightly quickly saying into her phone “Uh, Rosy, I am sorry about this but I need to call you back. My computer just crashed. I’ll get you Sunset Shimmer's address tomorrow.” “Alright, I’ll be at my desk at around ten tomorrow morning you can call me then.” She replied. Adding quickly, “In the meantime, I’ll send someone out to Snips Sheldon’s residence. Have a good night officer.” Shaking her head she got up from behind her desk and ending her shift she headed for the back door and to her own car. Getting to her vehicle a few moments later letting out a sigh she thought to herself “Whoever classified Sunset Shimmer’s information is going to have a lot to answer for.” Starting up the car she drove towards her home and a well earned nights rest. In another part of the city on a rundown road the sounds of rapid footsteps echoed across the streets of Canterlot as Sunset sped her way through the allies of the city. Her breaths came out short and rapid, giving an indication as to just how fast she was running and how much she was pushing herself. Behind her, the girl’s hair flew, whipping about in the air like a flag atop a pole as she stared ahead of her. Every few seconds her feet would meet a water puddle, making the liquid splash across her bloodied golden skin as she sprinted for everything that she was worth. In the midst of her running, Sunset found herself almost running into a stray cat that was making its way through the alleyway. The sight of its glowing piercing eyes was enough to make her stop as the cat let out a loud yowl of surprise. At the same time, she stepped on a rather slippery part of the ground, and she half flipped through the air. A cry of pain escaped her as she met the ground with a wet thud, her limbs and hair sprawling out like a starfish in seawater as the cat ran away. “Owww, my head…I can’t believe I just flipped through the air like that.” Sunset groaned, one of her hands moving to place itself on the part where her head was throbbing. “I guess I shouldn’t have been running so fast like that when I got away from that police officer. Looks like I’ll have to watch where I go around here when it’s raining.” An all too familiar sound of blaring police lights pulled Sunset out of her soothing her pain. She whipped her head to see dim red and blue lights brightening the path that she took, making her realize that it was a police car. Possibly the very same one that she had escaped from just a few minutes earlier. Wasting no time, Sunset went and hid in a few nearby trash cans, using her coat as extra camouflage to conceal herself. As quickly as the police siren and lights came, they faded away, allowing the sweet silence to fill Sunset’s ears. Only when she was sure that the police car was long gone did she dare to move out of her hiding place. “Whew… that was a close one. For a second there I thought that officer was actually going to find me here.” Sunset said to herself. “I guess I was able to get away from her a lot better than I thought I did. I wish I didn’t have to do that though… She was only trying to help me. Not that it would’ve really done me any good anyway.” Deciding to finally get a move on, Sunset moved away from the trash cans and trudged down the alleyway she was in. Her obsidian leather boots connected softly with the hard concrete, barely registering in her ears. A few stray cats popped out and ran either on the other side or up and down the alley, stopping briefly to look at the girl before continuing on their way. One or two of them even hissed at her for invading what they claimed as their territory. But Sunset paid it no mind, too focused on past events that led to where she currently was. ‘Oh traust, why did things have to turn out like this?’ Sunset thought to herself, the corner of her lips forming a frown. ‘All I wanted was to have a new life and get away from the one that I was living. I just wanted to escape from the people that hurt me every single day. I thought that by escaping through that mirror, taking over that school, and taking that alicorn’s crown would make it all go away’ Her eyes shut tightly to keep the tears she felt from flowing out. ‘It looks like all that did was take me back right where I started. And right where I didn’t want to be anymore… I guess I ended up just screwing myself back over… again.’ Giving a melancholy sigh, Sunset lifted her arm to her face, using the leathery fabric to catch the tears beginning to stain her cheeks. She did this for the next couple of minutes, keeping both eyes on the path in front of her in case she ran into something or someone. The entire time that she was walking, Sunset felt her mind keep going back to the officer she escaped from. A clogged sob grew within her throat, and she did everything she could to keep it down, not wanting to cry anymore than she already did. ‘I still can’t believe I left that officer like that. And after she treated me so kindly and stood up for me against Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna.’ Sunset thought, feeling her heart squeeze within her chest. ‘I didn’t wanna do that to her… but I had to. Or else I would’ve never been able to explain away my situation to Starknight. She definitely would’ve sent me to an orphanage or something like that.’ She looked back to where she had hidden to get herself out of sight of Officer Starknight. ‘I only hope that Snails can keep his promise to me and not say where I really went. I don’t wanna have to do his homework for him for the next month for nothing. Though, knowing him, he’s someone that can keep his word.’ Silently praying that her lackey friend will be able to keep his word, Sunset turned and went the rest of her way down the entrance. Just as she was able to take a left, she felt a shadow zoom past her from above. She froze as if that same shadow turned her rock solid and looked up in fear of someone or something about to jump her. The teen just managed to see something vanish over the edge of the building next to her before she was all alone once again. ‘Strange… I could’ve sworn that I saw something fly over me for a second.’ Sunset thought as her body got moving again. A shrug left her as she made a full right turn in the corner, with another one waiting for her. ‘I guess it was just my imagination. Still, I’m pretty sure that I felt someone watching me back there. Better get back to my hideout before I get caught by another officer, or someone even worse.’ Right as this thought crossed her mind, a crackling sound shot its way into Sunset’s ears, causing her to nearly trip over her own feet. She looked down to see a few soda cans laying in front of her, one of them lying flat under her right foot. Glancing up, she found herself standing in front of a medium sized rundown shack that looked like it hadn’t been used in months. From the dust ridden front porch, to the dirty wooden walls, and the water dripping roof, it looked to be all but destroyed. A sharp contrast to the houses seen on the other side of the city, and somewhere no one would expect someone like Sunset to be living. Then again, it probably wouldn’t be all that surprising if they knew where she was really from. As well as the conditions she was forced to live in during that time. “Well, it looks like I’m back now. That was a lot quicker than I thought it’d be.” Sunset said to herself, relieved that she was finally back at her hiding spot at last. A shiver went through her as she felt the night air blow through a crack in the shack she called home, making her two-toned hair flutter like a curtain. “It’s starting to get cold… winter will be here soon. I better start looking for a better place to sleep than this”. The unseen figure silently leapt from her hiding place above the alleyway and landed near the alleyway entrance creeping up to the shack. Looking through a window in the shack the unseen figure watched Sunset curl up on a pile of cold, wet hardwood lining the back most right portion of the shack crying herself to sleep. In disbelief as to what she was seeing inside the shake the unseen figure turned around pressing her back to the shack wall and slid downwards. Her butt touching the cold, wet hard ground, her wings curling around her protectively. She pulled her legs up to her chest, burying her face into her arms. Small tears silently flowed down her cheeks dripping upon the ground beneath her. “How? How can this be possible” the figure cried, “How can she be… homeless?” feeling a soft cold breeze blow the figure sniffed, dried her tears and stood up “something has to be done”. The figure took to the air once more headed for her own home while Sunset slept soundly unaware of the angelic figure flying away from her shack. “I want to help her but...how?” The unseen figure disappeared into its vast endless ebony cloak of darkness.
Wednesday, August 3rd 9:00 AM part fiveSitting in her sister’s office Luna glanced at the photo she had found earlier letting her mind wander back to her high school days. Hearing tapping coming from her sisters computer keyboard she turned to face Celestia watching her type up some much needed paperwork. While they both waited for the security guard to show up Luna looked around her sisters office catching Celestia’s attention. A digital clock sat on Celestia’s desk picking it up Luna turned it towards her noticing the time was 9:45 in the morning setting the clock back on the desk she glanced at her sister. “Something wrong Luna”? She heard Celestia ask “you seem to be wound up rather tightly”. “Oh, no nothing is really….wrong” she replied hearing a knock on the doorframe “I am just thinking of well, er--that is, well back then” she finished looking down “at any rate it doesn’t matter we don’t have time to discus that right now, no right now we must focus on the matter at hand and that is finding those that vandalized Sunset Shimmer’s locker”. “Come in Corky” Celestia called out “I agree with you Luna that we need to find out who did this and put a stop to this type of behavior” she added, giving her sister a nod as she returned to her paperwork hearing the door open and close she finished, “did you bring the security tapes for the hallway lockers”? “Yes I did” he replied handing over two security tapes to Luna “I watched the video tapes and found that there were three students who took part in damaging Sunset Shimmers locker.” “Who were the three that did that to Miss Shimmer’s locker” Luna chimed in locking eyes with him she added, “and did you notify these students that we would be calling upon them later on today Corkey”? Taking the tapes from him and placing the tapes onto Celestia’s desk Luna watched him turn his attention to her sister watching her type on her computer for a few seconds. Noticing he was staring at her Celestia looked up from her work offering him a pleasant but unsure smile. “To answer your sister’s question Principal Celestia” he began, “as I said I reviewed the tapes and the two on your desk show which students damaged Sunsets locker and which ones didn’t” stepping back he continued“you are not going to like seeing which students did this to Sunsets locker” turning his attention to Luna he finished, “No I have not informed them as of yet that you and Celestia will be calling upon them”. “I understand that you think Corky we will not like what is on these tapes” He heard Celestia begin catching his attention she continued “but, can you please just tell us which students did this” Celestia grumbled finishing her computer work. “We need to know who did this so we can take the appropriate amount of action towards them”. Looking down he sighed hearing Luna clear her throat he quickly looked back up momentarily locking eyes with her for a few seconds. Taking the tapes from her sisters desk Luna walked over to a nearby cabinet opened it revealing a TV and tape player inside. Placing the tapes inside the player and pressing play Celestia and Corky turned their attention towards the monitor. While the tapes played Luna looked at the time stamp located at the lower right hand corner of the screen noticing the time was stamped at 7:50 in the morning she returned her gaze to the scene unfolding in front of her. Watching three students in particular stop in front of Sunset Shimmers locker Celestia took notice that Luna was showing signs she was becoming very angry. Noticing Luna’s hand was beginning to clench into a tight fist Celestia gently laid her hand on her sisters shoulder silently trying to calm her down. “Lavender Lace, Trixie Lulamoon” Celestia heard Luna begin “and---” Luna cut her words short when she saw who the third person on the videotape was her jaw trembled with anger. “ is that….Flash Sentry”?! She exclaimed in rage causing Celestia to let go her shoulder quickly turning to face her sister Luna finished, “I can understand why the other two would do this Celestia as they are always looking for some form of attention but Flash Sentry has been a model student”. “He is also a thirteen year old young man and is angry with Sunset Shimmer for how she treated him before and during the Fall Formal” Corky chimed in receiving a annoyed look from Celestia and a even angrier look from Luna he quickly added, “it is not unreasonable for him to ‘act out’ towards someone he thought he cared about who in turn treated him badly”. “Out” Luna growled pointing to the door “we'll take it from here Corky go and tell those students that they will be brought in here during lunch hour Leaving the office he closed the door leaving Celestia and Luna to continue about their duties headed down the hallway towards the classrooms he shook his head. Stopping at room 24 A he looked through the rooms door window seeing Lavender Lace sitting in class reading from her text book. Lightly knocking on the door he caught the teachers attention waving him over he waited for a few seconds before the door opened. “Yes” the teacher asked clearly confused, “may I help you Corky”? “Yes Mr. Order please have Lavender Lace come out into the hallway I need to talk to her” He replied. Watching Mr. Order head back into the classroom Corky waited for a few moments before Lavender Lace came out twirling her hair and blowing a small balloon of bubblegum. Crossing his arms over his chest Mr. Order glared at his student paying little attention to him she continued to twirl her hair for several seconds before popping her gum loudly. “Ms Lace you will need to go to Principal Celestia’s office during your lunch hour” he began receiving a angry look from her he added, “I will escort you there when the lunch bell has sounded”. Turning his attention to Mr. Order he finished “I am sorry to have pulled you away from your students Mr. Order”. Turning to leave he stopped a few feet from her hearing her call out to him, “Hey what is this all about”? Looking over his shoulder he replied, “Oh, I think you know damn well what this is all about kid”. Heading down the hallway he walked past the library stopping when heard several books fall to the ground. Turning around he quickly headed inside finding Cheerilee picking up a small pile of books and placing them back onto the shelves. Watching her pick up several books he cleared his throat catching her attention stopping what she was doing she stared at him for a few seconds. A awkward silence began to fill the room picking up three books he watched her set them down on the desk in front of her fully giving him her attention. “Hello Corky” she finally said breaking the silence between them “how are you doing today”? “I am doing well” he replied, “I was wondering how is Sunset Shimmer doing since you last saw her”? “How do you know I was with her Corky?” she asked clearly confused. Smiling he pointed above and behind her head towards a security camera turning to look in the direction he was pointing she frowned. Watching her turn back around his smile quickly faded seeing a look of concern on her face she picked up the three books placing them onto the shelf behind her. Once finished she began to type on her computer realizing he had not left she shut her computer off glaring at him. “Hey” he said raising his hands “don’t get upset with me I am the security guard after all it's my job to look after the interest of both the faculty and students” lowering his hands his tone changed slightly becoming more serious than playful. “Look I know you care deeply about Sunset, Mrs. Cheerilee I just wanted you and her as well to know that the locker situation from this morning has been taken care of.” looking down he finished, “though when she finds out who it was that spray painted those words on her locker she will be more than a little miffed” “And who was it that did that to her locker Corky”? “It was Flash Sentry who wrote the words the ‘Demon’, ‘Princess Slut’ and ‘Cunt’ Lavender Lace wrote the word ‘Whore’ and it was Trixie Lulamoon that wrote the word ‘Bitch’ onto Sunsets locker” Turning to leave he finished, “I can understand fully like Luna that Trixie and her friend Lavender Lace would want to do this but for Flash Sentry to actually take part in something like this makes no sense at all”. Heading back into the hallway Corky headed towards another classroom while Cheerilee returned to her work. Getting to room 26-A a few minutes later he opened the door catching everyone’s attention looking around he quickly found Trixie at the back of the classroom. Finding the teacher Mrs. Harshwhinny looking over several piles of paper at her desk he walked up to her clearing his throat. “Yes what do you want”? She bitterly snapped “if this is about your test last week Trixie I have already told you that you can’t retake it”. “This isn’t about a test” she heard Corky begin “I need to speak with Trixie before her next class begins”. Looking up from her work Mrs Harshwhinny frowned getting up she walked over to Trixie taping her shoulder. Turning around Trixie grinned seeing Corky standing a few feet from Mrs. Harshwhinny’s desk turning her attention towards her teacher her right eyebrow quirked. “Oooh has someone come to see the great and powerful Trixie perform a magic act”? “No Trixie he is not here to watch you perform one of your stupid tricks” taking her by the arm Mrs. Harshwhinny added, “and you Trixie are not great nor are you powerful you young lady are nothing more than a foolish child with dreams of grandeur foolish thoughts now come along”. Leading her up to the front of the class both Mrs. Harshwhinny and Trixie followed Corky out to the hallway. Looking down Trixie fought back her tears as Corky stared at her turning his attention towards her teacher he softly said, “Mrs. Harshwhinny please return to your students I can handle this without you being here” “What? How dare you ask me to---” “Now” He interrupted her fully turning his attention towards Trixie he finished, “Trixie do you know why I need to talk to you”? Watching Mrs. Harshwhinny storm back into the class she looked down lightly twirling her hair feeling soft warm hands coming to rest on her shoulders she looked up locking eyes with Corky. Fighting back her tears she pulled out a deck of cars from her skirt pocket shuffled them and handed them over to him. “Pick a card” getting a confused look she sniffed, adding, “j-just pick o-one please Trixie doesn’t have all day so just pick one”. Smirking and deciding to play along he quickly picked a card looked at it then placed it back into the deck giving her a nod. Watching her reshuffle the deck he smiled to her as she drew a card from the deck holding up the Ace of Spades she proudly proclaimed, “This my kind sir is your card”. Knowing that it wasn’t the card he had picked but not wanting to hurt her feelings he nodded receiving a pleasant smile and a bow from her. Sighing he softly said to her, “Alright now that you are feeling better I need you to report to the principal's office during your lunch hour.” “This has to do with Sunset’s locker doesn’t it”? She replied. “Yes kido I am afraid you are in trouble for what you did but don’t worry I’ll do what I can to help you through this.” gently laying his hands on her shoulders he added, “Listen Trixie I know you want people to pay attention to you but this type of attention isn’t good and it could lead to more very serious consequences.” Letting her go he turned to leave looking over his shoulder he finished, “do me a favor will you try to remember that the choices you make in life will always affect you”. “Trixie will try to remember that Corky” she called out to him watching him head down the hallway “I wonder who will be Trixie’s next audience”. Turning to head back to class she smiled to herself thinking, “Trixie bets he would like a balloon animal perhaps a dog to keep him company while he works alone”? Getting further down the hallway Corky quickly found the schools gym entering the large area he looked around soon finding Flash Sentry lining up for his wrestling class. Taking a seat on one of the many bleachers he watched Flash and another student head out to the matts each one fully prepared for their match. Noticing Corky was watching the match the coach waved him over quickly heading over to him Corky nodded to the coach turning his attention back to the teenagers as the coach blew his whistle. “What can I do for you Corky” He asked a bit confused “if this is about the drug testing I’ll have that paperwork to you by the end of the day I promise”. “Now that you bring that up coach Ironhide while this isn’t about that I will be however taking a look at your paperwork once I am done with what I must do here” turning his attention towards the kids on the mat he finished, “I need to speak with Flash Sentry as soon as his match is over”. Corky watched the match playout as Flash Sentry very quickly pinned his opponent to the mat a referee counted out the second till it was over with Flash being the victor. Getting up sweat dripping down his forehead he heard the coach's whistle quickly followed by Coach Ironhide yelling out, “Fall in all of you”! All the students got into single file line each one clearly showed signs of being worn out gesturing towards the security guard coach Ironhide finished, “listen up! Corky needs one of you to talk to you one of you and I expect that student to do as they are told when they are told. Got it”? “Yes sir coach sir” all the students yelled in unison. Turning his attention towards Corky he nodded saying, “There’ll all yours Corky”. “Um, thanks.” he replied, quickly turning his attention to Flash Sentry he added, “Flash Sentry you will go to the principal's office during your lunch hour do you fully understand”? “Yes sir I do” seeing Corky was about to turn to leave he added, “though I am not sure what is going on perhaps you---” Growing irritated his voice deepened, his eyes narrowed, his jaw locked with anger leaning towards Flash Sentry he locked eyes with the upstart youth. Clearly making him uncomfortable Corky frowned clenching his hand into a tight he growled back in anger, “You young man know damn flipping well why you must go to the principal's office” turning to leave he looked over his shoulder giving coach Ironhide a cold intense stare “I want your paper work on my desk by no later than lunch period”! Leaving the gym Corky quickly found himself trying to calm down in the hallway heading back to Principal Celestia’s office he stopped by a water fountain. Taking a drink he closed his letting his anger flow through him he knew Principal Celestia wouldn’t tolerate her staff showing anger towards the students. Taking a few breaths to calm down he proceeded towards Celestia’s office stopping when he heard a voice call out to him. “Excuses me where is Principal Celestia at this moment”? Turning around he saw Mr. Varnas walking towards him hearing him add, “I need to speak with her” watching him reach into his coat Corky dropped his hand to his mace as Mr. Varnas took out a thin black wallet from his coat handing it to Corky who took it and flipped it open “As you can tell by that badge sir I am with the Canterlot Investigations Bureau”. Handing him his badge back Corky gestured towards the hallway replying, “Follow me sir I’ll take you to her though you should know she isn’t in a good mood right now and your being here will only make her mood worse”. “I don’t care about her current mood sir I only give a damn about being able to speak with her” He replied adding, “It would be best if I speak to her alone do you know if there is anyone else that will be speaking to her today”? Leading him down the hallway towards Celestia’s office Corky muttered under his breath earning himself a disapproving look from Mr. Varnas. Getting back to Celestia’s office a few moments later Corky knocked on the door looking up from her work Celestia frowned seeing Mr. Varnas. “What are you doing” she demanded “I thought I told you I wasn’t going to give you that student lis---” “Relax Principal Celestia” he interrupted her quickly adding, “though that is only part of the reason I am here there is however another reason I have come back.” turning his attention to Luna he finished, “I need you to leave so I can talk your sister in private”. “I’m not going anywhere sir” she replied folding her arms over her chest “whatever you have to say can be said in front of me.” quickly turning her attention to Corky she added, “Thank you Corky I believe my sister and I can handle this please carry on with your duties” watching him turn to leave she finished, “Corky hang on before you leave I have just one quick question for you. Did you inform Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon that we would be calling upon them later on today”? “Yes I did” He replied stopping in his tracks she watched him turn around fully giving her his full attention, “do you want me to escort them to the office during their lunch hour or should I leave it up to them to come in on their own free accord”? Looking to her sister Luna quickly turned to Mr. Varnas who stood in the doorway a few feet from Corky both looked at Luna expectly. Giving a cold stare she locked eyes with him for a few seconds before turning her gaze to Corky. “Cory please allow Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon to come to us of their own accord” turning her attention back to Mr. Varnas she gave him another cold intense stare before finishing, “if however those three have not complied with our request by no later than twelve thirty then by all means bring all three to my sisters office”. “Very well” he replied heading out of Principal Celestia’s office being sure to shut the door behind him. Taking a seat in front of them Mr. Varnas began to reach into his coat pocket pulling out a small silver flash drive placing it onto Celestia’s desk. Looking at the small device she glared at him for a few seconds before picking it up. “What you are holding there in your hand Principal Celestia” he began “is the only known video from the Fall Formal all other videos from that night that were posted online either during or after that night have been erased”. Receiving a confused look from Luna he continued, “I am giving Celestia this flash drive Mrs. Moon” he added giving Luna an intense stare “because I wanted her to know that I will not being needing that student list after all”. Blinking in disbelief Celestia gave her sister a passing unsure glance returning her gaze to him she set the device down on her desk got up staring coldly at him. Luna crossed her arms over her chest waiting for Mr. Varnas to finish watching him lean into his chair she frowned as he stared back at them both with an assurance that caused Luna to shiver. “What do you mean” Celestia finally spoke ending the uneasy tension between herself, her sister and Mr. Varnas “that you won’t be needing that student body list any more”? “It’s really quite simple” he replied adding, “because I work for the government more over for the Canterlot Investigations Bureau I was able to use them to help find any and all videos containing any and all information about the Fall Formal”. Leaning forward he placed his hands onto Celestia’s desk quickly earning himself a very angry stare from Luna paying her little attention he continued, “As of now the government doesn’t have any clue who Sunset Shimmer is or what school she attends other than myself and I fully intend to keep it that way”. “Explain this to us Mr. Varnas” Luna chimed in “under what right or law for that matter do you have any right or reason to keep Sunset’s actions during the Fall Formal secret from the government”? Turning his attention to Luna he frowned leaning back into the chair he began, “I don’t have to explain that to you Mrs. Moon nor do I have to explain it to Celestia.” Getting up he added, “I however share some information with you both about Sunset Shimmer and you may use this information if you want to or not the choice is yours to make”. “Go on” Celestia chimed in “we're listing”. “I classified Sunset Shimmers file because I don’t want her to be used as a weapon either in this world or in the country that she comes from” turning towards the door he added, “beyond that I will share nothing else now if you both will excuse me I must be going” stopping in his tracks he snapped his fingers quickly turning to face Celestia he finished, “Oh one more thing before I go I took the liberty of hiring more construction workers to help repair the front of the school. They will be here tomorrow and should have the entire schools front side fixed, cleaned and ready to go within three weeks”. Watching him leave Luna quickly turned to her sister giving her a confused look sitting back down she folded her arms over her chest letting out a forced sigh. Watching Celestia pick up a pile of papers that sat to the right of her desk Luna cleared her throat catching Celestia’s attention. “Well” she grumbled out “what are we going to do about this situation Tia”? “We dear sister aren’t going to do anything” setting her paperwork down she added “if Mr. Varnas wants to pay for more workers then so be it. I am not going to argue it with him besides Luna what good would it do me to try to keep him from doing that”? “That isn’t what I am talking about Tia and you know you it now come on be serious what are we going to do”? “I know that isn’t what you were talking about Luna however, I am not about to drag Sunset Shimmer in here and demand to know what is going on” seeing a angry look on her sisters face she quickly added, “and neither are you for that matter” getting up Celestia gently laid her hands on Luna’s shoulders finishing, “look all we can do is let this play out and hope for the best now it is nearly time for the lunch period to start I’ll deal with the students that vandalized Sunset’s locker I want you to go and try to enjoy your lunch”. “But I---” Luna tried to protest. “Go on scoot” Celestia interrupted her gently pushing her sister out of the office adding, “now you go enjoy your lunch by the time you come back I’ll have everything taken care of and Luna” “Yes” she replied giving her sister a concerned look. “I mean it I don’t want you to go to Sunset Shimmer about any of this all I want you to do is enjoy your lunch do you understand”? “Fine alright I’ll go and enjoy my lunch”. Closing her office door Celestia sat back down opening the top right drawer of her desk taking out a microphone. Plugging it into the overhead speakers she pressed a button switching it on leaning in Celestia said, “Attention all Students will the following Students come to my office immediately Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon” unplugging the device she put it away looking at the time her clock read 12:00 noon. Waiting for her students to show up she interlocked her fingers placing her hands onto her desk a few moments went by before the first student knocked on her office door. “Come in please” she called out watching the door open her eyes narrowed seeing Flash Sentry was the first of the three to show up “have a seat Mr. Sentry we need to talk”.
Wednesday, August 3rd 12:00 pm Part SixDriving up to Moon Stones driveway Starknight noticed the time was twelve in the afternoon parking the car along side the curb she turned her attention to Moon Stone giving him a nod. "Okay" she said "we're here" "Thanks for doing this sergeant" he replied. "Not a problem just don't make this a habit got it rookie"? Nodding his reply Moon Stone got out and opened the back passenger door for Moon Dancer. Getting out Moon Dancer quickly grabbed her backpack and headed inside with her brother and Starknight following her. Entering Moon Stone’s home Starknight looked around and smiled turning her attention to Moon Stone. “So” she began, “this is your home” the living room was like any other living room with a sofa at one end of the room, a warm comforting fireplace at the other end. A large flat screen Tv placed above the fireplace and a sliding glass door leading out to a stone walkway. “Its very nice Moon Stone” she finished. “Thank you” he replied heading into the kitchen he quickly added, “would you like something to eat before we head back to work sergeant”? “I have a question” Starknight heard Moon Dancer call out from behind her turning around she heard Moon Dancer finish, “Why does my big brother call you ‘sergeant’? I mean you and he are in the same police department aren’t you”? “You are correct Moon Dancer” she replied, “your brother and I are in the same department but we are not the same rank. Therefore by calling me ‘sergeant’ rather than Starknight your brother is showing me the proper respect that I am owed due to my rank and title.” Turning her attention too Moon Stone she watched him for a few minutes while he made a PB&J sandwich she added, “I thank you for asking me to join you for some food officer Moon Stone but I must respectfully decline the offer besides we both have to---” Hearing a phone ring he interrupted her, “Hang on let me get that” picking up the phone he continued, “hello” “like hey tihere Mr. stione it’s likue mme minuettem” hearing her hiccup several times as well as her slurred speech he gave Starknight a very concerned look i’m well like aso sorry about this bust ii afcn’t watch your sifster today”. “Are you drunk”!?! he asked quickly receiving a concerned look from Starknight she watched him clench his hand into a tight fist “Minuette I can’t believe this I called you earlier today and you sounded fine what the actual---” Coming around a corner with a large glass jar in her hands Moon Dancer grinned holding the jar up for Starknight to see it quickly earning herself a grin from the sergeant. On the front of the glass jar were the words ‘swear jar ten dollars per naughty word’. Seeing the jar in his sister's hands Moon Stone set the phone to speaker getting out his wallet from his back pants pocket. Placing ten dollars into the jar he gave his sister a scornful glare returning to his conversation with Minuette. “I'm jinsulted htat you would think that fo me i’hm like os not wasted” he heard her slur out i“ jsut had only rthree dor maybe it was six beergs before calling you” “Yeah you're obviously not in any condition to watch my little sister so I am going to hang up now goodbye”! Sighing he looked to his sister before adding, “Looks like I’m going to have to take you with us kido”. “Absolutely not” Starknight injected crossing her arms “leaving aside the clear fact that you should be able to find another babysitter a police precinct is no place for a child regardless of the fact that she is your little sister”! Hearing tapping from behind him he turned around seeing his sister impatiently tapping her foot glaring at her big brother she crossed her arms giving him a scornful scowl. Smiling to herself Starknight watched the specital begin as Moon Stone’s little sister frowned. “Why can’t you just stay home today Moon Stone”? “Because without a steady job, I won’t be able to afford this house or to keep you in school”. He replied looking at the phone he sighed turning his attention to Starknight he finished, “I suppose you are right that the police precinct is no place for a child”. “I’m not really good with kidsMoon Stone so before you ask me to watch over her please don’t” she replied, turning her attention to his little sister she finished, “I know you really want him to stay home today Moon Dancer but you’re brother is right that he needs to work in order to provide a stable life for you”. Pouting Moon Dancer headed to her room while Starknight simply shook her head with a slight smirk etched on her face she sighed to herself. Seeing her reaction Moon Stone’s confidence began to waver as he started to let his thoughts dwell on the current situation. “I need to find someone to watch her I can’t just leave her here alone” he thought to himself flipping through his phone his eyes fell to one number in particular hoping that the person it belonged to would be willing to watch over his little sister. “I hope this works” he said out loud catching Starknights attention dialing the number he finished, “Please be home and please, be willing to watch my sis---” “Hello” “Hello Mrs. Smith its Moon Stone” he began getting a positive look from Starknight “I am in need of your services” closing his eyes he silently prayed to himself, “there was an incident at Moon Dancers school today due to this I need your help can you-well-that is would you be willing to watch my little sister for a few hours today”? “av course ay would be mawe than awful happy ta watch y'all's little sistur Moon Stone just bring hur down here ayn' ay'll watch hur faw ya” hearing him let out a sigh of relief, she added, “well whatcha waiting fur I ain't got all day sonny Ah’ll see you in a few hours”. “Thank you Mrs. Smith this means a lot to me” hanging up his phone he smiled finishing, “good now that is---” Hearing the front door open and slam shut quickly followed by a car horn blaring his eyes widened giving Starknight a confused look he hurried over to the living room window. Peering out he saw his sister Moon Dancer in the front seat of the patrol car beeping the car horn clearly showing she was very impatiently waiting to go. Feeling a finger tapping his shoulder he turned around locking eyes with Starknight. “Well are you going to stand there all day”? she asked, “or are you going to take your sister to Mrs. Smith's ranch so she can have some fun and perhaps learn about the animals and plants that Granny Smith has up there”? Leading Starknight out of the house he closed the door being sure to lock it getting to the car first Starknight opened the front and door knelt down. Giving Moon Dancer a nod locking eyes with her she grinded. “Come on hurry up” she heard Moon Dancer wine “I want to go see all the neat animals and learn about the plants and, and oh, what else do you do on a farm”? “Well tell you what” Starknight pleasantly began “if you hop out and get into the back seat I’ll tell you what else you can do on a farm”. “Really” she exclaimed with excitement her eyes beamed with joyful happiness “cool I’m going to learn so much today this is so exciting”. Quickly getting out of the front seat and into the back passenger seat Moon Dancer buckled in while her brother got into the front left passenger seat. Starknight climbed in shut the door and started up the car backing out of the driveway heading down the street a few moments later coming to a stop sign she turned on the radio before looking both ways. “In today's news” everyone heard over the radio “we have two mangled bodies found near the Canterlot Harbor”. “Looks like we might have to take that case sergeant” she heard Moon Stone say picking up the cars mic he added, “Dispatch this is car sexyfour seven do you want us to take that ten - thrity nine”? “That’s a ten - seventy four officers there is already three ten - sixties in the local area continue about your duties”. The dispatcher replied. Hanging up the mic he grunted to himself catching both Starknights and Moon Dancers attention turning a corner Starknight glanced over to him. Noticing he was annoyed by the lack of assignments he was getting remembering her own lack of assignments she chuckled to herself. Letting her thoughts shift to her first few days on the force in Mainehatten New Bork. Tilting her head to the right and being a bit curious herself Moon Dancer chimed in, “What's a ten - sixty Moon Stone and can we go to the area that has that body that we heard about over the radio”? “Well depending on how you use it Moon Dancer honey” he replied, “it could mean that an officer such as Sergeant Starknight here could use some back up” receiving a quirked eyebrow from Starknight he quickly added “or it could mean that other officers are already on the scene and don’t require any backup” looking ahead he smirked to himself “in this case kido it means that we don’t need to go there besides that you uh, don’t need to see a dead body at least not at your age” he finished. “Or any age for that matter” Starknight injected taking a right turn she stopped at a red light turning around she looked into Moon Dancers eyes for a few seconds before adding, “listen kid, it sounds like you want to learn all you can about being a cop. While I can tell you that it is an exciting job there are aspects of this job that you at your young age you don’t need to know about or hear about”. “Aww phooey” she whined in protest “that doesn’t sound like any fun to me besides I wanted to see my big brother in action”. Turning back around and heading further into the country Starknight bit her lower lip thinking to herself, “God I wish I could make it clear to her why she shouldn’t become a police officer”. Getting to Sweet Apple Acres a half hour later Starknight drove down the long dusty dirt road pulling up alongside a long wooden fence. Getting out of the car Moon Stone turned his shoulder radio volume down and opened the back door for his little sister as Granny Smith came up to the fence greeting them with a pleasant smile. “Can I go see the chickens and horses” Moon Dancer asked while she looked around for anything that would excite her curiosity, “I promise I won’t bother them I just want to look at them,” she finished trying to look away from Granny Smith who gave her a sympathetic stare clearly taking notice of Moon Dancers blackeye and split lip. “Sure thing kido” Her brother replied watching her scamper off. “How done y'all's little sistur get that there awful a-lookin' split lip ayn' blaykeye” Turning his attention fully to Granny Smith he frowned replying, “She got that from two girls that have been bulling her at school.” Looking towards the direction his sister ran off in he continued, “thanks again ever so much for doing this Mrs. Smith I’ll get her backpack from the car” turning to get his sister bag from the car he looked over his shoulder finishing, “It pains me greatly to see her hurt like that, that’s why I am pulling her from school as soon as I am able to do so. I want her to go to a school where this type of thing doesn’t happen”. Turning to watch Moon Dancer run towards the horse carel Mrs. Smith sighed letting her thoughts dwell on her mother. “Ay see.” she finally growled out in anger tightening her hand into a fist “Why when ay were hur age my mowthur would have whipped the floaw with the person that evur dare lay ayy hand on me.” Feeling a soft firm hand resting on her shoulder she sniffed fighting back her tears gently patting Moon Stones hand she added, “Ma would have taken hur belt off and given them bullies ay darn good crak on the skull ayn' ay tell ya what Moon Stone that there would be that there naw mawe bullies”. “I am sure she would have made them pay dearly for hurting you Mrs. Smith” He softly replied watching her turn around the two locked eyes for a moment offering her a smile as best as he could, he added, “you wouldn’t happen to have some old clothing my sister could use while she is up here would you Mrs. Smith”? “Why sure ay do y'all's little sistur ken use some ov Applejak's old cloths ay am sure they will fit hur just fine” she replied watching him head over to the police car, “My granddaughtur’s will be home in ay few hours Applejaks away at school and Apple Bloom’s away at summur camp right now. But when they get back ay am sure The'll wan-ta show y'all's sistur around ayn' perhaps Moon Dancur will also help with the chores around here”. “That'd be great” He replied picking up his sister backpack he carried it over to Granny Smith placing it into her hands adding, “now she has her homework to do as well so be---” His words were cut short when both heard Starknight yell to them from the car, “Moon Stone get in now we need to leave”! Spinning around he ran towards the car getting in giving her a concerned look leaving Granny Smith to shake her head and carry Moon Dancers backpack towards the farm house. Starknight slammed her foot into the gas growling out into the car’s mic, “This is squad sixty four seven we are ten-seventy six copying that ten-twenty four repeat we are copying that ten-twenty four”! Knowing that ten-twenty four meant officer down Moon Stone braced himself for what was sure to be a rough afternoon. Flipping on the sirens he pressed his back into the soft leather of the police cruiser noticing the speedometer was trembling just past one hundred twenty two. Gripping the doors handle he gulped as Starknight took a sharp right leaving only tread marks behind the only indication that they were ever there. Blaring the horn she screamed out to a velchel that wasn’t yielding to her right of way, “Get the hell out of the way”!
