Corruption

Blurry and disoriented from the effects of the ooze, Sunset had a hard time waking up. But as she was coming to, she started seeing images of a shadowy goat carrying a crystal heart containing the same ooze that infected Sunset when it dripped on her horn.

"Huh?" Sunset said, backing away from the silhouette.

Just then, the goat turned to Sunset with its red eyes. This chilled Sunset to the bone as the goat slowly walked towards her. Sunset tried to escape, but before she knew it, she was charged at by the goat and was crushed. But as she dizzily opened her eyes, she looked up and noticed that there was a shadowy dragon on top of her, baring its fangs in her face.

“Oh no…” Sunset said as she stared helplessly at her soon-to-be killer.

Rearing its head back, the dragon opens its mouth and launches itself at her face, biting it off in the process.

***

Sunset jumped out of her sleep, having awoken from that awful nightmare that plagued her mind. Looking around, it appeared that she was in some form of hut. But before she could take in her surroundings, the knob on the front door started turning. Getting in a defensive stance, Sunset awaited any foe who would come through that door. But then a voice said,

“Ah. So you are awake. I was beginning to fear that your mind would break.”

Entering the hut turned out to be none other than Zecora. On her back, she was carrying a basket filled with various types of herbs and plants inside the hut and she noticed that Sunset has finally awoken.

“W-What?” Sunset asked while feeling her head ring.

“Forgive me my dear, but we have never met. Acquaint with me while I mix this elixir. It may take some time, and the ooze on you will not be an easy fix.” Zecora said as she threw the ingredients in her black pot.

“My name’s Sunset. Who are you? And how long was I out for?” Sunset asked while she laid on the bed.

“My name is Zecora, my dear. And you have been asleep for about six months, I fear.” Zecora explained.

“What?! Why am I still here!? I need to-!” Sunset shouted, trying to get off the bed before feeling pain inside her body.

"Take it slow. You have been asleep for quite some time. You will need to lay low." Zecora ordered while making the. potion.

“Where’s my bag?” Sunset asked, having remembered her notebook.

“Hmm?” Zecora asked while focusing on the potion.

“My bag. It has a book inside. I need to write something.” Sunset responded while she struggled to get out of bed.

“I will get your book. Just stay in bed, or you will be on the hook.” Zecora said before heading into her cabinet.

Reaching inside, Zecora pulled Sunset’s bag out and gave it to Sunset before going back to mixing the potion. Immediately, Sunset reached into her bag and pulled her notebook out of her bag. Opening it, she read through the entire thing, hoping to find a response from Twilight or any of her friends, only it was filled with so many entries that a novel could be made out of it. In one of the most recent, she found a small entry on seventy-fifth page. It read:

Dear Sunset,

Are you okay? I know that I haven't been able to contact you because I was in the middle of class, but I was so shocked by your decision to leave that I could barely concentrate on my studies or any activities with our friends in general. Speaking of our friends, I haven't told them what happened yet. But they're gonna figure out your leave of absence pretty soon. Should I tell them? It'll only hurt them more if they're left in the dark. I can only keep quiet for so long. What should I do?

Twilight Sparkle

Reading this made Sunset pulsate with relief. Not only does she learn that her friends are still safe, she has received so many messages that it filled half her note book. Not wasting any time, Sunset immediately grabbed a pen and started writing down an entry to Twilight, letting her know that she’s still alive and well in Equestria. When she was finished, Sunset reached into her bag and reached for the communicator with her magic.

“Have you been any answering any calls on this?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, but it has been quite some time since you spoke. And you have barely just awoke.” Zecora warned.

“It doesn’t matter. I need to know if they’re still safe.” Sunset said, levitating the communicator to her side.

Without even thinking, Sunset tried contacting Luna. No response. Sunset tried again, but she received no response. After so many tries, she attempted to make contact with anypony else who had the communicator. But once again, there was no response. Just as she was about to give up, she received a call.

“Huh? Could it be…?” Sunset said, picking up the communicator.

Immediately pressing the button, the screen popped up and there seemed to be nothing but static at first. Just then, a pony appeared on the screen. It turned out to be none other than Starlight Glimmer.

“Starlight…?” Sunset said, filled with confusion and bewilderment.

“Sunset Shimmer! Thank Celestia…” Starlight said with relief.

“How did you get ahold of this device?” Sunset asked, feeling even more confused.

“There’s no time to explain. Listen to me, because I can only be on this machine so long before the Princesses return.” Starlight warned before turning the other direction.

“Why? Is everything okay?” Sunset asked, feeling concerned for her friend’s sanity.

“Listen. I have no idea if you have been speaking with Twilight or Pinkie, but they have been collecting samples. Samples of the ooze.” Starlight answered.

“Wha-What?! Why would they do such a thing?!” Sunset yelled.

“Ssh! Quiet. You’ll get us both caught.” Starlight warned.

“What’s going on? Why are they doing this?” Sunset furiously asked.

“Twilight says that she’s trying to find ways in fighting back the Corruption. But we know better. The more she collects, the crazier she grows. She has collected more than I can count since she and Pinkie left the Crystal Empire with those cursed weapons, and if this keeps going… I couldn’t bear thinking of the aftermath.” Starlight said as she started to sweat.

“What are you trying to say…?” Sunset asked.

“Trust nopony. The ooze has been here for so long that we have all become strangers to one another. For all I know, any of the Changelings could’ve snuck in here. It’s only a matter of time-!” Starlight said before turning around in a panic.

“Wha-What’s wrong?” Sunset asked.

“The Princesses are returning with Twilight. I need to go. Whatever you do next, trust nobody!” Starlight warned before shutting off the communicator.

“What will you do now, my friend? Surely, this cannot be the end?” Zecora asked, having overheard the entire conversation.

“How soon will the potion be finished?” Sunset responded, turning towards the outside window.

“Halfway done, though it may require some time before you need to run.” Zecora answered.

“I’ll see what I can do to help.” Sunset said before slowly walking towards Zecora working near her pot.