Clout

“So then, we all good to go?” Rainbow Dash asked, sitting upon the cafeteria table, her feet on the seats. She had her handgun comfortably equipped in her hand, and watched Applejack with the draco in one hand, and another revolver strapped to her thigh walk towards her.

“More or less. Tell me somethin’, Rainbow Dash…” Applejack began, as the other Crips gathered behind her. She took off her hat, and unstrapped something -- a small bottle, likely no bigger than a few ounces, fell into her palm; it had a skull on it, and read “105%?”.

She took a small swig, and winced only slightly. “The Flowers are kinda occupied today, don’t’cha think? They should be crawling here by now with fireworks like that, shouldn’t they?” Applejack questioned suspiciously, eyeing the group in front of her, and remembering her exchange with the hooded figure.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, before laughing lowly. “Are you deaf, nigga?” Rainbow Dash chuckled further, as she pointed to the windows. Sirens blared outside of the building.

“They’re already here.” Rainbow Dash stated, her features darkening as she became serious.

“I don’t think you realize it, but popes is probably the worst Flower influence we’re gonna face. So, instead of playing detective, I suggest we get to steppin.” Rainbow Dash said, her words laced with aggressive authority, as she pushed off of the table, jumping off and facing Applejack.

“Hmph.” Applejack grunted lowly, watching Rainbow Dash carefully as her mind replayed her interaction with the figure over, and over again. Her brow was raised, but she huffed, and relaxed herself, turning to her group.

“C’mon y’all. Game ain’t nothin’ new.” Applejack beckoned them over towards her to begin moving out of the building -- their time was limited.

“That’s more like it. Pinkie Pie, Sunset, and co.,--”

“Co.?!” Trixie and Starlight groaned simultaneously,

“--let’s get goin’.” Rainbow Dash instructed, waving her hand over her shoulder as she jogged towards the exit, taking point.

As she closed in, her smile widened -- everything she had learned, and been taught, was in practice today -- endurance, combat, and she was still in one piece!

“Mom, would ya call me Lil Whistles?” Rainbow Dash thought to herself, smiling, as she moved her finger from the side of the gun to the trigger, bracing herself to head through the cafeteria doors shoulder-first…

*SMASH!*

“HALT! PERPETRATORS OF THE SCHOOL ARE ORDERED TO STAND DOWN IMMEDIATELY OR FACE FIRE!”

A squadron of police officers and SWAT combatants alike stood beyond the entrance, just under one and half dozen members.

Rainbow Dash stood, facing them with a wild smile, her teeth showing to an unsettling amount, as the group of assailants behind her slowly closed in.

She held her arms out aside from her, not dropping her weapon.

“DROP THE WE--”

*CRCK-CRCK-BOOM-BANG-BANG-BANG-BOOM-CRCK--!*

Bullets began hailing off from behind Rainbow Dash, as the officers dropped in moments -- only three members remained, behind riot shields.

“I got it.” Pinkie Pie stated, as she took aim, crouching. She took three successive shots, hitting each of their exposed feet, knocking them over, and they were swiftly executed underneath a second hail of bullets.

“No time to breathe, this means they’re gonna be on us! Just try to uh, hopscotch over the bodies, huh? Heheh,” Rainbow Dash chuckled, sprinting forward, as she vaulted over the slaughtered officers, skillfully reloading her wapon-- the girls looked between each other briefly, before following, followed by Applejack, who sipped her bottle twice more, before following in tow with her group. She looked forward with excitement, her pacing still steady.

“You look like you’re in the zone, ‘Jack.” Braeburn said, running beside Applejack, his hand now wrapped up, and revolver equipped in the other.

“Well, you know how I am, Braeburn,” Applejack began, taking another swig, before placing the half-finished bottle in her pocket.

“Once things get interesting, I like to be a little stiff.” Applejack said, her smile slanting with the substance settling in her stomach.

Braeburn chuckled, before his face settled after laying his eyes on the two bullet wounds upon her back.

“You sure you’re good, ‘Jack? Those holes are just breathin’.” Braeburn said with concern, as the group took around the right and began rushing for the entrance to the main hallway and exits.

“I’ll be fine, Burns, just focus on yourself, and chin-up, the day’s just getting started. I’ll be fine once Granny sees me.” Applejack smiled, as they jogged on forward.

“Besides, we got more important shit to worry about…” Applejack urged, facing forward as they heard more commotion ahead…

Rainbow Dash reached the entrance, and stood beside it, listening -- she heard several boots clanging against the ground, rushing through the hallways, she stopped, turning back towards the group, thinking hard.

“What the fuck’s the hold up, Dash?” Applejack yelled behind her, as she rushed forward. Just before she could get past Rainbow Dash, she hopped up in front of her, off her feet, and headbutted her to a standstill in playful aggression.

They both came to a standstill, staring at each other momentarily, Applejack’s brows furrowed, and Rainbow Dash smiling with amusement.

“Listen up -- you wanna go to a slaughterhouse?” Rainbow Dash chuckled, speaking lowly, as she pointed towards the door with her thumb over her shoulder. They could hear the loud commotion of shouting and running on the other side of the door.

“What’s next, then?” Sunset Shimmer asked, as the group stood by the door, tension thick in the air, as the officers could burst through any moment.

“Well, we’re not going without a fight, that’s for sure. I got a plan, let’s huddle up, by the stairs.” Pinkie Pie said, as everyone gathered back around the corner to one of the several flights of stairs located throughout the building.

“First off, Applejack -- where’s your spot?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“On Hope Ave, some ways off the Parkway.” Applejack said. Pinkie Pie looked up at Rainbow Dash expectantly.

“Then, that means we should probably head for Exit C or D. Both are a good ways to goin’ there.” Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie nodded, pleased that Rainbow Dash’s intricate knowledge of the streets and infrastructure held up, even now when her eyes were so obviously hung and wired by her intoxications.

“Iigh, well, it would be stupid to run through that swamp out there. We can assume they’re already on the second and third floors. They can’t cover every set of stairs with a heavy amount, so we’ll clear up to the fourth floor, hit up a set of stairs, and fight our way straight down to Exit D immediately -- Rainbow Dash and Applejack can take lead, they’ll know the way there best.” Pinkie Pie explained. She fastened her hood over her head, taking note that Sunset Shimmer and her two friends took care in keeping themselves concealed.

“Considering that it’s the Death Lotus, it’s also probably best that we’re not seen too many times.” Pinkie Pie said, more towards Rainbow Dash, hinting for her to put the head on.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, patting Pinkie Pie’s head. “Heh, ‘preciate the concern, but I want these niggas to know who turnin’ they shit upside down.” Rainbow Dash chuckled cockily.

“That makes two of us -- this shit been personal since day one.” Applejack agreed in fashion, her grin wide.

“Since day damn one!” Rainbow Dash chimed in agreement, holding her fist out towards Applejack. She punched it gently, both smiling.

“... Then, let’s get going.” Pinkie Pie hummed, after staring at the two for a slight moment. She began jogging up the stairs, before Rainbow Dash quickly overtook her, heading the group, Applejack in tow.

Trixie and Starlight pulled Sunset Shimmer to the back of the group to converse as the group moved, which caught Pinkie Pie’s attention momentarily. She looked back suspiciously.

“What is it?” Sunset Shimmer hissed, looking forward to see if anyone was looking back at them. She accidentally met direct contact with Pinkie Pie for a short moment, before she turned back to Rainbow Dash. Sunset Shimmer’s nerves were set off, as her brows twitched.

“And it better be good, that Pink girl is probably suspicious…!” Sunset Shimmer hissed even more aggressively.

“You saw her too, didn’t you?” Starlight asked, referring to the moment in the cafeteria in which the hooded figure rescued Rainbow Dash.

“... What the fuck was she doing there?!” Sunset Shimmer yelled in as quiet of a whisper as she could, frustrated at the figure’s apparent recklessness.

“That’s what I said!” Trixie chimed in.

“She said that she doesn’t gamble. She got her number through that little hacked-up phone of hers. She’s gonna meet her sometime soon… Probably before tomorrow ends, considering we’re about to make big with the Flowers…” Starlight explained promptly.

Sunset Shimmer processed the information briefly, as she looked up, watching as they passed the second floor, heading up the third flight of steps. They began to hear commotion -- the opposition was already spreading out.

“So then, I guess that means she wants us to keep her good enough to recover again, huh?” Sunset Shimmer asked, her brows furrowing from beneath her hood.

“... You know her so well, don’t you?” Trixie asked, with a chuckle.

“That’s exactly it. You already let Lotus have his way with her, from the looks of it; she’s all fucked up. We can’t risk any bullet wounds right now, the war hasn’t started, yet.” Starlight advised, remembering the words of their shadowy commander.

“Then, we have to be on dog time. But, this is serious -- this is where all the real danger comes. You understand, don’t y’all?” Sunset Shimmer asked ominously, looking between the girls. A thick tension grew through the air, as the girls fastened their hoods further.

“Don’t let the flashes see you. If our face is on the media, she can only do so much from her position…” Sunset Shimmer warned. The two girls nodded, and Sunset Shimmer nodded back, the group catching back up with the others as they passed by the third floor.

The commotion of moving boots through the building could be heard, however by now, students and faculty have surely evacuated or safeguarded themselves.

“You hear that? They’re probably gonna be fanned out on the other staircases by now!” Rainbow Dash yelled back to Sunset, Trixie, and Starlight, as they rejoined them.

Sunset Shimmer listened carefully as the group trudged through the staircase -- they only heard sirens, the movement throughout the building, and plenty of commotion outside.

“But there’s no helicopters, so,” Sunset Shimmer began, pulling both of her handguns out from her sweater, as she ran in front of Rainbow Dash, with Trixie and Starlight moving forward in front of Pinkie Pie to make things seem a little less suspicious.

“That means the forces are as light as they’ll ever be! C’mon, we got this!” Sunset Shimmer finished, rushing ahead of the group, her, Trixie, and Starlight now suddenly taking point. Rainbow Dash raised a brow.

“We gotta go to Flight F! It’s right around the corner from one of the exits we need!” Rainbow Dash yelled ahead.

“Gotcha! Let’s get a move on people, these guys are sweeping the building!” Sunset Shimmer yelled back, as the group rushed on forward -- they finally reached the fourth floor, and as they entered its main hallway, they noticed two officers roaming the hall -- as one reached for his radio, and the other extended his arm to aim, the two were both immediately executed underneath two well placed headshots by Sunset Shimmer, who ran onwards.

Trixie rushed forward, spotting Flight F -- she kicked the door down, and heard commotion downstairs -- Sunset Shimmer and Starlight formed up with her, and all three nodded, heading down the stairs, as a hail of fire was exchanged -- Sunset Shimmer crouched down behind the low wall guarding the stairs, whilst Trixie and Starlight laid back on the stairs, now laying beneath the hail of bullets raining over them.

Applejack rushed forward, and let off the draco that Rainbow Dash handed her, but was surprised to see it only shot out seven bullets -- she ducked, two SWAT officers still remaining, pushing fire. They began walking up, to lay the group with bullets, however,

*BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG!*

Rainbow Dash hopped over Applejack in fashion, letting five shots ring off on the two officers, as she landed on the flight of steps below. She dug in her sweater, and tossed two clips towards Applejack, which she caught, immediately loading a new one into the rifle.

“C’mon, we ain’t got no time to waste! Rest time’s over,” Rainbow Dash joked at Trixie and Starlight, who began getting up from their laid down position on the stairs, coming into view.

“Heard that!” Sunset Shimmer yelled, as she hopped over the small wall guarding the stairs, hopping down two flights of stairs ahead of the others with great agility.

“Hmph. She’s zoning in, isn’t she?” Starlight chuckled, taking off after her.

“Perhaps.” Trixie half-agreed, running off after them, as the group followed, rushing to keep up with the girls who began hopping down the stairs in parkour fashion.

*BANG-BANG-CRCK-CRCK-BOOM!*

The three girls were at the bottom of the steps, but Rainbow Dash and the others hadn’t yet caught up. Rainbow Dash’s grip on her gun tightened, as she noticed the ringing of bullets ceased nearly immediately. Her brows furrowed.

“Shit, that might be trouble. I’m going on ahead, hurry up y’all!” Rainbow Dash yelled with urgency, as she hopped over the small walls, making her way down in a sloppy, but somewhat similar fashion to Sunset Shimmer and co. She was worried that the girls got ahead of themselves.

“Sunset!” Rainbow Dash began, as she finally hopped down to the ground floor, falling to a single knee briefly.

“Are you good--!” Rainbow Dash went on in concern, but as she looked up, her words got caught in her throat --

Trixie, Starlight, and Sunset Shimmer all stood over a slew of bodies, at least a dozen, fanned out in the hallway leading to the main entrance -- they had secured the exit!

Sunset Shimmer turned back to Rainbow Dash, dropping the clips out of either of her guns, and reloading them one by one. She gave a bright smile to Rainbow Dash.

“Relax, fag-hair. We’re not lawn-grass like you and your girl.” Sunset Shimmer laughed, teasing Rainbow Dash for her concern. Rainbow Dash’s brows furrowed, as she frowned, her teeth gritted.

“Shut the fuck up, already.” Rainbow Dash groaned, walking forward, zig-zagging around the bodies.

“But, that being said, even these guys are riff-raff… Which means, the Death Lotus is real busy today, they’ve even got the suits occupied… Something big is going on…” Sunset Shimmer hummed, thinking aloud.

“Yeah? All the better for us, ain’t it?” Rainbow Dash asked, as commotion behind them picked up -- the group had finally caught up.

Sunset Shimmer looked towards Rainbow Dash with calm, analyzing eyes. “Yeah… That means getting out of here should be simple. Nobody of any importance is responding to this, the forces are gonna be light, and the opps’ll be dumb and new.” Sunset Shimmer said quietly to Rainbow Dash, making sure to be out of earshot of the others.

“Then, you know what to do.” Rainbow Dash smiled, cocking her gun, as she walked forward. Sunset Shimmer suddenly grabbed her by her wrist, pulling her back behind herself.

For a small moment, the two looked at each other in an awkward silence. Rainbow Dash blushed only slightly, but Sunset Shimmer’s gaze was still, her brain’s gears turning.

“Listen, Rainbow Dash -- in a short time, you’re going to learn a lot of things. So, pay attention,” Sunset Shimmer said in a demanding tone, now placing either of her palms across both of Rainbow Dash’s arms. Starlight and Trixie looked on with curious glances, listening in, knowing what Sunset was referencing.

Pinkie Pie had caught up first, and Applejack and the other Crips began to filter in -- out of respect, they gave Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, and Starlight their brief privacy -- but, they were restless -- they were on a timer before more troops moved onto their position, and the exit was very close; it’d be best not to be sandwiched from two fronts.

Rainbow Dash twisted her head slightly, staring at Sunset Shimmer -- she forced her mind to focus, but she could feel her senses dulling -- these were the “comedowns” that Pinkie Pie used to complain about every now and again.

“I’m listening, I promise.” Rainbow Dash said, her pupils shaking back and forth slightly -- her eyes fluttered occasionally, but otherwise, she was focusing as hard as she could.

Sunset Shimmer’s eyes tightened slightly -- she could see that this operation would have to be wrapped up shortly; Rainbow Dash would soon be out like a light -- she wondered just how much, and how many substances Rainbow Dash put into herself today. She hummed lowly, before continuing on.

“You’re going to take the Death Lotus down, right?” Sunset Shimmer asked. Rainbow Dash smiled, her eyes seeming to shake a little less, as her gaze focused up once more.

“You’re damn fucking right. That’s exactly what the RainBooms are for! They’ve been fucking things up for way too long.” Rainbow Dash said with sureness. Sunset Shimmer smiled, nodding.

“Then, if you’re the head of this shit, we need you alive -- so until you meet her, we need you unharmed. We’ve been preserving you for a while, and I know you’re a weird bitch, but if you wanna be head of a gang, you gotta get used to the help.” Sunset Shimmer stated, as she stood halfway in front of Rainbow Dash, letting her go, she smiled brightly, though her hood still shadowed her face.

“Stop being so goddamn bull-headed and putting yourself in the front of all the danger you face; you ‘oughta know that Kings and Queens never move ahead of the pawns.” Sunset Shimmer continued, holding her arm out defensively in front of Rainbow Dash.

Trixie and Starlight seemed to frown at the suggestion that they were merely ‘pawns’. Sunset Shimmer figured this would be the case, but was unbothered.

Rainbow Dash smiled. “Then, protect me by my side, nigga. I’m not Lotus, or his pussy ass father, I show my face when I claim rep for my drills.” Rainbow Dash stated, placing her hand on Sunset Shimmer’s chest / shoulder, gently pushing her out of the way.

“And besides, you niggas ain’t pawns, are you dumb?” Rainbow Dash chuckled, speaking with playful aggression as she patted Sunset on the shoulder, and smiled towards Trixie and Starlight, standing beside Sunset. The three focused on Rainbow Dash with a new air of curiosity.

“You said it yourself, these gals already spent a lot of they day for us, and putting they neck out on a drill for the RainBooms right now…” Rainbow Dash began, as she walked forwards towards Trixie and Starlight, and placed her arms around both of their shoulders.

“Y’all can say whatever, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re already a step too deep into the gang to say no, now. Guess you could say y’all lives got a lil worth to me now.” Rainbow Dash chuckled with a hardy smile, as she walked on forward to the doors, exiting the conversation swiftly after her words.

“Stubborn bitch…” Sunset Shimmer grumbled beneath her breath, as she began walking forward as well, along with Trixie and Starlight.

“Heh… Shouldn’t say things like that when you got a smirk on like a goofy.” Trixie chuckled -- true to her words, Sunset wore a small grin on her face, affected by the words Rainbow Dash spoke -- through her character, she knew the words meant more than their face value.

“She’s different, for sure. Just like she said.” Starlight grinned as well, walking forward. The rest of the group advanced as well, seeing that chit-chat and rest time was over. Sunset Shimmer turned to face the group before they continued on:

“Before we all exit, I need you all to understand somethin’!” Sunset Shimmer began, tightening her hood instinctively. The group paused, looking up at her.

“Once we reach outside, the media’s gon’ get to flashin, trust! You get seen, that’s on you! If you care about your life,” Sunset Shimmer began, as she looked between Trixie, Starlight, and Pinkie Pie, who had their hoods fastened.

“Then, keep yourselves concealed. If you wanna chase Clout, well…” Sunset Shimmer went on, smiling as she stared at Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Braeburn.

“I think there’s only few here dumb enough to tango with the Orange like this.” Sunset Shimmer shrugged with a small chuckle.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack chuckled in response.

“From here-on in, we’re gonna need to move fast, and the group has to stay sparse -- we’ve gotta divvy up the pigs, and once we’re in the clear, we gotta book it to Applejack’s. The rest is history.” Rainbow Dash instructed, as she placed a single palm on the door leading to the main hallway surrounding the school’s entire exterior.

“We’re going to bust a left as soon as we go out, and then hit the first door on the right -- once we’re out, do whatever you can to push down to towards Hope Ave; that’s gonna be to your right once we exit!” Rainbow Dash barked, as the group nodded and gave verbal confirmations.

Rainbow Dash nodded back, pleased, as she pushed the door open with swift and ferocious strength -- it was time for the final push!

“Contact!”

Three officers already laid behind Rainbow Dash -- as she looked over her shoulder, bullets whizzing past, Applejack quickly stepped out behind her to lay them down with a quick burst of fire.

Rainbow Dash looked forward, and saw two more officers, shoot around the corner -- she quickly shot one, and the other was dispatched by Starlight, who ran up from behind her rear -- the group began filling into the hall, and they sprinted around the corner.

“First door on the right, keep it up y’all!” Applejack yelled back to her group, and everyone else, as she took lead, and bashed open the doors with ferocious strength -- as they swung open, Applejack was stunned momentarily:

A line of about a half-dozen police cruisers and two SWAT trucks stood, guarding the road -- however, they could still escape from the sidewalk, were it not for the group of assailants that stood behind the vehicles in cover. There were also several other vans and media crews about, creating a bustle behind the aggressive force standing before them.

“Yo, no time to waste--!” Rainbow Dash began, but paused in similar fashion, as she laid her eyes on the scene.

“Tch!” Rainbow Dash hissed her teeth, clutching her gun with a cold grip.

“FIIIR--”

“Rainbow Dash, senior student of this very Highschool, aged seventeen years old!”

Before the squad could fire, a group of reporters and media crews hustled out in front of all of the officers in a wave of pedestrians, completely blocking view -- the forces of the officers were too light to suppress it, and nobody menacing enough was on scene to command them to fire through the innocents.

“What the fuck?!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, the group now all pausing on the stairs outside of the school, the flock of media workers rushing to the sidewalk. She saw cameras, and instinctively backed away behind Rainbow Dash, tightening her hood. Trixie and Starlight did the same with the others.

An immense wave of white flashes took place, blinding them momentarily -- they could hear much clicking and mechanical noises in the crowd.

*CLICK, CLICK, FLASH!*

The group quickly began flashing many pictures and recording the armed group of assailants exiting the school.

“Shit, I dunno, but,” Rainbow Dash began, as she extended her arm over her shoulder, standing out in front of the girls, signaling to run.

“We’ve gotta get to steppin’ while these niggas flockin’!” Rainbow Dash urged, as they all began rushing towards the crowd swiftly.

Rainbow Dash was quick, and agile, but she quickly lost track of the others, as she ran out of range of the officers, through the wave of reporters.

Finally, after about thirty seconds of desperately rushing through the bustling crowd who, suspiciously enough, seemed to be after nobody in particular, she made it to the other end, which was significantly less dense with people.

She quickly began scanning her environment, looking for the others. Her head whipped around wildly, her adrenaline running -- their time was short!

“Lil’ Dash!”

Rainbow Dash heard that familiar voice, and her entire world froze momentarily -- that was something only her mother and her friends called her -- her head whipped around instantly to the source of the voice.

Her features immediately dropped, and her blood ran cold -- there was Ms. Cheerilee, standing there amongst the crowd of bustling media workers, with a stern gaze. She pointed to her feet with urgent aggression, as Rainbow Dash quickly jogged over to her.

“So, it was you then, after all?” Ms. Cheerilee asked, a single camcorder hung over her shoulder. Rainbow Dash’s eyes averted her gaze.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing?!” Ms. Cheerilee shrieked angrily, her hands on her hips, as she leaned down, facing Rainbow Dash’s turned head.

“This school might be neutral, but you and I both know the Death Lotus owns everything! They won’t take nicely to what you’ve done today… And we heard the bullets from inside, too…” Ms. Cheerilee went on worriedly, speaking into Rainbow Dash’s ear.

“This is the type of stuff that your mo--”

“Hmph!” Rainbow Dash quickly interrupted Ms. Cheerilee with a confident grunt, as she took a single step forward, whipping her head around, her nose mere inches from Ms. Cheerilee’s -- Ms. Cheerilee froze, taken aback by the sudden closeness, blushing.

“Before you mention how she fell, mention everything else she did first. There’s a reason my mom was the most influential nobody ever. I’m just going to carry on her legacy, but this time, I’m gonna put a little Clout in the mix.” Rainbow Dash chuckled cockily, staring directly into Ms. Cheerilee’s eyes.

“In the end, just like her, I’m gonna do what I want. And what I want, is for this city to be peaceful again.” Rainbow Dash declared. “The Flowers are going to wilt.” Rainbow Dash said with a low, but fierce tone.

Ms. Cheerilee closed her eyes, and then sighed, stepping back. She looked Rainbow Dash up and down with the fiery glare in her eyes, the chains swinging off of her neck, and the gun in the palm of her hand.

She suddenly lifted her camera up, and

*FLASH!*

Took a bright picture, before a red light turned on the device in her hand -- she still held it aimed at Rainbow Dash.

“You really are her spitting image. She’d be proud, y’know?” Ms. Cheerilee spoke softly, as she walked forward to Rainbow Dash, whose gaze softened as Ms. Cheerilee went on.

“You’re gonna do great, kiddo.” Ms. Cheerilee finished, patting Rainbow Dash’s head, who looked up dumbly, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes staring straight into the camera.

Ms. Cheerilee chuckled, dropping her camcorder. “You’re such easy bait. This’ll be good for later on, don’t’cha think?” Ms. Cheerilee smiled, before Rainbow Dash frowned, catching herself from the moment. She crossed her arms, and looked to her side -- she realized Principals Luna and Celestia were walking over with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Sunset. They seemed to have scolded the girls, as well.

“So, you’ve caught the other one, I see, Ms. Cheerilee.” Principal Luna stated, forcefully pulling Applejack ahead of her.

“You’ll be punished duly for derailing my class and the order of the school, Applejack.” Principal Luna stated aggressively down towards Applejack, who smiled smugly in response.

“Yeah, with what? Detention? Suspension? Get real.” Applejack chuckled, holding her hands behind her head. She pulled the same bottle from her pocket, and took a quick swig, wincing as her smile widened.

Principal Celestia immediately locked eyes with Rainbow Dash.

“So, I assume then, that Little Whistles here is heading this?” Principal Celestia hummed, rubbing her chin. Rainbow Dash looked up at her with unmoving eyes, as Pinkie Pie rejoined her side.

“Strangely enough, you’re a lot more social than your mother was as my student.” Principal Celestia spoke, as Rainbow Dash raised a brow -- her mother certainly did know a lot of people; and Celestia was Principal even back then? How old were the two Principals, then?

“But, if you upset zones of neutrality like this, we can’t protect you like we did this time.” Principal Celestia began, as Rainbow Dash suddenly noticed that she and Principal Luna were also equipped with recording devices of some sort.

“Lucky enough for you, my ex pupil made haste in informing me of the impending events. You kids will have a lot to do before you can show up here again.” Principal Celestia explained, as she turned Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie around, and pushed them forward.

So that’s what it was, Rainbow Dash thought. Something had clearly been set up in their favor, and not to mention she was able to pull this off smoothly without too demanding a presence of outside forces.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but ponder upon what Sunset Shimmer had told her, as her eyes wobbled, her gaze coming out of focus as she thought.

“In a short time, you’re going to learn a lot of things…”

“Now, get a move on before they wise-up -- this is just another shooting for them, so if you move quick, they likely won’t pursue.” Principal Celestia began, interrupting Rainbow Dash’s thinking.

“Get to work, huh children?” Principal Luna smiled, as Principal Celestia pushed the two off, urging them to leave with the others. Ms. Cheerilee waved them off, before turning to Principal Celestia.

“Man, they were real fucking calm about that shit! What’s that about? And who the fuck is ‘Little Whistles’?” Applejack questioned, as they jogged through the street, the density of pedestrians clearing more and more.

“Forget it man, just focus up on getting to safety now, shit ain’t sweet yet!” Rainbow Dash urged. She looked back over her shoulder as she ran, watching Principals Celestia and Luna, as well as Ms. Cheerilee disappear back into the crowd together...

“Yo, I see Trixie and Starlight down there!” Sunset Shimmer yelled, pointing over to the end of the block.

“Your boys are there, too, Applejack.” Pinkie Pie stated, seeing the lurking group of six or seven other Blues nearby, conversing with Braeburn, whose features were shadowed beneath his hat.

“Good! Let’s group up, and get a move on! We gotta keep off the main roads, hit the alleyways and service roads, we’re almost home!” Rainbow Dash urged, rushing forward to rendezvous with the others…

[Some 15 minutes later…]

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Sunset Shimmer sat in an alleyway, ducking low behind some electrical generators, hearing sirens ring through the sky.

Sunset Shimmer tapped on her phone, the dull light illuminating her soft, cyan eyes.

“Shit’s calming down -- Trixie’s with Braeburn and your Crips back in Blue territory, Applejack; as for you, Rainbow Dash, pink girl and Starlight are ducking off not too far from here, we’re gonna clique up with Brae and Trix.” Sunset Shimmer said, shutting her phone off and placing it back in her pocket.

“Trixie said that you should know the best way, Applejack. So once we clique up with Star, we can go.” Sunset Shimmer stated, looking up at Applejack from beneath her hood. Rainbow Dash sat against the wall, preparing to ready herself for one more move.

However, Applejack sat calmly, her back against the generator, calmly sipping her drink, which was now nearly done. She hadn’t picked up the draco that sat beside her, either.

“What’s the rush guys? We’re not on a time-limit right now, those boys aren’t gonna find us -- since we’re gonna be working together, why don’t we get to know each other a little better…” Applejack spoke slowly and ominously, smiling at the bottle in her hands, as she swigged around the last bit of liquid, watching its contents splash and wave.

Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer both raised a brow, watching the calm, burly figure sit. She fingered at her ‘bandaged’ wounds -- she had tore off parts of her tank top to tie up her wounds, and sat in her sports bra, arms and core well-defined; she was an intimidating presence, to be sure.

“Sunset, I thought it was funny that you, Trixie, and Starlight of all people were involved… And now that Twilight showed up in the cafeteria, things make a little more sense, don’t they?” Applejack began in an ominous manner.

Sunset Shimmer face palmed internally, her face twisting into a slight frown of panic.

“How reckless of you, Twi!” Sunset Shimmer cursed mentally, thinking hard of what her next words would be.

“I don’t know your specific beef with Twilight, Applejack, but as far as we’re concerned, that girl did you a favor not letting you kill Rainbow Dash today.” Sunset Shimmer began, as her gaze briefly focused on Rainbow Dash, before returning to Applejack.

“You and I both know the decisions that Twilight’s made, that two -- no, three-faced bitch. Now,” Applejack began, as she turned to Rainbow Dash, whose mind was turning in confusion.

“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash thought in confusion. Who the hell was that? The girl who saved her? The purple one?

“Why in the world is she interested in you, rainbow gal?” Applejack asked, as she swallowed the last of the contents of the bottle in one swig. She took her hat off, and strapped it back to the inside, replacing the hat onto her head.

“And, frankly, I don’t quite want to associate with anyone that fucks with the Flowers.” Applejack said, her voice rising, as she rotated her neck around, cracking it.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened, as she stood up, readying herself as well. She was confused, but clearly something was wrong here -- someone was working with the Death Lotus?

Sunset Shimmer chuckled, before laughing, as she stood. “Is that what you think, Applejack?” Sunset Shimmer asked, smiling. Her smile was faint, underneath the hood, but she stood forward with clear confidence.

“You’ve got to learn that time keeps on moving, Applejack. People change. So do their motivations.” Sunset Shimmer began, as she said something that particularly resonated with Applejack next.

“Twilight would rather live on her knees, than die on her feet, so,” Sunset Shimmer began, piquing Applejack’s interest.

“I suggest you sit back, and watch things unfold. Twilight’s going to be meeting Rainbow Dash tomorrow, and soon after, the rest of us are gonna clique up, too. After your brother, things are gonna get real interesting.” Sunset Shimmer said directly to Applejack, her attention completely displacing Rainbow Dash from the situation. She walked towards Applejack, standing face to face with her.

“So, my advice? Let’s play nice for now, if you actually give a fuck about killing Lotus and the Rich family, that is. It’ll all fall into place, soon.” Sunset Shimmer said, with a smile, as she brushed past Applejack’s shoulder with passive-aggression.

Applejack looked back over her shoulder at Sunset Shimmer, before looking back towards Rainbow Dash, who could only look on in confusement.

“You’d better tread carefully, girl. You might be swimming in the wrong pool, with the wrong sharks…” Applejack said towards Rainbow Dash in caution. Rainbow Dash felt her heart rate unsteady itself, as her mind twisted in doubt.

“Hey, get a move on, cowboy! You gotta take us there, remember!?” Sunset Shimmer yelled from halfway down the alleyway, already on her way out.

“I’ll make my own decisions, but thanks for the concern.” Rainbow Dash said, nodding at Applejack, as she began walking forward, picking up the draco that she had lent Applejack. “I’ll be taking that back.” Rainbow Dash chuckled jokingly, as she placed it into her sweater comfortably.

“Now, let’s go.” She urged, jogging on past Applejack, who followed closely in tow, pulling the smith & wesson revolver off of her waist.

“We’re gonna go collect Starlight and Pinkie Pie, first. Then, you’re up, Applejack.” Sunset Shimmer said, as the three exited the alleyway, rushing down the sidewalk.

Pinkie Pie and Starlight both sat on a bench behind a fence, their hoods fastened on -- they were hiding in plain sight.

“Hey, Starlight Glimmer, right?” Pinkie Pie spoke up suddenly, after some minutes of silence.

Starlight turned to her, nodding. “Wassup?” She asked, her pale lavender eyes looking into Pinkie Pie’s own cerulean-blue ones.

“What’s up with you and Sunset and Trixie? You guys act like you’re hiding shit all the time…” Pinkie Pie said, taking Starlight off guard with her straightforwardness, which she thought was out of character.

She averted her gaze for a small moment, cursing the moment she saw them on the steps, feeling a bead of sweat form on her forehead.

“We… have some history.” Starlight said vaguely, rubbing her head as she looked off. Pinkie Pie tilted her head, looking at her, which made Starlight’s face heat further.

“That was such a bad excuse!” Starlight thought to herself with great tension.

Pinkie Pie then turned back to face forward with sudden speed, plopping back in her seat fully.

“Okay, then! I saw you guys get heated at the table, and it definitely seems personal, so… I’ll butt out.” Pinkie Pie said, as Starlight sighed with great relief.

“But!” Pinkie Pie suddenly yelped, as Starlight stiffened once more, looking over at Pinkie Pie.

“If you’re hiding anything that’s gonna fuck the gang over…” Pinkie Pie began, as she placed her hand over Starlight’s shoulder.

“Rainbow Dash won’t have time to get to you.” Pinkie Pie said ominously, her blue eyes bright with an icy stare.

“Do you understand me?” Pinkie Pie questioned. Starlight huffed, and slid across away from Pinkie Pie, folding her arms.

“If you think we’re gonna put our necks out for you low-lives to get a response like that, you’re outta your goddamn mind.” Starlight said, sticking her nose up at Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle in response, the atmosphere losing its seriousness -- Starlight sighed once more, this time internally, thankful that the heat was gone, for now.

Then, she felt her thigh vibrate; she pulled out her phone, and saw a text from Sunset Shimmer.

“End of the block, to ya right. Get to it.” The text read. Starlight pocketed the phone, as Pinkie Pie looked up at her expectantly.

“They’re here. Let’s go.” Starlight said promptly, as she stood, walking off outside of the fence, Pinkie Pie following closely, both keeping their heads low, as cars passed, but thankfully no police cruisers.

As they reached the end of the block, they saw Sunset Shimmer, alone, waving them over -- they crossed the street, and met up with her.

“Where the hell’s everyone else?” Starlight asked in frustration. Sunset Shimmer pointed down the block.

“Three blocks down, that way. We should get a move on while the sirens are calming down.” Sunset Shimmer suggested, as she began jogging down the block, followed closely by Starlight and Pinkie.

“And you’re sure that you can’t give any more reliable information on the main perpetrator?”

Principal Celestia groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, as she stood with a single hand on her hip, facing the three officers interrogating her, as well as Principal Luna and Ms. Cheerilee, who stood beside her.

“For the last time, sir, the girl literally does not have an address. You’re better off patrolling the streets, if you care that much.” Principal Celestia said, now crossing her arms.

The officers looked at the three teachers in extreme distaste. The officer clicked his pen, and placed his notepad back into the pouch on his utility belt.

“C’mon, this ain’t going nowhere. Dumb bitches are useless.” The officer who was taking notes grumbled, walking off, quickly joined by one other officer.

The last one who stood, the Sergeant who had responded to a disturbance at Lotus’ school, stood, staring the teachers down. He smiled, before turning halfway, preparing to leave.

“Cooperation goes a long way to keeping up that facade of neutrality you’ve got here at the school. Don’t fuck it up.” The sergeant stated blandly, before marching off to join the two other officers in the final cruisers to leave the scene.

As they drove out of view, all three women let out nearly simultaneous breaths of relief.

“Thank goodness, I thought they were never going to leave!” Ms. Cheerilee cheered gently.

“But sis, you think things’ll be okay prodding the Death Lotus like this? We refused them when they harassed Lotus yesterday, too…” Principal Luna spoke up worriedly. “What of the school’s safety? Upholding the importance of academics?” Principal Luna added on.

Principal Celestia turned, her eyes slim and regretful.

“We can only play neutral for so long -- such an illusion as neutrality allowed us to stand by and watch Lil’ Dash lose Windy.” Principal Celestia spoke, with pain on her voice. Ms. Cheerilee looked down, folding her arms, her face wincing slightly in pain. Principal Luna backed down.

“That won’t be happening again. Just like that catchy little quote she breathed into life… ‘Will you live on your knees, or die on your feet?’” Principal Celestia recited, forcing a small smile.

“I understand. And I was unaware that Ms. Whistles was even the one who established that lingo. What an interesting woman, may she rest.” Principal Luna stated, as she turned back towards the school, viewing the small bustle of students still fully exiting the school to return home for the day.

“The most influential nobody, huh? She wasn’t quite a nobody…” Ms. Cheerilee thought, feeling her eyes sting as the conversation laying around Rainbow Dash’s late mother began wrenching a deep and buried pain in her heart.

“Enough of the semantics, then, girls. Rainbow Dash is going to be working hard, so we need to, as well. Let’s get to it!” Ms. Cheerilee stated, walking off hurriedly back to the school.

Principal Luna began walking off to follow, but was stopped by Celestia grabbing her arm.

“What’s the matter, sis?” Luna questioned, turning back to face her sister.

“... Twilight. She’s the one who told me about what was happening.” Principal Celestia spoke, her voice growing very low as she stepped closer to Luna.

Luna’s eyes widened. “R-really? You’re sure?” Luna questioned with extreme curiosity. Celestia gave an affirming nod.

“If it wasn’t for her, Cheerilee wouldn’t have been able to tip off her news station so quick, and have their connections flag the other media stations.” Celestia said, looking down slightly.

“But, it’s Twilight…” Luna stated, putting her arm on Celestia’s shoulder. Celestia’s brows furrowed.

“I know, that’s why it’s so… confusing! But, she said that to me -- about living on one’s knees, or dying on their feet?” Celestia recalled. “Something’s different with her -- Rainbow Dash not being killed after her run in with Lotus, of all people? And her tipping me off to save her little group being filled with lead by the corrupt officers?” Celestia went on, crafting her explanation.

“Twilight’s different now -- she’s doing things that don’t directly benefit her -- even more so, they threaten the very safety she blew everyone off to secure!” Principal Celestia continued, as Principal Luna listened intently, thinking hard about what her words.

“All I’m saying is, Luna… she’s changed. Perhaps we can see where it goes?” Celestia asked, more than suggested. Luna hummed in thought for a few moments.

“Fine then. If it is what you wish, sister. But, don’t let yourself get charmed over just because that was your little pet. Be cautious.” Principal Luna warned, stepping away from Celestia with a sigh. She shook her head slightly, feeling a twinge in her gut as a reaction to her decision.

“Loud and clear, sis. C’mon, let’s go join up with Cheerilee, we’ve got some work to do to keep the media buzzes quiet.” Principal Celestia instructed, waving her sister over to join her, walking over towards the school’s entrance…

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Braeburn, and Trixie were all gathered in a small concrete park, seated by two benches surrounding a table -- Trixie still had her hood fastened over her hood, though it was now like how she initially had in the cafeteria; halfway on, and more casual -- the activity seemed to calm down, after all.

Applejack and Braeburn sat in near-silence, urgently murmuring with each other lowly, sitting opposite of Trixie and Rainbow Dash. It seemed that the other Crips had already returned home.

Rainbow Dash sat, her hood on as well, her head bowed, her facial features covered completely. She hung loosely in her seat, her chest ebbing slowly, calmly.

Trixie simply watched the streets, raking them over and over with her eyes, thoroughly. The adrenaline still hadn’t quite settled out in her, yet.

Finally, she caught a glimpse of something hopeful:

Pinkie Pie, Starlight, and Sunset walked towards the group, all three still hooded as they arrived on the scene in a swift and lowkey fashion.

“Babe!” Pinkie Pie shouted immediately, running up to Rainbow Dash and immediately hopping over a surprised Trixie, directly into Rainbow Dash’s lap, throwing her arms around her neck.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Pinkie Pie said with exuberance, gathering the attention of the group.

Pinkie Pie was displeased to see that Rainbow Dash had not much moved from her place in the seat besides moving her arm around her waist to fasten her in her lap.

Pinkie Pie tilted her head quizzically at Rainbow Dash’s still bowed head, and brought two fingers beneath her chin, lifting gently.

As Rainbow Dash’s features became illuminated by the afternoon sky, everything made sense to Pinkie Pie, as she gave a slanted smile of mixed feelings.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes fluttered, as she struggled to keep awake in lieu of the intoxications finally beginning their comedown.

“She off that yak, huh?” Applejack chuckled, watching the wobbly, unbalanced Rainbow Dash wave in Pinkie Pie’s arms.

“Like you said, bitch got fucked up earlier. I handed her some perc.” Sunset Shimmer said, taking a seat beside Applejack, leaning her elbows over onto the table.

Pinkie Pie gasped softly: that’s why she still felt pretty energetic, whilst Rainbow Dash’s mix was all over the place and already dying down -- she had the downer more recently.

Pinkie Pie’s brows furrowed only slightly -- Rainbow Dash would be in no condition to do anything else serious today, she thought. Besides, they had already earned Applejack’s attention; that’s all they needed, for today.

Pinkie Pie slapped Rainbow Dash’s face gently, as her fluttering eyes focused up onto Pinkie Pie’s face -- her body felt heavy, and her vision was fuzzy, but, she was awake.

“You good, Dashie?” Pinkie Pie whispered over into Rainbow Dash’s face, staring into her shaky pupils.

Rainbow Dash was silent, breathing in, before thinking for a second. She felt pains throb throughout her body -- she had certainly pushed herself quite hard after the altercation with Lotus, and now that her senses were lulling out, she oddly enough felt the pain in greater sensitivity again.

Her leg throbbed especially badly, in lieu of all the activity she underwent after Lotus had injured her just this morning.

“I don’t… feel so hot, if I’m being honest, babes…” Rainbow Dash replied honestly, speaking with a low and wry whisper, yawning directly after.

Pinkie Pie put both of her hands over Rainbow Dash’s cheeks, and gave her a quick, short kiss on the lips before pulling back.

She then pulled her hands back, and then slapped them back on Rainbow Dash’s face, as she winced slightly, her shaky pupils focusing in a little more, as she woke up further in reaction to the pain.

“Well, put on a tough face, and lead your gang! They all decided to meet back up here for something, and it wasn’t to just chill in silence. They need to hear what’s next from you, head of the RainBooms. So get it together, I’ll help you out.” Pinkie Pie urged. Rainbow Dash was silent for some seconds, before her brows furrowed, and she nodded.

“I got it. Thanks babe, couldn’t ask for something better than you.” Rainbow Dash smiled, as she pulled herself up in her seat, suppressing another yawn, watching as pairs of beady eyes watched her expectantly She still wobbled about slightly.

Pinkie Pie removed herself from Rainbow Dash’s lap, and instead sat beside her, leaning into her shoulder to help keep her a bit more stable.

She stared back at each and every one of them, her tired and slowed mind trying to think of what should be the next major thing. Idly, she fingered her chain, and as she felt the “RD” in her chain, her mind immediately flashed over to her mother -- family.

“Applejack. You said we can work together, so, it’s time we get to talkin’ -- do you even know where your brother is?” Rainbow Dash questioned. Braeburn seemed to tip his hat over his eyes at the question.

“If that stubborn nigga wanted me to know where he was, he’d tell me. He’s never ran from a fight before.” Applejack said, between gritted teeth, as her gaze set down into the table, her hat only half-covering her eyes, which seemed to slim slowly.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head in slight curiosity. “Then…?” Rainbow Dash questioned, waving her hand, motioning for Applejack to continue on.

“He’s acting tough or something. I don’t know what, or who’s scaring him, but whatever the Pirus are struggling with right now, he doesn’t want me involved. Nobody from his side is answering, and only the Death Lotus knows where he’s at now.” Applejack said, her fists tightening, as she punched the table in frustration.

Rainbow Dash smiled, before she leaned over on the table, folding her hands. Applejack watched her strangely, the confident smile feeling entirely out of place.

“You’re a Crip, Applejack. Of course you can’t find your brother if you look for him. But, you’re his little sister, are you not?” Rainbow Dash asked with a knowing smile, as she stared into Applejack’s eyes.

Applejack gave a small gasp, before turning her gaze, a small blush growing over her cheeks.

“So, if you’re family, it doesn’t matter who it is, he’s gonna come looking for the nigga that harassed you.” Rainbow Dash stated with sureness, before she pointed to herself with her thumb.

“Or, at least, that’s what I’d do.” Rainbow Dash stated, as she sat back in her seat once more, before Applejack simply grunted, folding her arms. Braeburn looked up, a small smile on his lips.

“She might know ‘Mac pretty well, huh ‘Jack?” Braeburn said half-jokingly, nudging Applejack.

“Hmph.” Applejack grunted, tipping her hat over her face, thinking.

Rainbow Dash, too, fell silent for a few seconds, before looking between Sunset, Trixie, and Starlight, and then back to Braeburn and Applejack.

Things were getting… silent…

Pinkie Pie perked up suddenly with a lively yelp.

“I think it’s best we all meet back up another day, wouldn’t you say, peeps?” Pinkie Pie suggested, seeing Rainbow Dash become more and more out of it by the minute.

Sunset Shimmer immediately studied Rainbow Dash after Pinkie Pie’s suggestion, and nodded her head, agreeing that it would be best for Rainbow Dash to be well-rested for her meeting with Twilight.

“Yeah, I’d rather not do anymore groundwork while the nest is stirred…” Sunset Shimmer stated, using two fingers to pinch her hood further down over her head, as she stood along with Starlight who had never seated herself.

Trixie, stood along with the two, fastening her hood, as well.

“Yeah, we can clique up later on, after we regroup and get some more information gathered.” Trixie agreed, preparing to leave along with her two companions, the three turning to walk off in a hurry.

Rainbow Dash turned out of her seat, and stood suddenly, though her movements were a little sloppy. “Hold up!” She yelled, rushing after the girls, stepping away from Pinkie Pie, Braeburn, and Applejack.

“So then, y’all finna pull work for the RainBooms or nah?” Rainbow Dash asked straightforwardly, before the girls could leave the scene.

Sunset Shimmer looked back over her shoulder, a small grin tugging at her lips -- she knew the question was for the other two, as she had already been the first ‘pawn’ to spearhead this operation.

However, she now knew, that much like herself, Rainbow Dash had already won these two over naturally, even if it weren’t for Twilight’s instructions up until this point to assimilate with the RainBooms.

“You said it yourself, ain’t you?” Trixie said, not looking back.

“We’re already a bit too deep, ain’t that right?” Starlight chimed in, not looking back either, as Sunset turned once more, knowing Rainbow Dash would be satisfied with the answer. The three exited the small concrete park, and quickly disappeared around the block…

Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief, and felt her motions pause entirely, as she simply stared off where the three girls left from -- she wasn’t thinking anything in particular, and her features were frozen, mouth slightly agape, just watching the direction.

Though she couldn’t place her finger on it, she felt like Sunset was supposed to get something important from her, or perhaps vice versa, however… her mind was too fuzzy to quite pinpoint it. So, she stood, frozen, in thought.

“Whoa there!” Pinkie Pie yelled, suddenly joining Rainbow Dash by her side, jolting her out of her trance.

“Spacing out now, are we?” Pinkie Pie joked, as she hugged around Rainbow Dash’s waist supportively. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you home nice and safe, Dash!” Pinkie Pie stated, looking up into Rainbow Dash’s lax eyes.

She looked over to the bench, to see Applejack and Braeburn heading off in their own direction, allegedly going home themselves.

“You did good today, Dashie! I’m proud of you!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, as the two began to make their way over to their abode, Pinkie Pie pulling the half-responsive Rainbow Dash along, twice as cautious to look out for any lurking cruisers.

Although it was slightly annoying to pull the now lackadaisical Rainbow Dash around by her waist and arm, she had to admit that she was pleased with how the day went -- Rainbow Dash had already established plenty of healthy allies.

She smiled to herself widely, humming and skipping along with the tired Rainbow Dash, her hopes bright for the future of Rainbow Dash’s ambitions. Things looked promising.

Internally, she breathed a sigh of relief -- the day was coming to an end...