It has been two weeks since the event of Rainbow Rocks. Sunset, now reformed, still has some work to do. To make up for the destruction she caused, Sunset still has to stay after school and work alongside with the construction team and other school staff member for reconstruction. As she works, however, something bizarre starts to happen. At times, others can see objects flowing around Sunset. Sunset Shimmer is cursed, according to the rumors, and would bring bad luck to the people around her. Other students would sometimes call her "witch," and some students, perhaps as revenge, would even throw food at her during lunchtime. Some teachers would avoid her, so to avoid bad luck. The girls stood by her side. Yet, over time, her 'curse' seems to spread to her friends. To keep her friends from being affected, Sunset starts to isolate herself.
I deserve it all, she thinks: It's payback.
One day after school, Vice Principal Luna summons Sunset to her office for some urgent matter.
"Vice Principle Luna," Sunset greets, still standing up: "is there anything I can do?"
"Take a seat," Luna says softly: "I am sorry for what is happening to you. I now apologize to you on behalf of our community."
"Oh, it's nothing!" Sunset replies, seating down slowly: "you are too kind, it's nothing!"
"It's quite unbecoming of how some of our students and teachers treat you," Luna says: "you deserve better."
"But..."
"Principal Celestia and I would address this issue as soon as possible, just hold on for a few more days." Luna says: "for now, would you mind telling how those rumors started?"
"I am cursed," Sunset says, avoiding eye contact with Luna: "that's all."
"You don't mean this, right?" Luna replies as a violet, humanoid figure slowly emerges behind her.
"Yes!" Sunset sits bolt upright: "Yes! Something like THAT!"
"It's called a stand," Luna explains: "It's the manifestation of your spirit. Think of it as your guardian angel."
"Wow, it's...does that everyone has one? Or is it just a few people? What does it do?" Sunset says, standing up: "would it hurt others?"
"Sunset?"
"Would it hurt me? What would happen if I am asleep?"
"Sunset."
"How am I supposed to control it?"
"Sunset," Luna interrupts: "stay calm, it won't hurt anyone, and you have complete control over it. This might take some time, so why don't we talk about this in a dream?"
"A dream?" Sunset asks: "but how?"
"Look into my eyes," Luna says: "and now let's talk."
"Wha...ha?" After moments of maintaining eye contact, Sunset finds herself at her favorite cáfe in Canterlot.
"So this is the place you'd rather be at now," Luna says, taking a seat right across Sunset: "It's really nice here, but why is everyone pony?"
"Princess Luna?" Sunset asks: "Is that you or are you Vice Principle Luna? I am so confused..."
"Vice Principle," Luna replies: "So am I a pony in your eyes? Or do I look the way I am now? For me, I look normal. But for you, things might look different."
"You look...normal," Sunset says: "yeah, of course. Anyway, how do you know about this place?"
"I don't," Luna says: "It's you who recreated this scene. I only brought you here, and the rest is up to your imagination."
"Wow...is this magic?"
"Kind of," Luna says: "Each stand possesses a special ability, and each stand varies in function. Mine stand, for example, can control dreams and even alter one's mind. My sister, on the other hand, can do a lot of things with the Sun."
"The Sun?" Sunset asks: "You don't mean..."
"Yes," Luna answers: "She can influence the Sun, including its' movements and activities. Her stand is one of the scarce and OP ones. "
"I am not surprised, somehow," Sunset answers: "So what did she do with, you know, all that power?"
"Considering how powerful the Sun is, my sister didn't do much with it," Luna says: "She once tries to create some Aurora while we were camping, and that caused some power outage in the camp. Anyway, enough about my sister. Now let's talk about you."
"Actually, " Sunset says: "I have a question: How many stand users are there?"
"It's unclear," Luna answers: "But stand users are attracted to each other. Fortunately, most stand users you might run into are likely to be benevolent."
"So what would happen if I run into a not so benevolent one? Do I have to fight against that person alone?" Sunset asks.
"Unfortunately, yes." Luna says: "While we would do everything in our power to assist other stand users, an enemy stand user would try to isolate you from others."
"So have you ever run into one yourself?"
"Yes, a few times actually," Luna replies: "but I am still here, living my life like a normal person."
"So can non-stand users seem stands?" Sunset asks: "Because I was the only talking about an orange hand while others talking about items flowing around me mysteriously."
"No, and that might be problematic at times." Luna says: "Although stands are invisible to non-stand users, their effects are still visible. In your case, I might have to alter the memories of those who witnessed your stand before they spread it further."
"That's so very kind of you, Vice Principal Luna, but is it really necessary?" Sunset asks: "I mean, others might just see it as a rumor and pass it..."
"No," Luna says: "As you can see, those rumors would result in real-life consequences. If left unchecked, some people might even try to invade your personal life because of it."
"Yeah, it's possible," Sunset says, covering her face with hooves: "Are there any other stand users in school aside from us?"
"Actually, yes. It seems like Applejack is struggling with similar issues." Luna answers.
"Applejack?" Sunset asks: "So she's the only one affected."
"I can't tell for sure," Luna says: "but her stand is strong enough to manifest itself in a stable form. Others could also be affected, but I don't know for sure."
"Oh my! I'd better talk to her!" Sunset jumps out of her chair.
"I've had a conversation with her this morning, but I do encourage you two to have a chat about this." Luna says: "So, I guess that concludes our conversation? Do you have any further questions?"
"No, I guess that's it."
"Ok then, look into my eyes."
Moments later, Sunset finds herself in Luna's office (as a human).
"Wait, what time is it now?" Sunset asks.
"It has been...less than a minute," Luna says, checking her phone: "So, any further questions?"
"No, thank you," Sunset says, standing up: "I'd better have a conversation with Applejack."
"By the way, bring a coat." Luna says: "She still needs some time to master her stand."
Author's Note
Principle Celestia
Stand Name: Chariot of the Sun
Power: A
Speed: A
Range: C
Persistence: B
Precision: A
Developmental Potential: C (complete)
Vice Principal Luna
Stand Name: Moonlight Sonata
Power: N/A
Speed: N/A
Range: A
Persistence: A
Precision: N/A
Developmental Potential: A
Sunset Shimmer
Stand Name: The Game of Life
Power: B
Speed: A
Range: C
Persistence: D
Precision: A
Developmental Potential: A
Applejack
Stand Name: Four Seasons
Power: A
Speed: A
Range: D
Persistence: A
Precision: D
Developmental Potential: D
It's a beautiful Friday afternoon amid Autumn, a perfect time for tarry around. It's about 4:30 p.m, thirty minutes after school; most students would have gone home and celebrated such a perfect day with families or friends. Sunset, however, chose to spend her time in a little corner cafe alone. The shop is open, but there are no customers other than Sunset.
"Good afternoon, ma'am," a waitress, greets Sunset: "are you ready to order?"
"Yeah," Sunset yawns: "Excuse me, wow. I'd like to have..umm...a large cup of Frappuccino with a strawberry chocolate crépe."
"Okay," the waitress gives off a cheerful smile: "Is that all?"
"Yeah, that would be it."
"Alright then!" the waitress replies: "Since you are our only customer this afternoon, you are getting a 10% discount!"
"Wait, really?"
"Really, ma'am, and since you are our only customer now, your order would be ready extra soon!"
"Wow, thank you," Sunset replies.
"Of course, call me whenever you need help." the waitress says before leaving.
"Amazing..." Sunset mumbles as she is alone now: "That's the best thing that happened to me this week."
Ten minutes later, the waitress returns with Sunset's order.
"Looks great," Sunset says, forcing a smile on her face: "Thank you!"
"Of course, call me if you need anything." the waitress says, and leaves Sunset on her own to enjoy the coffee and crépe.
Instead of digging in, Sunset pushes her dish away and stares at the table with a blank expression. Her life is strange enough. Just when things are getting better, this 'stand' thing popped out of nowhere and ruined everything. Luckily, it's not a curse. After the talk with Luna, Sunset still tries to grasp the idea of a manifestation of one's spirit, acting as a guarding angel. Perhaps talking to Applejack would ease her mind, but Sunset simply doesn't feel like having long conversations at this moment. She stares at the ceiling blankly until the sound of the doorbell brings her back to reality. It's another customer. Who could it be?
"Sunset?" the new customer calls out: "Is that you?"
"Ha?" Sunset shifts her attention away from the roof: "Oh, Rainbow Dash?"
"Sunset? What are you doing here?"
"I am about to ask you about the same thing!"
"I just need a break," Rainbow says, making her way towards Sunset's table: "Can I sit here?"
"Of course," Sunset answers, pulling her coffee and crépe back to make space for Rainbow Dash: "I thought you have soccer practice every Monday through Friday."
"Yeah, about that," Rainbow says: "I need some time off. What about you?"
"Remember that cursed thing?" Sunset replies: "I just need to figure that one out."
"I'll be there in a second!" the waitress calls out.
"Curse, ha?" Rainbow says: "Well, not to make you feel worse, but..."
"Let me guess; you are cursed as well?" Sunset says, covering her face with her hands: "Oh, Celestia..."
"What? NO! That's absolutely not what I meant!" Realizing how upset Sunset might feel, and what she just said, Rainbow tries to make it up: "I mean...ummm...I...I am upset because you didn't bother to ask us for help!"
"Don't worry, Rainbow, it's not a curse," Sunset says, face still buried in her palms: "It's basically a guardian angel who really is the materialization of your spirit. Only awesome people can have them."
"Ah...Yeah! See you are awesome! I was gonna say..." Rainbow tries to cheer Sunset up by acting like her usual self. However, seeing that her strategy doesn't work, Rainbow returns to the current, less enthusiastic self: "Sorry, I don't mean to hurt your feelings. I am just a bit concerned about myself and..."
"No, Rainbow," Sunset life her head up, putting her hands over Rainbow's hands: "I am not upset, it's fine. It's just...I don't know. It seems like everyone close to me is getting a stand."
"Really?" Rainbow asks: "Who else?"
"Well, Applejack." Sunset says: "Vice Principle Luna and I had a talk right after school, and she told about Applejack."
"Wait, Luna?" Rainbow replies: "What does she have to do with any of this?"
"Long story short, both her and Principle Celestia are experienced, stand users." Sunset answers, rolling her eyes.
"Wha...ah, I should have asked them for help then..." Rainbow says.
"Don't worry Rainbow," Sunset looks deeply into Rainbow's eyes, in an endeavor to comfort her: "It's all gonna be fine! I am here with you! We can all talk to Luna on Monday and figure something out!"
"Yeah, well," Rainbow answers, looking down at the table: "It might be a bit hard to explain, but I don't think anyone can actually help."
"How so?"
"Well, on Thursday, I get a rather nasty injury during practice. Everyone, including the coach, was there looking at the wound. And then, the wound just healed right in front of their eyes! I mean, yeah, it's great to get better faster, but not that fast!"
"Wow," Sunset says: "That must be..."
"Do you know what's worse?" Rainbow continues: "Well, before, the coach managed to get everyone back to practice. Just when I thought everything is fine, something came up and ruined my day!"
"Yes?" Sunset asks: "What is it?"
"A member of my team passed the ball to me with a relatively powerful kick," Rainbow sighs before continue: " and as the ball gets closer to me, it moves slower. Not like the slow down, you would expect on the soccer field. I am talking about a slow down like a full-on movie slow-motion type of slow down!"
"Oh, my."
"Yeah, I know. By that point, the coach just decided to call it a day and let us go. And today, everyone on my soccer team just starts to avoid me."
"Same here," Sunset responds: "not exactly the same, but you get the idea. By the way, have you talked to the others about this?"
"Yeah, about that," Rainbow says: "Rarity is probably the only one who's not affected."
"Perhaps we should talk Applejack before everyone else freaks out," Sunset says, letting go of Rainbow's hands: "Just give me a couple of minutes, I need to finish my food."
"Yeah, guess I can use a cup of decaf." Rainbow replies.
After twenty minutes of driving, Rainbow and Sunset arrive at the Apple family's farm. Yet, as soon as they get out of the car, they feel something wrong.
"Oh my," Rainbow says while rubbing her arms with her hands: "Is it just me, or does it feels like winter here?"
"Ah, this is ridiculous!" Sunset says, clutching tightly to her leather jacket: "Luna told me to bring a jacket, but I don't know it's this bad!"
"Well, too late for that, let's...WOW!" Of course, the road is slippery, just like in winter.
"So..."
"Not a word." Rainbow interrupts Sunset as her body levitates: "You see what I mean? Everything is slow motion! I want to live a normal life! Not participate in some weird slow-motion...whatever."
"I mean, you are still falling, but just very slow." Sunset says: "and by the way, what are those glitchy squire things under your body? Is that what your stand looks like?"
"What?"
"You know, the glitchy things you see on an old computer," Sunset says: "Is that what your stand looks like?"
"What are you talking about?" Rainbow asks, looking down and sees nothing: "There's nothing down here!"
"Maybe," Sunset squats down and reaches her hand towards the glitches: "They just look so out of place!"
The moment before her hand touches the glitches, Sunset's stand manifests.
"Sunset?"
"Wait! I think I can do something about it!" Sunset says, touching them with her stand. The glitches, at least some of them, disappears as Sunset activates her ability. At the same time, Rainbow starts to fall at a faster rate than before.
"I am doing it! I am doing it!" Sunset shouts with excitement.
"Well, I am falling faster than before, so..."
Unfortunately, excitement can cloud one's judgment. As she cleans up the glitches, Sunset accidentally creates bigger glitches by knocking them into each other.
"Wait, no! That's not what I meant! AH!"
"Um, Sunset," Rainbow Dash, now suspended in mid-air completely, says: "Can you stop for a moment and help me out here?"
"Yeah, sorry," Sunset says, lending Rainbow Dash a hand: "I am just a bit excited that I've finally discovered my special ability."
"It's ok," Rainbow says, carefully setting her feet on the ground with Sunset's help.
"But it seems like I need more time understanding my stand." Sunset says: "Are those glitches a result of other's stand power? Or something else?"
"So, can you see other glitches around here?" Rainbow says, rubbing her arms more rapidly: "It's freezing here!"
"No, none that I can see," Sunset responds: "Let's just go inside."
Big Mac, wearing a thick jacket while holding one for any potential guests, answered the door.
"Hhhiiii, Biiiig Maaaacccc..." Sunset says: "Dooooo youuuuu..."
"Yep." Big Mac says, hand the jacket to Sunset.
"Thank you!" Sunset says.
"Wait for me!" Rainbow says, putting on the jacket with Sunset.
"She's upstairs." Big Mac says, letting the two in.
"Thank you! Hi! Watch it!"
"Well, you watch it!"
"Ok, just...no..."
"No, just...alright, ok, good...Careful!"
"Ok, just stop for a sec, I have an idea..."
"We almost fell down the stairs!"
"Don't worry; I've got that covered..."
Big Mac watches as Sunset and Rainbow adjust themselves in the jacket while struggling to go upstairs. At this moment, the coat seems more like a get-alone-shirt.
"AJ!" Rainbow shouts, kick open the door: "You...oh."
Applejack sits on her bed with a blanket wrapped around: "Oh, hi there!"
"Applejack, you have get a hold of yourself! It's Fall, and it feels like winter here!" Sunset says.
"Ah, I know," Applejack says, letting go of the blanket: "I suppose, but after having an entire class fading because of you is not something to be taken lightly."
"Wait, an entire class?" Rainbow questions: "What class is that?"
"History, the exam was really hard. I was really annoyed by the questions, and the next thing I know, everyone's out because of excessive heat." Applejack says.
"Excessive heat?" Sunset asks.
"Yeah, that's what the school nurse said."
"It's not your fault," Rainbow says: "you couldn't control that power, it's ok!"
"Yeah!" Sunset says: "Rainbow Dash here can't even fall right."
"Sunset!"
"What? I am cheering her up!"
"Thank you, girls," Applejack replies: "I appreciate of your efforts, really. It warms my heart."
"Hi, it's getting warmer here!" Sunset says, letting go of the jacket: "You are doing it, AJ! Keep it up!"
"Is she through? I can't..." Sunset gives Rainbow a look before she finishes the sentence.
"I am not doing..."
"Yes, Applejack, it's working!" Sunset says: "Don't you see? Your emotion can affect the temperature here! Keep up the good work!"
"Y...Yeah!" Rainbow soon follows, throwing away the jacket: "It's certainly getting warmer!"
"Oh, you girls, come here and give me a big hug!" Applejack says, giving the two a group hug.
"So, feeling better?" Sunset asks
"Yep," Applejack replies: "thank you, girls, so much. Wait, sorry, it's my phone."
"Who's calling?" Rainbow asks.
"Huh, Rarity. Hopefully, she's not asking me to ba her model or..."
"Put her on speakers!" Rainbow says: "She's probably the only one unaffected!"
"Maybe," Sunset gives Rainbow a look: "It would be good to tell her what has going on in recently."
"
Author's Note
Rainbow Dash
Stand Name: Symphony No. 3
Power: A
Speed: A
Range: C
Persistence: A
Precision: C
Developmental Potential: D
Rarity
Stand Name: Golden Fleece
Power: E
Speed: A
Range: B
Persistence: A
Precision: D
Developmental Potential: B
