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