Chrome Hearts

by Vis-a-Viscera

Rating: teen
Tags: Prince Blueblood, Mystery, Science Fiction, Queen Chrysalis, Thorax, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 14279

Chrysalis, Canterlot Citadel Wedding-Crasher, has eight ponies held hostage. Sunset must butt horns with her to find them.

With Canterlot's steam-powered upgrade from the Great Innovation, Directors Celestia and Luna thought the upcoming wedding in Canterlot would dazzle everycreature around. But then the cyborg changelings came - and in their wake, the return of Equestria's formerly most prolific usurper. Can Sunset get the truth from Chrysalis in her last Canterlot case? And will she like what she finds - about Chrysalis or herself?

Pic credit goes to Underpable. Commission for PrussiAntique.

Thanks to Steel Quill, SweetBanana, and TCC56 for pre-reading/reviewing!

WARNING: Steampunk Sunset Shimmer Strongarms Sadistic Steel-Swathed Shapeshifters. Say that three times fast.

Published 2020-10-07 14:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2020-10-24 18:31:57 UTC

Initial Engagement

Glittering lights pricked at her eyes. The curls of magical lattices softly gripped her tan barrel, just as mechanically symmetrical as the world she was being pulled into. And then, with a sapphire flash, Sunset Shimmer was back in Equestria.

Welcome / Sunset Shimmer / Central Canterlot blared out of the gaps of a rust-red sign above, pips, and steam-valves connecting it to the arch of the Royal Canterlot Library’s entrance. Even now, Sunset looked at the recent mechanical add-on with wonder.

Just what made that starry gate shine so high?

“Like a diamond in the sky, isn’t it?” And back down to earth Sunset Shimmer came, with the Twilight Sparkle's’ cheery introduction. Small golden gears decorated Twilight’s horseshoes, shoulder - and outlined the edges of the magenta cloak she wore. Even Sunset had to think that the steam-fogged gateway that she trotted through was a bit much. Then again, most of this - what was the word, Great Innovation? Sunset thought - rubbed her the wrong way. Mainly it was because of how contrastingly cold its leaders had become, as compared to the warm jets of steam powering their city.

“Can we get to business, please?” she quietly asked Twilight. “I still can’t believe what was in the notice that got me here - how did we lose eight ponies in an hour?”

“I don’t know! I-” Twilight’s ears drooped. “S-sure, then. Let’s get to business.“

Sunset scolded herself for that kicked-dog look in Twilight’s eyes. She wasn’t responsible for Sunset’s suspension from this town; quite the opposite. “Twilight, look, I’m-”

“It’s fine,” Twilight said. “As long as we can find those missing ponies.” She fought down a gulp of saliva, cloying and thick in her throat. “I mean, better us than Blueblood.”

Now it was Sunset's stomach doing flips. General Blueblood. As subtle as a hoof grenade, and just as classy, despite the posh jackets he wore. And if she didn’t fish out the location of eight kidnapped ponies, the stallion who’d be allowed to wreak marital law to find them out.

“Gonna guess Celestia didn’t want to stop him?”

“That’s not fair Sunset, Cele-”

“Right. My apologies.” Sunset took several calming breaths. “Missing ponies are still the same ones, right? No one of them escaped? Reported back to you?... got discovered?”

“No, thankfully.” Twilight rattled off the names. “Still the original eight. Canterlot Times reporter Moondancer. Former head of Medics In A Minute, Minuette. Voting Block Whip Fancy Pants. Minister of Financial Divisions, Fleur De Lis. Manager of Cosmetics, Hoity Toity. Manager of Agriculture, Whoa Nelly. Co-Director Luna. And…” Twilight’s voice hitched. “Head of the Great Innovation Relocation Committee… my dad, Night Light.”

Sunset was silent as she went in step behind Twilight. “Any connections between them and Chrysalis?”

“Actually… all except Dad,” Twilight said. “Each of them had incidents involving her in the past - finding out the depths of those disputes is your first goal.”

“On that subject; how did the last round of talks go, before I got called in?”

“The usual: Celestia wants to do one thing, Blueblood wants the other, I won the tiebreaker.” Both ponies paced out to the sky canopy leading to the interrogation room. “So, enjoy the sight Sunset, before war chariots fill it in six hours.”

Despite the immediacy of the situation, Sunset still marveled at the beautiful sight. The bleached marble and bronze of the city that afternoon sun shone over provided a wonderful panorama. Every now and again, a pegasus shot across the orange canvas, one of the new metal wagons being pulled in tow. Thanks to the metallic struts and supports latched to their pumping wings, the tasks were completed with amazing ease.

Yet this queen had a resounding impact on this steam-run capital in the last few hours, and the results showed below the skyline. Several places were closed off with cocoons of yellow and black tape, like band-aids over the facades’ wounds. Piles of scrap littered the streets; drones that couldn't get away from the stampedes of fleeing or furious Canterlotians. Even Sapphire Shores’ studio - a popular hotspot in this town, famous for its impeccability in the worst of the storms and protests following the Innovation - was missing its sign and windows.

“Thank you again for answering my call, Sunset.” Twilight whistled as both mares turned back into the winding chambers of bronze. “I don’t know who could be so opposed to… all of this… that they’d take my sister-in-law’s face… my freedom then… my dad’s freedom now…”

“I’m... sure I can find out.” Sunset replied, wracked with guilt herself, still unsure if it was the queen or herself she was talking about. Holding Twilight close to her as she let out a few rare sobs, Sunset waited for the ambassador to calm down before continuing. “Which room is Chrysalis in now?”

“That… cyberling…” The word fell from Twilight's lips much like the word tapeworm would have. “Is in room 277. We only need the location of the ponies from her.”

“And no one else could get the… cyberling to crack?” Even the newfound word for this new species - cyberling - felt weird on Sunset’s tongue. At one end advanced and dangerous, at the other, present and inviting. How do they eat? Change their forms? Communicate en masse, considering the mass air attack they’d unleashed here?

“We’re throwing everything at the wall at this point,” Twilight nodded. “Mainly to stop Co-Director Celestia from climbing them. Or Blueblood from storming them.”

Sunset shuddered. “Right.” They continued their slow march. “I’m curious why Shining isn’t doing this. Luna knows-'' At Twilight’s wincing at the Co-Director’s namedrop, Sunset switched gears. “Sorry - Faust knows your brother'd like a piece of Chrysalis, if not two dozen.”

“Which is why he’s not.” Twilight pointed out. Her eyes traveled to the same spot Sunset’s did, a twinkling patch of gold proudly stamped on the front of her robe. That star-shaped badge had Sunset Shimmer / Junior Investigator, CCPD imprinted on it.“Besides, you’re a fresh face in this. It could easily throw the queen off.”

Sunset couldn’t help the sigh that spilled from her lips. “Does help that the city’s spent the last two months hyping me up as the ‘Savager of Canterlot HIgh’.”

“I had nothing to do with that-”

“Or with stopping that sham trial that booted me over the mirror in the first place.” Sunset said. “Look, Twilight, I’m happy to be back, the Innovation looks great and I’ll happily get those ponies back, but let’s not pretend that-”

Twilight swiftly cut Sunset off. “Alright. Fine. I’m doing this to make up for a mistake, okay?! But... I never meant for this breakdown to happen.”

“And that’s exactly it, Twilight! I can’t be mad at you! I shouldn’t even want to be - you’re the one who saved me from wrecking Canterlot High over my gripes!” Sunset said, her voice thankfully not going past the soundproofed door between them. “But I… god, Twilight, I’d never been so scared in my life, being ripped from all this! I just…” Then her voice started cracking. “I just wanted to be like the Co-Directors. Was that so bad?”

“... No. No it wasn’t,” Twilight admitted. “And I know what you wanted to say before; that Co-Director Luna did far worse and still became Co-Director when she recovered. I’ve… come to my own opinions on that.”

Sunset didn’t move.

“But taking an Element - my Element - wasn’t the way.”

“Well, it seems ‘the way’ is stepping on more hooves than mine.” Sunset’s hoof aimed at a broken section of wall in the castle hall. Water from a busted pipe still guttered over the warped metal. “Really, I don’t know if I’m gonna be enough - and not just during this case, either.”

“I know, Sunset.” Twilight’s head shook as she turned to the busted wall and stopped the waterflow at last with her horn. “I can get over the hurdles - Canterlot’s and yours. I just need time to make the most of my options. Like you’ve gotta.”

Sunset turned to the clock over the circular door before her. It read It read 4:01 - just under six hours before Blueblood’s marital law went into effect. Her fur bristled at the thought. “Yeah. Don’t worry, ‘Suspect Shimmer’s’ got this.”

Twilight laughed at the name with Sunset - then paled as her eyes locked on the poster that’d likely reminded the inspector unicorn of it. It was nailed to the right of the door and hidden in shadow. “I thought I told everypony to take those down,“ Twilight hissed, the offending picture soon lost in a flurry of red flames.

“Can’t be helped.” Sunset threw back her mane, then tapped at the combination lock wrapped around the door like a giant silver earring. “I’m going in.”

Just as she was about to tap out the last number, Twilight patted her on the back. “Don’t worry. I’ve linked your horn to my phone; call me if things get too hot. I’ll be back the second I make sure that the pots in my observatory are properly arranged.”

“Wait. Pots.”

“Yes.”

Sunset’s eyebrows rose. “Pots.” she pronounced.

“I swear it’s important to the case.” Twilight's voice was so steely on this that Sunset nodded, despite herself. “I had to dig through three Old Ponish books to find what I needed when the first ways of finding the ponies failed. So yes. Pots.”

“I’ll hold you to that, then.”

“Same. And Sunset…” Twilight’s eyes shot to the floor. “I didn’t want to see you go. Especially seeing what your time in Canterlot High made you. I’m… sorry.”

Sunset slowly nodded. “I know, Twilight.” Yet she stiffly pushed past the hug Twilight offered to her, consigning herself to the interrogation room’s lobby. Sunset didn’t let anypony close to her often. Probably why she’d been called in for this. “Clock me in.”

Sunset couldn’t help but show one last watery smile to the grateful Twilight. Canterlot City itself felt a mile away from her as the door was sealed shut with a resounding WHAM. Now was just her… and the Queen of the Cyberlings.

Sunset’s jaw worked. Nope, the word was still uncomfortable in her head. And as she moved inside to grill her new ‘best friend’ for the next six hours, that trepidation grew.

Even on the other side of this interrogation room, Sunset was constantly surprised by it. Looming bronze walls thrummed with white steam pipes, keeping it just the slightest bit uncomfortable. Of course, the being staring at Sunset was facing more discomfort than just the hot air.

Sleek black metal sloped out into four spindly limbs, each lassoed to metal rings in the floor by crisscrossed chains and horseshoe clamps. Two fork-like extensions jutted form the walls to this creature’s head, their buzzling blue a contrast to her sickly green eyes. Even her serrated wings are roped to her sides by strong metal bands, the jewels at its top pulsing at the same temp as the flicker in Chrysalis's eyes.

“Looks uncomfortable, Queen.”

“Understatement.” Chrysalis’s head moved up, Sunset suddenly bathed in lime-like light. Two metal mandibles clicked, one nearly dangling off its hinge. “Speaking from experience, Sunset?”

Sunset bristled, but only for a second. Her exile from Canterlot City was the worst kept secret, after all. Moreso here, where she needed to present as an outsider to an outsider. But back in the grind as a Canterlot City P.I. Sunset was realizing again what really upset her the most. It wasn’t the machine in front of her. It was the impersonality this gleaming city so quickly reverted to at the first sign of trouble.

Sunset cleared her through, the cough racing around the room like quicksilver. Showtime. “Please state your name for this interview,” she demanded.

A raspy chuckle greeted her, echoing and derisive. “I’m afraid I don’t know what clutch of numbers your dear Co-Directors gave me.” Chrysalis strained feebly in her bonds. “Or do you mean the one your vanished ponies mewl out in their sleep?”

“I mean your actual name.” Sunset leaned back in her unforgiving seat. “And I’ll thank the cyberling one speaker-call away from being slag to keep her answers on topic.”

“Ah.” The queen shifted uncomfortably. “For some reason, that slipped my servos. My name is Queen Chrysalis.”

Sunset’s eyes went to the badge showing her name on her chest, to keep Chrysalis from noticing the tremble in her hooves.

“And you know why you’re here, correct, Chrysalis?”

Chrysalis’s green lamplight eyes narrowed in spite. “Because your wretched dire-”

“On. Topic.”

“... Committing abduction. Impersonation of Vice Director Cadance. An illegal attempt to expel Ponyville Ambassador Twilight Sparkle. Conspiracy to overthrow Equestrian leadership.” Chrysalis’s jaw curled wickedly. “And the unprecedented one: battery of a co-Director.”

Sunset sucked in a breath. “I’m pretty sure it’s not unprecedented-”

“It’s a charge not accompanied by the term ‘attempted’ since Solar Year 1.” Chrysalis leaned forward further, the clanking of her steel bonds sending daggers into Sunset’s ears. “When Co-Director Luna was banished afterward.”

Sunset rolled her eyes. That was Chrysalis; truthful to a fault. In all areas but one, it seemed. “I know the history of the Nightmare Moon, yes.”

“Oh. My apologies.” Chrysalis said. “I figured you’d be receptive to hearing about the pony who booted you to another dimension being... fallible.”

“Who says I didn’t know that, Chrysalis?”

“Now there’s the impudent little firebrand I’ve heard about.” Chrysalis’s steel-laced smile grew. “It must hurt to see your reason for living go up in smoke because of that Ambassador. How many times you thought you’d win, only to find yourself burning in that goody-four-hooves’ purple light.”

On the inside, Sunset was smiling. Already Chrysalis’s pose was relaxed, her tinny words as free-flowing as a leaky faucet. Setting the mood was always the first step to placating a suspect. “Difference is, Chrysalis.... ” she continued. “My issues with Twilight stayed with Twilight; not her sister-to-be.”

“Oh yes, the wonderful tales I’ve heard of that Vice Director of Morale and Goodwill.” The sarcasm pouring off Chrysalis’s words could have flooded the room in seconds. “She even kept gaping when I showed my true form to her. No pitterings about Shining, or how a cyberling could reek of him.”

Sunset tented her for hooves on the table. Cadance and Shining’s openness in their marriage: the second worst kept secret in Canterlot City. Even Sunset knew it was because of how much faith they held in their bonds.

And a week ago, they were about to commit to one another and prove it..

“Just ‘Oh, what big teeth you have,’ from her. Like it’s a fairytale.” Chrysalis spat.

“Don’t recall Night Light, Moon Dancer and Fleur de Lis being part of that fairytale, Chrysalis.” Sunset pointed out. “Yet they got taken all the same.”

“Because unlike them, I think of others beyond myself.” Chrysalis said. “Specifically those that their mistakes created. Spurned. Neglected.” Chrysalis’ head swayed like a snake, the rivets in her neck and cheeks fluttering as she grinned. “Until I set in.”

Sunset’s sight fog fogged the glass wall between them. “Look, Chrysalis. I’d rather not see your story end before anypony even figured out what happened to you-”

“Humor now, Inspector Sunset? Goodness, that boarding school did you no favors.” Chrysalis tittered. “At least, not while your coat was yellow instead of red.”

“Because I saw the error of my ways.” Sunset shot back. “Like you still can, Chrysalis. If you tell us where those missing ponies are.”

“For that to happen there'd have to be an error and- ” The cyberling suddenly stiffened up. Sunset stood up from her seat, her glowing horn for an attack - just in case Chrysalis found a way past that magical glass.

But apparently it was less aggressive than it looked, as number strings soon swam over Chrysalis’s blank eyes. “<SYSTEM SCANNING. SCANNING.100% COMPLETION. NO VIRUSES DETECTED> -” Then the blocky green irises set over Chrysalis' eyes once more. “See? Nothing bad on my end.”

Sunset slumped back in her seat as she relaxed a fraction. “Cute party trick, Chrysalis. You do know we’ve got eight pony teams combing the city for them, right?”

“And the second they get within thirty meters, as I recall yelling out to the guards who stuffed me here… then everything goes dark for those eight. Both teams and hostages.” Chrysalis’s eye-glow became even harsher. “You can ask your Director of Morale and her new husband how well I follow through on threats.”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “I’ll take your word for it.” And not mention how you didn’t dispute or laugh at the location I mentioned. That’s progress. “It almost sounds like you’re trying to demand something.”

“Even if I wanted it from the Directors - which I don’t - I guarantee you they won’t deliver, child.”

“Yes, you still want something from Canterlot City.”

A tinny chuckle answered Sunset’s words. “It’s delivered me plenty. Frankly we should be asking what it is you want from this city.”

“I’m asking the questions here,” snarled Sunset.

“Yes, and quite poorly.” Chrysalis snapped. “Because that leverage you pretend to? Your offerings? Your knowledge of what it is I labored under for several years before I even graced this chrome-plated cesspit with my presence? Well; ”

As Chrysalis's droning - and taunting - alert rang in her ears, Sunset found that Chrysalis wasn’t entirely untruthful. ‘No negotiation with ‘nappers’ - the first of the signs that’d bracket the back end of the door she’d come through - left scarce few avenues for goading a secret out of her.

What the cyberling didn’t know, though, would hurt her. Sunset had fully prepared for this, and was smiling on the inside as she spoke. “You know, I never could stand how stupid those rules were for talks like this, myself.”

Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed. “Oh?”

“Absolutely! I haven’t even been given a psych profile on you since I stepped hoof here.” Sunset half-lied. After all, she didn’t say where she’d gotten the profile from. And Canterlot High’s computer banks had given her several helpful pointers to Chrysalis's affliction from them. Three particular letters stood out to the unicorn - N.P.D., narcissistic personality disorder- and Sunset was counting on that to get her first clues. “Hardly a surprise that you could slip past them.”

And as Chrysalis’s swooped up in triumph, so did Sunset’s inner pony. “Really - it’s amazing what one brat visiting a sister in Ponyville can let me accomplish.”

Settling back in her chair, Sunset let Chrysalis dig her hole with her tongue.

Five Days Ago

“Goodness, Commander Shining! If you don’t focus, you’ll look like a foal at the wedding.”

‘Shining Armor’ nodded, focusing on the coordinator’s face again. Luckily, that same coordinator had accredited every tell he’d given to wedding jitters - and the gritting of his teeth during the vow recitals to fear instead of overwhelming anger.

“I thought we were talking about venues, Miss Inkwell?” ‘Shining’ asked.

“Oh, that too!” Raven Inkwell summoned up a notepad. “Good news though. You asked me to check on them; so far, nopony‘s breached us. Cadance should be fine: I’ll make sure to give you the next before we break for today.”

“Good.” Exactly what he was here for - he just had to power through the rest of this session.

“We also decided that it’d have to be somewhere in the city, anyway. All the better to shield from those cyberling sightings as of late.”

“Right. And you said that Spike would deliver the ring?”

“Yeah. I tried to bring this up with Twilight, though, but she won't hear a word against it.” Inkwell chewed her lip. “Seriously, I like Spike too, but that’s a whole new series of DNA inserts we had to fo for him! It was already a nightmare for the shield!”

“Indeed. Who knows what scoundrels could get in...” ‘Shining’ added.

Inkwell passed her pad to ‘Shining’. hoof “Right, you get it!” Her brow creased. “But since you’re here to stay... I could get Cadance and sign off on a location right now.”

‘Shining’s’ eyes shot open. “No, that won’t be-”

“Least I can do, Shining. I’m sure she’d love to floss this out with you - she was worried to death that something happened to you when you visited Twilight.”

‘Shining’ couldn’t help but grimace as his horn lit up. Written words twisted and twirled into a new shape, as he handed the pad to Inkwell again. “Or you can show this to Cadance and tell me how fast it’d blow her mane back.”

As Inkwell stopped to look over the shown picture, her eyes widened. “Oh, wow! The Sapphire Shores Studio! Ingenious plan, Shining! It’s already covered with detection charms, and they'd love the opportunity to officiate!” Raven’s eyebrows raised. ”Though…”

At least she isn’t talking about bringing Cadance here, thought ‘Shining’. “Yes?”

“Well…. It’s about one of the new buildings we had to make after the Great Innovation.“ Inkwell noted. “Is that right to remember how much refuse we had to ship out of the city to get it this steam-powered? Was controversial and all.”

“... controversial?” The effort ‘Shining’ exerted to not scream a ‘JUST?!’ before that was Ironhoofian.

“Yeah.” Raven’s grin was back. “But I’ve gotta admit, Commander. Anything that culminates in ponies as lucky as you two coming together? It’s pushing me toward the ‘worth it’ column.”

~~~

Inspector Sunset pondered the latest scene that had (literally) played out in Chrysalis’s eyes. Blinking to clear out the spots in her own eyes, the inspector thought of the castle itself as a possible hiding spot. Chrysalis did know the ways around, it was emptier with the City Guard on the streets looking elsewhere, and it would fit with the haughty nature of Chrysalis’s schemes.

“And no, dearie; they’re not inside this palace.” Sunset barely kept her eyes from bugging out. Anger at having entertained a thought so trite that Chrysalis could call it out ran through her like lava. “Much as I’d love the thought of being ‘right under their snouts’, remarkably little stays secret here long. As I’m sure Twilight could tell you.”

“Yeah, from her finding you out the fastest.” Which means it’d never be anywhere a magical detector spell could touch, either - otherwise Twilight would have them by now. Unless….

Sunset shook her head again. The thought was impossible. Twilight was ingenious, but her fixation with the pots was clearly a stress-relief exercise. Nothing around that could break a fissure in this case.

“By the by, Inspector; can you please trouble me with another sero-drip?”

Sunset’s ears quipped up that. ”A sero-drip? To get you your freedom?” she drawled.

“From the ravages of hunger, yes.” Chrysalis maw hung open slightly, allowing Sunset to see the strings of green coolant leaking from her metal maw. “Much as I loved my midnight trips to the morgue, I’m not too picky of where I get serotonin now.”

Sunset nodded, finally understanding. Apparently, a cyberling drew sustenance from serotonin - in the horns of unicorns, considering Chrysalis’s trip to the - wait, the morgue?!

That thought made Sunset shiver in her seat. Of course that place would be a unicorn horn treasure trove. And all because of one stupid, draconian law.

“My thanks, by the way. For remaining the only city in Equestria-One to rip the horns convicted unicorns.” Chrysalis chuckled. "It seems it's Canterlot City's habit to make trash of treasure."

Sunset pursed her lips as another thought crossed her mind. Maybe this was another way in. Another crack in Chrysalis's sleek black armor. “Tell me about me about how you even got close enough to Luna to subdue her, and I’ll consider it.” Maybe that method could be a clue to look for in the search. She’d have to speak to Twilight about it later.

Slowly, her horn blinked out the symbol she knew Twilight would see at her house. Three blinks, for thirty minutes. Sunset felt she’d have another story time to labor through before the break.

How this one started, though, would send an icy spike through Sunset’s burning heart. “Oh, Inspector…” Chrysalis laughed, just before her projector-eyes lit up. “What makes you think I subdued Luna?”

Starboard Scattershots

“Really, Sunset,” Chrysalis said as she leaned in her restraints. “I think you’ll like the tale of how I got the Co-Director in my hooves. Especially considering how fervently you fight for them.”

Inspector Sunset could only watch as Chrysalis rolled the projection.

Six Hours Ago

Now, the sickly green of Chrysalis’s true eyes illuminated the darkened corridors she was racing through. Angrily tapping at a spot at the base of her horn, she was not rewarded with a change to her outside look.

“Fine, I'll just have to leave with the last patrol.” Chrysalis’s voice reflected the damage she’d suffered, flickering as dangerously as the light in her eyes. “Damn you Shining! Slamming that EMP on me with Cadance, after I did with you! Have you no shame?!”

Bursting through another bronzed double-door, she found that the entrance let into a craggy rock. She’d reached the caves at last, and the strobe lights ringing its ceiling in expanding circles let her shut off her energy-consuming night vision at last.

Several further pacings later and she’d reached its center chamber, the end of the chamber left with several metal egg shells. Two of them were burst open, leaking their green fluid into the dirt-pitted floor.

However it was the three similar cyberlings at the center that got her attention. “Are the last of the hostages with us?”

The tallest of the drones in front of Chrysalis - with long sweeping antler horns and a sea-green in his eyes - stepped back. Behind him, the crumpled form of a dark-blue unicorn stallion was being loaded into another egg.

“Night Light is subdued.” the drone replied. “And I assume this is to keep Twilight from coming after us.”

“She will do so regardless, Thorax,” Chrysalis said. “Unless she has a reason to do otherwise, which I'll provide. Operation Seven-Fathom Sweep will go as planned. I will stay on to keep them from following. Stand down from your self-destructs only when I am among you again.”

“Yes, But if not to deter the Ambassador's chase, what is he needed for?” Thorax pointed out. “The others were sufficiently guilty in their actions. The one called Night Light is only an accountant.”

Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed as the last flap of metal closed over Night Light, shielding him from the holes her eyes were burning in him. Figuratively, anyways. "You’ll see for yourself through analysis of this town. Nopony here is ever ‘just only’ anything. See your calibrations do not overwrite that fact.

Thorax’s pose stiffened. “Yes, my queen,” he said, bowing to her. “But the talk of calibrations has not been ignored. I have done my own once-overs of you, to see if I can help repair your damaged state. And I have found an anomaly.”

“Continue.” Chrysalis said after a short spell. “And hope it is one I have not noticed already.”

“Hope is a pony’s fallacy, Queen. You have said as much.” Thorax’s eyes shone bright as he looked over the path behind the cyberling. “89% of the power generators and magic-batteries within this 20 meter radius of the Castle’s center are still grounded, and several of her detector systems - as well as the transformer tech - is still rebooting.”

“Correct.”

“Yet this room’s light is still powered.”

“Was it not when I got here?” Chrysalis said. “I had assumed it was from a backup generator.”

“By your calculation, those take 17 minutes to charge up with magic.” “It is only eleven minutes since the first signs of the EMP.” Thorax’s head started scanning the reset of the room. “And it started lighting when you arrived. “There is a 99.7% chance it is being done manually. By a unicorn likely in this room.”

“One apparently powerful enough to evade your scans, yet hasn’t struck yet.” Chrysalis’s eyes started narrowing. “And I’ve deduced who that pony is. Sonar-proof your planting, everydrone.”

The hum of several glowing blue shields for the three drones let Chrysalis know it was time to act. She craned back her head to let out a powerful screech. Then yelped as a midnight-blue hoof closed over it.

“Hold, cyberling queen. There is no need to raise your voice.” The rest of the invisible screening faded away in a flash of indigo, revealing Co-Director Luna herself. Even in the strong ceiling lights, her body swallowed up enough of it to stand out prominently. The overcoat and spiked robe she wore let her cut an even more impressive figure. “And I mean you no harm.”

“That makes one of us,” Chrysalis said. Her sparking horn, however, did not intensify its glow. “Now state your business.”

Luna courteously nodded. “What it has always been, Chrysalis.” she stated, her voice warm and level. “The welfare of those under my care. Especially the one in that egg of yours over there.”

“What does the Co-Director care for him? Have you found comfort in his bed, like Fleur?”

“No.” Luna flatly shot back. “But his concussion means that he may not awaken from any sleep he undergoes. I have kept it at bay, but I think there may be others in your… new hideaway that may have injuries.“

“And you’re preparing to fight me for them?” Chrysalis cackled. “How gutless.”

“Because thou think this to be my suicide mission, yes?” Luna’s eyes narrowed. “Well it is not because I am not fighting you. That these caves are too unstable to support such a fight is but the second biggest reason for it.”

“And what is the first?”

Luna took a deep breath. “I… have done so much to so many ponies here, even before we knew of those like you. I have locked horns with my sister. With my fellow ponies. I have fashioned wards against them, used even now. I fear even now they’re about to succumb to the madness I did about those who do not think as I do.” A dry gulp accompanied the alicorn’s words. “But since I have returned from my exile, I have changed.”

“In what way?” Thorax asked. Even Chrysalis turned to him in bewilderment.

Luna’s eyes mournfully turned onto him, before continuing. “I have faced and repented for my abuses. At that same time, though, I have seen the potential for those abuses that thine own - including my sister’s soldiers, who would see you all scrapped like the other cyberlings just outside.

And while I cannot stand it back while my fellow ponies are stolen away, I also do not wish to see your extinction from another’s excesses. Especially when I fear excess is what has caused you all to be.” Luna went eye-to-eye with Chrysalis again. “So I offer you a choice. Either you bring them to me - or you bring me to them, as another hostage.”

“You’re…. offering yourself?” Thorax’s eyebrows rose. “Even after all we’ve done?”

“Loss of life is no object on my end. And it will keep Night Light alive.” Luna pointed out. “I’m sure you can see how the equation works out for all of us, cyberling?”

“This is a trick!” Chrysalis roared. “Why would you ever lower--why would you ever sully your hooves for our sake?”

“To ensure the hostages’ safety - and my sister’s leniency.” A bang resounded from the door several meters behind them. “It will also be the only way you will leave here alive. I… can only assume your preferences are not like the propaganda Blueblood has fashioned about you.”

Chrysalis’s jaw worked furiously, eyes zigzagging between the Co-Director and the increasingly bowing door. “I want this in writing. They don’t kill me, I don’t kill you.”

“I assure you. I will not resist.” Luna said, summoning three straps of leather in front her. “You can even say you bested me, to keep Shining from throwing about spells.” The second her horn’s glow faded, the three strips of fabric wound over her eyes and a pair of her limbs each. “Believe in my honesty, or Shining’s mercy. Reality will soon make the choice if you will not.”

Chrysalis stared caringly toward her kin, the egg containing Night Light balanced between their backs, waiting on her word. Matronly care and malicious spite battled in her mind, a thousand synapse and logic patterns crisscrossing. Finally, she made her decision.

“Leave us.” To the departing Luna, Chrysalis’s last words were icy as the grave. “And I hope whoever they assign to probe me is as observant as you. Ten hours, co-director. Tick. Tock.”

Sunset’s teeth ground together. So much had revealed itself before her. The castle was right over those crystal caves; perfect for hiding captives. And the first place the Canterlot forces looked for the hostages, only to find Chrysalis. Well, her and a missive from Luna confirming there were seven other vanished ponies like her that could die if Chrysalis did.

“So that’s what this is all about? The town wronging you? This Great Innovation? Because I never thought a machine would be so opposed to mechanical advancement.” The second those words left her lips, Sunset’s stomach rolled - she had her own deep-seated issues with this Innovation, too.

“Ye I have been defamed, exiled and hunted by this shining city in a hill nonetheless.” Chrysalis snorted. “And there were many hooves involved in the making of those mistakes.”

Was that disappointment lacing Chrysalis's voice? Over what? Sunset thought. And what is this about ‘mistake-

Then Sunset’s Friendship Express of Thought suddenly returned to that to that poster at the right of this interrogation room. The new reminder of 'Savager' Sunset. Canterlot Shut Down One Mistake. Join the Guard / And Stop The Rest was splashed across the top of it.

“I’d find it hard for them to ignore you now.” Sunset got out through a gate of gritted teeth. “Giving Canterlot back their lost ponies would show you’re not what the posters say you are.”

You or Chrysalis? Her inner pony asked.

Chrysalis snorted again. Flecks of coolant fizzled away on the glass. “They only learn through pain, not placation.”

“And your kind will only survive though friendly acts, not suicide pacts.”

“But since you want to have an asking price I’ll oblige you.” Chrysalis leaned back in her seat “I want a facility dedicated to making more of us - on purpose, this time. Then I want it to bring me new drones for my hive- ten for every one of my children they’re desecrated by lining their filthy streets with the insides of. Like they lined their pockets off of trashing my kind.”

Again, Sunset’s brain brought back that sight outside. But then she remembered that not all the damage was done to the cyberlings, and her jaw worked furiously.

“And then, since ponies kinda need their failures rubbed in their face to do anything about solving them, I want my face -and title- given the full VIP treatment they deserve. Plaster my face on everything. Drink cups. Knives. Chariots - not Celestia’s, that one smells of syrup - I want to be able to traipse down these streets and see the posters for Queen of Cyberlings: The Movie. A New Breed of Hero - look, I’m even doing promos for you, Inspector!”

Sunset glowered, but she stored all this in her memories. She’d had her eureka moment - actual demands. Enough to at least take to the Princess. Of course, the ad-libs wouldn’t be included.

“And I want Co-Director Celestia to agree to them. In word and writing. Right after her apology to me.”

Sunset’s neck stiffened. “For. What.”

Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed, a mocking mirror of Sunset’s own. “For your dear Co-Director’s ignorance and her unfitness. For her pathological habit of building up others in her image, then destroying them in her name.” Green eyes blinkered tellingly in Sunset’s direction. “For refusing to denounce the evils of truth and love - in fact, to claim them for her fellow alicorns! Right before siccing her past victims on her current ones in Sundowner security-laden rooms!”

Sunset could have laughed. Victims. Indeed. Eight million bits in damages, the near-ruination of a royal wedding, and Chrysalis still thought of herself as a victim.

Wait.

Sundowner security?

“But in closing, because Celestia’s the biggest bully I’ve ever seen walking.” Chrysalis’s eyes flared maliciously. “And I will have her agree to this before I tell her a single thing, and she will li-”

Sunset’s eyes shot up in horrified realization, but not from Chrysalis's threat. It was from a previous slip of Chrysalis's literally silver tongue. “What exactly are the Sundowner security systems?”

Chrysalis’s smirk should have told Sunset the reason for her discontent before. But all she could focus on were her words. “Oh, you don’t know? In addition to charms keeping me from transforming, commanding machinery, or relieving myself without an observer, they made other wards.” Her eyes crept to the door behind Sunset. “Like the ones in this room.”

Sunset’s eyes shot over to the door, the red in her cheeks as vivid as the focus on the anti-succubus charms lining the inside of the doorframe.No wonder she hadn’t noticed it when she was entering! The royals probably placed them there so she’d think it was innocuous!

However, Sunset’s composure saved her, and so did her remembrance of a way to save face. “You… know what, Chrysalis. I will get you that serotonin right now.” Standing up from her seat, Sunset stiffly nodded. “You’ve been quite illuminating.”

Sunset’s horn glowed bright purple, then stopped. Realizing that Twilight was sending up her calling card, her grin turned rictal. It actually made Chrysalis’s smile vanish for a second.

Twilight’s here, thought Sunset. Time for some more fact-finding.

Chrysalis was of a different mindset as Sunset stepped out from the room, as the whirring tumblers and sudden frosting of the magic glass soon shrouded the pony visually and audibly. My my my, her mind typed out. It seems dear Sunset’s found her own rabbit hole to go down. Mulling over her next avenue of attack, Chrysalis awaited her life-sustenance- and the possible self-destruction of Sunset’s faith in Equestria-One. Well, it only took a push to get her going. Just like gravity.

Metallic mandibles clicked licentiously at the thought of Sunset possibly joining her crusade against Canterlot City.

And much like my hive… there’s always room for one more.

Sunset almost ran through Twilight as they met on the balcony overlooking Canterlot again. The sun hung low in the skyline behind them, but the dark clouds hadn’t captured it yet.

“Please tell me you found Da -the hostages, tell me you found the hostages!” Twilight begged.

“Forget the hostages, Ambassador. explain the hex.”

Twilight paled. “...oh Faust, tell me somepony didn’t.”

Sunset, seeing the genuine alarm blaring behind Twilight’s eyes ,relaxed a fraction. She wasn’t the one who’d done that. Still, her heart longed to vent after so long being prodded by Chrysalis. “They know I’m not a succubus anymore, right?! Who’d do this, just to unnerve me?”

““I swear Sunset, that scare tactic was supposed to be over and through! Shining even backed me up - made a decree that any Guard that did that’d be canned!”

“Well, we’re short one factory then, because apparently that stupid charm is still there!” Sunset yelled.

Twilight shook her head, purple and pink waves of hair flying around her. “I don’t know! They know you’d come out about this, they know we’d probably speak, the only thing this would do was throw you off the case! The only pony who wouldn’t would be-!” Then Twilight's eyes widened, apparently coming to a critical conclusion all her lonesome. “Oh, no. Hide!”

Before Sunset could ask why, Twilight’s horn lit up, Sunset turning translucent just as the door leading to the balcony swung open. And out strutted Prince Blueblood, his steely blue eyes ricocheted around every nook and cranny. Behind him were two Royal Guards, the glint from their silver armor turned golden by the sun.

“Good afternoon, Ambassador.” His tone was clipped, almost too deep from the exhaustion lacing it. “I trust everypony is where they need to be?”

“Making the last rounds myself, Prince.”

“Oh no need for that, Miss Sparkle. Call me Blue!” Yet Twilight’s pose didn’t get any less rigid. Neither did Sunset’s invisible as she was. The oiliness in Blueblood’s tone now could power the city for a year. “Goodness, Canterlot cries for our help! I mean, you’ve heard about Aunt Celestia’s current mood, yes?”

“Yes.” Twilight slowly admitted. “She’s concerned about his sister. As am I.” Twilight swallowed back a breath that Sunset swore had a curse lying behind it. “And you know she wouldn’t want you doing what you ‘hate to’ in order to save her.”

“My dear, at this rate, I’m afraid I’ll be avenging her soon.” Blueblood tapped at his bottom lip thoughtfully. “But I must admit - I thought you’d be in my camp over this. After all, Chrysalis, beyond Cadance, did the most damage to you. Turning your brother on you for a spell, distancing you from your friends - how is Dash by the way?”

“In Cloudsdale Citadel. Helping the ‘Bolts, in case there’s a drone there looking to play copycat.”

“And I know of Fluttershy joining Applejack in securing your adopted town. That is quite quaint of her! Quick thinking too.” Blueblood’s eyes misted over a second before he went on. “How about that wonderfully… jest-happy Pinkie?”

“Cupcake basket she shipped today was baked to perfection. Strawberry for tonight. She said I’d need the energy.“ Thankfully, Twilight couldn’t see Sunset mouth out to not smack Blueblood off this sky-ledge?

“I see. Well then…” Blueblood’s brow creased. “My best wishes to them all. I only regret I wasn't there to tell them the good news. But I assume you can get it to them?”

“What is it?”

“Well, I assume Sunset’s still in that blasted room trying to squeeze blood from a stone.” The word Sunset passed his lips with venom. “But she need not trouble us-nay, herself, with her issues. Because Celestia just told me; unless we’ve a location on those ponies within the hour, she’s letting me lockdown the critical parts of town.“

“W-what? We had six hours!” Twilight bellowed. She had to struggle to keep the soft light of her horn low - both to keep from overexerting and revealing Sunset, and to keep from accidentally frying her own mane.

“No, my poor dear; Shining gave you six hours.” Blueblood corrected. “Cadance needs him in for Director patrol now - it seems his stand-in got the day off to pursue some personal issues. Surely you wouldn’t begrudge a stallion seeking some comfort in these troubling times, right?”

“You gave Spearhead’s Rarity’s address, didn’t you?” Twilight’s voice was low now. “You knew he’s smitten over Rarity!”

“Now now, Twilight - no need to have Canterlot City seeing their leaders argue.“ Blueblood held up a forehoof. “Especially since insubordination during a city alert comes with loss of titles.”

“Really, Blueblood? You’re quoting books to me?” Twilight retorted. Sunset actually smiled at the way Blueblood’s cheeks lit up. “Besides, there’s no way my brother would leave you in charge. He wants Chrysalis more than you do-and to save lives, too.”

“Again with this thought of such a brute as Chrysalis keeping to her word! Goodness, it’s like I’m talking to a wall! Or a buffalo, really.” Ignoring the drop of Twilight’s jaw, Blueblood continued. “She’s a scrapheap being coddled by a Savager. And in an hour, that charge will come to a merciful end.“

“Along with everypony from the steam cannons you’ve been ‘gifting’ to the Royal Guards.”

“‘Tis how a war is won, Ambassador Sparkle.” And with sweep of his cape, Blueblood turned to trot out, the two Royal Guards following him. “Do finish your rounds, I’d hate for you to be in the way when the real sunset wraps up.”

Twilight waited until she heard the door snap shut before finally releasing Sunset from her invisibility cloak.

Sunset’s lip curled as she imitated the general’s inflections. “‘Oh, I’m afraid I’ll be avenging her soon’. A real pony could’ve said that without salivating.”

Twilight didn’t refute Sunset’s snipe at the stallion. “No wonder Whoa Nelly didn’t want to work with him. Actually didn’t know what she meant before about that ‘difference between having a large butt and being one.’” Her teeth bared. “Now I do.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Nelly when I find her.” Sunset began. “Besides, you’ve got your own stuff to worry about. What about Spearhead and Rarity?”

“Oh don’t worry: Rarity’s fine.” Twilight giggled. “She actually likes Spearhead, too. But no way is Blueblood letting him have this chance to connect from the goodness in his heart.”

“Starting to seem few ponies here are retaining that, actually.” Sunset shivered, despite the scorching rays of the sun. “Then get to Celestia and at least let her know of these.” Sunset shuffled the notepad pages full of Chrysalis’s demands into her hand. “At least we can get a negotiator in, push the clock on that state of emergency.”

“I’ll bet my tiara Blueblood has her in protective custody. ‘Important not to disturb a Co-Director in times of grief’ or something as equally foalish.” Her head shook. “I nearly lost a brother and sister-in-law to Chrysalis, I’m not losing Dad because of…” Then Twilight choked up. “By Faust, that zealous idiot’s gonna raze a town because Rarity dressed him down at a gala?!”

“Not if I can help it.” Sunset said. “You have a cup of serotonin?”

“Huh?”

“Chrysalis.”

“Ah.” Twilight’s horn flickered as she concentrated. Soon, a pulsing stream of blue seeped from her horn and into a summoned glass. “There you go. Tell Chrysalis it’s her last gift until we have a location. And to make sure we get an answer before it….” Twilight chewed her lips. “One of the few things I can do as an ambassador, but consider Order Hostel active.”

Sunset nearly fainted. “Order Hostel?” There was a reference to it in Twilight’s letter - bordered with red blocky words like extreme emergency and potentially irreversible damage. “You mean you’re letting me use f-”

“Within. Reason.” Twilight said. “But yes, you can take one of Chrysalis's memory chips. I hope you know which one you’ll need, Sunset. Consider it your last option. But I need. Your. Word.”

Sunset swallowed back a way of saliva. “I… might. But I’ll need more time.”

“Thank you.” Twilight’s grateful nod, despite how much it calmed Sunset’s mind, didn’t do the same for her heart. They were losing ground, time and allies, fast. “I’ll be back home after I drop off the cyberling queen’s demands. Gotta see if the jars got anything.”

Sunset sighed heavily. “Again with the jars? What’s this really about, Twilight?”

Twilight looked away as they made their way back down the hall. The second they were before the door again, Twilight whispered out her reasoning. “Long story short, Shining and I have a theory for where the hostages are.”

“How so…?” asked the curious inspector.

Twilight moved forward and whispered into Sunset’s ear. Slowly, Sunset’s lips curled in a rictus grin. “Wasn’t kidding about the ‘balance’ spiel earlier. And if where the ponies are being hidden are where I think, those jars will show it soon.”

Sunset whistled at Twilight's ingenuity. “Hope it works out for you then, Twi.”

“Same.” Twilight gulped before finally setting a small black device into Sunset’s belt. It looked almost like a tuning fork, but with its prongs split again at their tips. Those tips pulsed with a blood-red light. “Remember, Inspector. Don’t count on my success. Count on yours, Sunset.”

Wistfully sighing, Twilight turned and left. Sunset looked blankly at the device, then the blue-glowing cup in her grasp, then the gold of the door. Slowly, she wondered what the state of her heart would be after today.

Critical Breach

Sunset Shimmer had returned to the cell - and her captive - minutes ago. She didn’t ponder why she’d used her horn to tip the can of serotonin into a feed tube for Chrysalis. She'd known of the risks - only an hour of interrogation-time remained; but right now, her mind was a mess.

The chip-ripper was tapping at her thigh like a harvest sickle, unseen by the cyberling queen. And Sunset had clearance to use it.

But trust was needed in this critical juncture. Sunset would show that this chip-ripper wasn’t necessary. She still had the pall of that ‘Savager of Canterlot High’; throwing it away for a shred of info she probably couldn’t process? Unthinkable.

So why did one of her forehooves inch towards it at each noisy slurp Chrysalis gave out? Why was that vein in her forehead standing out over the ten-minute long drink that Chrysalis was having? Why did the malicious glint of her slitted green eyes make Sunset see red, like it hadn't since her attempted hijack of Twilight's Element so long ago?

No. Sunset thought. I can control this. I’m better than this.

She pulled away the can of fluid, watched as Chrysalis's glowing eyes and servos thrummed with new life. “Alright, Chrysalis, you have your gift. For anything more - I gotta know why the others got taken.” Hopefully in 47 minutes, Sunset thought.

“Well, since you asked so nicely…” Chrysalis said. “You might wish to rephrase that question.”

“...come again?”

“They're not hostages. They’re sins. Eyeblights in pony form.” Chrysalis’s head drooped to the floor. “Starting with Moondancer, . She… dared to approach me first. Introduced me to this smog-thick hostel. Classified me as a cyberling. And then she left me - for no good reason!” Unbridled fury brimmed in Chrysalis's voice, startling Sunset. “Because the first thing Canterlot installs in its vaunted citizenry is laziness.”

“That’s not true. The Innovation may have been rushed, but the ponies it benefited weren’t!” Sunset’s doubts were already infecting her voice. “And reclusive as Moondancer is, I find it hard to believe she’d up and leave you. Especially considering your ego.”

“Then there’s Minuette, , that wretched Mistress of Repair and Rehab. Of course she’d take me in with lies that she was nothing like Moon Dancer, saying her door was always open… and then hire Guards behind my back to bar me from her facilities.”

Sunset found herself growing sick. Minuette was one of Canterlot City's most beloved - one of its most benevolent! When she’d been victim to a buyout, the populace mourned the departure of her matronly touch! And yet… she’d done this? To an innocent cyberling?

A part of Sunset protested taking Chrysalis at face value. It was but a whisper compared to the loud scratches of pen on notepad. “That has to be a falsehood.” she whispered. “Minuette is the farthest thing from a pride-obsessed pushover.”

“On that front, Inspector...” drawled Chrysalis. “There was the Head of Development Fleur de Lis and the Canterlot Voting Whip Fancy Pants . What a devoted husband and wife they are, aren't they? Salt of the wonderfully polluted Equus. Save for the former shamelessly spreading bits around to get the votes on board, and the former spreading… something else of hers to get the financial heads interested.”

Sunset stopped, stunned. The clock above them kept tickling. Her head kept spinning over just what she was doing this for.

“Shall I continue with just how Whoa Nelly got control of all the food production? Or rather ?”

It was almost too sudden for Sunset Shimmer at first. Chrysalis had grown bolder in her rantings, had gotten closer to the most prominent ‘eyeblight’ in this story - either Night Light or Luna. When she talked from before had done it. And Sunset was going to take the inquiry as they came.

But she couldn’t help but overhear the ticking clock. The increasingly superfluous detail Chrysalis bled into her stories. That rising swell of anger-bred crimson pricking behind her eyelids with every blink almost whispering to shimmer that this can all end with one brain tap. Find out Night Light’s sin and you find the hostages.

So when Chrysalis wrapped up her dressing-down of Hoity Toity came, Sunset thought she was close. And to her eternal regret, she wasn’t even being subtle about it anymore. She was rapping her hooves on the table’s edge like a tribal beat, a rictus grin growing as Chrysalis' venomous recountings continued.

“...And I never laid a hoof or horn on that wretched snapshotter!” Chrysalis finished. “And you wanna know the worst offender of them all?!”

“Yes. Please! Tell me!” Goodness Sunset was begging the criminal at this point. But she couldn’t help it, and right now, didn’t even want to.. Her blood was racing, her eyes were bulging, she needed to know what Night Light had done, how Chrysalis got to him!

Then she did it. Her anxiousness - and her stance - went too high and the chip-ripper’s edge clattered on the tabletop.

And the first sign Sunset had of her folly came when Chrysalis went, “That reprobate Night LIght him, he-kindly tell me why in the blue Tartarus you have that device on you.”

Sunset froze. Her hooves came to a stop, her mind horrifyingly aware of where the cyberling’s hoof pointed at. Her eyes rapidly flickered to the notes - the constant reminders to not get too involved. It was right between Whoa Nelly: Monopolized Innovation food lines to enrich herself (?) and Hoity Toity: Rallied the Royal Guard to exile Chrysalis after she was framed for hurting Photo Finish (!!!)

The accidental appearance of the chip-ripper punctured the room's energy, like a party balloon. Chrysalis's lamplight eyes stayed locked on it even as Sunset slowly lowered it. The fear in those green eyes was palpable.

Of course she knows what this is at first sight. Sunset’s inner pony said, in between face-hoofs. Inkwell probably told Chrysalis when she was masquerading as Shining!

"I didn't think you'd care." Even Sunset's attempt at placation came out too quickly. Too tellingly. "This is only for my safety, C-"

Chrysalis's next words were slow, deliberate. "Safety. Against a corralled cyberling. Indeed."

"I-- I don't want to use it."

"And now the Savager expects me to believe in her mercy?"

Sunset winced, both at the nickname and at the implication. The true implication -- at least it would have been true only a short time ago. No! Curse it all, no! Am I never going to escape that evil name?! It’s not fair, it’s not FAI-

Then, the red edging at her eyes washed over her vision completely. Sunset didn’t know if what was happening was real or not, but for some reason, she could smell the burnt rubber from fried circuits. She could hear the ebbing weepings of Chrysalis's as her twitching body went still. And she could see herself, in all her red-skinned succubi glory, standing over the top of Chrysalis' spasming body.

Sunset nearly retched at the crooked smile on her(?) face, reflected off Chrysalis's speared head. Her eyes shut, a silent plea to her rebelling mind to perish that thought. If that happened - which it couldn’t be, not this fast - Blueblood would win. Chrysalis would win. The hostages would die.

And so would all hope of Sunset’s escaping the demons of her past.

Yet between the ripper at her side and the cyberling cowering before her, Sunset had never wished to be away from machinery more. Goodness, this was a being - a criminal, but a living being! She probably didn’t even know of the mind-killing impulse known as fear! Yet thanks to Sunset’s stupidity, she was cowering like a cornered rat-

Wait. Now Sunset was thinking. A cornered rat? One that only looks to escape…. rather than devastate.

Sunset’s heavy breath hitched as her churning mind stumbled into a plan. One she was sure Twilight would yell her head off for - if Chrysalis didn’t take it off first.

The second Sunset’s eyes opened, a different figure was swimming in front of it.

“... you okay, Sunset? C’mon, answer us! Chrysalis escaped!”

Sunset’s eyes batted open but the purple figure in front of her was still a blur. Idly, she was made aware of a far sharper pain in her left shoulder. Something rounded and throbbing? Like somepony’s hoof came down.

”.Shining, go get Chrysalis! I’ll stay here until we get a nursepony!”

That was from the blurry purple one. Suddenly Sunset registered the twinkling purple of her eyes. Twilight?

“Twilight!” Sunset was up, hugging her best friend as she babbled. “Oh goddesses I think I did something really bad, I’m not sure but I think I used that ripper andwaitwhere’sChrylasils?”

“She escaped!” came a voice from down the hallway, fading fast. “I’m going to stop her!”

Sunset groaned as she moved to follow that voice. “Deep breaths! Deep!” Then Sunset’s limbs started clambering again. “And stay here- Shining’s got this! We were coming to you with good news, then saw that cyberling burst out of the room! I don’t think she’s headed for Celestia, bu-”

“-good.”

Twilight stopped. “Wait, what?”

Sunset’s eyes turned to the chip-ripper, humming with the use it had- but with no chip in its cradle. “You gave me full permission to use this thing, yeah? Well… I did. Woulda preferred Chrysalis not run me over, but I did.”

“Wait-” Twilight's eyes darted between the gaping cavity in the cell divider and the humming chip-ripper. “Then what did you use that to do?”

“What any magical-projecting device can do to a magical barrier in enough concentration: breach it. And Chrysalis’ shock let me put a Want-It-Need-It and a Come-Wander-With-Me spell on her. One’ll ensure she’s too busy being chased by the Guards to go after any other targets of opportunity. The other…” Sunset grinned. “Will let us track her to the hostages.”

Twilight's jaw dropped. “Sunset, what were you doing?!”

“The only thing that’d let us manage a safe rescue of the hostages! It’s release-and-catch!”

“We had the hostages' location already, Sunset!”

Sunset paled. “Wait, you did?”

“That jar experiment - I’ve found out they were underground because of it, moments ago!” Twilight shouted. “The Royal Guards are ready to close in on there! Why did you free Chr-”

“Because Chrysalis filled that hideout full of drones as well! If they get spooked and self-destruct, we’ll lose them all!” Sunset hollered. “Luna said Canterlot’s caves were unstable, remember?”

“When did-” Twilight stopped stiffly. “It was in your first round of notes, wasn’t it? And I gave it to… cripes! No wonder Celestia asked us to hold position and find you first!”

“Well we can yell at each other later; we have a cyberchase to start!”

“... I swear Inspector, if that Queen doesn't get somepony killed, you will,” Twilight groused. A second later, they’d teleported away in a flurry of violet sparks.

Several minutes later, Sunset and Twilight were pacing through a new network of Canterlot caverns. Shining had been kind enough to relay when Chrysalis was close enough for them to chance an insertion. Thankfully, their route was cyberling-free.

Even more thankfully, their path led them right to the eight hostages within seconds.

“Quick, over here! The cyberlings were called to another entrance to cover their queen!” That was Hoity Toity waving them over. “We don’t have much time.”

Sunset had a different hunch, however and skirted for the door next to the cells. Her actions sent an arriving cyberling hurtling off the cliff edge island into a chasm, just as Twilight finally freed the others. Sunset’s stomach roiled in disgust of the tinny screech that followed that tumble into the pit.

“C’mon, Sunset! Focus!” Twilight said. “We need these cells open, an-” A resounding click got Twilight's voice to reach its squeakiest pitch. “Dad! You’re okay!” Sunset looked up just in time to see Twilight embrace her father. Save for some bandages around his head, he was fine..

“Thank you! Now hold on- this cave’s immune to magical teleports - we’ll need to leg it out.”

“Sunset!” It would be prudent if you could help me with Nelly’s leg!” That was Co-Director Luna, strong-stance and attentive as always. Beside her was Whoa Nelly, grumbling over the bandages the alicorn was applying to her other foreleg.

“I told ya before, Luna, it’s only a flesh wound.”

“It will be worse than that if you do stay still while I tie this splint up, Miss Nelly.” Luna responded. “Or at least relinquish that note it is over.”

“It’s the only notice I have of the most important Gala of my life: it’s not leavin’ my sight!”

Night Light shook his head at the display, only turning to face Sunset as she approached. “I assume you're the wonderful mare who helped me see my daughter again?” he asked.

“Guilty.” Sunset sheepishly smiled as she helped Luna untuck one of Nelly’s legs.

“Not anymore, you’re not. At least in my book!” That came from Minuette, hurriedly shaking hooves with ehr savior. “Sunset Shimmer - and an inspector, no less! You’ve definitely improved since last time we saw you!”

Fancy Pants was next out of his cell, hugging the disheveled Fleur de Lis before turning to greet Sunset. “I‘d hand you a pricey reward, Inspector, but I’ve had to use my book here for other notes. You know, in case… you didn’t reach here before that dreaded Cyberling queen did.”

Sunset nodded. “Well don’t worry, Cupiditas, you can scrap those notes now.”

“I thank you as well, mon femme,” Fleur said, next out of the cells behind Moondancer. “However, I would rather you not call my husband Greed.”

Sunset stiffened up. “Wait. Greed?” Then her hoof brushed against one of Fleur’s folded notes near her, and Sunset’ stiffenened in the wake of an actual shock. “Whoa. What a rush.”

“I’d hope so. And yes, that is what the word cupiditas means. That cyberling has called us all after sins.” Fleur flicked back her mane. “Enough time as a manager of finance, and you end up learning a bit of exclusive languages. Money talks, but it is the only universal language; all else comes by ear.“

“It’s fine, Mrs. Lis.” Twilight added. “We’ll have you all out of here soon. Sunset?”

“Chrysalis calling them after sins, the details in this book…” Sunset turned to Fancy and the other prisoner. “Fancy, can I keep this? And the rest of you: do you have any effects on you? Enough for an experiment of my own?”

“Anything for the Canterlot savior.” Fancy admitted. “The lighter we all are, the better. Folks?”

Shrugging, the other ponies handed Sunset a cacophony of their personal effects . Even Whoa Nelly forked over her note, though with some hemming and hawing. “You’re quite lucky you’re with Twilight, young missy.” she admitted.

“Speaking of…” Sunset grinned. “Twi wanted to say she finally got why you ragged on the General so much.”

“Did she now?” A knowing smile crossed Nelly’s lips. “Well, thank you kindly.” And she limped past a red-cheeked Twilight.

Twilight’s embarrassment gave way to curiosity as Sunset loaded the effects into a saddlebag.. “What are you thinking, Sunset? I recognize that look on you; you’ve got a plan.”

“And at worst, it’ll buy you all time to leave.” Sunset winced at the rumbling tremor hitting through the chambers to their north. “Best case… well I’ll tell you about it, if I get to leave.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight said. “You’re going with us. Chrysalis is either fighting the guards or the tunnels - we can give her the slip!”

“Not while there’s still one last creature to save.” Sunset said. “S’why you brought me here. And with this and what Luna told me-” and the Co-Director nodded solemnly at her. “I can do it. Don’t wait up, Twilight.”

“Wait! Sunset, what are you doing?” But Sunset had tucked away the last gift from Whoa Nelly and was bolting for the tunnels. “Sunset! Sunset!” But Night Light was already pulling her back down the entry caves.

Too late, Sunset was down the chambers. She couldn’t have Twilight for this part. Right now, she’d knew enough about Chrysalis to venture that she'd elude Shining with reinforcements. She was likely beelining for their room as they spoke with the other cyberlings who were covering her; all except for the one only revealed in the projections Chrysalis had shown.

And she found him as she turned the last corner. “I see you have found our hideout.” Thorax said as he moved to fill the cavern opening. Even his horns seemed to curve threateningly at Sunset. “I warn you, if you approach Chrysalis-“

“She’s only free because of me.” Thorax’s eyes widened at the statement. ”If she didn’t tell you she broke free, you’d be debris and I’d be dead, right? And no, despite myself, I’m not going to fight her. I just want to show her something.”

“Like what?”

“A counterpoint, of sorts.”

Thorax’s stare intensified. “A counterpoint.”

Sunset nodded remembering how Twilight probably felt when she was talking about the jars.

Several seconds later, Sunset was inside the newest cubby of rock and granite inside this cave network. It was actually well-lit, which made Chrysalis's shadow all the more foreboding as she stalked down to face her. “I’ve no idea what you think you're gaining with this stunt,” she hissed. “But I guarantee that you will not stop me from making Equestria-One pay for - and by - its sins.”

“Once you’re so obsessed over that you named your hostages - sorry, eyeblights in pony form.” Sunset said. “A shame they're not the villains you claim.” She flipped out the newspaper article first. “Starting with your claims that Moondancer screwed you over by abandoning you. Epitome of.... Sloth, right?” Watching Chrysalis stare in confusion, Sunset went on. “Yeah sorry, I’m getting this from Fleur’s language book. We’ll get to her later.”

“I am not here for a rant, Inspector Sunset!”

“No, Chrysalis. We’re here for a reckoning. And you’re here because my reckoning is tamer than the one behind you.” Another troubling rumble, and several stalactites fell from the ceiling. “No need to rant Queen. Just look!” Sunset presented the article. “Look at the piece Moondancer tried to run about the mystery pony harassing you every night. Moondancer. A sloth to your torment.”

“Or Minuette, the pony too prideful to keep you in her care? Here’s her complaints about the Guards in that store that day! She still keeps it, as a show of the injustice she tirelessly fights! It kept her strong - even when her patient became her prison guard!”

“This can’t be - you’re lying, Sunset.” Her position above Sunset faltered, her eyes flickering. “Like you did about that chip-ripper being to free me.”

“Was Fleur?” Sunset’s ledger flipped up to show her. “A pony so driven by lust, yet her one constant on-person possession is her wedding vow renewal with Fancy Pants? Nelly, the glutton, with her countless thank-you letters from the ponies served by her soup kitchens?”

“Lies!” screamed Chrysalis. Around them, the chamber shook violently, one wall giving way entirely. “You’re trying to foil me! Destroy me! Like Shining behind me, like this city around me!“

“Then hear this! There’s one way out, Chrysalis!” Sunset bellowed. Out came the last gift of hers- her trusty notepad. “Not by slaying sins, but by repairing bonds -.like our own.” Sunset wrote something quick. “You listened to Luna, and I know you can still make a difference...”

“Shut up, Sunset!”

“And HERE’S how!” Sunset showed the paper to Sunset. It somehow did something to Chrysalis Sunset thought was impossible - it left her speechless.

After a minute, Chrysalis wildly looked back at the cavern that the Guards were progressing past, then to Sunset. “That’s my counteroffer, Chrysalis. To all the demands you made, all the concessions you craved. Take it or leave it.”

“Why are… after all I’ve done?” Chrysalis’ voice was barely a whisper now, worn as scratchy. “Why do this for me? For my hive?”

“Because…” Sunset bit back a sob. There was so much risk with this. But if anypony knew the perils of such risks and braved it anyway, it was - well, it was Twilight. But after that, it was her. And moments like this were why, “Because I know how destabilizing this city can be to strangers. But it doesn’t end unless we end it. As individuals.” Sunset wiped furiously at her cheeks. “I don’t wanna see one tragedy bred by a misunderstanding to beget another.”

“... how do I know you’ll keep to this.”

“Because you know me. In a way nopony does - not even Twilight. How much I try for those I’m sure wanna see me gone. How much I want to… snap.” Sunset said. “But I’ve been to that mountain and back, and Chrysalis. It’s not worth it. It’s still lonely, and still painful, and the only way out is through friends. For my own sake, I have to try to not be a monster.”

Another bang. Another dozen spires on the rock ceiling speared into the dirt.

“Believe in my honesty or Shining’s mercy. Reality will make that choice if you won’t.”

And suddenly Chrysalis saw it. It wasn’t just Co-Director’s Luna’s words coming from Sunset at this point - it was her resolve. Her selflessness. One that Luna had apparently kept to if it’d taken the arriving Sunset for her to leave. Or at least, so said Thorax.

Queen Chrysalis nodded once, making Sunset’s grin broader. Then she braced her limbs, locked Sunset in her sights, and charged.

Several seconds later, the cavern they were in collapsed. Rock and dust smashed through the tunnels as everycreature - pony and cyberling alike - bolted for high ground. Soon, Sunset and Chrysalis’s location was barricaded by miles of inescapable rock.

And at one of those openings, the night sky was pierced by the heartrending cries of Twilight, struggling against her father's and Moondancer’s grip to futility go back to the blocked-off cave. Once again, the words that she’d uttered in the prisons rang out, a mantra to her growing madness.

“Sunseeeet! SUUUUUUUNSET!”

It took the approaching Luna for her to even calm down. And another dozen minutes for Twilight Sparkle to leave what she was sure was Inspector Sunset Shimmer’s tomb.

Eight Weeks Later

Twilight giggled, selling into her newest room in the Canterlot City Palace. Certainly, there was a lot in it to marvel at - the filigree bordering the windowsills and bedposts were a treat for the eyes. Even the magical mirror she was giggling in front of was inlaid with lovely jewels.

But the reason for her jubilance was between her body and that mirror, as her glowing horn summoned a rumbling shake countless floors below her. The jar balanced precariously on a stand in front of her rumbled and nearly shattered on the floor, only kept from the unforgiving marble by a forehoof.

“See?” Twilight said as she placed the jar back on its pedestal again. Her eyes remained locked onto the mirror. “These react to underground quakes! I got the idea from my readings on Old Equestria-One’s early detection systems. Knew I had to go outside the box - Chrysalis did.”

“And that’s how you found the hostages.” A falsetto that was still melodious came from the mirror. Nothing showed in the mirror’s reflection though. “It’s amazing how far you’ve come, my student.”

“...Yeah. It is.” A pregnant pause. “I hope you’re done cooking now? I mean, I know you’re got someone to share it with again... but it’s been so long since I’ve seen your face.”

“Why Twilight?” A coquettish chuckle broke out. “You’ve become so busy now, with the Crystal Empire’s liberation and Sombra Kahn’s banishment an-”

“I know it’s you, Sunset. You gave me this mirror.”

“Oh fine, fine.” And a rare sight presenting itself in the mirror at last: Sunset Shimmer’s smile. “Just kitting out before we head past the big mirror again.”

“That’s great, Sunset!” Twilight's brow furrowed. “Also, I thought I told you to stop teasing me with Celestia’s voice.” she snickered.

Sunset’s grin grew even further. “Yeah. Guess that doesn’t have the moxie it had when you fell for that twice. How’s your dad and Luna, by the way?”

“Luna’s already hard at work in the Judicial Division again. Shame about Cadance stepping down, but - I’m certain the Empire needs someone that caring, too.” Twilight coughed lightly into a forearm. “Though, one thing still troubles me. It’s about you surviving that hostage run?”

“How I did it?”

“No,” Twilight said. “Luna was nice enough to spill about that - said that the magic would make the catacombs collapse. But if it was already collapsing…”

“Then all bets were off.” Sunset’s smile dropped a fraction. “And I wanna apologize again. Even considering I might have started a furor if I ported back to you right off… you shoulda heard about my survival from me, not Luna.”

Twilight stifled a chuckle. “I understand. Actually, you wanna show just what it is that let you escape alive?”

“You promise not to spill before I go?”

“Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Sunset mirrored the Pinkie-Pie-made vow’s motions with Twilight. “It started when I saw that trove of info from the hostages. Before I went to head off Chrysalis.”

“Yeah.” Twilight sighed. “I could tell whatever the cyberling said rattled you. I’m guessing you verified them well?”

“More than well,” Sunset said. “Took me a month - and lots of pleading to the owners - to track all this stuff, but… well, here they are.” Those six items floated before her again, Sunset pointing to Fancy Pant's ledger. “You know what Chrysalis said about Fancy? That he was greasing hooves to get the Great Innovation past for his own selfish ends?”

“Yes…” Twilight hissed.

“Yeah well, I wanted to refute Chrysalis about each of her accusations, so I showed her this.” Out of the middle of the book floated what Twilight thought was a bookmark, but was a picture of Fancy hugging another unicorn. A familiar, purple-haired unicorn. “Hard to say someone’s ruled by greed when they’re comforting a pony who’d stuck out at Grand Galloping Galas, isn’t it?”

Twilight beamed at the photo, her heart swelling at seeing the weak but present smile on Rarity’s face. “That’s… really nice on him.”

“You’ve no idea,” Sunset said. Surprisingly, her smile had faded, her tone becoming more clipped. “Fancy slid it between those pages in his book for another reason. One I’ve no doubt will be coming by your doorstep soon, so I’ll make this quick.”

“Go for it.”

The small ledger flashed right in front of Twilight's views, the pony’s eyes narrowing as she looked over every translation. “Everypony claims it’s Fancy doing it, but those payouts go to no company in his name- because floor whips can’t own stock in them.” Sure is a lot of work BB Incoltporated’s doing, though. Same with Fleur - apparently an avatar of unbridled Lust, for both political and romantic power.”

Twilight's eyebrows rose. “What did her keepsake prove?”

“That the rumors of her stable-surfing were fake.” Up went another piece of paper. Twilight’s eyes immediately widened upon seeing the title: Renewal of Vows: Fleur and Fancy. ”Fleur even tagged it with an ‘Strike-Down-if-Lying’ spell. I’d wondered why it buzzed on my hoof.”

“So if Fleur had broken her bond…” Twilight gasped. “She’d be a pearl statue by now!”

“And the spell has her magical signature. She offered that spell, and passed it.” Sunset said. “That was when I started thinking someone made her the fall girl. The deeper I dug into these keepsakes, the more that theory rang true. Chrysalis did something that mystery pony wanted - to put the elite of Canterlot City in one place. Then something happened that that pony didn’t want...”

“They all survived.”

”None were the same, but yep. Like Fleur - she wasn’t the same before the confession she wrote on the back. About who made her take the rap for Fancy - for financial bribes that Fancy’s ledger shows he didn’t do.” Like rapid-fire, the other trinkets flashed around Sunset like debris in a storm. “Whoa Nelly was Chrysalis's Gluttony, for monopolizing agricultural production. Yet here’s BB Incorporated's skimming of funds for the homeless kitchens she started up. Right next to her invitation to the Gala that let her find it out.”

Twilight reeled at the depths of the coverups revealed in each piece of evidence. Each individual piece seemed to thrust another inch of ice into her heart.

“Hoity Toity - Wrath, apparently - response for the cyberlings being banned from the City after that scuffle that got Photo Finish hurt? Apparently, his glasses have a recorder hidden in them as an anti-theft device. And that device was on by accident when he saw a different bolt hit that Royal Guard. A gold one, not Chrysalis's green. Three guesses who’s been holding Hoity in ‘protective custody’ since that incident, until Chrysalis yanked him out for her scheme?”

“BB Incolt…” Twilight got out through gritted teeth.

“BB Incolt.” Sunset’s tone could have layered frost on her end of the mirror. “Minuette was Pride for turning the hurt Chrysalis out of doors. Yet here’s her protest records to Canterlot officials for illegally stationing Royal Guards there - acting contrary to her goodwill. So much so that Min resigned in protest until she got an apology from BB. And who suppressed that Canterlot Times’ header and successfully got its beat reporter canned? BB.”

Twilight stiffened. “Wait wasn’t Moondancer-”

“‘Sloth’? Yeah, and a reporter. Her anti-gaslighting keepsake was BB’s notice to her that threatened to prosecute her and anycreature in her orbit if she pursued this ‘slanderous’ lead. So she self-isolates - including from Chryssy - in vain. Then gets fired and continues hiding in shame.”

Twilight’s hooves were shaking in their armrests as Sunset put forward the last piece of evidence. One that was familiar to Twilight for a different reason.

“And then, we have Night Light.” Sunset’s eyes focused on his. “Didn’t know how he - or as Chrysalis called him, ‘Pride’ - linked to all this at first. Night and Chrysalis never actually met before abduction. I thought it was because his daughter stopped him, but that didn’t make sense - the cyberlings had him subdued before Chrysalis rendezvoused with them.”

“But you checked his office several days after that interrogation. Right?” Twilight pointed out.

“When I remembered my epiphany during interrogation.” Sunset produced a transparent tote full of soot and ashes filtered out. “Found that in a pile near the desk. Even Night missed it.”

“I… I’m afraid I don’t know what that is.”

“Small world: neither did Night Light. Your mother, Velvet, came through,” Sunset explained. “See, as an accountant, I figured Night Light would be on high alert to who came into and out of his house. But no reports of Twilight look-alike, no metal drag marks in the wood? It meant either he left, which Velvet was not the case if she didn’t know of it, or…”

“He wasn’t abducted by a cyberling! Someone delivered him to them.” Twilight's rage-shrunken eyes went to the door. “I should rip him limb-”

“No need. He’ll be coming by you soon enough, and Thorax can attest to the deal they made.” Sunset’s grin was back, wicked, and wide. “Because I knew that Night Light had something hidden on him as an accountant, something that’d be valuable to all but a foalnapper. Something that just so found its way into Shining's hooves a day ago.”

As Twilight heard the clamor of several loud voices, Sunset dropped one word. “Copies.”

One particularly loud voice near Twilight’s room got intelligible at last. “What is the meaning of this!? Shining, I’ll have your wife’s crown for this!”

“Calm yourself, Prince,” came Shining Armor’s voice. “I would rather not have to see your mouth restrained too.”

Sunset’s look turned uneasy. “I should go, Twi-”

“No. Stay,” Twilight ordered. ”Canterlot City turned its back on you one time too many. And you still stuck up for it. I’m a Co-Director now, and I’m going to return the favor.”

And so, that investigator pony kept her position in the mirror - in full view of the open doorway- as Blueblood was frogmarched past them by two Royal Guards. “You dare arrest me? In my own private quarters?! I should-”

Twilight cleared her throat, stopping the disheveled duke’s ramblings. Blueblood’s eyes and jaws widened impotently as he noticed Twilight. And the pony behind Twilight.

“Wh-who is that! Is that Sunset the Savage-”

“Inspector Sunset Shimmer,” snapped Sunset. “And you may as well keep that title in your mouth - it's the only one you’ll have any passing familiarity within a couple of days.”

Blueblood’s blubbering hit fever pitch, his face a mask of wayward drool and unfocused outrage. “You see, Guards? If Sunset survived, then that wretched scrapheap might be alive too! Arrest her, not me, for letting that fugitive go free!”

“You heard the former prince.” Sunset dryly remarked. “Did you see anything?”

Twilight nodded solemnly. “Well, B.B.B.F.F.? Do you think the pony that allegedly stole away our Dad in hopes a mad cyberling would kill him saw anything?”

After a long span of silence - only punctuated by Blueblood’s bated breaths - Shining nodded. “Not a thing, Sis. And great job on your promotion.”

As Blueblood started cursing up a storm - involving liberal use of the word bonehead - Twilight’s smile didn’t fade. “Thanks. It’s tough work, but it has its perks. Like this.” Twilight’s horn twinkled, and a muzzle slapped its way around Blueblood's foaming mouth. “That this show’s enough to add slander to the list, right?”

“It does. I’ll be sure Moondancer gets the first exclusive, little sis.” Shining gratefully nodded. “Guards, continue marching him off to his new home.”

As the incomprehensible moaning faded off, Twilight turned to face Sunset again. “What do you think, Inspector?”

A hacking laugh answered Sunset’s call this time. “You could have easily gone with some spikes on the inside of that muzzle too.” And suddenly, Chrysalis was next to Sunset’s side, the sparkling light of the magic mirror again signaling To Canterlot High. Royal Guards flanked the room’s edges, almost out of sight. Unlike the time of that hostage crisis, though, none of them moved to restrain Chrysalis.

“I try to see situations de-escalate, cyberling.” Twilight’s frown soon faded a fraction. “But if Sunset saw something in you worth saving, I hope Canterlot High does, too.”

"So long as she never shoots notes on purposefully triggering a cave collapse again, we're fine."

“Deal. And... thank you for trusting me, Twilight,” Sunset said. “And… not just with me turning from prisoner to supervisor of Chrysalis’s probation. I mean… for this opportunity.”

Twilight nodded back. “Gonna be tough,” she added. “Seeing King Thorax and the other cyberlings walk the streets again. But you can count on me to see us all through." "Though...”

Sunset and Chrysalis stopped, halfway out of the mirror’s view. “Yeah?” Sunset said.

“The provisions for Chrysalis complying with this probation quietly.” Twilight chewed her lip. “Did we really have to put up all those posters of her as the Deadliest Cyberling?”

“I am right here, Vice Director.” Chrysalis growled.

Sunset, after a while, chuckled. “I’ll tell you about that when you're older, Twi.” Seeing Twilight’s jaw hit the floor, Sunset shook her head wistfully. “And after you see the look on the ex-queen’s face when I told her.”

“Again, Inspector. Right. Here.”

Sunset turned to smile at the cyberling - now companion - stewing next to her. “Yeah, Chrysalis. You are here. And I wanna thank you for that” Her eyes widened when Chrysalis returned her smile.

Watching them beam at each other, Twilight batted a forehoof at them. “My goodness, you look so cute! If I tell the real Celestia, she could shorten Chrysalis’s sentence on good beha-”

The reaction was immediate. Chrysalis lunged to the right, her metal limbs clanging as she struggled. Sunset was laughing as she was dragged along for the ride. “Unhoof me, Shimmer! If I have to bypass a hundred RoyalGuards, that statement will never reach Celestia’s ears!” yelled Chrysalis, embarrassment flooding her voice.

“We’ll see you later, Twilight! You know where to find me!” Sunset got out before the ethereal connection cut off. Once again, it was only Twilight's eyes staring back at her from that glass.

Twilight sighed happily as she turned to the sun, peeking its first rays into her new room. Today did seem like a good day; even Inspector Sunset had a friend to share it with. Maybe Twilight could revisit Ponyville, and do the same?

Who knows, Twilight thought as she trotted around her desk and out the open door. I could even find out if Spearhead popped the question to Rarity today!