The Adventures of the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!

PRINCIPAL CELESTIAS OFFICE

Did I ever mention how much I hated being around Celestia? How much I absolutely despised it? Well, no matter how many times I restate it, I can’t emphasize it enough. I was sitting in front of her desk, arms crossed and avoiding eye contact. Principal Celestia was leaned in her chair, fingers crossed on her desk and staring daggers at me. The same situation that we found ourselves in not even an hour or two prior. The only difference is, Vice Principal Luna was standing next to her.

Neither of us have spoken since we’ve entered the office. It's been more of a silent death match to see which one us would crack first, and right now, it was anyone's game. Eventually after some more time, Celestia took a deep sigh, and finally decided to end the tense silence between us.

“Sunset Shimmer, well this has been quite the unpredictable predicament.” My sentiments exactly. I was not expecting to find myself in this situation. In hindsight, this may have been a bad idea, but one I would do again. I wasn’t going to allow those girls to face anymore torment than they’ve already been through.

“Yeah...it is. So, what’s my punishment?” I said bluntly, rather not wanting to dance around the issue, and just get straight to the point. The sisters looked at each other with disquieted expressions.

“Miss Shimmer,” began Luna. “We would have you expelled in heartbeat...if we were entirely convinced that you were being truthful to your claims.” This I did not see coming. In almost an abrupt manner, I stood up from the chair and slammed both my hands on the desk.

“Oh, come on! You too? Look, I’m Gabby Gums! Isn’t it obvious?” I proclaimed. Celestia leaned back in her chair, and raised her hand underneath her chin as she observed me.

“Tell us Sunset, why? Why would you even do this in the first place?” Celestia asked. I rolled my eyes and hopped back into the seat.

“Isn’t it obvious? I hate every student here. I was stripped of my power and influence by those annoying girls and ostracized by the entire school. This was all revenge. I figured if I couldn’t have it my way, then I’d ruin as many students as I could,” I lied.

“You seriously don’t expect us to believe that do you Sunset?” asked Luna with a raised eyebrow. Celestia took a deep sigh while pinching the bridge of her noise.

“Very well, let’s go along with this then. You claim that this is all tied to your past actions, but to tell you the truth Sunset, that is utter nonsense. The power-hungry Sunset driven on anger and greed, that you yourself are proclaiming to be presently represented for, would never stoop to such a level,” said Celestia with eyes so cold that they could freeze my blood.

“Indeed. If this truly were the actions of yourself that you’re proclaiming still represents who you are, then that must mean you have entirely different principals. The old Sunset wouldn’t humiliate herself for starters. She’d have too much pride for such an action, or use it as a strategic advantage to manipulate more students,” said Luna. I lowered my eyes to the floor, knowing where she was going with this. “Also, what concerns us even more, is the article on you in specific. Don’t think we’re foolish enough to ignore the picture. That state you are in and the look of misery painted on your face. You seriously mean to tell us that you’d willingly share something that would make you look so weak? Your angle is to just cause havoc? No, Sunset, you’re smarter and stronger than that,” finished Luna.

“On the topic of our observations, you still haven’t told us why you have injuries all over your face. Those bruises are fresh, not like the old ones. Or do you mean to tell us that you were in another bike accident or fell down stair's multiple times in a row? Despite you being one of the sharpest students in this school? Your attire is new as well. Are you hiding more injuries?” Celestia questioned even harder. I was pinching my arm hard, fighting back the urge to either cry, or scream. Either one was slowly building up inside me. Celestia relaxed her stare, and spoke in the caring voice of a mother that most people, especially me, knew her for.

“Sunset please. We don’t know what you’re up too, but we fear that you’re hurting yourself both physically and mentally. Sunset, I know you’re not an evil person. You just made some bad decisions spur of the moment. But I believe that your heart is bigger than you want to let on. If you know who Gabby Gums is, you don’t need to tell us. Your actions alone tell us that you have reasons to not disclose that information. But please, talk to us, let us help.” My mind was racing at this point. I could feel my face burning, and my eyes were starting to water. My heart was hurting, and it was frustrating me. It shouldn’t be hurting. It shouldn’t feel anything. I was being selfish for even allowing such sentiments to be said to me period. So, I shut everything out, stood up and glared at the two sisters.

“I’m Gabby Gums. Okay? I’m the one who exposed the secrets of the students at this school. So just expel me. I hate it here damnit, and I hate this world, and I hate all of you. So just go ahead and expel me!” I yelled. Though, you could easily tell this was more of a plead. I couldn’t even fool myself. Celestia was just staring at me, unamused. Disappointed, heartbroken, but she didn’t waver.

“Very well. Sunset Shimmer, I’m not going to expel you,” she declared. I looked at her defeatedly. At that moment, I had really wanted her to just get rid of me. “But I will be placing you in out of school suspension for the next two weeks. Not as punishment, but I believe you should have some time to reflect on yourself. Some time away from this school. Being away from the nightmare you’ve trapped yourself in might do you some good. When you return, we will work on this, and also help you with your failing classes, which is something else we should discuss later. Is that understood?” I was honestly thrilled upon hearing this news. Two weeks of no school...no interruptions...no distractions. I wasn’t going to waste that time on something as pointless as reflecting on myself. No, this would allow me to continue my work as the Mare-Do-Well. All night, and all day long. Nonstop

I nodded my head and stood up, before walking towards the door. But stopped when Celestia softly spoke.

“Sunset...you may have your reasons, but please let me inform the students of your innocence,” she said. I looked over to her with dead eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m Gabby Gums, I already told you,” I responded in a monotone voice. Celestia lowered her eyes and sighed.

“Very well, if you’d like to play this game, I’ll allow it. Just this once”. With that, I exited the office, slamming the door a tad bit harder than I had intended.

AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF CANTERLOT HIGH

I was sitting on the front steps of the school with my head in hands. I honestly didn’t know whether to call this week a victory, or a humiliating defeat. But right now, wasn’t the time to ponder such a question. I needed to get back out there. I needed to get into the sewers and locate the exchange area. I also need to analyze the video Applebloom and Sweetie Belle recorded, and plan out my next move accordingly. This was all my highest priority. Now I know that these drugs aren’t some kind of power enhancer, but full on transformational, almost magic like drugs. Cercus was nothing like Iron Will. That was something far more terrifying, and I need to make sure that that kind of power isn’t available on the streets.

“First things first Sunset, get home, fix the suit up and watch the video.” I said to myself. Having a plan in mind, I took a deep breath, picked up my bag and began walking down the steps. That’s when a familiar voice caught my attention.

“Shimmer you evil monster!” I heard Bon Bon yell from behind. Before I could turn around to face her, she pushed me down the stairs, sending me crashing into the concrete floor below. It would’ve hurt if my entire body wasn’t already in so much pain from the previous fight.

“Bon Bon! What the heck are you doing? Stop it!” Lyra shouted from behind her. But clearly her pleads fell on def ears, because no sooner was Bon Bon on top of me, slapping me across the face back and forth.

“Back off Lyra, this wicked monster has had this coming for a long time! All the hell you put us through wasn’t enough Sunset Shimmer? You just had to keep pushing, and pushing. Couldn’t you take the hint that no one wants you here?” Bon Bon shouted as she grabbed me by my jacket and raised me towards her. The look of red-hot anger on her face was a bit unnerving. Obviously not as intimidating as some hoodlum high off coke and charging at you with a damn metal pipe, but it was pretty nerve racking.

“I know, I know babe. I’m mad at her too for exposing us like that. But we’re not these kinds of people. Don’t sink to her level. This isn’t right,” said Lyra. Bon Bon glared at me. The look of pure hatred was slowly being replaced by glossy eyes, and soon the tears began to leak out.

“Damn you Sunset,” she whimpered as she threw me back to the ground. Lyra ran to her love, and both held each other tightly. I slowly lifted myself to my bottom, and sat their watching the two. Even if I wasn’t Gabby Gums, Bon Bon was right. I still tormented them for a long time. Bullied them into submission and tore them down. Especially Bon Bon. She was a girl with spunk. Always had an attitude and didn’t take shit from anyone. I respected it, but she was one of the first along with Trixie, Vinyl and Octavia who really stood in my way. So, like all of them, I went after her the hardest. I wasn’t as ruthless with them as I was with the girls, but I was particularly more maniacal with my approach then I was with other students. Of course, with Trixie I humiliated her with the whole nude's thing. But with Bon Bon, I had a more non directive approach. I had decided to use her and Lyra as my guinea pigs for the plan I had with the girls that involved breaking them up. I had wanted to see just how easy it was for me to manipulate and tear some of the strongest bonds apart.

So, with Bon Bon, I found her weakness within Lyra. When Applebloom and Sweetie Belle exposed their relationship to the school, everyone was shocked to hear it. But I had already known about it a year before. It was so obvious that they cared for each other in a way that insinuated they were more than just friends. What made it so convenient for me was Lyra. Now of course I see her as an amazing person. Someone who’s kind, caring and always trying to avoid the confrontations of life. She loves this school, the students, the teachers, her family and especially Bon Bon. But at the time, I found it pathetic. I found it as my entryway to playing with her. At the time I saw her as nothing more than a weak-minded naive fool. It really was so easy. Oh Celestia, why the hell did it have to be so easy? A few lies here and there, a few false rumors sprinkled in with innocent photos of Lyra and Octavia hanging out after school for a project, and the whole thing crumbled so effortlessly. Not only with Bon Bon, but with Vinyl as well, who was dating Octavia at the time. I knew that Bon Bon and Vinyl were hot headed, and would act off emotion rather than logic like Octavia or Lyra would. Just like that they had so easily believed their soulmates were out whoring with each other. Watching Bon Bon and Lyra, and even Octavia and Vinyl deteriorate their relationships made me laugh harder than I ever did in my life, because for the first time, it felt like I had real power. I remember seeing Lyra curled up in a ball in the corner of an empty classroom sobbing her eyes out. Pleading with God to fix things. And all I thought at the time was that I had everyone in my hand, ready to obey me like my own pets.... I hate myself the more days go by. I hate myself so much. I wish I had the guts to just off myself instead of playing dress up and deluding myself into thinking I'm making some kind of difference when the truth is, I do it for punishment. Because death is to light for me. No, Diamond Tiara was wrong. I’m not a hero. I’m just a foolish piece of shit. I wish Bon Bon didn’t stop slapping me. I wish she had turned those slaps into punches. The aching to go back out tonight as the Mare-Do-Well starts to grow.

Our attention gets diverted to the front doors being opened, followed by the girls walking out. Rainbow Dash looked at me sitting on the floor, then up to Bon Bon and Lyra holding each other.

“What the heck happened?” Rainbow blurted out as she walked down the stairs. She ran towards me and knelt beside me, checking to see if I was okay. But I rudely waved her away. She turned to glare at the couple standing next to us.

“What happened here Bon Bon?” growled Rainbow. Bon Bon let go of Lyra and faced the angry athlete.

“Oh bug off Dash. How dare you give me that look. How dare you even try to defend that piece of trash after knowing what she did. What she did to all of us. We were all willing to let you girls give her a chance, but after today? You’re a fool if you still stick by her side.” Bon Bon angrily declared. The rest of the girls were now down the stairs and Applejack began to speak.

“Listen Sugarcube, I know you’re mad, but this isn’t her-” I looked up at her and shot her an angry glare. It was a stare that I only ever had when fighting criminals as the Mare-Do-Well. A look that was never met to be directed at innocents, especially not anybody at this school. But I’ll be damned if just let Applejack tell the truth. The country girl froze in place, staring at me with shock. She slowly backed up a bit, clearly unnerved by the look. Shutting her mouth, she averted eye contact with me, and with a disappointed and shaky voice, she simply said “I... never mind.”

I felt awful. I didn’t want to scare the girl, but I knew Applejack was tough, so I needed kill her confidence with one look to keep her mouth shut. Making her go against her values of honesty wasn’t an easy thing for me to do. Even though it should be at this point. I looked at all the girls with cold hard stares, making sure that none of them would speak. Dash was the only one glaring back at me with anger. After a while of silence, Bon Bon opened her mouth in disbelief.

“Are you all serious? You all are still going to defend her? Why the heck would any of you do that? Are you just dense or something? Did you just forget the nightmare she put us through. I mean Fluttershy, she literally spewed slander against you, and you’re okay with this?” The shy girl hid behind her long pink hair, trying not to involve herself in this. That’s when Dash stood up and confronted Bon Bon.

“Of course we remember Bon Bon. But if you don’t back off, I’m going to get pissed. You think you’re mad at her? We should be more pissed at her then anyone in this school. She destroyed my friendship with these girls. A friendship that we’ve had since Elementary. She’s bullied and harassed all of them, and to top it all off, she literally tried to kill us at the Fall Formal.” Dash looked over to me with a disappointed look. But I didn’t face her. I just couldn't. I stared at the ground, hating myself as she recounted my sins.

“Do you know what it’s like Bon Bon? To have someone try and kill you with forces beyond your control? To have other worldly magic that you don’t understand flow through you just to stop something so evil that it wants you and friends dead? You don’t.” Dash looked back at Bon Bon and continued. “So don’t speak for us. Don’t question our decision to stick by her side. I won’t ever forgive her, but I won’t let her go down this path alone. She’s stubborn and hard headed, but I can see there’s regret in her. If you don’t, then that’s fine, we’ll never hold it against you. But don’t ever dare speak to us as if we don’t remember any of the crap we went through.” With that, Bon Bon just stared at her dumbfounded. She clearly wanted to retort. Wanted to get the last word. But it was evident that she didn’t have anything else to say. Lyra pulled her arm, nudging her to just leave.

“Come on babe, let’s just leave it. It isn’t worth it,” she said. Bon Bon just sighed, and turned to walk away with her girlfriend. With Bon Bon wrapped around her arms, Lyra turned to face dash with a saddened expression, and mouthed the words “thank you” to her. Dash gave the mint-colored girl a light smile and nodded, before watching them enter back into the school. Her smile faded immediately, and she turned to me with an angered look.

“That is the second time I’ve gotten your ass out of a sticky situation.” She reached her hand out to me and sighed. “Are you going finally stop being a hard ass and let us help?” I smacked her hand away and got up from the ground myself.

“Help with what? I never asked you to help me in the first place. I’m fine,” I said with annoyance. Dash started to get more irritated.

“Oh, for the love of, would you just stop? You wouldn’t have handled anything. All you would have done is let her beat you, or insult or whatever it was she was doing. Also, I don’t need your permission to help a frie-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Rainbow Dash. I mean it,” I barked. It clearly came out more hostile than I had intended it too because Rainbow stared at me a bit unnerved. Even Pinkie and Fluttershy looked terrified, as they backed closer to Rarity, who also wore the same unnerved expression as Dash. It felt like the Mare-Do-Well was so slowly taking over my personality. The way I shouted didn’t feel like It did before. I would always get angry and scream, but it was always like a spoiled brat snapping when she didn’t get her way. Now however, it felt more ravaged. More cold and angry. Not like a spoiled brat, but like the scream of someone that’s truly crossed a line of sanity. Everyone looked disturbed other than Applejack, who was just staring at me intently. She looked at me up and down, and slowly walked towards me and Rainbow Dash, stepping in front of her rainbow haired friend.

“Sunset...how extensive are the injuries on you?” She bluntly asked. The question took me by surprised, and no sooner did the mask of anger quickly fade, being replaced yet again by a weakened expression. I avoided her gaze and rubbed my arm nervously.

“Why do you ask Applejack?” I asked coldly. Applejack looked down at me and again, noting what I was wearing.

“I don’t remember the last time you wore pants or a sweater sugarcube. I think you’re not being honest with us. I think it was more than just some mugging.

“Yeah, I didn’t really notice it since the whole Applebloom situation, but you are wearing different clothes now. Are...are their more injuries on you Sunset?” Pinkie asked, her hair deflating a bit as she stared me with watered eyes. I was pinching my arm tightly, resisting the urge to say anything I was going to regret. After not responding, Applejack sighed and spoke again.

“Sunset...why’d you lie to the school? You didn’t even know what was going on,” asked Applejack. The tone in her voice sounded more caring than it did confrontational.

“Oh come on Applejack, anyone could’ve put two and two together. Your little sister and Sweetie were practically having a panic attack back there. It was obvious her and Sweetie Belle were Gabby Gums,” I responded. Rarity stepped forward, using her crutch to propel her a bit, while Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed her arm for support.

“Yes, Sunset dear...but why? That was rather...well...crazy what you did back there. Why would you do that?” asked Rarity. I took a deep sigh, trying to regain my composure from the events that had just transpired.

“Yeah well...given what’s happened to those girls the previous days, I didn’t think it would be in their best interest for the whole school to hate them. Besides, it would be easier for everyone to just believe it was me,” I responded.

“Sunset....” mumbled Rarity. Here face told me that she didn’t know whether to thank me, be mad at me or pity me. Same with Applejack. Rainbow Dash on the other hand didn’t look too pleased.

“But Applebloom didn’t even tell you what happened that night!” Protested Rainbow Dash. I shrugged my shoulders and grabbed my book bag.

“It doesn’t really matter Rainbow Dash. Like she said, it’s none of my business, just like what I do isn’t any of yours.” I turned around and began walking away. But Fluttershy surprisingly spoke up.

“Sunset, where are you going?” she asked quietly. I turned back around to face them.

“I’m suspended for the next two weeks. So, I'll catch y'all later I guess.” Rainbow looked at me puzzled.

“Wait, Celestia didn’t expel you? Then...she doesn’t believe you either," said Rainbow. I shrugged my shoulders and began walking. I could hear the girls mumbling to themselves. More specifically Applejack speaking.

“Girls, I think we should talk,” I faintly heard her say. But I didn’t really care. I had something to do tonight. Or more specifically, someone to see tonight. It’s about time I pay CPD a little visit.

THE CANTERLOT POLICE DEPARTMENT: DOWNTOWN PRECINCT HEADQUARTERS

Another stormy night. The rain slowly drizzled down from the brim of my fedora to the metal gate floor of the buildings outside emergency stairs. I hid in the shadows as I peered into the window of the police headquarters 7th floor corner office, where a big burly man was pacing back in fourth inside. He stood about six feet tall, had light yellow skin and a clean shaved face. On his head was a dark grey Barret styled hat with the Canterlot police pin in the middle. He was wearing a dark grey button up shirt tucked into a pair of black slacks, and his signature dark pilot jacket was resting on his chair along with a black pair of aviators on his desk. His name was Easy Glider, commander of the Canterlot Police Department. Or as the boys in blue like to call themselves in the spirit of Canterlot, the Wonderbolts finest.

I never met Easy Glider back in Equestria. He was retired and was living comfortably in Canterlot. But he was a living legend in Wonderbolts history. When I left Equestria, Spitfire had been appointed active commander of the Wonderbolts, but here Spitfire was a lieutenant at CPD. With Fairy Flight as Captain and... Shining Armor as Sergeant. Above Easy Glider was Deputy Chief Fairweather, Assistant Chief Purple, and surprisingly at the very top was Chief Firefly. All legends in our Equestrian history. I had originally thought that the Wonderbolts would have been military or air force, but it seems in this world, they were the police department.

I have my reasons for going to Easy Glider over anyone else. If my reading is anything to go by, and usually it is, he seems to be the most understanding of the big guys. The real cream of the crop the royal guards use to call him. Spitfire was just too young to be trusted and Shining Armor...well, I have my reasons for not wanting to meet him.

He was on the phone, clearly upset about some matter. I decided to move a little closer to the window, letting my cloak drape around my body like a ghost. I had fixed the costume today when I was watching the video. The stitches weren't noticeable in the dark, but the stitch line across my mask made it seem like I had a large frown across it. I was standing mere centimeters away from the window, standing as still as a statue. Eventually a streak of lightning illuminated the sky, and Easy Glider froze in place as he stared out the window at me. Slowly, he walked towards the window, his hand on his sidearm, and opened the window carefully, letting the pouring rain splash into his office.

“I’ll call you back,” he mumbled before hanging up the phone and putting the device in his pocket. He backed away slowly, allowing me some space to enter his office. I emerged out of the shadows and hoped onto the woodened floor beneath me. The wet stomp of my boots must’ve sounded louder to him then it did to me. Still soaking wet, I slowly hovered towards the nearest corner where the light of his lamp couldn’t reach. Like a ghost finding comfort in the cold darkness. Commander Easy Glider slowly sat on his chair, and faced me cautiously.

“So....you’re actually real,” he spoke. I just stared at him through the lifeless eyes of the mask, not making a word or sound. He opened a drawer in his desk, and retrieved a carton of cigarettes. While he was lighting one up, his eyes never left me. As he blew out a cloud of smoke, he continued.

“You know we got some guys down lockup who swear to God they were attacked by some shadowy ghost. Rumors have been spreading of your existence from the mobs' lower guys to the Changelings. Course none of us believed it, yet here you are standing in my office. The skeptic in me wants to just arrest you for playing some cruel joke, but since none of this is even in the public eye, and you’re just standing there like some creepy son of a bitch, I’m led to believe you’re the real deal,” said Easy Glider. Through the cold, dead raspy voice I’m slowly starting to perfect, I spoke.

“Is Cercus in lock up?” I asked. Easy Glider chuckled aloud, before taking another drag of his cigarette.

“Shiiiit. So, it really was you. Yeah, they quickly extradited him to Tartarus Max Security Prison. Him along with Iron Will. Another asshole you tussled with I presume?” My silence to his question only made him grin. “Yeah, I thought so. By the way, thanks for the mess. Had to get some of my guys to clean that shit up. Anyways you look like you’ve been through it. I don’t imagine those tears and holes on your cape and hat, nor that stitch line across your face are design choices. So, you’re clearly not some supernatural entity. Meaning you’re just some nut in a costume, and I should have you arrested for not only public endanger, but endangering yourself.” He leaned forward in his chair and glared at me. “You better give this shit up before -” I interrupted his useless banter by throwing a hard drive on his desk.

“If you’re done stating pointless assertions Commander, I think what’s on that hard drive will interest you,” I said. He stared up at me, clearly a little irritated before picking up the hard drive and examining it.

“The hells on it?” He asked.

“Some criminalizing evidence on Spoiled Rich,” I responded. Easy Glider looked up at me in shock, before throwing the drive back onto the table as if it were cursed. He got up from his chair and walked over to the door, opening it and looking around as if he were checking if the coast was clear. Satisfied, he closed his door and locked it before looking back at me.

“Alright...you got my attention now. Now I see why you came to me instead of anyone else.” He walked back to his desk and picked up the drive. “Does anyone else know about this?” He asked while letting the cigarette dangle in his mouth.

“No,” I said. He put the drive back on his desk and took a seat again. Nodding his head in approval.

“Good. So, I guess you’re not just some nobody nut case in a costume. You’re a nut case that’s going after the big fish. Well let me tell you, it’s suicide. Spoiled Rich controls this entire city. Hell, I can’t even tell who’s legit or on her payroll in this very building, and you wanna go after her?”

“No,” I responded. “I want to go after the Kingpin Sombra. I believe we can work together on that front.” Easy Gliders face went white at the mention of the name. He looked back down at the hard drive, then to me, then back to the drive, clearly contemplating something. After a while, he calmly extinguished his cigarette into a glass ash bowl, sighed, and looked back up at me.

“Alright you wackjob...what do you know?” A light grin formed from behind my mask.