~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 54: One Witch Migration
>May 1, 2097
>But some witches, deciding that the magic hybrid technology degraded the quality of life and power process of witches decided they would bring minimal supplies with them as they left the castle.
>It was Citrus Macintosh, granddaughter of Applejack, which led this movement.
>Some suggest that they are as rouge witches—wandering through the land without order, proper education in magic, or large scale agriculture.
>But such a shallow view fails to capture the quality of this tribe.
>They are an extremely self-reliant people. Each one knowing how to take care of themselves with the minimal supplies they can take with them on wagons.
>They actively seek challenges to overcome whether it be from terrain, ferocious animals, or justified conflict.
>And they ONLY fight justified conflict. From all records I’ve seen of their exploits, every single war they’ve ever fought from the time of Citrus to now has been either a war of defense or verifiably a preventive strike.
>They steer clear of all manner of comfort for above all they fear weakness and degradation.
>All non-witches that have lived amongst them have attested to their extreme fairness and charity. Not a single man is ever coerced into marrying into the tribe, and not one non-witch is killed unless they first fire upon the witches.
>They are also extremely generous with their fellow tribe’s witches. They actively share their food, medicine, and glory with each other. This is achievable because every member is expected to actively contribute in both possession and military prowess, else they be labeled a coward.
>And to be a coward amongst them is the worst shame imaginable. And a coward’s lot in the tribe is made miserable by the shunning of everyone else in the tribe. Until the shame is reversed, the coward is a third-class citizen that’s lower than both guests and slaves.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>*THUNK!*
>You sit up at the speed of sound at the sound of the door to your quarters opening.
>”VERONICA, SUNSET! UP!” Professor Storm shouts causing your ears to ring.
>The disorientation of the noise and the morning causes you to feel a bit nauseous, yet you stand up in a panic.
>…Darn. Are you late for your work? Who knows what kind of punishment she’ll dish out for this.
>And not to mention, you feel embarrassed for the Professor seeing you so unkempt.
>Out of the sleeping bag next to yours Veronica sits up and wipes her eyes. “It’s around 4AM, not 5. What’s with the change?”
>*Thunk*
>Professor Storm closes the door to the quarters you criminals live in, which you’re nearly certain was once little more than a garage here on the castle grounds. It’s a small spire with nothing but plain, cold,  hard stone floors and a few tools lying about.
>It’s cold and dark here a night… and as it’s on the edge of the grounds you hear animals out and about sometimes as well. The outside of the small spire looks nice enough, which prompted the Professor to say it’s even far too luxurious for criminals such as yourselves.
>Other witches guilty of misdemeanors are jammed into this garage too. Many of which wake up wondering what’s going on.
>”I have an announcement to make.” The Professor starts. “I am displeased to announce that Headmistress Sweet’s sickness returned to her…” Professor Storm looks at the ground and sighs. “And now she is dead.”
>Your eyes widen.
>Murmurs begin to fill the room.
>Did you… hear that correctly?
>”Are you serious?” Veronica stands up and walks to the Professor. “The headmistress is really dead!?”
>The largely emotionless Veronica now looks to Professor Storm with wide and worried eyes.
>”I didn’t studder.” The Professor responds. “As per the requests of Dean Sparkle and Dean Crystal, you two are invited to her funeral that will take place in a week. We take off for the east coast to our settlement today. After it’s done, it’s back here to your punishment.”
>”She was healthy, I saw her a month ago.” Veronica seems to be almost pleading with the Professor. “How could she be dead? What happened!?”
>”You complaining to me can’t and won’t make a difference. Her sickness seemingly never went away. Now get ready to go.”
>The Professor turns around. “…Sorry.” Her voice noticeably softens then. She walks towards the door and exits.
>*Thunk*
>…
>Silence in the room.
>Where did that come from? Where did this all come from!? She was alright. You were with her a month ago. She saw you off. She was recovering. What the fuck does she mean she’s dead?
>The woman that let you into the settlement and probably saved your life… Just suddenly gone.
>Veronica puts her hands to her face and gnashes her teeth. She looks stressed. Was she close to her?
>You walk up to her.
“Hey, are you alright?”
>”No.” She promptly responds.
>Honestly, you don’t know what to say to that. What did you even expect?
>Veronica takes her hands off her face and looks towards the door. ”We have to get there. Fast.”
>Then, she walks off…
>You have to force yourself to get yourself together at a reasonable pace, because you can’t stop your mind from wandering incessantly.
>Your stomach feels awful. This still hardly feels real. That smiley headmistress was young and energetic. What are the odds that a simple sickness killed her…
>That water in the cup of your hands swirls for a moment as you stare blankly at it. Then, you finally douse your face with the water to clean yourself.
>You felt happy to be a part of a settlement with her at the helm. You especially liked how she was close to you and your friends… Artemis and Amelia and the rest. That’s right. They’re gone too.
>Why does everyone keep getting separated from you!?
>You think back to the time Headmistress Sweet first gave you, Artemis, and Amelia your task at the hotel settlement. They’re gone.
>And your friends back from your time. They’re gone too. Everyone’s gone!
>*Splash!*
>You drop the pale of water out of frustration… then you take a deep breath.
>Sunset Shimmer.
>Just what are you going to do with yourself?

~

>Professor Storm leads you and Veronica to a group of witches in several lines just outside the castle grounds.
>They’re lined by settlement… You notice the distinct style of dress of each line. High witches stand tall towards the front of the lines, other adult witches are in the middle, and of course, student witches are at the ends.
>As ‘criminals’ you and Veronica have your robes revoked, of course. You begin to get flashbacks to before you were admitted into The Academy…
>”You know where to go.” Professor Storm says to you two, signaling to join the line. “Oh, and I supposed you can have these back for now.”
>The Professor takes out two wands. One gold with a red orb tip. The other a silver color with a purple orb at it’s tip. Your and Veronica’s wands.
>You both take your respective property and join the line.
>As you look into the chilly skies your mind begins to drift.
>”Hello.”
>You snap back to attention as you realize someone in front of you has spoken. It’s a student witch you’ve never met before…
>”Are you two Sunset and Veronica?” The girl asks.
>You point your thumb at yourself.
“Yeah. I’m Sunset.”
>Then you motion to the blue haired girl behind you.
“And this is Veronica.”
>”Hey.” She says lifelessly.
>The girl grins. ”Oh, that’s so cool! You two killed Selene, right!?”
>You scratch the back of your head and laugh awkwardly.
“Yeah, I guess that was us.”
>You notice others, mostly students, eyeing you two as well.
>”You did what even the adult witches couldn’t. That’s crazy.” The girl balls her fists like an excited child on Christmas. “How did you do it? Especially as such a new witch?”
>It’s a really long story now isn’t it? Where to begin?...
“Well…”
>”North Canterlot. Quiet.” You recognize that voice as one of your high witches.
>”Sorry.” The girl then settles down and stands in formation.
>You can’t help but smile a bit. It wasn’t alone of course… Not by a long shot. But you did do something kind of incredible, huh?
>Before long, the lines board their brooms—and all take off.

~

>After a long day of boring broom travel the party finally lands for the night. 
>It’s a forest, but with a few peculiar buildings nearby. They appear to have once been part of a strip mall. Vines, trees, and other vegetation have coated and overwhelmed the buildings and sidewalks. You look on in amusement at the work nature has done to the place.
>Temporary homes and tents are set up by the witches. And of course, you’re given a tent given your current status…
>Crickets chirp in the night as everyone settles down after dinner and gets ready to sleep.
>You lie down with your hands behind your head and stare at the ceiling…
>”Sunset.” Veronica suddenly addresses you.
>You sit up and face her.
“Hmm?”
>Honestly, it’s not like the girl to talk to you. You two have certainly gotten closer ever since beating Selene, but between you two it’s usually just enjoying the silence. The times you do talk are when you initiate. 
>That’s fine, some people really like silence. Secretly you do wish she’d talk to you more though, which is why you’re listening so intently now.
>”Who do you think will be the next Headmistress?”
>That’s right. There does have to be a new one now, you suppose. From what you’ve learned, the position is generally kept between two families at the settlement: the Sweet family and the Lulamoon family. The only eligible one from one of those families is in a coma… and the other…
“Oh my, I just remembered. How is the Headmistresses daughter taking this? She must feel awful.”
>”I imagine so.”
“But… she’s just a child. Could she really be the new one?”
>Veronica brushes her forehead and bangs. “Exactly. She’s ten if I remember correctly. Absolutely too young to be a Headmistress. Honestly, it would be the same case with Artemis even if she was awake. This is a situation we haven’t been in for a long time.”
“But there are others, right? One of the Deans could get it?”
>Veronica blinks and sighs. ”Yeah… one could.” Then she lies down on her side facing away from you.
>One of the Deans, huh? The ones you know of are Dean Crystal, Dean Sparkle, and Dean Xenia. They’re also the most prominent…
>Out of those three, you’d certainly prefer Dean Crystal considering how close she was to you and the Headmistress Sweet. If one of the other two got it… the place just wouldn’t be the same. It already won’t ever be the same. 
>You get another awful feeling in your stomach.
>It really does suck that this happened. Your life sucks right now. Labor all day. Your friends are gone. Artemis is still comatose. The Headmistress is dead.
>Your face contorts, and you shed a single tear…
>You promised everything would be made right. You killed Selene. A great evil. Everything is supposed to be good now! The world feels even darker than before.
>…
>Socialization. You need it.
>Veronica doesn’t look like she’s in the mood to talk anymore.
>Wait, are Veronica’s teammates nearby? You think you saw them during the flight.
>You exit the tent and take a look around the camp.
>The section you’re in is only people from North Canterlot, so they should be nearby.
>Mostly, there are more intricate shelters using magic technology for the camp… something you don’t get as a ‘criminal.’
>But there are still a few witches out and about as the sky darkens.
>Surely enough, you happen upon a campfire with some students around it.
>And an appallingly familiar voice is cast upon you.
>”Sun-set Shimmer! How’s my favorite felon doing!?” Celestia XII, daughter of the Headmistress of the Cloudsdale settlement.  
“What are YOU doing here?”
>”Ugh, you KNOW this twerp!?” Marble points at Celestia.
>You sigh.
“Unfortunately.”
>You walk over to the campfire and stand next to the girls.
>”Oh come on, that’s no way to treat an old friend!” Celestia complains. “How could I not seek you out after what I’ve heard of you. What happened to Artemis and the others? Where’s Veronica right now? How did a weak witch like you manage to kill Selene? How’s the criminal life? Why-“
>It’s at this point that you zone out and stop listening to the girl…
>”Come on, Celestia. Don’t just assault her with questions.” Luckily, Gunnel comes to your rescue. 
>”Here Sunset, come sit.” Gun pats a part of the log next to her.
>You oblige and stare into the fire.
“Hey Gunnel? Was Veronica close to Headmistress Sweet?”
>”Veronica?” Gunnel puts a finger to her cheek and looks to the sky. “Umm, I don’t really think so. Then again she didn’t really talk to me much. Why do you ask?”
“She looked pretty stressed when she heard the news of her death. I mean, it is the Headmistress, but it doesn’t seem like her to get so upset.”
>”That really doesn’t sound like her.” Marble replies. “Veronica would keep her poker face even if her legs were cut off. You sure we’re talkin’ about the same person?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
>Celestia’s eyes light up. ”Veronica? Stressed about something? This is something I HAVE to see.” 
>”It’s probably not chiefly the Headmistress that Veroncia is worried about.”
>You turn your head toward the soft voice of the other girl beside you. A blonde girl with a hime cut. Ah, you remember her—from that one party. This is Golden Spoon.
>”It’s about who’s coming AFTER.”
>”After?” Gunnel muses. “… After! Of course.”
>”Out with it, genius.” Marble says.
>”Veronica hates her mom, remember. She probably doesn’t want her to be the next Headmistress.”
>Golden nods. ”Bingo.”
>Oh yeah that’s right. You think back to when you first saw Veronica and Dean Sparkle together. It was during your entrance exam. Veronica slapped Dean Sparkle’s hand away when she tried to get near her…
>Allegedly Dean Sparkle largely ignored Veronica while she grew up. Must have caused her to become resentful. A neglected, ignored child of a high witch. The perfect one for Selene to prey on, and prey on her she did.
“I don’t know her family situation, but does being a bad mom really make her unfit for the job? She IS a Dean with years of experience after all.”
>Marble crosses her arms. “I mean, can you really blame her anyway? I wouldn’t want my hypothetical deadbeat parent to also be my ruler.”
>You guess not. What is to be done though?
>Veronica wanted to get back to the settlement as quickly as possible. You have a bad feeling about this…
>*Thump, thump, thump*
>You rise your head at the sound of footsteps.
>Two witches in unfamiliar orange robes approach. They appear to be in their forties, perhaps. 
>”Hello.” One of the two greets. “You all are from North Canterlot, right? Do any of you happen to be a Sunset Shimmer or Veronica Sparkle?”
>You lazily raise one hand.
“I’m Sunset Shimmer. Veronica’s already gone to sleep.”
>”That’s great. I’m Duchess Breeze—from the Settlement of Clemency in the Kressen Empire. And this is my sister, the other Duchess Breeze; from the Settlement of Courtesy.”
>The bashful sister smiles and waves at her introduction. They both have such soft and serene faces. You get an overwhelmingly motherly aura from them both.
>And what titles. What do nobles from an empire in the Midwest want with you?
>You stand up and give a shallow, short bow.
“Nice to meet you two.”
>”The honor is mine. I heard of your accomplishment in defeating Selene. I couldn’t pass up a chance to meet you. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to lose your friends and go through such a battle. We sincerely thank you for what you’ve done.”
>Celestia’s eyes light up. ”Whoa, look at you Sunset! You’re famous now.”
>”Most popular criminal I’ve ever seen.”  Marble adds.
>You laugh awkwardly.
“Wow, no problem I guess.”
>”Well, we better turn in for the night. If you ever need anything and you happen to be nearby don’t hesitate to call either of us.” With that, they both give one more nod and go on their way.
>”Well, someone’s famous.” Gunnel says.
>”See!?” Celestia starts. “I’m not the only one who wants to know about you. What happened back there Sunset?”
>But it feels wrong.
>It was by sheer luck that you got out of that and your friends didn’t. You couldn’t have done anything without them. You hardly deserve this praise… They’ve been lost for a month. Other witches have found their way back, but not them. Are they stuck somewhere? Or worse…?
>Your shoulders droop and you look down.
>Gunnel notices. ”Sunset?” 
“Uh, it’s nothing. I think I’ll go to sleep now.”

~

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTFLYCMkyiM
>A dark place. Far underground. Nothing but metal walls and dim lights. 
>The sounds of dripping pipes and buzzing bulbs coat the room.
>You can feel the tension. The sound of a footstep there, a groan behind you, a click, a scratch… 
>But some of those aren’t real, once you check. Some.
>”Aaaand here we are!” Galaxy exclaims. “So close to all the witches that have infested our castle grounds now, yet so far. But they’d never find this place. It was well hidden even before Magicopia overtook the world.”
>You look at the large metal door. It’s perhaps seven meters tall. Two sliding panels like that of an elevator. They’re plain… which sets them quite apart from everything witches typically build. It’s eerie. Soulless. 
>But there is just one detail of note. In front of the door is a small column perhaps a meter and a half tall. A magical piece of technology that glows neon purple. At the top there’s a small star-like indentation.
“Is that how we open it?”
>Galaxy smiles at you then approaches the door. “Yes. It is. One important caveat though…” She then takes from her dark robe a small metal pin. 
>”Only the blood of one from the Sparkle family could possibly open this door.” As Galaxy gets to the column, she sticks her hand with the pins and blood pours from the wound into the indentation. 
>You smirk.
“It’s been many years, and you’re from a branch family. Can you really do it?”
>”Keh, coming from the one who was adopted!” Galaxy finishes filling the star indentation.
>*CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!*
>As the red liquid hits the rim, metallic and hydraulic sounds erupt from the door as it screeches to life.
>Slowly, the door opens.
>And slowly, your face becomes one of shock.
>*GRROOOOOOAAAAAN!*
>The moans of the damned rise out as the gates of hell open. Never have you seen such an abominable scene as this one. 
>Prison cell like structures with glass panes. Every ‘inmates’ body is distorted beyond recognition. Dark purple welts and rotting flesh have ruined their countenance. They bang on the glass in a desperate plea for freedom as their vocal chords almost certainly no longer function for the most part. 
>Can they even be classified as humans anymore?
“How long have they been ‘alive,’ anyway?
>”Some have been like this since before Magicopia got loose, you know. Who’s keeping track anymore.” Galaxy grins widely at the handiwork as if proud of a grand work of art. “Veronica couldn’t handle this place, despite how emotionless she PRETENDS to be.” She turns to you. “But you can deal with it. Right, Nilight?”
“Heh. You people really are disgusting. But do as you please… As long as you bring me back to Sunset.”
>”You and the leader really ARE alike. How long has it been since you first made your promise to her again?”
“Enough talking. We’re here for a reason.”
>Galaxy rolls her eyes. “Fine, fine.”
>You and Galaxy walk forward deeper into the complex. The dust and rust of the old place made it all the more eerie.
>”It all started with some of Twilight’s daughters, you know. An innocent project to bring magic to everyone. So naïve to think they could use it so effortlessly and gracefully as we witches do! After their failure they couldn’t just up and tell anyone else about it—not even Twilight. How could they? To let anyone know they were the ones who helped facilitate Magicopia’s spread so much. The secret of this place was passed down among their offspring. Some chose to pretend it didn’t exist. Others chose to continue the work… Until it came to we who worked with Lady Selene.”
>Galaxy opens a pair of doors to another room in the complex.
>This time, you see degraded non-witches hooked up to open armor casings. The magic-electronic hybrid armor is in many ways like yours. Except for them, it supports their life. You see mechanical and hydraulic parts pump in rhythm with their hearts and inflate in rhythm with their lungs. Pipes and bolts and metal ingrain with the flesh of their limbs. 
>There had to be dozens of pods with people hooked up this way…
>”And Lady Selene saw this centuries long project’s completion with Gaia. I hope those foolish settlement dwellers didn’t think she was the only one.” Galaxy giggles, then turns to you. “The others will be here soon with much needed supplies. When every non-witch can be turned into a magic-wielding soldier… we’ll have the biggest army in the world.”

~


>You are Sunset.
>Rain pours down tragically on the forest clearing as if the whole Earth is weeping. 
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFa7MSXR8hg
>Seeing Headmistress Sweet’s body in a lifeless casket is surreal. It’s one thing to hear of the woman’s demise. It hit you hard. It felt as if it wasn’t real and it made you sick to your stomach. But actually seeing her lifeless body? Seeing the news you heard in fruition in real life? It was on another level.
>You were gone for a month. That’s all. And your whole world was flipped upside down. 
>You made zero progress on finding your friends. Some people who were dispersed by the giant wand at the castle found their way back—but none of your friends. 
>You weren’t there for your headmistress and the savior of your life when you needed her most.
>You failed Mrs. Dazzle. Her daughter’s fate is still utterly unknown.
>What did you really win back at that castle? Bragging rights? A few compliments here and there? A nice story to tell? A sentence? Because you sure didn’t win peace, happiness, or prosperity.
>Everyone you love manages to get away from you one way or another.
>You shed a tear… then return to your seat.
>You hear crying… You look over.
>It’s the Headmistress’s daughter. Just ten years old. She buries her face in her father’s chest as she bawls.
>Faces across the seats are solemn both witch and non-witch alike and both young and old.
>Rain continues to fall.
>…
>”Sunset!”
>You snap to attention.
>It’s Dean Crystal. And Professor Storm is next to her.
>”Are you alright? The funerals over. We can go.” Dean Crystal’s orange eyes seem dimmer than usual. 
>You can tell. She’s as sad as you are. Even Professor Storm betrays a small hint of unrest in the quiver of her brow.
“Yeah. Alright, I guess.”
>Your voice is labored.
>”Sunset.” Professor Storm begins. “As for your next assignment, it’ll have to be here since I’m needed for the process of choosing the next Headmistress. And considering the circumstances, I’ll allow you and Veronica one day of rest. Find Veronica and tell her the same.” The Professor turns and walks away.
>Dean Crystal gives you a worried look and nods at you, then she leaves as well.
>Veronica, huh? Where is she anyway? 
>You look around.
>She must have already left… Was she allowed to leave before Professor Storm gave the okay?
>Whatever. Not like it’s any of your business. 
>You drift through the settlement.
>Nothing seems the same.
>People are more lifeless. The buildings seem darker than usual. Activity at The Academy is still low as much of the staff has to worry about dealing with the newly discovered castle grounds.
>You wander through the familiar yet so foreign feeling place.
>Artemis. On that same bed. Breathing those same soft breaths. Still comatose.
>Zoned out again, huh? Why did you subconscious take you here?
>You approach the girl and sit by her side once more, and stare at her for a while.
“Artemis, what do I do? It’s not like I can just drop everything and find the others.”
>You get up from the stool and embrace the sleeping girl. The soft warmth of her body and her familiar smell make you feel nostalgic. It assuages your worry some.
“Nnn…”
>”You know-“
>The unexpected voice makes you jump a bit and snap your neck in its direction. 
>It’s Dr. Cream. 
>”I always wondered what she could possibly be thinking or dreaming about, sleeping peacefully like that.”
>The Doctor smiles at you.
“Do you want me to…”
>”Yes. I wonder what will happen. Don’t you?”
>Well, you DO wonder what will happen. Is she thinking about anything at all? Or is she really dead asleep.
“Alright, here goes nothing.”
>You turn to Artemis and grab her hand in both of yours.
“Artemis. I don’t know if you can hear me. The Headmistress has died… Sorry you had to figure out like this. I know you two were close. None of our friends have returned… and I still haven’t been able to find them. I’m so sorry about that.”
>You don a soft, solemn smile and continue.
“I got in trouble. I was stuck hauling rocks on the castle ground. Now I’ll probably be stuck as a farmhand or something. Veronica’s the same. I just… I don’t know what to do. You always had an answer or a plan for every situation. So please… Just a hint… Something.”
>You use your power and search through Artemis’s head!

~

>*The woman hands you an ice cream cone for some reason.*
>*You stare at it.*
>*She waves the cone in your face. ”Well? Are you going to take it? Come on. Don’t make me eat them both.”*
>*You snap out of your trance and grab the ice cream cone.*
*”… Thanks.”*
>*You stare once again out at the green horizon. The Summer sun embraces your skin and comforts you in the moment.*
>*”Come on, Artemis. You may well be Headmistress one day. You can’t just zone out all the time.”*
*”I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. What about you? You’ll be Headmistress very soon, huh?”*
>*Spicy Sweet holds that soft smile as she turns toward the horizon as well. The light reflects off her light blue hair and eyes. “Yeah, I will. It’s a little crazy. I knew there was a good chance it was coming… I never thought it would happen this fast. Only Catherine managed to become Headmistress at a younger age, huh?”*
>*You smile yourself.*
*”A headmistress shouldn’t talk about her insecurities so readily. Especially not to a little girl.”*
>*”Yeah? Well, you’re no normal little girl. And our families have been friends for a long time, you know.”*
>*”You yawn.”*
*”We witches really do care about these family bonds, huh? Is it really that easy? Our last names are Lulamoon and Sweet—so that means we’re headmistress material? And what with the difficulty we have breeding it makes it so fragile. What happened to my mother is proof of that. What do we do if our lines are no longer eligible?”*
>*Spicy stares at you for a moment once again, presumably collecting her thoughts. “They do matter a lot. But if our lines were no longer eligible? It would probably go to the Sparkle family.”*
>*You put your hands behind your head and lie back and look at the flawless blue sky.*
*”Imagine Dean Sparkle as a headmistress.”*
>*Spicy chuckles. “I know, right?”*
>*Your mind drifts as you watch the warm sky and see a few witches fly over head.*
*”What if I don’t want her to become headmistress?”*
>*You’re a little surprised at yourself for saying this. It felt like that question was providential. You didn’t think it through at all.*
>*”Come on, I know she’s a little grumpy. She’s not THAT bad.*
>*You blush a little.*
>*Spicy sighs. “Say, do you know her daughter? Veronica?”*
*”I have. Haven’t really spoken to her much though. She doesn’t talk much in general.”*
>Spicy smiles and stares at you with anticipation. *”Guess you two have something in common, huh?”*
>*You give Spicy an unamused look.*
*”I know what you’re thinking...”*
>*”You can’t just cling to Amelia forever you know.~”*
>*You do not ‘cling’ to her. That boyish girls has just been your friend since forever is all. You still remember when you met her. How she boldly introduced herself and forced herself into your life. You were annoyed at the time, but she turned out to be a good person.*
>*You smile at the memory.*
>*”But come on, Artemis.” Spicy continues. “I can tell Veronica is hurting deeply about something. Our families and the Sparkle family have been at each other’s throats for a long time. For some reason… I think we can end it with her.”*
>*You sit up and look at Spicy, who looks once again at the horizon and the setting sun.*
> *Ever the idealistic one. What could you possibly do for a suspicious girl that always avoids you?*
>*”I probably won’t be able to do it, but please… please help Veronica.”*

~Two Days Later~

>The hallways of The Academy go by like a blur as you run through.
>One goal in mind. Nothing else matters. You’ve tried everything. Looked for anything.
>The fate of the settlement is at hand here!
>And now, there’s one last thing you can do!
>”Veronica? Hey, hold on!”
>*Bam!*
>You burst through the doors to the high witch conference room ignoring the pleas of the guard witches.
>Deans and Professors give you various looks of confusion as you present yourself. All arguments, propositions, and accusations have stopped as attention has been drawn to you.
>You take three seconds to catch your breath.
“My noble witches, you can’t let that woman become the next Headmistress!”
>You point at your mother, Sharon Isalight Sparkle.
>Her face goes from one of stern admonishment to a slight smirk.
>You scowl.
>”Veronica?” Dean Xenia starts. “I’m sorry, you are the Dean’s daughter, but this is way out of line. This is something determined by high witches. You have no business being here. Especially what with the stunt you and the half witch have pulled.”
>Another high witch sighs. “Guards, if you’ll please?”
>Professor Storm gives you a deathly fierce look as well. “Where have you been? We couldn’t find you for more than a day. I already wasted time setting up a search party for you. DON’T think I won’t make your punishment more severe for this, Veronica.”
>You begin to get flustered, but you can’t let that deter you.
“No! You have to listen to me! Mother doesn’t care about anyone but herself. The person she presents as to you is completely different from how she really is!”
>As others look at mother, she drops her smirk and goes back to her stern look at you.
>Professor Gardener turns to you with those worried green eyes… “Look. I don’t know how your family situation has been, but that’s a completely separate matter from what goes on in this room. I get this can be tough for you. You realize we can’t make decisions based off the whims of a little girl, right?”
>You’re left speechless for a moment at the sight of the Professor’s motherly, patronizing eyes. Is that what you look like? A lost little girl? 
>You feel your cheeks heat further.
>”Please,” Professor Gardener continues. “Just go with the guards.”
>The guards approach and grab your arms. “Come on, girl. We’ll let you off the hook this time.”
>You go a little limp and look at the ground. Your cheeks flare.
>You feel fucking pathetic. Is this really all you could come up with? And the furthest you could go!?
>A juvenile girl having an emotional outburst. Was that all this was? A criminal and now a disruptor… The friends you began to make have disappeared, and now you’re sentenced to labor—hardly even a witch anymore.
>And now soon to be ruled by…
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzgNN-3N2m0
>”Veronica,”
>As the guards move you further from the room, you slowly bring your sights up to meet the eyes of your mother through the closing doors. Her smirk has returned to her. “Listen to your mother, Veronica. Go with the guards.”
>Your eyes narrow.
>This can’t be how this ends…!
>Your intuition was correct! You know it is!
>*Boom!*
>Your blue magic flares up and you push the guards away from you.
>”Hey! What do you think you’re doing!?”
>You run back into the room.
“Dean Sparkle is utterly unfit to be Headmistress! She hardly ever cared for me not even when I was an infant. She never cared about father at all either.”
>You ball your fists.
“She let him die! It’s all on her. He was sick and didn’t get any of the medicine he needed because she wanted it! He was nothing but a pawn to her. Just like everyone else in her life.”
>All eyes, including those of the guards, stop at the spectacle of your outburst with various facial expressions.
“She never cared what happened to me or what I got into, where I went, or what I did. I was an orphan ever since father died. I never cared about being a top witch in the end… I just wanted to be accepted somewhere… Anywhere…”
“Even if it was with those people.”
>You mutter that last part under your breath.
 “You say I’m a criminal now. Well who raised me to be this way! Do you really think someone who treats her own family like that, would possibly treat you people any better!?”
>For a moment the room is silent.
>Mother stands up sighs, and scowls at you. “I’m afraid that’s simply not true. I loved your father from the bottom of my heart. If you remembered, you’d know that you never got to see him much while he was sick. Have you bothered to ask Dr. Cream about what happened then? All the times she came personally to our house to see the man? You do know diseases that were once easy to treat are difficult to treat with the potions we have to day, and some diseases that were difficult to cure are now easy. That’s what happened to Headmistress Sweet. That’s what happened to your father.”
“That’s because you didn’t LET me see him.”
>”And? So that you could interfere with his potential recovery?” Mother turns and addresses the other high witches. “I apologize. I will take my daughter and deal with her as appropriate.”
>Your scowl deepens. You hate this cunt so much. You hate the fact that you spawned from that dreaded snatch of hers.
>”We’ll have to continue this another day.” Mother departs from the table and heads toward you, keeping eye contact with you. “Come with me, Veronica. We’ll have a talk.”
>Murmurs and whispers start to float around the room.
>You clench your fists.
>What do you do now!?
>… Nothing. Anything else you do will only hurt…
>…
>A remote part of the settlement. The leafless trees pass by you as the cold air moves past your body. Rarely walked paths lead you and your mother to the outskirts of the settlement.
>You both walk silently. You don’t want to acknowledge her existence, yet her oppressive presence is undeniable. 
>Yet, the uncertainty of the situation makes you angsty.
“This isn’t the direction to our home. Where are we going?”
>You don’t bother looking at her as you talk. You hate looking at her. Enough of seeing her aging, wrinkly skin. No more seeing those dead, poisonous purple eyes. The end of seeing that greying, purple hair she has in that awful looking bun.
>”A special place. One of great historical importance to us.” Mother doesn’t bother looking at you either.
“Tsk. Are you going to spank me?”
>”Don’t tempt me. What did you think you’d accomplish barging in like that?”
>A cold breeze goes by, which serves to agitate you more.
“If I can get even one noble to reconsider your qualification to be headmistress, or even just one to not listen to you then that’s a success in my book.”
>You hear the crows ‘skwak’ and shout as this walk of tension continues. They take their seat on the stands of the leafless trees as they watch the spectacle.
>Mother gives a short chuckle. “So determined. How admirable.”
“A compliment? That may just be the first one I’ve ever heard from you.”
>”I only give them when they’re deserved.”
“Fitting. No one on Earth is deserving to you other than yourself. I still don’t believe for a second what you said about father back there.”
>Mother stops walking, and for a second the silence overwhelms the area.
>”You know what?”
>You turn back to look at her, to see her looking at the ground. Her bangs casts shadows over her eyes. 
>Mother raises her right forearm up slowly, palm of her hand facing the sky.
>Her palm begins to light her face with the dark purple electricity of her magic, and she look at you with a striking glare. “You’re right. I lied.”
>In a swift motion she raises her arm and the magic expands.
>You jump up in a fit of adrenaline, but it’s too late.
>The light expands rapidly and coats the world in that vile purple grip.
>The crows groan and begin to fly away.
>The light engulfs you and your mother, and you cover your eyes!
>…
>Slowly, you open your eyes again.
>You’re… at a building. One with faded red bricks and green and silver roofing. A large great tree grows out of the top of the building with a big opening in the middle
>Looking around, you see old buildings that have been utterly overtaken by vines, trees, and flowers. If you look around closely, you see that the grass around you is covering parking lots and sidewalks. Some of the ‘rocks’ you see are not rocks. They’re rotting cars.
>… This is Canterlot city. And this building… it’s-!
>”Welcome to Crystal Prep Academy, Veronica.”
>You snap your head to the direction of the cancerous voice of mother and you scowl. “I KNEW it! You did leave dad to die!”
>Rain begins to fall lightly like mist. The dark clouds of the sky part to reveal the enormous moon’s white light. Howls of wolves and scurrying of deer orchestrate the dreaded night.
>Mother reaches for something in her pocket. “Don’t get so worked up. He lived a happy life you know? He married a witch after all, and had all of his needs taken care of. But Veronica,”
>She takes her hand out of her robe and opens her palm toward you, revealing six shiny crystals… All but the purple one.
>Your eyes widen. “Did you steal those from the settlement?”
>”They belong… to the one who will be named Headmistress.” Mother gives you a striking stare of her dark purple eyes. “Including Twilight’s—which you’re in possession of.”
>You take a step back.
“What do you mean?”
>Mother pockets the crystals once again and begins to slowly walk toward you. “Did you know that the more of these you have, the more you can sense the location of the remaining crystals? Fates intertwined, the original seven were born to be together.”
>You slowly take steps back.
>”Selene, you sly bitch. You hid the final crystal in her whose essence blends with it so that I could never find it, but you weren’t careful enough.” Mother reaches an arm out toward you.
>While you continue to back away, your mind races.
>What is she talking about? Hid inside you? When did this happen? And why does Selene want it to be hidden from her?
>Your boot gets caught on a rock and you fall back on the grass.
>”Finally.” Mother’s disgusting, dark eyes reflect the light of the moon. “Finally, I’ll have all seven.”
>As mother gets close your senses panic, in a burst of your magic you propel yourself in a jump up and back away from her.
>*Boom!*
“You’re even worse than I thought! You worked with Selene? Didn’t you!?”
>”… No. It’s actually true that I haven’t been working with Selene. We had disagreements to be sure, but I can’t deny she’s been useful to me. Her and Sunset found the castle and gathered all the crystals into one nice place for me.”
>You were right! You were right! You were right! You were right about her. Mother is evil.
”Once the others hear about this you’ll never be Headmistress!”
>Mother shrugs. ”Who would believe a juvenile little girl who just had a temper tantrum in an important meeting? I know your wand was confiscated by Professor Storm as soon as you landed.”
>*Crack!*
>Thunder roars as the clouds over Canterlot city become heavier.
>She’s right. After your last little outburst… doing that again may well just make things worse.
>What do you do? Is what you have done enough? Can you simply hope she doesn’t become Headmistress?
>No, you can’t. You can’t take that chance. You can’t let her even have influence on the settlement anymore.
>You have to stop her.
>A bead of sweat moves down your face as you get into a battle stance.
>Mother sighs. ”Raising your fists at your own mother? I raised you better than this.”
“You didn’t raise me at all!”
>If you don’t do this now, no one will. The entire future of your settlement… comes down to this!
>“You built up some resolve it seems. It’s better this way.” Suddenly mother’s smirk disappears, and her eyes widen into an intense, malevolent glare. “Because I’m getting that crystal from you.”
>You see the ground around you coated in purple.
>Before you can react, that area of the ground shoots into the sky like a column bringing you with it.
>The acceleration brings you to your knees.
>A shadow overtakes you.
>Looking up, you see an enormous purple orb of magic that threatens to sandwich you between it and the rising column of Earth.
>With a burst of your own magic you propel yourself off of the column just in time.
>*BANG!*
>As the orb connects with the pillar the world shakes and you feel the pressure of impact pushes you out and makes your jump awkward.
>Mother raises an arm and shoots a few blasts at you while you fall.
>You counter with a few of your own.
>Quickly you steady your legs and land.
>*Pow!*
“Ngh!”
>Another piece of the Earth comes from behind you and pushes you forward toward Mother.
>She shoots more blasts at you so that you’re propelled towards them.
>You plant your legs on the column now propelling you. You jump off of it and through the blasts sent at you.
>The crack of you knuckles reverberates as you clench your fist and you coat your fist in your blue magic.
>Mother’s brow furls as she sees you close in on her.
>With great force, you swing your fist at her face as you move in.
>*Blast!*
>As your arm extends, the magic explodes violently.
>But… you missed!
>!
>You can’t move your body. In your peripherals you see that you’re coated in purple aura. Oh no.
>Mother walks up from your left over toward you. “Physical attacks? That’s unlike you. You really have changed, huh darling?”
>She motions her arms and you’re lifted off the ground toward her. ”Must be those new ‘friends’ of yours influencing you.” 
>Your body feels constricted and tight.
“Let me go!”
>You try to expel your own magic from your body and release yourself from her grip!
>But to no avail. How can an old woman still have such power?
>”Now, to take what’s mine.” Mother extends her arm out again toward you.
>Your heartrate increases. What is this!? You can’t let her to touch you. 
>She gets closer…!
>Brute forcing your magic everywhere to get out of this won’t work.
>But maybe if you condense it in one area…
>From your forehead a concentrated, powerful blue beam bursts from the bind of the telekinesis.
>”What!?” Mother, surprised by the attack, releases you from the magic and sidesteps it.
>You take the opportunity to jump back while the beam assaults the lawn of Crystal prep.
>Then, you influence a large, moss covered chunk of bricks from the old building to fly at Mother from behind her.
>She huffs, puts an arm behind her, and blasts the bricks to dust.
>Despite her powerful magic, there’s no way someone as old as her should be able to move well.
>As long as you keep the pressure up on her openings should appear!
>You raise your arms up and focus… Your deep blue aura begins to encase the rotting cars.
>To interrupt your efforts, Mother shoots four magic missiles in your direction.
>Don’t lose your focus!
>You hop. As your backflip unfolds, and you angle yourself as to avoid the assault of the magic missiles—you do your best to keep your telekinetic influence on the cars.
>Clumsily yet successfully completing this landing, you lift the three cars and send them at mother!
>Mother motions at the ground. 
>Under the influence of her telekinesis she once again raises the ground. Around her a ring of earth emerges to protect against your metal projectiles.
>You CAN’T let her block this!
>The cars rise as quickly as you can muster as you motion your arms up once more.
>Like jets taking off, the cars incline over the edge of the rising ring of earth.
>Once the cars are over the ring you motion your arms down. The wind violently whistles.
>Like a hawk spotting it’s prey, the cars zip down behind the Dean’s defenses.
>”What!?” 
>*BANG!*
>You hear the cars impact the ground behind the ring of earth.
>Then, you catch your breath…
>The light rain continues to drizzle, and you realize just how cold it is as the rush of the situation subsides.
>You can’t see behind the ring. Did you get her?
>With your magic as your aid, you jump up on to the ring that’s dozens of feet high and cautiously look into it.
>You can’t see her. It’s covered in the battered, rusty cars.
>Did she teleport somewhere?
>You quickly look around, behind, and even above you.
>Nothing.
>Did you actually kill her?
>That makes you a double criminal. You absolutely can’t go back to the settlement anymore. Or anywhere for that matter. 
>… How are you going to survive all alone?
>You jump off the ring and look into the air.
>The clouds are big, grey, and threatening. Windchill moves across your face. It continues to lightly rain on you.
>You take one more look at Crystal prep. Then, you begin to walk towards no particular destination…
>…

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 10: Decisive Victory
>June 29, 2086
>And a few decades ago, the foolish bands of non-witches—in their lack of understanding and frustration—attacked the mighty mountain covered castle without the will of their government.
>Their tactics were proved useless. Their weapons were rendered worthless.
>Providence willed that the non-witches were to be slain.
>And slain they were. Their seed was not. And not a single one who was without magic dwelled within this centennial state then.
>Despite the great anger this caused non-witches abroad, not a single one ever dared to threaten this castle again.
>… So the tale goes.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>The fire of your golden broom roars as you go as fast as you can.
>Your power runs endlessly as to find your way faster.
>Light raindrops splash against your face as you look on the all so familiar, yet all so different landscape.
>Your old town. Your old stores. Your old schools. Your old friends houses…
>All rotted and overtaken by plants nearly beyond recognition. They nearly blend seamlessly with the forest now.
>But right now, that’s not important.
>You spot your target.
>No… your target(s).
>One visible, and one who’s malevolent intentions you can only ‘feel.’
>And locate!
>You swoop down, splitting the air as you fly.
>The golden broom becomes a golden hammer as you close in on the ground.
>You reel the hammer back and coat it in spiky hard ICE.
“HEY SHARON!”
>*CLASH!*
>As your hammer comes into contact with the witches own protective magic, she drops her invisibility spell.
>The white light of your ice blends with the purple of her defenses and makes the dark, grassy, post-neighborhood glow.
>You break the clash and slide next to the surprised and wide eyed-Veronica. 
>Dean Spark-… Sharon… smiles and gives you an amused look. “Sunset Shimmer. You always find a way to get into all the important matters, huh? You shouldn’t butt into private family business, you know.”
>You get into stance.
“You can’t fool me. You meant to seriously hurt her. What kind of mother does that?”
>Sharon continues that unsettling smile and looks you over. “You really are an interesting person.”
>You sneer at her.
>”Sunset,” Veronica begins. “How did you find me?”
>You turn toward her and smile.
“With a lot of effort. You know how to hide for days at a time really well.”
>You toss Veronica her own silver wand.
“I traced your essence with this… I had to steal it from Professor Storm.”
>Veronica catches her wand and looks at it longingly, then looks at you. “How did you even know I was in trouble.”
>How do you put this?
“Well… Artemis told me.”
>”Artemis? She’s awake?” Sharon asks.
>You turn toward her and give her an unamused look, then turn back to Veronica.
“No. I used my power to read thoughts. She… was worried about you.”
>Veronica cocks her head at you, then she smiles.
>Sharon clears her throat prompting you to turn back to her and resume your stance. “Sorry to interrupt your heartwarming reunion. Veronica has something I need. And you have no need to get involved.”
>Veronica runs up next to you and gets into a stance of her own. “Sunset. It’s the final crystal. Apparently Selene hid it inside me at some point, but I don’t remember such a thing. She has all the rest of the crystals. If we don’t stop her here, she’ll take over the settlement.”
>Sharon crosses her arms. “’Take over’ is a strong term. My means are perfectly legitimate. You not liking me doesn’t change that…”
“Just like we did with Selene, Veronica. Just one more time.”
>Veronica looks at you worriedly.
>Sharon extends one arm out.
>Your magic warns you of her intentions, and you and Veronica both dodge her blast in separate directions.
>Veronica shoots blasts of her own while you close in on Sharon.
>Your hammer returns back to it’s form as a wand, and out of it comes a cold blade of ice.
>Sharon side steps a few of your swings.
>As you miss one, she brings out her arm at you and pushes you away with a blast of her magic.
>You dig your boots into the ground as you slide over the grass covered street.
>She then makes a beeline for Veronica.
>You board your broom and fly it at max speed.
>Veronica throws rocks and wood at Sharon under influence of her telekinesis.
>Sharon deflects them with her own.
>Finally you get between the two as Sharon begins to close in on Veronica.
>You retract your broom and in mid-air you kick her away from the girl.
>Sharon blocks with her arms, but is nonetheless pushed back.
“You actually move pretty fast for an old woman.”
>Sharon slides to a stop. Then, she dusts off her gloves and bangs. “And you’re pretty persistent for a glorified rouge witch.”
>Dust flies as you land on the ground.
>Veronica uses the cover to arc blasts around you and at Sharon.
>She jumps back, and the blasts hit the damp grass below.
>She then draws and points her wand at you.
>You fail to react in time, and you get hit by the odd silver wave.
>You… can’t move.
>”Sunset, what’s wrong?” Veronica asks.
>You realize that Sharon’s about to attack her, but you can’t move your mouth to warn her.
>With a sweep of her arm, Sharon uses her telekinesis on Veronica.
>Thankfully Veronica realizes attempt in time. She uses her magic to propel herself in the air away from the attack.
>Veronica points her wand at Sharon and unleashes a disorientation spell.
>Sharon side steps it and shoots blasts a Veronica.
>Veronica changes her wand back to a broom, and flies downward to escape the blasts.
>As she lands, her broom becomes a wand again. With a twirl of her purple-tipped wand, Veronica influences the rain and shoots high pressured water at Sharon.
>Sharon merely puts her arm in front of her and stalls the attack just a foot away from her with her telekinesis. “That’s odd, Veronica. Are you getting tired?”
>The Dean then forces the attack right back at her.
>Veronica gnashes her teeth in frustration and surprise. She dives out of the way and just narrowly dodges the high pressured stream.
>The water hits the old school and breaks part of the bricks.
>Veronica stumbles as she tries to regain her footing.
>Sharon takes the opportunity, and grasps Veronica in her telekinesis once again.
>”I won’t fall for that trick of yours a second time.” Sharon draws Veronica near her.
>You have to move your body again! Why does this spell last so long!?
>Attempting to move your body fails.
>But you have to save her somehow!
>You attempt with all your might again just to be met with the same stiff position you began in.
>”Stay away!” Veronica shouts at her mother.
>You begin to panic some. Frantically attempting to move.
>Then, you notice in your peripheral vision is your wand, and you can still transfer power to it.
>This may not work… but you have to try!
>The red orb of your wand lights and you shoot out an electric beam. You can’t see them, so you can only hope this helps!
>”AGH!” 
>… You hear both of them shout.
>Then, you realize you can move your body.
>Quickly you get your bearings and then run over to the two.
>Both were struck with the attack on their sides.
“Veronica. Are you okay? I couldn’t see where I was aiming.”
>The girl massages her left arm. ”I’ll live, whatever.” Then she brings her attention back to Sharon.
>The Dean has a wicked scowl on her face as she holds her right arm. “I’m TIRED of you interfering, Sunset. Don’t think for a moment you won’t be punished severely when this is over!”
>You smirk in response, which only serves to deepen her furious countenance. 
>You extend your hand out to Veronica who promptly grasps it with her own.
>Then, you both jump back together and make distance between the Dean and you two.
>You both land on a rusty car. The wind blows, sending yet more misty rain in your face.
>*I’m sick of looking at her face, Sunset. And I haven’t been able to think of any plan.*
“She’s after you. But she can’t have you. All I have to do is engage her from up front.”
>*No, no. You tried that and she’s expecting something like that now.* Veronica gnashes her teeth. *Let me engage her.*
“What!?”
>*She’ll be so focused on me. If you can pull off a finishing blow while she’s distracted—that may be our only chance.*
“Will you really be okay?”
>*Heads up, we don’t much TIME to think of anything else.*
>On cue, you notice the malevolent intent coming from Sharon by way of your main magic.
>With a swipe of her arm, Sharon sends old pieces of buildings at you and Veronica.
>You dodge to the side, diving off the car and onto the grassy road.
>Veronica jumps forward through the debris.
>As she makes it to the other side, she mounts her broom and closes in on Sharon.
>With both their magic, blue and purple, they clash.
>”You’ve gotten bolder, girl.” Sharon comments.
>Veronica responds only with more attempts at close range attacks.
>Now… what do YOU do? A decisive move while she’s distracted. What’s exactly appropriate for this situation?
>*BROOMM!*
>It thunders, then you look up. 
>You remember something Veronica did earlier… You don’t even know if this will work.
>Looking forward, you see Veronica and Sharon engaged with throwing magic at each other in close quarters. You can tell Veronica’s getting tired. 
>You have to try!
>You run up through the tall grass and bushes up to the old Crystal Prep building.
>Off the broken chunks of the old building, you jump from footing to footing and find your way to the top.
>”Ngh!” Looking back at the battle, you see Veronica take a nasty hit in the gut from Sharon.
>She regains her footing and closes back in on her.
>You look back up once again at the threatening, dark grey clouds.
>With a determined look, you run up the great tree that grew through the Crystal Prep building.
>You make it up on a branch high into the sky.
>As to not be seen by the Dean, you position yourself behind the enormous trunk—blocking yourself from her view.
>Now, you wait for your opportunity. Stay strong, Veronica!
>Sharon dodges one of Veronica’s blue magic-clad fists in a way that makes it look effortless. “What do you think you’ll get out of ‘winning’ this anyway, Veronica?”
>She then takes out her wand and jabs Veronica in the gut. “Tell the truth that you don’t care about me being ‘evil’ any way. This is the tantrum of a bratty little girl.”
>Veronica regains her footing. “So what if it is? Any fuel I use to get rid of you is justified!” With and upward swipe of her arm she sends a blast up at Sharon’s face—which the Dean gracefully leans back away from. 
>*RRRoooaaaarrr!*
>The thunder goes on.
>”You are as selfish and attention seeking as ever.” Sharon sends a thin, dense blast back at Veronica. “You’ll never be able to be a proper witch again thanks to this.”
>… Something’s not right.
>Veronica narrowly dodges the blast, earning her a small burn on her cheek. “I don’t care about being a ‘proper witch.’”
>The blue haired girl stomps, sending dozens of small magic blasts from her feet in a spread toward Sharon.
>Sharon puts up a barrier with a twirl of her wand and deflects the oncoming blasts in arbitrary directions.
>That’s the problem. Sharon isn’t using anywhere near her full power. Does she really mean just to discipline Veronica? Did we misread her intentions?
>”Of course you don’t! Veronica only cares about Veronica.” Sharon twirls her wand and sources a force that you cannot see. It hits Veronica and sends her flying back into the school.
>*CLUNK!*
>You cringe as Veronica hits the building hard. 
>No, the Dean does have ill intent… Then, she’s conserving her power for something. But what? You have to stop her before you find out.
>The girl slowly regains her footing after hitting the ground, then whimpers. ”No… That’s just you putting yourself in my position. I want to stop you because you’re garbage!“
>*CRACK!*
>The roar of the thunder seems to shake the landscape as far as the eye can see.
>With a fierce look in her eyes, Veronica musters a large blast of her magic that she sends at the Dean.
>The Dean prepares her feet to move, but then she notices something.
>Veronica motions her other arm back.
>Sharon looks behind her and sees that the blasts she deflected from Veronica’s earlier stomping attack were still there, and are now closing in on her with the strong blast!
>Sharon gnashes her teeth. She braces herself and does a side somersault to get out of the way of the attacks.
>*BOOM!*
>”Shit!” Sharon’s arm still gets damaged by the convergence of magic blasts as she stumbles into her landing. Her left arm’s clothing in shredded and her arm burnt.
>A chance like this won’t come again. You look into the sky and point your golden wand towards the heavens.
>”Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you… Sunset!” Sharon looks up and you and releases her magic in an explosive display.
>A giant purple magic silhouette of a ferocious owl develops and encases Sharon. With growing yellow eyes, it opens it’s sharp, spear-like beak and shoots out a dense beam of magic.
>The lightning comes down from the sky and in a rush of adrenaline you pour your magic into your wand and influence the lightning—sending it down on Sharon.
>*BOOM!*
>The two powers clash. 
>The light blinds you, prompting you to close your eyes and cover them with your arms.
>The dreary night begins to look a little like daytime in the face of the mighty flash. Even the great tree you’re situated on seems to tremble at the force.
>Just as suddenly as the violent event began, it ended.
>You keep your footing steady and slowly uncover your eyes and look down.
>… Sharon kneels down. She looks tired.
>Veronica is right where she was. Standing shakily on the ground next to the (now even further) ruined Crystal Prep.
>You jump down and land in front of Sharon.
>Veronica runs up beside you.
>You take a moment to catch your breath as you look down at the Dean.
>She breaths hard as well. “I’m far too old for this. Brats! You won’t get away with this!” Then, she slowly raises her head and looks up at you two.
“It’s over now! Give up!”
>Sharon grunts and coughs. “What are you even going to do? Kill me? You’ll have a bounty on your heads for the rest of your lives. No one will believe your story! You’re too far away to alert anyone of this.”
>She’s right… But you have to do what you can.
“You’ll give the crystals you have to us. A-and…”
>”A recording.” Veronica says.
>You look over to her.
>”With your wand. A recording spell. Admit your crimes and give up ever going for the title of Headmistress!” Veronica breaths hard too. As much from exhaustion as from her emotions running high.
>You draw your wand.
“Perfect.”
>”No way! I am the master of a settlement and the heir to the Sparkle family! I will not be talked down like this by a rouge!” Sharon spits.
>Her yelling aggravates you along with the worsening weather.
“The crystals first! Give them up!”
>Veronica balls her fist. ”Don’t complain. You deserve to lose far more for what you did to father!”
>”Gaaaaah!”
>*FWOOSH!*
>You hear a sound. Kind of like a fire igniting.
>As the Dean yells in frustration, you feel yourself knocked away from Sharon and to the ground before you can see what’s going on.
“Guh!”
>”GAH!” Veronica seems to have gotten hit worse than you, but by what!?
>You open your eyes and reorient yourself.
>You’re on the ground. And you feel deeply unpleasant weight on your back and on the top of your head.
>With great resistance, you try to turn your head to the culprit.
>”Nice to see you again, Sunset.” The black haired girl looks at you with cold, lifeless, blue eyes. They’re filled with that same familiar hate and malice.
“Yeah, you too… Lainah.”
>Looking over, you see Veronica held up by the neck by someone… None other than Dean Xenia.
>You stare in shock. Why is she here? And it looks like she’s helping Sharon. Why!? Can’t she see Dean Sparkle obviously has corrupt intentions? 
>“Somehow… I’m not surprised.” Veronica says through her raspy, gripped throat.
>A dim, grey light envelops Veronica and she slowly goes limp. ”Urgh. Shit.”
>Dean Xenia’s eyes narrow. ”A brat who’s wasted her good blood. Why stand in the way of witches finally being under rightful rule once again?”
>That main magic. Is it draining? No wonder she can’t fight back… Dean Xenia must really be on the same page as Sharon then.
>You feel your stomach turn.
>Just how many high witches are then?
>*Clap, clap, clap*
>Looking over in the other direction, you see Galaxy clapping condescendingly. “Wow girls, you managed to beat Lady Sparkle. Impressive.”
“What’s going on here!?”
>You try to get up only to be pushed back down by Lainah.
“Get. Off!”
>”Or what!?” She replies.
>“Galaxy, Eris, you’re late!” Sharon barks.
>”Sorry, sorry. Nilight and I got caught up with something. Everything’s alright now.”
>Sharon grunts and gives her a fierce look as she stands up and brushes herself off.
>Then, she turns her attention to Veronica. “Now. Finally there’s nothing to help you get away…”
>The girl, still suspended in air by the neck, looks back at her wide eye in despair. “Don’t come any closer!”
“Veronica!”
>Your wand is in your right hand, but Lainah’s leg is planted firmly and painfully on your right arm such that you can hardly angle or use it.. Lainah hangs it over you with a smile.
>”I must say. It’s almost as satisfying seeing Veronica suffer like this as it is seeing you suffer.”
>Lainah knocked you far away from the others… You have to get her off of you. It normally wouldn’t be this hard, but you’re tired after your attack.
>Struggling only serves to make Lainah stomp on your arm and chest harder. “Stop moving or I’ll have to seriously hurt you. If I see that wand light up, you’re dead. What a show you have a front row seat to. Do you really want to miss it?”
>You scowl.
>Why does this cunt always have to show up in the most frustrating places?
>As Veronica’s energy drops to nil, Xenia drops Veronica and she falls to her knees.
>Sharon approaches her and kneels down on her feet above her. She reaches a hand out for Veronica.
>Veronica flinches as… the Dean caresses her cheek.
>”I seem to remember you hitting my hand away last time I tried to touch you like this.”
>”Yeah? And?” Veronica replies.
>*Smack!*
>The Dean slaps Veronica across the cheek causing her head to rotate more than ninety degrees.
>”You’ve been such an insolent child. Despite giving you such a high standard of living you continue to be a thorn in my side like no other. It’s a shame your last name is what it is—you’ve wasted it.”
>Veronica merely scowls back at her mother. Tears welling up in one eye, but without a single tear shed.
>Sharon reaches out for Veronica once more. ”Now, I will take what belongs to me.”
>”This’ll be interesting!” Galaxy comments.
>Veronica stumbles back for naught. As she has not the strength to get away.
>Your heart pumps furiously as the suspense of the moment builds.
>Is there seriously nothing you can do for her? What’s going to happen!?
“Veronica!”
>”AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHH!” Veronica screams as Sharons arm seems to phase into her chest.
>Blinding purple light radiates from the point of penetration.
>Galaxy, Dean Xenia, and Lainah watch on in amusement.
>Veronica’s scream continues as Sharon seems to rummage through her chest for the sake of causing her more pain.
>The girl bends her back rigidly in response to her suffering. Her limbs twitch in vain to cope with the dreaded sensation.
>You grip the ground and gnash your teeth.
>You were useless.
>Veronica saved you before at the castle, but you failed to return the favor. Is your pathetic self going to lose (yet) another friend? 
>A tear is shed from your left eye.
>Are you cursed?
>Finally, Sharon retracts her arm. There it is: Twilight’s crystal…
>Veronica falls to the ground.
>Sharon stands up, holds the crystal in the air, and inspects it.
>”How long has it been since all seven have been in the same place?” Eris Xenia asks.
>”Far, far too long.” Sharon takes out the other six. 
>Galaxy balls her fists like an excited child. ”So? So? How do we make them work!?”
>Holding all seven in her hands, she smiles. “Hey Lainah. Or is it Nilight now?”
>”Yeah?” Lainah responds.
>”Let Sunny go.”
>Lainah cocks her head. ”Why?”
>Sharon’s smile grows wider. “She poses no threat to us anymore.”
>Lainah removes her hand from your head and gets off your back.
>Your heart pumps violently.
>Surrounded. Your four adversaries look at you menacingly.
>You begin to tremble.
>But Veronica is on the ground! You have to-
>”Don’t move.” Sharon says. “I’m not going to attack you. Not right now. Just watch.”
>Huh!?
>*Brrrrrr.*
>The winds seem to pick up, and the thunder grumbles high in the heavens again.
>Sharon holds the crystals in both hands up to her chest. “There were seven witches that each owned one of these seven crystals. True heroes that brought a dull, degenerated world new light. But in their latter days, the girls scattered. And with them, their crystals. The orders of witches remained under arbitrary and ineffective leaderships for centuries on end…”
>You really don’t care to hear her spiel. But you don’t know what to do.
>She closes her eyes. “I will bring a new light once again to this whole continent.”
>Much like when she took the crystal out of Veronica, her hands phase into her own chest and a blinding white light emits from her.
>”GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” Sharon screams profusely as the scene plays out.
>You cover your eyes as to shield them from the great light. Lainah, Galaxy, and Dean Xenia do the same.
>”Lady Sparkle!? Are you alright?” Galaxy asks.
>The grating scream and light continues as the thunder roars simultaneously.
>In the distance, animals and critters scramble at the commotion.
>The situation stresses and irritates you.
>You don’t give a shit about Sharon’s goals…
>You don’t give a shit about those crystals anymore.
>You don’t give a shit about Dean Xenia’s treachery or Lainah’s constant antagonizing.
>Hell, you hardly give a shit about what happens in that settlement you were labeled a ‘criminal’ in for risking your life and saving anymore!
>You brace yourself and face forward.
>But if you let another friend get away from you then you have no reason to live!
>As the light’s intensity increases and Sharon’s shrieks of pain rise, you run forward.
“Veronica!”
>You dive for the girl, the light reaches its climax.
>You can’t see anything anymore but you felt that you picked her up!
>…
>Slowly, the light subsides… and silence fills the world.
>You open your eyes. 
>In your arms is an unconscious Veronica.
>You shake her.
“Hey, are you alright!?”
>Slowly she opens her eyes.
“Veronica! Thank goodness.”
>You hug her close to you.
>She grunts, then looks over. “Ngh.. Mother?”
>You look up.
>And you freeze.
>Sharon stands there. Head down such that you can’t see her face. There’s a break in the dark clouds, and the light of the moon shines exclusively on her. She looks… thinner? Her hair is black and purple now. But… a virile, healthy purple.
>And you get an absolutely horrendous feeling in your gut as well as a feeling of absolutely malevolent and oppressive magic.
>It’s obvious that Galaxy, Lainah, and Erin feel it too. They all stare at the figure cautiously. Unable to decide just what to do.
>You stand up in a rush of adrenaline and take a step back, making sure to hold on tightly to Veronica.
>”Sunset, I’m okay… Put me down.” Veronica asks.
>Galaxy apprehensively and slowly approaches Sharon. ”… Lady Sparkle?”
>”Galaxy.”
>!
>Her voice sounds smoother. Less raspy! Did she really?
>”Yes?” Galaxy replies anxiously.
>Sharon giggles. ”You don’t have to worry anymore, my darling. You, Eris, and Nilight stay back. These traitors will be dealt with swiftly.”
>”Umm, y-yeah. You heard her. Let’s go.”
>With that, the three jump back.
>You put Veronica down on her feet, and she brushes herself off. “Mother? What’s going on?”
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8UJVaXUzGo
>Sharon looks up with a wide grin. She looks younger. Much younger. As if in her early twenties. Her irises black and deep purple. She releases her long, dark hair to fall. She looks at you with eager eyes and her long, snakelike tongue runs over her pointy canines and lips.
>“Sunset Shimmer, Veronica Sparkle. Your time in this realm has ended.” Sharon takes out her wand. You and Veronica step back. “By decree of the HEADMISTRESS you’ll face death for opposing me!”
>You feel her intention of attacking you. 
>*Pow!*
>And just as fast, you feel the blow of her fist across your face.
>And several more along with a jab in the stomach from her wand.
>Veronica moves in to try and protect you.
>With the speed of a cheetah Sharon grabs her by the shoulders and begins to swing her to a spin.
>You shrink at getting hit with Veronica’s feet.
>Then Sharon throws her like a bullet meters away.
>*Clunk!*
>”Ow!” Veronica hits the truck.
>Sharon lets out those bratty giggles again, then moves in on you again.
>You twirl your wand and release a few magic bullets which she completely ignores and is unaffected by.
>You recoil at the series of punches, wand smacks, and knees you get.
>Veronica shoots magic blasts from afar.
>Sharon kicks you back and motions her arms at Veronica’s blasts.
>Influencing them with her own dark purple telekinesis she sends them at you.
“Agh!”
>Before you can even reorient yourself, Sharon grabs Veronica with her power and sends her body at you—knocking you both meters away to the ground.
>Sharon sticks her long tongue out at you both and giggles once more.
>Angered, you and Veronica both get up as fast as you can.
>You draw your wand and ignite a lightning sword from it.
>Sharon spins and twirls her wand. As she finishes her wand becomes a dual sided sword.
>You flinch as your power picks up her intention to attack.
>As she closes in with lightning speed she kicks Veronica away.
>You barely block the next few slashes of her sword with yours.
>*Swish!*
“Ah!”
>A burning sensation on your thigh. A shallow, yet long cut along it you see.
>Sharon laughs and grabs you with her telekinesis, swings you over head, and slams you to the ground meters away.
>Under the influence of her own magic, Veronica flies through the air toward Sharon from behind for a physical attack.
>Sharon stops her mid air with the telekinesis without even looking at her. “Boooooring.”
>With a flick of her wrist Veronica is sent flying again, and hits Crystal Prep once again.
>”OW!” The blue headed girl shrieks.
>You gnash your teeth and stand up.
>Just as you finish, Sharon is within arms reach of you.
>You get in a fencing match with her between your lightning sword and her double bladed wand.
>You can only defend yourself and you’re constantly pushed back.
>Small cuts on your arms and legs build up as Sharon continues her dance.
>Fuck. She’s just toying with you!
>”Sunnnseeeet. Come on. At this rate I’m not going to lose this!”
>Sharon manages to grab your neck. Then she throws you high into the air.
>The annoying goth girl lets out another giggle as she releases four dark purple orbs the size of beach balls that drip with her vile energy.
>As you sense the oncoming onslaught, you mount your broom.
>Lasers shoot out of the orbs like machine guns at you.
>Before long, they catch up to you.
>You it feels like a thousand burning punches impacting you repeatedly.
“Aaaaagh!”
>Smoke covers you as the attacks continue for a moment more.
>You begin to fall.
>Using all your willpower, you re-board your broom and fly with the cover of the smoke.
>You fly to Veronica, who’s lodged in the building with many bruises.
“Get on, quick!”
>She does so.
>Then you fly over Sharon, who merely looks up at you two with a smug grin.
>You scowl.
“Her confidence pisses me off.”
>Veronica grunts. “Her entire personality changed. Is that even mother anymore?”
>The rain starts to pour harder.
>And Sharon begins to lose her smile. Her eyes widen.
>Then, she drops to her knees and clutches her stomach.
>”Nnnnnnnnnn. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” 
>Sharon screams in pain once more!
>”The hell’s going on this time!?” Veronica asks.
>You watch intently. Utterly unsure what to do.
>”Lady Sharon!? Is everything alright!?” Galaxy asks from afar.
>As suddenly as it began, her shrieks stop.
>”Yes. It! IS!” With that, Sharon stands explosively.
>Her magic erupts from her and another magic silhouette envelops her.
>The force of the power causes your broom to be pushed back like a strong tornados wind.
>But the silhouette… Is that? It looks like Midnight Sparkle from the abdomen up. Midnight laughs and dons a look as maniacal as Sharon’s!
>Sharon puts her arms forward. Palms pointed at you. As she stands there on the ground in the middle of the silhouette and seems to gather power from the magic structure around her and condenses it in front of her palms.
>Your eyes widen.
>”Sunset! Fly away!” Veronica warns.
>You waste no time. 
>With all the strength you can muster you set the broom to top speed. You ignore the water and wind hitting your face
>”I’m the strongest witch that has ever lived. You can’t get away from me!” You hear Sharon shout as you fly.
>*FFWWBOOOM!*
>Like an alien phasor beam, the thick magic power comes from Sharon’s hands. It exits through the Midnight Sparkle Silhouette’s mouth and curves toward your position like a heat seeking missile.
>Adrenaline bursts through your blood vessels like high pressured pipes!
>”Sunset! Help me repel it!” Veronica shouts.
>You withdraw your broom and turn in back to a wand mid air.
>Pointing it at the oncoming magic tsunami, you combine your power with Veronica and release magic charged with as much electricity as you can muster.
>The clash lasts maybe two seconds before Sharon’s attack utterly overwhelms you both.
>You close your eyes shut as hard as you can as the burning sensation covers your body.
“Aaaaagggghh!”
>…
>Eventually (and unfortunately) you come too.
“Uggghhh.”
>Your entire body is in pain.
>You’re grounded. And your clothes are tattered and ripped. It was already cold. And you already had your robe taken from you. 
>Everything burns and you have a headache. You feel nauseous and dizzy. The rain makes you sick.
>You try to get up. And you fail.
“Ugh.”
>You hear footsteps. Then you remember the demon known as Sharon’s existence.
>With the gnash of your teeth you manage to at least get up to a kneel.
>Next to you, Veronica squirms. She’s clearly in just as much pain as you are. 
>From behind a tree, Sharon approaches you in a walk. The same smug smile. She looks down on you with those black and purple irises.
>She crosses her arms and huffs. “Hmph. For shame.  I expected more from you, Sunny.”
“…What do you want?”
>Talking pains you. It tires you.
“You were with Selene the whole time, weren’t you!? You lied back then!”
>Sharon puts a finger to her cheek and looks into the air to feign thinking it over. “Hmm. Actually, it’s true that I wasn’t working with Selene. We disagreed over some details many years ago, see.~”
>You clench the ground in anger.
>Sharon raises her arms. Several dark purple flashes appear beside her.
>You flinch and close your eyes.
>When you open them… You understand the gravity of the situation.
>Nera, Vannie, Lainah, Galaxy, Eris Xenia. Past that, a witch that fits the description of one that worked with Selene—it must be Persephone. And several members of the Settlement’s intelligence division.
>All these figures stand with Sharon against you.
>Galaxy perks up. “Lady Sparkle, I almost forgot to tell you. Everything’s a go to begin production on our new non-witch army. We can mass produce their magic power armor. Lady Selene really did a good thing, demonstrating what was possible with Gaia.”
>”Gooooood!~” Sharon nearly moans at the news. “Then no other army on Earth will come anywhere near the power we have now. What is the continent but just the sandbox of the one with the biggest army and the strongest magic?” Sharon looks into the air and her grin widens (you’re surprised such a thing is possible.) “I get it now. It was never a matter of being named ‘Sparkle’ and it was never a matter of opposing ‘Lulamoon.’ Such meaningless distinctions.” Sharon looks forward again. “It’s me. I’m meant to rule the continent. It’s all come together so smoothly. It must be so.”
>”It is so. You’ve been given a providential opportunity to bring the entire continent back under one order once again. And this time, it won’t be antagonistic to magic; but rather has the best users of magic as the worlds rightful aristocracy.”
>”It’s not a matter of becoming Headmistress anymore. A weak term. I will be called Empress. Every wrong ever done to witch kind will be made right by me.”
>”Heh. Hahahahaha…” Veronica let’s out a pained laugh as she struggles to barely lift her body. She looks at the ones present. “I get it now. You were ALWAYS going to be the next in power, huh? It didn’t matter what happened. You subverted every institution and everyone in them. What did it matter that nobles considered who would be next Headmistress? You’ve bribed and selected too many of them. By a strand North Canterlot was hanging by until you broke it.”
>”Yeaaaah.~ That’s true.” Sharon answers like this is some kind of fucking prank. “Is it really so unprecedented? What has Catherine Lulamoon done but lay the groundwork so that either her family or the Sweets would always rule? How is what I’ve done any different from her? It was the first wrong against the rightful rulers of magic from the beginning.”
>Veronica balls her fists, scowls, and looks at the ground.
>You see the soulless blue eyes and magic-based armor of Lainah standing next to long hime cut of Sharon Sparkle. And then something comes back to you.
>Your eyes widen.
“It was you. You’re the one who blackmailed Lainah back then!”
>Sharon rolls her eyes and smiles. ”Yeaaaah.~ I guess I kinda did that too.”
>Lainah merely crosses her arms and closes her eyes.
>Then all your effort to fight Selene really was for nothing. It didn’t feel like you won anything because you in fact did NOT win anything. Selene was a symptom. Sharon, the disease. You and you friends risked your lives for nothing. Some of them missing in action for nothing. And all of North Canterlot, and probably the castle too, will still be under a degenerate Sparkle.
>”If it’s any consolation,” Sharon begins, and licks her short fangs. “I truly had nothing to do with Headmistress Sweet’s death. That really was just a sickness that happened upon her. I used to really dislike her, you know. In hindsight, there was no better leader to precede me. You and her and Artemis. Together, you gathered the crystals for me and disposed of Selene for me too.”
>Sharon giggles. “I figured you were thinking something like ‘Oh everything I did was for naught!’” Sharon mocks your voice and feigns despair. “But I hope the fact that you aided in bringing forth the new empress of the continent makes you feel better about it all. So…”
>Sharon extends an arm, and faces a palm towards you two.
>”Hey, I kinda liked you too. Au revoir, Sunset!~” Galaxy mocks. “I hated you though.” She then points at Veronica.
>Veronica, against the great pain in moving her body, still makes the herculean effort to flip her off.
>Nera laughs. ”Consider that payback for what you did to me before, girl.”
>With pain, you stand up slowly… And you realize just how hopeless it is to fight back as you notice how little strength you have left.
>You cough.
>What a humiliating way to die. After realizing you did everything you can to bring about the destruction of the place that took you in.
>You look at the ground, and close your eyes…
>”… I’m letting you go.”
>You raise your head and look at Sharon curiously.
>“What!?” Several people on both ends of this exchange share the sentiment.
>The witch uses her magic to make herself float. In line with her new, whimsical style—she imitates lying on a bed on her side. With her fist up against her cheek. ”Killing you now would be boring. Seriously? Killing a founding witch before she unlocks her full power? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have to PROVE I’m the strongest ever by killing someone on the same level as Twilight, Fluttershy, and all the rest.”
>Eris Xenia looks at her with concern. ”My Lady. Is it not unwise to give the enemy time to strengthen up?”
>”Yeah, what gives? This is just going to make it harder for-“ Galaxy stops at the sight of Sharon’s fierce look. The first serious look you’ve seen her make since her transformation.
>”How about because what I say GOES.”
>With that, all opposition ceases.
>Sharon turns back to you and smiles. “Now Sunset, go find your friends. Bring them to me with the same fervor you brought to that blue-haired halfwit who tried to imitate me.”
>Veronica finally gets up, with even more difficulty than you had. “I WILL kill you. I swear.”
>Lightning flashes from the heavens as the rain gets heavier.
>*Boom!*
>At the sound of the thunder you turn tail, grab Veronica by the arm, and run—as you are too weak to use any more magic wand or not.
>You don’t know where to. You don’t know how you’ll survive. You don’t know what the future holds.
>But you’re not doing it because Sharon told you. You don’t want to bother saving such a deeply corrupt joke of a settlement that marks you a pariah.
>You’re tired of it. You’re done with witch orders… All of them.
>…
>Landscape after landscape passes you both by as you continue your quest to nothing.
>Old, vine covered buildings, broken roads, forests, lakes.
>But eventually, the age of the night gets to you both.
>”Sunset. Let’s stop.” Veronica’s tired voice just barely gets the words out.
>Veronica’s words snap you back out of your trance.
>You weren’t thinking. You were merely running. You don’t want to think anymore. Not about any of it.
>But… you can’t stop thinking about the poor state of your body.
>It’s so damn cold. So damn wet.
>You look up at the cloudy sky and the full moon. Rain continues to fall on your face.
>Veronica coughs, and looks at you with concern. “We have to get somewhere dry. Come on. You still with me?”
“…Y-yeah.”
>The surroundings are a small town. 
>There’s a gas station. It’s windows are broken on the building proper, and its ceiling is destroyed. Past that, tall itchy looking grass and fungus seems to be on the floor inside. The refill stations themselves are (obviously) dry and decrepit. That’s not a good candidate.
>There’s also an overpass not too far away. As you look closely, however, there seems to be wolves sleeping under the half-collapsed structure. You best not disturb them.
“How about over there?”
>Down the grassy road there seems to be a small library who’s ceiling seems to at least be intact.
>You and Veronica head there.
>After forcing the doors jammed with dirt and weeds, you make it in.
>The reception desk is covered in vines, fungus, and bugs. Now that you’re in the building, you can also see there is an opening in the ceiling where moonlight and rain seep in; although it is a small one. Many rotting books seem to have become one with trees again. Computers in the library have been reduced to mere elaborate stones.
“There’s got to be at least one good spot. Right?”
>Veronica walks deeper into the library. “Let’s check further back.”
>You both walk through the rows of rotting and toppled bookshelves towards the back of the library.
>Creaks and brushes alert you at times, but they always turn out to be nothing.
>You begin to breathe more deeply. The stress of the situation is really getting to you. 
>As you both get to the back you find a door leading into a meeting room.
>Veronica approaches the door and opens it.
>*Slither, slither slither*
>Looking over her shoulder, your skin begins to crawl as several snakes of this den begin to awaken from their slumber and come out from under the broken furniture.
>You pull Veronica away and promptly close the door.
“…We’ll find another place.”
>You both wander outside once again in the rain.
>The old buildings you two find are either too inundated with plants, already occupied by animals, or simply structurally unsound.
>Eventually, you two are out of the town and in the true wilderness (if there really is any distinction anymore)
>”Sunset… Let’s stop here.”
>It’s a small concave indentation on the side of a mountain that is at least protected from the elements.
>You both enter wearily, but it seems that there are no animals there at least.
>As you get to the back, you immediately take a seat next to the wall in the fetal position.
>Veronica takes a seat next to you, and you both merely watch the rain for a time…
>Your mind and eyes goes blank.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWhJi2roJTw
>And yet, you begin to shed tears. First slowly, one at a time. Then free flowing. Though you don’t make a sound.
>You feel Veronica lean on you.
>You lean back into her.
>The rain continues to fall as you stare at it, and you feel Veronica nuzzle her face into your neck.
>First a little, then a lot.
>Veronica straddles you. 
>Her mouth is open just slightly as you meet her big, deep blue eyes. Her expression is soft and longing. Though her hair is wet, it continues to keep its distinct hime cut shape it always has.
>You stare at her blankly not knowing how to respond.
>She moves in closer and embraces you. The warmth of her body caresses yours.
>Veronica coos, and the warmth of her body breaks you out of your trance.
>You feel your cheeks heat, and your eyes widen a bit.
“V-Veronica?”
>She responds by tightening her thighs around yours and caressing your back.
>Veronica removes her gloves and her hands, previously protected by the elements warmly embrace your aching back.
“…That’s good...”
>You become intimately aware of the girl’s breaths as you feel the rise and fall of her lungs against your chest; your breath begins to synch with hers.
>Finally, you raise your arms and return her embrace by rubbing her back with one hand, and caressing her neck under her lush blue hair with the other.
>Veronica coos again, which beckons you to do the same.
>You both begin to dry, but despite still being wet her distinct blueberry smell still blesses your nose.
>Both of you crave the other’s warmth and comfort. The syncing of the breath slowly turns into the synching of heartbeat.
>Suddenly, Veronica pulls back and breaks the embrace.
>Your arms fall to your sides, and you look at her longingly.
>Veronica stares back at you. She looks you up and down.
>Her hand runs down your arm from your shoulder, to your bicep and forearm, and finally down to your hand.
>Veronica picks up your hand in hers, removes your glove and intertwines your fingers with hers. She then repeats the process with the other hand.
>You notice that she’s blushing too now. The red of her cheeks contrasts with the blue of her eyes, brows, and hair. Her skin is soft. Her facial features are shapely; and bear the mark of her aristocratic birth. 
>Who knew this girl could be so cute…
>She once again moves in and nuzzles your neck.
>You coo as four of your five senses are filled with Veronica.
>Thank you… For filling my mind with you instead of something darker…
>…You lose track of time, and eventually you both fall asleep.

~One Day Ago~

>You are Gunnel.
>With Marble, Celestia, and Golden by your sides, you walk to the fated place…
>”Alright, how do you think those criminals got us into trouble this time?” Marble asks.
>Celestia looks up and over at Marble. “Always so accusatory.”
>”It’s so obvious though. What else could it be about? They both suddenly disappear after the funeral? It’s obvious they ran away. We’re being called because we interacted with them.”
“Even if that’s true it won’t be a problem for us. I certainly didn’t hear anything about their attempt at escape.”
>”What about you, Golden? You’re the one with the good hearing. Did you hear anything?”
>In her typical soft voice, the blondie responds. ”I’m afraid I have not. My best guess is that they want to make sure Dean Sparkle doesn’t become Headmistress.”
”Yeah, we did talk about that with them. Could they be hiding to conspire?”
>Celestia perks up. ”Oh, Oh! What an entertaining thought! Two criminals. A conspiracy to sabotage the leadership of the settlement. An epic story commences.”
>Celestia’s speaking loudly. You become a little concerned about someone overhearing.
“We don’t know that. We’re sticking with what we do know. Which is that we DON’T know where they are. That’s it.”
>Before long, you all arrive at Professor Storm’s door. Marked as such by the fancy wood engraving above her door here on the upper floor of The Academy.
>You give Celestia an unamused look.
“Remember what I said.”
>”Fiiiine.”
>You open the door, and you all file inside.
>Professor Storm’s office is supremely ordered as usual. Nothing amiss, on the floor, or on the desk without aesthetic or strict practical purpose.
>The Professor looks up from her desk. “Hello, witches. Close the door behind you if you will.”
>Golden enters the room last, and closes the door behind her.
>For that brief moment of silence you’re filled with anticipation. Looking around the room, you see a highly detailed and artistic map of the continent on the wall. It has both the elevation of the land as well as the location of important settlements and non-witch dwellings. You also find some fancy looking compasses that look like they may have even come from the time before Magicopia. They’re embedded with jewelry as well as neat electronic lights.
>”Now.” She finally begins. “You probably all can guess why I summoned you here. Sunset Shimmer and  Veronica Sparkle—despite the massive trust we put in them by not putting them under strict supervision on account of their accomplishments, have decided to not only flee their punishment, but seemingly the entire settlement itself. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
>Of course this is what this meeting is for. What are you going to have to do then?
>Marble crosses her arms and looks to the side, clearly annoyed. 
>Golden looks on blankly, and Celestia’s excitement (as always) seems to be on the rise.
>”Unfortunately most of our adult witches are taking care of important business on either securing the settlement or in the process of transitioning to a new Headmistress… It’s for this unfortunate reason that we haven’t been able to send out many search parties for the ones that went missing after the climax of the battle at the Castle grounds. It’s important for the Dean’s daughter to be found however, and doubly important that her and her friend be put to justice—so”
>”You’re sending us to find them.” Marble says annoyed.
>The Professor gives her a fierce look that just swears punishment if she dares to have another outburst. “Yes. I am.” She then looks back at the lot of you. “You are to find, apprehend, and bring them back to me. Especially the Dean’s daughter.”
“If I may, Professor?”
>”What is it?”
“I have to ask. What do we do if they resist fiercely?”
>Professor Storm exhales deeply. “Well, that would necessarily be treason. Now wouldn’t it?”
>You feel your stomach turn because you know exactly what that means. There’s only one punishment appropriate for those found to be traitors. But Sunset and Veronica? Would they really do such a thing? What’s their reason? And… can you really go through with it?
>“Another reason I called your lot specifically…”
>Here it comes.
>”I got word that you four were the last to have spoken to Sunset Shimmer. Did she tell you where she was going, or did she give you any clues as to where they’ve gone?”
“No, we were just talking about the funeral is all…”
>You hear Celestia inhale, and your stomach drops.
>Please don’t say something stupid, please don’t say something stupid, pleasedon’tsaysomethingstupid.
>”We haven’t been able to confirm or get any concrete details on their current whereabouts. Inferring their location from the limited information of our unrelated conversation can only serve as unproductive speculation.” Celestia repeats what seems like a memorized line in an uncharacteristically robotic voice.
>You stare at the girl utterly unamused. That sounded too defensive!
>”Well, alright then. You all may be on your way.”
>What!? She just accepted that!
>”But Celestia, technically you don’t have to take orders from me being that you’re from Cloudsdale. I’m ordering the others, but for you, it’s a request. You’re free to go home with your mother of course.”

>Celestia balls her fists. ”Don’t you worry! I’ll keep these rookies out of trouble!”
>Marble huffs.
>Oh brother.

~Present~

>Finally you, Sunset Shimmer, wake up.
>Looking around you… you find a small ‘cave’ that’s really just a concave indent on the side of a mountain. It’s hard, and cold. Your back hurts.
>But your front… is warm.
>Weighing down on you is a sleeping Veronica. Her head rests on your chest. You can feel the elegant rise and fall of her soft breathing. 
>Her clothes are tattered and ripped in many places. Just like yours. 
>That’s right… Sharon collected all six crystals yesterday including yours. She transformed into her younger… self?
>And she had people complicit with her at the top of the settlement. The only thing that was ever standing in her way was Headmistress Sweet. Who just happened to die—according to Sharon.
>Who knows what’s going to happen to that place now. Who CARES? Not you. They think you’re a criminal now for risking your life for them. You…
>Your thoughts are interrupted by the movement on your chest.
>Veronica opens her eyes and looks into yours. First with an aloof stare. Then, as she comes to, her cheeks flush.
“Good morning, cutie.”
>Veronica gets off you and falls back on the ground, clearly embarrassed. “Uhhh, I don’t know what I was doing. O-or what I was thinking! I didn’t-”
“Whoa, relax. It’s okay.”
>Isn’t this kind of think normal for witches? You should be the one that’s so shocked. Look at you, a little more than half a year in this time and you’re already assimilating.
>Veronica leans forward and scowls, her face still blood red. ”You can’t tell a soul about this for the rest of your life! You hear me!?”
>You clasp your hands together and smile.
“You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed. You should be like this more often.”
>”And stop calling me cute! No one’s ever called me cute in my life. Not even when I was a baby.”
>Now you lean forward.
“Well, then I don’t know what’s wrong with everyone. You’re cute, Veronica. Cute.”
>Veronica tries to stare at you in anger, the effect is heavily diminished by her rose red cheeks.
>”W-whatever. We can’t waste time on this. There are things to do.”
“Things to do?”
>You stand up, and walk over to the edge of the mountain opening.
>The brilliant sun shines on you, and the gentle, cool breeze runs over the skin of your arms and face.
>You look out at the world. Endless, endless land of green. Grass, trees, vines, and a few old man made structure that have been taken over by the grass, trees, and vines.
>In the distance you see great lakes, mountains, and what you think may be some of the few remaining humble places where humans still dwell…
>Veronica walks up next to you and beholds the sight herself.
“… What things to do?”
>Veronica turns her head and looks up at you. ”Anything.”

~