Title: Friendship was Unexpected Part 1: Living in the Dark: Act 2 Author: qinop Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/4uvVH7Aq First Edit: Sunday 11th of September 2016 01:29:33 AM CDT Last Edit: Last edit on: Friday 23rd of September 2016 09:42:08 PM CDT >Sigh >It's time to relax >Well, not really relax, more like not be around people for forty eight hours >At Home >Glancing at your watch, you realize you're not wearing it >Glancing at your phone while grabbing your watch, you see it's pretty early still >Only 11 or so >You slide your shoes off and walk to the living room >B- Uh SSSFF and Cadence are sitting together on the couch in front of the tv, which is softly blaring out some action movie >Cadence is laying against Gleaming, snoring softly, her fingers woven together with Gleamy's >Now that's cute >Oh wait >Gross, Gleaming is groping her with her free hand >As soon as she notices you, she stops squeezing and grins wide at you >Eh >She looks confused for a second, but smiles again, waving >You smile and wave >Eh, they're allowed to be lewd, and you sort of barged in >Would it be better if you left them alone? >Cadence is already asleep... >So you guess you can go snug up with your sister brother >Gosh. Life is weird right now >You quietly wander over, taking the seat next to Gleamy >She giggles and nuzzles the top of your head as she raises her arm, taking her hand away from Cadence to pull you closer in >Laying your head against her side, resting it against her chest... >It's nice. >Brother, sister, it doesn't matter >She'll always know how to get you grounded and feeling safe again >You smile as you press your face into the soft fabric of her t shirt >"I missed this, Twiley." >With a contented sigh, you hug her "S-so have I, G-gleamy."   >Your chest is tight >Airflow is cut, forcing you to breathe in quick, rapid bursts >You open your eyes, instinctively clutching at your chest >But you can't see anything, and you don't feel anything >Your arms are too heavy to lift, as well >All you can feel is the tightness in your chest >And the restricted airflow as you try as hard as you can to introduce oxygen to your lungs >In >Out >In, in >Out >You're starting to get light headed from the poor air supply >In... In >In! >Out >Where are you, what is this? >...What is happening? >Breathe >The air isn't coming in anymore >Tears are beading at the corners of your eyes >A little bit from fear, a little bit from effort >Tap, tap, tap >What is that? Footsteps? >It's... Behind you >You turn your head? >You don't feel like you're moving, not really, but the idea does bring something into view >It's a ball >It shimmers purple and black like the fortune teller's paints >"Twilight Sparkle!" >That girl, Trixie, her voice resounds off of nothing, coming from the ball >Her voice echoes back and forth through the darkness until it dies off >"Twilight." >Another voice, one you don't know, comes from behind you, clearer than Trixie's >But you can't look away from the ball >The tension in your chest is relieved >You can't breathe, still >But it doesn't hurt >The ball fades away >White bleeds in from behind you >It stops where the ball was, leaving a black blot in the middle of your field of vision >What do you do now? >Now that the panic has left you, you kind of feel lost >You just stare at the black blot >It seems to shift >Sort of >It might just be your eyes playing tricks on you, but it looks like it's moving >Like it's not getting bigger, it's just >The edges of it are rolling around and crashing into itself >Like it's covered in ocean >Or something >Over and under, the black crashes and climbs, trying to escape the white >...   >You open your eyes >You squeeze them shut once, just because >Turning over, you find yourself in your bed >Birds are singing outside >The sun is shining behind your curtains >You can smell eggs and bacon >Slowly, your eyes drift closed again >You're back to the realm of reality >What was that dream? >Your eyes open once more, and you're looking at your clock >It's past 10 >Your mind is mostly blank except for that one question bouncing around >What was that dream? >You want to move >Prove to yourself that you can >Prove to yourself that you are >So you slide to a sitting position while turning so your feet are dangling off of your bed, and your eyes are now taking in the floor >You take a deep breath >You fill your lungs, so you never forget what it feels like >Exhaling comes as a yawn >Your body isn't confused >Should you talk to someone about it? >You aren't a stranger to nightmares >Especially about bullies >But not really like this >This wasn't really a nightmare >You pull your legs up and hug them >Your nightmares scare you >They're soft and a little cold from the morning chill >They remind you why you need to keep working >You set your head against your knees >The visions of Sunny, Indigo, Sour, Lemon, and Sugar... Sugarcoat, they all remind you that you need to leave Canterlot as soon as possible, or else >There's a soft rapping at your door, and you raise your head to meet it >Cadence peeks in, grinning >"Twi..." Her smile falls. "Twilight? Are you okay?" >Don't let her see >Don't let her know how lost you feel >Smile >You look up at her and nod "J-just a l-little c-cold." >Cadence frowns for a moment before smiling again. >"Okay. Gleaming made breakfast, if you'd like to join us." >You take a deep breath and nod >You start your day   >Sunday night >You're relaxing on your bed >Trying to, at least >It's good to have some alone time after a particularly eventful week >So that's just what you're doing >You've got your bag of chips >You've got your orange soda >You've got your laptop >And you have your quest threads back up >Fortunately, anons still like the idea of a magical princess flying around and playing every little girl trope totally straight in a grimdark setting >So >Your quest thread is back up to 70 unique posters >You smile >Its good to let loose >You stare at your current response >What did she say? >The fortune teller, what did she say, exactly? >Something something, doom doom doom? >She witnessed the doom of the world? >The death of all life? >How could she get something that ominous from this Twilight? >It's her body, after all >Maybe she misread >It's not like voodoo, witchcraft, and fortune telling is an exact science >Yeah >Sour said she was probably trying to scare you into buying more stuff >Buying anything, actually >Since the fortune telling was free >Your eyes narrow as you type >'Princess Nightlight Sparkle engages the Lich and asks:' >'Do you like chocolate chip cookies, or brownies?' >You sigh and lean back, laying your head against the pillow >It seems normal for this to be bothering you >A prophecy was told, focusing on you >And on the destruction of all life >Based on or having to do with you >But it was just a fortune telling >A parlor trick for some cash >You aren't the superstitious type of girl >This noise shouldn't be bothering you >It's just a made up bunch of superstition and prestige >So why are you worried?   >Monday >School >You've completely forgotten what all of your classes are doing >Which is fine, because they're so easy that you're already acing them all >"Good morning, Twiley, did you have a good weekend?" >You look away from your locker and to Sugar >She smiles >You smile >Hugs! >After hugging, you shrug. "M-my weekend w-was okay, I g-guess..." >How do you breach this topic? >Do you? >Sugar leans in a little, trying to catch your gaze >You look down at her >She adjusts her glasses >"It certainly seems like something is bothering, you Twiley. I would like to help you, if at all possible, with whatever is currently troubling you." >She smiles, folding her arms across her belly >"As your friend." >You give her a soft chuckle and a nod. >Looks like Sugar really wants to help you >Sugarcoat has always been a really good student, due to her ability to soak up information >At least from what you've heard >You don't think she's as good as you are at finding information >But help is help, especially if it's from such a cute girl "W-well... I-I have been t-trying to look i-into something." >She cocks her head, waiting for you to continue >How do you explain it? >Uh >What do you want her to help you with, actually? >What is happening? >Or, maybe >The fortune? >"Twiley?" >You blink and cross your arms like her >With a sigh, you drum your fingers against your elbows "I-It's complicated, b-but I think y-you can h-help." >She smiles, raising her hands to wrap around the straps of her backpack >"What do you need help with, Twiley? I will help you in anyway I can, even if I'm not as capable as other people, I will try my hardest." >You sigh, looking away >So which is it? >She leans to one side, looking up into your eyes >You can't decide "I-I'll tell you l-later. A-at the l-library." >She slowly nods >What a good friend >You nod back >You want to take her back with you when you go back >You smile at the idea "R-ready to h-hit the b-books?" >Her eyes light up, and she smiles, nodding excitedly   >3:00 PM >Final bell >You just now realize you forgot to tell Sugarcoat which library you were both going to >Even though you're walking together >As you step out of your last class of the day, you catch sight of something big >Something pink >Something being oddly quiet >You stare at each other "W-what?" >Lem shrugs. grinning >"Sup, Twifam." >She holds her hands behind her back and bobs her head side to side >You calmly stare at her >She's so... >Carefree >You smile and reach up to pat her >As you pat her, she chuckles, leading you to giggle >She stands up right, putting her hands to her hips. "So!" >"Going to the club room, right?" >You blink >You nod >Is this a weekly event? >Pre book club meeting on Mondays? >Lem seems to understand what's going on, so you just follow her >As you two approach the lab, you notice everyone's already gathered >Sour looks sick and tired >Sugar seems fairly content, crossing her arms behind her back as she smiles at you >And Sunny/Indy >Are chatting? >"I gotta show you Van Halen sometime, it's not classical music, but it's still classic music!" >Sunny giggles into her hand. "I'd love to, mon chèr~" >They're getting a long better recently >The others... >Sour, Lem, Sugar, Sunny and Indy are all leering at each other >Not so much   >That was miserable >You furrow your brow as you walk alongside Sugar >They sat around bickering for thirty minutes before you called it off >You're currently texting them all >You glance at Sugar again >And again, she withers under your disappointed gaze >"I said I was sorry, Twiley, but I couldn't let them insult me like that. I have to make sure they respect me for..." >She shies down at your glare >You sigh and reach out to her hand >She gingerly grabs it and you pull her into a hug >She squeaks >Which is cute >You push her away a little and smile. "I-I just want u-us to change, t-to be m-more." >She slowly inhales, while her cheeks gain a darker hue "N-now let's g-go do some r-r-research!"   >The library >Your temple of science and research, where you embark through journeys of the mind and heart to better understand the world around you >Even now, as you walk through the huge halls of knowledge, lore, and understanding, you still feel like a little girl >Today, it will do the same as always >But you have to start from the ground up, and understand what is happening to you, the other Twilight, and these girls >"So what are we researching exactly, Twiley? Is it school related, or hobby related? Perhaps you need help discovering something new?" >You stop mid stride "W-well..." >What are you researching? >The fortune or what is happening? >Which is more useful? >Between the two, it's... >What is happening, honestly >The fortune is only important because you're being a scared girl >So you raise a finger and continue walking "R-recent events." >"Recent events? Do you mean in a political sense? The current zeitgeist? Or do you maybe mean the current relations our country has with other countries?" >You shake your head and lead Sugar over to one of the library computers "S-something more s-specific..." >You pull out a piece of paper and scribble out some terms you need to research to figure out you know what >You hand it to Sugar and she adjusts her glasses before reading it over. >"Missing persons, bizarre events through Canterlot, mysteries: unsolved, vampires, strange places, and finally you've written 2000-2008 and drawn an arrow from it to..." She narrows her eyes and nods. "Okay, yes, I understand what that means then..." >Sugar looks up at you, holding the paper in front of her. "But what do you want all of this information for, Twiley?" >Escaping almost slips your lips, but you catch it "E-eh, just a s-sort of long t-term invest-tigation." >Also, escaping makes it sound like you're leaving something bad for something, which you aren't >Sigh >You're just setting things right >Regardless of how selfish you feel, neither option feels right >With a sigh, you sit down at a computer, and Sugar joins you, taking the seat next to you >She scoots a little closer to you >You look at each other >You scoot a little closer to her >You both smile and get started with your favorite, time honored craft >Research >You begin with the 2009-2016 side of unsolved mysteries, and you notice Sugar has started with earlier missing persons >Both of you work in silence >Mostly silence >You've never done research with another person before, so you didn't realize quite how much talking was involved >As in when Sugar called your attention, you flinched >"Are you okay? I was merely trying to point out an interesting piece of information that you may want to know about." >Minor unnerving aside, you are perfectly fine >In your element and such >You take a deep breath and nod. "P-please, show m-me." >Sugar raises a finger, pointing at the highlighted text, and reads it aloud to you. >Oh gosh >Her reading voice is nothing like her speaking voice >She speaks so slowly, like when she used to >Corner you >And impress upon you the qualities of your living >You gulp as you watch her >This is a better use for this voice >"Did you get that, Twiley? Or would you like to repeat it? It seemed like you weren't focused, at least not entirely on the article." >You look down and back to your screen for a second then back at her "S-sorry. P-please repeat it." >So she does, and you get to replace the last terrible memories you have of her with comfortable ones   >8:00 PM >The librarian comes by >(Oh gosh, it's Moonie's sister) >And politely informs you both that it's about closing time >You shrug and save the notes you have to your cloud and look to Sugar >She's still scrolling through a page, thoughtfully holding her chin over her knuckle and thumb as she sits really close to the screen. >You slowly press a hand to her back >She glances away from the screen then double takes, looking right at you with a smile >"Yes, Twiley? Was there something you needed me to do?" >You chuckle. "T-time to g-go." >She frowns and nods, opening up a document and typing away between various webpages. >"I have some information that you might be able to use, but I don't know to what capacity, or extent it will be useful." >She clicks save and looks to you >You give her a thumbs up and stand, grabbing your backpack >She does the same and you both start heading for home >Once outside, you realize it has gotten very dark >Dumb winter >Both you and Sugar traverse down the steps of the library while you listen to her talk about what she found out >Mostly nothing to do with you or your world >But all of it very interesting >She evidently delved deep, deep into the /x/ portion of the list >As you walk, you listen to her describe all sorts of shenanigans that have happened in Canterlot over the past two decades >There are apparently many people who unironically believe in magic and other forms of mysticism >Which is sad >But you could use it >Maybe they have something you can use >About twenty minutes pass >"Twilight Sparkle!" >You stop and turn around >There's Trixie, standing on the side walk, flanked by those two thuggish looking dorky kids >Why is Trixie here? >"Who is this, Twiley? I know she's not a friend of yours, because the Shadowbolts and I are your only friends. What does she want?" "U-uh... Sh-she's-" >"The Grrrreat and Powerful Trrrixie!" She throws one arm up, fingers splayed. "Is!" She throws the other back. "Twilight Sparkle's!" She throws her head back as she fans her legs. "Nemesis!" >Sugar begins unbuttoning her cardigan. "Is that really true, Twiley? This girl hates you enough to call you her nemesis? That is quite the claim to stake, if it's true." >You stare at her as she lets her shirt hang loose, crossing her arms over her belly >With a cackle, she interrupts before you can answer. "Trixie is in fact Twilight's nemesis! She wishes for Twilight Sparkle's destruction and humiliation!" >To add emphasis, Trixie snaps her fingers, and the boys hanging around whip their backpacks around, and pull out >Are you serious >The lanky one pulls out a wooden bat, and the chubby one pulls out a crowbar >"Weapons. Melee. Blunt and cheap, the perfect equipment for thugs, bandits, and gangsters with no proper funding." >Sugar seems totally nonplussed, which is bad, because you want to run >You don't know who Trixie is, but she obviously wants to start something really dangerous >Trixie cackles into the back of her hand and points at you. "Trixie will have her revenge, Twilight Sparkle!" >With a confident snort, Sugar slides one foot forward while reaching in and pulling out two gleaming silver hunks from inside of her shirt >Are those revolvers >ARE THOSE SERIOUSLY GUNS >SUGAR WHAT THE FUCK >All four, that is everyone but Sugar are staring, your mouth is agape, Trixie looks shocked, and the kids look really scared >They're already starting to sweat >"You wouldn't dare fire at the Grrreat and Powerful Trrr-" >Bang >The left cylinder rotates, snapping into place >Trixie blinks, and her face starts to turn red >Her goons have run off, and Sugar has targeted her >Trixie throws down a smokeball and runs off >Leaving just you and Sugar >She turns to you, holstering her revolvers >She smiles at you as she starts buttoning up her cardigan >"Are you okay, Twiley? I  didn't scare you, did I? I really didn't mean to." >You take a deep breath and sigh >And you take another deep breath "Sugar, why do you have guns?" >"For self defense of course, Twiley." >You rub at the bridge of your nose and take another deep breath >The winter air is helping "I mean, why do you have them? Who gave them to you? You could have killed someone." >Sugar calmly shakes her head and takes out one of her revolvers. "They're perfectly safe, Twiley, just look." >You slowly look down as she fidgets with the gun >She pops open the cylinder >It's full of pellets >"This is what's called an airsoft gun. It shoots mostly harmless pellets instead of bullets. I've even had mine custom made to make real gunfire noise when operated." >You groan, rubbing your face. "I'm c-calling my s-sister to d-drive us." >Sugar nods, holstering her firearm again. "That sounds fair and wise, go ahead."   >You hug Sugar once more after she closes Gleamy's car door >"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Twiley. Hopefully that Trixie girl won't bother you again." >You nod "M-me too." >Trixie didn't seem like she was done with you, but that's what you're used to >Relentless bullies >Sugar gives you a short wave and smiles for you >You do the same as she turns and walks to her home >Her huge, fancy home >She has a nice place >You wouldn't expect such a nice girl to have so much heat >As she slides between the gate, you slide back into Gleamy's car >Gleamy smiles as she watches Sugar walk up to her home >She's bobbing her head to the lowered rock coming from the radio >"Been a while since I saw Sugarcoat." She sort of trails off while watching your little friend walk >She looks down at you with a sisterly grin. "How's she?" >You smile and shrug "Sh-she's alright." >Gleamy seems content with your answer, and starts heading off back home   >The ride back home is mostly quiet until the concrete and pavement comes back, and your car is joined by others >You watch the street lights pass as Gleamy drives >You have a bully >"So Twiley..." >You pause >You turn back to Gleaming >She's got her eyes fixed on the road as she talks >"Uh, Cadence tells me that your mood has... Ya know, improved." >Wha? "O-oh, has i-it?" >You look back at the street lamp without turning away from Gleaming completely >You're the same as usual >Deal with life >Figure out problems >Learn everything >"Well yeah. She says you're a lot more energetic, in a weird way she can't figure out." >Did their Twilight not know how to do that? >She chuckles as she pulls into the driveway >"She says you're like a new you." >You tense up, and you can see your eyes widen in the reflection in Gleamy's window >You do your best to chuckle. "H-heh-heh." >You smile at Gleamy, hoping she can't see the new layer of sweat on your forehead >Gleamy smiles and kills the engine. >"I figured it was nothing, only Cadence finally getting to know you for the real you." >Her shoulders slump as she holds the steering wheel >She gives you a small smile. >"I'm glad you two're finally gettin along, Twi." >She squeezes one eye shut and reaches up rub at it >She sniffles... Is Gleaming crying? >You reach out, on instinct, and grab her strong arm >It's not as big as Shining's, but it's just as soft, it's just as warm >She takes a deep breath and looks at you >You frown >She smiles, her lip quivering for only a second >Shining was always a bit of a crybaby, but only over things that were really special and happy >Weddings, happy endings, when you got Spike >Nothing sad ever makes him cry >Gleamy gulps and wraps an arm around you, pulling you in for a hug >Pause >You wrap an arm around her arm, chuckling as she cries >This feels terrible but >You pat her back "I-It's okay, G-gleamy... I-I guess it's j-just m-me trying t-to turn o-over a n-n-new l-l-l-leaf..." >Gleamy does something very familiar >She does that laughing crying shout that Shining used to do >"I'm- I'm-" She sobs. "S-s-sorry! I'm just s-so happy!" >You giggle and snug Gleamy as she pours out happy tears "I-I am t-too." >"After all the fighting between you and Cadence, you're both starting to get along..." >She sighs and squeezes you >Fighting? >You pull away and look up at her >"My two favorite girls in the whole world are finally getting along." >She pulls you back in for a hug and begins laughing once more >You join her, adding your own stilted laughter to hers >Your cover is in jeopardy >But luckily, your big sister really trusts you >... >And you feel terrible for using that to your advantage   >10:14 PM >Your room >You sigh as you look down at the document on your laptop >It's the file that Sugar was taking notes in at the library >You have her notes and your own scraps of note paper you've accumulated over the past week on what is happening >Tonight has been very eventful, in several ways >...Most importantly, in advancing your knowledge on you know what >So yeah. The research session went well >She found a lot >You have no idea what is useful though >But all of it is relevant to what you asked of her >You, however, found very little >About half of the search entries you used gave you junk and garbage >Its kind of humbling, to be honest >Having an equal in terms of research skill >You only found one thing >The lady >The fortune teller >She's a Striped woman who lives here in Canterlot >She used to live with your dad and granny in a boarding house >Her name is Zecora >Interesting to know, if you ever need to find her >Which you may, if only she can clarify that fortune she gave you >You glance back at the doc Sugar was methodically filling >She was pretty cute, actually >Giggle >She had such a serious, focused look in her eye >Like she was so pumped >Sigh >You crack open a bottle of soda (grape tonight. Gotta mix it up) and lean back >She put in a quick introductory note >'Dear Twilight. I'm very happy you asked me to help you with your research and I look forward to helping you again. That aside, I've tried my best to arrange the strange information that you have asked for into an easier to digest manner, with the original notes and source websites on the next page. I had fun.' >You smile once again and sigh >Now this is how you write a research paper >Sugar's a good friend   >1:34 AM >Sugar's notes are... Interesting >She found a string of unsolved missing persons cases trailing back as far as 1999 as well as half a dozen unexplained bizarre events that have started popping up around 2003 >What's interesting is that both are long standing cases, with no evidence of being solved >What's more interesting is that both have common elements independent to each >Er... >Both have a single suspect believed to have something to do with the case >The missing persons case has a young woman, who currently attends Canterlot High... >Pause >...Its probably unrelated >To your research, you mean. >Regarding Energy X >This case opened when she was ten or so >It in involved no one at first >Men and women ages 14-22 would just disappear for a month or so and then appear back at their homes as if nothing had happened >They would have no money, no jewelry, and some of them were missing articles of clothing that were considered valuable >Of the two hundred people who briefly disappeared, none recalled seeing or hearing anything to indicate that they were being kidnapped >No one had lasting wounds or psychological damage >Until 2014 >11 years after the first disappearance, the victims all started having manic or aggressive episodes >That's the uh >That's same year things started happening at CHS >...Focus >All the persons listed described a young, yellow woman with bright orange hair as being part of a recurring nightmare and day terror, which incited the new behaviors >This girl and the victim's behaviors are the only thing linking these two hundred or so people >It's odd that such a young girl could have anything to do with these people disappearing >It's also odd that it started happening after you measured the strange frequencies coming from CHS last- >Uh >This year >Anyway >The second, the bizarre events, is a little stranger >From what Sugar has found for you, there are many strange things that have happened in Canterlot >Truly bizarre happenings >Happenings that completely clash with your perceived history of the city >So >You have 43 events >28 of these events involve anomalous behavior in mobile inanimate objects >7 of these events involve strange meteorological occurrences involving candy and various beverages >And finally... >The other 8 events are listed as miscellaneous >Which, given the specific description of the other 35, you think its kind of strange >Even if they were really strange, it seems like whoever wrote this would have included a more in depth analysis of the events >But they aren't >Strange >Aadditionally, a single man was involved with every odd event >A homeless man with no ID or records of any kind >All you have to go on is a name, same as the other three >You jot down the three names into your phone >It might be wise to try to investigate these people >Zecora, the fortune teller >Adagio Dazzle, a student at Canterlot High >Discord, a vagabond from nowhere >These notes are cool >You'll have to remember not to get too close to them, of course >With a yawn, you close your laptop and slide it off of your legs along with the bites of notes you can reach >You've made some good progress today >Hopefully the rest of this week can be as good >You lean back against your pillow, and wiggle down under the covers >You yawn as you take your glasses off and set them onto your dresser >Tomorrow you'll be researching that uh >You guess Discord? >Yeah, him >He prowls around the suburbs, if the recent information about him can be trusted >So you might be able to find him and ask about what's been happening >Good idea >Better idea? Sleeping   >Tight >Your chest is tight >And it's difficult to breathe >Your eyes flicker open as your body starts to panic >It's back again >The unmistakable tightness in your chest >The lack of air coming and going... >And you're in an enclosed space of inky blackness >Suffocating >Black surrounds you from all sides, just like before >You can't breathe, just like before >And floating in front of you now is that orb >You try to grab at your chest, to no avail >Why are you here? >"You dare to challenge me?" >Trixie's words bounce forth from the ball, smacking you in the face with real force >You get knocked back, and rebound off of the back wall with a dull thud >Like someone tossed a sandbag at your back >It didn't hurt, but >"Me, The Great and Powerful Trixie?" >Her words bounce off of each other, and off of you, knocking you around the room >Each time, it hurts just a little more >Every time you hit the floor, walls, or ceiling, you bounce a bit >And then they crash into you again, her mocking words doing you actual harm >You can hear them echo closer to you now, trying to hone in on where you're laying prone >Bang >Some of the words go silent, while the others still float around >Some of the darkness is burning away >"Twilight." >You turn and look up >There's Sugar >But not really >In your nightmare, her features are all off >She has a skirt- >Why is she dressed like Homura? >Eh >It fits. Especially with the guns >You're just so relieved to see someone right now >You extend your arms >Just now noticing you, she slowly runs into your grasp >"Twiley!" >And then you hug! >All at once, there's a harsh sound of air being blasted, and all of the black is erased, except for the circle >It looms in the center, at the back >And you're still holding Sugar >She pulls away from you and aims at the black circle with a scowl >...   >7:00 AM >Tuesday >Your phone blares out music, startling you awake >You grope around, and pause the music >Ugh >You grab your face and rub at your sore eyes >You can't keep having these nightmares >You have to deal with this Trixie girl >Your stomach growls, loud and angry >You have to get breakfast >With another groan, you twist yourself around your bed until you're in a sitting position >Come on >It's time to start the day >With breakfast >So you drag yourself out of your room, miraculously clothed, and into the kitchen >Cadence is there >She smiles and waves at you, but you can't really muster anything except for a limp nod >You feel so empty >Your plush rump plops into the chair before you know what's happening >And you're eating some meat >Cadence mumbles something >You glance up at her, squinting >Cadence smiles over at you, holding her phone in one hand as she eats >"How are you, Twilight?" >You clench your eyes and yawn >Cadence giggles. "I can relate." >Grumbling, you start really digging in, so you have an excuse not to talk >"Gleaming tells me that you both had a nice talk last night." "Mhm..." >You chew back and forth on your breakfast >Cadence chuckles as she reads her phone >She says something else, but it's lost in the fog of your sleepiness and food chewing >"Don't you agree?" >You glance up at her, squinting as you chew >What'd she say? >You put down your fork and rub your eyes as you yawn "I can noh hear yoooou~" You end up softly howling through the yawn >You smack your lips and go back to your food >Cadence doesn't say anything else the rest of the morning   >7:45 AM >School >You prop your head up against your locker and yawn >Breakfast didn't help at all >It's supposed to be the most important meal of the day, isn't it? >Why can't it fight nightmare-fueled exhaustion then? >You groan and lean back, grabbing onto your locker and swinging it open >Might as well get some kind of start to this day >Even if it is a crap one >You yawn again, as you lean in to grab some paper and pens >Thank the gods classes are set to easy mode or >"Twifam!" >You jump back a bit >You do drop your fist full of pens >The adrenaline shocks you awake >You can feel your heart pumping at overtime >Glancing around, you see Lem >She's standing behind you >And Sugar is next to you >They both look kind of worried as your eyes dart between then "H-hi." You raise a hand to wave >And struggle to keep your eyes from twitching >Sugar steps toward you, slowly raising her hand >She lowers your still flailing hand >"Did you sleep well, last night, Twiley? I certainly didn't." "W-what do y-you mean, S-sugar?" >Sugar stares at you for a moment >She sighs, folding her arms across her belly >"I mean that your eyes are half lidded, you have dark circles under your eyes, you are standing with a slouch to your normally somewhat upright posture, and your hair is a mess. On top of that, your clothes are in disarray, to begin with, you have missed tucking your shirt into your skirt, which is school regulation, and you have two different pairs of socks on." >You glance down >Yeah that's all right >You start tucking in your shirt and glance up at Lem >She just smiles and waves >You smile back and look at Sugar again >Now that you get a look at her... >You raise a finger "W-what about y-you?" >She nods >"I am fully aware of how poorly I look. After last night's altercation with Trixie, I had trouble sleeping well, and I could only fall asleep at around 3 AM." >"Trixie?" >Sugar blinks and looks up at Lem with you >Her brow furrows and she silently adjusts her glasses while looking away "Y-yeah." >Lem plants her hands on her hips. "You mean that punk girl with her two stooges from the other day?" >You nod, rubbing your eye >Sand is already forming >"What'd she want?" >You shrug and tell her, "I-I don't kn-know. Sh-she just c-came out of n-nowhere a-and had those t-two guys pull o-out weapons..." >Lem flinches and double takes between you and Sugar >"Weapons? Did that girl attack you?" >You rub the back of your head and look down "Y-yeah, sorta..." >"I managed to scare her off, her and her boys all ran away, leaving us both unharmed." >Sugar glares at her locker still as she explains >"Twiley was unharmed, as was I. Trixie shouldn't be a problem anymore, unless she thinks I was joking about gunning her down, in which case, she is as much a fool as-" >She glares up at Lem, then gives you a tired frown >"I should go to class." She hoists up her backpack, slinging it onto her back. >She looks between both of you and leans in, hugging you tight >She whispers >"Truth be told, I am so happy you're okay, Twiley." >You almost gasp >She lets go and gives you a small, exhausted smile. "I'll see you at the lab after school." >You nod to her, trying your best to smile for her >She gives Lem an awkward look as she turns, but then just walks away >Lem steps forward, watching her go >"Weird." >She has her hands on her hips and a smile on her face >Big ol' Lem, not a care in the world >She smiles down at you, showing off her pearly smile >You're kind of jealous that she doesn't have to deal with any crazy shenanigans >"I gotta talk to you, Twifam." >Er "Y-yeah?" >Lem reaches up and scratches the back of her head >"You been uh... Havin weird dreams lately?" >You stare at her >She gives you a big smile >The kind of big dumb grin that she gives you a lot after a dumb joke or when you're both just relaxed >But >Her grin turns a little crooked after a moment >Heh >You crack a grin back and chuckle >She didn't just say that, right? "W-what do you m-mean?" >She looks away, maintaining her grin >"Ah well, ya know." >Lem chuckles >But then she and her big grin go quiet >She looks back down at you, and her grin twitches >You sincerely hope that for the first time in your 17(16?) years of existence that you heard someone wrong >You hope she's not talking about the same dreams >She shakes her head and throws her hand down. "Bah." >"Don't worry about it, Twifam." >She firmly holds her hips and grins. "I'm sure I'm just worrying about nothing..." >She raises a hand to wave and starts for her class, clapping her hand to her headphones and turning the volume up and up >But you grab her by the wrist as she walks away >"H-hey wait." >Lem stops in her tracks >She slowly looks back at you, confusion in her eye as she turns down the audio "W-what d-do  you mean, w-weird?" >She shrugs. "It's nothing..." >You frown as you tighten your hold on her wrist, which she doesn't seem to notice >Lem turns back to face you fully and hums. "Just weird dreams is all..." >She and you remain quiet for a minute or so. "Th-then why d-did you bring i-it up?" >She silently stares at you, then looks at your hand >You're still firmly holding her wrist, and you don't let go >You want to make sure she's not at all... Sort of... >Suffering... Like you >Lem seems tough, but you don't know if she has as much experience with bullies as you do >She just shrugs again. "I'm sure it's nothing, Twifam." >She gives you that big dumb grin >Like she always does... >Maybe she's better at dealing with stress than you thought >You let go of her wrist, frowning up at her >She gives you a soft pap on the shoulder. "I'll see ya at club later, a'ight?" >You dumbly nod and pick up your backpack >She winks and puts a hand to her headphones. "I promise not to start any fights this time." >"Sour Sweet seems to be warming up to me, at least, in her crazy bitch way." She chuckles, turning her music back on >You watch her walk >As her hips sway, she puts her hands behind her back, entangling her fingers together >You really hope this Trixie thing blows over >Even if you're not really their friend, you don't want these girls to suffer a bully of any kind   >First period >Sunny and Indy are chatting together again >You smile and tune into their conversation as you settle into your seat >Just as you sit down, your exhaustion slams into you, and you can barely keep your eyes open >Sunny places a hand onto your back and you roll your head to look at her >She looks worried >But she smiles and rubs your back >"Take a nap, ma petite~" She whispers as her delicate fingers trace along your shoulder >You lean forward and fold your arms, placing your glasses over there and your forehead doesn't really go on your arm you'll just turn your head to the side...   >Teehee >Little Twilight, little Twilight~ >Sleeping is not a fight~! >A chuckle? >You know the source~ >You take your gaze away from your dear little friend and glance up and up to your other friend >Zappy dear? >You purse your lips and give her a look, to ask, "What is it that you laugh at?" >She sneers and reclines in her seat >"Bae shouldn't stay up so late on a school night." >She chuckles again >You smile and giggle into your hand >Poor little Twilight, little Twilight~ >You shouldn't laugh, but she should sleep~ >You've wondered, if her late nights~ >Would be solved with multiplying sheep~?   >Hmhmhm~ >Last class is over~ >By chance, Zap and yourself have met with little Twilight >Here you stand! >At the end of the day~! >There is to be club~ >You'll let them lead the way~ >"You seem better rested, bae." >"Th-thanks..." >Little Twilight raises her hand >She chuckles into the back of her hand... >Why is she lying? >You decide to watch her >Closely, so you can ask her what has troubled her so >Your little Twilight needn't feel discomfort with you! >She has never shied away from discussing troubling tales with you, after all! >Little Twilight lowers her hand... >Your dear Zap investigates for you >Perhaps she's already noticed? >Mm, of course she has... >She's so like you, but more forward in her approach >"Did ya stay up all night studying?" >Little Twilight raises her hand up, ringing her thumb against her fingers... >She's going to lie... >"N-no... I-I was b-busy planning a d-discussion for t-today's club m-meeting." >Her smile is hollow >A scared and tense facade to disguise a tension underneath >Little Twilight, what troubles you~? >Is it school, or hobby work~? >You can tell your friends~! >For our time, my help is an easy due...   >Near now we approach the old and dusty room >Little Twilight's lab, where she shall present us with her book club >Looking at Zap tells you what you want to know >Her grin is wide, and she's showing off her sparkly teeth >You grin with her and clear your throat carefully "Ma petite~?" >Sway with the words, bob your head to the melody of the everyday talk >Little Twilight turns back around, not quite opening the door yet >She looks confused >You would be too! >Casually, with a hint of mischief, you dab at your chin >Hmm~ She looks oh so curious! "Hmm~ Are you perhaps curious~?" >Speculatively, little Twilight presses a brow down >"H-how so?" >You take your finger from your chin and fan out your fingers between Zap and yourself "Curious how we are doing~? Hmm~?" >She simply stares at you >She gives you an honest, cautious smile! >With a smile you sway toward Zap and motion toward little Twilight   >Indigo Zap takes a deep breath >And she sighs >What do Sunny and Indy have to say? >You let go of the door handle, letting your fingers trace off of the metal >And you watch Indy >"Well, bae, just like you asked, we got over ourselves." >She smirks, holding her hands behind her head >She and Sunny both grin to you, each giving a respective chuckle/giggle "O-oh." >There's a moment of silence where you awkwardly look between Sunny and Indy >You smile at first, and so do they "G-good!" >But after more than a few moments, they both eventually lose their cheer >What are they waiting for? >Are you supposed to react at all? >What is happening? >Indy drops her hands into her pockets and glances to Sunny >"Uh, so yeah..." "S-so, you m-made up?" You slowly reach for the door, grasping the handle >Sunny smiles again >"Zap showed me rock and roll that i can actually enjoy." >Indy grins and throws an arm around Sunny's shoulder. "Sunny loves DIO, bae." >She swings her free hand up and points at her. "Good taste." >You smile with them and even chuckle a bit >"And oh~ To celebrate our new friendship~ I would like-" >"We would like!" >"We would like! To invite you for a friendly little get together >"At my house." >"At zaps house." >... >Ill uh >Uh >Ill be there yeah >Grin >You grasp the door handle and slowly turn it >They don't seem to have anything else to say, so you turn and enter as quickly as you can without looking too eager >There's Sweetie >Sitting in the corner >Glaring at the floor >She looks... Like she hasn't showered in a few days >She has a layer of sweat, her hair is a mess, and the way she bobs her head to avoid sleep doesn't look too healthy >Actually >She just looks really tired >You glance back at Sunny and Indy >They both shrug, but Sunny sashays around you, stepping toward Sour >She puts a finger to her chin as she stands in front of Sour >"Mm~" >"Go away." >"But-" >Sour glares up at Sunny. "I said get lost!" "S-sweetie-" >She snaps her head toward you >But as soon as her tired eyes fall on you, she sighs >"Sorry, Twilight. I'm just so tired." >She punctuates this with a yawn >Hm... >"Why're you so tired?" Indys addition draws everyone's attention >As you're watching her, you notice  a tired Sugar approaching, her back slouched >And farther back, Lem, also tired >You yawn. Everyone's tired today >You smile for a second, then look back to Sweetie, who groans >"Well, TWILIGHT, since you were so kind to not ask! I'll tell one of these losers!" >She sniffs and locks her fingers together and against her cheek >"I keep having nightmares about that Trixie bitch we met at the carnival..." >Flinch >W-what? >"Nightmares huh?" >Everyone looks over at Lem, who, bot that she's closer, seems a lot more alert and energetic than she seemed in the walk over here >Or even this morning >Sour scoffs >"Yeah, I get nightmares sometimes." >Sweetie smirks. >"We can't all be big and tough like you~" >Lem sighs >She goes straight for the chair she sat in yesterday, and eases into it, crossing her arms across her wide chest >A tired looking Sugar steps next to you and silently leans her head against your arm as she and you watch Sour and Lem talk >After a few seconds of barely tense silence (exhaustion really cuts a person's presence, even Sour), Lem starts up >"A'ight, so we done with the back and forth?" >...to her credit, Sour did look sufficiently confused, so it's understandable that she didn't have a comeback >"I guess..." >Lem fidgets in her seat and then nods >"Cool. Let's talk about books, then." >Lem reaches into her backpack and pulls out a torn and beaten notebook. >She flips it to a page and looks through it >Then she looks back to everyone else >"I recently reread The Art of War, specifically 8, because my dad suggested it. I feel like beyond fighting, the teachings can serve a philosophical purpose." >Everyone sort of takes their places and listens to Lem give a speech about applying methods of murder to managing your life   >Tsun Zu was a wise man, indeed >You have to hang out with Lem more >If that is the kind of intellectual and philosophical level she can communicate at,  you 1000% want to talk to her some more >You simply have to know how her methods of murder apply to academia and roleplaying >You sigh, smiling as you walk >"Need a ride, bae?" >Indy sidles next to you as you walk through the halls >She's stuffing her arms into her varsity jacket while zipping up her duffle bag >You stare at her for a moment. "U-um, sure i-if you want t-to." >You pull out your cell phone and text Gleaming >...Indy has a car? >You give her a sideways glance as you walk >Eh, it's not impossible >Phone >You have a text >From everyone >Your phone has been on silent, with the vibrations off... >Because it gets blown the fuck up >And >As usual, you forgot to check your silent phone >The newest message is from Sunny >'please come with us' >'so we can help' >That's... Really out of format for Sunny, and out of character 'What?' >'please come with us Friday. I have a feeling that you are having a very hard time with your life... I want to help you. Zap wants to help you. please come' >What is she worried about? >Your cover >How... How poorly are you doing at disguising yourself? >Gleaming and Cadence noticed >Sunny and Zap >Sour too, you think >That's almost everyone >You glance over at Indy >She's busy texting some- >She's texting Sunny >You make sure she doesn't see you peaking and check your phone again >Sunny really wants you to come. >Hm. >Sure, what have you got to lose by hanging out with a chad and a hot chick? >Maybe your vir- COVER >YOU MIGHT BUST YOUR COVER >BLOW >YOU'RE NOT BUSTING ANYTHING >...You might blow your cover if you go to hang out with Indy and Sunny Friday without planning the event beforehand. >You feel a lot more sweaty than usual, which considering the fact that you're standing in the February chill, is a little distressing >You quickly reach behind and wipe off your steamy glasses >Indy is talking about something >You put away your phone and look over to her >"So it's been pretty sweet..." >She suddenly smirks at you >"You weren't listening, were you?" >Gulp >Indy chuckles and props the back door open for you >"I'm just fucking with ya, bae." >You give her a weakish chuckle as you both exit and head for the student parking lot >Indy falls in line next to you, casually striding to keep your pace, holding her hands in her pockets and her duffle bag against her side >"But yeah... Things between Sun- Sunny are way better now." >Okay >You grin >It might be a bit random that Sunny and Indy are telling you this, but it is good to hear >"W-what h-helped? W-what c-changed?" >Indy gives you a strange look as she walks >She goes to say something, but you both are interrupted by a wicked cackle >"If it isn't my favorite lavender individual..." >Indy stops >You stop >"The hell?" >It's Trixie >She's standing in the middle of the parking lot, and her two boys are standing abreast of her >They already have their weapons out, tapping them against their open palms >Indy looks at you. "Who's this?" >Sigh "S-she'll tell y-you." >"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" She rolls the Rs and throws one fanned hand up. "Is!" She tosses the other back. "Twilight Sparkle's!" She throws her head back as she slides her feet apart. "Nemesis!" >Snort >That ain't you >Everyone glances at Indy, who's face is knotted up and flushed as she's snorting >With a sharp howl, she erupts into laughter >"H-ho-holy shit!" She grabs her belly, still laughing >"Naw, naw, naw..." >She wags a finger >"Give me a minute." >You look over at Trixie, who's face is reddening as she snarls >She clenches a fist before herself and points at the huge blue muscle car behind her >Without a word, her goons jump onto the hood >The orange one slips off, but scrambles to his feet and starts beating it with his bat while the shorter one starts jumping up and down, making the vehicle bounce back and forth >"HEY." >You flinch, your gaze snapping to Indy >She's angry >This is the angriest you've ever seen her >Bully Indy never even got angry >Her face is red >She's gritting her teeth >And her eyes are almost bulging out of her head as she glares across at Trixie >Trixie cackles >"Your precious car is now my prisoner, Idiot Zap! Surrender-" >Indy rolls her neck, eliciting a dozen cracking noises >Trixie sort of gapes. "Uh." >Then Indy's cool >She's got a grin on as she drops her duffle bag and reaches into it >She doesn't have a gun too, does she >She stands upright, setting her aluminum bat against her shoulder as she saunters over to the thugs >Oh >"Get the fuck up off of my car before I come over there and break your goddamn faces on the shitty fucking pavement that cunt of a Headmaster won't replace." >...Oh. Oooooh no. >They both look at each other and then Trixie >Trixie nods to them, and they jump off of the car "O-oh no!" >You cover your eyes >Aluminum rings out >Whimpering... From a boy >You peek through your fingers >Indy rolls past the chubby boy >She kicks him in the back of the leg, and he kneels >The other boy stands up >Indy steps back and forth, getting away from the two boys, while circling them >The taller boy has a bloody nose >He looks over at Trixie >She points at Indy >He gulps and charges your friend, two handing the bat >Indy side steps him and jabs her bat into his stomach >He crumples, groaning >Indy looks between the two of them and then Trixie >"Heh." >She leans her bat onto her shoulder as she starts walking toward Trixie >Trixie however, throws a smoke bomb >A few actually >It gets in your mouth >Oh gods! >You enter a coughing fit, as does Indy >It smells like frost and rotten meat! >If you don't stop coughing soon, you might puke >Sigh >The smoke cleared faster than you thought >"God..." >Just you and Indy >Indy is quiet >"Hey, bae... Twi?" >You look away from where Trixie was >Indy is standing next to you, with her bat propped against her shoulder, and her free hand extended to you >You lower your hands from your face and grab her hand >You don't know why she was holding out a hand for you >She pulls you and >You're hugging her >You hear her bat tap on the ground as she squeezes you with one arm >"You alright, bae?" >Her voice comes out soft >She's hugging you? >You raise your arms and hold her "Y-yeah?" >She sighs and takes a step back, out of your arms, but she still holds your side >"That's Trixie, right?" >You nod >"One who's been bugging Sour?" >You nod >"She bugging you too, bae?" >You slowly nod >At this point, she's more annoying, because she can't handle your friends >You smile "B-but with y-you girls w-with me, sh-she doesn't s-seem that b-bad." >Indy smirks and shakes her head >"Hopefully she doesn't corner you alone..." >... >She picks up her bag and stuffs her bat into it >As she slings it over her shoulder, she grins at you >"Come on, let's get outta here." >Good idea >Indy's already at her car, inspecting it and mumbling about the damage that was done to it   >Indigo's car is roomy and you can tell that she takes exquisite care of it >The leather upholstery looks like it's brand new even though you know for a fact that her car is at least as old if not older the Indy is >The carpet under the seats is a spotless dark blue, like the body itself... >And the light of her dashboard fills the interior with a vibrant neon red >You don't even like cars and you can appreciate how good this looks >Even as she's just buckling up and preparing to drive out you can tell that this is her natural element as she eases into the driver's seat, which conforms to her natural curve >What is a natural element it is the indeed >While you're gawking at her she smirks >"Are you ready bae?" "Y-yeah..." You reply, smiling >She brings her car to life. The engine roars with power, like thunder rolling under the hood >As she pulls out of the student parking you can feel every single bump and groove in the pavement >But it's not uncomfortable >In fact it's oddly relaxing the way the huge metal body rumbles as it traverses over the rough pavement >"Hey bae, wanna get some ice cream?" >You look away from the finer details (everything is so lived in) and smile ."S-sure." >Ice cream sounds cool." >"Nice. Let's head over to the usual, then." >And without you saying anything else she nods her head toward the glove compartment >You stay there for a second not quite knowing what to do, until she opens her mouth at a red light >"Heh. Come on! We can't drive in silence, bae!" >Okay >You pop it open and inside there are six custom cds >You thumb through them for a few seconds, looking at the tracks >She mostly ignores you while you examine her taste in music >You have to admit she doesn't have terrible taste per se but it's very very dated >Huhn >Kind of like her car >You glance over at Indy >Muscle car >Classic rock >Holy shit >You just now noticed, but she has a pseudo- girl-pompadour >Is your sorta friend stuck in the 80s? >You go back to examining before things get weird >However when you get to a particular CD she does stop you >"That one." >You look at it. >CCC >JAMS "Th-this one?" >You look at her and she nods. "Yeah bae." >So you pop it in and the tunes start rolling right out of those huge eighties speakers   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsnXeQDqOOg   >You don't have much else to do and not wanting to sit on your phone all day and be rude, you lean back and relax >By this point indigo has well left downtown and is approaching the suburbs >So you just relax and watch the landscape outside your window >She's not going too fast, so you can really take in the scenery >Canterlot has such nice countryside >You watch the trees and plains roll by as Indy takes you to some place you don't know >You're sure she knows where she's going >You don't bother asking her where she's planning on getting ice cream from because it seems like she's just going to be taking you to small family run business instead of a bigger chain Or failing that she's using this as an excuse to drive somewhere >Which seems entirely possible given the big stupid grin on her face >Gotta admit it's pretty infectious   >A few minutes pass, and you see what you suspect is the last house before the highway >Indigo picks up to an impressive speed and maintains it >The landscape starts to fly by, blurring together into an oddly hypnotic mess of color >Actually staring at it is really calming >You wonder... >You turn fully and look at indigo >She's rocking her head back and forth to the rock and roll >Approrpriate >But it doesn't look like she would mind if you took a nap >You are still quite exhausted so you lay your head back and relax against soft leather   >Bump >Bump bump >You snort and wake up, looking around to see what woke you up >It was indigo >You flinch >Indigo? >Oh, no wait, friend Indigo >Indy smiles at you >"Mornin'." >She woke you up >You're in her car >What >Oh, you're both going to get ice cream that's right >She snorts at your tired staring >"I figured I would let you take a nap, bae. I didn't realize you were that tired!" >You chuckle with her. "Th-thanks..." >Looking outside, you find Indy has brought you to the middle of nowhere >Specifically, the parking lot of a tiny buiding off of the highway >The signpost says 'Bubble Fun Ice Cream' >You guess this is where you're getting your frozen treats >However, as you go to get out, Indigo places a hand to your free hand >You almost flinch at her icy touch >You look first at her hand, then up to her >The way she's staring at you >She isn't really serious, but she looks kind of nervous >At least, that's what you're getting off of her, with the way her brow is knitted together ever so slightly >You stare at each other, not doing anything >W-wait >This isn't...? >Your eyes reflexively widen as you take a deep breath >Indy is breathing slowly >Her face is pale, and she looks really uncomfortable as she gently holds your hand in hers >She gulps >"Twilight..." >You aren't ready for this, if it's what you think it is! >Your entire body tenses up, desiring escape instead of this minefield >She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she seems fiercely determined. >"Why were you up so late last night? Why are you so tired? What was the deal with that girl Trixie?" >Oh >You suppose... You could lie to her? >A voice at the back of your head wants that, very badly, for you to just lie right to her face right now >But >She trusts you "U-um... T-trixie appeared o-out of n-nowhere and has b-been f-following me." >Don't tell her everything. But don't lie either. >She doesn't say anything >Instead she nods >What else? Up late and tired? "I-I'm tired b-because I-I keep ha-having nightmares." >"Like Sour?" >You nod >"About Trixie?" >You half shrug "S-sorta, but not o-one hundred p-percent." >Indigo scowls, looking away from you for a second or two >Then she nods to you to continue >You gulp "I-I'm t-tired because... U-uh." >Researching how to leave you and everyone else for your previous, boring, friendless life >Where you're the number one student at CPA >And the bottom of the popularity rankings >You look away from Indy >"Hey." >You look back at her, and she grins >"Let's talk about that over ice cream." >You nod >Both of you leave her car, long dead now, and canter up to the ice cream stand >What are you researching... >Well that is the simplest of all three of course you are researching the various Supernatural phenomenon that is going on in Canterlot for the last year or so >Supernatural phenomenon >You uh >Can you tell her that? >It's the partial truth... >There's no one at the window >"Hey, Bubble, you here?" >A voice calls out from deeper in the building. "Coming." >"So what are you doing up late?" "J-just r-reasearching supern-natural ph-henomenon in C-canterlot." >She bobs her head, jutting her lower lip >"How far are you in your research?" "I-I'm pretty m-m-much at the beginning a-again, with the new i-information that I h-have to investigate." >A girl with huge cotton candy blue hair slinks in and looks between you both >Indy holds up two fingers, and the girl behind the counter retreats into the back again >You continue a bit when Indy turns back to you with an earnest grin. "I-I have to i-investigate some individuals w-who came up d-during the research S-sugar and I p-performed." >She cocks a brow and frowns. "Sugarcoat?" >You nod. "Y-yeah. Sh-she found two p-people I've never h-heard of until n-now. A-a girl named A-adagio and a man n-named Discord." >"Uncle discord?" The girl asks >... >You and Indy look at the girl, who's holding two ice cream cones (Oh my gosh is that bubblegum ice cream? Thats your total favorite <3) >[Nomming in progress] "U-uncle Discord?" >She nods, grinning as Indy pays her. >Indy stow her wallet. "Do you know him?" >Bubble nods some more and leans against the counter. "Yeah he lives in the dumpster out back." >"...Are you serious?" >"Yeah, i can take you to him right now." She thumbs to the psuedo alley on the right formed by the trees and the building "N-no." >Indy furrows her brow and blinks a few times. "Why not bae?" >You grin at her, hiding a little behind your treat. "I-I want to f-finish my i-ice cream first." >She gives you a hearty laugh at that. >"Kay, bae, whatever you want."   >Bubble leads you both out back >You can hear laughter >Constant, sustained laughter >Every few seconds, it pauses, only to start again a few seconds later >With each step you take, it grows louder and louder >Until you and Indy are standing alone behind an old highway pit stop dumpster >In... Silence >"The hell is going on?" >She has no idea >To be fair, neither do you >But still >You look up at the dumpster >It feels out of place somehow >Like it doesn't belong here >Bubble blows a bubble and walks away. "Happy early birthday. See ya in March." >Indy waves her off without looking. "See ya..." >So >You both look at each other >Indy seems as uneasy as you are >"So uh..." "H-hm?" >"How do we uh... How do we get Discord? Ya know... Out here?" What >You glance at Indy. "D-did you hear th-that?" "Hear what, bae?" >You flinch and take a step back as a surge of electricity flies through your brain and down your spine A pair of large hands wrap around your shoulders, just as you were about to convulse >"Dude what the fuck!" >You blink at Indy's outburst >There's someone behind you that she's gawking at, so you look up >Almost twice as tall as you are, he's wearing... Everything. You don't know where one outfit ends and the other begins, it's really weird looking >The eight foot tall man grins wider than he should and wriggles his fingers at you You seize for a second and stop when Discord grasps your shoulders again >"You okay, bae?" >She's asking that a lot tonight. >You nod though Indy blinks and looks up, flinching when she sees him, grunting in shock >Okay "U-um, w-would you like, o-or mind an i-interview?" >You pull out your phone and a notepad and pen <"As the leaves appreciate a sunny day, the heat rolling down over the cold sea and flying into your face as a pelican plucks its lunch!!" ...okay >You glance back wondering if there's a cha- Indy relaxes back into her cooshy chair, squeezing at the arm rests It feels very cozy Uh >Wow that's a foreboding epiphany "Are you well?" >You look over at Discord, who's sitting still You nod >"I'm pretty chill 2bh." You nod and grab your pen and pad "It's okay. I'd just like... To uh..." >Pause "Words. These are more words, and these are more words." >You blink and put a hand down to your mouth >Your stutter <"You'll find any physical and psychological impairments are suppressed in my home, Twilight my dear." "You what?" >You glance at Indy, who glances at you "My stutter is gone here, I guess." >"Oh, just here?" <"Yes indeed. But that's not why you're here, Twilight Sparkle, so-and-so of the Shadowbolts." "How do you know me?" <"I know many things." Okay <"Confused?" "Very, yes." "What?" "Oh." >Indy relaxes again, weaving her fingers together >"Why is this chair so comfy?" <"Because I've hypnotized you to relax so Twilight and I can have this talk she desires." >"Oh. Kay." "Uh." <"Question?" "Tons! But I don't think you can answer all of them." <"Of course not!" He chuckles, tugging at his beard <"Ask the important questions, then. I can answer those readily enough." "Can you uh..." >You look at Indy <"She won't recall much of this, as well as 'those' questions and their answers." Indy joins in. "What're we laughing at?" <"Nothing." >"Kay." >You stare at him until he answers you <"And stare you shall, until the end of time, into the face of one who is lost to the endless 'void'." "Wha? What is that from?" <"Me. Just now." >Okay >This Discord is really weird <"Yes I am." >You raise a finger to him and furrow your brow. "Stop doing that." You groan and look at Indy again >You slowly look back at him. "You know everything?" <"No, I know most everything." "If I ask, will you answer if you know the answer?" <"More than likely not." >Wha "W-why?" You pause. She frowns >"What happened to her?" Indy sits up, looking at Discord Trixie starts walking backward, and some scenery appears >She's walking backward into a building >She stops and looks up at an image of Discord She returns to walking backward >She exited an auditorium... >Trixie wipes away tears into her hoodie sleeves >She does this the entire time she's walking out of the auditorium >Looks like she's in a school? >She sits back down >In reverse, a free fall torrent of tears disappears back into her >She's... She's crying for at least a minute as she sits >The image stops, glitching on her just as she's about to cry, with her face scrunched up, right in the middle of taking a breath >You can see the edge of something on the table she's sitting at >You reach out, tracing your fingers through the image >What happened to you, Trixie? You stare at the marble >You look back at the image of Trixie >What hurt her? >...who hurt her? >You... >You don't want to know >"Don't you wanna know, bae?" <"I thought you loved to learn, Twilight?" >You look between both of them >Your mouth is dry >But you reach out and grab the marble >It's strange >You don't have to know >But you want to >It should be the other way around, but... >You look back at the image >It resumes, with Trixie bizarrely collecting herself >And the image grows >Showing a table with a chessboard, and a timer >Most of the pieces are off the board >Slowly, please >The image slowly grows >There's a hand, tossing a black knight up and down >You bite your lip and close your eyes >You don't want to know who's violet hand that is >You have the image expand more and more, without looking >"Dude..." >You drop the marble and grab your face, taking deep breaths >Fuck >What were you?   >Everyone is quiet for a few minutes You lower your hand and look again >It's Trixie, relaxing on a park bench somewhere, bobbing her head back and forth, and by her clothes, probably before all of this >You look at Indy >She looks uncomfortable >You look at Discord "Can I make it up to her?" >Indy chuckles, and when you look at her, you see she's nodding approvingly <"Perhaps. Trixie has been hurt by you." It seems like he's on a roll, so you just listen >Hopefully he'll drop something important you can use <"You'll find that not everyone can fight the darkness." You're outside >The sun is still out >You blink, shaking your head to get focused again "W-what?" >"Huh?" >You look at Indy "W-what just h-happened?" >Indigo scratches her head. "Uh, we talked to that weird guy, but I don't know what we talked about. Also we were somewhere else?" >She purses her lips, looking all around >"Where did his dumpster go?" >You sigh. You're too tired for this "L-let's go home."   >You sigh >Indy's car is nice and warm, and the leather snuggles up close to you in a really comfy way >Indy sighs as well >Glancing at her, you see she looks pretty conflicted >She bobs her head to you, and nods >You nod back and give another sigh >You both stare at the road >"...What the hell was that?" "M..." >You don't want to say magic >Because magic isn't real >Or is it? "M-mystical ph-phenomen-non." >Indy gives you a nod and breathes life into her mount >Steed? Stallion? >Indy has this cool guy knight thing going on... >But that's not important >You furrow your brow and lean back, easing yourself back against the supple leather >With some quick pantomiming of instructions, you find the lever thing that lets you lean farther back >You stare at the roof of Indy's mount as she messes around with her radio >The soft red glow reminds you of that dark red marble >Two marbles >Good and evil? You and Trixie? Lost and found? >You close your eyes and replay through the events as Indy finally picks some music   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A   >She rolls around, lazily moving through the parking lot until she is finally facing the highway, poised to exit >You can hear her grip the gearshift >"Bae..." >You open your eyes, and look over at Indy >She's got her head lowered and her hair's fallen over her... Her goggles are sitting on the dash, so her hair is fallen over her face in thick tresses >You push yourself up >What's wrong? Is she okay? >You want to say something, but it feels weird >She's really still >Not saying anything >You watch her >Indy takes a deep breath and lets it out >The end of the breath comes out as a shudder >"Bae, is this why you've been acting weird lately?" >She turns her head slightly >She takes her hand off of the stick and slicks her hair back >She's not looking at you, but you can see the scared look in her eye >Gulp >You lean back, and lay against the seat again >How do you answer? "I-It's c-complicated." >"Heh." >She shakes her head and shifts gears >"That's life, ain't it?"   >Blue Lightning growls as Indy slows down in front of your house >She lovingly rubs the wheel with a grin >You smile >She seems better, after driving as fast as she wanted to through the countryside >You pull the lever thing and pull up >She snaps her head to you, looking shocked >She smirks. "Quiet these days, bae." Her grin softens, as does yours >Evidently feeling awkward, Indy pulls her hair back a little more firmly >"So, listen, bae." >You fold your hands together in your lap and watch her >With a chuckle, she continues. "Uh, what's the plan from here?" "P-plan?" >She grunts, and rubs at her arm >"W-well... I sorta kinda, in like a dumb, far away fuzzy way, remember a lot about what happened. In there. With Discord." >Your jaw drops, slightly, and you lean back >He said- >Indy shakes her head and raises her hands to you. "Naw, naw, I ain't sayin nothing to anyone, bae! I'm just worried, is all." >You sigh and shrug. "O-okay, so y-you know." >Silence "I-I'm trying t-to ch-change." >Indy gets a small smile at that. "And I respect that, bae." >You let yourself chuckle. >Still smiling, you look down at your hands, and wring them a bit "I-I... Th-things are d-different, I-Indy." >...Are you going to tell her? "I-I'm different." >You look at her >She seems worried, concerned for you >All she's doing is sitting next to you, one hand on the wheel, the other on the stick shift, quietly sitting in the glow of her radio and dash >She cares about you, and she wants to listen >You could tell her everything, right now, and maybe she'd help you, or console you, or something! >You take a deep breath >At the very least, you'll have shared this secret with someone >Before you leave her forever >You grunt, and pant >Not yet >Indy puts a hand around you, holding your back >Glancing up, you see her smiling at you, as calm as she can >She still looks totally nervous, as do you >But despite that, she's... She's here for you >You lean your head against her arm, and she chuckles >"Aw bae, yer so cute." >The smile you were wearing contorts into a smirk as your cheeks burn up from the compliment >But you just giggle and hug her >Life is complicated, like she said, but this Indigo is really good at grounding you >Making the complicated bits gloss over a little >Gods know you need someone who can ground you when your mind flies off >You lean back, and just enjoy her company for a bit, in quiet   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk   >After a good listening, you sit upright and stretch >Indy yawns. "What time is it?" >Your phone >Blown up with messages >36 unread texts from the girls >You grunt and check >"Wassap?" Indy sits up, setting her seat back to driving position "J-just a-a lot of m-messages." >10:48 PM "I-it's ten f-forty eight, by th-the way." >"Oh, yeah, that's right." >You look away from your phone, to a nervous Indy. >"I uh, kinda told everyone to check up on you, after tonight." >You frown and scan the messages >Okay so twenty five of them are from Indy, just sending random pictures >You resist the urge to glare at her >Everyone else sent you two or three messages >You'll have to answer these later tonight >With a yawn, you stow your phone >"I think it's about time we part ways." >Blink >You stare at Indy, and she gives you a small grin as she grabs the wheel with both hands >You guess >That just didn't sound like her at all >"Seeya tomorrow morning, bae?" >You nod and slide out of her car. >As soon as you shut the door, she rolls down the window. "Make sure you chill out, okay? And answer the girls!" >With that, she races against time to get home. Or she's just going fast because she likes going fast >You put your phone to vibrate and go inside   >The house is quiet >Fitting because Cadence and Gleamy seem to go to bed at tenish >As you lay in bed, holding your charging phone in one hand, and glasses in the other, you can't help but think >What is happening? >You've been assaulted four times this week >Your mind is slipping into inky insanity every night >Exhaustion is claiming you >You're the source of the apocalypse? Maybe? >You met >Uh >A... <...Seer >And he was a very powerful seer too, changing reality around you and Indy at the same time so you both experienced the same thing >And you have a bad reputation >Buzz >Or should, unless you covered it up nicely >Which, since you didn't notice anything while invest- >Buzz, buzz >You hold your glasses and phone to your face >30 new messages >You scan Indy's messages >MEME HELL >Uh >Pictures, pictures, pictures... >You're starting to get a migraine from this shitty ironic posting >Initially, she was talking about some random bs flirting >Which doesn't work because you're not you >(Did they ever work?) >But she also sent you a few normal messages >'Hey, bae' >'Get some rest, you look really tired' >'Dont forget to talk to the others theyre really worried' >Sigh >You hold your phone and glasses out again >Where were you? >Buzz >Looks like you're doing this! >Your glasses are on and you're answering messages >Everyone except Indy and Sunny are asking how you are and if you're okay >Let's go, generic reply to everyone 'I am okay at the moment. I've just been having difficulty sleeping lately due to Trixie, so I visited an expert on the matter.' >You lay your phone against your chest and sigh >Hopefully no one replies for the rest of the night >Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz >Groaning, you sit upright, glaring down at your phone >Newest... First >Lem, Sour, Sugar >Newest would be >Buzz >Lem >'hey twifam hru i heard u werent doing ok from zap ru ok what happnd w/ triks??? you saw a guy was he a dr??? :o:o:o' >Does Lem's phone not have autocorrect? >Come to think of it, you've never seen her phone >What if she has a tiny flip phone... And she has to hold it in both hands and slowly type using her big thumbs... >You snort at the image >She'd be sitting on the edge of a tiny chair doing it too >Tongue sticking out, hair fallen over her sweaty forehead in frustration as she rapidly types away taking every shortcut she can to type out a paragraph in under 170 characters >You start laughing >Exhaustion be damned, you're enjoying yourself! >Buzz buzz buzz buzz >Yeah yeah >You check up on what Lem has to say... >'o cool lol see you at school talk more? :D:D:D' 'Sure. See you tomorrow morning.' >Now for Sour >'Twilight, have you been having nightmares about that Trixie filly?' >"I wish I could comfort you <3 By breaking her face in!' 'I... Haven't really been having nightmares about her per se, just more like losing sleep because of all the times she's been trying to assault me.' >Lastly >Buzz >More Sour >'...Assault? That filly's been trying to attack you? Like on the streets? Are you okay?' >Well at least she cares >As intimidating as Sweetie can act, you know she cares >You smile and type. 'I'm fine. Luckily, one of you fillies have been around every time to save me. Each one of you are such good friends.' >Heh. As dorky as it is, that little bit makes you tear up a little >Lem instantly replies, but Sugar texts you at the same time >Sugar's message first, since she's been waiting >Wew >Eight full messages... 'This might be an awkward time to tell you, but I mostly skim your texts' >You erase that >Sugar's worried for your well being >She thinks she's having difficulty sleeping for the same reason >On top of that, she wonders if you're having strange dreams just like her >Sometimes you feel bad for glazing over everything she says >Ah, you're sure she doesn't care >She probably ignores things you do too >She has mentioned that she really dislikes anime and toku, so maybe that's what she uh >That's your thing she ignores or puts up with >Either way, Sugar's just a sweetheart >Time to stare into eternity as you scan the infinite words she typed out   >You look down at your phone >You've been holding your phone for more than an hour now, trying to entertain yourself >There is a message from Twiley >'I am okay at the moment. I've just been having difficulty sleeping lately due to Trixie, so I visited an expert on the matter.' >She's finally answered your text messages regarding her condition after you received an at the time anonymous text >You stand up and slowly pace around the empty space in your room >You can't sleep ever since you met Trixie. Last night and tonight, you've stayed up much later than your usual 8:00 PM curfew >So you've taken to pacing, just like whenever something upsets you, the constant movement sets your nerves at ease >This is the only thing that has worked to ease your mind. Any time you aren't in movement, or you try to rest, or relax, it happens again >You raise a finger and balance your phone onto your palm before pressing down on the voice to text function button >You resume walking as you speak 'I am happy to hear that you are receiving aid, Twiley. I almost did not believe what I read when Indigo Zap sent me a message explaining that you have been attacked by Trixie multiple times this week now. I am so sorry that she seems so persistent on hunting you down for whatever reason she has to hunt you down...’ >As you trail off, you walk toward your poster wall >You stop in front of a poster. Due to the strange design and textless appearance, you cannot tell what the poster is for exactly, but you do like it. Who you assume is the protagonist stands back to the viewer on a cliff side, facing the rising sun. It’s charming in a way >You continue along the wall, silent >Your phone beeps, informing you that the speech to text function has expired, requiring another button press to continue. >You resume walking and talk once more ‘Indigo also mentioned that you've been having difficulty sleeping well at night, starting when you first met Trixie. I too, have had difficulty sleeping as of late, and I have only met Trixie yesterday. Perhaps Trixie is responsible in some way for both of us being unable to sleep, but I cannot imagine why.’ >As you walk past your guns, you pick up your right one in your right hand and walk away with it >Straight to your bed you walk, and drop onto your bed, setting your gun in your tiny lap >You really want someone to hug right now, you feel so tired and alone >You closely examine your gun >Especially with these dreams >You press your thumb against the screen ‘This may seem like a tangent, but are you also having strange dreams? Both these nights, I laid down to begin sleeping. But as soon as I fell asleep, I had a strange dream. Monday night, it was a strange vision that didn't make any sense. I was alone, walking through a shooting range that was totally silent, and each target was a black ball. I had my father's pistols, and I knew that they were totally loaded, six rounds each. As I walked I understood that if I didn't shoot the people chasing me, they would get me and do something unpleasant. But I also realized that with my twelve rounds I would never be able to adequately defend myself. This night was similar. I was in the gallery again, with my father's arms, and those black orbs floating as targets. I didn't know what to do, but that didn't matter because someone shouted and grabbed the back of my head, which woke me up...’ >Sigh >Careful not to let your revolver slam against your chest or ribs, you lay back against your bed, holding your glasses out in one hand and phone out in the other as your gun sits comfortably across your small chest >Exhaustion may be ruining your day, but you can still relax, yes? >Your phone tweets >Did Twiley reply already? >Glasses on, phone presented ‘Darling daughter of mine! Would you come to my tea room?’ >Father has requested that you attend a tea party. It is an awkward time, and you don’t know how he knew you were still awake, but you can’t keep him waiting >You jump to your feet, pocketing your phone and holstering your revolver >Without yawning as much as your body wants to, you slip on some slippers and leave your room, to find father   >As you stand outside the tea parlor, you can’t help but feel just the smallest bit of unease creep into you >Father invites you to tea for any number of reasons, just the same way you invite him to tea for any number of reasons >You both enjoy having tea together, so this isn’t abnormal. Every member of your family through the generations has enjoyed relaxing with warm tea and conversation, it really isn't strange >What is strange is the timing. It is four hours after your curfew. Whatever it is, he would have waited, if it was normal circumstance. Obviously, it isn't normal then >What could father possibly want at this hour? Typically, tea time happens before or after dinner, or after school >”Sugar, darlin, is that you? Come have tea with your pa!” >Hm. This seems strange, but you have no reason not to trust your father >So you enter, joining him for tea time >Father is sitting alone in his arm chair as usual. The fireplace is lit, crackling with heat and life, and the small table is set with cups, a kettle, and the honey, lemon, and sugar cubes. >It looks like normal >As you enter, you for some reason grasp the door frame >Father doesn’t seem to notice. He just smiles and holds out his arms when he sees you, like usual >”There she is! Come on in here, Sugar! Come join your old man for some tea.” He chuckles as he you step away from the door and into your usual seat >As usual, he pours you a cup, but he lets you add your sugar and honey >... >Everything is normal >He just invited you to tea at 10 PM >You stare into the sweet liquid as you hold the cup in both hands >This is the same cup you’ve been using for sixteen years. Father told you it was a tradition for every member of the Tea family to receive their own teacup at two years, and to practice gunplay at ten years of age. It’s tradition, like many other things you do >”Now, ya might be wonderin why we’re havin tea so late, Sugar.” >You direct your attention away from stirring honey into your tea and to father, who is leaning against the armrest toward you >He’s smiling, so you smile back >”Ah heard you went and had yerself an altercation yesterday, now is that right?” >You frown, but you nod, as expected. So he found out. Hopefully whatever he heard of your actions won't prove distasteful. >Father sighs and shakes his head >He goes to say something, but your phone tweets >”Ya better answer that, Sugar.” He picks up his tea cup while you put yours down >It’s Twiley >”Now if that ain’t something!” >You look at him >He gives you a comical flinch. “And there it goes!" He grins again, holding his tea in front of his grin. "The biggest smile I seen you have in almost a decade and it’s already gone...” He nods to your phone, to get you to finish up >You blink and furrow your brow >He gives you a dismissive wave, and you look back at your phone, double checking that he’s not making any weird faces as you do so >Twiley replied. ’Yeah, he explained the dreams, and the lack of sleep, mostly all have to do with Trixie. He explained that if I want to get better, and I assume you girls too, that we have to undo what Trixie’s done and maybe get her out of the way, so she can’t do it anymore.’ “Out of the way.” >”Wassat, darlin?” >You shake your head. “Nothing, father, I was just reading a text message from Twil...light regarding someone we recently met.” >Your father chuckles >”Is that that girl what attacked you usin them boys?” >You pause >Slowly, you put away your phone and look to your father >He’s comfortably holding his tea in one hand, and has his other elbow propped up on the armrest, brow contorted along with his grin into a coy smirk which you can't say that you appreciate >”Gotcha attention?” >Nod >”Good.” He takes a sip >”Now, Sugar, honey, I can tell yer havin a bit of a scare right now, even if ya’ll don’t wanna show it. I can tell cause I can see through ya. You’re mighty fine at hiding how ya feeling from others, using words and gestures and all, but I’m yer father, and I’m always gonna see what yer thinkin.” >Nod. You know. >”Ya scared?” >Nod. You want to look away so he can't see how scared you are, but you know that would just upset him. >He nods too. He finishes his cup with a loud grunt of satisfaction, like usual >He sets down his cup and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a few folded pieces of paper, handing you one >It's an old and stained piece of construction paper. On one side is... Are pictures of Twiley and you, in crayon >These seem to be from the first grade, when you first met her >You look at father >”Scared ya gonna lose someone ya love?” >You slowly nod >He sets the other papers down, these look like they came together, and not out of your personal history >You grab them >It’s... >It’s a concealed weapons registration form, completely filled out. At the top is the family crest, carefully stamped. Which means political influence was expressed at some point >You look at father, who has a smile, but the rest of his expression is serious >A shiver goes through you. A cold sweat forms. You gulp >”Ah been holdin onto these for a while. Maybe it’s time ya grew outta yer toys. Yer responsible, yer careful, and ya make conscious decisions, like...” >He leans forward, pouring himself some tea >”How much force is necessary to suppress a dangerous situation.” >He takes a sip, smiling. “Ya been practicing with mah pistols? At the gallery and the range?” >”Yes, father.” >He closes his eyes. “If you think yer ready, ya can take em fer good.” >You and your father stare at each other   >Darkness >You open your eyes and what you see does not surprise you >The empty pocket you’re floating through looks the same as the last time >Nothing around you but white space, and a volatile blot of ink >Breathe >You focus on breathing once more >The tightness in your chest isn’t really there though, so you stop >You sit there and watch the shifting rolling mass of inky black <”It appears that you understand the deeper meaning of relaxing with an imbition in your heart on your sleeve.” >...What You are in a small room >You recall, from the bookcases, the fireplace which holds your inky blot, and the large padded chairs, that this is Discord’s home >You look down and see that you are not there >You are in a chair, but you cannot see yourself You have no mouth, and you must answer It seems smaller <”It is. That’s mine, not yours.” >Oh >Does everyone have one? <”Yes, and yours doesn’t want to play nice.” She? <”I suppose I’m spoiling a bit, but, you’re going to learn more this coming day, anyway. It’s coming sooner than later, so I can hint at it, no? To keep you interested?” >The rest of your dream is quiet   >7 AM >Your bedroom >Another morning, another sleepless night >Almost sleepless >You groan and rub your eyes and snooze your phone A crinkling makes you pause >Your bed is covered in notes >You passed out doing research >Nice >You grab a fistful and examine them >Zecora, Adagio, Discord, mysterious disappearances, supernatural phenomenon, strange happenings in Canterlot, fortune telling >About twenty loose pages worth of research >Why are you using loose pages? >That school joke is going too far >You grab up your notes for... Zecora, and start your day off right >Cadence popping in as you’re bent over your bed, reaching for your notes >She snorts. “Good morning, Twilight.” >You look over your shoulder as you pick up the material. “M-morning.” >”Breakfast?” >You nod, and rub at your eyes with a yawn   >“Twifam?” >You stand upright, staring at a locker >"Twifam?" >"Twiley?" >You look left and right >Lem and Sugar >You grin "G-good morning." >They both stare >Well, Lem stares >Sugar just rests the side of her head against your chest >She yawns. "I have a question concerning Trixie." "Y-yeah?" >"You mentioned in your text that she was related somehow to your dreams and you losing sleep, correct?" >You nod. "Y-yeah." >Lem cocks a brow as you talk to your sleepy bestie >"Second question: if Trixie was removed from our lives, do you think perhaps the dreams would stop or at the least, no longer prevent us from resting at night?" "I-I guess...?" >Sugar nods, and yawns again >She wraps an arm around you, pushing further for support >"Then if that is the case, I think I have an idea of what we can do. I will just need to prepare some pieces beforehand." >With that, Sugar departs with a half wave >You and Lem both watch as Sugar staggers away >You're about to stop her when Lem pats the back of her hand against your upper arm >"So, Twifam." >As soon as you look up at her, she's got her hands on her hips >She looks off >Her headphones are around her neck, but that isn't it "Y-yeah?" >"I was wonderin how that research a yers is doin." >Research >You pause and squeeze your sleepy eyes, before fluttering them open >Stay awake "Y-yeah..." You unsling your backpack and reach into it, pulling out some of your notes about Zecora "I-I found s-some information a-about Zecora." You present the few pages of text you wrote yourself >Lem takes the papers, nodding as she skims. "Tight, tight..." She hands them back and leans against the locker next to yours. >"You uh... You getting a drive from your sister tonight?" >You stare at her >A drive? >She grins and looks away. With a chuckle, she adds, "Heh, I was just wonderin if ya needed someone ta walk with." >Oh that's a good idea >You nod, smiling. "Y-yeah, that's a g-great idea." >Lem takes a half breath, half gasp, and coughs into her hand, turning away from you >She clears her throat and grins wide for you. "Awesome, dude! We can like walk home together, and chill for a bit-" She pauses and frowns, reaching up to rub at one of her arms. "Uh, I mean unless you have something else planned." >You grin and shrug. "Th-that would b-be pretty c-cool, but..." >Lem frowns but then smiles again, rubbing at her arm some more. "Naw, I... I get it, it's cool." >You nod, smiling up at her. "I-I apreciate y-you coming o-out with me t-to meet Z-zecora, though." >She pauses, lifting her hand from her arm. "I'm doin what?" "...Y-you, uh...." You cock your head, staring at her. "Th-that is w-what you m-meant wh-when you said w-walking together, r-right?" >Lem blinks at you >A smile slowly forms on her face. She slams her hands on her hips and almost explodes with laughter >"Yup! That's what I meant!" >She turns halfway, waving at you >"Seeya after school, Twifam!" >Then she's running off to class >You smile >Lem's such a big goof >Heh >Oh, if she's helping, maybe you should get Sour too? >She was also at the carnival, and given her multiple texts she angrily sent you after learning that Trixie might tangentially be linked to your sleeping problems, you're pretty sure she'd want to come as well >Hm >Do you want to take everyone? While you have them? >Six girls walking through the Canterlot ghetto might be too much >Driving, probably, what with Indy... >You hum to yourself >You're positive you don't need more than just Lem and Sour, given that they both seem to be okay or better in a fight >The downtown streets you'll be walking are safe enough, just as long as it isn't dark >Hm... Yeah, just Lem and Sour, to prevent any undue suspicion, and then call Gleamy for a ride >'It was research, that's all!' >Alright, everything's all set, just have to collect Sour   >3:00 PM >End of school >The lab >You haven't even entered yet and you can tell that Sour Sweet is in there >The mumbling is loud enough to hear from this side of the door >Occasionally, there's a soft bumping noise within, followed by a low growl >You sort of don't want to go in there >There's some heavy footfalls behind you, offering you a convenient distraction >It's Lem! >She looks a little worn out "H-hey." >She bobs her head. "Wassap? Ready to do some research?" >You return the bob with a nod “J-Just... I-I want to g-get S-sour.” >Lem looks up at the door and frowns >”How long she been in there for?” >You shrug and watch as Lem knocks on the door >There’s scrambling inside, and a few “Fuck!”s and “Shit!”s >Sour opens the door >Her uniform is wrinkled and stained in places, and her hair is completely down, with one of her bobble thingies dangling in one hand >She has an aggravated look in her eye as she scans over you and Lem “I-” >”I’m fine!” She screams, clenching both fists >You and Lem both lean away from her and share a glance “Uh...” >Lem reaches out a hand. “Wanna go chill with us, Sour?” >She throws up her arms and stumbles back into the lab, grabbing her bag >”I guess!” >You both watch as she collects herself. She straightens out her uniform, puts her hair up again, and wipes her face with a handkerchief >She glares at you both >”Where are we going?”   >4:30 PM >Canterlot park, easiest shortcut in the city because of its size >You put away your cell phone and sigh >Gleamy took some convincing, but she’s okay with you walking to meet Zecora >You just had to explain that it was an extracurricular activity >Which, by the most literal definition, is accurate; it is indeed in addition to your studies at school >You look up at Lem >”So yeah.” >She’s looking at a tired Sour, who is glaring ahead as you all walk >”That’s uh, that’s what we’re doin.” >Sour tiredly blinks. “What do you want to learn from this research?” “Uh...” >She leans over, glaring past Lem at you “W-well...” >”I assumed it’s just cause she likes ta research a lot.” >Lem says this without a care in the world as she looks around the trees and foilage >Sour looks distinctly unimpressed. ”Hey, Twi.” “Y-yeah?” >Sour smirks. “When this big dyke said chilling, I imagined something a lot more lewd, did you too?” >You hear joints popping, and when you look down, you see Lem’s knuckles are almost white by how hard she’s clenching “I-I uh... No.” >Sour snickers and pats Lem on her back. “Just a joke.” >Lem rumbles a ”Sure.” as a response >You look up at her >She meets your gaze with a snarl, but sighs, adopting a more tired expression >She looks forward again, adjusting her backpack. ”Sure.” >Sour gives you both a weird look but then looks forward again >You keep watching Lem >Is she...?   >You quietly stare at the internet as you listen to Sour and Lem debate about something >Boys cartoons you think >Apparently they’re both a fan of old little boy cartoons? Which is neat >You almost fall over as Lem stops you short with a powerful hand >Sour grunts, no doubt receiving the same effect >You both look up at Lem >”The hell was that for?” >She extends a hand and points ahead >Oh >It’s Trixie >She’s quietly standing about fifty feet or so away, glaring down at you >You can’t quite tell from this distance, but it looks like she’s wearing a lot of mascara and eyeliner >She’s just standing there with her fists to her hips >No one says anything >You put away your phone >”Hey, Trixie.” >You look out of the corner of your eye to Lem as- >You double take >Where’s Sour? >”Greetings, Twilight Sparkle and company.” >Trixie calmly walks forward, her hips swaying as she steps along the dirt >As she moves closer, her two boys step out of the trees to join her >Wow >They both look horrible >Indy really did a number on them; they’re bruised and battered with their faces and hands swollen in places >Neither looks like they want to be there by how they drag their weapons behind them and they haven’t probably zipped up their new matching jackets >When Trixie gets halfway, Lem takes a step forward, holding her fists up >”Back off, Trix.” >Trixie frowns and takes a half step back, raising a hand off of her hip to listlessly point at Lem >”What, pray tell, do you you, Shadowbolt, have to oppose I, The Great and Powerful Trixie?” >Lem grunts and shakes out her fingers once before clutching her hands into loose fists >”Come on and find out.” >She beckons the kids forward >Both boys grimace and look at Trixie >She glares at them and they both step forward, raising their weapons >Neither looks happy about what's going to happen, but they soldier on anyway >"Uh... Yeah, don't uh..." The tall one looks at his hand. >He squints and then continues two handing his baseball bat. "You don't stand a chance against the Great and Powerful Trixie, Dumblight Spackle!" >His squatter ally points at Lem with his crowbar. "Yeah, that's right! We Snips and Snails are gonna beatcha for our boss! So say your prayers, uh... Blacklight... S... Suckle?" >Gosh, these kids are like the best henchmen ever >They're dumb but hard to keep down, and they're barely adults and already swearing fealty to a bad villain. >Lem chuckles and shakes her head. "Yeah?" >Snips(?) pauses. "Uh." >Snails(?) holds up his bat. "Yeah!" >"Yeah!" Snips holds his crowbar in both hands above his head >Lem chuckles and puts her headphones on, turning the volume up.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhKm_SdHsLs   >She falls into a ready stance. >"Then come at me, bro." >The taller boy charges her as soon as she says it >He has his bat raised high above his head, and the park is filled with his derpy voice as he makes ready to earn his master's favor in battle >And Lem jabs his face >She holds her fist there, and he halts >When she pulls away, he falls back onto his rump, blinking and swaying >"Snails? You okay man?" >Snails shakes his head and scoots back, taking his bat with him >He nods as he scrambles to his feet. "Y-yeah... I dunno wha-" He grunts, grabbing at his nose >He groans in pain behind his fingers and his friend jumps >"Dude, what happened?" >Snails pulls his hands away >His nose is swollen! >...It was already swollen though >"Is it okay?" >"Looks the same..." >"Ahem!" Trixie crosses her feet, her heels clacking together as she puts her hands back to her hips. "Stop dilly dallying and defeat her!" >They both look at Trixie and nod, once again turning to fight Lem >Lem is just bobbing her head to the beat >The two boys charge her again but this time trying to gang up on her >They split up and catch her on both sides, swinging at once >And, just like a few seconds before, Lem gives them one quick jab each sending them sprawling to the ground >You watch silently >Lem watches noisily >Trixie watches, fuming >After thirty seconds or so, they both stand up, leaning on each other for support >After a full minute, Lem calls them out. "Wanna call it quits?" >They were about to say something, but Trixie interrupts them. “You will not quit! You will continue!” >They both look back at Trixie, rubbing at their sore noses. “But-” >”No buts.” >”But Trixie, she’s way bigger than us and-” >Trixie stomps her foot, glaring down at the boys. “Do you not remember what Trixie told you?” >They both share a look >Trixie grunts, but smiles again, trailing a finger down her... Leotard >Gosh, you just realized now, but that piece is cut really low, and pushes up just right to make her already decent chest look even bigger >”Trixie promised you these, if you helped.” >And there she is, sliding a finger across the fabric neighboring her uh... Skin. She hooks a finger under the fabric, tugging slightly at it as she slides her finger up and down along her breast, switching between showing more and less flesh each time >You rub the sweat from your brow >This is really lewd >The boys are eating it up though >They both whip around and charge Lem again >She scoffs and the boys are knocked back down >”C’mon, I can do this all night.” >The kids groan and rub their noses, which are now starting to look a little more swollen than before >Snips and Snails stand up and groan, looking over at Trixie >She smirks >”Don’t run away now, Trixie needs you.” >And then Trixie slides her hand down her soft belly, slowly snaking down while the other hand pulls the spandex away without revealing- >By the gods >You look away, up at Lem. Lem’s not insane, publicly exhibiting herself for little kids >Why is Lem’s face so flushed? >Her cheeks are rosy, and she’s half-biting her lip >”The fuck is goin on...?” >Your sentiments exactly! >”Yeah!” Both boys shout at the top of their lungs, and you snap to them >They’re both totally stoked from Trixie’s... Whatever she did >You really hope nothing >You really hope Trixie didn’t flash a pair of adult tits at a pair of underage boys >The boys which are now charging Lem once more >She shakes her head and slides her headphones down >”Seriously? I’m gonna end up hurtin ya at this point.” >Snails swings his bat down, but Lem side steps, booping him >This time it doesn’t stun him, but just staggers him, letting Lem deal with Snips, who is frantically swinging his bar back and forth >She leads him away from you, taking careful steps as she does so >She keeps walking, and he keeps swinging, really really fast >She doesn’t stop shuffling back, but he starts to slow down >At this point, Snails is up again, and charges Lem, screaming as loud as he can >Lem slides back, slipping a foot under his ankle >And both of the boys slam into each other >Lem squats down and picks them both up by their collars >With a hum, she drags them over to Trixie, dumping them in front of her, and crossing her arms >Trixie is livid >”Get up! Defeat this girl at once!” >They just groan. >Trixie groans and takes a few steps back, reaching behind her cape >She throws down flashing smoke bombs; both you and Lem cover your eyes >Trixie grunts >”What? Unhand Trixie!” >Wha >Trixie continues to struggle, and cough a little >”Shut up.” >Trixie grunts again, and you hear a slapping sound >”I said shut up!” >Trixie goes silent >”The hell’s happenin?” >Well said, Lem >The smoke clears >Sour is standing behind Trixie, holding her around the waist, close. So close that she has her chin over Trixie’s shoulder, staring over at her with dead, menacing eyes as she holds her knife up to Trixie’s throat >Sour licks her lips and blinks toward you. Before you or Lem can say anything, she just calmly hushes you >Everything is silent >Sour uses her knife hand’s thumb to push Trixie’s face closer to her own. >”Listen. I'm going to say this once and only once. If, for some reason you don't get what I'm saying, you should say so exactly after I finish saying what I have to say. Any further explanation will not be provided.” >She inhales, licking her lips. She exhales, smiling so wide that her cheeks push Trixie’s confused face away until Sour pushes it back again, closer to her grin >”If you ever get anywhere near my beloved Twilight again, I will cut you.” >To emphasize, she rubs the broad side of her knife against Trixie’s throat >It must be cold because Trixie shivers >You must be cold, because you shiver >She chuckles, reaching up and grabbing Trixie’s chin between her thumb and the grip of her knife. “And no it's not going to be a simple stabbing. It's not going to be a slice across the face, either.” >Sour licks her lips. “It's not even going to be with this knife.” >She raises it so Trixie can get a good look. You estimate it to be six inches long and polished to a shine. >Trixie’s lip quivers. “What is it going to be?” >Sour chuckles again, nuzzling the side of Trixie’s face. “It's going to be a cleaver. A big,” her breathing becomes labored, “fat, heavy butcher's knife, used for chopping up sides of pig and beef!” >You glance up at Lem, who looks as scared as you are. That’s not too reassuring of a sign >Sour takes a moment to sigh, biting her lip as she thinks of expertly utilized cutlery. Then she continues. “I'm going to use that to chop your FUCKING FINGERS OFF.” >She pulls Trixie so close to her, that you can hear joints popping as Trixie squeaks in surprise and pain >Sour catches her calm. ”For starters. What I do after that I don't have planned just yet, but you know what?” >Sour turns her face to Trixie. “I'm really good at coming up with plans on the fly. So remember that.” >There’s a pause, and Trixie looks like she wants to say something, but doesn’t. >”Do you understand?” >Trixie slowly nods, her face contorted into a image of teenaged fear. >”Yeah?” >Trixie nods again. “Y-yes... Trixie... Understands.” >Sour smirks and lowers her knife. “Then go fuck off.” >Trixie takes a sharp breath and tries to step away >But Sour is still holding her by the waist. “Buuuuuuut before that... One more thing.” >Trixie gulps >Sour presses her lips to Trixie’s ear. “If I have to explain to you how bad of an idea it is to get near my darling, sweet, precious little Twilight again, in place of an explanation proper, I will tie you to a FUCKING STREET POST and slice one of your toes off every half hour until you can recite word for word that bit about the cleaver. From memory.” >She grins. “Which will be hard, because I’ve already forgotten it.” >Sour releases Trixie, and she immediately grabs her boys, dragging them to their feet as she runs >They actually run for quite a while- >Pomf >You slowly look over >Sour is hugging you, nuzzling your chest >She looks up at you, tears forming. “Are you okay? She didn’t hurt you, did she?” >You chuckle. So the crazy still exists, just not for you anymore. You’re glad “Y-yeah, I-I’m okay. Y-you both did a g-good job protecting m-m-me.”   >Sweetie giggles as she cuddles you >Lem, meanwhile, seems nervous still. She’s watching the way Trixie ran, and occasionally glancing around the park >You pat Sweetie, and try your best to wriggle out of her iron grip "E-everything o-okay, Lemfam?" At her mention, Sour squeezes down on your ribs, choking a grunt out of you >Lem slowly nods as she scans over the area. >"Yeah, Twifam... I just want to get outta here. This place's givin me the creeps." She frowns and turns to face you and Sour. "Ya know?" >Her fists are clenched at her sides, and she’s squeezing her jaw as she glares about the city regulated trees and foliage >It’s good having her here, you think >Someone to watch out for you >But she should probably... “R-relax.” >She pauses and looks over to you >After a moment, she blushes, cringe-smiling. “Heh, y-yeah, I guess so, huh?” >You and Sour snort. Probably for different reasons >”’Lem’ and I are just worried for your safety, Twi!” Sweetie nuzzles your chest once more >She stands up and glares toward where Trixie ran. “And I’m concerned with crushing Trixie under my heel.” >You try not to sound awkward as you chuckle and straighten out your uniform. “L-Let’s go.”   >The streets of Canterlot aren’t really pretty around here >Every building has some stain or graffiti pasted onto it >Police sirens in the distance >Litter everywhere you look, if you look down >Young thugs of every race leer down at you three as you walk, if you look up >The closer you get to your destination, the closer Sour and Lem huddle to you, until they’re both walking an inch abreast of you on both sides >Sour actually has her hand on her knife in her pocket, and neither of them is speaking like on the way here >Just before you can contemplate turning around, your phone vibrates >”You have arrived at your destination.” Is muffled from your pocket >All three of you stop and look over at the chipped door of the... Boarding house, which stands out among the project housing units >You silently grab your phone and dismiss the alert. >All three of you stare at the big brown door. It looks like at some point, long ago, it stood as a huge defense for this portal >You’re creeping yourself out >How long have you been standing here for? >Both Lem and Sweetie are staring at you. They both look worried >Sigh >It’s just a door, Twilight >There’s nothing to be scared about or worried about here >You’re just meeting a fortune teller >You reach out and grab the knob, twisting and pulling, hoping that you’re right >The door moves fluidly, even though it’s so big and heavy looking, and you three enter, with Sour taking point >The inside of the boarding house looks significantly better than the outside street >That is to say it’s livable, but still quite obviously a house that is kept to the minimum standards of cleanliness >At least there’s no littler, and it smells okayish >So, stairs, and an entryway to what you can only assume is the kitchen, and then the parlor >Lem points up the stairs and looks down at you for confirmation >You nod, and start up, with Sour walking next to you and Lem behind “F-four...” >At the top of the stairs, you can... See, smell, and hear new things >There’s only four doors >One of them is vibrating harshly with heavy bass, and bright lights are streaming out from under >Number two seems calm enough, but there’s a strange smell coming from it as you pas- >Number two opens >A really relaxed woman stands there in her pajamas. She blinks once, and glances down at you, scratching at her hip as she peers through her dreadlocks >”Yo, Spar...” She blinks. She smirks. “Wait, nah, you’re someone else...” She glances around. “Dude, where am I?” >You three share a look >The woman looks down the hall >The music stops and a trendy club girl peeks out, grinning wide >”Where’s Zecora, man?” >The bluenette shrugs, her mouth open. She grins again and points at your party, quickly over turning her hand as she steps out and leans against her door frame >”Nah, dude. This ain’t Sparrow, she’s like her twin sister or something!” She chuckles, putting the tips her fingers against her heart. “I can tell.” They glow faintly and then fade away >”The fuck was that...” Sour grumbles to herself >The younger girl strides out, raising a hand to wave as she passes by, heading for door four >You look up at the green woman. She’s smiling and swaying a little as she watches you >After a moment, Lem pats your arm and points down the hall >Better to carry on than ogle at the locals >Yeah. You wave at the taller girl and turn away, down the hall, where the club girl is accepting a paper bag from who you assume is Zecora >You nod and walk on toward door number four, passing by the mute girl again when she returns to her room >For some reason, you look up at her, looking through her tinted glasses. >Time slows mid stride. You can only watch as she slowly progresses, maintaining her gaze >Between breaths, she gives you a friendly smirk and wink. When her eye opens, a spark flares from her eye >She continues on, at a regular pace >Without knowing what you're doing, your eyes follow her back to her door >That green girl is lounging around in the hall, and making direct eye conta- >You flinch >She has an eye on her chest! >Floating right over the fabric of her shirt, eclipsing a shining white light, there's a blue eye gazing back and forth over the hallway! >She seems totally okay with it too, ignoring it as she stares at you and smokes >She must now realize you're staring right at her, as she bobs her head in your direction >What is that? Who is she? >What is happening? >"Twifam!" >You flinch again as you are accosted by a worried sounding Lem >With a blink and shake of the head, you look back at the stoner girl >There's no eye >She's just smoking >Lem steps into your view, and crouches so she's eye to eye. "You okay?" >You nod, lying to her >"Want to leave?" >You shake your head, truthfully >Sweetie wraps a hand around yours. "Are you sure, Twilight?" >You take one more look at the eye girl. Her shirt has a blue eye decal on it... >Maybe you didn't notice it until just now "Y-yeah. L-Let’s go."   >Door four >This is where Zecora is supposed to live >beyond this door lays the woman who has described your future to you >shes told you that your future is the end of the world >you reach out, raising your knuckles to the door >what are you here for? >is some carnival fortune teller really going to help you figure out what is happening? >you lower your hand >maybe coming here was a mistake... >you take a step back >and lem grunts as you knock into her >squeek >"c'mon, twifam. Ease up." >"yeah, twilight, we came all this way. Might as well finish what we started." >Before you can form a retort, Lem reaches ahead of you and knocks >Sigh >It's good and bad having an impulsive bruiser as a friend >There is some muffled muttering from the other side >You lean back a bit, partially turning your head away from the door as your bun grazes Lem's chest >A few locks are undone >Chains scraping against wood... >The door opens >Zecora looks across your party, partially stunned >"...welcome." >Lemfam raises a hand. "Yo, wassap." >Sweetie clears her throat. "Hello fortune-teller." >You extend a hand to greet your... Contact? Adviser? "S-sup my z-zigger." >Lem and Sour openly bawk >Sour grabs you by the shoulders and looks you in the eye, mortified as she does so. "My dear little Twilight~! You can't just call people that!" >You can hear Lem slapping her forehead behind you "W-why?" >Zecora chuckles before Sour can answer >"Her words are used well. It was no insult I heard her tell." With that, she steps aside, gesturing into her apartment. >"Will you join me for a meal?” She smiles, holding her hands together. “We can share each other's spiel, and then we can discuss your fate while we are left to wait.” >You glance back at Lem and Sour >They both look as confused as you “S-sure...” >As you enter, you notice the inside of Zecora’s apartment isn’t what you expected >It isn’t a strange tribal decor, with mystical trinkets against the walls and resting against the mantle which houses a fireplace used for divining >And it isn’t a run down crappy apartment with water damage, barred windows, and grossness on all of the furniture >It’s just a regular apartment. She’s got a couch, a table, a small kitchen, and a few doors to probably a room and bathroom >Zecora motions to the kitchen table, where four plates of rice and veggies are already set out >The food’s fresh; there’s still steam wafting off of it >When the three of you finally collect between the living room/kitchen divide, Zecora softly closes the door and paces to stand before the table >”I welcome you three to my home. It, like I, am an open tome. You may use and take whatever you want, and I only ask that this privilege you do not flaunt.” >With a calm smile, Zecora fans her hand toward the food. “Do you wish to eat this supper while it is still hot? You three must be exhausted after a fight well fought...” >You stare. The food looks good enough, so you wander to the table, with Sour and Lem joining >Everyone sits down and silently looks across at each other >Zecora gives you a warm grin and grasps her fork with a pinch. And she starts eating >You join, and Sour followed by Lem do as well >Neither looks comfortable as you all sit there, eating in silence >You want to say something >Glancing between your friends, you can tell they want to say something too >Zecora looks like she might want to converse too >What do you say? >You can barely remember why you’re here >This food is pretty okay. Distracts you from your confusion and the beginnings of a paranoid anxiety attack >”So uh, Zecora, right?” Lem puts her fork down and weaves her hands together on the table >Everyone looks to her >Zecora raises her brow >Lem clears her throat, glancing at you once, but continues >”We uh... We’re sorta here to uh...” >She looks back at you >”Get uh... More information?” >You nod. “Y-yeah.” You mimic Lem, putting down your food and turning to Zecora “I-I wanted t-to ask some q-questions.” >She nods, staring down at her food. She drums her fingers across the edge of the table >”Tonight is when answers will be given to you.” She clears her throat and gives you a guilty smile. “We believe this is at the least due. After your life in this time, hiding knowledge would be crime.” >You stare at her, processing what she’s said >Answers. You nod. “Th-thank you.” >Did she say we? "W-we?" >Zecora inquisitively hums in response >Lem chimes in, still sitting in a pose she imagines makes her look professional. "Ya said 'We' earlier, Fortune." >Zecora nods, clearing her throat. "Yes, I did, didn't I? Troubling, how words fly." >Sour leans in, having finished eating. She openly stares at Zecora. "Like you didn't want to say that? You hiding something from us?" >She grins, grabbing your hand. "Why would you do that? After all, we just wanted to have a friendly conversation~!" >You stare at Sour, and look over at Lem. >Lem shrugs and looks back at Zecora, which you do as well >"Our third party did not wish to be shown..." She sighs, shaking her head. "Until your mastery of self was shown." "M-mastery?" >Zecora rolls her wrist, looking away. "Yes, the mastery of self, how you carry your weight. If he saw what he was looking for, he would help divine your fate." >You stare >What >You look at Lem >Her brow is furrowed, and her lips are pursed >Sour, to your side, is snarling in confusion >You look back at Zecora "W-wha?" >She hums. "Perhaps it is best he explain instead of me having this pain." >"Alright." Sour put her cheek to her fist. "Where is this guy?" >Zecora is silent for a moment >Sour gets out half a word, but is hushed by an upheld index finger. So her word turns into a growl >Zecora furrows her brow and looks to the side, to the entrance to her apartment >All three of you look as well >There’s some shuffling outside of her quiet apartment >She stands, pressing her splayed fingers together in front of her. “Our guest now arrives.” She grins to you. “His faith in you thrives.” >You slowly rise as well, joined by your friends as you watch the door >The knob turns >And a... >You’re not quite sure what you’re looking at here >A pair of... Men step into the apartment, both wearing hugely oversized hooded cloaks, many years old >One ambles in with both hands mostly raised in front of himself, and the other carries himself with both hands behind his back >They seem either crippled or old. Possibly both. But despite that, you get a strange sense as you watch them come in >Like something about them isn’t right, but you can’t figure out what >They both stop within five feet of Zecora >The one with his hands behind him has breathing troubles; his breaths are forced and labored >The other audibly sneers. He speaks with a nasally, angry tone, “Brother...” >His brother flinches and coughs into his fist. “Ah, yes, sorry, brother.” Despite being unable to breathe, he at least sounds like an approachable person >”Presenting myself, High Cleric Scorpan, and the ever esteemed Grand Wizard Tirek.” >Scorpan bows his head toward his brother, while Tirek grunts. >”That works, I suppose...” He raises a hand and points a gangly red digit at Zecora. “You have a lot of nerve summoning me through Scorpan! Too afraid to approach me after your recent failure?” >Zecora takes a half step back, and shakes her head. “Failures aside, not at all, Grand Wizard. Your brother is the one I wanted to share a word.” >Scorpan bobs back a bit at that, turning to look at Tirek from under his hood >Tirek grunts and removes his hood. >”Wow.” Sour and almost Lem say >Yeah >Tirek looks like he’s almost eighty, with rough calloused and wrinkled skin holding his face together. And he seems to have a hunch, unlike his brother >”Well, regardless of what you wanted, I‘m here now! And you know how much I hate to have my time wasted.” >You glance at Scorpan while Tirek gets into Zecora >Even with the huge cloak, you can tell that Scorpan, even in his old age, used to be powerfully built, contrasting to his brother, who happens to be tall enough to even out the size difference >“So show me what you were going to show my brother so I can judge it for myself.” >You look back at Tirek. His nose is flaring around his ring. >Zecora steps aside and gestures toward you >”Her?” >Tirek scowls and looks over at Zecora, jutting his hand toward you. “You call us all the way over here to clarify your doom saying for her?” “D-doom saying?” >Zecora nods. “I believe I was inaccurate in my telling. I do not believe it was her demise I was selling.” >Tirek eyes her for a moment. >He grumbles and waves Scorpan over. Both of them step closer to you, sizing you up. >Tirek grunts pulling at his goatee >Scorpan hums, reaching into his hood to scratch at what sounds like a huge beard. >Tirek nods. “She’s cursed.” >Scorpan shakes his head, raising a big hand to point at your chest. “No look here. It’s not a curse.” >”Yes, I see." Tirek delightfully raises a finger. "It’s a hex. Also known as a subschool of *curses.*” Tirek growls at his brother >Scorpan sighs. “No, no, brother, look here. Her soul oscillates counter to her heart chakra.” >Tirek furrows his brow. “Yes, so? This happens among most homosexuals. What is your point?” >”H-homosexuals?” >Scorpan continues, “What I’m trying to explain, is that a counter oscillating soul cannot be Hexed by an umbral or nyxlace.” >”Yo, Twifam, you gay?” >You cock a brow and look back at them, but Tirek jerks you back into place. “Then what are you proposing, brother?” >You look a little to your side. “U-uh, y-yeah?” >Lem and Sour step into your line of sight, looking at you with confusion and bewilderment and >Did they really not know? >Wait >Was she... Straight? >”Brother, I propose that this girl is well... Different.” >Lem steps forward, grabs Tirek, puts him away, and grabs you by your shoulders. >”For how long?” >Tirek almost howls, his growl of frustration is so loud. “How dare you touch me!” >You blink, staring at Lem, and looking over at Sour. “I-I... S-since... I-I dunno!” >Scorpan clears his throat. “Would you two mind giving us a moment?” >Lem unhands you and looks at Scorpan >Sour shuffles out of the room without a word, following Zecora >Lem looks back at you. Her mouth is agape >She’s staring at you, and unsteadily swaying as she does so >After a moment of prolonged eye contact, she shakes her head and walks away >...fuck >Your hands find each other, and you start wringing them >Fuck >You can’t just... Recover that >People can change >Personalities develop, interests rise and fall >But no one’s... One’s pref... You won’t... >You take a deep breath, and gulp down more air, over and over >Your eyes shut, and you continue breathing >Your cover might be shattered >”Do you need a seat?” >”She needs to stop wasting my precious time. I don’t have as much of it as I used to!” >You take another breath >You nod >Huge, soft hands press against your belly and between your shoulders, and you’re gently lowered into a chair >When you open your eyes, you only see Tirek and... an unhooded Scorpan. He’s much better looking than his brother. He’s old, but he might live twice longer than his brother, if his healthy glow is to be trusted. Also, dat asgardian beard >Scorpan picks up one of your hands and pats it. “I’m sorry we forced you out of the closet like that, dear.” >”Feh. I’m going to bed. You seem to be an expert on this girl. You clarify the reading.” >You both watch Tirek leave >When he vanishes, Scorpan playfully smiles. “That aside, how are you enjoying our world, little miss outsider?” “O-out...” >He nods and softly squeezes your hand. “I can tell that you aren’t from this place. Haven’t you noticed?” >Nod >You look down “P-please don’t t-tell anyone.” >Scorpan scoffs, giving you a dismissive wave. “Never. I want you to trust me if I’m to help you...” He squints. “What’s that nagging question, on the edge of your consciousness?” >You smirk “I-I’ve been a-asking i-it a l-lot...” You take a deep breath, and close your eyes >”What is it then?” >You dramatically open your eyes, “What is happening?” >[Menacing] >Scorpan chuckles, ruffling your hair >"I hope to answer that soon, but I can't right now." >He pulls his hand away, holding a curled purple hair >"This should help... Come back Friday?" >You nod. "Y-yeah..." >Scorpan nods, and offers you hand >You stand and he continues. "I shall delve as far as I can to find your answer for you, Twilight." >You don't bother asking how he knows your name >"You go on with your friends, tell Zecora I need a word.” >Your friends "Y-yeah." >Yeah. You start for the door >You hope your cover can be salvaged   >You close the door behind you, keeping your head down as you do so >The atmosphere out in the hall is stifling >Looking up, you see Lem, Sour, and Zecora standing together in a loose circle >Each of them has a different look for you >Zecora seems indifferent, but in a friendly way. Like she’s not overtly concerned with your cover exploding in your face, but also that she’s okay with you being here >You look down again and slide your palm across the back of your hand “H-he w-wants you...” You jerk a thumb up, pointing to the door >Zecora thoughtfully hums and strides past you, leaving you with Lem and Sour >The door opens and closes >You stare down at your hands >There’s a rustling of fabric >Lem sighs, taking a step away. When you take a quick glance at her feet, you know she’s leaning against the wall opposite >Sour is still standing in the middle of the hall, you suspect watching you >Everyone’s silent >You straighten out your skirt a bit >You feel your phone, some pens and a notepad in your pockets >Your hands slide into your pockets leaving you to just stare at a corner of the hallway >... >The sound of silence fills the corridor >The only sound you can hear is the occasional sigh from Lem, and because of where you’re standing, Scorpan and Zecora’s voices >... >Sour growls to herself and starts walking down the hall >”Ey. Doublefam.” >She stops and you can hear her turn and tap her heels together. >Silence >While you’re watching the floor, you notice Lem peel away from the wall >”We should still walk ‘er home...” She drones out, stepping into the middle of the hall. >When she doesn’t get an immediate response, or a restrained response, or a delayed response, she sighs and drawls on some more. “Or at leas’ wait till ‘er Sis gets here.” >Sour gives Lem a low growl of response >You close your eyes and sigh >Lem silently stands there >Sour doesn’t sound like she’s leaving either >You grip your phone >Maybe you should call now so you don’t have to... >So nothing can happen between you three >Lem chuckles and you can hear her throw her hands out to her sides. ”What’s the problem, anyway? So she’s... So Twifam’s gay.” >Silence >Lem chuckles again >”Right? No big deal, huh Twifam?” >Your eyes flutter open >Why do you have to come out again? >Lip bit, you slowly look up to Lem >Why do you have to come out again? >She’s facing Sour Sweet >”Yeah.” >Sour rolls her eyes. She has her arms wrapped tight across her fat chest as she scowls across at Lemon > she rolls out her sour notes >”So what if she’s a dyke, right?” >Lem flinches, but then relaxes with a short chuckle >”Dude, yer right.” >She starts walking, arms held outward, toward Sour, who’s glaring up at her >In a swift motion, Lem is holding Sour aloft by her collar >Sour gapes, staring Lem in the eye as her feet dangle under her >The gape turns to a furious scowl and her hands fly up to grip Lem’s wrists >Sour struggles with her grip >”Get the fuck off me, you fat dyke.” >What? >”Quit sayin that qword!” >Lem whips a hand back, already in a fist >Sour has her hand in her pocket >You yelp as your head throbs >All of your vision is stars and lights >Hand on your head, you can’t even hear anything except for muffled yelling >It’s back >Your head feels like it’s going to cave in and it’s going to detonate >You’re going to die. You’re going to puke all over yourself from system overload, and you’re going to die >Twilight >This headache >It happens because they don’t get along >That thing >Discord said >She doesn’t like you having friends >She lashes out >She can’t do anything unless you let her? >You think >With a groan, you stand upright, glaring past the lights >Take the situation back "H-hey." >Lem and Sour stop >The lights fade, and you can see again >Lem doesn't let go of Sour's collar, but her fist is held back by one of Sour’s hands >Sour also has her thumb over the switch of her blade, but her wrist is pinned at her side by Lem’s knee >They both look at you, scowling and aggravated >Perfect... Huh? >Your head throbs again >No, not perfect! >You squeeze one eye shut as hard as you can >Focus all the pain on one eye >You try to steady your breathing. >Breathe in and out. Don't break down, don't yell at them, don't let this headache get to you >You can think, but now you're layered with sweat from the effort of containing yourself >"What!?" >"What is it?" >Both snarl at each other at their outbursts >You take a step forward and almost fall out under your own weight "S-stop." >Your heart hastens when they both glare down at you >You gulp down the acid rising >Still squeezing one eye shut, you start “I-I know...” >You don't, you really don’t, but keep talking “...I-I was a-a huge b-bitch.” >To Trixie, and maybe them >They stop struggling against each other, and focus on you >Breathe “I-I'm not s-stupid. I-I c-can’t undo o-or f-fix everything.” >You gasp. You lost your breath trying to get that much out, but there's so much more you want to say >You look up at them >They’re both tiredly looking down at you >Neither really has a simple expression “I-I have m-more...” >Your hands wrap around each other >”Go ahead, Twifam.” >Gulp “W-well, I uh, I w-want to t-try.” >Neither says anything >Sour, appearing annoyed, motions for you to continue >You take a deep breath and close your eyes. “I-I... I want to m-move forward and t-try to do b-better. >Another breath. “I-I know I j-just started doing i-it all... R-randomly. B-but I just.” >Your eyes open and you look up again. Neither Lem nor Sweetie seem angry any more. You smile, and they do too. “I-I want you b-both to be m-my friends.” >They glance at each other. Sour grimaces. Lem shrugs “A-and not j-just you. S-sugar too. A-and Indy, and S-sunny... You f-five are m-my only friends, m-my only r-real friends, a-and I feel l-like I h-haven't been t-treating any o-of you right!” >There’s a pause... During which, Sour and Lem stare at you >Lem is the first to respond >“Damn.” >“And you being gay?” >Both you and Lem look at Sour. She’s impassive. “Did that just randomly start, too?” “I-I... S-sort of.” >Sour watches you >Lem sighs, "I can't stay angry with you lookin like that." >She smirks over at Sour. "Right?" >Sour crosses her arms and looks away, scowling. "Whatever.” >She glares at you out of the corner of her eye. “So we're just a bunch of fucking dyke friends?" >You don’t get a chance to respond >"Is that what you wanted? For all of us to just magically get along because you broke out the water works and asked nicely?" >You look away and your hand finds your arm. “U-um... W-well y-yeah...” >Sour throws up her arms, and you notice she’s still holding her knife. “Ugh! Seriously? Like seriously, seriously?” >You cringe just the tiniest bit. "Y-yeah... B-but not a-all at o-once! I-I just want every-yone to be h-happy!" >Sour’s brow furrows and she grimaces. “Happy? By being friends with her?” She motions to Lem with both hands “Y-yeah. L-Lem's really n-nice once y-you get t-to know h-her." >Sour’s arms drop. She hangs her head a bit. She groans. >”Ugh. Whatever.” >You smile, but Lemfam actually seems more than a little put off. >”Ya'll really gonna consider it? I don’ mind, but-”. >You flinch when she shouts. ”I said whatever!” >All three of you are quiet for a beat. "Yo what's whatever mean?" "It means I'll think! about! It-tuh!"   >Home >Finally >Your head is still throbbing from the aftershocks of that headache, and your eye hurts from trying and mostly failing to distract yourself from the pain >You can't even walk right, you're so tired >But you manage to drag yourself through the front door after Gleaming >Cadence makes some noise at both of your arrival, but you're not really paying attention >She gets in your way >So you drop your head against her chest and obnoxiously yawn >Someone pats the back of your head   >Darkness >Can't breathe >Discord? >No one comes >You focus on the living black splot on the white canvas directly in front of you >No air to fill your lungs >But that’s normal >You can’t close your eyes either >”Ahem.” >Behind you, something steps into view >A manticore? >Bipedal, eight feet tall, bat wings, lion’s body, snake tail... >Thick robes hanging loosely off of his body >He grins >”Good evening, little friend.” >Scorpan. His calm scratchy voice is smooth now >”Yes!” His maw stretches into a smile >He frowns, stepping on nothing toward you >He peers up and down whatever form you are >”My goodness gracious... You don’t know how to properly take a conscious form!” His big monstrous eyes bulge >He reaches out a hand and >Goes through everything you are except your eyes >”...Nothing.” >He pulls his hands back, holding them behind his back. “My goodness... You must be exhausted every day you wake up from this, then.” >So that explains the past week >He flinches, jaw dropping >”A... A whole week?” >Eyes bulging, wings flickering, tail snapping >He twitches and regains his composure. “Very well. I’m just going to wake you up. You should be rested enough now before all of this has had a chance to eat your stamina...” >He glances at the ball on the wall >That ball >”Not quite a ball. It’s mana... An energy source...” He shrugs and shakes his head, raising a hand >”I can explain more tomorrow. For now, may I wake you up so I can explore unfettered?” >Explore? >”Your mind.” >...Sure >He snaps his fing- >Wait >”Hm?” >You want to watch >Scorpan chuckles and shakes his head. >”I appreciate your willingness to learn new things, young Twilight. Your eager energy - I have to admit I envy it in my old age!” >He smiles and swipes his hand through the blackness >”Darkness.” >Through the darkness and your vision darkens >”I would love to teach you many many things, but I must analyze your mind alone for now.” >Okay >If that's the case, you can just take it easy tomorrow >Just wait for him to finish >Scorpan furrows his brow and shakes his head >A purple hand flickers in and strokes his goatee >"No..." >He turns back to the bit of Darkness and grabs it, startling you >Without turning, he continues. "Tomorrow, meet Adagio Dazzle!" >His hands pull out strands of twine and silk from the ink >He scrutinizes them "It seems you've heard of her?" He grins over at you, huge teeth lining his mouth as he kneads the spindly bits of Darkness between his fingers. >"I have as well!" He looks back a the strands he's fiddling with, and pulls them farther out, letting them float away. "I think it a dandy good idea for you to meet this little lady..." >Dandy >"Yeah, dandy." He pulls some more strands out, looking over them >"We've met a few times, and I've heard of her exploits." >Does he mean the missing persons? >He looks over his shoulder, grimacing at you. "Simply part of what she does." >He brightens again, showing off his razor sharp teeth. "Meet her! Interview her like you did with Discord!" >How did he know...? >"I am in your head, after all." He pulls more silk out, along with the source of all the miscellaneous fibers. A black rope. "Digging through to the past! It all came up pretty quick... " "But go meet her. It will be a good learning experience." >He continues pulling out more and more rope, exposing more free floating strings. "Bring your friends too, just in case you run into this Trixie girl." >...Okay >He gives you a friendly, monstrous grin. "Okay?" >Yeah >He laughs aloud, holding his belly. "Good! You're a good girl, Twilight. I'll do my best as your guide through these new times." >He turns back to the blot entirely, so all you can see his his prolific mane and tail >"Who knows? Maybe I'll take you on as an apprentice." >He chuckles. "Haha..." >... >"Okay. Time to wake up." >He drives his fist into the Darkness and grabs your... Ability to... Be here...? "See you Friday!"   >Air >You slowly inhale and blink >You're in your room, and it's dark >The only source of light is your laptop blinking from a full battery, and your phone blinking from a notification >So you're sitting in a nerd hole with green and red lights pulsing >You sit up and grab at your phone and glasses >4:12 AM >And you have some texts from the girls >(Phone is now set to noise mode) >Dang >You're not even tired >Yawn >Well... No longer exhausted. You're just regular, sleepy tired >So >You try to look at your forehead >Scorpan is in there >Or >Like... >...You had a dream in which he said as much >...A queerly memorable and sensible dream >Consistent with recent dreams you've been having >Slowly, you lay back down >"You should research." >Sitting upright, you decide now is a good time for some old fashioned research >Into... >You grab up your scraps of paper >Scanning... Adagio Dazzle >For now, just listen to Scorpan >You drag over your laptop and power up >He seems like a nice enough guy. Friendly, upfront >If he's willing to help you figure out what is happening in your life, you might as well take his advice >A yawn escapes you, and you begin typing up terms to find information on Adagio >Her name >Canterlot missing persons >...that’s all >You stare as it loads >Gosh, your internet speed sure does crap the bed after 2 am >Lots of results... >Good. You've got a few hours.   >7 AM comes around, and you tap your phone, silencing the alarm >More >Research >Music is playing. Saucy lyrics are floating low across the ground as The Dazzlings' third album, 'Love Me Like You Used To' plays for the fifth time >Adagio has a deep, sultry voice that does things to you >Videos are looping on your laptop as you read >The Dazzlings performing at a few small shows in Canterlot >Adagio and her two band mates are dancing as they sing >They're both taller than Dagi, but she still trounces them both with her wide hips >Which she puts to very good use in her dancing >Dancing which also does things to you >You bite your lip and clench your thighs for the umpteenth time >A lesser woman would have been affected by these... Things being done to her >But not you! >You're researching Adagio Dazzle, and you're not going to be dissuaded by dirty dancing and borderline hypnotic singing >"Twilight?" >You almost drop your laptop when you flinch >You look over at Cadence >She’s staring >A small blush forms, and she looks away >"I see you're also a fan of Ms. Dazzle. I hope you didn't see any of her raunchier videos yet..." >You take a deep breath >Be still, heart "I-I might have." >"Your shirt, Twilight." >...What >You glance at your shirt >And see a pair of bouncy purple mounds >Exposed >You blink "W-where is my sh-shirt..." >Covering up with the classic one arm guard, you chuckle up at Cadence while one-handedly closing out everything "M-must have g-gotten hot." >Cadence continues looking away, hand protecting her eyes from your humble nerd boobs >"I guess..." >She clears her throat. "Funny that you'd be interested in one of my clients." >Blink "Y-your client?" >Cadence nods, and turns away. "Yes, Ms. Adagio was recently recruited by our agency." "Could i meet her?" >You blurt it out without thinking. Oops >Not a bad idea though, asking for help >Cadence nods, staring at the door frame. "Yes, just let me arrange it." >A smile blooms across your cheeks and you jump from bed, running to her. "Th-thank you Cadence, y-you're the b-best!" >Cadence gives you a funny look when you latch onto her >She gives you a half smile. "Of course, Twilight. Anything. Now get dressed."   >Now fully shirted and skirted, you watch the street go by from Cadence's passenger seat >Belly full of bacon and eggs >Head full of... Chimera, maybe? >If he's still in there? >"I am." >He is. >"Are you excited?" >You look up at Cadence >She's smiling, as usual, but watching the road >Without responding, you cock your head at her >"Well?" "F-for...?" >She chuckles >"Ms. Dazzle?" >Flinch "O-oh yeah! Y-yeah, s-sorry." You give her your own short chuckle >She chuckles along with you >At a red light, she looks over to you, beaming >"Her schedule is clear today so mentioned that she had an... Enamored fan." "Y-yeah?" >Her smile calms down and she continues. "She only asked for your name and immediately asked to meet you herself!" >Scorpans voice echoes in your mind >"You should bring someone." "C-could I b-bring any f-friends? >Well >Scorpan mentioned bringing someone >But who? >Everyone? >"Mm, maybe." Cadence continues driving. "But I can only fit maybe one or two people." >Ah, that's right. Even if Cadence didn't have any baggage... >Which she has tons of >No Cadence's car is way too small >She is driving, after all >Maybe Indy can meet you >You quickly text her >Gosh you have a lot of messages >You skim them >Lem and Sour... You hold off on reading >Sunny and Sugar seem chipper, and Indy sent you some D A N K M E M E S >You hold your face, dramatically flailing back in your seat and restraining yourself from vomiting >A few seconds later... >Indy said no, sports stuff after school >While you give the rest of your friends generic responses, you ponder >Who else then? >There's almost no room in the car >Maybe Sugar. She's small! >Who else >You check up on Indy... >'Ask Sunny tho, she wants to hang out' >So sunny and sugar? >Strange team. >...can sunny do anything? >To defend herself >And to a lesser extent, you >You probably won't be attacked by Trixie again "I-I have t-two, m-maybe." >"That's good. Like I said, I don't have  a lot of room, so if they don't mind cramming between portfolios, folders and binders, they're welcome to come!" >Hm "W-where is it?" >Cadence slows the car to a stop >Oh >School >She gives you a small smile. "Just down town Canterlot." >You nod >Trixie wouldn't dare, with so many people around >And the police >Shine- >...Right >No big brother police officer to protect you >"Something wrong, Twilight?" >You look up at her >You grin and shake your head. Just an existential hiccup "I-I'm fine. S-see you l-later." >Cadence waves you off   >Hello, locker >Unleash your treasures for Twilight Sparkle, rested girl >You yawn >Or Twilight Sparkle, not exhausted girl >You pop your locker open and grab some more sheets of lined paper and debate even bringing your textbooks >You've kind of... Already memorized them >Hm >While you're filing away your papers and refilling, you catch a soft stomping approaching >Sugar! >You smile over at her >But >She's slowly stomping forward toward her locker, eyes half open behind her designer frames >Gosh, she looks so tired >Just stomping away, slouched over, holding her arms tight against her belly >The big backpack she uses is slumped against the small of her back >Her cardigan is rumpled, skirt unaligned, and you think you see a hole in her pantyhose >Her hair looks good >...Maybe she has a stylist "S-sugar!" You call, raising a hand >She continues and steps up to you, resting her forehead against your chest >Aw, she's so sleepy >You put a hand to the back of her head and pat "T-tired?" >She nods, sighing >Her arms snake around your chest to your back so she can hug you >She limply holds you, so you hug her back >Poor Sugar... >Should you still bring her out like this? >You lock up a bit, your head twitching >("She should be fine.") >Thanks, Scorpan >(Please look into why I violently react to mental intrusions) >Silence >Sugar isn't moving >Pat pat >She snorts and stands upright, springing out of your grip >Her eyes dart around for a second while she wipes her mouth >Aw she's drooling >...Gross, it's on you >You wipe at her drool, but it's all slimy. Ugh >She collects herself and adjusts her glasses. Once she's regained some of her composure, she goes into speaking mode >"I'm sorry for falling asleep on you just now, Twiley. The combined exhaustion from the past couple of nights has caught up to me, it seems. Despite how I try, strange dreams have kept me up." >You smile for her as she relaxes into crossing her arms again. "Th-that's okay." >You give her an automatic response, knowing full well that it was in fact not okay for this... Whole exhausted thing to be a part of life for her "S-so..." >Sugar cocks her head up >Her skin has a soft sheen to it, which is caught in the light "I-I was w-wondering." >She cocks her head to the side, lazily blinking "A-Are you... B-busy? T-today, I m-mean." >She stares for a second. She realigns her head. "No, Twiley, I'm not busy today." >Good, good. "D-do you w-wanna j-join me?" >Sugar hums a reply, pondering before replying, "What exactly for, Twiley?" "M-my..." You pause. "S-sister and I-I are going t-to meet a l-local celebrity." >Sugar idly rubs under an eye. "Who is this local celebrity?" "A-adagio D-dazzle" >Sugar pulls some sand from her eye and flicks it off. She looks back up at you, crossing her arms like she does. "Hm. Sure." "O-okay." You smile and look up as you figure out the logistics. >You tap your chin. "I-it'll be you, S-sunny and I-I in a s-small car..." >Sugar cocks her head and raises a finger halfway. "What was that, Twiley? Did you say you, Sunny and I?" >You cock a brow. "Uh, Y-yes? >She raises her finger higher, putting it to her chin as she stares through you. "The lavender girl, Sunny Flare? Who often sings everything?" >Right, she... She probably doesn't like Sunny for some reason. "Y... Yes." >"Why exactly are you inviting both of us knowing that we don't like each other?" >Sigh >Yeah "B-because I-I want t-to bring b-both of y-you." >Sugar furrows her brow and crosses her arms again. "I don't want to come with you if that's the case, Twilight. I hate Sunny Flare just as much as I hate every other member of the Shadowbolt Elite. She has insulted me just the same as they have." >Sigh >You rub at your forehead, feeling that headach- >Hunh. It's there, but it's also kind of numbed >Based Scorpan >You collect yourself, taking a deep breath. "C-can you p-please come? F-for me?" >Sugar shakes her head, her mountain of white fluff flipping back and forth and reshaping perfectly. "No, Twilight, I won't. I don't want to come with Sunny Flare. Please don't make me spend time with her." >You're about to try again, when Sugar gives you a combination frown/pout. You want to say you see lip quivering >Gods damn, her game is stronk >Your shoulders slump. "N-no, I-I'm not going t-to make you." >She sighs, dropping her head. "Good, I was hoping you wouldn't make me do something I didn't want again." >Again >But... "I-I just want..." >Sugar hums and picks her head up, looking at you, curiosity in her eye. >Sighing, you look away. "I-I sort of ..." >"Yes, Twiley? What is it that you sort of want?" "K-Kind of..." >Sugar half stomps, dropping her arms. "What is it? What do you kind of sort of want, Twiley?" >You take a deep breath and cross your arms. >You close your eyes as the butterflies start to infest your stomach. "I-I sorta k-kinda want y-you five t-to be f-friends." "I didn't realize it wasn't obvious, but maybe it wasn't. No. I won't. I don't want to, and I don't care enough about them. No." >You frown >Why is this little girl so good at bullying you? >Er, more like... >Asserting her opinion over you >Sigh "O-okay." >"I'm sorry, Twiley... I didn't mean to sound so forceful just now, but I really don't want to spend any time with those girls unless I absolutely... Have... To." >Sugar blinks, but then furrows her brow and adjusts her glasses. "I-its o-" >"Why?" >Her sudden interruption stalls you. "W-why?" >She nods. "Why this all of a sudden?" She steps closer, forcing you back. "Why do you want to do this now, Twiley? After everything that's happened between us?" She stands up higher on her tip toes, forcing you against the locker. "After everything that's happened to you?" "I-I dunno." >Everything that's happened to you? >Sugar folds her arms behind her back. "Do you mean to say that you don't know, Twiley?" >With you up against the locker and all alone in the hall, she has a chance to get close enough that your noses almost touch. >"Or perhaps that you do not know how to explain why all of a sudden you want me to befriend those other girls?" >She's so close, you can see faint freckles across her nose >"There is a difference, I'm sure you understand that, don't you?" >You nod. She's so close, you're starting to sweat >From having your personal space invaded >Not any other reason >With a soft half chuckle, you answer, "T-the, uh, s-second one, I-I guess." >Sugar takes a half step closer so her upper chest is pressed against your belly. >You bite your lip and restrain a shiver >"So you're saying, Twiley, is that you do know why you're pushing so hard? You know, but you don't know how to explain it?" >You nod. "C-correct." >Silence >You're pretty sure she's just this close to intimidate you, but you're really enjoying being this close >[Dyking Intensifies] >Sugar smiles and pulls away, giving you some much-needed breathing room. Which you utilize to great effect. >"I understand, then, Twiley." She unwraps her arms from behind her back and rewraps them across her belly >"Take today to figure out what to say. Find the words you need to explain what your intentions are to me. I will be coming with you regardless of if you figure out how to explain it by the time we leave. Because I love you and I respect you as my best friend, I'm willing to put some faith in your judgement." >She leans forward and hugs you, nuzzling your chest. "Regardless of what you're trying to do, I'll do my best to support you, Twiley. Just figure out how to explain your intentions at some point." >You chuckle and pat her again "S-sure, S-sugar." >She's so easy to pet.   >First period >Study hall >Slowly, you ease yourself into your chair >You sigh internally >You'll never stop enjoying the comfortable squish that happens when you sit down into a hardwood chair >For real, having a soft squish every time you sit down is super comfy >You lean back a bit in your chair and check the board >Fully awake, you can see that there is still no assignments, so it's still free study >Being awake is great. It's a good feeling, not having to desperately stay awake >One would normally not be able to function on four hours sleep, but... >Well... You've gotten good at it >Yawning, you look between Indy and Sunny >Indy is snoring into a book pillow >Sunny is calmly writing an essay >She glances up and gives you a quick glance >But that turns into a bright morning smile! >She carefully sets down her pencil and turns to you. "Good morning, ma petite~" >You give her a short wave. "M-morning." >She hums, looking you over. "You seem well rested~ How have you slept~?" >You hoist up your bag into your lap and shrug. "B-better." >There's a "Hm~" as you dig up some materials for today >"It's good that you've gotten better sleep~" She hums again and splays out her fingers to point at Indy >With a glance, you notice she's silently snoring >"Everyone seems so fatigued and run down lately~" "Y-yeah..." >And you know why >Or at least you know what they all have in common >You glance at Indy, who's snoring into the pages of her precalculus text book >"I am glad that you are getting some rest~" >You turn back to Sunny. She's smiling to you with the same sweetness she's shown for the past two weeks >Come to think of it, yeah. You aren't tired at all >Aside from the obvious usual stay up all night NEET-style fatigue, of course "N-no, a-aside from waking up e-earlier than I-I'd like, I-I feel fine." >Sunny dolefully purses her lips. "Earlier~? Oh no~ How early~?" >For some reason you instinctively half-frown at her doting attitude. "Y-yeah, I-I woke u-up at f-four." >Nodding, Sunny tentatively places the crook of her finger to her chin. "And...~ You couldn't fall asleep~?" "...Y-yeah, a-actually." >Sunny bobs her head, looking at you out of the corner of her eye now.  "Any weird dreams~?" >You slowly turn to fully face her, letting your jaw fall >You carefully stare at her as you answer. "...Y-yes... A-actually. Th-they've b-been recurring." >Sunny only quietly smiles at that. >"...I see~" >You silently watch her >She looks back down at her paper and continues writing >U-uh huh." >She seems totally rested, unlike every other member of the Shadowbolts >Well, she hasn't met Trixie yet, so that makes sense >Still >Dem questions tho. >Way too specific to be teenage intuition >Hm "A-are you u-uh... B-busy tonight?" >Sunny blinks and peeks over to you while writing. "No~" "W-wanna come w-with S-sugar and I-I-" >"Of course, ma petite~" >W-what >She didn't even need convincing >Are you just getting better at this, or what? >She gives you a coy grin and holds up her cell phone in one hand >Oh right >Indy probably told her something >Welp "O-okay. G-good talk." >Still smiling, she slides her phone away. "Was it~?" >Without thinking, you shrug, looking back down at your empty desk. "I-I guess." >Sunny only hums in response >After a few seconds, she returns to writing her paper >Indy's snoring is starting to get louder >You give her a glance, and find that she's adjusted herself so she's laying her face on the smooth side of her dufflebag >She has bags under her eyes, and despite sleeping, she looks tense and agitated >Poor Indy, suffering like you did >Because she stopped Trixie for you >Or maybe that's why, you're still not totally positive on the reality of the situation >You gotta figure out what is happening so you can fix this, though >You are positive that that is true >Just figure out what is happening so you can help these girls not have to suffer alone like you >And then you can go home >Er >Hm >That sounds wrong, for some reason >Figure out what is happening so... Your friends can have more friends? >And then you leave? >Uh, no... >All this effort feels kind of forced or unreal when you pin on the home clause >Maybe just not go home? >Figure out what is happening to you and your friends, fix it, and while you're at it, make them all friends, too, so they can... Be... Healthy teenagers >Yeah >No more suffering, that means no more Trixie, and it also means everyone should get more friends, because friendship is the best thing ever >You flinch >Something jabbed your side >You look down and see Sunny's hand receding >She waves through her fingers >You have back >"So~?" "Y-yeah?" >She sets down her pencil, turning to you in her seat. "Mon chon, Zap, and I~ Have gotten rather close~" >You nod, smiling. Your work precedes you! "G-good." >"I suppose it was~ Silly of us~ To not get along~" "Y-yeah, I-I guess i-it was." You raise your hand, pinching your thumb and forefinger close "J-just a-a little." >You both giggle while Indy saws logs in the background   >3:00 PM >After school >You wave back at Lem, who's lazily sprawled out on the steps behind you >Like always, she's waiting for her father >So she's napping >Otherwise she seems okay! Which is all you can ask for, really >Speaking of asking for things >You wish this friendship thing was easier >Sugar and Sunny are standing by you >They are silent aside from Sunny humming to herself and Sugar tapping her foot >Sigh >You look between both of them, giving them a small smile each >Both of them at least smile back at you >But when Sunny catches sight of Sugar, her smile contracts a bit >Likewise, when Sugar sees Sunny, her smile turns to a frown until she focuses on you again >So all three of you are standing outside in silence >You look between them again >And gesture both toward the other >Sunny awkwardly looks the other way, to the tree across the street >Sugar glares at the back of Sunny's head and returns to staring at the road ahead >You softly chuckle. "H-hey, S-sugar." >She looks at you out of the corner of her eye "M-maybe n-next movie night c-could involve m-more than j-just us?" >Sugar narrows her eye and looks forward again. >She clears her throat. "I don't doubt it being a possibility, Twiley, in the far distant future. But convincing me to change that tradition for Sunny or any other member of the Shadowbolts would take a great deal of persuasion." >Huh >So she's on or near the fence about the whole befriending thing. Or just changing how movie night works >You tap your chin and smile "W-what if I-I asked y-you really n-nicely?" >Sugar is silent >She closes her eyes and you think you can see her gulp >An answer comes as she opens her eyes again. "I-I would take great care to consider all the positives and negatives of changing the nature of the event if that were the case, Twiley." >"Aw~ You would do that for ma petite, Twilight, Sugarcoat~?" >Sugar twitches and glares at Sunny without turning her head >"Yes, and only for her, not you or your sake. You haven't earned that from me yet, Sunny Flare." >Sunny hums softly behind you >"Okay~ I will take whatever I can, Sugarcoat~" >Sugar blinks, and her glare evaporates, leaving her staring forward >Everyone is silent again >This adventure is going to be rough >Maybe you can try to chat? >You like both of these girls, maybe you can take this chance to get to know them better! >You're kind of new here, after all, so it can't hurt to find some information about them, can it? >Now, what to talk about... >You look down at your shoes as you ponder >They're a little scuffed >Have to polish them later >"Hm hm-hm-hm hm-hm hmm~" >Soft sigh >You look up at Sunny >She's rocking back and forth on her heels and toes >What do you talk to her about? >You kind of want her backstory >Between the (cute) accent and random Prench she tosses into what she says, she's quite different >... >You sit and silently space out for a solid minute, trying to think of a conversation topic >While staring at her >She waves her hand in your face >With a flinch, you face forward again >Sugar, to your side, seems to be staring up at you, but you just try to think of something to talk about >What do they have in common? >That could make for some good conversation and show you what they're like >That's a thing friends do, talking about things they like >Sugar likes... >Hm... Now that you have a chance to ponder on it, Sugar probably likes a lot of the same things you do >As for Sunny, well >Sunny likes to sing! >Obviously >So music, and art, and you recall soccer from last week >Okay so >Nerd music, got it >You turn to Sunny >"Twilight, do you know when your sister is supposed to be arriving? I'm not impatient, per se, but I would rather not stand around in the winter winds for too long, not knowing how long I'm waiting for." >Eh >You glance at Sugar and turn slightly toward her "C-cadence said sh-she'd be h-here soon." >You glance at your phone >3:10 PM >By the gods, it's only been ten minutes... >Why does it feel like you've been standing here for a week? >Okay, so, talk "U-uh, so S-Sugar?" >Good, strong start >She looks up at you >Silence >Gulp "W-what's your f-favorite theme s-song?" >Sugar furrows her brow and cocks her head to the side as she looks at you. "As in what, Twiley? Do you mean of the various video games I know of? Or do you maybe mean of some cartoons you've shown me?" >With a small smile, you continue. "V-video games, i-is what I-I meant." >Sugar takes a deep breath >"Oh~? How good is video game music~?" >Yes... >Sugar exhales >You lean back a bit and watch both girls >Talk to each other! >"Are you really asking that right now or are you just patronizing me?" >Sunny flashes a grin and puts her hands together >"Of course not~! I've not actually played many~ I've not had the chance~" >Sugar narrows her eyes and glares at Sunny >With a soft grunt, she stomps over and stands in front of both you and Sunny >"Since you've never actually played any video games, and I will assume what you have played are roughly irrelevant to modern culture, I'll have to take it upon myself to educate you on the cultural significance of video games, their story telling mechanics, their use of symbolism and symbols, and everything in between." >Sugar adjusts her glasses >Sunny raises a finger >Sugar's brow furrows for a split second. "Yes." >"Could you~ Mm~ Give the essential version~? Instead~?" >Sugar takes a deep breath >"That way we can talk about the music~" >Sunny is bouncing up and down now >Your little friend notices as you do. Sunny seems excited to listen >Sugar raises a fist to her mouth and clears her throat. "If you want to just hear me discuss the music portion, then fine, I can do that." >And then Sugarcoat talked at you and Sunny for an hour straight   >The infinite void >An impenetrable fortress of anti-thought that lurks beyond the realm of human understanding, and for good reason >It shields us from the sticky devouring darkness beyond the veil >This inky blackness that envelops all consciousness consumes your mind, your vision, and your very essence >You've been listening to Sugar talk for forty five minutes now >Your brain feels soft and you want to cuddle up with her and pass out >She's still talking >Sunny's still nodding along with every other word >And in the back of your head, you hear everything Sugar says, and understand what she's saying (she's currently on the topic of melodies being used to represent events and characters) >But up front, just under the passive face, you're about ready to pass out from word exposure >Beep >Everyone stops and looks at the curb >It's Cadence >"That... Doesn't look like your sister, Twiley." "E-er... W-well, m-my sister's fiance. I-is who sh-she is." >You reflexively chuckle as Sugar nods >Sunny fans out an arm as she leans into your field of view >"Let us be off, then~?" >You nod and look over at Sugar, who's already stepping toward the car >Sunny, likewise, is already ahead of you both, what with her energetic prancing >Whew, she's like a little kid >Er >Sunny is >Sugar is too, but in a completely different... Way >Sweating >All three of you slide into the back, which, fortunately, is emptier than normal >You and Sunny still have to pull your knees up a bit >Cadence turns and pulls a box away to flash you three a big pearly grin >"Hey Twilight, hey girls!" >"Hello." "H-hey." >"Greetings~" >Cadence giggles. "My my, I haven't seen either of you before. I'm Mi Amora Cadenza, but you can call me Cadence!" She raises a finger and points to Sugar >"I think you might be... Oh... Sugar... Tea? I know your father, Sweet Tea." >"Sugarcoat." She crosses her arms behind her knees >Cadence snaps her finger. "Right, Sugarcoat!" She turns her finger and gaze toward Sunny and pulls her finger back >"As for myself~ I am known as Sunny~ Flare~" >"Sonny Flare... Hm, okay." "S-sunny." >Cadence and Sunny both look at you and ask "What?" at once >You snort-sigh. "S-sunny, i-it's pron-nounced Sunny." >Cadence and Sunny nod, with Cadence exaggerating the motion just a little bit. >"Sunny Flair, Sugarcoat... Are you both ready to meet Ms. Adagio Dazzle?" >"We are going to see THE Adagio Dazzle~!?" >Cadence chuckles as she shifts gears and sets off >You sheepishly grin at Sunny, who stares at you, mouth agape >Cadence chuckles to herself as she drives.   >The street lamps slowly drift by outside your window >It's begun to snow again >The flakes of white matter lazily float on unseen breezes on their way down to the young folk walking by and the well cared streets of Canterlot >Cadence opted to not put the radio on, which seems like her default >All that can be heard is the sound of tire against pavement coupled with >"Prance noises~" >A teen idol's voice >Next to you, Sugar has wrapped an arm around yours >Her quietly napping form is loosly leaning against you, with only her face making any substantial contact, and entirely with your arm >That's cute >With a smile, you reach over and pat her >She makes a small sound and nuzzles you >You look forward again, and catch Cadence's eye in her rear-view mirror >Both of you share a grin >This may be the most relaxed you've been in a while >Hopefully this meeting with Adagio goes well   >"Ah, free parking! Lucky me~" >Cadence eases the car next to a busy looking sidewalk >Glancing around, you don't see anything nearby >This spot is in front of a vacant lot >To one side is one hundred feet of fence, and the other is a niche cafe >The Sunken Sailor >It looks like a nautical cafe, except with a dark twist of gloom and death >Meanwhile, at least a hundred or so people are filling the side walk from end to end, despite this being a backroad >This is a pretty random out of the way spot. Why is anyone taking this route? >You give Sunny and Sugar a glance >Sunny just seems happy to be here >Sugar is just now waking up from her nap. She silently stretches, holding her fists against her thighs as she does so >She glares around and blinks. "This is downtown Canterlot. That must mean that we've arrived at our destination." >Cadence grins back at you three >"Indeed it does. Ms. Adagio is waiting for you just over there, at her favorite cafe." >Cadence hums to herself as she eases out of her car >You and your friends follow suit, and within seconds collect yourselves on the sidewalk >With a flick of the wrist, you have your pen and pad in hand, ready to investigate the legendary question >"My, my, ma cherie~" Sunny snags your attention and smiles as she rearranges her hair a bit >"Ever the studious one~" >Sugar gently stomps into your field of view. "True, Twiley, you don't have to take notes on this event in particular. I like that you're starting to enjoy learning and studying more recently, but not everything has to be documented." She looks both ways at the crowd then up at you >She has a small smile >Cadence halts the conversation now that she has her purse firmly in her grip under her arm. "All ready?" >You nod, followed by the girls >You all turn- >Trixie >She's standing thirty feet away, in her hoodie and jeans >Her goons are standing at the ready, right to either side of her >Cadence and Sunny are walking forward "W-wait!" >Both stop, giving you curious a glance/smile >Sugar takes a few steps forward, passing you >Her cardigan is undone and she's folding her arms underneath >Sigh >With a small gulp, you step forward and hold your fists by your sides "G-go away, T-trixie." >Cadence cocks her head and looks around >"Who?" >You maintain eye contact with Trixie and her boys >Snow and feet fall around your party as you stare down the... Warlock, you guess. Or sorceress >Her boys are patched up now, bandages all over their faces, and she's given them new matching jackets of leather and metal >Trixie smirks, keeping her hands stuffed in her jacket >She pulls out her hands - cloaked in dark energy (mana) mana - and pulls her hood over her head >Your pulse doubles, your heart hammering against your chest >Cadence takes a few steps closer, holding her hands together. "Is everything okay?" >Yoi try your best to look around Cadence, at Trixie >She just stands there, leering over at you and your friends and family >From as far away as she is, she utters something >Even though you're so far away, you can hear her voice as clear as if she was next to your ear >"Friday, Sparkle. You die." >A shiver crawls over you and Cadence puts a hand to your shoulder. In doing so, she completely obscures your vision of Trixie >"Twiley." >Sugar's watching you out of the corner of her eye >"I'm ready. Whenever you give the order." >Okay >Deep breath >You silently watch Trixie, even as Cadence stands by, confused >Even as Sugar stands by, ready to fire >Sunny... Is still watching Trixie, her back to you, motionless >Trixie's boys reach over their shoulders, but halt when their boss raises a dark infused hand >Everyone is now tensely staring at Trixie, sans Cadence >"Twiley." Sugar gives you a hushed whisper >You shake your head at her and try your best to keep calm >Despiteyour efforts to remain calm, your heart is beating so loud you can hear your pulse, and your hands are shaking >Trixie... What's her move? >You can't strike first, especially not in a crowded area like this >Especially since... She and her boys seem different >And it isn't just the clothes >Trixie chuckles right into your ear, making you flinch >She shakes her head and walks away, the darkness evaporating from her hands >Her goons stand there, watching you, but eventually join her in departing, stuffing their hands into their pockets >It's quiet for a few seconds >You gasp and grab your chest >Thank the gods, no violence today! >"Twilight!" >Cadence smooshes your face with a hug >"Please say something!" "U-uh, h-hi." >You raise a hand under her arm and wave >Almost out of your peripheral vision, Sugar buttons up again >Sunny's still ahead >No one noticed the weirdness >All is good, you guess >Cadence looks you over, pouting >"What was that? You were spacing out for a few minutes there." >Few minutes "U-uh... I-I must b-be nervous." You chuckle and give Cadence a shaky smile >Cadence stares at you >Uh oh >She chuckles, hugging you again. "Oh that's all? I didn't realize you liked Ms. Adagio this much!" >With an awkward chuckle, you look back to Sugar and Sunny >Sugar is giving you and your sister an awkward smile while holding her arms across her belly >Sunny meanwhile is just now turning around and locks eyes with you >The way she stares >It stops your chuckling >She has this blank look in her eye. Almost like she's haunted or spooked or something >After a few seconds, she blinks and smiles again, throwing her hands behind her so she can start bouncing on her feet again >She waves with a huge grin >A few seconds later, Cadence releases you >"Come on girls, Ms. Adagio doesn't like being kept waiting. We are only a few minutes early, so better not waste those minutes laughing in the sidewalk!" >She straightens out her suit and calmly power walks toward The Sunken Sailor   >The Sunken Sailor is a gross place >It looks like a generic nautical themed cafe/restaurant with many seafood and sea-themed food options >It actually may be a tiny diner, given the kitchen in view behind the cashier >However >Images of dead seamen adorn the walls in the form of oil paintings >All the tables are made of something like driftwood and painted to look like the remains of ships >Skeletal remains of pirates and sailors caught in the mouths of "living" carvings of sharks and kraken litter the front counter and hang from the high ceiling >No music playing, no movement from the cashier as you enter, nobody around except for Adagio >Place is dead >And also "dead" >Cadence gestures to the three of you, and you each follow her to Adagio's table >Adagio, for her part, is dressed casually, and is reading a book >She has some tea >As the three of you sit, she puts away her book into her sweater pocket and glances across you >She smiles >"Caddy, darling, thank you for bringing me these guests." >Caddy >Darling >The current year >Cadence smiles and motions to you and your friends >"When you said you were so eager, I had no choice but to comply! After all-" >"Yeah, whatever, shut up." >With a half flinch, Cadence sets her hands into her lap and zips her lip >You stare at her >She just. Shut up >Cadence doesn't even look back at you >Silence (except for Sunny's hums) >Adagio slowly looks across you three and finally sets on Sunny >"Can you stop that humming?" >Sunny gleefully shakes her head, but slows her tempo >Adagio furrows her brow and glares at you >Gulp >She smiles >Gulp harder >"Tell me about yourself." >You blink and raise a hand to point at yourself. "M-me?" >She leans forward and sardonically frowns. "No, the man named Your Self." >Silence >Adagio chuckles. "That was a joke." >No one laughs >She glances at Cadence >Cadence erupts with laughter for a few seconds >Then abruptly stops >Adagio yawns into her hand >"But yes, tell me about yourself." >You stare at her for a moment >Well this is awkward >What do you say? "L-like what?" >Adagio rolls her wrist and looks to the side. "I don't know. Hobbies and shit." >You bob your head >With a skyward glance, you tap your chin "W-well..." >"Something interesting, I hope." >Blink >You look back at her. "I-I l-like traditional g-games, a-and c-comics, a-a-and s-some anime." >Adagio squints. "What are... Traditional games, and ah-knee-may?" >Sunny and Sugar both give you looks >But you just smile and adjusts your glasses "Y-you see-" >Adagio puts a hand up. "Rhetorical." >Your shoulders sag and your face falls >Oh >The entrance bell rings, stealing away Adagio's attention >She raises a hand and points down at the table >Wha? >You turn an- >"Oh good word~" >Huh >They must be Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk >Both dressed casually as well and carrying arm fulls of fast food >Sonata is busy sucking away on a slushie, so Aria takes it upon herself to talk when they arrive at your table >"Why did we have to get dinner ourselves?" >She drops her load, followed by Sonata, who's draining away at that XXL Slush King Kup >Adagio gestures toward you, Sugar, and Sunny >Sunny just so happens to be leaning forward, staring right at Sonata, her mouth agape >Before Aria can reply, Sunny raises a finger and points at Sonata >Sonata cocks a brow and stares >She blinks and raises her own finger, pointing at Sunny >Their fingers get closer >And closer >Then veer off from one another, and circle around each others wrists >They pull away with an upward flick >Then touch tips (lood) >And touch tips a few more times >Finally, they pull away altogether and open their hands to high five with a loud cry >Sonata starts fist pumping >Sunny jumps up and starts cheering >"I told you guys I had at least one fan!" >"I met Sonata Dusk~!" >"This is the best day ever~!" They sing in unison >They actually compliment each other well >Aria smacks the back of Sonata's head, Adagio smacks Aria's thigh >Sugar gently pulls  Sunny down into her seat >Cadence isn't really here >Aria looks pissed >Sonata looks jubilant >Sunny is visibly excited >Sugar no doubt wants to be somewhere else >You have no idea what's going on   >A few minutes later and everyone is sitting at two tables put together >The Dazzlings are eating tacos and burgers from various fast food joints >They don't really seem to have the heart in eating it though >But who really has the heart to eat cheap fast food? >"So as I was saying." >You glance up from your phone and stuff it away, replacing it with your notepad, all under the table >"What are your other hobbies?" >You stare at Adagio for a few seconds "L-like what?" >She wipes her lip, and crumples the napkin into her palm >"I mean, what are you into? What do you study, what do you work on, what do you practice." >She half purses her lips. "That sort of thing." >Hm "W-well... I-I study the s-sciences." >Adagio slowly nods and bites at the corner of an overstuffed burrito >Okay "I-I work on m-my own p-private projects." >Sugar slowly looks to you, cocking a brow >"Do go on. What are these private projects?" >Augh, does she know about your research into her? "I-it's kind of p-private-" >"Tell me." Her tone. >You flinch >The words sort of roll out after that command "I-I'm looking into y-you." >Sunny joins Sugar in inquisitively staring at you >"Is that so? Go on." "I-I'm t-trying t-to..." You clench your jaw shut "Nn nnink nu nikir ow-" You grab your mouth in both hands >Adagio chuckles, weaving her fingers under her chin. "What was that, little one? You have something on your face." >Your hands slam against the table >Your palms sting from the impact >Gulp >You squeeze your mouth shut >Can't let her find out what's going on >Why can't you stop- >There's a red glint to her eye just now >You inwardly gasp >She has some kind of power >You furrow your brow and bite your lower lip >"Twilight, don't be rude, answer her!" Cadence pipes up >That's why Cadence shut up so fast >This... Hypnotism power, must be the reason people disappear! >What does she do with her victims? >What is she going to do with you? >Does she drag them off to drink their blood? >Is she a creature of the night? >What does she want with you? >"You're persistent, I'll give you that." >Back to reality, Adagio is now flanked by her two bandmates, who are standing as menacingly as possible while eating fast food and slurping at a slushie >"But listen, Twilight Sparkle..." >Adagio chuckles to herself for a second >Then slams her fist into the table >"Don't fuck with me!" >You jump back, blinking >You look over at Sugar and Sunny >They're both staring at you >Mostly silent >You're positive that ringing noise is from Sunny >Seems like even when hypnotized, she can't keep the song down >"Look at you." >You turn back to Adagio, taking care not to look in her eyes >You don't know exactly how her hypnotism works, but you're savvy to the entries in the Monster Manual >You watch those glossy full lips dance instead >"You've got so much of that good stuff in you it's a surprise we haven't met yet." >You furrow your brow "I-I don't..." >Adagio slams her fist down again >Your words die on your lips >She smirks and pulls herself closer to the table >She slides her hand over the old paint in the wood grain >She stares at it, content with the silence >Except for sunny humming >Which causes a glare >But after a few seconds of glaring, she smirks again >She leans in on her arms and locks eyes with you >She softly chuckles, her deep voice echoing in your core. "You sure do like broadcasting don't you?" >There's a pause where you try to find a way to react as smartly as you can while presenting your domineering attitude "W-wha?" >Nice "Dont 'W-wha?' me." >You go to reply, but she slides a finger through the air, silencing you >"Shut up." >You can't talk, so you stare at her >She's kind of pretty when she's mad >She stops being pretty when she glowers. "Stay off my turf." >You cant look away, you can't speak, it's actually getting hard to brea- No you can breathe fine >Thank the gods >Adagio motions to herself and the Dazzlings. "All of Canterlot is for me and my sisters." >Her deep voice trembles outward in waves, distorting reality a bit as she speaks >...Except to the right of you >What is that sound? >"We're not going to let an upstart sorceress start stepping where she doesn't belong!" >Adagio's outburst sends you reeling back in your seat, almost toppling you over >"Understood? This is mine." >She points down at the general vicinity >So you've made an enemy of a vampire >Or a succubus >Or someone who can cast enchantments, whatever! >You really want to break fee right about now before she decides that threats aren't worth her time >"Ha ya ya~" >No one moves >Adagio blinks and slowly turns her head >You slowly turn your head >Sonata and Aria turn >You hear Sugar turn >Sunny is swaying back and forth, quietly singing to herself under her breath >"Take one step left~" She sways left, holding her elbows close >"Take one step right~" She sways right, bouncing her fists >"One to the front~" She bounces forward, staring at the table >"One to the right~" She sways right again >Sonata joins in, mimicking her tone with a grin >"Clap your hands once~" She pats her hands together and Adagio limply slaps at Sonata >"Clap your hands twice~" Sunny claps for real, forgetting to keep quiet >You shiver, and your hands jerk away from the table >Gasp >From Adagio >You look from your hands to her- >Click >Everyone looks to Sug- >NOT NOW SUGAR >She's standing and has one of her guns pointed at Adagio, who's slowly raising her hands >NOT HERE, NOT NOW >You shakily stand up, looking between the hostage Dazzlings and Sugar >"Huh wha?" >Cadence! >You block as much of Sugar as you can as you turn to face her >She's just coming out of her trance >"Miss Cadence~ We should leave~" >Cadence blinks. "Oh, is it time to go?" "Y-yes!" >You glance at the Dazzlings, who are all furious >Especially Adagio >Great >You have a supernatural enemy >You and Sunny usher Cadence out >Sugar stays for a moment >You watch her from the doorway >From where you are, you can see her narrow her eyes >Adagio blinks and chuckles "S-sugar, no." >She glances at you and back at Adagio >Sugar slowly backs out of the cafe, joining you, Sunny, and the now coming to her senses Cadence >You close the door and sigh >You're getting too old for this   >Sigh >You lean against the backdoor of Cadence's car >"Everything okay, Twilight?" >You glance up at her and shrug "Sh-she wasn't w-what I imag-gined." >Cadence hums softly as she locks up her car >"I'm sorry she wasn't what you wanted her to be, Twilight." >That's an understatement if you've ever heard one >Adagio Dazzle: not quite what you'd expect >Whatever she is >You look over Cadence >She's currently typing away at her phone >Otherwise she seems perfectly fine, which is the real troubling part >She leans against her car after a few seconds >That sure was a short conversation >She frowns and types slower and stops a second later >She looks up and gives you a confused look >You just give her your own confused look >"Is something the matter?" "I-I guess n-not." >She furrows her brow and stares at you >Her phone attracts her attention again, so she resumes typing as she walks away >All you do is watch her >She's being kinda cold >Is it an after effect of Adagio's magic? >"Twilight, are you coming?" >You calmly nod and follow her   >Bed >Head >Head on bed >Sigh >This week has been horrible >("I can tell... So young a girl having to deal with so much at once!") >You hum a response to Scorpan >Your eyes snap open >Scorpan is still in your head >("Yes, I am.") >How? >("I have the capacity to enter a trance for days on end! Astral projection is a second hand feat at that point.") >You feel his humble grin >Trances >Astral projection >Manticore in your head >This week >Wizards, succubi, hypnotism, Dark ene- mana, fighting, everything >Scorpan doesn't stop this headache >("Because I can't.") >Your head throbs, earning a groan as you roll onto your back >("Sleep and join me!") >Might as well >You make sure your phone is charging and your glasses are safe >Toss off your uniform... >Bed   >Empty white void >Uh >Oh wait, the ball is gone >"Yes!" >Your attention goes to Scorpan, who's standing around, holding a box >The manticore is grinning as he approaches you >"I have remedied your problem. You had a lot of latent Dark Mana..." >He pats the box, which trembles in his large hand >"It's all here." >The ball? >"Yes, my little dear, the ball you're so accustomed to, is inside this box." >He traces a finger across it, and black lines imprint onto the surface, like webbing >"Like webs?" >Sure >"So you see webs?" >Well, no, it just sort of looks like webs... >He nods. "Ah." He starts walking toward you, and as he does, the box looks flatter and flatter until it's more of a picture than a box >"What you see is important. You're in a formative state right now. What you can do and how you do it will depend on what this looks like." >He holds the picture closer >It still just looks like a white square with some thin black lines on it >"Make certain you know what this is a picture of. You'll know, instinctively, so don't fight it." >Well, it sort of looks like a lot of things >"Yes?" >Like webs, sort of >But also >When he holds the square up like that, as tall as he is >It looks like a cut out of a scraggly tree >Branches crossing over and behind each other, with crooked knots >Scorpan lets go of the square >He steps away, moving to stand next to you >The square just floats there >And then it collapses into the ball again >Scorpan sheepishly chuckles beside you "Ah, not yet then..." >He moves over and grabs the ball, reshaping it again with large sweeping motions >He holds it up again, as a white box, and looks at you >"I promise tomorrow night this will work. I'll help you figure out just..." >He winks with a big open grin. "What is happening." >You almost snort. What a dork >He sets the box under his arm and shrugs. "A bit. Are you excited? Many important things happening tomorrow." >A bit >Trixie comes to mind >"But also your friends." >Yeah... >There's silence in your dream, and you look to see if he's still there >When you do, everything starts fading >"You're going to do great, Twilight."   >Friday >Yes, Friday >Finally... Friday >You roll off of your bed and slump onto the floor face first >... >Aw yiss. >You just want to lay there and feel like trash >Good trash >Really rejuvenated well rested warm and comfy trash >Your phone starts making noise, so you stop being trash and start getting ready for school >You quickly answer some texts and put on your skirt and shirt and... >Turn just in time for Cadence to enter >A lot of stuff to do today   >Alright >You missed Sugar >And you missed Lem >And Sour wasn't in your lab >So its just been you and the insufferable background bullies of cpa for the past >hour >Which is okay! >You advanced your research on Energy X a bit >And now youll see Indy and Sunny >Unless they both skipped class >Keep that comfy, trashy mood going >You've got friends >You got a hanging out thing happening today >Things will be okay >Yeah >You peek into your next class >Yeah, Indy and sunny are there >You wander in a few minutes early and wedge into your seat between a sleeping >Indy and a scribbling Sunny >You stare at Indy for a second or two and look back at Sunny >She's already looking at you "H-hi, S-sunny." >"Morning, ma petite, Twilight." "H-how are y-you?" >Sunny sets down her pen and smiles as she looks you in the eye. "I am... Good~ How are you~? How did you sleep last night~?" >How did you sleep >Well >There's a demonic entity in your head, invading your memories and siphoning off your latent psychic powers in order to retrain your mind to be able to use them better >Or something like that >There's a friendly guy in your head, and you saw him in your dreams >Hm >You look away from your hands and smile. "G-good." >Sunny hums as she watches you. >Eventually her smile broadens. "Mhm~" >You nod a few times for her. You don't really know what to say to her, beyond pleasantries. >Which is kind of awkward, but also a bit sad, since you're supposed to be friends with her and all >Suddenly, Sunny whips her head toward the teacher >You look back with her >The teacher is grading some assignments >Sunny slowly looks back at you >She's grinning ear to ear, showing off her pearly whites >...There's a cavity in the corner of her mouth >"Meet me in the bathroom~" >...what "W-what?" >She grins, still, and proceeds with to pack up all of her school stuff in a flash >And then she's gone, having walked right out the class room >What >Indy? >You turn around >Sleeping, still >You turn back around and look at the front >...what just happened?   >You peek into the girl's bathroom, expecting nothing >You find Sunny standing at the crystal carved sink, applying something to her... Full, soft lips >Gods, no >Or yes >Maybe >You're so confused >When you step close enough to reflect behind her, Sunny jumps >With a pleasant giggle and a twirl, she turns away from the mirror and to you >"You came~" >She saunters over and hugs you >Soft >"I'm so glad~" >Hug is happening >Before you can react, she squeezes the air out of you >Oof "U-uh." >Sunny unwraps herself from you, and holds you at length with a hurt look. "I'm sorry~" >She slowly pulls her hands away, holding them behind her back "I-it's okay." You complacently hold up your hands >She looks down for a second, still holding her hands behind herself. "Do you not like being held~?" >You internally flinch at the suddenness of the question, leaving you to stammer out a reply. "W-well, i-its not that-" >She steps in, holding her hands in front of herself. "Do you not like when~ I hold you~?" >W-wha >You bawk and take a half step back. "N-no, no-" >"You don't~?" Her hurt eyes make your heart flutter, like you're supposed to be at fault for being an awkward nerd >You take a deep breath and close your eyes. "I do, I like being held..." You gulp and look into her hopeful eyes. "B-by you." >A grin cracks her sad face. She giggles and gives you a gentler hug >"You certainly have changed~" >What is happening >She saunters back to the sink and hoists her dainty frame up onto it >"You have been changing~ Quite a bit lately, ma chérie~" >She grins and motions to the bathroom >"I thought we could skip class like we used to~ To catch up~" >Oh, so that's what this is >Delinquency >You have a perfect att- 'Like we used to' >You probably don't have perfect attendance >With a shrug, you set your bag on the floor and join her, leaning against the hard crystal of the sink >She grins at you >You grin back >"So, Twilight~" "Hm?" >She smacks her lips and lets out a soft hum >"Could you tell me~? Why you're interested in the group friendship~?" "Hm." >You furrow your brow >This question again >You slowly speak, trying to make sure you get the words out right. "I... J-just want y-you all t-to be happier." >Sunny squeaks into a chuckle >She holds her hand over her mouth as she grins wider than her fingers. "I have to admit~ I did not expect such a...~ Mm, adorable reason~?" "Uh." Your cheeks heat up a bit and you look to the side as she giggles >That's not what you expected >She wraps her fingers around your shoulder. "Hey~ I still like your reason~" >You glance back over to her, and her smile infects you >"It's good~" She looks down at her feet, which are kicking gently >"I think it's good~" She looks you in the eye with a smaller smile >You're just getting the hang of this people thing, but, you're pretty sure she's trying to convey sad relief with that grin >You nod, smiling with her >"So, tell~" >You cock your head >"What new things are you into~?" >Well that's broad >But not in a bad way "S-since when?" >Sunny pleasantly hums and taps her chin >"I suppose since four years ago~?" >Four years, huh >That's a long time >Long enough for someone to become a new person >Uh >You hum as you ponder >What have you honestly gotten into lately? >Comics >Modern/Legacy >Running quests >Manga >Cartoons and anime... >You awkwardly chuckle >"Hm~?" "M-mostly... N-nerdy things." >"Tell me of some." "U-uh, o-okay..." >You reach into your pocket, pull out your phone and start looking around for something to show her >"No, no~ Tell~ Don't show~" >You give her a blank stare and put your phone away >This is kind of awkward >Guess you're still pretty new at this casual conversation thing >How do you do it online? >Shit posting and insults? >You glance at her again. "S-so... L-let me t-tell you a-about J-JoJo." >Sunny's lips curl up into a curious grin >"I'm listening~" >Fuck, where do you start? >Which JoJo would Sunny like? >She's really classy... "U-uh... S-so..." >You reach into your pocket, retrieving your phone "I-it's a really l-long story." >"Mhm~" >Maybe you can end your life right now? >You flinch when she grabs your hand >She gives you a bright smile >"It's okay, ma petite~" >You smile back "M-maybe... If I-I sh-show it t-to y-you-" >She shakes her head, still smiling. "Tell, don't show~" >Gulp >You awaken your phone anyways. "O-Okay... L-let me t-tell you t-the story." >She gasps and leans back >No? >"Yes~!" >She edges closer, watching intently >You take a deep breath and open up Chapter 1 >She'll like Johnathan. He's a right and proper gentleman >(Also your favorite) >(After Jojolion) >"Twilight~?" >You flinch and hold up your phone "W-well th-they're d-drawings-" >"I truest you to tell the story well~" >You stare at her >Her lip is curled into a playful grin >You're about to read a manga out loud >How do you do this >Sunny wraps a hand around yours and gives you a warm smile >Okay you can do this >But, how? >Wait, just abuse your bullshitting skills >Yes >Perfect >You scan the page and take a few deep breaths >("Do you want to avoid your stutter?") >Yeah, kinda >("Okay, try!") >You take another deep breath, feeling a warmth in your throat >Right, the manga starts by going headfirst into the lore... >Being the heretic you are, you skip ahead a few pages, to the good part "1880. Eagleand. A hideous old beggar violently coughs from his bed, while his son, DIO, sits facing away from him, reading to himself." >This might be the most autistic thing you've ever done >But when you see the intrigued expression on Sunny's face, you instantly turn the page   >"Hm." >You stop, just as DIO was about to climb the wall using sheer muscle "S-something th-the matter?" >Sunny taps at her chin >"This, mm~ DIO~ That isn't a common name in Neighpon is it~?" >With a shake of the head, you let your phone rest for a moment >"Hm~ Such an odd choice~ It's certainly not a name I've seen often before~" >O-oh >Indy showed her some DIO, right? >You allow a smirk to roll onto your face >"Hm~? What is it~?" "D-does th-the name s-sound familiar?" >She nods. "Quite~ As a matter of fact~ I recall a musical artist of the name~" >You take a breath and cross your arms. "W-well..." >With a coy gaze, you continue, "Th-that's not coinc-cidence." >Sunny cocks her head >You chuckle, and raise a finger. "M-many characters f-from J-JoJo are musical r-references." >Sunny blinks. "Oh~" She smiles. "I like that~!" >She points down at your phone with a smile, "Do all comics do that?" >Wat >You slowly shake your head. "N-no." >"Ah~" She nods but smiles again. "Say, Twilight~ What about comics do you like~?" >You pause >Asking the real questions, here >Hm "H-heroes." >"Heroes~?" >You nod and look up at her from where you stand. "I-I like h-heroic characters." >She hums "L-like... I r-really l-look up to ch-characters who a-are strong, and n-noble, and d-defend anyone w-who can't d-defend themselves." >"I see~" >A soft heat forms in your cheeks >That was... That was too much >"I see the appeal~!" >You snap-look up at her >She has a sunny little grin for you >"I've actually always liked the idea of a hero coming by to save me~" >She looks away, her lip curling into a coy grin >Is that a blush >She flicks her gaze to you, and in seconds she transitions from shock, to confusion, to embarrassment >"Ah, sorry, sorry~!" She grabs at one cheek and looks away >You giggle   >It's almost 12 PM >You two have skipped three classes now >And are working on the fourth >"I am curious~" "Hm?" >"What does that Trixie want~?" "Uh." >Sunny looks you in the eye, curiously pursing her lips >You know what Trixie wants "R-revenge." >You look down and rub your arm >"Hm~? On who~?" "M-me..." >Sunny goes silent >You go silent >You both sit in silence >"...I see~" >You step away from the sink >And get hooked >You look back, and Sunny's holding you by the back of your shirt >She gulps softly and frowns. "Who does she want revenge on, Twilight~?" >You sulk a bit and point at yourself >"What do you plan to do then~?" >You blink and look at her >She's still frowning, but now she at least looks less sad and more serious >"Trixie, regardless of your differences, is a dangerous person, ma chérie." >You turn and stare at Sunny >She takes a deep breath. "I'm worried. Do you have any idea what to do about her?" >That flat voice >Your gut sinks and you look away >Gulp "I-I... I d-dunno." >You really don't >You have no idea how to deal with a vendetta-focused wizard >She releases your shirt >"Heroes answer troubles, right?" >You furrow your brow >Heroes? >"Whenever trouble comes up, a hero can answer, right?" >You look up at her >What is she getting at? >Sunny takes a deep breath. "Twilight, you want a chance to be a hero, right?" >The question catches you off-guard, and sends you back a step "W-what?" >She stands up and steps toward you >"I'm worried for not just you, but also Trixie." >She picks up one of your hands and holds it in hers >"I saw her. I don't know what all that smoke and ink was, but I could see clearly that she was in pain." >You look down at her hands >They're warm, like the rest of her >"Twilight, ma petite, my best friend... Whatever you did to her, you have to absolve it somehow." "H-how?" >Sunny sighs >"Maybe an apology?" >You shrug >You doubt Trixie would even accept an apology at this point >You're positive she's lost her mind under the influence of her own magic >Sunny still looks concerned, and her hand is still outstretched from grabbing you "M-maybe. I-it would be d-difficult." >Sunny scoff-giggles at that. "But what is a hero if not someone who faces difficulties~?" >With a smirk, you shrug, moving back to stand next to her at the sink "I-I wish I c-could d-deal with her like a-any other wizard." >"Mm~ How does one deal with a wizard~?" >You half shrug "I-it depends on w-what kind of w-wizard." >"How so~?" >You turn your palms up. "Eh... D-different t-tactics based on d-different builds." >"Mm~ So you can't just~ Deal with her like any other after all~?" >You stare at her >She grins >You smirk and chuckle. "I-I guess." >"What kind of wizard is Trixie~?" >Hm >You rub your chin. "D-depends on th-the system, b-but..." >She got her power from a chaos insurgent, and she's driven by anger, and she manipulates the weak willed >You haven't seen any blasting, yet >Even though blasty magic is really basic level >You close your eyes and hum as you ponder >Anger, darkness, manipulation, sexiness... >The revenge thing isn't really a factor, at least not from what you've seen >And the sexiness is just... You... Liking girls >You cough into your fist and raise a finger, perking Sunny's attention "Sh-she seems l-like a warlock." >Sunny cocks her head >"What would that be, ma cherie?" >You lick your lips and clear your throat. "A-a warlock i-is someone who w-willingly submits t-to a type of g-greater power for huge a-arcane talent" >You uphold a finger and continue "I-in doing so, th-they give that entity more p-power, so they t-typically have th-the ability o-or talent to recruit o-others to their side." >Sunny hums. "That seems about right...~" She taps her chin again >"Who does Trixie serve?" "W-well she d-doesn't... N-need to..." >...she doesn't need a master to be a warlock, but a warlock with no master is rare >Discord "D-discord." >"The strange man you and Zap met~?" >You slowly nod >"What makes you say this~?" >You almost tell her >That you saw him give Trixie her powers... >But that's really just a hunch >If you recall correctly, he gave her something not magical >Like a note or a package. Something wrapped up >So he's probably not her master... But at the same time, he is insanely magical Twitch >"Twilight!" "Hm?" >Sunny now stands in front of you, looking you in the eye >She sure is quick >She raises a hand to your cheek and furrows her brow as she slowly scrutinizes you >Her hand is warm >Like really warm. The heat slowly radiates out from her palm as you look into her eyes >Before you know it, your own eyes are drooping >With a giggle, Sunny gives you a gentle pap >"Are you okay~?" >You blink and nod. "Y-yeah." >She hums and takes her hand away, putting both to her hips as she poses >"Are you sure~?" "Y-yeah... T-totally sure." >She noticed the twitch >Damn it, Discord >Sigh >You smile for her and she smiles back >"Okay~" >She hugs you, much more gentle this time. Instead of pouncing you, she leans in and tucks her arms under yours, slowly bringing you closer to her until she tilts her head to the side >When you're both close enough, she rests her chin against your shoulder and raises a hand to the back of your head, cradling it >She's so warm >You don't get why, she's such a small girl; you feel no muscle or fat, just a doll like body with the right amount of curves and softness to suggest sexual wiles >You've been getting a lot of nice hugs lately >You feel a smile appear >Will they always feel so nice? >You chuckle and reach up, hugging her back >Will you ever manage to not be stunned by a hug?   >Static breaks your concentration >You silence your phone and look up to the speakers, just as Sunny does >"Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle, report to the dean's office, immediately." >A... Man's voice. Hunh. >You and Sunny share a look, and she immediately hops off the counter >She grins. "I suppose our day off is to be cut short~!" "Y-yeah... Unf-fortunately." >She clasps her hands together and giggles. "But~ That doesn't mean we can't spend more time together today~" >You smirk. "I-I don't th-think I c-can sneak out a-again." >Sunny paws at the air. "No~ Silly~ We'll reunite at the club room after school~" "Th-that sounds g-great." >That thought puts a smile on your face   >It's been a while since you've wandered Crystal Prep by yourself >A whole two weeks now >Up until last Monday, you didn't need to attend any classes... >You did anyway, but at some point, your teacher would just send you off to privately study in your lab >Now it's different >A bird outside perches on one of the crystal window sills >Now... Now you have to go to class, and you'll likely never recover from the mediocrity that other Twilight has established >The bird stares at you and leaves a second later >You watch it bob and bounce through the air >It may be impossible to get back to your previous prestige, from back... Where you came from >You furrow your brow and look over into the crystal of a locker >Are you going back or not? >At this point, you really don't have any option but to live this new life >No Everton, no high grades, no... Parents. You think? You don't want to think about that actually >Sighing, you continue >This place is nice, but it isn't your home >Your friends are great, but they aren't your friends >Your sisters are amazing and pretty and just like back home, but this isn't home >Sniff >You have to stop and lean against a locker, unprepared for all this at once >You close your eyes and start slowly breathing >In >And out >In. And out. >You're stuck >With a few blinks, you continue on >You're stuck here until you can figure out what is happening or what has happened or whatever   >"Hey." "H-huh?" >You pause, the back of your knuckle floating in front of the dean's door >Slowly, you turn and look back at the source >A gangly haired student with huge glasses is sitting there in one of the waiting seats >He's small enough that it's not a surprise that you didn't notice him >For some reason, he's wildly out of uniform >He weaves his fingers together as he leans forward. "Don't go in the office." >You look between him and the door "W-why?" >"Dean is busy." He furrows his brow as he stares at your feet >Sighing, you look around for a seat >The only two are next to him >He eyes you up and down as you try to avoid eye contact >"Hey." >You look at him, and he flinches back with a scowl >"Who are you?" >You go to respond, but don't bother. Instead, you pull out your student ID, and silently hand it to him >He wearily grabs it >"Twilight Sparkle... Any relation to... Ya know." >You blink a few times, furrow your brow, and stare at him >He tosses back your ID and raises his hands >"We're all cool here, amigo..." >You shove your ID away with a sigh >You want the dean to not be busy, like right now >"Seriously, any friend of hers is a friend of mine. How is she?" "G-good." >"G-good?" >2016 >Mocking your stutter >You give him a glare, and he jumps out of his seat >He points down at you with a snarl. "You women are all the same! I-I knew I couldn't trust you to at least have a civil conversation!" >Literally what >The weird green kid gives you the bird and silently screams under his breath >"I'm not going to let you fucking feminists win." >He makes a mad dash for the hall, hopefully to never be seen again... >Come on >Don't you have enough to deal with without more random encounters?   >At around 1:30 PM, a woman enters the waiting room >Taller than you, with light blue skin and rolling dark blue tresses and piercing green eyes... >She's kind of hot >She smirks and approaches the dean's door >You almost stop her, but she's too fast, knocking anyway >A loud but calm "Enter" responds and she looks back at you >"You are Twilight Sparkle, yes? Are you coming?" >With a startled grunt of acknowledgement, you join the pretty woman in the Dean's office >Which is pretty much how you expected it. Just an office space with some simple amenities >However, you do notice something strange >Namely the Dean >You have no idea who this gentleman is, but he appears to be an athletically built 30-something >He raises a hand, splaying it out for both of you >"Ah yes... Twilight Sparkle, Vice Principal Luna, a treat to have you both here at once." >His accent sounds... South Equestrian? Maybe? >"Thank you for having me, Dean Ahuizotl." >Ahuizotl >The hell kind of name is that? >"The pleasure is all mine." He coolly relaxes back, setting his drumming fingers on his knee as he scans you both >"It has come to my attention... That there is an issue, Ms. Luna?" >Luna calmly glances toward you and back to the dean >"Your student has been getting into fights with one of my students." >Oh >Fuck >Ahuizotl looks to you, smiles, and looks back up to Luna. "Is that so? Ms. Sparkle here... She is an out of the way girl." >Luna crosses her arms. "I'm not sure I follow." >The dean smirks and sits up, weaving his fingers together as he gazes up at his visitor. "I mean I do not believe you, Ms. Luna. Ms. Sparkle here, she is ah..." He holds his hand aloft until the word bursts out >"Cloistered." He licks his lips >With a chuckle, he continues, "She does not have the charisma or Force of Will necessary to achieve our highest expectations. I sincerely doubt that she has the ambition to "Bully" any person, especially the ehm..." >Again he rolls his hand. "Ah..." He furrows his brow. "U-uh..." >He perks up and looks to you >You cringe and try to add the word for him. "I-indomitable?" >Ahuizotl smirks up at Luna. "You see? She is so timid, she overestimates your student's ferocity." >Uh huh   >So you've been sitting, quietly, listening to these two argue for a while >It's almost time for school to get out >You think >"Well, if that's all you needed..." Ahuizotl says for the twentieth time as he stands for the tenth time >He holds out his hand, firmly ignoring Luna. "I think it be a good time to wrap this up." >Luna blinks, scowling at the well-due interruption >Without much of a word, she shakes his hand and turns heel >She pauses and looks at you >Luna narrows her eyes and when she speaks, you think... >"Have a good day, Ms. Sparkle." >...her teeth are more jagged than before >You watch her go >No sooner has she closed the door than Ahuizotl bursts out laughing >He's holding his desk for support as he really belts it out >After a moment of laughing to himself, he straightens out his suit and stands up >He clears his throat. "Ms. Sparkle." >Fuck how do you pronounce his name >He doesn't have a second name on his desk name thingy >Fuck "S-sir." >Nice >Ahuizotl steps around his desk and toward you with a jagged grin. "Good acting." >What >He gives you a short bow and leans against the front of his desk >"I haven't heard much of you. You've been a very average student. I was afraid you were falling into... Ah, mediocrity." He crosses his arms with a grin >"Until just recently, your test scores have been pathetic. Not what is wanted at Crystal Prrrep. But recently..." >He grabs a folder and peeks in >"In five minutes, you completed a quarterly mathematics assessment." He grins at you. "Seventeen minutes before any other." >He sets the folder down. "Your teachers all say the same. At first they suspected you of cheating, but your skill is backed by careful notes and procedure..." >You let yourself smile. This sounds like praise >"And then this happens." >You frown >"No, no, smile." >You awkwardly do so. >"For performing admirably and beyond, and proving your conviction to upholding Crystal Prep's reputation to Canterlot High: consider this your last day in your current classes, Ms. Sparkle. Starting Monday, you will be put into classes that should better serve your skill set." >This is amazing >Is this happening? >What is this even, like for real >"Ms. Sparkle, are you there?" >You blink, and look up at the dean >He's surprisingly buff. He must be popular with most of the girl students "Y-yeah..." >He stands you up again and you take a deep breath >"If you are well, then you should go home. School is dismissed for the day." >Just like that? >You check around for a clock >2:30 PM >Hunh >He's ignoring you now, so >You leave?   >Well that was.. Kind of great, actually >Like seriously! >You... Might get back into Everton! >Maybe though... >You lean against a window sill, and watch the snow fall as you just smile >Maybe not though, but being recognized for your academic skills is always a good thing >Its the first time anyone in Crystal Prep has done so >You should tell Shiney! >You whip out your phon- >30+ messages >By Odin's beard >Hm... >Okay so the girls are asking you to come by the lab, so that's 28 messages >And you have three messages from Shiney >'Hey Twi' >'Good news!' >'I passed my exams! Your big sister is gonna be a cop! :D' >That's... >Wow! >Everything's turning great! 'That's amazing! I also have good news! My grades are getting really really high, and my teachers are actually going to move me to better classes! c:' >'omg that's great, Twi! You want to celebrate after I get out of work? We can go out to get some food!' >Squeak. You can't help it, you never get to go out, and everything's just turning great right now 'Of course! I'm still at school, so I'll wait!' >'Coming at 3:30!' >You hurry on to the lab to share the news >Ah, you were supposed to hang out today... >Hm. >Wonder what Sunny and Indy will think? >You continue on, with a bit calmer of a pace   >Your lab >It's quiet outside the door >Is anyone even in there? >You grab the handle >Quietly, you pull the door open, watching for any shenanigans >"Shush." >Pause >"Twifam?" >You smile and pull the door all the way >There's your friends! >"Ayy." Lem waves from her seat at the back >Sour glances at you from where she's sitting down next to Lem and grins >Sunny and Indy look away from Sugar as you enter >"Ma petite~" >"It's the bae." >"Welcome back, Twiley, we were wondering where you were." >Your smile broadens at the greetings and you wander in, closing the door behind you "H-hi! S-sorry I'm late." >You walk to your usual seat and lean against your desk >Sunny giggles. "You're just in time~" >"Oh yeah totally on time~" Sour sits upright, giving you a cute smile. "I was just getting bored." She scowls >Lem chuckles. "Sure didn' seem that way..." >Everyone seems to be in a good mood, and when you settle into your seat, they go back to their conversations >Sunny and Indy are talking about a coming concert, which is sort of interesting >Lem and Sour are going back and forth about... Fights >At least it's something they have in common! >Your gaze falls on Sugar, who's standing with her arms crossed across her belly as usual >She has a small smile as she quietly listens to Sunny and Indy chat >You give her a big grin, and she grins back as she stomps toward you >She takes the seat next to you with a soft thud >You both look at each other, about to say something >You humbly let her go first >"I don't think I need you to explain your intentions anymore, Twiley. They have been explained to me already by Sunny and Indigo, and I have to admit that I admire your goals..." She slowly falls silent and turns just her head toward you >You do the same. She's staring up at you with a small smile >"We were planning to hang out together, at Indigo's suggestion, to try and get to know each other better." She removes her glasses, which have fogged up a little >You watch as she polishes them again, then she continues. >But you interrupt her by patting her >Before she can say anything, Indy calls out >"Hey, Sugarcoat? Can you come here?" >She and you give Indy a confused look >But Indy's just motioning her over to her and Sunny >Sugar gives you a look, but you just smile and shoo her. "M-make friends." >She bites her lip and stands up, tightly wrapping her arms together as she walks >"Sugarcoat, lemme ask you... Who's the best classic rock band?" >Oh gosh. Are they doing friend things? >"Huh?" Sugar quickly looks between both Sunny and Indy and then back at you >You give her a reassuring nod >Sugar furrows her brow and looks back. "I... I'm not quite familiar with any classic rock bands, Indigo, so I wouldn't be able to give a real opinion...:" >The three of them go quiet >Sugar tenses up >"That's cool." >She freezes and stares at Indy, who grins as she whips out her phone. "You got headphones?" >Sugar shakes her head >Sunny produces a neatly coiled set of earbuds >"Well, dear~ Let us show you our differing opinions~" She takes Sugar's hand and puts the earbuds in it >Sugar looks between it and you, her face flushing >You just smile for her >She nervously smiles back and puts in the earbuds >You giggle to yourself >"Twifam! C'mere!" >Huh? >You wander toward Lem and Sour, who are both sitting together at the back of the room >Lem grins up at you as she sits in her backwards chair. "Wanna help me figure out what Sour's sayin?" >You look at Sour >She sighs >"I was just explaining that the lore and mythos of the Hyperspace Hyperwars setting can be retrofitted to any game or setting, and she doesn't get how that works." "Ah." >You grin wide at Lem. "Sh-she's just explaining th-that she's wrong a-at everything." >There's silence >Sour's cheeks puff up in indignant air >"What!? You cunt!" >You and Lem giggle >"J-just a prank." >You give her your best smirk and Lem starts roaring with laughing >You recline next to Lem and listen in to what Sour's talking about >It's only this close that you can hear what's coming out of her headphones   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdQYzEc6wYw [Embed]   >Sour is on Hyperspace Hyperwars. She's really trying to sell porting the fluff to other games >You and Lem silently listen for a while, and eventually, Sunny and Indy and Sugar come join you three at the back of the room >This is relaxing >Everyone's gathered together at the back of the lab, talking about this and that >And you've just been listening, ultra relaxed >This is super-cool >Just having a circle of friends >And they seem to genuinely get along with each other, like they have stuff in common >Indy and Sour like fantasy stuff like dnd and shadowrun! >Sunny and Sugar float in and out of the conversation, trying to learn whatever they can >Even Lem, who doesn't share any hobbies with anyone joins in, which makes you so happy! >She's really interested in getting into nerd things, even though she knows next to nothing about them >During a brief moment of silence between subjects, Sunny interjects >"Incidentally~" >She puts her hands together. "Zap and I were planning a get together after school~" >Everyone focuses on her, and she happily titters. "But my home is too small~" "O-Oh." >Lem shrugs. "Well that sucks. My place is smaller." "A-and m-my sister just t-told me to c-come home. W-we're celebrating." >Sugar hums. "What are you celebrating, Twiley?" >You grin. "U-uh, t-two things! A-actually." >"Yeah, bae?" >You hold up one finger. "F-first, my grades a-are really h-high." >Sugar nods. "I've noticed that your notes are much better written, and you seem to be more studious lately. I didn't want to comment, but I am really impressed, Twiley." >Lem grins and pats your back at that. "Looks like everything's turning up, huh Twifam?" >You nod back, smiling. "M-mhm. A-and second... M-my sister h-has passed her e-exam to become a-an officer." You smile at that again >You can't believe how well things are going >"Your sis is gonna be a cop?" >You look to Sour and nod. "Y-yeah." >She gives you a blank look. "Huh." >You give her your own blank look. "Y-yeah." >"Just seems random." She grins and lays her cheek against her palm. "I'm happy for her though!" >You nod. "S-so... I-I have t-to cancel." >"That's too bad, Twiley." Sugar looks down a bit. Then she holds up her phone. "Because I've already gotten permission from my father for us all to hang out at my house with a movie and snacks. Maybe next time?" >Aw "A-aw..." >Missing a movie... >You bite your lip. "W-well..." >Sunny giggles. "Don't worry, ma petite~" >Indy smirks and reclines. "There'll be next time. When do you head out?" >You check your phone >3:25 "N-now." >Everyone checks their phones >"Oh shit, son." Indy stands up with her bag. "Well, who's walkin and who's taking my car?" >"What kind of question is that...?" Sour mutters as she grabs her stuff as she gives Indy an incredulous look >You wave at everyone as you step back. "S-see you a-all Monday!" >"Bye Twiley, see you on Monday morning." >"Bye, Twifam!" >"Seeya Twilight." >"Later, bae." >"Au revior, ma petite~" >With one last wave, you turn and continue wandering off down the hall, leaving the girls behind >Off to see your brother >Damn, he's been working on passing that test for years >Congrats, Shiney! >...Shiney >Gleamy >Same person, right? >Yeah, same person >You grew up together and all >Just now boobs >It's not possible that they have had any different experiences growing and developing that would cause them to be significantly different >Your gait slows >Your phone vibrates >'I'm outside, Twi! Let's go :)' >Gulp >Nah, enough existential crises >Today, a lot of good happened >Keep walking, you nerd >You got five girls who hate each other to stand spending time together >You were finally commended for your good grades >Your brother/sister is finally going to achieve his/her life long dream of serving the people >Yeah >Things are okay! >You pull out your phone and begin texting 'Where did you want to go, Gleamy?' >You walk through the crystal halls at your own pace, phone in hand >As you walk, you watch the snow fall outside >It's actually really calming >The way each individual flake falls independent of any other... >You step closer to a window sill and lean against it for a moment >Each flake falls to the ground, and each flake is followed by another flake >No two flakes are falling at exactly the same speed >No two flakes are at exactly the same altitude or position >They're just all doing their thing, just being nature >It's easy to get lost watching the snow fall >And it's all so bright and pure white >Halcyon >You rub at your face, removing some moisture >Regardless of how this whole thing turns out, you're going to try your best to make sure everyone comes out okay >Glasses come off to get polished >Making sure everyone you love and everyone who loves you is happy... >You rub at your eye again >It's what Matter-horn would do. And Johnathan. And Toxie... >Glasses go on, and you take a deep breath >It's not much, but you can be a hero. >You grin and continue on through the crystal halls >Things are going to be okay   >The entrance looms ahead! >Time to join your family and go eat some bad food and have some bad laughs >With a big dumb smile, you throw the doors open and step out into the snowy landscape >Looks like the front of the school has already been shoveled >That's good... >You step forward and scan around >Where is Gleamy's car? >You move closer to the railing and wrap your fingers around the freezing metal >She said she was out here... >You grab your phone and glare at it. Where is she? >"Problem?" >That voice >You slowly turn, first your head >Please don't >When you see blue, your heart sinks >Not now >You whip around >Trixie >She struts in her leotard, smirking down at you >Her hands are suffuse with Dark mana, and her boys step out into view >"Today you die, Sparkle."   >Trixie's heels elegantly slam into the stone with every hip swaying step she takes >Your breath catches >Her glossy lips curl up into a smirk, and you can see a thick layer of spiteful jubilation in her violet eyes >This isn't happening >She stops a foot from you, both legs crossed, with her Dark infused hands pushing into her voluptuous hips >You take a half step back >She takes a deep breath, and in doing so, turns her nose up at you >You look between her boys. They're looming behind her, tapping weapons against palms >Trixie's eyes slowly flutter shut, and she gives a refined moan which trembles through her generous bosom >Gulp >You look around >No one else here >Trixie's so close, you can smell her luxurious perfume, and you can feel the cold radiating from her hands >You take another step back, but your heel almost slips off the edge of the first step down >"Something the matter, Twilight?" >Her velvet voice gives you shivers as her words roll across your skin, invading your privacy, eliciting another shiver >Everything feels so wrong right now >You can barely focus on her >And whenever you look away from her, your eyes fall on her >Trixie's eyes snap open, and those violet lenses are burning with rage >"I asked you a question, Sparkle!" >That sound >You raise a hand to your cheek >She slapped you? >Blinking, you look back at her as she pulls her hand away. >She licks her lips >You can't even respond since your throat is pinched shut and dry, regardless of how mamy times you open and close your mouth   >Trixie utters a low chuckle >"Geh heh heh heh..." >Gulp >You watch her raise a Dark cloaked hand >Her fingers twitch erratically, and the fine hairs all over you stand on edge under the new wave of goosebumps >"You can't even respond." >With a clack of the heel and a click of the tongue, Trixie turns on her heel and plants a hand to her hip >"I shouldn't have expected much. You are a mouse who has just been caught by the house master." >Trixie starts for the door, and with every step she takes, those heels clack against the stone, causing her full figure to bounce within the restricting fabric of her leotard >"Pathetic. Locked with fear!" >She stops just in front of the door, and crosses her hands above her plump rump >Slowly, she looks back at you, turning at the hip so you can see her bursting chest and supple backside at the same time >You can't take your eyes off of her >Her boys start moving forward, chuckling >"It's time to die, Sparkle. I hope you had a good life! Because it's about to have a spectacular end!" >But she can't just- "..." >But she can't just... "..." >You gasp >There's no sound >With a flinch, you grasp at your mouth >"Surprised?" >Y-your voice is gone >You stare at Trixie, silent >She starts chuckling again into the back of her hand >"Geh-heheheheh~" >She stole your voice...? >you take another step back, the back of your heel slowly descending onto the top step of the stairs >Trixie turns in a flash, holding both hands down at her sides, each roaring with Dark flames >"Turn and run, Sparkle!" >You do, breaking out into a sprint >"It doesn't matter where you go! We will find you!"   >Have to run >You want to put distance between you and Trixie >Stupid leather shoes to sidewalk >Stupid Crystal Prep skirt >Stupid Trixie hunting you >Why is it still snowing? >The snowflakes keep getting behind your glasses and in your shoes as you run as fast as you can >Every second or so, you try to shout, and every time, you feel the strain on your voice >She silenced you with some kind of spell >You have to put distance between you and her boys >Trixie's losing her mind, but she's probably going to use her boys to beat the shit out of you until you can't move so she can finish you herself >You grab your phone >Ten minutes have passed >You don't want to know how you've run for ten minutes, but your extreme endurance is running out >You stop and lean against a chain link fence >Your feet are burning with pain, and your lungs feel like they're about to explode from trying to circulate the winter air into your overheating body >As you look around, you loosen your scarf and stuff it into your jacket pocket >Trixie... >("-light!") >Flinch >Scorpan? >("Twilight, thank goodness! You must be terrified!") >Scorpan, what's happening? >You edge further along the chain link, trying to stay low as you walk around buildings >("You've figured out that Trixie's cast a silence spell on you, but it's worse than that.") >You duck into a convenience store and immediately look back out at the street as you catch your breath >Please, you don't need any more bad news >("She's cast a spell of antipathy under the silence... No one even somewhat unfamiliar with you will give you any attention...") >No one >So... So she can just kill you, anywhere she wants, and no one will do anything about it!? >You're totally alone? >You silently scream a few bad words >But you stop when the store owner gives you a look >With a scowl, you give the owner a glare >He ignores you >You grab some candy bars and throw them on the ground >Still nothing >Scorpan's right >Still watching the store owner, you grab an arizona and some skittles and wander up to him and wave some money >He ignores you as you put it down >This is... Surreal >("I'll do my best to help you.") ("Why are you paying attention?") >Scorpan chuckles in the back of your head. ("For two reasons. I care about you, as my first potential pupil, and secondly, I am immune to any enchantments Trixie could cast.") >You look around the street outside >Snow continues to fall, obstructing anything beyond a hundred feet or so in white and the coming nightfall adds to it ("So... Mostly the second... What's that you said about a pupil?") >The thought makes you smile as you take cautious steps around the block, while gulping down your drink >Learning magic from a real deal wizard >("Cleric.") >Yeah, cleric. That actually explains why he hasn't countered this enchantment yet. Priests don't typically do that >("I haven't because you're too far, and you've run way too far from my home to make the option as safe as waiting for the spell to run down.") >You squint and look at your phone >Five more minutes have past in safety >You don't see Trixie >You could... Maybe ("You could protect me too. Right?") >("Ah... Yes, yes I could... But- Duck!") >Duck, your ice tea gets everywhere >Metal meets chain link fence >Trixie's Boys! >You scramble to your feet and run before the lanky kid with the bat can get his swing in >("Continue running! I'll find you a safe route! You aren't athletically built, but as long you're calm, you should be able to run and climb well, okay?") >Okay? >("Turn into this alley and climb that fence.") >You turn and with a soft breath, start climbing >Wow, is it easy because of Scorpan or your thick legs? >("Both, hurry.") >Right, scrambling up is easy, and you hang for just a second before landing >Just as you land, Trixie's boys tackle the fence and start climbing. Only they're not that good at it >("Now hurry.") >Right, right >You turn and hurry along, taking a deep breath as you do so   >Gotta stop >You duck behind some college kids and slide into an alley >You check your phone >Ten minutes >Two texts >Half a mile's worth of turning streets and sidewalks left to Scorpan's home >You slowly peek out into the street >The snow is still falling, and the night is fast approaching >Street lamps make the snow glow a soft orange as it falls, and people are walking the sidewalk >A typical winter Friday night >But you're gonna be killed >You slide back into your alley as you wait to catch your breath >Whatever this stamina is, you still need to wait for it to come back >You have some texts... >Indy and Gleaming... >You flinch as a cold sweat rolls down your sweating neck >There's two contacts labeled SSSFF! >The one who texted you earlier, and this one...! >This one, she's "I'll be home late. Cadence can pick you up" >The previous messages are still there, telling you to come outside >Trixie... Was this her? >You slide down the side of the building you're leaning against >What else can she do? >What else has she done!? >You look between the fence end at the end of the alley and the sidewalk >Her confidence >What can she do that would make her so confident? >("Twilight!") >You flinch >Scorpan calmly continues. ("I know you're nervous, but you need to control yourself. You need to relax if you're going to get to me. Don't lose your head. It's going to be okay.") >You can feel him smile at the back of your head >It's a warm feeling >You smile too and stand up. Yeah, you just have to get to Scorpan >"Gaaaaaaah!" "Gruuuuuuugh!" >Flinch >The boys are really working that fence back there >So much for stealth >You take a few deep breaths and turn tail out of that alley   >This sidewalk is crowded, almost totally packed with people >If that wasn't enough, the snow doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon. It's piling onto you as you run >Lucky you, you're just (slightly?) smarter than Trixie >She may have given you a curse of antipathy, but you're making it work for you >See, her boys can chase you all they want, but they can't get through big crowds like you can >You barrel into a man in a suit >You're too light to bowl him over, so he looks down at you, annoyed >But then looks away >Heh, nice >You run past him, bumping and budging into people who don't care >You look over your shoulder and see Trixie's Boys >They're awkwardly stepping through the crowd, trying to keep pace while also not drawing attention to themselves >You notice they're awkwardly holding themselves >No doubt to hold their weapons under their jackets >You snort and continue again >Curses... They always have an upside after you stop panicking long enough to analyze them! >With a sharp pain, all the air is out of you >You land on your fat rump, splashing snow and slush everywhere >That really smarts- You catch sight of a blue arm >And then a blue leg, finely wrapped in fishnet, steps out from the crowd and into the bubble you form >Trixie stands, profile to you and crosses her arms. Doing so pushes her lush and cushioned chest upward, increasing the apparent size... >Fuck, she's hot >The way that leotard just wraps at her full body >You stand up, absentmindedly rubbing at your che- "O-ow!" >You look down at your chest. It really stings >Wait. Trixie >Trixie clotheslined you, and she's still here >...Sexy Trixie? >You start looking toward her, but pull away >Damnit, does she have hypnotism too? >How many tricks does she have!? >"Ga ha ha ha..." Trixie chuckles to herself >"Looks like you've figured out some of my tricks, Sparkle." >You watch her shadow move toward you, and you back up >She has you just where she wants you >You glance back >Her boys are coming in hot, just ten seconds away >"It won't do you any good, you know." >Shut up Trixie, you need to think >Gotta get away >Running past Trixie may work, but she'd also get a clear shot of you >Five seconds >Trixie stands right in front of you now, and you can hear the Darkness in her hands crackling like fire >The sidewalk across the street is just as crowded, but the traffic flow means you'll run out of crowd faster >Do or d-die! >You spring across the street and into the next crowd >"GAH HA HA HA!" Trixie's obnoxious laughter echoes out behind you as you run >"Run as much as you want, Sparkle! This is your day!"   >Once you're sure Trixie is long behind you, you stop for another breath, just before the next street >A couple of turns and ducking into alleys will do the trick, you're sure >So you slide into the newest friendly alleyway, leaning back against the brick and mortar >Sigh >You lean over and glance back and forth >Just foot traffic >At this point, it's just people hustling back from work and heading straight home >There's scarcely any people down this street >Crap >No Trixie or Boys, at least... >("-light?") >Scorpan? >("Twilight, I'm so relieved, how are you?") >You duck back into the alley and slide next to a dumpster ("Scared, short of breath, legs hurt. Otherwise, fine.") >("That's a relief... I'm sorry.") >You sigh and pull up a milk crate to sit on, making sure there's no snow on it. So you glumly sit with your chin in your hands ("It's fine. At least you're not trying to kill me.") >You hear an old man sigh from Scorpan >("She caught me by surprise.") >You furrow your brow and sit upright >("She... Can hedge me out when you're near her.") >She what? >She has hedging, hypnotism, cursing, and you're pretty sure basic ray attacks? >("Ray attacks?") ("Shooting magic energy.") >("Ah, yes... Yes, she seems to have all this.") >Great >She gets all that, and you can run a lot >Which you're sure is just a buff from Scorpan and not even your own... Dark... Whatever >Magic >You stand up, wipe some snow off of your jacket, and peek out of the alley >So Trixie blocks out Scorpan >You can use that to your advantage >If Scorpan keeps talking, you'll eventually notice when Trixie approaches >Right Scorpan? >Scorpan? >("Oh, yes, hello. Sorry, I didn't want to intrude, so I wasn't listening.") >Sigh >No one's approaching yet, so now that you have caught a good breather, you hustle out   >New street >Quarter mile of pavement from Scorpan >You look back and forth and press yourself against the corner and peek around >Snow continues to fall, accelerated now. It seems like a full blizzard is approaching, so your vision is now cut even more, forcing you to rely on the street lamps next to you and the ones ahead to clearly see where you're going >On top of that, the sidewalk is entirely clear. Maybe someone cleaned out this cement to make the job easier for whoever finishes tomorrow >But... Damn it, everyone's finally gone home >And you have no sign of Trixie >Right Scorpan? >Scorpan! >("Yes! Yes, no Trixie yet.") >You sigh and rub at your still sore chest as you slowly step down the cleared pavement >That slam was enough to fuck up your miraculous air flow, it seems >Best you can do is slow your walk and stay near the street, away from openings as you pant for recovery >You loosen up your jacket to let some cold in, and immediatly shiver from the air tickling your sweaty chest >This is infuriating >Trixie has too much going for her >And all you have is a well meaning old priest in your head, and a bunch of friends who are hopefully not going to miss you too much >All this commotion is too much for you >Even if it was just Trixie, relentlessly and magically tracking you through your home town... >But you've had a lot of shit to deal with! >A buzzing against your thigh steals away your attention, but you can't really stop, so you let it buzz away as you approach the end of the street >Just across the street is the park >You can run around it, or you can cut through it >Which would cut your travel time into a tenth >But >You'll be blind if Trixie wants to snipe you from the foliage with a magic missile or some such >Scorpan >Is he still there? >("Of course I am, Twilight. And I don't believe entering the park is a good idea.") >Sigh >Old dude is right >With one last glance at the park, you turn around the corner and continue >One foot in front of the other, keep your eyes steady, no staring at the ground >Henches to watch out for! >You've got to watch out for those two! >Sigh >Scorpan isn't too far >("Are you okay?") >Just a bit drained, is all ("It's been a rough week, you know? I-I've faced very real attacks and this is the second day I've looked down death since Monday.") >("Right, that's right.") Scorpan sighs in the back of your head as you continue walking >Even if you could run, running in this storm would be stupid, maybe fatal >("Now now, no need to think like that.") >But it's true ("If I'm not careful, I will die, Scorpan.") >He doesn't have a response to that ("And regardless of how powerful you are, I doubt resurrection is possible.") >You can feel him scowl. ("You wouldn't survive it, at least.") >Yeah >You're going to die if you aren't careful >Because you're going up against an insane warlock with tons of magic tricks and two henchmen who don't know when to quit >("Left dodge!") >You slide to the left >A Boy slams his crowbar through the air, where your ribs were >("Back up!") >One step back >The taller Boy barrels into open air, slamming his bat across >Holy shit >Heart pumping >("Duck!") >Duck! >You hear an "oof!" >("Run!") >You stand and sprint past a bowled over tall boy >("Look for the grassy alley, Twi") >You look around >Alley, alley >There's two >Which one, Scorpan? >You sprint ahead and look back and forth >That alley has grass in the cracks, and a fire escape >The other doesn't, but a fence >You pick up and run straight for that fire escape, climbing as fast as you can >The Boys are still coming! >You pull up the ladder and lock it in >Then you grab the rail and start panting >Now what, Scorpan? >...Silence ("Where now, Scorpan?") >You sit down on the black grating of the fire escape >Your breath is ragged >Your heart is pumping harder than it's ever before >Scorpan's buff must be fading, finally >You check your phone >4:30 >But gods damn, fifty minutes? How high level is he? >Fucking Bear's Endurance lasts a minute per level, if that's at all comprable to whatever Scorpan used >("-esting. Are you there?") >Hey, he's back >("And you're safe. That's good. I sensed Trixie, so, well, you see what happened.") >You smile as you stare down at your thighs collecting snowflakes >("What is 'Bear's Endurance'?") >Snort ("It's from that roleplaying game I've never played.") >("And it is supposed to last minutes?") ("Mhm, one minute per... Level. Which I guess is like... Level of spell mastery? Or something? Levels cap at 20.") >Scorpan chuckles, and your breath starts coming easier. ("I must be a truly prodigious spellcaster then!") >Your heart calms down, and your feet stop throbbing. You smile extra wide as you pick yourself up >Scorpan's a really cool dude >("Ohoho... I try.") >You unlock the ladder and lower it >Three eighths of a mile to Scorpan >You ease down the ladder and onto the snowy cement >("I had an idea, if you don't mind.") >You peer around the corner of the alley >Clear. Deep breath. Run. ("What is it?") >("I thought I would mutter about various topics so you aren't surprised when Trixie appears.") >You nod >That sounds cool >("Very well...") Scorpan clears his throat and enters a lecturing voice. ("It has been disputed whether spellbooks add or deride from casting...") >Fuck. >This is going to be #good >Streets are empty, and you have a wiz- cleric lecturing magic politics in the back of your head >Today got 1% better >Wait >You near a cafe, a ritzy one >Not too glamorous, but a fancy one none the less >Through the huge window and crystal clear illumination, you can see Cadence! >Yes! >Maybe she can drive you to Scorpan! >You dash in, barreling past a waiter and around the furniture and crap, beelining to Cadence >You jump over a railing, budge past a couple trying to leave, and climb over a table to get to Cadence >You stop in front of her table and slam down your palms with a grin >Cadence gives you a glance and looks away again, talking into her phone >"Oh, nothing. I just thought I heard a door slam. It spooked me." >Wha >You wave in her face, but she stares at the wall as her coffee wafts out steam >"What do you want to do about the CMC? ...Well they aren't turning any profit." >Cadence grabs her coffee, but you slide your hand over hers >She wordlessly tears her hand away from yours and picks her coffee up again >"Right, I suppose keeping them on until they make something won't hurt. We haven't paid them anything anyway..." >She sips her coffee and sets it down again >It looks like she's going to be on the phone for a while "C-cadence?" >("Twilight.") >Cadence shakes her head. "Home is alright. Twilight's alright and Gleaming's great as always." >"The wedding is still next year. Mhm." >("Twilight... Child?") >You watch her hum into her phone for a few minutes more >She finally hangs up and crosses her arms with her coffee in one hand >With a grin, you move closer to her and hug her >"I-I'm so glad y-you're here!" >She sips her coffee while you hold her >You hug her for a moment, but then slowly unwind yourself and look down at her with a grin >("Twilight?") "C-cadence?" >She sets her coffee down and reaches into her purse "I-I was wondering i-if maybe you c-could help me?" >("Twilight, please.") >She pulls out a notepad and a pen and begins jotting down notes >You grin extra wide for her, taking your most innocent stance. "I-I mean... I-If you can? I-it would be r-really helpful." >Cadence pauses and taps her pen against the notepad, but then continues >("Twilight, please answer me.") >What does Scorpan want? >("She's not paying attention to you.") >Funny ("No, she's just busy with work is all.") >("...knock her coffee over.") >What? >You raise a finger >Cadence doesn't respond >You reach over her notepad >She continues to write until she can't see anymore, which she pauses at >You touch her coffee >And you flick it over, knocking the black water onto the tablecloth and floor >Cadence doesn't respond >You yank your finger away >Suddenly, her gaze snaps to her cup. >Cadence jumps and raises a finger. "Waiter!" >No >Your stomach drops out under you >Cadence >You sit down and watch as the waiter comes by and tries his best to clean up the coffee >Cadence   >You limply grab a chair and plop down into it >The waiter hustles over to clean up the coffee >Cadence grumbles until he arrives, then profusely apologizes and thanks him >Without looking your way >What happened? >You stare at her >Grinning as the waiter cleans her mess >This is Cadence, she loves everyone ever >("Twilight, my child, you have to move.") >You slump in the chair >Cadence doesn't like you >You close your eyes and take a deep breath >After all that's happened, this... You couldn't have seen this coming >This wasn't remotely possible >("I know, she was important to you.") ("I didn't realize this Cadence didn't like Twilight. How could that happen?") >There's a pressure on your shoulder, like someone grasping it >("Are you okay?") >You nod and stand ("Yeah, there'll be time to internalize this later, if I'm alive.") >Not the first time one of your plans blew up in your face, after all >("Twilight.") >Scorpan worries too much, you're fine >("You've been staring at her for ten minutes and... I believe you're crying.") >Oh >Well then >That's interesting, because >You hit the ground and start bawling >The one fucking thing you could count on to make sense! >Cadence! Cadence loving you, like her own daughter! >It's gone >It's completely gone and ruined >In this bizarre world, where nothing made sense, you had this one tiny edge of sanity in your own home >And it was sorta okay with Shiney being a girl >But now it's split in half! >You have so little left! There's almost nothing to prove your past life existed! >There's no reason you have to believe you have a past! >You grab at the carpet as your hair and tears fall over your face >Bun's undone, whatever >Fucking >Everything's ruined >You don't exist. You might as well not, anyway >No one wants to talk to you, no one can help you, and you can't prove the previous world is real >Breath floods your lungs as you gasp through sobs >Buzz buzz buzz "F-fuck." >Your phone starts vibrating over and over >You pick up your glasses and wipe your eyes and toss your hair away >You take a breath and grab your phone. Two new messages >Indy's is joined by Sugar and Lem >"Hey bae, how you doing?" >"Hello, Twiley, just letting you know that I'm actually having much more fun than I expected with the [1/6]" >"ey yo twifam me n the girls r missin u :):):)" >Girls... >You're torn between despair and joy >So you just grin as your cheeks and chest heat up >Everything's kind of totally shit right now >But you have friends >You have a bunch of friends, who all care about you a lot >You're still crying, but at least you can grit your teeth and grin through it >Deep breath >Shudder >You climb up into a chair and set your phone down onto the table >And you start replying 'I'm doing oka >No >You have friends, they can help >("That's right.") 'I'm panicking. Trixie and her boys are chasing me. Can any of you help?' >Sugar 'I need your help, like right now, I'm being chased around downtown by Trixie and her boys.' >Lem, Sour, Sunny 'Lemfam, help. I need anyone who can come downtown and stop Trixie from murdering me. Not a joke, I need you, or anyone.' 'Trixie's back. Help? I've been running since I left club and I need to get her off me.' 'I'm really stressed out right now, because Trixie and her boys are chasing me. Can you or the girls help?' >You set the phone down and sigh >Cadence is back to enjoying her coffee >The waiter gave her a new cup for free, and some cookies it looks like >She's pushed them aside, so you steal a cookie and nibble at it >You look inward a bit and hear Scorpan lecturing again >Wands aren't necessary, but if the spell backfires, the wand suffers the damage, not the caster... >That's good to know ("Scorpan?") >He stutters but answers. ("Ahem, yes, Twilight?") ("What do you think my odds are?") >("Twilight, don't think like that...") >You sit upright and pull your phone closer, watching for any texts ("I'm serious. I have a very real chance of dying today.") ("I've just recently gotten a second chance to live a better life with real friends. I've got no pressure to do anything but be a normal teenage girl, too. But now it's all about to blow up in my face.") >Sighing, you grab your phone and stand up >You give Cadence a quick hug and trudge back out to the sidewalk >How long have you been sitting there? >5:12 >A long time, it seems >Scorpan interrupts himself. ("...Yes, quite a while.") >You gulp and rub at your eyes again as he continues his lecture "M-my friends." >Must be worri- >Your voice "W-wha?" >Scorpan halts his lecture and shouts with you, ("Your voice!") >"M-my voice!" >Just before you explode with relieved laughter, your phone starts blowing up >Your phone... >You hold it aloft and check >Indy, Sunny, Lem, Sweetie, Sugar, everyone! Everyone responded at the same time! >Everyone replied... >Everyone says the same thing >'Can you talk now?' >'Can we talk?' >'yo can you call me??' >'Please call me! I need to hear you're alright!' >'Twilight, I need to hear that you're okay, so I'm calling you in a minute or so.' >You throw your head back and laugh at the phrasing. Yeah, you can talk >You send them all a group message that yes you can talk now >You hold your phone at your side and keep heading toward Scorpan as you feel a warmth well up in your chest >It might not be much help, but just hearing so many people care feels really good >Your smile falls >You can't hear Scorpan in the back. He was just talking about the construction of wands >Enough walking, it's time to run >That laugh comes from all directions. That nasally, annoying back of the throat laugh >"GAHAHAHA HA~" >Where is she? Where is she laughing from? >Your phone vibrates in your hand as you pound the pavement >Where is she? The snow blocks your eyes! >You duck into an alley and hide behind a pile of wood palettes >Ugh >Where is she...? Do you really have to hide in the trash now? >Your phone starts vibrating again >You raise your phone to your ear... >"Twiley? Are you there? We're all very worried about you right now, please tell me that Trixie hasn't done anything to hurt you, and that you're somewhere safe." >Sigh >Sugar >"Is that you? Can you say something? I'm anxious, Twiley. I'm so scared something might happen to you out there that I'm shaking, please tell me you're okay." "I-I'm okay, S-sugar." >You frown and settle down to talk. Luckily there's a broken chair to sit on in this pile of trash >Sugar continues. "Please tell me everything, Twiley. I need to know how you got to where you are right now." >Everything >Sure >You huddle closer to the pile you're sitting in "S-so Trixie tr-tricked me." >...Everything. >You stutter out about Trixie leading you outside, pretending to be your sister >How she slapped and silenced you, while also making no one want to help you >Unless they love you, of course >Which is why you're so happy everyone answered your texts >But then she chased you around town as you tried to get some kind of plan >She could have cornered you at anytime, but she toyed with you, using her stupid boys >So you've been running toward an older friend's house, hoping he can help you >You wrap up without mentioning Cadence >Partly because it isn't relevant >Mostly because you want to forget "S-so, yeah." Without any of the adrenaline or running, you sound like a huge chicken "I-I think sh-she's close." >Sugar is silent for a moment, and you almost think she's left you, until she sighs >"Can you tell us where you are, Twiley?" >The sound of an egine roars behind her >Gulp "I-I'm down near..." >You glance out "I-I can't read a-any of the s-signs." >"Okay. Stay where you are, Twiley, we're going to come looking for you. Indigo's car seems very fast, so we should be able to find you sooner rather than later. Just stay put and don't hang up on me, okay? Can you stay with me, Twiley?" >You nod, closing your eyes. "Y-yeah." >"That's good. We're going to make her stop, Twiley. I believe she can be reasoned with. We just-" >No. "I-I just want her g-gone." >Sugar makes a startled noise, but pauses nonetheless "I-I want h-her out." >You shut your eyes and sigh, feeling snowflakes collect in your hair and in your jacket. You think, now, talking to a friend, is a better time to start crying "A-away, o-out of my l-l-life." >You swallow a sob >Tears start to burn your eyes, but you keep going >You have to say this. Someone has to hear this "P-please, h-help, she's..." You take a deep breath, gulp down some air, and continue, letting your body wrack with your stutter "S-she's actually t-trying to k-k-kill me, S-Sugar!" >"Twiley-" "S-she s-said so, h-herself! S-she said t-today I die. T-today I d-die, S-Sugar." >It's getting harder to breathe now as your weak heart starts breaking. Your heart is racing and your legs are cramping up in the cold air >Scorpan's second spell is already fading, it seems >Just great. "I-I can't d-do this on m-my own, p-please, h-h-help m-" You start coughing on a sob. "I-I don't w-want t-to die y-yet, I-I h-have so much I-I w-w-want to d-do and see, p-please." >Crying now >Sugar can't find words, so she just hums a bit and gives you a stream of comforting words >Trixie's not going to stop >Not until she's killed >...English is strange sometimes >But >You lean back against your garbage pile and cry to the sky >In the distance, you can hear your phone, in your hand, Sugar calling out to you >You raise it again and sniffle >"Twiley?" "S-sorry." You rub your nose on the back of your fingers. You're forced to talk slower, lest you strain your throat. "I-I just want her gone. A-away. T-to stop ruining my life." >"...I understand, Twiley. Stay put and listen for the car." >Smile "Th-thank you, Sugar." >"Geh heh heh." >You freeze in the arctic air >You slowly lower your phone without moving, as Sugar's voice continues to call out for you >The crunch of snow >Glass shattering >Snips in front of you >Your smashed phone at his feet >You look up at him and over to Trixie and Snails >Trixie's profile smirks, eyes wide. "Pathetic!"   >Head hurts >Vision is blurred >Scorpan? >You grab at your face, and find no glasses >"GHA. HA. HA. HAAAAAAAAAAAAA." >Fucking shut up, Trixie. >You grab your throbbing noggin and leer around, squinting >Wherever you are, there's artificial illumination, which doesn't count for much since it's not that bright >You don't hear much, but you can swear you hear the rattling of metal against metal, and Trixie's heels clacking against the hard stone under you >She approaches >And passes >You hear a clatter next to you >You grope around and grab what you hope is your glasses... >Yeah, these are your glasses >What in the ever loving fuck is this shit. >All around the warehouse Trixie dragged you to are candles, dark tapestries, and racks full of robes, hats, gloves and boots >And of course there's yards long posters of herself hanging on the walls, all of varying degrees of sensuality and presentation >Of course >But aside from that >She's drawn runes and diagrams and all sorts of bullshit eldritch markings all over the hundred square feet she's occupying >Is this where you die? >Ah! >Someone's got your hair! >"C'mon, Spackle!" >"Ye, The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't want blood everywhere!" >You grab at your hair as the two idiots pull and yank you along the cement floor "S-stop!" >They yank harder, pulling you forward with a snap, and your ankle lands under your ass with a sharp twist >You hiss in pain and scramble to your feet, squat running to keep pace >Trixie chuckles at the back of her throat as she swings the metal door open out into a snow coated parking lot >Where are you? >Snips and Snails pull you a bit further out but once you reach a certain point, they toss you forward, sending your face into the snow >Groan >You pick yourself up >Above you stand a villain and her two henches >Crowbar. Baseball bat. Dark bolts. All three are poised and ready to kill you at any second >This is it >"This is it." >Trixie spins on her heel and saunters away, leaving her boys there, guarding you >You take a knee, and a bat pushes your shoulder back down >You glare at him and then watch Trixie, kneeling >Trixie stops about fifty, maybe forty five feet from you >"Look at me, Twilight Sparkle." >Yeah you're staring alright. Hard to take your eyes off of that fat ass of hers >Even if she wasn't hypnotizing you, you'd have to turn your head to get it out of sight >Trixie raises her hands, flicking her fingers back and forth until they snap into one specific position >And when she does so, the roaring dark flames coalesce into a simple dark blue aura over her hands >"You're so pathetic, Sparkle." She speaks to you over her shoulder >You move forward and a crowbar pushes you back >Trixie smirks and looks forward again, looking out onto the snowy horizon >"When Trixie first met you, she thought you deserved respect." >You watch her >"But you quickly made it clear, you deserve nothing from Trixie." >Trixie slowly turns around, exposing a distant gaze and a deep scowl >She steps forward, hips swaying back and forth, setting her body into motion >"You proved that you are PATHETIC!" >You lean back and wince at the snow kicked up from her shout >When she's standing only twenty feet away, she raises her hands up, and a well of Dark bursts behind her >"Trixie thought you were worthy of respect! You were smarter than she! You had recognition! She thought you liked her! But it was all one joke after another! Taunting Trixie, using her! Making her the fool in your childish games of high school politics!" >She lowers her hands, her fingers twitching as she violently sneers at you >"But the worst!" The well bursts up >"Was your mocking defeat!" All of the Dark mana floods into Trixie, through her back, and freely passes through her, cycling through her body >"Over and over, you would defeat Trixie, and mock her for it!" Her violet eyes darken as her body starts to acclimate the Dark mana >Her skin darkens now... You try in vain to edge away, but a crowbar and bat halt you >"But no more! Trrrrixie! The Perfect and The All-Powerful! Shall have her revenge!" >Fuck. >Trixie's spell is powerful enough that you can feel the mana in her >It's a hard to explain sensation, like a sixth sense. But the important thing is that you aren't used to feeling it, and now even you can detect it in her >And there's still more coming >Whatever that well she opened up is, it's violently vomiting up Dark mana into her, the snow, and the sky above >Fuck, fuck, fuck >What did she do? >"GhhhhhhhhhhAHAHA!" Trixie raises her hands and blasts her boys, instantly warping them into magnified demon forms >FUCK >"Witness Greatness, Sparkle!" >YOU ARE NOT HIGH ENOUGH LEVEL TO SOLO FUCKING DEMONS >COME THE FUCK ON. >This is it, this is where you die! >These 14 year old demon boys are going to violently rape and murder you (that's not speciest) >And all in the service of an insane but admittedly decently motivated warlock >But >You hear something >A roar, like a lion, rumbles out in the distance behind this vacant parking lot >And with it >A scream of fury, a howl of glory, and a cry of desperation >"Twilight!" >Everyone looks behind >It's fucking Blue Lightning, racing down the street and into the parking lot, with Sour, Lem, and Indy hanging out the windows >Hell yeah. The cavalry has arrived >Now to drive off >A Darkbolt barrels toward the car >Indy barely swerves past, but the explosion sends snow and pavement scattering everywhere "N-no!" >"Y-YES!" >You snap back at Trixie, anger welling up >But it melts away >She's levitating, Dark mana flooding her body so freely that it sweats out of her pours, down each follicle of hair and visibly under her darkened skin >She's... She's lost it >She smirks down at you, her purple eyes being invaded now by black. She raises another hand and you follow the Darkbolt out onto the horizon >But Blue Lightning, that demon machine, dodges the ray, and halts, facing Trixie >Indy punches the gas, screaming and throwing up snow and slush and gravel up into the air >Trixie shoots >And Blue Lightning rockets out, barreling under the Darkbolt >Trixie chuckles, "Geh heh heh." >She points out, and her boys sprint toward the car, weapons in hand, twisted by the Dark mana >They charge Blue Lightning >Indy hits the gas >The boys scream their warcries, which despite still belonging to dorky kids, sound horrific through their new screeching demonic vocal chords >Indy... Can her car deal with demons? >It is pretty big, but, how tough are they? >Blue Lightning makes a whip turn, slamming the back into the boys >And they go flying... >Ten >Twenty >Thirty feet away >And land in a heap >You feel a grin creep onto your face as Blue Lightning turns around, heading for you and Trixie >Maybe things are gonna get better? >"GeeeeeeeeEEE HE HE HE HE! IS THAT THE BEST YOUR FRIENDS CAN DO IN THE FACE OF GREATNESS, SPARKLE?" >Tassels of Darkness now whip back and forth, hanging from Trixie's arms and waist. Creepier though, are the ephemeral chains and hooks grabbing into her belly, face and legs >She doesn't seem to mind though, as so much mana is being pumped into her that her hair and clothes are blowing up and away from her, like wind going straight outward >Sneering out toward her boys, she raises one hand, and Darkness ripples through her palm >Her boys raise up, broken bones and bloodied wounds realigning and patching up >They're dropped onto their feet and look only mildly dazed >"Heh." >Indy >She, and Lem and Sour and Sugar and Sunny all stand in front of Blue Lightning >Indy has a dangerous grin, and her bat taps against her shoulder >Lem is in the process of tightening some studded gloves as she stares Trixie down >Sugar and Sunny are already moving toward you with a... Blanket. You smile under the warmth >And Sour? >Sour is blank faced, twiddling her knife, no doubt planning a way to carve Trixie >Your friends are here >Everything's going to be okay! >Trixie cackles as she holds her face >"Gehehe! Looks like the gang's all here!" >She whips her hands back, and you can hear her boys screaming in the distance as they start closing in >"It doesn't matter how many people you grab, Sparkle." >She sneers, and crosses her arms as she floats forward standing in front of Lem, Indy and Sour who now stand in front of you >She splays her fingers outward. "You are like a mouse still. Looking and running, trying to find anything to stop this huge monster from killing you, when in actuality, it is normal for me to kill you. I am the house master, Sparkle! And you are vermin who has invaded my personal life! Worse than a mouse, you are an insect! Naturally you will be crushed under my foot like the impetuous insect you are!" >Trixie roars upward, and waves of Dark echo out from her, washing over everyone >You have three people in front of you and a hug from two cute girls, and you're being buffeted as if someone wrapped you in a mattress and started laying into you with their car >So you don't doubt your fighter friends' cries of anguish >When you can open your eyes again, Sunny and Sugar leer at you, bleary eyed, and the others are just picking themselves up >"I'll admit, you are tough, but my business isn't with you." She snaps her fingers >Suddenly Sunny and Sugar are gone >And those kids are holding you >Wh- No! >Your friends all scream at once and step to- >"Ah ah." >Your breath stops as hard metal or demon hide slams into your ribs >"Ge. He. He." >Trixie floats back, away from you and your friends, until she's floating over the well of Darkness again >"None touch Sparkle. I've decided I shall fight you after all. To ensure I have my chance to kill her, I'll kill you." >All you can do now is watch it seems >Your friends all look back at you, then back at Trixie >Lem starts unbuttoning her jacket. "Letter go, though." >Trixie smirks. "Very well." >And with a jump, her boys briskly move past you to land flanking Indy, Lem, and Sour >No sooner than they leave, than Sunny is already wrapped around you, squeezing you tight against her chest as you both kneel in the snow >Sugar steps in front of you, fists hanging by her sides as the two sides size each other up >Three high school brawlers, well armed >Two demon kids under service >One completed warlock >No one says anything >Sugar unbuttons her school jacket. "Twiley." >Blink "H-huh?" >"We're going to get her out of your life once and for all, just like you asked. Trixie has caused you severe distress... And beyond our own selfish reasons for wanting to please you, she quite obviously is a threat to anyone she meets. I swear to kill her for you." "O-okay." >She whips both of her revolvers out, letting them point at the ground >They look... Like totally different models >Your friends smile back at you. They're going to do it >Lem, Indy, Sugar and Sour all look back at you, one at a time, and smile for you. They're going to do it >You didn't even think about that, but yeah, Trixie is a significant threat to anyone and everyone like this... >"Cute toys." >Everyone glares at Trixie >"Oh come now, how stupid do you think I am? I know those don't have any actual munition! A trick by a tiny girl living in her tiny world!" >Trixie raises her hands to her face and starts laughing >Without stopping, she points forward, and her boys charge >Bang-bang! >The sound of gunfire silences everyone throughout the lot >"Geh heh." Trixie splays her trembling fingers across her lips as she chuckles through her clenched teeth. "More of your stupid tricks? Tricks won't help you here! This is a fight to the death, CHILD." >Sugar pulls back the hammers of her guns without a word >Trixie cackles as she spreads her cloaked fingers across her chest, thighs, and neck. "Not a scratch~" >No one responds >Trixie scowls. She scoffs and raises a hand, pointing at Sugar. "Bring me her head for her impudence." >Her boys don't respond >No one responds >Well, Sunny sharply gasps, but you're sure as close as you are, only you can hear >No, no one has a dramatic response, especially not Trixie >She hasn't realized yet, but everyone can see the gaping holes in their foreheads >Demon skulls must be just thick enough to stop an exit wound, and their blood thick enough to instantly coagulate, because from where she stands, there's no way she could know what happened >But there they stand, Kek and Lel, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Snips and Snails are dead on their feet, tensed up and ready to slaughter, with wide empty gaps between their eyes >Indy shakes her head and taps her bat against her shoes, tossing free some snow. "One chance to give up, T-" >"Do not stand there like blank faced mannequins in a pathetic store pitching knock offs of the current fashion!" Trixie raises her hands and both they and her boys gain an aura of magical grip >But they don't move >"What? What!?" Trixie does it over and over, screaming louder each time >Lem shakes her head, scratching at her wild mane >Sunny rubs at the back of your head. "See~? It's going to be okay~" >Yeah... >Those kids were pretty young though. >Sour looks back at you, then Sugar and nods as she and Sugar approach the boys >At the same time, Trixie propels her self forward, gripping the demon husks by the scruffs of their necks >"What do you-" A gasp >Trixie looks between both boys, and instantly releases them. "No." >She looks forward, just now noticing Sour and Sugar standing in range >Guns and knife in hand >Lem and Indy turn away. >"Don't look, ma petite~" Sunny whispers as she gently turns your head away >Sour and Sugar stare down Trixie >The snow falling between them and the animated Darkness rolling over Trixie's flesh and clothes is the only movement >You think five minutes pass in silence >"You..." Trixie raises a finger, pointing down at Sugar. >"Those are real?" >Sugar nods, raising one >Trixie steps back a bit, raising her hands >"Uh, the Humble and Apologetic Trixie would like to extend a formal-" >A bullet meets her thigh and her (now?) fanged mouth rips open in pain, quietly screaming through a shrill whimper >Trixie falls to her good knee, gripping at her thigh >All the Darkness floods to either the wound, or out of her, feeding a column centered on the foot or so behind her >The Darkness rises higher >Everyone but Sugar looks on in awe, fear, or confusion, but Sour manages to tear herself away and stare down Trixie, along with Sugar >"Please don't! Trixie is sorry! She'll be good! She won't kill anyone, she'll fix everything!" >You look down just in time to see Sugar raise a barrel and lay it against Trixie's forehead >Trixie looks normal now, if exhausted and sweaty >"Trixie... You've done horrible things. Corrupted two children, harassed and assaulted my friends and I for two weeks now, and you seem to have formed some kind of contact or contract with something or someone to gain yet more power. If left unchecked, you could be come a serious problem for humanity at large." She looks over her shoulder at you, then back. >Sugar pulls back the hammer, and Trixie starts sobbing in place, not moving, not looking away >"If this series of events didn't happen, who knows. But you have done wrong, and you have too much capacity to do worse. I have to put you down. Goodbye, Trixie." >"G-goodbye, Sparkle. I'll-" >... >.... >... >       >?           >Hungry >Can't hear >Belly empty >Food. Eating, now >Sound >Trixie >You Trixie Me Trixie. >Mouth broke >Mouth full >Light >Sound >Light and sound >White. Red. White. Red. Yelling >Food. Swallow Me Trixie. >Mouth broken >Four >Yelling, screaming >Swallow, still hungry >Legs move >Four food... >White everywhere... >Cold... >Hungry... >Food close >Food smaller than Trixie? >You're Trixie. Thinking is hard, but coming >Food hit Trixie >Food keeps hitting, but it doesn't hurt >Food is gonna get eaten, now. >Your mouth opens, straight into your belly. Which is good because you want to get full now >But your food hits your mouth closed! >No food, it's time to get eaten! Now get in Trixie's belly! >You pick up your arm and swing it at your food, but it catches your pointy hand >Then your food pushes your hand down, and you can't move it >Stuck. Stuck in the ground >Food hits your mouth some more, and gets on you to hit your eyes. That really hurts >That hurts and makes you angry >You're gonna eat this food >You swing your other arm up >Food grabs your arm, but you pick food up >Food doesn't look so angry now, food looks like food should look like >You eat food >You can't eat food? >Your mouth won't close... >You swing your hand into your mouth >Oh food was holding mouth open. Bad food >But you're eating now, so that's okay >Noise >What's that? >Two food now >Four food turned into two food! >Wait >After you ate, you feel your brain turn on some more. Yeah, if you keep eating, you should be able to think more than just this >Think like new things >Things not this idea >Hm >Words left >Just eat more foods to think more >Sound >That thing... You don't know what it is, but it's coming to you, very fast >And it has a food in it! The front is invisible, so you can see your food in there! >You run to it >It runs to you >The big thing crashes into you, and you fall back >Ow! >That hurt! >You pick yourself up, and the thing hits you again, back onto your hands >What is that thing? Why is your food making so much noise? >This isn't fair! You just want to eat! >Why is your food hurting you? It should get in your mouth >Gotta eat >Going dumb >Big thing comes back >Coming >You raise your arms >Gonna get food out >Reach in >Big thing hit you, but your hand in it >Food in your hand! >Food makes noise, but food supposed to make noise >Food small, but you eat >Tasty >Your intelligence returns with your new meal >Mm. She settled nicely. Indigo was thin, but her compact muscle hid unseen Dark mana >You can feel it; with Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet and Sugarcoat your intelligence floor has raised >Best to keep eating sources of mana, but at least now you won't drop to simpleton level >Now who's left >"W-why?" >Your eyes drift >You catch sight of Snips and Snails, and pick them up >They don't have much, but... The Well of Grogar is closed, so you need all you can get >They aren't too tasty, but at least they go down easy >Dead bodies retain Darkness? >All the better >You move to face Twilight Sparkle >Twilight Sparkle. What a horrible name. >You step closer to her and her little friend >Her friend watches you, quietly crying >Twilight Sparkle... Sunny Flare is holding Twilight's head against her chest, and she's holding her glasses >You get closer to Sunny Flare and smell her >She has almost no Darkness >Whatever you smell is on Twilight Sparkle >You grin on your belly and pick them both up in one big claw >You don't have a voice, but you want to tell her >You move them around so Twilight can see what you've done >This is your triumph >This is greatness >You're perfection where she was mortal. You are a god and this will be your world forevermore. She was lesser than you are now >You slide them both into your mouth and slowly press down. They scream >So sweet, like cherries. But also like meat... You want to remember this forever >You slowly chew >Cherries... >And... Shrimp. >You lick your lips. How appropriate           Bad end           >Sigh >What happ- You >...? Are you dreaming? >It's dark, but you're not asphyxiating or floating, and Scorpan isn't here "Oh, dude... Your vision was kinda nasty. I'm sorry." >What "Treehugger? Is that you?" >You can talk >Fuck >Treehugger's just there >She waves "What are you doing here? What do you mean, vision?" >"Oh yeah, dude, Scorpan asked me super begged me to give you a future sight. Dunno what he expected though." "A future sight?" >"Yeah, what's gonna happen." >What did you see? >It feels like you've been out for hours, and now that you think about it, your body and head aches >Trixie. The end is a bit of a blur... "So that was a dream?" "Nah dude... It happens. It will happen, definitely. I can totally predict an hour of the future." >Great "You can like, change what happens though." >You nod and imagine rubbing your head since you can't "Yeah, I know how this works." >Treehugger bobs her head >"Nice, dude." She stuffs her hands into her pockets. "You're pretty smart, compared to Sparrow." >You nod while muttering to yourself, "Kinda noticed." >"Wassap?" "Nothing. What time will I be experiencing when this vision ends?" >Treehugger blinks and looks up and around. She taps on her chin and shrugs. "I dunno." >gg no re >A sudden spark of realization ignites in her eyes. "Oh! An hour ago!" "Thanks." >... >... >Cold >You blink and rub your eyes >Tears? >"Twiley? We're all here, and we need to know what you mean. You've been quiet for two minutes now and frankly, I'm so anxious that something's happened to you that I think I'm going to vomit." "S-sugar." >That's Sugar >She's okay! >Looking around, you're in that pile of trash Trixie found you in... She's not here yet- >What are you going to do? >"Twiley... I'm glad you're okay. Please tell me what you mean by... Out. That you want her out. You did say that right?" >Right >She... Trixie died, and... >That didn't work too well "I-I take it b-back." "W-what I r-really meant w-was..."   >Inside Blue Lightning is comfortable >The heat is perfect to combat the February chill and snow >The seats are soft, but firm enough to support any of the passengers >Everyone is physically comfortable within the steel chariot >This is good, because only one of them has strong enough of a constitution to handle being physically and emotionally uncomfortable as they are >Their friend, Twilight, is currently missing, and now that she's answered her phone, she's gone silent for two minutes now >Not exactly two minutes, as Sugarcoat the smart girl, or Lemon Zest, who's watching the clock, can tell you >But approximately two minutes have passed, where their longtime friend, who has expressed that she wants Trixie, a known aggressor, "out of her life" >And then she went silent >She left her friends waiting in silence, pained, anxious silence, while Sugarcoat tensely held her phone aloft in hand >None of them made a sound >Blue Lightning cut through the city like butter, its rider scanning every alley, building, and vacant lot, knowing that Twilight is outside at least >Sunny gingerly wraps her fingers around Sugarcoat's forearm, giving a shock to the small bespactacled girl >They look each other in the eye for only a moment, until Sunny smiles and gives Sugar a reassuring squeeze. >"Go on~" She whispers >Sugarcoat looks to her other... Friends >They all seem... Supportive >Even if they are as nervous as her >She pulls her phone closer >"Twiley? We're all here, and we need to know what you mean. You've been quiet for two minutes now and frankly, I'm so anxious that something's happened to you that I think I'm going to vomit." "S-sugar." >Sugar silently gasps and looks at the others >They all watch intently as Sugar tries to make sense of what's happening >Sugar takes a deep breath, pushing down the anxiety and stress, and answers >"Twiley... I'm glad you're okay. Please tell me what you mean by... Out. That you want her out. You did say that right?" >There's a second, or two, or ten, as Twiley deliberates on the other end of the line "I-I take it b-back." >Sunny gives Sugar's arm a reasuring squeeze, even going as far as to pull herself closer to listen "W-what I r-really meant w-was..." And there she pauses again >Sour turns away from scanning the streets and scowls at Sugarcoat's cellphone. It's not clear exactly how she feels right now; unless she's just angry >Lemon turns back in her seat up front to watch what Twilight says. Her knit brow, the way she clenches her jaw tells everything and her displaced headphones say everything >Finally, after hearing Twilight sigh, Indigo stops Blue Lightning She's still facing forward, but she hangs her head, probably so she can hear without distraction "I-I... Th-this is going t-to sound strange, b-but." >"It's okay, ma petite~ We're all here for you~" "...Th-thank you." Twilight sniffles on the other end. "I-I need to... T-to earn... I-it's complicated, b-but I think e-earning Trixie's r-respect back w-would be for th-the best." >No one knew how to react to that >Twilight had never been one for garnering respect among others. Instead, she'd always coasted by, enjoying everyone's company >This is new for her friends >"Respect?" >Twilight gives an awkward hum. "Y-yeah... L-like... I-I'm pretty sure th-this started b-because I treated her l-like... L-like shit. A-and, y-you know." >Indigo chuckles >The four girls all look at her, confused or unamused at her outburst >"Bae... Is that it?" >Her tone is jovial and playful "...Y-yeah. K-kinda, I-I mean, I-I-" >"Say no more." Indy raises her hand, even though Twilight can't see her >Indigo turns back in her seat, smirking. "You want to prove to Trixie that you're a girl worth admiration, right?" "Y-yes! Y-yes, exactly." >Indigo reaches under her seat and pulls out a dusty cd case, twirling it between her fingers. "I gotchu, bae. We all gotchu." >She hands the case to Lem, who plucks it with a cocked brow, reading it so everyone can see the name >CANTERLOT >CHAMPION >MIX No. V >Indy nods to Lem and then turns back to Sugar and her cell phone >"You just sit tight, bae! We're gonna come looking for you, then we can all have a good little sit down with Trix!" >Lem finally popped the cd in, and with that, Indy hit the gas "W-wait, I-I think she's t-taking me t-to th-" >Sugar's phone goes silent >Everyone joins the silence >Indigo pulls at her goggles, realigning them against her forehead >Lem crosses her arms. "Trixie probly grabbed 'er." >"Yeah." Indigo leans back in her seat, glowering at the street as CCV finally starts >"We're coming, Twi."   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEw8JLQBgg   >So here you are... >At Trixie's whim, out in the middle of the parking lot in front of her warehouse, with the snow falling and covering the pavement around you "This is it." >You sigh "I-I'm sorry." >Trixie chuckles deep in the back of her throat >"Oh, there shall be plenty of time for apologizing later, Sparkle." She spits your last name out >You shake your head and fix your glasses "N-no, Trixie. I-I'm sorry. F-for how I-I treated you." >Trixie stares back at you, looking over her shoulder now >You take a deep breath, and another, closing your eyes. You half want to stall and half want to do this without fighting >Either way, you have to calm everyone down, including yourself "I-I've been a t-terrible person." >She scoffs at that "A-and I know I-I can't undo w-what I've done." >You hear her stepping toward you "B-but... I-I'd like a ch-chance, o-one chance, t-to prove to you th-that I've ch-ch-changed." >Trixie snorts >You look up and see her sneering down at you over her illusory-sizable bust >"You think me a fool, Sparkle?" >All you can do is stare as she walks away >"I know your ways..." >"Geh heheheh~" >Damn it, she's walking away >"I know you're just trying to buy time so your so called 'friends' can come and save you from me." >Well, basically, but she's missing a little bit >Like how you want no one to die >Trixie stops and whips around, polnting at you >"But it doesn't matter what you claim, Sparkle! It's too late for you to make a dramatic change, becoming a new person with no presendence? You're pathetic! Pathetic, pathetic! You'll say anything to save yourself, to save your reputation! You're nothing but a pathetic politician lying through her teeth to get to a higher point of power, where you'll desert all the promises you've made!" >But, unlike the last couple of stupid analogies, she doesn't seem as angry nor confidant >Trixie just stares at you, exhaustion in her frown. She lets her hand drop to her hip, where she grips the fake plushness >Trixie stares away, in silence for a few moments, just awkwardly holding herself >In those moments, you can see her internally debating something, her violet eyes darting across the ground >But as well as that, the illusion of attraction she was holding up slowly melts away >Or she chooses to make herself look like this >A lanky, thin girl with no serious curves or major fullness to her frame >Her leotard still looks good on her though; despite being much tinner, she hides just enough of her fair blue skin to tease "T-Trixie?" >She starts, and the illusion pops back, and a split second later, she looks at you >"I-" >She's interrupted by a lion's roar, and three screaming voices >With a smile, you lean back and see Blue Lightning flying across the snow and pavement >Sour is howling out her window in fury, Lemfam is screaming out a warrior's cry, and Indy, true to preferred form, has a fist held high as she roars in glory >Trixie makes a startled noise, but as you look at her, she growls and holds out open palms toward Snips and Snails, who immediately run toward her >Oh fuck >She shoots her Boys in the chest as Blue Lightning approaches >Fuck! >They... Don't warp into demons >You sigh in relief >They do have a dark blue aura, and... Yeah their weapons are faintly shimmering >Still >Mage Armor and magic weapons are a lot more managable compared to the alternative >The crunch of snow draws you back again >The girls all stand in front of Blue Lightning, which is blaring out music... For some reason   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woFO2xGG7po   >Aw shit, boss fight music >Sour has her knife out, and idly twiddles it under her nail as she stares at Trixie >With a flick of the wrist, she's holding it in her other hand while she drags her thumb across her throat >Lem is fixing handwraps, paying full attention to her task >When she finishes, she tightens her grip and glares at Trixie >Indy's splayed herself against the side of her loud stallion >She smirks for Trixie as she pulls a bat out of the front seat and swings to point it at her >And Sunny and Sugar immediately move to you, with Sunny dropping to your side and wrapping a blanket around you while Sugar stands, partially obscuring you >You grip at the fabric and immediately feel Sunny's warmth contrasting with the winterstorm chill >Above you, your short friend gives you a small smile as she pulls out her revolvers >You should be really nervous right now, like you have no idea how this fight will actually go down, especially after last time, but >This is a totally cool set up >Indy steps forward, nodding to Sour and Lem >"How do you two fight?" >"Quick n dirty." >"Slow and steady." >"Ah..." Indy props her bat over her shoulder. "This'll be fun...!" >Indy, flanked by Sour and Lem, all stop ten feet from Trixie and her boys >Lem holds both fists up and in front of herself >Sour traces her knife through the cold air >Indy taps her bat. "You dorks ready?" >Trixie raises her hands, fingers splayed out, and smirks >"Go." >Snips and Snails immediately charge your friends, going for wide power attacks each >Which is unfortunate, given their aim- >Bang! >FUCK >You can't even make a noise >No one does at first >Until the taller boy grabs at his upper arm. "Fug..." He pulls his hand away, and you can't see blood. Just tattered bits of mage armor retethering to him >He scowls and glares at Sugar >Sugar leans to the side, and twirls her gun in one small hand >Same model as when things went wrong... No blood? >Weird >Snails, you think his name is, roars out in his dorky preteen voice and charges alongside Snips, straight toward Sugar >Sour screams back at them, running to meet them halfway, with Indy close behind her, hollering out her own battlecry >"Hell fucking yeah!" >Lem stays behind, her gaze darting from one combatant to another >Once she seems satisfied, she runs around the forming melee, rounding for Trixie >Sugar draws her other revolver, and with a flourish of a twirl in both hands, points into the melee with both >And then there's you and Sunny, sitting in the snow together, watching >Sunny is rubbing the back of your head and upper back, so this is nice >Sour is the first to hit, with her startlingly savage swipes, she rakes through the air at Snips as quick as she can, and the minion could only block and parry with his wooden bat, which thanks to the magic being torn to shreds and reforming, doesn't break >Indy, just a split second behind her, whips her bat back and forth >Every time she swings, a loud 'thwack' responds, and mage armor splats out into the air and back again >Snips, being a good henchman, takes the clobbering, and he and his other Boy switch to the offensive immediately, both going to swing out at your friends >One wooden bat, one short crowbar, both laced with magic... What could go wrong? >The tall boy sings, the short boy jabs >Indy deftly dodges her attacker, snow flying behind her as she slides away "Oh shit, what up!? That all you got?" >The tall boy wasn't having any luck >But >Metal tenderizes flesh, and sour screams out at the stout boy's successful power swing >"Fuck!" A dark tone invades her words, "I'm gonna kill you!" >"Heh, ya pissed her off now." Indy rounds through the snow and kicks the tall boy in the back, sending him sprawling with a cry >"Huh?" The short boy took his eye off Sour for one second >Which was one too many >Sour unleashed a scream and sliced through the air fast enough to displace the falling snow, chopping and stabbing at Snips' mage armor, tearing it to shreds as fast as it could reform >And with every slice, her voice grew louder and louder until she was screaming incoherent nonsense in a frenzy >As for Trixie... >You look around the four fighters and Sugar's slim legs >Trixie is putting all her magic into ducking and dodging away from Lem, who's keeping careful pace while snapping off quick punches >At some point, Lem discarded her winter jacket and school vest, so she's just pivoting forward in a tank top and skirt >She's... She's ripped. If Trixie wasn't wearing mage armor, you'd actually be worried for her safety >"No!" >The short boy rips your attention away >His mage armor is in shreds, only the bits Sour couldn't slice away at are left, and his leather jacket is in a similar state, exposing a tee and some superficial cuts "S-Sour?" >She stops and half looks at you while the kid edges back "I-If he w-wants to run, l-let him." You nod to Indy, who has her foot against Snail's back "Y-you, too." >Sour's shoulders sag and she sighs >She glares down at Snips and squats in front of him. "Hear that?" >Snips nods, snot and tears running down his face as he rolls to his hands and knees and finally starts running along with his friend >You let out a deep sigh >Good, you scared them off... >You look back over toward Trixie >Lem is slowly stalking her still, moving two steps at a time to keep Trixie just barely in range but not getting close enough for any of her tricks >You glance at Sunny, who's still rubbing the back of your head >She gives you a confused look, but doesn't stop you from standing "T-Trixie." >You realign your glasses and pull your hair out of your face, not bothering to tie up a bun at the moment. Instead, you just wrap yourself tighter in your blanket as you walk >Lem seems to notice you >So she backs off, watching you >Trixie only just now notices your approach >You don't have to look back to know that your friends are following >When you get to a certain point, Trixie starts backing up and away from you >"So, you think you've beaten Trixie? Six on one... Fair from your perspective, Trixie would assume, with your warped sense of right and wrong, Sparkle!" >Trixie whips a Dark hand forward and- Bang >She grabs it in her other, hissing in pain >You glance over at Sugar, who's holding a smoking revolver at her side >You hold out a hand and look across your friends >Everyone meets your gaze, and stay where they are as you step forward, removing your blanket and passing it away to Sunny "Y-you said y-you wanted to k-kill me, T-Trixie." >Trixie grits her teeth and releases her hand, clenching both hands into blue white fists which slowly burn with Darkness >"This is true, Sparkle... You've insulted Trixie- made her feel like less of a person! You deserve to feel as bad as Trixie has, and then even worse!" >You take a deep breath and pause as your foot taps Snails' bat >With a squat you grab it, holding it in both hands like a sword. "I-I want to ch-challenge you, T-Trixie." >She smirks at that. "A challenge? From the Infallible and Impervious Twilight Sparkle? You wish to have a spar with me and my arcane prowess using a mere baseball bat? Such foolishness! Gehehehe! You'd die before you made the first swing!" >You nod and take a slow step forward, ignoring some noises of protest from your friends >Indy's shutting them up. "Wait for it." "I-it'll be w-worth it." >Trixie sneers, the Dark in her hands flaring >"Do you take Trixie for a weakling!?" She screams at you, pointing one blue finger straight at you. "That she can be tossed asid-" "N-no." >Trixie pauses and you tighten your grip "I-it'll be worth e-earning your respect b-back, a-and maybe y-your friendship." You try to take a deep breath, but the icy cold forces a cough out of you. >So you go on, "I-I respect y-you, y-you've done s-so much in s-so little t-time. I-I want to see h-how you've g-grown without m-me holding y-you back." >Trixie stares at you in silence. Her face is a strange mish mash of confusion, anger, cockiness and a few other things >She raises a hand. "You want to see how Trixie has grown? To earn her respect back? Fine." >Her fingers twitch violently into a certain position, and the Dark in her hand turns from a random fire into a calm aura focused on her palm >Well, this is better than last time, right? >She focuses it all into a ball, which flies out of her hand and toward you >You flinch and swing your bat, while also closing your eyes >Smart >Not like you're a fighter anyways... >... >...you crack an eye >Snow, snow everywhere >Trixie's standing across from you >You're holding a wooden bat- Did nothing change? >You didn't die? >You look over yourself... You're fine, you're totally fine! >Did she miss? >"W-what?" >Trixie stares at you, slack jawed >She blasts you again, and again, nothing happens >She makes contact, and you feel something like a really fast balloon hitting your chest, but then nothing >Actually, you start feeling a weird hunger >Are you eating her Darkness? >You throw your head back and laugh. This is amazing! You're literally a hard counter! >You move closer as she keeps shooting you, screaming >Every shot feels like a weak slap or a thin rubber ball patting your face, and your new hunger subsides a little more >"What is this trick, Sparkle!? Trixie is most impressed, but feels cheated! Cheated I say!" >It does feel a little like cheating, just absorbing magic like this >But you don't want it to stop either, it feels good just having immunity to special magic attacks like this while doing nothing but walking >Somewhere in the back, your friends are all cheering for you and your cool magic ability >You want to cheer too, but... >You need to say something to little Trixie, really explain to her how it is >You stop in front of her and take a deep breath >She pauses her assault >You speak low so only she can hear, nice and slow "I can't... Explain why or how... But I saw you sign your contract." >Oh your voice is really deep... Sexy... >Trixie flinches, but you shake your head "No, no, Trixie... I just saw what could've been. You told me all that I'd done wrong." >Trixie silently stares into your eyes, her eyes hard, but her lips still "I saw you submit to doing horrible things just so you could have revenge on me. It's hard to explain, but I just don't want you to hurt yourself like that." >You offer a hand "No matter what's happened, I'm sorry. I know it doesn't count for much, just saying it, but I mean it." >Trixie stares down at your hand "I'm really trying to change, and I'd like to do anything to prove that." >She takes your hand, frowning >You grin >She headbutts you! >And before you can fall back, she pulls you forward and does it again, slamming her forehead right into your nose >You yank your hand free and grab at your nose, checking for blood >"Trixie is still after your head, Sparkle!" >With that, a soft fist meets your gut, sending you scrambling back as your friends scream out your name >You hold up a hand "I-I got i-it!" >You back away from another poorly placed punch and prepare for probably the worst boxing match ever >Trixie holds her hands up, as do you >You stare at each other, snow falling between you as the wind starts to pick up >Trixie jumps forward, her heels clacking against the pavement as she raises her fist >But you dodge, barely, and give her an uppercut, which catches her outstretched arm >She recoils back, but uses the momentum to swing her other arm at you, catching you on your upper arm >But you've pulled your hand back from your uppercut by now, so you land a punch right to her gut, forcing the air out of her >She stumbles back, panting as she holds her belly, keeping one hand raised to fight >The sudden activity's left you a little short of breath too, as well as the gut shot she gave you >You both stare at each other, shivering in the air >A warlock without any useful spells or minions >A... Caster who doesn't know spells >Neither good at fisticuffs, but resorting to them anyway >Both standing in the freezing Frebruary air, trying to catch their breath >Trixie gulps and stands upright, rubbing at her belly >She scowls, glaring at you >You return the glare with a more neutral expression >Trixie looks down at herself >She's covered in snow, a tiny bit of blood, and scorch marks from where the Darkness wasn't hers >Trixie looks at her hands and lets her arms fall, along with her illusion >Her real look makes you smile >She's kind of cute, in a scrawny nerd way, especially all wrapped up in sexy spandex and fishnet >She looks back up at you and raises her hands >Snips and Snails' weapons float to her hands and she begins to walk away >Wait, that's it? "T-Trixie?" >She stops and looks back at you, a strange calm in her violet eyes >You frown. "I-I mean I-" >"Trixie knows. She's sorry for attacking you. You've eaten all of her magic, so she doesn't see a point in fighting you." >She smiles, her upper lip trembling. "You're greater and more powerful than Trixie, even still. That's why Trixie will never really..." She looks at the snow as a few tears start forming. "Why Trixie will never stop looking up to you...!" >She sniffs and sprints away >... >That was... That was sad >Obviously better than the alternative, but oops, knees >Your legs give out, just in time to be caught by Indy >She beams, chuckling. As you close your eyes, you hear her raspy voice murmuring, "Good job, bae." >"That was an excellent decision, Twiley. I feel as though Trixie, if she comes back, won't be a problem again." >You yawn as everyone clamors around you. >Yeah, good move. Good ending >Indy helps you to your feet, and she and Lem lead you back to Blue Lightning >"Ya did pretty good at punchin out with 'er too, Twifam." >You giggle at the lie as Lem eases you into the back seat >There's a bit of jostling, but everyone piles into Blue Lightning, with Lem and Indy up front, and Sugar sitting on both yours and Sunny's lap >Which is pretty okay. After today, a nice warm sit down and body pillow is pretty damn okay >You yawn and lean back, holding Sugar >"So..." Indy rouses her mount and starts rolling out >You glimpse over at her, but she's grinning as she adjusts her radio >"What do you girls wanna do? It's still a Friday night, after all." >"My father is still expecting us to join at my house for a movie. He sounded excited for me to invite so many friends at once, and everything should be set up by now, so I think that would be the best option." >You flinch, almost tossing Sugar aside "L-let's watch a m-movie!" >Everyone shares a laugh at your enthusiasm >You laugh along with them >Yeah, whatever happened, you're glad it did     http://imgur.com/49yZFua             http://imgur.com/3u5G0VK