Twilight stared, mouth agape, at the absolute last person she wanted to see. She swore she heard her heart crumple in her chest like an aluminum can.

"P-P-Principal Cinch!" Twilight stammered. "I-I-I thought you would have left for the day!"

Cinch "hmph"ed. "A principal's work is never done, Miss Sparkle," she said, with a sneer—well, it would've been a sneer on anyone else, but with Principal Cinch it was truly hard to tell. "That said, I am making my rounds before I leave, which brings me here. Not that I ever care for checking this place, but check I must." She scoffed. "So many hazards in here..."

"O-oh," Twilight said, tugging awkwardly at her collar. "W-well, what can I do for you?"

Cinch didn't answer. Instead she brushed past Twilight, and strode around the small laboratory, a file folder under one arm. Her gaze passed over every single item, as if ticking off some internal checklist. Finally, she stopped in the middle of the room and faced Twilight full on.

"We both know why I am here. What are you doing here, Miss Sparkle?" she said.

"W-w-well, I-I came to take inventory of my old lab before I finally clean it out over the weekend," Twilight said, forcing her teeth not to chatter. "That way you can get this room back. I'm sorry I was so late about it. I had to acclimate myself to my new school, and—"

"Ahh, yes," Cinch cut in. "I received your message regarding your 'intent to transplant' your lab from here to Canterlot High." Cinch glowered down at Twilight, and grinned. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid there's been a change of plans."

Lightning flashed outside, casting Cinch in harsh, jagged shadows. Twilight took a step back. "W-what do you mean?"

"What I mean is this: I remember your 'cleanout reservation,'" Cinch said, and Twilight was certain the woman was sneering now. "But, back when you applied for your transfer, I took a look in here, and realized something rather... profound."

Cinch stalked through the room, her fingers touching equipment and items as she spoke. "So much here—your blueprints, your inventions—was made possible with Crystal Prep provided equipment. Crystal Prep instruction. Crystal Prep budget." She grabbed the beaker of the leftover pudding and lifted it up for examination. "Knowing this, I then thought: would that not make the contents of this room Crystal Prep property?" She slammed the beaker down next to her.

A stake hit Twilight's heart. "I... I-I don't think that's quite how that works, Princi—"

"It doesn't matter what you think in this school, Twilight Sparkle!" Cinch snapped. "Not anymore. And the school board already agrees with my conclusion."

She opened the file folder, and thrust a stapled pile of papers at Twilight's chest. Twilight nearly dropped them, but managed to turn the pile around to read. Most of the legalese was a blur, but Twilight got the gist: Cinch was right. The school board was not on her side. Twilight rubbed her eyes, her head swimming, her breath tight in her chest.

"It's astonishing what just a little bit of influence can accomplish, isn't it?" Cinch sneered. "In fact, I see in this room exactly one thing which does not belong to Crystal Prep Academy at all—and she took that status of her own volition." Cinch flicked the papers in Twilight's grasp, and they fell to the floor.

"Now, I have students to loan this laboratory out to. Actual, loyal, Crystal Prep students, who know a good thing when they see it." Cinch pulled herself to ramrod-straight height and snarled, "And who know not to bite the hand that feeds them!"

Twilight could only hear the thud of her heartbeat. This couldn't be happening. It had to be some—some terrible mistake!

"B-but they won't know what to do with it!" Twilight protested. She gestured around the room. "None of this is theirs! This..."

Cinch didn't reply, just glared down her nose at Twilight. Twilight closed her eyes, trying to hold back tears, and whispered, "...Principal Cinch, this room is everything I am."

Cinch chuckled and canted her head back. "Indeed. How deliciously ironic: even in self-imposed exile, your legacy will endure—and serve my school well."

Twilight felt the tears building at the corners of her eyes. She stared imploringly up at Cinch.

The authoritarian sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Hmmph. Well, I am not without a little heart," she said, disgusted. "Crystal Prep is a large school, and my rounds take quite some time. So, after I leave, you may… do whatever final, sentimental, things you feel you need to do.

"But know this: I will indeed be here over the weekend. Thus, I will be back here in the morning, and when I am..." She bent over and got right in Twilight's face. "...you had best not be."

Twilight hiccuped in response.

Cinch straightened herself up, smoothed her blouse and walked out. Stopping at the door, she added, "Oh, and we've already taken inventory of everything in the room. I will know if you try to steal anything on your way out."

She slammed the door behind her.

And Twilight broke down.

————

Twilight didn't see Sunset re-enter the room, nor did she see Sunset utterly freak out upon seeing her crumpled form, sobbing on the floor. It wasn't until Twilight felt two soft hands clutch her shoulders tightly that she remembered where she was.

And who she was with.

Thank goodness.

"Twilight," Sunset said, urgently. "Twilight! What happened?"

Twilight tried to explain, but all that came out was, "Prin... Principal Cinch..."

"She was here?" Sunset gave Twilight a gentle shake. "What did she say? Twilight, seriously, what hap—"

Sunset caught a glimpse of the papers that Twilight had dropped earlier. She picked up a few of them and looked them over. "'School Board'... 'power vested in us'... 'turn over sole possession of all contents of Back Room 1B to'—"

Sunset's eyes went wide, and she crumpled the papers in a fierce grip. Her eyes were practically aflame.

"Where is she?!" Sunset roared, balling her fists. "I'm going to break her face! Well, I'll just break her glasses, but they'll be conveniently on her face! She has absolutely no right—"

"That's just it," Twilight said, weakly. She rolled over, leaning against her work ta—her former work table. "This is what Principal Cinch does. She makes her own rights." She sagged. "She always has."

"Bullshit!" Sunset banged the table, causing every test tube and beaker on it to rattle or jump. "This is yours!" She swept her arm around, encompassing the whole room, and knocking over a pile of nearby notebooks. "All of it! You worked for it, and you did absolutely nothing wrong, and you're still getting crap for it? That is not how this works! I—"

"Sunny?..." Twilight whispered.

Sunset froze. She looked down at Twilight.

"You're—you're saying everything I'm thinking. And I-I wish—I wish we could do something. B-But it... it won't matter who any of this belongs to... if it all ends up broken. Right?" She looked up at Sunset, forlorn.

Sunset blinked and looked down at her hands. She let out a deep exhale. "You're... you're right. Wow... I actually saw red." She knelt down and rested a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "I'm sorry. It just... for a second there it felt like no matter what world I go to, it's always the same: we brainy types always get the short shrift." Sunset exhaled again. "But you're right. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I blew up like that. Especially around you."

Twilight reached up and squeezed Sunset's hand. "Don't be sorry. Like I said, I feel the same way." She sighed, and looked around the room. "My... my experiments... my inventions... my life..." Twilight felt her throat close up. She sniffled, once, twice—then fresh tears left her, unbidden and uncontrollable.

Sunset sat down next to Twilight and wrapped her arms around her. Pulling her against her chest, she stroked Twilight's head. Before long, tears tracked down Sunset's face too, plinking into Twilight's hair, trailing onto her face and mixing with her tears.

Twilight knew why. Of anyone she knew, Sunset would feel this blow as strongly as she did. She would understand what Twilight lost.

They lay like that for a long time, until, finally, Twilight had no more tears left to cry. As Twilight lay against Sunset, hiccuping and sniffing, Sunset kissed the top of her head.

"This sucks," Sunset said, rubbing at her own eyes. "Come on. Let's get some air."

————

Outside was dusk, and Twilight could feel a light drizzle. At some point, the storm must have petered out. Meanwhile, the campus was completely deserted, every window dark, save the sole light coming from her la—her former lab's window. Ugh. Twilight did not look forward to getting used to that.

The two walked quietly, hand in hand, through dew-laden grass as they collected their thoughts.

"Air helping?" Sunset asked.

"A little," Twilight said. Her breathing had gone back to normal, and she didn't feel like she was going to throw up anymore. However, her face felt stiff and creaky, and she was still sniffling a bit.

Trying to take her mind off her woes, she looked around. "You know, it's... been awhile since I've seen the school like this. During some of my later nights, I'd be one of the only people left on campus." She sighed, and smiled a little. "But the last time that happened was months ago. I forgot how peaceful this place is without hordes of students rushing around."

Sunset looked up at the building's gleaming crystal-covered structure. "Yeah, it does have a kind of silent... majesty? I could almost bring myself to respect it." She paused and half-smiled at Twilight. "No offense."

Twilight sighed. "None taken. I actually have a lot of fond memories here. They just don't usually involve other people. Except for Dean Cadance. Or my brother. When he was around."

Sunset gasped, and snapped her fingers. "Hey, maybe they can help us! This school's dean seemed nice enough, and your brother's an alumnus. We need to call them. Heck, we'll tell Principal Celestia. Vice Principal Luna. We'll get the other girls!" Her fiery eyes returned, and Sunset slammed her fist into her palm. "We'll fight this! And we won't stop. You hear me, Twilight?" She looked straight into Twilight's eyes. "I won't stop."

Twilight wiped some stray drizzle from her glasses and sighed. "When you say it like that... it's almost enough to make me forget just how much of our lives she controls." Twilight stared back at the school. "Or, at least, could if she wanted to."

Sunset shook her head. "I refuse to believe she has that much—"

"Do you remember what happened when Principal Cinch caught a hint of your magic, Sunset?" Twilight said, her voice suddenly distraught.

Sunset stopped. "Yeah," Sunset replied. "She tried to control it."

"Exactly. So, do you know the only reason she's not after that magic and anyone who uses it right now?" Twilight said. "The only reason this hasn't blown up in all of our faces? It's because we tricked her. We tricked her into thinking she'd imagined the whole thing, and that no one would believe her. If we hadn't, then she would've marched up to Canterlot High with... with so many people, and it would've been my fault!"

"Twilight..." Sunset tried.

"She has friends in every single high place imaginable, and holds one of those high places herself!"

"Twili—" Sunset tried again, a little more incredulous.

"You don't cross Abacus Cinch!" Twilight cried. "Not without consequences! Not without paying for it!" Twilight panted at Sunset, almost on the verge of tears again.

Sunset reached out and took Twilight's hand. Twilight didn't register it at first. Then, she looked down, and she felt it again. That warmth. That warmth Sunset first shared with her on that park bench long ago. That warmth which now flowed up her arm, and into her shivering heart.

With a whooshing exhale, Twilight deflated. She tentatively ran her thumb along Sunset's, feeling her presence. Feeling how close the two of them truly were.

"I'd been in Cinch's good graces as a model student for so long that I'd forgotten." Twilight squeezed Sunset's hand. "Not anymore, though. I know what she's capable of now, and I don't want our friends to get hurt by her. I don't—" Twilight looked into Sunset's eyes. "I don't want her to take you away... from me."

Sunset blinked at Twilight, stunned. Twilight looked away. They watched the drizzle sprinkle the campus, still holding hands.

"Okay," Sunset said, voice level and soft. "Okay. If we can't challenge her head-on, then... we'll think of something else. Something that doesn't involve crossing her."

"Thank you," Twilight croaked, squeezing Sunset's hand again.

"You're welcome," Sunset replied. "But can I give one piece of advice? Just from someone who, you know, also once thought power was everything."

Twilight sniffled and nodded.

Sunset took Twilight's other hand and faced her. "I know what you're trying to do," she said, earnestly. "And, believe me, no one's more grateful than me. But I, and the others, can take care of ourselves. No matter how much power Cinch thinks she has, we'll always have something she doesn't: each other."

She squeezed Twilight's hands, gently, and a new pulse of warmth shot up them. It made Twilight's heart flutter and her cheeks flush. Cinch didn't feel as big any more with that warmth nestled in her chest.

Twilight looked up at the spires of Crystal Prep. They sparkled subtly in the rain's drizzle. Yet even the dazzling sight was nothing like the warmth she felt from Sunset. Crystal Prep was pretty and impressive from a distance—but Twilight knew that up close, it was a cold, unforgiving place, where only someone like Principal Abacus Cinch could be in power.

"You're right," Twilight murmured. "The sooner I cut ties from this place and… her, the better off I'll be."

"That's my girl," Sunset said, squeezing her hands one last time. She pulled Twilight close, hugging her from the side. "I knew you had it in you."

"What? The ability to give up on everything I've ever made as a scientist?" Twilight said, sarcastically.

"Nope. To be brave." Sunset pointed at Crystal Prep with her chin. "You could've caved, begged Cinch to let you back in, so you could keep your lab and your notes. Instead? You're moving on."

Sunset smiled. "I know something about putting your past behind you, and the bravery it takes. So, yeah, Twilight Sparkle. You're not giving up. You're facing this head on, even if you're sad and scared to. That's bravery, through and through. And it's something to be proud of."

Twilight blushed. She was at a complete loss as to how to respond. Instead, she just looked down and held Sunset's hands—held onto her warmth.

They stood like that for a time, until Twilight's eyes drifted back to the school. She lingered, watching it warily. As if it might strike at her again.

"I know I just have to step away..." Twilight said, "but wow, that first step's a doozy." She shivered, breaking contact with Sunset to hug herself. Sunset rubbed her arms. "So many research notes... formulas... blueprints... the computer alone... oh gosh, I'm starting from near zero, Sunset. I've got nothing. Everything I did in that place was for—"

"Stop." Sunset tilted Twilight's face to hers. "Don't look back. You do not have nothing. Remember? Cinch only has that power if you let her. So, Twilight Sparkle, you are not starting from scratch. You're starting from here. With your friends... and, with me."

"R-right. You're right, of course." Twilight blushed. "Sorry," she murmured.

"It's okay," Sunset said, pulling her into a tight hug. "I know how big of a hit this was. And you're weathering a lot here, but you don't have to weather it alone."

"Because I've got you," Twilight whispered, balling her hands in Sunset's shirt.

"Exactly," Sunset whispered back.

"Sunset? Can... can I ask a favor?"

Sunset nodded. "Absolutely anything."

"Can you… can you help me rebuild?" Twilight asked, looking into Sunset's eyes imploringly. "So much of my life's work really was in that lab. I'll need someone to remind me this isn't the end of the world now and again."

Sunset redoubled the hug. "I'm so glad you asked. Whenever you need someone to talk to, someone to hold, or heck, even someone just to shuffle beakers... I'm your girl."

Twilight sighed happily and hugged back, shifting into an outright cuddle against the warmest, unshakeable, immovable rock she knew. She wanted to keep holding Sunny forever, under the softest sheets, the biggest blankets, of the warmest bed possible. Or, failing that, she reasoned, her own bed would work just as well.

But this cold, drizzling night would have to do. She leaned into Sunset, and Sunset cradled Twilight against her, carding her fingers lovingly through Twilight's hair.

"You are, aren't you?" Twilight finally asked, her voice near to a whisper.

"I'm what?" Sunset asked.

"You're my girl," Twilight said, peeking up out of their embrace.

Sunset laughed. "Let's just say it's taking all of my willpower not to spray paint our initials all over this stuffy, shiny, spotless school." Sunset replied.

Twilight grinned. "I dare you."

"Ohhhh, no you don't. I'm trying to keep us out of trouble. And happy. Because one totally gets in the way of the other."

"Awww." Twilight drew her face an inch closer. "Well, if you're so dedicated to the cause, there is one thing that would make me very happy right now..."

"Oh, really?" Sunset purred.

"Mm-hmm," Twilight replied, just before lips met lips... and then opened, allowing Sunset's tongue to slide against hers.

The rain started to pick up again, and light, misty drops became fat, wet splatters. Rainwater soaked into their hair, cascaded over their faces, and nestled in every crook between them. Neither girl cared.

And Twilight couldn't help but note that unknown futures didn't seem nearly so scary in the middle of a kiss.

They eventually parted, for air as much as because they felt the start of a chill from the rain. Arm in arm, they looked out towards the what they could see of the nearby downtown cityscape through the renewed storm.

"I can hardly believe it," Twilight said. "Today was supposed to be one of the best days of my life. What happened?"

"Life happened. It does that." Sunset gently pushed Twilight's head to rest on her shoulder. "Eventually you learn not to expect happiness... but to take it wherever you can get it."

"Wish they taught that in books," Twilight said, with a sigh.

"So does everybody else, Twilight," Sunset replied. "So does absolutely everybody else."