Yawning echoed off the walls of the house of Officer Starknight as she awoke in the darkness of her bedroom. Feeling a crick inside her neck, she pulled herself out underneath the covers of her bed and gave a few twists of her head. About a minute of this passed before she felt satisfied enough to get up and freshen herself up. Cool air ran across her skin like a hairbrush going along her hair as the covers on her body slid off. Ignoring the coldness on her body, she got off the bed before giving a stretch to adjust the bones in her limbs.

“Holy Cow! Now that was a deep sleep!” Starknight sighed to herself while scratching one of her arms. “I can’t believe how different I feel when sleeping without my pajamas. Probably would’ve done this sooner if I’d known the effects of that.”

Grunting, Starknight flipped her hair behind her neck and trudged to the bathroom to get rid of the sleepiness. Flicking the light on, she went to the sink to turn the water on to wash and freshen up with a flew splashes to the face. A sigh left the woman as she locked eyes with her reflection in the bathroom mirror, taking in her tired appearance.

“Girl…” She said groggily rubbing at the bags underneath her eyes. “You seriously need a better job than this.”

Having had enough of eyeing her worn out facial features, Starknight began getting herself ready for a shower. She was a few seconds away from turning on the shower water before she heard a ringing sound. A ringing that could’ve only come from the one electronic item that she spent the most time on. Grabbing her towel from the towel rack she quickly wrapped it around her body and headed back into her bedroom.

“Blasted it!” Starknight groaned, as she followed the sound “What now?! Can’t I be left alone to take my shower in peace?!” Starknight headed towards her bed, quickly finding her phone sitting in its normal place on her nightstand next to her bed.

Reaching for her phone, she snatched it up and looked at the screen where the Caller Identification was. Much to her dismay, she saw that it was Canterlot Child Protective Services; one of the two places she did not want her calling her after she just woke up. Huffing like a bull getting increasingly annoyed, she pressed the answer button and put it next to her ear.

“Hello?” She asked, trying to hold back as much of her crankiness as she could, she thought to herself as she held the small phone against her ear. ‘This had better be important.’

“Hello is this officer Starknight?” A professional and feminine, yet familiar voice politely replied. “This is Rosy Petal with Canterlot Child Protective Services”.

“Yes, this is Starknight.” She replied adding, “Why are you calling me at this hour?”

Hearing some papers shuffle around in the background and typing on a keyboard she waited for a few minutes before getting a reply.

“I wanted you to know Officer Starknight that I-” Mrs. Petal began only to be interrupted by Starknight

“Please just call me Starknight, Mrs. Petal. I don’t really like it when someone from a branch of law enforcement calls me ‘officer’ every time I interact with them” Starknight quickly added, “I’m sorry for the interruption. Were you calling to let me know that you scheduled an appointment for Snips Sheldon?”

“Yes, I did.” Rosy replied, her tone holding no offense at being interrupted. “I talked it over with the rest of my colleagues and I have scheduled a date for it. I will be conducting the interview myself on Monday the 8th of August at four in the afternoon.”

‘So… it’ll be held a week from now.’ Starknight thought, sitting down on the edge of her mattress as the images of Snip’s guardians came back into her mind. Holding the phone a little tighter. she almost snarled into it. “If you ask me, it should be held the very next day considering what I saw while I was out there.” Taking a breath she thought, ‘Not like I can really make them do anything about it but still.’

“Listen I know you want us to jump right into this,” Mrs. Petal’s voice came with a note of concern and slight annoyance at being told how to do her job “But there are protocols and procedures that I have to follow.”

“Are you sure there isn’t any other time or way that you can conduct this interview Mrs. Petal ?” Starknight asked worriedly while feeling somewhat irritated.

“I am sure.” Mrs. Petal sharply replied before taking a breath and continuing. “My colleagues are all swamped with other cases and I-”

“I understand.” Starknight, having heard enough interrupted her “Thank you for scheduling the appointment”, closing her eyes, Starknight put her face in her free hand, ignoring the feeling of her towel falling off her ample body she thought. ‘Please don’t let my fears be true.’

“It’s going to be alright, officer. I know it seems bad now” She heard Mrs. Petal say into the phone, the sound of her voice snapping Starknight back to her current situation. “C.C.P.S will make sure if Snips Sheldon is in danger, we’ll do our jobs. I promise”.

‘Oh great you just reneged on saying you would help’. Starknight thought as she continued to think about Snips, she heard typing in the background choosing to refocus her attention on the conversation she said out loud, “Is there anything else that you need Ms. Petal ?”

“Yes, there is. I will need you to get me Ms. Sunset Shimmer’s address.” Rosy Petal replied. “You mentioned that there was a potential runaway, but I did not have her information at the time of the report being made. If you could let me know her address, I can proceed further with this investigation.”

“Sure, but I’ll have to do that at work. I don’t have the means to look that information up here at home.” Starknight grumbled. “Speaking of ‘home’, how did you get this number? It isn’t supposed to be listed.”

“I tried to call you back earlier today about the scheduled appointment, but I couldn’t reach you.” Rosy Petal replied casually. “I called your police precinct, and your police captain gave me your number.”

“I see.” Starknight murmured, her tone synchronizing with the irritation on her face. “Is that all for now Mrs. Petal ?”

“One more thing Starknight. I will also need either you or another officer to accompany me to the interview, but you may not interfere unless a threat is clear and present.” Rosy added with a firm undertone, “The interview will be conducted at Snips Sheldon's home. You may be in the room with me if you so choose but again, I must ask that you do not interfere at all.”

“Alright, thank you. I’ll be sure to be on time.” Glancing at her clock she noticed it was three ten in the afternoon. Realizing she needed to go, she hurriedly tried to conclude the call. “If there is nothing else. I need to get going so I won’t be late for work.”

“As far as I know there is nothing else that I will need from you.” Rosy calmly stated, “I’ll call you a half hour before the interview to make sure you're still able to make it. Please have a second police officer on standby in case you are not able to make it. Have a good day Officer Starknight.”

“You too…” Starknight said back with as much politeness as she could muster. “I’ll see you next Monday.”

Hearing the click go off on the other end, Starknight set her phone down, taking a minute to take in what was discussed. A mixture of thoughts swirled in her mind like an aquatic spout of water as she tried registering all that she had seen the previous night regarding her fears in regard to Snip’s home life. What stood out most was her unlisted phone number being given without permission. By the person who she should’ve trusted not to give unless Starknight herself said otherwise. It was not known to her why her captain decided to do it, but she could only guess it was for the reason Rosy Petal said. A sense of hurt and betrayal was still left in Starknight from this revelation, and Starknight had every intention of chewing her captain out for it.

‘Just when I thought I had enough on my plate… now I have this!’ Starknight thought, getting up and grabbing her towel. Wrapping it around her, she returned to her bathroom to take her shower. ‘I don’t understand why he would do this. He knows my phone number is to be lent out by me and me alone! What in the actual hell does he think he is doing?!’ She thought as the hot water ran down her naked body. A half hour later, she found herself dressed and ready to leave for work. ‘Captain you and I will SO be discussing this!’

---

Contrary to stopping at almost every red light on the way to her work, Starknight was able to get to the precinct much quicker than anticipated. Nothing she thought of could pinpoint exactly how she was able to accomplish such a feat in the angry state of mind she was in. Not that the woman was complaining, since it allowed her more time to accomplish what she planned to do sooner. The biggest one to get to the very bottom of the usage of her private number by her captain.

Officers left and right gave stares at Starknight as she stomped her way through the halls of the Canterlot Police Department One Twelve Precinct. The lack of much talking from them allowed them to hear the sharp taps of her shoes meeting the floor. Just from the way she walked they could all tell she was very annoyed, and they all had an inkling as to who was the target.

“Oh, hello Starknight!” Officer Winter Skies greeted warmly as the women came to his front desk. “You’re getting in a little bit later than normal, aren’t you? What brings you here this late in the afternoon?”

“Yes I am but that is how things are now I have some urgent business to attend to. Part of it being with the captain.” Starknight replied quickly but, calmly, having taken a breath to soothe herself. “Have there been any messages left for me?”

Looking up from his work he blinked a few times saying, “Oh, yes there were. A few calls for you, but I told them that you weren’t in at the moment. I’ll get your messages and bring them to your desk.”

Starknight nodded “Thank you. I’ll be sure to look at them when they’re sent. Is the captain in?”

Not looking up while he sorted through a pile of papers, he nodded his reply. Turning to her left, she walked down a small hallway past several desks towards the locker rooms where police gear was put and stored. Getting there a few moments later, she proceeded to her locker, opening it, and taking her uniform. Setting it down on the bench she changed out of her civilian clothing into her uniform quickly. Looking up she grabbed her duty belt, wrapped it around her waist and buckled it tight. Taking out her Glock Twenty-Two Forty Caliber, she checked the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds, before placing it into her holster on her right hip. Once she was sure it was secure, she reached back into her locker taking out her Ruger LC9. She placed it into a hostler strapped to her left leg and closed her locker before heading back towards the front of the precinct.

“Excuse me, Spring Gemstone.” She said to another officer behind a desk when she got back up front. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask. What time does my shift end today?”’

Looking up from her work, the seasoned officer Spring Gemstone with a few blank blinks of her rose-colored eyes picked up a large black folder next to her and opened it. She then looked up at Starknight before saying, “According to this you are getting off at around four in the morning Sergeant. But uh, shouldn’t you already know what time your shift ends sergeant?”

“I just wanted to check to make sure of that.” Starknight replied with a light hand wave. “I’ll call dispatch in a few minutes to clock in. Before I do… I need to have a little talk with the captain.”

Ignoring the wince Spring Gemstone gave, Starknight made a beeline to the captain's office, getting there in less than a few minutes. Noticing that his office door was open, she knocked on its frame to get his attention. Hearing the knock, he looked up from his desk offering Starknight a warm smile as she entered his office. She heard him say, “Ah, good! Please come in my nie--er--I mean Sergeant. To what do I owe this meeting?”

“Hello Unc--er--I mean Captain.” Starknight replied softly, doing her best to compose herself for what she would to say next. “I’m sorry for interrupting whatever you were working on, but there is something very important I need to talk to you about.”

Duke’s brow raised at this. “Oh really? Is it tied to the Snips Sheldon Case?”

“Partially, yes… what I wanted to know was why you gave my phone number to C.C.P.S?” Entering his office, Starknight closed the door as she continued on, feeling her anger return. “My number and my home address are supposed to be private sir. It is my place to let go from outside of work and whenever I have my days off. It doesn’t make any sense for you of all people to do something like this!”

Both sides of the Captain's lips went down into a frown as if two invisible fish hooks were tugging on them. It wasn’t the slightest bit surprising to him that his niece would be coming to him about this. Her number being lent to someone outside of her own fruition and given to someone else she had no idea had it. He’d honestly be upset too if someone had done the same to him, and he would surely do what Starknight was already doing now. Guilty as he felt, he knew he’d need to give his segreant a proper explanation for his actions. If not to calm his niece down.

“While I can understand your reason for being a bit upset, you also need to understand that C.C.P.S has called here ten times trying to find you.” Duke replied, getting up from behind his desk with a sigh. “I agree with you that your home is your home and that I shouldn’t have given out your home phone number without permission. However, when I learned that the Sheldon’s were involved, I thought it best to---”

“Invade my personal privacy?!” Starknight bitterly snapped in reply, “Seriously Captain, what in the world were you thinking?! You are the one person that I trust not to do such a thing like this! I get that it was because you wanted Mrs. Petal to get back to me about the Sheldon Case, but still! Do you know how hurt I felt when she told me that?! How could you?!”

‘So… Mrs. Petal said I gave Starknight’s personal phone number. I guess I shouldn’t be shocked by that.’ Duke thought with a look to the side. ‘My niece would be suspicious of why someone she doesn’t know has her personal number without her knowledge. I really should have thought this through more. No turning back now.’

“Are you going to answer me or what?” Her gruff voice brought him back to reality.

“Yes, you’re right… I should’ve been the one you should’ve trusted more than anyone here not to do something like this. Even if it was to help out with the case, it was still your number and yours to do with as you see fit.” Duke said, his remorse filled eyes looking into his niece’s own indignant ones. “I should’ve waited until you at least came back here so you and Ms. Petal could talk about the case here rather than at your home. I hope you can forgive me for this act.”

Starknight, taking note of the guilt in her uncle’s eyes, let her anger go with a sigh. “…Look Captain, I’m not that mad. I’m just …disappointed. I mean… that was my number. It was supposed to be given by me and me alone. No one else has a right to it but me, and you took that away.”

“I did, and there’s no excuse.” He agreed, not even bothering to skirt around how bad what he did was. “Nothing I can say can make up for that breach of trust. I’ll understand if you’ll have a hard time trusting me forward.”

It was now Starknight’s turn for her own lips to go into a frown unlike that of her captain’s. Angry as she was with her uncle about what he did, it didn’t stop her from seeing how guilty he was with all of this. One thing that she respected about her uncle was that he never tried to downplay all that he did to someone. Be it with friends, family or her, no one was given a pass and her uncle went out of his way to not hold back how much he had messed up.

It was no surprise to her because of this that her captain wasn't trying to dance around the issue. Not that it would make sense anyway since it was one of his relatives, he unintentionally betrayed. Even with this in mind, Starknight still felt that he needed to be given a nice scolding for this stunt. Regardless of whether or not it was to give help for a case they were all involved with in some way.

“It’s definitely going to be hard for me to forgive you for this Captain… but that doesn’t mean that I don’t trust you anymore. I get that it was because of what’s going on right now, but you could’ve at least asked me before giving Ms. Petal my number.” Starknight murmured, crossing her arms underneath her breasts. “I’ll let it slide this time, since it was for a reason regarding the runaway that I lost last night, but please do better. I’m someone who values my privacy deeply and hates it when my privacy or trust is breached. And you know how I get when something like that happens.”

“Believe me, I know that like the back of my own hand.” Duke said while holding back a shiver. “I promise that I’ll be sure to get your consent first before doing this again.”

“You’d better, or else it’ll be more than my trust that’ll be lost.” Starknight growled, slits forming in her eyes as she narrowed them.

“Noted.” Nervousness filled the cough that left Duke before he changed the subject. “Now I have a few new assignments for you and the rest of the team involving a few matters. I was going to wait until you got here to hand them out. Since you’re here though, I’ll be able to do it quicker. But I have a favor I need to ask of you beforehand.”

“Let me guess you want me to gather everyone in a single file line like school graders? That way you won’t have to go to them one by one?” Starknight asked casually, receiving no answer only a slight nod from her captain she added quickly. “Alright, give me about five minutes and I’ll have them all ready for you.”

“I’ll give you ten minutes instead as a way to make up for giving out your personal information.” The Captain said as he watched Starknight turn towards the door and begin to head out of it. “Having more time helps to get important stuff done at a quicker pace after all.”

“Might wanna add helping to get more sleep with that one.” Starknight countered before closing the door behind her. Sighing to herself, Starknight called out to all those who were within earshot of her voice, “Alright everyone head over to the Briefing Room now!”

Everyone within earshot of her stopped what they were doing and headed for the briefing room with Starknight walking close behind them. Stopping from time to time at each desk and room to make sure all the officers who didn’t overhear her knew where to go. The captain watched all this from his office with a smirk on his face Starknight could be seen ushering officer after officer to the briefing room some gave her grief others headed there quickly and quietly. Still, she managed to get all who needed to be there into the room in record time.

‘Looks like she was able to get everyone there on time.’ Sighing, Duke reached to his phone and began dialing a number. ‘All that’s left now is to call Lucy and tell her that I’ll have to cancel dinner tonight.’

Picking up his phone, he dialed a number and waited for a few minutes as he prepared the words he did not want to use. Soon enough, he heard Ms. Sheldon’s soft voice over the phone.

“Hello, this is Lucy Sheldon. How may I help you?”

“Hello, Lucy, it's Duke Whiskers.” Duke began after clearing his throat. “I am calling to let you know I have an update regarding our dinner date.”

“Oh, why hello Duke! It’s nice to hear from you today! I was wondering when you were going to call.” Lucy chirped, sounding happy to hear from him. “What about our dinner date? Is there something that came up?”

Hearing doorbells chiming and people talking in the background, Duke turned his office chair and looked out his office window. Watching cars drive past the precinct. Turning back around he proceeded to open his desk drawers one by one shuffling papers, files, paper clips, and pencils around. Finding what he was looking for he took out a silver cigar case, placing it on the top of his desk. Feeling his pockets with his left hand, he took out from his vest pocket his cigar cutter and a box of matches.

“Unfortunately, yes… an issue has come up that needs my attention.” Duke explained. “I’m sorry for this. I didn’t wanna wait until the last second to let you know beforehand.”

“Well… that is a shame. Snips was looking forward to seeing you again” He heard Ms. Sheldon replied, her own tone sounding almost just as sad, “Will we at least be able to see you this Saturday then?”

Picking up one of his cigars and cutting in it with his cigar cutter, Duke placed it between his lips before taking out his lighter and lighting the cigar. Blue steel smoke circled up and twirled above his head puffs of smoke came from his lips billowing forward like a chimney that had not yet been swept out for many years.

“Yes, though I am not sure what time.” He said, taking in a breath before exhaling the smoke out. “I do have some free time Saturday, so I can take the day before that to think of a proper time that we can meet up. I need to make sure everyone has called dispatch and clocked in on time.”

“I understand.” Lucy replied soothingly. “I appreciate you telling me early on about this setback you have. I would’ve liked to see you earlier, but I can work with this. Snips and I will have to wait just a little bit longer. Is there anything else you need to tell me?”

“No, that was all I wanted to let you know about.” Duke concluded. “I must get going now. I have a rookie showing up here later on today. That in unto itself will take up most of my time tonight and the rest of the week as well.”

“Okay dearie. Have a good night. I’ll tell Snips you said hello. Take care of yourself!” Lucy said as a click came just a second later.

Closing his eyes, Duke lowered the phone to his desk and let out a breath. Mulling over the short, yet sweet talk between himself and Lucy. He set the phone back on its holder before getting up, taking his lighter with his smoking cigar still in his mouth. Picking up a pile of folders, Duke placed them under his arm and carried them out of his office, shutting the door behind him.

‘This is going to be a long afternoon.’ He thought getting a little further down the hallway leading to the Briefing Room he continued to think. ‘I have to come up with something that will make up for this but what?’

---

Minutes after talking with his niece and girlfriend, Duke went to meet Starknight and the other officers. Pleasantness filled him like coffee being filled in a mug at seeing all the officers clocked in for work and not late. It was a bit marred by the fact hardly any of them were paying attention when entering the Briefing Room. Anger was the last thing he could feel at them as they all looked just as, if not more tired than Starknight was when she arrived. It was why he had at least three coffees before she had arrived to give him the energy needed to get through the day.

“Attention!” Starknight’s voice boomed out like a military drill sergeant upon seeing him enter the Briefing Room. All the officers came to attention their faces stern showing no sign of emotion.

“At ease officers. Let's begin, shall we?” A stern voice clipped like a coach about to give his players some bad news; Duke held up a calming demeanor. Silence swept through the crowded room as officers as their faces went to meet their Captains. “I’d first like to say that I appreciate you coming in like this. I’m sure some of you were hoping to get a good sleep or spend time with your loved ones. Alas, duty calls, and we have quite a bit to accomplish today.”

Clearing his throat, he set the pile of folders down on the podium, took out his glasses from his front shirt pocket and continued. “We have quite a few assignments and I’ll need you to do the best you can this week. Because trust me when I say this will be a tough week it shall and will be tough.”

No response was given to the Captain, but the faces they gave him spoke of what he saw many times before. Fatigue, annoyance, exhaustion and unenthusiasm for what was going to come, with Starknight’s face showing the most of it.

“Now for the first order of business. We have a new rookie coming in going by the name of Moonstonewho should be arriving in the next few minutes.” Duke explained, seeing a few faces of the officers’ ears perk up a bit. “Officer Starknight, you will be in charge of showing him the ropes for the next few months. If you feel like he’s efficient enough to be working all on his own, that’s great until then however, you will be his T.O. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir.” Adding under her breath, Starknight muttered, “I’ll teach him to be here on time.”

“What was that sergeant? I didn’t quite catch what you said.” Bitterness filled her Captain's voice like cold coffee. “If you feel that you have something to add that we all should know, then please do so now.”

“No sir it was… nothing.” She quickly replied while clearing her throat. “I was just mentally reminding myself too… uh, pick up some bread and steak for dinner tonight sir.”

“…Very well let's continue, shall we?” He asked, giving his niece the stink eye before continuing on with his announcements. “As I was saying, there are some assignments that need to be given out. Berk Comet and Sky Cloud, you’ll be working undercover. Based on our intelligence, there seems to be a new type of drug called Xeno Dust hitting the streets. If you can, find out where it is coming from and put a stop to it. We can’t fail the families of those harmed by this drug.”

“Yes sir!” Both officers replied with a salute.

Handing both men their assignments he moved on to another couple. “Officers Dew Shadows, Cloudy Skies and Meadow Brooks will work traffic and the streets. A rash of auto thefts has been happening in the area, find out what is going on and who is picking up the tab for this.”

“We will sir! We won’t let you down!” Dew Shadows replied, taking the folder he opened it, glanced at the paperwork inside.

“Sir, are these cars connected to the drug case by any chance?” Cloudy Skies asked with a curious voice.

“I don’t know if they are, but if so, I need you to let me know right away.” Duke replied.

“We will sir” Meadow Brooks said, turning her attention to Cloudy she added, “Cloudy we can check with our database and then get back to the others before we hit the streets.”

“Sounds like a plan to me” He replied in full agreement.

“Glad to see you two are actually getting along for once.” Captain Duke grumbled as he went to the last few officers. “Lastly,” He stopped and headed back up front to the podium with a look of anger that could have frozen hell over. “There are fourteen missing children whose parents are demanding answers and I don’t have any to give them.”

All the officers stood pale and worried looks plastered on each of their faces all that is but for Starknight who stood with a look of pure rage on her face. Trying hard to contain her anger she closed her eyes silently counting to ten to regain her composer. Opening her eyes, she saw her Captain was looking right at her swallowing hard she opened her mouth to address him only to be cut off.

“I want Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly to work with detectives Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper to find these missing children. I can’t stress this enough ladies and gentlemen! Find those kids and bring them home safely! Failure to do so is not an option! Do I make myself clear in this matter?!”

“Yes sir!” All the assigned officers yelled out in unison.

Captain Duke Whiskers nodded approvingly. “Alright, you are all dismissed. Sergeant Starknight, you will remain here.”

As the other officer’s left the room, Starknight stood in place hoping her uncle wasn’t about to rip her a new one for her display of anger only a moment ago. She met his cold steel gray eyes with her soft blue eyes both stared at each other for what to her felt like an eternity but was in fact only a few seconds.

“I saw the look on your face. Don't think I didn’t notice it” He said firmly.

“Sir I ---” she began fumbling over her words, closing her eyes and tightening her hand. “It’s just, well, every time that I hear that a child has been taken, I … I can’t help but think-”

“I know.” He replied gently, stepping away from the podium he placed his hand on her shoulder. “I was there, remember? It won’t happen again Starknight. I know you won’t let it happen again.”

“If you will please excuse me sir, I need to get out there.” She quickly began to make her way to the door stopping just before the threshold of it. “And you’re right sir. I won’t ever let it happen again. Not EVER.’

Perhaps she chose her last words because she really was thinking of such a thing. An incident that happened so many years ago that, even now, still haunted her in her nightmares. No matter how rare or occasional it became over the years it would always haunt her.

‘No, don’t think about that right now.’ She thought silently making her way to her desk ‘You have things more important than that to mull over.’

Getting to her desk a moment later, she noticed several pink slips placed on her computer council, just in front of her chair. Flipping through them, she saw that most were from Canterlot Child Protective Services; something she was more or less expecting. Three were from her mother and four others were from a friend she hadn’t seen since the incident. Putting them in her drawer, she turned her computer on and typed in Sunset Shimmer’s name and waited for the page to load. Looking around, she saw most of her fellow officers making themselves busy going over either their assignments or other forms of paperwork.

‘What I would not give to be in their position right now.’ Starknight muttered herself, looking at the screen again as it slowly loaded. Groaning, she clenched the side of her desk with her hand in an attempt to suppress her annoyance. “Come on! Come on you piece of-“

‘First Name: Sunset, Last Name: Shimmer, D. O. B: July 15th, 2005, Height: Five Feet, Six inches, Weight: One Hundred Ten Pounds, Eye color: Cyan, Hair Color: Red and Yellow, Address: Fifteen Ten Apple-lane Fourth Street. Area code: Five Six One Two Eight. Parents: Winter-song Shimmer, Melody Shimmer.’

Staring blankly at her computer, Starknight turned to her right, picking up her phone to dial the number for C.C.P.S. Looking back at her screen with confusion, she muttered, “I’m sure I had seen ‘classified information’ flash across my screen. How in the hell did--?”

Her words were cut short when she heard a familiar voice over her phone, “Hello, this is Canterlot Child Protective Services Rosy Petal speaking. How may I help you?”

“Yes? Hello, is this Rosy Petal ?” Starknight replied, forcing the irritation out of her voice. “This is Sergeant Starknight from earlier this morning.”

“Oh, hello Officer Starknight! Nice to hear from you again!” Warmth smoothly laced itself within the professional tone that Rose Petal was using at the first sentence. “How’ve you been during our last conversation?”

“I’m doing a little better than I was before. I appreciate your asking.” Starknight replied, feeling herself calming down a bit from how pleasant Rose Petal ’s voice sounded. “I was just calling to get back to you about Sunset Shimmer’s address and where you can find her.”

“Oh yes! The runaway I talked about with you and your Captain. Please give me just a moment!” Rosy acknowledged, typing following her reply. “Alright, everything is up and ready to go! Could you please relay where Sunset Shimmer’s home is?”

Starknight coughed into her fisted hand. “Yes of course. Her address is Fifteen Ten Apple-Lane fourth street. The area code is Five Six One Two Eight.”

“Alright… there we go! Her address is set and secure!” Rosy cheerfully confirmed after a moment or two of not speaking. “Thank you for the information Sergeant Starknight! I’ll send someone out as soon as possible to see her! Is there anything else Officer Starknight that I can help you with?”

“No, I believe that will do it. Thank you, Ms. Petal .” Starknight replied with a hand wave. “Oh, and um, I’m sorry for my rudeness during our first phone call.”

Hearing light chuckling from the other end of the phone she pursed her lips as Rosy gently replied, “Please think nothing of it, I’ve heard far worse in my twenty-five years of doing this line of work. Being curtly hung up on is nothing new to me. I get told off by almost everyone that I meet! So yeah, it's nothing to worry about deary.”

‘She is way too laid back for that type of work.’ Starknight thought with a little head shake. “I appreciate you saying that Ms. Petal . I’m glad I didn’t make you feel offended with the way I treated you. Was there anything else that you needed from me?”

“No, nothing at all. But I will be calling you later on when I have set up the interview with Sunset Shimmer’s family.” Rosy reminded her sweetly. “You know, so you can be there to stop anything bad from happening?”

“Yes, of course.” Starknight replied, adding, “I’ll be ready and on call for that, Ms. Petal . Have a good afternoon.”

“Thank you, I will.” Ms. Petal replied warmly. “I’ll see you soon.”

After hearing the line cut off, Starknight set the phone down. “Hey Captain, do you know if that rookie has come in yet?”

“Not yet. He seems to be running late. Must be the traffic.” Duke replied as he stopped at Starknight’s desk. “Listen, about what we talked about before our meeting with the officers--”

“Yeah, I actually wanted to talk to you about that too.” Starknight’s hand went up to stop him. “I take that back. What I really wanted to do was apologize to you for my outburst.”

“Please don’t bother. It’s not like I didn't deserve it anyway. It was a breach of your privacy so it’s not like I can’t expect you to not be angry about it.” heading back to his office she got up from her desk and followed him to his office upon entering she closed the door behind the two of them. “Look… I am sorry I had to do things how I did. But you need to understand I was in a tight spot. You do at least understand that don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do… and I fully understand your position in this matter Captain.” Starknight replied. “I just wish you had called me and asked me first before going through with it.That’s all I wanted was a simple heads up is all”.

Seeing a look of concern on her face he sat down in his chair gesturing for her to take the chair in front of his desk. Starknight sat down putting her hands over her knees she looked at him as he turned still in his chair taking up a coffee pot and cup. Handing the cup to her he poured some coffee into it, set it back to its place and waited for her to take a sip.

“Was there something else I needed to know about the Sheldon case Sergeant?” He finally asked, not able to stand the silence any longer.

“Now that we’re on the subject, I noticed Ms. Sheldon had bruises on her face when I went to drop Snips off. Could you explain to me the reason for that?”

Any and all semblance of relaxation disappeared from Duke’s face at this. He knew exactly why the person in question from the way Starknight described her would have bruises on her face. It was in both their best interest that he gave his niece clarity regarding the situation. None of it made it easier for him, but Duke knew it was part of the job. Even if it made his stomach churn doing so.

“Yes, I can. She works at the local hospital’s E.R and has to deal with the cases that nobody else wants. Sometimes those cases involve people that are high on drugs. Other times it's dealing with your basic drunks.” taking a breath he sighed adding, “I have known the Sheldon’s since Snips was only a little baby. I have tried many times to get Lucy...”

Getting a slightly confused look from his niece he added, “Snip's mother's name is Lucy Sheldon. Anyways like I was trying to say, I have been trying to get Lucy to end her days at that hospital. Yet she won’t do it because of her son. She needs the money to cloth, feed, and take care of him. Or they may end up on the streets.”

“And what about his father?” Starknight asked, her tone somewhat disappointed. “I would think Snips' father would have at least some say in this, wouldn’t he?”

Duke shook his head in response. “Actually, no. He is, as far as I know, not in the picture.”

“I see. Who is the other person I saw at her home last night?” Grimness filled Starknight’s face when recalling the earlier hours. “When I was over at her home there was a big burly man who approached me and looked rather pissed off by my presence. I thought I would have to use my taser on him.”

“Ah, yes. That was more than likely Nikolai Rosuki Sheldon.” Another confused look from his niece made Duke add more information. “The Sheldon family is from Strussia. As for Nikolai he is Lucy Sheldon’s older brother. It doesn’t surprise me you thought you would have to take him down. Nikolai cares deeply for his sister and his nephew, but he has been in trouble with the Strussian Authorities since he was a kid. Or so I am told by Lucy.”

Starknight nodded her head after letting the facts sink in. “I hope I didn’t do anything to cost Ms. Sheldon custody of her son by informing C.C.P.S of my concerns?”

Chuckling to himself, Duke gave reassurance to his niece. “No, you were right to call them. After all, you said you have concerns which need to be addressed. Please follow up on your concerns and make yourself completely available to C.C.P.S.”

“I will sir. C.C.P.S wants to conduct an interview with Snips Sheldon on Monday the 8th of August that I plan to be available for” Starknight confirmed. “But I do have one question though sir.”

“Oh, and what would that be?” Duke replied with a slight grin, having a feeling he knew what she was referring to.

“How am I supposed to make myself available to them if I have to train in a rookie sir?” Both of the corners of Starknight’s lips went down to form an annoyed frown. “I kinda need to know how to handle this.”

“Let’s see how best we can handle this?” Letting his thoughts wander, Duke Whiskers got up and walked over to his office window, pulling the cord to the window shade he replied, “It’s simple. You take him with you when you conduct the interview.”

He went silent while watching the traffic flow by the precinct for a few minutes. Looking over his shoulder to his niece he concluded their conversation. “You're a good officer Starknight don’t let anyone, not even me tell you different. Now, I suggest you get out there and get to work, alright?”

“I will. Thank you for providing me with that much-needed information Captain.” Starknight said as she got up from the chair she had been sitting on. “Before I head out to clock in, I need to know… who classified Sunset Shimmers information?”

“As far as I know, no one has classified anyone’s information.” Duke replied, turning back around placing his hands behind his back. “It must be a case of you being overworked, so I am going to suggest that you take the next few days off to get some rest. For now, get clocked in and then be ready to head out on patrol in a few minutes got it?”

“But I-” Starknight started cutting herself short, seeing a grim look on his face. “Yes sir.”

Heading out of her Captains office, she made her way to the clock area, only for a sudden arrival to stop her. A man in his early twenties stood just a couple feet away from the precinct entrance. In his right hand was a duffel bag, along with a uniform covered by a dark green coat. Matching green crew cut hair covered his head, none of it covering his bright purple eyes. On either cheek were a few freckles, giving him the appearance of a farm boy in spite of him being rather short. While taking his coat off, Starknight noticed a snake tattoo on his forearm encircling a knife in the center with a globe and skull at the bottom of the knife.

“I’m sorry ma’am! I didn’t mean to stand in your way like that”. He said, holding up a hand to convey his apology. “I’m looking for Officer Starknight? I’m supposed to be getting trained in and she is supposed to be my training officer today”.

“You’re looking at her rookie.” Starknight replied curtly with a somewhat cold stare. “I take it you’re the new recruit?”

Locking eyes with her he held out his hand and confirmed what the woman assumed, “Yes, I am. My name is-”

“Moon Stone, I know. My Captain let all of us know before you came.” Starknight interrupted briskly, pushing his hand away. “I don’t have time for this! Get yourself clocked in now!”

Seeing Moonstone wasn’t moving she sighed as a few other officers stopped what they were doing to look in her direction. Feeling their eyes upon her Starknight’s hand balled into a fist releasing her fist. Staring into his soft olive-green eyes she looked at him not liking what she saw in him. A young rookie who had little to no idea how to follow basic orders or had any idea what it took to be a police officer.

“Now listen to me.” She began trying to break the silence between them. “I have to report to patrol in a few minutes and like you, I too need to clock in! Get moving!” Seeing he still wasn’t moving she frowned, pointing down the other hallway she added bluntly. “When you get to the end of the hallway, turn right. You’ll find your locker in the men's changing room. Once you have your gear head to the garage. If you still can’t find it, you can ask one of the other officers to guide you.”

“Sure thing!” Moonstone said with a firm nod as he began walking off. “Thank you, I’ll get right on to it Ma’am!

“Don’t ever call me ‘Ma’am’ again! It’s Sergeant to you! ” Starknight bitterly snapped. “… Oh, and rookie?”

Watching him stop in his walk down the hallway to look back at her, she finished their small talk with a little piece of advice. “Next time be on time! I don’t like training officers who show up late. If you can’t bother to be here on time, then don’t bother showing up for your shift at all!”

“Y-yes Sergeant! I’ll be here on time from now on.” He replied, turning to leave while muttering under his breath. “Wow... what a day this is turning out to be.”

---

Quickly making his way to the men's locker room, Moonstone found his locker after a minute of searching and greeting another officer. Opening it, he took out his duty belt before strapping it around his waist. He then reached in his locker to take out his mace, handcuffs, and keys to place on his belt. Turning around, he faced another officer who was in the changing room and quietly, yet politely, got his attention.

“Excuse me, sir?” Moonstone asked, looking anywhere but at the officer himself. “Can you tell me where the garage is, please?”

“Yes, but you might want to hurry. The sergeant doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” He replied, as he put away his own duty belt and gun into his own locker. “Names Comet Duster. I’m one of the few officers the sergeant trained. Now it’s your turn to face the dragon of precinct one twelve and let me tell you… she does not hold back.”

“Given the line of work I chose to take, I’d be surprised if no sergeant here held back in training a rookie.” Moonstonemurmured with a weak smile, making the other officer laugh.

“One more thing, rookie? Make sure you have your gun on you at all times.” Looking him over, he noticed Moonstone wasn’t carrying a backup weapon. “I would also suggest you buy a second gun too. Carrying a second weapon on you can very easily mean the difference between coming home alive. Or winding up six feet under, you got it?”

“Yes, sir.” Moonstonereplied, reaching into his locker taking out his Smith and Wesson M-9. He took out the magazine making sure it had all fifteen rounds in it. Pulling the slide back and doing one last check of it, he placed it into his holster giving the other officer a weak smile. “Now that I have everything, can you help me please?”

“Only because you said please.” He replied teasingly, shutting his own locker and locking it with a padlock. “Just go out the way you came. Follow the hallway down to your left and head out the door that says ‘Garage’. You can’t miss it. You’ll more than likely find the sergeant in car number sixty-four-seven. You better hurry. Otherwise, you risk her coming in and dragging you out by your ear... literally.”

Giving him a concerned look, Moonstonefinished getting his things before making his way to the garage. Once he arrived there, he opened the door, the sounds of cars pulling in and out of the garage echoed in his ears. Gasoline, freshly washed rubber, and spilled oil all permeated his nostrils like the spray from a skunk as he sniffed it in. Looking around, he found a car numbered sixty-four-seven near the back of the garage. Quickly making his way to the squad car he got in, finding officer Starknight talking on the radio. Deciding to wait until she was finished, Moonstonegot into the passenger side door right next to her.

“Dispatch.” He heard Starknight say into the car's radio mic.

“Go for dispatch.”

“Sergeant Starknight is calling right now. I’m calling in my ten - twenty. I am currently at Canterlot Precinct One twelve. The time is currently….” Watching her twist her right wrist round revealing her watch he heard her finish “Sixteen hundred hours and fifteen minutes.”

“Ten - Twelve officer”.

“Roger that.” Looking at Moonstoneshe murmured, “We’ll have to get you clocked in since I took up your time showing you where to go. I’ll drive us around the city once that’s over with and see-”

“Officer, be advised we have a two - forty and two - forty-two at Canterlot High School.”

Sighing from the interruption, Starknight logged into her duty roster saying, “Ten-four dispatch. I am ten - seventy-six to Canterlot High School now. Giving her rookie partner a passing glance she added, “Hold on, I need to turn the mic over to the rookie who needs to clock in.”

“Ten - twelve officer”.

Hearing static over the radio, both officers waited for a few minutes while she started up the car and began to pull out in the main pathway of the garage. Picking up the mic himself, Moonstonesaid into it, “Dispatch?”

“Go for dispatch.”

“This is officer Moonstonecalling.” Watching her flip on the sirens he continued, “I’m in my Ten - forty-one. The current time is sixteen hundred and thirty minutes.”

“Ten-four officer, you are clocked in now.”

Placing the mic back at its place, Moonstone leaned back into the leather seat letting out a sigh catching Starknight’s attention. He shot her his own passing glance as if feeling her looking at him and gave a little smile. Rolling her eyes, Starknight continued backing out of the garage to get to the main road. Feeling the tires roll on the flat back substance, she proceeded to speed off. Taking great amusement and watching Moonstonehold onto his seat for dear life.

---

Moonstone and Starknight found themselves at the school twenty minutes after leaving the police department. No attempt was made by the latter to hide the amusement she felt at seeing the former look so caught off guard by the destruction. It was sadly short-lived for her due to the fact they had to meet with the head of the school. A couple of reports to dispatch later Moonstoneand Starknight went up to the entrance to look for Principal Celestia. Neither needed to look for they could already see her there talking with a man that clearly looked like he was in trouble.

“I’m sorry Mr. Doodle, but this is what is going to happen due to your poor behavior.” Celestia said firmly, taking notice of the approaching officers. “Abuse of power is not something that will be tolerated in this school, regardless of your exceptional teaching skills. Consequences will come for that and it’s time you face that.”

“I was only doing what I was supposed to do.” Mr. Doodle argued, indignantly. “You and the Vice principal saw what happened with Sunset, didn’t you? She needed to be punished!”

“In ways that are under the confinements of school rules. Confinements that you failed to uphold today.” Celestia shot back one hand on her hip with a stern glare. “Now, I am going to be talking with someone regarding outside business. Until I’m done, please remain here so we can discuss what you should do with your behavior as a teacher going forward.”

“Fine! I’ll wait in my classroom! I have to catch up on some work anyway.” He grumbled in reply, turning to leave. “Kids these days have no respect for their elders.”

Shaking her head, Celestia turned her attention to the two officers. “Thank you for coming officers Starknight and Moon Stone. I’m sorry for that little spew you saw earlier. One of my teachers was being rather… unprofessional.”

“It’s cool. Not the first time I’ve dealt with people like that. Can’t say the same for my new recruit here.” Starknight replied, gesturing to a nervous looking Moon Stone. “We got a call saying there was an assault at this location. Can you tell us please what happened? ”

“I can. Please follow me. ”Leading them down the hallway and towards the Canterlot High Nurse Office. “Sunset Shimmer got into a fight with another student by the name of Lightning Dust who is currently in my sister's office awaiting the arrival of her father. Fluttershy McPherson, who appears to be the only witness to this, is in the nurse's office right now... She won’t leave Sunset’s side.”

“Ah, I get it…” Moonstonemurmured. “A stereotypical scenario involving high schoolers. I think I can guess where this is going.”

“If you were able to get that much, you have to.” Celestia somewhat confirmed grimly. “Although I will say you may not be in for what it’s really about.”

“I don’t feel like I’m ready for it at all.” Came the apprehensive reply from the rookie officer. “Oh, um, by the way, sergeant, is it alright if I go get a statement from Lightning Dust? That way I can have a better feel as to what may happen here?”

Starknight gave a consenting nod. “I think that will be a good idea. It’ll make my part of the job a bit easier. Just be sure to be quick, alright? I don’t want this to drag out more than needed.”

Nodding to his trainer, Moonstone turned his attention to Celestia. “Do you know where I can find your sister’s office?”

“Just go out the way we came in and take a left corner. You can’t miss her office from there.” As the new officer went where she directed, Celestia cast her eyes back to Starknight. “If you’ll follow me here, Officer, I believe Nurse Red Heart is in the back with Sunset and Fluttershy.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Sunrise.” Starknight as they continued down the opposite hall. “I would like to know if you have contacted Sunsets parents yet Principal Celestia?”

“Not yet, but I will.” She replied. Getting to the back of the office a few moments later both found Fluttershy sitting in a chair next to Sunset. Said girl was unconscious, but other than the injuries she had, seemed alright.

“How is she doing Red Heart?” Celestia asked, closing the door behind her.

Redheart, who was checking Sunset’s vitals, gave the results. “It doesn’t look like Sunset has a concussion. She should be awake in just a few minutes. She’ll have a nasty black eye but other than that she'll be alright.”

“That's good to hear. I’ll speak with you after we are done here.” Celestia said after giving a sigh. With a gentle look, she addressed Fluttershy in a similar manner. “Fluttershy, can you follow me to my office please? There are some questions that I would like to ask you.”

“A-alright.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper as she gently moved a lock from Sunset’s hair. “Is S-Sunset going to get into trouble for this?”

“I can’t answer that ‘till after the police speak to her and her parents.” She replied solemnly. “I will also need to call your parents and make them aware of what happened here today.”

Gently taking Fluttershy’s hand, Celestia started to usher her out of the office towards her own office. At the threshold of the office door, she heard Starknight speak up. “I’ll stay here until Sunset wakes up. When she is able to speak to us, I’ll bring her to your office, Celestia.”

“I appreciate that Officer Starknight, but I would prefer you to bring her to the conference room. I’ll come back in a little bit and show you how to get there.” Celestia advised before looking back at Fluttershy. “Let's go call your parents. I’ll also need to radio my sister to bring Lightning Dust to the conference room.”

“Okay.” Fluttershy agreed, casting a brief look at Starknight. “Please take care of Sunset Officer, I don’t want her hurt any more than she already is.”

“Don’t worry sweetie. No one’s gonna harm this girl on my watch.” The policewoman assured as she put a finger on her taser. “You just go with your principal to get your parents here. Sunset and I will meet up with you, and hopefully my trainee soon.”

Getting to her office with Fluttershy in tow, Celestia opened her door ushering Fluttershy in the small office. Looking around for a brief moment, Fluttershy saw sitting on Celestia's desk a picture of Luna. It showed Luna holding a fish in her right hand and net in her left. Picking it up she looked at it like it was a rare type of shell found on the beach.

"When did you two go fishing Principal Celestia?" Fluttershy asked, glancing up at the principal.

"Huh? Oh, that picture was taken when Luna was fourteen. I just turned eighteen and decided to take her on her first fishing trip.” Celestia explained somewhat solemnly. “Needless to say, it was also our last fishing trip.”

Both ends of Fluttershy’s eyebrows went downward. “Oh my… did something bad happen on the trip?”

“Not exactly… but all I will say it was the last time we ever did that together. ”Pulling out a chair in front of her desk she continued, “Please sit down, we’ll begin our questions shortly. First, I have to call Sunset's parents.”

Picking up her phone and turning her computer on, she found Sunset’s information. Clicking a few buttons on her keyboard she scrolled through the information passing the address and zip code sections. Finding what she was looking for she reached over to her phone's keypad dialing the number she had on screen.

“Hello! You have reached the Shimmer household. We can't come to the phone right now but if you leave your name and a message, we’ll get back to you as soon as we possibly can.” Sighing, Celestia heard the phone chime out, “At the tone please leave your message.”`

Waiting for a few minutes Celestia heard the phone beep before quickly speaking into it.

“Yes hello? This is Principal Celestia. I’m calling in regard to your daughter Sunset Shimmer. There was an incident at school today and I need either her mother or father to come to the school.” Her voice echoed off the walls of her office. My office number is 651 - 473 - 2677, the extension is 758. I’ll have my cell phone on me at this meeting which will be taking place in our conference room. My cell phone is 651 - 569 - 7659.”

Hanging up the phone, Celestia sighed and turned to her office window, as she did many times during moments like this. Opening the blind, she watched the traffic drive past the school. A few vehicles would slow down every few minutes then speed past the school. Guessing the occupants were trying to figure out what happened, she turned back around closing the blind.

‘This is going to be a long and hard year for us to get through.’ She thought to herself. ‘If just one of my students is willing to do this to Sunset Shimmer then what are the rest of the students willing to do to her? I really don’t want to find out… and it’s best for her if I make sure I don’t.’

Walking over to a set of cabinets located to the right of her desk she took out a teacup, tea, sugar packets and creamer cups placing them on her desk. Holding up the teacup for Fluttershy to see she smiled warmly to her. Receiving only a nod from her student, Celestia quickly made her way over to the sink, filling the cup up, and placed it into a microwave located at the back of her office. Setting the timer for three minutes she waited for the microwave to get done warming the water.

“What I wanted to ask you was.” She began turning back around to face Fluttershy who offered her a very weak smile in return. “Do you know who started the fight that happened today?”

Hearing the microwave chime out that it was done Fluttershy watched Celestia take the cup from the microwave placing two bags of tea into it. Placing it in front of her she returned to her own seat sitting down, she smiled pleasantly to Fluttershy placing the sugar packets and creamer cups in front of her as well.

“It's going to be alright Fluttershy. You're not in any trouble at all.” Watching her take the sugar packets and creamer cups she continued softly, “I can see you're rather frightened to be in here with me. Would you feel better if your parents were here?”

“Yes, Principal Celestia.” Fluttershy replied gratefully. “I’d feel much better if my mother or father were here.”

Giving her an approving smile, she handed her office phone over to Fluttershy. She waited silently as she dialed her parent's number and put the phone to her ear. A few moments later she heard her mother's voice over the phone. “Hello?”

“Mom it's me.” Getting nervous, Fluttershy began to play with the cord of the phone. “Can you, um… come to the school? I-I need your help.”

“What’s wrong honey?” She heard her mother say, voice filled with a worry that could only come from a concerned parent. “Are you alright?”

Fluttershy grew in a calming breath. “I’m fine, it is just that Sunset got into a fight at school and I am really scared. I don’t know what to do. How soon till you can get here?”

“I should be there within ten minutes, honey.” Mrs. McPherson said in an assuring tone. “Is a teacher with you now sweetheart?”

“Yes, I am in Principle Celestia’s office. Do you want to talk to her?”

“Yes honey. Can you put her on please?”

Handing the phone over to Celestia, Fluttershy looked away while Celestia took the phone and spoke into it. “Hello? This is Principal Celestia. Is this Mrs. McPherson?”

“Yes, this is her. Is my daughter in trouble?” Mrs. Shy asked in the same concerned voice that she used with Fluttershy. “I would like to know what is going on.”

“No Mrs. MacPherson, your daughter isn’t in any trouble.” Celestia began noticing Fluttershy was starting to fidget with her backpack, “There was a fight between Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Dust. It seems that Fluttershy is the only witness to this fight. Your daughter is perfectly fine. But I do need you here while the police question her about what happened.”

“I see.” She replied flatly. “I am at the corner of Fifth and Mane now. I’ll be at the school in about eight to six minutes. In the meantime, you may talk with her until I get there.”

“Thank you, Mrs. MacPherson, I’ll see you then.” Hanging up the phone she looked at Fluttershy who sunk into her chair adding, “Alright Fluttershy, your mother will be here shortly. She has given me permission to speak with you until she gets here. Until then, let’s stay in here alright?”

“S-sure,” Fluttershy mumbled, playing with her pink hair as she took a sip of her tea. “Wow… this really is good tea? Where did you get it if I may ask?”

“I got this tea from a trip I took to Prance several months ago.” She replied, taking a cup for herself she placed it into the microwave, pressed a few buttons and waited for it to warm up once it was done she took it out and took her seat again. “I wanted to bring back a few souvenirs, so I thought the tea and cups would do nicely and it looks like it did. I am glad that you enjoy it.”

“I am enjoying it very much. I think I have a new idea of what to get my parents for Mother and Father’s Day.” Fluttershy giggled while playing with a lock of her hair. “But it may take a while.”

“Better get yourself a ticket to prance then.” Celestia chuckled, leaning back into her chair before she took on a serious tone. “Now then… I think we should start this from the beginning. You tried defending Sunset from Lightning Dust, yes? What did you see when you got to the fight?”

“When I got there, I saw Lightning Dust hit Sunset,” Fluttershy said, taking another sip from her cup and putting it down. “Sunset didn't bother to fight back which is why I rushed to her aid.”

“I see.” Celestia replied, narrowing her eyes “And when you saw Sunset was in trouble, did you see if anyone else was going to jump in or if anyone was already getting involved?”

“No, as far as I know. I was the only one that actually did anything to help Sunset.” Fluttershy replied. “No one else bothered to do anything. They either stood back and watched or… cheered the fight on. It was just me helping her and no one else.”

Celestia grimaced, feeling her fingers curl up into fists as if attempting to squeeze a stress ball from what Fluttershy was saying. She knew from what Luna told her that it was bad when no attempt was made to protect Sunset from the onslaught of Lightning Dust's bullying. It wasn’t something totally out of the unexpected given how much many of the students hated Sunset and had a grudge towards her. But to hear not one student who helped her and even cheered her tormentor on? Some firmer means of reprimanding were most certainly in need later on.

“I see… that’s rather unfortunate.” She said after a time, disgust and disappointment sticking to her tone. “Was it around that time when my sister showed up to assist you?”

“It was. She took Sunset to the nurse’s office and had me go back to class. I went to the nurse’s office after my last period, and I was there until you came.”

Celestia nodded. “Okay, I think I have the entirety of this incident down now. Thank you for telling it to me Fluttershy. I promise that Sunset will get the care and help she needs. As for the students… I am not sure there is much I can do but the expected. But I’ll make sure an extra close eye is kept on them from now on.”

“Thank you… please help her.” Fluttershy whispered, her yellow cheeks alight with her tears. “I don’t know what else I can do, or if I can keep doing it, but… please help her. For her sake.”

---

In spite of the distance between her house and the school, Mrs. McPherson was able to get there surprisingly quickly. It was speculated by Celestia that the thought of her child being in danger was what helped her achieve the impossible. Something that made total sense if any parent were to hear their child got involved in a fight. She still felt a sense of discomfort at seeing the look on the woman’s face at seeing the state of the school. Fortunately, she didn’t have to explain why it was like that. All Ms. McPherson cared about was seeing that her daughter was okay.

As soon as she saw her mother, Fluttershy wasted no time in running to her mothers open arms. She nuzzled her mother’s bosom like a kitten snuggling into a blanket as she was comforted for all she was worth. Some tears and motherly tenderness later, Celestia gracefully shifted both their attention back to what she planned to talk to Fluttershy about. It took a bit of coaxing, but she slowly began to recap what happened earlier that afternoon.

“My goodness… that is just awful! What a horrible thing to do to such a young girl.” Mrs. McPherson whispered after Fluttershy finished her retelling. “I had no idea such students went to this school. For her to do what she tried to do to Sunset? I just can’t wrap my head around it.”

“I was about to say the same thing. I know Sunset has made a few mistakes, but I don’t see why one of my students would do this.” Celestia agreed, running a hand across her rainbow hair. “All I do know is that Fluttershy was the only one protecting Sunset Shimmer from Lightning Dust. As for the other students… well, I don’t think I really need to think about why they didn’t.”

“Whatever the reason was for not helping Sunset, it doesn’t matter.” Fluttershy murmured with a clench of her fists. “She was getting bullied in front of all of them and none of them did a thing to help her. No matter what hate they have for her, it’s not an excuse to hurt her! Let alone allow someone else to do that bullying too!”

“No, it isn’t. Which is why I will see to it that Lightning Dust is punished for her actions. Once I’ve spoken to her father after he gets here that is.” Celestia said, clasping her fingers together. “Anyhow, is that all that went down between you and Lightning Dust, Fluttershy? Or is there any additional information?”

A head shake from the teen confirmed the answer to Celestia’s second question. “N-no, nothing else happened after that. Aside from Vice-Principal Luna coming in to take Sunset to the Nurse’s Office. I just wish I did something more. Maybe she would’ve been as hurt as she was.”

“You did all you could sweetheart. At the end of it all, Sunset is safe, and that is all that matters.” Ms. McPherson stated, stroking her daughter’s hair. “If you want, I can lend my help. I just need to know what you want me to do.”

“Um, Sunset isn’t my friend Mom… at least not yet since she’s pretty distrusting right now.” Both of Fluttershy’s hands went up to fiddle with her hair like she was trying to braid it. “But I’ll let you know if I need your help too, help Sunset. She needs a lot of it.”

“And help she will get.” Celestia added, leaning back in her chair. “Thank you for all that you have told us Fluttershy. Your statement will be vital for the case at hand. I would let you two go for the night, but I will need the two of you to stay for a bit longer. If you don’t mind, can you head to the Conference Room? I’ll need you to tell my sister and the officers about this.”

“Y-yes, of course.” Fluttershy nodded as she and her mother got up from her seat. “Will Lightning Dust be there as well?”

“If you’re worried about her hurting you, don’t. My sister, me and the officers will keep an eye on her in case she tries to.” Celestia replied with a reassuring hand wave. “I’d also like to let you two know that Lightning Dust’s father will be with us as well too. Since, well…”

“We understand Principal Celestia. Thank you for giving us the heads up about the… storm that’ll come.” Ms. McPherson thanked, looking a bit nervous herself. “Will you be coming with us?”

“In a couple of minutes. I need to radio my sister and let her, and Officer Moonstoneknow what you two will be joining her.” Celestia said, reaching into her desk and pulling out said device. “Can you show your mother where the Conference Room is Fluttershy?”

“Okay.” Fluttershy turned to her mother and took her hand. “Come on Mom, I’ll show you where we should go.”

Giving a little wave of goodbye to the principal, the two McPhersons quietly exited the office to allow Celestia privacy. Dialing into the radio, she held to her mouth so she would be able to speak clearly through it. Buzzing roared in her ears for a little bit before Luna’s voice replaced it.

“Sister? Is that you?” Her stern voice asked inquisitively. “Did you need something?”

“No Luna, but I wanted to give you a heads up on something.” Celestia cleared her throat before continuing. “I just finished speaking to Fluttershy about the fight that happened yesterday. I have sent her to the Conference Room along with her mother and I would like you and Moonstoneto meet them there.”

“Understood. We will be there as soon as we can.” Luna affirmed after a moment. “Oh, and sister, I’d like to let you know I have called Lightning Dust’s father and he’ll be arriving soon. Before he does, should I turn on the television in the conference room when I get in there?”

“Yes, Luna. We’ll need it for what will be discussed. I’ll bring Sunset and officer Starknight there in a little bit. There are some things that I need to take care of first.” Celestia consented. “I’ll also be bringing the tapes from this afternoon with me. Along with the ones from last night for Officer Starknight to review as well.”

“Very well. We’ll be in the conference room shortly.” Luna replied before the radio went silent.

‘Well, that went faster than expected.’ Celestia thought, holding onto her radio as she sighed. ‘All that’s left to do now is to get those tapes. Before I do that, I chew a certain math teacher out.’

Setting her own radio back in the drawer, Celestia went out from behind her desk and exited her office seeing Fluttershy and her mother talking to each other. Clicking her door shut, the principal made her way towards the library, vaguely hearing the mother and daughter’s conversation.

“Honey, do you know where to go?” Mrs. McPherson asked gently, taking her daughter’s hand “I am sure Sunset will be alright, you’ll see. If it is possible, I would like you to help Sunset Shimmer out.”

“Yes mom. I know where to go.” Fluttershy replied, leading her mother down the hallway through the multiple classes and lockers. “If you want me to help Sunset out perhaps we could invite her over for dinner. Or perhaps some tea and sandwiches. Something that’ll help her take her mind off of things.”

Mrs. McPherson’s tone gave her smile away. “I think that would be lovely dear. I can ask your father if that’ll be fine with him.”

“Really?! Oh, thank you mom!”

Smiling to herself, Celestia refocused on going to the library. Catching Fluttershy’s teal eyes land on her from the corners of her own. Her hand met the door of the library a few seconds later and her gaze immediately met Cheerilee's.

“Principal Celestia! What a surprise seeing you here today!” Cheerilee greeted, as she staked the papers and books on her desk. “What can I do for you this afternoon?”

“Hello Ms. Cheerilee. I hope I’m not interrupting you in your cleaning of the library.” Celestia said, her voice polite yet tired. “I came to ask you something if you don’t mind. It may end up being a bit triggering, but I would like to know the details if you’re willing to share it.”

Sensing where the conversation may be going, Cheerilee started things off with a question of her own. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with what happened to Sunset Shimmer would, it?”

“More or less… in the perspective sense.” Celestia grimly replied. “You said earlier today that you knew what it was like to have students treat you or someone else with scorn and hate. Along with the lifelong effects that has on someone?”

“…I did, yes.” Cheerilee confirmed after a second of saying nothing. “Did you want to know more about it?”

Not choosing to say anything, Celestia nodded, and Cheerilee closed her eyes as a sigh of regret as well as pain left her. Lifting a hand, she pointed to the top drawer of her desk, telling Celestia where her deepest secret was. Doing as instructed Celestia opened the top drawer finding a worn-out picture that was dated, ‘June 15th, 1988, Thursday’. It showed a girl with short shoulder length icy blue hair, freckles, glasses and braces. She had a striped red and blue sweater on with a yellow flower in her icy hair. Taking the photo from her hand Celestia gave Cheerilee a confused look as the librarian began to speak.

“Her name was Gracey Snowheart. She was a bully who went to my high school.” Leaning against a shelf she continued looking at the photo. “She was much like Sunset was before Twilight came here. Gracey Snowheart would bully me and everyone else at school almost every day.”

“I see... What happened to her?”

“I did what Twilight did to Sunset. I stood up to Gracey Snowheart and embarrassed her in front of the entire school. I don’t want to say what I did, but… it was bad. Really bad.” Cheerilee winced as if she was suddenly slapped in the face. “Once everyone saw how weak and pathetic she was, all the students turned on her. This caused her to shut down mentally, only I didn’t know that until it was too late to do anything about it.”

“I don’t-” Celestia began being cut off by Cheerilee.

“Gracey Snowheart took her own life.” Cheerilee interrupted as Celestia’s mouth snapped shut. “She… she couldn’t handle how the other students at school treated her and chose to end it. I… watched her run out in front of a school bus and… it hit her. The bus dragged her twenty feet from the schools' entrance before the shouting of the students and teachers had reached the ears of the bus driver. He got out and went as white as snow upon realizing what he had done. He was eventually charged with murder in the third degree”.

Tears squeezed themselves out of the librarian’s eyes as she went on. “I ran over to her as she was lying on the ground bleeding as her body had been crushed by the bus and… she died in my arms. I was such a mess after that... I kept her picture to remind myself that bullies need to be dealt with accordingly, but carefully.”

Celestia stared at Cheerilee in horror, her light face paler than a full moon. “…For such a thing to be done… I cannot imagine anyone doing something like that. Even if they did torment their fellow students to end it all just like that?” She took in a shaky breath. “Did she not get any help from anyone? Even you? I’m sure you saw the signs early on. You may have been able to do something.”

“I didn’t want to, at least not at first.” Looking away, Cheerilee wiped at her face. “By the time I had decided to actually do something it was already too late, and I was left with the guilt that, even now, still at times eats away at me. I’m not sure why you asked me all this, but if it’s to help Sunset Shimmer, then I suppose it’s vital you do. You have to be careful with how you handle what Sunset Shimmer is now going through, I can promise you that you’ll go through what I went through.”

“I don’t understand Ms. Cheerilee. I haven’t seen anything at all to indicate that Sunset is going to try to do something so foolish.”

“You may not see it now, but she’ll do something like this when it gets worse.” Cheerilee warned, while folding her arms under her rather ample chest. “I don’t want to see you go through what I have already been through. The guilt, the shame, the anger, I can’t bear the thought of what happened to me happening to you.”

Swallowing hard while closing her eyes she slowly returned to her desk with her head bowed low, her jaw trembling. Reaching her hand out, she took the photo back from Celestia and placed it back into the desk drawer before looking back up at the younger woman.

“Please Celestia… whatever it takes, don’t let Sunset face the same fate that Gracey made for herself. I don’t know what you’ll do, but…try hard to prevent it at all cost. I will be living with this regret until the day I die. Don’t let yourself be faced with that same punishment too.”

“I… I won’t Cheerilee. I promise.” Celestia said hesitantly before she found her resolve again. “ I will see to it that Sunset recovers from this and will go on to live a peaceful life. It may take time, and plenty of hurdles will be met along the way, but… Sunset will get the help she needs.”

“She’d better.” Cheerilee threatened before giving another sigh. “I think that’s enough digging in the past for me tonight. I have some work to complete here before I head home for the day… I thank you for your time Celestia.

“Yes of course, feel free to turn in for the night if you wish.” Celestia readily blessed, feeling she had questioned the woman enough. “And Cheerilee I’m… sorry for reopening old wounds that you were trying to keep closed. I can see how much that upset you.”

“It’s alright, really. Things like this need to be talked about every now and again. I just wish it didn’t have to be during something like this”. Cheerilee rejected the apology as if turning down one’s request for a date. I’ll be going now… tell Sunset I said hello.”

“Will do,” Celestia said, giving a parting nod to Ms Cheerilee as she exited her workplace. On her way down the hallway she thought, ‘What a cruel world we live in.”

---

Firm knocking from his classroom door drew Mr. Doodle’s focus from grading the sheets laying on his desk. He didn’t even need to think who it was before the name and face settled itself into his mind, and why they were here. Frustratingly sighing, he got up from his desk to head over to the door but was stopped when the visitor spoke.

“Mr. Doodle you know why I have come here so let's get this over with shall we”. Celestia said from outside in the hallway. “May I come in?”

“It’s your school.” He replied curtly returning to his desk and taking his seat he added. “Do as you like.”

Entering his room Celestia looked around seeing the chairs stacked in the back of the classroom as she pursed her lips together. Walking up to Mr. Doodle’s desk, she pulled up a chair and sat down while vaguely eyeing the coffee cup sitting atop his desk. While not looking up to her, the math teacher reached over to his coffee cup, stopping when he heard her speak again.

“Mr. Cranky Doodle I want to make it clear that your actions earlier today were completely unacceptable.” Celestia began, her tone calm yet firm. “You know that you are in no way to give out detention to any student unless it is truly warranted. Having a student standing in your classroom while you are just getting in yourself doesn’t warrant getting detention.”

“I know it seems bad Celestia, but it isn’t what you think it is.” Mr. Doodle began trying to keep his temper in check. “Sunset Shimmer is a student that thrives off causing nothing but trouble for both her fellow students and the rest of the faculty. I thought it would be appropriate to take her down a peg or two by doing what I did. It’s not like I was tormenting her or anything.”

“Maybe not in the way you thought but, what you did was still wrong! And you know it!” Celestia retorted, feeling herself get angrier. “Detentions are only to be given for a reason that warrants it. Like disturbances in class! Or fighting! Or being constantly tardy to class.”

“Yes, but I-” He began to argue with her before being cut off.

“None of which Sunset Shimmer was currently doing or had been doing from what my sister and I or you were seeing!” She continued, not in the mood to hear his excuses. “You do realize what you did was an abusive move of power?”

“Listen, I was only doing what I felt was right. Nothing more and nothing less!” Mr. Doodle said in a vain effort to prove his innocence. “Why when I was a high schooler, I would get into all sorts of trouble with only one reprimand from my teachers. Which is why I don’t let bad behavior go unpunished. I can assure you that you wouldn’t believe how many detentions I got as a kid.”

“That was then, this is now!” Celestia replied flatly as she got up from her seat. “Let me put this to you in words so that you will understand Mr. Doodle. You. Are. A. High. and Junior. High. School. Teacher. Not the principal of this school! Even if by some chance you were, not even that would excuse the unprofessional actions you were displaying and have been displaying since the beginning of this year! I have been patient with you for as long as I can! But it is apparent no improvements have been made on your part and you have forced my hand!”

“Forced your hand? What’re you talking about?” Mr. Doodle asked, getting more nervous by the second.

Leaning in with her eyes narrowed and jaw tightened, Celestia delivered her non-idle threat. “If you give any student in your class detention for anything less than what is necessary, you will force me to conclude that your services are no longer needed at this school!”

“What?!” Mr. Doodle’s shout exploded from outside of his classroom as if the door wasn’t even closed. “You can’t do that! it’s the only job I have that keeps me afloat in this city! Where am I supposed to go if not here?!”

“I’m afraid that is not anyone’s concern but yours.” Celestia replied flippantly. “I won’t put this into your record as a termination, but as a simple transfer to a different school. Either way, it will be a punishment fit for what you have done. Your role as a teacher is to teach your students and help mold them into good matured and productive adults. Not to try to be a dictator to your students.”

Mr. Doodle sputtered out a final protest. “B-but… but…!”

“No buts Mr. Doodle.” Celestia put her hand up and the math teacher found himself silenced in less than a second. “You will have until the end of this year to improve your behavior. Step out of line even a little, and you will see that I will fully do what I stated. Do I make myself clear?”

“I… I…” After one last powerless plea, Mr. Doodle slumped in his seat. “Yes, Principal Celestia.”

“Good.” She nodded, sighing as her legs pulled her to her feet. “Now, I need to get going. I suggest you take some time and think about what you have done today after you have completed your work and left. Do not think I am merely blowing hot air! I promise I will see to it you are punished for abuse of power if this ever happens again.”

Gulping, Mr. Doodle nodded while quickly gathering up his belongings and making a hasty retreat towards the classroom door. Watching him get out in the hallway, Celestia followed him, staring coldly at him as he made his way out of the school's broken entrance. Turning to head towards the conference room, she began walking to it but stopped upon hearing a gruff voice behind her.

“Excuse me.”

At the sound of the newcomer Celestia turned to see a white-haired mustached man wearing a blue long sleeve dress shirt, a red tie and black slack pants. From the look on his face, she could tell he wasn’t too happy to be here and wondered who he was. A look at his orange eyes quickly dismissed that train of thought and recognition clicked instantly.

“Mr. Dust?” She asked as he stopped in front of her.

“Hello Principal Celestia.” Mr. Dust greeted, trying his best to sound formal. “Nice to see you here tonight.”

“I didn’t expect you to arrive here so soon.” Celestia commented. “I just got off the radio with my sister less than a minute ago. I thought it’d take you longer to come.”

“Yes well, when you get a phone call telling of your daughter being in trouble at school, you tend to get a little time on your side.” Mr. Dust stated, crossing his arms. “Speaking of which, what did my idiot daughter do this time? I’m really getting tired of dealing with her insolence.”

“Unfortunately, it is much worse than you’re probably thinking.” Celestia winced watching as Mr. Dust’s expression scrunched up. “Your daughter apparently started a fight with someone in the hallway. It led to the victim being sent over to the Nurse’s Office as a result of them not fighting back. Your daughter is in the Conference Room along with my sister and an officer and there will be a couple other people, including myself joining them.”

“I see… ” Mr. Dust coldly stated. “And my daughter will be punished for this?”

“Yes, but I’d like to discuss that with all those involved if I may.” Celestia gestured down the hall. “I would accompany you, but I need to head over to the Security Room. Please refrain from doing anything rash until I get to the conference room.”

“No promises.” Mr. Dust murmured as he marched down the hallway.

Watching him walk off, Celestia quickly proceeded to the security room. Opening the door she saw a stout green-haired man in a brown security guard uniform looking over several monitors. Knocking on the door frame, Celestia entered while watching the person in front of her bring up various security footage.

“Oh, Principal Celestia! I didn’t see you come in.” Corky exclaimed, his pumpkin orange eyes going wide with surprise. Getting up, he pulled out a chair that was located next to him. “I take it this isn’t a social visit. What can I do for you?”

“Corky, I need your help.” Celestia replied, sitting in the chair. “I need to know if you got any video footage from the fight that took place earlier today?”

“You mean the one with Lightning Dust?” Corky asked as Celestia nodded affirmatively. “Yes, it’s there. Why do you ask?”

“I have a conference I need to attend with my sister, some officers, and the parents of the witness and attacker.” Celestia explained, keeping it short and sweet. “It’ll be starting in a bit, and I need what you gathered as evidence to show Lightning’s father that she harmed one of her fellow classmates.”

Gesturing towards the monitors he pressed a few buttons on the control panel and brought up Lightning and Sunset’s fight. Celestia watched in shock as the monitor showed Lightning shove Sunset in a locker behind her. Watching further, the principal saw Sunset clearly refusing to fight back. Lightning Dust was then seen pinning Sunset to the ground just as Fluttershy arrived. Clearly throwing herself over Sunset’s body protecting her from Lightning's attack.

“Why would Lightning Dust do something so foolish? She's a sophomore and should know better than this” She muttered to herself, catching Corky’s attention. “I admit Sunset Shimmer isn’t the best student, but she didn’t deserve this.”

“When is bullying ever deserved?” Corky asked as Celestia stood up and pushed her chair back into place. After sorting everything out and handing her the video evidence, she heard Corky ask something. “Besides this tape, is there anything you need pulled up for your meeting?”

“Yes,” She said as she kept the tape secured in her hands. “I need you to pull up the tape from the Fall Formal as well. I need to give that to the police.”

“Alright, I’ll have that up in a few moments.” He nodded, turning back to his desk. “Are you going to need a TV to take back to the conference room as well?”

“No, I won’t need one but thanks for the offer.” She replied, taking the second tape from him once he was done rewinding it and ejecting it from the recording council. “Oh, and Corky? Can you tell me why you weren't on duty when Sunset got beaten up by Lightning Dust?”

Corky paused in his typing to give Celestia a bit of a nervous look. “I was on my lunch break in my car listening to music and had turned my radio off.”

“I see.” She bitterly murmured. “Corky from now on, I fully expect you to take your lunch break in this office with your radio turned on in case something like this happens again. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He replied, returning to his work. “I hope Sunset will be alright.”

“As do I...” She said, turning to exit out of the Camera Surveillance Room she thought as she made her way to the nurses room ‘I need to hire a better security guard.’

---

When Celestia returned to the Nurse’s Office, she was surprised to see Sunset up and awake. It was briefly explained by Redheart that she regained consciousness shortly after the principal left to talk with Fluttershy. Relieved as she was that Sunset was awake, Celestia and Redheart still wanted to make sure she didn’t have any lasting injuries. Which is what led the nurse to do a quick scan, most of which was on Sunset’s swollen eye.

“Now as best as you can Sunset, I want you to follow the direction of this light alright?” Redheart instructed, holding a small light in front of Sunset’s eye. “This will only take a few minutes.”

Compliantly nodding, Sunset forced her eye to look into the bead of brightness pointed at it as the object was moved around. To Redheart’s relief, her pupil contracted from the bright light shining in Sunset’s eye. It let her know that it was still functioning, despite looking like it took a hit from a metallic baseball bat.

‘Good. I was right to diagnose her as I did earlier today.’ Redheart thought, turning to a drawer and taking out an ice pack to place over Sunset's right eye. “Here this will help cut down on the swelling from your eye. How do you feel right now, Sunset?”

“I feel like I went ten rounds with a pro boxer and lost after the first round.” Turning her attention to Principal Celestia while still holding the ice pack to her eye she added, “Can I go home now?”

“No Sunset, you can’t go home just yet.” Celestia objected, walking up to where she sat. “While I do want to let you leave for the day, I want to talk to you in regards to Snail’s homework. But I’m afraid I’ll have to save that for after you’ve talked to Officer Starknight. As she has quite a couple of things to talk to you about.”

“Oh… okay.” Sunset murmured while looking at the officer with her one good eye. ‘This must be about what I did last night.’

“I’ll leave her to you, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised turning back to the door. “Please just wait a couple more minutes longer. I have another teacher I need to have a little discussion with.”

“Take your time Principal Celestia. I’m not going anywhere.” Starknight uttered, getting up and pulling her chair toward where Sunset was.

Watching Celestia walk out of the small room, Sunset laid back down as Nurse Redheart placed a pillow behind Sunset's head to make her more comfortable. Starknight took a seat in front of her, one leg crossed over the other. Taking out a pen and notebook from her front shirt pocket, she pressed the pen to the paper before looking at Sunset Shimmer.

“Alright Sunset, before I ask you about your fight with Lightning Dust…” She began calmly. “I want to know where you decided to head off to last night while I was driving you home?”

“I uh, headed home officer.” Sunset replied hesitantly, bowing her head. “Besides it's not like it is any of your business as to where I was going.”

“I see… and did you tell Snails Garlan to play a game with me when you left my car?” Starknight asked somewhat agitatedly, watching Sunset nod her head again. “You do realize how dangerous that was do you not? I was terrified something happened to you. I had to call into the precinct asking other officers to stop what they were doing to try to find you.”

“So what? Who the heck cares about what happens to me?! I mean besides what’s your point?” Sunset asked not wanting to look up. “I mean I didn’t get hurt! I don’t see what you're so upset about?”

“I am not upset per se, I am more concerned. Which is why I contacted C.C.P.S.” Starknight said simply, her response making Sunset snap her head towards her.

“You did what?!” She replied, snapping her head up. “What in Centaria’s name gives you the right to call them?! Yes, I told Snails to play that game with you, but I don’t see how getting a ten-year-old to play games warrants calling C.C.P.S! Why would you do that?!

“I am concerned that you are a runaway!” Putting her pen and notebook away Starknight firmly continued. “That alone gives me the right to contact them and by law, I have to inform them if that is indeed why you left my custody the way you did.”

“Well, I’m not a runaway! You can drop your motherly concern because I don’t want any of it!” She snapped in reply just as Celestia re-entered the room. “All I did was get into a fight today and a fight last night as well! But I don’t see why a cop has to be involved in something like this! Besides, if my mother and father were here, they wouldn’t have anything to say on this subject!”

“I doubt very much.” Starknight countered firmly as she crossed her arms under her rather plump ample chest. “And what do you mean ‘if your parents were here’? Are you saying they are not in this city and that you are homeless?”

“That is none of your business!” Sunset screamed. “My mother and father are just busy with-”

“Excuse me.” Celestia said, the clearing of her voice cutting Sunset off. “I had to interrupt, but everyone is in the conference room. Officer Starknight, Sunset if you two will follow me I think we can get this cleared.” Walking over to Sunset, the principal helped her up on her feet. “I called your parents Sunset and left a voicemail on their phone so I hope they will show up this time.”

‘If she only knew the truth of what really happened to them.’ Sunset thought while saying aloud, “Alright, fine. I’ll go with you. Let's get this over with so I can go. If I have to stay here any longer, I feel like I’m gonna pass out from a headache.”

“I was about to say the exact same thing.” Starknight commented, opening the door for Sunset and Celestia as the older woman led them both to the conference room.

---

“Sunset!” Fluttershy cried with surprise and joy as she saw the injured girl walk in the conference room. Had it not been for the fact that Celestia and Starknight were with her and where they all were, she would’ve tackled the former bully into a hug. “Thank The Mother Goddess you're alright! I was beginning to think the worst!”

“Why wouldn’t I be alright Fluttershy? I was only knocked out. I wasn’t stabbed or shot to death.” Sunset bluntly stated, giving Lighting Dust a brief glance. “There’s no need for you to get so worked up about it all… not that you should anyway.”

Fluttershy shrunk back into herself, not hearing the last bit of Sunset’s statement. “I-I know… I’m sorry if I sound overly worried. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I’m fine Fluttershy.” Sternness sat on Sunset’s tired voice like a hard-covered textbook on a desk as she took a seat at the conference table.

Getting in herself, Officer Starknight took notice of Lightning Dust was at the head of the table towards the back near the television. Her father sat at the left corner. Fluttershy and her mother sat at the middle of the table each next to the other and Sunset sat closest to the door. Giving Moonstone a nod as she walked over to him, getting in position near Mr. Dust and keeping her right hand on her taser. Celestia entered the room a few seconds after Starknight and Sunset, heading for the far back of the room, placing one of the two videotapes she had with her into the VCR. Picking up the television remote control, Celestia took a seat at the middle of the table on the other side of Fluttershy and her mother.

“Alright now that everyone is here, I would like to begin the conference meeting regarding the violent incident between Lightning Dust and Sunset Shimmer. As Principal of this school, I Celestia Sunrise, will reside.” Celestia began formally watching her look around the room. “Before we do, I’d like to make a quick call. Luna, were you able to get a hold onto Sunset’s parents and tell them what’s going on?”

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t. I still wasn’t able to get them even before you showed up.” Luna replied with a headshake. “It must be quite a busy schedule if they’re not able to do even this. We will have to start this meeting without them.

“If only they knew the truth”. Sunset thought.

Celestia sighed. “That’s rather disappointing. I was hoping to make Sunset a bit more at ease here if she had a trusted guardian with her. I suppose I have no choice but to call our legal aid now and see if I can act as Sunset’s legal guardian”.

“If I may say Principal Celestia,” Starknight spoke up “That seems a little unlikely to happen. You can’t just become someone's legal guardian just because someone's parents refused to show up to this meeting.”

“Don’t I get a say in any of this?” Sunset asked, clearly agitated. “Besides, I don’t really want to sign anything. All I want to do is go home.”

“No Sunset, you sadly don’t. I don’t like this anymore than you do, really. But it needs to be done.” Celestia murmured regretfully, taking out her cell phone she searched her contacts list bringing up the number she was looking for she added, “This might take a few minutes. I appreciate you ever so much for your patience in this matter, officers.”

Watching her walk back to the table Celestia held the phone to her ear waiting for the person she had dialed to answer. It only took a few minutes before she got a familiar voice on the other end of the phone.

“Hello?” A poise and mature voice said over the line.

“Yes, Fancy Pants this is Celestia. I’m calling because I need to know something important. What is involved in faxing over to C.H.J.H.S legal temporary guardian papers?”

“To take legal guardianship over someone?” Came Fancy Pants’ own serious question. “Quite a bit actually. You need to go to court for that sort of thing. Unless a court rules in your favor that you and you alone are to be the guardian to whomever you want this to happen to there is nothing you can do.”

“I see. Are you sure there isn’t any legal way I can become a temporary guardian to my student?” Not noticing Sunset’s smirk or Fluttershy’s frown, Celestia closed her eyes and silently prayed to herself. ‘Please let this work.”

“The only way this will happen without a court getting involved is if you can prove beyond any measure of a doubt this person is in danger of being abused.” Fancy Pants added. “Otherwise, there is absolutely nothing you can do”.

“I completely understand. Thank you, Mr. Pa-”

“Wait!” everyone heard him yell “There is one other thing that might work but you’ll have to completely give up guardianship within three days.”

“Yes?” Celestia replied with a slight tone of urgency to her voice “What must I do?”

“You have to be able to prove that this person is a runaway and has no intention of returning to their parents or legal guardian or guardians”. Fancy Pants explained as Sunset’s eyes widened with horror. “If you can’t prove that your hands will be tied.”

Sweet Centauria horns of the Dan’lu! I am so screwed! I thought I was gonna be able to get out of this, but they’re dead set on having me be under their control! why did things have to be this way?!’ Sunset thought, panic filling her like the toxins of an Amazonian Dart Frog’s Poison. She looked down at her clenched fists as an idea flickered inside her. ‘I didn’t want to have to do this, but… I can’t think of anything else! I know I’m probably going to regret it later on but… it’s my last shot!’

“Wait!” Sunset cried out, raising her hand up as everyone’s gaze went to her. “W-what if I can prove it?”

“Principal Celestia? Who was that?” Fancy Pants asked, sounding like he had been startled as well.

“Er, t-that was the person I wanted to take custody of. Please hold a moment.” Putting her hand on the speaker part of the phone, Celestia put her full attention on Sunset. “What do you mean by ‘proving it’ Sunset?”

“That I’m not being abused by my own parents.” Sunset continued as confidently as she could, knowing her next few words may cost her. “They’re on an expedition right now in Eastern Mareway, but I can have them talk to you. If I can get them to prove I’m not being abused, will you let me go?”

“Hmmm… hold that thought for a moment Sunset.” Eyeing the girl suspiciously, Celestia returned her attention to her caller. “My apologies Mr. Fancy Pants… the girl you just heard was the girl I am wanting to take guardianship of. Her name is Sunset Shimmer and she’ll be turning fourteen this May.”

“I see… Is Ms. Shimmer a runaway?” Fancy was heard asking over the speaker. “Please remember you have to be able to prove this in a court of law.”

“No, but I can prove that my parents are in Eastern Mareway.” Sunset replied, loud enough to wear Fancy Pants, was easily able to hear her. “Would you mind if I make a phone call?”

“Actually, I believe we can do a three-way call?” Fancy’s words caused Sunset to frown. “Besides I need to hear what her family has to say… Celestia?”

“Yes, we can.” Celestia confirmed. “Just give me one moment”.

Pressing a few buttons on the phone’s dial pad Celestia, looked at Sunset with expectant eyes, causing Sunset to sigh. She dialed the number and waited as the phone on the other end rang for what Celestia and Mr. Pants seemed like an eternity before someone finally picked up. Gulping, Sunset held the phone close to her while praying the person she was calling would help her.

“Hello?” A gruff voice asked on the other line.

“Hello, Mr. Varnas, it's me.” Sunset said nervously. “I kinda need your help.”

“Sunset Shimmer… surprising to hear you calling me at this time of day?” Varnas said as he got over the shock. “Do you need my assistance with something? What would that be?”

“Well… someone wants to take legal ownership over me and I kinda gotta prove to this lawyer on the other end that you're my guardian. And that my family is in Eastern Mareway on some expedition.” She replied hesitantly. “Do you think you can, um give me a hand with that?”

“A guardianship battle hm? …Yes, I can aid you with this.” Varnas replied after some moments of contemplation. “What is this lawyer's name?”

“Hello Mr. Varnas. My name is Fancy Doran Cooper Pants and I am legal advisor to Canterlot High and Junior High School and Canterlot’s School Board.” Fancy’s incoming voice provided the man an answer. “I was called about Sunset and her predicament, along with why Celestia wants guardianship over her.”

“Hello, Mr. Pants. Thank you for informing me of this.” Varnas could be heard saying over his end of the phone call. “What do you precisely need from me?”

“I need to get proof that Sunset is your legal charge.” Fancy Pants explained. “And that you in turn know where her parents exactly are. We would also like to know if you are willing to let Celestia become a three-day guardian to Sunset Shimmer.”

“Legal Charge hm? Very well but I would first like to say that I am not in any way willing to let anyone become this girls’ guardian.” Mr. Varnas grumbled. “Second I’ll fax you their plane ticket departure and arrival information since what you asked demands it Mr. Pants. What I am willing to do though is I’ll fax over papers that will allow Sunset to act on her own behalf. And to talk to whomever it is that is necessary for her to talk to without my presence being needed. If that will be okay with you, Sunset.”

“Oh, believe me! I am more than willing to do that.” Sunset pipped happily. “As long as it gets me out of this conference meeting and away from this nut police officer”.

“Wait police officer? Sunset, what is actually going on?” Mr. Varnas asked, clearly a bit miffed.

“I um, er-kinda got into a fight with another girl at school today and now the police are here with me Mr. Varnas.” Sunset tapped her index fingers together fainting a weak smile “And now I have to prove that I am not a runaway and that I live with you and such”.

“Whoa hold on! What do you mean you got into a fight today Sunset?! You’re supposed to be staying out of trouble!” Varnas practically yelled.

“Uh-oh, somebody’s in trouble!” Lightning squealed with glee earning herself an irritated glare from her father.

“What was that?” Both Varnas and Fancy Pants asked in unison.

“Nothing, that was just a classmate being a brat as usual” Sunset replied giving the other girl the stink eye “Pay her no mind. She just wants attention.”

“Sunset, you still haven't answered my question.” Mr. Varnas pressed over the phone. “What do you mean by, you got into a fight today?”

“I… was just minding my own business when Lightning Dust here started a fight. I chose not to fight back because I just wanted to be left alone but… she didn’t listen.” Sunset protested. “Look, all I want to do is go home okay? Please just send the Tophet paperwork so I can sign the-”

“Alright calm down Sunset… just calm down please. I’ll get to it.” Varnas interrupted in a gentle attempt to soothe the girl. “Mr. Pants, if I fax this information over to you will there be any other information you will need?”

“Not to my knowledge sir” Fancy Pants said. “Just be sure to fax a copy to Celestia as well.”

“I will, and Sunset?” Varnas said sternly.

“Y-yes” She asked fearfully in full preparation for a scolding.

“I don’t want to get another call like this from you again.” Varnas added,“You need to stay out of trouble. If not for my sake or your parents then for yours.”

“I understand sir.” She replied bashfully. “I will do what I can to keep out of trouble.”

“Good, I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding.” Mr. Varnas said, sounding satisfied with Sunset’s reply. “Celestia, I will fax the paperwork over now. You should be receiving it in a moment.”

Walking over to the Fax Machine, Celestia pressed a few of the buttons on it, hearing it begin to print out the paperwork Mr. Varnas was true to his word he had indeed sent the correct paperwork over to her. Taking the papers from the fax machine Celestia looked them over and let out a little sigh. Walking back to the table, she placed them in front of Sunset taking a pen from her inner left coat pocket.

“Sunset, these are papers Mr. Varnas created for you to sign.” Celestia said sitting down next to. “By signing this you will agree to take part in this conference. Does this satisfy everyone?”

“Yes,” Both Mr. Varnas and Fancy Pants said together, knowing she was addressing them too.

“Alright, I’ll sign them.” Sunset replied suspiciously, taking the papers. “But I still think I don’t need anyone looking out for me.”

“Good.” Seeing Sunset had done as she was asked, Celestia cleared her throat adding, “Now that is taken care of, I can hang up or is there anything else you need to clear up with Mr. Varnas or Fancy Pants, Ms. Shimmer?”

“No, not that I know of.” She replied, folding her arms under her chest with a grunt. “Stupid rules.”

‘Stupid rules… come on Sunset don’t be like this the rules aren’t that bad’. Fluttershy thought humorously as Celestia bid farewell to Varnas.

“And just what are you all happy about Fluttershy?” Irritation and annoyance smoothed themselves onto Sunset’s voice as she questioned the timid girl.

“What?” Fluttershy quipped trying to play innocent even though she was not. “Oh uh… nothing at all!”

‘You are a horrible liar.’ Sunset thought with a sweat drop.

With Lightning Dust sitting in her chair with a confident look, Sunset placed her hand upon the surface of the table and looked down trying to hide her anger. Fluttershy reached over, placing her hand over Sunsets trying to reassure her that she would be alright in spite of the other girl’s own feelings on the matter. A few minutes went by before the phone rang and Celestia pressed the speaker button on it.

“You’ve reached Canterlot High Junior High School, Principal Celestia speaking?”

“Yes? Hello, Celestia. It’s Fancy Pants,” Fancy answered. “I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Varnas’ information checks out Sunset’s family is indeed in Eastern Mareway and won’t be back until Monday the 8th of August”.

“Alright, thank you Mr. Fancy.” Celestia thanked before quickly adding something else. “By the way, Sunset simply saying she isn’t a runaway does that help to prove she isn’t? Or do you need more than just her word on the subject”.

“No, I can take her word for now. I already got the information I needed from Mr. Varnas”. Fancy Pants replied. “I think we are good in that regard.”

“Okay then, that will be all. Good day to you, Mr. Fancy Pants.” Celestia murmured, hanging up the phone and readdressing her audience. “Alright now let's actually get this meeting started, shall we?”

Hearing her principal’s words Sunset sighed pushing the papers over to her Celestia took them and handed them to Starknight. Looking over the papers, the officer looked at Celestia with her own look of confusion. Putting the papers back on the table she read them over as the principal gave her a pen.

“I’ll need you to sign these as well, Officer Starknight.” Celestia advised firmly. “It’ll prove that you were an assigned witness to Sunset Shimmer signing them.”

“Not like it’ll make things any easier if I don’t.” The older woman murmured, taking the paper as well as the pen and jotting down her name. Handing them back to Celestia, she watched as she went over and set them down on a large table nearby. “Are you sure there won’t be any further interruptions? Because if you are wasting my time, I’ll leave the rookie here to do that and go out on patrol myself.”

“Yes, I am sure there won’t be any more interruptions.” Celestia replied, adding as she turned her attention to Lightning Dust, giving her an icy glare. “Now Ms. Dust, according to Fluttershy she stated that you started the fight with Sunset Shimmer. Is this true or false?”

“It’s false Principal Celestia! I didn’t start the fight regardless of what Flutterbrat here says.” Lightning grinned slyly. “It was Sunset who started it! I was just defending myself and I did nothing wrong!”

“First of all, Lightning Dust, do not call Ms. MacPherson names.” Walking over to the TV, Celestia picked up a remote control in front of it. Turning to face Lightning Dust she asked another question. “And second, are you telling me the truth?”

“Y-yes I am telling you the truth it was Sunset Shimmer who started the fight. Fluttershy is lying through her teeth.” Lightning stated, again, albeit in a far less confident tone than before. “Sunset is the one in the wrong here, not me!”

Folding her arms over her chest Celestia gave Lightning Dust a cold hard stare before raising the remote to the T.V. Lightning looked at it, then over to Fluttershy until her eyes landed on Sunset, who had her head bowed, feeling a bit more confident in herself she smirked. Luna caught the arrogant girl's smirk glaring at her and she stood up to take her place next to her older sister.

“Lightning Dust, before we proceed any further, I’d like to let you know what will happen if you are exposed as a liar and assailant”. Luna looked to the young woman for any sign of repentance for her actions. “Are you prepared to face the consequences that may come from this?”

Lightning Dust paused. “C-consequences?”

“Yes. Depending on how this goes, one of two things will happen.” Luna continued with a hand on her hip. “One you will more than likely be suspended or possibly even expelled from school for this. Or two…” her eyes flashed dangerously. “You will certainly be charged for assault and be forced to spend time in juvenile court and a detention center.”

“I… I’ll be sent to juvie?” Whiteness took some of the place of the suspect’s skin color as the words squeaked their way out of their mouth.

“It is not known for sure, but depending on what will be shown, that will undoubtedly happen.” Luna paused to let the words sink in. “We’ll put it to you once again. Do you want to change your story and confess for a more lenient punishment? Yes or no?”

“No, I don’t! I didn’t do anything wrong!” Lightning spat. “Why can’t you idiots see that Sunset here was the one that started that fight not me?! I did what I had to do to defend myself!”

“I am sorry Lightning Dust, but I feel you are not telling us the real truth. The tape will be the only way to confirm it and show us what really happened.” Celestia said in a sterner voice, making Lightning a little nervous. “I will give one final chance for you to come clean about this incident. Who started the fight in the hallway? Was it you or Sunset?”

“It was Sun-”

“No!” Fluttershy suddenly yelled out, much to the shock of her mother and all else present. “It wasn’t Sunset that started that fight. It was Lightning Dust! I saw her also give Sunset a note during class. As well as everything leading up to the fight! It’s why I rushed to cover Sunset with my… with my body.”

Looking down Fluttershy sniffed, Sunset placed her hands on the table pushing herself away from it standing up. She began to head for the door, stopping when Luna called out to her. “Sunset, don't you want to see what evidence we have?”

“What’s the point?” She replied bitterly. “It's not going to change anything.”

“Sunset, please sit back down.” Celestia commanded as she pressed a button on the television remote. Walking back and taking her seat again she watched Celestia’s attention go back to the suspect in question. “I have given you a chance to change your story Lightning Dust. Seeing as how you don’t want to do that you have left me no other choice in this matter.”

“Principal, you’re not listening!” Lightning tried to explain heatedly. “Sunset Shimmer attacked-”

Her words were cut short when the television came on, bringing up the fight she had with Sunset earlier that day. Mr. Dust leaned in, placing his hands onto the table, watching the video play out in front him, seeing his daughter throw a fist at Sunset. Watching further the video showed Sunset not fighting back. As it went on, he saw Fluttershy coming to Sunset's rescue, which proved that she indeed was trying to save her. Stopping the tape and ejecting it, Celestia took it from the tape player handing it over to Starknight.

“I think this shows that Sunset isn’t the one that started the fight.” Celestia stated,“As of right now Lightning Dust, you are hereby suspended for the next two weeks starting today.” Turning her attention to the aforementioned girl she added something else. “Sunset, the paperwork that you signed will let me file charges against Lightning Dust on your behalf. I need to know. Do you want me to do this for you?”

Not looking up Sunset sniffed a reply “No I d-don’t want you to do that Principal Celestia. Please just send me home already. That's all I really want is to go home”.

“I don’t know if I can do that. I really-” Celestia began only to be cut off by Fluttershy’s mother.

“Principal Celestia.” Mrs. MaCpherson suddenly chimed in. “As a former guidance counselor I can tell you that Sunset Shimmer has been through enough for today. I think it would be best for her to go home. As for Lightning Dust don’t you think that filing charges on her would do her more harm than good? A juvenile record, while it can be expunged at the age of eighteen, will still cause issues for her when she tries to get a job once she is old enough to do so.”

“While I agree with your first statement Mrs. MaCpherson, I don’t know if I should let this slide.” Celestia objected, looking to Lightning Dust and her father. “If I do, what lesson will that teach Lightning Dust? Other than the fact that she can do whatever she wants with no consequences of her actions”.

“It wouldn’t teach her anything Principal Celestia.” Standing up, Mr. Dust looked at Fluttershy, her mother, Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna and finally to Sunset Shimmer who he gave a disgusted stare too. “After seeing what was on this video and how you handled yourself today Lightning, my decision is this. I want Officer’s Starknight and Moonstone here to personally take you into custody and be put in jail for the night. That alone should give you plenty of time to think about your actions.” Giving a disappointed glance to his daughter he headed towards the door. “Let this be a lesson to you young lady!”

“Dad, wait! Please you can’t do this!” Lightning screamed out desperately.

“Just watch me!” He replied adding as he got to the threshold of the conference room door “I am sick of your behavior!”

Watching him storm off, Lightning Dust stood up quickly following her father out the conference room door into the hallway. Following her out as well, Moonstone and Luna both headed to the hallway getting to the front of the school a few minutes later. Lightning Dust was soon found on the steps crying as if something tragic had happened to her.

Sighing, Luna sat next to the crying teen. “You know this police officer will have to arrest you for what you did today, right?”

“My father doesn’t love me.” She sobbed out nearly choking on them as Luna’s hands rested on her shoulders. “Please don’t let him take me away! I'll be a good girl! I promise!”

“I am sorry, Lightning Dust, but there is nothing I can do please don’t resist arrest. If you do, you'll just make things harder on yourself.” Looking over to Officer Moonstone she asked, “Can you let her calm down before you take her officer?”

Moonstone shrugged. “Yeah I suppose I can do that as she’s been through a lot today too. But if she tries to flee, I-”

Anything else the young man was going to say stopped as Lightning Dust suddenly pulled away from Luna fleeing to the street. Running after her, Luna pushed her out of the way of a speeding car as its honking horns flared to life. Tolling in a mess of twisted limbs towards the sidewalk, Lightning tried to stand up as Moonstone rushed towards her.

“I’d rather die than go to jail.” Lighting Dust screamed out running directly in front of oncoming traffic again. “I hate my life! I hate you all!”

Taking action, Moonstone drew his taser and went to thrust it right at the fleeing girl. Much to his horror, Luna jumped in front of him taking the full force of the electrocution as she fell to the ground screaming in agony. While he wanted to help her, he knew he had bigger priorities at the moment, and went after Lightning Dust.

“Help! Please! Someone, help!” She screamed out feeling herself being rolled onto her stomach. “Luna help! Please! I don’t want to go to jail!”

Slamming his fist into her back, Lightning screamed as pain shot up into it as if someone had just stabbed her. This distraction made from it gave Moonstonethe time he needed to take her by the arms and cuff them. By the time Lightning regained her senses, she found herself on her knees and looking into the stony face of Moon.

“You’re definitely going to jail after what you just did young lady.” He scolded, his hardened voice matching the second part of his name. “Now I can add an attempt at resisting arrest to your charge!”

Sounds of groaning pulled Moon Stone’s focus from the teenage girl to the woman attempting to get onto her feet. Feeling his anger quelled a bit, he went over to Luna, Lightning still in one hand as he offered his free one to her. She shakily accepted it, holding her right side where Moon Stone’s taser hit her.

“How is Lightning Dust?” Luna wheezed through clenched teeth. “Is she alright?”

“Aside from the aching back I gave her, yes. Though she did try to resist arrest.” Moonstonesaid, keeping a firm grip on the still crying girl. “Why the hell did you get in front of my taser like that?! It could’ve ended a lot worse for you, you know!”

“I-I didn’t want you to hurt her.” Luna explained weakly, struggling to stand upright. “I thought the force you were using on her was unnecessary as she wasn’t directly fighting you. Plus, tasers are rather dangerous to use on a child.”

“Maybe so, but that was still a stupid thing to do! Even if Lightning wasn’t trying to fight me, her trying to flee and resist me is still grounds for me to do what I need to in order to stop her.” Moon countered as he kept Lightning close to her. “Another reason why it was dumb is that you could be charged for interfering with an arrest! And what you did would’ve been for nothing! Even if you thought that it was right!”

“…Yes, you’re right.” Luna yielded. “I would appear I let my desire to protect my students get the better of me. I hope you can forgive me for my recklessness.”

“Only if you give me your word that you’ll never do something that dangerous again.” Moonstonesighed as he calmed down. “Otherwise, I’ll have to have you arrested along with Lightning as well.”

Not having the words to reply, Luna just meekly nodded as she took the young officer’s hand and led her back to the school. Seconds after getting across the road, they heard the sounds of arguing in the form of Celestia and Starknight. Fluttershy and Mrs. McPherson stood between them, the younger of the two relatives looking unsure what to do. By the time they were within actual hearing range, the duo managed to pick up the last of the conversation.

“Just what kind of game is this you’re playing with me, Celestia?!” Starknight snapped, sounding as if she was given the wrong box of donuts. “I wanted to see the actual tape from last night's incident! Not some child's fantasy of a monster attacking your students which you have shown me here today!”

“But officer, that is the real tape!” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice just above a whisper. “All those events of Sunset turning into a demon really did happen! The tape wasn’t faked! Principal Celestia, is telling you the truth.” Realizing she wasn’t getting anywhere with her pleas to officer Starknight, Fluttershy turned her attention to Sunset Shimmer who stood nearby “Sunset you have to tell-“

“Ask yourself this question, Fluttershy.” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “How the Jo’vek am I supposed to prove that anything on that tape really happened?”

“It’s simple. You can’t prove it because it isn’t real.” Starknight bitterly snapped, “Nothing that I saw on that tape is real and that can be seen clearer than day” Starknight grumbled just as bitterly as she glared at Celestia. “Now I need to get going. I’ll call for a squad car to sit out front of this school until the faculty comes back in the morning. But when I come back here to relieve them, I expect to see the real tape and not the foolish fantasy that you tried to show me today.”

Spinning around on her heels and balls of her feet, Starknight marched down the stairs and nodded to Moon Stone, who followed her with Lightning Dust by the arm. Sunset watched quietly as the crying girl got hauled off, her orange eyes blazing with fiery hatred that she aimed directly at her victim. Unable to take it any longer, Sunset began heading off into the direction of the state park to clear her head. Or she would have if a certain principal did not stop her.

“Sunset, wait!” She heard Celestia call out to her stopping her in her tracks quickly getting up to her she added, “Look... I know I said I would talk about this tomorrow and I know you think what you did was right by doing Snail's homework. But I can’t allow you to do that anymore. He needs to do his own work just as you need to do yours. If you do however insist on doing his homework, I’ll have to give you detention for it. Do you understand?”

“Fine!” Sunset shouted with a foot stomp. “At least I’ll have a place to study and sleep! Now will you please leave me alone?!”

“Young lady, that is no way to speak to us!” Luna chastised upon catching up to her sister and Sunset herself earning a scoff from Sunset. Grunting, the Vice-Principal looked up to her older sister. “If you are willing, dear sister, perhaps we should give her detention now?”

“No, Luna. She hasn’t done anything. Not yet.” Turning her attention to Sunset, Celestia gave a parting statement to Sunset. “Listen I know you think the whole world must be against you right now Sunset. But I am not against you at all. Neither are Luna and Fluttershy. All we’re doing is trying to help you. Nothing more and nothing less. Now, I’m sure you are beyond tired right now, so you can head back home. Just try to stay out of trouble alright?”

Too tired to say anything, Sunset just gave a nod before turning and heading to where the public park was. Watching until she was out of sight, Celestia and Luna turned to Mrs. McPherson and Fluttershy, the mother holding her daughter. It looked like the younger of the two was going to speak but stopped when Officer Starknight walked up to them.

“Okay, Lightning Dust is seated inside the back seat of my car and Moonstone is with her.” She said, looking slightly calmer than before. “Like I stated before, I will be back for the actual tape in regards to last night's incident. And it better be the right one, or I’m going to have a couple other suspects in jail.”

“Yes, Officer Starknight. Thank you” Luna nodded, relieved nothing further troubling had happened. “Before you leave with Lightning Dust, there’s something I’d like to let you know. Something that involves your other officer Moon Stone.”

“Yeah, what about him?” Starknight corrected, one hand on her hip. “I noticed you shaking like you were in a snowstorm after you and he came back here. Did something happen between the two of you?”

“Er…yes, it did.” Luna replied hesitantly, not looking into her sister’s concerned eyes. “It wasn’t anything too dangerous. But I did something that more or less warranted him stopping me.”

Starknight’s pupils narrowed. “What. Happened?”

Sighing in preparation for the incoming verbal assault, the Vice-Principal made her confession. “Officer, uh, Well, he tried to use his taser on Lightning Dust when she didn't do anything at all. She ran out into the street in front of an oncoming car, yelling that she would rather die than go to jail. I chased after Lightning and pushed her out of the way, only to find that as I was getting up Moonstone had gotten up behind us and had drawn his taser on a defenseless child."

"You what?!" Celestia exclaimed before Starknight could even begin to form a reply. "That was incredibly foolish of you to do! What would you have done if he decided to arrest you as well for interfering in his arrest of Lightning Dust?!”

"Listen, I just did what I thought was right.” Luna protested, under Celestia’s glare. "I understand I should not have interfered, but… my body just moved. I didn’t have any time to think.”

“Time to think or not, it was still an unwarranted move. You’re lucky Moonstone didn’t do worse to you other than tazing you!” Celestia heatedly scolded as Luna looked away. While her younger sister stewed in her guilt, the elder of the principal sisters eyed Starknight. “I hope you can accept my apologies for my sister’s interference with your job, Officer Starknight. She… has a tendency to let her care and safety for students get the better of her sometimes. If you wish, I won’t stop you from pressing charges against her.”

“If I was any other officer, I probably would’ve.” Starknight murmured. “But given the situation that played out… I think I will let you off with a warning. Though I’ll have to talk to my captain about it. Should it happen again either way, my hands will be tied and you’ll be on your own.”

“Yes of course, I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again.” Celestia nodded thankfully. “Right Luna?”

“I-indeed,” Luna feebly added, rubbing one of her arms as she looked at Fluttershy and Mrs. MacPherson. “I appreciate you and your mother partaking in this Fluttershy. I apologize if we caused you two any distress. Are you and your mother going to be safe going home by yourselves?”

“We’ll be alright Vice-Principal Luna, thank you.” Her student responded, looking at her mother as they both went to their care. “We will need to hurry though. It’s getting dark and I don’t want to get caught in the rain.”

Celestia glanced up at the sky, taking notice of the gathering clouds. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea. We should go to Luna, lest we run the risk of potentially getting soaked.”

“Very well then.” Luna agreed, walking beside her sister. “You and your mother please drive safely Mrs. MacPherson, don't hesitate to call us if there’s anything you need.”

We will, thank you, Vice-Principal Luna.” Fluttershy accepted with a thankful smile, accepting her mother’s one-armed embrace as they headed to their car. “Mom, you said that you used to be a guidance counselor, right? Is there anything you can do for Sunset? Or Lightning Dust to help her out of this situation?”

“I don’t know if I can honey, she did get herself put in a tough situation. It may very well be out of my power.” Mrs. McPherson replied with uncertainty, stopping in front of her car and looking at the principal duo. "But I will try to look into it. I can’t guarantee anything but… I’ll do all that I can."

Hope filled Fluttershy’s eyes as she smiled. “Okay Mom, thank you.”

As the mother daughter duo and the school principals got in their cars, Starknight stayed in her position. Watching as they started their vehicles and drove off into the distance, the officer pulled out her radio and pressed the button on the side to speak into it.

“Dispatch.”

“Go for dispatch.”

“We have a ten - ninety-five so I need any current ten-sixty’s to be sent to my ten-twenty at Canterlot High School they will be doing a ten - ninety-one of the suspect in custody. Once they are here, I’ll need a ten - forty-four at my ten - twenty so I can head back to the one-twelve.”

“Ten - Twelve officer.”

“Roger that dispatch.” Starknight stated, ending the chat as she put her radio back onto her belt and walked to her car where Moonstone was standing. Sobbing from inside caught her attention as she got there, and it was soon apparent that Lightning Dust was the one who was crying.

“Got everything under control here?” Moonstone casually asked.

“Yeah, nothing too serious. But I have a feeling someone is going to be getting a little call from the captain later on tonight.” Starknight uttered, furrowing her brows at the younger officer. Taking her attention away from him, she shifted it to Lightning Dust, who was whimpering. “Hey kid, I know you’re upset but you couldn’t have expected this not to happen. It’s what you get when you resist arrest and don’t comply with orders, so quit the waterworks will you?”

“That’s… t-that’s not it.” Lightning Dust sputtered. “He hit me.”

Starknight paused. “What?”

“Y-your partner. He hit me in the back while I was running.” The teenager continued, looking at Moonstone like tried to assault her. “My cuffs are too tight and they’re making my hands go numb. I wasn’t even told my rights either! H-he just… caught me and said why I was under arrest and that was it.”

“Is this true?” Starknight’s head snapped to the rookie who was sweating a little and giving her a bewildered look. “Don’t give me that look! Is what she said true?!”

“Sort of.” Moonstonefinally confessed, unable to look his trainer in the face. “It was a spur of the moment thing and… I may have used more force than necessary.”

“It sounds like there was a lot more to it than that.” Starknight sneered, huffing as she shook her head. “We’ll be having a talk with the captain about tonight rookie and it’d better not be as bad as you're claiming. If what this girl told me is true, you’re going to be on desk duty for an entire month!”

Not giving Moonstonethe chance to talk, Starknight looked back at Lightning Dust with a gentler gaze. “As for you, Lightning Dust, we'll take you to the station and have a talk with you about what you did here tonight”.

"A-alright." She replied, sounding more in control of herself now. "What happens now? Do I-?"

“Ten - sixty is ten - seventy-six their ten - seventy-seven is one minute.” Dispatch said over Starknight’s radio without warning. “Do you need a ten - seventy-eight officer?”

Picking up her radio, Starknight gave her response. “That’s a ten-four dispatch. I’ll need at least two ten - sixties sent to my ten - twenty. They need to stay out here until the faculty shows up in the morning.”

“Ten-four officer, will inform them and be advised the captain wants your ten - nineteen to be less than thirty minutes.”

Rolling her eyes Starknight set the mic back to its place waiting and leaned on the passenger door of her car. Seconds after she did so, two other police cars pulled into the driveway before their drivers exited out of their vehicles. Upon eyeing the name tag “W. Tails” on the more intimidating one, Starknight felt her neck hairs stand up.

“Officer Tails?” Starknight asked warily. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey there Starknight! I got the call about a disturbance, so I came to see if you wanted me to handle this for you." Tails with a sick smirk on his face as he took notice of Lightning Dust. "Heh, juvenile delinquents huh? You’ve got your work cut out for you here babe."

"Watch your mouth Tails!" Starknight reprimanded him sharply. "I am a sergeant, and I will not have you talking like that around me!"

"Yeah, yeah, I do." Tails replied with a shrug, giving Moonstone an apathetic look. "Shall I take her in? Or do you want to take her in yourself, sergeant?"

‘I do not like the feel of this guy.’ Moonstone thought, feeling his spine tingle.

"No, you’ll have to take her. I still have to finish my patrol with the new rookie here." Starknight denied, gesturing to Moonstone as she caught his face. ‘Looks like I’m not the only one who can smell the BS coming from this guy.’

“Alright then! Guess I’m handling the whiny brat tonight!" He replied a little too eagerly, walking over to Starknight’s car and opening the back-passenger door. “Get out now!”

Quickly doing as he instructed, Lightning Dust found herself being forcibly slammed into the other squad car. Letting out loud painful yelp she tried to say something only to be cut off when a hand slapped the back of her head.

“Shut up!” He yelled to her, dragging her over to his own car and opening the entrance to the back seat. “Get your butt into the back of this car now! Don’t make me drag you in there!”

“Officer Tails!” Starknight screamed ragefully at the other officer, making Moonstone and Breeze flinch. “What in Hell’s name do you think you’re doing! She’s already cuffed and she’s not trying to resist! You are going over the line here!”

“Not from where I’m standing.” Officer Tails rebutted smugly. “I hate it when people don’t follow my orders, I’m just making sure she’s aware that if she screws up she’ll get a lot worse than what she already got”.

“Making sure, my foot!” Starknight retorted, taking a threatening step towards him. “Now get your stuff together right this second! Or I will have you on desk duty for excessive force! Don’t test me on that!”

Getting an annoyed nod from Officer Tails, Starknight growled before looking at the other officer in between her and Moonstone. Her hand went to rest on the latter’s shoulder at seeing the look of horror and anger on the rookie’s face. When he eventually calmed down, Starknight turned to talk to the other cop that was with Officer Tails.

“Did dispatch inform you that you will be staying out here until the faculty return in the morning Officer Wish Star?” She asked as calmly as she could. “Or did you need them to let you know?”

“Yes, they did. Both I and Cloudy Skies will be out here all night as much as neither of us really want to.” Officer Wish Star confirmed softly, giving a smile to Moonstone. Watching as Officer Tails got in his car, he leaned closer to the woman. “Can you tell me why White Tails is still a cop after the stunt he pulled last month? I mean to plant evidence on a kid just to make an arrest? I’m pretty sure that warrants a termination.”

“We all know he is guilty of it but it doesn't matter what we think at this point.” Starknight sighed, turning back to her own squad car. “Internal Affairs cleared him of any wrongdoing, and they were the ones to put Tails back on active duty. Not the captain or me for that matter.”

“Even so! To do it to a child of all people!” Wish Star insisted, her words stopping Starknight from her departure. “Even if they were nasty, nothing can justify doing something so horrible to someone who isn’t even sixteen! It kind of makes me wish I didn’t choose being a cop as my career choice…”

“Believe me, cops like him are a lot more common than you think.” Starknight grunted, her mind going back to unpleasant parts of her career. “All we can do at this point is wait for him to mess up again. I only hope, God-forbid, that he doesn’t get someone killed the next time he does… or worse, get a child killed.”

“You and me both.” Officer Wish Star murmured sadly, turning her own back towards Starknight as she and Moonstone went into the woman’s car. “Drive safe out there, Officer Starknight. And try not to get the rookie killed on his first time on the job.”

“No promises.” Starknight waved as she pulled out of the school’s driveway. With a final wave to Wish Star by Moonstone, the pair drove off, leaving the new arrival to stand guard till morning.

---

Roaring thunder shook inside the inner canals of Sunset’s ears as she walked down the paths of Canterlot City Park. Her backpack hung from behind her like a baby in a chest seat while her feet briskly stepped on the cement sidewalk. Soreness ached in her eyes from the furrowing of her brows due to her making them look that way. It was the furthest thing from Sunset’s mind despite how much it hurt. Getting back to shelter was all she thought about, not wanting to be around anyone else for the rest of the night.

Going down a pair of stairs that was part of the park, Sunset went straight for its center, wanting to catch her breath. She suddenly heard a door opening and looked to see Garble coming out of the bathroom with a spray can in hand. Seeing the girl in the park, he tossed away the can and sauntered towards her, one hand in his pocket as if he was grabbing something.

“Yo Sunset! I’m surprised to see that you’re here in the park.” He greeted casually, his grin fading when he saw her bruises. “Holy hell! What happened to you?!”

“I got into a fight. What’s it to you?” Sunset said, her tone the definition of snarky. “You're not going to lecture me like principals did about doing Snails homework are you?”

Gable held a hand up. “No, no! I ain’t here for that. Not like I didn’t do the same thing anyway so it really would not be fair. I actually came here for… something else.”

“Whatever it is, make it quick.” Sunset urged him impatiently. “In case you haven’t noticed, other than my injuries, I am tired, cold, hungry, and feel like I’m going to collapse. If what you’re here for is just gonna waste my time, then I’m just gonna head off.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t hold you up for long.” Pulling his right hand out of his pocket, Garble gave Sunset a piece of paper. “Here. This is my phone number.”

“Huh?” Sunset blinked at him in confusion. “You’re…giving your contact info to me?”

“Why not? I can tell you need a friend, and other than Fluttershy, it’s not like everyone else will be willing to do that.” Garble explained with another smile. “Before you ask, no, I’m not doing it out of pity because I know that would piss you off. I’m doing this because I do want to be a friend of yours. If you’ll let me.”

Sunset stayed quiet for at least five seconds. “I… I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Garble asked back gently. “I mean, I know you’ve been a jerk in the past, but even a blockhead like me can see you’re not the same person you were before. Plus, I feel all of the cold shoulder treatment being given to you is a little bit over the top and you deserve a break from all of that. With that being said, I think it’s time you got a fresh start from all of that and got someone else, other than the principals being there for you for once. Does that sound good to you?”

“…Well you haven’t really given me any problems since that whole She-Demon incident… and it isn’t like you weren’t a victim of my former bully self either. I guess I can possibly accept you as one of my acquaintances… besides Fluttershy that is .” She lowered the paper that was in her hands. “B-but… I don’t have a phone to contact you with. I never had one even before the whole ‘She-Demon’ thing.”

“Don’t worry about that. I have a spare phone I almost never use anymore, so I can give you that as compensation.” Garble assured confidently with a thumbs up. “So, wanna meet back up here on… let’s say Saturday?”

“Y-yeah, I almost never have anything to do over the weekends”. Sunset replied with a slight stammer. “Um,I gotta go now… I’ll see you tomorrow I suppose.”

“You too, girl. Oh, and Sunset?” Garble said, taking a slight look behind him as Sunset stopped for the last time. “My number is the only one programmed on that phone, so I’ll be calling you soon. Make sure you don’t lose it! Or you won’t be able to get in touch with me, got it?”

“Yeah, okay whatever Garble!”

Feeling she had said enough to her fellow former bully, Sunset continued further into the park, vaguely hearing Garble’s retreating footsteps. Nearing where the benches were, she heard crying from the furthest one. Her first thought was that it was Lightning Dust and almost stopped where she was but hesitated when the cries became more distinct. She felt a gasp when she saw a young boy sitting at one of the benches and let out another when she saw who it was.

“Snails?!”

At the sound of his name being called, the boy looked up from his hands and found himself staring into Sunset’s shocked eyes. No more time was given to him to even give a response before she ran over to him. Kneeling in front of him, she took a wet cheek into her hand like he was a toddler that got a bruise on his face.

“Celestia’s flaming hair Snails! What are you doing out here?!” She asked worriedly, wiping some of his tears away. “Curfew will be started soon. You need to get home before the police find you out here and drag your butt into the precinct for being out past curfew.”

“I wanted to give you my homework Sunset and I also wanted to be alone.” He replied not looking up. “I know you like to walk home through this park, and I knew you might be out here. So, I took a chance that you might be here. I am glad to see you are not too badly hurt.” Wiping the rest of his face, he asked, “I heard you got into a fight today too… are you going to be alright Sunset?”

“Yes Snails, I did. But don’t worry about that, I’ll be fine. I just had a pretty rough day is all.” Was the swift and sweet response from the former bully. Looking down, she noticed a small picture of a woman and a younger version of Snails in his hands. “Is that your mother?”

“Yeah… it’s a picture that was taken when I was little. Or littler.” Snails replied, fondness filling his voice in spite of how sad it sounded. “It’s one of the last pictures we had of each other before she… she passed away. Most of the other pictures were thrown away by my dad except for this. I hid it so he wouldn’t find it.” His eyes glistened as salty water began to rise once more. “I’m sure you would’ve loved her Sunset, and I know she would have tried to help you even if you were still a bully in the past. I wish you got the chance to meet her and she was still here, but… but she’s… she’s-!”

Dropping her backpack, Sunset pulled Snails into her arms gently running her fingers through his hair as he began to break down. “Shh, it's alright Snails. I am here now, it's alright now.”

Wrapping his arms around her he sobbed into her chest for several moments hugging her tightly not wanting to let go. She gently picked him up sitting back down on the bench placing him into her lap and holding him tightly.

“Why did my mom have to die Sunset?” Snails wailed. “Why?! I miss her so much!”

“I don’t know Snails. I wish I could answer that for you, but I can't. All that I can do is be here for you.” Feeling him let go of her she gently wiped her thumb under his right eye wiping away his tears. “Hey, Let's get you home... I’ll take care of your homework. You just get some well-needed rest, alright?”

“I want to stay with you Sunset.” He replied, watching her pick up her backpack. “I don’t want to go home! My father doesn’t love me! I know he doesn’t! Not after getting rid of all of… of…”

“Don’t say that Snails! You have a home and a loving family. I don’t. I live in a shack and sleep on a cement floor, and that isn’t any sort of life for you.” Gently taking him by his hand she began to lead him towards the entrance of the park adding, “I know it hurts Snails... this type of hurt will never really go away. But I’ll be there for you. I promise.”

Sniffling in the back of his hand, Snails offered her a weak smile as he held her hand tightly. As if she would just vanish into thin air should he decide to let her go. Nothing else was said between the two of them as they walked away from the bench and towards the park’s entrance. In the few seconds they did, Sunset felt snails lean into her side before taking notice of his droopy eyes. With a little chuckle, she grabbed the boy by his backside and hoisted him in her arms before continuing on to his house.

---

One hour after silent walking and carrying a sleeping runaway, Sunset found herself at the home of the Garlans. Contrary to her expectations, she ended up not needing to knock on the front door due to seeing Snail’s father sitting on the porch. A single look into his eyes was all that Sunset needed for her to know she was welcome and there’d be no hostility given. Slowly, she walked up to the entrance stairs and watched as he got up from his chair, face unchanging and emotionless.

“Hello Sunset. Nice to see you out here tonight.” Mr. Garlan greeted calmly, taking his pipe out of his hands. “Thank you for bringing Snails back home. I was wondering when he’d return.”

“It’s no trouble Mr. Garlan. I’m happy that I could help.” Sunset thanked awkwardly, not really knowing what else to say. “Is Snails in trouble for running away from home?”

Mr. Garlan sighed as he opened the door to his house. “He’s not. I know he needed some time to deal with the pain of losing his mother. It’s the only thing that can explain him running off when he did.”

“After what he told me today, I’d be shocked if he didn’t.” Sunset murmured while walking inside the house. “Um, Mr. Sheldon, I know I probably shouldn’t be asking this, but I was wondering if I could-”

“You could stay for the night?” He finished watching as her jaw went slack. “It’s fine if you want to do that. Snails may want to have your company once he wakes up. Of course, you can go on back home if you’d like. Either way, it’s up to you.”

“If… if it’s really alright with you, then I guess I can’t refuse.” Sunset accepted after thinking over it for a minute. “I have to ask though, why do this at all? You know all of the things I did with Snips and Snails. It just doesn’t make sense.”

“Good question.” Mr. Garlan sighed, taking another inhale from his pipe. “I suppose it’s because of the fact that you have almost no one to help you. Or maybe because I did it out of sympathy. Or it’s probably because you’re the only person who managed to bring a smile to my son’s face at such a trying time in his life.” He let a moment of silence wash over so his words could sink in. “I really don’t know. But… I did it now, and there’s no taking it back.”

Seeing that he was becoming solemn by the second, Sunset stopped her questioning and went down to where Snails’ room was at. Following him down the hall, she and Mr. Garlan made it to a small room that contained a somewhat large bed. Sunset watched as the man pulled off the covers to let her put Snails in the bed before covering him up. Mr. Garlan then went back to the front door, letting Sunset tend to Snails one last time.

“If you need a room, you can take the room down the hallway from here. I know you live far from here which is partially the reason why I said you could stay here.” Mr. Garlan stated. “Of course, you don’t have to leave in the morning. Stay for as long as you need to.”

“Thank you for the offer Mr. Garlan, but I’ll have to decline.” Sunset replied slowly, getting up to face him. “I do have school tomorrow and as much as I want to stay for Snails sake at least I can’t I have… things to do. However, for right now though, I’m gonna get some sleep.”

Nodding in understanding, Mr. Garlan took one more smoke from his pipe before going back up the hall. Sunset listened as his footsteps slowly faded before she exited the bedroom flicking the light to Snails’ room off. Going down the opposite way, she arrived at a slightly larger bedroom that had all the standard essentials of one. Yawning, she took her coat off and hung it on the back of a chair located in front of a large oak desk before walking to the dresser and setting the alarm clock. Sunset then turned and sat down on the bed, taking off her boots and setting them on the floor.

Laying down, she pulled the covers back and laid her head against the soft pillow, raising her right arm and resting it on her head as the thunderstorm raged outside. Taking no notice of the horned and bell brand on her right under forearm located just under her wrist , she let herself sink into the bed mattress.

‘Why didn't you take me back with you Twilight?’ Sunset thought to herself, closing her eyes as sleep pulled her into its soothing grip. ‘Why?’

Next Chapter: Chapter 4 - Shimmering Solitude Part 3 of 3: August 2nd, Tuesday 6:30 PM Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 2 Minutes