September 22^nd, 2019
Saturday
Sunny

Morning

play song

Just as everyone suspected, Rainbow Dash had a fever when she woke up. Hers was actually pretty bad, which at first Starlight was really concerned about, but Celestia assured her that everything would be okay.

“You’ll be fine after you get some rest, okay Rainbow Dash.” Celestia said lovingly caressing Rainbow Dash’s cheek.

“Yeah Ms. Tia. Thanks. Um, you know about-” Celestia placed a finger on Rainbow Dash’s lips.

“We’ll talk more about it later, after you’re better,” Celestia said. She leaned forward to kiss Rainbow Dash on the forehead, and then whispered in her ear, “I’m so proud of you.”

Rainbow Dash’s face turned red, and she averted her eyes, “T-thanks Ms. Tia.”

Celestia patted Rainbow Dash on the shoulder and walked out into the hallway, where Starlight, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie were waiting for her.

“Ms. Tia, are you sure Dashie’s going to be okay?” Pinkie Pie asked somberly, “Her temperature was so high…”

“Don’t worry, Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash will be okay. Why don’t you go in and tend to her,” Celestia suggested. Pinkie Pie nodded and walked into the bedroom, briefly meeting eyes with Starlight and Trixie before closing the door.

“Think she remembers us?” Starlight asked.

“It’s possible,” Celestia said, “But she probably thinks it was just a normal dream.”

“Ms. Tia, I’m sorry for last night,” Trixie said looking down, “I messed up big time. Thanks to me, Starlight and I were almost trapped in Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon too.”

“That was reckless, and I wish you’d use more tact,” Celestia sighed folding her arms underneath her bosom, “But thanks to that, we did find the Chariot. Still, you were very lucky that Rainbow Dash was there. Had she not, I don’t know what we would have done to get you out.”

“Yeah… I know,” Trixie closed her eyes, fighting back tears actually. Starlight didn’t like seeing her so upset, especially since she knew what happened in there.

Before she could say anything, Celestia wrapped her arms around Trixie lovingly, “No one is upset with you, Trixie. Personally, I’m just happy you all are safe.”

“Next time, let’s just work together,” Starlight suggested, giving Trixie an assured smile. Trixie turned to Starlight still in Celestia’s embrace and returned the smile as best as she could.

“Thanks. I’ll be more careful next time,” Trixie promised.

“For now, I want all of you to take it easy for today,” Celestia said releasing Trixie, “We’ll decide how to proceed once Rainbow Dash has recovered.”

“With Rainbow Dash’s help, do you think we can get higher in Elysium as well?” Starlight asked Celestia.

“Yes, which is why I want to wait to decide how we’ll proceed,” Celestia turned to the door, “Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon is our top priority, but with Dash as a Persona User now, this is a golden opportunity to get higher in Elysium. Also, that's a good place to train in using Personas.”

“Neither Dash nor I have a lot of experience using Personas. Even though I don’t think she needs much training,” Trixie’s eyes went wide as she remembered, “I mean, you should have seen her, Ms. Tia!”

“I’m not surprised that her power was so strong. She is the Chariot Arcana, which often has heavy offensive capabilities. She’ll be a real asset to the team,” Celestia said.

“I’m glad she’s on our side,” Starlight said, her mind going back to what Pinkie Pie said in her dream. She “knew” she wasn’t ever going to escape. Had she truly giving up all hope?

“I think I’m going to head out for a bit,” Trixie said, “I kind of need some time alone after last night.”

“Try not to beat yourself up over that, okay honey?” Celestia urged, “All is well now.”

“Right, all is well,” Trixie agreed, even if her expression said otherwise, “Starlight, I’ll catch up with you later.”

Starlight nodded and watched as Trixie walked downstairs.

play song

“I’m truly getting worried about her,” Celestia sighed, “Even though we’ve rescued her from her Dungeon, her heart is still damaged.”

“What can I do?” Starlight asked, “I’m there for her, but I wonder if it’s actually enough. Especially after last night.”

“You might need to take charge a bit more,” Celestia suggested, surprising Starlight.

“Wait, what do you mean?” Starlight asked.

“You are the Trickster, Starlight, the one who wields the power of the Wild Card,” Celestia folded her arms regarding Starlight seriously, “Regardless of how strong Rainbow Dash or Trixie become, your power is destined to rise higher. In the end, you are the one who has to find a way to stop the Nightmare Epidemic. I know you’re afraid, but it’s the truth.”

Starlight knew she was right. She had hoped that having more members would take the heat off of her, but it seemed almost like the opposite was happening.

“So… what should I do?” Starlight asked earnestly, “How do I fix this?”

“Every team needs a leader,” Celestia stated, “As your team grows larger, the need for a leader will also grow.”

With that, Celestia walked off, leaving Starlight to her thoughts. A leader, huh? Should someone like her really be the leader? She looked at her Channeling Ring, thinking about how to best approach this situation. They were all witches now.

And witches were always stronger as a coven.

end song

As she relaxed in her bed, Rainbow Dash looked at the ring that had now materialized on her finger. She remembered that appearing in her dream, but she didn’t expect to see it again when she woke up. Then again, she remembered both Starlight and Trixie had similar rings.

Was this the source of their power? Was this a symbol that they were real live witches? And if so, did that make Rainbow Dash a witch now too?

“Dashie, are you okay?” Pinkie Pie asked sitting on her bed, looking almost like she was about to cry.

“Yeah Pinkie Pie, I’m okay,” Rainbow Dash said sitting up in her bed, “I’m a fighter, remember? You don’t need to worry about me,” she averted her eyes, “W-what about you? Are you okay?”

Pinkie Pie was silent for a few seconds, “I don’t know how to answer that. Everything is just so… ugh!” she shot up and walked over to her window, “Everything is falling apart now! I’m a social outcast in school now, my best friend is suddenly sick, and I’m-” she hugged herself and closed her eyes tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks, “Why is this happening to me?! I just wanted to make people smile!”

Rainbow Dash looked down at her lap and clenched her teeth in frustration. She hated seeing Pinkie Pie so broken. She wasn’t supposed to cry like this. She was supposed to be laughing, joking, imagining herself as a Magical Girl. That’s the Pinkie Pie she loved.

And that was the Pinkie Pie she was going to save.

play song

“I don’t know why this has to happen to you of all people, but I do know that it’s not going to last forever,” Rainbow Dash said seriously.

“Dashie…”

“I refuse to let things just stay like this,” Rainbow Dash looked at her ring, “Pinkie Pie, when I lost my Mom, you were there to pick up the pieces of my heart. You’re the whole reason I’m even able to smile at all. I… I can’t lose you!” this time Rainbow Dash broke down, “If I lose you, then I have nothing left! You’re my family now! You’re the person I care about most in this world, and I’m not letting anyone or anything take you away from me! Not some pink haired French bitch, and not some freaky killer nightmare either!”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened as she looked at Rainbow Dash, a soft blush on her cheeks. Made even worse as Rainbow Dash forced herself to her feet and walked over to Pinkie Pie wrapping her arms around her tightly.

“I will always be your knight, Pinkie Pie. If you’re afraid, then cling to me. If you’re in danger, scream my name. Don’t stop screaming, even if I’m far away. I’ll hear you, I promise.”

“Oh Dashie…” Pinkie Pie wrapped her arms around Rainbow Dash and completely broke down, crying harder than Rainbow Dash had ever seen her cry. She was terrified right now. Terrified of her nightmares, of Fleur, of school, possibly of everything at the moment. But it was okay. It would always be okay.

No matter what, Rainbow Dash would be right there to hold her as she cried. She’d be strong for her, so Pinkie Pie could be as weak as she needed to be right now.

Let it out, my Princess. I will save you.

I have power now, so don’t worry. You won’t have to suffer in this hell for much longer.

end song

Evening

Starlight didn’t go out today, mostly because she was thinking about what Celestia said. Not just about her being the leader, but also about Trixie’s mental state. Starlight knew that the Trixie most people saw at school was a facade, and she’d seen the sort of person Trixie was behind that mask. However, that was the first time she’d seen the mask fall away so harshly. She was free from Blueblood’s influence, but to say she was saved entirely was a stretch.

“What do I do?” Starlight asked no one in particular. She often wondered if someone was up there listening. In terms of God, she wasn’t sure what she believed honestly. The modern interpretation of the Bible demonized magic, which was really the crux of why Starlight and her mother never agreed on religion. After meeting Igor however, she wasn’t so sure what was true anymore. She got the feeling that something was up there, or someone, but were they God? Was there something else entirely up there?

Then there was the tower, Elysium. To Starlight, it reminded her of the Tower of Babel almost. It was certainly large enough to supposedly reach up to the heavens. Was that the real live Tower of Babel they were climbing? And if so, did that mean that God was real, and at the other end of it.

But Trixie believed that the source of the Nightmare Epidemic was up there, and honestly it did make sense. If so, then was God responsible for this? Just what were they getting themselves into with this?

“There you are,” Rainbow Dash said coming downstairs fully clothed, “I was expecting you to be out with Trixie.”

“She needed some time alone,” Starlight said sitting up, “I’m surprised to see you dressed. Are you feeling better?”

“Sorta,” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head, “I still feel a bit funny, but I’ve never been one to just sit around when I’m sick.”

“Just don’t over do it,” Starlight said, “I don’t know if the fever we get after a Persona Awakening is normal or not.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll still take it easy,” Rainbow Dash plopped onto the couch and held up her ring, “So, witches huh? It’s weird. You read about this stuff in books, but you never actually believe that it’s real, ya know? Not like this.”

play song

“I know what you mean,” Starlight said looking at her Channeling Ring, “When I got mine, I always had a feeling it was connected to being a witch, but I didn’t think I’d become one like this.”

“So, did you have one of those nightmares too, or were you like me?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“My awakening was more like yours. When I came to this school, I started having this really weird dream where Trixie was being tortured by Blueblood. I didn’t know what was going on at first, but once I saw Blueblood the night after seeing his Shadow, I started becoming suspicious. That night, things got so bad that I needed power, otherwise we’d both die.”

“And then you heard a voice, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, “A voice telling you not to give up?”

Starlight nodded, “I was terrified at first, but I ended up realizing that it was just me talking back to myself, so I decided to just indulge in the feeling. That was when I met Morgana.”

“So that was your first one,” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and smiled, “I could sort of tell. The way you fight beside her suggests you’re close. I kind of thought you were a veteran or something.”

“Oh no, I’ve only been doing this since the beginning of the school year,” Starlight looked up to the ceiling, “The real veterans, I don’t know if I’ll ever amount to.”

“You mean the other Tricksters, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I bet you’ll beat all of them.”

“They only had to save one country. The Nightmare Epidemic is affecting the whole planet,” Starlight hugged herself, “Besides, I know I’m not the Trickster that Ms. Tia’s been waiting for.”

“How do you know that?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I’m serious. What’s the reason you’re assuming that you’re not the Trickster?”

Starlight thought about it, but eventually decided to tell Rainbow Dash the truth. How Igor sought out the previous Tricksters beforehand, but Starlight just so happened to fall into the Velvet Room by chance. Even Igor was surprised that she appeared in the Velvet Room in such a roundabout manner.

“Huh, so that’s the reason. Yeah, I can see why you’d think that. Kinda sounds like you were just turned into a Trickster because you were there at the time,” Rainbow Dash scooted closer to Starlight and wrapped an arm around her, “So we just have to make you into the Trickster, that’s all.”

“How do we do that?” Starlight asked.

“Through intense training, what else?” Rainbow Dash said as if it were obvious, “Not just physical training either. We gotta read books, watch anime, do you play video games?” Starlight shook her head, “Ya do now. All a part of my class, Protagonist 101.”

Starlight was wide eyed looking at Rainbow Dash. Was she serious about this?

“Trust me, I have a reason for this,” Rainbow Dash released Starlight and folded her arms thoughtfully, “That place is a dream realm, so everything we do there is subjective. That means it doesn’t matter what we do physically as much as mentally. By that logic, if we watch things that make you feel like an anime protagonist, you’ll be able to program your mind into thinking like an anime protagonist. Then you can carry that into the dream world. I’ve done it myself once.”

“Wait, you have?” Starlight asked. This was getting intriguing.

“Last year, Pinkie Pie and I really got into this multiplayer RPG. Every night after we finished our homework we’d turn it on and play for a few hours, and then we’d binge it during the weekends. I got so into it that I started dreaming that I was the main protagonist. Also, while awake I’d kinda see the world around me like it was the game itself. I think I even saw a text box show up when the Teacher was talking to me.”

“Sounds like you were just playing too many video games, being completely honest,” Starlight laughed awkwardly. To her credit, Rainbow Dash laughed too.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought initially too, but after seeing that dream world, I’m not so sure. You know how I was fighting in the dream world? I actually was using the same fighting style as the main character in that game. Kinda makes you wonder, you know?” Rainbow Dash looked up at the ceiling with a confident smile, “A lot of people say that reality is based on how we choose to see it. So what if, you know? If what they say is true, then when I saw reality like that game, that means reality for me was that game. Maybe we can do the same for you.”

Honestly, when she explained it like that, scarily enough it kind of made sense to Starlight. Hell, according to “reality”, nothing that they were doing was possible. And yet here they were with real live super powers, able to enter people’s dreams, and Starlight had even saved Trixie from a nightmare. Hell, Starlight was now a skilled belly dancer despite never taking any classes in it.

“What do ya got to lose?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Worst case scenario, I’m full of shit, but we get to hang out and play video games. Best case scenario, I’m actually onto something and you get to become a badass anime protagonist.”

“What the hell,” Starlight said after a second, “I’m in. If nothing else, it does sound like fun.”

“That’s my girl,” Rainbow Dash held out her hand, “Welcome to Shonen Anime Protagonist 101.”

“I thought your class was just called Protagonist 101?” Starlight asked shaking Rainbow Dash’s hand.

“No way. Shonen protagonists are the best protagonists, and I only train the best.”

She could feel Rainbow Dash’s confidence oozing off of her, and it was honestly hard not to feel confident herself. Starlight could feel a faint bond forming between her and Rainbow Dash.

play song

end song

Before Starlight could say anything else, Trixie walked back into the dorm, “Hey guys. I see Dash is doing better.”

“Yeah, I am. What about you?” Dash asked as Trixie went to sign herself in, “Feeling better?”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine,” Trixie waved it off with a confident smirk, “Nothing can keep me down for very long, Dash.”

Starlight frowned a bit seeing that. She knew what she was doing, and after seeing what happened in Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon, she didn’t like it one bit.

“What about you two,” Trixie walked over to the couch and leaned forward next to Starlight, “The two of you getting chummy chummy without moi present? I almost feel a twinge of jealousy.”

“Don’t worry Lulamoon, I ain’t trying to steal your girl or anything,” Rainbow Dash joked, “I was just signing Starlight up for my personal training from hell. Wanna be a part of it? Guaranteed to turn you into a full fledged anime/video game protagonist or your money back.”

“Thanks, but I don’t know if I want to become a full fledged anime protagonist. Wouldn’t want to steal Starlight’s thunder, after all,” Trixie subtly bragged. She could feel it in her smile, what Trixie was trying to tell Starlight.

I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.

Starlight sighed internally, but smiled in acceptance. At least she didn’t look like she was on the verge of tears anymore.

“So, how’s Pinkie Pie doing?” Trixie asked Rainbow Dash.

“She’s sleeping now,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “Hard to tell if that’s a good thing or not, all things considered.”

“We managed to rescue her in the dream, so that gives us a bit more time,” Starlight said, “But only a bit.”

“Do you know how much time?” Rainbow Dash asked, visibly concerned.

“Probably a couple of days at least.”

play song

Everyone turned to the stairs and saw Twilight walking over to them, already fully dressed.

“I take it you’re mission control, right?” Rainbow Dash said getting up, “Twilight?”

“Yes, I’m Twilight Sparkle. Also known as the annoying voice that yells at everyone from the waking world,” Twilight said straightening her glasses.

“Nice to meet you, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash held out her hand, “The names Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie’s roommate and her knight in shining armor.”

Twilight sighed shaking her hand, “It’s nice to meet you too, Rainbow Dash. Hopefully you won’t be as grating as these two.”

“You know you love us, Twi-Twi. Don’t even pretend otherwise~” Trixie said with a wink, and Starlight couldn’t help but giggle herself.

Twilight closed her eyes in frustration and sucked in a breath, “Ignoring that one, have you been updated on the situation?”

“Not yet,” Rainbow Dash said as Celestia stepped out of the kitchen, “I was about to ask about that when you came downstairs.”

“Then now is the best time, since we’re all together,” Celestia said sitting down on the couch across from Starlight. Trixie and Rainbow Dash both sat down beside Starlight, and Twilight too a seat off to the side, “How do you feel now, Rainbow Dash?”

“I feel, better,” Rainbow Dash said, “Not perfect, but definitely better than I was before. So… can I start by asking an odd question, Ms. Tia?”

“Certainly,” Celestia said with a pleasant smile.

“Who are you?” Rainbow Dash asked outright, “It’s pretty clear that you’re a lot more than just a homeroom teacher.”

“Rainbow Dash, you’re not suspicious of Ms. Tia, are you?” Trixie asked.

“I don’t want to be, but people who are enigmatic like this set off alarms in my head. It’s just a habit of mine,” Rainbow Dash admitted. Starlight didn’t like it, but it was fair to ask those questions. She was actually really curious herself as to where Celestia had come from.

“That’s perfectly understandable,” Celestia said, “However, there isn’t much I can say that I feel will alleviate your concerns. The most I can say is that I’m someone who’s quite curious about the depths of Persona, and that I’ve been supporting the Kirijo Corporation in Japan for quite some time.”

“Kirijo, huh? Yeah, I’ve heard about those guys,” Rainbow Dash said, “They’re kind of shady in their own right. I take it they’re connected to these Personas?”

“They’re more than just connected,” Twilight stated, “They’re at the center of Persona activity. They’re leader, Mitsuru Kirijo, was a Persona User who fought during an incident in Japan around 2009 and 2010.”

“Have you heard of something called Apathy Syndrome?” Celestia asked.

“I think I read about that somewhere. What, was that sort of what we’re dealing with here?”

“In a way, you could say that it was the first time humanity ever came into contact with Shadows,” Celestia closed her eyes seriously, “The original head of the Kirijo Corporation began messing with powers he shouldn’t have, and as a result caused the first major Shadow related incident*. Since then, there have been a number of Shadow related incidents, most of which happened in Japan. What scientists are calling the Nightmare Epidemic is just the latest in a series of events where people are targeted by Shadows.”

“Right, but this time it’s the whole planet that caused the problem,” Rainbow Dash frowned to herself, “Fuck. How bad can these incidents get?”

“According to the various Persona Users that deal with these issues, quite,” Celestia explained, “I honestly feel terrible getting you children involved in this. Sadly, teenagers have the easiest time awakening and using the power of Persona.”

“Which brings me to my next question, what the hell is a Persona? I sort of get that it’s my inner self, but what part?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I can answer that,” Starlight said, “Everyone has a Shadow, which is the manifestation of their inner emotions. You remember how Fleur showed up in Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon?”

“Yeah, you said that was her Shadow. Don’t tell me all of us have something like that,” Rainbow Dash said incredulous.

“We do,” Starlight said awkwardly, “It doesn’t take away who you are. Think of it like the piece of you that you don’t want to face. Like hatred for a person, jealousy or resentment, stuff like that.”

“Alright, I think I’m following you so far,” Rainbow Dash said slowly nodding.

“Now from there, one of two things can happen. One is the person denies their Shadow forever, never looking at it, and it influences them subconsciously,” Starlight continued, “You saw that with Fleur’s Shadow. On the other hand, you can face your Shadow and accept it as a part of who you are. Once you do that, it’s tempered by the ego and becomes a Persona.”

“So to put it simply, think of a Persona as the Shadow purified,” Twilight shrugged, “Don’t feel bad if you don’t get it. Most people don’t really get the concept.”

“No, I get it,” Rainbow Dash said thoughtfully, “Basically, Eclair is my Shadow turned into power, while that evil Fleur is Fleur’s Shadow running amok because she’s too much of a pussy to face herself.”

“That’s… a blunt way of putting it, but essentially,” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash got up from the couch and walked away from the group laughing to herself. Starlight was about ask if she was okay, but then Rainbow Dash slammed her fist against a wall.

“THAT BITCH!!!”

“Rainbow Dash…!” Trixie breathed out, mirroring how shocked everyone was at her outburst.

“I can’t believe this! Pinkie Pie’s suffering right now because of a stupid reason like that?! What the hell?!”

Celestia rose from the couch, walked over to Rainbow Dash, and embraced her from behind.

“I know this is frustrating, Dash. Believe me, I understand. However, losing control isn’t going to save Pinkie Pie right now,” Celestia said gently.

“Then what is?!” Rainbow Dash asked pulling out of the embrace and turning to everyone, “Do we just kill the Shadow?”

“Sadly, killing the Shadow itself wouldn’t put an end to the nightmare,” Trixie said, “Also, that would also kill the real Fleur, and I don’t know if I want to have someone’s death on my conscious. Even if they're a bitch like Fleur.”

The way Rainbow Dash averted her eyes made Starlight a bit uncomfortable. Was she considering…

“First, we need to gather information on how the nightmare formed,” Twilight explained, “If it’s anything like with Trixie’s Dungeon, we need to find the book in Pinkie Pie’s Akashic Record that’s the last entry to understand what truly created the Dungeon. Once we know that, we have to instill hope into Pinkie Pie’s heart, dive into her dungeon, and get her to the exit.”

“Why can’t we get her to the exit right now?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Because doing that wouldn’t put an end to the nightmare,” Celestia explained, “At best, Pinkie Pie would end up right back there the following night. At worst, we might not be able to get her through the door first place.”

“She has to believe that the nightmare can and will end for that to happen,” Trixie explained, “Starlight did that by telling me she was actually going into my dreams and protecting me, and promising me that she’d put an end to the nightmare that night.”

“So can we just tell her about the Dungeon when she wakes up?” Rainbow Dash asked, “That way she knows that help is coming?”

“Absolutely not,” Twilight said immediately, “Telling her now would instill her with so much hope that if we can’t get her out immediately, she’ll fall into such deep despair that she could possibly die on the spot.”

“I know you want to do something for her right away, but rushing will only make things worse,” Celestia said placing a hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder, “Saving Pinkie Pie in her dream while we gather information instills small bursts of hope that can sustain her life for a bit. As long as we continue to do that we’ll rescue her.”

Rainbow Dash sighed calming down finally, “Okay okay, I get it. Take your time,” Rainbow Dash went back to her seat on the couch, “I fucking hate that phrase…”

play song

“Hey, I was thinking,” Trixie said after a second, “Dash and I have a lot of emotion about this situation, and our group isn’t getting any smaller. I think before we move forward at all we need to elect a leader.”

“Is that right?” Celestia asked with a knowing smile.

“I thought about it while I was out today. I think one of the reasons I acted so hastily is because I didn’t have a direction. I’ll admit, I’m resourceful, but reckless.”

Rainbow Dash sighed, “Yeah, especially looking at how upset I just got, I’d do something stupid too without someone guiding me. I hate it, but I think Trixie’s right on this. We need a leader.”

“So, who do you elect as leader?” Celestia asked everyone.

“Personally, I vote Starlight,” Trixie said surprising Starlight, “She’s the most level headed one here, and I already don’t mind being bossed around by her.”

The way she smiled gave Starlight an odd feeling. Not unpleasant, but odd.

“Same here,” Rainbow Dash said, “I’m like lightning, I’ll just charge forward until I hit my target. But I feel like if Starlight is the one guiding my blade, I won’t make a mistake.”

Now Rainbow Dash was giving her the same smile. What was this feeling that was coming over Starlight? Before she made a decision, she turned to Twilight and asked for her opinion.

“Why do you want my opinion?” Twilight asked, “It’s not like it matters or anything.”

Starlight shook her head, “I always value your input, Twilight. Even if you don’t have a Persona, I consider you a part of the team.”

Twilight looked down with an odd expression before folding her arms and sighing, “Honestly, out of everyone here, you are the best choice. I’d suggest myself, except I’m not actually there fighting, and like you pointed out, I don’t have a Persona. So yes, I nominate you as Leader as well.”

A warm feeling came over her. She realized what it was. It was a sense of duty. She didn’t just want to lead, she knew she had to lead. Her friends were putting their faith in her.

She didn’t want to let them down by making a mistake, but if she turned them down now, wouldn’t that also let them down?

“I believe it’s unanimous, Starlight,” Celestia said with a gentle smile, “The question now is, what do you want to do?”

“I… I’ll do it,” Starlight said, “In fact, let’s make ourselves an official witch’s coven. From this day forward, we’re not just friends. We’re sisters.”

“I coven, huh?” Trixie looked up taking that in, “Know what? I like it.”

“What the hell, I’m in too,” Rainbow Dash said, “Wasn’t planning on becoming a witch last night, but since it happened, it’s nice to have someplace safe to call home.”

“You too, Twi-Twi,” Trixie said smiling, “Like Starlight said, you’re a part of this now too.”

“I’m pretty sure you need to actually be a witch to be in a coven,” Twilight said.

“My coven, my rules,” Starlight said with a smile, “You’re in, whether you like it or not.”

Twilight sighed rubbing her eyes, “Know what? Fine. I’m not going to fight this. Because it’s pretty clear that you’re all insistent on adding me to your friends 4 ever club for some reason.”

“Pretty sure that’s because you’re our friend,” Rainbow Dash said as if it were obvious, which it was honestly. It seemed that the only one who kept denying that they were friends was Twilight herself. Still, Starlight felt a good deal closer to her friends now, like their bond became significantly stronger.

“For now, I think I need to get some sleep,” Trixie yawned, “Hope you don’t mind if we not go back into the Dungeon right now, because I need to actually sleep.”

“I don’t think we should go back in at all until we know for sure Dash is better,” Starlight said, “Twilight, while we’re resting, try to learn the layout of Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon, please.”

Twilight sighed and gave a half-assed salute, “Yes, oh gracious leader. Not like I didn’t already plan on doing that anyway.”

As everyone walked back upstairs to their rooms, Rainbow Dash stopped and went over to Celestia.

“Ms. Tia, I’m sorry if I upset you earlier,” Rainbow Dash said, “I… I shouldn’t have suspected you.”

“It’s alright Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said with a loving smile, “I know I’m a bit of a mystery. Just know that my love for my children is genuine, and I only want what’s best for all of you.”

Rainbow Dash smiled and hugged Celestia, “Thanks. Good night,” Rainbow Dash said, leaving Celestia and Twilight alone in the living room.

After everyone left, Twilight sighed, “I better get to work.”

play song

“Twilight,” Celestia asked as Twilight rose from the couch, “Don’t think I don’t sense the animosity you have for Starlight and the others.”

“I’m not going to let my personal feelings get in the way of my job, Ms. Tia,” Twilight said softly.

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Celestia said, rising up to embrace Twilight from behind like she did with Rainbow Dash earlier, “Your emotional well being is what matters most to me. Please tell me what’s on your mind, honey.”

“I…” Twilight closed her eyes, “I just…”

“You’re still upset about their decision to cancel the project, aren’t you?” Celestia asked. The way Twilight tensed up said everything, “Twilight-”

“Don’t,” Twilight interrupted, “I don’t need to hear anything like “I still matter” or “I’m not being replaced”. Right now, I just need to focus on my job.”

“If you ever do need to talk, I’m right here,” Celestia said tightening the embrace, “I love you, my pupil.”

It looked like Twilight was about to say something but in the end she just pulled away and walked upstairs without a word. Celestia sighed folding her arms. She hated seeing Twilight like this, but didn’t know what to say to comfort her. She knew why Twilight was hurting, and she was well within her right to be upset. She gave up a lot for that project, all for it to be scrapped in the end.

All Celestia could do was pray that somehow Twilight would find peace in a new dream, rather than being eternally resentful for the dream that would never come true now.

*Naturally this isn't counting Persona 1 and 2, since they didn't deal with Shadows as far as we know. Also, the ending of Persona 2 Eternal Punishment hints at this being an alternate reality. I know, it's weird, but bear with me on this.

Fool: 3/10 Level Up!
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The Devil: 1/10

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