October 14^th, 2019
Sunday
Cloudy

Morning

song: I (sun) - Blue Reflection

Starlight had just finished breakfast and gotten dressed when she heard the doorbell ring downstairs. She figured it was for one of her friends, so she chose to ignore it, instead going for her phone. She was planning to give Diamond Tiara a call to hang out, mostly to catch up with her, but also because she was really worried about what Twilight meant by her Dungeon “shifting”.

She had Diamond’s number highlight and was about to push call when someone knocked on her door. She went to open it, seeing Celestia standing there.

“It’s, Silver Spoon,” Celestia said carefully, “She said she needs to speak with you about something important.”

Wait, Silver Spoon? She came here for Starlight? This was really unusual. Unless…

“Is this about Diamond Tiara?” Starlight asked Ms. Tia, who looked down folding her arms thoughtfully.

“She didn’t say, but I have the feeling it might be,” Celestia said softly, “Regardless how she seems around most people, she and Diamond have been friends for a while now. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was noticing that something's wrong with her.”

Starlight pursed her lips and nodded. She thanked Ms. Tia and went downstairs into the main lobby/living room. There she saw Silver Spoon sitting on one of the couches, arms folded and legs crossed. Sitting at the couch to her left were Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, and on her right was Trixie. Pinkie Pie was the only one there who looked remotely relaxed.

“Honestly, you girls act like you’re expecting me to do something,” Silver Spoon said snootily.

“We know about you and our Leader,” Rainbow Dash said cautiously, “She’s sensitive, so we don’t want you upsetting her.”

“Like, seriously? I know about her little episode before coming to our school, and I’m not the sort to throw that in someone’s face,” Silver Spoon defended.

“See, I actually believe you,” Trixie admitted, leaning forward and resting her arms over her knees, “I don’t think you’d say anything to upset her intentionally. It’s the unintentional part I’m worried about.”

“Hence why you’re acting as her guard dogs?” Silver asked.

“Yes!” both Rainbow Dash and Trixie said at the same time. Pinkie Pie giggled a bit at that, and Starlight couldn’t help but smile. For one, it was sweet how despite often clashing, Trixie and Rainbow could agree on some things. Also, just, these girls were great friends. She didn’t think she had anything to worry about with Silver Spoon, but she did appreciate them.

Pinkie Pie turned to Starlight and smiled, “She’s here, girls!”

“Ugh, finally,” Silver Spoon rose up and walked over to her, as usual carrying herself with an air of self importance, “Your royal guards were beginning to make me feel unwelcome.”

Behind her, Rainbow Dash flipped Silver Spoon the middle finger.

“They’re just trying to look out for me,” Starlight said, choosing to keep her tone neutral. She asked Silver Spoon what this was about, and much as she suspected, Silver Spoon turned away somewhat tense.

“Could we, talk privately,” she requested stiffly. Starlight mouthed out if this was about Diamond, and she nodded. Realizing she didn’t want to put Diamond’s business out there, Starlight took a breath and told everyone she needed some private time with Silver Spoon.

“You sure you don’t want someone watching you two?” Trixie asked.

“It’ll be fine,” Starlight said, nursing her Channeling Ring, “I think this is important, and personal.”

Trixie caught on, as she nodded, “Gotcha. Alright Dash, Pinkie Pie, let’s leave her to it,” she held the brim of her hat, showing the two of them her Channeling Ring. Both of them nodded, Pinkie rubbing her ring, and Rainbow flexing the hand she wore hers on.

“Understood,” Rainbow Dash said, giving Silver another sharp look.

“See you tonight, Starlight,” Pinkie smiled. As the two of them left, Trixie hugged Starlight from behind comfortingly, before following suit. Silver looked at the ring on Starlight’s finger and frowned.

“That some sort of gang symbol?” she asked, “I noticed all four of you have them.”

“Something like that,” Starlight said, feeling like she could be somewhat honest at least, “The four of us are forming a Witch’s Coven together.”

Silver’s eyes widened, “Seriously? So like, the whole goth thing you got is because you’re a witch?”

“Kinda,” Starlight folded her arms, “Really these days, I just like the style. Me being a goth is separate from me being a witch.”

Silver nodded with a somewhat intrigued look, “Well, I guess that makes sense. Just so long as none of you put a freaky hex on me.”

“So long as you don’t give us a reason to,” Starlight said playfully. She loved how Silver Spoon shuddered slightly at that.

“God you’re freaky…” she muttered, “Anyway, like you guessed, it’s Diamond. I’m, getting worried about her…”

song: Living with Determination

Starlight’s smile faded at that, “What happened?”

“Apparently, Diamond and her father had a really bad fight,” Silver explained, “I, guess she hasn’t told you. Diamond’s father is super strict but kinda distant. Really, he only ever talks to her to give her instructions or criticize her behavior.”

Starlight nodded, letting Silver continue. She had a feeling it was something like that.

“See, when you live the upper crust lifestyle like us, you’re expected to carry yourself in a certain way,” Silver said, standing up straight to present herself to Starlight, “Poised, proper, and with dignity. One could say much like royalty.”

Well, that explained why Silver just radiated this “I’m more important” air at all times. She was raised to believe that was required, it seemed. She really did feel like a Princess or a Queen, kind of like Pinkie Pie, but not as sweet.

She could, kind of see that on Diamond. She did have the air of royalty, even down to wearing a tiara everywhere. Yet there was definitely something more free and approachable about her. Starlight commented on this, and Silver nodded.

“She’s always been different. She enjoys spending time with common folk because as she puts it, they’re more genuine,” Silver folded her arms and turned away, “Fun fact, I’m her only friend who’s Upper Class like her. We’ve been friends since elementary school. Anyone else from our circle, she's cut ties with for one reason or another.”

That, was a bit surprising. But then again, when Starlight thought about it, all of the people Diamond hung out with were, normal. The other cheerleaders, Trixie, herself, she was pretty sure she saw Diamond sitting with Rainbow Dash once while eating lunch, and they seemed to get along pretty well.

Silver, was really her only friend who was rich like her…

“Mr. Rich has been trying to groom Diamond to one day inherit his business and his funds,” Silver continued, rubbing her arm, “She has great business sense, and she’s super responsible, but she’s completely resistant to the full Upper Crust lifestyle, since that’d mean she’d be expected to present herself more, well…”

“I take it, she’d be expected to give up being a cheerleader?” Starlight asked.

“Maybe. I know that Rich doesn’t like that she does it. Says it sends the wrong image.” Silver closed her eyes, “If it was just the fighting, then I’d be okay. Sure I’d be worried, but, kids fight with their parents. But after that last big fight, Diamond’s changed. Last time at Pep Squad, she got super into it. She looked almost like a stripper with how she was dancing, and afterward, one of the boys watching her started flirting with her, and the way she pressed herself onto him,” she took a breath, “She keeps saying things like “I’m a slut, right? I’m just playing the part”.”

If all he sees is a cheap slut, then fine! That’s what I am!

Starlight’s eyes widened. That was when the Dungeon shifted! At the very least, that was when the shift started!

“That’s, not all,” Silver said in a quiet voice, “I think, Diamond has… that Nightmare thing…”

“What, makes you think she has the Nightmare Epidemic?” Starlight asked, trying to keep her tone measured.

“She told me about this dream she has every night,” Silver said, trembling a bit, “One where she’s in a strip club, and is the top dancer working there. She keeps saying it’s nothing to worry about, but, every night for the last week or so? That’s not normal! And they say that it starts with good dreams, until…” she then, started crying, “If she has it, she’s going to die, and I…!”

Starlight reached out to touch her arm to comfort her, and was immediately hit with a wave of terror.

No no no no no…! I can’t lose her…! She’s my only friend left…! Without her, I'll be alone again...!

Starlight sucked in a breath, and then bit her lip. She’d thought some pretty shitty things about Silver Spoon, and she wasn’t a nice person at all, but from what she was feeling, one thing was for certain.

Silver Spoon’s friendship with Diamond Tiara, was genuine.

“Hey hey, don’t give up yet,” Starlight said softly, “Diamond Tiara isn’t going to die.”

“But she has it…!” Silver sobbed, “And they don’t have a cure for it, yet!”

Starlight took a deep breath, “What if I told you, that some people have, survived it recently.”

Silver slowly looked up at Starlight, “What do you… mean…?”

She knew she couldn’t tell Silver Spoon everything, but she had to tell her something. With how upset she was, she needed something to get peace of mind.

“What I’m about to tell you, doesn’t leave this dorm, alright?” Starlight said softly. Silver, looked at Starlight intently and then nodded, “Good. I know a few people who had the Nightmare Epidemic, and they were able to survive.”

“They have? Like, who?” Silver asked carefully.

“Well for one, Pinkie Pie,” Starlight said, “That whole thing with that magazine and the sexual harassment? How Pinkie Pie for a bit became super shallow?”

Silver nodded slowly, “It, was similar to Diamond, yes.”

“Now, Pinkie Pie had it much worse than Diamond does now. Since the dreams are still good, she can be saved easily,” Starlight said.

“You’re talking as if, you know something,” Silver said carefully, “Like, you know what to do, for her.”

Starlight bit her lip, and nodded, “I, have an idea at least. All I can say is, let me work my magic on this, alright?” she smiled warmly, “Diamond Tiara, will be just fine.”

Silver looked at Starlight uncertain, “You, sound like you actually believe this. You promise she’ll be alright? That you’re not just selling lines to make your Coven look cool?”

“If I’m lying, and if Diamond Tiara does die from this, you have my permission to slander my good name as much as you want,” Starlight said, looking Silver dead in the eyes. She seemed to get the message, cause Silver slowly nodded.

“Alright. I’ll, believe in you, and whatever your magic can do,” Silver said stiffly, “But understand that this sounds insane.”

“Oh I'm aware...” Starlight sighed, “Just trust, that Diamond is my friend too, alright? I just want to do what I can to help her.”

“We can agree on that much as least,” Silver Spoon sighed, “Alright then. So, what do we do, Witch?”

So now she was “Witch?” Well, it was better than being called “Suicidal Goth Bitch”, so she’d take it.

“For now, we need to gauge how Diamond is in the waking world,” Starlight said, “If I can get a feel for her emotions, I can see how bad off she is, and how much danger she’s in.”

Silver Spoon took a breath and nodded, “Alright. I’m supposed to be meeting up with her on South Street, but I left my dorm early to speak with you. You’re coming too, Witch.”

Starlight rolled her eyes and went to sign herself out. She then frowned to herself, as something Silver Spoon said caught her attention.

Did Silver Spoon, live on campus…?

For another time. For now, they needed to get to Diamond Tiara.

Daytime

song: Troubled - Persona 3

The air between them was a bit tense as they made their way to South Street. Starlight didn’t know what to expect when she saw Diamond Tiara, but she knew that when they arrived at the usual meeting spot, both she and Silver Spoon were shocked.

For one, Diamond was wearing different clothes. Instead of her usual brightly colored clothes that were just provocative enough while still being tasteful, this time she was wearing a super skimpy red bustier top that showed way too much cleavage, black jacket, black mini skirt that stopped right under her butt, fishnet stockings, and black high heels. She noticeably wasn’t wearing her tiara right now, and her makeup was much darker and more pronounced. She seriously looked like a stripper like this.

But the two boys with her made Starlight’s heart leap out of her chest. Rover, and another of the Diamond Dogs!

“Um, Starlight?” Silver said shakily, “Those two with Diamond, they’re…”

“I know,” Starlight said frowning, “We have to get her away from them.” she took off toward them, Silver Spoon following suit. When she saw them, Diamond’s eyes lit up.

“Starlight, Silver!” she waved to them. Her tone and entire air felt off.

“Diamond, please come over here,” Starlight said, keeping her voice measured.

“It’s alright. These guys and I were just getting to know each other,” Diamond said turning to Rover, “Right?”

“That’s right, no harm done Little Star,” Rover said with a smirk, “We were just telling your friend here that she’s kinda the perfect fit for our group. She’s even got the right name for it.”

“Don’t even think about recruiting her!” Starlight said immediately, Morgana’s presence now looming over her. In her peripheral, she saw Silver’s eyes widen looking at her.

Rover raised his head and then got up, walking up to Starlight and looming over her.

“S-Starlight…!” Silver whispered harshly.

“Don’t overstep your boundaries,” Rover said dangerously, “Dirty Diamond ain’t here for you to hide behind this time.”

That confirmed it. Rarity was this "Dirty Diamond".

“I don’t need to hide behind anyone,” Starlight narrowed her eyes, letting Morgana speak through her, “Diamond Tiara is my friend, and I know enough about your group to know it’s the last place she should be. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, with or without “Dirty Diamond’s” help.”

Rover looked at her intently, and then chuckled. He then burst out laughing, holding his head he was laughing so hard, “This is rich! I haven’t had this much fun in ages!” he looked at her with a wide grin, “Know what? I’mma let you have this one, Little Star! Just cause I like your spunk!” he leaned in close to her ear, “But I always get what I want, and you’re lookin’ like a lot of fun.”

Starlight tensed a bit at that, but took a deep breath to remain calm. She really didn’t want to get wrapped up with this group, but they were connected to Rarity, so...

“Hey, you got my number now,” Rover said to Diamond, “You ever feel like experiencin’ something more ‘wild and untamed’, hit me up.”

Diamond chuckled and smirked, “I’ll think about it. Take care, Rover~”

Rover gave her an upward nod and walked off. His friend, who hadn’t left Diamond’s side, gave her a slight smirk and then left after his leader.

Once alone, Starlight took a deep breath to calm herself down, and then walked over to Diamond, “Are you okay?”

Diamond huffed, “Yes, I’m alright. We were just talking.”

“But Diamond, you know who those two are, right?” Silver Spoon asked stepping forward, glancing at Starlight briefly, “They were members of that gang, the Diamond Dogs.”

“Yeah, I know,” Diamond said, “Rover told me he’s the leader.”

“W-what?! He’s the leader?!” Silver cried, “Diamond, that’s not okay!”

“What do you mean?” Diamond crossed her legs and folded her arms, “It’s not like I was in any trouble or anything. They were actually really cool.”

“Not in any trouble? Um, did you not see what happened just now?!” Silver Spoon cried, “That guy looked like he was going to hurt Starlight!”

“I doubt he was going to actually hurt Starlight, Spoony,” Diamond dismissed, “He said he likes to play up the whole rough and tough angle to fuck around with people, but really, he’s a sweetheart.”

“How do you know that?” Starlight asked, “You just met him.”

“Yeah, but I know a bit about their group from what I heard on the news,” Diamond adjusted her legs, “They’re rough, and they did break the law a few times in the past, but they just abide by their own justice. Their own rules. Most of the time, they were just trying to live freely. Honestly, sounds like my kinda gig.”

Starlight’s eyes widened. She, wasn’t considering joining them, was she…?

“Diamond, you’re scaring me,” Silver Spoon said, sitting beside Diamond, “Please tell me, you’re joking.”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Diamond said sharply, “It’s my life, to do what I please with it,” she leaned in and narrowed her eyes, “So which side are you on, Spoony? My side, or his?”

Silver tensed a this, as did Starlight. She assumed she was talking about her father. Honestly, Diamond was sounding like a completely different person now.

“Diamond, you know I’m your best friend,” Silver said, “I’m just, worried is all.”

“Yeah, well don’t worry about me,” Diamond said closing her eyes, “Nothing bad’s happening to me.”

Ooooh, if only she knew the truth…

“So, to change the subject,” Diamond got up and smiled at Starlight, “Now that we’re all together, let’s get some lunch. My treat.”

Starlight was going to try and say something, but felt Apsaras appear beside her holding her shoulder. She then shook her head.

“Now isn’t the time to act. We know more about the situation, so let’s leave it here for now.”

Starlight sighed internally, and then smiled, “Alright. Let’s go.”

“What?! But what abou-” Starlight shot Silver a look and shook her head. She then took a breath, “Fine. Let’s go.”

Diamond beamed, smiling like the real Diamond just now, “Perfect! Let’s go girls! Time to paint the town red~!”

As Diamond sashayed off, flipping her hair as per usual, Silver got up and walked over to Starlight, “What are you doing?! You see what’s happening to her, right?!”

“I do, which is why I’m going along with this for now,” Starlight said, “If we fight her too much on this, she’ll run the other way, and her Nightmare will just get worse. I promised, didn’t I?”

Silver closed her eyes and nodded, “Alright. I’ll trust you,” Silver Spoon conceded. Starlight sighed in relief and followed after Diamond, Silver beside her. Despite the tension, Starlight did come away with a bit more of an understanding of what Diamond was going through. She felt she became significantly closer to Diamond Tiara.

Despite the tension in the air, the three of them did have fun together. Starlight and Silver even traded numbers before parting. One thing this ordeal seemed to be doing right, it was helping them bond a bit.

Late Night

song: Qualia - Blue Reflection

Starlight shared what happened with everyone once they had all gathered in the Akashic Records in front of the door to Elysium.

“Shit,” Rainbow Dash muttered, “You really think she’d join the Diamond Dogs?”

“Based on what Silver told me about her home life, I could easily see her doing that,” Starlight said, “She’d view it as a perfect way to get control of her life.”

“I can almost guarantee that the complete opposite would happen if she joined up with those guys,” Trixie said, “I don’t even want to know what they’d do to her if she joined them.”

“Um, this is bad yes, but can we go back to the part where YOU TOLD SILVER SPOON ABOUT US SAVING VICTIMS OF THE NIGHTMARE?!”

“I had to tell her something,” Starlight said.

“No, you didn’t!” Twilight protested, “You could have just given her some comforting words, or just said ‘I’m sorry’ or something like that!”

“Far as she’s concerned, the Nightmare Epidemic is a death sentence!” Starlight argued, “There was nothing I could say to make her feel better! I had to give her hope!”

“And so you told her that we’ve rescued people from the Nightmare Epidemic?! That magic is real, and you’re a real live witch?!”

“I felt how afraid she was that she was going to lose Diamond!”

“You could have jeopardized our entire mission! If the Kirijo Group were to find out about this-”

“My mission is to bring hope and light to the people around me! I’m not with the Kirijo Group!”

“STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!” Pinkie Pie shouted, catching everyone’s attention, “I know it was risky, but I for one am happy that she told Silver about me.”

“What?! She gave away classified-”

“What if Silver Spoon ended up with a Dungeon?” Pinkie Pie asked, “They’re made from feelings of despair, right? If she thought that Diamond was going to die, she could have easily formed a Dungeon herself.”

“Okay, maybe that’s true,” Twilight said looking away, “But still. We have a mission here. We’re representatives of the Kirijo Group, and what Starlight told Silver counts as classified information.”

“While yes, she did take a risk,” Celestia said, sipping tea on her couch, “The truth of the matter is, Pinkie Pie is right that by telling Silver that we can save Diamond, she could have just staved off another Dungeon forming, and we’re still trying to find where Rarity’s Dungeon is.”

“Sorry Mission Control, but I’m siding with Pinkie Pie and our Leader on this one,” Rainbow Dash said from her terminal, “We got our hands full enough as is. We don’t need ANOTHER Dungeon forming while we’re still trying to find one and get to another.”

Twilight closed her eyes and huffed, “Alright. Fair point. Sorry I blew up like that. I’m just trying to follow protocol here.”

“There’s a time to follow rules, and a time to break them,” Celestia got up and handed Twilight a cookie, “If its to save a life, I’d say it’s always time for the latter.”

Twilight took a deep breath and took the cookie, “Guess that’s true. Again, sorry Starlight.”

“It’s alright Twilight,” Starlight said, “I promise, I won’t make a habit of it.”

“At the very least, that’s a relief,” Twilight said, biting into the cookie. Oatmeal Raisin, her favorite, “Guess this means we can’t fail, right?”

“With our track record? Come now Twi-Twi, have a bit of faith in us~” Twilight flinched at the sound of her apparent nickname.

“My name, is Twilight,” she grumbled before putting her headset on, activating the Remote Viewing System, “Ignoring Lulamoon, shall we be on our way?”

Starlight nodded, turning to door, “Yeah. Let’s get moving!” all of them summoned their weapons and walked through the large golden doors to Elysium. Unbeknownst to them however, their actions were observed by one who had begun exploring the library regularly, searching for answers.

Instead, she found other witches.

“What’s behind that door, I wonder,” Adagio asked herself, closing the book she’d been reading. Chrysalis and Sunset had urged her not to go into any of the black doors scattered around without them, but that one was golden. Surely if she stayed close behind those other girls she’d be alright.

And her curiosity had to be slated.

Yesod: Lvl 13

The Checkpoint let them off right underneath the final floor of Yesod. There, they saw the Shadow guarding the way to the next floor. This one being a very large and very powerful looking Jack Frost. For the most part he looked the same, but his eyes seemed to have a red hue to them, and his usual smile was a toothy grin.

Starlight found the sight to be somewhat unnerving to look at.

song: DNF FW15C -ii- - Blue Reflection

“We don’t know what this one is capable of, so brace yourselves!” Twilight urged.

“This guys Ice, so leave it to me!” Trixie summoned her Persona, “Light ‘em up, Elenora!”

Her Persona spun around behind her, seemingly more enthusiastic than normal. Elenora held her hands out and tossed two powerful Fire Balls at Jack Frost, knocking him to the ground.

“Whoa! Trixie, you’re on fire!” Pinkie Pie chirped, “Was that your normal Agi?”

“That, was Agilao,” Trixie said, “Felt it come to me when we came here, so I went with it,” she turned to Starlight, “So Mistress, shall we wail on him?”

Mistress? She liked that. She liked that a lot.

“Yeah! All Out Attack! GO!” Starlight commanded, holding out her scythe. Beside her, Trixie, Dash, and Pinkie all got their weapons out and wailed on Jack Frost. He fought them back pretty easily, eventually pushing Starlight and Rainbow Dash back, both of them sliding away from him.

“Okay, that didn’t work!” Rainbow Dash said through gritted teeth.

“Careful! He’s erecting a shield!” Twilight cried, just as Jack Frost cast Fire Wall on himself.

“Ugh! I hate it when they do that…” Trixie pouted.

Two can play that game then, Starlight thought as she readied her ring, “BICORN!!!” she called out, summoning him and casting Ice Wall on Trixie. That way she’d be resistant to his spells.

“Persona!” Pinkie Pie cried, summoning Serenity and casting Tarukaja on Rainbow Dash, who was already reading her Channeling Ring.

“Come forth, my inner self!” Rainbow Dash proclaimed, summoning Eclair Farron and holding her blade into the air. Immediately a bolt of lightning shot down on top of Jack Frost, damaging him while Trixie cast Sukukaja on Starlight, increasing her speed. Just in time as Jack Frost charged up a magic attack.

He held his arms into the air and cast a powerful Ice spell that hit everyone, doing massive damage on them. Thankfully no one was hurt, but still.

Just as he threw a punch at Starlight, she dodged and then readied her own Channeling Ring, “JACK FROST!!!” she called out, switching to her own version of their opponent. She then cast Rakunda on him to weaken his body, praying that he didn’t have the same spell.

“Help’s on the way!” Pinkie Pie assured, summoning Serenity and casting Media on everyone. This time, Rainbow Dash and Trixie began assaulting Jack Frost with their default weapons; Dash front and center with her broad sword charged with electricity, and Trixie providing cover fire by tossing explosive cards at him.

Eventually, Jack Frost charged past Rainbow Dash to Pinkie Pie, tackling her into a nearby wall. She cried out in pain, but was then grabbed by the neck and held up by Jack Frost against the wall as he prepared another Ice spell.

“Damn it!” Rainbow Dash cried, “Leader, we gotta save her!”

Starlight nodded, “MORGANA!!!” she shouted, shifting to her main Persona. She then felt something stir within her, and her attention went to Trixie, who was looking at her holding her hand to her heart. She felt it too, didn’t she?

The two Witches stood back to back, and then held their hands outward, “GO FORTH, OUR PERSONAS!”

Both Morgana and Elenora manifested at the same time and charged at Jack Frost. They then took turns assaulting Jack Frost; Morgana slashing three times pushing him back away from Pinkie Pie, and then Elenora delivering a series of flame engulfed kicks at the snowman. Morgana then followed suit by drilling into Jack Frost, pushing him further back, and Elenora threw a series of fire balls at the offending Shadow. The assault ended with the two Personas standing beside each other, holding their hands out, ready to strike.

Morgana nodded to Elenora, who nodded to her in return. The two Personas charged at Jack Frost, slashing in an X through Jack Frost, doing enough damage to knock him down.

“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow cried running to her aid, “Are you okay?”

“Mhm. I’m alright Dashie,” Pinkie Pie assured as Dash helped her up, “Thanks everyone. That was super close.”

“No problem,” Starlight said, still reeling from the rush of that attack. They’d have to remember that technique.

“The enemy’s down!” Rainbow called out, “Your call, Leader!”

“All Out Attack!” Starlight commanded. Once again the group unleashed everything they had onto their fallen opponent, who took a bit longer to get up this time.

“Dashie, let’s try something like that double attack too!” Pinkie Pie requested.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Got it! I know just how to trigger it, too," she said scooping Pinkie Pie into her arms. She caressed her cheek, and the two of them kissed deeply and lovingly. Behind them, Eclair Farron and Serenity emerged, already in each others’ arms. They then turned to Jack Frost and charged at the same time.

Eclair Farron stopped first, sliding and firing her gun sword at Jack Frost, knocking him down. She then held up her blade, casting Zio not on him, but on Serenity.

Serenity took in the lightning, and let out what could only be a Super Saiyan cry as her entire body was engulfed in electricity. She then smirk and charged at Jack Frost, where she then delivered a barrage of rapid punches and kicks at the poor Shadow, each attack getting increasingly faster and faster until she kicked him into the air with a back flip kick. The attack ended with Eclair Farron shooting into the air and slashing him with her blade, landing behind him as he fell to the ground.

That seemed to do him in, as he faded into black mist.

song: Qualia - Blue Reflection

“That, was amazing!” Twilight cried, her wisp flying around, “W-what were those attacks?!”

“Unsure,” Trixie said looking down, “It kind of just, came to me, you know? When I saw Starlight switch to Morgana, I felt Elenora stir within me. Like she wanted to be beside Morgana.”

Starlight nodded in agreement. She was suddenly flooded with thoughts of Trixie, like she needed to be beside her. When she thought about it, it kinda did feel like Morgana wanted to be close to Elenora.

“Yeah yeah! That’s how it was for me too!” Pinkie Pie said, “When I saw what you two did, I felt Serenity get super excited at the thought of doing the same with Eclair Farron!”

“Guess it makes sense when you think about it,” Rainbow Dash said looking at her ring, “I mean, these things are us, right?”

“Essentially yes,” Twilight said, “They’re your Shadows, controlled and channeled into a form that you can somewhat control. That said, they’re separate enough where they’d react to certain stimuli outside of your input.”

“This is a good edge we can use against the Shadows,” Dash said, turning to Starlight, “Hey Leader, let’s call these Double Techniques, since they need two Personas to use them.”

Starlight nodded in agreement to this. This was a good idea on how they could make upcoming fights a lot easier going forward.

For now though, they looked at where Jack Frost was, where they saw a staircase surrounded by chains. As soon as Starlight approached it, the chains broke away, allowing them to pass through.

“We can move onward,” Starlight said to her team, “Let’s go!” she ran up the stairs, her fellow Witches and Twilight’s wisp following suit.

“So that’s what these Personas are capable of…” Adagio said, now looking at her Channeling Ring. She managed to stay hidden and just watched, observing them fight. She was ready to start singing if they needed help, but it seemed like they had it covered for the most part.

Still, she wondered what they were even doing here. She'd have to keep following them, if nothing else to learn more about how to use this power she was given.

song: Breakthrough.exe - Blue Reflection

Hod: Lvl 1

“There! I got a hit!” Twilight cried suddenly.

“Diamond’s Dungeon?” Starlight asked.

“It’s definitely in this section! I think I can even pinpoint where it is if you get a bit higher,” Twilight said.

Starlight thanked Twilight and proceeded ahead. This floor looked similar to the last one, but Starlight could tell that the walls were a bit more vibrantly colored than the last one. More and more the inside was beginning to look like a church.

As they explored, they saw a cluster of enemies ahead. She went to slash it, but the cluster turned just in time, splitting into three Shadows. One was a Makami, but the other two were new faces. One looked like an Oni with gray skin and horns, with black hair and wearing white robes. Oddly it had no arms.

The other new face was female, and looked like a maiden with long black hair, wearing very skimpy white robes that cut off just under her rear, and Starlight had a feeling she was going commando, but was unsure why she got that impression. She had two fans, one in each hand, and a third fan shaped hat that covered her face.

“Okay, so we’re seeing some new faces here,” Twilight said, “The male one is identified as Take-Minakata, and the female one is Ame no Uzume.”

Before any of them could move, Take-Minakata charged up a spell, hitting all four of them with a lightning spell. The girls fell back from the attack, but Dash seemed to power through it, and then glared at Makami.

“Oh no you don’t!” she said holding up her sword and Channeling Ring, “You ain’t getting a hit on me! ZIO!!!”

Eclair Farron raised her blade, and a lightning bolt shot down on top of Makami, knocking him to the ground, “Hey Mission Control, what’s their weaknesses? You know?”

“I think the other two are weak to psychic!” Twilight said, “Starlight, you have a Persona who can us that, right?”

“I do!” Starlight confirmed, “Mind if I take over, Dash?”

“Go for it, Leader!” Dash said, giving Starlight a High Five.

BATON PASS!!!

“MATADOR!!!” she shouted, shifting to said Persona and firing a psychic wave at the demonic Take-Minakata, knocking him down. She then quickly fired the same psychic spell at Ame no Uzume. Rather than finishing them off, Starlight focused to see if she resonated with any of the Shadows present. She already had Makami in her compendium, but she didn’t feel a resonance with Take-Minakata yet. Close, but not quite there.

But she could definitely feel Ame no Uzume.

Starlight reached out to her with her Empathy. This Persona, they were a good person, just trying to make someone happy. Seemed like someone close to them needed some cheering up, and she wanted to make them feel better.

That, was kind of like what she did with Silver Spoon. Yeah, she understood that feeling pretty well actually.

Realizing they were alike, Ame no Uzume sighed in relief and smiled, flying into Starlight’s Channeling Ring. She felt somewhat overloaded, so she chose to let go of Pixie for now, since both of them were of the Lovers Arcana.

In the confusion Makami and Take-Minakata ran off.

“What Arcana is that one?” Pinkie Pie asked Starlight.

“Lovers, like yours,” Starlight answered.

“How do you keep up with so many Personas?” Rainbow Dash asked as they continued walking forward toward the stairs.

“I’m actually curious myself,” Twilight asked, “I don’t know much about how the Trickster works. Do you just, carry all of them with you?”

Starlight shook her head, explaining to them a bit about how the Velvet Room worked, and how Victor managed the Compendium for her.

“Is Victor that one guy I sometimes see reading in the Akashic Records?” Pinkie Pie asked. Starlight nodded, a bit surprised that others noticed him.

“I’ve seen him a few times in the park too, I think,” Trixie said, “Usually reading a newspaper. He’s always sitting on the same bench.”

“He manages your Compendium of Personas, you said?” Twilight asked, “Wow. I, don’t know what the Kirijo Group would have done about that, then…”

“Twilight?” Pinkie asked, “Are you okay? You sound kind of sad.”

“Yeah. I’m okay,” Twilight said softly, “The stairs are to your left. Hurry through, so you don’t attract the Reaper.”

Starlight and co. made it to the stairs without much issue, going straight up to the next area.

Hod: Lvl 4

Sadly they needed to go a bit higher to get an accurate read on where Diamond’s Dungeon was. That said, once they made it to the fourth floor of this section, Twilight stopped them.

“Found her!” Twilight exclaimed, “Her Dungeon’s on the tenth floor!”

“Almost there,” Trixie said rubbing Starlight’s back, “We just need to keep pushing a bit longer.”

“True, but I’m starting to hit my limit a bit,” Pinkie Pie said falling to her knees, “I’m sorry Starlight.”

Starlight shook her head, “No, that’s alright. Really I’m starting to get a bit tired myself. We made a lot of progress today.”

“This area’s a Safe Zone, so there’s a Checkpoint here,” Twilight said, “I think, we can make it in one more run. Failing that, two.”

“I have a bit more information on Rarity that we can use, but, would you mind if we came back here tomorrow to try and rescue Diamond?” Starlight asked Twilight.

“Actually, I was going to recommend that myself,” she answered, “Once we rescue your friend, we’ll be able to put our full focus on finding Rarity’s Dungeon.”

Starlight nodded and asked the rest of the group if that was okay.

“Damn right it’s okay,” Rainbow Dash nodded, “If we’re this close, might as well just go for broke, right?”

“Besides, the sooner we save Diamond, the sooner Silver can relax too,” Pinkie Pie added.

“You know my stance,” Trixie smiled, “Wherever you go, Starlight, I go.”

Starlight sighed in relief, “Thanks girls. You’re all the best,” she turned to Twilight’s wisp, “All of you.”

“W-whatever,” Twilight stammered, probably rolling her eyes, “The Checkpoint is set up, so let’s get out of here.”

The group collectively left the Tower through the Checkpoint, where they rested a bit before returning to their bodies. This and tomorrow would be tiring, but they could do it. Starlight knew that they could do it.

Just a bit more, and Diamond Tiara at least would be safe.

song: Qualia - Blue Reflection

Adagio waited till they all left, and then used the same door to leave out as well. She was a bit surprised when she saw that it took her right to the entrance again. Once she returned, she saw them all sitting at a table just talking. Part of her wanted to join them, as they seemed nice. But she did know that Chrysalis warned her that another group of Witches were trying to stop Nyx’s blessing onto the world.

Was she talking about these girls? They, didn’t seem that bad. But still…

“I’ll watch them a bit longer,” she decided after a bit, her eyes lingering on the one who seemed to be the leader. Like Chrysalis, her Dream Form seemed more overtly witch like. Also, she used multiple Personas.

It was exactly the same power as…

Fool – Seekers of Light: 5/10
Magician – Trixie Lulamoon: 8/10
Priestess – Diamond Tiara: 7/10 LEVEL UP!!!!
The Empress – Ms. Tia: 4/10
The Lovers - Pinkamena Diane Pie: 2/10
Chariot – Rainbow Dash: 2/10
Strength - Tokugawa Fluttershy: 1/5
The Devil – Silver Spoon: 3/10
Hermit – Sunburst: 2/10
Transformation - Ms. Luna: 1/10

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