October 17^th, 2019
Wednesday
Light Rain/PM Cloudy

Morning

song: I (sun) - Blue Reflection

“So, we did it?” Starlight asked Twilight, meeting up with her a bit before she turned in for the morning.

“Yes, I can confirm,” Twilight nodded, “Diamond Tiara’s Dungeon is gone. Well, guess it wasn’t much of a Dungeon. More like a Cell I suppose.”

“Why don’t we just call it that?” Starlight suggested.

“So, a Cell if it’s still in Elysium, and a Dungeon if its taken over the person’s Akashic Records?” Twilight asked, “Know what, that works. Helps keeps things organized for when I report to Mitsuru.”

“Think, I’ll ever get a chance to speak with her myself?” Starlight asked, “This Mitsuru sounds really impressive.”

“She actually has mentioned she wants to meet you,” Twilight stretched and yawned, “She’s hoping to come visit on the 21^st of November, and join us for Thanksgiving.”

Starlight was surprised by that. Such an important person from Japan coming all the way here to visit? That was a huge deal. Starlight asked Twilight if she should know anything before she arrived.

“Not really. Mitsuru appears more intimidating than she actually is. Just mind your manners and you should be fine,” Twilight took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes, “Honestly, I think I’d need to be more concerned about Trixie than you.”

Starlight chuckled at that, and noticed even Twilight smiled somewhat. They could be friends, easily. It honestly felt like they were supposed to be friends, or that possibly their roles should be the opposite of what they were currently.

“I won’t keep you long,” Starlight said, choosing to just take her victory of progress as opposed to calling attention to it, “I know you’re tired, so I’ll let you get some sleep.”

“Which I do appreciate,” Twilight said, “It’ll probably be another hour or so before I actually shut down, but I would like some time to myself to just, relax I suppose.”

“Alright. And um, thanks for helping us save Diamond. I don’t know what we’d do without you,” Starlight said softly. Twilight turned to her door but stopped, taking a deep breath.

“My mission assignment is to protect people from the Nightmare Epidemic,” she said softly, “I’m just doing my job, Starlight.”

“Maybe, but it does mean a lot to me,” Starlight went over and touched Twilight’s shoulder, “So thanks for-

Unit is currently only working at 47% efficiency, and steadily dropping. Proposal: seek guidance on additional means of increasing efficiency, or risk termination.

“your help,” she kept her tone neutral, but something about Twilight’s emotions felt odd. Subdued, almost mechanical. And, what did she mean by “termination”? She wasn't...

Twilight sighed, “Sure. Have a good day at school, Starlight,” she lightly pushed Starlight’s hand off and walked into her room. Starlight frowned and looked at her hands. Why did Twilight’s emotions feel like that…? She was human, right? I mean, she'd seen her eat, she knew she slept, albeit at weird hours, which was more than she could say for her homeroom teacher. But more importantly than Twilight's status as a human...

Did she... have a Dungeon currently...?

She went downstairs, deciding to just keep an eye on Twilight for now. Once downstairs, she saw Trixie leaning against the front desk waiting for her, “Ready to go, Mistress?”

Starlight took a breath and smiled. She seriously liked hearing that.

“Yep. Let’s g-” her phone ringing caught her attention. She looked at it, surprised to see Diamond’s number, “It’s, Diamond Tiara.”

Trixie pushed off the desk, “Let’s see what’s up,” she requested. Starlight nodded and answered the phone.

“Hey um, Starlight?” Diamond asked, “Sorry to call so out of the blue, but I, wanted to confirm something. Last night, did it… actually happen…?”

“Well that depends,” Starlight smiled, “Did you become the thrall of a teenage witch last night?”

song: Smile - Persona 4

Diamond gasped, “I knew it…! So, you really are a witch!” she laughed, “Thank you, Starlight! Thank you so much for rescuing me! Um, is everyone else there?”

“Trixie’s with me. Hold on,” Starlight put hr phone on speaker.

“Hey Diamond. Take it you had a good dream last night~” Trixie asked, making Diamond chuckle.

“Well, it got a bit scary in places, but yeah. Overall, it was a great dream. Seriously though, thank you for saving me. And, I meant what I said there, Trixie. If you need help building up your confidence again, I’ll be there for you.”

“Thanks Diamond,” Trixie said with a soft smile, “You’re a great friend.”

“I try, at least,” Diamond said softly, “I, did apologize to Silver Spoon. I didn’t tell her the true nature of that place, or about me being your thrall now, but I did let her know that you guys saved me.”

“Bet she was happy to hear that,” Starlight smiled.

“She burst into tears, and started thanking you over and over,” Diamond said, “She wants to thank you in person, so be on the lookout for her, okay?”

“I will. What about you? Are you going to be okay?” Starlight asked.

“I, am but, I’m taking today off from school. My whole view of the world is changed now. Not for nothing, but I’m a bit, worried about stepping outside. That and, I’m still unsure what to say to my Dad.”

“Well, far as I know, the Shadows can’t come into the real world,” Trixie assured Diamond, “And concerning things with your Dad, don't rush into things. You'll figure out what to say to him.”

“Thanks Trixie. Um, tonight I think I, do want to try meeting up in that library again to just, walk around a bit. Is that okay, Starlight?” Diamond asked.

“Sure,” Starlight said, “Feel free to go there even if I’m not there. Just, stay away from any doors.”

“Oh! Um, but if you happen to run into any black doors, please let us know!” Trixie said suddenly, “Like, if here’s a section where all of the books have been cleared out, and there’s a door that just feels wrong!”

“That’s a, Dungeon right?” Diamond asked, Starlight confirming, “Alright. And um, I’ll make note of any books I see around it.”

“Thanks Diamond,” Starlight said, “This helps more than you know.”

“After you saved me, this is the least I can do,” Diamond said warmly, “I’ll see you tomorrow, you two.”

“See ya, Diamond,” Trixie said smiling. Starlight said her goodbyes and hung up, hugging Trixie tightly, “Told you we could do it.”

“Thank you, Trixie,” Starlight said softly, “You’re still getting that spanking, by the way.”

“Looking forward to it~”

Daytime

song: School Days - Persona

In English, Bulk Biceps called on Trixie to answer a question about grammar. Trixie looked panicked, as she’d spaced out thinking about her stage show.

“Starlight… help…!” she whispered. Starlight thankfully knew the answer and wrote it on a piece of paper, strategically letting Trixie see it. She quickly gave the answer, leading to Bulk Biceps nodding in approval.

“Not bad! And also good show of teamwork between the two of you!” he grinned, letting Starlight know he saw what she did, making her blush and apologize, “Don’t apologize. Life isn’t a solo sport,” he slammed his fists into his hands, “It's a team sport! If you can’t make it on your own, you gotta turn to your teammates for help! THAT’S HOW WINNING IS DONE!!!”

Trixie sighed in relief, “Glad he wasn’t mad. Seriously Starlight, thanks. You’re fantastic.”

Starlight smiled happily. Trixie seemed to really appreciate her help.

Starlight felt like she and Trixie would become closer really soon.

Lunch Time

Right as Starlight grabbed her lunch and closed her locker, she felt someone wrap their arms around her from behind, hugging her tightly.

“Thank you…!” Silver Spoon sobbed, “Thank you so much…!”

Starlight smiled, holding onto her arms, “You’re welcome, Silver Spoon.”

“I’ll admit, I was, skeptical at first,” Silver admitted, “But you… you really did use your magic to save her. So… um…” Silver released Starlight and looked away nervously, “Think we could, uh… talk sometime later? Just you and me? Now that I know you're the real deal, I'd, like to ask you a bit about it.”

Starlight accepted, telling Silver she’d love to get to know her better. Now that she had a better idea of what her deal was, and that she was trying to be nice, Starlight was willing to try and become friends for real.

“Thank you,” Silver said, “There’s a coffee shop in South Street with outdoor seating. You can find me there more times than not after school.”

“I’ll definitely seek you out then,” Starlight smiled. Silver nodded and walked off, taking one last look at Starlight before walking off. It seemed she really wanted to talk to her about something. Well, she did prove that she was actually a witch now. Maybe she wanted to know more about that. She’d probably ask about how she got her powers at some point.

Which was also, how her Mother died…

Starlight shook her head and decided to continue to lunch. For now, she just wanted to focus on meeting with Rarity after school. She seriously hoped she wasn’t in any trouble with her. That said, her heart wouldn’t stop racing from the thought of it.

end song

After School

Once homeroom ended, Starlight said she’d meet up with everyone in South Street after Student Council to discuss what happened if anything. She hoped nothing bad happened, but something in the way Rarity looked at her yesterday scared her.

She turned down the hall leading to the Student Council office, and saw Rarity walking toward the office, arms folded and looking down. As such, she didn’t notice when another girl quickly turned corner, bumping into her.

“Ahh!” the student cried, Rarity grunting in surprise. Said student had long purple and pink hair that was super full, wore a purple sweater, pink skirt, colorful leggings, purple and pink sneakers, and had really big green eyes behind big circular glasses. The girl looked up to see Rarity staring down at her somewhat imposingly, making her blush in embarrassment.

song: A Small Distance - Blue Reflection

“Can I help you?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow, “Or are you okay pressed against me like this?”

The somewhat mousey girl jumped back and bowed to Rarity, “I’m sorry, Miss President! I wasn’t watching where I was going!"

Rarity rolled her eyes and sighed smiling, “It’s fine. Sweetie Belle, right?”

The girl looked up at her with wide, hope filled eyed, “Y-you know my name…?”

“Considering you’re our top ranking chess player, it’d be kind of hard not to know your name,” Rarity said.

“Oh. R-right. I guess, that does make sense,” Sweetie Belle looked down, looking oddly sad.

“Is everything alright? You’re not still being bullied, are you?” Rarity asked Sweetie Belle, who twirled some of her hair around her finger absently.

“It’s, getting better now, since you got the Defense Committee on them, b-but they still, sometimes…”

Rarity pursed her lips, “If it becomes too much trouble, talk to me, alright?” she requested, caressing Sweetie Belle’s cheek, “The Student Council is always willing to help students in need.”

“T-thank you, Miss President,” Sweetie Belle said softly, closing her eyes gently. All too soon it seemed, Rarity removed her hand and walked past the young girl. She bit her lip and turned around to Rarity, reaching for her, “Rari- er, Miss President! Are um, uh…”

“Is there something else?” Rarity said, the slightest bit of impatience in her voice, "I'm in a hurry to meet with someone." Sweetie pulled her hand back looking extremely nervous.

“I was just wondering if, you were okay,” Sweetie said, “That message from the Diamond Dogs, you looked really upset about it…”

“You, saw?” Rarity asked softly, not turning around. Something about the air between them felt odd.

“I, did. I… I know I can’t do much to help, b-but… if I could… at all… do something to… t-to help you…” Sweetie stammered.

“I’ll be fine,” Rarity dismissed, “This isn’t your problem, so there’s no need for you to worry, alright? Just leave the Diamond Dogs to me, and the Defense Committee,” she turned back a bit and smiled, “But thank you for caring.”

“Y-you’re welcome…” Sweetie said softly. Starlight noticed her wiping her eyes with her sleeve before walking off in a hurry. Starlight frowned and walked over to Rarity after Sweetie Belle left.

“Hey, um, who was that girl?” Starlight asked Rarity.

“Hm? Oh, there you are,” Rarity said with a soft smile. She then looked back at the girl walking off down the hall, “That was Sweetie Belle. She’s on the Chess Team. She’s brilliant, but kind of odd, which makes her a target for frequent bullying.”

“That’s, unfortunate,” Starlight said softly, looking at her turn the corner, “Are you two close or something?”

“Not beyond what you just witnessed.” Rarity frowned folding her arms, “She’s always been a tad, obsessive when it comes to me. I’ve tried asking her about it, but she usually just clams up afterward.”

Starlight hummed in thought to herself. Maybe she could get close to her if she joined the chess club? Something to think about for later.

“But, enough about that,” Rarity turned to Starlight, “I was actually hoping to run into you now. Could we, have that talk now?”

Starlight nodded, “Sure. Um, how can I help you?”

“Mmmm, not here,” Rarity looked around, “Come with me. I’d like to speak with you, privately.”

end song

Starlight’s heart leaped out of her chest when she said that, but she nodded all the same. Rarity gave an odd smile and walked ahead down the hallway. As they walked in silence, Starlight took in Rarity’s walk. It was more of a stride, honestly, filled with power and grace. Starlight knew from experience she was not one to be trifled with.

And if Starlight was right about who this actually was, she could possibly even be dangerous.

Rarity led Starlight out of the school and in the back alleyway. Once there, Rarity looked around, “Alright, this is perfect. This way, no one will interfere.” she said, undoing her necktie.

“No one, will interfere…?” Starlight asked. She then screamed in shock as Rarity turned to her, backed her against a wall, and slammed her hands onto the wall beside Starlight’s head, pinning her there.

song: Maya's theme - Persona 3

“You know, you have a really bad habit of getting involved in shit you have no business being a part of,” Rarity said harshly, her tone completely different. The elegant flair in her voice, gone. Her stance, more imposing than elegant. Her head hung low, and not only was her tie undone, but her top somewhat unbuttoned, again showing a bit of her bra.

“W-what are you, talking about…?” Starlight asked.

“Oh, you know exactly what I’m talkin’ about,” Rarity said, finally looking up at Starlight with a sharp glare, lips curled in a sexy but still terrifying scowl, “Little Star.”

Starlight sucked in a breath, her eyes widening. This, wasn’t the president she was talking to anymore…

“You're... Dirty Diamond…” she breathed out. Rarity narrowed her eyes.

“You know about me then? Guess that answers that question,” Rarity said, her tone low and dangerous.

“So, you are involved with the Diamond Dogs…” Starlight said.

“I’m a lot more than “involved”. You could say I’m more, intertwined.” Rarity clarified, confirming to Starlight that yes, she was the “bitch” they wanted back.

“W-why did you, ask me to meet with me…?” Starlight asked, visibly trembling.

“I’m trying to understand your deal,” Rarity said, “Why you keep endin’ up around my old crew.”

“I…”

“See, I got a real good gig goin’ in this school,” Rarity continued, showing Starlight her Student Council badge, “This right here? This means I’m one of the most important kids in this building. Won the election by such a landslide, that cunt Suri was in tears.” she gave a very imposing sneer, “All goes well, I could end up with a full scholarship for college. Get in one of those good school, you feel me? The kind brats like me, never get into.”

Starlight shied back against the wall, biting her lip. She sounded so different. None of the warmth and care in her voice was present. Was all of that just… fake? Was she pretending to care about the students this whole time?

“Right now though, I got Cinch on my fuckin’ ass about everything, this goddamn Nightmare bullshit making everyone piss their pants in fear, exams looming around the corner, I'm horny as FUCK, and to top it all off, my new secretary is gettin’ a bit too close to the wolf’s den!” Rarity gritted her teeth, gripped Starlight’s collar with one hand, the other hand in a reared back fist, “So I need to know if you’re gonna be a problem I need to make disappear!”

“I’m… I’m sorry!” Starlight blurted out, tears building up, “I just, I’m just trying to…”

“Trying, to, what?!” Rarity demanded, “Did Cinch put you up to this?! She got you snitchin on me?!”

“No! I promise I’m not!” Starlight cried, “I swear, the only teacher who knows that you saved me is Miss Tia, and she’s told me she wouldn’t tell!”

Rarity loosened her grip a bit, but still held her to the wall, “Then why’s Rover all strung out on you, and how do you know my old call sign?”

“He, approached me!” Starlight said, “Friday night, I took Trixie to the park for some fun, and he saw! He ran into me on Saturday when I went back to the park and asked what our relationship was!”

“And you said…”

“That you were someone I like a lot, and that I wanted to help as much as possible!” Starlight answered honestly, “I promise you, I’m on your side! Besides, Cinch doesn’t like me either, due to my record!”

“Right… the whole suicide thing…” Rarity muttered to herself. She didn’t release Starlight, but she did lower her fist, “Look, just watch yourself, alright? I got enough shit on plate as is. I don’t need you gettin’ hurt along with that.”

“I… I will,” Starlight assured Rarity, who then released her finally, backing away.

“Good. Sorry if I upset you,” Rarity said, the more elegant tone slowly returning as she buttoned up her blazer and top.

“Apology, accepted, just…” Starlight looked away, “I’m really confused. One minute, you’re saying you want to get to know me better, and the next minute you act like you almost want me to get as far away from you as possible.”

Rarity froze and looked to Starlight silently.

“I, just need to know. Why did you ask me to be your secretary? Was it because you genuinely wanted to be my friend, or was that just to make the "Student Council President" look good?”

Rarity took a breath and then folded her arms, “Which answer keeps you quiet?”

“The truth,” Starlight said honestly.

Rarity slowly nodded, “Well, if you want the truth, I personally do find you intriguing, and I do enjoy your company.”

Starlight nodded, “Thank you. I’ll trust that.”

“My turn to ask a question, and I want an honest one, too. The rest of your dorm know about me?”

Oh boy. Well, her lying now would look bad, especially when they started actively dealing with her Dungeon.

“They, were worried about me,” Starlight said, “I was, visibly shaken after everything, so my friends, well…” she closed her eyes, “Just them, I promise. No one outside of the dorm knows anything about you being with the Diamond Dogs. I'm sorry if you're mad at me, but I was so scared that I just...” she closed her eyes tightly, trying hard not to cry, but this was really a lot for her still admittedly fragile state of mind.

Rarity sighed to herself, “Fuck me sideways...” she muttered softly. She then walked over to Starlight and hugged her, “How about this. So long as they don’t spread the info around, we’re good. That okay? You can talk to them about this, but only them.”

Starlight nodded, hugging Rarity back. She then opened herself up to her, curious what her emotions were.

Shit! I almost fucked up big time. If Applejack knew I upset one of Pinkie’s friends, she’d be so upset…

Well, at least now she knew that Rarity was genuinely trying to look out for her. This still raised a few questions, but at least now she knew for certain. Rarity was in fact, a Diamond Dog.

Question was, was this at all connected to her Dungeon? And, how did she end up here? There was no way Cinch would have let someone with probably a record of violence and criminal activity enroll.

So, how did Rarity get in?

song: Alleycat - Persona 5

Starlight met with everyone at the Ramen Shop after Student Council, where she told her friends what happened between her and Rarity in the back alley of the school, along with what she learned.

“Rarity is… a Diamond Dog…?” Pinkie Pie asked wide eyed.

“Dirty Diamond, huh?” Trixie stroked her chin thoughtfully, “Wonder what someone has to do to get a nickname like that...”

“I don’t know, and the implications of it worry me,” Starlight admitted looking down, “When she talked to me in the alleyway, she was like a completely different person.”

“How so?” Rainbow Dash asked, sipping the broth from her bowl.

“She was gruff, abrasive, honestly it looked like she was going to beat me up,” Starlight sat back in her chair and looked up, “She said that who everyone sees in school is a mask. I think just now, I saw a glimpse of the real Rarity.”

“Sounds like the real Rarity’s dangerous,” Trixie bit her lip looking away, “Are we, going to be okay rescuing her?”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I know how this is going to go, alright? We’ve cleared two Dungeons already, and both times, it resulted in a new Witch appearing,” Trixie pulled her hat over her eyes, “Rarity’s is a fully fleshed out Dungeon like mine and Pinkie’s was, meaning when we clear hers, there’s a high chance that Rarity will get a Persona.”

“What, are you saying Trixie?” Starlight asked carefully.

“I’m saying, that we already have one super dangerous Persona User out there with that Adagio chick,” Trixie looked at the group seriously, “Do we really want to give a Persona to someone with a criminal record next?”

“Trixie!” Pinkie Pie cried aghast, “You’re not suggesting we, leave her, are you?!”

“Maybe…?” Trixie sighed, “Look, until a month ago, I was just a regular teenage girl living in my Dad’s shadow, and now?” she held up her Channeling Ring, “Apparently, these rings can cause real harm to people. Now that we know that, we need to be careful who ends up with them.”

“Rarity is like family to me!” Pinkie Pie argued in a hushed tone, “She and Applejack are practically sisters! Besides, if we don’t use our magic to save lives, what are we using it for?!” she closed her eyes, “I won’t abandon Rarity! Even if I’m the only one who goes into that Dungeon!”

"Pinkie Pie, that's insane!" Starlight cried, "Your Persona is a healing type! It's not meant for solo combat!"

"I don't care!" Pinkie Pie shook her head, "As a healer, I can't just leave Rarity to die! I'm going into that Dungeon with or without everyone, and I dare you to try and stop me!"

“Pinkie Pie…” Trixie groaned, rubbing her eyes, “What about you, Dash? What's your take on this?”

“Being completely honest, I dunno,” Rainbow Dash folded her arms, “I know it looks bad, and yeah, this power’s pretty dangerous in the wrong hands, but… that doesn’t mean Rarity’s are the wrong hands.”

“Not for nothing, but she damn near assaulted my girlfriend,” Trixie pointed out sternly, “How would you feel if it were Pinkie Pie in that alleyway?”

Rainbow Dash tilted her head in recognition, “Alright, fair. I’ll give you that one, but something to consider here. Canterlot High’s one the most prestigious schools in the country, right next to Crystal Prep. Kids from the street rarely get into this school without the recommendation of a teacher.” she opened her eyes and looked at the group, “Rarity’s a Diamond Dog, yeah, but she’s also the Student Council President of Canterlot High, who's principal has turned away students for less than anything "Dirty Diamond's" done. So my question is, how’d someone with a rep like hers, get to be a success story in a school run by Principal Cinch?”

Starlight looked down thoughtfully. She’d been wondering that herself, but Rainbow Dash really put it into perspective how odd that was. For all intents and purposes, Rarity should NOT have been a student at Canterlot High.

“As for why she attacked our Leader,” Rainbow Dash looked outside the window, at a dog barking at someone who tried to pet it. She narrowed her eyes, “What if…?”

Trixie looked out the window at the dog and frowned, “I’m confused.”

“The Diamond Dogs sorta embrace the whole canine motif,” Rainbow Dash pointed out, “Almost like they are dogs, just in human bodies. What if Rarity's the same way? Like, maybe from her perspective, our Leader got too close too fast, she got scared…”

“And started barking, at a supposed threat?” Starlight finished for Dash, who nodded.

“Bingo. Maybe she was less trying to attack you, and more trying to intimidate you. Maybe she's the one who's afraid.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Okay, so what’s she so afraid of?” Trixie asked, “Again, she’s at the top of the school. Only ones higher up than her would be the faculty, really, and even then, as Student Council President, she might as well be faculty. And not for nothing, but it sounds like she's got a lot of bite to go with her bark.”

“Dunno. But I bet that it’s related to her Dungeon,” Rainbow Dash said, “Concerning our next move though, I get your concern, Trixie. Like you said, we know a Persona User who killed someone with hers. Rescuing Rarity means she’s likely to get one herself, and that could be dangerous.”

Pinkie Pie looked down biting her lip.

“However, I also understand Pinkie Pie’s point of view,” Dash said, “We know that Rarity’s got a Dungeon, and we also know how bad these things get. Can you look me in the eyes and say that you can just turn your back on someone suffering just like you did, knowing damn well you now have the power to save ‘em?”

Trixie closed her eyes, “Playing that card on me, huh?”

“What do you think, Leader?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You’re the head of this Coven, so you get final say.”

“I say,” she nodded, “We help her. I don’t know the whole story yet, but I do know that she’s terrified of something,” she turned to Trixie and placed a hand on her leg, “Wouldn’t be the first time someone with a Dungeon tried to scare me away. Didn’t work then, and it won’t work now.”

Trixie took a breath and smiled, “Okay, I see your point. Fine. But if she gets a Persona, we have to make sure she joins us.”

“That much, we agree on,” Rainbow Dash nodded, “One dangerous Witch is bad enough. We can’t afford to let another one loose.”

“Either way, we’re definitely saving her,” Starlight said, taking Pinkie Pie’s hands, “Alright?”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “Thanks. I, I want to believe in Rarity. That even with all this, she’s a good person.”

“Then, until we find otherwise, I’ll believe too,” Starlight smiled.

“Same,” Trixie shook her head, “Sorry about earlier, Pinkie Pie.”

“It’s okay,” Pinkie Pie told Trixie with a soft smile, “I know it’s risky. But, Applejack trusts Rarity, so I trust her too.”

“So that’s the plan then?” Rainbow Dash asked, “We keep going assuming the best, and just prepare for the worst?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Starlight wanted to believe that Rarity was a good person anyway. Far as she was concerned, they were friends. Even if Rarity didn't trust her completely yet.

The conversation continued through various topics, eventually going into talk about their coven. It was agreed on that Eos would be their Mother Goddess. Now they just needed a Father, and a name for their Coven.

Then they’d be fully fleshed out, and ready to accept new members. Hopefully Rarity, once she awakened to her Persona.

Late Night

song: Qualia - Blue Reflection

Starlight texted Diamond to let her know she was heading into the Phase, and then went to bed. Even with the chamomile tea, it did take a bit for her to get to sleep, but when she arrived, she was pleased to see Diamond Tiara was already there looking around.

Much to Starlight’s shameful sadness though, fully clothed this time.

Diamond looked around in awe, and then beamed when she saw Starlight, “You made it!” she ran over to hug her.

“My Channeling Ring makes Lucid Dreaming really easy for me,” Starlight said returning the hug, “I’m just happy you were able to come in, and even without my help.”

“Seems I’m like you more or less,” Diamond said, “So if I want to learn something, I can just read one of the books and take it with me.”

“Just be careful with it, alright?” Starlight told Diamond, “It should be fine, but this is a lot of power, and I don’t know what your limits are without a Persona.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be careful,” Diamond assured, once again looking around, “So, are we alone? Or is anyone else here?”

“Well, chance are Twilight’s looking over the akashic records for Rarity’s Dungeon, but probably looking in another section of the library,” Starlight said, walking ahead with Diamond beside her.

“Twilight. She was, the purple flame hovering around, right?” Diamond asked.

“Yes. That was her using something called the Remote Viewing System. In truth, she’s a normal human who monitors this place on a computer,” Starlight explained.

“So, this place is an actual physical place,” Diamond realized.

“Kinda sorta,” Starlight said, “I know that it’s a real place. Physical, it’s hard to say. After all, dream logic still applies here.” to demonstrate what she could do, Starlight jumped onto a banister beside them and walked perfectly on it without even holding her arms out.

Diamond tilted her head at that, and then jumped on it as well, walking just as perfectly, “That’s so cool! So, what exactly is this place? And, where is it?”

“Not entirely sure of the where,” Starlight admitted, “I know its related to the Collective Unconscious.”

“The Collective Unconscious?” Diamond asked, “What’s that?”

“It’s a space created by the collective minds of all humans in the world,” a familiar deep baritone spoke beside them, making Starlight’s heart race, “Have you ever wondered how babies know how to breath the moment their born, or where the ideas of “mother” and “father” come from? It’s all here, appearing as books of information in these halls.” Leaning against a bookshelf, they saw Victor, reading from a book in the Akashic Records.

He pushed off the shelf and turned to them, and bowed in reference, much like a butler would, “Always a pleasure to see you, Miss Glimmer. As always, that gown looks lovely on you.”

Starlight smirked, folding her arms under her breasts, pushing them up, “You say the lovliest things, Victor~”

Diamond Tiara’s eyes widened as she looked at Starlight, “Okay, like, who are you, and what have you done with Starlight? Cause, hot damn girl!”

Victor laughed jovially, “What you see now is her true face. People, find it hard to be their true selves in the real world, so put on masks to fit into society. Here, Miss Glimmer feels comfortable being truer to herself,” he walked over to her, eyeing her hungrily, “The fire she normally keeps contained is burning freely. I find it to be, quite an alluring look on her, wouldn’t you agree, High Priestess?”

Starlight's smile widened a bit, and she met his hungry gaze with one of her own. She was committed to Trixie, but she couldn't deny that she wanted this man, badly.

“Wait? Do you mean me?” Diamond blinked, “Um, I’m not a High Priestess. I’m just a rich teenage girl who enjoys dressing like a slut and dancing like one even more.”

“Ah, but you see, I refer to your archetype,” he reached into his coat pocket and handed Diamond Tiara a tarot card, showing an important looking woman in religious robes sitting between two pillars, “The High Priestess, representing inner wisdom, spirituality, and meditation. You are one who wishes to listen to her inner voice first and foremost for guidance, and despite your age, possess a certain wisdom when it comes to knowing yourself.”

Diamond took the card and looked at it intently, “Well, I guess when I think about my life, I can see what you mean. Though, kind of hard to imagine a High Priestess being as all over the place as me. That demon Starlight and her friends saved me from? He was a sick perv, but he wasn't wrong…”

“In what way?” Victor asked curiously, “If, you don’t mind indulging my curiosity.”

“Before I realized it was real, I was perfectly okay dancing in front of the Shadows. It felt, liberating, wearing my sluttiest outfits, gyrating on stage, taking my clothes off, and knowing that the audience was loving every second of it. Heck, after Starlight rescued me and I was left topless, I was embarrassed at first, but as time went on, I kinda… enjoyed being so exposed in front of her.”

Starlight looked at Diamond sadly. She still sounded so hard on herself.

“That demon kept calling me “Little Whore”, and my Dad told me that I act like a cheap slut. What if, they’re right about me? What kind of High Priestess is as sexually charged as me…?”

“Hey, even a Priestess needs to let her hair down once in a while,” Starlight smiled, rubbing Diamond’s back, “Besides, you being a sexually charged priestess, saved my life,” she took Diamond’s hand into her own, “If you ask me, the only way having a high libido is a problem, is if you lose control over it, and use it to harm others. That’s the mistake your Mother made.”

Diamond smiled, “So, you don’t mind having a stripper as your High Priestess?”

“Are you kidding?” Starlight smiled, pulling a book on pole dancing off one of the shelves and handing it to Diamond, “I couldn’t think of a better High Priestess.”

Diamond looked at the book, and then giggled, “Sorry Dad, but I’m going to keep taking my clothes off and dancing like a slut, because I want to.”

Victor smiled peacefully, turning to Starlight, “It truly is rare, running into each other like this.”

Starlight nodded in agreement, “Normally I see you sitting by the Velvet Room entrance.”

“I rarely stray too far from the room for long,” Victor said, “Mostly just to get the morning paper, or find something stimulating to read. The Master encourages me to explore more often, saying that there’s much one can learn from humanity. I do see value in his words, and it might help in understanding my siblings better.”

“You have siblings?” Diamond asked Victor.

“Indeed. From youngest to oldest, there’s Lavenza, Elizabeth and her twin Theodore, Margaret, and finally myself,” Victor smiled warmly, “Right now it is merely the five of us, but I have no doubt more will manifest soon. You see, our lives are intrinsically intertwined with the fates of our Tricksters. Due to the nature of existence, I might even have siblings out there I am completely unaware of from other dimensions. Theo is one such case.”

“Doesn’t that, sadden you?” Diamond asked Victor, “To have family that you’re unaware exists?”

“Hm,” he looked down thoughtfully, “Well, I suppose I, would, like to meet them one day. Honestly, I rarely even see the siblings I’m aware of anymore.”

“Where are they?” Starlight asked.

“Currently watching over their respective tricksters,” Victor explained, “Our services do not merely end once the Trickster completes his or her Fool’s Journey. Ours is a life long bond. That said, my siblings have become somewhat, attached to their respective Tricksters,” he leaned against a bookcase and frowned in annoyance, “Lavenza takes any opportunity she can to just be near hers, Margaret dotes on hers like a son or little brother,” he held the bridge of his nose, “As for Theo and Lizzy, they both more or less vanished off the face of the map. I hear about their movements, but rarely do I see them.”

“So when you say you want to understand them, you want to know why they’re so obsessed over their tricksters,” Starlight realized, now wondering if he’d become the same way with her whenever her journey ended. Either way, it sounded like Victor was a tad, lonely. Flirting aside, she felt kind of bad for him.

“Well, maybe you and Starlight can work together on that,” Diamond offered, “You two can move around here freely, right? I bet somewhere in these halls, there’s tons of information that can help you make sense of them, or just humanity in general.”

“Hrm… I do find myself curious why such a place needs to exist,” he looked around, “Miss Glimmer, I would like to begin a, spirit quest of sorts, to learn what it is my siblings learned. As my trickster, could I ask you to assist me in that quest?”

Starlight nodded smiling. She’d love to help him, and totally not just as an excuse to be near him more. She could feel a faint bond forming between herself and Victor.

Victor looked around the area they were in, “To start, I think I would like to understand more about the power of Persona. I will search for a section that will explain the origin of this power. When I call for you, may we meet here and search together?” Starlight nodded smiling, “Thank you, Miss Glimmer. Enjoy the rest of your night, ladies.”

With that, Victor bowed to them and walked off back to the Velvet Room door. Starlight watched him leave, and then sighed longingly once he’d gone.

“Oh my God, you’ve got it bad for him,” Diamond giggled, “Does, Trixie know about…”

“She does,” Starlight nodded, “She’s fine with it. She and I are choosing to have more an open relationship for various reasons. For one, this is actually my first true relationship. Also, well, the whole thing with Blueblood has scarred Trixie.”

Diamond winced, “Yeah… I get ya. Probably for the best then that you guys keep things open,” she sighed, “I wonder if I’ll ever find someone like that for myself.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” Starlight asked Diamond, “I mean, your beautiful, you have a great personality, any guy or girl would be crazy not to love you.”

“Thanks Starlight,” Diamond smiled sadly, “You’re sweet but… two things. One, anyone in my immediate circle is either a two faced asshole, or…” she spun around and dropped low to the floor, twerking briefly before slowly coming up in a way to show attention to her body, “the sort who’d find a girl like this uncouth.”

Starlight frowned. That was so stupid she couldn’t even find the words for it. No wonder Diamond didn’t hang with the rich and elite much.

“As for anyone in your circle, kind of the opposite problem,” Diamond sat down on a table crossing her legs, “They probably would be interested in me. As in, interested in my money and trying to get in my pants. I have a high libido, but I still want someone who’ll like me for me.”

Starlight found herself wondering about her relationship with Silver Spoon then. They kinda radiated this air that was romantic without actually being an item. Especially with Silver more or less gate keeping Diamond’s friendships. Trying to at least.

Starlight brought that to Diamond’s attention, and her eyes widened, “S-Spoony?! I… I mean, I guess I wouldn’t be, entirely opposed to it…” Diamond twirled her finger through her hair, “But… pretty sure Silver’s straight. She actually has mentioned to me she’s wants a husband in the near future.”

Starlight conceded to that. If Silver wasn’t interested in a relationship like that, she couldn’t force it. Still, she did wonder if her feelings for Diamond were completely platonic.

“Well, I’m not giving up on you,” Starlight sat beside Diamond, “I bet you’ll find someone in the future who’ll think you’re awesome.”

“Thanks Starlight,” Diamond smiled, leaning into her and hugging her arm, “I’m so happy you’re my friend.”

“I’m happy you’re mine too, Diamond Tiara,” Starlight leaned into her. It was nice having one of her normal friends in the know now.

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

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