November 4^th, 2019
Sunday,
Cloudy

Morning

I (sun) - Blue Reflection

After eating breakfast, getting showered and dressed, Starlight’s phone rang as she went downstairs. She looked and saw Sweetie Belle’s number pop up.

She smiled and answered it, “Hey Sweetie Belle? This is a nice surprise.”

“Hi Starlight. I hope I didn’t call you when you were busy. Are you and Rarity okay now?”

“We’re, better I suppose,” Starlight said, “But I don’t know if I’d say that we’re 100 percent on track yet.”

“Oh. I’m sorry,” Sweetie said in a low voice, “Um, can I ask what the argument was about? You mentioned she did something that hurt you, I think.”

“It’s, kind of personal,” Starlight admitted, “And I don’t want to put her business out there. But I will say that Rarity explained her reasons for it, so I’m not mad at her anymore. I’m just worried, really.”

“I am too,” Sweetie said, “When Blueblood lost his phone at the party, it looked like he tried to harass her a bit about it.”

“Missed that at the party…” Starlight frowned.

“It happened when you and Trixie went off to make out. Apple Bloom and her sister protected her though, so it was alright.”

“Apple Bloom must be really tough.”

“You wouldn’t be able to tell from looking at her, but she’s a black belt in karate,” Sweetie Belle said, “I asked her and Scootaloo if they’d protect Rarity from Blueblood, and they said they’d do what they could.”

“But, they’re sophomores like you, right?” Starlight asked, “Blueblood’s a senior, and he’s pretty ruthless. I don’t want them getting hurt.”

“Don’t worry. Chances are, Blueblood’s more afraid of them than they could ever be of him. Most of the school is.”

Now Starlight was really curious about Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo too for that matter.

“Are you doing anything today?” Sweetie asked suddenly, “I’m going to be in the park practicing Chess on one of the tables, but I like being near you.”

“That’s fine,” Starlight smiled, “I’ll head right over.”

“Great. See you soon, Starlight,” Sweetie Belle said, clearly smiling based on her tone before hanging up.

“Heading out?” Trixie asked, coming downstairs. She was wearing her more skimpier attire today.

“Sweetie Belle wanted to hang out with me today,” Starlight said as Trixie wrapped her arms around her from behind, “Figured it’d be a good day to just relax a bit, you know?”

“Yeah, I do,” Trixie agreed, pressing her breasts into Starlight’s back, “Ms. Tia said we can go back into the Dungeon tonight if Pinkie Pie is up for it.”

“Do you, want to?” Starlight asked, her heart racing from the contact. Trixie’s breasts were so big and soft.

“I do, but I’d like to do something with you tonight first, if that’s okay,” Trixie said, nuzzling Starlight affectionately.

“S-sure…” Starlight said softly, holding Trixie’s hand, “What’s up?”

Trixie giggled, “That’s a secret, my dear~” she turned Starlight around and looked her in the eyes, “But I hope with it, you’ll be able to relax for a bit.”

Starlight had her hopes about what it was hearing that. She nodded and kissed Trixie deeply, “Alright. I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”

“See you soon~” Trixie purred before walking off, moving her hips in a hypnotic and enticing manner. Starlight was so excited for tonight, especially if it was what she imagined it was.

For now though, she needed to meet up with Sweetie Belle. Apparently her dorm was close to the park, so she’d probably be there before Starlight. She signed herself out and headed out to meet her friend.

end song

Daytime

Sweetie Belle apparently practiced in the park where Starlight met up with Fluttershy. She enjoyed coming out here for any reason really. On the way, she even saw Victor sitting on his bench beside the Velvet Room door reading his newspaper. He naturally stopped to admire her beauty, to which Starlight couldn’t help but pose a bit for him.

She hoped they could go into the library again soon together. For research. And maybe some light flirting.

Really, she just needed something to take her mind off of things in the Dungeon. It was November 4^th now, meaning they only had five days left to rescue Rarity. This was cutting it way too close for Starlight’s comfort.

She shook it off and continued her walk through the park, where she saw a few benches. She had a feeling that she’d run into Sweetie Belle there. As she got closer, she did see her, but also saw something else that made her worried.

There were two boys standing over Sweetie Belle, and based on how she was holding herself and trembling, and how the boys were smiling and laughing, she was being harrassed. This time it wasn’t Snips and Snails, but that was worrying in and of itself. Starlight narrowed her eyes and made her way over to them.

“Go away…! Please go away…!” Sweetie Belle fussed, trying and failing miserably to not cry.

“What are you gonna do, cry about it?” one of the boys jeered, “Or maybe you’ll call Miss President to come to your rescue!”

“Not that she’d come,” the other boy teased, “She’s too busy with important stuff to give a damn about your stupid crush!”

“It’s not a crush!” Sweetie snapped, shooting up at them, “Stop saying that to me!”

“Then what is it?” the second boy asked leaning forward, “She your long lost sister or something?”

Sweetie averted her eyes and bit her lip, not saying anything. Sadly, this made the boys laugh even harder.

“See? I knew it! You can’t even say anything to defend yourself!” the first boy said through his laughter. At this point, Starlight could feel Morgana manifesting from her spirit, and her anger spiked. This wasn’t on school grounds, so she didn’t have to feel bad about breaking a limb or-

She stopped at the sound of whistling. She frowned at that, but also noticed how the two bullies froze at the whistling, along with Sweetie Belle calming down slowly. Just what was that…?

“Over here~”

In the Devastated Town - Devil Survivor 2

Everyone looked at a tree behind Starlight and saw two girls leaning on it on opposite ends. On the right side was a somewhat delicate looking girl with long, thick red hair tied up in a pink bow, wearing a short light blue and white dress, black shoes, and eating pretzel sticks from a black bag. Despite being busty with very long slender legs, and over all not looking like much of a threat, something about her made Starlight very nervous.

On the left side of the tree was another girl with short purple hair, wearing a white t-shirt, orange and white bomber jacket, blue jeans, and black and white sneakers. She had a more athletic build like Rainbow Dash, and resting at her side was a baseball bat. Seeing her made Starlight look extremely nervous.

“Um…” the first boy asked, slowly backing away, “H-hello Miss Scarlet.”

The other boy swallowed nervously, “Y-y-you have Miss O’Niell with you too,” he smiled awkwardly.

“Mhm,” the red haired girl said, pushing off the tree and sauntering over to them, “What’s goin’ on here, boys?”

“N-nothing!” the first one defended, his friend shaking his head vehemently.

“Nothing?” her friend said, also pushing off and resting the baseball bat on her shoulder, “Cause it looked like our friend here was beginning to cry. Apple Bloom and I don’t like it when she cries.”

The boys paled, “She’s… your friend…?” the second by asked, both of them slowly looking at Sweetie Belle.

“Yes, she is,” Apple Bloom smiled softly, holding a pretzel stick in her fingers almost like a cigarette as her friend walked over to the boys, getting behind them, “A very good friend, I might add.”

“Oh. Um, how about that, huh?” the first boy asked. Both he and his friend tensed when they noticed Scootaloo was right behind them.

“Like Scootaloo said,” Apple Bloom continued, taking a bite from her pretzel stick and swallowing it before continuing, “We don’t like it when she’s upset. So, how about you two apologize to Sweetie Belle, an’ then get on your way, hm?”

“If I were you, I’d listen,” Scootaloo whispered to them, “She’s in a relatively good mood today. Wouldn’t want that to change, now would you?”

The two of them quickly turned to Sweetie Belle, “We’re sorry!” they both cried in unison.

“W-won’t happen again!”

“We’ll leave you alone! Promise!”

Sweetie Belle nodded, eyes wide but still watery, “Apology, accepted,” she said slowly.

As the boys ran off, Starlight watched them somewhat baffled. Just what was their deal where they could sent some of Sweetie’s bullies packing with words alone. She’d seen that before, actually…

Didn’t Rarity once do that to save Starlight…?

Once she was sure it was okay, Sweetie Belle sighed and hugged herself, biting her lip and looking away.

“Hey,” Scootaloo said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “You alright?”

“I, think so,” Sweetie Belle answered softly, “Just, embarrassed, I suppose.”

“Ya ain’t got nothin’ to be embarrassed by,” Apple Bloom said, going over to Sweetie Belle and holding out her bag of pretzel sticks. It was almost like she was offering Sweetie Belle a cigarette. Made more interesting when she took one, “Sides, if we hadn’t shown up, yer friend over there would have done somethin’.”

Sweetie Belle turned to Starlight, her eyes widening, “Oh. You came.”

“I was actually on my way to chase them off myself,” Starlight said, “Sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”

“No, you’re fine,” Sweetie shook her head, “Just knowing you were willing to defend me like that makes me happy. You’re a good friend, Starlight.” she then turned to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, “And um, thanks for coming, too. I know we’re not super close friends or anything, but I appreciate it.”

Apple Bloom laughed lightly, “What are ya talkin’ about? I meant what I said, you’re a good friend of mine now, Sweetie. Whether or not ya join the Company,” she caressed Sweetie Belle’s cheek, “Which personally, I really hope ya do. We could really use someone like you.”

The Company? What did Apple Bloom mean by that? And why was Starlight super worried all of a sudden?

“I, I still need to think about it,” Sweetie said, leaning into Apple Bloom’s hand, “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” Apple Bloom assured with a gentle smile, “Our doors are always open, so take as much time as you need.”

“Thank you,” Sweetie smiled. Apple Bloom kissed Sweetie Belle on the forehead, making her blush.

“Anytime,” Apple Bloom said softly, now turning to Starlight, “You work with AJ and Rares, right?”

Starlight nodded, “I’m Rarity’s secretary, Starlight Glimmer.”

“Right. Starlight…” Apple Bloom walked over to Starlight and looked at her intently. Despite being younger than her, they were the same height. Somehow though, Starlight felt really small before her.

“Um…”

“I’ll be on the lookout for ya at school,” Apple Bloom smiled softly, “Maybe we can chat, get to know each other.”

“W-well, I would like to get to know all of Applejack’s siblings,” and understand why this girl was a security officer in Rarity’s subconscious. One who apparently accepted bribes.

“Wonderful~” Apple Bloom smiled, “Scootaloo, let’s go.”

“Got it,” Scootaloo said, resting the bat on her shoulders again and giving Starlight a wide grin before walking over to Apple Bloom. Before leaving, Apple Bloom looked at the chess field, which looked like it was in mid game. She then moved the Black King to the left.

“Checkmate,” she said before walking off, Scootaloo beside her. Sweetie Belle watched them leave with an enamored expression, placing a hand over her heart. She then frowned and looked at the board.

“She said checkmate? But what did she-” her eyes widened, “She’s right. Moving the King to the left frees the Queen, but also makes it so the only way the King can move puts it in line with the Right Side Rook and the Left side Knight!”

“She’s impressive,” Starlight conceded.

“She really is,” Sweetie sat down with a wistful smile, “She said she and I were good friends.” she then giggled in excitement, holding her hands to her cheeks, “Yay!”

“I can see why you’ve got a crush on her,” Starlight said, “She and her friend are something else.”

“They have their own group in the school,” Sweetie said, “They actually approached me during the Halloween Party, complimenting me on my costume and letting me sit with them. They’re super nice.”

Starlight nodded listening to this, but her heart was still racing. For some reason, those girls raised a few flags that Starlight wasn’t sure the color of, but she worried that they were red.

“Again though, thank you for caring,” Sweetie said looking at Starlight, “I’m really happy we’re friends now.”

“I am too,” Starlight smiled. Starlight felt significantly closer to Sweetie Belle.

Concerning Apple Bloom and Scootaloo though, Starlight was going to be keeping a close eye on them. Sure Apple Bloom was Applejack’s sister, so she probably wasn’t too bad. But with how she sent those bullies packing, and how she appeared in Rarity’s Dungeon…

She really hoped Sweetie Belle wasn’t getting into a bad crowd…

end song

Evening

Starlight hung out with Sweetie Belle learning how to play chess and just talking till about 7. Like she promised, she gave Trixie a text letting her know she was on her way, to which Trixie gave a cute “see you soon, Mistress~” as her reply, followed by a heart emoji.

She seriously wondered what she was planning.

When she got back to the dorm, she saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie standing by the couch laughing about, something. Pinkie Pie had gone back to her more revealing ensemble, which was nice, as it told Starlight she was feeling better.

“Oh, hey Leader,” Dash waved to her as she went to sign herself in, “If you’re looking for Lulamoon, she’s upstairs in your bedroom.”

Starlight nodded slowly, “Good to know, thanks. You feeling better now, Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “I am. I asked Miss Tia if we could go back into the Phase tonight, and she said it’s okay. She just doesn’t want me to push myself too hard.”

“Probably for the best,” Rainbow Dash said, “Twilight wants to do one final sweep of the Prison before we head into the City.”

“Good to know,” Starlight smiled. She was seriously happy Twilight was there to support them. She didn’t know what she’d do without her.

“But that’s neither here nor there,” Rainbow Dash walked over to Starlight and placed her hand on her shoulder, “You need to head up to your room.”

“Yep. Like, now,” Pinkie Pie nodded, “The Dungeon can wait till afterward.”

Now Starlight was really curious about what was going on. What did they know that she didn’t…?

“So shoo,” Rainbow Dash pushed Starlight over to the stairs, “Go be with your lady.”

“Have fun~” Pinkie Pie said with a light giggle. Starlight gave them a wry smile, but conceded, heading upstairs to where Trixie waited for her. Once there, she knocked on the door.

“Come in, Starlight,” she said, her voice low and sensual. Starlight’s heart raced at the sound of her voice.

Chatting into the Night - Blue Reflection: Second Light

She opened the door and saw Trixie splayed out on the bed, laying in a sensual manner as if either relaxing fully or presenting herself. Thing was, she was on Starlight’s bed, not her own!

“Welcome home, Mistress~” Trixie smiled sitting up. She was wearing the collar now.

“It’s, good to be home,” Starlight said, stepping in and closing the door behind her, “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

Trixie shook her head, “Not at all. Gave me time to mentally prepare for what I wanted to do tonight.”

“What, you wanted to do tonight?” Starlight asked. Trixie stood up and walked over to Starlight, hips swaying with each step.

“I’ll level with you. I’m worried,” Trixie said, wrapping her arms around Starlight and holding her close, “I can see how tense you are. This whole thing with Rarity has you messed up, right?”

Starlight took a breath, and nodded, “When she asked me to just let her die in peace, I remembered how I felt before I tried to commit suicide. Trixie, I’m worried Rarity might try something similar. I know her pain, at least part of it. I want to save her so much, but, I’m worried. I’m worried that, since I don’t know anything truly about her, I won’t be able to reach her heart with the time comes.”

“Oh Starlight,” Trixie said softly, caressing her cheek lovingly, “Don’t you see? This is why you’ll be able to save her. You care so much for the people around you. It’s the reason you were able to save Pinkie Pie, and me,” she smiled adoringly, “I’m not worried in the slightest. Because you’ll find a way to save Rarity. Not because you’re the Trickster, but because, you’re you.”

“T-Trixie…” Starlight was wide eyed, and felt herself tear up a bit. She couldn’t remember the last time someone said something so loving to her.

“That said, you can’t do this on your own,” Trixie continued, her hands going down to Starlight’s hips now, “You’re so busy taking care of others, being their hero, but who’s going to be yours? I, I thought about it, and I decided that, I want to.”

“You, want to be, my hero?” Starlight asked softly. Trixie nodded smiling, lifting her skirt to rub Starlight’s hips directly. This was so intimate.

“One way, I want to do that Starlight,” Trixie said softly, “Is by helping you relax. I want to serve you. Can I? Please?”

“By, serve me, you mean…” to answer Starlight’s question, Trixie leaned in and kissed Starlight deeply and passionately on the lips. She then lifted her top off, followed by removing her skirt. Oh shit, she meant it.

“Tie me up, however you wish, Mistress,” Trixie said, unclipping her bra and tossing it onto her bed. This, was the first time Starlight had seen Trixie’s bare breasts in this setting, “Tonight, I belong to you.”

Starlight took a deep breath, feeling her loins warm significantly, “Before, anything,” Starlight said, forcing herself to calm down and not lose control, “How far, do you want this to go?”

“If you, want to be, a bit rough, you can,” Trixie said, breathing heavily, “And, if you want to take me, in a somewhat rapey fashion, you can.”

“But, isn’t that, what he…”

“Yes it is,” Trixie said, “And much to my shame, I loved it,” she teared up, “Starlight, in order to put him behind me, I need to experience that kind of intensity, with someone who cares about me. I thought he loved me, but he was just using me as a rebound because Rarity turned him down. You though, I know that you care about me. If I’m going to do what my Persona keeps telling me to do, and love myself, I need to feel worthy of love. I trust you, Starlight. For some reason, something in my heart tells me that if I can trust anyone in this world it’s you, so please love me, Starlight. Love me, as intensely, and as ferociously, as you desire.”

Starlight looked at Trixie intently, and caressed her cheek with the hand her Channeling Ring was one. She then placed another hand over her heart and nodded a bit, to which Trixie nodded, giving her permission. Starlight then opened herself to her girlfriend, feeling her emotions.

I know I can trust Starlight…

She won’t abuse me… or take advantage of me…

I, I want to be her sub…!

Starlight… I… I…!

I love you so much…!

Starlight sucked in a breath, and immediately drew Trixie into a deep and passionate tongue kiss. The two of them spent a good few seconds to a minute just making out, running their hands through each other’s hair. Eventually, Starlight broke the kiss and looked into Trixie’s eyes, both of them breathing heavily.

“Get the rope,” Starlight requested. Trixie immediately went to the drawer she kept their toys in, and grabbed their training rope, giving it to Starlight. Starlight then got to work wrapping it around her arms, waist, and a bit around her breasts to emphasize them. She then turned Trixie around to tie her wrists together behind her back with the remaining rope, “Is this too tight?” she asked hotly.

“Not at all!” Trixie answered immediately, her breathing picking up, “I… I’m beginning to get there…! That headspace…!”

“If I take it too far, or if you get genuinely afraid, just say anchovy, and I’ll stop,” Starlight said, groping Trixie’s breasts from behind, “I promise.”

“I… I know…!” Trixie panted, shutting her eyes tightly, “I’m, going to, embrace this…!”

With that, Starlight laid Trixie on her bed again, and leaned in to suck on her nipple. The hard, erect nub felt so lovely in her mouth, and the way Trixie struggled and whimpered only added to the sensation.

There was just enough rope hanging off from her wrists. Starlight took that and tied it to the head board of her bed, trapping Trixie. The way her eyes widened along with her helpless whimper sent Starlight into an odd place mentally.

She loved it.

Starlight lifted her own dress off, tossing it aside and leaving herself in just her boots, bra, and panties. She then took some time to admire Trixie before grabbing her panties and slowly pulling them down her legs.

When she saw Trixie tremble and whimper weakly, Starlight paid extra attention to her to see how she was doing. She didn’t say her safe word, so she assumed she could keep going. Once she was fully naked, Starlight leaned in to give Trixie’s lower lips a soft lick. She wasn’t even thinking about how it’d taste, she just thought it’d be hot. She was then met with a truly cool and sweet taste, followed by a sudden cry from her sub.

“You enjoyed that, didn’t you?” Starlight asked with a smirk.

“I… I did…” Trixie confirmed in a light voice, pulling at the ropes trapping her and breaking into intense sobs.

“There’s no point in trying to escape,” Starlight said, now sticking her finger inside of Trixie’s sopping wet pussy, fingering her and lightly touching the area around her clit, “You’re mine now~”

Trixie whimpered weakly, writhing in pleasure as she continued to struggle in her bindings. This was so much hotter than the dreams she had.

“Does this scare you?” Starlight asked hotly, leaning in to lick Trixie’s cheek and neck.

“Y-yes…!” Trixie cried. Yes, this was just like her dream.

“Good, good~” Starlight purred, fingering Trixie with more intent, making her sub moan louder, “Because that fear, is so sexy on you~”

“S-Starlight…!” Trixie cried, prompting Starlight to grip her hair a bit and look her in the eyes, “Ah~!”

“When like this, you’re to only call me Mistress, understand?” Starlight asked, calmly but intensely.

“Yes!” Trixie nodded vigorously, “Yes Mistress! I understand!”

With that out of the way, Starlight knelt down to Trixie’s pussy and removed her finger, replacing it with her tongue. She didn’t know quite what she was doing, but having one herself helped. She just explored Trixie’s inner walls vigorously with her tongue, using her nose to rub her clit and gripping her hips tightly.

“Oh! AH!” Trixie screamed, bucking and grinding against Starlight’s mouth and tongue. She was doing something right then.

Starlight broke away from Trixie’s pussy briefly to take off her bra and panties, and then resumed eating her sub out, fingering herself at the same time. She felt so naughty like this, made worse knowing that somewhere, the others were close by. Anytime Trixie cried out somewhat loudly, Starlight partially wondered if the others could hear her.

When Starlight hit the section right at the top of her vagina, underneath her clit, Trixie cried out sharply. Okay, good. That was the same for Starlight too. She sucked on her clit and that section at the same time, continuously, over and over, all the while fingering herself in a way she knew could get her off close to the same time.

Trixie let out a loud scream as she reached orgasm, Starlight a bit surprised by how much of her sweet nectar shot into her mouth. Starlight brought herself to orgasm at the same time, internal apologizing to Celestia for the mess they were making in her bed. Hopefully she wouldn’t make too much of a fuss.

Starlight rose up from Trixie’s pussy, and after licking her lips pressed her own pussy against Trixie’s, sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Based on how she cried out, Trixie felt something similar.

“I’ll, have to get a dildo, just for nights like this,” Starlight panted, “But for now, this, is fine.”

As Starlight gripped Trixie’s leg and held it up, her sub looked up at her weakly and fearfully. She got so deep into this head space, and she was so alluring and lovely like this. The fact Trixie let Starlight take her to this place, and was willing to trust her so much, it made all of this worthwhile.

Fighting Shadows, investigating the Nightmare Epidemic, saving people from their nightmares, all of it was made worth it in this moment, because she knew, Trixie was someone she saved. Her first successful Dungeon cleared.

She could do it again. She would do it again. She’d rescue Rarity, no matter what.

Starlight grinded herself against Trixie, their pussies rubbing against one another as the room filled with their collective moans of pleasure. The whole time, Starlight and Trixie’s eyes were locked onto each other, with Starlight’s empathy flaring up in a way she hadn’t felt before.

She could feel Trixie’s adoration for her. She wondered if Trixie could feel hers?

“You, feel it, right?” Starlight asked as she grinded against her sub, “My, emotions?”

“Yes! I feel it!” Trixie cried intensely, “Your, empathy! It’s like I’m, sharing it, with you!”

Starlight moved to lay overtop Trixie and tongue kissed her again, deeply and lovingly, continuing to grind against her body. Trixie returned the kiss, her legs rubbing Starlight’s side as she continued to rub her own pussy against Starlight’s, still pulling at her bindings. It didn’t take long for the two of them to both cry out in pleasure as their orgasms echoed in the room.

Starlight and Trixie looked into each others eyes as they came together, their hearts resonating with one another. As they came down, Starlight collapsed on top of Trixie, both of them panting heavily.

“Give me, a second, and I’ll, untie you,” Starlight panted, Trixie nodding approval. After gathering herself enough, Starlight got to work untying her beloved. It didn’t take long, and once she was freed Trixie wrapped her arms around Starlight, holding her close.

“Thank you, Starlight.”

“Thank you, Trixie.”

“What, for?”

“For, helping me, get out of my head a bit,” Starlight looked into Trixie’s eyes adoringly, “Tonight, when we’re in Rarity’s Dungeon, I know we’ll be able to make headway. We’ll find something that can save Rarity.”

Trixie nodded smiling, “I know we will. Especially if you and I are together. So long as you’re by my side, there’s nothing I can’t do.”

Starlight smiled, and hugged Trixie close. She felt more in sync with Trixie right now. Starlight had a feeling she and Trixie’s performance together would improve next time they were in the Phase.

Late Night

Scraper Sky High - Under Night In-Birth

Everyone was relieved when they entered the Phase and saw Pinkie Pie in the Akashic Records waiting for them. That said, no one was more relieved than Pinkie Pie herself, as she revealed she was nervous about that.

After meeting up and discussing their next move, they decided to go into the Prison to do a final sweep of the place, just in case they missed it. The City was really big, so Starlight felt a bit better finishing things off here before moving forward.

The changes in the place were immediately apparent.

“So, that last fight,” Rainbow Dash said as they finished dealing with 3 Shadows, “Didn’t the enemies seem a bit weaker?”

“Yeah, they did,” Trixie said dusting herself off, “That’s not all either. Look at this place.”

Looking around, the cell area was badly damaged. Starlight figured it was the aftermath of the City Shadows fighting, but that didn’t really make sense for all of this damage.

“It could be due to Rarity’s position shifting,” Twilight suggested, “Like, if she’s on this side, the Prison is in full operation. If she’s not though, well… this.”

“Oh Rarity…” Pinkie Pie went over to the broken window she and Rover escaped from, “I hope she’s okay…”

“I wanna say she is, but knowing Rover, who knows?” Rainbow Dash said, going over to rub Pinkie’s back, “That said, she’s tough. I’m sure she can hold out against that brute for a bit, till we get over there.”

“Yeah. Hopefully.”

Starlight sighed pursing her lips, thinking about Rarity. She seemed to almost want to go with him, despite being resistant. Just what was going on inside her head.

“Hang on a second…” Twilight said, “That’s weird. I think I found the Applejack apparition, but she’s stationary.”

“Stationary?” Trixie asked, turning to Twilight’s wisp as it reappeared, “Why’s that?”

“Don’t know from here,” Twilight said, “I had to briefly disconnect from the Remote Viewing System to find her. That said, I can lead us to where she is.”

“Lead the way, Twilight,” Starligth requested. Twilight’s wisp nodded, and flew off deeper into the Prison. The path they took was a bit roundabout, and they had a few close calls, but they managed to not get seen on the way there.

Suspicion - Persona 5

When they found Applejack’s apparition though, they were somewhat horrified by the sight before them.

She’d been completely stripped of her uniform, her wrists and chained to the wall above her head, and her ankles chained to the ground with her legs spread out. She had iron nipple clamps on, connected by a chain, with a third chain going down to clamp her clit, a large vibrator going off in her pussy, and finally she had both a blindfold and a ball gag on. It looked like she’d been roughed up quite a bit, as there were various markings on her body, both lashes and bruises.

“Oh no! Applejack!” Pinkie Pie cried running over to her, “Applejack, are you okay?!”

The apparition said something that could have been Pinkie Pie’s name, but the gag hindered her. She then cried out in what sounded like pain as she came from all of the stimulation.

“Hang on! We’ll get you out of this!” Pinkie Pie looked around frantically for a release switch.

“Pinkie Pie, there’s no point,” Twilight said, “That’s not really Applejack. She’s a clone created inside Rarity’s subconscious.”

“But she’s real to Rarity!” Pinkie Pie protested, “She tried to protect me from the Shadows, fought off Blueblood, and even held me when I was crying! She might not be my Applejack, but she’s an Applejack!” she turned back to the imprisoned apparition, holding a hand to her cheek, “I… I can’t just leave her like this!”

Guard Applejack made a soft whimpering sound, and actually caressed Pinkie Pie’s hand. Seeing this, Starlight was beginning to wonder just how real these apparitions were. This one seemed to understand her situation, and genuinely cared for Pinkie Pie. Curious, Starlight walked over to her and touched her face, opening herself up to her emotions.

Oh Applejack, so faithful and kind. You’ve been by my side since day one. I know, even though you’re powerless to save me, that you’d still do everything you could to keep me safe.

My beloved friend… I hate that you have to suffer at the hands of Cinch too… in many ways, you’re just as much a prisoner as I am…

Starlight stepped back in surprise. That wasn’t what she expect. Those felt like, Rarity’s feelings.

“What did you feel?” Trixie asked Starlight, who explained the emotions she felt, “Wait, Rarity’s feelings?”

They were then alerted by the sound of whistling, a very familiar tune to Starlight, actually.

“What’s that?!” Rainbow Dash asked looking around as everyone drew their weapons, “Are we about to be attacked again?!”

“Don’t worry,” a familiar voice called out from a corner, “I ain’t gettin’ paid enough to take on four witches.”

In the Devastated Town - Devil Survivor 2

Starlight looked and saw Apple Bloom leaning against a wall, once again dressed as a security guard or police officer. Looking at her again, her uniform seemed to go further in the direction of “sexy cop”, like what one would see in a porno flick. Unlike in the real world, where she ate pretzel sticks like they were cigarettes, this Apple Bloom actually was smoking a cigarette.

“Apple Bloom,” Starlight said stepping forward, “At least, the version of Apple Bloom inside Rarity’s Dungeon.”

Guard Apple Bloom chuckled, “Good. Y’all know my name. Makes the next part easier,” she pushed off and walked over to stand before Starlight. Like in the real world, they came to the same height, with Apple Bloom once again feeling extremely imposing and dangerous. Here, despite looking the same, she somehow came off as more mature, almost like an adult, “So, yer the witches tryin’ to break Rarity outta this hell.”

“What are you gonna do about it?” Rainbow Dash asked, holding her sword at Apple Bloom, “You gonna call the guards on us, send us to your warden?”

Apple Bloom laughed lightly, “Like I said, she ain’t payin’ me enough for all that trouble. No, I’m actually here for your benefit.”

“Ours?” Trixie asked skeptically, “Not sure I buy that.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll have somethin’ you’re willin’ to buy~” Apple Bloom turned on her heel, “Follow me. Let’s talk privately.”

“What about your sister?” Pinkie Pie asked glaring at the apparition, “You’re not just going to leave her, are you?”

“Ain’t nothin’ can be done for her,” Guard Apple Bloom said, not turning to face them, “AJ knew the risks of helpin’ y’all. Only one who can set her free now is the one in charge of this Prison.”

“Meaning Cinch,” Starlight inquired. Oddly, Apple Bloom chuckled again at that.

“Sure, “Cinch”,” she said, now walking off.

“We’re following her?” Twilight asked Starlight, who nodded.

“We are. Seems the apparitions aren’t loyal to the Dungeon Master. We might be able to use that to our advantage.”

“Better than nothing, I suppose,” Trixie put up her cards, “Pinkie Pie, let’s go.”

Pinkie Pie sighed, and hugged Guard Applejack, “I’m sorry. Thank you for protecting me, Applejack. I love you so much.”

Guard Applejack nuzzled Pinkie Pie back, giving a muffled and weak “I love you too” to Pinkie Pie. She then released Applejack and followed after the group, Rainbow Dash wrapping an arm around her as they walked.

They didn’t go far, as Guard Apple Bloom led them to another abandoned office/classroom. Here, she sat down on the desk and held up a few pieces of paper, “These are probably what y’all ‘re after here.”

“What are those?” Trixie asked, making Apple Bloom smirk.

“Oh, jus’ the enrollment papers of one “Rarity Stark”,” Apple Bloom answered.

“Girls! Get that!” Twilight requested, “I need that to begin searching through Rarity’s Akashic Records!”

“Ain’t gotta tell me twice,” Rainbow Dash walked over to the guard, “Thanks for the hel-” Apple Bloom snatched them away, “H-hey!”

“I didn’t say I’d be givin’ these to y’all,” she raised her leg and used it to push Rainbow back to the group, “You want ‘em, y’all gotta pay for ‘em.”

“What?!” Trixie asked, “You’re making us pay for those papers?!”

“How about this, instead,” Rainbow Dash drew her sword, “You give us the papers, and I don’t charge you with 1000 volts of pain!”

Apple Bloom pulled out a lighter and held it under the papers, “Only hard copy here is in my hands right now. These go, y’all will have to go to the Warden herself to get a copy. Good luck with that.”

“Dash, pull back,” Starlight requested, “We need those papers, and I can tell she’s not bluffing.”

“Shit,” Rainbow sheathed her sword.

“Let’s see, there’s four of you,” Apple Bloom looked over the papers, “An’ these records are about three years old now… so, I’ll say eighty dollars. No, wait, one hundred sixty. I’m doublin’ it for threatenin’ my life.”

Everyone turned to glare at Rainbow, who just looked down in shame, “Thanks, Dash. Wanna raise it higher for us?”

“Sorry guys…” Rainbow Dash said awkwardly.

“How are we going to do this?” Trixie asked, “Do we even have money with us in the Phase?”

“This is a dream, right?” Twilight asked, “Theoretically, you SHOULD have more than enough.”

“But this isn’t a normal dream,” Trixie pointed out, “And we do get paid in the Phase for fighting Shadows.”

“Meaning that we might be pulling from out own funds for this,” Starlight said.

“I’ve been saving up my money,” Pinkie Pie said, summoning her phone to check her balance, “I should have… yep. 337 dollars in my checking account.”

“You’re sure this is okay?” Starlight asked Pinkie Pie, who waved it off.

“Please. This is to help us save Rarity. Besides, chances are I’ll get it back either in here or Elysium,” Pinkie Pie said. She then summoned the money into her hands and walked over to Guard Apple Bloom, “Here you go.”

Apple Bloom took the money and counted it. Once she was satisfied, she handed Pinkie Pie the enrollment papers, “Pleasure doin’ business with y’all.”

“Pinkie Pie, I’m sorry,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “I didn’t mean to make you have to pay that much. I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

Pinkie Pie giggled, “In that case, next time we have sex, you’re the one on bottom~”

Rainbow Dash’s face turned red, “Guh! Damn it, Pinkie Pie… in front of everyone though…?”

They all had a good laugh at that. Even Guard Apple Bloom chuckled at this.

“Why are you helping us even this much?” Starlight asked.

“Cause y’all are tryin’ to help Rarity,” Guard Apple Bloom answered, “Applejack, Macintosh, an’ Granny Smith are bound by the rules of this place. Whoever has the highest authority here, they gotta listen to. They hate it, but the Warden makes the rules, an’ now it’s our job to follow ‘em. Me on the other hand,” she pulled out another cigarette and lit it, “My role’s a bit different here.”

“Your “role”?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“My role’s to be that one officer who’ll turn a blind eye or get ya certain things for the right price,” Apple Bloom explained.

“So you’re a Dirty Cop,” Trixie said, “The sort who’s more concerned with lining her own pockets than doing her job.”

“Somethin’ like that,” Guard Apple Bloom blew out some smoke from her cigarette before continuing, “But like the others, I do care ‘bout Rarity above all else here.”

“That why you gave her over to the Diamond Dogs?” Starlight asked narrowing her eyes.

“Yes, actually,” Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes also, still smirking, “That’s exactly why.”

“Hold on, what do you mean?” Trixie asked Starlight, “Apple Bloom, gave Rarity over to the Diamond Dogs?”

“I saw it myself,” Starlight said, “Applejack got a call saying Apple Bloom was taken out, but I caught her when we were escaping. She was counting money, and she was perfectly fine.”

“Why would you do that if you care about Rarity?!” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Cause that’s what she wanted,” Apple Bloom answered, “Y’all think she wants to be anywhere near the Warden? She’s the one who hired Blueblood as a guard in the first place. ‘Sides, over here she’s tortured 24/7 unless AJ’s with her, an’ I can tell y’all, with AJ’s demotion to prisoner, that’s endin’ fast.”

“So, you gave Rarity over to the Diamond Dogs,” Starlight said, “As a way to try and protect Rarity?”

“Lesser of two evils,” Apple Bloom shrugged, “Warden Cinch hates Rarity. Rover? Not in the slightest.”

“He just sees her as something to get his dick wet,” Rainbow Dash challenged.

“You sure ‘bout that?” Apple Bloom challenged, “Or is that jus’ how y’all want to see it?”

“How we, want to see it?” Starlight asked. What didn’t they know about this situation? And how did Apple Bloom know so much about this…?

“If y’all want the full story,” Apple Bloom continued, “Y’all best head into Ponyville. That’s where Rarity used to spend most of her time in this world ‘fore the Warden came.”

“Ponyville?” Starlight asked, “What’s Ponyville?”

“It’s the City,” Apple Bloom pointed to it out the window with her cigarette, “Officially named South Street, but locals call it Ponyville. Rarity would be the one to ask about why, though.”

“I, think I do remember hearing about that name once,” Rainbow Dash said, “Not a lot of students really know the history of it, but I know a few call South Street that from time to time.”

“Either way, now we have a plan going forward,” Twilight said, “If what Apple Bloom here says is true, we’ll find a lot more information there than we will in the Prison.”

Starlight nodded, “True. Thanks for the help, Apple Bloom.”

“If y’all need anythin’ else, ya know how to find me,” Apple Bloom said. Starlight smiled to her as Pinkie Pie handed her the Enrollment Papers. Right as she touched them though, Starlight’s heart leaped out of her chest, and she felt an influx of emotions hit her.

“Starlight!” Trixie cried, “Starlight, are you okay?!”

“I… I don’t…” Starlight mind felt woozy, as she felt her surroundings shift. She was, still in the school, right…? Right. This was… This… was…

A Glum Face on the Water - Blue Reflection: Second Light

This was fucking bogus. They didn’t really think this place would accept her, did they?

“Well, here we are,” Macintosh said, stepping out of the car, “Canterlot High Boarding School.”

Rarity stepped out of the car and looked up at the building in disgust, “You gotta be shittin’ me.”

Macintosh sighed, “Language, Rarity.”

“Okay, you gotta be fucking shittin’ me,” Rarity said, looking up at the muscular blond haired cop, “You expect me, to attend this Preppy Hogwarts Knockoff?”

“It was part of the deal you signed,” Macintosh said, now helping Granny Smith out of the car as Applejack stepped out too, “You’re put in our care, but you gotta go to school.”

“Yeah, but not this school!” Rarity shot back.

“It’s one of the best schools in the city,” Macintosh said, “Highly recommended. Sides, you’ll be in the same grade as Applejack.”

Rarity rubbed her arm and looked away, “Okay, so that’s one thing this place has going for it, but still. One of the best in the city? There’s no way they’ll even let me into the front door. Knowin' this place, I’ll burst into flame the second I set foot on this sacred land.”

Macintosh sighed rubbing his eyes, “Why do you have to be so difficult…?”

“Now Mac, go easy on the poor child,” Granny Smith said with a kind smile, “She’s jus’ scared is all. This is a huge change for her.”

“It’ll be alright,” Applejack said taking Rarity’s hand, “I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”

Rarity looked at the blonde beside her, and her heart felt funny. Since the moment they met, Applejack was a constant companion of Rarity’s. She didn’t know why, but the moment she saw her, she felt almost like she’d found someone she’d been looking for her entire life. Something about that smile, and her presence in general, it made Rarity feel warm, and comforted.

Looking at them, one could tell they came from two different worlds. Rarity still wore her black spiked leather jacket, purple top that according to Macintosh showed WAY too much cleavage (it stopped above her nipples, so what was he getting his panties in a knot for?) black tight mini skirt that stopped right under her ass, fishnets, black leather boots, and her bangs were highlighted white. Combined with her dark blue eye shadow, black lipstick, and general air, she knew she looked odd beside the cute, bubbly blonde haired, hat wearing farm girl.

She didn’t want to get attached. She was terrified of getting attached. Still, she did find her favorite spot to be petted, so maybe she could keep this one.

The inside of the school made Rarity want to gag, if she was being honest. According to Applejack, she’d fit right in, since everyone in the school was a bit eccentric in terms of style, but Rarity wasn’t sure. The longer she walked, the more her heart raced. Made worse when they reached the Principal’s office. She didn’t see the woman for long, but she immediately tuned in on how she thought of her on sight.

“I can’t do this,” Rarity said, sitting on the floor next to the door.

“Yes ya can,” Applejack protested, rubbing her back and sitting beside her.

“I don’t belong here.”

“Who says? You?”

“That woman in there isn’t going to let me set foot in this school.”

“Cinch might try to make it hard on ya, but I know ya can get in.”

“How?”

“Jus’ be yerself.”

Rarity barked out a laugh, “Be myself? Really? Pretty sure bein' myself is why she’s talking to your Grandma and brother without me in the room.”

“Don’t let her bully you,” Applejack took Rarity’s hand again and looked her in the eyes, “Ya told me that you wanted to be somebody others could admire. This is the first step. If you get into this school, you’ll show that anyone can get a shot at bein’ great. Yer smart, yer tough, an’ ya got a good heart. All that together, ya can’t fail.”

Rarity took a deep breath, and nodded, “Macintosh probably won’t like it, you know.”

“Once you get in, he’ll change his tune,” Applejack smiled. At that, the door opened, revealing the sharply dressed Principal Cinch, still looking down her nose at Rarity. Pissed her off like nothing else.

“Alright, Miss, Stark was it?” Cinch asked.

“Yeah. That’s me,” Rarity got up and looked at Cinch with a scowl, “Somethin' wrong with your face? Scowl like that one too many times and it get stuck like that?”

Cinch’s scowl became more pronounced as Macintosh sighed rubbing his eyes, “This girl’s got quite the, charming personality,” Cinch said.

“I’m sorry,” Macintosh apologized, “We’re trying to get her to tone down the attitude.”

“Yeah, like I said at the station, you ain’t taming me,” Rarity said to Macintosh, “’Sides, this bitch is lookin’ down on me. I ain’t takin’ that shit.”

Cinch pursed her lips, “Indeed. Well, I’ve seen quite enough of this charade. Thank you for wasting my time, now please take this, thing, out of my sight.”

“Thing?!” Rarity rushed at Cinch, Macintosh quickly stepping in front of her to hold her back, “Nu uh! You did not just go there!”

“Rarity, cool it!”

“Oh fuck right off a goddamn bridge!” Rarity shot at Macintosh, “This bitch is lookin’ down on me!”

“Abacus Cinch, I must say I don’t take kindly to yer attitude toward Rarity here,” Granny Smith said, giving Cinch a sharp look, “She’s effectively my kin now.”

Cinch glared at Granny Smith, and then took a breath, “I, apologize for my statement. Concerning me, looking down on her as she puts it, all I see is a leather wearing problem child from the streets with a bad attitude. This is a fine establishment, and I will not let anyone taint this school’s record, especially not someone from that gang.”

Rarity barred her teeth at her and growled. She might not be with the Diamond Dogs anymore, but she was not going to let her or anyone insult them.

“Either find another High School, or toss her back in the cage where she belongs. Either way, I’m not wasting my time with this one. Good day, Ms. Scarlet,” and with that, she walked back into her office and closed the door.

Granny Smith sighed, “That woman…”

Macintosh rubbed his eyes, “Well, what now?”

Rarity looked at Applejack, who subtly pumped her fists and nodded. Rarity narrowed her eyes and nodded back, “Now you let me do this my way.”

“What does that mea-” Macintosh didn’t get to finish as Rarity pushed past him and stormed into the office, “Rarity!”

Rarity stormed over to the desk and slammed her hands on it, “I ain’t done with you, bitch.”

“Is that so?” Cinch asked, looking at Rarity imposingly.

“I know your type. You’re the sort who only cares about test scores, public image, and reputation,” Rarity seethed, “I’ve dealt with assholes just like you all my life, slammin’ doors in my face an’ tellin’ me I ain’t worth shit. Now, I bet every kid who’s set foot in this office got the chance to at least take the fuckin' entrance exam, so I ain’t leavin’ this office until I get the same right.”

Cinch raised an eyebrow, “You want to take the entrance exam?”

“Damn right. I’ll do it right now, and pass.”

“What…? What is she doing?” Macintosh asked in a hushed tone.

Cinch laughed, “Oh, brash, violent, and arrogant. You think you can take the entrance exam, right now, and pass?”

“I’ll even make you a deal,” Rarity stood up straight and raised her head, “If I get an 80% or higher, you gotta enroll me into your school.”

Cinch considered this, looking at Rarity intently. She then slowly got up and leaned into Rarity, meeting her gaze, “Alright. But if you don’t, you leave my school, and never set foot within 30 feet of this building again.”

“Deal,” Rarity smirked. She had this bitch dead to rights. She was pretty much in now.

The test was exactly what Rarity expected it was. She took it in one of the classrooms, and it covered everything she’d need to know in terms of her subjects. Based on the questions, this school was either one of the harder schools to get into, or Cinch tried to stump her by giving her the entrance exam for the Junior or Senior class instead of Freshman.

That wasn’t going to stop Rarity. She was already doing questions like this in her spare time.

It didn’t take long, and she didn’t think she’d get 100 percent, but she certainly knew she aced it. As she watched Cinch grade her finished test, she saw the color drain from her face with each question she went over.

“This, this isn’t possible…”

“Hm~? Speak up,” Rarity smirked, arms folded under her bosom.

“You, got a 97%…” Cinch looked at Rarity with a curious frown, “How… did someone like you…?”

“The money I got for spreading my legs, I used to buy more than just makeup and clothes,” Rarity answered, “Most of it I spent on textbooks, so I could at least get something of an education.”

Cinch took a deep breath, “Someone like this…” she looked back at the test, “Fine. A deal’s a deal. You start class tomorrow, but I expect you to be on your best behavior. If you do anything out of line, you will be in deep water, Miss Stark.”

“Don’t worry,” Rarity got up, “I won’t taint your precious school.”

“And for the love of God, please put some actual clothes on tomorrow,” Cinch sighed.

“I’ll think about it,” Rarity replied, walking over to the door, “See ya tomorrow, Principal Cinch.”

Once she left the classroom, Applejack ran over to her and hugged her tightly, “Ya did it! I knew ya could!”

Rarity blinked, and then slowly returned the hug, “Thank, you.”

“Okay, I’ll admit I was wrong,” Macintosh sighed with a smile, “You did good, Rarity. Guess I better, learn to trust ya a bit more.”

“Aw, that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me,” Rarity said with a smirk, “Still ain’t suckin’ your cock, though.”

Macintosh grumbled, “I keep tellin' you, I don’t sleep with jailbait!”

Rarity stuck her tongue out at him, but this time she meant it more in good fun. Seemed that’s how it was taken too, as Applejack and Granny Smith both laughed.

“But in all seriousness, I’m proud of ya, Rarity,” Granny Smith smiled, also hugging Rarity, “Yer gonna go far. I know it.”

Rarity hugged the elderly woman back, tearing up a bit. This, was a family wasn’t it? This was, her family now… wasn’t it? They cared about her. They trusted her. They, believed in her.

“Thank you… Granny Smith…” Rarity said, calling her by that name for the first time.

Sorry Rover… but I’ve made my decision now.

I’m done with that life.

I’m staying here, with Granny Smith, with Macintosh, with Apple Bloom…

And with… Applejack.

Suspicion - Persona 5

“Hey, looks like she’s coming to!” Rainbow’s voice was heard.

“Starlight! Are you okay?” Trixie asked frantically. Starlight slowly opened her eyes, seeing all of her friends sitting over her, visibly worried.

“What, happened to me?” Starlight asked sitting up. She was laying on Trixie’s lap apparently.

“When I handed you those papers, you fell out,” Pinkie Pie explained, “It looked like your Channeling Ring was glowing.”

“What happened to you?” Twilight asked, “Do you remember anything?”

“I, I think I experienced some of Rarity’s memories,” Starlight said, “I felt like I was her, like I could see things through her eyes, and experience her thoughts. I saw the moment she enrolled into Canterlot High.”

“Wait, you saw her enroll into Canterlot High?” Trixie asked. Starlight explained to everyone to the best of her memory what she experienced, “Whoa… if that’s how it happened, Rarity’s hardcore.”

“She sounds so different in the memory,” Twilight mused, “You said she carried herself more like a delinquent?”

Starlight nodded, “Also, I think I remembered her mentioning something about spreading her legs for money.”

“She was a prostitute?” Rainbow Dash asked, eyes wide, “How old was she?”

“If I’m feeling the memory right, fifteen,” Starlight answered.

“That’s right,” Guard Apple Bloom answered, still puffing on her cigarette, “She lost her virginity when she was about 13, goin’ on 14.”

They all turned to look at her, “That’s, pretty young, don’t you think?” Trixie asked awkwardly.

“An’ how many kids y’all think wait till their 18 to have sex?” Guard Apple Bloom asked, “I’m sure some do, like good little boys an’ girls, but once those hormones kick in? I’m willin’ to be more than half the sophomores an’ juniors in yer class already cashed in their V Cards.”

“Still though,” Rainbow Dash looked down, “To sell her body at 14 to 15… she must have lived a rough life…”

“No wonder she clings to my cousin and her family so much,” Pinkie Pie said sadly, “With them, she has a stable life.”

“I bet, if we go into the city, we’ll find more items just like this,” Starlight said, “If I can get a hold of them, maybe I can use my empathy on them like I did these.”

“Perfect,” Trixie said, hugging Starlight, “Just don’t push yourself, okay?”

“I won’t,” Starlight assured, hugging her back, “Let’s just find one more item like this tonight and then call it.”

“Twilight, is that okay with you?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Huh?” Twilight asked suddenly, “Sorry, my mind was somewhere else. Um, yeah. Let’s do that.”

Starlight frowned a bit at that. It wasn’t like Twilight to space out like that. Rather than press her though, Starlight turned to the Apple Bloom apparition and bade her farewell.

“See ya ‘round,” she said, tipping her hat to them. They followed Twilight back to the Checkpoint, as the fastest way into the city was from the main entrance.

This was her chance to finally figure out who Rarity was. It was a bit invasive, yeah, but somehow, Starlight had a feeling that Rarity wanted someone to see this. Maybe that’s why touching the papers triggered Starlight’s empathy.

Scraper Sky High

It took a bit of walking, but they soon found themselves in what appeared to be a twisted version of South Street, “Ponyville” as Rarity’s subconscious knew it. Unlike the school turned Prison, South Street looked, more or less the same. It had a darker atmosphere, and was teeming with Shadows on patrols, but for the most part this place seemed the most unchanged at the moment.

“This is weird,” Rainbow Dash said, looking around as they walked forward.

“Kind of eerie,” Pinkie Pie agreed, holding onto Dash’s arm, “It looks almost exactly the same.”

“Anyone else here feel exposed?” Trixie rubbed her arm, “Like, just walking around like this isn’t safe?”

“This section of the Dungeon is more open,” Twilight said, “There aren’t nearly as many places to hide here.”

“Well, the Shadows don’t seem to be paying us too much mind at the moment,” Rainbow Dash pointed out. Sure enough, while they were walking around, they didn’t seem to care much about their presence. A few of the Shadows took on humanized appearances, but some of them took the form of massive dogs as well.

“So long as we don’t cause trouble, they shouldn’t bother us,” Starlight said, “That may change when we start making headway into Rarity’s psyche or make contact with her, so be ready.”

“Agreed. Till then, no antagonizing the Shadows.” Twilight added.

“Hear that, Dash?” Trixie asked giving her a sideways look, “Try to keep that temper in check this time.”

“Oh haha, real funny,” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Remember Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon? Or was that a cleverly calculated move to get captured and almost trapped inside?”

“H-hey! I was in a bad place that day!”

“Cool it, you two,” Twilight said, her wisp flying in between then, “Or I’ll have Starlight and Pinkie Pie put you in time out.”

As the two bickering witches grumbled, Starlight chuckled to herself. Ahead, she saw the Mushroom Kingdom Pizza Parlor she frequented a lot. She ran over to investigate it, but noticed something odd. The interior looked, pretty basic really.

“What’s up?” Trixie asked walking up to Starlight, “Hoping to get a slice before we leave?”

“I don’t think we could,” Starlight answered, “There’s no one working in there.”

Trixie looked and frowned, “Hey, you’re right. Twi-Twi, Dash, Pinkie Pie, come check this out!”

They all ran/flew over to the window and peaked inside, “This, is a shop?” Dash asked.

“Looks like it just has the basics to look like a shop,” Twilight said, “Some seats, a cashier and counter, I think I can see a kitchen.”

Pinkie Pie took a deep breath, “It smells like pizza’s being made inside.”

Trixie tried to open the door, only to find it stuck, “Yeah, but the door doesn’t look like it opens. More like its just, there.”

“What’s the point of having a shop like this in the Dungeon if there’s no way inside?” Rainbow Dash asked quizzically as Twilight’s wisp floated off, “Like, her mind went to a lot of trouble to make it look like the Mushroom Kingdom.”

“On the outside, yeah,” Starlight said, “The inside though, it’s like she’s never even set foot in the place, or at least rarely does.”

“Well this is telling.”

They all turned to see Twilight’s wisp in front of a shop Starlight never went into. It looked like a fast food place that specialized in sushi. Unlike the Pizza Shop though, this place was bustling, with many Shadows coming in and out. It was extremely detailed inside, but Starlight noticed that many of the seats had cuffs and belts on them to bind the person sitting. The sign at the entrance said "Sushi on a Roll".

“Hey! I’ve been here with Rarity and AJ before,” Pinkie Pie said, “Rarity invited us here to celebrate The Forgotten Princess becoming a blockbuster hit.”

“Is that so?” Twilight asked, her wisp now looking at Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah yeah! She said she worked out a deal with the owner, and managed to get the best, high quality sushi at a major discount!”

Rainbow Dash poked her head in and winced, “Yeeesh, with THOSE prices? She had to have been loaded.”

Starlight looked at the menu and her eyes widened. A lot of it was in their budget, but for the sushi that she imagined Pinkie Pie was talking about, they’d have to pay a hefty price for a whole box of that. She carefully went inside, avoiding any Shadows there, and looked to see if there was a flier for discounts.

When she found the flier, she quickly grabbed it off the wall and ran out to show to her teammates, before any Shadows could see. The discounts available were, odd.

“Oral, 15% off?” Trixie blinked, “Tit fucks, 10% off? Vaginal with condom, 20% off, 30% without condoms? What the hell?”

“Anal 40% off? Gangbangs 50% off?!” Rainbow Dash cried, “These discounts are for sex acts!”

“And look at this note,” Trixie said, “Discounts can stack with gangbangs, but all parties have to take part in the act for discounts to apply. With this, someone could just, screw all of the workers there and effectively pay next to nothing in money.”

“Pinkie Pie, did Rarity mention anything about how she got said discount?” Starlight asked Pinkie Pie, who looked up thoughtfully.

“No… she didn’t. I think I remember Macintosh asking, but she just quickly deflected, saying not to worry about it, and that she was covering everything.”

“You don’t think that Rarity…” Trixie asked looking at the discount flier again.

“Slept with the owner? At this stage, it’s highly possible. We already know that she probably did some sex work in the past, and she does have the handle “Dirty Diamond”.”

“Rarity… why would you do something like that…?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Hey, it might not give us much in terms if information, but get me that flier when you leave,” Twilight requested, “It might lead to us learning a bit about how her mind works.”

Starlight pocketed the flier. It was kind of amazing, how much more information they were getting about Rarity out here than in the Prison. Starlight wondered if this was because she was more like her true self here.

They continued exploring the City, taking stock of the shops that they had access to, and the ones they didn’t have access to, and it seemed varied. Sugar Cube Corner was a place that Rarity seemed to frequent, but the details of the ramen shop were negligible. Starlight noticed there wasn’t a discount sign in either of these shops.

But most of the ones that had a lot of detail and were twisted in some sex based manner all had those discounts. Surprisingly, this didn’t include the Lady Love clothing store, which Starlight thought was odd. She’d have thought Dirty Diamond would have loved this place with how sexy the clothes were.

But she did see some clothes on the rack along with a cashier Shadow, which means she did go in every so often.

Ahead, they saw a large and expensive looking building with an interesting insignia on it. It showed a red devil spreading its wings, holding a large golden coin with a red and black eye in the center. For some reason, seeing this made Rainbow Dash visibly angry as she glared at the building.

“Dashie, are you gonna be okay?” Pinkie Pie asked, rubbing her Knight’s back.

“Yeah. Just wondering why THAT place of all places looks the same,” Rainbow hissed.

Starlight turned Rainbow Dash, “What’s that place?”

“Tartarus Bank,” Rainbow Dash answered, “Owned by a man named Damien Tirek.”

Starlight was a bit taken aback by how much hatred she heard in Dash’s voice. She clearly had history with this Tirek person.

“What’s up with you and that man, anyway?” Trixie asked, “This isn’t the first time anyone mentioning Tirek or his bank has set you off.”

Rainbow Dash averted her eyes, “I’d, rather not get into it right now. We got more important things to worry about, right?”

“That’s fair,” Starlight took Dash’s hand, “But we’re here if you want to talk, alright?”

Rainbow Dash looked at Starlight with an odd expression, but then smiled and nodded, “Right. Thanks Starlight.”

Pinkie Pie sighed. Something told Starlight that she knew something about this.

“This is weird, though,” Twilight said, “Considering what we know about the Diamond Dogs and their history with this place, Rarity can’t have spent a bunch of time there.”

“Maybe the reason is because of their history,” Trixie pointed out, “I think that place would be worth checking out.”

“Rainbow Dash, is that okay with you?” Starlight asked.

Rainbow took a deep breath, and then nodded, “Yeah. I’m good. Let’s go.”

Starlight led the way into the bank. The interior of the place was pretty standard for a large, major bank. Considering the size of the main lobby, it was clear that Tirek put a lot of money into the place.

However, this wasn’t all that was present. The Shadows here were of the same variety as in the Prison, and it looked like they were on patrol. They needed to be careful going forward.

They didn’t find much of anything in the main area, but they figured getting behind the counter, they’d come across something. On the way, they saw four guards close to one another on patrol. Fighting them was unavoidable, but thankfully they didn’t see them yet.

Starlight timed it just right, and then jumped onto the back of one, grabbing his mask, “I’ll reveal your true form!” she proclaimed, ripping the mask off and forcing them into their true forms, revealing a Yaksini and four Rakshasas!

E.SYNAPSE - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“AME NO UZUME!!!” Starlight shouted, shifting to her first Lover’s Arcana Persona, and cast Magaru on all of them. She managed to hit all of them save for one of the Rakshasas, who rolled out of the way JUST in time.

He jumped on the wall and then shot at Starlight, who managed to block right on time. Unfortunately, Yaksini gave that infuriating cry like before, but this time Starlight wasn’t able to block it out, as she suddenly became irrationally angered, to the point she couldn't thin straight. She let out a scream of rage and rushed at the Rakshasa that attacked her, slashing him wildly with her scythe.

“Starlight!” Trixie cried.

“Hey, what’s happening?!” Rainbow Dash asked frantically, trying to hold Pinkie Pie back as she seemed to be fighting to get past her, “Was this what happened to us before?!”

“It is!” Twilight cried, “This is the Rage Spell I mentioned before! Fuck, we lost Starlight and Pinkie Pie to this?!”

Pinkie Pie pushed Rainbow aside and took off the golden tiara on her forehead, turning it into a glowing disk, “I’LL DESTROY YOU!!!” she screamed, tears of rage in her eyes as she threw the disk like a boomerang at one of the downed Rakshasas and slicing its head clean off before it faded away.

The other Rakshasa got up and raised his blade, charging at Pinkie Pie and slashing down with his blade, but she managed to backflip out of the way, also kicking his blade with her boot. Meanwhile, Starlight was locked solely on the Rakshasa she was clashing blades with, as such she didn’t notice Yaksini now targeting her.

“Think Trixie…!” she fussed to herself, “Maybe I can get her attention! Starlight, duck!” Trixie called out, summoning Elenora behind her.

Starlight reacted on impulse, her heart responding to Trixie’s voice and cutting through the anger as she rolled out of the way, Trixie’s Persona throwing a Eiha javelin at Yaksini, impaling her in the heart and killing her instantly.

“Thanks Trixie!” Starlight said, once again blocking as Rakshasa’s blade came down on top of her, “How’s Pinkie Pie?”

“Doing surprisingly well, actually!” Rainbow Dash said, she and Pinkie Pie actually fighting the remaining Rakshasa side by side. Pinkie Pie was undeniably more aggressive, actually punching and kicking the Shadow back with a surprising amount of skill, even coordinating her attacks with Rainbow Dash.

A small part of Starlight was worried about how well Pinkie Pie was fighting while enraged.

“Come forth, my other self!” Rainbow Dash shouted, summoning her Persona and taking him out with a stronger single lightning strike. The name Zionga immediately came to mind.

Starlight took that as her chance to once again shift Personas, “KOPPA TENGU!!!” she shouted, this time casting Garu solely on him and knocking him to the ground. As he was the last remaining Shadow, Starlight tried to reach out with her Empathy, only to find a wall of resistance.

Oh well, guess he had to die now.

She gave the command to use their All Out Attack, which surprisingly Pinkie Pie joined in. Maybe she snapped out of it and Starlight didn’t notice?

Either way, the enemy fell to their collective assault, leaving them now alone in the hallway. Starlight turned to Pinkie Pie, seeing her take a deep breath and fan herself with her hands.

“Hey… are you okay Pinkie Pie?” Trixie asked carefully.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Pinkie Pie said with a smile, calming down just a bit too quickly for Starlight’s comfort, “Come on. Let’s keep going.”

Everyone shared a look, but conceded. Still, Starlight was definitely concerned, and would be looking for a time to bring this up in the future.

Scraper Sky High - Under Night In-Birth

Either way, they were almost at the door leading behind the counter. They pushed the door open and carefully made their way over to where the records were kept. Not a lot really stood out, though. Nothing except for one thing.

“Is that, a wanted poster?” Rainbow Dash asked picking it up.

“Hey, it is,” Trixie said, “And um, I think this is Rarity.”

Starlight looked at it. That was indeed Rarity on it. She had the same long purple hair, and was dressed in the same purple top and black leather jacket she wore in Starlight’s vision. Now that she could see it better though, it was a sexy top, damn near showing her breasts completely. Her bangs were colored white, and her make up was really dark, complete with black lipstick.

The look was so shocking to Starlight. She could tell it was the same person as the Student Council President, but this person was completely different. Almost the opposite of how she usually was. Also, this picture didn't look aged down like she suspected it would. She looked about Rarity's current age.

“This, is Dirty Diamond,” Starlight realized.

“That’s, actually how she used to dress when I first met her,” Pinkie Pie said, “I think she kept that all through Freshman Year. I know that anytime I came to visit my cousin's family, she still looked like this.”

“She didn’t look like this when I met her…” Rainbow Dash muttered, “Kinda badass actually, not gonna lie.”

“Yeah, I don’t remember seeing this side of her either,” Trixie said, “Then again, I don’t really remember much of her before she became Student Council President.”

“Look at her expression,” Twilight said, “That’s not what I’d expect from a wanted poster.”

Twilight was right. Rarity looked, ashamed. She was looking to the side a bit and rubbing her arm, almost like she was going to cry.

“Want me to use my empathy on this?” Starlight asked her team.

“Hang on,” Rainbow Dash looked out a bit, “Okay, we should be safe for a bit. I’ll keep watch. Go for it.”

Starlight took a deep breath and held onto the wanted poster. Like before, she felt a rush of emotions hit her, along with her beginning to lose herself. She was… still in the bank… but… why did she suddenly feel so… afraid…?

A Glum Face on the Water - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“This ain’t workin’.”

“I can see that.”

“They got machine guns.”

“So do we.”

“Yeah! And there’s a shit ton more of them than there are of us!”

“Calm down, okay?! I’m thinkin’.”

“Calm down? Calm down?! Rover, there’s only two ways out of this shit hole now! In handcuffs, or in body bags!” Rarity grabbed his arm and glared at him, “We’re fucked either way here, and not the kind of fucked I’m cool with!”

“You knew the risks goin’ in!” Rover snapped, meeting her glare with his own, but then relaxed catching himself, “Look, I’m sorry okay? We’re all a bit on edge right now. I’ll think of something to get us out of this mess, alright?”

Rarity took a breath and nodded, her heart racing. Not just from fear, but from anger at this whole situation. Thanks to Tirek convincing the Mayor to pull money from the Golden Oaks Child Center, they wouldn’t be able to support the kids they took in like they used to. Before, they had a place where they could stay, get schooled, and have something akin to stability. Rarity, Rover, Fido, Spot, Rex, Tiny, everyone in their gang had benefited from their hospitality in some way.

Now though, that was ending. Any kid who ended up in the system was going to be at the mercy of the government.

Worst still, since the Mayor supported this action, which Rarity knew was just so Tirek could eventually tear the building down or buy it for his own sake, there wasn’t any help coming in. Without that money, they’d have to eventually shut down their operations.

It wasn’t fair. Rarity wanted to help in some way. She couldn’t think of a better plan than just, taking the money back by force either. Still though, she was still holding out that maybe one day, sometime in the future, she could put this life behind her. Go to college, get a job that didn’t involve spreading her legs. With this plan though… that wasn’t going to happen.

Not wanting Rover to see her get emotional, she turned and went off to just, try to calm down. Once alone, she stopped and held a hand to her forehead, “So much for my future…” she muttered. Even if she hadn’t gone along with this, Golden Oaks was giving them support too, so unless she took on more jobs, she’d have a harder time going forward.

She hated this so much. She wanted out of this life! Was she just doomed to live off table scraps till she died? No, now she had prison to look forward to. Not much better, being quite honest.

“Oh my God, would you please tell the brat to shut up?!”

Rarity looked over and saw one of their younger, newer members having an argument with one of the hostages. It looked like a girl about her age with long golden hair, wearing a cowgirl’s hat, checkered red shirt, blue shorts, and brown boots. Behind her was an older looking woman with silver hair tied in a loose bun, and in her arms was a younger girl with long red hair who seemed to be having trouble breathing and crying. The blonde was standing up, facing Rarity’s comrade with fiery intensity that Rarity couldn’t take her eyes off of.

She’s, magnificent…

“She’s panicking, no thanks to you and yer gang of thugs!” the blonde girl fussed.

“What did you call us?!”

“Exactly what y’all are! A bunch of lowlife thugs!”

“You better watch it, bitch!”

“I ain’t afraid of y’all! But if my little sister dies of a panic attack, y’all ‘re gonna be real scare of me!”

Die of a panic attack? That wasn’t good at all. He was about to fuck up big time, and they were already in enough trouble as is. Rarity walked over, deciding to step in.

“What’s going on here?” Rarity asked.

“This kid in the bow won’t stop freakin’ out!” he answered, “Givin’ me a headache! And now this blonde bitch is tryin’ to get smacked!”

“This ‘blonde bitch' has a Big Brother who’s a police officer!” the blonde girl shouted, “Strike me, an’ see what happens! Maybe I’ll save a piece for him later!”

“Oh, now you’re askin’ for-”

“Oscar!” Rarity shouted, getting his attention, “Go watch that section, before you fuck up for all of us!” Oscar muttered something under his throat and walked off, leaving Rarity alone with the blonde and her family. She sighed and knelt before the girl.

“What are ya doin’?” Applejack asked harshly.

“Checkin’ to see what’s wrong,” Rarity said, “Contrary to how Oscar made us look, we ain’t the bad guys here. Least I ain’t,” she muttered that last part before looking at the kid intently, “She’s havin’ a panic attack.”

“Can’t, breathe…!” she wheezed.

“Poor thing’s asthma’s actin’ up,” the elderly woman said, caressing the girl’s head gently.

“Asthma?” Rarity asked wide eyed, “She got an inhaler?”

“It’s in my purse,” the elderly woman said gravely, “One of your partners took it, though.”

Rarity looked at Apple Bloom intently. She knew how this was going to turn out. Eventually, the police were going to get in, arrest all of them, and her future was going to be up in smoke. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t do one good thing before then.

“Wait here,” Rarity said, getting up and walking over to Fido, who was watching over the bags, “Hey. You got the old bag’s purse, right?”

“The one with the funny accent? Yeah, why?” he asked.

“She needs it. Give it here,” Rarity requested.

“Whoa! You goin’ soft on us, Diamond?!”

“I’m just tryin’ to make sure we don’t end up with a murder charge on top of armed robbery!”

“What’s going one here?” Rover asked walking over.

“Rover, the old lady over there’s got a kid with asthma, and it’s actin’ up from all this bullshit!” Rarity told him, “She’s got the medicine in her purse!”

Rover looked at Rarity intently, and then nodded, “Fido, cough up the purse.”

“What if the old lady calls someone-”

“We already got an army of police out there tryin’ to bust in,” Rover said, “I’m tryin’ to end this without anyone gettin’ hurt, so just give Diamond the purse.”

Fido sighed and handed Rarity the purse, “This better not bite us in the ass.”

“Thanks,” she took it and walked off, but Rover grabbed her arm, “What’s up?”

“Watch them, a’ight? They’re your responsibility in this.”

Rarity nodded to him, “I will. Promise.” she kissed him before running back over to the family, “Here. This the right one?”

“Yes! God bless you, child!” the old lady said, taking the purse and getting the girl’s inhaler, “Here Apple Bloom.”

She took the inhaler, which seemed to calm her down a bit, “Thank, you…”

Rarity nodded, kneeling before the girl, “Are you still panickin’?” the girl nodded a bit, “Thought so. Alright, I learned this trick in a game of all things. Picture a feather in your mind, okay?”

The girl nodded, closing her eyes.

“Good. Now, imagine that your breathing is keepin’ the feather level. Breathe in, and out, deeply, but slowly,” Rarity said, watching her do the breathing exercise, “That’s right. There ya go.”

The blonde girl knelt beside Rarity, looking at her curiously, “You’re, different than the others, aren’t ya?”

“Trust me, I ain’t,” Rarity said immediately, “I’m just tryin’ to make sure this don’t get more fucked than it already is.”

“Either way, I thank you for helpin’ my granddaughter,” the elderly woman said with a kind smile, “I don’t know what a sweet girl like you’s doin’ with a crowd like this, but yer a lot nicer than you seem to think ya are.”

“Don’t get any ideas,” Rarity got up and turned her back to them, “I’m stayin’ close to keep an eye on you, alright? I’ll make sure no one rough’s ya up at least.”

“Um!” the blonde girl shot up, “My name’s Applejack Scarlet!”

Applejack… that name. Something about that name made Rarity’s heart soar. Like she was hearing it, both for the first time, and again after far too long.

“I’m, Apple Bloom…” the young girl said sweetly, “Thanks, for helpin’ me.”

“My kin call me Granny Smith,” the older woman said gently, “These days, that includes most of the town, so feel free to use it too.”

“Can, we get your name?” the blonde girl asked.

“Dirty Diamo- no… no, not…”

“Not…?”

“Rarity,” she answered, looking back at them, “My name is Rarity Stark.”

When Starlight opened her eyes, they were stained in tears, “Rarity…”

“What did you see?” Trixie asked, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash turning to her.

“I, think I saw how she met the Scarlets,” Starlight said, “She was at the bank robbery, but she didn’t want to do it. I think Apple Bloom was having an asthma attack, and Rarity got her inhaler, and even helped her with a panic attack.”

“Oh wow,” Pinkie Pie said softly, “You know, I remember that Apple Bloom does have panic attacks every so often. They got worse after their parents died.”

“What about the bank robbery itself? Did anything stand out?” Twilight asked.

“I think, they were doing it for someone else’s sake,” Starlight said, “Something about, a Golden Oaks, something.”

“Golden Oaks Child Center,” Rainbow Dash said, “They were a place that helped orphaned kids either find homes, or would take care of them themselves. Went outta business a few years ago.”

Starlight bit her lip, her heart feeling heavy. Was she wrong about the Diamond Dogs? Were they, really not that bad of a group?

Either way, it was time to go. It was hitting three in the morning, so if they wanted to have adequate time to relax, they needed to leave now. The path out of the bank was pretty straight forward, with only a few close calls from the Shadows patrolling, so they made it out with little to no trouble.

“I can see a Checkpoint in an alleyway up ahead,” Twilight said once they were outside, “It’s a bit of a ways away, but you shouldn’t have any trouble on the way.”

Border of Insanity - Persona 4

“Is that so? Guess I’ll have to change that.”

Everyone looked to see Shadow Rover walking up to them from down the street. He had a few Shadows following him, along with something else that looked utterly terrifying. It was a large wolf like monster, standing about two, maybe three stories tall on all fours. It seemed to be biomechanical, that or was wearing full black and purple body armor. Its eyes glowed bright blue, its claws were razor sharp, along with its teeth, and around its neck seemed to be something of a collar with the Diamond Dog insignia on it.*

“W-what the hell is that…?” Trixie asked shakily, looking at the kaiju of a wolf walking behind them.

“It, looks like a Shadow of some kind but, not one I’ve ever seen before,” Twilight said, clearly unnerved by this herself. For some reason, Starlight couldn’t take her eyes off of it, and if she didn’t know better, it was looking right at her.

“Just when my boys and I were planning to deal with the guards in that bank, we run into my favorite witch again and her coven,” Shadow Rover grinned, looking right at Starlight, “Shame you kept the dress on, but I don’t mind ripping it off myself.”

“Touch her, and it’ll be the last thing you ever touch!” Trixie said instantly, stepping to defend Starlight.

Shadow Rover burst out laughing at this, “Oh, okay then! Didn’t know it was like that! You two fuckin’ or what?”

“Not that it’s any of your business!” Trixie summoned two hands of cards and got in her fighting stance, “Let’s just say, assholes who can’t take no for an answer are a sore spot for me!”

“That right?” Shadow Rover looked at Trixie intently, and then smirked, “Well either way, you’re on my turf, and I don’t take kindly to intruders.”

“We were just leaving,” Rainbow Dash said, gripping the handle of her blade just in case, “So why don’t you just get outta the way, and we won’t have to get ugly?”

Shadow Rover winced, “See, I’d like to, but I can’t just let this slide, you see? ‘Sides, I know why you’re ultimately here.”

“Is that right?” Starlight asked.

“Pretty obvious with how you were actin’ before,” he folded his arms, a dark grin on his face, “Same as the Warden in that prison, and myself, you bitches want Dirty Diamond, don’t ya?”

“Rarity’s our friend! We’re trying to save her!” Pinkie Pie said.

“From what?” Shadow Rover raised his head, “She’s perfectly happy here. Technically, so long as she remains with her Pack, she’ll be perfectly safe. Here, she has power. She’s free to be true to her urges. We ain’t gonna punish her for bein’ what she is like the bitch in that prison of a school will.

“What about you lot? You sayin’ you’ll be able to provide for all of her base needs? You’ll be able to protect her? That you’ll be able to accept Dirty Diamond for who and what she is?” he spread his arms, “Look around! This city is quite literally her playground, made just for her! Just to cater to her desires!”

“But is that what she wants?!” Starlight asked, “Is she perfectly fine being a prisoner in this city, having no agency save for what you grant her?!"

“We’re all prisoners here,” Rover said, his smile fading, “This world? It ain’t made for dogs like us. The people in control of the city get to eat at the table, while we just get the scraps they toss at us. Only way for us to make in this world is to stick together as a pack. That’s a lesson she learned the hard way.”

“The hard way?” Pinkie Pie asked carefully.

“You think that family of farmers knows about her?” Shadow Rover asked, “That she's in constant heat? That she’s slept with so many men and women in her life she’s lost count? That at age 14 she was already doin’ sex work both for our sake and her own?”

Starlight’s heart felt funny hearing that. Hell, she didn’t like it, but for a split second, she did judge Rarity a bit learning that she was selling her body when she was younger than Starlight now.

“What do you think they’ll do if they find out?” Shadow Rover challenged, “Think they’ll let her stay? Or think they’ll just toss her out onto the streets? She’s already lost control once, and it cost her everything.” he closed his eyes, “She doesn’t belong in your world, full of “normies” and stuck up, high class noble types. Dirty Diamond belongs here, with us. Her pack. If you girls care as much as you say, you’d let her stay with her true family.”

“Her name is Rarity,” Starlight’s scythe appeared in her hand. She knew what was coming. Especially if the Checkpoint was behind Shadow Rover.

“If you’re not gonna get out of the way, then we’ll make you move,” Rainbow Dash added, “Either way, you’re not keeping her!”

“Well, if you want her so badly…” he muttered to himself, and then snapped his fingers, “Time to get to work. Do a good job, and I’ll reward you later at HQ.”

The giant wolf creature growled and stepped forward, glaring at Starlight and her gang. If Starlight was reading its body language though, it seemed, hesitant?

“What’s the matter?” Shadow Rover asked, his eyes glowing, “Your Alpha gave you a command.”

The wolf’s ears folded back, and Starlight heard it whimper before it straightened up, now glaring at the gang.

DNF FW15C -ii- -Blue Reflection

“Girls! Be careful!” Twilight cried, “That monster, it’s not a normal Shadow!”

“It’s still a Shadow though, right?!” Rainbow Dash drew her sword, “In that case, it’ll go down like all the rest!”

“Brace yourselves!” Trixie cried as the wolf gave an odd sounding howl, one that vaguely sounded familiar to Starlight. Why, she didn’t know, but for some reason, all of this felt wrong to her.

The giant wolf monster charged at them, swiping its claws at the Witches, forcing them to scatter. Pinkie Pie rolled to her feet and held her hands in prayer.

“Persona!” she shouted, Serenity appearing behind her and dancing around Trixie, casting Tarukaja on her.

“Thanks Pinkie Pie!” Trixie said, holding her Channeling Ring out, “Starlight!”

Starlight nodded and ran over to Trixie, standing back to back with her as they held their arms out, “COME FORTH, OUR PERSONAS!!!”

Morgana and Elenora flew out of their respective Witches and flew over to the wolf attacking them. Morgana first with three slashes, followed by a series of flame engulfed kicks from Elenora. Morgana then drilled into the wolf pushing it back further as Elenora threw a series of fire balls at it from a distance.

Morgana and Elenora held their hands out to ready their final attack, and after a nod to one another, slashed through the wolf in a cross formation.

The wolf shook the attacks off, and then let out a mighty howl (again, why did that sound familiar to Starlight?), and cast an odd spell on itself.

“Don’t even try it!” Rainbow Dash charged forward, summoning her Persona and slashing wildly at the wolf, who seemed to not only dodge the attacks that it could, but used its claws to block them, “Shit! This thing’s smart!”

The wolf grabbed Eclair’s sword with its teeth and then slashed at the Persona, doing massive damage to both it and Rainbow Dash as she screamed in pain. Before anyone could retaliate, the wolf let out another mighty howl, sending a wave of black energy off from it and lashing out at all of them. This time, Pinkie Pie screamed in agony, falling to the ground.

“Pinkie Pie! That thing used Cursed Magic! It’s going to attack again!”

“Everyone, put up a defense!” Starlight commanded as the wolf charged up another attack, “Rainbow Dash, protect Pinkie Pie no matter wha-”

The wolf rolled into a ball and rolled in place for a bit, before charging into Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Dash managed to summon Eclair Farron just in time, but the wolf instead pushed her back, knocking her to the ground and seemingly knocking her out cold.

"Damn...! Not here...!" Dash groaned, falling out. Was, was she breathing...?

“Oh no! No no no no no!” Twilight cried, “Someone needs to heal Rainbow Dash fast! That thing almost killed her!”

“Dashie!” Pinkie Pie cried, getting up and immediately casting a powerful healing spell on Dash, sending a golden light from the sky down onto Rainbow Dash, who then awkwardly got up. Starlight felt the name “Recarm” come to her.

“Oh, so discount Sailor Moon over there’s the healer, huh?” Shadow Rover asked.

“Hey! I’ll have you know I’m the genuine article!” Pinkie Pie fussed pointing at Rover, “You will respect the Magical Girl!”

“Target her first!” Rover commanded, his eyes glowing again, “She’s weak to your magic, so it’ll be easy!”

The wolf growled angrily, closing its eyes before shaking its head and turning to Pinkie Pie, now looming over her with an enraged glare.

Pinkie Pie paled, looking up at the ferocious monster, “Girls…! Help me!”

“MORGANA!!!” Starlight commanded, summoning her main Persona, “Trixie, hit Pinkie Pie with Sukukaja! I have an idea!”

Trixie nodded, summoning Elenora. She cast the spell on Pinkie Pie just as Starlight cast the opposing spell, Sukunda, on the wolf. Pinkie Pie managed to dodge its Dark aura spell just in time, not taking any damage herself.

Unfortunately, Starlight, Trixie, and Dash weren’t so lucky.

“You’re all taking way too much damage from this!” Twilight cried.

“It’d, be nice, if we knew what it was weak against!” Rainbow Dash said staggering to her feet.

“I’m trying to scan it, but my terminal is coming up blank!” Twilight fussed, “Oooooh! If only I were there with you!”

“I’ll try to distract it!” Starlight cried, holding out her Channeling Ring, “Come forth, my loyal servant! Rise High Priestess!”

The stage appeared before them, and Diamond Tiara strutted onto the stage, wrapping herself around the pole, “Hey there~ I’ve got a show just for you~”

Shadow Rover looked at the stage, and his eyes widened, “Whoa! Okay, the rich girl’s got an edge to her! I like!”

Mid dance, Diamond Tiara noticed Rover watching her, and then looked at Starlight, “Mistress! Why is he here?” she whispered blushing, but still dancing, “That’s just an apparition, right?”

“Sorry Diamond, but it’s really his Shadow!” Starlight said awkwardly, “I needed a distraction fast to save Pinkie Pie!”

“Well said distraction isn’t working!” Twilight fussed, “That wolf isn’t even looking her way!”

Starlight looked at Rover watching Diamond, and had an idea, “I’ll make it up to you Diamond, but I need you to keep Rover’s attention.”

Diamond sighed, “Alright. But you owe me, Mistress.”

“Trixie, Rainbow Dash, full assault on the wolf,” Starlight commanded, “Pinkie Pie, keep defending and dodging!”

“I trust you, Starlight!” Pinkie Pie cried.

Rainbow Dash took a breath, and nodded, “Alright! Full assault!”

“I’ll go all out, just as you command!” Trixie said.

“Come forth, my other self!” Rainbow Dash shouted, summoning Eclair Farron again and raising her blade, using Zionga on the wolf, briefly stopping it. Oddly, it kept attacking Pinkie Pie.

Just as she thought. The wolf was bound to Rover’s commands!

Trixie summoned Elenora, who cast Agilao on the wolf, this time knocking it off balance and onto it’s side. Starlight then summoned Morgana and rushed at the wolf, the two of them coordinating their attacks and pushing it further away from Pinkie Pie, who then cast Media on everyone to heal them.

“Hm?” Shadow Rover looked at the fight, his eyes widening, “Wait a tick! You’re a decoy, aren’t ya?!”

Diamond swallowed nervously, “Um, I’ll take off my top if you keep looking!”

“Shadows, deal with the stripper!” Shadow Rover commanded, walking over to the main fight, summoning twin rods into his hands, “Some things you just gotta do yourself, seems!”

Diamond looked down at the fight, and then at the Shadows slowly approaching her, “Um! We’ve got a problem here!”

Starlight looked wide eyed, and then held her hand out, “High Priestess, return!” she commanded. Diamond held her arms up in defense as a dire wolf shaped shadow raised its claws to attack, only to vanish in a pink light right before it hit her.

Shadow Rover was about to strike Starlight with one of the sticks in his hands, but Rainbow Dash jumped in front and blocked with her sword.

“Nice try!” she shouted, “But you’re not touching our Leader!” she pushed him back and summoned Eclair Farron once more, who slashed down with her blade.

The wolf however, stopped attacking Pinkie Pie and instead jumped in the way of the attack, its left foreleg getting slashed instead and causing the wolf massive damage as it roared in pain.

“SHIT!” Shadow Rover shouted, kicking Rainbow Dash away and checking on the wolf, “I told you to focus on the Magical Girl, damn it.” The wolf rumbled softly, looking at Shadow Rover almost apologetically. This was followed by Rover closing his eyes and pressing his forehead against the wolf’s face, "God, what am I gonna do with you..."

“Let’s go!” Starlight ordered, “Take the chance to get out of here!”

“Follow me! The Checkpoint’s close!” Twilight cried, her wisp flying off at high speed. Starlight, Trixie, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all rushed after it, all filing into the Checkpoint one by one, but Starlight stopped to take one last look at the wolf and Rover.

Was that, what she thought it was…?

For another time. They needed to get out of here. Starlight just prayed that they didn’t just mess up again somehow.

Qualia - Blue Reflection

“What, the actual fuck, was all of that?!” Rainbow Dash asked. The girls were all gathered at the tables around the entrance to Rarity’s Dungeon and the Checkpoint, each one of them dead tired.

“It had magic like a Shadow,” Trixie said, “But it seemed a bit more, what’s the word, sapient?”

“No Shadow would be that ferocious,” Pinkie Pie said, returning from the mailbox after giving Twilight the books the collected using some of the new keywords they had, “Not unless it was a Dungeon Master.”

Starlight folded her arms and groaned to herself. She seriously hoped she was wrong about her suspicion.

“Well, looking over this information here,” Twilight said, “I sadly don’t have the final entry. But I do have something.”

“What do you have?” Starlight asked.

“First off, Rarity’s mind is weird,” Twilight said, “Each entry seems to just, jump from one topic to the next. At least when she’s frantic. When not, even then her tone is just odd. Like listen to this: She so nice. She smells sweet. And she pets me in my favorite spot. I’m scared, but I want to keep her.”

“Who’s, Rarity talking about in that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“She’s talking about Applejack,” Twilight answered, “It’s like, she adores her, but sees Applejack as someone she owns.”

“That, feels kinda sociopathic…” Trixie frowned.

“Maybe, but when I dove into her memories, Rarity didn’t feel like a sociopath,” Starlight said, “Far from, being quite honest.”

“We were saying that she kinda behaves like a dog before,” Rainbow pointed out, “Between how she acts around AJ, the way she reacts when she’s afraid, and now this, I’m starting to wonder if this is more than just her thinking she’s a dog.”

“Like, maybe she is one?” Pinkie Pie asked Rainbow Dash.

“On some level. Remember, Applejack said she was a dire wolf or something in the dream world. Maybe that’s just, how she identifies.”

“But why would that be?” Trixie asked, “I can understand someone identifying as the opposite gender or something like that, but an animal?”

“I wonder something…” Twilight said to herself.

“Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Checking a specific keyword, to see if it lights up anything in Rarity’s Akashic Records… and, there! A book should be lighting up close to you!”

Starlight looked at the bookshelf and saw a book glowing on the shelf beside the Checkpoint door. Starlight walked over to pick up the book, reading a few pages, “It’s a book, on unusual psychotic conditions…?”

“Send that to me.” Twilight requested. Starlight shrugged and walked over to the mailbox, sending the book to Twilight’s terminal, “Got it. Now, if I’m right… then… I knew it. I know what Rarity has.”

“Well, don’t keep us in the dark, Twi-Twi. What is it?” Trixie asked. Twilight sighed before speaking.

“Based on what I’ve heard, and looking at one of the entries here, Rarity has something in this world called “Clinical Lycanthropy”.”

“Clinical whatanthopy?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Lycanthropy. Named after the mythical condition that forces people to turn into wolves on the full moon?”

“I, just call that being a werewolf…” Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight sighed again, “Anyway, to get back to the point, clinical lycanthropy is a rare psychological condition, where the person affected thinks they’re turning into an animal, or are said animal.”

“A psychological condition?” Starlight frowned thinking back to the fight, “Where the person, thinks they’re an animal?”

“From what I’m reading here, it seems like Rarity does in fact, on some level identify less as a person, and more as an animal. A wolf, in this case.” Twilight continued.

“Hey um, girls?” Pinkie Pie looked away with a worried expression, “I think we messed up.”

“What do you mean?” Trixie asked.

“Rarity is a wolf here, right?” Pinkie Pie asked, now looking at everyone, “We, just got finished fighting a wolf, in Rarity’s Dungeon.”

“Hang on, you don’t think that,” Trixie’s eyes slowly widened, “Oh shit.”

“Yeah… I was thinking that myself,” Starlight said, “The wolf was looking at me for the majority of the conversation, and when Rainbow Dash hurt it, Rover’s entire air shifted to one of concern.”

Rainbow Dash paled, looking at her blade, “Fuck. I really screwed that up, then.”

“When I tried to scan the wolf, it came up as a Shadow, but another signal kept interfering with it,” Twilight said softly, “Thinking back on it, that could have been, a partially awakened Persona.”

“They can partially awaken?” Trixie asked.

“One of the Phantom Thieves, code named Noir, actually experienced this when she first entered the Metaverse.” Twilight explained, “She couldn’t really use it in combat, but she did have all of the passive effects of having one. The Phase is one of the deepest, most primordial aspects of the Collective Unconscious, though. You could say it’s almost its true form.”

“Meaning, if a Persona were to partially awaken here, it could still give the person actual power?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Maybe? This is all speculation, but it’d make sense. Essentially, it’s like using the dream logic to give yourself an edge. Like, imagining you have a grappling hook when you need something to climb. Only in this case, it’s taking one’s Shadow, and using it in a way akin to a Persona, without fully awakening to it.”

“So she’s aware of the Shadow partially, but not in how it fully relates to her,” Starlight said.

“That’s my best guess. A Persona manifests when the person realizes that the emotions generating the Shadow are a part of them, but not solely who they are. This is why you’re all able to summon your Personas like familiars. If I had to hazard a guess though, Rarity believes that her Shadow is all that’s really there, with anything else being just a mask she puts on to fit in.”

“Hence why her using her partial Persona is more akin to a transformation,” Trixie realized, “She’s shedding the mask of a human to take on what she deems is her true form.”

“And for her “true form” to be so ferocious and monstrous,” Rainbow Dash took a breath, “She must really think low of herself.”

“What else did you find, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked their real world contact.

“Confirmation that yes, she was raised in the Golden Oaks Child Center,” Twilight said, “As were the rest of the Diamond Dogs.”

“They’re all orphans?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Shit. No wonder Rover had that “Us vs Them” mentality.”

“I’m starting to think this situation isn’t as black and white as we thought,” Starlight said, “Cinch definitely has it out for Rarity. That much I’m sure of. Rover, not so much anymore.”

“He seemed pretty hellbent on keeping Rarity against her will to me,” Trixie frowned, leaning against a bookshelf, “His Shadow didn’t even acknowledge how fucked up the situation is, and he was ordering her around like she was an animal on a leash.”

“But when Rainbow Dash hurt her, he stopped to check on her,” Starlight said, “And he seemed genuinely concerned. Also, in one of the visions I saw, he and Rarity seemed almost like lovers.”

“With him, we could be looking at a situation similar to Fleur,” Twilight chimed in, “Someone with good intentions, but twisted by distorted desires and a fanatical determination to do what they think is right.”

Trixie huffed, “I’m worried that we’re barking up the wrong tree here, pardon the pun.”

“Then we need more information before we jump to conclusions,” Starlight got up, “I know this is rough, but we’re low on time. So tomorrow, we need to go back into the Dungeon and get more info on Rarity.”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, “Working overtime then. Alright. I’m in.”

“Same,” Pinkie Pie nodded, “We have to help Rarity.”

Trixie nodded, “Agreed. Till this Dungeon is cleared, this has to be a priority.”

“Then I better get some rest for tonight. I still have some work to do, but I can tackle that later.” Twilight said with a yawn, “By the way, the sun’s starting to rise, so you should probably return to the Real World.”

“You’ll still join us for breakfast, right Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Sure. I’ll be there,” Twilight said softly. It sounded like she was smiling.

“Okay. See you back in the real world, everyone,” Starlight said. Everyone nodded and took off their Channeling Rings, returning to their bodies and ending this run.

*Think a recolored version of this:

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

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