November 5^th, 2019
Monday
Sunny

Daytime

School Days - Persona

Starlight tried. She really tried to stay up for school. Unfortunately though, after the night she had she just, couldn’t manage hardly. Her eyes felt heavy, her mind was foggy. In truth, she didn’t feel rested at all.

And she wasn’t the only one.

Next to her in English, Trixie was asleep on her desk, and it looked like Pinkie Pie was fighting sleep at her desk. In Gym afterward, Rainbow Dash seemed to power through, but it was clear that even she was lacking in spirit noticeably.

This was a rough one. Starlight considered asking Miss Tia if she could just take a quick nap in her class. She didn’t want to, but this was just unbearable.

end song

Lunch Time

It was nice that they all had the same Lunch period, as they could gather and discuss the day. Naturally, they all agreed on one thing.

“This day can go right the fuck to hell,” Rainbow Dash groaned, her head falling onto the bench table.

“I feel like I’ve been pulled through a keyhole, repeatedly,” Trixie muttered, laying her head on her arms and pulling her hat over her head.

“How are we this tired?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Our bodies were laying in bed the whole time!”

“Yes, but they weren’t resting,” Starlight answered, “We walked all through the city side of the Dungeon, from the Prison area, infiltrated a bank, and fought a giant wolf that may or may not have been Rarity partially summoning her Persona.”

Pinkie Pie winced, rubbing her temples. She was wearing sunglasses, a nice hat to shield herself from the sun, and keeping her movements very subtle, “Please girls. Stop screaming. I can’t take it.”

“I, wasn’t screaming,” Starlight said mutely.

“Is this our lives now?” Trixie asked, “Is this, what we have to look forward to in the future?”

“At least until we rescue Rarity,” Starlight said, “I promise, after this, we’ll take a some time to relax.”

“Good, cause I’m gonna need it,” Rainbow Dash groaned, “And we gotta go back in tonight, too? I’m taking tomorrow off.”

“Maybe we should all take tomorrow off?” Trixie suggested, “Rest up much as possible?”

“If we do though, how would that make Miss Tia look?” Pinkie Pie asked, “We’re all in her dorm, and Cinch gives her a rough time as is.”

“Oh fuck, you’re right,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “Shit!”

“Ow. Ow. Please, Dashie, I love you, but try to keep it down,” Pinkie Pie begged, giving a soft whimper.

“Holy shit,” Diamond Tiara said, she and Silver Spoon walking up to their table, “You girls, look terrible.”

“What happened to you all?” Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow, “Stay up late partying?”

“I wish,” Trixie groaned, “It’s witch related stuff, let’s just say that.”

Diamond Tiara walked over to Starlight and rubbed her back, “Will you be okay, Starlight?”

“I, will but, I don’t know if I’ll be at Pep Squad tomorrow,” Starlight said, looking apologetic, “I’m sorry, Diamond.”

“Hey, that’s fine,” Diamond assured, “You girls are doing important work.”

“I don’t know what said work is, but again, you saved Diamond, so I’m assuming that this is serious,” Silver slightly dismissed, but her expression suggested she might have been concerned.

“Thanks, Silver Spoon,” Rainbow Dash groaned, “Nice of you to give a damn.”

“You’re welcome, peasant,” Silver Spoon said haughtily.

“You do realize that all of us are witches, right?” Trixie asked, “Should you really be antagonizing us?”

“I did no such thing, Lulamoon,” Silver Spoon defended, “Besides, witch or not, you’re all still commoners. The fact I’m willing to be seen near you should be considered an honor.”

Pinkie Pie whimpered, eyes shut tight, “Why are you shouting…?”

Silver blinked, “Shouting? What are you talking about?”

“Ugh! You’re giving me a headache…” Pinkie Pie fussed, “Please stop talking so loud…”

“Yeah Silver,” Starlight smirked, “Either keep it down, or stop talking, please.”

Silver narrowed her eyes, “One of these days, you will rue the day you deigned to cross me, Witch.” Rainbow Dash and Trixie both snickered, “What?”

Like a Dream Come True - Persona 4

“Who the fuck says “rue the day” anymore?” Rainbow Dash asked through barely contained laughter.

Trixie wasn’t even trying to hide the fact she was laughing, but likewise tried to keep it down, “Okay, that was great. I needed that laugh.”

“Thanks for that, Silver Spoon,” Starlight laughed, Pinkie Pie across from her also laughing, “You really lifted our spirits with that one.”

“I wasn’t trying to-” Silver caught herself, taking a deep breath, “I wasn’t trying to be funny, Witch!” she whispered harshly. For some reason, this made all of them laugh louder, “Grrr…! Stop making fun of me!” she stomped her foot, only to notice Diamond was also laughing, “Et tu, Diamond?!”

“S-sorry!” Diamond was hunched over from laughing so hard, “But…! Rue the day? Oh my God, Spoony…!”

Even if it came a bit at Silver’s expense, this was just the thing Starlight needed to make it through the rest of the day. A nice distraction from the weight of the world.

She might not need that nap in History after all.

Maya's Theme - Persona 3

From her usual spot on the roof, Rarity looked down at Starlight and her friends. Holding the fence and biting her lip, her heart felt heavy for some reason. Despite most of them looking dead to the world for some reason, they were able to laugh. They seemed, happy together.

Was this the first time she saw Starlight with her usual friends? Was this how they always were together.

Part of Rarity wanted to go down there herself, just to see them. To talk to them, but about what? Maybe about her dreams. Dreams that were really beginning to scare her more than they were before.

She turned her back to them and slid down to the floor, careful to avoid her sore wrist. She remember dreaming that Rainbow Dash was about to attack Rover, and she jumped in the way. The attack got her left foreleg, but it was a dream, so it was nothing, right?

Well, she thought that, until she woke up that morning with a sore wrist, and a mark that looked like a blade cut it.

“It’s real…” Rarity realized, breathing in and out heavily, “The dreams, they’re real…” she swallowed nervously, and taking advantage of her alone time, hugged her knees to her chest and cried softly. This was her punishment, wasn’t it? She abandoned her pack. She failed the Scarlets. She was the worst. And now, she was being condemned, punished by imprisonment in her own mind.

Why didn’t God just kill her? Why prolong the punishment like this? She got it. She was a terrible person. She tried to be more than a filthy dog of the streets, and she failed because of course she would. She understood now, so why was this happening to her?

She heard footsteps in the distance. On instinct, she shot up and hid behind the side if the entrance to the school, and she was glad that she did. Blueblood stepped out a second later and looked around in anger.

“Damn that bitch!” he fussed, holding a hand to his forehead. He yelled in anger and frustration before storming back downstairs. Rarity closed her eyes, her heart racing as she broke down again.

“Whether here, or in my dreams, I’m not safe…” she opened her eyes, her heart feeling oddly, numb now, “Fine… I see how it is, then.”

After School

When the Moon's Reaching Out Stars - Persona 3

Starlight felt a bit better now, so she decided to stop by the Student Council today in order to see everyone. At the moment the only ones present were Applejack, Sunburst, and thankfully Rarity. Apparently Pip was coming in late today, but there hadn’t been any word on Spike.

Rarity seemed rather odd though. On the one hand she seemed more aloof than normal, like she was in her own little world. However on the other hand, whenever someone approached her, she was super attentive. Like she was trying to reach out. For some reason, Starlight didn’t like this. She didn’t know why, but she was really concerned about this.

She was about to go over to her, but she noticed Applejack already walking toward her.

“Hey Rares,” Applejack said, sitting on the desk beside her, “Wrist still buggin’ ya?”

“Hm? Oh no, I’m alright now, darling,” Rarity assured, flexing her left wrist a bit, “It’s still a bit sore, but it’s a lot better than it was.”

Starlight took a breath at that. That confirmed it. The wolf monster they fought was Rarity.

“That’s, good to hear,” Applejack said with a tense smile.

“Are you alright?” Rarity asked, getting up and holding Applejack’s hand, “You seem upset.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I jus’,” Applejack looked down, “Ya know ya can tell me anythin’, right? We’re best friends, after all.”

“I know,” Rarity said, “Friends forever and beyond.”

Applejack nodded, “Right. So, if you were in any trouble, you could talk to me. You know that, right?”

“Applejack, what’s this about?” Rarity asked. Starlight and Sunburst both looked at this and listened intently.

“It’s jus’, I notice you’ve been comin’ home a bit later than normal, you were clearly dodgin’ Blueblood at the Halloween Party on Friday, an’ that wrist injury. Rarity, I’m worried ‘bout ya.”

Rarity looked away with a soft smile, “Everything will be fine, AJ. I promise.”

“Rares-”

“Trust me,” she looked Applejack in the eyes, “Please trust me.”

“I, I trust ya, Rarity,” Applejack relented. Rarity smiled and nuzzled her, a bit like a dog would to show affection.

“Good,” Rarity said softly, “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Applejack said, reaching to pet Rarity low on her back. Based on the soft sound Rarity made, she must have really liked that spot.

“I wonder what’s going on there,” Sunburst asked softly, “Rarity’s, not in some sort of trouble, is she?”

Starlight closed her eyes and sighed. She most definitely was, but she couldn’t just tell Sunburst about that.

Troubled - Persona 3

“Applejack Scarlet, please report to the Principal’s Office.” Cinch’s words echoed on the intercom. She didn’t sound happy.

“Wonder what that bitch wants now…” Applejack muttered, getting up, “Better not keep her waitin’,” As she walked off, Rarity on instinct grabbed her hand tightly, “Rarity?”

“I… I just…” Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “It’s, nothing. Like you said, you shouldn’t, keep Cinch, waiting.”

Applejack pursed her lips looking at Rarity intently, but then nodded and pulled her hand free. Right as she was about to leave, Pip pushed through the door.

“Everyone, we have a problem!” Pip cried.

“What is it?” Rarity asked suddenly.

“It’s Spike!” Pip cried, “He and Blueblood are fighting on the football field!”

“What?!” Applejack cried. She looked at the loudspeaker with gritted teeth, “Damn it! I should be there, but...”

“Applejack, leave it to me,” Rarity said, placing a hand over her heart, “I’ll handle this. Go see Cinch.”

Applejack nodded, “Good luck, Rarity,” she said, running out of the Student Council Office.

“I’ll come with you!” Starlight shot up immediately, “I have a score to settle with Blueblood anyway!”

Rarity looked at Starlight intently, and to her surprise, nodded, “Alright. Let’s go.”

Starlight and Rarity walked out of the office together. As they walked, Starlight noticed Rarity undoing her tie and unbuttoning her top halfway.

“Letting her out?” Starlight inquired.

“I know what this is about, and I’m sick and tired of it,” Rarity seethed, her tone more ferocious, “If he wants Dirty Diamond, then that’s who he’s gettin’.”

“Rarity, I get it, trust me, but the last thing you want to do is something to risk your position as the President,” Starlight said.

“Think I give a shit?!” Rarity seethed, “I’m tired of bein’ pushed around by this fucker, and everyone else in my goddamn life!”

This was Rarity on the other side of the Dungeon. Where “Dirty Diamond” was more free. She might have even just "transformed", signaled by her taking off her tie and unbuttoning her blouse. She briefly even saw the image of that wolf monster barring its teeth and growling.

“Alright. Just, don’t lose control, okay?” Starlight asked, rubbing Rarity’s back, “I’m with you, but I don’t want you to compromise your position. A lot of students still rely on you.”

Rarity closed her eyes, “Fine. I won’t beat him within an inch of his life. But I will sucker punch him before this day is over.”

“Then go for the face,” Starlight requested with a smirk, “Might look good with a black eye.”

Rarity looked at Starlight surprised, and then smirked, “Works for me, Little Star.”

Starlight sighed but smiled. She had a feeling that name was her call sign now. Well, when she saved Rarity, she’d have to keep it.

There weren’t hardly any students left at the school, so there wasn’t a crowd or anything forming. All they was was Spike get punched to the ground by Blueblood, who’s glare looked downright murderous.

“I know it was you!” Blueblood seethed, “Taking my phone and then bricking it! Start talking!”

“Don’t know what to tell you,” Spike said, rising haphazardly to his feet, clearly the more beat up of the two, “All I did was put it out there that it was missing. You finding it bricked has nothing to do with me.”

Blueblood gripped Spike by the collar of his shirt, rearing his other fist back, “Oh? So you mean to tell me you weren’t trying to protect that whore you call President?”

“Her name, is Rarity!” Spike seethed, “And with what you were doing to her and Pinkie Pie, I consider this karma!”

“That does it!” Blueblood snapped, preparing his fist to punch Spike in the face again, only for Rarity to grab his fist.

Maya's Theme - Persona 3

“Drop him,” Rarity growled. Blueblood had the audacity to laugh.

“And here she is. The whore, Dirty Diamond herself,” he looked to see Starlight beside her, “And of course you bring the goth bitch with you.”

“Don’t worry about her. Worry about me.” Rarity said, “I won’t repeat myself.”

Blueblood released Spike and then turned to glare at Rarity, “You put him up to it, didn’t you?”

“You’ll have to be more specific,” Rarity said in a low tone.

“My phone,” he seethed, holding it up, “I found it today, and I couldn’t access it at all. Someone bricked it, and I know you had something to do with it.”

Rarity blinked, “Someone, bricked your…” she looked to Spike, who gave her a subtle smile despite clearly being in a ton of pain. Rarity closed her eyes, and then chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” Blueblood asked.

“You are,” Rarity raised her head imposingly, “Here I was all worried, and you have nothing on me.”

“I still know your secret,” Blueblood narrowed his eyes, “I know what you did in that alleyway with-”

Rarity sucker punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.

“So you know what I am, big fuckin' deal,” Rarity flexed her arm a bit, “Guess what? I don’t care anymore. So go on. Spread my secret. Tell the whole fuckin' school what a filthy whore I am.”

Blueblood looked up at Rarity, and then at Spike and Starlight. He must have realized he was outnumbered, as he scampered to his feet pointing at them, “This isn’t over. You hear me? I will get my revenge for this, and your blonde hayseed won’t be able to protect you!”

As he ran off, Rarity frowned looking down, “What did he mean by that…?” she asked. She then shook her head and turned to Spike as he stood up again, “You okay?”

“Well, I’m sore all over, probably a bit black and blue, but I’ll live,” Spike smiled rubbing the back of his head.

Rarity looked down, “Spike… about what he-”

“Are you okay?” Spike asked rubbing Rarity’s arm.

“Tell me the truth,” Rarity looked at Spike seriously, “Did you do something to his phone?”

Spike closed his eyes, “I did take it, and I took it to someone to have the dirt he had on you removed.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, “You, knew about…?”

“He sent me a picture of you,” Spike pulled out his phone and showed it to her, “Basically bragging that he was screwing you.”

Starlight’s eyes widened, “That, was what you were looking at on your phone the one time.”

Spike nodded, “It was. I was trying to make sense of it. Why Rarity would sleep with a sleazeball like him. But, once I heard about what he did to Pinkie Pie, I got it,” he looked Rarity in the eyes, “He was blackmailing you. He found out that you were with that gang, right?”

Rarity stepped back, “H-how did you-” she looked at the picture again, and noticed that her tattoo was partially visible on the picture. She then closed her eyes tightly, “Alright then. What’s it going to cost?”

Spike blinked, “What’s, it going to cost?”

“To keep you quiet,” Rarity asked folding her arms, “I know how this goes. Now that you know, you want me to do you a favor of some kind?”

“Rarity…” Starlight sighed. She didn’t trust anyone, it seemed.

Spike looked at the phone, and then deleted the photo, “On the house.”

Rarity slowly dropped her arms, “On, the house?”

“Why would I blackmail you?” Spike asked.

“You do have that crush on me,” Rarity pursed her lips.

“Yeah, but you’re not interested in me like that, and I’m content just being your friend,” Spike said.

“F-friend?” Rarity asked softly, “Even though, you know the truth about me…?”

“What? That you were with that gang and might be a bit sexually loose? Yeah,” he smiled, “Besides, Starlight knows, and she’s still right here. Why would I be any different?”

Rarity looked at Starlight, and she just waved sweetly. She then turned to Spike, and hugged him. With how the green haired boy blushed, it must have been the first time she ever did that.

“Thank you, Spike,” she said softly, “Thank you, so much.”

Spike smiled and returned the hug, “You’re welcome, Rarity.”

“I, want to do something for you,” Rarity said, whispering something in Spike’s ear.

Spike sucked in a breath, “W-what…? You, serious…?”

Rarity nodded smiling, “I might not have romantic feelings for you, but I don’t see why we can’t have some fun. Unless, you don’t, want…”

“No no! I mean, any guy would be crazy to turn down a chance with you, it’s just, I don’t want you thinking you have to do this. I meant it. Being your friend is enough for me.”

Rarity teared up a bit, still smiling, “You’re kind, Spike. And that’s why I want to do this. Besides, it’d help me deal with some, issues that tend to come up.”

Spike looked at Rarity intently, and then nodded, “Alright. When do you want to do this?”

“Not tonight. Perhaps though, tomorrow after school?” Rarity requested.

Spike thought about it, and nodded, “Alright. I don’t have a roommate, so we can just go there. Gives me a reason to clean my room.”

Rarity laughed, “Wonderful.”

Starlight smiled seeing these two, but for some reason, looking at Rarity right now made her heart feel funny. Something about what she was doing felt wrong to her. Not her clearly going to have sex with Spike. That felt oddly in character for her. But, something in the way she carried herself.

She prayed she was wrong about where Rarity’s head was.

end song

After getting Spike to the Infirmary, Starlight and Rarity began making their way back to the Student Council Office. Rarity still had this odd air about her, and Starlight wanted check her emotions, but she couldn’t get an excuse to hold her hand again or touch her in any way.

Right as they turned the corner though, they heard a loud slam, which sounded like a locker door. The two ran over to investigate, where they saw Applejack lean against her locker, breathing heavily as she tried to control her temper.

Living with Determination - Persona 3

“Applejack!” Rarity called out, she and Starlight running over to her, “What’s wrong, darling?”

“Cinch put me on suspension, is what happened,” Applejack seethed, “Till further notice, I ain’t on the Defense Committee.”

“What?” Starlight asked wide eyed, “Why’s Cinch doing this?!”

“Apparently,” Applejack pushed off the locker and turned to them, “She got reports from someone that Nightmare Night might’ve been started by me. That or the Defense Committee was conspirin’ with the culprit.”

Rarity slowly backed away, “That’s what he meant…”

Applejack looked to her, “What, who meant?”

“Blueblood,” Starlight answered, “When we went to chase him off of Spike, he ran off saying something like “You’re blonde hayseed can’t protect you” to Rarity.”

“He did it.” Rarity began hyper ventilating, “He, reported to Cinch, made you seem suspicious, so I… I wouldn’t…”

“Rarity, calm down,” Applejack said, putting her hands on her shoulders, “Breathe.”

Rarity took a few deep breaths, but Starlight could tell she was NOT calming down at all. The worst part was, Applejack did know that it was Pinkie Pie’s idea, so technically speaking Cinch was right.

This was due to the Applejack apparition in Rarity’s Dungeon getting demoted. Cinch was taking cues from her Shadow, and effectively doing the same to the real Applejack.

“Can she, really keep you from staying after school, though?” Starlight asked.

“She’s tellin’ the other members of the committee to enforce it. Make sure I don’t go behind her back,” Applejack sighed, “So effectively, yeah. If I’m seen enterin’ the Student Council Office for the time bein’, I’ll be in even more trouble.”

“I’ll fight this,” Rarity said firmly, “I’ll convince that bitch to-”

“No Rarity.”

“No?! Applejack, this is bullshit!” Rarity snapped, “That cunt’s only doin’ this cause she’s loosin’ control, which honestly, good!”

“Rarity-”

“I’m sick and tired of listenin’ to that bitch! What she needs is a good-”

“RARITY!”

“WHAT?!”

“YER SOUNDIN’ LIKE-” Applejack calmed herself, and then leaned in, “Yer soundin’ like your old self, before leavin’ them.”

Rarity’s eyes widened. She then looked away pained. Something to Starlight Applejack said the wrong thing just now.

“I know yer upset. I am, too. But I don't want ya fallin' back into old habits for my sake,” Applejack rubbed her arm, “What’s gotten into you, Rares? Yer actin’, well…”

“Like a beast, right?”

“I, I didn’t mean it like-”

“Yes, you did,” Rarity said looking at Applejack seriously, “You're sayin’ that I sound like my old self. Guess you finally realize. Can take the wolf out of the street, but can’t take the street outta the wolf.”

“Rarity, I, I’m sorry. I didn't word that right,” Applejack said, “I jus’, ya sounded like you were gonna hurt Cinch, and I…”

“I asked you to trust me,” Rarity narrowed her eyes.

“I do-”

“No you don’t!” Rarity snapped, “Cause if you did, you wouldn’t assume the worst just cause I got upset!” she scowled, “Nice to know where you stand with me.” She then pushed Applejack aside and stormed down the hall.

“Rarity, where are ya goin?!” Applejack called out.

“None of your business!” Rarity yelled back, “Don’t bother waitin’ for me!”

As Rarity walked off, Applejack closed her eyes pained, “I messed up,” Starlight walked over to her and rubbed her back, “Take it ya know ‘bout her past?”

“A bit,” Starlight confirmed, “She used to be with the Diamond Dogs.”

“Yeah, she did,” Applejack sighed, “Know ‘bout the bank robbery at Tartarus Bank 3 years ago?” Starlight nodded, “That’s where I met her. Granny Smith, Apple Bloom an’ I went to take out a loan, when her gang burst inside and held the place up. Ended up bein’ a hostage situation.”

“Must have been scared,” Starlight said.

“I was, but really I was more worried ‘bout Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. My little sis got asthma, an’ ever since our Pa’s death, she’s been prone to real bad anxiety attacks that trigger it. Both hit her at once durin’ that day. That’s, when I met Rarity for the first time.”

This was confirming what she saw in the Dungeon, “What did she do?”

“She saw us bein’ harassed by one of her gang members an’ chased him off. She then helped us get Apple Bloom’s inhaler, an’ even helped her calm her anxiety,” Applejack smiled sadly, “Apple Bloom really looks up to Rarity. Says she wants to be jus’ like her. It’s sweet, but I do wonder what she means by that sometimes.”

Starlight remembered seeing Apple Bloom scare off some of Sweetie Belle’s bullies before, and she used a similar tactic that Rarity used before. Was that a Diamond Dog tactic?

“I could tell she was different than the others,” Applejack continued, “I’ll admit, somethin’ in me was drawn to her. Like, I was seein’ a dear friend I’d lost, an’ missed somethin’ fierce. So, when I saw her the next day, an’ Macintosh was sayin’ she’d be livin’ with us for a while, I was overjoyed,” she sighed, a hand over her eyes, “This is the first time in years she sounded like that.”

Wait, what? Starlight was under the impression that Rarity took the mask off around Applejack but, from what she said, it sounded like Rarity just, never took it off.

“I was always torn,” Applejack continued, “On the one hand, I was happy she seemed to mellow out, but at the same time, I wondered if she was doin’ it for the right reason. With how she sounded jus’ now, an her leavin' like that…”

“Do you think she’s rejoining her old gang?” Starlight asked.

“I don’t know what she’s doin’, but it don’t look good. Also, last time I checked on Rarity in her room while she was sleepin’, her body was ice cold…”

“You think, she has the Nightmare,” Starlight said.

“She does. I know she does. An’ I know that’s part of why she’s actin’ out. She always does this when she’s afraid,” Applejack closed her eyes, tearing up, “Starlight, I can’t lose her. She’s my best friend.”

“You won’t lose her,” Starlight assured Applejack, rubbing her back, “She’ll be alright.”

“Ya, sound awfully certain,” Applejack said wiping her tears, “Know somethin’ ‘bout this Nightmare Epidemic?”

“Only that it’s possible people can survive it, and that Rarity will be one of them,” she looked Applejack in the eyes and took her hands, “I promise. You won’t lose Rarity.”

Applejack looked at Starlight intently, and then slowly nodded, “Alright. I don’t get it, but I trust ya. For now, I better head home, before Cinch realizes I’m still here.”

Starlight nodded, and watched as Applejack left the school herself. Once alone, she sighed. They were running out of time. The deadline was 4 days away. If they didn’t find that last entry soon…

Rarity was not going to be her first failure.

Late Night

Scraper Sky High - Uner Night In-Birth

Like they planned, the Daughters of the Rising Sun returned to Rarity’s Dungeon that night. It didn’t take long for them to get to sleep, so once the door opened the rushed right inside. Upon arriving in the City, they saw the Shadows on patrol, actively searching for something.

“So much for having an easy way through,” Rainbow Dash growled, poking her head out of the alleyway they hid in.

“What changed?” Pinkie Pie asked, “They look like they’re searching for us now.”

“Probably because now Rover knows you’re here, and are trying to rescue Rarity,” Twilight answered, “Assuming that wolf monster we fought was Rarity, it could also be because she’s on alert too.”

“It was Rarity, I’m sure of it,” Starlight sighed looking down, “I saw Rarity nursing her wrist a bit today, and it was the same arm that Rainbow Dash’s Persona struck.”

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes tightly, “Shit.”

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it,” Trixie said, “There was no way we could have known that was Rarity.”

“If anyone’s at fault here, it’s me,” Twilight said softly, “I should have been able to tell that was a partially awakened Persona, or something associated with Rarity. Seems all I’ve done this mission is fail left and right.”

“No Twilight,” Pinkie Pie turned to her wisp, “You’re doing the best you can from your side.”

“If anything, we’re the ones at fault for not catching on the cues,” Trixie added, “We’re actually here, and we didn’t notice that it was Rarity until it was too late. In hindsight, it was kinda obvious.”

“Either way, sitting here and blaming ourselves isn’t going to solve anything,” Starlight said, “The Dungeon looks a bit more active, but it’s still stable. We still have time. So, where are we heading to next?”

“That’s a good question,” Trixie huffed, “Hey Twi-Twi, did you find anything from the discount page in the Sushi place?”

“Well, I can confirm that those sex acts on the paper were in fact things she’s done in order to get discounts on stuff,” Twilight said, “Based on some of the things she’s said in the entries, she used her body as a way to both make money for herself and the gang, and also too get them discounts and other benefits.”

“Meaning she probably did have sex with the owner of that sushi place to get that for me,” Pinkie Pie rubbed her arm, “Kinda torn on that, really.”

“Yeah, I feel ya,” Rainbow Dash folded her arms looking down, “On the one hand, it’s kinda sweet. But on the other hand, she’s got some serious issues if she goes straight to that as an option to get a discount.”

“It’s actually worse, when you think about it,” Twilight said, “This means that for her, that’s a viable means of getting discounts.”

“Meaning she’s been doing this for a while…” Trixie said, “Considering we know she lost her virginity at about 13 to 14… and she’s like what, 18 going on 19 now?” Pinkie Pie nodded with a confirmation, “Christ, she’s been doing this for 4 years.”

“Bet someone like that’s seen the inside of a Police Station often,” Rainbow Dash suggested, “No way she’d be able to keep her nose out of trouble all the time.”

“This is true,” Twilight mused, “Also, we know that Applejack’s brother is a police officer.”

“Yep. He’s got his own squad and everything,” Pinkie Pie confirmed, “He’s the youngest officer to get his own squad yet, and I think he’s even being considered for a promotion to detective.”

“Sounds like he’s a big deal,” Trixie said.

“Macintosh takes the law really seriously. I think his father was a detective before he died, and Macintosh wants to follow in his footsteps,” Pinkie Pie explained.

“I vote for going to the Police Station then,” Twilight said, “I can track it down and guide you.”

Starlight nodded, “Do that. If nothing else, we know that Rarity has a connection to someone in the Police station, so let’s head there next.”

Everyone nodded and followed Twilight’s wisp out of the alleyway. The road was pretty straight forward, but on the way they did see a few other shops that were telling. The Kami no Tabemono ramen shop was basic, suggesting she’d only been in there a few times. Surprising to everyone, Chains and Whips was also basic.

Starlight was under the assumption she’d know that place like the back of her, hand? Paw? What was appropriate here?

But about halfway they did spot one shop that was clearly detailed that surprised them by how, tame it was. Sugarcube Corner, of all places, was perfect down to the minute detail.

“Think she’s gotten discounts here?” Trixie asked.

“Not here,” Pinkie Pie shook her head, “The two who own it are married, and have two kids already in elementary school.”

“I hate to say it, Pinkie Pie, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t done anything,” Trixie pointed out, “We don’t know what their private life is like, and from what we’ve seen of who Rarity is behind the mask…”

Pinkie Pie looked down pained, “I just, don’t want to imagine Rarity as a homewrecker. I get that none of this looks good, but I know she’s a good person, and that she wouldn’t stoop that low.”

Trixie took a breath, looking at the building with a slight frown, “Well, if you’re that certain, I guess I’ll try to believe it too.”

Pinkie Pie smiled, “Thanks Trixie.”

Trixie gave Pinkie Pie a slight smile, and then looked ahead, “Girls, we’ve got a big group ahead.”

Starlight looked and saw four Shadows searching the area. They looked like security guards.

“Think we’re close to the Police Station?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’s actually right around the corner,” Twilight answered, “They’re higher leveled, so they’re tougher.”

Starlight nodded, and snuck up to one, jumping onto its back and grabbing its mask, “Show your face!” she snapped, yanking the mask off and forcing all of them to reveal their true forms. Most of them she recognized: Orobas, Rakshasa, and even a lower leveled Sui-Ki. The fourth one she was on turned into a Shadow that looked like a black pile of goo with yellow eyes and a creepy face.

E.SYNAPSE - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“The new one’s ID is Black Ooze!” Twilight stated, “Be careful!”

“MORGANA!!!!” Starlight shouted, shifting to her main Persona and firing a Bufula spell on the new Shadow. It seemed to affect it somewhat, but it mostly shook it off like it was nothing.

“Go!” Pinkie Pie screamed, summoning Serenity and having her rush to Sui-Ki and punch him rapidly, eventually knocking him down. The Shadows seemed to be pulling themselves together, shown by Orobas flying over to Pinkie Pie to kick her, but she flipped back out of the way to make room for Trixie, who threw a barrage of Cards at it.

“None of us have light skills I don’t think!” Trixie said, “Pinkie Pie, let’s double team Orobas!”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “Alright!”

“Twilight, begin analysis on the enemies!” Starlight said, brandishing her scythe, “We’ll hold them off!”

“Alright! I’ll begin scanning the enemy!” Twilight said, her wisp vanishing as she shut down the Remote Viewing system.

Rainbow Dash rushed at Sui-Ki, clashing blades with it violently as Trixie and Pinkie Pie fought Orobas off to the side away from her. She held it still as Starlight slammed her scythe to the ground, firing her sniper rifle at Sui-Ki, knocking it back. Rainbow Dash summoned Eclair Farron, who raised her blade and cast Zionga on Sui-Ki, but like with Black Ooze and Ice, he seemed to tank it, “Oh come on!”

Sui-Ki spun his blade above him as he charged a spell, and then fired Mabufula out in the form of a small ice wave, hitting all of the girls and knocking Trixie to the ground. He then charged at Rainbow Dash with his blade, actually knocking her back a bit.

Rakshasa flew over to Starlight and slashed down with his blade, but she jumped back away from the attack, “KOPPA TENGU!!!” she shouted, switching Personas and kicking up a powerful gust of wind at Rakshasa, knocking him to the ground.

“I got it!” Twilight cried, “Okay, so here’s the rundown! Black Ooze is weak to Electricity, Psychic, and Blessed magic!”

Rainbow Dash smirked, “Good to know! What else ya got for us!”

“Sui-Ki is weak to Nuclear Spells!” Twilight said, “Once we take out Orobas, we can end this fight quickly and move on!”

Pinkie Pie held her hands together in prayer, “Please Serenity, protect my friends!” Serenity appeared and dealt Orobas a barrage of punches, killing it in one go. Pinkie Pie then ran over to Trixie and helped her up, “There, all better!”

“Thanks Pinkie Pie,” Trixie smiled.

“Show your might, Eclair Farron!” Rainbow Dash shouted, Eclair appearing before her and raising her blade, casting Mazio on Black Ooze, knocking him down. She then walked over to Starlight and gave her a High Five, “You’re up, Leader!”

BATON PASS!!!!

Starlight thanked Rainbow Dash and held up her Channeling Ring, “MORGANA!!!!” she roared, shifting back to her default Persona and firing a powerful Nuclear blast at Sui-Ki, knocking him to the ground. Starlight reached out with her empathy, this time managing to successfully connect with Rakshasa. She felt a darkness that was intense, almost bloodthirsty. No wonder she had a hard time connecting to this one.

But when she thought about how much she hated Blueblood, and the intense desire to one day kill his Shadow, she felt a resonance with Rakshasa. Though she knew she could empathize with this Persona, for the first time ever, she questioned if that was a good thing.

Even still, Rakshasa bowed to Starlight, bursting into flames and flying into her Channeling Ring. Feeling overtaxed, Starlight finally released Incubus again to make room.

In the confusion, all of the Shadows remaining ran off.

“Alright, that takes care of that fight,” Starlight dusted herself off, “Let’s keep moving.”

Scraper Sky High - Under Night In-Birth

Starlight and co. continued their way to the police station, which just as suspected, was pretty fleshed out. It wasn’t a perfect recreation, but it was enough where they could enter at least.

With Twilight’s help, they managed to sneak they way inside through a vent. The path was long and winding, a bit like a maze.

“Mmmm, Dashie~” Pinkie Pie moaned, “I can feel your gaze on my butt~”

“Gah! Pinkie Pie, please! Now isn’t the time!” Rainbow Dash protested, making Pinkie Pie laugh. Starlight just rolled her eyes listening to this.

When they made it out of the vent, the interior was pretty detailed, but it was clear that it wasn’t a perfect interpretation. Just a few offices here and there, a main lobby, and what looked like a holding cell for detained subjects.

“She hasn’t been inside of a whole Police Station,” Twilight stated, “But it’s clear that she holds this place in enough high regard for something important to be here. Look around.”

“Stay close,” Starlight whispered to her coven, “We don’t want to risk alerting the enemy here.”

Trixie nodded, “Gotcha. We’ll follow your lead.”

Carefully exploring the Police Station was hard, due to how many Shadows were around patrolling. There were a few close calls, but they thankfully managed to stay hidden it seemed for the most part. Eventually, they came to a large office like area with a man that Starlight recognized. He was tall, heavy set, and wearing a police uniform complete with cap. He had short blonde hair, sharp dark green eyes, and was currently talking on a radio.

“Look, I don’t care what you have to do, jus’ find Rarity!” the man said, his voice a deep baritone that made Starlight’s heart flutter, “Cinch wants her returned the Prison ASAP!” he hung up and leaned against a wall, “Damn it! I hate takin’ orders from that bitch! Hope AJ’s doin’ alright…” he muttered before walking out of the office.

“Who, was that?” Trixie asked, fanning herself with a full hand of cards.

“That’s Applejack’s older brother, Macintosh,” Pinkie Pie giggled “He’s kind of no nonsense, but he is a looker.”

“See? Moments like this is why I’m bisexual,” Rainbow Dash said blushing, “I like girls, like a lot, but how can I not get wet seeing a man that sexy?”

“I mean, he was alright I suppose,” Twilight denied, “He wasn’t Joker or anything, but I guess he was, okay,” Miss Tia was heard in the distance, followed by Twilight groaning, “Miss Tia, stop…!”

Starlight rolled her eyes smiling, “Let’s explore this office before he gets back. If an apparition is here, there might be something important.”

Since no Shadows were present, everyone scattered around to explore. They were frantic though, as this wasn’t a safe zone at all. Really, no place here was safe.

“Hey! I think I found something!” Pinkie Pie called out from the main desk after a few minutes of searching.

“What did you find?” Starlight asked, she and everyone running over to Pinkie Pie.

“It looks like a case file with Rarity’s name on it,” Pinkie Pie said, “I recognize the date too. It’s the same day as the bank robbery.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow Dash said, “Alright leader, do your Empathy thing on it.”

Trixie looked out the main door, “I don’t think Officer Feel Good’s coming back anytime soon. Let’s go for it.”

Starlight nodded, “Cover me. If he comes back, pick me up and get to someplace safe,” she commanded, taking the case files into her hands. Immediately she felt woozy, and new emotions hitting her. Tension, fear, about this place. Her heart was racing, and she felt like her whole world was coming to an end.

Like, she was never leaving this place…

Living with Determination - Persona 3

Sitting in this room, she felt like her whole world was crashing down. Ultimately, the police made their way into the bank and apprehended all of them. She didn’t hesitate to throw down her gun to surrender, and thankfully the others followed. She didn’t want to go down like this, but it beat getting gunned down.

They failed in their mission. And now, because the system opposed all of them, they were going to juvie. Considering how far things got though, they might get actual prison.

With her wrists cuffed to the table before her, Rarity couldn’t hold back her tears. Her future, her dreams, all tossed out the window. She’d never go to a real school now. She’d never get a real job, a proper education. She’d never leave this life.

She was a dog of the streets, now and forever.

Was it Tirek’s fault? Sadly, not entirely. Sure, he created the scenario, but they still chose to go down this path. But then, what other choice did they have? Without Golden Oaks, they wouldn’t survive for long. Not unless Rarity took on more jobs, or worked overtime at Pleasure 4 All. Really, there just wasn’t enough jobs for kids like them. Hell, she was technically too young for her job.

The only option they had was to just, roll over and die it seemed. That was what Tirek wanted. To get rid of them, not have to worry about giving money to the kids that were forgotten and instead line his own pockets.

And because of that, now here she was. Waiting for someone to come into this dark room, question her about their motives, and then throw her into a cage. As the only female member of the Dogs, she’d be sent to another section solely for girls. She wouldn’t be able to see Rover, Fido, Rex, Spot, Tiny, Oscar, or any of them again. She’d be alone. Away from her gang. Away from her friends.

FUCK! IT’S NOT FAIR!

WHY AM I ALWAYS THE ONE WHO ENDS UP ALONE?!

Just as she began to break down in tears, she heard the door begin to open. She quickly pulled herself together as the officer walked in. He was tall, muscular, wearing a tight black shirt, black jacket, blue jeans, boots, and a golden badge. He had short, dirty blonde hair, green eyes, and a stern disposition. Yet, she sensed a gentleness to him.

He was the officer who arrested her. She remembered him vividly. He led the squad that broke in and caught them.

Remember, they’re the enemy.

The feds don’t give a shit about us.

Only ones we can count on are in the pack. We stand as a pack, and we fall as a pack.

Rarity took a deep breath, remembering Rover’s words. Too many times they were assaulted by the cops in Tirek’s corner. Rarity herself had quite a few stints with them, both on the job and off work. They pretended to be all righteous and uphold the law, but they were just as dirty as she was.

She wouldn’t bend. She wouldn’t break. She was a Diamond Dog now and forever.

“Hello, young lady,” he said, his voice super deep.

Rarity smirked at him, “Tell me, for the Police Calendar, do they just have twelve months of you? If so, I want a copy.”

The officer narrowed his eyes, “Cute.”

“I’m fucking adorable~” Rarity flipped her hair best as she could, “Now, let’s get this outta the way so I can be shown my cage and then get a nap. Had a busy day.”

The officer looked her up and down, and then took the seat before her, “In your gang, they call you Dirty Diamond. What’s a girl like you gotta do to earn that nickname?”

“Everything and more,” Rarity purred, leaning forward to show her tits to the officer, “Let me guess, you want a demonstration, right?”

He leaned back blinking, “Um, excuse me?”

“I know what happens next. You see a sexy teenager wearing next to nothing, your dick’s hard and dry, and you want to change that. Hoping to take advantage of the goth bitch in black leather?”

The officer frowned, “You, think I want to have sex with you?”

“Well why wouldn’t you?” Rarity asked licking her lips, “I know you boys talk about me in the office. The wild teen with purple and white hair, can take 15 to 20 dicks in a row, back to back before gettin’ tired,” her dark smirk hid how much her heart was racing, and how much she wanted to cry right now, “I am a screamer, you know~”

She knew his type. Cops like him always took advantage of their position and power to do what they pleased. She wasn’t a person to him. She was an animal. Nothing more, nothing less. He wasn’t wrong, but still.

Just get it over with.

I know what I am and what I’m good for, so just do it already.

Oddly, he just stared at her wide eyed, “Holy fuck, you’re serious.”

“Course I am. I’ve been here before. I know what my choices are. Either I sell out my pack, or I bend over, right? Well, I’ll make it easier for you,” she got up, and best as she could, leaned over the desk and closed her eyes smiling, “Go on. Have at it. Pussy, ass, whichever hole you want. Fuck, I might even suck you off.”

The man coughed loudly, “Miss, you can sit down. No offense, but I’m not interested in jail bait.”

Rarity opened one eye, raising an eyebrow, “Jail bait? Never been called that before. Not sure how I feel about it, being quite honest.”

“You’re like what, fifteen? I’m in my twenties. There’s nothing legal about that, and in case you didn’t notice, I’m a cop.”

“Didn’t stop any cops in the past,” Rarity said in a low voice, narrowing her eyes at the officer before her, “And like I said, I ain’t sellin’ out my gang. So you might as well just stick it in, because that’s all you’re gettin’.”

The officer took a deep breath, “I already know why you robbed that bank. You and your gang? You’re all orphans raised by the Golden Oaks Child Center, right?”

Rarity sat up a bit, blinking, “How do you know that?”

“I did my research, that’s how,” he continued, “And I know what’s going to happen to that center. What, were you planning to steal the money to keep it from getting shut down? You know that wouldn’t have worked, right? Even if you somehow succeeded, you’d only keep it afloat for maybe a month at best.”

Rarity’s heart plummeted at that. She did the math. She knew it was a lost cause. But still, they had to try and do something, right?

“I get it, you know? It ain’t right,” the officer continued, “Knowin' that center, you and your crew were benefitin' from them. Also, any kids that end up in need of care now, will be left alone in the system now. You felt backed into a corner, and took immediate action.”

“We were backed into a corner!” Rarity shouted, “Tirek stole from the Center first! All we wanted was to-” she caught herself and laughed, “Oooooh, that was clever~ You almost had me going there.”

“Miss, I don’t have any ulterior motives here,” the officer said, “I’m actually here for you.”

“For me?” Rarity sat back down, “Why? You don’t know anything about me, save for where I come from. You don’t get anything for helping me.”

“You’re right, I don’t know much about you. But I do know your real name is Rarity Stark,” he reached into his pocket, “See, I’m actually here on behalf of someone.”

“Who?”

“My grandmother.”

He pulled out his wallet, and showed three pictures. Rarity recognized these people. The little girl who was having the panic attack. The old lady who had her inhaler and called her a “sweet girl”. The blonde girl who’s name still echoed in Rarity’s mind and made her heart soar.

“Who, are…”

“The older lady in this picture is my grandmother, Honey Crisp. We call her Granny Smith. The two girls are my sisters. The red head is Apple Bloom, and the blonde is-”

“Applejack…” she said before he could, her eyes glued to her picture. This man. He was related to them? To, her?

“You remember. Good,” the officer closed his eyes, “My name is Macintosh Scarlet, and I’m here to make you an offer.”

“An, offer?” Rarity asked slowly.

“You got a good heart, you just got dealt a bad hand. Now, with what your gang did, Tirek’s gonna want you're gang to burn,” Macintosh leaned in, “He’ll push for tryin' you kids as adults, and you’re records will be tarnished for life. Even when you get out, you ain’t gonna have hope for a future.”

Rarity looked down and bit her lip. She knew it. This was the end for her.

“But, he doesn’t know your faces yet, an’ none of this has hit the higher ups,” Macintosh continued, “I can make sure that your gang only gets a few years in juvie. They’ll be out and free within a few years, and might even be able to make somethin’ of themselves if they’re willin’.”

“What’s the catch?” Rarity asked.

“The catch, is you’d have to come with me,” Macintosh said, pulling out some papers and setting them on the table, “Granny Smith’s willin’ to take you in as a foster kid. You’d have to go to high school, but, you’d have a roof over your head, either our place or the dorms. Either way, we’d pay for your tuition.”

Rarity frowned at him. This, seemed way too good to be true. This was, a way out of this life? Somehow, she fell into a chance to be, more than a dog of the streets? No no no, there had to be a downside to this. Things like this didn’t happen to kids like her.

“Only thing is, you’d have to go clean,” he continued, “Leave your gang, and learn how to live a normal, honest life.”

“You’re askin’ a lot of me,” Rarity said with narrowed eyes, barring her teeth, “That gang? They’re my family. We’ve been together since the beginning.”

“And if you want, you can stay with your gang,” he closed his eyes, “In that you’ll all go down together, locked up and at the mercy of a system that’s long since given up on you.”

Rarity growled/whimpered at that. She hated that he was right.

“Alternatively, you can sign these papers, and live with my family,” he pushed the papers closer to her, “I’ll make sure that your gang is taken care of, and you can get a second chance.”

“You’re pullin’ a lotta strings for a filthy stray, you know?” Rarity pointed out, “Won’t I still have a criminal record? Even if I sign this paper?”

“Like I said, none of this has gone public yet,” Macintosh answered. Rarity’s eyes widened as she realized what he was saying. Her involvement in this, it wouldn’t be on record. This, would be a fresh start. A chance, to make all of her dreams come true. A chance to be someone. All she’d have to do though…

Is sign her name on this paper, and turn her back on her gang…

If Rover were given the same offer, he’d turn it down. There was no way he’d turn his back on the Diamond Dogs. Not for a chance at a better life. Honestly, she was sure that all of them would tell him to shove it. This offer was too good to be true, and people didn’t care about them. They were just strays, abandoned by the system.

But, what if he was serious? What if, he meant what he said?

She’d be abandoning her gang…

But she’d have a better life…

Either way, she’d be torn away from them. At least this way… she wouldn’t be alone. She’d have… her.

Applejack…

“You serious about this?” Rarity asked softly, “This ain't a trick?”

“No trick,” Macintosh shook his head, “Sign that paper, and your new life begins.”

“Uncuff me,” Rarity requested, “I wanna read this paper thoroughly before I sign anything.”

Macintosh got up and did as requested, uncuffing Rarity from the table. After flexing her wrists, she picked up the paper and red it over. It was a pretty straight forward contract, stating that she was of her own free will, signing herself over to the custody of the Scarlet Family. Reading it over a few times, she deduced there wasn’t any fine print or hidden clauses.

He was telling the truth. Signing this paper, she’d be free. She’d have a chance to get everything she ever wanted from this. She’d never have to fuck the owner of a store just to eat again. She’d never have to spread her legs for men who wanted to have fun with an under aged girl ever again. She’d go to school. She’d have a real life. Sure, she’d be turning her back on the Dogs, but they’d be alright. At least if she signed this paper, they’d be out in just a few years.

“Alright, fine,” Rarity said after a bit, “Gimme a pen. I’ll sign it.” Macintosh released a breath and handed her a pen from his pocket. She took it, and placed her pen on the paper before looking at him, “Just know, I ain’t gonna be tamed. By you or anyone.”

“So long as you behave yourself, and make an attempt at self improvement, we won’t have any issues.”

“You realize this also means I ain’t suckin’ your cock now, right?”

Macintosh gave her a dry look, “I don’t want you to suck it. Again, I don’t fuck jail bait.”

“Whatever you say,” she rolled her eyes, and signed her name. Her new life with the Scarlet Family, had begun. She just prayed she didn’t come to regret this decision…

Scraper Sky High - Under Night In-Birth

Starlight slowly opened her eyes, thankfully still in the office, her head resting on Trixie’s lap. The emotions of sadness still lingered, even as she came to.

“Hey, she’s waking up,” Trixie said, everyone running over to Starlight as she sat up.

“Are you okay, Starlight?” Pinkie Pie asked, “You look like you’re about to cry.”

“I, know why she left the Diamond Dogs,” Starlight said softly, “And why she’s living with the Scarlets now.”

“Don’t keep us in the dark,” Rainbow Dash said, “What happened?”

“It was, because she protect Granny Smith, Applejack, and Apple Bloom in the bank,” Starlight said, “Granny Smith, I think asked Macintosh to help her as thanks, so she signed a deal with him. They become her foster family and goes clean, and the rest of her gang don’t get the full sentence that Tirek would have pushed for.”

“Knowing that ass wipe, he’d push for prison instead of juvie,” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, “After all, they did go after his bank, and in his mind, they were probably just filthy dogs from the street anyway.”

“The messed up part is, he’d have grounds to do just that,” Twilight chimed in.

“But, they were only fifteen at the time,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yeah, but they still broke into a bank with machine guns, and still held everyone inside hostage,” Twilight pointed out, “Looking at this new information, according to the law, Rarity and her gang are felons. Regardless of motivation, they committed a serious crime.”

“Hey Twi-Twi, if word got out about this plea deal that Rarity took, would that affect the Scarlets too?” Trixie asked.

“If they’re actively covering up the truth about the incident, absolutely,” Twilight answered, “Bottom line, regardless of how we or anyone feels about it, the law states that they were supposed to get a much harsher punishment than they did. At this point, even a small misstep could land her in serious trouble.”

“How so?” Pinkie Pie asked, all of them beginning to make their way toward the vent they used as entry.

“Well, let’s say Rarity did something disruptive in the school, and the higher ups besides Cinch don’t know about Rarity's past. If they investigate Rarity too much, they’ll find out about that plea deal. They could then investigate that, put two and two together, and realize that she’s been walking around free for three whole years when she should have gone to prison.”

“But Cinch is an accomplice in this,” Starlight pointed out, “Won’t she go down too?”

“Unless she can spin it in a way where she doesn’t get in too much trouble. Either way she would be under fire for that if it were the case but, who's word would they listen to more? The Principal of the school that she disrupted, or the family that knowingly harbored a felon in their home?”

“You think that’s what Cinch is using to control Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Think she did something that got her in a whole mess of trouble, and Cinch is essentially punishing her for it.”

“That, would make sense, actually,” Starlight said, “Applejack’s apparition did mention that Rarity did something to blow her cover as a human.”

“Right! In this world, Rarity’s a dire wolf who’s trying to be human!” Trixie remembered.

Starlight nodded, “And Applejack mentioned that something happened, and the Warden decided to take more control of the prison.”

“Girls! That’s the final entry!” Pinkie Pie realized, “If we can find out what Rarity did, we can figure out how Cinch took control of the Dungeon!”

“But would that be the final entry though?” Twilight asked, “Sure, we know that’s probably how Cinch took control, but what about Rover? Remember, we have two Dungeon Masters to worry about here.”

Pinkie Pie sighed, “True…”

“Finding out what Rover wants could be relatively easy,” Starlight said, “We just need to ask him.”

“Whoa whoa!” Rainbow Dash cried, “You sure that’s a good idea, Leader?”

“Yeah, I’m with Dash on this one,” Trixie asked, “That’s not an apparition! That’s his actual Shadow!”

“He wants to help Rarity,” Starlight said, “He thinks that whatever he’s doing is helping Rarity. Ultimately when it comes to that Shadow, we all want the same thing.”

Trixie pursed her lips, “What if you’re wrong, though? What if that was just an excuse to defend himself?”

“The Shadow voice what’s really in the heart of the person,” Starlight said, “Remember, Blueblood’s Shadow told us exactly how he really felt about you, and Fleur’s did the same for Pinkie Pie. If we can talk to him, we might be able to convince him to stand down. Then we only have one Shadow to worry about in terms of saving Rarity.”

Trixie took a breath, “It’s risky. Very risky, but… alright. I’ll follow your lead.”

“Same,” Rainbow Dash said, Pinkie Pie nodding beside her, “You’ve had the most run ins with him in the real world, so you’d be the best judge of who he really is.”

“Not like we have a better idea at the moment,” Twilight said, “Alright, let’s track down the Diamond Dog’s HQ.”

Taking the vent the opposite direction, they left the Police Station to continue their search through the Dungeon. Starlight tried to remember where the way to the Diamond Dog HQ was. Sadly, the only clue she had was that it was in an alleyway.

Searching for said alleyway though, they did spot a certain part of the city though that was blocked off. This place had a much different vibe to it than the rest of it, and most of the shops here looked fleshed out.

“What the hell is this place?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The shops here are all fleshed out,” Twilight’s wisp looked around, “It’s like she practically lives here.”

Trixie looked at one shop, and her eyes widened. She then pulled her hat over her eyes, “I, know where we are.” she pointed to the shop’s sign.

Sinful Allure. If Starlight was looking at it properly, it was a kink based clothing store.

“This, is the Red Light District,” Starlight said softly.

“Ooooooh, we’re not supposed to be here…” Pinkie Pie muttered fearfully, “None of these shops are for kids…”

“Considering the nature of the Dungeon, I think it’s okay this time,” Twilight said, “But, this IS pretty telling in terms of what’s fleshed out here and what isn’t.”

It wasn’t the Diamond Dog HQ, but they might learn something about Rarity’s psyche here. Carefully exploring to avoid any Shadows walking around, they spotted a couple of shops of various purposes. An 18+ BDSM club, a strip club, and one shop in particular that really caught Starlight’s attention.

Suspicion - Persona 5

“Pleasures 4 All?” Trixie asked, “Wonder what this place is.”

“Whatever it is, it’s pretty fleshed out,” Twilight said, “I can see it pretty clearly from here.”

“Well, let’s go inside,” Rainbow Dash suggested, “I mean, it ain’t the Diamond Dog HQ, but we’ll probably find something in here, right?”

Starlight nodded in agreement to this. It was awkward, but they could find something here for sure.

The shop interior was odd. There was a counter near the door with a placeholder apparition behind it, and a long hallway like a theater with multiple posters on display, booths that showed female Shadows and some apparitions doing various sex acts behind glass windows, and it looked like there were a few theaters for larger performances as well.

“What, kind of shop is this…?” Trixie asked slowly.

“It, looks like a movie theater, kinda,” Twilight said, “But, I don’t think movies are featured here…”

“I, think I’ve heard of these shops. Pretty rare though,” Rainbow Dash looked around, “They’re like, voyeur shops. You can watch people have sex in various settings for a price, and I think even participate in them yourself.”

“How do you know this…?” Twilight asked, her wisp turning to Rainbow Dash.

“Saw it in a movie once,” Rainbow Dash shrugged, "No shame in admitting that I watch porn and shit."

Pinkie Pie walked around a bit, and stopped on a poster. She looked up and gasped, “R-Rarity?!”

Everyone flocked around Pinkie Pie and looked up at the poster. On the poster was indeed Rarity. She was wearing the gothic make up, her bangs were white, but beyond a spiked collar around her neck and black boots, she was completely naked. Her wrists were chained to the ceiling, her ankles were chained to the floor keeping her legs spread apart. Surrounded by burning candles, whips, riding crops, and various dildos of different size and shape, she looked to be writhing in pain or pleasure, a look of ecstasy on her face.

The caption at the top red “Torture Whore”. Beneath her were added pictures too, such as one of Rarity having red candle wax splattered on her, censoring parts of her, one with whip marks on her ass and back, and one with a close up of her collar being pulled by a leash as someone took her anally with a spiked dildo!

“Oh, my, God,” Twilight said shakily.

“The detail on this poster…” Trixie said softly, “Girls, is this real…?”

“It, might be somewhat altered by her subconscious, but it stands to reason that yes, this is definitely something that exists in the real world.”

“Twilight, I’d like you to do a search,” Celestia requested, standing beside Twilight at the terminal, “See if there’s a shop with the same name in South Street. If it exists, try to hack into their employee records.”

“Understood,” Twilight said, “Everyone, I’m disconnecting from the Remote Viewing system for a bit. Miss Tia needs me to do a search for something.”

“What about us?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Want us to get some more info?”

“Absolutely,” Celestia said, speaking into Twilight’s microphone, “Though it’s a bit disturbing to look at I imagine, this could give us better insight into what sort of things she’s had to do in order to survive.”

“Alright,” Starlight nodded, “We’ll keep looking.”

Scraper Sky High - Under Night In-Birth

With this, Starlight and co. spread out inside the shop to explore. Starlight noticed that something about how Rarity looked in the poster just didn’t look right. She couldn’t really put it to words though, so she figured she might as well look around some more.

Rainbow Dash was in front of two posters to the left of the one they just checked out. Though she felt it was kind of awkward looking at the graphic nature of the posters, Starlight walked over to Rainbow Dash to get her input on them.

“I think these were the first shows she did here,” Rainbow Dash said, “They look like they were pretty close to one another, and the posters look older than the others.”

Starlight looked up at them. The first poster featured the caption “Slave to your wish!” The main pic showed Rarity strapped to what appeared to be a bench or seat of some kind, held firmly by her wrists and ankles with her legs spread out. There was a rotary machine beneath her with dildos of various sizes. The pictures underneath showed her being used by dildos of various sizes, and one of her tits being “milked” brutally by a machine. Though it looked painful, Rarity’s head was thrown back in pure ecstasy.

The second poster had the caption “By the end, your mouth won’t be the only thing gaping!” On the poster was Rarity laying on her back, someone’s fists in her pussy along with what appeared to be a massive horse cock in her ass. The pictures underneath it were very telling too. Multiples of her being fisted in either her pussy or ass, her being taken by a truly massive cock, and even one of her deep throating someone with a huge dick. Though Rarity seemed to be having a rough time in the picture, her expression seemed to denote pleasure.

“For her first shows, they look brutal,” Starlight muttered.

“I know, right? Especially that second one with the fisting. Like, that does not look fun.”

Starlight walked over to the poster of her being fisted, and placed her hand on it.

AH! Oooooh! Oh it hurts…! It hurts so much…!

More…! Keep going…!

I…! I’m so…! So close…!

Starlight gasped and pulled her hand back.

“You okay, Leader?” Rainbow Dash asked Starlight, who explained the intense yet odd emotions she got from it, “Weird. It was painful but, she wanted it to keep going? Maybe she’s just a masochist.”

Starlight shook her head, “It was different than that. There wasn’t any enjoyment in it at all. Only desperation and, relief,” she took a deep breath and bit her lip. Her heart was racing somewhat. That, was the first time she felt anything like that afterward.

“I’ll check on the others,” Starlight said to Rainbow Dash, eager to be on the move. She didn’t think she needed to worry about that, but she felt like she needed to be extra careful.

She walked over to Trixie next, who was speaking to one of the apparitions there. Said apparition had a basic design, and her eyes were covered with her hair, suggesting she was just there to look like an actual person, and run the shop.

“Thanks for the information,” Trixie said, the apparition bowing before walking off, “Well that’s telling.”

“What’d you find out?” Starlight asked.

“Seems Rarity’s a pretty well known and beloved attraction here,” Trixie said turning to Starlight, “Though here, they don’t know her as Rarity.”

“Let me guess. Dirty Diamond?” Starlight asked.

“Got it in one,” Trixie turned to the posters closest to them, “And looking at some of these, I can see exactly what earned her that handle.”

Starlight looked up, and was floored by just how graphic these were. The first one to their left had the caption “How Many Can She Hold?!” She was on her hands and knees, wrists shackled together, and about 7 or 8 men behind her, cocks out and fully erect. The pictures beneath it showed Rarity getting taken in various positions, most if not all of them showing her being taken by multiples in the same hole.

The next one, captioned “Trussed and Stuffed”, seemed to be bondage themed. In this one, she was tied up and suspended from the ceiling, legs spread and her cunt dripping. Her whole body was bound in red ropes, and they looked really tight. The pictures beneath showed her being bound vertically while suspended, one with her wrists and one ankle tied to the ceiling while her the one handling her took her pussy, one her sucking someone off while bound to the floor, and one where she was hanging in a horizontal position being spit roasted.

The final one however, made Starlight really surprised. The title was “Bitch in Heat”. In it, Rarity was on all fours wearing a purple dog collar, surrounded by five large dogs, and if Starlight was seeing it correctly, a horse too! The pictures at the bottom showed her pleasing the dogs in various ways, from sucking them off, taking them inside of her, giving them hand jobs, etc. The one with the horse even showed her absolutely coated in semen from the horse’s cock.

In all of these, Rarity looked desperate, like she was enjoying herself, but again, something about these pictures just, didn’t feel right to Starlight. Like she wasn’t seeing the whole picture, or like something in these was off.

“Do these look, off to you?” Starlight asked Trixie.

“In what way?”

“I don’t know. It’s just, looking at these, beyond just how graphic they are, something about them just feels, strange. Like they’re distorted in some way.”

Trixie looked at the posters again and frowned, “Hey yeah, I think I see what you mean. I don’t know how to word it, but something about these DOES look odd.”

Once again, Starlight walked over to one of the posters and placed her hand on it.

Hah… Mmmmm…!

Help me…! Please help me…!

I… I can’t control myself…!

Starlight pulled back suddenly, her heart racing. She held a hand to her head, panting heavily with her tongue hanging out a bit.

“Hey, you okay Starlight?” Trixie asked slowly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I, I don’t know,” Starlight admitted to Trixie, “But, I felt the emotions from these posters, and she feels, afraid. She’s aroused, trying to get off, but there’s this fear and sadness mixed in. Like, she’s losing herself.”

Trixie frowned at the posters, “Think she was doing this against her will?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t,” Starlight shook her head, “But I got this sense she couldn’t stop. Like, she wanted to, but couldn’t.”

“Maybe then, it’s her nymphomania,” Trixie suggested, “Think that’s what this place represents?”

“On some level,” Starlight nodded, “But then again, this whole place seems focused on that in a way, so I don’t know.”

“I’ll ask around a bit more,” Trixie offered, “Just, try not to push yourself, Starlight. Your empathy is useful, but it could also be dangerous.”

This was true. She was sharing in people’s emotions after all. Rarity’s emotions were more intense, so maybe some of that was rubbing off on her?

Starlight promised Trixie she’d be careful before going to check on Pinkie Pie. She was looking at something on one of the last posters, leaning in a way that right now, was doing very odd things to Starlight’s mind. The poster itself had the caption “Lucky Viewers for your Pleasure”, and featured multiple images of Rarity in various positions with a look of pure longing. In the pictures beneath, Starlight saw Rarity in various humiliating positions, being used in various ways and clearly enjoying herself in the pictures.

Starlight wondered if her emotions would agree with her expression though.

“Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?” Starlight asked, a bit embarrassed by how she was positioned. Her skirt was so short as a Witch.

“Looking at the date on this poster,” Pinkie Pie answered rising up, “They’re saying that the date’s accurate, but that doesn’t make sense. This was taken four years ago.”

Starlight frowned and looked at the date, her eyes widening. The date was September 5^th, 2015!

She then looked back up at the poster, realization hitting her. That’s why the posters looked off to her. This was clearly Rarity, around the age they knew her, either 18 or 19. But she was wearing the Dirty Diamond makeup and hair.

“The age…” Starlight said softly, “It’s, wrong.”

“That’s what I’m thinking too,” Pinkie Pie said, “If this was taken in 2015, she’d be around 14 or so.”

“But this Rarity looks more like an adult,” Starlight said, “Or at least 18,” she walked over to the poster and placed her hand on it like the others.

Don’t… stop…!

Please keep going! Please…!

Please…

Starlight pulled away again, holding her head as she held back the urge to sob, while at the same time touch herself lewdly.

“Starlight!” Pinkie Pie cried, “Dashie, Trixie, Starlight’s in trouble!”

“What’s wrong?” Trixie asked immediately, she and Dash running over to them.

“Rarity’s, nymphomania, it’s… AH!” Starlight cried, falling to one knee.

Trixie knelt beside her and turned to everyone, “Let’s get her out of here,” Trixie stated. With their help, she managed to get out of the shop and into another alleyway. There, they found some steps to sit on to rest. Starlight used this time to ground herself with some breathing techniques.

Suspicion - Persona 5

“Feeling better?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“A bit,” Starlight said, “But I’m probably going to wear something a bit skimpier to school. Warning everyone in advanced.”

“What happened in there, anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You’ve examined other emotions before, and they never did anything like that.”

“True, but that’s in the Real World. There I have a buffer,” Starlight said, “Here, it’s hitting me directly.”

Trixie sighed rubbing Starlight’s back, “Geez. Why were you searching the poster’s like that in the first place?”

“I was trying to understand Rarity’s internal struggle,” Starlight said, “If we’re going to free her from this Dungeon, we need all the information we can get, and we’re running out of time.”

Trixie huffed, “Okay fair. So, did you learn anything?”

Starlight nodded, “Rarity’s nymphomania isn’t some minor issue. At her worst, she can’t control herself. It felt like, she was torn between feeling immense arousal and pleasure, and being in pain.”

“She was probably using that job as a place to process and deal with her issues,” Twilight said, her wisp appearing again.

“Hey Mission Control,” Rainbow Dash waved to the wisp, “Sure took your time.”

“After looking into the thing for Miss Tia, I checked for a few more keywords in the Akashic Records,” Twilight said, “Luckily Diamond Tiara was walking around in the library. She says hi by the way, Starlight.”

Starlight chuckled at that. It felt nice having Diamond in the know about things.

“So first off, the employee records. Nothing in their current year’s list, however, in 2015, one name did pop up that you’ll recognize.”

“Rarity Stark?” Trixie asked, the wisp nodding.

“Even better, her stage name was Dirty Diamond.”

“Bet that’s where that nickname came from,” Rainbow Dash said, “That or its related in some way.”

“I’m thinking it’s the latter,” Twilight said, “I looked through some of her akashic records, now that I’m beginning to make headway there, and I got the impression that the stage name was a carry over from the Diamond Dogs.”

“How do you figure that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“One of the entries said something to the effect of ‘well, everyone in my life knows that name anyway’, and other lines referring to this ‘being nothing new for her’.”

Trixie narrowed her eyes looking away, “I bet Rover made her take that job.”

“Actually, that’s where things get interesting,” Twilight said, “Because apparently, Rover was worried about her taking that job.”

Hang on, what?! Rover, didn’t want her to do that?

“He was worried?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“One of the entries mentioned that he’d always wait up for her when she got off work, and would walk her back to their place. Afterward, he’d get her cleaned up if she needed, and just cuddle with her while she rested.”

“You gotta be kidding…” Trixie blinked in disbelief.

“So, Rover isn’t trying to hurt Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Far as I can tell, no,” Twilight said, “There’s clearly some odd energy between them now. Like, the love is still there, but there’s also a lot of frustration and a sense that Rarity betrayed him. But beyond that, it wouldn’t make sense for Rover have any desire to hurt Rarity.”

“You did research?” Starlight asked, noticing how sure Twilight was all of a sudden.

The wisp nodded vigorously, “I got curious and looked up info on Rover in Rarity’s akashic records, and he takes up a large portion of them. About as much as Applejack if not more. Apparently, they became friends in the Center, and once Rarity’s nymphomania became an issue, she gave her virginity to him. Saying she wanted her first time to be with someone she loved and trusted.”

“So if that’s the case, then why is his Shadow hurting her now?” Trixie asked.

“Simple,” Rainbow Dash said, “He isn’t. Or at least, he’s not trying to be malicious.”

Trixie sighed, “You too, huh?”

“Look, I get it. The guy’s sketchy as fuck. But I remember the other night. He was genuinely concerned when I struck her, and he claimed that what he was doing was for her benefit. Maybe this is what he means. Didn’t his Shadow mention that she’s in heat constantly?”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “He did! I remember him referencing that, and even saying that if my cousin’s family found out, they’d throw her away!”

Rainbow Dash nodded, “He isn’t actually trying to hurt Rarity at all. I bet if he were to find out about all of this, he’d feel like shit.”

“I just, I dunno,” Trixie muttered, “Rover just sets me off.”

“Trixie, are you comparing Rover to Blueblood?” Twilight asked, “Because no offense, but you seem really against him.”

Trixie wanted to say something, but then turned away, “I, I don’t know, okay? Maybe? I’m just, worried he’s trying to take advantage of her nymphomania.”

“Then we need to keep searching for the Diamond Dog HQ to question him directly,” Twilight suggested, “Wish I knew where it was, but this Dungeon’s so confusing I can’t get a good map of the place…”

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie said shakily, pointing ahead, “I think I found it.”

They looked ahead and saw what looked like a fortress in the alleyway. There were two strong looking Shadows standing guard, and an iron gate barring entry. The giveaway of where this place was, was the Diamond Dog insignia of three blue diamonds on the front gate in blue neon lights. It didn’t look too big, but it did look impenetrable.

Approaching it a bit, they could see that it was most definitely impenetrable.

“Okay, that’s scary as fuck,” Rainbow Dash said tensely.

“How the hell are we getting inside there?” Trixie asked shakily.

“I, don’t think we are,” Twilight said, “I’m scanning for a way inside, and I don’t see any secret passages close by, no windows being unguarded.”

“It makes sense that Rarity would think that place is untouchable,” Starlight said.

“I hate to say it, but you’re right,” Twilight said softly, “Rarity believes that is the one place no one can get to her.”

“But look at it!” Pinkie Pie cried, “That place is too fleshed out! There has to be a way inside! What if the final entry is in there?!”

“I can almost guarantee that it is, looking at everything else thus far,” Twilight groaned, “I can search for an alternative way inside, but keep in mind we don’t have a lot of time, and I still need about a day to compile the final entry into something cohesive.”

“How long would it take to find another way inside?” Starlight asked Twilight.

“I don’t know, depending on how tight security is, a couple of days.”

“We don’t have a couple of days,” Rainbow Dash pointed out, “We need to get into that fortress at least by tomorrow.”

“What if, we changed Rarity’s perspective of the place?” Pinkie Pie asked, “She thinks no one can get inside, right?”

“That’s right,” Starlight confirmed.

“So we just need to prove her wrong, by getting inside in the Real World,” Pinkie Pie suggested.

“That’s, super risky,” Trixie said tensely, “They’re a gang, remember.”

“And they did already commit armed robbery at least once,” Twilight pointed out, “With machine guns, I might add.”

“But, I can’t think of any other way to do this in a day,” Pinkie Pie said, “If we’re going to rescue Rarity, we need to get inside that fortress.”

“Miss Tia, what do you think?” Twilight said. Shuffling was heard briefly as the microphone adjusted.

“Under normal circumstances, I’d be firmly against this,” Celestia said, “But Pinkie Pie is right that this is the fastest approach, and we ARE running out of time. One of you have to either get into the Diamond Dog HQ, or at least get an invitation.”

“And Rarity would have to know about it,” Starlight looked down, her heart racing. She knew exactly what she had to do then.

“So, who’s going in?” Trixie asked.

“I am,” Starlight said. Trixie turned to her wide eyed.

“Um, no the fuck you’re not!” Trixie cried, “Those guys almost assaulted you last time you went into that alleyway!”

“But Rover knows me best,” Starlight argued, “And if Rarity doesn’t see me enter it, he’d at least tell Rarity that I was there. Trixie, I’m terrified too, but if we’re going to rescue Rarity from her Dungeon, this is the easiest way to do it.”

Trixie closed her eyes tightly, “I hate this, you know. I really hate this.”

“I know,” Starlight sighed looking down, “I hate it too. But, I want to trust that Rover’s a good person, and that he wouldn’t actually let any harm come to me.”

“One of us has to go with you, then,” Rainbow Dash said firmly, “There’s no other way this is happening.”

“I’m sorry Starlight, but I have to agree with Rainbow Dash on this,” Celestia said, “If you’re intent on doing this, I insist you bring someone along with you.”

“Then, I’ll go,” Trixie said, “I’m her girlfriend, so I have more of an excuse.”

Starlight sighed and hugged Trixie tightly, “Thank you, Trixie.”

“You’re, welcome,” Trixie said, “I just pray that you’re right about Rover.”

Starlight prayed she was right too. If she was wrong, then she was walking into the lion’s den here. But, the only alternative at this point was to leave Rarity to die, and she wasn’t going to do that.

By tomorrow, she had to be inside the Diamond Dog HQ.

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
Transformation - Ms. Luna: 1/10

Click here to check out the Go Fund I'm starting for my parents, and consider either donating or sharing this on your social media accounts.