November 8^th, 2019
Thursday
Cloudy

Morning

The air in the dorm was tense and heavy. All of them woke up early, and waited in the dining room, anxious to see if Twilight could compile the final entry before they went to school. Assuming they even had the final entry. Already showered and collectively eating breakfast, all they could do was wait.

The only one who wasn’t eating was Celestia. But she sat at the dining room table with all of them, hands resting under her nose, her eyes closed contemplatively. Starlight noticed that her leg was shaking underneath the table.

“I need another helping,” Pinkie Pie said, getting another plate of eggs, bacon, and toast.

“That’s like, your third helping,” Trixie pointed out, “And they’ve all been pretty big.”

“I’m really stressed here, so cut me a break,” Pinkie Pie requested.

Rainbow Dash pulled out her phone, “School starts in 20 minutes. Either way, we’re gonna be late.”

“I’ll cover for you,” Celestia said softly, “Don’t worry if you’re a little late to class.”

“But what about you?” Starlight asked, “You’re staff, and our homeroom teacher.”

“True, and Cinch won’t care for this, but right now I’m past the point of caring what that woman wants,” Celestia said, her voice low and filled with dark loathing, “Besides, this to me is more important.”

“Twi-Twi, hurry…” Trixie begged softly. Almost on cue, they heard someone rush downstairs, followed by Twilight throwing the door open, panting heavily in exhaustion, but holding up a folder with papers in it.

“Final, entry!” Twilight said, smiling in relief. All at once, the tension lifted in the room.

Riku's Theme - Kingdom Hearts 2

“You did it!” Pinkie Pie shot up and hugged Twilight, “You really did it!”

“Good job, Twilight!” Celestia beamed.

“You came, just in time!” Trixie rubbed Twilight’s back.

“Yeah, nice save, Mission Control,” Rainbow Dash said, pulling up a chair for Twilight, “Here, sorry if there isn’t much left to eat. Pinkie Pie’s a stress eater.”

“It’s fine,” Twilight said, sitting down at the chair beside Starlight, “I’m probably going to just eat something small after this and head right to bed. Part of why this took so long was because I needed to look up other entries in her Akashic Records to make sense of things. That said, I can safely tell this is the final entry, and this one, it’s a doozy.”

“What did you learn?” Starlight asked.

“First off, it seems like Rover appeared in the Dungeon first,” Twilight began, now making herself a small plate, “His involvement started shortly after he and the Diamond Dogs got out of juvie, which was apparently a few months ago, while we were still looking for Pinkie Pie’s Dungeon. They just, bumped into each other while she was walking through town, and he recognized her.”

“That’s it?” Rainbow Dash asked, “He didn’t track her down or anything, and corner her in an alley?”

“Not as far as I could tell, no,” Twilight shook her head, “It was just a chance meeting. He did ask about her appearance though, and mentioned that he knew she left the gang.”

“Which I can imagine, he wasn’t happy about,” Trixie said.

“Not in the slightest,” Twilight confirmed, “I looked up the Diamond Dog code, and they follow a ranking system similar to how people used to think wolf packs worked. So the average members are classified as Betas, new members are Omegas, and the leaders are the Alphas. Rarity was an Alpha right beside Rover.”

“She kinda does carry herself like an Alpha, or what I’d assume is an Alpha,” Starlight mused, “She almost seems resistant to showing weakness.”

“That’s because due to how rough her life was, she very well couldn’t,” Twilight said, “I’m not going to mince words here, okay? Based on what I learned about her, she had a terrible life from day one.”

“Being orphaned probably didn’t help matters,” Celestia said softly.

“That’s where it started,” Twilight said sadly, “According to these files, Rarity doesn’t know what happened to her real family. There was an accident when she was two years old, and she remembers hearing someone scream her name, but that’s it. The Diamond Dogs were her only real family before the Scarlets, and even then, due to none of them getting adopted, they had to more or less live on the support of the Golden Oaks Center, and they could only do so much. They formed their gang because it was the only way they could survive in the world.”

Starlight frowned looking away a bit, remembering Sweetie Belle. The way she got around Rarity suggested...

“No wonder Rarity’s so standoffish naturally,” Pinkie Pie looked down, “She really is just like you, Dashie.”

“No, she’s worse,” Rainbow Dash looked down, “I had you and Miss Tia once she joined the school staff, and now I got everyone else too. Rarity though? Besides the Diamond Dogs…”

“She was alone,” Starlight finished, “And they were all in the same boat together, which means their resentment of the world around them was shared.”

“Rover, and by extension all of them, probably came to believe that outside of the Golden Oaks Center employees, no one else could really be trusted outside of the pack,” Twilight continued, “So when Rarity showed up living a life with people outside of the pack…”

“He, felt like she betrayed them,” Trixie said, “And the fucked up part is, she kinda did.”

“Kinda nothing,” Rainbow Dash said, “Remember that plea deal she took with the Scarlets? She knowingly abandoned her pack with she did that. Yeah, it was either that or jail, and they all benefited from it, but what she did was selfish.”

“That’s what she meant…” Starlight realized, catching everyone’s attention, “At the Halloween Party, she said she did something selfish to fix her life, and she now feels like she’s being punished for it.”

Twilight nodded, “That lines up, yeah. Thing is, Rover was mad, but more than anything, he was concerned that Rarity was setting herself up for failure. That if she messed up even once, everything she worked hard to get would be lost,” she held up the folder, “And the messed up part was, he was one hundred percent right.”

“What happened…?” Celestia asked carefully.

“Okay, so, I’m going to read the entry first, and then we’ll talk. I’m warning you now though, this is going to sound weird. Rarity’s mind is, well, just listen,” Twilight began reading it, but like always, Starlight heard all of it in Rarity’s voice in her head.

I worked hard to get where I am today. No, it wasn’t easy, and I had to make some, compromises, here and there, give up a few things, but it’s necessary to live in this world.

People will be afraid if I’m abrasive, so I have to be mellow. People won’t respect me if I bark at them, so I have to be elegant. This is who they want. This is who they like.

Mmm, I’m so fucking horny. When was the last time I had a real dick in me?

I knew I did something right when I became the Student Council President. I won by a landslide. At first I thought it was because everyone hated my opponent that much. Suri’s a cunt by the way. But no, after the election, everyone was super nice and supportive of me. Even my teachers were congratulating me.

Only one on the staff who didn’t was Cinch. But fuck her. No, not like that. Ugh! Now I can’t focus on anything but sex. Come on, bring it back.

I did it. I became a success story. I turned my life around. Granny Smith was so proud of me. Applejack couldn’t stop smiling. Hell, Macintosh hugged me and said I did good. I, was a good girl. Oh, if I had a tail like I did in my dreams, it’d be wagging so much!

I was truly happy with who I became. But one meeting changed all of that.

Rover said I was setting myself up for failure. That deep down, I was still Dirty Diamond. I denied it then, but even as I said it, I could feel the hunger rising.

Not helped by how much stuff is on my plate now. On top of my duties as Student Council President, now I have exams to worry about, and this Nightmare Epidemic bullshit too. Come to think of it, the last few night, I’ve always dreamed that I was…

No, I don’t have it. Still, my head did feel a bit funny when I saw Rover. Hey, come to think of it, he appeared in my dream last night, didn’t he? But, no no no, it’s not that. I’m fine. I’m definitely fine.

Don’t worry. I’m fine.

But, damn it, this is too much. It’s getting worse now. I could always turn to Rover, and maybe ask for him to- NO! That’s not who I am anymore! I can manage on my own!

I say that, but the vibrator isn’t helping anymore. I can’t risk doing anything at the Scarlets’ either. That time with the horse was too close. I’d have been sunk if Apple Bloom hadn’t covered for me.

So, what do I do? Mmmm… it’s getting harder and harder to stay in control of myself. I need something or else I’ll explode. Okay, okay, don’t panic. I know what to do. I’m the Student Council President, right?

So if I ask a few students to keep a secret or two…

Let’s see, maybe three? Mmm, not enough. Five? Ten? Ugh, with as bad as it is, I might just need the whole football team? No, fuck that. Blueblood doesn’t get any of this. Maybe Spike? Mmmm, that’d be so awkward though, and I don’t want him to know what sort of bitch I really am.

Alright, I have my list. About 18 boys from various clubs. It’s, a lot, but for one night. Just one night, I need to be Dirty Diamond again.

I better be careful that no one sees my tattoo.

It turned into a full on gangbang in the boys locker room. If anyone saw it, I’d be in so much trouble, but I was careful. At least, I thought I was.

But, that cunt of a principal brought me into her office, and revealed she knew about everything. Apparently, the bitch with no life noticed a bunch of students gathering at the Locker Room and decided to stick her nose in to investigate. I can’t remember the last time anyone was that furious with me. Hell, not even Rover was that mad when he found out I abandoned the Pack. She had thought I had gotten myself under control. She even accused me of abusing my power as President!

*sighs* And, fine, she was actually right. I did abuse my power a bit. *growls* Okay, a lot. But I fucking couldn’t take it anymore! I needed to be free for just a bit!

This is why I kept you in a cage! Because I knew, the second I let you out, everything would be ruined!

If the Scarlets find out what I did… if Applejack finds out what I did…

Wait, if Cinch reports this… then my past will be investigated, won’t it? Then the Scarlets, and the deal I made with them, that’ll be out in the open! Macintosh could lose his job over this! No, worse! He could be ARRESTED for hiding me! What about Granny Smith?! What about Apple Bloom?! What about…

Applejack!

Please Cinch, don’t report me! I’ll do anything, anything at all, just please don’t tell anyone what happened! I don’t care what happens to me, but if the Scarlets take the fall for my sake, I’ll never forgive myself!

Damn it! The way that cantankerous crone smirked said it all.

The next day, a magazine came out with Pinkie Pie’s picture on the cover. It was so racy, and the students were apparently harassing her. Cinch wanted me to make an announcement about it, but I told her that’d just make it worse. That or paint Pinkie Pie in a bad light. But Cinch narrowed her eyes at me, and tapped her desk, where I knew the pictures were of my “episode”. Applejack was right there too.

I had no choice.

I’m sorry Pinkie Pie…!

I’m, so sorry…!

Now Cinch wants me to get rid of the Diamond Dogs. She’s said that they’ve been spotted close to the school, and are making the students, faculty, and parents worried. The “Higher Ups” are grilling her about it. However, if she deals with them her way, my involvement with them will come to light too, and then the Scarlets…

So now she’s making ME her attack dog to chase them away. Damn it, I didn’t want to see Rover, much less FACE him, like this, with my tail between my legs like a bitch on a leash. But, I did it. I spoke to him, told him everything.

And before I knew it, I was in his bed, and we were fucking. How it happened, I have no idea. But my control slipped again. It always slips when I’m near him.

He doesn’t want to leave town. Not with me here. The only way he’ll leave, is if I rejoin the Diamond Dogs, and go with him. But, not only would I be turning my back on Applejack’s family, but I’d be rejoining as an Omega. It’s our gang’s rules, so no getting around that.

But, it’d be a cage essentially. A metaphorical cage.

Cinch has me backed in a corner in the school, but now Rover’s giving me this ultimatum. If he’s reported, then the truth about me will be revealed, and since I’ve already slept with him since coming back…

I’m fucked. Rover was right. I made one mistake, and now the place I once found solace has turned into a prison before my very eyes, with Principal Cinch as the Warden. And outside of school, Rover’s keeping an eye on me now too, along with the other Dogs.

I’ve lost everything. Everything I worked for. Everything I built up for myself. All of that hard work. And now, it’s gone. I, I shouldn’t have gotten involved with the Scarlet family. I, I shouldn’t have signed that paper. I, I shouldn’t even be alive. All I do is bring pain and misery to everyone around me.

Applejack… I’m sorry I failed…

My story… is over…

end song

When Twilight finished, the room was silent, unsure how to process how that sounded. On the one hand, they now knew exactly what she did to get Cinch on her case, and based on how Celestia winced, it was bad. But on the other hand…

“That, sounded almost insane…” Rainbow Dash said softly.

“It was like, there were two Raritys in there,” Trixie added, “One being the Rarity we know from school, and the other one…”

“It was Dirty Diamond,” Starlight said, “The real Rarity.”

“That, or considering her partially awakened Persona,” Twilight closed the folder, “Her Shadow.”

“Whenever I would approach her, I’d insist on speaking to that side of her,” Starlight looked down, “I always assumed I was doing the right thing, asking her to just be natural. No wonder she always got so angry…”

“Miss Tia, could Rarity get in serious trouble for what she did in the locker room?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I'm afraid so,” Celestia winced, “Sexual acts on school grounds is prohibited. Kissing and other shows of public affection are one thing, but actual sex…”

“That’s, pretty bad, yeah,” Trixie nodded.

“There’s also the issue that she used her position as President to draw in multiple students and swear them to secrecy,” Celestia continued, “That alone puts her in a questionable light. Add on top of that her connections to her old gang, and we’re looking at grounds… for expulsion.”

Everyone save for Twilight sucked in a breath or gasped at that. Starlight didn’t realize it was this bad. There were no two ways about it. Rarity messed up. She messed up big time.

“Also, I need to point out something else here,” Twilight said, “The Scarlets are still harboring a felon. If this gets out, they’re going to be investigated too.”

“But none of this was her fault!” Rainbow Dash defended.

“Rainbow Dash, I’m sorry,” Twilight turned to her, “But it undeniably is. She knew the rules of the school, and she violated them. She lost control, and while yes, nymphomania is a serious issue, she still chose to have that gangbang on school grounds, and she did abuse her power as President to attempt to cover it up.”

“But Tirek is the one who started it!” Rainbow Dash shouted, “That bastard doesn’t do anything except stomp on people weaker than him, just like what he did to my-” she caught herself and turned away.

“Dash…? What’s your connection to Tirek…?” Trixie asked slowly.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, “He’s, my father, alright?”

“You’re father?!” Trixie cried in surprise, “Wait, that means you’re…”

“Technically related to the fucker who raped and abused you? Trust me, it makes me sick, too,” Rainbow Dash ran her hands through her hair, “I agree that Rarity fucked up, but none of this would have happened if the Golden Oaks Center didn’t lose its funding, and he’s responsible for that.”

Twilight closed her eyes and took a breath, “You’re, right. Tirek’s the one who started all of this. That said, we still need to deal with Rarity here and now, because it did happen, and this puts us in an awkward position.”

“It, does?” Pinkie Pie asked, rubbing Rainbow Dash’s back.

“We know what she did,” Twilight pointed out, “No, we can’t prove any of this due to our method of learning, but we still know what happened, and rescuing her from her Dungeon isn’t going to change any of that. If we rescue her, and Cinch still reports it, depending on how involved we get with her, we could get in trouble too.”

“So… what are you saying?” Pinkie Pie asked, “We can’t just, do nothing about this.”

“Well, what do you think?” Twilight asked, turning to Starlight, “You’re the leader, so you get the final say in this?”

Starlight closed her eyes and thought about this carefully. Now they had all of the information they needed, and sadly, none of it looked good. Rarity, had undeniably done something wrong. That, and the fact she used her position as President to selfishly make this happen didn’t look good on her.

But Starlight remembered how hard Rarity cried when she held her, and how remorseful she was in her final entry. That, along with one of the last lines she said…

I shouldn’t be alive…

All I do is bring pain and misery to everyone around me…

Heartful Cry - Persona 3 FES

“What she did was wrong, no doubt about it,” Starlight said firmly, “She’s, done a lot of bad things. She and the Diamond Dogs did rob Tartarus Bank, she did abuse her power as President, and broke the rules in a big way, and she’s probably broken a number of laws in the past. That said,” Starlight opened her eyes, “Cinch is still wrong for taking advantage of Rarity like this!”

“Starlight’s right,” Trixie nodded, “Yeah, what Rarity did was fucked up, but far as that entry is concerned, Rarity messed up one time, and now Cinch is using that as an excuse to take advantage of her.”

“Also, Rover knows he’s putting Rarity in an awkward position, and while he may mean well, he isn’t putting Rarity’s feelings to heart,” Starlight tightened her fists, “No one is taking her feelings into consideration…”

“So we’re helping her, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, Starlight nodding immediately, “Perfect. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

“Same,” Pinkie Pie nodded, “Rarity’s a good person. She’s just done some bad things, but she’s trying to be a good person.”

“The main issue I see, is that she keeps ignoring the problem,” Trixie pointed out, “Instead of actually getting the help she needs, she just puts on a fake personality to hide who she is.”

Starlight nodded, “She told me herself once that she wears that mask mostly so she doesn’t have to look at her true self. She can’t keep running from who she is.”

“I’m alright with helping her,” Twilight said, “But looking at the big picture here, we still need to worry about what Cinch is going to do to Rarity. Tomorrow’s the 9^th, after all.”

“Right now, let’s worry about rescuing Rarity,” Celestia said, “Either way, she’s still in danger from the Shadows, and that much, we can deal with,” she turned to Starlight, “You have full clearance to tell Rarity the truth about her Dungeon.”

“Thanks Miss Tia,” Starlight got up, “Let’s head to school. Keep an eye out for Rarity throughout the day. No matter what, we have to get her to the school roof.”

“I’ll make sure the system is set up,” Twilight yawned, “And afterward, I’m heading to bed. If I’m still asleep when you’re ready to head in, wake me up.”

“Thanks Twilight, for that, and for everything you do,” Starlight smiled, “We couldn’t do any of this without you.”

Twilight pursed her lips and averted her eyes, “No, problem,” she said stiffly, “Good luck, everyone.”

With that, she went back upstairs, presumably to get the system ready and to get some sleep. Now, all they needed to do was confront Rarity about what happened, and tell her the truth about the Nightmare.

Almost done. Just one more push, and she’d be free of the Nightmare.

Lunch Time

Troubled - Persona 3

Thanks to Apple Bloom, Starlight knew where Rarity would be for lunch. She thankfully had shown up for school today, but according to everyone was being more evasive than usual. Starlight didn’t like this one bit.

As she made her way to the roof, she saw Applejack pacing back and forth in the hallway on her phone. She looked nervous.

“Come on… please pick up…” she begged. Starlight walked over to her just as she hung up and closed her eyes tightly, “Damn it, Rarity!”

“What’s wrong?” Starlight asked.

“I can’t reach Rarity,” Applejack said, “She got called to Cinch’s office at Second Period, but that was hours ago, an’ she ain’t pickin’ up her phone,” she bit her lip, “I get she’s still mad at me, but she could at least text me…”

Suddenly, Starlight’s heart leaped out of her chest. They needed to find her now.

“Alright, I’ll search the roof first,” Starlight said urgently, “You check around the classrooms and the back alleyway.”

Applejack didn’t even question it. She just nodded, “Alright. Thanks, Starlight.”

As Applejack took off, Starlight prayed to whatever God was up there that she wasn’t too late, and booked it to the roof. Hopefully she was there and alive, but even if Applejack found her first, they could make sure she was okay.

end song

When she arrived, she was thankful that the door wasn’t locked or anything, but when she opened it, she got the shock of a lifetime. She saw Rarity standing by the fence, and she had a gun…

One pointed, right at her head…!

Starlight gasped sharply, catching Rarity’s attention. Immediately, she turned to Starlight and pointed the gun at her, “Don’t, come any closer!”

Starlight sucked in a breath, but froze. She arrived just in time, but now was at the wrong end of a dangerous situation. She needed to choose her words extremely carefully here.

“I need you, to put the gun down, and take a few deep breaths,” Starlight said softly.

Rarity shook her head, “I’m not doing that. I’m ending this, one way or another.”

“Rarity-”

“I can’t, do this another night! That fucking nightmare won’t kill me, so I’ll just do it myself!” she trembled, tearing up as she brought the gun to the side of her head, “I, I have to do this…!”

“Why do you feel that way?” Starlight asked, her heart pounding.

“Because it’s the only way to save Applejack!” Rarity sobbed, “I messed up! I ruined everything, and because she and her family got involved with me, they’re in danger!”

This would be showing her hand a bit, but there wasn’t another option here. She had to keep Rarity talking. She had to talk her down from this before she even thought about tackling the Dungeon. Everything she'd learned about Rarity would be needed to save her.

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

“It’s because of that gangbang in the boy’s locker room, right?” Starlight asked, surprising Rarity, “When you say you messed up, you’re talking about that?”

“How… do you know about that…?” Rarity asked shakily.

“Right now, that’s not important,” Starlight shook her head, taking a single step toward Rarity, “What is important, is that I know, and I’m here to try and help you as best as I can.”

“This is the part where you tell me it’s not my fault, right?” Rarity asked harshly, “When you feed me empty words of sympathy?”

“No, I’m not going to say that,” Starlight shook her head, “You made a mistake, and yes, it was a big one, but it was one mistake.”

“My whole life is a mistake!” Rarity cried, “I’m nothing but a freak! A dirty whore, and a filthy stray who should have been put to sleep ages ago!”

“That’s, so not true, Rarity,” Starlight said, “You’re not a freak.”

“Yes, I am!” Rarity said, closing her eyes and sobbing quietly, “I have no self control of my urges, I’m barely even a person-”

“A wolf, right?” Starlight asked, “You’re a wolf, or some sort of canine.”

Rarity opened her eyes again looking at her carefully, “Yes… that’s how I identify…”

“I figured as much,” Starlight said, “I noticed how you behave around Applejack sometimes. How she’ll pet you, how you’ll nuzzle her, and a few other mannerisms I noticed, like how you were laying down on the bench on Halloween. Remember? You were kind of curled up on it, and I began petting your side.”

“I, remember that,” Rarity slowly nodded.

“It felt nice, didn't?” Starlight took another step, “Getting affection from someone who understood?”

“You don’t understand me,” Rarity defended, “How could you understand me? You barely even know me.”

“I know, that you take your job as Student Council President seriously,” Starlight said, “I know that instead of calling Applejack to deal with problems, you’ll face them yourself, like how you helped me when Blueblood cornered me at the beginning of the school year,” another step, “I know, that you take the time to read every single love letter that you receive, even though you think they're silly and pathetic. It’s because you care about the feelings of the ones who sent them, right?”

Rarity nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks, “They’re, really desperate sounding a lot of the time, but they put so much effort into them. I, still have Spike’s in my room.”

“That’s, really sweet,” Starlight said, “You’re sweet. Even at your most abrasive, you’re sweet, and undeniably a good person.”

“Now I know you’re talking out of your ass,” Rarity said weakly, “Every time you’ve seen the real me, I was barking at you.”

“Not every time,” Starlight shook her head.

“Name one time I wasn’t.”

“The first time I ever saw Dirty Diamond,” Starlight said, “In the alleyway, when I stumbled into Diamond Dog territory. You protected me, and you did that as your true self,” she took another step closer, “Besides, the Scarlets know the true you, right? They’d have to know who you really are, and yet they still took you in. That’s because you showed them your best self, right? Think back to when you met them.”

“I, I remember,” Rarity said shakily, “It was, when we robbed a bank. I, protected them, and helped Apple Bloom get her inhaler.”

Starlight nodded, “And were you the President then? Were you wearing this mask then? I’m willing to bet, it didn’t even exist.”

“I just, didn’t want the last thing I did before prison, to be hurting others. I, I wanted to do, something good.”

“And that’s why you were given a second chance,” Starlight urged, “Because you showed you were a kind person. You keep saying all you bring is pain and misery to other people, but from where I’m standing, you bring a lot more joy to people. So what if you’re a bit on the slutty side.”

“A bit? Starlight, I’m a lot more than just a bit on the slutty side,” Rarity laughed ruefully, “If you knew just what I did to deserve the title Dirty Diamond…”

“It’s connected to your nymphomania, right?” Starlight asked Rarity, “It’s a serious issue, one you deal with regularly.”

“It, is,” Rarity whimpered, “Anything you can think of sexually, I’ve done and more.”

“That’s why you had that gangbang in boys locker room, right?” Starlight asked, “Because you lost control?”

“Yes!” Rarity cried as Starlight took another step toward her, “It’s so hard keeping myself in control! I tried, and I did good! I didn’t fuck strangers in alleyways! I didn’t suck people off for free stuff! I, did have sex with the owner of the sushi restaurant, but that was to get something nice for Pinkie Pie!”

Starlight smiled, “Even then, you were thinking of someone else.”

“I tred so hard to be good, but I couldn’t take it anymore! Everything was stressing me out, the mask was becoming too heavy for me, and my vibrator wasn’t enough, I needed something!”

“And Cinch took advantage of you, right?”

“SHE HATES ME!” Rarity screamed, “SHE’S HATED ME FROM DAY ONE! SHE DIDN’T EVEN WANT ME TO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL!” she sobbed loudly, “I get it! I know what she’s doing! She’s trying to get rid of me! And I deserve everything she’s doing to me! I just, I don’t want her to suffer because of me!”

“You mean Applejack?” Starlight asked softly, taking another step. She was almost right in front of the despondent wolf girl.

“I love her! I love her so much!” Rarity continued to cry, “I’ve loved her the moment I laid eyes on her! But I’m damaged goods! I can’t be the person she wants me to be!”

“I, don’t know what sort of person Applejack wants you to be,” in fact, she had a feeling Rarity didn’t know either, “But chances are, she wants the same thing I want. Which is for you to be happy, and true to yourself.”

“Why are you doing this…?” Rarity sobbed, “I know you’re trying to stop me from killing myself, but why?”

“Because I get it,” Starlight teared up now, “I’ve been where you are. That feeling of hopelessness, feeling trapped, feeling like you only bring pain and suffering to those around you. I… I never told you why I tried to commit suicide, did I?” Rarity shook her head, “It’s because I… I… I killed my mother!” Starlight broke down.

Rarity’s eyes widened, “What, do you mean by that…?”

“I wanted to be a witch so badly, that I did a ritual to unlock my magic potential,” Starlight continued, still crying, “The ritual, required giving up that which mattered most to you. I wasn’t thinking what it meant. I thought it was just something material. But when I finished the ritual, and was about to offer my tribute, I heard a crash outside of my ritual grounds, and I saw, my Mom’s car…!”

Rarity actually dropped her arm, looking at Starlight with a shocked expression.

“She died instantly. I knew it was my fault. I knew, that she was my tribute,” she looked at her Channeling Ring, “I, did kill myself, actually. I went through with my plan, and I was so close to just, disappearing. I said, that I needed to cure the illness, that was my life.”

Rarity grimaced hearing that, “I, feel the same way. Like, my life is, something that needs to be dealt with.”

“I know,” Starlight continued, still crying but standing right in front of Rarity now, “But I’ll tell you, the same thing that someone told me. The words, that reignited my will to live,” she looked Rarity in the eyes, “Instead of searching for the Light yourself, you can be the Light, for someone else.”

“Be, the Light…?”

“It means if you live, you can use your life, to help people,” Starlight held Rarity, “You can still do good, You can do so much good for this world, but not if you die here. If I had died, then I wouldn’t have been able to help Trixie or Pinkie Pie, and I wouldn’t be here for you right now. If you die here, then somewhere, someone out there loses the chance to meet you, and have their lives benefited from knowing you. I know, that if you die, Applejack will be devastated, and, so will I. I’m your friend, Rarity. I want to be the Light in your Darkest Hour, because I care about you.”

“Then, answer me this,” Rarity said softly, not returning the hug, “Which side, do you want to be friends with? The Student Council President, or Dirty Diamond?”

Starlight didn’t even have to think about it. She already decided on her answer in the Dungeon, after all.

Smile - Persona 4

“I want to be friends, with both.”

Rarity gasped, “B-both…?”

“Because, they’re both a part of you,” Starlight looked Rarity in the eyes, smiling lovingly, “Dirty Diamond, “Miss President”, they’re all masks that you wear. Ultimately, I want to be friends with the person behind the masks, but I acknowledge that both identities, are a part of you. I don’t care who you are, I just want to be there for you.”

“You, mean it,” Rarity said softly, “You, actually mean it.”

Starlight nodded, “I do. I mean every word. Even if it’s hard, I’ll be right there beside you.”

Rarity began breathing heavily, and Starlight carefully got the gun out of her hand and kicked it away from them. Rarity then broke down completely and hugged Starlight tightly, a gesture she happily returned.

“Good girl…” Starlight whispered lovingly, “That’s right, good girl…”

“I… I’m sorry! I’m sorry for everything I said to you in the past! I’m sorry for hurting you and Trixie by sleeping with Blueblood! I’m sorry I scared Pinkie Pie! I’m sorry I-”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Starlight said firmly, rubbing her back as she cried, “You’re a victim. You’ve been a victim from day one, but that ends tonight. You said that you can’t do this anymore, right? Well, you’re not going to have to.”

“What, do you mean?”

“I, still don’t know what to do about Cinch, but I can at least put an end to the Nightmare.”

“You, can save me from this?” Rarity asked, now looking at Starlight skeptically, but hopefully too.

“I can,” Starlight nodded, “After school, I need to tell you something really important, so meet me here at like, 3:30, okay?”

Rarity pursed her lips a bit, but nodded, “A-alright. I’ll be here.”

“This, involves my friends too, but if you want it to be just us, it can be,” Starlight said.

“C-could it, just be you and me?” Rarity asked, “I’m sorry but, I don’t want to be crowded right now. I’m, probably going to spend the rest of the day in the nurse’s office resting.”

“That’s fine,” Starlight nodded, “I’ll call someone to take care of the gun, but that's after I escort you to the nurse’s office,” Rarity nodded, and Starlight hugged her again, whispering into her ear, “The nightmare, is almost over.”

As she escorted Rarity off the roof, she could tell Rarity was looking at her somewhat confused. Somehow, she succeeded in saving Rarity’s life. She hadn’t stopped the Dungeon, that was still a thing, but she at the very least, stopped Rarity from ending her life.

Something she did, without her magic.

As Rarity laid in one of the beds in the nurse’s office, she thought about what just happened between her and Starlight. She knew way more about her situation than Rarity was comfortable with, and while this proved she was in fact investigating her, something didn’t add up.

Some of what she knew, she hadn’t told anyone. Not even Applejack.

There was only one way she could have possibly known those things, but it didn’t make sense. It, wasn’t possible, was it? That all that time, the Starlight she kept seeing in her dreams, fighting to protect her, was actually her?

“Just, who the hell are you, Starlight Glimmer?” Rarity asked softly, “And for that matter, what are you…?”

end song

After School

After making sure everyone was up to speed on things, and telling Suri she’d have to miss Pep Squad again, Starlight went to speak to Applejack, let her know that Rarity was okay.

“An’, you got the firearm?” Applejack asked, as Starlight did tell Applejack about Rarity’s attempted suicide.

“I called Miss Tia,” Starlight said, “She took care of it.”

“Good,” Applejack sighed in relief, “An’ yer sure I can’t be there for this part?”

“I’m sorry, but this needs to just be me and her,” Starlight said, taking Applejack’s hands, “I promise, after tonight, she won’t have to worry about the Nightmare Epidemic at least.”

Applejack looked at Starlight curiously, “Ya know, if it were anyone else, I’d say they were crazy talkin’ like this.”

“I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve already managed to save three people from this,” Starlight said, Applejack nodding.

“Pinkie Pie vouched for ya. Said you rescued her from this,” Applejack closed her eyes, “I trust ya. I mean, with how serious this is, the fact yer still claimin’ to have the power to save Rarity… Jus’, tell me one thing. Why’d she do it? Or I guess what I’m really askin’ is, was it ‘cause of what I said…?”

Starlight shook her head, “It’s a lot of things, but I promise, you’re not one of them. If anything, she just, wants to be someone you can be proud of.”

Applejack groaned looking up, “That’s why she changed so much. See, back when I met her, Rarity was completely different than how y’all know her. She was still, well, like the Diamond Dogs in a sense.”

Starlight nodded, “But then, she changed?”

“It was gradual, but noticeable. She started by bein’ more chill ‘bout things. Then, she took the white highlight outta her hair, an’ started dressin’ less provocatively. Then she started speakin’ differently. She said it was a Transatlantic Dialect or somethin’, meant to make her seem more high class. She practiced it over the summer, an’ come Sophomore Year, she was well, ya know.”

“How’d it make you feel? Seeing her change so much?” Starlight asked.

“Honestly, I was scared this was gonna happen,” Applejack confirmed, “I never wanted Rarity to change who she was. Only if she wanted to change. But, knowin’ she felt like she had to change, Starlight, I…”

“It’s not your fault,” Starlight said firmly, “I think, Cinch is more the reason behind this than anyone.”

“What’s that bitch doin’ to Rarity,” Appplejack asked narrowing her eyes, “Please, Starlight. I need to know.”

Starlight took a breath, and then led Applejack to an abandoned hall, checking the time on her phone. She still had time before she needed to meet Rarity, “I can’t put Rarity’s business out there, but Rarity made a mistake, and Cinch is punishing her for it. Effectively blackmailing her.”

“Blackmailin’?!”

“Shh!” Starlight urged, “Keep it down. I don’t want this spreading around school.” Applejack nodded, “Cinch is holding dirt over Rarity, to make her do what she wants. She’s also making Rarity chase off the other Diamond Dogs, and if she doesn’t do this by tomorrow, she’s going to report them herself.”

“Why didn’t Rarity tell us any of this…?” Applejack asked softly.

“Because apparently, if this gets out, you and your family could be in trouble too,” Starlight said, once again looking at her phone, “How much do you know about why she’s staying with you?”

“I, know a good bit,” Applejack said, “I know she an’ Macintosh struck a deal of some sort, an’ it means she ain’t gotta go to prison for the bank robbery.”

Starlight nodded, “From what I pieced together, the way this is happening, isn’t fully to code, so if Rarity gets investigated…”

Applejack closed her eyes, “Macintosh an’ Granny Smith, take the fall too. Damn it, Cinch knows that, I’m sure.”

“I’d be surprised if she didn’t,” Starlight looked out of the hall, and then leaned into Applejack, “I’m telling you this, because your family is connected to the police. What Cinch is doing can’t be legal, and while I can save Rarity from the Nightmare, my power is limited to just the Nightmare.”

“But, we can save her from this,” Applejack said, “Alright. I’ll talk to Macintosh ‘bout this. See what we can do. Rarity ain’t takin’ the fall for this.”

Starlight smiled, hugging Applejack, “Thank you. Leave the Nightmare to me.”

“Alright,” she hugged back, “I, don’t know what yer plannin’, but good luck either way.”

And with that, Applejack released Starlight and left. Starlight looked at her phone, seeing 3:25. She still had time to get to the roof. Feeling better about things, Starlight made it to the roof to meet with Rarity.

Like before, Rarity was already there. This time though, she was just sitting on one of the benches waiting for Starlight. She looked down at her lap, her expression unreadable, but looked up when Starlight arrived.

“You’re, early,” she said softly.

“I, was actually worried I’d be a bit late,” Starlight closed the door behind her, “I, spoke to Applejack. I’m sorry but, I did tell her about you trying to…”

Rarity nodded somberly, “It’s alright. You did the right thing. Was she, mad at me?”

“Not at all,” Starlight shook her head, going to sit beside Rarity, “She was worried about you, more than anything. She really does care about you.”

Rarity looked down, “Even after I tried to push her away… fuck that’s just like her…” she took a breath and turned to Starlight, “You said you wanted to tell me something.”

Starlight nodded, “I do, but first I need to get a bit more information. So, when did the Nightmare start?”

Living with Determination - Persona 3

Rarity looked up at the sky, “When did it start, huh? That’s a tough one. I guess it started, a bit after I learned Blueblood was abusing Trixie? No wait, it was after Cinch revealed that she was putting it under investigation.”

Starlight took a breath, “I take it, the dream wasn’t too bad when it started?” she asked, choosing to keep her anger out of this. This was about Rarity, not herself or Trixie.

“Not at all,” Rarity shook her head, “Back then, it was just, the school, and sometimes Ponyville, only it was a place where I could just, be.”

Right. Ponyville was another name for South Street, “A place where you could just, be?”

“You know, a place where I could be,” she undid her tie and unbuttoned her top a bit, “This.”

Starlight nodded, “A place where Dirty Diamond could be free.”

Rarity nodded, “It was paradise to me. Everyone accepted me, despite me being a shameless slut. I could have a full on orgy in the middle of the street, or have my ass pounded in the hallway of school, and no one would bat an eye. It’s not like how it is here,” she hugged a knee to her chest, not the classiest way to sit with such a short skirt, but looked more natural to Starlight, “The mask I wear? I started piecing it together from what I knew people would be receptive to.”

“What do you mean?” Starlight asked, rubbing Rarity’s back, “Did people not like you before?”

“They were terrified of me,” Rarity said, “One time, I was horny, so I turned to one of my classmates for sex, and he ran away from me. That’s, when I realized that being a nymphomaniac, was going to work against me. So, I bought a pill vibrator, and didn’t ask for sex anymore. I learned my attitude was too abrasive, so I put a lid on it so people wouldn’t run away all the time. I saw people thought my more wolfish tendencies were odd, so I taught myself how to behave more “human”. So on, and so forth, until,” she got up, buttoned up her top and redid her tie, before presenting herself to Starlight, “She came into being,” she said now in the "Transatlantic Dialect".

Starlight sighed, “I hate that you felt you had to change who you were…”

“I hate it too, trust me,” Rarity sat back down beside Starlight, undoing her tie and shirt again, “But, I wanted to prove I could be more than just Dirty Diamond. I wanted to prove that I could be, like them,” she huffed, “But it’s so hard, ignoring my urges, keepin' my temper in check, rememberin' that I’m not a wolf, but a human girl. Add on top of it SATs, ACTs, applying for colleges, searching for a part time job where I’m not spreading my legs, the Nightmare Epidemic, and then hearing that there was a case of abuse in the school and Cinch wasn’t doing shit about it because his father was Damien Tirek; the stress got to me, but the dreams gave me, solace. Back then, at least.”

“So, when did it change?” Starlight asked.

“First change happened when I bumped into Rover,” Rarity sighed, “He’d been wondering what happened to me, but I happened to be in town doing some shopping for Granny Smith when he saw me. When he found out that I left the Dogs, he was, well, he didn’t take it well, let’s just say.”

“He didn’t hurt you or anything, did he?” Starlight asked frowning.

“Not at all,” Rarity shook her head, “We argued a bit, but he never once laid a hand on me. He’d never do that,” she looked down sadly, “But, he did express how much he hated what I was doing. He called me domesticated, and said that all I was doing was setting myself up for disappointment and failure. I, denied it then, but deep down he got me thinking. How fragile was this new life of mine? He told me though, that despite how things turned out, I was always welcome at the old base. Which I, was happy to hear, much to my shame,” she smiled, but it was a sad smile, “And afterward, he appeared in my dream. But, it was different.”

“How so?”

“He felt more, real? Like, it was really him. And it seemed to match the real world too. Like, we’d do something in the dream, and then I’d run into him in town a few days later, and the dream would be referenced in some way,” Rarity explained, “Also, my nymphomania started getting worse. I needed to masturbate more often, I started having fantasies, one day, I even came to school with my vibrator in me. Another day, I did the same thing, but gave the remote to Apple Bloom, and asked her to just, play with it throughout the day.”

“She, must know a lot about this,” Starlight said.

“She covers for me when I need help,” Rarity explained, “Essentially, I pay her to look the other way when I, misbehave a bit.”

So Apple Bloom did accept bribes. Yeah, the “dirty cop” angle worked for her.

“She’s a lot stronger than the rest of the family knows,” Rarity said, “Yes, she has panic attacks, but outside of that, she’s really mature for her age, and well,” she leaned into Starlight, “Applejack doesn’t know this, but Apple Bloom has her own club that looks after the students.”

“Like, the Defense Committee?”

“If the Defense Committee is the police, Apple Bloom’s thing is more the mafia, really,” Rarity winced, “Again, Applejack has no idea about it, but part of the deal she and I have, I let her do her own thing in school, and she turns a blind eye and covers for me when I need to not be the President.”

Starlight nodded, taking a deep breath as she thought about Sweetie Belle getting involved with this. But, that wasn’t important right now.

“Okay, so getting back on topic, your nymphomania getting worse? That’s why the gangbang happened?”

Rarity sighed, “I knew it was wrong, okay? But, I was going crazy! I needed a bunch of dicks in me, back to back, in all three holes repeatedly! It was just going to be a few students, but I kept adding more to it, and eventually, I had a list of 18 students lined up to fuck me. Not Blueblood though.”

“Fuck Blueblood, not in the sexy way,” Starlight waved it off, making Rarity laugh.

“Exactly. So, I met up with them in the boys locker room, opened my top, removed my panties, and after making sure none of them squealed, let them go to town on me,” she smiled, moaning in pleasure, “And it was fantastic.”

Starlight was a bit surprised. She thought Rarity, didn’t like being a nymphomaniac.

“Why, did you choose to go back to being Dirty Diamond?” she asked, “I thought you hated being that way?”

“Not really,” Rarity shook her head, “Yes, I’m a slut, but I have fun as a slut. I, would like to have more control over myself, but so long as I get a steady supply of raunchiness, I’m usually fine.” she huffed, “I actually planned to keep them on call for me as a special group of students I could turn to whenever I had urges. But then, Cinch called me into her office.”

Starlight pursed her lips. She let Rarity speak though, as this was again, her moment.

“She said she was going to report me,” Rarity explained, “Mentioned off hand that the School Board wouldn’t be happy with knowing that I was a part of that gang. And, I panicked. I realized that if she told them, then Applejack’s family would pay the price. I said I’d do whatever she wanted if it meant keeping this a secret.”

Starlight took a deep breath, seeing her opening, and choosing to take it.

end song

“Which is when she became the Warden, and turned the school into that Prison, right?” Starlight asked, Rarity slowly turning to look at her.

“That’s, right,” Rarity said slowly, “I, need to ask you something now,” Starlight nodded, “How, do I look, in the dream?”

Starlight took a breath, “Let’s see, normally you look human, but are wearing something akin to a black leather harness in place of a bra, leather garter belt without panties, fishnet stockings, and black boots. I’ve also seen you take the form of a black and purple wolf monster, only when you’re with Rover,” she turned to Rarity, “Sorry about your wrist. Rainbow Dash felt terrible about hurting you.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, “You do know.”

“Yeah, I do,” Starlight smiled.

Rarity looked Starlight up and down, and seemed to run some things in her mind. After a bit, she sucked in a breath, "I, I know what you are…”

“Say it,” Starlight narrowed her eyes subtly, "Out loud."

“You’re, a witch…” she said in awe.

Mistic - Persona 3

Starlight closed her eyes, and clapped her hands, “Congratulations. You figured it out.”

“So, when you said to me earlier, that you did a ritual to unlock your magic…”

“That’s, true,” Starlight averted her eyes, “And you’ve seen what my magic is like. With my magic, I can enter people’s dreams, and fight the demons called Shadows that plague them. I use this magic to rescue people from their Nightmares.”

“You mentioned Rainbow Dash,” Rarity narrowed her eyes, “She’s, involved too?”

“As are Pinkie Pie and Trixie,” Starlight nodded, “They were all people I also saved from their Nightmares, and in the process, they became witches too. Well, Pinkie Pie’s a Magical Girl, but same thing, really.”

Rarity took a deep breath, and nodded, “Okay, so what’s really going on then? You know right? What these dreams are?”

“They’re, not just dreams. We call them Dungeons,” Starlight explained carefully as Rarity stood up and paced a bit, “See, when people go to sleep, they enter another world called the Phase. Essentially, they’re astral projecting into an environment of their creation. However, sometimes people get caught by what we call Shadows, and end up trapped in the same dream, which then becomes more vivid and real, until it gets to the point where you are.”

“And, you’ve been doing, this, for me since…”

“Remember when we saved you from Blueblood the first time?” Starlight asked, “That was the first night. We’d been trying to find our way to your dream for weeks before then, but your status as an orphan made it a bit trickier to pinpoint the location.”

“So, why tell me this now?” Rarity stopped pacing and turned to Starlight, “Why not tell me before that it was really you?”

“Because I couldn’t. Not until I had all of the information,” Starlight rose and took Rarity’s hands, “But now, I have everything I need. Tonight, my Coven and I are going to go into your dream, and this time, rescue you from it.”

“Rescue me?” Rarity asked, “You mean, I won’t have this dream anymore?”

Starlight shook her head, “Nope. Because we’re going to save you from your Dungeon. That dream can only exist so long as you’re there to have it, but once we get you to the exit, the dream will collapse.”

Rarity took a deep, slow breath, “Okay, so let’s say that you’re telling the truth, which honestly, I can safely say you are telling the truth about being there, scarily enough,” she narrowed her eyes at Starlight, “How do I know I can trust you? For all I know, you’re the one killing people in their dreams.”

Starlight took a breath, realizing Rarity still was afraid to trust her. She could work with this though.

“Remember when Rainbow Dash accidentally slashed you, and it hurt your wrist?” Starlight asked, “Your wrist was sore afterward, right?”

Rarity nodded carefully, “It, was. I had a mark and everything.”

“What happens to you in the dream follows you in the real world. If I were really going to kill you in your dream, considering I carry a scythe in there, don’t you think I’d have done it by now?”

Rarity pursed her lips, “Touche.”

“Why is it so hard for you to trust me?” Starlight asked, “Or a better question, why is it so hard for you to accept help period?”

“Because no one helps without an ulterior motive,” Rarity seethed, shying away from Starlight a bit, “Everyone wants something. So, what do you want? You said that you helped Trixie, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, and they got magic, right? So what, I get magic and have to join your gang, too?”

“It’s, true that you might gain the same power as us through this,” Starlight answered, “But if you do, we won’t force you to join our Coven. You can just, live afterward.”

“So you’re not trying to make me join your group, or keep me in a cage?” Rarity asked.

“No cage, no ulterior motive, no fine print,” Starlight confirmed, “You’re free to live your life however you choose after this.”

Rarity looked down, clearly considering her options. After a bit, she took a deep breath, and looked Starlight in the eyes, everything going dark and in Rarity’s place was her dream self, wearing that parody of lingerie, “Fine. I’ll put my faith in you this time. Bust me out of this prison.”

Starlight nodded smiling, “Understood. We’ll save you, from both Cinch and Rover.”

Rarity nodded, still visibly tense. But, she accepted the help, so that was good. Now all they had to do was dive into her dream and rescue her.

She almost wished Adagio was available to help them with this. This was going to be their toughest mission yet.

Late Night

Urge to Freedom - Mary Skelter Nightmares

Once they all gathered in the Library, and Starlight bought back Bicorn in case she needed her steed, they wasted no time. First, they went to the Diamond Dog HQ, where Shadow Rover was already outside waiting for them, flanked by probably all of his Shadows. Starlight didn’t like knowing she’d have to work with him on this, especially knowing he still planned on taking Rarity himself.

But, that was an issue for after they got Rarity out of the Prison.

“Kept me waitin’,” Shadow Rover said.

“Prep work took a bit longer on our end,” Starlight said, “Do we have a plan?”

Rover nodded looking up at the Prison in the distance, “How fast can your team get inside?”

“We got a way to get to the exterior at least,” Rainbow Dash said, “Not sure if we can warp right to where Rarity’s cell is, though.”

“I have a progra- er, spell for that,” Twilight said, “Don’t worry, the Checkpoint system can get us right inside. It’s getting Rarity out that’ll be tough.”

“Alright, so we can get in there pretty quickly then,” Trixie said.

“Perfect. Wait till my boys and I start hitting the Prison. Once that happens, you get in during the confusion, break Rarity out, and get her out. If this works, you won’t need to worry about fightin’ Cinch's minions too much.”

“Sounds good to me,” Starlight nodded, now smirking, “Try not to keep us waiting.”

Shadow Rover smirked right back, “Don’t worry, Little Star. We’ll be there before you know it,” he patted her on the back and then jumped onto a larger wolf Shadow, “Alright boys! Time to get our bitch back!”

The Shadows collectively howled/cheered before rushing off toward the Prison.

“Starlight,” Trixie said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “Once we get Rarity out of there, you know we’ll have to…”

Starlight took a deep breath and nodded, “I know. Fighting Rover is unavoidable if we’re to end this. But right now this is the only way we’re getting Rarity out of there.”

“Twilight, do you know where Rarity is?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“If I’m reading this right, she’s in her cell,” Twilight said, “I think I can see one of the apparitions guarding her.”

“Probably Apple Bloom,” Rainbow Dash said, “AJ’s apparition is still locked up, right?”

“Yes, she is.” Twilight said after a second, “I just confirmed that.”

“You said you can get us inside the Prison Cell area, right?” Starlight asked Twilight, “How so?”

“I’ve been working on a program to allow us to transport between Checkpoints we’ve already found,” Twilight said, “I had hoped I could test it first, but with how urgent this became, consider yourselves test subjects.”

“While we’re moving into position, where’s Cinch?” Trixie asked, the four of them running back to the Checkpoint as Twilight’s wisp vanished.

“Looking at this, she's moving through the Prison,” Twilight said, “It looks like, oh no.”

“What?” Starlight said.

“She’s gathering Shadows. She might be preparing to execute Rarity like she tried to execute Pinkie Pie!”

“No!” Pinkie Pie cried, “Are Rover’s Shadow’s going to make it in time?!”

“They’re already halfway there, so they should, but just barely,” Twilight said, her wisp returning, “The Checkpoint is set up. Get there pronto.”

“Got it. Sisters, let’s teach the “Warden” why you don’t fuck with a witch!”

With that, they pushed through the Checkpoint, which this time opened to the Prison interior, where the cells were.

“Is it time?” Trixie asked in a hushed tone.

“Twilight?” Starlight turned to her wisp.

“Not yet,” Twilight said, “Rover’s team is moving into position now.”

There was a crash heard outside, followed by the entire Prison shaking briefly. An alarm then went off.

“Dire Wolves are attacking the Prison!” a Shadow was heard over the intercom, “All units, move to intercept!”

Suddenly, they saw a bunch of Shadow Guards run past their hiding spot.

“Now?” Rainbow asked.

“Wait for it… and… now!”

They booked it out into the main hallway, following Twilight’s guidance to Rarity’s cell.

“Hang on! I see witches over there!” a Shadow called out.

“Damn it! It was a diversion! They’re after Prisoner number 1!” his partner exclaimed.

“Starlight, they’ll call reinforcements!” Trixie cried.

“Not today!” Pinkie Pie stopped and turned to them, turning her tiara into its bladed disc form. She then threw it out at the Shadows, knocking them back and turning them into their true Oni forms, “Hurry!”

“On it!” Rainbow Dash held up her blade, “Charge, Eclair Farron!”

Rainbow’s Persona appeared before her and slammed her blade down on the Shadows, creating a shockwave that hit both of them, keeping them down.

“While they’re downed!” Starlight summoned her scythe, “Hit them with an All Out Attack!”

All four Witches readied their weapons and bombarded the fallen Shadows with everything they had. The died instantly.

“Did we stop them in time?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Hopefully, but it shouldn’t matter if you hurry!” Twilight urged, “I know a shortcut! This way!”

Twilight led them down the left, which sure enough did lead them right to Rarity’s cell. Like before, she was held tightly by iron bands, wrapped around her body and arms, knees, ankles, and her collar was connected in the back. Her arms were held tightly behind her back, and she was both blindfolded and gagged. Like Twilight said, Apple Bloom was standing guard. She smirked when she saw them.

Disquiet - Persona 5

“Looks like ya got visitors, Rarity,” Apple Bloom smiled, stepping aside as Starlight and company ran up to her.

“Rarity, we’re here!” Starlight said, removing the blindfold, “We made it!”

Rarity’s eyes widened as she looked at Starlight and everyone, this time with a look of recognition.

“You can tell, right?” Trixie asked, “It’s really us!”

“Hang on, Rarity!” Pinkie Pie said, she and Dash looking at the bindings and trying to undo them, “We’re going to get you out of here!”

Rarity gave a muffled cry as her eyes watered. She pulled at the bindings a bit, but to no avail.

“Damn it!” Rainbow Dash swore, “How do we break these?!”

Rarity shook her head sadly, and then started crying. Starlight caressed Rarity’s cheek to read her emotions.

I was afraid I’d appear here…!

There’s no way to break these bindings…! Cinch is the only one now who can undo these…!

Starlight blinked and took a deep breath, “Apparently, Cinch is the only one who can break these,” she said to her team, surprising Rarity.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Trixie groaned, “Ugh! One obstacle after another!”

Alleycat - Persona 5

“Actually, that ain’t as true as ya think,” Apple Bloom said, lighting a cigarette.

“What do you mean?” Starlight asked the apparition.

“Remember when y’all were tryin’ to rescue my sister? I said only the true master of this Prison could break her bindins,” she smirked, “Y'all assumed that was Cinch, but I never said that.”

“The true, master of…” Starlight gasped, “I get it.”

“You do?” Trixie asked.

“I know who the true master of this Prison is,” she turned to Rarity and held her cheeks, “Remember when I told you what this place was?” Rarity nodded, “This place is real, but it’s still a dream. A dream where ultimately, you’re in control.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, but she then shook her head vehemently, crying softly.

“No, our Leader's right,” Rainbow stepped up, “This is a Prison of you’re making. Cinch only has as much control as you give her. Same with Rover. You can break these chains.”

Rarity tried pulling at them, but then cried even harder, this time in frustration. As Starlight was still touching her, she could feel her emotions.

You’re wrong! I can’t do it!

I’m not strong enough here!

“The President might not be, but I know Dirty Diamond is,” Starlight said gently, “Cinch is afraid of that side of you, which is why she puts you in this cage, and makes you think being your true self is wrong.”

“It's okay to be angry at her!” Trixie urged, “Yeah, you messed up, but Cinch has no right to treat you like this!”

“It’s the same as my Dungeon!” Pinkie Pie said, “The one keeping me prisoner, she was only invincible because I believed it! Once I let go of that belief, Starlight, Trixie, and Dashie were able to easily able to defeat Fleur!”

“Girls, Cinch is coming!” Twilight warned, “Whatever you do, do it fast!”

“Rarity, you need to hear this,” Starlight said, “You’re not being punished for wanting a better life for yourself.”

Rarity looked into Starlight’s eyes somewhat taken aback.

I’m… not?

“What’s happening right now with Cinch? She’s abusing you, plain and simple,” Starlight continued, “And like Trixie said, it’s okay to be angry. If she’s so afraid of Dirty Diamond, then be Dirty Diamond. Be true to yourself. It’s not your fault.”

“It’s not your fault!” Trixie added.

“It’s not your fault!” Rainbow Dash said.

“It’s not your fault!” Pinkie Pie said.

They repeated this to her, over and over. Rarity closed her eyes trembling a bit, but Starlight noticed Rarity's emotions were, shifting.

Maya's Theme - Persona 3 FES

It’s not… my fault…

It’s not, my fault…!

IT’S NOT MY FAULT!!!

Rarity’s eyes opened, and flashed yellow briefly. She then pulled at her bindings, more and more, her growls slowly becoming screams, but Starlight noticed, they were straining to hold her.

“That’s it! Keep going!” Trixie urged, “They’re breaking!”

“You can do it, Rarity!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

Rarity let out a mighty roar through her gag, and gave one final pull, and the bindings were pulled apart, along with the link holding her collar in place. As she fell to her knees, everyone save for Apple Bloom knelt beside her, Rainbow Dash taking the ball gag off.

“Good girl, Rarity,” Starlight said, petting her side.

“I, did it,” Rarity panted, “I really, broke free,” she looked at Starlight, “Could I, have always done that?”

“Possibly,” Starlight said, “But it’s okay that you didn’t know. No one can be strong alone forever,” she held Rarity’s hand, “That’s why you have friends.”

Rarity looked at Starlight and smiled a bit herself, “Right.”

“Much as this is really touching, we need to get out of here, like, NOW!” Twilight cried.

“Is the tiny flame always so fussy?” Rarity asked.

“Oh Twi-Twi? Yeah, she nags a lot,” Trixie said, “But this time, she does have a point. Cinch’s Shadow is coming to execute you.”

“Her, Shadow?” Rarity asked as Starlight and Pinkie Pie helped her up.

“We’ll explain everything once we’re out of here,” Starlight said, “I promise, but for now, just know that’s actually Cinch.”

Rarity nodded slowly, “I, don’t really get it, but fine. Let’s get out of here.”

“I’ll try to cover for ya,” Apple Bloom said with a smile, “See if I can lead them away an’ buy y’all some time.”

“Thanks Apple Bloom,” Starlight smiled in return, “For everything.”

“I’ll put it on your tab,” Apple Bloom turned her back to them, “Y’all take care of Rarity now, ya hear?”

Urge to Freedom - Mary Skelter Nightmares

With that, everyone ran off, this time toward the elevator. On the way though, they passed by Applejack’s cell, the former guard still trapped inside.

“Wait!” Rarity requested, stopping in front of the cell. Applejack, still blindfolded, gagged, and in chains, let out a muffled sound of recognition.

“What is it now?!” Twilight asked, “Cinch is right in front of your cell! We need to-”

“I know, but,” Rarity looked at Applejack’s apparition, “You said that’s really Cinch somehow, right? What about this? Is this really Applejack?”

“Nuh uh,” Rainbow Dash shook her head, “Far as we can tell, only Cinch, Rover, and Blueblood had Shadows here. This is more or less a copy of No Fun Jackie made from your feelings.”

“Made from, my feelings,” Rarity asked.

“Same with Apple Bloom and Macintosh. They represent your bonds with them,” Starlight said, “I, jumped in the way to stop you from killing Macintosh before because, if you had…”

“My feelings for him, would have been lost too,” Rarity realized, “Okay, I’m piecing some of this together.”

“So we can get moving then?” Twilight asked.

“Not yet,” Rarity said, closing her eyes, “I’m not leaving her in chains like this,” when she opened them, her eyes were once again yellow. She then slashed at the chains, shattering them to pieces, and removed the gag and blindfold, “You okay, Applejack?”

“Y-yeah but,” she looked around, “Ah. I see what’s goin’ on here.”

“I’m done being imprisoned here,” Rarity said, “Don’t try to stop me.”

“I won’t,” Applejack’s apparition smiled, hugging Rarity, “Go with ‘em. I’ll get the others to help cover yer escape.”

Rarity hugged her back, “Thanks. And um, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry that I… well.”

“All’s forgiven,” Applejack assured, “Now, get movin’.”

Starlight imagined a spell, and cast it on Applejack’s apparition, giving her back her Uniform and weapons, “There. So you’re not defenseless.”

“Thanks, Starlight,” Applejack smiled, tipping her hat to them, “Y’all be careful, ya hear?” she then ran out of the cell, joining Apple Bloom and pulling out her radio, “All Scarlets, begin firin’ at the Warden’s men! Rarity’s escapin’, an’ we’re helpin’ her!”

Rarity sighed in relief, “Sorry about that. I just, didn’t feel right leavin’ this place and not helping Applejack.”

Starlight shook her head smiling. She knew Rarity was a good person, and all that did was prove it.

They continued their way to the elevator, where this time they saw Guard Shadows and Wolf Shadows going at it again.

“Looks like Rover’s guys are moving in more,” Trixie pointed out.

“He’s here too?” Rarity asked.

“We kinda had to broker a deal with him for a diversion,” Pinkie Pie said, “Don’t worry though, we’re prepared to kick his butt too to get you free.”

Blood of Villain - Persona 5

“That’s assuming you get that far, which you won’t,” Cinch said, walking up to stand in front of the elevator, “You’re not supposed to be out of your cage, Mutt.”

"Shoot! She took a shortcut to cut us off!" Twilight fussed.

“You don’t get to yank me on a leash anymore!” Rarity seethed, “I’m my own master now!”

Cinch laughed mockingly, “Oh, is that so? Well, let’s see about that, shall we?” she pulled out a remote and pushed a button on it. Immediately, the collar around Rarity’s neck began charging with electricity, causing her to cry out in agony.

“Rarity!” everyone cried, gathering around her.

“Stop it!” Pinkie Pie cried, trying to grab the collar, but couldn’t due to the electricity, “You’re killing her!”

“Good!” Shadow Cinch sneered, “That’s one less problem for me to worry about!”

“I can’t believe you!” Twilight said aghast, “You have the audacity to call yourself a Principal?!”

“This will NOT go unpunished Cinch!” Celestia shouted, sounding like she was on the verge of tears, “What you’re doing is unforgivable!”

“That filthy whore has no business in my school in the first place!” Cinch seethed, “I let her in because she passed the entrance exam, and I thought she could push Canterlot High to new heights! That’s the only reason I let that flea ridden mutt into my school!”

“You mean… you were… using me from… the start?!” Rarity asked, trying to pull the collar off to no avail.

“Imagine it: a girl like her, rough around the edges, but brilliant, groomed into the ultimate success story! Why, Canterlot High would be lining with potential applicants from all over! It’d become the most sought after school in the state, and I'd be the one to make it happen!” Cinch narrowed her eyes at Rarity, “All you had to do was follow my commands, and stay in line, and you couldn’t even do that right!” she turned the volume up on the remote, making Rarity scream louder, “If you can’t do as your told, then you’re better off dead!”

Rainbow Dash’s body was engulfed in electricity, and she grabbed the collar, straining from the voltage herself.

“Dashie!” Pinkie Pie cried.

“What are you doing?!” Trixie asked horrified.

“THIS!” she pulled the collar apart, catching Rarity as she fell forward.

“What?!” Cinch asked, “How did you do that?!”

“Electricity is my main element, bitch!” Rainbow Dash said, catching her breath, “I just needed to figure out how much voltage I needed to match yours!”

“You…!” Cinch narrowed her eyes at them.

“You, made a huge mistake Cinch,” Trixie held up a card, summoning her Elenora.

“Rarity’s coming with us,” Pinkie Pie said in a low tone, summoning Serenity, “And if we have to go through you, then so be it.”

“One last chance, Cinch,” Starlight said, summoning Morgana and holding her scythe forward as Rainbow Dash summoned Eclair beside her, “Move, or we’re making you move.”

Cinch laughed manically, holding a hand to her head as dark energy gathered around her, “Do you really think, I’m intimidated by your empty threats?! Fine, do as you please! I’ll just have to do my job, and discipline the lot of you!”

She exploded in black mist, which cleared to reveal a large monster with upper body of Cinch wearing her Warden/Dominatrix uniform, and the lower body of a black spider with sharp bladed legs and a red X on her abdomen. In her hands was a large saber staff, both blades crackling with Electricity.

“That’s Shadow, it’s so powerful!” Twilight cried, “The readings are off the charts!”

“Got a weakness on it?” Starlight asked.

“I can’t analyze it for some reason!” Twilight cried, “All I can tell you, it’s stronger than every Shadow we’ve faced here!”

Trixie looked to the side and saw the hole in the wall Rover used to escape last time, “All we have to do is get Rarity out of here and we win, right?”

“I see what you’re planning,” Rainbow Dash said, stepping forward and holding her arm out, “Leader, go! Get Rarity out of here!”

“What?! But what about you?!” Starlight cried.

“We’ll be right behind you!” Pinkie Pie assured, “We’ll keep Cinch from following you two, and once she’s out, we’ll book it through a Checkpoint!

“Don’t even think about it!” Shadow Cinch raised her staff to slash at them, but the group all jumped away, Starlight grabbing Rarity and jumping away from everyone else.

“We’ll be fine! Go!” Trixie cried. Starlight hated this so much, but looking at that Shadow, they were going to need a lot more firepower to deal with that, and they still needed to do something about Rover. This sadly, was the best option.

“Come on!” Starlight took Rarity’s hand, “I’m getting you out of here!”

“But-” Starlight ran toward the hole, cutting Rarity off. It was a high jump, but thankfully Bicorn had Wind Magic. This could work.

“Where do you think you’re going?!” Cinch shouted, rearing her head back and shooting a green blast from her mouth at Starlight. Elenora fired a Eiha spell at her, knocking her to the side, but not before the attack hit Starlight in the back.

“GAH!” she cried, falling forward.

“Starlight!” Rarity cried, helping her up.

“I’m, fine,” Starlight said, feeling a bit light headed, but she could ignore it.

“Shoot! Didn’t get to her in time!” Trixie fussed. Pinkie Pie jumped up to Shadow Cinch’s face, both her and Serenity punching her in the face at the same time, and Rainbow Dash had Eclair lock blades with Shadow Cinch, pinning her to a wall. Starlight took that as her chance to make it to the hole in the wall.

“BICORN!!!” she shouted, summoning her steed. He was wincing, suggesting he wasn’t feeling great either. Maybe that attack did do something.

Not important now, Starlight thought. She helped Rarity get on Bicorn’s back and then jumped on herself, “Hang on tight!”

“What are you going to-” Rarity screamed as Bicorn jumped out of the hole, using Garu to create a series of wind gusts to jump on, allowing them to land easily. Once they were on the surface, Starlight had Bicorn run into the forest, dodging all of the Shadows fighting on the way.

end song

“What is this thing?” Rarity asked, “It came out of your ring, right? Is that your familiar or something?”

“It’s called a Persona,” Twilight explained, her wisp following after them, “Long story short, it’s similar to a Shadow, but purified and under Starlight’s control.”

“You all keep referring to Shadows,” Rarity said, “Do you mean the Jungian Term?”

“You know about that?” Twilight asked, Starlight looking back at Rarity as they rode.

“I read it in a philosophy book once,” Rarity said, “It’s like, the dark part of the psyche, right? The part you don’t wanna deal with?”

“That’s, right actually,” Starlight nodded, now feeling really sick, and she could feel Bicorn begin to falter, “The Cinch, and Rover that’s here, are their Shadows, imposing their will onto, this place.”

“Hey, are you okay?” Twilight asked, “You don’t look so good, and I think Bicorn’s looking weaker too.”

“Not, sure…” Bicorn slowed to a crawl, and then just fell to the ground, causing Starlight and Rarity to fall off his back. Rarity rolled to her feet, but Starlight was on the ground, feeling too weak to stand.

“Starlight!” Rarity cried, running over to her, “What happened?!”

“Hang on, I’m scanning it,” Twilight said, “She’s been poisoned!”

“Poisoned?!” Rarity exclaimed.

“It looks like it’s progressing fast too!” Twilight said urgently, “Oooooh, not good! Not good!”

“She’ll be fine once she wakes up, right?” Rarity asked, “This place is just a dream to her, isn’t it?”

“Not at all!” Twilight said, “Starlight’s like you in here! So anything that happens to her here carries over to her real body!”

Rarity’s eyes slowly widened, “Meaning, if she dies here, then…” Rarity turned to Starlight, “You idiot! Why did you put your life on the line like this?!”

“Because, I have the power to help people,” Starlight pushed to her feet, using her scythe as a walking stick, “I promised my Mother’s spirit, I’d use my magic, to help people.”

Rarity looked at Starlight tearfully, “You… you’d risk your life like that, for someone like me…?” all Starlight did was look at Rarity and smile, “Starlight… I…”

Desire - Persona 5

“Good job, Little Star,” Rover said, stepping out from behind a tree and standing in front of the exit door, “I can take it from here.”

“Rover,” Starlight said, narrowing her eyes at him. What rotten timing.

“Come, Dirty Diamond,” Rover said, his eyes flashing red, “Return to your Alpha.”

Rarity winced at that, and slowly rose up, only for Starlight to hold her hand out in front of her, “Starlight?”

Starlight shook her head. She then forced herself upright and held her arms out in front of Rarity.

“I don’t wanna fight you, Little Star,” Rover warned, “You ain’t in no condition anyway. Just step aside, and let me take care of Dirty Dia-”

“Rarity!” Starlight seethed, “Her name, is Rarity!”

“What are you hopin’ to accomplish here?” Rover folded his arms, “She goes with you, and what? Leads a normal life? Becomes one of you? That’s shit's what got her here in the first place.”

“You’re, right,” Starlight said, breathing heavily, “Trying to, just be like us, caused this. Instead of, letting people know, the real Rarity, she hid behind a mask, and put her true self, in a cage. That’s, not the answer. But neither, is just giving up, and closing your heart off, to even the chance at being more than this!”

“Still on that, huh?” Rover raised his head and glared at Starlight.

“Rarity, is smart! She’s kind, she’s loyal, and a fantastic President!” Starlight buckled a bit as her body became weaker, but she forced herself to keep standing, “One, mistake, doesn’t invalidate any of, that, and for you, to tell her, that she shouldn’t even try to be better, you’re hurting her the same way Cinch is, just at a different angle!”

“I’m trying to protect her!”

“So am I!” Starlight shouted, “The difference is, I’m not, trying to force her to be something, she doesn’t want to be!”

“I know everything about Rarity! Who she is, what she needs, and how she functions! You only know her at face value! You can’t help her, all you’re giving her are empty words! You’re barely standing right now!”

“I, can at the very least, manage here!” Starlight got in her fighting stance and summoned Morgana.

“You’re, not planning to fight him, are you?!” Rarity cried, “What about the poison?!” Starlight had Morgana cast Diarama on herself, “W-what…?”

“I’ll maintain myself with my Persona, but I won’t let him take you!” Starlight gripped her scythe, “I’m tired, of people yanking your leash around! This ends NOW!”

Rover growled at Starlight, barring his teeth, “Fine! If it’s a fight you want, you got it, but I ain’t goin’ easy on you!” he then let out a loud howl as he was engulfed in black energy, turning into the same biomechanical wolf Rarity turned into, except red and black, twice as large, sharper edges making it look more sinister, and red eyes, “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my Pack! I don’t care who it is, I’ll rip apart anyone who gets in the way of that! Including you, Little Star!”

My Real - Blue Reflection: Second Light

Shadow Rover howled, casting an odd spell on himself. Said spell created an orange, purple, and green aura to appear around him in succession. At the same time, the door was locked by black and red chains, sealing it shut.

“Starlight! He just powered himself up all around!” Twilight cried.

“That’s fine! I’ll just hit him harder, and faster!” she jumped back as he slammed his claws on the ground before her, “LEANAN SIDHE!” she shifted Personas, sliding back and casting Rakunda on him, forcing his Defense back to normal at least. Shadow Rover charged at Starlight and slashed wildly with his claws. She dodged out of the way of his attacks best as she could, but he got a lucky strike in, knocking her back into a tree.

“STARLIGHT!!!” Rarity, Twilight, and Celestia cried at the same time.

Starlight forced herself to her feet, “M-Morgana…!” she shifted Personas, and cast Diarama on herself again. She then held out her hand as Morgana opened up her chest, revealing her Gun, which she fired rapid shots at the giant wolf monster.

Shadow Rover blocked the attacks, wincing a bit in pain, but then jumped back, firing a large black and red beam from his mouth at Starlight. She barely rolled out of the way, but then had to run as Shadow Rover followed her with the blast.

Eventually the blast stopped, and Starlight saw Rover hunch forward a bit, panting heavily in exhaustion. He was open!

Starlight shook her head as the poison began to kick in again, and then sent Morgana out to slash Rover while he was down. She hated doing this, but she couldn’t think of a time where he’d be open besides this.

He didn’t stay down for long, and he slashed Morgana back as he rose to his feet, causing massive damage to Starlight. He then rolled into a ball and tackled her, knocking her back to where Rarity and Twilight were.

“Starlight, no!” Rarity cried, “Please, just get out of here! You’ll die if you don’t!”

“I, don’t turn my back, on my friends!” Starlight cast Diarama on herself again, “No matter, how many times you push me away, I won’t abandon you!”

Rarity fell to her knees and looked down, “Damn it…! Damn it!” she punched the ground, “There has to be somethi-” she stopped, her eyes widening. She then looked up at the fight, “Right! I can still do that!”

“Still do what?!” Twilight asked, but her question went unanswered as Rarity pushed to her feet and ran over to the fight, “Rarity!”

Rarity’s eyes turned yellow again, and this time she transformed into her wolf form, and tackled Rover away from Starlight, knocking him to the ground.

“What are you doing?!” Shadow Rover exclaimed, “I’m your Alpha!”

“Not anymore!” Rarity said, her voice deeper and more of a growl in this form, “I am, my own Alpha now, and I’m going to protect Starlight!” she turned to look at Starlight, “She is…” she then glared at Rover, “She’s my friend!”

Rover growled, “Still makin’ friends normies, huh?! You really think she’s gonna look out for you?!”

“Considering how far she’s gone for me, yes!” Rarity said, actually tearing up, “Starlight makes me feel, like I can do anything! And she DOES accept me for who I am! It was ME who refused to see it! Because I held so strongly to the distrust we had when we were kids!”

“That distrust kept us alive! You remember what Tirek did! How the cops treated us! How everyone trampled on us, slammed doors in our faces, and reminded us that we weren't shit! That's the world she's a part of!”

“I remember all of that! But, Starlight and her friends, they’re different! I want to believe in them! That’s why,” she moved to push Starlight underneath her and barred her teeth, “I’m going to protect Starlight!”

“You’re makin’ a huge mistake, Rares!” he charged up his magic and fired his mouth beam at them. Rarity picked Starlight up with her mouth and jumped away. She then set her down and charged at Rover, slashing, biting, and wrestling him violently.

Starlight forced herself up, but then stumbled a bit. Her vision was getting blurry. She cast Diarama on herself again, but it left her much more tired than usual.

“My pupil, please stop this! We’re using too much magic! Your real body can’t handle this!”

“I, can’t give up!” Starlight staggered forward, holding her hand out, “Rarity, doesn’t have a Persona, so she can’t beat Rover, alone!”

“Starlight…” Twilight said softly.

“Morgana, please! Give me the strength to keep fighting!” Starlight begged her Persona. She heard Morgana sigh in her head.

“Very well. I am bound to your will, my pupil. If you desire to keep fighting, I will stand by you.”

“Thank you,” Starlight smiled, shedding a single tear. She then charged up her magic, “Rarity, dodge!”

Rarity jumped away, and Morgana fired a Bufula right in Rover’s face. While he was stunned, Rarity howled, casting a wave of black energy at Rover, which created black tendrils that lashed out at him. Starlight felt the name Eiga come to mind.

“Enough!” Rover roared, once again casting that spell that increased all of his stats. Rarity charged at him, but he slashed her mid air, knocking her far away and causing her to revert form. He then fired a Nuclear blast at Starlight, knocking her back to the ground.

“Starlight, no!” Twilight cried.

Rover walked over to Starlight, who this time, was too weak to stand or cast another healing spell, “If you can’t beat me, then you’re not worthy of keepin' Rarity,” he rumbled, “For what it’s worth, I hate doin’ this.”

Starlight gritted her teeth, and forced herself to her feet again. All Shadow Rover did was swat her with the back his his paw and she fell back down.

“This is it, Little Star. You lost,” he said, “Just admit defeat.”

And to that, Starlight once again forced herself to her feet. She could feel Cinch’s poison creeping into her system again, but she ignored the pain. For Rarity’s sake, she wasn’t going to give up. Even if it cost her everything, she was going to rescue Rarity from this hellish Nightmare.

Living with Determination - Persona 3

Rarity sat up, looking at Starlight and Rover. Even now, she kept fighting. Fighting for her sake. Even though she was probably on the brink of death, she wouldn’t give up.

“No…!” Rarity sobbed, holding her head, “No no no no no no! It’s not fair! Why is she suffering because of me?! Why does everyone suffer because of me?!”

She tried fighting back. She tried to stand beside Starlight, to make things right, but it wasn't enough. Rover was too strong for her, Starlight was dying by the second, and her friends were probably at death's door fighting Cinch. All this, because they came to rescue her and her worthless life.

If you can’t do as your told, your better off dead!

“Cinch is right!” Rarity sobbed, “Starlight, her friends, everyone is going to die, and it’s all my fault! I should have just pulled the fucking trigger when I had the-”

“Stop it!” Twilight shouted, “Your death isn’t going to do anyone any good, but you’re life can save Starlight now!”

“No it can't!” Rarity cried, “I’m powerless! I tried to fight, and in the end, I didn’t make a difference! It wasn’t enough!”

“Rarity, you have ALL the power you need, but the only way you can access it is to stop running from who you are!” Twilight’s wisp flew into Rarity’s face and glared at her, “I’m stuck out here in the Real World! All I can do is watch my friends while they fight and risk their lives! If you wanna talk about useless, there you go! But you’re there right now! You have power, but you keep stuffing it in a cage! And then, once things get bad, you start blaming yourself for being weak, saying just the worst things about yourself! If anything, you doing THAT is what makes you useless!”

“I… I failed though…!” Rarity sobbed, breaking down completely, “All I had to do was not lose control of myself! I made one mistake, and let my true self out, and it ruined everything!”

“Then don't stay in control!”

Rarity blinked, “Don’t, stay in control…?”

“This happened because you tried to be someone else, right?” Twilight asked, “Don’t you think that’s telling you something? Look, I get it. The real you is probably a lot for people to take in. They might not be able to handle you. They might even, be afraid of you, but right now, none of that matters. Starlight needs you. She needs the real you.”

“She needs, the real me…?” she looked at Starlight and Rover, still fighting, but Starlight was barely hanging on. Every so often, she’d cast that healing spell on herself again, but Rarity could tell it wasn’t as effective as it was before. Her friends weren’t here. They were back at the Prison fighting Cinch. Twilight was back in the real world, stuck outside and being unable to do anything except watch. But Rarity… she was right here, and she was alive.

If you die here, then somewhere, someone out there loses the chance to meet you, and have their lives benefited from knowing you.

Indignation - Night of Azure

“That’s, right,” Rarity said, slowly standing up, “If I die here… then, Starlight will die…” she thought about everyone in her team, who all probably dealt with this Nightmare, and all the people who were dealing with it now, “People, need her. They need Starlight, and she needs, me.” Rarity closed her eyes, “She needs, the real me! Dirty Diamond!”

So, you’ve finally come to your senses?

“Yes! I’m ready!” she felt her temperature rise, to the point where she felt a bit delirious, but she wasn’t afraid, “No more running away! I need you! All of you!"

Mmmm…! It’s about fucking time!

I’m sick of watching you bitch and moan like some domesticated pup!

I’ll help you, but only on one condition.

“Name your price!”

Once I’m out, that’s it. I stay out, and you NEVER lock me in a cage again.

Promise that, and I’ll give you my power, along with absolute control over it.

“It’s a deal!” Rarity said, clutching her chest as the pain became unbearable, “I, I don’t care, what happens next! Go buck wild! On both Rover and Cinch!”

Then it’s a deal!

You failed at being clean and proper, so lose yourself to your passion, and be the dirty, wild beast you are!

Say my name! Scream it to the heavens!

And become the wolf you were always meant to be!

“RILEY!!!” she screamed at the top of her lungs, and then exploded into a tower of fire, catching Rover and Starlight’s attention.

“What in the world…?” Shadow Rover asked, stepping back a bit. Starlight smiled in relief.

Inside the flame, the “lingerie” Rarity wore burned away, replaced with a black jacket with a white fur lining the collar and the ends of the sleeves, a purple bra top, black skin tight booty shorts, fishnets that were torn on the left leg, and black and purple high heeled boots. She then sprouted white wolf ears and a long bushy white wolf’s tail, and her front bangs were once again colored white. Her teeth sharpened to fangs, and around her neck appeared a new collar, this one extremely fancy and lined with jewels, with a golden tag hanging off the middle. Her eye shadow became dark blue, her lipstick blood red, and around her right ring finger appeared a Channeling Ring, followed by black leather gloves on her hands. Inside the flame, she threw a few punches and kicks before throwing her head back.

“AWOOOOO!!!!” she howled loudly, the flame dispersing around her and revealing her new form. No, her true form! In front of her, the remaining flame turned into what appeared to be a motorcycle, but upon further inspection was a Persona. It looked similar to Rarity’s wolf form, but was recolored red with white accents on it. It was heavily armored and bulky, yet had an elegance to its shape and design, with a single large wheel in front, and another large wheel in back. It had two silver exhausts pipes behind it, spewing out flames, multiple chains wrapped around it but were broken, and it looked like it had multiple ports for various weapons. The wolf’s head in the front was completely static, frozen in a ferocious expression, and displayed proudly on the side of the bike was the Diamond Dog insignia, now before a golden sun.

“Thou art I, and I am thou! I am Riley, the embodiment of your true self! Don’t forget Rarity. You promised.”

“Don’t worry,” Rarity said, moving to get on top of her Persona, “From now on, we ride together, always.”

"Thank you."

"No Riley, thank you," she smiled lovingly, rubbing the motorcycle, "For not giving up on me."

“Rarity, what happened to you…?” Shadow Rover asked carefully. Rarity chuckled.

“Don’t you recognize me, Rover? It’s me, Dirty Diamond~” she revved up the engine of her Persona, which sounded almost like it was growling, “I’m back, and pissed as all fuck!”

She charged at Rover, jumping into the air, and tacked him with her Persona, knocking him far back and making him slide on the ground. She dispersed her Persona and landed beside Starlight, who was just looking at her in awe.

“What? See somethin’ you like?” Rarity asked Starlight, who gave her a weak smile.

“The, white wolf,” Starlight said, “It, was you, the whole time,” she fell to her knees, but Rarity caught her.

“Leave this to me,” Rarity said, “I’ll take him on.”

“We fight, together,” Starlight said looking Rarity in the eyes, “I, can keep going.”

Rarity looked at her intently, and then nodded, “Fine, but focus on support and staying alive. I’ll do the punchin’,” she stepped forward toward Shadow Rover, cracking her neck a bit, and then her knuckles, “Been a while since I had a good fight, and I got a lotta shit to vent! So let’s go buck wild, Rover! Just like the animals we are~!” Rarity said with a brilliant grin.

Our Real - Blue Reflection: Second Light

Rarity charged at Rover, holding out her Channeling Ring and summoning her Persona. When Rover tried to fire his mouth beam attack at her, she effortlessly rode out of the way, driving in a circle around him till he exhausted himself.

“LEANAN SIDHE!!!” Starlight shouted, shifting Personas and casting Rakunda on Rover, lowering his defense. Rarity then stopped in front of him, holding her Channeling Ring to her face.

“I’ll break you…!” Rarity seethed, “PERSONA!!!”

Riley opened up all of her weapon compartments, revealing a truly ridiculous amount of guns and missile launchers, all of which were fired at once. For some reason, Starlight felt the name “Triple Down” come to mind when she saw that.

As Rover screamed in agony, Starlight looked at Rarity wide eyed. She was grinning like a madwoman the whole time, almost like she was getting off on seeing how much pain she was inflicting on Rover. Was this, Dirty Diamond? Just how much was Rarity keeping hidden?

“Come on, Rover! You were talkin’ that good shit earlier! What happened?!” Rarity shouted, a wild and gleeful smile on her face, “Can’t handle when I’m at my filthiest?! I thought you were better than this?!”

Shadow Rover staggered to his feet and shook it off. He then laughed, “I knew it! I knew you were still in there, Dirty Diamond! Not gonna lie, even at this angle, it’s good to see ya!”

Rarity laughed, “Good to be back! Now come on! I’m just startin’ to enjoy myself here!”

“Then let’s see how you handle this!” Rover howled, once again casting that spell that increased all of his stats at once.

Starlight gritted her teeth seeing that, but cast Diarama on herself again. If this kept up, they were gonna get overwhelmed again.

So, why was Rarity laughing…?

“Yes…! YES!” she screamed gleefully, holding a hand to her head as she burst out laughing, “That’s what I wanted you to do!” she jumped off her Persona as it dispersed, and rushed to Rover, “COME ON!!! GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT ROVER!!!”

Rover slashed Rarity wildly, and Rarity met his slashes with her own rapid punches. They happened so fast that Starlight could only make out a blur of fists. The whole time, Rarity was grinning from ear to ear. It was terrifying to look at, but for some reason, to Starlight, Rarity was beautiful like this. She was finally embracing her true self.

“You feel it, don’t you?!” Shadow Rover asked, still slashing.

“YES! I FEEL IT!!!” Rarity cried gleefully, her assault not relenting, “This feeling! It feels, MAGNIFICENT!!!”

Starlight held her hand out, “Morgana…! Sukunda!”

Morgana held her hand out, casting a spell to remove his speed buff, letting Rarity get a few more shots in.

“Thanks, Little Star!” Rarity said, kicking Rover back. She then summoned her Persona/Motorcycle again, hopping onto it, “SCREAM REAL GOOD FOR ME, DARLING~!”

Riley’s eyes flashed, and a pool of black energy rose up around Rover, black tendrils lashing out and slashing him at all sides. While that went on, Starlight rushed at Shadow Rover holding her scythe ready, Morgana flying beside her. The two of them slashed at the same time, making Rover cry out in pain.

“Good, job…!” he groaned, falling forward as his form dispersed, revealing his more humanized self.

I'll Face Myself -Another Version- -Persona 4

As he laid on the ground, Rarity walked over to him squatting beside him, “So in the end, you did go back to your old self.”

“Guess so,” Rarity conceded, “You can thank the purple flame for snappin’ me out of it.”

“Twilight, by the way,” Twilight said.

“And yet, ya still ain’t comin’ back, are ya?” Shadow Rover asked sadly.

Rarity shook her head, “Sorry. I think, I found a new pack,” she looked at Starlight, “Least, I wanna give it a shot.”

Shadow Rover sighed, “My real self’s gonna wanna test you,” he said, white light engulfing him, “Personally though, I think you can do it.”

Rarity smiled, “Thanks. And for what it’s worth, I am sorry for how things turned out.”

“Just tell me one thing,” Shadow Rover requested, “Why’d ya take that deal?”

“Because, I didn’t want us to go to jail,” Rarity answered, “Macintosh said he’d make sure you guys only got three years in juvie, instead of full on prison. Also, I’ll admit,” she looked away darkly, “I, just wanted a shot at a real life. He said he’d give me that chance, and he wasn’t lyin’, so I figured, why not? That’s why I took the deal.”

Shadow Rover shook his head, “Nah, there was another reason wasn’t it? That blond chick you’re always goin’ on about, right?”

Rarity closed her eyes, “Alright. Fine, I’ll admit it. She was my main reason. I, wanted to be near her.”

Shadow Rover chuckled, “All this, for love eh? Well, I ain’t gonna stand in the way of that.”

“I still love you, Rover,” Rarity caressed his cheek with a saddened look, “And I am sorry.”

“I am too,” Shadow Rover said sadly, caressing her cheek too, “And, I’ll always love you, Rarity,” he turned to look at Starlight, “Take care of her, Little Star.”

Starlight nodded, “I won’t, leave her side.”

Rover smiled, “Know what? I actually believe that,” he sat up and looked into Rarity’s eyes, “See ya around, Dirty Diamond.”

“See ya around, my former Alpha,” Rarity said softly. She and Shadow Rover kissed deeply and lovingly as he faded away in a white light. Once he was gone, Rarity held herself and whimpered, her ears folding back sadly.

Starlight walked over to her slowly, knelt beside her, and scratched behind her ears. The soft yelp she made was cute, and was followed by Rarity nuzzling Starlight’s hand. Her tail was even wagging!

She's so cute like this...!

“Good, girl,” Starlight smiled weakly.

“Thank you,” Rarity said softly, but then gasped, “What about you, though? You’re still poisoned, right?”

“I’ll be…” Starlight fell out, Rarity catching her.

There's Nothing We Can't Do, Right? - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“Shit! Fuck!” Rarity swore, “What do we do now?!” she looked at the Prison, realizing where the others were, “Hey, Twi-Twi, right?”

Twilight sighed, “Sure. I don’t even care anymore.”

“Pinkie Pie’s Persona heals. She got a spell to heal this?” Rarity asked.

“I, think so actually,” Twilight answered, “We’ve lucked out so far, not having to deal with poison, but I know that Pinkie Pie prefers healing magic, and her Persona would reflect that. I’d be surprised if she didn’t have a spell for healing poison.”

“That’s all I needed to hear,” Rarity said, picking up Starlight bridal style, “Riley, come to me!” her Persona appeared before her in a golden flame. Rarity put Starlight on the motorcycle, and then got on herself, “They’re still alive, right?”

“They are, but barely holding on.” Twilight confirmed, “Cinch is giving them a hard time, but they're still alive at least.”

“Then we better not keep ‘em waiting,” she revved up the engine of her Persona, “Don’t you dare die on me, Starlight.” she then rode off back to the Prison, where her new pack waited for her.

My Real - Blue Reflection: Second Light

Meanwhile, Shadow Cinch knocked Trixie back with her blade, and then raised her saber staff to block another series of slashes from Eclair Farron, all guided by the slashes of a tired and strained Rainbow Dash.

“Pinkie Pie, got another heal in you?!” Rainbow Dash asked through gritted teeth.

“I, I think so!” Pinkie Pie said, holding her shoulder, “Hang on everyone!”

Pinkie Pie summoned Serenity, who cast Mediarama on everyone.

“Thanks Pinkie Pie!” Trixie held up her Channeling Ring, “Light ‘em up, Elenora!”

Trixie’s Persona manifested, and tossed another Eiha spear at Cinch, knocking her back. They’d managed to intuit that her Shadow was weak to Cursed skilled, to which Trixie had one, and it was a weak one. Not enough to do serious damage, but enough to knock her back briefly.

“Guh!” Shadow Cinch grunted in pain.

Rainbow Dash had her Persona slash Cinch while she was open, doing a good bit of damage to her, “Hurry! Before she-” Cinch held her blade above her and spun it, casting a healing spell on herself, “Heals…”

“Ugh! This is impossible!” Trixie fussed, falling to her knees, “My one Cursed Spell can only make her flinch!”

“I’m scared, girls,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “I, I don’t know if we can beat this one.”

“I ain’t givin’ up!” Rainbow Dash said, pointing her sword at Cinch, “I’m sick, and tired, of this bitch pushing us around! Our Leader’s counting on us, so no faltering!”

Trixie forced herself to her feet, “Right! Can’t give up now! We have to survive this!”

Pinkie Pie slapped her cheeks and nodded, “You’re, right! Starlight needs us to keep Cinch busy!”

“Oho! You girls have a lot of spirit!” Shadow Cinch said, “Shame you can’t put this energy into what really matters, like your grades!”

“Yeah, cause getting an A+ is more important than saving someone’s life!” Trixie shouted, “You really are fucked up, Cinch!”

“You’re just like my old man!” Rainbow Dash seethed, “For what you did to Rarity, I’m gonna enjoy beating you into the ground!”

“Really?!” Cinch swung her blade, hitting all three witches at once, knocking them back onto the ground, “You care that much about that worthless dog?! She’s nothing but a stray that Honey Crisp took pity on!”

“That stray, has done more good for the school, than you ever did!” Trixie screamed tearfully, “When she found out Blueblood abused me, she took it seriously! She took action to protect me and the other students! Action that you forced her to stop so Tirek could line your pocket!”

“I’m thinking of the good of the school!” Cinch said, holding up her blade as she charged up another spell, “Tirek’s support could bring the school to new heights!”

She cast her spell, unleashing a massive thunder storm on everyone present. Even Rainbow Dash fell to the ground from that, and she was strong against Zio based spells.

“You, don’t give a damn about the school!” Rainbow seethed, using her sword to support herself, “If you did, you wouldn’t have forced Rarity to make that shitty announcement when that magazine went public! All you did was make the situation worse for Pinkie Pie!”

“Rarity, was so upset afterward, that she was sick!” Pinkie Pie cried, “And yet you were patting yourself on the back like you did a good job! You’re a terrible person, and a horrible Principal!”

“In order to bring about Canterlot High’s full potential, sacrifices need to be made!” Cinch reared her blade back and thrust it forward, leading Rainbow Dash to summon her Persona once more to block, “One or two students falling to the wayside is fine so long as the overall prestige of the school rises, thanks to my contributions!”

Trixie shut her eyes tightly, “So I guess that means, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and I were just, tossed to the wayside?!”

“I hate you…!” Pinkie Pie cried as she staggered to her feet, “You're nothing but a monster!”

“Good! You’re all okay!” Twilight called out.

“Mission Control, what’s the status?!” Rainbow Dash asked, pushing against Cinch’s blade with Eclair’s, “Starlight get Rarity out yet?!”

“We hit a snag in that, actually!” Twilight explained, “Long story short, Starlight and Rarity are on their way there now! Starlight’s been poisoned, and she needs healing!”

“I knew it!” Trixie exclaimed, “It was that one attack that hit her! Cinch poisoned her!”

“I have a spell for that!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Hang on, you said Rarity’s coming too?!” Rainbow Dash asked, “Why’s she-” before she could answer, black tendrils shot out of the ground and lashed out at Cinch, making her scream in agony as she was knocked back, “Holy shit.”

“Hey Principal Bitch! Did ya miss me?!” a familiar voice called out. They all looked and saw Rarity, now as a human/wolf hybrid in a super sexy outfit, getting off a flaming motorcycle with a strong wolf motif, and was subtly glowing like a Persona, with Starlight on laying on the seat still.

“You…!” Cinch seethed looking at Rarity, “Those clothes, that white highlight. So, finally showing your true colors then?”

“Your opinion of me ain’t changin’, right?” Rarity cracked her neck, “So I figured I’d act like the filthy slut I am!” she looked at the group, motioning toward Starlight, “Hey Pinkie Pie, Starlight needs ya.”

“O-on it!” Pinkie Pie rushed over to Starlight, summoning Serenity to cast Amrita Drop on her, “You okay?”

“Tired, but yeah,” Starlight smiled, “Thanks, Pinkie Pie.”

“So um,” Trixie asked as Rarity strutted in front of them, hips swaying enticingly with each step, “You, got one too?”

“What? A Persona?” Rarity asked, “The bike. Her name’s Riley.”

Rainbow Dash looked at the Persona, “That’s, the coolest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Her Persona is a motorcycle?” Trixie asked, “Yeah, that’s pretty metal.”

“You had so much potential,” Cinch said, looming over the group as her focus was on Rarity, “I thought you were going to be the school’s shining star. Seems I was wrong to think you’d ever be anything more than a-” she was cut off by Rarity’s Persona firing another barrage of missiles at her.

“Shut the fuck up,” Rarity spat, “Your voice is giving me a headache,” now feeling better, Starlight stepped up to join her team, standing beside Rarity, “You’re the Alpha of this pack, right? I’ll follow your lead, just so long as I get to beat the fucking shit out of her.”

“Hearing Miss President talk like this is so surreal…” Trixie whispered.

“It’s, kinda hot, actually,” Rainbow Dash admitted, Pinkie Pie nodding in agreement.

“Alright. Rainbow Dash, you focus on physical attacks! Pinkie Pie, move to the rear guard to rest up! Trixie, you’re with me on general offense, and Rarity,” Rarity turned to Starlight, who pointed to Cinch, “Give it to her hard.”

Rarity grinned gleefully hearing that.

Cinch rose to her feet and raised her saber staff, charging up her thunder spell.

“Careful! She’s preparing a strong attack!” Twilight said, “We need to intercept it!”

“Oh that’s easy,” Rarity smirked, holding up her Channeling Ring, “TO ME, RILEY!!!” Rarity jumped onto her Persona as it appeared, and cast Maeiga on Cinch, knocking her to the ground, “Let’s wail on her, Starlight! Please? Pretty please?” she begged, a terrifying grin on her face.

“Let’s do it! All Out Attack!” Starlight commanded. Pinkie Pie was still tired, so she sat this one out, letting Rarity take her place. For her contribution, she cracked her knuckles and charged at Cinch along with Rainbow and Starlight, pummeling her with rapid fire punches. These attacks made Cinch cry out in pain as she took massive damage.

“Careful!” Rainbow Dash shouted, “She can heal, and does so when she takes too much damage!”

“Then we just gotta hit her harder than she can heal!” Rarity said.

“I really like the way you think!” Rainbow Dash grinned, “Please tell me you’re joining our group!”

“There’s a good chance of it, I’ll admit,” Rarity said smirking.

Cinch walked over to the wall, walking on it to get on the ceiling. She then shot webs out at the Witches, forcing them to scatter out of the way.

“MORGANA!!!” Starlight shouted, shifting to her primary Persona and casting Rakunda on Cinch, lowering her defense. She then felt Trixie’s heart resonate with hers, “Someone knock her down so Trixie and I can hit her with our Double Tech.”

“Leave that to me!” Rainbow Dash held up her sword and Channeling Ring, “Come forth, my inner self!” she intoned, summoning Eclair Farron, who slashed Cinch hard, knocking her off the ceiling and onto the ground.

Starlight and Trixie ran over to each other and stood back to back, “COME FORTH, OUR PERSONAS!!!” they shouted at the same time, Elenora and Morgana appearing beside one another. Morgana slashed at Cinch a few times, followed by Elenora kicking her with fire engulfed legs. Morgana then followed with a drill kick into her chest, which Elenora followed by throwing fireballs at Cinch.

The two Personas then held their arms out, nodded to each other, and then slashed through Cinch in an X formation.

Cinch flinched back from that, “Such, insolent children!”

“You gotta earn respect to get it!” Rainbow Dash said, holding up her blade, “Hey Miss President! I got a present for ya!”

Rainbow Dash summoned her Persona, casting Rebellion on Rarity. Like before, her grin was terrifying.

“Ooooh, I like the way this feels~!” she purred, once again summoning her Persona, unleashing her barrage of missiles at Cinch, who tried to block but was immediately overwhelmed by the assault. Seeing her on the ground and getting bombarded with missiles, Rarity let out a laugh akin to a banchee, “THAT’S RIGHT! KEEP SCREAMING! YOUR PAIN MAKES ME SO WET~!” she moaned and hugged herself, “I’m gonna cum if you keep screamin’ like this…!”

“I am, so confused and turned on by this…” Pinkie Pie muttered.

“I want her to step on me,” Trixie said softly, pulling her hat over her eyes and blushing. Even Starlight had to admit, seeing Rarity just loose herself like this was really sexy.

Rainbow Dash’s Persona once again clashed blades with Cinch, this time breaking her blade in two and slamming into Cinch herself. Before she could retaliate, Rarity once again hit Cinch with her massive Cursed Spell, knocking her to the ground.

Starlight made the call, commanding an All Out Attack, which this time Cinch didn’t recover from, as she let out a loud wail of pain before falling over, her monstrous form fading away, and leaving her in her humanized form.

end song

Rarity chuckled, and then burst out laughing, “Yes! Oh fuck YES! Beating the shit outta that belligerent, self righteous cunt was JUST what I needed!” she then moaned, “Mmmmm, I came a little…”

“I’m never getting on her bad side,” Trixie said.

“I ain’t afraid of No Fun Jackie,” Rainbow Dash said, “But that? That was terrifying.”

“So, what do you have to say for yourself?” Rarity asked, hands on her hips and tail swishing back and forth, “Get it now? You don’t own me anymore. I’m doing what I want from now-” Cinch started laughing, “What’s so funny?”

Desire - Persona 5

“You are,” Cinch said, rising to her knees, “All of you.”

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked. Starlight’s heart was racing for some reason.

“You think this changes anything?” Cinch sneered, “I still have dirt on you, remember. And it’ll be morning in a few hours. Know what that means~?”

Rarity stepped back, eyes wide and now trembling, “No…!”

“Hang on! Why didn’t her heart change?!” Pinkie Pie asked, “We did everything right, didn’t we?!”

“It’s because Rarity isn’t her treasure!” Twilight said, “It’s the same with Blueblood! She didn’t value Rarity, so setting her free didn’t affect her!”

“What are you saying?!” Trixie asked frantically, “All of this, we did for nothing?!”

“That’s right!” Cinch laughed, “You didn’t change anything! All you did was galvanize me to see my plan through to the end!”

Starlight gritted her teeth, and summoned her scythe.

“Enjoy your night of freedom, because it’ll be your last!” Cinch gave Rarity and everyone an evil grin, “I’ll enjoy seeing you fall into despair, as you get sent straight to hell, and the Scarlets all get dragged down with you!” she then let out a euphoric, sinister laugh.

Rarity hyperventilated, holding her head in agony, “No…! Applejack…! I…! I…!”

Starlight gripped her scythe tightly, getting it ready. She didn’t care at this point. She was going to put an end to this woman once and for-

end song

A loud bang was heard, followed by Cinch freezing in place. Black blood ran down from a hole that randomly appeared on her forehead, and her laughter ceased.

“W-what happened?” Pinkie Pie asked. Cinch fell limp, her body fading away and dispersing in black mist, “G-girls…!”

“Who, did that?” Rainbow Dash asked, “None of us have gun weapons, right?”

“I technically do, but mine are playing cards,” Trixie said, “That wasn’t…”

“Ugh! Finally! Thought she’d never shut up!” a new voice called out, “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Organization XIII Theme - Kingdom Hearts 2

They looked, and saw three figures standing by the cells. One of them was Adagio, but the other two, were new. One was a girl about their age wearing a red and golden Chinese inspired dress, dark red boots, and had red and golden hair tied in a pony tail. She held two large guns, one pointed forward and smoking.

The other new figure looked a bit older than them, but only a bit. She wore a short, tight, and extremely sexy green and black dress, fishnet stockings, black high heels, and a traditional witch’s hat like Starlight. Her hair was long, straight, and neon green. In her hands was a book, which she seemed very focused on. The way she wore her hat made her eyes impossible to see.

“A-Adagio?” Starlight asked. Adagio beamed and ran over to Starlight, hugging her tightly.

“Starlight! I’m so happy to see you again!” she smiled.

“Who are these two?” Rainbow Dash asked carefully.

“Oh! They’re my Coven!” Adagio smiled, “The one in red is Sunset Shimmer, and the one in green reading is our leader, Chrysalis!”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Chrysalis smiled, closing her book,“Especially the one who’s been chosen by the Right Eye.”

“The, Right Eye?” Trixie asked.

“The Right Eye of Nyx, of course~” Chrysalis said, placing a hand on her chest, “I myself was chosen by the Left Eye of Nyx. I suppose you could say we’re the same, you and I.”

“Nyx?!” Twilight cried, “H-hang on a second! You three know about Nyx?!”

“Duh,” Sunset shrugged, “The Akashic Records have info on everything. She’s kinda sorta the source of our magic, right?”

“I wanted to give you a chance to solve this on your terms, but once that Shadow revealed that she was unrepentant, I couldn’t stay silent,” Chrysalis said, her hat still covering her eyes, which made her extremely friendly smile very unsettling, “I hope you don’t mind us stealing your kill.”

“Stealing my…”

“You were going to kill her yourself, right?” Chrysalis continued, “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. That’s what our magic is for, after all. To rid the world of monsters.”

“I… I wasn’t, I mean I…” she looked down at her scythe, trembling a bit. Really, she was considering it, and if they hadn't killed Cinch themselves, then...

“Honestly, I don’t see why you waited so long,” Sunset rested a gun over her shoulder, “I mean, she was actually the worst, am I right?”

“Well, she was,” Trixie looked away awkwardly, “But, you can’t just…”

“Oh, but we can,” Chrysalis said, “This is the world of magic, which can’t be proven in a court of law. We can kill to our heart’s content, and never have to worry about facing the consequences.”

“How, can you be so calm about killing someone?” Pinkie Pie asked shakily.

“Because she was a monster, and deserved it?” Sunset said like it was nothing, “I mean, she was gonna wreck the wolf girl’s life if she lived, right?”

“Some people are just pure evil,” Adagio said somberly, “It’s the same as my manager. I had to kill him, in order to protect myself and my sisters.”

“And, you killed Cinch, in order to help me?” Rarity asked the three Dark Witches. Chrysalis chuckled softly.

“Yes, because you have potential, White Wolf. You could be the strongest witch in this current era, or at least one of. It’d be a shame to let such potential go to waste,” she walked over to Rarity, “If you want to join their group, I won’t stop you, but, do know that Neo Strega, is looking for people like you.”

“Neo, Strega…?” Rarity asked softly.

“It’s the name of my Coven, named after a group in the past who used the power of Persona in the honor of dear Mother Nyx,” Chrysalis explained, “Do consider our group, White Wolf.”

With that, Chrysalis turned and walked off. Sunset gave the group one final wave before walking after Chrysalis. Adagio on the other hand, turned to Starlight, taking her hands.

“I hover around the Akashic Records, so we can catch up there,” she smiled before hugging Starlight tightly, “I’ll see you again, Starlight!” she then released Starlight and ran after her friends.

“What, just happened?” Rainbow Dash asked. Starlight didn’t have an answer to that, sadly. All she knew though, was Principal Cinch, was dead.

And Starlight, almost killer her herself.

end song

The walk back to the entrance was silent for a bit, but eventually Rarity broke the silence by taking the time to ask what happened, what this power actually was, and also to get an idea of what they all did to rescue her.

“So, the Nightmare Epidemic is really people getting trapped in these Nightmares?” Rarity asked. They were now right in front of the door.

“Pretty much, yeah,” Starlight nodded, “We’re still not sure what’s causing it, but we have a theory as to where the source is.”

“That being?”

“Elysium,” Trixie said, “It’s a tower somewhere in the Akashic Records that seems to be related to the Dungeons. Diamond Tiara formed a Dungeon, but we got to hers before it fully manifested, and it was inside Elysium.”

Rarity nodded, “And, you said that you had one of these too?” Rarity asked Trixie, who nodded gravely.

“Blueblood was my Dungeon Master,” she explained.

“Fleur was mine,” Pinkie Pie said somberly, looking down, “I’m, still not sure how to deal with that, honestly.”

“I, didn’t have a Dungeon per say,” Rainbow Dash said, “Running theory is that Pinkie Pie and I kinda shared one, though, since I was so affected by her situation.”

“I see,” Rarity nodded, folding her arms and looking up, “This is a lot bigger than I thought, but, I sorta get it.”

“Now that you know, what are you going to do?” Twilight asked Rarity.

“Unsure, being completely up front with you,” Rarity admitted, “I’m thinking for now, I just need to rest and process what happened. All of it.”

“Good idea,” Starlight nodded, “Oh, fair warning. Awakening to your Persona seems to cause a fever, so you might be sick when you wake up.”

“Stay home, got it,” Rarity nodded, holding her head, “Kinda feeling lightheaded.”

“That’s not uncommon,” Trixie said, “Honestly, I’m kinda shocked you didn’t feel it sooner.”

“I was running on adrenaline, I think,” Rarity said, “So, how do I get outta here?”

“Through that door, you’ll find yourself in a library of sorts,” Twilight explained, “Once there, just take off your Channeling Ring, and you’ll return to your body.”

“That simple, huh? Alright then,” Rarity turned to everyone, “Look, I, don’t do mushy stuff well, so…”

“We get it,” Starlight smiled, “You’re welcome, Rarity. And, we’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

"I'm glad you're okay now, Rarity," Pinkie Pie hugged her, "Talk to you later."

"Yeah, see ya," Rarity smiled a bit, hugging Pinkie Pie in return. She nodded to everyone else, and then went through the main exit, presumably taking her Ring off shortly after.

“So, we won, right?” Trixie asked, “Cause, I kinda don’t feel like celebrating.”

“We know what happened to Cinch,” Pinkie Pie said, “Kinda sours things a bit.”

“I ain’t sure how I feel about it,” Rainbow Dash admitted, “Which in all honesty, is kinda sad.”

“Neo Strega…” Twilight muttered to herself, “The Left Eye, and Right Eye, of Nyx…?”

“Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I, need to talk to Mitsuru about this,” Twilight said, “But for now, you should all get some rest.”

“Good idea,” Rainbow Dash stretched, “Tomorrow’s gonna suck. Well, I’ll see ya back at the dorm.”

“See you, everyone,” Pinkie Pie waved to them, “Once we know Rarity’s okay, we should do something to celebrate.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked through the door together, leaving Trixie and Starlight alone.

“You okay?” Trixie asked Starlight, who shook her head.

“Can we, talk a bit when we get home?” she requested, “In our room?”

Trixie nodded smiling, “Of course, Starlight.” she said, taking Starlight’s hand, “Come on. Let’s head back.”

Starlight nodded, and walked through the door. As they left, and no one was there to have the Dream, the whole Dungeon cracked, and shattered into the Ether.

New Party Member Unlocked:

Rarity Stark
Persona: Riley
Arcana: The Hanged Man
Strengths: Darkness and Physical Attacks
Weakness: Blessed

Lore: The main character of the Riley Jenson Guardian Novels from Keri Arthur. Born of a werewolf mother and a vampire father, she's often caught between the two worlds. Her werewolf culture very important to her, but her vampire lover Quinn and her job as a detective/assassin make embracing this side of herself very difficult. Werewolves are known to be very sexually active, and become more so during the full moon.

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

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