Rarity hummed pleasantly to herself while she sketched out some new design ideas in her shop. It was by appointment only today, and her next one wasn’t due for another few minutes, so she had some time to work on a few things.

The bell to her shop tinkled pleasantly a short time later, and she could hear a group of female voices.

“Can you believe Jet’s nerve?! He was actually talking about whether or not that redhead was single! He’s dating me, and he’s advertising his thoughts about the availability of some leather wearing hussy? The absolute nerve!”

“Tasteless!” agreed a second voice.

“And probably pointless—she turned down Blueblood entirely! Blueblood, one of the wealthiest boys in school! The odds of her taking a date from anyone else are low.”

“With all that leather and the bike, she’s probably a dyke,” the first voice said with a nasty undertone that immediately set Rarity’s hackles up. “That would explain why she picked up the most unpopular nerd in school. Low hanging fruit.”

Just as Rarity was about to say something scathing and curt, a voice she did recognize interrupted with a sigh. “Ladies, it's incredibly unbecoming to spew such vitriol in public, and whatever reason she has for turning down Blueblood or showing up at the school is not reason to be so ugly. About her or Twilight Sparkle. It certainly isn't their fault that most of the boys are being so inappropriate and unsavory.”

The words died in her throat. There really was a Twilight Sparkle in this world? She had dismissed Pinkie’s offhand comment from months ago as little more than Pinkie being Pinkie. If this was true, Rarity couldn't wait to tell the girls!

Fleur De Lis shook her head as she shut the door firmly on her associates, turning an apologetic face to Rarity. “I am so sorry you had to hear all that. They are not usually so vicious and ugly, and I am actually a little ashamed to have been seen with them today.”

The designer moved over to give her friend and longtime customer a warm hug. “Fleur, darling, no need to apologize. We’ve known each other long enough to realize that sometimes we must keep company with those who do not deserve the status they have. Though, I must admit, I am curious as to what that was all about?”

Fleur took off her coat and draped it over a chair. “The latest gossip at CPA,” she said with a laugh. “The whole school has been abuzz with it since last Monday.” At Rarity’s questioning eyebrow while they moved into the back room for the dress fitting, the pink haired girl explained.

“Last Monday, about the time school let out, a very attractive redhead showed up outside our school on a motorcycle, catching the eye of most of the boys present, as you can imagine. But it seems she was only there to pick up the school’s academic front-runner.”

“Would it be safe to assume this academic is the ‘Twilight Sparkle,’ I heard you mention?” Rarity was starting to connect the dots, and if what she suspected were true, then she and one Sunset Shimmer needed to have a conversation.

“It certainly is. I don't know her at all myself, but I do not quite understand the hostility of many of the other students. She is very quiet and shy and mostly keeps to herself. She used to have some friends that she spent time with, but they all moved away, so I always thought she was very lonely.” She smiled. “I am actually glad she seems to have a friend—especially one who doesn't go to CPA. You made a smart choice, Rarity, sticking to public school. I wish Mother and Father had let me do the same.”

Rarity helped her zip up the dress, before walking around her friend in a slow circle, making slight adjustments here and there. “So you don't know anything about this mystery girl that rides the bike?”

“Nothing at all. She showed up several times last week, and a lot of boys—and a few of the girls—have tried to talk to her, ask her out, but she seems only really interested in getting her friend and leaving. I think she’s close to your height, and I freely admit that I am jealous of her figure.” Fleur De Lis shook her head ruefully. “Not to be crass, but she’s got the body of a gymnast with curves most girls would kill for. Other than that she reminds me of fire—golden skin, red and gold hair, red motorcycle.” A pause, and Rarity found Fleur studying her. “Does anyone like that go to your school?”

The designer gave a bemused chuckle. “That could be several people at my school, darling.” She was lying, of course, and she mentally apologized for her dishonesty. There was only one girl it could have been, and it presented an even bigger mystery to Rarity than it ever could to Crystal Prep. “You’ll have to keep me in the loop about it though. Now, something so much more important! How are you and Fancy Pants doing? He is the one escorting you to the party that will see this masterpiece, isn't he?”

The other girl giggled, and the gossip fell into more safe territory, about parties and boys and high society.

Bustling around the store and picking up the various items after several days of fittings and fits of creative design frenzy allowed Rarity to sort her thoughts and feelings, even as she prepared to receive a particular friend in her store for the very first time ever. The initial invitation had been genuine—she had very much intended to do it long before this, having Sunset over so she could get some precise measurements and test some styles against the other girl’s build and complexion. One could only guess so much from memory, and fashion had more nuance to it than most realized. Just a half inch or so change in ratios or proportions could turn a style from flattering to disastrous, and even a few shades or an undertone difference meant a color that might have been complementary became something that made a person look unwell…

Her thoughts drifted for a moment into a realm of fabric textures and shades before she forced herself to refocus on the present dilemma. Her invite had originally been genuine without any ulterior motives, but recent events had made it an opportunity to discuss things in private with Sunset Shimmer. Like the nature of her friendship with Twilight Sparkle of Earth…and why it was such a secret from her friends. Especially if it was as important a relationship as Rarity suspected, given the way their friend from Equestria had flown to her side the instant she was in trouble.

Yet now she was faced with a deeper problem. Sunset hadn’t quite been herself, ever since her weekend sabbatical…and all of her friends had noticed. Even Rainbow Dash, though she had kept her own counsel…strange for the athlete, which made Rarity wonder why…

Everyone else, though…they were worried. Sunset was having issues with her powers, and had grown increasingly restless and agitated as the days passed. It was enough that there had been conversations about it, culminating in the talk the tailor had had the evening before with her partner after they’d enjoyed a quiet dinner together while their sisters were at some event for the middle school students.

“Pinkie came ta me today,” Applejack said as they curled up on Rarity’s sofa, content to indulge in some quiet cuddling while their meal digested.

One eyebrow arched, and Rarity sipped at the glass of wine they would never risk drinking in front of Granny…or where their impressionable sisters could see. Granny would turn them both over her arthritic knee just like she had when they were little girls, and Applebloom and Sweetie were trouble enough without alcohol. Not to mention she didn't want it getting out to anyone—not with her and her sister’s situation being as precarious as it was, from a legal standpoint. “What ever about, dearest?” she asked, lips pulling into a slight frown.

Green eyes were troubled as they stared at the ceiling, the blonde head resting back against the couch and her well loved hat resting on one knee. “Sunset. Pinkie said…well. It was one o’ them Pinkie things, where she says something that sounds crazy, but ya know she’s right and tellin’ the truth? She said that Sunset’s got some new kinda hurt that wasn't there before and that its bleeding lava into her until her magic boils. Or something like that. Might been a cooking analogy or three in there somewhere too.”

“Fluttershy expressed a similar worry. That Sunset has apparently had to be doused with water three times already this week because she almost caught her desk on fire. And the fire alarm that went off—it wasn't a chemical fire in the science room. Several students in Sunset’s science class let me know they were worried about her after she had some kind of magical meltdown and triggered the suppression systems that are part of the science wing.” Rarity made a concerned sound. “I also don't feel inclined to disagree. Something is wrong.”

Quiet hovered between them, soft, serene, until Applejack broke it. “….eyuuup,” she agreed, the single word conveying far more than just simple consensus between them. The quiet returned, but less relaxed, as the acknowledgment left them both thinking on the problem.

“…how do we handle it? Hammer or needle?”

Rarity considered the question, and the deeper meaning in its simplicity. Which approach would work better this time, her subtle probing or her other half’s more brutally upfront method? She weighed it against the way things had been of late, of Sunset’s slow release of years of secrets and sordid history, of what she was beginning to suspect was several types of abuse and neglect that had been going on since well before their enemy-turned-friend had ever had feet to step into the human world with. “…As cagey as she has been, and with how…” she paused, searching for the word.

“Spooky.” When she looked at Applejack askance, the farmer made a careful gesture with her own wine glass. “Not like Halloween spooky. Horse spooky. When they get twitchy cuz they smelled or heard something that might be dangerous, but don't know where it is. Instinct is tellin’ ‘em that something’s about to pounce on them.” Those deep emerald pools turned towards her, and she could see herself reflected in them. “Think this one’s gonna have ta be you or Fluttershy, Rares. Dash seems ta be close-mouthed right now, Ah’m the hammer, and Pinkie…if Pinkie were right fer the job, she’d’ve just done it instead of saying something ta me.”

Which was how she found herself in her present predicament. Rarity had wanted so badly to try and coax Sunset into talking about Twilight—if there was anyone in the group she could hope to be able to engage in girl-talk with, it was going to be Sunset. Out of all the girls, Sunset was the one who had an appreciation and understanding of the finer things in life, who not only listened and understood her when she tended to prattle on about fashion and design and artisan craftsmanship, but actively took time to invest in the conversation with thoughts, questions, suggestions, and more. And while it was clear there was a definite cultural difference between them, even that had become fascinating to the designer.

Really, if she wasn't in love with her knight in a battered stetson, there would be a great deal about Sunset Shimmer that Rarity would have found appealing, regardless of the lingering baggage left from a less than stellar history between them. Even with Applejack in her life, she was woman enough to admit that Sunset was a gorgeous young woman with a very attractive personality now that she’d mended her ways.

Hence why Rarity enjoyed their friendship so much and why she wanted to find some more ways to connect with the redhead, ways that made it even more unique. She wanted to help Sunset create stronger bonds with others and give her the stability that it seemed like her life had been lacking on both sides of the portal until the night of the fall dance.

…and maybe, a little selfishly, she wanted a close friend that she could bond with the way Applejack had bonded with Rainbow Dash. As much as she enjoyed her time with Fluttershy, they were very different and had very different interests.

Rarity sighed, and set about making a pot of tea—she had noticed that Sunset seemed to prefer that as a hot beverage, and the day had been rather rainy and unpleasantly chilled. As much as she did want to broach the subject of Twilight, the other was a thing that was more important in the long run…

She heard the bell chime as someone entered the shop in a rush, but it lacked any sort of greeting she would have expected from Sunset or her friends. Frowning, she stepped out from the back room to identify them, the polite explanation that she was closed dying on her tongue as she realized that not only was it definitely Sunset, but that her friend looked positively dreadful. The rain had soaked her hair through, and with a bit of surprise, she realized that there were traces of…make-up? running down Sunset’s cheeks, washed away by the deluge that had picked up outside. It revealed the dark circles under bloodshot eyes that the other girl had apparently been taking pains to hide.

“Sunset, darling,” Rarity murmured in concern, hurrying over to pull the redhead further into the shop—into her back room—so she could put her into a chair and get the dripping leather coat off her. “Sit down—you are absolutely soaked to the bone!”

“…Sorry,” came the response, “I didn't mean to get water all over your floor.”

Waving it away, the tailor used a hand towel to dry her friend’s much loved jacket of the worst of the water. “Think nothing of it, Sunset, truly. I’m more concerned about long term damage to your coat…and your health!” Once the coat was dry, she hung it up and moved on to squeezing the worst of the water out of fiery curls. “I apologize—had I realized it was going to rain so heavily this afternoon, I would have offered to give you a ride after school.”

Eyes that reminded her of finely polished turquoise barely glanced up from the table as their owner gave a smile that Rarity could tell was faked. “I’m okay. I like riding on my bike—it's…freeing. Reminds me of being a pony in Equestria, you know?”

Proximity allowed her to move from Sunset’s hair to her face, carefully wiping away the runny make-up. “Darling, you’ve been wearing concealer to hide these terrible dark circles. Saying you are ‘okay,’ is not going to work with me.”

Sunset still refused to meet Rarity’s gaze. “…haven’t been sleeping well. Encountering the magic at Crystal Prep…dug up memories I’d…rather not think about,” the redhead said quietly. “In my case…that means nightmares.” She paused, then sighed. “More nightmares,” Sunset clarified.

With a thoughtful sound in her throat, Rarity set the now damp and dirty towel to the side and retrieved a hair dryer and a brush from the small bathroom in the shop. “Are you certain that’s all it is, Sunset? You seem to be having a lot more trouble than just nightmares.” She tipped her chin up briefly, forcing the other girl to meet her eyes. “I am perfectly willing to listen without judgment…if you would like to talk about it.” Then she let go, setting to work on a simple grooming routine with damp hair the color of flame. It effectively trapped Sunset there, but the noise meant it put off conversation, giving her time to decide if she wanted to talk…and it gave Rarity time to observe her.

A sharp eye for details immediately noticed several things, some amusing, some concerning. Sunset’s clothes were rumpled, in addition to being dampened by the rain, and the shirt looked like she needed to wash it before she had put it on that morning. Her hands, especially her fingers, looked badly sunburned, and there was a large band-aid on one finger that she could just barely see the hint of a healing, scabbed over blister peeking out from one edge. The sunburn seemed to fade as it got past her wrists, but without the sharp line one might expect from where clothing lay or how the arm might have been resting; instead, the marks had inconsistent edges, like she had sunburned herself repeatedly in a short span, never quite giving her skin time to heal. Higher up, where Rarity was working with her hair, the designer could see a few darker marks on her neck normally hidden by said hair…a few were definitely hickeys and love-bites, and they paired with the faint ends of scratches from someone’s fingernails that she could see at the edge of the shirt collar. Rarity also detected the faintest odor of smoke and matches, but it lacked the stink of burned tobacco, so it wasn't a case of her friend taking up an unhealthy hobby…

Rarity took more time than necessary brushing Sunset’s hair until it shone in the lights of the shop, a fiery halo of loose, natural curls that she was willing to admit she was at least a little jealous of, before setting the brush and hairdryer aside to retrieve the makeup bag she kept in her store for emergencies or design assistance—some outfit styles looked better when paired with the right kind of makeup. After a moment of searching its contents, she found what she was looking for—tones that matched the warm amber complexion of her tired looking friend. While she was concerned about Sunset hiding troubles from her friends, she still respected her choice to put on a strong face to the public.

“…my magic…” Sunset said, almost too quiet to hear, as Rarity began applying the makeup.

“What about your magic, darling?” she asked gently, keeping her tone neutral.

Sagging a little, the redhead gave a half hearted shrug. “…something is wrong with it. It's…going crazy. I…thought I had it…but then…it's like…” She closed her eyes. “Like a foreign thing instead of part of me, which has never happened before.”

The pale skinned tailor furrowed her brow. “Not the surges you keep cautioning us about then?”

“Not exactly, no. That's always more like…” Sunset considered, then offered an analogy. “Like a pressure cooker. Too much energy and it has to get out or you’ll explode. And when you explode bad things happen. This is…different.”

Considering the information at hand and thinking back to when Sunset had first begun acting off, Rarity frowned. “Correct me if I am wrong, darling, but this all began after you assisted your friend at Crystal Prep, yes? Is it possible that you are having some kind of…magical allergic reaction to the magic that attacked you there? You did mention you had a severe reaction to the power the Dazzlings used.”

Sunset got quiet and introspective at the suggestion. “Maybe?” she ventured after a minute or two. “…it was the darkest magic I’ve ever encountered—comparable to what I became at the formal in terms of just how twisted and wrong it was…and the way it attacked me could have left some residue or minor damage behind. My essence is already thaumically scarred…”

“Is it something you can check? It sounds like something we should be very concerned about, darling. A bit bigger than a broken nail or a bad hair day, at the very least.” Rarity paused in her delicate work a moment to meet her friend’s eyes. “Making the fact that you have hidden it even more worrisome.”

She couldn't look away with Rarity working on her face, but her eyes looked at some point past Rarity’s shoulder. “I didn't want to make you worry about something that's my problem.” Sunset exhaled slowly.

One eyebrow arched pointedly. “Sunset, dear, I do not know if it is still something that is sinking in or we aren't making it clear…but we want to help you with your problems…or, barring that, support you through them. That's what friends do for one another…what we’d like to do for you as much as we do for each other, and as you have been trying to do for us.” She tucked a loose curl behind Sunset’s ear. “Like with this. I imagine it is somewhat difficult to inspect yourself magically, yes? You’ve implied that in the previous discussions.”

“….yes…?”

Rarity set the makeup down and carefully took Sunset’s hands in her own, mindful of the bandages hiding blisters. “Then allow me the chance to help you with that. I may not be an expert, but I am certain you can walk me through it well enough that I should be able to sense if something is truly awry, wouldn't you think? At the least, I should be capable of feeling something as dark and evil as you described if it has latched on to you.”

The redhead seemed to mull that over, before she nodded. “…I could try walking you through it—out of the five of you, it's you and Pinkie who have come the furthest in feeling your magic…although I’m beginning to think Pinkie should never be used in any kind of data set because she’s Pinkie.”

Humming in her throat, Rarity squeezed her hands lightly. “Let me finish redoing your makeup, and you can talk me through the process over a soothing cup of tea. Does that sound acceptable to you?”

Laughter, weak but still genuine, escaped Sunset. “I could really go for a cup of tea right now.”

“As could I, darling. It's dreary and dreadful outside right now…but makeup first, as I’m just about done.” She scrutinized the area around Sunset’s eyes, touching up a few spots where the dark, bruise-like discoloration was still visible. “It's not perfect,” she apologized, “since there is little I can do for your actual eyes…but I do have some eye drops that I use for when I am suffering through creativity induced insomnia. It should relieve at least a little of the irritation if you want to use them.”

Sunset blinked, like she hadn't considered such a thing. “Eye drops?”

“Yes, Sunset. One of the numerous products humans have invented to overcome poor decisions, bad habits, or symptoms of other problems. Do ponies not have things like that? I had rather assumed your medicine was rather like ours, since you and Twilight speak of your culture as advanced and modern.” She busied herself with repacking her makeup bag.

The shrug Sunset gave was awkward. “Some things are, some aren't. We don't have mass production like humans—factories and assembly lines are pretty singularly a human invention. The only thing that comes close to that are societal infrastructure, and that's all commissioned by the crown.”

Humming thoughtfully, Rarity searched through the bag for the eyedrops. “I suppose medicine uses a lot of magic too, rather than chemistry. Healing spells and the like.” Getting her to talk about Equestrian society was reducing the visible tension in Sunset’s face, so Rarity pursued it for the moment.

“No, actually. Despite lots of research, nopony has ever discovered magic like that. There's a few spells for…setting bones or sealing minor cuts, and a few for things like pain management…but most of our medicine does use alchemy or physical cures. It's just…we don't really mass produce the kind of things you see on pharmacy shelves.” Sunset tipped her head back. “Something like what you're talking about would mean a trip to the apothecary for a specially made concoction that doesn't have the months long shelf life you find here.” She laughed softly, at herself. “You’d think, having discovered the wonder of ibuprofen, q-tips, and maxi-pads, I’d’ve perused the pharmacy for other useful things.”

Rarity offered her the small bottle of drops. “I’d be more than happy to organize an informational shopping trip for you, Sunset. I’m sure Fluttershy would be willing to assist. Now, with this, just take the cap off, tilt your head back and squeeze two drops into each eye. It should help the gritty, sore feeling and prevent further irritation.”

Following her instructions, Sunset looked up at the ceiling once more. “…maybe we can think about that over spring break or this summer. Everything is so hecti—ahh! That’s cold!” she complained, before doing the same to the second eye. “Warn me about that next time?”

Rarity was ready with a cotton ball that proved unnecessary—Sunset’s eyes were apparently dry and irritated enough that only the faintest bit of moisture touched her lashes. “Why don't you keep the drops—put some more in before bed tonight,” she suggested, growing more concerned by the minute about Sunset’s health.

“…Thanks, Rarity,” she responded in a rough voice.

Smiling faintly, the tailor bustled over to get their tea. “They're just eye drops, darling.”

Her one-time adversary shook her head. “Not that.” There was a tiny quiver in her voice. “For…being here…for doing…all this…”

Oh. Pouring the tea into two cups and bringing the tray over with real cream and sugar—Sunset was the only other person in their friend group who drank tea in any manner close to how it was meant to be done, so Rarity indulged whenever she could—gave the pale skinned teen a minute to organize her thoughts. “Sunset…you are one of my closest friends,” she said softly. “Whatever may have been in the past, that is the truth now. Seeing you so obviously suffering, how could I do anything else?” She set the tray down and presented Sunset with her cup. “You need someone in your corner, as it were, and I am in the position to help. Everything else is immaterial—despite Rainbow Dash and Applejack’s childish competition, there are no ledgers or balance books between friends. What I give, I give freely, and your smile is gratitude enough.”

“It still…” Sunset shrugged. “Thank you.”

Rarity hummed, taking her own seat and spooning a bit of sugar into her tea. Silence, this time comfortable and more relaxed, fell over them while they sipped their drinks, and she was loathe to break it, but getting answers to some of her questions about what was happening with Sunset and her magic was necessary. “On the topic of your misbehaving magic, darling…does it happen every time? Or just sometimes when you use it?”

Sunset stared into the depths of her cup. “…it's…becoming more frequent. It was sporadic when it started, but now…now it's more than it isn't.”

“What about when you aren't trying to use your magic—like in the science lab? I can't imagine you were attempting to pony up and use magic there…unless perhaps you wanted to practice lighting Bunsen Burners.”

Shaking her head, the other girl confirmed what Rarity had suggested. “I wasn't. It just…happened, and trying to keep it in…hurt, not like a surge but…” Sunset trailed off.

“…but…?”

A shiver passed through her. “Like hooks were trying to pull my soul in separate directions.” Blue-green eyes glanced her way, and Rarity could see how haunted they were as Sunset whispered, “It reminds me of that night. With the crown.”

That was a terrible image—Rarity had spoken of it to no one, not even Applejack, but she had caught a glimpse of Sunset’s face before the light had become blinding and concealed her demonic transformation behind its brilliance, and she could not remember a moment in her whole life where she had seen someone in that much agony. “…Sunset…” she said quietly. “Is that what’s causing your nightmares? You said before that you feared becoming the demon again…”

The empty teacup was left on the table and Sunset crossed her arms, one hand gripping the opposite elbow in a white knuckled grip. “…I…It's worse than that,” she confessed. “…Rarity…I don’t think…I don't think the demon part of me was destroyed. I…when the Elements let me go…They…It…told me…I was at a crossroads. That I had to decide who I wanted to be…and then I was falling…I had to be over a hundred feet up…”

Horror was starting to bloom in the tailor as she listened in shock to what she was being told. Those eyes never looked away from hers as the awful confession continued. “…I wasn't just falling, it was like I’d been launched from a cannon…I thought I was going to die…I tried to slow myself down…with my wings.”

Wings? The realization hit her like a roundhouse kick to the jaw, and Sunset nodded in confirmation. “…I transformed back into a human after the Rainbow ended…while I was falling…I hit the ground so hard I blacked out…but…the crater I woke up in…wasn't caused by the Elements or the Rainbow of Light.”

“…Sunset…” she breathed. “Are you saying that terrible hole was caused by your body impacting the ground?”

Sunset nodded her head. “Yeah. I made that crater. Explains why I hurt for the rest of that week.”

Her stomach clenched, nausea making her swallow hard. “Darling…an impact like that should have killed you.” It was a chilling statement, one that made her feel like her body was encased in ice.

“If I was human. Or a unicorn.” Her expression was grim. “But…a demon…isn't fragile like a mortal.” Those eyes became somewhat distant. “I’ve taken…a few hits…since then. Hits that should have hurt. They didn't. And…I…” Those fingers squeezed even harder on her elbow. “I can see in the dark. Pitch dark. Like it’s daylight at noon. Like under the stage at the Battle of the Bands…” A shudder went through her. “…she's in my nightmares…and now…I…I thought it was the sarcastic bitch in me…a snarky part of my subconscious talking…when I couldn't say what I wanted to out loud because…I…it would be mean…or upset someone…but its not. I…she’s that part of me. The demon…she’s still in here.” Sunset’s voice cracked. “I’m still a monster.”

Rarity found herself out of her chair and rounding the table to pull the redhead into a hug. “You are not a monster, darling,” she soothed, letting her friend rest her forehead against her shoulder. “You may have fallen into darkness, but you have become a light, a force of good. You prove that every single day.”

There was a noise of protest, of denial, and Rarity shushed her, firmly, before pulling back to lock eyes with Sunset. “Do you trust me?”

“…yes.”

She squeezed her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. “Then trust me now. You are not a monster. You were once before, for a short time, but you, of free will and conscious choice, turned your back on that identity. You have become more than the demons of your past.”

The way those eyes were fixed on her told her she had Sunset’s full attention. “I do not know how it is for ponies other than you, but for humans, all of us fight against the darkness inside of us. That darkness may take many forms, as many forms and shapes as there are people…but it is there. In me, in Applejack, even in Fluttershy.” She smiled encouragingly. “The important part to remember is that as long as you choose to fight against that darkness, it cannot consume you. Evil is a choice, Sunset. Doing evil, surrendering to the impulses to cause harm…that is a conscious choice…”

“And so is good. You have chosen to be good, Sunset. As long as that is true, then even if the demon is still inside you…it has no power over you. One has to choose to sell their soul, after all.”

She could feel the way her friend trembled, a faint, periodic shiver that communicated through her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. Biting her lip, Sunset was searching her face. “…why…why aren't you more bothered by this?”

Rarity smiled again. “Why aren't I freaking out or afraid, you mean?” When the fiery head nodded jerkily, she told her the uncomplicated truth. “I am…highly concerned, and very worried, Sunset…but not about you. I'm worried for you.”

Sunset trembled more violently, then lunged forward, hugging Rarity so hard that she felt the air squeezed from her lungs. It was nothing on Applejack’s tightest hugs, of course, but it was enough that she could feel the way those arms compressed in on her with every breath she took. She wordlessly patted her friend on the back, offering silent comfort and support as Sunset mumbled something indistinct into her shoulder.

Once the arms loosened, allowing her to straighten her spine with a masterfully suppressed wince, Rarity cleared her throat. “Now, I do believe we are at the part where you walk me through sensing your magic and looking for unpleasantness that has latched onto you, correct?”

Rubbing her eyes, Sunset nodded. “…right.” She cleared her throat, and shifted to the instructor ‘persona’ that she used in magic lessons—Rarity had privately wondered if it was a subconscious channeling of the princess who had been Sunset’s own teacher, since some of it reminded her a great deal of how their principal carried herself. “The beginning is the same as I’ve already shown you, where you let your own magic sit just under your skin after you Pony-Up. You're still sensing my magic, but you’re going to be going deeper than just recognizing that it exists in your vicinity.”

Worry and concern for her friend made it all too easy to Pony-Up and call her magic forward. She could feel it flowing under her skin and in her veins like water that wasn't water, seeping into her lungs and being exhaled amidst the swirls of air. She could feel how it buzzed anxiously, but held it, inclining her head to Sunset to let her know she was ready. Already, she could feel the vibration in the air that she associated with Sunset, like a warm and cheery hearth in one of those historic Victorian era manors…except it was…lacking? Dim? As if the fire had been banked or allowed to burn down.

“Right. Well this is normally where I have you draw your power in and look in yourself…but this time, you're going to take my hands…”

The words became a background buzz, instructions followed but not in focus to her consciousness, especially once her magic, mind, and entire awareness sank into the presence of Sunset Shimmer.

As her initial estimation had observed, the bright warmth of Sunset’s power had gone dim, weak, and off in some way… but it wasn't until she was inside the sputtering, wheezing flame that she began to understand why. She felt nothing that could be identified as ‘dark magic’…nothing greasy or oily or in any way jarring to whatever perception this sense could be classified as. What she did find was Sunset herself…or what her brain was interpreting as Sunset’s…core? Essence? Soul?

Had Rarity been asked to describe it, she would have likened it to a very strange patchwork quilt, unlike any she had ever encountered. The elements that made it up were disparate, unalike…translating to her mind as rough, dark red leathers, golden silks, cottons and wools in shades like autumn leaves, matched together as best as ill fitting and irregular puzzle pieces could be the gaps filled in with glowing crimson jewel shards and stitched into place by magenta light that should have clashed horribly, but somehow…its presence dancing in and out of a sea of fiery shades felt…

Like it belonged there.

Curiouser and curiouser.

With a thought that became action, Rarity brushed mental fingertips against what, to her, seemed a battered and threadbare piece of silk that had been through some hard use.

FLASH!

She was staring up at a towering white form, clad in golden regalia as it stretched brilliant, enormous wings and pointed its spiraling horn towards the horizon, golden magic mimicking the light of the sun that seemed to follow the horn’s trajectory in a sunset far faster than ever happened on earth. Childish excitement and joy flowed through her, wrapped up in love for a beloved parent, and she felt herself drum hooves on the white stone of the balcony. “Will I be able to do that someday, Princess?” The question was squeaked out in a little girl’s voice, slow and careful to avoid slurring sounds wrong.

And then the being—Princess Celestia, with her impossibly flowing mane and the principal’s voice—smiled back at her. “I do not know, my little sun,” she said in a voice overflowed with a mother’s love for Rarity's hearing, “but won't it be wonderful to find out?”

FLASH!

Memories, Rarity registered as she wrenched her perception free of the images of being in Sunset’s own past.

If they were memories…then…tentatively, she touched her mental hand to one of the dark red leather.

FLASH!

She was looking at Princess Twilight, who seemed uncertain. “I could try to write one?” she offered hesitantly.

It could work, Sunset’s voice echoed from around her, like a television voice over. The girls’ magic does feel like Harmony magic, and she does know Friendship Magic, what with being the Bearer of Magic…

Still… Sunset’s voice continued, and worry flickered in her chest. Writing a spell from scratch is hard. Yeah, I’ve done it, but…I’m good enough to make it my Archmagus Mastery…even if I used it for petty reasons. Most ponies aren't…and Twilight’s better at theory than she is at something that requires flexibility and outside the box thinking. I dont envy her here…but…will she want my help?

Then Spike spoke up, and she felt cold all over. “Totally! Twilight can write a spell like it's nobody’s business! That's pretty much how she got to be a princess in Equestria!”

What?

She earned Ascension how??

“Technically, I helped finish a spell…”

Fury like Rarity had never felt before exploded inside her, the edges of her vision turning red from the effort it took to restrain herself. It burned, to the point that her bones felt like they were melting—was this what her friend lived with? Emotions that caused physical agony?

Of all the moon-banished, yak-brained, half-baked, diamond-dog rutted piles of minotaur shit…Ascension. Because she finished a spell.

Rage and hatred choked her, black and clawing until she thought she was going to cry…she couldn't breathe as Sunset’s echoing voice raged around her, competing with the way Princess Twilight argued with Spike, and it took her forever to pull back from the memory fragment that was so very different from the one in her own recollection.

FLASH!

Rarity felt her body shudder in the outer world, and Sunset trying to pull her hands away. Grimly, she held on and reached for one of the autumn leaf shades. She had to know this was all Sunset, because she knew that reassurance would matter to her friend…knew her need for it was greater than the guilt of this somewhat intentional invasion of privacy.

FLASH!

She had braced herself for another memory that jarred her, but this was…nothing like that. She dimly perceived cold air at her face, but she was warm, with a slighter form pressed close under a blanket on a hilltop. It was night and the sky filled with stars, including plenty that shot across the smokey void in a dazzling light show. The sweet taste of berries lingered on her tongue, and her nose was full of the scent of honeysuckle and old books—strange combination, but one that filled the memory with a fluttery lightness. The person with her was a happy ball of energy, making use of a complicated telescope setup to enjoy the heavenly light show, and it made her lips curl into a happy smile.

Rarity understood now what Sunset had meant about the night vision, with the desaturated colors…not black and white, but definitely not the brilliance of the previous memories or her own sight. Her eyes were turned skyward to observe the stars, her throat making a noise that was one of pleasure and joy. The moment was perfect and wonderful, and Rarity knew she would feel guilt later for peeking in on something so clearly intimate.

And then the girl in the memory leaned close just as her head turned, and she knew what it felt like to kiss Twilight Sparkle as Sunset Shimmer.

FLASH!

It took Rarity a moment to reorient herself after that memory, to remember who she really was. Sunset’s emotions—even the positive ones—were intense and overpowering. She loved Applejack dearly, but what she had felt from the memory of what was clearly a date with the human Twilight Sparkle…

That was the all-consuming passion and burning intensity poets and lyricists had been trying to capture with words for thousands of years, and experiencing it, even second-hand for a bare minute had left Rarity feeling… exhausted.

One more, she decided, and then she would have enough to confirm that Sunset was not infected or influenced by something dark or evil. With determination, she touched a glowing crimson shard.

No flash. No memories to experience. Only magic, warmth, and…something about it all felt…familiar. Her own magic brightened, and Rarity knew in a way that went beyond instinct that this was no evil thing.

Was this Sunset’s magic? The magic that let her pony-up with the rest of them?

Yes…

Yes, it was.

Exhaling a breath held far too long, Rarity broke the connection and opened her eyes to the real world, feeling even more exhausted than she had thought, staring into frantic and distressed eyes. “I’m…alright, Sunset,” she assured, before the other girl could speak. “Just…more tired from it than I thought I’d be.”

Despite the attempt at soothing Sunset’s agitation, her friend checked her over thoroughly. “Are you sure? No headache or pain? Your hands were like ice and you went…gray. Like you were going to be sick.” She chewed on her own thumbnail as Rarity shooed her hands away and sat up straighter. “Anypony who tried that before got hurt, somehow…I shouldn't have let you…I don't want to hurt my friends!”

“Sunset,” Rarity said with more bite than intended, shocking the unicorn-in-human-form into silence. “I am unharmed—what I saw was…disorienting, and perhaps a touch overwhelming, but it caused me no pain. Your magic did not attack me.” She offered a tired smile, already starting to feel a little better. “I do believe our supposition from when we discussed this before may have been correct.”

Blue-green eyes blinked at her. “What?”

“Some time ago, when we discussed the subject of how your magic typically reacted to intrusion…it was suggested that perhaps the reaction was not a case of unstable magic, but trust.” Without thinking, Rarity took her purse off the nearby counter and dug into it for some of those magical energy bars that Princess Twilight had given them. Unwrapping one and taking a bite, she gave that a few seconds for Sunset to absorb. “Your trust, darling. You trusted me—you said yourself, we are friends, and that you do trust me. That was the deciding factor, I suspect—I found your magic and it did not assault me. It treated me as a welcome guest…our magic recognized each other, and offered strength and support, not violence.”

Sunset settled back into her chair, relief etched on her features. “…thank the stars…” she sighed, shoulders going from hunched to slack and slumped. “I tried to break the connection, but you…you wouldn't let me.”

Rarity nodded. “Because I was still investigating, and I did not wish to leave without the answers you needed.” She took a deep breath. “I do want to apologize for a bit of breach of privacy while I was looking for dark magic on your person. In the process I was…privy to snatches of your memories and emotions.”

Shoulders stiffened and Sunset sucked in a breath. “What did you see?” she asked warily.

“Some brief moments from your early life and your perspective of some recent events…” She frowned. “To which I feel I must apologize—I was a poor friend to you during our issue with the Dazzlings. It never occurred to me that you would have such a deep struggle with Twilight and how we acted towards her.” The tailor weighed whether or not to address the final memory she’d encountered, but the expression on Sunset’s face told her that it was perhaps best to broach that subject at a later date. “Though perhaps, given what you have told us about your time in Equestria, it should have.”

Looking away, the other girl sighed. “…I’m sorry you had to see that. I never wanted anyone else to know. It's why I went back to my place for a bit that first night. It helped me put my head on straight.”

One hand reached out to squeeze an amber skinned forearm. “Sunset, darling, you have no reason to apologize. You also had every right to be upset, since it seems to me that Equestria and your own people never treated you fairly. It has certainly left me with…opinions…on your native society and culture.” A grimace pulled at her features. “That being said, I do apologize for the violation of your privacy—I wished to make sure all of what I was…perceiving…was you.”

Eyes narrowed at that. “What do you mean?”

Exhaling, Rarity did her best to describe the patchwork quilt nature of Sunset’s inner magic and self. “It…was beautiful in its own way, darling, and very you, but…so many unrelated seeming pieces stitched together like that, and your concerns about your personal demon being present…I wanted to make sure that it was truly all you.”

Sunset rubbed her face. “I guess it shouldn’t surprise me to learn my soul and my magic are both as much a mess as it sometimes feels like I am.”

She hummed thoughtfully. “I wouldn't say ‘mess,’ really. Some parts were…marred by damage—I suspect that is the ‘scarring’ you referred to caused by your past transformation—but…Sunset…for all it was like a quilt of many pieces, the whole was truly beautiful and good, and the magic in it was bright and warm.” That got Sunset’s focus, and Rarity patted the arm under her hand. “I found no trace of anything I would call dark or evil. Not clinging to you…or as part of you.”

Disbelief and self-recrimination colored the snort that Sunset let out and was laced through her words. “I know what I’ve been fighting against, what I’ve been hearing,” she countered.

“And I believe you, darling, I do…but I also believe that you are thoroughly in control of it, and less at risk than you believe yourself to be.” Rarity gathered her thoughts into some semblance of order. “If I may, Sunset, I have a theory of what is happening and why, and a suggestion for helping to alleviate some of it.”

The redhead was back to gripping her elbow. “…guess it can't hurt. What’s your theory?”

Rarity sighed. “That you are trying to do too much.” At the somewhat frustrated expression, she held up a hand. “Let me explain. You have a great deal on your shoulders right now, and you have been trying to do it all yourself since the Battle of the Bands. Some of that is understandable, given your unique…qualifications. But when was the last time you really took a break for some self-care? Had a day where you did not do anything for anyone but you? Where you weren't working on one of the myriad projects involving magic, or the homework I know you are loaded down with, being in AP courses, or supporting the efforts of your friends…and also not engaging in the managing of your finances and investments? When was the last day where you were able to sleep in and do nothing but relax?”

Silence, uncomfortable and strained. “…I had a day on the weekend I left town,” she finally said—somewhat evasively. Rarity wondered if she had spent the weekend in question with her secret paramour, and decided that it was a likely explanation.

However, that was not the point of her questioning, and she let the opportunity pass by with some restraint. “And before that, darling?”

Sunset didn’t answer for a long time. “…I don't know,” she said at last. “Maybe New Years?”

“Darling…I know you have many reasons for driving yourself like this, not the least of which is your passionate, determined personality…but you need to take a break. Being on a hair trigger, overworked and overstressed…it's not healthy, Sunset, and I cannot help but wonder if a good part of what is happening to your magic is because you have stretched yourself too thin.”

Shaking her head, Sunset argued back. “Rarity, I can’t take a break now. The Games are in less than two weeks, we still don't know what might happen there, and on top of protecting the school, I have to train you girls.” There was no heat in her words, only a touch of the exhaustion Rarity could see, and a hint of anxiety and frustration that bordered on tears.

She took shaking hands in her own. “Sunset,” she said firmly. “You are on the verge of physical collapse and an emotional meltdown. You need to let yourself rest…what good will you be to all of us if you do collapse at the Games? You won't be able to fight with us, to defend the school and our classmates while they get to safety if you can barely function. You need to stop burning the candle at both ends and recharge, before you hurt yourself.”

“But…”

“No buts,” Rarity reinforced. “The other girls and I will be fine practicing what we already know how to do without your instruction for a few days. Applejack and I are perfectly capable of overseeing that…and I will call Flash to let him know that he and Bon-Bon are in charge of the defense group for the rest of the week. I’m also canceling tonight’s group practice, so I can see you fed, watered, and back to your place without making you drive in the rain. I can bring you back tomorrow to retrieve your motorcycle.”

Defeated and exhausted, Sunset sagged into the seat. “…fine…” she sighed. “For tonight only though.”

Rarity shook her head. “For the rest of the week. We can begin final preparations for the Games on Monday.” At the sound of protest, the designer shushed her. “Have a little faith in us, Sunset. We will be ready, and we will not let you down…but we will not let you destroy your health to get there. There will be no repeats of the Battle of the Bands.”

Blue-green eyes just stared at her, a stubborn tightening to them, but Rarity refused to back down. “I will have your promise on this, Sunset. Monday, no sooner.”

It was a battle of wills, but Rarity had grown up intimately close to the most intractable person on the planet as her best friend and partner. Sunset was good, but she was no Applejack. It was Sunset who wavered first. “…I…promise…” she said, and both of them shivered a little as magic hummed in the air at the declaration.

“…are magical vows a thing in Equestria, darling?” She asked her friend in concern.

Sunset shook her head. “…no. That was weird…probably just in response to the emotions. It got…pretty heavy in here for a bit.” She crossed her arms. “I won't go back on my word…and I hope you're right about this, Rarity.”

“Good. And I must admit, it’s a theory, darling…but unless there's some key detail you aren't telling me, I cannot think of what else it could be.” She smiled encouragingly. “Now, think about where you’d like to order dinner from, while I make a few phone calls. Price is no concern, since I’m paying. And maybe after, I can get those updated measurements from you whilst we wait on the food. I do have some designs for you I wanted to show you…”

With that, Rarity gave Sunset another hug and swept off to make sure that her friend could have a few days to recover before all Hell inevitably broke loose.

*chuckles*

So this is one of those chapters that's gone through about twelve different iterations before we got to this one. Back, once upon a time, Rarity was actually the first one to find out about Sunset and Twilight, and about the CPA nonsense.

But as we worked through the monster of Arc 2, and expanded on events and other characters, that ended up being back burnered, and the "Rarity confronts Sunset" conversation didnt feel like anything other than a rehash of other characters finding out. So we scrapped it for something that in my opinion is much better.

Out of all the girls, Rarity has some of the highest emotional intelligence and maturity level--her overly theatric dramatics aside, of course. And we see a bit of a confirmation here of one of the things hinted at and set up back in the beginning: Rarity and AJ operating as a team behind the scenes to take Sunset and the rest of the group firmly in hand. Sunset might be the defacto leader, but those two are the support system that keeps the whole group running smoothly.

So yeah.

All those times AJ or Rarity talked to Sunset? Addressing her issues and behavior and habits?

Yup. On purpose. They've been stepping in where they thought it was pertinent, because they've had several discussions about things and a lot of experience with their sisters.

Lessee...

Small nod here to the idea that I feel like Rarity and Sunset could have chemistry if there wasnt baggage of Sunset being a total twat-waffle to Rarity in the past, but also that the two have a friendship chemistry that I happen to like very much. Not to mention that Rarity is a character I enjoy quite a bit that I feel gets...unfairly painted with an unflattering brush by people who do not understand the sheer depth of her. On the surface, Rarity seems a vapid, shallow, fashion obsessed drama-queen, but it hides a keen mind, big heart, and an endless desire to help others in some way.

Not to mention, her Element is a word used wrongly so often, and I think that too, ties into Rarity's character. Generosity is the act of selfless giving...but so often its depicted as people giving what they will not miss or could care less about. And I suppose thats a form of giving....but...is it really selfless? Or the people who give in order to look better? Not really generous. Not really.

Compare that to giving someone your coat off your back because they have nothing and you see their need. Or donating time and effort to help someone because you can and they need the help? Dropping everything to go to a friend because they need you, whether or not it inconveniences you or interrupts your life.

What is Generosity, really?

That's in my head when I write Rarity (though my spouse does a lot of her dialogue, lol). I ask myself about what actions represent that Element. Like here. She accepts the risk to herself, because Sunset is in need. Sunset needs her help. Sunset is in distress. She does not ask, she aids. She cleans her up, not out of fastidiousness, but because she cares and is doing what she can to be what Sunset needs right in the moment. She fixes her makeup. She gets her a drink. She listens. And then she takes a risk to give Sunset some sort of peace of mind.

And she doesnt do it for the gratitude, or some ledger.

To me, that's Rarity. Selfless giving, done almost without thought, tied to a sharp mind and a perception score that is off the charts.

Hmmm...More fun poked at the "Sunset is hot" trope, with Rarity and Fleur both acknowledging that Sunset is stacked in the good natured but grumbly way of women comparing themselves to each other since time began.

And of course, Rarity's dive into Sunset's magic. Soul. Essence. Something. The nature of exactly what she was looking at is a bit...nebulous. For a reason, of course. And her mind perceived it in a way that makes sense to her. Such interesting things there, yes...

And the memories. Yup.

*cackles*

I'm sure there are questions. More than there are answers.