The following day was a little more relaxed. After the accident, the police were all over the scene, Shining Armor and his partner were there, and of course, Shining Armor knew that Sunset had taken care of the body. He thanked her for not doing too much damage to Silva’s body, knowing that her family would at least still be able to bury her properly.

Rarity had insisted that Sunset come to her home, and when they did, her parents and Sweetie Belle were extremely worried when they heard the news, and were relieved that she was alright. Thankfully, her parents were fine with letting Sunset stay over, they didn’t really think it was a good idea, plus, now that Rarity knew about Sunset’s abilities, having her around made her feel much safer. Strangely though, Sweetie Belle was very skittish around her.

Thanks to this latest incident, it was clear to both Rarity, Sunset, and Shining Armor, that someone was definitely targeting Rarity, and whoever it was, was most likely someone connected to the contest taking place later that night. A protection detail was put on the Belle house while Rarity finished up her latest additions to the outfit, having been doubly inspired to make this a tribute to Silva.

During that time, Sunset told Rarity about the night when she got the Witchblade, as well as the times she has used it to battle the Wendigo possessed people. Of course, Rarity had some disdain for the Witchblade, mostly because it saw the need to rip apart her friends clothes and leave her bare for almost everyone to see like some exhibitionist.

“Really though, is it completely necessary for that thing to do that all the time?! What if you’re wearing some truly fetching outfit?” Rarity asked.

“Gone.”

}}} Pardon me if I feel that protecting my bearer is more important than clothing. {{{

“Yeah, well, I’m not made of money, and the amount of underwear and wearable clothes I have is starting to run low thanks to you,” Sunset shot back.

“Pardon?”

Sunset shook her head. “Oh, no, the Witchblade is sentient, he talks to me in my mind.”

Rarity eyed the piece of jewelry dubiously. “Oh, so it’s a he. The stripping makes more sense now.”

}}} I feel as if I should be insulted by that remark. {{{

“Down boy.”

Hours passed and soon the night of the event came. As expected, security was increased dramatically, police were stationed at every entrance, and were present backstage and out in the aisles where the audience would be. This was due to two reasons, obviously, because of the attacks that have happened around two people connected to the competition, and also because the mayor of Canterlot City was attending.

Backstage was utter chaos, people moving about, people yelling out directions, and asking for this and that. Thankfully, Rarity managed to snag a private room where she could work on the final touches with Sunset in privacy. While working, the two girls heard knocking at the door.

You sense anything?

}}} No hostile intent is behind that door. {{{

Sunset nodded that it was okay. Rarity walked over to open the door and saw Shining Armor.

“Detective Armor, pleasure to see you,” said Rarity.

“Thank you, I just wanted to let you know that we’ve got the area covered, there should be no disruptions to the event tonight,” said Shining Armor.

Sunset walked up to Shining and extended her hand to shake. “Thanks for doing all of this.”

Shining Armor smiled and shook her hand. “No problem, protecting people is my job. I hate to say this, but if things get too hairy…”

“I’ll armor up and take care of it.”

“Figured.”

*knock, knock*

All three turned around at the sudden knock, and then they straightened up, and in Sunset’s case, her mouth hung open. Standing in the doorway was the mayor of Canterlot City, her skin was a light amber color, with silvery-gray hair, grayish-blue eyes, and a pair of gold color rimmed glasses resting on her nose. She wore a formal mayoral suit, and carried herself with the authority of a woman in power. But what was most surprising was who was next to her.

It was Celestia, she wore a beautiful white dress and had her hair tied back in a ponytail, making her look a little younger than she actually was. She wore a gold necklace, and bracelets, and a pair of diamond earrings.

“C-Celestia?!” Sunset exclaimed.

“Madame Mayor,” said Shining Armor as he saluted.

“Detective Armor, it’s good to see you again,” said Celestia.

“Ah, so this is the detective you mentioned who helped Sunset.” The Mayor extended her hand towards Shining. “I’d like to thank you personally for your courageous work, Detective Armor. Especially in regards to keeping my Celly’s young ward safe.”

Shining Armor shook the Mayor’s hand, but during this time, Sunset was still trying to figure out how and why Celestia was there with the Mayor.

“Um…Celestia…w-what…how do you know the mayor of the city?” Sunset asked.

“I must also say that I am curious myself, Principal Celestia,” Rarity added.

Mayor Mare chuckled at their confusion. “Oh it’s not that much of a secret. Celly here used to intern for me a long time ago before she got into public school business.”

“Oh, so you’re friends,” Shining commented.

“Something like that,” said Celestia with a slight blush. Mayor Mare smirked and managed to snake her hand around Celestia’s waist, making them bump hips together. “Maria, please.”

“Oh come now, Celly, one way or another Sunset was bound to figure this out, she’s a smart girl,” said Maria.

Shining Armor, Rarity, and Sunset glanced between the two women, the gears in their brain slowly turned as they pieced together what they were seeing.

“Holy crap, you’re dating the mayor of the city!” Sunset exclaimed.

Celestia’s blush deepened, confirming it to those in the room.

“So far we’ve managed to keep it from the media. I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to Celly and have the media hover around her. As far as they know, she’s just a long time friend who I occasionally invite to social functions, like this one. And of course, when she told me that you, Sunset, were going to be a model in tonight’s competition, well, I just had to come out and see for myself,” said Maria.

One of the mayor’s bodyguards leaned in close to Maria and whispered something into her ear. “Celly, our seats are ready.”

Celestia nodded and then turned to Sunset, the older woman stepped forward and embraced her ward. “Good luck, Sunset. I’m happy you’re doing something like this.” She then turned to Rarity and smiled at her. “And thank you, Ms. Belle, for giving Sunset another chance.”

“Really, don’t mention it, Ms. Celestia. If anything, I owe Sunset a bigger apology than I can ever hope to make up for,” said Rarity.

“I guess we won’t take up more of your time, good luck out there,” said Shining Armor.

With that, the adults left the room. When they did, Sunset and Rarity’s faces morphed into shocked expressions.

“Did you know she was dating the mayor?!” Rarity asked.

“No! I never asked! I didn’t even know she was into other women! But…damn she shot high and scored,” said Sunset. “…wait…could that be how…?”

“How what?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing.” Sunset cleared her throat. “So, you still think this is going to work?”

Rarity smirked. “Have a little faith, darling. I may not be a genius, but when it comes to fashion and how this works with that, I’m second to none.”

The competition began, each of the designers showcased their old work from the previous competitions and each one was about to unveil their newest creations. As far as the line up, Sunset and Rarity were going last, with Suri Polomare going on before them. It took a couple of hours, what with the Q&A with the designer after each run. But finally it came down to the final two.

Sunset wore something similar to the dress Rarity had shown her, but the color scheme had changed. Instead of arctic blues and whites, it was green with some faded browns.

“I don’t suppose that that little item can come off for the time being?” Rarity asked.

}}} Absolutely not. {{{

“He said no.”

Rarity rolled her eyes “Fine then, the gloves will keep it hidden anyway.”

Sunset still felt nervous, she watched each of the girls who did their walk on the runway, studying their movements and getting the timing down for when she was to be up there. Suri’s model walked up, her dress was white, with red accents that gave it a Christmas-y feel to it. Sunset could tell that the judges, Prim among them, were taken at the stunning vibrancy of the red accents as if they flowed with a life of their own and only added to the beauty.

}}} The scent of blood in the air. {{{

What are you talking about?

}}} There is blood in the air, and it’s coming from that woman walking down that stage. {{{

Sunset’s eyes widened as she looked upon the model who was still doing her walk. Could that be the one behind this?

}}} Hard to say, so long as these Wendigos hide in a human body, detecting them is difficult. However, use caution around that one. {{{

A few minutes later, Suri and her model ended their Q&A and walked off stage. The CPA student stopped for a moment and said, “Sunset, Rarity, good luck to you guys.”

“Thank you, Suri,” said Rarity.

As Suri walked away, Sunset heard Suri whisper, “Good luck, you little slut.”

Sunset narrowed her gaze and was about to say something, but Rarity hurried Sunset to the starting point.

{Our final entry is by Rarity Belle. With her couture, Wynter Fyre.}

Sunset took a deep breath as the curtain rose, she never thought about stage fright, being with the Rainbooms allowed her to perform a few times in front of crowds, and before that when she was crowned Princess of the Fall Formal, she had to get up on stage multiple times and give a little speech to the students. But those were just her peers, these were fashion moguls, judges, and magazine photographers that were going to be silently judging her every move. Not to mention, Celestia was somewhere in that crowd, along with her – apparent girlfriend – Maria Mare, the mayor of Canterlot City. And while we’re at it, if Sunset failed to do this right, Rarity’s reputation as a designer would take a hit.

No pressure…

The music began and Sunset started her walk, calmly, and with a purpose, not too fast, and not too slow. Three steps forward and then pose. Five steps forward, pose again. Her eyesight was bombarded with the flashing of many camera bulbs, and the sounds of a hundred camera shutters going off at different intervals. It was an assault on the senses to say the least, but still, Sunset endured. Seven steps forward, stop.

The crowd and judges were confused as to why Sunset stopped in the middle of the stage. Sunset could tell upon exiting that the judges were surely wondering why Rarity went with the color scheme she did, this was supposed to be winter themed, and yet Sunset’s dress was clearly in spring colors. Well, time to show them the truth.

Sunset took a deep breath, she stepped forward and then began to spin. One turn, a second turn, a third turn. The crowd began to murmur as to why Sunset was pirouetting in place, some were even joking that the novice was panicking. But some noticed, and when the rest did, they hushed up. The dress seemed to catch fire, burning blue. With each twirl, the flames rose up the dress, and as they did the color scheme changed to that of the original arctic blues and white. With one final spin, Sunset flared out her arms and struck a confident and dramatic pose, sending the remaining blue embers flying from her body and letting them snuff out in the air.

A round of cheers erupted from the crowd as Sunset continued her walk, and struck one last pose at the end of the runway, giving the judges a bold expression, as if saying, “I dare you to tell me you didn’t like that?” The crowd still clapped and cheered, and Sunset was fairly certain she heard a catcalls among those cheers.

Prim Hemline stood from the judges table; taking up the microphone she said, “Now we will begin the Q&A portion, Miss Rarity Belle, please come to the stage and stand by your model.”

Rarity walked out to the screams of hundreds of cheering people. The fashionista spotted her family in the stands, her father, mother, and little sister all cheering their heads off. Rarity was glad that Sweetie Belle was able to put aside her dislike of Sunset for this event at least. When Rarity stood next to Sunset, she gave her friend a big smile of thanks, to which Sunset smiled back.

“Now, Miss Belle, tell us what inspired you to do this,” said Prim.

Rarity was handed a microphone and then spoke, “Well, as some are aware, the original model I had asked to wear this ensemble had been…tragically, killed not too long ago. I made some last minute adjustments to the dress to show off the color scheme of spring at first, in memory of her name, Silva Evergreen.”

“I see, and what did you do to create that dazzling display?” Prim asked.

“That was a tougher thing to do, through some late night research and experimentation with some fabrics and some non-hazardous chemicals, I was able to create a color dye to change the color scheme of the outfit. It reacts with the air once you spin and generate enough air friction to ignite it and start the change. The flames are a feature that can be added on or left off, the choice is up to the wearer. Plus, I say it really goes rather well with my friend’s flaming locks, don’t you think?”

Sunset blushed.

“Indeed, Miss Belle, you not only displayed great workmanship, but also great showmanship! Well done!” Prim stated.

The crowd cheered again, Rarity took a bow, and Sunset curtsied in the dress. Once they were done, they were dismissed and walked down the runway to the backstage area, upon arrival, several of the other designers were praising Rarity’s work, at the same time, Sunset was getting plenty of compliments from the professional modeling men and women who were there.

“Rarity!”

Sunset pricked at the sound of that voice.

Suri came walking towards Rarity, smiling as she gave the fashionista a hug. “That was fantastic, really, girl.”

“Thank you, Suri, I–”

Sunset separated the girls and glared at Suri. “I think an apology is in order.”

Suri feigned ignorance. “Sorry, apology?”

“I heard what you called Rarity before I went out. You can trash me, but you do not get to say that about my friend, competition or not! Now, apologize to her!” Sunset demanded.

Rarity looked between Sunset and Suri. “Sunset, what do you think she said that was so bad?”

“She…she called you a…a slut.”

The designers and models all looked at Suri with shock, Suri on the other hand, looked unfazed. “Wow, petty much? Trying to tarnish me with salacious stuff like that is pretty low, ‘kay.”

“Oh, that, yes I heard her.” Rarity stated in a nonchalant tone.

Suri, Coco, Sunset, as well as the others all looked at her with surprise.

“W-Wait, you did?!” Sunset asked.

“Sharp ears are just as important as sharp eyes in this industry, and yes, I heard her. But, honestly, I don’t care,” said Rarity. “Believe me, I’ve been called worse things behind my back other than a slut, I’ve also been called a bitch, a tease, and whore before. But, in the end, I do all my talking on the runway. And I don’t believe there’s more to be said, don’t you think, Sunset?”

The former unicorn mare blinked in surprise. “Um…”

Rarity smiled and looped her left arm around Sunset’s right. “Now come, Sunset, they’ll want us all on stage for the results announcement.”

The designers assembled on stage, along with their models. The crowd waited with bated breath as the judges made their deliberations. Unfortunately they were lined up in the same order, so every once and awhile, Suri would shoot a quick glare at Rarity and Sunset, a glare that Sunset was happy to shoot back with greater intensity.

Prim finished up her talks with the other two judges and stood up to give the result. “After much deliberation, we have made our decision. The winner of this year’s Fashion Week is…” Prim paused for dramatic effect. “…Rarity Belle, and her model, Sunset Shimmer, for Wynter Fyre.”

The crowd once again erupted into massive cheers. Rarity and Sunset both stepped forward to center stage and took their bows as Prim approached to hand them their prize, but…

“THIS IS BULLSHIT!!!” Suri yelled at the top of her lungs.

Silence fell upon the hall as all eyes fell on the CPA teen.

“Miss Polomare, I will ask that you exercise some decorum!” Prim warned.

“Oh the hell with that! I went through all that, and yet she wins because of the memory of some dead bitch model!”

“Young lady, that is enough! Please leave the stage immediately!” Prim ordered.

“I mean,” Suri reached for her model and torn off one of the pieces of red cloth, “what was the point in using that bitch’s blood to make this if I wasn’t even going to win?!”

Several eyes widened upon hearing that, Sunset slowly put herself in front, keeping Rarity at her back. The police in the hall began to slowly move in, their hands resting on their weapons.

“Are you saying…you killed Silva Evergreen?!” Sunset demanded.

“YES! For all the damn good it did me!” Suri ranted. “I forced her to cancel and leave Rarity in the lurch! But then she picks up this, bad girl, wannabe tramp and she’s back in the game! Then I use her damn body as a puppet and try to kill you both, but surprise, that didn’t work either! So, you know, I tried to take you down here! Guess, what? THAT DIDN’T WORK EITHER!” Suri screamed.

The model next to Suri looked at her dress with horror. “Wait…are you saying this was made with Silva’s…?”

“Yes, her blood, I made the thread that made that fabric, out of her blood! Weren’t you fucking listening?!”

The model screamed in horror as she ripped the dress off her body, not even caring that she was now in her underwear. She was about to run away, that is until something akin to a spider leg appeared out of Suri’s back and impaled her through the chest as she was running away. The model looked at her chest, at the long spider leg jutting from her as she struggled to stay alive despite the damage.

“Now I guess…I’ll just have to go for the direct approach.”

Suri’s body was enveloped in a silver aura, in a matter of seconds her flesh began to fall as the true form of the monster within began to make itself known. The creature was a half-human, half-spider, with the bottom half showing off the cephalothorax, and the abdomen. It’s exoskeleton had a violet, almost porcelain-like sheen to, with gray, almost see-through grooves etched into its body. The upper half was human-like. Its arms were long, and had four long claws. At the center of the creature’s body was an hourglass shaped red mark, matching the one on its abdomen. The creature’s hair was long and silver colored, with six fuchsia colored eyes, and a wide mouth.

“Don’t worry, Rarity, I’ll make sure to turn you into a something befitting of you. Perhaps some really slutty lingerie? Would you like that?!”

Suri, or rather, the Widow, brought the dead model close to her, she then bit down on her neck, sinking her fangs into the girl’s flesh. Blood drained from the corpse as the gray lines began to glow red, her body converting the blood inside her own body. In less than a few seconds, she was done. The claw tips slid up and released the red thread, which poked into the back of the dead model’s neck. When Widow released her, the corpse was now standing on it own, but still had the gaping hole in her chest.

“Freeze! CCPD!” yelled some police officers.

Widow rolled her eyes as she made three more threads shoot out, they slithered and struck like vipers, hitting the backs of the necks of three officers. Their body’s went stiff, then they started to jerk about as if they were fighting something.

“Don’t struggle, it only hurts more!”

The officers’ eyes began to glow the same eerie blue color as before, along with the now undead corpse of Suri’s model. The officers pointed their weapons towards Rarity and Sunset, preparing to fire, however, a barrage of gunfire pelted Window repeatedly, causing the demon possessed human to raise up her arms to protect herself.

Sunset took this as her opportunity to grab Rarity and run. Both girls jumped off the stage and continued to run, but when Sunset looked back, she could see at least two of the puppet officers giving chase.

}}} We can take them! {{{

“I am not going to kill police officers who are acting against their will! And Rarity will kill me long before those guys do if you tear up this dress!”

“YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT I WILL!” Rarity confirmed.

}}} Killjoy… {{{

Sunset spotted a girl's restroom and shrugged. Both she and Rarity ducked into the restroom, Sunset rushed towards the biggest stall she could find and got inside it with Rarity. Once inside, Sunset hurriedly began to strip. Her pace quickened when they heard the door slam open. Rarity assisted as best she could, finally getting the dress and arm sleeves off.

}}} Now may I? {{{

YES!

A flash of red light went off in the stall, when the cop puppets saw this, they opened fire right on the stall, riddling it with bullet holes until their clips were empty. The stall door was then kicked off its hinges, from that stall emerged Sunset in her Witchblade armor, in front of her was full body shield, showing that the gunfire never harmed them.

Sunset dismissed the shield and charged for the two officers, she struck one in the gut, making them double over. With the back of their neck exposed, Sunset made her fingers turn into sharp claws as she swiped at the spot where she saw the thread enter. After that, she backhanded the second officer, sending them slamming into the wall front first. Sunset quickly pinned the officer to the wall and cut at the same spot that she did on the other.

The two officers went limp and fell to the ground. Sunset glanced back towards the stall and said, “Stay there, Rarity! Don’t come out until Detective Armor or myself come to get you!”

Rarity held out her arm and gave a thumbs up.

Sunset dashed out of the restroom and back into the hall. There she could see some of the officers trying, futilely, to stop Window, but some were already getting controlled by the monster, while others were hesitant to attack their fellow officers.

First thing’s first, free the hostages.

Sunset jumped high into the air, from her armor she shot out a spike tipped chain. The chain struck the ceiling and gave Sunset a good aerial view of the situation, Shining Armor was okay, trying to keep his fellow officers from falling prey to the Widow’s threads. Thinking quickly, Sunset created six boomerang blades into her hands, she took careful aim and flung her weapons towards her targets.

The boomerang blades flew swiftly as they sliced through the thin red thread that granted Widow control. One by one the officers fell to the floor unconscious, with Widow looking confused. Sunset pulled herself up until she was on the ceiling, and then spring boarded off of it, propelling herself straight towards Widow. The monster realized too late as Sunset barreled into her, sending the both of the tumbling across the stage.

Widow managed to get her hands on Sunset and threw her off. Sunset twisted around in midair and came down with both heels of her metallic boots, cutting grooves into the floor as she came to a stop.

“You’re the one who cut off my connection to Silva’s corpse, aren’t you?!”

“I am, and I won’t let you do that to another person!”

The Widow snickered sinisterly at that declaration, the threads began to come out of her claws again, and this time they weaved together to form crimson swords in both her hands. Sunset matched her by forming a katana in her right hand, and bastard sword in her left. Both women charged for each other, Sunset came in swinging, their weapons clashed as sparks flew from each impact, the hall rang with the sounds of their blades.

Sunset managed to knock both swords out of Widows hands, sending them into the air. But Widow merely smiled as the blades came undone and turned into threads that lashed out towards Sunset. One of the threads tried to attack her at the back of her neck, however, the Witchblade armor quickly covered that area.

Widow hissed but managed to do one better. Sunset came in for an overhead strike with her katana, but the threads managed to wrap around her arm, keeping her from completing attack. Sunset willed the armor to release several razor sharp blades, which managed to slice through the wire threads on her arm. Unfortunately another set of threads wrapped around Sunset’s left leg, pulling it out from under her and making her collapse onto the floor.

The spider monster tugged at the string and dragged Sunset back, when she was far enough away, Widow released more strings, each one whipping out and latching themselves onto Sunset’s arms, legs, torso, and neck. The crimson threads wrapped tighter and tighter around her limbs and neck, cutting off her air and making it hard for Sunset to concentrate.

Widow approached Sunset, releasing more thread from her claws that shot out and went straight for her heart. The threads wrapped around Sunset’s heart, making her scream in pain, but then the threads wrapped tighter, and in the next second, a small pop sound went off, like a water balloon.

Sunset spat up blood as she went limp, her head hanging forward. Widow smiled at her work as she retracted the threads and released the body. “Now that that’s done, I need to find that bitch, Rarity, and make good on my promise!” As Widow began to scurry away, something sharp pierced her back. “FUCK!” she screamed. “WHAT WAS THAT?!”

Widow reached behind her and dug out a shuriken which dissolved into ash a moment later. The spider creature turned around and watched as Sunset stood back up, her left hand clutched at her heart as the ruby jewel on her gauntlet glowed bright red.

“Dammit…that’s the second time…I’ve nearly died,” said Sunset.

“What the hell?! I crushed your heart! You should be dead,” said Widow.

Sunset took a deep breath as she calmed herself, her heart having fully regenerated. “Yeah, I’m hard to kill. Listen, Suri, you need to stop this! You’re possessed by a Wendigo spirit, I don’t know what it promised you, but all it wants is to take control of your body and use you to kill! You can fight it, just fight it, Suri! I promise I can destroy it!”

The six eyes of Widow blinked, and then, she laughed. She laughed loud and wickedly, holding her sides as if Sunset had made the most hilarious joke in the world. When Widow stopped she looked directly at Sunset and said, “You stupid bitch, I know that, ‘kay.”

Sunset stared at the monster in confusion. “W-What?!”

“The fashion industry is cutthroat. If you’re not at the top, then you’re nothing. And getting to the top sometimes means doing some things that aren’t exactly becoming of a law abiding citizen. Sabotage, blackmail, and, yes, sometimes killing. If you’re not willing to step on or take a few lives to get what you want, then you’re never going to get anywhere in life!”

Widow moved quickly and rewrapped Sunset in the wire threads again. “So, no, I don’t want to give this power up! We have a mutual agreement! I get what I want, and it gets what it wants! And with this ability to make beautiful dresses out of the bodies of those I kill, I’ll never run out of material! Speaking of which, I think I’ll use every part of you! Skin, hair, blood, all of it!”

Sunset couldn’t believe it, this girl was a student, the same as her, and yet, she wanted to be possessed, she wanted the power and delighted in the killing of other people. She completely lacked any empathy or compassion for anyone, only acting the part just to make people think she was sincere and honest. Sunset tightened her fists as she gritted her teeth.

“Guess I was a little naïve…”

“Yeah, to think you can stop me!”

“No…” flicker of flame released from the crimson ruby. “I was naïve to think that every person possessed was going to be innocent!”

Flames erupted around Sunset’s body, engulfing her and burning away the threads that held her captive. Sunset fell to the ground, but quickly recovered, the flames dissipated after a moment, with the former Equestrian looking over her body in surprise.

“Wait, you can make fire?! Since when could you do that?!”

}}} I always could. You just never asked. {{{

“We're going to work on our communication. But first…”

Widow snarled as she released more threads at Sunset, but Sunset held out her right arm, and from her hand she released a jet of flames that burned the threads to cinders. The spider creature began to panic as she started to realize that her primary attack weapon was being rendered ineffective, with each thread attack she used, Sunset’s flames would burn them to ash before they got near her.

Sunset jumped into the air and released a flame blast down on Widow. The creature shrieked in pain as the flames burned its body. Sunset came down right in front of Widow, forming two long forearm blades. She then slashed upwards, leaving behind a trail of light in her wake. Widow ceased her movement, and in the next moment, her arms fell off, and from them sprayed black blood that coated the area.

“YOU BITCH, MY ARMS! MY ARMS!”

“There’s no saving you! You were already lost before the Wendigo!”

Widow collapsed to the floor, now staring up at Sunset and gave her a pleading look. “Please, I’m sorry! I was just drunk on this power! You understand right?! You’re powerful too! Surely you can understand! Please, I’ll go to jail, just don’t kill me!”

Sunset hesitated for a moment, this wasn’t like Underwood, she was a teenage girl like herself, and, well, it wasn’t like she was innocent either, for Sunset nearly killed six people months ago while drunk on the power of the Element of Magic.

“Renounce the Wendigo inside you first!”

“Okay…Okay…” the arms of Widow began to crawl around on the ground, connected by the same threads she used to control others. The arms got into position behind Sunset, floating just behind her and poised to strike. “I just need…to tell you how stupid–!”

Suddenly, Sunset spun around and slashed the threads that connected the arms to Widow, making them fall back to the floor, motionless. “I’m sorry, what was that about how stupid you are?”

Widow’s eyes narrowed in rage as she stood up and opened her mouth wide to bite down on Sunset. But she never got that chance. Sunset whipped around and held out her right hand, fire gathered to the center of her palm, condensing at a rapid pace, until Sunset released it in a powerful blast that engulfed all of Widow in one shot. The spider creature shrieked in pain, as it flailed about on the stage, its body completely on fire. Widow continued to flail about on the ground until her movements completely ceased, and her wailing went silent. Sunset narrowed her gaze, despite what Suri was, she didn’t like what she had to do.

Widow’s body began to morph back into the body of Suri Polomare, now charred to the point where she was unrecognizable, Sunset looked over her shoulder and watched as her severed arms went back to normal, probably the only pieces left of the girl she once was.

Do you sense the Wendigo?

}}} The malevolent presence died the moment she did. It would seem killing them in this state kills the Wendigo at the same time. {{{

Why don’t I feel as good about this as I did when I stopped Underwood…?

}}} I understand she was young like you, but understand. Her heart was blackened long before the Wendigo claimed her. In this case, you should focus on that which is positive. The fact that you saved many lives. {{{

Sunset glanced about the hall, seeing that the police who were released by from Widow’s control were coming to, and seemed to be alright. You’re right. Sunset spotted Shining Armor, who nodded towards Sunset. With that cue, Sunset dashed up to the ceiling and into the rafters. Once she was sure the officers were moving towards the stage, Sunset descended and made her way back into the restroom.

“Rarity?”

“Sunset? Is it…Is it over?” Rarity asked.

Sunset walked towards the stall and sighed heavily. “Yeah…it’s over.”

Rarity could tell that the battle weighed on Sunset, the fashionista opened her arms and embraced Sunset, granting her friend some comfort. “Let’s get you dressed before the police come in here.”

There was good news and bad news to what happened tonight. The good news was that Silva’s death was avenged, and the police found Suri’s freshman assistant, Coco Pommel. Apparently the CPA senior had confessed much about what she had done to Coco, knowing that the young girl could not retaliate against her, and with Suri possessing demonic powers, her life was in constant danger, so she would not be charged.

The relative bad news was that the event made the news, from beginning to end. Some cameras were rolling and caught the entire fight, which meant that now Sunset’s Witchblade form was now being blasted all over the news channels and social media. As well as the events that led up to the fight, so Suri’s confession and transformation were also shown, and that also meant that now people knew that the Mystery Murders were being conducted by people who could transform into monsters.

Sunset figured that this was going to cause more hell tomorrow and down the road, but for now she focused on what was happening currently. The police had finished questioning Rarity and Sunset, both of them were in the lobby, and after a few minutes, Rarity’s family, along with Celestia and Mayor Mare, entered.

Celestia wasted no time in dragging Sunset into a tight hug, with Rarity getting the same treatment from her mother and father, and little sister.

“I’m so glad you’re alright, Sunset,” said Celestia.

“Are ya alright pumpkin?! Do you need to go to the hospital?!” Rarity’s mother, Cookie, asked.

“No, Mother, I’m not hurt at all. A little rattled…but, physically, I’m alright.” Rarity glanced to Sunset and smiled. “Thankfully, Sunset managed to get me out of there before things got worse.”

Rarity’s father, Hondo, walked over to Sunset and gave the teen a great big hug. “Thanks for keepin’ my daughter safe! You’re alright in my books, kid! And yer welcome anytime in our home!”

“T-Thanks! Oh, boy, you’re strong!” Sunset strained.

“Daddy, please, release Sunset, going through one near death experience is more than enough,” said Rarity.

Hondo released Sunset and chuckled.

Sweetie Belle hated to admit it, but if it wasn’t for Sunset, Rarity might’ve been killed by the spider monster. The young teen walked up to Sunset, and looked up at her. “T-Thank you, for saving my sister…and…sorry about what I said last time you were at our house…”

Sunset smiled and patted Sweetie on the shoulder. “It’s alright, I’d never let anything happen to her. She’s one of my best friends. She’s kind of like family to me.”

Sweetie visibly flinched when Sunset uttered the word “family”.

“Well, I’d say we’ve all had a rough night. Let’s all head home and get some sleep,” said Maria.

“If it’s okay, do you mind if I stay with Rarity tonight?” Sunset asked.

Celestia looked as if she wanted to protest. After what had happened she wanted to keep the girl close to her. But, the danger had past, and Rarity and Sunset seemed to have put the whole Anon-A-Miss thing behind them. “Okay, but please call me later so that I know you got there safely.”

“I will.”

“Well c’mon, let’s all head home,” said Hondo.

Celestia watched her young ward walk away with Rarity’s family, letting out a sigh as she did.

“You should have more confidence in her, Celly, even I can tell that girl is stronger than she looks,” said Maria.

“I know…but, with all that’s happening at school lately, I worry about her more,” said Celestia.

Maria wrapped an arm around her girlfriend’s shoulders. “You know, I think I can help relieve you of your worries, if for at least one night.”

Celestia blushed. “Maria…”

Maria Mare glanced towards the officers and spotted Shining Armor. “Detective Armor.” Shining Armor walked over to the two women and saluted the mayor. “I want to thank you and your fellow officers for their work tonight.”

“Thank you, your Honor. But, in all honesty, we weren’t exactly that effective against that creature,” Shining confessed.

“I see. Detective, I want you to make a full report to me about these creatures, don’t leave anything out. There’s going to be a shit storm hitting us come the next morning, and I want the full facts of what’s going on,” said Maria.

“Yes, your Honor, I’ll get to work on it!”

“Carry on.”

Maria and Celestia walked outside to a limo that was awaiting the both of them. Once inside, Maria wasted little time, she pressed her lips against Celestia’s mouth, snaking her tongue in the other woman’s mouth as she began to grope Celestia’s body.

The fair skinned woman broke the kiss and breathlessly asked, “M-Maria…please, can’t you at least wait until we go to your home?”

Maria raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Really, Celly, after all I’ve done for that girl? You know, getting those records forged wasn’t easy, I had to cash in a few favors.”

“A-And I’m very grateful for that…”

“So…” Maria’s right hand landed on Celestia’s inner right thigh, and slowly began to travel along it. “I don’t think a little of this and that is uncalled for…don’t you think?”

“I…no…” Celestia answered.

Maria used her other hand to make Celestia look her in the eyes. “I do love you, Celly, so at least let me show you from time to time, alright?”

It took most of the night, but Shining Armor finally returned home. He had called Cadence earlier that night to not wait up for him, even though she said she would, the Dean of Students would try at least until she got too tired and went to bed.

However, when he opened the door, Shining Armor spotted a light on in the kitchen/dining room area. The detective walked into the room and spotted a teen girl sitting at the table in front of a laptop. She wore pale blue pajama bottoms, and a navy blue shirt. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail, and was a dark purple color, with a streak of pink and violet running through it. Her skin was lavender colored, and her eyes were like two amethysts, which were hidden behind a pair of corrective eyewear that reflected the light of the laptop she was typing away at. Her name, was Twilight Sparkle, his little sister.

Shining Armor smiled, he knew who this girl was, and he was happy to see her, and saddened too. “Hey, Twily.”

“Shiny? Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you get in!” Twilight apologized.

“Don’t be, but what are you still doing up?”

Twilight pushed her glasses up her nose and said, “Cadence said you’d be in late, she got a little tired and I told her to go to bed and that I’d wait for you.”

Shining Armor walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a sports drink. “You didn’t have to do that, you should get your sleep.”

“I know, but I’m still working on my little project, and I thought I do something productive while I waited.”

“Oh yeah, something about ‘strange energy signatures’.”

Twilight smiled. “Yes! I’ve narrowed down the location of where the energy might be coming from! By my calculations, it should be located somewhere in the vicinity of Canterlot High School!”

Shining Armor spat out his drink upon hearing that. Of course Twilight would figure that out, she was a freaking genius.

Twilight looked at her big brother with worry. “Shining Armor, are you alright?!”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine! I just remembered something funny Spearhead told me! A-Anyway, that’s great, but I don’t think you should go poking around that school,” said Shining Armor.

“But why?! If I can get more data from that school, I can practically guarantee myself a spot in the Everton Independent Study Program!”

How was he to explain this? Twilight wasn’t allowed to go because there was a girl who looked and sounded exactly like Twilight there, and the people at the school may mistake this Twilight for that person? Oh yeah, that’ll go over well. Twilight wasn’t allowed to go because there was some cyber bullying incident going on at the school that was winding up the students of the school and seeing a person that they might think that Twilight was there to stop it? Even worse.

“Look, there’s just a lot of dangerous stuff going on right now, and I’ve been to CHS, there’s some things going on there, cyber bully stuff. I’m just afraid that if they see a new person there, they might get suspicious,” Shining explained.

“Oh…I see, I didn’t know that…” Twilight bit her lip as she thought. “That would make it hard for me to get any viable readings if I’m likely to get jumped like that.”

“Maybe you could just wait until the Friendship Games start? I mean, they’re going to shuttle students from CPA to CHS anyway, you could do your data gathering then?” Shining suggested.

Twilight groaned. “But that’s still months away! What if the energy readings dissipate, or vanish altogether?! I’ll have lost my chance by then!”

Believe me, Twi, with what Sunset told me, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. “Just be patient, Twily. You yourself have told me that science can sometimes be a waiting game.” Shining Armor sat down next to his little sister and patted her shoulder. “And, who knows, you may make another discovery before then that’s bigger than that energy thing.”

Twilight huffed in annoyance, like a child who didn’t get the toy she wanted. But then she sighed and nodded. “I understand, and you’re right. I guess I’m just too eager sometimes.”

“Twily, just to ask, but are things alright at Crystal Prep?”

Twilight flinched. “Y-Yeah, everything’s okay. Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know, it just seems like you’re trying to get out of there as fast as possible. I know the school can be a bit stressful, but you’d tell me or Cadence if you were having any trouble, right?” Shining asked.

Twilight looked away for a quick moment, how could she tell her big brother, or her former babysitter about what went on at CPA? They already had enough to deal with, Shining Armor with his murder cases, and Cadence helping to manage the other students of the entire school. Burdening them with her problems wasn’t an option. Plus, she’d managed to find a way to make it through, somehow.

The genius teen turned to her brother and shot him a reassuring smile. “I’m really alright, I just want to further my research, and as great as CPA is, if I want to make any headway, I’ll need to get into that program, or if Principal Cinch could fast track me to Canterlot University of Science, I’ll be much happier.”

Shining Armor eyed his sister wearily, his years of being a detective taught him how to read people, and he could tell something wasn’t right. But Shining figured it wasn’t best to probe too deep, lest Twilight retreat into her shell and shut down about whatever was really happening.

“Alright, I’ll take your word for it.” Shining Armor got up and was about to head to his and Cadence’s room, but stopped. “Oh…that reminds me…”

“What's wrong?”

“I thought it best that you heard it from me,” Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head as he said, “The event I worked tonight, the monster attack, it involved one of your classmates.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at that. “Which one?”

“Suri Polomare…she’s dead, Twi.”

Twilight turned away and began typing away at her computer, the light of the monitor reflected off her glasses, making it hard to see her eyes. “Oh…I see…I’m sorry to hear that…”

“I don’t know how close you were to her, I just thought it was better I told you than finding out on the news or at school, goodnight, LSBFF,” said Shining.

“Goodnight, BBBFF.”

When Shining Armor walked away, Twilight went back to work for a little bit, she remembered Suri. She remembered all the times she criticized her looks, how she would go out of her way to humiliate her by making modifications to her uniform that caused it to fall off her and leave her exposed to her underwear in front of the other students. How she’d steal her undergarments when gym class was over and forced Twilight to go commando, leaving her to the mercy of a certain tomboy who took delight in flipping her skirt and giving everyone a show. Oh yes, she knew Suri Polomare.

Twilight stopped her typing and sighed as she closed the laptop. “Good riddance.”

Author's Notes:

Case Closed