“CINCH!”

The door to Principal Cinch’s office burst open, and behind it was Dean Cadence. Cadence was professional in her work, she was never prone to outbursts and handled the students with respect, caring, and a degree of big sisterly love. She was practically the students’ big sister figure, and if there was anyone they didn’t want to disappoint or hurt, it was Dean Cadence, yet another unspoken rule among the students, mostly because she actually gave a crap when they did something stupid.

However, that big sister visage had evaporated in place of a woman who was beyond pissed off. Sunset had informed Cadence of the degree of abuse that Twilight had been enduring at the school, on top of the sexual abuse that she had been put through at the hands of Indigo Zap. Twilight confirmed everything, with no way to deny anything, especially after what just happened, it was better that it was all said now, and Cadence was glad she did. Cadence knew that given how everything looked, one could pin Sunset as the aggressor, but with this information, she could make sure that Sunset didn’t get expelled.

However, right now, she had a bone to pick with Cinch. Speaking of which, Principal Cinch was sitting at her desk looking over some paperwork. She had an air of sophistication about her, with perfectly coiffed dark fuchsia hair, gray-blue skin, and calculating opal colored eyes, she was the law of the school. Principal Abacus Cinch knew how to make your life comfortable at Crystal Prep so long as you played ball, but if you cross her, that comfortable life can turn into a nightmare. Even after Cadence’s bursting into her office, Cinch didn’t even bat an eye, she merely put down the papers in her hand and looked up.

“Dean Amore Cadenza, to what do I owe this – out of character – intrusion?”

Cadence walked until she was standing in front of the desk and glared daggers at Cinch. “Twilight Sparkle was just found in the storage shed and held against her will.”

Cinch rolled her eyes. “Really, Cadenza? It wouldn’t be the first time the students engaged in some hazing.” Then Cinch paused as a thought crossed her mind. “Oh, please don’t tell me she was raped?”

“Came damn close! Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, and your daughter, Sunny Flare!” Cadence exclaimed.

Cinch breathed a sigh of relief, “Well, thank god for small favors, the last thing I need is for our top student to wind up as another pregnant teen case.”

Cadence’s left eye twitched when she heard that Twilight was just taken against her will, threatened with sexual harm, and Cinch was only worried about the fact that it didn’t end up with Twilight getting pregnant? “I’m sorry…but are you FUCKING KIDDING ME?! I just told you that your own daughter was involved!”

“I’m not deaf, Cadenza, I heard you, I’m just counting my blessings. So, tell me what’s going on before you get worked up too much to tell me.”

And so, Cadence did, she told her everything. Not just the recent incident, but also the incidents regarding Indigo Zap and the constant hazing by the students at Crystal Prep. All of which culminated the events of today, and how Sunset Shimmer had been protecting Twilight these last few days. When she was done, Cadence took a seat and released a heavy exhale of frustration as she ran her hand down her face.

“We need to call the police, make a report…”

Cinch leaned forward and laced her fingers together. “Tell me, Cadenza, why ever would we do that?”

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think?! What they’ve done alone is a crime! I think you forget that Shining Armor, an alumnus, my boyfriend, Twilight’s older brother, is a detective with the Canterlot City Police Department! So, I know that those girls are at least guilty of kidnapping, unlawful detainment, threatening harm with a deadly weapon! And that’s just what Sour, Sugar, and Sunny did! Assault, rape, and sexual molestation for Indigo Zap, and for Lemon Zest, accessory to it all!”

“I think it’s best that we keep this…in house, as it were,” said Cinch.

Cadence took a good hard look at Cinch, after everything she had just said, Cinch didn’t look the least bit fazed by all this. “Why do I get the feeling that you’ve done this before.”

Cinch adjusted her orange colored glasses. “Cadenza, running a school of such renown reputation requires a certain level of…discretion when dealing with situations like this. I do regret saying this, but this is not the first time we’ve had an incident occur at Crystal Prep.”

Cadence crossed her arms. “I should be surprised, but ironically, I’m not. How many?”

“More than I’d care to admit right now, but we’ll speak to the family’s involved. I’ll also be speaking to my daughter, personally, as well, and we’ll figure out the best disciplinary solution for all five of the students, rest assured that Sunset Shimmer will not be among them,” said Cinch.

Cadence rose from the seat and slammed her hands on top of Cinch’s desk. “You’re damn right she’s not, and neither is Twilight! You may not be willing to do anything, but I’m sure as hell going to call the police and Shining Armor!”

“Cadenza, make sure that is a route you’re willing to go.” Cinch rose from her chair and walked around her desk until she was standing at the right side of it. “As I’ve mentioned, we’ve managed to sweep many incidents under the rug, Crystal Prep caters to some powerful, wealthy, well connected families. So long as we ensure that their children are getting the best education, then they’re willing to look the other way, and that kind of prestige, that kind of power, can either make your life wonderful, or a living hell, and that also goes for one’s career.”

Cadence stood from her chair and stared down Cinch. “Are you threatening me?”

“No, Cadenza, I’m merely asking you to do what you’ve always done. Remain blissfully unaware as you always have been, I’m sorry this one hit so close to home, but because of that I’ll ensure that this incident doesn't happen again. You have my word.”

Cadence didn’t like this, she knew that Crystal Prep did have a lot of students who came from influential families, not all of them were just there due to their grades or physical ability. Still, with what Cinch said, about this going on right under her nose the entire time…how many other students were getting the same treatment or worse? Although, if anyone was getting the worst of it, it was Twilight.

“Tell me something, did you know that Twilight was getting hazed in this school, everyday? And don’t lie to me right now!”

Cinch walked to a case filled with awards, some from her days back during her tenure as a student at the school, and others from her current tenure as Principal. “Understand, in order to achieve what we have, the students need to be pushed and challenged, not just physically but also mentally. It does no good to improve their physical skills if their mental skills are lacking, same goes for the reverse. That kind of pressure needs to be…released…”

Cadence balled up her hands into fists. “So, you did know!”

“I made sure to keep tabs on it, clearly I ‘dropped the ball’ as it were, otherwise I would’ve obviously stopped it from getting this far. Twilight Sparkle serves as a great asset to the school and to motivate the students to do better. Of course, the constant hazing is to be expected, but it served its purpose, if at anytime I saw Twilight’s grades slipping I would’ve put an end to it, I can’t have my prized student getting seriously hurt.”

Cadence rushed towards Cinch and grabbed a handful of her blouse, she pressed her against the case filled with awards and raised her right fist in preparation to punch the older woman. “Twilight isn’t just some ‘asset’, ‘tool’, or whatever! She’s a person! A girl who’s endured hell because you’ve allowed it! That all stops now!”

Despite this action, Cinch didn’t bat an eye. “Go on ahead, Miss Cadenza, and if you do, I promise that you will never be able to get work in any administration or teaching job anywhere in this city. Personally speaking, Dean Cadenza, I believe that you can better help Twilight in the school, than fired.”

Cadence knew that she was justified, at least in her mind, to punch the ever-loving-hell out of Cinch. But what would that accomplish? In the short run, it would feel good, in the long run, it would just destroy her career, and it would also take away someone who could help protect Twilight. Cadence knew what she had to do…she lowered her fist and released Cinch from her grasp.

“You made the right decision, Cadenza,” said Cinch.

“I’m only staying here to protect Twilight, don’t expect me to be all that helpful from now on. The moment Twilight graduates from this place, we’re going to revisit this conversation, and it will have a very different outcome. From this moment forward, I will be protecting Twilight from you, the students, and those five.” Cadence began walking towards the door but stopped and glared at Cinch from over her shoulder. “Do you believe in God, Cinch?”

Abacus Cinch straightened up her clothes and said, “I was never a religious woman, you should know that.”

“Well, we do have angels flying around. I wonder if they’ll be forgiving of your actions. A lot of people do bad things because they don’t think they’ll be punished in this life or the afterlife. But now we have Angelus and her Sentinels, just ruminate on that for a minute,”

Cadence opened the door and slammed it shut, she hoped something broke inside the room when she did that. After that little session, she made her way back to her office where Twilight and Sunset were waiting for her. When she arrived at her office, she paused. What was she going to say to them? She just found out that Principal Cinch had known – had always known – that Twilight was enduring hazing and allowed it to continue, just to allow the students an outlet for their frustration. Not only that, but there would be no legal action taken against them, beyond what would be done “in house” as Cinch said. No police, no arrests, no justice…

Twilight’s suffered so much now…if I tell her this…I…I don’t know what it will do to her…

With a heavy, emotional sigh, Cadence opened the door. Inside her office, Twilight was sitting next to Sunset, the latter having her arms wrapped around the former. Thankfully, Cadence was able to find a spare uniform shirt for Twilight to wear, but Twilight kept Sunset’s blazer, at this point it was like a security blanket for the genius teen. Both girls turned towards the door and saw the look on Cadence’s face, whatever happened, it wasn’t good.

“So, what did Principal Cinch say?” Sunset asked.

Cadence’s gaze briefly fell on Twilight before shifting to Sunset. “Nothing…productive…at least in the way we want…” The pink colored woman made the slow walk to her seat, the afternoon sun’s rays pouring through the window behind her. “Cinch is going to take care of this…in house.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “‘In house’, wait, is she going to sweep this under the rug?!”

“She said there will be disciplinary action taken, but essentially, yes, she is. No cops, no reports, no nothing,” said Cadence, the last part spoken with venom.

“B-B-But she can’t do that!” Sunset shot to her feet and slammed her hands on Cadence’s desk. “Fuck it then, I’ll call the damn cops, I’m not afraid of that old bitch!”

“While I share your sentiment, I’m afraid that won’t work. Cinch threatened to use her influence to make sure that we don’t prosecute…” Cadence looked directly at Twilight, “…but I’ll leave it up to you, Ladybug. If you want to, I’ll fight alongside you, no matter what happens, no matter what Cinch throws at us.”

Twilight clasped her hands as she thought hard on what she should do, she had kept this secret for so long that she never contemplated going to the police, because doing so would get her big brother involved. She knew he’d feel guilty about not noticing any signs that she was being hurt, and she knew that Cadence was feeling the same way too. Either way, Shining Armor was going to learn about this, and that was a bridge she’d have to cross soon, but for right now…

“Can she…Can she promise me that they won’t do anything else? That they’ll leave Sunset and me alone?” Twilight asked.

Sunset looked at Twilight with confusion.

“I can, but to be safe…Twilight, I need you to do poorly on at least a couple of assignments,” Cadence suggested.

“W-What?! You mean, purposefully get a bad grade?!” Twilight exclaimed. “W-Why?!”

“Because she wants Twilight’s grades, right?” Sunset asked. “Twilight’s grades make the school look good, and if her grades slip, say because of this recent event, then Cinch will have to make sure that the ones responsible get the message to leave her alone. Tell me I’m wrong.”

Cadence rubbed her right temple as she said, “No, you’re right. It’s the only leverage we have right now. Just do enough to drop it by one point, once Cinch understands we can play hardball, then I’ll talk to the teachers about getting you extra credit work to boost your grade up higher.”

“Well, that part won’t be too hard…the first part though…” Twilight shivered at the idea of getting a bad grade, on purpose. Still, this whole thing just made her more aware of how twisted everything was in Crystal Prep, not just the students, if anything, Principal Cinch was at the heart of this twistedness. “If it’ll keep them from doing anything again, then I’ll do it.”

“I’m pretty sure they won’t, not after what I did,” said Sunset.

“About that…” Cadence turned her attention to the flame haired girl. “Can I assume you have some kind of magical item like the other you at CHS?”

Sunset sighed, there was no point in hiding it, plus, she’d need help in explaining away the fact that she went all fire hair during her fight with Indigo. She opened her collar, reached in, and pulled out the Ember Stone necklace. “This is the Ember Stone, it grants me power over fire, the Flames of Life. I can create, manipulate, and even form constructs made of fire, and I can transform into a fire breathing dragon at will. I can also heal rapidly from any injury, which is what I used to help me get the edge over Indigo.”

Cadence smiled as she shook her head. “I should probably be surprised, but after seeing the other you, and with everything that’s gone on, I can’t really say that this is wrong. Well, in the meantime, you don’t need to be here after what happened. You’re excused.”

“Um, I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mom works from home, if I go back this early, she’ll know something’s wrong,” Twilight pointed out.

Cadence cursed under her breath, she forgot Twilight Velvet was a work-from-home editor. She knew that Mrs. Velvet and Mr. Night Light needed to be told about this, but after everything that happened, Twilight was sure that that was something she wanted to do personally, most likely much later down the road.

“Well…I could always drive you to mine and Shiny’s place. Although…I’ll have to come back, and I don’t want to leave you alone…”

“She can crash at my place.” Sunset stated. “Not saying you have to, but you could excuse me too. That way, she’s not alone, and you’ll know she’s somewhere safe.”

Cadence looked to Twilight for confirmation on the suggestion, Twilight gave her former babysitter a smiling nod. “Alright, you’re excused too, but call me when you get there so I know you arrived safely. I’ll get your work together for the day, and we’ll mark today as you leaving for medical reasons.”

“Thank you, Cadence,” said Twilight.

Cadence watched as Sunset and Twilight left her office, when they did, she sighed heavily. There was a lot to do, and she needed to make a call.

Meadowbrook didn’t like not knowing what was going on. She didn’t like that Cardinal Neighsay was here in Canterlot City and running roughshod over her handling of Fluttershy as the Magdalena. She was given the authority to be Fluttershy’s handler, and she fought for it, mostly because she actually gave a damn about the young girl, unlike some of the other Vatican officials who saw Fluttershy, the Magdalena, as a just a tool, a weapon against anything that would threaten mankind, or the Vatican itself. Personally speaking, Meadowbrook never understood that last part, Fluttershy had the blood of the Savior running through her, and could wield the Spear of Destiny, her talents and abilities were better used to keep others safe from evil.

Unfortunately, Neighsay didn’t see it that way. Teaming up with the Angelus did not sit well with her, especially after seeing how brutal the Sentinels were with killing the members of the Blood Kings. For the ones who transformed into Blacknights, those methods were one thing, but for those who were only armed with guns, she was sure that a Sentinel could easily overpower them without resorting to killing.

When Fluttershy called Meadowbrook last night, she almost thought she was joking when she said that the Angelus needed her assistance. She feared for what exactly that meant, but thankfully it was to help Sunset Shimmer, who had somehow been infected with some of the Darkness’ evil. She was glad that Fluttershy was able to save Sunset, but there was no telling what the next request would be.

With all this going on, Meadowbrook decided to do some investigating. She was in her modest home that was set up across from the church, being a Nun, she didn’t need much, that is if she was a normal Nun. Inside the one-story home was a small kitchen, two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a small backyard, and a secret room that she paid some contractors to keep quiet about. The thirty-five-year-old woman walked about her secret room, sporting a tank-top and pajama shorts, and her curly red hair tied up into a rather tall stack. Her computer sat on a desk, while on a board she had written down notes regarding the Darkness, the Angelus, Witchblade, and even Cardinal Neighsay.

While she didn’t consider Sunset Shimmer a threat, it was still a good idea to keep an eye on her, there was no telling what might happen later on down the road after all. But right now, Neighsay took up much of her research time. Speaking of which, Meadowbrook decided to place a call to the Vatican to get some information.

“Hello, I’d like to speak to Cardinal Neighsay,” said Meadowbrook.

{I am so sorry, but Cardinal Neighsay is not in at this time. Is this an urgent matter?}

Meadowbrook raised an eyebrow, surely, they knew that he was in the States and in Canterlot City, why not say something like “You can’t go ask him yourself?” “Not particularly no, I was tryin’ to see if he had an opinion on whether or not we should adopt a wait-and-see approach in regards to the Angelus, or if we should make contact on behalf of the Vatican?”

{Oh dear. Well, that certainly is something that the Cardinal should weigh in on, possibly his Holiness as well. Sadly, Cardinal Neighsay is taking a small sabbatical back in his home in England.}

England? Meadowbrook thought. “Oh, I see, well that’s alright. I’ll continue on our current path and adapt as the situation befits. Rest assured; we’ll make sure that the Darkness’ influence does not spread across this world.”

{Very well, good luck Sister Meadowbrook, and go with God.}

Her phone call ended then; Meadowbrook took a seat in her swivel chair as she pondered this information. According to the letter, the Pope had ordered Neighsay to come to Canterlot to oversee Fluttershy’s use in the battle against the Darkness, and to ally with the Angelus. If that’s the case, then surely the officials within the Vatican would know that, at the very least those in the inner elite should know and relay that information to her. The fact that they didn’t tell her off or react meant that they didn’t know Neighsay was here, and what was this about a “sabbatical”?

With that being the case, Meadowbrook used her laptop to video call someone she could trust to look into something for her. The screen was blank for a little bit before it came alive with an older man, he was a bit round, tan colored, had a bushy blonde beard, and a brown top hat.

{Well if it ain’t my favorite cousin, May-May. How y’all doin’?}

Meadowbrook chuckled. “Eh, kinda good, kinda meh, but if you can help me out, Cattail, then I’ll be doin’ a whole lot betta.”

The portly man crossed his arms and smiled. {Lay it on me, Cuz.}

“Ah need you to do some diggin’ on somethin’.” Meadowbrook brought up a file on her computer. “I got my hands on somethin’, it’s encrypted, and I can’t quite crack it. But I know you have the skills to do it.”

{You gettin’ yourself inta trouble?}

“If I’m right, gettin’ myself and a friend out of it,” said Meadowbrook.

{Send it.}

Meadowbrook opened a secured email and sent it to Cattail. She managed to use her admin privileges to get as far as she could into the Vatican data files concerning Neighsay, she found a few emails but they were encrypted, luckily she managed to use her own computer skills to snag them, but it seemed the emails themselves were doubly so. Cattail had certain skills to get around almost any computer security. There was something that Neighsay wanted to keep secret, and she was going to find out what that was.

{Okay, heh, your Vatican buddies need better security, Cuz, it’s only marginally better than the Pentagon’s, but that’s not sayin’ much. Here ya go.}

The email was sent back, but now with the files opened. She looked through them and raised an eyebrow, one was a research file on the Darkness and the Angelus, particularly regarding the cults that were formed around them. Then there was some shipping information. “Looks like Neighsay had somethin’ sent to Canterlot ahead of when he first arrived.”

{Probably a sex doll considerin’ how much it cost ‘em to send it priority,} Cattail joked.

“He did always strike me as the kind of person who’d find ya in a dark alley. I got an address, okay, I’m gonna pay it a little visit and find out what our dear Cardinal had sent here.”

{Hey, take care of yourself, Cuz. Don’t go doin’ somethin’ crazy now.}

“Not without reason, Cattail, not without reason.”

Celestia had laid her head down on the bed, having watched Sunset most of the night, having battled Sunset in her possessed state had exhausted her. Technically, Angelus’ power had already burned off her fatigue hours ago, with the light entity’s power, Celestia found she could go on for hours without sleep if she needed to, but mentally, she felt she needed to rest, and so she did. The older woman stirred a little, groggily she raised her head and looked upon her surrogate daughter, Sunset was still asleep, unfortunately Celestia didn’t have any spare clothes for Sunset to wear, at least none that would be too big on her, same went for underwear.

I should probably text Luna to stop by Sunset’s home to pick up a few clothes for her to wear, thought Celestia.

Nevertheless, Celestia had one of her work shirts laid out just in case Sunset needed to move about. Part of her still couldn’t believe what happened, what she did, how she fought, it was – she guiltily admitted – exhilarating. Having such power was freeing, the laws of physics were her playthings during their battle, but as much as the battle was exciting, she still didn’t like the fact that she had to harm Sunset so badly. Even though the Witchblade would heal Sunset’s wounds, feeling and hearing Sunset’s bones break under her kick was horrible. Even now, Celestia still had some phantom feeling around her right heel from where it landed against Sunset.

\\\/// It was horrible, but it had to be done. You did a good thing, Celestia, you saved her from the vileness that is the Darkness. \\\///

Celestia clenched her fists just thinking about Sombra and the Darkness. They did this to Sunset, they hurt her, almost made her hurt someone else against her will! I’ll never forgive them for this!

\\\/// That’s right Celestia, you see how evil they are. This is the kind of thing you can expect the Darkness and Sombra to bring about onto the world if they are allowed to prevail here. We must strike them down swiftly before the eclipse or we’ll lose our advantage. \\\///

I understand…I only ask that you let me be in control when we deliver the final blow.

Celestia ceased her conversation with Angelus when she noticed Sunset begin to groan and squirm. She stood up quickly, watching Sunset closely. The fiery haired teen opened her eyes slowly, blinking them a few times as she groaned loudly.

“Sunset?” Celestia called out.

Sunset turned her head to the right and saw her guardian standing next to the bed. “C-Celestia…? What…Where am…What happened?”

“You’re in the guest room of my house, I brought you back here after our…our fight when you were possessed by the Darkness’ essence,” said Celestia.

Sunset’s eyes snapped all the way open as she bolted upright, an action she soon regretted as the room started to spin and Sunset found herself plopping back onto the bed. “Oookay…not a good idea to do that so fast…oh…”

“Are you okay?!” Celestia asked in a panicked tone.

“Yeah…Yeah, I just got dizzy…sorry to worry you, again,” said Sunset.

Celestia sat back down on the chair she had brought into the room and sighed in relief. “Don’t be, worrying is what a parent does no matter how old a child gets…” Celestia realized what she had just said, her cheeks burning with embarrassment, but still, she didn’t make any attempt to take it back.

Sunset wasn’t too out of it to understand what Celestia had just said, she really did regard Sunset as her daughter. It was ironic and bittersweet at the same time. When she was a filly, she had parents that loved her, but then grew distant and disinterested the moment they came into some wealth. Of course, Princess Celestia saw this and while the ruler of the nation didn’t see any scenario where a lecture would help, nor would it help if she had threatened them with prison, they weren’t endangering Sunset, nor where they mistreating her, they were just neglecting her, only coming to see her when it suited them. Sunset understood this, but it didn’t make it any better.

She noticed that Princess Celestia had started to become not just a mentor, but also a second mother. Which only made what she did to that second mother all the more painful when Sunset took the time to think about it, she betrayed her, someone whom she looked at as a daughter, gave her attention and love to, and spurned it because she acted like a spoiled, prideful brat that believed she deserved the world on a silver platter. Then there was this world’s Celestia, someone who took in a girl who was homeless and knew nothing of this world without question, gave her an identity, and a home of her own to live in.

The very same person she spurned was also the same one who was helping her and caring for her. Sunset didn’t know if the universe was giving her a second chance or not, but Sunset wasn’t about to make the same mistake as she did back then, not now.

“Is that…how you really see me? After everything I did before the Fall Formal?” Sunset asked, her voice shaky with concern.

Celestia rubbed the back of her head and said, “Perhaps if I took more than a passing interest in your activities, maybe that wouldn’t have happened. You’re so independent, strong, and intelligent, I saw myself as more of a hindrance to you than anything. Now I think I should’ve meddled more, perhaps your plans would’ve changed? Perhaps this whole Witchblade and Anon-A-Miss thing wouldn’t have happened? We’ll never know, but the one thing that hasn’t changed for me, is how I feel about you Sunset. I’d be proud to call you my daughter…if you’d be okay with a mother like me?”

Sunset turned her head a little as her eyes began to water, those were the words she wanted to hear from Princess Celestia, not just the words that would tell her she was destined for greatness, but those words that she wanted to become a mother to her, an actual mother. Sunset had long ago decided she was going to make this world her home, to start fresh, so why not start fresh with this relationship with Celestia?

“If you’re sure you want a girl as stubborn, headstrong, and bratty like me for a daughter…then…I’d…I’d love to have you as my mother…”

Celestia began to cry, hearing such words made her heart swell with happiness. “I’d hug you, but since you’re naked under there I’d rather not make this awkward.”

Sunset chuckled through her happy tears. “Aww, but mommy, don’t you want to hold your baby girl?”

Celestia barked with laughter as she said, “S-Sunset, that is so inappropriate!”

“Sorry, sorry, bad joke,” Sunset replied.

}}} Compared to a certain entity that shan’t be named – Mother – I’ve no doubt you’ll be an excellent mother. {{{

Sunset raised her right arm up and saw that the black spot on the gemstone of her bracelet was completely gone, and she could hear Witchblade’s voice again. “It’s good to hear you again partner. And, sorry I didn’t catch on sooner.”

}}} Think nothing of it, Father’s essence was strangling my consciousness, silencing my voice from you. But no more. {{{

\\\/// And as per usual, his first words are a barb against me. At least Sunset’s more caring about her mother, unlike a certain ungrateful child who shall not be named – Son. \\\///

Sunset and Celestia sighed, it seemed like they were back to the awkward family feud between Angelus and Witchblade.

“Anyway, your friends will be coming over after school, I’ll go and get you something to eat, just rest up,” said Celestia as she rose from her chair and began walking away.

“Thank you…Mom,” said Sunset.

Celestia paused at the doorway and glanced over her shoulder, “You’re welcome, Honey.”

Sunset and Twilight drove to the address that Pinkie Pie had texted them, but also asked for her to bring some of her clothes and underwear as well. Apparently her twin was completely naked, as per the usual when it came to the Witchblade, and had no spare clothes at Celestia’s house, and since they were practically identical, grabbing a few clothes from her closet would be just as good as if someone had gone to Shimmer’s place.

The one thing that did worry Sunset right now was Twilight, she had just gone through a rather traumatic event earlier today, and yet she insisted on going back out to see a group of strangers, well, a few of them were strangers, two of them were well known.

“Sparky, are you sure about this? Maybe I should take you home?” Sunset suggested.

Twilight clasped her hands together as a determined look appeared upon her face. “No, I’m not going to let what they did define and limit me! Being with you, seeing Shimmer and Pinkie, spending some time alone with Pinkie, I’ve realized that I can’t keep being distrustful of new people. Especially after what Sugarcoat did for me.”

Sunset still didn’t like that girl, she helped in Twilight’s kidnapping, but according to Twilight, when Sour Sweet was about to go psycho on her, the girl with no filter tackled Sour Sweet and ended up getting severely injured for her good deed. So now she was confused on how to feel about Sugarcoat, she was grateful for what Sugarcoat did and at the same time she seethed with anger. Sunset wasn’t sure if she was going to thank the girl when she saw her or punch her.

“When I think back to when I first met her, she wasn’t particularly mean to me, she just spoke her mind a lot and said she didn’t want to associate with me because she didn’t want to suffer like I have been…” Twilight rubbed her left arm as she recalled the memory. “Honestly, I can’t blame her for thinking that way, I mean, who in their right mind would want to make friends with the school’s whipping girl?”

“Ahem?” Sunset chimed in loudly. “This chick, right here.”

Twilight smirked, “Like I said, ‘in their right mind’.”

Sunset chuckled and playfully punched Twilight’s left arm. “Very funny, Sparky, I’m rubbing off on you.”

“I’ve noticed. But, yeah, that’s my thinking.”

Sunset couldn’t help but smile proudly at Twilight, her fear was that this event might break her mentally, after enduring years of abuse, and now a kidnapping, she was sure Twilight would become an emotional wreck and never want to be near anyone other than Sunset and her family. But it seemed that Twilight was willing to overcome today’s ordeal and rise above it.

“Alright, Sparky, just remember that I’m here, and so is Pinkie. Don’t forget that they may be a little friendlier than usual since you look like the other Twilight, but Shimmer and Pinkie should’ve explained to dial it back a bit,” Sunset assured.

It wasn’t long before Sunset and Twilight pulled up to the house the GPS directed them to, parking next to the sidewalk. They exited the car, with Sunset grabbing the clothes she was requested to bring. Admittedly, Twilight wasn’t the only one who was nervous, Sunset was about to meet Shimmer’s friends, and her guardians. They strode down the walkway until they were at the front door, Twilight pressed the doorbell and the two of them waited for someone to answer. About half a minute later, the door opened and before them was an older woman, midnight blue skin, and hair that was the colors of the night, with teal colored eyes. Eyes which were currently bugging out.

“S-Sunset?! T-Twilight Sparkle?!”

“Uh, y-yeah, that’s us,” said Sunset.

“B-But you’re…?!” The older woman pointed towards the stairs, her head following that direction, “How did you – A-And when did Twilight get here?!”

“Uh…” both girls uttered at the same time.

Just then Pinkie Pie appeared next to the older woman. “Sunset, Twilight, you came, yay!” Pinkie turned to the other woman and said, “Sorry, VP Luna, I forgot to tell you that our world’s Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle were coming over to visit Shimmer.”

Luna glanced between Pinkie and the two girls standing at her doorstep, she then threw her hands up into the air and said, “I’m done, I’m just going to accept whatever happens from this point forward. My ward is Witchblade, my big sister is Angelus, demons, angels, and magic exist! Just, done!”

All three girls watched Luna walk into the living room, plop down on the couch and turn on the TV. The couple entered the house and closed the door behind them, looking worriedly at Luna.

“Is she…alright?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie giggled a little. “She’s just trying to wrap her head around the fact that her big sister – Principal Celestia – is the host of the Angelus, and that Witchblade is in fact our Sunset Shimmer. And now she’s dealing with the fact that you two are here and are the originals of our world.”

Both girls blinked.

“Oh good, you brought Shimmer some clothes!” Pinkie chirped happily.

Sunset snapped herself back to the current situation and said, “Y-Yeah, I did, is she upstairs?”

“Yep, follow me! The girls are already up there!”

Twilight and Sunset followed Pinkie Pie up the stairs, both adjusted their uniforms a little to make sure they were presentable halfway there. Once they made it to the door, Pinkie Pie entered first and said, “Hey guys, we have some visitors!”

Pinkie stepped to the side and presented Sunset and Twilight. The girls had nervous smiles on their faces as they took stock of Shimmer’s friends. Shimmer had been kind enough to show them a picture of the girls in a group photo and they started to pick out the girls based on that. The girl with the purple and beautifully done hair and fashionable clothes was Rarity, the one who looked bashful and had light pink hair was Fluttershy. On the other side were a couple of tomboyish looking girls, the one with the rainbow hair was obviously Rainbow Dash and standing next to her was a slightly muscular girl in a cowboy hat, which meant that was Applejack. There was a fifth person there, a tall, beautiful woman, whom they assumed must have been Principal Celestia, Luna’s older sister.

Twilight meekly raised her hand and gave a little wave to the girls, “H-Hi, m-my name’s Twilight Sparkle – oh, but you probably already figured that out since I look like the other me who came from another dimension…” She glanced at her girlfriend. “T-This is Sunset Shimmer – oh wait, you know that already too…um, we’re together, s-she’s my girlfriend and…and…oh man I’m terrible at this…”

Shimmer decided to throw them a lifeline. “Well, now that the awkward intros are done, those clothes for me, Sis?”

Sunset smiled and said, “Yep, but the bra may be a bit too big for you.”

“Uh-huh, you wish you had a rack like mine,” Shimmer shot back.

Twilight and Pinkie blushed at their banter.

“Why don’t we give Sunset – er – Shimmer some time to dress,” said Celestia.

Celestia ushered Shimmer’s friends out, except for Sunset, Twilight, and Pinkie. When they were gone, Sunset threw the clothes at the end of the bed and rushed to Shimmer, wrapping her arms around her interdimensional twin and hugging her tight.

“Goddammit, don’t you ever scare me like that again!” Sunset exclaimed. “It’s all my fault, I should’ve done something when you felt off that night after fighting Sombra!”

Shimmer was taken by surprise by the sudden embrace and from what Sunset said. But her surprise only lasted a moment before Shimmer returned the hug. “It’s not your fault, Sunset, this is on me for not noticing it. So, don’t blame yourself.” Shimmer felt Sunset release her and paused when she saw actual tears in her twin’s eyes, she was really worried about her. “C’mon, I’m fine, I’m alive. It’s certainly not the first time I’ve gotten myself nearly killed.”

Sunset wiped her eyes. “Yeah, well, that’s not happening from here on out. You have me to back you up now, so no more of that. You’re family to me, the only family I have left, so don’t take too many risks. Alright?”

Shimmer nodded. “Got it.”

Twilight couldn’t help but cry too from seeing the display, it amazed her really. Neither of the two girls knew the other existed until a few days ago, and now that they’ve found each other, they’re as close as any two sisters could be, it reminded Twilight of her own relationship with Shining Armor. Pinkie Pie felt the same as Twilight, seeing the two Sunsets together reminded Pinkie of her three sisters, and how she’d feel if anything ever happened to them.

“Okay, let me get changed so we can all have a good talk,” said Shimmer.

As she said this, Shimmer threw off the blanket and stood up from the bed, albeit more slowly, and exposed herself to the others. This in turn caused both Twilight and Pinkie to turn their backs.

“Oh c’mon, it’s just us girls in here, plus you’ve seen me in my Witchblade armor, pre and post transformation,” said Shimmer.

“Yeah, besides, it’s just me,” said Sunset.

“Y-Yeah, but you’re you, and looking at you is essentially looking at Sunset n-naked, a-and I’m not ready for that yet,” said Twilight.

Sunset crossed her arms and smirked. “Seriously? You were groping me not but a few nights ago.”

“That was different!”

“S-Same here, bedroom, you naked, context!” Pinkie agreed.

Both Sunset’s couldn’t help but laugh at their girlfriends’ weird sense of modesty.

Abacus Cinch was in her study at home, calling Mayor Mare to make sure she had her bases covered. The phone rang for a few minutes before it hung up, with an irritated growl, Abacus dialed the number again. She hated the fact that Mayor Mare regarded her as little more than a nuisance, after all the money she put into her last campaign, and the stellar reputation that she had cultivated at Crystal Prep to help convince Mayor Mare’s future and present constituents to keep her in office, you’d think that the Mayor would be more grateful.

Finally, after the fifth call, someone picked up. {Ah, Cinch, what is it this time?}

“Hmph, you sound like you’re in an even worse mood than the last time we spoke,” said Cinch.

{Well let’s see, I’m currently the mayor of a city that’s in the middle of a crisis! I have a gang that’s being led by a demon king, I have an angel and her army patrolling around the city, two scantily clad women who are fighting said gang, it’s a regular shit show here!}

“Indeed. Well, I just called to inform you of a potential problem,” said Cinch.

{Oh great, what did one those little sociopathic brats of yours do this time?}

Cinch gave her the bare details, excluding the names as she didn’t want to give enough for Mayor Mare use it against her.

{Christ, Cinch, do you have any idea how big a fucking bullet you just dodged?! There was no way I could sweep that under the rug, you’re damn lucky today, and if I were you, I’d get those brats in line before you end up with a dead body! Ugh, at this rate, the Sentinels will come in there and clean house……not a bad idea actually.}

Abacus gripped her cellphone tight but managed to maintain her composure. “Yes, it was a gross oversight on my part. Rest assured I will take care of this, I just thought you should know should something arise.”

{Fine, but I mean it Cinch, if something like that happens again, I’m not going to be able to protect you. No amount of money will! Now get your house in order!}

The call ended with that, Abacus put the phone down and sighed heavily. She took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed by how badly things spiraled out of control. Sitting across from her was Sunny Flare, her left eye and cheek had dark bruises, and she had a look of shame. On the desk between them was a camera, not just any camera, but the one that was used to film what they were doing to Twilight Sparkle.

Abacus put her glasses back on and reached for the camera, she opened the side panel and pressed “play”. The miniature screen on the panel began to show the events of earlier today, Twilight Sparkle strung up like a piece of meat on a hook, her mouth duct taped, and hands bound. The scene played out, the camera never moved to the side, but you could hear Sunny Flare’s voice, along with Indigo Zap and Lemon Zest through the phone. Sour Sweet appeared from the left side of the screen and moved to remove Twilight’s panties, then she threatened her with the scissors. Abacus’ eyes briefly glanced up at her daughter, her brow furrowed, causing Sunny Flare to flinch under her mother’s gaze.

Abacus continued to watch everything, Twilight wasn’t touched for a little after her blazer was removed, and then her shirt. That’s when she heard the commotion from the phone, Indigo shouting and swearing, and Sunset Shimmer’s voice saying she found her. That’s when things seemed to get crazy, not long after that, Sunset declared that she was coming to save Twilight, which caused the others to panic. She heard Sugarcoat and Sunny protesting Sour Sweet’s action, and then the camera fell to the ground and all she could see was a wall. The distinct sound of a short scuffle came next, and then there was Sunny Flare's shaky voice, she presumed this was the moment that Sugarcoat was stabbed.

The next sound was that of the door getting ripped off, followed by Sunny Flare pleading and then the sound of a punch striking a face. The camera did capture the moment when Sour Sweet was sent flying and hit the wall the camera was positioned. There was a brief orangey glow inside the room, that’s about when Abacus turned off the footage, put the camera down, and glared at her daughter.

“I don’t know which part of this is the most disappointing. The fact that you let this get so far out of hand. The fact that you didn’t inform me of Indigo Zap’s sexual misconduct with Twilight Sparkle. ALL of it, quite frankly, is EXTREMELY disappointing!” Abacus declared as she struck the desk with her fist, startling her daughter.

“I-I-I’m sorry, Mother…I just…it’s just Sunset Shimmer’s messed everything up! She humiliated me in front of the rest of the students and made a powerplay showing that she was the top dog! Everybody knows that Twilight Sparkle is the school’s whipping girl, she’s not someone to be desired, she’s just someone to beat and beat down! Then that bitch of a redhead comes in and just turns all that on its head!” Sunny Flare ranted as she gripped the hem of her skirt and accidentally ripped it a little.

“And because of this, you entertained Indigo’s little plan? For the love of god, this is sloppy work! I can clearly hear your voices in the damned video, even if I can’t see you, it’s distinct! Not only that, but Sour Sweet is in the video as well,” said Abacus.

“W-We were going to edit it out all that! Alter our voices, blur out Sour’s face, I mean we did need someone to do the deeds…” Sunny explained.

Abacus hit the desk again, causing Sunny to jump for the second time. The older woman got up from behind her desk and slowly walked towards her daughter. “I gave you the simple task of monitoring Twilight Sparkle, because I needed her to be the object upon which everyone foists their frustrations onto, which meant the rest of the student body had less time to do such things to themselves and others. While at the same time, I wanted her to be functioning enough so that she didn’t leave the school and could keep the school’s overall GPA above all the other academic institutions in the city! And yet, here we are, Cadenza knows what I’ve been doing, and will most likely inform Twilight and her girlfriend, if not already, and she has us over a barrel, but thankfully so do I.”

“I-I-I’m sorry, Mother, I-I promise I’ll keep a better eye on them,” said Sunny in a fearful voice.

Abacus stopped before Sunny Flare, and swiftly struck Sunny across the left side of her face, in the exact same spot that Sunset had struck her not too long ago. The blow sent Sunny Flare straight to the floor, the pain in her face was magnified by the fresh, hard blow she just received, making blood trickle from her mouth.

“Doesn’t really matter anymore, does it, my dear Sunny? The only saving grace I have is that I can bury Cadenza, Sparkle, and Shimmer if they decide to come at me. The camera’s footage is the real evidence, now I need to know how much of a liability Indigo Zap, Sour Sweet, Lemon Zest, and Sugarcoat are?”

Sunny Flare’s left hand hovered over the newly bruised area, feeling the heat radiate off it. “L-Lemon Zest won’t say anything…she’s got a crush on Indigo and won’t betray her. Sour Sweet just lost it because she didn’t take her meds…and Sugarcoat…”

Abacus raised an eyebrow when she noticed her daughter pause. “What about Sugarcoat?”

“I don’t know…she stopped Sour Sweet before she could do anything…but that was the first time she’d ever spoken up and did anything…” Sunny Flare mentioned.

“This is the first time? So, you think she might do it again? Might become a liability to us?” Sunny Flare searched her mind, trying to think, but Abacus was already impatient and annoyed at her daughter’s incompetence. “TELL ME NOW, YOUNG LADY!”

Sunny Flare winced and said, “I-I don’t know! She’s not like the other kids! She just wants to keep her head down and get through the school without making any waves or getting into a situation like Sparkle! In fact, Sugarcoat went out of her way to tell Twilight Sparkle that when she didn’t want to be friends!”

Abacus brought her hand to her chin and thought for a moment. Sugarcoat’s family had some political power, as well as some pull in law enforcement, Mayor Mare was already on edge and might not back her up. If Sugarcoat decided to tell her parents or inform police of what transpired, it could go very badly for Crystal Prep, and Abacus Cinch herself. “She’s a neutral party for the most part…however, this event might’ve put her over the edge in terms of her loyalty. Only time will tell. Now more than ever, I need you to keep a tight leash on that jock lesbian, and that psychotic girl as well!”

“Indigo Zap’s strong and relentless, I don’t think she’ll stop pursuing Twilight Sparkle even after all this! S-She’s practically obsessed with her for some ungodly reason! She won’t listen to me!” Sunny Flare managed to get herself back to her feet before continuing. “Sour Sweet I can handle…she’s usually never like that, she just forgot her meds is all…I’ll keep her in check. She listens to me.”

Abacus gave a soft snort upon hearing that. “Do so, or I’ll make sure she’s committed. Sour Sweet’s family is influential as well, but I don’t need potential psychopathic loose cannons like her flying off the handle like that again.”

Sunny Flare shot her mother a brief glare while her eyes were off her but switched to a neutral one when Abacus’ eyes were on her again. “I’ll take care of it, I promise.”

Next Chapter: Dark Truths / Light Lies Part 5 Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 58 Minutes