Whew! Done with all of my homework for tonight, or at least my official student and Council President stuff.

Looking at the clock on my computer, I realize I finish in two-hours and thirty-six minutes. Not too shabby, but it feels like I could have done better. Quality should not be rushed, however.

It's so tiring to be a perfectionist.

For a moment I take off my glasses so I can rub my face with both hands. After that, I lean forward, scoop up my cup of jasmine tea, stir and blow on it, but there is barely a need for it anymore. Only thirty percent of the liquid is left in the cup. Of that, it's pretty lukewarm.

Well, here's a part of my night that I've been looking forward to all day. Where in the world is Starlight Glimmer? What have you been up to, Glimmy?

I actually calculate less than a seventeen percent chance that I'd find anything too meaningful on her tonight, but the research I make might escalate those odds in the future. To start with, I put my glasses back on then I do a web search on her name alone.

To my surprise, I got a hit.

Actually, several.

It seems this woman has been busy making a name for herself on several of her own web pages. I click on them and look up her picture just to verify if it is the same woman. Once I have it, I confirm it. Light purple skin, dark purple hair with teal blue streak running through her hair . . . that's Glimmy, alright, albeit the human version of her. Her hairstyle looks different though. More older and more like a matron.

I actually find a great deal of information on her written by her and others who follow her social media. It seems as if she's a leader of something called, “The Equalists.”

I am intrigued, so I read further in their brochure.

“Are you tired of being stepped on? Does it seem like this world and all of its 'competition' is a rigged system designed to hold you back? Have you ever noticed that the gap between rich and poor just keeps getting wider and wider? Do you ever wonder why?

“The Declaration of Independence of the US clearly states, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'

“Those are certainly very pretty words, but in practice, not all are created equal. Some are born lucky among wealthy families.”

I roll my eyes, thinking of my nemesis, Diamond.

“Some are born poor. Some have physical or mental disabilities. Some have allergic reactions. Some are super quick or strong. Some are smart. Some are . . . well, a little on the slow side. Some barely live for only a few months.

“This world is fraught with inequality, even within a country that should celebrate freedom, but freedom to do what? Freedom to squash other people's liberties? Freedom to look down upon and condemn others for their skin color, gender, religion, culture, social status, or simply because of some other inescapable detail.

“Feminism, to name just one example among many, claims to espouse equality for all. They want equal pay and equal respect as women of the world and yet, at the same time, they look down upon anyone else that is even remotely different from them.

“It is ever the creed of the hypocrite that shouts out, 'Equality for ALL, and damn anyone who says otherwise!'

I squint one eye at the computer screen while thinking, “Okay. I'll bite. Where are you going with this, Glimmy? So far you sound like a Communist.”

“The sad truth is, people, that equality for all does not seem to inherently be in our nature. From genetics to politics to religion to social economics to basic human rights . . .

“Everywhere you look, someone is always looked down upon. Someone is always the 'other'. It has, and has always been, an 'Us vs Them' system.

“Aren't you sick of it? Don't you wish there would be a place where everyone could live in TRUE equality? Haven't you ever wished that there was a place where there are no losers and instead everyone wins equally?

“Well wish no more, because NOW THERE IS!

“Come join us, the Equalists! Together, we will show you TRUE friendship for the very first time! Open your eyes and see the very best of human potential where we all share our individual talents and resources equally!

“Remember, you can't have a nightmare if you never dream. Ego breeds conceit and the misery of all. REJECT the false ideals of society that place so much value on competition being the 'superior' way. We are capable of so much more compassion! We've got to share! We've got to care!

“If any of this makes sense to you, please contact me, Starlight Glimmer, and TOGETHER we will show you mankind's TRUE potential.

“What are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose other than your shackles.”

I lean back in my seat with wide, astonished eyes.

Okay . . . wow! This is . . . random.

Okay. I take it all back. This woman isn't a Communist, she's a fricken Cult Leader!

I purse my lips and place a finger on top of it.

How did this happen? How did the calm, collected, insightful, intelligent, forward-thinking mare I met in Horse-Land turn out like this in my world?

I shift my eyes to the left as I ponder this.

The only thing I have ever heard about pony Starlight that comes close to explaining this is a mention about a troubled history for pony Starlight. I don't know what it is, but Starlight did something in her past that she later regretted. Supposedly Princess Twilight and her 'friends' helped Starlight see the 'error' of her ways. If this world's Starlight is any indication, then it hints at the troubled history of the other Starlight.

I don't know how or why pony Starlight came to the attention of Princess Twilight and the others in Horse-Land, but in this world there is a very clearly defined reason. The reason my mother and all of her friends never met this version of Starlight is because she now lives in a very isolated town in the state of Maneesota.

I skim more of the web information I have on display and discover that this yet unnamed town, quite likely on purpose, is a planned community from the ground up. It is populated by like-minded individuals who had gathered to construct a town far away from civilization on purpose. There are no railroads, major rivers, highways, or airports anywhere close to this town. These people value their privacy in order to protect their budding culture from external influence.

All I could think about, after I read that, is how a scream in the dark would not be heard in such an isolated area.

As I read further, I realize that the stance of this cult seems a bit similar to the Amish. They are not quite that religious, but they do seem to disfavor modern technology, claiming it is only a tool designed to induce further inequality among all and limit “TRUE” human potential, and yes . . . this web page uses that word a lot and in that context.

Despite this, I am finding a lot of ways to contact Starlight Glimmer. Everything from phone numbers, threads on web pages, e-mail addresses. The works. This woman is trying to be very available digitally, and yet she's hard to meet in person.

I grab a squishy ball on my desk and squeeze it several times between my fingers.

How ironic. For a woman who claims that technology is evil, she sure has a lot of digital contact information. What is it? Do they share exactly one computer in their entire community? That's certainly one way to be equal.

I'm having second thoughts about pulling this woman close to me as a resource. She seems downright nuts! I can't claim that my sanity is entirely there either, but this woman is certifiable for sure!

I can sympathize with the frustration of inequality. I do. We all certainly feel the pain in many ways from time to time, but these measures seem quite extreme.

I also can't help but feel like there might be a sinister agenda to this reality’s Starlight as well. There is just something about her smile in her profile picture I don't quite trust. Maybe it's because it's too similar to the fake smiles that I practice in the mirror almost every single day.

Nevertheless, I am really intrigued by this situation! After I graduate from High School, I have got to pay this woman a visit face to face at least once. I have to find out just how far gone she is before I can cross her off entirelly.

I sigh as I look straight up.

Bummer. I guess this project will have to be on hold for a while longer. I wanted Starlight on my side until I found out what I'd get if I really tried.

It also makes me wonder, how did both versions of these two Starlight's become this way?

Oh well. Maybe I'll follow up on this later.

I look ahead of me at the black flash drive Ghost gave me. My eyes twitch at it. Just the mere sight of the thing irritates me because of what is involved if I use it.

It's not like me to attempt to avoid thinking about unpleasant thoughts, but this one is very personal to me.

Actually, thinking about unpleasant thoughts seems to be contagious lately.

I have seen Little Miss Prissy a bit more often lately. She finally showed up to a few of my Student Council meetings, but I could tell she was not all there in the head. I also noticed how Diamond and Silver were not speaking to each other, or at least not amicably. They barely even glanced at each other. They really were acting as if they had a fight.

This has been going on for a few months now. That in itself is somewhat expected, even though I'm bothered by the lack of information as to why.

What really gets to me lately is the fact that, whatever is wrong with Diamond, Sweetie Belle seems to be affected too.

I've kept tabs on Sweetie ever since she started to investigate what was wrong with Diamond, and it seems she found something. Something big.

Whatever it is, however, Sweetie is not texting anyone about it. She's being quiet with her new information, and she's totally acting spooked.

I have a few classes with Sweetie Belle. It's enough to know what she's usually like, and she's changed lately. She changed sharply and severely.

I reach forward to my keyboard and mouse. I use them to bring up a picture posted on a website which was made by the Cutie Mark Crusaders about seven years ago. It used to be updated a lot, but lately it seems their activities have been waning some. Part of growing up, I guess.

The newest picture at the top is the one that has my attention. Even then, it's seven months old. I click it anyway to see it full screen.

In it, it has a picture of all of the original members in the Cutie Mark Crusaders club.

Facing towards the screen, Sweetie Belle herself is on the far left. She is wearing a white dress with puffy purple shoulders. It's a pretty cute outfit, so I have no doubt that it must be designed by her sister, Rarity. That woman always did have an eye for flair.

Sweetie Belle is strongly hugging the girl next to her, which is Scootaloo, but Sweetie Belle is facing towards the camera. Sweetie's mouth is hanging open with a great big smile plastered all over her face. Her two shades of light purple and darker purple hair hangs fairly long, about below her neck level, but it ends in curls near the tips below her neck and above her forehead.

Scootaloo is the middle child between the three. She is the most boyish-looking girl among the three, and often was lately. It's almost as if she regrets being a girl.

Scootaloo is wearing a bright orange sweat jacket and has her hands jammed hard into her pockets. Scootaloo's all purple hair is cut pretty short, boyish style, with a cowlick above her brow. The expression on her face appears annoyed. She's in the middle of rolling her eyes when the camera took the picture. She looks embarrassed to be caught in this “sappy” moment between her friends, but I can see the truth. Part of her was indeed embarrassed, but a much greater part, albeit a hidden part, loved the attention she got from her friends. She considered it too “uncool” to make it obvious, but the truth was she's desperate to receive this attention from her friends. As such, they are the most important people to her in the world.

I can relate somewhat.

The last one on the far right is Apple Bloom. She is hanging only one arm around Scootaloo's neck while the other hand is held up towards the camera. She's spreading two fingers, her pointing finger and middle finger specifically, apart to make a peace sign. Apple Bloom still has that childish looking red bow in her hair (again, I can relate) which ties it up into a single ponytail (how appropriate). She's wearing a simple yellow blouse shirt and blue jean pants on which is a bit faded and ripped in a few areas.

They look so happy together. I know there is no such thing as friendship, but I'm aware that many people do believe in it. These three certainly do, and they look all the happier for it.

I focus my attention on Sweetie Belle on the left.

Now that is the look that I am used to seeing on Sweetie Belle. The kind of girl who gives life a great big hug while wearing a bright, happy smile.

She is the kind of girl who usually is the first one to raise her hand in class whenever the teacher asks a question. Without permission, she cries out, “Ooo-ooo-ooo! I know! I know! Pick me! I know the answer!” She just can't wait to brag about how “smart” she is, and I do have to give her some credit . . . she usually does know some stuff, and her eagerness to share it is downright adorable.

Personally, I especially love it when she gets the answer wrong on occasion. It does not happen frequently. Her typical statistics is about a twenty percent chance of error. Whenever she does get the answer wrong, her cheeks burn with embarrassment and she cringes in her seat, and yet she does not seem to have any regrets. She gives life her best shot then shrugs it off if she gets it wrong, grateful to have learned something anyway.

I have to admit, that's a great attitude to have in life. In a way, I am jealous that she can handle her mistakes that casually.

However, lately, it feels like Sweetie Belle has been replaced with a fake duplicate who does not know how to properly act like the “real” Sweetie Belle. This new version of her is quiet and sullen. She cringes and winces whenever the teacher calls upon her instead of eagerly offering the answer. She doodles in her notepad and looks very lost in thought. She looks very disturbed and unhappy.

The most likely cause, from what I can tell, is she's worried about something. Very worried about something. I calculate a seventy-nine percent chance that it has something to do with Diamond Tiara. It is very unlikely to be a coincidence that Sweetie Belle turned one-eighty degrees on life shortly after she started investigating Little Miss Bitchy.

What are you hiding, Sweetie Belle? What do you know?

Whatever it is, she's going out of her way to tell nobody. She's not writing it down. She's not texting anyone about it. I even sifted through her private e-mails in secret. I found nothing that would explain this. She's taking no chances at being discovered, whatever it is.

As far as I can tell, she's not even telling her closest friends or adults. She's keeping the secret totally to herself, and it's eating her alive. So much so that I actually am growing concerned for her.

I'm not the only one to notice either. Her closest friends have noticed Sweetie's change in attitude. They also seem concerned. I calculate at least a fifty-seven percent chance that Apple Bloom has already asked about this issue at least once, and a sixty-eight percent chance that Scootaloo did the same. The reason I calculate higher odds for Scootaloo is, between Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, Scoots seems far more intrusive about her concerns.

Not only that, but Scoots has been much more hostile to Silver Spoon and Diamond lately. I think that Scoots already has a suspect on who depressed one of her dearest “friends”, and that is a huge no-no to Scootaloo. When Scoots gets concerned, she shows it through her temper first and foremost.

Apple Bloom appears more reserved and patient. She is concerned, but willing to wait till Sweetie Belle is ready to confess about this herself. Until then, Apple Bloom is trying her best to be an emotionally supportive friend without being too intrusive about it.

Even the teachers at school have noticed Sweetie's sudden and severe change in attitude. I would not be surprised if they offered for her to see the counselor at least once, but I know she rejected it, if it was indeed offered. I know this because I have a hidden microphone in the counselor's office. I usually have it turned off to save battery, but lately I've been checking it just in case Sweetie shows up, and she didn't.

Sweetie Belle is withdrawing from everything. She looks very flustered and scared for some reason.

According to the pattern that I know about Diamond, Sweetie Belle is being blackmailed into doing or not doing something and she's very uncomfortable with that fact, but what exactly is it?

Damn it! I have to know what she knows! Whatever it is, it is HUGE, and it has something to do with my primary nemesis, so this issue definitely has my undivided attention.

Unfortunately, that's not been helpful lately, so it's time to try a more direct tactic.

I reach forward and operate my computer to call up a secret and untraceable chat program. Within it, I sign up as my cracker identity, The Shadow Queen, and use it to contact Sweetie Belle's dear former boyfriend, Button Mash, then send him a message.

The Shadow Queen: Wakey wakey, eggs n bakey. I got a mission for you!

Button Mash does not respond right away. I keep my eye on the time. That's why I know he finally responded forty seconds later.

Button: wat do YOU want

As pleased to see me as ever, I see.

The Shadow Queen: As I said, I got a new mission for you, but don't worry . . . you're going to love this one. I need you to get close to your old girlfriend again, Sweetie Belle. She knows something that I wish to know. FIND IT!

I know Button is there, but he does not respond for thirty seconds. He hesitates, or is constantly rewriting his text. Considering how personal of a request this is for him, I am not surprised at the hesitation.

Button: wat u want 2 no

The Shadow Queen: That should be fairly obvious, isn't it? Surely you know that Sweetie hasn't been herself lately. She's all mopey and stuff.

Ten second pause, then Button responds.

Button: who the hell ARE u how do u no all this stuff bout our skol what's yer problem with us, anyway

The Shadow Queen: That is not your concern, nor is it your mission. Just be a good little dogie and go “fetch” for your Majesty.

Twelve second pause.

Button: look, I don't mine if you ask ME 2 do stuff fo u well that's not true I bothered but i have 2 do it 2 protect my mother but i swear 2 GOD that i'll murder u if you DARE 2 harm sweetie

I shudder.

Ooo, I love it when he gets romantic.

The Shadow Queen: Chill out, Romeo. I just want some information. I'll toss you a bone as well to help get you started. I know for a fact that Sweetie investigated something about Diamond Tiara, and I think she found out something. Something big. Sweetie has not been the same since.

Button: Diamond why the hell would sweetie be konerned bout hat bully she's just a BITCH

I roll my eyes, privately thinking that is a good question. Also, it's spelled “concerned”, you nitwit, not “konerned”. God, learn how to fucking spell!

The Shadow Queen: The answer to that question is for her to know and for YOU to find out. Talk to her. Get chummy with her again. Draw out her secrets. Do whatever it takes to get her to talk.

Button replies quickly this time, taking only four seconds.

Button: as i said i don't mind if u git me 2 do stuff sortof but I don't wan sweetie involved with all this mess mess with me if u want 2 but leave sweeite {bell emoji} ALONE

The Shadow Queen: I can't do that. She has information that I need. Information about Diamond Tiara, and that is certainly worth my attention.

Button: so all this is about dimond, thats what this is all about

I'll assume that is a question.

The Shadow Queen: I suppose I can't deny that. Diamond Tiara has access to lots of resources. Not only is her family wealthy, but she is also the secretary of treasury to the school. If I can get my hands on her information, I might be able to learn something important about Cozy Glow too.

I snicker privately.

The Shadow Queen: This is all just a game for me, and I play to win. You'll play your part too, my little pawn. You have to. You know what I'd do if you refuse.

Button: I WILL NOT HURT SWEETIE {bell emoji}, U HEARTLESS BITCH NO MATER WHAT U THREATEN ME WITH

I blink in surprise. He knows what is at stake, and he doesn't care about it as much compared to his affection for Sweetie Belle? I thought they broke up a long time ago. If Button Mash is still willing to go that far for Sweetie, I have indeed miscalculated with this guy.

In a way, I'm touched, too. I wonder what it would be like to have a “friend” that is loyal to me as well.

The Shadow Queen: RELAX! I didn't ask you to HURT Sweetie Belle, I just want some information. In fact, you should be THANKING me! Somebody has ALREADY hurt Sweetie Belle.

I send that message then start another right after.

The Shadow Queen: Someone whose first name starts with “Diamond” and ends with “Bitch” . . . Um, excuse me. I meant “Tiara”.

The Shadow Queen: That little priss has already hurt Sweetie. Why aren't you more upset at that instead?

The Shadow Queen: I know you don't trust me, nor should you. You see me as a villain and I won't deny that, but even a villain does not always give bad advice.

The Shadow Queen: Diamond Tiara has something that I want so she's in my way. That's a lucky thing for you because it means our causes are aligned. We want the same thing for different reasons.

The Shadow Queen: I may be a villain, but YOU are not. If you help me, you'll be Sweetie Belle's hero, and you know what they say . . . the hero ALWAYS gets the girl in the end.

The Shadow Queen: I know you still have feelings for her. Don't you DARE insult my intelligence by denying it! The question is, what are you going to do about it?

The Shadow Queen: Are you going to let Diamond get away with hurting Sweetie?

Button: okay, FINE u mad yer point i'll go talk 2 sweetie kina wanted to de hat anyway

I wince at his text. It's like watching a chicken try to type.

Maybe the problem is with me, though. Being a perfectionist, flaws tend to stand out to me more often.

The Shadow Queen: Excellent! {devious smile emoji} Good boy! I'll give you a Scooby snack when your mission is complete.

The Shadow Queen: Let it not be said that I am not a fair Queen. I will harshly punish failure, stupidity, and incompetence, but I also reward obedient minions who succeed with my orders.

The Shadow Queen: Do this for me, and you'll get what you want. I promise you that. Sweetie Belle shall be yours.

Button: i'm not doing this for ME u heartless bitch i'm doing this for sweetie {bell emoji} because I care for her, not that you kow what hat's lik

Button: I my beforced 2 do this nohw butt I swearyou'll gt yours

Button: karma is a bitch she'll bite u inthe hass u heartlessbitch juz u wait

I roll my eyes and smile deviously. Button Mash seems like a small puppy to me who is barking as loudly as he can about the fact that he'll be a big dog someday when he grows up.

In the meantime, his affection for Sweetie is cute!

Maybe I have miscalculated his affection for Sweetie. The blackmail I already have on him over his mother might not be enough to keep him in line for much longer after all. I think I need something new to keep him under control.

My sinister smile widens.

And I have just the thing! He just revealed his weakness to me. I can threaten him with harming Sweetie Belle!

It doesn't even have to be a real threat. If he cares enough about Sweetie, he won't dare to cross me if he thinks I have leverage over Sweetie, regardless if I actually do or not.

Next Chapter: Chapter Sixteen: Shadow Play, Part 2, Bullet Hell Estimated time remaining: 13 Hours, 26 Minutes