~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 54: One Witch Migration
>May 1, 2097
>But some witches, deciding that the magic hybrid technology degraded the quality of life and power process of witches decided they would bring minimal supplies with them as they left the castle.
>It was Citrus Macintosh, granddaughter of Applejack, which led this movement.
>Some suggest that they are as rouge witches—wandering through the land without order, proper education in magic, or large scale agriculture.
>But such a shallow view fails to capture the quality of this tribe.
>They are an extremely self-reliant people. Each one knowing how to take care of themselves with the minimal supplies they can take with them on wagons.
>They actively seek challenges to overcome whether it be from terrain, ferocious animals, or justified conflict.
>And they ONLY fight justified conflict. From all records I’ve seen of their exploits, every single war they’ve ever fought from the time of Citrus to now has been either a war of defense or verifiably a preventive strike.
>They steer clear of all manner of comfort for above all they fear weakness and degradation.
>All non-witches that have lived amongst them have attested to their extreme fairness and charity. Not a single man is ever coerced into marrying into the tribe, and not one non-witch is killed unless they first fire upon the witches.
>They are also extremely generous with their fellow tribe’s witches. They actively share their food, medicine, and glory with each other. This is achievable because every member is expected to actively contribute in both possession and military prowess, else they be labeled a coward.
>And to be a coward amongst them is the worst shame imaginable. And a coward’s lot in the tribe is made miserable by the shunning of everyone else in the tribe. Until the shame is reversed, the coward is a third-class citizen that’s lower than both guests and slaves.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>*THUNK!*
>You sit up at the speed of sound at the sound of the door to your quarters opening.
>”VERONICA, SUNSET! UP!” Professor Storm shouts causing your ears to ring.
>The disorientation of the noise and the morning causes you to feel a bit nauseous, yet you stand up in a panic.
>…Darn. Are you late for your work? Who knows what kind of punishment she’ll dish out for this.
>And not to mention, you feel embarrassed for the Professor seeing you so unkempt.
>Out of the sleeping bag next to yours Veronica sits up and wipes her eyes. “It’s around 4AM, not 5. What’s with the change?”
>*Thunk*
>Professor Storm closes the door to the quarters you criminals live in, which you’re nearly certain was once little more than a garage here on the castle grounds. It’s a small spire with nothing but plain, cold,  hard stone floors and a few tools lying about.
>It’s cold and dark here a night… and as it’s on the edge of the grounds you hear animals out and about sometimes as well. The outside of the small spire looks nice enough, which prompted the Professor to say it’s even far too luxurious for criminals such as yourselves.
>Other witches guilty of misdemeanors are jammed into this garage too. Many of which wake up wondering what’s going on.
>”I have an announcement to make.” The Professor starts. “I am displeased to announce that Headmistress Sweet’s sickness returned to her…” Professor Storm looks at the ground and sighs. “And now she is dead.”
>Your eyes widen.
>Murmurs begin to fill the room.
>Did you… hear that correctly?
>”Are you serious?” Veronica stands up and walks to the Professor. “The headmistress is really dead!?”
>The largely emotionless Veronica now looks to Professor Storm with wide and worried eyes.
>”I didn’t studder.” The Professor responds. “As per the requests of Dean Sparkle and Dean Crystal, you two are invited to her funeral that will take place in a week. We take off for the east coast to our settlement today. After it’s done, it’s back here to your punishment.”
>”She was healthy, I saw her a month ago.” Veronica seems to be almost pleading with the Professor. “How could she be dead? What happened!?”
>”You complaining to me can’t and won’t make a difference. Her sickness seemingly never went away. Now get ready to go.”
>The Professor turns around. “…Sorry.” Her voice noticeably softens then. She walks towards the door and exits.
>*Thunk*
>…
>Silence in the room.
>Where did that come from? Where did this all come from!? She was alright. You were with her a month ago. She saw you off. She was recovering. What the fuck does she mean she’s dead?
>The woman that let you into the settlement and probably saved your life… Just suddenly gone.
>Veronica puts her hands to her face and gnashes her teeth. She looks stressed. Was she close to her?
>You walk up to her.
“Hey, are you alright?”
>”No.” She promptly responds.
>Honestly, you don’t know what to say to that. What did you even expect?
>Veronica takes her hands off her face and looks towards the door. ”We have to get there. Fast.”
>Then, she walks off…
>You have to force yourself to get yourself together at a reasonable pace, because you can’t stop your mind from wandering incessantly.
>Your stomach feels awful. This still hardly feels real. That smiley headmistress was young and energetic. What are the odds that a simple sickness killed her…
>That water in the cup of your hands swirls for a moment as you stare blankly at it. Then, you finally douse your face with the water to clean yourself.
>You felt happy to be a part of a settlement with her at the helm. You especially liked how she was close to you and your friends… Artemis and Amelia and the rest. That’s right. They’re gone too.
>Why does everyone keep getting separated from you!?
>You think back to the time Headmistress Sweet first gave you, Artemis, and Amelia your task at the hotel settlement. They’re gone.
>And your friends back from your time. They’re gone too. Everyone’s gone!
>*Splash!*
>You drop the pale of water out of frustration… then you take a deep breath.
>Sunset Shimmer.
>Just what are you going to do with yourself?

~

>Professor Storm leads you and Veronica to a group of witches in several lines just outside the castle grounds.
>They’re lined by settlement… You notice the distinct style of dress of each line. High witches stand tall towards the front of the lines, other adult witches are in the middle, and of course, student witches are at the ends.
>As ‘criminals’ you and Veronica have your robes revoked, of course. You begin to get flashbacks to before you were admitted into The Academy…
>”You know where to go.” Professor Storm says to you two, signaling to join the line. “Oh, and I supposed you can have these back for now.”
>The Professor takes out two wands. One gold with a red orb tip. The other a silver color with a purple orb at it’s tip. Your and Veronica’s wands.
>You both take your respective property and join the line.
>As you look into the chilly skies your mind begins to drift.
>”Hello.”
>You snap back to attention as you realize someone in front of you has spoken. It’s a student witch you’ve never met before…
>”Are you two Sunset and Veronica?” The girl asks.
>You point your thumb at yourself.
“Yeah. I’m Sunset.”
>Then you motion to the blue haired girl behind you.
“And this is Veronica.”
>”Hey.” She says lifelessly.
>The girl grins. ”Oh, that’s so cool! You two killed Selene, right!?”
>You scratch the back of your head and laugh awkwardly.
“Yeah, I guess that was us.”
>You notice others, mostly students, eyeing you two as well.
>”You did what even the adult witches couldn’t. That’s crazy.” The girl balls her fists like an excited child on Christmas. “How did you do it? Especially as such a new witch?”
>It’s a really long story now isn’t it? Where to begin?...
“Well…”
>”North Canterlot. Quiet.” You recognize that voice as one of your high witches.
>”Sorry.” The girl then settles down and stands in formation.
>You can’t help but smile a bit. It wasn’t alone of course… Not by a long shot. But you did do something kind of incredible, huh?
>Before long, the lines board their brooms—and all take off.

~

>After a long day of boring broom travel the party finally lands for the night. 
>It’s a forest, but with a few peculiar buildings nearby. They appear to have once been part of a strip mall. Vines, trees, and other vegetation have coated and overwhelmed the buildings and sidewalks. You look on in amusement at the work nature has done to the place.
>Temporary homes and tents are set up by the witches. And of course, you’re given a tent given your current status…
>Crickets chirp in the night as everyone settles down after dinner and gets ready to sleep.
>You lie down with your hands behind your head and stare at the ceiling…
>”Sunset.” Veronica suddenly addresses you.
>You sit up and face her.
“Hmm?”
>Honestly, it’s not like the girl to talk to you. You two have certainly gotten closer ever since beating Selene, but between you two it’s usually just enjoying the silence. The times you do talk are when you initiate. 
>That’s fine, some people really like silence. Secretly you do wish she’d talk to you more though, which is why you’re listening so intently now.
>”Who do you think will be the next Headmistress?”
>That’s right. There does have to be a new one now, you suppose. From what you’ve learned, the position is generally kept between two families at the settlement: the Sweet family and the Lulamoon family. The only eligible one from one of those families is in a coma… and the other…
“Oh my, I just remembered. How is the Headmistresses daughter taking this? She must feel awful.”
>”I imagine so.”
“But… she’s just a child. Could she really be the new one?”
>Veronica brushes her forehead and bangs. “Exactly. She’s ten if I remember correctly. Absolutely too young to be a Headmistress. Honestly, it would be the same case with Artemis even if she was awake. This is a situation we haven’t been in for a long time.”
“But there are others, right? One of the Deans could get it?”
>Veronica blinks and sighs. ”Yeah… one could.” Then she lies down on her side facing away from you.
>One of the Deans, huh? The ones you know of are Dean Crystal, Dean Sparkle, and Dean Xenia. They’re also the most prominent…
>Out of those three, you’d certainly prefer Dean Crystal considering how close she was to you and the Headmistress Sweet. If one of the other two got it… the place just wouldn’t be the same. It already won’t ever be the same. 
>You get another awful feeling in your stomach.
>It really does suck that this happened. Your life sucks right now. Labor all day. Your friends are gone. Artemis is still comatose. The Headmistress is dead.
>Your face contorts, and you shed a single tear…
>You promised everything would be made right. You killed Selene. A great evil. Everything is supposed to be good now! The world feels even darker than before.
>…
>Socialization. You need it.
>Veronica doesn’t look like she’s in the mood to talk anymore.
>Wait, are Veronica’s teammates nearby? You think you saw them during the flight.
>You exit the tent and take a look around the camp.
>The section you’re in is only people from North Canterlot, so they should be nearby.
>Mostly, there are more intricate shelters using magic technology for the camp… something you don’t get as a ‘criminal.’
>But there are still a few witches out and about as the sky darkens.
>Surely enough, you happen upon a campfire with some students around it.
>And an appallingly familiar voice is cast upon you.
>”Sun-set Shimmer! How’s my favorite felon doing!?” Celestia XII, daughter of the Headmistress of the Cloudsdale settlement.  
“What are YOU doing here?”
>”Ugh, you KNOW this twerp!?” Marble points at Celestia.
>You sigh.
“Unfortunately.”
>You walk over to the campfire and stand next to the girls.
>”Oh come on, that’s no way to treat an old friend!” Celestia complains. “How could I not seek you out after what I’ve heard of you. What happened to Artemis and the others? Where’s Veronica right now? How did a weak witch like you manage to kill Selene? How’s the criminal life? Why-“
>It’s at this point that you zone out and stop listening to the girl…
>”Come on, Celestia. Don’t just assault her with questions.” Luckily, Gunnel comes to your rescue. 
>”Here Sunset, come sit.” Gun pats a part of the log next to her.
>You oblige and stare into the fire.
“Hey Gunnel? Was Veronica close to Headmistress Sweet?”
>”Veronica?” Gunnel puts a finger to her cheek and looks to the sky. “Umm, I don’t really think so. Then again she didn’t really talk to me much. Why do you ask?”
“She looked pretty stressed when she heard the news of her death. I mean, it is the Headmistress, but it doesn’t seem like her to get so upset.”
>”That really doesn’t sound like her.” Marble replies. “Veronica would keep her poker face even if her legs were cut off. You sure we’re talkin’ about the same person?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
>Celestia’s eyes light up. ”Veronica? Stressed about something? This is something I HAVE to see.” 
>”It’s probably not chiefly the Headmistress that Veroncia is worried about.”
>You turn your head toward the soft voice of the other girl beside you. A blonde girl with a hime cut. Ah, you remember her—from that one party. This is Golden Spoon.
>”It’s about who’s coming AFTER.”
>”After?” Gunnel muses. “… After! Of course.”
>”Out with it, genius.” Marble says.
>”Veronica hates her mom, remember. She probably doesn’t want her to be the next Headmistress.”
>Golden nods. ”Bingo.”
>Oh yeah that’s right. You think back to when you first saw Veronica and Dean Sparkle together. It was during your entrance exam. Veronica slapped Dean Sparkle’s hand away when she tried to get near her…
>Allegedly Dean Sparkle largely ignored Veronica while she grew up. Must have caused her to become resentful. A neglected, ignored child of a high witch. The perfect one for Selene to prey on, and prey on her she did.
“I don’t know her family situation, but does being a bad mom really make her unfit for the job? She IS a Dean with years of experience after all.”
>Marble crosses her arms. “I mean, can you really blame her anyway? I wouldn’t want my hypothetical deadbeat parent to also be my ruler.”
>You guess not. What is to be done though?
>Veronica wanted to get back to the settlement as quickly as possible. You have a bad feeling about this…
>*Thump, thump, thump*
>You rise your head at the sound of footsteps.
>Two witches in unfamiliar orange robes approach. They appear to be in their forties, perhaps. 
>”Hello.” One of the two greets. “You all are from North Canterlot, right? Do any of you happen to be a Sunset Shimmer or Veronica Sparkle?”
>You lazily raise one hand.
“I’m Sunset Shimmer. Veronica’s already gone to sleep.”
>”That’s great. I’m Duchess Breeze—from the Settlement of Clemency in the Kressen Empire. And this is my sister, the other Duchess Breeze; from the Settlement of Courtesy.”
>The bashful sister smiles and waves at her introduction. They both have such soft and serene faces. You get an overwhelmingly motherly aura from them both.
>And what titles. What do nobles from an empire in the Midwest want with you?
>You stand up and give a shallow, short bow.
“Nice to meet you two.”
>”The honor is mine. I heard of your accomplishment in defeating Selene. I couldn’t pass up a chance to meet you. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to lose your friends and go through such a battle. We sincerely thank you for what you’ve done.”
>Celestia’s eyes light up. ”Whoa, look at you Sunset! You’re famous now.”
>”Most popular criminal I’ve ever seen.”  Marble adds.
>You laugh awkwardly.
“Wow, no problem I guess.”
>”Well, we better turn in for the night. If you ever need anything and you happen to be nearby don’t hesitate to call either of us.” With that, they both give one more nod and go on their way.
>”Well, someone’s famous.” Gunnel says.
>”See!?” Celestia starts. “I’m not the only one who wants to know about you. What happened back there Sunset?”
>But it feels wrong.
>It was by sheer luck that you got out of that and your friends didn’t. You couldn’t have done anything without them. You hardly deserve this praise… They’ve been lost for a month. Other witches have found their way back, but not them. Are they stuck somewhere? Or worse…?
>Your shoulders droop and you look down.
>Gunnel notices. ”Sunset?” 
“Uh, it’s nothing. I think I’ll go to sleep now.”

~

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTFLYCMkyiM
>A dark place. Far underground. Nothing but metal walls and dim lights. 
>The sounds of dripping pipes and buzzing bulbs coat the room.
>You can feel the tension. The sound of a footstep there, a groan behind you, a click, a scratch… 
>But some of those aren’t real, once you check. Some.
>”Aaaand here we are!” Galaxy exclaims. “So close to all the witches that have infested our castle grounds now, yet so far. But they’d never find this place. It was well hidden even before Magicopia overtook the world.”
>You look at the large metal door. It’s perhaps seven meters tall. Two sliding panels like that of an elevator. They’re plain… which sets them quite apart from everything witches typically build. It’s eerie. Soulless. 
>But there is just one detail of note. In front of the door is a small column perhaps a meter and a half tall. A magical piece of technology that glows neon purple. At the top there’s a small star-like indentation.
“Is that how we open it?”
>Galaxy smiles at you then approaches the door. “Yes. It is. One important caveat though…” She then takes from her dark robe a small metal pin. 
>”Only the blood of one from the Sparkle family could possibly open this door.” As Galaxy gets to the column, she sticks her hand with the pins and blood pours from the wound into the indentation. 
>You smirk.
“It’s been many years, and you’re from a branch family. Can you really do it?”
>”Keh, coming from the one who was adopted!” Galaxy finishes filling the star indentation.
>*CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!*
>As the red liquid hits the rim, metallic and hydraulic sounds erupt from the door as it screeches to life.
>Slowly, the door opens.
>And slowly, your face becomes one of shock.
>*GRROOOOOOAAAAAN!*
>The moans of the damned rise out as the gates of hell open. Never have you seen such an abominable scene as this one. 
>Prison cell like structures with glass panes. Every ‘inmates’ body is distorted beyond recognition. Dark purple welts and rotting flesh have ruined their countenance. They bang on the glass in a desperate plea for freedom as their vocal chords almost certainly no longer function for the most part. 
>Can they even be classified as humans anymore?
“How long have they been ‘alive,’ anyway?
>”Some have been like this since before Magicopia got loose, you know. Who’s keeping track anymore.” Galaxy grins widely at the handiwork as if proud of a grand work of art. “Veronica couldn’t handle this place, despite how emotionless she PRETENDS to be.” She turns to you. “But you can deal with it. Right, Nilight?”
“Heh. You people really are disgusting. But do as you please… As long as you bring me back to Sunset.”
>”You and the leader really ARE alike. How long has it been since you first made your promise to her again?”
“Enough talking. We’re here for a reason.”
>Galaxy rolls her eyes. “Fine, fine.”
>You and Galaxy walk forward deeper into the complex. The dust and rust of the old place made it all the more eerie.
>”It all started with some of Twilight’s daughters, you know. An innocent project to bring magic to everyone. So naïve to think they could use it so effortlessly and gracefully as we witches do! After their failure they couldn’t just up and tell anyone else about it—not even Twilight. How could they? To let anyone know they were the ones who helped facilitate Magicopia’s spread so much. The secret of this place was passed down among their offspring. Some chose to pretend it didn’t exist. Others chose to continue the work… Until it came to we who worked with Lady Selene.”
>Galaxy opens a pair of doors to another room in the complex.
>This time, you see degraded non-witches hooked up to open armor casings. The magic-electronic hybrid armor is in many ways like yours. Except for them, it supports their life. You see mechanical and hydraulic parts pump in rhythm with their hearts and inflate in rhythm with their lungs. Pipes and bolts and metal ingrain with the flesh of their limbs. 
>There had to be dozens of pods with people hooked up this way…
>”And Lady Selene saw this centuries long project’s completion with Gaia. I hope those foolish settlement dwellers didn’t think she was the only one.” Galaxy giggles, then turns to you. “The others will be here soon with much needed supplies. When every non-witch can be turned into a magic-wielding soldier… we’ll have the biggest army in the world.”

~


>You are Sunset.
>Rain pours down tragically on the forest clearing as if the whole Earth is weeping. 
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFa7MSXR8hg
>Seeing Headmistress Sweet’s body in a lifeless casket is surreal. It’s one thing to hear of the woman’s demise. It hit you hard. It felt as if it wasn’t real and it made you sick to your stomach. But actually seeing her lifeless body? Seeing the news you heard in fruition in real life? It was on another level.
>You were gone for a month. That’s all. And your whole world was flipped upside down. 
>You made zero progress on finding your friends. Some people who were dispersed by the giant wand at the castle found their way back—but none of your friends. 
>You weren’t there for your headmistress and the savior of your life when you needed her most.
>You failed Mrs. Dazzle. Her daughter’s fate is still utterly unknown.
>What did you really win back at that castle? Bragging rights? A few compliments here and there? A nice story to tell? A sentence? Because you sure didn’t win peace, happiness, or prosperity.
>Everyone you love manages to get away from you one way or another.
>You shed a tear… then return to your seat.
>You hear crying… You look over.
>It’s the Headmistress’s daughter. Just ten years old. She buries her face in her father’s chest as she bawls.
>Faces across the seats are solemn both witch and non-witch alike and both young and old.
>Rain continues to fall.
>…
>”Sunset!”
>You snap to attention.
>It’s Dean Crystal. And Professor Storm is next to her.
>”Are you alright? The funerals over. We can go.” Dean Crystal’s orange eyes seem dimmer than usual. 
>You can tell. She’s as sad as you are. Even Professor Storm betrays a small hint of unrest in the quiver of her brow.
“Yeah. Alright, I guess.”
>Your voice is labored.
>”Sunset.” Professor Storm begins. “As for your next assignment, it’ll have to be here since I’m needed for the process of choosing the next Headmistress. And considering the circumstances, I’ll allow you and Veronica one day of rest. Find Veronica and tell her the same.” The Professor turns and walks away.
>Dean Crystal gives you a worried look and nods at you, then she leaves as well.
>Veronica, huh? Where is she anyway? 
>You look around.
>She must have already left… Was she allowed to leave before Professor Storm gave the okay?
>Whatever. Not like it’s any of your business. 
>You drift through the settlement.
>Nothing seems the same.
>People are more lifeless. The buildings seem darker than usual. Activity at The Academy is still low as much of the staff has to worry about dealing with the newly discovered castle grounds.
>You wander through the familiar yet so foreign feeling place.
>Artemis. On that same bed. Breathing those same soft breaths. Still comatose.
>Zoned out again, huh? Why did you subconscious take you here?
>You approach the girl and sit by her side once more, and stare at her for a while.
“Artemis, what do I do? It’s not like I can just drop everything and find the others.”
>You get up from the stool and embrace the sleeping girl. The soft warmth of her body and her familiar smell make you feel nostalgic. It assuages your worry some.
“Nnn…”
>”You know-“
>The unexpected voice makes you jump a bit and snap your neck in its direction. 
>It’s Dr. Cream. 
>”I always wondered what she could possibly be thinking or dreaming about, sleeping peacefully like that.”
>The Doctor smiles at you.
“Do you want me to…”
>”Yes. I wonder what will happen. Don’t you?”
>Well, you DO wonder what will happen. Is she thinking about anything at all? Or is she really dead asleep.
“Alright, here goes nothing.”
>You turn to Artemis and grab her hand in both of yours.
“Artemis. I don’t know if you can hear me. The Headmistress has died… Sorry you had to figure out like this. I know you two were close. None of our friends have returned… and I still haven’t been able to find them. I’m so sorry about that.”
>You don a soft, solemn smile and continue.
“I got in trouble. I was stuck hauling rocks on the castle ground. Now I’ll probably be stuck as a farmhand or something. Veronica’s the same. I just… I don’t know what to do. You always had an answer or a plan for every situation. So please… Just a hint… Something.”
>You use your power and search through Artemis’s head!

~

>*The woman hands you an ice cream cone for some reason.*
>*You stare at it.*
>*She waves the cone in your face. ”Well? Are you going to take it? Come on. Don’t make me eat them both.”*
>*You snap out of your trance and grab the ice cream cone.*
*”… Thanks.”*
>*You stare once again out at the green horizon. The Summer sun embraces your skin and comforts you in the moment.*
>*”Come on, Artemis. You may well be Headmistress one day. You can’t just zone out all the time.”*
*”I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. What about you? You’ll be Headmistress very soon, huh?”*
>*Spicy Sweet holds that soft smile as she turns toward the horizon as well. The light reflects off her light blue hair and eyes. “Yeah, I will. It’s a little crazy. I knew there was a good chance it was coming… I never thought it would happen this fast. Only Catherine managed to become Headmistress at a younger age, huh?”*
>*You smile yourself.*
*”A headmistress shouldn’t talk about her insecurities so readily. Especially not to a little girl.”*
>*”Yeah? Well, you’re no normal little girl. And our families have been friends for a long time, you know.”*
>*”You yawn.”*
*”We witches really do care about these family bonds, huh? Is it really that easy? Our last names are Lulamoon and Sweet—so that means we’re headmistress material? And what with the difficulty we have breeding it makes it so fragile. What happened to my mother is proof of that. What do we do if our lines are no longer eligible?”*
>*Spicy stares at you for a moment once again, presumably collecting her thoughts. “They do matter a lot. But if our lines were no longer eligible? It would probably go to the Sparkle family.”*
>*You put your hands behind your head and lie back and look at the flawless blue sky.*
*”Imagine Dean Sparkle as a headmistress.”*
>*Spicy chuckles. “I know, right?”*
>*Your mind drifts as you watch the warm sky and see a few witches fly over head.*
*”What if I don’t want her to become headmistress?”*
>*You’re a little surprised at yourself for saying this. It felt like that question was providential. You didn’t think it through at all.*
>*”Come on, I know she’s a little grumpy. She’s not THAT bad.*
>*You blush a little.*
>*Spicy sighs. “Say, do you know her daughter? Veronica?”*
*”I have. Haven’t really spoken to her much though. She doesn’t talk much in general.”*
>Spicy smiles and stares at you with anticipation. *”Guess you two have something in common, huh?”*
>*You give Spicy an unamused look.*
*”I know what you’re thinking...”*
>*”You can’t just cling to Amelia forever you know.~”*
>*You do not ‘cling’ to her. That boyish girls has just been your friend since forever is all. You still remember when you met her. How she boldly introduced herself and forced herself into your life. You were annoyed at the time, but she turned out to be a good person.*
>*You smile at the memory.*
>*”But come on, Artemis.” Spicy continues. “I can tell Veronica is hurting deeply about something. Our families and the Sparkle family have been at each other’s throats for a long time. For some reason… I think we can end it with her.”*
>*You sit up and look at Spicy, who looks once again at the horizon and the setting sun.*
> *Ever the idealistic one. What could you possibly do for a suspicious girl that always avoids you?*
>*”I probably won’t be able to do it, but please… please help Veronica.”*

~Two Days Later~

>The hallways of The Academy go by like a blur as you run through.
>One goal in mind. Nothing else matters. You’ve tried everything. Looked for anything.
>The fate of the settlement is at hand here!
>And now, there’s one last thing you can do!
>”Veronica? Hey, hold on!”
>*Bam!*
>You burst through the doors to the high witch conference room ignoring the pleas of the guard witches.
>Deans and Professors give you various looks of confusion as you present yourself. All arguments, propositions, and accusations have stopped as attention has been drawn to you.
>You take three seconds to catch your breath.
“My noble witches, you can’t let that woman become the next Headmistress!”
>You point at your mother, Sharon Isalight Sparkle.
>Her face goes from one of stern admonishment to a slight smirk.
>You scowl.
>”Veronica?” Dean Xenia starts. “I’m sorry, you are the Dean’s daughter, but this is way out of line. This is something determined by high witches. You have no business being here. Especially what with the stunt you and the half witch have pulled.”
>Another high witch sighs. “Guards, if you’ll please?”
>Professor Storm gives you a deathly fierce look as well. “Where have you been? We couldn’t find you for more than a day. I already wasted time setting up a search party for you. DON’T think I won’t make your punishment more severe for this, Veronica.”
>You begin to get flustered, but you can’t let that deter you.
“No! You have to listen to me! Mother doesn’t care about anyone but herself. The person she presents as to you is completely different from how she really is!”
>As others look at mother, she drops her smirk and goes back to her stern look at you.
>Professor Gardener turns to you with those worried green eyes… “Look. I don’t know how your family situation has been, but that’s a completely separate matter from what goes on in this room. I get this can be tough for you. You realize we can’t make decisions based off the whims of a little girl, right?”
>You’re left speechless for a moment at the sight of the Professor’s motherly, patronizing eyes. Is that what you look like? A lost little girl? 
>You feel your cheeks heat further.
>”Please,” Professor Gardener continues. “Just go with the guards.”
>The guards approach and grab your arms. “Come on, girl. We’ll let you off the hook this time.”
>You go a little limp and look at the ground. Your cheeks flare.
>You feel fucking pathetic. Is this really all you could come up with? And the furthest you could go!?
>A juvenile girl having an emotional outburst. Was that all this was? A criminal and now a disruptor… The friends you began to make have disappeared, and now you’re sentenced to labor—hardly even a witch anymore.
>And now soon to be ruled by…
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzgNN-3N2m0
>”Veronica,”
>As the guards move you further from the room, you slowly bring your sights up to meet the eyes of your mother through the closing doors. Her smirk has returned to her. “Listen to your mother, Veronica. Go with the guards.”
>Your eyes narrow.
>This can’t be how this ends…!
>Your intuition was correct! You know it is!
>*Boom!*
>Your blue magic flares up and you push the guards away from you.
>”Hey! What do you think you’re doing!?”
>You run back into the room.
“Dean Sparkle is utterly unfit to be Headmistress! She hardly ever cared for me not even when I was an infant. She never cared about father at all either.”
>You ball your fists.
“She let him die! It’s all on her. He was sick and didn’t get any of the medicine he needed because she wanted it! He was nothing but a pawn to her. Just like everyone else in her life.”
>All eyes, including those of the guards, stop at the spectacle of your outburst with various facial expressions.
“She never cared what happened to me or what I got into, where I went, or what I did. I was an orphan ever since father died. I never cared about being a top witch in the end… I just wanted to be accepted somewhere… Anywhere…”
“Even if it was with those people.”
>You mutter that last part under your breath.
 “You say I’m a criminal now. Well who raised me to be this way! Do you really think someone who treats her own family like that, would possibly treat you people any better!?”
>For a moment the room is silent.
>Mother stands up sighs, and scowls at you. “I’m afraid that’s simply not true. I loved your father from the bottom of my heart. If you remembered, you’d know that you never got to see him much while he was sick. Have you bothered to ask Dr. Cream about what happened then? All the times she came personally to our house to see the man? You do know diseases that were once easy to treat are difficult to treat with the potions we have to day, and some diseases that were difficult to cure are now easy. That’s what happened to Headmistress Sweet. That’s what happened to your father.”
“That’s because you didn’t LET me see him.”
>”And? So that you could interfere with his potential recovery?” Mother turns and addresses the other high witches. “I apologize. I will take my daughter and deal with her as appropriate.”
>Your scowl deepens. You hate this cunt so much. You hate the fact that you spawned from that dreaded snatch of hers.
>”We’ll have to continue this another day.” Mother departs from the table and heads toward you, keeping eye contact with you. “Come with me, Veronica. We’ll have a talk.”
>Murmurs and whispers start to float around the room.
>You clench your fists.
>What do you do now!?
>… Nothing. Anything else you do will only hurt…
>…
>A remote part of the settlement. The leafless trees pass by you as the cold air moves past your body. Rarely walked paths lead you and your mother to the outskirts of the settlement.
>You both walk silently. You don’t want to acknowledge her existence, yet her oppressive presence is undeniable. 
>Yet, the uncertainty of the situation makes you angsty.
“This isn’t the direction to our home. Where are we going?”
>You don’t bother looking at her as you talk. You hate looking at her. Enough of seeing her aging, wrinkly skin. No more seeing those dead, poisonous purple eyes. The end of seeing that greying, purple hair she has in that awful looking bun.
>”A special place. One of great historical importance to us.” Mother doesn’t bother looking at you either.
“Tsk. Are you going to spank me?”
>”Don’t tempt me. What did you think you’d accomplish barging in like that?”
>A cold breeze goes by, which serves to agitate you more.
“If I can get even one noble to reconsider your qualification to be headmistress, or even just one to not listen to you then that’s a success in my book.”
>You hear the crows ‘skwak’ and shout as this walk of tension continues. They take their seat on the stands of the leafless trees as they watch the spectacle.
>Mother gives a short chuckle. “So determined. How admirable.”
“A compliment? That may just be the first one I’ve ever heard from you.”
>”I only give them when they’re deserved.”
“Fitting. No one on Earth is deserving to you other than yourself. I still don’t believe for a second what you said about father back there.”
>Mother stops walking, and for a second the silence overwhelms the area.
>”You know what?”
>You turn back to look at her, to see her looking at the ground. Her bangs casts shadows over her eyes. 
>Mother raises her right forearm up slowly, palm of her hand facing the sky.
>Her palm begins to light her face with the dark purple electricity of her magic, and she look at you with a striking glare. “You’re right. I lied.”
>In a swift motion she raises her arm and the magic expands.
>You jump up in a fit of adrenaline, but it’s too late.
>The light expands rapidly and coats the world in that vile purple grip.
>The crows groan and begin to fly away.
>The light engulfs you and your mother, and you cover your eyes!
>…
>Slowly, you open your eyes again.
>You’re… at a building. One with faded red bricks and green and silver roofing. A large great tree grows out of the top of the building with a big opening in the middle
>Looking around, you see old buildings that have been utterly overtaken by vines, trees, and flowers. If you look around closely, you see that the grass around you is covering parking lots and sidewalks. Some of the ‘rocks’ you see are not rocks. They’re rotting cars.
>… This is Canterlot city. And this building… it’s-!
>”Welcome to Crystal Prep Academy, Veronica.”
>You snap your head to the direction of the cancerous voice of mother and you scowl. “I KNEW it! You did leave dad to die!”
>Rain begins to fall lightly like mist. The dark clouds of the sky part to reveal the enormous moon’s white light. Howls of wolves and scurrying of deer orchestrate the dreaded night.
>Mother reaches for something in her pocket. “Don’t get so worked up. He lived a happy life you know? He married a witch after all, and had all of his needs taken care of. But Veronica,”
>She takes her hand out of her robe and opens her palm toward you, revealing six shiny crystals… All but the purple one.
>Your eyes widen. “Did you steal those from the settlement?”
>”They belong… to the one who will be named Headmistress.” Mother gives you a striking stare of her dark purple eyes. “Including Twilight’s—which you’re in possession of.”
>You take a step back.
“What do you mean?”
>Mother pockets the crystals once again and begins to slowly walk toward you. “Did you know that the more of these you have, the more you can sense the location of the remaining crystals? Fates intertwined, the original seven were born to be together.”
>You slowly take steps back.
>”Selene, you sly bitch. You hid the final crystal in her whose essence blends with it so that I could never find it, but you weren’t careful enough.” Mother reaches an arm out toward you.
>While you continue to back away, your mind races.
>What is she talking about? Hid inside you? When did this happen? And why does Selene want it to be hidden from her?
>Your boot gets caught on a rock and you fall back on the grass.
>”Finally.” Mother’s disgusting, dark eyes reflect the light of the moon. “Finally, I’ll have all seven.”
>As mother gets close your senses panic, in a burst of your magic you propel yourself in a jump up and back away from her.
>*Boom!*
“You’re even worse than I thought! You worked with Selene? Didn’t you!?”
>”… No. It’s actually true that I haven’t been working with Selene. We had disagreements to be sure, but I can’t deny she’s been useful to me. Her and Sunset found the castle and gathered all the crystals into one nice place for me.”
>You were right! You were right! You were right! You were right about her. Mother is evil.
”Once the others hear about this you’ll never be Headmistress!”
>Mother shrugs. ”Who would believe a juvenile little girl who just had a temper tantrum in an important meeting? I know your wand was confiscated by Professor Storm as soon as you landed.”
>*Crack!*
>Thunder roars as the clouds over Canterlot city become heavier.
>She’s right. After your last little outburst… doing that again may well just make things worse.
>What do you do? Is what you have done enough? Can you simply hope she doesn’t become Headmistress?
>No, you can’t. You can’t take that chance. You can’t let her even have influence on the settlement anymore.
>You have to stop her.
>A bead of sweat moves down your face as you get into a battle stance.
>Mother sighs. ”Raising your fists at your own mother? I raised you better than this.”
“You didn’t raise me at all!”
>If you don’t do this now, no one will. The entire future of your settlement… comes down to this!
>“You built up some resolve it seems. It’s better this way.” Suddenly mother’s smirk disappears, and her eyes widen into an intense, malevolent glare. “Because I’m getting that crystal from you.”
>You see the ground around you coated in purple.
>Before you can react, that area of the ground shoots into the sky like a column bringing you with it.
>The acceleration brings you to your knees.
>A shadow overtakes you.
>Looking up, you see an enormous purple orb of magic that threatens to sandwich you between it and the rising column of Earth.
>With a burst of your own magic you propel yourself off of the column just in time.
>*BANG!*
>As the orb connects with the pillar the world shakes and you feel the pressure of impact pushes you out and makes your jump awkward.
>Mother raises an arm and shoots a few blasts at you while you fall.
>You counter with a few of your own.
>Quickly you steady your legs and land.
>*Pow!*
“Ngh!”
>Another piece of the Earth comes from behind you and pushes you forward toward Mother.
>She shoots more blasts at you so that you’re propelled towards them.
>You plant your legs on the column now propelling you. You jump off of it and through the blasts sent at you.
>The crack of you knuckles reverberates as you clench your fist and you coat your fist in your blue magic.
>Mother’s brow furls as she sees you close in on her.
>With great force, you swing your fist at her face as you move in.
>*Blast!*
>As your arm extends, the magic explodes violently.
>But… you missed!
>!
>You can’t move your body. In your peripherals you see that you’re coated in purple aura. Oh no.
>Mother walks up from your left over toward you. “Physical attacks? That’s unlike you. You really have changed, huh darling?”
>She motions her arms and you’re lifted off the ground toward her. ”Must be those new ‘friends’ of yours influencing you.” 
>Your body feels constricted and tight.
“Let me go!”
>You try to expel your own magic from your body and release yourself from her grip!
>But to no avail. How can an old woman still have such power?
>”Now, to take what’s mine.” Mother extends her arm out again toward you.
>Your heartrate increases. What is this!? You can’t let her to touch you. 
>She gets closer…!
>Brute forcing your magic everywhere to get out of this won’t work.
>But maybe if you condense it in one area…
>From your forehead a concentrated, powerful blue beam bursts from the bind of the telekinesis.
>”What!?” Mother, surprised by the attack, releases you from the magic and sidesteps it.
>You take the opportunity to jump back while the beam assaults the lawn of Crystal prep.
>Then, you influence a large, moss covered chunk of bricks from the old building to fly at Mother from behind her.
>She huffs, puts an arm behind her, and blasts the bricks to dust.
>Despite her powerful magic, there’s no way someone as old as her should be able to move well.
>As long as you keep the pressure up on her openings should appear!
>You raise your arms up and focus… Your deep blue aura begins to encase the rotting cars.
>To interrupt your efforts, Mother shoots four magic missiles in your direction.
>Don’t lose your focus!
>You hop. As your backflip unfolds, and you angle yourself as to avoid the assault of the magic missiles—you do your best to keep your telekinetic influence on the cars.
>Clumsily yet successfully completing this landing, you lift the three cars and send them at mother!
>Mother motions at the ground. 
>Under the influence of her telekinesis she once again raises the ground. Around her a ring of earth emerges to protect against your metal projectiles.
>You CAN’T let her block this!
>The cars rise as quickly as you can muster as you motion your arms up once more.
>Like jets taking off, the cars incline over the edge of the rising ring of earth.
>Once the cars are over the ring you motion your arms down. The wind violently whistles.
>Like a hawk spotting it’s prey, the cars zip down behind the Dean’s defenses.
>”What!?” 
>*BANG!*
>You hear the cars impact the ground behind the ring of earth.
>Then, you catch your breath…
>The light rain continues to drizzle, and you realize just how cold it is as the rush of the situation subsides.
>You can’t see behind the ring. Did you get her?
>With your magic as your aid, you jump up on to the ring that’s dozens of feet high and cautiously look into it.
>You can’t see her. It’s covered in the battered, rusty cars.
>Did she teleport somewhere?
>You quickly look around, behind, and even above you.
>Nothing.
>Did you actually kill her?
>That makes you a double criminal. You absolutely can’t go back to the settlement anymore. Or anywhere for that matter. 
>… How are you going to survive all alone?
>You jump off the ring and look into the air.
>The clouds are big, grey, and threatening. Windchill moves across your face. It continues to lightly rain on you.
>You take one more look at Crystal prep. Then, you begin to walk towards no particular destination…
>…

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 10: Decisive Victory
>June 29, 2086
>And a few decades ago, the foolish bands of non-witches—in their lack of understanding and frustration—attacked the mighty mountain covered castle without the will of their government.
>Their tactics were proved useless. Their weapons were rendered worthless.
>Providence willed that the non-witches were to be slain.
>And slain they were. Their seed was not. And not a single one who was without magic dwelled within this centennial state then.
>Despite the great anger this caused non-witches abroad, not a single one ever dared to threaten this castle again.
>… So the tale goes.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>The fire of your golden broom roars as you go as fast as you can.
>Your power runs endlessly as to find your way faster.
>Light raindrops splash against your face as you look on the all so familiar, yet all so different landscape.
>Your old town. Your old stores. Your old schools. Your old friends houses…
>All rotted and overtaken by plants nearly beyond recognition. They nearly blend seamlessly with the forest now.
>But right now, that’s not important.
>You spot your target.
>No… your target(s).
>One visible, and one who’s malevolent intentions you can only ‘feel.’
>And locate!
>You swoop down, splitting the air as you fly.
>The golden broom becomes a golden hammer as you close in on the ground.
>You reel the hammer back and coat it in spiky hard ICE.
“HEY SHARON!”
>*CLASH!*
>As your hammer comes into contact with the witches own protective magic, she drops her invisibility spell.
>The white light of your ice blends with the purple of her defenses and makes the dark, grassy, post-neighborhood glow.
>You break the clash and slide next to the surprised and wide eyed-Veronica. 
>Dean Spark-… Sharon… smiles and gives you an amused look. “Sunset Shimmer. You always find a way to get into all the important matters, huh? You shouldn’t butt into private family business, you know.”
>You get into stance.
“You can’t fool me. You meant to seriously hurt her. What kind of mother does that?”
>Sharon continues that unsettling smile and looks you over. “You really are an interesting person.”
>You sneer at her.
>”Sunset,” Veronica begins. “How did you find me?”
>You turn toward her and smile.
“With a lot of effort. You know how to hide for days at a time really well.”
>You toss Veronica her own silver wand.
“I traced your essence with this… I had to steal it from Professor Storm.”
>Veronica catches her wand and looks at it longingly, then looks at you. “How did you even know I was in trouble.”
>How do you put this?
“Well… Artemis told me.”
>”Artemis? She’s awake?” Sharon asks.
>You turn toward her and give her an unamused look, then turn back to Veronica.
“No. I used my power to read thoughts. She… was worried about you.”
>Veronica cocks her head at you, then she smiles.
>Sharon clears her throat prompting you to turn back to her and resume your stance. “Sorry to interrupt your heartwarming reunion. Veronica has something I need. And you have no need to get involved.”
>Veronica runs up next to you and gets into a stance of her own. “Sunset. It’s the final crystal. Apparently Selene hid it inside me at some point, but I don’t remember such a thing. She has all the rest of the crystals. If we don’t stop her here, she’ll take over the settlement.”
>Sharon crosses her arms. “’Take over’ is a strong term. My means are perfectly legitimate. You not liking me doesn’t change that…”
“Just like we did with Selene, Veronica. Just one more time.”
>Veronica looks at you worriedly.
>Sharon extends one arm out.
>Your magic warns you of her intentions, and you and Veronica both dodge her blast in separate directions.
>Veronica shoots blasts of her own while you close in on Sharon.
>Your hammer returns back to it’s form as a wand, and out of it comes a cold blade of ice.
>Sharon side steps a few of your swings.
>As you miss one, she brings out her arm at you and pushes you away with a blast of her magic.
>You dig your boots into the ground as you slide over the grass covered street.
>She then makes a beeline for Veronica.
>You board your broom and fly it at max speed.
>Veronica throws rocks and wood at Sharon under influence of her telekinesis.
>Sharon deflects them with her own.
>Finally you get between the two as Sharon begins to close in on Veronica.
>You retract your broom and in mid-air you kick her away from the girl.
>Sharon blocks with her arms, but is nonetheless pushed back.
“You actually move pretty fast for an old woman.”
>Sharon slides to a stop. Then, she dusts off her gloves and bangs. “And you’re pretty persistent for a glorified rouge witch.”
>Dust flies as you land on the ground.
>Veronica uses the cover to arc blasts around you and at Sharon.
>She jumps back, and the blasts hit the damp grass below.
>She then draws and points her wand at you.
>You fail to react in time, and you get hit by the odd silver wave.
>You… can’t move.
>”Sunset, what’s wrong?” Veronica asks.
>You realize that Sharon’s about to attack her, but you can’t move your mouth to warn her.
>With a sweep of her arm, Sharon uses her telekinesis on Veronica.
>Thankfully Veronica realizes attempt in time. She uses her magic to propel herself in the air away from the attack.
>Veronica points her wand at Sharon and unleashes a disorientation spell.
>Sharon side steps it and shoots blasts a Veronica.
>Veronica changes her wand back to a broom, and flies downward to escape the blasts.
>As she lands, her broom becomes a wand again. With a twirl of her purple-tipped wand, Veronica influences the rain and shoots high pressured water at Sharon.
>Sharon merely puts her arm in front of her and stalls the attack just a foot away from her with her telekinesis. “That’s odd, Veronica. Are you getting tired?”
>The Dean then forces the attack right back at her.
>Veronica gnashes her teeth in frustration and surprise. She dives out of the way and just narrowly dodges the high pressured stream.
>The water hits the old school and breaks part of the bricks.
>Veronica stumbles as she tries to regain her footing.
>Sharon takes the opportunity, and grasps Veronica in her telekinesis once again.
>”I won’t fall for that trick of yours a second time.” Sharon draws Veronica near her.
>You have to move your body again! Why does this spell last so long!?
>Attempting to move your body fails.
>But you have to save her somehow!
>You attempt with all your might again just to be met with the same stiff position you began in.
>”Stay away!” Veronica shouts at her mother.
>You begin to panic some. Frantically attempting to move.
>Then, you notice in your peripheral vision is your wand, and you can still transfer power to it.
>This may not work… but you have to try!
>The red orb of your wand lights and you shoot out an electric beam. You can’t see them, so you can only hope this helps!
>”AGH!” 
>… You hear both of them shout.
>Then, you realize you can move your body.
>Quickly you get your bearings and then run over to the two.
>Both were struck with the attack on their sides.
“Veronica. Are you okay? I couldn’t see where I was aiming.”
>The girl massages her left arm. ”I’ll live, whatever.” Then she brings her attention back to Sharon.
>The Dean has a wicked scowl on her face as she holds her right arm. “I’m TIRED of you interfering, Sunset. Don’t think for a moment you won’t be punished severely when this is over!”
>You smirk in response, which only serves to deepen her furious countenance. 
>You extend your hand out to Veronica who promptly grasps it with her own.
>Then, you both jump back together and make distance between the Dean and you two.
>You both land on a rusty car. The wind blows, sending yet more misty rain in your face.
>*I’m sick of looking at her face, Sunset. And I haven’t been able to think of any plan.*
“She’s after you. But she can’t have you. All I have to do is engage her from up front.”
>*No, no. You tried that and she’s expecting something like that now.* Veronica gnashes her teeth. *Let me engage her.*
“What!?”
>*She’ll be so focused on me. If you can pull off a finishing blow while she’s distracted—that may be our only chance.*
“Will you really be okay?”
>*Heads up, we don’t much TIME to think of anything else.*
>On cue, you notice the malevolent intent coming from Sharon by way of your main magic.
>With a swipe of her arm, Sharon sends old pieces of buildings at you and Veronica.
>You dodge to the side, diving off the car and onto the grassy road.
>Veronica jumps forward through the debris.
>As she makes it to the other side, she mounts her broom and closes in on Sharon.
>With both their magic, blue and purple, they clash.
>”You’ve gotten bolder, girl.” Sharon comments.
>Veronica responds only with more attempts at close range attacks.
>Now… what do YOU do? A decisive move while she’s distracted. What’s exactly appropriate for this situation?
>*BROOMM!*
>It thunders, then you look up. 
>You remember something Veronica did earlier… You don’t even know if this will work.
>Looking forward, you see Veronica and Sharon engaged with throwing magic at each other in close quarters. You can tell Veronica’s getting tired. 
>You have to try!
>You run up through the tall grass and bushes up to the old Crystal Prep building.
>Off the broken chunks of the old building, you jump from footing to footing and find your way to the top.
>”Ngh!” Looking back at the battle, you see Veronica take a nasty hit in the gut from Sharon.
>She regains her footing and closes back in on her.
>You look back up once again at the threatening, dark grey clouds.
>With a determined look, you run up the great tree that grew through the Crystal Prep building.
>You make it up on a branch high into the sky.
>As to not be seen by the Dean, you position yourself behind the enormous trunk—blocking yourself from her view.
>Now, you wait for your opportunity. Stay strong, Veronica!
>Sharon dodges one of Veronica’s blue magic-clad fists in a way that makes it look effortless. “What do you think you’ll get out of ‘winning’ this anyway, Veronica?”
>She then takes out her wand and jabs Veronica in the gut. “Tell the truth that you don’t care about me being ‘evil’ any way. This is the tantrum of a bratty little girl.”
>Veronica regains her footing. “So what if it is? Any fuel I use to get rid of you is justified!” With and upward swipe of her arm she sends a blast up at Sharon’s face—which the Dean gracefully leans back away from. 
>*RRRoooaaaarrr!*
>The thunder goes on.
>”You are as selfish and attention seeking as ever.” Sharon sends a thin, dense blast back at Veronica. “You’ll never be able to be a proper witch again thanks to this.”
>… Something’s not right.
>Veronica narrowly dodges the blast, earning her a small burn on her cheek. “I don’t care about being a ‘proper witch.’”
>The blue haired girl stomps, sending dozens of small magic blasts from her feet in a spread toward Sharon.
>Sharon puts up a barrier with a twirl of her wand and deflects the oncoming blasts in arbitrary directions.
>That’s the problem. Sharon isn’t using anywhere near her full power. Does she really mean just to discipline Veronica? Did we misread her intentions?
>”Of course you don’t! Veronica only cares about Veronica.” Sharon twirls her wand and sources a force that you cannot see. It hits Veronica and sends her flying back into the school.
>*CLUNK!*
>You cringe as Veronica hits the building hard. 
>No, the Dean does have ill intent… Then, she’s conserving her power for something. But what? You have to stop her before you find out.
>The girl slowly regains her footing after hitting the ground, then whimpers. ”No… That’s just you putting yourself in my position. I want to stop you because you’re garbage!“
>*CRACK!*
>The roar of the thunder seems to shake the landscape as far as the eye can see.
>With a fierce look in her eyes, Veronica musters a large blast of her magic that she sends at the Dean.
>The Dean prepares her feet to move, but then she notices something.
>Veronica motions her other arm back.
>Sharon looks behind her and sees that the blasts she deflected from Veronica’s earlier stomping attack were still there, and are now closing in on her with the strong blast!
>Sharon gnashes her teeth. She braces herself and does a side somersault to get out of the way of the attacks.
>*BOOM!*
>”Shit!” Sharon’s arm still gets damaged by the convergence of magic blasts as she stumbles into her landing. Her left arm’s clothing in shredded and her arm burnt.
>A chance like this won’t come again. You look into the sky and point your golden wand towards the heavens.
>”Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you… Sunset!” Sharon looks up and you and releases her magic in an explosive display.
>A giant purple magic silhouette of a ferocious owl develops and encases Sharon. With growing yellow eyes, it opens it’s sharp, spear-like beak and shoots out a dense beam of magic.
>The lightning comes down from the sky and in a rush of adrenaline you pour your magic into your wand and influence the lightning—sending it down on Sharon.
>*BOOM!*
>The two powers clash. 
>The light blinds you, prompting you to close your eyes and cover them with your arms.
>The dreary night begins to look a little like daytime in the face of the mighty flash. Even the great tree you’re situated on seems to tremble at the force.
>Just as suddenly as the violent event began, it ended.
>You keep your footing steady and slowly uncover your eyes and look down.
>… Sharon kneels down. She looks tired.
>Veronica is right where she was. Standing shakily on the ground next to the (now even further) ruined Crystal Prep.
>You jump down and land in front of Sharon.
>Veronica runs up beside you.
>You take a moment to catch your breath as you look down at the Dean.
>She breaths hard as well. “I’m far too old for this. Brats! You won’t get away with this!” Then, she slowly raises her head and looks up at you two.
“It’s over now! Give up!”
>Sharon grunts and coughs. “What are you even going to do? Kill me? You’ll have a bounty on your heads for the rest of your lives. No one will believe your story! You’re too far away to alert anyone of this.”
>She’s right… But you have to do what you can.
“You’ll give the crystals you have to us. A-and…”
>”A recording.” Veronica says.
>You look over to her.
>”With your wand. A recording spell. Admit your crimes and give up ever going for the title of Headmistress!” Veronica breaths hard too. As much from exhaustion as from her emotions running high.
>You draw your wand.
“Perfect.”
>”No way! I am the master of a settlement and the heir to the Sparkle family! I will not be talked down like this by a rouge!” Sharon spits.
>Her yelling aggravates you along with the worsening weather.
“The crystals first! Give them up!”
>Veronica balls her fist. ”Don’t complain. You deserve to lose far more for what you did to father!”
>”Gaaaaah!”
>*FWOOSH!*
>You hear a sound. Kind of like a fire igniting.
>As the Dean yells in frustration, you feel yourself knocked away from Sharon and to the ground before you can see what’s going on.
“Guh!”
>”GAH!” Veronica seems to have gotten hit worse than you, but by what!?
>You open your eyes and reorient yourself.
>You’re on the ground. And you feel deeply unpleasant weight on your back and on the top of your head.
>With great resistance, you try to turn your head to the culprit.
>”Nice to see you again, Sunset.” The black haired girl looks at you with cold, lifeless, blue eyes. They’re filled with that same familiar hate and malice.
“Yeah, you too… Lainah.”
>Looking over, you see Veronica held up by the neck by someone… None other than Dean Xenia.
>You stare in shock. Why is she here? And it looks like she’s helping Sharon. Why!? Can’t she see Dean Sparkle obviously has corrupt intentions? 
>“Somehow… I’m not surprised.” Veronica says through her raspy, gripped throat.
>A dim, grey light envelops Veronica and she slowly goes limp. ”Urgh. Shit.”
>Dean Xenia’s eyes narrow. ”A brat who’s wasted her good blood. Why stand in the way of witches finally being under rightful rule once again?”
>That main magic. Is it draining? No wonder she can’t fight back… Dean Xenia must really be on the same page as Sharon then.
>You feel your stomach turn.
>Just how many high witches are then?
>*Clap, clap, clap*
>Looking over in the other direction, you see Galaxy clapping condescendingly. “Wow girls, you managed to beat Lady Sparkle. Impressive.”
“What’s going on here!?”
>You try to get up only to be pushed back down by Lainah.
“Get. Off!”
>”Or what!?” She replies.
>“Galaxy, Eris, you’re late!” Sharon barks.
>”Sorry, sorry. Nilight and I got caught up with something. Everything’s alright now.”
>Sharon grunts and gives her a fierce look as she stands up and brushes herself off.
>Then, she turns her attention to Veronica. “Now. Finally there’s nothing to help you get away…”
>The girl, still suspended in air by the neck, looks back at her wide eye in despair. “Don’t come any closer!”
“Veronica!”
>Your wand is in your right hand, but Lainah’s leg is planted firmly and painfully on your right arm such that you can hardly angle or use it.. Lainah hangs it over you with a smile.
>”I must say. It’s almost as satisfying seeing Veronica suffer like this as it is seeing you suffer.”
>Lainah knocked you far away from the others… You have to get her off of you. It normally wouldn’t be this hard, but you’re tired after your attack.
>Struggling only serves to make Lainah stomp on your arm and chest harder. “Stop moving or I’ll have to seriously hurt you. If I see that wand light up, you’re dead. What a show you have a front row seat to. Do you really want to miss it?”
>You scowl.
>Why does this cunt always have to show up in the most frustrating places?
>As Veronica’s energy drops to nil, Xenia drops Veronica and she falls to her knees.
>Sharon approaches her and kneels down on her feet above her. She reaches a hand out for Veronica.
>Veronica flinches as… the Dean caresses her cheek.
>”I seem to remember you hitting my hand away last time I tried to touch you like this.”
>”Yeah? And?” Veronica replies.
>*Smack!*
>The Dean slaps Veronica across the cheek causing her head to rotate more than ninety degrees.
>”You’ve been such an insolent child. Despite giving you such a high standard of living you continue to be a thorn in my side like no other. It’s a shame your last name is what it is—you’ve wasted it.”
>Veronica merely scowls back at her mother. Tears welling up in one eye, but without a single tear shed.
>Sharon reaches out for Veronica once more. ”Now, I will take what belongs to me.”
>”This’ll be interesting!” Galaxy comments.
>Veronica stumbles back for naught. As she has not the strength to get away.
>Your heart pumps furiously as the suspense of the moment builds.
>Is there seriously nothing you can do for her? What’s going to happen!?
“Veronica!”
>”AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHH!” Veronica screams as Sharons arm seems to phase into her chest.
>Blinding purple light radiates from the point of penetration.
>Galaxy, Dean Xenia, and Lainah watch on in amusement.
>Veronica’s scream continues as Sharon seems to rummage through her chest for the sake of causing her more pain.
>The girl bends her back rigidly in response to her suffering. Her limbs twitch in vain to cope with the dreaded sensation.
>You grip the ground and gnash your teeth.
>You were useless.
>Veronica saved you before at the castle, but you failed to return the favor. Is your pathetic self going to lose (yet) another friend? 
>A tear is shed from your left eye.
>Are you cursed?
>Finally, Sharon retracts her arm. There it is: Twilight’s crystal…
>Veronica falls to the ground.
>Sharon stands up, holds the crystal in the air, and inspects it.
>”How long has it been since all seven have been in the same place?” Eris Xenia asks.
>”Far, far too long.” Sharon takes out the other six. 
>Galaxy balls her fists like an excited child. ”So? So? How do we make them work!?”
>Holding all seven in her hands, she smiles. “Hey Lainah. Or is it Nilight now?”
>”Yeah?” Lainah responds.
>”Let Sunny go.”
>Lainah cocks her head. ”Why?”
>Sharon’s smile grows wider. “She poses no threat to us anymore.”
>Lainah removes her hand from your head and gets off your back.
>Your heart pumps violently.
>Surrounded. Your four adversaries look at you menacingly.
>You begin to tremble.
>But Veronica is on the ground! You have to-
>”Don’t move.” Sharon says. “I’m not going to attack you. Not right now. Just watch.”
>Huh!?
>*Brrrrrr.*
>The winds seem to pick up, and the thunder grumbles high in the heavens again.
>Sharon holds the crystals in both hands up to her chest. “There were seven witches that each owned one of these seven crystals. True heroes that brought a dull, degenerated world new light. But in their latter days, the girls scattered. And with them, their crystals. The orders of witches remained under arbitrary and ineffective leaderships for centuries on end…”
>You really don’t care to hear her spiel. But you don’t know what to do.
>She closes her eyes. “I will bring a new light once again to this whole continent.”
>Much like when she took the crystal out of Veronica, her hands phase into her own chest and a blinding white light emits from her.
>”GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” Sharon screams profusely as the scene plays out.
>You cover your eyes as to shield them from the great light. Lainah, Galaxy, and Dean Xenia do the same.
>”Lady Sparkle!? Are you alright?” Galaxy asks.
>The grating scream and light continues as the thunder roars simultaneously.
>In the distance, animals and critters scramble at the commotion.
>The situation stresses and irritates you.
>You don’t give a shit about Sharon’s goals…
>You don’t give a shit about those crystals anymore.
>You don’t give a shit about Dean Xenia’s treachery or Lainah’s constant antagonizing.
>Hell, you hardly give a shit about what happens in that settlement you were labeled a ‘criminal’ in for risking your life and saving anymore!
>You brace yourself and face forward.
>But if you let another friend get away from you then you have no reason to live!
>As the light’s intensity increases and Sharon’s shrieks of pain rise, you run forward.
“Veronica!”
>You dive for the girl, the light reaches its climax.
>You can’t see anything anymore but you felt that you picked her up!
>…
>Slowly, the light subsides… and silence fills the world.
>You open your eyes. 
>In your arms is an unconscious Veronica.
>You shake her.
“Hey, are you alright!?”
>Slowly she opens her eyes.
“Veronica! Thank goodness.”
>You hug her close to you.
>She grunts, then looks over. “Ngh.. Mother?”
>You look up.
>And you freeze.
>Sharon stands there. Head down such that you can’t see her face. There’s a break in the dark clouds, and the light of the moon shines exclusively on her. She looks… thinner? Her hair is black and purple now. But… a virile, healthy purple.
>And you get an absolutely horrendous feeling in your gut as well as a feeling of absolutely malevolent and oppressive magic.
>It’s obvious that Galaxy, Lainah, and Erin feel it too. They all stare at the figure cautiously. Unable to decide just what to do.
>You stand up in a rush of adrenaline and take a step back, making sure to hold on tightly to Veronica.
>”Sunset, I’m okay… Put me down.” Veronica asks.
>Galaxy apprehensively and slowly approaches Sharon. ”… Lady Sparkle?”
>”Galaxy.”
>!
>Her voice sounds smoother. Less raspy! Did she really?
>”Yes?” Galaxy replies anxiously.
>Sharon giggles. ”You don’t have to worry anymore, my darling. You, Eris, and Nilight stay back. These traitors will be dealt with swiftly.”
>”Umm, y-yeah. You heard her. Let’s go.”
>With that, the three jump back.
>You put Veronica down on her feet, and she brushes herself off. “Mother? What’s going on?”
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8UJVaXUzGo
>Sharon looks up with a wide grin. She looks younger. Much younger. As if in her early twenties. Her irises black and deep purple. She releases her long, dark hair to fall. She looks at you with eager eyes and her long, snakelike tongue runs over her pointy canines and lips.
>“Sunset Shimmer, Veronica Sparkle. Your time in this realm has ended.” Sharon takes out her wand. You and Veronica step back. “By decree of the HEADMISTRESS you’ll face death for opposing me!”
>You feel her intention of attacking you. 
>*Pow!*
>And just as fast, you feel the blow of her fist across your face.
>And several more along with a jab in the stomach from her wand.
>Veronica moves in to try and protect you.
>With the speed of a cheetah Sharon grabs her by the shoulders and begins to swing her to a spin.
>You shrink at getting hit with Veronica’s feet.
>Then Sharon throws her like a bullet meters away.
>*Clunk!*
>”Ow!” Veronica hits the truck.
>Sharon lets out those bratty giggles again, then moves in on you again.
>You twirl your wand and release a few magic bullets which she completely ignores and is unaffected by.
>You recoil at the series of punches, wand smacks, and knees you get.
>Veronica shoots magic blasts from afar.
>Sharon kicks you back and motions her arms at Veronica’s blasts.
>Influencing them with her own dark purple telekinesis she sends them at you.
“Agh!”
>Before you can even reorient yourself, Sharon grabs Veronica with her power and sends her body at you—knocking you both meters away to the ground.
>Sharon sticks her long tongue out at you both and giggles once more.
>Angered, you and Veronica both get up as fast as you can.
>You draw your wand and ignite a lightning sword from it.
>Sharon spins and twirls her wand. As she finishes her wand becomes a dual sided sword.
>You flinch as your power picks up her intention to attack.
>As she closes in with lightning speed she kicks Veronica away.
>You barely block the next few slashes of her sword with yours.
>*Swish!*
“Ah!”
>A burning sensation on your thigh. A shallow, yet long cut along it you see.
>Sharon laughs and grabs you with her telekinesis, swings you over head, and slams you to the ground meters away.
>Under the influence of her own magic, Veronica flies through the air toward Sharon from behind for a physical attack.
>Sharon stops her mid air with the telekinesis without even looking at her. “Boooooring.”
>With a flick of her wrist Veronica is sent flying again, and hits Crystal Prep once again.
>”OW!” The blue headed girl shrieks.
>You gnash your teeth and stand up.
>Just as you finish, Sharon is within arms reach of you.
>You get in a fencing match with her between your lightning sword and her double bladed wand.
>You can only defend yourself and you’re constantly pushed back.
>Small cuts on your arms and legs build up as Sharon continues her dance.
>Fuck. She’s just toying with you!
>”Sunnnseeeet. Come on. At this rate I’m not going to lose this!”
>Sharon manages to grab your neck. Then she throws you high into the air.
>The annoying goth girl lets out another giggle as she releases four dark purple orbs the size of beach balls that drip with her vile energy.
>As you sense the oncoming onslaught, you mount your broom.
>Lasers shoot out of the orbs like machine guns at you.
>Before long, they catch up to you.
>You it feels like a thousand burning punches impacting you repeatedly.
“Aaaaagh!”
>Smoke covers you as the attacks continue for a moment more.
>You begin to fall.
>Using all your willpower, you re-board your broom and fly with the cover of the smoke.
>You fly to Veronica, who’s lodged in the building with many bruises.
“Get on, quick!”
>She does so.
>Then you fly over Sharon, who merely looks up at you two with a smug grin.
>You scowl.
“Her confidence pisses me off.”
>Veronica grunts. “Her entire personality changed. Is that even mother anymore?”
>The rain starts to pour harder.
>And Sharon begins to lose her smile. Her eyes widen.
>Then, she drops to her knees and clutches her stomach.
>”Nnnnnnnnnn. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” 
>Sharon screams in pain once more!
>”The hell’s going on this time!?” Veronica asks.
>You watch intently. Utterly unsure what to do.
>”Lady Sharon!? Is everything alright!?” Galaxy asks from afar.
>As suddenly as it began, her shrieks stop.
>”Yes. It! IS!” With that, Sharon stands explosively.
>Her magic erupts from her and another magic silhouette envelops her.
>The force of the power causes your broom to be pushed back like a strong tornados wind.
>But the silhouette… Is that? It looks like Midnight Sparkle from the abdomen up. Midnight laughs and dons a look as maniacal as Sharon’s!
>Sharon puts her arms forward. Palms pointed at you. As she stands there on the ground in the middle of the silhouette and seems to gather power from the magic structure around her and condenses it in front of her palms.
>Your eyes widen.
>”Sunset! Fly away!” Veronica warns.
>You waste no time. 
>With all the strength you can muster you set the broom to top speed. You ignore the water and wind hitting your face
>”I’m the strongest witch that has ever lived. You can’t get away from me!” You hear Sharon shout as you fly.
>*FFWWBOOOM!*
>Like an alien phasor beam, the thick magic power comes from Sharon’s hands. It exits through the Midnight Sparkle Silhouette’s mouth and curves toward your position like a heat seeking missile.
>Adrenaline bursts through your blood vessels like high pressured pipes!
>”Sunset! Help me repel it!” Veronica shouts.
>You withdraw your broom and turn in back to a wand mid air.
>Pointing it at the oncoming magic tsunami, you combine your power with Veronica and release magic charged with as much electricity as you can muster.
>The clash lasts maybe two seconds before Sharon’s attack utterly overwhelms you both.
>You close your eyes shut as hard as you can as the burning sensation covers your body.
“Aaaaagggghh!”
>…
>Eventually (and unfortunately) you come too.
“Uggghhh.”
>Your entire body is in pain.
>You’re grounded. And your clothes are tattered and ripped. It was already cold. And you already had your robe taken from you. 
>Everything burns and you have a headache. You feel nauseous and dizzy. The rain makes you sick.
>You try to get up. And you fail.
“Ugh.”
>You hear footsteps. Then you remember the demon known as Sharon’s existence.
>With the gnash of your teeth you manage to at least get up to a kneel.
>Next to you, Veronica squirms. She’s clearly in just as much pain as you are. 
>From behind a tree, Sharon approaches you in a walk. The same smug smile. She looks down on you with those black and purple irises.
>She crosses her arms and huffs. “Hmph. For shame.  I expected more from you, Sunny.”
“…What do you want?”
>Talking pains you. It tires you.
“You were with Selene the whole time, weren’t you!? You lied back then!”
>Sharon puts a finger to her cheek and looks into the air to feign thinking it over. “Hmm. Actually, it’s true that I wasn’t working with Selene. We disagreed over some details many years ago, see.~”
>You clench the ground in anger.
>Sharon raises her arms. Several dark purple flashes appear beside her.
>You flinch and close your eyes.
>When you open them… You understand the gravity of the situation.
>Nera, Vannie, Lainah, Galaxy, Eris Xenia. Past that, a witch that fits the description of one that worked with Selene—it must be Persephone. And several members of the Settlement’s intelligence division.
>All these figures stand with Sharon against you.
>Galaxy perks up. “Lady Sparkle, I almost forgot to tell you. Everything’s a go to begin production on our new non-witch army. We can mass produce their magic power armor. Lady Selene really did a good thing, demonstrating what was possible with Gaia.”
>”Gooooood!~” Sharon nearly moans at the news. “Then no other army on Earth will come anywhere near the power we have now. What is the continent but just the sandbox of the one with the biggest army and the strongest magic?” Sharon looks into the air and her grin widens (you’re surprised such a thing is possible.) “I get it now. It was never a matter of being named ‘Sparkle’ and it was never a matter of opposing ‘Lulamoon.’ Such meaningless distinctions.” Sharon looks forward again. “It’s me. I’m meant to rule the continent. It’s all come together so smoothly. It must be so.”
>”It is so. You’ve been given a providential opportunity to bring the entire continent back under one order once again. And this time, it won’t be antagonistic to magic; but rather has the best users of magic as the worlds rightful aristocracy.”
>”It’s not a matter of becoming Headmistress anymore. A weak term. I will be called Empress. Every wrong ever done to witch kind will be made right by me.”
>”Heh. Hahahahaha…” Veronica let’s out a pained laugh as she struggles to barely lift her body. She looks at the ones present. “I get it now. You were ALWAYS going to be the next in power, huh? It didn’t matter what happened. You subverted every institution and everyone in them. What did it matter that nobles considered who would be next Headmistress? You’ve bribed and selected too many of them. By a strand North Canterlot was hanging by until you broke it.”
>”Yeaaaah.~ That’s true.” Sharon answers like this is some kind of fucking prank. “Is it really so unprecedented? What has Catherine Lulamoon done but lay the groundwork so that either her family or the Sweets would always rule? How is what I’ve done any different from her? It was the first wrong against the rightful rulers of magic from the beginning.”
>Veronica balls her fists, scowls, and looks at the ground.
>You see the soulless blue eyes and magic-based armor of Lainah standing next to long hime cut of Sharon Sparkle. And then something comes back to you.
>Your eyes widen.
“It was you. You’re the one who blackmailed Lainah back then!”
>Sharon rolls her eyes and smiles. ”Yeaaaah.~ I guess I kinda did that too.”
>Lainah merely crosses her arms and closes her eyes.
>Then all your effort to fight Selene really was for nothing. It didn’t feel like you won anything because you in fact did NOT win anything. Selene was a symptom. Sharon, the disease. You and you friends risked your lives for nothing. Some of them missing in action for nothing. And all of North Canterlot, and probably the castle too, will still be under a degenerate Sparkle.
>”If it’s any consolation,” Sharon begins, and licks her short fangs. “I truly had nothing to do with Headmistress Sweet’s death. That really was just a sickness that happened upon her. I used to really dislike her, you know. In hindsight, there was no better leader to precede me. You and her and Artemis. Together, you gathered the crystals for me and disposed of Selene for me too.”
>Sharon giggles. “I figured you were thinking something like ‘Oh everything I did was for naught!’” Sharon mocks your voice and feigns despair. “But I hope the fact that you aided in bringing forth the new empress of the continent makes you feel better about it all. So…”
>Sharon extends an arm, and faces a palm towards you two.
>”Hey, I kinda liked you too. Au revoir, Sunset!~” Galaxy mocks. “I hated you though.” She then points at Veronica.
>Veronica, against the great pain in moving her body, still makes the herculean effort to flip her off.
>Nera laughs. ”Consider that payback for what you did to me before, girl.”
>With pain, you stand up slowly… And you realize just how hopeless it is to fight back as you notice how little strength you have left.
>You cough.
>What a humiliating way to die. After realizing you did everything you can to bring about the destruction of the place that took you in.
>You look at the ground, and close your eyes…
>”… I’m letting you go.”
>You raise your head and look at Sharon curiously.
>“What!?” Several people on both ends of this exchange share the sentiment.
>The witch uses her magic to make herself float. In line with her new, whimsical style—she imitates lying on a bed on her side. With her fist up against her cheek. ”Killing you now would be boring. Seriously? Killing a founding witch before she unlocks her full power? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have to PROVE I’m the strongest ever by killing someone on the same level as Twilight, Fluttershy, and all the rest.”
>Eris Xenia looks at her with concern. ”My Lady. Is it not unwise to give the enemy time to strengthen up?”
>”Yeah, what gives? This is just going to make it harder for-“ Galaxy stops at the sight of Sharon’s fierce look. The first serious look you’ve seen her make since her transformation.
>”How about because what I say GOES.”
>With that, all opposition ceases.
>Sharon turns back to you and smiles. “Now Sunset, go find your friends. Bring them to me with the same fervor you brought to that blue-haired halfwit who tried to imitate me.”
>Veronica finally gets up, with even more difficulty than you had. “I WILL kill you. I swear.”
>Lightning flashes from the heavens as the rain gets heavier.
>*Boom!*
>At the sound of the thunder you turn tail, grab Veronica by the arm, and run—as you are too weak to use any more magic wand or not.
>You don’t know where to. You don’t know how you’ll survive. You don’t know what the future holds.
>But you’re not doing it because Sharon told you. You don’t want to bother saving such a deeply corrupt joke of a settlement that marks you a pariah.
>You’re tired of it. You’re done with witch orders… All of them.
>…
>Landscape after landscape passes you both by as you continue your quest to nothing.
>Old, vine covered buildings, broken roads, forests, lakes.
>But eventually, the age of the night gets to you both.
>”Sunset. Let’s stop.” Veronica’s tired voice just barely gets the words out.
>Veronica’s words snap you back out of your trance.
>You weren’t thinking. You were merely running. You don’t want to think anymore. Not about any of it.
>But… you can’t stop thinking about the poor state of your body.
>It’s so damn cold. So damn wet.
>You look up at the cloudy sky and the full moon. Rain continues to fall on your face.
>Veronica coughs, and looks at you with concern. “We have to get somewhere dry. Come on. You still with me?”
“…Y-yeah.”
>The surroundings are a small town. 
>There’s a gas station. It’s windows are broken on the building proper, and its ceiling is destroyed. Past that, tall itchy looking grass and fungus seems to be on the floor inside. The refill stations themselves are (obviously) dry and decrepit. That’s not a good candidate.
>There’s also an overpass not too far away. As you look closely, however, there seems to be wolves sleeping under the half-collapsed structure. You best not disturb them.
“How about over there?”
>Down the grassy road there seems to be a small library who’s ceiling seems to at least be intact.
>You and Veronica head there.
>After forcing the doors jammed with dirt and weeds, you make it in.
>The reception desk is covered in vines, fungus, and bugs. Now that you’re in the building, you can also see there is an opening in the ceiling where moonlight and rain seep in; although it is a small one. Many rotting books seem to have become one with trees again. Computers in the library have been reduced to mere elaborate stones.
“There’s got to be at least one good spot. Right?”
>Veronica walks deeper into the library. “Let’s check further back.”
>You both walk through the rows of rotting and toppled bookshelves towards the back of the library.
>Creaks and brushes alert you at times, but they always turn out to be nothing.
>You begin to breathe more deeply. The stress of the situation is really getting to you. 
>As you both get to the back you find a door leading into a meeting room.
>Veronica approaches the door and opens it.
>*Slither, slither slither*
>Looking over her shoulder, your skin begins to crawl as several snakes of this den begin to awaken from their slumber and come out from under the broken furniture.
>You pull Veronica away and promptly close the door.
“…We’ll find another place.”
>You both wander outside once again in the rain.
>The old buildings you two find are either too inundated with plants, already occupied by animals, or simply structurally unsound.
>Eventually, you two are out of the town and in the true wilderness (if there really is any distinction anymore)
>”Sunset… Let’s stop here.”
>It’s a small concave indentation on the side of a mountain that is at least protected from the elements.
>You both enter wearily, but it seems that there are no animals there at least.
>As you get to the back, you immediately take a seat next to the wall in the fetal position.
>Veronica takes a seat next to you, and you both merely watch the rain for a time…
>Your mind and eyes goes blank.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWhJi2roJTw
>And yet, you begin to shed tears. First slowly, one at a time. Then free flowing. Though you don’t make a sound.
>You feel Veronica lean on you.
>You lean back into her.
>The rain continues to fall as you stare at it, and you feel Veronica nuzzle her face into your neck.
>First a little, then a lot.
>Veronica straddles you. 
>Her mouth is open just slightly as you meet her big, deep blue eyes. Her expression is soft and longing. Though her hair is wet, it continues to keep its distinct hime cut shape it always has.
>You stare at her blankly not knowing how to respond.
>She moves in closer and embraces you. The warmth of her body caresses yours.
>Veronica coos, and the warmth of her body breaks you out of your trance.
>You feel your cheeks heat, and your eyes widen a bit.
“V-Veronica?”
>She responds by tightening her thighs around yours and caressing your back.
>Veronica removes her gloves and her hands, previously protected by the elements warmly embrace your aching back.
“…That’s good...”
>You become intimately aware of the girl’s breaths as you feel the rise and fall of her lungs against your chest; your breath begins to synch with hers.
>Finally, you raise your arms and return her embrace by rubbing her back with one hand, and caressing her neck under her lush blue hair with the other.
>Veronica coos again, which beckons you to do the same.
>You both begin to dry, but despite still being wet her distinct blueberry smell still blesses your nose.
>Both of you crave the other’s warmth and comfort. The syncing of the breath slowly turns into the synching of heartbeat.
>Suddenly, Veronica pulls back and breaks the embrace.
>Your arms fall to your sides, and you look at her longingly.
>Veronica stares back at you. She looks you up and down.
>Her hand runs down your arm from your shoulder, to your bicep and forearm, and finally down to your hand.
>Veronica picks up your hand in hers, removes your glove and intertwines your fingers with hers. She then repeats the process with the other hand.
>You notice that she’s blushing too now. The red of her cheeks contrasts with the blue of her eyes, brows, and hair. Her skin is soft. Her facial features are shapely; and bear the mark of her aristocratic birth. 
>Who knew this girl could be so cute…
>She once again moves in and nuzzles your neck.
>You coo as four of your five senses are filled with Veronica.
>Thank you… For filling my mind with you instead of something darker…
>…You lose track of time, and eventually you both fall asleep.

~One Day Ago~

>You are Gunnel.
>With Marble, Celestia, and Golden by your sides, you walk to the fated place…
>”Alright, how do you think those criminals got us into trouble this time?” Marble asks.
>Celestia looks up and over at Marble. “Always so accusatory.”
>”It’s so obvious though. What else could it be about? They both suddenly disappear after the funeral? It’s obvious they ran away. We’re being called because we interacted with them.”
“Even if that’s true it won’t be a problem for us. I certainly didn’t hear anything about their attempt at escape.”
>”What about you, Golden? You’re the one with the good hearing. Did you hear anything?”
>In her typical soft voice, the blondie responds. ”I’m afraid I have not. My best guess is that they want to make sure Dean Sparkle doesn’t become Headmistress.”
”Yeah, we did talk about that with them. Could they be hiding to conspire?”
>Celestia perks up. ”Oh, Oh! What an entertaining thought! Two criminals. A conspiracy to sabotage the leadership of the settlement. An epic story commences.”
>Celestia’s speaking loudly. You become a little concerned about someone overhearing.
“We don’t know that. We’re sticking with what we do know. Which is that we DON’T know where they are. That’s it.”
>Before long, you all arrive at Professor Storm’s door. Marked as such by the fancy wood engraving above her door here on the upper floor of The Academy.
>You give Celestia an unamused look.
“Remember what I said.”
>”Fiiiine.”
>You open the door, and you all file inside.
>Professor Storm’s office is supremely ordered as usual. Nothing amiss, on the floor, or on the desk without aesthetic or strict practical purpose.
>The Professor looks up from her desk. “Hello, witches. Close the door behind you if you will.”
>Golden enters the room last, and closes the door behind her.
>For that brief moment of silence you’re filled with anticipation. Looking around the room, you see a highly detailed and artistic map of the continent on the wall. It has both the elevation of the land as well as the location of important settlements and non-witch dwellings. You also find some fancy looking compasses that look like they may have even come from the time before Magicopia. They’re embedded with jewelry as well as neat electronic lights.
>”Now.” She finally begins. “You probably all can guess why I summoned you here. Sunset Shimmer and  Veronica Sparkle—despite the massive trust we put in them by not putting them under strict supervision on account of their accomplishments, have decided to not only flee their punishment, but seemingly the entire settlement itself. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
>Of course this is what this meeting is for. What are you going to have to do then?
>Marble crosses her arms and looks to the side, clearly annoyed. 
>Golden looks on blankly, and Celestia’s excitement (as always) seems to be on the rise.
>”Unfortunately most of our adult witches are taking care of important business on either securing the settlement or in the process of transitioning to a new Headmistress… It’s for this unfortunate reason that we haven’t been able to send out many search parties for the ones that went missing after the climax of the battle at the Castle grounds. It’s important for the Dean’s daughter to be found however, and doubly important that her and her friend be put to justice—so”
>”You’re sending us to find them.” Marble says annoyed.
>The Professor gives her a fierce look that just swears punishment if she dares to have another outburst. “Yes. I am.” She then looks back at the lot of you. “You are to find, apprehend, and bring them back to me. Especially the Dean’s daughter.”
“If I may, Professor?”
>”What is it?”
“I have to ask. What do we do if they resist fiercely?”
>Professor Storm exhales deeply. “Well, that would necessarily be treason. Now wouldn’t it?”
>You feel your stomach turn because you know exactly what that means. There’s only one punishment appropriate for those found to be traitors. But Sunset and Veronica? Would they really do such a thing? What’s their reason? And… can you really go through with it?
>“Another reason I called your lot specifically…”
>Here it comes.
>”I got word that you four were the last to have spoken to Sunset Shimmer. Did she tell you where she was going, or did she give you any clues as to where they’ve gone?”
“No, we were just talking about the funeral is all…”
>You hear Celestia inhale, and your stomach drops.
>Please don’t say something stupid, please don’t say something stupid, pleasedon’tsaysomethingstupid.
>”We haven’t been able to confirm or get any concrete details on their current whereabouts. Inferring their location from the limited information of our unrelated conversation can only serve as unproductive speculation.” Celestia repeats what seems like a memorized line in an uncharacteristically robotic voice.
>You stare at the girl utterly unamused. That sounded too defensive!
>”Well, alright then. You all may be on your way.”
>What!? She just accepted that!
>”But Celestia, technically you don’t have to take orders from me being that you’re from Cloudsdale. I’m ordering the others, but for you, it’s a request. You’re free to go home with your mother of course.”

>Celestia balls her fists. ”Don’t you worry! I’ll keep these rookies out of trouble!”
>Marble huffs.
>Oh brother.

~Present~

>Finally you, Sunset Shimmer, wake up.
>Looking around you… you find a small ‘cave’ that’s really just a concave indent on the side of a mountain. It’s hard, and cold. Your back hurts.
>But your front… is warm.
>Weighing down on you is a sleeping Veronica. Her head rests on your chest. You can feel the elegant rise and fall of her soft breathing. 
>Her clothes are tattered and ripped in many places. Just like yours. 
>That’s right… Sharon collected all six crystals yesterday including yours. She transformed into her younger… self?
>And she had people complicit with her at the top of the settlement. The only thing that was ever standing in her way was Headmistress Sweet. Who just happened to die—according to Sharon.
>Who knows what’s going to happen to that place now. Who CARES? Not you. They think you’re a criminal now for risking your life for them. You…
>Your thoughts are interrupted by the movement on your chest.
>Veronica opens her eyes and looks into yours. First with an aloof stare. Then, as she comes to, her cheeks flush.
“Good morning, cutie.”
>Veronica gets off you and falls back on the ground, clearly embarrassed. “Uhhh, I don’t know what I was doing. O-or what I was thinking! I didn’t-”
“Whoa, relax. It’s okay.”
>Isn’t this kind of think normal for witches? You should be the one that’s so shocked. Look at you, a little more than half a year in this time and you’re already assimilating.
>Veronica leans forward and scowls, her face still blood red. ”You can’t tell a soul about this for the rest of your life! You hear me!?”
>You clasp your hands together and smile.
“You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed. You should be like this more often.”
>”And stop calling me cute! No one’s ever called me cute in my life. Not even when I was a baby.”
>Now you lean forward.
“Well, then I don’t know what’s wrong with everyone. You’re cute, Veronica. Cute.”
>Veronica tries to stare at you in anger, the effect is heavily diminished by her rose red cheeks.
>”W-whatever. We can’t waste time on this. There are things to do.”
“Things to do?”
>You stand up, and walk over to the edge of the mountain opening.
>The brilliant sun shines on you, and the gentle, cool breeze runs over the skin of your arms and face.
>You look out at the world. Endless, endless land of green. Grass, trees, vines, and a few old man made structure that have been taken over by the grass, trees, and vines.
>In the distance you see great lakes, mountains, and what you think may be some of the few remaining humble places where humans still dwell…
>Veronica walks up next to you and beholds the sight herself.
“… What things to do?”
>Veronica turns her head and looks up at you. ”Anything.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>You are Dean Crystal…

>Now it was the most dreadful coronation recorded in history.
>The princess of darkness stormed the royal court mercilessly.
>Behind her, an army of demons, vampires, and gargoyles.
>The army of light was prudent and prepared for the coming toils.
>For this great seat bestowed blessing upon holy ones.
>It represented the reverence of sages and sacred nuns.
>The princesses’ cocksure would surely never fail.
>Because the tentacles of her beasts would wildly ever flail.
>Two freed dragons, a loud leviathan, a lost strix whose left wing is lesser than.
 >You move gloriously to lead the light army to victory.
>Only to see your knights commit acts of blasphemy.
>For, the army of light was truly never yours.
>Slowly but surely, jackals were poured in its open sores.
>The force of treachery bore down on you like falling suns.
>Your few loyal fighters could not hold off the huns.
>The seat was the curse of the dungeons where monsters hail.
>It now reeked of dirt, ash, and tainted shale.
>Two survivors, a fate of a ban, a place more lost than the tribe of Dan. 

~

>The gentle breeze causes the leaves of the trees to dance ever so methodically and slowly.
>Your target mulls about. He grunts to his neighbors and family, and goes about his usual business.
>His usual business… wandering and snacking.
>He satiates his hunger, wanders—giving minimal regard to his friends, and repeats. Not a single care in the world.
>He suspects nothing.
>Just as you want him.
>You steady your breath and grip your weapon. Careful not to make a sound. Your arm draws back methodically and you prepare your body, mind, and soul for this kill.
>The great, coconut colored bison moves its head down to graze one last time. It raises its regal crown, and it’s eye wanders just one last time toward your hiding place among the trees.
>At the signal of its final grunt, your muscle memory does its magic. You remember the first time you ever used magic in this time—the spear is launched like a shining rocket toward your target!
>*Paf!*
>The bison screeches and drops as the weapon penetrates its hide and enters its organs.
>You pump your fist.
“YES!”
>At the sight of their dead relative and the sound of your outburst, the others of the pack being to panic and run.
>Veronica drops out of the tree she was planted on and lands next to you with a thump. “Finally hit one, huh? Took long enough.”
“Better late than never, give me a break.”
>Veronica looks up. “Late indeed…”
>The sun was beginning to set. The stars just beginning to reveal themselves as the blue of the daytime subsides.
>The few clouds in the sky become harder and harder to see as familiar constellations begin to slowly assert their power in the sky.
>You almost get lost looking at the powerful bronze light of the sunset. Then, you remember your prize.
“Let’s get to it.”
>You run over to the grounded bison and pull out the spear.
>The bison was still just barely alive… It blinks and moans weakly as it gives its last feeble struggles of life.
>”I can do it if you don’t want to.” You hear the footsteps of Veronica approach from behind.
>You shake your head.
“No. I have to finish what I started.”
>You position the spear over the neck of the bison. And then you thrust it down with great force.
>With that, it dies.
>*Grumble…*
>You look over to the blue-headed source of that stomach rumble and raise and eyebrow.
>Veronica blushes. ”What? In case you didn’t notice, we haven’t eaten for a day.”
>You chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s cook this thing already. I want to be able to use magic again.”
>“We should eat some of it raw first.”
“Wait, what? Why?”
>”Our lives will be much easier if we can use magic to start the fire and build a small shelter. Fastest way to be able to enjoy most of this cooked, is to eat some of it raw.”
>You turn back and look to the creature.
>Well, she’s not wrong. But… raw fresh meat. Not something you’ve done before. Or ever thought you’d do for that matter.
“Will we get sick?”
>”Less likely if we eat it fresh like this.” Veronica takes the spear and digs into the belly of the bison. 
>You’re a little startled as the girl roughly cuts out two pieces of the bison’s liver, and hands one to you.
>You look at the girl’s bloody offering… then slowly take it.
“Have you done this before? You sure are acting like it.”
>”No.”
>What a quick reply…
>”Come on. I’ll do it with you.”
>Well, whatever.
>You lock eyes with Veronica, and slowly, you both raise the liver to your mouth.
>The salty, slimy taste of the organ fills your mouth as you chew.
>…
>You emerge from the water of the lake and wipe your face dry with your hand.
>You look down at your body. A few bruises and cuts here and there, but nothing too terrible.
>The dirt can be washed off your body. The taste of bloody liver however, is still there. 
>In return lighted torches now line the edge of the lake. The light of the torches mix with the light of the stars in the reflection of the lake.
>It’s been a while since you could sit and enjoy the outside like this. The stars. It still amazes you just how visible they are in this time. Quasars and galaxies decorate the heavens. 
>”Sunset! The shelter’s done.” Veronica calls out to you.
>It’s nothing special. Just a wood lodge big enough for you two just to fit under for sleeping. Complete with a fire next to it. Bison meat already hangs over the fire on a stick.
“I was going to start cooking!”
>”Yeah? Well what’s done is done.”
“Come on, Veronica. You’ve done enough.”
>She really has. You know she took the brunt of the beating in your fight with Sharon.
>You get out of the lake and try to shake off as much water as possible. Then, you walk over to the fire.
>”Put on some clothes, you dunce!”
“Relax. I have to get dry first.”
>”Ugh.” Veronica rolls her eyes and sits across the fire.
>She awkwardly looks around as you continue to dry.
>You can’t help but smile. It’s nice that’s she’s talking to you more—even if it is annoyance.
“Speaking of clothes though. The hide. We should use it.”
>”Good idea.” Veronica looks down on her wear. “Our robes are pretty ruined, huh?”
>Not to mention a little light. It’s chilly outside.
>You put on your clothes, and the slab of meat from the bison finally starts to resemble something edible.
>The meat tastes divine now that it’s cooked… but you can’t tell whether it’s because bison is truly tasty or due to your hunger.
>Energy flows through your veins again as your teeth shred through the meat.
>The warmth of the fire, the nutrition of the meat, and the serenity of the nighttime forest make you feel content. For the first time in more than a month, you start to truly feel some satisfaction of life.
>As you first ran away from the settlement you were scared. But maybe this won’t be so bad?
>”Hey Sunset…”
>You’re brought out of your thoughts by Veronica’s voice. You swallow the meat in your mouth.
“What is it?” 
>”Do you like living in this time more than your own?”
>Now… that’s a new question.
>Usually people ask ‘what was life like before?’ or ‘what was [insert witch here] like?’
>Do you like living in this time?
>You look into the starry sky and ponder for a moment.
“I think… I think I do.”
>Veronica smiles. ”I didn’t expect that answer, but I’m glad that was your answer.”
>You almost didn’t expect it yourself. You just answered with your gut. That time was where all your friends were. Your school. Your job (meager as it was). Your pet gecko—Ray… Why was that your answer? 
“Why are you glad about my answer?”
>”Whenever I read about the time of Twilight—especially before she came to prominence—it sounds so odd compared with every other part of history. There were no adventures and no heroes. Reading about it feels like… reading a fanfiction of human history.
>You understand.
>You can’t articulate it exactly why. But you do. Life has been harder ever since you’ve been sent centuries into the future. But it hasn’t been less satisfying. It just hasn’t.
>As Veronica finishes her bison meat, she begins to speak once more. “So, what now?”
>What now?
>Of course. What now? You’re fed. And you both can do whatever you want, huh?
>There’s a whole continent that’s much emptier than it was before now, after all.
>… You know what you have to do first though. You look up at the crescent moon.
“Our friends. Amelia. Carrie. Cinderbelle. Cadenza. They’re still out there. I know they are.”
>”You’re right. Being alone like this will make things hard.”
“One problem though…”
>Veronica looks down. ”Artemis. Yes.”
>Even if she wakes up. How do you get her now? What will Sharon do to her?
>Maybe you should just get her right now! You can’t risk something bad happening to her.
>”I know what you’re thinking. It wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“What!? Why? We can’t just leave her there!”
>Veronica shakes her head. “Just the two of us can’t take care of her if we take her either. And we probably wouldn’t get out alive if we went back there. We have to trust the doctor and Dean Crystal to protect her.”
>You sigh.
>She’s got a point. You can’t haul a comatose girl across the wilderness with you.
“Fine. But once we find the others, we get her out of there.”
>Veronica nods. “Yeah.”
>You both enjoy the subtle sounds of the forest for a while as you digest the meal. Before long, you begin to feel a little tired.
>Veronica seems to sense your exhaustion. “I have a spell that can salt cure the rest of the meat, but we’ll need a secure place to store it. Then we can summon it when we need it.”
“Good thinking. I’ll put the torches out.”
>You walk over to the lakeside where the torches were set up. 
>Just wait Artemis… We’ll have that beach getaway. I promise.

~

>This same office.
>The same white walls and ceiling.
>The same portraits of the great ancients—legendary men who ruled over this continent.
>The same desk. At which you sit at now.
>The same flag. As it was hundreds of years ago. As it will always be. One day, this land will live up to the stars on it—you’ll make sure of it. The Interior will never give up. You will never give up.
>”Master.” Your secretary speaks. A worried voice and face, but prepared. He’ll follow you into the depths of hell if you asked. A man worthy of your respect. “Have you considered the plan previously presented?”
“Yes.”
>You stand up, and look out of the window. You see the lawn. And the monument. It’s still standing, believe it or not.
“Tell them I approve.”
>”Rumor has it that North Canterlot’s new Headmistress is quite fierce. This is playing with fire, don’t you think?”
“That doesn’t matter. Mutants are mutants. Dealing with them all is playing with fire. This is the best way to finally crush the Capital Settlement that surrounds and threatens us. Then we of the Interior will finally be free.”
>”Capital Settlement. Their name is so ironic, since they have not this place.” Your secretary walks beside you and looks outside. “I trust your judgement. When I walk around the Interior, and I see the families and the children at play—I despair that I have no reason to believe there’s anywhere else on the continent where they can do that. The abomination known as the witch has stolen that privilege from them.”
“If the Capital Settlement thinks they’ll eventually come to rule us, they’re sorely mistaken. That’s why we have to do this. The mutants are strong—I’ll give them that, but they never work together. We are the best that unadultered humanity has to offer. As soon as the Capital Settlement is destroyed, we can do the same as our predecessors, and move from sea to shining sea.”
>”I’ll tell them then.” Your secretary smiles, turns around, and walks over that gold carpet to the door.

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 21: The Capital
>December 12, 2088
>Eventually every single witch was forced from the capital with extreme hostility.
>Anyone suspected of being a witch was banished even without sufficient proof.
>In order to make sure another witch never enters, a wall was erected around it. Everyone let in would have to prove they were a non-witch.
>Naturally, most in the Capital are male now.
>They hate witches and blame us for Magicopia. And… sometime I suspect they’re right to.
>I really hope we can make things right with them one day, I really do. Call me crazy. Most witches just want the Capital crushed.
>Understandable, the Capital makes the laws after all—witches have no say at all.
>For better or for worse, this helped kickstart the creation of the Castle.
>That and the help of lethal magic.
>Sincerely,
>Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>You feel something between nostalgia and sadness at the sight of the suburb. Houses that were once bastions of family life now intimately know the plants that surround them. Slowly, the wood of the houses are absorbed back into the ground.
>Old rusted bikes reflect ancient adventures of neighborhood kids. Old ice cream trucks now become home to birds and bees.
>”Sunset,” Veronica addresses you. “Are you sure you’re sure that Cinderbelle is in this direction?”
“I am. Either that or someone extremely similar in magic. There’s no mistaking what I felt.”
>You look down and over to the girl walking next to you. 
“This is a dangerous place isn’t it?”
>”Yes. We have to proceed with extreme caution. That’s why we can’t fly over this place with our brooms. We are approaching the capital… If you can still call it that.”
“Yeah… I had a feeling. I read a little about it back at The Academy, but I forgot most of the details.”
>Partly out of boredom, you draw your wand and wipe the orb with your bison hide wear.
“Just what happened to the capital ever since Magicopia?”
>”When the disease spread, this place-”
>!
>You and Veronica snap your heads up as you see around six other witches heading towards you two at a very high speed.
>They hold spears and wear helmets. They are adorned with intricate red and blue armor over white clothes—a sign that these are settlement witches.
>The Earth seems to shake as they land and encircle you, spears pointed.
>”Halt! Rogue witches. State your business. And it better be good.” One of the guard witches barks.
>All of the surrounding ones draw wands and they begin to glow.
>You put your hands up in a defensive position.
“We don’t mean any trouble. We’re looking for someone. I think she got lost somewhere around here.”
>”Child, do you know where you are? You do not get lost at the capital! Your true intentions, landless ones.”
>”We’re not landless.” Veronica says. “We’re from North Canterlot. And I am Veronica Sparkle.”
>”Wha?” The surrounding witches look at Veronica for a moment, then two of them whisper something to each other.
>”Where are your robes then?” One of the guards asks.
>”We can summon them, if you’ll allow.” Veronica says.
>Once again they ponder the offer.
>”… Fine. But you’re dead if you try anything funny. Got it!?”
>You and Veronica nod. And with your wands, you summon forth your torn robes using storage transportation. 
>The guards watch you two for a moment, then seem to ease up. “Alright, Mrs. Sparkle. Why has North Canterlot sent you and your friend alone?”
>Darn. If we say ‘we ran away,’ then at worst they think we’re lying. Or they could just consider us rogue anyway…
>”They didn’t send us.” Veronica starts. “I’m here to warn you. My mother, Sharon Sparkle, has become mad with power after taking the castle and becoming Headmistress. Please let me speak to your Headmistress. She must keep a close eye on what mother does.”
>That was a surprisingly (somewhat) honest answer from Veronica, one you wouldn’t have thought to give in the moment. You can’t help but feel a little embarrassed. But, how will these ones react?
>The guards look you two over again, then look at each other.
>They whisper to each other one more time, then one speaks once more. “Alright, we will grant you council with the Headmistress. You two will fly in between us in a line. Got it?”
“Of course.”
>The guards line up on either side of you two. Three to your left and three to your right. With Veronica in front of you. They extend their wands back into brooms as you and Veronica do the same.
>As you take off you take care to fly at their pace. Startling them at all certainly seems like a bad idea…
>The houses of the neighborhood pass by faster now. This turned out better than you expected!
>You turn your head to the one who has been talking to you two this whole time.
“I’m Sunset Shimmer, by the way!”
>The guard continues looking forward. ”I didn’t ask, girl. Stay quiet.”
>Fine then.
>Time goes on and on as the landscape passes you by…
>But your ‘highway hypnosis’ is broken by the sight of something that looks like it’s from a movie.
>This capital is a bunch of concentric squares. Layered off by different walls. Right outside of the first and outermost wall is absolutely destroyed land. Craters, dirt, severely broken buildings, what few plants that are there are frail and pathetic. It looks like a true no man’s land.
>The first wall is a tall metal structure that looks like it’s built out of the same stuff that a broom and wand is made of. It’s definitely the largest piece of magic technology you’ve seen in your life. In stark contrast to the world outside that wall, the wall itself is a sleek and well-built structure. It’s lights shine red, white, and blue. It is topped with bronze statues… And a lot of weapons you don’t think you’ve ever seen before. 
>Inside the first wall is a place comparatively much rosier than outside. It’s filled with colonial and neoclassical architecture. No doubt built after the Magicopia outbreak. That must be the settlement proper.
>However there are more walls even inside this one, but you cannot make out much detail from here.
>”Sunset, Veronica.” The guard flying with you addresses. “We’re landing.”
>Surely enough, you land at a gate. The guard interacts with an electronic interface on the gate.
>You hear the sound of motors turning and gears chugging, as the massive steel force of the gate wills itself open.
>The whole Earth shakes as the Capital Settlement is revealed.
>A place that looks like witches were plopped into a place from the 1790s, the ones who founded this place clearly wanted a paint a picture of being of the old nation. Colonial and neoclassical architecture cover this place as men and women move along in horse led carriages. Many red white and blue ribbons and flags adorn the buildings.
>But this place does not at all appear to be at peace. Every street has witch guards on their sides. They wear spectacular white and blue uniforms and wear hats that look like a combination between the classic witch hat and a tricorn. They stare at the passing civilians with stone faces and wands drawn.
>The one guard that has been talking to you two all this time addresses the other guards that have been escorting you. “You all should return to your posts. I’ll take them from here.”
>The other guards leave, and the remaining one beckons you and Veronica to follow.
>As you walk through this Capital Settlement you cannot help but have mixed feelings. 
>You see a place that clearly has great care put into it—beautiful buildings, wear, and a seemingly fairly well functioning market. But many of these buildings are bomb factories. Much of the apparel is armor and medallions. Many of the wagons the citizens haul hold guns and wands.
“Hey,” You address the guard. “What’s going on here?”
>The guard gives you an unamused look that suggests she still doesn’t want you to talk. Nonetheless, she replies. “Nothing out of the ordinary. The same thing that’s always going on here.” The guard then turns her head forward again and continues to walk.
>… If you ask her anything more she’ll certainly get annoyed.
>You and Veronica are led to the building where this settlement’s Headmistress is. A building with glorious neoclassical columns, and bronze statues of witches with muskets straddling the sides of the entrance. Red, white, and blue banners adorn the top of it.
>The guard leading you two nods at the others, and lets you two in without a hitch.
>You once again become acutely aware of your lowly clothing as you enter this building. Seemingly high ranking witches with decorated colonial uniforms stare at your party with odd looks as you enter this hall.
>The inside of the building is as exquisite as a ballroom, but with people as serious as prison guards. A large globe of gold and dark marble catches your eye. At the far end of the room is a wide staircase that leads to yet another embellished door that’s topped with a bronze eagle.
>The guard walks to one of the guards at the staircase. “Is the Headmistress available?”
>”As always, Charlotte, that depends on how available you consider worth taking her attention off her pet project.” The stair guard answers. “And just who are they?” She motions to you and Veronica.
>”This,” The guard escorting you, presumably Charlotte, points to Veronica. “Is Veronica Sparkle. And her companion. They say that the leadership of North Canterlot has gotten reckless enough to threaten us.”
>”Really? First they refuse to help us all this time, now they suddenly hate us? The hell?”
>”I want to get to the bottom of it too, obviously. The Headmistress—is she available?”
>The stairwell guard hesitates for a moment and takes a quick look back that the door behind her, then back to Charlotte. “Y-yeah. That’s certainly something she needs to hear. Look, she’s in there with the generals. As she is basically all day these days. We can talk to her, but she’ll probably be annoyed.”
>”No better time than now to do it then. Get the Headmistress’s attention for me please, I’ll return when she’s ready.” 
>The guard gets a bit flustered. ”What do you mean you’ll return when she’s ready!? You can’t face her with me, huh?”
>Charlotte smiles. “I need to attend to our guests here. I won’t let people dressed like barbarians be an audience to the Headmistress.”
>The guard gives her an unamused look.
>You feel heat flow into your face at your mention. 
>What can you say? Being singled out for your clothing gets to you. You are a girl, after all.

~

>Charlotte finally leads you two to the top of the stairs towards that grand door.
>This after Charlotte gave you a short lecture on your ‘lack of style’ and forced you and Veronica to change clothes.
>To this place’s credit, it’s a nice blue vest and white pair of pants you two got. Far better than the bison hide to be sure.
>The doors open, and you’re met with a scene that gives you flashbacks to when you first arrived in this time.
>A lot of highly decorated witches watch as you three walk in with stone faces. The room is highly decorated with red white and blue, and is lined with gold columns. The witches stare at you from behind that glossy dark wood table. Behind the prime chair at the back of the table is a large screen that depicts the map of the capital.
>And the witch in the premiere seat is a woman seemingly in her thirties with striking blue eyes and red hair. She wears a grand colonial style outfit. To top it off, she wears a crown adorned with rubies and sapphires.
>This Headmistress Marshall gives you and Veronica an inquisitive look.
>You freeze up a bit as she makes eye contact with you. What presence!
>”Headmistress Marshall, I am sorry to interrupt.” Charlotte begins. “As you may have been briefed on before, I’ve brought two witches who claim to have important information of North Canterlot. Veronica Sparkle… And Sunset.”
>”Hello Mrs. Sparkle. Welcome to the Capital Settlement.” Headmistress Marshall speaks flatly, as if she really wants to get back to whatever she was doing before. 
>Honestly, you’re nervous. You were put into a situation with a Headmistress and a ton of other officials you’ve never seen before so suddenly.
>Luckily, Veronica picks up the conversation. “I have two things to say today… You may have heard by now that my mother, Sharon Sparkle, has become the Headmistress of North Canterlot.”
>”I’ve heard of her before.” The Headmistress says. “But I didn’t know for sure that she became Headmistress until now. I suppose she was one of the stronger candidates considering the vacancy of the position…. My condolences for the situation.”
>”Thank you, but mother won’t be so considerate of you as headmistress. She looted the castle and has the power of all seven crystals now. She said it to me herself, she plans to attack the entire continent.” 
>The officials of the table begin to whisper to each other as Veronica speaks.
>Veronica continues. ”Considering your proximity to North Canterlot, this place is in danger. Had I not told you this today, there may have been no countermeasure for you to take—especially what with the capital’s ongoing battle.”
>”Veronica,” Headmistress Marshall starts. “That all sounds good on paper. Thanks… However,” The Headmistress narrows her eyes. “How often is it that a young daughter of a noble witch family, no less the Sparkles themselves, defects from a prominent settlement just to walk miles and miles with the only one to accompany her being another child?”
>Your stomach drops.
>”I’m saying I can’t just take the words of a child like this at face value—especially on an issue this important. Do you have any evidence to back up this claim, Ms. Sparkle?”
>…
>Veronica’s eyes narrow. 
>The tension of the situation is getting to you. You can’t make yourselves look like fools now. If you do there’s no way to convince them to help you search for Cinderbelle.
>Proof, proof, proof. Do you have any?
>You perk up.
>Wait, Veronica had you take a recording spell on Sharon! Right!?
>No.
>You deflate.
>You were interrupted before you got to that. Shit.
>The silence weighs heavy on the room. You have to say something!
“There’s nothing for us to gain by lying. We lost everything. Our homes, our status, our allies. Why be so suspicious?”
>”Because, girl, it would be a critical mistake if we diverted military power from our main goal to prepare for this just for nothing.”
“It’s Sunset Shimmer.”
>One of the other witches at the table gives you a fierce look. ”Watch your tone with the Headmistress, girl.”
>That angers you a little.
“Just what is this ‘main goal’ you’re referring to anyway?”
>The same witch that just snapped at you speaks again. “I said-!”
>Headmistress Marshall, now with a slight smile, signals said witch to stand down. “It seems you have some backbone, girl. Good. Actually, I have heard of you. That girl that took down Selene. How could I not have?”
>Then why has she been treating you like some extra?
>”Your second request—something about finding a lost person deeper in the capital, right?”
>”Yes,” Veronica starts. “Our companion wa-”
>”Quiet.” Headmistress Marshall says. “I asked the other one.”
>You try your hardest not to deepen your scowl.
“In the aftermath of the fight with Selene, a large spell dispersed everyone within range. That includes Cinderbelle. I know she’s here somewhere. I have to find her.”
>”So a witch was sent to the interior of the capital?” Headmistress Marshall says. “Tough luck.”
>Tough luck? Is that all she has to say? Why is she being such a cunt to you?
>The head of the settlement stands. Tension fills the room further.
>Is she going to throw you out now? After wasting your time like that… 
>”It seems you’re a little ignorant about the situation that the capital has been in. So I’ll go ahead and fill a naïve girl in.” The headmistress looks to the others at the table, who hold various expressions in this odd situation. “This will be a good exercise for us. We can reorient and refocus on what we’re doing and why it matters.”
>The Headmistress points at you. ”Listen up and listen well! A long time ago, before Magicopia, the capital’s political strife was compounded by the advent of witches. Fear was widespread amongst the populace—but this was especially true of the capital.”
>”How do you enforce the law on beings that have seemingly otherworldly powers? Would they pose a national security threat? I don’t know the answers to those questions I admit. What is known is that the laws coming out of the capital at that time were responsible for relegating witches to certain parts of the continent—the castle being one of them.”
>The Headmistress closes her eyes. “Obviously, this meant that any witch that did not live in those specified zones needed to be removed from their residence. Some places enforced this more than others—but no place enforced it more thoroughly than the capital.” Headmistress Marshall puts both hands on the table (thereby squeezing her breasts together (likely intentionally)) and looks to one of the other witches at the table. “I know you remember how they scrambled to develop technology to counter our power.”
>She turns to another at the table. “I know you remember how not once did any of us organize to threaten the old government. A fight instigated by one side if there ever was one!” She then turns around and faces the screen. “They got more aggressive about getting rid of us and demonizing us. If they had succeeded in mass producing the anti-witch technology they oh so charmingly called the ‘Salem Armor,’ they probably even would have hunted us down at the castle. But of course, Magicopia happened… As terrible as it is, a blessing to us in many ways! A horror to them. That Salem Armor would never make it outside the capital. And it never can. The people of the capital still hate us and blame us for what happened to the world.”
>Headmistress Marshall turns back and looks you in the eyes once more. “Girl, these people pose an existential threat to the whole witch order. For centuries the capital settlement has fought to contain this beast. Still the interior of the capital, even as the shell of its former self, has resisted our rule. It’d be touching if they didn’t want us dead. The fools! They don’t know that if it weren’t for us surrounding them they’d have succumbed to Magiciopia a long time ago.”
>”And you fools from other settlements! You didn’t know that if it weren’t for us surrounding them they’d had spread their terror and the disease to all of you until the whole continent was dull and lifeless. You want to see your friend in the inner capital? You’ll have to get through their desperate defenses. Then, you’ll have to hope they haven’t found, tortured, and killed her already. This fight is not something I can afford to pull back on due to the whims of two children, get it?”
>The room sinks into silence once more, and you try to process all that was told to you.
>This situation is certainly more complicated than you thought. If a hostile old government really is only contained by the constant pressure of the Capital Settlement, diverting forces to defend against Sharon really could be an issue. And this old government. Did they really make technology that could counter witches? That’s insane. What is it like? What if they do get loose? Would they try to hunt us all down? Would they be a constant and massive thorn in every witch’s side?
>”No answer, huh? Well-”
“I’ll get into the interior.”
>”What!?”
>The shocked response comes from multiple people. Including the Headmistress, Charlotte, and Veronica.
>Even you’re a little shocked at your own words. You spoke without thinking… but you’re obligated to follow through now, right?
“M-My friend’s in there. And you’re battling them. They must have a civilian population in there by now too, right? I’ll blend in, enter as a spy, get any information out of them you want. Surely someone who does that for you is trustworthy, right?”
>Veronica and Charlotte give you the most ‘are you fucking serious’ looks you’ve ever seen in the whole of your natural born life.
>”Sunset, we’ve tried that before…” Headmistress Marshall flips her hair.
>Silence. Once again.
>Your cheeks heat as you feel the embarrassment and simultaneous anger.
>Then, the Headmistress smiles. ”… But we were just discussing how we could try such a thing once again.”
>”What?” Charlotte says. “Headmistress. Their security is impeccable just as it was before the disease, if we-”
>”And you’ll be leading them for that outburst, Charlotte. A team of Sunset, Veronica, and a few more I deem fit for the task.”
>Charlotte deflates and sneers. 
>Veronica looks absolutely flabbergasted at this. She must have been planning a completely different conversation, knowing her…
>Holy shit. That actually worked! Wait, that actually worked… How the fuck are you going to sneak into the old government? How are you going to save Cinderbelle at the same time?
>”Meet me tomorrow at dawn in this room. All you are dismissed. Our guests first.” The Headmistress says.
>”Tch.” Charlotte looks at you with a scowl. “You heard her, let’s go.”
>As turn and leave for the door, you hear the Headmistress one last time. 
>”Oh, and Sunset Shimmer.”
>You turn your head.
>”I heard about you, actually. The girl that killed Selene and secured the castle, right? How could I not know YOUR name.”
>You lower your eyelids, then continue out of the door.

~

>The Capital Settlement has a witch academy, obviously.
>And you are in it now.
>In a remote room in this neoclassical building decorated with pictures and statues of heroes of the old country as well as witches you stand in wait.
>For the first time since you got here, you’re in clothes that seem like they could be from your own time.
“We’ll blend into the Interior with these? They still wear clothes like this there?”
>”The Capital Interior is probably the only place on the continent that still lives anything like people lived before Magicopia.” Veronica says. “Hopefully we’ll fit in with these so we can carry out our mission. Getting caught could prove fatal. We have to be careful…” 
>You behold Veronica in casual clothes for the first time. She’s in a short sleeved white shirt with a neat flower design on it along with a light blue skirt.
>You smile and embrace her right then and there.
>”W-what are you doing?”
“Hugging you. You’re just too cute!”
>Veronica’s face goes flush. ”I’m NOT cute.”
>”Are you two really the ones who killed Selene?” The one who speaks is a young witch from this Capital Academy. A girl who will be accompanying you named Nike.
>You release the blue head and turn to Nike.
“Yeah, we really are. Somehow we managed it.”
>Nike merely cocks her head. 
>Veronica continues to be stunned by your stunt. “… Cute…” She says under her breath.
“But what about you, Nike? Where do you fit in around here?”
>”I recently graduated from our academy here. I’m no one special, but I was probably put to this task because of my main magic. Invisibility.”
“You can turn invisible!?”
>”Yeah… whoever I touch can too.”
“That’s amazing. Can I see it?”
>Nike looks to the ground and puts her pointer fingers together. ”It’s really nothing special.”
>The girl’s yellow and white hair nearly covers her eyes, and accentuates just how little confidence this girl seems to have.
“Don’t say that. With a power like that we can get in anywhere!”
>*Creak*
>The door to the room opens, and Charlotte walks in. “Even while invisible it still won’t be a walk in the park. Stay focused.”
>Charlotte hands each of you a small booklet. “Remember what the Headmistress said, each of these will be your identities once we’re in. Memorize it forwards and backwards. Mess up, and you’ll surely die.”
>Without her helmet you see just how young Charlotte really is. She’s perhaps in her mid twenties. She has brown hair and her eyes are dark pink.
>”What are you looking at?” She says. “Get to memorizing, Sunset. You got me into this, you better not think of messing up.”
>Relax…
>Looking at the booklet you see what will be your new identity in the Interior Capital.
>An orphaned high school student. Parents died fighting witches. ‘You’ are over their death and want to honor their sacrifice by moving forward to fight for the interior. It also comes with a list of hobbies, interests, and future career goals. ‘You’ want to one day work in government… I suppose that fits in with the mission nicely. 
>”The Interior’s security is actually at it’s best a night, but going in broad daylight is still dangerous—even if we are invisible.” Charlotte says. “There’s a sweet spot at about five AM. We meet back in this room at 4 AM tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
>”What about the other squad?” Nike asks. “Aren’t they going in too?”
>”They have their own orders. ” Charlotte turns to leave the room.
>As the door closes you realize something.
“We haven’t even decided where we’re going to sleep.”
>”Nike,” Veronica begins. “Is there an inn around here?”
>”No. Not that I know of.”
“Really? Not one in the entire settlement?”
>”The Capital Settlement is one that is constantly under the threat of attack by the Interior. It is not a place most would consider immigrating to.”
>You sigh.
>That makes sense. Now that you think of it, this place has the highest ratio of witches to non-witches you think you’ve ever seen of any place.
>So, what are you going to have to do? Sleep in the street?
>”You two can stay at my place. If you want that is…” Nike offers while looking at the floor.
>You smile. 
“Thank you so much, that would be great.”
>…
>It was a long walk through the huge square that is the Capital Settlement to Nike’s home. A highly symmetric blue and white house.
>Nike’s parents were nice enough to welcome you and Veronica into the Georgian style home. A comfy place complete with a warm fireplace and much décor.
>As you all sit at the table you have to work hard to restrain yourself from eating too messily. It’s been so long since you’ve had properly cooked beef. For more than a month now it’s been either food fit for prisoners, or meat seared over a campfire.
>”Are you enjoying your Sunday Roasts?” Nike’s mother speaks with the sweetest smile.
>”I am.” Veronica replies.
>After swallowing what’s in your mouth and dabbing your mouth with the napkin you answer in the affirmative.
>”And the tea?” She asks.
“It’s good too.”
>”Why are you so happy today, mother?” Nike asks.
>Nike’s mom clasps her hands together. ”It’s just been so long since you’ve brought friends over. I was beginning to think you’d be a loner forever.”
>Nike shrinks and blushes.
>You let out an awkward laugh.
>You feel embarrassed for the girl. 
>”At this rate I may actually get a son in law soon, huh?” Nike’s father now lets out a hearty laugh.
>Nike shrinks further (you didn’t know such a thing was possible).
>”So Sunset and Veronica,” Nike’s mom addresses you two. “How are things at the castle? I was thinking of visiting sometime.”
“Umm.”
>”High witches from several settlements have arrived there,  and were making negotiations on running the place but—” Veronica looks intensely at her plate, it’s clear she’s not thinking of the roast. “It’s almost certainly going to my mother. All of it. I can’t recommend visiting the place at all.”
>Silence… And you thought this was embarrassing before.
“B-but that aside, it’s really pretty. Has a lot of interesting history too! Most people there are friendly.”
>”Why that’s just wonderful!”
>At least Nike’s mother seems to be in high spirits no matter what.
>…
>The stars overhead show just the slightest hint of fading on the cool morning.
>The interior wall of the Capital Settlement is much like its outer wall. A wall of magical technology. But this one looks to be made of even tougher stuff than the outer wall. 
>On top of the wall are the guards of the Capital Settlement. Their lookout posts are covered in armor facing no man’s land. Headmistress Marshall already filled these guards in on the mission. They overlook the no man’s land and will give your party the signal at the right time.
>”Nike.” Charlotte gets the attention of the girl. “Is everything alright? Are you ready?”
>”Y-yeah…”
>”Remember our formation. Do not break it.”
>The formation. Charlotte takes the lead. You and Veronica behind with your hands to her back. Behind you two is Nike—with each of her hands on you two.
>This way Nike’s power of invisibility flows to all of you. It’s important you all stay covered… because this formation doesn’t have much in the way of mobility. It could be worse, the other party sneaking in doesn’t have an invisibility power. You much prefer this to real stealth tactics.
>”Veronica, can you lower us down?” Charlotte asks.
>”Yeah.”
>Nike’s yellow eyes shine for a moment, and then you see your arms and body disappear. The same goes for the other three.
>Under the cover of the interior wall’s blue light, Veronica lowers you four to the other side and onto the barren, lifeless floor of no-man’s land.
>You’re in… now comes the hard part.
>No-man’s land has its name for a reason. You were told by Headmistress Marshall that heavy bombs landed here a long time ago.
>Any radiation has long since dispersed… but the land has not recovered because it continued to be bastardized by other weapons. Large cannons line the wall on the side of the witches. You imagine it’s the same for the inner side.
>Drones with weapons you didn’t even know could be held by a flying mechanism constantly survey the area. If you four catch the attention of one from the interior you’re dead. And probably another battle will break out.
>Your heart thumps as you four slowly walk through the barren land.
>The buzz of every small bug, the crunch of every particle of dust as you walk, whiz of every surveillance drone—all of it is nothing but tension.
>Not being able to see your companions only serves to increase the tension… something that normally acts as an air of comfort in hard times feels gone to your eyes. Truly it appears as if you are alone in this wasteland.
>You hold your right hand to Charlotte and savor the hand of Nike for dear life.
>This has to keep up for miles through no-man’s land. And one mistake could cost you everything.
>After what feels like eons, you four make it to a series of trenches. They appear empty and as if no one have used them for a while.
>”Witches,” Charlotte addresses you quietly. “Going around these would take a lifetime that we don’t have.”
“Could Veronica just float us over?”
>”No. Her aura isn’t affected by Nike’s invisibility. We’d be detected. And guards or soldiers would be on us before we ever got to the interior.” Charlotte responds. “There should be a bridge around here. More like a plank actually… we’ll have to be extremely careful while crossing. If any of us fall, well, you know what’ll happen.”
>*Whiiirr!*
>You suddenly become abundantly conscious of a drone flying overhead. A place where only non-witches live still has machines like this. Just what is the Interior like?
>You feel Charlotte slow her pace as the trench comes closer.
>You all turn and walk parallel to it as you search for the promised bridge.
>…Still you feel anxiety in your stomach. This process is slow and agonizing. Every step must be careful. Your movements must be always calibrated with the other three. Always you must deal with the disorientation of being unable to see yourself or the others. And always you have to pay heed to the mechanical sounds of surveillance drones.
>”Alright, there’s the bridge.” Charlotte says. “It’s flimsy. Cross with extreme caution. Watch your footing.”
>The ‘bridge’ of course truly is actually an old wooden plank that bridges over the trench. Perhaps five feet wide and twelve or so feet long. Maybe half an inch thick. 
>The ones in the most danger would be you and Veronica since you two are side by side in this formation.
>Your party makes it to the twenty feet wide trench. And you’d be lying if you said your heart didn’t skip a beat as you hear Charlotte lay that first foot on the plank.
>You all walk comparatively slowly over this bridge. The creak of every footstep has you on edge.
>Walking—something that is taken for granted by you every second of every day—now becomes a chore of chores as you consciously visualize where your foot SHOULD be as you move over this plank.
>Looking below, the trench is dark dirt, bugs, and bones. A small slice of hell.
>You resolve to focus your attention on the plank in your footwork for the sake of your sanity.
>And you breathe out a breath you didn’t even realize you were holding when you pass.
“We made it…”
>”We haven’t made it until we’re in the interior. Stay alert.” Charlotte warns.
>As your party walks and walks, the interior wall comes into view. A large marble structure topped with eagle statues and watchmen.
>The amount of surveillance drones becomes noticeably more numerous.
>But what stands out the most is what is unmistakably the Salem Armor Headmistress Marshall mentioned.
>A black suit of power armor with it’s most striking feature being the blue shining lights of its eyes. Behind the drones it’s the second piece of technology in this time period you’ve ever seen that looks like it’s not magic-based, and also isn’t rusted and destroyed. Every watchman wears one. Even from far out, you can hear and nearly feel the mechanical nature of each step they take.
>Those are the suits that were supposedly built to fight witches and allowed this place to stay unconquered for so long… Just what tricks does it have up its sleeve?
>You certainly don’t want to find out right now.
>As you all pass the trench you feel Charlotte stop.
>”Witches, one more trench ahead.” Charlotte speaks softly as to not draw the attention of anyone. “If our knowledge of this area is correct, then it’s the last one we need cross before we’re at the gate. Then we go about finding our way in. The blind spot shouldn’t be too far from here.”
>The ‘blind spot.’ The area of the wall that has few guards during this time. There is no opening in the entire perimeter of the wall, so you four will be hoisted up with a rope mountain climber style. For that to work, you’ll have to do it at the blind spot to minimize the chance of being noticed.
>”Veronica, Nike, you two haven’t said anything. Are you alright?”
>”Yeah.” Both respond in the affirmative.
>You’re okay too, aside from the fact that you haven’t eaten anything for a while now… What kind of food do they serve in the interior?
>Pressure mounts as the wall, and those imposing suits of power armor, get closer into view.
>And then, the next bridge.
>Having gone through the process before you find yourself less anxious.
>Cinderbelle, I’m almost there. Hold on just a little bit more!
>”Hey, watch what I can do with this thing!”
>The static-y voice came from one of the armored watch men above. A playful quip for them. 
>But a death sentence for you.
>One of the drones starts doing acrobatics in the air. Loops and rolls.
>It does a nose dive toward you and your stomach sinks!
>”Get down and stay still.” Charlotte orders.
>You all do so and somehow manage to keep Nike’s power flowing through you all despite the sudden movement.
>…But the flying metal menace still closes in on you!
>As it zips by you lose your balance—into the deep abyss you fall. 
>…
>When you finally reorient yourself, you find you’re in a damp, dark, and dirty place.
>Looking up, you see the sliver of light above. Perhaps fifty feet above. The trenches are even deeper than you thought. How did these come to be? Were these really made for the sake of war?
>You feel the urge to shout for the others, then realize that may put them in danger…
>You’re all alone here. The only light to accompany you is the dim light of early dawn and the stars.
>The clothes you’re wearing are dirty and sticky now too. If you ever get into the Interior, it’s going to be hard blending in with clothes this damaged.
>Should you really draw your wand, or would that draw too much attention? Did you already draw attention as soon as you were separated from Nike?
>It’s best not to spend too much time thinking about it. Playing it safe is the right move here, right?
>Through the dark depths you begin to walk—without any additional light.
>It feels like moving through the border between life and death. The occasional skeletal remains you pass by don’t make you feel any better.
>Where are you even walking? When does this purgatory end?
>*Zzzzzzz*
>A buzzing sound, and a blue light shines from around a corner.
>That’s a surveillance drone!
>You look around frantically for a place to avoid its gaze.
>A cave within one of the walls comes into view, you run into  it as the drone turns the corner.
>The small cave is especially dark since no light enters even from the opening above.
>In the dark you wait and wait.
>The buzzing gets louder—proof the drone grows closer.
>Blue light seeps into the cave you’re in, prompting you to get as close to the wall as you can.
>You shut your eyes tightly and pray it doesn’t detect you.
>As the buzzing subsides, you release your breath.
“What have I got myself into?”
>You whisper the words to yourself.
>There’s no room for failure though. You have to get to the Interior. Somehow.
>Eventually you get the courage to get off the wall, and move towards the exit into the trench proper.
>Right before you get in front of the exit, another light moves through the entrance!
>Shock moves through your body and you jump back.
>It’s coming in! What can you do!?
>You look around frantically and see that there’s nowhere to hide.
>You shut your eyes tightly again as the light approaches…
>”Sunset?”
>That voice.
>You open your eyes.
“Veronica!”
>She’s holding the soft purple light of her wand. 
>”Shhhh.” She puts her finger to her lips.
“You came for me.”
>”Of course I did.”
>You smile, clasp you hands together, and tilt your head a little.
“Awww.”
>“I didn’t mean it like that, moron.” The girl becomes flustered. “You’re just necessary for this mission is all.”
“You can dim your wand light. That’ll help us stay hidden and see a little more.”
>”You mean you couldn’t dim yours?” Veronica’s eyes narrow.
“T-that’s not it. I was just surprised you had such a high-level skill is all.”
>”Right…”
>Now that the room is lit a little, you can see around the cave.
>There’s a rotting table, a drawer, and some old guns and other weapons that are long past the point of functionality.
>Out of curiosity you move to the drawer and open it up.
>You find combat gear, empty drinking cups, and letters.
>”Stop snooping around and let’s go, Sunset.”
“Alright, alright.”
>You two first peek outside the cave to check for more surveillance, then you two go back into the trench proper.
>You whisper to Veronica.
“Do you have any idea where we should go? And how far away the wall is?”
>”There’s a place we are to rendezvous with Charlotte and Nike. It’s at the top of a row of ladders deeper in.”
>You saw such a group of ladders back when you were on the surface. They must have served as points of entry and exit in past battles.
>They looked quite exposed though, will you really be able to stay hidden from the guards on the top of the wall as you exit?
“At least this is less tedious than our method of travel before.”
>”This is more dangerous though. If any guards or drones see us it’s game over.”
>You both turn a corner, and continue down towards the Interior.
>Every now and then caves pass you by. As well as old, dusty weapons and skeletal remains.
>You wonder what other things could be in these caves. What other relics of past battles could be found?
>Down the corridor you see more light blue light from around the corners. Drones.
“Let’s hide.”
>You and Veronica enter another cave as the drones creep from around the corners.
“This is annoying. If only there was some kind of EMP spell.”
>”EMP? What does that mean?” Veronica asks.
“Umm…”
>You’re not sure yourself.
“It’s a wave that can disable some machines.”
>”Hmm…” Veronica puts a finger to her chin. Then she perks up. “What if we tried disorientation?”
“Does that work on machines?”
>”I don’t know, I’ve never tried.”
“One way to find out.”
>You quickly ready your wand and peek around the cave entrance.
>”Sunset wait, if it disables the camera they’ll definitely reali-”
>You shoot disorientation at the machines—the drone’s usual buzzing becomes choppy and erratic. They begin to move in random, odd directions.
>You both watch with cautious curiosity as they eventually make their confused way out of the trench to who knows where.
>You shrug.
“Guess it works.”
>Veronica merely gives you an unamused look.
>You both continue on.
>Suddenly, Veronica stops.
>You look back at her.
“What’s wrong?”
>Veronica looks hard at the path ahead, and then she looks into the sky.
“Veronica?”
>”Smoke. There’s a fire around here.”
“Huh?”
>You look into the air to the surface and sky that seems so far away in this trench, and you see the smoke too.
“What’s going on?”
>Veronica begins to walk faster down the corridor. “Let’s go.”
>As you get to the end of the corridor you peek around the corners. And you feel anxiety rise from your gut.
>”Shit.” Veronica whispers.
>The ferocious flames engulf the rows of ladders. A fire large enough to end a mansion. The fire lights the dawn sky more ferocious than the sun.
>You hear marching coming from both sides of this junction, and in reflex you both retreat back behind the corner.
>”Mutants are here somewhere, FIND THEM!” The metallic, modulated voice rings out from around the corner. 
>That must be someone in armor. They know you’re here!
>And they’re coming. You begin to panic and run several (bad) ideas through your head on what to do.
>”Sunset whatever you do don’t move at all.” Veronica touches you while her wand lights.
>And you two go invisible again? No… you know this spell. It’s camouflage. If either of you move a muscle the camouflage will clash with its surroundings, and your presence will be obvious.
>Your heart beats hard as you see the Salem Armor up close for the first time as they pass through.
>It’s largely black, and fierce, and somewhat bulky. Pneumatic tubes line its limbs. On the back is a heavily armored chamber that must be where its battery is. On the shoulder of each suit of armor is the flag of the old country—the first time you’ve seen it since you’ve arrived at this time!
>You note the difference in style between this technology and technology witches typically use. Next to the drones, this is now the second piece of technology that looks like it could have come from before Magicopia.
>Sweat runs off your cheek and your eyes widen as some look in your direction with those shining blue slits they have for eyes. 
>The buzz of drones permeates the air as several fly along with the soldiers.
>Some armored soldiers carrying flame throwers spew more fire onto the ladders.
>There goes your way out…
>You both still continue not move even when they passed by, and their footsteps move out of your range of hearing.
>Blackened chunks of ladder fall as they burn to nothingness.
>Veronica’s the one to finally break the spell and move. “Shit.”
>You take a moment to get your bearings and wipe your forehead before speaking.
“You know, they have to have some exit for themselves somewhere.”
>Veronica looks at you. “I was thinking the same thing. But Sunset, you do realize how much more difficult and dangerous this is now? Right?”
“Yeah. I was worried when I first fell in here,” You smile. “but now that you’re with me I feel like I can do anything. I mean we beat Selene together, right?”
>Veronica’s face goes flush, and she averts her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I just hope Charlotte and Nike realize the plan has changed.”
“Charlotte doesn’t seem like the type to abandon a mission like this. Even if we did die.”
>”Yeah. Let’s go”
>You both decide to go down the path the soldiers came from. 
>The walk is cautious. You’re both low to the ground, and constantly hugging the wall. It is important to be ready at any time for camouflage or hiding.
>The flame of the ladders continues to rage, making this trek all the more stressful and uncomfortable.
>You pass the trench corridor with the burning ladders. 
>Around the corner you both find another cave down the corridor. This time with an entrance lined with steel. And protected on either side with armored soldiers. 
>Looking up, the wall is right above this entrance. Is this an underground entrance to the Interior?
>You both go back around the corner as soon as you see as to avoid detection.
“How are we going to play this?”
>You whisper.
>Veronica puts her hand to her lips and thinks for a while.
>You start thinking too.
>Veronica perks up. “We can’t let this be a long or loud fight in the slightest, or other guards will be alerted.”
“We also can’t take long. The ones who went in the other direction will probably come back soon.”
>Veronica nods. “Even if we do take them out, there’s no telling what’s in there. There’s basically zero chance whatever bureaucracy is in that underground passage will let us into the Interior unimpeded.”
“So what do we do?”
>”We’re going to steal those suits.”
>You narrow your eyes at Veronica.
“We don’t even know how to use those things.”
>”And? What choice do we have but to figure it out. Sunset, our chance at entering over the wall was lost as soon as you fell into this pit and the ladders destroyed. So unless you’re ready to turn back, we have to figure it out and hope the suits serve as an effective disguise.”
“Alright. Let’s do it then.”
>”A really heavy disorientation spell. I have the right, you get the left. It needs to be so severe that they can’t even think straight anymore. Anything less will get us killed. We have one shot at this.”
>You nod and give Veronica a determined look.
“Alright.”
>Veronica nods back. ”Three… Two… One.”
>You brace yourself for action, and become acutely aware of the sweat dripping down your cheek—either from the heat of the burning ladders or the heat of the moment.
>”Let’s go!”
>On Veronica’s command you both leap out from behind the corner.
>”What!?” The armored guards become alert and raise their guns at you both.
>Before they can shoot, you both cast disorientation on them. Nauseating wave after nauseating wave is set upon them as you grip your wands.
>”Keep it up, Sunset!” Veronica says.
>”Augh!” You think you start to get a little woozy yourself, when the men begin to vomit and stumble.
>Finally, you two finally stop casting and run towards them.
>You see the contraptions of the armor on their backs… and you don’t understand any of it in the slightest.
“How do we open this thing?”
>Veronica already begins fiddling with everything on the other guard’s armor. “I don’t know, figure it out. Fast.”
>It’s not everyday it’s a good time to press random buttons. You better ‘enjoy’ this.
>*Stomp, stomp, stomp*
>Your heart sinks at the sound. That’s marching. More guards must be approaching.
>”Stay calm, Sunset. This thing has to open somehow.” Veronica says this, yet you can see the worry on her face as well.
>Odd dials, waveforms, screens, switches, and buttons. You don’t know what they all mean. Why is it so hard to open some armor—who are they trying to keep out of this thing?
>Witches, probably.
>As the damning noise of marching approaches closer, you seem to finally hit the right combination of switches to open it. 
>Motors and gears turn as the armor opens up and reveals the blacked-out man inside.
“I got it!”
>A second afterwards, Veronica’s opens too. “Take him out. And get in the armor. I’ll throw these guys in a nearby cave.”
>After putting the man aside, you clean the interior of the machine of vomit with a spin of your wand and enter belly down. Luckily enough it closes automatically upon entry.
>First impression? It’s hot. The machinations inside seem to take a moment to adjust to the size of your body. Once it’s done you can move naturally. Everything’s slightly tinted blue through the eye slits of the armor. There also seem to be a few meters and waveforms in your vision that you don’t understand.
>The sounds of pneumatics and motors reverberates as you stand and try to get used to this thing.
“This is weird.”
>Your voice comes through as metallic and static-y.
>Veronica puts both men on the ground under the influence of her magic, and throws them deep into a nearby cave. “It’ll be fine. Act natural.”
>The marching gets closer, and you can’t help but jump just the slightest bit as the rest of the guards turn the corner and see you two.
>One man in a particularly decorated suit of armor walks in front and speaks. ”Robert’s squad has moved deeper into the trenches, but the area surrounding the wall is clear. We’re good to go.”
>The lines of armored soldiers file into the underground passage.
>As the last ones enter the void you and Veronica look at each other.
>You nod at each other, then enter.
>What awaits you two even further into this deep, dark abyss?

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 58: Selfless Acts are Selfish
>January 11, 2100
>But actually, selfless acts are NOT selfish.
>Yes, a selfless act is made in part for the benefit of the one who makes the act—for the selfless act does satisfy the actor.
>This does not meet the definition of selfish in any case, for a selfish act necessitates that the actor is lacking in consideration for others.
>Regardless of the benefit the actor receives due to selfless act, the regard for others disqualifies him from the title of selfishness.
>Indeed, it is proof of the order of this world that there is benefit for selfless act. True selfless act should and does bring greater good than selfish act.
>If you’re looking to dull any concept via reductionism, you can always do it.
>If you’re looking for darkness in the world, you will always find it.
>But always there is darkness AND light in the world.
>It is the heroes of the world who in the face of overwhelming odds—still resolve to see the ever-present light.
>So much depends on the frame through which we view life.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon. 

~

>As you enter into the metal clad-cave lit by lanterns, the first thing you realize is that even the interior no longer has electricity anymore.
>So this Salem Armor… how is it being powered? A special battery only this place knows how to make?  Or does it run directly off gas or something?
>This place is dark and dreary, but the walls are lined with flags of the old country.
>You and Veronica cautiously follow the line as you march further in.
>Eventually you all make it to a room lined with red, white, and blue ribbons on the top of the walls.
>The men line up, and the one in the more decorated suit of armor moves in front to address you all.
>”Attention!” The man calls out.
>You and Veronica do you best to match the stance and mannerisms of those around you. You’re nervous as hell. 
>You don’t want to think about what would happen if they caught onto you.
>”Gentlemen,” The leader starts. “You’ve done good work, despite the sudden breach of routine here. The Interior only stays safe from the mutants outside due to the hard work of men like you. Those of you who have your regular shift, be here again in an hour. The rest of you are free until your designated shifts. Dismissed!”
>And of course, that leaves you and Veronica to wonder what in the world that means for you two.
>Since you’re in Rome, you begin by watching what the Romans do.
>This isn’t so surefire a method, because different people go different ways.
>You begin to panic more as you realize you no longer even know what suit Veronica is inside!
>In a snap decision, you decide to simply pick a hallway and move.
>”What a drag.” You overhear some guard speak to another as you walk. “The witches haven’t attacked for about a year now. Why is everyone so paranoid suddenly?”
>”This isn’t the first time they’ve laid off for a time, moron. If you think they’re not watching at all times, you’re dense.” Another guard responds.
>”Maybe, but no reason to break routine. I have less and less time to spend with my kids you know.”
>You start to zone out of their conversation as you see a few directions on the wall. One arrow points to ‘Armor Hangar.’ Another to ‘Command.’ One to ‘Mess Hall.’ Another to ‘Commons & Quarters.’ Finally, the holy grail, points to ‘Exit.’
>There’s no way you can simply head to Exit first. You have to get rid of this armor or you’re going to stick out in the Interior like a sore thumb you bet.
>Get out of this armor. Get to the Exit.
>You can do this… right?
>Down a hallway, and then down a flight of stairs, you find yourself at the Armor Hangar.
>An enormous garage with lines upon lines of armor stations. The stations are more or less rudimentary—metal racks with polishers, wrenches and other tools, very basic electronic equipment such as Voltmeters, oil, and air pumps. The organization is respectable though. The stations are lined perfectly. Mechanics meticulously keep all of the tools and suits in place, and keep them as best as they can.
>You move with the crowd towards the hangar, but you can’t get out of the armor here in public… you’ll be found out.
>Is there some remote station somewhere?
>You enter the hangar and walk aimlessly meanwhile others go right to stations.
>You try to look like you’re walking with purpose… If you’re questioned, you’ll be in danger.
>Down the hangar there are less people. Luckily this doesn’t seem to be a busy time in the first place.
>At the very far end of the room, there’s a station that’s blocked by a column as well as a vent.
>Inspecting the vent you see that it’s big enough for you to crawl through. You didn’t consider exiting like this, but it may just be what you have to do…
>You go to the station and (attempt to) start exiting the armor.
>But this interface inside is just as confusing as the buttons in the back… what do all these symbols and bars in your peripherals mean? Do you have to use the buttons on the back that you can’t even see just to get out?
>You sit there confused for a moment before you finally relent to attempting to open the armor the same way you opened it before… Probably there’s a better way, but this is all you can think of.
>Looking like a complete ignoramus, you begin to fiddle with the switches in the back. Eventually, you manage to get the armor to open.
>Stepping out from the back, you take a large breath. Then you stretch.
>It’s hot in there. And stuffy. Certainly not a suit you’d want to spend a long day in.
>This place is largely hidden from the rest, but you have to get moving fast before anyone decides to wander to this corner of the room.
>After making sure the coast is clear, you take a screwdriver off the armor station and make a beeline for the vent.
>Every screw seems to be a foot long as you spend far too much time unscrewing.
>You make sure to look behind you every now and then.
>As you finally get the vent off, you feel some relief.
>You start to climb into the vent…
>”Hey, wait.”
>Your eyes widen in panic and adrenaline courses through your veins as you see a man in armor approach.
>Should you retreat into the vent and run!? Should you try to explain yourself!?
“I, uh… I’m d-doing maintenance.”
>”Oh, really? I suppose you’re good to go then.”
>… What the fuck?
>The man walks to a station and the armor opens to reveal none other than Veronica, who, with a smile, quickly retreats to the covered corner with you.
>You narrow your eyes at her and don’t take them off.
>”What’s wrong, Sunset?” Veronica asks smugly.
>You merely sigh, and enter the vent.
>The vent is cramped and dusty. Many a time you consider that there may have been a better way. Especially once you hit a cobweb and spend more time than you need to trying to break it up.
>At a point the vent goes straight up. Your climb up is one of the most tedious things you’ve ever done as you inch up little by little making sure to keep peak friction against the wall to hold yourself up.
>Eventually you find a new exit to the vent.
“Hey, I think this may be the closest place to the exit.”
>You hear Veronica shuffle behind you. ”If you could move that FAT ass of yours out of the way, maybe I could see.”
>FAT!?
>You turn around to her (as best you can).
“Hey!”
>”Shh.” Veronica takes the opportunity to look around you outside the vent. “Looks like this is as close as we’re going to get. Get out when the coast is clear.”
>Upon closer inspection, it seems this vent opening leads to a room. An empty one.
>When you decide to open the vent, you realize that you have nothing with which to open it…
>”Sunset.” Veronica hands you a wrench.
“You brought one.”
>”Of course. You seemed a little to panicked to think about it.”
>You get the vent off and step into the room along with Veronica.
>It’s an office… Complete with a desk and a few portraits of someone. The lanterns in the room light the place only meagerly. The dimness of this place in general is starting to get to you.
“I’m so ready to get out of here.”
>”Wait up, Sunset.” Veronica opens the drawers to the desk an inspects the insides.
“What are you looking for?”
>”We’re supposed to be getting information on the interior, remember? Maybe there’s something here? Or maybe a key or somethi-”
>Veronica finds a paper and spends a few seconds skimming it.
“Anything interesting?”
>”Mostly no. But one interesting tidbit, apparently they can’t make anymore suits of this armor. What they have is what’s left. It’s why they focus so much on maintenance.”
>You guess that’s to be expected. It was built in a time where there were enough people around to actually run factories, after all.
>Veronica continues to rummage through the desk, and finds a map of this place.
“Now that’s something useful.”
>Veronica runs her finger over the map. ”If I’m reading this right, the stairs to the surface is just down the hall. As long as it’s clear then-”
*Claaaank*
>As the door handle turns, Veronica tackles you to the ground and casts camouflage once more.
>”How the FUCK did they let this happen!? We’ve been going through the same process practically since time immemorial. And they decide to fuck up now because why?” Some man comes barging through the door with rage that could melt the Earth.
>Another man who looks like he really wants to be somewhere else breaths out deeply and replies. ”I don’t know, I wasn’t there. Look, we lost maybe ten batteries max. It’s not the end of the world.”
>Man A slams his fist against the desk. ”Every battery lost is one less we can use at once against the monsters that want us dead out there!”
>Man B rolls his eyes. ”Would you like for me send the folks in the Master House basement a message in return?”
>Man A rummages through his desk until he finds some paper and begins writing something frantically. ”Uh yeah. Tell ‘em I’ll be speaking to the Master himself about this. Fucking hell…” He finishes whatever he writes and slams it back into the desk. “Dismissed.”
>The second man wastes no time getting out of that room.
>As the angry man A paces around the room, you become increasingly worried of being found out.
>The smallest movement, and you’ll stick out compared to your surroundings.
>”The hell…?” The man’s attention finally is brought to… the vent.
>You two left it open!
>He picks up the cover, then looks inside the vent itself.
>He then looks around the room and starts looking around more carefully.
>You feel your heartrate increase as his look continues.
>Then, he starts walking towards your position.
>Step after step.
>You don’t even know exactly where your legs landed. Or Veronica’s. If at any point he steps on one of you… !
>”Bah, whatever. Must be Henry again.” The man then puts the vent cover on his desk, and exits.
>Veronica releases the spell and gets off you.
“That was intense.”
>”Yeah. I’m sick of this place. Let’s check the hall, and get out of here.” Veronica waits a few moments, then slowly peeks out of the door.
>You wait behind her.
>As she exits, you do the same.
>There are a few rooms with windows that you have to duck under.
>Eventually and finally, the staircase with the door to heaven at the top comes within your grasp.

~

>The fist moves through the air at mach eighteen.
>*POW!*
“Agh!”
>Your face distorts as the incredible force is unleashed upon it.
>”Just what in the world were you thinking!? First falling into the trenches like a total clutz. Then actually entering through the same place that the enemy does publicly! Who taught you two how to be witches?”
>You and Veronica look at each other, then back to Charlotte. 
“Professor Storm.”
>You both speak in unison.
>”Well this ‘Professor Storm’ needs a new job.”
“Hey, it worked didn’t it?”
>Charlotte crosses her arms. “Two men found unconscious outside the wall and their two suits mysteriously entered the armor hangar and were left empty as if possessed by a ghost. Now they’re already more suspicious than they needed to be.” Charlotte points at you. ”All thanks to you.”
>Why are you the only one punched and blamed?
>You sigh.
“Sorry. It was the only way we could think of. Mission’s not failed yet.”
>”Now that is true.” Charlotte turns around and walks out of the alley.
>You, Veronica, and Nike follow.
>What comes into view is the Interior Capital. A place heavily renovated for the better since your time. One of the few cases on this continent where you can say that. It is clean, walkable, teeming with families and children. Roads that once held cars are now paved as the smoothest sidewalks and the most meticulously designed rails and light posts to line them. The neoclassical architecture surpasses even that of the Capital Settlement outside.
>You almost feel like you’ve went back to your time.
>“So this is the Interior…” Nike says. “It’s gorgeous.”
>”It can be gorgeous because of us.” Charlotte replies. “We’re here to make sure it stays that way, whether the residents here like it or not. First thing’s first, you two are going to need new clothes. Then, we’ll have to each go our own ways more or less to more perfectly conform to our identities.”
>First thing to do in a hostile territory is go on a shopping trip. This will be interesting. Stay safe just a little longer, Cinderbelle. I’m almost there.

~

>You feel your eyes tire as you watch the screen. You know you should turn the lights on…, but you can never divorce your thoughts from the struggle of the capital. Every second of every day. This place is too precious. You can’t let it fall into the hands of the negligent. 
>Even deep into the night when everyone else has long since turned in, still your concerns dominate your mind.
>*Knock, knock, knock*
“Come in…”
>The door opens. It’s one of you generals. Grand Star.
“What is it?”
>She smiles. ”Nothing, Headmistress Marshall.”
>You smile.
“Oh. You’re just here to pester me again, Grand.”
>She walks up next to you and watches the screen. “What else do you pay me for?”
>The screen currently depicts the camera feeds of several drones overlooking different locations in the capital.
“Charlotte’s team have long since gotten deep enough such that we can no longer see them.”
>”You must be really worried about them.”
>You flip your hair.
“Of course. It’s a critical mission. And it’s tough in there.”
>”Headmistress?”
“Yes?”
>”Why did you pretend not to trust Sunset and Veronica?”
“Honestly?”
>You look Grand in the eyes. 
“I knew it would motivate them to help us. I wanted to lure them here as soon as they got near this place. We’ve been in a stalemate with the Interior for far too long, Grand. I needed the ones who managed to kill Selene to try and help us break it.”
>Grand sighs and puts her hands behind her head. ”They seemed like the type to help if you simply asked to me.”
>You laugh.
“We really haven’t changed in all these years, have we?”
>”Nope! Well, actually…” Grand looks at your breasts.
“General.”
>Grand smiles. “What?”
“Watch where you’re looking.”

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 55: Witch Generations
>July 4, 2097
>A witch generation is three years. In regard to every generation of academy students, that is.
>Why did we choose three years?
>Because if we went with one year, that would require far more staff than is available in these trying time.
>If we went with much more, there would be in one group some who are much further in their development than others.
>Three year generations seemed like the sweet spot.
>Will this be outdated one day? Maybe. Depends on if the population ever rises again.
>From the way things are looking, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>From the heights of The Academy you look over the settlement. 
>It takes on a completely different character now… It’s simply not the same place anymore.
>You’ve been through outskirts. The looks on the faces of the people is duller now. More lifeless. Less hopeful.
>Men have less passion for their work. Women don’t like to go out to the markets anymore. Even the children have picked up on the lower energy—they don’t frolic in play anymore.
>Oh, but the high witches. Most of them think things have never been better. Finally a return to experienced leadership. Finally some rule by someone who actually wants to build the place, they say. The blind morons… 
>Well, I guess their short sightedness is to your benefit now huh?
>This entire spire of the building is a newly finished construction. Quarters for The Academy that is even more selective, on the whims of your brilliant new leader, of course. And speaking of her…
>It’s time.
>You turn around and enter the arch to the interior of the new spire, then on to the door.
>You knock on it twice.
>”Come in, Nilight.~”
>You open the door. 
>You’re… both surprised and also not surprised at all. A shocking sight to be sure. But also, this is exactly something SHARON would do.
>The ‘empress’ stands in the middle of the room naked with her arms crossed. Wearing that scheming smile that seems to be super glued onto her face. And a slight blush. 
>But that’s not out of embarrassment. Sharon does not know embarrassment.
>An accurate depiction of embarrassment would be the man on the bed, who seems to turn away from you and tries to cover his head and shame with the covers.
>”There’s no better way to break in a new, young body” Sharon begins. “than fucking your dead rival’s husband, huh?”
>You merely blink, then walk in further.
“What did you want, Empress?”
>”I’ve already sent a lot of my crew out on crusades to expand this new Sharonian Empire to great success. Every new place conquered means that many new soldiers to be produced, thanks to the work of you and Galaxy.”
“Getting non-witches to use magic requires them to get Magicopia before being placed in the armor. Aren’t you afraid of it getting out to the civilians?”
>Sharon then begins to walk slowly toward you. ”The facility is far from them. It’s no problem.”
>She appears behind you, and embraces you from behind. You can hear her voice in your ear. “But you don’t care about any of that, huh? The one you care about… The one you desire—is Sunset Shimmer.~”
>You don’t respond.
>”I can’t blame you. She really is something, huh? But should you really be so angry with Rainah? With Sunset? After all, they did bring you to me.” Sharon appears in front of you again.
“You haven’t changed at all since that day. Most people don’t know that. All that time you pretended to be so refined. I saw a part of you few others ever got to until now.”
>Sharon flips her hair and starts pacing. “I showed my cards to you because I realized you were like me. You did what you wanted to Rainah right there on impulse. You and I are really the same.~” Sharon stops in front of a mirror and admires herself. “You and Galaxy too. You’re the ones I trust the most.”
>You’re not sure how to feel about being called the same as her and Galaxy. But if they help you further your end—killing Sunset—so be it.
>”I’m sending you out with Professor Storm and plenty of soldiers. You will rendezvous with four already tracking her—the ones lead by Gunnel. Your new orders are simply to kill Sunset and Veronica. Tell it to the three when you find them. Storm has already been filled in.”
>Your eyes widen.
“What?”
>You scowl.
“Why didn’t you let me kill them when we had the chance?”
>Sharon turns toward you and gives you a shit eating grin. “I want Sunset to grow stronger before I play with her… I still do.”
>Your eyes narrow.
>”Do I need to say it? I don’t think you’ll manage to kill her.”
>You grit your teeth.
>You know Sharon’s trying to provoke you—that’s what she does. Even so… Just what the fuck does she see in that low-bred outsider!?
>Those black and purple eyes of Sharon seem to glow as they stare into you. ”Think you can prove me wrong?”
“Yes, I do.”
>”Hmpf. I can feel their power even from here with my newfound strength. They’re headed toward the Capital.“ Sharon takes something off her dresser and tosses it to you.
>You catch it.
>A charm. A small star, the Sparkle family symbol, that fits in the palm of your hand.
>”When you’re holding that I come to you whenever I need to, but of course I won’t interfere before your encounter with Sunset. I’ll join the campaign soon. Just a few more kinks need to be worked out in this place.”
>You look over to the bed. ”Have to consolidate your power even more?”
>”Yes.” Sharon answers. “You’re dismissed now.”
>You turn and head for the door.
>”One more thing.”
>You turn your head.
>Sharon’s smile seems to get wider (you’re surprised it’s possible). ”You can have a turn with him if you want, you know.”
“No. No thank you.”
>You make your way to the door. And exit.
>Once more you overlook the settlement. Rain is beginning to fall now. 
>Your mind drifts until it lands on something Sharon said in particular.
>’Should you really be so angry with Rainah? With Sunset?’
>Should you…

~ Four years ago ~

*BAM!*
“Ow!”
>You fall onto your back and hold your face in attempt to ease the pain. You may have a black eye… whatever. You keep that eye covered with your hair anyway.
>“You’re such an idiot! Just what are you doing at school to be failing so horribly? I swear, you must be the worst of your cohort, huh!?”
”N-no, I-”
>”I don’t want to hear it, Lainah! Upstairs. And DON’T expect to come out of your room the whole weekend.” Mother emphasizes her point by tapping her foot to end her sentence.
>You get off the ground.
>When you attempt to make eye contact with father, he quickly looks away. Typical…
>Upstairs you go. 
>You open the door to your room and jump facedown onto the bed. You hate living here so damn much. Just one more year… One more and you’ll be old enough to live in The Academy dorms. You have to be thirteen, regardless of what generation you’re a part of.
>Your eyes slowly well up as you wait… 
>He made a promise. Damn it you really need him to keep it.
>*Clink*
>Down to your back yard you look through the window that the rock just hit.
>There he is! The first and only friend you’ve made in this life. The only one who makes things bearable.
>You don’t hesitate to open your window and jump down and embrace him.
“Light Zap!”
>”Whoa Lainah, relax.” As he notices your soft cries, he wraps his arms around you. “What happened?”
>You sniff.
“Let’s get out of here first.”
>You nuzzle your head into his chest deeper.
“I’ll tell you everything, let’s just get out of here.”
>The sun begins to set on the brilliant lake. Ducks go about their business as the leaves of the trees flap in the wind.
>It would be chilly, if it weren’t for the one next to you on the bench.
“I don’t care about magic at all. Not one bit. I hate it, Light.”
>You look into your hands and clench your fists. Then, you look in his eyes.
“I’m so sick of trying to live up to mother’s standards. Why do I have to learn magic at all? I didn’t choose to be a witch. Every time I hear about any of the competitions or shows or tests, I just feel my heart sink. Everyone else seems to get excited. I don’t get anyone else.”
>Light looks into the lake for a moment in thought. “Well Lainah, DO you want to be a witch? Do you want to learn magic?”
>Now it’s your turn to look in the lake and think.
>You don’t really care for magic. You’ve never had a single good experience with it. It’s only been an excuse for people to say you’re so much worse than everyone else for not being good at it. But…
>You roll your eyes sideways to look at the boy and blush.
>Light’s mother is a witch. If you weren’t… there’d be no chance you could…
“Yeah. I guess I do.”
>”Then you just have to do it for yourself then.”
“I don’t know…”
>Light puts his finger to his chin. ”You need an award that isn’t just avoiding your mom’s disapproval.” He looks at you. “There’s just one more broom race coming up before the end of this season, right?”
“Yeah.”
>Light smiles. ”I’ll come watch. If you do really well, I’ll give you a present. It’s a surprise. I promise.”
>You feel your face heat.
>What could he have in mind?
>”Hey Light, I knew we’d find you here!” It’s a few other boys. Light’s friends.
>”Come on, we have a game to play! You can spend time with your girlfriend later.”
>”Hey!” Light blushes. “She’s not my girlfriend!”
>He turns to you. “Sorry, see you later. Don’t forget, Lainah.”
>He leaves with them.
>Light you moron… you didn’t have to deny it so quickly.

~

>”Now before I turn you all loose,” Professor Airfront starts. “small tidbit—remember that signup for the broom race starts today.”
>Perhaps about half the room erupts into chatter and cheer.
>”EPIC!?” One of the loudest voices in the room near you, perhaps the most popular girl of your generation—Amelia. “Listen up, kids. I’m going to be number one this race. So get ready!”
>”Please sit down.” Professor Airfront sighs. ”You know if you put half as much spirit into your paperwork, you might be actually doing a decent job, Amelia.”
>”Retard alert.” Marble comments.
>Laughter ensues throughout the room.
>Amelia deflates and sits back down.
>”Now remember this will affect your ratings even if it’s optional. A few members of the staff will be watching. Take this into consideration when you decide to participate or not.”
>Soon after, Professor Airfront releases you to your break. A time where you can decide whether or not to get food, go outside, or just hang out with friends.
>Yet this is the worst part of the day for you. It has been ever since you moved on to The Academy proper a year ago.
>It’s so awkward, having no where to go and no one to be with. You stick out like a sore thumb. A creep in the corner that everyone pretends isn’t there. You miss the structure of the rest of the day. At least it’s an even playing field. 
>But today’s different I guess? Finally, there’s something for you to do. You’re nervous though.
>You file out of the room with everyone else, down the halls, and to the room where you see others of your generation.
>They didn’t expect you to show up… Lainah? That creep in the corner with bad magic? What’s she doing here.
>Even Professor Airfront herself has to break her stare. “If that’s everyone who wants to participate. It’s time to form teams.” She points to a bucket on the table. “Everyone pick a stick. The color on the bottom end designates your team. I better NOT catch any of you peaking!”
>Random teams. You’re definitely okay with that. Better than awkwardly asking to join an established friend group…
>Or so you thought.
>You get your stick. Red. Who else has this color?
>You have to look around the crowd and get a look at the sticks of others. At least one other person has to have this horrid color.
>Others seem relieved when they find out you’re not on their team… Could that all be in your head? Surely it is, right?
>”Blue here!” One calls out.
>”Team white!” Shouts another.
>Why isn’t anyone calling out red? People are already starting to group up. You really don’t want to have to say anything…
>Before long you’ll be the only one wandering in the middle of the room. What gives?
>”Red here! Who’s the last one?”
>That voice.
>You look over to see none other than Amelia holding her red stick up.
>Once she locks eyes with you, her eyes widen just a little, then she signals you to come forward.
>”So this is our team, huh?” Amelia says. “I GUESS I can work with this.”
>”You guess? Someone’s cocky.” This one’s that singer girl—Cadenza Dazzle.
>The last girl on your team yawns. “It’s best you don’t question her when she gets like this.” You know this one.  That Lulamoon girl—Artemis.
>That’s right… Everyone on your team is from a prominent witch family. Except YOU of course. As if this wasn’t nerve wracking enough.
>You kind of just stand quietly and twiddle your fingers as the others converse.
>What do you even say?
>”So Lainah,”
>Your eyes widen and your stomach sinks as you’re addressed.
“…Yes?”
>This has to be the first time you’ve used your voice since speaking to Light days ago. It comes out pathetic and subdued.
>”Why did you decide to join the race? You good at flying?” Amelia asks.
>Oh no. You can’t just say ‘because I want to impress a boy.’ That’d make you look like a total idiot.
>And flying? You’re alright, you guess? Better at it than any other way of using magic. You can’t complain too much.
“I’m… good at flying.”
>You avoid eye contact with her as you speak. When you realize that makes you look dishonest you snap your eyes back to hers in a sudden and jerky manner. You look like such an idiot.
>”Amelia!” Your saving grace is someone else that gets her attention. Another popular girl named Gunnel. “So this is your team, huh? Easy win for us.”
>”As if! Look at us.” Amelia makes a show out of wrapping her arms around the rest of you and pulling you in. “Our team is unbeatable! Don’t you see?”
>She actually included you…
>”Looks like this will be an EASY win for me.” This time, it’s a girl named Carrie. She doesn’t have the best magic in the world, but she’s good friends with some of the others. She puts her arm around Gunnel. “This dream team of mine is just too good, Amelia. Admit it! Better luck next time.”
>”You left your night lantern at mine, Carrie.” Amelia responds.
>Carrie blushes. ”Wh-Wha? I-I don’t use a night lantern. Who would do such a thing at our age? Ha ha.”
>”Lainah! You’re joining this too, amazing.” Your little sister, Rainah, seems to be on their team.
>How did you just now notice her? Actually, you know how. You hardly ever think about her or interact with her anyway. Mother even likes to keep you two separate. She has bright red hair and is energetic. You have jet black hair and your vocal chords are but a legend… It’s like you’re both two separate species even though your related to her…
“Yeah, I-I am.”
>”That’s so cool!” Rainah replies. “I can’t wait to race with you.”
>Suddenly, the energy of the room noticeably changes. Seemingly everyone notices with their sixth sense the intentions of the one in question.
>”Artemis…” She speaks softly, yet the entire room fills with tension upon the uttering of her cold words.
>None other than Veronica Sparkle steps forth, and looks at the comparatively uninterested Artemis dead in the eyes. “I will beat you.”
>The two stare at each other for a moment and the room is silent. Even Professor Airfront seems to be watching the event with anticipation.
>Artemis blinks. “Yeah, whatever, try your best.”
>”Well, we’re not going to lose to you.” Amelia says to Veronica.
>Somehow you got roped up in some of the biggest rivalries of your generation… You didn’t ask for this. You just wanted to keep your promise to Light. How did this happen?

~

>”And just what the hell do you need to go outside for?”
“T-the weekend’s over, mother. I n-need to-”
>”And? I don’t need you getting into anymore trouble, Lainah! You-”
>”Please let us go, mom. We have to practice for our flying competition!” Rainah comes down the stairs and pleads.
>Mother’s face softens. ”I see. Very well then. Perhaps this is a good chance for you both to increase your standings.” She turns to you. “Especially you.”
>With that, mother finally lets you two out of the house.
>Of course it was once Rainah made her appeal. She always treated you two differently. Rainah gets the hugs, the praise, and the introduction to different boys. You get told to lock yourself in your room. You’re not completely sure why. Maybe it’s because Rainah has bright red hair like mother does. Maybe it’s because you’re quiet and clumsy.
>It doesn’t matter though. You’ve long since stopped caring about this. There’s only one person you need in your life…
>”Are you excited for this, sis?” Rainah balls her fists and shows just how hyper she is.
“Yeah… It could be fun…”
>Truth is you’re nervous. You’re going to have to practice and keep up with three witches from big name families. Is Rainah seriously not worried at all?
>You go your separate ways toward your separate teams.
>For you, that’s toward the interior of the settlement where the larger houses are. 
>Amelia’s house is a great big mansion. Reddish bricks, gold stones, and cherry wood make up its outside.
>You walk up to the door with the great Apple Crest, and knock on the door.
>Rumbles and muffled sounds come from the other side of the door.
>”No wait mom, I’ll get it.” You hear Amelia’s voice from behind the door.
>The door opens.
>The tall, lanky Amelia smiles at you. “Well what are you waiting for? Come in.”
>Amelia plants herself on the couch between Artemis and Cadenza and makes herself (a little too) comfortable to the other two’s dismay.
>You’re not surprised you’re the last to arrive. They all live around here.
>You opt to sit in a loveseat separate from the others.
>”So, we’re all here. Now to come up with our game plan!”
>Cadenza sticks a finger up. ”I’ve got one, we fly really fast.”
>”No dummy. I mean we can use main magic only during this race as long as it’s not a direct attack. That means we can help ourselves any other way. Or sabotage others during the race with magic.” Amelia shrugs. “I hate to say it, but even though my super strength is really cool and by far the best power ever had by anyone, it’s just not good for this type of thing.”
>Cadenza chuckles. ”Punches and kicks are technically allowed. But I guess in this scenario no one would be able to tell whether or not you’re using your magic, huh? Guess you better not take the chance.”
>”I’ll keep my hands to myself, of course.” Amelia hammers the palm of her hand with her other fist. “There are ways we can pull this off still, easily.”
>”Let me guess.” Artemis starts. “You want me to push everyone?”
>Amelia puts a finger to her chin. ”Well, yeah”
>Artemis smiles. ”But that would be a little boring, don’t you think? What if I didn’t use it? Would not that make the win all the more satisfying?”
>Amelia rolls her eyes. ”What are you, my mom?”
>”No, I am.” And of course, Amelia’s mother happens to arrive at that moment. “I brought snacks for everyone!”
>”Wow, thanks!”
>Cadenza tosses and apple slice into her mouth. “I mean, theoretically I can take anyone out of the race instantly if I get close enough to them. It would only be useful if we were neck and neck or something.”
>Amelia scratches the back of her head. “Does that count as a direct attack?”
>Artemis shakes her head. ”It doesn’t. Cadenza’s magic is a status effect. Not an attack, so it is fair game. If I tried to push everyone else off the track with wind for example, that would be a direct attack.”
>”Good! Our rank in the race will be the average of all of our places, but still I think it would be best if we all stayed together in that case.” Amelia looks to Artemis. “Especially if SOMEONE decides to cooperate.”
>Artemis shrugs.
>”Oh yeah, what’s your main magic again, Lainah?” Cadenza asks.
>You had nearly forgotten that you were actually present with other people instead of watching some show or play put on for you.
>That’s right, Lainah. You actually have to contribute somehow…
>You run your fingers through the hair that covers your left eye.
“…Magic armor. I can shield myself.”
>You know because the first time you used it was in a desperate attempt to shield yourself from your mother’s blows…
>”Then you’re like Amelia then. Magic good for a fight, but not for a race.” Cadenza comments.
>That’s the first time… Anyone ever said your magic was good for anything.
>You look down and smile softly.
>”Huh? What is it?”
“Uh, nothing.”
>Amelia stands. “That’s enough talking. There will be plenty of time for that in the afterparties. The race is this Friday. It’s time to go outside and practice!”
>And so, you four do practice. That day, and the next, and the one after.
>It’s crazy… for the first time in your life you’re excited when classes ends.
>No, not just because the work is drudgery or the schedule annoying, but because you actually had something to look forward to. Something else that made the loneliness and the quarrels with your mother bearable.
>Did you… make friends? Some other than Light?
>The sun begins to set on the gorgeous Wednesday evening as you head home.
>You walk slowly, of course. No rush to have your mother unnecessarily question you as soon as you enter through the door.
>Mentally you go over the three practice sessions you’ve had.
>You’ve actually been keeping up. Improving too. Maybe you really can win this.
>”Hey Lainah!”
>You look back.
>Rainah runs up to you and begins to walk with you. “You must be done practicing too, huh?”
“Yeah, I did. You?”
>”You know it.” Rainah flips her hair. “So, how do you think you’re gonna do?”
“I think we’ll do alright… We have our formation down. Practice has been going well. I really can’t complain.”
>Rainah continues to stare at you and smile.
“What is it?”
>”It’s just, you’ve been way happier ever since this started. More talkative too. It’s really nice to see.”
“This turned out better than I thought it would.”
>You look into the sky. And smile.
“Much better than I thought it would.”
>”Don’t go thinking you’ll beat me though. I’m going to bring everything, alright?”
>You nod at Rainah.
>”Lainah!”
>That voice!
>You turn to your left.
“Light!”
>You run to him.
>“How have you been, Lainah?”
“Good. I’ve been practicing for the race. Sorry I haven’t been around lately.”
>”It’s alright, really.”
>Rainah walks up beside you and waves. “Hi, I’m her sister—Rainah.”
>You jump a bit.
>You just now realized, this is the first time Light and Rainah have seen each other.
>”Oh hi, I’m Light. A friend of hers.”
>Rainah puts her arm around you. “Lainah, tell the truth. You have tons of friends you’re just not telling me about, huh?”
“That’s not it at all.”
>”That’s not it? Well then, is he your…” Rainah makes a show of bringing her face closer to yours. “boyfriend?”
“Uh, well…”
>Light chuckles. “No. We just talk every now and then. I’m still coming to see that race. So, keep up the practice. I didn’t go through the trouble to asking you to sign up for nothing.”
>”You convinced her to do this?” Rainah takes Light’s hand and shakes it up and down. “Thanks a lot. You’ve made my sister much happier!”
>”Yeah, don’t mention it. Anyway I should get going.”
“Uh, …bye!”
>Light leaves. And you and Rainah continue back to your house.
>You hold your breath as you enter.
>The door squeaks on its hinges… and no one’s in the living room. Usually this means mother’s not home.
>You breath a sigh of relief.
>”Mother!? Father!?” Rainah calls out.
>No response.
>”They really aren’t here.” Rainah dons a devious smile. “Let’s do something fuuuuun then.~”
“What do you mean?”
>Rainah prances over to one of the cabinets and opens the door.
>Your eyes widen. That’s where all of mother and father’s alcohol is. Does she really mean to-?
>She takes down two bottles, walks over, hands one to you, and plants her ass on the couch.
>You simply stare at her through the whole process.
>”Well what are you waiting for? Cheers?” She opens the bottle and begins to drink.
“Rainah, you have no idea how much trouble we could get into for this. Especially ME.”
>”You saw that cabinet, Lainah. Mom has tons of these. She won’t notice ONE being gone.” Rainah pats a part of the sofa next to her. “C’mon, drink with me.”
>You hesitate, then do so.
>I mean, it’s not like you feel any obligation towards mother anyway. Who cares if you take one bottle from her? As long as you dispose of the bottle thoroughly, you should be fine.
>You open your own bottle, and drink.
>After a sip, you cough a bit.
“Ugh! This is the stuff adults seem to love so much?”
>Rainah chuckles. “This is your first time drinking, huh? I was the same when Gunnel and her friends introduced me a little while ago.” Rainah takes another sip. “Just keep going, you’ll understand soon.”
>You don’t get it…, but nonetheless you continue to take a sip here and there.
>…
>”So then I finally tried on Marble’s bra, and it was waaay too tight!” Rainah exclaims.
>You burst into laughter.
“Yeah sit down, you snowboard-chested bitch!”
>”I know right? Honestly I feel a little bad because the boy she was crushing on said he like big tits.” Rainah shrugs. “Too bad for her.”
“Hell, I should’ve gotten your team. Your ‘practices’ sound like sleepovers.”
>”Yeah, but that’s only after Veronica leaves. She’s like, super serious about beating Artemis. As soon as we finish with the actual practice she goes right back home.”
“Total killjoy.”
>”Yuup.”
“Hey Rainah! Let’s do this together again after the race!”
>Rainah laughs. ”I can’t. My friends are expecting me to come see them then.”
“What’s with you? You used to want to play with me all the time, sis.”
>”That’s before you got all awkward and avoidant, Lainah.” 
>You frown.
>Rainah smiles, puts an arm around you, and brings her face (a little too) close to yours. “I’m sorry.  I promise you I’ll do it next time. Hey! You know what?”
“Huh?”
>”Join us. After the race. They’d love to have you, I’m sure!”
>You smile, and take another big drink.
“Alright, alright.”
>You flip your hair (but not the side covering your left eye!)
“I’ve got a story for you too. So, the only one on my team that’s old enough for The Academy dorms is Cadenza. So like, alcohols banned there, but-”
>”But nobody listens to that, of course.~”
“Of course! And, so apparently this one girl brought a boy in and-”
>*Thump, thump, thump*
>The sounds of footsteps. And they’re coming up to the door fast.
>Your and Rainah’s eyes widen, and then you both jump full speed over the couch and run up the stairs.
>You both take refuge in your room just as the front door opens.
>”Did you bring your bottle?” Rainah whispers.
“Yeah, I have it.”
>Your heart thumps as the two settle in, and you hope and hope that neither realize what you two were up to.
>Mother and father chatter about something related to guard duty and such. You can’t hear most of the conversation. 
>Just, as long as they don’t call out for you two.
>”Rainah! Lainah!” Mother calls out on que.
>Of course…
>Your and Rainah hide the bottles in your closet, give each other one last look, and descend to your judgement.
>You try your hardest to appear sober. But this feeling is so odd to you. You elect to simply not move as to not stumble… Shouldn’t be too different from how you usually act in front of mother, now that you think of it.
>Mother looks at you two intensely. “Just making sure you both are here… That’s all.”
>With that, you both go right back upstairs to your room, close the door, and giggle.
>…
>Classes end on Thursday, and instantly you make way for Amelia’s house.
>This is the last day for you to practice. So, you have to make the most of it. 
>As you get to your destination you knock on the door.
>… No answer. What?
>You knock again.
>Same result.
>What’s going on?
>”Lainah!”
>You turn around to see Amelia land from broom flight behind you. “Gee, you got here faster than me.” Amelia smiles a toothy smile. “Guess you must be as pumped as I am.”
>You ball your fists.
“Yeah!”
>The other two find there way to Amelia’s house eventually. 
>And now, time to get down to business.
>”Alright,” Amelia starts. “So we have one more day to-”
>”Girls.” Artemis interrupts.
>”Huh? What is it?” Amelia asks.
>”I’m deeply, deeply sorry about this. I won’t be able to participate in the race.”
>”WHAT!?” You and the other two exclaim in unison.
>”Hear me out, obviously.” Artemis massages her temples. “Look, Headmistress Sweet needs me to do something for her. It’s important.”
>”What, it can’t wait another day?” Cadenza asks. “What could possibly not wait the few hours to complete this race!?”
>”You know I can’t tell you that. I understand it’s frustrating. I worked hard for this too.”
>”If you understood, then you wouldn’t be doing this to us, Artemis.” Amelia steps toward the white haired girl. “And have you been working hard? Because it seemed to me like you half assed everything this whole time in overconfidence in your magic, Ms. Genius Lulamoon!”
>Artemis gnashes her teeth. “You’re letting your emotions get to you!”
>”That’s for good reason.”
>”Look… Please listen. This IS important. And it can’t wait. Headmistress Sweet used to talk about important things like this with my mother. And now I have to take up that job.” Artemis puts a hand over her chest. “You know doing wrong by you girls was never in my heart. And it isn’t now. And it never will be. So please, understand that I need to do this.”
>Amelia’s face finally softens. And she looks to the side. “Urgh. Whatever… Do what you have to do.”
>Artemis walks out further away from Amelia’s house and turns her wand to a broom. She looks back once. “I will make up for this, somehow.”
>”Just go, Artemis.” Amelia says.
>Artemis turns her head back forward. Then, she takes off.
>Amelia looks down at the ground, gnashes her teeth, and clenches her fists.
>Silence. All around.
>Should you say something? You don’t know what.
>Amelia mutters something under her breath.
>”… What?” Cadenza asks.
>”This doesn’t matter!” Amelia shouts. “We’re gonna race anyway. And we’re still gonna win, got it!” Amelia speaks with intensity and fire in her eyes. But it’s not the usual excitement. It’s a more angered determination.
>”I agree.” Cadenza sighs. “But we’re going to have to change out plan and practice it all in only one day. This won’t be easy.”
”There are still some things about our old formation that we can still use.”
>The other two look at you with surprise in their faces.
>You’re a little surprised too. You’re not one to usually speak up like this.
“Look, if we just…”
>…
>As best you three can you practice. You practice longer into the evening than any other day. Yet eventually, reality dawns that you need to rest up to actually perform at the big race tomorrow.
>So you, Cadenza, and Amelia go your separate ways. And night falls. And dawn blankets the Earth. The day of the race.
>There are certain factors that affect the attendance of assessments and competitions around the settlements. One of them is the age of the generation. The older the generation, the more refined the skill of the witches—thus more people to watch. Another is the number of heirs of prominent names participating. The more witches from prominent families—the more interesting the event is.
>Your generation is young. But there are many prominent names. The ladder factor certainly won out in this case, for the number of people lined up across the racing path was much more than you were anticipating.
>Your team tells the staff about your loss of one member… thankfully they allow you to race anyway.
>The crowd around the starting line is particularly anxiety inducing to you. 
>You look around and try to find Light, but it’s hopeless. There’re just way too many people to look through.
>You feel someone grab your hand.
>”We’re going to win this.” Amelia says to you and Cadenza while holding both your hands. “Alright? Every day of practice prepared us for this. Even those when we had Artemis.”
>You and Cadenza nod. “Right!”
>”Sis!”
>You turn around to see Rainah running up to you. “I’m so sorry about you losing Artemis.”
“What? Don’t be. You didn’t do anything.”
>”Good luck to you anyway, alright?” 
>You smile. “You’re the one who will really be needing the luck.”
>Gunnel, and the rest of her crew walk up. ”Bold words. Didn’t think you were the type, Lainah.”
>Amelia puts her arm around you. “Anyone would have new found confidence after going through the unstoppable routine we’ve been through.”
>”Tell it to my ass.” Gunnel retorts. “You’ll be staring at it the whole race, after all.”
>Amelia merely sticks her tongue out in response.
>”Artemis isn’t here anymore.” Veronica says. “This isn’t interesting anymore…”
“Why are… you so interested in Artemis?”
>Everyone comes to attention as you ask this. It’s something everyone has always wanted to know, yet no one has wanted to go the extra mile to ask Veronica this.
>Veronica looks to the side. “She’s my stress ball.”
>“Stress ball?” Cadenza muses.
>”Racers!” The voice rings out over the land using a wand to amplify it’s power. “To your positions. The race will begin in five minutes.”
>Everyone goes into their proper positions.
>And in what feels like seconds, five minutes pass—the legendary race begins!
*BANG!*
>The sounds of various powers erupting rings as racers try to give themselves the greatest start propulsion possible.
>Unfortunately, you and Cadenza don’t have such a power… But Amelia does.
>You and Cadenza hold onto her broom for dear life with one arm, and your own with the other as she propels the three of you up with a mighty jump of her legs.
>The crowd cheers, and adrenaline flows through you as the hype of the race subsumes you.
>It’s go time, do or die.
>You begin to fly at fast pace beside Amelia and Cadenza, remaining careful to scan the field for the magic of others.
>There’s not too many others in front of you three. Good! This is doable!
>”Your plan was to stay together, Amelia!?” Carrie flies by on her broom, making sure to mock her friend as she passes by. “Interesting choooiiiiice!~”
>”Ignore her, girls!” Amelia barks. 
>Someone flies by Cadenza. She grabs their shoulder.
>As she look back at her into her eyes, the flier’s fate is sealed.
>”Fall!” Cadenza commands.
>The flier is put into a daze and has no choice but to obey.
>”Good work, Cadenza.” Amelia compliments.
>A few more fall for Cadenza’s trap. Eventually, people learn of course. And that means no one bothers to fly near you three anymore if they can help it.
>There is advantage to this. The path is a loop, though nowhere near a perfect circle or oval, but a loop nonetheless. As long as your team flies on the inside of this loop, you have the advantage of tighter turns that no one else has if they avoid you.
>Exactly as planned. And it’s working fairly well.
>Fairly well.
>But fairly isn’t good enough for those aiming for the top!
>”I’m picking up the pace!” Amelia shouts. “We have to do this! You’ll have all the time in the world after we win to catch your breath—but only one chance to win!”
>The pace you’re flying at now is already exhausting… but you just have to ignore your feelings and do what you need to do.
>You pick up the pace. It hurts. But you can do it!
>The race continues at this high pace as you see the landscape pass you by along with the spectators below.
>”Everyone from Veronica’s team is still ahead of us.” Cadenza notes.
>Amelia wipes her brow. ”Yeah, I noticed. Let me think alright?”
>But what can you do!? You have to help somehow. But all you can do is make some magic armor to hide in! How could you possibly use your worthless magic in a race?
>If only we had Artemis’s wind magic, then we could-
>!
”Amelia, let me take front and center!”
>”Huh? What’s your plan?”
“Aerodynamics. I’ll make armor that will make the air slide right by us. I won’t be able to see at all though, so I’ll need both your help to see and steer.”
>”Alright then!” Amelia shifts to the side, and you take the center of the formation.
>Now… now you actually have to perform.
>Come on Lainah, visualize aerodynamic armor!
>You lean down on your broom, tuck in your arms, and channel your magic.
>Be useful for once, please!
>Your sight is obscured as the blue casing overtakes your body.
>A sharp helmet, smooth curves on your arms and legs, sleek exterior. Armor like a rocket that flails out and protects even your teammates from the oncoming air.
>But you can’t see… It’s nerve wracking.
>”We’re actually going faster.” Cadenza says.
>”Yes! We are! Even with the same effort as before.” Amelia shouts. “Keep it up, Lainah!”
>A lot of the rest of the race is a blur. Your only knowledge of the world outside your armor being sound. You don’t know whether you’re winning or not. You just have to trust Cadenza and Amelia.
>”No way! This is impossible!” 
>That voice! It’s Carrie. Isn’t it?
>”Suck my clit!” Amelia oh so charmingly replies.
>Not too long after, another familiar voice rings. ”Wow, you go Lainah!”
>Rainah? Have we passed her?
>The race rages on for a few more minutes, and finally the final stretch nears.
>”I think only Gunnel and Veronica are ahead of us.” Cadenza says. ”Will we make it in time?”
>Amelia grumbles, seemingly trying to make a judgement on how fast you’re going compared to them. “Shit. No. I don’t think we will.”
>”I don’t think so either… Amelia, I don’t think I can fly any faster without burning out before the end.”
>”Tsk!”
>”Being behind them both won’t be enough to earn first place as a team if Rainah and Carrie are both immediately behind us.” 
>”I KNOW!” Amelia shouts. “But still, I SAID I was going to win this!”
>”What now?”
>Amelia’s silent for a moment, presumably thinking about something.
>”The final straightaway is coming. Lainah, I’m going front and center again.”
“Alright…”
>You release your magic, and the bright sun scorches your eyes. Then, you move to the flank.
>Your formation ends the last curve and gets to the final straightaway.
>That glorious finish line. A cloth banner with the settlement’s symbols and crests so far out in the distance.
>And you see Gunnel and Veronica heading ahead of you both towards it.
>You’ve slowed down since you’ve released your magic though! Just what is Amelia thinking.
>She sits backwards on her wand such that she faces you two, and she dons a manic smile.
>”Amelia?” Cadenza muses.
>”If Artemis can use the wind to make us go faster, than so can I!” Amelia exclaims. “Both of you. Grab my broom.”
>”What?”
>”Do it!”
>You both waste no more time, and grab onto Amelia’s broom with both hands while holding on to your own brooms by squeezing them with your thighs.
>”Hold on tight now… I’ve never tried something like this before.” Amelia reels her right arm back. “More power than I’ve ever used in my life.”
“Can you really do this?”
>Amelia shouts at the top of her lungs, and she punches the air with insane and incredible force.
>The sheer force of the air pressure sends you forward at breakneck speed. Your eyes water as you blast through the air.
>The finish line closes in, and you close in on the two in front of your formation.
>Can you really do it!?
>It… It looks like you can!
>You smile. You smile almost as manically as Amelia is.
>”Hey Gunnel!” Amelia shouts. “I told you I’d win!”
>In a flash, everyone blasts past the finish line. 
>In the rush and heat of the moment, you didn’t pay attention to exactly what place you finished in. Looking around as you stop, it seems many others felt the same.
>Silence.
>You, Amelia, Cadenza, Gunnel, even Veronica look at each other in confusion after that legendary moment took place.
>Someone… someone has to have been paying close attention. Right?
>Your heart sinks in anticipation when you hear an amplified voice ring through the land.”Amelia, Lainah, and Cadenza, with an average place of 3rd—have won the race!”
>The crowd cheers as you process the situation.
“Whoa… Seriously?”
>”YEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!” Amelia throws both fists in the air as she shouts in glee. ”I’m the best racer to ever live!”
>Cadenza laughs. ”Calm down, girl.”
>Amelia brings you both in for a hug. “I love you both so much! Marry me!”
>You all land on the ground. Frankly, it feels great. You think you’ll walk everywhere for a while.
>Gunnel, Carrie, and Rainah walk up to you three.
>”I guess you guys did kinda okay.” Gunnel says with a smile.
>Carrie shrugs. ”I never doubted you for a second.”
>Amelia gives Carrie a noogie with the one arm she can move. “Which is why you were talking shit the whole time, huh?”
>”Is your right arm going to be okay, Amelia?” Cadenza asks.
>It’s limp. Can she not move it?
>”I don’t know.” Amelia says. “I don’t think I’ve ever used that much strength before. But if this is my right arm’s final blaze of glory, I’m satisfied with that kind of ending.”
>You smile at her.
>”Lainah!”
>You look over to your sister.
>”Great job! You actually won!”
“Yeah, I did!”
>You can’t believe it yourself. You actually won! In mere days, you went from a nobody with some of the worst magic of the generation to competing with the best and actually winning! 
>”Hi-ya!” Rainah playfully hits the back of your neck.
“Hrk!”
>You kneel. Defeated once again?
>Rainah pouts. ”That’s for making me worry! What if you crashed and burned flying without being able to see like that! And even with main magic suited for combat you don’t cover your weaknesses well, Lainah. What good is a barrier if it can’t protect such a sensitive spot like the back of your neck?” 
>You scratch the back of your head. 
“That’s what they were for.”
>You look to Cadenza and Amelia who are still bantering with the others. Their smiles shine like diamonds. And are more contagious than Magicopia itself.
>You laugh.
“I can’t help it. No matter how hard I try I can’t make it appear there.”
>Rainah extends an arm.
>You take it, and she pulls you up and embraces you. ”To be defeated by a witch like me who’s main magic isn’t suited for battle at all. You have to do better.”
>While standing there hugging your sister, you realize that this is the greatest moment in your life. A turning point. You can feel it. The smile across your face broadens, and your eyes begin to well just a little out of joy. 
>You didn’t even enter this to win. You just wanted to keep your promise to-
“Light!”
>You look around for the boy.
>And as if you summoned him, you lock eyes.
>You smile broadly, he smiles back.
>You take a step toward him.
>He takes a step towards you.
>You take another.
>He responds similarly.
>You ready yourself to pick up the pace.
>The announcer revs once more. “I’m sorry, but some new information has come to us.”
>The whole Earth freezes.
>”It seems Lainah’s magic hit a racer during the event. Since direct attacks were banned. The team is disqualified. Veronica, Gunnel, Carrie, and Rainah win.”
>The whole Earth does not thaw.
>No applause erupts.
>Nobody cheers, not even the winners.
>You turn around to your teammates.
>Cadenza looks shocked.
>Amelia looks hit the hardest of all. Her teeth are gnashed hard as she looks at the ground. Her fists are clenched in anger and sadness.
>Your magic caused this… This is all your fault isn’t it? Your stupid magic that you can’t even see through while you use. YOU’RE the reason your team lost.
“Girls, I’m so so-”
>”Guh!” Amelia turns and runs away before you can even get to her.
>You reach an arm out towards her, but you feel an arm on your shoulder.
>It’s Cadenza. She merely shakes her head and gives you a sympathetic look.
>You turn towards Light. He looks sad as well.
>Your frown deepens. Your stomach turns. Is this really happening? You had the world! Is it really all gone so fast? 
>You feel so damn embarrassed. The deafening silence is just disapproval. You need to get out of here. Now!
>You run away yourself. You push through the crowd. It doesn’t matter where you end up. It only matters that it’s not this place.
>…
>You take a long walk across the settlement, making sure to spend plenty of time in the sparsely populated spots.
>The events of the day run through your head over and over and over. You think about what you could have done differently, what to say to everyone when you come back, what to say to Light…
>And of course, every now and then you cover your face and cringe at your actions. You just HAD to suggest using your worthless power, huh? Your magic has never been good for anything. Why did you think it would change now? You’re such a moron.
>Eventually, you make your way back home... Just why the fuck did you come back to this place?
>It must have been subconscious. It doesn’t matter. A rest on your bed would do you a lot of good right now.
>You enter through the door and head for the stairs. 
>”Lainah,” Your mother addresses you (predictably). “I watched the race you know. You got your team disqualified.”
“I know.”
>You continue on your way to the stairs.
“I just need some time to think things-”
>”The only reason I even agreed to this was because it would make up for your performance at school, Lainah. And you went and got yourself disqualified completely!”
“I’ll make up for it. I’ve gotten a lot better since-”
>”Have you? Because your magic still lags behind everyone else’s. And you’re still here slinking up to your room at a time where other kids are socializing and enjoying their time! Are you even trying, Lainah?”
>Your eyes widen.
>Is that true? Were those days spent with your team wasted? Will you go back to the pathetic wallflower you were before? Was it all for naught!?
>No! It wasn’t. It can’t be!
“That’s not true. I’ve made friends these past few days. My magic IS stronger!”
>Your mother bangs her fist on the counter. ”Then when is it going to show in your results, Lainah!”
>You’re so sick of this cunt. There’s just too much going on to deal with her. Fuck her.
>You scowl.
“As if you even care! Take the rage of menopause out on someone else, huh!?”
>*Crack!*
>With the speed of lightning, your mother draws your wand and throws it at you.
“Gah!”
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk60F8a7-Jw
>You kneel. Your face is in pain. When you take your hand off your face you realize your nose is bleeding.
>”Upstairs.” Your mother commands. “Now.”
>Your eyes well. Then you sprint up the stairs and slam your door.
>Fuck this. Fuck this. Fuck this. Fuck this! FUCK THIS!
>You scream into your pillow.
>Then, you cry into your pillow.
>How do things always end up like this? Are you cursed? Were you evil in a past life?
>Your cries last for what feels like millennia.
>When you calm, you sit up and stare are your pillow blankly.
>Blood and tears.
>You’re so done with it all. What a joke of a day.
>”I just don’t know what I’m going to do with her, Shale. It’s like nothing I say gets to her.”
>Oh, it’s just your mother speaking downstairs. Nothing worth listening to.
>”You know the rules of the Orphanage, honey. We’re stuck with her.”
>!!!
>Your eyes widen—and you freeze. 
>”I thought I was completely infertile at the time… I was desperate. What a mistake that was. I was so happy when I got pregnant with Rainah… My one, real child.”
>Father laughs. ”Well, you haven’t actually hit menopause yet have you?”
>Mother giggles. “Are you suggesting what I think you are?~”
>You don’t bother to listen another second. You need to see Light. Now.
>You go the familiar route: through the window and down the drop.
>And as you hit the ground with force, you run through the late dusk straight to Light’s house.
>*Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock*
>You knock much more frantically than you should have, but that doesn’t matter now.
>The door opens. It’s Light’s mother.
>”Hmm? Oh, Lainah?”
“Do you know where Light is!?”
>Light’s mother picks up on your heavy breathing and realizes your urgency. “Oh yes, I believe he’s at Mrs. Spoon’s-”
“Thanks!”
>You sprint towards the settlement interior. The harder you sprint, the less of the shit of the day that can crowd your mind. You have to go!
>Golden Spoon’s house is easy to make out, what with the crowd around it.
>”Hey! Were you invited!?” Someone asks as you get to the door.
“Shut up! Do you know where someone named Light might be?”
>”Oh, I think he’s in the backya-”
>Your sprint continues around the house. 
>The four-acre backyard bordered by the woods is filled with many star gazers, drinkers, and game players—but you do not see Light.
>You desperately look through crowds of people for the boy himself of any lead.
>Eventually, you happen upon one of his friends.
“Where’s Light?”
>It takes him a moment to recognize you. ”Huh? Oh, he went down into the woods with a few others earlier.”
>You take off.
>Dodging and weaving through trees you look for any sign of human life. Anything that could be Light.
>As soon as you notice a campfire, you make a beeline for it.
>You make out Light near the fire! Along with your sister, Gunnel, Golden herself, and a few others you don’t know. You see bottles of alcohol that are emptied to various levels around this fire.
>You slow down. Probably best not to startle them. Besides, you’re getting sick of running.
>”C’mon Rainah, cut loose. You may just get a top five rating for your witch class after that race!” Gunnel says.
>”I know, I know. I just don’t want to do anything stupid… I mean, big sis wanted to win so badly.” Rainah puts her hands on her cheeks and looks sadly into the fire.
>You stop, crouch, and watch from behind a tree.
>”She’ll be alright, Rainah.” Light says. “She’s stronger than you think. Give her some time.”
>Rainah looks into Light’s eyes. ”You’re always looking out for her. I can’t thank you enough.”
>”Right.”
>You turn back behind the tree and sit. You begin to calm down. And you wipe your eyes.
>You love these two so much. As long as you have them, you can get through anything. Even this loss and your ‘mother’ being a bitch to you. It doesn’t matter if she’s not your biological sister. Still she’s your sister to you.
>You stand, breathe out, and begin to come from behind the tree.
“He-”
>!
>”Uhn… Mmm… Nnn.” 
>Light breaks the kiss.
>Rainah looks at him in a daze.
>Gunnel is the one to first notice you. ”Huh? Lainah?”
>”Sis!?” Rainah’s face turns blood red.
“I-… I have… t-to.”
>”Eh?” Gunnel muses. “What is it?”
“I… have to go to the bathroom.”
>You turn tail and RUN.
>Tears now freely flowing from your eyes. Seeing through the tears to move through the trees proves to be a challenge. As you trip on branches and hit trees over and over and over and over and over and OVER AND OVER AND IT’S JUST LIKE YOUR PATHETIC JOKE OF A LIFE!
>You can never have ANYTHING! You can never have anything at ALL!
>Every time it seems like you have ANYTHING it’s taken away from you. Do you really deserve NOTHING!?  
>Not parents, not siblings, not friends, not love, not talent.
>The deadbeats that birthed you and the nannies that pawned you off to those two bottom feeders—together they pulled the greatest practical joke in history.
>There’s nowhere for you to go now. Nowhere is safe. 
>You just need to disappear. Lock yourself in your room. Forever.
>You arrive at you backyard, draw your broom, and fly to the window.
>Wiping your eyes of the tears, you turn and close the window for good.
>Then, you turn to go to your be-
>”LAINAH!”
>Your stomach drops.
>Your ‘mother.’ She’s in your room. In her hand… the two empty bottles of alcohol you and Rainah drank days ago.
>”First you steal my drinks that you absolutely shouldn’t have at your age, then you sneak out of the house!?”
>*Bam!*
“Agh!”
>Your ‘mother’ punches you in the face and you fall on your ass.
>”What the FUCK is the matter with you!?”
>You gnash your teeth.
“You’re the matter with me!”
>Your scream is simultaneously a cry. Your emotions are absolutely out of control now. Rage, despair, frustration, wrath, hatred, bitterness—you have it all.
>You open your eyes and look up at your mother with hate in your eyes.
”I WISH YOU WERE DEAD YOU FAT SOW!”
>Your mother picks you up by your hair.
“Put me down!”
>*BAM! BAM! BAM!*
>The punches continue to come. One after another after another after another after another.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTo7E0evQWw 
>What was once glossy distortion from tears becomes redshifted dimness.
>”You should have!”
>*BAM!*
>”Rotted!”
>*BAM!*
>”In that orphanage!”
>*BAM!*
>Are you going to die? You can’t!
>*BAM!*
>You can’t! Not before something goes right.
>*BAM!*
>Not before this one’s brought to justice!
>*BAM!*
>Someone has to save you. Anyone!
>*BAM!*
>SOMEONE HAS TO SAVE YOU!
>*BAM!*
>No one’s coming to save you…
>*BAM!*
>Only YOU can save you!
>*BAM!*
>…
>*CLANK!*
>”Ouch, what the hell!?”
>Your face becomes coated with the hard blue helmet of your main magic. And you can SEE!
>”What did I tell you about using magic against me!?”
>Armor coats the rest of your body and you grab her wrist tightly.
>”Argh!”
“I don’t have to listen to you! You’re not my mother! I WANT YOU DEAD!”
>”You little shit!” Your mother draws her wand.
>*SPLAT!*
>Your armor grows spikes all over. ‘Mother’ is impaled… in several places. 
>The room goes silent. Save the blood dripping to the wood on the floor.
>“oooooaaaaAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!” ‘Mother’s’ death wails sound like something from hell.
>You retract your magic and she falls on the ground.
>In the last of her strength she stares hate daggers at you.
>You return them.
>Slowly, her eyes close.
>*Thump, thump, thump.*
>Your ‘father’ runs up the stairs and stares wide-eyed at the scene.
>Your ‘mother’ rotting on the floor. You covered in your and her blood.
>Father scrambles and attempts to run away.
>You summon a sword out of your magic and throw it at his neck.
>He falls.
>You sit down, and look at the floor…
>Nothing crosses your mind at all.
>What should? It’s all over now, anyway.
>Nothing should cross a mind that’s finished it’s job…
>*Creeeeaaak!*
>”Lainah!?” 
>Your eyes widen.
>No!
“NO Rainah! Stay downstairs! Please!”
>But as you enter the hallway and look down the stairs. She’s already looking up. And she can already see her dead father.
>”Lainah… What is this?” Rainah asks with wide eyes that ever so slowly well up.
>You have no response.
>Rainah slowly walks up the stairs. Those wide blue eyes stare at you with JUDGEMENT. That red hair burns like the flames of hell. Every step feels like a judge’s hammer. “This is all a joke. This is some funny game, right?”
>You don’t know what to say. There’s nothing for you to say for yourself.
>Rainah gets to the top of the stairs, and looks at her dead mother.
>Silence.
>What should… happen at a time like this?
>”AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!” Rainah screams, then turns tail to run.
>You grab her by the shirt and prevent her from going.
“Wait!”
>”Get off me, you freak!” Rainah struggles as hard as she can to be free from your grip. 
“Please listen! I had no choice!”
>”GET OFF ME! LET ME GO!”
“Please! Sis!”
>”YOU’RE NOT MY SISTER, LET ME GO!”
>You’re not my sister…
>You know,
“You’re right! You’re not!”
>You smile manically.
“I was adopted, did you know that!?”
>”LET ME GOO! LAINAH!”
>You grab her by the wrist tightly.
“The only obligation people have is to family in this world, right!?”
>You laugh!
“So I didn’t really do anything wrong!? Isn’t that right?”
>”LET ME-”
>*Splat*
>With another sword of magic, you stab Rainah through her chest with your left hand.
>She falls.
>You kneel next to her, and you cry.
>…
>The door opens once more, you don’t react.
>”Just what the hell happened here?” Some guard witch says from downstairs.
>“Be careful, captain.”
>”What are your orders, Dean Sparkle?”
>”I’ll lead. You two, in the back—search the perimeter. I’m going upstairs. Captain, come with me.”
>”Rodger.”
>And so, Sharon went upstairs and saw that legendary scene. 
>First, she reacted with wide eyes. Her habitual acting showed through.
>Then, a wide smile. Her true nature showed through.
>She kneels next to you. Her face far too close for comfort. “Girl, would you like to be locked up forever for this? Never to see the light of day again. A fate worse than Sisyphus himself?”
“No.”
>With no emotion. You answer.
>Her smile widens. ”Would you like me to pardon you for this? And allow you to walk free on the surface, and continue to be like a child at play?”
“Yes.”
>With no emotion. You answer.
>”In exchange, you’ll do everything I say without question. Any time. Anywhere. From this day forward you are mine. Do you still agree to the deal.”
>With no emotion… You answer.
“Yes.”
>Sharon strokes your bloody hair, then stands up. “Then Captain, all your men are to stand down and never speak a word of the true events here.”
>”Dean? Are you sure?”
>”What happened here was a murder suicide by this one.” Sharon points at your dead ‘mother.’ “And the only one she just couldn’t bring herself to kill was her one dear daughter here.”
>”But-”
>Sharon gives the guard captain a stern look. ”Don’t disobey me.”
>The captain hesitates for a second, then walks down stairs to stop the rest of them.
>Sharon leans over your shoulder once more.  “You truly are-”

~ Present ~

>”-just like me.~” Sharon speaks from over your shoulder. Her bear breasts pressed into your back. She reaches an arm around you and caresses your chest.
>You kneel on the ground and continue to cry. And your hair once again falls over your left eye—as it was all that time ago.
>You feel in your heart that you are worthless garbage. Not worth the dirt you walk on.
>I hate you ‘mother!’ You made me feel like this. And you turned me into this. I will never forgive you.
>I hate you Rainah! Why did you take Light away from me!? Why didn’t you get there earlier!? You were the only one that could have stopped ‘mother,’ but you didn’t. 
>I hate you, SUNSET! For reminding me of them. For having that disgusting red hair. For being accepted into this place as a nobody when you couldn’t be. You are my stress ball. Killing you is my last mission in life. Your death is all that can give me peace now! 
>How appropriate it is, that your left hand is a stump! It caused you to sin against your sister! It got cut off!
>These memories you tried so hard to forget. You were fooling yourself. In your foolish attempt to block your memories you even blocked your mastery of your magic until recently.
>The sheer audacity you had to think you could try and live a normal life after that. Sharon, for the longest time, never did cash in on her ownership of you. You though you could ignore your past. You were wrong.
>You never did reignite your relationship with Amelia or Cadenza. They outgrew you. To them it was just some dumb race among children. Of course, they got over it. For you, it was the end of any chance you could ever have at happiness.
>Light never got near you again after the incident.  He never knew the truth, but his intuition was just too good. Your aura was corrupted forever and he could feel it.
>Sharon lowers her lids as you and smiles. “You said I haven’t changed from that day, and you’re right. You haven’t either. How lucky you are, that all the guards were loyal to me and the intelligence on that day. Don’t cry, darling… Is it not so right that I took you in when no one else would ever think too? I raised you to be like me just like a mother would.” 
>Sharon plays with your nipple between her pointer and ring fingers, then licks the back of your neck with that snake-like long tongue. “Isn’t that the right thing to do, darling?~”
>It’s in this moment that you realize that you are naked, just like Sharon is.
>Great shame, embarrassment, and guilt bears down upon you.
>How appropriate it is—you are dust. To the dust you will return.

~

>Light rain falls from those overcast skies as you walk briskly toward your destination at the edge of the settlement.
>A remote little barn. A quaint, unremarkable barn. The place that holds your treasures.
>Both out of urgency to get out of the rain and to see your treasures you hurry to the door.
>*Knock, knock.*
>The door cracks, then it opens fully.
>”Dr. Cream, hello.”
“Hello Lindsey, hello Todd.”
>And the two were a quaint couple to match. 
>They gesture for you to enter and you do so.
“Have things been alright? I hate that I had to burden you ever more…”
>”It’s alright, really. Things are going well.” Lindsey says.
>The couple’s children scramble about to see what the commotion at the front door is. They look at you with various levels of curiosity through those large, young eyes of theirs.
>You all look back at them, but the ‘odd one out’ is missing.
>”Kids, where is she?” Todd asks.
>”You mean Bea?” One of the kids responds. “In our room… She ALWAYS is.”
>The two adults give their children a worried look, then move towards the stairs up to the aforementioned room.
>You follow behind. Up the stairs you make it to the room.
>The sweet child is on one of the many kid beds in the room. Face buried in the pillow.
>She still hasn’t gotten over it. Poor girl.
>You can’t help but frown along with Lindsey and Todd.
>You approach her.
“Bea, Bea.”
>She looks up. Dead stare. Dead eyes.
>Your heart breaks. This is not something the daughter of a Headmistress should be reduced to. This is not something a descendant of a great witch should be reduced to. 
>”I’m here.” You put on the best sympathetic smile you can muster. “How are things?”
>The girl doesn’t bother to look you in the eye and instead opts for the floor. ”Good I guess.”
>You don’t even know what to say to that. You’ve tried all of the typical phrases and comforts. You’re sure her adoptive parents here have too.
>Nothing can change the fact that her mother is gone.
>You sit next to her on that bed.
“You know we would do anything for you, right?”
>”Yeah, I know.”
>”Bea,” Lindsey walks to the girl and kneels as to make her face level with the girl’s. “The other children would love to have you. You don’t have to be in here all the time.”
>Bea looks into her eyes for a moment, then quickly returns to the floor. “Yeah… I know.”
>You three leave the girl to her devices, and make the trek down into the depths of the basement.
>”I’ve followed your instructions to a T, so I think she’s doing good.” Todd says. “Of course I’m no expert.”
“That’s quite alright. I’m sure you’ve done good.”
>As you get to the foot of the staircase, you see the girl. Surrounded by all the potions, food, and water you suggested they keep for her.
>As she has been for a very long time now—she sleeps.
>You trot over to her and inspect her.
>Her breath gently rises and falls. You feel her heart steadily beat as you run your hand over her chest.
“Oh Artemis, I wonder how much differently things would have gone if you had never started this nap.”
>You turn to the two behind you.
“We’ve asked so much of you. Thanks for keeping her safe. And Bea too.”
>”After what happened to both her parents…” Todd begins. “It’s the least we can do.”
>Lindsey frowns. ”If she had been taken like her father was… I just couldn’t bare to think about such a thing. I don’t know what I’d do.”
>”Well time to solve that mystery then, shall we!~”
>!!
>That voice!
>In a dark purple flash, the one you dread the most appears.
>The empress of darkness herself strokes the angel of light’s cheek. She wears nothing but a black bra and panties to go with her cape. Her mere presence is atrocious. The revolting arrival of Sharon Sparkle. “To think you’d try to keep this precious one away from me. I was always going to take good care of her, you know.”
>”How did you find this place!?” Todd asks.
>”Did you really think you were ever that secretive in the first place.” Sharon does not even bother to take her eyes off Artemis.
>You sigh.
“I’m only going to ask you this once, young lady. Step away from Artemis.”
>Now she looks at you. Her smile widens. “Now, now, Dr. Cream. You may actually be older than me in every sense. But. I’m. Still. Your. Empress!”
>It all happens in perhaps half a second.
>Sharon moves in on you in a dark jet of pure speed.
>Just as fast, you take out the charm—your ace in the hole!
>*CLANG!*

>You are Dean Crystal.
>And considering your surroundings, you, along with Professor Gardener, must have been summoned by the doctor’s charm.
>In an excellent show of reflexes, the two of you clash with Sharon’s magic attack with your wands.
”Real nice to see you again,… Sharon.”
>”This isn’t proper protocol for dealing with a headmistress you don’t like, Spark!” Sharon responds.
>The clash breaks and the room shakes.
>The commotion alerts the children upstairs.
>”Kids! Don’t come down!” Lindsey and Todd go upstairs to tend to them.
>You smile.
“Addressing me by my first name? Guess I’m officially fired today.”
>Sharon giggles. “Good job, doctor. You stopped me here.” She then stands up straight, frowns, and gives you a fierce look. “… Now how will you protect the other one.”
>Your eyes widen.
>”YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
>”Bea!” Dr. Cream yells for the shrieking girl.
>”I’m going!” Professor Gardener turns on a dime and sprints towards the staircase.
>Sharon extends her arm and puts everyone in the room under the influence of her magic. ”NO YOU DON’T!”
>Shit. What’s happening!?
>Looking around frantically you find that you’re outside now.
>Professor Gardener is next to you also trying to orient herself.
>Sharon is in front of you now holding the sleeping Artemis over her shoulder.
>You scowl at her.
>Sharon responds with a-
>*Snap!*
>-of her fingers. At that, Galaxy appears next to her—with the distraught Bea Sweet in her arms.
>”Mission success, Empress.” Galaxy says, with a smug smile matching her master’s. “Now everything—even your old enemies’ legacies, belong to you.”
>Sharon looks into the air. “As everything should.”
>Your scowl deepens. You clench your fists and shut your eyes.
“When will you stop! Is it not enough that you have lied, cheated, stolen, manipulated, and threatened to get your power!? Is it not enough that you’ve disgraced and made a fool of me!? Were you not satisfied when my friend died, and you took near everything from her? The only thing we could salvage was her daughter and her family friend, that’s it—why did you need to pollute that too!?”
>You don’t care how immature and childish your rant seems. This… THING in front of you is an abomination that deserves all of your rage. You hate her.
>Sharon’s smile drops. ”Because she was my enemy. And you, like her, and everyone who stands in my way will be completely and totally crushed. This is MY world. I’m the Empress. You just happen to be living in it.” Sharon gets into stance and reels her free arm back. “If you don’t like it then your one and only choice is obvious, isn’t it?”
>You gnash your teeth and get into stance. Spicy, are you watching me from up there? What have all your conflicts up till now been if not to prepare for this one? If She is not stopped here, then it is all for naught. Nothing else matters. You don’t care what you have to give up!
>”Spark…”
>You look over to Professor Gar-, no the titles matter no more. You look over to Isabel as she addresses you.
>She finally looks up and reveals her face—a smile. “Don’t worry at all. I will get them back.”
“Wha?”
>At the drop of a hat, Isabel charges at Sharon.
>Sharon begins laughing maniacally. “Do you really think you can put a scratch on me, whelp!” The empress begins to move her free arm forth in response.
>Before they meet, all flashes white!
>…
>You and Isabel are now behind Sharon and Galaxy.
>Isabel is now holding Artemis and Bea.
>Sharon now holds only air up in her left arm as she stands frozen in her pose as she processes the situation. Slowly, she turns around with a fierce glare along with Galaxy.
>”I never said I’d put a scratch on you.” Isabel states. “I won’t allow you to take these two.”
>That was Isabel’s power—reflection! She could use teleportation because Sharon had just used it on her!
>”Annoying flies.” Galaxy remarks.
>Bea buries her face into Isabel. ”Mrs. Gardener!”
>She wraps her arm around the girl tightly. “I’ve got you.”
“Isabel, don’t take your eyes off them!”
>”Yeah, don’t take your eyes off me.” Sharon reels back with fury in her eyes.
“NO YOU DON’T!”
>You lock hands with Sharon as you both impact each other.
>Galaxy closes in on Isabel and she is put on the defensive as she dodges her slew of attacks.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H541uLTNa04
>”I see you’re really looking to die today, Spark.” Sharon’s hands begin to glow dark purple as she charges her magic. “And you’ll get to do it as you watch me take those children!”
>You break the clash and jump aside from the empress as she releases a ton of magic from her hands that scar the ground.
>With a spin of your wand, you summon your thin sword and lunge at Sharon with it.
>She extends her arm out to counter you before you even manage to get to her.
>You respond with a fast spin jump. With your sword extended it swings innumerable times at Sharon.
>She effortlessly blocks every one with the magic in her hand.
>When you land on her other side you throw a punch with your left arm.
>She catches it.
>With the speed of a jaguar you strike with your right leg.
>Another catch.
>You stab your sword toward her wretched face.
>It’s caught in dark purple resistance before it reaches her.
>”A little more speed and strength. Pretty pathetic main magic, Spark!” Sharon repels you with her magic and you’re sent flying.
>You slide across the ground when you finally get your footing.
>You see Isabel struggling to ward off Galaxy with her arms occupied.
>Sharon stands between you and them with her signature shit-eating grin. 
“Tsk!”
>You draw your wand with your left hand, and along with your sword in your right you charge at Sharon.
>Save Isabel and defeat Sharon. You can do both! You have to!
>With a spin of your wand a sword appears behind your adversary that perfectly mirrors the movements of the sword in your right hand.
>As you charge, the opposing sword charges.
>Sharon covers her hands with blades of her magic, and crosses with both your swords as they attack.
>You move around her with several strikes and spin jumps as before—all mirrored with the opposing blade.
>The dark empress continues to defend against all of them. The sound and flashes of your clashes reverberate through the land. The two from the house, along with their children, watch with the door cracked in horror.
>“You’re starting to slow down!” Sharon mocks. “At this rate all three of them will bite the bullet! How weak you are compared to Spicy!”
“Shut up, slut!”
>With a spin of your wand you summon a ring of fire around her. And quickly you move to close it around her.
>Sharon takes control of your attack with her own magic, and sends the flames at you.
“Huh!?”
>The fire reaches you. As the panic and pain of the situation gets to you, you jump back and dispel the flames with your wand.
>Your mirrored blade disappears, and your breathing is hard.
>”You’re failing your friends!”
>You gnash your teeth.
>”Spark!” Isabel lands next to you, still carrying Artemis and Bea. One asleep. The other with eyes closed tight and her face buried in her carrier’s neck. 
“You’re okay.”
>You look over and see Galaxy getting up off the ground with a deep scowl. “Why you!”
>”Of course I am. Don’t worry so much about me.” Isabel responds. “Listen, pay no heed to her words.  You are my and Spicy’s partner for a reason. You’re stronger than you think!”
>You’re stronger than you think…
>Spicy told that to you once.
>You stop kneeling and back onto your feet.
“Alright, let’s do this. Just like old times, right?”
>Isabel smiles at you. ”Only one thing can defeat her. You remember how to do it?”
“Of course.”
>”You’re losing your edge, Galaxy.” Sharon comments. “You’re not going to lose to these lessers, are you?”
>Galaxy takes on a shocked appearance, which then turns into a furious expression directed at you and Isabel. “They’re nothing! I’ll crush them. I promise.”
>Isabel lowers Bea and Artemis—placing them safely on the ground.
>”There’s no chance in hell you can take care of them like that.” Galaxy comments. “Are you mocking us!?”
>”Sharon, Galaxy—you’ll never be able to get past us.” Isabel says. “You have far too many weaknesses. I won’t let you lay a finger on any of these three any more.”
>”Oh?” Sharon narrows her eyes. “How about you tell me about these ‘weaknesses’ I have?” 
>”No matter how many rocks you’ve sucked up or what your magic is, you can never defeat us. Your weaknesses are your masters! And you two have many.”
>You draw your sword. As it come in contact with your wand, they fuse together. The yellow orb of your wand becomes embedded in the swords hilt. And now, you wait.
>”AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Sharon’s manic laugh reverberates through the air like invisible cancer. Even the birds are disturbed in its wake. “Me? Masters? Perhaps those eyes of yours are beginning to fail, semen-hair. I am the sole empress of this land and now many others—yet more to come. I do not have any master. My satisfaction is THE ends of this empire.” Sharon points at Isabel. “That includes you. I want you dead so-”
>”That’s a lie, you do have masters!” Isabel’s outburst surprises even you. “Both of you move and act only on your whims—your base urges. Like children that can’t keep their hands out of a cookie jar. These vices control you, Sharon. And you have more of them then there are blades of grass on this Earth. So you have more masters than there are blades of grass on this Earth. I’ve seen nominal slaves that are more free than you two. Controlling you is easy. Manipulate the masters to manipulate you.”
>”Was that lecture just to hype yourself up, soon-dead!?” Sharon puts her arm forth towards Isabel and shoots a volley of magic blasts. 
>Quickly, Isabel extends her hand out toward you. “Spark!”
“Right!”
>You slap her hand, and she reflects your main magic.
>In her increased speed and strength, the runs forward and draws her wand.
>With a wave, star shaped white magic move towards Sharon’s blasts and deflect them towards the sky where they explode.
>With a flick of her finger, Sharon rapidly raises the ground below Isabel sending her in the air.
>”You’ll pay for making a fool of me!” Galaxy points all fingers at your partner and shoots purple lasers from them.
>Isabel propels herself away from the attacks and back onto the raised ground with explosions of her wand.
>As she slides down the cliff the two shoot ever more blasts at her.
>Isabel points her wand at them and releases a large air vortex.
>Blasts caught in the vortex are repelled back toward them.
>”Tsk!” Sharon raises her hand to the air, and creates a barrier before the blasts impact.
>As they do, the two powers clash.
>”Always you try to use others’ powers against them…” Sharon says. “Do you really think I’m stupid enough to fall for such cheap shit!”
>*Boom!*
>The barrier expands rapidly all around the two and repels all.
>The raised ground from earlier crumbles back to its former position.
>You can feel the pressure from here, and you vision is obscured. What happened to Isabel? 
“Isabel!? Hey!”
>It takes ages for the magic and dust to disperse… in front of you are only Sharon and Galaxy.
>… You remember something.
>And with its bright flash—your attack completes its charge.
>Yellow magic bursts to life around your sword, and swirls in the shape of a bright drill. You point it at the stars as its power lights the deepening dusk.
”This is it! You lose!”
>”No one’s forgotten about you, Spark!” Galaxy shouts. “Do you really think anyone would be dumb enough to get hit by that!?”
>You smile.
“Yes, I do.”
>Sharon responds with a smile of her own. Then, she motions with her hand for you to come at her.
>In an instant you begin your sprint while the drill rages over your right arm.
>Sharon raises spikes made of earth out of the ground to obstruct you, Galaxy shoots lasers.
>You’re faster than them, you can do this if your reflexes are fine.
>The landscape takes on the character of a hostile alien planet as they continue their onslaught.
>As a large spike comes out of the ground you barely miss its tip, and run across its side as to retain your unstoppable momentum.
>Galaxy’s shoots lasers out of her finger tips causing you to jump to the ground and side step the attacks.
>Galaxy lobs a large ball of magic in the air that bursts like a firework, and sends five smaller blasts that home in on your position.
>Side stepping would be for naught. You jump up between them and they scar the ground. 
>Sharon puts her hands on the ground, and raises an enormous rectangular portion of the Earth that hits you high into the sky.
“Augh!”
>It hits your back. However, despite the pain your drill still holds its power!
>Sharon points her palm to the sky at you. “Goodnight!”
>Now would be a really good time for-!
>Isabel bursts out of the ground where she was hidden with high speed towards Sharon.
>With extreme reflex, Sharon points her palm down at her. “Did you think I had forgotten about you!?”
>”No!” With a spin of her wand, Isabel performs the spell that will save you both. A spell to switch positions with you.
>Now Isabel is in the air.
>And you have high speed towards Sharon, and with ferocity you thrust your drill of magic at her.
“Now DROP DEAD!”
>*SPLAT!*
>…
>For the first time since her transformation, you see shock on Sharon’s face.
“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
>”Empress!” Galaxy shouts.
>Blood pools on the ground from the hole in Sharon’s stomach that your arm is now in.
>You look up to Sharon’s face to see also the blood from her mouth.
>Her eyes are wide. And she’s trembling.
>Galaxy’s too shocked to move or speak. Honestly, so are you.
>*Thump*
>Isabel lands and turns toward you two. “Sharon, I told you that you wouldn’t get past us. It’s over.”
>A few people who live ‘near’ the location have come to watch the scene. They look on in shock at the sight of the new empress already reduced to such a state. Todd and Lindsey have long since retreated inside to protect their children as best they can. Bea buries her face in the ever-sleeping Artemis.
>”What the? Is this really?” Galaxy takes a step back as she continues to process the situation.
>”You should have quit while you were still ahead.” Isabel says. “But you overextended yourself. Bea and Artemis will never be yours. And now your reign as ‘Empress’ will be shorter than that of any other Headmistress. It was painful knowing you, Sharon. Goodbye.”
>“AHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAA!”
>You’re utterly shocked at what you first thought was another scream of pain, then revealed to be a completely psychotic laugh.
>Isabel simply raises an eyebrow at Sharon.
>Eventually, the other-worldly screech stops, and you’re met with the angriest face you’ve ever seen Sharon makes. She stares daggers of hatred down on you, and you forget you’re the one that just pierced her.
“Because neither of you know the true power of the crystals! Nothing you say matters! I WON’T LOSE  TO A COUPLE OF LOWLIVES!”
>Sharon grips your right arm hard. You drop your sword behind her, and she drags your arm out of her.
“The hell!?”
>*Boom!*
>A giant silhouette of pure magic erupts and encases around you and Sharon as she grips your arm.
>Isabel jumps back. “What? What is that? Midnight… Sparkle?”
>You ball your left fist to punch Sharon, but she catches it with her free arm.
>*SLURRRRRP! GLUCKK!*
>An absolutely unnatural sound hits your ears—like large slugs in a pit. Looking down, you see that Sharon’s large wound is now healing and sealing at a rapid pace.
>Your eyes widen, your stomach sinks. You begin to panic. What the fuck is this?
“Wha..?” 
>“You didn’t really think a puny attack like that would kill me, right!?” The previously dark purple silhouette shrieks and starts to turn red. “How lucky am I!? Not only do I get Artemis and Spicy’s daughter, but I get to see her lapdog get shredded too!”
>You feel incredible pressure at every part of your body.
>Sharon now smiles that fanged smile again. Blood and saliva dripping from her mouth.
>In this moment you understand that Sharon is not a human. She is a demon. As if the fangs, the long, lizard-like tongue, and those unnatural black and purple eyes didn’t give it away. The crystals only brought out her true essence—the daughter of malice, hatred, and lies. She clawed her way from the depths of hell in order to torment you and enact her rage on the whole Earth. 
“Let me go, you freak!”
>You scream as you try to escape Sharon’s grip in vain. The pressure builds to the point where standing becomes a chore. Even your breathing becomes labored.
>The previously dark purple silhouette is now blood red.
>”Good. NIGHT!” Sharon shouts.
>You close your eyes tight and grit your teeth for whatever’s coming.
“Go to hell!”
>”Spark!” Isabel yells.
>While your eyes are closed… the pressure ceases in an instant.
>Confused, you open your eyes.
>Then, your stomach drops.
>You are a few meters away from Sharon and the Midnight silhouette. Isabel—is now trapped inside.
>… She used the same swapping spell as before. Why!?
>The silhouette shrieks and Isabel begins to disintegrate inside.
“Isabel! No!”
>You panic, but you don’t know what to do.
>Before you eyes your lifelong friend turns to dust. Sharon then disperses Midnight. ”Not the one I was expecting to die, but it’ll do. Her lecture did piss me off anyway.”  
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8HsFxAdJYM
>”Empress!” Galaxy runs to Sharon and embraces her. “Don’t scare me like that.”
>Sharon rubs the top of Galaxy’s head. “Please girl. I would never die. Especially not to an attack that weak.”
>Sharon looks at you.
>Several emotions hit you at once. Rage. Fear. Despair. Frustration. Shock. Disgust. Confusion. The clash of them all has you frozen in place. 
>Sharon giggles. ”Are you just going to stand there? Spark, this is supposed to be the part where you attack me in rage.”
>You drop to your knees, and look at the ground.
>”That’s it huh? Well, I can’t blame you.” Sharon turns around, and picks up your sword. “Tell Spicy she has good taste in men.~” The dark empress raises the sword to throw it at you.
>”Mrs. Crystal! Please! Don’t give up!” 
>The sword starts its flight.
>When Bea’s words reach you, you’re snapped back into reality.
>You stand and catch your sword and point it back at your adversaries.
>After your last attack, the pressure of Sharon’s magic, and the death of Isabel—you’re tired. Your legs are weak and shaky. You won’t be able to use much more magic. Mentally, you’re slipping too…
>”Ah, a little more fight left in you, huh? But there’s not much you can do is there? I can tell you don’t have much power left. Your only backup’s dead, and you still have two to fight.”
>The last of your magic surges all at once, and your sword lights as a large orange drill. 
>”This again? …Hmph.” Sharon raises her hand to the air and produces magic of her own in her hand. As she points her palm at you it takes the form of a black and purple drill. Black lightning scorches the earth as it spins. “So that I can embarrass you further, I’ll use the same type of attack you do.”
>Tears you did not even notice drip off your face and onto the grass below.
>Isabel was your and Spicy’s best friend. The most level-headed of you three too. She dedicated her life to Spicy Sweet’s vision of the settlement by teaching young witches the way the three of us were raised. Everyone appreciated the job she did no matter what sect they considered themselves a part of. Isabel had a husband too. How’s he going to take this?
>You rev your arm back and your drill spins and glows more brilliantly.
>Isabel, you didn’t deserve this. Why did you sacrifice yourself for someone who is a kid inside and looks like one outside too. Whatever you’d do in this situation, I’m sure it’s smarter than whatever I can come up with.
>”You’ve been a thorn in my side for years, Spark!” Sharon reels her arm back as her attack roars. “You have no idea how satisfying this is going to be for me!”
>Spicy Sweet. Even though I was a no name witch that was even younger and more foolish than you, you still decided to raise me up. Though you were so upbeat and unpredictable, there was a method to your madness—even your detractors could see that.
>You dash forward.
>Sharon mirrors your move. “HOW HAVE YOU ALWAYS PICTURE YOUR DEATH, SPARK! DID YOU THINK IT WOULD BE LIKE THIS!?”
>Did you realize that my erratic temperament was a poor attempt at emulating you, Spicy? There was never a method to my madness. I just did whatever came to me—it always showed.
>You’re absolutely the last deserving to be the last left of us three, Spicy, Isabel. 
>*BOOM!*
>The sky seems to light up despite the encroaching dusk due to the sheer power of the clash. And… It only continues to get brighter.
>”I already feel you weakening.” Sharon mocks.
>Your muscles all over, but especially in your right arm, feel like jello. You’re in great pain. Your strength is failing. And yet-
“Isabel’s death will NOT be for nothing! You won’t win this!”
>”Empty words for such a weakling!”
>*CRASH!*
>You’re blown back hard and far by the breaking of the clash. The magic released makes it near impossible to see.
>…
>Eventually the magic disperses. Sharon and Galaxy still stand.
>”Empress!” Galaxy exclaims. “Artemis and Bea! I don’t see them anymore.”
>Sharon scowls deeply. ”Shit! Sneaky cunt must have took them and ran off under the cover.”
>Quite the crowd has formed due to the commotion of the battle. Just about all non-witches due to this being the far outer edge of the settlement.
>Sharon gives the crowd a fierce look.
>The crowd shrinks in response.
>Then, her expression softens, and she looks at Galaxy. “No matter. There’s only so far they can run. The coasts are only so far away.”
>”We WILL take the whole continent, after all.” Galaxy says.
>”Of course.” Sharon walks into the crowd and Galaxy follows.
>The crowd makes way without even the need to be asked…
>”You’re tense. Would you like another man, Empress?”
“…Yes. Oh!~ Make sure he’s blond.”
>…
>Water runs over your face as you fly as fast as you can away from North Canterlot as you can muster. But that water isn’t rain…
>You tried to look strong in front of Bea, but you failed. She’s crying too. You hold Artemis in your arms in front of you as you fly on your broom.
>Where do you go? What do you do?
>Everyone’s gone. Your friends. Your Headmistress. All the students you really liked. You’ve got nothing.
>Bea makes the cutest snort in the middle of her cry… Have to look for whatever positives you can find.
>She doesn’t deserve this. You don’t deserve to be in charge of Spicy’s daughter. She’s too precious for that. 
>Bitter Sweet. Did you know this would happen somehow when you named her that, Spicy?
>A thought hits you as you watch the innumerable trees pass by underway.
>There are only two people you can reasonably track down that you can trust.
>Only two that have overcome despite insurmountable odds before.
>You have to find them. Your last two allies—Sunset and Veronica.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>The gravity of the situation begins to weigh on your mind.
>If you waste too much time here, you’ll be caught by the rouges.
>But this one’s trouble. Can you win in time???
>The wind blows through the blades of grass and the rotting cars sitting atop the parking lot of the dead shopping center of an arena…
>You are Cadenza Dazzle.
>Your opponent motions her hands up, and sprouts lava fountains from the ground.
>You jump up as high as you can over the land to avoid her attacks.
>The sensations of the G-forces upon you as you move through the air make your heart flutter.
>The ground is completely inhospitable to you while fighting her. This entire fight you’ve been on the defensive.
>You’re sick of this! You’re going to end this in one move!
>You draw Sunset’s demon wing wand and light it.
>Then you point it at her and spray several magic bullets.
>She dodges them with ease, pointing at you two columns of lava erupt from the ground and home in on your position.
>They’re converging on you, your opening is getting smaller and you’re falling into a fiery death at this rate…
>Your heart races and you realize you have to be fast!
>With a spin of the wand the magic bullets that hit the ground around her rise from the ground like spears.
>Then you cast a magnetizing spell on your enemy.
>Being surrounded by the spears, she could not avoid the attack.
>Accelerating MUCH faster now under the influence of the spell you fall in between the lava columns and close in on her.
>*THUD!*
>You tackle her with force enough to shake the Earth just as the lava above collides.
>The spectacle alerts birds and other surrounding wildlife to shuffle and flee.
>Your feeble opponent, with the last of her strength, makes the grave mistake of opening her eyes and meeting yours.
>Under the influence of your hypnotizing pink eyes… your enemies’ resistance is no more.
>You catch your breath. Then, you look into the air. Clouds dot the sky, but it’s not utterly overcast.
>The sun will begin to set soon. You have to continue. It was a miracle you got out of the haven of rouge witches in the first place. If you’re sent back in... you probably won’t survive a second time.
>You look down at your torn clothes. You were stripped of your robe, obviously. How long has it been, since you were at the castle with the others? You hardly remember anymore.
>You just need to keep trudging north. Eventually you’ll hit civilization. The nearest decent place is called the Kressen Empire. Will they let you in? Or will they think you’re a rouge that only wants trouble?
>Time will tell. You continue to trudge north. A slow walk. You’re too weak to use a broom now… If only any of these cars still worked.

~

>You four walk through the small town.
>Old buildings are being revamped. New ones are being constructed. Horse led wagons haul supplies over the land.
>Witch and non-witch alike seem to join in the productivities. This looks like…
>”This must be a new settlement!” Celesita exclaims. “How exciting. I’ve never seen the beginning stages like this before.”
>”Yeah, but where the hell did these guys come from?” Marble looks to you. “You heard of this place, Gunnel.”
“No. Why would I know?”
>Marble puts her hands behind her head and closes her eyes. “Juuuust checkin’.”
>Celestia puts an arm around Golden Spoon and invades the poor girl’s personal space. ”Your the one with the good senses. Hear anything?”
>”…Nothing of note…” Golden speaks incredibly softly. As usual. “We need to get to a place with information.”
>A place with information?
>You look around. Where would Golden’s power shine?
>A shop? No. A construction site? Certainly not. One of the government buildings? Too slow. A bar…
“Look, over there.”
>You point to a shack in the distance with a few people going in and out looking just slightly more disoriented than everyone else.
>Entering the bar, it looks just as rudimentary on the inside as out. Everything made of wood save the brewery and glasses in the back. It’s not exactly crowded, but it’s just dense enough such that it will do.
>You all get looks across the place for being in North Canterlot wear… you’ll need to wait for the suspicion to die down.
>You four walk to the bartender.
>”Fancy looking robes.” The woman comments. “But you’re pretty far from home, right?”
>You four take seats.
“We’re looking for two people. In robes like ours. One with blue hair. The other a little taller and with red and blonde hair. You seen them?”
>The woman puts a finger to her chin. ”Sorry, can’t say I have. Certainly not wearing the same thing you are.”
“I see…”
>You four order drinks. After the slight commotion of your entry dies down, it’s time to get to business.
>You turn to Golden.
”Alright, it’s go time.”
>”As you wish.” Golden turns around in her stool. Her blue eyes light and she scans the premises.
>Her pupils bounce around the room rapidly.
>“Get anything?” Celestia asks while balling her fists like an excited child. ”Did ya? Did ya?”
>”These people came from way out west from another settlement. A place that was too congested apparently. They didn’t feel safe to stop in their travels until they got here.” The dance of her eyes continues. “Also, there’s a lot of stray cats here. Some people hope to get into nearby settlements. The town harlot’s name is-”
>”Alright, I think that’s enough.” Marble interjects.
>”Amazing hearing.” The bartender says while bringing a new round.
>”Thanks…” Golden says softly.
>You put an arm around Golden.
“It’s not just her hearing. It’s all her senses. With her around we always know the gossip everywhere. Right?”
>Golden looks at you with a look that would look blank to anyone unfamiliar with her, but you see just the slightest smile on her lips.
>The bartender giggles. ”You witches are so cute.”
>Suddenly commotion erupts.
>People stand from their seats and look outside. A crowd of people seems to look up at something. 
>Shadows engulf the land.
>”The hell is that!?” Marble asks.
>Celestia wastes no time getting up from her seat. ”Let’s go see it.”
>Once you’re all outside you look up.
>It’s a zeppelin. One from North Canterlot. What’s going on?
”Why would we be flying one of those all the way out here?”
>Suddenly, the zeppelin stops. The shadow of the beast continues to lord over the town.
>”It must be here for us.” Celestia states.
>As if on cue four figures exit the sides of the zeppelin.
>*THUD!*
>The four land in front of you much to the panic of the locals.
>Upon seeing who it is—You, Marble, Celesita, and Golden get into stance.
“Quite a dramatic entrance, Lainah. And… Professor Storm?”
>The confusion becomes apparent on your voice?
>”What the hell are you doing with her?” Marble asks the Professor.
>Professor Storm looks… downtrodden. She looks down at the ground more often. Her countenance lacks the usual confidence. Her eyes lidded slightly. Her spirit is dulled.
>In contrast, Lainah looks… new. Sporting a hairstyle and an exuberance you haven’t seen in her in years. She wears a smile on her face. A black and purple cloak is worn over her body.
>Behind them are two armored things. Clad in material that came from before the plague. Did it come from the castle?
“I’m confused. You betrayed the settlement, Lainah. Why do you have one of our zeppelins. What’s going on here!?”
>Lainah shakes her head. ”But I never betrayed the settlement.”
>”The fuck are you talking about!?” Marble exclaims. “You attacked us. Along with Selene and the rest of the freaks. Stop lying!”
>”You just don’t get it do you? I worked for Dean Sparkle… now Empress and Headmistress Sparkle the entire time. A double agent of sorts.” Lainah looks up. “And for my efforts, the empress made me commander of this zeppelin. Isn’t that right, Professor?”
>You look to Professor Storm yourself. You need answers. Anything to make this make sense. Is she really telling the truth?
>Professor Storm rubs her left arm. ”… Yes. It’s all true.”
>You feel your heart sink at the sound of her weak, pained words. 
>”Are you really okay with this!?” Marble asks her.
>The Professor Storm looks up and actually meets your eyes for the first time since she arrived. They widen for just a moment, then, they shrink down to the pathetic form they took prior. “The command of the Headmistress is not to be questioned. We’re here to help you complete the very mission I gave you. Your role has not changed.”
>”Yes.” Lainah nods. “We’re here to find and kill Sunset. That hasn’t changed. She and Veronica are traitors. And they know too much about us.”
“But… we were going to bring her back. And only if she refused would we-”
>”The Empress has changed her mind about that.” Lainah begins to walk toward you. “You were resolved to do this anyway, right? You weren’t going to defy Professor Storm, were you?”
>This girl seems completely different from before. This eerie confidence. That determination in her eyes. What happened to her?
>Lainah stops in front of you. “Join me on my zeppelin. We’ll finish this and come home much more quickly now.”
>Marble scowls at her, but says nothing. Celestia looks between Lainah and the Professor worriedly. Golden has her eyes on the two armored soldiers behind them, seemingly trying to figure out anything about them.
>Lainah continues to stare at you expectantly.
>You give one last look to Professor Storm. She avoids eye contact.
>You look back to Lainah.
>I guess… you have to follow orders, right?
>”Hey!” You’re interrupted by the sound of another voice.
>Behind you, you find witches from the locale lined up in opposition.
>”I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but this is a private place.” They draw their wands and light them. “Please take yourselves and your zeppelin away from this place.”
>”We were just passing through.” Lainah walks past you to face the other witches with the same smug smile. “Empress Sparkle has not tasked me with taking this place yet.”
>You widen your eyes in shock at the girl. Why did she have to go and add that one at the end!?
>”Yet?” The speaker of the opposing witches scowls. “Don’t think I haven’t heard of the atrocities you’ve committed since you’ve changed your Headmistress. The hubris you people have gotten since you’ve taken the castle! What was the point of getting rid of Selene, if you were just to turn around and act like this?“
>”Selene betrayed us just like Sunset. And you too, if you don’t stand down.” Lainah says.
>Unsurprisingly, the opposition does not budge. ”Watch your TONE, girl…”
>Silence takes over the land as the standoff lingers.
>You didn’t mean to bring a fight to this place… You start to regret ever coming here. Is this really going to happen?
>”Fine then.” Lainah says.
>You feel a massive weight leave your shoulders, and you sigh.
>Lainah turns around and walks toward the armored soldiers and the zeppelin. “Let’s go.”
>Professor Storm begins to walk back as well.
>You look to Marble, Golden, and Celestia and you all share a worried look. Then, you all begin to follow…
>Lainah, without turning around, makes a small motion with her right hand.
>Your stomach drops, your eyes widen, time seems to slow.
>You snap your neck around to see the solid light blue swords of Lainah’s magic begin to rain on the other witches from behind.
“Hey, behind you!”
>*CLANG!*
>Something flies by the rain of attacks and deflects them!
>The local witches then look behind them in surprise, then look around confused.
>You, Marble, Celestia, Golden, Professor Storm, and Lainah too do the same.
>”You!” Lainah’s eyes focus on a figure that’s squatting with toes atop of one of the armored soldier’s head.
>That’s-!
>”Dean Crystal!?” Marble states.
>Indeed it is. Complete with the snow-haired sleeping Artemis held on her back by her arms. And the cherry-blossom haired Bitter Sweet on the back of her!
>As opposed to Lainah and Professor Storm she looks so… bright!
>”You really have changed your identity, ‘Nilight.’” Dean Crystal spits that last alias out in a mocking tone.
>”Rogue witches shouldn’t be butting in in business between settlements, Spark!” As Lainah finishes her sentence, the soldier swipes above its head.
>Dean Crystal jumps from atop its head before it can hit and lands next to you.
>Then, she shoves Artemis and Bea to you. “Take these two!”
“O-okay.”
>”That’s enough!” The local witches—clearly quite frustrated and confused with the situation—reignite their hostilities. “I want every North Canterlot witch out of here now!”
>”Please listen to me!” Dean Crystal pleads with the locals, then she turns to you four. “And you girls too. Headmistress Sparkle is evil. She’s looted the castle and used its technology to make those diseased soldiers! She worked with Selene a long time ago, only out of sheer selfishness did she turn against her. She’s not an iota better. Veronica and then Sunset recognized this even before I did. For that and that alone does she want them dead.”
>Dean Crystal looks down. “I should have seen it. I should have seen it as soon as Veronica called out her mother that day. If I did maybe Professor Gardener would not have been killed by the Headmistress.”
>!
>”For real??” Celestia says.
>You and the other three all look with wide eyes upon hearing the revelation. Professor Storm looks to the side. Lainah keeps her soulless eyes dead set on Dean Crystal.
>”It’s not too late for you two either. Windy Storm, Lainah! Don’t get sucked into this and blindly follow like the rest of the settlement north of Canterlot.”
>Lainah takes a deep breath in, then out. She looks at the Dean(?) calmly.
>Honestly, you expected her get angry. 
>”You don’t understand a thing, Spark. It’s definitely far, far too late for me.”
>”What do you mean?” Miss Crystal pleads.
>”Nothing…” Lainah looks down. And for the first time since she arrives, she bends her left arm up to look at it. 
>The stump where her left hand once stood slides out of the sleeve of her cloak and she merely stares at it for a moment…
>Then, she looks back up with resolve. ”I’m going to find Sunset and finish this. You can protect this dump if you want.” Lainah turns around toward the zeppelin. The two armored non-witches follow.
>Silence reigns, but Professor Storm hasn’t moved even though Lainah started walking. She looks at the ground with a sorrowful face.
>”Windy?” Dean Crystal addresses her.
>Lainah stops, and looks back.
>Professor Storm looks up and opens her mouth, then closes it. She begins to walk with Lainah.
>Lainah smiles. They draw their brooms and enter the zeppelin once again. A spell carries the armored ones.
>…
>”Please, please, please forgive us!” Miss Crystal pleads to the witch locale by clasping her hands and bowing repeatedly. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, I swear there are decent people from our settlement. We won’t hurt anybody I promise!”
>Celestia giggles. 
>”What are you laughing at?” Miss Crystal responds.
>Celestia flips her hair. ”You’re such a child.~”
>”Shut up, I’m 28!”
>”… Seriously?” The leader of the witch locale asks.
>”Yes seriously, you dolt!”
>The sudden change in disposition is not lost on you.
>”Man, I think she may get angrier than me when people question her age.” Marble comments.
>”Look,” the local witch starts. “I’m not going to excuse North Canterlot for this.”
>Miss Crystal deflates.
>”But you all have just been effectively banished from there, right?”
>”Well… I certainly have.” 
>Now that you think of it, Miss Crystal isn’t even wearing the robe of your settlement anymore. Add to that that she’s no longer referred to as Dean, and that somehow Professor Gardener got killed when she was with her in some endeavor, and it really does seem she got banished…
>But you always saw Dean Crystal as this unreachable, highly ranked figure who’s orders are not to be questioned. Take that away and she’s just…
>You take a look at the short, baby faced woman. Your eyes narrow.
>A little girl.
>”Huh!? What are you thinking about right now!” Miss Crystal seems to read your mind.
>You laugh.
“Nothing. It’s just, well we did all just defy the professor’s orders. As weak as she is right now. And I don’t really want to help them kill our friends. I don’t fully understand what happened while we were gone. But it doesn’t seem like any of it is good.”
>You take off your robe.
“I trust you, Miss Crystal. More than I trust Headmistress Sparkle or anyone that wants me to betray my friends. I’ll follow you. If you’re no longer with the settlement, then neither am I.”
>After a moment, you realize how much attention you’ve attracted with your little spiel. You feel your cheeks redden…
>”I’ll follow suit.” Golden Spoon breaks the silence and takes off her robe as well.
>Short, sweet, and to the point as usual with her.
“C’mon, at least say one thing in support.”
>Golden looks down such that her blonde bangs cover her eyes, blushes, and shows just the slightest smile. ”I trust Gunnel and Miss Crystal.”
>Aww.
>”Wow. Feels good to not have my settlement taken over by some evil usurper. I don’t have to discard MY robe.~”
>You, and several others give Celestia an unamused look.
>Celestia shrugs. “What? Just sayin’.”
>”So this is seriously happening, huh?” Marble has an unsure look on her face. “We’re really going to commit treason and put our lives on the line?”
>”I get you may be scared.” Miss Crystal starts. “But if we want to-”
>”Scared!? You kidding!?” Marble’s countenance instantly changes. Her fists are on her hips and she stands tall. “We finally get to have a dangerous adventure! I’ve been waiting for some shit like this ever since Artemis and her gang went to the castle! I’m not scared. I was BORN for this!”
>Miss Crystal’s mouth hangs open, clearly disoriented by the girl’s sudden outburst.
>Somehow you knew it end up like this.
>”If that’s so then you’re no enemies of ours.” The local witch speaks. “But if you bring anything like that back again, I’ll change my mind!”
>Miss Crystal apologizes more before the witches leave and the scene finally dies down.
>”Girls.” Miss Crystal starts. “We should leave soon. We need to get to Sunset and Veronica before they do, obviously.” She then deflates some. “Not to mention these people are understandably really suspicious of us.”
>”Yeah! Let’s fucking go! We’re rouges now!” Marble puts her fists in the air and laughs.
”Not exactly something to celebrate.”
>Celestia kneels down to Bea—who is holding the sleeping Artemis. “And who are you, sweetie?”
>Bea narrows her eyes at the girl. “What’s it to you?”
>Celestia is taken aback. ”Whoa. Wasn’t expecting that kind of response.”
>”That’s Bitter Sweet daughter of the old Headmistress.” Miss Crystal walks to her. “Sharon Sparkle was going to take her. Artemis too. I had no choice but to bring them along…”
“How are we going to take care of them while we do this, Miss Crystal?”
>”I’m not sure myself… We’ll have to figure something out. Especially for Artemis.” Miss Crystal then looks up at you. “And stop calling me Miss Crystal. It’s weird! Just call me Spark.”
“If we do that, I really will forget you’re not a child!” Celestia quips.
>Spark cracks her knuckles. “Don’t worry, I’ll remind you alright…” 

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 31: Rarity’s Tomb
>February 10, 2091
>In the founding witch Rarity’s tomb there exists a document placed there by her daughter Scarcity.
>It’s a story she had her mother read to her over and over again as she went to sleep as a child.
 >Something written down long before witches, even long before the old country.
>A lot of it is now unreadable, but what remains reads as so:
>’Now, in the island of Atlantis there was a great and wonderful empire, which had rule over the whole island and several others, as well as over parts of the continent; and, besides these, they subjected the parts of Libya within the Columns of Heracles as far as Egypt, and of Europe as far as Tyrrhenia.’
>’The vast power thus gathered into one, endeavored to subdue at one blow our country and yours, and the whole of the land which was within the straits; and then, Solon, your country shone forth, in the excellence of her virtue and strength, among all mankind; for she was the first in courage and military skill, and was the leader of the Hellenes.’
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt # 11: Love
>June 30, 2086
>To love is to will the goodness of another—unity and fulfillment of its nature.
>Sincerely,
>Catherine Lulamoon
~
>One building designed to take up the majority of a teenager’s day. Rows of bored kids looking ahead or trying to distract themselves. Wooden desks (albeit completely out of wood). One teacher droning on and on about who knows what.
>Once upon a time, you’d consider this a completely normal and boring scenario.
>But you, Sunset, after nearly a year of magic, diseases, villains, castles, and abandoned land—you thought you’d never see a sight quite like this ever again in your life.
>Sure, there are classrooms at the Academy. The architecture, the material, the very ESSENCE is entirely different there. This classic pre-disease setup washes over you with a bittersweet nostalgia. 
>”How about our very own new transfer student answers this question! Sunset?”
>You’re snapped out of your daze by the words of the teacher. The joyful woman looks at you with a smile that compliments her homely attire as she motions to the question on the board. 
>Other students look at you in the room in anticipation
>You briefly feel some hesitation in the face of all eyes on you.
>Then, you smile.
>You remember once upon a time when the worst thing you had to worry about were situations like this… When it was just about your popularity at school. Or the soccer match. Or what you and the other six would do over the weekend.
>Now your life is in danger every day. It’s comical how you still feel nervous about being called out in a normal classroom.
>You rise and approach the board. And by board, you mean large paper covering the wall of the room. And instead of chalk, this place merely has ink to write with…
>”Very good Sunset! Now, on to the next topic. Yesterday we talked about…”
>…
>After the teacher dismisses the class, a few other girls approach you to introduce themselves. 
>”Sunset is your name right?” One girl starts. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
“Uhh, I was homeschooled until recently.”
>Another girl perks up. “Homeschooling, huh? Odd thing to do in such a small place like the capital.”
>The pressure of your lie starts to mount on you. Your head heats. But you can’t fail! Or who knows what will happen to you if you’re found out!
“My parents were overprotective. Like, really, really overprotective.”
>”Oooh. Mine too, you know!” The original girl states. “But not enough for homeschooling. Why did they decide to stop?”
“They didn’t decide to… They died.”
>The expressions on the girls surrounding you change instantly.
>”Sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I-It’s alright. The orphanage actually isn’t that bad. And they wouldn’t want me… to be sad.”
>Halfway through your lie… You remember that your parents truly ARE dead. Dead for hundreds of years. And you abandoned them ever since Celestia took you under her wing.
>Your countenance truly does droop.
>… It was all so long ago. Both to you and to this world your in now. You can hardly even remember their faces. You couldn’t even give them a proper farewell. You couldn’t even attend their funeral.
>You feel a hand on your back from one of the girls. “Hey, if you need to-”
“D-don’t worry about me. Seriously. Where are you from?”
>Your conversation continues for a little while longer before you tell them that you’ll meet them again and exit the classroom.
Just as soon as you get through the door, you’re met with a certain blue haried and eyed girl leaning next to the door—waiting for you with arms crossed.
>”Finally done talking with your new friends?” Veronica asks.
>You smile.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
>You both walk down the halls towards the stairs and ultimate the exit to this old building. You admire the mid 20th century photos and logos combined with announcements from the school. Flags of the old country hang from the top of the wall. Looking across to the other wall are windows out to the capital. The last vestige of non-witch peace on the entire continent. 
>You almost zone out at the sight of monuments you weren’t sure even existed even more.
>You both exit the girls school, and behold once again the meticulously trimmed lawns, the carefully upkept buildings, the roads remade for walking, the adorned streetlights (that no longer work), and the power armor-clad sheriffs of the Capital Interior.
>One could almost forget how terrible things are outside this place.
>”You’re more quiet than usual. What’s on your mind?”
“I’ve searched just about everywhere here. I can’t find Cinderbelle anywhere. I was sure I sensed her magic.”
>Veronica sighs. “Well, you ARE still a new witch. Maybe you made a mistake.”
>You ball your fists.
>Silence overtakes you two. Until you make it back to that quaint, yet homely building on the west side of the Interior that you both stay in.
>You open the door and reveal once again the carefully crafted, yet faded embellished furniture of the orphanage. Old pictures of times before the disease are on the walls. Some from your time. Seeing the pictures like this… Knowing they’re now considered ‘vintage.’ It’s a feeling you cannot describe.
>”Sunset!” Two little girls run up and embrace you. “You’re back! You’re back!”
“Aww! Nice to see you two again!”
>You kneel down and embrace them right back.
>You hear the footsteps of the nanny approaching. “Sunset, Veronica. Did you two have a good day at school?”
>Veronica turns her nose up from you and the children for some reason… ”Hmph! It was alright.”
>”I could use some more hands in the kitchen, if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll be right there!”
>…
>*tick. tick. tick. tick. tick. tick.*
>The clock goes on and on as the only sound moving through the room on this night.
>Rows of beds occupy this large wood-floored room. Rows of children sleeping soundly.
>But not you.
>It’s one of those nights. One of those nights where you’re up thinking instead of sleeping.
>Your hands behind your head resting on your headboard, and the moonlight shining through the windows. The bars of the window cast shadows across the room.
>So many details to draw your mind’s attention…
>*Thump, thump, thump*
>A sight for sore eyes. One small hime-cutted girl whose skin reflects the moonlight. 
>”You’re not sleeping.” Veronica states flatly, yet softly as to not disturb anyone else.
“I didn’t notice.”
>Veronica sits on your bed. 
>*Tick. tick. tick.*
>The clock continues.
“You’re not sleeping either, you know.”
>”Tomorrow’s the big day. You remember everything we went over with Charlotte and Nike, right?”
“I’d never mess something like this up.”
>Veronica raises an eyebrow. ”Oh really? You wouldn’t do anything like fall into a trench?”
>You turn your nose up.
“Never.”
>”Uh huh.”
>*Tick. tick. tick. tick.*
>Your face returns to it’s solemn state from before…
>Veronica stares at you expectantly.
>You continue to stare into space.
“I like this place…. We’re not fighting against them, right?”
>”We are but we aren’t. We don’t want to destroy it.” Veronica looks over at the clock—that small wooden thing on the wall with a house-like roof. “At least, I hope that’s what Headmistress Marshall truly wants.”
“Why can’t the whole continent just be like this again?”
>*Tick. tick. tick.*
>”You can never roll back the clock, Sunset.” Veronica gets under your sheets. “There are good times and bad times as always. And there are things about this time that are good even amongst the chaos. Remember how you answered my question back near that lake before we got to the capital?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
>You liked this time better than yours… Did you just say that in the spur of the moment? Or was it something more? 
>Veronica lies down, closes her eyes, and moves just a little closer to you…
>You look down at her.
>You saw something good in this disease ridden, sparsely populated, ruined world.
>…
>[INSERT MUSIC]
>As the choir finishes its song, drones fly overhead to emphasize the effect.
>The crowd cheers on the lawn in front of the monument.
>It’s endearing…, but you have to say—these kinds of things were a lot more impressive in the past. The means for such grand displays are probably long lost now, what can you do?
>Nearly the whole Interior is out today. Which still isn’t many… Nonetheless, this is the most cover you’re all ever going to get.
>As the parade ends you, Veronica, Charlotte, and Nike begin to move.
>Your meeting echos through your mind as you go through the motions
>An old office building in a remote part of the Interior in which you all dwelled in the night.
>Unlike a lot of structures, this one wasn’t refurbished. It wasn’t upkept with time save the bear minimum to prevent overgrowth of plants.
>”Even though security of this place isn’t what it was before Magicopia, and the Interior’s guard efforts are mostly focused on their borders, that doesn’t mean there is no security inside at all.” Charlotte unrolled a sketch of the Capital Interior. “The historic parts are especially well guarded. Even their own citizens need to be kept from making a mess of them, after all.”
”Will we take the same strategy that we used to get into here?”
>”Not quite. The Interior is having one of their showy parades wherein they pretend to be as powerful as they were before… It’ll serve as distraction enough to get where we’re going.”
>You heard the door open and you jumped in your seat a bit.
>”I-it’s just me.” Nike blushed, then entered the room with another large paper in hand which she placed near Charlotte before sitting at the table.
>”Great. We still have it.” Charlotte unrolled the second paper.
>When you looked at the paper… you saw that it was a floorplan. 
>”Is that one of the buildings here?” Veronica asked.
>”It’s the old National Library. Actually, the THREE buildings of the National Library. And it’s where we’re going to enter into the passage that connects all of the important buildings here.”
“ALL the important buildings? I thought that passage only connected the library.”
>”That’s not the one we’re gunning for. This one’s not so well known.” Charlotte looked down at the papers, and seemed to be a little less present. ”As it turns out, there’s a lot of things about the old country that many didn’t expect to exist.”
>She looks up once more. ”Witches, listen. During the parade while civilians are distracted and the police are thinned, split up.” Charlotte marked different entry points to the National Library on the paper.
>”Each one of us will enter through one of these entrances. None of them are exactly the front door, you may have to get creative.”
>”All of you will want to avoid the Main Reading Room as much as possible, as it’s the most open—and all rooms like it. Be smart. Each one of you has to find a particular book in a particular spot. This special book contains part of the code to get where we’re going. In each book you’ll find the code piece on the seventy sixth page as the middle word on the third line. Remember it faithfully. Don’t forget which letters were capital or not, and do not forget apostrophes or dashes. If the word ends with some form of punctuation, also remember it. We will reconvene in the basement in this building. Hopefully I’ll be able to ‘take care’ of whoever is watching over it before you all are done.”
>You felt some weight in your stomach as she went over the plan. It dawned on you once again that this place was hostile to your very existence despite how peaceful it looks. 
>You clenched your fists.
>If you fuck up like last time in the trenches, you’ll never be able to forgive yourself!
>…
>And so, you remember your word.
>Chills run down your spine as you take every step down to the basement.
>It is quiet. Your footsteps are the only break in the silence.
>”Looks like you finally decided to show up.” Veronica comments.
>She along with Charlotte and Nike stand around seemingly waiting for you.
“Was there ever any doubt?”
>Veronica makes a cheeky smile.
“Don’t answer that.”
>”Girls, focus.” Charlotte says. “And remember to keep your voices down. You all remember your parts, right?”
>Everyone nods.
>Charlotte stops leaning on the wall, then with a spin of her wand she changes from the clothes made to blend into the Interior back to her Capital Settlement wear. “You all should change. You’re dead if you’re caught at this point either way.”
>You and Nike follow suit and change back to the clothes you got from the Capital Settlement. You cast the same spell on Veronica.
>Charlotte then smiles and begins to walk.
>The rest of you follow.
>In the basement of this building of the National Library is a hallway that only staff are meant to enter.
>The first door is an inconspicuous door. And it leads to an inconspicuous hallway.
>Inconspicuous… but dark. There’s no electricity here anymore. You all use the light of your wands to illuminate the way
>As the inconspicuous hallway continues and more inconspicuous doors are passed, the inconspicuousness seamlessly fades.
>”C-captain…”
>”Yes, Nike?” Charlotte answers.
>”Are you sure this is the way? It seems deserted.”
>”This is where my intel led us. It has to be.”
>Old paint and rusty material begin to give way to metal walls, old long lightbulbs that have long given out, and screens on which no pixel will shine any longer.
>The dim lights of your wands make the place all the eerier.
>At the end of the hallway is a heavy steel door that closes down from the ceiling. No knob, wheel, or pad is with it. There seems to be no way to open it on first look. 
>But it seems as if no one’s been this way in aeons… There weren’t even guards down in the basement of the library. Is this really the entrance we’re looking for?
”Are you… sure this will still work?”
>”Yes.” Charlotte says with a smile. “We made it.”
>She turns to the rest of you.
>”Your password parts, what are they?”
>”Old.” Nike starts. “No capital letters. No punctuation.”
“Resurrection. First letter capitalized. No punctuation.”
>Charlotte looks to Veronica, who stares back for a moment.
>”Young Sparkle?”
>”Of.” She finally responds. “All lowercase. No punctuation.”
>”Good. I know what to do. There’s a spell I need to cast. Nike, Sunset, may I borrow your wands?”
“Uh, sure.” 
>You do as asked. Nike does as well.
>Veronica’s eyes widen. “Charlotte…”
>”Hmm?”
>Slowly, Veronica gets into a battle stance. “What is this about?”
“Huh? What are you doing?”
>Charlotte smirks, and the two wands in her hand light. “A little slow on the uptake.”
>Your, Nike’s and Veronica’s hands are encased with white magic rings, then they bind your hands together like handcuffs.
>This feeling… you can’t channel your magic anymore. 
>*SKRRRRR!*
>The rusty sound of the huge metallic door opening is accompanied by the sounds of heavy footsteps.
>”Captain?” Nike asks. “What is this?”
>You look around frantically.
“What’s going on? Charlotte!?”
>”It’s exactly what it looks like.” That modulated voice comes from behind, accompanied by the lights of blue eye slits.
>Interior guards. You’ve been…
>”Betrayed.” Another voice.
>You look back at the door, which is now opened.
>”You’ve been betrayed.” 
>You’re blinded by the light coming from through the door. You’re think they’re holding strong flashlights, nearly spot lights on that armor.
>You make out the shape of one unarmored man, accompanied by the power armor monstrosities. 
>You’re surrounded. Your stomach drops.
>”Ooh, you brought three. The Master will be quite pleased.” The man who speaks this is a man with black hair who looks to be in his late thirties or fourties. He’s in a very decorated dark suit.
>He must be in the Interior Government. What do they plan to do with you?
>”How long?” Nike gives Charlotte a pleading look. “How long has it been like this?”
>”None of your business.” 
>You gnash your teeth.
“Char-!”
>*CLICK!*
>You stop yourself at the sound of guns being loaded.
>Charlotte calmly walks behind the man and the power armored guards. 
>You continue to scowl ferociously at Charlotte.
>You’re so sick of lies and deceit. First Sharon, now her? You haven’t felt this angry since… Since…
>Veronica looks down at the ground intensely as if she’s deep in thought.
>”Please come with me.” The man says. “If you don’t mind.”
>More metal wall passes you by as you three are ‘escorted’ through this underground passage. 
>This place is perhaps even more unsettling through the door. Lanterns line the walls and do a meager job and shining light on the thick glass windows and doors. In some rooms you see books and files. In others, weapons of a sort you think are a little after your time.
>In other rooms, you see people on hospital beds… Or at least hospital-like beds. Something tells me not all of them are being treated in the proper sense of the word… Some people in lab coats or highly decorated vests and suits see you through the rooms.
>A few large signs point to the major buildings of the interior. This place really does connect them all.
>All this… but you can’t truly remove your focus from Charlotte. Your blood pressure is rising and your muscles tensing in your rage at her.
“What about Headmistress Marshall? She’ll have your head! Charlotte!”
>”Stop talking, mutant!” You feel the grip over your arms tighten as the modulated voice of a power armored soldier rings out.
>*WHAM!*
>All light fades as you feel incredible force on the back of your head…
>…
>Your head… HURTS!
>You cough a few times.
“Augh!”
>Then you realize that you can’t move your arms or legs. You can’t move your head up either. 
>You finally open your eyes to see one of those small spotlights shining at your face. The light intensifies your headache.
“Urrgh…”
>”O-OH, you’re the first one to awaken you know.” You hear a voice.
>You realize you’re lying down and wearing a hospital gown. You look over and see a man in a lab coat walking toward you. You also see that your wrists are bound to the bed along with your waist. You can’t see It’s the same stuff that Charlotte used to bind your hands earlier.
>The man is bald and wears a hospital mask. His glasses are so thick you can hardly see his eyes through them. His back is hunched.
“Where am I!? And where’s that rancid cunt Charlotte!? Egh…”
>Your budding anger is dulled by your headache reasserting itself.
>”Calm down… Charlotte is elsewhere. But your other friends are right here with you.”
>You look left and right frantically.
>This is one of the rooms in this underground bunker. More like a dungeon. Beds line this room. You see several women in a similar situation… all of them unconscious… or worse. On your right side you see Veronica and you think Nike, but you can’t see too far due to being strapped. They’re also seemingly unconscious.
“Veronica! Nike!”
>You turn back to the man.
“What do you want with us!?”
>”Like I said, calm down. Let me explain myself. I am Dr. Car. I’ve been assigned by the Interior Government to study witches you see. You can’t begin to begin to understand how happy I am that you’re here! You mutants fascinate me, you see-”
“All of them witches? You kidnapped all of them?”
>”Mostly POWs from the ‘Capital Settlement’ as they call it, yes? The Interior is incredibly fascinated by what makes witches tick. People like you are an amazing asset to us.”
“You want to run experiments on me. Great. Let me go instead!”
>The man chuckles. “You will be released, once I’m done. None of your kin to your left are bound, are they?”
>Then are they really…?
>You feel your heart rate increase along with your breathing.
“What are you gonna do?”
>You hear your voice waver. You’re nervous. You’re on edge.
>The man walks over to a table and rummages through some things that clank and shuffle. “We are interested in just how many ways your mutations make you different from us humans. Did you know all witches are Rh negative? And you seem to have some blood types previously unknown to us.” The man pulls out a particular knife along with a large bowl and approaches you once more.
>”We have to know more about your mutant DNA. First, all we need is a sample.”
>Your eyes widen as he approaches, and you struggle again against your restraints. 
>”Sorry, we’re a bit short on proper supplies these days. The way we draw blood is a bit… antiquated.”
>the man lifts your gown enough to reveal your thigh.
“H-hey, AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”
>You feel an abhorrtent, long, slicing feeling against your thigh as the knife slides through your skin and flesh.
>Your arms and legs move reflexively as the cut moves through.
>Your toes curl, your hands grip the bed in desperate attempt to cope.
>The warm liquid of your innards coats your leg and bed as the man tries his best to catch the blood in the bowl.
”Auhhh.”
>The pain remains even though the act is done.
>Your mind moves one million miles per hour.
>How do you get out of here? Are Veronica and Nike even still alive? Are you going to die here?
>Your breath is uneven and heavy.
“Let me go…”
>”Ah, there we go. I truly can’t thank you enough. With this, we will be that much closer to knowing what makes you creatures tick.“ 
“Urrgh.”
>You gnash your teeth as you feel more incisions on your leg… you think he’s sewing the wound.
>Are you going to die here? Or lose your magic? Dying down in a secret ditch… You never got to see Artemis again. You never got to find your friends. You- you-
>”Ah, but there’s a little more we need from you and your friends.” The man walks across the room and approaches a contraption you don’t think you’ve ever seen before.
>A large rectangular prism on wheels makes up the base of this contraption. You think it’s a computer. On this tower is a screen with numbers, bars, and graphs you don’t understand along with buttons, dials, and a keyboard. Extending from the top of the tower is a mechanical arm that ends in a needle.
>The man begins to wheel the contraption over as your eyes widen and sweat beads form on your brow and hairline. ”The mutations your kind has gone through permeate your entire body. Even the brain! We’ll need a quick image of that noggin of yours is all. X-rays are a little hard to come by these days. Luckily, this battery powered beauty is enough to get the job done!”
“LET ME GO NOW!”
>You struggle violently against those magic straps. Charlotte must have made these. That filthy sow must be nearby! You have to kill her!
>The man chuckles. ”Now, now. You’re a big girl. There’s no need to be afraid of needles at your age.” He positions the needle over your eye. Right above it is a thin light that shines in order to aim the needle. Surrounding the needle are metal hooks presumably to grip your face. The needle is at least three inches long. 
>All the more unsettling… is that this Dr. Car is not being sarcastic. He’s dead serious.  He’s insane.
>If that impales you… you’re going to fucking die.
>”I’ll just need a few minutes to set up the machine.” Dr. Car begins to hum.
>Tears begin to flow as you panic.
>Did you do something to deserve this? Is this your punishment for what you did to your old school? Should you have stayed at the settlement? Was Twilight’s forgiveness not enough? Should you have stopped yourself and the others from going to the castle? 
“… Please let me go…”
>You say in a much more pathetic and subdued voice as your struggling weakens.
>The man turns some dials and types quickly on the keyboard. ”There, there. Complications of this imaging machine are low… It sits at a mere 22% of cases where the patient suffers for long. You will be a big, big help to us here in the Interior. Before long, we’ll develop treatment to cure those mutations of yours.”
>The machine’s fans spin faster, and the needle arm begins to adjust and aim itself with several mechanical sounds to accompany it.
>You begin to feel the warmth of you urinating on yourself.
>Dr. Car types some things into the tower and looks intently into the screen.
>*WHIIIR*
>With a sound like a printer the needle drops closer to your face and makes more internal adjustments.
>You’re sorry mom and dad! I left you without speaking to you ever again. I was arrogant. I thought I was the greatest thing for being under Celestia’s wing. I was wrong. I was still a stupid child.
>*WHIIR*
“Ahhh!”
>Another pathetic, girly scream from you as the needle lowers once more. Dr. Car continues typing away.
>You’re sorry old classmates of Canterlot High! You thought you deserved to rule over them all. You didn’t at all. You only deserved to grovel at the feet of the six.
>*WHIIR*
>You flinch and grit your teeth at the next descent. Tears readily flow from your eyes.
>… You’re sorry Headmistress Sweet. You were a disappointment. Part of your legacy was wasted on you. A girl that died a secret death in an underground hole.
>*WHIIR*
“AHHHH!”
>The needle is now right in front of your eye. The next drop it will surely impale it.
>YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY YOU’RE SORRY
“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! CHARLOOOOOOTTE!!”
>Before you’re brain has time to process it, your wrists break free from the magic straps and you grab the needle.
>*Snap!*
>And break it off.
>”Young lady! Just what are you- oooOOOOOAAAAA!”
>You shove the needle in Dr. Cars face, then push the machine away from you.
>*CLANG!*
>The sound of metal hitting metal reverberates through the room as the machine hits the ground.
>You gnaw, grab, and fight the strap on your forehead until you break that one too.
>Then your waist.
>You snap to an upright position and do the same for your legs.
>”Aaaaaaaa!” Dr. Car now squirms on the ground as he laments the needle you now see shoved through the roof of his mouth.
>As the manic strength and adrenaline begins to fade you just watch him suffer as you catch your breath.
>You get up and grab him by the throat and hold him up. You pull the needle from him.
“How do I release my friends?”
>Dr. Car puts his hands on your arm that hold him up. “I-I-I don’t know! That’s magic by another mutant! How could I possibly-”
>*SLAM!*
>You throw the man hard to the ground. He no longer moves. Dead or incapacitated, you don’t care.
>You run over to Veronica’s bed and begin to shake her.
“Veronica! Veronica! Please wake up.”
>Thoughts begin to run through your head rapidly. Did he already get to her? Is she already dead? You won’t forgive ANYONE if she doesn’t get UP.
“Get UP!”
>You feel her stir and you feel relief like you never felt before in your life.
>You embrace her right away.
>”Huh? Sunset?”
“You’re awake… Thank goodness.”
>”Ugh. What is this? Where am I?”
>Instantly you move to try and break the white magic rings binding Veronica to the bed.
>You shake the bed as you try and break her free…,but your manic strength has subsided.
“Shit. We’re still under the Interior. We were betrayed by Charlotte, remember!?”
>”Oh yeah, yeah.” Veronica orients herself and takes in her surroundings. “Together Sunset. I’ll push against these you pull. Alright?”
“Right.”
>”One. Two. Three.”
>Despite both of your efforts, the restraints remain in place on the girls wrist.
>You gnash your teeth in frustration.
“Shit.”
>”How did you get out of these, Sunset?”
“I just ripped them off. I don’t know how. Mine were either weaker or-”
>”Alright. Let’s just try again.”
>You place your foot on the bed and get a better grip around the restraint which is bound around the bed’s metal frame.
>”One. Two. Three.”
>*SNAP!*
>You nearly fall back at the breaking and dissolving of the magic restraint.
>”Good.” Veronica flexes and stretches her wrist. “Much better.”
>You repeat the process with her head, waist, and other limbs. With you both free, you much more easily deal with Nike’s restraints with the help of Veroinca’s magic.
>You all redress in the clothes from the Capital settlement which were in the closet.
>”… Is he dead?” Nike asks of Dr. Car, who still lays on the ground.
“Don’t know, don’t care.”
>Metal shades cover the windows such that no one can see into this specific room.
>You lift one slightly and see that the hallway is clear enough.
>Veronica walks beside you. “What are you planning?”
“To kill Charlotte.”
>You get no response at this.
>You clench your fist as you look around the room at the witch bodies and drawers for anything useful.
“And find Cinderbelle too… She has to still be around…”
>No response.
>You close your eyes shut in frustration for a moment, then resolve yourself.
>You go over to that metal door and grab the wheel to open it.
“Come with me. Cover me.”
>Veronica widens her eyes at your sudden movement. ”Hey, wait.”
>You spin the wheel and the door lifts up as the mechanics kick in.
>The hallway is clear for now, but every room is not necessarily clear.
>On the way in you noticed some rooms had just the things you need now.
>Your eyes lock onto the fated things as you run through the hall.
>Your hands grip the wheel of the door and spin it.
>Metal clanks and mechanics growl as the door opens up.
>”Hey, hey! What are you doin-”
>In your heart you realize there’s no more turning back now.
>You make a beeline for one of the men and you have your arms around his neck before you know it.
>”What the hell!?”
>*BAM!*
>You hear the sound of Veronica reflexively blasting the other man in the room as the door closes and the sound is nullified outside the room.
>You crack the neck of the man in your grip.
>Then, you move towards the weapon stock.
>You feel the pull of magic as Veronica pulls you towards her. “Sunset, what the fuck are you doing!? Are you trying to get us killed?”
“No.”
>You turn back around and sift through the weapons and look at what’s there. Some are just guns. Others more explosive. Others are contraptions you don’t understand or have seen before…
>”Sunset!” Veronica puts her hand on your shoulder as she insists on your attention. “You’re being rash!”
>You slap her hand away as you turn towards her.
“I’m not! You don’t get it. Not at all. We’ve been betrayed. We’re alone here. Everyone here sees us as mutant trash to be experimented on or killed! If we don’t meet them with the same fury we’re doomed.”
>You feel your skin heat. Especially your face.
>”So we’re just going to run up to their front lines, huh?”
“Front line? We’re surrounded, Veronica! Any direction we go is dangerous. We don’t know our way out. You haven’t seen what I’ve seen before you woke up. These people are scum. And they deserve what scum deserve.”
>You turn back towards the weapons.
“Starting with Charlotte.”
>”I haven’t seen what YOU’VE seen?” You feel the girl’s gaze burn into your back as you continue. Nike continues to cower and watch the scene. “Sunset, you’re the most sheltered girl on the face of the whole Earth. You’ve lived your entire life save the past several months in nearly the most safe, wealthy, and clean time in human history. A year ago your worst concern was if ‘Brad’ thought you were cute. Mine was knowing I had to watch Selene turn people’s skin to something more revolting than their own shit!”
>Veronica’s words only serve to anger you more, but a even greater outburst wouldn’t be productive.
>You pick up a grenade launcher.
>Then you look at Nike.
“Do you know how to use any of these?”
>”Y-yes.”
>”Just where do you even plan to find Charlotte?” Veronica asks with a scowl on her face.
“I’ll never forget what that cunt’s magic feels like ever again.”
>”She’s probably surrounded by guards.”
“So is everywhere else.”
>*Click!*
>Nike seems to have gotten her weapon ready.
“Cover us, Veronica. You’re the only one who can do that now without our wands.”
>Veronica opens her mouth slightly, but says nothing. Then her mouth slowly closes with a slight scowl on her face. “Whatever. What a stupid way to die you’ve chosen… But I’m dead either way down here without you huh?”
>Veronica turns her back to you and clenches her fists. “At LEAST follow my lead.”
“Then you know where she is too.”
>Veronica exhales deeply. ”Yeah…”
>A dark blue spherical barrier coats Veronica. “Get in. Your attacks should be able to exit this.”
>You do so. The barrier is more translucent from the inside. Perfect.
>Veronica turns the wheel starting the mechanical process that is the opening of the gates of hades.
>Time seems to stop for a moment as you get a deeply unpleasant feeling in your gut.
>*CRASH!*
>A large blasts comes forth from beyond the door as soon as it opens.
>You and Nike move to cover your ears and eyes as it comes. Veroinca’s barrier cracks as all three of you retreat back inside the room.
>*ZZZT!*
>”ATTENTION LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IN THE NORTH DISTRICT!” You hear a voice ring out over the intercom. “IT SEEMS SOME MUTANTS HAVE GOTTEN LOOSE! PLEASE CAPTURE THEM! IF IMPOSSIBLE, PLEASE EXECUTE THEM IMMEDIATELY! SINCERELY, YOUR MASTER. THANKS!”
>*ZZZZT!*
>A siren begins to ring through the intercom.
>Bullets rain down on and near the doorway as you three cower in shock of the new, deadly situation.
>Panic storms through your mind, but the first thing that dominates all other thoughts is the knowledge that another explosion like the one before will spell your doom this close to the door. You have to make some kind of response, fast.
>You point the grenade launcher in the direction that the bullets come from without even putting your head out to look and launch it.
>*BOOM!*
>The bullets calm after that, you peek around the corner of the door to see two in power armor. They slowly recover from the blast of the grenade and seem to be getting ready to shoot again soon.
>You dash out from behind the door, before you know it you’ve grabbed the gun of one of them and begin to try and wrestle it away from him.
>”Agh, the hell!?” 
>You see Veronica’s magic coat the other man’s gun as he readies it and she pulls it from him.
>You get the gun from the grip of those metal fingers and throw it to the ground.
>The armor clad man opts to punch you instead.
>You duck under it.
>You then see bullets ricochet off his helmet from Nike behind you.
>He covers his face reflexively.
>You take the opportunity to jump on him and dig at the bottom of his helmet.
>”Get the fuck off!” He roars through that voice modulator.
>As you finally get the helmet off you see the other one’s head brought down hard enough by Veronica’s magic to knock him unconscious.
>You break the neck of the man you’re on, and jump off as his armor connects with the ground.
>”Girls! Grab on!” Nike says as she runs up to you two.
>You and Veronica do so and go invisible.
>You three run down the halls toward your target—the stomping of power armor and clicking of weapons fills the air around the corners.
>*ZZZZT!*
>”A PROMOTION IS ON THE LINE FOR THE ONE THAT MANAGES TO SUBDUE THE MUTIES! DON’T LET ME DOWN!”
>*ZZZT!*
>The sounds of bullets vibrate the Earth once more as you pass an intersection of hallways.
>”You still make noise!” A modulated voice shouts.
>There’s nowhere to take cover, but there’s no way they can aim properly like this (you hope).
>You three come upon a T shaped intersection. From both sides you see armored beings with heavy weapons and shiny blue eye slits stomping through. Far too many than can be handled.
>You three turn around and run back to the sounds of a few more bullets flying.
>Instinct is the thing guiding your navigation through the maze now. A turn here. A hallway there. A dead end here. And a wall of power armor over there.
>Though a million things race through the heads of all three of you, you all opt to stay quiet. Enough chaos in the bullets and sirens and the taunting of the intercom fills your minds.
>As the tidal wave of metal death marches behind you, you three run and end up upon a large descending staircase.
>You three take cover in the descent as projectiles fly overhead.
>At the bottom of the stairs rests the largest door you’ve seen as of yet down here.
>You won’t have the time to turn the heavy metal wheel. You don’t even have the headspace to think among the siren and bullets.
>Veronica spins the wheel with her magic.
>You three run through.
>*Click!*
>”HALT!”
>You’re met face to face with the court of Hades. The largest room you’ve seen in this dungeon. A large stairway at the end presumably leads to the surface and two statues of eagles straddle the entrance to the stairway that you think leads to one of the most important buildings in the Interior. The sides of this room are lined with flags of the old country, and large grand lanterns and firepits. The ceiling of this room is high—and depicts a large circular emblem with an Eagle in the middle. A large red, white, and blue rug leads to the other end of the room.
>And on the other end, stands two men in power armor of a sort that looks for sturdier than the one’s you’ve previously seen. They carry heavier weapons than the previous ones as well. With them is the accursed one you’ve been looking for…
>You three note the stomping of the ones coming up behind you, and the gravity of the situation dawns on you all.
>”Hey tin cans,” Charlotte addresses the men behind you. “Stand down. I have business with this one.”
>”The hell!?” One of the modulated voices behind you shout. “Give me one reason I should comply with that, mutant!? Are you trying to cover for you own kind?”
>*BZZZT!*
>”This is your master. The mutants have been taken care of. You can now stand down.”
>*BZZZT!*
>Charlotte chuckles. ”Well. You heard him.”
>”TSK! What is he thinking?”
>”I’ll take care of them here. I told the Master. Close the door, please.”
>The metallic screeches of the door’s closing reverberates through the room.
>You don’t give a shit about their quarrel. You just want to know-
“CHARLOTTE! WHY DID YOU BETRAY US!? EXPLAIN ALL OF THIS, NOW!”
>Your fists are clenched. And your teeth gnashed. You’re confused and angry. It takes all your willpower to keep the last of your sanity.
>”To put it simply.” Charlotte begins to slowly walk toward you. “I want what the Interior wants. That’s all.”
>”How long?” Nike finally speaks up. “How long has it been like this?”
>”A long time.”
>”And all the times you’ve worked with Headmistress Marshall and the rest of us. Was it all just a lie?”
>”Yes.”
>Nike’s countenance darkens.
>Veronica’s eyes continue to bounce around the room and take in all that she can. She must be desperately trying to find some way out…
“That better fucking not be all you have to say!”
>”It isn’t. Sunset,”
“What!?”
>”Fight me.”
>!
>”And only you and me. If any of the other two try to assist her, kill them all.”
“That’s not an explanation, Charlotte.”
>Charlotte takes out your wand and throws it at you. ”You wanted to kill me, right?”
>You catch it.
>”Now’s your chance.” Charlotte rushes at you.
>You brace yourself, and make a charge of yourself.
>You channel your anger into your right fist.
“You won’t get away-”
>As hard as you can you bring your fist forth at her face. 
“-with what you’ve done!”
>Charlotte cocks her head to the side to avoid your blow.
>She then grabs your arm, and pulls you toward her first, then over her shoulder and slams you to the ground.
“Ugh!”
>Quickly she brings her boot down at your face.
>You come to in time, and roll out of the way.
>The room seems to vibrate under the weight of her stomp.
>You roundhouse kick.
>Charlotte hops in time to avoid it.
>As you regain your footing you attempt an upper cut.
>Your adversary catches your fist below her chin.
>She brings her knee to your stomach.
>You block her knee with your left forearm.
>Before you can react your vision is obscured by her hand  gripping your face. From there she punches you in the stomach and throws you a few feet away to the floor.
>The world spins as you topple.
>”Sunset!” You hear Veronica call your name.
>One of the armored guards warns against her intervention and threatens her with his weapon. ”Don’t move.”
>You sloppily regain your footing as Charlotte walks towards you.
>This is a high ranking witch. One a Headmistress has (mistakenly) placed her trust in. You can’t afford to fight so haphazardly.
>You need to use your magic.
>You get into stance. Your eyes scan her body.
>You have to see what she’s going to do.
>She closes in on you and throws a punch at your face.
>You block it with your palm.
>She throws a few more that end in the same result.
>A heavy punch is thrown at your stomach that connects.
>You keel over in pain.
>Charlotte brings her elbow down toward the back of your head.
>You put your forearms behind your head to block it.
>As you move your head up again Charlotte’s back hand is already heading at you.
>It connects before you can react, and your head is thrown to the side at the force of her blow.
>She lands several more punches.
>Veronica and Nike can merely watch with worried looks. The armored soldiers stand in unwavering resolve, never lowering their weapons.
>You recover, slap one of her blows out of the way, and send a few of your own.
>She evades them all, ducks, and sweeps your legs with a roundhouse kick.
>You fall on all fours.
>As you sense the foot coming down on your head, you move to the side.
>You burst up with an uppercut that she dodges.
>Then you send several more punches.
>Charlotte blocks them all, but she’s being pushed back.
>A decisive blow—something strong. That’s what you need.
>With a quick spin you send your leg at her head.
>She predictably blocks it with her forearms.
>You use the resistant force of her block as leverage to move behind her.
>One punch to the head can give you the upper hand!
>But Charlotte spins at lightning speed and catches your arm.
>She once again slams you over her shoulder and to the ground.
“Ah!”
>Stars seem to cloud your vision as your head hits metal.
>*Stomp!*
>And one more blow to your stomach as she fits her boot on your stomach to cement you to the ground.
>Veronica and Nike look on with widened eyes.
>Charlotte draws her wand and points it at you. A long, silver rod with a yellow orb-tip. ”It’s over, Sunset.”
>You scowl, and grind your teeth.
>”Rumor has it you survived fighting Selene? Was it a lie?”
>Above you is the unwavering and determined face of Charlotte. Or did it soften for a moment? Was that your imagination?
>”I gave you your chance. Because you lost you and your friends will be stuck down here. For the rest of your lives used as guinea pigs for the Interior.”
>You close your eyes shut in frustration.
“You never even gave me an explanation, Charlotte!”
>You open them once more in intensity.
“I’m NOT going to lose!”
>You swipe your right arm across her leg which pins you to get it off your stomach.
>Then with your left, you go for the wand pointed at you.
>It begins to light before you grab it, but you do grab that silver orb.
>If you can channel your magic into it—you can negate whatever attack she’s attempting to put out… probably. You have to try!
>The wand’s light quickly becomes more intense.
>*Blast!*
>You’re blinded for a moment, but you feel yourself take the brunt of the blow.
>Tumbling across the room you feel friction between your skin and the metal ground.
>Orienting yourself best you can, you find yourself kneeling and panting across the room from Charlotte.
>She simply stares at you with a dead look in her eye. “You have more temper in you than you like to show, huh?”
“Why are you doing this!?”
>*CLANK!*
>As if your passionate quest cued the world, you hear a door above the staircase—the side of the room opposite where you entered begin to open.
>The whole room turns their attention to this.
>All of the armored soldiers begin to salute. 
>Is this…
>”An explanation is what you want, huh?” A man with a highly decorated vest and cape descends the stairs. 
>This blond man is accompanied by the mysterious man that was with Charlotte you ran into when you entered into this place. With them are two more men of the stronger suits of power armor.
>”Glad to finally meet you, Sunset. You’ve been through a lot. Eventually I figured you at least deserved an explanation for your troubles.”
>You slowly stand up onto your feet.
“You’re the one they call ‘Master’, right?”
>The man puts a hand to his chest. ”Apologies. Yes, I am the Master of the Interior. It’s head of state and the rightful ruler of the old country.”
>”You didn’t have to come here…” Charlotte says.
>”And you didn’t have to lure them here for this, yet you did.”
>The black haired man next to him speaks up. ”On some level you felt guilty, right? Not as unattached to your fellow mutants as you thought you were.”
>Charlotte merely glares at them.
>”You see, Sunset.” The Master speaks to you again. “Charlotte is a double agent for us. She leaks information on the Capital Settlement to us. It may be that the Interior would have been under the rule of the Capital Settlement by now if not for her. The info helps us plan counter attacks. Helps us get prisoners.  Like yourselves. Truly a bad roll of the dice that you all happened to be the prey today.”
“What’s the point of the things you have Dr. Car do to witches? What was that?”
>At the remembrance of that traumatizing experience you become cognizant once again of the wound on your thigh and its lingering pain… Your eye twitches in response.
>”Isn’t it obvious? You’re complete freaks of nature. A spontaneous aberration of the normal human female that seemingly came out of nowhere. Anyone would be interested in running tests on you. Indeed, the old country did even before it was reduced to just the Interior. The more information we have on our enemies, the easier it is to fight them.”
“But why, Charlotte!? What sense does it make to help them do that to your own home!? Your own Headmistress? Your own friends and fam-”
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESpOXeFVVSE
>”Because I DON’T have a family, idiot!” Charlotte’s outburst is sudden—and at complete odds with her stony demeanor from before. “My mother died fighting other witches. My father died of illnesses that could be cured with minimal effort hundreds of years ago. My lover died of Magicopia. And my only child died…”
>Charlotte places her arms around her stomach and looks down. Her eyes waver and a bead of sweat forms on her brow. “Because of me! You don’t get this because you’re still a child, Sunset. Our bodies are cursed. We’re a mockery of everything it means to be a woman. Take a look at our lives and tell me this was as it was meant to be? We use odd powers to kill our enemies. We reduce men to home décor and mere laborers at best. Look at what you’ve done to get this far. The people you’ve killed. The horrid sights you’ve seen. All of it is because of us. If we never were the world would be just as peaceful as it was before Magicopia. You know that’s true.”
>She looks up at you. “Our bodies are a sick joke. Our skin is soft, but there is nothing feminine about us. Despite warm appearances, we cannot make a home. Our bosoms bloom, but their milk is corrupted. Our genitals dampen, but it rejects its counterpart. Our innards only have the appearance of a proper uterus, as seldom does it ever incubate anything.”
>“Neither you or I should have to live like this. People in the Interior don’t. This is the most peaceful place you’ve seen here yet, isn’t it? It is because there are no witches. If we were born normal we could live something like this too. You just don’t get it. If the Interior learns more, it could be done. They could reverse the disease—the mutation known as witch-hood. And nobody would ever have to live like this ever again.”
>She closes her eyes, and balls her fists. “But you’ve probably never thought of these things, Sunset. Because you’re a child. Probably brought up as a killing machine. And you’ve never questioned it not even once. Few do. At least, not until they try to gain something resembling womanhood. Not until their bodies fail in the endeavor as mine has and as many do. It’s the nature of children to be naïve and idealistic. To get angry at some shallow injustice instead of going to the greater good….”
>You open your mouth to protest, then you remember something.
>You remember Amalia’s dream of having children. That longing she had as she looked out that window. The normally content and ambitious girl suddenly so anxious about such a thing.
>You put your hands over your stomach. 
>You think about what it would be like if she failed. If you failed. Would she even be the same person anymore? The thought makes you hesitate.
>”And she’s right…” The Master speaks once more. “The bodies of you mutants are disordered in so many ways. Surely you must have realized that by now. There’s less suffocating bureaucracy and overburdening industrial society these days. But past that, could anyone really say this is better? It is true that one of the things Dr. Car and many others were working on was a cure or at least treatment to your mutations. If it succeeded, it may be possible to go back to as it was again. Ironically it is the Capital Settlement that wants to take us over and crush the possibility forever. You lot left North Canterlot due to a despot, but there have been many like her in the past. And there will be more in the future. That is unless witches are cleaned from this Earth.”
>The Master turns toward Charlotte. ”But Charlotte, you led them here on purpose, didn’t you? Your restraints simply were not as strong as they could have been, weren’t they? On some level you’re losing the resolve you once had.” His eyes narrow. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
>”Don’t be ridiculous.” Charlotte rubs her arm. “I wanted to see her resolve, is all. There’s obviously no way out of this for them.”
“Charlotte,”
>You look up.
“We are witches. Whether you like it or not that’s our nature. I will embody it. You not accepting that is the true curse.”
>Charlotte doesn’t bother responding, and is content to simply glare at you.
>The Master laughs. “You’re interesting, Sunset.” He backs up behind the heavily armored ones along with his Secretary—the black haired man. “How about you show me then. Continue your fight. If you win and restrain her, Charlotte, I’ll believe you still have your resolve and you get to keep your job. And if you win, Sunset, Charlotte will take your place as a test subject. You and your friends will get to go free.”
>You are Veronica.
>It has nearly slipped your mind that there are heavy guns constantly threatening you. You and Nike are too engrossed in the scene unfolding in front of you.
>Your life IS at stake in this match. Your goals, ambitions, and legacy in the hands of Sunset Shimmer.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEQf5lcnj_o
>Charlotte grabs the silver orb of her wand from the bottom like a pretentious man may grab a wine glass. All the while she keeps her eyes glued to the girl in front of her. She brings the orb close to her face, kisses it, and closes her eyes as if in meditation.
>Similarly, Sunset keeps her eyes glued to her adversary. She brushes the dust off her vest, bends her legs into appropriate stance, and reels her right arm back slowly. Her hand remains open—not in a fist.
>You’ve begun to notice it as soon as Sunset woke you up in this place, but only now have you decided it’s not your imagination. She’s changing. You’re not sure why or how. Her normally fair skin is now ever so slightly ruddier than usual. Her eyes—normally a teal, springlike light green are now ever so slightly darker. Nearer to the envious and toxic green. Her hair is disheveled. You attributed it to the stress of the situation, and you’re sure that’s contributed to it. But it’s not all. Her hair is ever so slightly coarser, thicker—like that of a beast’s.
>At a moment’s notice, Charlotte breaks her meditation and opens her eyes in intensity at Sunset. Sunset returns the gesture.
>You hardly register the time it takes them to meet each other in the middle.
>Charlotte blocks two punches of Sunset’s with her forearms, then counters with a high kick to Sunset’s head.
>As Sunset blocks her foot, Charlotte brings her wand down toward Sunset’s head.
>Sunset sidesteps, then moves her hand toward Charlotte’s face.
>Charlotte knocks her grab out of the way. She brings her foot up and kicks Sunset’s stomach so to push her away.
>Sunset dulls the blow with her arms, but is still pushed back.
>Charlotte lights and spins her wand. A silver ring of magic is formed which she launches at Sunset.
>Sunset moves toward Charlotte again, and somersaults over the ring and closes in once again on her adversary.
>Launching herself in the air, Sunset offers one spin kick to Charlotte’s head which she blocks with her wand.
>As Sunset lands Charlotte swings her wand at her twice. 
>When she dodges both swings, Charlotte ducks and goes for a round house kick.
>Sunset hops over the kick.
>You notice something. The ring which Charlotte launched earlier un-lodges itself from the wall and comes back towards Sunset from behind her.
>You open your mouth to say something, but it moves too quick for you to say anything in time…
>Sunset spins out of the way without even looking behind her.
>Charlotte ducks further and the ring passes her overhead.
>Sunset runs toward Charlotte and kicks her head like a football.
>Her adversary manages to put her hand up to intercept the blow, but still takes the brunt of it.
>Sunset continues with a powerful stomp toward Charlotte’s head.
>This isn’t like when she fought Selene. Sunset—her movements can keep up with her anticipatory magic now.
>Charlotte slides back before the foot can connect and regains her footing once more. She scowls, wipes her face, then draws a second wand—Sunset’s golden wand.
>She similarly spins it, and makes another silver ring. Charlotte launches it just as the previous one moves past her and toward Sunset.
>The rings lean until their parallel with the ground. One on top of the other. They expand, and thicken. Their magic intensifies like plasma. You can feel their heat from here.
>Sunset jumps in between the two rings. From all fours, she propels herself up and toward Charlotte again.
>Sunset offers a few more blows which Charlotte blocks.
>Charlotte swipes her wand and manages to connect a blow across Sunset’s face.
>She recovers without delay and attacks Charlotte once more.
>Sunset’s blows are blocked, but Charlotte seems to be pushed back.
>A ring closes in on Sunset from above at an angle while the two fight.
>*Thunk!*
>Sunset jumps back and the ring cracks and lodges into the ground.
>Sunset moves in on Charlotte again. 
>Charlotte motions her wand, the second ring circles around and moves toward Sunset from her side.
>Sunset moves fast enough to move past the ring’s line of fire. She grabs hold of Charlotte’s arm. Pushing her elbow in and her arm into over extension Charlotte is forced to let go of the wand.
>”Guh!” The woman shouts in frustration and fire coats the gold wand she has remaining. She swipes it toward Sunset.
>Sunset blocks it with the wand she took, and jumps back.
>Charlotte disperses the rings. The golden wand lights, and from it comes a magma whip.
>The metal below begins to glow at contact.
>Charlotte moves in on Sunset with the whip.
>The girl is forced to keep her distance. A hop there, a duck here, a side-step then and now. 
>Sunset jumps back. Now the wand she holds lights. From it forms a hard ice sword.
>She swipes at several of Charlotte’s whips—heavy steam fills that area of the room.
>Everyone in attendance watches closely. It seems nobody expected such an intense fight. Even the armored soldiers behind you start to watch the battle more closely than you and Nike.
>Charlotte jumps back and closely observes the steam.
>*Blast!*
>Leaving a trail of steam behind her, Sunset flies from the steam seemingly off the propulsion of her wand.
>Flame roars on Charlottes wand and she swipes the wand at Sunset as she flies by.
>The wand… passes through. 
>Charlotte looks behind her in confusion as ‘Sunset’ fades into nothing.
>*Bam!*
>The real Sunset’s eyes roll back and her teeth are bared as she bursts from the steam and connects the spin kick to Charlotte’s head.
>”Agh!” The witch shouts in pain and anger.
>Sunset uses the recoil to flip back and avoid her retaliatory upswipe of her wand.
>Charlotte throws her wand into the air and then throws a right hook that Sunset blocks with her forearm. The traitor continues her blows, and Sunset is pushed back some.
>Charlotte performs an uppercut and Sunset leans back to dodge it—the woman grabs the wand which has fallen right where she expected it to, quickly coats it in magma, and slams it down.
>Sunset, foreseeing the attack, sidesteps it. She grabs her golden wand tightly with one arm and with the other she brings down Charlotte’s electrified wand on her arm. 
>Charlotte is forced to unhand the gold wand. She scowls something fierce and looks down into her right hand. It glows, like fireworks.
>She turns and extends her arm toward sunset and the sparks fly with a whistle.
>*BOOM!*
>The blast hits the ceiling, the soldiers move closer to the Master and his Secretary to shield him from any potential debris. “Watch where you’re aiming!”
>Just as she turns, Sunset maneuvers behind her with her electrified golden hammer.
>Before Charlotte can react-
>*SLAM!*
>For the split second, you see the woman’s face contort and her eyes roll back as her head takes the blow. The tumbles and rolls across the ground for a moment. Her head is bloodied. Her sclera veiny and stressed. Her body twitches once, evidence of her physical trauma.
>However she snaps back to life something fierce. She gets up on all fours with the angriest expression you’ve ever seen from her. Her blood flows across her teeth. “SUNSEEEEEET!”
>As she gets back up on her feet both of her hands spark red white and blue.
>Whistles sound as she extends her arms forth and several fireworks fly.
>Both Sunset’s wands light and she deflects a few. She does somersaults, hops, and sidesteps to evade others.
>Charlotte shoots wildly and angrily, like a gatling gun. Fireworks light and enflame the flags, statues and emblems.
>As some shots near you, Nike and the soldiers you wave your hand and cast a barrier to protect yourselves.
>The soldiers on the other side of the room move in front of the two VIPs. The Master however, seems eager to see the fight despite the danger.
>Charlotte shoots some fireworks at your barrier at an angle, then she slides around Sunset and shoots more fireworks. 
>With Sunset midair, and blasts coming from both directions, you begin to worry for the girl. Your heart skips a beat in the heat of this moment!
>Sunset points both wands down and releases an explosion.
>She’s propelled into the air hard enough to impact the ceiling and ‘land’ on it in a squat.
>She then pushes off down toward Charlotte.
>Charlotte hesitates in shock, a critical mistake.
>Sunset grabs Charlotte’s face. With her momentum she drives Charlotte’s head into the ground one more time.
>*SLAM!* 
>You cringe at the sight.
>…
>You, Nike, The Master, his secretary, the soldiers all stare in disbelief.
>The Master absolutely did not expect this outcome. He looks on in fear, with a bead of sweat running down his face.
>You look worriedly at Sunset, and take a step back.
>”Hahahahahahahahahaaa!” She looks down on her unconscious prey. Her skin, ruddier than before. Those eyes, deep green—like a witches’ cauldron—peer down onto her. The whites of her eyes veiny. Her nails dig into her chest. Sunset bares her sharp canines… and she licks her lips. She 
>”Finally…”
>”More power than I can EVER imagine~…”
~
>Lulamoon Files Excerpt #67: Loving 
>December 1, 2102
>Love DOES conquer all.
>Sincerely,
>Catherine Lulamoon

~

>You find yourself in the room once again. The columns, that screen, that U-shaped table with all the colonially dressed witches.
>But the air is much different this time. And you’re back here with one less person than before…
>”You have my sincerest apologies.” Headmistress Marshall says with a slight bow of her head. “I should have known a long time ago what Charlotte was like. Never should you thee have ever been put in that kind of danger.”
>Long faces all across the room. News of this got around the whole of the Capital Settlement. It seems no one knows what to make of it—one of their most trusted Captains was a traitor. And this is disarray they definitely don’t need right now.
>Whatever… it’s their problem.
>The Headmistress motions to another at the table. This high witch takes out an old suitcase which she then hands to one of the guards behind her.
>This guard approaches you with the suitcase.
>”Please accept this as an apology and a token of gratitude.” The Headmistress says. “You may not have learned much from The Capital, but uncovering Charlotte’s treachery is a thorn out of our side.”
>You take and open the suitcase. And it’s filled with gold coins, some potions, as well as new uniforms for you and Veronica.
”… Thanks.”
>Veronica gives a nod. “Thank you.”
>The Headmistress then looks towards the last girl who lived through that nightmare. She’s been quiet and dejected ever since the event… You feel bad for her, such a gentle soul. ”As for you, Nike. There’s a power vacuum in our ranks now that Charlotte’s gone. Obviously you can’t take her spot directly, but we’ll be highly considering a promotion for you in the future.”
>The girl manages a slight, albeit obviously fake, smile. “Thanks.”
>The Headmistress looks over you three with sad eyes for a moment, then finally she walks over to you. “If you two ever need anything at all, you’re always welcome here. Seriously.”
>You meet her eyes, and she seems sincere enough. A complete change from the last time you saw her. Guess she really did put her trust in you after all… But it doesn’t matter now. You really just want to leave this place…
“I’ll keep that in mind…”
>…
>You and Veronica walk out of the Capital Settlement in a much different atmosphere from when you left.
>The sun’s setting (no pun intended), there’s a slight breeze, and you’re both in silence.
>You haven’t really talked to Veronica ever since The Capital Interior escorted you out. It didn’t feel right to… it was like a perpetual awkward silence.
>You walk ahead through these suburbs turned natural greenhouses. Veronica trails just a bit behind to your right.
>You think she wants to say something…
>Well, you’re certainly not going to initiate. So you’re leaving the ball in “her court.”
>After a while, finally she relents. “Where are you going?”
“To Cinderbelle.”
>You continue your walk to the sounds of critters scurrying about in caution of your presence.
>”...And you’ll find her where?”
>You sigh.
“You’re about to find out.”
>In your peripheral vision you can see the annoyed look on her face.
>… You guess you can clarify.
“It was during my fight with Charlotte. For a time my senses felt sharper than usual. I realized they were then.”
>Veronica looks at you in concern for a while, and opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it again.
>You stop once you reach the destination. Looks like it was once a phone tower. Now it’s covered all over with wood like some kind of intricate treehouse. Even from here you can see modifications and repairs of the tower at the very top…  It’s as if this is some kind of hideout. Just what’s going on here?
>”This place reeks of rouge witchery.” Veronica states. “We need to act carefully. Find a-”
>You draw and throw your electric hammer at the entrance to this tower fort.
>*Boosh!*
>The impact creates a hearty and satisfying explosion as a few wood chunks go flying.
>The reaction is instant. The hornet’s nest buzzes to life at the disturbance.
>”What the fuck? Get her!”
>You hear that and various other things as the situation escalates.
>”You idiot!” Veronica barks.
>Your legs kick it into high gear and you close in on this place. As she has no choice, Veronica follows.
>As you make it to the door already two witches are on your position.
>You jump on the wall and grab your hammer implanted in it as you dodge one’s attacks.
>As you dislodge the hammer you  incapacitate one. Veronica handles the other.
>More come as the surprise situation dawns on the unsuspecting crowd.
>Still you and Veronica make your way up the crude wooden structure around this cell tower taking out all that oppose you along the way.
>Good… GOOD. You need this battle.
>You came into this dangerously. The more dangerous, the better. The more dangerous—the more like that last situation it will be.
>And the more like it was down under the capital… The more likely you’ll recreate that good feeling you had… That feeling you had when you fought Charlotte when it felt like you could do ANYTHING.
>But these rouges are fodder… Nothing like the trained witches back at the settlement. Nothing like Selene’s specially picked group. Nothing even like the tin can convered non-witches back at the Interior.
>You make it to the top—as you flow through that attic door up to the largest room in the wood fortress your eyes sweep across the scene both in this moment and using your foresight.
>… There are about six rouge witches that have been expecting you. Behind them you see both Cinderbelle and Rose(!) standing near the top of the antenna. The antenna extends through the ceiling. It looks like they were modifying it for something…
>A few weapons, drugs, and  men are also in the room.
>The rouges are already making their attacks on you. In your foresight, your main magic, you see them.
>You prepare your counterattack. Six against one. Maybe this is just the pressure you needed! …and then in another instant you notice something else coming…
>As Veronica comes up the scene unfolds.
>*SMASH!*
>Wood flies from the side of the room as they burst onto the scene.
>Leading is Gunnel, who has punched through the wall in her flight, and and lands another high speed blow on one of the rouges—sending her flying across the room.
>”Here comes Gunnel!” Midair she spins and kicks another across the head hard enough to send her to the ground.
>Gunnel lands and slides out of the way as Dean Crystal draws her sword and slices through the limbs of three like a living shuriken.
>As the final one squares up and actually reels back an attack at her, the Dean slides through her legs. Once on the other side of the rouge, she jumps up and kicks her back toward the last infiltrator.
>That’s… the late Headmistress’s daughter you think! She comes wielding a sword much like the Dean’s.
>The young witch takes a slice at the adversary’s thigh which she hops back to avoid.
>The girl then follows up with with an upward slice, which the adversary sidesteps.
>When the pink haired girl finally throws a punch with her left hand the rouge witch moves in faster, and grabs her by the neck and lifts her.
>”Gyah!” The girl shrieks.
>Gunnel steps forward. ”Bea!”
>Dean Crystal puts an arm up, as to signal her to not interfere.
>… You and Veronica catch on, and also choose not to interfere until absolutely necessary.
>The rouge then draws her wand with her free hand, lights it, and moves it towards the girl’s stomach.
>It’s at this point that you begin to move.
>Before you do anything decisive you see the girl put her hand up to her adversary’s wand before it gets to her.
>From her hand forms a mirror. The magic bullets that come out of the wand are sent back at the rogue witch. In pain and surprise she drops young Sweet and caresses her damaged torso.
>As the girl falls she slits the witch’s neck. Thus ending that struggle…
>The room falls silent as the girl takes some time to catch her breath and observe her work.
>Then, Dean Crystal walks over to the girl with an unreadable expression…
>*Bonk!*
>The Dean hits the girl on the head with her wand.
>”Ow!”
>”Slow! Too choreographed! A snail could have avoided that grab, Bitter!”
>Bitter… Sweet growls. ”Call me Bea. I just didn’t expect you to kick her over like that is all. I could have-”
>”No excuses. And I call shoddy witches whatever I want.”
>Bea huffs.
>The Dean sighs. “Well, at least you won.”
>Gunnel walks over to you and Veronica, and puts a hand on your shoulder. “Sunset! Veronica! It’s been so long. I bet you’re glad we came when we did.”
>You push her hand off.
“I was about to clear this room anyway.”
>Gunnel seems a little taken aback, but quickly regains her composure. ”You sure are a lot more confident then you were last I’ve seen you. I guess that’s to be expected. First the castle, now the capital. You sure do get around, huh?”
>You cross your arms.
“A disease ridden wasteland will change a girl, who knew?”
>You notice movement behind you, and watch as Marble, Celestia, and Golden.
>”Who-hoa, haven’t seen you lot in a while!” Marble says. She looks you over. “You’re so different. From your build, to your expression. Sunset, did you time travel again? Why the 18th century?”
>”Ooooo, Sunset went from the girl next door to a witch one wrong move away from ripping your throat out!” Celestia comments. “What happened to our favorite naive girl?”
>You take a step toward Celestia and her eyes widen. She puts her hands up. “W-wait. I was just kidding.”
>You move in and lift off the one who was sleeping on Celestia’s shoulders.
>You take the white-haired girl and hold her close.
“Artemis…” You whisper. “I’m so glad to see you again.”
>”She’s still like this, huh?” Veronica comments.
>”Yeah… And to make things worse we just couldn’t let her stay at North Canterlot. Not with who’s there now.” Gunnel says.
“You know about that?”
>”Yes, we’re all filled in.” Dean Crystal walks over after apparently finishing with lecturing Bea, tying up the surviving rogues, and freeing Cinderbelle and Rose. “And it’s time I fill you in on what’s happened since.”
>Spark Crystal goes over everything. The death of Professor Gardener. Her attacks on all neighboring settlements. Their meeting with Lainah. Spark’s defecting from the settlement, and everything inbetween.
>”I was wondering why none of you were wearing robes anymore.” Veronica says. ”One more thing though. Cinderbelle, Rose, the hell are you doing here?”
>”Uhh.” Spark starts. “Not even I can answer that one.” She turns to the two who have been pretty silent up to now.
>You had nearly forgotten about them. So much had happened in so little time.
>”Sooo. Long story.” Cinderbelle starts scratching the back of her head. “Well, me and Rose were sent here together after what happened back at the castle.”
>Rose sighs. ”Lucky us, we ended up in a secret rogue witch den.”
>”The antenna.” Veronica states. “They rigged it to hide themselves even from the Capital Settlement’s watch. It’s why it was such a pain to find you.”
>”I offered my help to them in exchange for them, you know, not killing us.” Rose raises her pink brow. “But that does beg the question. How DID you find us?”
>”That was all Sunset.” Veronica says.
>Suddenly all eyes are on you.
>… You really don’t feel like explaining it again.
“I just had a moment of high acuity is all.”
>You look down and sideways.
“Probably just luck.”
>”Lucky girl then. We were just following you.” Spark says.
>Guards from the Capital Settlement catch on and investigate. They’re put at ease by your explanation. Possibly aided by you and Veronica wearing their uniform… They thank you for clearing out the rogue witches, and allow you to stay out of respect for Headmistress Marshal’s favor of you.
>Rose runs her fingers over the antenna. Her eyes scan over every nook and cranny of the metal and wire pile. How dedicated she must be to strain her eyes over such complexity with only the aid of lanterns to see on this night. It’s far beyond you… “Now that we’re free to do what we want with this thing, maybe we can find other witches with it. It should be able to bolster our sensing if I do this right.”
>”You think so?” Veronica asks. “We could find the rest of the girls who went to the castle with us.”
>”Maybe so. I’ll have to work on it tonight.”
>”After being forced to tinker with that thing for so long, you STILL want to do it?” Marble asks.
>Rose sighs. ”Well, the wand shop is inaccessible now. What else am I gonna do, huh?”
>Celestia suddenly appears (too) close to Veronica. “You’ve changed too, y’know! Old blue would have never asked about her pwecious fwends.”
>Veronica sneers and pushes her off. “Aren’t you like, a whole continent away from your home? Go back.”
>”No can do. I’m in too deep now.”
>”I gotta say, I’m a little mad.” Gunnel puts her hands behind her head. “She never showed that kind of concern for her own teammates.”
>”You never needed it…” Veronica looks at you.
>When you notice and meet her eyes, she looks away…
>The sound of rusty friction reverberates through the room as Spark and Bea enter this room again.
>”Dinner’s finally ready!” Celestia shouts.
>The fish is passed around, and you all sit in a circle to eat.
>When bea takes a fish for herself and moves to sit, Spark intercepts her. ”Nuh uh, not you. We still have sparring to do.”
>Bea opens her mouth to protest, then remembers it’s fruitless and relents. “Fine….”
>And so, the two youngest (looking) witches leave once more.
“What’s up with Spark and that girl?”
>”I’m not so sure myself.” Gunnel says after swallowing. “She’s been pretty strict on her. Makes sense I guess… she has to learn fast if she doesn’t want to be dead weight.”
>”It’s more than that.” You just barely hear the soft voice of Golden Spoon, who finally decides to give some of her ever so rare words. “Ms. Crystal has spent her whole life working for the old Headmistress. She feels obligation to do this deep down.”
>The room is silent as that thought sinks in.
>She’s probably right. When she was Dean, she always had the back of Headmistress Sweet. You hear they were friends even before they were high witches.
>Well, good thing you guess. Better a halfway competent witch than a complete liability.
>We already have one…
>You look to Artemis who is still resting on you.
>Will you ever wake up? You’d have had Sharon’s defeat planned ten steps ahead by now, wouldn’t you? Maybe you do. Are you just waiting for that oh so perfect moment to wake up?
>The night wraps up and you all begin to sleep. All that is, except Rose who continues to mess with the antenna into the night with her dim light.
>You have to say, you admire the dedication.
>But as everyone begins to quiet down, Veronica still hovers near you. The awkward air between you two is as alive as ever.
>She seems conflicted.
>As far as you’re concerned, whatever it is can wait...
>… 
>Hours pass, and you’re still looking at the ceiling. Even Rose has finally packed her things and gone to bed while your mind continues to wander.
>Failed attempt after failed attempt to go to sleep pass. When you also need to pee, you finally relent and get up.
>The cool night air and lack of light gives this antenna house an entirely different aura. Every step causes the wood to creak just a little.
>Soft step by soft step you move to the attic door, and softly open it. When you dip below it, you softly close it behind you.
>You briefly remember fighting the rogues that were in this thing as you descend the crude wooden tower. You realize you don’t even remember all the details. It happened so fast. Over the course of your stay here, you’ve become more and more of an adrenaline-fueled killing machine.
>You came not knowing death at all. Now you’ve dealt it out without second thought a number of times now.
>Creak after creak rings out as you descend wooden stairs. You look out of the windows and see the stars shine over the forest line.
>Are you a bad person? Twilight left you with her friends to get you to learn about friendship. What would she think about your ‘progress’ so far? What would she think of you now?
>But everything you do is for friendship now. You are looking for lost friends. So you must be doing something right. Right?
>You find yourself outside again. Behind you the impact your hammer once created.
>Nothing to do but do your business now. You head into the forest.
>After finishing and returning, you notice something outside that you didn’t before.
>Behind the antenna house… Is Bea. She sits on a log facing away from you. Guess you’re not the only one who can’t sleep.
>You probably should leave her be,… and yet, you approach her.
>As you walk up beside that log, and even as you sit next to her, she doesn’t acknowledge your existence.
>She continues to stare out lost in thought—her head supported by her hands that are intertwined with that pink hair of hers.
>You know she knows you’re here, but honestly, you’re not sure what you came here to say either. How could you judge her silence?
>You sigh, and eventually settle on an ice breaker.
“So… Learn any new moves today?”
>It takes the girl a second to react. She removes her hands from her chin sits straight again. “No. We practiced old ones.” She states matter-of-factly.
>Silence once more.
”Get any better at them?”
>She continues to not look at you. ”I guess.”
>Silence yet again.
>She’s really not giving you much to work with here.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6YgNtJNr6A
>”You’re not here to talk about my progress though, are you?” The girl snarks. “Gotta go talk to the girl whose parents just died and is staring into the distance, huh?”
“Come on, I wasn’t even thinking about all that.”
>You cross your arms.
>”Sure you weren’t.” Bea looks at the ground. 
>Guess you really should have left her alone…
>”But I can’t say I don’t find you a little interesting too. If I didn’t I would have left by now.”
>Finally the girl actually turns her head and faces you. Those light blue eyes of the old headmistress you finally get to see again.
>”I’ll get over it, but you know that. You lost your innocence too, huh?”
>Now it’s your turn to look at the ground. What an odd child. You weren’t and still aren’t really in the mood to talk. You have every reason to just go to sleep tonight. And yet, you bothered with this girl. She made you realize your interest in her even better than you could yourself.
>Suddenly you remember something you heard Selene say before. As soon as Artemis entered her coma, and you thought she was dead.
>*”. You really are just a schoolgirl from a unique time in history of utter abundance. And now, you’re stuck in an unfamiliar world where people die.”*
“Yeah. People once died old and ready. Surrounded by their kids and grandkids, after being bed ridden in preparation. Now they don’t. What the hell? If a settlement can’t even get us that, what’s the point of them even?”
>It occurs to you at that point that you’re with a child, and you probably should shroud your frustration.
>Bea looks out once more. ”The settlement is a place where mom’s in charge… Without her, I can’t accept that it even exists. But… It’s unlike someone your age to say things like that. I’m still not sure if I believe all the rumors about you being a time traveler, but I get less and less sure every day.”
“Maybe I just happen to have the maturity level of a ten year old.”
>”Twelve.” She states flatly. “I’m twelve, not ten.”
>You stifle a laugh.
>She gives you a deadpan stare in response.
“Spark really is your mentor.”
>She narrows her eyes at that remark. Then she sighs. “It only makes sense I guess. Me, Artemis, Veronica—we’re her allies, but because of our families we’re also precious cargo. It’s annoying. I can take care of myself.”
>You’re not sure whether to chalk that up to the typical yearn for independence of people her age, or to take it seriously. She does seem to be a halfway competent witch.
>Speaking of Artemis, she lost her mother while young too. She should be the one to talk to Bea like this. Not you. Your mother IS dead, but it’s not the same. You’re the one who abandoned her. First leaving Equestira, then leaving even the very time period. All of it, all of it your fault.
“Well, you seem to keep going well enough despite the situation. What keeps you going?”
>”Sparkle and her gang made my mom’s life hell before she died. And now they just insult her memory. That’s enough for me to want to get rid of them.” Bitter rests her head in her hands again. “After that, I don’t know. The Settlement is a place where mom is in charge. So, it’s gone for good. What’s the point of it without her? Maybe all the rogue witches out there have a point. If organized civilization is so good? Then why is the old country gone? Why does nobody even care about it anymore except for the weirdos-”
>Bitter points her thumb behind her in the direction of the Capital Settlement. “-over there?”
>But you continue to sit in silence, because you’re not too sure of the answer yourself.
>You and Bitter Sweet fall into silence again. But it’s not so unpleasant this time. This time, there is some understanding between you two. And you lose track of the time as the night continues on…

~

>All of you are gathered around Spark listening intently.
>The slightly playful, reunion-esque atmosphere of the day before has vanished.
>In its place is all the seriousness of a rag-tag group of witches trying to save a continent.
>”And I’ll be honest,” Spark states. She crosses her arms and sighs. As she looks up that silver hair of hers brushes across her face and dances in the light breeze. The short woman lets out a long sigh. “Our chances are incredibly slim. I should be straightforward with you all, and tell you if you follow me on this—there is a good chance you’ll die. This is not a joke, game, not a test, or even a light mission. We’re massively outnumbered. And now that Isabel is dead, I’m the only adult we have. And most of the hierarchy of our settlement, just wants to follow orders and lay low.”
>Silence permeates you all for a moment. Various levels of worry paint the faces of the others. Gunnel looking down slightly, Celestia biting her nails and looking off to the side, Marble looking intently at Spark with just one telling bead of sweat moving over her face, Rose with a finger to her chin while considering those words deeply, Golden with the same unreadable expression she always has, Artemis sleeping (no surprise there), Bitter with a neutral face, Cinderbelle with a surprisingly resolute face, Veronica with an unsurprisingly resolute face,…
>And you? You just can’t bring yourself to feel anything for this anymore. Faced with death? What has been your whole life since you got to this time? Truth is, you don’t care about saving the continent. You don’t care about saving any settlements anymore. All of them betray you anyway.  You of course, wouldn’t admit this out loud. The only thing you care about now are:
“Our friends. They’re at our next stop, right?”
>”Well,” Rose begins. “Cadenza is definitely there. And Amelia, well I’m not sure, but I think she WAS there and decided to leave. If I’m interpreting what I could pick up from that antenna right.”
>Marble raises an eyebrow. ”She left? So, maybe she made it back to the settlement by  now if she’s that free.”
>”No.” Rose states flatly. “She went north.”
>”What? Why? Are you sure you have that right?” Cinderbelle muses.
>And understandably so. There’s no reason to go north. North of the Kressen empire is outside of even the old country. And up there is a noticeable drop in any civilization at all on account of the climate. There’s already very few people left in the world as it is. Will you be able to find any humans at all up there at this point?
>”Look, any of you are welcome to use the antenna yourselves.” Rose relents.
>”Heh, or maybe you just hooked it up wrong in the first place, egghead.” Marble snarks.
>”AHEM!” Spark makes a show out of clearing her throat to get everyone’s attention. “If she was ever there, we can ask around once our lives aren’t in danger… Again, we have to target the leadership of North Canterlot. Sharon, Dean Xenia, Galaxy, and the rest of their new band of high witches. Let me make this clear—we have no business trying to help the Kressen Empire fight their minor battles. We don’t even have the resources to do that. Maybe it sounds bad, but we need their forces to distract each other. What with the amount of artificial soldiers Sharon’s managed to get, honestly the Kressen Empire is the only place that even has a chance to withstand it. If they lose this, and we don’t manage to take out the leadership—then probably the whole continent is as good as taken over.”
>”Just one more thing.” Celestia raises her hand like a school girl.
>Spark looks noticeably annoyed. ”… What?”
>”What about this place? Lainah and Professor Storm are headed for the Capital right? We gonna intercept them or something?”
>She’s coming here!? No. Not surprising. You know you could stay in any given place for too long and she’d eventually show up to hunt for you.
>”No. We’re going to avoid them. This place can take care of themselves.” Spark responds.
>Gunnel looks like she is about to protest, but then decides against it.
>Celestia wraps an arm around you. ”But how is Lainah gonna finally confess her love to her object of obsession?”
>You can’t help but sport a smug smile. You don’t care about what happens to The Capital, but if you have any regret, it’s missing out on how frustrated Lainah will be when she realizes you aren’t there anymore. That creepy bitch.
>Spark sighs. “I’m sure she’ll get another chance.”
>Before long, the journey commences. You forgot how secure it felt to broom fly with so many people before (well, people that aren’t trying to interrogate you ala the Capital Settlement).
>As the lands pass by below and the clouds pass above you begin to zone out.
>That is, until a particular thought comes to mind.
>You never did get the chance to ask Rose where she thought Carrie was. Her, along with Cadenza and Amelia will make all of the ones who entered the castle with you.
>At the helm of this formation is Spark’s broom. Your attention is drawn to the one sitting between her and Bitter—the sleeping Artemis. Bea wraps her arms around her and Spark as they fly. The little girl looking noticeably cautious about holding the comatose whitehead.
>Well, I guess you’ll have all but one half of your friends when they’re all found...

~

>*BOOM!* 
>*CRASH!*
>*CLANG!*
>A bird’s eye view of this flattening land, would be an extremely familiar scene in history. One wonders if that the clouds were sentient, if they would even care anymore about this species’ constant fighting.
>The same thing again and again. One line against another. One set of armor crashing with the other. Projectiles shot, weapons swung, civilians caught in cross fire, friends and comrades killed, civilization that was hard fought—destroyed in a fraction of the time it took to create.
>Why was North Canterlot relegated to a small portion of the northeast despite having some of the best technology of the day, some of the most prominent witch families, and some of the best training?
>Anyone would tell you the obvious: it was because of the existence of the Kressen Empire. Despite its name, a fairly loose unity of territories lorded over by lesser monarchs. Because of their sheer numbers, they were the strongest on the continent.
>Suddenly it makes a little more sense. Just how long were you waiting to get those new diseased, armor clad soldiers to turn this centuries old dynamic on its head, Sharon?
>You’ve decided you’ve seen enough, and you hand the telescope back to Gunnel who is next to you.
>Once again you marvel at this place.
>Not because it’s pretty—it’s an old highway rest stop. Complete with vines and nests where there should be refrigerated drinks. But your marvel that it’s still here, and not repurposed at all… It’s as if people really wanted to just move on.
“Well, found what we should stay away from.”
>”Our targets are probably in the zeppelins.” Spark walks up to your other side as a deer jolts across the now moss covered highway. “Rose, please tell me that thing will work soon!”
>”It will! Haha, just a moment!” Her nervous laugh was fooling no one. It was another antenna. A smaller, much more portable one than the old cell tower. As long as she could camp out here close to the enemy, its range should be enough. “Sunset, I need your help again.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
>Though you were nowhere near her level, you probably knew the most about the magic and transistor hybrid technology that we used. Or, at least you think. It could just be that Rose liked working with you from back when you made your wand together…
>”Heh, hahahahahaa!”
>”Marble, Celestia, are you actually trying to get that barrier to work or are you just fucking around!?” Spark fires.
>It was a barrier NOT to protect from any attacks. That would just give your position away. But the charms circling this building would keep anyone from sensing any witches here. Information can come in, none can come out. That’s the hope anyway…
>Marble and Celestia stop gossiping and giggling about whatever it was they were talking about and start actually focusing their magic again. You don’t think they’ve even known each other long. But somehow you’re not surprised they’re hitting it off.
>”Just when I found you again, we’re already back in an existential battle.” Cinderbelle says with a weak smile. “How do you get yourself into so much trouble?”
“I ask myself that a lot.”
>First a mirror to this human world (you forget that you were once a talking horse a lot lately), then bringing magic to this world where it shouldn’t exist, then being transported to the future.
>Some people pray for exciting lives. But you’ve had enough. Once you find Cadenza, Amelia, Carrie, and wake up Artemis, you’ll… Well you don’t even know. Maybe you’ll just live in the wild or something.
>The mini antenna, made out of a wand and surrounding material to make up the dish, support structure, and controls sparks as Rose moves something into the right place. “Alright! I think it’s ready.”
>Spark narrows her eyes. “’Think’ isn’t good enough.”
>”Give it a shot.” Rose motions at the device.
>Spark walks up to the counter and eyes the device next to the ancient cash register. Then, she grabs the handle.
>You all watch her expectantly for a moment. Just as you’re about to zone out, her eyes open.
>”Excellent. We can work with this. Witches, line up!”
>Everyone both inside and immediately outside the building hears the half-pint witch’s surprisingly loud voice.
>You all line up while Spark jumps up on the counter.
>”We may never get another chance like this. Our targets’ own rashness will be their downfall. Sharon Sparkle and Eris Xenia are together! And what’s better is that they’re not near their line proper.”
>”Like, I’d figure they were behind it.” Marble says. “How does that help us?”
>”Shut up while I’m speaking. Also they’re ahead of it. I imagine they’re making a bee-line for Queen Shy.”
>”Just, on their own? But that’s suicide, right?” Rose asks.
>”… Maybe. Which is why we need to take this chance now.”
>Well, for anyone else it would be suicide. You have a bad feeling about this. You can tell Spark does too, but now’s not the time to be unsure or to have reservations. We have to do this now.
>”We’ll split up like so. Celestia, Bea, Golden—stay here and protect Rose and Artemis for now. Have your wands ready. If I call for you to be somewhere you need to be there at the speed of Rainbow Dash.”
>Several affirmations are given in response.
>”Rose, if there are any significant changes in this conflict that could affect our goal, tell us fast.”
>Rose wipes her brow. ”Yes ma’am.”
>”Another thing. Galaxy is closing in on Cadenza’s position. Sunset and Cinderbelle, you two want to handle that, right?”
>You nod.
“Of course.”
>”Veronica, Marble, Gunnel—come with me. We will fight Sharon and Eris.” Spark’s voice calms, yet becomes more intense. “… You are prepared for that, right?”
>You all knew what that meant. You experienced Sharon’s power first hand when she got all the crystals. If she wanted you dead, you would have been dead. That’s something you really don’t like to think about. And Spark already fought her once and lost. Professor Gardener fought her and died. And now that monster is together with the strongest Dean of the settlement.
>”I should be with Sunset.”
>As anyone would expect, all eyes were on Veronica after a statement like that.
>And especially after you raised an eyebrow at her, she shrunk, but quickly regained her composure. “Y-you mean to kill Galaxy quickly so that everyone could reconvene to fight the last two anyway, right? I can get it done. Also… I have a score to settle with that girl.”
>You know that’s not the full reason, but Spark seems to at least kind of buy it. “Tsk. We’ll need someone to do range. Cinderbelle, are you okay with switching with her?”
>”Uh, yeah.” The greenhead responds.
>By the way her face quivers and her pupils dart, you can tell she’s nervous. 
>Spark hops off the counter. ”It’s all settled then…”
>The place goes silent once more, save the scurrying of critters and the sounds of blasts and war in the distance.
>This is usually the part where the encouraging speeches and war cries are made, right? But Spark herself looks at the ground seemingly deep in thought. She puts a finger to her chin, and you remember once again that this is a woman of childbearing age. She’s taken it upon herself to lead this rebellion against impossible odds and most of her old allies to return her homeland back to the peaceful place it was before. Although on the outside, she always seemed to be a machine that could weather any hardship with extreme stoicism (except for slights against her young appearance, of course) you wonder what she’s thinking right now.
>Only about a decade older than you. In that time, would you be mature enough to even attempt this? If you had your way, you were just going to run away and let Sharon do whatever she wanted. Gunnel, Marble, Celestia, and Golden would have been too naïve to see through the charade. They probably would have just joined with the rest of the settlement if not for Spark’s intervention. Cinderbelle and Rose would have remained slaves to rouges perhaps until the Capital Settlement found them. Bea’s far too young to do anything about it on her own. And even Veronica would have been overcome with unchanneled rage at her mother.
>”You know I’m…” You’re snapped back to attention at the sound of her voice. “I’m glad to have met you all. I may not have been around to see too many witch generations, so this may not have all that much weight, but certainly you’re one of the best I’ve seen!” Her toothy smile fades and is replaced with one that’s more sober and solemn. One that is determined but at peace with the odds. “Make your foremothers and founder proud, witches. Give this everything you have. If you do that, you have absolutely nothing to fear. Either your praises will be sung here, or” Spark points to the sky. “they’ll be sung up there.” She turns around so that her backs to you. “Your every action has untold ripple effects throughout time.”
>It wouldn’t be the first time your life was on the line, but you haven’t really thought about it. You figured it was for the best. If you thought about it too much, you’d just get too worried about dying to actually do anything. But should you? What would your death even be like? Do you even have a shot at getting to heaven? … You probably should have thought about that before taking over a school, attempting murder, and becoming a demon.
>The group splits, and you take flight.

~

>Effort is put in to keep your emotions in check. 
>It’s been so long… It’s just that it’s been so long. You’ve wanted to see this moment for more than a decade.
>You smile widely.
>This moment. It’s perfect. Below is the chaos, disarray, and destruction of this place which caused you so much anguish long ago.
>And not just you’ve been waiting for this… Your arms tighten around the one in front of you steering this broom. With her new power, she looks even more beautiful than she did back then. Those beautiful black and purple locks, and that ever so confident smile—your precious Empress. She deserves every bit of that title.
>Sharon notices. “Oh? Are you that excited to see your old friend, Eris?”
“I am. You deserve every moment of this, My Lady.”
>Sharon giggles that otherworldly, bratty giggle of hers. “As do you. You’ve been by my side for so long. Even when things looked hopeless, and that annoying Headmistress Sweet kept making the stupidest decisions.” The woman turned her nose up at the mere sound of her name, and then turned her head sideways to look back at you. “I keep telling you that you can have whatever you want from all over the continent now. Any food. Any gold. Any man.~”
>Your feel your cheeks heat at the sight of her youthful face. “I have everything I need…”
>Sharon raises an eyebrow in confusion, then smiles and turns forward once again.
>…
>”We’re here.” Her soft voice is enough to wake you from your light nap.
>And of course, it was true. In front of you was the vast fortress that made up the dwelling of the Queen Shy. A highly intimidating building lined with large statues of gargoyles and archangel warriors. It is on a hill, which made it’s enormous spires seem all the more towering. Banners and flags of the Kressen Empire coat the building. At the base of that hill is the wide, long, finely bricked path to the fortress. 
>And in front of the fortress are of course, thousands of witches clad in that knightly armor. Perhaps the most witches you’ve ever seen in one place.
>You can’t help but marvel at those knights on that path, straddled by the great statues of Fluttershy and other great witches before your attention is forcibly turned to something else.
>*WHOOSH!*
>Their cannon’s aim and fire—thick beams of compressed magic light up the atmosphere.
>Sharon dives and lands a few dozen yards from the crowd at the foot of the hill, escaping the attack.
>You land next to her and observe the enemy. Line after line of paladins, knights, and horses that look on you with intensity and disdain. Some of them make last minute inspections of their weapons, others whisper to their fellow knights, some opt to pray, and some sit and watch back with mere silent stoicism.
>But Sharon’s eyes are fixed on a figure far away looking down from up top the fortress. You follow her gaze, and sure enough you see her—the one true Queen of the Kressen Empire and heir to great witch Fluttershy.
>Even from here you can see the disapproving gaze of the ancient woman as her assistants finish the amplification spell for her voice. 
>”It’s been a long time, Sparkle.” Her raspy, old voice echos over the knights and the landscape. “Your allies are… a ‘few’ miles out. Did the little girl manage to get lost again?” This quip elicits a few laughs from the knights, that the higher ranked paladins quickly hush.
>It was a known story. Once upon a time, when this empire was forming and conflict arose for the first (of many) times between this place and North Canterlot, the young high witch Sparkle of the time’s life was spared here. A thing of shame and embarrassment for the family and the settlement as a whole—despite having a lower population than this place, it’s said to have made up for it with more highly skilled and better equipped witches.
>”But Sharon, look at you.” The Queen continues. “You’re clearly in over your head. Your mind was clearly made young, naïve, and idealistic along with your body… You’re allowed to turn back, and you can keep the last sliver of honor among your run out bloodline. Do you really want to be remembered as the one who went out on a foolhardy venture and died?”
>”I’m not turning back, ‘your majesty.’”  The budding Empresses voice projects. “You think you can fool everyone with your chivalrous façade? Everyone knows what this place is. How it came to be. A group of losers and have nots that banded together out of fear. Fear of the great witch families and of the Sparkle family most of all. That’s the true reason you sought to trap us to the east and that’s all your existence ever was.” 
>You weren’t used to seeing her like this. Ever since her transformation, she’s been smiley and confident—irrationally confident even. It wasn’t like her to address her enemies with this kind of seriousness. Usually she just insulted, belittled, and made a fool of them. But you understand, for this place has been a thorn in the side of North Canterlot for many years. And even yours and hers personally.
>”Traditions are handed down to be followed on the assumption that they were put there for SOME good reason. Surely enough, doubt and uncertainty is sewn among generations far removed from the origin of tradition—they may leave it only to learn once again the hard way, why it was there in the first place.” Sharon draws her wand, and her dark magic courses through it. The wand becomes a dual-sided spear with corrupted black and purple lights to match her own aura. “So let me remind you all again, why it is you fear the power of the Sparkle family!”
>For a moment, the whole Earth is silent. Not even a murmur from the stoic knights, or even an explosion from the battles in the distance.
>The Queen sighs, and brings her arms up.
>The war horns blare, the birds fly in disturbance, and the Earth wakes from its slumber.
>”AHHHHHHHHHH!” The knights roar in mental preparation for this conflict. They beat their shields, their stallions screech, and their cannons heat.
>You have to admit, you’re a little nervous.
>As you ready yourself, you see Sharon extend an arm out at you as to tell you to stand back.
>You obey.
>Yes, of course… The power she showed to Sunset- Hell, even the power she showed to Spark was unrefined. Sharon simply wasn’t used to the power of the crystals at that point.
>She bears her spear and begins her charge at the army that vibrates the Earth with its march.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFIXKXYfEy0
>What were you ever worried about?
>As the newly crowned Empress’s spear nears the first armored stallion, her dark aura coats her.
>Her movements begin, and she spins that spear with supreme grace.
>In front of her, below, and behind.
>Paladins, knights, and stallions are beheaded, wounded, and maimed in the most beautiful dance you’ve seen in your entire life.
>Pierces through multiple bodies at a time, slit necks through the thin openings of armor, kills with the enemies own weapons, inducing friendly fire among the enemy—nothing was impossible for the nimble, young new body of Sharon.
>The bloody river grew.
>Blasts sent her way would be sent right back at their source under the influence of her incredible telekinesis.
>Golems made of the Earth were toppled on top of their summoners, the summoning of the most feral animals just led to more mince meat along with the stallions, various poisons had no effect.
>As knights in the back of the crowd began to become demoralized, the great cannons of the fortress shine brightly and take aim.
>You jump back to avoid it, as do knights on their side get closer to the fortress to avoid the blast.
>*CRASH!*
>The sound of those blood red beams are deafening, and you need to put up a barrier yourself to avoid the shock.
>In place of Sharon’s old position is a ton of smoke, dust, and a large crater. 
>And as soon as the debris came, it was dissipated by the huge purple magic silhouette—the likeness of Midnight Sparkle.
>By this point, the new Empress’s trademark smirk is back. She walks toward the fortress without a care in the world.
>Her giant protector shoots lasers and thrashes about as if having a wicked mind of its own.
>You beam in pride of the gorgeous sight, as the last vestiges of resistance either die, or give up.
>As she makes it to the gate of the fortress, you take your broom and fly up to her side as the only one Midnight would pardon.
>Sharon looks up at the Queen. The Queen looks down at her with an unreadable expression. Her and her assistants seemingly unphased by the bloody road that was made.
>”Deep down… you knew this would be the result right from the beginning.”
>Midnight howls once, then disperses. 
>The elderly noble looks over the once proud, skillfully-crafted road and takes it in. She sees the maimed and mutilated bodies. She sees the many dead knights and battle animals. She sees the damaged statues and wildlife.
>The Queen looks back down at Sharon and sighs. Then, she jumps down from the fortress. “There aren’t many witches out there, no regard for your kind huh?”
>The assistants jump down next to her. Their voices vibrate through those fantastic helmets. “Are you sure you want to do this? … The princess wouldn’t want this.”
>”A bit too late for that.” The Queen replies.
>You draw your wand. 
“Allow me to help with this one, Lady Sparkle.”
>”Of course.”
>Silence.
>The Queen of the Kressen Empire is a refined and supremely calm woman. Her armor, the most decorated of them all. Iron plating laced with precious metals and gems in decoration. Her hair has long since lost its color, but still flows brilliantly over her wear. Her red eyes stare daggers into Sharon. That her gaze still retains some of its intimidating qualities despite her age is impressive.
>”Show a little fear for once, do you not see your dead underlings behind me? There’s no chance you have anything up your sleeve to counter me.” Lady Sparkle scowls. “So, what gives?”
>”Is anyone really that scared when facing a child?” The Queen responds condescendingly.
>Sharon gnashes her teeth. “Oh?”
>”Like I said, your new body matches your naïve mind. I may be one of the strongest witches in the world, but that’s not what made me Queen, child. I was born youngest of three sisters unlike you. Any of the other two had the blood to wear the crown—that’s not all there is to it either. An ignoramus like you can’t understand this. Your backwards family will never understand this. Which is why none of you could ever become Headmistress.”
>Sharon closes her eyes, clenches her fists, and gnashes her teeth. 
>You’re not sure if it’s your imagination, or if there really is a violent volcano below your feet getting ready to erupt…
>The Empresses eyes open. “I hate that look of yours so much! You have no idea what you’re talking about!”
>The Queen raises her eyebrows at this outburst.
>”All’s I’ve been told my whole life is that I can’t be in positions of leadership and I’ve never been given any good reason for it!  And now you give me that look which looks even more infuriating than Maia’s? I told you the reason! You’re scared! Scared of the Sparkle family and its power—jealousy of the first witch family is all that drives you!”
>Midnight comes back and offers up another underworldly howl.
>Sharon draws her spear. This time pointed on one side, flaming thrusters like a broom on the back side as to drive in the threat towards the Queen. “You think we’re all monsters? I may as well give you one!”
>”Your majesty!” The assistants step forth and ready their maces.
>Faster than you can register, Sharon begins her lunge toward the Queen leaving extreme air pressure in her wake!
>… And just as quickly—it stops.
>The Empress stopped halfway to the Queen. Midnight has dispersed. All that magic that’s been worked up… gone.
>In your confusion, you first look to the opponent to see if they did anything. However, they look just as confused as you.
“Lady Sparkle?”
>You begin to walk up to her.
>”Eris…”
“Yes.”
>The Queen and her two assistants seem fixed on Sharon’s face. You continue to her side.
“Finish off the Queen. I need to go…”
>What? After all that? You know better than to argue with her, but you’re honestly confused.
”Where are you going?”
>”There’s someone I REALLY need to see.”
>You finally reach her side, and take a look at her face.
>At stark contrast to the way it was just a moment ago, now her countenance was absolutely elated. She wears the widest smile, and her long tongue lips her lips. And just a hint of drool runs down those sharp canines of hers.
“And just who would that be?”
>A blush begins to form on her face as she laughs. ”Did you think I wouldn’t notice that you got here!?” The Empress shouts. “Huh, Sunset Shimmer!”

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt #57: Secrets
>December 3, 2099
>The settlement is in its early stages, and its government is only provisional.
>At the moment leaders have only arisen naturally, kind of like when you put a bunch of kids to a project.
>Ideas for more permanent governing styles came about. Surprising no one, the Sparkle family dominated discussions.
>And, I would have had no problems with them being a royal family either.
>What is one to do when presented with truths that the public are conditioned to disbelieve…?
>…
>Twilight’s granddaughter, and the current Sparkle family matriarch after her mother died recently—a woman named Northlight. She was perhaps the only one of them I actually liked. But after she suddenly became the leader of her family, she changed. She became untalkative.
>It must be the stress of the sudden situation and the death of a loved one, I figured.
>It was late at night, when I found her on that cliff just outside the settlement. 
>And it was the first time in a very long time that she spoke to me.
>Northlight expressed regret that she ever became matriarch. She told me she hated it. She was nostalgic of her innocent days back at the castle. She hated the outside world and how barren it is…
>I felt similarly. Though I didn’t say too much in response. I realized, I was probably just the only one around to vent to.
>But when the conversation was dying down. I made an awkward laugh, and said that if Twilight were still alive, we’d have had this whole settlement organized a long time ago.
>She didn’t respond to that, and instead said she was going home.
>I don’t know why I bothered to follow her that night. I’m not one to stalk people and I didn’t even mistrust her. It was an absolute whim. A spark. Guidance from my guardian angel.
>Northlight did not go home.
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon

~

“Aaaaaaaaa~”
>… No.
>Not quite right.
“Aaaaahhhhh~”
>That’s shitty too. 
“Uuaahhhhhh~”
>Terrible…
“Aaaaaa-“
>”SHUT UP!”
>… You obey.
>You can’t blame your fellow inmates for hating your singing. It sucks. It’s terrible. You’re a complete disgrace to your family which is supposedly known for their singing.
>Shame too, it’s not like you lack talent. You’re one of the best at violin, piano, and base. In a world where few people still know how to play these. In a world where there are very few of such instruments even left.
>But the Dazzle family is a family of singers. And even slightly above average singing… may as well be shit.
>You look back up out of your cell.
>… The Kressen Empire puts great effort into making its prisoners feel sheer intimidation and hopelessness, so time and effort are put into making their prisons feel like hell.
>This dungeon is built as an enormous cylinder. All around the edges from bottom up are cells looking into the cylinder. It’s jet black-made of black granite or obsidian or something, you can’t tell. You cannot see the exit even if you look all the way up. Lucky you, you get the ground floor—the lowest ring of the underworld. Above ever cell is a statue of a gargoyle looming over. The gargoyle looks down. It taunts the inmate and all others with its horrendous smile.
>So, what’s the light source in this middle-Earth tunnel?
>In the middle, there is a chain linking several large lanterns that burn like hellfire. Oil flows through this magic chain, and it’s perhaps the most innovative thing you’ve seen in this place. It’s steel shell is lined with sculptures of the heads of laughing demons and gargoyles. Between every two set of mocking sculptures is a thick spike just for the sake of intimidation.
In the cell there’s but one water dispenser… A small tube in the back that continuously lets water flow. There’s no sink or anything. That’s by design. So that the water on the bottom of the cell continuously annoys you. There’s no bathroom of course, which is also by design—why put luxuries in for the damned? … Of course it smells revolting down here. You’ve been ‘holding it in’ for a long time… You don’t know how much longer you can. You desperately cling to the small shred of dignity you have left.
>Of course there’s no food to be given out down here, not even junk. This place is a death sentence after all. And starvation is plenty painful enough. Witches that are fed may just get out with magic after all, and why spend time on magic restraining technology that the Kressen Empire, that antiquated thing, doesn’t have?
>Scream for help? Bang against the bars? Beg for mercy? Pray? You’re far past those phases. Everyone else is too. That’s why nobody likes noise down here. It’s best to reflect on your ill-fated life in peace.
>… When you first came here, you thought this place would be more hospitable. They thought you were some spy or infiltrator. Apparently tensions with your settlement rose a lot while you were gone. Tough luck. The rouges may have even treated you better than this.
>You never did learn what became of your best friends. Of Carrie or Cadenza? You really hope they at least made it home safely. You remember all the time you’ve spent with them. From childhood through everything at The Academy. You’ve had many laughs and much drama too. And the famous top duo—Artemis and Amelia. You never really did know why they hung out with you three. They were practically celebrities of your generation. And you’d never admit it to them, but you were always a little jealous of how pretty they were. Well, Artemis was a little awkward, but she still could have fit in anywhere. Amelia even had cooler friends. How did your two little groups meet again…?
>Oh yeah, that one wand race. Way back when… You were together with Artemis and Amelia, at least until Artemis had other business. For some reason Amelia just wanted to keep hanging out after that.
>The slightest smile moves across your face as you reminisce. You almost don’t notice your stomach shout in anger over its unfulfilled hunger.
>That’s right, Lainah was there too. But you all decided to give her space after a tragedy happened at her house… Was that really the right move? Or did she need a friend then? Well, it doesn’t matter now.
>Oh, and Sunset. You only knew her for some months now. She claims to be from the past. You’re still not completely sure if you buy that, but she doesn’t seem like a liar. And why else would Headmistress Sweet make an exception? You don’t know. She was so awkward when she first started. She knew nothing about magic or even basic things about our way of life. For a while, it kind of felt like you had a child around. Artemis seemed to take that to an extreme—she always babied the girl… 
>Veronica began to warm up back at the castle too… After years off being so standoffish. After years of being so angry at Artemis. You never really knew what her deal was. Guess you’ll never get to know now.
>And mother… You never really did impress her. She loves you to death, but instruments just aren’t enough. A Dazzle is supposed to be able to sing. Not just well. Exceptionally. Even so she’s probably worried to death about you. Sorry mom. I’m going to be a little late… Infinitely late.
>You begin to feel your eyelids get heavy. It’s your only real indicator that time passes down here. You never know if the time you close your eyes is the last time you’ll ever have your eyes open, so you always feel like fighting it.
>But this time… you don’t…
>…
>*BOOOOOM!*
>You’re awoken from your slumber after who knows how long, by the enormous sound and the shaking of the Earth.
>You hear some murmuring from even your fellow inmates—a rare occurance.
>After you turn to your bars and look out, you learn why.
>Several… things… just landed. Are those robots? No, that’s a variant of witch armor. Like that big orange thing at the castle. There are four of them. Bulky, but not quite as much as the one back at the castle. And there are two witches with them. With North Canterlot robes! You’re saved!
>You begin to raise your voice to call out to them, but it fails. You’re so damn tired. You shouldn’t have wasted energy trying to sing.
>You scramble over to the water tube and drink a little. After coughing a bit, you scramble back to the bars and then cry out.
“Hey! It’s me! Cadenza Dazzle! I’m from your settlement!”
>”Oh, there she is.~”
>You freeze. Your eyes widen. You feel cold sweat.
>That voice. There’s no way. It couldn’t be. That would make no sense.
>You tell yourself those things. Repeatedly. Eventually you calm yourself a bit.
“Over here.”
>But, as the one dressed in the North Canterlot robe come closer, you return right back to your panicked state. It is true. The one mocking your settlement’s wear, the one defiling it—is none other than Galaxy.
>You cringe. Because you hate her. Because you really don’t need her mocking voice right now. Because you especially don’t want her to see you like this. Because you don’t have the energy for this. 
>You move back up from the bars, and sloppily stand up.
>“Oh come on! I come all the way here, risk life and limb, claw through guard after guard all to bust you out of here” Galaxy puts her fists to her hips and leans forward. “—and this is how you react to me?”
>The other witch comes up to your cell, and you recognize her as Professor Kristen. “Cadenza, thank goodness. We’ll get you out of here.”
>The Professor lights her wand and smashes it against the bars. You see a sight you never thought you’d ever see… the door swings open.
>You can only stare at it. What an odd sight, one you were never meant to see. And you look at the exit with apprehension. You’re confused. Why are these two together? Why is Galaxy wearing that?
>”Well?” Galaxy starts. “Are you going to come out, or not?”
“… What is this? Why are you here?”
>”We’re from the same settlement. We’re here to save you, of course.” Galaxy replies.
>It’s… not like you have any leverage here. You could argue. It may be a trap. This may get you killed. It could all be some sick humiliation ritual.
>But it doesn’t matter, now does it? Because you were rotting in a cell, and you were literally prepared to die.
>So, you walk out. Your tired body can still walk, surprisingly enough.
>You exit the cell, and once again you are surprised. Galaxy didn’t shut it again as some kind of practical joke. You weren’t hit as soon as you got out. This doesn’t seem to be a dream.
>Galaxy stares back at you with an amused smile.
“… At least give me some kind of explanation.”
>”It’s like this-“
>”DON’T BELIEVE HER, CADENZA!”
>You all look up and see the yellow sparkle high in the sky, that very quickly jets down with electric fury.
>*BOOOM!*
>One of the armored soldiers is crushed by Sunset’s hammer as she lands. The diseased one inside it is revealed to the world… and dies soon after. You ponder for a second whether Sunset’s really responsible for his death.
>”You could have landed a little softer.” Says Veronica, who jumps off her back.
>Galaxy’s smile fades. “Great, just who I needed to ruin this moment.”
>”The traitors are here.” Professor Kristen says.
>Sunset smiles.
“You’re really clueless.”
>The prison seems to come alive at the spectacle. And this prison starts to look a little more like a coliseum.
>You’re happy they’re here…, but you too, are so damn clueless. What on Earth is happening?

~

>”Tell me,” Queen Shy starts. “Why is she so interested in Sunset Shimmer? I heard she helped kill Selene, but surely it was with great assistance?”
>The Queen’s assistant summons her wand, kneels, and hands it to her.
>And the Queen’s elderly hand gracefully takes it.
>You take off and throw your robe to the ground. Then, you crack your neck.
“The Empress has heightened awareness of one’s potential in her new form. It’s funny, stupid girl probably hasn’t realized it herself.”
>Queen Shy tilts her head. “Realized what?”
“Sunset’s probably never ran out of magic. Gotten tired, beaten up, physically fatigued perhaps—but the Empress senses incredible magic reserves in her.”
>You stretch your thigh. This will be one of the most intense workouts you’ve had in a while, after all.
“I think it’s a little odd to obsess over a girl that can’t even use them, but whatever excites Lady Sparkle excites her.”
>The Queen points her wand out and readies herself. “It’s funny, I felt the same way about your little ‘Empress’ over there way back when. Oh, how she disappointed me.”
“You won’t have to feel it much longer.”
>You finish your stretches and get into your own stance. Forearms crossed like an X.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjL1MfdcC_E
>”You are a fool. Without your handler you have no chance of winning!” The Queen spins her wand and summons a bear on which her and her assistants stand on.
>She continues to channel her magic. The bear quickly grows… And grows… And grows… It’s fangs and claws grow sharp. It’s brown fur becomes grey. It’s eyes red and enraged. It towers over you.
>Just as quickly, one of its paws moves towards you.
>You ignite your black magic that flares up over your fore arms, and  you dive right at it.
>Putting your arms together and spinning like a drill you cut right through that paw.
>*ROOOOAR!*
>The thing cries out in either anger or pain, you’re not sure. You sprint up it’s arm towards your targets.
>The bear reacts quickly, and flings the arm you’re on up in the air and sends you flying high.
>It takes you some time to reorient yourself, but you’re prepared to land on it.
>”Try these!” The Queen shouts. Several vultures are summoned.
>The vultures are huge and deformed. Like tetradactyls. Their beaks long, sharp, and menacing. The fifty birds fly up at you with intent to kill.
>You cut through them with your black flames as you fall. Their dead comrades do not cause the others to hesitate.
>The bear looks up, roars, and opens its mouth wide.
>A fireball comes from its mouth and threatens you and the vultures too.
>The vultures switch tactics and try to suspend and immobilize you.
>With supreme flexibility, you slice through beaks, necks, and abdomens like a spinning planet. As you throw the last one aside your black magic bursts forth from your lower legs and propels you out of the way of the fireball.
>*SCRREECH!*
>The vultures cry out as they die in the fire.
>You waste no time and propel yourself to the bears back and make a beeline for the Queen.
>One of the assistants intercepts you and you clash with her magic coated wand. As the clash lingers, she’s surprised as your black magic begins to seep through the wand.
“I’m impressed, it shouldn’t have taken even this long!”
>You swipe at her with your other arm, but she ducks. She avoids the rest of your swings and jumps back.
>You realize why, one of the bears arms is coming down on you fast. You propel from your lower legs again which noticeably pains the bear as your black magic blasts into its back.
>The Queen shoots a few blasts at you that you evade as you move through the air.
>This bear’s a nuisance, you have to kill it now.
>One more burst of black magic from your legs and you make a beeline for its head.
>You spin and impale your legs in its eyes.
>*ROOOOOOOOAr!*
>That one nearly makes you deaf, but it’s alive. It didn’t cut in deep enough. It’s blood coats your body as you continue to fire off the black magic in hope of damaging its brain.
“Come on, close those eyes for good.”
>”I don’t like people who are rude to animals!” The Queen throws her wand, with transforms into a large spinning shuriken mid flight.
>You propel from the beast’s eyes to evade it and it returns to the Queen.
>A spin of her wand and the Bear disappears.
>You take the opportunity to propel towards her.
>One of the assistants spins her wand and you run into a barrier.
>You can get through it, but as you move your forearm down on it the Queen brings her wand forth and a tsunami of water engulfs the landscape.
>It becomes a giant sphere. You manage to hold your breath in time for the water to over take you.
>One air bubble encases the Queen and her assistants. The Queen spins the wand.
>Enormous sharks with mouths  far bigger than your body and razor sharp teeth swim at you at breakneck speed.
>The black magic bursts forth from your legs and you begin to swim away.
>The sharks still do gain on you, however.
>As one set of foot-long jagged teeth surrounding an endless pit of a mouth nears your leg, you switch tactics and turn to  try and throw them off.
>They’re confused for but a split second, but it’s enough for you to cut the stomach of one and paint the area red.
>The eyes of the others roll up so that you can only see their sclera, and their assault continues.
>You ram the black magic into one’s nose.
>You juke another and ram it into its head.
>The last you see begin to clamp its jaws down on your arm.
“Noooo!”
>In a daring move, you drill into the top of its mouth, and through its head—just barely avoiding those teeth.
>That shout of instinct made you lose breath… not good. 
>A quick look shows the border of this gigantic water sphere is far away. What’s closer are the three stooges, so you once again make a beeline for them.
>The Queen spins her wand once more and you admittedly cringe.
>A large octopus. One of its tentacles wraps around the bubble that contains your targets and moves it to safety.
>Other tentacles move towards you.
>You don’t have the breath to fight this thing. You avoid the tentacles best you can, and slice them when you need to.
>The black magic of your legs moves you quickly to the bubble with the Queen.
>You slice through the tentacle carrying them. Your speed surprises them, and you manage to get into the bubble and lock blows with one of the assistants. 
>The other prepares a laser from her wand.
>You position the other assistants body in the way as the attack flies. It cuts cleanly through her, and her screams can be heard through that helmet.
>The Queen takes the opportunity to dispel the water and unsummon the octopus.
>You land wet and disoriented. The thump of the dead body of the assistant hitting the ground snaps you back to attention to jump back from the other assistant’s attack.
>You feel a disturbance under the ground, and seek to move.
>It’s too late, however. You feel something wrap around you, you’re violently pulled under ground.
“Aaaagh!”
>Black magic bursts through each of your limbs, and you see you’re now free from ONE of the earth worms in this large tunnel system.
>One giant worm comes from the wall through the dirt, you dodge it and it burrows back into the wall.
>Another makes a similar move.
>Yet another acts similarly.
>If you don’t predict where these come from somehow…
>A worm makes the same maneuver, but this time you see one of the assistants on top if it. She shoots blasts at you as the worm goes by. 
>You deflect them, then follow the worm through its tunnel through the propulsion of the black magic in your legs.
>You borrow your arms into its back and it twitches in pain.
>It burrows to the surface, and as you get out of the ground you make a beeline for that assistant.
>She shoots a few blasts at you that you deflect.
>She dodges a few of your swings as you close in on her.
>After a fake-out, you catch her off guard and impale her stomach with the black magic.
>She drops to your feet.
“One left… Remember when you said this would be foolish, ‘your highness!?’”
>Admittedly, you’re starting to tire.
“You underestimated me on my own. I’m the strongest Dean of North Canterlot and the Empress’s most trusted for a reason.”
>You stand up straight and flip your hair.
“Just like you underestimated Lady Sparkle and sent all these peons around you to their deaths! You’re a joke of a Queen!”
>You keel over and go into a coughing fit.
>Shit, water still in your system.
>”And what about the countless witches your own precious Empress left behind? What about the men who were mutilated and stuffed into those glorified coffins?” The Queen spins her wand and summons a komodo dragon beneath her feet. It begins to grow.
>And grow, much like the bear. It sprouts wings, and huffs smoke. Its body mutilates and sends out odd sounds. Its bones crack and rearrange in a manner that just has to be painful. It changes until it becomes one of the great dragons of mythology. With black leathery skin, and snake like green eyes.
>”And of course, your Empress left you here to die!” The Queen shouts. “You know nothing about the resolve of my knights! It was honor and glory for them to die for the glorious Kressen Empire.”
>You breathe deeply and grow a slight smile.
>The black magic in your legs propels you up.
>The dragon takes a swipe.
>And, it’s faster than you thought it would be!
>*BAM!*
>You lose all sense of self for a moment as you hurl back down into a tree.
>… Looks like this one won’t be as easy.
>The dragon puffs up its chest.
>Just as you propel off the tree thick blue flames coat the forest.
“What gives, Shy? Your own forest? Think of all the critters you’re hurting!”
>The dragon, with a big swipe of its wing, generates enough air pressure to throw off your flight.
>Queen shy casts a spell and brings her wand forth. All things around her begin to be attracted to her wand as if it had its own gravitational field. Including you.
>The force gets increasingly stronger, until you feel yourself moving towards her and the dragon.
>The dragon puffs its chest again.
>Panic over comes you as the flames leave the belly of the beast once more.
>You try propelling sideways to change trajectory at least enough to avoid them.
>It works, but the heat of the flames so close to your body is painful. You’re not sure yourself if your clothes haven’t caught fire.
>As you close in on the Queen, you reel back an attack.
>*BAM!*
>…
>As you come to, you realize you’re within the grasp of the dragon. He looks at you angrily, and huffs.
>Then he moves his fist up so you face the Queen. Your head is lower than Queen Shy’s of course, for the express purpose of her being able to look down on you.
>”Do you like him?”
>You scowl.
>”It’s a shame you turned out like this, Eris. You had a lot going for you. You got caught with the wrong crowd.” The dragon increases the force of its grip on you. You cough and moan in pain. “Look at you now.”
“I’m not done.”
>You manage to croak out.
>”You are. And this ended in the most painful way for you, huh? Sharon ran off to see another girl.” 
>The Queen spits and it lands on your face.
>”Kill her.”
>As soon as you feel the pressure around you increase, panic builds.
“NNnnnngh! I’m not going to fail her…”
>The dragon huffs, and its grip tightens.
>Queen Shy raises an eyebrow. ”What was that?”
“I said I’m NOT going to fail her! I don’t know your knights resolve? You don’t know mine! I’d die, move hell, fish diamonds out from the seafloor of the lake of fire—all for Empress Sparkle!”
>Your black magic heats up. It consumes your entire body, and eventually the dragon’s whole hand.
>*Rooaaaar*
>Even the dragon’s mighty hide is burned, and its forced to throw you to the ground.
>The black magic continues its rampage over your body as you land on the ground.
>”Your freakshow of a zoo is nothing compared to the power of the Sparkle family!” Like a rocket, you launch off the ground, the black magic coats you like a missile. You aim for the dragon.
>The dragon quickly puffs its chest and hurls sapphire flames at you.
>But like this, they’re nothing. You feel nothing.
>*Booosh!*
>You rocket through the dragon’s mouth and through the top of the head, causing it to fall to the ground.
>The Queen loses her footing and falls to the dragon’s belly on her back.
>You change trajectory and aim straight down towards her.
>The Queen points her wand up at you. Three mighty medieval shields coated in magic are summoned right in front of the other.
>You break through all three before you even have time to process the pathetic defensive maneuver.
>”AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!”
>…
>Blackness.
>Considering the events that just transpired, you’re probably feet deep in dragon guts.
>Mustering as much strength as you can you fire off just one last puff of black magic to boost yourself up out of this.
>Landing on the ground… the first thing you notice is how disgusting you feel covered in blood and dragon innards.
>The second is how Marble, Gunnel, Cinderbelle, and your favorite person in the whole wide world—Spark Crystal— are here and managed to recover the now gravely wounded Queen.
>”You’re lucky my whips are fast, old woman.” Marble says as she holds her. “…But that’s still a gnarly blow.” 
>Indeed the Queen’s side is gravely injured. She’ll bleed out soon if somethings not done anyway. She coughs, wheezes, and sputters.
>”Don’t move too much, I can help you.” Cinderbelle says.
“What a coincidence, Spark. Fancy seeing you here.”
>You spit those words. You can hardly find the energy to be sarcastic.
>Spark smiles. “You look like you’ve seen better days.”
>”Spark, can we do this if the others are with the Queen?” Gunnel asks. “She does look weakened.”
>Spark chuckles, and you see a bead of sweat roll down her face. “No, probably not.”

~

>Lulamoon Files Excerpt #61: Sparkle Family Secrets
>December 25, 2102
>Back in excerpt #57, I ended without saying where Northlight went and what I discovered.
>Back then, I thought it would be foolish to even write it down. I thought I could take care of it without anyone ever knowing—and the whole debacle would be a historical secret that no one could ever uncover.
>But I don’t think I can anymore…
>I followed Northlight a long way to a remote place in the wilderness. It was a mansion. One leftover from a family before the purple plague spread I imagine.
>I quietly moved towards it, and entered through a side door.
>Hiding behind furniture, and in the many rooms of the mansion, I spied on the Sparkle family that had gathered there.
>I learned that they have performed experiments on people using the purple plague back at the castle.
>I learned that some of them still perform them to this day, although their ‘progress’ (whatever that even means) was slowed significantly by the move.
>I learned that Northlight’s mother had killed Twilight, out of impatience in getting her inheritance.
>… If I had just gone and told everyone that back then no one would even believe me. Or, at least that’s what I tell myself. Maybe I’m just a coward.
>One of the first things I did when I became Headmistress, was to tell but a few highly trusted companions of mine—my Deans. We confronted the family at that mansion. We demanded they cease what their doing. We destroyed the Mansion, and we told them that in exchange for not imprisoning and killing them all—they’d never have power in the settlement for all time.
>Why did I do that?
>Why didn’t I just tell the whole settlement? Let them be disgusted, and drag the Sparkle name in the mud?
>I didn’t want to. It would be Twilight’s legacy. If I did that, it would be a massive slap in the face to the woman that made me what I am today. It wouldn’t just embarrass Sparkles. It would embarrass all witches.
>So, I didn’t let that happen.
>Dear reader… if you exist, I guess you can judge me. Did I do the right thing? Did I fix anything at all?
>Sincerely, Catherine Lulamoon.

~

>You are Bitter Sweet.
>Bitter… What kind of name is that? You always hated that name. So, you never use it.
>Friends call you Bea.
>Sounds much cuter, doesn’t it?
>Wind blows over the landscape and rustles the grass and bushes that now cover that highway. Spark and the rest… they may very well be in the midst of battle.
>You feel useless. You should be out helping them. Spark left you here though like you’re a kid to be protected.
>”Watch-ya doin’?”
>You’re disturbed from your stare out the window by Celestia’s voice. The girl bothers Rose, who seems to be focused on something useful.
>”This screen may have been once used as a menu for this gas station, but I think it may still be in decent condition. I may just be able to get this thing to show something useful.” Rose stands with the screen face down on the counter—its back wide open, now with wires hooked up to the mini antenna she made before.
>You’re not even going to attempt to explain what’s going on there, as you have no understanding of magic-hybrid technology. You just trust that it works.
>”Hmm. I don’t know what I’m looking at!” Celestia admits. “Isn’t that kind of thing tedious?”
>”Well, yes.” Rose wipes her forehead. “But that just makes it all the more satisfying when you actually get something to work!”
>The incredibly soft spoken Golden Spoon leans over and whispers something into Rose’s ear.
>Rose sighs. “No, it’s fine.”
>”What did she say?” Celestia cocks her head.
>”She said that you should stop asking questions so I can focus.”
>Celestia narrows her eyes at the girl, who only gives her a blank and innocent stare in response. “Oh, come on. She can handle a few questions. I gotta stave off the boredom somehow.”
>”Just go hang out with Bea.” Rose says.
>Your eyes widen.
“No, don’t hang out with-“
>Before you can finish the girl is on you like moths to a lantern at night.
>”So Bea, how are you doing my fellow princess?” The white and purple haired girl slinks an arm around your back and you cringe. “Feels good to be in the future Headmistress department, huh?”
“I’m a little concerned for the Cloudsdale settlement now...”
>Celestia puffs her chest and puts her hand to it. “Nonsense! I’ll be the best. Oh, and-” She puts her hand to the side of her mouth, as if she’s going to whisper a secret, but doesn’t actually lower her voice of course. “has it happened yet?”
>What?
“Has what happened yet?”
>”You know, IT.”
“No, I don’t know.”
>”Your first period, silly.”
>Your cheeks flush. Then you scowl.
“You don’t need to know that…”
>”Too personal, Celestia!” Rose says. “Give it a rest.”
>”Don’t you want to know though!”  She protests.
>”That’s up to her. Seriously, how old are you?”
>”Fifteen.”
>Rose puts her fingers to her chest and closes her eyes. “Yeah, well I am nineteen. And as the only ADULT on the premises you all need to listen to me.”
>”Speaking of.” Celestia jets across the room again over to Rose. “Have you chosen a husband yet, Rosie?”
>”You know, I was GOING to.”
>Celestia cocks her head. “And then…”
>”The war at The Castle happened.”
>”Ouch. Must suck.”
>Rose balls her fists. “You don’t know the half of it. I waited so long… I was THIS close to finally getting dick, and then-“
>Golden whispers something into Rose’s ears.
>”S-Seriously?”
“What is it?”
>”Golden says she can hear witches headed towards us.” Rose looks around in a panicked fashion. “Our barrier should be up though. Are they just coming this way on a whim? Maybe they’ll pass by.”
>”Is it North Canterlot? Maybe we can reason with them.” Celestia suggests.
>”Probably either side would try to kill us. Or at least stop our operation. We have to lay low…”
>You all get down below the window sill and watch for your approaching company.
>Before long, the sound of marching materializes into marching armored soldiers. The hulky, metallic red things are covered in the symbology of your settlement. However, you can tell that they have no soul. They march. They cover their path. Probably programmed or ordered a while ago to take this path in some larger strategy.
>”Guess it is North Canterlot.” Rose says. “But we definitely can’t reason with those things.”
>There were about 20 of them. And they’re coming your way.
>”They probably didn’t even notice we’re here…” Rose states. “They’re just marching away. I’ll be honest, I’m not really that much of a fighter.”
>”That’s alright, I am!” Celestia announces.
>”Really? What even is your main magic, Celestia?”
>”You’ll see soon enough.”
>This could be bad… But also, it’s a chance to actually DO something.
>You draw your sword.
“If that’s true then come with me, Celestia.”
>”Are you absolutely sure about this? Spark will kill me if something happens to you.” Rose says.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
>… You’re a little unsure. But your stubbornness got the better of you.
>Celestia stands. “Alright, but you won’t get much glory. My magic will rid them in an instant.”
>You look at the girl. A smug, confident smile as usual. But is she serious? Does she really have that kind of power?
>You smile at her daringly.
“Maybe you’re not just a useless annoyance after all.”
>Celestia flips her hair. “Of course not.”
>You both dash outside.
>”Hey, wait! Have some kind of plan. Don’t be too flashy and give us away!” Rose complains.
“Celestia, will you take the front or rear?
>”The rear. I’ll get rid of them in one fell swoop, you just gotta wait for it.” As you both get outside Celestia jumps up on top of the gas station.
>You press forward.
>You put your arm forth and summon mirrors in front of you like a barricade. On your side, the mirrors act as windows. On theirs, a reflection of their image and their attacks.
>The soldiers raise their arms and reveal the orb on their palms. Those faux wands shoots blasts at you and you take cover from behind your mirrors.
>The mirrors deflect the attacks, but the semi-robots keep shooting. 
>You can tell these guys aren’t very smart… if they can even think for themselves anymore.
>They’re still dangerous in numbers though.
>You quickly look back up at Celestia, and you squint as the sun behind her gets in your eyes. Her arms are up. Seems to be charging something.
>You have to isolate one or two of these things or you’ll continue to be pinned down.
>The tip of your wand lights yellow, and as you bring your wand over the mirror barricade a wall of fire erupts first from the ground in front of you, and then elongates toward the crowd until it cuts off one of the soldiers from the rest.
>You hop over your barricade on the side of the firewall with the isolated soldier, and take note that the other ones don’t continue shooting. 
>Stupid things must work on sight alone.
>The one in front of you continues its attacks as you near it, however.
>You manage to dodge a swing of its arm, then with a swipe of your sword you lop it off.
>Before you can act you jump and lop off the other.
>The thing flails for a bit, then drops to its knees. 
>The things are worthless without those orbs it seems… You’d feel bad for it, but you’re not even sure if it can still feel anymore.
>Blasts start coming through the firewall. Most miss, one hits you and sends you flying back a few meters.
>”Bea!” Rose shouts.
“I’m alright.”
>You get back to your feet as the firewall subsides.
>The other soldiers begin to walk towards you again.
“How is it going, Celestia?”
>”Uh, a little longer. A couple minutes maybe?”
>You kind of thought you’d be going into this with backup. You should have expected these kind of antics from Celestia, though. There’s no one but you to blame.
>The rest of the soldiers raise their arms, and this time high pressured water erupts from those orbs in their palms.
>You put your palms forward and summon a large mirror that reflects the tidal wave.
>Guess they’re at least smart enough to try and counter your fire…
>You jump a bit as you notice the mirror crack, but as it disperses you see the soldiers attempt to get back up again and reorient themselves after the torrent flooded through.
>Probably won’t be another chance like this, so you close in on them.
>You draw your glowing sword and try to de arm as many as you can.
>Your blade cuts through one arm, two, three, four, and-
>*blast, blast, blast*
>You’re forced to jump back as they get back on their feet.
“Progress, Celestia?”
>”Ummm, almost done…”
“Seriously?”
>”Come on Celestia, do something for once!” Rose complains.
>”Gimmie a break.”
>You can’t just waste mirrors. And you can’t get close to these things when they’re together like this. Time for a new approach.
>You extend your arms and first create one semidome mirror to stop their oncoming attacks.
>Then, you clasp your hands together and create six more flat mirrors that surround the group.
>Your mirrors also have one other ability. You point your wand at the mirror protecting you, and fire off several small fireballs.
>As they hit the mirror directly in front of you, they travel out of one of the other six as if going through a portal—attacking the group of soldiers from all sides.
>It causes them to stumble, and slow. However, they remain fixed on the dome you’re behind and continue to attack it with the high-pressure water and regular magic blasts.
>The shock and vibration you feel even from behind your protection makes you flinch. You don’t know how long this will hold…
“Celestia!”
>”Almost done this time, promise!”
>You’re only solace is that these things are just about too dumb to dodge. It’s only a small solace, as you can tell they’re resilient. They will break through your defenses before you can do any significant damage to them.
>Your fireballs only seem to cause them to flinch a little, however your mirror defense finally begins to crack.
“Come on!”
>”Alright! Get back, Bea!” Celestia shouts.
>You waste no time, and as soon as you jump back your semi dome shatters and the other mirrors disperse.
>Looking up you see a shining light above Celestia’s palms. It’s hard to look at, as if she has concentrated the energy of the sun.
>”SAY GOODNIGHT!” The girl throws her arms down, and from the light pours out a beam of power that moves at unimaginable speed.
>*BOOOOM!*
>The Earth shakes, and your eyes are filled with nothing but white.
“Ow!”
>You cover your eyes after feeling the intense pain of looking at Celestia’s attack. And the force of it pushes you so you sit on the ground.
>The sound of it is loud, but you’d rather cover your eyes. And the heat is intense like sitting right next to a fire.
>… When things finally quiet down. Slowly, you get the courage to open your eyes again.
>There’s a crater where the soldiers once stood. And that’s it. There’s no longer any sign of them left whatsoever. The crater is blackened and scorched. And the vegetation around it is gone for some distance.
“What the hell?”
>”Celestia. That was you? Right?” Rose comes outside and takes in the sight.
>Celestia jumps down from the roof of the gas station. “Sure was. Told you my power is amazing.”
“Not gonna lie. I thought you may have abandoned me for a second there.”
>Celestia puts her hands behind her head. “I would never.”
>”Now if only it didn’t take you three centuries to charge up the thing.”
>Golden walks outside, and mouths something.
>”What was that?” Rose asks.
>Golden leans into her ear, and presumably repeats it.
>”Ah yes, you make an EXCELLENT point.” Rose says while scowling.
>”Huh? What is it?” Celestia asks.
>”I told you not to do anything flashy.” Rose starts. “Yet you proceeded to do probably THE most flashy thing imaginable. Everyone and their mother probably noticed that!”
>Celestia smiles and waves nonchalantly. “Please, it’s all background noise in this battle.”
>Rose points at Celestia. ”You best hope it is, because you’re going to be the distraction to help us get away if someone begins trailing us.”
>”Yeah, yeah whatever.”
>Time passes. And no one else comes for now. As paranoia subsides Rose gets back to work.
>The battle plays again in your head over and over. And you think about what you could have done better.
>Honestly, Celestia was right. She did steal all the glory. She couldn’t have done it without you to stall them, but she was the main show nonetheless… you have so much further to go.
>Your day becomes boring again. And all you have is the rotting road to stare at again until-
>”I’ve got it working!” Rose exclaims.

~

>This is one hell of a prison. Dark obsidian flooring, gargoyle statues, huge lanterns with raging fire, and deep under ground to top it off.
>You’d take more time to appreciate it, if it weren’t for the dire task at hand.
>Galaxy narrows her eyes at you and Veronica. ”Both of you were supposed to be at the Capital last I checked. Though for some reason I just FELT that you’d be here.”
“You missed me so much. You must have manifested me.”
>Galaxy smiles mockingly and tilts her head. ”That so? Lemme guess. You want this one?” Galaxy shakes Cadenza’s shoulder.
>Cadenza looks between everyone while seemingly confused.
>And you can’t blame the girl. She’s probably waaaay out of the loop.
>You get into stance. 
>She can be filled in after this is over.
“Yeah. Well, that and to kill you.”
>Galaxy’s face first dons a look of surprise, then another smug smile. “Oooooh. Someone’s a little snappier than she was before.~”
>”Sunset, what are you doing?” Professor Kristen asks. “Why have you two betrayed us?”
>Aaaaand, you definitely don’t have the patience to respond to that.
>”Professor, the ‘Empress’ was-“ Veronica begins to answer, but you cut her off.
“As far as I’m concerned you betrayed US, now give her back!”
>You close in on the three.
“Veronica, get rid of the rest of the zombies.”
>”Don’t just rush in, idiot!” Is her response.
>It doesn’t matter if you rush in without a plan. You’ll always know their next move, so it’ll be okay.
>Galaxy puts her fingers forward and you don’t even need to use your magic to know what that means.
>You tilt your head such that the lasers miss it and assault all that is behind you.
>You throw your hammer at Galaxy’s 
>Galaxy hops over it.
>Good.
>You manage to get to her before she can point her fingers at you again. Then, you grab her arm.
>Her eyes widen in shock as you turn around, swing her body over your shoulder, and onto the ground!
>*Thump!*
“Gotcha.”
>You pick up the deeply confused Cadenza, then sprint back to the other side of the pit.
>Professor Kristen looks at you about as confused.
>*Clang! Crash!*
>Veronica finishes destroying the rest of the armored soldiers.
>The prisoners begin to shout and howl at anyone to release them, but their voices fade into the background in comparison to your task at hand.
>Galaxy lays on her back for a while. A slight scowl on her face. Her eyes fixated upwards towards that endless chain of hellfire lanterns. “Professor…”
>”Yes?”
>”Why didn’t you stop Sunset?” Galaxy asks in a soft voice.
>”She’s one of our students. In a rebellious phase sure, but I don’t see much of a threat in-“
>Galaxy swiftly jumps back up on her feet. “They’re enemies of the settlement!” Galaxy takes hold of Professor Kristen with her telekinesis, then throws her at you two. “Enemies of the Empress now kill them!”
>You smile at the spectacle.
>Veronica grabs hold of the Professor with her own magic, and you waste no time moving toward Galaxy again.
>The crowd has another noticeable uproar. Whether that’s desperation, or excitement for entertainment they’d never thought they’d get again you’re not sure.
>”You really think you can beat me?” Galaxy creates two magic orbs in her hands. “You don’t have an Artemis to hide behind this time!”
>The orbs rise above her and split into several. Lasers shoot straight down from each of them effectively protecting her.
>You’re forced to stop your approach before you hit it.
>Galaxy laughs, and spins her wand.
>A blast bursts from the ground that sends you into the sky.
“Gahh!”
>Looking down, you see Galaxy pointing her fingers at you again.
>You push off the large center lantern towards the wall just as lasers assault your old position.
>Prisoners scream as laser and flame spew about.
>You jump from cell to cell grabbing on to the bars as Galaxy repeatedly fires lasers off at you haphazardly. 
>”Aww, poor Sunset. Looks like you have no range!”
>Rocks and metal crumble as the lasers continue to wreck the place. Some prisoners either scream at being caught in the crossfire or are flabbergasted at their violently opened cell. 
“Tsk!”
>Once you land on a gargoyle, you scowl and hurl your hammer at Galaxy.
>”Not good enough!” Galaxy gets hold of your hammer with her telekinesis and sends it back at you. 
>With both your own hammer and her lasers she chases you around the prison now.
>This is pissing you off. How do you attack her now?
>”Hey Sunset, behind you!”
>Veronica’s words are too late, as you feel the impact on your back from your hammer.
>Soon after you slam back down to the ground.
“Aaauuuhhh!”
>Hell. You’ve been hitting people with this?
>Galaxy points and laughs. “Ahahahaaa. Where’d all that bravado go? Loser!”
>Some of the prisoners join in on the laugh much to your annoyance.
>Veronica takes the chance to grab your hammer with her telekinesis and catch it. “Sunset, let’s switch places.”
>You get up, and jump back next to her. Then, you swipe your wand back.
“No, I can handle this.”
>”Captain Galaxy, don’t you think you could be a little more gentle?” The Professor asks.
>”No, they’re enemies of the state! They’ll give up or die.”
>Man, she’s lost.
>You jump up, climb the lantern, and land again on one of the gargoyles.
>Veronica continues her fight with Professor Kristen which you ignore.
>Galaxy gives you another smug smile, and watches you with amusement as if confident nothing you can do could possibly faze her.
>…It angers you.
>You point your wand at her and focus.
>Galaxy raises an eyebrow. “Ehh? What are you doing this time, Sunny?”
>… It’s hot down here.
>None of the snow from above ever makes it anywhere near the bottom of this pit due to the raging inferno in the middle.
>But, as the frost begins to cover your wand, starting from the orb and down the shaft, the temperature around you begins to drop.
>The hairs on your arms raise as the cold engulfs you.
>”Ooooohhh.~ I get it.” Galaxy slowly points a finger at you. “So, you do actually have a ranged attack.”
>Icicles begin to form on your wand, and the frost continues to cover the statue you’re on, and even the cell below.
>The prisoner inside begins to notice. “Hey, t-think you could tone it down a little?” She says with a shiver.
>You ignore her, and focus your eyes only on Galaxy as the tip of her finger glows purple. “Silly girl. You can’t possibly think you could win in this kind of contest against Sparkle magic? Did you hit your head on the ground a little too hard?”
“We’ll see about that!”
>As you begin to fear getting frostbite the ice beam launches from your wand and you can feel the recoil.
>Just as it’s about to hit Galaxy the laser comes from her finger and meets it with a force that seems to cause a short earthquake.
>Galaxy fakes a yawn, and her attack slowly makes ground against yours.
“Everything’s always a game to you, huh? It pisses me off, Galaxy!”
>You put more energy into your ice beam. The frost around you spreads, and you begin to feel the cold damage your own arms.
>It’s only enough to bring this struggle with Galaxy’s laser to a mere stalemate, however.
>”Guess you’re not completely useless then… But this is still child’s play! Whatever did Lady Sharon see in you, Sunset!?” Galaxy power her own attack, and it encroaches on you again.
>… You have to find the strength to counter this… Somewhere…
>Veronica finishes trading a few blows with the Professor. She kicks her away, then uses the short opening to scale the lantern and jump on the statue next to you.
>”Damn it, Sunset.” She releases her own blast next to yours to aid it.
>As your combined attack clashes with Galaxy’s, it explodes and sends the lanterns flames across the prison in a spectacular way.
>Prisoners scream at the spectacle.
“I didn’t need you to do that…”
>”Sure thing…” Veronica replies sarcastically.
>”You can’t let me have ONE fun thing in this world, huh?” Galaxy complains.
>Veronica’s wand lights, and she seems startled.
>”Veronica!? Do you read me?”
“Huh? Rose? Is that you?”
>”Yes! Yes! Good. Sunset’s there too.”
>”If you’re going to say something, say it fast.” Veronica says.
>Even Galaxy and Professor Kristen seem fairly interested in the conversation for better or for worse.
>”You both need to get out of there, immediately!” Rose shouts. “It’s Sharon Sparkle. She’s headed your way! You need to get out before she makes it!”
>”What!? What happened with Spark and the rest?”
>”I don’t know. She left for you before they even got to her old position, I think. It’s like she expected you!”
>”That’s all I needed to hear!” Galaxy shows her palm to you and catches you and Veronica in her telekinesis while you were distracted.
>*BAM!*
>Then once again, you’re slammed to the ground.
>Galaxy laughs something demonic. “She must have already killed Queen Shy. And neither of you are getting out of here before she shows up. You’re as good as a smashed bug!”
>You get up, and scowl at her.
“I’ll make sure you’re long dead before she shows up, anyway.”
>Veronica grabs your arm. ”No Sunset, we have to figure out a way to get us out of here with Cadenza. We can’t afford to fight mother alone, let alone with her here.”
>You wrestle your arm back.
“In case you forgot, we were assigned to kill her. It’s not like she’ll let us go anyway.”
>Veronica scowls at you. “You’re being just as big a blockhead as you were at the capital! Think about your damn actions for once!”
“I THINK I’m the only one not being a coward!”
>”That’s real rich coming from the one who would have starved and died in a cave without me a few months ago.”
>You clench your fists, and turn towards her.
“Do you have a problem!?”
>”Girls!” Cadenza yells. “Pick a plan and work together. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I am sure that both of you are better than this.”
>Galaxy tries to stifle a laughter, then fails spectacularly. “Ahahahahaha! Like an old married couple! What a joke. Shame you had to break up with Artemis, Sunny—you two had far better chemistry.~”
>”Both of you just give up this charade and return home.” Professor Kristen starts. “Cadenza’s right, you both are better than this. You two were star students. What happened?”
“Don’t you have dildos to sit on?”
>The Professor’s face turns red. Both Cadenza and Veronica raise an eyebrow in confusion… Galaxy stifles another laugh as she shoots lasers at you.
>The one in the cell behind you and Veronica may have just been killed as you dive out of the way.
>The path you travel ices, and you skate out of the way of Galaxy’s attacks. All the while you shoot ice beams at her.
>Veronica circles Galaxy in the opposite direction and shoots blasts of her own.
>Galaxy deflects a the attacks with her wand, and as for Veronica’s final and largest blast she overtakes it with her own telekinesis and sends it at you.
>You jump over it and land once again on your ice path.
>Galaxy closes in on Veronica and throws two punches which are dodged, followed by a knee to Veronica’s stomach which connects.
>As Veronica barrels over you make it over to the two and slam your Hammer down towards Galaxy which she avoids with ease. 
>She maneuvers behind you and blasts you in the back causing you to stumble.
“Ow!”
>Veronica closes in on Galaxy and throws a few punches of her own that are blocked. She ends with a blast aimed point blank at Galaxy’s stomach.
>Galaxy blocks this with both her forearms, but it does send her sliding back.
>With a wave of her arm, Galaxy sources several orbs over both your heads.
>Both of you jump out of the way before the lasers rain down and assault the ground violently, leaving craters in their wake.
>You swipe your wand and send ice shuriken that curve in on her position.
>Galaxy jumps into the air to avoid them.
>And you notice that you feel good… Like you did back when you fought Charlotte… That time you felt like you could do anything!
>Veronica meets Galaxy in the air. Galaxy catches Veronica’s blows and they lock hands.
>”You know, I can’t believe you’re actually the Empress’s daughter!”
>The two land as they each coat themselves in their own magic in attempt to over power the other.
>”Veronica, you’re nothing compared to her. Not even before she absorbed the crystals!” Galaxy mocks.
>You slide in on your ice path next to Galaxy, take your hammer in both hands, and slam it down towards her head.
>She breaks her clash with Veronica before you can connect.
>Veronica grabs a broken piece of the large lantern that rests behind Galaxy with her telekinesis, and moves it, spikes first, toward her.
>Sensing Galaxy was about to jump up and avoid the spikes, you throw your hammer above her position.
>She jumps and upon seeing your hammer she gnashes her teeth, puts her fingers forth, and shoots lasers at the hammer.
>It changes trajectory, and launches higher into the sky. You guide it back to yourself and catch it.
“Tsk!”
>”Still not good enough!” Galaxy mocks.
>”Sunset-!” Before Veronica get’s another word out, you pick her up. ”What on Earth!?”
>You then spin her around twice and hurl her at Galaxy.
>”YOU COMPLETE IDIOT!”
>Galaxy laughs. “You two are top class entertainment!”
>As the two clash once more, you get to work.
>You wield your wand and skate an ice path again. 
>As you circle the prison you shoot ice beams at Galaxy.
>Unsurprisingly, she does a good job of countering Veronica’s close ranged attacks as well as yours.
>But it’s time to take a page out of Galaxy’s book. 
Every so often as you circle your path, you source one large ice crystal to float stationary in your wake.
>At 3 o clock, at 6… at 9, at 12, soon everything in between.
>You climb the gargoyle statues and what’s left of the lantern and do the same thing above Galaxy.
>As you land, you skate by the two.
>With one arm you swipe your hammer at Galaxy, with the other you grab Veronica.
>Galaxy ducks under the hammer, then sticks her tongue out at you while flipping you off. “Nice job, idi-“
>She stops as she notices the dozens of ice crystals. Cold air and frost surround the floating objects as they radiate their freezing magic energy.
“See you!”
>At once, all the ice cubes fire ice beams. Thick cold air swallows Galaxy as ice coats the ground she once stood on.
>Even part of the fire of the lantern seems to falter at the impact of the attack.
>And when the fog clears, Galaxy is frozen.
>You smile.
“Alright, let’s get out of here.”
>Veronica scowls at you, but doesn’t say anything. “Cadenza, get over here!”
>The shivering girl walks over. “Is it finally over?”
“No, she’ll escape before long.”
>With a symphony of mechanical clicks and clangs your wand changes to a broom.
“We need to go now.”
>You, Veronica, and Cadenza board the broom.
>And you take a brief moment to look at the aftermath of this… Some prisoners were killed. Either by the fire, or the cross fire of the attacks. Others are free, as in their bars have been blown open, but ironically enough they still cower in their cells. Others still are shouting for various reasons you don’t care to know.
>The bottom of the lantern is broken and destroyed. Though up above for countless miles the flame goes on, the bottom is put out. Ironically the lowest ring of hell is the only place that’s cold and covered in ice and frost.
>Professor Kristen walks up to you three, and the two parties merely stare at each other for a moment.
>Finally, the Professor nods. She seemingly reached some form of understanding.
>You and Veronica nod back.
>You take off up the seemingly endless shaft that is this prison.
>Slowly but surely, your heartrate begins to settle…
>Until a certain sound makes it start back up once again.
>”AHHAHAHAHAHAHA! I’ve finally found you again!”
>You’re and Veronica’s eyes both widen as you recognize that hell-spawned laugh.
>”Sunset, stop!”
>You don’t need to be told twice, or once for that matter.
>”W-what is that?” Cadenza asks.
>”It’s mom. Damn it, Sunset. If you had left when I said we should we wouldn’t be in this!”
“Do you know the teleportation spell?”
>Veronica pauses. “Tsk! Not well.”
“What I thought all Sparkles could do that? Well, you better get good at it fast.”
>Veronica balls her fist at you. ”Don’t just assume that! Whatever, fly us down so I can concentr-“
>*CRACK!*
>As if by sheer providence, you all look down and see the ice crack. Galaxy is glowing a brilliant purple under the ice.
>And rapidly, she breaks out of it all.
>Instantly, she looks up at you with rage you’ve never seen on her before. Her eyes are rolled up so you can see only her sclera, and her teeth are borne like an angry wolf.
>”No, up! We’ll have a little more time.” Cadenza pleads.
>You agree and begin to fly up once more.
>And it takes all your will power to do so. Up above in the distance, the dark purple glow of the Empress gets ever more intense.
“Come on, Veronica…”
>”Shut up, I’m concentrating…” Her voice is shaky, her eyes are closed, and you see beads of sweat roll down past the girl’s bangs and over her face.
>You feel that she’s trying to use the magic of your broom as you fly, and that can’t be making anything easier.
>”I’m coooooming for youuuu!~~” Sharon’s voice somehow manages to be both mocking and terrifying.
>Even Cadenza picks up on the overwhelmingly negative energy of the one she’s never met before. “Is… is that really Dean Sparkle?”
“I’m not even sure if I can answer yes to that…”
>”That’s it, you’re finished!” The enraged voice comes from Galaxy down below, who shakes the Earth as she charges a great laser in her palm as she threatens you with it. “Sunset!”
>As Sharon comes into view, the laser launches.
>It’s said that in the face of death, your life flashes before your eyes… Yours doesn’t.
>Your eyes meet with Sharon’s, and you realize just how much you didn’t ever want to see them again. They look just as insane as they did all that time ago when you first left North Canterlot. Those same deranged black and purple irises. That long, pointy tongue she sports.
>You know, if it weren’t for the absolutely bat shit insane expression, she’d be the spitting image of Veronica… but you probably shouldn’t ever tell her that.
>You close your eyes and accept your fate.
>*ZAP!*
>… “Veronica? Sunset?”
>You open your eyes, and you’re back at the gas station.
>Bea, Celestia, Rose, and Golden run over to you three in earnest.
>”What happened?” Rose asks.
>Veronica wipes her forehead. “I teleported us out of there… We were almost cornered by mother and Galaxy.”
>”Cadenza!!! You’re here!” Celestia hugs the newly freed girl.
>”Ughhh…” Cadenza obviously is already exhausted with the girl, but doesn’t even have the energy to tell her off.
>Bea crosses her arms. “So then, it was a failure…”
>The mood drops instantly at those words. And even Celestia pauses to gauge the reactions of you all.
>You scratch the back of your head and finally stand up. 
“Yeah, I guess. But since we found-“
>*Bam!*
>The force of a fist impacts your right cheek out of the blue… Literally out of the blue.
“What the fuck, Veronica!?”
>”That’s for almost getting us killed, idiot! You had no reason to believe I could get us out of there!” 
>You catch the next punch she throws at you, scowl, and throw a punch of your own at her face. Veronica covers her face and stumbles back.
“We’re out, aren’t we!? Just like I got us out of the capital. Maybe you should have a little more trust!”
>You throw yet another punch, but Veronica moves her head and dodges this one with a serious scowl.
>”You two! Stop it!” Rose shouts.
>The emotions have already overwhelmed you both however, and there was no stopping you. The rest of the girls already gave you two space. Some hold looks of worry. Others some amusement.
>”You’re such a cunt! I should have left you in that cave to die!” Veronica kicks across your face.
>You’ve already activated your foresight though. You easily duck under it and sweep her other leg from under her.
“I should have left you in the lab to die!”
>As Veronica falls onto the floor you move in to stomp on her.
>You realize you can’t move any further just before your boot hits her back… Shit, her magic has your foot.
>You’re blown back by the telekinesis and you’re sent flying across the dusty, rotten gas station floor.
>Both of you get up off the ground quickly and run at each other.
>Electricity cracks the floor as you draw your hammer.
>Before you make it, Rose and Bea get in between you two fighters.
>”Stop it, now!” Rose shouts.
>You both stop in your tracks.
>Rose gulps, visibly nervous about getting in the crossfire, but she remains resolute. “ I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but fighting each other actually won’t make things better! It’s actually going to make things a lot worse!”
“Want to tell that to the imp that punched ME first?”
>”You assaulted us all with YOUR stupidity first!”
>”Shut up!” Rose shouts again.
>… Cadenza, Celestia, and Golden simply stare at the scene. Cadenza while seemingly nursing a headache.
>”Give it a rest. What’s done is done…” Silence permeates the world as soon as Rose finishes her sentence.
>You and Veronica scowl at each other one more time, then go towards opposite sides of the gas station. 
>It’s an awkward quite minute until anyone bothers to say anything.
>”Rose,” Bea starts. “Is Sharon able to find us here?”
>Rose stares at the ground for a moment, arms crossed. Her brows are furrowed and she’s lost in thought. Slowly, she comes to realize Bea’s question. “Not in theory, but I don’t like our chances anymore.
>Golden leans over and whispers something in Rose’s ear. Slowly Rose nods.
>Rose addresses Bea, Golden, Cadenza, and Celestia—and seemingly hopes you and Veronica listen in from afar. “I’ll give it some time. If I don’t hear anything from Spark in half an hour or so, we’ll go after her and the others.”
>… Your quarrel with Veronica replays in your head over and over despite your attempts to forget it. The hell is her problem? You didn’t do anything wrong… Stupid girl.

~

>Under the influence of Cinderbelle’s magic, the thick tree trunks close in on Eris Xenia.
>One trunk is sliced by one sweep of her arm.
>The Dean propels herself off the ground, and skillfully scales the vegetative attack moving branch to branch. 
>Once she gets to the top, the black magic flares from her legs and she propels herself down towards Cinderbelle on the ground.
>The greenhead’s eyes widen.
>”Head’s up!” Gunnel flies by and grabs Cinderbelle before Eris cracks the ground under the impact of her attack.
>Eris wastes no time locating the escaping duo, and lights up again to pursue them.
>Just as she does, she’s surprised to find herself halted in midair and she falls to the ground.
>She looks back to see Marble’s whips tied around her leg.
>Eris scowls, ignites her legs once more, and the black magic quickly traverses the magic whips like electricity through a power line.
>”Damn it!” Marble disconnects the whips from her arms before the black magic makes it to her.
>As Eris closes in on Marble, a wall of magic swords are summoned in front of the Dean.
>You use the time Eris uses to incinerate the swords with the black magic to take Marble’s side. Gunnel lands with Cinderbelle next to you two as well.
>”Tch! I feel so worthless.” Gunnel starts. “I can’t even get near her.”
>Marble spits on the ground. “Just what the hell is that black shit, Spark?”
“I’m not even sure myself. No one really is. It’s a wicked mutation of the Sparkle family magic.”
>”’Mutation’ is a rude way to put it.” Eris says as she lands.
>The woman is tired and battered, but she still manages a smug and confident smile. “It’s a little like fire, a little like electricity. It doesn’t need to be understood. The only thing you need to know is that it will kill you.” Eris shrugs. “We lost a sense of wonder somewhere along the way when Twilight got us in the habit of inspecting every little detail of our magic, don’t you think?”
>… We’re doing an even worse job than Queen Shy was doing alone. Ranged attacks aren’t doing anything. You need a new approach and fast.
>You catch your breath and look to your sides to see the girls looking to you. Beads of sweat run down their cheeks.
>There’s no way you’re going to fail them.
“Girls, fall back!”
>You jump back, and the other follow as to get several yards distance from Eris.
“Marble, how long can you make your whips?”
>Already fearing Eris wouldn’t give them much time, Marble claws at her cheek and scrambles to come up with an answer. ”Err, I think around a hundred yards.”
“None of us can touch her with ranged attacks, Marble, you have to at least restrain her somehow. Even if it’s for a short time.”
>”Tsk! Kind of a tall order. What do you plan to do once I somehow manage that anyway?”
>Eris stomps, bringing your attention to her show of crossing her arms and holding a smug smile. “Alright, your ten second break is over! I’ll be taking your heads as trophies!”
>As Eris begins to walk towards you, you feel a bead of sweat on your forehead.
“Just trust me. Cinderbelle, you can create points to tie to using the plant-life.”
>You know you didn’t explain yourself very well, but you don’t have the time.
>Eris’s walk begins to turn into a jog, and you all feel the anticipation.
>”Hey Marble.” Gunnel wraps her arms around Marbles torso. “I know a good way to do this. Get it?”
>Marble blushes. “Whoa, whoa, isn’t there a better way”
>”No.”
“Cinderbelle, do it now!”
>Whether it was truly by your command or due to her anxiety getting to her, it does not matter. The green headed girl puts her arms forth, and thick woods emerge from the ground along with more growing off the surrounding forest.
>You see Eris quickly get to work in moving through the emerging obstacle course.
>This cover is just what you need.
>With a spin of your wand you cast a temporary invisibility spell on yourself.
>From what’s left of the partially burned forest, you watch your girls do their work.
>Gunnel flies toward Eris with Marble in tow. The cargo herself looks more than a little unsure of the situation.
>”I’ve got you, Marble. Keep letting your whip out. Trust me!” Gunnel reassures her.
>Eris has a fierce look in her eyes as she propels towards Gunnel. With her black magic corrupting her forearm, she thrusts at them both.
>Gunnel does a barrel roll and evades the attack, moving deeper into Cinderbelle’s forest.
>Eris plants her feet on a tree to break her momentum, then propels at the two once more.
>”Uhh Gunnel, it looks like she’s faster than you.” Marble manages to spit this out while clearly nauseous due to being unused to Gunnel’s flight.
>”Realized that a long time ago…”
>If she cannot get away from her with speed alone, she’s going to have to try and outmaneuver Eris.
>And that’s just what she goes for. Gunnel circles tree bases, branches, and springboards off roots. All while holding the increasingly nauseous Marble who continues to let out her gold magic whip from her palm.
 >This is good. Though Eris’s magic is strong, it’s not the best at changing her trajectory. Her black magic sets Cinderbelle’s continuously growing forest ablaze. 
>In a fluid motion, you draw your steel sword and your wand.
>You take a deep breath, and release it. As you do, your teal-tipped wand glows. 
>You put your sword and wand together. They merge—and your blade glows light green and powerful. You can feel the heat emanating form it as if it’s a bonfire.
>Your magic begins to spin around this weapon. First slowly, then faster, then violently. Like an enormous industrial grade drill your magic rages around this weapon. The vegetation around you are disturbed by the pressure.
>Eris Xenia, you can’t regenerate like Sharon can, can you? This will finish you!
>You nearly lose your footing on the tree branch you’re on as you try to stabilize this ferocious magic drill.
>”I’m sick of this game, you brat!” Eris roars. She charges her magic around her legs greatly in preparation to propel herself at Gunnel.
>Distracted by the display, Gun hits a branch. “Ow!...”  She  falls to the ground outside of Cinderbelle’s forest. “Darn, that wasn’t enough!”
>The sound of propulsion vibrates the atmosphere, and as soon as Marble and Gunnel get their bearings Eris is already flying towards them.
>But, all they can do is flinch, and brace themselves.
>”No!” Cinderbelle says. “It was enough!” With that, she manipulates the forest and it pulls apart.
>The threads Marble cast are tightened by the parting trees.
>Eris is caught by the legendary knot, and she is suspended in the air. “What!?”
>Marble looks at the scene speechless. “What the hell? That actually worked…?”
>This is your cue!
>Summoning all your speed, you sprint like comet back into the fold. Your drill encompasses your whole right arm.
“Good job, girls!”
>Eris spots you, and you can sense her pupils contract. And she bears her teeth in disgust and anger.
>With your unnatural speed you close the distance and scale Cindebelle’s forest with the grace of a ballerina. “And goodbye, Eris!”
>With no hesitation, you plunge the mighty drill towards her chest!
>*FWOOOSH!*
“Aggh! What!?”
>Black magic erupted from Eris’s chest, but… you’re matching it. You have to finish this!
“Cinderbelle!”
>The girl understands immediately, and creates for you a sturdy tree to plant your feet in so you can resist Eris.
>You have to keep it up. You think you’re getting closer…
>Eris burns her ferocious expression deep into your eyes. “Spaaaarrk! You filthy traitor!!”
>You squint your eyes as the clash sends residual magic in various places. The vegetation begins to burn more.
>Just a little more!
“I’m sick of this.. Go to hell!”
>You pour what’s left of your strength into the drill, and its spins increase in speed and power.
>As the light and heat get severely intense you close your eyes.
>*BOOOOOOM*!
>Before you know it, you feel yourself blown back and sent skating across the ground.
>”Spark!” You hear the others call for you.
>You feel burns, scrapes, and wounds across you. 
>Slowly, you open your eyes and sit up.
>Cinderbelle, Gunnel, and Marble kneel around you.
>”You’re alright!” Cinderbelle says.
“Eris. Where is she!?”
>They turn around and look back at the spot of  your clash. Cinderbelle’s forest has been obliterated nearly to nothingness, and the ground is cracked and cratered.
>The place is inundated with dust… and out of it walks the tattered and beaten Eris Xenia.
>”Are you shitting me!? Can nothing kill her?” Marble complains.
>Darn. This isn’t good… you’re really out of tricks now. And you’re out of magic, and light headed.
>With great struggle, you stand to your feet and pant.
>You look into Eris’s eyes. She looks back into yours.
>She walks towards you. You walk towards her.
>Your companions resolve themselves silently, then follow behind.
>Two former Deans. You were supposed to be allies… For the same cause of advancing one settlement. You never really got along with her, but you never thought you’d both be trying to kill each other.
>Then, when she’s a few meters away she stops and smiles.
>You stop and look at her confused.
>”Spark you… you came here to kill me, huh?”
>You retain your confused look for a second, then shake your head and resolve yourself. “Duh! What? Did you think the past half hour was some drill!?”
>Eris laughs. “No… But I realized something.”
“Yeah? What?”
>”I didn’t come here to kill YOU.”
“So what? Are you gonna-“
>Your eyes widen as you take stock of the placement of all the pieces on the board… ALL the pieces on the board.
>Your stomach sinks as you realize a fatal mistake you’ve made.
“Girls, we-!”
>Not the one to be generous enough to give you reaction time, Eris swiftly draws her wand and shoots at the target you’ve amateurishly lost track of.
>Now, you’re a witch. You’ve seen and heard of plenty of people dying in your life. It was part of the job. But witnessing this death, is particularly striking to you. And as Queen Shy’s chest is pieced in a bloody display by Eris’s magic shards, you come to understand why.
>Never before now, has anyone died directly under your protection. And you stare at the scene, mouth slightly agape. Shock and disappointment in yourself as the elderly monarch shriek her last shriek. Failure has never been this blatant.
>Eris hilts her wand, smiles, and dusts off her hands. “That’s all I came here for at the end of the day.”
>”No… we forgot about her…” Cinderbelle laments.
>A shadow falls over Gunnel’s eyes as she looks down.
>Marble clenches her fists. “Just what was that for!? She was already down…”
>”Drop the bravado.” Eris puts her hands on her hips, and walks a few steps. “This was a doomed operation for you from the beginning, wasn’t it?” Eris turns her head towards you four. “You can’t kill me.”
“Tsk!”
>Eris smiles smugly. “So what’s the point of me staying here? I’ve done exactly what the Empress wants of me. The Kressen Empire is ours. Nothing you can do about that now.”
>”Don’t run away!” Marble shouts.
>”When the Empress has finished killing Sunset, she’s make quick work out of you.” Eris draws her wand once more, this time changing it to a broom.
>”Don’t go!”
>You put an arm up as to stop Marble. She looks to you with worry in her eyes.
>Eris chuckles, and takes off.
>”Why did you let her get away?” Marble asks frustratedly.
“She… was right.  All of us are out of juice. It’s not like chasing after her would do us any good anyway.”
>That’s true, right? Or are you just scared to see someone else die under your watch?
>”Your majesty!” Cinderbelle runs to the queen. 
>You and the others follow.
>Your heart breaks as you see the old woman… she’s not moving at all. Blood drenches her dress… you’ve failed
>As Cinderbelle draws her wand and desperately attempts to perform healing magic on her, you hold your arm and look lifelessly to the sky.
>Marble and Gunnel have empty expressions of their own…
“Cinderbelle, we have to go…”
>The greenhead continues to fruitlessly pour her magic through her wand onto the deceased monarch. Desperately, she ignores your words.
>You sigh.
“We have to go get Sunset and-“
>”Guh…
>Your eyes widen and you look down at the sound.
>”C-Crystah…”
“What? What!?”
>Instantaneously, you kneel down next to the Queen. Your attention doesn’t falter, not even for a split second, as she struggles to breathe and speak.
>”M-m-my…  princess. She’s..” The Queen coughs.
>All of you continue to hang on her every word and movement.
“Yeah?”
>Blood runs from the ancient woman’s mouth and nerves overtake you that she’ll die before she’ll finish what she’s saying.
>”… An escape, we m-made a deal. Y-you have to find.” The Queen closes her eyes again, and you begin to panic!
“Stay with me! I have to find what!?”
>”Don’t shake her!” Cinderbelle scolds.
>The Queen opens her eyes again, but the relief is minor. “My princess. The c-compass… in my pocket… you have to find her… to escape”
>Another large coughing fit erupts from the Queen, and her blood gets on your cheek. The Queen then again closes her eyes. And you’re certain this time it’s for the last time.
>You look at her solemnly for a moment, then reach into the pockets of her coat. There are many, and in most you find nothing.
>But eventually, surely enough you come upon a compass just as she said.
>You stand and study it silently.
>”… What is it?” Gunnel asks.
“This is a special charm.”
>You say dispassionately.
“It exists to always be able  to find just one person without fail.”
>”That must be the princess then.” Marble says.
“We have others to find first.”
>You close and pocket the compass, then turn towards them.
“Veronica and Sunset are in grave danger… there’s no way they can beat Galaxy and Eris together. All we can do is try and save them now. It’s all we can do.”
>The noticeably demoralized group give you blue looks.
>Marble clenches her fists. “Shit. We failed, didn’t we? We’ve lost everything…”
>”Marble.” Gunnel addresses her in a stern tone, as to rebuke her complaining.
>You needed the reminder too. You resolve yourself, and draw your broom.
“We’re going.”
>”Spark!”
>That voice came from above, you look up. It’s Rose and the others, including Sunset and Veronica!
>They land.
>”Sunset. Cadenza too!” Cinderbelle seems just as surprised as you. She runs up and puts her hands on the girl’s shoulders. “What happened? Did you beat Galaxy?”
>Sunset pushes her hands off. “No. We escaped.”
>She’s just as moody as ever…
>”What happened with you?” Rose muses. “Who is that?”
>Gunnel sighs. “That… WAS the Queen of the Kressen Empire. Dean Xenia killed her, and she got away.”
>Silence engulfs the crew for a moment.
>”We have to go now.” Veronica says. “Mother can find us. She almost found us before.”
“Yeah. Okay. Are all of you ready?”
>”Wait, where will we go?” Cadenza asks.
“Tsk. We’ll figure it out.”
>Noticing the annoyance in your voice, the girls simply draw their brooms.
>Everyone mounts their brooms.
>”Are we really just going to leave her dead body there?” Celestia asks.
>You whip your head back in earnest.
“Well, what the fuck do you want to do with it then!?”
>The girls all shrink at your outburst.
>You take a deep breath, and attempt to calm yourself.
“There’s… we don’t have time to do anything for her now…

~

>Step after step is careful, as to avoid stepping in too much debris.
>Fallen roofs, toppled towers, dead bodies, broken weapons, fire.
>It’s not the first time you’ve left destruction in your wake, it probably won’t be the last.
>But this time… it’s different.
>Your high witches and generals bark orders at their flock, and all you can do is look at them dispassionately. 
>They avoid your gaze. They know better than to speak to you when you’re like this… good.
>You take slow steps… savoring your rage with every soft impact with the ground.
>Everything, even inanimate objects seem to part and create a path for you.
>As they should… you are an Empress.
“You let them get away…”
>Two people are flanking you on either side. Both have nervous looks. Sweat beads on their faces.
>”Empress.” Galaxy addresses you softly. “W-who are you-“
“BOTH of you, idiots!”
>Everyone nearby makes it a point to take their business as far away from you as they can.
>You turn to Galaxy first.
“Is it that hard to restrain children, half-breed!? One of them was already behind bars, too. What a fucking joke!”
>Galaxy shrinks under your scolding.
“You have no idea how patient I am with you lowlives…”
>You put your pointer finger and thumb near each other, as to signal a small amount to Galaxy.
“I was THIS close to snapping your neck just like I did to that other worthless professor you were with!”
>Galaxy avoids your gaze and looks at the ground.
“Is that what you secretly wanted? Huh!?”
>”No, Empress… I’m sorry.”
“As pathetic as you were today, you didn’t piss me off near as much as this cretin.”
>You turn your attention towards Eris. She’s beaten. Bruised. Her hairs in disarray. It pisses you off.
>”Empress, I-“
>You put your fingers under her chin as to raise her head just a bit. You stare at her blankly.
>She blushes slightly. Just enough for you to notice. Her mouth opens just a bit too in surprise at your gesture.
>This amuses you, and you smile.
>*SMACK!*
>”Guh!” Eris massages the side of her face after you deal the blow.
“Good job, Eris. You killed Queen Shy. It totally shouldn’t have been obvious that you needed to kill the head of the resistance against me who just happened to show up to you all packaged up like that. Real smooth.”
>”I just-“
“Don’t talk, finish the job.”
>Her eyes widen. “Yes, thank you for the second chance. Next time I will definitely-“
“NOW! GO FIND AND KILL SPARK, NOW! This is the one same chance!”
>Eris freezes in surprise—seemingly processing your words.
“What are you still doing in my fucking sight for!?”
>She wastes no time now, then draws her broom and takes off.
>You watch her disappear into the sky. Galaxy stands by you, and says nothing.
>You turn towards her. She flinches, shrinks, and braces herself for another round of scolding.
“Galaxy.”
>”Y-yes, Empress?”
“I need a boy. Help me find one.”
>Relieved that you’re not yelling at her, Galaxy is elated to help you. ”Yes. Yes, Empress!”
>You take a look around the neighborhood. Small, quaint little cottages. Fairly untouched by the war. Good.
>You smile. Truly this is the best part of the job!~
>Galaxy giggles. “Aww, they’re all hiding. How shall I get them out of their shells, Empress? An announcement, perhaps? Maybe a small amount of magic?”
“No, actually, I think I’ll use the front door like a good girl today.”
>Galaxy laughs. “Neat, neat!”
>And as promised, you pick a cottage at random, and you walk to the front door.
>Two knocks.
>The door opens slowly.
>”Hello…” It’s a man. Seems to be in his forties or so. “What is it, witch?”
>You sneer.
“Ugh, you’re fat.”
>He cocks his head in confusion. “Sorry?”
“Do you have any sons?”
>”If it’s work you need, I promise I’m-“
“It’s not.”
>You push your way past him and into his home.
>”Hey!”
>Galaxy follows, and he knows better than to put up any real resistance.
>You find his family together in his kitchen. A wife, a baby, two girls,… and one boy.
>“Oh, what a beautiful family.” Galaxy says.
>They look at you and Galaxy nervously.
>”What is it that you need?” The man asks. “Food? Supplies? I’ll get you anything you need, alright?” He clearly just wants you out of his presence. 
“Good.”
>You walk up to the boy. 
>He looks up at you with a slightly worried and confused expression. You smile.
“You. How old are you?”
>”Umm. Seventeen.”
>”Oh! Niiice.~” Galaxy comments. 
>”Why do you ask?” The mother asks.
“Stand.”
>You command him. He nervously obeys.
>Holding your smile, you get close to his face.
>He backs his up a little in surprise.
>”A handsome face too. We got pretty lucky on the first house, huh?” Galaxy says.
>You circle him. Eyeing him from head to toe. Getting an idea of his physique.
>The man addresses you again. ”Hey, what do you want with him?”
“Alright, he’ll do.~ I just have work for him is all.”
>As you end up in front of him again the boy again stares at you worriedly.
>Then, you wrap you arms around his back, and quickly pull him in for a very deep kiss.
>”Hey!” You hear the man angrily come for you.
>Right on cue, you hear Galaxy snap. The cottage vibrates as he’s pinned to a wall by her telekinesis. 
>”Ron!” The wife yells. “Please don’t hurt him!”
>The daughters huddle together with the mother.
>”Relax, I won’t.” Galaxy giggles.
>Your long tongue assaults the innards of the boy’s mouth. Exploring every nook and cranny. Like a crab with a new shell.
>Finally, you part with him leaving a trail of saliva.
>”How dare you! He has a fiancé!” The mother complains.
“Haha… Even better.~”
>He looks at you with glazed eyes. Clearly unsure what to do.
>Galaxy laughs. ”He’s not even resisting. It’s so funny when they don’t!” 
“Of course not.”
>You hug his head to your cleavage, and caress him.
“This is a dream come true for them… Even if they don’t like to admit it. Isn’t that right, hmm boy?~ What do you say? Wanna go upstairs with me?~”
>”Don’t do this!” The mother shouts.
>Her baby begins to cry. The daughters continue to simply hide behind her.
>You feel the boy nod, and you giggle. 
>You whisper into his ear.
“You’re going to remember this for the rest of your life.~”

~

>The sun begins to set, and once again the sky is passing you by.
>You are Sunset Shimmer. Again with the same crew, but with one more addition now.
>Strictly speaking, your mission was a failure. It reflects in the even gloomier mood among you all. Especially Spark, who you can tell is only holding it together for the sake of the rest of you.
>You didn’t have high expectations for it anyway… did they think this was some kind of movie? You were twelve girls—one of them in a coma. There was no way you could turn the tide of a whole war.
>… Where will you go now though? All you wanted to do was find your old friends. And somehow wake up Artemis. Might be a little difficult, with the entire continent being a hostile force and all.
>”Sunset.”
>You turn your attention to Cadenza who rides on your broom behind you. She’s handing you something.
>It’s… your old wand. The one with bat wings. The first wand you’ve ever had. “This belongs to you.”
“Oh, thanks.”
>You had forgotten about it. But once you touch it, a million memories flood back to you. You remember first getting the thing. Being introduced to magic by Amelia and Artemis. Transitioning into this world was tough.
>As you reminisce, whiteness begins in encroach on your vision.
>For a split second, you’re surprised. But you remember this spell. You’ll never forget this whitespace. Spicy Sweet used it on you once.
“But who in the world would want to talk to me like this now?”
>Your summoner takes a step forward. “Who else, Sunset? I’m sick of you running away from me.”
>You raise your eyebrows a bit.
“Sharon Sparkle? Doesn’t an ‘Empress’ have better things to do?”
>It’s odd. Normally when you see her, it’s a panicked situation. Standing before her now, this is the first time you really get a good look at her without adrenaline pumping through your veins.
>She really is just a taller version of Veronica, but with black and purple hair… And a bigger chest.
>She walks towards you more. And you do naught but stare back at her.
>She stands a few inches taller than you as you both are face to face.
>”When I spared your life way back when, it was so that we’d be able to fight seriously next time we met… Sunset, how much longer are you going to keep me waiting?~”
“… We don’t have to fight.”
>Sharon cocks her head and raises an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re going to tell me to repent.”
“No, I’m just not going to oppose you.”
>You sigh.
“I don’t care is all.”
>You cross your arms.
“Conquer the continent or whatever. Good news: I’m not here to stop you. All I want to do is find my friends.”
>”W-what?” Sharon takes a step back, surprise on her face. “That’s not how this is supposed to go down. What’s wrong with you? Not even gonna try to get it up?”
“Yeah? Well you’ve built me up in your head as some legendary ancient witch just for you to fight.”
>You clench your fists and teeth, and close your eyes in frustration.
“Well, that’s not what I am! I became a witch because it was the easiest way to live. So do what you want.”
>”No, nononononono that’s not gonna work!”
“Tsk! You get everything you want, so why not?”
>Sharon balls her fists and brings them up, nearly like a petulant child. “Because it would be booooring! Sunset, no one can please me like you can.”
>You scowl.
“I’m just a mediocre witch, what makes you think that?”
>”I just know, okay!? Look, you need motivation, how about this?” Before you know it, like lightning, Sharon caresses you from behind. Her face is right next to yours, and one of her hands gropes your breasts. “I won’t LET you find your friends. And if you do, I won’t let you have peace. I WILL find you. I’ll find your friends first. And if I can’t, I’ll steal them back. You WILL fight me, Sunset.”
>You clench your teeth, wrestle your self away from her, and turn toward her.
“What the hell is your problem!? You’re just as annoying as that stupid Veronica! Leave me the fuck alone!”
>Sharon giggles. “No can do. Best prepare… Sunset.”
>With that, the white world fades away.
>You come to still in the air. Your disorientation is noticeable…
>”Sunset, are you alright?” Cadenza asks.
“… Yeah…”

~