Chapter 14: Setting The Story Straight
Shining Armor was sitting at his desk around six am in the morning signing paper work. In front of his desk was Twilight looking down to the ground in shame. They had been sitting there for at least an hour in silence as the rest of her friends had been sent to individual interrogation rooms in order to speed up the process of getting them each home after the long few days they had been through. The only people not in an interrogation room was Swiftfoot, Twilight and Sunset. Swiftfoot was sitting next to Twilight and Sunset was just outside the captain's office. It was super Early so there was only a handful of Police working this late and were about to go home. Swiftfoot looked at Twilight who just smiled back at him before turning to Sunset catching her eye just before she went inside the office.
"Do either of you mind telling me EXACTLY what you were doing at The Omega all night?" Shining asked gaining their attention.
"Umm well we were-" Swiftfoot was cut off.
"I don't want to hear it from you, I'll deal with you in second." Shining stated turning his attention to Twilight.
"Uh umm ah err you see to be fair I tried to talk against it-" Shining slammed his desk as he stood up reeling his hand back. Swiftfoot just looked him in the eye afraid of what he might as he stood up as well. Reframing from doing anything rash or uncalled for they both sat back down. Twilight though couldn't shake of what just happened. Shining Armor had never been angry at her before at least never like this and she just sat in silence.
"As I was saying, it was all my idea and at first I was going to go alone but they all insisted on coming." Swiftfoot started leaning back in his chair, showing Twilight it was okay to relax now.
"So why did you go in the first place?" Shining asked.
"Because your sister, the one you almost hit out of line was bullied and not by some school level bully at school." Swiftfoot stated.
"Then by who?" Shining asked.
"The Pumpkin King." Swiftfoot answed earning a shocked and wide eyed reply from Shining.
"But how, the incident took place two years ago?" Shining stated.
"While that's true, turns out he survived." Swiftfoot said.
"How?" Shining questioned. All Swiftfoot did was bring out a vile of Black Dust from his coat, placing it gently on the desk.
"Jester's Curse, Lord Skotadi's main drug." Swiftfoot said. Shining eyed the drug with fire searing from his eyes burning anything in his sight.
"Go on." Was all he replied with.
The Night of The Club Swiftfoot's POV
When the doors swung open the first thing I was met with were a bunch of Gangsters pointing their guns at us. Which was no surprise to me Twilight did warn us about the hired guns that might be in there before we crashed the party. Anyways I stepped forward with my hands up wanting to say something witty and sarcastic but before I even had the chance and old friend of mine waltz right in time for the Rescue. That friend being The Local Gang Lord Iron Will.
"Settle down, Settle down my friends this here lovely gentlemen is a good old friend of Iron Will and a friend of Iron Will is a friend to us all."
Well he didn't say it quite like that.
Shut up Twilight, it may as well have been like that.
Well how did he say it?
Seriously?
It was something like "YOU START A GUN FIGHT IN MY BAR YOU PAY FOR ALL THE TABS!" or something like that.
Really, again how are you two friends?
Ugh I'll explain later, just let me tell the story please
Normal POV
Twilight had calmed down enough to at least help Swiftfoot keep his story straight.
"Tell you what why don't both of you tell me what happened last?" Shining requested.
"Fine." They both said simultaneously.
The Night of The Club
Swiftfoot was sitting at the bar with the rest of the group to his left and Iron Will to his right.
"So you want information at that guy, well The CCAC meets up here all the time on the second floor." Iron Will Explained.
"Well that's great and all but let me guess, getting up there is easy, getting in the meeting not so much?" Swiftfoot asked.
"Precisely, I can get you up there no prob. But getting you in their club meeting you'll need to prove you can hang with them." Iron Will mentioned.
"And how does he do that?" Sunset asked.
"First he'll need to prove he's not there to hurt nobody, then they have a little challenge for him, what that challenge is though I have no clue, from what I've seen it's different for everyone whose ever joined." Iron Will explained.
"Great so not only are we going in Blind we're going in blind and unarmed." Rainbow mentioned.
"Relax I got this, just be ready in case thing go south." Swiftfoot said as he and Iron Will stood up.
"Whatchya got planned there sugar?" Applejack asked.
"Something stupid … as always." Swiftfoot admitted before he walked away with Iron Will not too far behind him.
They both made their way up the stairs where Iron Will led Swiftfoot over to a dark corner where a red leather corner couch sat with a red round table over it and sitting at the table was a group of elderly men all wearing the same coat that Swiftfoot found on the video back at the school.
"Who's this pipsqueak?" one of them asked.
"Don't look very dangerous now does he?" another asked.
"Now now gents let's not judge a book by it's cover." The last one stated.
"Oh great they're all Scottish!" Swiftfoot thought to himself as the three men stood around him now.
"Oi what's that he's got on his back?" The first one asked.
"It looks like a stick, not much worth in a fight." The Second stated.
"I bet he's got a bad knee or something." The Third commented.
Swiftfoot noticed there was a fourth member sitting in silence. He grew tired of the other three nagging on his so he did the first thing that came to mind. Feeling like he was being tested he flicked his wrists unsheathing the blades hidden under them. The Three member standing around him backed off in fear of what might happen next but remained calm as the fourth member stood up waiting for his next move. Swiftfoot then rolled up his sleeves and began unbuckling the gauntlets he wore under them. Placing them gently on the table and sliding them towards the fourth member. The Fourth Member took the gauntlets and examined them with great care before sitting back down and motioning the others to sit as well.
"Well this is unexpected, never thought I'd see a Cloak in my presence." She said motioning Swiftfoot to sit.
"You know of us?" Swiftfoot asked as he sat down putting the gauntlets back on.
"That's right, I've heard plenty of stories about how umm … resourceful y'all are, name's Ashe." Ashe said as she stuck out her hand.
"And I've heard you have information I need." Swiftfoot said ignoring Ashe's hand.
"Not the friendly type are ya?" Ashe questioned.
"I bet you've also heard of our secrecy and how good we're at it?" Swiftfoot questioned taking note of the guns pointed at him from under the table.
"True, how about this, information for information, sound like a fair trade?" Ashe asked.
"That will depend on the info. We ask of each other." Swiftfoot said.
"So whatchyo wanna know?" She asked first.
"The Pumpkin King, who he is and where I can find him?" Swiftfoot questioned. He heard clicks under the table as the other three member looked around at each other in fear whereas Ashe grew a look of question.
"Why do you want to know?" Ashe asked.
"Because right now he's out there waiting for an opportunity to kill more innocent targets or at the very least he's seeking revenge on the group of girls who beat him in the past either that or he's out looking for his old acquaintances, the one who betrayed him left him to rot under this very pier." Swiftfoot explained earning even more fearful looks and frightened eyes.
"All I want to do, is to get him off the streets before anyone else gets hurt because of him." Swiftfoot mentioned. Ashe sighed putting her gun down and motioning the other to do the same.
"He was one of us, back in the day. He wanted to do good and he did… a lot. But one day he found himself in a very bad situation, one that required him to either give up the life of his beloved daughter or his own." Ashe mentioned earning a confused look from Swiftfoot.
"All I'm saying is that when you find him, please don't kill him, he deserves a second chance better than anyone I've ever known." Ashe explained as she handed him a slip of paper.
Swiftfoot took the paper and opened it to find the words 'They're here' written on it. Swiftfoot looked up to Ashe who just pointed behind him. Remaining calm he slipped his hand under the table and flicked his wrist unleashing the blade hidden under his arm. Ashe nodded to him placing her hand on her gun as she placed her hand on the table showing him three fingers indicating there were three of them behind. With a swift motion he spun around sending his blade into one of the assailants' lower torso as Ashe fired upon the other two sending the entire bar into disarray. The assailants wear dressed in dark clothing varying in coats and jackets wearing either hoods or masks covering their faces. Two more of them came running up the stairs but were quickly disposed of as Swiftfoot kicked them both over the railing. From there he could see his friends already in action, Rainbow was running around giving everyone as much support as she could when speeding by, Pinkie was literally a walking grenade launcher as she sent sugar bombs across the room, one almost hit Swiftfoot. Rarity was playing shield maiden for Sunset, pushing away any assailants away that got too close, leaving Applejack to punch what was left.
"You've got some handy friends there." Ashe commented putting her gun away on her belt.
"Yeah, they always surprise me." Swiftfoot said watching his friends at work.
Today: Sunset's POV
"You have got to be KIDDING ME!" the acting sergeant yelled.
"Calm down Gary, Swiftfoot isn't the cause of every situation in Equestria City." The acting Captain said.
"That's not what I'm yelling about how in the world are they two of you!?" Gary questioned.
The acting captain never took her eyes off of Sunset and she never took her eyes of the captain. They just sat there in silent reminisce as time seemed to stand still. Captain Shimmer just set her mug on her desk before releasing a long sigh that was held back.
"That Sergeant Gary … is a long story. One we don't have time for at the moment." Captain Shimmer stated before pulling out a notebook and pen from her drawer.
"I supposed you're right, we have bigger problems at the moment." Gary said before leaning against the wall.
"… … … I'm sorry." Sunset said lowering her head.
"About what, the whole fiasco the other night or the fact that you broke your promise?" Captain Shimmer asked as she straightened out a pile of papers.
"Look I know I said we would never see each other again but after everything that's been going on I had to-" Sunset was interrupted by the slamming of the desk.
"HAD TO WHAT EXACTLY? Do you know how hard it's been to keep your existence a secret, I've had to go through State, Federal, even the Fucking CIA to keep you and you magic business under wraps. Now I've got Press sitting outside my door, state police with questions up my ass, and Feds all over town." Captain Shimmer explained as she stood up from her seat. She took a moment to breathe and let the situation sink into Sunset as she gripped onto her skirt.
"So when you tell me you had to do it, did you think of the aftermath we'd both have to deal with?" Captain Shimmer asked. Sunset just sat quietly as a single tear ran down her cheek, no she obviously did not think of the consequences that came. She just wanted to protect her friends, she just wanted the fighting to stop. Captain shimmer sighed again as she sat back down.
"I thought so." She said as Gary's phone rang.
She gave him a look that some would take as 'You'll hang up to save your job' but to him it said 'Be quick and be done'. So with a quick answer and a quick reply he hung up and turned to the captain with a worried look.
"Umm The Press want to see you outside." Gary said as he put away his phone.
"Aw crap, alright I'll go and deal with them." Captain Shimmer stated standing up and heading for the door.
"Get what you can out of her, and make sure she stays put." She said before closing the door behind her.
Gary sighed, he turned to Sunset who still held her head low as more tears slowly made their way down her cheeks and dripping onto her skirt. Gary just shook his head before grabbing a nearby tissue box and handing it to the poor girl before sitting down next to her. Sunset slowly looked to him and smiled as she took the tissues and began to wipe her eyes.
"Look I'm sorry about the captain, she never told me about you and sometimes … yeah I'll say it she can be a real pain but she means well." Gary said.
"I know … I just … I didn't think." She couldn't finish her thoughts.
"Hey we've all been there, we've all acted on urge and instinct over actually thinking for a second and deciding the best course of action, it's never easy making the right call … but I think you did, we'll get this entire mess cleared and from there pick up the pieces." Gary explained.
"What about Swiftfoot?" Sunset asked. "What will happen to him?"
"Well according to our best detective in this he's innocent and thanks to some of the newly evidence we may be able to get him set straight for once." Gary mentioned.
"Really?" Sunset asked with a confused look in her eyes.
"Yeah actually those documents pulled from under the bar they all pointed in the opposite direction we've been looking in … how did you get them anyways?" Gary asked.
"It was during the incursion last night." Sunset started.
The Night of The Club with Sunset
When goons started rolling through the front door Sunset imminently ducked behind the bar with Iron Will next to her.
"Just what is going on here?!" Iron Will yelled.
"Not sure but I think Swiftfoot's cover was just blown!" Sunset replied. The Gunshots began rapidly and wildly spreading all over the place as the other girls jumped into action. Rarity jumped in front of the Bar producing a shield made of gems from her magic to block the oncoming bullets. Applejack took this opportunity the slam her fists on the ground causing a miniature earthquake throwing the assailants off balance. Rainbow Dash took this opportunity to run around the bar grabbing as many weapons as she could, leaving Pinkie Pie to clean up what was left. Sunset took a moment to look out over the bar to watch the action going down, but what she saw made her regret looking over the counter. There he was, The Pumpkin King walking through those doors. Sunset sprang from behind the counter and ran behind Rarity as she pushed back a small group of goons.
"Rarity we got a problem!" Sunset yelled as she kicked a goon away from them.
"Obviously dear, there are goons everywhere!" Rarity stated blocked stray bullets heading their way.
"No not just that look!" Sunset said as she pointed to the door were The King could be seen walking in.
"No … no … no no nonononono." Rarity said before covering herself and Sunset inside a bubble made of her crystals.
The goons began to surround them shooting the crystals only to have the bullets ricochet off. The Pumpkin King took notice to the crystals and walked over to see the two girls sitting in fear. The smile that was carved on his pumpkin face made it look menacing but he only tilted his head in curiosity as the goons stopped firing. Sunset took this moment to stare into the eyes of this King, to look deep into those blackened pupils hoping to get a glimpse of the man she ran into before. Only she didn't see a lick of justice in his eyes, not even an ounce of kindness. There was nothing but a stone cold killer stood before them. This was not the man she ran into during Halloween two years ago, this was but an empty shell fueled by darkness.
"I remember you!" He said tilting his head in the other direction, allowing a flicker of light to shine through his pumpkin and in that scarce moment Sunset could see just a flicker of the man she met before. The man who was kind and justified in his actions, the man who saved her from the fires of the burning pier, who fought to protect his only daughter from the corruption of the world around them. His green eye shined for just a brief moment but that's all Sunset needed to see he was still in there.
"If you remember me then please remember that this isn't you!" Sunset said standing up.
"You are not a killer, you're not some bully out to get revenge, you are a loving and protecting father, and you wouldn't do this without a good reason!" Sunset argued.
"But I do have a good reason, and you just reminded me of what it was!" The Pumpkin King stated as he reeled back his right arm extending the claws from his fingers.
"If you truly believe this will protect your daughter then do what you must." Sunset stated sternly as she stood in front of Rarity.
"I will!" He said but before he make his strike Swiftfoot tackled him away as Rainbow Dash rushed around the goons kicking them away.
"You will not hurt my friends!" Swiftfoot declared extending the blade from under his wrist as he reeled back his right arm.
"I will do what I must to protect the one I care about, what are you willing to do?" The Pumpkin King asked before knocking Swiftfoot off of him.
As Swiftfoot hit the floor The King pounced on top of him and before Swiftfoot could even react The King had lunged his arm into Swiftfoot's side digging his claws into him. Swiftfoot fought back the pain and gritted his teeth as he landed a punch on the pumpkin knocking The King off him. Swiftfoot took this opportunity to jump The Pumpkin King holding his arm above his head as he threw his body weight on his torso.
"Why even do this, all this just to get my attention huh why!?" Swiftfoot yelled.
"You honestly think this is just about you? You're nothing but an insignificant thorn The Dark One will soon scratch off, I'm only doing what I must to protect my daughter!" The Pumpkin King answered.
"Why is your princess in danger, we could help if you only ask!" Swiftfoot said.
"It's never that simple." The Pumpkin King said before kneeing Swiftfoot in the groan and threw him off.
Sunset on the other hand rushed Rarity away from the fight with Rainbow Dash and Applejack providing cover for their escape leaving Pinkie to make an exit. Just before they left Sunset handed Rarity to Pinkie before turning around.
"Sunset what are you doing?" Pinkie asked.
"I have to go help him." Sunset said turning back to her frineds.
"Uh last I checked that would be suicide Sunset." Rainbow stated.
"Sugar take Pinkie and Rarity out of here!" Applejack said.
"Now what!?" Rainbow asked.
"You're right it would be suicide but she ain't going alone, now get on outta here and tell Twilight and Fluttershy to have the van ready." Applejack said before shoving them out the door.
"Thanks AJ." Sunset said as they ran back into the fight.
"We lost ya once, we ain't losing you again." Applejack stated as they turned their attention on Swiftfoot and The Pumpkin King.
" 'sides it's time for us to return the favor am I right?" Applejack mentioned tipping her hat with a smile.
As The Pumpkin King pinned Swiftfoot to the wall a green and black gas could be seen dripping out from the carved mouth of his pumpkin. Swiftfoot tried to push him off but The Pumpkin King was held too strong of a grip.
"Please we can help you, let me help you?" Swiftfoot begged.
"Why would you help me, I'm not redeemable, no not like you." The King replied.
"Yes you are, you're just like me, fueled by rage and darkness only because you want to protect what's most important to you." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"You think you know pain and suffering, you think you can understand me because of your past, you know nothing about me, you don't know the first thing about what I'll do." The King explained. Swiftfoot then took this opportunity to use his feet and trip The Pumpkin King, pinning him against the floor yet again.
"I know how scared you are, I see how fear has controlled you and taken you down, you've stooped to levels so low you had to wear a mask to hide from the shame your daughter would have in you. I know what it's like having to hide who you truly are because of the fear of facing your consequences. I do understand you which is why I am showing you mercy." Swiftfoot said his words filled with sorrow and regret. It was in that moment of weakness The Pumpkin King jabbed his claws into Swiftfoot yet again only this time Swiftfoot didn't run from the pain, he let it hurt, he felt the air from his lungs escape him as he screamed in pain.
It was then Sunset and Applejack sprang up the stairs and watched as Swiftfoot fell to the floor. Applejack in a fit of rage tackled The Pumpkin King and pinned him against the wall before sending a series of punches all across his body. All Sunset could do was watch in fear as her friend became something else that she never recognized. She stood there in fear not knowing what to do as one of her friends laid there motionless in front of her and the other was turning into the very thing she had hoped to never see. She was out of cards and had no other choice as she ran and jumped on top of Applejack calling out for her to stop. Just hearing her voice was enough as Applejack stopped punching and took a moment to absorb what just happened. There was blood on her hands now as she looked down towards the body that lay in front of her broken and nearly dead.
"Wa-what did I … What did I do?" She asked before she embraced Sunset.
Soon police sirens could be heard as cops began to fill the place. They examined every area and surrounded the two before hauling Swiftfoot and The Pumpkin King away. Everything was silent and everything seemed to just stand still for Sunset as she now found herself sitting in another hospital room where Swiftfoot lay unconscious in his bed. Last time she was here they told her how shocked they were to see him still alive. Now they were telling her just how little chances he had of waking up. Applejack sat next to her waiting for results on The Pumpkin King but all they got were inconclusive remarks leaving more questions than answers. It was then when Twilight came into the room and sat down on the opposite side of Sunset.
"So finally got some good news, The Pumpkin King as everyone has been calling him, will be just fine, he might not be able to walk let alone stand for a good while but he'll live." Twilight explained. Applejack sighed in relief.
"Thank Heavens, umm what about Swiftfoot here?" Applejack asked. Twilight just sighed before turning her attention to the boy in question.
"The Docs say it'll be a miracle this time if he wakes up." Twilight mentioned. Sunset just gripped her chair tighter.
"Are you okay sugar?" Applejack asked.
"I'll be fine." Sunset replied before the door opened again to The Police Captain.
Silence filled the room as she walked in taking off her hat, showing a striking resemblance to Sunset Shimmer. She stood in front of the three girls as if to scold them but they weren't her concern at the moment. She then turned to Swiftfoot and sighed placing a file at the edge of his bed before turning to the door.
"Make sure he reads that when he wakes up, and I wanna see all of you for questioning tomorrow morning." She said before walking out the door slamming it behind her.
"What just happened?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah if I'm not mistaken I think I just saw two of you Sunset?" Applejack stated. Sunset sighed before standing up and reaching for the file.
"That was me alright … well my doppelganger so to speak." Sunset admitted as she sat back down.
"Wait, just like Princess Twilight and me?" Twilight asked.
"Well more or less, technically I am older than Princess Twilight. When I first went through the portal it must have done something to stunt my aging because normally I would be much older like my doppelganger but magic has a way of doing whatever it wants I guess." Sunset explained before opening the file.
"Wait ya can't read that it's for Swiftfoot!" Applejack interjected.
"If he wakes up that is, and if he doesn't then what good even is this to him?" Sunset asked in a fit of rage. Her emotions now dragging her down to levels she hasn't been in a long time.
"Sunset listen to yourself, you're starting to go backwards!" Applejack mentioned.
"And so what if I am, the new me was just a coward hiding behind a counter while all of you jumped into action, The Old Me would have done a lot more to help!" Sunset interjected.
"BOTH OF YOU STOP!" Twilight yelled standing in-between the two of them. Sunset and Applejack just stood there letting Twilight continue.
"Look we've all been through a lot lately, there's a lot of confusion and frustration in the air be it because of school or whatever The HELL is going on here?" Sunset and Applejack both looked shocked at Twilight, she never cursed before and to hear her even consider it sent them through a loop.
"But that doesn't give us the right to step backwards and ignore all the hard work we've done thus far. Sunset are you seriously about to let this one bad night drag you back down?" Sunset regrettably shook her head. "Applejack we've all made mistakes don't you think we can all forgive you just as you've forgiven us?"
"I guess so." Applejack replied.
"Good see, everything is fine, we're fine, sure things got a little dark last night but we can move forward from this." Twilight mentioned. For some reason Sunset felt a sudden surge of rage fill her again as she let out another outburst.
"AND JUST HOW MUCH LONGER DO YOU EXPECT US TO KEEP DOING THAT TWILIGHT!" Her rage had completely taken over her now as she slammed her fist into a nearby table breaking it clean in half. Her friends just stood there in silence allowing her to vent.
"It might be easy for you with your rich family and your high expectations Twilight but I don't have any of that here and Applejack you have the farm and a family and a path after all this well what do I get, WHAT'S MY PATH!?" Twilight was about to argue but Applejack just grabbed her shoulder and shook her head.
"I don't have a path after Graduation, and you all do." Sunset let her tears flow down her cheek.
This is where Twilight allowed herself to see clearly into Sunset's eyes, seeing all the doubt and sorrow she was holding back. She was just as lost and confused as her when it came to Graduation. Just like her she had no path forward. Twilight just took a couple steps forward with a determined look in her eyes. To Sunset it felt like an insult was about to come her way but that thought went away as she saw the tears in Twilights eyes flow under her glasses as she threw her arms around her friend.
"You think I'm not lost in all of this, you think I can just see forward after all this?" Twilight asked.
"Twilight I … I didn't." Sunset couldn't finish as Twilight tightened her grip.
"I wasn't talking about after Graduation I was talking about the here and now. But if that what you're worried about then we'll find a way after that together… all of us." Twilight declared.
"Okay." Sunset replied as she returned the embrace. Applejack smiled and joined in as they all shared a laugh and smiled together. Though the moment was cut short as they heard the munching of potato chips. They all turned to the noise and saw Swiftfoot sitting up with a bag of pringles in his hands smiling.
"Oh don't mind me I was just watching the tender moment." Swiftfoot scoffed with sarcasm as he ate another chip.
"Uhh how long have you been awake?" Twilight asked.
"Oh long enough, all that yelling really didn't help." Swiftfoot mentioned as they all gathered around him.
"So I guess we missed the dance." Swiftfoot said.
"Actually Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna both agreed to move it up a week, if we didn't tell them what happened last night they would have out right canceled the event all together." Applejack explained.
"Oh well that's good… how's Rarity?" Swiftfoot asked.
"She'll be alright she's currently at home stress sewing." Sunset mentioned.
"That's good, welp I'm famished and I haven't eaten since yesterday so what say we all get out of here and grab a bite to eat am I right?" Swiftfoot suggested.
"Oh no you don't you stay right here and rest up, we'll be back to get us all something, what are you hungry for?" Twilight asked.
"Alright just this once I'll listen, hmm I'm thinking Sonics the number 7." Swiftfoot requested.
"Eww how can you even eat that?" Twilight asked.
"Oh come on it's a foot long of happiness and joy you can't deny that." Swiftfoot remarked as Twilight rolled her eyes before walking out the door.
"Don't worry sugar I'll make sure she gets it for you." Applejack said before following suite.
"And I'll make sure she actually goes there." Sunset said as she was about to do the same.
"Sunset wait." Swiftfoot called out to her stopping her at the door. She stopped and turned to him seeing a lost look in his eyes. Sunset then walked over to him.
"What's up?" Sunset asked as she sat down in front of him.
"Look, I know it hurts to be lost, and Flash told me how you were struggling with your destiny, being from that other world I can only imagine what all that means to you." Swiftfoot admitted.
"Yeah it's been difficult." Sunset stated.
"Well I don't know how destiny works in your world but here we make our own destiny we choose where we go and what we do, sure it might look like we're lost from time to time and yeah sometimes we are but the thing I've learned about destiny is … it doesn't matter where you go or what you do, it's how you do and why." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"Funny I think Flash said something similar, why are you telling me this?" Sunset asked.
"Because, no matter where you go or what you do, I know it'll be amazing." Swiftfoot said.
"And how do you know that?" Sunset questioned.
"Because, you're amazing." Swiftfoot answered.
"Seriously? If this is an attempt at flattery it'll take more than that." Sunset laughed.
"Well take it as you will, but I meant no flattery about it, I was just stating the facts that were presented before me, after watching you with your friends, seeing the kind heart you hold and the compassion you give, the way you can empathize with others … … … it inspires people, it inspires me to be a better person." Swiftfoot explained. Sunset smiled and nodded to him.
"Thank you … I needed to hear that." Sunset replied.
"As always … anytime." Swiftfoot smiled, then Sunset was reminded of the file that was dropped off.
"Oh that reminds me here take this." Sunset said handing him the file.
"What's this?" Swiftfoot asked taking the file and opening it.
"The Police Captain dropped it off, told us to make sure you read it when you woke up." Sunset explained as Swiftfoot read the file.
"I see… you'd better get going before they leave without you." Swiftfoot mentioned while reading the file.
"Oh right see you later." Sunset remarked before darting out the door.
Today
Gary sat there listening to Sunset's side of the story as Captain Shimmer walked back in. She sat down at her desk finishing up some paperwork as Sunset set the box of tissues aside. Gary side and decided to break the silence.
"So how'd it go?" He asked.
"Surprisingly well, no one asked about the squirt here or any of the other girls, just basic questions on what's next." Shimmer explained.
"That's good right?" Gary asked.
"Yeah basically means that squirt here and her friends are free to go… by the way how is Swiftfoot even walking right now?" Shimmer asked.
"He umm heals fast." Sunset answered.
"So I'm told, anyways just please stay out of trouble and next time try to keep your promise." She requested. Sunset nodded before getting up and walked to the door.
"Oh and Squirt one last thing." Shimmer said stopping Sunset at the door.
"Yes?' Sunset asked.
"Keep an eye on that boy, he tends to get himself in more trouble than we can handle sometimes." Shimmer said.
"Will do." Sunset said with a smile before walking out the door.
On her way out she spotted Swiftfoot and Twilight talking with Shining Armour. Deciding it was best for them to leave together she walked on over to them and waited for the rest of her friends. The day seemed to be going well as one by one her friends returned to the front lobby all talking about how the day was wasted or how they each have other things to do. All that was left was Swiftfoot and his conversation didn't seem to be going all that well, she knew it was rude but she decided to listen in just to hear what was going on.
"You have one job, alright just one, please try to keep it." Shining told Swiftfoot.
"Hey I'm doing the best I can, but these guys won't stop coming after them, not until they've gotten what they wanted from them." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"Their magic?" Shinning asked.
"Exactly, though I will admitted doing my job should be a whole lot easier now that I've been cleared of all charges, where did that evidence even come from?" Swiftfoot asked.
"Well I for one knew the whole time you were innocent, the DA and Captain just didn't see the things I saw that night, we got lucky when we found that phone in the alley recording the whole thing." Shinning mentioned.
"But who was recording?" Swiftfoot asked.
"Probably some civilian witness we're trying to pin the owner but whoever owned the phone might be long gone and out of town by now." Shining replied.
"That makes sense, I still have to go to court though huh?" Swiftfoot asked.
"Yup this time next week if I'm not mistaken." Shining answered.
"Just before the dance starts." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"Don't worry dress your best and you be out of there just in time." Shining remarked.
"Welp I better get ready then, see you around officer." Swiftfoot said shaking Shining's hand.
"Take care Swiftfoot and thanks for reminding me of who I am, the badge makes it hard to remember sometimes." Shining replied.
"No problem, just be careful around that dust when mixed with Nitrogen creating a gas like liquid it's not easy to remove." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"I'll keep that in mind thanks." Shining said allowing Swiftfoot to leave.
Swiftfoot then joined the group finally and they all left the building. They had faced a lot of darkness these past few weeks and it was taking its toll on them. But never the less they all agree that no matter what, regardless of where they go next or who they face, they will keep moving forward. They will stand proud and strong holding each other close in their hearts as they keep moving forward, and never letting go of what's important. There are still plenty of mysteries to solve and answers to be seeked and they will find them in time, for only time will tell who it is they will become.