After the fall formal Sunset Shimmer finds herself struggling to make amends
Sunset Shimmer's life was turned upside down in an instant, leaving her not only to battle her inner demons but to also try to make amends but it isn't easy to forgive or forget when someone has hurt you and it seems only a few at Canterlot High are willing to even try to see the good in her. Will the few friends she has be enough to stop her from doing something rash?
She remembered the negativity that filled her thoughts as soon as the crown touched her as if it was reminding her of all the mistakes that she had made in her life. The memories replayed in her mind like a movie she couldn't turn off as an icy hot feeling engulfed her whole body.
She wished it was just a dream, but it wasn't and she had to live with the outcome, especially the biting pain she felt in her back and the dull ache in every muscle in her body. Not to mention facing the school itself but that could wait until Monday. At least, where the rest of the student body was concerned.
Right now she had a wall to at least help repair, which was what she had been doing just minutes prior but the pain in her back had become too much. She just hoped her break didn't tick off someone, Luna in particular.
"You know you wouldn't sweat so much if you took off your jacket."
Sunset nearly fell off the stack of bricks she was sitting on, although to her surprise the tall, dark-skinned woman handed her a bag from a local deli.
"I was wondering when you'd take a break. You have been working since nine o'clock this morning. You can afford to take a break, the construction crew will do the majority of the work on Monday." the woman stated, not giving the girl time to respond before she walked back toward the school and leaving Sunset sitting there with her thoughts.
She knew this was being written off as something completely normal like a gas line explosion but she also knew that most if not all of the students of Canterlot High knew the truth, knew about the raging demon that had threatened to not only use them as her personal army but nearly killed six others.
The thought alone made her stomach churn and she was glad that the outcome had left physical reminders behind because she deserved it. She deserved the sleepless nights, that if the previous night had indicated would be a common thing and she deserved the hatred and pain she felt as she stood alone, her once self-proclaimed friends glaring over at her with disgust written on their faces.
"What do you plan to do about the little brat?"
Luna asked, leaning against the wall inside her sister's office as she tried to get the image of the girl out of her mind's eye. She didn't want to forgive the girl, not after what had happened over the course of three years but seeing anyone look so lost tugged at her heart a little.
"What do you suggest? We can't possibly get the authorities involved." Celestia responded, arching a brow as she looked up from her computer. Luna glared back before letting out a breath and moved to the window, looking out to only see the girl in question still seated, face buried in her hands.
"Since we can't possibly explain how one kid caused that much damage and no one would believe the truth, I suggest we make her work off the expense the school board is going to be out of repairing that field and wall. Besides, I think we need to figure out the full story. Don't even pretend you didn't notice a girl walking through a statue last night."
Celestia sighed and nodded, pinching the bridge of her nose before speaking "I took a look at her paperwork. Her home address is in those rundown apartments owned by Filthy Rich so I decided to make a few phone calls and everyone says they never see anyone other than Sunset coming or going from her place."
Luna turned her attention back toward her sister then, eyes narrowing.
"So the contact information she put on her enrollment forms was fake?" she asked, earning a negative shake of the head in response.
"Not exactly. Take a look at this." Celestia responded, motioning to the laptop in front of her and moving to the side so Luna could see the screen easily.
"Sunspot and Solar Wind...as well as their daughter...was killed in a car crash five years ago." she pointed out, causing Luna's eyes to widen as she read the article.
"Okay, that is just creepy." the younger woman commented, earning a sigh from Celestia who clicked on another tab, pulling up a post on Crystal Prep's school website, one that showed a photo of a girl who looked almost exactly like the girl they had watched pull Sunset out of the crater the previous night.
"What the hell is going on?"
Luna felt as if she was going crazy, or seeing double. Both the girl who had vanished through the statue and Sunset Shimmer looked nearly identical to the girls in the pictures on the screen. One being supposedly deceased.
"You need to ask Sunset that. She barely can manage to meet my gaze it seems and you can forget about holding a conversation."
Celestia answered with a sigh, only to feel her sister's hand squeeze her shoulder gently.
"Celestia you focus on trying to figure out what we're going to do about this mess. I'll try to get Sunset to talk."
"You have to eat. No one wants you to pass out while working." Luna's voice said from right beside of her, causing the sixteen-year-old to nearly jump out of her skin.
How can someone move that quietly? She's like a freaking cat! Sunset thought as she saw the rather amused look on Luna's face at that reaction
"Sorry, I guess I'm just not very hungry." Sunset responded earning a light glare in response.
"Sunset Shimmer, no matter how badly you are feeling or how bad things seem you shouldn't just starve yourself." Luna stated, causing Sunset to flinch as if she had been struck.
"Yes, Ma'am."
Luna sighed, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. She knew that most students feared her to some extent but seeing Sunset's reaction bothered her for some reason. She didn't know why she felt compelled to try to comfort the former troublemaker but seeing her like this almost made her want to give the girl a chance–almost.
"Miss. Shimmer, Things may seem horrible currently but things will eventually get better after all nothing lasts forever, not even hard times." she said, noticing how Sunset's expression changed from neutral to sour to broken in a matter of seconds.
"No one is just going to forget what I did! I...was a monster."
Putting her face into her hands again Sunset tried to hold back her tears, only feeling the hand leave her shoulder.
No one will ever forgive me. No one will ever believe I want to change.
Suddenly she felt someone moving her hands away from her face, causing her to look up. Luna, who seemed to always be neutral or even aloof was kneeling down in front of her, her expression stern although her eyes were soft.
"You're right, you did terrible things and people won't forget however forgiveness can be earned, even if people can't forget." the woman responded and Sunset found it impossible to keep her tears at bay then.
"But I almost….I could have killed someone! I never meant to...go that far!"
She sobbed, wrapping her arms around herself as if to keep herself from physically falling apart. Luna sat there numb for a few minutes, unsure of what to do. One part of her wanted to remain formal while the other remembered another person long ago who had felt the same way.
"Sunset Shimmer," she spoke with authority despite the fact that she put her hands on the fiery-haired teen's shoulders "you need to prove you never wanted that. Prove to everyone that you are more than that self-centered brat that ruled the school or the demon that ruined the dance."
Luna knew she was being harsh but she didn't pull any punches, despite how hard the truth was to swallow. She gave Sunset a few minutes to absorb what she had said before she added, her voice softening some
"Celestia and I both believe you have it in you. It won't be easy but you can do it."
Luna didn't expect the teen to suddenly hug her, crying on her shoulder. This probably broke some rule, written or otherwise and it definitely wasn't something Luna used to but she didn't push her away.
If Celestia is right then this girl has probably been alone for years.
She thought as she wrapped an arm around the girls lower back, feeling her stiffen before relaxing once again.
I guess trying things Celestia's way won't hurt anything once in a while.
“So you’ve been living on your own since you came to this world?” Celestia questioned, eyes widening slightly at the implications of the teenager’s words which caused Sunset to wince slightly since she was sitting right beside of the woman, leaving her no way to avoid the aurora haired woman’s gaze.
“Yeah, I had the money and was underhanded enough to use the computers at the library to find people who could help me fake most of the documents I needed to have a life here. It also helped that gold and gems are worth a fortune here so I was never without food.” Sunset answered, omitting the fact that it had been hard for her to find a place willing to rent to a teenager until she had stumbled across Filthy Rich. But they didn't need to know that plus Sunset didn't want to give the pair of women any more reason to call child services.
“Okay, so you had a place to live but what did you do when you weren't at school?” Luna asked, crossing her arms over her chest as she sat on the edge of Celestia’s desk. She inwardly smirked as Sunset’s expression shifted to an almost unreadable emotion.
Why do they care about that? Sunset wondered as she tried to form an answer “I...um...would play guitar since Flash took the time to teach me and well...outside of that I play video games.” Sunset replied, brow burrowing when the vice principal let out a snort of amusement “what?”
“He took the time or did you force him?” Luna quipped, earning a look from Celestia that she knew meant all to mean shut up. However before Celestia could manage to say anything Sunset spoke up, a faint blush coming to her cheeks as she argued: “I wasn't that bad all the time!”
“Can’t prove that by me. Ever since you have enrolled here you’ve been an egomaniac with a temper.”
Upon hearing this Sunset sank even farther down. She knew that the navy-skinned woman was right, at least for the most part. She had been horrible, though she was telling the truth about not forcing Flash into teaching her.
“But, Flash had to see something in your or he wouldn't have asked you out. That much I have noticed about the boy.” Luna continued, smirking a bit at Sunset’s reaction.
“I don't know what he could have,” Sunset said, her voice breaking slightly “Ever since I won that damn crown that first time I let everything go to my head.” Sunset buried her face in her hands as a voice at the back of her mind repeated the words: “just like you did when you became the Princess’s student.”
Principal Celestia put an arm around the distraught teen, though she had no idea if anything that she could say would make the fire-haired girl feel any better. Luna, however, sighed. She hadn't meant to make Sunset cry, yet again.
Yes, you did.” Luna began, placing a hand on Sunset’s upper arm “but that's the past. You just have to try not to make the same mistakes you have made. Just because you have done something doesn't mean you're doomed to repeat it.”
“How can I be sure? Every time I think I am doing something right I end up fucking it up!”
Both women shared a look then, though neither said anything for some time. “I know it’s hard Sunset, that everything seems to be a dead end but if you start out small things will slowly fall into place for you.” Celestia assured, allowing a silence to settle over the room as Sunset attempted to compose herself.
“Now, for the reason that we called you in here.” Luna said after a while, handing the girl a tissue “my sister has a proposition for you.”
To say that Sunset was relieved when she was released to return to work would have been an understatement. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts and memories as she thought about what had just happened. She knew she should be glad that she wouldn't be placed into the care of child services, which would have been trouble on multiple levels although the alternative she had received left her equally terrified.
What if I blow it? What if I just keep screwing up everything and this falls through? Sunset wondered as she tried to focus on the repetition of her job, which despite tiring and time consuming wasn't the hardest thing she could have been tasked with.
She was so occupied with her thoughts that she didn't even notice that the soccer team came around to the front parking lot.
“What’s she doing here?”
“Yeah, you’d think they would lock the demon-bitch up somewhere.”
Sunset tried not to listen to the conversation that the other students were having, especially since everything that they said about her grew progressively worse. "she’s cleaning up the mess she made Friday night. She’s not bothering anyone so lay off.” the familiar voice caught her off guard.
Is Rainbow Dash really defending me? But I was horrible to her and her friends for years, there's no reason for her to do this even if Princess Twilight did ask them to. She thought, straining her ears to hear the rest of the conversation.
“Why are you defending her Dash? She ruined your life!” it was silver stream who spoke next, though it was another voice that responded that made Sunset nearly drop a brick on her own foot.
“So what? She’s working now shut up and go get lunch. We need to focus on the upcoming game with crystal prep and preliminaries for the nationals. We have no time to waste worrying about Sunset Shimmer.”
Monday came all too quickly for Sunset, who found it hard to muster up her courage just to enter the building despite the fact she had arrived over an hour before. She knew that she had to suck it up and face the repercussions, no matter what happened. Sighing she tried to as she tried to calm her nerves, knowing there was no way out of this.
Her hand shook as she opened the door, the noise of multiple conversations at once almost instantly silencing as soon as people started noticing her. Lowering her head, Sunset slowly began to walk toward her locker, trying to ignore the whispers around her.
“What is she doing here?”
“She should be locked in a cage somewhere!”
“Go back where you came from Freak! Nobody wants you here!”
She knew she deserved all of this, but even with that in mind, the words hurt. I wish I still had my magic. She thought as she quickened her pace I would teleport myself out of here. She thought though she knew that even if she could teleport, she wouldn't risk getting into any more trouble.
“Watch out, she might attack you!”
Sunset winced as soon as she heard that. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I couldn't control it...it was like my body was on autopilot. She thought bitterly, I will never live that down...then again...I didn't escape the demon either. So caught up in her thoughts Sunset didn't notice that Trixie had stepped out in front of her.
“Begone Demon!”
The next thing Sunset was aware of was something grainy hitting her in the face, burning her eyes. She could hear laughter ring out as she stepped back, only to feel someone push her, however before she could fall a tight, almost painful grip tightened around her arm. Sunset couldn't help but whimper as she waited for even more pain to follow but to her surprise, a commanding voice yelled: “What the hell is wrong with you people?”
wait is that….no it couldn't be. Why would she want to help me? Sunset wondered as silence fell over the hall.
“I’ll go get help. You just take care of Shimmer.” Sunset recognized the second voice as Rainbow Dash, which added even more to her confusion. Why are these two helping me? One had literally threatened to punch me in the face and the other I ruined the life of.
Sunset scrubbed at her eyes, though this made the stinging even worse. “Stop before you make it worse.” she was surprised to hear the advice coming from the Senior. However, before Sunset had time to say anything Luna’s voice boomed over the noise of low muttering
“Everyone get to class! Spitfire, what exactly happened?”
Sunset couldn't hear what was being said, both the vice principal and the Senior class president speaking in whispers. She tried to make out what they were saying though the only words she could make out were Trixie and mob.
“What happened?” the question repeated as Nurse Redheart, along with Rainbow Dash made their way down the corridor. “Trixie evidently threw some kind of powder into Sunset’s face.” Luna’s neutral tone answered.
While Nurse Redheart got to work, Luna leaned against the wall, making sure that she was out of the way as Spitfire’s words swirled around in her mind. surely if the athlete had been right Celestia or herself would have noticed the previous day? She thought although she knew Spitfire wouldn't lie over something like this.
“When you’re done with Miss. Shimmer I wish to speak with her in my office.” Luna said after a while, turning to head back toward the office herself however suddenly a Prismacolor blur cut her off.
“Woah, hang on! You can't punish Sunset for this! She is the victim here!”
Rainbow Dash caught the blue-haired woman off guard, this she hadn't expected. “Miss Dash, I merely want to talk to her. I already have heard what happened from Spitfire.” Luna responded calmly, biting back a smirk at the teen’s expression.
Jeez. You would think I beat them or something.
Turning her attention to the nurse, Luna asked: “Do you have any idea what the substance was that she assaulted Sunset Shimmer with?”
“Salt. It shouldn't have done too much damage but I would recommend you calling her parents to set her up an appointment with an optometrist, just in case the cornea has been scratched.” Redheart answered, not noticing how Sunset winced at the idea of seeing a doctor.
“I will do so right after she and I discuss something that has been brought to my attention.” Luna replied, making a mental note to ask Sunset just what records she managed to have forged when she first arrived. Looks like I’ll be calling some favors in from some old friends...Tia is going to kill me.
The command caught Sunset off-guard and made her nervous now that she was inside the small office with Luna. Just what was she planning?
“W-what?” Sunset Stammered, eyes growing wide as she took an instinctive step back. The woman suddenly seemed more intimidating than usual.
“I said take off your jacket. There is blood on the bottom of your shirt, now either you can remove your jacket or I can call emergency services.” Luna responded, crossing her arms over her chest. She just hoped that Sunset didn't call her bluff.
“Y-you can't! If they catch on that I'm not from here…”
Luna winced when she heard the panic in the girl’s voice. Okay, never trying that tactic again. I liked her better when she argued with and backtalked anyone of authority. She thought as she moved to put a hand on the redhead’s shoulder.
“Sunset, relax. But I need to see how badly you are injured.”
The tone that Luna took caught Sunset off-guard because Luna’s tone had become softer than she had ever heard it. Knowing that she didn't have much of a choice she slowly shrugged out of her jacket, wincing as hot pain ran through her shoulders.
Luna had to bite back a gasp when she saw the condition of Sunset’s shirt, which was covered in blood. “Sunset, how did this happen?” she asked, gingerly lifting the fabric from the girl’s back.
She winced as she saw this, her stomach twisting with guilt as she saw the condition that the girl’s skin was in. There was bruising covering the whole upper and lower parts of her back, though the worst part was her shoulder blades where the skin seemed to have been flayed away, leaving raw, angry wounds as wide as Luna’s palm.
Why didn't she say anything? It had to hurt like hell when she was working Friday night and Saturday. She wondered as Sunset answered her in a whisper “It was the demon. When I transformed I...could feel the skin ripping. H-how bad is it?”
Sunset was afraid to know, especially since she had gotten only a few hours of sleep the night before due to the pain.
“Like a bad case of road rash. Why didn't you tell either Celestia or I about this?” Luna said in response as she moved toward her desk, cleaning the top of it off and motioning for Sunset to sit on the surface before retrieving a first aid kit.
“Why would I? I did something dumb and got exactly what I deserved.” Sunset responded, earning an unreadable look.
“You deserved getting humiliated in front of the whole school that night, not this. Does magic always affect the user in such a way?” Luna responded.
“No, only if someone tries to use more power than they can handle. I'm lucky it didn't kill me. Sometimes I wish it did.” Sunset answered, her voice becoming almost a whisper as she said the last part of her statement.
“against protocol or not if you say that again I will hit you.”
Sunset just stared at the woman, trying to figure out if she was serious or not. Would Luna really hit her? She wondered though she relaxed when Luna smiled slightly. Was that an attempt at a joke? Since when did Nightmare moon actually smile?
“you would not.” She challenged, earning a slight chuckle as Luna opened a bottle of sterile water. “Do you want to try me?” Luna retorted in an almost playful tone as she started washing away the blood, being as gentle as possible.
Sunset clenched her jacket tight in her arms as she tried to keep from flinching away from the Vice Principal, knowing that she was trying to be as gentle as possible. This went on for a few minutes until Luna spoke again “Sunset, try to brace yourself because this will sting.”
Sunset closed her eyes as she buried her face against the fabric, trying to bite back the scream as something cold was sprayed onto her back, igniting into a fire in the next second. You deserve this, you were the idiot who thought you could just put on a crown and become a princess! She reminded herself though even this didn't keep the tears at bay.
“Why can't you be more like your brother?”
“You stupid foal! You will never make anything worthwhile of yourself!”
Her mind raced with memories, each word seeming even truer now that she had done something so stupid.
“Sunset? Are you okay?”
She suddenly became aware of a hand stroking her hair, giving her something to focus on instead of the self-abusing thoughts that were rushing through her mind. “I know I deserve everything that is happening but….I…” Sunset tried to form a sentence, though her throat tightened as a sob wracked her frame.
“Sunset, no one deserves to have salt thrown into their eyes or have someone attack them when they are unable to defend themselves.” Luna said, feeling yet another wave of anger at herself for adding to the girl’s suffering.
“But I do I could have.....I almost killed those girls. I didn't want to….I tried to stop but it was still my fault.” the redhead sobbed out, earning a sigh.
“Did you know you would turn into that thing?” she questioned getting a negative shake of the head in response “Then what did you believe would happen?”
Sunset tried to calm herself down to answer the woman, which was easier now that the burning sensation seemed to be dying down. “I thought I would become powerful and that I could return to my world and prove to my former mentor that I was worthy of becoming an alicorn. I didn't know that it would take the anger I felt and turn it into...that thing.”
Luna nodded, moving away from her then and began to apply bandages to the teen’s battered skin. “So there was no plans on leading an army?” Luna asked, earning a sigh
“No, that would have been useless. I mean it took me a week just to learn to walk on two legs, I couldn't imagine how clumsy someone born with two would be while learning to walk on four!” Sunset answered, chuckling slightly at the mental image.
A silence fell over them then, Luna becoming lost in thought. “I think this should be a lesson about letting your anger and hatred control you because essentially that is what happened that night. Trust me Sunset, you are not the only person who has had to learn that lesson. Now, let’s go talk to Celestia. I need to get you a clean shirt and I need to speak with a few people about something important.”
“Can I ask you why you defended her?” Rainbow Dash asked inside the locker room later that morning, causing Spitfire to sigh as she finished changing into her gym clothes.
“Sunset Shimmer may have been a complete bitch and I get why people are writing shit on her locker but there is a line no one should cross Dash. They would have completely throttled the girl while she couldn't see to defend herself! That's just low, even if Sunset was queen bitch on one point.” Spitfire replied simply as she added in a low voice “besides she was bleeding. If I had let those idiots hurt her I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself.”
“Wait, she was bleeding?” Rainbow exclaimed, earning a nod.
“Yeah, she was. Maybe you should go check and see if she is okay.”
Meanwhile Luna—who had left the school as soon as she had gotten Sunset a clean shirt—drove into the poorer community outside of the city. She knew if anyone could help them out of the predicament it would be her longtime friend Chrissy.
I know Celestia is going to kill me but what choice do we have? Sunset Shimmer is not from this world and if she is to survive here she’ll need legal documentation. I mean we can make sure she doesn't starve but what if she gets sick?
Luna wondered as she shut the engine off in the parking lot behind a small RV. Though she took a moment to collect herself, trying to figure out what exactly it was that she could say to the woman she has come to visit. Do I tell her the truth or do I make some kind of lie? She became so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't see the dark-skinned, green-haired woman come out of the RV until there was a loud knock against her window, causing Luna to nearly jump out of her skin.
“Gah! How long have you been standing there?” Luna demanded as she opened the door, earning a laugh from the woman who just shrugged
“Long enough to see you completely space out like you did back in high school when Fleur was around. What’s up? You seem tense.” the response came, causing Luna to blush before rolling her eyes.
“Can you stop bringing up things that happened when we were seventeen? I came here to ask you if you could help me make some fake documents…..on a government scale.” Luna asked.
“Alright, but who did you kill? I knew it was just a matter of time before you snapped.” Luna Scowled at that before as she closed the door and leaned against the car.
“Not funny. Besides, that’s not it. There’s a girl that goes to Celestia’s school that needs to see a doctor but she isn't from around here. So can you help or not?” Luna responded, earning a quizzical look.
“I can help. But you probably should explain why either of you is going to this length to help this kid out. I would expect Celestia pulling some strings here and there but not you.” Chrissy began, almost instantly regretting it as her friend’s expression turned forlorn.
“You’re right. I would usually let Tia handle this but...remember how I let my anger and jealousy control me, which resulted in the accident that caused dumb ass to suffer the head trauma that leaded to...well you remember what happened.”
“Who doesn't remember that?” Chrissy responded, “where are you going with this?”
“The girl, Sunset Shimmer did something similar and she literally has no one to help her through this. She is in this world alone.” Luna’s answer sparked Chrissy’s curiosity even more.
“Wait, did you say world? What do you mean by that?”
“We’d better go inside, it’s a long story.”
“Can i go back to class now? I swear I am fine!” Sunset complained while sitting in Celestia’s office. “Seriously...I’m not in any pain or anything.”
Celestia couldn't help but be amused by the girl whining about returning to class when most students would be glad to just not have to deal with it. “Are you sure that would be a good idea?” she questioned, earning a sigh.
“Anything would be better than sitting here staring at the walls! I’ll be doing a lot of this anyway in detention!” Sunset retorted, causing the aurora haired woman to chuckle.
“Perhaps but i don't want to risk you becoming further injured.”
Sunset slumped in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest at that. “I knew accepting your offer would be a bad idea.” she muttered, not noticing the Principal’s amused look as she continued, mostly thinking aloud “what part of I can handle myself does no one understand?”
Like you handled yourself so well yesterday. Celestia thought as she glanced over at the girl who was more or less pouting. “No one can handle themselves when it’s ten against one.” she reminded her, watching as her expression darkened even farther.
Sunset sighed as she put her books in her locker. After she had finally convinced Celestia into letting her attend her classes like normal she found herself having to dodge paper wads and insults, all which the teacher promptly ignored. Well, it's not like this didn't happen before. I can deal with it! She thought, however, she was snapped out of her thoughts–literally–when her locker suddenly snapped closed, causing her to yelp and step back.
“Rainbow Dash! What the heck?” she yelled, turning to face the prism haired athlete who was practically leering back.
“Who hurt you?”
Sunset was dumbfounded by the sudden demand, the tone causing her to instantly brace herself. “W-What?” she managed to ask, earning a sigh from Rainbow Dash who rolled her eyes.
“Spitfire told me about the blood. What happened? Who hurt you?” the athlete answered, her voice leaving no room for argument as she cut Sunset off from walking off.
“The demon did okay?” Sunset answered after two failed attempts to walk around her interrogator. “When I transformed the wings and tail left their mark. Though I think they would have been worse if the elements of harmony weren't involved.” Sunset finally explained, her voice dropping low as she glanced down at the floor as her mind flashed to how that she could have killed them with that fireball.
“When someone uses magic they aren't strong enough to handle their body reacts negatively and breaks down. I am lucky that a bloody back is all I have.”
Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened at the implication of those words. “Then why the hell did you want the crown for to begin with?” She questioned, earning an unreadable look as Sunset replied with: “I thought I had enough control. I didn't know that it would take my emotions and warp them into that thing.”
“Anyway, I came to see if you wanted to have lunch with me and my friends? I mean, sitting with us has got to be better than sitting alone.” Rainbow Dash said after a few minutes of silence.
“What? Why? I mean I was…” Sunset stammered, eyes growing wide at the suggestion.
“You were a bitch. Yeah, you don't have to remind me. But you deserve a chance.” Rainbow replied bluntly before clapping her on the shoulder “Besides, the past is the past right?”
“Chrysalis this is not funny!” Luna said as the green haired woman practically fell off of the chair she was sitting on. “I’m sorry Luna but the idea of you and miss. Goodie two shoes blackmailing a student is just too much!” Chrissy replied still laughing.
“And you are still an overgrown child.” Luna commented in response as she rolled her eyes “are you going to help us or not? I’m sure that I could find another talented hacker who would be willing to help me out.”
“I’ll do it but you are going to have not introduce me and Zecora to this girl. I want to hear all about what true magic is and if it's anything like Ze can do.”
“Fine, but wait a few weeks until she is settled. No need overwhelm her.” Luna answered with a groan. This is going to be a long day.
All eyes were on Sunset as she walked into the cafeteria but luckily no one dared to say anything thanks to Rainbow Dash, who was glaring at anyone who so much as glanced their way. “You know you really don't have to do this. Just because Twilight Sparkle told you….” Sunset began, only to be cut off by the rainbow-haired girl.
“Whoa, hold up. No one tells me to do anything. I know I don't have to do anything but I want to help you out so I am.”
Sunset was at a loss for words at that, especially since Applejack–who had walked over during their little conversation–nodded in agreement. Why are they willing to help me? I was horrible to them, I could have killed them! They shouldn't be this willing to even speak to me! Sunset’s mind was a was turning a mile a minute.
“Looks like Sunset.Exe. has stopped working.”
The sudden voice coming from too close behind her caused her to whirl around only to find Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot standing behind her. She couldn't hide her nervousness though Rainbow only rolled her eyes.
“I think Lunatic’s attack this morning did some damage upstairs. You three sitting with us today?” Rainbow responded, earning a chuckle “Nah. I think Shimmer would completely malfunction if there was more than you five there. We’ll catch you guys later.”
Everyone at the table had grown quiet when Rainbow approached with Sunset in tow. Fluttershy partially hid behind Rarity while the other two just stared at her. Shifting uncomfortably Sunset debated what she could say, though nothing came to mind until she met Rarity’s gaze.
“look, I'm sorry for the shit I've done over the past few years. I came here in the middle of your eighth-grade year and was this snobby, self-centered brat with an ego." Sunset began as she took a seat.
"I thought I was better than everyone because of how much smarter I seemed to be then freshman year I saw your little hodgepodge group and I got jealous. I wouldn't admit it then but most of you had something that I wanted for myself, well more than one thing."
She had to pause, her voice breaking slightly as she searched for the words to describe the emotions she had pushed aside for so long. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she looked to see Applejack was looking at her, green eyes speaking silent encouragement.
Taking a deep breath Sunset gather herself to continue
"Rarity you were popular not only because of your looks but because you were so kind to everyone. It made me sick how generous you were with everyone, even the people everyone else looked down on and Rainbow Dash, you were popular because you were good at something and didn't let your ego kill out everyone else's self-esteem."
Again she paused, her hands balling into a fist as she continued "I was even jealous of the friendship you had. I would never admit it back then but seeing you all together made me realize how lonely I really was."
Sunset could have continued, dragging out everything that she had ever hated these five girls over but each one grew more and more personal and she didn't want to have to remember her past, not with everything else going on.
"I guess it took a rainbow to the face to erase my pride long enough to make me realize just how wrong I was...and made me face what I really was feeling all along and I'm sorry."
Sunset didn't know what she was expecting, but it wasn't Rainbow Dash's hand gripping her other shoulder or being suddenly tackled into a hug by Pinkie Pie.
"Hey, everyone makes mistakes and if your willing to own up and try to change then that's good enough for us." Rainbow Dash said, surprising Sunset who had expected her to be the most stubborn of the group.
"Really? I thought you would hate me after everything." Sunset said, surprised by all of this. She could feel the eyes of the whole school on her as they stared in disbelief.
"Hate Is such a strong word. Sure we were angry and rightfully so but as far as hate…" Rarity began, trailing off as if lost in thought.
"Ah can't say Ah hated ya. Sure wanted to deck ya in the nose a few times though." Applejack replied but then shrugged and added: "but as long as ya don't stab us in the back again, Ah think we can all agree to give ya a second chance."
Sunset felt tears fill her eyes as she heard this. She couldn't believe that she was hearing this. Even after almost killing them they were willing to forgive her.
"Thanks, everyone. I...I'll try not to screw this up."
“You know miss sunshine and Daisies isn't going to like this.” Chrysalis chuckled as Luna shoved a yellow envelope into her purse. “No, but what choice do we have?” Luna retorted before adding “also tell the pain in the ass to call me...not Tia...Me because heaven knows those two are on and off so much that they probably wouldn't be able to hold a conversation.”
Chrysalis let out a laugh then “those two still in a love-hate fest? When will they ever grow up?”
Luna smirked at that, crossing her arms over her chest as she retorted “says the woman who has been in five different relationships and has three kids by different ones?”
That was the thought that entered Sunset's mind as she sat staring out the window in the detention room. She had done all of her homework so there was nothing for her to do. She knew that she couldn't sleep during this –no matter how much she wanted to – so she took to daydreaming. It didn't help that Celestia had forced her to spend the detention hour in the office with her.
"Are you sure that I can't go help the construction crew?" She finally asked, earning what she could only call a half amused look. "And let you hurt yourself? No." came Celestia's response.
Sunset slumped down in her seat at that, mumbling: "This isn't an office. It's a fluorescent hell." though this just went without a response from the woman, although if Sunset had looked up she would have seen the amused smile on the principals face.
More time passed, with the only sounds being the click of Celestia's keyboard and the ticking of the large wall clock.
"Can you at least let me do something besides sit here watching the wind blow?"
“Wouldn't be much of a punishment if you wanted to do it, would it?” Celestia retorted, earning a dirty look in response.
“You’re the worst.”
neither of them saw that there was someone else standing in the doorway until another voice said “and you’re still a brat. Maybe we should make you stand outside holding a bucket of water.”
Sunset blushed then as Luna walked into the room and dropped the fat, yellow envelope she had gotten from Chrysalis down onto Celestia’s desk. “This is the paperwork Sunset needs in order to survive. So I suggest you make her an appointment with an eye specialist to see if Miss. Lulamoon’s stunt left any lasting damage.” Luna stated before glancing over at the bacon haired teen before adding “also I made arrangements with the asshole for her. Even if she doesn't need a psychologist she’ll need someone to confide in and heaven knows he could make a rock laugh!”
Sunset was about to butt in upon the mention of a psychiatrist however what she heard next stopped her dead. “she even forged a paper appointing me as her legal guardian?”
“Not faked. Judge Gravel signed off on it.”
“Whoa! Hold up! Don't I get a say on this?” Sunset finally spoke, earning a sigh.
“You got your say when you agreed to stay with one of us.” Luna stated. How did everyone fear this brat? She literally looks like a little kid right now! Luna wondered as Sunset crossed her arms in a pout.
“Look, I'm not going to be a slave driver or whatever else you're thinking. This is just for legal reasons.” Celestia began, though Sunset just glared.
“Bullshit! I know how these things go!” she snapped before rushing out.
“Well, at least she didn't turn into a fire-breathing monster this time.” Luna muttered, only to earn a slap on the shoulder from her sister. “Luna!”
Sunset punched the wall outside of the building before sliding down onto the pavement. Her mind was jumbled up with all different thoughts and emotions. They won't care. It'll be one expectation on top of another just like with my parents. The only one who ever even remotely cared about me was Sunburst. Why didn't they ever tell me I wasn't their daughter but their niece? Didn't they think I could handle it? Why does everyone just lie to me or do shit behind my back?
She didn't know how long she had sat there, or that she was crying until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she found herself looking into the benevolent, violet gaze of Celestia.
“What do you want?” Sunset snapped, though the aurora-haired woman just knelt down beside of her. “I want to apologize for rushing all of this on you and for my sisters less than appropriate ways of dealing with this but neither of us meant to offend you. But if you had gotten hurt or badly ill…”
Sunset sighed and nodded, cutting the principal off “I know. I'm sorry I snapped but it's a lot to take in. Things won't change between us will it?”
Celestia responded by stroking Sunset’s hair. “Nothing will change.”
It had been three days since Luna had dropped the bombshell on Celestia and Sunset and since then the latter seemed even more distant than usual, which worried Celestia. What if she is falling back to her old ways? The Principal couldn't help but wonder, especially since the girl had turned down offers from some of the other students to hang out that evening. Maybe Luna or Chrysalis would be better for her? She will at least open up somewhat with Luna.
“Miss Celestia?”
Celestia was startled out of her thoughts by the sudden voice. “Sunset, it’s late. Shouldn't you be asleep?” she asked, instantly regretting it as the bacon haired girl glanced away, fidgeting slightly as she answered:
“I couldn't sleep and thought I would come down here and sit with you for a while.”
Celestia could hear the plea in the girl’s voice, though before she could answer Sunset quickly added: “Or I can go back upstairs and not bother you.”
Why does she act this way while around me? Like she expects me to become angry about any little thing? Celestia wondered as she said “No, it’s fine Sunset. I'm just a little surprised that you were awake is all. Usually, you're in bed before now.”
Sunset shifted slightly at that response, moving to sit in the recliner across the room, away from Celestia. A heavy silence lingered in the air for a few minutes before Celestia spoke, turning her full attention toward Sunset. “So, do you have any plans for this weekend?” she asked, trying to make conversation.
“No. I mean, Pinkie invited me to a sleepover but I don't think I’m ready for that. I mean...I don't even know them that well and it's been a long time since I’ve done anything like that.” Sunset answered after a few minutes. The only time I ever did something like that was with Sunburst and his friend...what was her name? That was when our...his...parents didn't shoo me out of the room to give him privacy.
“I’m glad that you have some friends to help you through this whole ordeal.” Celestia responded “I want you to know that if you need anything at all you can come to Luna or myself. I know this whole situation isn't ideal for you but let's make the best of it, okay?”
Sunset nodded, though she offered no response for several minutes before she asked “How are you so calm about this? I mean you basically had a stray dumped on your doorstep without anyone even asking you what you wanted.” She didn't even notice that Celestia had moved from her seat, let alone had come over beside of her.
“You’re not a stray, Sunset. Besides, even if I would have done things a bit differently than Chrissy and my sister but I would still do what was best for you, though you would have had a more active role in that.” Celestia responded gingerly “Though I suppose this whole thing is harder on you and on top of everything else that has happened, I can't imagine how you feel.”
Sunset debated rather or not it would be a good idea for her to tell the woman anything, after all, she knew that was what Celestia wanted. “you’re right, you can't.” she answered, wrapping her arms around herself “I just feel like everything is spiraling out of control again.”
Again? What does she mean by that? Celestia wondered, unsure what to do so she just wrapped an arm around Sunset’s shoulders, careful not to press on the wounds. She felt the teen stiffen at the sudden touch but to Celestia’s surprise, she didn't pull away. “I may not understand but perhaps it will help if you talk about it?” the aurora haired woman decided to press.
“Maybe later...I...I don't want to keep you awake all night since you have work tomorrow.”
Sunset was surprised when she heard Celestia scoff, prompting her to look up. “Sunset, you wake up at the same time as I do and I think I’m the one used to a strange sleeping schedule. You, on the other hand, are hard enough to wake up without the sleep deprivation.”
At least when you go to sleep you stay asleep...and you would be groggy too if you had to rely on medicine to help you fall back asleep at all hours of the night. Sunset thought, thinking back to the pink capsules she had found that she had probably been abusing since Saturday night. “Sorry. I guess you’re right. It's just weird talking to you about this sort of thing.” Sunset confessed, rubbing the back of her neck as she finally met Celestia’s gaze for a brief moment before glancing away.
An silence passed over them for some time before Celestia decided to speak again. “I think there are still some of those strawberry tarts that Luna delivered yesterday left in the fridge. Why don't I go make us some tea to go with them? Sometimes chamomile tea helps me when I can't sleep.”
Sunset managed a small nod as she stood up. “I guess it's worth a try. But don't just go through all that trouble on my part,” she replied softly, earning a sigh from the aurora haired woman. “Sunset, I wouldn't have offered if I would have been put out by it.”
Later that night Sunset awoke in a cold sweat, the scent of smoke and blood still haunting her senses, the image of the carnage of war laying around her as she–no her demon, stood above the burned and bleeding carcass of the Equestrian Princess. I never wanted anyone to be hurt. I...I just wanted to prove that I was worth something! I wanted people to finally respect me. She thought as she pulled her knees to her chest, burying her face against the blankets that was still bunched around her lower body. Maybe everyone was right, I will never be anything. I only got to be the princess’s personal student because I made a sunflower grow from a seed into some kind of monster skyscraper. I wonder if she ever wanted me after that? Maybe that's why she kept me at a wingspan while Twilight Sparkle got to have a personal relationship with her.
She couldn't help but feel bitter as she thought of that. She had gone back through the portal once before, only to find that Princess Celestia had taken on a new student. Why did she get to spend personal time with her when if I tried I got a lecture on professionalism? Maybe she sensed the evil in me even back then...Maybe she knew that I deserved to be alone.
Celestia was cooking breakfast when she heard a crash from upstairs. Now, what did that girl break this time? She wondered, though her answer came dragging downstairs still half asleep a few minutes later, making a beeline for the coffee maker.
“Sorry about your clock. I accidentally knocked it off the nightstand.” Sunset confessed, though Celestia just shook her head in amusement. Here I thought Luna wasn't a morning person.
“Did you get any sleep at all last night? you look awful.” Celestia decided to ask as she put breakfast on the table as Sunset moved to sit down. “Gee thanks for the vote of confidence.” Sunset retorted though her bravado dropped a second later as she added “no. I didn't.”
Celestia was surprised by the teen’s honesty “Can I ask why?” she questioned, not really expecting an answer, but to her surprise, Sunset whispered: “I keep having these nightmares. To be honest I haven't slept well since the night before the fall formal.”
Why didn't she mention this to anyone? Celestia wondered though she didn't want to ask since Sunset had actually managed to open up, even if just a bit. “If you ever want to talk about it, know that I’m always willing to listen, no matter what time it is.” she said instead.
“Thanks, Ma’am. I...I will try to keep that in mind.”
Demon.
Bitch.
Should have died.
Go kill yourself!
No one wants you here!
It didn't matter where she went, those words seemed to follow her every move that Friday morning just like they had all week and what made it worse was that she had two classes that she didn't share with her new acquaintances, leaving her to face the taunts alone.
Just push through Sunset, you deserve this after all. She mentally reminded herself as she tried to make her way to her algebra class that morning, only to find her desk covered in some kind of dark, smelly substance that she recognized almost instantly.
“What's wrong She-demon?”
Someone sneered, pushing her from behind, though thankfully she was able to regain her balance before she fell face first into the muck. The shove, however, did hurt as his hands had pressed hard against her upper back prompting her to whirl around to face her attacker, only to see Thunderlane standing there.
“What are you going to do, demon? Throw a fireball at me?” he sneered, shoving her again.
Don't get mad….don't give him what he wants. If you lash out you might actually turn back into that thing and you don't want that. She thought as she watched a crowd gathered around them.
“You know, the only reason you were adopted was because they wanted to make sure you didn't turn into that beast again!” she recognized that voice as Scootaloo’s.
“What? Who would be dumb enough to take her in after what she did!”
Sunset felt her blood run cold at that. Is it true? Was it because they are afraid of me beside them being concerned? Was that why they were so adamant about it? She wondered, feeling tears suddenly burn at the back of her eyes as she dashed out of the room. She didn't stop until she had reached the auditorium. Why did they tell me all of those things if they didn't mean them? She wondered as she slipped into the storage room that the drama club used.
It's just like with m...my aunt and uncle. They always preferred Sunburst over me and they had the gall to lie to me my whole life. Then the princess...she acted like she cared too...but she always kept her distance. I was a fool for believing anyone could care!
She buried her face in her arms as sobs began to shake her body. She didn't know how long she had sat there in the dark, but suddenly she became aware of someone approaching her.
“So this is where you vanished to.”
Sunset stiffened as she heard the voice. “Go away Trixie.” she managed to say, not bothering to look up though to her surprise she heard the footsteps draw closer.
“I heard what Thunder and Scootaloo said in Trigonometry this morning.” Trixie began, pausing as she tried to figure out what the right thing to say would be. “Trixie may know how it feels to hear those words and I...Want to apologize for throwing salt at you the other day.”
Sunset was at a loss for words, though her thoughts and emotions were whirling out of control. This had to be a hoax, it just had to. After all, why would Trixie of all people care about what happened to her? She had, after all, bullied the girl relentlessly.
“I locked you in a janitor's closet.” Sunset muttered, still not looking up though she was surprised when Trixie just scoffed.
“Yeah and Rainbow Dash shut me up in a locker freshman year.” she responded before taking a seat beside Sunset “and I didn't smear manure on her desk.”
Sunset risked a glance up then, only to burst into laughter as she saw the state that Trixie was in. “Um...Trixie. What happened to you? Your hat is smoking.” the blue girl blushed as she quickly removed the hat. “Don't change the subject! Trixie was trying to make an apology and to ask you if you wanted to be her friend!” she stated before adding “that is if you can forgive me.”
"Trixie, the fact that the person I locked in a room and shoved in mud multiple times is willing to even speak to me right now is enough reason for me to forgive you."
“And that is why you shouldn't try experimenting with firecrackers. Like seriously, the smoke bombs are more than enough, they don't have to be flashy too.” Sunset stated as she opened her locker, only to receive a face full of green paint from behind the door.
“Ugh. You have got to be kidding me!”
Trixie took an instinctive step back from Sunset, who was standing with her fists clenched to her sides, her cheeks reddening. “Sunset, it's just paint, it'll wash off.” Trixie tried to assure her, only for the redhead slam the locker shut.
“I have been tripped, almost got shoved into what I can only imagine was horse shit, spit on, now this! If I find out who did this I will…” Sunset began, although she stopped when Trixie put a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re going to work yourself up and do something you regret. Come on, let's go try to wash some of that paint off.” The magician said, though Sunset just glared.
“What good will that do?” Sunset snapped, pulling away, though she deflated somewhat as she glanced down at herself “Can you go to the resource center and see if they have any extra clothes? Please?” she asked timidly, earning a slight smirk.
“The mighty big and powerful Queen bee saying Please? That was unexpected.” Trixie stated before nodding “sure, I’ll go.” with Trixie gone Sunset headed toward the bathroom, trying to keep her rage from building up.
Calm down. If you get mad who knows what will happen. Like Trixie said, it's just paint and this jacket was ruined already. She reminded herself as she walked, half hoping she would not be caught out of class after the bell had rung.
“What happened She-demon? Eat too much grass or did karma bite you in the ass after what you did to Rarity?” that was the last draw for Sunset as she turned and actually punched whoever it was behind her.
Luna groaned as she rubbed at her temples as she glanced over at Celestia. “Do you want to take this one, she’s your foster daughter.” She asked, earning a look.
“Don't you start. If she hears you saying that she’ll overreact again and Yes I’ll take Sunset, You handle Thunderlane. Surprisingly he has more spark than the girl who sucker punched him.” Celestia responded as Luna headed for the door.
“They’re both hot-headed and stubborn. Good luck with Miss. Shimmer, you’re going to need it. After all, you live with her.” Luna quipped, too low for the two teenagers outside the room to hear.
As soon as Luna opened the door Thunderlane stood up, pointing toward Sunset with one hand while holding a cold pack to his face. “She needs to be put in a fucking cage somewhere!”
Luna repressed the urge to roll her eyes at the boy’s statement. “And so do you if you can't speak more civilized than you are currently Mr. Lane. Now follow me.”
Sunset sat outside the room for a few more minutes before the door opened again, though the teen didn't look up. Celestia took note of Sunset, who was still covered in bright green paint. “Perhaps you should come in here and tell me what happened?” she said, prompting the teen to nod, though she didn't look up as she stood and shuffled her way into the room.
“Sunset, explain what happened today. You and Mr. Lane were locked in a brawl by the time Cherilee and Luna managed to separate you two! What brought this on?” Celestia prompted after a few minutes of silence. Her voice didn't raise or change to the familiar severe tone she was accustomed to.
“I was just so angry. I didn't even realize I had hit him until we were in a full-blown fight.” Sunset answered softly, not daring to make eye contact.
“And what made you angry?” the principal prompted in the same calm, disappointed tone, though she almost regretted asking the question when Sunset told her everything that had happened that week.
“Then today Thunderlane and some of the jackasses in my class put manure on my desk and then the paint in my locker! When he started poking fun in the middle of the hallway I just snapped!” Sunset finished, her voice breaking as the anger dissolved and left behind the raw hurt she had felt.
“Sunset, what he and the others did was wrong but so was hitting him. However, I won't add more to your detention sentence since it and the community service is quite extensive however you will be spending the next three days in isolation.” Celestial chose her words carefully, not wanting to set the girl off any farther “as for right now, go get yourself cleaned up and get back to class, we’ll talk about this more before you are released to work with the construction crew.”
As soon as the teen had left Celestia sighed and headed toward Luna’s office, knocking on the door. I hope that Luna has some idea what we can do with this mess. Neither of those two are innocent and I fear this will just get worse.
Luna sighed as she listened to the mournful sound that Sunset kept playing on the guitar. The girl had locked herself in her room as soon as they had entered the house. Just what did Celestia say to her? I mean I know she took the kid’s phone before sending her off to work but she didn't raise her voice.
She couldn't imagine her sister saying anything that would hurt the girl this badly, but she knew that Sunset wasn't in a good place emotionally at the moment and who knew what was going on inside Sunset’s head. If only I could help her some way. I know Celestia wants me to help her open up but Sunset is one difficult case.
She was so preoccupied that when her phone began to ring that she almost jumped out of her skin. “Hello?” she asked, only to hear a cheerful sounding voice exclaim on the other end of the phone:
“Hey, Lulu! Chrys told me you wanted me to call! So what's going on? You would usually call if you just wanted to chat.”
Luna winced at the nickname before rolling her eyes “Hello Discord. I needed to call in a favor from you. I’m sure Chrysalis told you about Celestia’s new house guest.” Luna answered, just as the sound of something being tossed at the wall caused her to groan “Can I call you back? Speak of the devil and she shall appear..or in this case throw something at the wall.”
She heard Discord laugh before the line went dead, though she knew he would question her about this later. Let's go see what little miss sunshine managed to do this time.
Luna was surprised to find the teen had opened the door, though the source of the crash seemed to be from the heavy seemingly leather-bound book that was laying in the middle of the hallway.
“Sunset? What happened?” Luna asked, picking the book up though Sunset just glared over at her as she answered.
“Burn that damned thing!”
Luna sent her a light glare as she carried the book back into the room, using it to deliver a light smack to the head of the teen as she replied: “I don't know what this is but it's not a good idea to get rid of all mementos from the past.”
After placing the book down on the bedside table the blue-haired woman took a seat beside the girl as she asked: “now what has made you so moody?”
She didn't really expect Sunset to answer at all but to her surprise, the redhead looked up briefly and said in a shaky, quiet tone “do you think I’m still that demon?”
“No.”
Luna didn't even have to think about her answer.
“What I see is a teenage girl with a short fuse, sarcastic streak and a ton of intelligence and willpower. What is all this about? That fight you and that football player got in?”
Sunset looked up then, eyes slightly widening as she absorbed her vice principal’s words. Wait, did she just say something nice about me? Even after I was such a snide little brat for all these years? She wondered as she managed a slight nod, feeling an arm wrap around her shoulders lightly.
“Well you did make a bad choice today but by no means does that mean you're that harpy you turned into the night of the dance.” Luna assured before adding with a grin “If that was the case then Celestia and I would both be monsters.”
Sniffling Sunset looked up at Luna then “what do you mean?”
Luna sighed then but answered in the same warm tone “Celestia and I both got in our fair share of trouble when we were younger. Perhaps later tonight when my sister gets back she’ll tell you about some of the dumb stuff we did.”
“Where is she anyway? Is the school board still throwing a fit?” Sunset questioned, earning a chuckle.
“No, Naysay is afraid to say anything else to her after she basically asked what he thought happened to the school, it got ripped apart by a magical flying unicorn.”
Sunset couldn't help but laugh at the response, she could imagine the embarrassed look on the man’s face.
“then what is she doing?”
Luna just shrugged as she stood up, pulling Sunset up with her.
“That, I can not tell you since my sister has sworn me to secrecy. However, I can say we are definitely ordering pizza and having some fun.”
When Celestia got home that evening she was surprised to find Sunset asleep on the sofa while Luna was cleaning up the kitchen.
“It seems like you two get along well.” She commented, setting a box down on the table before shrugging out of her jacket.
“She may be a cheeky thing but she isn't a bad kid. But you do need to sit her down and talk to her about your expectations. She acted like she was waiting on her executioner earlier and only stopped being a downer when I told her that we both had our fair share of trouble.”
Celestia frowned as she heard this, recalling how timid the girl seemed to be during their talk after school before the girl had gone to help on the wall.
“You don't think I have been too hard on her, do you?” she asked, earning a chuckle.
“Sis, too hard on her would be if you had started yelling or hit her. You literally had an open discussion with her. As a principal, you sentenced her to ISS and as a parent, you took her phone. Three days in a quiet room or without her phone isn't going to kill her.” Luna assured before turning grim “whatever this is that has been bothering her is deeper than that, right now structure and reassurance is the best thing you can give her.”
Celestia sighed then and glanced over at the sleeping teen.
“I might have been too aloof earlier. She was upset and I just ignored it. I mean there are ways I could still be professional and still not act like some kind of warden.” She admitted, earning a sigh.
“Tia, she may thought you were angry or worse but whatever this is has to stem from something worse than a firm talking to. She asked me if I thought she was still that demon and she looked so dejected and scared like she expected to suddenly be lashed out at in rage.”
Celestia watched as Luna changed the bandages on Sunset’s back, the large wounds had slowly begun the healing process though the bandages still needed changing. Celestia had taken on that job herself for the past couple of days, though it was obvious that Sunset preferred Luna for some reason.
“Sunset, I think we need to talk.” Celestia began, taking note how the teen stiffened so she added quickly “you’re not in any trouble. I just want to get to know you a bit is all.”
“Okay.” Sunset managed to say, fidgeting on the plush footstool she had been sitting on in front of Luna “what do you want to know?”
“Whatever you want to tell us. Though I do have to ask, what is that book you tossed into the wall earlier? The symbol on it is like the one on your bag.” Luna replied, earning a sigh from the teen.
“Why did I know this was going to come up?” Sunset said as she glanced down at the carpet before she answered “it's a book that my former mentor gave me that is enchanted so that whatever is written on one page appears in another. We’d use it to go over lessons and such when she had to be out of town.”
Celestia’s eyes flicked up to meet with Luna’s, who nodded.
“You two must have been close. For you to hold onto it for this long.” Celestia decided to be the one playing bad cop and ask, though she regretted it when she saw the girl’s shoulders slump.
“Kind of. I mean, when I was younger we seemed to be. I guess I kept it because one part of me wanted to be able to reach out to her if I needed to.” Sunset answered honestly, not wanting to answer any more questions but also didn't want to seem rude.
“I see. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable.” Celestia said softly “I am just curious about who the real Sunset Shimmer is, not the girl you became because I remember how curious and almost even nervous you were when you first enrolled. Then you became…”
Sunset cut her off, her voice bitter “A bitch?” she suggested, earning a disapproving look though Celestia didn't say anything for a few minutes before she replied:
“I don't see that and I doubt Luna sees that in you either. But I hope you will eventually let us see the real Sunset Shimmer, not just the little miss bad man you tried to be.”
The red-haired former unicorn couldn't help but smile slightly at the teasing tone that the woman took with her. Maybe she is different than the princess?
“I never thanked you for giving me a second chance. I mean most people would just….write me off as not worth the time.” Sunset said, risking a glance up at the aurora haired woman who had moved to kneel in front of her, much to her surprise.
“Everyone deserves a second or even third chance because no one is perfect, not even if they act like they are. Even the worse bully can turn around, trust me...I should know.” Celestia’s calm tone before glancing up at Luna who chuckled.
“Trust you? You mean you actually will admit to that?” Luna joked before adding “see
unset, you weren't the only teenaged girl hell-bent on popularity. Celestia was what did you call it? A Queen bitch? Though I am sure I called her worse than that back in those days.”
Sunset was speechless for a few minutes before she let out a small chuckle “wait you did what? I find that hard to believe!”
“It's true. Though I think my biggest target was Luna.”
Celestia answered with a glance at Luna who chuckled and shrugged “like I said, we all have our skeletons in the closet.”
Sunset was quiet for a few minutes, unsure what to think since the two women before her seemed to be perfect on the surface or at least outside of their snippy comments toward each other. How can they just admit to all of that and act like it is no big deal? She wondered though suddenly she was broken from her thoughts by a touch on the shoulder.
“Are you okay?”
“Huh? Yeah, I was just thinking.” Sunset answered “does it get easier to deal with the guilt? Does it ever really go away?”
“Well...no. Not entirely but it does get easier.” Luna was the one to answer “some days are better than others but it helps to know that someone is there that loves you.”
The words repeated themselves in her mind, reminding her of how alone she truly was. Who could love something like me? She wondered bitterly as she sat on the bed late that night. She was exhausted but she couldn't get her brain to shut down. I’m a monster. Maybe that's why everyone turned their backs to me once I got too close.
She remembered all too vividly the times she had stood in her window, watching Cadence and The Princess play around during their lessons when Sunset knew that if she had tried to instigate anything like that she would end up getting lectured. I was just a kid...One whose family never visited. Surely she had to realize how lonely that was? How alone I felt? Sunset thought, glancing over at the book she had tossed into the hall earlier that evening. I couldn't even drop the formalities on paper...I had so much I wanted to talk to her about but...it wasn't a teacher’s place. Let alone a princess’s. Yet Cadence was never formal…
She felt the familiar bitterness and envy fill her as she got up, walking into the bathroom that connected to her room, slamming the door shut behind her. “Calm down this is what got you in trouble in the first place!” she told herself, feeling her chest tightening at the thought.
What if I become that demon again? What if I really end up hurting someone this time? She thought, glancing up though she stumbled backward and fell back onto the cold tile as she saw black and teal eyes reflected back at her.
“No. It can't be. I can't...
She could hear her own voice though it seemed miles away as she struggled to remain in control, though it was becoming increasingly harder to breathe. Am I dying? Is the demon taking back over? Is it killing me? Her thoughts were spiraling out of control as she glanced up, though her vision blurred as if she was looking through a lens.
She could hear a strange sound, though she had no idea what it was that she was hearing as she struggled to gain control over whatever it was that had come over her. Am I going crazy? She couldn't help but think as she struggled to control herself. She wasn't sure how long she had sat there on the bathroom floor, however, she suddenly became aware of a voice calling to her.
“What is wrong with me?” Sunset managed to whimper as she became aware of someone stroking a hand through her hair. “Am I...Am I becoming that thing again?”
“No, of course not. Besides, I doubt it would just be content to let you sit on the floor.” The voice said again, though this time she could recognize the speaker as Celestia.
“I...I guess you’re right.” she mumbled, “I'm sorry I woke you.”
She felt an arm wrap around her then, pulling her back into a loose hug. “don't worry about that.” Celestia said softly “Don’t feel like you have to face everything alone. If you need me, no matter what time you come get me.”
I have to be dreaming. Sunset thought as she leaned back into the embrace. why would she be willing to help me after I made her job so much harder? She wanted to ask but couldn't bring herself to get the words out. Instead, she focused on the feeling of warmth she was getting from being so close to the woman.
“You don't have to do this you know. I can handle this myself.” Sunset said after a while, though she only felt the grip tighten around her as Celestia responded
“I know you can but that doesn't mean you should. But if you feel up to it, why don't we go downstairs for a while?”
Sunset didn't really want to move, though even she would admit that the floor was uncomfortable so she nodded as she stood, staggering to her feet. What was I thinking? Leaning into her like that? She only put her arm around me like that because I was upset. She does stuff like that all the time with her other students.
“You must think I'm pathetic. Acting like some overgrown foal.” Sunset muttered as Celestia reach out to help steady her. She didn't dare meet the woman’s eyes, afraid to know what would be reflected there.
“Why do you say that? You aren’t pathetic, you’re just upset.”
Celestia heard Sunset mumble something as she headed toward the door but couldn't quite make it out.
Luna groaned as she heard her cell phone go off on her bedside table, prompting her to glance at the clock before answering. “This better be important. It’s three in the frickin morning.”
“Luna, I need to ask you to do me a favor.” Celestia’s voice caught her off guard by saying
“Tia? What the hell are you doing up this late? We both have work tomorrow.” Luna questioned as she sat up.
“That's kind of the reason I called you. I need you to call in sick today...I don't think Sunset will feel up to facing the other students and I really don't trust her to stay here by herself.”
Luna let out a sigh of relief as she heard this “alright, I’ll play over glorified babysitter again. But what’s wrong with Sunset? Something had to happen because you sound worried.”
Luna knew from the silence that she was right and that this was something that Celestia didn't want to talk about, rather because the girl in question was in hearing range or because she was unsure how to breach the topic.
“I found Sunset sitting on the bathroom floor earlier tonight. I haven't seen anyone look so frightened since….” Celestia’s words hung in the air though Luna understood the unspoken comment all too well.
“Since I blamed myself for the crash?” the younger of the two sisters guessed before her voice dropped lower “is she really that bad?”
“bad enough that she admitted she felt pathetic. I'm not sure if it was over what obvious was a panic attack or whatever it was that even triggered the attack.”
Luna suppressed the urge to groan at that. “I’ll see if Discord can hang out. Maybe he can get her to open up outside of a traditional doctor’s office.” she stated before glancing at the clock “if I wake up before dusk that is.”
Celestia chuckled a bit at that “You better get all the rest you can because I bet you ten bucks that Sunset will end up punching Discord!”
Luna couldn't help but snicker at that thought “Tell you what Celestia, If she does I will record it. Though you will probably hear me laughing my ass off in the background. How that asshole became a psychologist and can actually keep a job is beyond me.”
“Remind me again why I have to meet your friends?” Sunset complained the next morning as she was practically forced out of bed by Luna, who just rolled her eyes at the groggy and grumpy teen.
“Because I had plans and I am not leaving you here by yourself.” Luna retorted, opening the curtain to Sunset’s room only to have to bite back a laugh as Sunset threw her blankets up over her face to block out the offending light.
“Why not? I’d just sleep!” Sunset grumbled, voice muffled by the covers.
Luna couldn't contain her amusement anymore and let out a small laugh “it’s noon. You’ve got you’re eight hours. I don't think you need any more sleep for today. Besides I am not about to cancel on them and if I leave you here my sister will kill me.”
Sunset let out a groan as she slowly got out of bed, glaring at Luna all the while. “Great, I get to spend the entire day with old people.” she commented under her breath as she headed toward the bathroom, only to feel something hit her square in the back of the head.
“I heard that brat. I am not that old!” Luna retorted as Sunset whirled around to figure out what she had been hit with, only to find one of the shirts that she had discarded onto the floor by the bed lying at her feet, where it had landed after hitting her.
“You’re past twenty-six so yes you’re old!” the teen said cheekily as she ducked into the bathroom just as Luna lobbed a pillow at her.
“you know I am going to get you for that!” she heard Luna call through a laugh before she heard the door to the bedroom click shut. I can’t believe that her bark is worse than her bite. Sunset thought as she set about getting ready to face the day.
Luna, meanwhile went to the kitchen to make coffee when she noticed the box that they had forgotten about laying on the couch. I really should let Celestia give it to her but it will be getting colder soon. Plus her jacket done for. She thought as she grabbed a notepad from near the phone and wrote out a message:
Sunset, I forgot to give this to you last night with everything else going on. Anyway, I hope you like it. ~celestia.
“Hey, Sunset! When you come down check the couch! Celestia left something for you this morning!”
Chrysalis arched a brow as she watched Discord set out lunch onto the table, humming all the while. “What the hell are you doing? Tired of getting turned down by one sister so you trying to impress the other?” she asked, earning a look as he retorted:
“I will have you know that the very thought of that makes me want to gag. Luna and I are best friends or don't you remember like all of our time in high school?”
“You mean besides what the detention hall looked like?” Chrysalis remarked as she moved to pick up the frilly pink apron that he had discarded onto the floor “We were terrible”
“were? Chrissy, you can hack into any system you want and just because Luna and I have normal jobs don't mean either of us is any different than we were back then, something has to pay the bills.”
“You make millions off that amusement park of yours. You don't have to do actual work. Though how the hell did you get through medical school is beyond me.”
Neither of them noticed the door opening until a voice said: “he got his license out of a cracker jack box.”
Sunset didn't know how to take the three adults in the room. Luna, she had always imagined as a stern, judgemental person though everything from that morning had shattered that image though as she stood behind Luna, watching as a tall, tan skinned man and a woman who had an incredible amount of body art bantered with each other. When Luna made the comment about the guy’s license she couldn't help but chuckle.
“You wound me! Ooh...who is this behind you? Is this the girl you told Chrys about?”
Sunset shifted uncomfortably under his red and yellow gaze. Jeez, what is up with this guy? It's like he can see inside my mind. She thought as she shifted her gaze away from him.
“Discord, Chrysalis, this is Sunset Shimmer. Try not to make her too uncomfortable, she’s not used to your level of crazy.” Luna stated, chuckling as she glanced back at Sunset, making a mental note to try to figure out why she was acting so shy suddenly.
“Don't worry, I’ll keep Discord on his leash. Though I do want to hear more about magic if you ever feel up to talking about it.” Chrysalis retorted, taking hold of Discord’s goatee as emphasis.
“Make sure that you do. Now what the world is that smell? I know Chrissy can't cook and the two that can isn't home this weekend.” Luna commented, a hand gently forcing Sunset forward as she added: "relax Sunset, they don't bite.”
Before Sunset could respond Discord closed the distance between them, summoning a single flower with a snap of his fingers. “ Lulu is right. We’re all friends here.”
Luna resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her friend’s antics. What does he do? Charm his patients into admitting everything that bothers them? She thought, smirking at how confused that the teen looked.
“It’s Discord, don't question anything he does or you will lose IQ points.” she muttered to the fire-haired girl.
“Are you sure leaving those two alone is a good idea?” Chrysalis asked as she and Luna headed toward the parking lot, earning a shrug from the blue-haired woman.
“Sunset Shimmer is stubborn, pretty sure that if she so much as thought I could hear whatever it is she will talk about she would clam up. For what reason? I don't know but I do know that something major is bothering her.” Luna answered “besides, Discord could get me to open up. Surely he can manage with Sunset.”
“You do realize this is Discord we’re talking about. He probably will cross a line and Celestia will kill him.”
Discord smirked as he watched Sunset try to figure out the controls on the game system. Well, she is basically another Luna, though she has a lot more spirit about her. This will be difficult. He thought as he pressed a combo of buttons on his own controller, making the avatar on screen perform Some kind of fireball type move, which easily defeated her character.
“Wouldn't it be cool to have powers like this?” he prompted “did the beings of your world have abilities like that?” he asked, noticing how she suddenly looked horror-stricken.
“Some did but most just used practical magic.” Sunset answered
Discord chuckled “fire would be practical.” he argued, hoping to get a conversation started though Sunset seemed pretty locked in her thoughts. I didn't want to result to this but Luna said she wanted answers since the kid seems to be having panic attacks. He thought, sighing as he got up and went over to the coffee table.
“You wouldn't mind if I lit some incense, would you? I hate how these RVs always smell so musky.” he knew that this went against every moral and law out there but since when did he follow either of those things outside of work?
“No, go ahead.”
It didn't take long for the sweet scent of the blue petals to fill the air, though Discord noticed that the effects that it had on Sunset were a lot stronger than the ones it had on him. Her eyes began to droop as consciousness began to leave her. Thank the gods I used so much of this stuff I’m almost immune to it
“Tell me about your life before you came here. Tell me who Sunset Shimmer is.” he said, clicking the record button on his phone. I just hope this works without any adverse side effects. Zecora did suggest this for Luna back in high school though….and it somewhat worked.
He was brought from his thoughts by the teen’s mumbling.
Sunset could hear the thunder as it rattled the windows of her room and felt her tail curl around her as if involuntarily. She knew that it was pegasi that controlled the weather but that didn't stop her from worrying about stray tornadoes or lightning striking buildings.
Slowly getting out of bed, the young unicorn made her way down the hall and to the stairs, however, she froze as she heard the hushed voices coming from below.
“Sunburst, the truth is Sunset Shimmer isn’t your sister. She is my sister’s daughter. She and her husband left her here with us when they went to Las Pegasus.” She could hear Stellar say, her voice lowering “then the news of the accident came. I was devastated and I couldn't just leave Sunset in an orphanage somewhere.”
“And that makes it okay to play favorites? You always compare her to me, how the hay is that fair?” This time it was Sunburst’s voice
“I do not play favorites! I just want her to have all the opportunities that you have had!”
Sunset could feel tears welling in her eyes as she listened to them.
“The same opportunities? You barely recognize that she’s in the room and it’s starting to mess with her! She doesn't need a warden, she needs a mother!”
“I’m her aunt, not her mother! If my sister didn't have to go searching for a fortune I wouldn't have to pretend that having her here hurts! Do you think it's easy for me when she is a spitting image of my sister, who was a complete abomination to this family!”
Discord’s eyes grew wide as he listened to the girl recall her early years. One part of him wanted to snuff out the flowers and allow the girl’s consciousness to return but she also knew that this may be the only time they could get direct answers.
“I’m sorry Sunset. But can you tell me a little more? About the princess, who was she and what happened there?” he pressed, knowing that he would have to do a hell of a lot of damage control later.
Suddenly the scene changed to the inside of the castle, the day she had taken her entrance exam. Sunset felt herself shaking as she stepped forward, glancing down at the seeds that she would have to grow, using nothing but magic.
You can do this. She thought, trying to pretend that the panel of judges and even the Princess herself wasn't there. Taking a deep breath she aimed her horn at the tray in front of her, feeling the mana rise through and out of her body in a short burst as she made the mental command for the plants to grow.
She didn't expect vines to lash out, entangling everything and everypony around her. She took an instinctive step back when she saw the golden glow surround Princess Celestia. Would she be banished? Thrown into a dungeon somewhere? She couldn't help but worry because surely The princess would be angry at the mess that she had caused.
However, suddenly a light chuckle caused her to look up.
“I’m sorry p-princess. I didn't…” Sunset began, though the large white Alicorn cut her off.
“There is no reason to apologize Little one. That is the most talent that I have seen in a very long time. As a matter of fact, I have a proposition for you...How would you like to become my personal student?”
The scene suddenly changed to the castle gardens, though Sunset stood off to the side, partially hidden by the shrubs as she watched Celestia and Cadence fly overhead. She knew she shouldn't be intruding on the Princess’s personal time but she couldn't help but watch, the feeling of longing nearly choking her as she heard the laughter coming from the two.
Why can’t I ever get her to smile like that?
Discord saw how Sunset’s face contorted as she spoke, recalling the memories. He was glad that no one else was there, else they would think that the teen was in physical pain. Dumping a bottle of water over the smoking petals he quickly moved to toss the still smoldering petals out of the window, which he left open.
It didn't take long for the oxygen to replace the fumes the burning plants had produced, though as Sunset woke up she became aware of the pounding in her head. “What the hell did you do to me?”
Discord had enough common sense to stay well out of the girl’s reach as he answered: “I just tried to get you to relax and open up a bit.”
“By what? What was that you knocked me out with? Some kind of drug? Just what the hell were you planning to do?” she yelled, fists clenching at her sides as she stormed toward him.
“I would never do such a thing!” Discord insisted “I wanted to make it easier to get to know you is all!”
Realization washed over her as the words sank in. “Luna had you do this! You all fucking…”
However, before she could say or do anything farther a voice growled out from the doorway “why in the heck does this place smell like poison joke? Discord what the hell did you do?”
Sunset had to keep from crying as she whirled around to face the two women who had come in. “You knew this would happen! You planned all of this! What was it? Afraid the freak from another world would turn into a demon again?” She yelled as she turned all of her emotions on Luna.
“I planned for him to get you to relax and open up! Not overdose you on nitrous oxide!” Luna argued though Sunset just scoffed.
“Bullshit! I know what fear is, You’re afraid of me! That is the only reason anyone wants me around! You could have been honest about it besides…” She froze as the familiarity of the words dawned on her then in one swift motion she pushed past Chrysalis and rushed out the door.
Luna glared over at Discord, her expression shifting from the shocked, almost hurt expression to livid a split second. “You were supposed to get her to relax and open up, not whatever the hell you call this!” she almost yelled, causing Discord to flinch back.
“It worked on you when we were in high school.” he protested, earning a scoff
“Yeah, we were eighteen and I agreed to it! The only part about the hypnosis I didn't agree to was Celestia being in the other room! Do you have any idea what you probably just did to the girl! She was a mess for days after the fall formal and Celestia and I just now got her to open up just a tiny bit.” Luna said through clenched teeth as she pulled out her cellphone.
“Who are you calling?” Discord asked, earning a sigh
“Celestia. If there is anyone who can calm that kid down it’s her.”
Chrysalis rolled her eyes at the two and made her own phone call.
“You two idiots can rely on miss Sunshine and Daisies if you want but my son's friends can find her faster….and they won't screw up.”
Sunset couldn't believe any of this. Why had she let herself open up to Celestia and Luna so much? She knew it would only get her hurt in the long run, but even now as she walked through the forest she couldn't keep the tears at bay.
How could I be so stupid? I let myself start hoping that someone might give a damn but look where that got me! She thought as she walked alongside the road leading back into Canterlot. She was angry, not to mention hurt but she couldn't get the look that Luna had sent her when she had blown up on the three.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the motorcycle pull up beside of her “Hey kid, are you lost?”
Even with the voice being muffled under the helmet she could tell the owner was female. “No, I just…” Sunset stopped herself from saying anything else though the bike slowed to a stop.
“You don't seem to be the kind of girl who would hang around this part of town. So what brings you out here Red?”
Sunset debated rather or not to tell the truth but decided against it.
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
The motorcycle driver just nodded before dismounting, removing her helmet to reveal dark raspberry colored skin and magenta hair that was shorn into a mohawk. “Huh, yeah been there. Anyway, it’s getting late kid, let me drive you home. This sort of town is dangerous for a little thing such as yourself once night comes.”
Sunset hoped that it wasn't obvious that the tall, young woman in front of her intimidated her now that she could see her face, which had a long scar running down the right side, covering one eye. The woman, however, seemed to see through the hesitance and let out a chuckle.
“ Suit yourself but here’s my number. Hang on the bad part of town enough and you’ll appreciate having the connections.” She stated, handing her a piece of paper from her pocket, just as Sunset’s phone began to ring.
“And a word to the wise: if they’re willing to try even after you fuck up multiple times, it usually means they generally care about you in one way or another.”
Celestia was beyond irritated, although she did her best not to show it around Sunset, who had not really spoken more than three words since she had practically blown up on Luna, who had come by to try to explain. Currently, the teen was playing rift after rift in her guitar upstairs.
Celestia knew that Luna had good intentions with all of this and the younger woman insisted on not knowing about the poison joke, however, one part of her couldn't helpbutbe irritated with her for this whole mess.
Why would she have left Sunset alone with someone like Discord in the first place?
Celestia tried to focus on the novel she was reading, although that proved impossible due to the noise that was coming from upstairs. “Well, I suppose I can't complain,” there are more destructive ways to deal with her anger.She reminded herself.
Even though after an hour the loud noise was beginning to grate onto her last nerve.
Sighing she got up and walked outside, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, figuring that if she tried to talk with Sunset it would go rather badly with her current mood.
Sunset sighed as she put the guitar away, her fingers and wrists cramping from playing continuously for hours. She didn't know what to feel or think. She wouldn't be quick to place the blame on Celestia, who seemed to be just as pissed about this whole thing as she was.
But was Luna as innocent as she claimed to be? She wasn't sure what to think anymore.
“I feel terrible about what I said but how am I supposed to feel? I have been lied to my whole life, why would this time be any different?She wondered as she sat there for some time, ” Sunset was lost in thought.
Unknown to her there was a knock at the door “Sunset? Can I come in?”
The sudden voice caused her to jolt from her thoughts though she managed to respond with “yeah, it’s unlocked.”I am lucky she respects my privacy like this.She thought as Celestia came in, carrying a mug of hot chocolate.
“Since you told me you weren't hungry I figured that at least this would help keep your blood sugar up.” Celestia spoke calmly, earning a hint of a smile as Sunset accepted it.
“Thanks, Ma’am.” Sunset replied quietly as the woman set down beside of her.
“You must think I’m awful, talking to Luna like I did.” she was afraid to know the response she would get, but she knew she had to talk about this with someone, even if it was Celestia.
“You’re angry, I think what you said was natural for the circumstances although your language wasn't ideal.” Celestia answered honestly, a hand carefully rubbing Sunset’s shoulders as she added “How are you doing? Honestly? You seemed pretty upset earlier.”
Sunset sighed as she mulled over if she should try to change the subject or just refuse to respond to the topic, however she couldn't remember the last time someone had cared enough to ask about how she felt.
“I don't even know how I feel right now. I want to believe Luna but I can’t. I have been betrayed and let down so much I just don't know if I should, you know?” Sunset answered after a few minutes.
“Yes, I understand. It must have hurt knowing people you thought you could trust had pulled a stunt like that. Discord did probably have good intentions but he can be quite the idiot on the spectrum of common sense.”
Sunset smirked a bit as she put her drink on the bedside table before she added “more like a complete jackass.”
She was surprised by the soft laugh that came from her teacher, which prompted her to look up, eyes slightly wide in surprise at the smile on Celestia’s face.The princess would have…No...This Celestia is nothing like the one I grew up with, their only similarities are their generosity and kindness, though the Princess had a limit on that when it came to me.
She felt a familiar bubble of curiosity come over her, though she tried to fight it.You caused enough trouble Sunset Shimmer, stop being a dumbass.She scolded herself mentally though after a few minutes of silence she couldn't fight it anymore and leaned against Celestia’s side.
She expected the woman to pull away or at least stiffen up but she didn't expect an arm to wrap around her. “You don't mind this do you?” Sunset couldn't help but ask, only to feel the grip around her tighten.
“Of course not. Why do you ask that?” Celestia asked, taking note of the half-hidden sadness in the girl’s tone. She could feel Sunset go rigid at the question although Sunset answered:
“Most people wouldn’t want someone like me so close to them.” Sunset admitted.
“Sunset Shimmer, I don’t know what you mean about someone like you but do you know what I see in you? A stubborn and very intelligent young lady who works hard to get what she wants. You may have made some mistakes before but that doesn't make you a bad person.” Celestia began, pausing a moment as she added.
“And you are a very talented girl, not only academically but I've listened to you play that guitar and sing and I’ve seen a glimpse of a very sweet person under all of those layers.” Celestia smiled.
Sunset sighed as she sent her fist into the pillow again as she tried to figure out how she was going to handle this whole mess. She knew that she wouldn’t be forced to speak to Luna if she didn’t want to but she also knew that would just make living with Celestia even more awkward than it already was.
Why is it that I feel like I should forgive her when I am still so friggin’ angry! She wondered bitterly as she slumped down onto the bed, closing her eyes while trying to hold in the emotions that she had building up inside her. What the hell should I do? I mean she had to know about Discord's plain right?
Sighing she buried her face into her hands, wishing that everything was as simple as it had been when she kept everyone at arm’s length. But was simplicity worth the loneliness? She couldn’t help but wonder as she fell back against the mattress with a groan.
Sighing she debated her options. She only had two choices: Go downstairs and Talk to Celestia which would run a risk of her coming face to face with Luna or stay in her room and possibly breaking something.
Either way is more trouble than it is worth but I can’t bother the girls with something as stupid as this! I mean they will probably just see it as a sign that I’m not serious about changing and then I would be stuck being alone yet again and I don’t think I could take that.
Sighing she mulled it over for a few minutes before getting to her feet and heading downstairs, pausing when she heard a strange male voice coming from inside the room. I certainly don’t want to meet anyone else’s friends today. Sunset thought as she tried to make herself unnoticeable in the shadows.
The boy who stood inside Celestia’s living room had green skin and orange hair which made Sunset wonder just what bad luck he had that his skin and hair clashed painfully. If everyone has a copy of themselves in my world I wonder who or rather what he is. She couldn’t help but wonder as she found herself staring into his violet eyes.
“Hello. Sorry I didn’t see you there. You must be the girl that Celestia adopted. I’m Thorax.”
He said, taking a step toward Sunset, who couldn’t help but stiffen at the sudden introduction.
“I’m Sunset Shimmer. What exactly are you doing here?”
She wanted to wince at the tone of her own voice though she wouldn’t let her guard down this time. Crossing her arms over her chest she tried to look intimidating, however, she didn’t notice Celestia coming down the hall behind her until she felt something hit her in back of the head.
“Stop interrogating him. He only came by because I agreed to let his older brother have some college textbooks that I didn’t need anymore.” Celestia chided, causing the redhead to blush.
Thorax only chuckled at the pair before saying “Hey, Pharynx is worse than she is on an normal day. I'm used to it.”
“That I believe…remember I used to babysit you two when you were small.” Celestia chuckled before nudging the still embarrassed teenager before adding “why don’t you have Thorax show you some of the places he and his friends hang out at? I doubt you want to see Luna right now.”
Sunset was almost taken aback by the suggestion, which surprised her since she remembered all too well how many times that the Princess had forced her into situations that had made her both nervous and uncomfortable.
“Um…are you sure?” Sunset questioned, turning toward the aurora-haired woman who just sent her a look that the teen could have sworn that concealed a hint of a smirk.
“Sunset, trust me. If I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t have suggested it.” The principal answered before adding in a teasing whisper “at least he’s your age.”
Sunset sighed as she followed Thorax out of the house, not exactly sure what to say.
“Sorry I was such a bitch back there. You would not believe the day that I have been having.” She said, earning a shrug.
“Don’t worry about it. Try living with two brothers and dealing with Tempest Shadow and her band of bat-brains.”
Something was up and Sunset knew it, though exactly what it was that Thorax wasn’t telling her, she didn’t know. “Okay, what on earth is going on? People just don’t show up over nearly nothing.” Sunset stated, earning a sigh from the boy.
“My Mom wanted to talk to you. She may or may not have blackmailed me into getting you to come out.” Thorax answered, earning a glare.
“Figures, what does she want?”
Thorax didn’t have time to reply before chrysalis approached them, holding out what looked to be a cell phone. “I figured you would want to hear this. No one heard but Discord recorded everything that you said during Discord’s idiotic idea of hypnosis.”
Sunset was surprised by this, though she slowly accepted the silver device “Feel free to break that thing into a million pieces if you want. He makes enough money to get a new phone.”
“Isn’t that a bit harsh?” Thorax questioned, earning a chuckle from the dark skinned woman
“Thorax, you’re too sensitive. Seriously, after what that idiot did, he deserves it.”
Luna sighed as she leaned back onto the couch, pinching the bridge of her nose as she tried to ward off the headache that she felt coming on. “Sis, I know. I screwed up okay? But I swear to you and to whatever god or goddess is out there that I didn’t know he would pull something like this! I mean he is a dumb ass but he usually isn’t this much of one.”
She complained, earning a sigh from Celestia who looked just as equally stressed out as Luna did. “I know but seriously, you should have seen her. I don’t know what was going on but Sunset just seemed so hurt by this whole thing, like she didn’t know what to think.”
“Thanks for the guilt trip Celestia, I totally needed that.” Luna grumbled before adding “I swear next time I see that slick bastard I am going to knee him right in the…”
Luna was cut off by the sound of the front door slamming shut, followed by a string of muttered curses.
“Sunset? What happened?” Celestia asked as the teen stormed through the living room, ignoring both women as she threw a phone down onto the couch before dashing upstairs.
“Oh geez…Isn’t that Discord’s phone?”
“Whatever that jerk did…I am going to kill him.”
Luna sighed as she turned the object on, only to find a sound file pulled up and played out.
“You might not have to kill him Celestia, it depends on if Sunset or I get to him first.” Luna commented
Celestia glanced down at the phone, taking note that the file had been listened to, at least to a half way mark. “I better go see if she is okay.” She said softly, earning a nod from Luna.
How dumb could Discord be? Not only broke her trust but he did something like this to get the answers? Sure I wanted to know why she was so fucking jumpy but I didn’t want this. Luna thought bitterly, thinking of the redhead and how distraught she had been the night after the fall formal. What if whatever it was that night that hit her, made her remember everything?
“Damn it Discord. I hope you didn’t just fuck her up worse than she was already.” Luna muttered to no one.
“I guess you listened to the audio file.” Celestia heard Sunset say as soon as she opened the door after not getting a response from the teen. However, Celestia only sighed and shook her head.
“No, whatever Discord recorded is for you to decide who and when to tell. I am not about to go snooping through your business just because I am curious about who Sunset Shimmer really is.” Celestia answered honestly as she moved to sit down beside her on the bed.
Even in the dim light of the room, Celestia could tell Sunset was crying. “Now you want to tell me what happened? Because I have a feeling Chrysalis is behind most of this and I already want to punch Discord for what he did.”
Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of the benevolent principal hitting anyone, though she had seen how the Princess could react at times. But Principal Celestia was so different than the Princess, that it was hard to see them as the same person anymore.
“Chrysalis just gave me his phone and showed me the recording.” Sunset sniffled, trying to get control over her emotions although the memories that she had tried to suppress for years seemed to be repeated in a loop in her mind.
“It just…I wish I could just forget everything! When I came through the portal I wanted to start over, or at least a part of me did!”
Sunset exclaimed suddenly, fists turning pale as she gripped the pillow that she had been holding even tighter. Why did I have to be stupid as a kid? Why did I have to want all those impossible things? I knew that my parents were dead and that my aunt and uncle didn’t really want me so why did I dare think that anyone else would see something special in me? Something that they could be proud of me for besides all the constant disappointment that I seemed to always felt! She thought bitterly, not even noticing the arms wrapping around her until Celestia finally spoke.
“I wish I could take this pain from you because I would much rather feel all the pain that you are feeling now than to see you be so upset.”
Sunset couldn’t help it, with the combo of the emotions that were running rampant inside her heart combined with the soothing tone of her teacher something compelled her to turn and hug the woman tightly. Closing her eyes tightly she tried to ignore the painful feeling in her heart as Celestia’s arms tightened around her.
Why does she care so much? She doesn’t have to. I’m just an alien who literally came into this world by chance. The unicorn turned teenager thought bitterly, though she was afraid to know the answer.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She managed to sob, her voice sounding distant to her own ears as she buried her face into the woman’s shoulder.
Celestia could feel the girl trembling with every breath, though her words confused her though she just shushed the girl as she tried to help her calm down.
“Sorry for what Sunset? You haven’t done anything wrong.”She asked once the teen’s sobs had lessened somewhat.
“Yes, I have! I keep making everyone’s lives miserable! I did it in Equestria and I am doing it again here! Sometimes I wish that the blast the night of the fall formal had killed me! At least then I would have been out of everyone’s way!” Sunset said, her voice breaking several times as she pulled away and put some distance between them suddenly. You’re starting to do it again. Wanting to get too close, it always starts with just wanting to talk then it turns into more hope and longing and you end up landing on your face completely alone again! Sunset mentally scolded herself, not even noticing that Celestia had gotten up from the bed until the aurora-haired woman had knelt down in front of her.
“Sunset,” Celestia’s sharper tone broke Sunset from her thoughts and caused her to jolt slightly “You are not making anyone miserable and I don’t want you to ever think about yourself that lowly.” Celestia continued, maintaining eye contact with the teen who quickly glanced away, tears beginning to well up again.
“Maybe not now but I will…I always do! Aunt Stellar and the Princess both eventually said they wished they never agreed to take me in!”
Celestia had thought that she had been angry with Discord, but upon hearing those words out of Sunset’s mouth the Principal felt her blood begin to boil.
“Then they are idiots.”
Sunset looked back at her then, eyes growing wide in surprise “what?” she asked softly, having never heard the princess of the sun spoken about in such a way.
“They’re idiots. I very much doubt that you were any more mischievous or ill-mannered than any other child your age.”
One part of Sunset wanted to argue, to defend the princess by mentioning everything that she had done from sneaking into the forbidden section to the lesser offenses that she had committed however Celestia suddenly spoke again, her voice still holding the firm but friendly tone.
“Sunset, tell me why they told you that.”
Swallowing hard the teen glanced down, the memories resurfacing along with the emotions that she had felt during those days.
“I accidentally caught a skillet on fire while trying to fix Stellar breakfast for mother’s day. I think that was the last time I went home for anything.” Sunset whispered, hoping that her new guardian wouldn’t press her into talking about what had happened between her and Princess Celestia.
What the hell is wrong with those people….Ponies…Whatever you want to call them? No child deserves to be treated like that, even if Sunset could have been a handful which I don’t doubt given that attitude of hers. Celestia thought as she reached out to brush some hair away from Sunset’s face.
“Sunset Shimmer, I can promise you that no one will speak to you in such a way here. I don’t know what on earth was going on in those people…Err…Ponies minds but I can promise you this: You will always have a home here and nothing will change that. I care about you too much.”
Sunset couldn’t help but hug the woman yet again, though this time the tears weren’t from the betrayal and sadness that she felt.
“Thank you.” She managed to mutter, though the only response she got was a kiss pressed to her temple.
I don’t know what is going on in that head of hers but I do know that if I ever get to send a letter to that so-called princess I will give her a piece of my mind! No one should be spoken to in such a way, let alone a young child! Who knows what else happened to Sunset that she isn’t telling me. She is afraid to even touch me like I’ll just push her away or even hit her if she was to come too close. Not to mention the fact that she rarely could make eye contact with me for those first few weeks. Princess or not, whatever happened was inexcusable.
Sunset wondered if she was making a mistake as she followed Celestia downstairs. She wasn’t sure if Luna was telling the truth or not about not having any involvement with Discord’s plan, however, she also felt like total shit for how she had spoken to her the day before. What if she doesn’t forgive me? What if I messed up too badly? The questions started to fill her mind again. However, before she could chicken out she found that she was being pushed slightly toward the living room.
“Miss Luna? May I talk to you?” She winced at how pitiful her own voice sounded, though even she couldn’t hide the nervousness that she felt as she gripped at the sleeves of her pajama top, trying to regain some form of composure before she completely gave into her nerves.
What if she is mad after what I said to her? What if what I said was unforgivable? She worried, watching as the woman turned her attention toward her. I wish I could tell what she is thinking; I wish she would say something even if it isn’t what I want to hear.
“I thought we agreed to drop the formalities?” Luna said nonchalantly but Sunset couldn’t help but smile as she heard the familiar words.
“Sorry,” Sunset began, glancing away as she added “actually I came down here to apologize for how I acted the other day. I should have let you explain besides flying off the handle like I did.”
Sunset didn’t dare to make eye contact as she waited for a response, though to her surprise Luna chuckled slightly, causing her to look up.
“Kid, if you didn’t get angry is when I would have worried. Yes, I will admit that some of the words hurt however I can only imagine how hurt and angry that it made you to be forced to go through all of that left you.”
Sunset wasn’t sure what she should do now, having had little social interaction like this as a filly had left its mark. Sure she had learned how to read people’s body language and behavior but Luna had always been hard to read and now it seemed like it was even harder.
“I still shouldn’t have said half of that though.” She muttered, praying to whatever higher power out there that she didn’t sound disrespectful in any way.
“And how many of us have said things that we did not mean? Sunset, what you did isn’t unforgivable. If anything I should be apologizing for letting you stay in a room alone with that idiot. I know he would never hurt you but what he did was just as bad.”
Luna saw Sunset shift uncomfortably at that, though what concerned her was the tearstains on her face. Hopefully Celestia got you to talk about whatever it was that made you so upset. She thought as she stood, closing the distance between the two of them in just a few strides.
Sunset felt herself shrink back as the woman came to a stop in front of her however despite the fact that everything inside of her warning her not to do anything stupid that could offend the woman however as soon as she a hand rest on her shoulder she found herself timidly stepping forward, hugging the woman.
She won’t push you away. Sunset reminded herself as she felt Luna shift slightly.However any fears she had vanished as she felt arms carefully wrap around her.
“I’m so sorry.” She choked out for what felt like the millionth time since the dance.
“Shh Sunset. it's okay. No one is angry with you.”
As Celestia watched her sister try to comfort the teen she couldn’t help but think about what she had been told. The poor girl was basically told that she wasn’t wanted and I don’t even want to know the real reason why she is so hesitant just to touch someone.
“Miss. Celestia?” the sudden voice snapped out of her thoughts.
“Huh? What is it Sunset?”
Sunset bit her lip as she made a snap decision on what to do. She said if I needed to talk to her that I could…about anything. Maybe I should talk to her…Maybe Luna is right that I need to open up with someone. But what if it’s like when I tried to talk to the princess? What if she thinks it’s inappropriate for a student to talk with their teacher about these sorts of things?
“I want to talk to you about what Discord recorded…You and Luna.” She forced herself to say, her heart once again hammering in her ears “if that’s okay with you that is.”
Sunset wasn’t sure that she wanted to do this because it meant not only laying bare everything that she had kept bottled up inside her for years, having never really spoken about the memories to anyone but Sunburst on rare occasions when they were both still very young.
“You know that you don’t have to tell us anything that you don’t want to.” Celestia said softly, earning a nod.
“I know but it’ll probably come up eventually so I might as wells tell you now and get it over with.” Sunset’s response didn’t make the older woman feel any better about having this conversation.
“First off,” Sunset began as she began to fiddle with one of the buttons on the front of her pajama top “My parents were Solar wind and Sunspot. However, I never got to know them. They died in a train crash on the way to Las Pegasus when I was just a baby.”
Sunset paused before closing her eyes, trying to give herself the courage to tell them what she felt she needed to.
“I grew up in a place called Sires Hallow with my aunt and uncle and cousin but I didn’t know that they weren’t my parents until I was five years old.” Sunset began, sighing as she glanced toward the large picture window that looked out toward the road. “They never told me not to call them Mom and Dad so I grew up calling them that. Imagine how it felt when I not only learned they weren’t my parents but was told I suddenly had to start calling them by the proper terms.”
Sunset couldn’t help but tear up as she remembered that particular conversation, which had ended in an argument with her aunt. “She didn’t even seem happy about me becoming the Princess’s student. She just started stressing me out about not screwing up. I mean, if she had even tried to support me besides always criticizing I wouldn’t have minded so much but I could never just talk with her.”
Celestia moved to wrap an arm around the teen’s shoulders while Luna sat across the room, clenching her fists so hard that her knuckles were turning pale. What the hell? This is fucked up. Luna thought as she listened to Sunset who continued to talk.
“I had already felt like I was just some kind of bother to her and my Uncle. I mean, it was obvious that they cared more about Sunburst than me and it got worse after he made friends with this filly that lived in town. I spent most of my time back then alone, reading or drawing. I tried to make friends but it was difficult with living in my cousin’s shadow and well…My magical outbursts didn’t help.”
“Magical outbursts?” Celestia repeated quizzically, earning a chuckle.
“Right, you have no idea what I’m talking about. Unicorns born with a lot of magical talent can’t control it when they are young, which results in some quite embarrassing things like shooting a fireball on accident while sneezing.”
Sunset chuckled a bit at that particular memory before sighing “Anyway, after I got accepted into the School for gifted unicorns I thought it would get better but most students were intimidated by me because I was the Princess’s private student. As if that really mattered to a seven-year-old who wanted to spend the weekend goofing off besides reading.”
“What about this Princess of yours? What was she like?” Luna prompted, taking notice of how the girl stiffened at the question.
“She was great…really. I mean, she was kind and put her people first.” Sunset answered though something about her tone made Luna skeptical if that was the whole truth.
“Perhaps she was a good ruler, however, I fail to see how she was a good teacher. “ Celestia said, remembering how the girl had said she had been spoken to.
“She was…really. It’s not her fault that I kept screwing up.”
She was a good teacher; I mean…She was the princess. She didn’t have time for me to bother her with all the childish tomfoolery that I was constantly trying to engage her in. I mean, I should have known better. I mean, Cadence was a princess…That’s the only reason that she got to be so close with Princess Celestia.
“Sunset, from what little you’ve told me that…Whatever…Didn’t know how to deal with a child let alone teach one.” Celestia’s voice snapped her from her thoughts, causing her to want to argue with the woman however one look into the sympathetic eyes caused the words to die in her throat.
But I was the one with stupid thoughts; she would have never gotten angry with me if I hadn’t wanted the impossible. Sunset thought, though she didn’t dare argue with the woman.
“Sunset, tell me the best memory that you have of the Princess.” Luna said, earning a dirty look from Celestia who obviously didn’t want to force the teen into telling them anything.
Sunset thought about it, shuffling through the memories that she had of the mare that had practically raised her. “Well there was this one time; it was during my first few months as her student.I was a bit homesick and couldn’t sleep. She actually set up with me that night until I finally passed out.”
She sounds like she still can’t believe that happened. Luna noted as she shared a look with Celestia before saying: “thank you for telling us all of this Sunset. It couldn’t be easy.”
Celestia couldn’t sleep, her mind lingering on the teenager that was currently sleeping down the hall. I am going to kill Discord for bringing all of this back up for her. I just hope that we didn’t make her feel like she had to tell us anything. She thought as she turned her attention back toward the TV.
“Miss. Celestia?”
Turning her attention toward the stairway, Celestia was surprised to see the usually confident teenager standing by the stairway, trembling slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Celestia responded, turning her complete attention to Sunset, who glanced away with a blush.
“I was wondering… Can I stay up with you for a little while? I mean…I understand if you would rather spend this time alone but I thought….It wouldn’t hurt to ask.” Sunset replied, biting her lip as she glanced up at her makeshift guardian.
Celestia hated the pleading look in those teal eyes.
“How about you go into my room and find a movie on the TV in there? I’ll be up in a minute.” Celestia suggested, earning a surprised look though the teen just gave a shy smile at that.
“Thanks.” Was the only thing that the red-head had managed to say before heading back up the stairs. I hope that I’m not overstepping some unspoken boundaries here…I just don’t want to be alone tonight. The unicorn turned human thought worriedly as she entered the master bedroom.
But if I did, she wouldn’t invite me into her room. Would she? I mean, she and Luna were so caring earlier today, even after how I’ve been acting. She thought as she glanced around the room before taking a seat on the bed.
For a house this big and fancy on the outside, her room is rather simple. Sunset thought, remembering the elegance of the Princess’s chambers back in Equestria.
“You know, you’re different than I imagined.” Sunset couldn’t help but say when the woman entered the room, earning a slightly bemused look as the woman took a seat beside her.
“And what did you think I would be like?”
And how do you tell someone that the person they have been getting so ticked off at is an alternative version of them? “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Sunset responded, earning a sigh from the aurora-haired woman.
“Let me guess, the other me acts differently?”
Sunset winced at that and nodded “Yeah, she does.”
Celestia could tell that this wasn’t exactly something that Sunset was comfortable talking about so she let it drop and instead motioned for Sunset to sit farther up on the bed, chuckling at her confused look.
“Well I don’t care how the other me acts, I’m not her.” Celestia stated before adding “Now make yourself comfortable. I didn’t invite you in here just for you to act like you were on trial.”
A comfortable silence passed over them as they sat there, the only sound in the room is the TV, although Sunset’s attention wasn’t on the screen, but on her own thoughts. Is this what it’s like having a family? I mean, I know I technically have family that is still alive but the last time I remember my aunt and uncle doing anything like this with me was when I was barely more than a foal.
Closing her eyes for a second she let her mind wonder, not even noticing that she had subconsciously leaned against her guardian until she felt fingers begin to rake gently through her hair.
“If you keep that up I might fall asleep.” She warned, hearing the chuckle from the Principal
“It’s okay if you do. I’m sure this bed is big enough for both of us.”
Did I fall asleep in here? When in Tartarus did I become this needy? I wasn’t even this clingy as a foal! Sunset thought as soon as she had woke up the next morning, finding herself tangled in pastel-colored blankets.
I hope she really doesn’t mind…I mean…I’ve only been living here for what? Three weeks? Maybe? I probably crossed some boundary last night but….I can’t say it wasn’t worth it. The nightmares didn’t keep me up all night like they normally do.
She thought as she climbed out of bed, mentally trying to prepare herself for whatever awaited her downstairs. Maybe if I’m lucky she’ll just remind me that nothing between us can change and that this was a onetime thing. Maybe she won’t be too angry?
Sunset knew deep down that she was over-thinking things a bit, that perhaps Principal Celestia wouldn’t mind the intrusion of privacy that much, after all, she had said that the bed was big enough for them both. But even with that in mind, what-if scenarios still began to play through her thoughts.
Maybe I can get by with just grabbing something from the café and meeting up with one of the other girls? I mean, Rainbow Dash did say something yesterday morning about wanting to do something for the showcase that is supposed to happen after the holidays.
However, that hope died as soon as she walked into the kitchen, finding a tired looking Celestia sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee.
“I…I didn’t keep you up all night did I?” Sunset managed to stammer out as she took notice of the rings under her mentor’s eyes.
“No Sunset, you didn’t. But we need to talk.”
Here it comes.
“Did I do something wrong? I-I’m sorry! Please don’t…”
Celestia didn’t give her time to finish that sentence, moving to put her arms around the trembling teen.
“No Sunset, you’ve done nothing wrong.” The older woman tried to assure, though she wasn’t sure how to explain exactly what it was about, especially since it was something that Sunset had tried to keep hidden from her.
“T-Then what is it?”
Celestia hated how frightened the teen sounded.
“Sunset, why didn’t you tell me who the princess was?” Celestia asked calmly, earning a wide-eyed look from the redhead.
“What do you mean?”
The principal could hear the panic in the former unicorn’s tone.
“Sunset, you talk in your sleep. I don’t even want to know what you were dreaming about, because you kept calling out to the princess.”
Sunset glanced down as she heard this “So you know that she is….Your alternative self?” She asked her in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Sunset, is that why you were so afraid to get into trouble with me? Because the Princess could be harsh? I know you don’t want to talk about it and I won’t force you but I think it would help both of us.”
Sunset sighed then, closing her eyes and pulling away though she wrapped her arms around herself as she began to speak, her voice quivering slightly as she forced out the words “I was afraid you would kick me out. I know I’m expendable, just like I was with the Princess.”
Celestia was at a loss for words; however, before she could manage to say or do anything Sunset spoke again.
“At first the princess made me feel special. like I really had found my place and for once I was happy. I wasn’t only the best at magic but I finally had someone who cared about me. But then I saw how she acted around Cadence.”
Sunset closed her eyes as she continued softly
“With me, the princess didn’t tolerate much. I tried to pull a Nightmare Night prank once when I was ten. I got in trouble for a simple confetti bomb but Cadence could get by with the same thing. I mean I get that I was just a normal unicorn but I mean, doesn’t she realize how unfair she was being? It’s not like I did it in front of a group of delegates or something.”
Note to self, When Cadence comes over to make sure that Sunset is included in the conversation as much as possible. Just what the heck was the other me thinking?
“But what was worse was that Cadence was exactly like me, a Pegasus with no one but an adopted family. I didn’t even have visitors but yet Princess Celestia wouldn’t let me within a wingspan. If it wasn’t school work related she wanted nothing to do with and onceI grew bored with basic magic she wouldn’t let me go on to the more advanced, saying I wasn’t ready.”
Celestia heard how the teen’s voice wavered from time to time, though Sunset’s expression remained stoic.
“Besides explaining it to me, she just started pushing me to stop my studies and make more friends. However when I tried to tell her how hard it was for me to just talk to other ponies my age…She just said for me to try harder. I did try…But I failed. Just like I failed at everything and why she replaced me!”
“Sunset Shimmer.”
The soft voice called Sunset out of her thoughts, causing her to look up at this world’s Celestia, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
“You are not a failure. Sure, you made mistakes but I think the real failure was the princess for trying to treat a child as an adult.”
"But I betrayed her trust...I broke into the room the mirror was stored in...I..." Sunset began to argue, only to feel a hand gently lift her chin to make her make eye contact.
"Sunset, of course, you lashed out. Anyone would if they felt like they were basically pushing a brick wall. I dare say that everything that has happened was just as much that princess's fault as it was yours if not more so."
Sunset sighed as she sat in one of the band rooms, watching Rainbow Dash discussed what they would be doing for the Musical Showcase in the upcoming months. The group of girls was discussing plans while Sunset sat off to the side of the room, sketchbook in her lap while she tried to ignore the fact that her so-called, new found friends were practically ignoring her.
“What in the heck? I swear people are losing their fucking minds.” Rainbow Dash suddenly exclaimed, causing Sunset to look up.
“Rainbow Dash! Must you talk like such a vagrant?” Rarity said, earning an eye roll from the athlete.
“sorry but it’s true! Look at this post on the Jabberverse forums!” she argued
“What is it?” Sunset asked, watching as Rarity looked disgusted at what was written on the screen.
“Oh darling, you don’t want to see this.” Rarity said, earning a sigh from the flame-haired girl.
“Guys, I know that everyone is talking about me in one way or another. It can’t get any worse than what they have been putting inside my locker!” Sunset said, though as soon as she saw the words she instantly regretted it.
“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked, watching as the usually strong girl’s eyes filled with tears.
“No, I’m not.” Came the answer, before Sunset managed to choke out “I have to go.”
Once she was out of the room Rainbow Dash glanced over at the others
“That girl is hiding something! She has been disappearing at the weirdest times!"
Luna knew something was wrong as soon as she walked into Celestia’s office only to find her sitting in total darkness with only the dim light from her laptop illuminating the room. “Uh-Oh, what happened now? First, you agreed to help me finish the rest of this paperwork on a Saturday besides asking Raven to do it and now this.”
The younger woman asked, wincing as she heard the sound of what she hoped was a door slamming down the hall.
“Anyway, while no one needs us to supervise one of the after-school clubs or Saturday detention tell me what’s up. I know this probably has something to do with a certain flame-haired girl.”
Celestia glanced up, knowing that her sister wouldn’t stop bugging her until she actually told her what had happened that morning.
“Sunset and I had a talk this morning about the princess. How Sunset was treated under her was inexcusable! I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry at someone I had never met.” Celestia confessed, earning a questioning look from Luna who turned a nearby chair around and took a seat on it backward.
“Do you think I need to see if Doctor Hooves has an opening? I know she isn’t going to trust Discord after that shit he pulled….a matter a fact I don’t even trust Discord after that.” Luna asked, earning a sighed from Celestia.
“I want to talk it over with Sunset first. I don’t want her thinking that we’re pressuring her into anything. She already feels like she failed at everything, I don’t want to add to that.”
Luna nodded just as Sunset came into the room, slamming the door behind her.
“You know if you keep taking spite out on that thing we’re going to end up having to replace the glass.” Luna quipped, watching as the teen slid down into the chair beside the door.
“I’m not in the mood Luna.”
Both women shared a look at that before Celestia spoke.
“Want to talk about it?” she questioned, earning a surprised look before Sunset let out a soft
“No.”
They allowed Sunset to sit in silence for some time, carrying on a conversation about the various paperwork that still had to be done until the redhead finally decided to speak, her voice coming out as barely a whisper
“Get on Jabberverse. Rainbow Dash showed me the topic they posted about me on there.”
The two sisters shared a look at that before Luna stood.
“I think I need to go call a certain hacker to see if a certain website can’t be shut down prematurely….Or at least a post deleted.” She stated before leaving the room.
Celestia sighed as she was left alone with the girl, who had been acting strange ever since their talk that morning. Sighing she stood and walked over to the girl, who seemed too lost in thought to notice her.
“Sunset? Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it? It might help.”
She prompted gently, only for Sunset to shake her head.
“What’s there to talk about? Every bit of it is true.”
Sunset instantly regretted those words when she saw the look on the principal’s face.
“Now that’s enough of that. You have made a fair share of mistakes but I am sure that not all of what they are saying is true.”
Sunset didn’t respond, though she couldn’t help but to think how wrong Celestia was. However, it was hard to argue with someone who had been patient and overall just caring about her beyond that that was expected of a teacher to a student, let alone a troublemaker like she had been.
“Sunset…Please look at me.” Celestia began after a while, prompting the teenager to look at her“I may not know what was said however I know what I see when I look at you and I know that you aren’t that demon or whatever else they have said. Please don’t let them get to you, Luna and I will do our best to figure out who is behind these forum posts but I need you to start trying to open up with us okay?”
Sunset didn’t want to lie nor did she want to disappoint her mentor so she managed to force out a meek
“Okay.”
Celestia debated with herself for a brief moment before she leaned forward, pressing her lips against the redhead’s forehead.
Sunset winced as Pinkie Pie exclaimed something, though all the former unicorn could hear was a loud noise coming from her mouth in a wave of word vomit. How can anyone understand what she is saying when she gets like that? She wondered, earning a chuckle from Applejack who was sitting next to her.
“Don’t worry, ya get used to it. She basically wants to have a Halloween party.” The blonde explained earning a confused look.
“Um…Okay, I never really celebrated human holidays so how exactly do you Celebrate Halloween? Isn’t that just a holiday for like little kids to get candy? I mean sprayed silly string all over Vice Principal Luna’s driveway last year but that was about it.” Sunset admitted, earning a gasp from the pink haired girl.
“What? They didn’t have Halloween in your world?”
Sunset winced at that before sighing “uh no. I mean we had nightmare night but that was mostly a kid’s holiday where kids would dress up and get candy. But I doubt you guys leave half of your candy at statues in town in order to ward off evil spirits.”
She almost facepalmed when everyone gave her weird looks, so she quickly explained
“That’s the story they tell little kids anyway, they actually gather up all the candy and donate it to the children hospitals.”
Pinkie’s eyes grew wide than before exclaiming “That’s the perfect idea Sunset!”
The redhead in question was confused by this “uh…What is Pinkie?”
“Why we can spend Halloween handing out candy to the kids in the hospital in town! We can all dress up and go around to each of the rooms!”
This earned a nod from the others.
“That’s a great idea! I have a great vampire costume that I can wear!”
“Ooh is it the one I made you last year for the haunted house?” Rarity questioned, earning a smirk.
“Hey, you made me look totally awesome! Of course, it is!”
“Oh by the way Sunset, Do you have any ideas for your costume? I bet I can make you one that will make you look as scary or fabulous as you want!”
Sunset bit her lip; unsure as to if she even wanted to try to participate in this holiday.
“Uh…No, I haven’t even thought about it. I don’t usually celebrate anything. I mean, I didn’t exactly have any friends and well, I never exactly had a family to force me into anything either.” She admitted, earning a look from Pinkie Pie that clearly said she was planning something.
“Well you have a family now; I mean you mentioned having a guardian now.” Rainbow began, earning a groan from Sunset who leaned back onto the table she was sitting on.
“Don’t remind me. I still haven’t got my phone back, Like I know I screwed up but I haven't played Turbo Overdrive since last week! My record is gonna be ruined!”
Everyone shared a chuckle at the other girl’s comment.
“You know, it’s kinda strange seeing you act like a normal person. I mean, you were so busy being a bossy asshole that no one really got to know who you really are.” Rainbow Dash stated before adding sheepishly “No offense. But you were pretty nasty.”
Sunset let out a sigh at that and shrugged “none taken. I know I was.”
“Anyway, let’s leave most of the planning to Pinkie. Right now let’s see how good you are at Dusk and Dawn! I need someone who’s good at games to be my partner on an online battle!”
“Oh, you are so on! I call the mage!”
Sunset didn’t know what she was expecting when she got home that evening, but seeing a yellow and red macaw flying around the room with Luna’s cap in its talons wasn’t it. “Uh…What is going on?” She asked, biting back a laugh as Luna chased the bird around the room.
“Luna agreed to help me get some stuff together but Philomena got out of her cage and…well you see how well those two are getting along.” Celestia answered, not even trying to keep from laughing at her sister’s plight.
“Give that back you damned bird! I swear when I get my hands on you I’m going to turn you into barbeque!”
Sunset let out a laugh then, earning a dirty look from the blue-haired woman “yeah laugh and see if I will help you if she ever steals something of yours!” Luna said, eyes narrowing slightly however whatever effect she wanted it to have failed when the large bird dropped her cap and landed on her hair.
“Celestia, get this damn thing off me before she decides to crap on me again!”
“Again?” Sunset couldn’t help but repeat, earning a look.
“Don’t you start Miss. Shimmer, I’d rather forget about that thank you!” Luna stated as Celestia removed the bird from her person.
“Sorry but you have to admit it is pretty funny.”
Celestia risked a glance at the bickering pair, smiling slightly to herself as she watched the interaction. Sunset seemed to have been in a better mood than she had been earlier that day, although one part of her had to wonder what it had been that had upset the teen so badly.
“Can I trust you two not to kill each other while I go upstairs?” Celestia questioned, chuckling as both of them practically glared at her.
Celestia wasn’t sure what had woke her up, though she knew that the clock read three thirty. Slowly getting out of bed she headed toward the stairs and saw the kitchen light on. Keeping quiet as she came downstairs she was surprised to find Sunset rummaging through the cabinets.
“Sunset? What are you doing?” She asked, watching as the girl stiffened up before turning toward her, hands folding behind her as she shifted her gaze.
“Sorry. Did I wake you?”
Celestia was too tired to deal with this, though she made herself to have patience with the teen.
“I don’t think so. Now what was you looking for?” Celestia asked, suppressing a yawn “it’s three in the morning.”
Sunset wrecked her brain for some excuse, something that she could say that wouldn’t land her into even more trouble than she had already been in that month. However nothing came to mind so she forced herself to say the words:
“I couldn’t sleep.”
It didn’t even answer Celestia’s question and she hoped that the woman wouldn’t push even farther.
“Sunset, you have said you’ve had difficulty sleeping lately. Do you have nightmares?” Celestia asked, reaching out to brush a strain of sweat soaked hair out of the girl’s face only to feel her lean into the touch.
“Yeah, I mean I know I should be able to go back to sleep…I know it’s just my mind but…” Sunset began as she pulled away not wanting to appear needy or clingy.
“Why don’t I fix us some tea? Perhaps that will help you calm down.”
Sunset barely manage a nod as she stumbled her way toward the table, taking a seat.
Celestia chuckled when she found Sunset flipping through a cookbook that had been sitting on the table.
“Find something you want to try?” she asked, earning a blush from the former pony who just shrugged
“I needed to preoccupy my mind somehow.”
A heavy silence fell over them, however suddenly Sunset spoke up, her voice wavering slightly as she said “Um…Celestia? Can I ask you something?”
Celestia was surprised by the lack of formality in her tone, though she didn’t point it out “you just did, didn’t you?”
This earned a small smile from the younger female who glanced down at her tea before asking
“Can I invite the girls over here for a sleepover sometime? I mean…We have the room and I swear I’ll clean everything up and I’m sure that the others won’t say anything and I already told Trixie…” Sunset began, earning a chuckle.
“Stop before you worry yourself sick. Its fine Sunset, I never said you couldn’t have people over.” Celestia answered with a soft smile before adding “I expect you to have visitors and phone calls. This is your home not a prison.”
Home, that was a word that Sunset still wasn’t use to thinking in terms of. She still wasn’t sure how to be human, let alone how to interact on a personal level with anyone let alone the woman who had became her appointed guardian.
“Thanks, the girls were thinking about having a Halloween thing but…I am nervous about that. I mean, people think that I’m some kind of demon anyway and I’m afraid to know what people would do if they caught me out.” Sunset confessed after a few minutes of just getting lost in thought.
“Have you told them that? I am sure they would understand.” Celestia stated, watching as the yellow-skinned girl hung her head.
“I’m afraid they won’t want to invite me to anything anymore if I say anything. They are only my friends because of Twilight Sparkle anyway!”
The principal sighed as she reached over and gently squeezed the teen’s hand.
“Just tell them the truth. I will say this, if they get mad over something like this then they aren’t worth being friends with in the first place.”
Celestia knew that something was wrong when Sunset didn’t come downstairs before afternoon, however when she went upstairs she wasn’t expecting to find the girl lying curled on her side beneath the covers, expression twisted in pain even though she was asleep.
“Sunset Shimmer?” She called, gently shaking the girl, earning a grumbled response that she couldn’t understand before the teen opened her eyes.
“Ugh, what is it?” she whined as she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“I was worried about you, you usually are out of bed before now even with sleep deprivation.” Celestia answered, earning a confused look from the teen who glanced over at the alarm clock on the table before groaning.
“It’s that late? Dang….I didn’t mean to sleep in this late!”
Celestia chuckled at the internal freak-out that the teen was having however when the girl stood up the light-hearted atmosphere changed as Sunset stood, stumbling forward as if she had been tripped.
“ Sunset? Are you okay?”
Celestia asked, grabbing hold of the teen who glanced up sheepishly.
“Yeah, I’m fine. My head’s just a bit fuzzy this morning.”
Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she helped the teen back onto the bed.
“And do you have any idea why you would be so off balance?” she asked, watching as the redhead hung her head so that she didn’t meet the older woman’s gaze.
“No.”
She lied, though she could feel the look intensify.
“Sunset, I need to know the truth.”
Her voice was measured, though dripping with disappointment at the teen’s attempt at a lie.
“Okay, fine. I have been taking something to help me sleep and I may have taken two pills last night besides one.” Sunset confessed, bracing herself for whatever lecture that Celestia came up with.
“What medicine? Where is the bottle Sunset?”
The woman said instead of anything Sunset was expecting.
“in the top drawer in the dresser.” Sunset answered, not looking up as she heard the woman rummage around, only looking up when she heard the woman speak again.
“Okay, now I know I need to lock all medicine up from you. Now, right now I want you to come downstairs with me, you can sleep on the couch after I get some food in you and I hope it helps your body deal with the medicine.”
Why didn’t she just tell me that she is having trouble sleeping? Why is she risk her health like this when she didn’t understand the consequences of what she was doing? Celestia wondered as she led the shamefaced girl out of the room and down the stairs.
“Sunset, you’re lucky that two tablets are only fifty milligrams and that is the full adult dose. You’re basically just drunk because your body isn't used to that high of a dose. We will talk about this later after you’re not groggy.”
Celestia said as she helped the girl sit down on the couch before disappearing into the kitchen, returning with a plate of eggs of toast.
“I’m not hungry.” Sunset stated, earning a look that reminded her of her old mentor though besides a stern retort the only thing that Celestia did was push the plate into her hands.
“Either eat or you can listen to my rant now.”
Celestia almost chuckled when the teen began to eat almost instantly after she had said that.
I don’t want to hurt the poor girl any more than she has already been hurt but this is ridiculous, she could have killed herself without even realizing that was what she was doing! She thought as she took a seat beside the teen, who glanced up at her wearily.
“I guess I can forget about getting my phone back for the rest of the week, can’t I?”
Celestia sighed, knowing that this was a delicate situation.
“We’ll see after you eat and get over the side effects,” Celestia answered, her tone firm but not unfriendly as she reached over and ran a hand through the messy, tangled mass of hair.
“What were you thinking? You had me worried.”
Sunset blushed and glanced down “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry anyone. But that was the only thing I could figure out how to make myself sleep without having nightmares.” She answered timidly
“Sunset, when you have a hard time sleeping you can always come to get me. “ the principal reminded her lightly, careful to keep her tone level and not accusing “I know you are used to doing things on your own but you don’t have to face every single problem alone.”
“I’m no foal! I should be able to handle a bunch of stupid nightmares.” Sunset retorted, earning a sigh as she set the now empty plate onto the coffee table in front of them “I don’t need someone to hold my hand every second of every day.”
Celestia just sighed, shaking her head at the girl as she debated what to say.
“Sunset, no one is saying that you can’t handle it on your own. I am just saying that if it gets too much you don’t have to. You have people that care about you.”
Sunset bit her lip as she glanced down at the floor, trying to keep the turbulent emotions that she felt from leaking into her response.
“Yeah, but for how long?”
The question came out a whisper, though Celestia could hear the slight waver in the tone.
“What do you mean sunset?”
She prompted softly, earning a sigh.
“I always manage to push people away. I had friends when I was really young, three to be exact but I managed to screw that up somehow! Just like how I screwed up with my aunt and uncle and then the Princess!” Sunset confessed, eyes flashing dangerously as she looked up, though the woman could see the slight tremble in her lip.
“Sunset, you were handed a bad card as a child. I understand that but you need to understand that not everyone will turn their backs at the first sign of trouble.” Celestia said before adding “what brought all of this on anyway?”
Sunset sighed and closed her eyes, the images from the previous night’s nightmare played through her mind.
“No one cares about a demon.”
“Do you think we ever were really your friends?”
“I keep having this dream where everyone just leaves me floating in this black void…Then that…thing starts taunting me. Sometimes the dream changes into something worse…other’s I wake up before it happens.” Sunset admitted, glancing down before adding “and what people said online isn’t helping.”
“What did they say Sunset?”
The redhead’s shoulders slumped as soon as she heard that question.
“They overheard my friends and I talking earlier evidently…and they said that I was still that…thing. That I must have used mind control to mooch off someone.” It was only half the truth but Sunset didn’t want to talk about that post, and she just hoped that Luna wouldn’t disclose what she found online either.
“Sunset, that isn’t true and you know it.” Celestia sighed before closing her eyes for a second.
I know Sunset was outright nasty to other students there for a while but this is uncalled for. I need to try to stop this before it gets any worse. The only reason I couldn’t stop Sunset was that she was as cunning and manipulative as a snake and had a lot of people afraid to tell who was behind what.
Opening her eyes the woman regarded the girl in front of her, taking note of her hunched frame and how she had her head rested in her hands. This wasn’t the same girl who had tried to rule the school, no whatever persona she had adopted during her reign of terror was gone now, replaced by a broken, confused, young woman who had no idea where to go from there.
“Sunset, can you tell me what you would do if you could use magic now?” Celestia asked, suddenly having an idea as to how to approach this topic.
“I-I don’t know. I mean, it would be nice to levitate stuff again so I didn’t have to walk across the room to get a book when I’m studying.” She answered, earning a chuckle.
“So you’d just get lazy?” she teased, earning a hint of a smile.
“I guess so.”
“See, you’re not a monster, you’re Just a regular girl who has struggled to find her place.”
Sunset grew quiet as she thought about this, wondering if Principal Celestia could be right.
“How can you be sure?” She questioned after a few minutes only to feel a hand rest along the scars on her back.
“Monsters don’t worry about being a monster nor do they regret what they have done.”
Sunset thought about this, it was true she did regret what she had done. Especially after the blast had made her feel every ounce of emotion she had locked away after coming to the human world.
“What do you think makes me have those nightmares then? I mean in most of them I turn into that demon and….I end up hurting everyone.” Sunset asked, turning her attention toward the woman who’s brow scrunched up in thought at that.
“I don’t know but I know someone who does. If you think you can trust me not to let you get hurt like you did with Discord.”
Celestia knew that this was a big thing to ask, especially after what had happened with Discord however to her surprise Sunset just nodded, her teal eyes boring into Celestia’s.
“I do trust you. More than I ever thought I’d trust anyone.”
Sunset didn't know what she was expecting when Celestia had told her she had a friend coming over but the tall woman who was covered in tribal tattoos wasn't it. Something about her unnerved the pony turned human, however, she couldn't put a finger on what that was.
“Sunset, I want you to meet Zecora. She is a healer and unlike Discord, not an idiot.” Celestia commented, earning a chuckle from both the teen and this strange newcomer
“For one who is paid to offer his two-cents, I find it odd that he could be so dense.”
The way that Zecora spoke confused Sunset, though she figured she could ask Celestia about it later, after all, it wasn't that hard to decipher, especially since she had just said Discord was stupid.
“Dense isn't the word I'd use.” Sunset muttered, earning a chuckle
“Yes I assume you would say something much more rude, I, however, do not wish to be so crude.”
Sunset could barely understand what Zecora and Celestia were talking about, the former speaking in riddle and the other being as cryptic as possible but it didn't take a genius to figure out that whatever they were saying, it was about her.
What if Celestia thinks I still have that demon inside of me? What if she hired this person to...Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand taking hers, causing her to look up.
“I'm going to stay right beside you during this but you're going to have to trust us okay? Do you think that you can do that Sunset?” Celestia asked, catching Sunset off-guard.
Do I trust her? I mean...Can I? I thought I could trust Princess Celestia but look where that got me.
She wondered however besides responding she tightened her grip around Celestia's hand.
No, She wouldn't do that to me...She isn't like that. She won't push me away.
Sunset tried to follow the instructions given to her, however, something about the sound of the strange music that was coming from the radio that Zecora had brought with her made her nervous, though she tried to relax as instructed.
“Now once you feel yourself begin to slip you must allow yourself to make the trip.”
Sunset tried not to panic as she found herself in a dark area, the demon standing before her with its arms crossed.
“So you finally decided to face me? Do you finally realize that I am a part of you yet or are you that dense?” It said, black and teal eyes narrowing as it leered down at her.
“I am nothing like you! I would never hurt anyone!”
Sunset argued, earning a scoff.
“really? What about Fluttershy or even Trixie? Or even farther back? You threw a book at the Princess of all people, not that I blame you for that one...She was a complete bitch to you.” The demon spoke, causing Sunset to grow quiet.
Is it really a part of me? What the hell is going on? Is this telling me that I really am evil?
“Haven't you realized it yet Sunset Shimmer? The Element of magic drew me out because I am every lonely night and every bitter thought that you ever had.”
Sunset wanted to speak but found that she couldn't figure out what to say as she watched the bat-like beast land in front of her, its form shifting until it had taken the form of a golden Unicorn filly with a flame-like mane.
“What did you feel back then? Do you remember? Do you remember how you would watch Cadence and Celestia joke around only to have her turn her back on you whenever you tried to so much as to make her laugh? Do you remember the nights you would wake up from the nightmares those stories of Discord and Sombra and couldn't even get someone to come sit with you? You were only a filly of seven years old! You shouldn't have been told the horrors of that nature at that age!”
I do...I remember. I was always so lonely back then...I didn't have a family to turn to except Sunburst but he was busy with his own studies and I didn't want to bother him. My aunt and uncle rarely returned my letters and never visited me at the palace. I just wanted somepony to care about me, about what I was going through. I wanted somepony to care about me, not as a student but as a pony.
Sunset closed her eyes as she fought back the tears.
“I remember. I was always alone then...I felt I had nowhere I could turn to when things got hard.” She confessed, earning a chuckle.
“Yet you trust this world's Celestia? Why? Aren't you afraid that she will abandon you just like the Princess of the Sun did?”
Sunset heard the demon, or rather a younger version of herself demand, causing her to open her eyes.
“I'm terrified that she will! But she's different and even you should see that!”
The figure turned once more into the demon, though this time it seemed to be lost in thought.
“Why didn't she ever hold us like that? Why did she say we were a mistake? We just wanted to make her proud of us.” it finally asked, surprising Sunset by the waver in its tone.
“I don't know...I wonder that too.” the redhead confessed, “I thought that if I could prove myself she would love me the same way that she loved Cadence.”
Celestia glanced at Zecora with wide eyes as she watched as silent streams of tears began to slide down the teen's cheeks. “Is that normal?” she asked softly, afraid to break the trance if she was even louder.
“yes, for the feelings that she must become alert there is always there a bit of hurt.”
sometimes Celestia wished that Zecora would just speak normal English.
“She will be okay when she comes out of this, won't she?”
this earned a nod from the shaman who's only response was
“She has you so that is true.”
“Do you think that Principal Celestia really cares about us or is it just because we are her student?”
The demon had asked minutes before, though Sunset had yet to answer. Did Celestia care about her as a person or as a student? She wondered.
“The princess saw me as her student...And she never once held us, did she? Well...Principal Celestia has...So that means something doesn't it?” she asked, earning a nod before a large, bright light began to fill into the dark space.
“What's going on?” the teen demanded, earning a smirk
Sunset opened her eyes only to find herself seated in the living room. Basically that thing was all the negativity that had built up inside of me? So does that mean I am a monster? She wondered, glancing over at Celestia who had not moved from the spot on the couch beside her.
“What the hell was that? I am so confused.” The teen complained, earning a chuckle from Zecora who handed her a glass of water.
“Yes searching one's inner feelings can be confusing however you knew what you were getting into when you were choosing.”
Sunset sighed and accepted the water, gingerly pulling her hand from Celestia's grip before speaking again.
“Yes, I did but it doesn't make it any easier. I mean that thing was born from my negative emotions. Does that mean that I am a monster?” she asked in a low voice, earning a sympathetic look from Zecora.
“No, it doesn't. That is why I brought Zecora here.” Celestia replied gently, however, Zecora cut her off.
“You would only know where to start after examining what is inside your heart.”
Sunset groaned then, much to Celestia's amusement.
“Sorry Zecora but your riddles give me a headache. Can you put that into English please?”
“She means you have to face your emotions besides holding them inside.” Celestia explained gently
“What she says is correct, though you will find her answer much more direct.” Zecora chuckled as Sunset let out another groan.
“Okay so basically you made me face my emotions? But what the hell did this trance have to do with it? I mean, couldn't I have done it some other way?”
Celestia sighed as she turned her full attention to the girl.
“First off watch your language, secondly would you have ever thought on how you felt about everything that has happened up until this point?” she stated, earning a sigh from Sunset who slumped into her seat.
“I guess not. It's just so confusing. I mean some of the things she said...I....I just don't want to think about let alone here. I mean, I have so many questions about well everything and I'm not sure who to ask!” Sunset answered, burying her face in her hands.
“Perhaps Celestia is where to start, after all, she can be quiet smart.” Zecora stated calmly, hiding a smile behind her own glass as she watched the two interact.
“I don't know if Celestia is the best one to ask some of these things.” Sunset confessed, risking a glance up at her teacher, half expecting a disapproving look.
“Then you can speak with Luna or one of your friends?” Celestia suggested.
“Maybe I will.”
Does she care about you as a person or as a student? How could I just up and ask her something like that? I mean if I did it would be too weird. Sunset thought although she wanted to know the answer as much as the demon had.
It might be weird for me to ask such a question but maybe I can convince someone else to ask for me...I wonder if I could convince Luna too? I mean, she knows Celestia better than anyone! But how could I ask her to help me out on something like this? Maybe I could just ask? Or....Maybe I could test her?
Sunset winced at that thought, though she knew that would probably be the best option for her because if this Celestia wasn't like the Mare that ruled Equestria, this would prove it.
Sunset sighed as she glanced over at where Celestia had left her phone on the bedside table, having given it back after Zecora had left that evening. Do I really want to do something that might make her hate me like Princess Celestia did?
Sighing she glanced over at the journal she had brought from Equestria, thinking back to her early years. Princess Celestia never did see me for me, just as raw magical talent...She never was concerned for the pony that was Sunset Shimmer. What makes this world's Celestia any different than the Alicorn in my world? She wondered, putting an arm over her eyes to try to keep them from stinging so much.
I wish there was an off chance that she loved me...I mean...I know it's weird to say it but if this is what having a family is like...I don't want to be alone again. But with how it is now, after graduation I'll be on my own, just like I have always been.
She couldn't hold back a sniffle at that thought. She had always wondered what it felt like to be like the other colts and fillies and now that she had an idea what that felt like, she didn't know how she would cope when she suddenly didn't have that again,
Maybe I should just talk to her about it? I mean, she's been open with me up until now. She wondered but quickly ditched the thought. No, that didn't work the last time either. All that got me told the last time was that 'it wasn't right if I thought of someone as something they weren't.'But Principal Celestia isn't like that...Or doesn't seem to be. But what if all of this is just some pity act? Or what if I'm just reading too much into everything like a fool?
“I'm going out.” Sunset said as she came down the stairs, not even giving Celestia time to respond before slipping outside. I need to clear my head and if she's like the princess then I know for a fact if I stay out late enough she'll get angry. Sunset thought as she headed down the sidewalk, not knowing exactly where she was going. She just knew that she needed time to think and form a plan.
She was amazed by how calm everything was at this hour, only a few stray vehicles going past every now and then which she assumed was people going home from a day at work. However then, out of one of the alley's she heard what sounded like laughter.
Crap. What if I just literally walked up on something shady? She wondered as she froze in her tracks however the only thing that added to the laughter was the smell of spray-paint.
“Grubber, you just sprayed that all over my shirt!”
The familiar voice caused Sunset to perk up. Wait, I know that voice! What the heck is she doing on this side of town? She wondered, finally letting her curiosity get the best of her.
“Need me to get the higher part for you? I mean, you still complain of pain sometimes.” an unknown male voice said and Sunset could hear the snort coming from the girl.
“No! I swear to all that is holy if you ask me that again I will hit you.”
“Sorry, excuse me for being a concerned friend!”
what on earth could they be doing? She wondered, edging closer only to have a coughing fit as the fumes from the paint seemed to blow right toward her.
“What the? Oh, it's you again Red. You have a bad habit popping up in weird places, don't you? What are you doing out at this hour? Get in a fight with your Mommy?”
If Sunset had been able to find something, she would have thrown it at the other girl.
“No! I can do what I want!”
Tempest chuckled, coming out from the shadows.
“yeah sorry, I didn’t get that. I don’t speak bullshit. If that was true you wouldn't have acted like a kicked puppy when the woman with cotton-candy hair pulled up the other day.”
Sunset felt all the blood rush into her face as soon as she had heard that. Did I really act like that?
“I did not!”
Tempest let out a laugh at that and shook her head.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night. Anyway, since you're out here you might as wells help us. You're taller than Grubber so you should be able to reach the middle of the wall easily.”
Sunset's heart jumped into her throat at the sudden voice though suddenly she found herself being pulled along behind someone, though she had no idea where they were going.
“Come on! Let's get out of here.” Tempest chuckled, Throwing a smoke bomb between them and whoever it was that had saw them. Sunset slipped as she tried to mount the motorcycle, only for Tempest to help her up.
“Hang on tight, Don't want you to fall off!”
Sunset tightened her arms around the older girl as they sped off, the only sounds she could hear was the sound of her heart beat and the motorcycle beneath her.
once they were safe, both bikes skidding to a halt so fast that the tall, tan skinned man who had been riding the other bike with Grubber had to break, only to roll into a trashcan.
“nice going Dapper-paws! Now people will be calling you Mangy Paws!” Tempest called, earning a glare from the young man.
“excuse you! But I don't see you smelling like a sewer!” He called, though she just snickered
“Oh boohoo what do you want? A pity party?”
Sunset wasn't sure what was causing her heart to race more, the fear of being caught or the adrenaline rush. “You okay back there Red?”
“uh-yeah...You don't think that person saw us do you?” she panted, sliding from the seat.
“Nah, we moved too fast.” Grubber commented.
It was almost midnight when Sunset came home, finding that Celestia was still awake and waiting for her in the living room.
“Where have you been? You said you were going to for a walk, but you've been gone for hours!” The woman asked, her voice holding no accusation but a slight firmness.
“Out with some friends.” Sunset answered nonchalantly as she removed her boots by the door before heading toward the stairs.
“Sunset...”
the teen knew that she wouldn't get out of this conversation that easy.
“I'm sorry okay? I went over to a friend's house and lost track of time. It won't happen again.” she said, earning a sigh.
“sit down Sunset.”
Celestia sighed as she closed her eyes, she didn't know what Sunset was trying to prove but she knew that Sunset was trying to hurry out of her presence. Sunset obeyed, not making eye contact as she waited for Celestia to speak.
“I got an interesting phone-call from a friend of mine called Kibitz. Do you want to explain to me what you were doing earlier or would you like for me to tell you what he said he saw?”
Sunset closed her eyes, trying to keep an neutral expression.
“Kibitz is the guy who lives next door?” She asked, earning a nod.
“Yes and he said he saw you and three others spray painting the alley behind the old general store. What do you say to this?” Celestia asked calmly, her eyes narrowing as she watched the girl for some kind of reaction.
What on earth were you thinking Sunset Shimmer?
“Are you sure that he could even see anything once it gets dark? He wears glasses thicker than a quarter!”
Celestia felt a headache coming on at that comment.
“It's late Sunset, go to bed. We'll talk more in the morning and I hope you will tell me the truth.”
Sunset couldn't sleep, no matter which way that she turned. It felt as if her stomach was made of lead and her thoughts kept shifting toward what-if scenarios. She had wanted to test Celestia, that much was true but she had a feeling that this was more trouble than she had meant to get in. She is definitely going to kick me out now...How could I be so stupid? I should have known I would get caught! She thought bitterly.
Sitting up she turned her attention toward the journal that she had brought with her from Equestria. Will she be like the princess? She wondered, remembering how that version of Celestia would have reacted to this. Or will she actually forgive me? No, that's stupid. I'm just a screw-up. I screwed up back then as the princess's student and I'm just a screw up now. No wonder not even my ambition could get me what I wanted. Her eyes burned at the thought although she refused to let the tears come. I deserve whatever Celestia does to me.
Celestia could tell that Sunset hadn't gotten much sleep from the way her eyes were bloodshot. She could only imagine what was going through the girl's head that previous night. I probably could have handled last night better but I needed the time to think, plus nothing good would come to trying to talk to a tired teen when I myself was running on fumes. She thought as the fiery-haired girl shuffled into the kitchen, not daring to make eye contact with Celestia.
“Did you get any sleep last night?” she asked, though the only answer she got was a negative shake of the head. She looks like she's scared to death. Celestia thought sympathetically, although she knew that she would have to remain firm for this. But how should I approach this without causing her to feel like I'm judging her based on her past? Celestia was used to handling the daily drama of teenagers, but that was in a more formal setting not as the sole role of authority like she now was over Sunset.
Glancing over at the girl, she took note of the dried tears stains and bloodshot eyes.
“Sunset, After breakfast....”
She didn't get a chance to finish that sentence before the girl cut her off, her expression contorting like she was about to burst into tears at any second.
“Please don't kick me out! I'm sorry!”
Celestia was at a loss for words at that. This seemed very different from the way that Sunset had behaved last night when confronted. Why does she think I'm going to kick her out? Sure she messed up, but it's no reason to go to such extremes. I mean teenagers do dumb stuff all the time, it comes with the territory.
“Sunset, what on earth are you talking about? I'm not going to kick you out.” Celestia finally managed to speak while closing the distance between the two of them before adding “ however, we are going to have a serious talk about what happened last night and there will be consequences.”
“But what I did...I...”
Celestia sighed as she saw the familiar, panicked look cross the teen's face.
“Come sit with me Sunset, we might as wells get this over with.” she said in her usual calm, soothing tone as she took hold of the girl's wrist, guiding her toward the living room.
“Now, first off young lady. Where in the world did you get the idea that I was going to kick you out?” she asked once they were both seated, though she was careful to keep her tone even.
“I embarrassed you...and I...I betrayed your trust.” the teen stammered out, her eyes finally spilling over.
This must have something to do with that Princess. Celestia thought before letting out a sigh.
“Yes, you broke my trust in you and perhaps I was embarrassed by your behavior however that is different than what you are implying.” the woman sighed, she never was good with these kinds of things although she knew that she had to choose her next words very carefully least she traumatize the poor girl.
“Sunset Shimmer,” the girl flinched at the sound of her full name, though she didn't offer to look up, instead keeping her head low. “Last night when I got that call I was surprised, shocked even. I have known Kibitz since I was only a little older than you and I do trust him so when he said he recognized you in the group I had to believe it. However, I want to hear your side of this whole thing but I want the truth Sunset.”
The yellow-skinned teen debated on rather or not to tell her exactly what had happened, or what exactly she had been up to the previous night knowing that she would basically be signing her own death warrant. However, she didn't want to lie and risk getting into even more trouble.
“I went out for a walk to clear my head, like I said I was going to do and I ran into some...I guess you could say they're friends of mine. I don't really know how I got involved with helping them paint the mural but...I did. Then we heard a voice and someone threw a smoke grenade and we ran.” Sunset answered, leaving out the details of what they had done after.
“I see.” was the only thing that Celestia said, causing the teen to look up to see that she had her eyes closed, her mouth pressed together in a thin line.
She must be so angry and ashamed of me right now. How could I have been so stupid? I should have known that I would get caught...there's no way that she will ever look at me the same way again. They all gave me a second chance and I blew it. Sunset thought, feeling as though the lump that had begun to form in her throat was swelling to the size of a tennis ball. Everyone's right, I'm not worth anyone's time. I tried to prove I was worth something by taking the crown and that blew up in my face...And now I've just proved to myself and everyone else that I'm not worth the effort either.
“You do realize that if you get caught you could be fined, sent to juvenile hall or even worse, convinced of a felony if the judge decided that the damage you caused was significant.” Celestia began after a few minutes of trying to figure out how to tackle this subject head-on.
“You're not going to report me are you?”
Celestia hated to hear that kind of fear in Sunset's voice.
“No, but you are going to volunteer to paint over it and you can forget going anywhere with your friends for the next two weeks however if they want to visit you here, they may. On top of that, you're going to have to earn my trust back Sunset.”
The redhead managed a nod at that before glancing up at her.
“So you're not angry?” she asked, brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of what just happened.
“Last night I was a bit upset, yes. However, I am more disappointed at your behavior than angry with you.”
The words made the sixteen-year-old shrink back and advert her gaze again. She says she's disappointed in my behavior but I bet it's just me that she's disappointed with. I mean she took me in when most people would have rather saw me suffer alone and this is how I repay her? By embarrassing her in front of one of her friends?
Suddenly she became aware of a hand gently wiping away some of the tears.
“Sunset, look at me for a second please.”
She was surprised to find that the woman was smiling gently down at her.
“Even if I am angry or disappointed there is something very important you must remember and do you know what that is?”
Sunset could only manage to shake her head at the question. After all, what could she be talking about?
“That I will always love you.”
Suddenly it felt as though Sunset couldn't breath as her mind tried to wrap itself around those five words. How could she mean that? How could she actually love someone like me? The teen wondered
“D-Do you mean it? Do you really l-love me?”
She questioned, practically choking on the word love as she tried to keep her emotions in check even though her mind flashed briefly back to another time that she had said something similar only to be let down.
“Of course I mean it.”
Sunset couldn't keep her tears at bay then, moving forward and hugging the woman. "I love you too." she muttered, smiling despite the bolt of fear that suddenly ran through her.
what does this mean? What if this is a trick to punish me for embarrassing her? My mom would....she tried to stop the thoughts before they got started. Celestia wasn't like that, She knew.
"It has been so long since anyone has told me that." she confessed tearfully, nuzzling into the woman shoulder as she tried to calm down but it was almost as if her heart had shattered as memories and repressed feelings began to boil to the surface.
"I was afraid you would tell me I had to leave." she found herself admitting "I don't want to be alone again." she felt Celestia's arms tighten around her.
"Sunset, you will always have a home here. Please don't ever think that anything would make me turn my back on you. We're family, albeit a strange and nontraditional one and family don't give up on each other."
"Are you sure you want me?"
Celestia winced at the sound of desperation in the teen's voice.
“How about you come to my place since I'm on house arrest? I'm sure my foster mother won't mind.” Sunset suggested the next day at her locker, earning a surprised look from most of the girls in their group.
“Whoa, hold up. You're going to stop being secretive about where you live? What on earth happened? Did you hit your head or something?” Rainbow Dash asked, earning an eye roll form the redhead.
“I was not secretive about where I live! I just didn't know if she wanted you guys to know or not because it could make her job harder!” Sunset stated, blushing as she realized that her tone had been slightly irritated. “Sorry...I haven't slept well for two nights.”
“We can tell. You kinda look like a raccoon.” Applejack responded with a chuckle before adding “Doesn't your Mom notice?”
Sunset sighed and glanced down at the floor, trying to figure out how she was going to drop this bombshell on her friends.
“Oh she notices and the problem isn't falling asleep. It's staying asleep. I mean, I have been taking some kind of capsule but I screwed up and she found out so yeah...that's not an option now.” Sunset sighed before adding “I've tried herbal teas and that did nothing to keep me asleep.”
“Maybe you can try some Lavender in your room? Or even get some Melatonin tablets?” Fluttershy suggested, “both are natural.”
“I'll see if I can't get someone to pick up some from the store this evening. Since I'm not going to be stuck painting, I'm stuck doing more community service.”
This earned a confused look from all of her friends.
“just what did you do anyway?” Rarity asked, earning a groan.
“I don't want to talk about it. Come on, let's go find Trixie. I'm pretty sure whatever she has to show us will be worthwhile, even if it is because she crashes and burns.” Sunset responded, earning a laugh from everyone.
“Let's hope your Mom doesn't mind a half-witted magician because you know Trixie will want to tag along at the sleepover!” Rainbow Dash commented, earning a sigh
“Well, Trixie kinda already met my family so I guess it's okay.”
“What? That weasel met them already when you wouldn't even tell us who it was? Now that isn't fair!”
Meanwhile, Celestia set in her office, listening to the rain as it beat down outside. There is no way I am making that girl get out in this cold of weather, in the rain even if she does deserve some kind of punishment for the mess she caused I don't want her getting sick. She thought, not even noticing when Luna walked in, carrying a stack of papers.
“It's really coming down out there.” the blue-haired woman stated, chuckling a bit when the older woman jolted from her thoughts. “you were really out of it. Something on your mind?”
Celestia sighed then, rubbing at her temples “I don't want to put Sunset outside in this weather, even if she does happen to have a winter jacket.” she confessed, earning a chuckle.
“then don't. I'm keeping an eye on the girl's volleyball team today so she can clean up the mess that is the gym while I deal with the team.” Luna responded before adding “I mean, the mayor is having the graffiti personality cleaned up anyway, so what's one day of change of plans? The girl still is going to be working her tail off.”
Celestia managed a nod though Luna could tell something was still bothering her.
“that isn't the only thing troubling you Sister.”
“You should have seen her yesterday. She acted scared to death Luna...even after we talked about everything. She acted almost like she expected me to suddenly change my mind about what I said to her.” Celestia admitted, earning a bemused look from the younger woman
“and what exactly did you say to her? I mean, it couldn't have been too bad because she felt well enough to give you a hug this morning before she ran off with Miss. Lulamoon and who knows what kind of mischief those two have gotten up to today.” Luna questioned, smirking at the suddenly concerned look on Celestia's face.
“Nothing has blown up I hope? I swear those two will end up turning me prematurely gray.” Celestia retorted, earning a laugh.
“Hey, Sunset's your daughter and don't even say she isn't. You basically act like a mom around her and despite how she acts so independent...she looks up to you. I saw that the day after her fight with Thunderlane.” Luna said before adding teasingly “and besides Trixie having a bit of an accident involving a foaming chemical spray today in her chemistry class...No, nothing blew up.”
Celestia sighed then and closed her eyes “I very much doubt she sees me as anything resembling a mother. I mean, she is sixteen.” the woman retorted, earning a scoff.
“Tia, she may be sixteen but that doesn't stop a kid from longing for that sort of connection. Heck, most adults who age out of the foster care system admits to wanting to know what it is like to have a family.”
Celestia sighed at that and closed her eyes.
“Luna, if she hears you saying that she'll probably freak out and think I'm expecting something of her.” she said wearily though her sister just let out another scoff
“Celestia, the kid is looking for a place to belong. Sure you called her family, but she's going to start wondering what exactly that means. What are you going to do if she calls you Mom? Tell her she can't?”
Luna had a point and Celestia knew it. What could I do if she ever says something like that? I can't deny that even though she has only been living with me for a short while that I love her. But am I ready to be a mother? I mean, as a guardian it's almost the same thing but it's more personal when someone thinks of you as a mother figure. The aurora-haired woman thought before she answered:
“If Sunset brings it up then it's fine. But I am not going to do something that will weird the girl out. Now, don't you have papers to file or something? Anything besides bugging me?”
“I thought you said you didn't want to tell them?” Trixie asked as Sunset slammed her locker shut later that day, trying to ignore the badly drawn figure of a winged beast with a noose around its neck that had been etched onto the surface of the metal.
“I didn't say I didn't want to tell them just that I was afraid to know what they'd think. I mean, honestly...Wouldn't they be afraid to trust me after that? That I'd be a snitch or something?” Sunset retorted, sighing as she leaned against the wall.
“How about you trust them a little? I mean, seriously. They stuck by you even when everyone else thought you were nothing but a lying, two faced, bitch.”
Sunset scowled over at her before sighing “Yeah, you're right Trixie. How about I see if Celestia won't let me have a sleepover this weekend?”
“I'd better be invited too!”
Sunset laughed at Trixie's response.
“Of course you will be! I mean why wouldn't you be?” she retorted, smirking at the embarrassed look that the magician sent her. “Come on, I need to get to the gym. I have P.E and since Luna is filling in for the coach today, I'm dead.”
“Wow, you'd think she'd be easier on you since you're basically her niece.”
Sunset let out a snort at that comment.
“Easier? I don't think Luna knows the meaning of that word! I mean, sure she's kinda cool when she isn't being miss ice-cube up the ass but if anything knowing her outside of school made her stricter on me!”
Trixie giggled at that as they continued down the hall.
“Hey, at least if things go wrong you have two people here who will help you. Even if Vice Principal Luna is a bit hard on you at times. I mean, it's obvious that they care about you.”
"You know sometimes I regret letting that bit of information slip around you!" Sunset grumbled, earning a smirk
"Why? Afraid I'll try to blackmail you?"
"To be honest, if we weren't friends...I'd say yes."
Luna sighed as she watched the teens choose sides for basketball, all except Sunset who everyone was making a point of ignoring for the most part.
“Miss Shimmer!”
Luna wouldn't play favorites even if the girl was technically family though she did regret the tone she had used as soon as she had seen how the fire-haired girl flinched.
“Yes, Miss Luna?”
The vice principal could hear the sound of snickers coming from the other students though she chose to ignore that. After all, she couldn't always protect the girl from the other students jeering at her.
“Why don't you go walk around the gym? I don't think your injuries are up for basketball anyway.”
The woman tried to ignore the disappointment in the teal eyes and made a mental note to try to make it up to the girl later.
“Okay.”
Sunset began to walk away when she felt a hand grab her arm, causing her to look back at the woman who leaned closer and whispered “They'll get over what happened with time. Until then, know that you do have people who care. You have your friends and family who would do anything for you.”
Sunset looked up and smiled slightly, though she made sure the other students couldn't see.
“Thanks, Vice-Principal Luna. I'll try to keep that in mind.”
Sunset couldn't hide the fact that she was feeling slightly better after what Luna had said, however, that relief was short lived because as soon as they thought they could get away with it Dumbbell threw a basketball directly at her, hitting her hard from behind and knocking her to her knees.
All she became aware of was laughing, the sound of someone yelling and the pain. Then there was silence, followed by an aura that Sunset could suddenly feel. It felt like a cool breeze on a summers night, welcoming and gentle. What is that? It feels almost like magic but I've never felt a magic like this before. Sunset wondered, managing to open her eyes, although they were blurry with tears.
Luna was kneeling beside of her, the stern look on her face softening slightly as soon as she made eye contact with the yellow-skinned girl. “Are you alright Sunset?”
Sunset managed a nod as she stumbled to her feet, trying to remain strong in front of the few students that were still gawking at her. “Go to the front office and stay there until next period. I'll get to the bottom of this whole thing.”
What was that I was feeling in the gym earlier? No one in this world has that kind of magic! Is there something that leaked here through the portal or did the fact that I introduced this world to the element of magic cause some kind of rift? What if I completely screwed up the balance of this world because I was so power hungry? Sunset wondered as she sat in Celestia's office, trying to pay no mind to the woman who was currently having a rather heated conversation on the phone with someone.
As soon as the bell rang Sunset made a beeline for the door, not even seeing anyone standing outside until she had opened the door—and hit someone right in the face with it.
“Oh crap! I'm sorry! I didn't see you there!” Sunset exclaimed, moving to help the girl up as Celestia came rushing out of her office.
“Ouch! Okay...Note to self...Make sure not to walk toward any more doors!” the girl, who had mint green skin and hair grumbled, seemingly dazed as she sat up, rubbing her forehead before glancing at Sunset's outstretched hand as if to question what the yellow-skinned girl was trying to prove before accepting it.
“Are you okay?” Sunset asked as she helped the other girl to her feet.
“Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Sunset, before you would have probably just put a picture all over the school website saying that I was too dumb to see a door or something like that.”
Sunset blushed at that and glanced down, rubbing at the back of her neck uneasily.
“Uh...Yeah...I probably would have.” she admitted before adding “But I'm not like that now.”
However before either could say or do anything the tardy bell rang, causing both to have to rush off toward their classes.
“What the heck was that? I mean I've gotten used to Sunset basically storming past my desk and slamming the door to your office but just what do you call...Whatever that was?”
Celestia chuckled as she turned toward her longtime friend Raven, who also acted as secretary.
“I don't know what you'd call that...But I guess I owe you an explanation for why a certain redhead keeps showing up at my office whenever any little thing goes wrong for her.” Celestia answered, earning a chuckle.
“That would make it easier for me to understand why she went sailing out of your office a few weeks ago in tears. It seemed like she had lost her best friend more than that she got a lecture from her principal.”
Celestia sighed then and—after making sure no students were within earshot—answered: “She may or may not be my legal responsibility now.”
The dark-haired woman's jaw nearly hit the floor when she heard that.
“Wait? You actually adopted her? I can hardly believe it! I mean I was there after Sombra...” She trailed off as she realized what she was about to say.
“sorry Celestia, I didn't mean to go there.”
The pastel-haired woman just nodded at that before forcing a smile “I understand Raven, I mean...We've been friends for a very long time. Just don't mention anything around Sunset...I don't want her to start assuming things.”
Celestia was lost in thought when she heard her sister's voice yelling from the next room, which made her nearly spill her coffee onto her lap. Wow, I don't think I've heard Luna get this mad since Gilda pulled that prank she did last year. She thought though she chose to ignore the sounds and ask Luna about it later. Whoever she's freaking out on, I hope they did was worth it because when she gets like that, she isn't going to go easy on them and I am afraid to know exactly what she will think up. There is a reason most of the kids are afraid of her. Kind of makes me glad that we didn't have a principal like that back when we were kids but I do wonder what got her riled up though.
Meanwhile, Sunset felt as if she was going crazy, with the sudden manifestation of magic and the way that everyone seemed to be keeping their distance from her even more now, for some reason. Their eyes piercing like daggers when she walked by. What on earth did I do to make them act like that? I mean, they obviously hate me but they never acted like this.
Suddenly it felt as if she had been hit with a cannonball, her back colliding painfully into the lockers.
“What the hell is the big idea? First, you had the gall to attack someone and rat on Dumb-bell now you are trying to regain control by posting all this shit online!?”
Sunset was about to answer when a knee suddenly collided into her stomach, causing her to gasp in pain and hit the floor on her knees. What is he talking about?
However before he could even think about hitting her again something, or rather someone knocked Score across the hall and into the lockers.
“Didn't anyone ever teach you not to hit a girl like that?”
Looking up Sunset was surprised to see that it was Soarin who had defended her.
“Maybe you would want to see the post about your girlfriend before you decide that you want to defend something like here!” Score commented, earning a confused look from Soarin until Score had shoved a phone almost into his face. Then Soarin burst out laughing.
“Whoa, hold up. Does everyone think I'm dating Spitfire? She's a cool and all but I am not dating my best friend. Besides that, everyone knows that about Spitz.”
what is going on? Is that why everyone is acting like I've got the plague or something? Because they think I'm spreading gossip online? Sunset wondered as she struggled to stand up, only to feel a hand on her arm.
“What the hell happened?”
Soarin scoffed and crossed his arms across his chest as he answered “Score decided to act like some form of caveman and attack Sunset here...evidently over this anonymous account that is online.” he answered earning an eye roll from Spitfire who took out her phone.
“Text me the link, Clipper. I want to see why everyone's been going insane over a social media page, to begin with.”
Sunset practically held her breath as she waited for Spitfire to speak again, though she didn't expect to hear the scoff from the older girl.
“Seriously, the only thing that points this to Shimmer is literally the background color of the page and anyone could make a wallpaper like that and by how confused that she looks right now I doubt that it is her behind this crap.”
Wait? She doesn't think it was me?
“What? So you're going to believe that she-demon? You know how big of a con-artist she is!”
Spitfire scoffed at that.
“Yes but I also remember that her acting skills made Trixie's magic look real.” She retorted before suddenly crossing the room in two strides, shoving the boy back up against the wall, pressing one hand painfully into his shoulder as she added in a low tone
“As for you, if you or any of your little buddies try to hurt her, or anyone else again you'll have me to deal with.”
“What was he talking about?” Sunset asked once Score had left, causing Soarin to sigh as he turned his phone around to face her, revealing a picture of Score covered in paint with the caption reading: So dumb he can't even paint a fence right.
“Anon-a-miss...Basically the gossip column from hell that was linked to everyone at CHS last night. Some of this shit is common knowledge and others are just petty jabs at people trying to provoke a fight.” Spitfire answered, finding a picture of Soarin face-planting into a flagpole.
“That is embarrassing...but seriously...I think everyone in our grade remembers that.” Soarin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck before adding “Are you okay though? Do you need to go to the nurse?”
Sunset took a step forward, wincing as she did so since every movement or deep breath hurt.
“Actually...Can I get one of you to help me to Principal Celestia's office? I think she needs to know what's going on.”
“Have any of you seen Sunset Shimmer? I mean, she basically vanished after lunch today.” Rainbow Dash asked as she walked up to where the other's were standing by the lockers.
“You don't think something bad happened to her, do you? I mean everyone is thinking that whoever is behind that page on My-stable is Sunset.” Fluttershy asked, earning a sigh.
“I hope that site gets shut down before anything can come from all the hate that is spewing. I mean, personally, I don't see Sunset behind this mess. After all, she would be more sneaky about it like before. Not making it obvious by using red and yellow wallpaper.” Rainbow responded, sighing a bit as she glanced over at Applejack who seemed deep in thought.
“Are ya sure it isn't her? Ah mean, she's been so secretive lately.” she asked, earning a scoff from Trixie who was at her locker across the hall.
“what? Do you know something that we don't?” Rainbow asked, earning a smirk from the magician who snapped the locker shut before turning toward them.
“Obviously! But I can tell you, Sunset Shimmer isn't being weirder than normal because she is this Anon-whatever,” she stated, before walking off.
“I swear that girl would test the patience of a saint!” Rarity commented, crossing her arms over her chest.
“And isn't it a little odd that she is taking Sunset's side on this?”
Rainbow Dash understood everyone's frustration but even she could tell there was something going on that she and the others hadn't either noticed or been told yet.
“I think we need to wait a while to judge. I mean, what if Trixie is being honest for once?”
Luna groaned aloud as she fished a bottle of Advil from her pocket, taking two without water before collapsing down on her couch, wishing that the holidays would hurry up and come so that she could take a break of all the craziness that had been a part of her job since the fall formal. Luckily most of the seniors don't give a damn about the rumors and gossip and are trying to keep people civil about it. Though I think we have Spitfire and Soarin' to thank for that. She thought with a sigh as she flipped on the TV, trying to drown out her thoughts. Though the only thing the documentary that was playing managed to do was make the vice-principal drowsy.
However just as she was dozing off the sound of her phone woke her up, electing a curse from her as she stumbled to hit the talk button. “What is it?” she practically growled into the speaker.
“Luna, I need you to do me a favor. I need you to come to take a prescription to be filled, I would but Sunset doesn't need to move around much with those bruised ribs.”
Luna sighed as she leaned back against the couch.
“First you leave me to deal with not one but ten teenagers, one which finally told the truth about what happened in the gym by the way and now you want me to play handmaiden to you?” she asked then sighed again “Of course I'll do it, how is the kid anyway? You practically tore out of there like a bat out of hell."
Luna asked, recalling how worried Celestia had seemed when she practically burst into her office.
“In pain and slightly out of it due to the pain medication that they gave her at the hospital. Did you find out anything?” Celestia responded with a groan “Why is it that everything crazy happens at our school?”
Luna burst out laughing at that question as she managed to reply “Not counting that an egotistical, manipulative unicorn brought a talisman into our world from hers? I'd say it was because of all the shit we did...They do say that Karma comes around twice.”
Sunset knew that she probably should be on that website, though she couldn't resist, she wanted to know what exactly was being posted, especially since she was being blamed for it. But it wasn't the posts from Anon-a-miss that bothered her, no it was the comments left on the posts.
People like you make me sick! You should be locked away somewhere and forgotten about!
Do you think you'll ever gain power again? Not gonna happen! No one is dumb enough to fall for the tricks of a demon!
Why do you even bother showing your face? No one wants you here! Why don't you leave? Or better yet, do the world a favor and kill yourself!
No one likes you! I bet those people who do let you hang around just does it to make sure that you don't turn into that monster again!
Go back where you came from!
You'll never belong here! Go back to where you came from! Or did no one want you there either?
Without even thinking about it Sunset tossed the phone across the room, the sound catching the attention of Celestia who rushed in not even five minutes after.
“Sunset? What happened?”
Sunset didn't respond as she tried to keep the emotions that she felt from consuming her. However when the pastel haired woman picked up the phone—which was miraculously was still intact after bouncing off the door—she got all the answer she needed.
“How long has this been going on?” Celestia asked her voice low but holding no room for argument as she moved to sit beside the girl on the bed.
“Since the fall formal. I mean I deserve it because I was such a terror but...” Sunset trailed off, feeling the knot forming in her throat.
“You may deserve the fact that not a lot of people trust you or want to hang around you because those are the consequences directly linked to your actions, however this is just as bad, if not worse than what you have done. This makes them no better than you were.” Celestia answered, reaching over to take her hand gently.
“Who or what exactly is Anon-a-miss?” she asked after a few minutes, unsure how to approach this whole mess.
“I don't know but everyone thinks it's me. I mean, Applejack and the others have given me a second chance when no one else would. Why would I target them for anything like that? Why would I jeopardize my friendship with the girls or....” Sunset trailed off as her eyes welled with tears, her mind finishing the part of the sentence that she didn't dare say out loud:
Or with you and Luna...I know you said you loved me but...I thought the others did too...and look where that kind of hope and trust landed me. I don't want to risk doing something that will prove to you that I'm not worth it.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by an arm snaking around her shoulders, pulling her against Celestia's side.
“I promise I'll look into this and see if I can't find out who it is behind it. This is the type of behavior I won't tolerate. I didn't tolerate it from you when you managed not to make it seem like someone else did it and I won't tolerate it now.”
Sunset hung her head at that reminder, though she knew she deserved the reminders of just how bad she had been at one point. However, a sudden light nudge against her uninjured side caused her to look up.
“Sunset, just because you have done bad things doesn't make you a bad person.” Celestia pointed out though the redhead shook her head.
“How can you be sure? I mean when I was put into that trance-like thing by Zecora's guided meditation the demon said it was a part of me! What if I really am a monster?”
She demanded, earning a sigh.
“Sunset Shimmer, what I see in you is a misguided individual who was so ruled by her bitterness, anger, and desires that she saw and felt nothing but a greed for power. You said the night after the fall formal that you didn't know there was another way. What did you mean by that?” Celestia asked in a voice that reminded the former unicorn of the princess.
“my body may have been on autopilot but I could see everything that was happening. I saw how those girls, despite having only known Princess Twilight for such a short time was willing to sacrifice themselves to protect her. I never knew that anyone could care about someone they just met that much...Nor did I think that friendship could make the magic that powerful.”
Pausing to take a breath Sunset glanced over to where the journal she had brought from Equestria sat on the table.
“I mean, not even the princess of light would act like a friend when I needed one and no one wanted to befriend the showoff orphan who didn't deserve to be the princess's personal pupil. It doesn't excuse what I've done because those where my choices, but I can honestly say I didn't intend to hurt anyone that night...and I would take back everything that I've done if I could.”
Celestia was amazed by the maturity that the girl showed at accepting responsibility for her past actions.
“And that Sunset, proves that you're not a monster. You'll have to talk to Zecora about this but I think that demon meant something else when it said it was part of you...Though I'm not as good at these kinds of things as Zecora.”
Sunset didn't look convinced as she pulled her knees up to her chest with a wince though she didn't pull away from Celestia.
“But what if she is? What if I get jealous or angry again and I turn into that....devil bat again?”
Celestia chuckled lightly at the question and lifted Sunset's chin so that she had to look at her.
“Sunset, if Jealousy and anger make someone a monster then everyone is one. I myself have been angry and even a few times jealous. Do these emotions sometimes make you do things you regret later? Yes, but that doesn't make you a monster...it makes you human.”
Sunset scoffed at that last statement.
“Yeah well, I'm not human,” she stated, glaring at nothing though to her annoyance and surprise Celestia chuckled again. Great now she is acting like the princess. Sunset thought though the principal's next words surprised her.
“Perhaps not but from what I have seen with both you and Princess Twilight and that is that our races really aren't all that different. Sunset, despite what everyone is saying you do belong, maybe you weren't born here but home isn't always where you're born or where you live. To many people home is where family is Sunset and you have that. Here with us.”
Sunset was about to respond when the sound of a car honking outside drew their attention away from the conversation. “that would be Luna, she went to pick up your prescriptions.” explained Celestia, earning a nod.
“You better go let her in or she may just drive through the door.” Sunset commented, hoping that the joke hid the emotion in her tone.
“You're right. How about you pick some movies for us to watch. I'll invite Luna to stay and we'll just relax for a while, okay?” her guardian offered, leaning close to press her lips against the girl's temple though this caused Sunset to go rigid as her mind flashed back to a time when someone had done something similar in the past.
Sunset closed her eyes as soon as she heard the door shut behind her guardian, trying to make sense of everything that she had just heard.
She said we're family but what exactly are we? The day that Luna brought those papers she looked angry...and she keeps reminding me that nothing between us can change. How can she keep doing things like this and not expect things to change between us? I...I wish...I wish that I could just ask someone about this but who could I ask. I can't risk offending Celestia and I'm not sure I can talk to Luna about this.
Celestia couldn't help but feel like she was missing something as she opened the door for Luna, who took one look at her before asking:
“What's wrong Tia? I've not seen you look this upset before?”
Luna knew that was a lie because she had seen her sister upset before but not in a long while, not since the whole incident with Sombra. Something that they both wished that they could forget about.
“It's Sunset...I just don't know what to do.” Celestia confessed, earning a sigh from the navy skinned woman who nodded and asked “You saw the posts too? I forward it to Chrysalis, she is going to try to figure out where and who is posting all of this stuff.”
“Yes and so did Sunset. I don't know how much of this one person can take and Sunset is already so...”
Luna sighed and nodded at that, she could remember all too well what that felt like, having dealt with it most of her life. “I'll talk to her, I did live through that and under someone else shadow for most of my life. Besides, sometimes it's hard to talk about this sort of thing.”
Sunset sighed as she stepped out of her room onto the flat part of the roof, taking a seat on the cold tin as she stared up at the sky, letting her mind wander as she watched the clouds build up and grow darker seemingly by the minute.
“I see I wasn't the only person to sneak out here.”
Sunset almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden sound of the voice, though she relaxed slightly when she noticed it was just Luna who was standing inside the window.
“Oh, hey Luna.”
The fact that Sunset didn't even bother to turn to face her said a lot about what the girl was feeling at that moment. “you okay? You seem kinda low.” Luna asked as she slipped out of the window with some difficulty before taking a seat beside the girl.
“You know, Soarin' told me what happened today. Do you want to talk about it?”
Sunset sighed loudly as she as she glanced down at the driveway that was beneath them.
“Not really, I mean I was an ass and karma is biting me in the ass.” Sunset responded, resting her chin against her knees.
“Perhaps but that doesn't mean that what they say doesn't bother you.” Luna countered, earning a glare.
“It shouldn't! I mean I deserve this...Maybe everyone would be better off without me, I mean...” Sunset began, only to be cut off by Luna.
“Sunset, no one deserves to be treated like this. Not you, not anyone. Yes, you did make life a living hell for some of the students and I won't try to say you didn't but no one deserves what happened to you today Sunset.”
Her voice was stern, more toward the tone she adopted for her role at Canterlot High than that of which Sunset had still been getting used to outside of the more professional setting. Sunset wanted to argue but the words died in her throat at that tone.
“Sunset, I once knew a girl who was in a situation similar to yours. She may not have turned into a winged beast but she did turn manipulative and cruel in order to get what she wanted...which just ended up ostracizing her from all those she cares about.” Luna closed her eyes, willing her voice not to break as she told the rest of this, lest the girl figured out that it was personal.
“Then in an odd twist of fate, an incident forced her to reconcile with some of the people that meant the most to her. But it wasn't easy to fit back in with everyone because everyone in her town remembered what she had done and was afraid she would do something like that again.”
“Yeah and yet they eventually forgot about it. I doubt that anyone is going to forget about the magic-wielding psychopath!” Sunset snapped, earning a chuckle.
“Would you forget that someone broke someone's ribs and landed them in the hospital for a while?” Luna countered, watching as the teen winced so she added: “also you're not a Psychopath...after all...You were controlled by magic when you....Anyway...This girl wasn't and she could have stopped but she let her jealousy and bitterness build up. Sound familiar?”
this only earned a nod, causing Luna to sigh “Sunset, you know that if you did run away Celestia and I would miss you, right?”
“Why?”
The question caught the navy-skinned woman off guard.
“Why would you miss me? I mean...I'm not really anything to you.”
where the world is all of this coming from? What made her think this sort of thing? I mean, she seemed to be content here at least...before all of this started. Luna wondered as she put an arm around the teen, who went rigid at the touch.
“For one I'd miss your smart mouth.” Luna lightly remarked, noticing the hint of a smile that came across Sunset's face at that so she added “and Celestia would be heartbroken...To be honest we both would.”
A silence fell over them though Sunset slowly leaned against her, only to feel the woman shift to pull her closer.
“C-can I ask something?”
The question caught Luna off-guard, though she grinned a bit and nodded “Of course. You should know that by now.”
“Do you think that Celestia would be upset if....If things started to change?”
“What do you mean?” Luna asked, unsure of what to say or even if she should approach this topic as her mind whirled around every possible meaning of what the sixteen-year-old had just said. What could she mean by that? I can think of a lot of different things but at least two of them are illegal, not to mention downright creepy. She thought as she watched the girl struggle to find the words.
“Never mind it's stupid.”
Luna was about to say something but before she could the teen had pulled away, wrapping her arms around herself as she stared down at the roof. She could practically see the gears turning in Sunset's head as the teen seemed to get lost in thought.
Why do I even want to try? I know that it is just going to end up like all the times before! Besides, Celestia already said that nothing can change between us. I should have known that this would happen! That I would get too close, want too much...Just like I did with Princess Celestia!
Sunset felt like the air was being crushed from her lungs as her mind played memories back to her, things that she had wished that she could have forgotten. I started wanting the same things from the princess too and look what that got me. I know Principal Celestia said we're family but....that was probably just to make me feel better. After all...who would ever care about someone like me? I couldn't even make my aunt proud of me....why would someone actually care if my own family wouldn't?
She tried to forget how nice it felt when Celestia had held her before, how that she sometimes could forget that this was basically the Princess's form in another world. What if I end up just ended up on the streets again? She wondered bitterly, however, Luna suddenly jarred her out of her thoughts by ruffling her hair.
“It's not stupid if it makes you this upset. I promise I won't tell my sister anything, now will you tell me what is going on? I don't like seeing you like this.”
Sunset opened her mouth to respond but it was like she was going to choke on her words as she tried to force the thoughts into words. “Celestia said that things wouldn't change between us...But...Things have...and I..” Sunset paused, her knuckles turning pale as she tightened her grip on her pants.
“I'm scared okay? I'm afraid I'm going to mess this all up one way or another! Just like I did all the other times!”
“I know Sunset. You've been hurt so many times that it's hard to trust anyone but I think Celestia didn't mean that she wouldn't welcome change, I think she just meant that she wouldn't force it. ”
One part of Luna's mind couldn't help but flash back to how the once popularity driven Celestia had made empty promises that sounded very much like the one she had made Sunset, however, this wasn't then and this was different. Luna knew that, but she still couldn't help but worry that perhaps Sunset would just end up being hurt without Celestia meaning for it to happen.
“Do you think she'd be honest with me if I talked to her about it?”
The question surprised Luna though she managed a nod. “Yeah, I think she will. Want me to come with you?”
Sunset bit her lower lip when she was asked that before nodding.
“she won't be angry will she?” She asked, earning a sigh
“No Sunset, she won't.”
Just what is going on in that head of hers? Just what happened in her past that made her worry so much? Is this why she wanted to be number one all the time? Did she think that she had to do that to get people's respect? Did she think that by being queen bitch she would achieve something? Luna tried not to get lost in thought as she offered a hand to help the teen up.
“My sister is a lot of things but quick-tempered, she is not.”
Celestia wasn't sure what to think when she saw Sunset walk into the living room, one hand gripping Luna's tightly while Luna herself had an unreadable expression on her face.
“Miss Celestia? Can we please talk?”
Celestia could practically hear the alarms going off in her head at the girl's tone, which sounded almost as meek and broken as it had the night after the fall formal. What on earth happened up there? She wondered, though she tried to keep herself from worrying so much as she answered: “Of course.”
Sunset felt as if she was going to be sick as she mulled over the ways she could even start this conversation. Just what could she say without sounding like a complete idiot? She wondered as she slowly moved away from Luna and took a seat on the opposite side of the room.
“Things are changing, aren't they? Between us, I mean.” She finally began, not daring to make eye contact with her mentor as her mind flashed back to a familiar conversation that she had been a part of long ago.
You're my student, nothing more Sunset and you would do well to remember that.
She half expected to hear something like that once again as she continued.
“you said that I was family...that...that you loved me...But...I don't know where we stand.”
“I do love you and I meant what I said about us being family.” Celestia began carefully, knowing that if she didn't approach this delicately that it could go badly, especially since the teen seemed to be an emotional mess currently.
“But you said nothing would change!” Sunset reminded her, voice raising slightly as her fists clenched on her lap “if that's the case stop giving me mixed signals!” Sunset's voice broke slightly as she tried to wall away the pain that seemed to erupt inside her chest.
“Sunset, do you think I meant that I wouldn't want you to get attached?” Celestia asked, sharing a look with Luna who had leaned up against the door frame. It seemed like hours had passed before Sunset finally spoke, not daring to look up but from the way her voice strained, both women could tell she was trying to hold back tears.
“Yeah, I mean you're my teacher, right? Wouldn't that be improper or something?”
Celestia didn't answer right away, instead choosing to move to kneel in front of the teenager, gently lifting her chin so that they made eye contact before she spoke.
“Sunset, where did you even get that idea? What I meant when I said that nothing would change is that I wouldn't make things harder nor push anything onto you. I could only imagine what was going on in your head when Luna dropped those papers onto my desk.” She replied, hoping that Sunset believed her.
“It's been on my mind for a while now.” that was the only answer Sunset offered, adverting her eyes once again. Does she mean it? That she didn't mean it like I thought? Could she really see me as family...as maybe even...Stop it Sunset Shimmer, stop being stupid...Of course not! Of course no one will see you like that. What are you? A foal? You know that's not how that works!
“Whenever something is bothering you, no matter how stupid it seems...Please talk to me, okay? I really do hate to see you hurting so.” Celestia said, unsure if she should move to embrace the girl or not since Sunset seemed to want to withdraw into herself.
“Okay.” the reply came out hoarse and weak, a signal that the unicorn turned human was on the verge of tears. “I'm sorry about all of this, I mean...I'm old enough to not let shit get to me but...”
Luna cut her off then, her tone almost taking the same authority that it did at school, the single word prompting the words that the teenager was about to say to die in her throat as the dark-haired woman moved to stand beside Celestia.
“Stop.”
Closing her eyes Luna tried not to remember exactly how she had felt when her own life had seemed like shit. There had to be some way they could make the girl understand.
“There is nothing to apologize for. Everyonefeels confused, scared, lonely, and whatever else in between and just because someone calls something stupid doesn't make it so. You were worried about what was going to happen and I can only imagine what being in your situation must feel like, how hard it must be.” Luna stated, glancing over at Celestia before sighing
“I know it's hard to trust others because I've been there. I've been to a place where everyone has given me a wide girth and during those times I felt like nothing I felt or done mattered but you know what? It does, you just have to have the right kind of people to be there to catch you when you stumble.”
“How would you know how I feel?”
Sunset spoke without hesitation, though when she looked up both older women could see the desperation and accusation in the girl's teal gaze.
“because the girl in that story I told you earlier was me.”
you could have heard a pin drop after Luna had said, both women wondering if the thought of the violent act perhaps frightening the girl. However, before either of them could speak the redhead spoke again.
“How did you survive the guilt? Sometimes it feels like everything is just crumbling down around me.”
“With help. To be honest Sunset, this isn't something anyone can do alone. If I hadn't had my friends and my sister, I don't want to think about what could have happened. I know you're used to dealing with things on your own but you don't have to now.” Luna answered, glancing over at Celestia who adverted her gaze at the implication of those words.
“I know I'm not alone anymore...I mean I can talk to the girls and to you guys about everything. Rarity and Fluttershy have blown my phone up with texts.” Sunset responded, chuckling a little as she thought about some of the contents of the messages that her friends had sent her.
“You know, I never knew people could honestly care about each other so much. I mean, when I came to this world and saw some of the stuff that happened all over the world it made me see humans as lesser or something.” Sunset confessed, earning a scoff from Luna who retorted
“Did you not realize that your biological build-up had turned into one of those lesser beings?”
Sunset blushed at that as she glanced down “To be honest? Back then I only thought about proving myself at being smart and strong enough to use powerful magic. I didn't think about much else.”
“Why do I believe that? I know that you failed at acting.”
That comment broke the tension that had been lingering in the room and also got a genuine smile on Sunset's face.
“Hey! You fell for it! Twice!”
Celestia chuckled at the two as she listened to their banter, knowing exactly what Luna was doing. Good work sister...Now I'll have to put up with you both acting like toddlers this evening. But at least Sunset seems to be cheering up a bit.
She knew she was stupid for wanting to go to school the next day but she couldn't just hide away and hope that the problem would disappear. But as soon as she walked into the building she could feel the panic beginning to form inside her. Just calm down, they're just teenagers not a pack of timber-wolves. Just get through the day...This weekend is Halloween and your friends invited you over to celebrate.
She thought as she walked down the hall, trying to ignore the fact that people were throwing both insults and objects at her. However, to her relief, her friends were waiting beside her at her locker.
“Man, you look like you got no sleep at all last night.” Rainbow Dash stated, earning an elbow to the ribs by Rarity.
“I got like two hours. I kept worrying about what this Anon-A-miss will post next. I mean, everyone blames me for it when I found out about it yesterday after Score decided to throw me into the wall.” Sunset sighed, earning wide-eyed looks from the group.
“He did what? No wonder Spitfire had him thrown off the basketball team!”
“What the tarnation was that boy thinkin'? He is literally twice your size in muscle mass!”
Sunset was surprised by her friends' reactions to this, she was sure that they would hate her by now especially since some of the posts had been about them. However, before anything else could be said everyone's phone's buzzed.
“Anon-a-miss?”
Sunset asked, earning a worried look from Fluttershy.
“Yes.”
Sunset had to suppress a groan as she asked “How bad?”
Everyone exchanged a look at that.
“You might want to avoid Vice Principal Luna today. Anon-A-miss posted a photo of....well look.” Rarity said, turning her phone around only to Sunset to burst out laughing at the image which was of Luna covered in what looked to be like dough.
“Do I even want to know the story behind that?” She wondered aloud, not even noticing that someone was standing near the group until a voice said.
“I believe she was filling in for the Home Economics Class.”
All six of the girls jumped at that, though Sunset was the only one who didn't seem intimidated by Celestia's sudden appearance.
Though to most of their confusion and surprise, Celestia handed Sunset her phone before walking away, leaving Sunset to deal with answering questions about what just happened.
“Um...Why did she have your phone?” AppleJack asked, arching a brow as she glanced between the retreating figure of the Principal and Sunset.
“I'll fill you guys in later okay? We better be getting to class because I do not want any more days added to my detention sentence.”
Celestia felt a migraine coming on as she sat at her desk, trying to block every social media site from the schools networking system, though it seemed like every time that a site was blocked, someone would use an unblock-er in order to post something else.
“There has got to be more than one person behind this account....at least five since they have used that many different devices in under two hours.” she told Luna who had just gotten off the phone with superintendent nay-say, who she could imagine wanted to crawl into a hole somewhere after triggering Luna's more hostile side.
“You know what, those little rats think they're being sneaky...But enough is enough...But we're going to have to go over the school boards heads about this.” Luna commented, smirking at the look the older woman gave her.
“Chrysalis is good on computers and Discord can be cunning as hell when it comes to getting people to talk...without nitrous oxide. I don't really want to deal with him and I know that you and Sunset feel even worse about it but this whole thing is derisory enough that I doubt Sunset is going to care if a flying pig puts an end to it!”
Celestia closed her eyes as some of the words she had seen on the screen flashed across her mind. “You call those two and see if they would be willing to help.” she said as she glanced back toward the screen.
Before this whole thing ends up with someone getting hurt or worse...We need to end it. But why would someone do something like this? Didn't the school face enough of this kind of blackmail back when Sunset was literally hacking emails? What are they trying to accomplish by making it seem like Sunset is doing this? Isn't it enough that nearly everyone is out to get her anyway? Without all this added fuel?
Celestia's thoughts were interrupted by Raven suddenly entering her office, an unsure look on her face as she paused by the door.
“Celestia, One of Sunset's friends are out here wanting to speak with you...Something happened.”a
Celestia tried to not show worry or anger when the prism haired athlete lead her toward the nurse's office although she felt as though she had swallowed a pound of lead. What exactly happened? How badly is Sunset hurt?Will anyone be willing to come forward and tell who did it? Her mind was racing so fast that she barely registered Rainbow Dash's explanation to what had happened.
“Since Miss Cheerliee is out sick Couch had agreed to watch her class in the gym. None of us saw who did it, or else I would be getting yelled at by Luna right now because I would have broken their jaw with my fist. But, whoever it was pushed Sunset and she fell halfway down a flight of stairs. I don't know how badly she was hurt or anything because I rushed off to get the Nurse and then come to get you.” Rainbow Dash said, trying to summarize the event the best she could.
“I have to thank you for that Rainbow Dash.” Celestia managed to say, though she felt even more nervous as she was let into the office. Especially at the yelp of pain from the girl.
“I need to brace this so if it is broken nothing will move around too much.” she heard Nurse Red-heart say though when she walked behind the curtain her anger seemed to multiply.
Sunset's shirt was stained with blood, which if the tissues were any indication was caused by a combination of a bloody nose as well as a cut on her none bandaged arm.
“Sunset.”
Upon hearing her name the redhead jumped, which caused her to yelp out in pain at the sudden movement. Shit, she sounds mad...But this wasn't my fault so she can't be mad at me right? Rainbow probably told her what happened. The girl forced herself to look up as her mentor crossed the room, a hand gently touching one of the bruises that covered her face. Her expression staying neutral though Sunset could see her eyes moisten slightly.
“How bad is it Redheart?” Celestia asked, her tone edging near an eerie calm that Sunset was all too familiar with.
“well...she could have been hurt worse. But someone needs to contact her family, with the sudden onset of swelling I am afraid her left arm may be broken, though of course, one would need x-rays to prove that.” the nurse answered, earning a sigh from Celestia who nodded.
Sunset was quiet on her way to the hospital, being careful to keep the ice applied to the loose-fitting bandage though her mind was elsewhere. She isn't angry at me, right? Did I do something wrong? I mean, she looked worried but...She didn't act like she was. She had that same edge in her tone that Princess Celestia used to use toward me all the time. Was this somehow my fault? Maybe I should just ask? But she might get even more upset with me if that is the case?
“Are you mad at me?”
The words had come out before she could have a second thought about it, though to the teenager's surprise Celestia looked almost startled at the question.
“No Sunset, I'm not angry with you. But I am angry...That someone would be so cruel that they could endanger someone like that! Do you even know how badly you could have been hurt or what could have happened if some of your friends hadn't been with you?” Celestia answered, glancing over at the girl before adding:
“You have no idea what went through my mind when Rainbow Dash told me what happened.”
Sunset didn't know what to say to that but felt she had to do something so with her non-bandaged hand she reached over and placed a hand on Celestia's arm as a comfortable silence passed over them.
Celestia felt the grip tighten around her hand as Sunset bit her lip, trying not to show too much weakness though it was obvious that she was not doing well with the IV catheter that they were inserting.
“You'll be alright Sunset, trust me...It would be worse without the needles.” Celestia whispered, using one hand to brush some hair away from the girl's face. “I'm staying right here and nothing will happen on my watch if I can help it, okay?”
This earned a nod from the teen who risked a glance toward the doctor who was now rummaging through some of the objects that were laid out on a small table. She could recognize some things, although most of it she didn't recognize from Equestria.
“I hate needles...Always did.” she confessed, leaving out the fact that most of the medical exams were done by magic in one form or another, though injections were still used for some immunizations.
“I know but it'll be over soon.” Celestia assured, tightening her grip on Sunset's hand “and until then I'm not going anywhere okay?”
Sunset managed a nod as the doctor injected something into the line.
“This is a light sedation. You'll probably feel a bit drowsy and I've had a few say it made them feel like they were floating but it won't knock you fully out, just enough so that you won't be in pain.” The doctor explained, earning a nod from Sunset who was trying hard to remain calm.
“I've read some...worrying things about this sort of thing.” Confessed Sunset after the doctor had left the room, earning a sigh.
“Sweetheart, what they gave you is just to help you deal with the pain. What you probably read about was probably what is called deep sedation. You'll just sleep through it.” Celestia explained, wishing that she could do something to ease the girl's mind for at least a little while until the drugs kicked in.
“Okay.”
Sunset managed to whisper, though she couldn't stop her eyes from spilling over, the fogginess of her mind making it harder to keep her guards in place. What if I wake up and she's gone? What if I don't wake up? What if this is a big ploy to do testing or something on me like they do to aliens on TV?
“You promise you won't leave?” she whimpered, pulling away from the touch in order to wipe away some of the tears.
“I promise, I'll be right here in this same spot when you wake up.” the teacher answered, just as the doctor returned to the room.
Someone is singing...
that was the first thought Sunset had when she woke up, finding herself still in the same emergency area that she had been in when she had been put to sleep, only this time her once painful arm felt heavy.
Did she really stay?
Forcing herself to open her eyes she saw that Celestia had indeed not moved from her chair.
“Mom?”
The word slipped out of the still slightly drugged teen's mouth, catching Celestia off guard.
Did she just call me mom? It's probably just the drugs talking, most people say some pretty weird things while they're on this much of anything. Celestia thought though she couldn't keep from feeling the familiar pang that hit her heart at that thought. Stop thinking about that Celestia, you'd be selfish to expect anything like that.
“What is it Sunset?” she responded softly, trying to shake some thoughts and memories from her mind so that she could actually care for the teenager who had come to rely on her.
“Thank you....For staying...I...was afraid I'd wake up and be here by myself.”
Celestia's heart ached as she heard this. How could anyone do something that would leave someone that paranoid? She wondered, reaching over to dry a few tears that had slipped down the girl's face.
“Sunset, you will never be alone again. No matter what okay?”
Everything hurt but Sunset didn't want to rely on the pain medicine that the doctor prescribed since it made her feel as if she was covered by a mental fog so she tried to lie completely still on the couch, only moving when she absolutely had to. The TV was playing something in the background though the former unicorn wasn't paying much attention to that at the moment.
Instead, she had her eyes closed, trying to figure out why she kept feeling something odd. It's almost like magic...No...It has to be some kind of magic. But what kind of magic feels almost like water rippling? Or smoke? It has too light of a feeling to be compared to water though it feels just as cold as a natural spring or something. She wondered, wrecking her brain trying to make sense of what she was feeling.
“How are you feeling?”
Sunset glanced up as Celestia walked into the room, half wanting to roll her eyes since the woman had been acting like a mother hen ever since they had gotten home from the hospital.
“I'm alright. Can you just relax? I swear you're making me nervous checking up on me every little bit. I have a broken arm, not a concussion.” Sunset stated, wincing as soon as she realized that was probably the wrong choice of words.
“Sorry. I know you're just worried. I...I guess you were probably just as scared as I was.” she added quickly, glancing down in embarrassment.
Way to go Sunset. Say something stupid like that again.
“I was.” Celestia agreed as she took a seat across the room so that the girl wouldn't have to move from where she was laying, though she would have preferred to be next to the girl for the next part of the conversation that she was going to bring up.
“When you were waking up you said you were afraid that I would have left and you would have been alone. Did someone do that Sunset?”
The fire-haired teen's eyes widened as she glanced down. What am I some stupid foal? I wasn't this clingy with the princess! She berated herself as she turned her attention toward Celestia.
“yeah...Once. I had been put in the hospital overnight for what you could call magical burnout because I was so young that they were worried it would affect me in some way. My aunt had promised me she'd be there when I woke up from the spell they put me under so they could do the exam without freaking me out. But Sunburst got his cutie mark that day and evidently celebrating your son is more important than the daughter of your harlot sister.”
Sunset recalled this so calmly that Celestia wasn't sure what to think.
“Sunset...”
The teen cut her off before she could finish.
“I know I shouldn't talk about my birth mother like that because I didn't know her but that's what a lot of the people in town said.” Sunset said, fiddling with the edge of the cover that she had around her.
“I wasn't about to say that Sunset. Though you do speak...rougher...than I would like.” Celestia said, choosing her words carefully since the girl would obviously be in a fragile state of mind. “I was going to ask how often that sort of thing happened.”
Sunset shrugged, not risking to look up. “I was alone most of the time. I just thought that if I was as smart as Sunburst that my mom and dad would pay more attention to me. Was that wrong? Was I being selfish for wanting either them or Princess Celestia to actually just...Spend time with me?”
Celestia hated the hurt that was obvious in the teen's tone. Had someone told her she was being selfish? Had someone actually had the gall to tell a child who was desperate for any kind of positive interaction that wanting to be near someone was wrong?
“No Sunset, the ones who were wrong were the ones who made you feel like you weren't worth their time. They should have realized that a child so young needed them to be there in more ways than just one.” Celestia answered, feeling the anger that had been present earlier that day rise up again inside her.
“Everyone needs a support system, no matter what age.” she added after some thought, wondering if she hadn't just discovered what made Sunset think she had to act tough, to begin with.
“That is one of the reasons Luna and I offered you a place to stay with either of us. Not only did you need stability but you needed someone there for you when things got tough.”
The principal's words took Sunset off guard, causing her to look up. Maybe that dream I had earlier meant something...Maybe it meant I was finally somewhere I won't be treated differently just because of who I am. Maybe Celestia really does think of me as more than a student. She thought although she wouldn't dare ask.
“I can't thank you enough for everything you and Luna have done for me. No matter what I've done or what has happened...You never gave up on me.”
Sunset was prepared for Celestia to say one of her usual responses, however, as the woman walked over and knelt on the carpet in front of the couch she saw something she didn't expect. Tears had gathered in the woman's eyes.
She could never remember the princess ever showing any emotion besides her three main modes: Neutral, strict anger, and the more childish side she had witnessed her share with Cadence and Twilight Sparkle. Why does she look ready to cry? Did I say something wrong? Does she care that much?
The last thought made something she hadn't felt in a long time rise into her chest.
“Sweetheart, you don't have to thank me for that and no matter what happens I won't give up on you. I know it's been only a few weeks but I love you too much to even consider that. I know I must sound like a broken record but I will repeat it until you understand that it's true.”
Sunset didn't even think about her injured ribs and bruised body as she sat up, carefully wrapping her good arm around Celestia and hiding her face against her shoulder. I am so afraid I'm going to mess up if I say this but...I need to know if she is serious about not just leaving if something happens that she doesn't approve of. I...I need to know if she'll react like the princess did when I slipped up that day. But can I handle it if she does? I wish I could just pretend...
She couldn't stop the sob that escaped her, though she tried her best to hold back the tears.
That one word echoed through her mind, conjuring up memories and emotions that Celestia had buried a long time ago. However swallowing her own emotions in order to respond to the teen, although as she did her voice broke slightly.
“You see me as a mother-figure?”
She asked, her voice faltering on the word mother which instantly caused Sunset to shrink back, removing herself from Celestia's embrace and gripping her cast with her good hand.
“Kinda, is that okay? I mean...It's okay if it's not. It's just...You've been so kind to me and well...You said I was family and that you loved me and I-I might not really understand how it works but I'm pretty sure that I love you too and....” Her voice trailed off and Celestia could see that girl's expression darken before she glanced up at her, lip trembling and eyes practically pleading with her.
“I know you said nothing would change but...You also said you wanted to give me a choice so...If it's okay. Can I call you that? At least at home?” Sunset's voice wavered a bit as she spoke. Why isn't she saying anything? Did I mess up? Is she angry?
The silence felt like it would choke Sunset however suddenly Celestia pulled her into a sideways embrace, careful of her injuries.
“Oh Sunset, I already thought of you like a daughter.”
That was the only answer Sunset needed before the tears came.
“I promise I won't make you regret any of this.” she managed to sob out, only to feel Celestia lightly hit her on the back of the head.
“Nothing you could ever do would make me regret this.”
Sunset smiled despite her tears, her grip tightening on the woman as much as she could without hurting either of them.
Meanwhile, Luna was furious, staring at the computer as she went through the tapes that the hallway cameras had recorded. How could people do something like that then laugh about it? Hell, Celestia could be a bitch when we were that age but even she wasn't that big of one. She thought as she slammed the computer shut, not noticing that her touch left visible static electricity dancing across the plastic.
I probably should check on the kid...She's probably pretty badly hurt after all of that. Plus Celestia probably nearly had a breakdown when she heard that Sunset had been attacked. Probably thought she lost yet someone else she cared about...Everyone behind that will pay for putting her and Sunset through that. One way or another. She's already lost so much...I fear that if this shit isn't stopped, we'll lose Sunset too.
She thought bitterly as she got to her feet, heading toward the door.
Discord is supposed to start work as a 'substitute' tomorrow while Chrysalis and I try to round up all the delinquents behind this whole mess! This thing has gone too far already! This shouldn't have happened anyway! They should be old enough to know how this sort of thing could affect someone. Unless that is what they wanted! To drive someone into complete hopelessness!
Thunder sounded overhead, causing her to glance up to see that the sky was turning pitch black.
Hmm..They weren't giving rain. Oh well, I'll just stay at Celestia's until the storm is over. She thought as she picked up her pace as she crossed the street. She didn't even knock, using the spare key that she had been given ages ago to just let herself in, only to find both her sister and Sunset sitting on the couch.
“Okay...this is not weird at all. Why do both of you look like you've been crying?” She asked, watching as Sunset blushed while trying to compose herself though Celestia just glared over at her.
“You sure know how to kill a moment sister.”
The response made the navy skinned woman laugh.
“Yes well...I found out who the assailants who attacked Sunset and I need to know how far she wants to take this. I know if it was up to me I would have their asses popped into juvenile hall.”
“Who was it?” Celestia demanded, trying to swallow her own anger so that she didn't end up doing something she would regret, though she had to agree with Luna's desire to see the group face charges. But that wasn't exactly her call to make, was it?
“Those three boys who have been caught defacing school property more than once. What were their names?” Luna answered, earning an unreadable look from Sunset.
“do you mean the diamond dogs? I don't remember their names but that's what everyone calls them.” she questioned.
Why would they up and attack me? I mean, I never directly did anything to them. They were always to themselves. The teen wondered, though the older women exchanged a look.
“I'll see if anyone knows their names.” Luna replied then glanced at her sister.
“How are you two holding up? Today must have nearly drained you both.” she asked, glancing worriedly at Sunset as she took in the extent of the injuries, though mostly just scrapes and bruises.
“I think we're both emotionally drained.” Celestia answered wondering if she should tell Luna what had happened up until twenty minutes ago, though she couldn't help but wonder how Luna would react to that.
Would she accuse me of trying to replace...Shaking her head to rid herself from that thought she turned her attention toward Sunset, who still hadn't moved from against her side.
“You want to tell her or should I?” Celestia asked, causing the girl to look up with wide eyes before a ghost of a smile graced her face.
“are you sure?”
Luna couldn't hear Celestia's response to that because she whispered it to Sunset, who broke into giggles.
“Uh-oh, what did you put her up to Tia?” Luna asked, trying to hide the amusement at their antics as she tried to figure out what they were plotting.
“Oh, nothing Aunt Luna.”
The navy skinned woman blinked in surprise at the sudden title, not quite sure what to say though she eventually smirked.
“So you two finally stopped beating around the bush? I was wondering when one of you would let it slip how you felt...or if we'd be old and gray before that happened.”
Sunset couldn't sleep. Not only because she couldn't get comfortable but because the storm seemed to be getting worse. What the world is going on? Why do I keep feeling that something is lurking out there? Is something going to go wrong? She wondered as she stood up, wincing as she did so.
There's no need to worry about it. The weather here is weird anyway compared to where I come from. She thought as she slowly made her way out of her room, making a mental note to ask someone where her medication was kept, wondering if she was still not to be trusted around that sort of thing. However, as she walked downstairs she nearly fell backward on the bottom step when her hand brushed against something furry that was on the railing.
“Holy Crap! What the Tartarus is that?”
She yelped, followed by the dull thud sound of something landing on the carpet.
“What the hell? Sunset what are you doing awake?” Luna's gruff tone questioned from the couch and Sunset could hear the sound of floorboards creaking before the light blinded her.
“I came down to try to get something for my arm when I touched...Something...I think it fell over there.” The teen managed to say, edging away from the railing though Luna just took one glance and began to laugh.
“Oh that...Sorry about him. That's Tiberius.”
This only earned a confused look from the redhead who glanced in the direction the creature had fallen with an arched brow “Tiber-who now?”
“Tiberius, my pet. Promise you won't freak out again?” Luna retorted, waiting for a nod of affirmation before walking over and picking up the little gray creature, which lay completely still. “Well...That is if he isn't dead.”
“I...I didn't mean...He startled me but...” Sunset began, fumbling for words as panic set in as Luna walked over to her.
“Sunset, stop.”
The command drew her attention to the older woman, who looked more amused than anything else.
“Have you heard of the expression 'playing possum'? Basically, they pretend to be dead so things will leave them alone. Tiberius probably heard you scream and since he didn't know you...Clammed up.” Luna explained, smirking a little as she poked the mass of fur.
“That's enough, you've already given my niece a heart attack tonight.”
Sunset wondered if she would ever get used to hearing those words spoken without a hint of annoyance or anger. It still felt as if she was dreaming, that when she woke up the following morning everything would be back to where it was.
A hand on her shoulder called her from her thoughts.
“Want to tell me what you're thinking about? You looked ready to cry all of a sudden.”
Sunset felt her face flush at the question, glancing down at the little creature in Luna's hands as it slowly began to twitch and uncurl itself from its stiff posture.
“Sorry, I still can barely believe I'm not dreaming.”
It took Luna a minute to register just what it was that Sunset was talking about, but when she did a sense of some emotion that was not her own washed over her. Poor girl, how long has it been since she's not felt like she had something to prove? When she's been actually happy? Gingerly wrapping an arm around the teen, hoping that the touch would say the things that Luna was unable to put into words.
“I can tell you that it isn't a dream...and you will fit in fine with our crazy family.” she said eventually, watching as Tiberius finally uncurled from his petrified state and crawled onto the floor, sitting there staring at them, not unlike a dog.
“Nothing is crazier than a thirty-something-year-old having an overgrown rodent as a pet.” Sunset stated, eyeing the creature cautiously.
“marsupial.” Luna corrected, trying not to appear amused as she noticed the girl's hesitance. “and he won't hurt you so you can stop acting like he's a time bomb.”
“Luna, what the heck is that thing doing in my house? I don't care if it is kept inside all the time, I don't want the greasy thing in here.” Celestia's voice made both of them jump, and comically enough—Tiberius choose that moment to once again play dead.
“He is not greasy and you know he doesn't like being left home alone!”
“The only thing I know is that you have always brought odd things home as pets!”
Sunset listened to the two sisters bicker, glancing down at the mammal which would twitch every so often as if debating rather or not it wanted to stay there or crawl off to avoid listening to the women.
“They really don't act like I imagined that they would.” Sunset commented, earning a sound that she could only describe as a squeak from the creature.
“I swear we're going to have to buy a boat if this rain doesn't let up.” Luna complained once Sunset had passed out on the couch sometime later, leaving her and Celestia awake. “I mean, this weather came out of nowhere. Do you think it's some kind of magic that came out of nowhere?”
Celestia sighed and glanced toward the living room before shrugging. “who knows? To be honest, it wouldn't surprise me since it wasn't that long ago since a portal opened and who knows what craziness was drawn to the energies produced by that whole mess.”
Just what could have found it's way from Equestria to our world thanks to the large surges of energy like that? Did that somehow open some kind of rip or portal that they could come into this world from that one? How does that all work? She wondered although she knew that she would probably never voice these thoughts aloud since she didn't want to risk Sunset thinking even worse of her self than she seemed to already do.
“Yeah, Zecora probably knows more about this than we do. It's just too bad that the only other person who has any idea what is going on would probably have a complete mental breakdown if we asked her.” Luna commented with a sigh as she added “Too bad that there's no way to contact Twilight Sparkle about this. She would probably know.”
Celestia sighed and glanced out the window at the streaks of lightning, turning the options over in her mind. “Yes, well it's probably the best that we try to handle this mess ourselves without involving any more magical beings from foreign lands.” she said eventually, glancing down at the table before adding “but for now....we better worry about the mess with the school. This nonsense has gone on far too long as it is.”
Luna tried not to let her emotions show as she thought about what had transpired but even that didn't help her control herself. “I swear if I was back at that age again...” she began, however, what she was saying got interrupted when the lights suddenly went out.
“And can this get any worse?” she growled out, turning on the light on her phone “I'll go light some candles...and the fireplace before it gets cold in here. Of all the times the fucking power could go out...”
Celestia rolled her eyes at her sister's dramatics as she too got up and went through the house, gathering flashlights and extra blankets.
“Looks like we're going to be camping out in the living room. Just keep your pet away from me.”
“Okay then keep your bird away from Tiberius. Last time that thing packed him all over the house!” Luna retorted from somewhere in the living room.
A strange aura caused Sunset to jolt awake, the sound of thunder echoing throughout the silent house. Glancing around the darkness in an attempt to find the source of the aura, finding none. What the world is happening? Did I mess up this world that badly? She wondered bitterly, sitting up only to find that someone had tossed an extra blanket over her sometime during the night.
What the Tartarus? She wondered, slowly getting off the sofa only to trip over something, catching herself from falling with her good hand, although the stitching pulled slightly causing a bee-sting sensation to run throughout her skin.
“what the?” Sunset bit out though as her eyes adjusted to the dim light she couldn't help but giggle at the sight before her. Luna was laying in the recliner, a blanket bunched around her and Tiberius curled up on her lap.
“Well...I see I'm not the only one who's a restless sleeper.” Sunset mumbled before walking across the room and pulling a curtain back, only to yelp when the whole sky lit up with lightning.
“The storm seems to still be going strong and according to the radio in my car...this power outage is spanned across town.” Celestia's sudden statement caused Sunset to nearly leap out of her skin, though she quickly managed to relax.
“This isn't normal, is it? Even for weather here.” Sunset questioned as she stumbled her way back across the room before asking “Have you ever been asleep? You look dead tired.”
“Luna and I both have been keeping an eye on the storm. With the rain like this, you never know when something severe will pop up.” Celestia's answer came, causing the teen to sigh.
“Then let me take a shift so that you both can rest. It's not like I'm some little kid or something. I can stay up a few hours.”
Celestia wanted to argue but didn't, knowing that she'd just end up bickering with the stubborn girl.
“Alright, but if you start getting tired you wake one of us up. I do not want you to overdo it.” she relented, earning a look of annoyance from the teen.
“I knowMom. I have to rest and take care of myself if I want to heal fast.” the word still felt foreign on her tongue but it was still nice to finally get to say it. “How about if I do this for an hour then get Luna up? Does that sound alright?”
There has got to be something at work here...Maybe some kind of magic that was caused by the element of magic being brought through the portal? Or maybe residue from the blast that the bearers of harmony used to drive the demon out of me? Sunset thought as she felt her way up the stairs and into her room, holding the flashlight in her mouth in an attempt to rummage single handily through the few things that she had brought from Equestria.
Maybe I should ask someone else for their opinion....Someone who knows more about magic than I do...But...What if she hates me? There are so many things that could go wrong. Inhaling and holding it for a few seconds, Sunset tried to will herself to calm down. But if this is Equestrian magic then I need to do whatever I can to fix this because if it is, it's my fault anyway. She thought as she picked up the journal that she had tossed at the wall a few weeks ago.
Closing her eyes she tried to summon the courage to actually use the thing. I probably shouldn't bother them with my problems, I was enough trouble to them in their world. But I can't endanger more people here because of my own stupidity. She thought as she stood and made her way toward her desk, taking out a pen from the drawer then with a shaking hand she forced herself to write out the words:
Dear Princess Celestia,
I know I am probably the last person pony you would want to hear from after everything that I have done over the years but I need some advice and you're probably the only one who can help me, even though I don't blame you if you don't want to because I was nothing but a conceited, temperamental brat that couldn't separate reality from fiction and I'm sorry for everything. I know that those words mean next to nothing for what I've both said and done but I hope that you will at least hear me out, this one last time.
Something is going on in this world, something I think was caused when I brought the crown back here with me. I know this is basically my problem and that I should fix it but I don't even know where to start. I mean, what kind of magic can cause the weather to go mad?
I know I shouldn't be bothering you or anyone else with this but if it isn't too much trouble can you at least write back and give me at least a hint at where to look for the answer? I know this is my fight but I can't just watch the people I care about suffer because of some dumb decision that I made.”
What if she doesn't have the journal anymore? What if she is still angry over what I have done? What if she hates me? Can I do this on my own if I have to? What could even cause these storms like this? Sunset felt sick as her mind raced with possibilities as she sat at the desk, staring into space as she waited for any kind of response. Why did I have to be so stupid? I just wanted her to be proud of me and to see me as someone worthy of her time but I can see why she never wanted to give me the time of day.
She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice anyone walk into the room until something heavy and warm dropped around her, causing her to look up only to see Luna standing behind her.
“You should be downstairs where it's warm.” the woman chided before glancing over at the messy handwriting that covered the page.
“I...I had to try to get some answers.” Sunset responded in a small voice as she glanced back down at the paper though she couldn't suppress a shiver as Luna adjusted the blanket around her.
“and you had to freeze yourself half to death in order to do it?” Luna quipped before sighing and tightening her arms around Sunset from behind as she added gingerly:
“We'll figure this out Sunset. Maybe it's not magical, maybe it is but if it is we'll figure out a way to solve this together. Now, get your things and come downstairs where it's warm.”
“Princess Celestia!”
The princess of the Sun groaned as she was awoken an hour before she was supposed to be in order to raise the sun, causing her to glare toward her door, which she slowly opened.
“What is it Kibitz?” She asked, trying to suppress a yawn as she used one wing to try to rub the sleep from her eyes. This better be important. She thought though her grogginess quickly vanished as she saw the white unicorn produce a familiar book from his saddlebag, one that was glowing and shaking violently.
“Is that Sunset Shimmer's old journal?” She questioned, not quite believing what she was seeing as her majordomo levitated the book over to her, laying it on the bed.
“Yes, I do believe it is your majesty...Though I don't understand why she would be writing to you after everything that she has done.” he stated, earning a sigh from Celestia who flipped open the tome.
“Everypony makes mistakes and Sunset was so young when she came here...Younger than most of the students that I would even allow the board to accept into my school. I believe that had something to do with how Sunset behaved.” Princess Celestia answered as she scanned the page, her eyes widening as she read the words.
“Kibitz, write a letter to Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville and tell her I will be sending a team of Pegasi to collect her. Tell her that there is an emergency concerning Sunset Shimmer and her friends in the other world.” The princess stated.
Once the stallion had left the room Celestia closed her eyes, the words that she had just read washing over her.
Oh Sunset...Why do you think that I would never forgive you? I was just as much at fault as you were about a lot of the things that transpired between us. She thought bitterly as she remembered the last words that she had said to the girl the night she had run away. I made the same mistakes with you that I made with Luna. I was a fool who never learned...But how can I tell you these things?
Sighing she pushed the thoughts out of her head as she levitated a quill and ink over to her bedside, carefully writing out the words:
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
Do you remember the tale of hearths warming? How Wendigos fed off of negative energy and conflict and as they grew more powerful they caused blizzards and freezing weather? Is it possible that your world also has these creatures?
Returning the quill to the ink Celestia sighed and closed her eyes. There's an answer to one topic in this letter. She mentally told herself before glancing back at Sunset's letter before she picked up the quill again.
And Sunset, please don't think you are bothering me because that is far from the truth. I am glad that you thought to seek help when you weren't sure besides searching for an answer on your own and perhaps endangering yourself. If at all possible help will come to you soon and if not, I will try to guide you via this book.
Celestia paused once again as she reread Sunset's letter, trying to collect her thoughts. She is almost exactly like Luna was after the nightmare moon fiasco. I doubt there is any way I can apologize enough for that, especially not in a letter.
And one more thing,
You're apology means just as much as anypony's. Just because someone makes mistakes doesn't mean that they can't be forgiven...and you weren't the only pony in Equestria who has ever made decisions that they later regretted. Everypony has.
Closing the book with a snap Celestia climbed out of bed and began to prepare for Twilight's arrival. If it is Wendigos then how did they get to that world and more importantly how did they come to get that much power? They usually appeared during wars or mass scale conflict such as with the three tribes. The princess wondered with a sigh as she glanced toward the clock. In a few hours I'll have to raise the sun, however, I think that Kibitz and Raven can fill in for me...I think there are some things that I need to do concerning Sunset Shimmer and it would be best if I didn't attempt to do so over paper.
Sunset had dosed back off when a sudden vibration caught her off guard and caused her to nearly drop her journal as she bolted upright. She actually wrote back? What if she tells me that she never wants to hear from me again? Sunset wondered, slowly opening the book, her palms becoming clammy as soon as she saw the all too familiar delicate writing on the page.
Wendigos? Could that be it? Is that what is causing all of this crap? She wondered although as her eyes continued to scan the page her thoughts turned away from the winter spirits and more toward the growing lump that was forming in her throat. She is glad I wrote to her? She's sending help? Everypony makes mistakes? Does that mean she forgives me? No, it can't....she's can't help...The portal is closed! She's just trying to keep up the good ruler facade.
Picking up her pen the teen managed to write out:
How can help come? The portal is closed! No one will be able to get back here for another three years!
To her amazement something almost instantly was written in response.
We'll try to figure out a way to get to you, you don't need to face these sorts of things alone.
Does she care? If she cared that much then why did she say what she did that night? Why did she say that I was a mistake? Sunset couldn't stop the tears that sprang into her eyes as she thought about that night, how Celestia had been so angry and had sent her away with an escort of guards. She had been so sure that she was being kicked out that night, though instead she had become basically a prisoner confined to her room, or would have if a well placed stun spell hadn't helped her to escape and run through the mirror.
“I see you got a response.” Luna commented as she handed a mug of coffee to Sunset before taking a seat on the chair arm “You doing okay? I know it must be hard for you to talk to her.”
She better have a good excuse why she hurt this poor girl so much. Princess or not, No one should feel the need to leave someone with so many issues that they nearly cry whenever they even think about you. Luna thought as she began to run a hand through the girl's red-gold hair.
“Yeah...it's just. I keep remembering everything that happened between us. Both the good and the bad and I don't know if she forgives me or not...or if what I done was unforgivable.” Sunset answered softly wiping away a stray tear “she could be coming with guards to arrest me for high treason for all I know.”
Luna sighed as she wordlessly removed the book from her lap, reading over everything that had been written, eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed a pattern in the words. Oh for the love of all things holy! Sunset said she was a thousand years old and yet she sounds as stiff as my sister did when we were teenagers!
“I think she's just bad with what she thinks and feels. Perhaps she is better with diplomatic relationships than personal?” Luna stated, eyes flicking over to the woman on the couch who was still sleeping “Trust me when I say that some people are better at faking appearances than they are at showing their real colors.”
“I'm going with you.”
Princess Celestia sighed as she glanced at the doorway while she added some more books to her saddlebags.
“I don't need a babysitter, sister.” the princess of the sun stated though she knew that she was fighting a loosing battle with Luna who sent her a look.
“I know this, Sister. However I implore that if it is winter spirits those of us who are old enough to remember what they are capable of. Besides, I have borne the elements and know thus what the effects is. Perhaps having someone who can offer counsel would help her out.”
Princess Celestia knew that she was fighting a losing battle and that Luna was probably right.
“Alright, but I warn you Sunset and I did not part on the best of terms so there will probably be some bitterness still built up from those years and you may not like what you hear.” the older of the two mares stated earning an eye roll.
“you really must learn to be more empathetic to other's feelings, dear sister.”
The Sun princess could only stare at the smaller alicorn who smirked slightly as she continued:
“I am the keeper of dreams and yours were hunted by that of a amber unicorn filly. What hath kept thee from trying to contact her? It is easy to see that Thee have missed her.”
“I lost my sister and my first student over the same, foolish reasoning. If it weren't for the fact that I knew that Twilight Sparkle would be the barer of the elements which were what I needed to free you I would have never taken on another personal student.” Celestia answered, hanging her head in shame.
Princess Luna responded by walking closer and nuzzling against her.
“Perhaps ye need to understand that there is more to you than just the crown. That is your biggest fault, hiding behind that imperial mask.”
Wendigos? What could cause...Of course! Wendigos feed off of negative energy and perhaps all the chaos that is going on at Canterlot High right now is what attracted them to this town, to begin with! But that means the only way to end this insane weather is to put an end to Anon-a-miss. But who would believe that it isn't me? I mean none of the girls have even texted me today. They don't think it was me posting all that crap, do they?
The thought sent a wave of nausea through her, however, she didn't have much time to think on it because suddenly the TV flicked on, the sudden voices of the film causing Sunset to nearly jump out of her skin.
“well, now I can make us a real breakfast.” Luna announced as she left the room, pausing only to poke her head back into the kitchen and adding “What would you like Shimmer?”
“Sunset shimmer sent you a message about what? This doesn't make sense! That world is nothing like ours.” Twilight Sparkle said as soon as she and Princess Celestia had entered into the privacy of the latter's chambers.
“I know it may seem like some kind of hoax but it despite her lying to me before I do not believe that she is lying this time.” The Princess stated with a sigh, earning a questioning look from her former student.
“Uh, Princess...Can I ask why you would think that? I mean, she did steal the element of magic.” Twilight questioned, earning a sigh.
“Yes Twilight, Sunset Shimmer is capable of being underhanded and cunning but her pride would have never allowed her to speak down about herself or to appear humble. In her letter tonight she reminded me of the scared filly that practically barbecued everything out of nervousness.”
Twilight wanted to ask more but let the topic drop, especially since the Princess's expression had darkened as she spoke about the golden colored pony. What is she holding back? There is more to the story behind them besides just Sunset Shimmer running away during a temper tantrum, though I don't doubt that she did do that as well.
“How about we try to figure out how to form a transfer link? Connect a magic from here to there....Wait...She has the other journal right? I think I know how I can make this work.”
“How the heck does this thing work? Luna! That makes the second time this damned lid flew off!” Sunset complained as she shut the blender off once again before looking down at the mess that was the front of her shirt.
“Here, I'll do that. Go get changed.” the navy-skinned woman chuckled as she lightly bumped the teenager out of the way, shaking her head as Sunset left the room muttering under her breath. That girl finally is dropping that billy-bad-ass act. Though I have to say, seeing her trying to figure everything out is quite amusing. I just hope that she can get out of this whole anon-a-miss mess without anything else happening. I really do hate seeing her hurt, rather that be physically or mentally. As soon as this storm lets up some I need to go over to Chrysalis's and help her try to run tracers on those devices that have been accessing Anon-a-miss's account.
Luna closed her eyes, trying not to let her temper get the best of her although every time she thought of Anon-a-miss she saw how her sister's wide-eyed gaze as she had come into the office and practically begged Luna to take over for the rest of the day. Get a grip Luna, they're both alright. She had to remind herself, though this didn't keep her from feeling some form of bitterness.
At least Celestia has one thing that she really wanted. I just hope that she doesn't still blame herself because of what happened all those years ago. That was no one's fault except Sombra's. She reminded herself just as Sunset came back into the room, now wearing a clean shirt.
“Aunt Luna? Are you alright?”
Luna blushed as she realized how dumb she must have looked standing next to the stove, holding an empty skillet. “Yeah, I'm fine Sunset. I was just thinking about some stuff. Why don't you go wake up Tia and let her know that I'll be done fixing us something to eat soon?”
That girl is too good at reading people, if I don't snap out of it she'll know something is up and I don't think it's my place to be telling her Tia's business even if she is Tia's kid, technically.
Sunset couldn't sleep, knowing that if Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle came to that world that she should be at the school to explain everything however that didn't keep fear from growing inside of her at the thought of what could be held in store for her. Sighing she tried to will herself to fall asleep although after several minutes she realized that it was a futile attempt.
Sighing she got up and headed downstairs to where Celestia was still sitting, doing something on a laptop. Sunset set down beside of her, chuckling a little when the older woman jumped in surprise at the sudden addition of weight on the couch.
“Can't sleep?” the older of the pair guessed as she turned her attention to the girl who just shrugged.
“It's just, I'm a little nervous about going to school tomorrow. I know that I don't have to but I feel like I should be there if someone does come out of the portal.” Sunset answered, earning a small sigh from her adoptive mother.
“Chrysalis is going to be working at the school trying to trace where these posts from this Anon-A-Miss is coming from. Her three sons agreed to pass up as students. Pharynx, and Kevin as seniors and Thorax being in your grade himself. You will have someone there to make sure no one tries anything.” Celestia announced after a brief silence as she turned her attention back to the computer.
“How did you meet Chrysalis anyway? If you don't mind me asking.” Sunset asked, not really wanting to think about the whole mess with anon-a-miss and the crazy weather. “I mean, her and Luna are close but you two have to get along somewhat, right?”
Celestia chuckled at the statement and nodded. “Chrissy and I did hang out a lot when we were younger, although after what happened with Luna we kinda butted heads for a while though to be honest, Chrissy was trying to tell us both to grow up.”
One glance at the teenager and the principal could tell that Sunset was curious about what had happened between them but knew she wouldn't ask. She still is afraid that I am going to become irritated with her for the simplest things. Celestia realized, reaching over and putting an arm around the redhead's shoulders.
Do I let her know about what happened? What if it makes her start over thinking things? Celestia debated rather or not to just up and tell her, after all, it would come up some time anyway or Sunset would find out some other way. It would be better if I was the one who told her about this sort of thing. I mean, I am her mother now.But I guess I should just let her ask. She needs to know that I am not going to bite her head off for any little thing.
Feeling Sunset lean against her Celestia turned her full attention back to her work, though every once in a while she would glance over at the girl to make sure she didn't seem like she was in pain.
“Mom?” the word still felt odd to her, however, there was no malice or more disapproval on Celestia's face. “Something was wrong with Luna earlier today but I got the vibe that she didn't want to talk about it so I thought I would ask you if you knew.” she began, unsure if she was being too nosy or not.
Celestia went rigid at the question, her mind going into a whirlwind at what she should do or say in this situation. Do I tell her the truth? About why I was so worried to the point that I annoyed her with my fussing. Luna knew I was afraid that something would happen and I'd lose Sunset and maybe I am being selfish with this whole thing but...
“You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I just figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.” Sunset's voice snapped her from her thoughts and drew her attention to the downtrodden girl.
“No Sunset, it's okay. It's just that we both kind of went into shock when Rainbow Dash told us that you were hurt.” Celestia soothed although she was unsure how to approach this topic.
“I think my mind automatically went to the worse case scenarios that it could think up and I think Luna was worried about the both of us.”
Sunset tried to make sense of what the woman was saying but only could tell by how that Celestia paused every so often that she didn't really want to talk about it.
“I'm sorry I worried you two so much.” Sunset said instead of pushing farther for the answer as she gave the woman a hug with her good arm. “and I'm sorry I asked, you can just tell me if you don't want to talk about something. I promise it won't hurt my feelings.”
She relaxed when Celestia returned the hug, the familiar warmth that seemed to surround the older woman quickly washing away her nervousness about this whole situation.
“Sunset, there is nothing to be sorry for and we will have to have this conversation eventually but not tonight, does that sound fair? After all this craziness is over I'll answer your questions because I'd rather you hear all of this from me. But one stressful situation at a time, alright?” Celestia's response wasn't what Sunset expected at all, though it was more than enough for the former pony.
“You don't even have to tell me if you don't want to. I mean you never forced me into telling you or Luna anything that would bother me.” Sunset stated softly, remembering how patient and soft-spoken they both had been when she had finally spilled her guts after Discord had tricked her.
“Like I said we will talk about all of this later, when we both can just sit down and relax. But as of right now, it's late and we both need sleep if we're going to handle all the craziness.” Celestia responded, smiling slightly in spite of everything.
To say that she was nervous would have been an understatement for Sunset Shimmer as she got ready for school that following day. Her heart felt as if it was about to blow from her chest and her hands shook as she attempted to button up the shirt that she had decided on.
Calm down. Mom said that she was going to put protective measures into place, whatever that means in a high school setting. But what if something goes wrong? I can't possibly fight back in the condition I'm in. What if....her thoughts were drowned out by a heavy knocking at her door.
“Are you okay in there?” Celestia's voice came from behind the door causing the teen to sigh.
“Yeah, I'm just finishing up with my hair.” Sunset responded, although it wasn't quite the truth because she had just been staring at her reflection for several minutes, lost in thought. What if the princess and Twilight doesn't believe it's not me and the girl's haven't called or even texted since school day before yesterday...What if they hate me now too?
Tears stung her eyes at that thought but she tried to hold them back. Keep it together Sunset, You can't let people see how badly this whole thing is bothering you. You already have been needy enough toward Celestia and Luna....Although that didn't turn out anywhere near as badly as you thought it would. But it's not like anyone else would care, most people would probably celebrate making you feel like shit.
She was so preoccupied that she didn't hear the door open until a hand gently cupped around the back of her neck, electing a squeak in response though she relaxed when she saw Celestia's amused reflection in the mirror.
“I thought you said that you were trying to fix your hair. It looks like a rat's nest.” Celestia commented teasingly as picked up the brush and carefully began to untangle the girl's two-toned hair.
“Shut up.” Sunset winced at how pathetic that she sounded get it together, you sound like a scared little foal. If you want to prove to everyone that it's not you have to stand your ground and not let them get to you. You have to fight even if it hurts. She scolded herself mentally, angrily brushing away a stray tear
that made it's way down her cheek.
“Chrysalis has arranged for someone to be with you in every class, basically like a body guard. She said two you should feel like you can trust.” Celestia said, trying to take the teen's mind off of whatever was making her upset. “you do still have friends, although everything seems to be turning to choas around you.” she reminded her, earning a glare from the teen who whirled around to face her.
“Like who? My so called friends who hasn't even texted me to see how I'm doing? The blowhard who probably is pretending to be my friend in order to get something?” Sunset yelled, fists clenched as she tried to control herself.
Celestia's eyes widened slightly as she took a step away from the teen, not out of fear of the girl herself however there was an odd warmth to the air around her, something that made the hair on Celestia's neck stand on end. What is going on? She wondered as she watched as what seemed to be golden sparks sparkle briefly around the girl.
“Sunset, perhaps you are over thinking things?” Celestia suggested, forcing herself to return to the teen's side and kneeling beside of her on the chair. “Perhaps the storm caused an issue on their street? We do live in the upper part of town after all.” she reminded her gently, wincing as one of the sparks touched her skin, though to the instructor's surprise it didn't burn even though it looked like embers.
“But everyone hate's me! Ever since this fucking Anon-a-miss...” Sunset trailed off, tears beginning to fall as she hung her head, ashamed for her outburst. “Sorry, I shouldn't...” she half expected Celestia to scold her, although to her surprise arms gingerly wrapped around her.
“I know this has been hell for you Sunset, I know that you've tried to keep a brave face about all of this. Please don't keep everything inside anymore because it will just eat you up inside.” The response caught the redhead off guard, whatever she had been ready to say dying in her throat as she glanced up at her adoptive mother.
“But I...How can I do anything if anyone thinks I'm too pathetic to...” she forced out the question, though Celestia just narrowed her eyes slightly, though they were still gentle behind the slightly stern expression.
“You are anything but pathetic Sunset. You have been put through things that a lot of people wouldn't have survived and you have been hurt more than any person should ever be. Now don't let me ever hear you put yourself down like that again because it's not true, my girl.” Celestia's voice never left it's usual soothing tones, even as seriousness colored it.
“But I feel pathetic.” she confessed softly earning a sigh.
“You're not, what you've been through...I would have completely given up.” Celestia replied, pressing a kiss to her temple before adding “You can still back out if you want to. It's completely up to you.”
“I don't want to go but I have to. I'm the one who asked Princess Celestia for help and I should be there.” Sunset answered, wiping a hand across her eyes.
“alright, but you know you can come to my office at any time during the day if things get too tough, right?” Celestia reminded her in a gentle tone as she stood, picking up the brush and returning her attention to brushing the girl's hair.
“I know Mom...And I can't thank you enough for all the support that you've given me.” Sunset replied, forcing a smile though she was nervous.
“there is no need to to thank me for anything Sunset.”
“Has anyone heard from Sunset Shimmer? I tried to call her yesterday before the power went out but evidently the phone lines are messed up because all I got was static and a strange beeping noise.” Rainbow Dash complained as she met with her friends in front of Pinkie Pie's locker the next morning.
“Nope. This weather has played havoc out at my place. Even our landline is out.” Applejack responded
“My cell service is fried.”
“I haven't had signal since before lunch day before yesterday.”
Fluttershy sighed as she heard this “I tried but all I got was a busy signal. You don't think she was hurt worse than we thought, do you?” she asked, causing the others to exchange looks as a silence passed over them, none wanting to think about what that would have implied.
“Hey, she survived a rainbow blast to the face...she can survive anything.” Trixie commented, causing the five other girls to nearly jump out of their skin at the sudden voice.
“Trixie! When the heck did you get here?” Rainbow Dash demanded as she turned toward the magician who was just causally putting things in her locker, as if she wasn't talking to the other girls at all.
“like ten minutes ago, I agreed to come in at the same time as Vice Principal Luna in to help her with the camera system.” The magician responded, smirking at as they stood there too dumbfounded to speak so she continued: “Trixie's mother went to school with the principals.”
“Just what are you up to Trixie? There is no way that you are just playing little miss perfect for nothin'.” Applejack stated, earning an eye roll from the platinum haired girl.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie always has a trick up her sleeve doesn't she? Maybe you should worry less about what I am up to and more into what is going on with Sunset Shimmer. After all, she hasn't told you anything about her personal life yet has she?”
With that she walked off, leaving the girls with their thoughts.
“What do you think that meant? That Sunset is Anon-a-miss? Ah swear Ah hardly understand anything that comes out of that girl's mouth.” AJ questioned, earning a sigh from Rarity.
“I don't think she meant anything about Anon-a-miss, I think she meant Sunset's personal life, Darling. Though my question is why did Sunset tell that.....egotist....and not us? Aren't we her friends?”
“I think we're over thinking things, I bet it's just because she is afraid of what we'll say or think if we find out that she has been adopted or something.” Pinkie Pie stated, earning a weird look from everyone but Fluttershy.
“Why should she be afraid of our reactions just because she got adopted? I think it's a good thing if she did!” the soft spoken girl replied, though before Pinkie could say anything else Rainbow cut her off.
“You're right, she has mentioned a foster Mom lately and has been acting weird when we talked about her family. I just wonder why. You don't think she's being abused or something do you? I mean, I know people who's parents suck and they didn't tell anyone until their aunt found out!”
Sunset slowly approached her friends, not sure if they would want her around or not, after all why wouldn't they return any of her texts? As she got closer to them Sunset could hear that they were talking about her, which caused her heart to sink.
I knew it, they blame me too. She thought, however just as she was about to turn and walk away she heard what Rainbow said next, anger in her voice: “I swear if I find out someone's been hurting her I'm going to kick their ass! She's been through a hell of a lot of shit. She doesn't deserve all this shit that's been happening!”
Wait, they still want to be my friend? Even with all this stuff that's been happening? The redhead wondered, not quite believing what she was hearing although she forced herself to walk over to her friends. “Hey guys.” she said, only to find herself yelping in both surprise and pain as Pinkie practically tackled her in a hug.
“Sunset! You're okay. When none of us could get hold of you yesterday we started to worry that you were admitted in the hospital!” the hyperactive girl stated, earning a small laugh from Sunset at the irony of that statement.
“No, I got to go home a few hours after they put the cast on my arm and to be honest I kinda thought that you guys didn't want to talk to me anymore with all this anon-a-miss stuff going on.” Sunset confessed while Applejack pulled Pinkie off of her.
“Why would we do that Dear? It's not like you are anon-a-miss...although I must say I do want to ask you what you told Trixie that you wouldn't tell us.” Rarity stated, earning a groan from the former unicorn.
“I am going to kill her.” Sunset muttered before adding louder for her friends “Come with me to the front office, I'll explain everything and before you ask...No. No one abuses me at home and Rainbow, you really need to learn how to whisper. Like seriously.”
Following Sunset to the office the girl's couldn't help but wonder just why they had to go there for Sunset to tell them whatever it was that she had told Trixie.
“Hey Raven, Can I get you to do me a favor?” Sunset caught all of their attention by calling the secretary by her first name, although the dark haired woman just smiled slightly and glanced toward the rest of the group before nodding.
“Of course that depends on what it is. You know your Mom would kill me if I let you and your friends skip.” Raven responded, earning a chuckle.
“It's nothing like that, I just wanted to ask you if you could call Spitfire and Soarin and ask them to keep watch on the statue outside, Mom and I are expecting some company today.”
With a nod Raven let them inside the still empty office before Sunset turned toward the other girls.
“aren't we going to be in trouble for coming in here without permission?” Fluttershy asked as Sunset shut the door.
“Nah, I'll just explain why we came in here to begin with. Besides not the whole school can know what I'm about to tell you.” the former pony began, earning an curious look from everyone
“And that is?” Applejack prompted, causing her to sigh.
“The reason that Celestia had my phone and seems overly interested in everything that happens involving me is because....She adopted me.”
“What!”
Everyone spoke at once, causing Sunset to groan and cover her ears. Well at least no one fainted...But I think I'm going to need hearing aids after this.
Sunset felt as if she would be sick as she stood there in front of the portal, watching as the surface shimmered and glowed as if it was a liquid besides a solid. She felt as if she was being crushed. Moving closer to Principal Celestia's side the pony turned teen took the woman's hand, trying to regain some form of composure.
The first to come out of the portal was a familiar figure of Spike, followed by Twilight who promptly fell over which prompted everyone to rush over to help her, although Sunset stayed rooted where she was too nervous to really move from the spot because the portal began to glow again.
Sunset would have thought it would have been hard to distinguish either of the Celestias from each other, however, as she saw her former mentor step out of the glowing statue she instantly could tell the difference between them because Princess Celestia seemed to still radiate power although her body no longer showed it.
Why did she come? Just to rub it in my face that her best student is better than I am? Sunset couldn't help but think, although she knew it wasn't exactly true. She never did offer to help me before...Just give me those stupid hints and riddles that I had to figure out myself! I was just a filly! Sometimes I just needed someone there to talk to, someone who cared enough to see Sunset Shimmer the pony not Sunset Shimmer the girl with untapped potential.
The amber-skinned girl felt her anger grow as she took in Princess Celestia's human appearance. Even the portal made her look like she was better than everyone else...Who in this town besides Filthy Rich's family can afford clothes made out of silk and Jewelry made of pure gold? I just wish she knew what a regular pony felt for once! To know what it's like to be so lonely that you would do anything just to have someone look your way!
Suddenly the portal began to shimmer once again, confusing Sunset because after all who else was there to come? The elements of harmony? She guessed, though to her surprise it was a woman dressed in a black, shimmering dress that seemed to change colors as she moved.
Is that princess Luna? What is she doing here? Panic began to set in then, forcing the air out of Sunset's lungs as her mind began to whirl with possibilities and the world went black.
The first thin Sunset became aware of was someone yelling from another part of the room. The second thing, a hand gently running over her non-broken arm.
“How are you feeling?” Her aunt's voice asked softly, causing her to glance up although she still felt a bit woozy.
“Kinda dizzy. What happened?” the teenager answered, sitting up only to find that she was in the nurse's station although Redheart was nowhere to be seen. “where is everyone else?”
“Princess Luna went with the others to try to figure out what to do about our Equestrian storm spirit problem and Chrysalis went back to her computers in the main office and I think Tempest went with her.” Vice-Principal Luna answered calmly before glancing up at the two Celestia's that were fighting by the door.
“And those two....Well....They've been at it since you passed out.”
This, of course, caused Sunset to turn her attention to her adoptive mother and former mentor in time to hear:
“Don't play dense, Princess. Don't try to make me honestly believe that you don't know what I am talking about or why Sunset ran away in the first place.” The principal responded, earning a surprised look from her doppelganger.
“I honestly don't. I mean I know I pushed Sunset hard in her studies and I maybe wasn't as patient as I should have been...” Princess Celestia began, however, this time the redhead cut her off.
“You don't know? Don't you remember how you literally pushed me away a few times just because I tried to hug you in some area where somepony could see? You don't remember confining me to my quarters for days just because I played some silly prank on you?”
Her voice shook with every word, both anger and hurt causing tears to rise into the former unicorn's eyes. “You were so nice at first...Helping me when I needed it, but that all changed. You got so distant so fast...and I was still so young....What did I do? What did I do to make you avoid me?”
The whole room was silent as Sunset glared up at the princess.
“I know I expected too much, that I messed up and I continue to mess up but I was just a kid! If I did something that made you feel like I was disrespectful or something I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything! But....back then....I saw something in you that I didn't have....family.”
“Sunset, you had your aunt and uncle and surely....” Princess Celestia began, only to be cut off again by the distraught teenager.
“Oh yeah, I totally had an aunt and uncle. They barely wrote me and when they did it was to remind me that I had to be good at magic or else I'd be a failure! They never wanted me! My aunt even said it to my face, twice! Why do you think I didn't go home for hearths-warming? I got tired of seeing Sunburst get showered with praise and affection when if I got anything like that, it was literally a 'good job'.”
her eyes spilled over as she paused for a breath before continuing:
“Do you know what I would have done just to have anypony to say they were proud of me? To have someone to run to when things got too hard? You were always saying that it was disrespectful how I acted toward you, Did you ever remove your head from so far up your own ass to notice that I looked up to you more than anypony else in Equestria? But the only person you cared about was Cadence.”
Princess Celestia felt her stomach flinch as she realized just what had truly happened between her and Sunset all that time ago, her mind flashing back to one of the less pleasant memories she had of the filly.
“Sunset I didn't realize...I just...”
For once the sun princess was at a loss for words.
“How did you not notice just how much you meant to the girl? She accidentally called you mom!” The Principal snapped, her voice and eyes harder than Sunset had ever heard them, even the night that she had been caught by Kibitz.
“Do you know what having something like that get out would cause? Do you know how much stress it would put on her if I had let...” the princess didn't have time to defend herself before Principal Celestia snapped back once again cutting her off.
“I know that you don't let love be dictated by what other people expect of you! Even if you end up badly hurt later because of it!”
A heavy silence settled over the room after that, though Sunset couldn't keep those early months at Canterlot high out of her mind.
“Tell everything Sunset. She hurt you...She deserves to face what she has done just like you had to face what you have done.”Sunset heard the demon's voice at the back of her mind prompting almost gently.
“but Mom and Aunt Luna doesn't deserve to know about that...it would hurt them too badly.”Sunset thought back, earning a sigh from the winged beast.
“Would you rather they find out now or in an outburst?”
“You didn't have to be my mother if that's how you felt.” Sunset began, closing her eyes to keep more tears at bay “All I really wanted was you to treat me like family like you did Candace, although having a mom would have been a dream come true. I just wanted you to look at me the same way you did Candace, to play around and spend time with me just as Celestia, not the princess. I use to watch you two fly around the gardens and dream of the day I became an alicorn...because I thought then...I could finally win your approval. That you would finally l-love me.”
“Tell the rest. You'll feel better to get it all out of your system.”
Sunset ignored the demon as she buried her face into her arms, sobs shaking her body.
“I can't.”
“Of course you can.”
Princess Celestia watched as her human counterpart moved to sit beside the teen on the bed, whispering something that only the girl could hear. I pushed Luna away the same way...I pushed her away because of my ego and then I pushed Sunset away because I was afraid what the Royals would think.
I should have paid more attention to Sunset, I should have noticed that she was struggling with a lot of things and I failed her. I failed her just like I failed Luna.
Swallowing back the emotions that she felt she opened her mouth to speak, although it took a minute for anything to come out.
“Sunset I am so sorry.” Was all that the sun princess could manage, however, she found herself meaning those words about twenty times more as Sunset finally made eye contact with her, her expression so heartrending that Celestia had to look away.
“The night I ran away...you had told me that you regretted accepting me as your student and that if I didn't stop acting like I did you were going to ship me back home. You always reminded me of how many times I messed up....but didn't you ever stop and think that I just wanted attention when I did those things? Hearing both you and my aunt tell me that I was a regret...it hurt. I didn't know why I was so unlikable. I couldn't keep friends, and the two people I wanted to be proud of me hated me. That's why I ran away.”
Vice-Principal Luna had sat silently for the whole part of the mostly one-sided conversation, unsure of what to say during any of this, although if Sunset's grip on her hand had been any indication, the poor girl had been terrified to even speak those words.
“And before you decide to bring up the crown...Sunset already took the beating for that. Those elements and the crown left their mark. My sister and I tended to her injuries ourselves and my Celestia had to deal with the night terrors.” she said in an even, low voice that held no emotion as she gauged the princess's reaction.
“What? You were hurt? What happened?”
I see she does care for Sunset, she just sucks at showing it. Perhaps in time this rift between them can heal, but perhaps not right now....it's still a raw spot for Sunset. Not many people would notice the difference in her tone of voice, it is slight...At least I know where Sunset got her talent at hiding her emotions from. She thought as Sunset responded to the princess's question.
“I turned into a bat-winged raging demon and almost committed regicide. You want to put me on trial for that too?”
“I didn't come here to judge you Sunset, I came here because....I was worried about you. I was terrified at the thought of what could have happened to you. I know I wasn't the best teacher in the world but I did—do care about you. I was just too stupid to show it.”
Sunset wanted to believe those words but something about them felt hollow to her. Why is she just now saying this if that was true? She never said anything like that back then.
“Yeah right! I came back after two years...I actually came back but the first thing I saw was you and Twilight Sparkle making some kind of game out of a training exercise. Did you tell her that you knew exactly what her cutie mark meant? Was that why you replaced me so easily? Because you knew that I wasn't an element bearer?”
Getting up from the bed although both members of her new family protested, Sunset met the princess's hurt expression with a glare.
“I'm sorry I don't quite believe that, Princess! Do you know what it's like to cry yourself to sleep every night for a week? To wish that you were dead because that would be better than what you were feeling? Because guess what princess, my first week in this world was pure hell! I was hungry, cold, had nowhere to go and all I could think about was that you hated me! Before I started at CHS I actually tried.”
The implications of the words hung heavy in the air as Sunset rushed from the room, questions running through everyone's mind.
“Oh my stars....I...” Princess Celestia's mask of calm crumbled as she sank into a chair that was nearby. “I never meant to hurt her, I was just so angry at her that night...I spoke without thinking and when I went to apologize I found that she was gone and the guards near the mirror unconscious.” she said, face buried in her hands.
“Sunset may act like she's tough and impassive but that girl is basically controlled by her emotions. She overthinks things. I know she made mistakes, which I won't make excuses for but I can tell you, from what I saw even back when she first came here. She was just a scared kid....Looking to belong somewhere.” Luna responded, her voice void of all emotion as she stood up and glanced toward the two other women before walking out.
Let's hope that girl doesn't try anything stupid....I might just put my foot up that Princess's ass if I hear any more of what went on in Sunset's head. She thought as she walked, trying to figure out where the best place to start looking for her niece would be. I hope my sister doesn't flip out on the princess too badly, but after Sombra caused her to miscarry all those years ago. I am afraid to know just how protective of Sunset that Celestia is going to be.
“And you guys are sure that Sunset isn't this anon-a-whatever? I mean didn't she do something like this before?” Twilight Sparkle asked, earning a sigh from Applejack.
“Yeah, but she didn't make it painfully obvious. Besides that, she was grounded when this whole thing started.” the farm girl responded, earning a confused look.
“She has a family over here? How did that happen?” Twilight questioned, earning a sigh.
“That...Is a long story that I think Sunset should tell you.” Rainbow Dash replied, glancing over Chrysalis's shoulder at the list of street addresses where IP addresses where located.
“Whoa! Hang on! Is that the address where this Anon-a-miss is posting from?” she asked, earning a sigh from the dark-skinned woman.
“yes. Why?” Chrysalis questioned, raising a brow at the athlete.
“Whoa, hold on! I sent in an embarrassing picture of Snips and Snails but I did not make up anon-a-miss!” Scootaloo stated as Rainbow Dash pinned her to the wall by the shoulder.
“Do you know who is behind the web-page? You and your friends have been acting weird ever since this mess got started!” the prism-haired girl demanded, not backing down although the younger girl looked almost ready to cry.
“Why do you care so much about Sunset anyway? She was nothing but mean to anyone!” The purple haired girl demanded, earning a sigh.
“Because not only did I make a promise but because as we were hanging out with her, I realized something. She was terrified. Of what, I don't know but I bet being in a world she didn't understand didn't help. Now, who the hell is behind it? I know you know Scoots.”
“fine, I'll tell you but I need Sweetie and Bloom here to explain how it got started....That much we do know but we were sworn to secrecy.”
“All I care about is putting a stop to this before someone else gets badly hurt! Sunset's already gotten beaten up over this whole thing!”
“Wait, what? Was that what everybody was talking about?”
Sunset didn't know how long that she had set on the roof, trying to ignore the rain that pelted down against her as she tried to keep her mind off of the conversation that she had just had with Princess Celestia. How could I have just told everyone about that? She thought angrily as she brushed away a stubborn stream of tears.
She was so lost in thought and emotions that she didn't even notice when the rain stopped beating against her until she felt a hand lightly touch her.
“What are you doing all the way up here freezing your ass off?” Chrysalis asked, sliding down beside Sunset while Tempest wondered off some ways, giving them privacy.
“Because I just can't handle anyone right now!” Sunset snapped her answer, earning a sigh from the woman who just remained quiet for some time before speaking again
“You know, those two are still arguing or were when I left the Lunas trying to deal with that mess and although I would love to see that fight, I don't think I want to deal with that Celestia again for a very long time but trust the person who used to make money by reading people...They both care about you. One just sucks at showing it and the other is an idiot...Take your pick at which is who.”
this earned a bit of a chuckle from the girl, although she didn't seem any calmer.
“I think the princess is both.” she confessed, feeling her heart speed up slightly at the words.
Did I just insult Princess Celestia? What the heck is wrong with me?
“With what little I heard from our Celestia...Yeah, I agree.”
Tempest stood off at a distance, watching the scene with a slight smirk. She acts like a complete asshole but Chrysalis actually has a heart buried in there somewhere. The young woman thought in amusement as she listened to bits and pieces of their conversation. I wonder if she ever let Discord come back over yet?
“Do you think I'm being too hard on Celestia...Um...The princess?” Sunset asked after a few minutes, earning a scoff.
“No way in hell kid. She deserves to understand just how what she did affect you, however...I do think that you need to talk with her about it without screaming, she was pretty upset earlier so maybe she doesn't hate you as much as you seem to believe.” Chrysalis stated, brushing some wet hair out of Sunset's face.
“Now let's get out of this rain. I think Rainbow Dash has something to tell you anyway. Something about Anonymous.”
That got Sunset's attention, causing the girl's eyes to grow wide and turn toward her.
“Really? What? Did you find out who did it?” She asked
“I'm not for sure but I do know that we hit a lead.”
“You don't understand the stress I was under. You don't know what it's like to have to banish your own sister and just hope that you didn't kill her.” Princess Celestia suddenly said as a silence fell over the office where Princess Luna had practically exiled the pair until they could get it together.
“maybe not but that is no excuse, just like Sunset has no excuse for acting like some kind of dictator either. You chose to push her away, just like I chose to ignore my sister and friends all those years ago when they tried to point out what should have been obvious. It literally took losing everything for me to realize that I couldn't just let what other people wanted me to do control me...That my feelings mattered as well.”
A silence fell over them so thick that one could cut it with a knife as both mulled over what had just been said.
“What exactly happened after the dance? I recall that Sunset Shimmer did not usually trust easily...yet she seems to trust you and your sister.” the sun princess asked after a few minutes, earning a sigh from her human counterpart.
“She was an emotional wreck after the dance, although she did her best when she and her two accomplices were tasked with cleaning up some of the mess they had made. Even though Sunset was in pain, she didn't let anyone know about it. Not until Luna and another student noticed the blood.” Principal Celestia said, sighing as she closed her eyes as she remembered how difficult those injuries were to treat since the girl had insisted she didn't need help.
“The elements injured her?” The princess's voice said, obviously distressed.
“Sunset doesn't believe it was the elements but the transformation...that some lingering magic kept her from healing since if it was the blast itself it would have caused even more damage than just some scrapes. You see when she used the...crown...She turned into something...different.”
Princess Celestia remained silent as the principal continued, closing her eyes as she tried not to imagine the filly that she had practically raised being put through that much pain.
“how is she now? Did it leave any lasting effects?” she had to ask, although she was afraid to know the answer.
“The only lasting effects besides being sore for a while and the massive attitude change was that it left her vulnerable. She told us that the blast basically forced her to feel everything that she had been trying not to feel and it left her a shell of her former self.” the principal answered, finding no reason to lie to the former alicorn that was seated in front of her.
“Why did you choose to take her in? After what happened I know that some people would disagree with your decision?”
Principal Celestia closed her eyes as she thought about how to answer that
“I couldn't have forgiven myself if I had just let her deal with that alone. She was completely alone in this world with no one to help her when she needed it. There was no guarantee that Twilight's friends would accept her and she needed someone who could help her if needed. I had no plans on adopting her but that choice wasn't left up to me.” she finally replied.
“But you did, obviously since she called you Mom.” the Princess pointed out, earning a ghost of a smile.
“I did. First, it was just for legal reasons even though I did grow to care for her rather quickly. I didn't want to pressure her. I don't think either of us noticed that the feeling was mutual.” the principal's response caused Princess Celestia to sigh.
“I know I have been horrible to the girl...although at the time I didn't realize just how much I was hurting her. I am glad that she has someone like you in her life. The girl deserves a lot better than either her adoptive parents or I had ever given her.”
“It's easy to tell yourself that something you are doing isn't that bad or even 'for the best' without thinking about the consequences. I should know, I did the same thing to my sister that you did with Sunset...and you said that I didn't know how it felt to banish my sister? You don't know how it feels to wake up after being in an induced coma for a week only to find that you're the reason your sister was kicked out of the house. Luna didn't even speak to me until I ended up in the hospital again, this time because of Sombra.”
“Hold up Principal Luna! I did not hire anyone to hurt her! I mean, sure we all came up with the idea for Anon-a-miss as a way to get back on her but it spiraled out of control! We meant to show her how it felt when she was causing everyone to hate each other, not have her almost killed!” Crimson Napalm stated
“Then why didn't one of you shut the site down when things started going south? Do you know how many people die over stupid stunts such as this?” Luna demanded, earning a sigh from Duke.
“We tried! But someone got hold of the password.” another boy, Duke stated.
Chrysalis had been standing at the back of the room with a hand on Sunset's shoulder to keep her quiet. How pathetic, not only was this big of a mess caused by six brainless apes with a computer but it acted as a catalyst for whoever hired the Diamond dog boys. She thought as she spoke for the first time since entering the room.
“How foolish are you? Not only for starting this shit on the internet, to begin with but not keeping the password under lock and key? Do you realize what could have happened or how much legal trouble that you could be in, should miss Shimmer or her guardians wanted to push it to the full extent of the law?”
The whole room grew quiet at that so the hacker continued:
“Someone could have died! How would any of you guys have felt if Sunset or any other student affected by that account committed suicide?”
damn, and Celestia compares me to Mrs. Potts. Luna thought as held up a hand, cutting Chrysalis off.
“all nine of you can return to class but you can expect to hear about this again before the end of the day...and know that none of you are to have access to the school's computers or internet for the rest of the school year and that is just the start!”
After everyone left Sunset glanced up nervously at Luna who groaned and put her face into her hands.
“Um...Aunt Luna?” she began, earning a sigh.
“What Sunset?”
The teen glanced down again as she asked: “You're not going to press charges are you?”
Chrysalis arched a brow at the teen, crossing her arms over her chest as she regarded the almost trembling girl in front of them.
“And why shouldn't they push this to the full extent? They could have caused someone to die!”
The question caused Sunset's blood to run cold, not because of the implications of what could have happened but because of what had almost happened the night of the fall formal.
“Because they didn't even expel me and what I did was just as bad if not worse! It wouldn't be fair to give me a chance to shape up after years of abuse and then have them arrested or whatever just because of a few weeks!”
Chrysalis didn't know what to say to that but Luna stood, moving to put a hand on Sunset's shoulder.
“We'll talk to Tia about how to deal with all of this and see what she thinks will be appropriate. Does that sound fair to you?”
Sunset managed a nod, the stress catching up to her as tears pricked at her eyes and caused her to bury her face into the woman's clothing. I made a fool out of myself multiple times today, now there's no way Princess Celestia will forgive me now...not after how rude I was earlier and now Mom knows just how screwed up I am I'll be lucky if she ever looks at me the same way again.
"I'll take her home, it's been a long day for her." Chrysalis said after a few minutes however suddenly a knock came at the door before it opened to reveal Princess Luna.
"May I speak with Sunset Shimmer for a moment? I promise I do not wish to cause any more harm than what has already been done."
Princess Luna knew that the amber-skinned girl was afraid to come with her, and all for good reason. With both the stories of nightmare moon and the fact that she was Celestia's sister Luna understood Sunset's timidness however that didn't keep her from leading her to the privacy of an empty classroom.
“calm down Sunset Shimmer, You are not in any trouble with me.” she tried to assure the teen as she took a seat in front of her, putting them on both the same level. “I know how the elements and guilt can affect someone and I know that when I was recovering that I wished that I had someone to speak to about it.”
This caught Sunset off guard. Had princess Luna been in her position? Was that why Luna hadn't been around when Sunset had lived at the palace.
“Can I ask a question, Princess?” She asked, earning a nod.
“Of course Sunset Shimmer. However there is no need to be so formal with me, I do not bite.” Even in the formal way that the princess spoke, Sunset could hear the lightness easing in the former mare's tone.
“Sorry, it's just...You're princess Luna and I'm just....well me.” Sunset answered, whimpering a little when the princess of the night narrowed her eyes at her.
“Miss Shimmer, my rank matters not when it comes to whom I speak or do not speak with. Besides, just Sunset...you know more about this world than I do and I dare say that makes us equals here. Now, what is your question?”
Sunset bit her lip in nervousness as she debated rather or not just to bring out her question.
“Well...You said that you know how the blast feels. I was just wondering how you know...I mean, I know you and Princess Celestia used the elements to seal discord and that Celestia used them in the battle against Nightmare Moon....”
Luna didn't give the girl time to finish before she said: “That is why.”
“Nightmare Moon? Wait....Were you Nightmare Moon?” the teen wondered, eyes growing wide at the thought of someone so powerful, not to mention a royal falling under the spell of a negative energy.
“Yes child, I was. Would you like to hear my side of the story? Perhaps you will find that it relates in a way to your own.”
“I know I shouldn't judge so harshly but I really don't agree with Sunset's logic. Yes, she did do similar things however she never purposely put someone's life in danger.” Celestia sighed rubbing at her temples “I mean technically the magic corrupted her the night of the fall formal.”
“Yes and not only did it leave her humiliated but her back was in tatters due to the wings. I think that and all of this that has happened is more than enough to pay for those crimes. Although she is not getting out of detention until her time is up.” vice principal Luna responded, earning a nod.
“I know Luna, I was not trying to defend her and you know it. I just don't understand why she isn't angry about all of this.” Celestia sighed as she closed her eyes, remembering how the girl had cried at the thought of having to be put under, even if briefly. She remembered the girl needing a lot of affection the following few days because she was terrified.
“She has a moral compass. It may have been muddled when she first came here, but she wants to make things right and she understands that although she was possessed by the power the crown gave her, it was still sort of her own fault since she chose to steal it in the first place.” Luna answered as Chrysalis moved toward Celestia's side.
“I think you should at least semi allow the girl to have her way with this...But by no means make it easy for those brats. For instance, the idiots who are behind hurting her should at the very least pay the medical expenses.” The gray-skinned woman stated, crossing her arms over her chest as she added: “although I personally would be in favor of you to have their asses prosecuted.”
“I'm going to contact their parents and inform them of this situation. Chrissy, do you think you could print off all the names who sent something in to the site They'll get a lesser sentence but I need to make an example to show that bullying of no kind will be tolerated. After all, Sunset still has quite a ways to go with her detention sentence.” Celestia stated as she turned her attention to her computer “and Luna, I'll let you contact a lawyer...you know more people than I do.”
“Sure Tia, but I think you just broke miss. Moody here.”
Celestia looked up to see that Crysalis looked like she was in shock.
“uh...Crysalis? Are you okay?”
“Yeah ...But are you sure you're feeling alright Celestia? You never call me that anymore.”
Luna rolled her eyes at the pair before heading for the door “You two behave while I go try to figure out what a way to deal with our Anonymous mess without having a certain redhead on our cases. By the way, where is the Sun Princess and Twilight Sparkle at? Did they go back home already?”
“No, Twilight asked Celestia what was going on and why she and I were arguing so much. I think Celestia was going to tell her about what happened with Sunset.” the principal answered, earning a groan.
“I can't wait for this complicated mess is over. Sunset deserves a bit of a normal life, even if magic is somehow involved. I mean, I listened to the Night Princess talk about these...Windy-go things or whatever and if those things came from Equestrian that means that Equestrian magic is at work in this world now...and who knows where it'll pop up next.”
“I noticed that Sunset glowed this morning. She got really upset and it was almost like embers floating in the air around her but they didn't burn. Do you think that could be equestrian magic?” Celestia stated, prompting Luna to groan.
“first a winged demon, now who knows what! I have to admit that I do not want to deal with super-powered teenagers any more than we already have.”
“But what if I haven't changed? What if it only takes one thing to send me back on some kind of rampage?” Sunset asked, earning a chuckle from the princess.
“Sunset Shimmer, perhaps not all parts of your darker personality will vanish however with how you are now, I can easily see that you are not a monster. You see, certain things can grant the user incredible power, like the elements of harmony. However, should someone be ruled by negativity or greed it can take on a form of its own but in return, you lose yourself.” Luna explained calmly as she placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder, causing the younger girl to flinch.
“You said that the transformation left you...hurt after the battle. I think it was less about what you did and more about how small your magic reserves are in this world.” Luna continued, earning a surprised look
“but this world doesn't have magic!”
Luna chuckled at that and shook her head.
“Then explain to me why I keep feeling magic? It is very weak, nothing like one would feel while in a room of unicorn foals but it is there. Besides that, if magic didn't exist here then explain how five human teenagers were able to use the same powers as the elements of harmony?”
A heavy silence filled the room as Sunset tried to keep panic from building inside of her. What if I end up turning into that thing again? What if I am still that bad of a person and I end up hurting someone with magic?
“Are you ever afraid that you'll turn back into Nightmare Moon?”
Sunset regretted the question as soon as it left her lips, however to her surprise the former Alicorn just shook her head.
“No, I do not fear that I will truly become that creature once again. However, I do regret being that creature. Tell me, Miss. Shimmer. Do you ever find yourself wanting to do the same things that you did before? Do you ever want to cause harm to anyone?”
Sunset bit her lip as she hung her head “well I do want to punch certain people in the mouth sometimes.” she answered, half expecting the woman to tell her she would never change, however instead of an accusation she heard a chuckle.
“Yes well...that is a common feeling at times. It would just do you well not to act on it.” Princess Luna's response confused her. Wasn't anger what caused me to transform into that monster?
“Doesn't that mean that I am still a part of that thing?” Sunset asked, remembering what she had seen when she had been put into the trance by Zecora.
“That thing as you call it was a manifestation of the anger and bitterness that you felt. The only reason that the element of magic manifested itself in that form was because you were so caught up in your anger that you let it take over every other part of your personality. The same happened when I became Nightmare moon.” Luna explained calmly.
“I'm just glad that most of this mess is cleaned up. I mean seriously...” Spitfire commented later that day while she, Fleetfoot and Soarin sat outside, underneath a canopy that covered one section of the front lawn.
“I just wish that it would stop raining! I mean seriously, how can we expect to win the nationals this year if we can't practice!” Fleet complained, earning a chuckle from both of the other seniors.
“Fleet...The weather will change soon enough. Let's just enjoy one period where not everyone is fighting. I mean after Diamond Tiara and the others came clean about being behind that stupid website everything just kind of lapsed into a null.” Soarin commented, rubbing a hand through his hair in a slight irritation as he added:
“Have they found out who was behind the whole Diamond Dog issue?”
“Dunno. How about I go ask Rainbow Dash or someone within Sunset's inner circle? If the VP is going to tell anyone it's going to be one of those five...um...Six I guess if you count Trixie?” Spitfire responded as she got up from her seat.
“Trixie? Uh...How did that happen?” Fleetfoot asked, earning a shrug.
“No idea. I'm just glad that Trixie seems more keen on keeping people off Sunset's back than practically blowing herself up in the hallways with a smoke bomb.” Spitfire stated, “I don't want to have to hold my breath every time I walk down the hall because of some half-baked magician.”
“Wait, I don't understand why would you treat anypony like that? I mean, you saw what it caused Luna to do!” Twilight said, looking at the monarch with a narrowed gaze as if trying to see through anything that Celestia would say.
“I know Twilight. I should have seen the signs and on top of that I should have known better than to treat Sunset in the way that I did.” Celestia sighed I should have known something was up when she refused to go home for hearth's warming. I should have known that something was up when she would order Sunburst to leave her alone. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about how stupid that she had been.
“I didn't want to make her family think I was trying to step in. But I guess I should have.”
“You think?” Twilight snapped before sighing “Look, I'm sorry Princess Celestia but I just can't understand why you treated me the way you did but you were so distant with her.” Twilight added with a sigh.
“I oversaw previous colts and fillies education, however, I did not get directly involved. However, when I saw the pure magical talent in Sunset I thought about how she could have been one of the elements of harmony. So in a way she was the first student, I took on full time and it was hard not to enjoy her company but I felt myself getting too attached and...”
“And so you increased her workload and distanced yourself. Do you not understand how damaging that could have been? I mean it obviously did something to her to make her feel the need to run away!” Twilight stated then sighed and lowered her tone “I'm sorry I know it's not my place to say this but...”
“Don't worry Twilight. I needed to hear it. I didn't realize how badly it affected her until she blew up at me earlier. I just don't know what to do.” Celestia said as she added: “I wish there was a way that I could make things right, but I doubt that there ever will be.”
“I wouldn't say that...You never really know unless you try. Besides, neither of us know who Sunset Shimmer really do we?”
“Hold up! I admit I got in a fight with her but I did not hire someone to try to do something like that to her!” Thunderlane exclaimed “I mean I don't like the bitch but I am not going to go that far!” he stated, holding both hands up as he added, “I just wanted her to transfer schools so there wasn't any risk of her trying to become that controlling, manipulative asshole again.”
“You put manure on her desk!” Applejack pointed out, earning a sigh.
“Like I said, I was just trying to run her off from Canterlot High!”
Tempest sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose as she listened the to the five teen-aged girls interrogate the boy. “you idiots aren't going to get anywhere like this. Hang on, let me go find Thorax and Pharynx. Those two can blend in with anyone. If anyone can figure it out, they can.” she stated, rolling her eyes as she walked past them.
“Man, she's intense.” Pinkie Pie stated, earning a smirk from the raspberry skinned girl.
“Get it right, little miss Cotton candy. I'm just downright Prig.”
“Okay I have to ask, How the hell did Sunset Shimmer meet someone as scary as that? Is she even from Canterlot?” Thunderlane said once the raspberry haired girl was out of earshot.
'I'll have you know that Sunset Shimmer has more friends than people think! You and anyone else who thinks they can just treat her however they want have another thing coming!” Rarity responded, a sour look on her face as she regarded him.
“Yeah! I mean sure she did a lot of things before but that isn't who she is anymore!” Pinkie pie added in earning a scoff from Sweetie Drops who was standing in the hall.
“And how do you know that? How do you know that she isn't just using you?” she demanded, earning a sigh from Applejack.
“For one thing, what she has told us before...No one could just make a lie up on spot like that not even her.” the country girl stated, earning a scoff from Rainbow Dash who said:
“a lie? Sunset was almost crying and she is not that good of an actor either.”
Tempest sighed as she walked along the halls, noticing that Thorax was hanging out with some guy with green hair while Pharynx was standing with a group of jocks. Great...the guy was already a dickwad...Last thing we need is for him to go dickwad times ten. Tempest thought as she walked over to them.
“Who's the babe? Your girlfriend?”
Tempest didn't know if she wanted to punch this guy or puke at the comment, although she grabbed Pharynx's hand, pulling him away from them as she retorted “None of your damn business!”
“What the hell Shadow? We're supposed to be fitting in!” he demanded, earning a sigh from the taller girl.
“alright look, our lead which was Thunderlane flopped and we need to figure out who else could have been behind the whole thing.” Tempest whispered, earning a smirk.
“Why didn't you say so instead of pulling my arm off?” he retorted, fishing a phone out of his pocket and handing it to her “I caught that footage in Sunset's PE class...although I have no idea where that girl vanished to. She hasn't been in her last three classes.” he retorted, smirking a bit before adding
“You do realize that those guys are going to swear you're my girlfriend right?”
Tempest glared at him as she shoved the phone into the pocket of her leather jacket. “Don't you dare get any ideas from those dude bros over there. I am not dating you...Not in a million years!” she stated before leaving her longtime friend standing in the middle of the hall before she rushed toward the main office.
First I'll give this to Celestia or Luna, then I 'll go and try to find Sunset and I better find her in one piece.
Sunset sighed as she found a quiet place to herself as she tried to absorb what Princess Luna had said. It isn't the magic or even the emotions that made you a monster. The magic just manifested the emotions you felt strongest into what you became. It was similar to what Zecora had said but that sparked different worries. What if I can become that thing again?
Sighing she leaned back against the wall of the band room, knowing that she was probably going to get yelled at for skipping class later but at that moment she didn't care. We may have solved anon-a-miss but what about these Wendigos? How can we stop something magical like that when none of us have elements or magic? She wondered, sighing as she put her face in her hands. What did I get this world into? This is my fault.
Sighing she stood, making a beeline not only for the room's exit but for the door that led toward outside to the back of the school. I feel so stupid right now. Luna can feel magic in this world and despite the fact that I could feel brief flickers of magic I don't understand how it works here! I have no idea what to do or how to stop this storm and then there are the princesses and then Pinkie Pie expects us to do something for Halloween....
She didn't notice anyone approaching her until a hand touched her shoulder, causing her to look up however as soon as she did she flinched back as if she had been burned.
“Princess Celestia! What do you want?” she stammered, eyes narrowing although her heart hammered in fear. What if she is mad because of what I said in front of the others? What if she forces me back into the portal and banishes me into a dungeon somewhere?
“Calm down, I just want to talk with you. That is if you will let me.” the Princess answered, trying to hide her emotions when Sunset pulled away.
“Okay but I am not going anywhere.” Sunset replied, earning a gentle chuckle from her former teacher who motioned back toward the building.
“Not even inside out of the rain?”
Sunset blushed at that and rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment. “uh...yeah, sure.”
Princess Celestia followed the girl into the building and sighed once they were inside the band room. “Sunset, I know I am the last creature you want to talk to right now and I don't blame you. But I want to talk about what happened between us.” she began, earning a glare as Sunset's good hand tightened into a fist.
“I am not coming back to Equestria!” Sunset snapped, earning a slight smile.
“I know Sunset and that was not why I wanted to talk to you. I heard your story now will you listen to my side of it? I...I know nothing I can say is going to make up for what I did and didn't do back then but...”
Sunset didn't know what to say when she heard Celestia's voice waver slightly as she spoke. What the world? Is the Princess actually trying to have this conversation with me? She wondered.
“Don't, I get it....You were worried about your appearances, even more so since Princess Luna wasn't around and yes, your sister told me what really happened with Nightmare Moon.” Sunset replied with a soft sigh. She didn't want to have this conversation, not right now. Not when everything still hurt to think about.
“There was more to it than that Sunset.” The informality shocked the teen “I was afraid that I would overstep my boundaries as well as make the other's in the upper circles judge even more than they already did. I was a fool Sunset and I am sorry.” Celestia said in a soft voice.
“Princess...I...” Sunset was at a loss for words, one part of her wanting to tell the princess off but the other wanting to forgive her.
“I wanted to make sure that I didn't overstep one boundary or another. I had to stop myself from letting myself get to close to you. I was so blinded by my own desire to keep things formal that I didn't notice what you really needed.” Celestia continued.
She wasn't expecting Sunset to respond in any way however to her surprise the teen put a hand on Celestia's. “Can I speak? Please?”
“Of course.”
Sunset took a breath as she thought about how she needed to word this.
“I know I was a snide, arrogant, moron when I was studying under you...at least most of the time and I have a lot I need to apologize for and I'm not sure that I can be forgiven...I mean technically I was a traitor.” Sunset stated, her heart beginning to race once again and she felt bile rise into her throat.
“Sunset, stop. If I can forgive Luna for her mistakes then I can forgive you.” the sun princess stated removing her hand from Sunset's only to force the teen to look at her “You have no idea how much I missed you.”
Sunset couldn't keep the tears from stinging her eyes as she absorbed the words.
“You missed me? Why? I was just always under hoof...I acted like a complete spoiled brat...I don't understand.” she questioned, disbelief written across her face as she pulled away slightly so that she could avert her gaze.
“Sunset, you were not always such a brat and besides that, you were just trying to get attention...at least at first. What happened between us was just as much my fault as it was yours and I'm sorry.”
Sunset didn't say anything even though the words struck a nerve. Is she actually apologizing to me? Do I forgive her? Why does this sort of thing have to be so hard?
“Go with your gut dumb-ass.” her demon's voice rang clearly in her mind.
So without saying anything Sunset timidly put her good arm around the woman, holding her breath as she waited to be pushed away like so many times before. However, to her surprise the princess returned the embrace.
“I am so sorry.” They both spoke at once and Sunset felt as if the air had became lighter around her.
Luna felt bile rise into her throat as she listened to the video, closing her eyes as she tried to understand just how anyone could be so willing to injure anyone. Glancing over at Chrysalis she could tell that the dark-skinned woman was seething.
“Excuse me, I have an score to settle.” Tempest managed to growl out as she forced her way past them, pausing only to glare over her shoulder at Celestia who looked near tears “and someone call the fucking police. I don't give a damn if Sunset didn't want to press charges. The bastard turned eighteen last year, I saw his file!”
“Shouldn't one of you stop her?” Twilight asked, dodging the girl on her way through the door.
“It's not like she's going to kill him.” Chrysalis stated, crossing her arms across her chest as she added as if in an afterthought “Just make him wish he was dead.”
“So you're going to ignore what Sunset wants?” Twilight questioned, earning a sigh from Luna who replied.
“Sometimes what is fair or just isn't what is easy and Sunset is going to have to come to understand that.” Luna responded as she picked up the school's phone.
Tempest tried to calm herself down as she walked, after all, she didn't want to send him to the hospital. Calm down, Sunset would probably never speak to you again if you actually did more than breaking the bastard's nose. She reminded herself as she headed toward the gymnasium.
She didn't know how long that she had been waiting in the hall for the class to dismiss however as soon as she saw the sandy-haired boy she didn't give him time to register that something was off before she shoved him back into the lockers, the vents digging painfully into his back.
“So you think it's funny to almost kill somebody?” she snarled as she pressed her knee into his stomach. “I don't know what Celestia or Luna is going to do about this but I will say this. If anyone ever hurts her again...I am going to make you wish that you were never even born!”
She growled as she practically threw him to the floor as she forced him along, ignoring all the stares that she was getting.
“what the hell lady! You can't just...” Score stated, trying to force himself away from her however suddenly someone came out of nowhere and punched him in the ribs, causing him to double over.
“I hate bastards like you that are too big of a coward than to fight your own battles.” Pharynx stated before glancing over at Tempest.
“You okay?”
“Relax general. My arm isn't that weak.”
Sunset sighed as she sat walked into her history class, not looking forward to any of this since history was the one subject in this world that bored her more than anything else. After all, who wanted to hear about how people with different views ended up murdering each other?
“Here, I'll take your bag. That cannot be comfortable how you have it.” Trixie commented, surprising everyone who was sitting nearby.
“what are you doing?” one of her friends hissed, earning an eye roll from Trixie who took Sunset's bag.
“It's called helping a friend. Although Trixie doesn't understand why you care who Trixie considers a friend. It is not like Trixie can't defend for herself.”
Sunset couldn't help but glance down at the accusing tone in the other girl's voice, although it did surprise her that Trixie, of all people, was defending her. How is it that some of the people I treated the worse can forgive me so easily? I mean I went as far as locking Trixie in a room! She thought as she took a seat at her desk.
“Ignore her, she's just jealous that Trixie decided to be friends with you instead of spending all her time with her.” Trixie commented though the tone of the magician's voice told Sunset that it wasn't just her ego that made her say that.
“I don't exactly believe that's the whole picture but thanks...I appreciate it. But I don't want you to ruin your friendships because of me.” She stated, half expecting the magician to get up and walk away at that, however, Trixie just shrugged.
“If they can't handle the fact that I have more friends then it's their problem.”
The whole school seemed to be in chaos at lunch, though Sunset had no idea why. Everyone was talking in whispers and a whole bunch of people had gathered around Flash who seemed at a loss.
“Guys I have no idea why my dad is here, it's not like he involves me with his job!” he was saying.
“Do you think it had something to do with anon-a-miss?”
“Do you think that someone got hurt because of it?”
“maybe Sunset finally jumped.”
That last one stung, however to Sunset's surprise someone spoke up.
“Oh shut up, Don't you think Shimmer has been through enough? I mean seriously, first, some idiots shove her down the stairs which by the way, could have killed her and then they figured out that she wasn't behind that website Like seriously, hate her if you want to but stop with all the degrading shit.”
“See, not everyone is out to get you.”
shut up, you may just be a projection of my sub-conscience but shut the hell up.
“Flash? What's going on?” She asked, trying not to be nervous since she still didn't know if the boy was willing to even speak to her.
“My dad is here in full dressed uniform. I have no idea why though.” he answered, glancing away as if to level his thoughts before he added, “I heard about what happened, how are you doing?”
“I'm doing okay. um...Better now that I'm out of that moldy apartment. Want to come with me to the front office to figure out what's going on? Trust me when I say that Principal Celestia isn't going to mind too much.” Sunset answered awkwardly.
“Sure. I just better not have coffee poured over my head this time.” he responded watching as she blushed.
“Look, I'm sorry about all of that. I have been meaning to talk to you about all of that but everything else kept happening and I just...”
Flash arched a brow as he tried to take in what Sunset was saying, taking note of how embarrassed that she looked. Could she honestly mean any of the stuff coming out of her mouth right now? This is a different side to her than anyone usually saw before. He wondered but he didn't ask any of the questions that bubbled up in his mind.
“with anon-a-miss and everything else happening I understand why, especially with some of the more interesting rumors that have been drifting around.” he stated as he followed her.
Sunset froze in shock as she saw that Score was being escorted out by Flash Sentry's father.
“Chrysalis, what is going on?” Sunset asked, earning a sigh.
“I think you need to talk to Luna and Celestia about that.” the dark-skinned woman answered before walking off, followed by her two sons and Tempest.
Flash watched as Sunset stormed past Raven and threw open the door.
“Do I really want to know what set her off?” he asked the woman who sighed.
“From what I've seen these last few weeks...It could have been anything.”
Celestia rubbed at her temples as she listened to Sunset rant and rave about the decision that she and Luna had made about Score. Luna sat across the room, arms crossed with a bored look on her face as she listened to the teenager.
“Now if you're done having your little tantrum, I have something to say.” Luna said, having a much shorter fuse than Celestia even if she could handle the teen without losing her cool.
“I don't want to hear it! You do realize that as soon as this gets out that I'll get even more flack because you didn't ship me off somewhere when I almost killed Twilight and her friends!” Sunset snapped, earning a slight glare from her aunt.
“for one, you were possessed. For two, Twilight did explain to us just what the hell happened and for three you were penitent. What that bastard was saying was enough to make anyone sick! We didn't even mention those other three just because you asked us not to, besides that their mother is probably scarier than juvenile detention anyway.” Luna stated, her tone never changing although anyone could tell she was getting annoyed.
“You're missing the point!”
“Enough!” Celestia commanded, causing both of the younger women to stare at her. “Sunset, we get what you are saying however by law I am required to report this sort of thing. Now those other boys are suspended until after Thanksgiving, in which time they are completing packets so they don't completely fail as well as working to pay off the hospital bills they caused.” she explained
“I didn't agree to any of this!”
Celestia sighed at that, pinching the bridge of her nose to try to stave off a headache she felt coming on.
“Sunset, neither as your parent or principal could I just let this go! You could have died that day! They are lucky they are getting off as lightly as they are! Most people would have had them arrested as well!” she continued, earning a glare from the teenager.
“I wish I never told you what happened! Everyone is probably right about you only adopting me out of pity! You probably didn't even mean anything you said!”
With that Sunset turned and rushed from the room, leaving Celestia sitting there shaking her head.
“Want me to go after her?” Luna questioned “Today has been nothing but stress for her and I am almost afraid to leave her alone. I mean chances are Sunset's going to run into one of the princesses since they are letting Twilight show them around but I don't exactly trust her alone.”
“You probably should. Especially since Discord is somewhere in the building.”
Sunset ignored the light drizzle as she walked out onto the soccer field, kicking a stray, half flat ball as hard as she could into the forest near the school. Why couldn't they just understand where I am coming from? Don't they care how hard this will make things for me now? She thought as she trudged her way toward the bleachers. How much trouble am I going to be in for yelling at them? She wondered as she walked around the field, trying to stay out of view of the school so that no one would question why she wasn't in class.
She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice that someone had come out of one of the school's back exits and had headed her way until someone spoke.
“Now what are you doing out here?”
The masculine voice caused her to almost jump off her seat, though she relaxed slightly when she saw who it was who had spoken.
“What are you doing wearing a yellow and purple polka-dotted raincoat?” She quipped, really not in the mood to deal with this particular person.
“I have you know that I like this jacket! Now, are you going to tell me why you're sitting out here getting soaking wet?” Discord responded, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to make himself look intimidating, however, his effort was just rewarded by a face full of mud.
“For one, Stop acting like you are someone important. Secondly, That was for knocking me out with whatever the hell that stuff was! You're lucky I don't just kick you where the sun doesn't shine and leave you out here!” she snapped before standing, only to see Luna headed toward her.
“Shit.”
“If you are going to do that, go find a bathroom Miss Shimmer.” Luna quipped, leveling the girl with a look before glancing at Discord. “And Discord, you look ridiculous and why are you covered in mud?”
Discord pointed toward Sunset with a scowl, though Luna just smirked.
“Good girl, you just saved me the hassle of punching him in the face. Now let's get you inside. Celestia may have told the doctor to make your cast waterproof but that doesn't protect you from getting the flu.” she stated, ushering the teen toward the building before she added “You calm enough to talk? You've been out here ten minutes or so.”
Sunset felt her face heat up at the question as she remembered her outburst.
“How mad is Mom?” can I still call her that? Sunset felt a knot form in her throat after she said those words though Luna just chuckled softly.
“I doubt my sister is going to yell at you just because you had an outburst and after all the stress today...I'd be honestly surprised if you didn't snap.” Luna stated calmly before adding “I think you'd understand our point if you would think about it from our positions. I know how you feel. I wasn't a very popular kid in school and always had someone breathing down my back. But what is right isn't always easy.”
Luna noticed how Sunset seemed to be trying to process what was being said so she added:
“We don't only have you to worry about but we also have other students...Some who would not do so well if treated so harshly. If we let people get by with one thing then others would think it would be okay. We may not have expelled you nor sent you away however you are still facing the consequences.”
Sunset glanced up at the woman as they entered the front foyer before saying softly “I shouldn't have been given a second chance. I could have killed someone that night.”
“Sunset Shimmer, like I said what is right isn't always easy. I was furious with you...But seeing you so broken bothered me. I nor Celestia had the heart to do anything that could have just hurt you worse. To be honest, it worried me how you were acting, bursting into tears at random...Refusing to eat. I think whatever that blast did to you was harsh enough.” Luna stated honestly, putting a hand on the teen's shoulder in a form of comfort.
“It made me relive everything and face not only how I felt at the time but to see the direct effect I had. I even saw what could have happened.” Sunset whispered, feeling the hand tighten as she was steered into the office once again, only to feel an arm wrap around her from behind as soon as the door closed.
“Sunset, stop. Giving you a chance may not have been easy at first...as a matter of fact, Celestia and I debated what we should do. But when you came inside after the dance, still trembling and obviously terrified...We relented. Because it was obvious that it affected you worse than it did anyone. That was your punishment.”
They both gave the teen time to absorb everything before Celestia spoke up
“Now do you understand?” she asked, taking note of how Sunset couldn't meet her gaze.
“I think so. You didn't do anything like that to me because you didn't think I was still a threat.” Sunset said softly, earning a chuckle.
“That is one way of putting it but that's not the whole picture either. The fact that you wanted to change besides being defiant or vengeful said a lot about who you are as a person...It proved there was more to you than just what you had previously let others see.” Celestia corrected lightly
“Yeah and anyone who brags about what could have happened needs a kick in the damn pants...Big time. Kinda makes me wonder what a blast like the one you got hit with would do to him.”
Sunset smiled in spite of everything before saying “I'm sorry about how I acted earlier....and I guess I should apologize to Discord.”
Celestia arched a brow at the girl “I forgive you, but I must ask what did you do to Discord?”
“Trust me...You'd thank her if you saw what he was wearing.” Luna responded, faking a shutter much to the amusement of the other two.
“This weather is absurd! Not to mention what this humidity is doing to my hair!” Rarity commented the next day, earning an eye roll from Rainbow Dash.
“It literally stormed for three days straight! AJ's pastures are literally flooded and I don't even want to know what people in the valley are dealing with!” the athlete commented as she leaned back onto the table before adding “I'm just glad that it stopped!”
“Yeah, although I have a feeling that the princesses had something to do with those things clearing out. I mean they did practically disappear for an hour...and well Luna said something that I didn't think was possible.” Sunset stated as she glanced up from her notebook, which was currently filled with sketches.
“What would that be?” Applejack responded, looking up from her phone where she was texting someone.
“magic takes another form in this world. Like where I'm from it's one of the strongest forces that makes up everything...Here...It's there just untapped, kinda like how streams can be underground. It's there but very few people are willing to dig down enough to find it.”
“I guess that makes sense. More sense than Twilight's explanation about us being able to do it because of something linked back in Equestria. I mean, that power couldn't possibly be summoned through the portal, right?”
“No idea but I could ask sometime. I mean, I found a way to communicate with the Princess after all. Maybe she or Twilight would have a theory or something about it?” Sunset answered with a shrug.
“Speaking of magic, What are you guys going to be for Halloween? I need to know for the party!” Pinkie Pie asked, changing the subject. While they talked about plans Sunset remained silent, unsure how she could even begin to tell them just how she felt about this whole thing.
“Actually guys...I don't think it's a good idea for me to come. I mean...most people still hate me and I know how stupid people can this time of year and I don't want to be covered in rotten eggs or something.” Sunset said, causing a silence to come over the group.
“Guys come on. Not only do I look like an idiot but I'm not sure about this!” Sunset whined as Rainbow Dash pushed her toward a small run-down building.
“Yeah yeah, we heard you but we are not about to have fun without one of our friends!” Rainbow retorted “Now come on, get the lead out the other girl's are waiting.” I definitely hope that this works. As soon as she told Pinkie how she felt that girl went on a planning frenzy. The athlete thought as she shoved Sunset through the doorway.
“Oh, you're finally here. For a moment we thought you wouldn't come.” Sunset was surprised by Chrysalis's voice cutting over the noise of the music.
“What the heck is this? How did you get involved in this?” Sunset asked, earning a laugh from the woman who shrugged.
“Celestia and Luna convinced me. Besides...Luna is not going to pass up anything to do with any holiday. She has too much fun with this kind of things.” Chrysalis stated with a grin before adding “Why do you think that Celestia and Luna practically kicked you out of the house for the evening?”
Sunset groaned as she rolled her eyes. “I am gonna kill them.”
Suddenly a plastic sword pressed against her throat, although the teen just glanced up, seeing her aunt wearing what could only be described as armor with a silver helmet covering her face.
“What the heck? What do you even suppose to be?” She asked, pushing the toy sword away from her face, earning a chuckle from Chrysalis.
“It's from an old sitcom that came on when we were in college....Long story short I think Luna had a crush on the main actress or something.” Chrysalis retorted, biting back a laugh as Luna glared at her.
“I did not! Besides you're the one who flitted around like a love-struck yearling because you were too afraid that the person you like would reject you!”
“Shut up!”
Sunset bit her lip to keep from laughing as she drug Rainbow away from them.
“Did I mention that Chrysalis grew up with Celestia and Luna? That probably would take a while.” she muttered with a sigh as she glanced over at the bickering women.
“they're worse than Me and Applejack.” Rainbow said, laughing a bit before adding “Come on let's go join the others, there are still a few people that wanted to come that isn't here yet.”
“What? Who?!”
“Me for one...Hello Shimmer.”
Sunset whirled around to see Spitfire and a few other members of the soccer team there.
“Pinkie told us you were feeling a bit nervous so we figured we'd come.”
“Yeah besides, we heard about what happened and that was low even for Score.” Fleetfoot stated.
“Yeah, now that's enough of the mushy stuff for later! For now, let's not worry about all of that and have some fun!”
“Sunset? Are you awake?”
The teenager in question yawned as she sat up. “Yeah, what's up Mom?”
Sunset asked, sitting up as she tried to fight the tiredness that was a result of the sugar rush she had coming to the end. Suppressing another yawn she turned toward the woman and stretched a bit. “You look just as tired as I feel.” she commented as she waited for Celestia to take a seat on the bed.
“Trust me, I am not used to events like that. Not since college anyway.” Celestia responded, earning a smirk from the former pony.
“You have got to tell me some of those stories sometime.” Sunset stated, only to earn a pillow to the face from her adoptive mother.
“Not even in your dreams Sunny.” Celestia responded.
She is so different now than on that first night. I didn't think that Sunset would settle in this well with anyone and never did I imagine that she would become like the daughter I never had. She thought as she took in the girl's lighthearted expression.
“I hope I didn't push you too hard tonight, although I dare say that you enjoyed yourself.' she said, half apologetic as Sunset turned her attention back to her.
“I did. I had no idea that Pinkie had roped you guys into it too. But what in the name of the stars was Luna dressed up as? Every time I asked, Chrysalis would make an offhand joke that would start those two arguing like toddlers.” Sunset responded, chuckling at the thought as she added “I want to thank you for everything. I mean...It couldn't have been easy for you to deal with all the craziness I caused.”
“Sunset, I thought we both agreed that you would stop thanking me for every little thing? When I invited you to stay with me, I meant I was going to help you through whatever was thrown your way.” Celestia stated, although her tone was lacking sternness.
“Sorry, I just...I'm not used to someone defending me.” Sunset stated, wrapping her arms around the woman in a hope that the gesture could say what she couldn't.
“I know, but you don't have to worry about being alone again.” Celestia reminded her softly before adding “Now you made me forget what it was I came in here for!”
Sunset giggled a bit at that and pulled away “Sorry! You were saying something about the party?”
“I was just going to say that it was nice seeing you having fun tonight. I'm glad that you have been happier lately, with all things considered.” Celestia began, earning a sheepish look from Sunset who responded
“Well I have all the reason to be and I can't thank you enough for taking a chance with me!”
