“Tap...Tap...Tap…”
Rarity’s nails clicked on the wooden arm rest as she waited for Moose’s results to come back. Her and Rainbow had been waiting for nearly two
hours. All the while Rainbow paced back and forth like a caged animal.
“Shuffle, clack...Shuffle, clack...Shuffle-”
Frankly, all of Rainbow’s stomping around was grating on Rarity’s nerves. Rubbing her head, Rarity felt herself about to erupt. Just as she was about to snap at Rainbow. One of the nurses approached her personally.
“Mr. Pie wants to see you.”
“Hey! What about me! I’m his girlfriend!” Barked Rainbow.
Breathing in deeply in order to calm her frayed nerves. Rarity managed to keep it together. “Rainbow Dash, this isn’t the time or the place to start an argument. We are in a hospital, whatever squabble you have with me can be dealt with later.”
With that Rarity stormed past Rainbow and disappeared with the nurse through the thick metal doors. Rarity wasn’t a fool she saw the way Rainbow looked at her. It was the subtle glare of jealousy and mistrust that she had endured on more than one occasion.
*You disgusting harpy! Boyfriend stealer! Good for nothing whore!*
Rarity dug her long nails deep into the palm of her hand to snap herself out of her toxic memories.
*It’s not my fault that I can turn every head in a room. I can’t help being so fabulous all the time! It’s not my fault that most men are sex crazed dogs!*
A sharp spike of pain brought her crashing back to reality. She looked down at her palm only to see a small cut. In a flash Rarity dove into her purse. After quickly dabbing a few drops of hand sanitizer on the small wound. Just moments before slapping on a clear band aid.
Looking over her hand sanitizer dispenser key chain reminded her of Sweetie Belle. For a brief moment she smiled, she nearly crashed into the nurse. When they came to a stop in front of a small doctor’s office. As she shuffled in Rarity saw Pinkie sitting on an examination table.
The doctor nodded at Rarity as he offered her a seat. Silently she took the nearest chair. The doctor offered her a quick handshake before continuing.
“Since you have Miss. Pie’s full trust, I am allowed to disclose her medical information. It’s seems that she has a broken nose, a hairline fracture on the left side of her bottom jaw and a few bruised ribs.”
Rarity let a large gasp as the doctor rattled off all of Pinkie's injuries.
“We have already alerted the police on the matter of two grown men assaulting a minor.”
“Is there anything else I should know about?” Asked Rarity.
“Well we already snapped her nose back into place. Besides giving her some pain pills, nature will do the rest. Just make sure she takes it easy for a while. No sports or heavy lifting for a few months and she will be good as new.”
“Can she go to school anytime soon? If not we’ll need a doctor’s note of course.”
The doctor pulled out a piece of paper from his clipboard. “I’ve got you covered.”
He handed Rarity a long letter addressed to the school. She briefly glanced at the document. Only to stuff it in her purse, it was then that she got a good look at Pinkie. Most of her prosthetics were removed especially around her nose. The most alarming sight was the blank look on Pinkie’s face.
As if reading her mind the doctor chuckled “She is fine it’s just the drugs. It will wear off soon and she will be back to normal. Oh and here is her prescriptions they will be ready for pick up in an hour or so.”
“Thank you so much doctor...um I don’t think I ever caught your name?”
“It’s Dr.Heart. I will expect to see the both of you next week for a follow up check up.”
“Yes, we will be there.”
Rainbow was fuming mad at the fact that Moose wanted to see Rarity and not her. All she could do was mull over everything that happened that day. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder, Rainbow nearly jumped out of her skin. She whipped around only to see Fluttershy looking at her.
Rainbow sighed. “What’s up?”
Fluttershy nervously twisted a piece of her long hair between her fingers.
“Umm, I’m here to take you home.” Squeaked the shy girl.
Rainbow snorted. “I’m not leaving until I see him!”
“ Well...Rarity already took him home…”
Rainbow bolted right out of her chair. “What! She knew I wanted to see him and she just up and took him! That’s it! I’m going down there and giving her a piece of my mind!” Shouted Rainbow.
“Oh dear….”
Despite her best efforts Fluttershy couldn’t stop Rainbow from storming up to Rarity’s porch. No matter how much Fluttershy pleaded; Rainbow would not relent.
Huffing all the way Rainbow pounded on the door. “Open up! I know you’re in there!”
Frazzled Rarity swung the door open with a half crazed look in her eye. “Rainbow Dash I have half a mind to call the police if you don’t simmer down!”
“What is going on between you and my boyfriend. And don’t you dare lie to me!”
Rarity’s nostrils flared for a moment. “Oh you caught me, Moose and I are having an affair behind your back!” Rarity’s voice was dripping with sour sarcasm all the while.
Rainbow poked Rarity on her chest. “Listen hear you hussy! I didn’t come here to be mocked by some pompous barbie doll!”
Fluttershy covered her mouth as a small gasp had escaped her lips.
Instantly Rarity slapped away Rainbow’s hand as her eyes were filled to the brim with tears. Almost immediately Rainbow regretted what she had said.
“So is that what you really think about me? That I’m just some two faced floozy that steals people’s boyfriends?” Rarity’s tongue felt like led as the words fell from her mouth. “Well I’m sorry to disappoint you but I have zero romantic feelings for your boyfriend.”
Rarity pulled out her phone from her pocket. “Here look, there are no romantic interactions between us.”
Rarity thrusted her phone in Rainbow’s face. It didn’t take Rainbow to look through all of Rarity’s messages. There were no messages from Moose, he wasn’t even in her contacts. Besides, Rarity’s family members and their friends there was nothing. The longer Rainbow looked the more guilt she felt building in her chest.
“But why wouldn’t he want to see me at the hospital?” Whispered Rainbow.
“Because, I am a family friend of the Pie family and nothing more. Moose just didn’t want to cause a fuss with his family so he called me.”
“Oh….”
“So if that’s all you had to say then goodnight.” Muttered Rarity, she began to inch back inside.
Rainbow grabbed the doorknob to stop it from closing. “Rarity, I’m sorry alright.”
Rarity let out a sharp laugh. “Sorry isn’t going to make up for the horrendous things that you just accused me of.”
“But I-” Stammered Rainbow.
“I don’t want to hear a half baked apology, just so you can relieve yourself of guilt!”
Rarity rubbed her brow to sooth her aching head. “All I want right now is some space, and that includes Moose. He needs time to recover.”
Rainbow held her head low as Rarity’s words dug deep into her. Even though Rarity saw how truly sorry Rainbow was. She wasn’t ready to forgive Rainbow just yet.
“The doctor said that he will recover in about four weeks. So don’t you dare hunt him down until he is fully healed!” Huffed Rarity.
As she went to close the door, Rarity poked her head out in the crisp night air. Rarity’s frown soften when she saw the utter pain in Rainbow’s eyes.
“He will probably call you tomorrow. He might not be able to talk much so don’t overwhelm him.”
The smallest smile tugged at Rainbow’s lips for a split second before fading into a neutral expression. And with that Rarity swiftly shut the door. Leaving Rainbow to be alone with her thoughts.
*Maybe some space would be good for our relationship...Now that I think about it. I haven’t seen Applejack for weeks or played soccer! *
Rainbow metentally made a long list of all of the hobbies that she had neglected or dropped altogether. Of course she knew that not being able to see Moose for awhile would sting. But that didn’t mean that she had to be a sad sack.
Sighing loudly Applejack collapsed on her bed while holding up her notebook. Laying on her back, she quickly skimmed through the pages filled with her notes of suspicious behaviours of Moose’s actives. Besides him constantly hanging out with Rarity there wasn’t much to go on. Especially, after she just found out that Rarity was a close family friend to the Pie family.
*Rarity and Rainbow are so loud! Ah could hear their argument from across the street. Ugh, that is the last time, I’m hiding’ in some scratchy bushes! Ah think Ah got a spider bite!*
Over the last few weeks Applejack tailed Moose and Rainbow every chance that she could. And after all that, all she learned is that she was wasting her time. Moose was a good guy and there was nothing she could do about that. With each passing day her desire to hangout with Rainbow eroded away a little more. While her friendship with Sunset only deepened, it slowly filled the hole that Rainbow left behind.
A slight shuffling caught her attention, looking over the top her pillow. She spotted Sunset in her doorway.
“Come on in.” called Applejack.
A sheepish smile crept onto Sunset’s features. “I wasn’t sure if you were awake or not.”
“Nope, I’m wide awake. You know you can pester me all ya want; whenever ya want.” A playful smile graced Applejack’s lips as she spoke.
Sunset hugged herself tightly as she leaned against the doorframe. “Guess I’m still not use to an open door policy.”
Sunset’s moment of despair brought back a feeling of unadulterated hatred in Applejack. Even after all of the time that Sunset lived with them Sunset still was having a hard time moving on from her old life. Applejack still couldn’t believe that only a short while ago Sunset was in foster care. Of course in retrospect, it made sense that Sunset was in foster care. Afterall Sunset was a teenager with no family in this world.
Applejack remembered the day that Mac brought Sunset back with all of her earthly belongings. Only A few days later the whole Apple family was life scanned and put into the foster care database. One passed home inspection later and Sunset was a member of the Apple family. Sunset never talked about her life with her foster family, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she was now in a loving family that loved and cared for her. At least that’s how Applejack saw it. Shortly after that, the Apple family spoiled Sunset rotten to the core. With new clothes, her own room and a small allowance. Just yesterday, they celebrated the removal of Sunset’s wrist and leg brace. While Sunset was physically back in tiptop shape Applejack did notice that Sunset was still very clingy to her and her siblings. Especially at night, at least a few times a week, Sunset would either sleep with her or Applebloom. And on rare occasion with all three Apple siblings at once.
“Come here you.” said Applejack as she motion for Sunset to come to her side.
Sunset joined her on the bed with no hesitation. Sunset snuggled close to Applejack. Sunset’s warmth was always welcomed, the close contact was nice. Comforting even, Applejack wrapped her arm around Sunset.
*This is nice, in a way reminds me of Moose and Rainbow.* Thought Applejack. *Ah, should just give them a little space, at least for awhile. Especially after gettin’ bit by that lousy spider!*
With Sunset so close, Applejack caught sight of a scar on Sunset’s chin. Feeling a little curious. Applejack asked Sunset about it. “How you’d get that scar?” Applejack asked bluntly.
Sunset was taken aback by the sudden change of subject. “Well I got it when I first came to this world. I just fell on the cement. At that point I never walked on two legs before. So I just fell on my face.”
Hearing Sunset’s answer brought back the long buried question Applejack had always wanted to ask her. In the past Applejack had resisted questioning Sunset about her past and rarely had an opportunity to ask of such things. But things were different now. Their relationship was much stronger than it use to be.
“So why did ya come here in the first place?” Applejack froze after seeing the pained expression on Sunset’s face. “Of course ya don’t have to tell me if ya don’t want to....”
Sunset regained in some of her composure before answering. “It’s a long story.”
“I don’t mind, If i’m being honest I have always been real curious about yer past.” Applejack was prepared for Sunset to retract again. But she was surprised when Sunset began her tale.
“When I first came through the portal to this world. I was beyond a little stunned. I face planted right into the payment. Blood gushed everywhere, I used my sleeve to slow the bleeding. After, getting a little practice. I began to explore the city. I was fascinated by the technology that surrounded me. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that this world didn’t use magic. And that’s when everything went wrong.”
Seeing the city lit up by dazzling lights, Sunset was filled with wonder from the new world she had discovered.
After a while the bleeding had completely stopped. While she wandered Sunset’s stomach growled in discomfort so she looked for what humans call food. Fortunately she eventually found herself in front of a small taco stand. With a little to no difficulty, Sunset ordered a vegetarian burrito. The large pictures of the menu, were an invaluable resource to her. Once her order was served to her she dug into her napsack and pulled out a few gold bits. When she dropped them on the counter the server’s eye’s were the size of saucers.
“Is this a joke? Did you serious just pay with solid gold coins?”
Sunset tilted her head. “Um, yeah?”
The taco vendor didn’t know if he should be ecstatic or annoyed. He wasn’t sure if he had enough in his register to make change. While he contemplated on what he should do the strange girl had taken her food and was nowhere to be seen.
“That was weird.” Mumbled Sunset as she took a large bite of her burrito. She was completely absorbed into the subtle spices and different layers of vegetables. Sunset savored every single bite she took. Shortly after finishing her food. Sunset felt a pair of eyes watching her. It was hard to tell what was watching her though since it was the middle of the night. Despite the city lights, there were still shadows. Sunset zigzagged through the streets in an attempt to shake her stalker. She found herself in front of a rundown bar. It was a shabby place in acute disrepair. There were rows of motorcycles parked out in front which blocked the entrance. As soon as she stopped in front of the seedy looking bar she was pushed to the ground. Before she could react a large man grabbed her napsack. He dug through it until he found her pouch filled with gold coins. Sunset growled and jumped to her feet to tackle the thug. He was a little stunned but he soon recovered.
“Why you little bitch!” He snarled.
Without warning he knocked her over before kicking her with his large boots.
“Hey!” Shouted a muscular man. He barreled to Sunset’s side. With one swift punch he sent Sunset’s mugger flying. Seeing that he was out matched the mugger cut his losses, took what he could, and fled.
Sunset flinched when the giant figure loomed over her. “Are you okay girly?” Asked a gruff voice.
Sunset quickly scrambled and grabbed her bag and held it close to her chest.
“Now is that anyway to thank the guy that just saved you?” He said with a hearty chuckle.
“How do I know you aren’t just trying to get me to let my guard down?” Croaked Sunset.
This earned another chuckle from Sunset’s savoir. “ Because little Missy, I don’t hit women.”
Sunset narrowed her eyes. “My name is Sunset, not girly!”
“Good to know, My name is Ed but you can call me Eddy.” Said Ed with a playful wink. “So do you need a ride home? I just can’t let a young girl wander the streets alone at this time of night.”
Sunset shuffled in place, she didn’t think that she would be put on the spot. “No thanks, I’m fine on my own.” Sunset’s tone was curt.
“Well that’s to bad Missy, I’m not going to let you out of my sight until you are home safe and sound.” Stated Ed as he crossed his arms, his voice took on a deadly serious tone.
“Well then, we have a problem!” Tears started to fog her vision. “I don’t have a home okay!”
Ed dropped down to Sunset’s level, his large blue eyes dug deep into her’s.
“Are you a run away?”
A pang of pain stabbed Sunset through her heart at Ed’s words. A memory of Celestia flashed before her eyes. “No, and I don’t have any family ethier!” Glared Sunset.
Ed buried his hands in his pockets. “That changes things…” He walked over to one of the motorcycles and picked up a large helmet covered in skulls. He handed it to Sunset “Put this on.” He demanded. Sunset just glared at him. But Ed wasn’t having it. “Put it on before I cram it on!”
Begrudgingly Sunset did what she was told, Before she knew what was happening Ed scooped her up and put her on the back his bike. Ed kicked the bike to life. The roar of the engine startled Sunset. Moments later they were speeding down the streets. Sunset was terrified as they zipped through the town. She held onto Ed for dear life as they melted into the shadows of Canterlot County.
About twenty minutes had passed when they came to their destination. Ed parked his bike, Sunset took in her surroundings. They had pulled up to a small house with faded green paint. The grass was short and dead, it crunched under her shoes as she walked. Everything about the place looked old and disheveled. Sunset slowly walked towards the house as Ed unlocked the door. Once the door popped open; Ed gently pushed Sunset inside. He then locked the door behind them. The walls of the house were covered with motorcycles parts. Every piece was carefully placed. Giving the place an almost artistic feel. While Sunset stared at the walls. Her gawking was cut short Ed cleared his throat.
“It’s getting late, you will be staying in there.” Ed jerked his thumb towards one the rooms down the hall. Sunset was too tired to argue, she sleepy walked towards her assigned room. She locked the door behind her and collapsed on the bed. While she laid there Sunset took a look in her napsack. She was relieved that the mugger didn’t find her small stash of gems. Unfortunately, he did steal most of her gold, only a few golden coins remained. They had spilled out of her coinpurse and into the depths of her bag. With a heavy sigh Sunset pushed her worries in the back of her mind as she tired to sleep.
In the morning she woke up to the sweet smell of pancakes. Sunset stumbled a bit before she made it to the kitchen. Ed greeted her before slamming down a plate of pancakes in front of her. This went on for weeks as the two slowly got to know each other. She learned that Ed worked for an auto body shop that specializes in motorcycles. Sunset had learned a lot about humans in her down time. Once she figured out how to use a computer, it was a piece of cake. Sunset was impressed by the wealth of knowledge that the internet held. She knew that if she wanted to live in this world she would need an identity. Proof that she belonged to this place. After doing some digging she found a place in town that forged social security numbers for a hefty fee. After she convinced Ed to take her to get it done everything was set into motion. She felt a lot safer with Ed by her side as Ed was over six feet tall. Ed also had large muscular arms with intimidating tattoos and his long white beard was just the cherry on top.
The exchange went as planned and Sunset got her false documents with the last of her gems. Shortly after that Ed had enrolled her into school. She would start middle school in the next few days. Sunset was nervous about her first day of school. She didn’t know what to expect but she wasn’t going let her fear hold her back. Before she knew it, she was breezing through all of her lessons. Sunset spent all of her time studying and worked hard to be the best in her class. Ed was so proud of her, he even gave her driving lessons. Of course, they practiced on one of his junkie bikes to start with. Ed loved Sunset but he wouldn’t let her near his baby. When Sunset wasn’t studying Ed made her work with him. Slowly but surely Sunset knew more about motorcycles than most people her age. Everynight Ed and her worked on old junk bikes, that Ed would fix up and later sell.
After a lot of hard work and studying Sunset rose to the top of her class. When Sunset got her latest report card she had earned straight A’s in every subject. That night Ed took her out to favorite restaurant to celebrate all of Sunset’s hard work.
Over the next two years. Sunset had seamless blended into society and she couldn’t have been happier.
“Today is the big day Sunny!” beamed Ed. “I made your favorite blueberry pancakes!”
“Really! Thanks!” With a huge grin on her face Sunset stabbed the large stack in front of her.
“Are you nervous?” Asked Ed with a twinged of nerves.
Sunset shook her head. “Are you kidding? This is going to be easy!”
“Well aren’t you a little cocky little twerp. This is a big deal Sunset! Once you pass this test. You won’t need me to drive you around anymore.” Ed’s features darkened slightly.
Sunset rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, I’ll still keep you company when we go out on errands and stuff.”
This seemed to cheer Ed right up and pull him out of his gloom. “Alright eat up! We got to get you to your driving test.”
Taking her last bite Sunset threw down her fork. “Let’s do this!”
Ed paced back and forth the whole time Sunset was out taking her test. He was a nervous wreck. He froze in place when Sunset burst into the small DMV office. The huge grin on her face said it all.
“I passed with flying colors!” Shouted Sunset.
“That’s my girl!” Roared Ed.
He scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. Not caring about the weird stares they were receiving.
“Let’s party!” Shouted Ed.
Sunset was beyond ecstatic as she was carried out of the DMV by her adoptive father. Once, they were outside he went to the saddle bag of his prized bike. Giddly, he popped open the bag and pulled out a whited box with a black ribbon that was covered in orange flames.
Puzzled Sunset pulled at the large bow and opened the box. She gasped when she saw a beautiful leather jacket. The jacket fit her perfectly, it was a little baggy. But that’s what made it comfortable. It hugged her body perfectly. With wet tears gathered up in her eyes, she tackled Ed in a large hug. She knew that this jacket must have cost a small fortune. Ed returned the warm hug.
“Thanks dad!” As the words left her mouth; her cheeks stung as they turned bright red. Ed fought back tears, Sunset had never called him that before. It was to much for him, a single tear rolled down his pink cheek. He quickly wiped it away, Sunset climbed on the back of his bike. Ed shook finger at her.
“What are you doing back there? You are driving us home.”
Sunset’s jaw dropped, Ed never let anyone drive his bike. He was basically offering her his most prized possession. She wasn’t nervous when she took her driver’s test. But the thought of driving Ed’s bike was something else. Gathering up her courage she steeled her nerves and jumped in the driver’s seat. While Ed sat behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. If Sunset wasn’t about to have a mental break down. Under different circumstances Sunset would have paid anything to see Ed sitting in the bitch seat. The mental image caused her to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing. The ride home was uneventful, they made it back in one piece. As Sunset pulled into the driveway there was a bright flash. If she wasn’t wearing a tinted helmet she would've been seeing spots.
“Well isn’t this quite the sight!”
Ed leapt off the bike and charged at his unexpected guest. “Roy if you don’t delete that picture I’ll kill you!”
Roy shrugged. “Sorry, but no can do. It is getting printed as we speak. You just gotta love technology!” Roy barked in laughter as Ed’s face turned purple.
Roy looked over at Sunset and winked. “That’s my gift to you princess. Congrats on passing your test!”
Sunset was on cloud nine her day couldn’t get any better. “Thanks Uncle Roy I will treasure it forever!”
Roy playfully took off her helmet only to ruffle up her hair. “ No problem princess! I knew you would pass your test. But I got to say, I never thought the old coot would let anyone ride his bike. You really are one special girl.”
Ed crossed his arms. “Of course she is special! She is my girl after all!”
Ed didn’t flinch when Sunset tackled him in a tight hug. “I love you too.” Her voice was muffled against his chest. He warmly tighten his arms around her. Completely engulfing her in the process. Another flash went off, Ed growled in annoyance. While Roy just chuckled. “That one was just a bonus.”
Without warning Ed let go of Sunset and charged at Roy but Roy was just out of reach and managed to escape. Laughing all the while Sunset’s sides hurt as she watched Ed chase after his oldest friend. They were almost like brothers in a way, because of this Roy insisted that she called him uncle Roy. It was weird at first but after awhile it just came naturally. Eventually, Ed was completely out of breath. Roy jumped in his car, he rolled down the window.
“I’ll stop by later and drop off those pictures I took. See ya later princess! Later Ed!”
Then it was just the two of them, Ed crossed his arms. “Good for nothing-” Ed muttered some obscenities under his breath.
Later that night they ordered pizza and had a feast. Just as promised, Roy gave Sunset two framed pictures. One of Sunset driving them home and the other of her and Ed hugging. Roy then said goodnight to the both of them before heading home. After the festivities died down Sunset dragged herself to her room. Sunset carefully took off her new jacket, she set her new pictures on her small dresser. A large smile took over her features as she drifted off to sleep.
Before Sunset knew it she was just about to graduate from middle school. Once summer was over she would be a highschool student. In the meantime, Sunset was going over her latest homework assignment. Tapping her pencil on the table all the while, the school librarian came up to her. Her first thought was that he wanted her to stop drumming her pencil on the table. However when she looked up at him, the grim look on his face sent a chill up Sunset’s spine. She held her breath as he scratched the back of his his head. Instantly Sunset felt like she was punched in the gut. In her heart she knew that something happened to Ed.
“There has been an accident.”
Sunset felt numb, it was as if a chunk of her heart was torn out and burned to a crisp. The next thing she remembered was a police officer telling her that Ed and Roy were both dead. They were both killed by a drunk driver driving a large truck.The driver swerved into Ed’s bike and it just so happened that Roy needed a ride to work that morning. Killing them both on impact. The only sliver lighting was that they didn’t suffer. Sunset was taken to child services that night. The next day she was allowed to gather her things before being whisked away.
“So now you know.”Said Sunset.
Applejack couldn’t speak. She was just to choked up to say anything. Instead she just grabbed Sunset in a tight embrace. Fresh tears rolled down Sunset’s cheeks before she started to sob. That set Applejack off and she began to sob as well.
AppleBloom heard the sobbing and reached for the doorknob to Applejack’s room, but she was stopped by Big Mac “Just let’m sort themselves out.”
With heavy hearts the Apple family went to sleep for the night.