Step 39: Miracle Worker I—Victory Road
Teachers were wise enough to know that on the last day of school, there was little point in trying to get students to pay attention to anything. With finals done, the ball only a few hours away, and the holidays next week, students had no focus left to spend on classroom instruction.
Even Mr. Noteworthy passed on making an attempt. He handed out everyone’s grade, then left them to their own conversations while a war documentary played on the projector. Naturally, Sunset had received an A, but it had been an A well fought for.
Rarity had received a B, and while Sunset thought that was a notable accomplishment, Rarity seemed put-out.
“I know it’s passing, but I was really hoping to get all A’s this semester.”
“Well, maybe I can tutor you next time,” Sunset offered.
A smile turned Rarity’s cheeks into dimples. “That would be most appreciated.”
The bell rang shortly afterward, directing them to their next class. Periods were shorter today to fit all of them in before winter break. In Miss Cheerilee’s class, Sunset received not only an A, but an A+. She settled down in her seat, admiring the shiny black letter while listening to the mingling moans of disappointment and cries of success.
A few minutes into the period, Luna came over the intercom with the last morning announcement.
“Good morning, students. I hope you’re all reaping the rewards of your hard studying this semester. First, a reminder that, even if it is the last day of school, all rules are still enforced. Which means no snowballs inside the hallways.”
Sunset held her report card over her mouth to conceal her curling lips. She had witnessed Snips and Snails carry their snowball fight from the steps of the school and into the rotunda, where a stray slush ball hit Luna in the back of the head.
“Second, as you’re all aware, the Winter Ball is tonight at six o’clock. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at the door. Voting for the Princess of the Winter Ball shall take place in sixth period. As another reminder, the position of princess is just a title… there are no political powers that come with it.”
Sunset facepalmed.
“That is all. Please, enjoy your dance and your holidays. School resumes the second week of January, so I expect to see you all then. Good day.”
Chatter bubbled up again when the intercom ceased to spit static. Sunset sat alone in the front, quietly contemplating her winter break. It had dawned on her in the past few days that she would be spending Christmas with someone whether she wanted to or not. Before, Sunset had opted to spend the holidays by herself, curled up in a warm coffee shop until she was kicked out. Begrudgingly, she would send Flash a gift just to keep up the facade of caring for him.
Now, a (mostly) loving family surrounded her. How was she to fit in with the Lulamoon’s traditions and ceremonies? Should she get a gift for each of them? It certainly seemed appropriate seeing as they had already done so much for her. But then, she would need to get something for all her friends as well.
Sunset’s wallet sobbed. Even if she didn’t have to buy her own food now, she was sure she didn’t have enough money to buy something for nine people.
Tis the season to be dead poor. Falalalala lalalala.
******
Sunset sat with Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie, all of them watching as Rainbow took center table and wailed away on a guitar. Fluttershy kept crouched near the closest pillar, her hand on the amplifier.
“I wasn’t aware Rainbow knew how to play the guitar,” Twilight said.
Applejack shook her head, shoulders bent forward and arms crossed below her midriff. “Rainbow is a girl of many talents. Most of them involve being loud or obnoxious.”
Sunset’s finger tapped along to Rainbow’s solo. “That’s a fair statement.”
Rainbow hopped on one foot toward the edge of the table, then jumped off, flipping the guitar in the air as she fell onto her knees. She caught the guitar and gave it a final strum before bowing her head to the tremendous applause.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but like the instance with Rarity, Sunset thought she saw Rainbow glow as the last chord faded away.
“Thank you, thank you.” Rainbow soaked in the praise like a sponge, waving her hands at her adoring crowd. “Vote for me for princess!”
Applejack tilted her chair back, balancing on the back legs. “Y’all know she stole your idea, right?” she addressed Sunset and Twilight.
“Yep,” they said together.
“What about you, A.J?” Pinkie asked. “Are you going to do anything to wow the crowd?”
“Eeenope.” Applejack picked up an apple and balanced it on her finger. “The only thing Ah can think of doing is givin’ everyone free apples, and that seems like more of a health statement than anything. Add to the fact that it’s also bribin’, and Ah don’t bribe to win.” She took a bite out of her apple and chewed thoughtfully. “Nah, Ah put mah name out there, that’s all Ah really can do. ‘Sides, with Twilight runnin’, ain’t much reason to put up a fight.”
Twilight played with her fork, testing the pointed ends on her pinky. “No hard feelings, right?”
Applejack waved her apple. “‘Course not. As long as you beat the primadonna and the glory hog, Ah couldn’t care less.”
Sunset pressed her fingers together. Believe me, that’s exactly what we’re hoping to do.
******
Before Twilight returned to her seat, she danced over to Sunset’s desk and hopped from one foot to the other while stars fell from her eyes. “Sunset, Sunset, look! I got all A+’s!”
“What?” Sunset snatched Twilight’s report card and gawked at the single line of A+’s. “But you came in two months late, how do you have grades this high?”
Twilight plucked the paper with the tips of her fingers. “Because unlike you, I study. I’m also not afraid to do a little extra work to catch up and stay ahead.”
Sunset puffed her cheeks out, glaring at her own four A+’s and two regular A’s. Stupid smart Twilight.
Ms. Vector stood from her desk, a stack of papers in her hand. “All right, now that you’ve got your grades, here’s the ballot for the Winter Ball Princess. I’m sure I don’t have to tell any of you, but you can only vote once.”
When the slip of paper landed on Sunset’s desk, a bark of laughter jumped out of her throat. At least fifteen names were crammed onto it, including Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, Derpy, Roseluck, and even Flitter.
Sunset checked off Twilight’s box and turned the paper over. Now, she just needed a majority of the school to do the same.
Twilight needed to win.
The CMC needed to sing.
And Sunset needed to make sure everything ran smoothly. Once again, all of Sunset’s hopes relied on the outcome of a dance.
She sincerely hoped this was the last time it happened.
******
School had let out not with a bang but with an excited murmur. Perhaps because most of the students would be returning to campus in a few hours for one last school activity.
Inside the gymnasium, Sunset marveled at the completion of the decor. Six pillars of solid ice flanked the center of the dance floor, while on the stage stood a crystal podium. Live holly wrapped around the pillars, their red berries contrasting beautifully against the blue ice. Mistletoe hung from strings lined between the pillars.
A light mist fell off the pillars and draped the room in a tickling chill—cold enough to give goosebumps, but not enough to make one shiver. It would be perfect with the amount of dancing bodies that would soon occupy the space.
Against the wall, the multicolored lights glowed, and when Sunset turned the main light off, they reflected onto the pillars and bathed them in a rainbow.
“Excellent.” Sunset cackled and flipped the lights back on. “Everything is coming along nicely.”
Pinkie spun around in the middle of the floor. “Woohoo! This is gonna be the best ball ever!”
Flash stepped in from the hall. “The janitor said the air conditioning in here should be set for tonight.”
Twilight pulled out her buzzing phone and checked the screen. “Applejack says all the food is ready and prepared for transport.”
“Trixie just got a text from Vinyl,” Trixie said. “She’ll be here around 5:30 to set up.”
Perhaps it was preemptive, but Sunset leaned against the wall and let out a sigh of relief. “Well, team, we did it. We put together a high budget ball in four days.”
Sweetie threw her hands in the air. “Yaaay! It’s gonna be so great! I can’t wait to sing in front of everyone!” Her eyes dilated. “I have to sing in front of everyone,” she said in a scratchy whisper.
Apple Bloom roped an arm around her. “Hey, Ah told you, me and Scoots are gonna be right there beside ya!”
“Yeah!” Scootaloo got on Sweetie’s other side. “The three amigos, right?”
“R-right. Three amigos.” Sweetie’s downcast eyes managed to convey less confidence than her voice.
Sunset braced herself to give a pep talk when a hand tapped her shoulder. She pivoted and found Principal Celestia smiling down at her.
“This all looks quite impressive, Sunset. In fact, it might be some of the best decorations I’ve seen in a while.”
“Ehehehe.” Sunset’s tongue tied itself into a knot. Sunshine warmed her stomach, different from the kind Twilight filled her with, but still pleasant and nerve-wracking. Sunset flopped an arm toward the others. “They helped.”
Celestia bowed her head in their direction. “You’re quite lucky to have such dedicated friends.”
Sunset’s tongue knot tightened.
“Well, I just came in to see how the decorations looked before tonight.” She leaned in toward Sunset. “And to say how proud of you I am. You’ve come quite some ways this semester, Sunset. I hope to see you make even greater strides in the future.”
The warmth in Sunset’s stomach was fit to melt her from the inside out. Her tongue finally unraveled and she spat out, “Thank you, Princess!”
Celestia quirked an eyebrow. “Princess?”
“Principal!” Sunset said quickly. “Thank you, Principal Celestia. That all meant a lot.” More than you’ll ever know.
Celestia gave her one more radiant smile, then retreated beyond the doors. Sunset stared after her, letting the warmth fade away before she addressed the group.
“Okay, guys, we’ve got about an hour to go home and get ready, so make it quick. I want all of you lined up again at 5:15, got it?”
“Got it!” Everyone hurried for the door, displaying confident grins on their way out.
Sunset turned to follow them, but paused and looked back, placing a finger on her chin. Everything looked great, but something still felt missing. Lights, decor, theme. It’s got everything. Sunset pondered the sight for a minute longer but ultimately decided there was nothing she could improve upon.
Entering the central hall, Sunset found Twilight pretending to examine the trophy case. Sunset stepped up behind her, and two girls made of gold stared at them from the water polo cup.
“It’s going to be a great dance,” Twilight said, barely moving her lips. She looked like a perfect golden doll. “But, is this really going to bring our friends back together?”
“It has to.” Sunset saw the flame of determination in her own eyes. “It’s the only plan I’ve got. Otherwise, Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack won’t speak to each other the entire break.”
Twilight straightened up, her back making a tiny pop as she moved to examine some of the photos. Her eyes fell on the trio of Sunset in her victory poses. “Past victories?”
Sunset stared at the last one, her skin prickling and stomach churning at the sight of her own maniacal expression and cold, power-hungry eyes. “Past failures.” She balled a fist and turned away, the only actions she could take to stop herself from lunging at the picture and tearing it in half. Celestia had just praised her; Sunset didn’t want to ruin it with vandalism.
Warm, slender fingers curled around Sunset’s wrist before making their way down to her fist. It softened and uncurled, allowing ten digits to carefully wrap around one another.
“So… uh,” Sunset worked her tongue before it could knot itself again. “I’d offer to pick you up, but I’m guessing you don’t want to ride a motorcycle in a dress… while it’s snowing.”
“No, that would be… problematic.”
“Yeah, figured.” She inclined her head toward Twilight. “So, I’ll meet you in here? 5:15?”
“Yes. Yeah, that sounds good.” Twilight slowly and methodically pulled her fingers loose of Sunset’s, though none of the digits wanted to part from their partners.
“Sparky,” Sunset called as Twilight touched the front door. “Are you sure…” Sunset bit her lip. “Are you sure you want this? Want… me?”
Twilight gave Sunset an even measure with both of her eyes. “Yes. I’m sure.” She wilted like a shaded flower. “But, only if you want me.”
“I do!” Sunset cleared her throat. “I just… I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.”
Twilight held her knuckles up to her mouth and smiled. “I think I’ve got a pretty good idea.” She pushed the door open and walked out into the lazy snow.
******
Sunset put on the last of her mascara and took a step back from the mirror. Someone should call the police and the fire department because, not gonna lie, I look hot!
She hurried out of the bathroom and into her room to get a good look at herself in the full-body mirror. She spun around once, then drank in her fiery image. The dress Rarity had designed was sleeveless and backless, held together by the choker in the front. It washed over her in waves, the top part a crimson red with slanting ruffles ending just above her hip. The second layer extended down her body and was orange, with the third yellow, both of them slanting as well, covering more of her right leg than her left.
Her hair was done up in a high ponytail that curled at the end, and she had two large tresses that turned into ringlets. She borrowed a pair of red heels she had found in the closet to complete her stunning, flaming look.
“Rarity, you’re a mad genius,” Sunset whispered.
“You really do look beautiful,” Princess Twilight said.
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere,” Sunset said, putting her earrings on. Downstairs, she could hear Artemis and Selena gushing over Trixie’s dress and taking photos.
“Okay, just one more! Smile, sweetheart!” Artemis laughed. “Oh yes, that’s a keeper!”
“You look so beautiful, sweetie, but why don’t you have a date?” Selena asked.
“Because Trixie doesn’t need a date!”
“Good, then I don’t need to beat anyone with a stick,” Artemis said.
Sunset examined herself one last time, twirling again. She breathed through her nose to steady her excited heart and rolled her shoulders. Okay. We can do this. Everything is going to turn out all right. By the end of tonight, all your friends will be together and everyone will be happy.
Her thoughts drifted back to her dream from a week ago. Friendship isn’t always easy, but… She clenched a determined fist. She knew what it was now. Maybe she didn’t know everything about it and maybe she never would. But she knew its worth.
She nodded with resolve, something warm burning in her heart, making her feel light and free. With one last look at her amazing dress, she slipped on her evening jacket, grabbed her purse and flicked the light off.
“My, my, don’t you look stunning!” Artemis said, looking at Sunset through his camera as she came downstairs.
Reaching the first floor, Sunset appraised Trixie’s dress. It was slim and form fitting and, of course, blue, with white ribbons on the sleeves and around the middle. Her hair was also done up in a ponytail.
Trixie looked Sunset up and down. “It suits you.”
Sunset smirked. Probably the closest I’ll get to a compliment.
Selena straightened Trixie’s neckline. “Both of you look gorgeous. Are you excited? I know how hard you’ve been working on the dance.”
Sunset shifted her weight to one side. “I am, but… I dunno, something feels like it’s missing. Like…” Sunset circled her hand through the air. “Like it needs a little more ambiance.”
Artemis pulled on his goatee. “Ambiance, you say? For a winter themed dance? I think I can help with that!” He was gone in a puff of smoke and back in another before Sunset could say anything. In his hands was a small white jar with snowflakes painted on the sides. “Go on, open it,” he said, handing it to Sunset.
Taking it in one hand, Sunset opened the lid and a small flurry of snow flew out. She marveled at the fine powder, watching it fall to the floor. “Snow?”
“Not just snow, the perfect snow!” Artemis threw his arms out. “Cool but not cold, firm enough to make snowballs, but soft enough so they don’t hurt! It’s every child’s dream!” He tapped the jar. “Guaranteed to last all night. That should give you your ambiance.”
Sunset rotated the container in her hand. “It doesn’t look like much.”
“Well, much like you, my little pony friend, looks can be deceiving.” He winked.
She popped the lid back on. “Thank you, Artemis.”
He snapped his fingers to open the front door. “Think nothing of it. Now, come on, off with you two!” He gave Trixie one more kiss on the forehead. “Have fun, but not too much fun.” He nudged them out the door.
“Both of you come straight home when it’s over,” Selena called after them.
“Yes, Mom,” Trixie said. Sunset saw the subtle roll of her eyes. They got into Trixie’s buggy, and drove off down the road, across the thin layer of snow.
“Thank you for the ride, Trixie,” Sunset said. She kept the snow jar firmly in her lap.
“Meh,” was her only response for most of the trip. When they were a few blocks from the school, she said, “Trixie supposes she should thank you for not ruining this dance. Though, the night is young.”
“I’m not about to ruin the dance I helped create.” Sunset drummed her fingers on the lid. “Thank you for your help this week as well. I appreciate it.”
Trixie blushed. “Like Trixie said, she was just there to keep an eye on you. But, you’re welcome.”
The school came into view, and Sunset’s stomach clenched. Once more, there was the feeling that something was about to happen. She locked her jaw. This time, she would make sure it was something good.
******
Twilight began to have second thoughts about the situation.
Not about going to the dance, or going to the dance with Sunset. But preparing for the dance with Cadence.
She stood behind Twilight, running a comb through her hair while singing, “Twilight’s got a daaate, Twilight’s got a daaate, Twilight’s got a daaaaaate!”
“Cadence!” Twilight’s shoulders shook a little harder every time Cadence got to ‘date’. “Please just hurry, I’m going to be late at this rate.”
Cadence giggled. She set the comb down and grabbed Twilight’s hair, rolling it into a bun. “Yes, I know you’d hate to be late for your date.”
Twilight narrowed her eyes. “That was on purpose.”
“Quite a contemplate. No need to exaggerate. I’m just trying to make you look pretty for your mate on this date so tonight will be great.”
“You’re trying way too hard now.”
“I debate. My rhymes are innate. Now, hold still so I can put the pin in straight.” Cadence picked up the starburst pin on Twilight’s desk and stuck it in her hair to help hold the bun together. “And now, you’re ready for your dance of fate!”
Twilight stood, picked up the hem of her gown, and hurried into the hall to use the full mirror. She gasped at the pretty girl staring back at her, wearing an elegant dress of varying blue hues. An afternoon sky blue began at her middle and turned to night at the gown. White stars of various sizes lit up the hem. Along her arms were blue gloves also adorned with stars, and to complete her look, a collar hooked onto her dress, giving her an appearance of regality.
Cadence popped into the frame next to Twilight and jumped up and down, clapping her hands together. “Oooooh, you look so cute, I can’t stand it! You’re going to knock Sunset off her feet!”
Twilight thoroughly examined her dress from every angle, making sure everything was in place and even. “Does this mean you’re done rhyming?”
Cadence pinched Twilight’s cheek. “I can’t just abate something so great—”
“Please stop.”
“Oh, fine. No more cute rhymes,” Cadence pouted. She took Twilight by the arm and led her back to her room. “I’ll just paint your face as a substitute.”
Twilight squirmed. “On second thought, go back to rhyming!”
“Too late!” Cadence pushed her back into the chair and pulled out her make-up kit. Out of her handbag of horrors, she drew a brush, eyeliner, lipstick, and blush. “I don’t know why you’re so opposed to this. You used to love having makeovers.”
“That’s because it was just between us—I never planned to go out looking like a circus clown.” Twilight squeezed her eyes shut as Cadence approached with the liner.
Cadence tsked, rolling the liner down Twilight’s eyelid. “You’re so dramatic sometimes.”
Wonder where I got that from.
“I’m not going to make you look like a circus clown. I’m just going to bring out your natural features. A little color here, a little blush there… a little makeup to cover that pimple—”
“Pimple? What pimple?” Twilight sprung out of her chair and grabbed the hand mirror on her bed. “Where? I don’t see it!” She whipped her head back. Cadence was snorting into her hand. “Cadence!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It was just too easy!” Cadence cleared her throat and raised a hand. “I swear, I’m done messing with you for the remainder of the night.”
Twilight set the mirror down and took a deep breath. Relax. She means well. At least one of us is having fun. She sat down and closed her eyes. “Please just finish so we can leave.” The longer Twilight stayed in the house, the more likely her nerves would explode.
Cadence took her brush and dusted Twilight’s cheeks a faint pink. “I’m really glad you and Sunset made up. I bet she’s looking forward to this as much as you are.”
The bristles of Cadence’s brush made Twilight bite the insides of her cheeks like she could scratch the surface that way. “Yeah,” she said in a muted voice. Her heart had nearly burst when Sunset had hugged her in the halls on Monday. And whenever they held hands, Twilight had to pinch herself afterward to make sure it hadn’t been a fantasy.
‘Glad’ was only one word in Twilight’s vortex of emotions. ‘Apprehension’ was another.
Sunset seemed sincere in all of her actions and words this week, and Twilight wanted to believe in everything she did and said. But Sunset had also seemed sincere in everything she did up until that moment. She still wouldn’t—or couldn’t—explain it, and it made Twilight keep her guard up just a fraction, waiting for the sucker punch she hoped wouldn’t come.
Still, ‘attraction’ was also floating in the vortex. For as much as Sunset confused and befuddled her, Twilight was still drawn to her like a magnet. Perhaps that confusion was part of the reason Twilight was drawn to her. Sunset was the greatest puzzle she had ever faced, and Twilight needed to know how she worked.
There was also the burning desire to kiss Sunset’s lips.
Two pink fingers snapped in between Twilight’s nose, making her go cross-eyed. “Huh?”
Cadence took her by the hand and stood her up, grinning voraciously all the while. “All right, let’s get out of here; you clearly have Sunset fever.”
Looking into the hand mirror again, Twilight was glad the pink blush hid her embarrassment. She let Cadence lead her downstairs, where she was greeted by a bright flash of light.
“Oh, look at my baby girl!” Night Light cooed. “Your mother is going to be so upset she missed this.” He raised the camera again and snapped another photo, blinding Twilight a second time.
She rubbed the spots from her eyes. “This isn’t my first school dance, Dad.”
“Yes, but it is one of your last. And you look so beautiful.” He held his camera up.
Twilight quickly shielded her eyes. “Dad, at least turn the flash off! I’m already visually impaired.”
Cadence steered Twilight for the door. “We better get going. Twilight’s got dance fever, and I wouldn’t want to deprive her for too long. Give Shiny a big kiss for me, Mr. Night Light.”
He chuckled. “Sure, but I don’t think it’ll mean the same coming from me. Have a great time, sweetie. I’ll be there to pick you up as soon as it’s over.”
Twilight grabbed her jacket and purse off the coat rack and waved back before stepping out the door. She and Cadence hurried across the snow-dusted driveway to Cadence’s cherry red car. They buckled in, and Cadence took a minute to let the engine warm up.
She put her hands over her mouth and squeed. “Your first date! And it’s a dance! I’m so happy for you, ladybug!”
Twilight twirled a finger around one of her locks. “I’m excited but… really, really nervous.”
Cadence’s excitement dropped back to reasonable levels, and she turned in her seat. Her eyes shone with the sincerity and compassion of a true love expert. “Twilight, no date is perfect, let me tell you that now. Don’t lower your expectations, but don’t assume everything is going to go the way you think it is.” She put her hands on Twilight’s shoulders. “Now, with that said, everything is going to be fine. From what you told me, Sunset is really trying to make up for what happened. She just needed time to sort her feelings, and now, she’s ready to lay it on the line. Or the dance floor in this case.”
With a steady breath, Twilight calm the raging storm in her stomach. Cadence was right. The hand holding, the look in her eyes, the determination to fix everything that was broken. It couldn’t all be another act. Sunset felt something for Twilight.
Twilight refrained from telling Cadence the other part of her nervousness came from possibly becoming Princess of the Winter Ball.
Instead, she pulled Cadence into a hug and said, “Thanks.”
“Of course, ladybug.” Cadence broke it off and put her hands on the wheel. “Now,” she said, shifting into reverse, “let’s get you to my future sister-in-law!”
“Cadence!”
“Not sorry!”
******
Sunset paced the rotunda, pulling her phone out every ten seconds to check the time, and cursing whenever another minute had passed.
Maybe Twilight changed her mind. Maybe she doesn’t want to give me another chance. Sunset gripped the sides of her head and groaned. Calm down! It’s only 5:21, she’s just a little late!
The doors opened, and Sunset’s hopes rose like a roller coaster, only to drop back down when she saw it was just Flash. He stepped to the side and held the door open, letting Rarity in. She brushed the snow off her gown and waved to Sunset.
Sunset waved back and admired Rarity’s dress. It was large and pink and reminded Sunset of theater curtains. Yellow frills broke the dress into four sections, each decorated with gemstones. The top half was a pink, lacy v-neck, with sleeves that ended above her elbows. Long white gloves took up the rest of her arms.
She and Flash walked up to Sunset, arms linked together. Flash wore his best suit, and while it always pained Sunset to admit it, he cleaned up pretty well.
“I know I already said it, but that dress is stunning on you!” Rarity said, breaking off from Flash to circle around Sunset. “I impress even myself sometimes.”
Flash cleared his throat and avoided eye contact. “You look good, Sunset.”
The praise only made Sunset’s stomach flounder more. “Thanks. You both look great as well.”
Rarity returned to Flash’s arm and gently pulled him along. “Well, we’ll see you inside. Don’t take too long.” She winked.
As she walked away, the front door opened again, and for a second time, Sunset’s heart rode the roller coaster of disappointment. Pinkie bounced up to her, close to her healthy, hyperactive self, though her nose was still red. She had on her costume from Halloween. Sunset supposed it did make a decent ball gown too.
“Are you ready for tonight, Sunny?” Pinkie sniffled loudly and smiled.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Pinkie leaned a little closer, pressing into Sunset’s personal bubble. “Waiting for Twilight?”
Sunset took a tiny step back. “Yeah, how’d you know?”
“It’s written on your face!” Pinkie hopped up and down. “Oh, this is so exciting! I can’t wait to see you two d-a-a-achoo! Dance!”
“Wait a second.” Sunset’s gears turned, making loud clicking noises. “You knew Twilight liked me, didn’t you?”
Pinkie looked at the ceiling with an innocent smile. “Maaaybe.”
“How long?”
“Since Halloween when Maud found you two sleeping together in the kitchen.”
Ponyfeathers. “Well, you could have said something.”
Pinkie rolled her eyes. “Because her gravitation towards you, wanting you to be her partner in the science fair, showing the most concern whenever you were in trouble, or just the way she looks at you weren’t dead giveaways already. Yep, I probably should have let you in on this big mystery a while ago. I didn’t hint that someone might want to ask you to the dance or anything.”
Sunset’s jaw slackened. “Did… did you just use sarcasm?”
Pinkie smirked. “Noo, of course not.” She turned and skipped down toward the gym.
Sunset stared after her, jaw still hanging open. I’m proud of you, Pinks. She had just enough time to recover before the door opened once more. This time, Sunset’s heart rose and didn’t come back down.
Twilight walked across the rotunda, her dress hanging just off the floor. She stopped a foot from Sunset, gazing open-mouthed at her figure. Sunset drank in all of Twilight’s image—a true princess wrapped in a cloak made from the sky and stars. Having her heart in her throat made it extremely difficult to breathe.
Neither of them spoke. They might have spent the whole night standing and staring at each other. Sunset wouldn’t have minded. But, she regained her composure and said, “So, gonna stand there all night?”
Twilight inhaled loudly, roused from her stupor. “Yes—no! No, let’s go into the dance. Yes.”
Sunset laughed and held her arm out. Twilight looped hers through it, and together, they walked off.
Rarely say this, but first!
Anyways, so proud of you Albino, this story has been such a joy to read. Love live best pone/humane
Huh...I thought something would have gone wrong already...guess it'll happen next chapter.
(Finish reading this chapter and seeing that the others only come out the next days)
I don't need it...
I don't need it...
...
I NEED IT!
p.s. the dresses look great. My compliments to whoever drew them.
6881383 Ohhohohoho that is not my problem
My problem is that Sunset hasn't even questioned it yet. I can understand her suspending her disbelief because of people like Pinkie, and that magic may have leaked in through the portal, but you HAVE to at least ask how. I don't even really care if it's an answer that doesn't make sense, just so long as she ASKS, or wonders about it.
...In a way, this line feels just a teensy bit tragic. But no need to worry about that right now, I think!
Rhyming Cadence is delightful.
Knowing that something could go really wrong or really right... It fills me with dread and anticipation at the same time.
Ah, the calm before the storm. Well, either that or they're going to pony up again. Was the title a Pokemon reference? Oh, so excited to see the actual dance.
They probably need to put a disclaimer on future posters about how the title of school princess is just ceremonial, based on Luna's announcement. Aw, Sunset still misses Princess Celestia, though hard to get her to admit that. So far so good, but that's a worrying sign too. I'd hope Sunset and Twilight would get to dance before something happens, but I doubt it. Wonder who all the other Princess candidates were. And ooh, really nice dress designs, was wondering if it would end up looking like from Friendship Games, but glad the story went in a different direction.
Loved the update and look forward to the next
I am all set for fluffy goodness from the next chapter, but I just know that something is going to happen. Well at least Pinkie made it to the dance.
I don't think I wanna know how or where Rarity got those gems...
Also, holy shit, Sunset's dress (the image) is friggin' beautiful (and would get a girl kicked out of the dance if she wore that to my school XD).
EDIT:: Also, uggghhhhhhhhh shut up, Cadence. That was painful to read
princess powers!
Sir, you are a master of storytelling. Continue your work and I will continue to love it.
DANG, that Sunset dress.
6882126 I think I know where she got them
Heisenberg?
Ahahahahaaha!!! Cadence is awesome! can't wait to see whats happens next
...there's not a single romance fic with Twilight in which Cadance doesn't tease her, is there? Ah well, rhyming Cadance is entertaining, and it's fun seeing her embarrass Twilight.
Next stop, the Elite Four!
But seriously, the other foot is going to drop and I can't look away from it.
i'm a bit sad that i feel this amazing story is coming to an end soon
Someone call out M.A.S.K, cos Sunset, you are,
Smokin.
You did an awesome job with Sunset's description for this. That picture almost exactly matches what I had imagined based on the writing, the dress and her hair both.
Ah I see. The gym isn't going to burn down. Instead the magical snow will get out of the control and trap everyone in an avalanche. Beautiful.
6880838 Only if it's not getting extra energy from somewhere else, say some magic unicorn girl or something. Sunset was wishing pretty hard for that thing to work after all.
I haven't read it but it sounds like a MLP version of the movie "Yes Man."
6882261
Then stop right there.
Always bugs me when people do this.
6878882 she did question it but he basically dodged it by telling her that if she was gonna keep secrets he was too. Now she told him but Trixie is on her case about trying to steal her families magic.
Warning for the following text; lame joke is lame:
YOVO
You Only Vote Once
You can't always win.
Headshot, +50 XP.
Sunset Snarker's really funny, hahahahaha hahahaha.
HOW?! Are you some sort of super genius?
Doubt it.
Ah yes, a slip up. Something I've always hoped for, but never gotten.
Hope so.
Quite.
So much for the Girl On Fire. Oh well.
Heh.
Yep.
VERY on purpose.
What are you, Zecora?
I love shippy Cadence.
This is great.
Pretty great, mate. I rate 8/8.
I got into this story just yesterday and i binge read from the beginning. Once i got to the end, i was scared that i'd have to wait a week or something and i wasted my time by binge watching it. But fortunately for me, the author updates daily.
6882460
He does now. Count yourself lucky you didn't have the great wait a few months ago just after the dinner fiasco and shining finding out where she lived! We had that cliff hanging over us for ages!
Argh! I don't want this story to be over, but I'm also super happy it's found an ending. The entire third phase has been a surprise and a treat.
During the lull a while back, I chanced reading 'The Sunset of Time'. Albi, seriously, you may have created my favorite before and after EqG versions of Sunset Shimmer. More importantly, the later chapters of LRtF still feel like your character's voice, one not as influenced by Rainbow Rocks or the Friendship Games. I liked her at first; now she's Best Pony.
The chapter 38 i had the ost of crash twinsanity in the head♪
This one at the moment i've seen the title : Brave or Grave( Shin M.Bison theme SF alpha 3)♪+ The epic music of pokemon perl( the only one i've player)
I hope that the most epic chapter will make me think of Tekken 4 - Inner shrine♪ or Tekken 2 - Kazuya arcade theme♪
I wanna know something, when did Cadence start hanging out with Zecora?
Nice little slip-in of Rainbow Rocks references. Also, I really hope this is foreshadowing a sequel to this story. (If one has already been announced, I missed the announcement. )
Don't tempt fate, Shimmy.
(Then again, it wasn't a dance per se the second time around...)
"Live" holly? Without roots and in direct contact with ice, I don't think so.
This begs the question of whether or not this Celestia has been informed of...certain details. Likely not.
Always, Shimmykins. Always.
@ Cadance's rhyming. She's been training with Zecora, methinks.
The awesomeness continues! Keep 'em coming! It'll be kinda sad to see this story end though.
And now Dracula attacks the Ball with his vampire minions that he has sired around there.
If Sunset really does understand friendship's cost, I imagine the curse will be broken long enough to tell Twilight about it.
I'm also predicting that stage fright causes Sweetie Belle to tense up, making Sunset have to sing Fluttershy's song instead. Just because Sunny must be incredibly, endearingly awkward at all times. :D
Well, this chapter really succeeded in making me afraid of just how things are gonna screw up. As per tradition of Sunset pre-Rainbow Rocks fics, I'm expecting someone who still hates her to ruin everything and blame it on her, but I think this story's proven itself to be better than going in that sort of infuriating and cliche direction!
6882778 I know, everything's just so nice at the moment, but I can also feel that other shoe just hovering inches off the ground, waiting to break everything to tiny smithers. Seriously, can't we just know what last diabolic twist is in store?
I'm gonna agree with the others, beautiful dresses for the girls. And Sunset's in particular? That fire department joke was pretty spot on, kinda reminded me of a salsa dress.
Murphy called. He wants to lay down the law on this little dance. roundstable.com/forums/images/smilies/lilyaah.png
It's only natural. Disaster is inevitable. Something that's supposed to be "perfect" always goes awry. I'm betting on the ice sculptures melting due to an AC malfunction, the CMC setting the stage on fire, and Rarity + Applejack getting into a heated cat-fight.
The adorableness is too much: GIVE US MMMMMMMMMOOOOOOORRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!
6882056 Same. Especially since the only condition being that the Ball has to fail for Sunset to be banned. It don't say HOW it fails. So I was waiting for everyone to come back at 5:15 to find everything destroyed and vandalize by some school kids that wanted to hurt Sunset.
6883191 Yeah...that or like the Mane 5 just mess things up. Badly. I don't know...this story is always all about torturing Sunset because of who she is and how she acts. Something has to go wrong...I just don't know what it will be.
6882079 Sunset previously state that she knew that there was very little magic available to this world, and that she was stunned that Artemis could do magic, but she simply figured that humans had to access magic a different way. Compared to the rest of the crazy crap going on in her life, how Artemis does his magic is really a minor issue.
Brace yourself, Winter Is Coming.
Awwww! ^_^
This was a really adorable chapter :3. It's cool that you linked to what the outfits actually looked like :3. I thought at first that Sunset's would be what she had as a toy waaay back (http://uotapo.deviantart.com/art/Sunset-Helper-3-426355777), but the one you picked is better for a ball!
Sunset walking down the bedroom stairs and getting adored by the Lulamoons is just so cute. This entire chapter is just so adorable! even though not a whole lot necessarily happens to push the story forward, it was still fun to go through. I liked how we saw the trio of Sunset pictures, and I'm curious how this snowball will play a part!
Celestia even praised Sunset. It may not be the Princess, but there is just so much good happening for her right now. She has so much more support than she thinks she does and she's starting to realize it ^^.
I guess it's now time to finally see who takes the crown, if Lyra approves of the dance, and if everyone will get along. I've said before that it would be great if Sunset were given a crown as well and I'm hoping it'll happen. After all, Proms DO have both a prom King and Queen. Even if there is supposed to be one Princess at this dance, I don't see why another can't be elected. It's possible that flyers for Sunset were being passed around completely under her nose, but I doubt it. I think it'll be something that happens at the very end. If Twilight is crowned the Princess and asked to stand up and make a speech, I wonder if she'll ask Sunset to stand up a say a few words.
I wonder if that'll be the moment the penance will let her go as well <3.
But we'll see! there's only a few chapters left. Part of me wondered if any last disasters will happen, but I think it's just far too late for that to even be possible anymore. Other than the demon in her nightmares which will probably be dealt with after the dance, I think it's safe to say that Sunset and the school will peacefully enjoy their dance without drama in these last few chapters :).
Getting back to Lyra, I can understand that she might seem a bit 'off'. For a second, I thought she had some sort of vendetta against Sunset for being a bit brute and in-her-face about what will happen in the dance isn't a hit. It might be possible that Sunset was previously responsible for something that happened between Lyra and Bon Bon (who is nowhere to be found at all) and Lyra is still sour about that. I doubt however that she would go so far as to punish Sunset if the rest of the school is having a good time. She can seem a bit 'much', but I don't think Lyra is secretly a villain or anything :).
Sweet implications!
I couldn't stop smiling reading this chapter...sure i was stoned reading it...but for me...you KNOW a story is good if i dedicate an entire bowl of my weed to it xD Seriously i can't wait for this story's next chapter and the ones that follow...I've got a great feeling about this
Wow, the students are kinda obsessive about Princess = Political Power, aren't they?
Truth
It does seem to kinda be your thing, Sunset ...
D'awww ...
Cadance is a riot
While the Twilight gown is original fanwork, the Sunset gown is based on the dress-up game:
guideimg.alibaba.com/images/shop/100/12/19/4/my-little-pony-equestria-girls-rainbow-rocks-sunset-shimmer-rainbooms-style-dress-up-game_1392784.jpg
Make room! Evil genius at work!
6883411
While I don't care about it, in an in-universe sense it's anything but minor.
A planeswalking mage discovers that a magic-null world actually has magic, but simply operates in a different way than she's used to.
A different set of magical laws. A magical prodigy who prided herself on magic.
Not minor.