Sunset woke up, the sun shining in her eyes, and smiled. She was finally beginning to feel better. At least her back didn’t hurt so much. She turned onto her back with a small hiss of pain, but sighed. Not too bad… I wonder what the plan for today is… Her thoughts trailed off as she realized that it was Monday morning. A cold sweat started forming on her forehead as she swallowed hard. Monday… That means they’ll be going back to school… What if Vice Principal Luna never told M-Principal Celestia that I was suspended? What if she expects me to be in class? Sunset moaned, drawing her knees up to her chest while a small sob escaped her mouth. I’m alone… I don’t want to be alone! She chanced a look at her alarm clock to see that it was already eight A.M. With a louder cry she curled more in on herself, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. Please hurry home! Please!
Celestia sat at the bar, looking over the news on her phone. She lazily pursued the article while sipping her coffee. She stretched her back with a small pop. It was interesting to still be home this late on a school day. She shook her head as she remembered yesterday. It had been a fairly sedate affair, at least after she had taken the pictures of Sunset. She hadn’t realized just how hurt the teen was until she was taking exact pictures of the lacerations and bruises covering her entire body. After that, Sunset was basically allowed to watch what she wanted on TV and sleep. Stubbornly though she wouldn’t release the jersey. Is it becoming her security blanket? Is that even healthy at her age? Celestia shook her head with a small sigh. I’ll need to leave a call for Doctor Pure Thought… Celestia blinked as something broke through her sleep and too little caffeine daze. A loud cry. Celestia’s eyes widened as she stood up. Fuck! No One told Sunset what was going on! Remembering Luna’s reaction the first time Celestia tried to leave her to attend classes, Celestia grabbed her robe and sprinted for Sunset’s room to see a lump under the dark blue comforter trembling Oh Sunset…
“Sunset? Sunset it’s alright…” Celestia moved to the bed and sat on the edge. She placed her hand on what she thought was Sunset’s shoulder. At the touch Sunset froze. “Sunset?”
The comforter was flung away. Sunset latched onto Celestia, her eyes wild. “Mommy!” She buried her face into her chest. Her hold was uncompromising as she began to sob, slowly soaking Celestia’s robe.
Celestia froze in place, her eyes wide as she wrapped her arms around the crying girl. Her crying girl. “It’s alright, Sunset. I’m here… you’re safe…” Celestia was well aware Sunset had no idea what she was saying, but she continued speaking affirmatives of Sunset’s safety in a calm, soothing tone, basically on auto-pilot as her brain attempted to recover from the blonde calling her ‘Mommy’. Mom… Mom I think I was ready for… Or Mother… but Mommy? From a teenager? Oh Sunset… Oh my poor girl…
Sunset’s grip on Celestia slowly loosened and her tears slowed. “I...I’m sorry I just thought…”
“That I left? Oh, Sunset, no. I’m here until you are ready for me to leave. I arranged with Cadance and Superintendent Faust that Cadance be allowed to take my place as principal of Canterlot High for a few days or until you are ready to return to school.” Celestia smiled gently, wiping the tears from Sunset’s cheeks. “She is the dean of our rival school, Crystal Prep, but was pleased to stand in for me. Now… Do you want breakfast or a shower first?”
Sunset licked her lips. It was true that she was filthy. She hadn’t bathed since the day of the fall formal after gym class. She lifted her arm and gave a small sniff, wrinkling her nose at the smell. “Oh geez… I must look horrible… I bet I have stuff in my ma-hair.”
Celestia smiled. “I guess that was a yes to the shower, hmm? Come on, you can use my shower.” She stood up and led Sunset from her room. Sunset’s hand gripped tightly to her robe as Celestia walked upstairs. “Ignore the kid’s shampoos, they are Luna’s.” Celestia shook her head “Just leave your clothes in the laundry basket and I’ll get them in the washer.”
Sunset nodded, taking in the bathroom. It was a lot nicer than the ones at the school. The shower had an actual door, not just a flimsy curtain! She heard the door click closed behind her, and her heart raced as she took a deep breath and struggled to calm down. “It’s alright Sunset, she’s just giving you your privacy…” What is wrong with me… Even when Princess Celestia first choose me as her student I wasn’t this needy. And I surely never called her… Sunset’s face paled as the scene ran through her head. Oh no… I didn’t? I...I did didn't I. I called Principal Celestia Mommy and I meant it! What am I, a little foal? A small part of her mind felt warm as she remembered how Celestia had cradled her and whispered nice words to her. Don’t think about that now… Sunset reached into the shower and turned on the hot water, letting it run for a few moments before stepping under the spray and closing the door. Her shoulders quickly untensed as she relaxed in the hot water.
Celestia prepared a quick breakfast of oatmeal and juice for Sunset to eat once she came downstairs. She had dug into the clothes she and Luna had back when they were teens and had discovered a pair of jeans and a black hoodie she thought would fit Sunset well enough. She left them on the sink, along with a clean pair of panties. Though she hadn’t been able to find a bra in any of Sunset’s possessions, and the panties as they were, looked closer to boy briefs. Celestia shook her head as she sipped her coffee, adding lingerie shopping to the list for the day. We’re going to be buying a lot more than I first planned on and Sunset won’t be able to help carry much if any of it. Celestia chewed her lip as she played with her phone, a habit she in part blamed on her students. So what do I do? Break this trip into two or more? That makes it far more likely that one of Sunset’s classmates would see her, or worse see me… No then. I could call a friend to help… Celestia cocked her head. Chrissy had said that she’d like to meet Sunset after all. She hit the right buttons and brought the phone to her ear.
“Canterlot Child Protective Agency, this is Chrysalis Mariposa. How may I help you?”
Celestia sighed. Damn, if she’s at work… “Hey Chryssy, it’s Tia, sorry to call and bother you at work.”
“Is this about the kid? I got those pictures, Tia. When you said she was bruised...” Chrysalis’s voice sighed over the line. “Anyway, don’t worry about calling me at work. Right now is a good time. I refuse to activate the curse by saying the word. So what’s up?”
“Well, you were right. It’s about Sunset, She only has two outfits and one of the tee shirts had to be cut off of her back. She’s been wearing my jersey from school, but she needs clothes. I was thinking that I’d take her to the Crystal Mall, but I need some help. Because of Sunset’s injuries I don’t want her carrying anything too heavy and there are several things she needs in addition to the clothes.” Celestia took out a notebook and began to make a list.
“Such as?”
“Well the school supplies Luna and I found were half-broken so… She needs basically all new school things. I want to put her on Luna and my phone plan, get her a laptop to encourage her school work and social life. Maybe some things to decorate her room?” Celestia heard the water shut off and smiled. Sunset had taken her time, I hope that means she's feeling safe.
“Slow down just a bit, Tia. I think those are all good ideas. But let’s try to keep this trip as streamlined as we can. Sunset may not feel safe out and about yet and cling to you as her protection. With younger children that is fine and understandable but I dread what would happen if one of Sunset’s classmates saw. So let's go just planning to get the clothes and go from there depending on Sunset’s readiness.” Chrysalis’s soft voice caused Celestia’s shoulders to relax.
“Anyone ever tell you that you are very good at getting into someone’s brain?” Celestia shook her head. “Alright. Meet you at the fountain in about an hour?”
“That would be fine Tia, see you both soon.” Chrysalis hung up.
Celestia put her phone down to see Sunset slowly come into the kitchen dressed in the jeans and hoodie. Celestia clicked her tongue. The jeans were longer than she thought they’d be, bunching up at Sunset’s ankles. The hoodie was the same, though Sunset didn’t seem to mind the sleeves covering her hands. She sat at the table.
“May I have some raisins and cinnamon and sugar in my oatmeal, Mo-Principal Celestia?” Sunset looked up, a strand of soaking wet hair falling over her right eye.
Celestia got the shaker and a box of raisins before sitting down beside Sunset. “Sunset, we need to talk about a few things.” Her heart cracked at the look in Sunset’s eyes as the girl latched her fingers around Celestia’s wrist.
“Please don’t kick me out! Did I do something wrong? I...I’m sorry Mommy…” Sunset trembled a bit, a whimper escaping as she remembered being thrown out before. Stop it Sunset… This didn’t work last time!
“Shh,” Celestia cooed, bringing Sunset’s head to her chest. I have to find out what is in that head of hers. This can’t just be from the Fall Formal… “I’m not kicking you out… You have a room here, remember? And a spot at this table. This is your home…” She gently stroked the girl’s wet hair. “I wanted to tell you that I thought we should go to the mall today. You need new clothes. I’m afraid even as teenagers Luna and I were fairly tall.” She smiled as Sunset’s trembling slowly dissipated. “The other thing I thought we should discuss is that you’ve called me Mommy twice today.” She felt Sunset freeze against her and kept stroking her hair.
“I-I have haven’t I?” Sunset finally breathed out in little more than a whisper.
“Yes, both times when you were very scared… Sunset honey… I think you need some help. I have an… old friend who is a counselor, if you’d like to talk with her?” Celestia heard Sunset sniffle. “I don't mean that I think you are crazy! You are just a very hurt little girl. I had to talk to her when I was your age and Luna…” She shook her head. “That is for Luna to tell you.”
“I...maybe… Can I think about it?” Sunset answered after a few moments of silence.
“Of course. But this other thing, calling me Mommy. Sunset… Do you want me to be your Mom?” Celestia winced silently. She had told herself she needed to wait for Sunset to ask. Stupid Celestia… Class act…
“Yes! Please y-you’ve been so kind to me! So understanding!” Sunset pulled back to look up into Celestia’s eyes. “Even when I was the worst kid in your school you still didn’t give up on me! I turned into a giant demon and di-did something.” She closes her eyes, a flash of pain on her face before she shook her head. “Even after whatever I did you found me! You found me and saved my life you...I think you love me and...and I’m not exactly sure what love feels like but I think this is it… Please be my Mom!”
Celestia couldn’t help the goofy grin on her lips as she nodded, holding Sunset tight against her as they cried, having finally found each other.
I have a Mom…
Sunset, I promise I’ll be the best Mom I can be.
Wow is Sunset messed up in this universe. Hopefully the psychology help she is about to receive can help her, if they believe Sunset's past.
poor sunset
Okay, this isn't normal loneliness or guilt trauma. Something has broken Sunset in this universe. Something very, very bad has happened to her. I'm talking watch your parents die screaming while they're trapped in a car wreck levels of bad. Whatever it is, it has to be revealed if Sunset is to even have a hope of recovery.
Great chapter, my compliments! I have to say that this Sunset so vulnerable intrigues me a lot. I only hope that besides the counselor she will also receive the help of the Humane 5, because I'm sure the rest of the school will not give her life easy now that her kingdom of terror is over, and now she needs more than ever friends Help to get back from the ashes.
I renew your compliments for the story and I hope to see a new chapter as soon as possible.
Poor Sunset. To be this broken can't be a recent thing, this goes back farther then anything. And now I'm finding myself getting really upset with Princess Celestia for not doing anything.
That sorta thing is more common with kids, but teenagers doing it? There's prolly a time in Sunset's life that broke her so hard she's a hopeless wreck at this point.
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You are all right, there is something back in Sunset's past that broke her. And it's not entirely being removed as Celestia's student. Look at the clues given in the chapter. You'll find out soon.
What is this a crossover of?
Celestia's giving Sunset love. That's a good foundation to build from.
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Ya, and after rereading the chapter I think I know what it was. I won't spoil it except to say, that bitch.
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All we have to do is remember the scene with a cursed door in the Crystal Empire to know the “who’s” and “what’s” that’s wrong with Sunny.
Hmm this is indeed a very broken Sunset. She wasnt just defeated at the fall formal. Whatever was holding her together emotionally was shattered that night and this is a Sunset who doesnt know how to cope with the world and her feelings anymore. Lets hope Celestia can get her the help she needs.
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Marvel Cinematic Universe and S.H.I.E.L.D though not immense.
I feel really bad for Sunset in this story... I am looking forward to seeing her make a recovery!
This is doing a good job of bringing tears out of my eyes. Sunset is just so broken here.
This isn't just cute, this is beautiful!!!
You know, I usually shy away from crossovers with things I am unfamiliar with. I believe this is a Marvel crossover, though please correct me if I am wrong. I do not know the source material of this but frankly, I don't care. You have managed to engross me in the characters through their interaction that I honestly don't care that I don't know the source material. Even though some parts of this story will be beyond my comprehension because I may not entirely know the source, you have given me more than enough reason to stay.
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I dunno what to say... Such a lovely comment I'll do my best not to disappoint!
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Well you haven't so far, and I have enough faith in your ability that I don't believe you will disappoint.
Wow hysterical crying of the word mommy, coming from a teenage girl, something must have really messed with Sunset's mind when she was younger. I'm going with either parental death, abuse, or what seems more likely is the idea of Parental Abandonment; when Sunset had her falling out with the Princess she probably ran to her parents for comfort only for them to be enraged at the news and instead of accepting her they outright rejected her. That would make sense actually in canon provided Sunset has a family. It takes a lot for someone to abandon an entire world.
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Correct on some parts. Not so much on the others. I'm impressed though!
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I have continued to do so; thank you for the reply. No notification of it for some reason... I think that bug with them is still around in some form.
I don't mind the occasional downvote.... I'm a smidge blunt so I'd be hypocritical to take issue with them. Whoever did it disagreed with me and that's perfectly alright. This is a good story even, or especially, if I can't agree with everything it's doing and it still keeps me interested moving forward. It's good work and keep doing what you're doing.
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The Element created the would be murder in the first place. Sunset wasn't willing to hurt Spike or even use him for more than luring Twilight before putting on the crown. The drunk driver analogy also doesn't work in that Sunset wasn't willingly drunk/taking drugs, she had them injected into her against her will (or was tricked into taking them, either way, she tried and couldn't remove the crown). Yes she was a bully, but not only did she nearly die and is scarred, she was so broken by whatever the Element did and her past that she can't even function anymore. It destroyed her (and it's influence is what pushed her to try and kill Twilight and mind control the students, we don't know what her original plan was), I definitely wouldn't classify that as her getting off light. Theft and bullying do not deserve half the crap she's been put through so far, not to mention she's been homeless so it wasn't like she wasn't already go through crap as well. Does it excuse her actions? No, but the punishment has been way too extreme.
Edit: Yes, the bug seems to still be around, I've encountered it quite a few times.
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Thank you. I look forward to more of your story, not enough Momlestia stories out there. Sunset gives me so many feels. Especially in the show. When I saw EQG I wrote her off as a one-off boring villain with some hope for redemption. When I saw Rainbow Rocks it instantly made Sunset my favorite character in the MLP universe. I like . I how she keeps a tad bit of her old personality, she's still snarky and I think there's still a darkness in her, not evil but not entirely good, and that she calls on it every now and again.
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With respect, I don't buy that. Did it create that action or simply bring out her innermost desire? Did she snap after sparing Spike, or only with the Element influencing her? You said it yourself; we don't know. She was already pretty awful to those around her, who knows how much worse she'd be uninhibited? She's guilty, just as Luna/NNM was. They're to be forgiven, not excused as we shift blame to pretend they weren't so bad. As to forced/tricked into it... Hey she mocked Twilight for not knowing what would happen and then put the crown on herself thinking she could handle it. Sounds exactly like a drunk to me; so I stand by my comparison. They all think they know exactly how it'll go... and then they wake up as killers. She didn't, because the Element rebelled (and combined with those that helped create it, as Twilight called out) and that's the only reason she didn't kill them all. Try waking up from that one day and tell me how it went for her wasn't a lucky break. She could have easily come out of that a mass murderer... You think she's broken now? She got off light. She stole a crown from a princess. Try that in England and see if they give you detention... She. Got. Off. Light. Sorry, not backing off that one. No excuses. Homeless people don't get special rules either, so that's got nothing to do with anything, sad though it is.
No, part of the tragedy of her story is her fall. She didn't just have this stuff happen to her; her story is better than just some really unlucky kid having the world dump on her. Boo hoo, boring. Oliver Twist is lame. Instead, she did a lot of it to herself, and that's okay. She's still someone to root for, moreso in my opinion. A victim with no agency is sad, but hardly compelling. She had the strength to do awful things... but the strength to find redemption and build a better life blows that away, and I look forward to seeing her find it.
Thanks for the reply and I'm sorry I can't agree with you. I respect your interpretation; I'm just not as excusing of her actions. Forgiveness is hers for the taking, but to me that doesn't start with shifting blame or sugarcoating what took place.
Eh. Dream Pop is better.
And Sunset could benefit from some "construction therapy" about now...
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That's a new feature, though, so not many people would know that. It used to be that you could only reverse your rating of a story, not retract it.
More?
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Coming soon promise!
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THANK YOU!!
This story is truly excellent
I am enjoying this sweet and emotional story a lot! It's very engaging, and I'm looking forward to reading more!
Gotta admit, I'm feeling pretty bad for Sunset, here. Something's wrong with her.
only one thing is needed for my reaction to this story
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That is close to the worst idea you could ever have. Unless the end goal was to break Sunset even more.
Still thinking about what is wrong with Sunset, honestly this would not be the first time that the Elements of Harmony mentally messes someone up and reverted them to being child-like. Starting to think that even in canon that the Elements of Harmony aren't a force of Good, just a force of Harmony. Kinda like how Soul Calibur isn't Good, but a force of Order to the point where it doesn't about how cruel it is.
This is one of the best Sunset stories i've read. I love the realism of it and it just seems to work with Sunset's character in the show too.
Please get back to continuing this story soon. This and Making Family have been my favorite two with this storyline.
Your review is ready over at the PCaRG.
More please
You made me feel emotions! How dare you! More please.
Damn that hurt. It looks like the rainbow blast just stripped away Sunset's masks, leaving her as a scared foal with abandonment issues and a mother complex reminiscent of Jackie from Fate.
Oh no… I didn’t? I...I did didn't I. I called Principal Celestia Mommy and I meant it! What am I, a little foal?
there is nothing wrong with that you know even more so with her psychologically unstable mind the way it is and besides maybe she could use someone that is basically a mother in all ways except blood
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Agreed