//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 *Unedited* // Story: Firebirds' Nest // by Blazeblast4 //------------------------------// The girls looked at each other, all clearly terrified. Sunset on her own was scary enough, and she had managed to remain relatively calm the entire time. Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, the one who brought them all together, on the other hand, was furious. Even Spike, the always friendly cute little dog looked ready to rip them apart. After a few seconds of stifling silence, Scootaloo spoke up, “All of this is my fault, so please don’t be mad at my friends.” “Well ah’m the one who started it, so if anyone deserves the blame, it’s me,” Apple Bloom followed. “But if it wasn’t for me, no one would’ve thought it was Sunset, so it’s my fault,” Sweetie Belle finished. The three girls shared a sad smile, knowing that none of them would let the others take the fall. Twilight shifted her focus to them, “What you girls did was horrible. Even Sunset never got that bad at her worst. Normally I wouldn’t let something like this stand, however,” Twilight gave them a small smile, “At least you had a good reason to do it. Your friend was suffering and you decided to help, and even now you’re all willing to take the fall for the others,” her smile fell, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still angry, you hurt a dear friend of mine, one who was suffering more than any of you know, but she’s willing to forgive you, so I’ll let her and the principals handle you.” Taking a deep breath, Twilight, failing to keep a hint of pain out of her voice, asked, “Why didn’t you say anything before, Sunset?” Sunset shrugged and said, “It never came up.” “Th-that’s not what I meant! Why didn’t you ask for help? I’m sure that anyone-” Twilight stopped for a second to think, “I’m sure that Celestia or Luna would’ve helped, or if you said something after the Fall Formal or the Battle of the Bands, I would’ve taken you back to Equestria.” “Hey!” Rainbow Dash shouted, “Any one of us would’ve taken her in!” She couldn’t believe that Twilight thought that lowly of them, thinking that they would just leave someone to suffer like that. “Sure you would’ve,” Spike snarked, “Then the second anything goes wrong, you would’ve sent her away. Toilet gets clogged? Sunset must be trying to ruin your home. Someone loses something? Sunset obviously stole it. Milk spoils? Sunset used her demon powers to so you won’t have a balanced breakfast.” “What makes ya think we’d do somethin’ like that?!” Applejack yelled. Her and Rainbow Dash were starting to stand up, ready to go up to Spike’s face. Spike continued as if he didn’t notice, “Sunset stops you from ruining the plan to stop the sirens with your ego? She must’ve thrown a fit of jealous rage.” The five of them and Twilight all flinched at that, taking the wind out of Rainbow Dash and Applejack’s sails. “Someone posts some secrets online? It must’ve been Sunset trying to humiliate you.” While the girls were recoiling, Sunset shrugged and spoke up, as if Spike hadn’t said anything, “Never really cared. I had a warm place to sleep and keep my stuff, plus I got enough money from tutoring, or selling assignments before the Fall Formal, for the essentials.” “Still, I can’t just leave you homeless, especially now,” Twilight said, glaring at her friends, “Plus, there’s also Scootaloo’s situation to deal with.” “You don’t have to worry about that. Those gems I asked you to bring are worth a lot more here than they are in Equestria. Once I get them sold, I’ll get an apartment and Scootaloo’s coming to live with me. I know someone who can forge papers that will put me as her older sister and legal guardian.”        “Wait, why is she going with you?” Rainbow asked. “Wouldn’t it be better for her to come with one of us?” Fluttershy followed. “I’m afraid not,” Rarity said, much to the surprise of everyone at the table, “If she started living with one of us, people would start asking questions. Too many people know our families, which would make taking in Scootaloo without going through official channels impossible.” “We still have to ask Scootaloo what she wants,” Pinkie said. All eyes shifted to Scootaloo. Taking a deep breath, she asked, “Why are you doing this? A-After everything we did to hurt you, w-why are you going so far to help me?” She blinked back a few tears, barely stopping herself from crying. Sunset smiled softly at Twilight before turning her attention to Scootaloo, “Someone taught me that everyone deserves a chance. Yes, you hurt me, but you did it because you were hurting and didn’t want to lose your friends. Besides, I can see how badly you regret what you did. Trust me, I know how guilt like that feels. If I can be forgiven and given a second chance after everything I’ve done, then you deserve the same,” she said as she reached out a hand. When she did, she felt the warmth of her magic as she sprouted her pony ears and her hair grew longer, the new part bound into a ponytail by a leather band. Scootaloo stared at Sunset in shock. Here was the girl that they had spent the last week tormenting, smiling and reaching out to help her. After everything we did, she doesn’t hate us, she thought, is this how Sunset felt after the Fall Formal? A potent cocktail of guilt and hope overwhelmed the now crying Scootaloo as she sprang from her seat and practically jumped into Sunset, hugging her as tightly as she could, as though Sunset might disappear any second. Sunset in turn gently wrapped her arms around Scootaloo, letting her cry it out. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both gave Sunset a pleading look, who nodded, and the two ran up to hug Scootaloo. Twilight watched on in awe. Seeing how far Sunset had come in just a few short months, especially after what she learned today, was nothing short of amazing. She made a mental note to ask about Sunset ponying up later. To think this was the same girl who stole her crown, it was humbling. In fact, it was almost disheartening, especially after what happened with Moon Dancer and her other Canterlot friends. Before she could dwell on it, Scootaloo let go of Sunset, though her friends still hung on. Sunset patted Scootaloo on the head, before saying, “We should probably tell Celestia and Luna everything now.” The three of them, still teary eyed but no longer crying, nodded and prepared to walk out. “So, that takes care of everything, right?” Rainbow asked. All of the cheer Twilight had built up vanished, remembering why she came here in the first place. “Not exactly,” she said, glaring at her friends again. “What’s left? Sunset took care of everything, so everything’s all worked out, right?” “Aren’t you forgetting something, you know, the whole reason this was a problem in the first place?” The five of them took a moment to realize what she meant. Rarity, looking a bit embarrassed, said, “Oh right, we’re sorry Sunset. After everything that happened here, we kind of forgot to apologize.” The others just nodded, as if that was all they had to say. Twilight stared at them, aghast. “That’s it?! You shunned Sunset for a week and left her crying and alone, then she finds the culprits, who happen to be your sisters, and all you have to say is a pathetic little sorry? I noticed none of you are even remotely mad it was your sisters, after tossing away Sunset under such flimsy evidence!” “We thought she faked our friendship to to get back at us!” Pinkie yelled defensively. Twilight stared blankly at them for a few seconds, before chuckling. Much to the girls’ confusion, the chuckle turned into full blown laughter. After calming down, she said, “As much is this isn’t the time for jokes, that was a good one Pinkie.” Spike started growling again. “I don’t think she’s joking, Twilight.” “Of course she is, there’s no way they can actually believe that. I mean the seven of us shared in the magic of friendship, you can’t fake something like that.” Twilight noticed that none of the girls were laughing. “You are joking, right?” Twilight asked, desperation sinking into her voice. When Pinkie shook her head, Twilight started chuckling again, this time completely devoid of humor. “You mean to tell me, even after everything Sunset’s done since the Fall Formal, even after we all shared the magic of friendship, you still thought she faked it? Just, how could you? How could you?! Do any of you know what she went through this past week?! After everything you put her through, she still comes in, cleans up your mess, and doesn’t hate you, and you have the gall to say she faked the friendship?! I really didn’t want to do this, but you left me no choice. Is there a computer or laptop we can use here?” While confused by the request, Pinkie, deeply ashamed, reached below the table and pulled out her laptop. Twilight pulled a USB out of her blouse pocket and plugged it in. A folder with fifteen videos popped up, and she played the first one. It was when the five of them had accused Sunset of being Anon-A-Miss and left her crying on the floor, never giving her a chance to speak. The girls all cringed, never having realized just how vicious they were towards Sunset. After the video ended, Rarity said, “Oh dear, I can’t believe we were that harsh, I guess-” “I’m not done yet,” Twilight interrupted, starting the next video. It was the first encounter Sunset had with other students after her friends disowned her. All of the girls watched in horror as Sunset was getting yelled at by the other students, running off in tears, but having nowhere to go. Twilight continued with the videos, each getting worse than the last. The later videos involved Sunset being tripped, ganged up on, having things thrown at her, and so much more. By the end of it, Fluttershy and Rarity were sobbing, Pinkie looked ready to throw up, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash were speechless. None of them could think of what to say. Eventually, Applejack broke the silence, looking at Sunset, “A-Ah don’t know what ta say, sugarcube. Everyone seemed to love Anon-A-Miss, we didn’t know you were going through all that. And after all that, ya forgave our sisters.” “They haven’t realized it yet,” Spike spat out. “Realized what?” Rainbow asked. “The only reason anyone had to suspect Sunset at all was because of you yelling at her in front of everyone! They had no way of knowing that she knew those secrets, but when the only people to stand by her tossed her away like that, that was all the evidence they needed. Not only did you abandon her, you tossed her to the wolves!” Pinkie ran off to the nearest trash can and threw up while Fluttershy and Rarity’s sobbing grew. Even Rainbow Dash and Applejack weren’t able to hold back tears anymore. Before Twilight could say anything else, Sunset put a hand on her shoulder, frowning. “What’s wrong Sunset?” Twilight asked. Sunset just pointed to Scootaloo and her friends, who were all shaking in terror, hugging each other tight and sobbing. “Oh.” She had completely forgotten that they were still there, and they definitely did not need to see all that. “W-We p-put you th-through all that, a-and you still forgave us.” Scootaloo choked out, looking at Sunset with an even greater sense of awe. After giving them some time to calm down, Sunset said, “It’s time to go see the principals. Let’s go.” As she walked out, with Scootaloo, her friends, Twilight, and Spike following her, she glanced at the five girls sitting on the table, “I hope you learn something from this. Trust me, I want more than anything to forgive you and move on, but I can’t, not until I know you’re truly sorry and learned your lesson.” She continued on, not looking back at the devastated girls. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         “I don’t think I can wait much longer,” Luna groused, still sitting in the driver’s seat.         “I don’t like this either, Luna, but Twilight had a point. What would happen if we went in now?” Celestia said as she laid a hand on her sister’s shoulder. Luna grumbled a bit before perking up.         “Someone’s coming out! It’s Sunset! Twilight and Spike are with her too. Wait, is that Scootaloo? Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are there as well.” Luna was about to burst out the door, but Celestia grabbed her tight as a car zoomed by.         “Careful, Luna,” Celestia warned as she let go, exiting the Jeep herself.         Luna slapped both her cheeks, trying to regain her focus. Sunset’s plight reminded her too much of her own experiences, but she wasn’t going to be able to help if she kept getting carried away. Remembering to check for cars this time, Luna hopped out and followed her sister.         Seeing Sunset was interesting to say the least. Luna had expected her to be completely devastated, or at the very least disheartened. Instead, Sunset stood tall and walked with a kind of confidence that she hadn’t seen in the girl, well ever really. There was a certain weariness to her, one that Luna and Celestia were all too familiar with, though currently the only hint of emotion they could see on her was a slight frown.         Twilight was trudging along behind Sunset, looking down and a bit slumped over, closer to what they expected Sunset to look like. Spike stomped along next to Twilight while Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle followed behind. The three of them seemed to be on the verge of a breakdown, and not the first if their puffy eyes were any indication, yet they, Scootaloo especially, looked towards Sunset with a sense of awe.         Celestia and Luna picked up the pace, Luna shouting, “Sunset are you alright? We’re so sorry we weren’t there!”         The group stopped, waiting for the principals. When the two arrived, Sunset sighed, gazed back towards Sugarcube Corner, and said, “I think so, and it’s alright, you both had good reasons to not be here.”         Celestia managed to suppress flinching at just how resigned Sunset sounded. Luna did not. Seeing this, Sunset grimaced, and quickly added, “Seriously, it’s alright, if you feel like you have anything to apologize for, then I forgive you!”         “What happened in there?” Celestia managed to get out.         Scootaloo gulped, but with Sunset’s reassurance, said, “We’re Anon-A-Miss,” gesturing to her friends.         “What?!” Luna screamed, almost lunging towards the three, “Do you have any idea what you put Sunset through?! The three of you-”         “Enough!” Sunset ordered, turning all attention back towards her, “Trust me, they know what they did,” Sunset shot a quick glare towards Twilight, who rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, “They’re already tearing themselves apart over it, and I’ve forgiven them.”         Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle hid behind Sunset, trembling. Sunset herself widened her stance, as if shielding the three from the principals.         “Why did you do it?” Celestia asked, straining to keep her mask.         The three of them shared a look, before Apple Bloom spoke up, “Well, we were jealous of all the time Sunset was spending with our sisters. We didn’t know how bad it got for her, honest.”         “Tell them everything, they’re going to need to know anyways, and I think they can help,” Sunset said, before either principal could react.         Scootaloo, with a bit of encouragement from her friends, stepped out and said, “The reason we did it is because I’m homeless. I’ve been living at Apple Bloom’s clubhouse for the past two years, and I don’t want to get sent away from Canterlot.”         Celestia’s jaw dropped, her mask finally shattering. Luna was sputtering next to her, trying to form a coherent sentence. Eventually, Celestia said, “I-I can’t believe you’ve been living like that. We can’t just leave you like that though, we can take you in for a bit while we try to figure something out.”         “There’s no need,” Sunset said, stunning the principals, “Twilight, can you grab the bag?” Twilight nodded and left towards the Jeep. “She can’t stay long term with you without getting her sent away first, same with all her friends. I’m going to take her in, and I know someone to forge all the necessary documents, plus I don’t have to worry about others questioning anything.”         Twilight returned with the bag, handing it over to Sunset, who opened it, revealing the contents to everyone around. Inside was a staggering amount of gems, all cut and startlingly large. There was a mix of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds … and a small gift box? Sunset grabbed the box, eyeing it curiously while all the people from this world gaped at the gems.         “What’s the big deal?” Spike asked, “It’s just some gems, I eat them all the time. These aren’t even big.”         “T-Twilight, I know you’re a princess, but where did you get this kind of money, enough to feed Spike gems?” Celestia asked.         Twilight tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?” she asked, “These are just regular gems, and small ones at that. They aren’t even large enough to use in outfits. The only thing valuable in there is in the box. It’s a little something Spike and I made for Sunset after the Battle of the Bands.”         Sunset chuckled a bit before clarifying, “In Equestria, gems form much more easily than here, with ambient magic substituting for heat and pressure. The average uncut gem is about two fists large, and they can be found anywhere without a lot of plants and animals or even farmed. A lot of the time, marble is more valuable, and it’s worth roughly the same amount it is here. Speaking of, Twilight, these gems are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars each here, which is roughly the same amount of bits ... Remind me to tell you about human economics later. Anyways, I’ll be using these to get an apartment and to take care of Scootaloo. In the meantime though, we’re going to need a place to stay, these won’t be easy to sell.”         “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said you were done holding back,” Spike said, “Why don’t you stay with us? We have plenty of room. It’s okay, right Twilight?”         “Y-Yeah, as long as Scootaloo’s okay with turning into a pony for a bit,” Twilight answered.         Scootaloo was practically jumping in place, “You mean I get to see where you’re from?! Of course I’m okay with it, can my friends come too?” she asked, the three of them giving Twilight the biggest puppy dog eyes they could.         “As long as your families are okay with it, but only after we finish fixing up this entire Anon-A-Miss mess.”         That dampened the girls’ moods, remembering that they still had to confess to the entire school. Still, they were going to get to see Twilight’s home!         Celestia cleared her throat, getting everyone’s attention again. “I think we can help with selling the gems. Our family has a lot of connections, and we know some people who would be willing to buy. We’ll set up an account under Sunset’s name and have them wire the money to her, if that’s alright with you.” Sunset nodded. “Good, now that just leaves the question of what to do for punishment. Even if Sunset forgave you, you still caused a lot of damage, and then there’s also the other students to worry about, I don’t know what to do about them.”         “We could always knock down a wall and have them rebuild it,” Sunset joked, earning a chuckle from the principals.         “What’s this about rebuilding a wall?” Twilight asked.         “After the Fall Formal, we had Sunset, Snips, and Snails rebuild the wall she destroyed as part of her punishment,” Luna explained.         Twilight chuckled, “Ouch, that sounds bad, coming back after the Fall Formal only to have to fix the wall.”         “Oh, it was on the same night, right after you left.”         Twilight turned to Sunset, “Wait, they had you rebuild the wall so soon?” Sunset nodded. “Right after your entire world fell apart?” Another nod. “After a horribly traumatizing transformation?” Yet another nod. “After being blasted into a crater by magic that left one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria almost completely powerless and barely able to stand?” Sunset nodded yet again. “Oh, okay … What?!”         “Sunset, what is she talking about?” Luna asked, getting very worried.         “Let’s just say that being transformed against your will into a twisted mockery of what you could become through a massive influx of magic, while being forced to watch the thing that took over commit atrocities, then being blasted back to normal by the same magic isn’t exactly pleasant,” she said with a grin.  “Why didn’t you say anything and how are you joking about it?” Luna asked, aghast.         Sunset shrugged and said, “Eh, I got off very light for everything I did, and I wasn’t exactly in the best state of mind at the time. Besides, the entire thing was hilariously symbolic. I destroyed the wall with the magic from the crown, which in turn broke me, then I had to rebuild the wall while rebuilding myself from the ground up. Huh, maybe I could turn that into a poem for English.” Sunset tried forming the poem in her head while everyone recovered, before deciding to shelve it for later.         While that was going on, Celestia had scooted towards Twilight without anyone noticing, and whispered, “Are you certain Sunset’s alright?”         “She just let go of months of self loathing and doubt after what she went through this last week. With how well she’s handled the situation, especially with these three and the girls, I trust her. If she’s not alright, she’ll tell someone,” Twilight whispered back before Celestia snuck back to Luna’s side.         Noticing how late it was getting, Sunset said, “Scootaloo and I need to go see Thorax soon, he’s the one who will forge the documents, and I told him I’d be seeing him today. He also might be able to make something for Twilight as well.”         “We’ll take you to him,” Celestia said, “There will be an assembly first thing tomorrow morning for you three to confess, meet me in my office before school.”         “Well, Ah guess this is goodbye for now, good luck and see ya tomorrow,” Apple Bloom said, lightly punching Scootaloo’s shoulder.         Sweetie Belle hugged Scootaloo goodbye and said, “Bye Scoots, have fun at Twilight’s castle!” After a few seconds, she let go and hugged Sunset, “You too!”         “Thanks, I will, see you tomorrow!” Scootaloo said as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom headed back towards Sugarcube Corner.         Once they were gone, Scootaloo sighed, “I almost can’t believe all this happened.”         “I know the feeling,” Sunset responded.         “To think this all started with an embarrassing nickname. I can’t believe we didn’t realize how bad it got for you.”         “With the way the other students were laughing about and enjoying the posts, I can see why you didn’t.”         “Yeah, and they kept sending us more and more secrets! We’ve got like another fifty we haven’t even seen!”         “How hard is it to create a My Stable account?” Twilight asked.         “Very easy, why?” Sunset answered.         “I may have a suitable punishment in mind for the other students,” Twilight said with a surprisingly devious smirk. She explained her idea while the group headed towards the Jeep. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         “Are you sure this is the right place?” Luna asked. In front of her was Crystal Hand’s Watch Empire, a small nondescript shop in the corner of the plaza.         “Yep, let me handle introductions, just browse while you wait,” Sunset answered, entering the shop, the rest following her.         Inside were watches of every kind. By the entrances, there were shelves of cheap watches for kids or outdoors, followed by a bunch of overly complex electronic watches that require a manual to use. On the back wall were a bunch of extremely expensive brand name watches, with a glass case underneath holding the newest innovations in mechanical watches. To the left was a register with another case containing antique watches.         A timid tan skinned blond man wearing a brown suit standing behind the counter was trying to calm an angry purple woman wearing a very gaudy purple dress and a white (faux) fur scarf.         “I’m sorry, Mrs. Rich, but no matter how many times you yell, your watch is a forgery. A real piece of Platinum’s collection would have an engraved unicorn under the center gear,” the man explained, adjusting his glasses.         “Fine! I’m taking my business elsewhere, you obviously don’t know anything!” the woman huffed, stomping out of the store, bumping past Celestia on the way.         “Ah, more customers! I’m sorry you had to see that, too many people think just because they spent a lot of money on something, it must be authentic,” the man sighed, “Anyways, I’m Crystal Hand, are you here looking for a watch or for repair? If you can’t find what you’re looking for, I could attempt to order it or connect you to a seller.”         “Hey Crystal,” Sunset greeted, “We’re looking for a parts to repair that vintage phoenix watch.”         Crystal Hand’s timid smile shifted a bit, taking on a more calculated edge. “A custom order, I presume. Starlight, can you watch the front for a bit?!”         “Coming!” a light purple girl with long dark purple hair called out, coming through a door by the expensive watches. She came to the counter, tilting her head curiously at the group. Something about her unnerved Twilight and Celestia, though Sunset and Luna seemed sympathetic. “A special order?”         “Yes, this shouldn’t take too long, you know the drill,” Crystal nodded as he went towards the door, Sunset following. “Well, come along now,” he said to the rest. Through the door was … exactly what one would expect from a watch shop. There was a desk with a bunch of parts and several broken watches, another desk with a standard looking computer, a small table, a sink, a mini fridge, a microwave, and some boxes. Once everyone was in Crystal closed the door. Sunset asked, “So, who’s the new girl?” “Starlight Glimmer, a recovering cult leader. She had an equality cult going, something happened, and now she’s working for me, trying to start over. If you want to know anymore, you’ll have to ask her,” Crystal answered. “Excuse me, we’re looking for someone named Thorax, do you happen to know where he is?” Celestia asked. “You’re looking right at him, Thorax, Witness Protection extraordinaire and former member of the Changelings,” Crystal said with a dramatic bow. “Ch-Changeling!” Twilight, Spike, Celestia, and Luna all yelled out. Twilight and Celestia both pointed each at each other and said, “Wait, how do you know about the Changelings?!” Meanwhile, Spike ran behind Twilight and Luna started sputtering incoherently. “Um, what are Changelings?” Scootaloo asked, scared of everyone’s reactions. Sunset on the other hand, burst out laughing, all eyes turning towards her. “Ahem, you shouldn’t be laughing Sunset, do you remember what you did when you first heard?” Thorax asked with a smug grin. Surprising Thorax, Sunset just kept smiling as she said, “Yep, got down on all fours and tried to cast a fireball spell. Worked about as well as expected.” “Well, that was unexpected, what did I miss this time?” This managed to knock Sunset’s smile off. She sighed and said, “An anonymous My Stable account started leaking some secrets. First it was my friends’ secrets, who all just abandoned me after two posts, leaving me crying in the hallway, then the rest of the school turned on me.” Thorax’s expression turned grave, his voice threatening, he warned, “If you’re here to ask for revenge, you know what will happen.” Everyone but Sunset backed away slowly, eyeing Thorax fearfully. Scootaloo looked almost ready to cry. Sunset, on the other hand, just waved away his threat, and casually said, “Relax, I’m not an idiot. Besides, that’s not me anymore. I’m actually here to help one of the culprits.” “Very well then, what do you need?” Thorax asked with a smile, the sudden shift startling the group. “Wait, was that a joke?” Celestia asked, indignant, “That you would joke about something like-” “Oh, it wasn’t a joke,” Sunset said, “He knows that I’m from Equestria, and since he’s the one who made all the documents I have, he could easily turn me in at any time, especially with my record. He set me up in this world, giving me a chance, but warned me if I ever tried to abuse his services, he’d take it all away. The only reason he’s even willing to talk to me now was because I tried to return everything he gave me after the Fall Formal, but he gave me another chance.” “If she hadn’t tried to return them, I would’ve turned her in,” Thorax added. “When I gave them back, she broke down and begged for forgiveness. Reminded me of when I finally left the Changelings, and no, I won’t tell you what happened.” “Seriously, what’s going on here!” Scootaloo yelled, her confusion and aggravation winning over her fear, at least until all attention shifted back to her. “I’d like to know as well,” Twilight added, “Seriously, what’s this about Changelings? Did they come from Equestria?” “No, here the Changelings are a very dangerous mafia that focus on identity theft,” Sunset explained. “They can do anything from stealing credit card information to flat out replacing a VIP. You do not want to get on their bad side, but  they tend to leave most people alone unless you get their attention. Oh, and in Equestria, Changelings are a bug like race that magically transform themselves into other creatures and replace them to feed of off the love they receive. You don’t have to worry about Thorax though, now he works with Witness Protection, helping create new identities for people, and occasionally helping special cases outside the law, like me. Anyways, Scootaloo here is homeless and has been living in her friend’s clubhouse for a long time.” “And since there are no foster homes or orphanages near by, that’s where I come in, right?” Thorax finished. “I’m guessing you already know I can’t just give anyone foster status, too many people would  question it.” “Yes, I was hoping you could set her up as my sister and me as her legal guardian. Everyone who knows me won’t question it, and it will be enough to keep her in school until I turn eighteen, at which point the papers should hold up.” “Good, you still haven’t lost your touch. Where are you planning to live, though? Are you still living at the school?” They both ignored Celestia and Luna’s gasps. “Yes, but not for long. Princess Twilight here helped with that. By the way, can we get some basics for her as well?” “Of course, she is responsible for the biggest turnaround I’ve seen. When you find your desired home, bring me the money and I’ll set it up. I’ll need at least half the price up front. If you know anyone who can teach you to drive, I can get you all driver’s licences as well.” “Perfect, any chance you can add motorcycles to the licences?” “I can, anything else?” “You know what, do you have any phoenix themed watches?” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         With the moon high in the sky, Sunset and the others were standing by the portal to Equestria, clearing up any last details. “So,” Sunset began, “We’ll meet up tomorrow at six in Celestia’s office to prepare for the assembly. After the confession and Twilight’s little surprise, Scootaloo and I will leave to continue searching for a home. Any luck with your contacts?”         “Went better than expected,” Celestia answered, “With the holidays coming up, they were very excited for the lower priced gems. We should have most of them sold by Monday.”         “Never expected people saving their shopping for last minute to be so helpful,” Luna scoffed. “Speaking of, what was in the box?”         “Not sure, I was going to wait until Hearth’s Warming Day to open it,” Sunset said.         “What’s Hearth’s Warming?” Scootaloo asked.         “Basically compress the Winter Peace and First Dawn into a single day, except with ponies and magic ice demons that feed on strife, with much more questionable historical accuracy. Actually, we might be able to see the play, if Twilight’s okay with that.”         “Sure, but only if you tell me about the holidays here. Oh, and you can open it now, think of it as a late birthday gift and a thank you for the Battle of the Bands,” Twilight said.         “Alright,” Sunset said, pulling the box out of her pocket. She slowly unwrapped it, letting the anticipation build. Inside was a jewelry box, which she held for a few seconds before finally opening it. She gasped in shock as she felt a slight tingle, looking at a version of her cutie mark made out of two gems. Touching the red one slightly warmed her finger, while the yellow one sent a tiny bit of energy through her.         “What is it?” Scootaloo asked, jumping to try and get a peek. When Sunset lowered the box, Scootaloo stared in awe at the piece.         “Touch it.”         Scootaloo slowly reached out, and upon touching the yellow, she yelped at the feeling and pulled her hand away, “It shocked me!”         “It’s made out of a Fire Ruby and a Lightning Topaz that Spike grew. They’re magical in nature, though without any spells, they just produce some heat and energy,” Twilight explained.         Sunset continued staring at the piece, before finally grabbing it. As she was pulling it up, she noticed a light golden chain, though something about it seemed off. When she had fully removed the necklace and held it up to get a closer look, the chain fell on her hand. Instantly, she realized what it was, feeling a very familiar warmth wash over her. She gasped and nearly dropped it, staring at it in open mouthed shock. “Tw-Twilight, this can’t be right. Th-This can’t be for me,” Sunset barely choked out.         “Of course it is, why wouldn’t it be?”         “This is Sunsteel, Twilight! The only things made out of it are Princess Celestia’s regalia!”         “My new crown is as well, but that’s not important. Spike and I made it using the Sunsteel you created, so you have a right to it.”         Sunset looked back and forth between Twilight and the necklace, before the floodgates finally burst. All of the stress and pain she’d been holding back along with all of the happy memories, both from this world and Equestria, finally came out as she ran to Twilight and pulled her, holding her as though her life depended on it, sobbing into her shoulder, repeating, “Thank you!” over and over. Twilight held up a hand to stop anyone from saying anything, before returning the hug, sympathy written on her face. She gently rubbed Sunset’s back, trying to comfort the girl.         After a good few minutes, Sunset finally calmed down and stopped crying, though she held onto Twilight for a bit longer. When she finally let go, she took another look at the necklace, before putting it on, with a huge smile on her face, though still tinged with a bit of sadness. Still, it was the happiest and least weary she’d looked since, well ever really now that Twilight thought about it.         “Alright, let’s go,” Twilight motioned to Sunset, Spike, and Scootaloo, before waving to the principals. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Oh and Scootaloo, the first time through is a bit of a trip, so be ready for it,” she said as she entered the portal, the others following soon after.