//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Rising From The Ashes // by Midnight_Song95 //------------------------------// Sunset sighed as she glanced over at the three guitars that were hanging on her wall, one being a gift from Luna and another she had bought in a pawn shop ages ago when she was with Flash. Her friends had seen her room so why didn't they ask her to be in their band? She tried not to let it get to her, knowing that if she had been in the band that no one would listen to them anyway. Especially since everyone seemed to still hate her at Canterlot High. Sighing she glanced down at the group photo that Rainbow Dash had posted earlier about their makeshift practice session. Well looks like I'll have to find something to do for the next few weeks until the showcase. She thought with a sigh as she got up and headed downstairs. Only to have something huge fly into her face, blocking her vision with red and gold feathers. “Philomena! Who the heck let you out of your cage so you could annoy people!” She snapped, waving the bird out of her face, however that only got Sunset a large bird on her head. “Ugh of all the annoying pets that Mom could have in this world, she had to have a rainbow colored chicken like you!” The bird squawked in response, not even offering to move. “Mom! Do something with your dumb bird!” Sunset yelled as she walked into the kitchen, finding a rather amused Chrysalis at the table as Celestia stood by the stove stirring something. “Nice hat, Red.” Chrysalis stated, earning a glare from the teen though Celestia only laughed aloud at the sight. “Philomena, leave Sunset alone. Go bug Chrysalis or Luna.” the aurora haired woman asked, although as the bird turned its eyes upon the dark-skinned woman, she narrowed her eyes. “Don't even think about it you overgrown shit machine. You land on me, you're dead.” That proved enough ammunition for the bird to take off out of the room. “I have got to learn how to do that. Why are you here anyway Chrisy?” Sunset stated, earning a chuckle from Chrysalis. “Because I wanted to...Plus Celestia roped me and Luna into helping paint the laundry room for her since she is afraid that after your little incident while painting your room you'll get hurt if you tried to help.” she answered, smirking at the blush on Sunset's face. “Hey it was one time and I wasn't used to painting anything from a ladder!” the teen pointed out, earning a snicker from both women. “You're lucky you didn't get hurt.” Celestia retorted before adding “and unlike your room, there isn't anything soft to land on in the laundry room.” “Okay then, How can I help then?” Sunset asked, mentally adding it's not like I have anything to do. “How about you help Celestia figure out what she want's to do with the kitchen?” Luna suggested from the doorway, a towel wrapped around her head as she added “and before you even ask, my hot water heater gave up the ghost.” “Okay...Please tell me your pet isn't here. I swear he ends up trying to crawl up my leg every single time he sees me!” Sunset answered, earning a laugh from Chrysalis. “He does that because he wants you to play with him. He isn't out to get you Sunset.” Luna assured, rolling her eyes before she added “and no, he's home...On his bed, asleep. He is nocturnal you know.” “All I know is he's an overgrown rat that likes to steal my things with his tail! Seriously, I was eating a doughnut and he literally crawled up on the counter and took it like some kind of mutated, fluffy monkey!” Sunset stated, glaring at Luna with a childish expression. “Oh man...What I would do to have my camera right now. You look like a little kid, Red.” Chrysalis stated, only for the teen to throw a potholder at her. “stop it before you three end up destroying the place. I don't feel like having to remodel my kitchen too!” Celestia ordered, trying to hide her amusement at the trio. “They're the ones who need to stop!” Sunset snapped, though there wasn't too much heat in her tone. “Okay there Fire-cracker, calm down.” Chrysalis teased “I think you're about to blow.” “Shut up.” Celestia sighed as she turned her full attention to the other people in her kitchen. “Enough! I swear having you three in the house at the same time is like having three toddlers!” the Principal stated, although she was glad that Sunset had fit in with their family as well as she did. Not even an hour later Sunset found her mood deteriorating as she glanced at her phone, seeing a video that Rainbow Dash had posted online. Who cares about a dumb high school rock band? It's not like anyone would want to hear you perform. She told herself mentally as she lay across her bed with her eyes closed. It's not like I asked to be in the band...I don't care what they do. She felt her body become heavy as she lay there, trying to control her emotions which spiraled out of control. You do care, dumb-ass. Why can't you just stay out of my head? I know you literally are the embodiment of my emotions but...Shut the hell up. Oh yeah, tell the demon to go to hell...Really classy Sunshit Shimmer. I said Shut the hell up not go to hell, what the buck is wrong with you? And again talking with Equestrian slang. Do you ever think you'll go there again? You have a family here. Go away already! Sunset, Sunset, Sunset, Always clueless. Sunset hadn't even noticed she had fallen asleep as she was jolted awake at the sudden sound of her name being called only to find that it was Celestia standing in the doorway. “You okay? You were whimpering in your sleep. The nightmares aren't coming back are they?” her adoptive mother questioned as she entered the room, earning a sigh from the teen. “No, it's just my stupid subconscious won't shut up for five seconds for some reason.” Sunset complained, sitting up and making room for the woman to take a seat beside of her. “Oh really? What is it saying?” Celestia prompted, brow furrowing as her mouth pressed into a thin line. “It's just...the showcase coming up and the girls kinda pretends I don't exist when it comes to the band. I mean they know I play guitar, I mean Luna got me that really cool one for Christmas which they saw. I mean I understand why they don't want me in the band but they don't have to pretend I don't exist you know? “ Sunset stated and she could swear that she heard the demon laugh somewhere in her mind. “I think if I was you I would talk to them about it, tell them how I felt. I mean if they really are your friends they should at least reach a compromise with you.” Celestia stated carefully, putting an arm around the teen who responded by turning toward her, giving her a full-on hug. “It's not that simple.” Sunset responded, feeling the woman sigh “I know Sunset, but at least try okay? At least so you can stop worrying about it.” “Yeah,” The word came out almost a whisper “I guess I could try but I don't see what good that would do. I mean, who would see a band if a demon was in it.” the teen stated, earning a sigh as Celestia pulled away. “That may be the case but you aren't a demon.” Celestia chided lightly, earning a sigh. “I know I'm not a literal anything but I was pretty horrible to everyone and everyone thinks of me as a monster so I might as wells be one. I mean I can walk into the bathroom and everyone just clears out like I'm going to try to murder them or something!” She stated then sighed “Sorry for being so negative it's just....Difficult sometimes.” “Things will get better but don't you ever apologize for telling me how you feel. I want you to be able to express yourself around me.” Celestia reminded her before adding “Now come on, there is no need to stay in here all day sulking.” “Where are we going?” Sunset asked, taking note of her mother's tone, which wasn't a suggestion. “Out. I know my idea of fun may not be the same as yours but I am not letting you sulk around all day. Even if I have to have Luna bring Tiberius here to get you out of this room.” Celestia answered, earning a half-hearted glare. “I love you but if you have her bring that thing over here I will personally find the most disgusting of creatures and put it in your bed when you're sleeping.”