//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: A Day at the Shelter // Story: The Chronicles of Sunset: Crimson Promise // by VioletNightWriter //------------------------------// Sunset was watching tv when Starlight came down. "Sunset, I am heading over to a friend's house. So I expect this house to be the way I left it, okay?" said Starlight, her voice unusually stern. Sunset nodded. She went back to her tv show. She tried to not think about the worst possibilities of telling Twilight her secret. But the fear of Twilight's rejection was overwhelming. Sunset heard the front door slam shut as Starlight left. She decided to go to her room. She wanted to take a shower to relax her nerves. She grabbed a few towels from the hallway cupboard. Closing her bedroom door, she slowly undressed. She went into her bathroom, placing the towel on the sink counter. She got into the shower, turning on the hot water. She felt the water hit her skin. It burned slightly at first but then it felt good. She stood there, feeling the water run down her back and off of her. She wanted to stay there in that moment. No worries, no fears, and least of all, no pain. Suddenly Sunset heard the doorbell ring. She turned off the water, stepping out of the shower. She wrapped a towel around herself before she headed downstairs. She opened the door to see Flim and Flam standing there. "Flim. Flam. What are you doing here?" asked Sunset. She hadn't expected them to show up. "We here for the model of the staff. Starlight told us to pick it up today," replied Flam. Sunset nodded. "Okay. I will see if I can find it. Please, come in." said Sunset, gesturing for them to come in. Flim and Flam walked in, saying a quick 'thank you'. Sunset then closed the door and headed for Starlight's room. She looked in the closet and sure enough there a was a box labeled 'Staff model'. She pulled the box out, careful to not jostle it. She opened the box, making sure that it was there. She saw a milky white fiberglass model of the staff. She checked it for any damage. Seeing none, she closed the box. She carefully went downstairs as she carried the box. She handed the box to Flim and Flam. "There you go. I will let Starlight know you came by," said Sunset. Flim and Flam nodded as they waved goodbye. Sunset closed the door, heading back up to her room. She went to the bathroom after she picked out her outfit. She decided on her usual leather jacket with a light blue shirt. She chose a clean pair of jeans. She got finished putting her boots on when her phone vibrated. She grabbed it, turning it on. She saw that she had received a text from Fluttershy. 'If you and Twilight need something to do, you can come over to the shelter.' Sunset smiled. She was glad that Fluttershy offered to help her out with Twilight. She decided to see if Twilight wanted to do that. Finding Twilight's number in her contacts. She sent her a text. 'Hey, Twi. I was wondering if you wanted to spend some time at the shelter in town.' She put her phone down, waiting for Twilight's response. She only had a few minutes before she got the response. 'Sure, I would like that. See you in a few, then? Sunset texted back. 'Yep. Be there in ten.' She texted Fluttershy back. 'We'll be there in 20 so minutes, okay?' She watched as three dots appeared showing that Fluttershy was typing. 'Okay. I will be here to show Twilight around. I am glad to have the help today.' Sunset sent a quick 'okay' before turning off her phone. She grabbed her motorcycle keys before she locked the front door. She found her bike in its usual spot in the garage. She pulled out of the garage before she started it up. Revving the engine, she drove up to Twilight's house. She was glad that it was only a five-minute drive. She turned off the engine as she parked her bike. She took a deep breath as she walked up to the front door. She knocked on the door three times. She waited for an answer. As she went to knock again, the door opened. She quickly drew her hand back. "Hey, Twilight. I am glad that you agreed to go to the shelter with me," said Sunset, looking down nervously. Twilight kept looking at Sunset. She wasn't used to seeing Sunset, who was usually confident, acting this shy and nervous. She moved her glasses up as she spoke. "Me...too," said Twilight. They both stood there awkwardly for a few moments. Sunset decided to break the ice. "So, you all set?" asked Sunset. Twilight nodded. She was unable to speak. She had to admit that it was nice to talk to Sunset, despite the mistrust she felt about Sunset. Sunset handed Twilight a helmet as she swung her legs around the bike. Twilight put the helmet on as she sat on the bike. She hesitated as she placed her hands around Sunset's waist. Sunset smiled to herself as she felt Twilight's hands around her waist. She felt goosebumps form from the contact. She revved the engine as Twilight held on. Twilight was pulled back as the motorcycle lurched forward. But with her hold on Sunset, she didn't feel it as much. She enjoyed watching the city rush by as Sunset drove. Soon the crowded city buildings began to dwindle into a much quieter suburban part of town. She also noticed that the crowds seem to get smaller with each passing minute. Finally, they pulled up to a small, pale yellow building. Sunset felt the pressure around her waist lessen. Part of her wanted Twilight to never let go. But she took off her helmet, knowing that she had to earn back Twilight's trust. She led the way as she headed towards the front door. She walked in, holding the door for Twilight. "Hey, Fluttershy. We're here," said Sunset. Fluttershy came out from the back. She was holding a baby kitten. It meowed as she sat it down on the counter. "Hey, Sunset. I am glad you guys could make it. I would like to have some extra help around here." greeted Fluttershy. As Twilight stepped closer to the counter, the curious kitten walked over to her. It meowed as it pawed at her shirt. "Aww. Aren't you just so cute?" asked Twilight. Fluttershy smiled. She was glad that Twilight seems to have a connection with animals. She looked at Sunset, who smiled back at her. "That is one of our newborn kittens. She is a few weeks old. This is her first time meeting someone new. And she seemed to have to take a liking to you." said Fluttershy. Twilight looked from the kitten to Fluttershy. She adjusted her glasses as she said, "Wow. She is really active for such a young animal. And I have to admit that I have taken a liking to her as well." Sunset walked over to Fluttershy. "So, what do you need us to do, Fluttershy?" asked Sunset. Fluttershy took the kitten as she walked ahead of Twilight and Sunset. She led them to a corridor of animals ranging from cats to dogs. "If you girls don't mind, I would really like it if you could feed this section of animals while I feed the other one. All their specific food is labeled. Each animal gets one cup of their own food." said Fluttershy. "We'd love to, right Twilight?" asked Sunset. Twilight looked from the kitten to Sunset. "Oh, yes," replied Twilight. Fluttershy smiled. She gave them each a cup before grabbing her own. "Thank you, girls," said Fluttershy, walking to the other section of animals. Sunset and Twilight walked into their section, still holding their cups. Sunset decided to feed the cats first. Twilight chose the dogs. She wanted to keep her distance from Sunset. She didn't want to hurt Sunset's feelings, but she wanted to know the truth. She didn't want to be used again like she'd been at Crystal Prep. Sunset looked over at Twilight, who was feeding a beagle. She smiled as she saw how Twilight played with the puppy. She looked away when she saw Twilight look up. She felt her cheeks flush as she thought of her. She got up and grabbed a cup of food for one of the tabby cats. She opened the cage, making the cat shrink away. She noticed the cats' behavior. She wondered if animals could sense that she wasn't human. She placed the food in the cat's dish before she closed the door. Twilight fed the beagle his food. She closed his door and went to feed the chihuahua. She didn't want to sit in the awkward silence that filled the air. "How are you, Sunset?" asked Twilight. Her voice was shaky as she tried to muster enough courage to speak. Sunset felt a pang of guilt as she heard the shakiness in Twilight's voice. She understood Twilight's reason for being uneasy around her. But that didn't ease the sting of her actions. "I am doing...okay. What about you, Twilight?" asked Sunset. The silence in the air was heavy. Sunset looked at Twilight, who looked back at her. For a moment, Sunset's heart thundered in her chest as she stared into Twilight's eyes. She wanted the moment to last forever. Twilight looked away as she spoke. "I-I am doing good. I really enjoy being here, with you," replied Twilight. Twilight's cheeks burned as she thought of Sunset. Though, her mistrust of Sunset kept her at a distance. She moved on from the chihuahua as she moved to the labrador next to it. A half hour passed without another word. Sunset and Twilight busied themselves with feeding the animals. Neither seemed to acknowledge the other's presence. Fluttershy walked in just as Sunset and Twilight finished the last of the animals. She felt the tension in the air. She was about to walk back out when Sunset noticed her. "Hey, Fluttershy, we're done. I hope that we helped. It was fun to say hi to all these adorable kittens." said Sunset, holding a black kitten. Sunset placed the kitten back its proper cage after filling its food dish. She looked at Twilight who was lost in petting an adorable Australian shepherd puppy. "Well, girls, that is all I really needed help with. So, if you want, you can play with some of the puppies out back." offered Fluttershy. Twilight looked at Fluttershy. She wanted to stay here but she needed to go home for a while. She had promised her mom that she would help her. Turning to Sunset, "I would love to, but I promised my mom that I would help her with something." Twilight saw Sunset's eyes darken as she said that. She felt a pang of guilt which made her feel queasy. She had to steady herself against the wall. "Well, okay girls. See you guys on Monday then," said Fluttershy, walking away. Sunset looked at Twilight. She walked up to Twilight and placed a hand on her shoulder. She felt Twilight flinch as she touched her. She pulled her hand away, looking down as a tear stream down her cheek. "S-sorry, Twi. I know you're uncomfortable around me. And I know that it's my fault. I will take you home now." said Sunset, grabbing her keys. She walked out the door, wiping the tear away before Twilight saw it. She handed Twilight her helmet, grabbing her own as well. She slung her leg over her motorcycle. Once Twilight got on, she felt Twilight's grip on her waist. She turned on the bike, revving the engine. They drove back to Twilight's house. To Twilight, the ride back seemed to take much longer than the ride to the shelter. After a while, the suburban faded back into the city. She watched as her house slowly appeared in her view. Sunset pulled her bike into Twilight's driveway. She removed her helmet as Twilight did the same. "Here we are. I will pick you up in a couple hours. Sorry for making you uncomfortable," apologized Sunset. Twilight noticed how Sunset's hair shimmered in the bright afternoon sunlight. She handed Sunset her helmet back. "O-okay, t-thanks." stammered Twilight. She felt her stomach knot up. She stood there, her eyes focusing on the cracks in the ground. She busied herself with her skirt. Sunset placed her second helmet in her bag. She looked at Twilight. She wanted Twilight to look up, she wanted to see Twilight's purple eyes once more. She wanted to see the light of kindness behind them before it was diminished by her real identity. "Well, I better get going," said Sunset, revving the engine. Twilight nodded. She felt like a ton of bricks. She was unable to move as she watched Sunset drive off. Once Sunset was out of sight, she finally was able to move again. She went inside, closing the door behind her. A few hours later, at the Canterlot Buffet, Diamond Tiara and her mother were waiting to be served. Diamond Tiara had her present in the booth, next to her. She had high hopes for her mother's approval of it. She looked for her father, wondering where he was. "Mother, why is daddy taking so long?" asked Diamond Tiara. She looked around and found her father walking towards them. "Sorry, darling. My work kept me longer than planned. But I am here now.," said Filthy Rich, sitting next to his wife. Diamond Tiara smiled. "That's okay, daddy. So shall we order?" asked Diamond Tiara. Filthy Rich nodded. He called for a waiter. Once the waiter came over, he and his family ordered. "Will that be all, sir?" asked the waiter. "Yes, that is all," replied Filthy Rich. The waiter nodded, walking away. Filthy Rich turned to his family. "Okay, my dear daughter would like to give your mother her gift first?" asked Filthy Rich. Diamond Tiara smiled as she grabbed her gift. She handed her mother the delicately wrapped box. "Hope you like your gift, mother," said Diamond Tiara. Mrs. Rich took the gift and gently undid the bow. She then carefully unwrapped the box. As opened the lid, she was amazed to see such a beautiful gem. "Oh, honey! This is a beautiful gift. I-I-I don't what to say." said Mrs. Rich. Diamond Tiara felt herself blush. She couldn't stop because she was so happy for her mom. "Now, it's your turn, daddy," said Diamond Tiara. Filthy Rich smiled as he reached down under the table. He pulled out a plastic bag with tissue paper on the top. Mrs. Rich pulled the tissue paper out of the bag. She then pulled out what appeared to be a set of keys. "Dear, what are the keys to?" asked Mrs. Rich. Filthy Rich wrapped his arm around his wife. "Dear, those keys belong to a beachside resort that is all yours," replied Filthy Rich. Mrs. Rich beamed. She hugged her husband, kissing him on the cheek. "Oh, that is wonderful! I will take a trip there in the summer," said Mrs. Rich. Just then their food came. Mrs. Rich and her husband put the gifts aside. "Here's your order, sir." said the waiter, placing the food on the table. Filthy Rich nodded as he got his extremely rare steak. "Thank you. We'll call you for the check," said Filthy Rich. Diamond Tiara found it odd that her dad had an almost raw steak. She couldn't understand how he could possibly eat it. She decided to shrug it off. She looked at her salad and was glad that she chose to order it. She saw that her mother did the same. "Well, dig in. Enjoy tonight's feast," said, Filthy Rich, before he grabbed his knife and fork. The dinner went smoothly without any further conversations. But the evening was interrupted by a phone call. Filthy Rich picked up the phone. "Sir, we have some good news for you." said the person on the other end. Filthy Rich whispered, "Good. What's the news?" He looked at his wife and daughter and smiled. He got up as he said, "Sorry, darling," Filthy Rich kissed his wife on the forehead, "But I have to get back to the office, they need me. I will be home soon, hopefully." Diamond Tiara was suspicious of her father's excuse. She knew his work never called him for anything, especially because he was careful about making sure things ran smoothly. She wondered where he was really going, and why he said that he would hopefully be home soon. Once Filthy Rich was in his car, he put the phone on speaker. "Are you sure that's going to be just Sunset and her friend?" asked Filthy Rich. "Yes. Our sources confirmed that Starlight was at Sunburst's house. You are in the clear, Mr. Rich." replied the person. Filthy Rich smiled to himself as he turned his car on. "Okay, thanks," said Filthy Rich, turning off the call. He drove out of the parking lot. He was headed towards Starlight's house. "Starlight will pay for killing my first daughter!" whispered Filthy Rich, under his breath.