//------------------------------// // Running away - Chapter 2 // Story: Out of the crater, into the light // by Xenont //------------------------------// Sunset panted as she turned the corner, trying to get as far away from the school and its students as possible. At times, she would turn back to check if anyone was following her.She finally gave running a rest as she leaned against a pole and exhaled. The night air seemed much much colder than Sunset had once remembered as she rubbed her hands together to keep warm. She sighed. Sunset had not left the school compound intentionally. She had heard two students talking about her inside the school, within hearing distance from Sunset. They were describing how 'ugly' and 'terrifying' Sunset had looked when she was transformed into a 'raging she-demon' Unable to listen any longer, Sunset fled from school. They are right.....No one is going to wanna accept someone like me. Tears began to fill her eyes again as she pushed the image of the five girls and Twilight to the very back of her mind only to replace it with a image of her past bullying. Sunset clutched her head as she tried to make the appearing images disappear. "Augh!" She shouted in anger. Sunset slammed her already sore hands into a nearby wall, only making the throbbing to worsen. She panted, both from the running and the pain. Sunset felt her throat go dry as she choked. Nights are sure much dryer huh? She thought after calming down from her coughing fit. Sunset began to head home. I guess the night can't be any worse.... Sunset shuddered as she heaved her sore body further down the ally. "SUNSET!!!" Pinkie shouted as she ran around, looking frantically for Sunset. "SUUUNSEEEET!!!" She shouted again. "Sugarcube....Ah Don't think Sunset's here no more." Applejack said, covering her ears. The other girls all nodded. "Yeah. I agree with AJ. But Sunset was right here! She couldn't have gone far...." Rainbow Dash said, scratching her head in confusion. "Girls. we should probably get some bed rest. We can meet in the mall tomorrow for lunch and shopping!!" Rarity said, yawning. The girls all waved goodbye as they went their separate ways, each trying their best to absorb and process what had just happened that night Sunset trudged home, already regretting not riding her motorcycle to the Fall Formal. She shivered as a chill ran down her spine. Well, luckily I am home now. Sunset looked at her present home, which looked more like an abandoned factory then an actual house. Sunset pushed the door open as she reached for the light switch just to her right. A small dull light flickered on as it brightened the room around Sunset. She had found this place when she first came to the mirror world and was more than happy to call it 'home' looking back, Sunset regretted running away from Equestria and the mere thought of it brought tears to her eyes. Sunset plopped on the couch as she removed her phone from her pocket, only to see notifications of messages pop up on the screen She DEMON!! MONSTER!! Stay away from me & my life!! BULLY! Sunset slammed her phone down on the cushion next to her as tears stung her eyes once more. She stood up, hoping some rest would help her to ease the pain, both physically and emotionally. Sunset took a towel and some clothes to the tiny bathroom that she had just next to the living room. After undressing from her filthy tear stained clothing, Sunset turned on the water and stood underneath, immediately jumping out as the cold water stung her wounded skin. She looked at the mirror behind her and noticed two long scars running down along her shoulder blades - scars from where her wings had been. She then also noticed yet another scar near her tailbone from where her demon tail had been, regret once again flowing through her veins. Sunset braced herself for another round of stinging as she hugged herself and stepped into the shower, letting her tears run with the water. After getting accustomed to the temperature of the water, (which was always cold) Sunset began rubbing water and soap on the areas of the body in witch she was hurt, making the pain much more bearable. That feels so much better! Sunset watched as dirt and dust swirled into the drain below her and sighed. Well, at least I'm clean now.... After a cold shower, Sunset changed into a new set of pyjamas and her shivering subsided as warmth spreaded through her body. Sunset yawned as her stomach growled she decided to have a little something to eat before going to bed. Sunset tore open a packet of biscuits as she sat on the couch. What shall I do tomorrow? It is a Saturday after all.... Sunset munched on a biscuit. A trip to the mall might be good. I do need to stock up on some food. Sunset stopped. She sighed. I guess getting a job is on the list too.... Her money from.....taking other student's lunch money was most certainly running out and she would never dream doing that again. Sunset finished the last of her biscuits, brushed her teeth and went to her room. Her room (or worker's quarters) had a small, cozy kind of feeling to Sunset. In the far corner of the room stood her bed, next to it was a mini dresser. On the other side of her room hung a full-length mirror that was cracked along the sides. She, after all, had found it by a garbage bin. Sunset lay down on her bed as she closed her eyes. Hoping tomorrow would be better. Rainbow Dash Rainbow went home after a drive home from her car. She stepped into her house, just as her phone vibrated. She just managed to catch it before it fell out of her pocket. Ha! Nice save! rainbow smiled as she looked at who had texted her. Hey! Meet at the mall tomorrow at 11am. Sent by Rarity Okie! Sent by Pinkie Pie Sure! Sent by Applejack okay Sent by Fluttershy Rainbow rolled her eyes. Typical. She raised her phone and began typing See you guys there! Sent by Rainbow Dash Rainbow sighed as she looked around the house. Hmmm...What can I do? Rainbow wasn't in the mood to sleep, not after what had just happened at the Fall Formal. Guess I'll play some video games. Rainbow shrugged as she turned on her TV. While waiting for the game to load, Rainbow allowed her mind to wander after a minute of silence, her thoughts drifted to Sunset. Rainbow remembered the first time she saw Sunset. Rainbow knew there was something off about her. Sunset could barely run on her feet, let alone stay balanced when someone bumped into her. Soon after, she started to bully other students - blackmailing, abusing and mocking. Sunset also started to bully Rainbow and the few times that Rainbow stood up to her, it never went well. Sunset would always ask her 'minions' to give rainbow a severe beating. Unfortunately for her, the 'minions' that Sunset 'hired' were stronger than Rainbow. BUT.....Sunset did show great remorse after the Fall Formal....She did deserve a second chance. Why wouldn't she accept it? Rainbow shrugged as picked up her controller and started to play, pressing the buttons rapidly. Fluttershy Fluttershy slowly walked out of her lavender car as locked the car doors. On the way to the lift from the house, Fluttershy was greeted by many of the stray animals that came up to her. "Hello there!" She said, as she leaned in to pat the animals. There were dogs, cats and many other different critters. As she continued her walk, she waved goodbye as the lift doors shut, sending the animals scampering bach to the grassy fields. As Fluttershy entered her home, she realised that everyone had already turned in for the night. Okay, now I'll just feed Angel and then I can sleep too. Fluttershy went into the kitchen, turning on the lights. She opened a cupboard and started looking for carrots. "Here Angel!" Fluttershy opened the rabbit's cang door as it jumped into her arms. She laughed as her sat down on the sofa, feeding Angel and thinking about Sunset. When I first saw Sunset, I already knew she was a bully. She shouted at everyone and liked picking on the little ones. She was especially happy when she found me, a girl too weak and gentle to defend against her. She would always find ways to bully me when neither of the girls are here. when I am walking, when I am giving out posters for the shelter, Sunset would always find me. I actually wanted to be her friend so maybe she wouldn't be so mean but I would never dare to talk to her.....But after the Fall Formal, Sunset was not scary anymore. In fact, she seemed more scared of us! Fluttershy sighed as she locked the rabbit's cage. Well, I just hope she is willing to move on. Fluttershy turned the corner by the corridor and walked into the bathroom Rarity Rarity got out of her shiny car as she stepped up to her front door. She stepped in, greeting her parents as she walked up to her bedroom. She sat on her bed as she took her phone out of her purse, quickly sending a message to the girls about tomorrow's arrangements. She then took her sketchbook and began to think of what clothes to wear and what clothed to buy. I really do need a new set of clothes since this one is already dusty due to our battle with Sunset.....Oh! Sunset! She would need new clothes too! Rarity instantly brightened up as she began to design outfits for Sunset. When I first met Sunset.....Rarity thought. I noticed that her clothes always had the picture of a yellow and red sun. Now, I still wonder why it is so. Sunset had always been one to find something wrong with my designs and laugh at it! If only she had used that talent for spotting the smallest mistakes anyone would have missed for good, she would make a brilliant assistant for checking over my clothing! Rarity placed her half drawn art on the table as she entered the toilet, taking her clothes off and began scrubbing them with a sponge and some soap, hoping to get rid of the stains. After ten minutes of scrubbing, Rarity decided that she would make the washing machine finish the job for her as she stepped into the shower and began scrubbing her skin too. Pinkie Pie Pinkie bounced into her room as a party canon burst confetti on her. Ha! That never gets old! She refilled the confetti as she thought about who she could prank in school next week. "Ooh, ooh! I should prank Sunset!" Pinkie suddenly jumped up.No...waaaait....Sunset hasn't even BEEN to any of my parties!... Her hair instantly deflated as she began to plan a party for her new friend. Hmm..What does Sunny like? Pinkie scratched her chin as she recalled the time when Sunset was still terrifying students in CHS. She was a major jerk! Everytime I tried to pull a prank on her, she would always confront me and say my jokes are dumb....Pinkie sighed But now, she seems a lot more accepting.... Pinkie instantly brightened up as she continued to plan Sunset's party. Applejack As Applejack got out of an old truck, she thanked Granny again for picking her up from the Formal. "It's okay, jur make sure that friend Sunset of yours is well taken care orf." Granny said, winking. Applejack stepped into the kitchen. Thinking it was still early, she decided to make a little supper for herself. While getting the ingredients, she stumbled upon and old picture of her friends all posing for a picture. It was good times....Until Sunset came.... Applejack took the photo and looked at it closely. When Sunset first came ta CHS, me and Rainbow were the only darn ones who would stand up for Rarity, Pinkie and especially Flutters. But since the Formal, she has also shown great change...and ah bet if she tried the cider I contributed to the Formal, she would love it...And I'm willing to give her another chance, if she would stop crying enough for me ta say so... Applejack laughed as she continued to bake.