Sunset Shimmer reached the front doors of Canterlot High and yawned. I still can't believe what happened last night, she thought. The memory of her ponying up and joining her friends in the fight against the Dazzlings had continually played through her mind, and it felt exhilarating. Pinkie's after party didn't help my energy much. Oof. She shook her head rapidly in an effort to snap herself back to the here and now, then opened the door.
The halls of Canterlot High were filled with students walking and talking, and they were all gabbing about last night's events. Sunset caught little snippets as she passed them by.
"Can't believe that magic happened again!"
"What is up with the place, anyway?"
"That shit was crazy!"
Sunset smiled to herself. So this is what it feels like to be good. It's been so long that I'd forgotten. She bumped into someone, and fell onto the floor of the halls. Sunset blinked, then saw a gray outstretched hand offering to help her up.
"Are you okay," Asked someone with a familiar monotone.
Sunset smiled and accepted Maud's help. "Yeah," Sunset said. "I'm fine. Just got lost in my thoughts."
Maud stared at Sunset blankly, then surprised her by smiling just a little. "You rock," she said, then walked off.
Sunset smiled warmly as Maud turned a corner in the hallway, then went about her business. She hummed the counterspell song from the previous night's events, then heard someone call her name, causing her to stop and turn around. She blinked as she saw a blonde-haired girl run towards her as her yellow tie waved like a flag in the wind. She stopped in front of Sunset and bent over, gasping for breath. She held up a hand and curled it into a fist, then unclenched her pointer finger, signifying that she needed a moment.
Sunset waited patiently for a few moments, then yelped as the girl gave her a big hug. "You were amazing last night," she exclaimed. "I always knew you had some good in you!"
Sunset returned the hug with a smile. "Thanks...um..." she trailed off, desperately trying to remember the teen's name.
"Derpy," the teen said as she broke the hug with a smile. "Or Muffins. Either one works with me." She laughed.
"Well then, you're welcome, Muffins," Sunset said. Muffins smiled, then walked away.
That was nice of her, Sunset thought.
"There she is," called a voice.
Sunset turned around to see a throng of people looking at her. Before she knew it, nearly all the students had crowded around her. "What the fu-" The students started to chant her name in a cheer, causing Sunset to blush deeply. It continued until sounds of shoving came from several different directions. Sunset groaned in frustration. What now, she thought.
She immediately calmed down as she saw Rainbow Dash squeeze out from between two students. "Okay folks," she said, raising her arms. "Let's not overwhelm Sunset."
"Indeed," said Rarity as she managed to make her way through the crowd. "She had a busy night and we'd appreciate it if you gave our friend some space."
"Yeah," Pinkie Pie said from behind Sunset. "I threw a party so crazy last night that even I needed time to recover!"
"Besides," Applejack said as she reached the group. "It ain't like y'all won't ever see her again."
"Now if you'd all be so kind," Fluttershy said, "let her be. Please," she asked with a face so adorable that Applejack had to keep a random student from hugging her.
The crowd dispersed, and Sunset heaved a sigh of relief. "Thanks, guys," she said. "That was getting a little out of hand."
Rainbow Dash slapped Sunset on the back as they started walking together. "Don't worry about it!"
"Enjoying your popularity," Applejack asked as she nudged Sunset.
Sunset smiled warmly. "I guess. It's going to take some getting used to, that's all."
"If you're this popular now," Rarity said. "It's only a matter of time before someone asks you out!"
Sunset blushed. "I-I don't think I'd be up for it, to be honest."
Applejack walked up to Sunset and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sunset," she said. "I'm gonna tell you this right now so you'll be prepared." Sunset nodded. "Not everyone's gonna believe you've changed overnight."
"It wouldn't surprise me," Sunset said as she looked away and folded her arms. "What happened last night was incredible, but I get the feeling that it's going to take a lot more than just ponying up and saving the world just to gain trust."
"That's a mouthful," Pinkie said.
"But it is a valid point," Rarity said. "Some people simply won't be satisfied no matter what you do, and it's best to just ignore them and move on with your life."
"Sometimes that's easier said than done, Rarity," Sunset said. "But I understand what you and Applejack are saying. I'll keep that in mind."
"Um, what time is it," Fluttershy asked.
Rainbow Dash took out her phone and blanched. "Oh crap, the bell's going to ring! We'd better high-tail it!" The six nodded at each other and ran to their classes.
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A couple of classes later, Sunset felt exhausted. She needed an energy drink or something. Coffee? Yes, coffee. Coffee is good. She walked over to the cafeteria, only to have someone bar her way. Sunset sighed. "Can I help you," she asked wearily.
"Yes. Can I have your autograph," the student asked. Sunset made a sputtering noise and took out a pen, then signed the student's notebook. "Thank you," the student said cheerfully and ran off. I wonder if Princess Celestia goes through this crap on a daily basis, she thought. Enough thinking, she thought. Coffee now!
Sunset arrived at the cafeteria and got a coffee from a vending machine. She took a deep whiff, then sighed contently. She took a sip and began to feel a bit more alert. She smiled, then left the cafeteria. As she walked the halls to her next class, she heard footsteps behind her. Eh, must just be another student heading in the same direction as me, she thought.
"Hey," a voice angrily called out as Sunset continued her walking. "Don't you dare ignore me, Sunset Shimmer!" She stopped, then turned around to see a light-green skinned girl wearing a striped sweater with blue jeans. She glared at Sunset angrily. "I have a bone to pick with you," she said through gritted teeth.