Sunset rocked back and forth on the Apple family porch. The sunlight wasn't even up yet, but she was enjoying the peace and quiet. Between Pinkie Pie being a grabby sleeper, and Rainbowdash's snoring it was hard to stay completely asleep. She sipped the hot chocolate in her hands sighing at the warmth it brought her.
A set of headlights turned into the drive. Sunset blinked a little as the lights hit her eyes. The car stopped next to Rarity's, and the engine turned off. A tall figure stepped out of the car closing the door softly. As the figure drew closer to the porch Sunset saw that it was Twilight's older brother Shining Armor. She smiled and gave him a small wave.
"Morning."
"Morning," Armor waved back as he walked up the steps. "I didn't think anybody was going to be awake this early."
"Then why did you get here so early?" she giggled a little.
"I was already awake," he shrugged as he sat on the porch swing opposite of the rocking chair Sunset occupied. "Besides I figured I could catch a few winks in my car if I needed to."
They spent several minutes in peaceful silence. Sunset could tell that there was something on Armor's mind, but she didn't want to pry. After a few more minutes he started to rock the swing back and forth a little.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Armor said looking over at her with an apologetic smile. "I didn't know that was gonna happen."
"Don't worry about it," Sunset said shaking her head with a small smile. "How could you have known?"
"Still," he sighed and leaned his head back closing his eyes. "If this whole meeting Shining Light turned out the same way for you as it did him I'm sorry."
"Wha-what do you mean?" Sunset stammered.
"I'm sure Twily told you that the Sunset Shimmer from this world died right?"
"Yes," Sunset nodded before taking a sip of chocolate again though it wasn't as warming anymore. "She said Shining Light said that after I ran away."
"Well later on after our little display at the Burger Barn Light and I were shooting hoops at the park," Armor began as he looked back over at her. "Apparently seeing you brought back a lot of stuff. Including the moment he lost HIS Sunset. I've never seen him like that when he finally told me what happened."
"Oh," she said looking down at the mug in her hands turning it slowly. "Yeah, I've been remembering a lot of things too. Just like him I remembered when I lost MY brother. I shared it with the girls."
"Yeah?"
"Mmhmm," she nodded looking up at him a small smile on her lips and tears starting to form in her eyes. "I'm glad the Shining Light of this world has someone like you to help him deal with this."
"Yeah," he nodded putting his hands together in his lap. "When I look back on it now I wish I had been a better friend."
"What do you mean?" Sunset asked looking up.
"Well I barely knew him before he lost her," Armor began. "He wasn't exactly a good kid, but he wasn't bad either. He was pretty much a prankster. We got along alright, but then I remember him getting bad. That must have been when she passed. His pranks started getting mean. He started picking fights. I tried to get him to open up, but my parents were worried I'd end up like him if I kept hanging around him."
Sunset watched as Armor's shoulders drooped and he hung his head. She couldn't see it, but from the sound the porch swing was making he was shaking. She stopped rocking and leaned forward.
"If I had just tried harder then maybe he wouldn't have ended up the way he did," Armor's voice cracked and Sunset could tell he was near tears if he wasn't already crying. "A real friend would have done better. Would have kept him in the LIGHT."
"Hey," Sunset stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't blame yourself. Things happen. We can't control everything."
"Heh," Armor chuckled softly. "That's pretty much what I told him yesterday. Still can't help but feel somewhat responsible for it."
"Want me to go wake up Twilight?" Sunset asked trying to change the subject.
"Nah," Armor said shaking his head. "Let her sleep. Like I said I wasn't expecting anybody to be awake."
"Well we should at least go inside," Sunset said nodding back towards the door.
"Yeah," Armor agreed and stood up before following her inside.
"Shining Armor?" Twilight was walking down the stairs into the living room rubbing sleep out of her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to pick you up," he said while trying to supress a smile at his little sister's bed head. "We're supposed to meet mom and dad for breakfast this morning with Uncle Bori and Aunt Alias."
"Oh my goodness," Twilight jumped a little in the air. "I completely forgot! Apple Jack I need to use your bathroom!"
"Sure thing, Sugarcube," Apple Jack said following her up the stairs to get her some towels.
"For someone who plans things out," Rainbowdash began as she managed to stop laughing. " she sure forgets a lot of things."
"Rainbow," Fluttershy said in a soft, but sharp voice. "That's not very nice."
"Agreed," Rarity said as she pulled her dressing gown more closed at realising there was a man in the room.
"She's always been that way," Armor said smilling a little.
"Well, I better get going," Rainbow said stretching a little as she stood up. "My folks want me to help around the house today."
"I've got to work on my science project," Fluttershy said standing as well. "I can give you a lift home, Rainbow."
"Thanks," Rainbowdash said grabbing Fluttershy's backpack and flipping it onto her shoulder.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out. "Time to go!"
"OK!" Sweetie Belle called back from upstairs.
The three younger girls came down the stairs. Scootaloo frowned when she realized Rainbowdash wasn't around. Sweetie Belle asked Rarity if it was ok to take Scootaloo home and she agreed. The three girls hugged each other before Rarity lead Sweetie and Scootaloo outside. Applebloom yawned and ran her fingers through her hair as she walked to the kitchen.
"I gotta go too," Pinky Pie cried out jumping into the air.
"Where?" Sunset asked looking up at Pinky who had stopped in mid air for several seconds.
"Maud," she said simply before darting out the door.
"Good morning, Big Mac," Sunset said as the large form of Apple Jack's older brother appeared on the stairs.
"Ee'yup," he mumbled as he made his way to the kitchen.
Soon the delicious smells of cooking food came wafting into the living room. Sunset's stomach rumbled in appreciation, causing her to blush since Shining Armor was still in the room. Though he politely pretended not to notice.
"You staying for breakfast, Sunset?' AppleJack asked as she came back down the stairs.
"If that's alright with you," Sunset nodded.
"Of course, Sugarcube," AppleJack smiled. "Family is always welcome fer breakfast."
"I'm ready," Twilight said as she rushed down the stairs.
"Alright," Shining Armor said getting up from the couch.
"See you girls later," Twilight waved as she and her brother left.
-A couple of hours later-
"Are ya sure I can't give ya a lift home?" AppleJack asked for the fourth time as she zipped up her work coveralls.
"I'm sure, AppleJack," Sunset smiled as she rolled her eyes. "You've got a lot of work to do today. I'll take the bus."
"It's no trouble," AppleJack said as they made their way out to the yard.
"It's fine, AJ," Sunset said as she huggled the farm girl. "I'll see you later."
With that said Sunset made her way down the driver, and up the road the the nearest bus stop.
-in the city-
"Sorry folks," the bus driver said as he climbed back onto the bus. "That pot hole took out two of the tires. We're not going any where."
A mass of grumbling filled the air from the other passengers. Sunset sighed as she looked out the window. Well she wasn't too far from home now. She stood up as did a few others and made her way off the bus.
"I should be able to get home before it starts to rain," Sunset thought out loud as she looked up at the clouds starting to form.
"I just had to say something," Sunset frowned at the heavy down pour in front of her.
"Maybe I should have let AppleJack give me a lift after all," she muttered as she rung out her hair.
This wouldn't have been so bad if she had her hoodie or at least her jacket. Sighing she leaned against the doorframe of the building she had ducked into. She didn't even bother pulling out her phone knowing full well she had forgotten to charge it last night at AppleJack's.
The blare of a horn drew her gaze from the sky to the street. An old fashioned muscle car sat there pulled up to the curb in front of her. The horn sounded again. She shuddered when she realized the person in the car thought she was a stret walker. Upon the third honk she was pissed, and made a very rude hand gesture.
The lights turned off, followed by the engine. Crap she thought to herself. An obviously male person based on the size of him got out of the car. A worn brown leather jacket drapped over his head. He jogged up towards her, Sunset's whole body tensed ready to defend herself.
"Geeze," he said ducking under the over hang. "Making me run in this rain."
Lowering the jacket drew a gasp from Sunset's lips. The human counter part to her brother was standing before her.
"Shining light?" she asked not sure it was really him.
"Last time I checked," he mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What are you doing here?" she asked aprehensively.
"I saw you," he said not looking at her. "Thought you could use a lift in the rain."
"Oh," Sunset was surprised at this statement.
"And you made me get out of my nice warm dry car."
"How was I supposed to know it was you?" she responded defiantly. "I've never seen your car. For all I knew you were some weirdo trying to pick me up."
"Huh," he looked over at her. "Guess I didn't think of that....Sorry."
"It's fine," Sunset responded with a shy smile. "Thanks by the way."
"Yeah," he nodded before pulling off his jacket and handing it to her. "Alright. On three."
"Right," Sunset nodded as she held the jacket over her head.
"Three," the two shouted and ran for the car.
His longer strides allowed him to reach it first. He opened the door and she jumped in. She was barely inside before he closed it, and made his way to the other side.
Sunset looked around the car. It might have been old compared to her friend's cars, but it was well kept. The leather seats warm and soft. Light turned the engine over with a roar and started pulling out into traffic.
"Where were you headed in this mess?" Light asked as they stopped at a light not too far from where he picked her up.
"Home," she answered softly, not looking over at him.
"Right," he nodded not looking over at her either.
"Three blocks down, and four blocks over."
"Right," he nodded and drove onward after the light changed.
They rode on in silence, Sunset fidgeted every now and again. It was so strange being so close to him, though from how they both acted they could have been worlds apart. Sunset felt her face heat up when her stomach let out a low grumble. It hadn't been that long since breakfast had it?
"Hungry?" Light asked glancing over at her.
"A little," Sunset admited her face still red.
"Any place good around here?"
"Oh," she stammered after she processed what he said. "I'll just make a sandwich or something when I get home."
"Don't worry about it," he said spying an Italian place. "How's that Marcedio?"
"It's good," she answered.
"Alright," he said pulling into a parking lot down the street.
"Sunset Shimmer!" a loud big bellied man with a bushy moustache bellowed when she walked in a few minutes later.
"Hello, Mr. Philio," Sunset smiled sheepishly her face turning a bright red as she rubbed her arm.
"Is that little Shimmer I hear?" called a voice from further back in the store.
"Yes, Mama!" Mr. Philio called back. "And she has brought a friend."
"Oh, my," the woman who had been called Mama came walking up. "Who is this young man?"
"Oh, this is," Sunset turned towards Shining Light, unsure as how to introduce him.
"Shining Light," he answered extending his hand. "Her...brother."
They were only there for a moment, but Light saw them. The looks of confusion, and mistrust. From the way they greeted Sunset it was obviously clear that they knew her. Philio stepped forward and wrapped him in a rib cracking hug.
"Any family of our Sunset is our family, and we don't shake hands with family. We hug!"
"I can see that," Light chuckled softly as he rubbed his ribs.
"Come, come," Mama said ushering them to a table. "You two must be hungry."
"Just a little," Sunset admitted.
They spent over two hours at the restaurant. The Philio family regaled them with stories and jokes. The food which there was enough to feed an army by the way was beyond good. However, Light would catch the curious or cold looks from these people. He knew they didn't trust him.
After being loaded down with leftovers, and more hugs they made their way out. Sunset turned up the street.
"It's not far. We can walk the rest of the way."
"Alright," Light said and followed after her.
"They're nice people," Light said as he moved to walk beside her.
"They are," Sunset nodded. "They've always been nice to me. Ever since I first came to this world."
After several silent minutes of walking they arrived at an old apartment building. It had seen better years.
'She doesn't belong here,' Light thought to himself as he looked the building over while Sunset fished around her bag for her keys. 'She deserves better than this.'
"Well," she smiled at him as she unlocked the door to the building. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah," Light nodded handing her the bag he was carrying.
"Light," she said softly as he was turning away.
"Yeah?" he asked turning back to her.
"Thank you," she said softly her face a bright red.
"No problem, Sunset," Light said with a soft smile.
Light made his way back to the parking lot where he left his car. The weather had cleared awhile ago. Just as he was about to turn into the parking lot he caught sight of someone down the street. It was Mr. Philio sweeping the sidewalk in front of his restuarant. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and he nodded his head towards the interior then walked inside. Light took a moment to ponder this action. Finally he decided it would be better to see what the older man wanted.
"Sit," Mr. Philio said in a stern voice that matched his expression as Light walked up to him. "Who are you?"
"I'm Shining Light," he answered blinking at the older man.
"I've known young Sunset for many years now," he said leaning back a little and folding his arms. "She has never spoken of a brother."
"Yeah," Light nodded in agreement and looked down at the floor. "I'm not her brother......At least I'm not the brother she deserves."
"Hmmmm," Mr. Philio watched him intently as he leaned forward. "What do you mean boy?"
"I haven't been in her life for several years now," Light said looking up. "I've not been the best person for a long time. I've done a lot of stuff I'm not proud of. Shim shim deserves a better brother than I could ever be."
"Shim shim?" Mr. Philio asked uncrossing his arms.
"Yeah," Light said taking a shaky breath and running his fingers through his hair. "It's what I called her when she was younger."
"Well, listen," the older man said standing up. "Sunset set has come a long way in this last year."
"Huh?'
"When Sunset first came to us," Philio said tapping his chin softly as he reflected. "She was in a very bad place. To be honest she even stole from us."
"What?!"
"Yes," Philio nodded. "Over the years she has been scared, confused, angry, dare I even say mean."
Light listened quietly. Philio explained how the first time they had met Sunset. She appeared near closing one night. She was very timid, and walked as if she hadn't eaten in days. She also didn't seem to know how to do the most basic of things. Philio admited that he thought she was on drugs. Mama took pity on the poor girl and fed her without charging her for the meal.
He goes on to tell him how she changed over time. Becoming a very mean, and rude girl to becoming how she is now.
"I'm quite glad she has made those friends of hers," Philio said with a smile. "They have been such a good influence on her."
"Yeah?" Light asked softly.
"Mmhmm," Philio's expression became stern once more. "I'd hate to think that something or someone might come into her life and change who she's become."
"I agree," Light nodded taking in a deep breath. "I shouldn't be a part of her life."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Philio said his face softening. "By what you're showing me now, I think you're better than you
think you are."
"Huh?" Light asked blinking at Philio.
"As bad a man that you think you are or were," Philio said with a smile. "I don't think you were all that bad. If you were you wouldn't be acting the way you are now?"
"Yeah?" Light smiled a little before standing up and extending his hand. "Thanks for the talk."
Philio stood up as well and shook the younger man's hand firmly and gave him a stern look. "As long as you try to be the man you think you should be for her, then you'll be better every day than you were the last."
"I'll try," Light nodded.
"That's all we can do," Philio nodded and released Light's hand.
Shining Light made his way back to his car. He stopped, and looked up at the sky. There were a few storm clouds still in the sky. He sighed and got in bringing the engine to life with a roar.
"Something needs to be done," he thought out loud.