//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Side Pushes // Story: Rise of the Shimmering Sun // by Sollys //------------------------------// "I am going to be late!" Sunset yelled as she ran to the small cafe around the corner. Just then she saw 5 familiar faces drinking smoothies and waiting. "So sorry I'm late, I didn't- get to -- " Sunset said between gasps. She held her knees, and looked up to see the concerned group of girls in front of her. Applejack took a look at Sunset's eyes, "Did you get any sleep last night sugar cube?" she asked. "Pffft, who needs sleep?" Sunset replied drunkenly. "Oh! Happy Birthday by the way Fluttershy!" "Mhmm, alright can we go now?" Rainbow Dash interrupted before Fluttershy could thank Sunset. "I'm getting tired of waiting, the Zoo might close now because of how late Shimmer was." It was only five o' clock, but the zoo closed at eight. They all started their walk to the zoo, but every now and then, Rainbow would always find a way either to push Sunset to the side, or criticize her on something. Sunset soon caught on, and decided that it would be best for everyone if she would just stay on the side. As soon as they arrived, Fluttershy's eyes widened. "We're here!" She practically screamed it. "Oh, sorry, I mean yay!" They all let out a little chuckle and entered the zoo. "Five dollars please." The clerk at the desk mumbled, obviously not enjoying his time. Sunset paused, 'All I need right now is to spend money on these things. But for the sake of make friends I guess.' "Here you go." Sunset growled. "Is everything alright Sunset?" The shy girl asked. "Yeah, everything is fine." Sunset mumbled, as she received a glare from Rainbow. 'Is she going to keep giving me that look? It's like she is waiting for me to mess up.' They all continued to walk forward looking at the first attractions, which were bears. Sunset never really took notice in human creatures, some of them were the same in Equestria though. She walked near the back were Rainbow Dash was, and started to move closer to her. Sunset cleared her throat, "You got a problem Dash?" Saying it low so none of the other girls could hear. "Yeah, I do." "And would you mind telling me what that problem is?" "You. I don't want you ruining our friendships again she-demon. If you do try to, I'm sure you'd wish that the rainbow laser killed you." Rainbow Dash's words did hurt Sunset, she also didn't want to start an argument in front of so many people, so she just walked off. She put on a faux smile and walked near the head of the group once again. She tried to fit in as much as possible, finally they all sat down and took a break from walking. The Zoo was about to close in about an half an hour or so. Sunset stayed quiet most of the time, recalling what Rainbow had just said to her. 'She Demon' Sunset knew she was going to get plenty of insults next week, and she wasn't looking forward to it. Usually she would just ignore what people said about her, but any talk about the Fall Formal had just bothered her too much. 'As long as I don't let it get to me too much, I should be okay. Rainbow Dash probably just hates me for breaking the friendship up that one time, but I doubt anyone else would be too extreme. Right?' Sunset's thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone yell, "It's time for PRESENTS!" Pinkie Pie screamed. 'Shit. Think fast Sunset, think think think! I got it! I'll just apologize, for being such a jerk to her in the past, yes great idea!' Sunset grinned, "I'll go last, if that's alright." "Oke doke loke! Here open mine first Fluttershy!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Oh you didn't have to get me anything Pinkie Pi-" before she could finish, confetti blew in her face, and a new pet brush, with her cutie mark symbol designed on the back was revealed. "It's wonderful! Thank you so much Pinkie!" Shy gasped. The girls continued giving their gifts to Fluttershy, Rarity bought Fluttershy a hand knitted scarf, Applejack had bought her more supplies for her pets, and Rainbow had bought Fluttershy a new journal, knowing that she needed a new one. It came Sunset's turn to give her gift. "Hey Shy, do you mind if we go next to the fountain? Your gift is kind of private." Sunset asked. "Oh...uhm..sure Sunset." She replied. As the walked off Sunset took note of the "I am watching you sign" that Rainbow Dash had given her. She shrugged it off and sat on the edge of the fountain where Fluttershy had been sitting. "You know Sunset you didn't have to get me anyth-" Sunset held her hand up interrupting Fluttershy. "I wanted to give you an apology for everything in the past Fluttershy, and I found now was a perfect ti'me to give you it." Fluttershy just continued to stare at her, Sunset could see that she was a little shocked. "I am genuinely sorry for pushing you around, and stepping on you because you are so shy. I found an easy target, and I was the hardest on you when I shouldn't have been." Tears were running from Fluttershy's eyes, and trickled down her face. Before she could give Sunset a hug, or even say anything, Sunset was pushed into the fountain. Sunset didn't know what to think, or do, but quickly pushed her self back to the surface. "Rainbow Dash what are you doing?!" Fluttershy yelled, louder than Sunset had ever heard before. "I saw you crying and I got worried!" Dash snapped back. Fluttershy offered a hand to Sunset, but she pushed the hand aside. Sunset could not be more done with this day, before she could punch Dash, she walked off towards the exit, receiving looks from people who had witnessed. "Sunset! Wait!" Fluttershy yelled as she tried to get her attention. Sunset continued to walk off clutching her sides, it was getting cold. 'Screw you Rainbow Dash'