//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Harm: Part 1 // Story: Aftermath Of The Formal // by Shimmeringsun //------------------------------// After Celestia left Luna’s apartment she went home. She did enjoy her day out with Sunset, it was something different for her to do at the weekend. She’d either spend her weekends doing paperwork that she hadn’t finished or in her free time do some gardening. It was good for her to get to know Sunset better but she couldn’t help think about what Sunset said to her in the Diner. Did she even realise what she was saying? Does Luna know about these thoughts she has? Celestia wondered to herself after she sat at the kitchen table of her home. She was worried for the young girl’s mental state. She knew that Sunset felt bad for what she done but having these thoughts or hinting that she had them was concerning Celestia. She would have to mention it to Luna. She couldn’t help but think how much Sunset is truly hiding about herself even though Sunset and Luna are close now there’s still some feelings Sunset is hiding from her. Celestia knew she should do something about it, she couldn’t let Sunset think like that about herself. Although, she would need to get Luna on her own to discuss these concerns with her. What else could Sunset be hiding? She wondered to herself. She had to get to the bottom of this. Celestia doubted if she was thinking too much into this but it was better to mention it to Luna than not too. If Sunset did something to herself Celestia would never be able to forgive herself if she didn’t tell Luna. It was the next day and Celestia decided she would phone Luna. She couldn’t sleep that night. She was too busy wondering about Sunset. Luna did mention she was struggling with dealing with things but she didn’t realise that Sunset was suffering that much. After breakfast she decided to pick up the phone, hopefully Luna would be up. Although, 10am is still early for Luna on a Sunday. The phone was still ringing out until Sunset answered it. Luna’s still in bed. Celestia thought to herself as she heard Sunset’s voice through the phone. “Hey Celestia. Um, if you’re wanting to speak to Luna she’s still in bed.” Sunset told her. She picked up Luna’s phone while it was sat on the kitchen table when Sunset was making breakfast. “Oh, Sunset. Hello. I should of known it was too early to phone. I’m surprised you’re up though.” “Couldn’t sleep. Gonna make the new couple some breakfast.” Sunset said with a smile across her face. She planned to make Luna and Chrysalis breakfast as a way to show them that she was glad they got back together. She wanted to do something nice for them. “Chrysalis stayed over?” Celestia asked, not really surprised at that though. “Yep. Don’t think they will be getting out of bed anytime soon.” Sunset chuckled. “Great, and I wanted to talk to Luna aswell. I’m glad you answered, I had fun yesterday.” Celestia said. Sunset smiled. “Yeah, me too.” Celestia decided that she was going to ask Sunset what she meant by what she said at the Diner. “Look, Sunset. Since you’re here, I actually wanted to ask you something.” “Sure go ahead.” “You remember our conversation in the Diner yesterday?” “Yeah, what about it?” Sunset questioned, wondering why Celestia would bring it up. She could hear Celestia sighing through the phone. “You know how you said you could of ended up doing something stupid if Luna wasn’t there for you? What did you mean by that?” Celestia asked with concern in her tone. Sunset paused. She didn’t realise that she actually came out with that yesterday. She hadn’t admitted those thoughts she had to anyone and then she blurted it out to Celestia of all people. Celestia noticed that Sunset wasn’t responding but could hear her breathing through the phone, she could hear Sunset drop something. “Sunset?” “I-I em.” Sunset stuttered. “It wasn’t suppose to come out like the way it did. I didn't mean anything by it. Promise.” “Sunset.” Celestia spoke sternly, then got more softer, trying to be careful with this. “Have you been having suicidal thoughts? Please, you can talk to me.” Sunset let out a breath, she was for sure not going to admit that Celestia about having thoughts like that. She would tell Luna and then Luna would worry and Luna doesn’t need that right now. So she could only think of one thing she could do; lie. “Celestia, I’m fine honest. It wasn’t suppose to be taking out of content like that.” Said Sunset trying her best to sound convincing. “Sunset.” Celestia said sternly again. Sunset could hear voice’s coming from Luna’s room. Looks like they finally got up. She used that as her way out of the conversation. “I think that’s Luna and Chrys up, better go and finish this breakfast.” “Sunset. Talk to me.” Celestia said almost sounded like she was begging. “Do you want me to get Luna to phone you back?” Sunset asked, avoiding the other conversation. Celestia didn’t want to press Sunset any futher than she did. She was surprised that Sunset didn’t even blow up at her. She knew Sunset was avoiding talking about it. “I’ll let you go Sunset. I’ll phone Luna later. But please remember, if you need someone to talk too about how you feel, I am here okay?” Sunset was relieved that Celestia dropped it. “Okay. Thanks.” She said back and hung up the phone. She started to finish of buttering the toast and plating up the food, with glasses of orange juice sat on a tray and headed to Luna’s room. Sunset walked down the hall with the breakfast tray in her hands. She could hear Luna and Chrysalis talking and giggling, they both sounded happy that they were back together. As she reached Luna’s door she kicked the door with her foot. “Come in.” Came Luna’s voice. Sunset smiled and opened the door with her arm. She beamed at Luna and Chrysalis as she saw both of their face’s light up in awe when they Sunset walk in with the tray, blushing. “Breakfast in bed? Well this is a treat.” Luna said smiling while sitting up as Sunset past her the tray, standing at the side of the bed awkwardly. “What you done Sunny?” Chrysalis said teasingly, smirking at her. Sunset rolled her eyes. “I haven’t done anything I just wanted to treat the new couple to breakfast, is that a crime?” Luna gave her a smile. “Thank you. That’s very sweet of you.” She spoke up as she looked at the food, picking up a bit of toast. “I’ll be in my room if you need anything else.” Sunset said as she turned around to the door. “Sunset, don’t be silly. Join us.” Chrysalis said, unsure why Sunset was acting funny she had never refused to sit in their company before. “It’s okay, I’ve already ate.” Sunset shook her head. Not wanting to get in the way of them two. Chrysalis got up from the bed and went over to Sunset she pulled her over. “Sit.” “Okay fine.” Sunset said as she sat her legs in a basket, getting in conversation with Luna. It felt nice for Sunset to be wanted by two women who loved her like family. She was really glad that Luna and Chrysalis were back together. They made her forget all those bad feelings she had. After eating breakfast the three of them decided to get up. Luna and Chrysalis didn’t realise the time. “It’s going on till noon. What the hell, did we actually sleep that long?” Luna asked as she looked at the clock in her bedroom. Sunset chuckled at Luna. “Time did you get up?” Chrysalis asked Sunset. “About 9.” Sunset replied. Luna looked at her. “That’s early for you. You didn’t get woken up by another nightmare did you? You should of shouted on me if you did.” She asked concerned. Sunset did suffer from another nightmare but she didn’t want to disturb Luna when she was spending time with Chrysalis. It came on just before she woke up in sweats so she decided to get up, she didn’t tell Luna that though. “I didn’t have one. I just woke up.” Sunset told her. Chrysalis and Luna glanced at each other, not sure if Sunset was lying but they chose to believe her. The three of them decided to head to the living room, Chrysalis and Sunset popped theirselves down on the sofa and switched on the tv, while Luna headed into the kitchen looking for her phone. She noticed that she had missed a call from Celestia and a text saying: ‘Call me when you see this.’ Which then worried Luna so after reading the text, she phoned Celestia. “Tia? What’s wrong? You said that I’ve to call you?” Luna asked, wondering why Celestia wanted to her to phone. “Sister, would you be able to meet me at Sugarcube Corner in an hour? I need to talk to you about Sunset.” Celestia said with worry in her voice. Luna gulped, she knew it wasn’t going to be good. “I’ll ask Chrys to stay with her, is everything okay?” “I’ll just tell you when I see you.” Celestia said, not wanting to say anything about Sunset over the phone. “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” Luna replied back, she felt a pit of worry forming in her stomach. What could Celestia want to talk to her about Sunset for? Has Sunset said something to her? Luna asked herself. She hung up the call and went back into the living room. Sunset and Chrysalis were curled up on the sofa when Luna walked back in, Chrysalis could tell Luna was worried about something. “Hey, was that Tia on the phone?” Chrysalis asked as she looked up to her partner. Luna shook the thoughts away from her head when she looked back at Chrysalis. “Uh, yes. She wants me to meet her at Sugarcube Corner in an hour are you okay to stay with Sunset? I won’t be gone too long.” “I’m fine on my own if Chrysalis has stuff to do.” Sunset told her. “Eh, no. I’m staying.” Chrysalis said. Looking over to Sunset, she noticed that something was odd about her. Something ain’t right with that girl today. Chrysalis thought to herself as she looked at her with concern. “Thanks. I better go get ready.” Luna said smile at Chrysalis, she left the room. When Luna left the room Chrysalis kept looking at Sunset worriedly, the young girl looked deep in her thoughts. “Sunset? You okay?” Chrysalis asked. “Yeah. I’m fine.” She replied back. Although, she couldn’t help but worry why Celestia wanted to speak to Luna, she knew it was about her. Which means if it is, Sunset will need to prepare herself for Luna when she comes back. “You know, if you did have another nightmare you can talk to me right?” Chrysalis spoke soothingly. “Honestly Chrys. I’m alright, I just wanna chill for the rest of the day.” Chrysalis looked unsure. “Hm. Well, that’s what Sunday’s are for right?” Sunset nodded and they both decided to watch something on Netflix while Luna went away to meet Celestia. Once Luna reached Sugarcube Corner she noticed that Celestia was already there, sitting at the far end of the shop next to the window so she could spot Luna come in. Already sitting with a tea and coffee for them. She could feel the worry building up inside of her. Luna said hello to Mrs Cake and Pinkie Pie, who was helping Mrs Cake for the day before making her way over, she greeted her sister and sat down. “Why did you want to talk about Sunset?” Luna asked, taking a drink of her coffee. Celestia eyes felt up with concern and worry, she took a sigh before speaking. “Sunset mentioned something yesterday that really concerned me. I don’t know if she’s mentioned it to you and if she hasn’t I think you need to talk to her Luna. This could be serious.” Celestia spoke quietly. Luna studied her sister. “What? How serious? What are you talking Tia? What did she say?” She asked with worry in her tone, leaning forward making full eye contact with Celestia. Celestia let out a breath. “Has Sunset ever talked to you about having suicidal thoughts?” Whispering to her so others wouldn’t hear. Luna’s face fell. She lost her color in her face and she could feel her heart shatter, Has Sunset been having those thoughts? Luna felt guilt wash over her, why didn’t Sunset mention those thoughts to her? Luna shook her head sadly. “No. She hasn’t.” She said as she closed her eyes, she could feel herself getting emotional at the thought of Sunset even having those thoughts. “Luna, you need to talk to her. Do you know how serious this could be?” Celestia said. “Of course I know how serious this is Tia! Don’t you think of all people I would know what it’s like to have those thoughts?” Luna spoke quietly, placing her hand over her chest. Celestia looked at her sister sadly. “Sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean it like that. But I think we might need to get her help.” “Will you let me talk to her first?” Luna pledged. “Do what you feel is best. However, we need to get her to talk to someone. I know she didn’t come out and say to me that she wanted to harm herself but admitting that she could of done something stupid is just as bad.” Celestia said. Luna could feel the tears welling up in her eyes even more, this pained her to hear that Sunset said something like this. ‘Oh. My poor girl. How long have you been feeling like this for and not telling me?’ Luna thought to herself as she looked out to the window. She looked back at Celestia with sad eyes. “You don’t think she has been harming herself over what happened do you? She couldn’t of, surely. I would of saw the signs.” Luna said with a bit of denial in her tone. Celestia shrugged her shoulder. “I don’t know Lu. You just need to talk to her, I’ve tried to talk to her but she won’t open up to me, you’re her guardian so she might talk to you.” She said gesturing to her. “What makes you think she will admit that to me? Of all people she will hide that from me so I wouldn’t need to worry about her.” Luna asked, unsure if Sunset would open up to her about something like that. They were close, but she thought Sunset wouldn’t tell her because she knew she would worry about it. She was the closest to her after all. “But she trusts you the most. You can get that girl to open up about anything.” Celestia said with a little warmth in her tone, grabbing her sister’s hands into her own. “I suppose you’re right. Thank you for bringing this up Tia.” Luna gave Celestia a weak smile. They chatting for a while before they went to the bathroom and headed headed home. Although, Celestia noticed the stress building up on Luna when they were in the toilets which they were quiet so she decided to make sure Luna was okay before going. “Sister?” Celestia asked concerned. Luna sighed and shook her head. “I can’t believe I never saw this coming...” “Lu. Don’t beat yourself up over this. We’re going to get Sunset better. I promise you.” Celestia said as she placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder. “I thought she was getting better...” Luna said in a sad tone. Celestia gave her a sympathetic smile. “She’s dealing with a lot Luna. The treatment of the other students isn’t helping her at all. Yes, she has us but she’s still hurting deep down but I think she’s trying her best to hide it.” Luna leaned back into the wall and folded her arms, the pain in her chest was something she had never felt before. A pain of a mother worrying for her child. “How could I not of noticed? I’m the one that’s suppose to notice these things! She’s suppose to talk to me if she’s having bad thoughts about herself! How I am meant to comfort her like a mother but can’t even see that her own daughter is suffering! Maybe I don’t deserve to be Sunset’s mother, I can barely look after a kid as it is. Sunset probably doesn’t even want me to be her mother! Maybe the adoption shouldn’t happen, maybe she deserves someone better.” She said with a crack in her voice, looking at herself in the mirror, feeling a bit of hate towards herself. “Luna!” Celestia said sternly, grabbing her attention back. “Don’t you even think about not going through with the adoption. That girl needs you right now. You can’t let this beat you up. I don’t think there is anyone out that has been a better mother to Sunset than you have been. So please, Lulu. Don’t hurt yourself over this, go home to her and talk to her.” Celestia said softly as she tried to calm down her sister. Luna sniffed. “You’re right sister, I shouldn’t make this about me. I just don’t want to let her down she’s been let down so many times before and I don’t want to add to that. I just want her to be okay I don’t want her thinking these things. It’s not a nice place to be.” She said as she recalled her own memories with dealing those with dark thoughts. “You’re not letting her down Luna. She knows you do everything for her. Please, just talk to her okay? I fear, she’s hiding a lot more than we know, we don’t really know what is going on inside her head right now.” Celestia said placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder and squeezing it. Luna nodded. “I better get back to them.” She said as she fixed herself. “Will you be okay?” Celestia asked, scared to leave her sister alone. “I’ll be fine. I just want to get back to her and hold her.” Luna said. “Text me when you get home okay?” Celestia said embracing her sister before they left the bathroom. They parted ways and Luna got into her car she sighed heavily while pulling out her phone and made a call to Chrysalis. “Hey babe.” Chrysalis said as she picked up. Luna smiled, hearing her girlfriend’s voice was really what she needed right now. “Hey. I’m just finished chatting with Celestia, I’m on my way home do you want me to pick up something dinner?” She asked, trying to hide her emotions on what she really was feeling right now. “Yeah cool. Where are you going?” “The burger place. Where’s Sunset?” “Next to me, but she’s napping.” Chrysalis said. “Oh okay, I’ll just get her usual then. What do you want?” Luna asked, sounding a little disappointed as she wanted to hear Sunset’s voice. “Just my usual will do, is everything okay Lu? What did Celestia want?.” Chrysalis asked, she could hear the stressed tone through Luna’s voice. Luna sighed. “Celestia thinks Sunset may be harming herself. I think we need to talk to her tonight.” Luna could hear Chrysalis take a shaky breath and move around. “If she is, we need to nip this is bud. We can’t let her suffer anymore Lu.” Luna sighed again and placed her hand over her forehead. “I know Chrys. I just feel like complete shit that she is dealing with this on her own and I didn’t even give it a second thought! Yet, she spends a day with Tia and she notices! Why is she hiding stuff from me Chrys?” Chrysalis started to speak softly. “Babe. This is not your fault and I bet Tia has said the same thing to you. It’s going to be okay. Please just come home, we can this sorted.” “Okay, I’m on my way. Won’t be long.” Luna said as she finished up the call. She sighed as she put her head on the streeling wheel giving herself a moment then she decided to head to the The Burger Place before going home she took the long route as she needed some time to think. When Celestia and Luna were talking in Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie was cleaning the other table behind them. She couldn’t help but listen into their conversation, she knew they were talking about Sunset and they sounded worried. ”Has Sunset been having suicidal thoughts?” Pinkie could hear Celestia ask Luna, making Pinkie eyes widened. She also heard Luna ask, ”You don’t think Sunset is harming herself do you?” She knew the two sisters were trying to keep their voices in a whisper tone but Pinkie was good at listening in. She straightened her back after wiping the tables down and ran through to the back. She grabbed her phone from the cupboard and went to the toilet to text Rairty. Rairty. I think something is up with Sunny. I just over heard VP Luna and Principal Celestia talk about her and they sound really worried. Pinkie sent the text, she replied back in seconds. Darling, What have I told you about listening into other’s people conversations. That’s rude, but I’ll let you off if this concerns our friend. What was said? Rairty replied. *Eyeroll* I know you do it too. I’m really worried, I don’t think she’s good. I think she has been hurting herself well that’s what VP Luna thinks. Surely not Darling. Maybe, you just got it wrong. Did Vice Principal Luna really say that? Yes Rairty she did say that and Principal Celestia asked VP Luna if Sunny had any suicidal thoughts. I think we need to talk to Sunny and find out. It could be serious. Pinkie texted back. Oh my. I didn’t know she felt like that. Maybe I’ll invite her round tomorrow after school and talk to her. Shouldn't we mention to VP Luna that Sunset has been acting a little odd lately first? Pinkie asked. She noticed that Sunset has be becoming a little more quiet in school and sometimes even hiding herself in bathroom during break/lunch some days. I think we should, she would want to know. Rairty agreed. I better get back to work, Mrs Cake will be wondering where I am. See you tomorrow!! :) Pinkie Pie said. Ciao. We’ll get this sorted. Rairty send back, finishing up the chat. Pinkie pocketed her phone and headed back through to the kitchen. She did feel really worried for Sunset. She hoped her friend was okay. Luna returned to the apartment with dinner for her, Chrys and Sunset. She opened the front door and Chrysalis walked over to her, she took the food from her and both headed quietly into the kitchen while Sunset was still napping on the sofa. Chrysalis put the food on the counter while Luna sat down at the table and put her head down. Chrysalis went to sit down next to her and placed her hand over Luna’s back, rubbing it in circles to let her collect herself for a moment. Luna then lifted her head back up and looked at Chrysalis, her eyes looked heavy and tired. “I have no idea what I’m going to do Chrysalis...” Luna said sadly. “What makes Tia thinks Sunset is harming herself?” Chrysalis asked quietly, her voice full of worry. Luna sighed. “Apparently she admitted that if I wasn’t there for her after the Formal, she would of ended up doing something stupid. Tia thinks that Sunset may of or is having sucidal thoughts. She said she even tried to talk to Sunset about it but she totally ignored her.” Chrysalis slumped back on her seat. “Now that you mention it, she’s been acting a little odd, she didn’t seem okay today but yesterday she was fine. Her mood swings are odd. But I think she’s trying to pretend like we don’t see.” Luna nodded. “Tia said the same thing. She’s hiding herself away again and I don’t know why. If she’s even been having those thoughts about herself I don’t know why she didn't come to me. I mean, we tell each other everything so why would she hide something as big as this from me or even you for that matter.” She said as she gestured to Chrysalis. “There’s been a lot going on and I think she doesn’t want to add more worry on us as it is. After everything that happened with those two girls that attacked her, her being in hospital, her nightmares, me and you getting back together. She probably doesn’t want to stress us out so she’s hiding herself away.” “You don’t think us getting back together is too soon for her do you?” Luna asked. Chrysalis shook her head. “No. I think she needs us together, it’s shows that she has something that’s stable in her life and she needs that. She needs people that’s going to keep her grounded and together. Me and you are probably the only good thing that she’s got going in her life apart from her friends but she isn’t even close to them still.” Luna closed her eyes and nodded again, listening closely to everything Chrysalis was saying. “I suppose. I just don’t want her having those thoughts. I couldn’t bare the thought of losing her.” “Me either babe.” Chrysalis said as she pulled her girlfriend in of a hug. “I better go wake her see if she wants dinner.” Luna said as she stood up going back to the living room. She walked over the sofa where Sunset was held up. She noticed that Sunset was still sound asleep but it was like it was forced, she could still see the stress on her face as she watched her. Sunset was lying on her side curled up with a blanket Chrysalis placed over her, Luna moved a hair that fell over her face and then gently shook her shoulder. “Sunset.” Luna spoke softly. She could hear Sunset mumble. “M-make it stop.” Sunset said quietly as she shook her head, eyes still closed. Although, she looked stressed. “Stop what Sunset?” Luna said as she sat on the edge of the couch, placing her hand on her shoulder, still shaking her gently. “No. It h-hurts.” Sunset said as Luna could see tears flow from her. Luna grabbed her and pulled her up, hugging her. “Sunset. It’s okay, it’s just a bad dream. Shh. I’m here.” Luna soothed. Chrysalis walked back through to the living room and noticed that Luna was holding Sunset while she sobbed, she rushed over to Sunset’s other side and wrapped her arms around her. “What happened?” Chrysalis asked concerned. “Another bad dream.” Luna told her. “Oh Sunset. I’m sorry that I left you.” Chrysalis said putting her head on her shoulder. Feeling guilty that Sunset was alone and she wasn’t there. Luna could hear Sunset sniffing, she was gathering herself back together, coming back to reality. “W-why does these keep happening to me?” She said in a whisper tone, her voice sounded scared. “We’re going to get you help Sunset. But, please don’t suffer these alone you come and get us.” Luna said softly. “I-I can see them. I can see him. All of them, it’s like their ready to hurt me again. I-i don’t know if I can take it.” Sunset said as trembling in Luna’s and Chrysalis’s grip. She was moving back and forth. Luna and Chrysalis shared a look over her. Chrysalis spoke up. “Sunset you need to breathe. We’re not going to let you get hurt again. We’re here now and we won’t let anything happen to you.” She said as she got Sunset to calm down. Sunset wiped her eyes. “I just don’t know how much I can take, I’m scared in case anything else happens.” “Sunset.” Luna moved to bend down in front of her. “Everything is going to be okay. No one is going to hurt you when me and Chrysalis is around.” “You got that right.” Chrysalis agreed, nodding her head pridefully. Making Sunset give a weak smile. “Sorry. I-I just feel like such a baby when these happen.” Sunset looked down. Luna lifted her chin up. “You are not a baby and you should never not tell us when these things happen. You need to remember that me and Chrysalis are here for you and we do not want to see you suffer so if there is anything you wish to talk to us about please come to us straight away okay?” Sunset nodded and smiled as Luna pulled her in for another hug. “Are you up for something to eat? I’ve bought burgers they just need to be re-heated. You don’t have eat a lot but I would like it if you ate something.” Luna said. “Yeah. I’ll have something.” Sunset said as she stood up, making her way into the kitchen with Chrysalis and Luna.