//------------------------------// // Start the Flashbacks // Story: Pursuit of happiness // by Reagan //------------------------------// Scrolling through every single word of the flyer, Sunset finally got the full picture of the job. She is going to be a camera operator, will be paid $10 per hour on that day itself, working hours will last between 8-10 hours starting from either 7 a.m or 7 p.m, lunch and dinner will be provided depending on the day, and operators will receive 10% of the box office returns each. Now looking at the movie. The synopsis is that this movie is a story about two females in the who are lonely in their lives until they met each other. However, their love are bounded by their social classes, with on being a daughter of a rich businessman and one being a teen mother from Detroit. Moreover, both of their families despise dykes and the type of social class their lovers represent. Together, they must face the obstacles or be dragged down by the beliefs. Looking at the location, it is going to be filmed in...Hollywood? Sunset saw the location and immediately grimaced. She is really interested in this job, the person who is in charge of this movie seems nice enough, and she don't know if she will get something that will have both of these benefits. After all, modern society is demanding, unpredictable and competitive, and she do not know whether she will can accept other possible jobs that she can find. Sure she might be able to handle other simple jobs like waiting tables or cleaning cars, but they are not possibly be fulfilling for her. This job, it is almost like a positive mystical force had dragged her into it, but letting the location be a place filled with numerous famous people and paparazzies might hinder her desire to stay hidden. But thinking again, Hollywood is full of celebrities, so the priorities of the eyes will be on them. If she just keep herself on the low profile, her presence will be overshadowed easily. With a smile on her face, she finally made her decision. After exchanging one of her notes into coins, she dropped a 50 cent into a public phone and dialed the number stated on the flyer. After a few rings, Sebastian's voice finally got through. "Hello.", "Hi again Sebastian.", "Mia?", "Yeah.", "So I guess this means you want the job.", "Yes.", "That's fast but okay, so you want me to email you the applications or you come to me.". Sunset tensed up, not knowing how to respond to the question knowing that it will be weird to tell him that he did not have an email. "Hello?", Sebastian's voice finally woken Sunset from her trance and she quickly replied, "Oh sorry, I will come to you. Just that I also cancelled my old email and contacts since they are linked to my parents', and I did not really have time to apply for a new one yet.", "Okay then it's settled. I'm actually still at Manhattan, but the hardcopy applications are still at Hollywood. Maybe we can meet there by 3 days later at 5? Address is printed on the flyer.", "Yeah sure.", "Okay don't be late.". And with that, the call ended. Sunset put down the phone, then begin to think about her next course of action. Within 3 days by 5 in the afternoon, and Hollywood is very far from Manhattan, thousands of kilometers to put it simply. She don't want to travel the fastest route via plane as she do not want to draw too much attention by going through many security checkpoints. The authorities are on her feet and she need to leave as little traces as possible. Next, she considered calling a cab where she will not be spotted by so many people nor whatever tracking technology security uses, but then she is afraid that not many taxis will want to drive this far. Moreover, taxi services are expensive at around a few dollars per kilometer, so the thousands of kilometers will leave quite a dent in her wallet. The only sensible way to travel is via a shuttle bus, making her be possibly spotted by people. However, she really want the job, and she can easily buy more subtle disguises to hide her looks. She sighed, then decided on taking a bus instead. It might risk her getting spotted but from her experience, most humans are easily fooled by subtle disguises so the chances are slim. She went and convince the hotel to refund back her money, then ask for the nearest shuttle bus. After minutes of finding, she found it and look at the bookings. Just her luck, there's one at 12 in the afternoon for a trip which will last around 2 days and 21 hours, leaving her at least 8 hours before she need to report to the location. Without hesitation, she immediately book it for around $290. She then went to a store and bought a cap and stroll around Manhattan for hours. After hours of strolling, she decide to buy a few granola bars, some buns and a some water bottles, then go back to the station and wait for the bus to come. With a few minutes of walking distance to spare, she ate a granola and a bun before taking a few sips from one of the water bottles. When the bus arrived, she boarded it and proceed on her road trip. Looking at the number of passengers that boarded when it the bus took off, Sunset realised that not that many people had booked this trip, much to her relief as she can hide more easily "No!", Sunset's screams are heard throughout the bus as she woke up. She instinctively jumped out from her seat, and realised that all of the passengers are staring at her, and although she did not notice, the bus driver also briefly glanced at her through the rearview mirror before concentrating back on the road. Some passengers are staring with slight anger from being interrupted from their slumber, while some look at her with concern. "Umm miss?", Sunset quickly tilted her head to her right and see that the concerning voice is from a young man with brown cargo shorts, red polo shirt and a black cap. "Are you okay?", the man asked before Sunset quickly nodded her head and saying, "Yeah, Yeah. Sorry guys, just a nightmare, sorry.". And with that, all of them went back to sleep, and Sunset sit back on her chair. "So much for subtlety.", thought Sunset bitterly. She tried to go back to sleep, but she cannot. That demon is back again, and the dream is the one where she succeeded in killing Twilight and her friends again. Thinking about that, made her think about how many people she had hurt before she got here. "I don't care what you say mother, I do whatever I want and you can't stop me!", "How dare you disobey me!? I'm the one who raised you ever since your father died!", "Well i'm a big pony now, so I don't need your care anymore!". With that last statement, Sunset left her home and go to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. "I said hay fries, not hay burgers!" Sunset bellowed to the servant, before throwing the plate at the servant's head, who ran out crying. "Hey want to hang out", "I have more important businesses than dealing with your stupid voice.", Sunset replied with disdain. "OK, sorry for annoying you.", the filly replied before walking away on the verge of tears. "Sunset Shimmer, you are amazing when you made that vine.", "Exquisite.", "Would you like to eat with us?". Listening to the comments from the 3 ponies, Sunset just scoffed at them as she walk away, "I have better things to do than socialising with lowlifes. I'm going to re-read 'Advanced Elemental Magical Practices' before practicing for my advanced summoning spells exam. What about you? Nothing.". The ponies look at her with digust, "That wasn't very nice.", "She's so full of herself, that's what!", "Her loss. I'm awesome.". Sunset was walking around the castle, glancing around the castle and accidentally bumping into a few students in front of her. One of the students dropped her book and snack on the floor, but Sunset just glare at them. "Watch where you are going next time!", Sunset barked, shocking the students before walking away with a scoff. Then she remembered how she arrived to this world. Sunset and Celestia walk into a room together. In front of both of then is a large mirror, decorated with gems around it's frame. "Look at yourself in this mirror and tell me what you see.", "A beautiful pony that has nothing but power and potential.". Celestia looked concern, but she suggested to Sunset, "Care to try that again with our some humility taken into account?". Then, a ripple occurred on the mirror, showing Sunset with wings, making the unicorn smirk as she replied, "An alicorn who can rule Equestria.". Seeing her prized pupil's expression made the princess grew even more concern, then she cleared her throat, "You're not ready yet, let's just move on.", "Wait what, bu-", "Now.", Celestia insisted. Sunset then reluctantly walk out with Celestia, but not before seeing something flashing on the mirror briefly which had a slim figure and stand on twos. Knowing that her mentor will not explain it, she decide to keep the image to herself. Sunset and Celestia are shelving books together in a library. "Can we talk about the mirror?", "No Sunset, you're not ready.". The unicorn grumbled silently before going back to shelve her books. "So as you can see on this globe, this is where the Changelings live.", Celestia is teaching Sunset about the world. "Can you tell me where the mirror lea-", "No", the mentor replied sourly. Sunset and Celestia are having a picnic at a park during a sunny day. She looked at her reflection on the pond in front of her before saying, "You know what the pond reminds me of? Mirrors, like the one you show-", "No Sunset, we've been over this. I will not tell you more about the mirror until you are ready.", Celestia almost yelled at her from being annoyed over the same topic. Sunset looked away from the princess before huffing and saying sourly, "I am ready, you just do not want me to do whatever I want.". Sunset manage to snuck into the restricted section of the library. For hours, she just look through many books to find more about the mirror. Then she found it. "Let's see. Created by Starswirl the Bearded, the mirror will open a portal every 30 moons to another world. There are no accounts of what the world will look like, but-". "Sunset Shimmer! Put those forbidden books down right now!". Sunset dropped the book and turned her head to face Princess Celestia, who brought along two guards with her. Sunset narrowed her eyes at her, before shouting, "Why should I!? You refuse to tell me about the mirror! You know I am ready, you know I can be great! But you refuse to let me!". Celestia narrowed her eyes and replied at Sunset with her venomous voice, "You are great, but you still don't have the right attitude yet to know what you want to know. You are selfish and full of yourself, you need to reflect-", Celestia then stopped and used her light shield to block the book that Sunset had thrown at her. Sunset is livid now, "Selfish!? Selfish!? Buck you! You're the one that refused to tell me about the mirror, you're the one that tell me that i'm not ready even though I am, you're also the one who refuse to give me the title of princess that I deserve! Now whose the selfish on-". "Enough!", Celestia used her royal voice which amplified throughout the large library and causing the guards and Sunset to recoil from being startled. Sunset regained her composure and stare at the princess again, who narrowed her eyes and continued, "A princess is an earned title. I have been trying to teach you everything you need to know to be a princess, but you refused to listen. You thinking that you deserve to be one just proved to me that you are not ready.". Sunset snapped back with fury, "Or maybe you are just scared that there will be somepony who will be better than you!" A strand of tear shed from one of the eyes of the princess from the words, but Sunset is too angry to care. Celestia then look away from her student, before saying, "Very well then. If this is what you think of me, then maybe we should end our relationship here.". Sunset then just stared at her soon-to-be former mentor's back wide eyed, not liking where this is going. "Sunset Shimmer, you are removed from the position as my personal pupil. You can continue your studies, but no longer welcome in my castle until you learned the lesson that I tried to teach you. The guards will escort you out.". Time slowed down for Sunset as she was dragged away by the guards. When she almost reached the exit, something in the unicorn snapped. "This is the biggest mistake you ever made princess.", her she said with venom under her breath before swiftly knocking out the guards with her magic and galloping back into the castle. Then she also remembered the people she hurt after arriving into the human world. Seeing the blue haired target, Sunset Shimmer quickly sit next to him before class starts. Flash saw the girl sitting next to her, but just briefly glance back before continue writing his notes. Moments later, Mr. Cranky came in and start the lesson. Sunset Shimmer is writing down notes with her pencil. Almost an hour past by, then Sunset decide to initiate her plan. With one forceful push, the lead snapped. Flash heard the snap, then turn towards the girl. He saw Sunset look at her pencil in distraught, before putting it down and letting out a sigh. Meanwhile, Sunset is trying to see if her target will react to the scenario. "Psst", Sunset look beside her and see Flash trying to grin as normally as possible as he passed her one of his pencils. With a faux thankful smile, Sunset took the pencil and continue to jot her notes down. "Hey!", Flash turned around and saw Sunset Shimmer coming near him. Being a gentleman, he smiled at the girl, "Hey Sunset, do you need something?". Putting on a fake smile, she pretend to shyly rubbed her head before asking, "This might sound embarrassing, but I want to know if we can hang out at Sugarcube Corner after school? You seem like a great guy to be friend with and I don't really have friends over here.". Flash blinked twice at this, then a slight blush formed around his face, "Yeah sure.", "Okay see you at 4.". Sunset waved cheerfully as she walk away from the guitarist. "You never loved me.", an angry and distraught Flash said. "Of course not, you are nothing but a cowardly little pussy to me!? Now that everybody finally knows me, you've done your job!", Sunset replied. "All these months, the dates, helping you out, it's all nothing to you!", "Listen to me here dork, I did all of these things because I want to impress somebody back home, and it's none of your concern. Now that I don't need you anymore, you can crawl back to whatever cave you came from and cry.". Flash roughly shoved Sunset, "You bitch! I am going to tell everyone who you really are, then let's see-" *SLAP*. Flash rubbed his cheek as Sunset mocked him, "You wanna tell!? Then tell! But remember, everybody sees me as a kind girl who want everything but trouble! I can trick you, what makes you think I can't trick them!?". Sunset then get nose to nose with the boy, "And remember all those secrets you talked to me about through text? I can always publish them. If you want to drag me down, i'll drag you down too. Got it!?", Flash narrowed his eyes at that. Sunset smirked before letting go of him before smirking and saying, "I'll take that as a yes." and walk away from the scene. Applejack and Pinkie are holding a bake sale, then suddenly Sunset came out with a large handbag, pen and a small notebook. Applejack got startled before Sunset said sheepishly, "Sorry that I scared you.", "Sorry, didn't see you coming.". After an awkward silence, the farmer tried to greet her, "Howdy, nice to see you...", struggling to remember the girl's name. "Hi Sunny-Wunny!" Pinkie Pie boomed in from behind Applejack, startling the latter. "Long time no see!", "Yes, two hours is long.", Sunset replied with a slightly strained smile, not that both of the girls noticed. Sunset then cleared her throat, "Listen, I need some stories for the school's newspaper, and I wanted to ask you some questions about...baking.", "Really!?" Pinkie Pie asked with excitement, earning a grin from Sunset. Sunset began to ask questions about baking, but then suspiciously asked a few questions that are a tad bit personal from both girls like schedules, ambitions, characteristics and personal plans, causing both of them to grow uneasy. Regardless, they still comply with some of it. Then, both of them decide that the questions are too much of them, with Applejack trying to brush off the interview, "Sunset, can we talk later? We're a bit busy.", Pinkie nodded in agreement. Sunset then changed her face into a sad look. "Are you OK sugarcube?", "I understand, you think i'm a freak, i'm a weird person.", Sunset replied in a sad face and tone, trying to pry sympathy out from the 2 girls. Applejack uneasily replied, "No that's not what we mean, it's just...", "Don't need to sugarcoat it, you think i'm annoying. I'm just new to this place, don't really have many friends from where i'm from.", Sunset sighed with a stream of tear falling from one of her eyes, "I feel that joining the newspaper club will help me make some over here. I'm so embarrassed now.". Pinkie Pie and Applejack shared concerned looks after hearing Sunset's self deprecating talk. Applejack replied soothingly, "Hey, if you need friends, just ask us.", "Yeah, we could totally be BFFs for life!". Sunset stopped tearing, letting out a grateful smile, "Wow, you do not understand how pleased I am after hearing this.". Both Applejack and Pinkie smiled too before the pink girl replied, "You can join us for lunch tomorrow at Sugarcube Corner, I will cook you the tastiest treats for your tummy!", "Thank you...", "Name's Pinkie Pie!", "Yeah, Pinkie.". Sunset pretend to look at her phone, "Oh sorry, i'm late for something else. Good luck for your pastries, i'm sure people are gonna...get a kick out of it.", "Thanks for the encouragement sugarcube. See you later.", "Bye Sunny!". And with that, the 2 girls went back to the kitchen while Sunset walk the opposite direction. "Don't our babies look precious?", Pinkie Pie said, cooing at the treats in the oven. Applejack rolled her eyes at this, "Let's just get cleaned up.", and both of them walk away. Meanwhile watching them in one of the hallways, Sunset is standing there with a mischievous smile, then walk towards the still raw baked treats in the oven. She pulled out a container or Miralax from her bag, then proceed to pull the baking tray out and mixing the powder inside the mixture. Pinkie Pie and Applejack walked out from Vice-principal Luna's office, both looking upset and livid. "What went wrong?", Applejack then bellowed, "Maybe you didn't follow the recipe! And now my family has lost a large part of the business!". Pinkie then grew unusually angry, "Are you seriously blaming me?!", "Yes, maybe it's because you add too much sugar! Not everybody can tolerate that much sweet like you you oblivious moron!", "How dare you Jacqueline Smith! Nobody has ever gotten a tummyache from my cooking before! Maybe is your frowny pants mood that infect the treats!", "That doesn't make any sense!", "You don't make any sense!". The bickering then deteriorated into screaming matches which attracted a crowd of students. Among the crowds, Sunset Shimmer is watching the fight with joy from a safe distance, knowing that her plan is a success. "Like taking candy from a baby.", she thought to herself. "I need to go to the bathroom coach.", "Sure but be quick.". With her good reputation among the staff, Sunset managed to simply ask Coach Iron Will to let her go to the bathroom. After going inside the locker room, Sunset used a hair pin and slowly lockpicked Pinkie's locker. It took some time but she eventually managed to open it and grabbed a phone inside. With a sinister smirk, she access the phone which had no passcode to begin with and typed a message that guarantee the complete break up between Applejack and Pinkie. Hey Jackie, just want to say that I no longer want to be friends with you. You are a mean meanie who is too proud to admit your wrongs. If you really want us to be friends again, then just admit that you're the one that ruined the bake sale. And send. Sunset finally sent the message and quickly stow the phone back into the locker, go and wash her face before going back to gym class. After gym class, Sunset is walking down the hallways before she heard screaming. Quickly deducing what it is, she made a smug grin and walk towards the source and saw Pinkie and Applejack being livid with each other while surrounded by a small crowd. "How many times I want to tell you!? I did not ruin the bake sale!", "And I am not the one who sent the message! I would never do something that cruel!", "Apparently you are cruel enough to get those people sick!", "I did not!". The full on screaming lasted for about a minute, though Sunset just tuned out from most of the conversation which are mostly insults. However, the last statement is what made her snap back to reality and her grin even wider. "You know what!? I don't want to be friends with you anymore!", "Whatever Jacqueline!". With that, both girls walked opposite directions with nearby student backing away from them, while the mastermind just stood one side taking pleasure with her successful work. The baking incident, combined with what turned out to be fake E-mails and messages from Sunset (which she didn't learn about until last week) destroyed Applejack's relationship with Pinkie. After something similar happened at a baking contest that Sunset was a part of in January, four months later, Applejack pieced together that Sunset poured something into the batter that made everyone sick. She tried to tell off Sunset and rough her up, but the fire-haired girl had covered her tracks, much to her fury. Howdy Sunset, meet me at the darkened hallway after school. I insist. From, Applejack Sunset is standing at the hallway, tapping her foot impatiently while looking around. She is not sure what a farmer will want to speak to her, she had some guesses and already had plans if those things really happen. "Howdy Sunset.", the former unicorn immediately turn to the light, compose herself and put up her most friendly facade. "Hey Applejack, you want to see me?", Applejack just stood under the light without response, arms crossed, her face being stern. Looking at the farmer, Sunset roughly know how this conversation is gonna go, and she is prepared for it. Applejack then slowly get close to Sunset, while saying suspiciously, "If you can recall, everybody's food at the baking contest a few months ago caused dozens of people to get sick. Then at the most recent baking contest a few days ago, the same thing happened, except for your food which you took home the price for.", "Coincidence?", Sunset attempt to shrug at the statement. Applejack got even closer, her tone becoming more accusative, "I reckon there's such a coincidence. I also remembered that during me and Pinkie's baking session, you came to us and ask alot of things about us, like our schedules and plans.", "Sorry, i'm late for something else-", "And I heard some students also mention that you did the same thing to them. You know, the ones who are in the baking contest too?". She then narrowed her eyes and pointed an accusatory finger at the suspect, "So you are the good suspect for the shenanigans.". Sunset then slowly turn her face into a grin, before performing a slow mocking clap. "Congrats, you figured it out in the same amount of time as it takes for you to count to ten.". Needless to say, Applejack went from shock, then to being angry before growling, "So you did spiked the food! Do you know how much damage you had caused!?", Sunset just rolled her eyes, "How much?", "Dozens of people got sick! School funding from the alumni is temporarily cut! Attendees whose food got people sick got banned from baking for major events for the rest of the school year! Also, the school and some of the customers outside decide to cut any ties from my family business for god knows how long! My family lost most of our income because of your stunt!". Sunset put up her hands defensively, but her face still remained smug, "Hey! This is not personal at all!", "Then why did you do it!? Is this your hobby!?". "Let me say simply and slowly so a hillbilly like you can understand. I. Have. A. Goal.". Applejack went from angry to confused, "Goal? What goal?". Sunset then become angry, "A goal which a trailer trash like you will not understand and don't deserve to know! But if you are still curious, just know that I want to impress someone by getting something! Something that stupid bitch constantly denied me despite all the work I did for her that clearly shows her that I deserve it!", Sunset clenched her fist like a vice grip after finishing her monologue, her nails digging into her palm and drawing abit of blood. Applejack is in disbelief by now, "That's it!? So you think getting this thing make it worthy for you to hurt people!?", "Correct! You will never be smart enough to understand, this means alot to me. So what if your dumb family lost their little trailer!? So what if friendships are torn apart!? So what if the school lost their funding!? So what if people got sick over the food!? As long as I get what I want, it is justified!". She pointed to Applejack, who immediately tackled her to the ground and pinning on top of her. Sunset's hands are pressed against the floor, and her torso is stuck in between Applejack's legs. Her head is knocked on the ground, but her dizziness caused by the impact immediately faded away, allowing her to see Applejack's face up close. "I should break every bone in your body right now!", Sunset look amused at this, much to the farmer's confusion and frustration. "Go ahead, beat till your knuckles bleed.", Sunset whispered darkly. Applejack did not do anything, then Sunset mocked, "What's wrong? Don't know how to punch?". Still pinning her to the ground, Applejack looked around, then look back at Sunset accusingly. "You're going to frame me right? Frame me as the bad guy?", "Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, I can get you suspended for attacking me first.", Sunset continued to smile. Applejack then said confidently, "I can tell Principal Celestia what you did.", "What's your evidence?", the farmer's confidence immediately shattered. "The only thing you have is words coming out from your mouth, and no adult will easily believe a student via it. Moreover, I am an honour student, do you think the teachers will be convinced that I would stoop this low?". Feeling the farmer's grip loosen, Sunset lightly shoved Applejack back who went limp, then she stood up, dusted her skirt before stating, "You have nothing, nothing to threaten me with, nothing to do with all that dumb strength.". "You're right, I can't.", Applejack admitted sadly, then continued sternly. "But listen to me Shimmer, don't ever try anything like that ever-," Sunset slammed her arm violently at the locker near Applejack, startling her. "Listen here hillbilly, look what I had done with some cheap Mirialax. Everybody is banned from baking and your family's business is in ruins. And no one found out about it except you, but it is still too late to stop it. If I wanted to, I could drive you into the streets begging like a child asking for candy, and you would never see it coming.", Sunset then leaned her head near towards Applejack's head, her mouth very close to her ear. "In layman's terms, you do your own shit, I do my own shit. Got it?", every breath caused the farmer to shiver, but she still nodded. With a victorious smile, Sunset walk away from the scene, while Applejack started to have tears rolling down. "You mother fucker! You can't do this forever!", Applejack rarely sweared, but Sunset really pushed all of her buttons. Without looking back, Sunset let out a sadistic laugh, "All you dumb hicks only know how to throw empty insults. Let me repeat again. Stay. Out. Of. My. Way.". And with that, she walk away without looking back, leaving the farmer quietly sobbing to herself. And send. Sunset finally posted another secret of Rarity, among with other secrets and rumors. She had took up a bit of hacking so she did not have to constantly take other people's phones and electronic devices to disguise as them, and also to cover her tracks more easily. Everything she need will be right at her fingertips on her own laptop. Speaking of which, she is trying to sabotage Rarity's reputation as she is among the competitors for the Spring Fling princess. After doing what she had done, she proceed to go to school. During this time, she also hired Snips and Snails as cronies to extract as much private information from others as possible or even the assumptions of the students towards each other, which is how she managed to get Rarity's rumors and secrets. Satisfied with her work, she closed her laptop and go to sleep. The next day as she stepped into the school, students are minding their own business, with only a few giving her brief cold or terrified glares as those are the ones that suspect she caused the shenanigans that are happening at the school or already know what she did but are threatened to not be a tattletale. Sunset just smirked confidently and strutted down the hallway. Then the main show started. She saw Rarity walking down to her locker, trying to shrink herself down as much as possible. Meanwhile, students who saw her just snickered and gossiped about her. The embarrassed fashionista is trying her best to ignore the chatter as she opened her locker, quivering her lips slightly. "Hey whore!", someone shouted which draw her attention and before she know it, a pack of lube was thrown at her face and fall onto the ground. The girl moaned in slight pain as she held her nose, then looked up to see Bon Bon and Lyra smirking devilishly at her, with Bon Bon continuing her talk, "You will need that, wouldn't want those delicate fingers to scratch your cat.", the whole student who heard it laughed at it. Rarity is even more distraught now, mascara running down her face as she run away from the scene while crying. Sunset saw everything, the smiled confidently that her plan is a success. It did not work. Despite the rumors and secrets, Rarity is still among the top choices for the Spring Fling princess, along with Sunset Shimmer. However, it is no matter as Sunset had a backup plan. Both of the two highest nominees were standing on the stage, awaiting the judgement for the title. Rarity said kindly, "May the best girl win.", "You too.", Sunset extend her arm and allow the fashionista to shake it. After that, Rarity faced the audience while Sunset sneakily smirked and her eyes indicate something dark and sinister is about to happen. Principal Celestia stood on stage with a microphone in her hand with Vice-principal Luna holding a pillow with the crown on top. She pulled out an envelope, "And the winner for this year's Spring Fling princess is-". Meanwhile above the stage, Snips and Snails are each carrying a bucket of paint. "And the winner for this year's Spring Fling princess is-", the cronies heard the cue, then look down and saw Principal Celestia about to open the envelope. They then aimed the buckets at Rarity, before tilting the buckets and let both of the green and red paint fall like a waterfall. *SPLASH*, the crowd went silent, Rarity is soaked in paint, Principal Celestia is shocked, and Sunset is smiling victoriously. After a few seconds, the whole crowd started to laugh, "Good show slut!", "Nice makeover you got there!", "You're now as dirty as your heart!". Rarity began tearing up, then ran away from the scene and sobbing. "Uh.", Celestia look at the piece of paper which is showing Rarity's name. Knowing the winner already ran away and the time of the event need to be cut short, the principal reluctantly and sadly continued, "Sunset Shimmer.". With a quick swipe, Sunset snatched the plastic crown from Luna, "This crown, is mine.", Sunset triumphantly declared as she put on the accessory. The whole crowd applauded. Both principals are shocked by the girl's roughness, but they could not care less about that. Both adults ran off the stage to look for the crying girl, while Sunset just stood on the stage and soak in the cheers. "I will send you the details of the auction.", "Okie dokie lokie!". Sunset just heard the conversation between Pinkie and Fluttershy, and it will be essential to her plan. Using her phone, Sunset managed to track the contacts of everyone in school and the exchange of information between them. She can also manipulate the messages sent by the students. She is now looking at Pinkie's and Fluttershy's contact, seeing Fluttershy trying to send Pinkie the message. 'This saturday, 4:00pm, Silent Auction.', 'This saturday, 4:00pm, Auction Party.', Sunset smiled viciously as she changed the message information, before hitting send to allow Pinkie to view the doctored message. 'Howdy Rainbow, can you help me with my farm at Saturday 12 noon?', 'Howdy Rainbow, can you help me with my farm at Sunday 12 noon?'. Then send again. "Come on Fluttershy, the game is about to begin!", "Hold on i'm looking!". Rainbow is standing in her underwear while Fluttershy is frantically trying to search Rainbow's soccer attire she promised to wash. Coach Spitfire stormed in and look at both girls. "Come on Dash! We don't have all day!", "Fluttershy is trying to find my attire.", Rainbow angrily declared. After minutes of searching, there's still no attire, and Fluttershy let out a defeated expression. Coach Spitfire declared, "An sportsman's attire is their responsibility! No attire, no competition for you! You're gonna get a replacement today!", the coach then pointed towards the exit. With a grunt, Rainbow grabbed her usual clothing and went to another place to change, while a timid Fluttershy followed her behind. "Rainbow please listen!", "Save it Flutters, I've had enough of your excuses!", Rainbow yelled. The athlete the pointed out, "First, you accidentally let some of your animal friends hopped into my bag, causing me to get detention! Next, you dropped my phone into the toilet when I ask you to take care of it! Then, you decide to help me refill the cooler for the team, then all of my teammates got sick including me!", Rainbow inhaled sharply before continuing, "And now, I cannot even attend the competition because you lost my attire! All these things you did, is this some part of a sick joke!?". Fluttershy is fearful now, she had not seen the athlete this angry before, but she managed to stammered, "I d-did not-", "God damn it! Stop! Playing! Innocent! You know what, fine! You want to pretend to me nice, to not be loyal, then you can shove my friendship with you up your ass cause you are not allowed to be near me nor my other friends again!". Rainbow then stormed off, leaving the girl in tears. Sunset is watching while hiding. After hearing the quarrel, she decide to walk out from her spot. Fluttershy saw her behind, then fell down and staggered back. With a smug smile, Sunset insulted, "Aww what's wrong? Little Fluttershy just lost a friend?", she then get close to the girl, "Well this is what animal loving freaks like you deserve!". Sunset the purposely bumped the girl, causing the animal lover too fall down. Meanwhile, Rainbow is watching the whole situation without any sympathy. Fluttershy look back at Rainbow begging her to do something, but she just casually walk away. What both girls don't know, is that sunset is hiding the attire in her bag. Sunset saw Fluttershy walking down the hallway, holding a pink lunch box and heading to the cafeteria. Fluttershy saw Sunset and try to make a distance between them as large as the hallway's width will allow, but it was no use. Sunset quickly close in the distance and blocked the girl with her arm by slamming it into the lockers. Fluttershy is startled, and she did not even register when Sunset swiftly swipe the lunch box away from her. Sunset raised the lunch up high, before violently open the lid then pour the assortment of lettuce, tomatoes and olive oil all over her head. "Enjoy your meal," Sunset said in a sarcastically, before walking away and leaving the animal lover crying on the ground. "Hey Sandalwood.", "Sup Shimmy?". Sunset pulled out a pen and notebook, "Can I conduct an interview, on uh...your eco-club yeah that's all.", "Yeah sure. You know, you are one of the few that actually want to know about my club.", Sandalwood excitedly replied. Sunset shrugged, "Well, I just like to know things. Anyway, let's start.". Minutes gone by and Sunset asked generic questions about the club from the leader. They have fun talking until Sunset asked him about his personal plans for not just him but the club, causing Sandalwood to be slightly uncomfortable, "Uh, why you want to ask that?", "So I can get to know you better.". Sandalwood is still a bit unconvinced, but Sunset then pretend to be embarrassed, "Ugh, i'm so sorry. I don't really have many friends from where i'm from and want to make some here. I join the newspaper club will help me so I can talk to people more. Guess you think i'm weird huh?", covering her face with her hands. Sandalwood felt a hinge of pity at the girl. He put a hand on Sunset's shoulder and put on a sympathetic smile. Sunset look up to Sandalwood, "Sorry that I don't know about that. Of course I can be your friend. Shall we continue.". The girl's face beamed up at the response as they continued. "Dude, I swear I did not steal the instruments.", "Sorry dude, all the proof points to you. I really want to believe you but almost everybody think that you steal it.". Sandalwood did not like where this conversation is going with his friend and co-leader of the club, Treehugger while other club members are also looking at him suspiciously. Treehugger said reluctantly, "Sorry dude, but you are out of the club for now. We will see if any more proof will pop up to prove your innocence but you must go for now.". With an annoyed sigh, Sandalwood walked out of the club room. Meanwhile, Sunset was watching the whole ordeal and smile gleefully. She turn towards her cronies behind her, with Snips holding a bag. She brought a thumbs up, and the two of them smiled proudly. "Hey you guys are the track team right?". The team's captain, Sprint Speed heard a female voice and turned behind to see Sunset waving at her and the entire team. Being gentlemen, Sprint and the entire track team waved back as the captain spoke up, "Yes and i'm the captain. Do you need something?", "You see, I am part of the newspaper club, and I was just wondering if I can know more about your team.". The entire team smiled at her, then Sprint said, "Go on, ask your best questions.". Like the usual pattern, Sunset first ask generic questions like the team members and list of achievements, but eventually ask more personal ones not just about the team but also about every single team member. However, the team is too infatuated on the pretty girl that they did not notice fishy things in her questions. "Hope these questions can help you.", the co-captain, Twinkle said. "Oh they do. Thanks.", Sunset replied with a subtle sly grin before walking away. "She's totally dig into you Sprint.", "Shut up Twinkle.", "Ohhh", the whole team let out the sound. Sunset feel like punching the co-captain when he said that, but she had to retain her image, so she just continued to walk away. After all, she will get her revenge. "And we're done.", Twinkle let out a satisfied sigh as he finish counted the money they raised from the bake sale for the funding. The rest of the team smiled at their hard work, now they have enough money to support the team, but mainly for the upcoming championship. "I'll put this in the club room, come on Sprint.". They both reached the club room, then Twinkle put the money and Sprint lock the doors as they exit. However, they didn't realise that Sunset is watching while hiding. After seeing them left, she made sure no one is going to come and witness her before she lockpick the door. She saw the envelope full of money, then swiftly take it and smile victoriously. "Where's the money!?", Twinkle shouted. The whole track team is distraught, their funds went missing in the club room and the two captains are looking frantically in the room. "I remember I locked the door! Nobody should have know!", "You sure you didn't forget to lock it?", "I'm positive! Maybe you just misplaced the money!". Both captains are on each other's throats right now, they do not know what are the possible causes for the money missing other than Twinkle thinking Sprint forgot to lock the door or Sprint thinking Twinkle replaced the money. The whole track team is divided on who to trust too, with half of them blaming Twinkle and other half blaming Sprint. Not long later, the whole team is fighting one another that it got so bad that Coach Spitfire have to step in and break up the fight. Sunset look at the team, with a darkly amused expression on her face. "My plan is working.", she said confidently. "Please Chips I just need to borrow for a while.", "I said no Sunset! Honour student or not, we can't just let students who are not in this club borrow our tech anytime, especially something like a CPU. Why do you even need a CPU for?". Micro Chips is getting increasingly frustrated as Sunset keep begging him to borrow a CPU from the AV Club. Sunset rubbed her back of the head and smile sheepishly to act innocent, "Reasons?", "I don't really care what the reasons are, I can't just let you borrow tech that is school property. If you want a CPU, I can recommend some good stores for you to buy.", "I don't have time for that-", "No means no Sunset!". Maintaining her emotions, Sunset pretend to act disappointed, "Ok." before walking away while Micro Chips glare at her. After closing the door, Sunset's face turn into a scowl and muttered, "You don't wanna help me? You're gonna pay.". Back at home, Sunset is using her laptop. She manage to hack into and steal Micro Chips' logins and send some lewd messages to one of the school's most feared students, Gilda Griffon. 'Hey Gilds, wanna hang out and ride on Micro express?', 'You wanna hang out in a cast!', 'Come on Gilds, don't be like that.', 'You know you want me.', 'You are really asking for a death wish! You will regret tomorrow!'. Gilda's face is red in fury as she brandish her phone in front of Micro's face. "What are you thinking!?", "Gilda, i'm not the one-", his words are cut short when he doubled over in pain as the military girl gutted him. "Don't you lie to me! Your email, your doing!", Gilda bellowed. They are in the darkest hallway in the school where little to no student come near to, so nobody can hear them.". The scrawny teen is weeping as he knelt down and hold his stomach as Gilda continued, "You know what? I got no time for this, i'm just gonna teach you a lesson straight away.". She pulled her belt from her cargo pants and grabbed near the buckle side, Micro Chips started breathing heavily as he realised what's about to happen. With a sadistic grin, Gilda said, "Just be grateful that i'm not using the buckle side. But if you do it next time, you won't be lucky.". With that revelation, she swung down the belt as hard as her muscular body can. For anybody near the hallway, Chips' screams can be heard. But again, nobody seldom go near here. Right now, there's one one figure that is hiding near the hallway. Sunset closed her eyes as the screams filled her ears like pleasant music. She chuckled, "Karma's a bitch.". "And the person who scored the highest is...Sunset Shimmer again!", Mr.Cranky proudly called out. Most of the students gave out claps and Sunset smiled proudly to herself as she got her test paper and sit back on her seat. "See students, this is the kind of student you should strive to perform. Always showing the curiosity and excitement of learning is the step towards success.", the teacher pointed out while Sunset laid back on her chair and fold her arms behind her head. "Teacher's pet.", a student teasingly muttered. Sunset then slightly tilted her eyes to see Gilda trying to hide her snicker along with a few students giggling. Sunset is livid when she heard that, but she still remain her cool and think of her revenge. "Here's the laptop boss.", "Thank you very much.". Snips and Snails had break into Gilda's locker and steal her laptop as well as the assignment papers after they know that Gilda will need this to get 30% of her science grade. Looking at the laptop, she gestured for the 2 cronies to walk away, indicating that their work is done as she stash the items into her bag. As she is heading home, she threw the items into a nearby trash bin. The next day, things got real heated. "Sir I swear, I stored all my items in my locker and only know it went missing today!", "Young lady, a student's assignment is their own responsibility. If you lose your items, it's your fault. And since you cannot turn in, you fail this assignment and you are under academic probation for the summer.", Mr. Whooves, a teacher with a posh accent said with exasperation. "What!? No! I already have plans with dad's military buddies-", "It doesn't matter and I don't care! Now sit down before I force you to the principal's office!", Whooves almost yelled while saying that. Gilda sighed in frustration as she walk back to her seat, glaring at anyone who snickered at her. With an annoyed sigh, the teacher look at the name list. "Okay next is, Sunset Shimmer.", his face and mood immediately lit up at the name. Sunset confidently stood up as walk to the front, while Gilda is glaring at her but not knowing that she's actually the one who sabotaged her work. Sunset plugged in her laptop, the projector project her slides, "Hope you all have a lovely day, today I will be talking about-". "Hey excuse me.", Sunset approach three girls who are talking. One of them, Muharib is a new student here. "Hey Sunny.", both Lyra and Bon Bon greeted friendly, "Hey Lyra and Bon Bon, can I speak with Muharib for a while first?", "For what?", Muharib blinked and asked curiously. "Just questions about uh, fitness yeah. You look tough for your age and I want to publish your tips on the newspaper.", "Okay then. I guess see you guys later", the compliment made the new girl stand up and wave her friends goodbye, who also waved back. Muharib followed Sunset to the darkened hallway. The girl felt suspicious but just shrugged it off as getting some privacy. After arriving, Sunset handed Muharib a red sheet of paper and a pen with an odd smile, "Answer this questionnaire before we start.", "Sure.". The girl read through the paper, then her smiling face turned into a frown. "What's wrong?", Sunset tried to be as friendly as possible. Muharib replied idly, "Nothing, it's just that some of these questions felt a bit too...personal. Why would you need to ask about my weekend plans or any existing lovers?", "Oh yeah that, it's just that it will help me to get to know you better that's all.", "Is it necessary?", "No but, it can help me know you better, maybe we can even be pals.". Muharib started to feel uncomfortable, "Uh sorry, we are not quite there yet and I don't feel comfortable sharing these info with complete strangers.", "Please just do it, how can we be pals if I don't know you?", "Listen sorry, i'm new here. If you want to know me, we can hang out. For now, can you just ask about my fitness?". Sunset can barely hide the hidden annoyance and rage in her voice anymore, "Look, just fill the sheet please.", "No, i'm not comfortable with you yet.", Muharib's voice is firm. The girl dropped the paper and pen in front of Sunset, then proceed to walk away. She then felt some hugged her from behind, then saw right in front of her a pair of hands, one holding the paper and the other grabbing her hand which is grabbing a pen. "It would make things easier if you just-", "Get off!", Muharib pushed Sunset out of the way and cause her to fall backwards on the ground. "Weirdo.", Muharib angrily called as she walk away. Sunset is angry and shaken at one of the few people that did not fell under her trap. "She will be a foil to my plans, I have to get rid of her.", she angrily thought. Sunset then stood up, pulled out her phone then call Snails, "Hey Snails, I want you and Snips to initiate Plan B on someone.". Muharib was doing pull ups in the school gym. After finishing her session, she sat down on a bench and drank some water. "Hey Muharib.", Snips said to the girl and pretending to be friendly. "Hey...Clips?", "It's Snips and I want to give you something.", he pulled out a plastic bag with a cookie inside, holding the base of the bag. "Cookie?", Muharib's face lit up at the sugary treat, "Yeah sure.". She grabbed the neck of the bag and fish out the treat gratefully before eating the cookie and humming pleasurely Snips saw Muharib is still holding the bag and said, "I'll throw that for you.". Muharib did not think twice before passing the bag back to the plump and short boy, who continue to grab the area where Muharib did not touch. "I swear I did not buy the drugs." Muharib said fearfully to Vice-principal Luna. "Ms.Muharib, I promised that if you confessed that you did it we will try to convince the court to made your sentence more lenient.", "But I did not do anything!". In the room, there are two bulky officers, Muharib and Vice-principal Luna, and right between them is a bag full of Marijuana. One of the officers spoke up, "The bag contained your fingerprints and it's found in your locker, I don't think there is any evidence more concrete than that.". The girl angrily slammed the table, "This is a set up! Somebody could have collected my fingerprints and frame it on me!", "Miss Muharib. If you know the possible suspects, do tell us.". Right now, Muharib is trying to think of one, but for some reason she could not think of anybody capable enough or hate her so much that they would want to frame her. Defeated, Muharib said, "I can't, but I still did not do it.". Luna sighed, "This could have been settled easily.", then look at the girl with stern eyes, "Miss Muharib, all evidence points to your direction, if you refuse to accept your guilt then I have no choice but to expel you.". Muharib's eyes went wide, "Expelled?", only able to mutter this one word as she was cuffed and dragged down the hallway. Tears ran down as she walk down the hallway, "Please! I am innocent, believe me!", but the students just watch and look like they did not trust her. Sunset saw Muharib being dragged down and crying, before smirking. "Oh, I'm really sorry." Fluttershy timidly said. "I just found it, and I thought I should give it to her. I didn't know you had dropped it.", "Well, I did, and I was about to get it before you swooped in and ruined everything! You shouldn't pick up things that don't belong to you!". "It doesn't really belong to you either.", the quiet voice is heard by Sunset. Sunset slammed the lockers hard, "Excuse me!", and Fluttershy slided down in fear, "Nothing.". With a sneer, "That's what I thought. It's as good as mine, and you know it.". She got even closer to Fluttershy, "You really are pathetic. It's no wonder your best friends are all stray animals.", causing the wallflower to be on the verge of tears. "This looks terrible! There should be more streamers near the stage and fewer balloons!", Sunset then popped some of the balloons nearby her with her finger. She went down to the auditorium and check the party decoration done by Pinkie, little to say, she's not satisfied. "Yeah, streamers!", Snips responded as he ripped one in half followed by Snails, "And fewer balloons!", but failed miserably to pop the balloon he is hugging tightly. All of these responses made Pinkie disappointed. Sunset then went towards to the stack of crates for the drinks. She grabbed one bottle to examine it before recoiled in disgust after saying, "Fizzy Apple Cider. This is my coronation, not a hoedown.". Applejack is trying to hide the anger of what the girl did last year to her family's business, "Well, now, it ain't necessarily gonna be your coronation this time around.". Sunset angrily get close to Applejack's face, "Is that so!?", turning the stetson around, "You country folk aren't that bright, must be why people say such awful things about you.", pull the hat over the farmer's head. She then walk away, leaving an agitated Applejack staring at her. These things took Sunset 2 and a half years to do, but the memories flashed back to her all at once in less than a second. She did not know that time that what she did was wrong, until that night she was blasted by the rainbow. After viewing everything she did in the dark void, Sunset's eyes went wide realised how much she had fallen for greatness. She now felt horror, pain, regret, and shame. One final screen appeared, showing Sunset turning into a demon, turning Snips and Snails into followers, destroying a chunk of the school, brainwashing everyone, and finally attempting to kill Twilight and her friends, all without guilt. Sunset cried out, "No! This is not I want! All I want is power!". When the last screen faded, a light shined from above, then she felt her feet went stiff. Sunset looked down and saw her feet being turned into stone. The more she tried to move her legs, the speed of the stone travelling up accelerated. Being turned into stone and isolated, one of the worst punishments in Equestria, given to the most heinous induviduals willing to destroy Harmony. This is the rarest punishment ever given, and Sunset only ever heard of one creature who is punished using this, Discord. And now, she is to at the receiving end of it, filling her with regret, despair, and desperation. "Please, give me one more chance! I promise to be good! I promise I won't hurt anyone again. Why show me everything I did if you're gonna turn me to stone anyway!?", Sunset said in tears towards the light. However no matter how much she begged, the stone continued to crawl up. Her panic increased as the stone reached her neck, "No! No!-", then her mouth, then further up her face. Every detail except for the texture is copied perfectly, from every loose strand of her hair to the tear streaks on her face. As the stone hit her wide eyes, her vision went black. Next thing she knew, she was back in the crater from the night. Needless to say, she is traumatised and guilt ridden by the experience. And now, she just want to move on, to be a better person that Canterlot won't easily let her be. During the whole ordeal, she is holding back her quiet sobs. "Miss?", a deep and rough voice called her and gently shook her. Sunset quickly turned towards the person and realised it is the driver. The driver's eyes went wide as she saw the tear marks at her face, not that Sunset know what he is reacting to until she touched her face, realising she has been tearing up for quite a while. The driver shyly turned to his side and let out a cough, "Umm...this is the rest stop, you have 15 minutes.", Sunset replied with a nod. She got up, grabbed her bags, adjust her glasses before walking down the bus and looking at the stop, which is a gas station. She then proceed to go to the bathroom, before sitting on the curb and eating her snacks. No matter how much she chewed, Sunset could not extract the taste of the bread, due to her mood being so low after thinking about what she did before.