Sunset got up and showered and dressed early as sleep after about 4:30 was impossible. With the way her nightmares had been she dreaded closing her eyes some nights. She wasn’t gonna tell Luna about the near accident the one night, luckily Sunset made it to the bathroom, but the nightmare was that intense.
She sat in the living room chanting to herself what had become her mantra. “Just gotta make it through to Friday, just gotta make it through.”
Friday afternoon after School Fluttershy was coming home with her to help her pack for the sleepover, as this was Sunset’s first. Then Luna would drop them both off at Pinkie’s house.
“Just gotta make it through until Friday, Just gotta make it through.” Sunset thought.
Luna came out to see why Sunset was up so early. Sunset was so busy chanting her mantra to herself she didn’t even hear Luna come out to the living room. Luna touched Sunset’s shoulder. Sunset almost jumped out of her skin.
“For crying out loud Luna, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Sunset almost yelled.
“Shhh calm down. I can see your nervous as hell. I don’t think you're in any condition to go to school today.” Luna said
“I can’t never go back, I have to graduate, I can’t even drop out as I’m not even 16 even though I will be soon.” Sunset told her.
“I could homeschool you if you like Sunset.” Luna offered.
“You work all day then have to come home and teach me. I don’t think that is a good idea.” Sunset said, feeling guilty.
“Sunset is there something more to it than that?” Luna asked.
“I wouldn’t get to see my friends as much, plus it’s less motivation to do my work on a timely matter.” Sunset replied.
“I think it’s your friends that is the main reason you don’t want to be homeschooled.” Luna replied knowingly. “
Sunset smiled slightly and just nodded her head yes.
“Now you want some breakfast?” Luna asked.
“In a minute.” Sunset said.
Sunset climbed onto Luna's lap and put her arms around Luna’s neck. Luna knowing what her little girl wanted wrapped her arms around Sunset. Sunset loved this; it was the one place in the entire world she felt safe. When she was on Luna’s lap in her arms nothing, nothing could hurt her. Add that combined with the calming scent of lavender that Luna smelled like, Sunset would never want this to end.
After their morning cuddle session, Luna and Sunset headed into the kitchen. Having extra time today Luna made some eggs and toast, and made some coffee. Sunset figured she should eat a bigger breakfast this morning. Then her mind wandered to her friends. What did they do for breakfast? Which got her thinking about Friday Night.
“Luna how do you feel about Friday?” Sunset said.
“It’s the best day of the week honey, why?” Asked Luna.
“Don’t play with me, you know what I mean are you ok with Friday night?” Prodded Sunset.
“Sunset I am ok with it. As long as you girls are responsible, but with Pinkie’s Parents out of town you need an adult there.” Luna said sternly.
“Well Maud is there and you know how responsible she is.” Sunset told her.
“I would feel better if it was Limestone, or Marble, but I guess I can allow it.” Luna relented.
“Just one thing. What do you do at a sleepover?” Sunset asked.
“We will discuss it after school sweetie.” Luna said.
“Why after school?” Sunset asked.
“Because we are gonna be late if we don’t move, brush your teeth and I have your backpack near the front door.” Luna told her.
Sunset brushed her teeth and they were out the door. The ride to school was short. Sunset just kept saying to herself “Just gotta make it through until Friday, Just gotta make it through.”
“Sunset?” Luna said, touching her shoulder.
“Just gotta make through until Friday.” Sunset said absentmindedly.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Luna asked.
“I can’t hide forever, let’s just get this over with.” Sunset said.
Luna and Sunset walked into the school and Sunset was looking right and left, noticing only a student or two. The one student looked at her, shook his head and walked on. Sunset hoped that’s the worst it was going to be today.
After getting to Luna’s office Sunset sat down and Luna went to see Celestia.
“Good morning sister.” Luna said, entering.
“Hello Luna how are you this morning?” Celestia asked.
“Sunset is a bundle of nerves.” Luna said sitting down.
“How are you though?” Celestia asked.
“A bundle of nerves.” Luna replied
“Are you sure you two are not rushing into this?” Celestia asked.
“I offered to home school her, but she’s not sure about that.” Luna said.
“Well go spend some time with her before school starts, she’ll need it.” Celestia said, trying to reassure Luna.
Luna walked back to her office to find the girls standing around the door. Sighing as she wanted them to leave her and Sunset alone for a few minutes, she decided to let them in. She was not prepared for what happened next.
“Hi Vice Principal Luna!!” Pinkie exclaimed.
“Hi girls. I guess you want to see Sunset?” Said Luna, not enthused.
“Actually we got a lil something for Sunset and you if you got 5 mins.” Applejack said.
“Really?” Asked Luna.
“Yeah if you and Sunset want to come to the music room.” Rainbow added.
“Ok let me grab Sunset and let’s go.” Luna said, her curiosity peaked.
Luna walked into the office where Sunset was sitting there dozed off in the chair.
“Sunset.” Luna said gently.
“Oh crap!!” She said waking up then realizing where she was.“Sorry Luna , what’s up?” Sunset asked.
“The girls have something for you and I in the music room and they want us to come there and see what it is.” Luna told her.
Sunset shook her head, not wanting to be bothered. Luna sensed that too and realized Sunset was exhausted too. She decided Sunset might like this whatever it was.
Luna extended her hand, which Sunset took. They walked out of the office past some kids, who gave Sunset nasty looks and were whispering about her. Following the rainbooms to the music room.
“Have a seat over there you two.” Applejack said. The girls took up their instruments and Rainbow Dash walked up to the mic.
“Sunset Shimmer, this song is for you, we figured this might give you some confidence on your first day back.” Rainbow said.
“Well, I won't back down
No, I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
I'm gonna stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from dragging me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
Well, I know what's right
And I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushing me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey, I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
No, I won't back down
When the girls finished, both Luna and Sunset were shocked, they did a song for Sunset to give her confidence her first day back. It was gonna be a long day and this was gonna make it a great start.
Luna and Sunset applauded the miniconcert and then headed back to Luna’s office. Sunset had a smile on her face as she got her books ready for the first half of the day. She also had confidence.
“Ok have a good day sweetie, you know where you can find me, if you need anything.” Luna told Sunset.
“I hope to hell, she’s gonna be ok.” Luna thought.
* * *
Sunset walked into first period with Applejack and tried to ignore the stairs, and whispers of her classmates.
“Sunset welcome back.” Ms Cheerliee greeted her.
“Thanks Ms. Cheerilee.” Sunset said as she passed by on her way to her seat.
Immediately problems began. The students sat two to a table in the science classroom, the student who always sat there wanted to move right away.
“Ms Cheerilee I want to move my seat.” He said.
“Why?” Ms. Cheerilee asked.
“I’m too scared to sit next to a she-demon.” He said.
“Well too bad, that is your assigned seat. So sit down. We have to work in pairs today.” Ms Cheeilee told him.
“Fine.” He said getting up, but I’m not working in a pair with her!!” He said pointing at Sunset.
“Oh for crying out loud!!” Applejack said loudly. She gathered her books and headed over to the table shoving the other student out of the way. She took the seat next to Sunset.
“I’ll sit next to her, I’m not scared of her. ”Applejack said glaring daggers at the student.
“ENOUGH ALL OF YOU!!” Ms. Cheerilee shouted. “Applejack stay there today.” You! over to Applejack’s seat and enough out of all of you.”
The rest of class went without problems.
The next class was ok too even though none of her friends were in it. Berry Pinch didn’t seem to be scared of Sunset.
It was after second period Sunset stopped at her locker. After opening her locker to put her books away she felt a hard shove as she was pushed into her locker and the locker was locked on the outside before the three students ran away leaving Sunset trapped in her locker.
Sunset started banging on the door before she started to sob silently while still banging on her locker. The students had locked the locker with her combination lock.
“Please someone, anyone let me out...please!!” Sunset screamed and started to sob as she banged on the door. She couldn’t help but think this was karma, and she deserved this. Sunset just cried thinking someone has got to find her. It was getting hot in there, someone had to find her soon.
After about ten minutes she heard someone come walking down the hall and Sunset pounded on the locker door.
“Please let me out!!’ Sunset screamed.
“Sunset Shimmer?” The voice said.
“Yes let me out please!” She cried.
“Hold on.” The voice said.
After a minute she heard noise on the outside of the locker.
“All you have to do is unlock the door. I’ll give you the combo to my lock.” Sunset said.
“Ok done!! HAHAHA!!” The voice said.
Sunset pushed but the locker door didn’t budge.
“What the hell??!!” Sunset yelled.
“See you she demon.” They said and walked away.
“Please!! Let me out!!” Sunset cried.
Sunset just lost it and cried and cried. She knew no one was gonna help her. She leaned against the door and sobbed. She was starting to hyperventilate. It couldn’t end like this.
“Hello?” Came another voice.
“Please...let...me...out” Sunset said between sobs.
“Not to fear the great and powerful Trixie is here!!” Trixie proclaimed.
“I’m doomed.” Sunset thought.
“What is the combo On your lock?” Trixie asked.
“29...36...5.” Sunset said panting.
“Got it!” Trixie proclaimed opening the door.
Sunset almost fell out of the locker but luckily Trixie caught her. Sunset was sobbing, Trixie just put her arms around Sunset and rubbed her back.
“The sweet and compassionate Trixie has got you out.” Trixie told her.
“L-L-Luna.” Sunset sobbed.
“I’ll take you to Luna. C’mon.” Trixie said.
Trixie put her arms around Sunset and slowly walked the almost hysterical girl to Luna’s office. Once there she knocked on the door,
“Enter.” Luna said from the inside. Trixie slowly opened the door with her arm around Sunset who was still sniffling. Luna shot up and ran over to Sunset.
“What happened?” Luna asked Sunset. Sunset launched herself into Luna and sobbed and her whole body was shaking.
Luna glared over at Trixie and snarled “What did you do?”
“If I did something you think I would bring her to you?” Trixie replied.
“It wasn’t her honest, she saved me.” Sunset said, calming down some.
“Sunset I touched you is Rainbow Dash gonna rip me limb from limb now??” Trixie asked nervously.
“No, I'll talk to her.” Sunset said walking over to Trixie and gave her a quick hug to which Trixie returned.
“Trixie thank you for what you did. I appreciate it as does Sunset. You can head back to class. I’ll make sure you don’t get in any trouble.” Luna said.
“Sunset come here.” Luna said arms wide open. Sunset fell into Luna’s arms and just cried and shook. Luna’s heart ached, every student was gunning for Sunset it seemed.
What really worried her was Trixie, was this trick or did Sunset gain an unlikely ally?
All Luna wanted was to be there for Sunset, hold her, protect her from everything, start the adoption process. For right now she had to deal with this by taking Sunset home. They would get her assignments, stop by her locker and get her books and go home.
Luna put her arm around her little girl and walked out of her office with an emotionally drained Sunset over towards her locker. Upon arriving at her locker Luna gasped at the sight.
There spray painted in red on Sunset’s locker was the words: She Demon’s Lair