"Thanks again Rarity." Sunset said to her friend, a beautiful red an gold dress in her arms. "I don't know how much I owe you for this but-"
"Oh, pish-posh darling." Rarity quickly said while making place on her workbench. "You know that I am not going to make you pay for it."
Sunset laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of her head, "Yeah you're right... But one day I'll repay you, mark my words."
"Noted." Rarity smiled to her friend.
Both of them were in Rarity's boutique, only four hours before the ball starts. Rarity made Sunset come to pick up her dress, and she also repared Sunset's hero suit. At first, Sunset thought being with her friends after last night's event would've been awkward, but Rarity quickly dismissed that thought with her natural and joyful attitude. But at one point, someone will have to talk about the elephant in the room.
Rarity still cleaning, Sunset took a sit on a chair next to the wall. "A-Are we gonna talk about last night?" Sunset finally said.
Rarity abruptly stopped what she was doing , sighed and turned around, facing her friend, "Only if you want to darling."
"To be honest with you," Sunset started, "I knew that, at some point, one of you girls would've noticed. And I'm glad it's you Rarity. Not that I don't trust the girls, but we both know that Rainbow and Pinkie are both terrible at keeping secrets."
Rarity chuckled at that statement, "That is indeed true, but I am sure that both Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash would have keep it." The smile on Rarity's face slowly disappeared. She was facing Sunset but wasn't directly looking at her. A look of discomfort on her face, she said, "But I must tell you something Sunset."
Rarity walked toward her friend and stood in front of her, Sunset glared curiously at her when the fashionista took Sunset's hands in hers.
"Sunset, I want you to know that I really am proud of you," She started, "What you have done for this city is beyond what we could have asked for, and I owe you a life debt since that... day." She said, biterness in her voice. Sunset tried to say something but Rarity put her finger on the girl's mouth. "Let me finish Sunset dear." She removed her finger and Sunset quietly nodded, "However," Rarity continued, "Now that I know that it is you who wore that suit every night, I must share with you my discomfort and worries about the fact that one of my best friends secretly fight crimes at night." She said with a concerned look, "What if something bad happens to you Sunset? What am I supposed to say to the girls? I'm afraid that one day I go to school, notice that you aren't there, and learn that Spider-girl has been killed fighting some monster." She admitted with a trembling voice, squeezing Sunset's hands harder, "I'm terrified at that thought." A tear started to roll down her cheek, "So why are you doing this Sunset? Why are you risking your life to help people you don't know? Don't get me wrong, I admire you for that. But how can you do that knowing that all the peoples who cares about you would be devastated if something happens to you?"
Sunset smiled before getting up from her chair putting the dress on it, and put her hand on Rarity's shoulder, "Rare," She started, "First thing first, you don't owe me anything. Because it wasn't just Sunset Shimmer helping her friend Rarity." She explained, a serious look on her face, "It was Spider-girl helping a woman in need. And Spider-girl don't ask anything in return. She does it because it is the right thing to do."
"But Sun-"
"No, I've let you talk, now you let me talk." Sunset quickly said, Rarity stared at her but smiled and nodded, "Celestia said to me that with great power comes great responsability. I still don't exactly know what she meant by that, but one thing is sure and it's that I'm not going to disappoint her. She always believed in me. Why? I have no idea." She chuckled, "But she knew that I could help people. That I had the means to change things. This is why I'm doing all this, not because I have to, but because I want to. And if I have to die protecting a frightened child, an injured old man or one of you girls. Then so be it, I'll happily die knowing that at least, I've saved one more life." She heavily sighed, turning her gaze away, glaring at the wall, "It's my way to repare the wrong doings I've done in the past... It's the least I can do."
Tears flowed down on Rarity's cheeks. The girl put her hands on her face, silently crying.
"Rarity?" Sunset asked, now concerned that she might have said something that hurted her friend, "Are you okay?"
Then, out of the blue, Rarity took her friend in a tight hug. "I'm so lucky to have friend like you Sunset."
Sunset smiled and returned the hug, "And I'm lucky to have you girls in my life."
They both stayed like that for a minute before Rarity broke the hug.
"Now, there's no more time to waste, go home and prepare yourself for tonight." She said with a wink, "You don't want to make Fluttershy wait, do you?"
Sunset smirked at her, "You're right."
She grabbed the dress and with a last quick hug, exited the boutique.
The Amazing Sunset Shimmer – Volume II: Web of Shadows
The Lizard – Part 2/2
“Hero Too”
"So? What do you think?"
Luna turned around and stared in awe at the young woman standing in front of her. Sunset was wearing a beautiful red and gold dress, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Luna whistled and smirked at her. "I think that Fluttershy is a very lucky girl." She took her phone out, preparing to take a picture.
Sunset rolled her eyes but took a pose for the picture, once that done she grabbed her new bag and put it on her back. "You know that we're going as friends."
Luna laughed, it was always so easy to tease her. "Of course I know Sunset." She gets up from her chair and took her keys. "You're sure you're not forgetting anything?"
"Pretty sure." She replied to Luna who was unawarre of the super hero suit hidden in that bag.
They both exited the house and took place in Luna's car. "So I'm curious," Luna said, starting the engine once Sunset safety belt was on, "With who your friends are going with?"
Sunset smirked and raised an eyebrow looking at her, "Well look at that. Principal Luna who's interested to know who her students are dating."
Luna chuckled, "We're not at school right now so don't think of me as your principal, think of me as your big sister Luna. And your big sister Luna really likes gossips."
Sunset repressed a laugh, "Well, if you really wants to know sis," She said, insisting on the 'sis', "Rainbow's going with AJ, as friends just like me and Fluttershy."
"I see," Luna nodded, "I must admit that I was wondering if Applejack was going with anyone. She doesn't seem like the type of girls who's running after boys."
"Yeah, she's not." Sunset said, "But that's a shame, I know some boys who would've kill to date someone like her. She's really pretty and she has to give herself more credit about it."
"I can only agree." Luna said. "And what about that girl, Rarity?"
Sunset laughed, "If I had a dollar everytime a boy asked her to accompagning them to the ball, I'll be freakin' rich." She said, "But right now, I think she's going with Flash Sentry."
Luna looked at her curiously in the mirror, "Flash Sentry? Isn't that your... Ex-boyfriend?"
Sunset sighed, "Yeah he is."
"And you're good with that?"
"Flash is a nice guy, I was the bitch in our relationship." She stated, "Rarity deserves a guy like that."
"I'm glad you think that way." Luna said, stopping at a red light.
"And as for Pinkie Pie," Sunset said, "I think she's going by herself. After all, no boy or girl could keep up with her."
Luna laughed with a quiet nod.
"That's about all I think." Sunset said.
"And what about Red Light?" Luna asked, the red light in front of them becoming green. "Aren't you two friends?"
Sunset stared in front of her, watching the road, "Yeah we are actually, that's true." She said, quietly cursing herself for forgetting him, "But I have no idea who he's going with."
"A mystery for the ages." Luna joked.
"I'm a bit nervous I must say," Sunset said, "We're going to play in front of all of CHS. The others are really good, especially Flash and Red but what if the students starts booing because of... well, me?"
"If that's the case," Luna started, "I have no doubt that Rainbow Dash will show them what she's made of."
Sunset laughed, "And you'll let that happen?"
"Remember, not Principal Luna tonight."
"Right, big sister Luna." Sunset said, joking.
The rest of the road to Fluttershy's house was made in silence, sometimes Sunset had a remark about something she just saw through the window but overhaul, it was a quiet travel. Finally, they arrived at Fluttershy's house and Luna parked in her alley.
"Go ahead." She said to Sunset.
Sunset got out of the car, and the more she got closer to the front door, the more she grew nervous.
'Come on, she's technically your date but she's your friend, not someone you're in love with.' She thought. Then the face of a purple haired nerd appeared on her mind, 'Why am I thinking about Twilight right now?!'
She slapped herself and took breathed deeply. "Chill out Sunset." She said reaching the front door. She gently knocked on it and waited a few seconds before the door opened. She was greeted by a man not much younger than her, long blond hair attached in a tight bun.
"Hello there, pretty lady." The man said, winking in Sunset's direction.
Sunset was now accustomed to Zephyr Breeze's attitude, but she still didn't liked it, or him for that matter. She completely ignored his remark and flatly asked, "Is Fluttershy here?"
"Maybe she is," He said, "Maybe if you gave me your number, I'll let you pass and join my beloved little sister."
"Okay so first, she's your big sister," Sunset stated, "And second, I rather be rotting in hell rather than giving you my phone number."
"Aouch," Zephyr said, putting his hand dramatically on his heart, "You know that words can hurt, right?"
"I hope so." She said, frowning.
"Zephyr who is-" A voice said behind him. Then Fluttershy appeared next to him, she wore a elegant green dress with a flower pattern on it, her hair pulled back with a pink headband. She looked like on of the hippies of the nineties, with more class. "Sunset!" She exclaimed, beaming at the view of her friend. She then remembered who was standing next to her and frowned at her brother, "I hope Zephyr didn't make another inappropriate comment."
"Not more than usual." Sunset replied.
"Zephyr..." Fluttershy started.
"Well, she's here now, I leave you to it, bye!" He quickly said before running and disappearing in the kicthen's direction, fearing his sister's wrath.
Fluttershy sighed and watched her friend with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry if he said anything..."
"Don't, Fluttershy." Sunset quickly said, "You're not responsible for how your brother acts."
"O-Okay then." The shy girl replied, she then took a closer look at Sunset and blushed, putting her hands behind her back. "Y-You look great Sunset."
Sunset had a embarassed laugh, "I should've start there. You look awesome Flutter." She then held her arm to her, "Now, shall we?"
Fluttershy giggled and closed the door, taking Sunset's arms. They walked to Luna's car and both sat at the back.
"Good evening Principal Luna." Fluttershy greeted.
"Good evening to you too Fluttershy," Luna smiled at her, "But I must warn you, try anything funny with Sunset and..." She left the threat on hold.
Fluttershy blushed vehemently and quickly added, "Oh my! I wouldn't dream of it Princip-"
"Fluttershy," Sunset said, "She's just playing with you, just look at her."
Indeed Luna was about to explode from laughter and Fluttershy hide herself in embarassment. Sunset rolled her eyes.
'It's going to be a long road.'
After a twenty minutes ride, the three women finally arrived infront of Canterlot High School, Luna parked her car in the parking lot and they exited the car.
"Go ahead girls, you don't want to be seen with your principal." Luna stated. "I'll join you in a bit."
The two teenagers nodded, Fluttershy took Sunset's arm and both started to walk towards the gymnasium's entrance. Many students were already there, chatting and laughing between them, some of them were hiding, smoking cigarettes. She noticed that Rainbow and Applejack were already there, talking with a girl Sunset knew all to well.
They joined them and Sunset greeted her friends, "Hi Aj, Rainbow," Then she turned to face the third girl, "Hi Screwball."
"Oh my gosh Sunset you're so pretty!" Screwball screamed, getting the attention of a few students. She then looked at Fluttershy, "You're not bad either!"
Both girls blushed and looked away. Rainbow Dash was wearing a blue dress, but the end of it ended in a gradient rainbow. Applejack was still wearing her hat, with a simple brown dress. Screwball as for her was wearing a strange purple dress that a magical girl could wear in those anime Rainbow and Pinkie loved.
"Rainbow told me you wrote a song for tonight!" She continued, jumping up and down, "I can't wait to hear it!"
"Y-Yeah, I hope it's no too bad." Sunset said.
"Are you kidding?" Rainbow replied, putting her arm around Sunset's shoulders, "It's one of the best song I've ever worked on!"
"And knowing ya'," Applejack said, "Everybody will love it."
"I hope you're right." Sunset replied.
Rainbow Dash pointed the entrance door, "We should get inside, Pinkie's already waiting for us."
"She's already there?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course, after all she's the one we should thanks for all of that." Sunset nodded.
The five girls entered and were welcomed by a a sea of students, dancing to the beat of Vinyl Scratch. They noticed Pinkie Pie who was restocking the snacks on one of the table, she beamed when she saw her friends coming.
"Hi girls!" She greeted when her friends arrived next to her.
"Well Pinkie," Sunset started, taking a drink from the table, "You've done a nice job here."
The gymnasium was decorated with many christmas decoration, two huge christmas trees were standing on each side of the scene were Sunset and the band will play later.
"A nice job?!" Screwball screamed, again, "It's freakin' amazing!" She faced Pinkie Pie, "Well done Double P!"
Pinkie winked in the girl direction, "Thanks Screwie."
'Double P? Screwie?' Sunset thought, 'I must've missed a chapter here.' Sunset then realized what was standing in front of her. 'Oh no... There's both of them now.'
She could handle Pinkie Pie. She could handle Screwball. But both at the same time? Only time will tell us.
"Any news from the others?" Sunset asked Rainbow.
"Flash is on his way with Rarity." She explained, checking her phone, "And I guess Red and Thunderlane won't be long."
"And... Lyra?" Sunset tried.
"She's not coming." Rainbow stated, "Not a big loss."
Sunset sighed but didn't replied, she did all she could to make amends to her. If Lyra wasn't able to forgive her now, she never will.
"Ah, look who's comin'." Applejack said, making a head sign to the entrance.
Entering through the entrance door were another member of the music club. Red Light, dressed with a simple black shirt and black jean, sober but effective, was casually walking with his date on his arm. Both Sunset and Rainbow's jaws dropped when they realized who it was.
Gripped to his arm, dressed in a magnificent white dress, her long pink hair flowing down her back, was Fleur Dis Lee, the president of the student council. When Red noticed them, he started walking their way and stopped in front of them.
'Oh no! He's with Fleur?!' Sunset thought, 'This is worse than Lyra!'
"Hi girls." He casually greeted, "Sup'?"
"Hiya Red." Applejack greeted him with a fistbump, "And hiya prez'."
'M-Maybe she forgot?'
Fleur smiled and slowly nodded in Applejack's direction. "Good evening to all of you, girls." She said with her beautiful voice, "I hope we'll spend a great night." She then stared at Sunset for a second, but quickly turned her gaze away.
'She didn't.'
"H-Hi Fleur. How's it going?" Sunset tried.
Fleur stared at her. Her eyes weren't showing any sign of animosity but Sunset knew that if a look could kill, she would be long dead.
"I'm fine." Fleur coldly replied. She waited a few seconds and finally asked, "And you?"
But, unlike Fleur, Rainbow Dash wasn't trying to hide her murdering look.
Sunset noticed Rainbow's glare and quickly added, "Y-Yeah me too. Hum, can you excuse me and Rainbow for a minute? We should check that everything's in order for the show."
Fleur had a doubtful look, but nodded nonetheless, "Of course."
"I won't be long." Sunset said to Fluttershy who also saw Rainbow's look. The pink haired girl quickly understood what her friend was trying to do.
Sunset grabbed Rainbow by her wrist and dragged her behind the scene, making her way through the students. As they reached the back of the scene, Sunset couldn't even say a word that Rainbow said "I'm going to kill her."
"Woah there RD." Sunset said, "She's done nothing wrong."
Rainbow sighed, "I know but..."
"Yeah, she's dating the dude you like, major bummer." Sunset said, "But don't do something you might regret aftewards."
"I know! I just... don't like her." Rainbow said crossing her arms, looking away. "I mean, now I understand. She's way prettier than I am."
"I don't think that's the case." Sunset honestly stated.
"Come on Sunset don't lie," Rainbow said, annoyed, "I mean look at her! Dude, she even smell fucking good!"
"So you like to smell girls now?" Sunset tried to joke but dropped it when she saw the glare her friend gave her. She sighed while putting her bag down next to Thunderlane's drums, "Okay Rainbow, look. I honestly don't think that it means what it looks like, after all he said that someone asked him right? So he didn't asked her, she asked him! Maybe he agreed because he didn't wanted to be rude."
For a reply, Rainbow just gave her a flat look, earning another sigh from Sunset.
"Just trying to help." The fiery haired girl said. "Besides, I think that even if you want to kill her, she'll kill me first." Sunset admitted.
"What? Why?" Rainbow asked.
"Y-You do remember what I've done to her the last time she ran against me to be crown princess, right?" Sunset asked.
Rainbow seemed to remember as she wore a disgusting look, "Y-Yeah... Right." She said, "It's true you've done some bad shit, but even that was..."
"Way out of the line." Sunset finished her friend's sentence. "Even if it was a year ago, those sorts of things just don't disappear with time." She put her hand on Rainbow's arm, "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah." Rainbow said, "Besides, Red said that he'll save me a dance so... you know... yay." She finished, flatly. Then Rainbow's phone started buzzing and she read the message she just got. "Rarity's here with Flash, we should join them."
"Yeah, let's go."
They returned to their friends, greeting Rarity and Flash. Thunderlane was here too. All the friends chated for a while, Rainbow and Fluttershy talking about last night's game, well Rainbow was talking, Fluttershy was listening. Pinkie and Screwball were already gone to the dancefloor. Red and Applejack were talking about Applejack's life on the farm, both of them talking to each other like they've been the bestest friends since middle school.
'Since when did they get this close?' Sunset asked herself. 'I should get interested in my friends life more often.'
Rarity and Fleur were talking about fashion with Flash listening, something Sunset was totally off the hook. Then Rarity took Flash's arm and dragged him to the dancefloor, Fleur looked at Red with an insistent look. The latest sighed and finally offered his arm to her, both of them joining Flash and Rarity.
"I must warn you, i'm not much of a dancer." Sunset said to Fluttershy.
The girl giggled and replied, "You and me both."
"What ya' say Rainbow?" Applejack asked with a smirk pointing to the dancefloor, "Wanna lil' ol' AJ to rock your world?"
Rainbow snorted, "In your dreams."
"Since when did you and Red became this close?" Sunset asked to Applejack.
"Well, one day Big Mac sprained his ankle," She explained, "So I needed help at the barn, when Rainbow told Red about that, he immediatly proposed his help."
"Really?" Sunset asked, "He doesn't seems like the type of guy to... You know..."
"Do manual work?" Applejack asked to which Sunset nodded, "Yeah well, it's true he had a hard time. But I still appreciated the help, and at the end of the day, we became close friends. He gets on well with Applebloom too." She said with a laugh, "He said that she reminded him of his little sister, which he hasn't seen in a long time."
"Hum, actually," Fluttershy started, "I've ran into him the other day at the pet shop." She said, "He was with a little girl... When he introduced her he said that she was his little sister. Her name was... Wendy I think."
'Wendy?' Sunset thought, 'Isn't that the name of the Vulture's daughter? Eh, if it is, it's hell of a coincidence.'
"What?" Applejack said, "Nah, you must've heard wrong, he said to me that he hasn't seen her in years."
"W-Well, I assure you that it's what he said to me." The shy girl said.
"That's strange." Sunset said.
"Meh, leave the guy alone." Rainbow finally said with a gesture of her hand.
"Still, don't you think it's strange?" Sunset asked Rainbow.
"Urgh, yeah maybe." She admitted, rolling her eyes.
Sunset frowned, "I'll look more into it."
"What?" Rainbow asked, incredulous, "Why would you do that?"
"Well, this guy came out from nowhere and we welcomed him in our circle of friend." Sunset expllained, "We trusted him, so if he lied to us..."
"I'm sure there's a logical explanation to all this." Applejack said. "He's a nice fella."
Sunset glared in Red's direction, watching him dancing wih Fleur. "I hope you're right Applejack."
She continued to stare at the dancing students and sighed.
"D-Do you want to give it a shot?" Fluttershy shyly asked.
"What?" Sunset asked her.
"Dancing." The shy girl said. "I-It can't hurt to try."
"I'm with Flutter on this." Applejack said, grabbing Rainbow's arm dragging her to the dancefloor. "C'mon dash, let's move this lovely butt of yours!"
"H-Hey!" Rainbow protested, but she couldn't do a thing against Applejack's strength.
Sunset smiled at that view, "Yeah let's give it a try."
Both girls joined their friends and they started to move in rythm to the music, against all odds, Sunset found that she actually liked it. She was having a nice time, it was the first time in a long time that she could spend a night having fun with her friends. After what seemed to be half an hour of dancing, Rarity appeared next to her and tap her on the shoulder, getting Sunset's attention.
"So?" Rarity asked, "Is our beloved super hero enjoying her night?"
"R-Rarity!" Sunset exclaimed.
"Don't worry, nobody can hear us!" Rarity almost screamed.
She was right, the music was so loud that the girls needed to almost scream to be heard.
"So? Are you having a great time?" She asked again.
"I don't k-" Sunset started, then she saw the smile Fluttershy was wearing and she changed her mind. "Yeah, yeah I think i'm having a great time."
"Good to hear." Rarity said smiling at her.
Then Flash appeared next to her, accompanied by Red and Thunderlane, "Hey Sunset!" He said, "Grab Rainbow, it's our turn after this song!"
Sunset nodded and walked toward her rainbow haired friend. She explained to her the situation and they both joined the rest of the band behind the scene.
"Yes! The whole gang's here!" Flash happily said when both girls arrived.
"Let's show them what the Rainbooms can do!" Rainbow said.
"The Rainbooms?" Red asked.
"Yeah! That's our band's name!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"I thought it was Flash Drive?" Sunset asked.
"That's in work in progress." Thunderlane quickly said to Red who was going to reject Rainbow's band name. "Besides, it's still better than 'The Music Club'."
"I still think it's garb-" Red stopped when he saw the glare Rainbow Dash was giving her, "I mean, maybe it isn't that bad?"
"Everyone still knows the song?" Flash asked, everyone nodded. "Perfect, so Sunset you'll stand in the middle, after all you'll be the one to sing."
"W-What?!" She screamed, "Wait it's not what we've done at the rehearse! It was you who was singing and Rainbow Dash and I were doing the back vocals!"
"Oh yeah, forgot to tell you." Rainbow said, "Change of plan, you're going to sing. It's your song after all."
"And you've got a better voice than Flash to be honest." Thunderlande said, to which Red silently nodded.
"Hey, I'm just here!" Flash said.
"I-I don't know." Sunset said, starting to panick, "I mean I... I-"
"It's going to be okay Sunny." Rainbow said, "I'll be next to you the whole time, and if someone's got something wrong with that, I'll be happy to deal with them! Right guys?"
They all nodded in agreement.
"You got this Sunset." Flash said.
"Yeah girl, rock n' roll!" Thunderlane exclaimed.
"Please don't embarass yourself." Red said before being punch in the shoulder by Rainbow Dash. "Aouch! I-I mean, you totally got it!" He quickly said.
Sunset looked at them. They were all believing in her so... Maybe she could believe in them? She sighed and said, "All right, I'll do it."
"Atta girl." Red said. "And don't worry, if someone starts booing, I'll throw Rainbow at them."
"Yeah like a Pokemon!" Rainbow joked.
They all laughed and prepared themselves on the stage, hidden behind the curtains. They were quickly joined by Pinkie Pie. "Wouhou!" She exclaimed, "This is gonna be liiiiiiiiiit!" She said.
Slowly, the lights in the gym faded to black and the music Vinyl was playing stopped. Pinkie grabbed a microphone and walked past the curtains, standing in the middle of the scene, all eyes on her.
"Ladies and Gentlemens!" She greeted, "Thanks to all of you for coming tonight! I hope you're all having a great time!" All the students cheered, "That's good to hear! Now I've got a little surprise for you! The music club of our school wrote a song especially for tonight!" The students cheered again, "I know, that's awesome right? Now without further ado, I give you, Flash Drive!"
The curtains opened revealing the band standing on the stage. Flash standing on the left with his guitar, Thunderlane behind on his drums, Red on the right with his bass, Rainbow just to the left of Sunset who was standing in the middle of it all.
"Hey! It's the Rainbooms, not Flash Drive!" Rainbow said to Pinkie Pie, who shrugged her shoulders before jumping of the scene.
The cheering stopped when everybody saw Sunset Shimmer standing. Whispers started to spread in the gym.
"What is she doing here?" A voice said.
"She's going to ruin everything!"
"Yeah, like always."
Sunset looked at her feet and gritted her teeth. Then she felt Rainbow's hand on her shoulder, when she looked at her, Rainbow gave her the biggest smile Sunset ever saw on her face. Then Rainbow made a sign of her head to the public, Sunset looked in that direction and saw her friends in the crowd. Pinkie Pie, Screwball, Applejack and to Sunset's surprise, Bonbon and Trixie were cheering, Rarity and Fluttershy were politely clapping their hands and Fleur Dis Lee was looking expectantly, but Sunset almost thought she saw a bit of a smile on her face. There was even Luna and Miss Cheerilee at the back of the gym smiling at her.
Then she looked back at the band, all giving her an encouraging look. She took a deep breath and nodded to Thunderlane who started to play a rythm on his drums, quickly followed by Rainbow Dash, Flash and Red. Finally Sunset, gripped on her guitar, raised up her head to face the microphone, a determined look on her face.
"What am I to be ? What is my calling ?
I gave up giving up, I'm ready to go,
The futures left unseen, it all depends on me,
Put it on the line to follow my dream, yeah!"
She closed her eyes, only focusing on the rythm and the lyrics, Rainbow Dash joining her on the back vocals.
"Tried all my life I've tried to find,
Something that makes me hold on and never let go,
Oh!"
At those words she wrote for her friends, she opened her eyes and saw all the beautiful smile her friends were giving her, Pinkie looked like she was going to burst out of joy. She took all the air she could, preparing herself for the chorus, wearing a radiant smile. Rainbow prepared herself to sing the chorus with Sunset.
"Hero too, I am a hero too!
My heart is set and I won't back down,
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero,
True heroes stand up for what they believe,
So wait and see!"
The students, at first skeptical, all started to clap their hand in the rythms and dancing. Some of them even started cheering again.
"She wrote this?" Fleur asked Rarity.
"Yes." Rarity nodded, not leaving Sunset our from her sight, "Yes she did."
"What do they think of me ? Who do they think I'll be ?
I could not care less, I don't wanna know,
Am I doing right ? Am I satisfied ?
I wanna live my life like it's meant to be!
Tried all my life I've tried to find,
Something that makes me hold on and never let go!
Oh!"
Then, Flash joined Sunset and Rainbow for the chorus, making it more powerful.
"Hero too, I am a hero too!
My heart is set and I won't back down,
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero,
True heroes stand up for what they believe,
So wait and see,"
The music slowed down for the break down, now almost avery student in the gym dancing and cheering.
"People will judge for no reason at all,
Yeah, they might try,
To say your dream's dumb, don't listen,
They may look down on me and count me out,
I'm going my own way,
They may look down on me and count me out,
I'm a hero, I've got music!"
Then to Sunset's surprise, Red joined her, Rainbow and Flash for the chorus. She could even saw Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle at the first row, singing the chorus with them in their high piched voices.
"Hero too, I am a hero too,
My heart is set and I won't back down,
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero,
True heroes stand up for what they believe,
Yeah, I'll be !
Hero too, I am a hero too,
My heart is set and I won't back down
Hero too, Strength doesn't make a hero,
True heroes stand up for what they believe,
So wait and see."
Sunset felt something wet rolling down her cheek. A tear. A tear of happiness. She looked at her friend and enjoyed the moment. She wanted this moment to last forever. There was no doubt that, if Celestia was here, she would've been proud of her.
"I have met so many heroes in my life,
Gave me the strength and courage to survive,
Gave me the power to smile everyday,
Now it's my turn to be the one to make you smile!"
"It's beautiful!" Fluttershy exclaimed, to which Pinkie Pie vehemently agreed.
Slowly, the music finished in a thunder of applause from all the students present in the gym. The band gathered in the middle of the scene and they all bowed before the curtains closed, making them disappear behind.
Rainbow jumped in Sunset's arms cheering her, "Dude! That was so awesome!"
Sunset laughed at that, Flash joined the hug. "Well done Sunset!"
"Best concert in my life!" Thunderlane said, joining the hug too.
They all looked at Red expectantly, "Wanna join us?" Sunset asked him with a smirk.
"No way." He said.
Rainbow grabbed him, making him join the hug against his will, "None of that!" She exclaimed.
"Urgh." Red said, but Sunset could see the smile he was wearing and knew that it was just an act, he too was enjoying it.
"GUYS!" They all heard a high pitched voice calling them. They turned around to face Pinkie Pie who also joined the hug. "THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!" She exclaimed, "And you, Sunset! I didn't know you could sing like that!"
Sunset blushed and broked the hug, "T-Thanks."
"I think we all agree to say it was a total win." Red said.
They all nodded at that.
"Quick Sunset! The girls wants to congratulate you, come with me!" Pinkie grabbed her friend and ran back to the sea of students, leaving the band behind. On their way, Sunset saw that the looks the students gave her was different. She could tell that, even if she wasn't forgiven, they weren't hating her anymore. All that with a song.
'Maybe music is magical.' Sunset thought. 'I wonder if there's beings in this world who use magic related to music.'
They arrived in front of their friends plus Screwball, Fleur Dis Lee, Bonbon and Trixie.
"Dear, that was intense!" Rarity said.
"I-I cried." Fluttershy said in almost a whisper.
"THAT WAS FREAKIN' AWESOME!" Screwball said, jumping up and down.
The country girl made a sign with her hat in Sunset's direction, "Ah reckon that was one of the best song I've ever heard in mah life."
"I must admit," Fleur started, "I could feel the emotions in this song." To wich Bonbon and Trixie nodded.
"T-Thanks... All of you." Sunset said with a small voice.
"Sunset, are you crying dear?" Rarity asked.
"No I'm not!"
"Sunset!" The girl heard behind her, when she turned around she saw three little girls beaming at her.
"That was so cool!" Applebloom said.
"Yeah! You've got such a pretty voice!" Sweetie Belle stated.
"I would've never thought I'll say that one day, but for once, Rainbow Dash wasn't the coolest girl on stage!" Scootaloo said.
"I heard that!" The voice of Rainbow Dash appeared next to them. They were quickly joined by the rest of the band who also got complimented from the girls.
"Nice moves on that bass!" Applejack said to Red.
Pinkie Pie jumped next to Thunderlane, "And you're a master with your drums!"
"Trixie must admit... Rainbow Dash, you're hell of a guitar player."
They all chated and laughed for a bit, Vinyl's music coming back though the speakers. All her friends walked back to the dancefloor, "A-Are you coming?" Fluttershy asked Sunset.
But Sunset was looking at the back of the gym, were Luna was smiling at her.
"I'll be here in a minute." Sunset said.
Fluttershy nodded with a smile, "Take your time."
Sunset walked towards Luna's direction. Luna waited that Sunset was infront of her and hugged her. "L-Luna!" Sunset said, "I thought, no display of affection at school!"
"What did I told you?" Luna asked, not breaking the hug.
"R-Right," Sunset said, returning the hug, blushing, "Big sis Luna."
"I have met so many heroes in my life..." Luna started, "Were you talking about your friends?"
"Not only them," Sunset said, "You're forgetting you and Celestia."
They stood there for a moment before Luna whispered, "Celestia would be so proud of you Sunset."
Sunset felt tears coming down again, "T-Thanks..."
Luna broke the hug and Sunset saw that she as crying too. "Go ahead and join your friends."
Sunset nodded and did as she was told.
On the dancefloor, everyone was having fun, Vinyl changed the beat from electro to a slow. Red joined Rainbow Dash and asked her, "So, you still wanna dance?"
Rainbow blushed and took his hand, "Y-Yeah."
They both started dancing, lauging awkwardly. Rarity pointed them, showing Applejack, Sunset and Fluttershy what was happening, the three of them smiling.
"That is so cute." Rarity said.
"Yeah it is." Applejack said.
"It is indeed true." The four girls turned around to face Fleur who just spoked, all glaring awkwardly at her. She raised an eyebrow and smirked, "What? You thought I was going to be jealous?"
"Well, he's your date after all." Rarity said.
"Don't worry," Fleur replied, "He's really nice, but I actually asked him out because he was the only boy in school who haven't asked me out." She explained.
"Damn," Applejack chuckled, "You should've started there!"
Not too far away, Red and Rainbow slowly danced, none of them daring to look the other in the eyes.
"Y-You did well on stage." Rainbow said.
"Yeah you too." Red stated, "I'm glad I could play with awesome people like you guys."
"Did you had a band before coming to CHS?" The girl asked.
Red sighed, "Nope. I wasn't into music that much, I just needed a hobby so you know..." He shrugged his shoulders, "Bass."
Rainbow giggled, "So why did you come in the club?"
"Actually, I was investigating on Sunset Shimmer, so I joined the band to be close to her."
Rainbow looked at him oddly and burst out of laugh when she saw him finally smirking at her.
"Asshole," She said, "I almost believed you, you sounded so convincing."
"Thanks my drama classes."
"You took drama classes?" She yelled, in shock.
"Got you again."
Rainbow rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. They continued their dancing, Rainbow getting a bit closer to him. "Y-You know..." She started, "M-Maybe someday we could... I don't know, go eat something?"
"Well, we're eating together almost everyday at school." Red stated.
"That's not what I wanted so say and you know it," Rainbow quickly added, "I mean like a... a date."
Red's face become faithful to his name, blushing hard. "Uh... Y-yeah sure, why not."
"Cool."
"Yeah, cool."
They danced in silence, unaware of the girls eyes watching them closely.
"I have to tell you something." Rainbow said, very quickly.
"Go ahead." Red said.
Rainbow raised her head, watching him in the eyes.
"Red I... I really like you."
Red swallowed the saliva stuck in his throat, "I... I think I like you too."
Rainbow's face got a little closer of his.
"Red I..."
"Yeah?"
Her face was now just an inch from his.
"I..."
Then a deafening noise came from the entrance door which fly through the gym, landing on the scene. The music abruptly stopped and everyone looked, shocked, at the entrance. And then, when everyobody saw it, screams filled the gym. At the entrance door, a huge green beast was standing there, growling.
The Lizard was standing there, looking for someone through the crowd. Panic raised through the students and everyone started to run and scream.
"Holy shit what's that?!" Rainbow screamed in fear, Red instinctively put her behind him.
"Oh no..." Sunset said.
'No way...'
The Lizard started its rampage, grabbing a near table and throwing it at the students, luckily no one was touched.
"Sunset!" Rarity called next to her friend, "What is that?!"
"That's the Lizard." Sunset whispered to her, "He found me."
"How?"
"I have no id-" Then she thought about it and repressed the urge to punching herself, "My bag." Sunset faced Rarity, and called her friends, "Guys, we need to get everyone safe! I-I'm gonna call the cops, my phone's in my bag!"
Rainbow nodded gathering her courage, a terrified Fluttershy in her arms, "Okay Sunset, be careful!"
"I-I need to find Sweetie Belle!" Rarity exclaimed.
"I'll go with you, she's surely with AB!" Applejack said.
Sunset nodded and disappeared through the mayhem of students. Red was staring at the Lizard with a frown. The Lizard slowly walked toward the only group of people still standing in the middle of the dancefloor, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Red Light.
"Where is Sunset Shimmer?" The Lizard asked to them.
"W-What do you want from her you monster?!" Rainbow defied him.
He musn't have liked that because he raised his claw, ready to strike at them. Red gathered them behind him, ready to protect them with his life.
"Hey mister grumpy!" They all heard someone calling above them, the Lizard rose his head up. "Chew this!" Spider-girl yelled, dropkicking him in the face with a swing of her web. The Lizard flew a few meters away. Spider-girl landed in front of her friends.
"Spider-girl!" Rarity exclaimed in relief.
"You guys needs to get to safety!" Spider-girl said to them.
"Wait!" Rainbow called, "There's our friend Sunset back there!"
"Yeah, I've already talked to her!" Spider-girl said, "She's waiting for all of you outside, now go!"
They all listened to her and started to run away. Exept one of them. Red stood there, still staring at the Lizard.
"Hey pretty boy!" Spider-girl said, getting his attention, "Go with th-" Then she stopped when she saw his look. He wasn't afraid, he even looked like he wanted to stop the Lizard by himself.
He finally nodded, saying, "Kick his ass." Before following the girls.
Spider-girl smirked behind her mask, "You can count on that." She glared at the Lizard and said, "You've interrupted a very special night for me and my friends you jerk!"
She watched as the Lizard got up, glaring at her. "Sunset Shimmer." He said.
"We meet again, Doctor Conhorse." Spider-girl said, getting ready in a fighting stance, "But I assure you it'll be the last time!"
The Lizard growled at her and ran in her direction. He tried to hit her with one of his claws, but she dodged it with a moonsault, but he quickly grab her and threw her in the wall. Hardly recovered, she saw him jumping in her direction and landing in front of her, turning around he gave her a hit with his tail sending her backward. He was more vicious and furious than before.
"You won't stop me!" He said, "You'll never prevent my familly to join me!"
'So, I was right about that.' Sunset thought.
Sunset managed to get back to her feet, feeling blood in her mouth. "To join you where? To the freak circus?"
He growled and charge at her, she slipped between his legs, shooting a web on his face. She drew on it making his face hit the ground. She then grabbed him by the tail and tried to threw him like she did in the water the other day, but this time, he managed to fight, swinging his tail, trying to get her out of it. She managed to hold on but started to feel dizzy. Now standing, he slamed his tail on the ground, crushing the girl. Then he launched her in the air, jumped after her, grabbed her leg and threw her in the ground. Sunset screamed in pain, feeling that some of her bones broke at the impact. Sunset layed on the ground, half awake.
The Lizard put one of his paws on her, preventing her to stand up. "I'm stronger than you." He said, "That's a fact. Science made me," He continued, "I've created the strongest form of life!"
"No you didn't." Sunset managed to say.
The Lizard frowned and barked, "What?!"
"She did it, not you." Sunset said, coughing, "It's her genius, not yours."
Then he understood and chuckled, "You mean this little brat of Sparkle?!" He said, "I didn't know you two were friends. It'll explain a lot actually."
He put more of his weight on her making her scream in pain.
"Maybe after dealing with you, I'll pay her a little visit then!"
"N-No!" Sunset managed to say, "I swear to god, if you try to touch one of her hair, I'll kill you you hear me?!" She yelled in anger, getting a laugh from the monster above her.
The Lizard rose his paw up and crushed her again, stomping repeatedly on her, laughing all the while. "And what a little bug like you could possibly do against a force of nature like me?!"
Sunset wasn't responding, so he stopped. He looked at her and saw that she was out, but still breathing.
"Weak." He stated. He grabbed her by the throat, and opened his big mouth.
That was it, Sunset Shimmer was going to die, eaten by a giant Lizard her girlfriend made.
'My... Girlfriend? Eh... He must've hit me really hard on the head.'
Just when he was going to chew her head, something it him in the back of his skull. He growled in frustration and turned around to see who it was. Sunset managed to open an eye to see and trembled with fear when she realized who it was.
"L-Leave her alone monster!" Luna said, a metallic bar in her hands.
The Lizard glared at her furiously but didn't respond.
"I-I said," Luna repeated, "Leave her alone!" She was going to hit him again with the bar, but he grabbed it like it was nothing and threw it away.
Luna, now desarmed, walked backward and fell on her back. "I... I..."
The Lizard dropped Sunset and walked slowly towards her.
"You look appetizing..." He said, showing her his big monster teeth.
"N-No... Please..." She said, trembling with fear.
He was going to grab her but something jumped on his head, "LEAVE HER ALONE YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
Spider-girl jumped in the air above him and Luna, shoot a web on his face and drew it forward, using the momentum to kick him in the face, making him take a few step back, she continued her assault with a punch on his chest followed by another one on his face, each punch stronger than the previous one, surprising Sunset with a strength she didn't knew she had this whole time, even with her powers. He tried to counter attack her, but she dodged him and elbowed him in the ribs. She jumped back and swinged with her web to kick him in the chest, sending him flying on one of the gigantic christmas trees. He fell on the ground next to the tree. Sunset shot a web on it a drew it towards her with all her strength, making it fall on the Lizard in a deafening crash.
She took her breath, watching him preparing herself. But he didn't get up. She sighed of relief and turned around facing a terrorized Luna. She ran at her side and kneeled next to her, "Are you okay ma'am?"
"He... He was going to eat me..." She said, weakly.
"Yes," Sunset said, "But without your help, he would've eaten me so... Thanks for the help." She helped her to get to her feet. "Now go outside, the police won't be long now."
"O-Okay..." Luna said, still in shock, but she managed to walk away and disappear through the hole were the entrance door once stood. "Well, that's on good thing d-"
Her spider-sense going wild, she quickly jumped to dodge the gigantic christmas tree that landed were she stood a second ago. She turned around and saw the Lizard standing. And he looked pissed. "No freakin' way..." She said, "You guys never knows when to give up."
In a bestial scream, and ran toward her. Sunset swore he was quicker than before, she was going to dodge it, but pain coming from her leg prevented her to do that and she took the hit on her face, sending her away.
"I'm going to kill you..." He said, "I'll kill you, then I'll kill this woman, and after that I'll eat all of your little high school friends... And after that I'll pay a little visit to your friend Twilight Sparkle!"
Sunset hardly get up. She hadn't had a fight like that since the Vulture, but against the Vulture she knew she could win, this time she wasn't so sure. She managed to walk and stand in the middle of the now destroyed gym. "Even if you beat me up..." She managed to say, "Even if you kill me... I'll keep getting up. I'll keep fighting to protect the ones I care about!" She screamed, "So go ahead! Kill me if you want, it won't change the fact... That you won't get past me!"
He growled at her in anger and ran in her direction, Sunset was so beaten up that she knew she couldn't dodge it, she didn't know if she could couter attack him... But she had to try.
She waited that he was in front of her and...
Then, in a red lightning, someone appeared in front of her. Stopping the claw the Lizard was going to strike her with, blocking it with his forearm above his head. The man then punched the Lizard in the chest. It was just a punch, but it sent the Lizard fly back in the gym's wall. When the hooded man turned around, Sunset sighed in relief.
"The Fiend..." She said.
"Come on, Spidey." He said, "This fight isn't over."
"W-Where were you?" Sunset asked.
"I was making sure everyone was safe."
"No... No one is hurt?" Sunset hopefully asked.
"Everyone's okay..." He said, "And they're all waiting for you to woop his ass."
Sunset managed to stand next to him, watching the Lizard getting up.
"Let's do this." Sunset said.
The Fiend nodded, raising his arms in front of him. The skin around his eyes, normally white as a sheet of paper, was now turning to black, his hands transforming into black claws from which small red electrical arcs appeared. The Lizard lost his reason and ran blindly towards them in pure fury. They both waited and the Lizard was going to strike for Sunset, but the Fiend got in his way and took the hit, not moving an inch. The Lizard looked at him in awe, how did it not move with such strength in this hit?
"I'm a wall that never falls." The Fiend said, "And she... She's the true threat between us."
The Lizard looked above his head and saw Spider-girl in the air making a frontflip, coming down and striking the Lizard right in his skull with her heel, making him stumble. The Fiend then put his arm backward, and strike the Lizard in the chest with his palm. It wasn't over as Sunset who had landed behind the Lizard shot two webs on his back and, using the Fiend's strike momentum, send him flying above her head and threw him crushing to the ground. "AND STAY DOWN!" Sunset screamed.
In the holed on the ground, the Lizard wasn't moving anymore, and Sunset fell to her knees.
"Hey, don't die now." The Fiend said.
"I won't." She said, weakly. She turned her gaze to face him, "Thanks... You saved me again... If you weren't there..."
"You still would've beaten him." The hooded man quickly added, glaring at the Lizard, making sure he stayed down. "And I just helped you put him down, you're the one who saved the students. You're the true hero."
Sunset chuckled, "Eh, you're a hero too."
For the first time, she heard an honest laugh coming from him, "Just like your song."
'What, how did he knows that?'
Sunset was going to say something, but both heroes heard many footseps coming from the entrance. They turned around and saw at least thirty men, all wearing heavy black armor and shotguns running inside. Their armors were like the ones the SWAT uses, but more sofisticated, more electronic and made with a material Sunset wasn't accustomed to. Their guns too looked more sophisticated than the ones you're used to see on televisions. There also was a strange symbol on their armor.
"What the-" Sunset started.
"ON THE GROUND!" One of the man ordered, all of them pointing them with their weapons. "I WON'T SAY IT AGAIN!"
Sunset and the Fiend glared at them incredulous. "I can take them down." The Fiend said in a whisper.
"Don't!" Sunset whispered back.
"Wait, you fool!" A feminine voice yelled behind him. The man turned his head and a woman dressed in black appeared. She had the same logo on her shirt that the soldiers had on their armors. "She's Spider-girl! The one we're supposed to help." She explained him like he was a five years old. Then she glared at all the soldiers, "Lower your weapons!" She pointed at the Lizard, "And take that away."
Sunset and the Fiend looked at each other, none of them understood what was happening. The woman walked in their direction while her men were doing what they were told to do. She stopped in front of Spider-girl and drew her hand out, "Hi, I'm Maria Hill, I'm representing the SHIELD."
Sunset took her hand but glared again at the Fiend who shrugged his shoulders. "Hum, hi I'm Spi-"
"Spider-girl, yes." Maria Hill said, "We know who you are." Then she looked at the Fiend, "We also know who you are, you're calling yourself the Fiend right?"
The Fiend didn't replied, glaring quietly at her.
"Oh, so you're one of the quiet? Perfect." She said, "Well I'll be brief, we're taking him." She said, making a head movement toward the Lizard, "I-"
"Wait, stop!" Sunset said. Maria frowned, but she stopped. "Who the hell are you people?"
"I've said it, we're SHIELD." Maria Hill sighed, "The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. We used to be a special law enforcement and counter terrorism agency. Now we're dealing with paranormal and superhuman threats to international security." She explained pointing to Conhorse, "Just like him. Listen I don't have much time, so take this." She handed a small black device with two switches on it, one red and one green.
"What is that?" Sunset asked, watching it curiously.
"Something that'll allow me to contact you." She glared at the Fiend, "Both of you." She then nodded and turned around, "We'll be in touch." And just like that, she leaved, followed by her men.
Sunset and the Fiend both stood there quietly. "What just happened?" Sunset asked.
"I... Don't know." He admitted.
Sunset sighed and fell on her back, looking at the ceiling. "At least... now the holidays have finally begun."