//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - The truth and homecoming // Story: A Blackened Sunset // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// Sunset spent yesterday angry at herself, depressed, and ashamed. She couldn’t process everything happening so quickly. She couldn’t eat, read, or even relax outside. Her anxiety and stress levels were through the roof, she’s never felt this way before. She managed to keep herself from screaming again as she processed. And with her parents coming... she realized that they’d read her letters many many times over, and yet they couldn’t find a few minutes just to write her a letter? How dare they. With everything in a mangled mess, Sunset processed throughout the night to figure out what she must do. There was no avoiding this even if she wanted to. It took some thinking and a lot of courage to deter that she must report this development to Princess Celestia. She forced herself to get out of bed despite lack of sleep, head outside, and into the castle. Sunset eventually arrived at the castle throne room where she slowly opened the door to see Celestia discussing things with some soldiers and a newly hired white mare with a brown mane and tail. Sunset nearly choked as she took shaky steps forward. Heart racing, she did her best to look as confident as usual, but that was a massive feat. Celestia briefly glanced over to Sunset before nodding to the newly hired pony, she bowed and left with the soldiers. The alicorn turned to Sunset with a smile, a smile that Sunset hated to see at this time. “Oh, Sunset, are you feeling better?” Celestia asked. “Mmmhmm,” Sunset slowly nodded. “Good. Are you ready for another day of magic school?” Sunset’s ears wilted, “I...have a new development...” She gulped and she began shaking some. Celestia took notice of this and furrowed her brow, “Sunset, what’s wrong?” The protégé’s words died in her mouth. She felt the need to find a burrow and dig herself deep beneath the earth and hide. She frowned deeply as she looked away in shame, hiding her face behind her fiery mane. “Sunset...” Celestia said softly, “Are you okay?” Dang, it all, Celestia...you and your kind soft voice. “I...” Sunset tried to get out, cursing herself mentally when she didn’t get it out. Celestia stood up, causing Sunset to sink to the floor, sitting down and making herself as small as possible. “Sunset?” Celestia asked, very concerned. “I’m...” Sunset mumbled something Celestia couldn’t hear. “What’s that?” Celestia asked, taking a step down from her throne. “I’m pregnant...” Sunset mumbled in a voice Celestia couldn’t hear. “What was that?” Oh, for the love of it all! “I’m pregnant!” Sunset shrieked, snapping her head to meet Celestia’s gaze before looking away in shame again. Complete silence. ... ... Sunset didn’t bother looking up at Celestia, her mind on overdrive now that the cat’s out of the bag. Sunset hugged herself as she crouched more on the floor, making herself as small as she could. Celestia’s eyes were wide and her mouth was agape. She couldn’t believe this. “You’re... pregnant?” Celestia whispered. Sunset nodded vigorously. “H-How? W-Why?” Sunset growled, “I know you’re disappointed in me. I took things too far. It was just one act of impulsiveness...” She let out a frustrated sigh, “I... this shouldn’t have happened...” She shifted slightly on the floor, “What are you gonna do? Punish me severely? Expel me? This is all just so wrong...” She began whimpering as a tear rolled down her cheek. She felt a hoof place itself under her chin and move her to look up at Celestia’s sympathetic, yet disappointed look. “Sunset, I am not going to expel you,” she said softly, “But...I must ask, who’s the dad?” Sunset closed her eyes, “I think you know who.” Celestia’s eyes widened again. “Does he know?” Sunset shook her head, “I found out yesterday.” Suddenly it clicked, no wonder Sunset called in sick and said that she was feeling mostly fine. “Oh, dear, Sunset...” she said, “I simply can’t believe it...” “I know!” Sunset shouted, pulling herself away from Celestia’s hoof, “I made one stupid mistake and got myself pregnant! I shouldn’t have! I shouldn’t be having this baby! I am a magic student! I am learning to be the best pony I can be! This just complicates things!” She growled again, standing up, “And if YOU hadn’t suggested that I’d try friendship and met Copper, none of this would be happening!” Celestia just listened with a sympathetic gaze. “I was perfectly okay with where I was! I didn’t need any of that!” she kicked the floor, “And you want to know something else?! My parents are coming tomorrow!” Celestia’s eyes widened. “What will they say?! What will Copper and his family say?! This isn’t fair, Princess Celestia! I didn't mean to take things too far and yet I have to live with what I did! I made this choice!” She stomped hard on the floor, “This is ridiculous!” She sat back down on the floor, tears rolling down her angry eyes. Celestia watched her breathe harshly. A few seconds later, they began to soften as did Sunset’s look and it turns into a look of remorse and shame. Celestia sat down next to Sunset, unfolding one of her wings and pulling her into a hug. Sunset just sulked and let Celestia wrap her forelegs around her. “Oh, my dear Sunset,” she said softly, “I am truly sorry for everything and why you feel this way...” “You shouldn’t be apologizing...” “I’m sympathizing, Sunset,” replied Celestia, holding her close, “While I am disappointed in the action you took that got you here, I am truly sorry you’re in this situation.” Sunset didn’t reply, she just continued to lightly weep. “But I am proud of you for knowing you did something wrong and are very remorseful about it.” “But what about the baby? I don't know how I'm going to deal with raising a child...” Sunset mumbled. “I think...” Celestia sighed, “That you’re just going to have to deal with having it and everypony else.” “Wh-what?” Sunset stammered, gazing up at her mentor. “You’ve been taught throughout your life to take responsibility and to make very good judgments. You know you did wrong and still know the baby is your responsibility because of your choice.” “So?” “So, you’re doing exactly what you’ve been taught despite that,” Celestia sighed, “I wish I could help you more, but I encourage you to face what’s to come no matter what that is.” Sunset processed what Celestia just told her. She’s right. She has to face the music and her family’s disappointment in her, but there’s still the unjustified treatment they gave her when they read her letters but didn’t respond to her even for a few minutes. Anger came to her as she thought about them. “C-Can I suggest something?” Sunset asked, almost automatic. “What’s that?” Sunset slightly pulled away from Celestia, “I...I don’t want the school to know about this. I don’t want them to know I’m having a baby.” To her surprise, Celestia nodded. “I want to have it privately in a secluded, safe place where nopony hardly goes to,” Sunset continued, “I guess...you could say I’m getting some private magic lessons elsewhere.” “And we can arrange that,” said Celestia. “Wh-what?” Sunset’s eyes widened, “Why are you agreeing with me?” Celestia softly smiled, “Because I want to help you in any way I can and to respect your wishes if you’re going to deliver this new one into the world.” Sunset’s heart soared, happy that her mentor’s helping her out like this. She nodded and continued. “I’d like for Copper to know and possibly his family, but we’ll just start with him.” “Okay. I’ll make sure he keeps this development discreet from the rest of the school.” “Good.” “In fact,” Celestia tapped her chin, “I believe I know of a place where you can stay in a secluded safe environment. I need to do a little research but I am certain it’s there.” Sunset nodded again. “Thank you, Princess Celestia,” she said softly, relief taking over her features, “I...wasn’t sure if you’ll help me to be honest...” Celestia looked at her with a raised eyebrow, “Why would you think that? We’re friends and have known each other for years.” Sunset grinned sheepishly, “I guess the gossip about you has been getting to me a little bit.” Celestia sighed with annoyance. “But...” Sunset’s grin dropped, “I still have my parents to worry about...” “I believe things will work out,” said Celestia, trying to encourage her protégé. “I hope so, too,” Sunset thought, but she doubted it. The next morning, Sunset has eaten some ice cream quarts for breakfast and has begun her morning reading. She felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. Everything with Celestia went well and they had some more time together. She’s deterred she will have this baby, but still hates herself for what happened. Celestia promised to reach out to Copper when he returned, and to his family. She hoped to hear a response from them soon. Sunset managed to calm herself down some by eating some ice cream and reading up on some Equestrian history. She smiled a little, remembering how she spent the day mostly with Celestia for encouragement and hopes that things with her parents will go well. But she was filled with trepidation and some bitterness; however, she was going to try to do her best with them. But knew she probably won’t remember that. Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. With a deep breath in and out, Sunset approached the door and opened it. She instantly spotted two unicorns. One was a dark orange mare with an orange and blonde mane and tail with turquoise eyes matching Sunset’s own. She’s wearing a nice blue shirt with Mr. Bullion’s medallion on her left side. Her cutie mark is a sun with some white clouds. Next to her is a yellow-orange stallion with a brownish-red mane and tail, and he had a chisel and hammer for his cutie mark. “Oh, Sunset!” Sun Glow greeted, throwing her forelegs around her daughter, “It’s so great to see you!” Sunset forced a small smile, “Hi Mom, hi Dad.” “Hello, our little sunrise!” Apollo greeted, ruffling her mane, “It’s been so long!” “I heard you got my letters?” Sunset said. “Oh, yes!” Sun Glow beamed, “Loved every one of them!” She dropped her smile, “Sorry we couldn’t respond as we could’ve, our jobs just demanded so much from us.” Apparently not if you had time to read the many letters I sent, Sunset thought, still forcing a smile. “It’s...fine?” “Oh, but it isn’t,” said Apollo, “We missed out on so much. We couldn’t possibly pass up an opportunity and catch up to see our beloved daughter.” Sunset cleared her throat, calming herself down some, “Why don’t you two come in? How about some milk and cookies?” Sun Glow smiled again, “Just like old times.” “Yes.” Sunset stepped aside and let her parents in. “Wow, Sunset,” Sun Glow marveled at her tower, “Haven’t changed the place up much, have you?” “It still amazes me how the Princess let you stay here,” Apollo added, looking around. “Personal protégé,” said Sunset, shutting her door. “Oh, I see you’ve been eating some ice cream.” Sunset froze. “Quite a lot, really,” said Sun Glow, rubbing her chin in curiosity, “You’re not the one for desserts, really Sunset.” “Maybe I developed a bit of a sweet tooth lately,” said Sunset, walking over and scooping the quarts into a sweep of magic, “Sorry I didn’t straighten up a bit before your arrival.” “It’s okay, we’re just happy to be here,” said Apollo. Sunset inwardly rolled her eyes as she threw the quarts away. “So, how long are you staying?” she asked, turning to face her parents. “Oh, we can’t stay for the night...” said Sun Glow. “What?” Sunset asked, ears drooping, “But what about our three-day time together?” “We’re dreadfully sorry, but our bosses only gave us a little time off,” Apollo explained, frowning, “We wanted more time with you though.” Apparently not, I can manage just fine by myself here and I have plenty of bits with me, Sunset thought. “I... understand,” she said disappointedly. “Just be happy we get a little time together,” Sun Glow smiled, obviously trying to convince her daughter. It didn’t convince her. “Sure...” Sunset forced a smile, “Well, let’s make the most of it. And I’ll get the milk and cookies for you both.” “Oh, but let us help,” said Sun Glow. “No,” Sunset said, a little loudly. She realized her error and cleared her throat and spoke in a more normal tone, “I mean, you two just got here, let me treat you both.” Sunset spent the next few minutes straightening the kitchen a little bit, pulling out and pouring the milk into three glasses. She some cookies out of the box as her parents sat down at the table. While she’s working, Apollo kept wondering about the ice cream quarts. Soon, Sunset arrived at the table with the glasses of milk and plate of cookies. “Here we are,” she said, “Let’s dig in.” “All right!” Apollo said happily, “Thanks Sunset!” “No problem,” Sunset set through gritted teeth. And so, the family caught up with each other. Sunset told them about some new studies she’s been going through and what she learned in History. Sun Glow talked about the new promotion and how much she’s helped the business committees and managing the money for Equestria, and Apollo on his designs on new hotels in Manehattan, Baltimare, and Vanhoover. He even over sought their construction. He even helped design the Wild Blue Yonder Rollercoaster for Las Pegasus. “And that’s how I kept that disaster from happening,” said Sun Glow. While she was quiet for most of the time, Sunset couldn’t help but feel annoyed about this constant talk about their jobs. What about doing normal things like they used to? Like normal ponies? “Well, this was interesting,” said Sunset, keeping her cool, “But does anypony have anything other than work they want to talk about?” Sun Glow and Apollo looked at one another, then back at their daughter. “Well, there was that one time I did go golfing with some of my buddies at work,” said Apollo, forming a smirk, “Totally nailed it.” “At being a disaster again?” Sun Glow teased. “Hey, I’ve gotten better!” “Suuuure.” “No really!” Sun Glow giggled, “Well, as for me, I did attend some parties in Canterlot Mr. Bullion held.” “Isn’t he the new owner of the position his father had?” “Yep. I’d known his father for a couple of years before his son took over.” “What about you, Sunset?” Apollo asked. “Huh?” “Do you have anything interesting to talk about?” Sunset began thinking of something to say. “Something outside of your usual routine,” said Sun Glow, “Like you asked us.” “Well...” Sunset began thinking, but other than the beach trip, she can’t think of anything, “I went to Horseshoe Bay.” Shoot! Not like that! “Horseshoe Bay?!” her parents gasped. Sunset slowly nodded. “You took a vacation?” Apollo asked, eyes wide. “Was it during the break earlier?” Sun Glow asked. “Yep...” “Oh, my Celestia!” Sun Glow said, “I didn’t think you’d go on a vacation with how you are about studying.” Isn’t that the truth... Sunset thought, wishing she’d stuck with it. “You’ve got to tell us about it,” said Sun Glow. “I... also had a new friend,” Sunset mumbled. “You made a friend?” Apollo gasped. “Oh, Sunset, that’s wonderful!” said Sun Glow, hugging her daughter, “Who is it? What’s their name?” Sunset didn’t want to explain this. But the fact of her pregnancy is slowly coming out. “Well, he was the one why I got to go to Horseshoe Bay,” said Sunset. “He?” Apollo asked, then he got a defensive look, “Did you go on vacation alone with a stallion?” Darn it! Sunset shook her head, “No no! He invited me along with his family, he has a sister and she had some friends.” Apollo’s features soften, looking relieved. Sunset had momentarily forgotten her dad can be a little overprotective. “I did spend some time with his sister and friends, they’re quite nice,” Sunset went on, “They taught me how to surf and make some seashell necklaces.” “That sounds wonderful,” said Sun Glow. “It was. I wonder what it would’ve been like if you’d been here,” she gave them a bit of a look before continuing, “It was a fun week filled with snorkeling, swimming, relaxing, and other activities.” “Where’s this guy and his family now?” Apollo asked. “Oh, his family’s living in Vanhoover.” “Really?” Sun Glow’s eyes lit up, “That city truly is a spectacle. Much like Canterlot.” “You’ve never told us about this guy,” said Apollo, raising an eyebrow, “Can you tell us?” No avoiding it now, she began mentally preparing herself for what could be a sharp spiral downwards. “His name is Copper Bronze,” said Sunset, “He goes to the same school as I do.” “He does?” Sun Glow asked, surprised. “Yep. He knows a lot about Haycartes and how to play instruments.” She smiled a little, “He even showed me how to play the guitar.” “Wow,” Sun Glow marveled, “Do you suppose you can play us something on the guitar sometime?” “I suppose.” “What else did you two do together?” Apollo asked. Darn it, Dad, Sunset thought, knowing he’s suspicious about something. “Well, we helped each other on homework, reviewed one another’s notes, and taught each other things we didn’t know.” “Did you get sweet on one another?” Sun Glow’s eyes popped wide open as she looked at her husband, “Apollo!” “What? I’m just curious,” he said nonchalantly. “We raised our daughter with the best of interests to be responsible and seek the best of interests. What made you think that?” At that, Sunset slightly wilted, her family only did that as loving parents not as strict house rulers. “I don’t know, maybe a couple of stallions have eye-balled my daughter before.” Before Sun Glow could say anything else, Sunset spoke up. “He helped me when I got hurt,” she said. “What?” Sun Glow asked, “What happened?” “I tripped and fell,” she said, “But Copper spotted me, patched me up, and walked me back home where Princess Celestia met him.” “He helped you out?” Apollo asked. “Yep, and he had tea with Celestia and I a few times.” “Oh, I’m sorry that you got hurt like that,” Sun Glow frowned. “It’s no big deal, he was there at the right time.” “Which kind of gets me thinking...” said Apollo. “Apollo!” Sun Glow scolded. “No no really,” he said, “Sunset’s telling us about this stallion he met, how she went on vacation with him and his family, right?” “Yeah?” Oh no. “Yet, she’s hardly telling us about him, not to mention she just got a sweet tooth lately? Seems a little odd to me,” Apollo explained. “He seems like a nice guy,” said Sun Glow. “Yes, he does,” he said, looking at Sunset, “Sunset, can you answer honestly please?” Sunset didn’t respond, but Sun Glow began thinking and suddenly it clicked and her eyes widened again. “Did you get into a relationship with this stallion?” her father asked. Sunset began sweating. Her heart raced some before she inwardly gulped. “Did you?” asked Sun Glow. Sunset sighed, before looking down at her hooves. “Yes...” she mumbled. “What?” Apollo asked. “Celestia knew of the relationship,” Sunset mumbled. “Did she now?” “Of course!” said Sunset, glaring at her father, “She and I are the closest here in the school!” “Okay, okay,” said Sun Glow, trying to calm everypony down, “Let’s not get too out of hoof, shall we?” She looked at Sunset, “Where is he now?” “Uhmm... out,” replied Sunset, “He and I haven’t been able to talk for a little bit.” At this, Apollo got even more suspicious. “He’s out with family, he had an emergency to attend to,” said Sunset, “Last I heard anyway.” “I’m glad you decided to become friends with somepony,” said Apollo, calming down a little bit. “Yeah,” Sunset smiled sheepishly, “I guess I should’ve tried it sooner?” “Indeed,” said Sun Glow, “Now can you tell us more about the boy?” “Sure, I...” Suddenly, Sunset felt sick to her stomach again. Uh oh. “Sunset, are you okay?” Sun Glow asked, concerned “I’m fine, I...” Sunset felt sick again, this time holding her mouth. “Are you sick?” Apollo asked, concerned. “No, no, I...” Run to the restroom now! She began sweating, facing a very difficult choice she’ll have to make. Her parents faced her with concerned looks. Sunset didn’t want to tell them like this. “Excuse me!” she said quickly before dashing out of the kitchen. “Sunset?!” Sun Glow called out. What they heard next shocked them. Their daughter throwing up in the restroom. Both got up and ran out to the den to see the restroom door open and Sunset heaving over the toilet. After a few more seconds, she stopped, stood up, washed her mouth, and hooves before heading out and closing the door. When she saw her parents, her eyes widened in horror. “Sunset... do you have a virus?” Sun Glow asked, looking at her hooves before putting some sanitizer on them. “I don’t know...” said Apollo, looking his daughter over, “She seemed perfectly healthy during our entire time here.” Sunset began sweating bullets. “Again, she just gained a sweet tooth? Just out of thin air?” Sun Glow began realizing as well, “That’s right.” With the stallion in mind, spending much time with him, shy to talk about him, the ice cream, and his daughter throwing up. He could only come to one conclusion, and he didn’t like it at all. “Sunset...” he said in a low tone, making his daughter’s blood freeze, “Are you pregnant?” Sunset shrank back some. She didn’t look at her family directly in the eye. She just felt as if the world was crushing her, judging her for her actions. She sat down on the floor, looking away in shame. “Sunset?” Sun Glow asked, the voice making Sunset wince. “Are you?” Sunset didn’t look at them and made herself as small as she could. She felt as if she could vomit again because of the situation. With much trepidation, Sunset let out a slow nod. ... ... “What?!” both parents screamed out, making Sunset wince violently. “I knew it!” Apollo shouted, “I knew you got a little too sweet on each other!” “I cannot believe this!” Sun Glow shouted, “You slept with a stallion?!” “And after we taught you not to take such relationships too far!” “Celestia warned me too! I...” “Celestia warned you?! You failed to listen to her?!” “I...!” “Enough little missy!” Apollo shouted, stepping up to her, forcing her to look up at him, “I believe that punishment is in order and that you should take into consideration who’re the ones running this family!” “I want to explain and...” “Why?! You don’t have to! That stallion obviously got you into sleeping with him! You should’ve had more self-control!” “I was the one that got him into doing it!” “What?!” Apollo screamed, “The audacity!” “I know what I did was wrong!” Sunset cried, pulling herself away from her angry father, “I know I shouldn’t have done that! Things just got out of hoof!” “You bet your little flank they did!” “I was just having a relationship because I wanted to be happy but I went too far!” “That doesn’t change what you’ve done, Sunset!” “I know! I am owning up to it!” “I just can't believe this...” Sun Glow snarled. “What do you want me to do?!” Sunset growled at her mother, “Celestia is making arrangements as we speak!” “No, you’ll listen to us! We’ll make arrangements and you’ll do as we say. Apparently, we needed to teach you much more!” Apollo added. Sunset’s face grew hot as steam puffed out of her nostrils. How dare they try to tell her how to live her life after entrusting her to be in this tower. Sure she regretted and made one huge mistake, but she’s lived her life without them and without even hearing from them. She stood up, eyes flaring, “Do you know why I even decided to make friends?!” “And why is that?!” Apollo demanded. “Because of both of you!” Sunset roared, pointing her hoof right at them. “Excuse you?!” “No, excuse you! You neglected me! You didn’t respond to my letters!” “We told you that our time at work-” “And yet you had time to read my letters and didn’t bother even writing a small little letter to let me know you still cared?!” Tears began rolling down her cheeks, “Do you know how long I waited?! How long I hoped and even prayed that you’d even send a response?!” “Sunset, we had to keep bringing bits in!” her mother spoke up. “Oh, horseapples!” Sunset bellowed, “I’ve had plenty of bits here and I’ve been managing myself just fine! I’ve been living on my own! I’ve been taking out my own trash, washing dishes, managing my own tower!” “Stop speaking to us this way!” Sun Glow glared. “No! You’ve had this coming for a long time!” Sunset stomped her hoof on the floor. “Sunset quit arguing with us!” “I do not have to!” Sunset prodded her mother in the chest, “I am eighteen years old! You have spent your lousy time hiding away in the stinking jobs that took you away from me! And I do not care if it brings you in bits! Both of you and I had something special before you chose to leave your own daughter alone!” Sunset let out a shrill crazed laugh, “And yet, after leaving me alone, you think you can just try and take over after being gone so long without a word? I don’t think so!” “So!” she turned her nose upwards at her parents, “Excuse me if I just wanted to live my life a little bit outside of my studies and have somepony to care about. I just wanted the joy of a family again,” she looked away, “Or at least as close as I could get.” “Sunset,” said Apollo, “This is getting out of hoof!” “Out of hoof?!” Sunset shouted, glaring at her parents again, “This whole situation is out of hoof! I am truly upset that even after I admit that I was wrong and I am owning up to my mistake, you still have to think you can just tell me what to do!” “Sunset...” said Sun Glow. “No! I don’t want to hear it!” Sunset hissed, “Didn’t you raise me to be better than reacting angrily to some unexpected news?! And that we always worked out things in our family?!” Sun Glow began realizing that she and her husband have reacted rather poorly to the news of Sunset being pregnant. “I didn’t even believe things would work out, but I had a small slither of hope we still had an understanding between one another,” Sunset stated, at this, Apollo’s look began softening some. “You two... two of my former best friends because I didn’t even have any...” Sun Glow’s eyes widened, “Sunset... I’m so sorry...” “No, you’re not.” “We are and...” “Shut it!” “We can help you with the child!” “I don’t need your help!” Sunset stomped her hoof again, “I am perfectly capable of living my own life and owning up to my mistakes! Unlike the two of you who’re defending yourselves after all you’ve done!” She closed her eyes tight, “Do you not love me?” At that, her parents’ anger completely vanished and replaced with horror. They stared at her daughter as some tears rolled down her cheeks. They never thought they’d ever hear such a question coming from a daughter they did love. “S-Sunset...” Apollo said, “I... I didn’t realize...” “Because the both of you are so busy,” Sunset opened her eyes, glaring daggers, “You’re so concerned with making sure we live the best life in Canterlot as possible, only to lose what you so call ‘love’ in front of you.” The parents gasped. “No, Sunset, that’s not true,” Apollo pleaded, “We love you, we always have.” “Yeah, and we did so much to get time out of our jobs,” Sun Glow pleaded. “And yet, you didn’t bother to do it sooner or even do enough,” Sunset mumbled, looking away. Sun Glow reached out to her daughter, only for Sunset to harshly bring up her hoof. “Don’t. Even. Touch. Me,” she warned. “What do you want us to do, Sunset?” Apollo asked. “What I want is for you to realize what you’ve done by disregarding the basic thing in a happy life,” Sunset sighed, “Your family.” Apollo and Sun Glow were silent at their daughter’s words. They’d known Sunset had an attitude at times, but now it’s evolved into where she was the one in control and the one calling the shots. After a minute without a word, Sunset walked over to her door and opened it. “Get out of here, you’re in my tower, not our house. And I can live without you,” she said. “Wh-what?” Sun Glow whimpered. “I wish you didn’t come. I wish you’d just sent me letters to let me know you still cared, and then come,” Sunset mumbled, “I’m glad you’re occupied and are living the lives you wanted.” “Sunset we can...” “Help? You offered that already. I refused, Celestia’s helping me.” “I’m sorry, Sunset,” Apollo apologized, “I was just so surprised and angry...” He sulked. “No excuses will bring you out of this.” Sun Glow began crying, feeling ashamed. “Tears? Spare me those,” Sunset mumbled, “I don’t want to occupy your time much longer. You’ve got some rides to catch later today.” “We still have several hours...” Apollo tried to reason. “Then have that time to yourselves. I have my own life and responsibilities and you have yours. Now,” she looked at them, her eyes filled with hurt and disgust, “Get out.” She waited for a retort but none came. They just stood there sad. Her mom let more tears roll down her face while her dad looked like he was about to do the same. Sunset held firm and motioned to the door. With a few hesitant steps, her parents began walking out the door. Her mother gave her a sad look, making Sunset look away, still holding strong. Soon, her parents were out the door and gave one last look at their daughter before she shut the door. A few seconds later, Sunset placed her ear to the door and heard their hoofsteps retreating. As she listened to the retreating hoofsteps of her defeated, disregarding parents, Sunset huffed through her nostrils, letting out hot air. She began shaking some out of adrenaline. It was done. They had no control over her anymore, she proved it. They thought they could just boss her around in her own tower? After being gone so long? Distasteful. Not hearing their hoofsteps anymore, she turned back to the kitchen, she walked in, and grabbed another ice cream from the fridge. She glanced at the table to see the half-empty glasses and cookies. She snorted angrily, scooped them up in her magic, and threw them in the trash. Making her way over to the couch, she popped open the ice cream to cool herself down. Angry tears began trickling down her cheeks as she took the first bite.