Luna and Tempest decided a few days ago to take Sunset to the mall while preparations for the party were underway. Celestia was going to be at their house while they were gone, so she could let pinkie pie and the other guest in. So once Celestia arrived they headed to the mall.
It only took them about half an hour to get to the Canterlot mall. The mall was very busy and crowded even on a Sunday afternoon. Sunset was still surprise at the shear size of the mall.
Once they were inside, Luna asked, "So were should we go to first?"
"Why don't you decide Sunset," suggested Tempest, " Is that any where in particular you want to go? "
"I don't know," answered Sunset, "I don't know what kind of stores they have."
"That's rights this is the first time your getting to fully explore the mall," Tempest remembers.
"Well then let's start with a clothing store. I know one that should be to your liking." Suggested Luna.
"And if you see any store you want to check out, just let us know and we'll check it out. Ok, kiddo?"
"Okay."
They walk around for a bit before they arrived a clothing store that mainly catered to teenagers.
"Now Sunset, if you see something you like; don't be afraid to tell us. " announced Luna.
"That's ok. You don't have to keep spending money on me. "
"Sunset this isnt about spending money. We just want to know more about the things you like and dislike as well as you learning about ours," said Tempest.
"But you can't get mad, if we do decide to get something for you, " declared Luna.
"Ok. " Sunset agreed and understood.
They walked around the clothing store for while picking out clothes they each liked. Each of them talked about the different types of clothes they liked. Tempest and Sunset don't like wearing dresses. Luna and Tempest both preferred darker colors, while Sunset doesn't have any color preferences. They managed to talk Sunset into picking out a set of clothes that she likes, so they could get it for her.
"So where to next? " asked Sunset as do that walked out of the store.
"There's an athletic store that sells motorcycle helmets, " answered Tempest "We might as well get you your own helmet."
"Really? Isnt it too early for that? "
"Not at all and this way you won't have to keep borrowing Luna's. "
Tempest lead the way to the athletic store. As they make their way there, Luna notices Sunset glancing longingly at a couple of store but she doesn't say anything. So Luna make a note to her self to stop at those stores.
Tempest showed them the way thou the store to where the helmets were. There were all sorts of helmets of different shapes and sizes with different designs on them, but none of them stood out to Sunset.
" Is there anything you like?" asked Luna.
"Umm. "
Tempest noticed Sunset was having trouble picking out a helmet, "You know; if there's not a design here you like, we can get a blank helmet and put your own design on it."
"Ya. I like that idea."
They walked up to the counter with Sunsets new helmet and payed for it.
They left the store and walked around the mall for a little while. Sunset was still choosing not to speak up, so Luna decided to take matters into her own hands.
"I have an idea. Lets go to a music store. I remember us passing one a while ago," Luna suggested.
"Huh?" Sunset was surprised by the sudden suggestion of a place she wanted to go to.
"That's right she has a guitar doesn't she? " asked Tempest, "Now that I think about it, I don't think I've heard you play it at all since you moved in."
"That's because I can't play it right now."
"Why not?"
"I need to get some new guitar strings. A couple of them broke a few months ago. I also need a new guitar pick too. I can't seem to find the one I had."
"Then let's go there next." Announced Luna.
"No that's ok. We don't have to go there. It's not that important." Sunset said unconvincing.
"But it's something you like to do right?" asked Tempest.
"Ya but- "
"Then it's important to us, Sunset." replied Luna.
Sunset smiled. She realized there was no convincing them otherwise so she gave up and thanked them
They walk to the nearby music store. They didn't know were in the store to get guitar supplies so they asked a clerk who kindly helped them out. They got a set of guitar strings and Sunset picked out a few guitar picks with different designs on them. Sunset was only going to get one guitar pick, but Luna and Tempest convinced her to get a few extras.
When they walked out of the music store, Luna asked "Is there anywhere else you want to go to Sunset?" Knowing there was.
"Umm. ." Sunset thought to herself for a moment. Like the music store there was another store she wanted to check out and like the music store she wasn't planning on saying anything. But she was pretty sure Luna knew, so there wasn't any point in hiding it.
"There is one other place I'll like to go to." Sunset finally admitted.
"Where's that?"
"I saw an arts and crafts store. I'd like to get some art supplies."
" Oh! What kind of art do you like to do, " Asked Tempest.
"Mostly drawing and painting, but I've never been able to do any of it outside school."
"Then let's fix that." said Tempest.
"I can't wait to see your art work." Luna said, As they made there way to the art store.
"Actually you have seen my art before."
"I have? When?" asked Luna surprised.
"Do you remember the mural someone painted on the side of the school a couple of years ago?"
Luna thought back to it. It was a painting of a beautiful blue horse galloping though the night sky. "Ya. I really liked it but Celestia and the school board ruled it to be the work of vandels. I hated that the pained over it. I try to convince Celestia to keep but it was still painted over."
"But wait are you saying you painted it?" She asked.
"Ya. I painted it," Sunset admitted.
Luna got serious for a moment, " First, you do realize I'll have to tell Celestia about this.
"I know."
"Second," Luna return to her normal self. " I really did like it. "
Luna takes out her phone to show Sunset, "I managed to get pictures of it before they pained over it."
Tempest looks too, "Oh, isn't that the background on your computer? "
"Yep." replied Luna, "Sunset, I can't wait to see more of your work. So let's get you some new art supplies. Just don't use the school as your canvas again."
"I promise." Sunset blushing happily. She was a little embarrassed and happy to know someone liked her art work.
When they arrived, this time Sunset was the one dragging them around. Sunset was amazed at all the different art supplies and tools they had. As much as she wanted to get a little bit of everything, She decided to only get what she needed. She got a couple of sketch books , some paint, and some color pencils.
After that there wasn't anymore stores that Sunset wanted to go to. So the three of them walked out of the store with smiles on there faces. Sunset couldn't wait to get home for the party.
******
Celestia watched as Luna, Tempest, and Sunset left. She was more than happy to help with the party while they were gone. About an hour later Pinkie pie and the other girls arrived with decorations and refreshments.
Celestia and the girls out up decorations as a few other guests arrived.
Celestia phone beeps and she checks it to find a text from Luna saying that there on there way back. Celestia relays the message to everyone else. They turn out all the lights and hide as the waiting anticipation of the door opening.
****
The sun was setting by the time Luna, Sunset, and Tempest returned home. There were a lot of vehicles parked at there house. Sunset recognized some of her friends vehicles. There was one vehicle that stood out from the rest thou, a pink van covered in rainbows. She figured that it was most likely Pinkie Pies.
They walked up to the house and opened the door. It was dark and quiet, but as soon as the lights came on...
"SURPRISE!" Yelled everyone as they jump out of there hiding places.
Sunset smiled brightly. She was so happy to see her friends, as well as some people she wasn't expecting, and a couple of people she didn't know.
Pinkie Pie quickly bounced over to Sunset, "So what do you think?"
"I thinks it wonderful!"
Everyone came up and took turns greeting them. Each of her friends hugged her and Celestia and Potion Nova asked how she was doing. Chrysalis introduced Sunset to her kids. Pharynx who Sunset already meet. Her second son Thorax who had green hair. He was in the same grade as her. And her daughter Ocellus who had light blue hair. She was still in middle school. Then there was a gentleman with a white beard.
"So this is Sunet Shimmer," said the gentleman offering his hand for a handshake, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Sunset, this is our friend Discord." Luna introduced , "Hs also helped us get you papers straight."
"Oh!" Sunset said shaking Discord's hand, " Thank you for the help. I hope it wasn't to much trouble. "
"No trouble at all," assured Discord, "I'd do anything for Luna and Celestia."
"So what do you do for a living?" asked Sunset.
"Freelance cyber security. I work for varies company's as well the government. I use to be quite the hacker back in the day,"
"Is that how you helped me?"
"Of course."
Sunset then thanked everyone for coming and they gave her around of applause. They then all took turns going into the kitchen to get some food. Everyone insisted that Sunset should go first. Sunset walks in and finds a moderate assortment of food and drinks, as well as the vegetable lasagna that Tempest prepared the night before. Sunset gets a bottle of tea, a bag of chips and a plate of lasagna. She takes her food into the living room and begins to eat. Everyone comes by to talk to her for a little bit before moving on.
Once Sunset finished her plate, she made her way back to the kitchen to return it and heard a few of the different conversations everyone was having. She saw Applejack talking to Discord.
" You know my big brother, Big Mac?
"Yes, I know Sir McBiggun very well. "
"Wait that's his... Oh your one of his Ogres & Oubliettes friends.
Yes indeed. Captain Wuzzat your service.
Sunset them spotted Pinkie Pie talking to Chrysalis and her kids. She was talk about her many sisters.
As she continued walking to the kitchen when she heard the conversation between Fluttershy, Rarity, and Potion Nova.
"So how are you doing memorizing your lines?" asked Rarity, "The plays in a couple of weeks."
"I'm getting there," Fluttershy spoke softly, "I'm just a little nervous."
" Well If you have a case of state fright, I find imagining the crowd as your favorite things helps me. " said Potion Nova.
"Like my animal friends?"
'Ya, that will work. "
Play? Stage fright? Douse that mean...? Sunset was curious to find out more.
"Fluttershy are you going to be in a play?" Sunset asked.
"Y-yes." Fluttershy said surprised by sunset suddenly joining the conversation.
"What play?"
"The schools Halloween play, love beyond death," replied Rarity, " She plays the love interest. "
"Wow. That's awesome Fluttershy."
"Well I normally just do small roles so I wouldn't stand out. But everyone has wanted me to take on a bigger role for a long time now. And I've wanted to too. Now that I have, I'm worried I'm going to mess up."
"And your the right person for the role," said Rarity, " So you'll do fine. "
"Well if you need someone to practice with. I'm more than willing to help," Suggested Sunset.
"And practicing with a friend will help with you confidence," added Potion Nova.
"Thanks I think I might take you up on that offer."
"No problem." said Sunset finishing her detour.
She once again made her way to the kitchen. When she got in there she found Luna, Tempest, and Celestia having a conversation.
"You should of seen her dragging us around the art store." Said Luna .
" She was like a kid in a candy store. " Added Tempest.
Sunset blushed a little as she realized they were taking about her.
"Sounds like y'all had fun," smiled Celestia, " I wonder what mom and dad would think of Sunset. "
"Who knows? Luna tone had slightly changed. Sunset hear the hidden anger in her voice. "I wasn't planning on introducing Sunset to them or having any kind of interaction with them."
"I know don't want to forgive them but you should at least give them a chance." said Celestia, " I know how you feel. Belive me, I was a sceptic too, but they really have changed. "
"I don't know. They made life hard for me.
"I know and I know you don't like me bring it. But I want you to know that mom's health has been declining. It would do her wonders to hear from her other daughter."
"Fine." Luna says giving in, " I'll think about it, but I'm not making any promises. "
"That's all ask." is the last Celestia says before leave the kitchen.
Luna signs before leaving the kitchen too.
"What was that about?" Sunset asks Tempest.
"I don't the details but Luna has an grudge against her parents. I've always assumed had something to do with what ever happened in the past."
"Oh." Sunset says she went to grab her a drink and notices they were getting low on drinks.
" Hey Tempest were getting low on drinks. "
Tempest got up to look too. "Well I guess I better go get some more. I'll run up the street and get some."
"Hey Tempest is it alright if I take Fluttershy upstairs to meet pets,
while your gone?"
"Sure. It's probably about time to feed them anyways."
"Thank you Tempest!" Sunset said happily.
Sunset went back to the living room to get Fluttershy. She found her by herself looking at the books on the shelf.
"Hey Fluttershy." Sunset said as she walked over to Fluttershy, Do you want to meet out pets? "
Fluttershy eyes lit up like Christmas lights. " I would love to. "
"Ok, follow me."
Sunset guided Fluttershy up stairs. Sunset counld hear Tempest leaving in her motorcycle as they made there way up stairs. They walked down the hall to Tempest's room.
They walked in to the dresser with Grubber the hedgehogs cage on top. Sunset grabs the towel next to the cage and takes him out just like Tempest showed her. "This is Tempest pet hedgehog Grubber."
"Aaaahhhh!" said Fluttershy, as Sunset hands Grubber and the tower to her.
"He's so cutie!" she said even though he had curl up into a ball out of shyness.
"Ya, he is." sunset agreed as she put fresh food and water it has cage before putting him back in.
Sunset then started to look around the room before saying, " I guess he's not in here. Let's check my room. "
Sunset and Fluttershy walk across the hall to Sunsets room. Sunset immediately checks under her bed.
"Who are we look for?" Fluttershy asked.
"Tantabus, Lunas pet ferret. She likes to hide and play panks."
"Oh, well I think she just jump on my head."
Sunset looks back up to Fluttershy and sure enuff Tantabus was on her head. Tantabus looked like she was surprised that her prank didn't work.
"There you are. "Sunset says before Tantabus jump on the bed and the both of them sit on the bed with Tantabus in between them, as they begin to pet her.
"Hey Fluttershy can I ask you something?" Sunset asks as she stopped petting Tantabus.
"Sure." Fluttershy says as she continues to pet Tantabus
"You said you had what to take bigger role in the school plays for a long time now. Why didn't you?"
"Umm.. I.. Well you see.." Fluttershy said nervously try to find the right way to answer.
Sunset sighs. " It was because of me right? "
"...Yes I was always worried you would find out and ruin it for everyone just to get at me."
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok I wouldn't worry about it to much."
"Why not?"
"Because your also the reason I'm doing it now."
"Huh?"Sunset said confused, "What do you mean?"
"Well I've seen how hard you've been trying to change yourself. I think it's very brave of you. It's inspired me to try to step out of my comfort zone and do what I've always wanted to.
"Really! I did that? " Sunset asked blushing."
"Yep, so let head on back to the party. What do you say?" Fluttershy says holding out her hand.
"Ya lets go." Sunset says as she takes her hand.
Sunset gives Tantabus some food before they both pet Tantabus goodbye.
As they made there way back down stairs Sunset once again heard a motorcycle.*Tempest is back already? That was fast*
She parted ways with Fluttershy and went to the door to help Tempest with the drinks.
*****
Rainbow dash was on her motorcycle driving to Sunsets house and even now she was still debating on whether she turn around or not. She almost did a few times already. Her friends had been blowing up her phone all day with text messages asking if she was coming or not. She still wasn't sure this was a good idea.
She finally arrived and parked her bike next to the sidewalk at the end of the driveway. She then began a slow walk up the driveway as she continued to debate whether it was to late turn back.
When she got to the front doo she hears them having fun inside. she was about to knock on the door when...
*What am I doing? I don't want to be here. Thou all friends are here, but doesn't mean I have to be friends with her too. Even thou she's been helping me with my school work, I still don't want to be friends with her. I'm not ready to forgive her yet.*
She had finally managed to convince herself to turn back but as she walked away the front door opened.
"Rainbow dash?"
Rainbow turns around to see Sunset at the door
"When did you get here?" a surprised Sunset asks before noticing the motorcycle at the end of the driveway. "Oh, so it was your motorcycle I heard. I didn't know you counld drive one."
Without saying anything, Rainbow began to walk back to her motorcycle.
"Wait! Where are you going?" Sunset asks as she follows her. "You just got here, right?"
"Home. It sounds like y'all are having fun without me any ways."
"But we can have more fun with you."
Rainbow stopped at the end of the driveway and signed. She turns around to face Sunset. "Coming here was a mistake. I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready to forgive you."
"Oh. Okay. "replied Sunset sadly.
"That's it? Your giving in just like that. Your not going to beg me to stay. Your not going to try to convince me that I'm wrong about you."
"No. If your not ready, then I'll just wait until you are. I'm not going to force you." Sunset smiled, "I really do want to be your friend, so I'm happy that you stopped by."
Rainbow began to get on her motor while Sunset watched. Before she started it she said "Goodbye Sunset."
Rainbow quickly started up her bike and drives away before she could change her mind again. She passes another motorcycle on the way out. As she drives away, she feels a dull ache in her chest. *Am I feeling sorry for Sunset. No that can't be right.* She pushes those thoughts and feelings aside as she makes her way home.
****
Sunset watched as Rainbow drives away and as Tempest returns on her motorcycle. Sunset follows her back up the driveway.
"Hey Tempest!" Sunset says as Tempest turns off her motorcycle.
"Hey Sunset." Tempest said as she got off her motorcycle. "Who was that?"
"That was Rainbow dash."
"The one you've been having a hard time making friends with."
"Ya." Sunset said still a little sad that she didn't stay.
"Well cheer up kiddo." Tempest said comforting Sunset, "The fact that she came here is a good sign. So don't give up yet."
" I know. I'm not ready to give up yet. "
Sunset and Tempest got the drinks in the house and the party continued for a while longer before...
"Alright everyone come into the living room, " announced Tempest "The moment we been waiting for us finally here."
Once everyone was together with Sunset, Luna and Tempest next to each other in the couch with Sunset in the middle.
Tempest pulls out a vanilla folder and passes it to Sunset. "In here are the guardianship papers. All you have to do is sign your name on the dotted line next to your name on the last page."
"Is it alright if I read them first? " She asks as she takes the papers out.
"Of course. "
Sunset begins to read it and she realized something was wrong. She re-read the papers just to be sure and sure enuff there was something missing in them.
Sunset sets the papers down. "I can't sign this."
"What!?" Everyone was shocked except for Luna and Tempest.
Luna worryingly asked," Sunset did you change your mind? Did we do something wrong?" Luna was trying hard not to start crying.
Sunset notices and quickly clarify her reason. "No. There's just something missing in the papers."
"Oh, well if that's the case I can fix it later. Just show me where the mistake is."
"Well right here where it list guardians. It only has Lunas name listed. You didn't to add your name Tempest."
"Well that's..."
Tempest was speechless as she realized what Sunset was saying. "Wait... You want me to be your guardian too?"
"Ya." Sunset explained, "I mean this is your home too. And you've been looking out for me too. Making our meals and making sure I have something to eat at school. Taking me to DMV to get my id card and promising to teach me to drive. You even started to calling me kiddo. I just assumed you were going to be my guardian too. Was I wrong?"
Now Tempest was on the verge of crying, "It's just when we set out to do this, it was for you and Luna. I never thought about add myself to the equation." She looks at Sunset and smiles as tears began to crawled down her face. " But if that's what you want kiddo, then I would be honored to be your guardian too. What do you think Luna? "
I" think that would be wonderful. " said Luna as happy tears crawled down her face too.
Sunset crys with them and everyone else smiles and gets a little teary eyed too.
After a moment Tempest wipes away her tears, " well I can add an amendment to the papers later, but for the sake of ceremony let's sign these papers. "
They sign the papers as everyone cheered. Sunset shed tears of happiness now that she officially had a new family and a place to call home.