Sunset Shimmer
I sat in the back seat of Trixies moms van with my sisters and Lavender. Fuchsia sat in the passenger seat while Trixie drove. She had recently got her license and was eager to show off as usual. But today there was no showing off to be done.
“This is awesome you guys do this,” I broke the silence as Trixie turned down her pop rock music mix that I didn’t know was a thing. “I didn’t even know you guys visited the kids hospital.”
“We go often,” Lavender chuckled. “It’s nice to see them.”
“For real,” Fuchsia called out from the front seat. “They’re some good kids.”
I could believe that. Me and Derpy had gone to an orphanage a few times to volunteer and they were some nice kids. Scootaloo had to stop coming with us because it brought up bad memories she said. I glanced over at my three sisters sitting in the back, talking quietly. Diamond had her eyes focused outside ad she took in the hospital parking lot.
“Remember girls, this isn’t a trip to have fun. It’s to give very sick kids a decent week,” Fuchsia warned as she gave the three a stern look. “Hospital staff doesn’t tolerate any horseplaying and nor do I. This is very important to remember. And don’t bring up their sickness or going home because most don’t unfortunately.”
The implication made my sisters eyes widen a bit as Silver Spoon gulped nervously. I was lying if I didn’t say I was a bit nervous about bringing her here. Silver Spoon often wore her heart on her sleeve and didn’t really care who saw. Not that that was a bad thing, but it did leave her vulnerable often. Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo were both a bit more reserved but for different reasons. Diamond doesn’t want to give anything someone can use against her and Scootaloo doesn’t want to seem weak. We’ve tried to break her out of that thought process to no avail.
“We understand,” Diamond said finally. She often designated herself as the spokesperson of the three. She did have a way with words that Scootaloo didn’t have.
“Good,” I nodded and a faint smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “Just be quiet and respectful and you’ll be fine. We’ll be watching you guys. I’m more than happy to sit in the van if you guys misbehave.”
“We promise we’ll behave,” they said in unison as I gave a satisfied nod. Trixie turned the van off and pocketed the key. When I found out they did visits here, I instantly was on board to come with. Fuchsia had accidentally let it slip one night that they did this. Why they kept it a secret, I have no idea. If we got the other girls on this, we could help a lot of people.
“How long have you guys been doing this?” Scootaloo asked curiously as we climbed out of the van. Trixie went to the back to get her supplies of books and playing cards, shrugging.
“Since last year Trixie wants to say,” Trixie answered as I opened the van door for her. “Thank you. Trixie may have overpacked.”
“As usual,” Lavender snarked with an eyeroll. “The kids love it though.” Trixie nodded knowingly as she lifted the plastic bin and I shut the door.
“This is a big hospital,” I mused as we walked inside the doors. “They’re usually smaller back home.”
“We’re the best hospital in Canterlot,” a nearby nurse boasted as she relaxed in her chair in front of a computer. A quick glance at her name tag identified her as Tender Care. “You girls here to volunteer again Trixie?”
“Yes ma’am,” Trixie bowed her head and I raised my eyebrow slightly. Never in my life have i heard Trixie call someone ma’am and mean it. Most of the time when she called you ma’am, it was in a snarky way.
“Hello,” I smiled at the nurse and stretched out my hand. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. These are my sisters Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Tender Care gave a smile as she shook my hand. For a tiny, thin nurse she sure had a strong hand shale.
“Hello Sunset. Nice to finally meet you,” Tender said warmly. “My daughter talks about you a lot.”
“Uh your daughter?” I asked in confusion as I pulled my hand back. “I’m afraid I don’t know your daughter.” Tender Heart smirked as Fuchsia coughed slightly and I glanced at her as her cheeks turned slightly red.
“She’s my mom,” Fuchsia admitted sheepishly. “She may have heard a lot about you. The good and the bad.”
“And the ugly?” I offered with a smirk as her mom laughed.
“Little bit of everything,” she admitted. “Glad you’re up and about. You’ve had a pretty crazy few weeks.”
“Talk about an understatement,” I chuckled as I pulled Scootaloo into a one armed hug. “How have I never met your mom before?”
“You never come over. We always have sleepovers at your place or Lyra’s because both are massive. Maybe you can tag along with Trixie and Lavender one night. We get pretty wild,” Fuchsia winked at me with a grin.
“I’d love to. We can hammer out the details later. I have some awesome kids to meet!” I announced as Tender nodded.
“Thanks for stopping by. Lilac Blossom could certainly use some cheering up. She’s the nine year old with pink hair and white glasses. You can’t miss her.”
“Your mom is so nice,” I told Fuchsia as we entered further into the ward. I should make it my mission to met all my friends parents. But right now, I have a child to find. “Alright I want you girls to either stay with Trixie, Lavender, Fuchsia or myself.”
“Okay,” Silver Spoon nodded as Trixie muttered a quiet curse word, setting her box down and opening.
“Who wants the great and powerful Trixie to read them a story?” Trixie called out in probably the quietest I’ve ever heard her. Instantly she was swarmed by kids. “Hello Vapor Storm! Been a while.”
“It has!” The girl announced as I smiled faintly. Lavender followed my eyes and smiled.
“We’re not supposed to play favorites but she’s mine. Cute kid,” Lavender admitted with a blush. “Lilac Blossom is over there by the checker boards. She’s a huge fan of the game. Might even be smarter than you.”
I rolled my eyes with a smile and walked over the girl idly pushing a piece on the table back and forth.
“Hey there,” I smiled even wider. “You must be Lilac Blossom.”
“Yeah how did you figure it out?” She asked bitterly and I flinched slightly. I wasn’t expecting the attitude.
“My friend pointed you out,” I admitted and she sighed. “I’m Sunset.”
“I’m gonna go with Bacon Hair,” Lilac said simply and I groaned internally. The amount of people who call me that is insane. I could faintly make out Trixie reading to her mob of children. I can kinda see Trixie having an army of kids to take over the world with.
“Wanna play a game?” I asked hopefully, nodding to the checkers board. She gave a half hearted shrug and started to set the board. “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing,” she said instantly and I rolled my eyes subtly. She was a terrible liar. “You first.” I examined the board before sliding a piece.
We kept this up for what felt like a lifetime. She was smart, I’ll give her that. Every move I made, she had it countered till we were down to four pieces each.
“You’re pretty good at this,” I commented as I took another piece of hers off the board and she growled slightly. “Lots of practice?”
“Lots of time on my hands,” Lilac grumbled as she eyed my pieces. “Somedays I doubt I’ll ever get out of here. I’m going to die here.”
“No you’re not,” I said after a moment of stunned silence. I wasn’t expecting her to just straight up say that. “You’re gonna be perfectly fine.”
“Am I?” She challenged and gestured to herself. “Sickle cell disease isn’t a joke. Shit is the worst.”
I didn’t really know much about human diseases but I knew some were more serious than others. I sighed and looked up at her.
“You seem like a tough kid. Lyra would like you a lot.”
“Lyra?” She perked up suddenly. “Lyra Heartstrings?”
“Yeah you know her or something?” I questioned her.
“Duh! She’s a member of the Illusions along with Trixie, Lavender and Fuchsia,” Lilac fangirled as her eyes widened. “Wait are you the Sunset? Like Sunset Shimmer? The best guitar player in the group?”
“Uh yeah?”
She screamed suddenly and I jumped, covering my ears. Trixie and the others glanced over in confusion before rolling their eyes.
“Lilac I know you’re excited to meet Sunset but please keep the screaming to a minimum,” Tender Care called out with a smirk. “You’re distracting the others form story time.”
“Sorry!” Lilac called out with a blush. “You’re like the coolest person ever. I’ve heard all your songs. I even started the Sunset Shimmer Fan club. Granted there’s only four people in but one day it’ll expand!” If this wasn’t a kid, I’d be concerned about being stalked. It was a bit cute though.
“Is that so?” I chuckled. “That’s adorable.”
“Can you sign this picture of you please?” She begged and I shrugged, accepting the pen she held out eagerly. “To my biggest fan, Lilac Blossom. From, Sunset Shimmer. This is the greatest day of my life I could scream but I won’t.”
“My ears can’t take any more screaming,” I chuckled. “Let’s no scream.”
“Sorry about that. Here’s a picture of me,” Lilac held it out. “Keep it. Put it in your purse or your car or something.” I accepted it after a second and admired it. Lilac was under a Japanese lilac tree with the biggest smile.
“I’ll put it on my nightstand when I get home,” I promised and put it in my purse. “Get it framed and everything.”
“Yay!” Lilac exclaimed and jumped across the board to hug me. “You’re the best.”
“Anytime. I gotta get going now because it’s been wow three hours? Time flies,” I stood up to best of my ability and stretched.
“Will you come back and visit me till I get better?” Lilac asked hopefully.
“You bet,” I promised as she finally let me go. Kid had a scary strong grip.
“Trixie wants to know where Socket Wrench is at. He wasn’t here for Trixies story time and he loves it.”
“Lilac, can you go help Chess Match clean up? I know you didn’t make the mess but I’d greatly appreciate the help,” Tender Care forced a smile.
“You got it!” Lilac exclaimed as she hugged me again before running off.
“Got yourself a little fan I see,” Fuchsia teased with a grin.
“Trixie, Socket Wrench died last night. His heart problems got too serious. We tried our hardest but,” Tender Care slammed her head down. “He was way too far gone.”
“Oh,” Trixie mumbled in a flat voice. “I understand. Give his regards to his family for me please.” We watched as she tried and failed to hide the tears as she turned around to start collecting her books.
“Who was he to her?” I asked finally.
“He was her first biggest fan. The two hit it off instantly on the first day we came here. He’s basically the male version of Lilac. Was a good kid,” Fuchsia explained as Lavender sighed. “We always know the kids we get connected to could die randomly because of their health. Never makes it any easier though.”
I could believe that. Scootaloo and my other sisters finished talking to the kids they had met. Trixie tossed the final book carelessly in the bin before hoisting it up.
“Let’s go,” Trixie sighed. “I’ve had enough of depression for one day. I’ll be back next week Miss Care.”
I gave a half hearted wave as we followed Trixie quietly to the van. I opened the back for her and she gave me a grateful nod. It was a pretty quiet ride back. My sisters didn’t know what was going on but they were smart enough to know something happened.
“Why didn’t you tell us you guys did this?” I asked curiously. The question had been on my mind all night.
“Because when you do a good deed, you don’t go advertising it. It takes the meaning away,” Trixie explained as she looked back at me in the mirror. “Thanks for coming.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I answered immediately.
The weeks had gone by and I visited Lilac every week with Trixie. She seemed healthier each time I visited which made me happy. Trixie finally opened up to Derpy about it and Derpy wanted to come immediately. I was proud of Trixie in all honesty. Never did I expect her to have this side of her. I knew she was caring but not to this extent.
I wrapped an arm around Derpy as she watched TV with mom and I. My sisters were upstairs doing God knows what. Probably trying to convince Scootaloo to let them dress her up. I listened to the rain pounding on the windows and roof. We loved the sound of the rain.
A loud knock on the door got my attention. I somehow managed to get out of Derpy’s hug and smirked at her pouting expression.
“I’ll get it,” I said as I walked to the door and opened. My eyes slightly widened at the scene in front of me. Trixie and Fuchsia stood in front of me with their hair wet along with Fuchsias mom and it looked like they had been crying. “Trixie? Fuchsia? Tender? What’s up?”
“I’m sorry Sunset,” Trixie sighed and made eye contact. “Lilac Blossom died tonight. We just came from the hospital.”
“You said she was getting better,” I said finally after a few seconds of stunned silence. I faintly noticed mom and Derpy standing behind me as Derpy hugged me from behind.
“We thought she was. The human body is a fickle thing. She went in her sleep. Never felt a thing,” Tender promised quietly as Fuchsia squeezed my shoulder.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out for help Sunset. We’re here for you,” Fuchsia promised as I nodded absent-mindedly. The door slammed shut and I wasn’t sure if I did it or if Trixie did. I somehow ended up in my room with Derpy hugging me along with my sisters as I stared at the picture of Lilac I had placed on my nightstand. It was the exact same one she had given me so long ago. My sisters and girlfriend passed out with me being held by them as I sighed to my self.
“Goodbye Lilac.”