Brown, clear liquid dripped from Sunset Shimmer’s face. And her hair. The coffee cup clattered on the ground, spilling whatever was left of its contents that had not been tossed in the flame-haired teen’s face just seconds before.
“Go away,” the teen snarled. “You’re not wanted here.” Behind her, three other girls nodded their heads, in such synchronicity that clearly indicated they were of one mind on this.
“Look….” Sunset said, her voice trying not to sound offended. She had no right to that feeling now, not since here comeuppance two days ago at the Homecoming Dance. Signs for the fall formal event still hung around the campus and were seen much as yesterday’s news.
Much like her.
A second girl butted in front of the first. “Let me make this clear, bitch: go the fuck away. You’re not wanted here, ever. Look, just…just do the world a favor and throw yourself in front of a car, okay?”
“But I w—”
“What you want we don’t give a shit about,” a third girl said. “What, does someone have to hit you upside the head to get the point across?”
“Let’s try it,” the last girl said, swinging a small bottle of water. By no means was it going to hurt, but the cap would probably pop off and spill more liquid on Sunset. Bracing for the impact, she prepared to be soaked again…
…only to have a tan-skinned hand reach out and catch the arm. “Great! Needed a drink, thanks!” A second hand of similar color to the first wrenched the bottle out of the offending striker’s grasp and tore the cap off before bringing it to her lips. The sounds of a person chugging a twenty ounce bottle of water sounded, followed by a refreshed, “Aaaah – that hit the spot.” Rainbow Dash then glared at the girls. “You know, I take a pretty dim view of people trying to hurt a friend of mine. So what the fuck is your problem, Scotch Bonnet? Or do you and your friends like being assholes?”
“Assholes?” Scotch gasped, narrowing her eyes. “If there’s one asshole around here, it’s her!” she accused, pointing at Sunset. “She glued my locker shut when Flash was trying to talk to me! And speaking of which, wasn’t she the one who called you a ‘fucking wetback that needs to go back to Mexico?’”
Rainbow bristled slightly at that, then looked out of the corner of her eyes at Sunset. The flamehaired girl was doing a credible imitation of Fluttershy, and not in a good way, either. Rainbow immediately solved this by putting an arm around Sunset. “Eh, big fucking whoop. She and I are tight now – so if you have a problem with her, then you have a problem with me, ¿sobres?”
“What?”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “We live in California and you have no idea what Spanglish is? Look, just GTFO and leave Sunset alone, okay?”
“We weren’t picking on the cunt!” the second girl snarled.
“Hey, I call it as I see it,” Rainbow replied. “So let me make this clear: you fuck with her, you’re fucking with me, and I’m going to fuck you up. Got that?” the athlete said in a dangerous tone. The four girls blanched, nodded and then decided that absence was the better part of valor and decided to take off.
“There,” Rainbow replied, shrugging her shoulders. “Can’t believe that….” She then looked at Sunset. “Sunset, what is wrong with you?”
“I…I just…I just wanted….”
Rainbow allowed herself a rare moment of not-coolness. “Look, Sunset…it’s a Monday. People are just getting used to everything that happened this past Friday. Nothing happens overnight – literally or metaphically.”
“Metaphorically?” Sunset supplied.
“Yeah, that.” She looked at the other teen, who was starting to stink of coffee and whose clothes had acquired a very caffeinated stain. “Plus, really? This ‘meek’ you isn’t…well, you.”
“I know, but… I have to make amends. Truthfully, it took a lot of effort to even get out of bed this morning.” That, of course, had been the truth, but not all of it; it had been an unusually blustery morning earlier on and the chill was enough to even penetrate the corrugated walls of the old Flim-Flam Bros. warehouse. While the room she slept in thankfully had been insulated and so she didn’t wake up to a freezing room. Unfortunately, she couldn’t say the same for the rest of the cavernous warehouse, and stepping out of the living quarters had been an excruciating adjustment. At that point, she’d briefly considered just ditching school for the day but ultimately decided to come in, if only for her would-be friends’ sakes.
It’s a good thing that it’s just a one-time frost just before Indian summer sets in, she thought. She also mused on why the Earth had a warming period after the first frost of the year, as well as why they called it “Indian summer”. She never considered asking, and now that she was trying to change her ways, it was probably something that was definitely taboo, if for no other reason than the fact that it could be potentially offensive.
I don’t really get how skin color and other things like that come between humans, she mused. I mean, yeah, we ponies went through that kind of stuff too between the tribes, but that was centuries ago and we’ve gotten over it since. All in all, it was just another reminder of how Sunset wasn’t a part of the species she lived with, no matter how much she looked like one of them.
“Well, anyway, it’s lunchtime, so you going to join us? Actually, come to think of it…. What do you do during lunchtime, anyway?” Rainbow asked.
Sunset fell right in line with Rainbow, not wanting to argue. “Sure, that sounds great. As to what I did, well….”
Five other girls looked at Sunset in shock. Sunset had the good grace, at least, to be completely embarrassed.
“Ah, uh….” Applejack said, lost for words. The other four pretty much agreed with that assessment, though they didn’t voice it.
Finally, Rarity was the one to speak. Blushing madly, she asked, “Truly?”
Sunset sighed. “You wanted to know what I did during my lunch time and I promised myself that I wouldn’t lie to you five, especially since you’re giving me this chance.” And now I seriously wondered if I blew it.
“But….” was all Fluttershy could squeak before she finally hid under the table, mortified.
Sunset sighed again. “Look, girls…I’m sorry that I was a bit, ah, ‘blunt’ in my statement. So…please forgive me?”
An awkward silence reigned again until Applejack spoke once more. “Uh…Sunset, Ah know y’re from a different culture ‘nall, but…normal kids don’t spend their lunches havin’ sex in th’ locker room with their guys.”
“I…know that now,” Sunset admitted. “At the time when I was with Flash…I really didn’t care. I wanted him, he wanted me, you get the idea. Plus, in fairness, you have to remember that I’m still learning a bunch of cultural norms – you grew up with these standards, but I didn’t.”
Rarity whispered to Fluttershy as the latter unearthed herself from beneath the table, “Is it me, darling, but did I get the idea that her species’ societal etiquette isn’t much different from ours?” The chiffon-haired girl, still not trusting herself to say much, merely nodded in response.
“But now I know that it was just a physical thing,” Sunset said, unaware of Rarity’s thoughts. “And while I can’t say that I loved him or anything, I…I just feel empty about that. And it didn’t help that he focused on Sparkle while she was here.”
“But you broke up with him last…what, March or so? What’d you do then?” Rainbow asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.
“I did what you guys know: I picked on people, bullied Snips and Snails into doing my homework for me, kicked dogs, smacked kids and was generally the worst person on Earth.”
“Oh, that’s not true, Sunset!” Pinkie chirped, trying to put a smile on the flamehaired girl’s face. “You’re not the worst person on Earth, because you’re not a person – you’re an alien in disguise, so maybe you’re the worst thing on Earth, but not the worst person!”
“Not helping, Pinks,” Rainbow groaned.
“I…have a whole bunch of other things to do. I’ll see you later.” Before anyone could stop her, Sunset left the table, rushing out of the cafeteria. After that, the four scowled at Pinkie.
“What…was it something I said?”
Sunset made it as far as the first corridor away from the cafeteria. Her heart pounded and she felt like she was going to void what little she’d eaten for breakfast. I wish I’d had the sense to at least grab some rolls from my tray before I took off, she mentally groaned. As it was, she’d spent money that she couldn’t afford to part with; now that she couldn’t pressure other students into giving up their funds for her “Sunset Shimmer Appreciation Society Dues”, things were going to be as tight as ever.
At that point, she was just to head out the door and just call it a day when a voice behind her said, “And where do you think you’re going, young miss?” Sunset suddenly froze in place, only to turn around and face the person she least wanted to see: Principal Celestia.
“Going outside to get some fresh air,” the teen said, glibly. She just didn’t say how far outside she was going.
“And how coincidental that the door you chose leads towards the parking lot and the way out?”
Sunset shrugged. “Eventually all directions lead out, Principal Celestia. Besides, aren’t the side doors the only way into the school while the main entrance is being rebuilt?” The moment she said that, she winced – the front of the school wouldn’t have needed the extensive reconstruction if it hadn’t been for what she did just a few days back.
The educator’s magenta eyes narrowed. “I believe that we wouldn’t have needed the maintenance if you hadn’t caused your ‘creative’ rearranging.”
Sunset was about to snap something back, then thought better of it. She was already equina non grata back in Equestria and on thin ice here; while she longed to just leave here and start somewhere else, there would be too many problems with doing that and as thin as it was, her only support network on this world was here in this city.
“As it is, you still have detention, and unless you want to add to your list of issues, Ms. Shimmer, then I strongly suggest you turn around and head back to the cafeteria or perhaps take a breath of air outside in the inner courtyard.” With that, the administrator walked away from Sunset at a slow enough pace to indicate that she was listening out for the alien teen’s next move.
Not knowing what else to do, Sunset punched a locker, knowing Celestia was listening…but pulling her punch, since her natural strength would have caved the door in, causing even more heartache for her. With no other options available to her, Sunset walked down the hall in the opposite direction. She wasn’t going to give the educator the benefit of hearing her frustration.
Sunset entered the room, giving a brief glance to Mr. Tofu, the earth sciences teacher, who was in charge of today’s detention. “I’m here, Mr. Tofu,” the teen said morosely.
The teacher ran his fingers across his fuzzy soulpatch – He must think it makes him look older and distinguished, Sunset thought to herself – then sighed. “Take a seat, Ms. Shimmer,” he said in a monotone, “and just do your homework until it’s time for dismissal, if you please.” He then looked at the rest of those seated in their chairs and announced, “Let’s make this quick and easy: Just do your homework or read silently until the hour is up and we can all be out of here nice and peacefully.”
A tall kid with sandy blond hair and ruddy skin flipped the teacher off and said, “Well, what’re you gonna do to me if I don’t, ya pansy ass?” Mr. Tofu just rolled his eyes, and the boy laughed. “Yeah, thought as much, you fuckin’ freak.”
A guy behind him said, “Good one, Garble!” Garble turned around and high-fived the other boy.
Sunset, meanwhile, couldn’t help herself; while she didn’t really give two shits about Mr. Tofu, she wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. “Oh, knock it off, you two. He’s just trying to make it easy on us.”
“Hey, the bitch speaks.” Garble got up from his chair and walked over to Sunset; he was tall enough that her seated form came up to his waist. “Hey, while you’re sitting there, wanna polish my knob? Pretty much all you’re good for nowadays – just a spooge target and that’s it.”
Sunset glared at him, then leaned over in her chair as her face took an uninterested look. “Wow, how long did it take you to string that sentence together, Garble? Or did you have your mom help you with that?”
“Garble, get to your seat,” Tofu said in a tone that almost approached stern. “Let’s not make this harder than it has to be.”
“Oh, go shove it up your ass, dumbfuck,” the teen said. “I got a date here with this bitch. And if she squirms, well, that’s just the way I like it. So, Baconhead Cunt, up the ass or down the throat?”
Sunset’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, I don’t know – why don’t you ask your boyfriend over there how he likes giving it to you?” Her eyes then narrowed as she said, “Now sit your ass down and listen to the teacher, got that?”
Garble stared down at her, his mind only on one thing. “Only thing I got is how you’re going to beg me to fuck you when I’m done with you, skank,” he seethed.
That was enough for Sunset. Rising from her chair, she said, “You’re going to regret your words, asshole.”
“SHIMMER! GARBLE! BREAK IT UP!” a booming voice cried. Both turned to the door to see Mr. Iron Will, one of the school’s guidance counselors as well as a geometry teacher and the baseball teams’ coach, standing there, taking up almost all the space in the doorframe. The dark-skinned man was built like a bodybuilder – no surprise there, as he lifted weights regularly – and earned every bit of his nickname when he played professional sports: The Minotaur. He’d been the star slugger and outfielder for the Cloudsdale Thunderstorms until repeated injuries ended his career. Even still, he showed a passion for sports, as well as his current employment by way of teaching.
Tofu suddenly moved to the counselor’s side as the latter barked, “SIT. DOWN. And don’t move until I say so.” As both Sunset and Garble returned to their seats, the two teachers conversed for a bit, with Iron Will nodding occasionally. The room fell silent, as every student decided to imitate a statue, not so much as even daring to breathe lest the attention of the massive counselor fall on them. “Thought so,” he said to no one in particular. Finally, in a stern tone, turned his attention to the two earlier students, ordering, “Garble, move next door – now. You will sit in there until I say otherwise, understood?” The teen said nothing but instead rose from his seat once more, walked up to the teachers and gave both of them a glare before walking out of the room. A few seconds later, Iron Will said, “Ms. Shimmer, if you would, please follow me.”
Sunset, feeling as though she was in deep shit, followed the counselor out of the classroom. “Please close the door,” Iron Will said, and Sunset did so. “Now, Mr. Tofu told me what just occurred, because given your past, I was expecting a fight. And quite frankly, I’m rather…surprised…that I did not see one. Given your previous demeanor, Ms. Shimmer, you can count me as impressed.”
The flamehaired girl was not expecting that. “Uh, thanks?” Being complimented was something she hadn’t been used to in a while. The last time she’d gotten a genuine compliment was with Flash, and she’d been hot, sweaty and straddling him at the time. “I, er….”
Iron Will pointed towards the door. “Fortunately for you, the faculty does get some leeway in regards to detention. Tofu suggested I let you go, and I’m inclined to agree. I’m going to take it on face value that this isn’t just a one-time thing and cut you loose early. Do us teachers all a favor and try not to make another appearance here?”
“I’ll try not to,” she said, not sure of what else to say. This really just happened, right?
Finally, after some shopping for food and a quick trip to the Laundromat to wash her clothing, she arrived at home sweet hovel. Setting her basket of clothing down on the table, she pulled out her phone and looked at her bank balance.
I have maybe just enough to get me through the rest of the month, she realized as she closed the app, and nothing more. What am I going to do? Her mind went through dozens of ideas, all of them unsavory. Now that she was turning a new leaf, selling term papers and the like was out of the question. She would never sink to dealing drugs or becoming a mare of the night. And her ID barely worked now; if she had to get a real job where she’d have to have parents sign off on documents and such as other students did, she didn’t know what she did. She was able to steal the identity of the Sunset Shimmer of this world because the trail went dead years ago; when she looked up the whereabouts of her counterpart in this world, the closest she came was a newspaper from five or so years back detailing that indicated that eight-year-old Sunset Shimmer was missing and authorities were looking for her. Sunset herself shivered at that; was she living the life of a dead girl?
And I can’t go back to Equestria. She’ll kill me if I do. What do I do? She looked at her purse, then at the phone.
I know a quick way to get money, and I’m going to hate myself for it.
There was a knock on the door. Fuck, who’s knocking on the door at this hour? Flash Sentry groaned. “Okay, I’m coming, I’m coming, don’t get your panties in a bunch,” he said. He didn’t give a damn who heard him; his parents were on a trip to Europe at the moment anyway. He opened the door to find….
“Sunset?” he asked, surprised.
“Hey,” she waved, softly. “Can I come in?”