//------------------------------// // Announcements // Story: Goodnight Sunset, Good Morning Sunrise // by Twilight Nightmare //------------------------------// If Fluttershy's night was bad, her morning was being even worse. She didn't get much sleep, if dozing off two or three times for less than a minute or two each time could be considered sleeping at all. Because of this she was already grumpy, and remembering how they denied her a chance to see Sunrise only made her mood sour even more. Not even Sheila or Kim could get her in to see Sunrise as it was a strict hospital policy. Being made to leave the hospital wasn't exactly very fun, her mother promising that she could be with Sunrise as much as she wanted as soon as the injured girl was moved to a normal room later today. For now, despite her mother originally telling Fluttershy that it might be best to stay home, her father wanted her to go to school saying it would get her mind off of things being around her friends. Seriously, she refused to even speak with Rainbow Dash or Scootaloo, why would she want to be around any of her friends right now? "Come on, Shy, wait up!" Rainbow shouted, both the rainbow haired girl and her little sister rushing to catch up with the usually meek girl. Meek was far from what she was now though as anger and rage filled her. "Don't even talk to me!" Fluttershy snapped out, spinning around to face the approaching girls. "I don't want to hear how sorry you are! You know why? Because you AREN'T!" Fluttershy cried, her voice growing louder until she was shouting the last word. "Shy...I know you are hurting right now...but I do care. You are my best friend..." Rainbow said, shifting nervously while Scootaloo whimpered a little hiding behind her big sister. "You don't even get why I'm upset, do you?" Fluttershy demanded, glaring at both girls as Scootaloo sighed and stepped out from behind Rainbow Dash. "Because...I caused Sunrise to get hurt..." Scootaloo sniffed, gasping when Fluttershy let out a squeal of anger. "NO! I'm made because none of you would bother looking at Sunrise until she almost died! Now you only want to kiss up to her because you feel guilty...well you SHOULD!" Fluttershy sobbed out, "You...Applejack and Rarity...all of you keep telling me that you aren't sure about her. That I shouldn't get close to her. Well I did get close...I LOVE HER!" "Shy...I did see her...I...I saw somebody so full of pain that I couldn't help giving her another chance." Rainbow Dash sighed, "I'm stupid, okay? I'm so stupid for it to take us getting into a fight for me to see it, but I did! After we talked...I wanted...I wanted to give her a chance because...I saw how much she made you happy and I saw...I saw how much she cared for you. I saw the potential for a good friend there..." "Don't lie to me!" Fluttershy sobbed out as she spun around and stormed off away from the two, ignoring the other girls who must have heard everything as they were only a few houses away making their way toward them. A part of her felt sorry for exploding on Rainbow Dash, and especially Scootaloo. Deep down she knew that it was neither girl's fault that Sunrise was now in the hospital. Yet all she could feel toward any of the girls was anger over the way they treated Sunrise. All she could feel right then was rage that the only reason they are acting remorseful was because they felt guilty and would only go back to treating the injured girl like trash as soon as she felt better. A part of her rebelled against that anger filled thought reminding her how good her friends really were. They were only worried about her getting hurt by Sunrise, and going by the girl's past, Fluttershy could even understand that in a way. Still, Fluttershy saw things the others never saw, or believed when told about said things. Sunrise may have picked on Fluttershy, but she kept other bullies from going after her with the mall being the first time she done so openly. Pushing everything out of her mind as she reached the school, she made her way to her locker to drop what few things she had with her off and get what she would need for the morning. Hearing the whispers and feeling the eyes staring at her made her want to scream at them and demand they shut up. It seemed that once again social media had played a huge role in spreading gossip over night and most everyone knew about what had happened just the day before. While most seemed in awe and shock, there were those who thought it was some sick joke to make Sunrise look better. The few people who tried to stop Fluttershy as she made her way to her homeroom quickly backed away as she turned to glare at them, using the full force of what her friends labeled as 'the stare' on them. Her eyes full of anger and the bags under her eyes only intensified the look making anyone approaching her quickly turn tail and run. Dropping into her desk, cursing her father for making her come today, she took out her notebook and started drawing sketches. It was something she enjoyed doing greatly as it always calmed her down immensely. Though normally it was when she was stressed or feeling really fearful that she turned to her drawing as it filled her with a sense of peace. "Good morning students." A woman Fluttershy had never seen before greeted them making her wonder what happened to their normal teacher. "Your normal teacher is helping in the office this morning and I'll be taking role and explaining what is going on today. All of your parents already know this as they were called this morning and informed of recent events and the effects it had on the school." Everyone started whispering at once, wondering what was really going on and if the gossip was true. More than one student seemed in awe that the rumors could be true, surprised that 'Sunset Shimmer' would risk her life to save three younger students who she tormented more than once. Three students that many knew 'Sunset Shimmer' had it out for after inadvertently messing with the now ex-bully more than once. "Please quiet down students, you will have plenty of time to talk soon enough." The teacher said getting the noise levels to dramatically drop in volume getting everyone's attention...even Fluttershy's. "There is going to be a special announcement in a few minutes and afterwards morning classes will resume normally to some extent. You will be expected to attend all of your classes, though you won't really be expected to do any classwork today." A loud cheer rang out across the room as more than one student celebrated the fact that there would be no class work. It took a few moments for them to realize that something really bad must have happened for something like this to happen which quickly made the mood become more somber. "Good morning students of CHS." Vice-Principal Luna said through the loudspeakers, "Normally...we wouldn't divulge most of these details as they can be construed as private. However...due to certain gossip spreading like wildfire over the schools social media...we feel that we have no choice but to explain everything and put a stop to some of these rumors before they get out of hand." Fluttershy sunk into her seat a little as a few students looked back at her, for the moment her usual shyness returning as her anger slowly ebbed away for the time being. "Sadly...a fellow student Gilda has been expelled due to bringing a gun onto school property. Three of your fellow students found out and did the right thing reporting her...and through the schools social media and somebody finding out about this...Gilda learned who these three students were. It seems that Gilda cornered these students and intended to get revenge for her being expelled and we believe she would have hurt these students severely if not for a single girl stepping in. Sunrise Shimmer, who many of you still refer to as Sunset Shimmer, distracted Gilda long enough for the three students to get away. Yes it is true that Sunrise Shimmer paid for it by being stabbed and is in the hospital...currently in the ICU." Many gasps of shock went up around Fluttershy, many whispering their condolences while others conveyed their disbelief. Even though she could understand it to some extent as if she didn't know better she would probably feel the same way, the whispers angered her making her shoot a few classmates acidic glares when they turned her way making them quickly look away. "While some of you may...be cheering about this outcome...I will personally see you in detention for the rest of the year if I hear one word of celebration. For those of you who do feel sympathy and need to talk to someone...we have a few extra counselors in the offices. Those of you who need it are urged to come by the offices to speak with them. The rest of you will be expected to follow your teacher's directions until lunchtime where you can either eat in the cafeteria before heading home for the day. Yes, today is only a half day and for the rest of the week school will closed for classes, but the counselors will be here for anyone who finds a need to talk about this...incident...and how they feel about it. Anyone causing trouble today, even the slightest, will be dealt with harshly. That is all." The shocked quiet around Fluttershy actually surprised her as the students shifted nervously. Sure Vice-Principal Luna could be difficult to deal with to say teh least, but the woman sounded like she was a mix of anger and sadness over the intercom. Finally, a girl raised her hand and after a few moments the substitute teacher acknowledged her. "Yes, what is it...Trixie?" The teacher asked, looking down at the seating chart before looking back up to the girl. "Is there...something the Great and Powerful Trixie can do...anything we can do to help Suns...Sunrise?" Trixie asked softly, getting a small smile from the teacher. "Yeah...like maybe send her a get well card? Or better yet, maybe visit her?" Bon Bon asked, shifting nervously in her seat. "As if any of you care." Fluttershy hissed out as she glared around the room. "Fluttershy! I'm shocked to hear you of all people talk like that!" The teacher gasped out surprising the younger girl as she really didn't even know who this teacher was. "It's true, they don't care!" Fluttershy sobbed out, "Where were they when she...when..." She wante dto demand where they were when Sunrise needed help, when she was all alone for the week of her suspension. Then again...a thought forced itself into her mind as she knew she wasn't there for Sunrise either. Sure she has since the girl came back, unlike the others, but did she really have a right to be angry over all that she was? "Sugarcube, I know that you two have been hanging around a lot...and probably know more about her than any of us. She's hurt a lot of us though and...a lot of us didn't think it was possible for her to truly change." Carrot Top said softly, "She was there to save those three troublemakers...one of them being my cousin...and we want to be there for her now. Is that so wrong, sugarcube?" "I tried to tell everyone that she had changed." Fluttershy said, glaring a few moments before her eyes softened and looked away. "And we see it now...we want to be there to support her, Fluttershy. Would you deny Sunrise the chance to have people there for her?" Carrot Top asked making Fluttershy bury her face in her folded arms on the desk as she felt a hand patting her back. "While I think it is wonderful that so many of you are concerned for Sunrise Shimmer, we can't have all of you rushing the hospital because that can cause a lot of trouble. I suggest maybe forming groups and nominating a few representatives to take cards and gifts to her room...and if you want maybe rotate nominees every day as Sunrise is expected to be there for a few days at the very least." "Of course the Great and Powerful Trixie should be first to take Sunrise Shimmer gifts celebrating her great courage." Trixie said loudly followed by the sounds of paper balls bouncing off her head as Fluttershy tried to bury her head on her desk. Fluttershy still felt angry with them, but she had to admit that maybe it would be nice for Sunrise to see that she isn't as alone as she thought. Still, Fluttershy couldn't help feeling angry at all of them. They all tormented Sunrise the last few days and now...they were acting like they cared. Did they really care or did they just feel guilty for their actions? Were they just going to go back to treating Sunrise like trash when this was all over...or were they actually sincere in all of this. Confused Fluttershy just sat at her desk trying to ignore everything while wishing the day would just go by quick so she could go see Sunrise. When lunch finally came Fluttershy was on the verge of literally strangling someone. While most seemed concerned for Sunrise, there had been a few saying that the fire haired girl deserved what she got. It took every ounce of will power to keep from lashing out out them, but it wasn't reall needed as they were quickly dealt with by being sent to the office. The ones who seemed concerned for Sunrise upset Fluttershy as well, confused as to if they truly felt that way or was trying to soothe their own guilt...and a large part of Fluttershy was sure it was only to soothe their own guilt. Bracing herself for the rush of her so called friends crowding her, Fluttershy stepped through the door to find not who she expected standing their. Sheila was standing there as students flooded around the woman hurrying out of the classroom, as well as the surrounding rooms. A sad smile graced the woman's lips as she hugged Fluttershy who stood there in shock. "Come on little Shy, I want to talk to you some." Sheila said softly, guiding Fluttershy away from the room. "You know...I really thought you would be one of the few people to come to the office to see us. I know you must be going through a lot." "I can't...I have to get to the hospital." Fluttershy said softly, not fighting against the older woman who guided her into an empty classroom near the offices. "Don't worry, we will be leaving soon. Kimmie is going to call me as soon Sunrise is moved, until then we need to have a talk then I'm going to take you to lunch. When Kimmie calls I'm going to drive you to see your girlfriend." Sheila said softly, "Your mother can't do it...she...had things she had to do." "What kind of things can she have to do? She promised she would be here!" Fluttershy cried out, her anger rearing up again. "Your mother had to see her supervisor about Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, They are...having problems." Sheila said slowly, unsure how much would be wise to divulge at this time. Then again this would effect Fluttershy as well since they were not only close friends, but were living together for the moment. "What kind of problems?" Fluttershy asked, swallowing nervously. Sure she was angry at them, but she didn't want anything bad to happen to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Her mother may have been high up in Children Services, but even she had a supervisor she had to ultimately report to. "It seems there may be...issues with your mother both taking care of their case and letting them live with you. Some...parties is calling it a conflict of interests." Sheila said, glad that the information was getting Fluttershy's mind of Sunrise for the time being while hating that now Fluttershy was going to have even more to worry about. "What parties?" Fluttershy asked. "I'm very sorry Posey, but either you hand the case off to another worker or you find those girls another place to stay." Director Hooves said, tapping his pen on the desk as he looked into his friend's eyes. He knew this wasn't going to be easy as the woman sat across from him at the desk. Turn Coat was friends with the teens' father and was pushing to get the case handed over to him. "And they will probably take them as soon as they get the case and split them up or...give them back." Posey said, thinking about that prick Turn Coat who should have never even been allowed to be a social worker. There had been allegations several times of him accepting bribes, but it could never be proved. "That's why I'm not forcing one or the other on you, but you must do one or the other. I can give you until Monday to make a decision on this." Director Hooves said, smiling to Posey. "That should give you plenty of time to find them another home or find someone you can trust to take over the case." "Thank you sir, I'll make some calls soon. I really need to go though...my daughter's friend in in the hospital." Posey sighed, annoyed that the meeting had taken as long as it had. She asked Sheila to take care of Fluttershy, but Posey planned on taking over if she made it out on time. It looked like she was going to have to head straight to the hospital though with how late it was getting. Stepping into Sunrise's room made Fluttershy freeze in shock, glad that it seemed to be a private room. as every surface was covered with get well cards, plushies, flowers and a lot of get well soon balloons floating above stuffed bears acting as anchors. Looking up she found her friends as well as Trixie, Bon Bon, Vinyl and Lyra arranging everything. At first the anger she had been feeling started to come back before thinking about something Sheila pointed out over lunch. "Even if this may be spurred by guilt, it can be the perfect stepping stone for making friends. Would you deny Sunrise the chance to make friends besides yourself?" Of course Fluttershy wanted to throw all of them out of the room, and was on the verge of doing so, but she realized something. She realized that not only was she feeling angry...but she was feeling jealous. Was she...being greedy with Sunrise? Was she doing this to protect Sunrise or keep the girl to herself? She really wanted to think it was for Sunrise, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was overreacting to this. Sunrise deserved to have all of these people here for her, didn't she? Plue...the room looked beautiful, if a little crowded. "Hi Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie said, her hair seeming to be completely flat. "Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash gasped out, looking up to meet Fluttershy's eyes. "I...I'm sorry for being...for overreacting and treating you all badly." Fluttershy sighed, still not sure if she could trust Sunrise's heart to these girls...but they were Fluttershy's friends. She needed to trust them, needed their support if she was going to make it through this. "Don't be sorry, we all know how hard this is on you." Rainbow Dash said hugging her. "Yes, while Trixie...doesn't really...swing that way, she does see the way you look at the courageous Sunrise." Trixie said, acting somewhat like her normal self though a little more reserved. "Trixie imagines it must be rough seeing the person who stole your heart in such condition. If Trixie can do anything to help...please don't hesitate to ask." "Thank you...Trixie." Fluttershy said, getting a soft smile from the magician. "You are most welcome...Trixie knows better than most how difficult this can be...and doesn't wish this fate on anybody." Trixie whispered, though Fluttershy heard it and was shocked by the statement. The look in the girl's eyes told just how much this really bothered the girl. "Sorry girls, but some of you are going to have to leave." A nurse said as she came into the room, followed closely by the three girls making up the Crusaders. "Awww, but we wanted to thank Sunrise for saving us." Applebloom pouted. "Sorry dear, but only three people should really be here at a time." The nurse explained, "I'll give you a few minutes to decide which of you are going to stay, but the rest of you will need to go." "Yes Ma'am." The small crowd said at once as the nurse left. Thankfully nobody argued, though everyone wanted to stay. In the end it was decided that Fluttershy, which was a given, would be staying along with her houseguests since they would be going home together...though if Fluttershy had her was she would be staying overnight. She actually wanted to stay by Sunrise's side until the girl woke up. "She'll be okay Sugarcube, that one is stronger than a lot of us." Applejack said as she followed the others out. Fluttershy took the chair by Sunrise's bed and took the hand that didn't have an IV hooked up to it. Sunrise and Scootaloo took chairs against the wall and moved them near Fluttershy and looked sadly at the girl in the bed. "I'm really sorry." Scootaloo sniffed, "This is my fault...I should be the one there instead of her." "No." Fluttershy sighed, turning to look at the younger girl who was shaking a little. "None of this is your fault, it's...this is Gilda's fault. I'm sorry for taking this out on you both." "But..."Scootaloo whimpered, only to have Fluttershy lean over and hug her. "No buts, Scootaloo." Fluttershy said, smiling softly as Rainbow Dash squeezed Fluttershy's shoulder. "I'm sorry I was such a jerk to her, Shy. I swear when she wakes up I am going to make it up to her." Rainbow Dash said, her voice cracking a little but serious. Fluttershy knew the girl was telling the truth and for the first time that day, all of the pent up anger finally flooded out of her as her friends surrounded her. "I want to make it up to her to. She...she saved my life and I'll never forget that." Scootaloo said softly. "Just...just don't break her heart and turn her away when she feels better." Fluttershy sighed, "When all of the emotions die down, just be there and be her friend." "I'll be her friend as long as she will have me." Scootaloo said, giving Fluttershy a watery smile.