//------------------------------// // Chapter 15 "Sunset" // Story: Equestria Guardians // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Chapter 15 “Sunset” Or… “Bands and Sisters” Following Discord’s defeat, every one of the girls got a good night’s sleep. Applejack was only too happy to get home and go right to bed. Morning found her still snuggled beneath her covers and patchwork quilt sleeping like a log. As she was sleeping however, the door opened. “Applejack! C’mon it’s time tah wake up!” Applebloom yelled, leaping onto her sister’s bed. “Oof… Bloom… Geoff, willya?” Applejack groaned, looking blearily at her sister. “Aww C’mon Aj! It’s time fer breakfast then school!” Applebloom cheered. Applebloom was a cute little fourteen-year-old, with bright orange eyes, and red hair. She beamed down at her older sister, sliding off, and trying to pull her out of the bed. “Since when have you been so excited to go?” Aj said, sitting up and yawning. “Cuz! Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Ah are gonna start somethin’ big!” Applebloom said, running into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Aj sighed. “Those three, hope it’s not like the last time they came up with an idea. Cheerilee still ain’t forgiven me for the matchmaker fiasco…” She said, shaking her head. “This is gonna be totally different though!” Applebloom said from the bathroom. “Ya remember all that weird stuff goin’ on at the park yesterday?” “Ain’t likely Ah’m gonna forget it anytime soon,” Applejack said, as she started to pull on her pants, and throw on a shirt. “Well, Private was investigatin’ all the weird stuff that was goin’ on lately,” Applebloom explained, coming out of the bathroom wearing her trademark green shirt and jeans. “But he stopped fer some reason…” “Maybe he found tha answers he was a lookin’ for… Or he found Twilight, which was enough of an answer fer him,” Applejack said chuckling, as she fixed her hair in its usual ponytail. “Anyhoo, are you tryin’ ta do investigatin’ stuff? That sure don’ sound safe ta me, sugarcube.” “Yer such a worrywort sometimes, Applejack.” Bloom said, rolling her eyes. “Ah’m yer sister, Ah’m supposed tah worry,” Aj said. “The helmet…” Bloom said, crossing her arms. “Oh, come on, ya can’t blame me fer that! Ya had just fallen off tha table, an’ spilt spaghetti all over!” Applejack retorted. “The Double Helmet…?” Bloom said, keeping her arms crossed. “Okay, yeah, Ah’ll admit Ah may have went a smidge too far that time,” Aj said looking embarrassed. “Yer mah only sister, though. Ah don’ want ya ta get seriously hurt, y’know?” “Ah know Ah know, but like Granny Smith said, ‘sooner or later ya gotta let the chickens out of the coop’.” Bloom said. “Ah’m just tryin tah help with the investigatin’ is all. We won’t do anythin’ too dangerous.” Aj smirked, and crossed her arms. “And yer sure it ain’t just so ya can impress Private?” Applebloom turned as red as her hair, “Fer the last time! Ah grew out of that crush!” She yelled. “Ya know, he mentioned ya, last time Ah talked to him,” Applejack said casually. “HE DID!?” Applebloom said, her eyes wide. She then blushed at Aj’s smirk. “Ah, Ah mean, of course he did.” “Grown out of it, huh?” Applejack said grinning. “C’mon, sugarcube, let’s go an’ get breakfast.” “Not mah fault hormones are ragin…” Applebloom grumbled as she followed her sister downstairs. __________________________________________________________ Rarity was another one that had gone to bed, early. She lay snuggled up in her four-poster, that fine morning, her eyes covered in a sleep mask and dreaming. “Mmm… Spikey-Wikey…” she murmured in her sleep, then giggled, seeming to curl a bit. “I love how much you’ve grown…” Rarity hugged her pillow, cuddling up to it with a contented sigh, making little murring sounds, and the occasional gasp. “Oh! Spikey! Not so hard, darling… Hm… So big and strong… Hmmm… Hm? Spikey-Wikey, do you smell smoke?” The smokey smell quickly brought Rarity out of her dream. She sat up in the bed, and true enough she could smell smoke here. Rarity tore off the sleep mask, and pelted downstairs, sure to find some manner of calamity had occurred. She ran down the stairs two at a time, and saw the smoke was coming from the kitchen. She ran in to find...her sister Sweetie Belle standing next to a smoking pot on the stove. Sweetie Belle was a cute little girl with two-toned purple and pink hair with bright green eyes and sweet demeanor. She was in her usual ensemble of pink and white striped shirt, yellow skirt, magenta belted overshirt, and pink and yellow boots. She groaned and stomped her foot upon seeing her sister. “Uggh! You ruined the surprise! I was going to make you breakfast in bed!” She said, frowning. “Sweetie Belle… Uhm… Darling, I appreciate it, but... How did you manage to burn… juice?” Rarity asked, looking in askance at the black sludge that occupied a juice glass on the table. “Talent!” Sweetie Belle said, smiling. “Mom and Dad allowed me to come here early so we could walk to school together. You weren’t waking up so I thought I should surprise you.” Her tone and demeanor was ever so sweet, it was only marred by the fact that her entire spread was burnt to a crisp including a rather soup-like substance that Sweetie would later claim was… toast. “... I have a wonderful idea, darling,” Rarity said with a warm smile. “I’ll go and get dressed, and we can stop by Sugarcube Corner and grab a muffin on the way to school. How does that sound?” “That sounds great!” Sweetie cheered and hugged her sister. “You’re the best Rarity!” “As are you, darling. Don’t let anybody else ever tell you otherwise. Even me. That’s just me being peeved doing the talking at the time,” Rarity said, then headed back upstairs. “Be back down in a tick.” “Okay Rarity! Maybe you can tell me what you and Spike were doing in your dream when you get back!” Sweetie said cheerfully. “Not until you’re much older, darling,” Rarity called as she went to her room. _____________________________________________________________ Rainbow smiled as she closed the apartment door, her guitar case slung over her back. “Just wait till I tell the gang about my brilliant idea! This band is going to be sooo awesome!” She said, and was about to walk down the hallway, when she saw one of her neighbor’s doors open. Out came a young girl with purple hair, wearing a black hoodie, pea green cargo shorts, and black boots with light blue trim. Her trademark scooter was folded up, under her arm, and her backpack was on her back. The girl sighed as she walked quietly down the hall. Rainbow sighed herself, walking up to match the girl’s pace. “Hey Scootaloo, how’s it going?” She asked, with concern. Scootaloo’s normal hero worship was overshadowed by what was going on. Scootaloo just looked down at her feet. “Hey Rainbow Dash, sorry, I just am not in a very happy mood right now.” “Your parents haven’t come home, have they?” Rainbow asked, getting in Scootaloo’s path to stop her. Scootaloo shook her head. “No, I was really hoping they’d come home for once. Especially with my birthday coming up…” She said sadly. “That’s rough, Squirt…” Rainbow said, putting a hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Hey, I got an idea, how about you and me get some sweet ice cream from Sugarcube?” “Rainbow you don’t-” Scootaloo tried to say. “Nuh uh,” Rainbow said with a kind smile, “I’m totally treating you and you wanna know why?” Scootaloo slowly smiled. “Cuz it doesn’t matter if we aren’t related, sisters stick together?” “Totally Squirt!” Rainbow said, happily ruffling Scootaloo’s hair. “Now come on! I’ll race ya downstairs!” “You’re on!” Scootaloo said, racing toward the stairs, quick-stepping down them in an attempt to beat her idol for once. “Don’t think a head start will help ya, Squirt!” Rainbow said running after, and recklessly leaping down one flight. The sisters laughed as they raced each other. __________________________________________________________ Later that day, Rainbow found herself in a very different position. Had gathered all five of her friends in the old music room. They all sat around, wondering exactly what Rainbow was going to say. Aj in particular dreading what sort of idea Rainbow came up with this time. “Ahem,” Rainbow said, standing in front of her friends. “As we all know, with the Fall Formal closed, and Sunset out of the picture, that puts us all on top of the food chain at this school.” “Like I care about being at the ‘top of the food chain’,” Twilight interrupted with a roll of her eyes. “That was just to dethrone a bully. Not to gain popularity.” “Twilight, just be cool for once.” Rainbow said, before continuing. “But we can’t just stop at getting Twilight a crown, we need something bigger, something to really help carve an identity for this school. Crystal Prep has their Shadowbolts. Calvaria High has their pretty students. We used to have Shimmer, but with her gone we need to push to make our mark on the School community.” “Ah already dun like where this is goin…” Aj whispered to Rarity. “Which is why, I spent the last few days coming up with the perfect way to help give our school that very identity it’s missing!” Rainbow said, and then smiled. “Something so simple, yet so brilliant I pinch myself for coming up with it. We need….a BAND!” A stunned silence fell over the group. You would normally be hearing crickets but even they were shocked by this. “Isn’t there a marching band, already?” Twilight asked. “Well, yeah but I’m talking a real rock band!” Rainbow said. “Ya know, guitar, singing, concerts, adoring fans?” “Ah’m out,” Applejack said hopping up. “Aww come on Aj! It’ll totally be awesome!” Rainbow implored. “It’ll totally be a way fer ya ta stroke yer own overlarge ego!” Applejack retorted. “Ah ain’t going to be a part of this here damn-fool notion o’ yours ta show up Raiden Bolt.” “It has nothing to do with that jerk!” Rainbow yelled. “I’m trying to help school spirit!” “Neighgypt…” Pinkie sang into Fluttershy’s ear. “But come on guys, between all six of us we have all the members we need.” Rainbow said. “I mean, I got lead guitar…” “Where ya can be out in front’ an’ showin’ off,” Applejack said with a roll of her eyes. “Ya wanna be lead singer, too, with us all in tha background, Ah reckon.” “Darling, as interesting as this sounds, I think Applejack is making the point for us… You’re making this band for you… Not to encourage school spirit, but to boost yourself,” Rarity observed. “But wait guys,” Pinkie said suddenly. “I think it’s a good idea.” “THANK you!” Rainbow said. “Oh no I totally believe you’re doing this to boost your ego, Dashie,” Pinkie said. “But, maybe there is something to this idea. I mean, what do we all do together aside from our ‘after school activities’?” “Your parties, hanging out at Sugarcube Corner, and the occasional sleepover-slash-game night,” Twilight answered. “Well yeah, but this could be an amazingly fun thing we all do together!” Pinkie said, “I mean, sure we’d have to keep Dashie in check, but us all playing together sounds like a lot of fun!” “Speaking of playing, you still play the drums?” Rainbow asked curiously. Pinkie smiled, pulled out a set of drumsticks from her hair and started hitting random objects to a rather catchy little tune. “Yupperooni!” “I’ve got to study her hair, one day,” Twilight observed casually. “I don’t play an instrument, though.” “Well, we could always have ya sing…” Pinkie said smiling. “I mean, ya got a good set of pipes and a nice high score on Karaoke Revolution.” Twilight blushed looking sheepishly at her knees. “W-well… I… Kind of…” she stuttered at receiving a compliment on her vocal abilities. “So ya got someone who can sing,” Aj said, shrugging. “Won’t do ya much good if ya don’t have songs.” “Um...actually…” Fluttershy said, reaching into her bag and pulling out a small notebook. “In my um...spare time I have been writing some music and lyrics…” “You have?” Twilight asked, curiously. “Uhm… Darling, dare I ask what you would write songs about? I mean if all we sing are songs about cute little animals, we’ll go over like a lead zeppelin,” Rarity said cautiously. “Well, actually...the songs I wrote are about...all of us…” She said, holding the notebook open for all of them to see. Pinkie looks over at the songs first. “Friendship Through the Ages, Life is a Runway, Shake your Tails?” “Yes..” Fluttershy said, shyly. “What? You have… Oh! Oh my… How did you capture my passion for…” Rarity gasped, reading the lyrics. Twilight read through the lyrics for Friendship Through The Ages. “These… these are amazing, Fluttershy.” “Um...thank you…” Fluttershy said, blushing. “So we now have songs,” Rainbow said. “Now Rarity, I’m thinking we can turn those piano skills of yours onto a keytar.” “I’ll give it a try, darling. If that doesn’t work, there’s always synthesizers,” Rarity observed. “That just leaves a Bass Player.” Rainbow said, smiling at Aj. Applejack sighed. “Fine. Ah’ll join in this here insanity. We’ll see how long this here band lasts.” “Awesome!” Rainbow cheered. “With everybody in, all this band needs now is a name. We are...THE SONIC RAINBOOMS!!” “The… Sonic Rainbooms?” Twilight asked. “Where’d you come up with that, darling?” Rarity asked. Rainbow shrugged, “Just came to me. Just thought of Sonic Boom and it evolved from there.” She explained. “Kinda like the orbital friendship cannon thingie we do with the Elements?” Pinkie asked. “Yeah like that.” Rainbow answered. “So it’s settled, the Sonic Rainbooms are born this day!” “Hey Fluttershy, I’ve been looking through the book and what’s this song?” Pinkie asked. “It says Big Mac’s bi-” “You don’t need to read that one!” Fluttershy said, closing the book quickly. ___________________________________________________________ That evening, Twilight and Private met in the park, once again bringing baskets to enjoy under the stars, while they stargazed. Soon the weather would be too cold to even try this, so they were enjoying this rather inexpensive date every opportunity they could. They sat together, on a blanket, eating the delicious treats their mothers had made for them, and discussed the events of the past few days. “I’m glad you guys got out okay. It was almost total pandemonium at the school.” Private explained. “Had to make sure that students got out okay. Really wish I could’ve helped you take down that Discord character.” “Kind of wish you had been there too… But it would have been heartbreaking if he had managed to twist you, too,” Twilight said earnestly. “I’m glad you were able to get everybody out, safely, though. Now I just hope we’ll survive Rainbow’s latest brilliant idea.” “The band? I think it’s a pretty cool idea. Granted you’ll probably need somebody to find gigs and stuff. But at the very least you won’t have to look far for a groupie.” Private said with a smile. “A groupie?” Twilight laughed. “You think so little of yourself?” “Well sure, you’re the rockstar after all. I’m just the dude that you keep off to the side so the fans can imagine you’re singing to them, when in reality you’re passionately in love with a ‘normal’ boy.” Private said jokingly. “Private, we haven’t even had our first practice,” Twilight chided with a laugh. “Though… What do you think about being our manager?” “I guess I can do that, but promise you won’t end up hogging all the paperwork okay?” He said teasingly. “Okay. I’ll just keep it organized for you,” Twilight said with a grin. He smiled and then suddenly laid a kiss on Twilight. He smiled at her blushing expression. “Amazing, I’m in love with a mage/rockstar/smart girl/prettiest girl in the world.” He said with a smile and a blush. “Must’ve been born with a 10 in Luck…” “Yeah, but what SPECIAL got shorted, I wonder? You seem to have a pretty good Intelligence score,” Twilight replied with a smile. “And your Perception is pretty good…” “Gosh I love how nerdy you are…” Private said, smiling shyly. “Why? Because you have a girlfriend who gets your references?” Twilight said smiling back at him, leaning closer. “Maybe…” He said, and was about to lean over for another kiss...when they both heard a loud, CRASH! They started then both looked over, and saw...Sunset… She stood there looking at them, looking very much worse for wear. Her hair looked like it hadn’t been washed, she had lost weight and not in a good way, and her clothes were filthy. “Sunset!” Twilight called, surprised at seeing her in such a state. “Where have you been, we’ve been worried…” Sunset stiffened, and took off to run deeper into the park. “Was that really her?” Private said, standing up alongside Twilight. “We haven’t seen her in weeks!” “The jacket’s the same and those boots, so I’d say yes,” Twilight said, as they gave chase to the retreating girl. “She looks like she’s been living on the street all this time…” They eventually caught up to Sunset after having run halfway across the park. They found the young girl sitting on a swing set in an old run down playground area. Sunset sat there, looking pitiful as ever, and looked up as she saw Private and Twilight coming into the playground. “Sunset?” Twilight asked, as they slowly walked over to her. “Oh my goodness… You look awful… Have you been sleeping in the park this whole time? Why didn’t you contact us? We’d helped.” Sunset got off the swing set looked at Twilight and tried to speak, “I...I…” She finally just collapsed against Twilight, looking utterly exhausted. Private looked her over. “She’s okay, but in rough shape…” He said with concern. “We’ll take her to my house,” Twilight said firmly. “There’s no way I’m taking her back to her shrew of a mother.” “Help me get her into my car, it’ll be faster,” Private said. “You two can sit in the back, she seems awfully clingy to you,” He said, pointing out how Sunset’s arms involuntarily hugged Twilight tightly like she was a rock in a rough stream. When Twilight tried to move, Sunset resisted. “No...nononono...I’m badish…” She mumbled incoherently. “What? No, you’re not bad. You were misguided and a little corrupted, but you’re not bad,” Twilight said soothingly. “Come on. We’ll get you somewhere safe and warm.” Twilight gently guided Sunset through the park and to Private’s car. Private helped the pair into the back seat, Sunset leaning against Twilight tiredly. Private quietly drove the pair all the way to Velvet’s place. The entire time, Sunset kept mumbling about forgiveness… ___________________________________________________________ Twilight Velvet was finishing up some vacuuming before she heard the doorbell ring. “Oh, that must be Twilight.” She said happily. “Back from her date with Private. I swear it was only yesterday when I was just showing her how to walk...how fast they gro-” She opens the front door, and finds a strange sight, her daughter and her boyfriend were helping support a young girl. “Twilight, what’s going on?” Velvet asked. “Who is this girl?” “This is Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight replied. “Remember me telling you about her?” Velvet slowly nodded as she went into action. “Bring her in then.” As they were about to, Sunset suddenly pulled back. “No...No..no…” She said quietly, trying to get out of Twilight and Private’s grip. “Young lady, you’re coming into this house, right this minute,” Velvet said sternly. Sunset seemed to...fearfully obey the order, as if expecting Velvet to slap her at any second, she quietly came in alongside Private and Twilight. It was at this point Velvet got a full view of Sunset’s condition. “Good heavens, what has this girl been through?” Velvet asked. “Take her to the guest room, please. Twilight, when Private’s out of the room, see about getting her shoes and jacket off, at least. She’ll just have eat, and take a bath when she’s more awake.” “Right, Mom. C’mon, Sunset, let’s get you settled. You’ll be safe and warm, and that mean old Glory won’t be able to get you…” Twilight said coaxingly as they moved to the guest room. They managed to get her inside the rather small guest room on the second floor of the house. Twilight and Private laid Sunset on the bed. Sunset naturally curled into herself, smiling and closing her eyes in content at the bed under her. “I’ll go see if I can help your mom downstairs.” Private said, stepping out of the room. “Sunset, I’m going to take off your boots, and jacket, okay?” Twilight said in a calm soothing voice as she pulled off those distinctive boots. “Then I’ll cover you with a blanket, and you’ll be all nice and warm.” Sunset just kept blissfully sleeping, almost as if she hadn’t had something this comfortable to sleep on in weeks. She quietly let Twilight pull off her jacket, and come over with a blanket to cover Sunset and keep her warm. Twilight covered the half-starved girl, giggling quietly at the blissful smile on her face, before heading back downstairs. “So that’s Glory Sunset’s daughter? Hmph… Goes to prove that book of hers IS a manual for child abuse, like I’ve always said,” Velvet said nodding. “Yeah, my own mom thought that book was garbage.” Private said, shaking his head. “So many kids that grew up in Manehatten suffered under that kind of sick philosophy because rich parents were too busy to be actual parents…” “Your mother has a good head on her shoulders then Private.” Velvet said with a kind smile, she then looked back as Twilight came over. “Is she all tucked in?” “Sure is. All snuggled up tight under a blanket,” Twilight replied. “Oh thank goodness,” Velvet said with a smile, she then looked to Private. “You should go home, Private, we’ll handle things from here.” “Sure Mrs. Sparkle,” Private said, before reaching into his coat pocket and handing Velvet a card. “This is the phone number for Sanda Bolt, a damn good lawyer. Something tells me Sunset is going to need one when Glory starts knocking.” “Thank you, Private. I’ll call him in the morning to see what we can start doing for Sunset,” Velvet said nodding. “In the meantime we’re going to make sure that girl gets the best TLC she’s ever gotten.” “Probably the only TLC she’s ever gotten, knowing that… woman,” Twilight said, shuddering at the memory of seeing Glory Sunset. “I’ll fix her some protien shake that your brother left here, to see if we can get a start on repairing the damage done. You, young lady, should get your bath. I think you said something about band practice, tomorrow?” “Oh! Right,” Twilight said, heading upstairs to the bathroom, there. A few minutes later, Velvet went up to the guest room to check on Sunset. “Sunset, sweetie? Are you awake?” she asked, kindly. “Uuuhh…?” Sunset said, groggily looking up at Velvet, her eyes not...all there. “Mom…?” “I’m Velvet, honey. Twilight’s Mom. I need you to sit up a bit, and drink some of this shake I made for you, sweetie.” Sunset complied weakly as Velvet came closer, Velvet gently brought the protein shake to Sunset’s mouth, allowing the young girl to drink from it. “There you go, honey, that should help you get some of your strength back,” Velvet said gently. “Now drink as much as you can, sweetie. Let me know when you’re done.” “Okay…” Sunset said quietly, trying to drink as much as she could. She stopped after a while, and Velvet didn’t push her to drink anymore. Something that caught Sunset off guard. “Mom…” She said weakly, “No yell…?” “Of course not. I don’t want you to end up throwing up, dear. Now let’s wipe your mouth, and lay you back down so you can rest,” Velvet said wiping any driblets of protien shake from Sunset’s chin. When it was done, Sunset’s head was gently laid back down on the pillow. “There we go. That should help you a lot, as you get your rest. You sleep well, sweetie.” Sunset curled up a little, before looking up weakly at Velvet. “Mom...kiss goodnight…?” She pleaded pitifully. “I know...you not give it to me but…” Velvet bent down, brushing aside Sunset’s bangs, and kissed her forehead. “That Glory Sunset… She very nearly ruined somebody who could be a wonderful young woman… Now. You sleep well, Sunset Shimmer. You will never have to worry about that horrible Glory Sunset again, if I have my say,” Velvet said sounding determined. Velvet got up, and gently closed the door behind her as she left Sunset’s room. She was stopped from going back to the living room to finish vacuuming...by Twilight hugging her. “Twilight?” Velvet said. “What’s all this about sweetie?” “Just, the more I hear about Glory and she treated Sunset…” Twilight looked up and smiled at her mother. “Makes me just want to appreciate the mom I was lucky to have.” Velvet just smiled, and mother and daughter hugged as Sunset drifted off to sleep. __________________________________________________________ The next morning Sunset slowly awoke. Today, though, seemed very different. She wasn’t cold, she wasn’t quite as hungry as she had been… And she appeared to be laying in a bed. This caused her to sit up quickly, looking frantically around the strange room. Where was she? “Where am I?” She said to herself. “Last thing I remember… was Twilight?” Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Hey, Sunset?” came Twilight’s voice. “Are you awake?” “Twilight…?” Sunset said, sitting up on the bed. “What’s going on…?” Twilight opened the door, peeking in, wearing a pair of cream colored pajamas with little pink hearts on them. “Uh… hi… Are you feeling any better?” “How did I get here is the bigger question on my mind,” Sunset retorted. “Private and I brought you here. We weren’t about to just leave you to starve alone in the park,” Twilight explained. “Fine...thanks..” Sunset said, getting out of the bed. “I’d, better get out of here before your parents find out…” “Uh… My parents already know, Sunset,” Twilight said with a chuckle. Sunset sighed, “Great...I expect they want you to kick me back out. Don’t worry I’ll try not to make a scen-” She’s cut off when Velvet steps into the room. “Why, pray tell, would we kick you out, when we just took you in, sweetie?” Velvet asked. “I... Yyou took me in…?” Sunset said, shocked. “But I’m, a vagrant off the streets! Not to mention all the stuff I did at Canterlot High!” “You ran away because of Glory Sunset,” Velvet said. “As for all the stuff you did at school… Honey, I can tell you stories about the trouble that my three have caused that would make you shocked. It may surprise you that my Twili isn’t the little saint she can seem to be.” “But I can’t sta-” She’s cut off when Velvet came by and took her hand. Sunset was taken outside towards one of the bathrooms. “Young lady, I am not going to throw you out on the street,” Velvet said sternly. “You are half-starved, and filthy, and now you are going to take a bath, and Twilight will bring you some clean clothes.” “I can’t, really” Sunset said, “If mom found out you helped me at all she’d...” “We’re going to see about that, too, dear,” Velvet said. “I have the name of a good lawyer, and what that woman did to you is nothing more than psychological, and possibly physical abuse. You ran away to avoid going home, after all. We have a plan, we have friends, and we’re not giving up on you. Now are you going to get your bath, or am I going to have to stay and make sure you wash behind your ears?” Sunset looked down, shaking her head. “Just...don’t be in there when I take off my clothes…” “Bruises?” Velvet asked. Sunset just kept her head down, too ashamed to answer. “I’ll just...use the bath now,” She said, quietly stepping into the bathroom and closing the door behind her. “Twilight will bring you some clothes in a bit. When you’re done, come on down to breakfast,” Velvet said warmly. Sunset leaned against the door as she heard Velvet leave. “And no windows to run out of… thought of everything…” Sunset said to herself as she got the bath started. She then stared at herself in the mirror..and slid off the blouse she was wearing, seeing the bruising running along her chest, shoulders and her back…”Seventeen years of living with you Mom...and this is all I have to show for it…” _______________________________________________________ A short while later, Sunset came out of the bathroom with a fresh set of clothes provided by Twilight. Downstairs, she could hear Twilight… singing. Nothin' stays the same for long But when it changes, doesn't mean it's gone Time will always get away As it leaves behind another day Sunset tilted her head, “No way…” She said, walking down the stairs towards the kitchen where the singing was coming from. "Things may come and things may go Some go fast and some go slow Few things last, that's all I know But friendship carries on through the ages," Twilight sang as she danced around the kitchen, helping her parents fix breakfast. Spike just stood by, waiting for his plate. He gave Sunset a small half-wave as she came in. Sunset smirked and let out a small laugh at the sight of Twilight’s dancing. What a dork, She thought to herself. “Heyya, Kiddo!” Nightlight said smiling at her. “Come on in!” Sunset gulped, “Oh um...sure…” She said, nervously stepping into the kitchen. “You’re just in time for the latest insanity,” Twilight said handing Sunset a plate with some eggs, hashbrowns, and bacon on it. “Rainbow Dash has convinced us all to form a band.” “Oh...I uh…” She said, looking down at the food given to her. She was drooling simply by the smell of it, before digging into the food like...well she hadn’t eaten in days. “Hey, hey, go sit down before you flood the kitchen,” Nightlight said jokingly. “And don’t eat quite so fast, if you want to keep it down, honey,” Velvet said with a kind smile. Sunset stiffened, and sat down in a chair, wiping her face with practiced quickness. “I’m so sorry I, the last thing I ate was an old candybar three days ago…” She said, looking a touch embarrassed at her behavior. “We understand, dear,” Velvet said kindly. “Still, we want you to keep the food down, not throw it all back up. It won’t do you any good spewed all over the table, your clothes and the floor.” “The proper way to recover from starvation conditions is to take small bites, chewing slowly, then take a sip of fluid in between them. This way you will keep your food in your stomach. Your stomach has to get used to actually having food in it, again, after having none for such a prolonged period of time,” Twilight said going into lecture mode. “I’ll try to remember that, but uh… your mom’s cooking is making it hard not to wolf down…” Sunset said. “I’ll say!” Spike added, dropping a slice of bacon into his mouth. “I’ll take that as a complement, sweetie,” Velvet said bringing her own plate to the table. Nightlight soon followed. “You all have done, so much for me.” Sunset said, looking down at her food for a bit. “I suppose, once I’m done eating and I can give my clothes a good wash, I’ll get out of your hair…” “What did I say about just taking you in?” Velvet asked Sunset giving her the Mom look. Everybody knows that look. It’s the look that can induce a guilt trip even if you’ve done nothing wrong. “I know you’re not going to just let me walk out,” Sunset said, and then implored Velvet. “But I can’t just do nothing. You’ve all been so kind when I don’t deserve it. There has to be something I can do to pay you all back…” “You can help with the chores, around the house, if you feel like you simply must repay us. I’m sure Spike and Twilight will love the help, and you will be feeling useful. Just forget about going back out on the streets, though,” Velvet said nodding. “You’re staying with us for the time being.” After a hearty breakfast, Sunset took to chore work like a duck to water. She vacuumed, dusted, cleaned and really just did whatever she could to try and repay the kindness this family had shown her. She was dusting part of the living room when Twilight came by, wearing a backpack. “Heading off to band practice now,” Twilight explained. “Wanna come with?” Sunset hesitated, then shook her head. “I... don’t think that’s a good idea, not everybody will be happy to see me back at CHS. Besides, your mom invited me to go shopping…” She sighed, “She’s...nothing like my mom…” “Uh… pardon my saying so, but… your mom is an abusive bitch,” Twilight said frankly. “She isn’t caring, she isn’t loving, and she isn’t motherly.” “To think, when I was little I used to think the world of her,” Sunset said, looking out a window thoughtfully. “She was this brilliant, beautiful successful woman, she always told me I could become better than anyone else… now that I have a little perspective, I realized that, in all of her time making me better than everyone else… she stopped being a mom…” Twilight nodded. “She did. No wonder Mom hates Glory’s book with a fiery passion,” Twilight said with a nod. “She said it’s nothing more than a how-to manual for child abuse. And you’re the proof.” “And I was just as much a fool for not leaving sooner…” Sunset said, more to herself than anyone else. “You were also a fool for not contacting your friends. You do have those, remember? Friends help each other, and stand by each other. Professor Celestia knows about Glory, too. I’m sure she’d be happy to help keep you out of Glory’s clutches,” Twilight said with conviction. “You should get going to band practice...you don’t want to be late…” Sunset said quietly. “Okay… I’ll let everybody know you’re all right when I get there,” Twilight said opening the door. “If I come back singing about fashion, you’ll know that Rainbow actually let Rarity sing for once.” “Right,” Sunset said, chuckling before turning back to Twilight. “Oh and Twilight? Thanks...I probably would’ve starved to death without you…” “That’s what friends are for, Sunset,” Twilight said with a warm smile. “Just don’t forget that, again, okay?” With that, Twilight went out the door to head to her first Rainbooms practice. “I don’t think I will…” Sunset said, going back to dusting. _________________________________________________________ Sunset later found herself riding in the car with Velvet. Sunset was looking out the window at Canter City, before she finally spoke up. “You really don’t have to do this, Mrs. Sparkle. I could’ve left and handled myself…” “Where would you go, Sunset?” Velvet asked. Sunset sighed and admitted, “I dunno really. I was thinking maybe of getting a job somewhere. Anything to keep me away from home…” “You would still need to go to school, hon. Also, I’m more than willing to help keep you out of that witch’s clutches. She is no mother, I can tell you that much,” Velvet said with a firm nod. Sunset, smiles a little. “You’re definitely Twilight’s mom…” “Of course I am. I even have the video to prove it,” Velvet said with a chuckle. “I mean she also showed me compassion… when I didn’t feel like I deserved it at all,” Sunset said, thinking back to the Fall Formal. “That’s my girl,” Velvet said with a warm smile, as they pulled into the mall’s parking lot. ____________________________________________________ “So some extra toiletries, some pajamas for you, extra sheets, and assorted other sundries. I think it was a day well-spent,” Velvet said nodding with satisfaction. “What do you think, dear?” “I think you are being way too kind but we already know your opinion on that,” Sunset said with a smile, holding some bags. “Though, that blue dress you got me was really cute…” “Well I figure it’s a good way to separate your past from your future,” Velvet said with a smile. “Now, I still have to pick up a few small things at the next store…” “I’ll go and catch up, I spotted a vending machine a while back and I am craving some delicious chocolate bars.” Sunset said, smiling. “Don’t take too long.” Velvet said, heading into one of the stores. Sunset smiled, happy as can be. She then went up to the vending machine, and was about to put the money Velvet gave her...when a hand grabbed her shoulder hard. Sunset was spun around...and came face to face with her mother… “Where have you BEEN, you little bitch?!” Glory growled glaring at her, angrily. “Do you know what your little stunt has DONE to me?!” “Mom...I’m sorry…” Sunset said, dropping her bags in total fear. “I...wanted to call you but, I um...needed some time to myself..” “THANKS to you, the school board hates me! That smug principal is more firmly implanted at that school than ever! My REPUTATION is in TATTERS, because you wanted to avoid your punishment for being a disgrace!” Glory yelled. “Glory Sunset, you are going to leave her alone, right now!” “Well if it isn’t the bookish little slut? How’s that worthless little scribbler you married?” Glory growled, glaring at Velvet. “On the bestseller list. With each and every one of his books. Unlike a certain someone who rested on the laurels of her child abuse manual,” Velvet retorted. “CHILD ABUSE?! My book helps parents push their kids to perfection! To be the best! To be tough, hard, and take everything they want from those who deserve to have it taken away from them because of their weakness!” Glory shouted. “And yet you show your daughter not one iota of love, not one ounce of caring, and not even a pinch of compassion. In fact, you made your daughter SO afraid of you, and your sorry excuse for child-rearing that she’d rather starve to death in the STREET than go home to you!” Velvet said getting right in Glory’s face. “When she decided to stand up for herself, take responsibility for her actions, and NOT be your perfect little legacy, you act like an infantile brat, and take it out on her! You may be surprised, Glory Sunset, that the girl you have so nearly ruined does NOT want to be a monster, like YOU!” “You… You…” Glory sputtered. “Your so-called perfecting techniques are nothing more than physical and mental abuse, and Sunset, here, is living proof. I fully intend to let the world know what you really are, Glory Sunset, and do everything in my power to make sure you never hurt this girl again! Do you hear me?!” Velvet yelled. Glory growled, “I’ll see you in court then...I WILL have my daughter back where she belongs! There’s no way Sunset would ever…” Sunset suddenly pulled out her cell phone, and dialed a number. “What are you doing?” Glory said as the phone rang. Sunset held it to her ear, glaring at Glory. “Yes? Mr. Sanda Bolt? This is Sunset Shimmer. I’m sure Velvet talked to you about my situation.” “You wouldn’t…” Glory said, her eyes wide with shock. “I would like to testify,” Sunset said, her eyes full of bravery. “Yes, testify against Glory Sunset, and you can inform Captain Shining Armor he can arrest her on charges of child abuse. My BACK can be used as proof.” She hung up, and glared at Glory. “I don’t ever want to see you again...at least not anywhere that doesn’t have bars between us.” “Think you can find a lawyer to stand up to Sanda Bolt, Glory?” Velvet asked, crossing her arms. “Somehow, I don’t think you will.” “You’ll pay for this! The lot of you!” Glory yelled, stomping off. Sunset let out a breath once Glory was gone. Velvet came up to Sunset hugging her. “That was very brave of you, sweetie.” “You kidding me?” Sunset said, hugging Velvet. “I was completely terrified...but I wasn’t going to let Glory get away if there was anything I could do to stop her.” Velvet smiled, looking down at Sunset. “That’s a little thing we call Courage, young lady. You didn’t give in to your fear, but used it to stand up to a woman who you feared greatly. That’s brave, my dear. Now what say we go to that cheesecake place in the mall to celebrate? We’ll save the chocolate bars for after dinner.” “Can it wait just a bit...there’s another appointment I have to set up…” She said, dialing on the phone again. “Take your time dear.” Velvet said, giving Sunset space as she dialed the one number she did not expect to dial again. She held the phone to her ear…”Principal Celestia… it’s me, Sunset… can we talk?” ______________________________________________________________ Celestia stood erect as Sunset quietly came into her office. Celestia looked out the window, quietly thinking a million different things to say to her student. She settled on: “So, Twilight did find you after all.” “I... realize I have no business being here.” Sunset said, quietly. “I just... wanted you to hear what I had to say.” “I’m listening,” Celestia said, not turning around. Sunset sighed, “I... I was a terrible student I realized. I disrespected you, took power that wasn’t mine, and ignored your warnings at every turn. It cost me everything, my reputation, my belief in my mother...Salamander.” “There was no way to save him, you knew that.” Celestia said firmly. “I know. I had to put him down,” Sunset said sadly. “I came by because... you have such great magical power. I... offer myself to your judgement. If you deem it fitting, you can take away my guardian powers. I don’t deserve to count myself among Guardians like Twilight and the others…” Celestia was quiet for a while, before she turned around. “Do you think I am above making mistakes?” She asked. “Do you think Twilight is above making them?” “What?” Sunset said, shocked that this was what she was being asked. “Just a few days ago, because of my mistake I put the lives of my beloved student and her friends in danger. I lashed out in anger at the wrong moment. Twilight went on... to almost give into despair when all hope seemed lost.” Sunset blinked, “Twilight...and you…?” “We all make mistakes Sunset, and yes punishment may seem like the most natural of choices when we do make mistakes,” Celestia said, “but it is nothing but a knee jerk reaction. Because of redemption, my sister walks in this school not as a hateful villain but as a new and better person. I know in my heart of hearts, you can grow and change too.” “What are you saying?” Sunset asked, her eyes wide and filled with tears. Celestia… smiled. “I’m saying you aren’t getting out of being a guardian that easily.” “I don’t know what to say,” Sunset said, shaking her head. “It’s beyond anything I-” Celestia walked up, and pulled her into a gentle hug. “I’m simply glad my student, both of my students are safe and sound..” Sunset hugged Celestia in turn, crying on her mentor’s shoulder with so many happy tears. __________________________________________________________ “So next week I’ll be back at CHS.” Sunset said as she sat on the guest room bed, Twilight sitting behind her, brushing Sunset’s hair. “Are you looking forward to it? I’m sure it’ll be somewhat scary at first, but you won’t be facing it alone,” Twilight said. “Your hair is just so wavy…” “Sorry, it’s just always been like that,” Sunset said, chuckling. “But yeah, I can imagine a lot of the students will have words for me. But, at least I know I...have a home to go back to that won’t involve yelling and… bruises…” As she says that, Twilight spots one of the bruises on Sunset’s shoulder… Twilight hissed in sympathetic pain. “Yeah. You’ll be here with my family… I swear Mom would adopt you if she could.” “She would…” Sunset said with a small laugh. “In truth I always wanted a little sister…” “Hey, I’m the same age as you,” Twilight said teasingly. “As the one with more life experience, guardian experience and so on, I think I qualify as older,” Sunset teased back. “I’m the one with more experience with teamwork, and the magic of friendship… Geeze that still sounds goofy to say out loud…” Twilight uttered, with a giggle. “But it’s not as lame a power as one would think…” “It just comes off as adorkable, like when you try to get all bashful with Private.” Sunset said, laughing. “Oh geeze… Sunset! You’re so going to tease me about him, aren’t you?” Twilight said blushing. “Oh Private,” Sunset said, imitating lovestruck Twilight. “We shouldn’t do it, it’s forbidden but it’s sooo enticing! Let’s do it in the library..where none can hear me scream your name…” She grinned at Twilight’s red expression. “SUNSET!” Twilight yelped, blushing furiously. “We’re not DOING that! Not yet. Geeze, do you have to be so…” She threw a pillow at Sunset in frustration. Sunset laughed and countered with a pillow of her own. The newfound sisters laughed at one another...for the first time in Sunset’s life, she felt true and total happiness…