Friday. The last day of the school week. As Sunset began to wake up, her mind raced, realizing that the first school week was about done. 'Wow...' she thought, 'A lot of stuff has happened...Gilda, Fluttershy, the book, Twilight, Celestia...ugh...this is making my head hurt.'
A loud yawn traveled through Sunset's lungs and all the way to her mouth. It wasn't long till Sunset ascended from her bed, her hair in a complete mess. She walked over to the magic book once more and opened it. Seeing the pages, she could only think one thing, 'Yep. That really happened. Again. There's some version of Twilight over here...and I'm actually believing that. I wonder if there's another me in this world...yeah, I'm not gonna investigate that. All I want is for this blasted week to be over...'
The following hours were nothing spectacular or noteworthy for Sunset. It was like yesterday, just a blur. Sunset sat in class after class, letting out sigh after sigh as she watched a boring lecture over mathematics. 'It's funny...if I'm from another world, why do I understand all this stuff?' she thought as she looked at her bag, the book sitting snugly inside. Her hand went inside the bag and lifted the magic item onto her desk. She glanced at the written pages, 'Hmm...I'm a student of the princess, so I'm probably well studied...maybe that's why these classes are so boring. Then again, history is always interesting here...I'm guessing pony history is a bit different.'
The bell rang and Sunset put the book up. She rubbed her eyes as she entered the cafeteria. 'Another lunch...make sure I don't get a pear.' Sunset quickly got a small sandwich and a salad. After removing the ham from the sandwich, she found herself at the same table again. There, she saw Fluttershy and Rarity. “Hey girls.”
“Hello Sunset.” Fluttershy said with a kind smile.
“Hello darling.” Rarity said as took a sip of her drink. “How are you today?”
“I uh...I don't know.” Sunset said as her tray sat down on the cafeteria table. She began to twiddle with her salad. “I don't how I am today girls...”
“Is something the matter darling?” Rarity's eyes shifted back and forth, looking for someone. Her head leaned in and whispered. “Is it about your memories?”
“No...” Sunset shook her head. “Well...maybe. I'm still not sure.”
“So what's the matter darling?”
“You don't have to tell us if you don't want to Sunset.” muttered Fluttershy. “But...we do want to help you...”
“I know, sorry.” A big helping of salad entered Sunset’s mouth. As the food began to get munched, Sunset's eyes wandered back to Fluttershy. A single drop of sweat went down Sunset's forehead as she saw Fluttershy stare intensely at her. A quick gulp followed. “Uh...is something wrong Fluttershy?”
“We just want to help Sunset. It's okay.”
“I know Fluttershy, its just...I don't know what to do. All I know is that I don't know who I am. That, and I'm kinda bored with school already.”
“Already bored? Haven't you only been here for a week darling?”
“Yeah. Even though I don't know who I am, I seem to be able to remember every educational thing ever.”
“So...the classes bore you?”
“Yeah. Except for history. And maybe Computer Science...” Sunset said as she took a sip of milk. “Otherwise, everything is really easy for me. Maybe I was some kind of genius before I lost my memory...”
“That's amazing darling!” Rarity said with a shine.
“It is?”
“Yes. There's nothing wrong with being smart darling!”
“Uh...okay.”
Fluttershy quickly picked up something from Sunset's confused expression. “It's not just the boredom is it Sunset?”
“Well...maybe.”
Fluttershy's expression brightened as she said, “Maybe you just need something to do to take your mind off things Sunset!”
“Something to do? Like what?”
Stars appeared in Fluttershy's eyes as she continued. “Maybe you come help me at the animal shelter!”
“Animal shelter?”
“Yes! I volunteer there all the time!” Fluttershy said as she leaned closer and closer to Sunset, her eyes still shining.
“Um...” Sunset tried to think, 'Take care of animals? Well...um...guess I have nothing to lose. She did say it could help me stop thinking about all of this recent crazy stuff...' Sunset scratched the back of her head and said, “Sure Fluttershy...I'll volunteer. I just need to...”
“Need to what?”
“She needs to tell Principal Celestia right?” Rarity remarked as she finished her salad. Fluttershy gave a confused look. “Principal Celestia?”
“Yeah...I'm currently staying with her.” Sunset said with a slightly guilty face. “Sorry I didn't mention that...”
“Oh wow...” Fluttershy's expression changed to surprise as she responded. “You live with Principal Celestia?”
“Yeah. After I lost my memories...she offered to help me. I'd be really lost without her.”
“Wow...well, if that's the case, Celestia will probably allow you to come with me.”
“She will?”
“Yeah.” Fluttershy nodded. “She's been to the shelter a few times. She's helped out once or twice...but she never adopted any animals though...”
“She probably wouldn't have the time to care of it.” Sunset said as she finished her milk. “She's always busy...”
“Oh.” Fluttershy gave another smile. “Well, just ask her later. Is that okay Sunset?”
“Yeah...maybe I just need something to take my mind off things...”
Sunset would later find out that what Fluttershy said was completely true. Celestia gave the biggest grin as she told Sunset to join Fluttershy to the animal shelter. Before she knew it, a dumbfounded Sunset found herself at the local animal shelter. Sunset walked inside as she started to scan the place over. The main waiting room was a very basic plain room, just chairs and a sign in desk. Fluttershy nudged Sunset and said, “Let's go see the manager first.”
“The manager?” Sunset realized she had never asked Fluttershy who actually ran the animal shelter.
“Oh yes, don't worry about it. She's very nice.”
“Um...okay.” Sunset followed Fluttershy to a small office where a woman with long red and orange hair was sitting with a casual smile on her face. Fluttershy clapped her hands together as she said, “Hello Miss Tree Hugger! I'm here to volunteer! And I brought a friend!”
“Oh? That's totally awesome Fluttershy! Is this the Sunset Shimmer you were talking about the other day?”
“Yes. And that was yesterday.” Fluttershy said as she pointed to Sunset.
“Right. Totally...” Tree Hugger said as she slowly got up from the chair, looking like she's staring off into space. 'She's the manager?' thought Sunset as she watched the woman shuffle around the desk. 'She seems...off.'
Tree Hugger walked up to Sunset and lowered her head, looking deep into Sunset's eyes. Sunset watched her as Tree Hugger's eyes narrowed, showing a serious look. Then, as if something snapped it's fingers, the expression changed to a smile. “Radical. Nice to meet ya Sunset Shimmer. I'm Tree Hugger.”
“Uh...nice to meet you too...” Sunset said with a cringe. 'That's a little awkward...'
Sunset found herself dragged into another room. There, Fluttershy had Sunset change into some work clothes and the duo went into the back. The back room was not what Sunset was expecting. It was tons of cages and all sort of bags filled with animal food. “Wow...”
“I know!” Fluttershy said with a shining smile. “Aren't they all cute?!”
“Uh...yeah. That's a whole bunch of animals.” Sunset said in a dumbfounded tone. She scratched the back of her head as she asked, “So...what should I do?”
“Oh! Um...” Fluttershy stuttered for a bit. “Well, why don't we let all these little ones out first? We'll let them out in the backyard and let them have some fun! A lot of these little guys need some exercise!”
“Okay.” Sunset said as she began to open the cages with Fluttershy. The animals flew out in a flurry, causing Sunset to stumble for a bit. Thankfully she didn't fall over. After a small pat on the back from Fluttershy, the duo began to help the animals. Sunset found herself cleaning their cages, feeding them food and just helping them get exercise. Before she knew it, a few hours had already passed. Tree Hugger had them put all the critters up and the two were finally done. Sunset sat in the lobby, blowing out a huge moan of exhaustion. “Ugh...how do you do it Fluttershy?”
“Do what?” Fluttershy said with a tired sigh.
“This!” Sunset said as she tried to wave her arms. “This whole animal care thing!”
“I don't know...I just love being with them...”
“Love being with them huh?” Sunset mumbled as she thought, 'Doing something you love...I wonder if I can find that...' Sunset began to sink into her chair with a loud moan. Fluttershy let out a little giggle before she began to moan as well. The two began to laugh as they heard each others tired groans. Tree Hugger came out and gave them both bottles of water. As the three sat there, Sunset found herself completely calm. It was like the world around her had slowed down. The three spent some more time together, exchanging laughs and smiles.
“And then the snake was like totally all over Fluttershy...” Tree Hugger said as she nudged Fluttershy. “And Rainbow Dash was like, in total panic mode. You should have like seen her.”
“Really? You handled a ten foot long snake?” Sunset saw in a bewildered tone.
“Oh yes.” Fluttershy said with a blush. “He was a real sweetheart.”
“Wow...” Sunset said as her eyes grew more and more. 'Fluttershy is something else...then again, I've seen that stare of hers so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised...'
Tree Hugger looked at the wall clock and said, “Um...not that I'm totally enjoying our time here, don't you two like totally need to get going?”
“Yeah, my ride still hasn't shown up.” Sunset said with a small frown. “Guess she's late...”
Fluttershy turned to Sunset and asked, “Well, why don't we get something to eat then? Sugarcube Corner isn't far from here...”
“Sugarcube Corner? Isn't that the restaurant you and the others go to a lot?” asked Sunset, remembering them talking about it.
“Yeah.” Fluttershy nodded. “Pinkie works with the owners a lot. They're really nice folks.”
“Ah...okay. I could go for a snack.” Sunset turned to Tree Hugger. “Could you tell Miss Celestia where I am if she gets here before we get back?”
“Totally.”
“Um...okay.” Sunset said as she proceeded outside. 'Was that a yes?'
The duo began to walk down the street, seeing the coming shade of the night. “It's getting late...”
“Yeah.” whimpered Fluttershy. “Maybe this was a bad idea...”
Sunset put her arm around Fluttershy and flashed a grin, “Don't worry Fluttershy. We're just going down a few blocks.”
“Okay.” Fluttershy said with an equal grin. The two continued down the street until someone walked out of nearby alleyway. It only took a few seconds for the two to recognize the figure before them.
“Well well well...would you look at this...” the person said with a huge malicious grin. “So...how are you two?”
“Gilda...” Sunset said with a small tone of dread. Her mouth began to go dry as her body started to tremble. Sunset's mind began to race as she thought back to their last encounter, Gilda bumping into her as they left detention.
I'll get you later...
'Yeah...she said that...' Sunset thought as her legs shook. She glanced at Fluttershy who was shaking three times as hard. Sunset quickly turned around only to see an even worse face behind her. 'Oh no...this isn't good...'
“Hey Sunset.” said Lightning Dust with a devilish smile. “And hello Fluttershy. So nice to see you again...and once again, no Rainbow Dash.” Lightning Dust started cracking her knuckles as the two began to slowly approach Sunset and Fluttershy. “And we're not at Canterlot High...how nice.”
Gilda cracked her knuckles as well. “Yep. No rules here.” Gilda cricked her neck and clinched her fists. “It's payback time Sunset!”