The dull grey clouds. The pouring rain. The clap of thunder. A grumpy teenager.
It was definitely Monday morning.
Forte grumbled to himself as he made his way to the kitchen for breakfast. He wouldn't have been so grumpy but a certain team he supports had a shocking 3-1 defeat at the hands of Terraville AFC at the football yesterday.
His mother noted the pouty face of her son and giggled to herself, "I made you some pancakes deary, would you like syrup with them?"
Forte, sat with elbows on the table resting his head on his hand, made a noise that his mother assumed was a yes. Fioritura walked over and placed his breakfast in front of him causing his stomach to grumble at the sweet smell and sight of it.
"Enjoy sweetie."
"Thanks mum.," he replied happily picking up a knife and fork.
"What will you be doing at school today?" She said as she came over to the table and sat down.
"ICT, Physics, History, Art and Food Tech. In that order. Rainbow also invited me to watch them in band practice during lunch."
"That's excellent, maybe she'll let you join."
"It's a little early for that, but you never know. Where's dad?"
"He had to head off early. He was needed at the construction site."
"Nothing serious is it?"
"I don't think so, he didn't rush off and he didn't seem worried."
Forte grinned, "I still can't believe dad is overseeing the construction of the new Wonderbolt stadium. Do you think he'll let me take a look around while it's been built?"
"You'd have to ask him. Try not to be disappointed if you can't though. He has strict health and safety laws he must abide by."
Forte was too busy stuffing his face to verbally answer so a simple nod of the head was enough to acknowledge his mother. After a few moments, the door bell sounded. Forte and Fioritura looked at each other confusingly, unsure as to who would be calling at this time. They weren't expecting any visitors.
"I'll get it," Forte said standing up.
Forte walked bristly to the front door, not wanting to keep whoever was there waiting too long in the pouring rain. He opened the door and his gloomy mood evaporated in an instant.
"Sunset!"
Sunset stood alone on the doorstep. She was wearing a bright red form-fitting PVC raincoat with yellow highlights, popper buttons and tie-belt. The coat went down to her mid-thighs and the colour scheme perfectly matched her hair. Her smile shined through the doom and gloom of the dull, grey weather and was as bright as her coat.
"Hi Forte, how are you?"
Forte's mouth momentarily resembled that of a cod fish. Sunset's attire definitely attracted attention.
"The weather's crap but apart from that I'm OK. Come in if you want. It's warmer in here," Forte said as he stood aside and allowed Sunset to enter, "Nice coat by the way."
"Thanks," Sunset replied as she lowered her hood, "Rarity made it. She made one for each of the girls and one for you."
"She made one for me?" he asked as he closed the door.
"Yes, I brought it with me. She gave it to me last night to give to you. The girls got theirs last night as well."
Sunset handed over a bag to Forte. He opened the bag to find another coat similar to Sunsets but without a tie belt.. It was electric blue in colour with darker blue highlights, mimicking his hair.
"What do you think?" asked Sunset.
"I like it," he replied holding it out in front of him.
"Forte are you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Forte turned around to see his mother approaching.
"Errrr yyyyeah, sorry. Mum this is Sunset. Sunset this is my mother."
Fioritura held out her hand which Sunset shook, "Pleasure to meet you Sunset."
"Pleased to meet you Mrs Heldentenor."
"Please call me Fioritura. Do you want to join us for breakfast? I can cook up some more pancakes if you like?"
A small smile appeared on Sunset's face. The chance to have pancakes was too good to pass up.
"Could I have syrup with them please?" she asked rubbing the back of her neck.
"Sure you can. Forte likes them with syrup as well," she replied before noticing his new coat, "I like your new coat."
"Rarity made it for me."
"Well it looks good. Suits you, as does yours Sunset."
"I know. Rarity did a great job. She made them just before the weekend, good timing as well given the weather today."
"Speaking of the weather, I can give you both a lift to school if you like?"
"That'd be great thanks," replied Sunset, smiling brightly.
"You're welcome dear. Now just hang your coat up and come and join us in the kitchen."
Sunset hung her coat up, Forte's also, and followed them into the kitchen. Sunset sat down with Forte at the table while Fioritura went to make some more pancakes. Forte quickly finished off the rest of the pancakes he still had, prompting a giggle from Sunset.
"Are you enjoying those?"
"You could say that," he replied stuffing the last of the pancakes into his squeal hole.
"Are you a local yourself Sunset?" Fioritura asked.
"Errrr not exactly. I moved here a while ago."
"Where are you from originally?" asked Forte.
Silence. Sunset couldn't tell them just yet, they'd think she's crazy.
"It's complicated. Let's just say I’m from out of town."
The cryptic response created more questions than answers but now wasn't the time to probe further. Sunset was a guest and it would be rude to interrogate her when it's clear it's a sensitive issue.
THIRTY MINUTES LATER
CANTERLOT HIGH SCHOOL CAR PARK
"Thanks for the ride mum."
"You're welcome sweetie."
"Thanks for the ride Fioritura."
"You're welcome dear. I'll see you tonight Forte, bye now. Bye Sunset."
"Bye mum/bye Fioritura," Forte ad Sunset replied together.
Fioritura slowly drove out of the car park and drove away, leaving Sunset and Forte in her car park. They both started walking towards the main entrance, rain still pouring down, when one of their friends joined them.
"Hey you guys!"
They both turned around, "Hey Pinkie!"
Pinkie was wearing the coat Rarity had made. Unsurprisingly it was as pink as her, had baby blue cuffs and trim and apart from the colour, was the same as Sunset's in design. Despite the weather, she was her usual bubbly, cheerful self.
"Shame about the weather huh?"
"Yeah but at least it didn't rain at the weekend," replied Sunset, "Not that it would've been less fun if it had, not now Forte's part of the gang."
Part of the gang? They've only known me for a week yet they consider me as part if their inner circle?
"I totally agree," replied Pinkie, "Forte's a bestie now."
The next thing Forte felt was the bone crushing hug of Pinkie. Forte couldn't quite believe how strong she was but given that her family owned a mine and Pinkie grew up lugging rocks around, it's not really that surprising Pinkie is as strong as an ox.
As nice as it was to be hugged by Pinkie, he needed to breathe and Pinkie's death hug was slowly getting stronger. The opposite of what he needed.
"Pinkie," he wheezed, "Can't breathe."
"Whoops! Sorry Forte," she said as she let go of him, "I like your coat. Is that the one Rarity made?"
"Yeah, it's really nice. The colour suits me as does yours. I'm guessing pink is your favourite colour?"
"Yepperoni."
Just then the bell rang signalling five minutes until registration. Fifteen minutes of doing nothing basically apart from the form teacher going through the register to see who's arrived. Forte was in the same form as Sunset and Fluttershy.
"Come on Forte, we better get going."
"Sure, I'll see you in ICT Pinkie."
"See you in a bit Forte."
Pinkie separated from Forte and Sunset and headed to her form room, the other two walked to together to theirs.
"So Forte, you've been here a week. Do you like it?"
"Yeah I like it a lot. I think I got lucky becoming friends with you girls though. Very lucky. At my old school I had no friends."
A pang of sadness struck Sunset as she looked at a slightly glum Forte. Her former self would have ridiculed Forte and relish in his misery. But with the friends she has now she wouldn't wish being friendless on anyone. She put a comforting arm around Forte.
"Luck had nothing to do with us becoming friends. I get the feeling we would have been anyway even if you didn't bump into Rarity and Pinkie," she said before moving in front of Forte, looked directly at him and placed her hands on his shoulders, "I'd still have been your chaperone and would have introduced you to them anyway. You're our friend now Forte, and nothing will change that."
A small smile made its way onto Forte's face, "Thanks Sunset."
"You're welcome Forte," Sunset replied, giving Forte a hug.
A surprised and slightly blushing Forte returned the hug. The two embraced for a few moments before making their way inside their form room where Fluttershy was already sitting.
Around the corner however, their other friends watched with satisfaction at the sight they saw.
"Oh we absolutely must do everything we can to get those two love birds together," Rarity stated.
Registration was it's usual boring self. The bell rang and everyone on the room started making their way to their first lesson of that day. For Forte and Fluttershy it was ICT, for Sunset it was Maths. Much to her delight.
Fluttershy and Forte made their way to the Computer Room chatting about the weekend. Forte was surprised to find out Fluttershy was a Wonderbolts supporter. Apparently she started following them after Rainbow Dash took her to a game when they were young. Forte was even more surprised by what happened at the match at the weekend.
To say Flutttershy was a vocal supporter is an understatement. Forte would never have suspected the small, timid girl to use such colourful language when giving her opinion on the referee.
But then again, Forte thought, it's the quietest people that have the most ferocious of tempers.
"Did you enjoy yourself at the weekend Forte?" Fluttershy asked quietly.
"Yeah I really enjoyed myself with you girls. Apart from the football."
"I know. That was never a penalty or a red card. The ref caused us to lose that match, the biased piece of sh-"
*BRRRRRNG*
Everyone went inside the computer room and sat down at their desks, waiting patiently for the teacher to arrive.
A minute or so later Vice-Principal Luna walked in and stood in front of the class. Everyone paid her attention as she was known for being quite strict.
"Good morning students."
"Good morning Vice-Principal Luna," the class responded.
"Today you'll be continuing your Excel coursework. Forte, as you're new to this school you have a small amount of catching up to do. Fluttershy, would you be able to assist him?"
"I'd be happy to," she replied with a gentle smile.
"Excellent. Now, log into your accounts while I go through the register."
A storm of tapping reverberated throughout the room as everyone logged into their private accounts. Luna went through the register, everyone was present, and everyone set about continuing their coursework. Luna handed Forte the necessary worksheets setting out the Learning Outcomes of coursework. Forte got started straight away, with a little assistance from Fluttershy, and made a promising start. He was given permission to catch up the previous years optional subjects' coursework throughout the remaining school year. All of the coursework of the mandatory subjects would carry over given that all state schools followed the same curriculum.
The lesson went by fairly quickly with Forte doing a fair amount, much to Luna's praise.
Dinner had finally arrived. Forte and Rainbow were starving and unsurprisingly each of them chose a hearty meal in a roast chicken, chips and vegetables complete with gravy. Forte sat with the girls again, sandwiched between Sunset and Rainbow. Each of the other girls were also wearing coats Rarity had made. They each matched their own skin and hair colours perfectly.
"Forte I see you're wearing the coat I made you, do you like it?"
"Yeah it's great, thanks for making it. Good timing as well given the weather."
"You're welcome darling, and yes the weather is truly dreadful. It's forecast for rain all week. I'm sorry I didn't give it to you before, it slipped my mind."
"Don't worry about it, oh and thanks Sunset for bringing it."
"No problem, glad I could help."
The hebdomad ate their dinners and chatted about their lessons. Forte and Rainbow in particular talked about Discord's practical demonstration using electro-magnets and iron filings before vocally and passionately stating his disdain for bald Prenchman. About fifteen minutes had past and there were seven empty plates at the table. Still feeling peckish, Forte felt like having dessert.
"Any of you girls want dessert? I think I saw some hot chocolate fudge cake on display."
"Thank you darling, I'd love some."
The other girls also graciously accepted Forte's offer. Forte's headed off back over to the counters, taking the dirty plates with him and putting them with the other dirty pots, to order seven helpings of the cake. Applejack went with him to help.
Whilst they were away, the remaining girls had a quick girl talk.
"So Sunset, what do you think of Forte?" asked Rarity.
Sunset smiled, "He's nice, funny...cute."
"It sounds like someone's a smitten kitten."
Sunset blushed a little, "When I went it his place this morning he was calm, but definitely a flustered if his red face was anything to go by."
"It sounds like our new friend has a crush on Sunset," Rainbow said.
"He invited me in and we had breakfast at his place."
"Yep, he definitely likes you," Pinkie added.
"Why did you give the coat to Sunset to give to Forte? You could have given it to him yourself," asked Rainbow.
"Sunset asked to take it to him."
Everyone looked at Sunset expecting an explanation. A small blush appeared on her face, "I just wanted to help."
"Of course you did darling."
A moment later Forte and Applejack returned with the desserts.
"Here you are girls," Forte said as he placed them on the table, "Enjoy."
"Thank you Forte, it's really kind of you," Fluttershy quietly said.
"Generous as well," added Rarity.
The other girls added their thanks as well.
"Well you girls have been nice to me the past week so I thought I could at least get you a little something in return. Even if it is only cake."
"ONLY CAKE!"
Everyone's heart missed a beat with Pinkie's exclamation.
"Forte, there's a lot you need to learn about cake," Pinkie added, "Cake is never just 'only cake'. Cake is much more important than that."
"I'll be sure to remember that," Forte replied, "Speaking of cake, don't we have another practical lesson in Food Tech today?"
Pinkie nodded, "Yep, we're making chocolate cake today."
"Who's going with who today?" Sunset asked.
"I'll partner with you," Forte replied fast and quickly.
Almost immediately he realised how he spoke and a small blush appeared on his face.
"I-I-I mean if y-you want to....you don't have to if-"
"I'd love to partner with you."
The other girls were stifling giggles at the blossoming romance in front of them.
"That's great," Forte said with a nervous chuckle, "I can't wait."
The last lesson of the day arrived. Everyone was waiting inside the classroom as Granny Smith, the Food Tech teacher, was preparing the ingredients for the demonstration. Sunset and Forte were at their workstation chatting quietly, as was everyone else.
"You OK Forte?" she asked as she tied his apron strings.
"Yeah I'm fine. Pity it's still raining."
"Yeah the weather's been miserable lately."
"And with winter coming up it's only going to get worse."
"Don't you like winter?"
"No. It's too cold and I don't like snow."
Before Sunset could continue the conversation, Granny Smith called for attention. She gave a demonstration first in how to make chocolate cake. Everyone watched with interest as chocolate cake came to life by her experienced hands. Granny Smith was a brilliant teacher who had been teaching at CHS for a long time. She even taught Mr and Mrs Cake.
After the demonstration was over she sent the students to their workstation to make their own chocolate cake. Each pair were given enough ingredients to make a 7 inch cake.
Forte and Sunset about starting making their chocolate cake. They measured out the correct ingredients and got to work. Whilst Sunset was buttering a round cake tin, Forte was breaking dark chocolate into a pan to melt down followed by butter and cold water.
Whilst Forte was overseeing the chocolate melting and beating eggs and buttermilk together in a bowl, Sunset mixed self-raising flour, plain flour, baking powder, light muscovado sugar, golden caster sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl, and began mixing it with her hands to get rid of any lumps.
Once the chocolate mix had melted and the egg mix was mixed, they poured them in with the flour mixture and began to mix until the mixture was well blended with a small runny consistency. Once this was done they poured the mix into the cake tin and placed it into the oven to bake.
Whilst everyone's cakes were baking, Granny Smith had the class do some questions out of their food tech text books. Forte was particularly good with food tech theory but Pinkie however seemed to know everything on the subject.
Before the cakes had fully baked, they still needed to make the ganache.
Forte again broke some more dark chocolate into a pan, poured in some double cream and added some golden castor sugar. Whilst Forte was doing this Sunset carefully cut the baked cake horizontally into three layers.
The chocolate ganache now mixed, Sunset sandwiched the layers together with a little of the ganache and, with a devilish grin, poured the rest of the it over the cake. Forte and Sunset watched with delight as the chocolate mix fall down the sides complete covering the cake. Sunset spread the mix evenly with a palette knife, and with immense satisfaction sprinkled a generous amount of large chocolate curls to finish the cake off.
Forte and Sunset looked at their chocolate masterpiece. Just looking at it would cause anyone to salivate.
Looking around the room they saw the cakes of everyone else, Granny Smith going around the room giving an assessment on each pair's cake.
Pinkie and Rarity's cake was unsurprisingly good looking, Fluttershy and Rainbow's cake was a little rough looking but still appetising to look at, Applejack and Bon Bon's was impressive. Flash and Lyra's looked like it had seen better days.
So far Granny Smith was satisfied with what she saw. But when she saw Forte's and Sunset's her eyes almost bulged out.
"Oh my, that is without doubt one of the best lookin' cake ah have ever seen. You two make a sweet couple together."
Both Forte and Sunset blushed.
"We're not dating," Forte said defensively.
Granny smirked, "Ah never said you were. Ah was referring to you two working well together."
Forte felt his blush get redder and they eyes of everyone looking at him.
Fortunately, the ringing bell spared him more blushes.
"Well anyway, y'all have done excellent work today. Ah'll be sure to tell Principal Celestia about yer hard work. Now, cut yer cakes into halves put them into tins to take home. I'll see y'all again on Thursday."
Sunset and Forte did as Granny Smith said and after taking off their aprons and putting their coats on, walked out together with the other girls.
"That was definitely an enjoyable lesson," Forte said with a smile on his face.
The hebdomad walked to the school main entrance and saw the rain was still falling, although not as heavy as earlier. They each put their hoods up and gloves on and walked outside, stopping just in front of the statue.
"Well it's been another good day but I must be going, my parents are out and I'll need to cook Sweetie's tea."
"I thought you had a flat in town?" asked Forte confused.
"I do but that's not exactly mine. I still live with my parents but the flat you saw belongs to the gentleman who owns the shop. He just let's me use it now and again."
"Oh, that's OK I guess."
"I'm glad you approve. Now I must be off, bye now darlings."
"Bye Rarity," everyone replied in unison.
The other girls sans Sunset also gave their farewells and headed home, leaving her with Forte.
There was a short silence until Forte spoke, "So err....do you...want to walk home with me?"
"Sure, I'm headed that way anyway."
Forte and Sunset started walking side by side together, the rain doing nothing to dampen the mood between them. They both talked a little more about their hobbies. Sunset had an interest in astronomy which surprised Forte given her name and bright features. She also had an interest in heliology and was exceptionally well read on the subject.
After the twenty minute walk home Sunset and Forte stood outside the front gate to his house.
"So, I guess this is goodnight," Sunset said, her voice quavering slightly.
"You could come in if you like and have tea with us, my parents won't mind."
"I couldn't do that, thanks anyway."
"Come on Sunset, please. At least you'll be out of the rain."
Sunset scratched her chin, pondering Forte's offer, "OK but on one condition."
"What's that?"
Forte sat on the side of his bed, arms folded and scowling. Sunset was kneeling on his bed just behind him.
"Now just hold still pony boy," she said as she placed a pony-ears headband on his head.
Forte felt the tight grip of the headband on his skull, followed by the firm hug from Sunset. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned forward slightly allowing Forte to turn his head slightly and look her directly in the face.
"Just because I like wearing them doesn't mean you can use them against me."
Sunset giggled a little, "No but it wouldn't be as fun if I didn't tease you."
"Well, if I'm wearing a pair, you have to to."
Forte opened a bedside drawer and took out his other headband and placed them on Sunset's head.
"Now who's cute pony girl?"
Forte's face in an instant went as red as Sunset's hair as he realised what he said.
"I mean...what I meant was.....oh bugger me, why do I say these things?"
Forte rested his head in his hands and went silent. Sunset was about to giggle when realised Forte was genuinely upset. Concerned she wrapped an comforting arm around him.
"Forte, don't be upset. I'm not offended with what you said. Now come on, by the smell of things tea's nearly ready."
"Yeah," Forte replied a little more cheerful, "I'm starving."
No surprise there then thought Sunset.
The duo made their way downstairs and into the kitchen where Fioritura was cooking tea. Beef noodle soup. Forte assumed Sunset to be vegetarian having never seen her eat meat but it turns out she likes eating it, just not a lot.
"Thanks for letting me stay for tea Fioritura, I appreciate it."
"You're welcome sweetie."
Sunset looked over to see Forte setting the table and couldn't help but smile.
"You like him don't you?"
Sunset turned around to see Fioritura approach her.
"Well he's....nice, funny.....cute, especially when he panics."
"Well, he definitely likes you. But I'm sure you've noticed him looking a few times."
Sunset giggled a little, though quietly enough so that Forte wouldn't hear, "Yeah I've noticed. I'm not sure he knows I've noticed though."
"Most guys don't."
Forte, Sunset, Fioritura and Travertine were sat at the dinner table eating their tea. Travertine was sat next to his wife with Forte and Sunset sat opposite, also next to each other.
"So Sunset," Travertine said, "How's school going?"
"It's going great. I'm in a few of the same classes as Forte. We paired up together in Food Tech today."
"So you two made that chocolate cake I saw in the fridge?"
"Yeah, Granny Smith was pleased as well."
"Granny Smith?" Travertine said, recognising the name, "Is she still teaching there?"
"Yes, and I can't see her leaving anytime soon."
"How are you two getting along?"
"We get along great," replied Forte, "I get along with the other girls too."
"Just girls?" asked Travertine holding back laugh.
"I've.....not got around to seeing any of the guys," Forte replied shovelling some more food into his mouth.
"He's been spending most of his time with us, not that we mind. He's fun to have around."
Forte shrugged, "Well, you're all friendly girls so why look elsewhere for friends when I have some in front of me."
"Speaking of friends, there someone else I know who probably like to meet you. If she ever stops in town again I'll introduce you."
"Thanks. What's her name?"
"Twilight."
"Do you know when she'll be back?"
"No idea. She lives far away and won't be able to visit often."
It was around 6.30pm and tea was over and done with and the pots washed. But all good things must end and Sunset needed to get going. She put on her coat and opened the front door and saw it was still raining fairly heavily. Sighing she turned around to Forte.
"Well I guess this is goodbye for tonight, pity about the weather though."
"I could give you a lift home if you like?" Travertine suggested.
"No it's OK, I'll be fine. Besides this coat will keep me dry."
"Yeah, you look good in it," Forte's eyes widened, "I mean it looks good, no what I meant was-"
Forte suddenly felt himself getting a firm hug from Sunset.
"Thank you Forte, I'm sure Rarity will be pleased to hear of your compliments."
Forte laughed nervously and handed Sunset the tin with her half of the cake in.
"Thanks, I'll have to try some when I get back. I'll see you tomorrow Forte."
"See you tomorrow Sunset."
Sunset turned around and started walking. Before she even left the porch Forte called out to her.
"Wait!"
"Something wrong?" she asked with concern.
"You left your hood down."
Forte reached behind Sunset and put her hood up, fastening it in place with the popper buttons.
"There. Sorry but I didn't want your hair to get all wet and you spend all night drying it out."
"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow Pony Boy."
Sunset walked out into the rain and started her journey home. As she reached the end of the path she turned around and gave Forte a wave, which he returned. She continued on until she was out of sight of Forte. Forte closed the front door and, rather glumly went into the front room and watched TV. Concerned, his mother went over to him.
"Is something wrong sweetie?"
Forte sighed tiredly, "I...don't know. I was happy when Sunset was here but now she's had to go home I feel......lonely again."
Fioritura sat down next to Forte and put a comforting arm around him, "You'll see her again tomorrow, don't worry. Besides, I saw you tonight. You were really enjoying yourself, as was Sunset. She's a nice girl and we won't mind at all if we have her, or any of your friends round for tea."
"So you didn't mind me just bringing her back without asking first?"
"Of course not. We trust you to make sensible choices and it's nice for us to see you come out of your shell."
"I suppose so," he replied looking a little more cheerful, "Bruce's Price is Right is on soon. Do you want to watch it?"
"Sure. Do you want some of your chocolate cake?"
"Yeah please. You and dad can have some as well if you want."
"Thank you. I'll go and cut some slices now. Do you want any cream on yours?"
"Yeah please."
Meanwhile...
Sunset was nearly home and the rain was still pouring. Fortunately her waterproof plastic coat would stop any of her clothes becoming wet. Which is a good thing considering how few clothes she has.
When she was at Forte's she felt happier than she had been in a long time. She watched as she saw Forte with his parents whom he clearly was close to, especially his mother, and felt conflicted. On the one hand she was pleased to see a close knit, if small, family. On the other hand it brought back unpleasant memories of her early childhood. Her dysfunctional family with a birth mother that abused her and her position as Celestia's personal student. And how she turned her back on her. Sunset's biggest regret was turning her back on Celestia. Celestia gave Sunset and loving environment free from her mother's abuse and provided her with an unparalleled education and ultimately saw Celestia as a mother figure. She was more like a mother to her than a teacher and she threw it away in a selfish desire for power and knowledge.
And what does she have to show for it now. A few weeks ago her selfish desires finally resulted in her turning into a raging she-demon and becoming even more distrusted than ever before. Yes she had friends now and was reforming herself, but she still felt like she'd thrown away a lot more than she'll ever gain now.
After a few more minutes she approached her home. An abandoned Sugar Mill on the outskirts of Canterlot. The area is relatively safe but still not the sort of place you'd want to be alone on a night. Sunset however, had no other choice.
She couldn't afford her own place and for reasons she's still not sure, when she passed through the portal her pony ID also changed into human ID. After running a few checks she found out there wasn't a human version of her in this world. One less problem to deal with she thought at the time. Having a human version of her could have caused problems. She did expect a lot of questions from the authorities though when her details weren't on the computer database. Fortunately, a computer glitch occurred shortly before her arrival and her details were 'reapplied'.
Why they didn't question where she lived surprised her though. She just gave them the correspondence address, and surprisingly yet again it was enough.
She made her way into the abandoned building to some old office rooms. There was no heating or running water available. The only water she had was in bottles with the water taken from school. Her only way to keep warm was to wrap herself in several blankets and her sleeping bag. But at times even that wasn't enough. With winter fast approaching, she had already started to feel the cold night air.
Despite feeling sad and alone again, she was still in the mood for the cake she baked earlier with Forte.
It was a damn good cake.
She didn't eat it all though. She decided to save the rest for another night. She managed to get some homework done before it became too cold to concentrate before getting to sleep. She made herself as comfortable and warm as possible and despite the pounding rain, managed to get to sleep fairly quickly.
Clutched in her grasp close to her chest was a photo frame. The photo inside was of a young Sunset with Princess Celestia on her first birthday as Celestia's student. The young filly had a beaming smile as she unwrapped a present containing a large, heavy looking spell book with a smiling Celestia looking on.
As Sunset slept, a single tear rolled down her face.