Not many customers were in Sugarcube Corner at the moment, so it was easy for her to find the five friends, who were sitting with clearly unhappy but curious expressions at a bigger table, waiting.
"OK Sunset. This is your big chance. You will convince the girls that you are innocent, they will believe you and after a lot of group hugs and apologies you can finally begin to rebuild your friendship with them, again," the teenager encouraged herself and hoped it would work out for them.
She only opened the door, when Rainbow Dash already spotted her, and announced with tangible with disdain, "Look girls. Sunshit Shimmer is here."
"Rainbow Dash! Language!" Rarity reprimanded her friend with a frown.
Sunset winced at the accusation. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, every insult, especially by the ones she once saw as her best friends, stung, "H-hey girls. I'm glad you all agreed to meet me here." She hoped this little opening would break the ice.
"Cut it, snake. Ya called us, because ya wanted to tell us somethin' important. Are ya finally confessin'?" Applejack asked in a hostile tone.
"How many times do I have to beg before you see reason and understand that I'm not Anon-a-Miss? Why would I even do that? I love having you girls around me! I see you as my best friends, my family! You were the best thing that ever happened to me since I came to this world. Why should I endanger everything, after all we went through? Don't you remember the Battle of the Bands? We worked all together to defeat them with the help of Princess Twilight. I'm not a bully anymore, I became a better person. Please, give me a chance! That's all I ask for," Sunset pleaded openly, shaking.
This heartfelt little speech surely made them understand. Yes, they- "BE QUIET! STOP LYING TO US!" Fluttershy of all people screamed in utter sadness and disappointment.
"You are nothing more than a secret-stealing big ol' meanie!" Pinkie Pie supported with slightly flattened hair.
"Family doesn't stab ya in the back! When Ah even think about it that Ah wanted to invite ya over them holidays to Sweet Apple Acres. Ya make me sick!" Applejack lectured furiously.
"But I-"
"Seriously, Sunset Shimmer. Do you have no shame? You tell us here a fabricated story of how much we would mean to you and at the same time you are posting on MyStable other students' greatest secrets. Do you have any idea how many friendships you have ruined? The whole school is in utter chaos because of your vile actions. Clubs are falling apart!"
But Rarity wasn't done yet, "Secrets exist for a reason! Sometimes we humans do things in our life we are not proud of and regret them afterwards, but atonement won't turn back time. We know when the wrong people hear about our mistakes, no matter how close to us, it would just cause much more harm than good for everyone involved because of their... delicate nature. They are parts of our past and sometimes buried there to be forgotten one day. No more than a remaining memory and certainly nothing to make public knowledge."
She stood up and closed the distance between her and Sunset's face. "But here you are, spilling others' secrets, no matter how damaging they might be for everybody and destroying relationships as you desire. And all that for what, hm? Do you want to show us how superior you are? How much you had us in your hands?" the fashionista added her own words in disgust.
"I didn't do it! Why can't you see that someone has framed me?!" Sunset couldn't believe it. Why couldn't they see?!
Rainbow laughed mockingly, "Oh yeah? And how could this Anon-a-Miss know about Rarity and Applejack in the first place? Applejack's nickname was only known by her family and us six. The same can be said about the old outfits Rares made. Secondly, you told us yourself about all the dirt you collected on others from your time as Queen Bee. The same stuff that was posted, by the way, now in some mysterious way stolen from your cell phone. Answer us these holes of logic, you genius. Or even better, just admit that it was you all along! Stop wasting our time with your bullshit excuses!" Rainbow Dash was in Daring Do mode and connected the dots in her head to bring the lying girl to her knees.
"Rainbow Dash! Volume and language! You know the rules," Mrs. Cake scolded warningly from the counter.
"I don't know! It happened during the slumber parties and when Rarity and Applejack told us their stories and there was only us and-" At last the penny dropped for Sunset Shimmer. "Of course! I don't know how or why they did it, but it could only have been Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle!"
"WHAT?!" Rarity and Applejack shouted, livid as rarely before in their life because of these preposterous allegations. Mrs. Cake glared at them.
"They have to be! Well, somehow. I'm not sure about Apple Bloom, if I'm being honest, but Sweetie Belle surely had the opportunity to get her hands on my phone when nobody looked. We just have to confront the girls and find out the truth." Once more, Sunset was on the ground in pain. She should have seen it coming. Her stomach agreed with vigor.
"How DARE ya?" Applejack asked in a low, but sharp voice, "Ya have the guts to blame our sisters, our KIN, for yer sins? Ah can't believe ya! Get out. Ah don't want to see yer disgustin' face no more!"
"Blaming innocent little girls? Accusing them of committing something this awful? How could you? You are the worst and meanest person I ever met." Fluttershy couldn't look at Sunset and lowered her head.
Pinkie kept quiet and averted her eyes as well. She felt ashamed for befriending such an awful meanie in the first place. And Rarity looked down at her like Sunset Shimmer was worth less than dirt.
The former student of the sun felt her tears falling again. "Y-you didn't mean it like that, d-do you? Please! I just thought it made sense! I'm sorry-"
The chromatic athlete had enough and groaned loudly. "Shut up! After the Fall Formal I always stood up for you, we ALL did! I kept the other students from bullying you, was there for you. And how do you repay me? By lying to my face! You don't know a thing about loyalty, Shimmer. Just go away and leave us alone. We don't need someone like you in our lives. We are better off without you. Heck, the entire human world is better off without you, She-Demon."
"Dash!" Fluttershy scolded her childhood friend for the last sentence.
She knew that Sunset Shimmer stabbed them in the back, but there was no reason in her opinion to go so low. Rainbow rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Sunset managed to stand up again, feeling shattered. Truly everybody outcasted her at one point in the girl's life. Was everything Princess Twilight told her about the ‘Magic of Friendship’ nothing more than a lie?
"I-I see." was everything she muttered slowly and left Sugarcube Corner without another word to spare.
"Do you think we did the right thing?" Pinkie Pie asked into the round with now completely flat hair. Even her skin looked a few shades darker.
"Ah'm sure. It wasn't pretty, but this gal played us like fiddles. Ah still can't believe her... accusin' ma' little sis like that," Applejack replied sourly.
"I know how you feel Darling. Sweetie Belle may have the tendency to go overboard with her antics, but she would never do something uncouth like that. She knows better than spreading others' secrets," Rarity commented with a nodding head. Still slightly irritated.
Rainbow Dash was quiet, for a change of pace, and attempted to glare a hole into the table, frowning.
Fluttershy looked out of the window in the direction where Sunset disappeared. A blizzard was announcing its presence at the horizon. The animal lover had a very bad feeling about this.
In his long, long existence, Discord had rarely felt like he felt right then. Normally he wouldn't care less for most things which weren't somehow related to his best friend Fluttershy. But this time was different. He saw everything. Witnessed how this whole drama started with ‘Anon-a-Miss’ until the moment Sunset Shimmer left the human version of Sugarcube Corner.
The Spirit of Chaos didn't only see, but he heard everything as well.
Discord was furious for the first time in many centuries. He would never understand how these humans weren't able to see through this fake account. How obvious it was that clearly someone tried to frame the poor girl. And clearly succeeded.
And all this suffering. The pain. That wasn't funny at all. No, the God of Chaos had to fight the strong urge to go over to Earth to show these humans what an angry god was capable of. But Discord promised Celestia that he would never go there.
Mankind wasn't ready to know that their little world, explainable with rules of physics and other scientific concepts, was nothing in the grand scheme of things. Humans were blind to the truth, their world just one of many in the multiverse. What would they do when their little bubble of rules burst in contact with reality?
Most importantly, he had another promise to keep. Discord remembered this day. How couldn't he? It was the first time in his life that Sunflank asked him for a personal favor. A favor he couldn't refuse, because without her he wouldn't be free from his stony prison right now. Without her, he wouldn't have become friends with Fluttershy.
"You called, Tia?" Discord asked playfully. Why would she call him into her private chamber? Normally this alicorn only summoned him into the throne room like an obedient little subject. Of course, he would never say that out loud. The only difference was... well, no witnesses to whatever business she called him for. No guards. Was it something serious? Tirekish serious?
It looked to him like Celestia was deep in thought before she finally managed to acknowledge him. How rude! "Oh, Discord! Yes, I called you here today, because I have something very important to discuss with you."
"About how serious are we talking about? Tirek serious? Sombra serious? Chrysi serious? Or do you need to lose weight? I know most Ponies think I can do whatever I want, but there are things even I can't undo. The last option is beyond my powers, I fear." Discord snickered.
Princess Celestia blushed in response before she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. Not many beings managed to create cracks in her mask. Much to her dismay, the Spirit of Chaos counted to them, "Cut it out, Discord. I didn't call you for my flanks, but because I need a... personal favor."
His jaw dropped literally to the ground, "Wait, wait, wait. YOU want to ask ME for a personal favor?" Discord laughed uproariously. He calmed down enough after a minute to continue the conversation, "Well played, I didn't expect such a convincing joke. For a moment I really thought-"
"It's NOT a joke! I really am requesting your aid in a, well, sensitive matter. It is very personal, you might say," the Princess of the Sun admitted with a heavy sigh.
"First you had my interest, but now you gained my attention. OK Tia, because you freed me and gave me the chance of befriending dear Fluttershy I shall grant you my help this one time. Say it and use your free wish wisely," Discord ordered in an unusually serious tone.
Celestia collected her thoughts one last time, "As you surely know by now, Princess Twilight ventured into another world to secure and return the stolen Element of Magic. She succeeded in her task and brought it back to Equestria. A world similar to ours, I might add. Tell me first, what do you know about the incident?"
Discord rolled his eyes in boredom but decided to humor her. He wanted to check the mirror for himself anyway after Fluttershy told him this morning about everything Starbutt reported to her friends, "I know that Purple Smart's Element was stolen by a unicorn when you were all in the Crystal Empire. Her name is Sunset Shimmer, and she was your former student before you took Twilight Sparkle under your wings."
He couldn't contain himself and just had to tease her about it, "I wasn't so blind and deaf to the world around me as you might have thought. No, I saw many interesting things from my little prison. So I witnessed it as well when you brought a little unicorn foal to the palace many years ago. You took her in as your personal student.”
The God of Chaos disappeared and reappeared behind Celestia, put a arm around her neck and continued speaking in a reflective manner, "But one day she grew... well... quite ambitious. It was hilarious to watch. Then she disappeared from one day to the next. I wasn't sure if you just imprisoned her or sent her to the moon so that your sister had a roomie. And let me guess, you want to give me a completely predictable and unnecessary speech how I should stay away from the human world because of balance and all these other boring concepts you value so much?"
The temperature in the room was rising. Discord knew he shouldn't have said it like that, but it wasn't like Celestia could truly harm him anyway. He was the manifestation of chaos itself after all, a fundamental force of the universe. It would take greater powers than her to do that.
Using the breathing exercises the princess once taught Cadence, who in extension taught Twilight, she calmed down again and glared at the smugly grinning master of chaos, "Now that I think about it, I haven't read a friendship letter from Fluttershy in quite some time. I’m sure there are many things she’d like to tell me about you, don’t you think? Should I write to her? I personally believe that is a wonderful idea." Now it was Celestia's turn to grin smugly in a challenging manner.
The draconequus' eye twitched, "Touché. Now, what do you want me to do?"
Her smile was gone instantly, and the emotions she showed rarely were displayed on the princess' face, regret and sadness, "It's concerning that you confirmed my suspicions on the topic of your awareness as a statue. But we will have to talk about this matter another time.”
She inhaled deeply, "That world's inhabitants are known as humans. But there is something you might not know, their world is nearly magicless. Or at least I never discovered any magic on it, in other words, no matter how powerful somepony is, in the moment you are a human there is no way to access your power any longer. When Star Swirl the Bearded tested the mirror he had created for the first time, he came back immediately and warned me from ever going there myself. He said that everypony who went through the mirror would be transformed into a bipedal being to fit into the world.”
She walked up and down in front of the interested draconequus.
"Now, Sunset Shimmer, one of my two greatest regrets. Like it happened with Luna, I was blinded by my emotions and desires. And I will only warn you this one time, never tell Twilight about it, she would get the wrong impression. Originally I expected Sunset to become the bearer of the Element of Magic by guiding her along the path of discovering the Magic of Friendship."
Discord mock-yawned. "I'm already bored."
Celestia spared him a silent glare before she continued, "It was a plan I had in mind for my old student from the moment I rescued her in Manehatten. All alone, but incredibly powerful at the mere age of seven. Her potential was bigger than the potential of any other personal student I ever had before, I could feel it. I saw that this little filly was destined for greatness. So I adopted her and made Sunset my personal pupil. But sadly she grew arrogant, too ambitious. She saw it more and more as her right to ascend into alicornhood. No matter what I tried, she wouldn't listen to me. Sunset wouldn't understand that the title of a ruler was nothing you had a right on, but something that had to be earned through hard work and compassion in your heart.”
The draconequus snapped his fingers and giant alicorn wings came to existence on his back, “Hail princess Discord!” The monarch wasn’t amused in the slightest as shown by her deadpan glare. “Tough crowd…”
"My biggest mistake was to show her Star Swirl's mirror. Before he disappeared, he told me that it was connected to the human world, but could be used in theory to view other alternative worlds of Equestria as well. Sometimes it can even show you the future, or at least one of many, showing you what you COULD become. A possibility of how your life might turn out.”
Concern and slight fear made itself known in her voice, "It happened to me when I looked a few centuries ago into the mirror and saw for myself how I would fight Luna in the Everfree Forest where the ruins of our old castle are standing now. The difference in that world was that Luna wasn't Nightmare Moon there, but it was me who transformed into a corrupted version of herself. I became Daybreaker."
Celestia shook her head in regret, "I fear Sunset looked into the mirror and saw herself as an alicorn; a potential path her future could have taken. Where she truly earned her wings. But she misinterpreted what she saw and believed the mirror showed her true destiny, not just a possibility.”
The Princess of the Sun looked pleadingly at the draconequus. "I failed her Discord. I feared she could be consumed by darkness because of her growing ambition and lust for recognition, like it happened to my sister. So I pushed her away from me, hoping that she may find friends on her own, accepting other ponies as her equals. Forcing her onto the path of discovering the Magic of Friendship, something that can't be forced, but I was too arrogant to see it. I was so focused on pushing Sunset into the role as the Bearer of Magic that I lost sight of her own feelings, her needs. I wanted her to be somepony who could bring me back my little sister and only told her what I deemed necessary. I... I should have been much more open with my Little Sun. I should have been there for her. But I didn't and I regret this foolish mistake to this very day.”
“Don’t be mad Tia. At least you fail in great proportions. Even if everypony is miserable,” he smiled as he placed a paw on her shoulder, “I will always laugh at you.”
Celestia had to stop herself from groaning loudly, he really made it difficult for her. Then a sad smile graced her features, "The first thing I asked her was if Sunset Shimmer was alright when Twilight returned from the mirror world. I know that the Elements don't always do what you might expect. As the banishment of my own sister was proof of that. I rarely felt so relieved when she told me that Sunset wasn't banished to the moon of the human world or turned into a stone statue by the Elements of Harmony. No offense," Celestia added with a wink.
Discord raised an eyebrow and chuckled dryly, "None taken."
Her voice took a much more business-like note, "Now to my request: Discord, would you please watch over Sunset in my stead? She is a unicorn in a world bereft of magic. And from what Twilight, and especially Star Swirl from his short visits, told me, humans aren't as forgiving as my subjects. I fear that this world could threaten her, something I can't allow. Please, promise me to watch over her as long as she decides to live there. I know that most rules don't apply to you and I'm sure you are able to enter other dimensions on your own without the need of a magic mirror. Observe what happens over there and inform me when you think Sunset's very life is in danger."
A warning glint filled her eyes, "But don't go there on your own, no matter how curious you are. Twilight informed me that her Element brought a lot of Equestrian magic into this world and that she is worried what could happen to this usually magicless dimension when it gets filled with the potent powers of Equus. And I concur. Do you agree to these terms?" Celestia hoped that the God of Chaos had enough foresight to contain himself from doing something stupid.
"I think I can agree to these conditions. I mean I get to see an entirely new world!" Discord laughed and stood suddenly a few moments later saluting in front of the princess in the armor of her Royal Guard, a doublet above it. Upon the doublet was written: ‘Never praise the sun. It's a trap!’ She had absolutely no idea what that meant. But before she could ask the God of Chaos exclaimed loudly, "It shall be done, Sunflank!"
Celestia wasn't sure anymore if asking the God of Chaos for a favor was such a good idea.
Normally he wouldn't check what others did in their privacy. He was a jester, not a creep after all, and had standards. But Discord had a promise to keep and so he glimpsed shortly what she did when the girl managed to escape the other students' thirst for revenge.
What he saw wasn't amusing in the slightest. Sunset Shimmer cried her eyes out every time she returned to her poor living conditions. At first, it wasn't so bad, because she believed in a better tomorrow, but after her closest friends abandoned her as well it got a lot worse.
He manipulated his rift a little here and there to change the angle and saw it in her face when Sunset left Sugarcube Corner, sheer despair. A face of somebody who lost the will to go on. No, that wouldn't do! Celestia had to be informed about her former student's dangerous mental state, she might try to harm herself.
Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and Raiser of the Sun, nearly fell asleep. Her guards in the throne room weren't fairing better.
The unicorn noble in front of her went on and on about his bill. His name was Tight Deluxe, his fur was amaranth-colored, while his mane and tail white. On his flank he displayed a golden pocket watch with golden hands set upon an ivory watchface.
Why couldn't she be more like Luna? But noooo, she had to be the friendly one. Her sister would simply use her Royal Canterlot Voice and dismiss him with the help of her vocal chords to end this farce.
"As you can surely see, Princess, my bill would bring humongous advantages for our great nation. What are your thoughts?" Tight Deluxe finished his nearly half an hour long monologue in a snobbish voice.
"You really don't want to know," Celestia thought sarcastically.
With a practiced smile of patience and benevolence, that she used exclusively for the most difficult of ponies, the Princess of the Sun answered, "First I would like to thank you for this very detailed and well thought out bill. It seems that you put a lot of time and thoughts into it. But there are a few things I would like to discuss with you. We should start with-"
Discord appeared out of nowhere and said gravely, "Tia, we have an emergency!"
Normally she would be thankful for any problem that saved her from such stressful discussions, but that sounded anything but good, "I understand."
She looked at the noble in front of her with an apologetic smile, "You have to excuse me, Lord Deluxe, but it seems a very important matter has come up that I must attend to at once. My seneschal will schedule you for the start of the next court, then we shall continue this. Or you could go to see my sister at her Night Court, if you wish for a more prompt decision. It is your choice." Tight Deluxe grumbled to himself, visibly displeased. "GUARDS! Please send everypony home. Tell them that the Day Court is concluded for today because of an urgent matter that needs my immediate attention."
The guards saluted in silent acknowledgment.
Celestia illuminated her horn, teleporting Discord and herself into her private study, "What happened?" she asked grimly.
He wore suddenly a pillow armor and a pot on his horns, "You should know that the humans came up with a very interesting, but in my opinion quite important, idiom which pretty much says: 'Don't shoot the messenger'. Then I have to ask, is your little student somehow not available at the moment? There are A LOT of letters she didn't answer from this magical journal you gave her to communicate with Sunflank Junior."
The Alicorn of the Sun could only blink in confusion. And again, "I'm certain you know that by now, but you make absolutely no sense, Discord. When you are talking about Twilight, she and her friends have their hooves full with the upcoming Hearth's Warming Eve Pageant. Luna and I have nothing to do with its preparations this year, it will be all their doing. Twilight won't return to Ponyville until late in the evening." Celestia felt great worry, "Why? Did something happen that I should be made aware of? Is it Sunset?"
"We have no time for twenty questions! Every second could count! I will simply copy my memories into yours. Brace yourself!" Discord warned urgently.
He put his lion paw on Celestia's head for a few seconds. Her eyes glowed in a bright white light. When the draconequus was finished, he let go of the now wobbly mare and took a few steps back.
Celestia shook her head violently. Chaos Magic always felt somehow wrong in her opinion. The mad god’s memories invaded her mind and brought her up to date about the Anon-a-Miss incident, from the very beginning of it to the moment Discord left to inform her about Sunset Shimmer.
Many emotions switched places on the normally very controlled alicorn's face. Worry, joy, pride, fear, disappointment, shock, horror and lastly fury. Indeed, an unholy anger filled Celestia. How dared they make Sunset suffer!?
Discord gulped nervously when he felt how the temperature was rising around him, more and more. The Spirit of Chaos knew that Celestia couldn't harm him permanently, but seeing such fury made him worried for his well-being, still. Suddenly he felt magic grasp his throat mercilessly and he was forced to look into two miniature suns. It was like facing wrath incarnate.
"YOU WILL TAKE US TO THE MIRROR IN TWILIGHT'S CASTLE THIS INSTANT!! NOW!" Celestia demanded in her Royal Canterlot Voice.
If Discord was impressed by the power of her voice, he was doing his best to hide it. Polishing the knuckles of his right hand with a cloth that had appeared from nowhere, “Why, have you forgotten the way?”
The glare he received was enough to make him flinch. Though as he moved to snap his fingers, Luna suddenly appeared. Having felt that her big sister was gathering dangerous amounts of her power quickly, she had teleported into her sibling's room. Dressed in her battle armor and ready for combat, "DEAREST SISTER! WE HAVE ARRIVED TO AID THEE IN BATTLE! WHERE IS THE FIEND?!" the Alicorn of the Moon inquired in a booming volume. She glared with white glowing orbs, reminding on moonlight, at Discord.
The God of Disharmony was never this good before at imitating his best friend, "Eep!"
This is AMASING
This story looks promising, let's see what will happen now (and i hope that Sunset will be ok)
Ps. I hope that you will not forget about "The Secrets of Equestria" (i enjoy both of your stories )
8293556
Obviously not. I just liked to write this story as well, because I always wanted to give an own "Anon-a-Miss" a try. And as a change of pace so to say.
Secrets of Equestria is humongous in its world building in every sense and I always have to think, check and note when I write what and how. To prevent "plot holes" from occurring. But it won't be abandoned, don't worry.
8293581
Thanks! Well, if you read chapter 2 you will find out more. No spoilers!
Wait a minute, I thought the saying was: 'don't shoot the messenger'.
I usually say this whenever new Anon-a-Miss stories come out, For those who want to see it, don't worry about it. In due time, people. In due time. Soon, we see the realization and consequences of the CMC, the students of CHS and the five bimbos who fked up.
8293822
Duh! Thanks for pointing it out. Forgot an "O".
Couldn't help but notice the "gore" tag, but no "tragedy" tag. As an avid avoider of tragedies (seriously, chronic depression and engrossing tales with bad endings do NOT mix), what kind of ride are we in for if we pick this thing up? Feel free to PM the answer if you don't want to post spoilers publicly! Like the premise, but don't want to get invested if shit turns sideways, ya know?
Like this so far but you keep using Human-turned-Unicorn to describe Sunset, it should be Unicorn-turned-Human.
Oh shit! I'm sorry Rainbooms but you and the rest of those idiots have seriously fucked up and are about to face a mothers wrath. And I can imaging it being this bloody if Celestia turns into Day Breaker.
As for Sunset's so called friends, god just why did they have to be so stupid?! Rainbow was the worst and I hope Sunset is saved from harming herself. Plus the truth was shoved in their faces but because of their pettiness and stupid pride they refused to listen! I know when Twilight finds out she is going to be pissed off as well.
They are also lucky Discord isn't into Chaotic destruction otherwise he would make it rain hellfire and brimstone in that world for real! I know that Celestia will take her back to Equestria and will not want her back there ever again and when Twilight ask's why she will see through her and Discords memory's.
Whatever punishment you have for all the assholes at Canterlot High, The Rainbooms and the Crusaders, make them suffer. Hell you could have it were Luna mentions the Tantibus for a punishment for them and it will help her to talk it over with her sister, and her two students. Also how do I insert meme images in this? Sorry have no idea.
Another things I would like to suggest is have Discord tell both Celestia and Twilight it wouldn't be a good idea to meet with the other Main Six in Equestria because it could cause her more pain or even relapse into being evil again. Especially if Sunset finds out about the Canterlot Wedding and how everyone abandoned Twilight. If you have read FirebirdsS Nest by Blazeblast4 then you will know what I mean, if not I suggest you check that story out as it is awesome.
This is getting good and I hope to see more soon.
Good Luck Anachronon.
8293916
Yeah, sorry. I switched it in my head. ^^
8293938
Thanks! We will have to see how that all turns out.
8293906
No prob.
8294030
Gore might mean attempted suicide.
i looked at the title page picture and it's so heart breaking seeing poor Sunset cryinga s she hugged by Celestia, she looks so muhc lieka lost foal finally reunited with her mom.
One thing that bugs me about most Anon-A-Miss stories that drastically increase the drama of the event is how they tend to demonize Sunset's friends. Were they in the wrong? Yes, but so was Sunset before she was hit by the magic of friendship. In fact, I'd argue that she was much worse. The problem with most of these narratives is they assume that Sunset is worthy of being forgiven, yet don't apply that to her friends who are significantly hurt themselves by secrets being spilled. They were misled, and yet in these stories they are held deeply accountable and the narratives either portray them as terrible human beings, or rake them over hot coals to earn Sunset's grace to even associate with them anymore.
Well, very engaging story thus far and the inclusion of Discord really allows for intriguing interactions and story elements.
8294246
I agree with this so much. This has always been something that bothered me with Anon-a-miss fics that has Sunset ultimately abandon her friends and choose not to accept an apology. It's like I don't care what they did Sunset literally turned into a demon and tried to kill them and she didn't have to bend over backwards to earn their forgiveness yet apparently an apology is never good enough for Sunset (or some readers).
This story could go in so many different directions so hopefully it surprises me.
I'm think that Anon-a-miss author fucked up big time by placing this story chronologically after Rainbow Rock. It's would work much-much better if happened after first movie.
8294378
Can't be helped, if you set it before Rainbow Rocks the story has to change since there wouldn't be any Magic Journal.
8294246
I know what you mean.
you know I'm making another folder in the Anon-a-Miss Group because of this story
Like and fav.
8295161
Another Folder? How come?
8295225
Thank ya kindly.
8295236
because of Celestia, I have a feeling she won't be happy
I would recommend getting an editor. There are lots of grammatical mistakes and awkward phrasing that sometimes make the story hard to read. Try reading things out loud to hear how they sound.
8295604
Damn! Well, I feared that might be the case. I didn't send my proofreader anything until now, because he informed me that he had a lot on his plate nowadays with other stories. But I will ask him if he could check them out.
Thanks for the feedback.
8294246
Yes Sunset did terrible things in the past and worked hard to earn the forgiveness she got. She is a dfferent person now they the girls had plenty of examples of her doing good. The ultimate proof Battle of the Bands. ANd the fact it took TWILIGHT to show it was Sunset doign the evil before shows she is much more subtle then Anon-A-Miss. Anon screams "I'M SUNSET SHIMMER!" Susnet is smarter then that.
The biggest issue with the comic is the timing. Anon-A-Miss makes more sense BEFORE Battle of the Bands not after.
Solar Flare is a much better name then Day Breaker
Angry Twilight somewhat survivable. An angry Celestia kiss you butt good by.
8295686
I disagree there is nothing menacing about the name Solar Flare sounds like something you'd name an OC.
Oh I can't wait to see what Princess Celestia will do when she goes through the mirror, will she use a spell to keep her in her pony form when she goes through so she can rescue her daughter while also exposing the REAL Anon-A-Miss, AKA the CMC, I hope that she does and I hope they get a good beating or sent to 'juvie' for this massive Cyber Bullying that they did.
omg...what i just saw was scary as f*ck.
please tell me your revealing Anon-A-Miss next chapter or 2, cos i'm having trouble stomaching this!
Using Physical harm and saying hurtful things to Sunset.... Oh, girls what have you done! You broke her completely.
When the truth comes out you're going to be so sorry and I'm afraid she won't forgive you ever or maybe. Only time can tell....
Besides that, I like the idea of bringing Discord in an Anon-a-miss story. Especially when he's helping somepony else and that is very rare. Looking forward to your next chapter.
This is going to go down in history!!!
8294246
The problem I have with the anon-a-mis story is the human 5 turning on Sunset goes against the themes of the core show and the implications of their disbelief when Sunset proclaims her innocence. One of the key concepts and precepts of the elements of harmony is a virtue I like: loyalty. Loyalty inplies a trust that the other person has your best interests at heart and that they wouldn't turn on you. That's why the story shouldn't be about Sunset being abandoned, it should be a story about possible doubt but ultimately believing in the person and that they HAVE changed. When you're in deep and no one believes your innocence, that's when you find out who your friends truly are.
The other big problem I have is more a logic one: what would Sunset's motive be? That should be their first question and if they allow themselves to believe that this is something Sunset COULD do, then their entire friendship is predicated on a lie. They don't believe she has changed.
As for stories where Sunset wouldn't forgive them, eh, I can see some of not wanting to forgive them but I think she ultimately shouldn't "rake them over the coals" as you put it if she wants to remain friends with them. Then again, it's also my personal bias that they WOULDN'T be my friends anymore because they failed a big trust test in my mind and won't have my back necessarily the next time things go bad. Then again, again, I have trust issues. So I'm probably not the person with the best opinion on this.
8295755
like Day Breaker is any more. a Solar Flare is a very dangerous event if you are cklsoe to the sun. hell it effect us here on earth so a far more suitable name.
8296728
OK but if we assume that Day Breaker is Nightmare Moon's opposite and that her goal would be never ending Day then the name makes a lot more sense then Solar Flare.
8293574
Anon-A-Miss was stupid. I'm sorry. Just putting that out there. I get that Sunset was an easy target, but...
Freaking come on, mate? Is it too much to at least believe that a girl who used to control Canterlot High from the shadows is smarter than to use such a stupid plan?
This song goes well with the story! XD
Daughtry - Traitor
8296714
According to the wiki, the original comic Anon-A-Miss story actually has them believe her after the confrontation about it. Here, the confrontation didn't go Sunset's way. In short, the drama was increased by changing some of the variables. The original story was unfair and the timing wrong (set after Rainbow Rocks, when it really should have come before), but it wasn't the horror that many people assume it was based on how often it comes up in fanfics since its release.
Unfortunately, we aren't talking about the original, but instead many of the different and harsher takes on Anon-A-Miss, such as this story is spinning up to be. I just wanted to put it out there that such stories seem to take pleasure in either depicting Sunset's (former) friends as terrible people, or making them suffer for daring to doubt Sunset. Were it anyone else but Sunset, it would make more sense, but Sunset is a reformed villain. What Sunset's friends did is unfair and they deserve to make it up to Sunset, but to write them off when what they did was no worse than what Sunset did at her worst, seems to miss the point of forgiveness and redemption and attempting to make up for one's mistakes. That is the point of Sunset Shimmer as a character, after all.
I hope to read a bit where she hugged just like that picture, it so sad but so heart warming. i love it.
Btraks my heart yet to knwo at elast she is loved as Celestia holds her.
What would be interesting is, instead of most anon-a-miss fics, Celestia actually does go through with a revenge scheme and tries playing a game of "interdimensional invader" to hunt down everyone at CHS for whats happening the Sunset.
Would be an interesting change of pace.. well that and seeing the CMCs reaction to what their petty jealousy caused. Even better if the pony versions show up trying to stop Celestia - only to get involved and turn a blind eye when they see the human versions handy work on Sunsets mindset.. because its literally exactly the same as seeing a human post torture by alien race. Not sure about most people but I know exactly how I personally would respond when met with such a thing and it wouldn't be pretty, fact ponies are more emotional and prone to defending others without many questions will play into such a outcome massively. Would explain Fluttershys sudden gut feeling on how things are about to hit the fan too I guess.
I know its unlikely this fic will go that route( because most don't for obvious reasons ), im just saying it might be interesting to read
8296765
doesn't have the right feel.
8296795
I get ya. Discord was shortly before ripping his own horns of from disbelief that no human was ready to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Oh damn.
This is good! Clearly, anon-a-miss needs to suffer, so I'm looking forward to seeing the Sun's Wrath!
8296823
The problem I have with this logic was the phrase "no worse than what Sunset did at her worst." You are essentially saying that we can't hold them to a higher standard than the person they are hurting. Redemption is making up for ones mistakes and making up for the ones actually committed or done on the path to redemption (again going back to your point of wrong spot in timeline, I'd argue a lot of her redemption arc has been done through Rainbow Rocks), not making up for mistakes perpetrated by others. The implication of your statement is that because she did bad in the past, it's ok to be angry with her. The problem is I would hold them to the same standard no matter the person whether it was Twilight, Sunset, Luna, or any other character put in this situation. I agree it would a different situation if this took place before Rainbow Rocks but then that gets to the issue of theme as before.
8297423
Do you believe that those that Sunset tormented before deserved it at the time? Why shouldn't she have been held to this higher standard? You cheapen her redemption if you assume that what she did could be easily forgiven compared to what came afterwards in this scenario.
Because she has done bad and realized what a cruel person she had been, setting out to make up for all of it later, she, more than anyone else, would be able to forgive bad turns against her. Because if she can't forgive others, how can she expect to be forgiven herself?
Normally I don't use Abridged quotes that much but in this case:
Hey, CHS. I got good news. You see, you no longer need to wonder where your god is. Cause, she's coming. And she's fresh out of mercy.