> Mutual Interests
>  by Spirit Shift
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> CH1: Friendship Attempt #1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity looked over the faces of her gathered friends, glad that they all answered her call. She stood up at the head of the table and addressed them, “Hello, girls. I’m glad you all could make it here today.”

“Don’t be dramatic with it, just tell us why we’re here,” said Rainbow, impatiently drumming her fingers on the table. “I’m going to be late for practice.”

Applejack sent a brief annoyed glare at Rainbow Dash, “Ah’m also a mite curious.... Not that I don’t like spendin’ time with you or anything.”

“I don’t know,” said Fluttershy, petting a white cat that had stuck its head out of her bag. “You sounded really urgent on the phone.”

Pinkie leaned forward with an excited grin. “Ohh, OOHH! Did Twilight come back? Do we get to be super awesome moé magical girls again!?” she exclaimed, jumping out of her seat, and waving her straw around like a wand.

“Ok, firstly, no more television for you, Pinkie. Secondly, this is extremely urgent, we have to keep the promise we made to Twilight before she left. We have to teach Sunset Shimmer the magic of friendship.”

“Ugh, do we haavvvvee to?” Rainbow groaned spreading herself over the table. “Personally, I don’t want anything to do with the one who wrecked it in the first place.”

“Don’t be like that, Dashie,” said Pinkie, patting the girl's rainbow hair, “You saw how she was, I’m sure she’s learned her lesson.”

“I agree, not to mention it’s been almost a month since then, and her situation has only gotten worse after the school was rebuilt. Most of the students refuse to talk to her and nobody ever sees her outside of the local library.”

Rainbow leaned back in her seat, “Well, maybe if she hadn't destroyed the school, terrorized the students, and broke up our friendships, I would care just a little bit more... just a little.”

Rarity folded her arms in defiance, “Be that as it may, we promised. So we have a moral obligation to help her learn how to make some friends.”

“Oh, no, I am not wasting my hard earned winter break on her!” blurted Rainbow, bolting upright and crossing her arms.

Applejack scoffed, “Waddaya mean ‘hard earned’ you nearly failed most of your classes except for gym.”

Pinkie hopped in place. "Who knows... we might finished before winter break. We could probably even spend Christmas with her."

“Whatever, I still don’t want to!” replied Rainbow.

“But, Rainbow, we promised Twilight,” pleaded Fluttershy, giving her a wide eyed puppy dog gaze. Eventually, Pinkie and the cat joined in as well. Sensing that they were needed, just about every animal that Fluttershy kept on her emerged and added their stares to the attack. Bombarded by adorableness, Rainbow reluctantly backed down and slumped in defeat. 

Pinkie gave a thumbs up to Rarity who nodded in appreciation. “Thank you. Now, the problem is going about it. Any ideas?”

Pinkie slowly raised her hand while Rarity shook her head and said, “No parties, if we hold one now, no one will show up and she’ll only feel worse.”

Pinkie slowly lowered her hand.

…

“Well? Come on, don’t be shy, speak up,” Rarity urged in response to the group silence.

…

Rarity sighed, “Well I had at least intended to listen your ideas, but if none of you have any, I’ll tell you mine. I believe that we should all spend a day with her, and include her in our activities in order to bring her out of her shell.”

The collective group offered murmurs of agreements.

“I think that Fluttershy should go first,” she finished.

“What?!” she exclaimed, hiding behind her hair in surprise, “Why me?”

“Fluttershy,” Rarity said gently, moving closer to the shy, introverted girl, “you are the kindest person I know. Also, if you remember, you were in the same situation as her when we first met.”

“Except she didn't try to enslave two worlds,” Rainbow muttered.

If Rarity heard her she didn't show it. “You can relate to her the most out of all of us. I have complete faith in you, darling.”

Fluttershy, although reluctant, decided that if her friend trusted her, she would at least give it a try. “Alright,” she said softly, her eyes showing a small amount a confidence. 



~~~



*Tap…. Tap…. Tap*

“Umm, yes, hello, may I come in?” asked Fluttershy as she stood in front of the glass doors.

“Fluttershy,” sighed Cheerilee, “this is a public library. You don’t have to knock on the open doors.”

“Oh right… sorry.”

“It’s fine, come in,” she said, smiling slightly as she turned to walk away.

Fluttershy stopped her before she could leave, “Wait, please. Do you know if Sunset Shimmer is here?”

Cheerilee turned back to Fluttershy with an irritated look on her face. Without a word, she pointed toward an out of the way table with a single girl with intertwining red-orange hair, quietly reading a book.

“Thank… you,” she said as Cheerilee briskly turned and left. 'She looked a little mad when I mentioned Sunset Shimmer… she must still be upset over what happened.’ she thought sadly before making her way over to the girl in question.	

Shimmer responded by looking up at the new arrival, she momentarily looked surprised that someone actually visited her, before hiding back behind her book. “H-hi, Fluttershy.”

“Um, hi.”

Silence reigned as neither girl knew how to proceed. Eventually, Sunset broke the veil.

“Well? What do you want?” she asked.

Fluttershy jumped at the sudden question. “I just… I wanted to see if you wanted to spend the day helping me at the animal shelter.”

“No thank you. I would rather stay here where no one can hate me.”

Fluttershy mustered up a small amount of courage to continue. “Please? I really would like some help… and to get to know you better.”

Sunset looked up to see Fluttershy’s pleading eyes, and knew that she couldn't say no anymore. She sighed, put the book down, and followed Fluttershy out of the library.

Once outside, Fluttershy couldn't help but notice the many people glaring in their direction. Before she could shy away, she realized that all of the stares were, in fact, being directed at the girl next to her. She also noticed the way Sunset walked. She had her head down and her pace had quickened, almost as if she were to begin running any second.



~~~



As Fluttershy entered the animal shelter, she was assaulted with various sights and smells. To most people, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but over time she had learned to get used to, and even sort of enjoy, the various smells. Eventually, the smells became something of a comfort to her in times of distress.

“Hello my animal friends. How are you all today?” she said as she bent down to pet all of the various dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, and other assorted animals. They all chirped, hissed, and purred at her touch, clearly enjoying the affection of their caretaker.

“Is that you, Fluttershy?” called out a voice from the back room. Sunset turned towards the nearby door just in time to see a tall woman with jet black hair, exit from a door near the back of the shop. She wore a violet dress, polka dotted with what resembled sunflowers, and had what some would call librarian glasses attached to a chain that went around her neck. “Welcome back, and I see that you’ve brought a friend.”

Fluttershy looked up at the women in concern, “Oh, yes, is that ok?”

“It’s completely fine, dearie. I wish that there were more kind children like you.”

“Oh no, what’s wrong?” she asked, seeing that something was bothering the women.

“Oh, just a few financial troubles, nothing you young ones need to worry about.”

Fluttershy stood up and walked over to her. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Really, it’s nothing. Just having you around makes the animals happy, and having you volunteer here everyday makes me happy.”

“Well,” she said, brightening up a bit, “all right then.”

“Well then, you know where everything is, but call me if you two need anything,” she said, leaving the two girls to their own devices.

Fluttershy waved to the departing woman before turning back to Sunset, who had waited out the conversation by staring at a caged mouse in the corner. Fluttershy got to work feeding the animals, getting them water, and grooming some of the furrier ones. What should have been an enjoyable experience was eventually made somewhat awkward when she remembered that she wasn't alone today. For the next 30 minutes she would constantly look back toward Sunset Shimmer who spent her time gravitating from one animal to the next, sometimes petting or grooming them like Fluttershy would do.

Normally, she would sing a small tune while working, but with someone else present, she couldn't muster up the courage to do so. Instead, she tried to make some light conversation.

"S-so,” she began hesitantly, “…do you like animals?”

“I guess,” she said, still grooming the bunny that she had gravitated to.

“Really? Which one do you like most?”

Sunset thought for a few seconds before softly petting the bunny between its ears slightly smiling as he leaned into her touch. “I don’t have one. I used to hate animals actually… but now it seems like they’re the only ones to not shun or glare or at me for what I’ve done.”

Fluttershy couldn't help but notice how sad she sounded. It was true that many of the students in the school had expressed their hate for her, but did it really spread that far around town?

In the end, because she was unable to bring up any further conversational topics, Fluttershy decided to only focus on the animals in front of her for the remainder of the day.
> CH2: Okay, that didn't work. How about this?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Finally, I did it! The crown is mine, I can feel its power coursing through me even as it sits in my hands. “Finally, more power than I can ever imagine!” I say.

I relish in the defeated face of Twilight as I put the crown on. The moment I placed the crown on my head, I felt the immense power it contained. It’s just so much to take in.

So much...

Too much...

It hurts.

It burns!

Why does it burn? Is this what having power feels like? I thought it would be the best feeling ever... So why does it hurt so much?! I feel like I’m going to explode. Bright light fills my vision, and I can feel my feet leave the ground. But I ignore it when the pain grows even worse. I can feel something strange happening to my body… like... it's transforming into something that isn't me. Something is taking over. This wasn't what I wanted.

“But, Sunset, this was exactly what you wanted, wasn't it?”

All at once, the pain stops, and the light fades. I open my eyes, but all I see is darkness. Where is that voice coming from? I yell out for the voice to identify itself.

“I’m what you desire most. I am what you succeeded in becoming.”

Eventually, the dark begins to fade revealing a bright orange color. A silhouette manages to bring itself into my vision. I can’t make out many details, except that it’s a woman, much taller than I.

“I am the power that you have craved so badly.”

I can make out even more details as she brings herself into my vision. I can see her flaming red-yellow hair, literally blazing like fire. I flinch when I attempt to look her in the eye, there’s nothing there. Completely black and lifeless. 

Pulling myself back together, I demand, once more, for the creature to name itself.

“Haven't you figured it out yet…? Or is it that you only wanted my power to make yourself seem smarter?”

The figure is now fully visible. Something clicks in my mind, something I have been trying to deny... but I fail. Even so, I can’t accept what I see in front of me. That's… this... this demon… is me.

“Ahh, finally, took you long enough. Yes, I am you, and you are me. I am what you have become with all of this power. Do you like?” she asked, twirling in the air and showing off her dark red skin.

I don’t care, I refuse to believe that this is me, I would never have become something like this. I wanted power, not madness.

“Foolish child! This IS what you wanted. You are now all powerful, even more powerful than Celestia herself. And certainly more powerful than that wannabe princess, Twilight Sparkle. So now, watch as I fulfill our goals. I will destroy Twilight and her friends, and I will take Equestria from that foolish princess who denied us the power we deserve! Enjoy the show, it’s to die for,” she says, laughing as everything fades back into nothingness.

"No!" I scream for her to stop, but it’s too late. That wasn't what I wanted. I just wanted to prove that I could handle it, that I was worthy of this power. Tears began to flow down my cheeks as I realize that this might actually be what I meant by that.

Suddenly, a large screen appears. A window to the outside. I can see Twilight and the others’ faces. They look so scared, so afraid. Why? I don’t understand.

The screen pans down to look at the flaming skirt and dark red claws. A voice giggles in glee as she looks over her own figure, and I realize that they are looking at me. They are afraid of me, of what I've become. 

I try to move, only to realize that I don’t even have control of my own body anymore. This isn't what I wanted, this isn't what I wanted at all!

I watch helplessly as she turns Snips and Snails into beings like her. I can’t bear to watch. They shouldn't have been dragged into this. It’s my fault. It’s all my fault!

The demon, the me outside, forces me to watch as the body I cannot control destroys the school and brainwashes all of the students. I watch myself as I laugh at Twilight and threaten to use them to take over all of Equestria. I wish that I could make it stop, I try to take back control of my body, but I’m powerless inside my own mind. 

I can’t do anything to stop her.

No, what is she doing? Twilight... Twilight run! Get away!

TWILIGHT!

I break down at this point. Tears flow freely as I watch myself blast Twilight and the others into dust. It’s all my fault. She was right, this is what I wanted. I wanted power at all costs…

...even if Twilight and her friends were my payment.

Sunset Shimmer woke up in alarm, sweat and tears dripping down her face in abundance as she gasped for air. Her eyes began quickly darting around her room, her heart pounding faster than it had the right to be. Eventually, she managed to calm down enough to realize what had happened.

“It was that dream again,” she sighed, wiping her face. “Well… as much as a memory could be called a dream.”

Unable to return to sleep out of fear, Sunset Shimmer curled up on her bed, legs against her chest, and let the rest of her tears flow freely.

~~~

“So, I take it that animal therapy didn't work?”

Fluttershy shook her head sadly. “If anything, I think that I may have made her sadder.”

“That’s not good,” said Rarity, sitting down in front of the group.

“So, what now? Do we send in the big guns?” asked Rainbow, pointing across the table to the pink haired girl, who was currently downing an extra large double chocolate banana creme strawberry cimicherrychonga surprise milkshake sundae.

“No. Not yet. I want to try something first. Applejack, would you like some help on the farm?” she said, turning and giving her friend a bright smile.

Applejack backed away a bit before answering. “Rarity? Where’re ya goin' with this?”

Rarity only scooted closer to the reluctant farmgirl. “I’m only saying, that such a hard worker could use her hard work to take someone's mind off troubling events,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes.

Applejack leaned back and crossed her arms defiantly. “That don’t make no sense, Ah hope you know that.”

Rarity put her and together and gave her stubborn friend a pleading look. “Be that as it may. I would like it for you to take Sunset Shimmer to your farm, and let her help you.”

“How would that help anythin’!?” she spat, an offended tone creeping into her voice.

Rarity saighed and looked down sadly. “It’s obvious that she is distracted by the people around her, their attitude towards her is causing her to keep reflecting on what she’s done. So we could probably distract her by having her work hard in a secluded area. Also, trusting her with farm work would show that you trust her as a friend.”

“No, way," Applejack denied. She shook her head fiercely. "That still doesn't make any sense, and Ah don’t trust her near mah farm. Ah said that ah’d help, but find another way.”

Rarity leaned back to her normal position and crossed her arms. After a few seconds of thinking, she calmly raised her hand and snapped her fingers. “Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie.”

The two girls immediately answered her call, faces at the ready.

~~~

“Applejack, why am I here?” asked Sunset as she hopped out of the Apple family truck. 

“I- uh, Ah could use your help on the farm before the cold weather hits. Ah figured that it would be a good… uh… bonding experience.”

Sunset scoffed, “If you were forced to spend time with me you can just say it,” she said turning around. “If you don’t want me here… I’ll just leave, alright?”

Applejack, hearing the depression in her voice, quickly responded. “No! Ah mean, it’s ok. Ah want you here, to help, Ah mean… jeez, just come on over here.”

Sunset reluctantly followed Applejack to the main section of Sweet Apple Acres. She was surprised at exactly how many trees the apple family owned. Needless to say, counting them all was far beyond her numerical ability.

“You have… a lot of trees,” Sunset observed.

“Thank you, captain obvious,” Applejack replied instantly. She began to roll her eyes before realizing her mistake and turning back to the girl next to her. “Sorry, Rainbow says the same thing every time she visits. Anyway, Ah might have to get rid of a few.”

Sunset turned and looked at her with a blank expression. “Why?”

Sunset soon realized that her question seemed to hit a nerve in Applejack when she scowled and clenched her fists. “It’s those gosh darned Flim Flam brothers!” yelled Applejack, stomping her foot on the ground. "They said that they that they would triple our profits at last month's Apple Family bake sale. But all of the food tasted like garbage! Ah can’t even find them anymore, they just up and disappeared. Why, when I get my hand’s on them Ah'll-”

Applejack glanced over, and saw her guest cowering some distance away. “Ah’m sorry, ah’m sorry,” she said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “It’s just that they done made a mess of our sale. Mac said somethin about, money issues and excess taxes and refunds. Ah don’t really get it, but it means that we might have to sell a portion of the farm, an that ticks me a mite off.”

Sunset hesitantly took a few steps forward, “Well, if it’s financial issues I could probably-”

“Hey, what’re you doin here!?” Both Sunset and Applejack turned to see Apple Bloom running up to the from the house. Applejack flinched. She was really hoping tat her sister would be out with her friends today.

Apple Bloom stomped right up to Sunset Shimmer and pointed right up at her face. “You’re not welcome here. I won’t let you destroy the farm like you did the school. Put em’ up!” she said, raising her fists and jumping from foot to foot. 

“I… uh…”

Apple Bloom held her hand out to silence her. “Uh uh, nope, your fancy magic words won't work on me! An don’t even think about-”

“APPLE BLOOM!” Apple Bloom instantly stiffened as she slowly turned her head to look at the wrath that was her older sister. “Apologize!”

“But, sis, she’s gonna cast her magic voodoo, and destroy the farm!” Apple Bloom whined. 

The farmgirl sighed and sat a hand on her forehead. “Sunset Shimmer is not here to destroy the farm. She’s here to help us work, alright.”

The small red headed girl turned and glared at Shimmer before muttering a quick sorry. Afterwards she ran off back toward the house. “Don’t blame me if a giant beanstalk grows, or Mac becomes a frog or somethin’!” she yelled.

Applejack sighed before turning back to Sunset. “Ah’m sorry about that, she’s still a little bitter about what happened.”

“I-it’s okay, she’s right anyway I deserve it,” she said, her head now lowered and her arms wrapped around herself. If one were to pay close attention, one could see her shaking slightly.

“Hey,” she asked, genuinely concerned, “you alright there?”

Sunset quickly pulled herself back together. “N-no… I’m fine, what do you want me to do first?”

“Umm, sure, go get those buckets over there.”

~~~

“Is that it?” asked Rainbow, leaning back in her usual seat.

“Yeah, unfortunately," Applejack muttered, "She did everything I told her, but ah couldn't hold a conversation worth a grain of salt.”

Rarity put a finger to her chin in thought. Even though Applejack failed the experience told her what they needed to improve on. “We need an activity where we can actively converse then.”

“Is it party time!?” asked Pinkie, jumping and tossing confetti into the air.

“Sorry, darling, I’m afraid not”

“Awww,” Pinkie groaned as she fell back into her seat. The confetti fluttered to the ground listlessly behind her.

“I suppose that this requires a gentler touch." Rarity face lit up in a bright smile as she stood up from the table. "I believe that it’s time to throw my hat into the ring, as the case may be.”

“You’re going to spend the day with her?” asked Rainbow with a disbelieving smirk.

Rarity faked a look offence and gestured to herself. “Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I only made my friends do all of the work.”

“You’d be actin like that one girl with the diamonds on her skirt. Now what was her name again?” answered AJ. She leaned back in her seat with a smug grin.

“Please, passive aggressiveness is beyond you, Applejack." Without ceremony Rarity turned away and walked toward the doors of Sugarcube Corner. Just as she opened the door Rarity turned back to her friends and winked slyly. "I would happily help my friends. I only need one thing from her in return?" 

> CH3: This one's going to work for sure, I can feel It.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sunset could only stare at the purple haired girl in front of her. “You want me to what?” she asked flatly. Rarity’s sudden proposition caused her to tear her eyes away from the many sets of clothing that were strewn around Rarity’s boutique.

“Simple, darling,” she said, calmly taking a seat on her velvet couch, and taking a sip from the tea that she had made. ”I want you to help me design a line of costumes for the upcoming battle of the bands.”

Sunset gave her a look that screamed "seriously?". Complete with folded arms. “No, the second part.”

“Oh, of course," Rarity chuckled, playing innocent. "Before that, I would like for you to enter the upcoming fashion show while wearing one of my dresses.”

“Yes, that." Sunset rolled her eyes. "There’s no way I’m entering a beauty pageant--"

"Fashion show," she corrected, holding up a finger.

"Whatever! Where in this one horse town is there even a fashion show going on?”

Rarity gave Sunset a bright cheery smile. “My house of course!” 

Sunset looked at her in disbelief. "You're holding a beauty pageant for the entire town?"

"Not I, my uncle and aunt are. Not my house either... that was a joke." Rarity feigned a slight chuckle, but a glare from Sunset caused her to awkwardly cough it off. "Nevertheless, you may have heard of them; Hoity Toity and Hot Topic?" 

Sunset's disbelieving look turned into one of complete surprise. "The Hoity Toity and Hot Topic!? You’re related to them!?”

“I take it that you recognize the names?” Even though Rarity was smiling on the outside, truthfully, she hated throwing around the names of her family, but she needed Sunset to agree or else her plan wouldn't work.

“Recognize the- They’re the biggest fashion names in the state!” Sunset clearly had a hard time fathoming the apparent connects the girl in front of her had. While not into fashion herself, Sunset still kept up to date of the local celebrities. Gossip amused her like that.

“Yes, they are my dear aunt and uncle, though not by blood,” the fashionista clarified.

Sunset gave her a blank look. “What?”

“They’re more like godparents; due to their friendship with my parents. But enough about that, will you participate?” Rarity inched forward and gave the girl large pleading eyes.

“No,” the girl said simply.

Rarity was stunned to say the least, she was sure that Sunset would agree after hearing that, she herself would after all. “Wh-what?”

“I won’t enter,” she said plainly, clearly enjoying Rarity’s reaction.

Rarity pranced in place is if she was throwing a tantrum. “Why not?” she whined. 

Sunset turned away, her gaze slightly downcast, “I- I just can’t, I would lose anyway.”

There was a beat of silence from Sunset's tone of voice. Finally, Rarity took a small step forward, a look of concern covering her features,  “Sunset you-”

Suddenly, Sunset turned back to Rarity. “Why can’t you wear it?” she accused. “It’s your dress, isn't it?”

Rarity was slightly taken back by the sudden question, but it wasn't something that she was unprepared for. "Why that’s precisely the point. As the maker of one the ensembles, I cannot enter. It’s one of the rules,” she explained, cleverly hiding the fact that she had been the one to suggest that rule in the first place. "I am also an organizer that's helping to put it together. I'm lucky that I was even allowed to enter a design with everything else."

Sunset turned to leave out the front door. “Well… just get one of your friends or something.”

“You are one of my friends, that’s why I came to you first.”

Sunset stopped and turned her head back toward Rarity, her face one of stunned surprise. “What?” she whispered.

“I said that you’re my friend. In fact, I would love to have all of you join and enter because it would be a dream come true for me. However, the others... well," she hesitated, trying to figure out how to word it so that she did not insult her other friends, “Rainbow Dash and Applejack refuse to let me work on them, Pinkie won’t stay still, and poor Fluttershy is too timid for this kind of thing.”

Rarity considered herself to be fairly good at reading other people’s feelings. Looking at Sunset, she could see that she was clearly conflicted, her face showed a myriad of emotions ranging from slight relief and happiness, to what seemed like fear and hesitation. “Fine.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said… fine. I’ll... I’ll be in your stupid pageant,” Sunset muttered.

Rarity jumped up from her seat, took Sunset’s arms, and ran towards the dressing rooms. “Wonderful! First, I’ll need your measurements.” A skirt and jacket flew out from behind the screen.

“Hey, what are you-”

“Then, we need to pick a design!”

“Ohh, that’s cold!”

“It seems that your primary colors are red and yellow. So we’ll need to compliment those.”

“I like other colors too you know!”

“But first, it looks like you could use a little-”

“Oh, no, get those scissors away from me!”

“Don’t be shy darling, I’m just trimming some excess hair.”

“Not down there you’re not!”

“But, Sunset,” she whined, “there’s too much, the judges will hate it!”

“No, they won’t even see it. Plus, just because I have more than you doesn't mean you can cut any off.”

Rarity pouted for a few seconds. “Fine, but don’t get upset when you get a low score.”

“I don’t think I’ll be graded for the amount of hair I have.” Still behind the curtain, Rarity had forced a now semi nude Sunset to stand stone still in order to take the most accurate measurements possible. Every twitch was met with a stern look from Rarity, and every breath was even and spaced. The whole process was very boring and repetitive: Move that one body part, turn this way, turn that way. The only different part was when Rarity had asked her to take as deep of a breath as she could, and hold it so that she could take a measurement of that as well.

All in all it was a very mundane experience, but somehow, Sunset actually managed to find some enjoyment in it, even if she couldn't fully understand why. Maybe it was the odd conversations they had during the measuring, maybe it was finally being able to spend time with another person without feeling hated, or maybe it was that she called her a friend. Either way, Sunset actually found herself having fun.

Eventually, Rarity completed her measurements, allowing Sunset to put her clothes back on. As she turned to her work table she called out behind her. “Sunset?” 

“Yeah?”

“I remember that Twilight was from a place called Equestria, so I assume that you come from there as well?” she asked as she made her way over to her design table. Papers, discarded designs, and random stretches of fabric littered the entire area.

Sunset emerged from behind the changing curtain fully clothed. “Y-yeah, I am.”

“What’s it like, in that other world I mean. Twilight was able to use magic, and when we all came together it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. So, I just can’t help but wonder what it’s like to have that feeling inside you all the time.”

Sunset fidgeted nervously, she knew that someone would ask that eventually. To be honest, she barely even remembered what it was like to have magic. When she went to take the crown she had already been there two full hours relearning her own spells. Sunset hesitantly looked into Rarity’s eyes, only to nearly trip backward when Sunset realized how close Rarity had come to her face, and even worse, how large her eyes looked because of it. 

“I… uh… Well, it was… colorful?” she stammered, completely unsure of how to answer.

Rarity, seeing the panic in her friend’s face, quickly backed off. “Oh my, I’m terribly sorry, that was very rude of me. It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me, I won’t force you.”

“No! I mean… look, it’s fine, I just don’t really remember much of what it’s like to have magic since I’ve spent most of my time here.“

“Well, when you had the crown on, you had magic, albeit dark magic, but what did it feel like then? I must admit, I am quite curious of it all.”

“What… did--” Sunset visibly cringed as the memory rose up to the forefront of her mind. Her vision began to swim when the images and sounds of her crazed laughter began dancing in front of her eyes. Memories of everything that she wanted to do to Twilight and the others arose in her thoughts, the horrible, horrible memories that were left behind by her corrupt self. The elements may have been able to expel the urge to do those things, but the magic alone simply wasn't enough to purge the memories, nor the feelings. 

Even now, in the dark recesses of her mind, Sunset could imagine herself doing extremely violent things to various innocent people, not just brainwashing them, and right now, Rarity was appearing in more and more of them. It would be so easy, all she had to do was wait till she was distracted with her designing, and simply-

“Sunset!”

Sunset instantly snapped back to reality, the image of the ground and her feet filled her sight. She realized that she was hunched over with her hands covering her ears. “Wh-what is it? What’s wrong?”

Rarity momentarily froze before turning back to a look of concern. “What’s wrong with me!? What’s wrong with you? You just started shaking and shivering, you looked like you were in pain just now! Come, sit over here,” she said, urging Sunset toward her fainting couch.

Sunset quickly pulled away. “N-no, I’m alright. I think that I should go now. My parents don’t want me out too late. You know how it is.”

Rarity really didn't want her to leave, she felt like Sunset was finally getting a chance to enjoy herself without anyone else treating her unfairly. “Umm sure, alright. I’ll get to work designing the dress, but are you sure that you’re alright?”

Sunset grabbed the door handle and prepared to leave. “I’m sure, I just need to hurry and get home, call me when the dresses are ready.”

“You know, you could just keep coming over, I do enjoy polite company while I work.”

Sunset paused for a second, one foot already beyond the doors threshold. Without answering, she fully exited the fashionista’s home, closing the door behind her as she left.

~~~

The next day Rarity woke up later than she would like to admit. Having worked most of the night to develop a suitable foundation for Sunset’s dress. It was actually surprising how hard it was to work black, red, and yellow into a dress. 

After washing up and taking a light two hour shower, Rarity sleepily made her way over to Sweetie Belle’s room to wake her up, only to remember that she was at their parents place this week. Shrugging, she made her way downstairs to fix something to eat. Reaching the last stair, she was stunned to see a familiar girl quietly sitting in her living room with a book flat on the table, reading.

“Sunset?”

The girl in question turned to look at her, her expression showing slight impatience. “Well, you sure enjoy your beauty sleep,” she said plainly.

Rarity could only smile, Sunset had actually come back, this was perfect.

“By the way, you should really lock your door.”

“So I’ve been told. Have you had any breakfast yet?”

Sunset flipped a page in her book. “Yes, about six hours ago,” she answered absentmindedly.
> Extra CH3.5: Palace of the Aqua Pearl
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

After spending about an hour fixing and eating a, "late breakfast", Rarity quickly got to work in finishing the design portion of Sunset's dress. The time was mostly spent in silence, aside from the occasional “Sunset would you please hand me that,” or “Sunset, may I please retake this measurement of your legs again?” the two mainly spent the time just quietly enjoying each other's company.

“That’s it!” Rarity screamed inside her mind, “I can’t take this anymore, I’m going to go insane if this keeps up. I just have to do something about this. But I can’t be too forceful, I don’t want to seem like I’m intruding of course. Yesterday it seemed like she was deeply affected by something I said, so I’ll have to be delicate this time around.”

“So, Sunset.”

Not receiving an answer, she turned around to see Sunset deeply reading into her book, the same one that she had been reading for hours. Apparently she was too deeply enticed to hear her name being called. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying herself, if the smile that was glued on her face was any indication. 

“No… wait,” she thought, “this is perfect, now I don’t have to ask her. If I can just quietly sneak up to her I can find out myself.”

As planned, Rarity silently crept up behind Sunset. Rarity used every lady-like technique at her disposal to make her steps as dainty, and quiet, as possible. Even if Sunset was distracted, Rarity wasn't taking any chances, even going so far as to either pause, or run back to her seat at the sight of any movement from her target. After five or so minutes, she finally made her way directly behind Sunset.

“Ugh” she groaned mentally, “it’s no use. She has the cover on the table, maybe I can find out by reading the words themselves.”

Acting on her urges, Rarity looked over Sunset’s shoulder and began to read.

“Using his thick dark rod, Spirit proceeded to force it though. Even though it was a tight fit, and this was his first time, he just knew that if he didn't do this, he would never have the chance to-” Rarity’s face blushed deep red as she soon as she began reading.

“Wh-wh-wh-what is she reading! No, I mustn't judge… But still, to be reading such a perverse novel in broad daylight-”

“What are you doing?”

Rarity nearly leaped back when she realized that Sunset had torn herself from her book to look over her shoulder directly at her.

Rarity’s eyes darted all over the place, refusing to make eye contact. “I… uh… I waaaaaaaassss just examining your jacket!” she lied. “It’s such a nice texture, I was just wondering what It was made of.”

Sunset, glanced down at her jacket, clearly confused by the sudden interest in her usual attire. “Leather,” she slowly answered. “Did you need anything else?” 

“Nope, nothing,” she said, slowly backing away. “I’ll just… get back to work. You stay there, and keep… reading.”

Back at her table, Rarity heaved a large sigh. “Jeez, that was so stupid! The texture of her jacket? There’s no way that she’s not suspicious now! Not only that, but now I’m even more curious about what she’s reading. From what I saw, it seems rather steamy… I wonder if she’ll let me borrow it?”

“Well that was weird,” she muttered. Back at her table, Sunset turned back to her book, muttering something about weird purple haired girls being weird. Her bright smile returning to her face she continued where she left off.

~~~

Daring Do, now badly injured with a vicious stab wound to the side, barely managed to make it to the surface of the rapidly flooding room. Water steadily rose up the off gray walls of the sealed chamber she was locked in. “Spirit!” she called out.

From somewhere outside the room answered the voice of a younger man. “Daring? Is that you? What’s happening, where did he drop you at.”

“That bastard dropped me into a freaking flooding room!” she yelled as she struggled to swim over to the wall where is voice sounded closest.

Spirit leaned back in shock and disbelief. “Seriously? Hasn't that been done, like… a billion times.”

“I know right? It’s cliched as hell. For once can’t Caballeron try to kill me himself?” Despite the situation, Daring couldn't help but crack a smile.

Spirit also smiled, though his was more smirky in nature. “Didn't he, like, stab you?”

Unfortunately his comment wiped Daring's smile off of her face and brought back her serious demeanor. “Hey, you know how you could help me right now?”

“What?” Spirit asked, smiling cheerfully at the notion of actually being able to help for once. He leaned his ear against the wall.

“By shutting up, and plugging the hole where the goddamn water is entering from!" she yelled, causing him to flinch back. "I don’t have anything to do it with in here. Plus, ya know, bleeding to death and all.”

“If I fail, and you die, can I have your Staff of Rassilon?” he asked.

“Spirit Shift, now is NOT the time!” Daring hissed. Even if she died she still wouldn't want that idiot to have anything of her's.

“Fine, fine!” Spirit sulked. He turned to walk away but stopped when he heard Daring's voice once more.

“Plus, Notes already has dibs on it anyway,” she added.

“Dammit!” Immediately, Spirit made his way out of the large white building, and over to the easternmost edge, quickly locating where he just was on the inside. Putting his ear to the wall, he could still hear the nearby room filling with water. Noticing that the room was located in a corner of the building. He figured that the room was getting it’s water from a nearby river, or something, instead of having a large supply built in. “Good choice, water bills are really high these days,” he thought.

Continuing to move around the perimeter, he was met with confirmation. A large river flowed into the back of the building, with the building itself acting like a dam. Thus making the river virtually invisible from the front. Not wasting anytime sightseeing, Spirit quickly ran over to the edge of the river. Looking into it, he could see the hole where the water was entering the room. “Now, how am I going to plug it?”

Looking around, Spirit grabbed the first thing that he thought would fit; a long black rod, lying some distance away. Picking it up, Spirit was surprised to find that it was actually made of wood. “That’s weird, must be a weirdly straight tree branch or something. Ehh,” he shrugged. Grabbing the goggles on his head, he pulled them over to shield his eyes, “doesn't matter. Now to do my manly duty, and plug that hole.” 

And he swiftly dove into the water. Using his thick dark rod, Spirit proceeded to force it though. Even though it was a tight fit, and this was his first time, he just knew that if he didn't do this, he would never have the chance to find out what was so important about his and Daring's necklaces."

~~~

Sunset giggled slightly, “That pervert,” she muttered, turning the page as she did. Unfortunately, Rarity heard, and blushed once more.
> CH4: Seems like it's working....
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The very next day, Sunset explained to Rarity that she had already made plans, and thus, would not be able to make it over to the boutique. Rarity ended up taking the opportunity to present her progress to the rest of her friends. They all gathered at their usual spot in Sugarcube Corner, and Rarity looked more than excited to share her news.

“So, how’d it go?” Pinkie asked.

Rainbow scoffed and leaned back in her seat with her feet on the table like she usually did. “I bet she messed up somehow. I still say that we just give up.”

“On the contrary, Rainbow Dash, It’s quite the opposite." Rarity pushed Rainbow's feet off the table like she usually did. before continuing. "I have actually managed to convince her to participate in the upcoming fashion show being held in our fair city.”

“Waitwaitwait, since when was there a fashion show?” asked AJ.

“Since a few weeks ago, when I convinced my family to host one,” she said, proudly flipping her hair.

“Is that why you sent us in first?”

“Well, I needed some time to put everything together, but trust me I had every bit of faith in all of you. Besides, I’ve always wanted to make designs for a fashion show, I just never had the opportunity, or model. And now I have both! This is perfect!”

Rainbow cheered sarcastically, “Woo, hoo.”

“Well at least you got somethin' out of it. Apple Bloom’s been puttin' up a whole mess’ o’ wards, charms and garlic, just cuz she’s afraid that Sunset’s gone an cursed the farm.”

“Wait, isn't garlic, like, for vampires?”

“She didn't want to take any chances.”

Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion. “Actually, there was a huge fire a few days ago-”

AJ held her hand up to stop her. “Please, don’t talk about that… they got half the west orchard.” she mumbled angrily.

“Well burnt forests and fashion dreams are great an all, but who wants to hear about the new Daring Do book coming out next week!?” she declared.

“Oooh I do, I do!” Pinkie cheered.

“It’s gonna be so awesome, we finally get to find out what Spirit Shift’s amulet does, and how it’s connected to Daring’s!”

“Ohh, maybe he’s her long lost brother or something!”

“No way, it’s probably part of some ancient set that’ll decide the fate of the world!”

“Do you think that he’ll be a permanent member of the cast?”

“God, I hope so! He’s so friggin awesome!”

“Did you read about the time when he-”

While Pinkie and Rainbow droned on about possible outcomes to be revealed in the upcoming books and how awesome the new character was, Fluttershy scooted closer to Rarity so she could hold her own quiet conversation. “So, how is Sunset doing?”

“She’s coming along beautifully," she squealed. "She even visits me everyday to keep me company while I work. Though she does keep to herself most of the time.”

Fluttershy smiled softly. “Well, she probably just enjoys being in someone else’s company, I know that I do sometimes.”

“Maybe, but it also seems that she’s purposely trying to distance herself from others." Rarity thought about her time at school. She could count on one hand the times that she had seen Sunset out in the open outside of the classrooms. "I haven't even seen her go anywhere other than where we take her. She’s always in the library when one of us goes looking for her.”

“Shoot, maybe she just likes tah read,” Applejack chimed in.

Rarity sighed and leaned back, gazing at the ceiling. “I know that, but still, if she’s going to make any friends she needs to get out more.”

“That’s not gonna be so easy with the entire town on her case,” Applejack muttered. 

“I suppose not, but I sincerely hope that this contest will get others to view her differently.” Rarity stood up and began to bid goodbye to her friends.

“I’m sure it will!” Fluttershy assured her as Rarity exited the store.

~~~

*Ding*

Rarity’s phone let out a small chiming noise. Taking off her work glasses, Rarity reached over and unlocked her phone.

“Sunset?”

Sunset sat her book down on the table and turned around to answer the one calling her. “Yeah?”

“I just got an alert from the ones in charge, sign ups for the contest have begun.”

“Okay, so?”

“So? So you need to go down there and sign up!” 

Sunset deeply frowned. “Can’t you just sign up for me? It was your idea.”

“No, you need to do it personally,” she insisted.

Sunset groaned and relented. Closing her book, Sunset got up and made her way to the boutique’s exit, but before she could leave, Rarity called out once more.	“Oh, one more thing, when you see the sign up sheet, could you take a picture of it? I would like to know whom you’re up against.”

“Alright,” Sunset groaned, her tone was one of someone clearly about to do something that they didn't want to do.

After leaving the shop, Sunset quickly made her way across town. Obviously in a hurry to get it over with. She had already walked some distance when she stopped and realized something. “Wait, where did Rarity say they were holding sign ups?” she wondered aloud.

Reaching into her jacket pocket, she pulled out her phone to call Rarity when she realized something else; she didn't know her number at all. Sighing, she put her phone away. 

“I could just go back and ask her, I guess.” Turning around, she began to make her way back to Rarity until, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted several girls coming out of the nearby city hall. They were all talking excitedly about what they would wear and who would make it for them.

Deciding that it wouldn't hurt to check it out she waited until all of them left before entering the building herself. In the corner of the entrance hall sat a large board hung up on the wall. On it, sat various alerts, job listings, and town wide announcements. Eventually, Sunset found what she was looking for, the signup sheet for the upcoming fashion show being held in the next three weeks. 

She wasn't surprised to see how many people had already signed up for it, seeing as the only contests that are usually held in Humanville were the occasional school contests. Without thinking twice about it, Sunset quickly located an empty slot on one of the pages and signed her name with the pen sitting on a nearby desk. Pulling out her phone, she also took pictures of all the sheets with names on them to show Rarity when she returned. Finished with her business, Shimmer made her way back to the entrance.

Just as she was about to reach for the handle to leave, the door opened outward to reveal two excited girls, one with red hair streaked with light red. She wore a pale yellow blouse with an image of a rose on it. The other girl had very curly spring green hair and wore a light pink dress with a picture of a daisy. Their conversation quickly came to an end when they froze up at the sight of Sunset.

Sunset's face went blank. She knew what was happening. It wasn't the first time that people would freeze up at the sight of her. She also knew that it wouldn't be the last. “Excuse me,” she said. Both girls instantly moved out of her way as though they were scared of what she would do to them. Already used to this kind of treatment, Sunset said nothing. Instead she rolled her eyes and quickly made her way back to Rarity’s place.

~~~

Rarity turned at the sound of her door opening. “Welcome back, how was your trip?”

“Like walking on broken nails.” Taking out her phone she began to search for the recent set of pictures. “By the way, you forgot to tell me exactly where the sign up sheet was,” she said handing the phone over.

“Terribly sorry," Rarity apologized. She reached out and grabbed the phone from Sunset. "Are these the pictures of the sign up sheet?” Sunset nodded. “My word,” she gasped, scrolling through the pictures of the various filled up sheets, “I never dreamed that so many girls would enter so quickly.”

“Isn't this cheating somehow?” Sunset wondered. Walking back over to her seat, she sat down and re opened her book.

Rarity stopped to consider her question before shaking her head. "I don’t think so. I just have their names. It's not what they’re going to be wearing or anything,” she said, continuing to look through the names.

“By the way, that isn't a complete list. When I left others came in to sign up,” Sunset muttered.

Rarity's smile grew wider as the thrill of the competition excited her. “Oh my, the competition will be stiff won't it?”

“Just means that I have a smaller chance at winning,” Sunset remark.

“Well you are playing fairly this time.”

“I guess. So how’s the design coming along.”

Rarity beamed in excitement. “Coming? It came!” she said, holding up the finished design.

Sunset gave her a complete deadpan gaze.

Rarity realized what she just said and blushed slightly. “Oh just take the sheet!” 

Sunset did in fact, take the sheet, her jaw dropped at the finished blueprints for the dress, it was stunning to say the least.

“What did you say the prizes were again?”

“My dear, we're not doing it for the prizes, we’re to doing it to change the town's opinion of you

Sunset crossed her arms, and raised an accusatory eyebrow. Rarity’s professional facade broke, and her eyes began sparkling. “But if you must know, first prize if you win both best dress and best model, are featured articles in several prestigious magazines, and tickets to this year's Grand National Gala!” she said, almost dancing in place.

“Yeah, that sounds about right. Geez, no wonder there are so many entrants,” she muttered, taking her phone back.

Rarity turned away from Sunset, and began to gaze into space. “Just imagine, I would stroll through the gala. Everyone would gaze in awe and wonder, ‘who is that mysterious girl?'"

Sunset stared at her dumbfoundedly. “Are you serious?”

Rarity ignored her, and continued her fantasy. “They would never even guess that I was just a simple girl from little old Humanville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would get an audience with President Sombra himself.”

“Please stop,” Sunset pleaded.

“He would be so taken with my style and beauty, that he would introduce me, to him! His son, the most handsome, elegant, eligible, bachelor in Canterlot! Our eye’s would meet, our hearts would melt. Our loins would catch fire in each other's presence!”

Sunset slammed her hands over her ears and made her way towards the door. “Nope. NOPE! I am NOT listening to this!”

“The very next morning, he would ask for my hand in marriage, and of course I would say YES! We would have a national wedding befitting that of royalty!” she began giggling. “Which is what I would feel like upon marrying him. The man of my dreams!” Rarity instantly snapped out of her fantasy and nervously coughed into her hand. 

“Ahem, of course, I mean that none of that compares to … making… the town…. Sunset? Looking around she soon found that she was completely alone in her boutique, the door swinging lightly. Rarity grimaced and glanced down, embarrassed. “Oh… I did it again didn't I?”
	
> CH5: Okay, this is bad. But we can make it work.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sunset thankfully woke up the same way she usually did, with her eyes slowly opening to reveal the same bright blue ceiling that she was so very used to. Seeing as how it was one of those times where she had just lain down, blinked and it was the next day, she assumed that she didn't have any dreams once again. Which, in her opinion, was a good thing. Anything was better than the one dream that she could have had… if anyone could even call that a dream. 

Groggily, she sat up, wiped the disgusting crust out of her eyes, man how she hated eye crust, and made her way to the bathroom to continue her morning routine. As always, she quickly thanked whatever princess this world had, that this house still had both running water and electricity. About an hour later she came out of the bathroom fully dressed and clean as a whistle. Like usual she had no plans, so she supposed that she’d just go to Rarity’s place again. 

Despite herself, she gave a small smile at the thought. Inside, she couldn't deny that even though the two didn't have much to do in the way of conversation, it was nice to just be in each other’s presence. It made her feel like, for once since the incident, she wasn't alone in the world. 

She briefly thought back on the times when Applejack and, what’s-her-name… Fluttershy. To when those two invited her out. Simply put, it was awkward, and she couldn't really relax due to the fact that she could pretty much tell that that they were still either afraid of her, or distrustful in some way. 

“I guess I can smell fear now,” she thought bitterly. But with Rarity, it was different, she didn't distrust her, or was secretly afraid of her. It seemed that she really wanted to be friends… and maybe they could be. Looking down at her phone she gasped at the time. “Oh crap, it’s almost 4pm!” she exclaimed. Quickly, she grabbed a book at random from a nearby Daring Do shelf and ran out the door. Glancing back briefly at the empty home that had sheltered her for a little over three years since she came to this world. Even after three years, Sunset still couldn't believe her luck. It wasn't run down, in a bad neighborhood, boarded up, or anything, and for some reason, no one ever came looking to buy it. She just wondered how long this good fortune would last her.

“Just a little longer I hope…”

~~~

Sunset stared dumbfoundedly, eyebrow raised in confusion. She had just opened Rarity’s door, and the first thing she saw, was said girl jumping around in a circle with another girl tightly wrapped in her arms, both of them, cheering and laughing about something. Sunset thought that there might have been a few words somewhere, but they were drowned out by the screams of delight. Her ears having reached their limit, she quickly made herself known.

“Rarity if you don’t stop screaming right now, I swear I will hide one of Snail’s disgusting socks somewhere in your house, and I won't tell you where it is!” she screamed above the noise.

The effect was immediate, Rarity shivered in disgust so badly that the shiver passed through the girl she was holding, causing them both to vibrate. Rarity immediately turned to Sunset and scowled. 

“Don’t! You! Dare!” she warned.

“Now that you’re done shrieking like a banshee, I won’t have to…” she thought for a second, “well… maybe as a practical joke or something,” she mumbled.

Rarity continued to glare at Sunset, only to get a sly smirk in response. “Nevertheless, Sunset I would like for you to meet one of my old friends,” she said, excitedly pushing the girl forward. “This is Coco Pommel! She’s just returned from her stay in Manehatten.”

“H-Hi,” she said shyly. Sunset looked her up and down. She was definitely smaller and younger than her by at least a year or two, She had two tone light blue and white hair that was cut just above her shoulder, and wore what looked like a middle school uniform. Made evident by the tan polo shirt and red tie that she wore as well as the red bag that was slung diagonally around her shoulder. Sunset noticed that she was shrinking back under her gaze, gradually becoming more and more withdrawn. 

Sunset looked away and nervously tried to ease the girl's tension. “So uh, exactly how long were you away.”

“Um, about three years or so, I think in another few months, it would've been four.”

“So I guess you don’t know about my… episode.”

Coco merely tilted her head in confusion before being directed away from Sunset. “Darling, could you be a dear and go fetch some of my designs, they’re upstairs in my work room, you remember the way, correct?”

Coco nodded before heading off to do as she asked. Seeing that she was gone, Rarity moved over and began to whisper to Sunset. “She doesn't know anything about what happened, and I intend to keep it that way for now. Though not as bad as Fluttershy, she’s still shy and somewhat easily frightened. 

Sunset nodded in understanding, as she too didn't want yet another person disliking her. Much less one who wasn't even in the city when it happened. “So what was with the dance routine a little while ago.”

“Oh,” she blushed slightly, “that was just us getting a little excited over some good news.”

“Which was?”

“Well, first of all, Coco brought back some absolutely gorgeous rolls of fabric from Manehatten that she has agreed to help incorporate into your dress, secondly she agreed to help with the final design.”

“So what you showed me the other day wasn't the final design?” she said, slightly shocked that such a beautiful design wasn't even the complete product.

“Oh, good heavens no, that was just the final rough draft, and now that Coco’s here, it’s not even that anymore.”

“I see.”

“But the thing that we were most excited about, was the fact that Coco said that this time, she’s staying in this town, with us, and what’s more, is that she’ll begin attendance at Canterlot High!” she exclaimed, almost bouncing in excitement.

“Great…” she droned, not understanding what the fuss was about. It was just another student.

Coco came back downstairs and held out the old designs. “I’ve got the designs, Rarity.”

“Perfect, thank you! Now, let’s begin. Are you ready?”

Coco nodded happily before glancing over nervously at Sunset.

“It’s cool, don’t worry about me. I’ll just be over here reading like usual.” She turned and walked to her normal seat. “Call me if you need whatever.”

The two girls quickly began their work. What used to be a silent endeavor, was now a fierce discussion about every tiny detail.

“What sort of stitch do you think should be used here?”

“Isn't that a bit too short?”

“What would happen if we did this?”

“No, I don’t think that would work.

“Which color?”

“By the way, Rarity, I saw this book called 50 Shades of Grey in your work room. I didn't know there were so many shades of one color! Can I borrow it sometime?”

“NO!”

“Did you catch the-”

“Oh I loved the part when-”

It just went on and on like this for hours. Sunset surprisingly didn't feel annoyed at the constant chatter, but rather, she felt left out. She tried repeatedly to throw herself into her book, but every time, something that Coco said, or the sound of one of them laughing, would snap her back. What was worse, was that even if she did try to join in, there was no way that she could. She didn't know the first thing about fashion, or however many shades a color has. It slowly dawned on her that this might be the reason that Rarity was so excited that Coco Pommel was staying. Now Rarity had a friend who knew the same things that she did… someone who could hold actual conversations with, without fear of overwhelming them with a singular topic.

“So that’s what a real friend is like…” she mumbled.

Rarity turned back to her. “Hm, did you say something, darling?”

Sunset looked up at the clock that hung on Rarity’s wall. “Only 7, a little early, but that’s fine,” she thought. “Nothing, it’s about time for me to go, can’t stay out too late or my parents will worry.”

“Yes… I’ve been meaning to ask you. You’re not…” she glanced at Coco, “from around here… Where do you live, exactly?”

“Wh-why do you want to know!?”

Rarity flinched back at Sunset’s defensive tone. “I’m just curious, and slightly worried. I mean what if I need to meet you at home or come find you?”

“I’m not living in the dumps if that’s what you mean!”

“I didn’t say that. And trust me, darling, if you were living anywhere without running water, I would know.”

“Then it’s settled. Whenever you need to find me, you have my number.” 

“Wait… I-” The sound of Sunset marching right out the door and closing it firmly behind her cut Rarity off. “I don’t have your number…” Rarity sighed before turning back to Coco, who simply watched the discussion with practiced silence. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Coco shook her head. “No, it’s alright. I’d be worried too if I didn't know where one my friends lived. What if they were injured, and you didn't know who to contact. Or… or what if she was kidnapped!?"

Rarity chuckled at bit at her friend’s paranoia. “That’s why we’re doing this. It’s my goal to get her to open up to others, and hopefully, for them to forgive her.”

“Why? What did she do?”

“She made a few… mistakes. Mistakes that, even though she regrets, she’s still paying the price for. I know that Sunset’s truly sorry for what she’s done, I can see it in her eyes everytime I look at her. So I’m hoping that, if she competes fairly in this fashion show, people might see her in a new light. At least, that’s what I hope will happen.” Rarity felt Coco touch her shoulder, looking up she saw her comforting smile.

“I know that it’ll work!” she said encouragingly.

~~~

The instant Sunset got home, she ran to her room on the first floor and flopped on her bed. She wasn't sad, or angry or frustrated, in truth, she didn't know what she was feeling, but whatever it was, it was bothering her horribly. She groaned slightly into her pillow as she felt herself being taken by the lull of sleep. 

A few hours later, Sunset was awoken by a decidedly unfamiliar sound. The sound of her front door opening a second time. Despite having just woken from her nap, Sunset was instantly alert. She had made several plans for this particular situation. One plan was for her to just pretend that the home belonged to her, though that wouldn't work if the intruder was the real owner, or from a home dealership. Another told her to attack the intruder, but she had long since discarded that one. And a third told her to just take off. But having lived here undeterred for a few years, she had grown comfortable and complacent. Her stuff was spread out and littered across half the house, she’d be far too easy to track. One look at her phone told her that it was too late in the night for a few of her other plans. So that left one option with an actual chance of success, she’d have to pretend that the place belonged to her.

Getting up, she straightened up her hair and clothes, and confidently walked out of her room. “Who’s there!” she demanded. She heard a small noise and what sounded like something falling. She picked up her pace, if it was an intruder she could bring back out her attack plan. She stopped at the end of the hallway leading from her bedroom to the front door, when she realized that all of the lights were still out. Though it made sense, seeing as she pretty much just went straight for her room. 

Why hasn't he hit the lights?  "That settles it, only a thief would show up at night and steal in the dark,” she muttered quietly. Cracking her knuckles she strode out of the hallway and into the darkness.

She was immediately attacked from behind. Startled, Sunset immediately struggled to get herself free. Unfortunately, it was quickly made apparent that whomever the attacker was, they were strong. They tumbled and struggled for a time, constantly knocking things over. Sunset eventually grew tired, and pushed the attacker off. She was breathing heavily, but it seemed that the still hidden attacker hadn't even broken a sweat. 

Sunset put all of her remaining energy into a punch, hoping that it would connect. But unfortunately, the assailant merely dodged the punch, took the outstretched arm, pulled Sunset forward and pushed her down to the ground on her chest. Before Sunset could recover, the surprisingly skillful attacker sat on her, and pinned both of her arms behind her back. Sunset struggled, but between her lack of energy and the other person’s surprising strength, she knew that the fight was over.

“Dammit,” she cursed. “Who the hell are you, and why are you in my house?”

“B-but this is my house!” the surprisingly girlish sounding assailant replied. “Oh, hold on.”

Sunset’s eyes shrank when she felt her whole body being lifted up and pulled over to the nearby light switch. Once the light was on Sunset heard a gasp just before she fell on her butt, her arms free. Turning around she saw the short slender figure of the girl she had just met earlier that day. Coco Pommel stood by the light switch, totally in shock. 

There was silence for a time as the two girls merely stared at each other. Finally, Sunset coughed awkwardly and said, “Well… this is awkward.”

“Ohmygosh I am sooooo sorry,” she began sputtering out, tears building in the corners of her eyes, “I heard someone call out to me but this house was supposed to be empty and I heard knuckles cracking and I got scared so my training kicked in I didn't mean to hurt one of Rarity’s friends I don’t really have any and I really don’t want her to hate me and I’m sosososossosososo-”

Sunset got up, dusted herself off and pinched Coco’s lips, stopping the Pinkie Pie-like onslaught of explanations. “It’s cool, really.”

“Sowwy,” she got out, looking down with tears still present.

Sunset sighed and let go of the girl's lips, hardly able to believe that she had just lost a fight with this girl. It almost felt like losing to Fluttershy… if she was some sort of bear wrestler. Now her wrists and her back hurt. “You wanna get something to drink in the kitchen?” she asked.

Coco didn't meet her eyes but nodded anyway.

After making their way to the kitchen, grabbing a soda, and brewing up some calming tea. Sunset could see that the girl had calmed down sufficiently. 

“So,” she began, “this is your house?”

Coco nodded. “Yes… at least, I’m pretty sure this is the address and the key I was given worked just fine. So this should be it, but why are you here?”

Sunset mentally debated on telling her the truth, but decided against such an action. “I’ve been crashing here for the last few years. I had hoped to stay for at least one more before I head home.

“Where are your parents?”

“Where are yours?”

Coco flinched, Sunset didn't just dodge the question, she went right through it. “M-my parents are back in Manehatten. They really didn't want to leave their well paying jobs, I guess,” she answered sadly.  “I wanted to come back, and they trusted me to be responsible, so they bought me this house as part of an arrangement.” 

“What arrangement?”

Coco took a small sip before continuing. “If I could complete both my school work, and my extra courses with high honors, they’d let me come back and live on my own. 

“You’ve finished middle school?”

She nodded happily.

“You know that Canterlot high is an elevator school right? You could've come back before now.”

She shook her head. “No, I was already enrolled in the Manehatten school when we made the deal, I had to do it there.”

“I see, well one more question. Where’d you learn to fight like that? It was amazing.”

Coco looked confused for a few seconds before her face lit up pink and her head dropped in embarrassment. “O-oh, -um, i-in, y-you. D-do you really think so?” she finally answered.

“Of course, I was completely outclassed!” Sad but true.

“We-well, in a big city like Manehatten you have to learn how to protect yourself, and well…”

“You took combat classes.”

She nodded, embarrassed.

“Hm, interesting. Welp,” she said, finishing her soda and standing up, “I guess that’s my cue. I’ll be out of your hair once I gather my stuff.”

“What? But where will you go?”

Sunset stretched to work the kinks out of her body. “No, clue.”

“Do you have friends to room with?”

Sunset stopped stretching. “...I don’t have any friends?”

“Well… do you want to stay here?”

“...”

“I mean, we could be roommates. I’m an only child, so I’ve never had one before. It could be fun.”

“No thanks.”

“Huh?”

“I said, it’s fine. This is your house, I’ll find someplace else,” she said, walking to gather her things.

Coco looked back and forth between her and the table. Quickly she gulped the rest of her still hot tea, and took off after her. By the time she reached Sunset, she was already packing her things. Coco began to panic, she couldn't just let her leave when she had nowhere to go. Finally, an idea sprung in her head.

“Wait!”

“What?”

“You can’t leave yet!”

“Why not?”

“Because, it’s the middle of the night. If I learned anything, it’s that cities, even small towns like this, are always dangerous at night.”

“Hmm, that is true.”

“So please, just stay the night.”

Sunset thought about it, briefly glancing out the window. “I guess you’re right. I’ll leave at sunrise.”

Coco let out a small sigh of relief. She really didn't want Sunset to leave without knowing where she would go. This way, she had more time to convince her.

~~~

The very next day, Coco stood in the exact same spot in the doorway that she stood in before, though now, her face was almost the exact opposite of how it was. She looked around the perfectly clean room, the bed was made up, all the clothes were gone, the room was clean, and there was a small note on the bed.

“I didn't think that she would leave literally at sunrise,” she thought. Moving over to pick up the note, it read.



Dear Coco Pomegranate (Sorry, I forgot your last name)


Thank you for letting me use this home for the last three years, but I can see that it’s time to move on. I’ll go out and find a suitable new place to live. Don’t worry, it won’t be in the dumps, I do have standards for my living place. I won’t be here much longer anyway; but while I am here, please don’t tell anyone about my living situation, especially Rarity. She’ll just butt in with the rest of her annoying friends. 


~Sunset Shimmer



> CH6: Just a little bit more...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rarity nervously paced back and forth, her frequent steps were beginning to make permanent marks across the normally immaculate floor of her boutique. As of now she had been pacing non-stop for the last few days. Coco stood nearby equally as nervous, perhaps even more so.

“Where is she?” Rarity muttered for what had to be the 20th time that day. It had been almost two weeks since anyone last saw Sunset Shimmer. At first, Rarity was calm and collected, simply saying that Sunset had already made plans for the day and couldn't show up. However, after the first week Rarity began to think that Sunset had abandoned the project completely. Coco tried to convince her otherwise, and urged her to continue to work on the dress that was very near completion. 

But on the eighth day, Rarity began to break down, climbing further up the ladders of paranoia. She considered going out and looking for her, but she had no clue where to even begin. She didn't know where she lived, the library was empty, and no one from school or around town had seen her. Despite Coco’s claims that she was fine, Rarity couldn't help but think that something bad had happened to her.

“She could've been kidnapped… or… or robbed. Oh good gracious, she could’ve been jumped by some school hooligans with a grudge for all we know!” she panicked.

“R-Rarity, please, calm down,” Coco soothed trying to keep her together.

Rarity stopped in her pacing and looked positively horrified. “Oh dear, what if it’s all three at once! It’s been enough time right? We can send out a missing person alert to the police can’t we?"

Coco tried once more. "I’m… I’m fairly sure that Sunset can take care of herself; we should just wait for her to come back on her own.” Poor Coco Pommel had continuously offered tidbits of reassurance just like that for the past weeks even though it tore her apart to see her friend sick with worry like she was. Every time she thought about telling Rarity the truth, her thoughts led back to the trust that Sunset had placed in her, the trust that she really didn't want to lose.

“That’s it!” Rarity announced, “I am calling the police and ordering a search party!” 

Coco’s eyes shrank and she began to panic herself, “Oh no, If the police get involved they’ll definitely find out about Sunset’s living situation!” she thought.

Coco took a step closer. “Rarity, hold on a second,”  she pleaded.

Rarity pulled her hand up from the phone she was reaching for and looked over in confusion. “Yes, darling, what is it?”

Coco stopped to question the morality of the situation. “Should I stop her? But then she’ll ask questions. I don’t want to lie to her.”

Rarity took a step closer. “Coco, are you alright? You look distressed.”

Coco began fidgeting horribly, completely unable to even look at Rarity’s face. “I just… um… I mean… you… Sunset... she...” Coco honestly didn't know what to say, and that made her fidget only worse. “If I break my promise I’ll lose Sunset's trust-”

“FOREEEEEEEVEEEERRR!”

It took Coco a long second before she realized that last thought, not only wasn't her's, but wasn't even a thought. Turning around, she noticed the head of a girl with pink poofy hair looking through the boutique's front window, glaring right at her.

“Pinkie Pie? What are you doing here?”

The strange girl apparently named Pinkie Pie merely put two fingers up to her eyes then pointed both of them directly at Coco Pommel before slowly moving out of sight. Both Rarity and Coco looked back at one another in complete confusion.

After a few seconds, the front door opened to reveal none other than Sunset Shimmer, who curiously looked to the side where Pinkie once stood. “Alright… that was weird.” she muttered. The moment Sunset finished her sentence, she found herself face to face with Rarity who looked both very relieved, and very angry. Sunset actually flinched back slightly at her gaze.

Just as Rarity opened her mouth, both of them heard a small thump. Turning around they saw that Coco’s knees had buckled and she fell to the ground, tears falling from her eyes.

“I-I’m so gl-sniff-glad you’re alright,” she cried in relief, trying wiping away her tears.

Angry lectures forgotten, Rarity ran to Coco’s side, leaning down to hug her tightly. “Coco? Darling what’s wro-oh my goodness, how could I have been so insensitive? You must have been just as worried as I was.  I’ll make you some calming tea.” Rarity walked toward the kitchen, but turned her head back and faced Sunset briefly glancing over at the sobbing girl. ‘Do something!’ her eyes said.

Sunset nervously looked away. “So… what’s wrong?”

Coco looked up at her like she was crazy. “You just up and disappeared! I was worried about you.”

Sunset began to feel more than a little guilty. “Well, I did say that I would leave at sunrise.”

“I know… But no one knew where you went. Rarity was worried, and I promised that I wouldn't tell her about you… I just didn't know what to do when she decided to call the police to look for you.”

“She did what!?” Sunset yelled. She began to internally panic. The school was one thing, the police were another altogether.

“No, it’s okay, that’s when you came in.” Coco wiped away the last of her tears and looked right up at Sunset’s eyes. “I really am glad that you’re alright though.”

Now Sunset really felt awkward. “I never made you promise ya'know,” she muttered, averting her eyes away from the girls pure stare.

In an instant, Coco got off the ground and into Sunset’s face, her eyes wide and pleading. “Where did you even go? Where are you living now?”

Try as she might Sunset simply could not look her in the eye. “Nowhere important. I found a place.”

“But where is it?” she urged, moving closer. 

Sunset turned and walked away. “I said don’t worry about it.” She stopped when she realized that Coco was tearing up again due to the increase in sniffling sounds behind her. Sighing, Sunset walked over to Rarity’s desk, took a piece of paper and a pen, and wrote something down.

Sunset handed the paper to her. Looking it over, Coco realized that it was a set of numbers. “What’s this?”

“It’s my cell number. Personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal, but my phone is always on if you have to be absolutely sure that I’m not dead or anything.”

Coco looked back down at the paper. “You’re really not going to tell me where you live now?” Sunset shook her head and Coco gave her a concerned look. "Is it really that bad?” she asked innocently.

Sunset leveled a small glare at the girl. “What? No! I have standards. I’m not living in a dump just so you know.”

Coco moved closer, her concerned eyes burning their way past Sunset's defenses. “So why won’t you tell anyone.”

Sunset mumbled. She found herself blushing slightly, causing Coco to tilt her head in confusion. Finally, Sunset mumbled, “I… I don’t want you all to make a big deal of it, alright. It’d just cause more trouble in the long run.”

Coco moved around to look at Sunset's eyes directly. “But that’s just because we all worry about you. Rarity was absolutely scared.”

Sunset scoffed. “Yeah, well she was probably the only one.”

“I was worried too you know,” Coco mumbled.

“Anyway, thanks for not ratting me out. At least now you really won’t know where I am.”

Coco let out a light sigh of relief. “Please don’t make me do that again, I really don’t know what would've happened if she had gone to the police.”

“Anything’s better than getting them involved,” Sunset mumbled. “But, seriously… thanks.”

Coco offered a large smile in return, causing Sunset to blush. Turning away, she decided to go over to her usual table. 

Eventually, Rarity came back with three cups of tea. After a short argument about Sunset's previous whereabouts, Sunset handed over her cell number and had to Pinkie promise not to disappear like that again. 

Rarity took the number and stashed it was in her desk drawer. “Well I suppose that'll do, for now at least.” Sunset rolled her eyes. Rarity’s face instantly inverted to one of excitement. “ But aside from that, have you seen your new dress yet!?”

Slightly unnerved by the sudden mood swing Sunset hesitated. “N-no… is it done yet?”

“Darling, we haven't been doing nothing for the past two weeks," Rarity scoffed. "Of course it’s finished. It has to be. The first rehearsal is tomorrow after all.”

Sunset's eyes nearly bulged out of her head in shock. “It’s tomorrow?!”

Rarity crossed her arms and turned away. “Well, you would know if you bothered to show up to the planning session we had yesterday.”

Coco looked slightly confused, all she remembered was Rarity running around trying to gather people to form a search party yesterday.

“Fine, fine,” Sunset groaned. Looking around, she asked, “Where’s the dress?”

Rarity made her way over to the curtain at the edge of the room. “Right over here. Prepare to be… astounded!” she flourished, eccentrically pulling down the sheet covering Sunset’s new dress.

The girl's jaw hit the ground. In front of her sat the most beautiful thing that she’d ever seen. While she stood gaping, Coco and Rarity gently guided her over to the dress itself. “Well, try it on,” Coco urged.

After getting some assistance in putting the dress on, Sunset finally took a look at herself in the mirror. On her body was an absolutely gorgeous piece of clothing. It was a one piece strapless dress that completely embodied the word sunset. Starting from just below her knees, the dress radiated a beautiful orange-red color, but as it traveled up her thighs and over her midsection the color transcended to a dark blueish hue, signifying the setting sun under the budding night sky. The entire thing literally sparkled like the living stars in the night sky; enhancing the look entirely.

Sunset was speechless as she looked over herself. Finally after a few seconds of gawking she managed to stutter something comprehensive out. “Th-this is amazing…”

Rarity’s self satisfied face poked its way into the mirror. “You should thank Coco. The color transition was her idea, and the special fabric that she brought with her is what allows the dress to shine like this.”

Coco peaked her small body into the mirror, blushing slightly at the praise. “I-it’s nothing really," she murmured, smiling nonetheless. "I just wanted to help.”

Rarity looked over to her two companions and smiled proudly. After taking one last took at the dress she decided to bring everyone's attention back to a more important matter. “Now, the dress isn't entirely complete, there are still some accessories to be added. But we can worry about that later. Right now, I need to get you up to date,” she said, walking away.

Sunset began posing. Anyone looking directly at her would easily see her ego quickly was rising when she saw how she looked. “Up to date on what?” she asked, distracted.

Rarity came back with a few papers. “On the proceedings. There are probably going to be a total of at least 100 contestants for this fashion show. Therefore, there will be four rehearsals set over the next four days in order to ensure that everyone knows what to do. There, we will practice how the show will progress, what poses you will make, and how to act.”

“Uhuh. Yeah, alright,” said Sunset still posing and not paying attention.

Coco looked from Rarity’s irritated gaze to Sunset's confidant posing. “Sunset… you should really pay attention.”

Sunset went from confidant to full blown arrogance. “Yea, but it won’t matter, with these looks I’m definitely gonna win.”

Rarity forced Sunset to face her. “Sunset, remember, winning isn't the point, the point is to make a better impression on the city.”

She nodded but continued to admire herself in the mirror. “I know. I know. You have to admit it though… I look good.”

Rarity sighed, but in truth she couldn't deny it.  “I suppose so.” Taking a step back, she began to take in the full image, and couldn't help but pat herself on her back a little for the design. “My… looking at it now, I must admit that the dress came out far better than I initially intended. And it suits you incredibly well.”

Sunset beamed. “I know, right? When you said you’d make a dress that's just for me, you weren't kidding!”

“Well, the initial design was a bit longer, and focused more on matching your hair than anything; but now I can see that it was slightly shortsighted.”

Sunset nodded. “Is that the first one you showed me, because I liked that one too.”

Coco sighed and shook her head. Now not one but two egos were inflated. They’ll never get anything else done today at this rate. Coco decided to embrace the madness and  join in on the conversation. “I can’t wait to see what kind of dresses the others have.”

Rarity instantly jumped on the subject. “Oh I agree completely. I mean, they can’t be as well made as ours but it will still be exhilarating to see what the other contestants have.”

Coco put on a thoughtful expression. "I never thought about this but do you think it was a good idea to use a custom made fabric for Sunset's dress?"

Rarity glanced back at Sunset. "I didn't see any rules against it. Also I'm sure that the other designers also used a special fabric. There's only so much originality that you can pull off with cotton or polyester."

“Umm, yea… right,” Sunset agreed. Not really understanding the topic anymore, she simply went back to admiring herself in the mirror. 

“Do you think we’ll get to meet other designers?” Coco asked excitedly.

“Of course, all the designers will meet backstage and prep their clients before the show.”

Coco began to look nervous. “Wait, will I even be allowed back there? I’m just a last minute assistant after all.”

“You most certainly will!” declared Rarity. “You’re as much responsible for Sunset’s final design as I am. Why if they didn't allow you to join-”

Coco proceeded to cut Rarity off before she could go on a rant. “I-it’s alright Rarity, it’s fine if they don’t let me in, it was your original design after all.”

Rarity still shook her head fervently, her hair bobbing back and forth along with it. “Nevertheless, it just wouldn't be right if I took all the credit.”

Sunset rolled her eyes at the two girls behind her unintentionally entered into some kind of modesty contest, once again choosing a topic that she had no knowledge in. Even gazing at her jaw droppingly stunning self in the mirror didn't help ease the growing knot in her stomach.
		
		
		
		
> CH7: Something doesn't feel right here.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sunset’s gaze drifted lazily from one end of Rarity’s shop to the other. “So… got any brothers or sisters?” she droned, desperately trying to ignore the growing tiredness of her legs. Standing on a raised platform for a long time would do that.

“Uhuh,” Rarity answered automatically. She leaned down and examined the hem line of Sunset's dress.

“Read any good books lately?” Sunset continued.

“Uhuh.”

“Wanna recommend some good shows on T.V.?”

“Uhuh.”

“I see." Sunset rolled her eyes. "What’s your favorite kind of soap?”

“Uhuh.” Rarity moved around and examined the back of the dress. Apparently noticing something out of place she grimaced. 

“Interesting. I heard that you write fanfiction about your friends. Can I read some?”

“Uhuh.” Rarity stopped for a second and looked up curiously. “Wait, how did you--”

Sunset craned her head to looked down at her with a cheeky grin, “Oh look who’s awake. Good morning,” she said cheerfully.

Rarity frowned. “Sunset, please. I don’t mind polite conversation while I work, but--”

“Sorry, I tried polite conversation about 30 minutes ago. It failed horribly since ‘uhuh’ isn't really a useful topic of pleasant discussion.”

“Well excuse me if I have the pressing need to make sure your dress is absolutely perfect,” she whined. 

Sunset deadpanned down at her. “Rarity, you called me down here at five in the morning. It’s eight now. You’ve been messing around with the dress for three straight hours! It’s fine!”

“No it’s nooooot!” she whined. Her voice seemed to be climbing higher in pitch. “The hemlines are at least 3 centimeters away from where I need them to be. The midsection does not blend the colors correctly, I can’t seem to find the mask that goes with this dress, and I am certain that a few stars are missing from the back!” 

“Rarity…” she groaned, “it’s fine. Everything is perfect. When is the rehearsal? I don’t want to be late after you dragged me this far simply because you’re too OCD to let this go.”

“The first three rehearsals will be held after school at three o'clock starting this afternoon with the final one being held on Saturday at noon. The actual show will begin on Sunday at noon as well. So we must arrive at least 2-3 hours earlier than that. Participants must show up on time and prepared. The first two days will be the meeting of the contestants, the next two will be the meeting of the stylists. If you don’t have a personal one they will have one assigned to you,” she said, almost as if she were reading right off the paper.

Sunset nodded and moved behind the curtain to remove her dress. “Alright, so we have some time then. Got anything you want to do to kill some of it?”

Before Rarity could get a word out Sunset held up a hand, “Other than messing with the dress?”

Rarity sulked slightly before perking back up, “Well, I am quite famished.”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “Can’t imagine why…” 

“I know just the thing! We’ll go out to breakfast. I’ll call up Coco and we’ll all go out to eat,” she squealed.

Sunset flinched, there were a few things wrong with that idea. Most notably the thought of her going out in public. Even if there weren't any outright name calling, Sunset didn't feel like she could deal with the constant glares and hushed insults that she was sure existed. “No… I don’t think I’ll be able to do that. How about something else?”

Rarity looked slightly disappointed. “Alright. How about we all have breakfast here then?”

Sunset thought on it. For some reason the thought of Coco coming over didn't sit well with her. “That’s better. I guess.” It also didn't help that every time Coco and Rarity went off on a tangent without her, Sunset got this really weird feeling. She didn't know what it was but she definitely didn't like it.

“Perfect. I’ll give Coco a ring immediately!” Rarity moved to the other side of the room and took out her cell phone. “I would call the other girls but they told me before hand that they’re busy today. Shame. Oh! Good morning! I wanted to know if you would like to have breakfast with us this morning. Really? Yes, Sunset is already here… How long have we been up? I don’t see how that’s important. Wonderful!”

Rarity hung up her phone. “She’s on her way. Apparently, she had just finished making her own food.”

“So did she eat?” asked Sunset, silently hoping that a yes would result in the girl staying at her own house.

“Partly. It was only a small bowl a cereal. She said that she’ll still come eat with us.”

“Alright then," she sighed. "Hey, can you turn the heat up, it’s getting cold in here.”

Rarity giggled, “Yes, that sounds about right. Winter’s knocking on our doors after all. We may not get a lot of snow here until late in the season but we certainly do feel the cold.” She went over to her thermostat and turned the dial up slightly. The entire room warmed up instantly. 

Rarity turned and headed toward her kitchen. “I’ll go prepare us something to eat.”

Sunset sat in a nearby chair and cracked open her book. “Have fun.”

Several minutes of quiet reading later there was a light knock at the door. With a cheery "I'l get it!" Rarity quickly opened the door and ushered Coco into the warmer environment. “Welcome!" greeted Rarity, "I hope the chilly whether didn't bother you.”

Coco smiled and took off her red jacket. “Oh no don’t worry. Manehatten gets much colder earlier in the year. I’m used to it.”

“Lucky you,” Sunset muttered, not looking away from her novel.

“You just sit tight," said Rarity as she ran back into her kitchen. "I’m almost finished.”

“Would you like some help?” Coco asked, more than ready to hop into the room with her and assist.

Rarity turned back to her with a shocked, almost offended expression. “Absolutely not! A good host does not allow her guest to work. Now you stay here and talk to Sunset. I’ll be right back.”

Obediently, Coco sat down and watched Rarity walk off. Coco fidgeted, not having anything to do left her feeling restless. She looked toward Sunset, sitting motionlessly and reading. “Umm, hi.” 

Sunset did not turn around to face her. "Sup.”

“What are you reading?” Coco wondered, looking down at the book that Sunset seemed so interested in.

“Daring Do and the Spirit Amulet,” she answered instantly.

“Oh really? What’s it about?”

For once Sunset managed to crack a smile. “It’s the second in a set of books about Daring Do and the mysteries surrounding this kid named Spirit Shift. Personally, I’m liking this arc so far.”

“Sound’s interesting," Coo smiled bashfully. "I’ve never read any of the Daring Do books before.”

Sunset turned to face her with a look of complete shock. “You haven't? What’s wrong with you?!”

Coco flinched, but immediately apologized. “I’m sorry! I bearly had time to read anything past instruction manuals and learning material. I only had maybe a few other kinds of books.”

Sunset still gave her an odd look but accepted the apology nonetheless. “It’s alright," she sighed. Sunset turned her back to Coco and continued reading. "You should really read it sometime. All of the books are really good; my favorites actually.”

Coco fidgeted nervously, clearly hesitant on asking her next question. After a few seconds of silance she mustered up the courage to finally ask. “Can I borrow one sometime?”

Sunset glanced back at her, her eyes seemingly examined her trustworthiness. Eventually she simply shrugged and turned away. “I only have the one with me and I’m not done with it yet. The new one’s coming out soon and I need to finish this one.”

Sunset went back to being immersed in her reading and Coco struggled to try and think up a new conversation topic. She didn't want to bring up Sunset’s living situation, nor did she want to say anything offensive. So she decided to bring up another curious topic. "Excuse me, Sunset?” Sunset hummed in response. “I was walking home the other day and I head a few girls talking.”

Sunset began turning a page. “Pointless gossip probably.”

Coco Pommel fidgeted some more. Although, this time, it wasn't from restlessness. “They were talking about you….”

The page that Sunset was turning at the moment ripped slightly, causing Coco herself to flinch in return. Sunset continued to turn the page as if she didn't even notice the tear. “Oh really? What about?”

Coco briefly entertained the notion of dropping the topic. “I know it’s rude to eavesdrop but it sounded like they didn't like the fact that you entered the contest.”

“Not surprising,” she answered monotonically.

“They were saying really mean things about you. I didn't hear all of it but one of them said something about you being a demon and a cheater.”

Sunset chuckled a bit, still faced away from Coco. “See?" she muttered darkly. "Just stupid gossip and rumors.” 

Coco craned her head to look at her directly. “Are you sure? Why would they say such mean things about you?”

“I don’t know. Jealously? Resentment? Who knows?” she shrugged.

“I still don’t think you deserve it,” Coco mumbled.

Silence once again reigned supreme for a few more minutes. Wondrous smells emanated from the kitchen as Rarity continued to cook. Stomachs rumbled hungrily for the food that was just in the other room, angry that they were forced to wait until they could be satisfied.

Still bored, Coco tried for one last shot at conversation. “So… do you have any brothers or sisters?”

~~~

Breakfast went smoothly, Rarity made pancakes, omelettes, and other breakfast type things. She even fixed a few things meant to represent lunch since she ended up considering this event to be more ‘brunch-like’ considering what time it was. The only downside was the lack of constant conversation between the girls. Time passed slowly, but eventually, the group left and headed to the pageant rehearsal.

Sunset moved alongside Rarity and Coco through the open city streets. Even though she tried to tune them out, she could still hear the onlookers' hushed whispers about her. “Look there's the she-demon of Canterlot High,” she could imagine them saying. Before she knew it, Sunset had begun distancing herself from the girls, letting them walk on ahead.

~~~

“Well, this is odd,” said Rarity as she took another look around the stage. Checking her watch she noted that it was now 30 minutes past time for rehearsal to begin. However, looking out on stage from her seat, she could see that out of the projected 85 signatures, only about 40 actually arrived. She glanced nervously over at Hot Topic who sat next to her, an unidentifiable look on her face. 

Her Aunt, stylish and hip as always, wore casual clothes so well that even someone ten years younger than her would have to admit looked nice on her. While most adults who wore teenage clothes would just embarrass themselves, Hot Topic always somehow made it look cooler than the kids they were designed for. Don’t let her young looks fool you; from tank tops to dresses, she was an expert in all things fashion. Rarity secretly hoped to be like her someday, but right now, she was barely holding her own nerves in check.

“I-I’m sure the rest will show up… eventually,” Rarity assured.

“It doesn't matter, we’ll continue regardless. However, the others will be disqualified if they do not show up by the final rehearsal.”

“Well… I suppose that’s fair.”

Hot Topic leaned over and whispered in her niece’s ear, “Between you and me I feel better working with a smaller group anyway,” she smiled. Her joke managed to ease Rarity’s nerves somewhat.

Up on-stage, Sunset glanced nervously at the girls lined up next to her. Just about everywhere she looked, someone was staring at her. It didn't help that even though it didn't look like it, it definitely felt like just a bit more space was between her and the girls on both sides than the space separating everyone else.

"Whatever!” she thought. “They’re just people. Mean looks and hushed whispers won't hurt me. Not like I’ve been jumped yet. Let’s try and focus on something else…” Sunset began looking around. Her eyes found Coco Pommel who stood behind the curtain at the edge of the stage, peeking her head out and probably thinking the same thing she was: “I wonder why this is taking so long. I feel like we’ve been standing here for an hour. Aren't we supposed to be strutting, or posing... or something at least?”

Hot Topic stood up and clapped loudly to get everyone's attention, “You, and you! Stand up straight!” she yelled at two of the girls who were leaning and whispering to each other. “Sorry for the wait. We're going to begin.”

“Ugh, finally!” someone shouted.

“You! Leave!”

The girl that Hot Topic pointed at flinched back in surprise. “What? Why?”

“Personality is important," she announced. "This isn't just a rehearsal, I’m also judging if you are worthy to be in my show. Get your act together or get out.”

The girl rolled her eyes. “Alright. I’m sorry.”

Sunset chuckled a little, oblivious to the glare she was receiving from the girl. The rehearsal continued from there. Hot Topic directed everyone to their places, several other girls were sent home by the end of the day, and Sunset rediscovered how much she disliked being told exactly what to do. A few times she almost said something snarky to Hot Topic only to remember why she was here. The only hard part to deal with, however, was what had happened to her during the break.

The girl who spoke up before came up to her. Sunset recognized her as the girl who showed up just as she was about to leave town hall. The girl with red hair. She knew that she had seen her at school; but try as she might Sunset just couldn't remember the girl’s name. Next to her was the girl with curly spring green hair.

“What are you doing here?” said the red haired girl.

The girl next to her moved closer to her friend. “Rose, you-”

“I’m doing a favor for a friend of mine,” Sunset responded.

Rose looked shocked and disgusted, “What friend? Who on earth would befriend someone like you?”

Sunset flinched slightly, slightly hurt, “I can-”

“No one,” the girl interrupted. “No one would help you. In fact, I bet you’re cheating. You probably used your demon powers to brainwash the judge already.” The girl’s rising tone began drawing a crowd of onlookers around them. Sunset’s nerves gradually fell with the amount of people training their eyes on her. “I bet that’s how you weren't sent home today.

“I-I didn't…. That’s not--”

“In fact… I don’t even know why we entered this stupid thing with you here!" She turned and grabbed her friend's arm. "Come on, Daisy. Let’s go.” Her companion nodded submissively and left alongside her.

Conveniently, it was at that point that Hot Topic, Rarity, and Coco decided to return backstage to regain everyone's attention.	“Alright,” said Hot Topic, “let’s continue. Next up we will practice which questions might come up. I hope you all know who designed your outfit and what it’s made out of.” Hot Topic left and everyone else moved with her. Sunset stood unmoving. Her head had lowered to the ground, hands clenching her arms.

Rarity and Coco glanced at one another before carefully moving over to her.

“Darling, are you all right?” Rarity asked, concerned.

Coco also moved closer to her. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”

Sunset quickly stepped forward so that they were behind her. “I’m fine, it’s alright.” Sunset moved her arms as if to brush some hair out of her eyes. “Come on... let's go,” she said, following the others outside.”

Coco and Rarity looked at one another curiously before following after her.

~~~

The next day was relatively the same, only this time even fewer people showed up. Coco, reluctantly, couldn't show up to rehearsal with them due to having a prior engagement with Principal Celestia. Although Hot Topic went through the motions with a straight face, Rarity could tell that her aunt was very unsatisfied with the turnout.

Soon everyone relaxed when break time rolled around. Rarity decided to stay to talk to with her.

Hot Topic leaned back and sighed. Turning her dark blue eyes to her niece she frowned, “Rarity, what’s going on here?  I pulled a lot of strings to get a fashion show scheduled here; in winter no less. We’re just lucky you guys don’t get snow too early…. But, girl, you told me that dozens of people would be interested in this.”

“But they were!" Rarity assured her. "We had over 80 signatures on the signup sheet.”

“Well I don’t mind holding a small show instead. The only problem is that this building was specifically chosen for a large scale event. Not to mention, Toity is out there advertising this thing like crazy and I’d feel bad if we disappointed some people.” Hot Topic sighed again and rubbed her temples, “This is only the second day and we only have a third of our contestants. I feel like by the fourth day no one will show up.”

Rarity hopped out of her seat. “I will go talk to our guests. Maybe there's a virus or cold going around. That would explain the absences.” Hot Topic nodded and Rarity ran backstage, nearly bumping into Sunset in her haste. “Oh, excuse me, Sunset. Why aren't you with the others?”

“N-no It’s fine. I was just… heading to the bathroom,” she lied.

“Alright. Well I’m going to go ask the girls a few questions. Excuse me.” Sunset moved aside and allowed Rarity to pass. She then turned and looked over to Hot Topic who was still leaning back in her seat.

“So it’s decided then.” A group of girls all nodded in agreement. One of the girls turned to Rarity as she stepped up to them.

“Excuse me, girls," she began, "but do you have any idea why the attendance is so low today?”

All the girls did in response was glance at each other, scoff, and leave the room. Rarity looked on, completely confused. Over in the corner, Sunset Shimmer narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

~~~

Back at home, Rarity calmly drank her tea while Coco sat across in the other seat. “I just don’t know what went wrong,” she sighed.

“So they just walked out?” Coco asked.

“I know. I asked a few others, but they all acted like I did something wrong. They simply gave me these weird looks.”

Coco tilted her head in confusion, “Weird looks?”

“Yes. It was strange. Some who didn't leave looked at me with sad expressions on their faces. Others had… unpleasant ones. Some wouldn't look at me at all.” Rarity took another calming sip. "It was all very unnerving."

Coco toyed with her cup, nervously turning it back and forth. “But none of them would talk to you?”

“The ones who seemed like they would were pulled back by their friends,” Rarity explained, “By the end of the day only 15 people were present. If Auntie’s prediction comes true we might end up cancelling the whole thing.”

“Ohh, no," she gasped. "Won’t that be expensive?”

“Well there's the…." Rarity shook her head. "No, let’s not think about such things at the moment.”

Coco nodded and changed the subject. “Where did Sunset go?”

“She went off on her own after it was all over. She seemed upset… No, distraught sounds more accurate.”

“I know. She was acting weird yesterday too,” Coco informed.

“I wonder if someone said something to her…” Rarity muttered.

“Like what?” Coco thought back to the things she heard out on the street.

“Oh nothing.” Rarity finished off her tea and stood up. “It’s getting late, you should get home.”

Coco looked out of Rarity’s window and noticed that the sun was indeed in the middle of setting. “Oh, you're right. I should go before it gets too cold out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Rarity waved goodbye at her friend and closed the door behind her. Looking out her window, she had a perfect view of the setting sun. “Mother nature really is the best muse,” she muttered. “Oh! Idea~! A sunset themed parka! Perfect for the coming winter!” Fully distracted Rarity took off to find her planning book.
	
	
> CH8: Damn It! We were so close!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
If her snores were any indication, Rarity was clearly enjoying her dreams. Hunched over and drooling in a very unladylike fashion, she sat, sleeping at her work table after a long, and rather unintentional night of brainstorming. Shoved to the side were various sketches and designs of coats and jackets, each bearing the image of a sun some where on them. Even as the sun poked down through a nearby window, Rarity continued to revel in sleeps blissful embrace.

*BRRRRRRRING* 

Rarity jerked her head up in alarm, dried drool sticking a few papers to her face. Looking around, she realized that the demon noise was coming from the cell phone on the table next to the pool of saliva. Blushing harshly, she quickly reached inside of her work desk and grabbed a few conveniently placed tissues. While she embarrisingly cleaned up her unsightly mess with one hand, she answered her phone and put it to her face with the other. “Hel--”

The loud voice of her aunt burst through the phone. “Rarity! Where in the world are you?”

Rarity flinched at the volume but answered anyway. “Well, I’m at home. I--”

“Nevermind that. You need to hurry your tush down here, pronto!”

Aside from the loud volume, Rarity also hear the telltale sounds of people moving around. Suddenly, Rarity began to fear the worst. “What? Is something wrong?”

“No! Something’s right. We got an actual turn-out today! There's at least 50 people up here.”

Rarity tossed away the tissues. “Seriously? That’s more than half.”

“Seriously. Also, today’s the deadline for all dress designs. You need to bring your's in and meet with the other designers. Little piece of advice; don’t show anyone your design. No matter how much you want to brag or how many praises they shower you with. I know generosity is your thing, but so is vanity. Do not give away your ideas. It’s for your own good, honey. Now, I gotta go start rehearsals early so I’ll see you up here.”

Hot Topic finished her warning and hung up instantly. Rarity nearly hopped in the air in excitement. Her celebration lasted all of three seconds before a nearby mirror reminded her of her horrible appearance. 

One shower and three different hair stylings later, she was out the door with her dress. 

About half way between her home and the show's location Rarity suddenly realized that neither Sunset nor Coco were with her. She began to wonder why neither had come to wake her up. Pulling out her phone she decided to call Coco first. However, one look at the top of her home screen told her that she had a missed call, most likely from her aunt, and two unread text messages. Both were from Sunset.

They read: "Got stuff to do this morning so I’ll met you up there."

Followed by: "meet*"

“Well that answers one question,” Rarity muttered. She quickly dialed up Coco’s number.

Coco answered after the first ring, “Hello?”

“Good morning, darling.”

“Oh! Hi, Rarity. I tried to call you earlier.”

Rarity bushed slightly and thought back to the missed call sign. Suddenly, she felt bad for somehow sleeping through the first call. “Really? Why?”

“To tell you that I was on my way to your house. But you didn't answer. When I knocked on the door and there was no answer there either, I just assumed you had already left.”

“Well, I am sorry, I had a surge of ideas and... I regret to say that I may have overslept a bit,” she chuckled nervously. “Anyway, so are you at the stage hall now?”

There was a bit of silence on the other end before Coco answered. “No… The big guy out front said that, for today and tomorrow, no one but the contestants and designers are allowed inside. I went home after that because I couldn't reach you or Sunset.”

“Ohhhhhhh,” Rarity fumed, her grip on the bag tightening, “That brute. Well I’ll make them let you in. You’re as much responsible for this design as I am. By all rights you should’ve been let in!”

“Rarity don’t worry about it. I still get to see you two during the actual thing. So it’s fine. Go and have fun. I’ll talk to you after it’s over.” 

Rarity calmed slightly. “Well… alright then," she grumbled. "But that bouncer will be hearing a thing or two from me.”

There was a soft giggle on the other end that made Rarity smile. “Well then, darling, enjoy your free day. Relax, go to the spa. Perhaps even take a nice walk around the city. I don’t assume that with helping me you've seen everything this town has to offer?”

“No, you’re right. Thanks for suggestion.”

“Good. I hope you have a wonderful time.” Rarity hung up the phone and hurriedly strolled the rest of the way to where the show will be held.

After giving the outside bouncer a thing or two, Rarity confidently made her way inside. Her first instinct was to look for Sunset until she remembered that she was holding a very valuable piece of clothing. So instead, she made her way over to where she could see the other designers gathering. 

Moving through the crowd, she realized that she recognized a few faces. She could see Photo Finish talking with her friends Pixel Pazazz and Violet Blurr. She also caught a glimpse of one of her fellow sewing club members. Off to one side she thought she saw a familiar cross-eyed girl but before she could get a clear look she bumped into a taller someone. “Oh, I am terribly sorry,” she quickly apologized.

The girl in front of her dusted her chest off and looked at Rarity blankly. “Don’t worry about i- Rarity?”

Rarity glanced up from the ground and met the eyes of a tall woman with short but styled pink hair. That taller someone turned out to be none other than Prim Hemline, the former president of Rarity's sewing club. “Prim?”

Rarity and Prim Hemline looked at one another for a second before she eagerly hugged her. “Rarity, where have you been? The club hasn't seen you at all lately.”

Rarity held her arm out, praying that the outfit's bag didn't wrinkle. Finally free, Rarity examined the dress bag before turning back to her predecessor. “I am sorry. I was busy working on my entry for this contest.”

“Really?” she breathed looking down at the monogrammed bag that held Rarity's design, “Any chance I could take a peak?”

“Oh why cert--” 'Do not give away your ideas!' Her aunt’s words echoed through Rarity’s head. “I am sorry, Prim but you will just have to wait like everyone else.”

The women pouted slightly but seemed to understand the situation. “Well, I guess that’s fair. I wouldn't go showing off either. Especially not with this many people around. I swear some of them are going to cheat. You remember Suri?”

Rarity gave her a disgusted look. “Yes…” Rarity clearly remembered the girl who stole both her fabric and her designs a while back,

Prim nodded and motioned for Rarity to follow her. “I think she may have entered. I saw her name on the list but I don’t see her anywhere.”

The fashionista grumbled darkly to herself.  “Oh I knew I should have had Sunset take pictures of the designer sign up list as well.”

Prim stopped dead in her tracks. Turning around, it was Prim who gave the disgusted look this time, “Sunset? You mean Sunset Shimmer?”

Rarity looked at her nervously. “Yes… she’s my model? Who’s yours?”

“Hold on. You mean you actually made an outfit for that demon?”

Rarity looked at her with an offended glare. “Excuse you, Prim, but Sunset is my friend! She’s sorry for what she’s done and does not deserve to be treated like that.”

Prin's lips pulled back into a sneer. “Sure I’ll stop trash talking her when my little sister stops having nightmares.”

Rarity looked at her, confused, “Nightmares?”

“Don’t worry about it," she sighed, calming down. "I heard that Shimmer had entered so I wasn't going to show up. Luckily, it was just a rumor so I thought it was fine. But if she’s actually here, I’m leaving.” 

Prim began to walk away until Rarity grabbed her arm. “Prim wait--”

“No, thank you,” she said. Taking her arm back she pointed to a nearby area. “Those guys over there will take care of your design. Clearly, she’s already got in your head. If I were you I’d find a new model.” 

Rarity watched her friend storm off. Highly confused, Rarity moved over to where Prim directed her and handed over her items. A few people were looking at her now and it made her feel uncomfortable. She quickly left to go find either her aunt or Sunset.

~~~

Sometime later, the rehearsal ended and Rarity left the place exhausted. This time, with so many new people, she had to help her aunt with some of the new arrivals and get them up to speed. Unfortunately, the rehearsal went on about two and a half hours longer because of this. It also didn't help that a certain great and powerful magician wanted to be difficult. How she didn't get sent home by Topic was anyone’s guess.  

What’s worse was that she hadn't seen hide nor hair of her own model. Nevertheless, she walked home with her phone to her ear as she waited for Sunset to pick up.

“Yo.”

“Sun~set!” she whined. “Where are you?”

“On my way home from rehearsal… why?”

Rarity thought on it for a second as suspicion raised itself in her gut. She had no reason to distrust Sunset, but a nagging feeling wouldn't go away, “Are you sure...? I didn't see you anywhere today.” 

“Well I saw you. I tried to say hi but your aunt was grilling me about posture.”

Rarity let out a light hearted chuckle. “Yes, she can be quite demanding. But I love her anyway.”

“Yeah, I guess she’s a little nice. She actually did me a favor.”

“Oh really? What was it?”

“Nothing important," Sunset answered. There was a pause before she continued. "It’s getting dark.”

Rarity smiled, relieved that Sunset seemed to care about her safety. As she believed that it only served to show that they were becoming closer. “Do not worry about me. My home is just around the corner. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“‘Kay. I’ll meet you up at the place.”

“Alright then.”



~~~



The next day went almost exactly the same. The only differences were that; A) Rarity woke up bright and early with no drool covering her sheets. And, B) There were even more people this time. It seemed like the entire list had all spontaneously decided to show up on the final day of rehearsal. Causing everything to be even more hectic.

Unfortunately, this meant more running around for Rarity and a few others. Everyone needed to be briefed on the events for the show. All the participants needed a few more pieces of advice and direction, and a certain show off still got it in her head that she just had to be the center of attention. Same as yesterday, several people, not including her for some reason, got sent home because they couldn't keep up. At the end, each participant was handed a number. This number dictated when they went on and was shared with a number that was given to the participants corresponding designer, who would get them ready to go onstage beforehand. 

Rarity was given number 21. She could only assume that Sunset got the same seeing as how she still hadn't seen her anywhere. Even during the break she was nowhere to be found. This struck Rarity as odd, so during the break, Rarity dialed her up only to get her answering message immediately. Huffing in annoyance, Rarity simply moved on and continued helping around when needed. 

Eventually, the exhausting day ended and Rarity was on her way home. The second she opened her door her phone began to ring. Seeing that it was Sunset’s number she answered it immediately.

Sunset's voice poured through the speaker. “I am so sorry. I didn't realize my phone was dead. Don’t really have a lot of outlets here.”

This time she knew something was up. “Fine, but I know that you didn't show up today.”

“Yes I did.”

“No, you didn't,” Rarity accused. “I even went looking for you during the break.”

“I went out to grab something to eat real quick. That’s what you do during a break, isn't it?”

Rarity faltered for a second, momentarily caught off guard by the snide remark. “Well… yes. But still how come I didn't see you any other time?” 

There was a sigh before Sunset answered. “Rarity, there were at least 100 people running around. I know for a fact that around 60 of them are going to walk down that runway, and that 20 of them only showed up today and needed extra attention. I would actually be surprised if you saw me.”

Rarity went silent for a moment, judging Sunset’s logic. Once she realized it was sound she responded, “I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry for accusing you. I guess that I’m probably just a little stressed.”

“Don’t worry about it. The show’s tomorrow so we should better get some sleep. We’ll have to meet tomorrow anyway so you can get me ready.”

“That is true. I will need a lot of beauty sleep If I am to help you look your best.”

“Why would you need to look good if you’re just going to help me look good?”

Rarity turned a corner, relieved to see her residence in the distance. “Why to inspire confidence of course!” she declared proudly.

Sunset wondered if Rarity could hear her eyes rolling. “Right. See you tomorrow.”

“Bright and early,” Rarity agreed, smiling brightly.

Both girls hung up their phones.



~~~



The next day couldn't come sooner. But when it did, everyone was delighted to see that it was a nice day overall. The sun was out, the weather was cool but not too chilly, and everyone seemed to just wake up in a good mood this morning. Today was the perfect day to hold a fashion show. Today was also the day that everyone would see Sunset for who she really was; a kindhearted, sorrowful--

"--annoying showboating witch,” Rarity thought when she looked at the silver haired girl sitting in her model’s seat. With all of her barely held rage Rarity asked, “Trixie… I’ll ask one more time. Why are you here? This is not your seat.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie’s placement card says otherwise.” Trixie held up her card. On it in large bold numbers, was 21. Snatching it from her, Rarity compared it to her card. It was definitely a perfect match. There were 30 chairs set up for all of the remaining 60 entrants and this was without a doubt, the 21st.

“Where did you get this card?” Rarity hissed. She continued glancing between the two as if her irritation would cause it to suddenly reveal itself to be fake.

Trixie scoffed, “The same place you got yours. From the organizers.”

Rarity began fuming slightly. “I am an organizer, Trixie, and I didn't give this to you.”

Trixie rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Not you! You idiot. The other one. Hot Topic gave it directly to Trixie.”

“I-- but-- you!” Turning around, Rarity fished out her cell phone and quickly dialed her aunt.“

“Rarity? Can this wait the show’s about to--”

“This will take one second, auntie. I swear. Didn't you give the numbered ticket to Sunset Shimmer like we discussed? I told you that we were already paired together.”

“Sunset? The girl with the intertwining red-yellow hair? She dropped out after the second day. Traded placed with someone named Trixie I think. A little unorthodox, but since she was your friend I allowed it. Listen, you found each other right? I need to go. Hurry and get ready--" Hot Topic’s voice suddenly became fainter as she turned away from the phone. "NO! Not over there! Here!”

The line cut and Rarity was left speechless.

“Now do you see?" gloated Trixie. "Sunset Shimmer realized her inferiority to the Great and Powerful Trixie and came to Trixie seeking redemption.”

Rarity turned back to her with a look of deep confusion and surprise. “She what…?”

“Sunset Shimmer came to Trixie two days ago and pleaded for Trixie to take her place. Apparently, she knew that Trixie didn't have anyone to design her anything. She only asked Trixie to do one thing in return. Being the humble and generous person she is, Trixie granted her wish--ahh!”

Rarity wasted no time in grabbing the showoff by her shoulders. Panicking, she thrust her face into hers. “What was the favor?”

“Unhand Trixie you harlot!” Trixie slapped away Rarity’s grip and dusted herself off. “Trixie was required to spread the word that Sunset had officially dropped from the running. Basically, Trixie was supposed to announce to the world that Trixie was replacing her in this competition. An easy and rewarding task if Trixie says so herself.”

Rarity took a step back and put a hand to her head, her eyes wide with shock. “But why would she…?”

“Obviously, because she realized that she wasn't meant to be here. Maybe there's some hope for that she-demon yet.”

Rarity turned and leveled an instant glare at the person who said that. She saw three girls. One with bright red hair. One with curly green and one with light amber.

Rarity instantly recognized them as Canterlot High’s premier gossip club. Nicknamed the Flower Trio; Rose, Lily Valley, and Daisy had their ears on just about every piece of juicy gossip in the city.

“I gotta admit," Lily Valley, the one with amber hair, added, "I was worried that she had gotten to you, Rarity,”

“What in the world are you talking about?” Rarity fumed.

Rose stepped forward. “We were just saying that it’s a relief that Sunset decided to release her hold on this competition. No one would've won if she had stayed.”

“That’s because no one would’ve shown up,” Lily added once again.

Rarity simply stood in her place in a perpetual state of shock, “Wha... what do you mean?”

Rose sighed. “What? Did the brainwashing scramble your hearing? I said that we made sure that no one showed up because Sunset was running. When we heard that she dropped out, it allowed the rest of us to get a shot without her here cheating.” Rose sighed and continued. “You remember the Spring Fling? She clearly intimidated the judges into winning. Who’s to say she won’t do it here by brai--”

*SLAP*

Trixie jerked forward in her seat, jaw rolling off somewhere at the sight in front of her. Rose slowly turned her head back and touched her sore cheek. Rarity lowered her hand. A deep frown now pasted on her face

“Don’t you dare say that again. Sunset Shimmer is not an evil she-demon, witch, or devil. She’s a good person who’s made a few bad choices. She knows that and she’s trying so hard to redeem herself. But with you three going around spreading rumors she can’t do that anymore. No one is going to see anything different than what you tell them, and because of that no one will give her another chance!” 

“So what! Do you know how many people were affected by what she did?!” Rose screamed back. “Do you know how many people stay up at night because they are scared of going back to sleep? Most of us can’t have a single night where we don't have nightmares of what that girl did!” A crowd was beginning to gather around the two girls, curious to see what all the screaming was about.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh you don’t know?” Rose scoffed. “Figures. You weren't affected like the rest of us. You had your weird magic to protect you. Fine. When we were brainwashed we were subjected to horrible visions the entire time. Horrible things that we never want to see again. It was different for everyone but for me it was the sight… no, the memory of watching my mother die from her disease. I had nightmares when it happened the first time…. But that... that demon made me relive it over and over again until I woke up. And even now I sometimes see it in my dreams. You really expect me to forgive her after that? Do you expect anybody to?!”

Rarity flinched back. She wasn't aware that it was that bad. Looking through the crowd she saw the faces of a few people who were there that night. Their eyes were downcast, silently agreeing that it was, in fact, the case. They all suffered from nightmares that kept them from sleeping.

Before anybody could say anything else, Hot Topic burst through the door. “What in the world are you all standing around for?! We start in half an hour and we have to get everyone ready! MOVE!” she screamed. Everyone scattered instantly. Rose, however, remained where she was for a few more seconds, glaring harshly at Rarity before finally moving back to her seat.

“Excuse me, dressmaker. But we don’t have all day,” Trixie called out.

Rarity sighed heavily. Many things were rolling around in her head now. Many things indeed. One thing was for sure though. Between Rose, Trixie, and Sunset, somebody was going to get another slap from her.
	
> CH9: Back to the Beginning.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Frustrated, Rarity gently lowered her head onto the Sugarcube Corner table and covered herself with her arms. “Afterwards,” she continued, addressing her other five friends, “Trixie continued to be an insufferable… well, you know, and another girl’s outfit won.”

Everyone at the table sat with confused looks as they listened to Rarity retell her story. Applejack lifted her hat and scratched the top of her head. “So… Sunset just up an’ bailed?”

“No!” blurted Coco Pommel. The meek girl was sitting in Rainbow Dash's chair while she was absent. Realizing that she now held everyone’s gaze, she backed down shyly. “W-we called to talk to her after everything happened… I mean….”

Rarity lifted her head and took a deep breath to calm herself. “Indeed,” she nodded. "Immediately after the contest, I picked up my phone and, very calmly, dialed Sunset’s number.”

~~~

Nearly slamming open the doors, Rarity tramped down the stairs of the building hosting the fashion show. Soon, Coco Pommel emerged from the doorway after her. She rushed to catch up with Rarity, who had stopped in front of the building and began digging through her purse. Coco glanced at her worriedly. “Rarity? What’s wrong? The show’s not over yet.”

Rarity stopped rummaging through her purse and nearly glared at Coco. “What’s wrong? Oh, I shall tell you what’s wrong. Several things are wrong. The first thing is that Sunset has been lying to me for the past few days about being here. Secondly, she’s willingly given up her spot for whatever reason, reducing all of our hard work to nothing. Finally, she gave her spot to Trixie of all people! She could have at least chosen a person whose natural colors actually fit the dress.”

Coco flinched but still reached out. “Rarity?”

Rarity ignored her and turned back to rummage through her purse. Eventually, she pulled out her rhinestone covered phone. “Since she refuses the explain her living situation, I have to call her to express how upset I am.”

Coco took a step in front of her to try and gain her attention. Hesitantly she spoke her mind. “Rarity, I really think you should calm down a little. I’m sure Sunset has a good reason for--” But it was too late. Rarity had already dialed the number and raised the phone to her ear. 

~~~

Sunset finally counted the last of her money before stuffing it back into her wallet. “I hope that I’ll have enough…” she muttered. Lying back down on her makeshift bed, she began thinking about the fashion show and how it was going. Sighing, she said, “I wonder if Rarity has found out yet--” she sat a hand on her face and groaned into it, “--she’s gonna kill me, but it’s for the best. If I stayed--”

♪AND NOW~
IT'S ALL OVER NOW
THE SPARKLE IS GONE,
SEE ME SHIMMER ON!♪

Sunset nearly jumped when her phone started ringing. Grimacing, she slowly lifted her head and read the caller ID. “Well… maybe she’s calm…” Sunset gingerly placed the phone on her ear and prepared to be yelled at. “Hello?”

Rarity’s voice came through softly and full of concern. “Why didn’t you say anything?” 

The softness and concern evident in her voice surprised Sunset greatly. She sat upwards and glanced curiously at her phone. “R-Rarity? I--”

On Rarity’s side, Coco held a similar expression. When Rarity heard Sunset’s voice, her expression instantly softened. “Why didn’t you tell us that you were being bullied backstage?” she asked firmly. Coco let out a sigh of relief and smiled.

After a few seconds, Sunset sighed. “I wasn't being bullied. If I had stayed in the running, I would have won….”

“Well then why--”

Sunset interrupted her by continuing. “I would have won because no one would’ve shown up today. It would have turned out just like any other popularity contest. Rarity, I saw how the other contestants were acting. The entire time I was there, the only thing they were talking about was the fact that I was actually there. Then the very next day… they were gone, replaced by others who were doing the same thing. Nobody would’ve shown up if I had stayed. I’m sorry that this happened, but I had to leave if I didn't want to ruin your aunt’s reputation. Did you win at least?” she asked hopefully.

Rarity huffed, “With the replacement you left? Trixie? Really? I left before it even ended. There was simply no use in staying.”

Sunset held up her hands in defense and said, “She was the only one who would even stay in the same room when I showed up.”

Rarity shook her head and decided to return back to the topic. She opened her mouth to speak, but then glanced over at Coco. Wordlessly, she removed the phone from her ear, turned the volume up, and put it on speakerphone mode. “Nevertheless, the fact remains that you were pressured into leaving by the other contestants. If you had just--”

“No,” Sunset cut her off, shaking her head “don’t you get it? No matter what I do, no one’s going to accept me or give me a chance,” she said. “I’ve learned that this week….”

Coco gasped and leaned close to the phone. “That’s not true! I don’t know what you did but whatever it was, you can recover from it. Your mistakes make you a better person.”

Sunset momentarily removed the phone from her head, confused when Coco’s voice came through. “Coco, they were planning to go directly to Hot Topic and ask her to take me out and reschedule the entire thing. I don’t think I can recover from this. It’s over for me…” Sunset brought her legs up to her chest and held herself. “Thanks for trying, though," she muttered, her head hanging low. "I guess that I’ll never really understand the magic of friendship.”

“Sunset!” Rarity chided, “Don’t talk like that. We’re friends, aren't we?”

Sunset shook her head sadly and said, “I… I don’t know. You and Coco are friends, I know that, but I just feel like I was a third wheel there just to wear the dress. While you guys talked and joked and had fun dressmaking, I was just… there.”

Coco and Rarity curiously glanced at one another. Rarity turned back first with a sympathetic look. “Sunset,” she began softly, “you misunderstand. Being friends doesn't always mean that you have to engage in our conversations. Simply enjoying being with each other makes us friends. I enjoyed your company, and I made that dress for you. I’m sure Coco feels the same way--” she turned towards the girl next to her “--Isn't that right?”

Coco nodded furiously. “O-of course! We’re definitely friends. Rarity even slapped a girl for talking about you today!”

Sunset’s eyes widened in surprise as she stood up from her bed, “You did what? Why?”

Rarity flinched and blushed slightly. After glaring slightly at Coco, she answered, “I do apologise about that, but I did not enjoy Rose slandering you like she did. Personally, I don’t believe that it was possible for all of them to have nightmares simultaneously. I--”

At the mention of nightmares Sunset’s head snapped up and her eyes shrank to pinpricks as she sat back down on her bed. “N-nightmares? They all had nightmares because of me?”

“No!” answered Rarity, “That’s just what they claimed. Like I said, I think--”

Sunset stopped listening, and slowly lowered the phone from her ear. This new revelation struck her hard, adding even more guilt for what she had done. “The dark magic… of course,” she muttered. Lowering her head in depression, Sunset shakingly brought the phone back to her ear. “Girls, I… I have to go. Thanks for trying… really. I appreciate it, but there’s no hope for me anymore.”

Red flags began popping up in both Coco and Rarity’s heads at that last statement. “Sunset!” yelled both of them. Reluctantly, Coco let Rarity continue on first. “Sunset, don’t speak like that. It’s not your fault. You--”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be at school tomorrow,” she said softly, guessing at where they were going. “Though it’s probably better if you didn't talk to me. The other students might start treating you badly if you’re seen with me.”

“Sunset!”

~~~

“... and then she hung up on us,” Rarity said, finishing up her recount of the past few days. “Like she said, I did see her today. But she seemed completely lifeless. She didn't respond to anything Coco or I said to her.” Rarity sighed and covered her face with her hands. “I just don’t know what went wrong….”  

Coco’s eyes fell to the table in sadness. “She looked so sad.”

“Oh no, that sounds terrible,” Fluttershy whimpered.

Applejack leaned forward onto the table and inquired, “Ah have a question though. What’s all this hooey about nightmares?

Rarity lifted her head from the table and glanced over at Applejack. “Hmm? Oh yes, I meant to ask you about that. I haven’t heard anything from Sweetie Belle. Has Apple Bloom been suffering any… undue effects from the Fall Formal?”

Applejack put a finger to her chin and thought about it for a second before shaking her head. “Not that ah know of. She did have one night terror about witches afterwards but that was just once. Why?”

“Rose told me that she’s been having serious nightmares about what happened,” Rarity answered. She shook her head. “She blames everything on Sunset.”

Fluttershy gently petted the turtle, whose head stuck out of her bag. “No wonder Sunset’s depressed, she must think it’s all her fault. We need to do something, and fast.”

There was a loud popping sound and everyone’s eyes turned around toward Pinkie Pie. Apparently, through the final half of the conversation, Pinkie Pie had blown up a countless number of balloons that ended up completely covering the back half of the cafe, with the most recent one blowing up in her face. “Oops, too much air. Sorry,” she giggled.

Fluttershy gave her a curious look and asked, “Pinkie Pie? What are you doing?”

Pinkie gave her a large smile before standing up and spreading her arms wide. “Warming up, silly. We’re going to need one heck of a party to get our Shimmer all sunny!”

Rarity and the others all looked at one another. Figuring that they had tried everything else they all shrugged. Applejack turned back to Pinkie and gave her a thumbs up. “Go for it pardner.”

“Please don’t make a scene, though,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We don’t want to make anything worse than it already is. What are you planning to do anyway?”

Pinkie simply grinned and wrapped a pink headband around her head that read “Party Hard.” She gave all of them a serious look, stood up on top of her seat, and said, “This will be my greatest challenge… ever!”

~~~

“Pleaaaasssseeeee!” Pinkie whined. “Sunset, are you even listening?”

Sunset Shimmer simply continued to stare listlessly at the book in front of her. For once, she wasn't reading a Daring Do book, but rather, one on philosophy. From the time Pinkie entered the room, she hadn't moved a muscle aside from turning the page despite Pinkie’s constant attempts to engage her in conversation.

Luckily for Pinkie, however, the library they were in was devoid of any annoying librarians that would shush her. This meant that she also had all the time in the world to get Sunset out of her funk. Unfortunately, even Pinkie Pie had her limits. After a full on song and dance number, several one-sided conversations, and even a two-person party complete with cake and balloons, Sunset continued to ignore her. 

“Jeez,” Pinkie huffed, finally sitting down at Sunset’s table, “I’m used to one sided conversations, but I’m not even sure if you’re listening anymore. Plus, I think I’m actually out of ideas...” Pinkie rested her head on her hand and glanced around at the various leftover decorations from her various attempts at getting a reaction from Sunset.

After a few seconds Pinkie’s face lit up in excitement. “Wait, I have another idea! Even if you’re not listening, just listen! How about we call Cheese up, and… wait for it, stage a cheery song and dance number in front of the entire school that explains why you really are a good person! People always listen to a good song!” While Pinkie began to rattle off ideas and supplies, Sunset sighed and closed her book. Wordlessly, she began walking towards the door, only stopping when Pinkie appeared in front of her with a small smile.

“Sunset? Does this mean you like the idea?” she asked hopefully. With a quick “No,” Sunset pushed her way past Pinkie and once again headed for door.

Just as Sunset reached the doorway, Pinkie grabbed her arm. Sunset glanced backwards at pinkie with a look devoid of emotion. Pinkie responded with a pleading look and said, “Sunset… please? We just wanna be your friends.”

There was a moment of silence before Sunset responded in a flat voice, “Just stop, all of you. You don’t have to try and help me anymore. Don’t worry about your promise to Twilight.”

Pinkie’s hair flattened out slightly, and she gave the girl she was holding on to a teary-eyed look. “But….”

Sunset turned her gaze away. “I don’t belong here, anyway,” she said softly. “At this point, I’ve just decided to wait until the portal reopens, and go back to Equestria. Thanks for trying though.” Without another word, Sunset took her arm back from Pinkie and left the room, leaving the pink haired girl alone and sad.
	
	
> CH10: Try, try again.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The very next day after school, the girls met back up in the usual place. Although, this time they were accompanied by a rather sour acting Rainbow Dash. It was plainly obvious by Pinkie’s sad demeanor that whatever she had planned failed horribly. It didn't help that none of them knew how to act around a sad Pinkie Pie.

Luckily, Pinkie saved them the trouble by starting the conversation herself. She sniffled, lifting her head from the table and the puddle of tears that sat there, and whimpered, “Sh-she said that she’s going to go back to Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash huffed and leaned back in her seat. “Welp that’s it, we lost. Game over.”

Rarity and Applejack glared at her. “Rainbow Dash,” chided Rarity. “We are not simply giving up like that.”

Coco tilted her head in confusion and asked, “What’s Equestria? I’ve never heard of it.”

Fluttershy smiled back at her and answered, “It’s where Sunset came from. She ran away from home after a falling out with her mentor.”

Coco’s confusion didn't subside. Instead, it grew, as did her curiosity. Despite her time around Sunset and the others, she still didn't know the entire situation. Every time she brought it up, the others would simply shrug the question off. “Is it bad if she goes back?”

Fluttershy opened her mouth, but closed it when she realized that she didn't know what to say. Thankfully, Applejack spoke up and said, “That’s the thing. We don’t really know. What we do know," she leaned forward and gave everyone a serious look "is that Twilight trusted us to help Sunset make some friends. Now, we all know that the first thing we need ‘ta do is make her realize that we’re her friends already.”

“But we failed so now Sunset’s going home,” Rainbow interjected, “Sucks to be her. What’s the point.”

“The point,” Applejack continued, trying her hardest to ignore Rainbow’s remarks, “is that we can’t just let her leave while she’s depressed like this. It just don’t sit right with me.”

Rarity smiled at her friend and nodded. “Very true, Applejack. I’m glad that you still feel that we should help her.” Rarity sent an annoyed glance at Rainbow Dash. “Unlike some people.”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to rebut but Applejack spoke first. “Don’t mind her, she’s just sore that she missed her chance to buy her book yesterday.”

Rainbow Dash scoffed and leaned forwards onto the table. “I waited months to get the new installment, and some jerk goes and buys the last three copies all at once.”

“Don’t you do the same thing?” asked Fluttershy.

She leaned back in her seat and rolled her eyes. “Duh, you need three copies of something awesome if you wanna hold onto it right.” Rainbow began mumbling angrily to herself. “I knew I should’ve gone to get it before school started….”

The group shrugged off Rainbow Dash’s grumblings and decided to get back on topic. They all came to an agreement that it seemed even harder to make friends with Sunset now since they were in a worse position. They were now all aware of what the other students really thought of Sunset Shimmer. Whether or not the nightmares that people claimed to be having were true, the mere rumor was enough to keep Sunset further from redemption. The worst part was that it seemed that Sunset Shimmer herself had given up on making friends with anyone, and she was intent on going back home for whatever reason.

The only question now was not whether they could make friends with Sunset, but how to convince her that they already had.

Rarity sighed and sat her head on her hand. “What do we do girls?” she asked, her voice tired and exhausted, “We need to show Sunset that she can still turn her situation around. Not to mention, even if we can’t convince her to stay with us, we still can’t let her spend the next two years the way she is.”

Fluttershy nervously looked into her bag for an animal to pet, unfortunately, none of her animal friends had decided to join her at school today. In the end, she simply held her bag close to her for comfort. “I don’t know. Not even Pinkie could cheer her up, and we tried everything we could think of. I thought that she would’ve liked animals, but nothing happened.”

Pinkie blew a limp strand of hair out of her eyes. “Parties didn’t work… which is weird because they usually do. Sunset must be a super special kind of sad.” Pinkie gasped quietly and her her eyes went wide with fear. “Advanced sadness….”

Applejack took her hat off and sat it down on the table as she looked up at the ceiling. “We couldn't take her mind off things by working. Shucks, it works for me most of the time.”

Rarity leaned back in her chair and sighed. “I tried to get the populace to accept her with the thing that every lady should love, but it completely backfired and made everything worse.”

Rainbow Dash lifted her hand from behind her head and and said, “I still think we should give up.”

Applejack, now annoyed, turned to the girl next to her and said, “An’ ah still think you should shut up unless you have a real idea. You can get the new Daring whatever book later when they restock. But for right now at least try to be helpful.”

Coco’s head perked up at that last part, and realization dawned on her. “Rainbow Dash likes Daring do?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow cheered, her mood instantly did a 180 as she eagerly began talking about her favorite thing. “It’s like, the best book ever! Why? Do you read it?”

Coco shook her head but smiled and said, “No, but Sunset Shimmer does.” Her smile dropped and got replaced with a look of confusion when she noticed everyone’s surprised faces. Apparently, the concept of Sunset liking anything never crossed their minds. 

“Y-you all didn't know that?” All of them shook their heads. “She reads it all the time.” More blank looks. Coco finally began to get frustrated. “It’s her favorite book series… Do any of you know anything about Sunset?” Ashamed, most of them averted their gazes, making it painfully obvious what their answers were.

Rainbow embarrassedly scratched the back of her head. “So… she likes Daring Do, huh? That’s cool.”

Rarity sighed, ashamed that she had overlooked such a vital point. “Coco is right. We’ve tried all the wrong things.” Rarity frustratedly put a hand to her face and groaned into it, “I can’t believe myself. All that time together and I never had any meaningful conversations with her. No wonder she feels like we aren’t friends.”

Rarity removed her hand and sent a determined look toward Rainbow Dash. Leaning over her side of the table, she stuck her face directly in front of Rainbow’s and said, “Rainbow Dash, you’re our only hope left. None of us know Daring Do like you do. You’re the only one who has a chance at even getting her to respond.”

“What?” Rainbow asked. Hesitantly, she glanced around the rest of the table. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, but she still had some reservations. “Can’t Coco do it? She was actually able to talk to Sunset.”

Coco shook her head sadly. “I don’t know anything about Daring Do. I wouldn't have anything to talk about. At least… that’s what happened last time.”

Rainbow Dash grimaced slightly. “So why do you guys think I have a chance?”

“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said softly, “all you need to do is act like you usually do about Daring. Just be your usual passionate self.”

“Yeah,” Applejack added, “If she’s anything like you, all you would need to do is ask her about her favorite characters or somethin’. Find out more about her and get her to open up again.”

Coco also smiled at her and voiced her own opinion. “It’s also possible that she has the new book that you couldn't get.”

Rainbow silently had to admit to herself that she was convinced. In fact, she was even slightly excited to have someone else that knows as much about Daring as her. Unfortunately, however, her ego wouldn't let her give up so easily. She crossed her arms and got up from her chair. “Nu-uh. I’m not doing it.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, all too used to Dash acting this way. “What do you want?”

Rainbow Dash glanced back towards the group. “Buy me snacks during lunch for the next week?”

Applejack groaned loudly and said, “Can’t Pinkie an' me just make you snacks?”

In response, Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out and grinned, “No, because I want you to spend money.”

“Fine, just go,” Applejack urged, waving her off.

Rainbow Dash pumped a fist with a quiet cheer before turning and confidently walking out the door. Applejack and the rest of the group turned back to each other at the table. All of them had nervous looking expressions. Rarity spoke first. “So… what’s plan B?”

“Well, hopefully Dash at least learns more about her so we can have a plan B,” Applejack muttered.

“I just hope that she can actually cheer Sunset up a bit,” Coco added.

“Come on girls,” urged Fluttershy, “let’s at least give her a chance. Rainbow can be really sensitive and helpful at times.”

Rainbow Dash popped her head back into the cafe and yelled out to the group in the back. “By the way, do you guys even know where she is? I’m not really up to date with the local demon hangouts, ya know.”

Applejack put both hands over her face and groaned, “We’re done.”


~~~


As Rainbow Dash entered the library and started to wander around, she began to have second thoughts about her mission. Now how the heck am I gonna pull this one off? Rainbow began looking around the place for her target. Today the library was slightly crowded, with people moving around here and there looking for all sorts of books for various projects and the like. She thought about asking the librarian, but since cool people don’t ask for directions, she shrugged it off.

Eventually she had an idea. She realized that since people avoid Sunset like the plague, she should just look for the least crowded area. She continued to wander around, but this time she had a plan. After searching around the large building for a few more minutes, Rainbow finally managed to poke her head into an out-of-the-way-corner. There in the far corner of the building, sat Sunset Shimmer at a table reading by herself. 

Rainbow Dash instantly zoomed in on the book in her hands. I don’t recognize the cover! So she does have the new one. That lucky… Rainbow Dash bit her lip and shook her head. No, I’m here to make friends with her… not that I know exactly how to go about doing that… Rainbow Dash thought about what she could do without making things worse, but eventually, she simply shrugged and decided to make like the Fall Formal, and wing it.

Hesitantly she crept to Sunset, her eyes entirely on the book. “Um… hey, Sunset…” she began.

Sunset Shimmer glanced away from her book. Her voice was low and sad. “I thought I told you all not to try anymore.”

Rainbow deadpanned and raised her arms, saying, “In my defense, I wanted to give up.”

Sunset lowered her book down slightly, “Then why are you here?”

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and gestured to the book that Sunset had in front of her. “Coco told me that you like Daring Do. I just wanted to see if it was true?”

“So what?” Sunset asked, lowering her gaze once more, “Gonna call me an egg head now?”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and sat at the table in front of her. “Nope, reading Daring Do doesn't count. She’s too awesome.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow, “You like Daring Do? You?”

“Hey, I can like books.” Rainbow spat, leaning forcefully onto the table. “Plus, shouldn't I be saying that to you?”

Sunset narrowed her eyes in suspicion, “Are you making fun of me? Is this a trick?”

Rainbow Dash gave her a shocked expression, completely taken by surprise that her loyalty to the glorious epic had been called into question like that. “Are you kidding me?!” she nearly screamed. Sunset quickly shushed her, since she didn't want the librarian to come back there. Quietly, Rainbow continued. “Are you serious? Daring Do is like, my most favorite book series of all time!”

“Uhuh,” Sunset nodded slowly, still not entirely convinced. Lifting her book back up, Sunset went back to reading. “That’s nice.”

Rainbow growled and pushed the book out of Sunset’s face. “You don’t believe me, do you?”

“I never said that,” Sunset replied taking back control of her book.

Rainbow Dash smirked, sat back down in her chair, and folded her arms. “Go ahead, ask me a question. I bet I know more about Daring Do than you anyway.”

This got a genuine reaction of shock from Sunset Shimmer when she frowned and closed her book completely. “I doubt that.” She too leaned back and folded her arms. “What’s Daring Do’s middle name?”

“Trick question,” Rainbow answered instantly, “Daring Do is just an alias, her real name is Amy Keating Yearling.”

“What is Ahuizotl’s real name and age?” Sunset asked.

“No one knows." Dash said mysteriously. Cracking a smile she leaned back in her seat. "But he claims to be over 1000 years old.”

“Which book did he first appear in?” she asked, following up on her previous question.

“Book one, Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone,” Rainbow Dash said proudly.

Sunset was slightly impressed, maybe this wasn't just a trick. But then again... “In the third Daring Do Book, what was the relic that Daring discovered and what does it do?”

“Pfft,” she scoffed, “Daring Do and the Abyss of Despair. It was a cursed orb. Plus, the orb was just a distraction, the stand was the actual key that gave Daring Do access to the Tenochtitlan Basin.”

“Wrong, it gave Ahuizotl access. In book four, Daring realized that the stand had been the true key, but only after she let it go thinking otherwise.”

Rainbow flinched and silently cursed herself for forgetting that fact. “Fine, fine. My turn. Who was the first person to join Daring on an adventure?”

“Book two,” Sunset answered, “when one of Ahuizotl’s followers, Phantom Wind, tricked her into giving up all of her secrets. He was the reason why Daring refused to have anyone join her after that. In Book eight, Daring Do and the Marked thief of Marapore, who gave Daring Do the information she needed to translate the clues from the book given to her by—”

“Golden Rule,” Rainbow finished, “and Tator Tot was the one who helped her.” 

Sunset’s mouth twitched. She was getting excited, but warm up time was over. Here came the serious questions. Things only true fans would bother to know. Without giving Rainbow time to ask her question, Sunset continued. “In one of the more recent books, Daring Do almost fails to solve one of the seven riddles of Yahmatu. Which one was it, recite it and give me the answer they revealed at the end.”

“Oh, playing hard ball now are you? ‘Bout time.” Rainbow Dash cleared her voice and spoke clearly. “‘Thy feet are the key to the answer thou seeks. For the steps they have taken, both forward and backward, shall reveal the final doorway to the temple most grand.’ 

“Daring thought that she had to retrace her steps to find out where the final piece to the keyhole was. It wasn't until later that she realized that from the moment she entered the temple, the final piece to the keyhole was engraved on her own shoe.” Rainbow Dash grinned widely, though not from answering the question. “My turn. In Spirit Amulet, Spirit Shift gives Daring a bunch of random information when they first meet. What was it?”

“His age, weight, least favorite day, favorite ice cream flavor, the color of his hair, the last video game he played, and where to find the yellowest kind of flower in his hometown.” Rainbow opened her mouth but Sunset immediately cut her off, “And before you ask, Daring finds out later that, in order to activate his amulet, she needed to have a key and a password. The key being the flower, and the password was the first letter or number off of the rest of the things he listed; 11SSB-RK,” Sunset finished proudly. She stuck her nose in the air and gave Rainbow Dash a smug look.

Rainbow Dash chuckled and waved her off. “Alright then. So you know Daring Do. New question. What’s A.K Yearling's favorite song to listen to while she writes?”

Sunset scoffed, “Everyone knows that the only “song” she listens to is the mental playback from the scenes in her head—”

“—when she relives every, single moment of her epic adventure.” Rainbow continued for her.

Sunset relaxed and gazed up at the ceiling in amazement. “It’s almost as if she goes on them twice just so she could write it for us—”

Rainbow Dash copied her with giddy fangirl excitement. “—so that we can feel like we’re right there with her in every story!”

“Just so every single reader can feel unquestionably…”

“Undeniably!”

“Unstoppable!” As both of them screamed the final word, they squealed in typical fangirl fashion. They were so loud, in fact, several students turned the corner just to see what the sound was. This caused them to start muttering amongst themselves, causing even more noise. The librarian, Cheerilee, finally had enough, and with a loud, “Shush,” the library went dead quiet, for a few minutes, before normal library talk resumed.

Glancing awkwardly at one another, neither girl said anything. Rainbow for losing her cool and publicly fangirling about her favorite book, and Sunset because she just realized that she had a huge joyful smile on the entire time, and the fact that it was probably still there. She felt something strange in her chest. It was an odd feeling, similar to when she spent time with Rarity. It was nice, but she quickly told herself that she had given up on friendship. So it probably wouldn’t last long. 

Eventually, Rainbow Dash leaned forward onto the table and into Sunset’s face. She had a really hungry look in her eye and a slight blob of drool leaking from her mouth. “Alright, let’s cut to the chase, Shimmer. I want to read your book!”

Sunset just stared at her, confused and slightly weirded out. “Wh-what?”

“Come on. I need this,” Rainbow pleaded, laying her body over the table. “I’ve been waiting for months. I missed out on the first release and I can’t wait till they restock! Please let me read this!” 

“SHUSH!” ordered Cheerilee.

Sunset nervously glanced around, their repeated outbursts of noise were beginning to draw attention. “Um… alright?” she whispered. “Just, please sit back down so we don’t get thrown out.”

Rainbow Dash nodded and sat down obediently. With barely repressed excitement, Rainbow watched as Sunset reached into her backpack to bring out another copy of what might as well have been a book explaining the one true religion. 

Time ran in slow motion for Rainbow Dash as a golden tome emerged from Sunset's backpack. The words “Daring Do and the Shifting Spirits” was written on the cover in bright bold letters. Daring Do and Spirit Shift sat on the cover picture, looking disoriented and confused at each other while the villain of the arc, Benevelzhe, stood triumphant behind them atop a large monstrous squid-like shadow beast. It was, for all intents and purposes, the final installment to the two parter that had been called the best arc in the series. Rainbow Dash held out her hands in awe at its beauty and splendor as Sunset handed her the book.

Rainbow Dash held the book in her arms with all the love and care she would give an infant. With a small gulp, and held breath, she opened the cover slowly. Golden light immediately swam from the open tome, encompassing everything in the room. Everyone present in the library simultaneously experienced what had to have been pure bliss when their eyes rolled up to their heads and they began spasming in ecstasy.

Sunset Shimmer looked on with confusion as Rainbow Dash slowly opened the book while giving small giddy chuckles. She couldn't help but smile as she wondered what exactly was going on in her head. Whatever it was, she couldn't blame her when she probably had a similar experience. 
	
	
> CH11: Making Headway.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	—and with shaking legs, Daring Do brought herself over to a nearby stream to rest. By the sounds of the moans behind her, Daring assumed that Spirit was also regaining consciousness. First and foremost however, she was thirsty. Being thrown around by the power of an ancient deity would do that to a girl. 

However, when she made it to the river, her face twisted into an expression of confusion and horror when she found that her worst fear had come true. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me!” the adventurer screamed.

Spirit bolted upright and threw his head back and forth in a panic. “What? Who? What’s… wrong…? Sweet,” he chuckled. Eventually, his head panned down to look at his chest. Where a blue jacket should have been, there was a brown cargo jacket. And where his flat but still manly chest should have been, there were currently two smallish hills.

It was just three short seconds before he felt himself being dragged up by his collar and forced to face what used to be his face. Daring Do had somehow managed to twist it into something that he himself had never really managed to make; an expression of blind fury. “This is your fault! I knew this would happen. I knew it!” she screamed. Spirit almost chuckled when he heard his own voice yelling at him. Then full out laughed when he realized that Daring’s normal voice didn't sound all that different.

Unfortunately, a sudden choking sensation cut his laughter off. Still smiling brightly despite being held at metaphorical gunpoint, he wiggled a finger and tutted, “Technically, it’s Benivelzhe’s fault.”

Daring shook him back and forth in a rage. “It’s your amulet! You idiot!”

“Our amulet,” Spirit teased. “Half belongs to you, ya know.” Suddenly, his smile turned slightly awkward. “By the way, can you let me down? You’re hurting my delicate bosoms,” he pouted.

“Rainbow Dash!” Sunset hissed.

“Huh, what?” Snapping out of her reading fantasy, Dash realized that firstly, Sunset was glaring at her, and secondly, Cheerilee was also glaring at her from where she stood by the corner.

“Are you trying to get me kicked out of here?” Sunset hissed quietly.

“What? What was I doing?” she asked, a small chuckle escaping as she talked.

Sunset rolled her eyes. “You’re laughing too loudly. Plus, why are you still here?”

Dash’s smile dropped and was replaced by a look of confusion as she wordlessly wondered why she would leave. Sunset read her face and answered. “You have the book, you can go now. Why are you still reading it here when you could go home or something?” she asked. Her tone was something between mock apathy and genuine curiosity.

“Wait, you actually trust me to give this back to you?” Rainbow asked, surprised. 

“No, you can have it,” she replied snidely. “I have two other copies including this one.” She held up the one in her hand before going back to her reading.

“No way! I don’t take handouts. I… Hold on a second.” Rainbow stared at her with narrowed eyes. “Were you the one who bought the last three copies yesterday?”

Sunset absentmindedly answered while turning a page in her book. “Probably. One of my old habits was to get the last of something and lord it over the ones who missed… out.” Her eyes went wide when she realized what she was saying. Hesitantly, she glanced up at Rainbow’s hurt face. Then immediately, she lowered it and shrunk back in her seat. “Sorry…” she mumbled.

She had expected Rainbow to simply take the book and leave. Such a thing wouldn't have hurt her feelings though, because she knew that she deserved it. For a while now, Sunset had been trying to make it a habit to break all of her old mean girl habits. One of which was teasing others about what they didn’t have. Obviously, she still had some work to do. 

What she didn't expect was for Rainbow Dash to lean back in her seat with a hushed chuckle. “Nah, it’s fine,” she said. “At least you’re sorry about it. I’d be more mad if you didn't apologize. Plus, I do the same thing sometimes.”

Sunset raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Tease people with things they don’t have?”

“No,” she answered. “I buy three copies of the books. You know why, right?”

Sunset crossed her arms. “Of course. One to read at home, one to read outside, and a back-up to hold onto in case something happens to one of the others.”

Now it was Rainbow’s turn to raise a skeptical eyebrow. “Sunset, I think you missed one. It’s ‘one to read, one to hold onto, and one to let others borrow or trade.'”

Sunset thought about it for a second before groaning into her palm. “Oh… right. I’m sorry. You're right. I’ve never let anyone borrow anything before, so I must have changed the rule.”

Rainbow was about to open her mouth when Cheerilee came by their table. Rainbow looked up at her with a panicked expression while Sunset averted her gaze shamefully. “We weren't being loud, I swear!” Rainbow said loudly.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes and shook her head before pointing towards the clock on the far wall. Rainbow and Sunset glanced over and realized that it was just past five o’clock. They then noticed that the library was empty. Finally, they noticed that Cheerilee had on a jacket and was carrying her bag. It didn't take them long to connect the dots.

Sunset quickly got to packing her backpack, but when Rainbow tried to hand the book back to her, she refused and pushed it back. “Keep it. Like I said, I have two others,” she urged, walking back towards the entrance.

Dash gave her a sullen look. Irritated, she caught up to her and stuffed the book back into Sunset’s bag. “Like I said, I don’t take hand outs. You’re gonna be here tomorrow, right. I’ll just meet you here and read it again.”

“But don’t you wanna take it home with you? Why do you have to read it here?” Sunset asked, her face a deep shade of confusion.

Rainbow Dash groaned. “Ugh, do I have to spell it out for you? Look, just hold onto it. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, Dash speed out of the library. Still confused, Sunset went the other way.

Unbeknownst to both of them, once everyone was gone, Rarity stuck her head out from behind one of the bookcases. With a bright knowing smile she sang, “Idea~” Grabbing her own bag, she happily skipped out the library humming a light tune. This time her plan would be foolproof.

~~~

The next day after school, Rainbow Dash found herself standing in front of Sunset, who was once again sitting at that same out of the way table. “Sup,” she greeted.

Sunset Shimmer tore her eyes away from her book just long enough to give her visitor a surprised look. “Oh… that’s right. I forgot you said that you were coming.” Reaching to her side, she pulled out her second copy and handed it over.

Rainbow Dash greedily grabbed it and held it close while she sat down. “Sweet!” she cheered. Opening it, she hurriedly tried to find out where she left off. Unfortunately, her mind went back to something that her nosy friend had said earlier.

~~~

The first thing that Rainbow Dash did after speeding out of her classroom was to head straight to the library to read Sunset Shimmer’s latest copy of Daring Do. Something she was absolutely bursting with excitement about.

Unfortunately, her stride was soon interrupted by Rarity showing up and wrapping her up in a tight hug. Rarity nearly spun her around in glee. “Rainbow Dash, you are a miracle worker!”

“I’m a what?” Already recovered from the sudden attack, she was already struggling to escape Rarity’s Pinkie Pie-like grip.

Rarity did let her go but still held her at face level by her shoulders. “I saw the whole thing!” she gushed. “Of course I didn't understand half of it, but I know the look on a person’s face when they talk about what they love!”

Rainbow leaned back awkwardly. “Umm, thanks?”

“And making her hold onto the book was a stroke of pure genius!” Rarity suddenly pulled her close and gave her a serious look. “Whatever you do, you must continue doing what you’re doing!”

Still semi-speechless, Rainbow nodded as Rarity finally released her. “Though, one piece of advice, darling. I couldn't help but notice that for the majority of the time your were around her you weren't engaged in any sort of conversation. You must try to remedy that this time around.”

Rainbow Dash reeled back in disbelief. “I can’t hold a conversation and read at the same time!”

“Yes, you can.” Rarity folded her arms skeptically. “You do it with the rest of us all the time.”

“Yeah, but I’m usually not paying attention. I kinda just block everything else out,” she admitted, not looking the least bit sorry.

Rarity gave her a deadpan glare but decided to shrug that particular issue off until later. “No matter. Talk to her more often. You got her to respond in a way I’ve never seen before. Listen, I have a plan, but it may take a few days. Just stay with her.”

~~~

Yeah, easier said than done. I wanna read this book so badly! Rainbow sighed mentally. Despite the object of her affection being right in her arms, she knew that she didn't want to deal with Rarity later. Reluctantly, she began reading over parts that she had already read, assuming that she wouldn't be as immersed this way, but still getting her fix. Here goes nothing. Rainbow glanced up at Sunset before simply deciding to ask the first thing that came to her mind: “So... what’s your favorite arc in the series?” 

Sunset glanced up at her lazily. “I’m partial to the Tenochtitlan arc. I love the fact that even when it was over, the effects still lingered throughout the other books.”

“Really?” Dash asked, surprised. She lowered her book completely to look directly at Sunset, who was still reading hers. “I kinda liked Tenochtitlan but I never understood why it was so important. Like, I know it’s the cornerstone to gaining control over the valley, but the Rings of Scorchero just seemed like too much trouble to collect after the Radiant Shield of Razdan went up.”

Sunset lowered her book and gave Rainbow a serious look. “No, you don’t get it. If Ahuizotl was successful in succumbing the valley to heat, he would have reactivated the enchantment of the Ketztwctl Empress, and you know what that means. He would have been unstoppable.”

“Yeah, I get that part,” Rainbow replied, leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms behind her head. “But you’d think that after being defeated twice, Ahuizotl would just give up on it.”

“Well, he wouldn't be a good villain if he did that,” Sunset snarked.

A teasing smile slowly spread across Rainbow’s face as she leaned in close to Sunset. “Oh, I guess you like the villains, then?”

Blushing, Sunset threw her head down behind her books. “No! I… uh... I just think that they’re interesting. Their motivations and why they do what they do, I mean.” Behind her book, Sunset muttered softly, “I guess I can relate somewhat.”

“Huh, you say something?”

Sunset shook off her melancholy and brought her head back. “No,” she sighed, “It’s nothing. I just like the villains, alright?”

Rainbow reeled back and raised her hands in defense. “It’s fine. Villains are cool sometimes. I guess that means that your favorite character is Ahuizotl?”

Sunset thought about it for a few seconds before shrugging. “I guess so. I know that he isn't really an Ahuizotl in real life, but it still sounds like something that would be real back in Equestria.”

“Personally, my favorite character is Spirit,” Rainbow smirked. “He’s just so laid back, it’s like he’s awesome without even trying.”

Sunset shrugged. “I guess. He seems a bit… odd to me. It’s not like I don’t like him per se, but he just does some really weird things sometimes. Actually, hold on.” Sunset quickly turned a few pages back through her book until she found what she was looking for. Turning the book around to face Rainbow, she pointed to a particular paragraph. “See! Check this out. In this chapter he—”

Rainbow instantly threw her hands on her ears and started blathering nonsense. “Lalala! Nope! Nope! No spoilers!” she finished.

“It’s not a spoiler! Just look,” Sunset urged. Unfortunately it was no use, Rainbow was drowning her out with the sound of her own voice. Rolling her eyes, Sunset gave up and sat back in her seat. If anything, she wasn't going to press the issue and get kicked out over this. Sunset turned to glance over to the clock to see what time it was, but instead saw a familiar short-haired girl.

Coco Pommel gave a small smile and waved, saying, “Hi, Sunset.”

“Coco?!” Sunset blurted, surprised. “What are you doing here?” Her surprise didn't last long as she quickly turned her head away. Her tone was low and sorrowful. “Look, if Rarity sent you here to talk about the dress, tell her—”

Coco hurriedly waved off the topic with a slight gesture. “No, it’s fine. Rarity isn't mad at you, she understands why you did what you did.”

Sunset stared back up at her with wide eyes. “She… she isn't mad at me?”  Coco shook her head, and Sunset turned back to Rainbow Dash, who was back to reading her book. Realization showed in her eyes as she calmly sighed. “Why do you guys keep trying?”

Rainbow Dash lazily tore her eyes away from her book to look at Shimmer. “What?”

“You guys are trying to act like my friends by using what I like. Is Applejack gonna show up next?”

Coco gave Rainbow a panicked look, to which she shrugged. Coco quickly dug through her bag and brought out a Daring Do book. “No, that’s not true. Remember, you told me that I should read it sometime. I went out and found a copy yesterday. But I think I got the wrong one because I can’t follow the storyline. I came to ask you two for advice.”

While Sunset still gave her a suspicious look, Rainbow leaned over and grabbed the book from Coco’s hands and took a look at the title cover. “No wonder you can’t follow the story. You went and got the third book. That’s right in the middle of the Tenochtitlan arc.”

“Really?” she asked incredulously. 

Rainbow beckoned her over. Once Coco stood next to her, Rainbow pointed out something on the back of the book. “See right here. if you read the back of the book it tells you where it’s at in the story.”

While they started up a conversation over how to tell which book in the series it was, Sunset sighed wearily and closed her own book. It was like Rarity’s place all over again. Although a small part of Sunset was still bothered by this, the rest of her was relieved that their attention was off of her. Then, Sunset thought about the conversations that she and Rainbow had recently, and found that she was actually having fun. Then she began to wonder if being around them was a bad thing after all.

“Sunset, tell her!”

She immediately snapped out of her thoughts and focused back on Rainbow, who was holding out Coco’s book in front of her, and Coco who only looked more confused than before. “What? Sorry, I was… distracted.” Sunset began to reach for her backpack. “I think I’m gonna—”

“Hold on,” Dash interrupted. She had a frustrated look. “Can you please explain to Coco how to tell the order of the books? I know there’s a list on one of these pages, but I can’t remember where it is.”

Curious, Sunset took the book and looked through the first pages. “Oh, I see what’s wrong. The list doesn't show up in this book. Coco, come here.” Coco made her way over to Sunset’s side, while Sunset opened up the newest book and pointed out the list of titles.

Unbeknownst to them, peeking out of the corner were two girls. They watched as all three of their targets engaged in an energetic conversation over Daring Do, as well as Sunset’s rapidly brightening attitude.

Rarity looked on with a bright smile. “You see?” she whispered. “Look how much of a fan she is.” Pulling her head back, Rarity turned to her companion. A cheery-looking blond haired girl stood next to her wearing a baby blue shirt with a curious bright yellow tie. Her eyes were the most curious part about her, though. As they were skewed in two different directions. “I know that you don’t have any ill will against her, so will you please help me?” Rarity pleaded.

The blond girl thought about it for a second before raising a thumbs-up and nodding vigorously. Rarity immediately drew the girl into a hug, similar to the one she gave Rainbow earlier. “Oh, thank you. Thank you!” she cheered. “You have no idea how much this means to me. It’s wonderful to know that there are still people like you around who are willing to give her a second chance.”

After letting her down, the girl’s smile turned into a sly smirk as she held out a palm expectantly. Rarity looked at it curiously before rolling her eyes good naturedly. “I know. My friend Pinkie is making your muffins as we speak. I had a feeling that you’d ask for them.” At the mention of her payment, the blond girl eagerly bounced in place, squealing quietly.

“Shush!” Both girls turned around to see Cheerilee glaring down at them with a finger over her lips. “If you’re going to spy on them, be silent about it!” she huffed. As she walked away, Rarity and her companion looked at one another curiously.
	
> CH12: What is there to really doubt anymore?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Sunset?”

Sunset Shimmer’s eyes opened wide at the sound of someone calling her name. She immediately began to look around and found that the only thing surrounding her was a blank expanse of darkness. Hesitantly, she took a step forward. When her foot hit the ground, a small ripple spread out across the invisible surface that she stood on and her reflection suddenly appeared below her. Sunset glanced down and took a look at her reflection. Once she made eye contact with herself, her reflection’s face began to contort into an expression of horror and fear before disappearing altogether.

Confused, Sunset took another step and caused another ripple. However, no reflection appeared this time. Holding herself nervously, Sunset took one last look around before reluctantly walking forward.

As she walked, Sunset began to call out for the one who called her name. Though try as she might, no one answered her call. She was alone in this dark world. 

Soon, Sunset’s cries began to sound more and more desperate. She started running through the darkness. She needed to find someone. No longer did she call for the specific voice to answer her. She called for people by name. Rarity. Rainbow Dash. Coco. She even called for Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Applejack. She wanted anyone who would speak to her. 

After minutes of shouting and running with no response, Sunset fell to her knees in despair. Another ripple waved through the ground as her knees hit it. Weakly, she called out for anyone. At this point, she didn't care who it was, she just didn't want to be alone any longer.

A single tear fell from her face. As it hit the ground her reflection returned. No longer did it look fearful of her. Instead, it had a blank look of no emotion. Sunset stared at her reflection for a long time without saying anything. Until finally, the reflection raised its arm and pointed forwards. Slowly, Sunset followed its gesture to see a lone figure standing in the distance.

Shocked and excited to see another living being, Sunset bolted off of the ground and ran towards the figure with renewed energy.  Even though she called for their attention, they did not respond. From what she could see, it was a boy whose back was turned to her. Though to Sunset, it didn't matter who it was. At least she wasn't alone anymore. 

Finally, after a few minutes of further running, Sunset made it to the boy. Up close she noticed that he had blue hair and a leather jacket on. He seemed familiar somehow. She asked who he was, but he did not answer. When she tried to move to his front, he turned away, apparently intent on not facing her. Gently, she sat her hand on his shoulder to further attract his attention. He was still unresponsive.

Finally, she grabbed both of his shoulders and turned him entirely around. Immediately, she recoiled from the sight. Standing in front of her was none other than Flash Sentry. However, something was wrong. He was different. His eyes were glowing a sickly green color and he was hunched over in a frail zombified pose. Around his head sat a nearly invisible dark ring. 

Sunset stuttered nonsense as she fearfully backed away. She knew what this was. She knew why he looked the way he did.

“Sunset?”

Sunset froze. There was the voice again. She looked around, frantically wondering where it came from.

“Why are you afraid?”

Her head ceased in its searching. There was only one place it could have come from. Angling her head down, Sunset gaped at her own reflection as it stared back at her in confusion. She was about to say something when something touched her back. Jumping forward, she realized that there was now another mind-controlled student behind her.

“Why are you moving away?” her reflection asked.

Sunset told her why. She told her that this isn't what she meant. Suddenly, two more zombified students walked into her vision from thin air. They began crowding around Sunset as she tried to run away. Turning, she ran back through the darkness.

Her reflection kept up with her, never moving by itself though. Its expression turned from confusion to anger. “Isn’t this what you wanted?” it asked, irritation evident in its tone. “You didn't want to be alone anymore so you made some friends.”

Sunset argued that these weren't her friends. More and more students appeared before her. Soon she had to stop running when they blocked off her path, forcing her to run in a different direction.

“Of course they are,” the reflection continued to reason. “Obviously, no one wants to be your friend. So you just had to force them. It’s not your fault. It’s theirs.”

Sunset argued that there were some people who wanted to be her friend. In a frail voice, she muttered three names.

Her reflection scoffed and scowled deeply at her. Its teeth were sharp and menacing now. “Them? They don’t honestly wanna be your friend. They just want to keep an eye on you so you don’t go crazy again. It’s as simple as that. Plus, that other girl, she wouldn’t even want to be near you if she found out what you did. If she found out the truth, she would hate you like all of the others.”

Sunset closed her eyes and yelled at her reflection to stop talking. During her outburst, one student grabbed her from behind and dragged her back. Falling on her butt, Sunset realized that she was surrounded by the people she used to control. Below her, Sunset’s reflection looked up at her with complete contempt. 

“Who needs friends when you can have slaves anyway? They’re much better. They were willing to go to Equestria and fight for you! How’s that for loyalty?” it bragged.

As Sunset pushed them off, she argued that she didn't want that anymore. She argued that she had changed.

Her reflection simply laughed at her. “Changed? How could you have changed? You’re still controlling people, even if you don’t know it! You can never change who you are!”

Sunset screamed as the amount of students overwhelmed her and her vision began to blur.

~~~

“Rainbow Dash!”

Turning around, Rainbow Dash saw a familiar girl walking up to her. “‘Sup,” Rainbow greeted. Both of them appeared to be on their way to meet Sunset in the library. Once Coco caught up, they continued to walk towards their destination while making short conversation. “How’s CHS working for you? You getting settled in yet?”

Coco Pommel fidgeted with her bags slightly. “It’s alright. It’s very different than my old school.”

Rainbow glanced at her curiously; her stride relaxed and moderately paced for once. “Really? Like how?”

“Well,” Coco began to recall a few events that happened earlier. “There seems to be a lot of clubs in this school, but I don’t see anyone recruiting.”

“Oh, well if it's the middle of the year people usually go looking for themselves,” she answered. “If you can’t find one that you’re into you just make one.”

“Are you in any clubs?” Coco asked as they turned the corner. “And what about the others?”

Rainbow gave her a smug smirk. “I’m in a few sports clubs, but most of them don’t operate during this time of year. Pinkie Pie made the party club. Rarity’s the president of the sewing club. Actually, speaking of Rarity, have you seen her at all today?” When Coco reluctantly shook her head, Rainbow simply shrugged and continued listing off her other friends’ interests. “Fluttershy’s a part of the eco-whatever club, and Applejack’s a founding member of the going home club,” she smirked.

Coco gave her a curious look. Coming up on the library she graciously held the door open. “The going home club?”

Rainbow nodded thanks and walked inside. “That’s what she calls it. Basically, if she isn't hanging with us, she just goes home every day to help on her family’s farm. You would not believe the number of clubs people want her to be in. Seriously, she’s crazy athletic.”

Coco chuckled softly. “More athletic than you?”

“Whoa,” stepping in front of her, Rainbow gave Coco a playful grin and gestured to herself. “Let’s not get crazy. I’m still way cooler than her.”

Coco smiled teasingly as she walked past her, almost to Sunset’s corner. “Alright then. Rarity told me about the time… when....”

Rainbow noticed how she trailed off and rushed to check out what caused it. “Oh, she’s not here yet,” she observed. “Weird. Oh well, I guess we’re probably just early.”

Coco put a hand to her mouth and gasped. “No, that’s not it. Look.” She pointed to the various markings that littered the entirety of the table.

Rainbow looked at them with a disinterested expression. “Huh, never noticed those. What about them?”

Coco leaned close to the table and began to read some of them. “Go away, demon witch. Why aren't you in jail? You suck. I hate you. I hate you. Go back to where you came from.” Coco turned back to Rainbow who had a visibly disturbed look on her face. “And those are the more… tame ones. What did Sunset do?”

Rainbow opened her mouth, but another voice sounded out behind her, “What are you two staring at?” Both of them turned to see Sunset standing at the corner. Coco and Rainbow glanced awkwardly at one another before hesitantly stepping aside. Sunset raised an eyebrow and stepped between them. Looking down, she smirked at the writings on the table. “Oh hey, there’s some new ones today.”

Confused, Coco sent another glance at the girl next to her as they both wordlessly questioned Sunset’s attitude. While Sunset sat down and opened her backpack, Coco nervously walked up to her. “Sunset,” she said, getting her attention. “Wouldn’t you rather sit at a different table?”

“Yeah, I can go grab one,” Rainbow added. “There aren't many people here today, and I don’t think Cheerilee would care.”

Sunset shook her head sadly. “No, it’s fine. Whatever table I get would just get written on all over again. Plus,” she traced her fingers over the various scratches and marks on her table, “it’s a good visual reminder.” Sunset went quiet for a second before turning an annoyed glare back to Coco and Rainbow. “Anyway, are you two here to bother me again today? I don’t need you two here with me everyday you know.”

“Whatever. You know you love us,” Rainbow shot back as she took a seat in her usual spot across from Sunset. 

Sunset scoffed and brought her backpack down on the table. “I’d really prefer it if I were alone,” she muttered.

Unsure of what to do, Coco also sat down and reached into her backpack. Yesterday, Rainbow Dash took her back to the bookstore to get books one, two, and three to go with her fourth. Though there was a fierce battle over who would pay for them, Rainbow Dash eventually won out due to her more abrasive personality. Apparently, she didn't like hand outs, but she loved giving them.

However, as she was taking her book out, Coco noticed that Sunset was pulling out a variety of papers and things. “What’s that?” she asked.

Sunset glanced up at her but continued to bring out things from her bag. “My homework,” she huffed, her tone aggressive and irritated. “I may be ostracized but at least I wasn't expelled. I still have to do it.” 

Coco noticed the girl’s change in tone and began to get worried. “Sunset, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Sunset answered.

Rainbow Dash gave her a weird look. “You sure? You’re sounding kinda… past you-ish.”

Sunset nearly yelled at them in response. “I said, I’m fine!” She paused when she realized that both of them were leaning back in surprise. Coco was even looking a bit fearful of her. Seeing them like that instantly brought up some bad memories that causing her head to throb even worse. “I’m sorry I yelled,” she said, “I haven't been sleeping right lately and I have a headache for some reason. I’m just really irritated right now.” Tired, Sunset leaned forwards and sat her head in her hands. “Like I said, you guys should just leave me alone today.”

Coco’s expression changed from fear back to concern as she sat a gentle hand on Sunset’s back. Looking at her closely, Coco finally noticed the bags and redness in Sunset’s face. “It’s alright. We understand. Maybe you should get something to eat. Or maybe just go home and fall asleep?”

Sunset shook her head tiredly. “No, I have to finish this homework. I’m trying to lie low, and bringing any bad attention to myself is pretty much the opposite of that. Why do you think I’m always here everyday?”

Rainbow scoffed and shrugged. “Is that it? I was starting to think that you actually lived here or something.”

Sunset deadpanned. “No, that’s stupid. Anyway, don’t you two have homework that you need to do?”

“Nahh,” Rainbow scoffed and waved her off. “I rarely do any of my homework. You can still pass with a C if you don’t do any.”

Coco gasped in surprise, “Rainbow. That’s a horrible attitude to have.”

Rainbow Dash’s face puffed out with barely contained laughter as she leaned forward on the table. “Did you know that Fluttershy said that exact same thing the exact same way? I swear you two could be sisters!” Rainbow said, trying to hold back her laughter. 

Coco pouted and reached into her bag while Sunset began answering questions on her worksheet. “Well, I do have homework,” said Coco, “but I usually wait until I’m home before I do it.” Suddenly, her face lit up in excitement. “Oh, I know. We should all go to my house and have a study session. I’ve always wanted a study session with friends.”

Sunset simply continued to scratch answers on her paper. “You two can do it. I’m fine.”

Rainbow gave her a dirty look before smirking. Reaching into her backpack, Rainbow pulled out a chocolate bar and handed it to the irritated girl in front of her. “Sunset, eat a Snickers. You’re... well you, when you’re hungry.” 

Despite herself, Sunset gave a small grin as she grabbed the candy bar and bit into it. “Thanks, Skittles. But I’m still not going to her stupid sleepover,” she shot back.

“Umm, It doesn't have to end in a sleepover,” Coco weakly added. Though she wouldn't be at all upset of it did.

“Come on,” Rainbow urged. “We could grab some hot dogs on the way over there. I bet I know what you like on yours.” Rainbow reached over and flicked a lock of Sunset’s hair.

Sunset gently slapped her arm away. “I’m a vegetarian. Plus, I don’t feel like watching you try to run down the street and trip, Rainbow Crash.”

Rainbow continued to smile at her, although the strain was very noticeable. “Well maybe we can stop by the arts and crafts store and get some stuff for the shiny dress Rarity made for you, Sunset Glitter.”

Coco simply sat back and watched as the two traded not-so-friendly jabs at one another. Even though she laughed at the first few, she was slowly beginning to get concerned over the severity of the name-calling. Completely unaware of what to do in this situation, she simply began reading her new book.

> CH13: If this works we're in the clear!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rainbow Dash goaned and let her head fall onto the table. Across from her sat a pokerfaced Sunset Shimmer and a nervous looking Coco Pommel. “Alright,” she sighed, her words muffled by the wood of the table. “Let’s try this in a different way. Will you please—”

Sunset answered before she could even finish. “No.”

Rainbow threw her head up and looked Sunset right in the eye. “Why not!” she nearly yelled. Coco immediately glanced behind her but let out a breath of relief when she remembered that Cheerilee was currently in another classroom substituting for another teacher. Aside from Coco, Sunset, and herself, only a few other students were wasting their time in the library today. None of them seemed to be interested in their conversation. 

Sunset continued to stare at her blankly as she held up two fingers. “One: Nightmare Night is for children…”

Coco raised a finger to correct her. “I think you mean Halloween.” This had been the third time so far and she still had no idea why Sunset referred to Halloween as “Nightmare Night.” The closest answer she could come to from context clues alone was that it was simply another name that people use to describe the holiday.

“Yeah, thanks,” Sunset continued. “Two: even in costume I’m still not going out in public where people can hate me.”

Rainbow ruffled her own hair in frustration, a habit that Rarity had been trying to get her to break for years since it always made her unruly hair even more wild. “But you have to go out in public at some point. People won’t even recognize you, I swear. You could even make a joke out of it and dress up like a demon.”

Sunset’s face contorted into one of shock and disgust at the mere thought of even dressing up as what she once was. Joke or not, that was a point in her life that she never wanted to revisit. “Are you out of your mind?!” Sunset stood up and shook her head fervently. “No. No. No. There’s no way in Tartarus I’m ever going to do that!”

Rainbow backed up slightly and held her arms up in submission. If the look in Sunset’s eyes was any indication she really didn’t want to press the issue. “Alright. Calm down. It was just a suggestion.”

Coco looked up at her with a concerned look. “It doesn't have to be a demon. You could be an angel or a fairy. Something good.”

Sunset glanced back down at Coco who flinched at her angered glare. Noticing this, Sunset’s expression softened and she at back down with a weary sigh. “I’m sorry guys, but no. I’m not dressing up as anything and I’m not going trick-or-treating with you. Plus, those three kids are going with you right? I’m pretty sure that they wouldn’t want me around.” Sunset thought back to her rather… interesting encounter with Apple Bloom.

“The Crusaders?” Truthfully, Rainbow had completely forgotten about them until today which is why she had brought the idea up. Granny Smith seemed pretty determined to be in bed well before the time everyone would be out and about. Unfortunately, last Halloween Rainbow had spent too much time pranking and lost the bet she had made with Applejack to decide who would be the chaperone this year. “Well this could be a good chance to show them that you’re not as bad as they think you are?”

Sunset crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair with a raised eyebrow. Rainbow’s stretched attempt at an optimistic response was not lost on her. “Nice try, but no.”

Rainbow slumped back in her chair and groaned once again. Sunset rolled her eyes and decided that it was time to clear up some things. “Look,” she hissed, looking between Rainbow and Coco’s eyes, “I get that you guys still have some insane notion that you need to be my friends, but listen. I don’t need any. I don’t want any. Right now you guys are just two people who follow me here everyday. I don’t have any interest in getting anyone to like me. All I care about is not being hated any more than I already am untill I get back to Equestria. Got it?”

“And what about afterward?” Coco asked instantly, leaning closer to Sunset.  “Are you going to make some friends when you get back there? Or at least make up with your mentor?” Her eyes and tone were those of someone who cared deeply about the wellbeing of another, no matter who they were.

Sunset, as usual couldn’t meet get gaze directly. The sheer optimism and innocence that radiated off of her only served to remind Sunset of what she had done to similar people. People like her used to challenge her rule back when she was mean and Sunset had taken steps to break their spirits. Fluttershy was a good example. 

“I don’t know,” she answered, mumbling her words slightly more than she intended. “I’ll try to talk with her, but I won’t be surprised if she doesn't want anything to do with me. She’s got a new student anyway.” Several stolen scrolls, incapacitated and injured guards and the theft of a millennia old ultra powerful artifact of magic weren't easy things to forgive. Or so Sunset believed. 

Coco detected the hint of sadness in Sunset’s voice and quickly latched onto it. “Then what will you do when you get back? Do you know where your family is? Where are you going to continue school? But most importantly, are you still going to be as lonely as you are now if you go back?”

Sunset reeled back from the questions thrust upon her. She had plans for when she returned, obviously. But something in how she asked her last question seemed to trigger something deep within Sunset. “That’s none of your business!” she finally answered. Tired of being questioned, Sunset grabbed her bags and got up from the table in a huff. Making her way towards the door she turned back and leveled a glare at the two girls behind her and said, “I’m not lonely.”

Watching her leave, Coco’s expression fell and she turned to Rainbow with a distraught look. “D-do you think I went too far?”

Rainbow shook her head and leaned on her hand. “Nah, she’s just got some issues that she’s gotta work through. Denial or something.”

*Slam*

Coco and Rainbow Dash both turned to face the front door of the library after it was slammed back open. Rarity stood glancing back and forth frantically before making her way over to the girls. “Oh dear… am I too late? Where’s Sunset?”

Coco and Rainbow shared a confused glance at one another before Rainbow answered her question. “She just left. What’s up?”

Rarity internally cursed herself for her horrendous sense of timing. “I had hoped that all three of you would be here, but I suppose I should tell you now anyway.” Her face lit up in excitement. The kind of excitement where one just wants to see their recipient freak out over what they got them. Reaching into her pocket, Rarity pulled out a folded up piece of paper and handed it over to Rainbow. “Open it.”

Rainbow took the paper and examined it suspiciously before opening it up. As she read the contents her face gradually morphed from suspicion to jaw dropping shock and awe. Rarity’s face made a similar gradual transition to from silent excitement to smug tittering as she watched Rainbow’s face change. Coco just looked between the two with a constant confused expression. 

Rainbow looked back to Rarity and opened her mouth, only for Rarity to hold up a hand to silence her. “Don’t ask questions. Just make sure that Sunset goes with you.” With that she wordlessly left the room.

Coco scooted her chair closer to Rainbow and looked down at the paper that Rainbow was holding. “What is it?”

~~~

“Sunset!” Rainbow yelled, running down the hallway to catch up with Sunset. Sunset turned away from her locker to see who was yelling her name. As usual no one even tried to make any sort of eye contact with Sunset, not that she wasn’t used to it. Stopping in front of Sunset, Rainbow gave her a huge excited smile and said, “Daring Do is coming here!”

Sunset turned back to her with the most skeptical look possible. “You’re lying, and stop yelling,” she hissed, glancing around at the other students. Closing her locker, Sunset turned and began walking towards her next class.

She didn’t get two steps before Rainbow moved directly in her path. “I would never lie about Daring Do. Look!” She pulled out the flyer that Rarity handed her yesterday. 

Still skeptical, Sunset snatched the paper and looked down to read it. It specified the date and time that Daring would be signing in the local book store. “Why would A.K. Yearling be coming here of all places?” Sunset carefully read the paper and glanced up at Rainbow’s smiling face. Then she reread it with a more neutral expression. “Yeah, I don’t believe it. A.K. Yearling doesn’t do book signings. She just doesn’t. Especially not on Halloween day!”

“No, I’m serious!” Rainbow moved next to her and pointed at the bottom. “Once in a lifetime event. See?”

Sunset continued to give her a neutral expression. It would be one of disbelief, but she was already having a tough time hiding her own excitement. “But out of all the places she could hold a once in a lifetime book signing, why would it be here?”

Rainbow shrugged. It didn’t matter to her one way or the other why one of her favorite people in existence was coming to her town. She was just excited that it was happening. “So are you coming or not? Coco is.”

The edges of Sunset’s lips twitched and formed the first hints of a smile. “Of course I’m going,” she scoffed as if it were obvious.

“And you’re going to dress up right?” Rainbow teased, trying to take the opportunity to further her argument from the previous day.

“No!” Sunset answered, all hints of a smile disappearing. Even if it was as her favorite adventurer, Sunset was intent not to dress up like an idiot.

“Why not?” asked Coco having finally caught up to Rainbow’s dash through the hall. She glanced toward Sunset but immediately turneds away when she met her eyes. “Also, sorry if I was too intrusive yesterday.”

“It’s fine,” Sunset muttered. “Anyway, I just don’t want to, alright?”

Rainbow smirked, a brilliant thought popping into her head. “So you admit it then?”

Sunset saw the look on her face and took a hesitant step back. “Admit what?”

Rainbow held her head high and gestured proudly to herself. “That I’m a bigger fan of Daring Do than you.” 

“What?” Before Sunset could say anything further the bell rang, signalling the start of first period. Everyone who was still in the hall and those who stuck around to watch quickly dropped what they were doing and made their way to their classes. Nobody wanted to be in the hall when Cranky Doodle began his sweep. Sunset sent a final glare at Rainbow. “You're not a bigger fan than me. I’ll leave it at that.”

Rainbow continued to smile at her even as she began backing up toward her class. “Hey, you’re the one who doesn't want to dress up. At this point even Coco is better than you.” Laughing, Rainbow turned down a corner, and out of sight.

Meanwhile, Sunset was left to fume in frustration. “You are not a bigger fan than me!” She turned to Coco, who was still next to her. “She is not a bigger fan than me,” she hissed pointing at the girl who wasn’t there anymore.

Coco tried to contain her chuckles as she shrugged. “Well they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Sunset gave her a deadpan stare. “You’re dressing up too, aren’t you?”

Coco blushed and looked away. “I thought that it’d be fun. Plus you never know, something good could happen.”

Sitting a palm on her face Sunset groaned and turned around to head to her class. “I can’t believe this...” Since Coco's class was right next to Sunset's she turned and followed her as she continued to complain.

Over by their own lockers, three girls continued to glare at Sunset and Coco’s retreating forms. Rose scoffed at the entire scene before turning to her friends. “Like, can you believe this?”

“I know right?” Lily Valley answered. “Seriously? Who does she think she is?”

Daisy looked back down the hallway, focusing on the smaller of the two girls. “Who is that girl she’s with? I don’t recognize her.”

Lily turned to see what she was talking about. “Pfft. I don’t know. Some weird transfer student or something. Probably a middle schooler,” Lily answered, referring to the fact that Canterlot High included a middle school. Though she seemed to forget the fact that only high schoolers attended classes in this section of the school.

“You think she’s actually, egh, friends with her?” Lily asked, gagging at the word.

Rose joined her friends in staring at the new girl. “She obviously doesn't know who she’s hanging with, that’s for sure.”

“Well we need to fix that then don’t we?” Lily smirked. “It’s obviously too late for that Rainbow Dash and her friends though.”

Rose chuckled and crossed her arms. “Totally. We need to tell her about who she’s really hanging with. Right, Daisy?”

Daisy tore her gaze off of Sunset and Coco and turned back to her own friends. “Ye-yeah! Of course! She started walking down the hall opposite of Sunset. “We should get to class though before the second bell rings.” Lily and Rose shrugged and followed Daisy.
	
> CH14: Now to begin the preparations...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Just after school ended, and after they successfully convinced Sunset to cosplay, Rainbow decided on impulse to drag Sunset and Coco to Sugarcube Corner simply because she was hungry. Despite Sunset’s protests she found herself following anyway. As a compromise, Sunset insisted that they sit in the far corner of the shop in an attempt to stay as out of sight as possible. 

“So why do I have to be here?” she asked, sitting in the corner seat, a delicious looking chocolate sundae placed in front of her. “I already agreed to dress up in a stupid Daring Do costume.”

Rainbow took a bite of her chocolate cookie before answering. “Yeah *nom* that’s the thing. *nomnomgulp* We actually need costumes to wear.” said Rainbow, taking another bite.

Sunset crossed her arms and leaned onto the table. “Weird. Somehow I just kinda expected you to already have some ready for us.” Sunset couldn’t help but smirk at the annoyed look that she was getting from Rainbow. “What? Haven’t you been dreaming of this day? Don’t you have costumes and posters and stuff ready? I bet you’ve even picked out a specific book for her to sign.”

“I do not!” she blushed. In truth, Rainbow did have one, or rather she would. As soon as the book store restocked she planned to rush over there and grab her own copy of the newest book. From what she’d read of Sunset’s copy it was quickly becoming her favorite book in the series. 

“I do!” Coco cheerfully reached into her bag and fished out a familiar copy of Daring Do while Rainbow slumped back into her seat and quietly munched on her cookie.

Sunset took the book from her and read the cover. “Spirit Amulet? Are you sure? You haven't read it yet.” Sunset handed the book back.

Coco blushed lightly and held it close to her, looking down with an expression of sentimental attachment. “That’s alright, it’s still my favorite. Which book are you going to get signed?”

Sunset, currently enjoying a spoonful of her sundae, thoughtfully swooshed around the spoon in her mouth for a few seconds before answering. “Probably the Razer of Dreams.”

Before Sunset could explain her choice Rainbow gulped down the last of her first cookie and spoke up. “Getting back on track, we need some costumes to wear.”

Sunset rolled her eyes in annoyance but Coco looked at her excitedly. “I can make us some!”

Sunset slammed her head into her palm and groaned. “Oh sweet Celestia. Not again…” she mumbled, not willing to go through the whole dress event again.

Rainbow, however, returned Coco’s excited look. “Really? Awesome!”

Coco nodded happily and turned to Sunset. It wasn’t hard for her to figure out why she had her head down. “It’s alright, Sunset. I don’t need to take your measurements or anything. Rarity already has them on file. I’m sure that she’ll be more than happy to share them.”

Sunset threw her head back to the air and let out a huge sigh of relief. “Oh thank Celestia!”

Coco looked at her oddly. “Our principal?” she inquired, wondering why Sunset would use their principal as a religious figure.

“What about our principal?” asked Sunset, still relieved that she could keep her freedom of movement.

“You said, “thank Celestia.” Why her?”

Sunset flinched, realizing her slip up. She sent Rainbow a pleading glance. Rainbow looked at her in confusion for a second before remembering. Oh yeah, thought Rainbow. She doesn't know about the whole pony thing. “So what about me?” she asked, grabbing Coco’s attention. “Please tell me that you’re not like Rares and I can just like, give you one of my shirts or something?” Rainbow took a bite of her second cookie.

Coco chuckled nervously and uncharacteristically avoided eye contact, looking everywhere except at Rainbow. “Well… no. Rarity also… Well she also has you and everyone else on file. She knows all of your sizes for everything you wear.”

“She what?!” Rainbow yelled, nearly choking on a chocolate chunk. Several heads turned in her direction but she paid them no mind. “When did she even get them?!”

Coco stammered to answer the question, well aware that she may have just accidentally exposed a secret of her friend’s. “Y-you didn’t know?”

Thankfully, Sunset didn’t care and was simply relieved to not have to go through any re-fittings. “Who cares how she got them. What are we actually going to wear?”

Rainbow, also curious about that topic, resolved to bring this issue back up later. “Fine. I think we should wear her signature outfit from the first book. It’s the original and it’s the coolest.”

“Alright,” Coco nodded, slowly regaining her composure. “That works. Can you describe it? Or do you have a picture?”

“Yeah, I can describe it.” Rainbow leaned back in her seat with crossed arms and furrowed brows. “Well it’s green...”

Coco reached into her bag and brought out a notebook and pen. “The cargo jacket? What shade?” she asked.

Rainbow flinched and struggled to think of something that Rarity would say. The first thing that came to her mind were ugly sounding words like “mauve” or “citrus.” Frowning, she finally came up with a realistic sounding color shade. “I don’t know. Grass?” 

“You mean forest green?” Coco eagerly wrote down what she was told. “Does she have anything on it? Like buttons? How many pockets?”

Sunset snickered almost uncontrollably at Rainbow as she continued to grapple with Coco’s questions. Finally, she decided to end the girl’s suffering. “C-Coco… why don’t you just look at the cover of your own book?” she asked, stammering over her own dying laughter. “You have it on you right?” 

Coco blushed and hid the lower half of her face with her notebook. “Oh… you’re right.” Stuffing her supplies safely in her sack, Coco pulled out her personal copy of the first Daring Do book. On it was an illustration of Daring swinging on a vine over the open mouth of a river dwelling crocodile. In one of her hands sat the idol of a two headed jackle holding a sapphire stone.

“Does the cover work?” Sunset asked, shoving another spoonful of her rapidly melting sundae in her mouth. Melted ice cream sucked.

“Actually, this does work!” Coco cheered. “I can make great costumes using this design.” She looked back up to the two of them. “Do you two want two similar costumes or do you girls want something unique on each?”

“I really don’t care either way.” Sunset hurried to savor the delicate taste of her Sugarcube brand sundae before it melted. No matter what, she was determined to finish her delicious treat. Especially since she wasn’t paying for it.

“I’d rather they be as close to the cover as they can be,” Rainbow grinned. “If I’m gonna dress up I’m gonna do it right!”

“Got it!” she nodded. Standing up, she smiled to her friends. “I’ll head home right now to work on it. I might also have to go to Rarity for some help though. I hope that’s alright.”

Rainbow also got up. “Yeah I should get going too, I—”

“Hold on!” Sunset reached out and grabbed Rainbow’s arm. The tomboy turned back to see a needy look on Sunset’s face, she turned to Coco as well and opened her mouth to say something. Nervous, no sound came out and she seemingly struggled to come up with the words. It was obvious that she wanted something and Coco was severely hoping they would be asked to stay. Coco smiled expectantly while Rainbow gave her an odd look. 

Finally, Sunset turned to them, having found the words. “Can you buy me another sundae?” she pleaded.

~~~

Outside of the store Rainbow and Coco bid their goodbyes and turned in separate directions. Coco left to head to her house and start the design process while Rainbow left to find out when she could get her hands on the new book.

Coco, while normally an energetic sightseer, quickly found her mind brimming with so many ideas and plans that she ignored all of the wonderful buildings and structures that she would always take the time to smile at. Every so often one would even leak out in the form of quiet muttering. “I could probably create the costumes from scratch but I think that would take too long. I suppose I could tailor existing clothes to match that of the design but would that be too lazy? Actually, I could probably— oof.” 

“Hey, pay attention!”

Distracted by her thoughts, Coco accidentally bumped into the person in front of her. Coming back to reality, she realized that she had almost walked into a crosswalk with busy traffic. Luckily, one of the other people standing there stopped her before she could. Coco glanced up to see three girls standing in front of her. One had bright red hair streaked with light red, combined with her red lipstick and stockings it was easy to see what her favorite color is. Thankfully she also wore a pale yellow blouse with an image of a rose on it for contrast. The second girl on the left had very curly spring green hair and wore a light pink dress with a picture of a daisy. The third girl on the right had pale blond hair and wore a purple jacket and dark red-orange skirt. 

Coco quickly backed up and chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry. You’d think I’d have learned to pay attention during my time in Manehatten. Thank you for stopping me.” 

The red haired girl waved her off and turned back around. “Like, it’s no problem just watch where you’re going next time.”

Next to her the blond girl’s eyes widened in realization. Leaning close to her friend she whispered something in her ear that caused her to turn back around. “You’re that new student right?” she asked.

Coco nodded shyly. “O-oh that’s right, my name’s Coco Pommel. Good afternoon.” Coco smiled and shrunk away in her usual way of meeting new people. While most people would attribute that to hesitation or shyness, it was actually Coco putting herself on guard. In her classes in Manehatten she learned that there were many different kinds of people and not all of them were trustworthy. So she needed to be ready to defend herself if need be.

The expression on the middle girl’s face made it all the more logical. Something about her smile simply rubbed Coco the wrong way. She gestured to herself and her friends. “My name is Roseluck.” She pointed to her friends. “That’s Lily Valley and that’s Daisy. Like, we go to your school. Duh.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” replied Coco. Glancing over behind them she noticed that the sign had changed to green, signalling that they could cross. She started walking. “Sorry, I have to hurry home. I—”

The three girls moved to block her path. “Hold on,” said Rose leading the group. “We have to talk to you about something important.”

Coco looked behind them at the countdown on the green light. “Can this wait until school? I have to get home to do something for my friends.” She tried moving past them a few more times but they continuously moved to block her path. Finally, Coco was forced to give up when the light turned red and traffic resumed.

“Yeah that’s the thing,” hummed Lily, scratching her head. “We saw you with Sunset Shimmer the other day, and we just gotta ask; like, why?”

Coco tilted her head in confusion. “Like, why what?”

“Like, why do you hang with Shimmer,” Rose finished. “Do you know who she is?” 

Coco’s brow furrowed in realization. She knew that their names sounded familiar. “Are you the girls that bullied Sunset out of the competition?”

“We’re not bullies!/She deserved it!” Daisy and Rose glanced at one another awkwardly before Daisy backed off and Rose continued. “Sunset Shimmer is the real bully. She tormented us for years. We were just getting back at her.”

“I won’t say that she probably hasn’t done bad things. But she’s in a better place now. She’s sorry for what she did.” 

Lily gave her a disgusted look. “Do you even know what she did?”

Coco flinched back. “N-no... but does it really matter?”

Rose and Lily shared identical looks of non amusement. Lily turned back to her and held up an open palm. With her other hand she began lowering fingers as she counted off. “She destroyed part of the school, tormented the student body for years, destroyed friendships, rigged and cheated in every competition she’s ever been a part of, brainwashed all of us with some kind of dark magic and then used said dark magic to transform into a horrible demon.”

“And worst of all I have to see a freaking therapist because I keep having nightmares!” added Rose.

Coco stared at them in shocked disbelief. “She did all that?” she whispered. Shaking her head she struggled to get the bad images out of her head, refusing to believe that her friend could do such bad things to others. “You’re exaggerating! Sunset’s a nice person.”

Rose calmed herself down and crossed her arms. “Listen, I’m just trying to help you out. Sunset may seem all nice and all now, but that’s only because she’s trying to get people back on her side. Trust me, as soon as she gets what she wants she’s going to throw all of you away and go right back to being the bully that she used to be.”

“Yeah, she’s just using you!” added Lily. “She uses everyone. Think about it. If she was really your friend she would’ve told you everything we just did! She is not your friend!”

Coco wanted to argue but she reluctantly had to admit the truth in the fact that nobody ever told her exactly what Sunset did. She always had the feeling that it was being purposely hidden from her by not only Sunset, but Rarity and her friends as well. Coco just always assumed that there was a reason behind it. 

“And if you’re wondering about those other girls, they're just as weird,” Lily continued. “Personally, I think that Sunset’s already gotten to them with her freaky magic.”

“Freaky magic?” Coco questioned.

Daisy looked down at her watch and motioned to get the others’ attention. “Girls, we’re going to be late,” she whispered.

Rose nodded and turned back to Coco. “Like, I hope that you’ll think about what we told you. Sunset is bad news and you need to stop hanging around with her.”

Rose and the others turned to leave but Lily glanced back and left her own closing remark. “Seriously, she needs to just leave this place altogether. Nobody wants her here anyway.” 

The crosswalk sign turned green and the trio of girls crossed without any further comments, leaving their conversation behind to linger in Coco’s mind.
	
> CH15: Just a bump in the road.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


That night, Coco, clad in her normal nighttime wear that consisted of a simple white t-shirt and light blue shorts, sat at her work table struggling to focus her mind. Eventually, she sighed and she sat her pencil down. She turned her head to glance out of her window. “It’s nighttime,” she observed. 

She turned back to the blank sheet in front of her. Normally, any blank paper that was put in front of her would be filled to the brim with notes or designs in a matter of minutes. “I can’t stop thinking about earlier. I knew that Sunset had done some bad things but was she really that mean in the past?” Coco’s mind wandered through different things that she knew about Sunset. Things that Coco herself had seen to be true. 

Sunset was passionate about things that she liked, and she even gave up her position in the contest just to help Rarity and her aunt. Even though Sunset would never admit it herself, she was a very caring person. 

However, she was also very secretive, refusing to tell anyone where she lived or, in Coco’s case, anything about herself. Rarity and her friends seemed to know something as well.  And there was something else that seemed to always pop up whenever Sunset was the topic. 

“Everyone calls her a demon,” Coco muttered. “Even Rainbow Dash said it.” The more she thought about it the more confused she got. Rose said something about magic, but that didn't really make sense to her either. Finally, she simply decided that she would go see Rarity and ask her about everything. Setting everything on her work table in the proper place, Coco got up and headed to bed. 

~~~

The very next day after school, Coco informed Rainbow and Sunset that she would be going to see Rarity instead of hanging out with them. Sunset as usual, waved her off indifferently. Rainbow however, also had to go somewhere, though she was hesitant to tell anyone exactly where or why. Sunset suggested that Rainbow had to go get a bunch of her posters and pictures together to be signed.

Once Coco made her way to Rarity’s place the fashionista was more than happy to see her. “Coco, darling! How are you?” Rarity wasted no time in scooping up her fellow designer in a gentle hug. It seemed that Rarity was in the middle of designing something, as she was still wearing her designing glasses. “How is everything going with Sunset? Please tell me that Rainbow is still following the plan?”

Coco returned the hug, as she always did, but looked up in confusion. “Plan? What plan?” asked Coco.

Rarity released the hug and looked down at the shorter girl with a sly smirk. “Why, bonding over the Daring Do visit, of course!”

Gears started turning in Coco’s head. “Did you have something to do with it?”

It was as clear as day on Rarity’s face that she did by the way she was smiling and avoiding eye contact. “The details are unimportant, dear. The simple fact that it’s working should suffice. But enough about that. I assume that you are here for costumes?” Rarity backed up near a set of clothes covered by a blue dressing screen. “Well have no fear I—”

“Well, actually we decided to make our own costumes based on a design on the first book. I just need Rainbow Dash and Sunset’s sizes.

Rarity’s hand paused on the dressing screen, seconds from a dramatic reveal. “Oh… of course!” Rarity’s hand dropped from the screen and her smile turned awkward. “I shall retrieve them for you immediately. Remember, you might still need to adjust for any recent growths.” Rarity turned and began heading upstairs to her design room to retrieve the files.

“Rarity wait!” Coco called, stopping Rarity on the first step. “T-there is another reason why I’m here,” she said, fidgeting nervously.

Rarity turned around completely to face her, curious as to what could make her friend so hesitant. Finally Coco continued. “Why does everyone call Sunset a demon? Exactly what did she do to everyone?”

Rarity sighed and removed her glasses. She knew that Coco would start asking questions sooner or later; questions that couldn’t simply be answered with vague responses. Rarity had hoped that Sunset would be the one to tell her. “Well, I suppose that it’s about time you knew. Please know that it was entirely my idea to keep this from you. Please do not blame Sunset.” Coco nodded and Rarity led her into the kitchen where Rarity quickly prepared some tea for them to talk over.

Coco started first. “I met Rose and her friends the other day.” Rarity’s grip tightened on her cup at the sound of the girl’s name. “They told me that Sunset was a bad person who had tormented everyone for years.”

Rarity calmed herself and took a sip. “Yes, I will not deny that Sunset’s actions weren't anything to smile over, even now.”

“W-what did she do to you?” Coco asked hesitantly.

Rarity, intent on being completely honest nodded and thought back to the various things that happened. “Well Sunset did a few things. She sabotaged most of my dresses for one. Anytime that I would enter into a competition against her, she’d figure out that it was the way to ruin my chances. But I suppose that the worst thing that she did was turn me against my friends.”

Coco gasped. “How?”

“Somehow she got a hold of our numbers and emails and sent incriminating messages to each of us while impersonating the others. By the time all was said and done none of us wanted to talk with one another to resolve the issues. I’m certain that Sunset did the same thing to others besides us as well. Luckily, someone helped us realize what was happening before anyone said anything that couldn’t be forgiven.”

Coco nodded, having a tough time taking all of that in. When people said that Sunset had done bad things, she imagined typical bullying scenarios like harassment and name calling. Coco was no stranger to being bullied so it was pretty easy to imagine. “So how did she destroy part of the school?”

“Well that one is a little more recent. You see, after a series of events— you’ll have to ask Sunset for the complete details since I barely understand it myself— Sunset quite literally turned into a raging she-demon. This is why you keep hearing that word.”

Coco cocked her head in confusion. “A raging she-demon?”

Rarity had to smile at the image. “Oh you know. Icky red skin and dark eyes. Almost like something from a fantasy book. I know that it sounds odd, but it’s all true. Something to do with magic, but again It’s not my place to say. Sunset will have to be the one to tell you when she’s ready. When she was like this, she used her magic to destroy the front entrance of the school. Of course she helped to fix it afterwards.”

Coco silently mulled over what she had been told. In a way, she could understand why Sunset would want to keep this from her. Turning evil and using magic to destroy things weren't really something to brag about. Sunset was probably afraid that if Coco knew then she would have turned away from her.

Rarity’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “So, now that you know the truth do you feel any different towards Sunset? Do you dislike her for the things she did? Do you think that she’ll ever do them again?”

“Of course not!” Coco replied instantly, leaning forward slightly. “No matter what she did before, I still think that as long as she’s genuinely sorry for everything, she can still be a good person. I mean, at least she stopped before anyone was seriously hurt.”

Rarity smiled and nodded. “Well said. That’s why I’m really hoping that you and Rainbow are having an effect on her. Sunset needs to understand that she can be forgiven and that she already has friends that are willing to help her in this time of need. But first she needs to open up and accept us. From what I’ve seen from you three it does seem to be working bit by bit.”

“Um, have you been spying on us?” asked Coco.

Rarity took a sip of her tea. “Darling, remember what I said about details. The point is that she’s quickly forming a bond with you two. But now I’m beginning to worry about Rose and her friends. I hope that they don’t do anything to ruin Sunset’s chances at meeting A.K. Yearling,” frowned Rarity.

This time Coco was the one to smile at Rarity. “Well it’s alright. I think that they wanted to pit me against her. But it didn’t work, because no matter what, I’m still intent on being her friend.”

Rarity matched her grin and nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”

~~~

“What do you want?” Sunset hissed the words with as much venom as possible. 

Unlike her usual nightmares which placed her in different locations every time they occurred. Sunset found herself in the same area as last time: surrounded by nothing, and standing on a rippling translucent floor. However, this time, Sunset found herself sitting at a table, right across from her mirror self. The whites in her reflection’s eyes grew dark and her pupils turned red with her normally tanned skin following suit.

“Now there’s no need to be rude,” said Not-Sunset. Her voice echoed across the plane with an ethereal vibe. “I’m just here to talk for once.”

“What? No more overbearing symbolism about what you think are my true feelings?” asked Sunset.

“I’m just trying to convince you of the truth. You’re just being stubborn.”

“I don’t need you to tell me the truth. I know who I am.”

“You’re me.”

“I’m not!”

Not-Sunset burst out into a bout of uproarious laughter. “Of course you’re me. Who else would do such horrible things? Who else could be such a horrible person?”

Sunset raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What horrible things?”

Not-Sunset finally stopped laughing and stared at her opposite with a look that screamed “seriously?” “Don’t play dumb. You’ve cheated, lied, stolen, harassed, tricked, and hurt people. Everyone who talks to you eventually ends up hurt. You just don’t want to admit that it was really you doing it.”

Sunset stood up and slammed her hands on the table. It produced no sound. “That wasn’t the real me! I’m different!”

Not-Sunset continued to sit calmly. “You want to think you’re different. But you haven't really changed, now have you? Maybe it’s small now but you’re still taking advantage of others.”

“How?!”

“Having Coco make you a costume, making Rainbow pay for your food?”

Sunset flinched a movement all too noticeable in her reflections eyes. “T-that doesn't count. They offered!”

“Did you say thank you?” the reflection teased.

Sunset’s teeth clenched and she felt like flipping the table in frustration. “Whatever!” Sunset turned and stomped away from the table, indifferent as to where she was headed. “I’m done playing your games. When I get back to Equestria I’m making sure that I get you out of my head!”

~~~

Sunset gasped and threw her head up. Looking around frantically she remembered that she had fallen asleep from boredom in the library. While this was not the first time she had ever fallen asleep there, it was the first time that she had one of her nightmares during the day.  Sunset briefly lamented if she would start seeing them in her daydreams next.

Stretching to work out the kinks in her back, Sunset glanced over at the two empty seats in front of her. She frowned at first when she thought back to what her dream self had said. But after taking a long look at the seats, her expression softened. “I haven't hurt them… have I?” She soon found herself staring at those two seats. It began to surprise her how much she gotten used to seeing Rainbow and Coco there. 

Suddenly, Sunset’s eyes widened in realization and she quickly ducked down under the table to ruffle through her backpack. Coming up with nothing, she leaned forward over the table and facepalmed. “Rainbow Dash still has my book… Seriously? After all that talk of not wanting to borrow stuff?” She sighed into her palm. “Forget it.” 

Setting her hand down, Sunset glanced down at her own copy of Shifting Spirits, finished of course. She had read the final chapter just the other night. As usual, Sunset went over her thoughts of the book in her head, the same way she did with every book. “While the ending had been somewhat predictable in how Daring outsmarts the main villain, the parts leading up to that point and Spirit Shift’s involvement in everything made for an excellent storyline. The questions and mysteries that were brought up in the first book were also brought to a satisfying conclusion. 

While the pacing near the end could be better, I still believe that this is definitely one of the better books in the entire series. Sunset smirked. But of course it still doesn't stack up to the sheer adventurous feel that Razer of Dreams had.

Sunset told Coco earlier that Razer of Dreams was her favorite. That was true, but what she didn’t tell her was why. Razer of Dreams, the fourth book in the Daring Do series, was actually her first Daring Do book and unlike Coco’s first book, it was a stand alone tale that could be read by itself. It was one of the few things that she brought with her from Equestria, completely by accident no less. As soon as she read the first page she was hooked. Unfortunately, the portal had closed and she was left with just the one volume. That was until she found this world’s version nearly a year later. While these books traded pegasi magic and the familiars of home for somewhat more mundane tools and alien geography, they were just as well written. Thus they weren’t very hard for Sunset to get into. Sunset even enjoyed imaging how the pony counterparts of every character would act or what kind of cutie mark they would have.

“Though I can imagine what Rainbow would say to that,” Sunset mumbled, still smirking. “She’d probably say that Spirit Amulet was way better than the Razer of Dreams. And that it didn’t even have a real villain in it and—” Sunset quickly realized what she was doing and shook it off. There was no way that she missed those two.

“Well sometimes just the adventure is enough to make a good story.” Sunset heard Coco’s voice in her head. “There doesn't always have to be someone to fight against.”

Eager to keep her mind occupied, Sunset got up and walked around the library to find something else to read. Countless books sat on the library's shelves. Being here every day gave Sunset a near encyclopedic knowledge of where each and every one was located, both by name and category. But even with this knowledge Sunset couldn’t for the life of her remember what she would read before her stalkers showed up.

“Alone today?”

Sunset turned to see Miss Cheerilee standing behind her, an inquisitive look settled on her face. Sunset immediately turned away. “What do you mean?” she frowned.

“Well I usually see you with Rainbow Dash and that new girl,” she smiled. “You three make a lot of noise sometimes.”

Sunset moved her finger across a row of books, not really looking for any in particular. “It’s mostly their fault. Sorry about them; they won’t stop following me here.”

“Really?” asked Cheerilee, a teasing smile across her face. “I thought that they were your friends. You three hang out here often enough.”

Sunset picked out a book at random and opened it. “That’s just what it looks like. Those two are friends with each other, they just enjoy coming here together.” Uninterested, she put the book down. A small chime sounded from her pocket.

Cheerilee gave her a look of concern. “Really? You look pretty lonely here without them.”

“I’m not lonely!” Sunset insisted. Taking out her phone, Sunset saw that she had received a text from Rainbow Dash. A small smile flashed across her face, only to disappear when she remembered that Cheerilee was right behind her. Inside was a photo selfie of Rainbow Dash and Coco standing over a sleeping Sunset Shimmer. Rainbow was holding Sunset’s mouth wide in a smile while Coco was holding the phone and smiling nervously. Thanks to the candy bar wrapper in the corner, Sunset recognized it as the day when she had accidentally fallen asleep in front of them.

Cheerilee looked over her shoulder and chuckled. While Sunset continued to stare at the picture dumbfoundedly, Cheerilee read the message below it aloud. “Showed this to AJ and nearly lol’d her to death.” She turned and smiled at Sunset. “Well you all certainly look like friends.”

Sunset’s hand met the forefront of her face once more.
> CH16: I just don't know anymore.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“I just want to make it clear how much I hate both of you right now,” said Sunset, her tone as plain and even as possible.

“I told you, I’m sorry,” whimpered Coco, sliding a sewing needle through a precise spot on the hem on Sunset’s leg. The Daring Do costumes were now near completion and the only things left to do were tailor certain parts of the costume to fit better. Therefore, both Rainbow and Sunset had been asked to gather at Coco’s house for final adjustments.

“Why me too?” asked Rainbow, stuck standing in place next to Sunset.

Sunset turned her head to face Rainbow, her expression as cold and hard as stone. “You took that picture and showed your friends. While I was asleep.”

Rainbow nearly burst out laughing at the memory of her laughing yesterday next to Applejack. “You’re lucky I didn’t draw on your face!” Sunset scowled and turned her gaze back to the room itself.

“Rainbow, stop moving,” Coco softly ordered as she examined the buttons on Rainbow’s jacket. Both Sunset and Rainbow were wearing matching forest green cargo jackets with rolled up sleeves. After finding the right color cargo jacket and getting it in three separate sizes, Coco had to make them match the cover by adding a few extra buttons, an extra pocket, and Daring’s signature grey compass rose on the backs of all three. 

The cargo shorts were easier as they were almost perfect just the way they were. All any of them had to do was roll their pant legs up. Sunset instead simply opted to wear shorts with a raised hemline. The boots however, were the easiest as she was able to find the exact kind of combat boots that she was looking for.

Sunset turned her gaze down to Coco, who was already wearing her completed costume. “And you said that I wouldn't have to do this anymore.”

“I’m almost done,” said Coco walking around her. “At least you can move more than Rarity will let you.”

“Fair enough...” Sunset turned to Rainbow with a bored look. “So if we’re going to see Daring Do, who’s watching the kids on Ni-Halloween?” she asked, catching her slip up.

Rainbow shrugged. “I’ll be in and out before it’s time to watch them… hopefully. When does the town-wide trick-or-treating usually start?”

“Haven’t you lived in this town for years?” asked Sunset, raising her eyebrow. “I never show up but even I know that it starts at six thirty.”

Coco, currently leaning down to fix something on Rainbow’s cargo pants, looked up in confusion. “Wait what are you all talking about? Town-wide?”

Sunset looked down to answer Coco’s question. “Yeah this is a really close knit place. Everyone knows pretty much everyone so the entire town celebrates pretty much every holiday together. As for who dresses up, age doesn't really matter, I guess.”

“Wow,” Coco breathed. “In Manehatten you have to be careful which part of the city you trick-or-treat in since there are some people who don’t celebrate it. I’m really starting to like this place.”

“Yeah it’s pretty awesome. Sports teams could be better,” Rainbow smirked. “So are you guys excited? Two more days!”

Sunset turned her bored look Rainbow’s way. “What? For Halloween? Not really. I’m still not trick-or-treating.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “No! To see Daring Do, obviously.” Rainbow’s eyes sparkled in anticipation and she started moving in place despite Coco’s protests.

Coco sighed and stood up. “I guess we’re done then. Do you two want to see yourselves in the—”

Rainbow was gone before she could even finish the sentence. Coco turned around to see Rainbow on the other side of the room doing action poses in the mirror. 

They would later have to force Rainbow out of her costume. 

~~~

The next two days were torture for both Rainbow Dash and Sunset. For Rainbow, she hated having to wait to wear her new costume. For Sunset, she hated having to hear Rainbow’s complaints. 

Finally the day arrived and the girls met up at Coco’s house to put their costumes on. It was a two-to-one decision to keep the costumes at her house, with Rainbow being the obvious hold out. 

Sunset, dressing in a room by herself, tied the final knot on her boots and stood up. Grabbing the green satchel that contained her book, she slung it over her shoulder and sat her Daring Do pith helmet on her head. Making sure she had everything, she called into the other room. “Are you two ready yet?”

Coco came down the hall and poked her head into Sunset’s room. In addition to her costume she had on a satchel that was similar to Sunset’s in that it matched the color of her jacket. “I’m ready!” She frowned. “Sunset you forgot to button up your shirt.”

Sunset looked down at her chest and shrugged. Instead of having it buttoned up completely like Coco did, Sunset had hers open, revealing her white undershirt. “I like it better this way.”

Coco was about to say something when Rainbow ran over and shoved her own head into the room.  Unlike Coco and Sunset, Rainbow had on brown fingerless gloves. She had even taken the extra steps to completely dye her hair in a grayscale rainbow. All of this combined to turn her into a near replica of the girl on the cover of the book. “Aww yeah! Check out what I bought!” Jumping into the room next to Sunset, she started waving around a long brown whip. She whipped it towards the window with a resounding crack. 

“Watch it!” ordered Sunset, snatching the whip from Rainbow. She stared down at the well woven leather bullwhip. “Wait, this is the same whip that Daring Do bought from Coco Pie in the third book. Where did you get this?”

Sunset could almost see the smugness radiating from Rainbow as she asked the question. “Bought it online! I actually wasn’t sure if it would show up in time, but I got it this morning. Isn’t it awesome!” she gushed.

“Yeah…” Sunset stuffed the whip into her bag and walked out of the room. “Well let’s go.”

Rainbow turned and rushed out after her. “Hold on give it back!”

Sunset descended the stairs, calmly keeping a tight hold on her bag. “Delete the picture first,” she said simply. Continuing her three day long attempt to get Rainbow to get rid of that picture that she had on her phone.

Rainbow followed her down the stairs, anger played across her features. “No way!”

“Then this is mine now.”

Coco chuckled and rushed to catch up with them.

~~~

“God I can’t wait!” Rainbow gushed, nearly skipping in excitement. Coco and Sunset were behind her walking normally but equally excited nonetheless. After nearly ten minutes of begging, Rainbow finally retrieved her whip from Sunset. Clipped to a loop on her belt, it swung proudly with each step.

Coco turned to Sunset. It was obvious by the way she nervously looked around and how she had lowered her hat to cover the side of her face that she was worried about people recognizing her or saying something. Coco decided to try and ease her nerves. “Cheer up, Sunset. Aren’t you excited?”

“Of course I’m excited,” answered Sunset, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m fine.”

“Sunset, the people don’t hate you as much as you think.”

“Yes they do!” Sunset sighed and tilted her hat back up. “It’s only a matter of time until someone recognizes me and says something. That’s why I stay inside most of the time. I don’t want that to ruin this day for you guys either.”

Coco chuckled lightly. “I don’t think that anyone would just yell at you out of nowhere.”

Sunset didn’t reply, she merely continued to glance at her surroundings. As per any holiday, everyone was out and about, putting the finishing touches on their Halloween decorations. Some were even already wearing their costumes. 

Sugarcube Corner had the brilliant idea of making enlarged decorative versions of the infamous “baked bads” cupcakes. Green decrepit, worm infested confections sat displayed in the windows and on stickers around the door. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were already dressed in their Frankenstein costumes. Sunset could even see Pinkie zooming around inside. The Mash’s game store decorated its windows with the newest horror games. None of them were paying any attention to the three girls walking down the street. Sunset smiled lightly, finally starting to relax.

Coco saw the smile on her face and her own smile grew brighter. “See! There’s no reason to worry.”

“I guess so--” 

“Ow! What the hey!”

Sunset and Coco paused in their conversation too see Rainbow holding her nose in pain. In her own blind excitement she had accidentally slammed her face into an opening door. Sunset glanced up and recognized it as one of the jewelry stores owned by Filthy Rich’s wife.

Three familiar girls exited the building from the open door. Sunset instantly shrank back and tilted her hat down to hide her face. Coco glanced up at Sunset nervously, having had an encounter with those three just a week ago she knew that they were exactly the kind of people that Sunset was hoping to avoid. Rainbow, meanwhile glared balefully at the girls who had just slammed their door in her face.

Lily glanced to her side and scoffed. She nudged her friend to get her attention. ”Rose, look who’s here.”

Rose turned around and gave Sunset a disgusted look. “What are you doing here?” she spat. “And like, what’s with those costumes? You finally leaving town?”

Sunset rolled her eyes and sighed. “Here it comes…” she muttered. She knew that it was just a matter of time until someone yelled at her for something.

Rainbow stepped forward and glared at Rose. “You got somethin to say to us?”

Daisy moved closer to her friend in concern. “Rose, I don’t think we should—”

Rose didn’t pay them any mind, her gaze was locked directly on Sunset. “Seriously, why do you even go outside? Don’t you know that everyone hates you?”

“Of course I know that!” Sunset replied, rolling her eyes. “I’m just here to—”

Rainbow stepped in front of her. “She doesn't need to explain anything to you. She can do what she wants no matter what anyone thinks about her.”

Lily scoffed. “Look, Rose she’s got her little minion defending her.”

Rainbow's anger flared. “What’d you call me?”

Lilly and Rose burst out laughing at Rainbow’s reaction. This caused Rainbow to get even angrier but before she could do anything Sunset grabbed both her and Coco’s arms and began pulling them away. “See this is why I didn’t want to go out in public,” she hissed. “Let’s just go.”

After letting their laughter die, Rose turned her attention to Coco. “And why are you still hanging around her?!” she yelled. “I thought we told you that she’s just using you.”

Sunset stopped in her tracks and glanced back at Coco with a confused expression. “What?”

“Yeah, we told her,” Rose continued. “We told her about everything you did, she-demon. Bet we like, ruined all your plans, huh?” she smirked, smugly checking her nails.

Sunset released their arms and took a few hesitant steps back from Coco. Her face held an intense mixture of fear and disbelief. Coco looked back at her with concern while Rainbow looked between them nervously, struggling to figure out how to fix this.

“Yeah, we told her about all the horrible stuff you did to all of us. We even told her all about how you turned into a demon and destroyed the school.”

Lilly continued where Rose left off. “I don’t even know why you tried to hide it. You’re a horrible person, Sunset, and she was going to figure it out sooner or later. We just thought that sooner was better is all.”

Rainbow turned to them with a fierce glare. “Shut up! You guys don’t know anything!”

“And what are you going to do?” asked Lily. “Hit us like your friend did? That’s exactly what Sunset wants you to do. See? She’s still brainwashing people!”

Sunset turned to them with a look of anger on her face. “I’m not brainwashing people!” Sunset’s false bravado faded as she looked between Rainbow and Coco, then to the random people watching the spectacle. She knew that this was going to happen, she expected it. She just never expected it to hurt this much. “I’m not brainwashing anyone…” she frowned her voice barely higher than a whisper.

“You can cry all you want!” Rose jeered. “I’m not believing it for a second! You’re still a horrible person who should just leave. No one wants you here anymore and no one will ever forgive you. The only reason why these two are defending you is because you tricked them into being your friends somehow.”

“Like a bully like her could actually make any friends,” added Lily. “Remember how she tricked Flash into going out with her? Thank God he came to his senses when he did.”

Sunset looked around at the increasing number of people glancing toward them. She could hear them whispering about her and it made her ears burn. Even though she knew that everything they said was true. Even the things that she had previously denied about herself seemed to feel like the truth now. She finally began to realize that this must have been what it really felt like when she bullied someone else. Making them feel small, worthless and stupid. It was like one of her nightmares made real. Everything that her shadow self said was coming true. She smiled, realizing that all she really needed was to hear it from someone else. 

“Hey!” Rainbow yelled. “I’m here because I want to be here. Sunset’s my friend and I’ll hang with her if I want!”

“N-no.” Rainbow and Coco turned around to see Sunset standing tall with a strained looking smile on her face. Sunset took a deep breath and let it out. “They’re right. Thanks. That’s just what I needed to hear. It’s true. I am a horrible person… I bullied people until they cried and tore apart friendships just to gain an advantage over others.” Sunset wrapped her arms around herself. The more she talked the less she could contain her feelings. “I’ve cheated, lied, stolen, harassed, tricked, and hurt people. Just for stupid and superficial things like popularity and a false sense of power. I betrayed and used everyone who’s ever even tried to help me. My parents, my siblings, my teacher. I’ve never even considered having friends before and I’m an idiot for even thinking that I could have any now.”

Sunset stopped when she felt two arms tenderly wrap around her. Looking down she saw that Coco had been the one to hug her. “Shut up!” she yelled, crying tears of her own. “You’re a good person, Sunset! Stop saying all of those bad things about yourself!”

Sunset frowned and harshly shoved her off. Tears finally began streaming down her face. “I am a bad person! Everything they said was true. I told you. I don’t want any friends. I don’t need any… I-I don’t deserve any.” She looked back up at the flower trio. “You all want me to leave? Then I’ll leave. You won’t ever see me again.” Turning, Sunset ran away from everyone as fast as she could, a trail of tears flowing behind her.

Rose opened her mouth to say something but all that came out was a grunt of pain. Rubbing her arm she glanced over to Lily who looked at her with a look of shame and frustration. “Way to go. I think we took it too far,” she muttered.

“Think?!” Rose turned just in time to be brutally tackled to the ground by Rainbow Dash. The two rolled along the ground for a time until Rainbow ended up on top of her, a ferocious look in her eyes. “What is wrong with you?!” Rainbow yelled, shaking Rose by her shirt collar. “You dumbass! Did you really need to say all of that? Yeah she’s done some crappy things to you, but really?”

Rose looked up at her in fear and rose her arms to cover her face. “W-we just wanted to get her back for everything! I just wanted to see her cry, she—”

Rainbow’s jaw tightened as her vision went red. She didn’t think twice before raising a clenched fist into the air and bringing it down toward the girl she had pinned under her. Fortunately for Rose, another hand reached out just in time to stop it from connecting. Looking up, she saw Coco standing over her with a deep sorrowful look. “Let go!” ordered Rainbow. Struggle as she might, somehow she could not escape Coco’s tight grip.

Keeping her hold on Rainbow, Coco leaned down to look right into Rose’s eyes. “You’ve been tormenting her for weeks just for some stupid revenge scheme?” she asked, giving Rose her sternest glare. “You’re the real bullies! Going around and spreading rumors about her, ruining any chance of her making friends, calling her out on the street just to see her cry? Not even she did that. You’re worse than she was. You guys are the horrible people here, not Sunset.” 

Coco’s gaze softened and more tears welled in her eyes. “If you just stopped to look at her, even once, you’d see how sorry she was for everything that she’s done. You’d see how sad she was. You’d see that no matter what anyone said or did to her she’d just accept it as punishment. You’d see that she’s just a girl. Not a demon. She’s not a bad person anymore.”

Coco stood up and pulled Rainbow up with her. She continued to look down at Rose with a stern look. “No matter what you all say or what Sunset says. Everyone deserves friends. Sunset has us and we’re going to go tell her that. You stay here and think about what you’ve done.” 

Turning around, Coco ran in the direction that she saw Sunset heading off in, almost dragging a reluctant Rainbow Dash with her. “Wait! I still wanna punch her!” cried Rainbow as they ran off.
	
	
> CH17: I won't let you give up!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Sunset!?” Rainbow yelled, frantically looking in every direction. She and Coco had run off looking for Sunset. Unfortunately, they had yet to find her. Not to mention, the street that they were on lead to the center of town where there were plenty of intersections and turns that she could’ve gone down. She could be in any part of the town. “Dang it! Where did she go?” Rainbow grumbled.

Coco, unsure about what to do, decided to pull out her phone and told Rarity what happened. 

“They said what?!” Over on her end, Rarity snapped her pen in rage.

Coco flinched at the volume but recovered. Even as she talked she continued to look around, checking the windows of every building and down every corner. “Sunset ran off and we don’t know where she went.”

Struggling to calm down, Rarity took a deep breath and rubbed her temple. “I… I understand. I’ll call the others to help look for her. But looking around blindly won’t help. Have you two tried the library?”

“But isn’t the school closed today?” asked Coco. “It’s Saturday.”

“Please,” scoffed Rarity, “the security in our school is terrible. You might be able to simply walk right in. There’s a good chance that Sunset is inside.”

Hesitantly, Coco nodded. “If you’re sure.” Taking the phone from her ear Coco turned to relay the information to Rainbow Dash. “Rarity thinks she’s in the library!”

“Gotcha!” Rainbow immediately turned and ran down the street leading to Canterlot High.

“Wait up!” Coco lifted the phone back to her ear. “I have to go. Please let me know if you find her.”

“Of course, darling. I’ll call the others immediately.”

~~~

Rainbow burst into the library, having kicked the door wide open. “Sunset!”

“Rainbow, the door was unlocked,” Coco chided. She entered and started looking around. “Sunset, are you in here?” 

Rainbow ignored her and began checking every nook and cranny of the library, calling out Sunset’s name repeatedly.

Coco also contributed to the search, running over to their usual table. “Sunset are you here anywhere?”

“Hey, come check this out!” Coco turned at the sound of Rainbow Dash’s voice. It came from the far corner of the library. Once she got over there she found Rainbow Dash holding a light purple blanket and Sunset’s backpack. “What’s this about?”

“Girls? What are you two doing here?”

Rainbow and Coco turned back to see Cheerilee standing at the entrance of the Library, already clad in a giant pencil costume. Coco immediately ran up to Cheerilee and gave her a desperate look. “Sunset ran away and we can’t find her.”

Cheerilee gasped in surprise. “Oh dear. That’s not good. Do you know any places where she might be?”

Coco glanced down in thought while Rainbow tossed aside the objects and walked up to the two. “We thought that she would be here. No dice though,” she grumbled.

“So you don’t know anywhere that she would go? Do you know where she lives?”

Rainbow shook her head in frustration. She pointed an accusing finger at Cheerilee. “You’re a teacher why don’t you know?”

Cheerilee glared at her with a deadpan expression. “I don’t go around memorizing the addresses of my students.”

Suddenly, Coco’s eyes lit up in realization. “I think I might have an idea!” 

~~~

Rainbow burst through the door into Coco’s home. “Sunset!” she called out.

Coco moved past her, grateful Rainbow didn’t kick this door in also, and ran down the hallway leading to the stairs and into a particular room. Opening the door, Coco smiled at her discovery. Therein lay Sunset Shimmer; sitting on her old bed curled up in a ball against the headboard, with her costume’s pith helmet and satchel thrown away on the ground. Coco had kept the room exactly the way Sunset had left it in hopes that she’d change her mind about the roommate situation.

Hearing Coco enter, Sunset glanced up. She wasn’t crying but her bloodshot eyes were a clear indicator that she had been. “Oh… you found me,” she muttered. Her voice was dry and listless.

Rainbow came into the room and stood next to Coco. “Well duh. You ran off, or course we’d go looking for you.”

“Rarity and her friends are also looking,” Coco added, taking a small step closer.

Rainbow spotted the pith helmet over in the corner and walked over to pick it up. “Anyway, let’s just forget about those three and go see Daring Do.” Rainbow tried to hand the hat back to Sunset, but after receiving no response simply opted to just placed the hat on her head.

Slowly, Sunset reached up and sat her hand on it. “Why?” she asked, her voice muffled.

“Because Daring Do is awesome, and this is a once in a lifetime deal!”

“No,” Sunset tightened her grip around the helmet.” Why do you guys keep trying to help me? I’m a horri—”

“Stop saying that!” Coco nearly yelled. Walking forward, she sat down on the bed besides Sunset. “You are not a horrible person, Sunset.”

“Yes I am!” Sunset raised her head and looked directly at Coco. “I did so many terrible things to so many people for so long.” She looked up at Rainbow Dash. “How can you all forgive me so easily? Especially after what I did to you and your friends?”

“Well...” Rainbow nervously scratched her head, “what you did wasn’t that bad. I got to enjoy not listening to Pinkie rant about the differences between cupcakes and muffins for a while after all.”

“We forgive you because we know that you’re sorry,” said Coco. “We know that you can be a good person.”

“But I--”

“Listen, Sunset,” interrupted Rainbow. “My dad always said that if you keep looking behind you, you’ll crash into what’s right in front of you. So it doesn't matter what you did to us before. What matters is that we all want to be your friend now.”

“But all I’ve ever done is hurt people,” whimpered Sunset.

“What did I just say?” Rainbow groaned, not used to dealing with these types of situations. “Look, do you still want to hurt people?” Sunset shook her head. “Good. Then I forgive you. There, done.”

Coco gently brought Sunset’s attention back on her and gave her a warm reassuring smile. “We want to be your friends. Rarity and the others too, we all forgive you and we all want to be your friends.”

As soon as their words clicked in her mind, Sunset’s eyes began brimming with tears anew. The last few walls surrounding her heart finally broke and she leapt forward to wrap Coco in a tight embrace, crying her heart out.

Coco, surprised at first, quickly returned the hug. “It’s alright.” Coco could feel that Sunset had been bottling up her emotions for a long time. A wet spot on her costume was a small price to pay for emotional recovery. She even joined in, crying small tears of empathy.

Rainbow, not really one for mushy stuff, blushed slightly, and turned away. “Oh jeez,” she muttered. Coco calmly reached up and pulled her down into the hug. Unable to break free, the tomboy simply decided to ride out the moment and join in.

Several minutes later, Sunset pulled away and dried her eyes. “I-I’m sorry about that.”

Coco smiled. “It’s alright. We all need to cry every once in a while. That’s what my dad told me.” She smiled up at Rainbow. Rainbow missed the look as she quickly got to work examining her costume for any stains. 

“I’ve… I...” Sunset hesitated and fumbled with her words. “I am… lonely. I do want friends... but I don’t know if I deserve any. I don’t even know how friendships work.”

“Eh, we pretty much just keep doing what we’ve been doing, I think,” Dash guessed. Finding no stains, Rainbow let out a sigh of relief and leaned back on the floor. “Except we have to leave the library more. I swear I think I caught myself looking at a history book one time!”

“We could start by telling Rarity and her friends that you’re alright,” suggested Coco. “They all stopped what they were doing to go out looking for you.” Coco reached down and pulled out her phone.

Sunset nodded, and a particular moment from her nightmare flashed through her head. “Hey, Coco, Rainbow Dash?” Both of them looked up at her. Sunset gave them a smile, probably the brightest and most genuine smile she had ever made. “Thank you… thank you for being my friends.”

Coco returned her smile and Rainbow blushed. Standing up, she brushed the dirt off of her pants. “Well if you’re done with all of the mushy-feely stuff, let’s go tell everyone that you’re fine and go see Daring Do.”

Sunset nodded and stood up from her bed. Offering a hand, she helped Coco up as well. All three of them eagerly left the house to follow Rainbow Dash.

~~~

“In the Fortress of Talancon why did you decide to use the Orb of Atonement instead of the Cube of Commitment. The cube would’ve solved the problem just as well as the orb with the added effect of curing your sickness.”

A.K. Yearling, or rather, Daring Do groaned lightly. “Because, the cube also had a curse on it that made the cure temporary. The illness would have actually have become permanent, showing up and disappearing at random. That was the trick, I had to choose the right artifact. Are you done yet?” she asked the girl in front of her. By Daring’s count this had been the 21st question in a row. All of them related to either her choices in various books, clarifications on certain events, information on the artifacts themselves and even pointing out technical inconsistencies in the books.

Luckily, this girl was the last one in line. She had long dark blue hair with two streaks through it, one purple and one pink. She wore a Daring Do costume that, like most of the others, was completely inaccurate. In Daring’s eyes anyway. Though she had to at least admit that, unlike the others, it did seem like the girl put real effort into making it and didn’t just buy it online. If the multiple bandages on her fingers were of any significance. She had apparently come from out of town to see her as well. “Just one more,” she said eagerly. “Is Spirit Shift here? I have questions for him too!”

Daring leaned forward and sat her head in her hand. “Spirit’s not here. He didn’t want to come,” she answered. “Lucky bastard…” she added under her breath.

The girl nodded sadly but quickly perked back up. “Well that’s alright. Thank you very much for answering my questions. I’m such a big fan. Finally, she handed her book over to be signed. “If you could please make it out to Twilight Sparkle…”

“No problem.” Taking the book, Daring signed her pen name “A.K. Yearling” and added the customary “Keep Adventuring!” above it. Once she got it, Twilight squealed in delight and thanked her once again before leaving.

“God, I’m tired,” muttered Daring. This is why she never did book signings. She hated them. In fact, she hated doing anything repeatedly. Say “hi,” ask for their name, and sign the book. That was it… usually anyway. She only agreed to do this as her little sister claimed she had a lead on the recent mysterious happenings in this town; and that said lead would show up at the signing. Unfortunately, that person had yet to show up. It also wasn't helping that she was forced to wear a stupid green dress.

With the lines of fans finally cleared, Daring yawned and stretched her back out. After a few satisfying cracks, she relaxed back in her chair. Turning her head towards her agent she asked, “So are we done here now? I haven’t seen any Sunset Shimmer yet.”

The tall man, dressed in a dark business suit, checked his watch. “We still have twenty more minutes, Ms. Daring.” 

Daring groaned, scowled, and stood up from her seat in a huff. “Nope, I’m done! Anyone else who shows up is outta luck.”

The front doors of the book store slammed open to reveal three girls, two of which were panting in exhaustion. The one girl who wasn’t panting turned to her friends and frowned. “Come on! If you’re going to dress like the best adventurer of all time, you could at least handle a quarter mile run like that.” Sighing, Rainbow turned to see her hero standing right in front of her. With a gasp, her mind skidded to a complete stop.

Daring carefully examined this new arrival. If she were about a half a foot shorter it would almost be like looking in a mirror. “Wow, this is a fantastic costume,” Daring observed, a proud tone in her voice. “You even got the hair right. I’m guessing that this isn’t something you got online.”

Coco weakly raised her hand. “Ah-I made it, Miss Yearling.”

Daring grimaced and turned to Coco. “Please, just call me Daring. A.K. Yearling is just a pen name that I use and I didn’t even come up with it. Anyway, I love the costumes that you made. They look almost exactly what I used to wear.”

Coco beamed at the praise while Rainbow’s mind finally started rebooting. She quickly turned to face Daring. “OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh! It’s really you!” she squealed.

Daring chuckled. “Yeah, it’s me. Let me guess, you got something for me to sign.” Rainbow immediately reached into her satchel but paused as Daring held up a finger in front of her. “But I’ll only sign one thing. Got it? Also, please no more questions.”

Rainbow despaired for a few seconds before pulling herself together. Reaching past all of her posters and pictures, Rainbow brought out her new copy of Shifted Spirits as well as her old copy of Spirit Amulet. She looked between the two trying to decide which was her favorite. Finally she looked up at Daring herself. “Which one of these did you enjoy writing better?”

Daring looked momentarily surprised but smiled nonetheless. She never expected to be asked which one was her favorite. She looked between both of them. “Well, Spirit was a pain in both of these…” She pointed to Spirit Amulet. “But at least I wasn’t using his body during this one.”

Meanwhile standing by the door with her back turned to everyone, Sunset was panicking furiously while Coco tried to comfort her. “What do you mean you forgot your book?” she asked.

“Exactly what I just said! I left it on the floor in the room!” whispered Sunset.

Coco frantically reached into her own satchel and brought out her own book. “Here, take mine!”

Sunset looked at her like she was crazy. “No way! That’s your book. Maybe I can just get one from here.”

Coco shoved the book into Sunset’s arms. “Take it, you’ve been a fan much longer than I have.”

“Hey you!” Sunset immediately turned around as Daring made her way over to her. Behind her, Rainbow melted to the ground with her book pressed tightly against her chest. A look of bliss stamped across her face. Daring looked Sunset up and down and smirked. “Love the open shirt preference. What’s your name?”

“S-S-Sunset Shimmer!”

“Sunset… oh so you’re the girl!” Daring’s eyes lit up in excitement. “I’ve heard that you’ve got a story for me!”

Sunset stared at her in confusion. “I have a what?”

“Come on, you know the whole big light show a few months ago?” she smirked. “Bunch of destroyed stuff. All my instruments went crazy. And I got a hot tip that you were right at the center of it.” She poked Sunset’s nose. “So tell me what happened! I gotta know and no one else is talking about it! Please?” she begged.

Sunset’s mind nearly shut down then and there. Daring Do was right in front of her, asking her for her story! Her mind zoomed back into reality when the exact situation kicked in to her head. Daring wanted to know her story. The story about the demon girl who stole a magic artifact. Nervously, Sunset glanced over at Coco who nodded. Taking a deep breath Sunset began her tale. 

~~~

“--and then she took the crown back home with her. I’ve been trying to make up for what I did since then.” Sunset let out a deep breath as she finished explaining what happened. Of course she spared details of another world, referring to the crown as an artifact from her hometown and never mentioning Equestria by name under the excuse of not wanting people to go searching for it.

Having moved back to Daring’s desk so that everyone could sit, Daring Do was leaning forward on the desk, completely enthralled by the story. Though she still had some reservations. “So, you tried to incriminate her by doctoring some photos with scissors and glue? Why didn’t you use the computer?”

Sunset chuckled embarrassingly. “I’m not really that good with technology. I can barely use my phone.”

Daring laughed along side her. “Yeah I hear that. Get me a book any day. So the crown is back, safe and sound?” Sunset nodded happily. “And you’re sure that you don’t wanna tell me where you’re home is? I would absolutely love to check it out! I’ll use it in my next book,” she begged.

Rainbow gasped and turned to Sunset with the most pleading and needy look possible. Sunset simply shook her head. “I think it’s safer if you didn’t know, Daring.”

Daring sighed forlornly. “Oh, alright then. If you really think so. Anyway, I gotta go soon, so do you have anything for me to sign?” Sunset held out Coco’s book and Daring took it. Opening to the front page she wrote:



From a Shimmer to a shine.

Don’t focus on remembering whom you hurt. Just remember whom you helped. Stay with your friends and keep learning.

Jumping onto the friendship train with you, Daring Do.


	
> CH18: Sunset Sanctuary
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Pinkie stuck her thumb in her mouth and played a makeshift fanfare. “DO-DODODOOOO!”  Presenting the newest addition to our group… Sunset Shimmer!” Pinkie gestured towards an awkwardly smiling Sunset Shimmer, sitting where Pinkie normally sat. Once everyone found out that Sunset was ready for it; Pinkie got to work renting out Sugarcube Corner for a “Friendship party” in Sunset’s honor. Pinkie quickly stole another chair from a separate table and sat down at the large round one with the others.

“Shucks, it’s about time,” grinned Applejack. 

Fluttershy, sitting right next to her, gently touched Sunset’s shoulder. “Are you feeling better now, Sunset?”

Sunset nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course. I’m just trying to get used to all this.” She rubbed her arm nervously. “I mean, I’m still not sure If I deserve any of it.”

Pinkie hopped over and wrapped Sunset up in a hug. “Of course you do!”

On Sunset’s other side, Rarity reached over and sat her hand over Sunset’s. “Darling, we’re here to help you. If there’s anything that you need to tell us, anything at all, please don’t hesitate.”

Sunset examined the six bright reassuring faces surrounding her. Each one of them had tried to help her in some way over the last month. Sunset cursed herself for not realizing sooner that it was better to bring them closer rather than shut them out. That it took her this long to learn that being with them was so much better than being alone… well, all the more reason to make up for lost time. She knew that this was only the first step in her long road to learning what friendship was like. Now for the he second step.

Sunset took a deep breath and once again took comfort in the smiles of those surrounding her. “I… I’ve been having some nightmares recently. Bad ones that try to convince me to go back to how I used to be. They’ve only gotten worse lately, like something inside of me is rejecting this path. I’m not sure what to do. I’m actually starting to think that the elements haven't completely gotten rid of all the dark magic.”

Applejack leaned onto the table and gave her a serious look. “How often have ya been havin’ these night terrors?”

“At first it was only once a week. But lately I’ve been having one nearly every other day.” She tried to lift her own spirits with a smile. “Though I actually had a good night’s rest last night.”

Rainbow scoffed and started punching the air. “Just do what I do and turn your dream against them. Whip out some good magic and kick them outta your head.”

“Rainbow Dash!” chided Rarity. “Some of us aren’t so blessed to have such control over our dreams” She turned to Sunset. “What kind of dreams are they?”

“Mostly dreams that revolve around my old self reminding me what I did while trying to convince me that what I’m doing now is wrong.”

Fluttershy shrank back in her seat. “That sounds scary…” she muttered, imagining what such a dream could be like.

Pinkie, still hovering over Sunset, jumped up to grab everyone’s attention. “You know what this calls for?”

“Well we’re already at a party,” observed Rainbow. “So, what?”

“Sleepover at my house!” Pinkie screamed. Sunset flinched at the volume.

“What, why?” asked Sunset, rubbing her ringing ears.

“Because!” she said, acting as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Anytime I ever had a nightmare, my big sister Maud would let me sleep in her room. Then poof, no more bad dreams for weeks. Unless I ate something weird the night before, like those grilled Chimmy cherry changas I dipped in fudge pudding.  I really thought they would have turned out better.  They were great when I tried frying them!”

“Maybe just being next to someone you care about is enough to keep the nightmares away,” guessed Coco, trying to keep her stomach from unsettling over Pinkie’s culinary experiments.

“You know,” began Rarity, a small smile slowly forming on her face, “that’s not a bad idea. Plus it has been awhile since your last slumber party.” Her smile dropped like a rock. “But please don’t pull any pranks on me this time.”

Rainbow Dash slammed a hand to her mouth to avoid full out laughter. Leaning over to Coco, she whispered. “We replaced her face cream with chocolate while she was sleeping.”

Coco chuckled lightly as she imagined Rarity’s reaction. Rarity heard it and glared daggers in their direction.

~~~

Sunset, clad in her purple pajamas, backed away from the group, both arms held out in protest. “No, way, I couldn’t possibly--”

Rainbow, wearing her white t-shirt and purple pajama pants, dashed behind her and started shoving her back into the room. “Sunset, stop arguing and just take the bed.”

Sunset struggled and continued pushing back against her. “I’m not taking Pinkie’s bed! it’s hers.”

Rainbow stopped pushing, ever since they decided to give Sunset the bed she had been acting this way. Earlier, Rarity and the others were just sitting around the bed painting their nails, playing video games, applying makeup, and other such activities. But when Sunset wondered why no one was using the bed they pointed out that it was reserved for her she had instantly voiced her protests.

Rainbow glared at her then nodded at Coco. Nervously, Sunset waved her arms silently in apprehension. Rainbow nodded once more, this time angrily. Sighing, Coco nodded and stood up from where she sat. 

Sunset backed away from her in fear, but before she could get very far, Coco grabbed her arm and effortlessly flipped Sunset over herself and onto the bed. “I’m sorry!” she cried immediately afterwards.

Luckily, Pinkie’s bed was very soft and bouncy and Sunset landed without injury. With her head hanging off the foot of the bed, she glared at her upside down friends. “It’s Pinkie Pie’s bed, why do I get to sleep in it?”

Pinkie stuck her face close to Sunset’s, beaming as usual. “Well duh! This slumber party is for you! Of course you get the bed.” 

“But I--”

Rarity, already wearing one of her silk nightgowns, pressed her finger against Sunset’s lips. “Ah-ah-ah! No more protests, you will take the bed and that’s final!”

Sunset continued to stare at them until finally sighing and flipping herself right side up. “Fine,”  she grumbled, accepting her gift. Sunset examined the bed and bounced on it a few times. The more she bounced the wider her smile got. 

Pinkie hopped up on the bed next to her, flinging her into the air like a trampoline. It was lucky that Pinkie’s room had a high ceiling or else Sunset might have hit it. Laughing now, Sunset continued to bounce up and down on Pinkie’s trampoline bed. “What’s up with this bed?” she giggled.

Pinkie joined her in the air, laughing alongside her. “I made it myself! Isn’t it super bouncy!”

“Well, it beats the library bed I used, that’s for sure!” Sunset found herself bouncing less and less. Still laughing she wiped her eyes and saw everyone staring at her oddly. “What?” she asked.

“Darling, what do you mean, “library bed”?” asked Rarity, contributing to the awkward looks.

Sunset’s laughter infused smile morphed into one of awkwardness as she realized what she just said. She chuckled awkwardly. “Well you see… I may have sleeping on a bed of books in the library for the past few weeks.”

Rarity let out a large gasp. ‘You’re telling me that you’ve been living in that dusty old school library?” Rarity pulled a dramatic fainting pose.

“Yeah… school security sucks,” lamented Sunset. “I pretty much just showered and everything before school starts. I even got my breakfast from the lunch ladies.”

“Wait, ya mean that grannie knew about this?”

Rarity moved past the others to embrace Sunset. “Good, heavens. No wonder you’ve been having nightmares. We need to find you a new place of residence. And fast!”

“Well, I could--”

“You could room with me!” Everyone turned to face Coco. She blushed at her own outburst but continued nonetheless. “I mean, you used to live in my house before I showed up. You could always come back… It’s a bit lonely being by myself in such a big empty house.”

Rarity turned back to Sunset. “Is this true?” Sunset nodded hesitantly. “Would you like to go back to living with Coco then?” Sunset looked back to Coco, who had a pleading, wide-eyed look on her face. Sunset smiled and nodded happily. 

Overcome with happiness Coco lept forward to hug her new roommate. Not to be left out, Pinkie Pie and Rarity also jumped into the hug. Soon enough Fluttershy dragged Applejack and Rainbow Dash into the group hug as well.

~~~

Now in a better place and filled with confidence, Sunset offered to make everyone dinner as thanks. Pinkie offered to help but Sunset insisted that she do it by herself. To everyone’s surprise, Sunset managed to turn the scattered and random things located in Pinkie’s kitchen into something resembling a dinner from a high class, albeit vegetarian, restaurant. 

Curiously, among the various desserts and whipped creams, Sunset found a plentiful stash of vegetables that apparently belonged to Pinkie’s sisters. Using it, with their permission, she made a few salads, some vegetable soup, and even cheesy stuffed mushrooms.Taking some eggs, some lemons, and the overstock of whip cream, she also made lemon meringue pie for dessert. 

Fluttershy was overjoyed at the spread and even Rainbow Dash had to admit, with reluctance of course, to the delicious taste of everything. When asked how she knew so many recipes Sunset proudly admitted to having a father who worked as a royal cook in Equestria.

~~~

Later on, after dinner, everyone gathered around to take a group selfie and decided to hit the hay. Once again, they had to remind Sunset that she was supposed to use the bed. Everyone else doned sleeping bags and pillows and slept along the floor haphazardly.

Deep in the middle of the night Sunset, unable to sleep despite the extremely comfortable bed. Sat up and glanced around the dark room. She chuckled as she tried to figure out who snored the loudest. Pinkie, Rainbow, or Rarity. Standing up, she made her way out of the room, taking careful care not to step on any of the bodies lying in random spots along the ground.

Not sure what to do at this point, Sunset simply started walking around until she found herself back in the kitchen. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw another girl standing there, leaning over the counter in a white shirt and blue shorts. Turning around to face her, the girl gave Sunset a stony blank look. “Hi,” she said.

“You’re… Maud right? Pinkie’s older sister?” asked Sunset, meeting her gaze with an awkward stare. Maud nodded slightly and Sunset glanced down to the counter. Maud was currently in the process of pouring a light brown drink into a small glass. “Wh-why are you making iced tea at three in the morning?” she asked hesitantly, confusion clearly evident in her voice.

Maud turned back to the counter and continued pouring the drink into the glass. With her other hand she nudged a small rock over into Sunset’s view. “Boulder is thirsty and he likes to drink iced tea. He wouldn’t stop bugging me,” she answered. She spoke with an even invariant tone, giving her a deadpan voice.

She didn’t exactly know what, but something about this girl weirded Sunset out. Her complete contrast to Pinkie? Her pet rock? The fact that she was willing to get up at three in the morning to make a drink for said rock? It was definitely one of them, or possibly all of them. Eventually, the glass filled and Maud picked up it and the rock. Putting the iced tea away she walked up to Sunset and said, “Nice to meet you,” before turning back around and walking down the opposite hall into her room.

Sunset moved forward and stared down the hall for a few more seconds, wondering what the rest of Pinkie’s family had to look like if Maud was her sister.

“Sunset?” Sunset turned around to see Coco Pommel standing behind her. “I saw you get up. What’s wrong? You can’t sleep?”

Sunset shook her head and leaned back onto the counter. “I guess I’m still not very comfortable with all of this.”

Coco smiled and stood next to her, leaning on the counter as well. “Well it’s alright. You’ll get used to it. I never had many friends until I met Rarity. Now I have you and Rainbow Dash and everyone else.”

Sunset glanced up at the ceiling, thinking back to the times before she arrived here. “Before I came here, I thought friendship was stupid. A waste of time and effort despite what my mentor tried to teach me. Even after I came here I actively pushed away anyone who even tried to be my friend. I think the closest I had were Snips and Snails.”

Coco looked up at Sunset inquisitively. “Sunset where did you come from? You told Daring Do about the magic that you and the other girl used and how you transformed, but you also didn’t tell her where you came from.”

Sunset shook her head and opened her mouth, but before she could deny her request another voice sounded out. “Sunset’s a pony unicorn from another world.” Both girls turned to see Rainbow Dash walking down the hallway towards them, stretching both of her arms into the air.

Rainbow Dash!” hissed Sunset, careful to keep her volume down.

Rainbow finished stretching and shrugged. “Hey, I had to go pee and I heard you two talkin’ out here. Plus, you might as well tell her.”

Coco looked back to Sunset. “Is that true? You can trust me, you know.”

Sunset looked back down at Coco, her face full of apprehension and trepidation. Finally, she let out a deep breath and recounted her tale. “Fine. Yes, I’m a pony from another world. The crown was a magic artifact that I stole from my mentor’s new student. Magic exists in spades where I come from.”

Coco’s eyes lit up in amazement. “Woah. That’s amazing. What was your life like over there? I wanna hear all about it.”

“You really wanna hear about my life in Equestria?” Sunset asked incredulously.

“Hold on, I wanna hear this too!” said Rainbow, clenching her legs together. “But I really need to use the bathroom first!” Without waiting for an answer, Rainbow sped back into the hallway and into the bathroom. Sunset and Coco chuckled for a few seconds until Sunset turned back to Coco. “She’ll catch up. Anyway, I guess I can tell you if you want. It’s kinda long and boring though.” Coco nodded anyway, eyes sparking in anticipation. 

“Fine. It all started when my mom got a job at the castle…”
	
	
> Bonus CH: Fun Facts and Deleted Content
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BONUS CHAPTER! Deleted content and Fun Facts.

I both hate and love this story for several reasons. It changed drastically from how I first wrote it in the synopsis. (I don’t like change lol) In fact, this story was originally intended to only have 5-7 chapters. One for each of the girls and ending on Rainbow’s turn. I found, though writing this story, that if I’m not extremely specific in my planning notes, I tend to go off on tangents and will often write things into the story on a whim. So when I found that I had added something in early that changes an event later, I would have to revise that entire future scene. Here are a few examples.

Most of you know by now that when I first envisioned the story Coco Pommel wasn’t a character that was supposed to show up. Also, even when she was introduced she was never meant to have such a big part of the story, more or less fading into the background after Rarity’s turn was done. The only reason that she exists in this canon at all was because I wanted to expand on Sunset’s living situation (which was also not planned). But when I continued to write lines for her I found that she was also a fun character to write, with her acting as the mediator between Rainbow and Sunset. She was also a great component in getting Sunset to open up. Acting as an ignorant outside source that Sunset could form a relationship from scratch with helped immensely. Basically, she was exactly who this story needed. 

In fact there are a lot of things that I added into the story, mostly small stuff, that exist simply because someone was hoping for it in the comments. So you guys helped this story grow just as much as I did.

Fun Facts about the story!

Even though it wasn't mentioned in the story, I did plan to have Derpy win the fashion contest by designing a line of clothes with bubble designs. One of which was the costume she wears in her scene in Rainbow Rocks. This will come again in the next story but I just wanted to put it here for funzies.

Most of the stories I write tend to kind of play out like an anime in my head so a lot of anime tropes that may seem odd to anyone else reading will often make it into the story. I actually didn’t know that till my editor pointed it out. Sorry about that. I also tend to use a lot anglophilic colloquialisms that luckily aren't as noticeable. (<---- Case in point, I wrote that last sentence without thinking.)

I wrote the scene with Daring and Spirit in CH3.5 completely on a whim. I liked it so much, though that I continued to use it, forcing me to revise several sections in my notes because of that decision. You may have not noticed, and I don’t blame you because of how subtle I was, but my OC appears in this story several times. I often wonder if I should make that into its own story. I guess it depends on how many people want it.

I have, in fact, toyed around with the idea of expanding the Nightmare subplot into something huge by making it so that Sunset’s nightmares were being caused by a split personality that manifested because of the remnants of dark magic left in her body. I even joked about the magic injecting itself into a select few of the students, thus causing them nightmares and in turn making them despise Sunset, and in turn, bully her and push her back towards the darkness. Fun right? 

I told myself that it was a stupid idea (in this fic anyway) and that I would not use it under any circumstances… Unfortunately, it still dripped into my writing when Rose mentioned nightmares. But make no mistake. Rose’s nightmares aren’t being caused by some dark magic personality. The fall formal incident threw her into relapse and both she, and Lily, partially blame Sunset for it.

I was originally going to write out a complete song and dance for Pinkie’s attempt at cheering Sunset up. But during the planning of this story, I spent two days straight with a mostly blank sheet before realizing that I suck at songwriting. I can make beats and a rhythm, but lyrics utterly elude me. Remind me to outsource when I need to write Zecora.

I never intended to utilize every Sunset Helper picture in this story, only the two. Though it is my intention to do so for the sequel. Or I may create a series of side stories.

CocoShimmer shipping has slipped in and out of my cerebral subconscious for several sections of this Sunset Shimmer saving story. Surely, it’s nothing… though the thought still lingers...

Twilight was never meant to make an appearance at the end. That was a last minute addition added in as a present to my editor who somehow managed to make this story readable. Thanks again by the way. 

(You guys are gonna hate me for this one.) Another fun fact was that he asked me to write a scene with her and Sunset passing one another. Or at least one with Daring recognizing her name from Sunset’s story. Unfortunately, he caught me at a bad time and I declined out of laziness. Of course now I have an excuse. Even though she was shone in this story she won’t be shown in the sequel, since I’m trying to stay in line with canon. (That’s the excuse)

There are a few nightmare scenes that never made it into the final product as they would have forced me to increase the rating of the story. In fact, the very first one is a watered down version of its original. I once went back to read the original and I grimaced to myself wondering what I was thinking. Sunset wasn’t that evil.

The nightmare scenes were also initially created on a whim to increase the overall word count of ch2. But when I saw how it effectively displayed Sunset’s disposition and mental state, as well as how much it added to the tone of the story, I continued.

Daring Do was originally meant to be the one to send Sunset away crying by comparing her to Ahuizotl in how she went to such lengths to acquire a powerful relic. Rainbow would pull a Wonderbolts Academy and tell her off afterwards. Though when I went over it later I found that I couldn’t bring myself to turn her into a bad guy. So I gave that role to Rose’s group since she already had a bad rep as an antagonist.

On that note, making the flower trio take on the role of the bullies was also entirely based on a whim. (SHOCKING RITE?) And only them because I already used Trixie for Rarity’s part. And even after making that decision early on, they were actually not meant to show up after the fashion contest. I do have plans to redeem them later though. Maybe...

I’ve never been bullied before and never bullied another. Thus, writing Rose’s scenes were extremely difficult and required hours of analyzing the testimonials from those who were bullied. And even then I still don’t feel like I accurately portrayed it. 

I actually wanted to include an extra scene of Daisy reprimanding her friends much in the same way Coco did. Then one of her convincing them to apologize, but when all was said and done I couldn’t find a good enough place for it. Thus, I’ll probably add it to the next story.

The next story will take place immediately after this one with a less focused plot that details the possible things that happened during the six months in between both movies. Often using the Sunset Helper pictures for inspiration.

Thanks for sticking around till the end. I’ve learned so much from writing this story, ranging from grammar to how to better prepare a story. Like I said, my story notes were bad and were only a small improvement from Well, What Now, which started without any notes and was utterly terrible. However, unlike that story, I loved this one and I’m proud of how it progressed as well as it’s ending. I also love how many people read and supported it. This story gave me an immense boost of confidence in my writing despite the many many many near slip ups. I hope you guys will return when I release the first chapter of the next story in a few weeks.

> Extra CH: Sequel Hook
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Button leaned away from the corner. Having observed Sunset these last two minutes he felt that he had come up with a reasonable plan of attack. He turned to relay his plan to the girls. "Now is the time to plan, but soon we will advance!"

Scootaloo simply looked at him. "What?"

“Alright, Sweetie Belle!" Sweetie flinched as Button thrust his finger towards her to get her attention. He then leaned down near the floor and began running it along the ground, obviously moving around pieces on the map that only he could see. "First you’ll stay along the back row to hit the boss with the classic debuffs. You know, stuff to make it easier to attack her. As soon as you’re done with that then you can get to work buffing us three…" He stopped and looked between himself and the other two Crusaders. "Actually, reverse that. Buff us first then hit Sunset with the debuffs. We'll need it first.” 

He turned to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom and pointed to them in addition to himself. “We’ll rush her and form a circle around her. This way we can stop her from escaping and we can swap aggro between us. Scootaloo you go and fight her first. Since you're a monk you can dodge her attacks better. When you get low on HP swap over to Apple Bloom who can hit the hardest. I think her warrior skill “Shield Bash” will work the best. I’ll take the last round as the ninja to give you two a period to recoup and reload your skills. Then we’ll restart the cycle."

He then turned back to Sweetie and smiled confidently. "Sweetie Belle, play close attention to our health, specifically the one of us with the aggro. You don’t have raise or revitalize so if one of us dies then the cycle breaks and we’ll lose this battle. I don’t want to have to go back to leveling in the lower minefields again.” He sat his hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye. "I'm counting on you."

He looked up to the entire group. “Is everyone clear on the plan?”

Two clueless faces greeted him. “Ah have no idea what you just said." Apple Bloom admitted.

Sweetie, however, looked ready to rush in there. With her eyes sparkling in anticipation, she cheered, "I'm ready!"