After the Fall Formal things don't go so well with Sunset Shimmer she slowly spirals downward before hitting rock bottom, moments away from doing something she will regret when, to her, the least likely of people come to her rescue.
After the Fall Formal things don't go so well with Sunset Shimmer she slowly spirals downward before hitting rock bottom, moments away from doing something she will regret when, to her, the least likely of people come to her rescue.
Takes place after the first Equestria Girls movie.
Oh wow! My very first featured story on 3/12/2015! Thank you all so much!
‘I hate my life…’ Was the prevalent thought coursing through Sunset Shimmer’s mind as she took one painful step after another. She no longer had anything but the clothes on her back consisting of a dirty black skirt with several rips along the bottom hemline and an old tee, one of her oldest shirts that was white with her cutie mark printed across the front proudly reminding her where she came from though now she wished she was still there. Her boots was actually in better condition that her clothing and kept her lower legs warmed, but she couldn’t help wishing for anything such as tights, stockings or even hose to provide even a little warmth in the chill night air. At least her now mostly ruined leather jacket provided some warmth for her upper body, even if she was still hugging herself trying to warm herself.
The weather wasn’t the reason she was chilling so much, it was the fact that she had finally hit rock bottom and knew it. She had no other choices but accept the offer that some sleezeball offered her earlier in the week. It was something she had never dreamed she would be forced into and it was killing her on the inside. She had nowhere else to turn though as not one person wanted her around after what she had done…and she couldn’t blame them. If she was honest with herself then she didn’t really want herself around either.
Painfully taking one step after another, she forced herself to cross the road in the worse section of Canterlot. It was on the outskirts of town where drug sellers and prostitutes could be found on almost every other corner. It was also the location of where she would possibly be working from now on as neon lights washed over her illuminating some of the darkness.
For what seemed like the thousandth time over the last week she found herself crying as she looked up at the vulgar looking signs. Neon lights glowed brightly, taking the shape of a woman’s body reminding Sunset once again just what he place was. It was what some people called a gentleman’s club…but it was much worse than that. It was a strip joint that catered to the darker side of things with rumors of drugs and the exchange of money for favors running rampant throughout the area…yet nobody stopped it.
There was no one to stop the things that went on inside of the building…and no one to stop her from being forced by circumstances to come here seeking the owner who promised her a job. A job that he promised would only be stripping, but no matter how much she told herself that she could believe him…a small voice inside of her cried out that it was a lie…that if she set foot inside that door things would spin faster out of control than she could handle and she would be trapped.
Not that she wasn’t already trapped…
Once again she tried to think of a reason not to kill herself, but she couldn’t really find anything…just a voice that seemed to beg her not to give up hope just yet…
6 DAYS AGO…FRIDAY…
Sunset crawled from the deep crater in the ground she found herself in, the pain every movement caused as well as the confusion sweeping through her entire being make tears flow as if they were twin rivers.
“You will never rule in Equestria.” Twilight had said advancing on Sunset who looked up in fear, knowing who this person…who this pony was though to her it was more like a dream. She could see everything going on, knew everything that she did, yet to her it was as if someone else was doing it. It was like she didn’t have control of her body until…now. It felt like she was being punished for the sins of someone else…yet she knew they were her sins. “And any power that you may have had in this world is gone. Tonight you’ve shown everyone who you really are. You’ve shown them all what is in your heart.”
“I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…I didn’t know there was another way!” Sunset sobbed out, meaning every word since she didn’t. For so long all that was inside of her was hate and anger, something that fueled everything she did even if she wanted to deny she did it. She wanted to claim that it wasn’t her…yet it was…wasn’t it? She had did it…every single, hateful and hurtful thing…she was a monster…
“The magic of friendship doesn’t just exist in Equestria…it’s everywhere.” Twilight had said waving her hand behind her where the only thing Sunset saw was the mistrust and nervous shuffling of the girls that helped stop her. Only Fluttershy looked down at her in pity for her, a spark of something in the shy girl’s eyes. Twilight never noticed any of this though as she continued, “You can seek it our or you can forever be alone…the choice is yours.”
“But all I’ve done since I’ve been here is drive everyone apart. I don’t know the first thing about friendship!” Sunset sobbed out, shaking as Twilight gave her an encouraging smile while helping her to her feet.
“Then I’m sure the girls would be happy to help teach you.” Twilight said, giving an encouraging smile while the girls surrounding her all seemed to shake their heads once again being missed by Twilight. The only person who wasn’t looking at Sunset as if she was a monster was the one who probably had the most reason to see her as one, Fluttershy…
Sunset watched as Celestia approached drawing all of them except Sunset away from the now ruined main entrance of the school. Watching everyone move away from her, most of them shooting hateful glares her way, Sunset couldn’t help feeling more alone than she had ever been in her life. Sure she felt alone before now, but the dark negative emotions filling her being until now filled that void. Now there was a huge voice inside of her that felt as if it would swallow her up at any moment.
“I hope you know how to use one of these.” A very angry sounding vice-principal Luna growled out, Snips and Snails following the older woman with venom filled glares for Sunset. It reminded Sunset that she may not have been alone as she thought as she had the boys, but seeing the look in their eyes made her swallow nervously. She had lost any chance of salvaging her relationship with her cronies who she should have treated as friends instead of lapdogs.
“I…you can’t be serious…” Sunset sputtered out. Did this woman actually expect a teenager, a teenage girl to know how to do construction work?
“I am very serious Miss Shimmer. You and your friends will be cleaning this up the rest of the night until the dance ends.” Luna snarled, getting into Sunset’s face scaring the girl a little. She had never seen the vice-principal this angry before…then again angry didn’t even begin to describe the levels of rage the woman was feeling if the angry flush and hate filled eyes was any indication.
“And then?” Sunset asked, feeling afraid of this woman for some reason.
“And then you better watch your step.” Luna snapped before spinning around and stomping off. Sunset couldn’t help watching in shock until Snips stomped on her foot as the two boys walked by pushing a wheel barrel making her cry out in pain.
“Oops, sorry about the Sunset.” Snails laughed out, the sneer on his face saying he didn’t mean it one bit.
“Look guys, I’m sorry for…everything…” Sunset sighed, looking hopefully at the two boys who only glared back.
“Save it, we don’t want to hear it.” Snips growled out shocking Sunset. Not to be mean to them, but just when did they grow a spine? For as long as she knew them they had done everything in their power to please her, but now that she had fallen from grace they were rejecting her. She couldn’t help wonder if they ever cared about her or if they only cared about being powerful as Sunset’s attack dogs.
Sighing, Sunset stared at the oddly looking tool that looked almost like a long triangle made of metal with a handle. It truth she didn’t really have any idea what to do with it so she dropped it on the ground and with a heavy heart started picking up the mess she created.
4 DAYS AGO…MONDAY…
The morning, as usual on Monday’s, was a pain to Sunset as she went about her morning routine getting ready for school. After showering and washing some clothes off in the bathroom sink, she hung them up around the room with most of it draping off the shower rod. The apartment was pretty small, an efficiency really that had the most basic of essentials. There was only one room and a bathroom, though a small fridge and microwave was provided. Not that she had any food anyways, you need a job to have money to buy food after all when not bullying others.
After pulling on a skirt and shirt that had seen better days, she looked at her jacket regretfully again. It was damaged beyond repair which was a shame since the air was a little crisp out, but she wanted to get to school early. If she was going to be expected to work on the stupid school entrance that she wrecked, she wanted to make sure to get breakfast first. Once again she was happy that the school provided free breakfast and lunch to the less fortunate students.
After making sure the door was locked behind her, Sunset stuffed the key in her purse before heading down to the bus stop. She was debating taking some of the money from her savings to just buy something to eat and avoid the cafeteria, but she only had enough for rent this month and the landlord would not allow any late or partial payments. It was the last of her money from stockpiling stolen lunch money and gifts from the few guys wanting to date her after breaking up with Flash. Now that she was trying to turn over a new leaf, which a part of her wondered why she should even bother. She needed to save the money though and intended to look for a job, keeping the money hidden under her mattress until she needed it.
“Hello, Miss Shimmer.” The bus driver said, his voice cold as he looked down from his perch in the driver seat as Sunset pulled herself up into the city bus. Looking at him she couldn’t help regretting the pain she caused him by blackmailing him for free rides. Not that he made it difficult to get blackmail material after he cheated on his wife, but now that Sunset was trying to understand what exactly was wrong with herself, she just couldn’t bring herself to keep doing so.
“Hi Mister Fastlane.” Sunset said softly, pulling an envelope from her purse and handed it to him.
“More blackmail?” Mister Fastlane snarled as he took the package making Sunset shake her head.
“No…I mean it is blackmail material. All of it actually.” Sunset said as she avoided looking into his eyes. “I won’t be blackmailing you again…I’m really sorry I did it to begin with. If you please drop me off by the school as usual I promise I’ll pay you as soon as I can. I’m going to the mall tonight to try and get a job.”
“Are you serious?” Mister Fastlane asked, his face turning red in anger as he breathed heavily while studying Sunset. Eventually he finally let out a long, drawn out sigh. “Fine, just take a seat. Don’t worry about paying me anything.”
“Thank you.” Sunset said as she hurried down the mostly empty bus, ignoring the strange looks the few people there was giving her. She recognized some of the faces though she didn’t really know them. They were mostly the regulars on the bus at this time of day before the bus started getting packed.
Dropping into an empty bench like seat she hugged her bag to herself and watched out the window. The cool glass felt good against the bare skin of her cheek as she leaned up against it. She was dreading going to school today since she was sure most, if not all, of the student body would be against her. She intended to apologize to all of them, just as she had apologized to the bus driver after thinking about it all weekend. She wasn’t sure how it got out of control…well that wasn’t entirely true. She remembered when she had found those books on dark magic. They promised her a way to contact the only other alicorn that she knew of, besides from Cadence and Celestia.
The spell was laughably simple to pull off for a unicorn as powerful as she was, only it didn’t just open a line of communication to Nightmare Moon. Something had happened, a dark shadow was pulled from the magic circle she created and seduced her with promises of power if she let the thing feed off her emotions. She wasn’t stupid, but she couldn’t really see how that could have been bad really. How could letting something feed off your emotions actually hurt you?
It did hurt her though, it flowed into her eyes and mouth, choking her and making her cry. It somehow possessed her, filling her with so many negative emotions such as jealousy, hatred, resentment and finally a sense of entitlement beyond that of even that fool Blueblood. She did try going to Celestia once just after it happened, but something prevented her from telling her mentor. Something was telling her so many things, such as being shunned if she told any pony, as well as somehow asserting some kind of power blocking her from seeking help.
Since then her anger and hatred for every pony and everyone around her grew. It was little things at first, but at time went on it grew worse and worse. Up until the time she ran to this world and took over the school using blackmail and fear. She was slowly drowning in the darkness until Twilight Sparkle had saved her. She hated the princess so much for what she had done, yet she also loved her so much for giving her this second chance. She thought it was undeserved though.
“Hey kid, this is your stop.” The bus driver called back as the bus jerked to a stop. She kind of hated that, hated the way the vehicle had practically no suspension. Every turn it made caused her to slide back and forth on the cheap vinyl seats. Every single bump was felt by everyone on board, making her bounce some…making parts of her antimony to bounce a little despite wearing a bra, which drew some people’s attention.
In some ways she was proud of her body, back in Equestria she was known as both smart and beautiful. Here it the human world, she was still smart, though some classes she had trouble with because she mixed Equestria’s closely related subject matter up with the humans. She was still beautiful by human standards, heck she was downright sexy which helped her control the hormone fueled boys.
It was also sometimes a pain in the neck as she sometimes got a lot more attention than she wanted at times. There was also the fact that some idiots seemed to have the belief that the bigger the bra size, the lower the IQ. What kind of human came up with that she had no idea, but if she ever got a hold of them she would make them regret it. It was these times she hated her body, sometimes actually feeling a little ashamed when teachers or some of the braver, or dumber, students implied that something was beyond her grasp. It…hurt to be honest. It hurt to be disregarded just because she was naturally gifted in more ways than one.
“Thanks.” Sunset said, giving the driver a smile as she got up from the bench seat and walked by him. She sopped though when he grabbed her hand, making her look back questioningly.
“Thank you, for giving me this stuff. I don’t know what’s going on, I can see something is, but I’m not really the best person to talk to.” The driver said giving her a sympathetic look. “Your school is supposed to have a very good counselor, maybe you should go speak to them.”
“I might do that.” Sunset said softly, actually meaning it as she smiled in gratitude to the man. It felt weird to be able to do so after so long, to actually mean being nice and not acting. With the hate and anger gone from her system, with that dark spirit gone, she felt almost like a new person.
“Good, you do that. And if you need a ride home, I’ll give you a lift for free.” The driver said making Sunset nod as he let go of her. The look he gave her made her feel so good as she disembarked the bus, it made her feel hopeful for things to come. If he accepted her apology, then maybe everyone else might actually give her a chance.
It didn’t take too long to make her way across the school’s campus, coming close to statue that housed the portal in front of the main entrance. Several men were working on laying brick, repairing the damage she had caused. A very upset looking Vice-Principal Luna stomped towards Sunset making the girl’s hoped fall, a look of worry crossing her face.
“You! Do you know how much this is going to cost the school?” Luna demanded, shoving Sunset’s shoulder, making the girl gasp in surprise that the woman would do something like that. It didn’t look like the woman slept well though as she glared at the teen.
“I’m sorry.” Sunset said softly, almost resembling Fluttershy as she tried to hide behind her long hair.
“Not yet you aren’t, I doubt you ever will be!” Luna snarled, so much anger filling her as she stared down at Sunset. “You are very lucky young woman that my sister is covering for you. I would rather have called the cops and sent you to jail, but in her never ending quest to let little delinquents like you take advantage of her, my sister deemed to give you another chance. She wouldn’t let me expel you, but I am suspending you for the week.”
“No…please, don’t.” Sunset begged, seeing her only real source for food vanishing into thin air. If she was suspended and not allowed on campus, she couldn’t get her free breakfast and lunch.
“Get away from me, and if I see you on school property this week at all, I will call the cops no matter how my sister feels about it!” Luna yelled at her making Sunset take a step back before spinning on her heel and running as fast as she could, without falling, away from the enraged woman.
She didn’t stop until she was a couple blocks away from the school, standing in front of Sugarcube Corner. She wanted to cry at being chased away like that, feeling so defeated as she looked up at the garishly pink building decorated like some demented witch’s house from Hansel and Gretel. She hadn’t really had any real food since Friday night, looking forward to getting her breakfast this morning. Now she had no way to not only get breakfast now, she had no way to get lunch either, or either one for a whole week. She would have to dip into her savings at this rate, but she needed that for rent.
“Hello dearie, shouldn’t you be at school?” Mrs. Cake asked as she carried a sidewalk sign out advertising the shops daily specials.
“I kind of got suspended.” Sunset explained, looking up at the woman. She was a little shocked that this woman was being nice to her after what happened with Luna, then remembered that while she knew the woman’s name, neither of them knew the other. Sunset often avoided the place since Pinkie Pie worked there and it was a popular hangout for many of the students.
“Whatever for dearie.” Mrs. Cake asked in shock, looking the girl over.
“Because I messed up big time, but…I want to fix it. I guess I can’t now until next week, but…I need a job. I don’t suppose…are you hiring by chance?” Sunset asked, pleading the woman for anything with her eyes.
“Well, we could use a little extra help I suppose, but we can’t pay much.” Mrs. Cake said, giving the girl a sympathetic look. “We can offer minimum wage, tips and free meals for a few hours during the lunch rush while you are suspended. Then we can talk about your work schedule when you can go back to school if your parents are okay with it. What’s your name dearie, I’m Mrs. Cake.”
“Sunset, my name’s Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said softly, flinching as an angry look crossed the woman’s face.
“The same Sunset Shimmer that has tormented my niece for the last year?” Mrs. Cake growled out.
“Y-Yes Ma’am.” Sunset whimpered out as she took a step back.
“Forget it, I’m not giving a job to you. Is this some kind of sick joke? What are you planning to do to my poor niece now?” Mrs. Cake demanded, “Actually, just go! I don’t want you on our property!”
“I…I’m sorry!” Sunset cried as she turned and ran again, not noticing the shocked look on the older woman’s face. She didn’t hear the woman’s cries for her to come back either as she fled the angry woman who had every right to hate Sunset.
For the next hour Sunset wandered aimlessly around, not really paying attention to where she was going. After trying to decide what to do, while trying to fight off the hunger that was only growing, she decided to not let the first failure get her down. Instead she headed the few blocks to the mall after realizing just how close she had ended up to it. Surely there was a place in there to find work, she would do anything.
Anything turned out to be a bigger problem than she thought several hours later. Actually she wasn’t too sure how long it had been, but seeing students start to filter into the mall made her realize it was a lot longer than she expected. It didn’t matter now though, every place she went to turned her away. Some told her to get out as soon as she entered being friends or family of people Sunset had blackmailed or hurt. Others had heard only bad things about her through mall gossip of teens and when they heard her name they also turned her away. Not one place would give her a chance, and she wasn’t sure what to do.
Milling through the crowd, heading towards the exit through the foodcourt, Sunset spotted the group of girls who were supposed to be giving her a chance. The girls who were supposedly tp teach Sunset how to be a good friend and how to turn away from her destructive path of power. The way they were arguing though made her wonder how a group of friends that were arguing so much actually teach her to be a better friend? Slowly Sunset made her way over to where the group was sitting, overhearing their conversation the closer she got.
“I’m telling you girls that she is different!” Fluttershy said, her voice louder than Sunset would have imagined with her shy attitude.
“Well, I sure as heck am not going to just believe that girl can turn over a new leaf so easily.” Applejack said, eating a soft pretzel that made Sunset’s mouth water.
“I agree with AJ, Sunset is more trouble that she’s worth.” Rainbow Dash agreed.
“While I must agree to some extent darling, it isn’t lady like to at least give her the benefit of the doubt.” Rarity said, “Still, I don’t want to give her a chance to stab me in the back either.”
“Maybe she just needs a party!” Pinkie Pie cheered making the other girls, minus Fluttershy, all roll their eyes at the suggestion.
Sunset didn’t care though, she had heard enough. The only one from the group that seemed to want to give her a chance was Fluttershy…and maybe Pinkie Pie. The others wanted nothing to do with her apparently, so Sunset once again found herself running, tears falling the entire way out of the mall.
She didn’t stop running until she was several blocks away from the mall, unsure of why it hurt her so much. Sure she wanted to be friends with them, but she wasn’t sure if she really completely expected it. She tore their friendship apart, there was no denying that, which meant that she may not even deserve another chance anyways. Just because Princess Twilight Sparkle said they would help her didn’t mean that they would.
It was dark by the time she walked home, her feet killing her from the long trek. She could have headed to the bus stop by the school, but she just didn’t feel like being around anyone right now. She just wanted to get home and just sleep the rest of the night away in hopes for a better tomorrow. What she didn’t expect to find was ‘monster,’ ‘demon whore,’ and ‘bully trash’ spray painted across her broken door and her landlord and his bodyguard waiting for her.
“I want the rent now, Shimmer.” The landlord demanded, handing his hand out expecting her to just hand it over. She had plenty of time though to pay it, so she wasn’t sure why he was pushing for it to be paid now. The balding, overweight man watched her waiting for something.
“What happened to my place?” Sunset asked, feeling a little intimidated by the way the big man, the landlord’s bodyguard, was letting his eyes roam over her body while grinning.
“My place was broken into and vandalized by a bunch of snot nosed punks. Since you are renting it, you are responsible for it and the rent. I want double your rent right now to repair the place, or you can get out.” The landlord sneered, the greed clear in his eyes.
“What? You can’t do that!” Sunset gasped out, she barely had enough for the rent, but there was no way she could get double.
“Well then sweet cheeks, you have ten minutes to get your stuff and get out.” The gruff, muscular man snorted. His bald head seemed to glean from the little bit of light coming from the security light. The way his shirt fit, it looked like it would rip any second with the way it stretched around his muscles. Sunset had to smack his hand away when he reached out to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. “Unless you want to make other arrangements. You know, I have been feeling a little lonely.”
“Not in a million years, pig!” Sunset snapped out at the jerk who was now openly leering at her.
“Fine then girlie, if you don’t want to play, then you have five minutes. Get what you want and get out!” The big guy chuckled, seeming assured that her would get Sunset to do whatever he wanted.
“I’ll be out in three!” Sunset snapped shocking the man and stomping into her apartment. She refused to let these creeps see her tears, not that she had many left after the long day she had. Seeing the devastation upon entering the splintered door almost made her lose all resolve. She had some decent clothes, gifts from Flash and a few others she actually had been close to at one time or another. Almost everything was scattered across the floor, cut up with a knife by the looks of it. Not even her shoes escaped the devastation, not that she had that many to begin with.
“Two minutes left, girlie, unless you want to rethink my offer.” The gruff bodyguard said. Refusing to even dignify that with a response, Sunset grabbed her duffel bag which thankfully escaped the devastation. Digging through her clothes she finally found a couple clean sets of underwear and a couple changes of clothing. Stuffing them into the bag, she went to her mattress, just now noticing how it wasn’t even with the box spring anymore. Fear gripped her heart as she kneeled down beside it and pushed up enough to look under it. The money was gone.
“Where is my money?” Sunset demanded as she turned to look at the hulking form of the bodyguard standing over her.
“Don’t even pull that with me, girlie.” The bodyguard growled, grabbing Sunset’s bag and purse in one hand, yanking her up by her upper arm with the other. She struggled to get lose, but even with her higher than average strength, the steroid freak dragged her roughly from the apartment. She was already feeling shocked at everything, but she wasn’t prepared to be thrown down on the ground and her bags tossed at her. “Go on, get out of here.”
“What about my money?” Sunset whimpered as she pulled her bags to her, looking up with teary eyes at the man glaring down at her.
“If you had any money, it would be where you put it. I see trash like you all the time come through here, thinking they can claim they have money with no proof. If you used a bank like a normal person, then you idiots wouldn’t have to worry about it.” The man said, pulling a knife from his back pocket and idly pointed at Sunset.
“I hope you trip on your stupid knife!” Sunset sobbed as she grabbed her bags and jumped to her feet to run off. Her feet were killing her, but she was too scared to stay there any longer. That man looked like he wanted to hurt her, and he didn’t care how he did it.
It was already late though, and with no money other than maybe a few dollars in her purse, she didn’t have anything she could do. No way to get a room for the night at even the cheapest hotel, and nobody to turn to to beg a couch to crash on. She was alone, completely and utterly alone in the world.
As she cut through the park she noticed that the hiking trail had a lot of trees and no signs of anyone going back through the bushes. It was warm enough out tonight that she supposed it couldn’t hurt. Slowly she made her way back through the bushes, walking around several dozen trees until she could no longer see the trail. Finding a spot with a good patch of grass, Sunset sat down on the ground. Using the duffel bag as a pillow, she laid down and hugged her purse to her. After a few minutes she couldn’t hold it back any longer as one sob after another racked her body. The last thought before she could get to sleep was, “How much worse can things get?”
Waking up at the first rays of the sun was never something Sunset enjoyed doing, despite what her cutie mark was. Waking up on the cold hard ground, her neck hurting from the lumpy makeshift pillow, didn’t help in the least. She wasn’t sure just how long she stayed there, hugging her purse tightly to her, as she tried to figure out what to do. Would Principal Celestia help her if she went to the older woman? Probably not with the way Vice-Principal Luna had reacted to her presence. Then again Luna did say that Celestia was more willing to give her a second chance.
A second chance though wasn’t help in finding a place to stay or food though, it was letting her come back to school when her temporary banishment was lifted. She highly doubted Celestia actually wanted to see her after all the trouble that Sunset caused until the older woman had plenty of time to cool off. Even then she doubted Celestia would really want to do much to help her until she could prove she wanted to be a better person. And even then a small part of her whispered that Celestia still wouldn’t forgive her.
Sitting up she clutched her purse to herself as she looked around. She wasn’t too sure what to do, yesterday was a bust on job searches, and she checked about every job that hired teens. She was sure that she wasn’t going to find a job easily now, and despite being in the world for a few years, she had no idea what she could do. She could possibly go to another city, but it would be a long walk, not that she could. She was afraid to get too far away from the mirror since she could feel its magic, and if it somehow opened early, she wouldn’t make it back before it closed again. Yes, she wanted to go home to Canterlot and face the consequences. It was better than being stuck here like this any longer.
Climbing to her feet, she shouldered her duffle bag and clutched her purse to her. It was going to be a long day, but if she could make it to Monday she could at least get some food. For now though she needed a place to clean up, and without a bathroom she had little choices in the matter. Remembering that the park had a public restroom she guessed that maybe she could clean up in the sink a little at least.
The bathroom wasn’t exactly the cleanest, but with only one person locked in the stall Sunset sat her things down on the floor next to the sink and started the water waiting for it to warm up. After it was at a decent temperature, she squirted some soap from the container bolted to the wall and washed her hands. Getting more soap, she lathered it up and started washing her face. It was kind of nasty smelling antibacterial stuff, the scent very strong, and she wasn’t really expecting just how bad it would sting her eyes.
As she cried out, furiously splashing water in her face in an attempt to wash away the soap, the door opened on the stall and a girl slowly made her way out, eyeing the bags on the floor and Sunset. Faster than Sunset could get the soap washed away, the girl grabbed the bags and ran off. By the time Sunset managed to get the soap washed away, leaving her eyes red and bloodshot, she saw that her things were missing. With a cry of surprise Sunset looked around the restroom before running out of the exit, not seeing anyone near by.
“You can’t be serious!” Sunset cried out in frustration as she turned and punched the wall behind her. Screaming in pain as she cradled her hand, she was glad that it didn’t seem to be broken, but it would be sore for a day or two.
She wanted to break down and cry right there, what little she had left had just been stolen, including what little identification she had. Without that there was no way to keep looking for a job, even if there was very little chance of finding one with her reputation. She literally had nothing but the clothes on her back as even what little hope she had was gone.
“Good morning, dearie.” An older woman with graying hair, a brown sweater and old, stained slacks said in greeting. “Are you okay?”
“Let’s see, I haven’t really eaten since Friday, I lost my apartment, and someone just stole what little I had left.” Sunset snapped out, an old familiar feeling that she was once used to flaring up for a moment. The anger quickly flowed out of her though leaving an emptiness deep in her soul.
“I’m so sorry to hear that, dearie.” The woman said sadly, “I too have fallen on hard times. I was just going to get breakfast if you would like to join me.”
“I don’t have any money.” Sunset whimpered, her stomach growling, demanding to be fed.
“Oh honey, you don’t need money if you know where to look.” The older woman chuckled, giving Sunset an amused look. “Come along child, I’ll show you how to survive on the streets. My name is Maria.”
“My name’s Sunset.” Sunset said softly as she walked with the woman through town. It was strange that this woman seemed happy to help her, but she couldn’t help being a little weary of her.
“So child, want to tell me how you ended up homeless?” Maria asked kindly, the two of them waiting to cross the street to a Burger Queen. Sunset was about to deny being homeless, but the stark realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She was homeless with nowhere to turn, no one she could really trust.
“I…I don’t want to talk about it.” Sunset sighed, a look of annoyance crossing the older woman’s face for a moment. The crossing signal finally changed to green before the woman could respond making the two hurry across the street.
“You will have to talk about it sometime dearie, but for now we have arrived.” Maria said confusing Sunset. They were standing behind the restaurant, in front of the dumpster. The smell alone was making Sunset queasy as she watched the woman walk forward and climb up on a ridge on the dumpster to look down inside of it.
“You can’t be serious.” Sunset gagged, covering her mouth as she watched wide eyed as Maria ripped open one bag after another before pulling out a wrapped sandwhich and some fries covered in a couple pickles and mustard that possibly came off something else.
“Dearie, when you are hungry with no money, you sometimes have to do things that aren’t very pleasant. Maria said eating one of the fries before holding the container out towards Sunset. The smell coming from the yellow substance didn’t smell like mustard, and she wasn’t sure what caused it more, the stench or the thought of it, but Sunset spun around and started dry heaving making the woman angry. “This is good food! If you think your so good to be homeless with no money, and not have to eat things like this, then maybe yoy need a reality check!”
“I’m sorry!” Sunset cried out, stumbling back away from the woman. She couldn’t take the smell, true it may have been partly mental, but it didn’t matter. It was too much for her making her flee the scene. She really didn’t mean to upset the woman, Sunset knew she angered Maria, had offended the woman. What was she supposed to do though? She wasn’t used to this, she was used to getting her looks or blackmail to get what she needed. Now she was lost, no map or directions to find a way out of her situation.
2 DAYS AGO…WEDNESDAY
Tuesday had been a bust, nothing to eat and the only person who may have been a friend upset at her. The morning she had tried looking for a few more jobs, but met with the same trouble as the day before, with the new addition of not have identification even if someone did even debate about hiring her.
Now, she was looking through the park trying to find something to eat. Maybe some apples growing off a tree or some wild berries growing on a bush. Over an hour of searching she was ready to give up when she did find something. It wasn’t food though, but it was something that she could use.
Sitting on a park bench, nobody around her, Sunset studied the dull pocket knife in her hands. The handle was black plastic that had several chips and cracks, while the blade was dull with a little rust. The metal was cool to the touch as she traced it up and down her arm, following where she knew her veins were. It would be so easy to just apply a little pressure. Sure it would hurt for a few minutes, but if done right, then it shouldn’t last very long at all. All of her pain and problems would be over. All of her humiliation over every single cruel thing she did to people would be forgotten as it couldn’t haunt a dead body.
Did she really want that though? She had never given up before, but she really didn’t see any outs for her. There wasn’t really any help out there for her, and she doubted she would be allowed on school grounds smelling the way she was starting to. Her clothes were getting dirtier and dirtier, and with the few changes she had stolen, she couldn’t change. Still, she was stronger than this. Wasn’t she?
With a heavy sigh, Sunset stood all of a sudden and began walking away from the park. It was maybe a fifteen minute walk, but there was a bridge going cross a river running through Canterlot. It separated some of the worse parts of Canterlot from the main area where the school was. Standing on the bridge, she thought for awhile, weighing all the pros and cons of just ending it all as she hugged herself. It was a little chilly, and she didn’t have a jacket or anything to help protect for the cold.
Looking out over the now peaceful waters below, Sunset took a shuddering breath as she tried to stop the tears. It seemed that was all she had done since her sound defeat at the Fall Formal. She wasn’t sure how she had so many tears, but maybe it was holding them back for so long, storing them up. Still, lost or not, she couldn’t bring herself to end it. Not like this. Taking a deep breath, Sunset drew the knife back and hurled it with as much force as she could off the side of the bridge into the waters below. She knew if she kept it, then she may end up doing something stupid. Maybe not today, but soon. Desperation was a powerful motivator.
1 DAYS AGO…THURSDAY
Once again, Sunset stood on the bridge from the day before, looking over the edge down into the waters below. Unlike yesterday, she was standing up on the railing as wind whipped her hair back and forth threatening to blow her over the edge. She didn’t really care though as tears fell freely as she shuddered from the biting cold. It was much colder than the previous day, and the hunger pains was beyond anything that she had ever felt before. They were staring to go from being highly uncomfortable, to actually painful. She was practically at the end of her rope, regretting throwing the knife away. At least she had the bridge…
“What the heck do you think your doing?” A male voice cried out in alarm, grabbing her around the waist and yanking her off the railing and onto the firm floor of the bridge. Squirming away Sunset took a few steps away to turn and look at an incredibly handsome, if sleazy looking man. He had slicked back blonde hair and a pair of dark shades over his eyes. He was wearing what looked to be a very expensive suit, a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. He had a bit of stuble, a soul patch on his chin. All in all he seemed kind of sleazy to Sunset for a reason…maybe it was the way she could just feel his eyes slowly tracing her body up and down, despite his sunglasses, before smiling as if he hit the jackpot.
“Don’t touch me!” Sunset screamed out, slashing her hand through the air angrily. How dare he but into her life? Yet, she couldn’t help feeling a little thankful that he had stopped her as she realized that if he didn’t, she may have just jumped. It was enough to make her legs start to feel weak.
“Hey, no problem. Just thought it would be a waste for such a cute thing like you to just jump like that. I mean surely, I bet it would shatter some poor guy’s heart. Or is he the reason you were doing that? If so, then he’s an idiot.” The man smiled, “Name’s Jack West, I own a club not far from here.”
“Uh…it wan’t over some stupid guy!” Sunset snapped out, fighting off the blush that his compliment caused. She couldn’t figure out if he was looking at her like a piece of meat or something that was broken. Either was, it sort of made her mad. It was hard to be sure though without actually being able to see his eyes. “I…if it’s any of your business I can’t find a job and lost my apartment!”
“That’s horrible!” Jack gasped, sounding as if he was genuine with his concern. Something about the whole thing was bothering Sunset though, a voice whispering inside of herself that was begging her to walk away. “A cute thing like you, I’m sure you could get any job you wanted.”
“Yeah…you’d think that.” Sunset sighed, knowing full well that if she didn’t have the reputation for being a monster, or had proper identification, she may have found a job.
“Well, I’m always hiring, but the job may not be up your alley. A sweet girl like yourself, I mean surely you would want something better than I can offer.” Jack said, all of a sudden becoming unsure of himself as he stuffed is hands in his pocket. “I always need dancers and waitresses.”
“I can waitress.” Sunset said softly, more warning bells screaming in her head as she forced herself to ignore the dancer comment.
“Well, you see, my club caters to a certain clintelle. While none of my dancers or waitresses have to do anything they don’t want, there is a certain dress code you see.” Jack explained, looking up into the sky for a moment before looking back down at Sunset with a heavy sigh. “You see, all of my waitresses have to be topless during work, and have to dance at least once a week. The more you dance though, the more tips you make. And of course, there is private booths for…more private dances.”
“What?” Sunset asked, her mouth opening and closing, making herself resemble a fish.
“Just think about it, cutie.” Jack said, taking a card from his pocket and putting it in Sunset’s hands, closing them around it. “If you decide you want to give it a shot, come by tomorrow night. I’ll let you try dancing then waitressing, and see how things go.”
“I…I don’t want to do something like that!” Sunset cried out, watching the man start to walk away.
“Keep the card just in case, cutie! I pay cash nightly, no need for ID or anything.” Jack called out, waving back over his shoulder. She wasn’t sure what she was thinking as she pocketed the card, her face burning hotly in embarrassment at even doing that. There was no way she would do it though. The card was black with silver type, the outline of a woman’s bode with the letters ‘XXX’ proudly printed across it. She knew what kind of place it was, and knew the neighborhood it was in. There were dealers and prostitutes all over the area there, and most sane students from Canterlot stayed far away from it.
“Pervert!” Sunset finally cried out, but the man was out of sight by then.
CURRENT DAY…FRIDAY
All day yesterday since her run in with Jack, Sunset thought about his offer. She hated the fact that she couldn’t push it out of her mind, the thought of having to strip in front of a crowd of strangers unnerved her. Serving drinks and food topless was even more disgusting to her. Yet, it was the only thing she could see herself doing. Everyone hated her, she had no money and no identification. What else could she do?
Maybe if she wasn’t so hungry she would be able to figure something else out. She was filthy though, no food and no options. She felt that if she didn’t get something to eat by end of the weekend she may end up very sick. She was already feeling very light headed and nauseous all day, having very little strength.
It was growing dark as she crossed the bridge, going to find the club that jack supposedly owned. She was hoping that he would provide her with a place to clean up, and some hot food in exchange for doing just tonight. And maybe, just maybe, if things went okay she might actually think about staying on longer. Not that she planned to, just thinking about it was humiliating enough. She was actually starting to hate herself for coming here, even if she had finally broken down and saw no other way.
Finally finding the address on the card, Sunset stumbled into the street as her eyes locked onto the neon lit signs. Night had finally fully fallen, the blinking lights giving her the only illumination she had. She hugged herself tightly in disgust, shaking a little as she tried not to cry. Somewhere deep inside she knew that if she stepped inside this building that she would be trapped. She wouldn’t be kept as a prisoner, at least she hoped not, but she felt that if she stepped inside then she would be stuck doing this for more than just one night.
Stumbling a little, almost falling onto the middle of the road as she tried to get to the parking lot. She shivered more, the chill air mixing with her hoplessness. She tried to get across the street, she really did, but she felt so disgusted with herself and so weak at the moment that she didn’t care when a pair of headlights blinded her.
She didn’t pay attention to the car though, averting her gaze when the tires squealed as the car skidded to a stop. She wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe the driver cussing her out. When it didn’t come, Sunset stumbled a few more steps toward the building, trying her best to keep on her feet.
“There you are!” A very familiar voice called out from behind Sunset, just before a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her around to look up into Celestia’s worried eyes. Sunset tried to look away, but she heard the shocked gasp from Celestia. Sunset knew she looked horrible, besides being filthy, her eyes were red and bloodshot, as well as having bags under her eyes from lack of sleep. Despite having a spot away from the main path, Sunset still had trouble sleeping on the uncomfortable ground, jumping at every noise. “Sunset Shimmer…what are you doing at a place like this?”
“What do you care?” Sunset sobbed out, stepping toward Celestia as she sobbed out. She intended to get in the woman’s face and yell at her, but instead a dizzy spell washed over her, forcing her to pitch forward into Celestia’s arms. The older woman held her, trying to steady her until she finally lost the battle with consciousness.
“I think your lying to yourself again, Tia.” Discord said, lounging in the chair before her desk. Celestia stared across at him over her steepled fingers, arching an eyebrow to him despite wondering if she really was lying to herself. Yeah she was worried about Sunset, but what did she have to lie to herself about? She was only trying to make sure that the girl had the things she would need to make a real life in this world. Being an alien here, Sunset would need papers showing that she was born here and a guardian in case she ever needed to go to the hospital. Celestia had no intention of interfering in the girl’s life beyond giving Sunset the tools to survive here.
“And I think you are looking too much into things. Sunset deserves the things she needs to actually make a life here.” Celestia sighed, wincing when she saw the incredulous look on the man’s face.
“Like you actually had me forge school records when she claimed that her old ones burned up in a fire.” Discord retorted, chuckling as he rubbed his soul patch on his chin. If he wasn’t one of Celestia’s oldest friends, she would toss him out of the office. Then again, he wouldn’t be here because she wouldn’t have anyone to do this for her if they weren’t friends. The look he was giving her of pity was really getting to her.
“I saw a girl with untold potential, and now that I know her past, I feel…concerned for her. I’m not really sure how she survived so far, but if she is to survive the future then she needs a past.” Celestia sighed, looking over to Discord who was wearing a disturbing smirk on his face.
“Tia, you may be able to lie to yourself, but you can’t lie to me. If you are so sure this goes no further than simple concern, then let’s make a bet shall we?” Discord said as he leaned forward, his smirk growing even more. “If you can go two weeks without giving into these cute motherly instincts of yours, then I will owe you one favor, no questions asked.”
“And if I lose?” Celestia sighed, waiting for him to demand a date yet again.
“You see this woman I know. She’s a great counselor, and I think you need to talk to her about everything that happened between you and your sister.” Discord sighed, his smirk dropping as he sat back. His eyes went from teasing to worried which startled Celestia a little.
“I don’t need a head shrink, Discord.” Celestia mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. It’s true that since she met Sunset Shimmer, old feelings that she thought was long buried clawed their way back to the surface. She loved Luna, but it still hurt remembering that night so long ago. Celestia was only two months away from giving birth when she was driving home late one night. From out of nowhere another car slammed into hers, the driver drunk and getting hurt herself. That driver was Celestia’s own sister. Because of that night, Celestia could no longer get pregnant, and her baby girl which she was going to name Sunset was lost to her.
“I think you do, Luna’s told me about the tension between the two of you recently. And I think she’s right to worry, Tia. She loves you, we both do.” Discord said as he reached for her hands, but Celestia pulled away.
“She’s just being too overprotective.” Celestia denied, but she knew that Discord was right. Luna had been actively trying to drive a wedge between Celestia and Sunset lately, trying to take care of any matters concerning the girl instead of letting Celestia herself do so. A part of Celestia was angry about it, but another part of her was happy for it. While she still did her best to give Sunset more than once chance to change her ways, she did feel that she was getting too close to her. She felt a pull, almost like an attraction to the girl, but it wasn’t in a sexual way. It was more of a motherly way, though some students had rumors of things that the two have done. Some even going as far as calling Celestia crude names such as Molestia.
“If you are so sure, then take the bet.” Discord said, “Yelling at Luna like you did earlier for telling Sunset to leave wasn’t like you.”
“She knew I wanted to speak to her, and I only get a disconnect message when I call the number on file.” Celestia sighed. “I’m going to head over there later, if not, then tomorrow.”
“Tia.” Discord said, urging her to take the bet.
“Fine! I’ll take the bet, are you happy?” Celestia demanded, staring at the infuriating man. “But only if you tell me why you aren’t even batting an eyelash at this.”
“It’s because I’m the god of chaos, of course.” Discord chuckled making Celestia fume. Even back when they were going out, before the accident, he made that stupid claim. Looking at the serious look on his face now though, knowing what she did about that other world even if it wasn’t much, she had to wonder.
“Of course you are.” Celestia said deadpan, though a little worried seeing the confident look on the man’s face.
3 DAYS AGO…TUESDAY
The apartment complex was a dump, the very place that had been featured on the news more than once. The owner had been in trouble more times that Celestia could believe was possible when the place was still open. If she had known this was the place Sunset was staying at, the Celestia would have insisted the girl move in with her. This place had so many rumors of dark dealings going on here that it worried Celestia, made her wonder if Sunset was even safe staying here as long as she had. If only the news featured the address and not just a picture and name.
She was going to fix that though, she was going to make sure Sunset was safe. She had the paperwork to adopt Sunset, but she promised herself she wouldn’t pressure the girl into anything. All Sunset had to do was sign the paperwork and Celestia would be able to take up the role as guardian in case something happened. If Sunset wanted her own place then Celestia would pay for it herself just to get the girl away from here.
“Hey there pretty lady.” A large, gruff man greeted while leering as Celestia. The look in the man’s eyes made her feel dirty, which also made her blood boil. “So what cha doing around here? Come looking for some fun?”
“I’m here to see my student.” Celestia said, her voice cold and hard. She was going to walk around him, when he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. He quickly pulled it back as if burned when Celestia turned a heated glare on him.
“We ain’t got no kiddies here, not since da boss threw that chick out yesterday.” The man chuckled, “Stupid brat should have took my offer, at least she would still have a place to stay.”
“And what was this…offer?” Celestia asked as she arched an eyebrow.
“That she stop playing dumb and be what she is, a stupid little whore…” The man said, stopping his rant as he cried out in pain, clutching his groin as he fell down to his knees as Celestia pulled her foot back.
“You better hope that she is safe, of so help me, you won’t be.” Celestia growled out, turning on her heel and storming off toward the apartment that should be hers. When she got there, there was a man cleaning out the apartment. Several boxes sat outside the door filled with books and other things. Looking through them, Celestia was stunned that several pictures of Sunset was in them confirming that this was the girl’s place.
“Get away from that!” The older, balding man snapped out. He stomped up to Celestia to yank a picture frame with Sunset back when she won her last Formal crown. “This stuff ain’t yours, it rightfully belongs to me after being left by that little brat.”
“So you are the owner of this place?” Celestia asked, already knowing the answer. She had seen his image on the news more than once, and had a feeling about what was going on.
“Sure am, are you looking to rent?” The man asked, turning from grumpy to overly friendly in a blink of the eye. She would step foot on the moon long before she would rent anything from this…this…thing.
“No, I’m here to see my student. So, care to show me an eviction notice if you kicked her out of this place?” Celestia asked, sneering at the man as he looked like he was starting to get nervous. It was something he had gotten in trouble with before, and she was going to make sure he got in trouble again.
“I…I don’t need to show you anything!” The man snapped out defensively.
“I think you do, I know several police officers and lawyers, including the district attorney. Now you can tell me what I want to know, or I can go speak with them. Your choice.” Celestia said as she crossed her arms.
“What do you want to know?” The man sighed, obviously knowing he was beaten.
“First I want to know where Sunset Shimmer went, and second I want you to move her things to my car.” Celestia snapped as the larger man came stumbling up to them.
“Take these things to this woman’s car.” The owner snapped out, making the larger man’s shoulders slump.
“Fine.” The big man growled, giving Celestia the evil eye while grabbing a few things.
“It’s the white Escalade by the office. The doors are unlocked, just put them in the back. If anything is missing though, I will be back.” Celestia said, the big man shivering a little at the coldness in her voice. “Now, where is my student?”
“I don’t know, she ran off without saying where she was going.” The owner snapped.
“You better pray that she is okay, because I won’t rest until you are rotting in the darkest jail cell they have if she is hurt in any way.” Celestia growled, picking up the last box. “Is this everything that belongs to her?”
“Y-Yeah, everything she didn’t take.” The man whimpered as Celestia turned and stalked off, fuming as she headed to her car. The bigger man was nowhere to be seen, but when she put the box in the back, she saw the other boxes sitting there. Satisfied for the moment, she got into the front and started the engine. Before she pulled out, she dialed her niece’s boyfriend.
“What’s up, Auntie?” Shinning Armor asked over the phone, Celestia happy she didn’t get the voicemail.
“Yeah, you know the apartments over on Third Avenue? Could you look into them for me, I’m pretty sure they just evicted a student of mine who was on her own without properly filing for eviction.” Celestia asked. Sure she threatened this, but she never promised she wouldn’t do this if the creep cooperated. She only said she would for sure if he didn’t cooperate.
“Yeah, we have a few complaints we’re looking into already. Especially that bodyguard of his, he has several complaints for sexual harassment against him.” Shinning Armor said making Celestia worry about what could have happened to the girl. “Is your student okay?”
“I don’t know, I’m going to look for her. I’ll send you a pic, if you see her, please call me.” Celestia said, flipping through the pics on her phone. She had hundreds of pics of her students, she was very proud of the student body and all their accomplishments, so it wasn’t hard finding one. A few taps on the screen and the pic was sent off.
“Will do, Auntie, if you need anything else you know where to find me.” Shinning Armor said before hanging up. Putting her phone away she gripped the steering wheel and sighed. Where could she start looking for Sunset at? Would the girl know the few places around Canterlot that gave the homeless a place to stay? Would she even go to them if she did know about them? She wasn’t sure, but she could at least check them to make sure.
“Please be okay.” Celestia prayed silently.
2 DAYS AGO…WEDNESDAY
“You have to be kidding me, Tia!” Luna nearly shouted in exasperation as Celestia packed up some stuff into her purse and briefcase, including the last of the papers she needed that Discord dropped off before she went to bed. Not that she had much sleep worrying about Sunset and where she was sleeping at. Not one person from the shelters or food kitchens recognized the girl, making Celestia wonder if Sunset was actually doing better than first thought. Then again, most young people didn’t know about those places as they weren’t exactly common knowledge unless one needed them. And even then they could be a little difficult to find. Only reason she knew where they all were was because she often donated to them.
“I’m sure you can handle school for today, maybe even a few days if need be.” Celestia huffed as she slammed her briefcase closes on the table. She was a lot angrier than she wanted to admit to her little sister. She knew Luna only turned Sunset away from the school for her suspension in order to spare Celestia from doing so. She also specifically told Luna that she wanted to speak with Sunset before suspending her for the week, and her sister had went against those wishes. If not for Luna doing that, then Celestia wouldn’t have to spend the day out looking for her.
“I’m sorry, okay! I’m sorry I messed up, but really, you can’t keep doing this to yourself!” Luna said softly, looking away before continuing. “She isn’t her, Tia. I killed her…we both know it. I murdered my own niece!”
“You did not! That was the alcohol that creep got you hooked on. He got you addicted to the stuff!” Celestia cried out, gathering her now crying sister in her arms. Despite her words though, a small part of her did blame Luna. She didn’t want to, she really did love her sister, but Luna had caused all of the pain that Celestia had endured for years and still endured. No amount of talking to a counselor would ever take all of that pain away.
“Please Tia, let me go look. Just…just let me. You don’t need to be stressing over this.” Luna sniffed as she pulled back.
“Just take care of the school for me, Lulu. I have to do this, so please try and understand. I’m not trying to replace my daughter, I really am not, but there is a young woman out there with possibly no place to go and nobody to be there for her. She has so much potential, and I refuse to let that go to waste when I can help nurture it.” Celestia said kissing her little sister’s forehead. “You can call me if you truly need me, but please don’t call for something trivial.”
“Fine, just at least be careful.” Luna sighed hugging her sister.
CURRENT DAY…FRIDAY
Both Wednesday and Thursday had been a bust, she couldn’t find any sign of Sunset anywhere. It was like she just disappeared, and sadly she may have done just that. Young people on the street, with no place to go and nowhere to turn, often ended up disappearing in one form or another. Some dies from drug overdoses or getting diseases from being forced to do things they normally wouldn’t do. Others were kidnapped and either forced to work or worse. Some of them were forced into the sex trade with no hope for escape. Of course Celestia doubted Sunset would do any of that willingly, but even she wasn’t capable of fighting off a bunch of thugs armed with guns.
She wanted to be out there so much, wanted to be searching for the poor girl before something happened to her. Her worry only grew worse day by day, and the lack of sleep Celestia was getting was starting to affect her. It was hard to keep going, to stay awake, but she had to. She also found it hard to keep focused, but she had to take care of some reporters that came by earlier, but thankfully finally left. If it weren’t for them, she would have been out there earlier looking for Sunset.
“Yeah, my cousin said that freak was standing on the bridge ready to jump when some guy dragged her off.” Lyra was telling a girl whose name escaped Celestia at the moment. It wasn’t Bonbon, but she was sure that she had seen the girl before.
“Shimmer should have jumped, would have done the world a favor.” The girl huffed as she finished fishing a book out of her locker and slammed it closed.
“Hey, nobody deserves that, not even her. Yeah, she did all that with those freaky powers, but come on, she doesn’t deserve to die.” Lyra sighed, looking away. “You know, I kind of feel sorry for her. I don’t think she did everything she has because she’s a bad person. From what I heard she didn’t have anybody and was probably trying to just have some control over her life.”
“Yeah, by blackmailing the entire student body?” The girl scoffed.
“She really wasn’t that bad. Did you know that…she saved me once?” Lyra admitted softly, the girl almost dropping her book.
“You have to be kidding me!” The girl gasped in shock.
“Yeah, that thug Gilda was threatening to beat me up, but Sunset stepped in and saved me. Sure she kind of demanded payment afterwards…but after finding out that she was on her own, she probably needed that money…you know?” Lyra explained, wiping her eye a little. “She was all alone these last couple years, did she even have a place to live?”
“I don’t care, and if you do then your crazy. Anyways I have to get to class.” The girl said as she walked away from Lyra who gave a heavy sigh.
“Lyra, can I talk to you a minute?” Celestia asked, finally making herself known to the girl.
“H-How much of that did you hear?” Lyra asked, swallowing nervously as she looked away in shame as Celestia stared at her.
“All of it. I’m proud of you for actually taking the time to think about Sunset’s situation. Not many of the students have.” Celestia sighed.
“Well, she did blackmail me, so I have to admit I don’t really want to jump at the chance of becoming friends with her Principal Celestia. But she did help me out, more than once when I really needed it, so I think she was a nicer person than she let on. She’s just…a victim of circumstance.” Lyra said softly, “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have anybody to be there for me.”
“No matter what, you can always come to me if you need anything. My office is always open for the students here, and I will always do my best to help.” Celestia said softly, giving Lyra an encouraging smile as the girl looked up. “But I heard you say that your cousin saw her?”
“Yeah, she was standing on the bridge going to the slums.” Lyra said softly, “She said it looked like Sunset was going to jump when this guy grabbed her and pulled her off the railing.”
“Did your cousin say what this man looked like?” Celestia asked, hoping for some more information.
“No, just that she saw the fre…I mean Sunset.” Lyra said, blushing at the slip of the tongue.
“Why do you call her a freak?” Celestia asked, trying to keep her annoyance in check. She knew she was tired and would probably get angry quick if she didn’t.
“Well, she is, isn’t she? She’s some kind of demon or something.” Lyra said, looking around as if something might be coming after her.
“No, she’s a normal person like us. Just, well, maybe a little different, but not a freak. From what I understand of what Twilight told me before leaving, Sunset isn’t a threat to anyone and what happened was because that magic crown thing of hers was used by someone it didn’t belong to.” Celestia explained. “Please, don’t call her a freak.”
“Sorry.” Lyra said abashed, “I might have got caught up in the whole mob mentality thing.”
“It’s okay, but please try not to. And please consider trying to get your friends to at least think about some of what you said. Maybe if a few people start to see the kinder side of Sunset, then maybe other will to.” Celestia said, “You better get to class though, if your teacher asks, tell them I had you detained and to call me if they have any questions.”
“Okay, thank you Principal Celestia.” Lyra said before hurrying off.
For the next several hours, even though Luna wasn’t too thrilled with Celestia running off alone again, Celestia had combed the entire neighborhood in the slums as well as Neon Alley. Neon Alley was the strip that had all kinds of stores, stores that Celestia wouldn’t be caught dead visiting. With darkness falling it was easy to see all the glowing bright lights that were starting to become a little too distracting. So distracting that she had to hit the brakes hard when she almost missed seeing a shadowy shape in the middle of the road. Staring in shock at the now illuminated red hair with blonde streaks, Celestia whispered a quiet thank you before jumping out and hurrying to catch up to the teen.
“There you are!” Celestia cried out, reaching out and grabbing Sunset’s wrist to spin her around to look at her. Celestia nearly let out a sob seeing the condition the girl was in. Her hair and clothes were of course a mess, the smell coming of them testament to how long it had been since she had a good bath. Her eyes though, they looked dead and her face looked as if it started to shallow out from malnutrition. Celestia couldn’t help wonder just how long it had been since she had a good meal. Looking up to see where the girl was walking to shocked Celestia, but hoped that there was some explanation. “Sunset Shimmer…what are you doing at a place like this?”
“What do you care?” Sunset sobbed out, taking a step toward Celestia before stumbling. Celestia barely caught the girl in her arms in time, supporting her. Celetia’s heart ached at the dead sounding quality to the girl’s voice and how hoarse it sounded. Sunset seemed to be on the edge of being broken, if she wasn’t already making Celestia pray silently that she wasn’t too late to help her. Sighing as she realized the girl lost conciousness, Celetia did her best to get Sunset into the car and get her strapped in.
Her first thought was to get the girl to a hospital, but that was a bad idea at the moment. Of course she had paperwork saying Sunset was her adopted daughter, but the name was different, and if Sunset insisted that her name was what her name really was, then that could lead to trouble. Also, there was the fact that Sunset didn’t really have any real records other than forged ones. If she had somehow been to the hospital and they pulled up records, there could be complications in Celestia’s plans to help the girl. And there was also the fact that if she didn’t make sure that Sunset had the paperwork, as well as signing the most important ones that needed filing, then the police may take her away. They could either think she was trying to steal someone’s identity, or worse. For now she decided it would be best to see if she could take care of the girl. If worse came to worse, she would take Sunset to the hospital if the girl didn’t seem to get better.
Hitting the gas after settling herself back behind the wheel, Celestia drove off towards home.
“Owwww…my head…” Sunset whimpered, sitting up and holding her head in her hands. It seemed like the room was spinning wildly for a few moments, but it thankfully didn’t last too long. Slowly cracking her eyes open, she found herself in a dark room with a red hazy light coming from the side. A part of Sunset started to freak out believing it to be the demon from her nightmares finally come to finish her off. After a few steadying breaths, she realized she was panicking over nothing as the light was coming from the clock on a small night stand. Not that there was much light to show much detail of the room, but she could feel that she was in a very soft, and very comfy bed.
Once again her panic began rising again as she realized she was in somebody’s bedroom. Did that creep from the club catch her and drag her here? She should have known better to grab that creep, but she was getting desperate. A part of her was wishing that she was just dead, that she was finally free and safe of the pain of the last week. Of all the pain and loneliness she felt since she ran from Canterlot. Sure she always did her best to make sure she stayed on top, even if she hurt others to do it. She still cared though, no matter how the darkness in her heart had tried to tell her otherwise.
That darkness was banished with the rainbow colored lasers that had both destroyed her life and gave her a second chance. She always knew something was there, a dark thing taking residence in her soul ever since she tried to make contact with the Mare in the Moon. Ever since Twilight and her friends used the Elements of Harmony against her, she felt so guilt ridden and self hating as she remembered every little detail of every wrong thing she had done.
Maybe this was what she deserved, a worthless excuse for a human being or pony becoming this creeps plaything. After all the humiliation and pain she caused others, maybe it was time she felt the same. Maybe it was time that she was punished for it all. A small whimper of fear escaped Sunset since while a part of her believed she deserved it, she really didn’t want it to happen.
‘Stop moaning and get up!’ A voice inside Sunset’s mind cried out, sounding very much like Sunset’s own. She couldn’t help smiling a little as she thought she was finally cracking up. The voice was right, she wasn’t really sure where she was and the only way to find out was to get up.
“Thank Heaven, I thought I heard you up.” A familiar voice said as a small shaft of light filtered into the room giving it some light. As Sunset looked up to see who it was, the lights flared on in the room making her temporarily blind. As the spots faded and she could see the worried expression on Celestia’s face, she finally stopped shaking. She couldn’t help mentally berating herself for shaking in fear like that, though she really didn’t realize she was doing so until she actually stopped. “Ever since I found out about what you were, I was afraid to take you to the hospital. I wanted to talk to you about that Monday, but you never came to see me…I’m so sorry Luna turned you away like she did.”
“Why? Why do you even care?” Sunset choked out, her throat raw and voice hoarse. She was a little shocked by just how bad she sounded, but should have realized all the crying and no drinking water didn’t help all that much. She couldn’t keep looking at Celestia as the woman sat down in the bed next to her, legs crossed and hanging off the bed while she turned to brush some of Sunset’s hair from the girl’s eyes.
“Because sweetie, you are one of my students.” Celestia said softly, yet her voice held the tone of conviction to it as well as a heavy dose of concern. “I love all of my students.”
“Yeah right, Molestia!” Sunset snapped out, immediately regretting it when she saw the brief flash of pain in the older woman’s eyes. Sunset wasn’t sure why she said it, she never believed those stupid rumors of idiots like Gilda and Lightning Dust. “I’m sorry…you didn’t deserve that…”
“No, I didn’t, but it’s understandable. You’ve been hurt very badly and you are scared.” Celestia said, putting a finger on the girl’s lips to cut off the coming protest. “Please don’t deny it, Sunset. I know you are scared, anybody would be in your position. You’ve lost everything, haven’t you?”
“Y-Yeah.” Sunset sniffled, nodding her head as Celestia pulled her hand back with a heavy sigh. “I deserved it though because of everything that I’ve done.”
“Nobody deserves having everything they have stripped from them because of greed. That disgusting pig that ran your apartments is being charged with a lot of things that I can’t even begin to begin listing. I have a contact in the police force that can’t be bought off like the last ones, and he’s finally getting what’s coming to him.” Celestia said, happy that she was able to share that bit of news. Shinning Armor had called her yesterday to inform her of the quick investigation, and he was sure that the more in depth one was going to turn up a lot more things to be added to the already long list of charges. “I did get a lot of your things from there, but I’m not sure if it’s everything.”
“Why go through all that trouble for me?” Sunset asked, looking up in disbelief at the older woman who was giving a gentle, caring smile.
“I love all of my students, especially those that has so much potential in them. Such as yourself, Sunset Shimmer. You have the potential to truly shine, and I intend to see you do so.” Celestia explained, all the while giving an encouraging smile to the teen.
Sunset couldn’t help feeling some doubt, especially seeing exactly who was offering such hope. Hope wasn’t something that came cheap to Sunset, and seeing that the human version of her old mentor was the one offering it, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to accept it. She knew that Celestia had betrayed her once in her home world, and she was sure the one from this world would do the same.
‘You were the one who betrayed her first.’ The voice from earlier accused Sunset, making the girl wince at the brutal truth of it. Yet, there was a hint of doubt still lingering. It was something Sunset doubted she would easily overcome, but maybe…just maybe, everything would be okay.
“Thank you for helping me.” Sunset sighed, clutching the sheets that were pooled around her waist in her fists. “But I dug my own grave. What ever happens…I deserve it. I deserve to suffer.”
She couldn’t deny hurting all those people who were close to her, even in this world which started with Flash Sentry and even her two servants who were her friends all along, only to have hurt them time and time again. She was ashamed to admit it now, yet at the time a part of her took joy in hurting them. It was something that was as confusing as it was the truth.
‘My fault…all my fault…’ The voice piped in, sounding so full of sadness and regret, even in Sunset’s own mind.
“Sunset?” Celestia asked, sitting up straighter as she switched from caring and nurturing into a more serious, impending lecture mode. “How long have you been in our world?”
“Three…maybe four years. The first year I studied how humans acted so I would fit in better while studying at the library to learn everything I could about this world. Next year I’ll be a senior…and after that…I’m not sure. I can’t keep faking paperwork that I need to make a real life here.” Sunset sighed. After high school was over, she had no illusions of being able to make it after this week. She had learned that nobody wanted to hire her, well mostly nobody since a few would have given her a chance if she could have provided documents proving who she was. After she lost everything, even her faked documents, she no longer had those papers and no place would hire her.
“That must have been awful…all alone here with nobody to help you.” Celestia sighed, the saddened and worried look on her face bothering Sunset a little. There was pity clearly written across her expression that sent a chill up the teen’s spine as she shifted in the bed.
“Yeah…I made it though. I brought over some things that was basically worthless back home, but I was able to sell for a lot of money in a pawn shop.” Sunset explained, not really wanting to get into everything that she did. Some of it she wasn’t too proud of, but nothing that she was really ashamed of until… “Oh no…please…please tell me you didn’t…where did you find me? What happened?”
The panic in Sunset’s voice was rising quickly as humiliation washed through her. She knew what she was going to do would be humiliating, but she was hoping that she could work through it. What she didn’t want was somebody that she actually knew seeing her there…especially Celestia herself. Despite a part of her hating the woman, blaming her for what the pony version did to her…she also loved the woman. Loved her like the mentor and mother figure the pony version was to her for so long.
“Have you…been doing that for long?” Celestia asked softly, shifting her eyes so she wasn’t looking at the girl. She was worried that Sunset had actually been doing it for a long time and had gotten involved in the darker aspects of that life. Especially the drugs…she wasn’t sure what she could do if Sunset was addicted to drugs…but it would explain the girl’s wild mood swings at times over the last few years. Then again, they always happened during the same time of year…so hopefully it was something else. Maybe some kind of anniversary or something.
Sunset just wanted to run away and never look back or just lay down and die at that very moment. She had never felt such embarrassment, such humiliation in her entire life. There was no hope that Celestia didn’t know about her going to that club now, and she had no idea how the woman was going to react. Or even if Celestia would believe her if told the truth. Shaking a little, she decided to just tell the truth as she clutched her eyes shut trying to fight back the tears.
“I was given a card and offered a job there…I…I didn’t know what else to do! I was so cold…so hungry…I didn’t know…what…to do…” Sunset said, tears leaking out from under her eyelids as she shook. “That was the first time…the first time I went there…and I didn’t even make it to the door!”
The tight, yet comforting embrace that Sunset found herself in shocked her, yet comforted her so much. It felt so familiar, something that she had been missing for years. There was something that was unsaid in the air, something in the woman’s eyes that Sunset had been seeing since waking up as well as in her actions. Something that was so…familiar. It took a few moments to understand what it was, but she finally did at the same time the voice in her head said it.
‘She’s lonely…’
How was that possible? Sunset had her sister and all the students at the school looking up to her. How could the woman be lonely? How could she feel such loneliness when she had true admiration and love from those around her?
“Well we can fix two of those problems right now.” Celestia said with a smile, brushing Sunset’s dirty hair back and kissing the top of her head.
“Wh-what? What do you mean?” Sunset asked in shock, looking up to the returned smile that offered so much encouragement.
“Well you can be warm here.” Celestia said softly, all of a sudden becoming a little nervous. Sunset wasn’t sure why she would be nervous all of a sudden, but she seemed sincere. There were no hints at deception anywhere. “And second, we can get you something warm to eat. We can talk about other matters later.”
“Th-Thank you.” Sunset said softly, unable to say anything else. She was deeply grateful for the chance to have a real meal, and a place to stay for the night. The sudden growl from Sunset’s stomach caused the teen to blush in embarrassment while Celestia giggled lightly. Sunset wasn’t sure how long her good fortune would last, but for the moment things were actually looking up. She wasn’t sure for how long though, good things hardly ever really happened to her…and when they did, it didn’t last for long.
There was no way to keep from moaning in pleasure as the hot water cascaded down her body. She would never take a hot shower for advantage again after the week she had. Sunset jumped a little when she heard the door to the bathroom opening, a shadow against the thick white curtain of the shower moving around a little.
”I put you some clothes that should fit good enough for now, Sunset.” Celestia called through the curtain. “I have water heating for oatmeal, I hope that’s good enough for now.”
“Anything would be great!” Sunset said, hugging herself a little, just enjoying the sensation of the water trailing down her body and washing away a weeks worth of dirt that she couldn’t get off in a bathroom sink.
“That’s good, hurry up and finish and we can have a bite of breakfast. Later today I’ll take you to the mall and get you some clothes of your own.” Celestia said, “Too bad your stuff didn’t have clothes in it from the apartment.”
“There is some stuff I’m really glad that you got. I regretted leaving it when I did; they’re a few keepsakes from…there.” Sunset sighed, not able to call it home really. While she wasn’t really sure about her housing, she did feel that this world was her home despite the lack of magic. Though she was feeling a little alienated from even this world now over the last week, but she knew she was the one to blame for it.
“Well, I’ll meet you in the kitchen, and I’ll see about getting your clothes cleaned later.” Celestia responded before leaving the bathroom to let Sunset finish washing up. Not that she really needed to, she finished washing up about five minutes ago…including scrubbing her hair three times. She was just enjoying the hot water after so long.
Sighing, almost wishing she could stand there forever, the promise of food was a good motivator. Turning the water off, Sunset dried off and stepped from the shower. The panties and sweats fit good enough after tying the sweats off, but the tee was a little long. She couldn’t get the bra on though which annoyed her, yet made her feel a little pride at that.
‘Don’t go gloating that you have a bigger bust that your mentor…don’t need to fall back on old habits.’ That annoying voice whispered in her mind, starting too annoy Sunset. She pushed the thought that it was something other than her out of her mind though, knowing that after everything that she had been though she would possibly be having trouble. Who knows, with the way it sounded it could be her conscience or a little angel sitting on her shoulder.
Ignoring the voice, she looked in the mirror, wrapping her still damp hair up in a towel. She looked a little better than she knew she looked a day earlier. She had seen her dishelved appearance in the mirror in the park’s restroom. Still, she wasn’t as good as she was before the whole incident at the Fall Formal, but she was looking a little better at least.
Tearing her gaze from the mirror, she finished getting ready for the day…even if it was a little early yet. She was hungry though and was looking forward to eating some good food. Opening the bathroom door she was assaulted by the smell of cooking breakfast sausage, and not the expected oatmeal. Walking down the short hallway she came across the small kitchenette directly off the living room where Celestia was standing at an island frying what looked like sausage and pancakes.
“Have a seat, Sunset. I already made you some oatmeal and hot cocoa, but I forgot I had the sausage in the freezer and some pancake mix left up in the cabinet.” Celestia said, waving to the food at the opposite side of the island where Sunset cautiously pulled up a stool and sat. “You can eat what ever you want, I’m not really hungry myself. I usually don’t get much breakfast since I wake up late normally.”
“You wake up late?” Sunset asked, taking the spoon next to the steaming bowl and mixed the thick concoction. It did smell good, real maple syrup and brown sugar mixed into it, unlike the instant stuff.
She had a hard time imagining this woman waking up late since she was the double of Princess Celestia, a pony who’s very job description was being up at the crack of dawn to raise the sun. Hearing that this woman did no such thing was a little surprising, but Sunset found herself thankful for that as it made the differences that much more obvious between the two Celestias.
“Yeah, I tend to stay up late a lot of nights talking to my sister when she comes over, or reading before bed. It’s so easy to get lost in a good book, you know?” Celestia giggled, adding more pancakes to the already growing pile as Sunset tasted the oatmeal…another spoonful quickly following.
“Yeah, a good book can be hard to put down at times.” Sunset sighed.
“Here, eat up. Sorry all I have is butter and syrup. No fruits or whipped cream.” Celestia said, smiling as she put the new plates loaded with food next to Sunset. The older woman took a mug with a pun in it and poured some steaming water into it, stirring it before taking a seat near the teen.
“After this week…I wouldn’t care if they were just plain pancakes.” Sunset said softly, but continued to put the food away at an incredible pace.
“You don’t have to eat so fast, dear. The food isn’t going anywhere.” Celestia sighed sadly, taking a sip of her drink. The smell coming from the mug letting Sunset know it must have been coffee.
“S-Sorry. Just…well, I’m kind of really hungry…you know?” Sunset said, blushing in embarrassment.
“Don’t worry about it, I just don’t want you getting sick.” Celestia said as she picked up a briefcase that was leaning against the counter as Sunset got close to finishing all the food on her plates. She nervously opened it, pulling out a manila folder that she sat down near Sunset. “Sunset, have you ever thought about what to do after you graduate from school?”
“Not really.” Sunset sighed, wiping her mouth off with a napkin as she couldn’t help feeling a little dread. She didn’t want another Celestia who cared more about her being a student than a person…than…anything else…
“Well, I admit I kind of pushed things when you…lied about your parents traveling. I made sure that you got registered at the school…but that was something that could be done kind of easily. There’s other things that can’t be done so simply, including getting real identification, birth certificate and a guardian who can vouch for you.” Celestia said, sliding the folder closer to Sunset. “These papers will give you all of that if you sign them. Don’t worry, I won’t try and become your mother or force you to do anything. You need this though if you actually plan to survive past school.”
“So…you want to what? Adopt me in name only?” Sunset asked, opening the folder and seeing the adoption paperwork held inside. She couldn’t help feeling a little hurt at that, not that she even expected this much. A part of her actually wanted to be adopted, especially by Celestia…this Celestia…but it seemed that this woman was going to be just another alicorn who cared less for her and more for her being a model student. “You don’t want me?”
“Sunset…I…I’m not going to lie to you.” Celestia sighed softly, averting her gaze…almost afraid to meet Sunset’s eyes. “I…don’t want to push you away, but honestly…I’d be proud to adopt you as a daughter. I’d give anything to have a daughter like you. I know that you have been on your own and probably don’t want me to…”
Any more of what Celestia was going to say was cut off as Sunset tackled her, actually knocking the two to the ground as Sunset cried. Slowly Celestia wrapped her arms around the girl, soothing her as the teen sobbed into the older woman’s rumpled shirt.
“I’d give anything to have a mother…especially one like you. The thing I always wanted most was a family…a mother…” Sunset sobbed as Celestia stroked her hair, staying on her back as Sunset lay on top of her.
“Then I’d love to adopt you Sunset, but we do have a small problem.” Celestia said softly, afraid of what the girl’s reaction was going to be. Sunset sat up, wincing when she saw Celestia stiffly sit up as well to meet the girl’s eyes.
“Wh-what is it?” Sunset asked softly.
“My contact that set this up for us…kind of messed up your name and we really can’t get it fixed that easily. Your name will be Sunrise Shimmer from now on if…if you do this.” Celestia explained softly, fearing the girl’s inevitable explosion of anger. She was shocked when Sunset instead smiled softly.
“Sunrise…like the start of a new day, I’d be able to start a new life. A real second chance?” Sunset asked softly, looking hopefully at Celestia. “Are you sure you want to do this though? I’ve done so much, hurt so many people. I’m not sure I even deserve this…I probably don’t deserve this.”
“You do deserve this, and so much more good.” Celestia whispered as she leaned over to hug Sunset tightly, kissing the top of her head.
“Does this mean I get to call you mom?” Sunset nervously asked, making it sound as if she was joking.
“Only if you want to.” Celestia replied, smiling at the question, smile increasing a thousand fold at the next words the girl spoke.
“I’d like that, mom.” Sunset whispered. No, Sunrise whispered as she couldn’t help feeling better than she could ever remember.
‘You deserve to be happy.’ The voice in her head whispered, only to go ignored as Sunrise basked in the loving embrace of her soon to be adopted mother. Sure it was moving kind of fast, but it was something Sunrise had always dreamed of and even if she was scared that it wouldn’t work out…she felt as if she needed to give it her best shot at making it work.
Celestia was also a little worried to about alienating the girl as she had always wanted a daughter, and she didn’t lie. She really would be proud if her daughter had lived and grown up to be who Celestia was sure her newly adopted daughter truly was deep in her heart.
After the two separated again, the newly named Sunrise looked over the papers again, eager to get them signed. She was happy to notice that Celestia was also acting just as eager to have it done as well. She had to admit that she was a little hesitant signing away her old name, something that truly belonged to her since her birth…but what was a name compared to having her heart’s desire?
“And that should be it, I’ll drop you off at the mall later today and let you do some shopping while I drop these off with my friend quickly for filing. I’ll make sure to be back by lunch so we can eat together…if that’s okay?” Celestia said as she double checked the papers to make sure nothing was out of place. She didn’t want anything coming back because an ‘i’ wasn’t dotted or anything.
“I don’t have any money really.” Sunrise said slowly.
“Well, I’ll be giving you some and I’ll also be giving you an allowance. We can talk about all that later though.” Celestia said through a yawn as she stretched, “I would like if you didn’t worry about a job right now. I want you to concentrate on your studies, friends…and our relationship…not on worrying about working.”
“You don’t have to.” Sunrise said softly, shifting in place nervously as Celestia slipped the folder back into her briefcase. She didn’t want to freeload off the woman really, no mater if the woman was becoming her mother.
“I want to, it’s what mothers do for their children.” Celestia said softly, not really wanting to admit just yet that she wasn’t exactly without money and resources. She was actually very wealthy since she came from a family that could actually be traced back to royalty, though that was before their family left the country after they switched to a different governmental style. That was some thousand years ago, and even if it couldn’t be verified a hundred percent, their family had always been wealthy.
Both Luna and herself had inherited insanely large sums of money, and that was while their older sister and family were still living. They would only inherit a lot more when their parents died as it would be split three ways between the sisters. The larger companies would be run by their eldest sister, but Luna and Celestia herself still had a lot of interest in the companies.
Celestia was the principal at the school because she was trying to fill the void in her life. She couldn’t have children so she took a job that may not have paid what she could earn going to work for one of the family’s companies, but it allowed her to be around children which she loved dearly. She took her job seriously, even if it was little more than a hobby for her, to help encourage and nurture the students that came through her school’s halls. She felt proud of every single one of them when they graduated and went on to do great things.
She did need to call her lawyer first thing Monday though and set up a will just in case something happens to her. She intended to leave everything she had to Sunrise, her new daughter. Sure she may have been acting a little rashly, but after losing her daughter all those years ago, she learned never to wait…never to take things for granted. Nothing in guaranteed in life, especially another day.
Sure Sunrise had enjoyed the morning very much, having a warm place to stay and food to fill her stomach after a long week was something she deeply appreciated. Still, she couldn’t help letting the doubt slowly seep back in despite all of Celestia’s reassurances. She still had trouble believing that Celestia truly cared as much as she appeared to, not after everything that happened with the pony version. There were so many differences though; enough to truly set the woman apart from her pony version, but Sunrise was having trouble seeing that. Sure her head knew it mentally, but deep in her heart there were doubts that was hard to banish.
If her doubts about being with Celestia as the woman’s adopted daughter wasn’t enough to mess with her somewhat fragile feelings at the moment…there was the fact that she couldn’t fully accept that she deserved it. She had hurt so many people since coming to this world, despite actually managing to overcome the darkness that had a grip on her heart enough to do some good things. While she didn’t overtly do it so that they would know she was doing it, Sunrise had made sure that two girls at Canterlot High was left alone by bullies such as Gilda and Lightning Dust.
One of the girls was this world’s version of another of Celestia’s students, another unicorn who was wronged by the Princess when Twilight Sparkle came along. She knew what many guards believed, that Sunrise had been a jealous filly who didn’t want to share her time with the Princess with others. That was so far from the truth as she enjoyed sharing the time with the filly who shared a similar past of being an orphan. The two were even excited when they were told that a third student would be coming to stay with them at the castle.
Only…they were told that they couldn’t meet the new filly yet. They weren’t allowed to hang around with the pony because of some made up excuses that neither filly believed, sure that no filly could be powerful enough to have an uncontrollable magic burst that hatched a dragon and threatened destroying over half of Canterlot. If only Sunrise knew then what she knew now…
Even in the human world, the alter version of the other filly was boastful and had a powerful ego. Yet, they were so similar to the point that Sunrise often found herself missing her sister in all but blood. Missing Trixie and kicking herself for not bringing the filly with her. Then again, she wouldn’t want to make her Trixie go through the pain she herself had. If only Sunrise listened to Trixie’s warning about looking into the dark magic that had opened a door to Sunrise’s possession.
The other girl that Sunrise extended protection over was something that was a mystery to herself. She had bullied the girl herself, yet got angry if anyone else even looked at her wrong. It almost felt as if she was possessive of the girl, but that was stupid as humans just did not own other humans, so why feel possessive? Did she really want someone to push around that no others were allowed to touch? She really didn’t believe that since the few times when her mind and heart seemed to be clearer than usual, she ended up doing small things that was…nice. Such as finding the runaway bunny and making sure it ended up back in Fluttershy’s arms while making it sound like it was a bother. She even threatened the girl that if it happened again, then something bad would happen to the bunny.
The funny thing about that, Fluttershy had given her a shy smile as looking past the tough front and into Sunrise’s soul. Since then Sunrise stopped bullying her, though she didn’t go out of her way to help the girl either beyond making sure to keep bullies off her back. It was something that she kept a secret from everyone except Sunrise herself.
Even with those few acts of kindness, she wasn’t really sure she deserved another chance. She had been so cruel and mean, a very bad person. It wasn’t long ago she was thinking of killing herself, and a part of her kept wondering if she would be better off doing just that. She would remove the hassle that she knew she was going to be to Celestia. She was also sure that no one would really miss her, except maybe Celestia, but the woman would probably get over it quick enough despite what the annoying voice in her head kept telling her. She had to wonder why she was arguing with herself so much lately, had the elements left some kind of conscience inside herself?
Sighing as she rubbed her sore feet, she tore her thoughts away from her past and self loathing. She still couldn’t help wondering if Celestia was stupid or naïve, leaving Sunrise with seven hundred dollars to buy clothes at the mall while the woman when to do a few errands. Sunrise could have easily taken her chances and took the money and got a bus away from this place. It would have been so easy, easier than staying and trying to continue on here. She could have a real second chance where not a single person knew her.
She couldn’t bring herself to do it though, instead she bought a duplicate of her favorite outfit first and changed into it, leather jacket included thanks to the sale on it. She then proceeded to blow through most of the money until she had maybe forty or fifty dollars left. Bags were littered around her and the bench she was sitting on as she rubbed her feet. Maybe it would have been better to have kept her old, torn boots instead of buying heels to shop in. Yeah she bought a few other pairs of shoes and boots, but for some reason she felt like a change. A change that was now killing her feet when she had maybe a half hour to an hour before Celestia was supposed to come meet her for lunch.
A noise caught her attention, looking up to see Fluttershy on her knees gathering up fliers which were probably for the animal shelter. The girl was trying not to cry as three other girls surrounded her, laughing at her. She wasn’t sure why she did it, or even realize that she was doing it, but in an instant Sunrise had Gilda by the collar and shaking her.
“Are you stupid? What have I told you about this?” Sunrise growled out, ignoring the shocked look Fluttershy was giving her from the ground. She shook the girl roughly by the collar before pushing her back and away from Fluttershy and herself. “Don’t ever let me catch you bothering her again, got it?”
“Y-Yeah…just please don’t hurt me.” Gilda whimpered in fear after realizing just who was standing there. Like many of the students, they still feared the girl even while many of them have been growing bolder talking about how they wanted to make Sunrise suffer just as much as she made them. Taking an aggressive step forward Gilda and her two friends turned and ran away as fast as they could.
“Y-You didn’t have to do that, you know.” Fluttershy said quietly as Sunrise kneeled down next to her gathering the papers up, wiping the dust and dirt off them while straightening them up.
“I wanted to.” Sunrise shrugged, sparing a quick glance at the still scared, yet curious girl. It hurt to look into those eyes to see how much kindness and love she held in them. It also made Sunrise uncomfortable as she noticed how pretty they really were. How beautiful Fluttershy looked as her hair cascaded down her face and around her shoulders. “A-Are you okay?”
“Y-Y-Y-Yes…th-thank you.” Fluttershy stuttered, a blush on her face as Sunrise handed the stack of papers to her and getting up. She offered a hand which Fluttershy accepted to help the girl up. “Are you…o-okay?”
“I’m fine.” Sunrise said, waving the concern off while wondering if she was feeling okay. She had so many emotions boiling over inside, and now new ones were being added to the mix as Sunrise looked at Fluttershy a few more moments before turning her gaze, her face heating up a little. She couldn’t help feeling like she was lying when she said she was okay. The longer she stood there, the more she was starting to feel overwhelmed with regret and guilt over everything she had done to this sweet, beautiful, kind, loving girl.
‘Get a room.’ The voice in Sunrise’s head giggled, a teasing manner in the voice.
“Thank you again for…helping me.” Fluttershy said, her own face lighting up as she fidgeted nervously. “You look…g-good…I mean n-nice…I mean pretty…”
“Th-thank you.” Sunrise said, her voice catching a little while being unsure how exactly to take the comment. “Celestia…mom gave me money to come shopping…I mean…please don’t tell anyone!”
“I-I won’t.” Fluttershy squeaked out as she took a step back at Sunrise’s sudden outburst and panicked expression.
“Celestia is adopting me, but I don’t want anyone to find out. Not yet anyways.” Sunrise sighed; looking back over her shoulder to make sure nobody was messing with her bags.
“That’s great!” Fluttershy said, giving Sunrise her best thousand watt smile. “D-don’t worry though, I won’t mention it to anyone.”
“Th-thanks.” Sunrise said, for some reason feeling as nervous and shy as Fluttershy herself seemed to be feeling.
“Get away from her!” An annoying voice snapped out before Sunrise found herself stumbling back away from Fluttershy after being shoved. Looking up at the figure standing protectively in front of Fluttershy, Sunrise found a glaring Rainbow Dash punching the palm of one hand.
“R-R-Rainbow! St-stop it!” Fluttershy pleaded, her voice quiet as usual. Sunrise clearly heard it though she wasn’t sure if Rainbow dash had, or if the girl even cared if she did hear it. It took every once of self restraint for Sunrise not to just hit the rainbow haired girl who stood there looking down on Sunrise as if she was nothing.
“What’s your problem?” Sunrise asked, crossing her arms while taking a nonchalant pose and looking at Rainbow Dash in annoyance.
“My problem is that some worthless trash is picking on my best friend! See Fluttershy, I told you she was nothing but trouble.” Rainbow Dash growled out, not even trying to hear an explanation. Not that Sunrise wanted to give her one at the moment as she was fighting to control her emotions. What Rainbow Dash had called her really hurt, making her wish that she never even bothered coming to the mall despite getting the all new wardrobe.
“I-I wasn’t picking on her, I was shopping!” Sunrise finally snapped out, swallowing a lump in her throat as she indicated the pile of bags on the bench close behind her.
“Yeah, someone eating out of the trash is obviously going to afford all of that. Who did you jack to get the money for that?” Rainbow Dash snarled, taking an angry step forward as if she was about to attack. Fluttershy grabbing the rainbow haired girl’s wrist stopped the girl. The damage had been done though as Sunrise felt a dampness forming on her cheeks as she spun around.
“Don’t worry! I won’t bother anyone ever again!” Sunrise snapped out, her voice sounding a little shaky, but didn’t care. She also didn’t care about the quiet argument going on behind her as she gathered up her bags. She couldn’t help wondering why she was bothering, wondering if all of this was a stupid mistake. The loud smacking sound startled Sunrise, making her look back to see Rainbow Dash holding her cheek while looking on in shock at Fluttershy. Fluttershy herself had managed to come to Sunrise’s side and was gathering a few of the bags.
“L-Let me help.” Fluttershy said, giving Sunrise a small smile. Sunrise couldn’t help returning a watery smile to the girl, her momentarily bad thoughts…very bad thoughts being banished in the light of the smile the pink haired girl was giving.
“Y-you don’t h-have to.” Sunrise said, wiping the tears away the best she could.
“I want to…it’s what friends are for…right?” Fluttershy asked as Sunrise started walking away from the bench with the pink haired girl matching pace.
“I’m not worth it.” Sunrise sighed, hanging her head as she tried not to let what Rainbow Dash said bother her. It was hard though, she may not have eaten out of the trash…but to anyone who may have seen it, it most likely looked like she did. While it was gross to her, she knew it was how some people who didn’t have a choice and she couldn’t bring herself to look down on any of them. They did what was needed to survive.
“You are worth it.” Fluttershy said, shifting her bags in one hand to reach out and grab Sunrise’s wrist. Sunrise couldn’t help looking up to meet a pair or warm, sincere eyes staring at her. It seemed to lift Sunrise’s spirits a lot by just being able to look into them. “You helped me…and…that’s what friends do. Right? Be there for each other and help each other when needed.”
“Fluttershy, you don’t have to do this because of Sparkle.” Sunrise sighed, wondering if this was all it was. If the only reason Fluttershy was being like this was to keep a promise to the princess who had recently led the charge in bring Sunset down, only for her to be reborn as Sunrise.
“No, that’s not it at all.” Fluttershy gasped out, shaking her head in denial. “I know Sunset…I know that you used to protect me from Gilda. I always wanted to be friends with you, but every time I tried something took over. It clouded your eyes and made you…bully me.”
“What do you mean?” Sunrise asked, her jaw dropping in shock at the revelation.
“Nobody ever believed me, said I was seeing things. After the fall formal, I know I was right. That demon wasn’t you…you were possessed by it, weren’t you?” Fluttershy asked, looking a little scared at the thought. Sunrise couldn’t blame her, she was a little scared about the thought of being controlled for so long.
“Y-yeah…I tried using some black magic back when I was in the other world. Something went wrong and it…filled me with a darkness. I can’t really explain it, but what you and the others did to me freed me from it.” Sunrise sighed as they finally stepped out of the doors and into the sunlight, momentarily basking in its warm glow. Today was actually kind of nice, probably one of the last few days before the snow comes. If only the rest of the week had been just as nice.
“I can see it…in your eyes and when you just rescued me from Gilda. I know you are different than what you were and…I want to get to know this Sunset Shimmer…the real Sunset Shimmer and be friends with her.”
“Thanks.” Sunrise smiled as she dropped into the bench under the bus pick up canopy that was made from shaded glass with a few posters hung up on it advertising. “Please call me Sunrise…it’s my name now.”
“It suits you, very pretty.” Fluttershy said as she joined Sunrise on the bench, both girls sporting a blush at that. “I mean…ah…it’s just a pretty name, you know?”
“Fluttershy…did you really slap her?” Sunrise asked as she tried to change the subject.
“I’m sorry, she just said some…things about you that I can’t repeat. I love Rainbow Dash, we’ve been friends since we were little and still lived in Cloudsdale.” Fluttershy explained, leaning back in the bench and resting her head on Sunrise’s shoulder. “She…was only trying to protect me.”
“She was probably right about it, I did a lot of bad things. I’ve hurt a lot of people.” Sunrise sighed, looking up at the clouds off in the distance as she tried to come to grips with her emotions and what they meant. She had never felt so many emotions at once, but the newest one was the strongest at the moment. She felt the urge just to hold Fluttershy to her and protect her. “I’m not a good person…not in the least…but I want to be. I want to be a good person, Fluttershy. I hurt so many people for no reason…I hurt you.”
“And you weren’t in control, were you?” Fluttershy asked, shaking her head a little as she sat up straighter. “Even if you were behind all of it, you have changed, and that’s what matters to me. Let me help you be a better person…and maybe…you can help me be a stronger person.”
“I’ll try.” Sunrise sighed, hugging Fluttershy for a moment making both of them blush again before pulling apart. They didn’t move away from each other though, even if they were very close.
“Sunse…Sunrise…what did Rainbow mean about you eating from the trash. And…what did you mean by you won’t bother anyone again?” Fluttershy asked softly, her eyes gaining a pleading quality to them.
“I didn’t eat from the trash, please don’t make me talk about it right now though.” Sunrise sighed, brushing a bang from her eyes. “The other part was…nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
“Please don’t lie to me. It only keeps worse if you deny it…I should know.” Fluttershy admitted as she seemed to shrink in on herself to some extent.
“Y-You?” Sunrise asked in shock, not wanting to believe it. Then again, after everything Sunrise did to her, maybe the girl wanted to escape the pain.
“Tell me the truth, then I’ll tell you.” Fluttershy said so softly it was hard to make out, but Sunrise finally nodded in agreement.
“I did mean what it sounded like at the time…I still kind of feel like I want to end it all. It’s going to be so hard to go on…but…maybe it won’t be as hard as I feared with friends like you.” Sunrise explained, giving what she hoped was an encouraging smile to the other girl.
“I’m so sorry, Sunrise. Please don’t think that you are alone, I promise I will be here for you.” Fluttershy said. “I’ve seen a therapist ever since I was little…ever since I was kidnapped. They thought they could get a lot of money from my parents, but they didn’t know that our money is just sitting in a bank. A lot of it is investments that would take time liquidating to get enough to pay the ransom. They never molested me like my parents think, but they would get mad while they had me locked in the attic. They would give me a meal a day and if I said anything…they would hit me. My therapist helps me a lot with it, but I can’t help being scared that it will happen again.”
“I see her at least once a week, usually Sundays. I know that they usually don’t work then, but my parents pay extra and she sees me. I’d like if you came with me and…maybe talk to her. I’m sure some of the stuff that you’ve been through can’t have been easy.” Fluttershy says, giving Sunrise her best puppy dog pout.
“I…I don’t know…” Sunrise sighed, not really wanting to see a stupid shrink. She didn’t think she needed one, but the intensity of the look seemed to grow making the girl give in. “Fine, I’ll come with you tomorrow if you want.”
“Thank you!” Fluttershy cries out softly in excitement as she wrapped the girl in a hug.
“Sorry I’m late.” Celestia said as she scared the two girls and made them pull back in shock. The two girls looked away in embarrassment at being caught like that while Celestia giggled, a mischievous look spreading across her features. “Would you like to join us for lunch, Fluttershy?”
After looking over to see a small nod and smile from Sunrise, Fluttershy smiled herself before saying, “I I’d love to.”
While the last few hours had given Celestia a bit of a headache dealing with Discord and her lawyer, the former arguing against adding Sunset to her will as sole benefactor. Sunrise…she had to remember that her new daughter’s name was Sunrise now. In the end though, she managed to get what she wanted done and had her lawyer write up a will leaving every single penny to Sunrise if anything happened to her.
Looking across the table to the two girls helped ease her mind, though to be honest she was a little shocked. As much as she prayed that Sunrise would make friends, she wasn’t naive enough to believe it was going to happen so fast. Even the few girls who were friends with Twilight Sparkle and promised to keep an eye out on Sunrise probably wouldn’t warm up to the girl so easily. Yet here was Fluttershy, the least likely of the girls in Celestia’s mind to give a chance to Sunrise because of the girl’s fearful and meek demeanor. Sure Fluttershy was kind and everything, but Sunrise had bullied the girl pretty badly sometimes.
Seeing how the two seemed so close warmed Celestia’s heart, though she had to wonder if perhaps they were being too close too quickly. She had nothing against same sex couples, and if the two fell in love she would be happy for them. What she didn’t want for them was for them to jump into a relationship that could end up potentially hurting both of them in the end. For now though all she could do was hope for the best as she didn’t want to get between them unless it became necessary.
“So Cel…Mom, what have you been doing this morning?” Sunrise asked as she wolfed down another chicken strip, the second order the girl ordered. It was the second order actually which reminded the woman how little she knew of what happened to the girl this past week. She knew a little, Sunrise had told her before falling back asleep on the couch watching television this morning. She knew that Sunrise hadn’t eaten in days and it had broken Celestia’s heart when she heard it and did so again seeing a reminder of it.
“I…had some business I had to take care of as well as drop off the adoption papers. The quicker they get filed the better.” Celestia said, smiling as she realized Sunrise had called her mom. She doubted she would want to admit it to her sister or Discord, but being called that made Celestia so happy. She could feel the hole in her heart healing already as she had something she always dreamed about. She wished she knew of the girl’s situation sooner, maybe she would have adopted her before now. It just felt so…right adopting the girl. “What about you, you girls seem to be getting along. Did something happen?”
“Sunrise saved me from Gilda and we sat and talked.” Fluttershy said quietly, fidgeting a little at becoming the center of attention.
“Well, Fluttershy stood up for me against Rainbow Dash.” Sunrise said, sipping on her soda as if it was no big deal. The way that Fluttershy blushed said otherwise though as Celestia quirked an eyebrow in question. It was a little shocking to not only hear that Fluttershy stood up to somebody over Sunrise, but to stand up to her best friend was jaw dropping.
“What happened?” Celestia asked slowly, trying to contain her anger at both Gilda and Rainbow Dash. Gilda was one of those few students Celestia didn’t feel was redeemable. If possible, Celestia would do whatever she could to set the girl on the right path, but she was just the type didn’t care and truly thought hurting others was okay. Rainbow Dash on the other hand could be brash, but she was a good person. To hear that she had done something to Sunrise to make even Fluttershy stand up to her was enough to make the older woman feel protective.
“Gilda pushed me down and Sunrise chased her off.” Fluttershy said, giving a smile to Sunrise before looking back down to her plate a little shyly.
“Rainbow said…I was eating from the trash.” Sunrise sighed, fidgeting herself in place as her eyes darted back and forth a few moments. Finally she sighed in defeat as if giving into something. “It was earlier in the week, it had been awhile since I’ve eaten and I ran into this older homeless woman…I think her name was Maria. She started showing me how to survive being homeless…but…when she took me to the dumpster by a restaurant…I almost threw up. She was showing me how to find food in the trash, but it smelled so bad I couldn’t handle it. Rainbow Dash must have seen me there with her…”
“Oh Sunrise!” Fluttershy gasped, covering her mouth as Sunrise obviously fought off tears. Fluttershy shocked both Celestia and Sunrise when she leaned over to hug the flame haired girl.
“You will never have to worry about that again.” Celestia said as she moved her chair to the other side of Sunrise and hugged the girl as well.
“Never again, Sunrise…we won’t let anything bad happen to you again.” Fluttershy said, her trademark shyness nowhere present in the conviction filling her voice.
“Th-thanks.” Sunrise sniffed as she wrapped her arms around both of them.
~~~
Sunrise couldn’t help smiling as she sat curled up on the couch back home while Celestia worked on some paperwork for the school at the counter in the kitchenette. She kept stealing glances at the woman, noticing how similar she was to pony Celestia while being so different. Sure the woman had tried helping her before, but she never knew that she cared this much. Celestia hadn’t adopted her on a whim like Sunrise may have first suspected. She could tell that the woman genuinely loved her, and if Sunrise was honest with herself, she loved the woman back. It just felt that they belonged together as mother and daughter. It felt so…right…
It had only cost her the one thing that was constant in her life, her first name. As she thought about it, she understood that it was for the best as it would at least be distinctive if the human Sunset Shimmer ever showed up. Still, she did kind of wish she could have kept Sunset as her name in a way. If it gave her this new life and new home with Celestia though, it was worth giving up. What was a name compared to life with a woman who truly viewed you as a daughter, a roof over your head with a warm bed, and food on the table. Yeah, she was happy to give up her name for all of this.
Getting up from the couch Sunrise turned the television off and dropped the remote on the coffee table. She really wasn’t paying attention to what was on it anyways, but she had a question she just thought about. As she sat down next to Celestia, she watched quietly as the woman signed a paper and putting it in a stack of other similarly signed paperwork.
“You okay, honey?” Celestia asked, the term filling Sunrise with a warmth at being addressed like that.
“Well, I kind of had a question.” Sunrise asked softly, almost afraid to ask. “Where will I be sleeping?”
“In my bed of course.” Celestia said as she carefully straightened the stack of papers and slid them in her briefcase. As she shut it, Sunrise swallowed nervously, her eyes widened a little while trying to figure out if the woman meant that the way it sounded. Surely not, Celestia thought of her as a daughter, right? “I’ll be sleeping on the couch.”
“Let me sleep on the couch.” Sunrise said, a nervous giggle escaping her lips as relief filled her. “I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s only for a few days, Sunrise. I…own a few houses, and now that I have you I can justify living in a bigger place.” Celestia explained, “I’m going to pack some tomorrow while you’re out with Fluttershy, and while we are at school Monday the movers will take everything to our new place.”
“I don’t want to cause any trouble.” Sunrise said fidgeting.
“It’s no trouble, I really want to do this. Only reason I kept this place was because it’s small and easy to clean. I really didn’t see a reason to stay in a bigger place. Only question I have is…pool or no pool.” Celestia asked, getting tackled by Sunset who squealed excitedly making the woman laugh.
For the thousandth time that morning, Sunrise wondered what in the world she was thinking when she agreed to this. She was standing in front of the door to Fluttershy's consoler, the girl standing next to her. Reading the name on the plate didn't do anything to help calm her nerves, not that she had ever heard of the name before. Sheila Goh, a person who had tried helping Fluttershy over the pain of what happened to her...and most likely over the pain Sunrise herself had caused the last few years.
"Thanks for coming with me." Fluttershy said softly, taking Sunrise's hand in her own, interlocking their fingers. The gesture robbed all thoughts of turning and walking away as Sunrise found her blushing a little at the contact. It felt good to hold the girl's hand, to be shown that bit of kindness and affection even if she wasn't sure she deserved it.
"Yeah, well...to be honest I almost backed out." Sunrise sighed, admitting it to the girl who only smiled in response. A knowing look in her eyes as she giggled a little.
"Oh believe me, I know how you feel. The fact that you are still here though...it says a lot." Fluttershy said softly, moving closer to Sunrise. "The woman can be a little scary, but she's very kind."
"Scary?" Sunrise choked out just as the door opened revealing a green tones woman with long black hair. She wore a green blouse and black skirt that somehow looked right on her for some reason. The woman's eyes narrowing on her made Sunrise swallow nervously.
"Good morning, Fluttershy. Who’s your friend?" The woman asked, smiling to the pink haired girl while Sunrise could tell by the woman's body language that she really wasn't wanted there.
"This is my friend Sunrise, I was hoping she could sit in with us today...and maybe start seeing you to." Fluttershy said, seeming to shrink back into her hair nervously. "If that's okay with you?"
"Sunrise, huh? Any relation to Sunset?" The woman asked, eyes seeming to glow green making Sunrise want to run. This woman didn't seem scary, she screamed dangerous.
"I am Sunset, I've been adopted...though it cost me my name." Sunrise sighed, looking away as the woman's gaze softened a little though they were still full of anger.
"Come in, but I expect you to behave young lady. I will not tolerate you doing any bullying." The woman said, stepping back letting the two in. As Sunrise walked through the door, the woman grabbed Fluttershy's shoulder causing the girl to drop her hand away from Sunrise's own. "Actually, go ahead and have a seat, I'd like a word with Fluttershy first before we begin."
"Oh...okay." Sunrise said, a little worried about what was going on. She couldn't help wondering what the woman wanted, but if she was right, it was about Sunset and how she treated Fluttershy. It was something that Sunrise realized she was doing, associating all the bad that she had done with her old name which was making the transition to her new name a little easier at least. She was taking her new name as a new chance at life, a clean slate and intended to do her best with it.
"I know you have a crush on her, but don't let that cloud your judgment of her." The woman's voice drifted through the door. The sound was a little muffled and a regular human would never have heard it, but Sunrise had never been normal. She may have lost her magic, but her senses were still strong. Maybe not as strong as when she was a pony, but still better than a normal human.
"I'm not Sheila, Sunrise...she's had a hard life and she's finally got someone to love her. She has a new mother and she has me, people who will be there to help her...show her how to be a better person. I know it won't be easy for her...I know she will mess up from time to time...but I have faith in her that she wants to be a better person. And I want to help her. I don't care if it's as friends...or more...but I want to do my best to help her like you helped me." Fluttershy said, conviction filling her voice making grow louder by the end.
"Well then, I guess I'll put my faith in her too. Us bad girls have to stick together after all." The woman chuckled, "Let's not keep her waiting any longer."
Sunrise whipped her head around to look over the room as the two came back in, Shelia making a tsking sound drawing both teens attention. "You know it isn't really a nice thing to eavesdrop."
"It's not eavesdropping when you are talking loud enough for me to hear all the way in here." Sunrise threw back at the woman earning a smirk.
"Touché young lady." The woman said making Fluttershy blush upon realizing the implications. "Well, let’s all have a seat and get to know each other."
"You heard all of that?" Fluttershy asked, her face glowing red as the two teens sat on the couch while the woman sat in a very comfortable looking chair across from them.
"Y-Yeah...thank you for sticking up for me. I promise I will do my best not to give you a reason to regret it." Sunrise whispered to her.
"I know you won't." Fluttershy squeaked out, finding it hard to look up in Sunrise's eyes.
"We can talk about the other thing later Shy...maybe over lunch?" Sunrise said.
"I...I'd like that." Fluttershy squeaked out, blushing deeper while having a huge smile on her lips.
"Well if you two lovebirds are done whispering among yourselves." The woman teased good naturedly, "Let's say we introduce ourselves. My name is Sheila Goh, but you both may call me Sheila as Fluttershy already knows since I am friends with her family."
"I'm Fluttershy." Fluttershy said, her voice still quiet, though she didn't really seem too nervous around the woman as Sunrise would have thought. It was actually kind of nice seeing Fluttershy act a bit less scared around somebody else like this. When at school Sunrise always noticed the girl seemed nervous, even among the girls before Sparkle and during the couple days they were reunited before the Fall Formal.
"I'm Sunrise Shimmer, previously Sunset Shimmer." Sunrise sighed, hating to admit she was the same girl who caused so many problems.
"I know a lot about Sunset Shimmer, and while I think I would probably have been friends with her when I was younger...I have to admit that she is very lucky I never met her. I really wanted to come teach her a lesson, but my Princess and little Fluttershy here convinced me not to." The woman said, cracking her knuckles. Sunrise couldn't help noticing her black painted nails had a bit of a point on them...almost as if they were claws. "I know what it's like to do a lot of bad things, to have regrets over them and be saved by having your butt handed to you by a cute girl. Well...not that Fluttershy here kicked your butt or anything."
"You have no idea..." Sunrise snarked before catching herself making Sheila arch an eyebrow questioningly.
"You can tell her anything Sunrise...of all people, Sheila will most likely believe you without any proof." Fluttershy said, making Sunrise smirk a little. A small part of her thought it would be funny to tell the truth to this woman just to see her reaction. Open minded or not, no one sane would believe such a story. "Plus she won't tell anyone, I promise. Whatever you tell her will be safe and not go out of this room."
"Okay...I come from another world through a portal that stays open three days every thirty moons. The world I come from is based more around magic than science, but I royally messed up my life there when I thought my mother figure was abandoning me for a new student. Jealous I researched dark magic until I found a spell that would let me contact somebody who I thought would help me...but only ended up filling me with a darkness that had controlled me for several years making me do things I don't think I would have ever done on my own." Sunrise said, studying the woman's impassive features until the woman rolled her hand in a gesture to continue. "Okay...I found I was still able to see things happening back in my home world through the sealed off portal and plotted my revenge until the portal reopened. I went back and stole a magical artifact so I could raise an army here and return home and take what I believed was owed to me. The person who this artifact belonged to came to get it back, and along with Fluttershy and her friends they all channeled magic through the artifact and hit me with a rainbow colored beam of pure white magic which hurt like hay. It cleansed me of my darkness and made me come to my senses which led me to be here now."
"So no death rays or anything?" Sheila asked, leaning back in her chair with a smirk.
"I turned into a demon." Sunrise replied, cocking her head a bit as she tried to figure out if the woman was making fun of her or actually believed it.
"Okay, the demon thing is new, but I've dealt with a lot of the other stuff. Heck I was the one stealing stuff when I was younger, so I'm not about to judge you for it. Especially now that I can see that you regret it." Sheila said, draping her arms over the back of the chair she was sitting in. "Okay kid, you have my respect...and sympathy. That couldn't have been easy on you."
"It wasn't...it isn't." Sunrise admitted, hanging her head so her bangs covered her eyes.
"You've thought about ending it, haven't you?" Sheila asked sadly, recognizing the look on the girl's face.
"A lot this week...I've hit rock bottom...almost did things I never wanted to do...but didn't feel like I had a choice." Sunrise admitted, thankful when Fluttershy took her hand, once again interlocking their fingers.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Sheila asked softly, smiling at the interaction between the two girls. It was easy to see how much Sunrise needed the affection, and how much Fluttershy was happy to give it. Sunrise seemed to return it also, if a bit nervously. Sunrise may not have completely realized it, but she really cared for the pink haired girl. It showed in the girl’s body language and actions to the girl.
"You believe me about the other stuff?" Sunrise asked, shock clear in her voice.
"You know I will keep your secrets, but can you keep mine?" Sheila asked softly, a little unsure about revealing this to another person. Not many actually remembered who she used to be, and she would rather keep it that way. Fluttershy already knew though, after all it was actually Sheila and her wife that had rescued Fluttershy all those years ago.
"Yeah...I'm not telling anyone." Sunrise said, unsure why the woman would be hiding anything. She wasn't sure what the woman could even be hiding that would let her believe the story Sunrise just told. When the green light encased the woman's hand, almost like an ethereal fire, Sunrise could help gasping, "Magic!"
"No...not magic. When I was a kid...younger than you...a comet crashed in my backyard changing my brothers and me on a cellular level. It mutated us giving us powers...and while at first we played super hero...I couldn't stand the way my oldest brother took up old fashioned ideas. And when I say old fashioned...he started treating me as if I didn't have any rights or say in anything. At first it wasn't so bad, but as time went on he started refusing to let me go out. Told me I should know a woman's place is at home cooking and cleaning." Sheila sighed, "I broke his nose and left. I kind of became a villain for several years until I met my then arch nemesis...now my wife. She saved me from that path and I use my college degree to have a normal life with her. We're both doctors, she doctors the head and I doctor the mind."
"No offense, but your brother sounds like a jerk." Sunrise said, making the woman laugh.
"He is, the next oldest is an ego maniac while the twins are the most normal out of all of us. Despite our problems, they are family and I love them more than words can say." Sheila said wistfully, her mood changing as she looked back to Sunrise. "So...would you like to talk about it?"
"After I fell from grace at the school...I lost more than my pride. I didn't have much, but I had enough to survive...somewhat. It was starting to get tight, but I thought I at least had a little saved and a roof under my head. My landlord was throwing me out and I'm sure he stole the money I had stashed under my mattress. I couldn't prove it though and...I guess sit could have been whoever found out where I lived. My apartment had demon and...other things spray painted on the door." Sunrise said, shuddering a little. Giving Fluttershy a grateful smile as the pink haired teen put her arm around her in a sort of half hug offering comfort. "They gave me a couple minutes to grab what I could carry and I ran. I slept in the park that night...all week actually. The bag I had my stuff packed into was stolen when I tried washing my face in the restroom there. Didn't really expect the soap to hurt my eyes so much."
"Did your landlord give you an eviction notice?" Sheila asked, her eyes narrowing a little.
"No...but my mom took care of it. And got a lot of my stuff I had to leave behind." Sunrise said thankfully, rubbing at her eyes. Sheila got up and walked to the desk to get a box of tissues, bringing them back to the teen before retaking her seat.
"That's good, creeps like that need to pay for what they do." Shelia said, nodding to herself in satisfaction of somebody taking care of it. Personally she would probably take other hands on methods of dealing with them, but her wife would not be pleased. And angry redheads were not a good thing in Sheila's experience.
"What did you do about your bag?" Fluttershy asked, squeezing Sunrise who used a tissue to wipe away some of her tears.
"Nothing I could do...but I met a woman named Maria. She tried to teach me how to survive on the streets since I couldn't get a job because of my...reputation. It had been several days since I really had anything to eat, I kind of relied on the free lunches at school and since I was suspended...didn't really have any other way of getting food after losing everything. She was showing me where to get decent food, but the smell of the dumpster made me sick. I made her mad, but I just couldn't take the smell."
"You should never had to been in the position to even have to try. No kid should." Sheila said, a haunted look in her eyes for a moment before she buried it.
"Even if you did eat from it, it wouldn't have made you a bad person. Rainbow has a lot to answer for." Fluttershy said, a little anger seeping into her voice at the mention of the rainbow haired girl.
"I...know that. It's a little embarrassing...but...you sometimes have to do what you have to in order to survive. Sometimes...stuff you don't want to do." Sunrise said taking a shuddering breath. "I...found a knife and came so close to slitting my wrist...but managed not to. I took the knife and threw it off the bridge. I kind of went back the next day intending to join the knife..."
"No...please don't ever...please don't ever try to hurt yourself again." Fluttershy sobbed out, throwing herself at Sunrise hugging the girl tightly in a full on embrace.
"I won't...I promise." Sunrise sniffed as she hugged Fluttershy back, both of them crying a few minutes as Sheila watched on, wiping a few tears from her own eyes. "This guy saved me...I am thankful for him for doing it, but I kind of hate him to. He gave me a business card and offered me a job even if he knew I was underage."
"What kind of job?" Sheila hissed out angrily, calming down at seeing the scared look on the two girls faces. Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, she finally continued, "I'm sorry...but I think I know what kind of job and if I'm right, the guy is going to be in a lot of trouble."
"He said I could either be a full time dancer or a waitress, but I'd still have to...dance a little. Said all waitress staff had to." Sunrise said, swallowing nervously.
"Dancing doesn't sound so bad." Fluttershy said, a little confusion in her voice.
"All waitresses were required to be topless and the dancing was...stripping...wasn't it?" Sheila asked, a strangled sob from Sunrise answering her question and made Fluttershy gasp in shock.
"No...please tell me you didn't. Please..." Fluttershy choked out, sending pain through Sunrise. It appeared the girl didn't want to really accept Sunrise and all of her past mistakes, and knowing that hurt her more than she thought it ever could.
"So...what if I did? Are you disgusted by me? Do you hate me?" Sunrise croaked out, able to hold back the tears fighting for freedom.
"NO! I don't hate you! Oh Sunrise! I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry they hurt you...did they..." Fluttershy said, shaking as rage flashed in her eyes as tears fell from them. She wasn't looking at Sunrise in disgust, but worry. She was worried for her and what they may have done to her.
"I'm so sorry...I...I went there, but didn't make it in the door. Mom...Celestia caught me just as I made it there and...you have to ask her exactly what happened. I passed out from malnutrition over the last week just as she got to me." Sunrise sniffed, relived that Fluttershy didn't seem upset at her, but rather at the people at the club.
"Oh thank heavens, I was so afraid that they...they...that they took advantage of you even worse than that!" Fluttershy said, clearly upset over it so Sunrise hugged her tightly.
"I'm glad that Principal Celestia reached you in time." Fluttershy whispered.
"I'm glad to, but I am a little worried about you wanting to kill yourself. Something like that has lasting effects on someone...especially someone your age. I want you to start coming here with Fluttershy, I can see you together or separately, but I won't charge you." Sheila said, leaning forward and putting her hand on Sunrise's knee. "Will you do that? Let me help you?"
"Y-Yeah...I...I would like that." Sunrise said as Sheila reached into her blazer pocket as she pulled back. She handed Sunrise a card with her name and number on it.
"That's my personal number, if you need anything or just need someone to talk to or listen, call me anytime. I know a lot of what you are going through. I've been through a lot of it myself when I left my brothers at first." Sheila said, swallowing nervously. "About that club though...where exactly is it?"
~~~
It had been a long and tiring morning, but Kim had been able to leave the hospital early since the surgery promised to be a huge success. They usually were since the only person who was close to matching her record for successful surgeries was her mother who was now retired. Kim was looking forward to spending the afternoon with her wife, but was shocked to see the woman in her old catsuit. She had to admit the woman still looked great in the skintight outfit, but it had been years since she had last wore it. She had stopped wearing it when she retired from crime.
"Shego, honey, what's going on?" Kim asked, a little angry at her wife for putting the suit on again as it represented a past they both left behind.
"Fluttershy brought a...friend in today. A girl who has been through a lot of crap including that perv that owns that club that Monique has been trying to get closed down. I think it's time someone goes to have a talk with him since apparently he's trying to recruit minors." Sheila growled out, pulling her gloves on.
"Give me ten minutes and I'll be ready to go with you." Kim said, her eyes narrowing angrily.
A few days later there would be a big article on how the club mysteriously burned to the ground and the owner had fled in fear of something that he wouldn't admit to. The girls working there had somehow gotten grants from a very high profile technology company to cover their entire college fees as well as living expenses while attending. The few minors there were taken in by a high profile lawyer named Monique.
~~~
"Are you sure that you are okay?" Fluttershy asked again as the two walked away from the office hand in hand. Neither one of them was too sure about their relationship, though both of them wanted to be friends at the very least. Sunrise just wasn't too sure what to think beyond that since it had been so long since she had a true friend, much less more. Flash, sadly, didn't really mean much to her as a boyfriend since at the time he was just a tool. He was a stepping stone to help cement her position in the school's social ladder. Just another regret on her rapidly growing list.
Fluttershy...the girl was a lot more important to Sunrise than anybody has ever been since coming to this world. Even when she still was under the influence of the darkness that had possessed her, she still managed to protect the beautiful shy girl. Still, even if she wanted to be more, and she wanted to try, one question remained. Did she truly deserve being with Fluttershy?
"I'm...okay, I guess. Just...did you really have a crush on me?" Sunrise asked, Fluttershy's hand tightening a little on Sunrise's own.
"I still do...you...you are so beautiful and smart...and I see such a kind soul buried under all of that pain. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow...but I know one thing for sure. I will reach that kind soul and...and I intend to make it mine!" Fluttershy said, her confidence building a little until she finished. Her face heated up as she realized just what she said, but she was saved by the ringtone belonging to her parents. Pulling out her phone she was about to answer when the music went quiet. Not a moment later a text popped up telling her that they needed her home as soon as possible.
"Is...Is everything okay?" Sunrise asked, noticing the worried look on Fluttershy's face.
"Yeah, my parents just called and need me to come home. I'm so sorry, I have to go." Fluttershy sighed, obviously wanting to stay.
"It's okay, maybe I'll see you tomorrow at school then?" Sunrise said with a smile.
"Sure, I'll see you then." Fluttershy said, running a few steps before stopping. Sunrise was shocked when Fluttershy rushed back to kiss her cheek before running off down the road with a bright red face that matched Sunrise's own.
Smiling wistfully, Sunrise stuffed her hands into her jacket's pockets and started to make her own way home. She kicked a pebble before looking back over her shoulder to where Fluttershy ran off. "I think maybe...you already have my soul...and my heart, you silly filly."
"Are you sure that you're ready for this?" Fluttershy asked, hand in hand with Sunrise as the pair approached the school. Celestia had to leave early to make sure she could inform the teachers of Sunrise's change in status and reluctantly left the girl to make her own way to school. Thankfully Fluttershy had come by, driven by her cousin, and offered to go with Sunrise. They were dropped a couple blocks away since Flutttershy's cousin was already running late and couldn't afford to go out of his way to go all the way to the school.
"No...not really, but I doubt I ever will be. If I don't do this now it will only get harder." Sunrise admitted, smiling at the reassuring squeeze Fluttershy gave her hand. "Are you? You said that you haven't talked to Rainbow since Saturday at the mall."
"I'm still mad at her. I don't care if it was you or someone else, what she said was way out of line." Fluttershy said, but the anger in her eyes showed that she was being protective of Sunrise. It felt...good, even if it did hurt her ego a little. She was never one who needed protection, but knowing that this girl beside her was willing to offer it filled Sunrise with a happy warm feeling. "Anyways, let's not worry about that right now. Let's just enjoy the last few moments together since we won't see each other again until lunch."
"At least we have chem together after lunch." Sunrise said, a thought occurring to her. "You know, I don't have a lab partner and since you said Gilda was suspended Thursday...if you want to anyways..."
"I'd love to!" Fluttershy chirped happily, excitement etched on her face. It was kind of nice seeing the girl smile like this, much better than seeing her in fear and flinching away.
"Fluttershy!" Applejack called out from across the courtyard, Rarity and herself heading over to them with a look of worry, eyes full of accusation looking towards Sunrise.
"Darling, can we please talk to you." Rarity asked, seeming a little worried as she glanced at the pair's interlocked fingers.
"Alone if it's alright with yall, sugarcube." Applejack said, her voice a little stern as she looked expectantly as Sunrise.
"Go ahead, they're your friends. I'll see you later." Sunrise said, giving what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
"I'm not sure...I don't want to leave you alone until it's time for classes." Fluttershy whispered back making Sunrise smile at the sentiment. She wanted Fluttershy to spend some time with the others though, they may not liked her but they were Fluttershy's friends.
"I'll be fine, I wanted to stop by mo...Principal Celestia's office for a few minutes anyways." Sunrise said, debating if she should. They still haven't talked about what they were yet, but something inside pushed her into it anyways. With a blush she quickly leaned forward and kissed Fluttershy's cheek before running off leaving two confused girls and a shocked and very happy girl with them.
"Wh-Whaaaaa?" Rarity asked melodramatically, swooning a bit as Applejack glared at the shy girl.
"Don't tell me you are...seeing that girl, sugarcube. Are you out of your cotton pickin' mind?" Applejack demanded as she waved her hand in the direction of the retreating girl.
"No...b-but what if I were? What if I wanted to?" Fluttershy asked, shrinking back into her hair a little.
"Sugarcube, she bullied and tormented yall for years. I want yall to be happy, but how do yall know she won't just be another snake in the grass and bite yall in the backside when you turn around?" Applejack asked. "Sunset is trouble sugarcube."
"Sunrise." Fluttershy corrected her, getting a little upset at them for talking that way about her new friend.
"What was that darling?" Rarity asked, finally getting over her shock to round on Fluttershy as well. Neither of them was mad at Fluttershy, but they didn't trust Sunset that much and didn't trust the girl at all when it came to Fluttershy.
"I said her name is Sunrise. Sunset...Sunset is dead. Sunrise is a different girl than we all knew...a better person." Fluttershy explained, refusing to listen to any badmouthing of the girl she cared for.
"Is that why you chose her over Rainbow...a girl that you have been friends with since you two were little?" Rarity asked, a little anger flashing in her eyes. "Darling...you slapped Rainbow, that wasn't normal! That girl must have done something to you."
"Instead of jumping to conclusions, why not ask me why I slapped her? I would have slapped her no matter who it was over after the things she said! She called Sunrise things no person should ever call another person. And it was right after Sunrise saved me from Gilda! So don't you dare sit there and act like Rainbow was the victim! I love Rainbow, she's one of my best friends, but until she's ready to apologize not only to me, but to Sunrise also, I don't want anything to do with her!" Fluttershy said, her voice taking on an edge that they barely ever heard in her voice before. The same edge that always filled it when Fluttershy was pushed too far and ended up using the 'stare' on the person responsible for pushing so much.
"Darling...maybe it was a misunderstanding." Rarity suggested.
"What did Rainbow say that worked yall up so much then, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, worried now that maybe Rainbow did something stupid. The athletic girl was always a little brash and it wasn't a stretch that she may have done something stupid when not really meaning to.
"I refuse to repeat what she said, I never even want to hear it again." Fluttershy said, her eyes watering a little as they filled with rage. "I never, ever thought she would even be capable of saying such things."
"That bad, huh?" Rarity asked, both girls’ shoulders slumping as they realized that Rainbow Dash must have messed up really badly for Fluttershy to actually slap the girl.
"Worse...either she apologizes or I don't think I can be friends with her anymore. I really don't want it to come to that, but I can't be friends with someone who...who would..." Fluttershy said, fighting back tears as Rarity pulled her into a hug.
~~~
"Why did she come back?"
"Stupid she-demon."
"Doesn't belong here."
Just a few of the things that reached Sunrise's ears as she walked through the halls of Canterlot High. It was kind of funny that just over a week ago these students would be afraid to even think these things, yet now they seemed to be the popular opinion. She wouldn't have thought twice about putting an end to it either no matter whom it hurt. Now she felt she deserved it, every bit of it, now that she knew what she had done to them all.
She always knew though, she just didn't care before. Darkness was holding back the light inside of her, making her do things she would never do.
"I hope you're happy." Someone snarled shoving Sunrise into a locker making her gasp out in pain as the lock jabbed her in the back. "She won't even take my calls!"
"Maybe if you actually listened to her more." Sunrise gasped out, rubbing the sore spot as Rainbow Dash glared at her.
"I do listen, problem is someone brainwashed her into not even talking to me!" Rainbow snarled out, her eyes so full of anger it scared Sunrise a little. "She's my best friend and...and...she won't even talk to me!"
"I didn't brainwash her...I'm also not the one who apparently thought it would be a good idea to accuse someone she apparently likes of...whatever it was." Sunrise said, pushing Rainbow out of her personal space though she felt sorry for the distraught girl. She could understand Rainbow Dash's position, their group of friends just made up and the rainbow haired girl was worried that it may have been falling apart all over again.
"What? All I told her was the truth! Nobody even wants you here, so why don't you go crawl in a corner and die!" Rainbow Dash snarled, her eyes full of anger though there was a bit of regret in them after she finished which softened the blow a little. It still hurt Sunrise, even if a few other students around gasped in shock at it.
"Yeah, she deserves to pay for what she did, but...that was a little much."
"Can you believe Dash would say something like that?"
"Do you think she's becoming a new Sunset?"
Rainbow Dash couldn't take it and spun around and stomped off down the hallway away from the gathered crowd who watched the confrontation. Sunrise couldn't take the eyes any longer and hurried away also, heading straight for the Principal's office.
"Good morning, Sunse...Sunrise." Mrs. Appleby said, giving the teen a little smile from her desk inside the receptionist area. There were several desks actually though only the one was occupied at the moment. There were two doors behind her desk, one leading to Celestia's office and the other to Luna's.
"Good morning, Mrs. Appleby, may I go in and see my mo...Principal Celestia?" Sunrise asked, a little nervous that the woman would say no. Then again the woman was always kind, even to her before the Fall Formal.
"Of course sweetie...and...congratulations. I'm also glad that you are back and I hope things work out for you." Mrs. Appleby said with a smile as Sunrise moved around the desk to head into the office, pausing for a moment.
"Thank you, Mrs. Appleby." Sunrise said before pushing the door open only to nearly have a heart attack when a pink blur crashed into her with a cry of...
"SURPRISE!" Pinkie Pie shouted, making the two women standing there laugh. Mrs. Appleby just behind her and Celestia in her office where a small cake sat on the desk and a banner hung on her wall behind her.
"I really wanted to throw a huge welcome back party for you, but...well Principal Celestia convinced me it might be better this way for now. So do you like it? Huh? Do you? Do you?" Pinkie asked sitting atop Sunrise and leaning down into her face.
"Can't...breath..." Sunrise gasped out making Pinkie jump off of Sunrise and pulling the girl up with her.
"Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry!" Pinkie cried out, though Sunrise hugged the girl.
"Thank you Pinkie, every one." Sunrise said through a watery smile.
At least that was how Rainbow Dash was feeling as she sat in her desk near the window during her third period math class. Okay, Geometry, but no matter what you called it, it was still the same boring math. She would much rather be out there moving around and enjoying the now sunny morning and the warmth of the sun before it got cold again. She hated fall and winter so much.
Being stuck in a boring class was the least of her problems though as she looked out the window to where Fluttershy usually spent her free period under a tree not far from the window. Today Sunset Shimmer was sitting with her, much closer than Rainbow was comfortable with. She hated Sunset, it was the girl’s fault that their group of friends barely spoke for nearly a year…but now it was also her getting between Fluttershy and Rainbow.
Okay, she could admit that it was their fault in a way. Sure Sunset set everything in motion, but it was them who didn’t bother checking with each other. All it would have taken was five minutes of talking and they would have realized someone was making fools of them. If their friendship was stronger then maybe that wouldn’t have happened and they wouldn’t have been mad at each other for so long. So in the end it was their fault for not even finding out why everything happened even if Sunset was the one who set it all up.
Of course her rational mind knew all of this, accepted it even. Problem was getting the message from her mind and into her heart where her emotions ruled. She knew it was one of her greatest strengths…as well as one of her greatest weaknesses. She was quick to judge and anger, which had gotten her in trouble many times and was part of the reason she didn’t talk to the others for so long. Now that they were back together Rainbow was doing her best to keep them together…though now Sunset was coming between them again.
Clenching her fist she fought off the urge to growl, but she still snapped the pencil in her hand in half earning a few curious glances. A few glares quickly made her neighboring classmates to turn back to their own work. She tried to get herself to calm down, though it was hard. She knew the real reason behind her anger at Sunset at the moment though, and…she hated herself for it.
Normally Rainbow didn’t hold and prejudices against anyone, though her father had instilled some beliefs into her that sadly at times drove her. She felt sorry for homeless people, but she couldn’t help feeling disgusted with them as well. Her father had told her over and over as she grew up after being asked for change that there are two types of homeless people. Those who were homeless because they were too lazy to work or because they cared more about drinking and drugs than they did about having a place to stay. She didn’t want to believe either one, but every time she saw one her father’s voice filled her with his disgust for them…making her feel the same.
Seeing Sunset that one day had scared Rainbow as the girl was standing in front of a dumpster and trash pile as an older woman dug through it. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for Sunset, but her father had been with her and pulled her away thankfully before she was noticed. Since then she had felt guilty and bad for Sunset, worried that she may be suffering worse than she may have deserved. Then came the day she heard about Sunset trying to jump off a bridge to kill herself. Rainbow felt devastated that she didn’t even tell anyone about what she saw or tried to even help Sunset any.
For a couple days all Rainbow could think about were Sunset Shimmer, wondering where she was or even if she had anything to eat. It was when she was sitting on the roof of her house, something she often did in the evenings as she watched the moon and stars to calm her nerves, that she found Sunset. Rainbow lived on the worse side of town, her family not being the best off though making a living, and their house sat right across the street from a bar and…strip joint.
She hated it, hated those women there that made a mockery of everything Rainbow worked so hard to prove. Rainbow worked so hard to prove that women could be anything they wanted. That she could be an athlete and not just some sexual object to leer at. That she could be more than what her father often called their mom when he drank too much and went off on a rant about her and how she left with some younger man leaving Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash behind. She worked so hard to prove to her father that she was worth something…and there was Sunset going toward that disgusting place!
Getting up and climbing back into her window, Rainbow yanked the curtains shut just as she heard tires squealing. She hadn’t told anyone what she had seen yet, other than the little she said to Fluttershy. What had earned the kind girl’s anger despite trying to protect Fluttershy? Rainbow didn’t want someone like that near Fluttershy, didn’t want Sunset to try and get her to go there to and get hooked on whatever kind of drugs Sunset was taking. Sunset was probably even getting paid by that sleaze to recruit…then again with the place burning down maybe not.
Sighing Rainbow watched Fluttershy rest her head on Sunset’s shoulder, the redhead’s arm pulling her close. It was enough to anger Rainbow even more, an anger that was starting to scare herself. She knew this wasn’t healthy, knew that she was letting her anger control her too much. She knew Fluttershy wouldn’t do anything like that, knew that Fluttershy was too…well…Fluttershy to even think about letting Sunset convince her to do anything. Yet she was some kind of demon, had some kind of magic, so couldn’t she brainwash Fluttershy?
As she looked closer, Rainbow could see smiles on their faces as they seemed to just enjoy each other’s company as they basked in the sun. It was a sweet scene and usually Rainbow would be happy for Fluttershy for having someone to be close to. Even if she kept hearing something else her father always said to her in her mind, something that he accused her of being when he drank a lot. While she wasn’t gay, she tried not to judge them like her father. Still it was hard to do when she was reminded again and again how little her father thought of them.
“I need to go.” Rainbow Dash said, grabbing her things and standing up. Some of the students looked at her in shock, but she couldn’t stay there any longer. She even ignored the teacher’s indignant squawk and demand to sit back down. Instead she stormed out of the classroom and to the office.
This wouldn’t be the first time she had come to see Soothing Voice, the school’s guidance counselor…and actual counselor who has been trying to help Rainbow with her anger problems. Only she wasn’t sure what she was feeling as she felt like she was losing it all together. She was angry and jealous of Sunset, yet a part of her couldn’t help feeling some sympathy…even if the girl also disgusted Rainbow to some extent.
“Come in.” Soothing called as Rainbow knocked on the door.
“Hi Miss Voice, do you have a few minutes?” Rainbow asked as she hesitantly stepped into the office. She wasn’t sure why she came now as she didn’t really want to talk about all of this…but the woman was honestly the only one she felt she could talk to besides Fluttershy…and Fluttershy was a big no at the moment.
“Of course, but I hope you asked permission to leave your class.” Soothing Voice said, sighing as she pinched the bridge of her nose at Rainbow’s sheepish look. “I’ll talk to your teacher, please have a seat.”
“I…don’t want to sit.” Rainbow said, tossing her stuff on the edge of the woman’s desk before starting to pace. “I want to beat Sunset Shimmer to a bloody pulp!”
“I know she’s caused a lot of trouble, but I have a feeling this isn’t about her past.” Soothing Voice said, steepling her fingers as she watched Rainbow.
“Like heck it isn’t about the past! I don’t want that…that…whore near Fluttershy!” Rainbow growled out, clenching and unclenching her fist as she spun to glare at the older woman. “She’s…she has Fluttershy wrapped around her finger and is going to hurt her! I can’t let her hurt Shy…I can’t!”
“Rainbow Dash! I can’t believe you of all people would say that!” Soothing Voice said shaking her head, before glaring at the now flinching girl. “No…I can believe it with that father of yours. I thought we talked about this…that his beliefs are wrong.”
“I saw her going to that strip bar near my house!” Rainbow snapped out as she started pacing again, “What do you want me to call her?”
“The one that burned down? I’m pretty sure that she isn’t doing anything there since she’s underage. Are you sure that she was even really heading there…or meeting someone. Like family?” Soothing Voice asked slowly, though a worried look crossed her face. She was a little worried that any student was close to a place like that and even hated the fact that one of her favorite girls lived so close to it.
“She doesn’t have family and she’s homeless!” Rainbow said as she stopped again, her anger fading a little as tears began forming in her eyes. She couldn’t help feeling a little guilty at remembering seeing Sunset there with that woman who was digging in the trash. She couldn’t help feeling guilty about not telling anyone or maybe trying to find the girl later and see if she was ok. Collapsing in the chair she let out a loud sigh as she looked up at the woman.
“What do you mean she’s homeless? Doesn’t have parents?” Soothing Voice said as she turned to her computer and began typing, color slowly draining from her face. Turning to the intercom, she pushed it before saying, “Miss Appleby, please send for Sunset Shimmer.”
“Right away, Ma’am.” Came the staticy reply.
“What are you doing?” Rainbow asked, swallowing nervously as she straightened up in the chair.
“I need to find out what is going on with Sunset Shimmer. She’s a minor and can’t be left to fend for herself on the streets.” Soothing Voice said, running a hand through her hair.
“I don’t want to be here when…when…” Rainbow said, shaking as guilt and anger warred for dominance inside her as she pulled a little on the neck of her shirt nervously which caught the older woman’s attention.
“What is that?” Soothing Voice asked as she leaned over the desk. Rainbow tried to brush her away, but the woman pulled the shirt down and studied the discoloration on the girl’s skin. “That wasn’t caused by a soccer ball…it’s too small.”
“It’s no big deal…just drop it.” Rainbow said as color began draining from her face. She couldn’t let Soothing Voice know about that…it was her darkest secret.
“No, I don’t think I will drop it.” Soothing Voice said as she narrowed her yes and sat back. “What was our deal, Rainbow Dash?”
“That…if he hit me or…started getting worse that I would come to you.” Rainbow Dash sighed knowing she was caught, but she intended to not make it easy for the woman getting the details in hopes that it wouldn’t get back to her father.
“That’s right, so don’t you dare tell me that was caused in practice.” Soothing Voice said as the intercom buzzed.
“Sunset Shimmer is here, would you like me to send her in?” Ms. Appleby’s voice said over the intercom.
“Yes, and please send for Scootaloo as well. And while you are at it, get me Nurse Redheart as well.” Soothing Voice said making Rainbow Dash shiver as a chill ran down her spine.
Sunrise wasn’t really too sure if this was a good idea, unable to keep the worry for what was probably her first friend...and first love interest out of her head. Even with the worry for how the students were going to react, she just couldn’t bring herself to push Fluttershy away as they pretty much cuddled under a tree outside of the school. The girl was right; it was very peaceful here and seemed to just fill you with serenity.
“Are you sure you want to be associated with me?” Sunrise asked, still a little unsure about everything. The elements may have cleansed her of any darkness filling her heart, but it didn’t exactly provide a 101 on friendship or love. She couldn’t help wondering if things were moving a little too fast, then again they haven’t really did much besides be together and few quick kisses. So maybe they were moving to slow? She just really didn’t know.
“Of course I do…I’ve had a crush on you for awhile…and to be able to have a chance to be with you.” Fluttershy said, snuggling closer as Sunrise put her arm around her. “You’ve always been so strong and powerful, and even though you bullied me, I know you kept the others away from me. You kept them from hurting me.”
“Well…you’ve always fascinated me…I admit that I’ve always kind of felt different about you. I’m so sorry for the way I treated you, but back then I thought any kind of weakness was…well I can’t really explain it. There was just something about you though…something I didn’t understand back then and if I’m honest…I still don’t.” Sunrise said, feeling a little confused as to why Fluttershy really wanted to be so close yet feeling so good that she did. “If only I knew just how strong you really are. You might not show it, but you are one of the strongest people at this school I think.”
“You’re just being kind.” Fluttershy said as she blushed a little at the compliment.
“It’s true, you care about animals and do your best to help them any way you can. Then you have people, while you are pretty shy, you always want to do what’s right and help those who don’t really deserve it.” Sunrise said, wondering if Fluttershy would get the reference while hoping she didn’t.
“You do deserve it, and if you don’t stop saying that about yourself I might actually have to punish you.” Fluttershy squeaked out, blushing as she realized how that sounded.
“Punish me huh?” Sunrise asked in a teasing manner, making Fluttershy swallow nervously.
“Y-Yeah…I’ll make you take me out on a date. And…And you will have to hold my hand and…and you have to kiss me good night when you take me home.” Fluttershy said, turning crimson as she tried to hide her face in her hair even though Sunrise really couldn’t see it that well as she rested her head against Fluttershy’s own.
“Well then…maybe I’ll have to make sure I get punished…a lot.” Sunrise said, smiling to herself as she heard Fluttershy squeak out. “I heard that there is a new romance premiering this Friday. I guess I’ll have to take you out to eat and there as my punishment…and then I’ll have to steal that kiss…hmmm…I wonder if stealing that kiss will earn me another punishment.”
“Maybe.” Fluttershy squeaked out, but couldn’t help giggling a little. She had never felt so elated in all her life as Sunrise had basically just agreed to go out on a date.
“Sunrise Shimmer and Scootaloo, please report to the office.” Miss Appleby’s voice said over the intercom system making both girls flinch as their time together was cut short making Sunrise want to curse her luck.
“Sorry Flutters, I have to run.” Sunrise sighed as she climbed to her feet, offering a hand to help Fluttershy up. After the two were standing, Fluttershy quickly kissed Sunrise on the lips before blushing even more at what she just did.
“I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy squeaked out.
“Don’t be.” Sunrise replied as she leaned in and kissed Fluttershy, “I’m sure it’s nothing much, probably just mom needing me for something.”
“Okay, I’ll see you later.” Fluttershy said, hiding in her hair, though her thousand watt smile was clearly visible to Sunrise which filled her with hope for her future. She couldn’t help feeling elated as she made her way to the office where Miss Appleby smiled up at her, though the woman looked worried.
“Hello Sunrise, Miss Voice wanted to see you and Scootaloo.” Miss Appleby said just as said girl came into the office, sending Sunrise a glare.
“I hope everything is okay.” Nurse Redheart said as she came into the office, having to come from the nurse’s office which for some reason was on the other side of the school. Then again it was probably the best place as it had easy access to the doors in case of an emergency happened and an ambulance was called.
“I’m not sure, I’m supposed to send the three of you in when you got here.” Miss Appleby said, waving the three to the door.
“You better not have done anything to my sister you freak!” Scootaloo hissed out at Sunrise as they walked towards the counselor’s office, Nurse Redheart shaking her head, but keeping quiet for the moment.
As they walked in Scootaloo hurried to her sister who stood up as the door opened. The rainbow haired girl glared as Sunrise over the younger girl’s head as they hugged.
“What’s going on sis?” Scootaloo asked, looking worried up at Rainbow Dash as they pulled away.
“They just want to make sure that nothing is wrong at home, it’s no big deal.” Rainbow Dash said softly, her face growing worried at the panicked look on Scootaloo’s face. “It’s not like you have any bruises from dad, he’s never touched you…right?”
“Sis…I’m sorry…I didn’t want you to know…” Scootaloo whimpered, tears welling up.
“Wh-what? What happened?” Rainbow asked, getting everyone’s attention as the girl looked in fear at her little sister. Anger starting to fill her eyes as Scootaloo started to shake. “I told you to call me if he started drinking. What happened, why didn’t you call?”
“Because you take enough of dad’s crap as it is! Do you think I like seeing you limp up to your room every time he drinks?! You were at your friend’s place…something you hardly ever do and I didn’t want to make you come home!” Scootaloo sobbed out.
“That’s it, I’m calling children services. There’s no way I’m letting you two go home to that monster.” Soothing Voice growled out as Sunrise watched on in shock, not sure what exactly was going on.
“You can’t do that! He’s our dad, he needs us! Who else is going to take care of him?” Rainbow Dash asked, sounding defeated.
“Who cares! I hate him! I hate what he does to you! I HATE HIM!” Scootaloo screamed angrily as Sunrise put a hand on the girl’s shoulder in an attempt to try and calm her down some, only to be pushed away by Rainbow Dash.
“Don’t you dare touch my sister you trash!” Rainbow Dash spat out angrily, glaring at Sunrise looking as if she was moments away from attacking her.
“Rainbow Dash, that is enough!” Soothing Voice snapped out, though her eyes were full of sympathy. “Sunset…”
“My name is Sunrise.” Sunrise interrupted her, making the woman arch an eyebrow.
“Wait, I saw a file for Sunrise when I was looking for Sunset.” Soothing Voice said, pulling back up the files on the computer, her jaw dropping when she opened it.
“You were adopted by…” Soothing Voice said before Sunrise interrupted her.
“Somebody…it’s not really important right now. What is important is Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.” Sunrise said, the woman nodding as she pushed the intercom. “Miss Appleby, please contact Children Services and have them come to my office when they arrive.”
Sunrise looked up at the worried looks on Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo’s faces. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that they were scared of being separated as they held onto each other. Sunrise felt really bad for them, despite the way Rainbow Dash had been treating her. Sure being called trash had hurt, even angered Sunrise a little, but looking at the girl it occurred that she may only be lashing out. Sunrise knew all about lashing out as she herself lashed out when she came to this world. Taking all of her pain and anger out on everyone around her.
“Don’t act like you care! You may have Fluttershy fooled, but you won’t fool me. And I swear if you hurt her I’ll be coming after you!” Rainbow Dash growled out.
“Rainbow Dash, that is enough! I know you are going through a lot, but if you continue threatening a fellow student I will have to take actions against you.” Soothing Voice said, looking at Rainbow Dash who glared back defiantly.
“It’s okay…I know I deserve a lot of it. I ripped her life apart and I deserve her hatred.” Sunrise sighed, “I really want to make up for it…but I know it will take time.”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Rainbow Dash growled out, though the emotions flashing in her eyes showed how untrue that was. It looked like Rainbow was warring between sympathy and anger, as well as an intense hatred that Sunrise was beginning to suspect wasn’t really directed completely at her…even if she was suffering the brunt of it.
“Maybe I should go…is there a reason why I was called?” Sunrise asked, looking at Rainbow with worry before turning to the counselor.
“I was going to confirm that you are homeless…but if these records are true then I can see that you are taken care of. I will be confirming it with Principal Celestia though so don’t think you are off the hook if this isn’t right.” Soothing Voice said as she wrote a note out and handed it to Sunrise.
“I understand, but I’m sure it’s right. She said she was going to fix the records first thing.” Sunrise sighed, before giving one last look to Rainbow Dash before she turned to leave.
After leaving the office, Sunrise sighed and leaned back against the wall. As much as she was upset with Rainbow Dash, she didn’t want to see the girl and her little sister in trouble or separated. Especially since she somehow felt that somewhere this was partially her fault.
“Are you okay dear?” Miss Appleby asked, looking a little concerned as Sunrise looked over to her.
“I’m not really sure…is my…is Principal Celestia in her office? Can I go talk to her?” Sunrise asked, a little worried that the woman may be too busy or not want to deal with her adopted daughter asking for huge favors already.
“She is dear, go ahead in. She asked me to have you come see her as soon as she heard your name called when you finished speaking to Miss Voice.” Miss Appleby explained.
“Thanks.” Sunrise sighed as she walked into her adopted mother’s office to see her pacing nervously back and forth.
“Sunrise! Are you okay? What did she want with you?” Celestia asked as she rushed over to hug Sunrise tightly before pushing her away to look into her worried face.
“I’m f-fine mom…kind of…but something is going on with Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo and they’re calling children services to come pick them up. I…I don’t want to see them split up…is there anything we can do for them? Some way to help?”
“Hmmm…I’m not sure…” Celestia said as she went to sit down behind her desk. “It depends what is going on I suppose. Let me make a quick call.”
Sunrise sat in one of the nice chairs facing Celestia’s desk, idly wondering where they came from and wishing she had one for her room. The thought actually brought a smile to her face as she realized she was going to have her own room at their new home with a pool, neither being something she ever thought she’d ever have after recent events.
“Hello…Posey, it’s Tia…yeah, supposedly Soothing Voice called for someone from your department to come pick up two of my students…that’s them…” Celestia said into the phone as Sunrise listened to the one side of the conversation, unable to hear the other side. “Yeah, they’re friends with your daughter. I know I may be asking a lot but can you maybe make sure they don’t get split up until whatever is going on works itself out? You can…that’s great, thank you so much! My daughter will be happy to hear it. Thanks, I’ll talk to you later, ciao.”
“So good news?” Sunrise asked as Celestia smiled at her.
“Very good news, Fluttershy’s mom works high up in Children Services and will be taking Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo in herself for the time being.” Celestia said, making Sunrise’s world fall out from under her. Sure she was happy that the sisters wouldn’t be separated…but she couldn’t help feel that this could spell disaster for her growing relationship with Fluttershy.
The last bell of the day couldn’t have come sooner for Fluttershy as she gathered her things to leave the classroom. None of her friends were in her class, not that they were in many of her classes actually...only two, so she didn’t have any of them trying to talk to her which was a good thing. While she was okay with some of them, she didn’t really want to speak to Rainbow Dash until the girl was ready to apologize for the things she had said.
Of course the one person she wished was in her class wasn’t in it either, and she was dying to talk to Sunrise to find out what had happened in the office. She was praying that everything was okay, but she couldn’t keep her worry in check as she rushed out the door while balancing her things in one arm and fishing her phone out with the other in hopes of having a text from Sunrise…which thankfully she did.
‘Left early with mom, sorry, but she thought it was for the best today. See you tomorrow.’
It hurt a little that she wouldn’t be able to see Sunrise tonight, but she was also excited about this weekend and their date Friday. It was an official date with a meal and a movie and everything! She was so excited and didn’t think anything could bring her down. Too bad she was banned from the animal shelter for the time being, she would have loved to share the news with all of her animal friends there. Of course she did understand why she was temporarily banned from helping with the shelter, as the couple that ran it thought she was spending too much time there and needed to spend some time having fun with her friends.
Looking down as the phone vibrated, she noticed another text from her mom. Opening it up she was a little worried seeing, ‘Please come straight home, it’s important.’ She wasn’t sure why her mom wanted her straight home today since her parents knew she already had plans, or did since Sunrise had already left. Sighing she stopped off at her locker to grab her bag before stuffing it full of what books she needed for her homework. Thankfully she didn’t have a huge workload and without volunteering at the shelter, she would be done with it long before dinner.
While hurrying out of the school, she noticed that all of her friends were standing near the statue except for Rainbow Dash, which almost made her want want to stop by and at least say hi to them. Instead, she blended in with the crowd heading the opposite way and hurried off. She really didn’t feel like answering any more questions about what happened at the mall and how close she was with Sunrise. She wasn’t looking forward to explaining Sunrise’s situation to them, as the girl told her that, if she felt it necessary, Fluttershy could tell them as long as they promised not to go telling everyone at school about what happened.
Fluttershy knew the reason Sunrise told her to tell them was because she knew they were Fluttershy’s friends and they would find out sooner or later. If they all became friends it would come out, and it was better that it came out openly instead of possible rumors such as the one of her on the bridge ready to jump. Giving permission to Fluttershy meant that Sunrise wouldn’t have to relive it over and over and have to answer a million questions…but Fluttershy didn’t really want to answer them either. Still…perhaps it was for the best that she tell them a she would have a chance to get it all out as long as they listened, which sometimes they just seemed to not want to hear her.
It didn’t take too long to walk home, taking several shortcuts to make it there as fast as possible. Not any dangerous ones, but shortcuts all the same. She was afraid of taking ones that even looked a little scary, which she couldn’t help wondering if Sunrise would be afraid of them. Shaking her head as she pushed those thoughts out of her head she just hurried up the sidewalk to her door and froze when she entered to find Scootaloo waiting in the living room with Fluttershy’s mother.
“Mom? What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked as Posey was putting on her coat.
“I’ll explain it all later honey, but for now your friends Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo are going to be staying with us.” Posey said, giving the younger girl a worried look. “I’m taking Scootaloo over to Carousel Boutique to pick up some things for them. Please check in on Rainbow Dash while we’re gone…I think she could really use your company right about now.”
“B-B-B-“ Fluttershy squeaked out, unable to say anything more as Posey kissed her forehead and ushered Scootaloo out of the door. It took Fluttershy a few moments to regain her balance as she nearly fell from the shock of the news. The one person she wanted to avoid most right now was going to be living there? Letting somebody stay with them wasn’t really anything new, as they did accept foster kids until a more permanent solution could be found for them. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo weren't foster kids though, so what the heck was going on?
A little angry, Fluttershy stomped up the stairs towards her room, passing the extra room where she could have sworn she heard sobbing. It sounded like Rainbow Dash, but the athlete hardly ever cries…much less sobbed. It couldn’t be her, could it? The door wasn’t shut, a little light spilling out of the few inches where it sat open. Pushing it open more she found Rainbow Dash sitting on the window bench hugging her knees and sobbing into them. Most of the anger flowed out of her at the scene as she slowly walked over and put her hand on her Rainbow Dash’s back comfortingly making the girl flinch.
“Hey Dash.” Fluttershy said softly, sitting on the edge of the seat beside the girl. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“What do you care? Shouldn’t you be out with that…that…” Rainbow Dash sobbed out, the pain in her eyes obvious as she glared at Fluttershy.
“I care because despite everything, you will always be my friend. Even if I am mad at you I love you and don’t want to see you hurting like this.” Fluttershy said, brushing Rainbow Dash’s bangs from her eyes.
“Your like a sister to me! I’m sorry if I hurt you about Sunset, but I know she’s up to no good! She has always been trouble! And I know she’s either using magic to turn you against me or manipulating you!” Rainbow Dash said, turning to look back out the window. “She’s a whore, Shy! I’ve seen it!”
“No she isn’t Rainbow Dash, so please don’t talk about her like that.” Fluttershy sighed, hugging Rainbow Dash from the side making the girl squirm until finally relenting and snuggling into the embrace seeking the warmth and comfort there. “This isn’t about her though…is it? What’s going on?”
“It is about her…I went to see Seething Voice because I could feel my anger getting out of control again.” Rainbow Dash said softly into Fluttershy’s shoulder as she rested her head against it. It wasn’t really news to Fluttershy though, Rainbow Dash has always had a temper and anger control problems that the school counselor has tried helping with. Fluttershy had tried to get her to go see Sheila though, believing the woman better suited at dealing with something like that. “Soothing Voice noticed a bruise…and it came out. She found out that my dad beats me when he gets drunk and mad.”
That news about floored Fluttershy as he had met the man more that once. He seemed like a really nice guy despite some of his more old school opinions on things. He seemed to really love Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash, and they seemed to love him to…well Rainbow did, Scootaloo didn’t seem to like him a whole lot. Fluttershy had always written it off as the girl just being mad at him over their mom leaving.
“He beats you both?” Fluttershy gasped out.
“No! Just me…usually just me. I failed to protect Scoots this last time since she didn’t call me when he was drinking. He just gets so mad when he drinks…I can take it, so I always send Scoots to her room to lock the door when he drinks and I…distract him.” Rainbow Dash said, making Fluttershy feel even more shocked. How could she have never known this was happening to her friend? Of course it could probably explain a lot like Rainbow Dash’s anger problems and the reason why she always had to be the best and took losing at anything so badly. “Sure I get banged around some…but I’m used to it. I mean I get hurt just as much from everything else I do, so a few more bruises won’t do anything.”
And that was why she never knew, Fluttershy had always thought the bruises were from skateboarding, rollerblading, karate, soccer and everything else she did. She never once in a million years would have thought Rainbow Dash’s father was abusing her. She couldn’t really comprehend a parent hurting their child in any way. It was a horrible act and Fluttershy refused to let alcohol be an excuse. If he knew he was hurting them he should have just stopped drinking.
“I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy sighed, hugging her a little tighter.
“Please don’t leave me, Shy. I’m sorry I find it hard trusting Sunset Shimmer…but I know her kind. She’s a whore trying to do something to you.” Rainbow Dash sniffed angering Fluttershy a little. At least the girl wasn’t saying even half the things she said at the mall, but this was still pretty bad in her opinion.
“I’m not going to leave you. I won’t leave you to deal with this alone, but I need you to stop talking like that. You don’t know Sunrise, that’s her name now, or the things she’s been through. She’s been through a lot to.” Fluttershy said softly.
“I’ve seen her going to that club by my house before it burned down. My dad says that they’re all worthless whores.” Rainbow Dash said shaking a little, making Fluttershy wonder if Rainbow’s father ever said something about Rainbow Dash and that place the way the girl reacted like that. Actually, if his old fashioned views were kind of archaic and could be considered sexist and a little mean while sober…what were they like when he was drunk and really mean?
“She was going there…after starving for a week. Rainbow Dash, you have to promise you won’t tell anyone what I tell you.” Fluttershy said, unsure if this was a good idea. Sunrise had trusted her to tell her story to the others if she deemed it necessary, but she didn’t think Sunrise wanted Rainbow Dash to know. If Rainbow Dash knew maybe it would at least help a little here.
“I won’t…but you knew she was going there?” Rainbow Dash sighed, slumping in Fluttershy’s arms.
“I know everything that’s happened to her this past week and before. She’s told me everything and even went to see Sheila with me.” Fluttershy explained. “She had money, but her landlord was a creep who stole all of it when she was out after hearing about all of the people mad at her. He threw her out of her apartment, so with no money and being expelled from school, she didn’t have anything to eat. What little she had left when leaving her apartment was stolen from her not long after, so she literally only had the clothes on her back.”
“What does that have to do with…that place?” Rainbow asked softly, relaxing in Fluttershy’s arms as the gentle girl stroked her hair comfortingly.
“I’m getting to that.” Fluttershy said, “This old woman tried to show Sunrise how to survive on the streets, but she couldn’t handle it which, made the woman mad and leave Sunrise alone. After that Sunrise still didn’t get any food, and nobody would give her a job because she didn’t have the papers needed…but mostly because of the rumors about her. She was going to kill herself, twice, the second time she was about to jump off a bridge since she felt everyone would be better off with her dead. Some creep, the guy who owned that club, pulled her off the side just before she could jump off. He gave her his card and told her to come work for him and she refused…but something made her keep the card. She was starving when she finally gave in and was going to see him, which I’m guessing you must have seen her. She never made it inside to see him though.”
“Sh-she didn’t?” Rainbow hiccupped, a little shocked at the story if it was all true.
“No, she didn’t. Someone found her just before she made it into the place. Sunrise collapsed from malnutrition in their arms and they took her home and adopted her.” Fluttershy explained.
“That sounds a little too much like a fairytale ending to be true. Did you meet this person who supposedly took her in?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yeah…both of us have. Principal Celestia took her in and even backed up her story if you must know.” Fluttershy said.
The shock was clear on Rainbow Dash's face as she resembled a fish out of water for a few moments, her eyes wide and mouth working as if to say something, but just couldn't vocalize it. After staring at Fluttershy for a few moments, she narrowed her eyes and changed gears by going another directing in trying to prove that Sunset...Sunrise...or whatever was a bad person. Or at the very least couldn't be trusted, though the argument was running out of steam very quickly.
“Okay…then what about her attacking you at the mall?” Rainbow Dash asked making Fluttershy sigh.
“If you didn’t jump to conclusions and start telling me all those things…calling Sunrise all of those things…you would have learned that Gilda was the one attacking me and Sunrise saved me from her and chased them off. She just helped me pick up my fliers when you arrived.” Fluttershy said making Rainbow Dash sigh this time.
“I still don’t trust her…not after everything that she’s done…but I guess I can give her the benefit of the doubt. And…I guess I owe her an apology. I swear though, just one wrong move from her and I’m pounding her.” Rainbow Dash said as she sat up pulling away to look Fluttershy in the eyes. “And I guess I owe you an apology to…I guess I went a little overboard.”
“A little?” Fluttershy asked, arching an eyebrow teasingly.
“Okay, a lot.” Rainbow Dash said as she wiped some of her tears away. “Please forgive me.”
“Oh Rainbow, of course I forgive you. Will you forgive me for slapping you? I…I know that you were only looking out for me, even if you were pushing it a little too far.” Fluttershy said.
“Of course I do, but remind me to give you some pointers later on how to really slap.” Rainbow joked getting a laugh out of both girls.
“I don’t think I need to, not with both you and Sunrise protecting me.” Fluttershy giggled.
“So…you really like her?” Rainbow Dash asked getting a squeak and blush from her friend.
“I’ve liked her for a long time, Dash. Even before she turned good.” Fluttershy admitted as rainbow Dash’s eyes widened in shock.
“No way!” Rainbow Dash gasped out.
“Way…I know she always teased me…but I’ve also noticed how she went after anyone else who did. I kind of always thought…it reminded me of a little boy hitting the girl he liked on the playground.” Fluttershy said, “I kind of think that was what was going on now that I know she has no real experience with friendship…much less love.”
“What about Flash?” Rainbow Dash asked, shocked by it, though she could almost see it.
“She never liked him, not really, and he always wanted…well something Sunrise wouldn’t give him so when he was going to dump her, she just beat him to it.” Fluttershy explained.
“Wow…just…wow.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her head in disbelief. She still didn’t trust Sunset…Sunrise…whatever…but she guess she would try and give the girl a chance for Fluttershy’s sake. It didn’t mean she would make it easy for the girl though.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“So honey, are you doing okay?” Posey asked as she drove toward her friend’s boutique. They had some things they said Posey could have for Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo since they couldn’t, or rather didn’t want to go home to get them. It wasn’t a lot, but from what Posey was told they didn’t have a lot to begin with. The only expensive thing being an electric guitar that Rainbow Dash won from some kind of contest.
“Honestly, I’m happy to be away from that man. I’m sorry, but I refuse to call him my dad.” Scootaloo said, as she watched out the window. Posey could see from the slight reflection that the girl wasn’t crying and actually seemed to be getting into a better mood. “I just hope Rainbow Dash will be okay. She’s tried so hard for so long to make him proud, but I don’t think he ever will be proud of us.”
“Why not honey?” Posey asked, driving about half of what the speed limit was so they could talk.
“Because he would rather have a son…the son he’s tried to turn Rainbow into. She’s worked so hard to prove that she could be something…and all he does is point out how she could have been better…more than once telling her she would have been even better if she was a boy.” Scootaloo admitted, clenching her fists. “He usually just ignores me because I mess up all of the time…except when he drinks then my sister sends me to the room to look the door.”
“Why does she do that dear?” Posey asked, already knowing the answer, but wanting to confirm it.
“Because she makes sure to distract him from me and…gets beat up in the process.” Scootaloo sniffed. “I’m glad we’re out of there. I promised not to tell anyone, but I didn’t so she can’t blame me for this, right? She won’t…hate me, will she?”
“Of course she won’t dear, if she loved you that much to protect you in that way, I don’t think anything in the world could keep her from loving you.” Posey said smiling over to her as hey finally reached their destination. “I promise neither of you will have to go back to him and you will be able to stay together.”
“I hope so.” Scootaloo sighed as she looked out the window wistfully.
Sunrise couldn’t believe how late she was running, wishing that she had actually accepted the ride from Celestia. She wanted to just stay in bed a few more minutes and enjoy the warm comfort her new bed in their new home provided. Celestia had apparently hired someone while they were at school yesterday to get the place set up quickly and it surprised Sunrise how much stuff was waiting for her when she was shown her room. She had a whole computer system, new iPhone, and an entire entertainment system in her room with a lot of furniture spread out over the spacious area. Even the oriental style low table with cushions didn’t take up even a small fraction of the space there.
Still, as nice as the bed was, she had hoped to cut Fluttershy off on the way to school and walk with her. Sadly she didn’t make it in nearly enough time, but there was still hope of maybe hanging out a few minutes with the girl before school. And there was always their free period which they had planned to spend together all week long.
It was almost funny in a way, despite always having some…unknown feelings for the girl; oh who was she kidding she knew what they were, she never dreamed of spending time with her. And she was even wanting to do it as well, freely, without any coercion at all. It was…a little surprising in a way. A very good surprise though.
As she hurried into the front of the school she looked out over the sea of students hoping to see a familiar blob of pink, but sadly didn’t. Instead she bumped into Scootaloo, the girl’s two friends behind her.
“Watch where your going you she-demon!” Scootaloo hissed out angrily, Applebloom shooting Sunrise an angry glare as well, though not as intense. Sweetie Belle though just gave a nervous smile which Sunrise returned, grateful that not all three of them seemed to be hostile towards her. Heck the whole school seemed to be against her…including Fluttershy’s friends if what she heard from them before her nightmare of a week.
“I’m sorry.” Sunrise sighed, hoping to offer some kindness. “Are you…okay? How are you doing?”
“None of your business!” Scootaloo snarled, “You already ruined my sister’s friendships once…are you trying to do it again?”
“Wh-what?” Sunrise gasped in shock, “Of course not!”
“Why did you even come back?” Applebloom asked, though she didn’t seem as angry as Scootaloo. Actually, Applebloom seemed more like she was going along with everyone else around them while Sweetie Belle just gave a quiet sigh of exasperation.
“I think it’s time you girls got to class.” Celestia said softly, giving the students around them a pointed look making them all hurry off. She put her hand on Sunrise’s shoulder getting the girl to look up with watery eyes. “Are you okay honey?”
“I’ll be okay, I kind of expected this kind of treatment after everything I’ve done.” Sunrise sighed.
“I wish I could make it all go away. If it gets too much you can always come to me in my office, we can spend the rest of the day there.” Celestia said as Sunrise hugged her, not caring if anyone saw, but the halls were now empty as the bell rang so nobody did witness it.
“I’ll be fine, I have you and Fluttershy, so things are already going a lot better.” Sunrise said with a smile as she pulled back.
“Come on, let’s get you to class…unless you want to come stay with me in the office.” Celestia said, giving Sunrise an easy out to any more of the rumors and rough treatment.
“Thanks, mom, but I think I need to face this.” Sunrise said as Celestia escorted her to class so she didn’t get in trouble for being late. Not that any of the teachers still did much against her since she once had blackmail material on about every one. Some things being worthy of being fired most likely. She kind of wondered if it would be a good idea to speak to Celestia later about it.
Instead of worrying about it she just sighed as slumped down in her seat as she could feel the harsh glares all around her. The same glares that followed her the day before going to the office. She couldn’t blame them really, she felt as if she deserved it and more. Adverting her eyes from everyone she stared down at her desk counting the minutes for the class to end. Soon she’d be able to get some relief with Fluttershy…
Sadly things weren’t working out as she hoped they would as she found Fluttershy by the tree they sat under the day before. Sitting on either side of her was Applejack and Rarity who were giving Sunrise strange looks as she approached.
“Look sugarcube, I’m sorry, but we really need to talk to Fluttershy here. Maybe you two can talk later, like during lunch.” Applejack suggested.
“We can’t…Celestia wants Sunrise in the office during lunch.” Fluttershy said, reminding Sunrise of that fact as she was thinking about braving the cafeteria just to be with Fluttershy. After this morning though she was wondering just how good of an idea that would have been. Not only would the other students make it hard for her to enjoy her meal, it might spill over onto Fluttershy if she was there.
“Crap, I forgot.” Sunrise sighed as Fluttershy got up, giving her two friends a quick look.
“I’ll be right back.” Fluttershy sighed, before taking Sunrise’s hand and pulling her off to the side so they could have a quick whispered conversation. “I’m really sorry, there’s some…stuff we have to work out. I promise we will be able to spend some time together later.”
“Its okay, Fluttershy, I know we can’t spend every moment here together.” Sunrise said, though a part of her mind was telling her that they didn’t even really spend a lot of time together here or out of school besides what time they’ve managed to scrape together outside of family and other things. “Maybe…I can come over tonight and we can spend some time together…that is if you want.”
“No!” Fluttershy gasped out, a look of panic crossing her face making Sunrise feel a little heart broken. It was like Fluttershy was embarrassed…or scared to be seen with Sunrise. That couldn’t be true though could it? Then again, the way she panicked just now began to fill Sunrise with doubt as she never really had a good track record with friendship to begin with. Maybe…maybe the Crusaders and everyone else was right. Maybe she shouldn’t have bothered coming back here.
“I…I see…” Sunrise choked out, trying to stay strong as doubt began to grow more and more as she started backing away. “I’ll leave you alone.”
“I don’t want you to leave me alone, I just…I have some things I’m dealing with at home. I love you Sunrise, please don’t ever doubt that.” Fluttershy said giving Sunrise a quick kiss. “Go ahead and come over tonight…but I have to warn you that…”
“Darling…we really need to talk about that thing.” Rarity said as she came up to them, pulling Fluttershy away. It looked like the meek girl really wanted to say something, but gave in.
“I’ll see you later, and if not I’ll stop by your house after school.” Sunrise said, noticing the panicked look again before she walked off. She couldn’t shake the bad feeling she was getting from that look.
As she walked back through the school, intending to go visit her mother as she really didn’t want to be alone with all of the dirty looks she was getting. She could hear whispers calling her demon and worse, all of the comments hurting her to some extent. Still, she knew she deserved it and probably deserved worse so didn’t retaliate when a wadded up piece of paper smacked her in the back of her head. Instead, with a heavy sigh she just continued to the office.
“I’m sorry, dear, she had to step out for a few minutes to deal with something on the other side of the campus.” Miss Appleby said when she noticed Sunrise enter the office.
“Its okay, can…I talk to Vice-Principal Luna?” Sunrise asked, shifting a little nervously. She really hadn’t talked to Luna yet that much since Celestia adopted her. Celestia really loved her sister very much though and had talked a lot about the woman, even saying that she hoped she might move out of her dingy little apartment and move in with them. After all, the house had five bedrooms which would easily give the three plenty of space.
“Sure dear, go on ahead. She’s not busy that I know of.” Miss Appleby said, giving Sunrise a smile as the girl thanked her and walked into the office of her adopted Aunt.
“Vice-Principal Luna, can we talk?” Sunrise asked, noticing the woman narrow her eyes at her. Sunrise couldn’t help swallowing nervously as the woman seemed to look straight into her soul. Luna had never really liked her that much, so she wasn’t really too sure why she was bothering with this.
“I’m a little busy at the moment, can you maybe come back later?” Luna asked, grabbing a stack of papers to shuffle through. The way she was acting seemed more like it was an excuse to get rid of Sunrise than actually being busy.
“Sorry…mom…told me to come here for lunch. She’s not in her office though.” Sunrise said quietly, almost imitating Fluttershy as Luna narrowed her eyes at her for a few moments. “She doesn’t want me going to the cafeteria with the others where…I’ve already had a bad day so far and I hate to admit it…but I’m a little worried about going to the cafeteria.”
“So…where’s your lunch?” Luna asked, arching a brow as her eyes traveled up and down Sunrise’s body. “I don’t see anything on your person that can count as lunch unless you plan on eating paper.”
“Mom said she would have lunch waiting for us.” Sunrise squeaked out.
“Sit down.” Luna said, waving at a chair in front of her desk. Leaning forward she pushed a button on her intercom system. “Mrs. Appleby, are you eating yet or are you busy?”
“No ma’am, did you need something?” Mrs. Appleby asked, her voice full of static. Sunrise really wondered why they didn’t replace those things, surely there were ones that made the speakers at the drive through sound top of the line.
“Miss Shimmer will be spending lunch with me, could you please get her a tray?” Luna asked surprising Sunrise a little.
“Right away Ma’am.” Mrs. Appleby said before her voice was cut off once again.
“Thank you.” Sunrise said, smiling at the woman who for just a moment looked as if she was about to return the gesture. Instead she sighed and went back to her paperwork.
“It’s fine, I don’t want my sister yelling at me if I send you back out there.” Luna sighed as she went back to her papers. Looking across the desk she noticed Gilda’s name on one of the papers that said something about…expulsion. Squinting her eyes she tried to read more of it and noticed Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle’s names also listed. Did that mean all of them were being expelled? Sure the last three caused trouble sometimes, but nothing deserving of expulsion. As for Gilda, Sunrise thought the girl was already expelled…then remembered hearing that Gilda was coming back from suspension being whispered in the halls.
“Please keep your eyes to yourself, Miss Shimmer.” Luna snapped, turning the papers over when she noticed Sunrise trying to read them.
“S-sorry.” Sunrise squeaked out, relieved when a knock came on the door and Mrs. Appleby pushed it open and gave a tray of food and a chocolate milk to Sunrise. “Thank you.”
“Your welcome dear, enjoy.” Mrs. Appleby said with a smile as she closed the door behind her after retreateing from the office.
“Wow, I never thought I’d ever hear you say that.” Luna said, smirking a bit though it sounded a little teasing.
“I’ve changed…I’m not that bully anymore…and I’m glad. I…I’m ashamed I ever acted that way.” Sunrise sighed, picking at the salad and chicken on her tray.
“So I’ve heard…I really hope you have. If it wasn’t for my sister, you probably wouldn’t even be here.” Luna sighed.
“Yeah…I’d be dead if it wasn’t for her.” Sunrise said, opening her straw and putting it in the milk carton. Normally she’d go for the bottled water, but this was a nice change she guessed.
“You don’t need to be all dramatic.” Luna said rolling her eyes a little at Sunrise’s statement.
“I’m not…I almost killed myself twice…and I don’t have any illusions that I would have lasted any longer. Especially if mom didn’t find me when she did.” Sunrise sighed, wanting to change the subject as Luna looked on in shock. “So…how have you been doing?”
“I’ve been doing fine, Miss Shimmer. Though my personal life really isn’t any of your business.” Luna said, her eyes narrowing a little while she studied Sunrise as the girl quickly ate her food.
“You know, you do look…thinner.” Luna mused, pursing her lips as she drummed her fingers along the desk’s top.
“I’m fine…Luna…” Surise began.
“Vice-Principal Luna, thank you.” Luna snapped out making Sunrise cringe a little.
“Vice-Principal Luna…can you maybe tell me a little about yourself? I…you are my aunt now and…I hardly really know the real you.” Sunrise squeaked out, shifting nervously as she sat her now empty tray on the edge of the desk.
“What is it that you want Miss Shimmer?” Luna asked, her voice a little stiff.
“I just want to know you better…you are going to be an important part in my life from now on.” Sunrise said, wishing she could shrink back into her hair like Fluttershy does at the moment.
“What has my sister been telling you?” Luna nearly growled out, glaring heatedly at Sunrise.
“Well…mom…she’s been talking about you and…I wanted to come see you about it.” Sunrise said softly, shuffling a little in her seat. “I never noticed that you two seemed kind of distant…but mom really doesn’t like it. She…she loves you and misses you and wants you to move in with us. I…I want you to move in with us to.”
“And why should I believe you? Why would you even want me to move in with the two of you?” Luna demanded, glaring at Sunrise making the girl shrink back into the chair even more.
“Because…I love her. I’ve always wanted a family and now I have it. I have a wonderful…the best mother a girl could ask for. And…I have a wonderful aunt that she’s been talking about that…that I want to get to know. I want to get to know the real Luna, my Aunt Luna and not Vice-Principal Luna.” Sunrise said, making Luna’s glare intensify.
“Tell me, Miss Shimmer…do you know why Celestia can’t have children? I’m sure she mentioned that fact to you, but do you know the reason why?” Luna asked, not even bothering to wait for Sunrise’s reply. “It’s because I was an idiot and was drunk and high and was stupid enough to get behind the wheel of a car. I almost killed my sister…do you truly think she loves me? That she forgives me for taking any chance of her ever having a family away from her?”
“She’s always had a family…she’s always had you. And now she has me too and…I hope that we can all three maybe…become close and have a happy family.” Sunrise said, grabbing her tray as she stood up, backing away as Luna looked like she was going to explode. “I’m sorry…maybe this wasn’t any of my business. I…I just don’t like seeing my mom hurt at all…and I was hoping to help stop you from hurting to now that I see how much your hurting to. I…I’ll go for now, but I’d really like to get to know you. And mom already has a room set up for you.”
Luna watched the girl leave before heaving a loud, shuddering sigh. She felt as if she was going to cry, but at the same time she couldn’t help admitting that she felt something else she hadn’t felt for awhile. Of course she’s heard Celestia say some of the same, but Luna wasn’t too sure if she believed her. Hearing Sunrise spew all of that though, and to see how serious she was moved her a little. Maybe it was time to leave the past in the past and move on with the future.
After sitting there for who knew how long, she got up from her desk and made her way to her sister’s office. Sunrise was just leaving as the bell was ringing and Luna couldn’t help giving the girl a brief smile. Maybe she had been wrong about the girl all along. Walking into the office she gave her sister a small, nervous smile.
“So I’ve heard that you’ve been talking about me behind my back.” Luna said, crossing her arms and sniffing in disdain.
“I’m really sorry, I admit I talked to my daughter a little about it as we settled in and…I told her I wished that you would move in with is.” Celestia admitted, wincing as Luna glared at her.
“Luna, I’m really sorry if I upset you.” Celestia sighed as she got up and walked to Luna, who shocked her by pulling her into a hug.
“Maybe I was wrong about the brat…you better have a pillowtop mattress in my room.” Luna said before pulling away.
“Does that mean? Do you finally forgive me?” Celestia asked softly, so much hope filling her voice shocking Luna. What on earth did the woman mean by that? If anyone needed forgiveness it was Luna herself and not her sister.
“Tia? Why on earth would I need to forgive you? I…I destroyed your life!” Luna asked in shock.
“For not being there for you when you were in court.” Celestia said making Luna’s jaw drop.
“What the…Tia, you were in the hospital! And even if you weren’t I didn’t expect you to be there.” Luna gasped, shaking her head. “I love you Tia, I never blamed you for anything. I blamed myself for everything.”
“Please don’t, just come home Luna.” Celestia pleaded.
“I’ll be there tonight so you better order a pizza.” Luna said hugging Celestia again, the two holding onto one another for awhile.
It was a long day not getting to spend much time with Fluttershy, but Sunrise hurried outside to meet her to see her getting into her mother’s car before it pulled off. Sighing she set off walking at a brisk pace toward her friend’s home, a little worried about it. She had been on edge all day after the panicked look on Fluttershy’s face and then her failed talk with Luna. Today wasn’t going to so well so far, but maybe spending some time with Fluttershy talking some more would help.
As she arrived at where she knew Fluttershy’s house was she was more than a little hurt and shocked when she saw Rainbow Dash sitting under a large tree out front next to Fluttershy, the rainbow haired girl holding a bunny in her lap. They looked a little too close which for some reason made Sunrise’s blood boil as questions started filling her mind. Questions like was all of this some prank to hurt her like she hurt them?
“Is this why you didn’t want me coming?” Sunrise asked with some hesitation. She was angry and hurt and wasn’t sure if she wanted to stay and confront them or run away. Maybe she was just being paranoid as she was sure Fluttershy did care about her and the two girls there had been friends for a long time except for when Sunrise ruined their friendship for a short time.
“What?” Fluttershy asked, looking shocked and a little hurt. “Sunrise, what’s wrong?”
“What’s your problem?” Rainbow Dash demanded as she pushed the bunny into Fluttershy’s arms and got up to face Sunrise.
“My problem? My problem is the flat chested egomaniac in front of me!” Sunrise snarled, her tension and paranoia building to a boiling point in her. She knew that Rainbow had been dealing with some stuff lately after the visit to the office, but her anger was getting the better of her. Something that hasn’t really happened since being cleansed by Twilight’s rainbow of friendship trick, but she just couldn’t help it at the moment.
“You better back off you cow whore!” Rainbow snarled, shoving Sunrise back as Fluttershy jumped to them and tried to separate them.
“Cow whore? Where do you even get that?” Sunrise asked, anger still filling her, but a small part of her wanted to burst out laughing at the lame insult.
“With udders like those! I’m surprised you even have much of a brain.” Rainbow snarked, making Sunrise turn a deep shade of crimson though it was more from embarrassment.
“So you’re calling Fluttershy and Rarity cow whores too?” Sunrise asked, cocking her head to the side in confusion just before she found herself being knocked to the ground as Rainbow let out a yell of rage.
“Don’t you ever call her that again!” Rainbow snarled as Fluttershy pushed herself directly in front of each of them.
“That is enough!” Fluttershy said, more angry than Sunrise had ever seen her. “Sunrise, I love you, you are…I hope…my girlfriend! And Rainbow, I love you so much to, you are like a sister to me. But I won’t put up with this fighting between you! Now either make up or don’t even talk to me!”
“W-wow.” Sunrise mouthed, Rainbow mirroring the sentiment.
“I…I’m sorry.” Rainbow sighed, looking ashamed of her actions as Sunrise also felt the same feeling. As confused as she was a few minutes ago, Sunrise was even more so now even if for a different reason. She never knew how much it could hurt herself by making Fluttershy angry or disappointed.
“I am to.” Sunrise said standing up slowly, rubbing her face where she was punched. It felt as if it was going to leave a nasty bruise and possibly a black eye.
“I…I owe you more of an apology.” Rainbow sighed, “I’ve been talking with Shy and…and I know what I thought about you was wrong. I just…have some anger problems and…and for Fluttershy I’m willing to give you a chance.”
“I’ll be happy to give you a chance to…for Fluttershy.” Sunrise said.
“Good, now kiss and make up.” Fluttershy said, giving the two a teasing smile. Sunrise and Rainbow looked at each other, for the first time coming to an agreement upon something.
“Shall we?” Sunrise asked.
“We shall.” Rainbow said, nodding seriously before the two turned to Fluttershy and began advancing menacingly on her making the shy girl squeak out in fright.
“Now girls…I was only kidding.” Fluttershy whimpered before they attacked her making her squeal and squirm as they tickled her mercilessly. Fluttershy was happy despite the ticklish torture as this seemed to be a good first step in getting the girl she could easily admit she loved and her friends together.
Sunrise was happy when she arrived home after spending an hour talking with Rainbow and Fluttershy. She had to admit she was a little upset at first when she found out that Fluttershy told Rainbow everything, though relented when they told her everything that has been going on with Rainbow and her little sister. She wanted so much to go after the man who had hurt Rainbow and Scootaloo so much, and was a little confused how Rainbow Dash could still love her father after everything.
Seeing the dark SUV sitting next to Celestia’s car made Sunrise pause for a moment wondering who could be here. Stepping inside she had to stop when she saw Luna sitting at the table across from Celestia, both women wearing casual wear instead of their suits. Luna sent her a bit of a smirk before getting up and started to circle around Sunrise like a shark inspecting her.
“So this is my niece, sister?” Luna said, humming in thought. “I have to say I’m impressed, you have a wonderful daughter who has a lot of promise.”
“Huh?” Sunrise asked eloquently as she watched Luna turn to Celestia.
“I look forward to getting to know my niece while staying here.” Luna said getting Sunrise to squeal excitedly, something she later wanted to die from embarrassment from, but she was happy. She was happy that her family was growing and that Luna seemed to be accepting her. “Though…I have to wonder why all of the makeup though…”
“All of the make-up?” Celestia asked, moving over to study Sunrise’s face knowing the girl never wore much, if any in the way of make-up. She just had a natural beauty that looked better without most of the time.
“Right here.” Luna said, rolling her eyes as she poked Sunrise’s cheek making her gasp in pain. “Seriously Tia, how could you not notice with your obsession with details.”
“What happened? Who did this to you?” Celestia asked, carefully tracing the edge of the makeup and noticing how it also covered around her eye which looked…like someone hit her.
“Let me guess, Rainbow Dash and you finally had it out?” Luna asked, sounding teasing in a way as Celestia shot her a mild glare.
“How did you know?” Sunrise gasped out to make Luna’s jaw drop.
“I didn’t…I just saw all the tension between the two of you and joked.” Luna admitted sheepishly, “Are you seriously okay though, that does look kind of worse than I thought.”
Worse than she thought was an understatement as the girl kept squirming as Celestia cleaned the make-up off to get a better look. It was a testament to how strong the girl was as it looked like it had to have hurt putting the cover up on. And now with Celetia removing it somewhat, it was easy to see how much it stung with each flinch the girl made.
“I’m okay, and no I didn’t hit back. I deserved it though…I kind of called her a flat chested ego maniac.” Sunrise sighed, “But we worked it out…I can’t say that we are friends…but we aren’t enemies either.”
“That’s good at least.” Celestia sighed.
“Well, she is you know, but you never…ever…say that to her face.” Luna said earning another reprimanding glare from her sister. “What? You know it’s true, it’s part of who she is. She’s one of our best athletes, but her ego and anger keeps her from being the best. You said so yourself.”
“Be that as it may, please don’t excuse this kind of behavior.” Celestia said sternly.
“Mom…it was away from school for one. And second, I’m happy it happened. We’re actually talking now and…I think just maybe it’s a start to making some friends other than Fluttershy.” Sunrise said as the doorbell rang and Luna cried out in excitement.
“PIZZA!” Luna cheered grabbing Celestia’s purse making the woman start to protest, but Luna was already at the door paying.
“You know…I think things are going to be interesting from now on…who knew she was so care free away from school.” Sunrise said, smiling a little as she watched her aunt’s antics as Celestia hugged her.
“Thank you for bringing her home.” Celestia whispered in Sunrise’s ear making the girl smile.
It was…strange but good waking up in such a comfy bed still with two other women in the house which were her family. Something that filled Sunrise with happiness and the strength she needed to face the day. And if that wasn’t enough to help her deal with the oncoming storm of negativity that her classmates heaped upon her, meeting up with Fluttershy to walk to school strengthen her resolve to face it even more. Not even when Scootaloo sent her a glare when she passed with Rainbow Dash could get her down as Fluttershy and Sunrise walked not far behind hand in hand.
“Remember, no messing around today, Scoots. Come straight home after school.” Rainbow Dash said, her voice easily heard over the short distance between the groups. It wasn’t that Rainbow Dash was avoiding Sunrise since they were now at the least on civil terms with each other. She wanted to give Fluttershy and Sunrise some time together, and from what Sunrise understood of the situation, Rainbow Dash was a little confused about the whole girl likes girl thing thanks to her father.
“Sis, Gilda doesn’t even know it was us who reported the gun in her locker.” Scootaloo sighed, not really shocking Sunrise in the least. It was part of what the three talked about last night, Rainbow being proud of Scootaloo over it yet fearing for her safety if Gild finds out she was behind it.
“Still, I’d feel a lot better if you and your friends stayed close to home. Posey already said they can come over.” Rainbow explained, making Sunrise wonder if the woman was crazy. Sure the three known as the CMC throughout the school was really good kids, but they were trouble all the same without meaning to be.
“As long as she isn’t going to be there.” Scootaloo hissed quietly, though Sunrise still heard and Fluttershy squeezed her hand in support as the smaller girl sent a quick glare back.
“Scoots, we talked about this last night. We’re giving Sunrise the benefit of the doubt, so until she messes up…we need to be civil to her.” Rainbow said, making Sunrise smile a little as it sounded like the girl was defending her…somewhat.
“I may have to be civil, I don’t have to like her.” Scootaloo said before crying out to get her friends’ attention who was waiting up ahead with Applejack and Rarity who was giving the oncoming group nervous glances…especially to Sunrise.
“Hey there sugarcube, hope you are ready for today. There’s all kinds of messages about how you three probably saved the school.” Applejack said, grinning at the girl. “I tell you, that Gilda should be locked up tight.”
“As much as I agree with you darling, I don’t like the idea of my sister being involved in this. I don’t want to see them getting hurt.” Rarity said, looking at Sweetie Belle with a lot of worry.
“I…I think they did the right thing.” Fluttershy squeaked out, starting to shrink back though an encouraging smile from Sunrise got her to show a little more confidence than usual.
“Of course they did, but I didn’t know about the messages.” Rainbow Dash said, worry filling her voice now.
“Relax, after school we can have a big party celebrating how awesome you three are!” Pinkie Pie said from behind the entire group scaring them nearly to death.
“PINKIE!” Rainbow Dash shouted, clutching her chest as she panted for breath. “How many times have I asked you not to do that?”
“Three thousand, seven hundred nineteen.” Pinkie Pie chirped out, hands behind her back as she swayed back and forth giddily. Sunrise couldn’t help wondering if maybe…just maybe the girl was on something. Of course she knew otherwise, but she couldn’t help wondering at times.
“I can’t believe you know how many and still do it.” Rainbow said face palming.
“Because it’s fun silly!” Pinkie Pie giggled as the group continued on to school.
It was just before homeroom when everyone went their own way and Sunrise was heading to the office to see her mom before having to report to class. She was just about to turn around the corner when she froze, hearing the crusader’s voices.
“We’re going to get in trouble.” Sweetie Belle hissed softly.
“No we won’t, but I can’t stay here with everyone looking at us like that today.” Scootaloo said, “And I hate feeling like everyone is watching us. I mean they are treating us like children that need protecting!”
“I kind of agree with you.” Applebloom said, “Come on, hurry up before they realize we’re gone!”
Sunrise couldn’t help feel very worried about this as she heard the door close and was about to go tell her mom, but she couldn’t help feeling something bad was going to happen. She rushed around the corner to chase after the three before they got out of her sight. She knew that if Gilda had a gun and was released to her parents’ custody like Rainbow Dash said last night, then the three girls could be in real danger.
“And where are you going?” Mrs. Appleby asked as she was halfway out the front door.
“Tell my mom that the crusaders are skipping and I’m going after them. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen!” Sunrise called out before dashing out of the door ignoring the woman’s surprised cry echoing behind her.
She saw the girls far ahead of her, having a large head start and gave chase after them. They were running trying to put as much distance between them and the school as possible, which showed Sunrise just how out of shape she was because of her time on the street. It had taken a larger toll on her body than she had thought possible, not even able to call out when she was getting close as she was too winded.
Stopping for just a minute to catch her breath, Sunrise cursed at noticing the three had given her the slip. Stumbling forward she heard some startled cries coming from an alleyway she was coming up to and hurried into it to find Gilda and two other large girls blocking the crusaders into a dead-end alley.
“What do you think you are doing?” Sunrise demanded stepping into the alley making Gilda pale at seeing her.
“What do you want? I’m just trying to show these brats what happens to those who cause me as much trouble as they had! I have a right for some payback!” Gilda snarled, the three crusaders huddling together and shaking in fright. A shocked look on their faces as they realized Sunrise might actually be helping them.
“You brought a gun to school, what did you think was going to happen?” Sunrise asked, rolling her eyes as the two girls started surrounding her some.
“I thought I was going to do the school a favor and get rid of its demon problem.” Gilda snarled as Sunrise locked eyes with Scootaloo and motioned with her head while mouthing, ‘run’ to them. It didn’t take Scootaloo long to grab her two friends’ hands and drag them behind her while running from the alley.
“Get back here brats!” One of the two girls screamed, only to be stopped by Gilda.
“Let them go, I can always get them later. I just want to know why the she-demon would help the brats.” Gilda asked, more confidence filling her voice despite her body shaking a little. Sunrise wasn't sure why Gilda was starting to grin menacingly at her, but she found out the hard way when she felt one of the other two girls strike her in the back of the head. It wasn't until she collapsed that she noticed that a fleshly blooded brick now lay next to her head.
“Not so powerful now, are you?” Gilda growled as she yanked Sunset to her feet by the hair before shoving her into the arms of the other two girls to hold her. Gild slowly traced her fingers down Sunrise’s cheek making her wince from the bruise that was once again concealed with make-up. “Looks like somebody was already teaching you some manners.”
“Let…me go…or I’ll…” Sunrise said weakly, her head swimming as pain shot through her. Everything seemed to be spinning and her ears ringing at the same time.
“Or what, change into a demon? You know, before now I thought you would. Now though, I see just how pathetic you are.” Gilda said as she pulled back and punched Sunrise as hard as she could in the face, again in her stomach and a third time back in the face. “What’s wrong demon? Why aren’t you changing? Come on, change demon!”
“She isn’t going to change, she’s just a pathetic loser.” One of the girls laughed, though by then Sunrise had no idea which one it was. Sunrise was in too much pain to care who said it really, her head throbbing in pain as well as the new bruises forming. She refused to show weakness to this psycho though as she was held up despite wanting to just lay down and make the world stop spinning.
“Now look at you, you made me bruise that pretty face of yours. Is that really what you want? You want me to ruin that pretty face before I’ve had my fun?” Gild asked, cupping Sunset’s chin and forcing her to look up. The larger girl was too strong to probably resist her normally, so in her currently weakened state there was no way she could fight back. “You know, you really are pretty hot...too bad that you've gone soft."
"Too bad...too bad...you...are an idiot..." Sunrise gasped out, shuddering as she tried to pull away, but it only made her head spin more.
"My poor dear, you are in no position to be talking back." Gilda said, laughing as she moved her head closer, smashing her lips into Sunrise's own in a rough kiss. Sunrise tried struggling more, but her body didn't seem to want to cooperate with her mind. Instead she tried another tactic and bit Gilda's lip before tasting copper as the bigger girl screamed in rage as she pulled back. "You are going to pay for that you freak!"
Sunrise didn't have time to answer before she felt a rain of punches landing everywhere as Gilda snapped, taking her anger out on Sunrise punching without aim until she backed away, heaving for air. Snarling as she stared at the now very bruised and bloody girl as she wiped the blood away from her lip, Gilda pulled out a knife, light reflecting off the silver surface of the blade. All Sunrise could make out was a glint of silver before she felt a sharp pain in her stomach before a loud shout of “FREEZE!” filled the air.
“We can’t leave her Scoots, she saved us!” Sweetie Belle sobbed out as she ran with her friend out of the alley, Applebloom running with them.
“We can’t do anything!” Applebloom cried out.
“Yes we can.” Scootaloo said running in front of a police car making it skid to a stop.
“Shouldn’t you kids be in school?” Shining Armor asked, stepping out of his cruiser feeling a little shocked to see a kid just run out in front of his car like that.
“You have to help her! They’re going to hurt her!” one of the girls cried out making his blood run cold. Someone was in danger and it sounded it may be a kid like these three that he just realized were the ones who reported a student with a gun yesterday.
“Where?” Shining Armor asked, pulling his gun as they pointed to an alley not far away. “Wait here.”
Shining Armor quickly called in backup on his radio as he hurried to the alley, anger filling him just as he saw the girl the idiot judge thought should be released to her parents bury a knife in another girl’s stomach.
“Freeze!” Shining Armor barked out, pointing his gun at the three as the injured girl was dropped to the ground.
"Ma'am, we may have a problem." Mrs. Appleby gasped out as she burst into Celestia's office, a little shocked to find both Principal and Vice-Principal there enjoying a cup of coffee and donuts...while smiling. Sure the two got along well enough when at school, but there was always an air of tension between them. Now they seemed more than happy, eager to be there together. If it wasn't for what was going on, it would be such a nice scene to walk in on. Now wasn't the time though.
"Coffee, Mrs. Appleby?" Luna asked, motioning to the brewing pot on the short filing cabinet. Though she seemed to become more serious, the Vice-Principal still seemed to have a lighter air about her.
"I'm afraid we don't have the time. The crusaders skipped school and Sunrise chased after them...I think to bring them back before they could get in trouble." Mrs. Appleby gasped out, partially out of breath after hurrying all the way from the side entrance to the school where it was the easiest way to sneak out of you wanted.
"I'm sure my daughter will make sure they come back safely." Celestia sighed, rubbing her forehead as she put her mug on her desk. Standing up, Luna followed suit as they fully faced Mrs. Appleby.
"Haven't you seen all of the messages on the school's site?" Mrs. Appleby asked, nervous as she saw the sisters exchange confused glances, Luna giving off a nervous chuckle.
"Well...we kind of spent a long time last night talking and...I haven't really looked yet this morning." Luna admitted sheepishly as she was usually the one who kept up with all of that. There were even rumors that Luna was some kind of computer and gaming genius, though nobody except Luna herself, and possibly her sister, knew for sure.
"You better look, somehow somebody knows who turned Gilda in and they're calling the girls heros for it." Mrs. Appleby said, "If Gilda sees it..."
"Luna, call the police station and ask them to please look for them." Celestia said, her face turning pale as realization of what could happen sunk in.
"Already on it." Luna said, not even bothering going to the main office, or her own, to use the school's phones. Instead she grabbed her own phone out of her purse and began dialing it.
Celestia was about to go for her own phone to try and call Sunrise, but stopped when the phone on her desk began to ring. Hoping that it was Sunrise, Celestia reached for the phone beating Mrs. Appleby to it, she lifted it to her ear saying, "Canterlot High School, Principal Celestia speaking, may I help you?"
"Yes, this is Officer Silver Shot of the Canterlot PD. There has been a stabbing involving one of your students and the victim is being rushed to the hospital. Some witnesses said that we should contact you to get ahold of the victim's parents." Silver Shot said over the phone making Celestia collapse into her chair, shaking a little as she nearly dropped the handset.
"Who is it?" Celestia asked, praying that it wasn't any of the four girls, though she really didn't want anybody to be hurt.
"One of the witnesses said her name was Sunset Shimmer." Silver Shot said, his voice steady though he sounded a little worried. "She stopped three other girl's from being stabbed...she's a hero."
"Her name is Sunrise Shimmer...and she's my daughter. Is...please tell me that she's okay." Celestia begged, letting out a soft sob as the silence seemed to be too long.
"She's...in bad shape. The medics are rushing her to the ER, but they will need somebody there to sign for her treatment. There's only so much they can do without it." Silver Shot said.
"The other three girls...are they okay?" Celestia asked, crying for her daughter while unable to help feeling a little pride that she protected the younger girls from being hurt.
"They're a little shaken up, but fine. We have the assailant in custody." Silver Shot said, making Celestia both happy for that while feeling a little regret that they did...because she wanted to kill whoever hurt her daughter.
"I'm heading to the ER now." Celestia said hanging up, looking up at Luna as she shakily got to her feet.
"Is she ok?" Luna asked worried, Celestia shaking her head no. "I'm coming with you."
"No...please...stay here and take care of things. Get the girls sisters and tell them what happened, then tell Fluttershy that Sunrise is in the hospital. Go ahead and...and...cancel school for the rest of the day." Celestia said, already moving past the two other women there.
"Maybe one of us should drive you dear." Mrs. Appleby suggested, but Celestia only shook her head.
"No, please you two just take care of the students for now. After the school's empty...please come to the hospital Luna. Please..." Celestia said, crying as Luna hugged her.
"She'll be okay Tia, she's strong. We'll be there as soon as we can." Luna said as Celestia nodded and pulled away, rushing out of the office to get to the hospital.
Celestia was a little surprised that she made it to the hospital without being pulled over once, though she knew she was going to get some tickets from running several red lights because of the traffic cameras. It didn't really matter though as her mind was pretty much on one thing at the moment...her daughter. Rushing straight into the the emergency room, Celestia pushed her way to the reception desk as the security guard eyed her warily from the frantic way she was acting despite probably seeing more than one person come running in like this.
"Where's my daughter...the police told me she was brought here." Celestia panted, giving the woman sitting behind the desk a pleading look as she looked up with a sympathetic, yet steady professional expression.
"What's her name?" The woman asked softly, tapping some keys on her computer.
"Sunrise Shimmer." Celestia said, unsure if they would even have her name...or her new name if anything.
"She's still in surgery Ma'am. If you want, go down this hall and turn right. There's a waiting room there and the doctor will be out as soon as possible to let you know what is going on." The woman said, swallowing a little before looking back up.
"Is she going to be okay?" Celestia asked, barely able to get the words out as she felt as if she was going to collapse.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, I really don't know anything other than she has the best doctors we have to offer on her case." The woman said surprising Celestia a little, though if it was true then she was a little more confident that her daughter would pull through, as the hospital's reputation as one of the best in the world was hard earned with it's collection of world renown doctors.
"Please...let me know what's going on as soon as possible." Celestia said softly as she trudged down the hall in search of the waiting room. When she found it she was shocked to see Shining Armor sitting there slumped over in a chair running his hands through his hair nervously.
"Shining?" Celestia asked a little shocked to see him there.
"Not how I wanted to meet my new cousin." Shining joked, his voice low and filled with worry. "I'm glad Silver got ahold of you. I came here with Sunrise to make sure they would take care of her and not wait for you."
"Thank you." Celestia sighed as she sat down next to him, giving him a comforting hug. "How...how is she?"
"It's...doesn't look good. They beat her pretty badly before stabbing her and...she's lost a lot of blood." Shining Armor explained as he began wringing his hands. "A nurse came out just before you got here and let me know that the blade missed any vital organs, but she lost so much blood and she has a head injury that they are worried about."
"What happened?" Celestia asked, tears flowing nonstop now as her worry came back with a vengance knowing all that had happened. What kind of monster would do this to her daughter?
"The judge let Gilda go last night to her parents care without any sort of bond. I swear I'm going to make sure he gets investigated because she should never have been released like that." Shining Armor growled out, "She wanted revenge on those girls who reported her, but Sunrise stopped it and let the girls get away to come get me while Sunrise...she must have faced them and paid for it. One of them apparently hit her in the head with a brick and beat her before Gilda stabbed her with a knife."
"I...I tried to give Gilda so many chances...I try to give all of my students every chance I can to help them...this is all my fault..." Celestia sobbed out.
"No it isn't, you didn't know this was going to happen. And if you gave up on everyone...well...Sunrise used to be Sunset didn't she? She used to be a huge troublemaker as well, but now according to you she's a great daughter and...she possibly saved three lives today." Shining Armor assured her. "If you gave up on her she would never have become the girl she is now. She's...she will be okay, Auntie, I just know it."
"I hope so, Shining...I...I can't lose her. She means so much to me. For the first time in so long I feel like my life has real meaning and a family. She brought Luna and me back together and...and she gave me a chance to be the mother I wanted to be for so long. I really do love her Shining."
"I know you do, and we won't lose her. I'm proud to call both you and her family." Shining Armor said with a smile. "Even if not by blood."
"Blood doesn't make a family, love does." A new voice said cutting in on their conversation. Looking up they saw a woman that neither knew too well, but had met on a few occassions.
"Hello Sheila." Shining Armor said in greeting, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to visit my wife and found out she was taking care of one of my new favorite patients." Sheila said. "Kimmie said that she should be okay, I just came from her office. She is worried a little about her head injury and...Sunrise isn't waking up. She seems to be in a coma...I'm really sorry. They will be moving her to an ICU room soon."
"Will she wake up soon?" Celestia sobbed out, Shining Armor rubbing her back trying to comfort her.
"Physically she is okay, all things considered, but she did sustain a minor concussion. She should wake up anytime...but when she came in she was out despite all efforts to keep her awake." A red haired woman said as she came in the room and took Sheila's hand as if she was seeking support. "She reminds me so much of myself...if not for the golden streaks in her hair she would look exactly like I did at that age."
"You...wait, your Kim Possible, the best brain surgeon in the world." Shining Armor said, realization dawning upon him of the identity of the woman.
"Sorry, I should have introduced myself. I have to admit I'm a little shaken up seeing her come in hurt like she did. When I saw her name though I insisted on taking over her care. I'm not just a surgeon you know." Kim explained. "She'll be in ICU at least twenty-four hours which means you two may see her...but no one under the age of eighteen will be allowed to visit her until she's moved to a regular room."
"What about her girlfriend?" Celestia asked, worried sick about her daughter but knowing Fluttershy was going to be just as upset and want to see Sunrise just as much.
"I'm sorry, I don't agree with it, but it is hospital policy." Kim sighed.
"I can't see her?" another voice asked drawing the attention of the group to an older woman and Fluttershy.
"I'm sorry dear." Kim sighed seeing the crushed look on the young girl's face. "You will be able to spend as much time with her as you want when she's moved tomorrow. She just got through having major surgery and needs the twenty-four hours of observation."
"She'll be okay honey." The older woman said softly, giving the girl a sideways hug as Fluttershy cried into her.
Rarity wasn't too sure what to expect when she opened the door to her little sister's room. Usually she wouldn't go in without permission first, but Sweetie Belle wasn't answering her. Rarity had been scared half to death when Vice-Principal Luna cancelled school for the day and had all of the administrators start calling parents to let them know, and announced that Rarity would need to come to her office along with Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. To be told that your little sister was at the police station waiting to be picked up was not something Rarity ever wanted to happen again.
"Sweetie, are you okay?" Rarity asked, looking across the normally spotless room that now had plushies thrown all over the place instead of being on the neat little perches they usually stayed at. Sweetie Belle sat on the cushioned window seat, hugging a stuffed tiger to her chest as she stared at the window, tear tracks running down her cheeks.
"I knew it was a bad idea, sis. I didn't want to be treated like a prisoner and have everyone watching us just because we turned Gilda in. I knew it was a bad idea to try and get away from it, but I went anyways...and now...Sunrise is hurt all because of us." Sweetie Belle said, sniffling a little as she kept looking out the window at nothing in particular.
"Oh Sweetie, it wasn't your fault." Rarity said softly as she walked closer to her little sister. "Besides darling, why are you so worried about Sunset? All she ever did was bully you girls."
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Sweetie Belle screamed, shooting up from her seat and throwing the tiger at Rarity. "I put up with that from Scootaloo and Applebloom...I won't put up with it from my own sister!"
"What on earth are you talking about, darling?" Rarity asked, catching the tiger with a shocked expression on her face.
"Talking bad about Sunrise...her name is SUNRISE! If any of you bothered to look you could see the changes in her! Fluttershy has...do you trust one of your best friend's judgement so little?" Sweetie Belle demanded, "I could be dead right now...I would be dead if it wasn't for Sunrise! Don't you dare...DON'T YOU DARE TALK BAD ABOUT HER!"
"I...I'm sorry." Rarity said, her eyes watering as realization started to sink in. She really didn't want to trust the girl...but she promised Fluttershy that she would try to give her a chance, yet haven't really even tried giving Sunrise any sort of a chance yet. Was Sweetie Belle right that Rarity hadn't bothered to really look at Sunrise to see the changes? She knew the answer and was ashamed of herself. Sunrise didn't have anything to gain by protecting Sweetie Belle, yet had done so. "I...I'm sorry...I...I owe her a lot just for protecting you."
"Why didn't we just go to school today?" Sweetie Belle sobbed out as she collapsed, causing Rarity to rush to her side and hold her. Not for the first time she found herself cursing their parents. Sure they weren't as bad as Rainbow Dash's father was apparently, but the couple cared more about making money than their children. Rarity was forced to practically raise Sweetie Belle on her own since their parents were always busy with work and ignored them for the most part aside from giving them money and the occasional so called family talk. A talk where their parents would ask a few questions, pretending to be interested though they clearly weren't.
"I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle...but it still isn't your fault. It's...Gilda's fault. I'm sure Sunrise will be okay." Rarity whispered, holding Sweetie Belle tightly while stroking her back. Problem was she really wasn't sure if Sunset...Sunrise would be okay as she really didn't know. She didn't really know exactly what happened beyond Sunrise being stabbed while trying to protect the Crusaders.
Rarity promised that if Sunrise made it through this, that she would give the girl a true chance if it wasn't too late for it. Maybe they could actually get to know each other and possibly...be friends.
Applejack rolled her eyes going up the steps to see Applebloom, once again noting how useless Big Mac could be when dealing with emotional things. Not that she blamed her older brother who she loved dearly, but when their parents died they had to raise themselves. While Big Mac did his best to take care of the farm, that left Applejack to be a mother to Applebloom. True the boy did his best to be there for both of his little sisters, but he could only do so much.
Granny Smith was a wonderful grandmother, but sadly she was sick and couldn't handle any of the farm...and couldn't for years. They had been lucky that she was lucid during any interviews with the state while most of the time they had to take care of her while taking care of everything else. It was the only way they could stay together and they intended to no matter what.
"Hey there sis, what's going on?" Applejack asked finding Applebloom on her bed staring up at the ceiling. Her room wasn't filled with much, none of them had a lot, but it always felt warm and welcoming. Now it had a heavy feeling to it, a sadness that seemed to fill the air making Applejack swallow.
"I didn't want to believe she changed sis...I really didn't...but Gilda was going to kill us. She told us she planned to make us suffer before killing us." Applebloom said softly, "We would be dead if it wasn't for Sunrise. She stopped Gilda from killing us...and she got hurt doing it. Why did she do it sis? Why did she help us?"
"Because..." Applejack said as she sat on the edge of her sister's bed as she tried to figure out why. Sunset Shimmer would never have risked her life for anybody, but Fluttershy had told them that Sunset Shimmer had died and Sunrise Shimmer was a new girl. Of course she didn't mean that literally, they all knew that, but they understood her meaning. None of them truly wanted to believe it though...but after saving her little sister's life, Applejack could no longer deny the truth staring her in the face. Not only had Sunrise Shimmer changed from the cruel bully she once was, she had become a much better person than most of them. "Because...she's a good person. A much better person than I am and...and I promise I'll give her a real chance when she gets better."
"Do you think she will?" Applebloom asked hopefully, wiping away tears as she sat up. Lying was something Applejack was never any good at, so she was finding it hard to tell Applebloom that Sunrise would be okay. She had no idea what happened to Sunrise exactly, but as she thought about it she realized one thing...no matter what, Sunrise was a strong girl.
"Sunrise is very strong little sis, I know she'll make it." Applejack said hugging Applebloom tightly.
"I really hope so." Applebloom whispered, Applejack silently praying the girl would be okay.
"So you decided to ditch school, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked as she sat next to her little sister who was sitting in her temporary bed hugging her knees.
"I felt smothered with all of the attention and knowing the teachers were planning on keeping a close eye on us." Scootaloo sighed, "I never really thought Gilda would do anything to get in more trouble."
"Scoots, never underestimate someone like Gilda." Rainbow Dash sighed. She was a little confused on how to feel, a part of her wanting to be angry that Scootaloo even pulled something so reckless. At the same time she was so relieved that nothing had happened to Scootaloo. Fluttershy had been right last night, it was good to be loyal to your family, but who was her real family? A father who drank despite knowing what it made him do and abuse her or the little sister who looked up to her and needed her to step up. There was no competition there, Scootaloo meant everything to her and and Sunrise had saved the young girl.
"I've done nothing but treat Sunrise like crap, sis. Why...why would she protect us?" Scootaloo asked softly, balling up her fist.
"Because...Sunrise isn't who she used to be. She didn't have anyone to be there for her in so long...and now that she has people to be there she knows what she did was wrong and...she's changed kiddo. Sunrise is...Sunrise is a hero Scootaloo and a far better person than me." Rainbow sniffled as she hugged Scootaloo tightly.
If Fluttershy's night was bad, her morning was being even worse. She didn't get much sleep, if dozing off two or three times for less than a minute or two each time could be considered sleeping at all. Because of this she was already grumpy, and remembering how they denied her a chance to see Sunrise only made her mood sour even more. Not even Sheila or Kim could get her in to see Sunrise as it was a strict hospital policy.
Being made to leave the hospital wasn't exactly very fun, her mother promising that she could be with Sunrise as much as she wanted as soon as the injured girl was moved to a normal room later today. For now, despite her mother originally telling Fluttershy that it might be best to stay home, her father wanted her to go to school saying it would get her mind off of things being around her friends. Seriously, she refused to even speak with Rainbow Dash or Scootaloo, why would she want to be around any of her friends right now?
"Come on, Shy, wait up!" Rainbow shouted, both the rainbow haired girl and her little sister rushing to catch up with the usually meek girl. Meek was far from what she was now though as anger and rage filled her.
"Don't even talk to me!" Fluttershy snapped out, spinning around to face the approaching girls. "I don't want to hear how sorry you are! You know why? Because you AREN'T!" Fluttershy cried, her voice growing louder until she was shouting the last word.
"Shy...I know you are hurting right now...but I do care. You are my best friend..." Rainbow said, shifting nervously while Scootaloo whimpered a little hiding behind her big sister.
"You don't even get why I'm upset, do you?" Fluttershy demanded, glaring at both girls as Scootaloo sighed and stepped out from behind Rainbow Dash.
"Because...I caused Sunrise to get hurt..." Scootaloo sniffed, gasping when Fluttershy let out a squeal of anger.
"NO! I'm made because none of you would bother looking at Sunrise until she almost died! Now you only want to kiss up to her because you feel guilty...well you SHOULD!" Fluttershy sobbed out, "You...Applejack and Rarity...all of you keep telling me that you aren't sure about her. That I shouldn't get close to her. Well I did get close...I LOVE HER!"
"Shy...I did see her...I...I saw somebody so full of pain that I couldn't help giving her another chance." Rainbow Dash sighed, "I'm stupid, okay? I'm so stupid for it to take us getting into a fight for me to see it, but I did! After we talked...I wanted...I wanted to give her a chance because...I saw how much she made you happy and I saw...I saw how much she cared for you. I saw the potential for a good friend there..."
"Don't lie to me!" Fluttershy sobbed out as she spun around and stormed off away from the two, ignoring the other girls who must have heard everything as they were only a few houses away making their way toward them.
A part of her felt sorry for exploding on Rainbow Dash, and especially Scootaloo. Deep down she knew that it was neither girl's fault that Sunrise was now in the hospital. Yet all she could feel toward any of the girls was anger over the way they treated Sunrise. All she could feel right then was rage that the only reason they are acting remorseful was because they felt guilty and would only go back to treating the injured girl like trash as soon as she felt better.
A part of her rebelled against that anger filled thought reminding her how good her friends really were. They were only worried about her getting hurt by Sunrise, and going by the girl's past, Fluttershy could even understand that in a way. Still, Fluttershy saw things the others never saw, or believed when told about said things. Sunrise may have picked on Fluttershy, but she kept other bullies from going after her with the mall being the first time she done so openly.
Pushing everything out of her mind as she reached the school, she made her way to her locker to drop what few things she had with her off and get what she would need for the morning. Hearing the whispers and feeling the eyes staring at her made her want to scream at them and demand they shut up. It seemed that once again social media had played a huge role in spreading gossip over night and most everyone knew about what had happened just the day before. While most seemed in awe and shock, there were those who thought it was some sick joke to make Sunrise look better.
The few people who tried to stop Fluttershy as she made her way to her homeroom quickly backed away as she turned to glare at them, using the full force of what her friends labeled as 'the stare' on them. Her eyes full of anger and the bags under her eyes only intensified the look making anyone approaching her quickly turn tail and run.
Dropping into her desk, cursing her father for making her come today, she took out her notebook and started drawing sketches. It was something she enjoyed doing greatly as it always calmed her down immensely. Though normally it was when she was stressed or feeling really fearful that she turned to her drawing as it filled her with a sense of peace.
"Good morning students." A woman Fluttershy had never seen before greeted them making her wonder what happened to their normal teacher. "Your normal teacher is helping in the office this morning and I'll be taking role and explaining what is going on today. All of your parents already know this as they were called this morning and informed of recent events and the effects it had on the school."
Everyone started whispering at once, wondering what was really going on and if the gossip was true. More than one student seemed in awe that the rumors could be true, surprised that 'Sunset Shimmer' would risk her life to save three younger students who she tormented more than once. Three students that many knew 'Sunset Shimmer' had it out for after inadvertently messing with the now ex-bully more than once.
"Please quiet down students, you will have plenty of time to talk soon enough." The teacher said getting the noise levels to dramatically drop in volume getting everyone's attention...even Fluttershy's. "There is going to be a special announcement in a few minutes and afterwards morning classes will resume normally to some extent. You will be expected to attend all of your classes, though you won't really be expected to do any classwork today."
A loud cheer rang out across the room as more than one student celebrated the fact that there would be no class work. It took a few moments for them to realize that something really bad must have happened for something like this to happen which quickly made the mood become more somber.
"Good morning students of CHS." Vice-Principal Luna said through the loudspeakers, "Normally...we wouldn't divulge most of these details as they can be construed as private. However...due to certain gossip spreading like wildfire over the schools social media...we feel that we have no choice but to explain everything and put a stop to some of these rumors before they get out of hand."
Fluttershy sunk into her seat a little as a few students looked back at her, for the moment her usual shyness returning as her anger slowly ebbed away for the time being.
"Sadly...a fellow student Gilda has been expelled due to bringing a gun onto school property. Three of your fellow students found out and did the right thing reporting her...and through the schools social media and somebody finding out about this...Gilda learned who these three students were. It seems that Gilda cornered these students and intended to get revenge for her being expelled and we believe she would have hurt these students severely if not for a single girl stepping in. Sunrise Shimmer, who many of you still refer to as Sunset Shimmer, distracted Gilda long enough for the three students to get away. Yes it is true that Sunrise Shimmer paid for it by being stabbed and is in the hospital...currently in the ICU."
Many gasps of shock went up around Fluttershy, many whispering their condolences while others conveyed their disbelief. Even though she could understand it to some extent as if she didn't know better she would probably feel the same way, the whispers angered her making her shoot a few classmates acidic glares when they turned her way making them quickly look away.
"While some of you may...be cheering about this outcome...I will personally see you in detention for the rest of the year if I hear one word of celebration. For those of you who do feel sympathy and need to talk to someone...we have a few extra counselors in the offices. Those of you who need it are urged to come by the offices to speak with them. The rest of you will be expected to follow your teacher's directions until lunchtime where you can either eat in the cafeteria before heading home for the day. Yes, today is only a half day and for the rest of the week school will closed for classes, but the counselors will be here for anyone who finds a need to talk about this...incident...and how they feel about it. Anyone causing trouble today, even the slightest, will be dealt with harshly. That is all."
The shocked quiet around Fluttershy actually surprised her as the students shifted nervously. Sure Vice-Principal Luna could be difficult to deal with to say teh least, but the woman sounded like she was a mix of anger and sadness over the intercom. Finally, a girl raised her hand and after a few moments the substitute teacher acknowledged her.
"Yes, what is it...Trixie?" The teacher asked, looking down at the seating chart before looking back up to the girl.
"Is there...something the Great and Powerful Trixie can do...anything we can do to help Suns...Sunrise?" Trixie asked softly, getting a small smile from the teacher.
"Yeah...like maybe send her a get well card? Or better yet, maybe visit her?" Bon Bon asked, shifting nervously in her seat.
"As if any of you care." Fluttershy hissed out as she glared around the room.
"Fluttershy! I'm shocked to hear you of all people talk like that!" The teacher gasped out surprising the younger girl as she really didn't even know who this teacher was.
"It's true, they don't care!" Fluttershy sobbed out, "Where were they when she...when..."
She wante dto demand where they were when Sunrise needed help, when she was all alone for the week of her suspension. Then again...a thought forced itself into her mind as she knew she wasn't there for Sunrise either. Sure she has since the girl came back, unlike the others, but did she really have a right to be angry over all that she was?
"Sugarcube, I know that you two have been hanging around a lot...and probably know more about her than any of us. She's hurt a lot of us though and...a lot of us didn't think it was possible for her to truly change." Carrot Top said softly, "She was there to save those three troublemakers...one of them being my cousin...and we want to be there for her now. Is that so wrong, sugarcube?"
"I tried to tell everyone that she had changed." Fluttershy said, glaring a few moments before her eyes softened and looked away.
"And we see it now...we want to be there to support her, Fluttershy. Would you deny Sunrise the chance to have people there for her?" Carrot Top asked making Fluttershy bury her face in her folded arms on the desk as she felt a hand patting her back.
"While I think it is wonderful that so many of you are concerned for Sunrise Shimmer, we can't have all of you rushing the hospital because that can cause a lot of trouble. I suggest maybe forming groups and nominating a few representatives to take cards and gifts to her room...and if you want maybe rotate nominees every day as Sunrise is expected to be there for a few days at the very least."
"Of course the Great and Powerful Trixie should be first to take Sunrise Shimmer gifts celebrating her great courage." Trixie said loudly followed by the sounds of paper balls bouncing off her head as Fluttershy tried to bury her head on her desk. Fluttershy still felt angry with them, but she had to admit that maybe it would be nice for Sunrise to see that she isn't as alone as she thought.
Still, Fluttershy couldn't help feeling angry at all of them. They all tormented Sunrise the last few days and now...they were acting like they cared. Did they really care or did they just feel guilty for their actions? Were they just going to go back to treating Sunrise like trash when this was all over...or were they actually sincere in all of this. Confused Fluttershy just sat at her desk trying to ignore everything while wishing the day would just go by quick so she could go see Sunrise.
When lunch finally came Fluttershy was on the verge of literally strangling someone. While most seemed concerned for Sunrise, there had been a few saying that the fire haired girl deserved what she got. It took every ounce of will power to keep from lashing out out them, but it wasn't reall needed as they were quickly dealt with by being sent to the office. The ones who seemed concerned for Sunrise upset Fluttershy as well, confused as to if they truly felt that way or was trying to soothe their own guilt...and a large part of Fluttershy was sure it was only to soothe their own guilt.
Bracing herself for the rush of her so called friends crowding her, Fluttershy stepped through the door to find not who she expected standing their. Sheila was standing there as students flooded around the woman hurrying out of the classroom, as well as the surrounding rooms. A sad smile graced the woman's lips as she hugged Fluttershy who stood there in shock.
"Come on little Shy, I want to talk to you some." Sheila said softly, guiding Fluttershy away from the room. "You know...I really thought you would be one of the few people to come to the office to see us. I know you must be going through a lot."
"I can't...I have to get to the hospital." Fluttershy said softly, not fighting against the older woman who guided her into an empty classroom near the offices.
"Don't worry, we will be leaving soon. Kimmie is going to call me as soon Sunrise is moved, until then we need to have a talk then I'm going to take you to lunch. When Kimmie calls I'm going to drive you to see your girlfriend." Sheila said softly, "Your mother can't do it...she...had things she had to do."
"What kind of things can she have to do? She promised she would be here!" Fluttershy cried out, her anger rearing up again.
"Your mother had to see her supervisor about Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, They are...having problems." Sheila said slowly, unsure how much would be wise to divulge at this time. Then again this would effect Fluttershy as well since they were not only close friends, but were living together for the moment.
"What kind of problems?" Fluttershy asked, swallowing nervously. Sure she was angry at them, but she didn't want anything bad to happen to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Her mother may have been high up in Children Services, but even she had a supervisor she had to ultimately report to.
"It seems there may be...issues with your mother both taking care of their case and letting them live with you. Some...parties is calling it a conflict of interests." Sheila said, glad that the information was getting Fluttershy's mind of Sunrise for the time being while hating that now Fluttershy was going to have even more to worry about.
"What parties?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm very sorry Posey, but either you hand the case off to another worker or you find those girls another place to stay." Director Hooves said, tapping his pen on the desk as he looked into his friend's eyes. He knew this wasn't going to be easy as the woman sat across from him at the desk. Turn Coat was friends with the teens' father and was pushing to get the case handed over to him.
"And they will probably take them as soon as they get the case and split them up or...give them back." Posey said, thinking about that prick Turn Coat who should have never even been allowed to be a social worker. There had been allegations several times of him accepting bribes, but it could never be proved.
"That's why I'm not forcing one or the other on you, but you must do one or the other. I can give you until Monday to make a decision on this." Director Hooves said, smiling to Posey. "That should give you plenty of time to find them another home or find someone you can trust to take over the case."
"Thank you sir, I'll make some calls soon. I really need to go though...my daughter's friend in in the hospital." Posey sighed, annoyed that the meeting had taken as long as it had. She asked Sheila to take care of Fluttershy, but Posey planned on taking over if she made it out on time. It looked like she was going to have to head straight to the hospital though with how late it was getting.
Stepping into Sunrise's room made Fluttershy freeze in shock, glad that it seemed to be a private room. as every surface was covered with get well cards, plushies, flowers and a lot of get well soon balloons floating above stuffed bears acting as anchors. Looking up she found her friends as well as Trixie, Bon Bon, Vinyl and Lyra arranging everything. At first the anger she had been feeling started to come back before thinking about something Sheila pointed out over lunch.
"Even if this may be spurred by guilt, it can be the perfect stepping stone for making friends. Would you deny Sunrise the chance to make friends besides yourself?"
Of course Fluttershy wanted to throw all of them out of the room, and was on the verge of doing so, but she realized something. She realized that not only was she feeling angry...but she was feeling jealous. Was she...being greedy with Sunrise? Was she doing this to protect Sunrise or keep the girl to herself? She really wanted to think it was for Sunrise, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was overreacting to this. Sunrise deserved to have all of these people here for her, didn't she? Plue...the room looked beautiful, if a little crowded.
"Hi Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie said, her hair seeming to be completely flat.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash gasped out, looking up to meet Fluttershy's eyes.
"I...I'm sorry for being...for overreacting and treating you all badly." Fluttershy sighed, still not sure if she could trust Sunrise's heart to these girls...but they were Fluttershy's friends. She needed to trust them, needed their support if she was going to make it through this.
"Don't be sorry, we all know how hard this is on you." Rainbow Dash said hugging her.
"Yes, while Trixie...doesn't really...swing that way, she does see the way you look at the courageous Sunrise." Trixie said, acting somewhat like her normal self though a little more reserved. "Trixie imagines it must be rough seeing the person who stole your heart in such condition. If Trixie can do anything to help...please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you...Trixie." Fluttershy said, getting a soft smile from the magician.
"You are most welcome...Trixie knows better than most how difficult this can be...and doesn't wish this fate on anybody." Trixie whispered, though Fluttershy heard it and was shocked by the statement. The look in the girl's eyes told just how much this really bothered the girl.
"Sorry girls, but some of you are going to have to leave." A nurse said as she came into the room, followed closely by the three girls making up the Crusaders.
"Awww, but we wanted to thank Sunrise for saving us." Applebloom pouted.
"Sorry dear, but only three people should really be here at a time." The nurse explained, "I'll give you a few minutes to decide which of you are going to stay, but the rest of you will need to go."
"Yes Ma'am." The small crowd said at once as the nurse left. Thankfully nobody argued, though everyone wanted to stay. In the end it was decided that Fluttershy, which was a given, would be staying along with her houseguests since they would be going home together...though if Fluttershy had her was she would be staying overnight. She actually wanted to stay by Sunrise's side until the girl woke up.
"She'll be okay Sugarcube, that one is stronger than a lot of us." Applejack said as she followed the others out. Fluttershy took the chair by Sunrise's bed and took the hand that didn't have an IV hooked up to it. Sunrise and Scootaloo took chairs against the wall and moved them near Fluttershy and looked sadly at the girl in the bed.
"I'm really sorry." Scootaloo sniffed, "This is my fault...I should be the one there instead of her."
"No." Fluttershy sighed, turning to look at the younger girl who was shaking a little. "None of this is your fault, it's...this is Gilda's fault. I'm sorry for taking this out on you both."
"But..."Scootaloo whimpered, only to have Fluttershy lean over and hug her.
"No buts, Scootaloo." Fluttershy said, smiling softly as Rainbow Dash squeezed Fluttershy's shoulder.
"I'm sorry I was such a jerk to her, Shy. I swear when she wakes up I am going to make it up to her." Rainbow Dash said, her voice cracking a little but serious. Fluttershy knew the girl was telling the truth and for the first time that day, all of the pent up anger finally flooded out of her as her friends surrounded her.
"I want to make it up to her to. She...she saved my life and I'll never forget that." Scootaloo said softly.
"Just...just don't break her heart and turn her away when she feels better." Fluttershy sighed, "When all of the emotions die down, just be there and be her friend."
"I'll be her friend as long as she will have me." Scootaloo said, giving Fluttershy a watery smile.
The garden was as beautiful as ever, the flowers and bushes taken care of extremely well and the Discord statue looking just as odd yet beautiful as it always did. The shade from the statue giving Sunrise some refuge from the sun's rays, though it really wasn't that hot either. In fact if she had a swimsuit with her, she may have changed into it and even bathed in the sun's rays.
"What are you doing here?" A familiar voice echoed from somewhere, seemingly coming from far away.
"Trixie doesn't have to explain herself to you, but Trixie...will. The Great and Powerful Trixie wanted to...see if Sunrise Shimmer is okay. And Trixie also brought...gifts." Another voice said, sounding even more familiar as it echoed around Sunrise who sat up and shook her head to clear it from whatever dream she must have been having.
"Who said you were dreaming?" Another voice asked, only this one seemed right next to her. Turning to look she found a pony sitting right next to her. It looked so familiar, especially the fire styled mane and the sun cutie mark on her flanks.
"It was just a day dream." Sunrise said rolling her eyes, climbing to her feet. For a moment she felt a sharp pain in her gut, but it quickly vanished when she tried to push it out of her mind. Looking up she met a pair of eyes that were larger than hers, yet at the same time was the same. "Just like I'm dreaming now obviously. Just having a daydream about talking to you."
"Well, you are right, this is a dream...and at the same time it isn't." The pony said, "You are in your very own subconscious because you don't want to wake up."
"No, I'm in the gardens trying to get a little peace and quiet. Not to talk to some figment of my imagination." Sunrise huffed, refusing to listen to the stuff this talking pony was spouting out.
"I should be the one there instead of her!" Another voice cried out, sounding completely devastated. Almost as if whoever said it was crying. Sunrise could almost see an image in her mind's eye of who the speaker was, but it just eluded her barely. The face melting away into shadows in her mind.
"Does that sound like a dream?" The pony asked, arching a brow at Sunrise as the human girl shook her head.
"Just...figments of my imagination. Just...who do you think you are anyways?" Sunrise demanded as she glared at the unicorn mare who sadly shook her head.
"I am you, or more accurately, your conscience." The pony said giving a cocky grin up at Sunrise who snorted and turned to walk away.
"I don't care who you are, I'm not sitting here to listen to this." Sunrise snorted as she stomped across the field as the grass melted away to smooth marble, her canopied bed and furniture filling the room of the palace. Digging out her favorite bikini she quickly stripped her clothes off and slipped into it before retiring to the balcony where she could escape that annoying pony. Dropping into a lawn chair, she reached to the side where a small table melted into reality to grab some lotion before starting to rub it into her body.
She wasn't going to listen to this figment, as she knew that was all it was, as she enjoyed the warmth of the suns rays washing across her body. She had a great view of Equestria from the balcony, one of the highest rooms in the palace. Only the Princess and a few unused rooms were any higher...rooms that the Princess wouldn't let anyone into for some reason. Something about them being reserved for the return of somepony.
"If I'm a figment of your imagination, and this is real, why are you in Equestria?" The pony asked from beside Sunrise once more making the girl growl out.
"Why can't you leave me alone?" Sunrise growled out, "You. Are. Just. A. FIGMENT!"
"I. Am. YOU!" The pony growled out, glaring at Sunrise who finally broke eye contact and looked away. "This is a dream, a dream you need to wake up from."
"This isn't a dream!" Sunrise screamed as she jumped to her feet and walked to the edge of the balcony, her bikini melting off her as a dress took it's place. It was one of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen, one that she had wanted to buy for...something...but she couldn't afford it. Yet she was the Princess's student so that didn't make sense.
"Please wake up, I...I love you, I need you to wake up." Another voice echoed making Sunrise spin around looking for the voice. She was in the middle of the market square in Canterlot though and there was no pony around. There was no pony who could be saying these things anywhere close by.
"Please come back to us...I need you...I need my daughter back." Another voice said, the sadness in the voice striking a chord in Sunrise's heart.
"They need you." The pony said from behind Sunrise making the girl spin around to face the pony who looked up sadly at Sunrise. "Do you really want to abandon them?"
"I'm not abandoning any pony, this is all a dream." Sunrise said, though she could feel her resolve cracking a little.
"You aren't a pony! Look around you, this is a world of ponies and you aren't a pony anymore." The pony snapped out making Sunrise take a step back as she looked around her.There was something odd about the place, the market square was always full of ponies at all hours of the day. Shops that catered to clients during the day as well as those who were up all night.
"This...is my home..." Sunrise said slowly, tears slowly starting to trail down her cheeks as she shook her head.
"No, this was never our home and you know it. Our home is with our mother and auntie and Fluttershy...all of who love us." The pony said, hanging it's head. "Sunrise, don't abandon them."
"They are the ones who will abandon me! It always happens!" Sunrise sobbed out slashing her hand in a negative motion. "I'll always be alone and unloved! They...They're better off without me anyways."
"That isn't true!" The pony gasped out.
"It is true...and...it's my fault. I make them stop because...because I don't deserve them. I don't deserve any pony." Sunrise sobbed out as she spun around and ran again, the town square melting away into an evil looking forest. She ran trying to escape the voices she kept hearing. She ran to escape the pony who wouldn't stop following her. And she ran to escape the truth she didn't want to admit to because then...then she's have to admit that she was scared.
She was scared that this was a dream and if she woke up she would be back with Celestia and Luna...and Fluttershy. She was afraid that they would realize how pathetic she was and dump her just like the Princess had. She was scared of losing the only happiness she has had in years.
"Please...I need you to wake up...I need you so much Sunrise. I love you so much." One of the voices from earlier sobbed out as Sunrise fell to her knees to look up. She could almost see a ghostly image of a pink haired girl in the sky. A human girl and not a pony...
"I think it's time you went home, Sunrise." The pony sighed as she stopped next to Sunrise.
"What if they reject me? I...I don't think I can take it if they do." Sunrise sobbed as she hugged the pony and buried her face in the mare's neck. "C-Can't I just stay here in peace? Can't I just spend my last days here where I can at least pretend to be happy?"
"You can...but why pretend when you can have real happiness out there with people who care for you?" The pony asked nuzzling Sunrise.
"I'm scared." Sunrise sniffled as her will to fight and deny everything faded away.
"Everyone is scared at some point, human and pony alike. Face your fear and fight for what you want, for the love and friends that you have. Don't give up, wake up and fight for your life." The pony said, sniffling a little to. "I know you are scared, so am I, after all I am you."
"What do I do?" Sunrise asked, wiping her tears away as she looked up into the sky.
"Wake up, please." Another of the voices from earlier sniffed as the ghostly image of Principal Celestia filled the sky. As...her mother's image filled the sky with a sad look on her face. Closing her eyes, Sunrise took a deep breath before opening them again.
Everything felt so stiff as the bright lights overhead shone down upon her, She wanted to cry out when a surge of pain shot through her as the pink haired girl grabbed her in an excited hug as the older woman gently pulled the girl back.
"I'm so so sorry!" The pink haired girl sobbed out after realizing what she did.
"Ish okhay." Sunrise said, her tongue and mouth feeling like cotton as she tried to talk. Though words came out, they seemed slurred.
"Shhh, honey, just relax. You're in the hospital." The older woman said, leaning over to kiss Sunrise's forehead. Sunrise managed to smile up at the woman, her mother Celestia and...her girlfriend Fluttershy. Seeing their excited faces made Sunrise smile more at them as they both hugged her gently, making sure to avoid her injuries.
"Are you thirsty?" Fluttershy asked holding a cup of water with a straw to Sunrise's lips as she greedily sucked down over half of the cup's contents.
"That's a lot better." Sunrise managed to groan as Celestia got up.
"I'll be right back, I'm going to have the nurse page Kim." Celestia said as she hurried out of the room.
"I'm so happy that you are awake." Fluttershy sniffed, wiping her eyes as Sunrise looked around the room as all of the decorations.
"Sheesh you guys went overboard." Sunrise tried to giggle, but the flash of pain made her reign it in.
"These...aren't all from us. Most of the kids at school sent this stuff." Fluttershy said, fidgeting a little.
"Sooo...are they telling me I should drop dead?" Sunrise sighed, a little surprised when Fluttershy shook her head.
"Nope. Even though I...I didn't want to trust them at first, they all seem genuinely worried about you. You did an incredibly stupid but brave thing...and they consider you a hero." Fluttershy explained.
"I'm not a hero." Sunrise snorted, "I just did what was right. That brat Gilda would have beat those three into a pulp."
"You're a hero in my book, Shimmer." Rainbow Dash said as she came in the room followed by Scootaloo who was both carrying two trays of food each.
"Mine to." Scootaloo said, putting the trays down on the only surface that wasn't filled with gifts which was a small table where a water pitcher and glass sat. The young girl moved over to the bed, shaking a little as Sunrise reached out, hissing as she had to change hands as she realized an IV was in the one and took the girl's hand squeezing it. "I'm sorry you got hurt."
"As long as you three are okay, it was worth it." Sunrise said giving a smile.
"Okay you three, you have to step out so I can examine Sunrise here." Kim said as she came into the room followed by Celestia. "Don't worry, it will only be for a few minutes."
Fluttershy sighed as she followed everyone out to stand just outside the room waiting for Sunrise's examination, worried when she looked up to see her mom coming down the hall. Even before Posey reached them she knew something was terribly wrong.
"You okay Shy?" Rainbow asked softly, reaching up to squeeze her shoulder half expecting Fluttershy to shrug it off.
"Y-Yeah...I'm so sorry I...I was so mean today." Fluttershy sighed as her mom joined them.
"Don't worry about it, we know you have a lot on your mind." Rainbow Dash said, Scootaloo hugging Fluttershy from the otherside.
"I'm just glad she's awake." Scootaloo sniffed as Fluttershy held her close.
"Hi girls, so she's awake?" Posey asked, her voice cracking a little when she looked at Rainbow and Scootaloo which filled Fluttershy with dread.
"Y-Yeah mom, she just actually woke up." Fluttershy said, reaching up with one hand to squeeze the hand on her shoulder belonging to Rainbow Dash while holding Scootaloo with the other. "Mom...what's wrong?"
"We should wait until later when we get home." Posey said, urging the three girls to drop it.
"It's about dad, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash sighed, "Are you sending us back?"
"No! I refuse to let you go back to that monster!" Posey hissed out, shaking her head. "I need to find you girls another place to stay or give up your case. I'd much rather find you girls another place to stay than give up your case because...someone who is lazy or uncaring may get it and then they might send you back."
"Why?" Fluttershy asked, shaking a little.
"Because...they're calling it a conflict of interest." Posey sighed as Kim came out of the room giving them all a large smile.
"You all can go in, but please keep any noise down. There is only supposed to be three people at a time, but as long as you all are quiet I'll speak to the nurses and see if they can't overlook it for now. She'll probably be heading home Saturday or Sunday then you can all hang out all you like." Kim said, already having permission from Celestia and Sunrise to tell them. "If you all need anything, just page a nurse and have them contact me."
"Thank you, Doctor Possible." Posey said with a thankful smile.
"You are very welcome dear, I have a few more patients to see so I'll see you all later." Kim said before hurrying down the hall leaving the small group to go back into the room putting on a happy front even if they were worried about Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo now.
For the next hour the group sat around Sunrise's bed just talking, Posey having to admit that while neither her husband or herself were really thrilled with their baby girl falling for another girl...Posey had to admit that she was glad that it was Sunrise. They would be good for each other, and getting to know the girl let Posey know just how badly she misjudged the girl at first.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Fluttershy said sitting on the edge of the bed, carefully hugging Sunrise before she started to get up. She was a little surprised with herself when she stole a quick kiss on the lips from Sunrise who looked a little shocked, yet happy at the act as Rainbow teased the pink haired girl as they filed out though Sunrise caught Celestia's hand asking her to stay a few minutes.
"Honey, I'm not going anywhere." Celestia said, sitting on the chair by the bed and kissing Sunrise's forehead.
"You don't have to stay all night mom, you need to get some sleep." Sunrise said, squirming a little to get comfortable. True she hated drugs, but for once she was happy for the painkillers they had her pumped full of. "I just...I just wanted to talk about something."
"What is it, are you okay?" Celestia asked with worry.
"I was just wondering something, mom." Sunrise said, almost losing her nerve over this. Maybe it was the drugs making her do this after all, it was crazy. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo didn't even really like her a whole lot really did they? Sure they were really nice the last hour but...was that just for FLuttershy's benefit? No, this was the right thing to do anyway she looked at it. "Mom...I was thinking...I love the house and all...but...it does kind of feel kind of lonely."
"Lonely?" Celestia asked arching her eyebrow.
"A little..." Sunrise said swallowing nervously as Celestia kissed her on the top of the head.
Life in a hospital bed was boring, much more boring than Sunrise had ever imagined it could be. A part of her was regretting that Celestia had left to take care of some things that needed done before the weekend which reminded Sunrise of something. Today was Friday, the day she was supposed to have her first real date with Fluttershy which made her frown a little. Would Fluttershy understand that she just couldn't make it because of being laid up in the hospital after being stabbed. Surely Fluttershy would understand that, wouldn't she?
Sighing, Sunrise admitted that the girl would probably be better off if Fluttershy decided to just forget her. Yeah it would hurt as Sunrise really felt something for the shy girl, but she wasn't sure if she even deserved Fluttershy, much less Celestia. It was something that kept drifting in and out of her mind this last week, at times being happy and content while other times questioning if it was something she deserved.
"Hey brat." A voice said from the door drawing Sunrise from her contemplations to find a grinning Luna walking over to the bed wearing a pair of jeans and a loose tee that had a mushroom on the front. She was carrying a stuffed pegasus with a pink mane that for some reason reminded Sunrise of Fluttershy.
"Auntie Luna." Sunrise said giving the woman a smile, happy for the distraction from her thoughts.
"How you feeling today kiddo?" Luna asked handing the stuffed pony to Sunrise who winced a little as she reached up to take it. Thankfully it didn't hurt anywhere as much as it did when she first woke up and skipped a dose of painkillers. Celestia wasn't happy in the least when she found out Sunrise only pretended to take the pill.
"Better, though I'll be glad to get out of here tomorrow." Sunrise said grinning, "Though Pinkie isn't going to be happy about it."
"Why?" Luna asked sitting on the chair by the bed as Sunrise shifted in bed a little so she could slightly cuddle the pony.
"Kim told me no excitement, and Fluttershy asked if parties counted. Kim said especially parties, said I shouldn't move around much for at least a few days." Sunrise explained, "Kim actually thinks I should stay for another day or two at least, but I can't take it and she admitted I'm most likely good enough to go as long as I'm careful."
"Ah." Luna sighed, shaking her head after a few moments. "So Pinkie Pie won't be able to throw you a party for at least a few days."
"Not that there would be many people anyways." Sunrise sighed, feeling a little let down that nobody but Fluttershy, Celestia and Luna had come to see her despite all of the flowers. "Must have already gotten over whatever guilt they felt when they sent all of this stuff."
"Actually...the nurses station had to ban any visitors except your family and Fluttershy since she...well...since she's your girlfriend." Luna said blushing a bit as she avoided Sunrise's eyes for a moment.
"You really don't like the thought of us being together, do you?" Sunrise asked shocking Luna.
"NO! No, that's not it! I...ever since I heard about the two of you...and saw how happy you are together...I've been thinking." Luna panicked at first then sighed in resignation, admitting to what her thoughts had been. "I've been thinking that maybe I've been looking for that special someone...in the wrong places."
Sunrise looked at Luna in confusion for a few moments before realization began to sink in. Was Luna admitting that she may...be interested in girls?
"To be honest...I have never really felt anything for anyone the way I feel for Fluttershy. I still don't fully understand it...I don't have any real experience with romance you know. I do know that I can't stop thinking about her even when I wonder if I deserve to be with her after everything I did." Sunrise sighed.
"Hey, don't talk like that. You deserve to be happy." Luna said as she offered up a smile.
"And maybe you should just accept the fact that you aren't getting rid of me." Fluttershy said startling the two as she came in the room offering a shy smile to the two. She was carrying her phone, looking at something as she moved over to sit on the edge of the bed handing the device to Sunrise. Taking the phone Sunrise took a moment to get used to the controls as she scrolled down the page, her jaw dropping more and more the farther she went. There were hundreds of different students posting on a dedicated page wishing Sunrise well. While there were like three deleted comments, all of the others were all positive.
"Is this real?" Sunrise asked, wiping at her eyes as tears were threatening to spill. Where they all really that concerned for her after everything that she did?
"Yep, the nurses have to keep turning visitors away because of how many comes at a time. Theres just too many of them...it's why they are only letting the three of us in." Luna said, stretching as she got up. "I have to go meet with Tia girls, so I'll let you have some time alone. Just...don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"What wouldn't you do?" Sunrise asked, blushing a bit as Fluttershy hid behind her hair with a squeak making Luna laugh a little at the two.
"Oh, I don't know, just remember that you are in the hospital for a reason soooooo...might be best if you refrain from ravaging each other." Luna giggled at the bright red faces the two teens were now sporting as Luna nearly skipped out of the room laughing.
"She...is a lot different away from school." Fluttershy said softly.
"You should see her at home...she locks herself in the basement and...I've heard screaming coming from down there. I'm afraid to ask just what she's doing." Sunrise sighed as she shook her head, amused and embarrassed at the same time. She really wasn't sure what her aunt did in the basement, but the cries of 'YES!' the night before getting stabbed surprised her enough to drop the glass of water she was getting.
"So...I guess you aren't going to be stealing any kisses tonight." Fluttershy said, becoming more and more nervous as she said it.
"I'm really sorry, Shy." Sunrise sighed as Fluttershy leaned over her, careful of her injuries until waves of pink were draped over Sunrise as the two girls' eyes were locked on each other.
"Don't be sorry...it just means...that...that...this..." Fluttershy said, her voice growing softer until it was barely considered a whisper before leaning in. At first Sunrise was shocked that it was happening, but she quickly closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss, returning it. They weren't sure how long they were like that until a clearing through gained their attention.
"How are you girls doing?" Sheila asked with a smirk on her face as Fluttershy squeaked out and pulled back so quick she may have well teleported away. She was sitting on the bed, hands nervously toying with the hem of her skirt.
"G-good." Sunrise said, finding it hard to speak at first.
"That's good, I take it though that neither of you will be coming to this weeks appointment?" Sheila asked taking the chair as she smiled at how cute the two were acting. She couldn't help but feel happy for the couple, even if she did intend to tease them as much as she could without actually hurting them.
"I do want to start coming...but I don't think I'll be coming until next week." Sunrise sighed, a little surprised that she did want to go. Yeah she wanted to go before, but it was more for support of Fluttershy. Now she found herself actually wanting to go not just for Fluttershy, but for herself also.
"Mom said that it's okay if I skip this week...if that's okay with you? She said she was going to call you." Fluttershy squeaked out, her face still burning.
"She did sweetie, it's why I'm here. I wanted to make sure that you both were doing okay." Sheila said, getting a strange look that looked like pride. "I also talked to Celestia, and I have to say I am a little shocked...but happy about what she told me. I already agreed to be assigned to the case...and don't worry about any so called conflict of interest. Those idiots know better than to question me."
"Why am I afraid to ask?" Fluttershy asked quietly, looking almost a little scared.
"It's no big deal Fluttershy, but it's a surprise...and part of the reason I want to be out of her by Sunday." Sunrise said with a smirk. "Saturday is even better though."
"Who is the surprise for?" Fluttershy asked, looking at Sunrise in confusion.
"Sorry Shy, it isn't really for you, but for someone else we know." Sunrise said as she gave a mischievous smirk. "I just hope that some of those posts I saw were legitimate."
"All of them were." Fluttershy said softly, a little unsure of what could be going on. She wanted to go see Sunrise Sunday to see what was going on, but she couldn't leave...she couldn't! Was Sunrise planning something for them? Fluttershy couldn't help doubting it after everything that happened, but she had a strong feeling she knew who the surprise was meant for. Not that she didn't have faith in the girl Sunrise was becoming, but Fluttershy couldn't help hoping that this surprise was a good one...
Luna felt horrible as she sat behind the wheel of her hybrid SUV, not in the least feeling comforted by all of the electronic lights surrounding her from the state of the art dash. She was obsessed with all of the newest devices, games, computers, phones, cars...all of it. It usually made her feel better just by having it all surround her which was why she always went after the newest things. Only now they weren't helping much at all.
She had no idea when her feelings for Sunset Shimmer, or rather Sunrise Shimmer had changed so much. For so long she despised the girl for being a reminder of everything Celestia lost and the sins of Luna's own past. Yet now she couldn't help the feelings of love that the girl evoked within Luna's heart, or the affection that she felt for the girl whenever they were close to each other. It was something she hadn't felt for so long after shutting off her heart to anything but her beloved digital playground. Yet now the little brat had melted the ice that had been there for so long.
Leaning back in her seat as she gripped the steering wheel she let out a long, drawn out sigh. She couldn't help wondering if her feelings were wrong for the girl, if she was betraying the memory of who her real niece would have been. Yet no matter how much she asked herself if those feelings were wrong, she couldn't get rid of them...and she didn't want to. She loved the girl and hated seeing her hurt the way she was.
When had things gotten so complicated? She had gone years without much contact with others outside of her job. She avoided Celestia a lot fearing her older sister had hated her so much for the pain Luna had caused. Yet not only had Celestia forgiven her, she loved her just as much as she did when they were kids before the accident. She should have realized it long ago, but it took the little brat just minutes to open her eyes to the fact that Celestia indeed really cared. And realizing that her lone world crashed down around her and she wasted no time in moving in with Celestia and Sunrise...and now...things were going to change even more.
And to her shock Luna was looking forward to it.
She didn't know when it happened, but she didn't care. She loved her adopted niece and vowed that she would do her best to help protect her from now on. She failed before, but she'd never fail her rapidly growing family ever again. Starting the vehicle up, she wiped her eyes before pulling out and heading to meet up with her sister.
Rainbow Dash had never expected to spend a Saturday, or any day really, in the Canterlot Police Department. She was sitting in a quiet room with one table and two chairs facing each other and a huge mirror that she was sure was one of those windows from the cop shows in TV. There were also two doors, both of them sealed tightly. Nobody knew she was here which did make it hard to get permission to see her father, but after some arguing an officer called somebody and they relented. They told her she could have fifteen minutes supervised with her father.
As a loud creak sounded she jumped up to see her father wearing shackles being led from the door she didn't come in. He looked horrible, unkempt and a little angry as he stumbled a little from the shackles on him. Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously seeing how the two officers nodded to her before taking a chain hanging off the shackles securing his wrist and locking it to a ring on the floor so all her could do was sit there.
She felt like she was going to cry seeing him like this, feeling as if it was all her fault for him being here. Maybe if she had been a better daughter, tried harder to prove that she wasn't like her mother, that he would just love her and not drown his sorrows in the way he did.
"Don't make any wrong moves, Mister Dash, we will be right here." One of the two officers said as they retreated to stand on either side of the door.
"I hope you get the answers you are looking for kid." The other officer said as he gave Rainbow Dash a sympathetic look as her father growled a little.
"A-Are you okay, dad?" Rainbow asked softly, wiping at her eyes. She refused to cry no matter how much she wanted to right now. She loved Scootaloo and would never let this man touch her ever again...but she had to know. Could he be redeemed? Was he even willing to try?
"Does it look like I'm okay?" Her father snapped out making Rainbow Dash jump a little at the anger in his voice before he sighed. "I...I'm sorry, RD. I didn't mean to snap at you...but you have to tell them that I didn't do it. I never touched you or your sister."
"Dad...you know you did..." Rainbow Dash sighed, wondering if this was a mistake. She kept reminding herself that she needed to be strong for Scootaloo. "You promised again and again that you would stop drinking and...and you always went back on that promise."
"I'm a hard working man, if I want to unwind by drinking a little then that's my right!" Her father snapped, his eyes softening again. She could see that somewhere in his eyes that he did care for her somewhere in his heart. Just not enough to take responsibility for what he's done.
"Even if it turns you into a monster, dad? I don't care if you hit me...I probably deserve it...but Scootaloo never deserved it." Rainbow Dash sniffled.
"I never hit you, you little liar! Quit telling these stupid lies! I never once laid a hand on either of you and I don't belong here!" Her father screamed in outrage making Rainbow Dash sink back deeper in her chair as the two officers put hands on her father's shoulders, squeezing a little.
"Settle down there or we will have to end your meeting early." The first officer said.
"Tell them I never did it, RD...please..." Her dad pleaded, looking pityingly at her. A part of her wanted to do it, wanted to end the suffering he was feeling. She couldn't though, she promised herself that she would never put Scootaloo back in any position to be abused again.
"Dad...would you go to rehab? Get help to stop drinking?" Rainbow Dash asked, pleading that he would say yes. Maybe there was some hope for him somewhere. Some hope to salvage even a little of their relationship.
"I don't have no problem and I never touched you! Lie all you want you little brat, but if you don't tell the truth then I want nothing else to do with you!" Her father snarled at her making her whimper a little.
"Okay, that is enough. I knew this was a bad idea." The first officer said as they started to undo the chain securing her father to the floor before forcing him up.
"I love you dad." Rainbow Dash said softly, watching him struggle as they dragged him out of the room. She pulled her legs up to hug as she started crying into her knees. She was shocked when a pair of gentle arms pulled her into an embrace from the side.
"I knew I shouldn't have agreed to let you see him." Posey sighed stroking her hair. "You did what was right though honey, you aren't lying and we know that."
"Why am I never good enough?" Rainbow Dash sobbed as she buried her face in Posey's blouse.
"Oh honey, you are good enough. You are a wonderful young woman who has accomplished so much and have such a bright future ahead of you." Posey said softly to the crying girl.
"Nobody wants us because of me! I've never been good enough for dad and now I'm not good enough for you!" Rainbow Dash cried as Posey pulled her up and took her seat before pulling Rainbow into her lap to rock her. It was a little awkward with the small chair, but she managed.
"I wanted you to stay, but I have some people who is calling it a conflict of interest. I either have to find you someone who will take you girls or pass the case to someone else...and I'd rather stay in charge of your case to make sure you girls are well taken care of like you deserve." Posey explained, rubbing Rainbow Dash's back.
"Nobody is going to want us, especially me." Rainbow Dash whimpered, though she was calming down a little. Posey hated seeing the normally strong willed girl breaking like this, but after confronting her father the way the girl did couldn't have been easy in the least. She hated okaying it, but Rainbow Dash needed to see that he wasn't going to change for the better for them.
"Honey, I already found a home who not only wants to take you in, but adopt you after the court hearing after your father is stripped if his custody of you two. And you know what? They know what kind of great girl you are and is looking forward to meeting you tomorrow." Posey said, wondering if maybe she should tell Rainbow Dash who it was. When she felt the girl sigh and sit up a little she stopped from doing so upon seeing the hopeful look.
"Both of us? Scoots and me?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Both of you and you will still be able to go to Canterlot High and be around all of your friends." Posey smiled as she saw the girl's mood brighten considerably.
"Are they...nice?" Rainbow Dash asked softly, almost afraid of the answer.
"They are very nice and they look forward to having you as a part of their family. Both of you." Posey said softly as Rainbow Dash hugged her tightly, crying again. Only this time she seemed to be relieved and happy.
"Thank you so much for not letting us get split up. I...I don't want to lose Scoots, she means the world to me." Rainbow Dash sobbed.
"That right there proves just how wonderful a girl you are." Posey whispered to Rainbow Dash who finally cried herself out before pulling back and getting up, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.
"Th-thanks...I'm sorry for getting so mushy there." Rainbow Dash said trying to regain her mask of toughness. Posey just smiled and hugged her as she got up as well.
"Crying doesn't make you weak...in fact, you are one of the strongest young women I've ever met. And I'm proud to say that I know you." Posey said.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sunrise was sad that Fluttershy couldn't meet her as she was released from the hospital, but understood that she was needed at home. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo needed her and Sunrise insisted Fluttershy give in to her mother's pleas to meet Rainbow Dash and Posey at home. Sunrise wasn't sure why, but she had a feeling that Rainbow Dash was really going to need a friend right now. Plus, despite not being able to party, Sunrise knew she'd see her girlfriend tomorrow when there was a combined welcome home party not just for her, but a congratulations party for Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo over being semi-adopted into a new family. Of course they would fully be adopted as soon as the court case ended.
"Wow." Sunrise mouthed in awe at seeing the red Cadillac sitting at the pickup area as Celestia walked next to the wheelchair being pushed by a nurse.
"You like it brat? We know you are going to have a bit of a hard time getting in and out of our SUVs...sooooo we decided we needed another car that was lower to the ground." Luna said standing by the driver's side.
"It's...well as Rainbow Dash would say, awesome!" Sunrise said laughing a bit.
"Are you sure you like it?" Celestia asked as she looked hopefully at Sunrise.
"I love it, but you didn't have to spend all that money just to rent a car. I'm sure I could have managed." Sunrise said as Celestia steadied her a bit. Sunrise couldn't help wincing as she stood, the nurse giving her an encouraging smile.
"Remember if you need to come back don't put it off." The nurse said.
"Thank you for all of your help." Celestia said as the nurse nodded and bid them a good day before heading back in. Celestia helped Sunrise get into the front passenger seat where there would be more room for her.
"You know, this isn't rented." Luna giggled as she got in the driver seat.
"So, you borrowed it?" Sunrise asked softly, happy that she didn't have to aggravate her wound and stitches but felt a little bad they had to go through so much trouble.
"Not exactly." Celestia said hesitantly as she got in the back seat.
"What do you mean not exactly?" Sunrise asked arching an eyebrow as she looked into the rearview mirror as Luna started it up.
"We realized that you didn't have a ride...so we got you this." Luna laughed making Celestia groan.
"I wanted to be a little more..." Celestia said, face palming as Luna interrupted her.
"It'd be Christmas by the time you told her." Luna laughed as Sunrise gawked at her new car. There were so many lights and digital displays that Sunrise had no idea what they all did. " I made sure to load it down with all the best features."
"Luna, if you could put a game system in here you would have." Celestia said as Luna laughed while Sunrise teared up a little.
"Thank you both so much." Sunrise said wiping her eyes. She wanted to hug either of them, but it would hurt too much.
"Well, Luna insisted on putting chair lifts on both sets of stairs also so you can get around easier until you are fully healed." Celestia said, brushing her hair out of her eyes. "I can't believe I never thought of it before her."
"Why spend so much money on me though?" Sunrise asked, still feeling a little bad about it, yet excited that she had a car despite not really knowing how to drive yet.
"Because we can afford it and we love you." Celestia said. leaning over the seat to kiss Sunrise on the head.
"We're so glad that you are okay and coming home." Luna said smiling at her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was several hours later after they finished eating and Sunrise was going to head to bed to get some rest when Luna stopped her, looking a little embarrassed.
"Hey...you feeling up to hanging with me for awhile? I...wanted to show you something." Luna asked as she led Sunrise to the door to the basement making the teen blush furiously.
"I'm not sure, I'm really tired." Sunrise said, her voice squeaking a bit unsure of what she was going to see down there. It was Luna's private sanctuary where as far as Sunrise knew Celestia hasn't even went down there yet.
"Come on, just a few minutes. It'll be fun." Luna urged, opening the door and motioning to the chair that was mounted on one side of the passage going down. Swallowing nervously Sunrise finally nodded and sat on the chair. She hated it, the thing moved so slow when compared to walking, but she knew it was for her own good as climbing the stairs would only add stress to her wound even if it was healing nicely.She wasn't sure what she would find down there, all she could think about was the cries of "YES!" from the night before ending up in the hospital
"Welcome to my sanctuary, I expect you to keep it secret and not allow anyone else down here." Luna said flipping a switch as Sunrise got up from the chair. All of a sudden light flashed on illuminating a room that didn't look like a basement at all. It looked like a room that was some kind of...of...she wasn't sure. There were several TV's with screens that were more than simply huge with probably a dozen devices hooked up to all of them with game controllers littering the floor and the table. There were probably several dozen cushions around the table, a small fridge and a couch in a semicircle around the back of the table.
"What is this?" Sunrise asked as Luna giggled and pulled her to the couch handing her a controller before pushing several buttons on a device and grabbing one for herself.
"This is one of the best games ever released!" Luna cheered as a screen came to life reading Hoof-Life 7. It took Luna maybe twenty minutes to explain everything to Sunrise as they began playing what Luna called an online match. Sunrise wasn't doing so well, but Luna was keeping her alive and Sunrise had to admit the game was kind of fun.
It was maybe ten minutes later when someone named Bloody Rose came on and Luna started trash talking the player who seemed to enjoy returning the favor. It didn't sound as if it was in mean spirits though as they seemed to enjoy the back and forth. Sunrise couldn't help blushing when Bloody Rose's health dropped to half and Luna started chanting 'Yes!' until finally finishing the other player off with a cheerful cry of 'YES!' making Sunrise facepalm while cursing reading those stupid romance novels from the library.
"Do you think they're going to keep moving us around?" Scootaloo asked as she packed her things. Even though they were able to go back to the house, neither Rainbow Dash or Scootaloo had much in way of personal belongings. So packing really didn't take long as they cleaned up the room they had at Fluttershy's. Scootaloo had to admit that she was going to miss being here as Fluttershy and her parents treated them a lot more like a family than their own father ever had. Not that Scootaloo really considered the man a father at all to begin with.
"So, you girls ready to go?" Posey asked, walking into the room with FLuttershy trailing behind.
"I guess...I just...can't we stay here?" Scootaloo sighed as she turned to look at the older woman.
"If I had a choice I'd love to keep you here sweetie, but I found someone who is looking forward to taking you girls in." Posey said as she hugged the young girl before helping with the two bags she had as Rainbow Dash picked hers up. Posey still was a little shocked that Rainbow Dash decided to leave her trophies behind, though she had a feeling that the girl would get them back later. Posey seriously doubted the girl's father would be seeing the light of day anytime soon.
"It'll be okay Scoots." Rainbow Dash said as she picked one of her bags up, FLuttershy getting the other. "As long as we are together we can handle anything."
"And we will always be here if you girls need us." Fluttershy said softly, giving them both a bright smile.
"Come on girls, we need to get going." Posey said as Scootaloo took one last look at the room before following the group out and loading into the large car. The actual ride was quiet except for the few attempts Posey tried to get them talking, though they found it hard to stop worrying about what kind of place they were going to. Would they treat them as nice as Posey had treated them or would they be negligent like Sweetie Belle's parents? Or would the be as abusive, or more so that her own father? Scootaloo wasn't sure, but she tried to remember that Rainbow Dash would be there with her and would look out for her.
A few minutes later Scootaloo found her jaw dropping as they entered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Canterlot. All of the people living here had to be very well off or they likely wouldn't be able to afford these houses. Many of them had large privacy fences that likely hid pools if the houses without the fences was anything to go by. And the houses themselves looked huge, at least five or six rooms big she would guess.
"Are you sure that we are going the right way?" Rainbow Dash asked, a little skeptical as the houses seemed way out of league for any of her friend's families to afford. Even Rarity's parents couldn't afford these homes.
"Yep, we're here actually." Posey said as she pulled in the drive of one of the houses. As the group climbed out of the car she noticed that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were both looking at the house in awe at the size and beauty of it. While she really didn't know a lot about flowers and stuff, the flower beds and bushes looked cared for extremely well and there was a huge privacy fence hiding, what Scootaloo hoped if this really was their home, a nice sized pool.
"So, what do you girls think?" Posey asked, nearly giggling at their reactions. She had to admit that she was a little jealous of Celestia, but Posey's home was very nice too. Still, it would be kind of nice to have the money for a place like this.
"It's so AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash gasped out, a little excitement filling her eyes though a little worry remaining. Once again Posey felt a little bad about not telling the girls who they would be staying with due to Celestia's request. Taking out a key she handed it to Rainbow Dash.
"Go ahead and open the door." Posey said as Rainbow Dash stopped a little hesitantly. Scootaloo swiped the key from her sisters hand and rushed toward the door while sticking her tongue out and laughing a bit. Neither of them was really in the best of moods, but maybe a little playfulness could help Scootaloo decided. She was still hoping that whoever lived here were nice people.
"Hey, be careful with that!" Rainbow Dash cried out giving chase as Fluttershy giggled. Scootaloo unlocked the door and stepped inside marveling at the huge family room ahead of her with one of the biggest entertainment systems she had ever seen. Leather couches with...Sunrise Shimmer sitting on one listening to an MP3 player while munching on some carrot sticks. Scootaloo dropped the bag she was carrying as Rainbow Dash bumped into her from behind.
"Wait, what's Sunrise doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked as Fluttershy walked around them to go over and kiss the girl on the lips letting Sunrise know they were there.
"Hey Shy." Sunrise said happily as she pulled her headphones off, "I thought you were coming with Dashie and Scoots."
"Ahem." Fluttershy said as she cleared her throat, nodding her head towards the entrance. Sunrise looked up in surprise seeing Posey, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo all standing there with the younger two looking on in shock.
"Oh, um hi." Sunrise said as she straightened up a bit, wincing in a little pain as she leaned against the armrest and pulled Fluttershy down next to her with the pink haired girl giving off a squeak. Scootaloo rushed over to Sunrise, but stopped when Sunrise held up a hand.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't want you getting hurt. I tried coming to visit, but the nurses wouldn't let us through." Scootaloo cried as Sunrise took her hand and rubbed the back with a thumb in circles.
"Hey, it wasn't your fault and I'm not mad. I stopped you because...well...I didn't want you to glomp me right now." Sunrise said as she picked at the loose shirt she was wearing while laughing a little. "I kind of don't want to go back to the hospital to get restitched."
"Oh, I'm still so sorry." Scootaloo said.
"So...you wouldn't mind being sisters?" Sunrise asked, looking between Rainbow Dash who was clearly putting the pieces together.
"Wait, you planned this?" Rainbow Dash asked as she came over to hug Scootaloo from the side.
"What do you mean sisters?" Scootaloo asked, still not getting it.
"Well...I kind of always wanted a big family and...when I found out about what was going on...after mom and me talked...we wanted to...are you mad?" Sunrise said, unable to finish anything she was trying to say as she was attempting to gauge the girls' reactions.
"I'm not...I...thank you sis." Rainbow Dash sniffed as she dropped to her knees and gently hugged Sunrise who hugged her back.
"Of course since I'm the older sister, you do know I'll be teasing you two mercilessly at times?" Sunrise said, teasing them already as Celestia and Luna came in carrying a large cake and a couple pizza boxes.
"Sorry we're late getting back." Celestia said sitting the cake down, "I wanted to be here to welcome you girls home."
"This is really going to be our home?" Scootaloo asked a little hopefully as Celestia hugged her tightly.
"You girls each have your own rooms, and I even added my own touches to them since Sunrise came over to the dark side." Luna said, giggling a little evilly which worried the teens a little...all except for Sunrise who was smirking a little.
"Do you have to corrupt my new daughters? You already corrupted Sunrise." Celestia asked with a long drawn out sigh as Luna rolled her eyes.
"Of course I do, the more I corrupt the more players for Hoof-Life Seven!" Luna cheered, "There's a game system in each of your rooms, girls."
"Really?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.
"Yep, just one word of warning..." Luna said, taking on an ominous look. "Never, ever tell anybody I play or there will be consequences. Detention for a month!"
"Umm, can she do that?" Scootaloo asked softly.
"I wouldn't risk it." Rainbow Dash whispered back as she joined her sister.
Luna felt a little bad about ducking out on her family this morning after finding out that Celestia was taking Rainbow Dash to school early. She just needed some time to think as once again after a long night of gaming with her online friend Bloody Rose, Luna found herself reflecting on what she was sure was flirting on her friend’s side. Of course Luna found herself flirting back, at least she thought she was, though she supposed it could just be friendly banter back and forth.
It couldn’t be as innocent as that though; she would have to be denser than Tia herself when it came to Discord. Discord still loved her sister deeply, even after all of these years, and the poor fool was still waiting for Celestia to get over her pain in hopes they could still be together. It was kind of cute in a way, if sad. Having Bloody Rose constantly wanting to meet though was really starting to get to Luna though. They already knew each other, so the only reason Bloody Rose could want to meet up was either to hang or…get to know each other better.
Could the woman really want to get closer? She acted kind of distant when they talked in person, yet they had so much fun together when online. Surely Bloody Rose knew who she was, even if she didn’t have a profile picture like Bloody Rose herself. Bloody Rose had a real life picture while Luna used a hand drawn picture of a unicorn with wings. An alicorn if she remembered right about what Sunrise had said. Their voices were a dead giveaway though, Bloody Rose’s voice very clearly telling Luna who the woman was.
Was it a good idea to actually talk to the woman about their somewhat obvious attraction to each other? Was it better to just leave things alone and enjoy what they already had online? She wasn’t too sure, and that was the whole point of needing to think. Ever since she started noticing Fluttershy and Sunrise getting close, Luna began thinking more about it. She was still afraid to try and reach out to anyone then, still angry with everyone including herself. She almost felt as if she didn’t deserve to be happy. Now though she’s let go of most of that self loathing and darkness and was ready to try and find that happiness that the teens shared. She admitted that she was a little envious of the happiness the two girls had with each other and wanted the same for herself. Question was if Bloody Rose really wanted the same herself.
“Welcome to McHoof’s, may I take your order?” The intercom cracked right outside her window making her jump a little in embarrassment. She had been so wrapped in her thoughts and internal debates about what she had planned to do today and forgot she was in the drive through. She had to pick breakfast up for herself and Sunrise and Scootaloo as that was the excuse to get out for a few minutes. She just couldn’t stand being around the others as she was afraid that they knew what she was thinking and was going to tease her over it. A stupid fear she knew, but she was worried if one of them said anything that she would lose her nerve.
Sunrise looked up from what was becoming her most common place to relax since coming home from the hospital. The couch was just that comfortable and it was close enough to the bathroom, kitchen and had the biggest TV in the house…well second biggest as the biggest was kept in Luna’s Gaming Heaven down in the basement. It was kind of funny the way Luna didn’t like Celestia messing with her games after deleting all of her saves…three times! All in one day. And it was entirely by accident as Celestia just couldn’t get the hang of working the gaming systems despite actually being good with computers.
Debating between listening to her music or finding something to watch on Hoofflix or TV, Sunrise sighed as both sounded good yet the remote was over on the coffee table where she couldn’t reach it without sitting up. For several moments she stared at the things as if expecting it to float up and hover over to her. Her days as a unicorn were long past her, and she knew that even if her current lazy mood didn’t want to.
“Hey, did Celestia and my sister leave yet?” Scootaloo asked a little nervous as she hurried into the room with a look of panic.
“Yeah, about five minutes ago, they did call up and asked if you were sure that you wanted to wait for Luna to drop off breakfast.” Sunrise said pointing out the fact, though wondering what was wrong when the girl sighed. It was maybe twenty minutes before Scootaloo would have to leave with Luna for school, but Celestia had things she had to do at the school so left early with Rainbow Dash tagging along to talk to the others. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I don’t want to bother you.” Scootaloo said quietly.
“Your going to be my sister now…unless you don’t want to be.” Sunrise said, sitting up while giving a silent thank you that there really wasn’t as much pain as she was expecting. She had to admit that she was kind of happy about that as she wanted to get her return to school over with despite Celestia wanting Sunrise to take her time and heal up all the way. The longer she waited though the harder it would be as fear and nervousness were taking their toll.
“Of course I want to be your sister!” Scootaloo gasped out in shock as Sunrise smiled up at her.
“Good, then you won’t bother me as it’s what older sisters are for. Now, what’s up?” Sunrise asked, happy to see the small smile the made its way to the younger girl’s lips.
“Well, I sort of forgot to do my math homework until this morning and…I’m having trouble with figuring out a few problems and was hoping Celestia would help me real quick before leaving.” Scootaloo sighed hesitantly, “I’d ask my, our sister if she would help, but she’s worse at math than me.”
“Don’t worry; I won’t mention that you said that.” Sunrise giggled, “Now go get your book and paper, I’ll help you with it. I’m very good with math after all.”
“Thank you so much!” Scootaloo said as she rushed up the steps and back down a few moments later book in hand. Sunrise couldn’t help envying the girl her mobility. Sure Sunrise could make her way around pretty good, much better than Kim thought she would at first, but she’d give anything to be able to run. Looking at the girl though she was reminded why she was in this position of dealing with this pain and she knew she wouldn’t change how things went for anything. She was happy that she was able to protect the younger girl.
“I have it all done but these few.” Scootaloo said plopping down next to Sunrise and cracking the book open in her lap as Sunrise leaned over to Scootaloo to see the book. “Our teacher is kind of dry at explaining them and I kind of have trouble understanding what he says about the more complicated things like this.”
“That’s okay, some people learn by different methods. And sometimes teachers are just boring idiots.” Sunrise said earning a snort of laughter from Scootaloo. “Okay, so you look up to Rainbow Dash and love sports, right?”
“Well yeah, Rainbow Dash is the greatest sister ever, but I have a new sister who’s just as great.” Scootaloo said giving Sunrise a large smile. She truly meant it to, if it wasn’t for Sunrise who knew what Gilda would have done to her and her friends.
“Flattery will get you nowhere. Okay, maybe a cookie, but no more than a cookie.” Sunrise said with a smile making Scootaloo laugh more. “Seriously though, these are really easy when you look at the word problem in a way that will help you understand them more.”
“Really?” Scootaloo asked arching an eyebrow.
“Well, that’s part of it. Of course getting used to the whole x equals y thing helps a lot to. Look at it like this.” Sunrise said as she started giving examples of Rainbow Dash having a dozen footballs and she gave so many to Scootaloo leaving her with four. Then went on to explain the whole solving equations thing patiently so after the second problem Scootaloo was doing them herself with ease.
“Wow! I can’t believe how easy those are now.” Scootaloo laughed carefully hugging Sunset from the side. “Thank you so much.”
“Now this is a cute sight.” Luna chuckled putting a bag down on the coffee table for Sunrise while handing another to Scootaloo. “Hurry up and eat, Scoots, then we can get going to school.”
“Are you sure you understand?” Sunrise asked, getting a nod from Scootaloo who pulled out a breakfast burrito and taking a big bite.
“Understand what?” Luna asked from the couch opposite from them as she bit into a cinnamon roll.
“Some math problems, I took care of it.” Sunrise said arching a brow.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m eating a pastry. Your mother isn’t the only one allowed to like them.” Luna said rolling her eyes earning a giggle from Sunrise and a snort of laughter from Scootaloo.
“I’m not saying a thing auntie.” Sunrise said as she pulled her sausage griddle out of her bag. It was funny that awhile ago she’d never even think of eating meat such as this, but now after Luna introduced them to her she couldn’t get enough. After going a week with no food after all taught Sunrise never to be picky about the stuff ever again.
“Good…because they forgot my food so I’m eating Tia’s.” Luna said, the look in her eyes telling them she wasn’t serious, but they laughed anyways.
Luna sat at her desk in her office, butterflies wrecking her stomach as she wasn’t too sure if she was doing the right thing. After all this could just be some big mistake and Luna could be seeing things that weren’t just there. Then again, she couldn’t deny that she did feel attraction to the woman who had been on her thoughts a lot lately. Maybe sending a message through the woman’s adopted daughter to come see Luna was a mistake. Maybe she should actually talk to Bloody Rose and set up a place to meet away from school?
If she waited though she wasn’t too sure if she could go through with it as the added time would only make things more difficult. It was already doing a number on her nerves as she couldn’t help feeling scared that something would go wrong. It wasn’t like she was the best person to judge these things, to know if she was looking too much into what could simply be a close friendship between two gamers.
It was too late though to turn back as a tentative knock sounded against her door before it pushed open slowly revealing the red haired woman nervously waling into the office. Luna couldn’t help swallowing nervously as she took in the woman’s appearance before her, looking beautiful as always.
“Please come in.” Luna said, trying her best to keep her voice level though it still came out squeaky at first.
“You wanted to see me, Vice-Principal Luna?” Cherry Rose asked nervously. Luna had to admit she really didn’t interact with the woman much at school as the woman had confused her for so long. Sure she knew a lot about the woman, if the things she told Luna online were true.
“Yes, you see I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I just…don’t understand something.” Luna said as she got up and walked around her desk and leaned back against it while looking the woman up and down before landing in her face. Cherry Rose truly looked confused and a little scared of being in the office with her. It sent a small pain through her heart to see the woman seem actually nervous and scared being called to Luna’s office.
“What don’t you understand?” Cherry Rose asked as she swallowed nervously.
“Why? Why do you constantly say you want to meet me while at school you avoid me like the plague?” Luna asked, feeling a little hurt for some reason. Of course she did the same as the woman confused her and scared her because of the feelings she stirred within Luna. Before Luna couldn’t let herself contemplate a serious relationship, and the fact that it was a woman making her feel these things made it even worse. Yet after seeing how happy Fluttershy and Sunrise seemed to be, she wanted to know if it was possible to find that happiness herself. Would it be worth the risk?
“What are you talking about?” Cherry Rose asked, her face turning a little red yet Luna couldn’t tell if it was from anger or embarrassment.
“Does all of the flirting mean nothing? Was that just a game too?” Luna asked softly, sighing as she began to realize that while she knew Bloody Rose’s true identity…maybe the woman really didn’t know who Nightmare Moon really was.
“Moonie?” Cherry Rose asked softly, her voice hitching as she realized it was true. “No. No, you can’t be? You aren’t anything like Moonie! You’re a cold, heartless witch not…not the fun loving Moonie I know!” Cherry Rose hissed out, a look of betrayal in her eyes. “What? Were you just toying with me?”
“What? I’d never! I…just go to your class and forget this ever happened.” Luna said as she turned away. She couldn’t help the tears as she began shaking when the sound of the door opening and closing echoed in the office. Even while it was done softly, it sounded like a loud boom to Luna’s ears as she could imagine the closing door signifying the closing of what relationship the two even had before. She collapsed on the floor and the world seemed to fade out until a pair of arms pulled her into a hug.
“Lulu, what’s wrong?” Celestia asked softly, though Luna’s only reply was a loud sob as she buried herself in Celestia’s arms.
Sunrise felt a little saddened when Luna came in much earlier in the day that the woman was expected. At first Sunrise thought she was there to check up on her after seeing her come in, but the red, puffy eyes told another story altogether. She hoped that Celestia and Luna didn’t get into a fight, but somehow she doubted that was the cause as the two may have seemed a little hesitant at first, they quickly got over it as Celestia truly loved her little sister and Luna had been wanting to be close again for so long despite the self-loathing the woman had felt for so long.
“Are you okay, auntie?” Sunrise asked as she gave her aunt a worried look as she rubbed her eyes a little. It was easy to tell that something was bothering the woman.
“I will be honey, don’t worry. Just not feeling to well so I’m heading downstairs to rest in my Batcave for awhile.” Luna sighed, using the name Rainbow called the woman’s gaming Heaven upon seeing the sheer amount of electronics that made Gaming Expo look empty. “If you need anything just call, okay?”
“You know I love you auntie and I’m always here to talk if you need.” Sunrise said making Luna smile at her before giving her a hug.
“You have no idea how happy I am that you are with us.” Luna sniffed kissing Sunrise’s head. “I just need to rest though. Tell your mom I just need to be alone for a bit when she gets home.”
“Okay auntie, love you.” Sunrise said as she had a feeling the woman needed to hear that someone cared right now and from the way Luna seemed to brighten up a little, she was right.
“Love you to sweetie; I’ll keep an ear out for you in case you need something.” Luna sniffed before heading to the basement.
Sunrise decided to head back to the couch to rest, thinking about the rest of the day after once again failing to find anything she really wanted to watch alone. It had been a long day that while was kind of nice at first, the loneliness seemed to become crushing by the afternoon and her worry for Luna wasn’t helping any. Sunrise had looked through all of the free shows On Demand and Hoofflix finding plenty of stuff to watch, but after watching it for awhile it she found it wasn’t as much fun watching it alone. So she decided to get some snacks from the kitchen, preferring the healthier choices because it not only was better for her, but she still had a taste for such things even after so long of being a human. Sure the human snacks were tasty, some even having counterparts in the pony world, but she was partial to celery stalks and carrots.
After getting the carrot sticks that Celestia left prepared in the fridge as well as the MP3 player that he recently got as a gift from her mom and aunt, Sunrise found herself enjoying some of the music that she got from the iHoof store online. She still couldn’t help marveling at the technology that the humans created as science seemed to be prevalent in this world while magic ruled the pony world. She couldn’t help wonder if perhaps over the few years since she left if they made any counterparts to computers and the internet powered through magic.
As a new song started, one of her favorites, she pushed all of that out of her head and lost herself in the beat of the music. It would be nice to feel good enough to dance to it, but she knew that would be way too much in her current condition. She didn’t exactly ant to tear the wound open once again when home alone to possibly bleed to death. Instead she just lost herself in the beat of the music letting her soul do the dancing for her while absently nibbling on another carrot stick.
After swallowing she felt a pair of soft lips brush up against hers, surprising her for a moment before inhaling Fluttershy’s scent as well as recognizing the kiss. Opening her eyes she looked up into Fluttershy’s expressive eyes, a curtain of pink washing down around her.
“Hey beautiful.” Sunrise said, blushing as the rush of ‘awwwwww’s from around her.
“Hi.” Fluttershy said with a blush as Sunrise sat up and pulled her down on the couch with her. Looking around the room she found the other girls looking around the room in awe except for Rainbow Dash who was already used to it all.
“Wow you girls really lucked out, this is a really nice place.” Pinkie Pie chirped, “I bet we can all have a ton of exciting parties here. And the pool, I never got the chance to throw a pool party!”
“Whoa now sugarcube, settle down there. We have something else to do first.” Applejack said as she took a seat next to Rainbow Dash on the couch opposite of the one where Fluttershy and Sunrise was on. Pinkie sat on the arm rest as Rarity sat next to Applejack.
“What are you all doing here?” Sunrise asked as she took comfort from the warmth Fluttershy provided next to her. She was a little nervous seeing them all there together like this as she really didn’t have the greatest past with the group. She also knew that they really didn’t like her all that much, and she didn’t blame them.
“Well sugarcube, we all wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing.” Applejack said.
“And thank you darling, if it wasn’t for you Sweetie Belle could be dead right now. I don’t think you know just how special she is to me.” Rarity said, dabbing at her eyes.
“We all wanted to say how sorry we are for not giving you the chance we promised we would when Twilight asked us to look out for you.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “We really dropped the ball there, we didn’t think you were worth it. You are though. You proved that you are a lot more than we gave you credit for. Heck, you are at least twenty percent more awesome than me!”
Sunrise looked at one face to another, wanting to snap out at them despite making peace with some of them. The way they treated her before had really hurt her and when she needed them. It all worked out though in the end despite everything and Sunrise got two new sisters as well as losing something, even if she was happy to lose it. She lost her heart to Fluttershy and couldn’t be happier about it.
“I don’t know about that, but I have to admit I deserved a lot of it after what I did to all of you. I’m really thankful that Fluttershy gave me a chance as well as getting two new sisters. Heck, I got a whole family which I think I gave up on a long time ago despite wanting it so much for so long.” Sunrise sniffed earning a tissue from Rarity who gave her a watery smile.
“I think we all are a family.” Rainbow Dash said softly, “I know all of us have had a rough past, even you Sunrise. I guess our pasts may have drawn some of us together, but I think it’s time for us to stop looking to the past.”
“What do you mean sugarcube?” Applejack asked softly.
“What I mean is that it’s time we stop letting our past control us. We’re all strong young women and we are as close as any family. I think it’s time we stop looking at the past and look at the future with each other and show the world how great we can be. Things might try and tear us down, but I’m sick of it. I’m sick of being a punching bag and…and I’m just trying to say that I love all of you and I want us all to know that you are my family and that I love you all.”
“Me to?” Sunrise asked a little afraid that the answer might be a no.
“Especially you, after all you are my sister.” Rainbow Dash said making Sunrise give out a sob.
“We all want you to be a part of our family, darling.” Rarity said as the group got up and moved around the table to give Sunrise a group hug while being extra careful not to cause her any pain. Sunrise couldn’t help crying a little as she enjoyed the warmth surrounding her.
“I love all of you to.” Sunrise cried, realizing that she meant it. She didn’t hold their shared past where they were unsure about her against them. It would be hypocritical. She did find herself relieved to be accepted by them as she realized how much she already cared about them, wanting to be a part of them after hearing how great they were from Fluttershy when asked about them.
Luna really wasn’t sure if she felt like playing her games tonight as she reluctantly declined sharing dinner with her sister and niece. She knew they were worried about her, but she just needed to be alone right now. Gaming for the first time really didn’t hold much appeal to her as she just sat and stared at her game consoles all afternoon and into the evening after leaving school early.
She finally turned on one of what would be her usually favorite games intending to just play single player, but was shocked to hear a message come over her headphones.
“Oh thank heavens, Moonie! I was so worried when I saw you try to sneak out of school!” Bloody Rose cried over the voice chat. “I’m sorry about today, you…I never knew you were Moonie. After I saw you crying though I realized you probably act differently at school since you do most of the disciplining.”
“Yeah, and I admit I kind of have some problems.” Luna sniffed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She felt as if she should be mad, yet all she could feel was relief that Blood Rose was talking to her.
“Well I am so sorry for the way I acted, but I never even had a clue of who you were. I mean seriously, your voice sounds kind of the same, but you are so different here from the woman I know at work.” Bloody Rose said. “You shocked me and I took it badly. I never meant to hurt you. I really do like you and I really meant it when I said I wanted to meet and get to really know each other. And if you will forgive me I would still like to.”
“Of course, I’d love that!” Luna sobbed out in relief.
“How about in an hour? Or is that too short of time?” Bloody Rose asked with relief in her own voice.
“I’d like that.” Luna said smiling as her day just got a lot better.
“Okay, I’m going to send you a PM of where to meet at.” Bloody Rose said before signing off. At first Luna didn’t think that she was going to send it, but a moment later the notification popped up. Smiling she ran upstairs, not noticing the shocked look of the crowd of girls gave her from the living room as Luna rushed up to her room to take a quick shower and get ready.
“You okay in here?” Celestia asked as she came into her room as she was getting dressed.
“Yes, I’m going out for awhile. Can you please hand me my one up shirt?” Luna said as she pulled on her jeans.
“Does this have anything to do with what happened at school today?” Celestia asked as she dug through her sister’s multitude of tops trying to figure out what a one up was.
“It’s the black shirt with a green mushroom.” Luna said rolling her eyes as Celestia found it and tossed it to her. Catching the shirt and pulling it on she went to work fixing her hair. She thought about wearing something a bit more formal or nice, then realized how stupid that would be. It would take a lot longer for one as well as maybe put Cherry off even more. After all, Cherry’s profile had gone into detail about how she hated that. “Yeah, it was all a misunderstanding and I’m going out to straighten things out.”
“Well I hope things work out well, I’ll save you some pizza.” Celestia said, “I had to order a lot since all the girls were here and I don’t think we have enough in the kitchen to make a dinner big enough for all of them. I really need to stock up more if this happens a lot. Not that I mind, I’m really happy Sunrise is getting along with them all.”
“Me to, I’ll be back in a bit though.” Luna said as she grabbed her purse and keys.
“”Okay, see you later and good luck.” Celestia said as she gave her retreating sister an encouraging smile.
“Thanks.” Luna said as she hurried to make it on time. She actually found the location pretty easy as the PM gave her exact coordinates rather than an address. Thanks to her phone it was easy getting there to find Cherry sitting on the ground on a blanket with a picnic basket and a pizza.
“Cherry?” Luna asked, growing a little nervous as the woman patted the spot next to her.
“Sit. We have a lot to talk about and I’m hungry. I hope you are to.” Cherry said as she started unpacking the basket.
“Actually, I’m starving.” Luna said as she sat next to Cherry trying to hide her nervousness.
“You really are Moonie, aren’t you? I’ve never seen you act so nervous at school before.” Cherry said as she gave Luna a sad smile. “Why haven’t you ever come to me about this before?”
“Because I hated myself and didn’t feel I deserve it.” Luna sighed, “After making up with my sister though and thinking a lot about us after seeing how happy my niece and her girlfriend is, I wanted to see if maybe I can actually be happy for once.”
“I’m so sorry for making you cry.” Cherry said sadly, pausing in her unpacking. She reached over and gently cupped Luna’s cheeks, wiping at the still slightly visible tear tracks that Luna missed cleaning in her rush to get going with her thumbs.
“It was my fault, I botched the whole thing.” Luna sighed, being silenced by Cherry who leaned in to kiss her. Luna gasped at the feeling of the kiss. She didn’t expect it and couldn’t help feeling that maybe it was too soon for something like that.
“Relax, it was just a simple kiss. You don’t get any tongue until much later if we decide to take this farther.” Cherry said teasingly, an obvious attempt at flirting to cheer Luna up. “That is if you want to take this farther?”
“I want to see where it leads, but to be honest I’m a little scared.” Luna admitted.
“Being scared is normal sometimes, but everything will be fine. We will either end up staying friends or becoming something more.” Cherry said with a smile.
“Do you want this to go farther?” Luna asked softly.
“To be honest, I fell in love with Nightmare Moon. I know its stupid falling in love with someone you never met before, but she was everything I ever wanted in a boyfriend or girlfriend. When I found out it was you I felt shocked, like everything was a lie because you were always so cold and stern.” Cherry explained, “Luna, I’m not going to sugarcoat it, you scare the crap out of me at work. Yet when I saw you leaving in tears, I realized how stupid that was as you have to be like that at work and I started questioning everything I knew about you.”
“If you don’t want to do this we don’t have to.” Luna sighed sadly, offering the woman a way out.
“You aren’t getting out of this that easy.” Cherry said, “I dreamed of being with Nightmare Moon for so long, and now that I get the chance to be with her I’m taking it. Though I will need to get to know you more as you are a lot different than I thought.”
“For the better I hope.” Luna joked getting a smile from Cherry.
“That’s to be seen, but so far I’d say I like what I see.” Cherry said giving an impish smile.
A little while later after they enjoyed their meal and chatted, getting to learn more about each other they ended up relaxing as Cherry let out sigh as she sat on the blanket between Luna’s legs as she leaned back into the woman who held her gently while the leaned back against a large tree trunk. There were empty soda cans, sandwich wrappers and a pizza box. Everything that Cherry loved and it seemed Luna did as well. Neither cared about the expensive romance things like fancy restaurants. They could be romantic without all that pompous showing off.
“”I’m glad you changed your mind.” Luna said softly as the two watched the stars overhead. Something else the two had in common besides food and gaming, they both had a deep love for the night sky.
“I am to, I’m glad that you gave me another chance. This has got to be the best date I’ve ever been on.” Cherry giggled.
“Somehow I doubt that.” Luna laughed lightly, though she hugged the woman in her arms a little tighter.
“It is, the last date I was on with this guy who took me to this fancy French restaurant. I had no idea what the menus said and when they brought out the food, I’m not joking here, it looked like the amount you would find in a kids meal. Seriously, I may not like overeating, but I want some food when I eat. Not a piece of meat that isn’t even the size of a simple burger from McHoofs.” Cherry said, “And after the dinner, which I kept telling him I didn’t like those kind of places before and all through dinner, he acted as if I owed him something. Pffft, as if. He wanted to look good and eat the crap he liked while starving himself on those portions, doing it all for his own sake and he had the nerve to get mad when I didn’t invite him in.”
“Wow, sounds like a jerk.” Luna snorted.
“Oh that isn’t even the half of it; he treated everyone around him poorly as if he was better than everyone, including me at times. I can see now where Blueblood gets his arrogance.” Cherry sighed.
“You…hehehe…you dated…hahaha…you dated Blueblood’s dad?” Luna asked, trying not to laugh, she really was, but she couldn’t hide the snickers.
“Yeah, I didn’t know he was such a jerk.” Cherry said, laughing a little herself. She didn’t let the date get to her, she just remembered it for its surreal absurdness.
“Yeah…if you think that’s bad, you should meet his wife. She’s a hundred times worse.” Luna said as she buried her face in Cherry’s hair.
“What? That jerk is married?” Cherry gasped in shock.
“Yeah, they have what the call an open marriage…couple of idiots never deserved each other more.” Luna snickered.
“Well, I think I found the person who gets me. And I’m really happy to be here with her tonight.” Cherry said making Luna blush softly.
“I’m glad you’re here with me.” Luna smiled as they enjoyed the rest of the night relaxing under the stars.
It was hard to believe that it was once again Monday, pretty much a whole week passing by where she had nothing to do during the day except play games, watch TV and listen to music. Of course there was something else that she did, something she was a little embarrassed to admitting to anyone. She felt a little bad about it actually as she wasn’t too sure how Celestia or Luna would take it after all. She already knew how Rainbow Dash would take it as she already teased her about doing it some, though it wasn’t a malicious teasing. Still, it was enough to get her to hide what she was doing part of the time to keep from offending her mother and aunt as well as avoid being called an egghead by her new sisters.
Despite the overwhelming boredom during school hours the past week, Sunrise was beginning to wish she was back home again. She’d even admit to them all what she was doing if she could avoid this whole mess and just be on the couch with a nice book to read. After all, reading was a bit more engrossing that all of those other things at times. Well maybe not when she was playing the right games such as an engrossing RPG.
This was her decision so she had no one to blame but herself. She had insisted on coming back to school to get out of the house. At the time it seemed like a good idea, but as her car which was being driven by her mother while Luna brought her sisters in her SUV pulled into the parking lot, she couldn’t help feeling like she messed up big time. She wasn’t really ready to face the students yet, but she knew she never really would be if she had her choice.
“Remember, all of your teachers have a copy of your text books so I don’t want you carrying anything else except for your binder and pencils.” Celestia said as she turned off the car and turned to look at Sunrise with an expression full of worry. Kim had said it was okay to come back though as long as she took it easy and not carry a lot.
“I know, thanks mom.” Sunrise sighed as she hugged Celestia, smiling to herself when the woman gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head.
“And don’t forget that that if you need anything or get to feeling too overwhelmed, come to my office. All of your teachers already know to let you out if needed and won’t give you any trouble.” Celestia explained, almost getting out of the car when she remembered something. “Oh wait, you won’t be going to P.E. Instead, I have you will be coming to spend the period in my office with me.”
“That sounds good, it’s not like I even need it anyways.” Sunrise said, happy to not have to deal with the class. She may not like sports, but she was good at physical activities. She was slightly stronger and faster than most other girls and already showed the coach that she could easily perform all requirements to pass the class. If it wasn’t for her reputation she knew the coach would have hounded her to join one of the teams which she didn’t want to do.
“Maybe, but we can deal with that later. I’ll see you soon honey.” Celestia said as she got out and headed into the school, Sunrise following close behind until she was stopped by a hand gently grabbing her wrist. At first she was going to yank it back angrily and demand what the person thought they were doing until she followed the hand with her eyes, trailing up a familiar colored arm until coming eye to eye with a nervous looking Trixie.
“Can we talk?” Trixie asked softly, making Sunrise curious as to why she wanted to talk about.
“Sure, I guess. I’ll see you later mom.” Sunrise said, waving toward Celestia who smiled and waved back before disappearing through the doors of the school. Turning back to give her attention to the amateur, though very talented, magician. “So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Well, I wanted to say thank you for starters.” Trixie sighed, hugging the small stack of books she had to her chest. “I know that I was one of the few students that were rumored to be under your protection.”
“Huh?” Sunrise asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.
“Nobody talked about it much, most everybody thought it was crazy. Some of us thought there were a select few students you kept other bullies from. I knew it was true because I caught you confronting a senior last year who had thrown my new deck of cards in the toilet.” Trixie said as she rubbed her upper arms a little as she hugged her books to herself. “I also wanted to thank you for saving those three girls and proving that I was right about you al along. That there is a good person buried underneath. Or at least was buried since you changed.”
“Wait, if you saw that why didn’t you say anything?” Sunrise asked as she remembered the incident. It was back when everyone feared her, even a majority of the teachers. Only a few not being afraid and actually stood up to her and dished out punishments.
“Because I may have known you weren’t as mean as you acted, but I wasn’t stupid either. You scared the crap out of me to be honest.” Trixie replied while giving a weak, nervous laugh.
“And you aren’t scared of me now?” Sunrise asked.
“Should I be?” Trixie asked giving a more genuine smile. “You are the hero of this school. Everyone loves you for how you stood up to Gilda to save those three brats, even almost dying despite them not meaning anything to you.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Sunrise said softly, shaking her head slightly. “They did mean something to me. They’re three kids trying to find what they’re good at while trying their best to help out wherever they can. Sure it backfires more often than not, but they are somebody to be looked up to.”
“What do you mean?” Trixie asked.
“Even before I changed, I thought that they would someday go far. They have the drive and determination to do what is right as well as finding where they belong. If they fail at one thing they just get back up, brush themselves off, and try something new.” Sunrise explained, Trixie nodding a little as she could understand what Sunrise meant. Sure they were little brats, but they had become a somewhat unofficial mascot of Canterlot High.
“We don’t have much more time before class starts.” Trixie sighed, “I just wanted to say I’m happy that you are okay. And I also wanted to ask something else. Do you want to be friends?”
“Friends?” Sunrise asked getting a nervous smile from the other girl. “Sure, I think I’d like that Trixie.”
“Great! Well the Great and Powerful Trixie must make her leave or be late for class! If you need anything at all, just seek Trixie out and she will be happy to help!” Trixie cried out before throwing a smoke bomb on the ground and for a moment seemed to vanish before Sunrise saw her running through the school door. Sunrise couldn’t help shaking her head at the girl’s antics. They were kind of cute and reminded her of another time when things were much simpler.
“I guess it’s now or never.” Sunrise sighed before following into the school while trying to ignore the strange looks she was getting. They weren’t the normal hate filled angry looks that she had gotten not too long ago, well for the most part anyways as a small few still were, but she just couldn’t figure out exactly what they were. What really shocked her were the pats on the back and some of the more brave people to actually come up and hug her. The huggers quickly learned not to do so, or at least be more careful after Sunrise explained how her wound hadn’t healed all the way and still bothered her. With apologies, they let her know that they would be more than happy to lend her a hand if needed.
Walking into her home room just after the bell rang as she couldn’t find her friends anywhere, not even Fluttershy. Seeing the teacher standing at the front of the class made her blood run cold realizing that her normal homeroom teacher was out today. Instead it was one of the teacher’s that didn’t have her own homeroom class that volunteered to cover anyone else’s on a normal basis and one of the teacher’s who always seemed to have it out for Sunrise when she was Sunset. No matter what Celestia said, Cherry Rose was going to throw her in detention for a week after arriving after the bell.
“Good morning, Miss Shimmer.” Cherry said flashing the girl a genuine smile and not her shark smile that warned she was about to enjoy busting Sunrise for something.
“G-Good morning, Miss Rose.” Sunrise said, having trouble at first with the greeting as her hopes of having a relatively good morning was dashed seeing just who she was standing before.
“Are you feeling okay?” Cherry asked putting a hand on Sunrise’s shoulder that almost made the girl collapse in shock. It wasn’t a grip saying the woman was angry, but a gentle supportive gesture.
“I’m fine, thanks.” Sunrise managed to squeak out as she felt all of the eyes in the room on her. She didn’t understand why the woman wasn’t cheerfully demeaning her in front of everyone telling her that she was going to enjoy filling Sunrise’s following afternoons with detentions.
“I’m glad, go ahead and take you seat the. If you need anything make sure to ask, okay?” Cherry asked making Sunrise’s head spin. She couldn’t help wondering if she stepped into the Twilight Zone…heh…Twilight. She couldn’t help snickering inside at that pun a little as it helped her get a hold of herself.
“I will, thank you.” Sunrise said with a smile as she moved to her desk, her neighbor bending over to pick up the pencil she dropped before handing it back with a smile and a thanks from Sunrise.
The rest of the morning went very similar until announcements came over the intercom letting everyone know that the period before lunch was cancelled to make way for an extended lunch period. It was pretty confusing, but Sunrise happily made her way to the cafeteria as she was starving and hoping to finally see Fluttershy. What she didn’t expect to see was the cafeteria full of balloons and streamers with a large banner saying, ‘Welcome Back Sunrise Shimmer!’
“Wh-what’s going on?” Sunrise said as there was a sea of students and teachers around her clapping and cheering for her making her head spin. As the students seemed to part in a way that ushered her forward she came to Fluttershy and the girls standing around a table with one of the biggest cakes she had ever seen with both ‘Welcome Back Sunrise Shimmer’ and Get Well Soon Sunrise Shimmer’ on the monstrous yet delicious looking cake.
“I was going to put candles on it but then I started to think how silly that would be. If I put candles on it then it could hurt your stitches having to take such a deep breath sooooo I made this!” Pinkie Pie said pulling out a small plate with a single cupcake on it and a small candle. “Go ahead, just don’t take too big a breath, okay?”
“Thank you, Pinkie. Thank you everyone.” Sunrise said as tears streamed down her cheeks as she took a small breath and gently blew across the small candle extinguishing the flame. Once it went out everyone cheered again before everyone started getting food from the available special offerings of Pizza, burgers and salads along with plenty of snacks and cake.
“How are you feeling?” Fluttershy asked softly as she brought Sunrise a couple slices of pizza along with a couple for herself.
“Shocked.” Sunrise laughed making Fluttershy smile at her. “Happy though, especially with you here with me.”
“I’ll always be there for you, Sunrise. I love you.” Fluttershy said kissing her cheek.
“I love you to Shy.” Sunrise said smiling.
“I’m happy to see you girls doing so well.” Cherry said scaring Sunrise a little.
“Thank you Miss Rose.” Fluttershy said smiling up at the woman as Celestia and Luna came up on either side of the teacher. Sunrise was shocked when she saw Luna take the woman’s hand in her own and gave it a squeeze.
“Thank you.” Sunrise said as she stared at the interlocked hands getting Celestia to look as well.
“And how long has this been going on?” Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow to her sister.
“Oh about a week since we officially started dating. We’ve been flirting online for years.” Cherry chirped out making Luna blush.
“Honey!” Luna hissed softly, “We agreed not to mention that at school.”
“Relax sweetie, nobody knows what we are talking about.” Cherry replied.
“Well, I’m happy for you both.” Celestia said with an approving smile getting Luna to relax a little. Sunrise couldn’t help relaxing to as the woman smiled down at her.
“I wanted to make sure I let you know I won’t be riding you so hard anymore kid. You changed from that spoiled little brat and I’m proud to have you as one of our students.” Cherry said with an encouraging smile.
“And maybe someday niece.” Luna whispered nuzzling her, making Cherry blush a little.
“So that’s who you’ve been dating this last week mom?” Trixie asked coming up behind the group munching on a peanut butter cracker. “Wow, you don’t aim small, do you?”
“Heh, like I always said, aim big.” Cherry laughed as Trixie joined the group of girls at the table, Applejack and Rainbow Dash giving her curious looks as they never got along before.
“Have fun with your friends dear. If you need anything make sure to come by the office. I have a meeting I have to go to.” Celestia said, kissing the top of Sunrise’s head getting a chorus of awws from the nearby students making the girl blush but feel happy at the same time.
“Thanks mom.” Sunrise said as the three adults wandered off leaving the table of girls behind to talk amongst themselves.
“So what are you doing here Trixie?” Rainbow Dash asked, shooting a bit of a sharp look at the girl who shrunk in on herself a little.
“She’s my new friend and wanted her to come eat with us.” Sunrise said to draw the groups’ attention away from being a little upset at the interruption. She smiled at Trixie when the girl shot her a thankful smile.
“Trixie just wanted to come by and make sure her new friend is doing okay.” Trixie said puffing up a little.
“Trixie, you don’t have to talk yourself up around us. We can all be friends, but you need to drop the third person and boasting around us.” Sunrise said softly, smiling encouragingly to take the sting out of her words.
“I’m sorry, I just don’t want any of you to think I’m nothing.” Trixie admitted softly hanging her head a little.
“We would never think that of you.” Fluttershy said reaching over to take the girl’s hand.
“I guess if my sister thinks you are okay I can give you a chance.” Rainbow Dash sighed, though it was clear she didn’t exactly trust Trixie as of yet.
“I suppose it would be best to give you a chance. We learned the hard way that people can be a lot different than what you first think.” Applejack admitted, smiling at Trixie.
“Darling, I think it would be great to be your friend. I can even help you with some magician’s outfits.” Rarity said, a gleam in her eyes as she began daydreaming about the different outfits she could design and make for the magician.
“Thank you everyone.” Trixie said.
“That’s what friends are for.” Sunrise said giving her another smile as she bit into her pizza.
Celestia sighed as she entered her office, the man she was meeting with already there sitting in her chair with feet propped up on the desk. She wanted to yell at him to get his feet down, but knew it would only make him smirk at her. It was amusing to him to see her get riled up. He just seemed to enjoy pushing her buttons.
“So, what are you doing here?” Celestia asked.
“Well, two things actually. The first is these.” Discord said opening up his briefcase and pulling out a folder before handing it to Celestia. As she took it she almost dropped it seeing what was inside. They were official adoption papers for Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.
“How? I don’t understand, the hearing isn’t for awhile yet.” Celestia asked dropping into one of the extra chairs in the room, Discord moving over to sit next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
“That little visit from Rainbow Dash got her father thinking about everything and he agreed to plead guilty and sign over the rights to the girls. He’ll be going to jail for less time true, but he will be getting help with his problems. Both girls will graduate most likely before he gets out, but he has requested one thing. If he gets himself cleaned up he wants a chance to see his daughters.” Discord explained.
“If I had my choice I’d say he could stay away forever. If he gets cleaned up though, they will be old enough to make their own decision if they want to see him.” Celestia sighed, admitting that while she would love the girls as if they were her daughters, she wouldn’t stand between them and their father if he got cleaned up and they actually wanted to see each other.
“He understands that and if they don’t want to see him, he won’t force anything. All you have to do is sign on the dotted line.” Discord explained handing a pen to Celestia who hurriedly signed the papers. “Good, I’ll get these filed and you should have the official documents within a week.”
“Thank you, you have no idea what this means to me.” Celestia said, shocked to see his expression grow sad.
“I know what it means to you, I know you better than almost anyone else.” Discord said softly, making sure the folder was secured before turning all of his attention back on Celestia. Taking her hands in his.
“Discord?” Celestia asked softly, knowing what he was going to ask. She wanted to turn him down just as she had done every other time, but looking into his eyes she was shocked to still find the same look he had always had for her when they were young and very much in love. She had a feeling he still felt for her, but did she still care for him in that way?
“Tia, you know I still love you. I tell you nearly every time we are together.” Discord sighed, “I can see you are finally moving on, and I’m happy for you. You are getting the family you always wanted, but you are still missing once piece.”
“Discord, please don’t say it. I don’t know if I can do this.” Celestia said, her heart melting as she saw the pleading look in his eyes.
“Please Tia, I’ve always loved you and have never been with anyone except for you. I’ve waited all this time for you and if I have to I will wait until the day I die.” Discord said, looking into Celestia’s eyes with as much love as he could pour into the look. “Please Tia, don’t you think it’s time you allow yourself to be with someone. If not with me, at least find someone who can make you happy.”
“You idiot.” Celestia sighed.
“Wh-what?” Discord gasped, unable to look away from the misty eyed woman.
“I said, you’re an idiot. Do you think I could be happy with anyone beside you?” Celestia asked, “I lost our baby Discord, do you honestly think I deserve to be with you?”
“I think you deserve to finally leave that in the past. It was an accident and I never once blamed you or your sister.” Discord said leaning in to kiss Celestia before holding her to him.
“I guess I might be convinced to give you a chance.” Celestia sighed dramatically after composing herself and pulling away. “Though I have what some idiots call baggage and they all mean the world to me.”
“Then they mean the world to me.” Discord said, feeling hopeful that maybe Celestia would finally give in. He was a proud man, but he was never to proud to beg her to move on and hopefully give him another chance.
“You win Discord.” Celestia sighed, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek.
“Hah, as if there was ever any doubt!” Discord cheered earning a bit of a glare from Celestia.
“Don’t push your luck mister.” Celestia said.
“Yes Ma’am.” Discord squeaked out.
It had been a long day, yet it turned out to be much better than she had ever dared to hope for. She had made several new friends as well as managed to put a large part of her past behind her. It actually gave her more hope than ever before for a bright and happy future. It was something she always dreamed of and something she had once given up and as she let her anger and hatred get to her. Now she didn’t even think she had a place in her heart for such hatred. Still, she had one last bit of her past she wanted to close the door on as she sat at her desk with a book open before her with pen in hand. It was her old journal, the last piece of evidence that she was ever anything other than human. A last piece to a past that was long past, and a place she wanted to leave it in.
Taking a sigh, she put pen to the first empty page of a journal she hadn’t written in for years.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I’m not sure if this will work or not, but I feel it is time I close a chapter of my life that I should have closed long ago instead of letting it fuel my hurt and anger. I’m no longer angry and I’ve mostly moved on. I will admit that a small part of me will always feel hurt that I was never good enough for you. At least not since you took Twilight Sparkle as your apprentice and pretty much left Trixie and myself by the wayside.
That doesn’t matter now though as I have the family I wished so many nights you could give me. I don’t hate you, not any more, but I no longer care either as I have a mother who loves me for me. Not for what I can do or how good I am with magic, but for the person I am and the person I am becoming. Something I once prayed nightly you would give me, yet again you never did.
I do want to say I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry for all of the pain I have caused you and every pony there. Please tell Twilight Sparkle that I’m sorry for taking out the anger I once held for you out on her. And that I’m sorry for stealing her crown and the Element of Magic from her. And please tell her thank you for me. She helped push me into the position I am in now with those who care for me and are showing me the right path to find happiness. They let me know that my past doesn’t make me who I am as my past is not today.
And finally, if you even cared enough about her to keep tabs on her, please tell Trixie that I still think of her. That I love her and she will always be a sister to me in my heart.
Your ex-student, Sunrise Shimmer Formally Sunset Shimmer
Sunrise sighed as she wiped a few tears from her eyes as she closed the book and noticed it glow softly for a moment. It was a little harder than she thought and she knew she didn’t exactly get out everything that she wanted and she wasn’t too sure if she did a good enough job at saying what was in her mind and heart. The crying didn’t help much as Celestia knocked quietly on the door before pushing it open.
“Hey honey, you want a piece of cake? There’s probably enough left over for months.” Celestia said, as she walked over to kneel next to Sunrise. “Are you okay, honey?”
”I’m okay mom, just closing the last chapter of my past because from now on I’m only looking forward to what I have here with you and everyone else.” Sunrise said wiping a few tears away.
“And I’m looking forward to having you as a part of my life. You mean the world to me, don’t ever forget that.” Celestia said hugging Sunrise.
“And you mean the world to me mom.” Sunrise replied hugging her back.
Luna couldn’t help feeling as if something was wrong as she panted for breath. She still had no idea how Celestia managed this for a thousand years, but as they agreed upon, if one couldn’t make it within fifteen minutes do to one thing or another, then the one who arrived at the ceremonial towers where they raised and set the sun and moon would handle it as it was necessary. While the moon was easy to handle, the sun was a lot more chaotic and hard to grasp with her magic unlike the cool, familiar touch of the moon upon her magic.
After catching her breath Luna trotted off to her sister’s chambers to check up on her, to make sure that she was okay. Not bothering to knock as they never have before, Luna had to wonder just what was going on when she found Celestia sitting in the middle of her bed chamber on the floor with an open book while sobbing loudly.
“Tia, are thou okay?” Luna asked hesitantly as she had never seen her sister this devastated, not even from before Luna was banished to the moon.
“I’m a failure!” Celestia sobbed out as Luna sat next to her, wrapping a wing around the older alicorn and pulling her close in an embrace.
“What did thou mess up?” Luna asked softly, “Surely we can fix it.”
“We can’t, I lost her forever!” Celestia sobbed into Luna’s coat, confusing the younger mare. “First I caused you to become Nightmare Moon, then I caused two of my best students to turn away from me! The only thing I ever did right was Twilight Sparkle, and even then I turned her into a neurotic mess!”
“First off, thou knowest just as well as we do that the Nightmare Moon incident twas not your fault. We are here now and we are never leaving your side dearest sister.” Luna said in a soothing tone, holding back the small giggle about the crack at Twilight. Celestia didn’t cause it, but the unicorn turned alicorn truly was a neurotic mess. Neurotic or not, Twilight would always hold a special place in the sisters’ hearts. “Second of all, Twilight Sparkle tis a little off, but tis a good thing dear sister. Tis one of her best qualities. She’s never left us short of amusement with some of her friendship reports.”
“You don’t understand, Luna! I loved Sunset and Trixie so much! Yet I neglected them to concentrate on Twilight after her magic flare! If I just showed them a little more love then maybe they would still be here with us!” Celestia cried.
“We are sure that both are doing well, sister.” Luna said a little hesitantly. Last she heard was Trixie taking over Ponyville after being possessed by the Alicorn Amulet and Sunset Shimmer being left in element bearer’s human counterpart’s hands.
“I was sure she was going to be the Element of Magic until I saw Twilight’s cutie mark, Luna! I saw it and I neglected them over it!” Celestia moaned out, shaking as she tried to get a hold of her emotions.
“Who? Who did thou believe it would be?” Luna asked, arching a brow in confusion as to what Celestia was talking about.
“Sunset Shimmer! I thought it was going to be Sunset Shimmer! When Twilight had that stupid magic surge everything changed! I was sure I’d have time to make it up to Sunset Shimmer and Trixie when I had Twilight fully prepared for what she needed to do!” Celestia sniffled, “I miscalculated Luna. And I lost Sunset and Trixie because of it! My stupidity and neglect caused all of it!”
“Sister, we know it hurts to feel like thou hast failed, but thou did yee best. Twas dangerous to leave Twilight alone. If thou didn’t help her get her magic under control many ponies could have been hurt.” Luna said, pulling the book closer and reading the message from this Sunset Shimmer, or now as she was being called, Sunrise Shimmer. Her eyes widened at the words and she realized that what happened between Celestia and Sunset Shimmer had affected both of them a lot more than Luna thought possible.
“Luna, I failed her, and I’ll never forgive myself for that.” Celestia sighed as she stood up and started walking away slowly. “No pony will ever know just how important Sunset Shimmer truly was to me.”
Sunrise stared into the full length mirror, playing with the straps of her bikini once again as she tried to get more comfortable with it. It was kind of funny in a way, almost six years ago she would never have even worried about such things. Ponies didn’t really wear clothing on a regular basis unless it was a noble who tried to impress others while in Sunrise’s opinion only managed to make themselves look silly. Here it was much different as clothing served so many different purposes depending on what you were doing.
Actually her human form was something she once swore she’d never get used to, while now she found herself barely able to imagine going back. Sure she missed her horn, magic and tail of her unicorn form; she didn’t think she would be able to go back to having hooves full time after getting used to her fingers. Then there were the other changes, such as the two rather moderately large mounds on her chest. Sure as a pony she had female anatomy, but nothing like them. At the same time, she found herself proud of not only them, but the rest of her body.
She was considered beautiful in this world, extremely beautiful actually and could make guys do almost anything for her just by showing a little skin or doing a little flirting. Not that she did that, it just wasn’t her thing, now or back when she used blackmail and fear to control everyone. It was something ponies didn’t do as much as there was attraction, but it was different. Now she couldn’t help feeling that same attraction to someone she never thought she could feel things for, another girl.
Thinking of said girl she found herself feeling shy again of stepping out in the two piece her aunt had helped pick out to get Fluttershy’s attention when Sunrise asked for help picking one out. Thankfully there weren’t any guys outside besides Discord, who only had eyes for Celestia, because she was sure she would die from embarrassment. Still, Luna had assured her it was both sexy and functional and wouldn’t just fall off like Sunrise kept fearing it would do.
“Hey, you okay in there?” Rainbow Dash called, knocking on the door shocking Sunrise. It took a few moments as well as a few deep breaths to compose herself enough for a reply.
“Yeah, sorry, just got lost in thought. I’ll be right down.” Sunrise called back before turning back to the mirror one last time. She slowly traced a finger down the healed scar where Gilda had stabbed her all those months ago. She was now actually spending time in prison after being tried as an adult for attempted murder of not only the three young girls, but also Sunrise herself.
“Well hurry up or Shy might just spontaneously combust!” Rainbow Dash called through the door, snickering heard as the girl went to return to the party celebrating the first day of summer break.
Stepping out the back door she caught sight of her mother wearing a modest one piece while sitting on the bench of one of the picnic tables while her boyfriend flipped hamburgers on the grill, bags of chips, snacks and soda scattered across the tables along with paper plates, bowls containing who knew what, and condiments.
A loud cry drew her attention just in time to catch Luna in a bathing suit similar to Sunrise’s own jump from the high board, causing a splash of water to soak Cherry who was sitting at the edge of the pool kicking her legs in water. Scootaloo and Applebloom were laughing at the now drenched teacher with Sweetie Belle cringing a little as the woman shot them a glare before laughing with them.
Looking in the pool she found Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and the human Twilight Sparkle playing a game with a pool ball that looked very similar to volleyball. It was still hard to believe that not only did Celestia know Twilight Sparkle and Cadence here in the human world, but even harder to believe how close they became after being introduced.
Thinking of Pinkie Pie brought up the memory of the Cakes and how they both profusely apologized to Sunrise for not realizing that she needed help and for kicking her out of their small café. Of course Sunrise didn’t hold it against them as the group had a small private party there when Sunrise felt better. Actually when Pinkie basically forced Sunrise to go as she didn’t want to be humiliated by getting thrown out in front of them. She was shocked to be swept up in Mrs. Cake’s arms as the older woman kept saying how sorry she was for not giving her a chance.
Speaking of Cadence, the girl was sitting on towels not far from the pool with Rarity talking about fashions, a third joining the conversation which shocked Sunrise. Trixie was talking with them excitedly about something which Sunrise assumed was another idea for an outfit for her next magic show. Unlike Discord who chose to keep his modest apartment until Celestia and himself married, Cherry had other plans. She moved out of her tiny apartment with her daughter and into Luna’s room while Trixie took a remodeled attic which gave her plenty of floor space for her props and practicing.
Turning around to look more, trying to find the one person she really wanted to see, Sunrise’s jaw dropped. There she stood a few feet in front of her, Fluttershy in her green bikini showing off her every curve as she tried her best to hide behind her flowing hair. Sunrise never felt so lost for words as she licked her lips trying to say something, the beautiful vision before her mesmerizing her.
“You look good.” Fluttershy squeaked out shyly, obviously blushing as Sunrise broke out of her stupor.
“Thanks. You look…you look…wow. You’re gorgeous.” Sunrise said, mentally smacking herself. Once again comparing her human and pony forms as she was sure she would never be affected like this if they were ponies. ‘Oh who are you kidding? Pony or human you would get lost in her beauty.’
“Thanks, I hope it isn’t too much.” Fluttershy squeaked out, “Rarity assured me that you would like it.”
“Yeah, I like it. I love it, Shy.” Sunrise said trying not to sound perverted as she truly wasn’t having perverted thoughts. Well, not really. Fluttershy was truly just that beautiful where it was just so easy to get lost looking into her eyes or being around her. She wasn't sure who she was kidding as she was also feeling her stupid hormones kicking in. Fluttershy was very attractive, smart and one of the kindest people Sunrise had ever met. She was perfect and Sunrise couldn’t help thanking her lucky stars for being given the chance to be with her.
“I love yours to.” Fluttershy whispered, almost too low to hear. Sunrise did though and found herself blushing as well.
“Thanks. Come on, you want to swim or relax?” Sunrise asked taking Fluttershy’s hand.
“Can we relax for now? I just want to cuddle up with you and enjoy the sun.
“Sure.” Sunrise said as they found a couple towels and laid down on them, their shoulders and heads touching as they kept their fingers intertwined. Sunrise couldn’t help thinking that she was the luckiest person in the world. Great friends. Great family. The best girlfriend on the face of the planet. And delicious smelling food drifting over to them. Life couldn’t get better. At least that was what she was thinking before she found herself soaked, causing both Fluttershy and herself to shoot up into a sitting position to choke up water as Rainbow Dash holding a now empty bucket.
“Rainbow Dash.” Sunrise growled out.
“Yeah?” Rainbow Dash managed to get out between laughs.
“You better run.” Fluttershy growled out as both girlfriends gave chase to the hysterically laughing girl around the pool.
“What? It was funny!” Rainbow Dash cackled, before tripping and landing into the pool. A few moments later she surfaced spitting out a little water while their friends shook their heads laughing at their antics.
Yeah, it was going to be a good summer and an even better future.