Chapter One
Sunset Shimmer sighed contently as she walked through the nearly empty halls quickly emptying of the students of Canterlot High. A smile on her lips as the student body seemed to forgive for all of her short comings over the past years, the recent events with of the Battle of the Bands and Anon-a-Miss opened their eyes to Sunset's hard work at redemption. Some of them anyways, Sunset still felt the angry glares from many of the student body from time to time. Those cold glares didn't stop her as she strived to prove to them that she had changed.
A warm feeling of finally being forgiven made the crimson haired girl softly hum to herself as she put in her ear-buds of the MP3 player she borrowed from Rarity, the seamstress had recorded some different songs and wanted the band to try different things. Sunset agreed with Rarity, it was also a learning experience for the former unicorn. She was introduced to so many different forms of music that she couldn't put a comparison to in Equestria.
With the sounds of some Jazz that Fluttershy had suggested playing in her ears and the rummaging in her locker, she didn't hear the group of people walk up behind her.
“I can't believe she is still in school.” The first girl spoke. “Think about what she has gotten away with. Bullying, cheating, spreading rumors, I'm betting she stole that jacket. Even after all what she has done has been exposed she is still popular.” came out in a growl.
“She did help save us.” The second girl said trying to quell her friend.
“Does that one act really make people forgive years of torment.” The first barked at her friend, her fists clenched and movement from Sunset the lashed out.
Sunset felt a sudden tug on her hair a surprised yelp as her head was yanked back and suddenly pushed forward. A sharp pain coursed through her head as it contacted the frame of her locker, the assault repeated for five more strikes before the hand was yanked from Sunset's head pulling a few strands of hair with it. The assault left ringing in her head the shouting of three girls was being drowned out as Sunset struggled to stand as a warm liquid feeling oozed down the right side of her face, her vision blurring as she grasped at something solid, her knees felt like jelly as all energy felt like it was being drained from them. Struggling to keep to her feet began to become very taxing as Sunset held onto the locker for support. She heard the voices for the first time as the ear-buds fell out of her ears.
“Let me go!” A voice Sunset didn't recognize. “She is the cause of most of the trouble in this school. A tiger doesn't change its stripes!” The sound of a scuffle
“You are sounding crazy!” A second terrified sounding voice spoke up, Sunset knew this voice but couldn't put a face to it. “You just attacked someone!”
“Lets get out of here!” A third panicked voice and the sound of someone dragging their heels across the linoleum floor and the sounds of protest as Sunset blacked out.
…
Sunset's head throbbed as she came to the hum of florescent bulbs sounded like a swarm of hornets just above her head. He eyes creaked open the white ceiling and a white privacy screen was pulled around bed that she lay on. She would have been scared but the throbbing in her head and the numbness in her limbs made her not care as she groaned propping herself up on an elbow.
The sound of soft footsteps approaching told her she wasn't alone, the screen moved slightly to reveal a woman wearing white and had her light pink hair tied into a messy ponytail. Sunset would have commented on her natural beauty but the rattle of a wheeled stool being pulled to the side of the bed made the words catch in her throat.
“Glad you are awake.” She spoke in a soft yet commanding tone. “I need to run a few tests to see how you are, the tests are better if you are awake.”
“Where am I?” Sunset asked as the nurse held a finger up and moved it in front of Sunset's eyes.
“The medical office in Canterlot High. Mr. Brass Tacks the shop teacher and Mrs. Marry Curry the chemistry teacher found you and noticed the blood and brought you here. You are lucky I was doing paperwork.” The nurse answered grabbing a flashlight and shining it into Sunset's eyes causing the girl to wince.
“Who are you?” Sunset asked as the nurse quickly wrote down some notes on a pad Sunset never noticed before.
“I am Nurse Redheart. What is your name and how are you feeling?”
“I am Sunset Shimmer, I have a headache, my whole body feels numb. Can you turn off the lights too they are hurting my eyes.” Sunset answered to a sigh from Redheart as the nurse walked over to a light switch.
“It seems you have suffered a concussion Sunset.” Nurse Redheart said sitting back down. “I advise going to the hospital for a second opinion and for observation.” Just as Nurse Redheart finished the sentence the door burst open with a bang causing Sunset to wince.
Rainbow Dash held a fellow soccer player Lightning Dust draped over her shoulder, Lightning was favoring one leg and had a look of annoyance on her face.
“We think Lightning here sprained her ankle Nurse.” Rainbow almost shouted as she noticed Redheart with her back turned to the door.
“I didn't sprain it you kicked me.”
“Either way you're hurt.”
Redheart sighed as she stood turning to the two athletes. “Set her down over here.” Redheart pointed to a large recliner that looked really uncomfortable. They did as they were told and Rainbow took a step back as Redheart did her work.
At this time the soccer captain noticed her friend propped up on the bed nearby. A bandage wrapped around her head stained with specks of red. Rainbow pointed to Sunset shocked. “What happened to you?”
“Please not so loud Rainbow.” Sunset whined as the prismatic girl leapt to the side of the bed. “Somepo- Someone decided to use my head to cause some dents in the lockers.”
“That is insane!” Rainbow exclaimed causing Sunset to wince and Rainbow to regret it and whispered. “That is insane. Do you know who did it?”
“It was three girls. Don't know who, I had my back turned and was listening to Rarity's MP3 player. Next I know I am headbutting my locker with someone's hand doing all the work.”
“Good thing your memory is still good.” Redheart commented while wrapping Lightning's ankle.
“We have to find these girls.” Rainbow stood her hands clenched into fists.
“And what would you do when you find them? Fight them? Let it go Rainbow.” Sunset asked flipping her legs over the side and begin to stand.
“Why are you letting them get away? They attacked you aren't you mad?”
“Of course I'm angry, but we don't know who did it and I am fine.” Sunset stood stable on her feet but holding her head from the headache.
“You are hardly fine, but do not strain yourself.” Redheart mentioned as she moved to Sunset. “Lightning try to stay off that ankle for a few days, you have had sprains before I know I treated them.”
“Yes Nurse Redheart.” Lightning pouted as she moved towards the door.
“Rainbow can you keep an eye on Sunset while I make the calls for her.” Redheart asked getting a nod from the captain.
“I don't need to go to the hospital. I have Rainbow to watch over me. If we have to I can or Rainbow can call my other friends to watch me and if anything changes we will go to the hospital.” Sunset defended, Nurse Redheart looked her over sternly before sighing.
“Alright, you can go but if you feel any of these symptoms please go to the hospital as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself, have someone else drive you.” Redheart ordered as she quickly printed off some information and handed Sunset the papers.
…
As Rainbow and Sunset walked down the hallway to Sunset's locker Rainbow quickly stepped in front of the former unicorn.
“What are we going to do about the girls that attacked you?” Rainbow asked getting a sigh from Sunset. “What do you want to do just between us and no adults around.”
“We will tell Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna and let them handle it.” Sunset answered taking a step to the side and noticed her locker was still wide open a small stain of crimson on the door next to it. “I don't have the urge to fight them and if I do...” Sunset trailed off as she grabbed her bag and homework from the locker closing it slowly.
“You don't have to fight them but we can't let them get away with this.” Rainbow protested but was stopped by the watering eyes of Sunset. “Please don't cry you know I don't do that sort of thing.”
“Rainbow we aren't letting anypony get away with this. We are letting people who can handle this do their jobs.” Sunset pleaded and was thankful that Rainbow didn't correct her. “If we do anything it might be worse next time.”
“Just calm down Sunset. You are right we will talk to Luna and Celestia. We will worry about you getting better.” Rainbow panicked as she looked into the scared eyes of her friend. “I'm sorry for pushing this. Maybe we can get to the office before they leave.”
…
Vice Principal Luna was locking up her office door when Rainbow carrying Sunset's backpack entered the main office with Sunset slowly behind her. The woman turned and gave the students a smile but it disappeared with the notice of the bandages around Sunset's head.
“What happened?” Luna nearly shouted but was stopped by Sunset clutching her head.
The pair explained what had happened, Rainbow explaining when they met up in the nurse's office. They had expected Luna to over react but the older woman did not react at all just standing up silently and motioned them to follow. The silence unnerved the two girls as the usually vocal Vice Principal was the norm. Luna lead them to a small room that was littered with cables and various recording devices. Rainbow and Sunset was rather speechless as Luna sat at a set of screens typing quickly on the keyboard.
“3:30ish South Hallway correct?” Luna asked almost roboticaly, the sudden question made the pair jump.
“3:40 the Hallway near room 214, I don't know if that is south.” Sunset answered as Luna nodded flipping through the cameras to the hall as the bell rang releasing the rush of students. The crowds began to thin and Rainbow pointed out Sunset on the cam, before past Sunset reached her locker the hallway seemed be completely empty.
“That is when I was putting in my ear-buds.” Sunset explained as the past Sunset stared at the closed locker.
Three girls exited one of the classrooms and Rainbow once again pointed towards them. “I know them they are the flower girls... Whats their names...uh...” She struggled as she watched as the trio seemed to be arguing behind past Sunset.
“Is there audio? They seem to be very loud.” Sunset asked Luna who shook her head.
“District wouldn't let us have it. They said we were pushing our budget with the video recording.” Luna answered.
The next scene made all three sets of eyes widen as one of the girls attack past Sunset as the two beside her looked stunned for five to ten seconds before jumping on their friend and prying her off past Sunset. They watched as past Sunset wobbled leaned against the locker before she dropped to the ground. Luna watched as the 'Flower girls' Rainbow called them panic and ran out of the hall before the two teachers arrived on scene, the Brass Tacks picked up Sunset's body and rushed off camera.
Sunset leaned against the wall near the door a stunned look on her face. As Rainbow held her friend's shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. Luna spun in the chair and looked to the pair.
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have enough evidence that nobody could possibly contest it. You should head home, I am sure your activities have been finished for some time. Leave the rest of this ordeal to us.” Luna said calmly getting a nods from the girls.
As they left the office Rainbow turned to Sunset. “So do you want to let the girls know now or do you want to head home?”
“We can do both. Call the girls and meet at my apartment and we can explain everything.” Sunset sighed as she opened the door for Rainbow as she pulled out her phone.
…
Sunset sat on her small couch her friends sitting on the odd furniture that Sunset had found or was given. Fluttershy hovered nearby with a small glass of water and a few pills. Rarity sat beside Sunset on the couch a pouting look on her face as she eyed the odd furniture around the room. Applejack sat in an old brown chair that Sunset saved from the garbage but found it extremely comfortable, Pinkie sat on the footstool that somehow matched the chair despite not being acquired from the same place. Rainbow leaned against said chair a smirk on her face watching the seamstress, as she wiggled in awkward containment of her host's design choices. After meeting the girls Rainbow and Sunset had explained why they had brought the group together.
“Thank you Fluttershy.” Sunset smiled as she took the medication. “So that is the story.”
“Well that is one dilly of a pickle.” Pinkie chuckled as she scratched her chin. “So what did you do to make them so mad?”
“I have no idea.” Sunset shrugged. “I didn't even recognize the girls, Rainbow pointed them out. What did you call them?”
“The flower girls.” Rainbow answered. “I know of them I haven't talked to them very often and I'm not that great with names.”
“Roseluck, Lily and Daisy.” Pinkie chimed in with a smile, Rainbow pointed to Pinkie and gave her a thumbs up.
“Thanks Pinks, It was the blonde that did the attack.” Rainbow stated crossing her arms.
“Daisy.” Pinkie piped up.
“The other two looked terrified so maybe she was just having a bad day and seeing me just made her snap?” Sunset explained.
“So y’all told Vice-Principal Luna, I bet my hat that she will tell Principal Celestia and have the teachers be on alert for the trio.” Applejack scratched the back of her neck. “So what are y'all gonna do Sunset?”
“What do you mean?” Sunset asked feeling four sets of eyes on her, she knew Rainbow already knew the answer.
“Those ruffians attacked you. You must be angry at them. A lady does not condone violence, but even I am furious at them right now.”
“I am going to let the school handle it.” Sunset said plainly getting a couple shocked gasps. “Did I say something wrong?”
The girls looked at each other nervously before Applejack leaned forward in her chair. “Well ta be honest.” The girls gave her a deadpanned look before she continued. “We sort of expected ya to go on a rampage.”
“Did you all think that?” Sunset looked to the girls who sheepishly looked to the floor or found the ceiling fan very interesting. Sighing getting the point. “I admit the old me would have hunted them down this very moment. I don't know what I would have done, mainly because nothing like this has ever happened before and I was always...”
“Uncaring?”
“Cruel?”
“A meanie?”
“Blinded by goals?”
“A royal Bi-”
“Driven.” Sunset interrupted the girls “If anything got in my way I would have eliminated it by some means.” Sunset sighed leaning back against the couch. “Having this done to me has opened my eyes a little more.”
“How?” Applejack asked earning nods from the other girls.
“There are cruel and unexplainable things in this world, you can't watch your back all the time that is what friends are for. You watch their back and they will watch yours.” Sunset said looking to the ceiling.
“There is more to that darling.” Rarity said through a smile. “The way you described it, friendship is only beneficial to each other when the world is coming to get you. There are other reasons to be friends and we are doing it right now.” Sunset looked at Rarity slightly confused. “Watching over each other is only a perk of being friends. We still have the knowledge and strength that friends can provide. I am going to share my knowledge and say that chair is disgusting.” Applejack looked down to the chair she was sitting on and gave Rarity a look. “The chair not you dear. The chair looks like it should be in the trash.” Sunset chuckled at the statement. “What is it darling?”
“That is because it was trash Rarity. Along with this couch I found them on the side of the road and fixed them. The couch I cleaned and draped a blanket over.” Sunset smirked as a look of fear was etched on the seamstresses face as she jumped from her spot and shivered. The girls around the room burst into a chorus of laughter, even Fluttershy joined in with a light giggle.
“What great friends I have.” Rarity deadpanned as she looked to the group before joining the laughter with a giggle of her own. As the laughter died down the girls looked to Sunset who smiled to the group.
“What great friends we have.”
…
Sunset awoke to a slight pound to her head, the snores coming from the pink colored air raid siren did not help. With a groan she sat up looking over the four bodies that littered the floor of her modest living room. She looked to who could be missing when Applejack stepped around the door frame a mug of coffee in her hand.
“Well ya are up earlier than I figured ya would be.” Applejack smirked as she took her chair that she lazed about in last night.
“A headache and the cement mixer that is Pinkie put a stop to sleeping in.” Sunset groaned as she untangled herself from the blankets they spread on the floor. A look of concern from the farmer made Sunset wave it off. “Is that the old pot?”
“It is fresh. I warn ya I like it strong.” Applejack said taking a sip. “An' you're out of milk.”
“I think I have creamer in the back of the fridge.” Sunset stepped over Fluttershy who hugged tightly to a pillow. Sunset didn't notice as Applejack followed her into the small kitchen.
“Are you sure sugar cube that you are okay with this whole thing?” Applejack asked pointing to Sunset's head.
“I can't exactly change the past AJ. I don't want to jump down those girls throats as well.” Sunset said digging into the small counter top fridge. Pulling out a small container of cream sniffing it and nearly gagging. “There could be a simple reason to this whole thing.”
“Ya the one that bashed your head in has problems.” Applejack said taking a sip of her coffee, Sunset couldn't argue but felt it wasn't so simple.
“That may be true I think I was just the breaking point for her. We all have one and I guess something I did before was still on her mind.” Sunset theorized as she sipped the black coffee and was surprised the kick of it, coughing slightly as the farmer smirked.
“I warned ya.”
“You did.” Sunset sighed as she put the mug down. “I don't know if I could or even if I want to try and fix whatever set this Daisy off. I know I can't take another head trauma.”
“You are right. She did a number on ya and confronting her might scare her like a cornered coyote.” Applejack shook her head. “I am thinkin' you chose the right idea. I will try and keep the girls from doing something stupid.”
“Why do you think they would do something stupid.” Sunset asked receiving a look from Applejack.
“Did your head get hurt that bad? We have a few of the most impulsive people in our group of friends. You and me included.”
“You and I.”
“You got my meaning.” Applejack chuckled as she sipped the drink and looking back at the living room. “We should get them up or we will be late for class.”
“We have an hour or more.” Sunset said glancing to her phone, the screen flashing a 6:25 am on the screen. “I was thinking of calling in sick and taking it easy today.”
“You know how Rarity is in the bathroom. I don't blame ya for wanting to stay home being hurt an all. Ya don't want to turn into Dash or Pinkie just barely passin.” Applejack smirked as she moved towards the room with the girls. Sunset watched and sighed as she knew the farmer was right, failing this close to Graduation would be terrible.
…
It had been rather a calm morning until Sunset took Fluttershy's advice of taking off the bandage that Nurse Redheart had wrapped her head to change it and let it get some air. The bruise that was left could be covered up by simple makeup, the large red cut that made a nearly two inch scar above Sunset's right eye was less able to be covered. Rarity let out a shriek that sent a few dogs a few apartments away barking up a storm, Pinkie compared Sunset to a teen magician book earning a few groans. Rainbow and Applejack made some jokes about living up to the evil villain stereotype. Fluttershy was the only productive member of the group helping clean and get a new bandage.
Sunset smiled as she walked with her friends, looking at the entrance of the school that smile disappeared as Roseluck, Lily and Principal Celestia stood at the doors as if waiting for the group. The two flower girls looked in the verge of tears at the presence of the older woman. Said older woman noticed the group first her stern look softened as she counted all six girls.
“Sunset Shimmer can we talk in private.” Principal Celestia said calmly her voice soft but at the same time commanding.
“I am not in trouble am I?” Sunset asked as Pinkie and Rainbow took steps in front of their friend.
“No. These girls wish to apologize and explain why their side of the story to you.” Celestia said calmly placing her hands behind her back.
“I don't think something like that needs to be behind closed doors.” Sunset said causing the two girls to look panicked. “They have nothing to worry about in my eyes. They were the ones that pulled their friend off me.”
“Ya we did but we ran like cowards when you were hurt. We didn't want to be in trouble.” Lily whined as tears began to flow, Roseluck handed her a handkerchief that was used with a loud almost cartoonish blat as Lily blew her nose into it. Most of the girls shirked away from the sound, Pinkie giggled.
“We were even too slow to react to what Daisy did. I just stood there like a tree when it started.” Roseluck explained a little more composed than her friend. “I hope you can forgive us.”
Sunset gave the pair a soft smile. “I forgive you under one condition.” The two girls looked terrified at the former She-Demon. “Can you explain why your friend attacked me? I don't remember doing anything to any of you to cause such hate. Also where is your third?” The two girls sighed and relaxed.
“Daisy is in the school talking to my sister and the school therapist.” Celestia answered the last question getting nods from the group.
Roseluck stepped around Lily who sat on the edge of the steps. “Daisy has been having trouble at home from what she has been telling us. She has told us her parents are going through a divorce. Her boyfriend also recently broke up with her. She isn't taking it well and I guess everything is going bad for her and everything seems to be going good for you, she must have gotten jealous when she saw you.” Roseluck explained as she approached the six girls.
“Jealousy for me?” Sunset asked looking confused to Roseluck. “Lets face it I don't have that much going for me. What would she be jealous of?”
“You are pretty, smart, talented, have a group of friends that have the same talents, popular with the boys.” Sunset laughed at the last on the list Roseluck was counting on her fingers.
“I'm sorry for laughing but I am not popular with the boys.” Sunset tried to contain her smile. “Most think I will sacrifice them to go all demon again.” Sunset waved the thought off.
“Before she attacked you she was listing all these things that just sounded like she was picking petty things and things you did in the past and you are still popular.” Lily said causing the group to look to the sniffling girl. “She just snapped when I said you helped save us.” Lily said before breaking into tears again, Roseluck rushed to her side to put a comforting hand on her back. Sunset moved to the girls and sat beside Lily who looked at her through puffy eyes.
“I forgive you.” Sunset said calmly to the two girls. “I don't know what I am forgiving you for since you never gave me this.” Sunset said pointing to the fresh bandage. Roseluck was about to say something but was stopped by a held up hand. “You feel guilty for not doing anything, but you forget that you stopped it from being worse and you admitted you were scared when you ran off. In my eyes you did what most would do.” Turning to Celestia. “What will happen to them? And Daisy?”
Celestia sighed as her students looked to her with pleading eyes. “Nothing is going to done to these two girls. They did not instigate or add to the attack.” The two flower girls lit up at that revelation but it was dimmed as Celestia continued. “If anything these two would take a first aid course so they could handle such incidents. Daisy on the other hand she must be punished accordingly, she acted violently to another student and caused bodily harm.”
“So did I at the Fall Formal.” Sunset interrupted the Principal.
“You attacked but only caused damages to property, easily repaired and punishment of hard labor to pay for such damages is simple. Attacking a fellow student and physically leaving blood in my halls is a dire concern. What do you think would happen to her if the attack was more severe and you were put into a coma or worse.” Celestia explained the softness of her voice fading as she seemed to tower over the students. “We also had the request from Twilight Sparkle to keep the whole magic demon girl incident into the shadows. Daisy does not have such a technicality in her circumstances.”
“Oh.” Sunset said joining the other girls with somber looks on their faces.
“Fate will play her hands Sunset. We have not come to a decision on this yet.” Celestia said turning to to doors. “Now all of you off to class before the bell.”
“Yes Principal Celestia.” the girls answered as they entered the school.
The girls passed the Principal, Lily sniffing loudly she turned to Sunset. “I hope you don't hate Daisy.”
Sunset gave the crying girl a concerned look. “I don't hate her. She isn't on the top favorite people list I will admit.” The two girls nodded as they turned down a hallway to their lockers giving the larger group a somber wave.
“Well that was a downer.” Rainbow commented getting an eye roll from a few of the girls.
“Yes it is depressing but we must be accountable for our actions.” Sunset said sighing loudly. “I have been insanely lucky to have not faced a punishment similar to what Daisy will get. It still doesn't mean I haven't worked hard to get where I'm at. Just means I am more proud of what I have. Maybe she will have this lesson taught to her the way I did.” Sunset turned to her friends and gave them a smile.
“She isn't going to be hit with a rainbow light show though.” Pinkie joked as she bounced down the halls. The girls laughed as they moved to their lockers.
Sunset turned the corner to her locker row her locker cleaned of the evidence of what happened only a yesterday. She noticed a white piece of paper taped to the door. She looked at it curiously reading it quickly before tearing it off. “Oh yes, I have so much to be jealous of.” Sunset joked to herself her voice trembling as she grabbed her books. Walking quickly to the Principal's office the note clenched in her hand, the red letters plastered over the white paper.
“Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.”
…
Sliding the paper to Principal Celestia, Sunset watched as the human counterpart of her former teacher looked at the note and sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. Wordlessly she stood walking over to a file cabinet opened it. Drawing out a folder she opened it in front of Sunset, a stack of similar notes and a few photos of graffiti that was spray painted over the locker door.
“Another one for the file. I wish we could catch them.” Sunset sighed as she watched Celestia close up the folder.
“We installed the cameras not long after the Fall Formal event and still can't pinpoint the person responsible. This one is different though.” Celestia said flipping the folder open to look at the note. “They had to have put the note on the locker this morning or late last night. It narrows it down the potential harasser.”
“Come June it won't matter. I will be out of your hair and this stuff will stop.” Sunset sighed turning to go to the door. “I just hope that the same doesn't happen to someone else.”
“You have left a mark on this school Sunset.” Celestia said leaning back in her chair. “Only time will tell if it is a good or bad.”
“A little of both.” Sunset smirked. “Something really to be jealous of isn't it.”