> The Sun's Damage > by MistressAnput > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue (Rewritten) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prologue     “So, Mr. Skies decided to give us another surprise pop quiz this morning. I think I totally bombed it.” Lavender Bliss gave her friend a quick smile, though it was shaky. The tension was still thick in the car. Lavender’s smile vanished as she saw her friend’s grip tighten on the wheel so hard that her knuckles turned white. “A-and I have this presentation on uranium poisoning to do tomorrow...” The tension only grew heavier with each word that passed through Lavender’s lips. Sunset Shimmer kept her eyes ahead of her, her gaze hard and focused on the empty road, high beams cutting through the night. Lavender could feel the fury radiating off of her in waves, making her stomach clench in uneasiness. “Shim, please..” Lavender turned more fully to her friend, then bit her lower lip hard. Her eyes were pleading for mercy, for forgiveness. She hated when Shim was silent like this. She just couldn’t have Shim mad at her, she couldn’t stand it. Shakily, Lavender touched Shim’s shoulder, only to be shoved off roughly. “No, Lav, you fucked up! I told you, I fucking told you!” The ice in Shim’s eyes melted away to blazing fury that made Lavender’s anxious belly clench to the point of pain, bile rising in her throat. She opened her mouth to speak, only to have Shim plow over her. “I told you to distract Poppy, but you couldn’t even do that. Now I’m suspended for three weeks!”     “I-I tried, Shim, I really did. But Frost came along and I just got distracted when we got talking...” Lavender’s voice trembled as she tried to explain, tears welling up in her eyes. She had to explain, to show Shim it wasn’t her fault.     “He wouldn’t have come over if you didn’t have those sow tits on display. Maybe none of that would have happened if you stopped dressing like one of those hookers on the street corner,” Shim snarled, her hands trembling as they gripped the steering wheel, her hateful words causing Lavender’s breathing to hitch. “Ugh. Don’t cry, you look so pathetic when you cry. Thanks to you, that prissy princess is laughing with her minions about me!”     “Shim, maybe you should stop this vendetta against Poppy? I mean, she isn't that bad.” Lavender curled tighter into herself, the nausea only getting worse. “She could be kind of nice if we at least try to get to know her.”     “Oh my- Lav, you’re so fucking stupid, you realize that, right? This is why you’re so lucky that I put up with the dumb shit that comes out of your mouth. Poppy is ruining us, she’s the one that’s been spreading those rumours, painted that shit on your car windshield.” Shim scoffed at Lavender, shaking her head. “But no, you want to be friends. Think for once, use your tiny little fucking brain. Has she ever once tried to actually make friends with you, has anyone?”         “Um, well..” Lavender struggled to find the words, feeling almost physically bruised. She lowered her gaze to her feet, gently nibbling on her lower lip. “I mean, everyone kind of ignores me..”     “Exactly, so why even try? Listen, Lav.” Shim sighed, all of the hot air seeming to have left her now, and glanced sideways to her friend. “I’m the only friend you’ve got. Besides, you don’t need anyone else, you only need me. Got it?”     “I guess, but Shim-” Lavender began before Shim’s anger flared once again and she whipped her head over to Lavender.     “Oh my God, Lavender, would you stop undermining whatever the fuck I say and shut up for on-” But the snarl was cut off by a sudden impact slamming into the car. Lavender's head jerked abruptly. Lavender’s mouth opened and she left out a scream, though feeling breathless at the same time.     When reality caught up to her, she was hanging upside down. The car had rolled over onto its roof and thought it was severely dented, thankful it wasn't smashed in. She tasted coppery blood in her mouth, her head beginning to pound. Lavender tried her belt buckle, but it was jammed tight, refusing to budge. Taking a shaky breath, throat still raw from the screaming, Lavender then realized the thick silence around her.     “Shim, Shim are you alright?” She tried to turn her head, but whimpered as the muscles sharply and loudly protested. She was forced to look at the missing windshield, glass shards and some blood littered across the roof of the car. Lavender's mind raced as panic set in. With trembling hands, she went to unlock her seatbelt, but began tugging at it frantically when she found it jammed. “Shim, I'm stuck! Please, I need out!”     That was when Lavender heard a sound, an almost pinging sound, like one hears when a ball bounces off of the floor. The object then rolled into view, stopping just in front of Lavender's face. Her vein went to ice. Lavender opened her mouth and began hysterically screaming.     Shim’s disembodied head had rolled into view, her empty, cold teal eyes boring right into Lavender’s. > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Are you sure she is ready for this?” Lavender Bliss pauses in brushing her hair as she listens to her parents’ conversation in the kitchen. She glares at herself in the vanity mirror, a faint swirl of anger curling up in her chest. Trying to ignore them, she plucks the loose lavender strands of hair from her shirt, then gets to work at applying her mascara. “Penny, the psychiatrist said that she should go to a new school, to get away from the bad memories, to start anew.” Lav’s grip her eyeliner brush so hard a faint cracking sound is heard as she outlines her eyes with black. “She isn’t going to start-” “Start what? Hurting herself again? Lash out in anger at every girl in her school because they mention her dead friend’s name? Silver, I can’t keep going to schools because she is getting suspended for being violent.” “Maybe if you knew what they were saying, you would have done the same.” The words come out bitterly from Lavender’s lips. Curling in her gut is hatred towards her parents, for how stupid and blind those two can be. She stands up, grabs her backpack off of her bed, and storms downstairs. “I swear, you two are useless.” As soon as Lavender enters the kitchen, her parents go silent. She can feel their gazes on her as she grabs an apple and bites into it. She refuses to speak at them, even look at them. She just stands at the kitchen counter while her parents sit at the table, nervously drinking their coffee. “Well, I’m off to school.” She walks out of the house, gripping her backpack tightly and sliding into her car. She forces herself to calm down, knowing her anger can affect her driving. She stays there, taking deep breaths and resting her forehead against the steering wheel. Once her anger calms down, she starts up her car and drives off. … “Canterlot High. God, even the name sounds cheerful.” Lavender stares up at the massive school, feeling a bit intimidated by the building, it being much larger than her previous school. Her last school had been smaller, more dark coloured and bland. This one appears as if it was visited by the purple fairy. The only thing that keeps her from turning around and leaving is the sight of the column at the center of the courtyard. As she draws closer to it, she sees the base is made of mirrors and on top is what appears to be a horse’s hooves, but the rest of it is nowhere to be seen. “It guess it’s not so happy.” “Oh yeah, that was weird mistake by a crazy she demon.” Lavender nearly jumps out of her skin upon hearing the person behind her. She whips around and faces a girl her age with vivid pink hair and a huge grin on her face. Her sky blue eyes are sparkling with excitement. She holds out a hand. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! You’re new here, aren’t you? I can tell, or else I would already know your name!” “Uh huh.” Lav hesitates for a moment before shaking the girl’s hand, eyeing her warily, afraid the girl may explode at any minute. “I’m Lavender Bliss, I'm new here.” “Thought so! Hopefully you're not like a few girls from a while back we had that were new. They’re long gone but boy, were they nasty!” Pinkie lets out a giggle, but then gets a look on her face as if she remembered something. She reaches out of Lavender’s line of vision, holding a cupcake to her face. “Here is your ‘congratulations-on-being-the-new-girl-at-Canterlot-High’ cupcake!” “Er... No thank you.” Lavender pushes the cupcake away, feeling somewhat annoyed. The girl is chatting on about the different types of cupcakes and icings and what is the best combination of the two. Lavender massages her temples, feeling a headache coming along. “I don’t like cupcakes.” “Oh.. Um, okay! How about a sundae or chocolate?” Giving Pinkie Pie the cold shoulder, Lavender heads up the front steps and into the high school. As soon as she steps inside, she is greeted with friendly chatter among students and a sense of dread. Her and Shimmer had been so excited for senior year, but without her here, Lavender wishes it would be over as soon as possible. After asking a student where the principal’s office is, and ignoring the kind greeting, Lavender makes her way towards the office, ignoring the stares people are giving her and keeping a straight face. Once inside the office, she walks up to the large mahogany desk. “You must be Lavender Bliss, I’m Principal Celestia, welcome to Canterlot High.” A tall woman with hair of many beautiful colours stands up from her chair, a kind smile on her face. Lavender bristles at the smile and scowls, meeting Celestia’s gaze. Celestia’s smile fades as soon as she sees her new student’s expression, but clears her throat and holds out a few sheets of paper to her. “Here are the courses you had wanted for this semester, along with a list of clubs and after school activities if you are interested in joining any.” “I won’t be joining any,” Lavender cuts in quickly, her scowl staying in place. Celestia watches the teenager for a few minutes before handing her the stack of papers. Lavender silently takes them and leafs through them until she finds her schedule. “Good, I’ve gotten every class I needed; nice to know this school has access to them.” “Yes, well. The usual student I ask to show new students around is rather busy, so I have asked Rarity to take her place for now.” Celestia motions over Lavender’s shoulder, causing her to glance back. There stands a girl with vibrant purple hair and the bluest eyes she has ever seen. She is dressed very fashionably and the bracelets at her wrists clink together softly. “Rarity, this is Lavender Bliss, the student you will be showing around.” “It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, darling.” Rarity kindly smiles and holds out her hand. Lavender, having been raised with manners, stands up and firmly shakes her hand, then she quickly snatches her hand away. “Well, you two have fun.” Principal Celestia guides the two out of her office before pausing at the door. “if you ever need anything, I am always here.” Rarity winces as the principal slams the door shut, but then turns towards Lavender. “Well, let’s get started, shall we?” … “As you can see, we have many amazing art programs. We have many talents here at our school, and we have had a growing success with many other programs too.” Lavender absently nods as Rarity carries on about how amazing their school is. She has to admit, it does look pretty amazing. “And it is the most amazing place for friendship to grow!” “Friendship...?” The word feels like sawdust in her mouth. She hasn’t said that word or even thought of it in two years. Not since the accident. Lavender glances warily at Rarity as they walk down the hall. Soon, Rarity starts sniffing the air. “Darling, are you possibly wearing perfume?” As the girl leans close, Lavender flinches away. Rarity sniffs some more, then smiles. “Why, darling, your perfume is absolutely fabulous! Where did you get it?” “I... I made it myself, actually.” Lavender frowns at the girl, taking a step away from her. “I make perfumes, then sell them online.” “Well, I happen to work at a boutique in town, and perfume goes quite well with fashion.” Rarity holds out a pale, elegant hand. An artist’s hand, one that knows precision and grace. Lavender stares down at the hand before meeting the sapphire eyes. “I would like you to sell it at my boutique; it could be a big hit with my clients.” “Why offer me that right away?” Lavender raises a brow, eying the fashionista. “I mean, we did just meet, Rarity.” “I’m a business woman, but I also think it could be a job for you. You make the perfume and I’ll sell it at the boutique. I’ll give you the profits, while keeping twenty percent to go towards the boutique?’ Rarity holds her hand farther out, giving Lavender a brilliant white smile. “Come along, darling, do we have a deal? I promise I will be generous to you for this.” Lavender stares down at Rarity’s hand, contemplating this situation. She is going to have to find a job anyway, at least it could be a job she enjoyed and make good money off of. With a sigh, she reaches out and and shakes Rarity’s hand, before swiftly pulling it away. “Perfect, now, let’s get to the cafeteria before the bell rings. Today is Taco Day, everyone goes crazy over it.” > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2     Lavender stared down at her lunch, feeling the curious stares digging into her back.  She ignored them and poked at her garden salad with her fork.  At least the food was better than at her old school, where the lettuce had been limp and the vegetables had been starting to rot.     She glanced up, seeing Rarity waving at her to join her group at the table, with four other girls smiling at her, but she shook her head and got back to poking at her food. She just wanted to be left alone, to get through these shitty high school years in peace and quiet, then go off to college and get her degree, but she still had to figure out what kind of degree that would be.     After a few minutes of poking at the admittedly delicious-looking salad, Lavender heard someone walk up to the table. Glancing up, she was startled to see a hand being held out to her, and connected to that arm was one of the girls sitting at Rarity’s table. Tall, blonde, and a splash of freckles across her nose, the girl’s presence seemed to fill the room.  Her most amusing fashion choice was the cowboy hat she was wearing.     “Howdy, I’m Applejack. Rarity’s been talking about you and I wanted to say welcome to our school.” Applejack gave her a large grin, waiting for Lavender to return the handshake. “I sure hope you like it here, if you have any allergies, don’t be afraid to tell my Granny Smith, she runs the kitchen.”     Lavender’s gaze darted over to the old woman serving food to the students and nodded slowly. She shook Applejack’s hand without really touching her and went back to her salad, simply mumbling a thank you. She shoved some of the salad into her mouth, hoping the cowgirl would get the hint to leave.     And she did, frowning at Lavender before wandering back to her table. Lavender saw her shaking her head and Rarity frowning and giving the new girl a look.     Shim would have said that they were the pathetic people who thought they could make friends with just about anybody. Lav did admit they seemed like friendly people, but friends only hurt you in the end, so there was no use having any. ... The rest of the day was hell. People gawked at her, whispering about how she seemed to to shun every offer of friendliness from everyone she met. The only dent in her armour that was made was by Rarity, and that was simply an agreement of the two doing business together. This made the famous Canterlot High group of the Rainbooms quite worried. “She doesn’t seem to want to talk to anyone... She just glares or acts a little cranky...” Fluttershy frowned as she turned her tambourine. Lavender reminded her of some of the animals that came to the shelter. Ones that had never been shown love and needed time to be brought out of their shell. “But this is a new school for her, she could just be nervous.”     “She didn’t want my ‘Welcome to Canterlot High’ cupcake. Everyone likes my cupcakes!” Pinkie pouted, flipping through her small book of recipes, her mind whirling. “She doesn’t smile much either, just was kinda.. Blah. Like she’s never had the most terrific party ever kind of blah!” “She does seem to be quite a bit rude.. But she was polite to Granny Smith. Most people just take their food and go, she used her manners.” Applejack shrugged, setting aside her backpack as she took out her base. “But ah agree, all that snapping is no picnic.” “Darling, I talked with the girl myself and she seemed like a fine young lady. Perhaps we are all judging her a bit too much before we get to know her fully.” Rarity glanced up from her sketchbook full of various outfit designs. She quickly erased something on the current dress she was planning and replaced it with something more suitable. “Besides, the dear is going to be dropping off a sample of her delightful perfume so that I may give some samples to customers, see what they think.” “As generous as always, Rarity.” Sunset grinned when she strolled into the room, tossing her school bag into a corner. All of the girls instantly perked up upon seeing their friend. “Sunny, where have you been?! You totally missed the new student today.” Rainbow smirked as her friend took out her guitar, then double checked to see if her own was tuned right. “Her name’s Lavender Bliss. Weird last name, I mean, she doesn’t seem to blissful. I’d call her more sour than anything.” “Let’s just play already!” Pinkie Pie jumped in her seat before smacking her drumsticks together. “One, two, three, four..!!’ … Clutching the box full of small perfume bottles, Lavender made her way down the empty school hallway. It was so different after school, with the silence and the lack of masses of bodies. So much so, it made Lavender a bit uncomfortable, yet also a bit relieved. There was none of the stress of having to talk to people, to play nice. But she’d much rather be home, making more perfume. Perhaps try a autumn-y scent, like pumpkin this time around, since it would best suit the time of year.. Lavender almost smiled as she thought of the different scents she could try and create, but her lips did not quite curve enough to fully smile. This was going to be simple, little to no interaction. She had ran home and gotten the samples. All she had to do was drop them off to Rarity, accept her thankful words with as little speaking as necessary, then leave and get the hell home before she had to talk to anyone else that was there. Simple, clean, and stress-free. Lavender perked up when she heard the music playing just down the hall. As she approached, it grew louder and she ended up wrinkling her nose. Ew, pop music. And from the lyrics, it was the sugary kind that rots your teeth and make the people with any taste nauseous. Once the song was over, she quickly gave the door a few sharp, loud knocks. “Oh, that must be Lavender!’ Lavender heard Rarity’s muffled voice through the door and some shuffling before she opened it. “Come in darling, we’re just finishing up!” When she stepped in, Lavender felt all eyes focus on her. She shifted uncomfortably under their harsh gazes, feeling almost sick from how intent their eyes were. Lavender held up the box, taking a deep breath and glancing up. “I’ve got your samples, Rarity, I hope your customers...” She trailed off when she spotted the fiery haired girl standing in front of the annoyingly hyper pink haired one from earlier. And felt ice flood her veins. Her brain seemed to shut down as her gaze slid over the familiar face, those hauntingly vibrant aquamarine eyes. No, not possible! She was hallucinating, she was seeing things. This couldn’t be... Sunset Shimmer watched the newbie with a concerned look as she seemed to lose all colour in her face, even in her lips. She seemed so in shock that she barely noticed when the box slid from her hands and let out a soft crack when it hit the floor and bottles shattered. A thick, flowery scent filled the room as Lavender began back away. “Hey, are you–” Reaching out to the girl, Sunset’s words were cut off by a piercing scream that ripped from the girl’s throat. She stumbled back as she kept screaming like she had seen a ghost, tears welled up in those fearful blue eyes. “No! You’re dead! You’re DEAD!”     Rarity and Pinkie Pie  rushed forward as the girl screamed herself into a panic before promptly fainting, her head cracking off of the floor. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lavender felt as if she were floating in black, feeling nothing, hearing nothing, in a void where nothing could touch her. It felt comforting, in a sense, and a part of her never wanting to leave. It felt warm, calming, her mind at ease and her body feeling relaxed. But soon voices began to seep through, frantic and fast. She clawed through the inky darkness, and her eyes fluttered open, letting out a soft gasp. “Miss Bliss, how are you feeling?” Principal Celestia stared down at her, her hand cupping her student’s cheek gently. Lavender closed her eyes and leaned into the warm touch without realizing, her body relaxing. “You took quite a spill.” “I... I am sorry about the mess.” The young girl opened her eyes, flinching as she thought of all of her bottles of perfume shattered on the floor. All of her hard work ruined by... Lavender sat up abruptly, causing the Principal to jump back. She must be going insane, seeing Shim in the music room like that. Maybe her mother was right about going and seeing a psychologist.. Or an exorcist. Her first impression at school, in front of Rarity, was a girl who was psycho, screaming at empty air. A great person to have as a business partner, of course. “It’s just a few broken bottles, no one was hurt. Besides, the music room now smells wonderful.” Lavender felt the principal set a gentle hand on her back, her thumb stroking to try and soothe. “Luckily, Sunset Shimmer was able to carry you in here. Apparently you’re quite the light little lady.” “Barely more than a feather.” A voice spoke from the doorway. Lavender’s head snapped around, her body tensing tightly. Lavender made a sound and scooted back on the bed, her heart pounding wildly as she curled into herself. She needed to get away, far far away from this... This thing!. The girl who looked so much like her friend. Lavender pressed her trembling mouth into a tight line and lowered her gaze, feeling her eyes burn. “Miss Bliss, this is Sunset Shimmer, I believe you and her are both in your senior year.” Celestia spoke up, smiling at both girls, not noticing the blood draining from Lavender’s face upon hearing her name. “She was very kind to have saved you.” “Who paid you to look like that?” Lavender’s whispered, gazing deep into the ghost’s eyes, her hands curling into fists. “Who made you dress up like my dead friend?” “.. Your friend was a Sunset Shimmer too, wasn’t she?” The ghost’s eyes flashed with realization before she took a seat, watching helplessly as Lavender flinched as she drew near. “I guess this answers where this side’s version of me is..” “What are you talking about?” Anger began heating Lavender’s voice as she sat up, her gaze sharpening. “‘This side?’” … “How stupid do you think I am?” Anger radiated from every word that she spoke, a fire burning in her eyes as she grabbed the front of the doppelganger’s shirt, pulling her close so that their faces were mere inches apart. “Did someone hire you to do this? If so, this is a fucking low prank, even for scum like you. Who paid you, Poppy? She finally wants to get back at the dyke loser?” “What? No, no, I’m telling you the truth, I swear!” Sunset held her hands up, her eyes widening as Lavender snarled at her. “Magic mirrors? Alternate dimensions? Talking ponies? That is all bullshit!” Lavender shoved her away, her body shaking hard, her face twisted in a look of pure rage. “I’m not stupid! I’m sick and tired of being everyone’s punchline!” “Please, Miss Bliss, I know this all seems false, but...” When Celestia reached out for her, Lavender smacked her hand away, turning on her heel and storming out, only to pause in the door. “I didn’t think the principal herself would be in on a sick joke like this.. You’re really twisted, you know that? I watched my friend die, and you play it like some prank, for what? Because a bimbo heiress is paying you? Go fuck yourself.” She left them gaping after her, trying her best to fight back the tears that burned her eyes. … Lavender drove home like she were being chased down. She needed to put as much space as she could between herself and that sickening school. When she finally drove into her driveway, she rested her forehead against the steering wheel and tried to control her shaky breathing. It was going to be fine. If her parents wouldn’t let her transfer schools, she’d just stick to classes and ignore everyone. Who knew how many people were on this disgusting joke. Money did make people do very cruel things. Lifting her head, she noted that her mother’s car was in the driveway, as well as one she had never seen before. With a huff, she headed inside. She was greeted with silence. But then, soft giggling. In the doorway of the kitchen, she froze. Her mother was leaning close to a young man, giggling softly as he whispered something into her ear, stroking her hair from her face. “Hello, mother.” The sound of Lavender’s voice, the two jumped apart, her mother having the blood drain from her face and look like a deep in headlights. “Who is this?” “Ah.. I.. Lavender..” Her mother stammered, red flooding her cheeks as she straightened, setting down the glass of wine she had been holding. She then gestured to the young man who had been far too close. “This is Dirk, he and I work together.” “Uh huh...” Lavender stared hard at Dirk, causing sweat to begin form along brow. “I see you’ve made friends fast, mother..” “Yes, you know me, I love making friends.” Penny Bliss smiled at her daughter, though it was rather shaky. “He’s going to be joining us for supper tonight. We’re discussing a project we’re working on.” Lavender eyed the tall man’s solid build. He was obviously from money, with his manicured nails and groomed dark hair. Who was this month’s flavour..? The CEO’s son? Someone from a rich family..? “I’m going out to the shed. Eat without me.” Lavender brushed past the duo and raided the fridge for juice and a tub of leftover spaghetti, not giving her mother another look as she headed out the sliding glass door and to the shed in the backyard. … It was midnight before she returned inside. She set her dirty dishes in the sink along with the rest, noticing the two empty wine bottles next to the trash can. Her mother had no doubt left with Dirk, and peeking her head into her parents’ bedroom confirmed this. She watched her father snore, the smell of alcohol practically radiating off of him. But no pity stirred in her heart. Her father was always so blind to everything around him, never noticing what was so obvious. She merely went to her room, locking her door behind her. With a defeated sigh, the teen headed towards her bathroom, splashing cold water in her face. Her brain throbbed in her head, making the mere act of standing almost unbearable. She took a deep breath and lifted her head. Glancing up in the mirror, Lavender stared at her reflection, the dark circles under her eyes, the large eyes that seemed so lost and infuriated. Then those eyes drifted to something else in the mirror. Shim smiled at her, seated on the closed laundry hamper, filing her long nails with expertise and care. “So, slut, you decide to replace me with a mediocre copy, huh?” Shim sneered st her, Lavender whirling around, using the counter to steady herself, her legs shaking. “God, I always knew you were a backstabbing bitch.” “No. No, I didn’t...” The words caught in Lavender’s throat as she tried to speak to her friend. Her dead friend, a dead friend who was supposed to have no head. But there Shim was, sitting in her bathroom, looking like a million bucks. “I would never betray you. You were my best friend...” “Were? Wow, you really are a horrible person. So pathetic, the worst friend ever!” Shim’s beautiful face curled into a mask of rage and hatred. “I’m dead only a year and you decide to replace me, and with a cheap copy? I mean, look at her clothes, I don’t buy second hand shit, Lav!” “No, Shim, I know.. I- I haven’t been making friends, I couldn’t do that to you..” Lavender felt the tears well up in her eyes as she reached for Shim. “You don’t need other friends, you only need me! I tell you the truth, I never lie to you! I told you how Poppy and her clique hated our guts, God, Lavender, they fucking did horrible things to you! Remember the video?!” Shim shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “Why would you betray me, Lav, why would you hurt your best friend?” “Shim, I know, I know!” Lavender pressed her hands to her head, the tears flowing more freely now. Her breathing came out in swift, short bursts as she dropped to her knees. “I’m not replacing you, I love you!” “LIAR!” Shim got right in her face, her eyes glowing red. Her hands wrapped around Lavender’s throat and tightened, cutting off the air. Lavender desperately clawed at the hands that continued to tighten, letting out a bloodcurdling scream. Only to bolt up in bed, her body drenched in sweat. Glancing at her clock, she saw it was three in the morning. With a groan, Lavender buried her face into her pillow, trying to calm the tremors running through her body. She slid a shaking hand to the choker she wore around her neck, then swiftly unhooked the clasp of the choker and tossed it across the room. It landing with a soft thud on the floor. After a moment of silence, she slid out of bed and rushed over to the discarded jewelry. She cradled it in her hands, her fingers ghosting over the soft velvet choker, before freezing when her fingertips met cold metal. The metal charm of an orange and red sun. “I’m so sorry..” Lavender whispered softly, clutching the choker to her chest. “I’m so so sorry.”