When Sunset Shimmer gets framed for posting personal secrets on MyStable, she becomes the target of the entire school. Even her friends.
Knowing what its like for everyone to hate you is all too familiar for Sunset Shimmer. Since the Fall Formal and Battle of the Bands, Sunset thought that she was forgiven. That her past was all behind her. But when a MyStable user named Anon-A-Miss appears and starts posting everyone's personal secrets, all fingers are pointed at Sunset. Now the entire school hates her again. Even her friends believe she's guilty. Will Sunset be able to overcome this and prove her innocence? Or will she admit defeat and lose all hope in friendship? Or worse?
Rated T for profanity, violence, and depression
This is my very first story. I have never written anything before this so I would appreciate some comments on how I'm either doing good or bad and what can I improve on Special thanks to Snowflake Dissonance, Madox, Sar Meister, Tungul, and probably Demegor for helping me proofread and fix some stupid and simple mistakes of mine and for providing the awesome looking cover photo
The holidays. Such a jolly and happy time. It was a time of giving and receiving gifts. It was a time to eat and stay warm indoors. It was a time to stay at home and not worry about school for three whole weeks. But most importantly, it was a time to spend with family.
For Sunset Shimmer however, she couldn’t really enjoy that, being from another dimension where magical unicorns and pegasi existed. She’d spent her last few Christmases alone with no one to spend the holidays with. Though it would have been hard to anyway, considering she had been the biggest bully in Canterlot High. The only people she’d hung out with were Snips and Snail and even then she just used them as lackeys. But now it was different. Ever since her defeat at the Fall Formal, Sunset had been trying to make amends for actions the best that she could.
Many students refused to give Sunset a chance, convinced that she would turn into a raging she demon again. Though after a while she slowly started regaining their trust and after defeating the Sirens and saving the world, Sunset was now completely forgiven. Now she was at peace and had five amazing friends that considered her family. Everything was going amazingly for Sunset.
“YOU’RE NOT OUR FRIEND!!!”
Until today that is.
“B-but guys! Why can’t you see that this is just someone trying to frame me! I mean seriously! This couldn’t be more obvious!” Sunset shouted as she looked at her friends with pleading eyes.
“Maybe so,” said Rainbow Dash, the furious look in her eyes and hostile tone in her voice making Sunset flinch. “But that doesn’t explain why she has the photos that you took.”
Sunset woke up this morning expecting it to be another normal day at CHS. What she didn't expect was to have her best friends suddenly accuse her of going back to her old ways. It both saddened and angered her that her best friends of all people would be the ones to do this.
Fluttershy was in tears and was being comforted by Pinkie Pie, who's normal cheerful look was replaced with a look of both sadness and disappointment. Rarity stood next to them, arms crossed and an irritated look on her face. Next to Rainbow Dash was Applejack, who looked just as frustrated as Dash.
“I don't know Dash! Maybe she could've hacked my phone or something!” Sunset shouted as she raised her hands up.
“Oh just cut the crap already Shimmer!” Rainbow yelled as she was now up in Sunset’s face. “You've been using us this whole time! Just gathering up dirt to use on us when we have our backs turned huh? Well we're not going to let you take advantage of us anymore!” She turned her head away from her, refusing to look at the fiery haired girl
Some of the students had stopped to witness what was going on. Some were confused and were wondering what was going on. Others knew exactly what was happening and were now snickering and whispering.
“Dash please. You don't mean that,” Sunset said as she tried to put a hand on Dash’s shoulder. “Please. If you would just listen to me-”
“GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF OF ME YOU SHE DEMON!” Dash yelled as she slapped Sunset’s hand away.
Sunset held her hand, shocked at her friend’s action. Tears were now running down her face.
“Now Rainbow calm down. Ya don't wanna get in trouble now do you? Applejack asked, holding the hot headed athlete by the shoulders.
Rainbow Dash was visibly shaking now. Her face slightly red and her hands balled into fists. However, upon hearing Applejack’s voice she relaxed a bit.
“Honestly darling,” Rarity said as she faced Sunset. “Did you honestly believe that we would be stupid enough to let this plan of yours work?”
“WHAT PLAN!?” Sunset screamed as tears were now flowing. She honestly couldn’t believe that the girls that had been by her side since her defeat were now turning on her.
Just then the bell rang, signaling everyone that school was now in session. Some students went to to their classes while others stuck around to enjoy the show.
“Come on girls,” Pinkie Pie said in a hushed voice that was uncommon for the pink party gal. “We don’t wanna be late to class.”
“You’re right darling.” Rarity said still scowling at Sunset.
The Rainbooms started to leave. Not giving Sunset a chance to speak as she desperately tried to get their attention. She went after them, trying her best to ignore the glares and snickers of the other students.
“Guys wait! Please! Just give me a chance to-”
She never got a chance to finish because as she reach them, Rainbow spun around and delivered a hard blow to Sunset’s stomach, knocking the wind out of her and causing her to fall on her knees grabbing her stomach. The students watching were now surprised by the athlete’s actions, but soon started giving her approving nods.
“Stay the hell away from us you traitorous bitch!” screamed Rainbow Dash as she stood towering over Sunset. “You come anywhere near us and I’ll kick your teeth in!”
“Dash no!” exclaimed Fluttershy, grabbing their attention. The shy girl was showing an aggressive look on her face that was very rare for her. “She’s not worth it! Let’s just go before the teachers come out and get us in trouble. Please.” The aggression on her face melted into a pleading look as she looked at Dash.
Dash let out a long sigh and nodded. She gave Sunset one more glare before turning around and headed to her class. Sunset was still on her knees, grabbing her stomach and gasping for air. She looked up at Applejack and immediately closed her eyes and brought her head down as she saw Aj giving her a hateful glare.
“You heard her Shimmer. We’re done. So go ahead and tell all the secrets you want, but we ain’t gonna listen.” she said. And with that she turned and headed to class.
Sunset was now sobbing, leaving a puddle of tears. Her sobbing was causing the pain in her stomach to grow, causing her to cough and wheeze. Some of the remaining students were either laughing at her despair, taking photos of her sobbing, or just glaring at her. Sunset could hear some of the whispers through her cries, which only made her cry even harder.
“Loser.”
“Traitor.”
“I knew she couldn’t be trusted.”
“How pathetic.”
“Look at cry. Haha what a baby.”
“Stupid she demon will never learn will she.”
Sunset couldn’t take it anymore. Ignoring the pain in her stomach, she got up and ran. The students looked at her one last time before finally deciding to head to class. Sunset didn’t care if school started already. She just wanted to be alone. She burst through the bathroom doors, went in one of the stall and locked it, then sat down and bawled her eyes out.
“H-how?” she asked through her sobs. “How d-did this h-h-happen? Why don’t they believe me?!”
She sat there and kept crying, still holding her stomach. The fact that it was Rainbow Dash that punched her like that without warning only increased her sadness.
Several minutes later Sunset began to calm down. She checked her phone and saw that 1st period was about to end. She had to come up with an excuse as to why she skipped class. For now though, she wanted to get a headstart to her next class to avoid the students. She got up and went to the sink to wash her face.
“It’s okay Sunset,” she said to herself as she looked in the mirror. “You'll get through this. Just stay strong.”
And with that, she dried her face, exited the bathroom, and made her way to her next class.
The lunch bell rang indicating the start of lunch. Sunset did her best to ignore the angry glares thrown her way. She was at least grateful that they weren’t getting physical. She hoped that it would stay that way, but with the way things were going, she could only expect the worst.
Sunset entered the cafeteria and was instantly greeted with the same scornful looks that had been thrown at her throughout the entire day so far. She made it to the lunch line and stood behind some students who had their backs to her. She was hoping that she could get her lunch as quickly as possible without any confrontations of any kind.
“Scuse me, bitch!”
Of course that hope was shattered as she was shoved out of line and onto the floor. She immediately heard half the cafeteria laughing at her.
“Hey! What’s your problem?” Sunset yelled as she got back to her feet. She was so annoyed and upset that she didn’t realize who she’d just yelled at.
“You’re my problem demon!” the athlete known as Lightning Dust yelled back. “You had the whole school fooled with your stupid ‘changed my ways’ act, but not me. I knew that one day you would go back to your old ways.” she said with a smirk.
Sunset, having just about enough of these damn accusations, goes over to Lightning and gets in her face, anger flaring behind her eyes.
“I. Am. Not. ANON-A-MISS!!!” she screamed.
Before she could say more, she felt a sharp pain in her eye. She fell onto the ground, holding the spot where Lightning Dust punched her.
“Enough with your lies! I’m not having them anymore!” Lightning yelled as she stood above her.
After the anger resided, she turned around and went to go get her lunch. Now almost the entire cafeteria was laughing. Some students even started throwing food at Sunset.
She got to her feet and began to make her way out of the cafeteria. She tried shielding herself the best that she could from the apples and milk cartons being thrown her way. She was still feeling a bit dizzy from the punch.
“Sunset wait!” Sunset stopped running as she heard what sounded like Rainbow’s voice. What did she want? Did she want to hit her again? No she couldn’t still be that angry right? Maybe she wanted to apologize for what happened this morning! She turned around and instantly regretted it.
She saw Rainbow baseball pitch an apple right at her but was too slow to react. The apple got her right in the spot that Lightning punched her. The pain was now doubled and Sunset yelled in pain as she clutched her face.
“I hope that hurt you bitch!” Dash screamed.
Sunset just wanted this nightmare to end. But unfortunately it was all too real. With her eye still throbbing, she made it to the exit and ran through the doors. The students now cheering and resumed eating their lunches.
“Damn it Rainbow!” Applejack told Rainbow Dash as she sat back down. “I was gonna eat that apple. Ya can’t just go wasting my apples like that.”
“Hehe sorry Aj, but I just had to.” Dash said.
“I can’t believe she is still trying to say she’s innocent.” Rarity said with disgust. “Just who the hell does she think she is.”
“The same manipulative trash that ruined our friendship and is trying to humiliate us again.” Dash grumbled.
“Um, girls? Can we please drop the subject and forget about her right now.” Fluttershy said quietly from behind her hair. Pinkie Pie, wanting to comfort her, put a hand on her shoulder.
“Sorry Shy.” Dash apologized as she went back to eating.
******
The final bell rang, indicating the end of the school day. Sunset ran out of her class and headed straight for the exit. She didn’t even stop by her locker to put away her books. She just wanted to get away from everyone as quickly as possible.
She did her best to ignore the glares, laughs, and paper balls being thrown her way. She finally made it through the exits and ran straight home, not bothering to look back.
She arrive at her ‘home’ so to speak. It was an abandoned factory that she found when she first came through the portal. If a stranger were to enter it, they would’ve immediately started complaining and pointing out all the flaws and hazards of the place. Heck, even Sunset had to admit it was a pretty sucky place to live in. But she had been living there for years and had been surviving off of the money she collected in her Queen Bee days. Sunset was ashamed that she took kids’ lunch money, and if she still had some left she would give it back to the people she stole it from.
Sunset unlocked the door to the factory and entered. Once inside, she locked the door behind her, took off her jacket, and literally slammed her backpack down on the cold floor. She was lucky nothing fragile was inside.
She went to the bathroom to check out her eye. Sure enough her eye was swollen as all hell and was beginning to blacken. She let out a frustrated groan as she went to her bed and sat down on it, thinking about what had happened today.
“How did this happen?” she asked herself. “We were best friends. They stuck by me ever since the Fall Formal. They even told me that I was like family and invited me to their slumber parties.” Tears were now flowing as she sat on her bed, trembling and hugging her knees.
“So then why? Why don’t they believe me? Why doesn’t anybody believe me?! Has nothing that I’ve done since the Fall Formal meant anything to them?!” she yelled.
Staring at a spot on the wall, Sunset thought back to how this all started. She remembered the Fall Formal, the night Princess Twilight had stopped her from brainwashing the other students. She recalled hearing Princess Twilight ask her friends to take care of her. Was that all this had been? Had they only been doing this because of Princess Twilight? Did they drop her so quickly because they hadn’t cared at all?
“They never forgave me. I was just a charity case to them.”
At this point, Sunset was now sobbing. She didn’t care that her eye was throbbing. She couldn’t believe that her best friends weren’t her friends at all. They were just doing this because Princess Twilight asked them to.
No! She couldn't think like this. They were her friends, and there had to be something she can do to win them back.
She didn’t know how long she’d been crying and she didn’t care. This whole day had been so exhausting for her and this sobbing of hers has left her drained. She decided to get under her covers, not caring that she was still in her clothes, and went to sleep almost immediately. Hopefully tomorrow would be better.
******
Tomorrow did not get better. Sunset was immediately greeted with the same hatred from yesterday. On her way to her locker, she tried to think of a way to convince the girls that she’s innocent. She was shaken out of her thoughts when someone bumped into her as they walked by. She tried to ignore it but was bumped again. And again. And again. She was starting to worry that someone might go to a shove.
“Move!”
Of course. She was shoved to the ground by someone behind her. She tried getting up but was pushed to the ground again. She heard the laughter of the students. Before anyone could knock her back down for the tenth time, she got up quickly, stumbling a little, and ran for her locker. When she got there, she let out a sigh of relief and began putting in her combination. Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and was thrown to the lockers behind her with a thud as her head with the lockers.
Her head was spinning a little bit now. She felt a pair of hands grab her by her sweater collar and push her against the lockers. She opened her eyes to see that it was Hoops and Score that were the ones doing this.
“Hi Anon-A-Miss!” Hoops said in a cheery voice. “Still sharing secrets?”
“N-no!” Sunset yelled. “How many times do I have to say this? I am not Anon-” She was interrupted when she was slammed into the lockers again. She groaned in pain as her head was now completely spinning.
“Shut up! You’re not pleading your way out of this. We’re gonna make you pay, hehe.” Hoops said as he raised one a fist into the air and prepared to bring it down. Sunset closed her eyes, expecting her black eye to scream in pain again.
“HEY!”
A voice caused the bullies to pause and look at the direction of it. They saw the female badass of the school standing there with her arms crossed and a furious look in her eyes.
“G-Gilda?” Hoops and Score both stuttered with fear in their voices.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Gilda said through clenched teeth.
“W-we’re teaching this demon a lesson.” Score said with a sheepish grin, hoping that Gilda would join them.
Their fear increased as Gilda took a step forward, arms still crossed and still looking pissed.
“Let her go,” she growled. “Now.”
“B-but-” Hoops didn’t get to finish as Gilda’s fist connected to the side of his head, causing him to let go of Sunset. Without Hoops supporting her, Sunset slid down to the ground.
Sunset, unaware of what was going on, opened up her eyes when she felt herself on the ground again but with no extra pain. She was now confused when she saw Gilda in front of her looking at Hoops and Score, the former being held up and holding his head like he got punched. Did Gilda do that?
“Get the hell out of here. NOW!!” Gilda screamed, causing Hoops and Score to scurry on out, Hoops stumbling a bit.
Gilda turned back to Sunset and looked at her, the anger on her face replaced with a worried look. She held out her hand. Sunset, still confused, took it and Gilda helped her to her feet.
“You ok Sunset?” Gilda asked. She sounded genuinely concerned. She put her hands on Sunset’s shoulders as she looked at her face and noticed the swollen black eye, anger slowly coming back to her face. “Did those two idiots do this to you?”
“N-no. This was from yesterday,” she said, holding her head. “Um why did you save me?”
“What do you mean why?” Gilda said with a smile. “You were about to get punched in the face and from the look of that eye, you would’ve been in some serious pain.”
“Hehe. Yeah I guess so. But why didn’t you join them. I mean, don’t you also believe I’m Anon-A-Miss like the rest of the school?” she said with a hint of sadness.
“Hell no!” Gilda screamed a little bit causing Sunset to jump. “This is obviously a shitty frame job. Anyone who can’t see it is an idiot. You’ve changed Shimmer. You went from the most feared and hated person in the school to the most popular. After all the things you’ve done, I’m convinced that you are a good person now. Hell you’ve even helped me with my homework and studied with me because you saw me struggling. I couldn’t be more grateful.” She smiled at Sunset, causing her to blush and smile back.
“And besides, even if I didn’t believe you, I wouldn’t openly hurt you just because of some petty secrets. I may be a tough girl, but I’m not a psycho who beats people to a pulp.” she said with a laugh, causing Sunset to giggle slightly.
“Haha yeah I guess so. Um thank you, Gilda. I’m really glad that someone is on my side in all this.” Sunset said with a small smile.
“Hey no problem. It’s the least I could do.” She said as she picked up Sunset’s backpack and handed it to her. “Now come on. Let’s get to class.”
Sunset nodded and took her backpack and put it around her shoulders. She went to her locker and grabbed her books. She went back to with Gilda after closing her locker and together they went to their class
Sunset was now feeling a little bit better now, knowing that there was at least one person who didn’t hate her. And that one person just so happens to be Gilda of all people, the last person she’d expect. Maybe there’s more people who believe her.
Sunset looked at Gilda and smiled at her. Gilda noticed and returned the smile.
There may be some hope left after all, she thought to herself as they neared their class.
Lunch time came too quickly for Sunset. To avoid anymore confrontations with anyone, she lingered in class for a bit until the hallways weren’t as crowded. When Sunset saw that the coast was clear, she headed for the door.
“Off to share more secrets again, Miss Shimmer?” Miss Cheerilee said.
Sunset froze in place in front of the door. She slowly turned around to look at her teacher, who was sitting at her desk with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.
“W-what?”
“I said: off to share more secrets?” she repeated.
“NO!” shouted Sunset. “Miss Cheerilee, don’t tell me you also believe in Anon-A-Miss!”
“Well, from what I’ve been seeing, it seems that you are very much Anon-A-Miss,” she said with a sneer. “Honestly, I really thought you had changed. That you were a better person. You were starting to become my favorite student too.”
“B-but I-”
“Just go, Sunset,” Cheerilee said as she went back to her work.
Sunset obey and hurried out the door, slamming it behind her. She was heading for the cafeteria to get lunch until she remembered what had happened the last time. She touched her black eye very lightly, still wincing at how much it hurt. She went past the cafeteria and headed outside. Once there, she went towards the bleachers and took a seat underneath them.
She brought her knees up to her chest. She was surprisingly not feeling as sad as she was yesterday. In fact, she was starting to feel a little annoyed now. Not only were the students against her, but now her teacher. She believed that her other teachers felt the same way.
She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard footsteps. She looked up to see Gilda standing in front of her carrying a lunch tray with food in her hands and a brown paper bag in her teeth. She kneeled and set the tray down and took the bag in her hands.
“Sup, Shim.” she said with a smile and she sat down next to Sunset and pushed the tray towards her.
“Um, hey Gilda. What are you doing here?” Sunset asked.
“To bring you lunch, duh.” Gilda replied with a small chuckle.
Sunset looked down at the tray. On it was a salad, some orange juice, and an orange. It was almost like what she usually got, except the orange and orange juice were usually apples and apple juice.
“Wow. Thanks Gilda.” Sunset said with a smile as she brought the tray up to her lap. “But, why did you do this? And how did you know where I was?”
“I did it because from what I keep hearing, something happened in the cafeteria that led you to get that, you know.” She said as she pointed to her eye. “And I’ve seen you come here a few times after the Fall Formal. I’m guessing it was for the same reason as now. So I decided to get some lunch for you. And don’t worry about me, I brought my own food.” She took out a sandwich from the paper bag and took a big bite.
Sunset chuckled a little bit. She still couldn’t believe that Gilda of all people was on her side. The mere thought of it brought a smile to her face. She began to eat her salad and sip on her OJ.
“So, if you don’t mind me asking, what exactly happened yesterday?” Gilda asked as she took a water bottle out of her backpack.
Sunset’s smile slowly dropped a bit. She put her spork down and looked at Gilda.
“W-well, um, I was standing in line, trying to get some lunch, when all of a sudden Lightning Dust came out of nowhere and shoved me out of the line and onto the floor.” Sunset said as anger was slowly building up as she remembered what happened.
“Goddamnit, Dust!” Gilda yelled. “She can be such a little bitch, I swear! Was she the one who gave you that black eye?”
“Well, she did punch me in the face after some words were exchanged, but I don’t think it was enough to make it look like this.”
“Hmmph. Luck her.” Gilda huffed as she took a sip of water.
“It was Rainbow Dash,” Sunset said with a glare.
Gilda’s eyes widened and spit out the her water.
“WHAT!?” She screamed.
“After Lightning punched me, the students began throwing their food at me. As I was running out of the cafeteria, Rainbow Dash grabs my attention and freaking chucks an apple and hits me right in the spot that Lightning Dust punched me in!” Sunset shouted as she clenched her fists. “And this was right after the bitch punched me in the stomach in the middle of the hallway!”
Gilda trembled as she crushed her sandwich. “That stupid little dike! I swear I’m gonna-”
“Calm down, Gilda!” Sunset said as she put her hands on her shoulders. “Don’t go looking for a fight.”
“But I-”
“Please. Don’t start stooping down to their level.” Sunset said. She then put on a small smile.
Gilda took a deep breath and slowly started to calm down.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” she said as she returned the smile.
“Good.” Sunset said as she removed her hands from her shoulders. “And thanks for worrying about me, Gil.”
“No problem, Shim.”
And with that, they both returned to eating their lunch. Sunset giggled as Gilda pouted as at her squished sandwich.
******
After lunch had ended, Sunset said goodbye to Gilda and was on her way to her next class. Just then, a voice on the intercom grabbed her attention.
WOULD SUNSET SHIMMER PLEASE REPORT TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
Sunset could already hear the snickering of the other students.
“Goddamnit. I bet that Celestia’s also on board with this.” She sighed and headed for the office.
Once she arrived at the office, she knocked on the door.
“Come in.” she heard the principal call out.
Sunset opened the door and entered the office. Waiting for her inside were Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.
“Please have a seat, Miss Shimmer.” Vice Principal Luna told her. Sunset obeyed and took a seat in front of the principal’s desk.
“So, why did you want to see me?” Sunset asked.
“Well Sunset,” Celestia began. “We’ve been getting a number of complaints from numerous students. Apparently, some very personal secrets are being posted on MyStable by an anonymous user by the name of Anon-A-Miss. And from the looks of the profile, and from the number of students complaining it, all evidence seems to be pointing at you.” Celestia said in a cold voice.
I fucking knew it, Sunset thought.
“Principal Celestia. Do you really believe that I would throw away everything I ever worked for just to post some stupid secrets on the web?” Sunset asked.
“Yes!” Celestia stated at the same time that Luna exclaimed, “No!” They looked at each other awkwardly for a moment before Luna turned to look at Sunset.
“Look, Sunset, we didn’t call you hear to point fingers at you. Right, sister?” she said giving a stern glare at her sister. Celestia only returned the look.
“Anyway,” Luna continued as she turned back to Sunset. “We called you over here to tell us your side of the story.” She paused for a moment. “And maybe you can tell us what happened to your face.”
“Well, with all evidence pointing to her-,” Celestia started.
“Hush sister! Let her speak.” Luna said.
“O-ok then. Well for starters, let me make this clear you two, I. Am. Not. Anon-A-Miss.”
Luna smiled gave her a nod while Celestia was still scowling.
“I don’t know who this punk is. All I know is that they are trying to frame me. I mean seriously, only an idiot would be stupid enough to not see through this pathetic scheme!” Sunset said, throwing her arms in the air.
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Celestia asked with an angry tone.
“I means that this school is full of idiots!”
“Now, Miss Shimmer. Please try to calm yourself. You, too, sister.” Luna said to the two women in front of her.
“Anyway,” Sunset continued in a calm manner. “The first post was Applejack’s childhood nickname. We just thought that it was someone trying to get some laughs out of it by embarrassing her a little, so we just brushed it aside. The next post is what did the trick. It was pictures from our sleepover at Rarity’s. Pictures that I took. No one else.”
“So that proves it then!” Celestia spoke up. “If you were the only one who took the pictures, that means that those pictures can only be found on your phone. If you hadn’t lost your phone at all during that time, this person couldn’t have possibly gotten a hold of those photos. Which only leaves you. You’re the only person that had those photos, so you’re the only one that could have posted them.”
“Principal Celestia. I seriously can’t believe that you of all people have turned against me!” Sunset said. “Does everything I’ve done since the Fall Formal mean nothing to you?”
“I’ll admit, it was a good act. Now, if you’re done making up stories, let's talk about deleting this account if you don’t want any further consequences.”
“What?!” Sunset’s anger was now rising. She really wanted to gently slap Celestia in the face. Just a gentle little slap right across her face. But her conscience and body told her that was a stupid thing to do.
“Sister, if you don’t shut your mouth right now you can make your own meatloaf tonight!” Luna said as she glared at her sister. She didn’t understand why her sister was acting like this. Usually it her that was the calm and collected one.
With Celestia quiet, Luna spoke up. “Now Miss Shimmer, we are going to investigate this further. I ask that you try to hold out until then and stay out of trouble.” She paused for a moment. “Could you tell us what happened to your eye?”
“Some students began to throw food at me and an apple hit me right in the eye.” Sunset replied.
“Do you know who threw it?” Luna asked.
Sunset paused. “Uh, nope. Didn’t see who.” Sunset said sheepishly. She didn’t want to rat out Rainbow Dash because she knew she would want revenge. And Sunset didn’t want to listen or hear her wrath anymore than she already has.
“Well, if any students do give you any trouble, please don’t hesitate to talk to us or any other teachers. You understand?” Luna said with concern.
Sunset nodded. She didn’t want to bring up the teachers turning on her either.
“Good. Now hurry on back to class. Tell your teacher that you were with us.” Luna said with a smile.
Sunset nodded and returned the smile as she got up and exited the office. After the door was closed, Luna turned to glare at Celestia.
“What was that?” Luna said
“What?” Celestia asked in an irritated tone.
“Why are you on board with this? You and I both know that she worked hard to make up for her mistakes. She has even saved the school from evil mind controlling creatures from Equestria for goodness sake!” Luna said as she put her hands on the desk.
“Yeah, with Princess Twilight’s help.” Celestia mumbled.
Luna ignored her and asked, “That being said, why would you think that she would throw all that away and go back to being the most hated person in the school?”
“Because that’s who she is! People like her never change! They just put on an innocent act to get on people’s good side and when they least expect it, WHAM! She turns around and stabs them in the back.” Celestia said with a venomous tone in her voice.
“Is that it?” Luna said.
“Yes!” Celestia shouted.
“Is that also what you thought about me back when we were in high school?” Luna asked in a quieter tone.
This made Celestia pause. She thought back to how Luna acted in their high school years. She was an even bigger brat than Sunset. It was only after a big argument and a trashed apartment that Luna finally decided to turn her life around.
“Luna, that was different.” Celestia said, now more relaxed.
“Are you just saying that because we’re sisters?”
Celestia was about to say something but Luna continued.
“What if Sunset was your daughter? Would have treated her like you did just now? Like delinquent? Or would you handle her as in a normal way?”
“Please Luna, if Sunset were my daughter I would‘ve made sure she never did anything like this.” Celestia replied.
Luna sighed. “You know what, whatever. If you want to continue not listening to reason like a smart person then go ahead. I’m going back to my office.”
Luna grabbed her folders and exited the office.
******
More secrets had been posted on the page, which meant more people bickering with one another. This also meant that the students were now targeting Sunset even more. The push and shoves were happening more frequently and more aggressively. The object thrown at her were now hard objects like pencils, erasers, and rulers. This was just pissing Sunset off even more.
The final bell rang. Students rushed to leave the classroom. Sunset lingered behind again until the hallways were clear. Once she saw that hallways were mostly empty, she exited the classroom and headed for her locker.
As she turned the corner, she froze in place. In front of her stood Fluttershy, putting some books away in her locker. She had completely forgotten that their lockers were close to each others. Sunset was going to turn around and wait until she left, but then thought about something.
She could try talking to Fluttershy. She figured that at least she would listen to her.
“Fluttershy!” Sunset called out as she made her way over to the pink haired girl.
Fluttershy closed her locker, turned her head and yelped. “S-Sunset? What do you want from me?” Fluttershy whimpered as she hugged her books.
“Nothing, Shy,” Sunset said. She was confused as to why she sounded all scared. “I just want to talk to you.”
“Why? Want to get a secret out of me too?” Fluttershy said in a hushed tone.
“W-what? No! I just-”
“HEY!”
Sunset felt her hair being pulled violently. She fell onto the floor as and hissed with pain. She looked up to see a familiar rainbow haired asshole towering above her.
Of course. Just what I needed.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Dash asked with crossed arms.
“I’m trying to talk to Fluttershy.” Sunset replied as she got up, still trying to ease the pain on her head.
“Well don’t!”
Sunset narrowed her eyes. “The hell do you mean ‘don’t’? You can’t tell me who I can and can’t talk to!”
“I can and I will!” Dash yelled as she shoved Sunset, causing her to take a few steps back and almost falling again. “I’m not having my friend talk to a manipulative demon like you!”
“Look, Dash. You are really starting to piss me off.” Sunset said as she took a step closer. “I’ve had just about enough for one day. So be a smart girl for once in your pitiful and just piss off!!” She was now right in Dash’s face.
Sunset didn’t even have time to react as Dash headbutted her with tremendous force. Sunset clutched her nose, fearing that it might be broken.
“Why don’t you be the smart one and piss of you pathetic little witch! You’d be doing everyone a favor!” Dash shouted as Fluttershy rushed over to hold her back.
Dash gave her a nod before looking back at Sunset. “If you ever, and I mean ever, mess with me or my friends again, I’m coming for your sorry ass. And you will know pain. Understand?”
Dash didn’t wait for an answer as she and Fluttershy turned around and walked away, leaving Sunset alone, still holding onto her nose.
“Stupid little cunt! If I’d strangle her to death if I didn’t want to go to jail.” She said to herself as she fished out some tissues from her pocket and held them up to her nose.
She walked over to her locker and stopped when she noticed a difference in the appearance.
“Oh that’s just great.” She said as she looked at it.
In what appears to be permanent marker, was a bunch of swear words and very inappropriate doodles. There was also a munch of gum on the lock.
“That’s ok. I don’t really need my textbooks anyway.” Sunset said.
She turned around and headed for the exit. As she cut the corner, she saw Gilda also heading for the exit. Sunset’s heart jumped and a smile grew on her face.
“Gilda!” Sunset called out as she hurried over to her.
Gilda turned around to see Sunset running towards her. “Hey, Shim! What happened to you?” She pointed to the bloody tissues on Sunset’s nose.
Sunset’s smile faltered a little bit. “Had another runin with Dash the Ass. Little bitch headbutted me after I got up in her face after she yanked my hair for trying to talk to Fluttershy.”
Gilda stood there for a moment before sighing. “Look Shim, if you’re not gonna let me destroy her, then at least let me slap her. Just a gentle slap.”
Sunset laughed. “No can do Gil. I’m not gonna have my friend do something stupid that will get her in detention or suspended. I mean, who am I gonna hang out with?”
“That’s true. You’d be lost without me.” Gilda laughed, causing Sunset to do the same.
“Well, I guess it’s time to head home then. So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Gilda said.
“Wait!” Sunset said. “I just wanted to ask, um, could you maybe walk me home? I mean, if you want to that is. To be honest, I don’t think I’ll feel safe walking home on my own. So what do say.”
Gilda thought about it for a second before smiling and saying, “Of course Shim. What are friends for.”
Sunset’s smiled grew wider. “Thank you Gilda!” She threw her arms around Gilda. Gilda laughed and hugged her back.
“Don’t mention it. Now let’s get a move on! I wanna go home and play some video games.” Gilda said as the hug broke.
Sunset nodded. She and Gilda both walked out of the school and began walking towards Sunset’s home.
“You sound like a nerd with those tissues in your nose.” Gilda said
“So, this is where you live?” Gilda said as she eyed the abandoned building in front of her.
“Eeyup.” Sunset replied.
“Well it’s not that bad actu- no screw it, I’m not sugarcoating this. This place sucks, Shim! It freaking sucks! It’s old and ugly and depressing!”
Sunset smiled. “Well, me being a pony from another dimension, I don’t exactly have many options. So forgive me, princess, if this doesn’t live up to your standards.”
“Oh just shut up and open the door; it’s freezing out here!” Gilda laughed.
Sunset giggled and opened the lock. She pushed the doors aside so she and Gilda could hurry in out of the cold. Securing the lock behind them, she joined her friend as they both sank onto the couch.
“Just as I thought, it’s even uglier on the inside.” Gilda said, looking around.
“Yeah it is. But this has been home since I first arrived.” Sunset said with a sigh.
“Damn. You mean to tell me that you’ve been living in this crap for that long?”
“Mhm.” Sunset nodded.
“How though?” Gilda asked.
“I don’t know. I just somehow make this work. I sleep here and I eat and shower at school.”
“You eat that shitty school lunch everyday!?” Gilda exclaimed.
“To be fair, it’s not that bad once you get used to it. And especially if you have no choice but to eat it.” Sunset replied.
“You truly are unbelievable, Sunset Shimmer.” Gilda snickered.
“Oh hush you!” Sunset laughed as she threw a pillow at the white and purple haired girl, causing them both to dissolve into more laughter.
After about five minutes of pillow throwing, the two girls decided to go out and get a quick bite to eat.
“How about Sugar Cube Corner?” Gilda asked as they walked down the sidewalk.
“Definitely a no. That’s where they usually hang out.” Sunset groaned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not in the mood to get involved with Rainbow again.”
“Don’t worry. You stay outside while I go in and get us something. Besides, it’s closer. And I really don’t feel like walking any further.”
“Aww! Is a little bit of exercise too much, Big Bad Gilda?” Sunset sneered.
“Keep that up and you’ll get nothing.” Gilda replied making Sunset laugh. A second later, her smile vanished. “I really don’t feel comfortable being out here, Gilda. What if someone from school sees me?”
“It’ll be fine. I won’t take long, I promise.” Gilda said.
After a few more minutes of walking, they finally arrived at Sugar Cube Corner.
“Right, so, I’ll wait here. And please try to hurry.” Sunset said as she looked around nervously.
Gilda giggled. “I’d mock you if you weren’t acting all cute.” she muttered quietly.
“What?”
“Nothing! Just stop worrying alright. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Gilda strode into the shop and looked around. She really hoped she wouldn’t see a certain five people here, but luck wasn’t on her side. She spotted them sitting at a table on the far side of the shop.
“Great,” she grumbled to herself as she got in line. All she wanted to do was get the food and get out without any problems.
On the far side of the shop, the five girls were busy chatting and eating. Fluttershy was telling AJ about animals at the shelter and Rarity was telling Rainbow and Pinkie about how the boutique was going.
As she took a sip of her shake, Rainbow looked up to see Gilda standing in line, causing the rainbow-haired girl to frown. She couldn’t believe that her childhood friend would go out of her way to protect the she-demon who just didn’t know when enough was enough. She needed to find out why.
“I’ll be right back guys.” She told the others. Without waiting for an answer, she got up from her seat and walked right over to her now former friend.
“Hey!” She yelled
Gilda looked over to see the athlete standing right next to her, arms crossed, and a big ass frown on her face.
“Shit.”
******
Outside the shop, Sunset was pacing, still looking around nervously, and hugging herself tightly. It was absolutely freezing outside. She really wanted to go inside, but knew she couldn’t, for the damn Rainbooms would always hang out in there practically everyday. She really did not want to confront Rainbow Dash again. She’s been the most hostile out of all of them, even going so far as to physically hurt Sunset. She rubbed her eye, which still throbbed slightly.
“Still can’t believe that bitch threw a damn apple at me.” She mumbled to herself.
Though what she actually still couldn’t believe is the sudden betrayal. Not just from her friends, but from almost the whole damn school! The only ones that seemed to actually believe her were Vice Principal Luna and Gilda. She didn’t know why those two specifically, but she was still very grateful for it.
She was still very hurt that Principal Celestia of all people would jump on this bandwagon. Now she’s on two Celestia’s bad sides.
She clenched her fists in anger. “Mark my words, Anon-A-Miss. When I find out who you are, I will make you suffer.” She growled.
She suddenly heard what sounded like someone running behind her. Before she could turn around to see who it was, she felt someone tackle her to the ground, the wind getting knocked out of her in the process.
Her world spun. She tried to push herself up, but she was still struggling for breath. Whatever had tackled her was dragging her off to the side of the shop, into the alleyway. Sunset grunted as she found herself thrown in front of a dumpster. The tackle had left her dizzy and unable to see who was doing this to her. All she heard were two very familiar voices that filled her with dread.
“Well, Hoops, what do you say we finish that lesson?”
“Why? Why are you doing it?” Rainbow sternly asked Gilda as she crossed her arms.
“I literally have no idea what you’re talking about, Dash.” Gilda replied in annoyance. She knew damn well what she was talking about, but for her sake and Sunset’s, she decided to keep her cool. She turned to Mrs. Cake, who was waiting to take her order. “Two sandwiches please.” She says as she handed the money.
Mrs. Cake smiles and goes to make the sandwiches. Rainbow Dash scoffs and says, “Don’t act stupid with me. Why are you going out of your way to defend that bitch?”
Gilda quickly turned to face Rainbow. “Why? Because I’ve been down this road before if you remember correctly. I used to be just as bad, if not worse than Sunset. Always picking on Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, and yet you still had it in you to forgive me So I gotta ask, Why me and not her?” Gilda says as she crosses her arms and looks into Rainbow’s eyes.
Rainbow was taken aback. She never thought Gilda of all people would be saying something like this. Nonetheless, this only serves to piss Rainbow off even more. “Because we already gave her a second chance!” She growled. “I don’t know about you, but mind controlling the entire school and almost killing us is nothing compared to some bullying from you!” Rainbow took a step towards her now former friend. “Thanks to Princess Twilight, we gave her a second chance. We showed her forgiveness. Clearly that meant nothing to her cause now she’s back to her old ways again!”
“Y-Your sandwiches, miss.” Mrs. Cake says sheepishly, not sure when to interrupt this rather heated argument. “Rainbow dear, if possible, do try to keep your voices down, the other customers are starting to stare.” Sure enough, some of the customers were staring at the two high schoolers. Gilda grabs the sandwiches from the counter.
“Well Dash, that to me sounds like you never gave a shit about Sunset to begin with.” Rainbow takes a step back upon hearing that. “She was just some charity case. Some chore that Twilight left for you guys. I bet you were waiting for something like this to happen. That most likely explains why, after everything you guys have been through together, you guys were so quick on pointing the blame on her and not giving her a chance. That to me says a lot about you Rainbooms.”
With that, Gilda turns and walks towards the door, leaving Rainbow Dash behind, now more pissed off by the words of someone she once called a friend. “Hey! Get back here! We’re not-” But it was too late. Gilda was already out of the building, slamming the door behind her. Rainbow was about to go after her until she heard a voice calling to her.
“Rainbow Dash stop!” shouted the now annoyed Applejack. She and the rest of the Rainbooms had pretty much heard what was said, what with the not so inside voices used by the two hotheads. “Don’t go causin any trouble now. Come back and finish your food.” Rainbow huffed as she stomped her way back to their table. AJ was right. No point in causing trouble and possibly problems for Mrs. Cake. She’ll just have to talk to Gilda again. Privately.
Once outside, Gilda took a deep breath. “Calm down Gilda. Just relax. Forget about her and focus on Sunny.” She says to herself. This was a rare moment of self restraint from her. Normally in a situation like this she’d be more hotheaded and lash out more. This time, however, she felt the need to stay calm. Why, though? Was it her past experience with Rainbow and her friends? Was it Sunset? Please. Don’t start stooping down to their level. She remembers her words clearly. Calm, yet stern. That Sunset. What’s she doing to her? Speaking of Sunset…
“Hey Sunny! Where you at? I got the grub!” She looked around and to find her new friend but couldn’t see her anywhere. Surely she wasn’t inside that long was she? “Sunset? Come on out now you nerd!” She called again but still no sign of her.
“Take this, bitch!” Gilda faintly heard someone from within the alleyway next to Sugarcube Corner. She began walking towards the noise deeper in. Gilda suddenly had a bad feeling. There’s no way right? Surely Sunset isn’t- “Not so tough now without your bodyguard here are ya? Gilda’s stomach dropped. That voice. Of course those two morons couldn’t behave themselves. She dropped the bag containing the sandwiches and sprinted deeper into the alleyway.
******
Pain. That’s the only thing Sunset could feel at this moment. Pain to her stomach and face. Especially on her blackeye. It hurt so bad that it was starting to go numb. A punch to the face. A punch to the stomach. Then back at her face. The only reason she didn’t drop to the floor was because of Hoops holding her up.
“Oh don’t go to sleep on me now, Shimmer,” Score says as he grabs Sunset by her hair and lifts her head up. “We’re just getting STARTED!” He shouts as he delivers a hard punch to Sunset’s already damaged eye.
“Please….. Stop…..” Sunset said weakly. She could barely muster up the strength to speak.
“Stop? You want me to stop?” The bully suddenly spoke in a softer tone, frightening Sunset even more. “Alright. I’ll stop. All you gotta do is admit you’re behind this whole Anon-A-Miss BS and I promise to leave you alone.”
Of course she couldn’t get an easy way out of this. With all her strength, Sunset says, “I…. already told you. I-I’m n-not…. Anon-A-Miss. So you can go fuc-” She stops to cough, spitting out some blood. “Yourself.” She finished, giving her attacker a small, bloody grin. Probably not the smartest choice, given her current state, but she’s had enough. Even if it means taking a beating, Sunset refuses to let the real Anon-A-Miss win
Score lets out a small chuckle. He grabs Sunset by the hair once again and raises a fist. “Well then. Guess I ain’t stopping then.”
The bully was so eager to resume his beatdown that he failed to hear footsteps rapidly approaching. Before his fist could connect with Sunset’s face again, Score was suddenly tackled from the side, flying head first into the dumpster they were next to, the sickening sound of head hitting metal filled the alleyway. He laid there motionless, likely knocked out.
“Holy shit!” Hoops looked on in horror at the sight of a furious looking Gilda. He dropped Sunset, her face touching the disgusting alleyway floor, and took a few steps back. “L-Listen Gilda. I-I-It’s not what it looks like!” Hoops knew he couldn’t talk his way out of this, but he was absolutely terrified. Gilda slowly began to close the gap between them, carefully stepping over Sunset’s body.
“P-Please Gilda. L-L-Let’s just c-calm down alright? W-We were just-” But before he could finish his sentence, Gilda quickly lunged forward, grabbed Hoops by his shirt and delivered a powerful headbutt to his nose, sending him to the ground. He groaned in pain while holding his probably broken nose. Before he could think of what to do next, Gilda grabbed him by the shirt again. Then, still remaining silent, proceeded to punch Hoops repeatedly in the face. Punch after punch after punch, Gilda did not let up.
After about 30 seconds, which felt like an eternity, Gilda stopped. She looked down on Hoops who was barely conscious. His whole face was bloody and swollen, and he appeared to be missing some teeth.
Gilda leaned down to get face to face with the mangled boy. “Listen. And listen well.” Hoops, despite barely being able to see, listened carefully. He’s never heard Gilda this angry before in his life. “If I see either of you near Sunset again, I promise you. I will not stop. I will beat both your faces in until you have no teeth left. Do you understand?” All Hoops can do is just simply whimper and nod his head. Satisfied with her work, Gilda dropped Hoops to the floor and rushed over to Sunset.
“Sunny! You alright? Say something.” She kneeled down next to Sunset, who looked considerably better than Hoops at the moment.
“Oh hey Gilda,” Sunset said weakly. “Took you long enough. Y-you eat all the sandwiches or what?” She cracked a small grin.
“Oh shut up. I should’ve at this point,” Gilda retorted, trying and failing not to smile. “Come on. Let’s get you up.” She helped Sunset to feet and put her arm over her shoulder to help keep her up. Gilda gave one last irritated look over to the two downed bullies before walking back out of the alleyway.
“Hold up.” Gilda stopped walking. Still holding Sunset, she kneeled down and picked up the sandwiches, who were thankfully still wrapped up. “Alright, let’s get the hell out of here.” With that, both girls began walking back toward Sunset’s place. Exhausted, frustrated, and in pain, they couldn’t wait to just get back and try and relax.
