> An Alternate Reality > by NightChainerWatters1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1, This Is Me > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sorry," I squeaked as I was merely able to dodge a male student passing by, who gave me a glare. "Oops, pardon me," I apologized to yet another student, Ink Rose, who gave me a menacing look and hurrumphed at the sight of me before walking away. This is me. Nothing much, just an average straight A nerd with a bun and glasses. Although I don't really need the glasses, I prefer to wear them as it somehow clears my vision more... For some reason. Despite it having no grade whatsoever. Perception is what I think of it. But alas, glasses are never good on someone, as I like to think, because now the whole campus hates me even more. I wonder. Is it because I'm nerdy? It makes cliché movies and teen fics so... Legit. But there are a few good souls around the Central Highschool of Ponyville City, I can actually name a few: Roseluck, Strawberry Sunrise, and of course, my own group of unusual friends, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. And then, there are the meanies, I can, of course, name them all in my head too. I practically knew everyone in these halls. That's what being a Student Council does to you. There's Dumbbell and his crew, who constantly loiters around sneaking in on students and taking their wallets, Fluttershy and I being their victim most of the time. I continuously report to Principal Mayor Mare-legit name, her first name really is Mayor-, although she doesn't seem to give them punishments no more than school service, suspension, and detention, so they never learned. To cut it short, there's also Trixie the Faux Magician, Starlight Glimmer the Trickster, yata-yata-yata... Then there's the ultimate bully, one who calls herself queen bee. Yes, you guessed right. Sunset Shimmer. She is like a shark roaming these halls, ransacking every student's pockets, bags, and wallets for their lunch money or for her pure pleasure. I encountered her quite a few times, and I never liked the look she always has on her face. That smug and devious grin that showed how much she thought she ruled the world. I always stayed clear of these types of people, but to no avail. We're in the same building, and that meant our encounters were never a mild chance. So that's how I knew today would be a bad day, because as soon as I turned a corner- "Gimme your lunch money, bitch," Hoops snarled at me, his compadres laughing behind him as I was roughly shoved against the lockers. "I-I don't-" "LIAR!" He suddenly grabbed my cheeks in one calloused hand and forced my head to the side. "If you don't, how are you still breathing? All I ask for is your money, you nerd, and when I want something, I'll take it!" "Hey! What'ya got there, Hoops?" My heart sank into the pit of my stomach. Oh great. Not only am I gonna endure a beating from Dumbbell and his gang, I'm also gonna endure the pain of being in the mere presence of Sunset Shimmer. Brilliant. Since my head was facing the other way, I couldn't see her face, but I can see Hoops from my peripheral vision, and he seems skittish but he remained smug. "Oh, just our casual nerd, Sunny. Want in?" "Sure, lemme have a looksy," Sunset said, and I gasped when I was suddenly pulled into a warm body. Sunset's arm was around me from the pull, her other hand grabbing my face gently but firmly to face her, and I bit back another gasp as her teal eyes burned with a hidden passion that I've never seen on her. Our breathing became ragged, and I felt sparks from her simple touch. She cleared her throat and faced them, breaking our eye contact, which snapped me back to reality. I noticed our cheeks were slightly aflame, whether from our stare or embarrassment, none of us knew for sure. Even Hoops and the rest were giving us odd looks. "You guys find someone else to bug, she's all mine," Sunset said and firmly tugged at my arm to the direction of where I came from. I was about to protest when Dumbbell shouted. "Hey, you can't just do tha-" Dumbbell was quick to chase us, but when Sunset abruptly turned her head to scowl at him, he cowared slightly. "I can do whatever I want, Dumb Bell! If you know who you're going up against, you should be smart enough to back off," she snarled menacingly, her eyes shining a faint teal glow as she bared her teeth daringly. I clamped my mouth shut. Do her eyes glow like that whenever she gets mad? I've never really noticed until now. "Fine, geez, go ahead and suck on that stupid book-freak, we're out," in an attempt to mask his fear, he turned and walked away, making his fellas follow along, but not before shooting us a nasty look. Sunset and I were left alone. And there we stood in silence. But it was broken by Sunset, who looked at me and furrowed her eyebrows. "Come to my party tonight at 9:00." Stunned, my eyes widened up at her as I tried to make coherent words. To no avail. I managed to sound like a dying turtle more than anything. "Watch out next time, four eyes," were her last words before she walked off, but I caught a glimpse of her thoughtful expression as she trotted away, leaving me be by myself and my thoughts, which consists mostly of the warm touch and electrifying gaze Sunset and I had shared, with the ringing bell faint in the background. Worst part is, I wanted more. > Chapter 2, Skippable Chat-chap > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "She invahted you ta whut?!" Classes have already ended, and now my friends and I sat at a table in the cafeteria, awaiting the next bell for the afternoon classes. In doing so, I brought up Sunset's unexpected invitation for her party later tonight, and boy did my friends react. "Shh, Applejack, not so loud," I hushed and ducked my head slightly, looking around for any wandering eye. "Ah'm sorreh, Twah, but even Ah can't believe whut I jus' heard," Applejack squinted her eyes at me, as if to emphasize on her words, "mand sayin' it again?" "Now, Applejack, let's not be too discriminative about darling Sunset Shimmer." "Darling? More like annoying!" "Rainbow Dash! What did I just say?" Rarity hurrumphed, giving Dash a sideways glance. "Sorry, I was just telling the truth!" Rainbow crossed her arms in defiance and slumped back in her seat, "why would she even do that, anyway?" "I don't know!" I didn't mention our wierd electrifying moment, it will make the conversation wierder than it already was. "So, she saved you from Hoops, then invited you to her birthday party? That's really unlike her," Fluttershy commented, looking just as baffled and stunned as everyone else. "No, silly, tonight's her after-birthday party," Pinkie Pie giggled and taste tested a green-colored icing with a finger. "Yester-night she was supposed to have her official birthday party, but her parents wanted her to have it tonight, hence, after-birthday party." "That's how it works, now," Applejack deadpanned. "I invented the rules," smiled Pinkie, before gobbling up her cupcake, holding another one out to AJ, "want some?" "Nope, thanks though, sugarcube." "I'd look out if I were you, if I know her at all, she's up to no good," Rainbow tutted, narrowing her eyes at Sunset Shimmer, who was apperently behind me. Looking back, I saw she sat a few feet from us, engaged in a conversation her squad was having. Suddenly, my cheeks turned a slight shade of pink for some unknown reason, and I immediately turned away from her and ducked my head slightly, hoping no-one saw that little moment. "Agreed, that ruffian sure knows the right buttons to push, and the right time to push them. I wish you luck." "Seriously, Twah. Ah know Sunset, when Sunset invites someone ta her party who she doesn't even talk to, she's up ta somethin' fishy," chided in Applejack, who looked just as wary as the two. "You're all scaring Twilight, knock it off! Just have fun, buddy! But not too much fun, you don't wanna end up in lil' Shimmy's pants!" Pinkie's comment caused me to flush crimson red, from head to neck. "Pinkie!" I exclaimed, suddenly uncomfortable in my seat. "What? I'm just saying that she can be like that sometimes. Well, always, not sometimes. There's this one time, I caught her cornering poor Lyra, but then there I was, kicking Shimmy where the sun doesn't shine and voila, the day was saved. Really, that girl could be very super-di-duperly awfully," pouted Pinkie, "and then there was that other time when Sunset and Flash were dating, she actually pulled his pants down in public, and Aunty Pinkie had to save his pants! Literally," Pinkie said in-between snorts and laughter."And then-" "We get it, Pinkie," said Applejack, lowering her hat to cover her blushing face while her other hand held Pinkie's mouth shut. "I never knew how malicious Sunset can get," Fluttershy whimpered and cowered behind her hair. "You mean slutty," Rainbow huffed quietly under her breath, "rapist." "Ooh, it's a wonder how I survive classes with her," continued Fluttershy. "Well, even though I'd rather not find out about Sunset's... Uhm, exploits, it is rather interesting that you've restrained for most of the time, Pinkie," Rarity said, hiding behind her giggles as she covered her mouth with a hand, her blush giving away that she was just as flustered as the rest of us. "Not most of the time, all the time! She does this so everyday-ly, I developed a Pinkie sense for another one of her," she paused, elbowing Rarity gently, "exploits, teehee!" I cringed. "Oh my," muttered Fluttershy barely audibly with wide eyes. "Ew, that is disgusting," cringed Rainbow, wrinkling her nose at the unpleasant thought. "Like you're any better, Rainbow Dash," sniggered Applejack, who immediately shielded herself upon seeing RD's raised hands. "What's that supposed to mean," pouted said prismatic-haired girl playfully and tried to land smacks on AJ, who just chuckled at the feeble attempts. "We won't be there with you, dear. Will you be alright," asked Rarity to me worriedly, grasping one of my hands in her own. "Not that I'm saying you're not capable, you're perfectly capable of yourself in fact, but... Well, knowing Sunset Shimmer, she wouldn't want uninvited guests in her abode, and you know us, we don't want to cause unnecessary havoc."At the topic, they all turned to look at me expectantly, even RD and AJ stopped bantering. "Of course, heh, why wouldn't I be," I laughed nervously. Attempting to rid of any visible doubts, I cleared my throat and straightened myself, "I'll be fine. After all, it's just one party." "Wait, wouldn't this be your first time to party? You're seriously going?" Rainbow had this look of realisation on her face as she looked at me. Even I only now realised it, and it seemed to dawn on the rest too. Okay, the pressure just added up. The thought of my family suddenly came to mind. Spike, mom, dad, Shining, Cadance, Flurry... What would they all think if I went to a party? I know it seems like such a trivial thing, but I was raised to think parties were toxic. Yes, no wonder my preference for quiet time and books, huh? I should probably just turn down the offer. But what would Sunset think of me? Wait, since when have I ever stopped to think about Sunset? And in such an insecure manner, too! I bit my lip, really deep in thought, the world around me suddenly vanishing. I know I'm in one of my moods, but I simply didn't care, I was too confused. Why now suddenly? Sure, she saved me earlier, but it doesn't mean anything. Nothing at all. But her stare... I felt myself reddening, my body all tingly just by the thought of our encounter in that hallway, and I risked everything and glanced back, not paying any attention to anything but Sunset. Her hair flowed freely across her back, lazily bouncing everytime Sunset moved. Her broad shoulders suggested that she might've been working out her whole life, even her biceps and triceps agree with the idea. That rolled up sleeve of her jacket is so nicely done, even I couldn't help but feel a little jealous. She looked absolutely stunning, even with her back turned to me. I blinked. What made my thoughts come to this point? "Wake up, silly-nilly!" Before I could figure it out, I was shook roughly and screamed at, "Wah!" I yelped, about to lose my lunch, when Pinkie was suddenly pried off by none other than Applejack. "Pinkie, have mercy on the poor dear," Rarity scolded Pinkie. "Gimme back my Twi-Twi!" Pinkie reached for me and tried to escape from Applejack's hands. "So, Twi, you seriously going to this party? Without us, mind you," repeated Rainbow. I nodded uncertainly, not knowing what I really wanted. My mind seems to be refusing, but my heart beats for that pheonix-colored haired jerk. Well, not really a jerk anymore, considering what she did for me. But her devious actions in the past led me to differ. Suddenly, a pleasant shiver ran down my spine, and I sensed a new presence behind me. I knew exactly who it was. "Hey, bitches," Sunset Shimmer said, seeming uninterested as I turned to look at her. Our eyes met for quite a while, our faces immediately flushed. I can hear my heart beating, as if wanting to leap out of my ribcage and just cuddle with her all day lo- Wait, what? And so preoccupied were we that we didn't notice that the group had greeted Sunset back in a not-so-good way. And was already commenting on our little moment. We immediately looked away from each other after realizing we were staring again, my friends either annoyed, or just trying to register the situation. "Uhm...." I blurted out, making it even more awkward. I stole quick glances at Sunset, who seemed to be recomposing herself, her face still slightly red. I looked around the table, scanning each of my friends' face, noticing that Rainbow Dash and Applejack were biting their lips, as if suppressing words from spewing out of their mouths, and if that's not wierd enough, Rarity was glaring at Sunset, lips on the brink of a snarl. Fluttershy seemed to be frightened more than anything, but I can see she was trying to hold her ground. Pinkie was... Well, Pinkie. She still had that smile, though I can tell it was reduced some. "You're all invited to my party tonight. Definitely not because I like all of you wierdos. 'F you wanna go, then go. If you don't, no-one cares," Sunset huffed, glanced at me one last time, before she headed off to where she came from. Silence struck around the table as each person tried to register what had unfolded. Did Sunset Shimmer, THE Sunset Shimmer, just invited them all to HER after-birthday party? That was something. Most of all, that stare and those glances. I'm sure they're trying to figure out the latter first. > Chapter 3, The Skippable Part > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight's POV The night was young, stars bright in the sky, untouched, the chilly breeze sending goosebumps up your arms, and young Twilight was in a very lovely purple dress. Oh, right, my point of view. -Really Twilight's POV this time- I stood outside of the mansion, which was blasting music that can be heard twenty feet from where it was, taking in the dancing lights that set it apart from the quiet neighbourhood. Actually, there were no other houses around here, as Sunset's place is located bangsplat in the middle of the woods, to the point we had to use the Global Positioning System from my phone to get there. Yes, you read it right. And might I add, said woods is Everfree. Yeah, the Everfree. Before dressing up, I told my family personally about attending, nervous out of my mind. They all exploded with excitement and glee, saying it's finally time I accept the concept of teenage life. So here I was, butterflies in my stomach, glancing out the van's tinted window to look at the intimidatingly large mansion. "Finally. We almost got lost!" Rainbow stepped out of the van from the passenger seat, coming to stand beside me with her fists on her hips. "You almost got us lost, thanks to yer "expertise,"" AJ stood beside the chromatic-haired girl then, pulling that half frowny half pouty face in mock upset. "But we made it! I thought that was more important," Rainbow pointed out, to which Applejack just huffed and rolled her eyes at. "Will you two please stop bickering like little immature children," Rarity scolded, standing in between the prismatic-haired girl and the Southern girl. "It's all good natured, Rares, dun worry," AJ reassured whilst patting Rarity on the back gently. "Very well," Rarity gave a little lopsided smirk towards AJ, whom blushed a bit. I blinked surpringly at the exchange, but before I could say anything Pinkie piped in. "What you guys talkin' 'bout?" "I think we should just go," quivered Fluttershy from behind the bubbly girl. "We just got here, silly," Pinkie laughed. "That's why we should just go now because no-one will even know we're here in the first place," she whispered back, taking a frightened look at the mansion. She squeaked when she was suddenly grabbed away from us and tucked under Rainbow's arm, their backs turned to us. We couldn't hear them clearly as they were whispering, but I can tell Rainbow was reassuring Fluttershy. "Do you think they have cotton candy 'round here?" asked Pinkie as she looked around, not bothering to trudge ahead of us knowing very well that we were waiting for Fluttershy. "Darling Pinkie, you know Sunset is not the type to... Display any delicacy that fits in your tongue, especially if her parents are in charge of her own party. You know elegant people nowadays," Rarity replied. "Alright," Rainbow suddenly jumped up and ran towards the booming mansion, "last one to the buffet's a limpet!" "Wait up," Applejack zoomed after her, both laughing as their libidos were spiked with competency. The others took the invite, with Pinkie skipping in tow with Rarity, saying, "I wonder if they have a pool too. I mean, it would be sad if there isn't, because my swimsuit and my spare swimsuit and my double spare swimsuit would be unfittible." Whatever that meant. I gripped my arm in anxiety and started walking, somehow thrilled but at the same time nervous, Sunset engraved on my mind the whole time of our small journey. Passing by the parking lot, I wondered if Fluttershy didn't see it-packed with expensive cars, mind you-or she just chose to ignore it, but either way I hope we don't get a ticket for not parking in a safe zone. Oh well, we're in the middle of the woods which means no cops for a mile. A tight grip on my arm brought me to reality, looking beside me I saw Fluttershy biting her lip in fright, eyes swirling with uncertainty and fright as she took in the look of the mansion, the people now clear in our vision as we got closer to their vicinity. I held the tense hand on my arm and gave her a reassuring smile, although I knew mine was just as bad as her's. We were both flying nervous, and if I had to guess, this was her first time to ever get invited to a party, and the first time to actually come. The sound of an unfamiliar hip hop song flooded my consciousness as we stepped through the door, eyes intimidated by blinding lights and noses attacked by the intoxicating smell of liquor and costly perfumes. I coughed slightly, not really used to it. Finally locating the buffet table, I lead the slightly quivering Fluttershy to the food, reassuring her once more and held out a sandwich from the table, it looked like it came right out of a cuisine magazine. She smiled and timidly bit into it. "Look at all the guests! They all look like they came straight from the most grand of cities! I see Manehattanites, Canterlot locals, even Abyssinians," Rarity gushed, giggling uncontrollably before fainting, and with Applejack behind her, was caught by the latter. "Don't sweat your cahoots, Rarity," Dash snorted not at all ladylike, wolfing down the contents on the table with Pinkie. I'm certain that most of those food they probably don't know the name of, which made me giggle into my palm slightly. Dash heard, looked at me, and winked, mouth still full. I rolled my eyes playfully at her then she went back to gobbling down whatever she could. The guests, as Rarity so pointed out, were indeed in some form of formality. Granted, some-like those teenagers in the corner-were very... Let's just say, expressive and bold, but they're easily outnumbered by these ladies and gentlemen, who looked down said expressive teens. In fact, some were the very powerful negotiators from all over the globe, CEO's, managers of successful companies, designers of all sorts, even famous artists! I would know because I read every article there is the internet has to offer. I'm exxagerating, yes, but I couldn't help the figurative speech. It's clear that the Shimmer family has some sort of title to be able to invite this many celebrities. And if so, how come none in our school knows? Well, until now, that is. I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed the rhythmic tapping on my shoulder. "Hey, Twi-Twi! Wanna go somewhere?" A bubbly voice spoke behind me, the usual glee in it putting a smile on my face. Turning around, I faced Pinkie, who looked around as if no-one should be within earshot. "But the others-" I said as I looked around, seeing Fluttershy occupied with Rainbow, and Applejack fanning Rarity with her hat, the look on her face practically saying, "I'd rather be elsewhere." "-Are fine. Aunty Pinkie will be with you the whole time too, so you'll be fine too," she grinned at me, showing off her full set of non-scientifically pearly white teeth. Sometimes I wonder what she really eats to have such a perfect body. "Okay then, what do you have in mind?" I asked, but when she tugged on my arm to run past the busy crowd, I shrieked. Even so, I then laughed at the look of giddiness splattered all over her face. "Pinkie, where are you taking me," I chuckled. She looked back at me and gave me a smile, when we abruptly stopped on a slippery-tiled floor. "Ta-da!" She grinned even wider as she flung her palms to the side, feigning what a host would gesture his welcome to his audience. "Woah... Uhm..." My smile vanished as I glanced around. The pool wasn't bad, really! In fact, it's not about the pool I'm downed at at all! It's the people. It turned out that most of the teens have moved here to the pool and were dressed in very revealing outfits. No wonder those "fancy people" preferred the indoors. Some had the nerve to make-out right in front of the public eye. And might I add, the population of teens here outnumbered the aforementioned "fancy people" 3 to 1! "No it doesn't, fancy people outnumber teens 2 to 1," Pinkie piped in, "also also, they're Sunset's parents' associates." "What, how did you know I was thinking that?!" "Just a hunch," she shrugged, the wide toothy grin only getting wider somehow. I blinked at her in surprise, jaw ajar in disbelief. She suddenly sighed and looked at me seriously, which was an odd look on her. "Look, Twi. If these people are what you're worried about, let me handle them. You know me, don't you?" She didn't even give me time to answer before continuing. "Yes, you do! So you should know that I'll be here for you, no matter what," she paused, her solemn look giving way to a hint of a smile, "cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I blinked again in surprise at the genuity and unusual undertone of her voice, before a grin suddenly broke out of her face. "Okay," I barely was able to hear my own words, but I knew she heard me because her smile got even wider. A few seconds of silence passed, with us just looking into each other's eyes, searching for the trust, loyalty, and honesty in them. They sure didn't disappoint. Suddenly, she snorted, breaking the illusion as she cracked up once more, which I looked at her wierdly for. Although wierded out, I found her laughter quite compelling and contagious, so I didn't hold myself back. Granted, people looked at us as they sauntered to their desired destinations, but we didn't give them mind and continued guffawing. "Man, I didn't know I had that in me! I mean, I did but I didn't really, you know? Like, I knew but I was unsure 'bout it, ya know? Like that one time, I fired off a party cannon right at Principal Cadenza's face! Actually, that has nothing to do with it, but I wanted to tell that she's the principal to the readers not Celestia, I mean Celestia works at that Science Corp thingy with Luna experimenting on science and stuff, oh I so wanna-" I covered her mouth with my hand while looking around uncomfortably, the remaining words muffled by my palm. Sometimes, the nonsense she spews. When she seemed to calm down, I reluctantly removed my hand and gave her a winning smile. "Thank you," I said. She blushed and grinned wholly, eyes glistening with happiness. I laughed at her childishly ecstatic look. She shook her head to focus before tossing me a not-so-revealling swimming attire, exactly the likes I would wear to a beach. "There ya go, Twi-pal-buddy-ol'-fwen, there's a changing room behind you ten paces away, so ta-ta!" "How do you know all these intricate details?" It's as if she lived here her entire life. "Just a hunch!" I sighed, knowing I was never gonna get a real answer. I never do when it comes to her. "Aren't you gonna change too?" I just shrugged the recent thought off, for I knew it would be a long, long, very long time before I find the real reason behind her eccentric self. But she immediately resurrected the thought as she inhumanely spun around, almost making the fastest-spinning top jealous, chucked clothes almost unnoticed by her whirling. When she stopped, she did a gesture to present herself, now in a fitting pink swimsuit, smirking faintly at my flabbergasted expression. As I mentioned, my jaw was on the floor. "How did you-" "Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, don't you ever learn." ---Time Skip; 19 minutes--- I never learn. At least, from people. And some books like novels. And maybe therapists. It's not that I'm a repetitive learner, I just don't understand a lot of things concering personal lives. I've never been much of a person before I transferred to Central Highschool of Ponyville, actually. You see, as you probably already know, I was... Well, for lack of a better word, unsocial. I never payed mind to others, even if I knew they were talking to me. So, cold-hearted may also fit in your book of my personalities. It's not that I ignore everyone, just the very social ones. Popular students, sports players, even cheerleaders, for I know these people need their social skills to fit in their titles. Well, lest if these popular ones are the cold ones. Back then in Canterlot High, second to sixth grade, I've only ever had one friend, and that's Moondancer Void. She was-or is, I've never heard of her ever since I left Elementary-very similar to me, in so many ways. She loved books as much as I, she even prefers quiet than loudness, she- "Twi, you've been in there for 18 minutes!" Oh, right. I went really off-topic there. Point is, after the top trick she did earlier, it attracted a lot of attention, so now my insecurities are back. Wait... "You counted?!" "Duh! Now out with you already!" "Uh... I'm still changing!" Well, I have to admit, it wasn't convincing at all, but it was worth a shot, at least. "I know you're done, Twilight!" Guess not. "Please," I begged, "I don't wanna get out looking like this! I'm too fat!" "No, you're not, you have a bottle figure, Sparky! Wanna see fat? Take a look at me!" "I can't, the door's in my way!" Yes, nailed it! "That's my point!" No...! "What if they'll judge me, then?!" "Twi, we've been over this, let me handle this. Wanna hear the truth?" This got me to look up at the gap above the door, the only way to look outside from the changing room. And as expected, she answered without even hearing my answer. "People will always judge you, whether you like it or not. It's up to you to react and determine their thoughts of you. You don't have to do it alone! We're here for you, heck, I'm here for you! So, stop worrying." That got me thinking. She was right. As cliché and copyrighted as that sounded, I needed to face my fears head on. It's now or never! Slowly pushing the door open, I glanced up at Pinkie from my crouched position whilst worriedly glancing at passer-bies. "Atta girl! Now, come on, precious moments a' wasting!" Pinkie took my hand and lead me to the pool carefully, with me glancing around from time to time in nervousness, but over time, I started to feel better as I realized no-one was paying attention to me. Pinkie took the first dive, emerging from the chlorine-smelling water to look up at me with the widest of smiles, which encouraged me to follow after her with a grin of my own. The splash we made sent surrounding party-people in a fit of laughter as they took it as an invite for a water fight, with I and Pinkie being the main victims for their onslaught. After that little fiasco, I started feeling a little better about myself, when, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of fiery yellow swirling amidst flamy red hair. My heart filled with both dread and, unknowingly, excitement, as I whirled my head around to confirm my suspicion. Sunset Shimmer. > Chapter 3.5, The Significant One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My eyes immediately swept across my surroundings. It was easy to notice her by her wonderfully tanned skin and blazing hair, even more so if she wore something more revealing than her usual school attires. "Wow, that lingerie is not really leaving anything to the imagination," Pinkie whistled, coming up beside me suddenly, at a finger's distance. "That's not a lingerie, Pinkie," I told her as if to shush her, transfixed on the attractive goddess standing under the light of the moon. I didn't say that, that was your imagination. "Tomato-tomahto," Pinkie shrugged off with a careless smile that caught my attention. Blinking, I turned back to where I had initially been gawking at, hoping that my cheeks weren't blushing. Immediately after, I saw Sunset, who looked away as if she'd been staring at me, then headed off to an unfamiliar face. Must be a student from another school. Before I could think, my eyes landed on her outift, which was a simple bra and a mini skirt that stopped at her knees. Odd, I sort of thought that a very egotistic person like her would be wearing less clothing. Not that I wanted her to, that is. I was suddenly submerged into the water, the pressure on top of me proving to be the culprit, causing me to swallow some water by the unsuspected event. I tried coughing, but it only made me gulp the pool water, so I kept my mouth shut, checking in on my supply of oxygen, which was very low due to unpreparedness. I panicked for a little while, thinking someone was trying to drown me for real, when said pressure was removed and I can finally swim up to the surface. I did so quickly and panicky, as my breath was running short. High-pitched laughter reverberated from behind me, so I instantly knew who was the doer of this. After a couple of deep breaths, I turned to the bubbly party-planner who was trying to hold back her guffaw as she saw me fume at her. "Pinkie!" "What?" She elongated the word innocently, putting her arms behind her back as she looked to the top-right corner of her eyes to avoid my furious gaze. "You almost drowned me!" "But I didn't," she snorted cheekily. My eyes started to narrow as I got ready to swim like a predatory aquatic animal towards the now retreating Pinkie. "Why, you!" I couldn't help but phrase dramatically before leaping for her, starting a goose chase that lasted a good ten minutes, both on land and in water. Anger turned to laughter as I tried to grab her into my arms, but she was a workout! It finally ended when I made one last attempt to pin her down by pouncing on her like a panther, which turned out successful as she giggled uncontrollably. "Gotcha!" She giggled and struggled to break free, though I knew she wasn't trying her hardest. It was then I noticed that a few eyes were on us, with a mixture of disgust, adoration, and pure hatred. "You're so cute together!" "Yeesh, I hate lesbos." "We support you!!!" "Aww, that's so childish and sweet!" "Faggots!" I immediately scrambled off of Pinkie, frowning at the unwanted attention as Pinkie didn't seem to notice and continued her chuckling. I held my left arm almost instinctively, looking down in insecurity as I tried to block their voices, shutting my eyes and focusing on my breathing. "That was fun," she giggled. "Pinkie, I think we should just find the others," I whispered shakily as my eyes darted around, landing on Sunset for some reason, who's on the other side of the pool, this time catching my eyes before turning away. "Okie," Pinkie agreed, though with less enthusiasm than before. She stood up and offered a hand to me, which I accepted with a small smile, before it vanished as we passed by the murmuring teens in our way. She took me by the hand to the changing rooms, "Where are our dresses?" I had asked. "Ta-da!" She pulled out the sparkling purple dress and the balloon-like pink one out of thin air behind her back. "What?!?" ----- We headed back inside after changing into our more decent clothing, returning to her the borrowed bikini. Our heads turned left and right like flamingos in search for our friends, before Pinkie claimed to see them and ran off to said direction, telling me to follow but she was too quick, losing me in the crowd. Before I could even call her, however, a boy my age, I presumed, blocked my path, one glass of whiskey in hand as he smiled down at me charmingly. "Hey, beautiful," greeted he, giving me a flash of his non-scientifically pearly white teeth. "H-hey," I stuttered awkwardly as I glanced around for Pinkie, to no avail. He was blocking my view of where she went. "How are things?" Again with that flashing grin. Rarity would surely want to meet this guy. I must've been giving him a wierd look because he shook his head while chuckling, "don't worry, I'm not a kidnapper or anything." "Good. Things are good, " I said cautiously, frowning a tiny bit at this odd fellow. "Glad to hear. My name is Nadir Dapperpaws, eldest of the five Dapperpaws siblings, pleased to meet you," he said, taking my hand and kissing it, making flustered, a slight blush already crawling up my neck, I felt. "Do you always introduce yourself like that," I blurted out without even thinking, clamping my mouth shut with a hand from the unexpected response. He looked surprised too, but he shrugged it off and chuckled instead, "yes, if that is alright. And you are?" "What? O-oh, right, uhm... I'm Twilight Sparkle, g-good sir," I grinned awkwardly as I hid my arms behind me in shyness, doing an abrupt curtsy in the hopes of matching up to his introduction, "and yes, of course it's okay." "Such lovely name," he commented with a soft voice. My cheeks were aflame by then, so I looked down and started swaying a little. "Oh, i-it's not that pretty," I laughed quietly, my tiptoe now joining in my little dance as it twirled on the floor, face still alight like a lantern. "Oh, but it is. Do you have anyone accompa-" Before he could finish his question, there came a high-pitched voice that I would know anywhere. "Twilight!" It came from behind him. "Ah, I see, my question has just been answered," he said as he turned around to face the source of the voice. Pinkie paid no heed to him and rushed to me like she was on fire, squeezing me tightly. I immediately hugged back, with just as much vigor as she, if not lesser, because you know Pinkie. "Twilight, you had me worried sick! I thought something bad happened when I realized you weren't there, so I started panicking cuz I thought you, well, something bad happened! I started backtracking, well I walked forward like a normal person but, you know what I'm saying cuz you're our egghead, but anyway as I was backtracking -still walking forward- I started thinking of if something bad did happen to you, I'll never forgive myself but then I found you and I was all "YAAAY" but at the same time, "WHYYY?!" She ranted in a neck-breaking pace, I was barely able to catch onto what she was saying, and I found that even Nadir was quite startled himself. "Pinkie, don't scare the poor lady!" "But it's true, Natie!" My eyes widened in shock, glancing between the two of them. "You two know each other," I asked in utter confusion. "Me and Natey go way back, Twilight," Pinkie bragged while slinging an arm over Nadir's shoulders, bringing him down to her height quite forcefully but he only laughed it off. "We're buds," she screeched as if crazed, earning a few glares from the people surrounding them, disliking that the serenity of the "elegant" party was ruined. "Sorry, folks," Nadir apologized, the crowd going back to their business but not after releasing a few harsh murmurs. He turned back to Pinkie, "if a week ago is way back for you, Pinkie, then yes, I suppose," he smiled at me. Pinkie suddenly shoved him, glaring at him playfully, "did you try to hit on Twi-Twi?" I almost choked on my own saliva. "Well, maybe..." Nadir's eyes glinted mischievously, which was enough answer for both Pinkie and I. "You know well you can't," Pinkie pouted and batted her eyelashes. "Alright then, show's over," he sighed, feigning disappointment, before turning to me with a completely new look on him. He seemed more carefree and joyful than formal. "Hey, I'm Nadir Dapperpaws, the multi-personality expert, both a doctor and a great copy-cat of said disorder as well. That wasn't the real me, Twi. I was merely playing pretend," he cackled, making me blush at the realization that I have been responding well to his amazingly flawless flirtatious approach. "Oh," was all I said. "Haha! Isn't this guy just the guy," Pinkie snorted before laughing, with Nadir following closely behind. I giggled at their antiques, shaking my head. My eyes caught the unwavering gaze of a boy from behind them, who looked much like Nadir, the only differences are the blue hair, yellow eyes, defined jaw, and build, where one is lean and averagely muscular, the other is lanky and tall. "Good evening, ladies and gentleman," he greeted, catching Pinkie's and Nadir's attention, taking my hand and kissing it, doing it with Pinkie as well. Now I'm kind of cautious whether he's acting too or what. "'Sup, Capps," Nadir said coolly, giving this fellow-who's name is Capper apperently-a high-five, to which the latter reciprocated less enthusiastically. "Younger brother, show some formality, remember how mommy and daddy raised us," Capper tutted, either teasingly or genuinely, no one can tell. "Always the well-mannered one," Nadir rolled his eyes with a huff, folding his arms as he muttered something else underneath his breath. This change of attitude had my eyebrow rising in skepticism. Perhaps he really was an expert in multi-personality. Capper looked at me and gasped slightly, before bowing and taking my hand. "I'm sorry, how rude of me. I believe we haven't formally met yet,"-he placed his other palm on top of the one his other one held-"I am Capper Dapperpaws, madame. My apologies for that horrid mistake." I shook my head slightly, "no, it's fine, really, I'm not offended, really." "For sure?" I nodded. "Very well, then," he smiled politely and let go of my hand. "Hey, Twi-Twi, the girls are waving us over!" Pinkie startled us as we both were snapped back to where we really were, making us look at each other and laugh softly. "Well, I guess this is a goodbye," I said with a sheepish smile and a side-shrug. "More like, a "see you later,"" he smiled and nodded at me, "it was nice meeting you, uhm...?" We chuckled after that, "I even forgot to ask for your name. I'm terribly sorry, I seem to be forgetful today." "It's okay, and my name's Twilight Sparkle," I replied, before Pinkie dragged me somewhere once again. I waved hastily before they disappeared in the crowd. "Where've you two been." I realized that we're all probably together again, so I turned around to actually face the group, as I had been staring at the mass of people before. "Swimming," Pinkie giggled. I was stunned at the fact that she possess the ability to say only one word and not an overly dramatic, and exaggerated, hours long speech. Dash gasped while jumping, "they have a pool, why didnt you say so?!? C'mon, people, lesgo!" So, I was dragged back to the pool, to which I refused to luxury myself in since I didn't feel like swimming this time, so I decided that I had to have time to myself and sat on one of the tanning benches as they goof around. I didn't bother changing out of my purple dress, so I must have looked wierd to the passersby. I sat there for quite a while, completely calm and relaxed, laid back as a certain chromatic haired girl would say. All of that vanished when my nose caught a whiff of something that must've been a perfume, for no one could possibly naturally smell that strong and make my heart rattle my ribcage. But as I cracked my eyelids open to see who or what had interrupted my serenity, I knew why my body was sending me signals. There she was, Sunset Shimmer, settled on a tanning bench beside mine. I closed my eyes hoping to get this feeling away, my breathing becoming unsteady as her mere presence taunted me. It continued on for moments, with me calming myself fruitlessly and my mind drifting off far beyond than any spaceship has ever gone. "Enjoying the party?" I jumped slightly at the unexpected intrusion, my thoughts ramming back to me from a million light-years away. I glanced at Sunset, to find that her gaze was directed right at the stars. "Uhm... Me?" I pointed at myself unsurely. "Duh," she deadpanned, a slightly irritated look in her eyes, which are now looking directly at me. I backed away slightly in anxiety before I gathered the courage to speak up, "uh... Y-yes, I... Suppose." I averted my eyes from her and closed it, in the hopes of keeping out those tantalizing teal eyes from plaguing my dreams, which it surely will for a few nights. Silence strode by, and with each passing second, I found it harder, and harder to restrain my heart. I wondered what it wanted, but the more I focused on the reason, the farther it seemed to drift away. I'm probably only making our little contact a big deal, but I couldn't help it. She's just so interesting, so... Mysterious. I said so because she seemed to repress herself a lot. I never see her smile genuinely, nor have I ever get to hear her her laugh. The only things she lets out are her anger, ego, and flirtatious attempts. Sometimes I wonder what happens in her life, her relationship with her family, and if she even has real friends that she holds dear to her. I may sound creepy, but it's just her. She makes life look so... Complicated, when in fact it's so easy. All you needed to do was get good grades, graduate, get a job, start a family, and then you're passing. I always felt like I miss out on life when I think of people like her. "You look nice," she muttered suddenly, her hesitation apperent. My eyes felt like they were cartoons as they widened like plates, snapping my head to the side in shock. She had gone back to staring up at the cosmos, but a blush nestled on her cheeks as she avoided my shocked gaze. My own cheeks were blanketed with warmth, her action not helping my poor heart from rampaging, tears pooling at the corner of my eyes as my lips gave way to a quivering smile. "Th-thank you," I said genuinely. She took a glance at me, and for a moment I thought I saw worry flash before her eyes, before it disappeared as she turned back to stare at the night sky, this time with a look of sadness, and a little bit of happiness which was a very wierd combination. I wonder what's going on in that mind of hers. I felt the tears slowly slide before I swiftly wiped them off and stared at the sky with her, for once taking note of its peace and its beautiful constellations. It was comforting. A peaceful silence engulfed us, not the previous ones that were filled with slight tension, most of them from me because of my ridiculous heart, which has now slowed down from its previously deadly pace. But all good things must come to an end, as a question struck me like lightning. I've been wondering this for a while now, and now I have a chance to have my answer! "S-Sunset?" Hesitation was clear in my voice, and I bit my lip nervously, not wanting to trigger her unwanted side. "What?" "I-I... Can I ask if... W-why did you... Defend me from Hoops and his gang? I-I mean, not that I'm not grateful or-or anything, but... It's been on my mind lately." Even though I've heard rumors about her being awful, she'd never really done me anything horrible. The most I saw of her was whenever lunch rolled around and side glances at hallways and corridors. I've never met her professionally, even when she sought away those bullies, she never even introduced me her name, nor had she asked mine in return. This caught her attention apperently, her now suddenly emotion-deprived eyes sweeping over my body. I felt as if centipedes were put in my shoes as I sat there and watched her eyes travel across my body, lingering in some places that I dare not mention which made me feel like something's crawling up my back. When she spoke again, she broke the spell that I had been tranced in and I felt like waking up from an abysmal sleep. "I don't know... I just rolled with my gut, I guess," she hummed softly and looked back up the stars. I swear what's with her and the sky? For some reason, I felt deprived of a good book as I sat there thinking. It's as if I wanted to hear that she actually cared for me. I almost scoffed. Fat chance she would, she couldn't even look me directly in the eyes without breaking it. Does she hate me then? Why do I care even? What am I feeling? I'm so confused! Maybe we're spending too much time in this party. "Sunny, hey!" With that said, an obnoxious voice rang me out of my thoughts, causing me to turn to the source of it. Sunset groaned beside me, her mood obviously had dampened. I glanced at her in time to see her roll her eyes. I can tell that Sunset wasn't exactly fond of this guy. "I'm off now, Vice Pres, see ya," she attempted a smirk at me, which turned to a sigh as the boy strode closer to us. She immediately tried to lose him by brisk-walking, in the process leaving me alone in the cool air. I wonder who that blondie was. I was left lonely and quizzical at her sudden exit, wondering who that was and why she kept ignoring him the whole time he tried to poke at her. Must be an unwanted admirer. I've read too many novels to not notice the signs. A sudden pitiful feeling of jealousy and anger clouded my being. I didn't know why, but I knew I wasn't happy seeing other people having a deeper bond than friendship with Sunset. It just... Didn't sit right with me. I shook my head. Twilight, you're acting as if you two are a couple. You're not even friends with her! The next thought had me biting my lip, but the treatment she's been giving me suggest otherwise... I suddenly blushed furiously as my eyes widened to the size of meatballs. I shook my head and buried my face in my palms, now sitting Indian style on the tanning bench. "What am I even saying... She's not into me, of all the girls she could have... But what if..." I discontinued, knowing very well that's not why she's acting friendly around me as of late. We're just acquaintances... And yet I felt something... I'm uncertain of. Shaking my head once again, I sighed and just resumed to laying on my back and stargazing. If only problems were as easy as Jigsaw Puzzles. I felt like a startled cat as water suddenly gobsmacked me in the face, sitting up and coughing up the pool water. Ugh and now my nose burnt. I looked around for any clue that might lead me to the imbecile that threw water at my face, and I needn't look long as Rainbow Dash smirked on the edge of the pool, clad in her boxers and sports-bra, -obviously not prepared for a dive- arms crossed as she beckoned me to chase her with the typical come hither motion. I smirked back, relieved that I can set my mind on something else for the moment before I chased after her, our merry laughter audible throughout the pool party, and before I knew it, all my friends have joined in the battle, as if playing tag but with no rules, with fun being the only thing driving us throughout the little game. ----- After a few hours of frolicking and socializing, we decided to head on home, the whole drive ticket-free and jolly, and when we were dropped off, we said our farewells with a hint of disappointment, but that was quickly fixed as Pinkie invited us all for a sleepover party on Friday. So, we parted ways feeling as if we were kids in a candy store. I plopped comfortably on my bed with a contented sigh, eyes for a while staring at the ceiling, before I eventually drifted to a peaceful and dreamless slumber.