After Sunset Shimmer commits suicide due to Anon-a-Miss, her friends embark on a wild journey.
(Book one of the Anon-a-Miss trilogy)
Sunset has had enough. After one last attempt to reason with her friends -- which failed miserably in her face, she ends everything with a literal bang. Unbeknownst to her, her deed would affect Canterlot High School forever. The very next day, the CMC, the true culprits behind Anon-a-Miss, confess and are finally brought to justice. But it's too late to make any amends. And now everyone, completely unable to live with a guilty conscience, falls into a deep depression, not knowing how to move on. Until one day...
Rated T for profanity, violence, blood, and mature topics such as suicide, alcoholism, and eating disorders.
Sunset Shimmer opened the doors of Sugarcube Corner. Right there, were her friends glaring at her with disgust. Sunset opened her mouth to speak but Rainbow Dash got up from her seat with cold eyes.
"Hey! Get out!" she snapped at her.
"Yer not welcome here, Sunset!" Applejack added.
"No! Please!" said Sunset, she pulled out her journal from her backpack and flipped to the page where she had the conversation with Princess Twilight Sparkle, "Look, guys, I know you don't trust me, but I been talking with Princess Twilight and her-"
Rainbow Dash shoved her down to the ground.
"You lied to her too?! Like to us! Bullshit, we're tired of this!"
Sunset shot back for a moment, but she picked herself back up and proceed to approach the girls. She placed the book on the table.
"Just look at this," she said calmly, "Twilight reminded me that you are more than my friends; you're my family. Just ask yourselves, 'Would Sunset Shimmer, the Sunset Shimmer you know, do something like this?"
Her friends listened to her but refused to look at the book.
"Yes!" said Rainbow, "you would do something like this, and I have a perfect reason: you were manipulating people so you can gain their trust. Just stop trying to prove yourself innocent! You're still the bad person that you are!"
The others agreed.
That statement brought tears in Sunset's eyes. She couldn't believe that her friends saw the bad Sunset again. She had to try to open their eyes. At least one of them would believe her.
"Applejack!" she said with desperation, "You've got to believe me! Remember the times I'd help you at Sweet Apple Acres. Or-"
"Shut yer lyin' little trap ya call a mouth!" AJ snapped, "Don't make this any worse for yourself than it already is!"
Sunset stood back in shock, Rarity could listen. she's a good listener!
"Rarity! Remember all the dresses you made for me. Or what about the time I helped you after you'd spilled soda over your dress?"
"Hmm! That was before I knew you were planning to humiliate us! I'd even made an outfit for you for Christmas, but that was just a waste of time and material. You are not using our trust anymore."
Fresh tears flowed out of Sunset's eyes, making her vision blurred. Maybe Rainbow would give a listen.
"Dash, how about the times I'd show up at your games and cheer for you! I-"
"You mean pretend to cheer! You can't take advantage of us any longer, Sunslut Slutter."
Sunset began to cry as she tasted defeat, there were Fluttershy and Pinkie left.
"Pinkie, remember the times I'd have fun at your parties; those were the best of my life!"
"Well maybe you were just pretending to have fun so I'd trust you easier, but it's not anymore you big meanie!"
Sunset began to lose hope. Maybe Fluttershy would listen; they spend the most time together and closer friends. It was worth a shot, but it seemed like her only option.
"F-Fluttershy," she began, "you have to believe me. We're much more closely than the other girls. After the Fall Formal, you've been nothing but kind to me, and I'd help you out at the animal shelter sometimes. I-"
"How dare you threaten Fluttershy!" snarled Rainbow, taking a dangerous step forward.
"Rainbow, please," said Fluttershy, as she approached Sunset. Sunset thought that Fluttershy believed her, but when she saw the expression on her face it was the opposite.
"Sunset," Fluttershy stated, "all you said was true, but you've been so cruel to me since we met. But after the Fall Formal, I thought that you changed. Fuck! I started to love you. But then you decide to go back to your old ways and bully me again. Seriously! You'd just took out my heart and smashed it to a million pieces. I really, really, really, wish Anon-a-Miss wasn't you, but there's no one else to blame. Forgive me, but I hate you."
Fluttershy broke down to a fountain of tears as Sunset did the same.
"Stop cryin', Sunset," sighed Applejack disgusted as she face-palmed, "just stop. Yer the only culprit. You are the only person who knew mah nickname. Yer the only person who took those photos at the sleepover, on yer phone. There's no one else. Please, for yer own sake, just get outta here and never come back."
Sunset suddenly erupted in rage.
"What the fuck!" she shouted, "I tried to prove that I've changed after the Fall Formal. I HAD TO FIXED THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE MYSELF! AND IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, I'VE GOTTEN DETENTION FOR THE REST OF THAT YEAR! I'VE DONATED FOOD AND WHAT LITTLE MONEY I HAD AND EVEN HELPED TEACHERS AFTER SCHOOL IF THEY NEEDED SOMETHING! AND I'VE TRIED EVEN HARDER WHEN THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS CAME UP! AND THERE, I'VE HELPED YOU GUYS AND TWILIGHT FROM GETTING KILLED BY THE SIRENS! DO YOU EXPECT ME TO SUDDENLY GIVE THAT AWAY! AND FOR WHAT REASON!"
Suddenly Rainbow threw a napkin holder at Sunset which nearly missed her.
"This is you're last chance to leave here unharmed, bitch. And I won't miss this time!!"
"We're too smart for your tricks Sunset,'" sneered Rarity, "just leave us alone."
"YEA!" said the other Rainbooms.
Sunset lost the remaining hope she had. With her head hung low, she walked out of the cafe, hearing her former friends yelling at her.
"Git outta our lives, ya good for nothin' liar."
"Good riddance, everyone will do so much better without you Sunset."
"I hope I never see you again she-demon!"
"Go back to where you came from secret-stealer."
"You're not our friend!"
Sunset didn't care anymore, she just continued to walk to her apartment. Then she walked into Apple Bloom, Applejack's younger sister. She had just seen everything that happened.
"Sunset are you-"
"Leave me alone..."
Alone. That's all Sunset wants right now.
Apple Bloom on the other hand seen enough. She went on her MyStable account and typed down:
'Emergency CMC meeting! Meet me in the barn in 20 minutes'
When she reached her apartment, Sunset walked inside, forgetting to close the door. She didn't care, what was on her mind was the things her friends said to her. How? How could they say they were her friends when they just turned their backs on her so quickly. It broke her heart knowing this, but she had to face it. She didn't redeem herself, she never did.
She went to the kitchen and grabbed the sharpest knife she had. Then she walked to the bathroom and filled up the tub with water. She stripped off her clothes and sat in the cold water. Then she stared at the knife, debating if she should really do this.
We trusted you Sunset, we thought you were our friend.
How could you do this, after all, we been through together?
You secret-stealer!
You're not our friend!
I'm sorry, but you did this to us. Tell us whatever secrets ya want, but we don't have to listen.
Teardrops dripped from Sunset's face as she slit her left wrist. Drops of blood coloured the water as she continued. Suddenly, Sunset began to sob and cry violently as she stabbed the knife in one of her blood vessels, and slashed the knife across her arm, damaging more of her veins and arteries. She was beginning to lose oxygen as the water became a deeper shade of red.
"I'm sorry Princess Twilight," she said weakly, "I failed you."
Those were the last words that ever came out of her mouth...
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo headed to the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom was inside, very pale and looking like she was about to cry. She was holding her phone in her shaking hands looking at the horrible deed they've done.
"Apple Bloom!" said Sweetie concerned, "Is everything okay?"
"No!" she said suddenly, "everythin' is not okay!"
"What do you mea-"
"Ah mean that we went too far; we gotta confess and put an end to Anon-a-Miss."
"What!" said Sweetie and Scootaloo in union.
"Apple Bloom, you know if we did that, we'll be in big trouble!" Scootaloo protested, "We could possibly be expelled!"
"Then why we did it in tha first place! We are not gonna' do somethin' that Sunset's gonna pay for."
"But why?" Sweetie protested, "The plan's working so well. Our sisters stopped hanging with Sunset and spending more time with us!"
"Rainbow's finally teaching me those soccer moves she promised!"
"STOP!" shouted Apple Bloom, though her voice wasn't loud enough to get Granny Smith and Big Mac to hear, "Ah saw everythin' that happened the Sunset. Ah thought everyone would blame her; but Ah didn't think she would be bullied. Her friend said so many mean things tah her."
"Like what?" asked Scoots.
Git outta our lives, y'good fer nothin' liar.
Good riddance! Everyone will do much better without you Sunset.
I hope I never see you again she-demon!
Go back to where you came from, secret-stealer!
You're not our friend!
"Oh. My. God!" gasped Scootaloo.
"What are we gonna do?" said Sweetie Belle.
"Confess and delete the account," Bloom said quietly.
"What!"
"We can't do that! If we did, we could be in big trouble. Or expelled!"
"Can't we just delete it and pretend this never happened?"
"We can't, it won't do anything, and people are still gonna think Sunset did it."
"But-"
"Guys, just think 'bout it: for a month now, Sunset bin payin' tha price for Anon-a-Miss, she suffered enough. Think 'bout it y'all, if we get expelled, at least we still have each other. But Sunset's friends are all she has. We have to do this guy."
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked at each other than Apple Bloom. What she said hit them.
"You're right."
"What have we done."
The girls made an apology video right there and then.
Meanwhile at Sugarcube Corner...
The (hu)mane 5 were still in the cafe, pissed off about what happened.
Dash was clenching her teeth and fists in rage. Rarity just looked at her nails looking angry but somewhat sad. Pinkie's hair was slightly deflated as she had a sad expression. And Fluttershy was crying hard as AJ rested a comforting hand on the shy girl's shoulder.
"Why- why would she do this?" Fluttershy chokes between hiccuped sobs, "And after all, we did for her?"
"She was just waiting for the right time to strike Fluttershy." Stated Applejack.
"We should have seen this coming," Dash said angrily as she finished deleting the last photos of Sunset on her phone.
"Hey look," said Pinkie blankly, "Sunset left her journal here."
"Keep it," said AJ', "we'll need it in case of any magical emergencies."
"Get a pen," said Dash coldly.
"Huh"
"We need Twilight! She is the only person who can fix this."
"But why, darling?"
"Just think about the times Sunshit's been bullying us. Broke up our friendship. And she's trying to do it again. Twilight is the only person who can teach that demon a lesson. Are you gonna let her rule the school again, or are you gonna join me."
The girls looked at each other and nodded.
"I'm in!"
"So am I"
"You've got me in"
Fluttershy remained silent and looked at her feet.
"Well 'Shy"
"I'm in..." she sighed.
Pinkie handed Dash a pen as she grabbed the book
"We should have blasted her with our friendship blast in the battle of the bands when we had the chance. I hate you Sunset," she grumbled under her breath as she scribbled down:
The CMC walked down the halls of the school, away from the glaring eyes from the other students who've seen their apology video.
"Good morning, Anon-a-Bitches."
"You better pray I don't kill you."
"You'll pay for this, Canterlot Movie Cunts"
Those cruel and vicious insults sent shivers down their spines.
"APPLE BLOOM, SWEETIE BELLE, AND SCOOTALOO. PLEASE REPORT TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE." said the school intercom.
"Well, here it goes." said Sweetie Belle, nervously.
"It's now or never." said Scootaloo.
"Come on y'all." said Apple Bloom.
Four minutes, though it felt like years, they were in front of the door. And it was almost as if the world lost its oxygen, they stopped breathing. Not only was there principal Celestia and vice-principal Luna, but a uniformed police officer, and Princess Twilight herself.
"Hello girls," said Luna coldly as the girls looked like they were punched in the stomach, "how nice of you to join us. Take a seat." she pointed to three chairs in front of the wooden desk.
Each girl took a breath and sat down. They each looked down at their feet, not wanting to see the absolute fury in everyone's eyes. They've been like this for almost ten minutes. Scootaloo gathered the courage to break the uncomfortable silence.
"Look guys, we know this is about Anon-a-Miss, and we're sorry. We didn't mean things to get this far; and we'll except any punishment you have in store for us."
Princess Twilight stomped in front of Scootaloo and look her dead in the eye.
"YOU IDIOT!" she screamed, "WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING THIS HORRENDOUS AND FRAME AN INNOCENT GIRL FOR IT!"
That voice made Scootaloo shoot back, almost wetting herself. Celestia put a hand on Twilight's shoulder.
"Twilight," she said calmly, "let's just sit down and talk this over calmly."
The princess of friendship took a calming breath and returned to the desk.
"Alright," said Celestia, "I'm glad you three understood the seriousness of this, but why did you do it?"
The girls just looked at each other to see each other's reactions: Apple Bloom was pale and looked like she was about to throw up. Sweetie Belle was pursing her lips to try and stop her whimpers as tears leaked out her eyes. And Scootaloo was terrified and visibly shaking out of fear.
"It was mah idea." Apple Bloom said.
"WHAT!" screamed the enraged Twilight Sparkle. She approached the girls ready to attack.
"Uh-uh." said Celestia, calming the princess down as she placed her hand back on her shoulder. Twilight sighed and once again returned to the desk.
"Ah was jealous that mah sister was spendin' more time with Sunset than me." Apple Bloom continued, "So Ah made up Anon-a-Miss, posted the story 'bout Applejack, and pinned it on Sunset."
"Apple Bloom told me about what she did, I felt the same way." said Sweetie, "So on the slumber party at my house, when everyone was asleep, I took Sunset's phone, and posted all those pictures and videos."
"Soccer practice took place the same time as the junior team." Scootaloo followed, "So when Dash wasn't looking, I took her science paper, took a picture, and posted it. Soon other people were sending us other pictures and secrets, asking us to post it, we didn't know what to do so... we posted it."
Twilight's jaw dropped slightly as she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"So let me get this straight," she said, her voice rapidly becoming a scream, "you've posted people's most private and embarrassing secrets for the world to see, caused so much chaos and framed Sunset for it! ALL BECAUSE YOU WEREN'T INVITED TO A SLUMBER PARTY!!!"
"TWILIGHT! CALM DOWN!" shouted Celestia, gripping her by the shoulders. "I know you're angry, but two wrongs don't make a right."
Twilight sighed; Celestia was right, she can't just blow up at the girls for Anon-a-Miss, or she'd be a hypocrite herself.
"You're right, sorry." said the princess calmly though her anger remained.
"Girls," said Officer Shining Armour, chief of the Canterlot City police department, "you know that this is very serious. I mean, you could be arrested for something like this; and the only reason you're not, is because we can't have anything to do with equestria. And before you ask that question, we knew about it for a while and the government forbids us from having any involvement. And thanks to Sunset being an equestrian related thing, we can't press charges on anyone who got involved with Anon-a-Miss. Plus, you three are just kids. So congrats, you girls are getting away with framing, invasion of privacy, impersonation, cyber misconduct, indirect assault and battery, and 1st degree involuntarily manslaughter."
"Huh." said Apple Bloom.
"What do you mean?" Scoots said confused.
"We didn't hurt anyone. Not physically." said Sweetie Belle.
Twilight glared at them with cold eyes full of anger and hatred.
"Sunset killed herself," she stated coldly, "she cut her arm in the bathtub..."
"Wh-whh-wha.." Sweetie stammered, unable to finish her sentence.
"We... Ah... How"
Scootaloo planted her face in her palms and sobbed, igniting the other twos sadness. The trio were crying, and hugging each other as the others just stared and waited for their sobs to subside. Once they did, VP Luna looked at the girls sternly.
"Girls," she said sternly, "it was right of you to confess about Anon-a-Miss and post an apology video, and we're proud of you for that."
"But of course for making the account in the first place," said Celestia in a slightly calmer voice, "we have no choice but to expel you from Canterlot High School."
"No." said Sweetie Belle with shock.
"You can't do that!" protested Scootaloo, "the track team's coming in two months."
"Mah science club just started!" whined Apple Bloom.
"Girls!" said Luna firmly, "I know this is unfair to you, but do you have any idea of what you did? You cyber-bullied; you've given Sunset so much pain, she committed suicide, and hacked into school computers which all have to be rebooted. I'm sorry, but this is what happens when you do something this stupid for an even stupider reason."
Principal Celestia nodded.
The girls couldn't believe that they were expelled, but then again, they deserved it. They knew that they're doing this to protect them. They are going to be a lot of other students who want nothing but revenge for what they did, not only for posting their secrets, but for framing an innocent girl for it and making her pay the price; and who knows what they'll do when they find out Sunset killed herself.
"Now come," said Celestia, "we're having an assembly where you'll confess and delete the account for good."
At the same time, Luna grabbed the intercom microphone.
"Attention students, attention. Will all students head to the gym for an assembly, that includes teachers and staff too. Thank you."
"Come on girls." said officer Armour, motioning the girls to follow them.
Each girl nodded and walked out the door. Twilight was right behind them who is in a very angry state. She was shaking, a bit red in the face, and stomped her whole way to the gym.
What she grumbled was too unintelligible to hear, but what she said next was clear.
"I swear Celestia, you're all gonna get what's coming to you." she grimly fumed under her breath as she grounded her teeth and clenched her fists.
The Rainbooms excitedly headed to the gym. They all thought that 'Anon-a-Miss' was going to confess and get expelled, but they're about to learn the dark truth.
"Finally," said Applejack, "Sunset finally gittin' what she deserves!"
"I know AJ," Dash said smugly, "it'll be so nice to get that she-demon off our backs."
"Um, guys." whispered Fluttershy, "maybe-"
"Maybe I can throw a 'Sunset Shimmer's expelled party'" said Pinkie, grinning.
"um, maybe this is-"
"Ooo, I'll have to design wonderful dresses for all of us."
"G-guys," whispered Fluttershy, "how do we know."
"Don't worry Fluttershy," said Dash nudging her elbow, "that bully would no longer be a problem to you."
Fluttershy sighed as everyone sat down. Two minutes later, the two principals, officer Armour, and Twilight were on the stage. Applejack, Rarity, Dash, and Pinkie grinned, knowing that Sunset could be in big trouble.
"Hello everyone," said Principal Celestia, "I have some news about Sunset Shimmer."
"Is she going to be expelled?" said Dash hopefully.
"No.," said Luna firmly.
"What?" said Pinkie.
"Ya can't be serious," said AJ, "Sunset deserved to be expelled after what she did ta us."
"She's been a bully to us for three years," said Dash, "seriously Twi, you should have taken her back to Equestria so that bitch wouldn't be a problem to us anymore."
"She dumped expired chocolate pudding on me when I ran against her from 'Princess of the Spring Fling'," said Rarity.
All the girls (except Fluttershy who just looked at her feet silently,) just got up from their seats and argued at why Sunset isn't getting expelled.
"I think Twilight should explain this," said Celestia as she passed the mic to Twi.
"Thank you," said Twilight in the calmest voice she could muster, "it all started last night..."
Equestria last night...
Twilight Sparkle had just finished cleaning her throne room and walked over to the journal of where she and Sunset had the conversation. She flipped to the page just as it buzzed and there was a small flash. Maybe Sunset and her friends sorted everything out and things are back to normal, but she wanted to check to make sure. But as she read it, it was the complete opposite.
'Dear Princess Twilight, this is Rainbow Dash. You probably know that Sunshit Sunset convinced you that she wasn't Anon-a-Miss. But that's a lie, she's trying to corrupt us so we can be apart of her army and take over the school again, and she's not giving up without a fight; but neither will we. Please come so we can pony up and kill that demon bitch.'
Twilight couldn't believe the message. Where Sunset Shimmer? She needed to protect her. She needs to go to the human world so she can sort things out. So she used her magic to get a piece of paper and quill and wrote down:
'I'm going to Canterlot High to fix a few things. I'll be back as soon as I can.
-Twilight'
"A little short," she mused, "but it'll have to do."
She jumped through the portal.
The now human princess fell through the portal and shivered. She realized that the portal didn't give her anything warm to wear, but that wasn't on her mind, Twilight needed to find Sunset.
She ran to town shouting Sunset's name. Suddenly, she found footprints that looks a lot like Sunset's and a few frozen teardrops. She decided to follow them. Soon she found herself in front of an apartment, she was guessing it was Sunset's since the door was wide open. She walked inside.
"Sunset?" she called out, "Sunset Shimmer?"
She heard no reply.
"Sunset, it's me Twilight. Everything's gonna be okay. I'm here!"
Still no reply, Twilight was growing more concerned by the minute. She searched around the house calling her name to no avail. She was in front of the bathroom door, and in an opened crack there was a small view of Sunset.
"SUNSET!" she shouted swinging the door open. But immediately regretted it, Sunset was naked in the bathtub and had a huge cut in her left arm. The water was a deep shade of red and smells like blood.
"S-sunset," Twilight tried moving Sunset's head to wake her up to no avail. But when she saw a knife in the bloodied water, the princess felt sick to her stomach as she opens the toilet and threw up inside.
"H-help!" she screamed hysterically, "Somepony help! Anypony!" She ran out the front door like an insane person would and screamed for help. Luckily, a passing police car saw her and came to help.
"Oh. My. God."
"What the fuck."
"Call an ambulance."
Officer Green Glow grabbed his cellphone while his partner, Black Night, did an investigation. But by the time the ambulance arrived, Sunset was already dead, and Black Night concluded that she had killed herself. Suddenly there was a buzzed from Sunset's leather jacket, they pulled out her phone and saw a notification on it.
'We're Anon-a-Miss!' it read.
They opened it and saw a video where the CMC explained everything. Twilight was in too much shock as she couldn't believe what was happening: Sunset had killed herself because of Anon-a-Miss.
"No," she growled, "because of her friends. How? How could you do this?" Twilight grounded her teeth and clenched her fists.
"Those girls have some explaining to do..."
"And that's what happened."
The CMC who was watching behind the curtain were crying, they didn't want this to happen. The Rainbooms, on the other hand, were stunned by what they just heard.
"This can't be true," said AppleJack, nervously.
"This is some kind of joke. Right?" said Pinkie with a nervous grin.
Suddenly there was a picture that made everyone gasp. It was blurred for obvious reasons, but they can already tell what it was by the red and yellow colours.
It was Sunset's body.
"Oh. My," said Rarity, covering her mouth in shock.
"I-I can't believe this," said Fluttershy with tears swelling in her eyes.
"We'd pushed her to suicide," said Pinkie as her hair deflated and turned dark and dull.
Officer Armour walked to the stage.
"Fortunately, we've found the suspects whose been behind this."
He looked at the CMC signalling them to come in front of the stage. The crowd booed as their sisters stared in disbelief.
"We're Anon-a-Miss." they all said.
Officer Armour opened a laptop and went to MyStable.
"Delete the account. Now," he commanded.
The girls looked at each other and then obeyed. They signed in to Anon-a-Miss while the screen behind them showed everything. Apple Bloom went to settings and clicked the delete button.
Do you want to delete this account 'Anon-a-Miss'?
Yes or No
It read.
Apple Bloom sighed and clicked yes. The account was closed permanently.
"Now that's out of the way," said Celestia, "you three as you already know are expelled from this school. And as for the rest of you, due to the number of students and including teachers taking part in the bullying; no one will be punished. Instead, we'll leave you with this: No more electronics of any kind are allowed on school grounds. All school computers are banned from any websites that are not school-approved. All after-school and extracurricular activities are cancelled indefinitely. And from now on, if anyone goes into any form of bullying or physically assaults someone on school grounds will immediately be suspended or expelled. Absolutely no exceptions!"
"WHAT!"
"THAT IS SO UNFAIR!"
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT CANTERLOT MOVIE CUNTS!"
The enraged crowd threw whatever they can get their hands on, Erasers, pencils, books, crumpled up papers, even a full backpack, at them. But the angriest were their sisters, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"Enough," said Luna sternly, "unless you want a month of detention to go with that."
That shut everybody up.
"Now without any arguments," said Celestia, "you three, go clean out your lockers. The rest of you, back to class."
"But not you five," said Twilight angrily, pointing at the Rainbooms, "Meet me outside the school."
The Rainbooms walked in front of the school. Right there, was a furious Twilight Sparkle. Both of them were very angry. Twilight at the girls, and the Rainbooms at the CMC.
"T-twilight," said Dash nervously.
"SHUT UP!" Twilight snapped at her, "How! How could you just turn your backs at her? And after you promised her and me that you'll be her friends!"
The girls winced, knowing she was right.
"Now," said Twilight, "Sunset only gave me a summarized version of what happened. But now that I'm here and we're all together, I want the full and complete truth. And if any of you deny it, say hello to Princess Celestia."
The Rainbooms looked at each other and gulped; but reluctantly, they told Twilight about the confrontation they had in the hallways of the school and the altercation they had at Sugarcube Corner. When they were finished, Twilight was completely dumbstruck.
"So let me get this straight," said Twilight, her voice rapidly becoming a scream again, "You have just decided to turn your backs at Sunset; after she tried so hard to prove that she changed, and the fact that she helped you guys at the battle of the bands. ALL BECAUSE YOUR SECRETS WERE POSTED ONLINE. RIDICULOUS! ANYONE COULD'VE DONE THAT! THE LEAST YOU COULD HAVE DONE WAS LISTEN TO SUNSET'S SIDE OF THE STORY! SUSPECT THAT SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE TOOK HER PHONE AND PUT IT BACK WHEN NO ONE WAS LOOKING! YOU IDIOTS! THERE WASN'T THAT MUCH EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT WAS HER! SHE'D NEVER DO THAT! AND SHE WOULD DO SOMETHING A LOT WORSE THAN SOME DUMB WEBSITE!!!"
The girls winced, knowing that was all true.
"Now besides those stupid photos, what else made you think Sunset did it?" Twilight demanded.
"We thought she was trying to hurt people again..." Fluttershy stated quietly.
"WHAT!!" screamed Twilight. Her body began to shake violently as the muscles in her head began to throb.
"Look. Look. Twilight," said Dash trying to reason with her, "I know we fucked up, we were being stupid and-"
"No," said Twilight suddenly, "I was being stupid. I was stupid to leave Sunset with you."
An orange aura radiated over Twilight's body as her skin became pale white. Flames burned on her hair as her eyes became completely red with fire coming out of them. Now in sun flare form, she floated over the girls who were hugging each other in fear.
"Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash of the human world, for betraying Sunset Shimmer and breaking your promise to me. I, princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, hereby take away your pony powers. If there is any magical emergency going on, that is not my problem. You're on your own." she said in a royal Canterlot voice. She reached her hand out as it glowed orange as well as the girls bodies.
"You are unworthy of the magic of friendship. By the power vested in me, I am taking away the power of honesty."
She took the magic out of Applejack.
"Loyalty", taking the magic out of Dash.
"Laughter", taking the magic out of Pinkie.
"Generosity", taking the magic out of Rarity.
"Kindness", taking the magic out of Fluttershy.
All the magic got out of their bodies and to the sky as Twilight calmed down and her body returned to normal.
"There," she said calmly, "your magic is gone, and it'll go to someone who truly deserves it. If I were allowed, I'd bring Sunset's body with me and get her buried in her rightful home instead of this garbage planet. Now I'm going back to Equestria, and as soon as I do, the portal will be close permanently. Goodbye, and have a nice rest of your lives."
She walked through the portal. The girls didn't even stop her, they were in too much shock.
It was raining, the sky was dark, and everyone looked at the grave with teary eyes.
Here Lies, Sunset Shimmer
Just looking at it was enough to make everyone weep. Applejack was holding her hat close to her chest as tears dripped from her chin. Rarity's mascara was dripping from her chin also as she covered her mouth in shock. Pinkie was also depressed as her usually puffy and springy hair was flat and dark, as well as her pink skin. Fluttershy was crying her eyes out as Dash put a comforting hand on her shoulder as the athlete herself refused to look at the grave.
"I can't believe we did that." sobbed Rarity.
"Ah can't believe we didn't trust her, and all because we looked at her sins in the' past." Applejack said sadly.
"This is all your fault Applejack," said Dash coldly.
"We're all to blame Rainbow." said Applejack.
"Well, may I remind you that you convinced us that Sunset was the one who posted those photos."
"And may Ah remind you that you convinced us that she was going to be expelled at the assembly. You were screamin' like a chimpanzee back in the hallways."
"Uh. How can you be so selfish Rarity." Pinkie Pie spat.
"Said the person who made her miserable." Rarity spat back.
Soon, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie were shouting at and blaming each other.
"STOP!"
Everyone quiet down as they looked at the shouter in disbelief. It was Fluttershy.
"Just listen to yourselves. This is the reason that Sunset killed herself: we just jump to conclusions. Applejack, you've told yourself and other people a lie. Pinkie, you've made Sunset miserable. Rarity, you were thinking about yourself and how you felt instead of Sunset and how she felt. Dash, you've betrayed and abandoned Sunset. And... and..." Fluttershy began to cry, "I've- been so cruel." Fluttershy collapsed to her knees as the others teared up.
"Yer right!" said Applejack tearfully
"We're no good meanies." sobbed Pinkie.
"We're plain hypocrites." cried Rarity.
"Twilight was right, we aren't worthy of the magic of friendship. We're no better than the sirens."
The girls all cried and said how sorry they were to Sunset as they walked away from the grave and to their homes.
"I'm so sorry Sunset. I love you," said Fluttershy quietly.
Fast Forward to Christmas Morning...
Apple Bloom tiredly dragged herself out of bed. She didn't get a lot of sleep since she was expelled from school. She got dressed and walked downstairs where her grandmother, Granny Smith, was waiting.
"Mornin', Apple Bloom," said Granny sternly.
"G'mornin' Granny," said Apple Bloom.
"Y'know that was goin' ta be punished fer Anon-a-Miss."
"Yes," replied Bloom.
"Come here," said Granny, motioning her granddaughter to sit on the couch with her, and Bloom did.
"Y'know what you've done was wrong. Right?"
AB nodded.
"Apple Bloom you are so lucky that the cops didn't arrest you, or you'd have yer butt in jail. Believe me, yer better off expelled than arrested, no one at yer school is forgiving as Ah am."
"Ah know granny," said Bloom as she got off the couch.
"Uh-uh," said Granny stopping her, "don't think yer being off the hook. Come 'ere"
Apple Bloom approached with caution, but GS grabbed her by the ear.
"First off, yer grounded get th' next year, and you'll be using a flip phone fer tha time bein'. Secondly, Ya'll be doin' all the chores and housework yerself for a year. And until ya go tah college, yer banned from using the internet unless it's fer school work. Even then, you'll be supervised. Understand?"
"Yes, Granny."
"Good. Now go to yer room an' stay there; yer chores start tomorrow."
Bloom looked down and dejectedly walked to her room.
"Bloom, can Ah talk tah ya fer a second?" said a voice that sounded a lot like Applejack.
Bloom looks at her sister motioning her to go to her bedroom. AB walked in and AJ closed the door behind them.
"What that hell were ya thinkin' Apple Bloom?"
Apple Bloom flinched, Applejack would never curse at anyone, especially at her sister.
"Ah did it because I was jealous that you were spendin' more time with Sunset than me." The first tears began rolling down her cheeks as she continued, "Ah'm sorry. Ah just wanted you to stay away from Sunset. Ah never wanted Sunset tah kill herself."
Apple Bloom broke down as AJ rolled her eyes.
"Then why didn't you just tell me? You know Ah'd listen." Applejack said with the angriest and hurt expression she ever had.
"Ah thought you wouldn't." Apple Bloom croaked.
"Apple Bloom." said Applejack said, "Do you even know what you did? It one thing to be jealous, but what ya did was a completely different story. Not only did ya posted people's most embarrassing secret, but you've also committed a crime. And yer damn lucky ya weren't arrested by the police and charged with manslaughter; otherwise, you'd be in real trouble with them."
Apple Bloom calmed down a bit as she knew everything her sister said was right.
"Applejack Ah'm sorry Ah-"
"It's a little too early for apologies sis. Ah do have tah share blame Apple Bloom, and Ah'm sorry Ah made you feel left out. But what you did, Ah can't forgive you for that yet. From now on, Ah just can't trust you."
Apple Bloom looked down in sheer guilt.
Sweetie Belle woke up a little later feeling the same way Bloom did.
"Sweetie Belle, come down here please."
Sweetie Belle looked down in sadness for a few moments, then walked downstairs trying her hardest not to cry. There were her parents, Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks sitting on the couch.
"Sit down Sweetie Belle." Said Hondo with a scowl, pointing at a chair in front of the couch. Sweetie Belle wiped her eyes and obeyed.
"Sweetie Belle," said Cookie sternly, "you know what you did was inexcusable and that you'll be punished."
Sweetie Belle sharply nodded her head.
"But first, Merry Christmas."
Hondo handed Sweetie a small rectangle box with pale yellow gift wrapping held together with a red ribbon.
Sweetie Belle was confused but unwrapped the present. Inside, was a black flip phone.
"You're probably wondering why you're getting a flip phone. Well, it'll be your new phone from now on, your phone is our until next Christmas. And also, you're grounded and banned from using the internet for a year." Cookie said disappointed.
"You won't believe how lucky you are that the police didn't arrest you. Or you'd be spending Christmas in jail." Hondo stated. "Now, go to your room. Your grounding starts today."
Sweetie Belle couldn't believe she was grounded on Christmas, but then again, she deserved it. This was the lightest punishment she could get. With a heavy heart, she walked upstairs, as she was she bumped into her sister who just came out of the bathroom. Her face had no makeup, so it figured she was constantly washing it.
"R-rarity," said Sweetie Belle, catching her sister's attention. "Are you okay?"
Rarity glared at her sister with gritted teeth.
"OKAY!" she screamed, "HOW CAN I BE OKAY AFTER YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS MADE THAT STUPID ANON-A-MISS AND TOOK SUNSET AWAY FROM US!!!"
Sweetie Belle stepped back in fear as Rarity began to cry again.
"Rarity I'm sorry..." croaked Sweetie Belle, trying not to cry herself, "I didn't mean-"
"Enough," said Rarity, trying to stay calm, "I just can't be near you anymore."
"Rari-"
"Enough, I just can't look at you the same way anymore. Goodbye."
Rarity walked to her room and slammed the door in Sweetie's face.
"Rarity..." said Sweetie Belle as she tried to open the door but quickly found out that the door was locked. She pounded her hands on the door. "Rarity, please, I'm sorry." Tears flowed out of her eyes as she slammed her hands on the door. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Rarity just ignored her sister; she didn't want anything to do with her anymore. But Sweetie Belle didn't, she wanted to make amends with her sister. And this went on for hours, but eventually, Sweetie Belle gave up and headed to her room. She laid on her bed and cried herself to sleep.
"I'm so sorry...." She whimpered.
"And until we can trust you can use the Internet responsibly," said Rainbow Dash's mother and Scootaloo's guardian, Windy Whistles, "you're banned from using it."
"And you'll be using a flip phone until further notice," said Bow Hothoof
Scootaloo nodded and headed to her room upstairs.
"SCOOTALOO!" shouted a voice, making her jump. She turned around and saw a furious Rainbow Dash. Rainbow stomped towards the young teen. Scootaloo took a step back but her back met the wall.
"What the fuck!" Dash screamed. "I can't believe it was you who stolen everyone's secrets. You little bitch!"
"D-dash!" stammered Scootaloo, "I didn't mean-"
"You did! You did! You meant to spread secrets. You meant for a civil war to start at the school. You meant to hurt Sunset! Just tell me! What did Sunset ever do to you to make you do this to her!? And don't think being jealous is an excuse!"
Scootaloo looked down in shame and guilt as she didn't know how to answer.
"Answer the question!" growled Rainbow as she grabbed her ex-honorary-sister by the shirt collar.
"Dash stop!"
"Why should I!? You pushed Sunset to suicide!"
"So did you!"
Rainbow Dash stops and lets go of Scootaloo, tears glossing her eyes.
I hope I never see you again she-demon!
That line Rainbow said that day echoed through her mind and she began to sob. Scootaloo, though she was still terrified, felt pity for Dash.
"Dash are you okay?" she said trying to give Rainbow a hug. Dash violently shoved Scootaloo down to the ground.
"Stay away from me! I hate you!" Dash screamed as she ran to her room to cry. She slammed the door behind her and screamed into her pillow.
Scootaloo, on the other hand, decided not to approach Dash. She felt like an asshole.
It was the last day of school before the winter holidays. On this day, everyone is at their happiest, ready to finally abandon their academic responsibilities and kick it into high gear. But for Canterlot High School, it was nothing special.
It was lunch, the last period of the day before the final bell rang. And instead of the usual happy clamour, the cafeteria was silent, only small conversations filling the gap. It wasn't unusual for them to sit down in silence. But on this particular day, a heavy sadness was hanging in the atmosphere. While there were much worse days since the terrible calamity that permanently plagued their lives, this day-- the anniversary, was what twisted the knife. The pain wasn't as vital, but this day, a mere number on a calendar, was powerful. An anniversary forces people to remember. A wedding day. A birthday. A holiday. And, for the school, someone's death... the death of their friend. And when they are forced to remember that, it also returns to the main root: Anon-a-Miss. The main cause for this mess, and the tragic reminder of their stupidity. But no grief nor anguish was greater than five girls in particular.
The Rainbooms sat at their usual table, forlorn expressions attached to their faces. They were staring at their partly bitten, or otherwise, uneaten food on the white table. With no other topics to focus on, nor are they able to use their phones to distract them, they were all forced to think about Sunset and reflect on their prior actions. It was always something they typically avoided as it was a troubling topic. But what other option do they have? They were the core reason it happened. Their arrogance was what permanently damaged their friendship with Sunset Shimmer, and, to an extent, Twilight as well. Was this even a subject worthy of discussion? Perhaps not. But then again, no one can comprehend nor confirm the answer.
"So..." Rainbow said, finally breaking the painful silence as everyone moved their attention to her. "What's everyone doing this Christmas?" she asked, despite the sadness corresponding to her face.
The girls processed Rainbow Dash's question as the depression increased at the moment. Christmas was not exactly a joyous event as it matched up with Sunset's depression and eventual suicide. If anyone were to ask, Christmas would be a dead holiday to everyone and a tragic end to the year. It was no longer a day about family, friends, and love. But rather, tragedy, sadness, and death.
Taking full notice of the status of everyone's emotions, Rainbow's face contorted to remorse as her eyes rolled to her half-bitten sandwich. Of course, no one had anything planned. Why should they? They don't have any reason.
"I... I'm sorry, guys," Rainbow apologized. "I... I didn't mean to--"
"No. No. Don't apologize, Rainbow," Applejack assured. "It's just... I don't have any plans. Well, other than the fact I'm gonna open a new pack of cigarettes... and maybe some alcohol."
"You think you can give some cigs?" Rainbow asked, "I ran out yesterday and I don't have enough cash."
"Swing by my house after school and I'll give you a box," Applejack confirmed.
"Thanks, AJ," Rainbow thanked.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" asked Fluttershy in her meek voice. "I-I mean, Applejack can handle it. But you, Rainbow Dash? Don't you think it's dangerous to your health?"
"Yes, Fluttershy," Rainbow dismissed. "Don't worry, I won't overdo it."
Fluttershy wanted to object, fully acknowledging that Rainbow doesn't always commit to her promises about self-control. But witnessing the mood on her face, she decided not to voice her opinions. As if reading her mind, Rarity looked at Rainbow and Applejack with concern on her face.
"Fluttershy's right. We already know how dangerous smoking is. I think it's better if you..." Rarity made a quick pause. "took a break."
"And when you say take a break, do you mean forget about what we did?" Rainbow responded, to which Rarity's eyes widened in shock.
"I-- I didn't mean it like that! It's just..." Rarity dropped her head as she blinked away a few tears. "Look, I miss Sunset too. And I still feel horrible after what we did. But..." Some watery mucus cascaded from Rarity's nostrils as she made an audible sniff. "It's been a year now. Maybe it's time to consider... moving on?"
"But does it make a difference, Rarity?" Pinkie stated, tears tracing her pale, hollow cheeks. "No matter what happens, we'll always be the ones who push Sunny to suicide. And nothing we do will take it back."
"I have to agree with Pinkie Pie," Applejack chimed in, adjusting her hat. "We're the reason we're in this mess."
"And this will always be the anniversary of our stupidity. I can't even look at a Christmas tree," Rainbow added, battling the tears pooling in her eyes. She pulled up her sleeve and swiftly wiped her face, not wanting to show weakness in front of her friends, despite acknowledging they were not far behind.
"I just can't believe it," Fluttershy whispered, her voice breaking. "Sunset worked so hard to prove that she had changed. But in the end, we treated it like it was nothing at all."
"I know, Fluttershy." Pinkie agreed. "We used all the mean stuff Sunset did, which were two years ago, as a perfectly valid excuse to hurt her and not feel bad about it."
By this time, the clock read 11:50 AM. At that point, the lunch staff was beginning to close up and students were filing out, stacking their empty lunch trays on the trash and heading to their lockers to retrieve their needed items for the following two weeks. Taking notice of this, the girls' melancholic conversation abruptly ceased. They then stared at the large portions of their remaining meal.
"We better finish," Applejack said, aiming her fork at her mashed potatoes as the others followed. Between quick mouthfuls and swift chewing, Rainbow caught a glimpse of Pinkie, her skinny arms straight down as she merely stared at her cold, untouched meal. While it wasn't the first time it occurred, it never failed to concern Rainbow or anybody else.
"You gotta eat, Pinkie," Rainbow said, her eyes softening. "I don't want you to go out on an empty stomach." More tears spilling from her eyes, Pinkie simply shook her head in refusal. "Come on, Pinkie!" she exclaimed. "You have to eat something."
"Just a few bites, darling," Rarity pleaded. "The cafeteria's closing in less than ten minutes."
Pinkie shook her head again.
"Please..." Fluttershy asked quietly.
"No..." Pinkie responded, her voice matching Fluttershy's volume.
"When was the last time you ate?" Applejack questioned. Pinkie hesitated for a moment before looking back at Applejack.
"Dinner. Yesterday," she answered, to which everyone gaped in shock.
"Then by all means of God and everything else, eat. If not for us, then for your health," Applejack commanded, her voice switching to a more serious tone.
"No. I don't want to." Pinkie said, her tear stains growing wider.
"Nope! Not this time! I am not, repeat, not letting this slide! Not after last time when you went to the hospital!" Applejack ranted.
"Please, Applejack. I don't want this." Pinkie squeaked.
"Then eat! Please!" Applejack shouted, shoving the tray toward Pinkie.
"Please, Pinkie! It's orange chicken! You love orange chicken!" Rarity chimed in.
"No," Pinkie protested, her lip quivering.
"Please..." Fluttershy begged, not looking far behind. "For your health."
"We don't want you to die, Pinkie. And I don't have enough room in my heart for more grief. We need you." claimed Rarity, the white illumination reflecting off her eyes.
Upon processing that declaration, Pinkie's lip quivered as her body trembled slightly. Fresh tears, already spilling from her eyelids, formed in her eyes as a large, noticeable lump appeared on her throat. Everyone's demands stopped, and their fear and irritation instantly turned to remorse and sadness.
For a whole minute, everything paused. The girls remained rigid and silent as their eyes were aimed at Pinkie Pie, who remained stationary in her seat, shaking like a bomb about to detonate. Not one person dared to advance any further, fearing that one false move could meet the inevitable results. But in the end, none of it mattered. Bringing her long, frail hands to her face, Pinkie inhaled a big, heavy breath... and finally broke down. Loud sobs were muffled between her fingers as tears rapidly gushed from her eyes. She lost sync with her breathing as all she could focus on was her crying, only occasionally sucking in a breath every few seconds. As thick mucus eventually obstructed her nostrils, Pinkie moved her hands from her face as she violently let out wet, disgusting coughs. She brought both hands to her head and pulled at her straight hair, attempting to move her mind away from the awful sensation accumulating in her throat. She had no more time now. Launching herself from her seat, she sprinted to the circular trash can adjacent to a blue pillar. She brought a hand to her now unstable stomach, attempting to keep what little sustenance she had from evacuating. But just as her hand was a fraction away from the basket, her timing came too soon.
Falling to her knees, Pinkie let out a few gags before, finally, spitting out a foul-smelling brown. More pain increased in Pinkie's abdomen as her stomach squeezed out the remainder of its contents. With absolutely nothing in her stomach, Pinkie fell to her side, her face barely missing the puddle of vomit. She began to cry, not knowing what else to do.
As soon as things began to calm, the Rainbooms abandoned their table and charged toward Pinkie at breakneck speed. Rarity, being the first to approach her, carefully dropped to her knees and pressed her hand onto the pink girl's heaving back. Her friends immediately joined, crowding around her and embracing the broken girl who was still attempting to stabilize herself. The few students who witnessed this, formed a small circle to get a closer view. People stared at the girls sympathetically while everyone else was merely silent, not knowing what to do.
"EVERYONE, MOVE!" shouted a voice. Everyone obliged as a female janitor quickly rushed to Pinkie. Seeing that help was here, the Rainbooms moved away from Pinkie. "C'mon. To Nurse Redheart," she commanded as she helped the still-crying girl to her feet and guided her out the door. Leaving everyone in shock and concern as they--
BRIIIIING!!
The final bell reverberated in everyone's ears, unceremoniously forcing everyone to cease their thoughts and finally end the school day. Not wanting to look back, the remainder of the Rainbooms returned to their table, threw out their waste, and filed out the door connected to the corresponding hallway.
They all walked in silence, fearing that one wrong move could lead to a result similar to Pinkie's breakdown. But it was hard... as talking is the only plausible way to cope with one's unsettling emotions. But as they entered the more narrow hallways containing the lockers with their possessions, a glass case caught their eye. It normally had academic awards, pictures of the clubs and sports teams, and a few honourable moments. But one whole panel, reserved for one person, was what made tears spill from their eyes, as the girls instinctively paused to get a better view, their forlorn expressions reflecting the transparent panel of glass. One mere object. That was what added more salt to the wound.
' In Loving Memory of Sunset Shimmer. The True Meaning of Redemption. We're Sorry We Couldn't Return The Favour.' it read.
Inside, there was a framed picture of Sunset with a joyous smile on her face. Surrounding the said object were a few other pictures capturing Sunset's happy moments. The girls had ultimately lost the fight with their tears as they all began to cry softly, feeling unspeakable remorse for what they did. As a few more sobs escaped their mouths, they also began to acknowledge that Christmas is a holiday they can never enjoy again. It has always been the most favoured day of the year, but this has proved that it's absolutely nothing. Nothing can change nor take back the pain they'll be enduring for the rest of their lives. This day had proven that Christmas would simply be a tragic reminder of what they had done to Sunset, and how their actions ultimately caused her death. And that is the cold, hard truth, no matter which way they look at it.
"I am so, so sorry, Sunset," Applejack whispered, pressing her hand on the glass. "I'm sorry for not havin' enough faith in you..."
"If I had just acted differently, maybe things would have been different. But it's not, because I was stupidly reckless and ignorant. I can never apologize enough." Rainbow lamented.
"When you needed me the most, I thought only of myself. I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make it up, but it's not possible." Rarity stated sadly.
"I love you, Sunset. But... I know you would never look at me from upstairs. If I had just chosen my love instead of my emotions, this wouldn't happen. I'm sorry for everything, Sunset. Hopefully, you'll acknowledge that." Fluttershy declared, tears falling from her face. But just as they were about to make additional declarations to Sunset's spirit.
"Uh... sorry for interrupting, guys." said a voice from behind. They looked back and saw a girl with dark brown skin and black hair standing in front of them. "But I gotta get to my locker."
"Oh... sorry." Applejack apologized before she and the others backed up against the wall, allowing room for the girl to pass.
"Thanks!" she shouted as she walked to the green lockers behind the rectangular opening. Watching her disappear, the girls figured it would be enough.
"C'mon, y'all. Let's go," said Applejack as the others nodded and followed her. They silently and dejectedly entered the combination password, swung the door open, pulled out their backpack, slipped on their coats, and closed them. As they made a beeline to the nearest exit, the girls caught sight of Sunset's graffitied locker. It was empty, and there were no owners; the ink and everything else really couldn't scrub off after all. And it did nothing but remind them of their irresponsible decisions. As they finally made it out of the large infrastructure, the cold, snowy air hit the parts of their unguarded epidermis, reddening their cheeks. They all wonder if the same thing will occur again next year.
"You guys go ahead. I'm gonna check on Pinkie." Rarity called out as she turned on her heel.
"No need." said a familiar yet weak voice. Everyone looked up and saw Pinkie descending the steps with Nurse Redheart.
"Pinkie!" Rainbow said with relief as she and the others approached her.
"Is she okay?" Applejack asked, concerned.
"She's okay," Redheart confirmed as everyone sighed in relief. "I got her to calm down and gave her a salad and a few granola bars. However, she's going to need more calories to keep her strength up."
"Don't worry." Applejack said, grabbing Pinkie by the arm, "We'll make sure it happens. C'mon girls, we're going to Sugarcube Corner and buying her a hot meal." she stated, as the others nodded in agreement.
"Guys," Pinkie said. "I--"
"Not again, Pinkie!" Rainbow exclaimed. "We are going there whether you like it or not!"
"Guys... I really--" Pinkie was cut off again.
"No, Pinkie. Not this time. Besides, I think we all need to wind down. Right, girls?" Rarity stated, despite knowing that Sugarcube Corner was the last place she wanted to be.
"Go with them, Pinkie." Nurse Redheart said, "I know you had a tough year. And..." she paused searching for the correct words. "you need to be with your friends."
Pinkie remained silent for a few moments as she looked back at her friends' begging expressions.
"Okay..." she said, despite not meaning it.
"That's the spirit!" Rainbow said, forcing a smile as she grabbed Pinkie's hand and led her to the main sidewalk. "Thanks for everything, nurse!" she thanked as the others followed.
"No problem, girls! Be well!" she said as she walked back into the building.
Unwittingly, despite the whole place being deserted, save for the remaining students and faculty heading home, one person stayed, watching the whole event unfold. It was the very same girl the Rainbooms encountered in the hallway. After surveying the area for any leftover inhabitants, she pulled out a small object from her pocket. It was a small, glowing cube, with tiny electrical hues shifting around like a small storm caught in a box.
"I think I found them..." she said, her mouth stretching into a small grin. With that, her eyes began to glow into a brilliant white and her hair rose from her shoulders. "Time for phase one."
