Sunset is visited by three characters so she can forgive her friends
Thanks to Anon-A-Miss, Sunset is overwhelmed with grief, believing she is destined to be alone. Even when the culprits confess, she refuses to forgive her friends after they accused her earlier. When the new substitute teacher gives her a book to help her with her grief, she is visited by characters who tell her only by these visits can she forgive her friends.
Author's Note: (PLEASE READ FIRST!) Around the time the pandemic hit us, I have been reading other fictions involving the Equestria Girls Holiday story from the comic book series, also known as the Anon-a-miss story. Long story short, it takes place between Rainbow Rocks and Friendship Games, the CMCs make a MyStable account called Anon-a-miss and exposes students secrets and everyone blames Sunset. Things get resolved, of course, but people criticize it for characters being out of character. My gripe is that I feel in Equestria Girls is that every time the girls turn away from Sunset and things get resolved, they don't learn from it or show signs of regret. just one apology and everything's okay.
To me, Sunset should have just left the group, feeling betrayed when they should have been helping her understand friendship. Relax, after a bit, she would return. On Fimfiction, I've read alternate stories where Sunset doesn't forgive the Rainbooms, returns to Equestria, or dare I say it commit suicide. I had decided to do my own version and I'm using elements from one of my favorite stories, A Christmas Carol.
Those are just my words. Also, there may be some repeated dialogue.
I'm rating this T for Teen because there's a chapter with an attempt at suicide.
It was Christmas time at Sweet Apple Acres. The Rainbooms were decorating the tree. Joining them were the CMCs and Twilight Sparkle and Spike. It was Twilight’s first Christmas with the girls since she transferred from Crystal Prep after the Friendship Games.
“Thanks for inviting me and Spike.” She smiled.
“You’re part of the group now, Twilight. Which means you’re family now.” Applejack smiled.
“I don’t remember the last time I was with someone outside of my parents decorating the tree. Not since Shining moved out.”
“And this’s the tip of the iceberg of what we do.” Sunset added.
“Also glad you three could join us.” Rainbow lifted Scootaloo to put an ornament on a higher branch.
“Glad we could make it as well.” Scootaloo grinned.
“Especially after we hurried to finish our homework. Correctly.” Applebloom pointed out. “Don’t worry. Granny checked to make sure it was right.”
“We believe you, Sugarcube.” Applejack assured.
“I hope so. After how hard we regained everyone’s trust again.” Sweetie Belle sighed.
“What do you mean, Sweetie Belle?”
But before anyone could answer Twilight’s question,
CRACK!
“Oh no!” Sweetie Belle gasped.
“What’s the matter?” Fluttershy asked.
Everyone looked to see one of the ornaments fell off the tree and cracked. It was shaped like a computer.
“oh.” Sunset said.
“Not that one!” Scootaloo cried.
As the CMCs were saddened by this, Sunset went up to them and hugged them. “Girls, girls, it’s okay. Stuff happens.”
“Was that one special to you three?” Twilight asked.
Applebloom nodded. “We combined our allowances to buy that for Sunset Shimmer. It was our way of apologizing to her.”
“For what?”
The moment they heard Twilight’s question, The Rainbooms looked at each other with concern. But they knew that she deserves to know. Sunset walked up to Twilight and placed her hands on her arms.
“Well, Twilight, it’s a long story, so you may want to sit down.”
“I’ll make us some hot cocoa.” Pinkie volunteered as she scurried to the kitchen while the rest of the group sat in a big circle. Sunset then spoke up.
“Twilight, remember when I told you how I use to be bad?” Twilight nodded in response.
“Well, after the Battle of the Bands was my first Christmas with the girls. We had fun with sleepovers, Christmas decorating, etc. but one day all that changed.”
Applejack continued. “The was a Mystable page called Anon-a-miss that was spilling out everyone’s secrets, including ours. When we saw the embarrassing pictures of us from Sunset’s phone, we…… accused Sunset in front of the school.”
Twilight gasped as the CMCs lowered their heads in shame.
“We aren’t proud of it.” Rainbow sighed. “We stupidly thought Sunset went back to her evil ways, especially after she helped us in the Battle of the Bands.”
“We should’ve realized she wouldn’t have anything to gain from it.” Rarity shook her head.
“And it almost cost us our friendship.” Fluttershy was on the verge of tears.
“Sunset almost didn’t forgive us.” Pinkie said as she returned with a tray of hot cocoa and everyone took a mug.
Twilight then asked Sunset before taking a sip. “How long did it take for you to forgive?”
After taking a sip, Sunset spoke. “Well. To be honest, the whole incident nearly destroyed me. I felt like all my efforts to redeem myself were in vain and I would alone for the rest of my life. But all that changed just two days before Christmas break…….”
Everyone at school accused former bully Sunset Shimmer because the online bully had the same color scheme as Sunset's hair on her profile picture and it started off posting pictures and videos of the Mane 5, Sunset's closest friends, and soon moved on to the entire school.
The worst part for Sunset was losing her newfound friends and schoolwide respect.
It was two days before Christmas break. Sunset was standing at the Wondercolt statue and crying. Her head kept playing the mean words from her former friends.
--------
“We trusted you Sunset!” Rainbow Dash yelled, “We thought you were our friend!”
“How could you do this after all we’ve been through together?”
“You secret stealer!”
Sunset tried to reason with them, “Guys, it wasn’t me I swear! Please listen to me!”
“No! You’re not the person we thought you were! You’re not our friend!” Fluttershy cried as she pushed Sunset off of her.
“It’s over Sunset. We’re no longer putting up your fiddlesticks.” Applejack said and the Mane 5 walked away leaving Sunset to cry. “I’m sorry but you did this to us. Tell whatever secrets you want, but we don’t have to listen.”
---------
"I worked so hard to fix my reputation after the fall formal and the Battle of the Bands. I really thought I would have a chance at happiness but now I guess it's gone." She whimpered to herself.
BBBRRRRRIIIIINNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!
The bell rang and everyone ran to their classes.
Sunset didn't want to go to class and face her classmate's accusations, but she reluctantly went inside and trudged down the hall anyway.
As she was walking along, two students named Big Boy and Runt decided to shove her to the ground in a hallway filled with students, leading to some cruel laughter.
“That’s for Anon-a-Miss!” Runt yelled as he and Big Boy laughed as they walked away.
Sunset Shimmer picked herself up, gathered her books and walked to her first class with her head down to avoid student’s glares. As she did, a figure in the shadows holding a cane watched her from a distance. Then a couple angry students began to surround her.
Tears started to well up in Sunset's eyes, "Leave me alone, please."
Diamond Tiara yelled, "Shut up Anon-a-Miss!"
"My parents grounded me because of you!" yelled one of the eco-kids.
Sunset cried, "But it wasn't me! I swear!"
"That's a lie!" Trixie yelled, "You told Trixie you were behind this!"
Sunset cried, "I was trying to tell you I wasn't!"
One of the Diamond Boys said, "She's lying, let's get her!"
But before anyone could touch her, the figure stood before the students and slammed his cane. Standing before Sunset was an elder man wearing black and a high silk hat.
“Anyone who touches this girl will answer to Principal Celestia!” barked the man.
“How can you help her? She’s a desecrator to this entire school!” Trixie pointed.
The man still held his ground. “Nevertheless, I will not tolerate ANY violence in this school! I will deal with her myself. NOW! Get to class before I give you detention to last a lifetime of school years!”
Shaken by the threatening tone of the elder, the students scurried to their classes. Sunset picked herself as the man faced. As she prepared to be scolded as well, the man’s harsh tone became gentle, much to her surprise.
“Are you alright, Sunset Shimmer?”
“Somewhat. You’re that new substitute teacher, right?”
“I am. Mr. Ed B. Neezer. I’m only here until winter break.”
“Well, thanks for helping me. It’s the only act of kindness I’m ever gonna get.” Sunset turned to leave.
“Why don’t you come to my classroom?” Mr. Neezer offered.
Sunset flinched. “If they see you helping me, they’ll hate you too.”
“Oh poppycock! I can handle those whipper snappers!”
Seeing that she had nowhere to go, especially now that her friends left her, Sunset shrugged. “I might as well.”
“I’ll tell Principal Celestia when we arrive.” Mr. Neezer assured as he led Sunset.
As they walked, Applebloom saw the whole thing and was very saddened.
--------
When they arrived, Sunset saw it was a room with no windows with only one light. As she took her seat, Mr. Neezer called Principal Celestia and told her what happened. After he hung up, he turned to Sunset.
“Principal Celestia says it’s okay for you to stay in here for the rest of the day. She’ll send Granny Smith to bring you a sack lunch.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Sunset said.
Sunset spent the entire day in the classroom. She was able to do her schoolwork and had not spoken a word all day. She was still saddened by the whole Anon-a-miss mess. Mr. Neezer looked up to notice the crying.
“Are you going to be okay there, Miss Sunset?” he asked.
“Why? Why don’t they believe me?” She whimpered. “I worked real hard to prove I’m not the bad girl I used to be and all for what? Someone shares secrets and I’m automatically guilty! I guess I’m destined to be alone.”
“I’m sure things will work out in the end.” Mr. Neezer assured.
“I doubt it. Nobody believes I’m innocent. Even my own ‘friends’.” Sunset cringed. “How do you know I’m telling the truth?”
Mr. Neezer took off his glasses. “I read your profile. From what I've heard from Principal Celestia, you remind me of myself when I was your age. I was mainly alone, mostly being odd and antisocial. All I had was my work. Also, as mention before, I detest school violence.”
-------
At last, it was time to go home. Mr. Neezer offered to walk home with Sunset. As they walked through the hallway, Sunset tried to look away from all the glares shot at her, especially from her so called friends. Anyone who tried to hurt Sunset were forced back by a glare from Mr. Neezer. As they were walking in the snowy sidewalk, Sunset felt a little relieved as she spoke to Mr. Neezer.
“Thank you. I really appreciate all you did for me, sir.”
“My pleasure. I enjoy walking in the cold. Originally, it was because cold was cheap, but now a days, I find it comforting.”
Sunset felt a bit at peace, watching the snow fall peacefully, but she still felt fear for the school after her for Anon-a-miss. “if only it was that simple.” She sighed.
“perhaps this will help.” Mr. Neezer pulled out a small book out of his coat. “this is one of my favorite novels. It has helped me in tough times. You are more than welcome to read it.” He handed the book to Sunset, who accepted it. By then, they arrived at Sunset’s place.
“Here we are.” Sunset headed to the door before turning to Mr. Neezer. “Thanks again for the book.” She thanked before heading in the door. Mr. Neezer smiled back before taking his leave. Even though she had someone who knew she was innocent, she still felt down that the whole school saw her guilty for a crime she didn’t do. She then looked at the book Mr. Neezer gave her and remembered what he said, ‘It had helped me in tough times.’ Since she had nothing better to do, curtesy of Anon-a-miss, Sunset picked up the book and began to read. “Jacob Marely was dead…….”
--------
Back at the Sugarcube Corner, The Rainbooms were having hot cocoa, but they were anything but happy.
“The nerve of Sunset!” huffed Rarity. “Posting our secrets online!”
“And after everything we did for her!” Rainbow added.
Fluttershy noticed Applejack was being quiet. “Applejack? You’ve been pretty quiet over there.”
“Sorry, Fluttershy, just not feeling very talkative right now.” The cowgirl sighed. She wanted to believe Anon-a-miss was Sunset Shimmer, but she wondered why the new substitute teacher defended her if she was guilty.
“It’s such a shame this had to happened.” Pinkie pouted.
“I just like to know why?” Applejack hissed.
“Um, Applejack?” the girls looked up to see the CMCs walking up to them looking guilty as Applebloom sniffled. “We need to talk.”
All through the night, Sunset Shimmer struggled to sleep. She was haunted by the memories of the last thing her ‘friends’ said to her.
”We trusted you Sunset! We thought you were our friend!”
“How could you do this after all we’ve been through together?”
“You secret stealer!”
“No! You’re not the person we thought you were! You’re not our friend!”
“It’s over Sunset. We’re no longer putting up your shindigs. I’m sorry but you did this to us. Tell whatever secrets you want, but we don’t have to listen.”
“You’re not our friend!” kept echoing as she wallowed in self pity until.
BRREEEEEEEEEEK! BREEEEEEEEEK! BREEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
Her alarm clock went off. As Sunset got up, she was just dead inside. She really didn’t want to leave the building let alone go to school even if it was the last day before winter break. She was able to get enough strength to leave home. On her way, someone hit her with a snowball. But she never looked up. Turned out it was Runt and Big Boy. They kept hitting her with snowballs all the way.
“What’s the matter, Anon-a-miss? Too important to take punishment?” Runt was about to throw another snowball only to hear the sound of a cleared throat and turned to see an angry Vice Principal Luna.
“You two. My office. After school. NOW LEAVE!” She glared, causing the two to run into the school. Then, she turned to Sunset while brushing off the snow on her. “You. Follow me.”
Without saying a word, Sunset followed the vice principal, who took her straight to Principal Celestia’s office. They entered to see both Principal Celestia and Mr. Neezer waiting for them.
As Sunset took a seat, Celestia saw her as a wreck and hugged her.
“Oh you poor thing.” Celestia saw Sunset on the verge of tears. She took a deep breath and spoke seriously. “Sunset Shimmer, we brought you here because of what’s been going on recently.”
“You….think I’m….. ANON-A-MISS!” Sunset sobbed before Vice Principal Luna patted her shoulder.
“Nonononononono. We found the real Anon-a-miss. We already schooled them about the whole thing.”
“Celestia and Luna are going to have an assembly, hoping to end this shenanigan. The students who attempted to hurt you yesterday are getting a coaching.” Mr. Neezer added.
“You are welcome to stay. But after everything we’ve gathered from the teachers and seeing you like this, I think it might be best for you to go home since it is the last day before winter break.”
“I should go home.” Sunset sighed. “I’ve done enough damage.”
“Sunset you didn’t-” Celestia tried to reason.
“I’M A BAD GIRL NO MATTER WHAT I DO! I TRY TO CHANGE! I SAVED THIS SCHOOL! BUT FOR WHAT? CYBER BULLYING HAPPENS AND I’M AUTOMATICALLY GUILTY! I CAUSED TOO MUCH TROUBLE! I SHOULD NEVER HAVE LEFT EQUESTRIA!” Sunset got up and sprinted to the door. But she stopped as she touched the knob and turned to the teacher and principals. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I’m just sorry for everything I’ve done to the school. I hope you have a Happy Holidays. At least somebody will.” She then opened the door and left.
Celestia, feeling remorse, sighed deeply as she turned to Mr. Neezer. “Mr. Neezer, I’m really sorry you had to see this during your stay. Normally, my students wouldn’t act this way. In a matter of speaking.”
“Oh believe me, Principal Celestia, I have seen many crazy things in my life that would turn you white.”
“Well, let’s get this over with.” Luna said.
Celestia nodded as she headed to her desk and pushed the button on the intercom.
-------
Later, all the students were in the auditorium as Principal Celestia stood on stage.
"Thank you all for coming," she spoke through a microphone. "Now, as some of you have known, the school has been suffering some cyber bullying by one Anon-A-Miss. You'll be glad to know that Anon-A-Miss has confessed to posting all those hurtful pictures and videos they posted. Now, I won't be revealing who Anon-A-Miss is, but I can assure you that they fully regret all the trouble they caused and are very sorry. The profile has been taken down and Anon-A-Miss will be severing six months of detention."
In the audience, the CMC's lowered their heads in shame, while the Rainbooms glared at them for what they did to Sunset.
"Second and for most, I hope you've all learned a valuable lesson about jumping to conclusions and accusing someone based on their past reputation," Celestia went on, while the Rainbooms felt bad on how they treated Sunset. "We are all aware of Sunset's past, but she has worked very hard to make up for all she had done. So I believe she is well deserving of a second chance. Just as Anon-A-Miss is." The Rainbooms looked back at the CMC, this time with remorseful looks. "And I hope you'll all be willing to give a second chance to anyone should something like this accrue again and that you'll all be more open mined in in future. Thank you."
Vice Principal Luna then took the mike. “And all the students who attempted harm or caused harm on Sunset must report to my office. Dismissed!”
As the other students headed to class, the Rainbooms hurried to the principals. “Have either of you seen Sunset?” asked Applejack.
“Sunset was an emotional wreck so we let her go home.” Celestia answered.
“We need to find her and apologize!” Pinkie declared.
“I hope you get the opportunity.” Luna stated. “In the meantime, get to class.”
Knowing the vice principal was right, the girls hurried off to class.
--------
Sunset returned to her place, locked the door, and plopped on her bed, bawling. She then looked to her magic journal.
“I’m sorry, Twilight. I failed.” She said to herself. “I guess no matter what I do, I’ll always be a bad girl! I’ve failed the magic of friendship!”
She then turned to the book Mr. Neezer gave her and picked it up and continued where she left off.
“You wish to remain anonymous?....”
Later, around the time school would be done, Sunset heard a knock at her door.
“Sunset?”
It sounded like Applejack. Fearing her former friends were going to harm her, Sunset hid under her bed covers.
“Sunset Shimmer? Are you home?”
“She’s not home.”
“Can’t you pick the lock, Applejack?”
“Rainbow Dash, Darling! That would be breaking and entering!”
“Well, we gotta find her, Rarity!”
“Maybe she’s at the mall!”
“I doubt it, Pinkie, but I suppose it’s worth a try.”
Sunset peaked out her window as she saw the Rainbooms leave and sighed in relief.
“Great. Now THEY’RE after me!” she said to herself. “What does it take to be left in peace? All because of a STUPID BLOG!”
She then looked at her journal. “Maybe I can ask Twilight about returning to Equestria. But would Princess Celestia forgive me?”
After a couple hours later, Sunset heard her stomach growl. She thought maybe some Chinese food would sound good. She checked the time on her alarm clock. Surely, they’re gone by now, she thought. So she got her jacket and pulled up her hoodie over her head and a scarf over her face and left her place.
--------
At the mall, Sunset ordered her food for take out at the booth at the food court. So far, no one pointed out that it was her. As she passed a bunch of Christmas shoppers, her hood fell off by the time she exited the mall. She was just about to put it back on when suddenly-
“There she is!”
“Oh no!” Sunset gasped. Even without turning around, she immediately recognized Pinkie’s voice anywhere. Still not turning around, she heard more footsteps as the Rainbooms hurried to her. She was full of anger and fear to even face her so called friends.
“Sunset? Sunset Shimmer.” Applejack panted. “Please. We need to talk.”
Clenching her fist, Sunset suddenly ran from the parking lot as fast as she could.
“Sunset! COME BACK!” Rainbow cried as the Rainbooms ran after her.
“GO AWAY!” Sunset shouted back.
“Wait a minute. STOP!” Applejack called to her as Sunset picked up the pace.
“SUNSET! PLEASE! LISTEN TO US FOR A MOMENT!” Rarity pleaded.
Sunset tripped then quickly got up and ran more, unaware she dropped her Chinese order. She then quickly turned a corner, hiding behind the wall, and waited in silence as the Rainbooms ran ahead of her, not seeing her. When they were long gone, Sunset breathed a sigh of relief.
“I should’ve ordered delivery.” She said to herself before a male voice surprised.
“Excuse me.”
She turned in surprise to see Mr. Neezer all dressed in black. When she saw it was just the teacher, she sighed in relief.
“Oh! Mr. Neezer! What a relief.”
“I believe this is yours.” Mr. Neezer held up a bag with Sunset’s Chinese order. As Sunset accepted it, she was surprised to see everything was alright but shook it off.
“Thanks. Must’ve dropped it while running from my former friends.”
“Why were you running from them?” asked Mr. Neezer.
“No doubt they were gonna beat me up.”
“I thought with Anon-a-miss gone, people would treat you better.” Mr. Neezer raised a brow.
“the last time I let a crowd come near me, they wanted me dead. And before that, my ‘friends’ disowned me as their friend.”
“Did you tried to talk to them?”
“I seriously doubt they’d listen to me.” Sunset shrugged off. “I-I doubt they want anything to do with me. Look, I gotta go. I just want to be alone.” And with that, Sunset headed home.
Mr. Neezer watched as the pony turned girl walked away. “Hopefully, some friends of mine can help you face your friends again.” He told himself before walking away.
After losing sight of Sunset Shimmer, The Rainbooms had no choice but to give up and go home. They were saddened that they lost their chance to apologize to their hurt friend. Applejack arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and entered the back door to find Granny Smith and Big Mac sitting at the dinner table with supper all set.
“I’m home.” The cowgirl sighed then looked around. “Where’s Applebloom?”
“the poor dear hasn’t said a word since the assembly at school.” Granny Smith explained.
“She must really feel very guilty about that whole Anon-a-miss nonsense.”
“Eyup.” Big Mac added.
“I blame myself.” Applejack sat down. “If I just invited Bloom to join us, she wouldn’t have felt left out and she wouldn’t have done that with her friends!”
“Nope.” Big Mac said.
Applejack began to beat herself up more. “And then I wouldn’t have accused Sunset and tossed her like a rotten apple core! Especially when I told her she was family! And- and-”
Granny Smith patted the girl’s hand. “There there, Applejack. Even family makes mistakes and that could’ve been a whole lot worse than it already was.”
“Maybe.” Applejack whispered.
After dinner, Applejack went up to Applebloom’s room and knocked on her door.
“Applebloom? Are you awake?” there was no answer. “Sugarcube, if you can hear me, I’m sorry I made you feel left out, but Sunset had no family and I promised Twilight I’d help her understand friendship. And I wanted to give her a family out of all of us. And now Sunset Shimmer won’t talk to us. I’ve failed her. I’ve failed Twilight. I've failed you. All I ask is that for a chance to make it up to you and Sunset. At least for Christmas.”
Not hearing a word, Applejack sulky walked to her room, unaware that despite depressed, Applebloom did hear what her sister said.
--------
After eating her meal, Sunset changed into her pajamas and continued to read the book Mr. Neezer gave her. She was on the part where the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, was visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marly, when she started to feel sleepy. So she bookmarked her place, turned off her lamp, and went to sleep.
Suddenly, she was awoken by a spooky voice calling her name. “Sunset Shimmer.”
She was half asleep at first before the voice was closer. “Sunset Shimmer.”
“Who-who’s there?” Sunset cried hearing footsteps climbing up to her bed.
“a friend.” The voice answered as the figure made it to her bed. The figure wore green spandex, a white belt with a buckle holding a coin, white gloves and boots with green stripes, a golden shield over his shoulders, and a green helmet that resembled a dragon.
“What do you want with me?” Sunset asked.
“You have nothing to worry. I came to help you.” The green ranger said.
“How can you help me?”
“Because I have been where you are now.” The ranger then took off his helmet, revealing a human teenager with long brown hair. “My name is Tommy Oliver. When I moved to a new town, an evil witch named Rita put a spell on me, chose me as her green ranger. I did a lot of things I regret. Then ones I once considered enemies broke the spell and gave me another chance.”
“I realize it is similar to me, but you were turned against your will. I was evil to begin with.” Sunset sighed.
“perhaps, but I have seen what would’ve happened if I rejected that second chance.” Tommy held out his hand as a screen showed another version of him. Sunset gasped to see Tommy in a white outfit, a green shield, gold gauntlets, a helmet shaped of a dragon tiger hybrid, towering over all. “In this alternate reality, I went back to that witch Rita, led her forces to war, stole another ranger’s powers, and hunted down anyone, ranger or not, who stood against me. I called myself Lord Drakkon and I acted like a god, treating everyone like they were beneath me.”
“Please. I don’t want to see no more.” Sunset cringed in sorrow. As Tommy put away the screen, she then asked the ranger. “Why would you help me?”
“Because I know you can be released from the shackles of your past. It’s not too late to make amends with your friends.”
“They tossed me aside and abandoned me! After they claimed I was part of their family.”
“But if you don’t let them apologize, you’ll be no better than them.”
“I….just don’t think I can face them right now.” Sunset sighed.
Tommy then put his helmet back on. “Here’s the deal. In the next three nights, you will have a visitor each night. Without their visits, you will never have the compassion to face your friends.” As he turned to leave, the green ranger then turned back to Sunset. “Expect the first visitor tomorrow night when the bell tolls one.” And with that, he took his leave, saying. “Farewell, Sunset Shimmer, and good luck.”
The alarm went off. Sunset turned it off. She then spent a couple minutes staring at the ceiling remembering her visitor last night.
“Was it all a dream?” she wondered before getting out of bed.
As she headed to the bathroom, her phone vibrated. She looked to see it say:
“Christmas shopping with Friends”
Sunset frowned at the reminder, knowing her ‘friends’ would never want her around now.
She then remembered the words that green ranger guy told her.
“Without their visits, you will never have the compassion to face your friends.”
Sunset sighed as she pressed ‘ignore’ on her phone before continuing her solitary day.
--------
Meanwhile, at the mall, Applejack was waiting for the others with Rarity. The cowgirl was telling the fashionist her own problem.
“And she hasn’t spoken since she confessed to Principal Celestia.”
“Sweetie Belle is the same way.” Rarity sighed. “They must really feel guilty about Anon-a-miss.”
“I hope we can get the chance to talk to Sunset. Maybe if we can make amends, she could tell them it’s okay.”
Just then, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash arrived, while each of them looked sad, Rainbow looked the most dismal.
“How’s Scootaloo?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow sighed. “I just got off the phone with her aunts. She hasn’t spoken a single word.”
“Same with our sisters.” Rarity closed her eyes.
“This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year! And yet everybody is sad!” Pinkie bawled.
“Because we keep hurting our friends.” Fluttershy whimpered.
“There. There.” Applejack coaxed. “its obvious Sunset isn’t coming. I was hoping she would so we could apologize. Look, let us just get our Christmas shopping done.”
And with that, The Rainbooms all went to get their shopping done.
--------
Meanwhile, Sunset decided to play some video games. After a while, she heard her stomach growl so she decided to break for lunch. She looked in her cupboards and refrigerator but didn’t find anything that sounded good. That meant she had to buy groceries, meaning she had to leave the building. Again.
“Well, I need to stretch my legs anyways.” She told herself before sighing. So, after putting her winter apparel on, including a hat and scarf to cover her head and face, she headed out.
-------
Before long, Sunset was buying groceries without any trouble at all. She kept her hood and scarf on so nobody would recognize her, especially from CHS. After she felt like she had enough, Sunset tried to hurry to the registers when she accidently hit a cart and some groceries fell to the floor.
“Oh! I’m terribly sorry! Here. Let me help you clean it up.” Sunset apologized as she bent down and started to pick up boxes.
“My apologizes. I’m afraid I was the one who was careless.” Said a familiar voice. Sunset looked up.
“Mr. Neezer?”
“Sunset Shimmer?” Sure enough, it was Mr. Neezer. Quickly, Sunset shushed the teacher.
“I’m trying to hide. So I can leave without any trouble.”
“Still feel hurt inside, huh?”
“’Fraid so. I didn’t even go Christmas shopping either.” Sunset sighed.
“With your friends?” Mr. Neezer asked.
“How did you-?”
“just a random guess. I’ve been noticing you’re avoiding them and not forgiving them.”
“Because they never forgiven me!” Sunset said trying not to yell and get people’s attention. “I tried to use my second chance, but I’m always bad no matter what I do.”
“And you wish you could take back every mistake you’ve done.” Finished Mr. Neezer.
Sunset looked in confusion. “Okay. You’re kinda creeping me out.”
“I wasn’t lying when I said you remind me of my self. I never really had a good relationship with my father. My sister was the only one who cared for me. When she died, I never got to hear her dying wish because I was drowned in grief.”
“What was her dying wish?” Sunset asked.
“That I would take care of her son. My nephew Fred. As life went on, I only cared about money. My avarice ways made me lose a lot of friends, business partners, even costing me the love of my life.”
“Oh. How do you cope with it?” Sunset asked.
“Let’s just say some visitors opened my eyes. And now, I do my best to be a better person.” Mr. Neezer finished as the two walked to the registers and paid for their stuff.
“Did anyone ever mentioned your past?” Sunset raised her brow.
“Oh, every now and then, but that never stopped me from being a good person because doing good makes me feel good. I renewed my relationship with my nephew and became a second father to my new partner’s youngest.”
Soon, both Mr. Neezer and Sunset paid for their groceries and left the store. Before leaving, Mr. Neezer turned to Sunset.
“I hope what I told you helps you with your problem.”
“Well, it did give me a lot to think about.”
Mr. Neezer smiled as he took his leave. Sunset, though remembering everything the teacher told her, kept her face covered and ran home.
-------
Meanwhile, at the Sugercube corner, The Rainbooms had finished their Christmas shopping and went to get some hot cocoa. But despite finding good presents, the girls were anything but happy. They just couldn’t get Sunset Shimmer out of their heads. At last, Rainbow broke the silence.
“Girls. We stink.”
“Sunset needed us and we failed her.” Fluttershy bawled.
“we promised Twilight to take care of her. And now, she probably won’t trust us ever again!” Pinkie pouted.
“if she was here, she’d agree we were unworthy of the magic of friendship.” Rarity sighed.
Applejack got up. “Sorry. I gotta go. I’m running late.” She mumbled as she left.
Rainbow Dash raised her brow. “I guess Applejack feels the most guilty out of all of us.”
“Well, she told Sunset she was family, then accused her when Anon-a-miss striked, only to find out her sister was behind it.” Everyone shot a look at Pinkie, who sheepishly grinned. “Just saying.”
“She probably felt that she should’ve known Sunset was telling the truth and she’d still be with us. Her pride as an honest girl is probably shattered.” Rarity sighed. “Just as I should’ve been more generous.”
“And kind.”
“And loyal.”
“and made her smile, not frown.” Pinkie finished with a sigh.
--------
“I’m home.” Applejack entered the kitchen to find Big Mac and Granny Smith. “Any improvement on Applebloom?”
“Nope.” Big Mac sighed.
“she hasn’t spoken one world. She only comes down for chores then mopes in her room.” Granny explained. “Any luck on Sunset?”
Applejack shook her head. “She never showed up.”
After dinner, and checking on Applebloom, Applejack went to her room and moped. She kept remembering her talk with Sunset to finding out about Anon-a-miss sharing her nickname to when they disowned Sunset because they thought it was her. Just thinking about it made her feel really guilty.
“Why didn’t I listen?” she asked herself. She then looked at her phone by her bed before deciding to try to talk to Sunset. Or at least try.
-------
At her place, Sunset put a frozen dinner in the microwave as her phone vibrated. She looked at the caller ID to see it was Applejack. She frowned as she debated on answering it so long that her phone put on voicemail. After a while, to Sunset’s surprise, Applejack did leave a voicemail. Sunset picked up her phone and, after debating with herself, deleted the message and tossed her phone in the garbage. After eating her dinner, she read more of the book Mr. Neezer before getting tired and went to sleep.
Later that night, Sunset was sleeping when she heard her alarm go off. She was half asleep as she looked to see it was 1:00 AM.
“why did I set my alarm for one?” she muttered as she went back to sleep. Then she heard the echo of the Green Ranger’s voice echoing in her room.
“EXPECT THE FIRST VISITOR WHEN THE BELL TOLLS ONE!”
Sunset stood in her bed half-awake when she fell off due to the sound of a whistle.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
“Rise and Shine, Sunset Shimmer!” cried a grouchy loud voice.
Sunset climbed up to find a muscled guy wearing army boots, camouflage pants, a black tanktop, a white support belt, sunglasses, and a ranger hat.
“Did I miss the part inviting you in?” she groaned.
“I just appear when needed!” the guy declared. “My name is Sargent Slaughter! And I’m your visitor for Christmas Past.”
“Long past?” Sunset asked.
“No. Your past.” Sargent Slaughter then revealed he held Sunset’s phone. “I just saw you have a message.”
Sunset looked at her phone and saw it was the message from Applejack earlier. “I thought I deleted that.”
“Without even checking it?”
“It’s probably more Anon-a-miss garbage.”
“Did you hear it?”
“Why bother? They made it obvious they hate me.” Sunset sighed.
“So, when someone does you wrong, they’re automatically denied another chance.”
“Like they gave me?”
Sargent Slaughter walked over to the closet. “Seems to be a habit of yours. Don’t remember?” he opened the door revealing a glowing light that got Sunset’s attention.
“W-What is that?” she asked.
“The Doorway to your past.” The sarge said. “C’mon. Let’s get going.”
Frightened at first, Sunset got up and followed Slaughter into the light.
--------
When the light died, Sunset opened her eyes to find herself in a familiar town.
"Canterlot," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "You brought me to Canterlot?"
"More or less," Slaughter replied.
Sunset looked down and saw she wasn’t a pony before looking around.
"Hey, I know that pony," Sunset Shimmer said pointing at an Earth pony with a green mane. "That's Silver Lining. I haven't seen that optimist in forever."
"And you're still not," Sargent Slaughter said. "This is the past. Everything you see is just a flashback. You can't touch them nor can you alter anything. No pony can see or hear you."
"Why would you..." Sunset Shimmer asked.
“C’mon.”
Sargent Slaughter led Sunset Shimmer to the Canterlot Castle windows. They went through room to room until they found a bedroom.
"I know this place," Sunset Shimmer said. "This is where I slept back when I was taught by Princess Celestia."
"and does that pony look familiar?" Slaughter pointed at a unicorn popping her head from under the covers. Her red mane was all messed up and she rubbed her eyes.
Sunset watched her pony self get herself around and went to the balcony to see her mentor, Princess Celestia lift the sun to start the day.
“Can I lift the sun, huh? Can I? Can I?” the pony asked gleefully.
Her horn glowed as she tried but could not do it. Celestia took over and patted the down pony on the mane.
“You’re not quite there, Sunset.” She smiled.
Sunset smiled remembering that day.
Sgt. Slaughter took notice. “You really admired her, didn’t you?”
“Princess Celestia was like the mother I never had. I was her student.”
The scene fast forwarded to the two ponies in a room where Celestia talked to Sunset. “You must learn to make friends.”
“But. Why?” Sunset raised her brow.
“Because friends bring happiness.”
“But….I’m happy when I do magic.” Sunset pointed out.
“Idiot! Listen to Celestia!” Sunset stated to her past self.
“But why do you do magic?” Celestia asked her pupil.
“to Do good things?”
“But for who? You need to make friends, Sunset.” Sighed Celestia.
“right.”
Sunset and Slaughter watched as they fast forward to when Sunset’s past self was talking to Celestia after her failed attempt to be a friend.
“I know friendship is not easy, Sunset.” The princess said.
“But why?” asked Sunset annoyed. “Do you want me to fail again?”
“I don’t think any pony would be incapable of making friends.”
Sunset whined. “But What am I doing wrong? I tried to act nice. I tried to be friendly, but nothing works!”
Celestia slightly chuckled. “you saying you can study the fundamentals of magic but friendship is too hard for you?” she then rubbed Sunset’s mane again. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Sunset.”
Sunset sniffled. “Is that an order?”
“Yes. And until you do, you are forbidden in the library.”
Sgt Slaughter turned to the human Sunset. “That must’ve hurt you bad.”
Sunset sighed. “she just wanted what was good for me. But back then, magic was the only thing important to me.”
The two watched as the scene shifted again. This time, Sunset saw her pony self wearing a cloak reading a scroll about the magic mirror she later escaped to.
“Typical. You disobeyed.” The sarge crossed his arms.
The pony Sunset looked up from her cloak in shock. “P-Princess Celestia?”
“I have made it clear that you were not allowed here and you have disobeyed me!”
“I told you! I couldn’t even make friends!”
“You didn’t even TRY!”
“I did! I tried everything you told me!”
“Did you?”
Sunset then snapped. “YOU’RE A HYPOCRITE! YOU DON’T HAVE FRIENDS!”
Celestia was taken shock from her student’s words. But before she could answer, Sunset teleported away.
Seeing herself say that, Sunset fell to her knees and tried to hide her tears. “What have I done?”
Sgt. Slaughter put his hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Come on. There something you should see.”
Sunset whimpered. “I know what happens next.”
“There’s something you missed.”
The scene fast forwarded to Princess Celestia looking guilty as she set the sun and raised the moon. As she looked at the image of Nightmare Moon on it, she sobbed to herself, “What have I done?”
Sunset and Slaughter watched as Celestia flew to her old room. As she knocked, she saw the door was slightly ajar. Then the alicorn tried to talk to her student.
“I-I’m sorry! I don’t know what got over me. I should have gotten to understand you! I thought I was helping, but I was not. I-I don’t know anything about friendship.” She sniffled. “maybe….maybe we could get a second-” the door then gave way as Celestia gasped to find the room empty.
Sunset, seeing that her mentor tried to apologize her, began to cry. Slaughter held the girl and, after a pause, spoke. “There was someone else you did this to.”
“Who?”
The scenery changed. Instead of a castle, Canterlot High appeared. The two of them were inside Ms. Cheerilee's class room.
"November," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "This is the end of November!” She pointed at the past Sunset Shimmer sitting in her desk.
"Students," Cheerilee announced. Everyone turned their attention to her. "I'd like to introduce a new student that'll be joining the class. Come on in."
The classroom door opened and a teenage boy with a black jacket and blue hair entered the class. When past Sunset saw him, she widened her eyes with a smile and rubbed her chin.
"This is Flash Sentry," Ms. Cheerilee said. "He's from out of town and he's in a band. So everyone, try to make him feel welcome."
"I get it, now," Slaughter said. "After class, you put the moves on him, didn't you?"
"I wouldn't say that," Sunset Shimmer said. "Okay. Yes, I invited him to dinner so I could show him around the town. We've been in a relationship since, but after a month, Flash Sentry broke it off for no reason."
"I wonder why?"
Suddenly, the scenery changed. A party was held in the Canterlot High gym. Christmas music was played and everyone was celebrating.
“Oh no!” Sunset gasped.
"WHAAAAT?!"
Everyone looked at where the scream was heard. Past Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry were standing by the punch bowl. Flash Sentry had a nervous face while past Sunset was very angry.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT TO END THINGS RIGHT NOW," past Sunset Shimmer shouted.
"Look, Sunset, I'm sorry," Flash Sentry said. "If you would just let me explain."
"Explain what," past Sunset Shimmer shouted, "That you're heartless!"
"It's not that at all," Flash Sentry said.
"I have given you the best month of my life," past Sunset Shimmer shouted. "I have been a wonderful girlfriend to you. I just cannot believe you're going to leave me... DURING THE HOLIDAYS!"
"I didn't say I was going to leave you," Flash said. "I just don't think we should go out anymore. We can still hang out. This break-up doesn't mean we can't be friends."
"YES, IT DOES," past Sunset Shimmer shouted angrily. She grabbed a punch-bowl and slammed it on top of Flash's head. She then ran off while Flash's friends were drying Flash Sentry off.
"I didn't need to see that." Sunset Shimmer said.
"No, the old you didn't need to," Sgt Slaughter corrected. "If you really have changed, then maybe you can hear him out now. Look for yourself."
Sunset Shimmer saw Flash Sentry talking to his friends.
"Well, good riddance," one friend said. "I told you that you should've left her a few weeks ago."
"Flash, why did you end things with her?" another friend asked.
"She wanted me to forget about you guys," Flash Sentry said. "She said that I should be paying more attention to her."
Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes and felt a heavy feeling in her chest.
"Really?" the first friend asked.
"Yes," Flash Sentry said. "And that's when I realized that it may not matter what my friends think of my girlfriend, it does matter what my girlfriend thinks of my friends."
"Well, don't worry, buddy," the second friend said. "I'm sure you'll find another girl someday."
"Yeah," Flash Sentry said. "Maybe someday."
The scenery changed. The Christmas party began to fade away. In a few seconds, everything in sight was pitch black, except for Sunset Shimmer and Sgt. Slaughter. Sunset began to cry. Remembering her making Flash choose between her or his friends really ached.
Slaughter then offered Sunset her phone. “Do you wanna check your voicemail?”
Sunset took her phone and pushed a couple buttons and held her phone to her ear as Applejack’s message started.
“Sunset, it’s Applejack. Listen…. I’m sorry. For everything. I feel bad for not knowing you were telling the truth. We all want to make it up to you. If you don’t wanna call me back, please come to the Sweet Apple Acres Christmas party. Please. I’m so sorry.”
Sunset wanted to believe that, but she was too filled with sorrow.
“I don’t wanna see anymore! Please! Take me home!” she begged the Sarge.
Sgt. Slaughter looked down. “Just remember, Shimmer, you made these memories yourself.”
Sunset woke up and looked at her mirror as she reflected on last night.
“He’s right.” She sighed. “I have no one but myself to blame.”
As she got around, she kept thinking about all she hurt because of her selfishness. Even when she continued to read her book, she couldn’t help but think about both Princess Celestia and Flash Sentry. She even remembered Applejack’s message. She didn’t know what to do make of any of it. After deciding she need fresh air, she covered her face like before and headed out.
--------
Sunset walked around town. Luckily, no one seemed to recognize her through her disguise. They were either busy Christmas shopping or not paying attention. After a while, she bought a sandwich and drink and sat at the park. She didn’t mind the cold. It was because she didn’t feel comfortable around people right now. While she ate her lunch, Sunset still felt distraught from everything last night. Was Princess Celestia trying to apologize to her? Were the girls’ truly sorry like Applejack claimed? She wanted to believe that, but the pain from the Anon-a-miss made her feel betrayed and alone. As she finished her lunch, she heard music and decided to look into it. She found the park stage where the Battle of the Bands took place where Flash Sentry and his band were playing Christmas music. Just the sight of it made Sunset remember her flashback from the day she broke up with him. She thought about maybe talking to him after the show and at least apologize to him. She started to walk over to the stage before stopping.
“The last thing I wanna do is cause a disturbance at a concert.” She muttered as she walked away.
Just then, Flash and his band finished playing and the audience cheered. As the teen bowed, he saw Sunset walking away. Despite her little disguise, he was somehow able to know it was her. He then hurried off the stage in hopes to talk to her on how she was holding up after the Anon-a-miss incident and see if he can do anything to cheer her up.
“Sunset? Sunset!” he called out as he made his way through the crowd. But by the time he made his way out of the crowd, Sunset was long gone.
“I hope you’re doing okay.” He muttered to himself as he headed back to the stage.
--------
Sunset decided to head home while she was still unrecognizable. As she headed to her place, she saw a plate covered in aluminum foil and on top of it was a card in an envelope. Fearing it was something offending her because of Anon-a-miss, Sunset grabbed the plate and quickly threw it in the trash.
"It was a mistake going out!" she griped to herself.
After calming down, she went back to her solitude reading. “Come forth and know me better, man…..”
-------
“Do you think those cookies you baked will convince her to come to the party tomorrow?” Applejack asked Pinkie through the phone later that night.
“I hope so. Because I’m afraid I can’t make anyone smile if this fails.” Pinkie pouted.
“It’s our only hope, Pinkie, if we’re ever gonna make it up to Sunset and be friends again.” Applejack looked at Applebloom, still sulking in silence. “It’s everyone’s only hope.” She hung up and looked up to the clouded sky outside and saw a star peeking out and sighed.
Later that night, Sunset was fast asleep when her alarm clock suddenly went off. She looked at the clock said 2 am. Groaning, she knew this meant the second visitor was expected to show up. She got up and sat on her bed and waited when she heard rustling down by her kitchen area. She crept to it and saw a blue mongoose eating from the plate she threw away earlier. She screamed, getting the mongoose’s attention.
“What? Did you see a spider or something?” he asked with a cookie in his mouth.
“Who or what are you?” Sunset demanded.
“Of course. My mistake.” The mongoose swallowed the cookie. “Hello. My name is Sunil. I’m a Mongoose. And your visitor of Christmas present.” He then held up a cookie. “Cookie?”
“You’re eating something I threw away and you want me to eat it?” Sunset was disgusted.
“In my defense, you had the aluminum still wrapped on.” Sunil huffed.
After huffing knowing the mongoose was right, Sunset took the cookie and took a bite. To her surprise, the cookie was delicious.
“Why would you throw away such delicious cookies?” Sunil asked.
“I….thought it was something offensive.” Sunset sighed.
“Why would anyone do that? And before Christmas?”
“Apparently, all bad people, even former ones, don’t deserve a merry Christmas.” Sunset whimpered.
Sunil held up the envelope that was on the plate. “I believe this is for you.”
Sunset took the envelope and opened it. As she read the letter, Sunil read over her shoulder.
“You are invited to the Sweet Apple Acres Annual Christmas Party. On Christmas eve.”
“Oooo. Sounds like fun!” Sunil gleamed.
“How do I know if this isn’t a trick? They could be using this to lure me out!” Sunset feared.
“Why don’t we take a look and see?” Sunil took out a high silk hat, pulled out a folded piece of paper, folded up, revealing a door.
Sunil opened the door, revealing another portal, and lead Sunset into the portal.
-------
The two entered another room before Sunset spoke.
“Anything I need to know while we’re here?”
“While we’re in the present, we are still invisible so no one can see or hear us.”
“Okay.” Sunset looked around to see they were in Pinkie Pie’s room. The two saw the party girl sitting on her bed, listening to music that was familiar to Sunset.
“This- this is Post Crush! I love this artist! I didn’t know Pinkie liked them too!” she gasped. As she went near Pinkie, she saw the pink girl was anything but happy. Her hair was deflated.
“I really hope Sunset enjoyed those cookies I baked for her.” She told herself. “if only I made them for her earlier. I should’ve done that to everyone who suffered from Anon-a-miss. I don’t think I can made people smile anymore if this doesn’t work.” She pouted.
“She made those cookies? I should ask for the recipe.” Sunil said.
“Maybe I was a little too hard on Pinkie.” Sunset said.
“What about the others?” Sunil asked.
The two turned to find themselves in Fluttershy’s room. The shy girl shed a couple tears as she stroked her pet bunny, Angel.
“What have I done, Angel?” she asked her bunny. “I turned away from a friend. And on Christmas of all times!” she finished bursting into tears.
“Okay. Maybe Fluttershy too.” Sunset confessed. “But the others were too quick to judge me. It’s obvious they still think I’m Anon-a-miss!”
“Let’s find out.” Sunil said as they turned around to see they’re now in Rarity’s room. There they found Rarity struggling to make a dress. She just couldn’t concentrate. Her sister hasn’t spoken in days and she misjudged her dear friend. She peeked out of her room to see her mother leave Sweetie Belle’s room.
“How’s Sweetie?” she asked.
“Still nothing. The poor thing still hasn’t spoken. Oh sure, She’ll still leave her room to do her chores and extra work. She didn’t even begged when your father took her labtop from her until we can trust her.”
Rarity couldn’t help but shed a tear, which her mother noticed. “There, there, deary, I’m sure things will get better.” As her mother headed back downstairs, Rarity sulked back to her room.
“What’s wrong with Sweetie Belle?” Sunset asked the mongoose.
“She’s been overfilled with guilt from the whole Anon-a-miss incident.”
“and I suppose that was my fault too?” Sunset folded her arms.
“Not entirely. They felt left out when their sisters hung out with you more than them. That was the main reason they started Anon-a-miss page. When you were sleeping at your last sleepover, they took your phone and uploaded the images to the Anon-a-miss page.”
Sunset still didn’t look convinced. But Sunil continued.
“When Applebloom saw the students about to hurt you, that was there she felt this went too far. So they confessed to their sisters and your principals and deleted the account.”
Sunset still felt hurt, but she was still curious. “Are Applebloom and Scootaloo like this as well?”
“I’m afraid so.” Sunil sighed. “Come with me.” They turned to enter Rainbow Dash’s room to find the athlete laying on her bed listening to her phone before she spoke.
“Okay. Thanks, miss Lofty. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” She sighed before hanging up her phone. As she continued to lay there, a slight knock was on her door. It was her father, Bow Hothoof.
“No progress on Scootaloo?” he asked.
“Nope. She still remains silent.” Rainbow then stood up. “how could I have been so stupid? I’m supposed to be loyal and yet I failed! I'm mad at myself for not being there for Scoots, I’m mad at the squirt for hurting Sunset. I’m mad at Sunset for not forgiving us. I’m mad at…. Not knowing who to be mad at!” she took her pillow and screamed in it as her father patted her back.
“Beating yourself up about it isn’t going to help anything. Just give Sunset and Scoots some space right now. I’ve been where you are. All you can do now is just say you’re sorry, move on, and hope for the best. Some things are just out of our controls.”
Rainbow looked up. “I just hope Sunset does comes to the party tomorrow so I can at least try to apologize to her.”
“That’s my girl. Now get some shut eye. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.”
“Kay.” Rainbow breathed as Hothoof left the room. Sunil then talked to Sunset.
“Come on.” The two turned to see they were now in the kitchen of the Apple family. They saw
Granny entering and she and Big Mac watched Applejack who was outside in the snow, standing in remorse.
“Applejack still outside?” she asked.
“Eyup.”
“Anyword from Applebloom?”
“Nope.”
“I really hope they aint this way at the party tomorrow.” Granny sighed as they walked away from the window. Sunset walked up to the window and saw Applejack outside looking to the sky. Then she turned to Sunil.
“Sunil. Is this how things will be from now on?”
The mongoose sighed. “Hard to tell. All I know is whatever happens is up to you, Sunset Shimmer.”
(STOP! FAIR WARNING: This short chapter will involve Christianity. If this upsets you, you are allowed to skip this chapter)
Sunset walked out the door of the kitchen as her eyes were fixed on Applejack, who stood still looking at the clouded sky and saw a bright star trying to peak out. She then took off her hat as she spoke to herself.
“I…. never really prayed before. But I’m really at my wits end. I wrongfully accused the wrong person, right after I said she was family. And now she won’t give the chance to apologize.” She yawned as a tear dropped from her eye. “If this party fails to give us another chance, I’ll never forgive myself.”
Applejack walked sulkily back inside as Sunset and Sunsil watched.
At last, Sunset spoke. “Who was she talking to?”
“That’s a part of Christmas you do not know about.” Sunil said.
The two turned to enter in total darkness.
“To tell you it, I invited a friend who can explain it better than I can.” Sunil pointed to a young boy with messed up black hair, wore a tan coat, black pants, a yellow and green hat, and carried a light blue blanket.
“Sunset Shimmer, meet Linus.”
“Hello, Sunset.” Linus greeted while shaken Sunset’s hand.
“So Linus, what is this part of Christmas Sunil talked about?”
“I’ll be more than happy to tell.” Linus walked a little bit before calling out, “Light, please.” A spotlight shined over the boy as he told his tale:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
After he finished, Linus walked up to Sunset.
“That’s what Christmas is about, Sunset Shimmer.” He said. “That child gave people hope, which can be the greatest gift of all.”
“Hope.” Sunset whispered as Linus took his leave.
Sunil climbed up to Sunset’s shoulder. “When hearing that story, people look to the holidays as a time of renewed hope.” The mongoose’s words echoed as everything went black.
Sunset Shimmer was once again awoken by her alarm. After she got herself dressed and around, there was a knock on her door.
“G-Who is it?” Sunset asked, almost telling that person to go away.
“It’s Mr. Neezer.”
Hearing that caused Sunset to unlock the door for the teacher.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked.
“Actually, I was wondering if you would like to join me for brunch? Since it’s Christmas Eve and I leave Canterlot later tonight for the holidays, I thought if you’re still hurting, I could give you a little Christmas cheer.”
Sunset pondered a little bit and decided to go since the teacher has tried to help her through her grief from Anon-a-miss incident. “let me get my jacket.”
--------
They went to a diner. Sunset was too quick to get her jacket she forgot to get her scarf so she was exposed. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice her.
“This one is on me, Sunset.” Mr. Neezer said as they got their orders. As they enjoy their food, Mr. Neezer then asked, “So, anything better with your friends?”
After swallowing her bite of pancakes, Sunset tried to find the right words to say as she answered.
“Well, I think they’re trying to make amends with me, but I still don’t think I can trust them. I got invited to a Christmas party later tonight. I don’t know if I should go or not.”
“Reminds me of when my nephew invited me to his Christmas party.” Mr. Neezer said.
“Did you go?” Sunset asked.
“at first, I thought it was a waste of time and money. After learning the true meaning of Christmas, I actually went and had lots of fun.” He then noticed Sunset still looked unsure.
“I’m not telling you what you should or should not do. All I can say is you may not get the chance to make amends if you let this pass you by.”
“Maybe.”
“At least give it some thought.” Mr. Neezer advised.
--------
After Mr. Neezer paid for their meals, Sunset headed back to her place. As she continued her reading, she was debating if she should go to the Sweet Apple Acres Christmas party. She kept thinking about her little visits and seeing her friends hurting from their mistake as well as the people she hurt when she was bad. As she was on the part of the book where Ebenezer saw a bad future if he did not change, Sunset got up and decided she might go.
“I’ll never know if they were seriously sorry or not.” The red head told herself, though she still wasn’t sure inside.
--------
It was later that evening and Sunset was heading over to Sweet Apple Acres. This time, she decided not to wear her scarf and hat cover up. If her ‘friends’ were really sorry, they’d welcome her and not harm her. Soon, she arrived at the apple farm and headed to the door. After a little hesitation, she lifted her hand to knock on the door when suddenly-
She stopped.
“what if- what if this is a trick?” she muttered to herself, starting to tear up. “this whole thing was my fault to begin with. All because I disobeyed Princess Celestia. I should never have heard of that mirror.”
Breathing heavily, Sunset ran away in tears, hoping nobody saw her.
(Fair Warning. this is the chapter with an attempt of suicide in it.)
Sunset Shimmer kept running until she arrived at the city bridge. She was overwhelmed with grief and regret.
“I should never have left Equestria!” she cried to no one as she looked at the snowy sky. “Then, I would never have hurt others and been a thorn in their lives. I’m sorry, Twilight. I’m sorry, Princess Celestia. I’m sorry, Flash. I’m sorry, CMCs. I’m sorry, everyone!”
She then climbed to the other side of the railing. Thinking everyone would be better off without her, Sunset fell to the frozen water below. Because she had her eyes closed, she didn’t see a bright green portal appear and she fell through it. Sunset opened her eyes to find she was back on the bridge. Confused, she tried to fall again, only for that same portal to catch her and put her back on the bridge over and over again. What the pony turned girl didn’t realize was that everytime she went through the portal, everything was starting to look foggy.
“Whoever you are, Leave me alone!” Sunset cried, trying to find the one responsible for the portals. “I’m not worth it!”
After a couple more failed attempts, it got so foggy Sunset couldn’t see what was in front of her. However, she looked to see she was touching not the railing but a tombstone and gasped. Before, she could ask, a giant shadow walked towards her. Sunset could only knowingly point in fear. “I…. I know who are.”
The figure revealed to be a big dark blue robot with fin like arms. His face was covered by a screen and head had two diagems.
“You’re my visitor of Christmas future, aren’t you?” Sunset accused. The robot nodded. “what is your name?”
The robot held up a card with his picture on it to Sunset. On the card labeled ‘Soundwave.’
“Soundwave? That’s your name?” Soundwave nodded before Sunset continued. “Do you not speak? Or just when necessary?”
“Just when necessary.” Soundwave responded with a recording of Sunset’s voice.
Creeped out at first, Sunset then looked around. “So where are we?”
“Christmas future.” Soundwave answered in Sunset’s voice.
Sunset looked around to see they were in a cemetery. “You must have the wrong holiday. This has more of a Halloween feel here.”
Sunset looked to see the Rainbooms staring glumly at a tombstone. Rarity placed a wrapped gift on the tombstome as her mascara ran down. Fluttershy was bawling while Rainbow held her, trying to hide her tears. Pinkie’s hair was flat as she stood drooply. Not far from them, the CMCs were watching sadly. Soon, all but Applejack left.
“Why didn’t I listen?” she whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. Then, the cowgirl set a guitar on the tombstone and sulked away.
Sunset worked her way up the hill with Soundwave not far behind. The name on the stone was covered by snow.
“Must’ve been someone close to them.” She said. Soundwave pointed to the stone, as if saying, ‘go to the stone.’
“Let me guess. It’s someone I hurt, isn’t it?” The robot did not move just pointed.
“How can I learn the magic of friendship if I keep hurting people? Whether I wanted to or not?” Sunset slowly walked up to the stone. As she kneeled to it, she continued, “Maybe that’s why I was jumping off the bridge. Did you EVER THOUGHT OF THAT?”
Soundwave just waved his hand, as if saying, ‘just look’. Sunset then started to brush off the snow, revealing the name started with an ‘S’. one by one, she revealed another letter.
S-U-N-S-E-T S-H-I-M-M-E-R
“Sunset Shimmer?!” Sunset looked in remorse. Below the name, it also said, ‘a true friend’. She hugged the stone. “They did care!”
At last, Soundwave spoke in his own voice. “Because you rejected their kindness, and denied them forgiveness, this time of year will be the saddest time for them forever.”
Sunset crawled to Soundwave. “No. please! Tell me I can fix this! I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore!” she hugged the robot’s leg while Soundwave remained unfazed. “I wanna live! I wanna live!”
As Sunset pleaded, everything began to grow dark as she closed her eyes.
Sunset opened her eyes to find she was back at the bridge as snowflakes touched her face. She also noticed what she thought was Soundwave’s leg she was hugging was really a streetlight. As she let go, she saw Applejack hurrying to her. It turned out she was the only one who saw Sunset leaving Sweet Apple Acres and hurried to bring her back.
“A-Applejack? Applejack!”
The two girls embraced each other as they cried.
“I’m so sorry! I’m sorry I accused you for being Anon-a-miss!” Applejack started. “Especially after considering you family. Just please don’t jump!”
Sunset responded by hugging the cowgirl. “I’m sorry, too. For not forgiving you girls.”
“to be honest, I think we deserved it.” Applejack sighed. “C’mon, let’s head back to Sweet Apple Acres.”
Sunset took a deep breath before giving a slight smile. “Okay.”
As they walked, Sunset knew she may have to face other students from Canterlot High, but she thought she would get it over with.
--------
Soon, the two made it back to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack opened the door and the two walked in to find the place dark.
“Come on.” Applejack insisted as she took Sunset’s hand and led her in.
Sunset shut her eyes and hoped for the best. “Please don’t be a trick. Please don’t be a trick.”
Just then, the Christmas lights turned on and Applejack's family, Maud, the Humane 5, and all of the students who attempted to beat up Sunset jumped out from behind the furniture and yelled, "SURPRISE!"
Sunset jumped back, shocked while trying to hide back her tears.
“You CAME!” Pinkie ran over and hugged Sunset.
“Pinkie.” Sunset smiled, ignoring that Pinkie was hugging too tight.
“Sunset!”
“Fluttershy.” The shy girl had as much as Sunset hiding her tears as the two hugged.
“Oh, Sunset!”
“Rarity.” Sunset smiled as she hugged the fashionista.
Finally, Rainbow Dash walked up to the fire headed girl and, after standing there with tears, hugged her.
“I’m so sorry!”
“It’s okay, Rainbow. It’s okay.” Sunset comforted the athlete.
“And there are three others who are really sorry.”
Applejack led the three still silent and remorseful CMCs to Sunset. When they saw Sunset Shimmer, they all burst into tears then one by one, starting with Applebloom. At last, they all spoke together, “We’re so sorry, Sunset!”
The Rainbooms gasped in joy hearing the girls talk again while Granny Smith and Big Mac just smiled.
Applebloom said, "Sunset, me, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were Anon-a-Miss this whole time. We were just jealous and upset that our sisters were ignoring us and hanging out with you."
"Why didn't you two say anything to them?"
Sweetie Belle began speaking, "We wanted to tell you about this, but we were afraid you wouldn't listen to us about it. So we took it out online."
Scootaloo jumped in, "When you girls were having your slumber parties and taking all of those pictures, we set up the Anon-a-Miss profile. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle started off by posting all of those embarrassing facts and pictures about you guys. Soon everyone at school found out about this and they wanted to have a say in Anon-a-Miss. So people started pouring in embarrassing facts about other students and soon it got out of control."
All three girls sat down on the couch near Sunset, "We're sorry. We deserve every punishment we get."
Sweetie Belle said, "we have detention for the rest of the school year. Plus, we won’t be allowed to go to the freshman River Springs Water Park Trip or Camp Everfree this summer.”
“Vice Principal Luna said we were lucky I’ll still be in the junior varsity basketball team and still allowed to try out for track this spring.” Scootaloo sighed.
Sunset took a deep breath. “While I am disappointed in you three for what you put me through, I’m happy you have learned your lesson. And I’m sorry too.”
“For what?”
“I’m sorry I made you feel left out. I never want to hurt anyone ever again. And maybe I’ll live with the guilt for the rest of my life, but I will try to treat you all better.”
Applebloom perked up. “Does this mean you forgive us?”
Sunset smiled as she pulled the three young girls into a hug. “I forgive you.” And she looked to the other students. “And who knows? Maybe we can look back this year and laugh.”
Everyone smiled at the scene. Meanwhile, Mr. Neezer peeked at the window smiling that his work was done and left before anyone saw him. But Sunset seemed to sense him there.
“Hang on. I’ll be right back.” She assured everyone before leaving the house.
--------
Mr. Neezer did not get far when Sunset caught up to him.
“Mr. Neezer! Wait!” She caught her breath. “Or….. Can I call you….. Ebenezer Scrooge?”
With out turning around, Ebenezer smiled. “You found me out.” He slyly turned to face the teen. “How’d you figure out?”
Sunset took out the book she got from the teacher. “You kinda gave me clues with your life experience. Everything you said happened in your novel. But I wanna know how did you come to life? And why help me?”
“I was brought to life by Equestria magic, curtesy of Princess Twilight.” Ebenezer explained.
---------
In a flashback, Twilight looked through a couple books she got from her time in the other world and pulled out a copy of the book 'A Christmas Carol' and used her magic to reanimate Ebenezer from the book and explained everything to him and he nodded as Ebenezer narrated.
“You see, after Twilight gave you her advice, she felt like you needed extra help. Since she couldn’t leave since it’s Hearts Warming Eve back in Equestria, she used Equestria magic to reanimate me from the book. When she explained everything to me, I was more than eager to help. By the time I came to work at Canterlot High under the disguise of Mr. Neezer, everyone had believed you were Anon-a-miss.”
--------
Just then, Tommy the Green Ranger walked up to the two. “While you were in position of the book Ebenezer gave you, The book summoned each of us for our visit.”
“Each of us from worlds that may be fiction to you but real to us.” Sgt. Slaughter then came up with Sunil on his shoulder who added.
“The Equestria magic was able to help us show you the events needed while you were asleep.”
Then, Soundwave towered them all, while nodding in agreement.
Ebenezer put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “And now it is time for us to return to where we belong.”
“Will I see any of you again?”
“If you keep that book with you, we will always be with you in spirit.”
Sunset then embraced Ebenezer who smiled and hugged as he began to sparkle and disappear. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Merry Christmas, Sunset Shimmer.” Ebenezer said before he disappeared back into the book.
Sunset then waved goodbye to the others as they were disappearing as well. Tommy and Sunil both waved back while Sgt. Slaughter gave a salute and Soundwave showed a Christmas icon on his screen. As they disappeared, Sunset smiled before heading back to Sweet Apple Acres only to find her friends had heard everything.
“How much did you all hear?” she raised a brow.
“Pretty much every word.” Pinkie grinned.
Applejack put her hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. We won’t say a word.”
Sunset smiled. “Thanks, girls.”
Applebloom appeared with a tray of cocoa. “C’mon, girls! We’re gonna start the gift exchange!”
“We’re coming, Sugarcube!” Applejack assured as they headed in.
Sunset took a look at her book from Mr. Neezer, titled ‘A Christmas Carol’. At the end of the book was a written message:
‘To Sunset, Remember that Christmas is not only about friends and family, but also about forgiveness. Merry Christmas! Mr. Neezer’
Sunset smiled as she said to herself, “God bless us. Everyone.” She then hurried to join the others.
“And after that, it was a happy Christmas.” Sunset concluded as she held her book.
“Wow. That was something.” Twilight stood up and took a deep breath. “First off, I am disappointed in how you all treated Sunset, especially you three.” The CMCs winced, expecting to get lashed out before Twilight softened her expression. “But I’m also happy things got resolved and we’re all friends here. Did anyone from school knew you three were Anon-a-miss?”
“A handful of students. Mostly the ones who tried to attack Sunset or wanted to apologize to her. But somehow, the whole school learned we were Anon-a-miss.” Applebloom nodded.
“Some students like Flash and Sandalwood had forgiven us.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.
“But there were some students who treated us as bad as Sunset. One day, we were ganged up by a couple of them in the restrooms.” Scootaloo rolled her sleeve up, revealing a scar that was still healing.
“Ouch.” Spike cringed.
“If Pinkie hadn’t sensed the attack, it could’ve been worse. And we would’ve ended up in the hospital.” Sweetie Belle whimpered as Rarity hugged her.
“Rainbow found a couple of them and almost attacked them. Thankfully, Vice Principal Luna stopped her in time.” Applejack said.
Sunset continued. “Those students got three months in suspension. I then had Principal Celestia to let me have a speech in front of the school to tell them it’s okay and over with. While some students glared at them, even when their sisters bodyguarded them, eventually everybody treated them better and everything went back to semi normal.”
“Still, what hurts more is the guilt.” Applebloom sighed.
Twilight patted her on the shoulder. “I can understand that after the Friendship Games.” She then turned to Sunset. "Do you ever still feel pain from that?"
"Well, every now and then, I do feel the anxiety from that experience. But shortly after the Friendship Games, we got a new student counselor, Dr. Mellow. Principal Celestia recommended to me that I could talk to him should I feel hurt again. He's a great listener and advisor."
Sunset then walked up to the tree and picked up the cracked ornament. “You know, I think it looks better this way.”
“You do?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yeah. This way we can remember how our friendship renewed after it was destroyed. And how the years after will always be better.” Everyone smiled in agreement as Sunset hung it back up on a sturdier branch.
“And that just leaves one last thing!” Pinkie gleamed as she pulled out the star.
Sunset accepted the star and after a little pondering gave it to Twilight. “Here, Twilight. You put it up.”
Twilight then came up with an idea of her own. “I’ve got a better idea.”
Shortly after, Twilight, Sunset, and the CMCs, who were held up by Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack, all put the star up together. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Spike all clapped at the sight.
“Great idea, Twilight.” Sunset smiled.
“Thanks, Twilight.” Applebloom thanked as she, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle hugged her.
“Group photo!” Pinkie cheered as she pulled out her phone.
“Okay, everyone. Smile big!” Granny took the picture of the girls as they all smiled big. Looking at the picture, Sunset pulled out her book from Mr. Neezer, AKA Ebenezer Scrooge.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge, she thought to herself, happy that this Christmas will be better than last year.
