> Anon A Miss Strikes
>  by TheKing2001
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset ignored the hateful looks she was currently receiving from her fellow students. She really didn't care about what the others thought about her and Anon a miss. Sure, it hurt a bit having her friends abandon her one by one. But she was used to being alone. She survived for years alone back then, she would survive this. She approached her locker and gave a cold stare to the back of the student vandalizing it. She gave him a tap on the shoulder.

"Hello there, Sandalwood," she greeted him coldly. He spun around and stared into her cold eyes. "And just what do you think you're doing?" 

"Writing how much I hate you. Especially for lying and saying Treehugger and I were dating," he growled. Sunset gave a emotionless laugh.  

"Compared to what others got leaked about them, that is nothing. Plus, it wasn't me." 

"Oh, please," he scoffed. "It could only be you. You probably have files at your house on everyone here and decided to release everything you had. I don't know why, but the truth will come out." Sunset kept staring at him coldly till he broke eye contact. She slammed her open hand against the locker. He jumped at the sound and shoved himself against the locker.

"You have till the end of the day, to get that off my locker or so help me god," Sunset snarled. He quickly nodded and she stepped back, letting him run off. She smiled softly, humming as she opened her locker. She knew she shouldn't be getting aggressive with her fellow students, but she had exhausted all her options and she'd rather die than just roll over and allow herself be to stomped all over.

"You know, getting violent just proves you're behind the account." Sunset turned and faced the speaker behind her. She rolled her eyes at the student. She didn't notice she had a crowd watching her interaction with Sandalwood. Most of the students had looks of fear on their faces.

"And you are who, exactly?" Sunset questioned. The girl rolled her eyes back at Sunset.

"Cherry Crash. You should know, you threatened me before."

"Cool story," Sunset shot off at the girl as she shut her locker and tucked her book under her arm. "That was then, this is now. Have a good day." She strode past the stunned girl toward her classroom. She stared back at Micro Chips and he quickly looked away. He always a weak one. She followed her new norm and sat in the back. She used to sit up front so she could see the board easier but after someone threw a stapler at her head hard, she decided to be safe and sit in the back. Safety is a top priority to her right now. She opened her book as the teacher started talking.

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The bell finally rang and it symbolized freedom from school for two weeks. Sunset had been looking forward to the parties and Christmas with her friends, but how she dreaded being alone for the two whole weeks. She was the last to leave the class. A tap on her shoulder got her attention. She grinned down at the girl who got her attention. 

"Hey, kid! How's it going?" Sunset ruffled Scootaloo's hair with a smile. Scootaloo offered a small smile back. Scootaloo was probably the only person at the school other than the teachers who still talked to her. She and Scootaloo had gotten really close after she became friends with Rainbow. Former friends, now. When Rainbow wasn't around, Sunset looked out for the younger girl.

"It's been better, how about you?" Sunset inhaled. 

"It's been a rough past few weeks, but I'm tough. I've survived worse than this." 

"I'm sorry about all this. People threatening you and vandalizing your property, for hurting you," Scootaloo mumbled and Sunset pulled the younger girl into a hug.

"This isn't your fault. Whoever is truly behind anon a miss, they're a coward. A cyber bully won't break me down," Sunset firmly reassured the other girl. Scootaloo flinched a bit and she could only nod in response as she hugged Sunset back. Inside, she was a whirlwind of emotions, mainly guilt and regret. Sunset finally released her.

"You should hurry along, I don't want Rainbow getting angry for you being around me," Sunset smiled at her sadly. "You have my number, you can text me whenever."

"You're not gonna go to the party, are you?" Sunset shook her head. 

"Rarity made it pretty clear I'm not allowed in her house, not around her and her sister. So nah, I was just gonna stay home." Sunset didn't feel like admitting her home was an abandoned, rundown cottage near their school. "Now run along, Scoots. Your friends are waiting." Scootaloo nodded and gave her a wave as she ran off. She watched Scootaloo run up to where Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were waiting impatiently. Sunset locked eyes with Applebloom and was taken aback by the annoyed look in her eyes. Applebloom turned around and followed her two friends out the school and into the snowy wasteland.


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Sunset trudged through the snowbank with her arms wrapped around herself. The wind cut through her jacket like a knife. She shook the snow off her shoulders and face. In the distance, she saw the welcoming sign of Sugarcube Corner. She continued her trek to the sign. The sign symbolized temporary warmth. Safety. And most importantly of all, warm drink and food. After what felt like a life time, she finally managed to get to the door. She pushed it open and took her jacket off, shaking the snow off it before hanging it up. She approached the counter where Mrs. Cake was waiting for her. 

"Hi, Sunset," Mrs. Cake greeted her with a smile. "What can I getcha?" Sunset quickly looked over the menu. 

"Just a cup of hot chocolate. Maybe a muffin." The older women gave Sunset a nod as she pulled a muffin out of the case.

"Here or to go?"

"I'll stay here for a little bit. It's cold outside. If you don't mind of course."

Mrs. Cake shook her head as she started making Sunset's hot chocolate. 

"Stay as long as you need, dearie," the older women slid the steaming cup across to Sunset. She gratefully nodded and reached into her purse. Mrs. Cake reached across the counter and stopped her. 

"It's on the house. You look like a Yeti." Mrs. Cake gave a laugh and Sunset wrapped her hands around the cup, feeling the warmth spread through her fingers. She quickly took a sip as she carried it and her blueberry muffin to a table. She gave a content sigh at the taste of the milk chocolate taste. She was partially surprised the owner had remembered her favorite flavor. She ignored the chime of the door opening as she closed her eyes above the cup, inhaling the aroma.

"Oh for Pete's sake, she's here." 

Sunsets eyes shot open and she rolled her eyes at the sight in front of her. Standing there was her former friends. Applejack and Rarity looked furious, Fluttershy looked upset to the point of tears. What was most interesting to her, was Rainbow and Pinkie staying quiet. Both girls stared at the floor and didn't say anything. 

"Brilliant observation, you figure that all out on your own?" Sunset asked with a cocked eyebrow as she bit into her muffin. "Or did you have help? We all know thinking isn't your strong suit."

Applejack turned more furious looking, if that was possible. She leaned across the table and pushed the cup of hot chocolate all over Sunset. She glared at her angrily. Sunset wiped her hands off on her napkin and made eye contact with Applejack. Sunset gestured down at her jeans.

"Nice going, Piggly Wiggly. You got hot chocolate all over me." 

Applejack kept glaring. 

"Why did ya do it, ya snake in the grass? We were ya friends for cryin out loud!" Applejacks voice raised in pitch. Sunset could vaguely make out Mrs. Cake at the register on the phone, talking nervously to someone. Sunset stood up and began to walk in a circle around Applejack with a almost predatory grin.

"It isn't me. You wanna know the funniest thing about all this?" When Applejack didn't respond and just kept glaring at her, Sunset continued. "You're the element of honesty, yet you can't tell when someone is being honest. Pity, really that you can't live up to your element," Sunset pointed at Rarity. "You're generosity but you haven't shown me any," she switched to pointing at Fluttershy. "You're supposed to represent kindness but you haven't done that at all. The kindest thing you did was call me a traitor," she glared at Rainbow and Pinkie and was once again taken aback by their silence. She quickly shook it off. "You are loyalty, but you haven't been doing a great job at showing it. And you're supposed to be laughter, but you took my laugh away. I haven't laughed in weeks." Pinkie flinched at that. 

Sunset missed the fist flying at her and she stumbled into a table and it collapsed, breaking from the force of her landing on it. Rainbow immediately grabbed Applejack. What none of the girls had noticed was during Sunset's lecture, two police cars had parked outside. None of them had noticed the flashing red and blue lights reflecting off the glass and off the wall inside in the bakery. A pair of hands grabbed Applejack and shoved her against the wall.

"What the hell?" She shouted and glanced behind her. The officer grunted as he reached for his handcuffs. 

"Don't resist or you're gonna get tased," he warned as he slapped the cuffs on Applejack.

"What bout her? She started it!" Applejack frantically shouted. The officer yanked her back and started walking her to the door. 

"We didn't see her hit you once. We just walked in middle of her lecture and were about to split yall up when we saw you punch her and throw her into a table," the officer retorted as he stopped in front of Mrs. Cake. "You want her arrested for assault and property damage, right?"

Mrs. Cake gazed furiously at Applejack and the teen tried to shrink back but the officer kept a firm grip on her.

"Yes." 

The officer gave a nod and walked Applejack outside. 

"You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. In case you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the courts. Do you understand these rights as I've read them to you?" The officer asked. Applejack sighed. 

"Yes, sir. Ah do." 

"Lean against my cars hood please." Applejack did so and the two waited till a third car pulled up. A female officer stepped out and walked up.

"Can you search her please?" The male officer asked and the female nodded.

"Step forward," the female officer ordered gruffly. Applejack complied and the female officer spun her around, pulling on gloves. 

"Do you have anything on you that's gonna poke me, stick me, stab me or hurt me in any way, shape or form?" The officer asked.

"No, ma'am. Ah got a pen in my left pocket." The officer spread Applejacks legs slightly to search down her pant leg and did so to the other. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the pen and set it on the hood. She reached into the right pocket and pulled out a wallet. She placed the wallet next to the pen and searched up Applejacks arms. She slid her hand under Applejacks breasts and pushed against them.

"Have anything in your bra?" 

"No ma'am." The officer opened the door and Applejack sat down. 

"Anything in your shoes?" Applejack shook her head and the female officer pulled them off, looking inside them. Satisfied at finding nothing, she put them back on Applejack. 

"Alright, swing your legs inside the car for me please." Applejack did so and the officer reached over her to put the seatbelt on. She shut the door softly and gripping her vest, walked inside. Applejack pressed her head against the passenger seat and began to cry. The officer stepped out of the way and Sunset ran crying out of the bakery, grasping a new hot chocolate and muffin in her hands.

"She's not pressing charges. But the store owner is. The girl in my car is eighteen so she's being taken to the county jail for the night," the male officer informed his fellow officer and Applejacks friends. "Whatever happens next is up to the judge. Depending on her record, she might get bail and community service but that's entirely out of our hands."

"Thank you, darling," Rarity mumbled, staring at Applejack crying in the backseat. The officers nodded and one took a piece of paper to his car. Rarity could faintly make out the words Witness Statements on them. They shut their lights off and drove off. 

"Hangout night is over i think, we need to go tell Granny Smith and Big Mac what happened," Fluttershy mumbled and Rarity nodded.

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Sunset ran up to the top of the bridge near the Sugarcube Corner. She was freezing. Panting, she leaned against the bridge facing the water. A wave of anger rushed over her.

"I am not Anon a miss!" She screamed out into the darkness and the water rippled faintly. Suddenly, she lost her balance and fell forward. Her eyes widened with fear and just as she was about to fall of the bridge, two pairs of hands grabbed her and pulled her back.

"Woah! That was close as hell!" One of the girls exclaimed, laying on the bridge panting. The second nodded and stared at Sunset. 

"What the hell were you thinking, Sunset?" The second demanded and Sunset focused on them. She recognized them as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Sunset shivered as the snow coated her skin with a light layer.

"I-i wasn't. Why are you helping me?" Sunset questioned quietly. 

"Because, you're not Anon a miss," Diamond Tiara said simply. Sunset's eyes widened and she cried at the words from the girl. 

Finally, someone believed her.
> Chapter II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diamond Tiara pulled Sunset to her feet. 

"Let's get you out of here. You have no coat and you're freezing to the touch." Diamond pulled the older girl to a waiting car with Silver Spoon in tow.

Sunset was practically shoved in the backseat by the teens. A old man sat in the driver patiently, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel. He looked at her in the rear view mirror.

"Hello, Miss Shimmer. I certainly hope you are okay after that almost tragic fall," he turned the heat on full blast and Sunset instantly started to warm up. She was squashed between her two saviors. 

"Where to, Miss Tiara?" The driver asked. Diamond looked at Sunset questioningly.

"Where do you live?" The girl asked. Sunset shrugged. 

"Do you want the truth or the lie?" Diamond Tiara narrowed her eyes at that and sighed.

"The truth. Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. I can promise you this, I will not judge. Nor will Randolph or Silver Spoon." Sunset sighed.

"I live in an abandoned cottage near our school. It's in the woods," Sunset mumbled, sounding ashamed and miserable. Her head was jerked up violently by Diamond Tiara.

"None of that. No feeling sorry for yourself allowed in this vehicle, not everyone is able to have what others have and you made the best out of a bad situation," Diamond chided and Sunset was startled by her soft tone. "We will be going to my house, please Randolph."

"Yes, Miss Tiara." Randolph shifted the car to drive and the cars engine purred softly as it moved forward.

"You don't have to do that," Sunset mumbled. "I'll be fine on my own." Silver Spoon frowned. 

"It's supposed to be negative ten degrees tonight and we currently have twelve feet of snow. You're coming to Diamonds house."

"How did you guys even know where I was?" Sunset questioned. The two younger girls looked at each other and sighed.

"It's not a long story," Silver Spoon began.
Sunset waited and Diamond began to tell the story. 

Diamond stirred her milkshake half heartedly while scrolling on her phone. She gave a disgusted scoff when she saw another anon a miss post and another threatening Sunset. Silver Spoon sat across from her, drinking her own milkshake. 

"Have you seen what anon a miss posted recently?" Silver asked and Diamond scoffed again.

"Just saw it. I never knew Rarity went to a nude beach, doesn't seem like her," Diamond mused.

"It's always the vain ones. It's absolutely crazy how this stupid account has gotten the school into a warzone," Silver sipped her shake. "I can't even imagine how Sunset must feel."

"She's beyond pissed. I can't blame her, if someone did this to me I'd be angry too. She's been going on a scorched earth attack, tearing the school apart looking for the culprit. Only a matter of time before she finds them."

"How's Apple Bloom taking Sunset and Applejack ending their friendship?" Silver asked. Diamond paused.

"She's been acting kinda weird recently, whenever Sunset's around or someone mentions her, she gets angry. Not sure why."

Silver raised an eyebrow. 

"She's your girlfriend, you think she has a part in anon a miss?" Diamond Tiara snorted and gave a laugh.

"Please, the sister of Miss Honesty? There's no way. Besides, I asked her if she knew anything, she swore up and down that she had no clue."

"Miss Honesty?"

"Applejack," Diamond said helpfully. Her eyes widened slightly. "Speaking of Sunset and Applejack, apparently there's some drama going on." 

"Where?" Silver looked around and Diamond pointed to the table Sunset sat at just as Applejack pushed hot chocolate over Sunset. Silver Spoon gasped and glared at her.

"That was so uncalled for. She just ruined that poor girls gorgeous shirt."

"Oh boy, here we go. Sunset's angry," Diamond muttered as she watched Sunset stand up and began talking to Applejack. 

"She looks like a angry animal, about to attack her prey," Silver commented. Diamond stared at her confused. "What? I like the Nature Channel."

"Looks like Mrs. Cake is calling the police," Diamond said idly.

"Why?"

"Gee, I don't know. Maybe the fact that Applejack just poured burning hot chocolate onto a patron of hers might have something to do with it?"

Silver gasped again when Applejack punched Sunset and the girl crashed into a table.

"Holy shit," Diamond grumbled, now beyond angry. She stood up when Silver stopped her and pointed. Two police officers were rushing towards the girls. One grabbed Applejack and slammed her against the wall, placing her in cuffs. The other went to Sunset and helped her up and appeared to be asking her questions.

"Record that!" Silver snapped. 

"Record what?" Diamond demanded. "Sunset getting talked to by the police? That'll only further cement people thinking she's guilty." 

"No, you dodo! Applejack getting arrested, it's not everyday she gets in trouble like this," Silver pointed out. Diamond sighed in exasperation but complied and began to record. The two watched in amusement as Applejack was thoroughly searched by a female officer. 

Mrs. Cake approached Sunset and gave her a hug. She handed her a new hot chocolate and a muffin and the girl ran crying out the bakery. Diamond and Silver looked nervously at each other.

"We need to follow her, now," Diamond snapped as she grabbed Silvers hand to where Randolph was waiting. 

"Why? She seemed fine, Sunset is a tough fighter, she will survive," Silver retorted.

"She's probably going through a whirlwind of emotions right now. She isn't thinking. Who knows what she could do. What if she killed herself and we have to live with the guilt of knowing we could have prevented it?" Diamond shoved Silver into the car and glanced at her driver. She pointed Sunset out to him.

"Randolph! Follow that girl!"

"Yes, Miss Tiara."

Sunset stared at the girls in shock.

"You heard and saw everything?" She asked in a whisper.

"Yeah. We already knew you weren't anon a miss. It's obviously a frame job, albeit a very shitty one. You wouldn't have made it so obvious back then," Silver Spoon admitted. Randolph pulled into a driveway and Sunset stared in shock at the modest four bedroom house.

"I expected it to be a bit bigger," she admitted and Diamond laughed.

"After my redemption arc I went on, I insisted we get a smaller house. Dad agreed in a heartbeat, surprisingly. I didn't want to be the same show off girl I was before," Diamond explained as Silver patted her on the shoulder. "Dad knows we are coming, we already have the room set up and waiting for you."

"Thank you. All of you, for this. You didn't have to do this," Sunset mumbled. 

"Yes we did. You're a changed person and so am I. We reformed people gotta stick together," Diamond winked at Sunset.

Sunset gratefully smiled at her.

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Applejack angrily stabbed at her pasta. She was sitting at the Canterlot Malls food court. Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other uncomfortably. The atmosphere was tense and could be cut through with a knife. Rarity took it upon herself to cut it.

"So darling, how was jail?" She immediately kicked herself for asking that when Applejack glared at her. Applejack let out a slow breath. 

"It was fine. The guard folk were mighty kind," Applejack bit into her pasta. "Ah got bail because it was mah first offense. Ah gotta go to a judge next week and see how bad mah punishment is."

"How much was bail?" Rarity pressed. 

"Five hundred fucking dollars." Fluttershy flinched and Applejack shot her an apologetic look. "Sorry Flutters, Ah'm just mad. Big Mac and Granny had hadta dig into the emergency farm fund. That was five hundred dollars we coulda spent upgrading the farm equipment and because of her, we lost it." Applejack growled as she drank her water. 

"And who's fault is that?" Rainbow challenged. "You attacked Sunset in a public place and broke a table where Pinkie works. Imagine what would have happened if Sunset decided to press charges? You'd have gone down for assault. Throwing hot chocolate on someone classifies as intent to cause bodily harm. We all know Sunset, that hot chocolate hurt more than she was willing to let on." Applejack stared at the two girls in shock. Rainbow and Pinkie had kept quiet the entire time except the beginning where they quietly greeted the others. Pinkie stared at her salad and didn't say a word.

"Ah ain't mean to hit her! Y'all know ah got anger issues, seeing her so careless made me mad!" Applejack snapped defensively. 

"And what happens if one of us makes you mad? You gonna hit Fluttershy the next time she doesn't want to help scare off the bats at your orchard?" Rainbow shot back.

"Absolutely not! That's different," Applejack growled. "That's her right. Sunset is different case."

"I don't see how," Pinkie mumbled. "Do we really know she did it? The profile picture is a setting sun. Everyone likes sunsets and we are jumping to conclusions."

"She's the only one who could have done it, darling. Those pictures were on her phone," Rarity intervened.

"Unless it was stolen," Rainbow pointed out.

Rarity rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration. 

"Darling, Sunset herself admitted it was there on the nightstand the entire night. It couldn't possibly have been anyone else." Applejack slammed her hand down on the table, making Fluttershy jump and Rainbow glare at her.

"Ah am done talking about that traitor. Ah just wanna enjoy lunch with mah friends. Is that so hard to ask for?" 

Rainbow rolled her eyes and stayed quiet, taking a bit of her pizza. Her and Pinkie shared a sad look and half heartedly listened to Rarity excitedly talk about her new fashion line. Rainbow and Pinkie's minds were a mess of thoughts and emotions and they had no idea how to handle them.

"Rainbow, dear Fluttershy asked you a question."

Rainbow looked up. 

"Yeah?" 

"Uhm if you're not busy, can you help at the animal shelter this weekend? It's just me and we need to wash the animals."

Rainbow nodded. 

"Yeah, sure." She gave a cry of pain and rubbed her head. Rarity shot her a concerned look.

"Still got the migraines?"

"Yeah."

"Ah do too," Applejack admitted. 

"Same here," Fluttershy mumbled. "Maybe we should try talking to Twilight, maybe she will know what's going on."

"We can't, the only one who could is Sunset and we don't have the book," Pinkie pointed out.

"That's not the only way to contact Princess Twilight," Fluttershy suggested. The girls looked at each other and all came to the same realization. They resumed their eating and talking. All except for two.

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Diamond Tiara drummed her fingers on the steering wheel of her truck as she pulled onto a dirt road. The atmosphere was tense and her friends had no idea how to cut through it. Bon Bon tried her hardest to stay quiet and not anger the girl, mainly because she was sitting next to her in the passenger seat. Octavia, Silver Spoon, Lightning Dust and Vinyl sat in the backseat. They admired the scenery as they drove through the wooded area.

"Where are we going?" Vinyl finally broke the silence as Diamond glanced at some directions on a piece of paper. 

"Helping a friend move," Diamond answered simply. Vinyl nodded. Made sense, with Diamond driving her truck and all. She finally found the rundown cottage and parked in front of it.

"Well, looks like the spot," she mumbled as she shoved the keys in her pocket and stepped out.

"What on earth do you mean, dear? It's an abandoned cottage," Octavia pointed out.

Diamond looked at her sadly as she opened the front door. 

"You'll see," she said simply as she entered the house with her group. She coughed at the smell of dusty air and looked around. A small refrigerator connected to a sunbleached extension cord sat running. A half broken lamp sat next to a worn out mattress. Clothes hung from a line outside. Diamond turned and faced her group.

"The person who lives here is a person who fought her ass off to turn the schools opinion around about her. The same person who fought tooth and nail to free us all from the sirens spell and succeeded. This same girl is now being targeted by this anon a miss account for no reason. That girl almost fell off a bridge the other night if it wasn't for me and Silver Spoon there. This shit can't go on any longer! That person is Sunset Shimmer." Bon Bon stared at her in shock.

"Is she okay?" Diamond sighed.

"She's stubborn, but yes. She's mainly angry at anon a miss. You all know she's been tearing the school apart looking for the person behind the account."

"No kidding. This account has the music clubs at each other's throats. Me and Tavi watched Neon Lights and Flash have a fist fight and both get suspended," Vinyl scoffed and folded her arms. "It's ridiculous." Lightning nodded. 

"Same with the soccer team. We haven't had a fight yet, but it's gonna happen sooner or later." 

Bon Bon made eye contact with Diamond. 

"But how can we help? It's pretty obvious Sunset isn't behind this, but what can we do? We're only five girls compared to a few hundred students. We don't have any form of momentum or evidence to clear her name." 

"We are just going to have to watch for anyone acting suspicious around her. Which I know everyone is, the only downside is we can't openly support her. If we want to find those responsible, we have to blend in and appear to be one with the crowd." 

"What?" Lightning Dust snapped. "We are just gonna leave her to the wolves?" Diamond glared at her.

"No we aren't. One of us will be nearby and intervene if anyone tries anything. Sunset is a capable fighter, but she can't take on a group by herself. First things first, let's get all this loaded in the truck." The girls nodded and separated to find something to carry. Diamond watched them for a second before strolling outside to get the clothes. She was gonna do whatever it took to clear Sunsets name.
> Chapter III
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset sighed as she placed a pillow on the floor and fluffed her blanket up a bit. She was more used to sleeping on hard floors than a comfortable, bed. It felt too comfortable for her. The door creaked open and Silver Spoon stuck her head in.

"Uhm, why are you sleeping on the floor?" She hesitantly asked as she stepped inside the room. Sunset shrugged.

"The bed was too comfortable," Sunset explained. Silver raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side and Sunset sighed.

"I'm used to sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Not a nice bed like this," Sunset explained and Silver nodded.

"Ohhh. Maybe your body just has to get used to it again."

"I'll just start slow, see what happens," Sunset made eye contact with the younger girl. "Won't your parents worry when you don't come home?" Silver tensed up and shook her head.

"She is home," Diamond stated as she came into the room. "Because she's my sister." The rest of her group entered the room as well and Sunset was met with stares, each with a different of sadness in them. 

"Since when?" Sunset questioned. 

"Since like, years. Her parents were a wealthy family like mine and gave her up. Something about the mom being pregnant messing with their reputation. So I pressured dad into adopting her."

"Exactly. We don't broadcast it to the school, we just act like friends during school hours. Only they know," Silver Spoon gestured to where Bon Bon was standing off to the side with Octavia and the others. "So please don't tell anyone." Sunset nodded with a raised eyebrow.

"So that whole thing about you quit being friends with her during the beginning of her being nice to people was faked?" Diamond gave a snort at that.

"Oh no, that was real. She didn't talk to me for the rest of the week. Made home life fairly awkward." Diamond rubbed the back of her head and gave a sigh. Silver gave her a quick hug.

"That was then. You're a better person now, no point in living in the past," Silver chided. Bon Bon knelt next to Sunset and made eye contact. 

"We know you are innocent. I don't necessarily know how just yet, but we're gonna prove it God damn it," Bon Bon clenched her fist in frustration. "Whoever is actually behind this is a coward."

"Do all of you believe that?" Sunset questioned. Octavia gave her a curt nod and Vinyl gave her a thumbs up with a mischievous smile. 

"We do," Lightning said coolly, pushing herself off the wall she had been resting against. Sunset stared at her.

"I'm surprised you're here and not part of the crowd. I thought you hated me for what I did during the fall formal and prior." Bon Bon and Octavia shared a look while Lightning gave a sigh. 

"I didn't like you at first, sure. But it's evident you changed into a way better, nicer person. If Diamond Tiara can change, so can you. I helped her change and I can help you prove your innocence," she glanced at Diamond and gave her a smug smile. "I assume your dad has Rare Find helping get evidence?" Diamond nodded.

"Who is Rare Find?" Sunset questioned, giving each girl a confused look and Diamond sighed.

"Dads private investigator," she explained.  Sunset cocked an eyebrow in confusion. 

"You guys just have a private investigator on standby?" Diamond shrugged and a upset look crossed her face.

"Dads divorce with mom was....messy," she paused. "She was hiding stuff from the police and the courts during the whole mess so dad hired Rare Find to get evidence proving she shouldn't have custody of me and Silver. He exposed her, she got arrested and here we are."

"I'm sorry, no one should have to go through with that," Sunset mumbled. "I haven't seen my own mom in god, years."

"Why not, love?" Octavia asked and Sunset shrugged. 

"After I abandoned my studies, I ran away. I haven't seen Luna in a thousand years," Sunset explained. 

"Hold on, you're a thousand years old?" Vinyl piped on and Sunset shook her head. "And you mean Vice Principal Luna is your mom?"

"I'm not entirely sure what Celestia did, but I'm the same age as you in a sense. I'd have to ask her. Last time I saw Luna was when she got banished to the moon."
And it's Princess Luna where I'm from, not Vice Principal."

"How do you just banish someone to a whole moon?" Silver asked.

"Magic can be used for good or evil. You can do great things with it, or enslave the world. Like I tried to. Thankfully, most ponies-"

"Wait what?" Vinyl interrupted, her glasses sliding down her nose to show shocked red eyes. "Ponies? What?" Sunset inhaled.

"Right, I forgot you all didn't know about that. Where I come from is inhabited by talking ponies. If it wasn't for the portals magic, you all would be looking at a small orange unicorn," Sunset admitted.

"Somone say unicorn?" Lyra strode into the room and paused, staring at Sunset.

"This is a new thing," she mumbled nervously. "She's not gonna reveal any of my secrets, right?" Sunset stood up and gave her a look.

"I'm innocent. I've abandoned all my morals because of this shit show. I don't care who gets in my way of finding the truth. The only reason I won't start anything with you is because Bon Bon is here and she's your girlfriend," Sunset growled coldly. Bon Bon quickly got between the two.

"We're all on the same side here," she said placatingly, glancing at Lyra. "Right, Lyra?"

Lyra rubbed her head sheepishly and shot a look at Sunset.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. It's just we haven't seen much proof it isn't you," Lyra mumbled. 

"And there isn't much proof it is her also," Octavia retaliated. 

"You want proof? Fine, we'll give you proof," Diamond turned to Sunset. "Give me your phone." Sunset stared at her in confusion and Diamond rolled her eyes and held out her hand. Sunset grudgingly placed the phone in her hand. Diamond put it in her pocket and looked at all the girls in the room seriously.

"We will keep her phone for a week. Me, Silver and dad will monitor her online activity and check the posts from anon a miss to see if it matches when she is on the internet. This information does not leave this room, under any fucking circumstances. If it does, the real anon a miss might abuse that. And so help me god if it's any of you, you're out the group. Am I perfectly clear?" Diamond demanded. The girls nodded and Lyra joined a second later.

"Now what was this about a unicorn?" Lyra demanded, shifting her eyes to Sunset.

"If you cross the portal, you turn into a pony. I'm a unicorn back in Equestria," Sunset explained. "I don't know your doubles back in Equestria, so I have no idea what your pony race is. Could be a pegasus, earth pony or a unicorn."

"Not only will I turn into a mythological creature, I'll have magic?" Lyra exclaimed and grabbed Sunset by the shoulders.

"Uh, yes?" 

"Take me there now please!" Lyra begged. Octavia gently pulled her off.

"Sorry about Lyra dear, she can be a bit much when it comes to this topic. I'm certain Bon Bon could write a novel about Lyra's exploits."

"The truth must be set free!" Lyra shouted. Diamond gave a smirk her way.

"Maybe after we prove Sunset innocent, we can visit her homeland. If she's interested in allowing us, of course." Sunset shrugged, she hadn't thought of bringing anyone else to Equestria. It's always just been her going back to visit. It could be nice, she mused.

"I'm certain Twilight would approve of me bringing more people. The last time I went back was to get a new journal from Twilight." She fell back on the blankets she made into a bed on the floor. Lightning frowned softly at that. 

"Why are you on the floor?" She questioned. 

"I'm assuming you all saw where I lived?" When Lightning nodded, she continued. "The bed was too soft for my liking. Maybe  tomorrow or something, I'll try it."

"Good," Diamond mumbled. Sunset gave a loud cry and rubbed her head. The girls shared a concerned look between each other. 

"Are you okay?" Silver asked nervously and Sunset nodded briefly.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just a migraine, been having one since Anon a miss started," she mumbled. 

"Have you tried medicine?" Lyra suggested helpfully and frowned when Sunset nodded.

"I've tried everything i can think of. It'll pass." Diamond jerked her head to the door.

"Let's let Sunset catch some sleep." She quickly exited the room and shut the door softly after they all left. She settled onto the couch and drank her tea.

"I can't believe I get to have magic!" Lyra gushed. Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

"She didn't say yes, love," Bon Bon pointed out. 

"She didn't say no either," Lyra retorted.

"Okay, you got me there. She didn't say yes or no, we have to wait and see." Bon Bon picked up her glass of water and quickly drank it.

"We need to get this sorted out and fast." She showed her group a post of someone threatening to run Sunset over. Octavia scoffed.

"Freaking great, now we have to worry about idiots in cars now. At least inside the school, we only had to worry about the people." She rolled her eyes. 

"Just ridiculous. People are sick," Vinyl agreed and crossed her arms. She shot a look at the door where Sunset was asleep.

"She doesn't deserve this, at all."

"Nope," Diamond replied, a hint of anger in her tone.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Two girls sat in a dimly lit room in front of a computer, the screen being the main source of light. One sat stroking a beat up leather jacket sadly and the other stared at the screen. Their hair looked grey from the stress and lacked their normal vibrant color.

"Don't worry Sunset, we're gonna prove you're innocent," Rainbow mumbled as she and Pinkie analyzed another old Anon a miss post. "No matter the fucking cost."
> Chapter IV
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow stood in front of the Wondercolt statue and ignored the snow falling around her. She was dressed in a heavy coat and a hat. She pressed her hand against the statue and watched it disappear inside. With a deep breath, she stepped forward and walked through. She tumbled out the other side and collapsed on the castle floor. She pressed a hand to her mouth in an attempt to hold the vomit back. Where are my hands?! she thought in a panic. She looked down and screamed when she saw hooves. The door swung open and a blue blur flew in. The pegasus settled on the ground and stared at her.

"Gaah!" The pegasus screamed. "Changeling!" She prepared to buck Rainbow and she shrank back in fear, closing her eyes. I'm gonna die, she thought to herself. 

"Rainbow! Stop!" A voice called out. 

"Yes?" Both Rainbows asked in unison and glared at each other. The native Rainbow got picked up by a purple glow and Twilight rolled her eyes.

"I'm gonna set you down now, but do not attack her. That's not a changeling, it's your double from the other world. The Canterlot High world," Twilight explained. She set Rainbow down and she rubbed her head sheepishly. 

"Sorry about that, I thought you were a changeling. We cool?" She held out a hoof and smiled. Her double glared at her.

"Hell no, you tried to kill me!" She shouted. "Do you normally try to kill people who randomly show up near you?" Twilight rolled her eyes.

"We will sort this whole mess out later. What can I do for you, Dash?" She asked.

"Got a place to sit? This is gonna be a long conversation." Rainbow tried to walk and fell flat on her face. Equestrian Rainbow gave a snort and Twilight shot her a look. Rainbow shakily stood up and stared at the ground and took a shaky step forward. 

"How the fuck am I able to walk like this!?" She fumed. "This is harder than beating Crystal Prep at a soccer game!" Twilight sighed and slammed a hoof into her face.

"You could fly, you know?" She suggested and both Rainbows stared at her, one in shock and the other in anger.

"Gee, what a great idea. Try to tell me to fly when I can barely walk!" Rainbow fumed. 

"Yeah, Twilight. She's right, or is it I'm right? Anyway, having an unexperienced flier is a dangerous thing. Especially in your castle," Equestrian Rainbow agreed. Twilight sighed and picked Rainbow up with her magic and trotted out of the room. Rainbow ducked her head and narrowly avoided the door frame.

"God help me now," she grumbled and the version of her flapping next to her snickered. Twilight stormed into the map room and set her down on the ground.

"Oh Celestia, great we got two Rainbow Dashes. Equestria is officially over, everypony," Rarity announced with an eye roll. "Death by ego, just the way I wanted to go out." Both Rainbows glared at her. 

"Shut up Rarity," they said in unison. Applejack smirked and stared at them.

"Yall look scarily similar, is this a failed experiment Twi?" She asked. 

"Excuse me, I'm not a failed experiment. I'm a living, breathing human," Rainbow snapped. Twilight stomped her hoof on the ground and everypony stared at her.

"Everypony, this is Rainbow from the other world. She's not a clone or a changeling or a failed experiment," she focused on Rainbow. "Now you said we needed to talk, what's going on? Is it another monster or something?" 

Rainbow shook her head sadly. 

"It's worse." And she told them everything, from anon a miss to Applejack getting arrested for a night and by the time she was done, everyone was fuming.

"What the hay! Ah'm gonna go over there and give myself a piece of mah mind!" Applejack fumed, trotting back and forth. 

"Ditto!" Rarity agreed hotly. Twilight glared at Rainbow. 

"How could you let this happen?" She demanded. 

"Excuse me, I think Sunset is innocent! I want to prove her innocence but nothing I do is working, I can't think of anything else," Rainbow slumped down against her doubles chair. "I've been analyzing every single post and nothing screams Sunset Shimmer. She wasn't so obvious back then, she would have framed someone else." Twilight's glare softened.

"I'm sorry for accusing you, it wasn't what a friend should do. Does anypony else believe she's innocent?"

"Pinkie does. Hell, before this she and Sunset were even talking about dating! She doesn't believe Sunset is guilty, never has. She's just terrified of losing our "friends". This is a big shit show." Rainbow made hoof gestures at the word friends. "I never imagined the others would do this, especially not Fluttershy."

"I can't imagine how depressed she must feel," Fluttershy mumbled. Rainbow gave a laugh devoid of emotion.

"Trust me, she's not depressed. She's mad as hell. She's been going on a tirade against the whole school, tearing the shit apart till she finds who's responsible. And she's not gonna stop till she does."

"Where are they?" Twilight demanded as Rainbow gave a cry and fell on her stomach, rubbing her head.

"Are ya okay, sugarcube?" Applejack helped her up.

"That's what I'm here about also. Ever since Anon a miss started, me and the other Rainbooms have been getting awful migraines. Me, Applejack, Rarity. Need I go on?" Twilight stepped forward and cast a spell over her, checking for any injuries. "That tickles, what did you do?"

"Cast a spell to see if anything was physically wrong with you," Twilight answered simply. She rubbed a hoof against her chin. 

"Could it be related to the elements?" Rainbow offered and Twilight lit up.

"You just might be on to something there!" Twilight exclaimed and teleported a chalkboard. After a long explanation, the others stared at her confused. Rainbow rubbed her eyes.

"I'm gonna act like I know what the fuck you just said and say okay and pray to God you say it in normal terms." Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes.

"You are the Element of Loyalty, you accidentally betrayed your oath of loyalty to Sunset. I'm assuming the elements are punishing each of you all. The elements are living things, it's a depiction of us. It often speaks to us in our dreams and guides us when we need it to," Twilight explained.

"Okay, that makes a bit more sense," Rainbow muttered. "Do you think Sunset is getting them too since she's an Element of Harmony as well?" Twilight rubbed her chin.

"It's always possible, but I doubt it. While every Element is important, she isn't something like loyalty or honesty."

"At least she isn't suffering that way. It's the worst pain I've ever felt. Imagine getting ran over by seven semi trucks." Applejack and Rarity looked to each other and shrugged.

"Ah don't know what a semi truck is, sugarcube."

"Oh. It carries stuff for grocery stores to sell. Food, clothes, stuff like that."

"Like a wagon?" Rarity offered and Rainbow paused. 

"I suppose so," she agreed. "Anyway, I need to get back to my world. The others are probably wondering where I am and plus, I need to find Sunset."

Twilight stepped forward. 

"I'm coming with, I got some words for them. Let's just pray Luna doesn't find out, she'll go on a massive angry tirade." She trotted out the door.

"Why shouldn't Luna find out?" Rainbow asked.

"Because she's Sunset's mom, now come on." Twilight poked her head back in and teleported to the portal and stepped through. 

------------------------------------------------------------- 

Bon Bon hummed to herself as she strode the mall. She paused and admired a painting in a display. She glanced over at her companion and smiled. 

"Looking forward to Christmas?" She asked.

"Not really," Sunset admitted. Bon Bons smile turned to a frown. She raised an eyebrow and stared at Sunset. 

"Why not?" She questioned.

"I don't know, it feels weird without my former friends. And I need to return some gifts first and get the money. I'm keeping Pinkie's though, just in case."

"In case of what?"

Sunset looked around nervously, then leaned in close to Bon Bon. 

"Can you keep a secret?" She asked in a hushed tone. Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

"Of course."

"Me and Pinkie were kinda uh talking about dating," Sunset admitted with a red face. Bon Bon gave a squeel and Sunset jumped.

"That is amazing. So you're holding onto it in case she comes around then, aren't you?" Bon Bon asked.

"Yeah. She's really into baking so I got her a bunch of new baking supplies and stuff." Bon Bon chuckled.

"I know she's into baking, we're in the same baking club at school. We bake the most together," Bon Bon answered as the pair kept walking.  "So does she believe you are anon a miss or not?"

"I have no clue. She and Dash didn't say anything when I confronted them at the Sugarcube Corner. Or, well when they confronted me is more accurate."

"Well, hopefully it works out for you," Bon Bon announced as the two walked into a book store.

"Honestly? Even if she believed it was me, I'd date her in a instant after I proved my innocence, I love the hell out of her," Sunset mumbled. 

"That's adorable," Bon Bon smirked as she picked up a book and read the back.

"I suppose it is. Maybe it's just a stupid hope, but we will see," Sunset mumbled as she looked over the mystery section. She opened her mouth to speak and stopped when she heard a voice nearby.

"Sweetie, darling are you sure this book store is the place you want to look for gifts?" Rarity froze and locked eyes with Sunset, her eyes narrowing. "Sunset."

Sunset put her hands on her hips and Bon Bon watched with a guarded expression. 

"Rarity."

"What on earth are you doing here?" Rarity demanded. 

"Wow, you're stupid. Look at the sign of the store, then look at what I'm doing. Maybe then you'll get a sense of what I'm doing," Sunset retorted and Bon Bon allowed a smirk to cross her features. She hadn't seen this Sunset in a while and she was grateful it wasn't directed at her.

"Are we seriously doing this in front of my sister?" Rarity snapped.

"I really don't care about who is around or where it's at. At your job, at the bank or at the grocery store," Sunset replied. "You confront me and start problems when I'm trying to live my life, I cause problems too. It's a two way street, remember that." She smiled coldly at the younger girl. "Hello, Sweetie Bell. Your sister is in idiot." Bon Bon covered her mouth with a fist and masked her laugh with a cough. Rarity glanced at her and rolled her eyes.

"Glad to see you got a entourage of fools, darling." 

"Watch yourself. You can insult me all you want, but leave her out of it," Sunset growled and Bon Bons eyes widened. Rarity shifted her feet and Sunset glared at her. "Go ahead. Do something to her, see what happens. And remember, your little sister is here. I'd hate for her to see you get beaten." Bon Bon grabbed her arm. 

"I was just shifting my weight, I wasn't gonna hurt anyone here," Rarity grumbled. 

"Security is coming, you two. Shut it up, now. I don't want to see anyone getting arrested," she shot a quick, smug look at Rarity. "Like Applejack." Rarity turned furious red and stormed out the store. She grabbed Sweetie Belles arm and pulled along as she walked. Bon Bon and Sunset locked eyes and started laughing. 

"Sweetie Belle seemed nervous when you were around. Why, I don't know," Bon Bon admitted.

"I noticed that too." Sunset picked up a book with musical notes on it. "Think Octavia will like this it? It's a classical music novel." Bon Bon gave her a smile.

"I'm sure she'd love it."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Are ya sure it was only Bon Bon?" Apple Bloom asked. She, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat at Raritys house in Sweeties room. She locked the door and nodded.

"Pretty sure. I'm fairly certain there's only one girl at CHS with two tone blue and pink hair and cream skin," Sweetie commented as she sat down.

"Ah wonder why she was with Sunset," Apple Bloom mused.

"Who the heck knows, maybe she and Bon Bon are friends," Sweetie suggested.

"Ah've never seen them together before," Apple Bloom replied. "Scoots? Any thoughts?"

"I'm thinking this has gone too far. My friendship with Sunset is at risk here, remember?" The girl growled. "I didn't even want to be a part of this."

"Aren't ya mad at her for taking away Rainbows time away from ya? When was the last time she hung out with ya?" Apple Bloom pointed out.

"I don't know, I don't keep track like you two do," Scootaloo retorted. "Why did we even start this damn account?"

"Uh, to get our sisters back duh," Sweetie suggested. 

"To be fair, you were the one who brought up Rainbows grades," Sweetie pointed out.

"Only because she had made me mad that day. I don't remember what she did, but she did something."

"Ah'm just surprised Sunset ain't figure out it was us. Ah heard she's been tearing the school apart," Apple Bloom mumbled.

"She is," Sweetie confirmed. "I thought she was gonna kill Watermelody in art class."

"That girl done nothing to her ever, why would she accuse her?" Apple Bloom questioned. 

"How the heck should I know? I'm Sweetie Belle, not Sunset Shimmer."

"Brilliant observation." Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.

"God help us all," Scootaloo mumbled quietly. "This is so stupid."

"Ah ain't even sure what we could post about Bon Bon. Ah ain't know shit about her." Sweetie grunted and rolled her eyes.

"Language, Apple Bloom," she chided.

"Gawd, you're worse than Rarity. Ya don't even allow us to say hell," Apple Bloom complained. "You started the account, Sweetie. You figure out a secret of Bon Bon to post."

"I have to do everything around here, my lord. You're annoying me right now." Scootaloo rolled her eyes. The stress was getting to them all, mainly her. She had hated the idea from the beginning. Originally she wanted to tell, but at the same time she didn't want her friends to get in trouble. Being split between her sister figure, Sunset and her friends was fucking with her more than she expected. She rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"We have one more week till school starts back up, what are your plans for Christmas yall?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Spending time with Rarity."

"Sledding."

"Making apple cider with mah family and other apple products."

"Time to go bed you three. Goodnight you all," Rarity called out.

"Okay! Good night, sis!" Sweetie called out and started typing on the computer.

"What are ya doing?" Apple Bloom asked as she leaned over her shoulder. 

"Making a post about Lyra. She's obsessed with mythological stuff, just gotta tweak it. Maybe say she doesn't believe in narwhals or whales or something."

"Good plan," Apple Bloom mumbled and Scootaloo sighed.

God help me, she thought to herself.
> Chapter V
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diamond grunted as she helped Silver carry a big box inside her bedroom.

"Silver, what the fuck is this?"

"A gift for Button," Silver replied. "It's like an arcade machine or something. I'm not sure, it's something he was looking at when we were at Walmare."

"God almighty, this is heavier than that one thing you bought him for you guys anniversary."

"I know. Drop it and I'll tell dad you and Apple Bloom almost got frisky the night she slept over last month." Diamonds eyes widened. 

"You wouldn't."

"Try me." The two sisters glared at each other for a second before they set the box down and approached each other.

"I have half a mind to slap you for eavesdropping on such a private moment," Diamond fumed. "You're so immature and annoying!"

"Do it, then bitch!" Silver shouted back. "Our rooms are right next to each other! Maybe get some brains in that tiny skull of yours." A loud slapping sound echoed and the sound of boots on the stairs followed. Diamond was glaring at Silver before Sunset got between them. 

"What the hell is going on here?" She snapped, glaring at the two sisters.

"She pissed me off!" Diamond and Silver snapped in unison, pointing at the other. 

"You mentioned Apple Bloom!" Diamond shouted.

"You slapped me!" Silver Spoon yelled.

"Only because you mentioned Apple Bloom!" Diamond retorted. Sunset facepalmed and rubbed her noses bridge in frustration. 

"Separate! Now!" Sunset snapped and the two girls shrunk back. "This is absolutely ridiculous to be fighting each other. I get sisters fight, but this is beyond fucking childish. Go to your rooms, now and don't come out until you've calmed down!" The two younger girls glared at each other before Diamond trudged off to her respective room and slammed the door. Sunset gave a sigh and slumped against the wall in the hallway after leaving Silvers room. She hated yelling at the two girls who practically saved her life, gave her a warm home with food but she didn't want them having a screaming fist fight either.

"You're pretty effective at getting them to quit fighting." A voice came from the stairs. Sunset flinched and glanced up. She sighed when she noticed Filthy Rich standing there.

"Sorry for yelling, sir. They just got on my nerves with all that. I don't even know what they were fighting over, but it sounded petty and not worth it."

"First off, you don't have to call me sir. Rich is fine. And secondly, while I wouldn't have used that explicit language, it was effective at getting them to calm down," he sighed. "It's difficult being a single parent with two daughters. I have so much respect for those who do it now like I do."

"I imagine it's hard," Sunset agreed as she stood up. "I should probably go talk to them." Filthy Rich patted her on the back before heading downstairs. Sunset gave a sigh as she stared at the two rooms, debating who to talk to first. She decided Diamond Tiara and opened the door, walking in. Diamond was face down in the pillow, sniffling. Sunset sat down on the bed and cautiously stroked her hair.

"Hey, Diamond?" She asked softly. 

"Go away," Diamond mumbled into the pillow. "I want to be alone." Sunset kept stroking her hair.

"No. I'm sorry, for yelling at you like that. It was wrong of me. This anon a miss mess is stressing me out, but that isn't an excuse to scream at you and Silver. Especially after all you guys have done for me. I hope you can forgive me." Diamond rolled over and lifted her head. Sunset was taken aback by the tears on her face.

"I forgive you, first off. Do you know why I went on my self appointed redemption quest thing?" Diamond asked her as she reached for a towel to wipe off her mascara. 

"Because Apple Bloom, Scoots and Sweetie Belle encouraged you to do so?" Sunset guessed and Diamond shook her head. 

"Well partially. It was mainly you who inspired me. I saw how much effort you put into trying to be a better person, how much happier you seemed after doing so. I wanted that for myself too. I followed your example. I always admired and looked up to you. Even when I was in the middle school wing of the school, I admired you for how you ran the high-school. Mainly that was back when we both we were evilish and mean, but that's a minor detail we can overlook. You still inspire me, you're the role model I've never really had. My mom wasn't a good person, but you already know that. Everyone does. You're the person I want to be, not the mean cruel person who you used to be, but the person who bends over backwards for anyone who she feels needs help." Sunset cut her off from talking any further by wrapping her in a hug and rubbing the back of her head. 

"That was probably the sweetest, kindest thing I've been told in a long time kid. I'm honored you chose me to be your role model and the person you used as a model to change into a better person yourself. I love you, DT. I'll do anything and everything for you," she paused. "Minus cover up a murder for you, depending on the person." Diamond hugged her back and shoved her face into Sunset's neck. 

"I love you too. And you don't have to worry about me murdering anyone, I'd rather avoid a life sentence in jail, I have things I want to do with my life," Diamond said, muffled by Sunset's neck.

"Oh, yeah? Like what?" Sunset asked as she quit hugging Diamond. Diamond turned red and rubbed her head.

"You'll laugh," she mumbled. Sunset stared at her and shook her head.

"No, I wouldn't. I support you in anything you do," Sunset said seriously. Diamond took a breath and nodded. 

"I want to be a special needs teacher. They deserve to have a decent education without the hate or bullying they currently get. They're entirely misunderstood and are people too," Diamond said softly. Sunset placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed.

"I think that's very noble and kind of you," Sunset smiled at the girl. "I'll do whatever I can do help you achieve that goal." She slid off the bed and stood up. "I should probably go talk to Silver now and apologize to her." She moved to the door.

"Sunset?" Diamond mumbled. Sunset paused and looked back at the girl.

"Yeah, Diamond?"

"Can you sleep with me tonight? I don't want to sleep alone tonight. You can say no if you don't feel comfortable," Diamond said quietly. Sunset walked back to the bed and nodded.

"You can always ask me to sleep with you if you ever need it. You can always come to my room and sleep with me if you need. This is your house, after all." Sunset slid in the bed next in the bed next to Diamond and held her arms open. Diamond slid into her open arms and laid her head on the pillow. Sunset pulled the blanket over the two of them and gave her a squeeze. Sunset gave a quick kiss into her hair. 

"This is your house too," Diamond mumbled. "You live here too." She yawned and closed her eyes. Shortly later, Sunset heard soft snoring coming from the girl and she chuckled.

"Thank you, Diamond. For everything."

-------------------------------------------------------------

Octavia gave a loud sigh as she packed her cello into it's case. Sunset glanced over at her and Vinyl in confusion.

"What's wrong?" Sunset asked. 

"My performance tonight got canceled because of some stupid weather incident and they can't move it inside because they didn't plan ahead," Octavia grumbled. "No reason to let my cello get dusty by sitting out. Might as well keep it safe in the case." Vinyl grinned and wrapped her arms around Sunset and Octavia. 

"All of us are eighteen, let's hit up a club tonight. We could all use the distraction. Well, minus Diamond and Silver Spoon." 

"Oh yes, let's go to a club and get our ears blown out love. Perfect plan," Octavia retorted sarcastically. Vinyl stuck her tongue out in response. 

"What about you, Sunset? This is the last night before the club closes temporarily. Christmas is in a couple days, let's take a break from anon a miss and have some fun."

"Could be fun." Sunset shrugged and flashed a smile. Octavia gave her a smug smile.

"Heard you become Diamond's mentor," Octavia said, smiling even harder.

"Yeah, she's a good kid. She's came a long way and I'm very impressed. She opened up a lot last night to me. And it could be good for us both. She's a very good kid and I could help look out for her," 
she admitted. 

"Good on you," Vinyl punched Sunset in the shoulder with a grin. "She's been talking about wanting that for ages, it's been her dream. Must be fun, being a sister figure."

"It's been decent so far. Then again, it's the first day. Last night was the first time I slept with someone in a long, long time," Sunset admitted. 

"I hate to interrupt this adorable moment, but if you guys are gonna go to the club, you should get going," Octavia pointed out. Vinyl grabbed Sunset by the shoulders and practically shoved her out the door.

"Have fun!" Octavia called out as she shut the door.

"So, what brought on you practically adopting Diamond?" Vinyl asked as she turned her car on.

"I accidentally screamed at her and Silver Spoon because they were screaming at each other. Apparently Diamond slapped Silver after an argument and I quickly intervened and yelled at them to separate and go to their rooms," Sunset explained, looking down. Vinyl frowned at that. 

"Yeah, they do that. Remember, they're just teens still. They aren't eighteen like us."

"Yeah, that's why I was apologizing. I shouldn't have yelled at them. I didn't want them to have a fist fight either. This whole mess is making me irrational," Sunset mumbled. "How did you all get to be Diamond and Silvers friends?"

"It's a long story. Diamond and Silver kinda hurt us all, especially Lyra. They mainly took advantage of us and verbally abused us. Once Diamond decided to change, we were the first people they apologized. Once we decided they were being serious and we didn't want them to have lonely high school years, so we befriended them. The two have really grown. So have you, based on what I've seen. What we've all seen. Obviously, Diamond has Apple Bloom and you, Silver Spoon has her boyfriend Button Mash. Other than them and you, we are all they got unfortunately. "

"I've tried my hardest to convince people I've changed, but sometimes the hardest isn't enough," Sunset pointed out.

"You changed people's opinions about you once, we can do it again. So, Diamond convinced you to sleep with her?" Vinyl asked with a smirk as she pulled into a parking lot.

"Not like that in a sex way, that's creepy and gross. Strictly platonic, obviously. More so like how a sibling would sleep with their young siblings," Sunset explained. 

"I didn't mean to imply a sexual way, I'm sorry," Vinyl apologized as she stepped out the car and shoved the keys in her pocket. 

"It's all good, I know you didn't mean it like that. Figured people might misunderstand." Sunset and Vinyl walked to the bouncer, flashing their IDs. Sunset immediately went to the bar. 

"Just a water, please. I'm not twenty one." She vaguely recognized the bartender but didn't know from where. She slid the water to Sunset and she gratefully took it.

"How much?" 

"On the house," she said gruffly and moved on. Sunset raised an eyebrow but shrugged and sipped it. She smirked, watching Vinyl harass the dj about letting her use his system. She kept drinking her water and stood up. She stumbled forward and rubbed her head. She tapped Vinyl on the shoulder.

"I don't feel so good," she mumbled and Vinyl gave her a concerned look.

"Sunset? What's wrong?" 

"Feel dizzy and tired." Sunset fell forward and passed out. The last thing she heard was Vinyl screaming her name.
> Chapter VI
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset groaned and rubbed her eyes. She took in the white walls and an annoying beeping sound. A small Christmas tree sat in the corner and a table had a few flowers and cards on it.

"Where on earth am I?" She demanded.

"You're in a hospital," Lyra commented idly. Sunset lifted and glanced over at the girl. She was sitting on a couch in the room with a sleeping Bon Bons head on her lap. Lyra glanced up and smiled faintly. "How ya feelin?"

"Like I just got hit by a car." Lyra chuckled and nodded. "What even happened?"

"Apparently the bartender switched out your drink when you weren't looking at one point and slipped a drug in it. You tried to warn Vinyl, passed out and she called for an ambulance. The police arrested Gilda and shut the club down because apparently the owners hired her underage and had her serve alcohol, so they're investigating that too," Lyra stretched her legs and yawned.

"I knew she looked familiar, I just didn't know from where. Damn it," Sunset fumed. "How long have I been here?"

"The past three days," Lyra commented. 

"Three days? I slept through Christmas?" Sunset asked. "I was supposed to spend time with Diamond and her family. Get me out of here." She tried to stand up and Lyra shoved Bon Bons head off her lap and pushed Sunset back down.

"Your ass is staying in that bed," Lyra said warningly. "Diamond told me to make sure you do. She and everyone else has been visiting all the past three days," She gave a smirk. "You even have a visitor."

"Who?" 

Lyra pointed to the other couch on the opposite side of hers and Sunset looked over, staring in shock. Pinkie and Rainbow were sleeping next to each other, snoring. Their hair looked dull and less vibrant than before, she noted. Especially Rainbows, hers was almost grey while Pinkie's was flat. She's never once seen Pinkie with straight hair, she always assumed it was impossible.

"They've been here the entire time. Refused to leave and eat. The only time they left was for the bathroom," Lyra settled back into her spot and started stroking Bon Bons hair. She flashed Sunset a smirk. "You and Pinkie are adorable, by the way."

"How do you know about that?" Sunset demanded as her head jerked to stare at Lyra, her eyes drilling a hole in the girl. 

"You talk in your sleep."

"Why are they here?" Sunset finally asked. "Who told them?"

"Well, apparently you made Pinkie your emergency contact for stuff like this. When you got here, the hospital called her. She and Rainbow came in, she was having a full blown panic attack. Almost hit a doctor because she misunderstood what he said. She would have too if Rainbow and Lightning hadn't been here. Twilight is here too, she's at the vending machine right now."

"Princess Twilight is here?" Sunset whispered and Lyra nodded. "How?"

"Rainbow brought her here. Apparently they've been talking for a few days now. Wanna know the best part?" Lyra eagerly asked. 

"What?"

"Rainbow and Pinkie know you're innocent and not behind the account!" Lyra shouted, making Bon Bon wake up with a start. "They've never suspected you to begin with." Sunset smiled as she processed the new information and she immediately felt a wave of guilt hit her for what she said to the pair when Applejack hit her.

"Oh my god Lyra, why are you yelling in a hospital?" Bon Bon grumbled.

"Telling Sunset the good news about Rainbow and Pinkie," Lyra explained and Bon Bon shot up. 

"Hey, Sunset. Glad to see you awake, gave us all quite the scare there," Bon Bon smiled at her.

"Sorry." Sunset's eyes flicked to where Pinkie was asleep.

"How can she sleep sitting up I wonder?" Bon Bon asked, mainly to herself.

"Pinkie can sleep anywhere, trust me," Sunset mumbled. Footsteps entered the room and Sunset looked up. Twilight stood above her, smiling. Sunset could see through the act and could easily tell it was a mask to hide her concern.

"Hello, Twilight."

"Hey Sunset, you feeling okay?" Twilight asked as she sat down next to her.

"Yeah. Water would be nice," Sunset admitted. Twilight looked around to make sure they were alone and a cup levitated to her. Sunset gratefully took it and sipped. Bon Bon stared and Lyra was vibrating in excitement. 

"How did you do that?" Lyra demanded and Twilight rolled her eyes, smirking. She pointed a necklace around her neck hidden by her shirt. 

"That necklace was made specifically by Discord. It allows me to keep a small portion of my magic to do everyday tasks," she explained and Lyra sat back, nodding apparently satisfied with that answer. A pair of golden pieces of paper sat down next to the two.

"What's this?" Bon Bon asked as she picked one up and inspected it.

"Passes from the other princesses allowing you entry into Equestria. I've already given the others of your group theirs. Same with Pinkie and Rainbow," Twilight answered. She glanced down at Sunset and frowned.

"We need to talk. About the others," she said sternly. "Where would I find Applejack?"

"She went up to Appaloosa with her family to visit Braeburn. They'll be back next week," Lyra commented. "She posted a picture on MyStable of all of them together."

"I didn't even think she knew how to work the internet," Bon Bon mumbled and Sunset snickered. 

"She doesn't, most likely Apple Bloom posted it for her. She always was the most tech savvy."

"This whole anon a miss thing reminds me a lot of Gabby Gums," Twilight commented and the three girls stared at her.

"What the hell is a Gabby Gums?" Sunset asked. Twilight sighed.

"A few years ago, the pony versions of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo made a bunch of news paper articles releasing a bunch of secrets in their school newspaper. They eventually apologized of course, but the damage was done."

"Think they could be responsible?" Bon Bon asked and Sunset shook her head.

"I know Scoots, she wouldn't do this. We're like, best friends."

"I hope you're right, Sunset," Twilight said softly. "I hope you're right." She glanced at the clock. "I need to get going, I'm supposed to give a lesson at Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns in three hours." She smiled at Sunset. "Stay safe, Sunset. I'm a entry away from you. And a portal away," she nodded at Bon Bon and Lyra. "Watch over her for me."

"We will," Bon Bon promised as Twilight left the room. "The doctors said you'll be able to go back to school tomorrow for the first day back."

"Great," Sunset moaned out. "I hate school. It's all so easy for me."

"Easy? How the hell is algebra easy?" Lyra demanded. 

"Compared to what I've studied in Equestria, the classes here are pieces of cake. Where's Vinyl?" She asked, looking around. 

"She feels responsible for you being roofied, so she's been making sure to stay hidden when visiting in case you woke up when she's here."

"Well, it's not her fault. I'll find her and tell her later. I'll be god damned if my friend keeps thinking like that," Sunset growled. She glanced at Lyra. "Do you still think I'm behind anon a miss?"

"No. While we had your phone, the account kept posting. Speaking of which, Diamond said she'll give you the phone back before you all go to school," the mint green girl admitted. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Sunset mumbled. "You were right, there wasn't much evidence proving me innocent." Pinkie groaned and opened her eyes. 

"I slept so good," she said in a dead sounding voice. "Best sleep ever." She stared at Sunset and perked up. "Sunset!" She launched across the room and hugged her. "I'm so sorry. For being afraid to stand up for you." Sunset sighed and rubbed her back.

"It's okay Pinkie. It's okay." Lyra and Bon Bon exchanged mischievous grins. 

"We can give you two some time alone if you need it," Lyra suggested with a smirk. Sunset rolled her eyes.

"It's not gonna come to that," Sunset reassured the two. Pinkie stared at her as she hugged her back.

"I understood if you don't love me anymore," Pinkie whispered.

"You idiot, I still love you. Even if you thought I was guilty, I'm gonna still date you after I proved myself innocent."

"Thank you," Pinkie mumbled. 

"You're welcome." The pair fell asleep in the hospital bed and Bon Bon grabbed Lyra's hand. 

"We need to get our school supplies, let's go and give them space."

Lyra nodded as she got dragged out by Bon Bon.

-------------------------------------------------------------

First Response sat at his desk and rubbed his eyes. This whole anon a miss mess was stressing him out. He already had to arrest a few students for fighting in the school. He took his job as the school resource officer pretty serious and loved his job. A majority of the kids liked him and opened up to him about their various issues. He had already been down to the hospital and checked up on Sunset after he heard about her incident. Sighing, he opened his email on the computer and read the email sent from another officer. He narrowed his eyes and shut his computer off after he read the contents. He stood up and left his office, walking down the hall. He gave a smile to Derpy who waved. He really liked Derpy, she was a good kid. Didn't deserve the insults she received, in his opinion. He reached the classroom he was looking for and pulled out his keys, unlocking the door.

"Hello, Miss Cheerilee,"  he greeted with a smile. She set down her book and smiled back.

"Hello, Sergeant. What can I do for you?" She asked. A few students watched in curiosity. 

"I need to borrow Rarity for a bit, please."  The girl nervously stood up and left the class room.

"Oooooh," the classroom said in unison and Cheerilee gave them a look. 

"Where are we going, darling?" Rarity asked. 

"My office. We have some things to talk about."

"What is it about?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow. 

"I'll tell you in my office," he replied as he held open the door to his office. "Sit down, please." She complied and he sat across from her.

"So Rarity, do you know anything about anon a miss?" He asked and her eyes widened. 

"Yes, my dear I do. My former friend Sunset Shimmer is behind the account." He raised an eyebrow at that. He knew all about Sunset and her past, but knew she changed. Plus, he knew more than Rarity did.

"If she's the one who's behind it, then why do half the posts come from your houses IP address?" He asked. Rarity scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Obviously she must have made it appear to come from my houses ip or something. She's a resourceful one."

"It wasn't her. It was either you or your sister," he pointed out. 

"It was neither of us. It was Sunset," Rarity declared. First Response was a experienced police officer of thirty years, he knew when someone needed gentle pushing or aggressive pushing. He also knew he was able to lie to a degree to get a confession. Looking at how nervous Rarity was to be in the room with him, he decided to take the aggressive approach. He slammed a hand down on the desk and she jumped. 

"This is not a game any more, young lady. A young girl committed suicide because of a post made about her and her family wants answers. The posts come from your houses ip. It's either you, or Sweetie Belle. Tell me what I need to know," he snapped. When she stayed quiet, he added his handcuffs onto the table and her eyes stayed on them. "I can take you down to the station and arrest you for involuntary manslaughter. You can be charged for this. Other officers are currently executing a search warrant on the house for all electronics." Well that part wasn't a lie but oh well. "Sooner or later, they're gonna find something. Do you know what a involuntary manslaughter charge will do to you? That follows you forever. It doesn't go off your record after a year like a speeding ticket does. Ever job you apply at will see that. Youre eighteen, you're legally an adult. They will charge you as an adult. Do you really want that?"

"No," Rarity mumbled. "Sweetie Belle has been acting weird recently."

"Weird how?" He pressed. She hesitated and he slid the handcuffs towards her.

"Spending lots of time with the laptop in her room with her friends, acting frustrated whenever someone mentions Sunset and gets nervous when me and my friends bring up anon a miss," Rarity hastily said. He nodded.

"And you think it could be her?" He questioned.

"I know it wasn't me. It wasn't our parents. I personally still think it might be Sunset but there's always a chance I suppose," she mumbled as she rubbed her nose.

"Thank you, Rarity. You can go back to class." She left the room and shut the door softly, crying as soon as she shut it. He listened for a second before sighing and picked up the phone. 

"Principal Celestia? Can you send Scootaloo to my office? Thank you."
> Chapter VII
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo walked into the office and smiled. First Response helped her a lot with some bullying issues when she first got here. She still had weekly Go Fish and Uno games with him.

"Hello Scootaloo. How was winter break?" He greeted her as she sat down across from him.

"It was good, how was yours first?" She asked with a big smile. 

"It was decent. Got Christmas off for the first time in ten years. Spent it with the kids and wife," he replied. "While I love our conversations, we have something to discuss." She cautiously sat down at the seat across from. He slid a donut and a chocolate milk to her. "Figured you might be hungry, so I stopped by Sugarcube Corner and got you some breakfast." 

"Thank you," she mumbled as she eagerly bit into the donut. He laughed and handed her a napkin. 

"We need to talk about this Anon a miss account. I know Sweetie was involved. Do you know anything about it?" He asked and she froze.

"N-no," she stammered out and his eyes narrowed slightly.

"You're lying," he pointed out calmly.

"How can you tell?" Scootaloo nervously asked, looking around the room.

"I've been a officer since I was twenty two, it's my job to know when I'm being lied to."

"Don't you need my parents here if you're gonna be interrogating me?"

"This isn't an interrogation, it's just two friends talking. That said, we have your aunts on the way because we couldn't reach your parents," he replied.

"Okay."

He rested against the desk and made eye contact with her.

"What do you know about the account, Scoots? Honestly is the best way to help yourself here."

"I may know something about it," she admitted and slammed her head against the desk.

"You're not a bad kid, Scootaloo. I think you're just in a bad situation and you don't know how to get out, isn't that it?" He asked softly and she nodded, raising her head. 

"Yes," she answered in a whisper. She wiped the crumbs off her face and sipped her milk. 

"What's going on?"

"It was their idea," she mumbled. 

"Peer pressure can be hard to say no to if it's your friends, who is they?" He asked.

"You know who," she replied. 

"I need verbal confirmation, Scoots. You know that," he pointed at his bodycam. "For that." She hesitated and looked away. 

"Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle," she mumbled.

"And what was the point of the account, Scoots?" He questioned soothingly. She made eye contact with him.

"I'll tell you everything," she whispered. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

First Response walked down the hallway with another officer, their shoes echoing down the hall. They reached the classroom they needed and the younger officer unlocked and opened it. The students looked up and Ms. Harshwhinny paused her lesson. The two officers walked to Apple Bloom desks and stopped.

"Get up," the younger officer ordered. 

"W-why?" She stammered as she stood up. He spun her around and pulled out his handcuffs. 

"You're not under arrest, you're being placed into custody alright. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney during any questioning, if you can't afford one, one will be appointed to you by the courts. Do you understand these rights as I've read them to you?" He asked as snapped the cuffs on her.

"Ah do, why are y'all arresting me?" She demanded nervously as they lead her out the classroom. 

"You're not under arrest," he repeated as they shut the door, leaving her stunned classmates and teacher behind. Across the school, Sweetie Belle was getting the same treatment by Shining Armor. He lead her down the hall and met up with the other officers. They started to walk down the hall to the entrance of the school, guiding the two girls. Students moved out of their way and gazed in shock at the two freshman in handcuffs.

"What in Sam Hill is goin on here?" A furious Applejack demanded. Rarity looked away and bit her lip. Applejack stepped in front of them and First Response gently pushed her out of the way.

"Step aside, or you'll get arrested for impending a police function," he warned. 

"Apple Bloom, what on earth did y'all two do?" She demanded as they kept walking her sister outside. 

"Ah fucked up," Apple Bloom called out as she was put in the back of a waiting police car.

"Ah'll call Granny and we will sort this out, ya hear me?" Apple Bloom nodded as the Shining Armor got in the front seat and drove off, following the car in front of him that contained Sweetie Belle.

"What just happened?" Fluttershy inquired as she walked up to the pair.

"Ah ain't even sure. Three police officers just walked our sisters outta here in cuffs into police cars," Applejack fumed. Rarity sighed.

"You two, come with me," she pulled them into a classroom and shut the door. "Half of anon a miss posts came from my houses ip. The Sergeant questioned me extensively about it. Sweetie Belle has been acting weird. What about Apple Bloom?"

"What are ya implying?" Applejack folded her arms and stared at her.

"I'm implying nothing. I'm asking if she has been acting weird." Applejack rubbed her chin in thought. 

"Ah mean, ah guess. No more than usual. She mainly just stays in her room with Sweetie and Scootaloo. We were like that too when were their age."

"I suppose. Maybe we should ask them if they know anything. I don't want to believe my sister did this, but a girl killed herself over this the officer said. That's a manslaughter charge, darling. Either of us and our sisters could go down for that."

"Alright fine, we will speak to em. Ah ain't sure about what we are gonna find, though Rares," Applejack conceded.

"Me neither."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"What makes you think I'm not anon a miss?" Sunset asked as she stabbed her potato salad, taking a bite. Rainbow sipped her pop.

"Just a gut feeling. This didn't seem like something you would do, especially not now. Especially not to Pinkie." Rainbow flashed a tired smile to her. "Plus, loyalty and all." She rubbed her head and winced a bit.

"You okay?" Lightning asked around a mouthful of pizza. 

"Yeah, just a migraine," she mumbled as she bit into her hamburger. 

"We all have them," Pinkie said. 

"How do we know you won't go back to your friends when shit gets rough?" Vinyl asked she drank her water. Rainbow glared at her.

"We would rather die," she said coldly. Bon Bon and Octavia shot each other worried looks. 

"Sunset has the same migraines," Lyra commented. Pinkie and Rainbow looked at her in surprise. 

"Really?" They asked in unison. 

"Yeah, I'm not sure why," Sunset admitted. 

"Twilight seems to think it's related to the elements punishing us when I went and asked her," Rainbow pointed out. 

"You went through the portal and asked her?" Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's the most painful thing I've ever felt." Sunset rubbed her chin.

"The elements punishing us all could explain why we all have migraines."

"What do you mean?" Octavia questioned.

"In Equestria, the Elements of Harmony are a force used to defended Equestria. Rainbow Dash is Loyalty, Pinkie is laughter, Rarity is generosity, Applejack is honesty and Fluttershy is Kindness," Sunset explained. Diamond gave a snort. 

"Kinda funny how the last three are the worst right now," she grumbled. "So that's what you were talking about at the bakery when Applejack got arrested." Sunset nodded.

"That doesn't explain why Sunset has migraines though," Silver Spoon pointed out and Sunset sighed.

"Actually it does. I represent the Element of Empathy and Forgiveness. I haven't been very empathic lately with the school, so I betrayed my element in a way too." She rubbed her head.

"My migraine has been going away. Same with Pinkies," Rainbow pointed out.

"I'm not sure. I have been laughing more recently, so that's why Pinkies might be  going away. And yours might be going away because we are back and talking again." Rainbow gave a nod.

"Makes sense. My hair has been turning more vibrant than it was before," she looked over Octavia and the others till her gaze rested on Diamond Tiara. "So this is the new group you're running with?"

"Is that a problem?" Vinyl asked and Octavia smacked her on the back of the head. "Ow."

"No, it's not a problem. I was just asking," Rainbow growled. She looked around the cafeteria and rolled her eyes. "Here comes trouble." Applejack walked up to them with a nervous expression and Lightning stood up, with a fist balled.

"What are you doing here?" She demanded as soon as Applejack was in earshot. 

"Ah'm here to talk to Rainbow. About our sisters, now kindly move." Sunset and Rainbow exchanged a nervous look.

"Vinyl, ask Applejack if something happened to Scootaloo for me," Rainbow requested.

"Did anything happen to Scootaloo, Applejack?" The dj asked.

"Sweetie and Apple Bloom just got detained by the police. Taken out the school and everythang." 

"What?" Diamond exclaimed. "Why?"

"Ah ain't sure. They ain't tell us anything yet. They said they were gunna stop by the farm later and talk to Granny."

"Gabby Gums," Sunset muttered to herself.

"Did Scootaloo get taken too?" Rainbow asked.

"Naw. She's around here somewhere," Applejack admitted. "Can ya talk to her for us?"

"I don't want to do you any favors," Rainbow retorted. "We're done." Applejack recoiled and stared at her.

"Fine." She glanced at Sunset.

"Move along," Lightning growled. Applejack glared at her and stood in front of her. "Go ahead, Applejack. Do something. Make my day. I don't care, I'll smack the fuck out of you. I'll even keep swinging on your unconscious body when the cops show up and try to pull me off." Her and Applejack glared at each other till Lyra slammed her hand down on the table.

"Get out of here, Applejack. This isn't the place for you. Hopefully, one day you can buy enough lube to pull your head out of your ass but that day isn't today. Now run before Lightning hits you," the green girl snapped. Bon Bon stared at her in shock. Applejack glared at her before nodding and walking away.

"I never knew you were so vulgar, Lyra," Bon Bon announced as she ate her salad. Lyra shot her a smug look.

"I'm an engima."

"You're something," Vinyl muttered. Lyra rolled her eyes and went back to trying to shove a whole cheeseburger into her mouth.

Pinkie gave Sunset a one armed hug.

"I missed this," she mumbled and gestured around the table with a fork. "Having more than one actual friend and Sunset being happy. It's nice to not be so down in the dumps." Sunset returned the hug.

"I know."
> Chapter VIII
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity sighed as she sat in front of Sweetie Belle. The younger girl was wearing a collared shirt and brown khakis.

"You look awful, darling," Rarity announced. 

"Yeah well, this is the uniform we have to wear at the juvenile hall. Apple Bloom has the same thing on," Sweetie mumbled.

"Sweetie Belle. I want an honest answer and I want one now. Why on earth are we sitting here at the detention center and not at home. The police took all the computers in our house," Rarity said sternly. "I may have a faint idea, but I hope to God it isn't what I think."

"Fine. It was us. We did it. Anon a miss, all of it," Sweetie hung her head. "It was a mistake."

"Why in God's good name did you do this Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked calmly. 

"You've rarely hung out with me ever since she came to the group. Sure, I liked her at first but you traded me in for her. I'm your sister for crying out loud. And you threw me away for a non family member. You promised me yourself things wouldn't change at all and they did," Sweetie snapped. "You hurt me and you don't even care, you deserved to be hurt too like I was. I didnt expect it go this far, people started sending in all types of secrets of others and we knew Sunset wouldn't have just quit." Rarity stared at her. "By then, we were in too deep and scared."

"And you couldn't tell me any of this why? You framed an innocent girl, broke up my friend group. Someone could have committed suicide over this, Sweetie. You know that, right? What would you have done then? You are sixteen, there's a fifty fifty chance they could have charged you as an adult here. You're so lucky Sunset begged the judge to show you girls leniency. If it was me in her shoes, I don't think I would have done it," Rarity pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Do you still love me?" Sweetie asked in a whisper. 

"You're my sister, I'll always love you. But I'm very angry with you right now. You could have handled this so much better. In a way, I'm to blame for this too. I ignored you, I didn't notice the signs that you were angry with us. I abandoned Sunset and didn't believe her. You're my little sister and I'll do anything for you, but you need to get this sorted out and be done. You got six more months here. After that, we will talk and sort this all out. There won't be any yelling, just two sisters talking. Like we should have from the start," Rarity sighed. "But you will be apologizing to Sunset."

"I know," Sweetie sighed. 

"Ya did what?" Applejack shouted and Apple Bloom shrunk in her chair. Rarity and Sweetie Belle looked over.

"Hopefully she doesn't yell at her too much," Sweetie commented hopefully.

"I think we might be past that, darling."

"Ah want an explanation and ah want one now, Bloom," Applejack snapped.

"Ya ditched me for Sunset. Ya never come by my room and just have our sisterly talks, ya only talked to me at dinner time, school and when we harvested our crops," Apple Bloom said simply. "Ya hurt mah feelings, ah wanted ya feelings hurt too. It backfired." Applejack snorted.

"Ah'd say it has. We've hung out when Sunset was mah friend, have ya forgotten that? At the theaters, that horror movie ya wanted to see and ya were so scared to sleep that ah slept in ya bed," Applejack growled. 

"And when was that, AJ? That was right after the fall formal. Ya barely done anything with me since. Ya preach how important family is, but then essentially abandon me. Ah have every right to be mad," Apple Bloom retorted. Applejack gave a long sigh.

"Ah'm sorry. Ah ain't mean to make ta feel abandoned like that. Just because ya got a right to be mad doesn't mean ya can go do whatever ya heart desires. Especially not something like this. Ah'm a tad bit mad at ya but ah'm mainly disappointed in ya." Apple Bloom flinched at that. Hearing she was disappointed in her and not mad hurt more in a weird way. "Ah ain't even sure ah can fix my friendship with Sunset. Because of ya, ah betrayed the core part of me."

"Ah'm sorry," Apple Bloom mumbled. "Ah think Diamond might be done with me."

"Yall are on a break while she sorts her feelings out, ya guys aren't broken up," Applejack reminded her. "Our time is up." The two pushed their chairs out and Applejack hesitantly hugged her sister.

"Why we only get two hugs?" Apple Bloom wondered.

"This place is meant to imitate a real jail, so we only get one hug at the beginning and one at the end. Hence the uniform ya got on. It's meant to put the fear of God into ya so ya avoid real jail," Applejack explained as she let go. "And ya will be apologizing to Sunset, this ain't a debate. Face ya consequences."

"Alright."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Get your ass back in that room and make that bed again, young lady!" The women yelled at Sweetie Belle, getting right up in her face. 

"I'm pretty sure you can't talk to me like that," Sweetie pointed out. 

"Like hell I can't. We are supposed to get your act together so you don't go to real jail. We are way tamer than real guards, a real CO would be yelling at you even more than me," the women snapped. "Now get back there and make that bed again. I expect that room to be perfectly neat and clean like we showed you." Sweetie Belle sighed and walked back to her room.

"You know, they wouldn't ride you so hard if you did what they said the first time," Scootaloo commented as she flipped the page in her book. "Even I fell in line after getting screamed at the first month. People are gonna think some monster swapped our personalities around our bodies." Sweetie rolled her eyes as she made her bed and smoothed down the sheet.

"This place is hell," she mumbled. 

"It's pretty bad, yeah," Scootaloo admitted. "I'd hate to see what real jail is like."

"It's kinda your fault we are in here," Sweetie pointed out. Scootaloo sighed and set her book down. She swung off the bed and stared at Sweetie.

"We were already caught. I never wanted a part of this anyway. At least Sunset is my new sister figure/ idol."

"What happened to Rainbow?" Sweetie raised an eyebrow. Scootaloo sighed as she straightened her collar.

"She hasn't come to visit me once. Sunset comes every week, hugs me at the beginning and end, sneaks us in candy bars and more. We messed up big time. Rainbow hates me I bet. I'd hate me, hell I do hate me."

"I'm sorry. We should have listened to you at first when you said it was a bad idea. It's our fault too," Sweetie mumbled.

"It is what it is. One day, she'll come around. Sunset always was an idol to me anyway." She laid back down on the bed as the same women came in.

"Good job, Sweetie Belle. I'm impressed." She gave a flicker of a smile and walked out.

"You've never told us your name, by the way." Sweetie pointed put. The women glanced back at her.

"Night Glider," she replied gruffly as she slammed the doors shut and locked it.

"She's a scary women," Sweetie shivered. 

"A tad bit," Scootaloo admitted. Sweetie leaned against the door and peeked out the small window. 

"You think this is what real jail is like?" She asked. Scootaloo let out an exasperated sigh.

"For the tenth time this week Sweetie, I have no fucking idea, all I know is I want to avoid it."

"We're really lucky, you know?" Sweetie asked as her eyes flicked down the hallway.

"How do you figure?" Scootaloo asked as she picked her comic book back and resumed reading. 

"We got assigned the same room. Apple Bloom got assigned a complete stranger. What if it was a person who was violent with people?" Sweetie shivered as she pictured Apple Bloom getting hit by her roommate.

"Yeah, I doubt that's the case. It wouldn't surprise me if they did that though. In jail, your bunk mates are complete strangers and you have no idea why they're in there," Scootaloo replied. 

"I'm scared to be honest. What if we die in here?" Scootaloo gave a chuckle and Sweetie glared at her.

"Sorry, laughing at my comic. And we won't die here, quit being so dramatic. It's pretty obvious you're related to Rarity. They wouldn't allow someone to kill us here."

"I sure hope so," Sweetie replied as she sat next to Scootaloo on her bunk and read the comic with her. "I haven't read this comic before."

"It's the new issue. Sunset brought it for me because I asked her to." Sweetie scanned the page.

"What's it about?" Sweetie asked.

"I'm not sure," Scootaloo admitted. Sweetie raised an eyebrow. 

"It's your comic book, how do you not know?" She asked.

"It's in neighponese, while I can speak it, I don't understand the premise of the series. It's comedy apparently or something." The two sat reading the comic, with Scootaloo translating for Sweetie Belle. She occasionally gave a laugh, but she really didn't understand the premise. 

"Wanna know the worst part of this place?" She suddenly asked.

"What's that?" Scootaloo idly asked as she flipped the page.

"The food here is really bad."

"That it is. Prison food or a close replica."

"How are you so calm about all this?" Sweetie demanded.

"Food is food. Remember, before I lived with my aunts my parents barely feed me and were shitty?" Scootaloo pointed out.

"No, you never told me that. What the heck, Scoots?"

"Oh. I told Apple Bloom, that's right."

"So you trust Apple Bloom more than me now?" Sweetie glared at Scootaloo. "That's fucked up." Scootaloo recoiled. Sweetie Belle rarely ever cussed, she had to be really mad to cuss.

"It's not like that," Scootaloo sighed and closed her book, marking her page. 

"What's it like then?" Sweetie challenged. 

"It was when Apple Bloom first introduced us. I didn't know you or anything about you. I didn't know how long you would stay or if you would even be my friend." Scootaloo made eye contact with her friend. "I had to be cautious with what information I gave out. I knew Apple for a bit longer than I knew you." Sweetie let out a drawn out sigh.

"Okay, that makes sense," she admitted. "What about now?"

"Whaddaya mean, what about now?" Scootaloo asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you trust me now?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"Of course I do, idiot. You're my closet friend along with AB. And we're stuck in this six by eight room together."

"How do you know it's six by eight?" Sweetie asked in confusion. Scootaloo pointed to a small sign on the wall. Sweetie glanced over to where she pointed and the dimensions of the room were wrote on it. "Oh."

"Yeah."

"You still trust me, even after what we stupidly used our friendship to have you help us?" Sweetie asked suddenly in surprise. 

"It was a bit hard at first," Scootaloo admitted. "It hurt a bit, but I wouldn't just up and abandon you guys over it. We all make mistakes, it's part of life. You two are my closest friends." Sweetie leaned into her and hugged her.

"I'm sorry. It was really wrong of us and we're all suffering the consequences. Especially Sunset."

"She's actually not that bad, she's working through it. She has a new group of friends I hear. Bon Bon, Lyra, Lightning Dust to name a few."

"That's good," Sweetie mumbled. "So do we just spend half the day in here you think?"

"Nah, I overheard us getting classes too here. They don't want us missing on our education," Scootaloo explained. 

"Joy," Sweetie grumbled and rolled her eyes.

"I know right."

"Remember when Apple Bloom tried to ask for the harshest punishment instead of us?" Scootaloo suddenly asked. Sweetie Belle gave a laugh.

"I do. Dang her and her martyr complex," Sweetie chuckled.

"Lights out means go to sleep!" A fist pounded on their door and the two girls jumped. 

"I should probably go to my bunk and sleep now," Sweetie whispered and Scootaloo nodded. She slid off of Scootaloos bed and climbed into her own. 

"Night, Scootaloo."

"Night, Sweetie Belle."
> Chapter IX
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie made a face at the food on her tray. She missed her sisters cooking and normal food, not whatever was in front of her. She poked at it with her spork and sighed. Scootaloo sat next to her, eating. 

"How on earth can you stomach this disgustingness?" Sweetie demanded. Scootaloo swallowed the food in her mouth. 

"First off, I'm not entirely sure if disgustingness is a word. Secondly, if you try to not focus on the taste and think of other happy things, it doesn't taste as bad. But there's a downside."

"What's that?" Sweetie questioned as she poked the food on her lunch tray again. 

"When you go to think about those happy thoughts again once you're out of this place, you'll never be able to think of them the same because of the food."

"Interesting approach," Sweetie mused as she forced herself to take a bite. "What do you think about?" Scootaloo gave a shrug.

"Remember the time me, you and Apple Bloom went to Equestria World and we went on that one ride and it got stuck up side down on the loop and Apple Bloom vomited on everyone below her repeatedly?" The girls shared a laugh. 

"That was disgusting," Sweetie snorted. 

"Just pray if it happens again, y'all ain't under me," Apple Bloom scoffed as she sat across from them with another girl. "I want y'all to meet someone, this is Screwball." The pink girl gave a shy wave.

"Hello," Sweetie said with a bright smile. 

"Sup."

"Other than talking about me, what are y'all up?" Apple Bloom asked she bit into her breakfast.

"Currently debating on the quickest hypothetical way out of here," Scootaloo commented. "We have bribe the guards and my awesome idea of launching ourselves over the gate with a giant rubber band."

"Ah like the second one," Apple Bloom announced as Scootaloo shot Sweetie Belle a smug grin. "Just one question."

"What's that?"

"Where in tarnation are ya gonna get a giant rubber band that can shoot four girls outta juvie?" Scootaloo paused and rubbed her head. 

"I didn't think about that," she admitted. "What do you mean, four girls?"

"Screwball. We're bringing her with us, duh." 

"Oh, right," Scootaloo focused on the quiet pink girl eating. "Why are you in here?"

"I ran away from home and school repeatedly, ran from the police and committed thefts," she replied with a slur, idly spinning the propeller on her hat.

"Are you okay?" Sweetie asked. Screwball raised an eyebrow. 

"Yeah, why?"

"You sound well uh a bit different," Scootaloo smacked her on the back of the head. 

"Be nice," she hissed under her breath into Sweeties ear. Screwballs expression fell and she looked down. Apple Bloom gave Sweetie a dirty look.

"Sorry, that was rude of me. It won't happen again," she apologized.

"It's okay," Screwball mumbled. "I'm used to it."

"How long have you been here?" Scootaloo questioned.

"I come here off and on," Screwball sipped her water.

"And you haven't been arrested yet? How?" Sweetie asked in surprise. Screwball stared at her.

"I'm thirteen," she said calmly. "They don't arrest thirteen year olds often, if at all for stuff like this." She picked up her empty tray and waved shyly. "See you around, Apple Bloom."

"How did you meet her?" Scootaloo asked as she watched the girl set her tray down and leave the room.

"She's mah roommate, she's mainly quiet and just sits there, drawin," Apple Bloom said. "Sometimes she reads, she really likes to prank me. Ah ain't even sure how she gets half the supplies to do the pranks, the stuff she uses definitely ain't allowed in here."

"Maybe she has an underground criminal network and she's the boss," Scootaloo suggested.

"Ah'm sure that ain't it."

"Or maybe she is very talented at sneaking stuff in," Sweetie pointed out.

"Ah guess."

"We were worried your bunk buddy was a violent person, but she seems nice," Scootaloo commented. 

"She's a nice gal. She's got what's it called where ya have hallucanations?"

"Hallucinations," Sweetie corrected. "And I think that's called schizophrenia, really messed up stuff."

"Yeah," Scootaloo piped in.

"Fascinating," Apple Bloom mumbled. "She ain't ever been violent with me, but when she gets one of her episodes she punches the wall hard as hell." Shouting made the three girls look up to a nearby table where a fist fight was happening. They nervously watched as the staff broke it up and forced the two girls out of the lunch room.

"That was brutal," Scootaloo commented as she pushed her empty tray away from her. "Looks like she has a broken nose."

"Thank God we haven't had that happen to us," Sweetie shivered. 

"We just gotta stay to ourselves and stay quiet and we'll be golden," Apple Bloom said confidently. "It's only six months left of this, we will be fine."

"I hope so," Sweetie mumbled under her breath. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo sighed as she walked down the hall to her and Sweeties room. She rubbed her knee and whimpered softly. She tried to keep the fact that she had to have a knee brace to walk comfortably. It irritated her to no end, but if it helped her run like she used to before, she was gonna handle it. 

"Hey." She glanced up at a random girl with pigtails walking up to her.

"Uhm, hello?" She asked cautiously. 

"I'll get to the point, you got a knee brace on and my friend wants it because her knee hurts. So give me it." Scootaloo snorted. 

"Yeah, no. That ain't happening," she retorted. "How do you even know how I have one?"

"I'm not stupid, I can see it slightly pushing out against your pant leg, you're rubbing your leg." She pushed her to the ground and she yelped. "You're really not gonna give me it?"

"No."

"Fine, I'll buy one at commissary. You just put me back at least thirty to fifty dollars, asshole. Worthless cripple."

"Hey!" Sweetie Belle snapped as she stomped up. "Back the fuck off." She slapped her on the back off the head and she spun around, staring at her in shock. She quickly ran off around the corner. Sweetie stood of Scootaloo and held out her hand. 

"Want a hand?" She offered. Scootaloo took it and Sweetie pulled her up.

"You didn't have to do that, I could have handled it," Scootaloo grumbled. Sweetie rolled her eyes. 

"Sure you could," Sweetie said dryly. "I'd rather avoid you getting in a fight in general." 

"So you'd rather make yourself a target then?" Scootaloo retorted and Sweetie paused.

"I didn't think of that," she admitted. "But friends stick up for friends so I'd do it again."

"Fair enough," Scootaloo admitted. She entered her room and threw herself onto her bunk. "This is so boring."

"Yep," Sweetie agreed, laying on her own bunk and putting her hands behind her head. "Wanna know what I just realized?"

"What's that?" Scootaloo asked as she traced her hand on the bunk.

"We're gonna miss the trip to camp everfree because of this," Sweetie grumbled. 

"Ah shit. And the Friendship Games," Scootaloo sighed.

"Oh well, not like we were gonna win anyway," Sweetie replied bitterly.

"You never know. This year could be our chance to win," Scootaloo offered and Sweetie scoffed.

"You said that before."

"And?"

"And we lost. We always lose."  Sweetie jumped off her bed and started pacing. "This is worse than the time Rarity grounded me. At least I had the park to go to."

"I remember that," Scootaloo recalled with a faint smile. "That was one of the first times I've seen you not wearing a dress or skirt because you wanted to use the swings and didn't want anyone seeing up your dress." Sweetie snorted.

"Well yeah, that isn't very ladylike," Sweetie pointed out. 

"I guess, I've only worn a dress once in my life or so I think," Scootaloo rubbed her chin in thought. 

"I know. I was the one who did your hair and makeup for the Fall Formal."

"You know, I've never seen you slap anyone. Just wait till Apple Bloom hears about this. Sweet, innocent little Sweetie Belle starting a fight," Scootaloo said with a smirk. She wasn't gonna admit it, but she was grateful for the help. Changed her perception of Sweetie Belle a bit.

"I didn't expect to slap her to be honest," Sweetie admitted. "It just sorta happened."

"That's how it sometimes goes," Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"How do you think Apple Bloom is taking her break with Diamond?" Sweetie suddenly asked. 

"I have no idea. You know that girl, she rarely talks about her feelings."

"Just like you," Sweetie pointed out. 

"I do it sometimes. I don't like doing it but I do it," Scootaloo rolled her eyes. The door swung open and Night Glider walked in. She stopped at Scootaloos bed.

"Up." Scootaloo sighed and stood up. She held out her hands and Night Glider slapped cuffs on her. "Come with me."

"Good luck, Scoots," Sweetie smiled at her nervously. Night Glider placed a hand on Scootaloos shoulder and walked out the room down the hall. 

"Where are we going?" Scootaloo asked, looking around.

"Misty Fly wants to see you." She pushed the door open and pointed to a seat across from the desk where a yellow women with blue hair was waiting.

"Sit," Misty Fly directed with a faint smile. Scootaloo sat down nervously and Misty nodded at Night Glider. "Thank you." The women left the room and shut the door. Misty focused her piercing green eyes on the younger girl and folded her arms on the desk.

"I'll cut to the chase, you're getting out because you helped the police end the account. Three months instead on the six months you three received."

"All of us?" Scootaloo asked in surprise. 

"No. Just you. You leave next week, you're dismissed." Misty turned her attention to her computer and started typing. Scootaloo hesitantly got up and left the room. One thought was going through her head. 

"Well, shit," she mumbled, voicing what she was thinking.
> Chapter X
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What?" Sweetie exclaimed. Scootaloo sighed in exasperation. 

"I said, I get out next week," Scootaloo repeated.

"Ah'll be damned, that's great news Scoots!" Apple Bloom grinned. Screwball gave her a faint smile. 

"I guess," Scootaloo grumbled. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each with raised eyebrows.

"Ain't that a good thing?" Apple Bloom questioned. Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"If I leave, that means Sweetie gets a new roommate. What if it's someone way worse than me?"

"Ah'm sure ya ain't that bad," Apple Bloom reassured her.

"She does snore," Sweetie mumbled. "Ow!" She rubbed her head and glared at Apple Bloom. "What was that for?"

"Just take the offer and get out. There's freedom out there and you can come visit. Besides, it ain't seem like it was an offer," Apple Bloom pointed out, ignoring Sweetie Belles glare. Sighing, Scootaloo bit into her breakfast. 

"I guess," Scootaloo admitted. "Or I can find a way for us all to get out early." She locked eyes with Screwball, taking note of her hopeful expression. "ALL of us."

"Thank you," she mumbled. 

"You're one of us now. It's not a problem," Scootaloo smiled. 

"So how ya gonna spring us all out?" Apple Bloom asked, shoving some food into her mouth. Sweetie made a disgusted face and looked away.

"Ask nicely?" Scootaloo offered with a hopeful smile and Apple Bloom facepalmed.

"Ah'm sure that will totally work," she replied dryly. 

"You really think so? I've been working up the nerve."

"No, featherbrain! That ain't gonna work. How many people ya think kindly asked to be let out?" Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.

"Uh, probably a few?" Scootaloo replied hesitantly. Apple Bloom nodded.

"Ah'd reckon so," Apple Bloom agreed. "Ya gotta do something else.'

"Murder a guard and steal his keys?" Scootaloo offered. 

"Ah don't get why Ah'm friends with ya some day," Apple Bloom grumbled. "We're in some deep shit as is and ya wanna add a murder onto ya rap sheet? Are ya insane?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"I was joking, nimrod."

"I wouldn't even joke about it here. The staff would beat you up or something," Screwball scoffed.

"They wouldn't do that, would they?" Sweetie asked nervously. Screwball shrugged and gave her a smirk. 

"You never knowwww," she sang off key.

"Ya know what ah don't get," Apple Bloom focused on Scootaloo. "Is how Sunset didn't murder ya."

"It's a long story," Scootaloo grumbled.

"Ah got time."

"Fine," Scootaloo rolled her eyes and told them.

Scootaloo clutched her book to her chest as she walked to the school library where Sunset was waiting for her. She had asked the older girl to wait for her. She took a deep breath and sighed, walking up to Sunset.

"Hey, Sunset." Sunset stood up and rubbed Scootaloo's hair, pulling her into a hug.

"Hey, kid." She grinned and Scootaloo hugged her back. "How ya doing?"

"Been better, you?"

"I'm doing good, I got exposed as innocent to the whole school."

"Yeah. We should talk about that," Scootaloo rubbed her head nervously and Sunset nodded. She gestured to the chair next to her and the pair sat down. Sunset's expression turned serious.

"What's up, kid?" Scootaloo took another deep breath. 

"I was part of it. Of anon a miss. I made the posts about Rainbow Dash. I wasn't mad at you, I was mad at her. I didn't really want to be a part of it but well I have no excuse," Scootaloo hung her head. Sunset sighed.

"I know." Scootaloo jumped slightly.

"How?" She asked incredulously. 

"When Twilight came over to see me in the hospital, she told me the Equestrian versions of you and your friends did something similar with the school paper. When you came up to me and said sorry for people vandalizing my stuff, you seemed off after I thought about it. Then I heard Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle got escorted out of the school by the police. At that point, pieces started to fall into place."

"I'm sorry," Scootaloo mumbled. 

"I know."

"Do you hate me?" She hesitantly asked the older girl. Sunset gave a loud sigh.

"No. I'm disappointed, yeah sure. But I could never hate you. Any of you. You're just kids. You aren't a bad kid, you three just made a bad mistake. I've made far worse and been forgiven for it." Scootaloo gave a relieved sigh and Sunset continued. "But I expect you to tell First Response you want to go to the juvenile hall as punishment with the other two. It's a good learning experience."

"Why are you so forgiving about all this?" Sunset gave a soft laugh.

"Element of Harmony, remember? Forgiveness and Empathy, all that fun stuff. It's kinda my thing," Sunset teased.

"Oh right," Scootaloo mumbled. "You know, most people wouldn't be so forgiving about this. They'd be out for blood."

"I'm not like most people." Scootaloo chuckled.

"You got that right. An epic badass idol from another world who stopped three teenage girls from controlling us all with their music? I don't think many people have that on their resume."

"Damn right," Sunset agreed with a smug grin. She hugged Scootaloo.

"I already convinced the judge to lessen your sentences to six months. I'll come and visit when I can. If I'm feeling nice, I'll bring candy bars." Sunset gave her a wink. "Just hide them well."

"Okay." Scootaloo sighed and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Sunset asked.

"To go tell First Response to send me off?" Scootaloo said in confusion. Sunset rolled her eyes and stood up.

"You can go do that tomorrow. I'm in the mood for ice cream, let's go."

"You don't gotta tell me twice," Scootaloo replied with a faint smile. Sunset rolled her eyes and wrapped an arm around her, walking out the library. "Why are you taking me for ice cream after I admitted to helping ruin you life?" Sunset sighed.

"I realized I wasn't living up to my element. I wasn't being emphatic or forgiving. It's gonna be hard, but might as well start with you three girls." Scootaloo nodded.

"That makes sense," Scootaloo admitted.

"Anyway, what flavor you thinking?" Sunset questioned. Scootaloo hesitanted.

"Probably strawberry."  Sunset raised an eyebrow.

"That's new, you typically get chocolate." She looked over the girl. "Who are you and what have you done with the real Scootaloo?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"I want to try something new," she shrugged. Sunset nodded and gave her a knowing smirk.

"Gotcha."

"And that's how it ended," Scootaloo finished her story.

"Wow," Sweetie mumbled. "I didn't know you two were so close."

"Yeah, me neither," Apple Bloom admitted sheepishly. "Jus makes what we did even worse."

"If you start feeling sorry for yourselves again, I'll punch you," Scootaloo threatened. Screwball nodded her agreement. 

"I'll help her," Screwball mumbled softly. Sweetie finished eating the gross food they were served and stood up. 

"My head hurts. I'm going to our room where it's a bit quiet." She picked up her tray and left the room, tossing the tray onto it's pickup spot. Scootaloo watched her the entire way. 

"Got a crush?" Screwball teased.

"What?" Scootaloo gave a laugh. "Absolutely not. She's one of my best friends, you can't have a crush on friends. Plus, I'm not gay." She shot an apologetic look to Apple Bloom. "No offense." The farmer shrugged it off.

"Nun taken. Ah ain't gay anyway, ahm bi."

"Oh."

"What are ya, Screwball?" Apple Bloom focused on Screwball. The girl shrugged.

"I don't know. I've never had a boyfriend or girlfriend. People always called me retarded for how I speak and act. I'm usually alone, you three are the first to accept me," the girl admitted and she looked down at her tray. A yellow hand fell on her shoulder.

"We dun judge here. We accept anyone," Apple Bloom smiled at the younger girl.

"As long as they aren't rude assholes," Scootaloo piped in. The three shared a laugh.

"At least Sweetie Belle isn't here to hear that," Screwball smirked. "Did you tell the others that Diamond Tiara visited you, Bloom?"

"Ah was just about to. Tiara visited me."

"And? Are you two still dating?" Scootaloo asked hopefully. Apple Bloom nodded slowly. 

"She said she's mad as hell at me still, but she was gonna help me fix this mess with the school."

"Well, that's good," Scootaloo smiled at her.

"Ah honestly thought she woulda broke up with me," Apple Bloom admitted. 

"Me too." Apple Bloom glared at Scootaloo. 

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," she said dryly.

"You almost got Twist to fight her. It seemed logical," Scootaloo pointed out.

"You and logic don't go in the same sentence together," Apple Bloom argued with a smirk.

"Shut it," Scootaloo scoffed as she looked around. "Where'd everyone go?" A loud yelp made them glance down the hall and Scootaloo growled. "How the the hell didn't we notice this?" She stood up with her lunch tray and stormed off. Sweetie grunted as she got punched in the stomach again. 

"You literally challenged me in front of everyone," the girl from the other day growled. "Makes me look weak if I didn't do anything." She prepared to hit the girl again when Scootaloo smacked her upside the head with the metal tray. She collapsed on the ground and Scootaloo kept hitting her. A pair of hands grabbed her.

"She's had enough," Screwball grumbled as she pushed the tray out of Scootaloos hands.

"She's down for a bit now," Apple Bloom agreed as she pulled Scootaloo back. Sweetie put her hands on her knees and resisted the urge to vomit. Scootaloo sighed and rubbed her head. Sweetie took off running and Apple Bloom pushed her.

"Go calm her down, me and Screwball will blame someone else for this so you don't go down for it and be forced to stay here longer. Go," Apple Bloom pushed her again as she picked up the tray. Scootaloo nodded and took off after Sweetie.

"Sweetie?" Scootaloo hesitantly asked. Sweetie looked up and focused on her.

"Hey Scoots." Scootaloo cautiously stepped forward. 

"Are you okay?" She questioned. 

"Yeah, just needed to get away from everyone," Sweetie stood up.

"Uh, why?" Scootaloo asked.

"For this." Sweetie stepped forward and kissed her.
> Chapter XI
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo’s eyes widened as Sweetie kissed her. It was a sloppy kiss, Sweetie was evidently a beginner. After a few seconds, Scootaloo pushed her away.

“What the heck was that?” Scootaloo demanded. Sweetie rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

“Uh, a kiss I think?” Sweetie offered weakly. Scootaloo stared at her.

“But why?” She demanded. Sweetie sighed.

“I honestly have no idea,” Sweetie admitted. “It just sorta happened.” She sat down on the bed and dropped her head in her hands. “I’m so stupid.” Scootaloo sat next to her and awkwardly patted her on the back.

“It’s okay,” Scootaloo tried to reassure her.

“No it isnt,” Sweetie Belle wailed. “I don’t know why the hell I did that or what I’m feeling. I’m not even sure if I’m bi or gay or what. I’m leaning towards bi, i think.”

“Me neither,” Scootaloo admitted. “But it’s fine. It wasn’t bad though, I think.” Sweetie lifted her head and rubbed her eye.

“Really?” She asked, sniffling.

“Yeah. I’m not entirely sure what to think if I’m being honest,” Scootaloo sighed. “It’s kinda weird though, dating and kissing my friend.”

“I’m sorry,” Sweetie mumbled.

“But I guess we can try and see where it goes?” Scootaloo offered nervously.

“Are you sure?” Sweetie hesitantly asked.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo sighed. “But if it doesn’t work out, we stay friends.”

“Of course. I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship,” Sweetie nodded.

“Are yall alright?” Apple Bloom strode into the room. “Uh why are yall blushing?”

“We may or may not be uh dating?” Sweetie looked to Scootaloo for confirmation.

“Ah ain’t sure about this,” Apple Bloom sighed.

“Why not?” Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.

“Because this changes a lot yall. Mah two best friends dating each other? I love yall and ah support yah. Ah just don’t wanna see one of yuh get hurt is all,” Apple Bloom explained nervously. Sweetie and Scootaloo made eye contact before nodding and hugging Apple Bloom.

“We won’t be making this awkward around you or abandon you because of this,” Sweetie Belle reassured her farmer friend. “We love you and care about you. Hell, we’re trapped in this same place together. We’ve been friends for years. Me and Scoots testing the waters will never change that.”

“She’s right,” Scootaloo chimed in. “That would be super rude of us. We are the cmc, we don’t do that to each other. We look after one another and our honorary members. Like Screwball.”

“Alright,” Apple Bloom hugged them back and grinned mischievously. “Just one question.”

“What’s up?” Scootaloo asked.

“How are yall sleeping tonight?”

-------------------------------------------------------------

“She has a point you know,” Sweetie Belle commented as she laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. “How are we going to sleep from now on? We share a room temporarily.”

“We have our own beds. Where else would we sleep?” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow curiously. “The floor?”

“With each other you nimrod,” Sweetie Belle teased good naturedly. “People who are dating do that from time to time, ya know.”

“They also have fun in bed but you don’t see me trying to do that to you,” Scootaloo pointed out. Sweeties face turned bright red as she glared at Scootaloo.

“I’m asking you to sleep next to me sometimes, not have sex with me. I’m definitely not ready for anything like that. You can share a bed without automatically having sex, you know?” Sweetie Belle scoffed with an offended angry look.

“I was joking,” Scootaloo deadpanned.

“I mean maybe in the future but not the first day we started dating,” Sweetie Belle continued as she didn’t hear Scootaloo.

“Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Yes Scootaloo?”

“I said I was joking. Relax girl. I’m definitely not interested in it either to honest. I’m too young for that and well so are you because we’re the same age.” Scootaloo got up and walked over to Sweeties bed and gave her a quick kiss. Sweetie gave a content sigh at the feeling before returning the kiss.

“Technically we are the age of consent because we are sixteen,” Sweetie Belle retorted. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow and stared at her.

“Why do you even know that?” Scootaloo demanded.

“Rarity. When I first became a freshman, Rarity decided it was the time to give me The Talk. Most embarrassing moment of my life. She had pictures and everything. She made me put a condom on a banana so I knew how to do it. I wouldn’t wish that fate on my worse enemy,” Sweetie shuddered. “Think of your worst fear and multiple by a thousand. That’s what I felt.” Scootaloo cringed at that.

“Yesh. That sounds awful. Why would Rarity even have pictures of that and why did she think it would be a smart idea?” Scootaloo asked.

“Apparently it’s what our parents did with her. I don’t know what would be worse to be honest, her being the one to give me The Talk or my parents. Not like they did much of anything anyway, they are always out on some stupid trip,” Sweetie grumbled.

“I can’t relate,” Scootaloo admitted sadly. “I don’t have parents. I only got my aunts. And Rainbow Dash.”

“I take it they gave you the talk then? How did you learn about it?”

“Google. I accidentally overheard some seniors making jokes about it so I looked it up. Found some funny memes at least so I guess there is an upside to all of that.”

“I suppose that is a bright side yes,” Sweetie Belle smirked.

“I know right. I was laughing for a solid thirty minutes just scrolling across the internet,” Scootaloo laid down on her back next to Sweetie. “We probably can’t do this often because of the guard people but ya know I’m down tonight.”

“Thanks. And you are probably right. At least Misty Fly seems to be niceish I suppose.”

“She’s okay. She is strict in her own way,” Scootaloo admitted as she rolled over on her side to watch the door. “Goodnight Sweetie.”

“Goodnight Scootaloo.”