> Family Trip > by TheKing2001 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I tossed my backpack into the back of the Tahoe on top of the rest of the tents and other bags we had packed. Mom had came to me with the idea of going on a family trip for a few weeks. Aunt Minuette parked her blue sedan in the driveway as Ruby waved from the back seat and I waved back. Aunt Cherry sat in the back with her. Aunt Berry sat next to Aunt Minuette. “Mom!” I called out as Diamond Tiara came out with a yellow dress on with a white bow around the middle follow by Silver Spoon, Scootaloo and Mom. “They’re here!” “Hey kid!” Aunt Berry hugged me with a grin before letting go to hug my other siblings. She wore a black shirt and jeans, Aunt Minuette wore a blue dress with an hour glass on one side. “Hey DT, hey Silver!” Aunt Cherry wore a white short sleeve shirt and black shorts. Ruby wore a t shirt with green shorts matching Scootaloo’s. Mom walked out with a few lemonade glasses and I admired her red dress that fit her very well. How she was single, I’ll never know. It went with her skin and hair very well. “Hey you guys. I assume you are all packed?” Mom asked as Aunt Berry and Aunt Cherry started emptying some suitcases and tents from the back of the car. “You betcha sis!” Aunt Berry snickered and hip bumped her before adding her suitcase to the growing pile. “Looking good Cheerilee,” Aunt Cherry added with a smirk and eyed her up and down. “Trying to impress someone?” “Nope,” Mom said with a blush. “Diamond Tiara suggested I show off a bit here and there. I had this and a few other dresses that I hardly wear so I decided why not?” “About time,” Aunt Cherry grumbled as Ruby pushed a Thomas the Tank engine themed suitcase into the trunk. Mom rubbed my cousins head with a grin. “Ready to go I take it?” “Let me put these glasses back and looks like Sunset has someone to say goodbye to,” Mom smirked and winked as I glanced at Derpy running up. Apple Bloom was following behind her. “Hey!” I grinned at Derpy and hugged her. “Hey there. Glad I caught you before you left,” Derpy smiled as she hugged me. I faintly made out Aunt Minuette dragged a smirking Aunt Cherry and Berry into the house as Apple Bloom hugged Diamond. “Me too,” I sighed and kissed her eagerly. I ignored the sound of Scootaloo fake gagging to Silver Spoon. If I knew my sister, and I do, she would be having her fingers in her throat. Derpy kissed me back and I sighed contently again. I wasn’t surprised Rainbow wasn’t here. She was grounded recently for failing a few exams. Plus getting caught cheating for a test isn’t exactly a good look either. I love Trixie but sometimes she doesn’t have the greatest methods for trying to pass tests. I rubbed Derpy’s back as my hand slid further and squeezed as she let out an eep into the kiss. “Your sisters are watching,” Derpy reminded me quietly with a blush. “Grabbing my ass may not be the greatest idea.” “Oh please. Scootaloo was too busy gagging, Silver Spoon was lecturing her and Apple Bloom is otherwise occupied with kissing my sister. And plus, you liked it,” I smirked as she turned even redder. “Okay maybe I did,” Derpy admitted sheepishly. “At least you like my body like I do.” I gave her a proud smile and hugged her tighter. I’d spent God knows how long on working to get her to like her body and we’ll, finally paid off. Sure, she has some off days but I do too about my own problems. “Damn right,” I answered as I toyed with my promise ring a bit. My classmates had asked us both a lot of questions when they saw them. “You’ll text and call right?” Derpy asked worriedly as I nodded. “Lyra is out of town with Bon Bon, Octavia and Vinyl have concerts coming up, Indigo and Lightning are getting ready for our upcoming soccer game against Trottingham so it’ll just be me, Trixie, Lavender, Fuchsia and the rest of the Wondercolts in our group to hang out.” “Yeah of course I’ll text and call. Still can’t believe Trixie got with Watermelody.” The artist was spending weeks apologizing for her actions during anon a miss. Months later and I’m still dealing with it. “Yeah same. Apparently Trixie is experimenting,” Derpy shrugged as I placed my hands on her hips. “Happy for her. I heard a rumor about Snails liking Lavender.” “Ooh interesting. His sister Raindrops might not approve. You know how protective she gets. Surprised she didn’t kill me after the Fall Formal.” “Me too,” Derpy laughed as we leaned against the car. “I’ll miss you, ya know?” “I’m not dying you know. I’ll be back for Nightmare Night with you all. I’ll miss you all too.” “Nightmares Night?” Derpy asked in confusion. “Equestrian version of Halloween. It was for Princess Luna back when she wasn’t Luna and was Nightmare Moon.” “You’ll have to tell me more about it when you get back,” Derpy said and I nodded. It was the second day of October. Lyra and Bon Bon were expected back a week before Halloween so we could get the group together plus my family. “By the way, my answer is yes.” I gave her a confused look before a lightbulb went off in my head and my eyes widened. Derpy smirked and nodded as I kissed her again. “God I love you,” I muttered under my breath once we separated. “Whatever will I do with you?” “The words violent, convulsive and multiple come to mind,” Derpy grinned as I blushed. “Someone is feeling amorous tonight,” I teased. “What can I say, you’re an influence on me,” Derpy kissed my cheek as Apple Bloom finished her conversation with Diamond as she got in the third row of the car with Silver, Scootaloo and Ruby. Minuette sat in the front seat next to Mom so it looked like I was sharing the second row with Aunt Cherry and Aunt Berry. “Alright go have fun with your family. I love you. I’m going to have to uh to entertain myself.” “Love you too,” I called out as I sat in the car and put my seat belt on after closing the door. Mom started the car as I waved to my partner and Apple Bloom. I faintly listened to my cousin talking to my sisters as Derpy waved back. We got halfway down the street as my phone buzzed and I looked at it. Derpy: I ❤️ you. I smirked as I sent a heart back and put my phone back in my pocket. We had a long drive ahead of us. > Chapter II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset “So where exactly are we going?” I asked curiously and covered up a yawn. It was pitch black and Mom had swapped places with Aunt Minuette because she was getting tired. We had been in the car for the past ten hours or so. My three sisters were asleep in the back seat and I stretched a bit. “A campsite on the Canterlot New York border,” Aunt Cherry answered as Ruby yawned in the back seat. I glanced out the window and looked at cars passing us on the highway. “Oh okay,” I said as the sounds of the other three moving around got our attention. Diamond Tiara wiped some drool off her face and I snickered. I loved teasing her about the fact she drooled in her sleep. “Are we there yet?” Silver Spoon groaned as she rubbed her eyes. “Three more hours,” Aunt Minuette called out as she flicked the turn signal on to pass a slower car. “Want some music?” “Yeah sure,” Scootaloo grumbled as she stretched. “I can’t sit in this car much longer. I need to stretch my legs.” I assume because she was a pegasus in Equestria. “One more hour and we can stop for a bathroom break,” Mom promised as she passed out coffees from the glovebox. Aunt Minuette turned the radio on and her eyes lit up. “God I haven’t heard this song in years,” Aunt Minuette said with a grin. “Life’s like a road that you travel on when there’s one day here, and the next day gone. Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand, sometimes you turn your back to the wind.” “There’s a world outside every darkened door where blues won’t haunt you anymore. Where the brave are free and lovers soar, come ride with me to the distant shore,” Aunt Cherry added and I watched curiously. I knew my mom had a good singing voice but I didn’t know the others did. “We won’t hesitate to break down the garden gate. There’s not much time left today,” Aunt Berry chimed in and I raised an eyebrow. “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long,” the four sang as I smiled faintly. “If you’re goin’ my way. Well, I wanna drive it all night long.” “Through all these cities and all these towns it’s in my blood, and it’s all around. I love you now like I loved you then. This is the road, and these are the hands,” Silver Spoon and I sang. I didn’t really know the song but Fluttershy had wanted us to do a cover so well practice is good. Nor did I know Silver Spoon could sing. “From Mozambique to those Memphis nights. The Khyber Pass to Vancouver’s lights. Knock me down and back up again, you’re in my blood, I’m not a lonely person,” Diamond sang and Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Fine,” Scootaloo muttered under her breath. “There’s no load I can’t hold a road so rough, this I know. I’ll be there when the light comes in. Just tell ‘em we’re survivors. Feel like I’m in a Cars movie.” “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long,” Ruby shouted and we all burst out laughing. “You’re goin’ my way. Well, I wanna drive it all night long.” The idea of her driving is scary. Thank God that’s about eight years or so from now. “Life is a highway. Well, I wanna ride it all night long. If you’re goin’ my way I wanna drive it all night long,” Mom sang and I admired her soft voice. “There was a distance between you and I,” Aunt Berry sang and glanced at her wife. “A misunderstanding once, but now we look it in the eye.” “There ain’t no load that I can’t hold. A road so rough, this I know. I’ll be there when the light comes in. Tell ‘em we’re survivors,” I sang and read some of the signs on the highway. “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long,” we all sang and I ignored the people in the car next to us looking us weirdly. Aunt Minuette rolled her eyes and sped up to pass them. “You’re goin’ my way. Well, I wanna drive it all night long.” “Well that happened,” Ruby commented and yawned. “I never knew you three could sing!” I commented and gave my aunts impressive looks. “Any of you really except Diamond.” “Oh we always used to sing on road trips. It’s a tradition,” Aunt Cherry said with a smirk. “This is the first one we’ve taken in years. Benefits of us all living closer.” “I have a question,” Ruby said and raised a hand. “Yes dear?” Aunt Cherry asked as Aunt Minuette took an exit to a rest stop and I looked at all the semi trucks. “What’s a Mozo bik?” We all burst out laughing as Aunt Minuette parked in a spot and took the keys out after shutting the suv off. “Mozambique dear. It’s a country in Africa.” “I thought Africa was a country?” Silver Spoon said in confusion. “No. Africa is a continent, not a country. It’s made up of other countries,” Diamond Tiara said as I opened the door and got out. Scootaloo jumped out and started running in circles. “Oh thank God! I was losing my mind!” She shouted and I laughed. “I need to go to the girls room,” Ruby said as Aunt Berry picked her up. I could go as well I suppose. “Alright let’s go. Everyone should go to the bathroom. We will get snacks and beverages from the vending machines after wards maybe unless Cheerilee has some in the car that isn’t in the trunk,” Aunt Berry said as I followed them to the bathroom. I picked a stall and quickly did my business as Aunt Berry and Ruby came out of the same stall. Apparently Ruby still needed her for unknown reasons that I quite honestly didn’t want to know about. “I’m so exhausted,” Ruby muttered as we started washing our hands. “Well we’re almost there. You can sleep in the car,” Aunt Berry commented as she dried her hands off. “Thank the lord,” Ruby yawned as we left the bathrooms and I examined the map on the wall. I smirked as I had a idea. But first, I had to get the rest of the girls opinions. > Chapter III > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I laid the tent on the ground as Mom tossed me the stakes. My phone rang and I pulled it out of my pocket, answering it. “Hey Fluttershy,” I said as I pressed my phone to my ear and shoulder as we started putting up the tent. “How’s it going?” ”Oh uhm I’m good. Your dog just fell asleep. She and your sisters pets can be very uhm playful.” “Yeah she is like that,” I chuckled as I shoved a stake into the ground. “Thanks for agreeing to look after our pets while we’re gone.” ”No problem. Have a good night with your family!” Fluttershy said and she yawned. Mom and I stood the tent up and placed the cover on top of it as I waited for Fluttershy to say anything else as I listened to a quiet snoring sound. “Oh guess she fell asleep,” I said and Mom chuckled. “Goodnight Fluttershy!” I hung up and slipped the phone in my pocket, staring at the pile of suitcases. “Well that was fun,” Mom said as we both looked over at Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo arguing over how to put a tent up. Silver Spoon and Ruby watched the two as my other aunts set up their own tents. Naturally Minuette and Berry were sharing a tent with ruby, Scootaloo and Cherry Berry were in one and the other two were together. “Agreed,” I nodded and folded my arms as Mom unzipped the tent and tossed both suitcases in. “Our tents are up. Can we play hide and seek?” Ruby asked hopefully as I yawned. “Maybe tomorrow,” Aunt Cherry answered as she gestured Scootaloo into her tent. “I’m exhausted as are the others. We were in the car for a little over twelve hours. I think your cousins would be interested tomorrow as am I.” “Okay,” Ruby grumbled as I climbed into the tent and flopped onto my sleeping bag as Mom closed the flap. “I’ve never been camping before,” I said as Mom opened her suitcase. “Really?” Mom asked in surprise as she glanced at me. “Really. Well uh does being homeless count?” “No,” Mom said and shook her head. “Look away please.” I turned away and looked at my phone, sighing. I had been on it over half the trip texting Derpy, Pinkie, Lyra and Applejack. “You can look now,” Mom said as I turned back and she hastily shoved her bra and dress into the suitcase. She now wore white pajamas and I gave a thumbs up. I plugged my phone into the charger and sighed happily when it started charging. Twilight may have designed our tents to be able to charge phones surprisingly. She said she wanted a challenge and well she got one. “Goodnight mom.” “Goodnight.” “Breakfast!” Aunt Minuette called out and I slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the sun coming through the tent. Moms sleeping bag was empty. I yawned, unzipped my sleeping bag and opened my suitcase. I opted for a black shirt and a red skirt as I tossed my intimates from yesterday into a different compartment of the suitcase. I picked up my phone and glanced at the good morning text from Derpy and the picture of her. I blushed a bit and texted her good morning back with a heart as I climbed out of the tent, put my boots on and zipped the tent shut so no bugs got in. “Hey there sleeping beauty,” Scootaloo snickered as she drank some orange juice. “Bite me.” “Don’t tempt me.” Mom handed me a plate with pancakes and cup of coffee. I gave her a grateful smile and sat on a log next to her. When they had found the time to make breakfast while I was asleep, I’ll never know. “You know our parents took us here when we were kids,” Mom said as she drank some of her coffee. “Really?” Ruby asked in surprise as she looked at her mom. “Yep,” Aunt Berry answered with a smirk. “We came up every year. Minuette came along a few times as well.” I still was surprised to know those two had knew each other since high school. Made sense that they would go on vacations together. “Cherry Berry brought Comet Tail along that one time,” Mom commented with a smirk as Aunt Cherry glared at her. “I thought we agreed to never speak of that again.” “Who is Comet Tail?” Diamond Tiara asked with a grin and leaned forward. The rest of us smirked at her as Ruby gave a confused look. “No one!” Aunt Cherry said hastily as I bit my lip to avoid from laughing. “Her ex,” Aunt Minuette called out as she watched with a grin and poured a cup of coffee. “I’m going to beat you.” “Jokes on you she likes that,” Aunt Berry muttered as I choked on my coffee and Moms eyes widened before she blushed. “Berry Punch!” “I also remember catching you two in the woods while you two were mphf!” Aunt Berry grumbled as Aunt Cherry slapped a hand over her mouth. “I know where you sleep.” “If you two are done arguing over your past conquests, I could use some help with the dishes,” Aunt Minuette commented as she started washing some dishes in some bins full of soap and water. “I got it,” I said and stood up. I walked over and started washing the dishes alongside the taller women. I faintly made out the others discussing our plans for our few weeks here. “I have a question. Where’s the bathroom?” Diamond Tiara asked. My aunts and Mom pointed to an outhouse as she gave them looks. “You’re joking.” “Nope,” Mom said and shook her head. “That’s it. I know it’s a bit unconventional but it’s what we got.” “We will never discuss this outside of this,” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she stood up. “And not a word to Apple Bloom. She would never let me hear the end of it.” We all snickered as she walked over to it slowly. Scootaloo, Ruby and Silver Spoon walked off to presumably find something to do. “So I need to talk to you guys about Derpy. And get moms permission about something because she’s heavily involved in it,” I said and dried my hands off. “You’re not breaking up are you?” Aunt Cherry asked as she leaned back against the logs surrounding the empty fire pit. “Nope not at all.” They all let out relieved sighs as Mom nodded. “Okay we’re listening.” I finished explaining as they all grinned and Mom nodded again. “We will talk about this once we get home but I’m down,” Mom reassured me as I gave a thumbs up. Probably the best answer I was going to get at the moment. > Chapter IV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I sat across from my aunts and Mom as we all stared at the fire in the pit. It was pitch black out, but the fire at least allowed us to see each other. We faintly made out the laughing of my siblings and cousin nearby. “If you four want marshmallows, you better come get them!” Aunt Minuette called out with a smirk. “Quickest way to get children to you is to offer them sugar.” “Not too much sugar. It’s late and I’m trying to wind Ruby down,” Aunt Berry said as she tossed a marshmallow in her mouth. “Look at you being all responsible,” Aunt Cherry teased with a smug grin. Aunt Berry threw a small stick at her. “Bite me.” The four younger girls came out of the darkness and sat down around us. “What was it like growing up for you all?” Diamond asked curiously as I watched the flames reflect on her face. The four fell silent as we watched them curiously. “I’ll tell you later,” Aunt Berry grumbled as she handed her daughter a marshmallow with a metal pole. “We’re having a decent few days and I don’t wanna ruin it.” “Mine was good,” Aunt Minuette said hastily. “Dad was a clock maker, mom was a dentist. I was called Colgate for a bit because of my hair. Hated the nickname. I only let Berry, Cheerilee and Cherry Berry call me it. Anyone else I yelled at over it. You all better brush your teeth after this by the way, especially you Ruby.” “We will,” Ruby commented as she stuck her marshmallow over the fire. “It’s my goal to get it golden brown like Aunt Cherry can.” “Good look,” Mom said as she watched. “No one has ever managed to beat her skill at it. Lucky.” “Fire is a gift from God,” Scootaloo muttered as she rotated her stick above the fire. “What’s it like to walk over a fire?” “Firewalkers are a thing,” I said as I bit into some chocolate. “They walk barefoot over hot coals. Crazy people.” “This is surprisingly good,” Silver Spoon said. “We never went camping growing up like this. Camp Everfree was one of for first times we went.” “We never had the bits in Equestria for vacations like this. We were busy working. Like Spitfire, Sunburst and I. Mom or well my Equestrian mom was busy working too,” I said and Mom flicked her eyes to me. “It’s nice. To get out here with you all.” “You said it,” Aunt Berry smirked and looked around at the woods. “Lot of memories here. Some good, some bad and some great.” “Nice to include you all in them too,” Aunt Cherry added. “You can bring your children here one day if you have any. Provided you’re into guys Silver Spoon and Scootaloo.” “I hope they are,” Mom grumbled as she flicked me. “They’re my only hope for grandchildren.” “Well uh actually there’s a spell in Equestria that can help with that,” I muttered sheepishly as they all looked at me. “It gives the mare a temporary well you know and it goes after they finish.” “Finish what?” Scootaloo asked and I turned a brighter shade of red. “Nothing,” Mom said as the others had blushes of their own. “I’ll tell you girls one day. I have a feeling it’ll be soon, based on what Sunset said.” “What do you mean?” “I’ll tell you all later. Makes everything easier to explain when she and Derpy are there.” “Okay then,” Ruby said as I laughed at her sticky face and hands. Mom tossed her a container of wet wipes. “Alright come on let’s play hide and seek. I’ve been scouting out the best hiding spots.” “Alright,” I said with a shrug and stood up. “You count.” Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and I took off running as I watched Aunt Berry kneeling next to Ruby. Presumably helping her count. I looked around and shrugged, starting to climb a tree. Hopefully she didn’t find me up here. She found me up. Kid was scary good at watching her surroundings. I unzipped the tent and stumbled inside, collapsing on my sleeping bag as Mom put her book down to zip the tent back up. “Can I ask a question?” I asked as Mom looked at me. “Yeah sure go for it.” “Why are you single? I mean you’re an attractive woman, you’re in your twenties, you have a decent job. What’s up?” I asked curiously as Mom blushed. “Well firstly thanks for calling me attractive. Secondly, I don’t know. I pretty much got everything I want in life so.” “What do you mean?” “I mean I got you, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. I got my sisters, I got Ruby and I got Minuette. What else do I need? I’m happy as is.” I smiled and opened my mouth to speak as a loud scream startled us. We looked at each other side stumbled out of the tent. “What the hell was that?” Aunt Berry demanded as she stood up next to the fire with Aunt Minuette. “Came from Scootaloos tent,” Aunt Cherry pointed a finger and we rushed over there. Scootaloo sat inside and rubbed her eyes. “Are you okay?” “Yeah I’m fine! Why wouldn’t I be?” Scootaloo asked and forced a smile as I narrowed my eyes slightly. She was an awful liar. “We heard you scream. What’s going on?” Mom asked and folded her arms. “I was uh practicing my vocals!” Scootaloo said and I paused before reaching out to her. “Don’t you touch me. I know you got that memory seeing pendant on.” I froze with an outstretched as we all looked at each other. “I’m fine. I was just playing around. Honestly. I’m sorry for scaring you.” “Uh huh,” I muttered and folded my arms. Everyone shrugged and walked away except Mom and Aunt Cherry. “She’s lying,” Mom said and glanced at us. “Absolutely.” “We will figure it out.” Hopefully without me using my pendant. Unsurprisingly, people who knew about it’s abilities didn’t like having their memories read. > Chapter V > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheerilee “Wow that’s a nice lake,” Scootaloo commented as we stood on the lake the camping grounds had near our site. Benefits of this being a technically private camp site, we had free reign of the whole place. “Agreed,” Ruby said as she tugged on Berry’s hand. “Come with me.” “I wanna spend time with Minnie, Ruby. I’ll come swim with you later,” Berry said and pulled her hand away as Ruby gave her puppy dog eyes. “Don’t give me those eyes. You know I can’t resist that look.” “I know,” Ruby said and maintained eye contact with my sister. I would say I’m glad none of my daughters give me puppy dog eyes but that’s a lie. Even Sunset does it. “Alright let’s go. Maybe Minnie will join us later,” Berry said as she and Ruby walked into the water. The two gave startled screams as I laughed. “Cold!” I laid a towel on the sand and laid on top of it, pulling my sunglasses over my eyes. I barely wore anything that showed this much skin but it’s only family here so I opted for a pink bikini with darker pink dots. Might as well get some tan here. “Hey,” Silver Spoon said as I glanced up at her. She stood above me in no surprise, a silver swimming suit. “Care if I join you?” “Not at all.” She laid a towel of her own down and laid next to me, crossing her legs. “Why are you up here and not with your sisters?” “Can’t swim.” “You could have told us and we would have taught you,” I said and rolled my head to look at her. “It’s not that hard really. I didn’t learn until I was eight.” “It’s fine. I’m fine not knowing. The lake is dangerous,” Silver Spoon said adamantly. “Dangerous?” “A child can drown in one half cup of water in twenty seconds, an adult in forty. That lake is roughly one hundred and fifteen point two cubic miles so there’s about one hundred and twenty seven trillion gallons of water in it. Don’t even get me started on the potential for a shark, harmful bacteria and potential animals in it. Safer on the shore. Plus, I can get a tan.” I gave her a stunned look as she smirked smugly and looked at the clear blue sky. I was okay enough at math to teach the basics but nothing like that. “How did you....?” “Know all that?” Silver Spoon asked with the same smug grin and I nodded wordlessly. “I guessed. The lake is pretty wide so it must be pretty deep. Plus Google told me it how wide and such it was so it wasn’t hard to do math to figure out how much water is there.” “How are you failing math class if you’re this good at it?” I demanded as her eyes widened. “How the heck do you know that?” “Seriously?” I said and gave her a flat look. “You go to school where I work. Your teachers tell me stuff. All of your teachers tell me stuff. Especially about Scootaloo and Sunset. Now why are you failing math if you’re good at it?” “Too easy.” “Okay yeah that’s not gonna pass anymore. I’ll talk to your teachers then and they can give your more harder math home if that’s what you truly want,” I said sternly and she grinned. “Yes finally!” “Next time just ask. Or I’ll ground you next time till you get your grades up.” “Okay. Sorry.” “It’s fine. Now relax, enjoy the lake and the sun,” I smirked as I watched Scootaloo splash Cherry with water. I rolled my head to the other side, closed my eyes and fell asleep. I stretched out on the tent floor as Sunset’s even breathing filled the tent as she slept. Thank the lord she didn’t snore. Cherry snored so loud when she slept, it was insane. My oldest daughter was curled up under a blanket next to me as I wrapped an arm around her. “Hey mom?” I jumped a bit as Scootaloo opened the tent flap and my jaw slightly dropped. That was the first time she ever called me mom. It was always Miss Cheerilee or Cheerilee. My idea of course. I wasn’t going to force anything she wasn’t comfortable with on her. Ruby hadn’t called Minuette mom either that I can recall. “Yeah dear?” “This is gonna sound weird, alright?” “Okay.” “So you know how Sunset still sleeps with you sometimes?” Scootaloo asked as she sat down next to me nervously. “Yeah,” I said. Originally Sunset didn’t want anyone to know she still occasionally slept with me but Diamond accidentally overheard her asking so just us in the family knew. “Would I hypothetically be allowed to do the same?” Scootaloo asked as I stared at her. Out of all the things she could ask of me, that was the least expected. “Of course. There’s more than enough room in here for the two of us and plus, I have two arms,” I smirked as I gave Sunset’s sleeping form a gentle squeeze with my left arm. She let out a sleepy sound and curled up closer. I'd let all of my daughters sleep with me if they asked. A part of me hopes they do one day. “Okay if you’re sure,” Scootaloo said as she crawled under the sleeping bag with me. “Is there any specific reason? You typically don’t like being touched often unless it’s me or Sunset or Aunt Cherry.” “Uh no?” Scootaloo offered weakly and I sighed. She was an awful liar. “You’re lying,” I pointed out and she rolled her eyes. “I’m telling the truth.” “You realize I live with Sunset, specially after the Fall Formal. I knew when she was lying everytime she said she was okay and tried to cover up her crying. I could easily see through whenever she lied about getting harassed at school so I can see through you too.” “Can we just sleep please?” Not only did I learn to tell when I was being lied to, I also learned when to back off and let them come up to me. “Yeah sure.” She gave me a grateful nod as I wrapped my spare arm around her and we went to sleep. > Chapter VI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheerilee “We’re going hiking?” Scootaloo asked worriedly as Sunset put our tent in her backpack. “Out there?” “Yeah?” I said and gave her a confused look. “Are you afraid of the woods or something?” “No!” Scootaloo shouted and we all jumped a bit. “I’m not afraid of anything!” “Okay,” Berry said after a moment of silence. I verified all important belongings weren’t in my car and locked it. We had droven it back to the parking lot of the site so no one would damage it in the woods. My youngest sister handed her daughter a smaller backpack because Ruby demanded she be included. Naturally, we put the lightest stuff in it. “How far of a walk is it?” Diamond asked as she stretched. “About three hours or so. It’s not that bad. We’re stopping halfway and camping, then we will finish the rest the next day,” Cherry answered as we started walking. “We’ve walked this trail so many times, it’s second nature.” “Fluttershy would have liked this. Same with Derpy,” Sunset commented as she looked around. I gave a faint smile and rolled my eyes. Fluttershy was probably the most nature focused of the group. “I know right,” I agreed as I stepped over a fallen tree branch. This place hadn’t really changed since I was a kid. Thankfully at least. Enough is changing around town as is. “So heard you guys got passed up for that nine eleven memorial. That sucks,” Minuette commented as she glanced at Sunset, ducking to avoid a branch. “I was looking forward to hearing your guys songs.” “Me too. Maybe next year. We got passed over for a band from New York. Kinda makes sense they picked them over us.” “I remember that day,” Cherry sighed quietly. “It was like an action movie. We got sent home early from school. We watched the first tower collapse in our classroom. Berry was pretty young back then.” “That I was. I was just starting third grade by then. I remember when you and Cheerilee came to get me from class. I also remember Cheerilee being the most furious out of us all about the attacks,” Berry gave me a faint smirk. “Trust me, angry Cheerilee is a scary sight. I’ve only seen it twice. Once then, second time was when she screamed at the Rainbooms to leave Sunset alone.” “That was scary. I’ve only ever seen Mom mad once,” Sunset said and gave a shuddered. “I’ve made it my goal to never be on the receiving end of her anger. She’s been disappointed in me a few times, mainly when she found out who I was before my redemption arc and me hiding the fact I got harassed after the Formal. In a way, her being disappointed was worse than her being angry.” I turned red as the others laughed. I tried to not get angry. I prefer to talk things out but well some situations you need to get loud. “Let’s get moving!” Cherry exclaimed with a grin and rubbed her hands together. “I got some ghosts stories.” We had finally finished our hours long hike and decided to camp in a clearing we found. Sunset and Cherry had made a spot for a campfire and we were waiting for Scootaloo to return with the sticks to lit it. “Where is Scootaloo?” Berry asked as she rubbed her hands. “It’s freezing!” “I’m sure she’s just gathering a lot of sticks to keep it going through out the night,” Minuette said as she wrapped an arm around Ruby. “Are you cold?” “No. I have a warm coat on thanks to Aunt Cheerilee!” Ruby said and gave me a grin. “Thank you!” I had gotten her that coat almost three years ago and she still thanked me for it. She treated that thing like it was a rare Bible. I was stunned that it had no tears or was falling apart. “I’m back!” Scootaloo shouted as she ran into our campsite with about twenty logs or so. “There isn’t that many fallen sticks around due to lack of trees.” We all gave her confused looks before looking up at the hundreds of trees around us. “Uh okay?” Sunset said as Scootaloo dropped the logs in the makeshift pit she had made. “I’m sure it’s enough. Thanks Scootaloo,” I smirked as she sat next to me and we watched Sunset set it on fire. “So who’s ready for ghost stories?” Cherry asked eagerly with a grin. I gave an eyeroll her direction as she cracked her knuckles. “Who’s heard of the Headless Horseman?” Cherry asked as Ruby hugged her mom. “You might want to give Ruby some headphones. She’s young and this story is scary.” Berry nodded and handed her a phone with headphones and music as Ruby put them in eagerly. Based on the screen reflecting off her face, she was watching Thomas the Tank Engine. “The Headless Horseman was a Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannon ball in a battle in these very woods,” Cherry said and held a flash light in front of her. I rolled my eyes and wrapped an arm around Diamond and Scootaloo. She had tried scaring me with this story once. “Every night, he searches for his head riding on a black horse carrying a whip made of a human spine. He chased a school teacher one night and threw his head at him.” “Cherry!” I snapped as she winced. “You should have used the pumpkin instead.” “We have a story like that back in Equestria,” Sunset commented as she yawned. “Called the Headless Horse. I’ve never believed it but I know a lot do.” “Okay maybe now isn’t the best time to finish the story,” Cherry said sheepishly. “Bed time!” She pointed to a large cave and Scootaloo gulped. “What if there’s a bear in there?” Scootaloo asked as I stood up. Berry gave a smirk and patted her bag. “I have a gun. Besides, bears get scared away by loud noises. We will be fine don’t you worry.” We all walked into the cave as Scootaloo Diamond hugged my legs. Sunset poured water on the fire and jogged to catch up. Cherry pointed her flashlight deeper into the cave and sighed. “This works. Goodnight.” We started unrolling our sleeping bags and tossed our pillows down as Scootaloo sat on hers. “Anyone wanna play a game? Or cut up a rug in a cave?” “No. I’m exhausted,” Berry admitted as she and Minuette slipped into their own sleeping bag with Ruby. “Maybe tomorrow.” “Is there a reason you’re avoiding going to sleep?” I asked as Scootaloo laughed. “No! I just wanna hang out with you all some more.” “We have all day tomorrow. See you then,” I said as Scootaloo climbed into her own sleeping bag. I yawned and everything went dark as I fell asleep. > Chapter VII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cherry Berry I rolled over in my sleeping bag, being woken up unfortunately from a decent dream from the urge to pee. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, looking around the cave and blinking. “Scootaloo?” I mumbled and stared at the empty sleeping bag. “Scootaloo!” I climbed out of my sleeping bag and grabbed my flashlight, nervously turning it on. I idly noticed I was just in my underwear but I didn’t care right now. “Scootaloo!” I hissed and peered around nervously. “This isn’t funny. Come out and get back in the sleeping bag.” I grumbled as I sat down on my sleeping bag, pulling a pair of sweat pants and shirt on along with socks and boots. I stood back up and my flashlight rested on the entrance of the cave along with Scootaloo’s phone and my blood ran cold. “Oh screw my life,” I muttered as I ran out into the darkness with my light. “Scootaloo, are you out here?” I flashed my light around and the beam fell on some broken sticks. I shrugged and followed them. I was absolutely exhausted but I wasn’t coming back without her. I continued walking and grumbling, following the broken sticks. I really hoped I was following Scootaloo’s tracks and not a bear. I’d rather not meet a bear in the middle of the night. I stopped a river and paused at the edge. “Well she couldn’t have gone down here,” I said and turned to leave. I glanced back and stared closer at a rock poking out of the water with a small figure on it. “Scootaloo?” I muttered and tossed the flashlight to the ground, sitting next to it and yanking my boots off along with my sweatpants. “Hang on, I’m coming!” I took a deep breath and dived into the water. My body jolted from the cold water as I started swimming towards her. I idly knew this was a type of thing Berry Punch would do. I surfaced and pulled myself up, panting on the rock she was on. Scootaloo stared at me with wide eyes as I inhaled. “What the fuck are you doing out here?” I demanded angrily as I glared at her. I never cussed before in my life I think until now. “It’s got to be past one am!” “I’m already scared enough as is right now. Please don’t cuss at me,” Scootaloo grumbled as she stood up. “Your story scared me even more than I already was. I hate forests. I hate camping. I was found abandoned in the woods in Canterlot. I don’t like this place. So I ran out here to face my fears like you or Sunset would do but I fell in the river.” “What on earth are you talking about?” I demanded as I joined her standing up. “I’m all about facing fears and all but maybe you could do it with us! Instead of me having to gallivant out here after you!” “Must be nice to be you, Sunset and Mom. You have no fears,” Scootaloo grumbled as I stared at her. “What are you talking about? I’m afraid of plenty of stuff. So is Sunset. So is Cheerilee, Minuette and Berry.” “Seriously? You guys don’t seem afraid of anything.” “Sunset’s afraid of needles, Cheerilee’s afraid of elevators, Berry hates escalator, Minuette hates failure, I’m afraid of clowns,” I answered and hugged her. “We will talk more about this in the morning. Let’s get out of here, I saw a bank nearby that we can use to get back to where I dived in at.” “That explains why you are just in your underwear,” Scootaloo muttered with a blush. “And shirt of course.” “Yeah. So you’re scared of the woods?” “Mhm. I guess I don’t actually hate camping but the woods is not great,” Scootaloo said sheepishly as we started walking through the water and up the bank. “And you didn’t think to I don’t know, tell any of us this?” I demanded as she flinched. “Sunset wouldn’t ask for help or tell you guys,” she muttered as I laughed. “Sunset has came to all four us for help more than once. She and Berry connected instantly during Christmas, me and her when we went to a hockey game and dinner, I don’t even have to say how she and Cheerilee connected, she and Minuette watched the entire Big Bang Theory together. A strong person isn’t someone who does things by themselves but asks for help,” I explained as I bent down to grab my sweat pants and flashlight. “I guess. What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make?” Scootaloo asked curiously as we started walking back to the others. I sighed and looked up, biting my lip. “So you know how I’m technically the de facto leader of the family because I’m the oldest right?” I asked and Scootaloo nodded. “It didn’t always use to be that way. It was mom and dad before they died. Me and Cheerilee made a pretty big mistake. When Berry got pregnant, her and mom got into a screaming match over her keeping Ruby. Mom eventually kicked her out and she lived with Minuettes folks for a bit. Cheerilee and I stayed quiet and didn’t support her because we didn’t want to anger mom.” “And that was it?” Scootaloo asked with wide eyes and I shook my head. “I’m getting there. We both reached out after a week and Berry agreed to meet us at a diner. Basically she cursed us out, cried, threatened to cut us out her life for ever and never let us see her daughter. Cheerilee and I went home, stood up to mom and dad and then cut them out of our lives. We didn’t go to the funerals, we blocked them on everything. I loved mom and dad but I love my sister. And I got an awesome niece out of it. And yet, they still kept the three of us in their wills.” “That’s weird.” “It was. So I replaced mom and dad as the leader of the family. Benefits of being the oldest child. But that was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Choosing between my family. But I’d do it again. And I’d pick Berry each time. Because I should have done it from the start but didn’t because I didn’t want to anger our parents. Cheerilee feels the same if you ask her,” I said and squeezed her shoulder. “It’s okay to be afraid of things. It’s natural. Everyone has fears and conquering them are good but it’s how you go about it. You’re young so you’re expected to mistakes but don’t do this again.” “So what now?” Scootaloo asked quietly as I smirked. “The others are going to hate me for ruining the trip. I should just go back to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.” I bent down to pick up her phone and kept walking. “They won’t hate you but there is a pretty hard task in front of you now,” I said and hugged her again as we snuck around the others asleep. “Uh what is that?” Scootaloo asked as I slipped into my sleeping bag with her. There was no way I was letting her sleep alone again. She might try to escape or something again. I gave her a smirk as she yawned. “Explaining.” I got comfortable in the sleeping bag as I realized I still had to pee. > Chapter VIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Tiara “You did what?” Mom demanded as Scootaloo flinched slightly. Sunset, Berry, Minuette and Cherry all gave her disapproving looks as Silver Spoon, myself and Ruby watched quietly. “I know it was stupid,” Scootaloo sighed as she tossed a ball in the air. “A lot of stuff I’ve done recently is stupid.” “Talk about an understatement of the century,” Silver Spoon muttered as I whapped her upside the back of her head. “Ow!” “Girls, no fighting,” Mom chided and shifted her focus back on Scootaloo. “You could have drowned or worse if it wasn’t for Cherrys overactive bladder.” “I don’t know how I should take that,” Aunt Cherry said under her breath as she rolled her eyes. “Point is, there are bears in these woods along with wolves and other creatures. Imagine if one of them found you instead of Cherry. We wouldn’t be having this conversation with you right now if so,” Mom said as she folded her arms. “So? Sunset or yourself wouldn’t have asked for help.” “Oh that’s funny,” Sunset snickered as she and Mom shared a look. “You know who helped me out the most recently this past year? Mom. And my aunts of course, but Mom was there first. And she only knew I needed help because I communicated.” “Sunset is correct,” I said as they glanced at me. “Communication is difficult for you because you think it’s weakness, but it isn’t and I know that’s ironic coming from me, a former bully who never talked about her home life, but it’s true.” And people thought I was the crazy one. At least I don’t run off into the woods late into the night on some sort of weird fear conquering quest like she did. “Fine,” Scootaloo sighed. “I laid it all out. Are we good now?” “Seriously?” Aunt Berry said and folded her arms. “No we aren’t. We’re gonna get you over this but we aren’t going to make you camp out here. We were leaving today to go into New York anyway.” “For what?” “You afraid of heights?” Mom asked with a smirk. “I’m a pegasus, remember? I’m not afraid of heights. Why?” “You’ll see. Let’s get walking back to the truck.” “What’s with you?” I asked Sunset curiously as we continued our long walk back to the car. Sunset had been oddly quiet this entire walk. “What do you mean?” “I mean you’re being quiet and not your normally loud self so what gives?” “I guess I miss my other siblings. Believe it or not, Nightmare Night or Halloween as you call it, was actually Spitfires favorite holiday. It most likely isn’t anymore because we’re grown now but yeah,” Sunset said and smiled slightly. “Halloween is the exact same as Nightmare Night. It’s Christmas that’s completely different.” “Why don’t you just invite them then?” “Can’t. Wonderbolts are doing something that day. Some Nightmare Night air show in Manehattan. But they are coming here for Thanksgiving and Christmas apparently.” “Oh?” I asked as Sunset nodded. “Random question.” “Shoot.” “Whens your birthday? Mine is November third along with Silver Spoons, Scootaloo is in January, Moms is in February along with Aunt Berry and Aunt Minuette, Aunt Cherry was August and Ruby is October,” I pointed as the others slowed down to walk with us. “She’s right,” Mom said as she glanced over at Sunset with a worried expression. “We didn’t miss it, did we?” “No it’s this month. You didn’t miss last year because I wasn’t adopted until November.” “Thank God for that,” Mom sighed in relief. “I’d feel awful for not doing anything on your birthday. Heck, I feel bad for not asking till now!” “Don’t be. I wasn’t exactly in a healthy mindset for a party back then. If we do anything, I just want something small with all of us. And Derpy of course. After all, she might be family one,” Sunset winked as Mom nodded. “Don’t remind me. It’s already crazy you turning eighteen. Don’t even get me started on you getting married one day,” Mom grunted as Sunset laughed. “You know, you always were my role model. Granted, for less than good reasons back when you were a bully. I always did admire the way you manipulated and tore apart the school. Heck, you were the inspiration for how I bullied Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom,” I said casually as the others frowned. “Thanks. I think?” Sunset said uncertainty as she raised an eyebrow. “No really,” I said and held up a hand. “But you also went on your redemption quest, which inspired me and Silver Spoon both to become better people. That’s a reason I was on the roof. I had a feeling after anon a miss ended that’s where you would go to think. I followed you there multiple times.” “I don’t know how I should feel about you stalking me.” “I may have not thought that through but it turned out okay. We were scarily similar. Both bullies, both got redeemed, both got partners.” Sunset shrugged as she suddenly wrapped an arm around me and gave a smug grin. “Guess we three are similar aren’t we?” Sunset winked as her grin widened. “Scootaloo and I like sports, mainly hockey and video games. You three have each came a long way. I remember admiring you bullying back then, now I admire you for a completely different reason. I even considered taking you under my wing back then but Snips and Snails were easier to control.” That made sense. Probably why Trixie uses them as her other assistants when Lavender and Fuchsia are both busy or sick. I had considered using them as lackeys myself at one point but they don’t really have that many brain cells admittedly. I remember Trixie had enjoyed rubbing her friendship with Sunset in the Rainbooms faces after anon a miss extensively. I don’t blame her. I would have too. Silver Spoon and I both knew she was innocent and had tried to clear her name. Mainly by doing our individual investigation. “Anyway, we’re almost to the car and I gotta use the girls room. Be right back,” Sunset said as she walked faster. “Hey Mom?” “Yeah?” “You’re not actually doing a small party for Sunset, are you?” I asked as Mom gave me a large grin. “Oh of course not.” > Chapter IX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset “Where exactly are we going?” Ruby asked curiously as she poked her head out between the seats. We had left the camping grounds about a few hours ago and were currently sitting in traffic on the highway. “Buffalo. City in New York, right against the US Canadian border,” Aunt Minuette explained as she looked up from her phone. “Nice place. Our uncle lived there. Had a lot of land and would go hunting all the time,” Aunt Berry said with a smile. “Good times. Love me Buffalo. Also, don’t tell Fluttershy about him hunting.” That was a pretty logical idea. Fluttershy would absolutely freak the fuck out if she knew about that. “Passports!” Aunt Cherry called out as she rested her hand on the steering wheel. I found it slightly intriguing that you needed passports to travel to some states. Mom opened the glove box and handed all of our passports to my other aunt. “Thank you.” “Passports please,” a bored looking woman said as Aunt Cherry handed them through the window. “Thirty one dollars, please.” “Here ya go!” Aunt Cherry said with surprising enthusiasm as she handed the money over. The woman handed the passports back and Aunt Cherry tossed them in the glove box. “You’re good to go. Enjoy you visit to New York,” the woman said like a robot as the bar lifted and Aunt Cherry drove through. “Finally!” Aunt Berry exclaimed and stretched her arms. “How’s it feel to finally come to a different state, you four?” “Cool I guess,” Scootaloo said as she looked out the windows. “Feels kinda the same. We’re only here for three days, right?” “Correct,” Mom said as she examined a pamphlet. “We’re going to Niagara Falls, riding the Maid of the Mist, Theodore Roosevelt Site, a hockey game and Buffalo navel park. Maybe next year we can go to New York City.” “What’s a navel park?” Diamond Tiara asked as she leaned against my shoulder. I sat squished between her and Silver Spoon as Aunt Berry sat in the back with Scootaloo, Aunt Minuette and Ruby. “It has four decommissioned navy ships on Lake Erie. Never been there but I heard it’s cool,” Aunt Minuette explained as we watched cars flying past. “If you want, we might be able to squeeze a helicopter ride in.” “Maybe,” Mom said worriedly. “Helicopters are dangerous. I’m not entirely comfortable sending my children up in one.” “She’s got a point,” Aunt Berry called out as she gently shook Ruby. “Wake up, kid. We’re exiting the highway for our hotel soon.” “Give me ten more minutes.” I flopped down on my bed of the hotel and stretched out with my phone sitting next to me. I was sharing a room with Aunt Cherry but she was currently showering. “Show us the room already!” Rainbow shouted as Derpy, Lightning Dust, Applejack and Trixie laughed. I picked up the phone and turned the camera one. “I miss you guys. We will be back in about four or five days,” I said as I turned the phone around and showed off each aspect of the room. “Can’t show the bathroom because Aunt Cherry is currently naked taking a shower.” “Trixie thinks Rainbow would find that fun to watch.” I gagged a bit at the thought of seeing my aunt naked. I’ve only ever seen Mom without clothes on accidentally and that practically scarred me for life. Note to self, never walk into the bathroom and expecting it to be empty at the house anymore. “So what’s it’s like? Are ya having fun?” Applejack asked as I nodded enthusiastically. “Damn right! We had some problems with Scootaloo and the woods but we sorted that out. Me and Aunt Cherry have been hanging out a lot. Played hide and seek with the others, went hiking, roasted marshmallows and more,” I listed off all our activities as Applejack smiled. “Good. Family is important. Octavia and Vinyl won their music competition by the way,” Applejack said as my eyes widened. “Nice! That’s probably what Vinyl just texted me.” “Is Scootaloo all right?” Rainbow asked as I admired Derpy’s hair. Derpy turned red and rolled her eyes. “Ugh, get a room you two!” “Oh we will soon enough,” I winked as Rainbow gagged again. Trixie and Lightning laughed as I faintly identified Watermelody in the background of Trixie’s camera. “And yeah she’s fine. How’s Sweetie Belle?” “Good. Teaching her football. She’s not that great but she enjoys it.” “I got everything ready for when you get here,” Derpy said as I nodded. “Mom threatened to skin you if you hurt me by the way.” “What’s going on?” Lightning asked curiously as she looked between us. “I’ve never meet Derpys mom either.” “We will tell you in person. And her mom is named Pit Stop. She’s part of a nascar crew, she changes the tires of the car and all that. She’s home now because the season is over,” I explained as Derpy nodded. Inside, I was terrified. I met her dad and I know who scares me more. And it’s not the dad. “That’s so fucking cool,” Rainbow said and sighed. “Yeah, I’m coming Mom! I gotta go dinner is ready.” “See ya,” I waved as Rainbow left the call. “Me and Trixie have a movie night so we will see you later,” Watermelody said as she leaned over Trixie’s shoulder and left the call before we could say anything. “Damn, I wanted to ask if Snails asked Sweetie Belle out yet,” I fumed as Lightning laughed. “He did yeah. She said yes. Pissed her ex off pretty bad.” “I gotta go too. Gotta look after Dinky. Love you!” Derpy said and blew a kiss. I returned it as Lightning smirked. “Can you send some pictures of the naval park?” Lightning asked hopefully. “I’ve never been there.” “You got it,” I said and gave a thumbs up. The others were gonna have to settle for getting actual souvenirs, not just pictures. Same with Lightning. “See ya sugarcube. Gotta help Bloom in the fields,” Applejack said and stood up off the haybale she had been sitting on. “Have fun, ya heard?” I gave a thumbs up as we all ended the call and I yawned. Being stuck in a car for hours isn’t entirely fun. But it’s about the trip, not the destination as Aunt Berry says. > Chapter X > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheerilee I leaned against the railing of the boat as Sunset took some pictures on her phone of the Falls. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” I asked as Cherry put a poncho on. I already put mine on a long time ago. “It is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this,” Sunset admitted as she pulled me and Cherry Berry next to her. “Selfie time!” We made various faces, smiling and funny faces as Sunset took multiple pictures and sent them to us both. I smirked as the Falls closer and nudged my older sister as we both pulled the hoods up on our head. Sunset somehow remained oblivious as she posted the pictures and put her phone back in the pocket as she got sprayed and her eyes shot open. “Cold!” Sunset shouted as we all burst out laughing and she shivered. “Oh, I’m so getting you two back. Next time you’re in the shower Mom, I’m flushing the toilet so you got cold water.” “You would seriously risk seeing me without clothes just to get revenge?” I asked with a grin. Inside, I was terrified. Sunset took her revenge pranks seriously, not as much as Vinyl or Rainbow but still, she didn’t mess around. “Yes. I’ve seen you without clothes on before.” I turned bright red as the boat slowly started turning around to go back to the docks. That had been the most embarrassing moment for us both. I was scarred for life, I was just getting out of the shower and boom, Sunset accidentally walked in. At least that’s the only thing she walked in on. Just because I don’t have a partner by choice doesn’t mean I don’t entertain myself. Only when my daughters are gone of course. Who needs a partner when I have a hand and other items? “I got a whistle!” Ruby exclaimed as she held up a wooden whistle and blew it. It sounded similar to the horn of the boat we were on. “Me too,” Scootaloo said with a sheepish smile and held hers up. Apparently, my other sister had gotten us all whistles. I felt mine in my dress pocket and smirked as we all got off the boat. We had already gone to the Theodore Roosevelt Site earlier in the day and were going to the hotel first before we went to the hockey game tonight. We all surprisingly loved the sport, including Diamond Tiara. It may be a violent sport at times with the fighting, but it was entertaining and had something for everyone. I always did admire the people who could skate. I made a mental note to take my daughters skating this December. “Can you believe it’s almost been a year since you adopted me?” Sunset asked as we continued walking to my car. “Crazy to think about.” “Two more weeks and it’ll be a year,” I said and smiled sadly. “Wish I did that years ago. We could have helped each other a lot.” “Hey,” Sunset said and wrapped an arm around my waist. “At least it happened, right? We can go catch a movie and have dinner, the two of us.” “Deal.” I sat down on my bed and untied my shoes, neatly placing them next to each other. Scootaloo, on the other hand just tossed her shoes next to her suitcase. “Sorry,” Scootaloo sighed before I could even voice my disapproval as Scootaloo picked them. We had returned about ten minutes ago from the game and it went surprisingly well. I was perfectly okay if either team won. Benefits of liking both the Red Wings and the Sabres. “So the adoption anniversary of Sunset living with you is coming up I hear. Happy for you two.” “Yeah. It’ll have been a year. Crazy to think about,” I sighed as I placed some pajama pants and top on the bed. “Can you uh, turn away please?” Scootaloo gave a nod and looked away as I stripped dress and bra off, tucking them in the used section of my suitcase. I pulled off my underwear and put a new pair on as I pulled a shirt on followed by my pajama pants. “You can look now, I’m decent,” I called out as the younger girl looked back. “You know, Sunset views you as her hero,” Scootaloo said casually and smirked at me. “I don’t know why,” I admitted as I laid under my blanket. “I’m just a normal woman. Sunset is a element of harmony, fought a bug and saved me from being a slave, saved the school and more.” “Yeah but you saved her life,” Scootaloo pointed out as she folded her arms. “None of that would happened if you didn’t find her in the bush. And you represent an element of harmony too, remember? You represent love I think Sunset said it was.” “Yeah, that’s the one.” “Uh huh. That’s precisely why Sunset views you as her hero. If you think about it, none of Sunset’s friends would be her friend if it wasn’t for you. Lyra wouldn’t, Bon Bon wouldn’t and Derpy wouldn’t be her girlfriend. I wouldn’t have a true family. You’re the starting point of everything,” Scootaloo explained as I yawned quietly. I never thought about it that way. I always viewed Sunset as my hero actually. I also always figured she would have gotten friends on her own too. “So you ready for Sunset graduating in a few months?” Scootaloo asked as I winced. “No, I’m not. I’m not even remotely close to ready to watch her graduate,” I admitted as I wiped my eyes. “Oh great. Didn’t mean to make you cry,” Scootaloo sighed as she shifted on her bed. “Sorry.” “It’s okay. I’m just not ready for that part of her life. It’s scary, really. A part of me knew this day would come but I didn’t anticipate for it to be so soon. I’m super proud of her, of you all really. But I know she has to in order to get into a good college,” I admitted as Scootaloo stood up and walked over to my bed, sliding under the blanket with me. “Can I sleep with you?” I gave a nod as we turned the TV on to finish the toy story movie we started the previous night. I know every mom says she’s the luckiest one, but I think I am the luckiest mom on the planet. I mean, I had four perfect daughters. What more could I want? > Chapter XI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cherry Berry “Wow,” Scootaloo muttered as she stared at one of the large guns on the battleship we stood on. “Cool, right?” I said with a smirk as Sunset peered into the large cannon. “What ship is this again?” Silver Spoon asked as she leaned against the railing to peer down at a fighter jet. “I know that over there is a destroyer, that’s a submarine but what is this one?” “USS Little Rock,” Berry Punch answered as she lifted Ruby up to her shoulders and held onto her legs. “Cleveland class light cruiser. One of twenty seven completed for the navy during World War Two but wasn’t completed in time to see combat.” “Became part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in nineteen forty nine,” Minuette picked up. “Rebuilt in the sixties into a Galveston class guided missile cruiser. Served in the Mediterranean, often as a flag ship for the Sixth Fleet.” “How on earth do they even name the ships? Just pick a name at random?” Diamond asked as Cheerilee and Sunset shook their heads. “Aircraft carriers are named after presidents with the exception on the Stennis and the Vinson, battleships are named after states, cruisers are named after cities and submarines also named after states,” Sunset explained as we walked along the ship. “Used to be named after fish.” “Excellent, all of you!” Cheerilee exclaimed as I smirked. “I didn’t know you paid attention in history class, Berry.” “Most of school was stupid,” Berry agreed as Cheerilee gave her a flat look. “But history was cool. And math helped me understand some of my business.” Cheerilee and I each raised an eyebrow as we looked at each other before focusing back on Berry. “Okay, you two helped too.” Minuette raised an eyebrow as Berry groaned and I hid a smirk. “Okay, Minnie helped too.” “That’s more accurate,” Cheerilee commented as she patted Berry on the shoulder with a smug grin. “Sunset likes history too, remember?” “When I first got here, I had no idea where I was or anything about this place. History books helped with all of that. And I’m still learning new stuff everyday,” Sunset said as she stretched her arms. “Science is pretty fun too. As long as it isn’t math. Hate that stuff.” I could relate. I hated math with an absolute burning passion. I only really understand the basics of it. Cheerilee, Silver Spoon and Minuette were the main three of the family to truly understand and like it. “Come on, selfie time,” Minuette said as I joined the others standing around her and wrapped an arm around Sunset with a smile. “Excellent, now come on. We have so much more to see.” I honestly wonder where she gets all this energy. It’s like she mixes red bull with her coffee. I actually hope she doesn’t, that sounds dangerous as all heck. At least I convinced the others to go on a helicopter ride. Freaking loved aviation. Convincing Sunset was surprisingly hard. Probably afraid of heights as well as needles. “This looks like a death trap from the outside,” Sunset said as we sat in the back of the helicopter together. I adjusted her headset a bit and gave her a thumbs up. Cheerilee had to stay on the ground because Ruby was too young and small to go on the helicopter so she was going to swap with me after we landed. “It’s not that bad,” I said as we slowly lifted off the ground and Sunset grasped her seat tightly. “I’ve done this at least a hundred times.” Sunset nodded as the ground got further away and I looked out the window and grinned. Flying was probably my favorite experience. It was freeing, in a way. Best way to describe it. “I’ve never flown before,” Sunset answered as I looked over at her. “Ever?” “Never. Unicorn back in Equestria, remember? Spitfire took me up in the sky once to the roof of our house a few times but that was the extent of my flying experience,” Sunset answered as the pilot gave us a quick confused look which we both ignored. “Right,” I said as Sunset glanced out her window and gulped. “A bit of turbulence is normal. Just like a plane. Morning is usually the best time for a helicopter ride so we kinda screwed up that part.” “She’s right,” the pilot said as I nodded. “Fly often?” “I run my own small airplane company. Mainly taking people up for flights but we mainly do hot air balloons, not planes,” I explained as he gave a grin my way. “Nice.” “There’s a bucket if you need it,” I gestured with my boot. I had advised the others to wear heavy clothing and preferably dark clothing. I also didn’t tell her that flying in a helicopter was more dangerous than an airplane. “How often do you go flying?” Sunset asked curiously as she relaxed her grip and took some pictures from the helicopter, including a selfie with me and her. “Oh all the time. The hot air balloon is actually where Berry and I solved our family issues,” I admitted as I smiled for the pictures. “Just relax.” “I’m still insulted they weighed us before we got on,” Sunset scoffed and folded her arms as I snickered. We were all super thin in the family, Sunset especially. “Three hundred pound weight limit. Gotta have it for paperwork,” I explained as Sunset shrugged. “I weigh people before they get in my balloon.” Paperwork was probably my most favorite part and I know that’s weird to say. But it’s the routine I like. Weigh the person, take them up, take them back down and spend the next thirty minutes doing paperwork. When I first met Sunset, she helped out a bit with some paperwork I brought along. She was surprisingly good at it all, even the stuff I hardly understood. If I could, I’d have made her my permanent assistant but Cheerilee was like, heck no. “Are you having fun these past few weeks?” I asked expectantly as Sunset nodded enthusiastically. “Hell yeah. It’s always nice to get away from town. I was surprised mom lied to the school and said we all were sick just to go,” Sunset said with a smirk as I grinned back. “But yeah, it’s fun. And I get to go all over these places with you guys. Still gotta get Octavia a souvenir and we will be good.” “Good. I’m glad you’re having fun.” Together, we looked out the window as we flew over the Falls. > Chapter XII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheerilee I glanced over at Sunset as she sat in the driver seat of my car. I would have started driving us home but well I drove a majority of the time here and Sunset needs more experience so Cherry suggested Sunset drive. Scootaloo, Ruby and the other two girls were asleep in the back as Minuette and Berry smelled of alcohol. They had been out pretty much all night at some bar with Cherry. Cherry rarely drinks, she just went with to keep an eye on the two. I would have gone Ruby and Scootaloo wanted me to play some board games with them they had bought. “You’re getting better,” I commented as Sunset nodded. “Good.” “I had a good teacher,” Sunset shot back with a smug grin as she turned the radio on to a quiet rock station from New York. Probably weren’t going to have much of it for long, there was a few hours where you couldn’t get any radio station or bars on your phone on this highway unfortunately. “Damn right I am!” Minuette called out as we all chuckled. “I think she meant me, Minuette,” I shot back with a smile. “I did good too!” Berry grumbled as she folded her arms and looked down at Ruby sleeping next to her. “Oh God the less said about your driving the better,” Cherry scoffed as she looked in the mirror. “Shut it sis. You backed up on a highway once.” “I did not!” “Did too.” “Did not!’ “Did too!” “Girls!” I exclaimed as my two sisters gave each other glares and Minuette covered her smile with a hand. “You both can’t drive, that is all.” The two both gave similar reactions as they shouted at me and gave me dirty looks as Sunset, Minuette and I burst out laughing. I may not do it often but I love riling my siblings up, especially Cherry. She may not seem it, but when she gets angry, it’s kinda funny. “So what did you get the others?” I asked curiously as Sunset flicked her turn signal on as I gave an approving sound and she switched lanes. “Stuffed animals for Derpy, Amethyst and Dinky, shirt for Pinkie, a stuffed dog for Fluttershy, hat for Rainbow and Applejack, party supplies for Pinkie, magic stuff from that shop downtown for Trixie, Lavender and Fuchsia. Sewing kit for Rarity with some colors she wanted, Octavia and Lyra got some classic music cds, Bon Bon was the hardest to shop for. She always turns down gifts but I got her a candy making set. Vinyl got a weird belt thing because she is obsessed with belts, Lightning got video games. Oh and Twilight! I found a book about thermonuclear stuff thingy.” “And Watermelody?” I asked curiously. Sunset had gotten us all matching shirts which I was surprised Diamond Tiara wore. Watermelody had surprisingly eased into the group with ease and she was a okay girl. Still hadn’t entirely forgive her yet but we will see. I quite liked her friends, Blueberry Cake, Tennis Match and Starlight. Very helpful around the classroom. “Oh frick. Mom, can you text Trixie and ask her what Watermelody likes? I haven’t been around her much,” Sunset grumbled as she passed a semi truck and I nodded. “Probably something fashion related,” I suggested as I opened my phone. “She is friends with Blueberry Cake and Rarity, after all. Maybe a skirt? There’s a mall nearby.” “Great idea.” “That was fast,” Berry commented as we got back on the highway. Sunset had practically been inside the mall on the phone with Trixie for about ten minutes and we were already headed back to Canterlot. “I know,” Sunset answered as she relaxed in the passenger seat. She and Berry had long since swapped places, mainly because Berry was tired of her grandma driving allegedly. “Got a beret too. She has like, a collection of em.” “How is Trixie and Watermelody doing?” Cherry asked curiously as she yawned. “Pretty decent, surprisingly. I never expected Trixie to go for her all of people and vice versa. I always thought Watermelody was into guys to be honest. And before you ask, no it hasn’t made Trixie less brash, loud and arrogant. If anything, it made her more than less, believe it or not. She and Rainbow still have a rivalry,” Sunset explained as she looked out the window at the trees flying by. “I for one am I looking forward to my own bed. I love being around you all, but hotel beds don’t have the same appeal as my own bed,” Minuette admitted as she stretched her legs. “Felt that,” Scootaloo called out as I looked back. I hadn’t heard her waking up. She was quiet like that at times. “What did you get Indigo, Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare and Sour Sweet?” “Shoes, new headphones because Lemon broke her last pair, book, dress and book on archery,” Sunset listed off each person on her hand. “Friends are expensive, but worth it.” I could agree with that. My sisters and children were my only real friends. That and Storm Rain, she had played a pivotal role in getting Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Scootaloo into my care. I mentally made a note to invite her over for dinner in the coming weeks, she would like to see Sunset in a way better mood I bet. “And we got Halloween to worry about this month,” Berry pointed out. “Minuette and I are going to a party. Cheerilee already agreed to watch Ruby. What are your plans?” “Hang out at home with my friends. Rainbow is taking Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo out for trick or treating and will bring four of them back. I would go myself but I have to help Derpy. Plus, Trixie is bringing some Halloween movies over she said.” “And plus the ones we already got,” I added as I curled up a bit next to my older sister and Cherry smirked before resting her arm around me. “Doesn’t pale in comparison to my Christmas movies I got. Christmas always was my favorite holiday. Everyone all nice to each other and stuff, plus baking.” “True that!” Berry called out as she flipped off a slower driver and I gave her a disapproving looks. I’m quite honestly terrified of the day Ruby gets her own license. If she is anything like Berry driving, the world is in danger. At least I have a few more years to go. Oh God, my other daughters are going to drive one day. The world isn’t ready for Scootaloo driving. Ruby and Scootaloo, world enders. But adorable world enders at least. I gave another yawn and closed my eyes to sleep. > Chapter XIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I gave a yawn as Mom parked her Tahoe in the driveway and shut off the lights. I could make out the living room light on along with the TV as Scootaloos dog stared at the window and all the dogs started barking. We had dropped off my aunts and cousin at their respective houses as I opened the door and slung a sleeping Scootaloo over my shoulder and grabbed my suitcase. “Home invaders!” Diamond Tiara said quietly as she pointed. “We should call the police.” “Relax,” I giggled as her face relaxed. “It’s just Derpy most likely.” Mom hid a grin behind her face as Diamond Tiara turned red. “Oh.” “Or Applejack,” Silver Spoon added. “She and Derpy were alternating between taking care of our dogs but I’m willing to Derpy stayed over.” “Plus, our neighbors knew we were leaving and the only people inside the house had to get through the gate, which means they knew the code,” Mom explained as I blushed as Silver Spoon dragged her own suitcase out of the trunk and shut all the doors and trunk. Mom put the code into the gate and pushed it open with her boot. The front door opened and Derpy stood in the door way with Applejack and Fluttershy. “Howdy yall,” Applejack smirked and pulled my suitcase up the stairs. “Welcome home.” “Hey AJ, hey Flutters, hey Queen,” I gave Derpy a peck on the cheek as we all walked inside the house. “Hey,” Fluttershy said softly as she closed the door quietly. “Yall drive safe?” Applejack asked as she scratched my dog behind the ears. “Yeah, met some traffic here and there but it was okay,” I said as I carried Scootaloo to her room. “Hey Sunny!” Derpy chirped as she finished blushing as I smirked down the stairs at her. “Heyo.” I nudged Scootaloo’s door open with my boot and laid her in it, quietly retreating and shutting the door. “You guys been here long?” I asked as Fluttershy nodded. “My brother was being annoying and I figured you wouldn’t care if I rode the couch for a bit,” Fluttershy admitted sheepishly. “Plus I was looking after your dogs and all.” “And Apple Bloom was drivin me up the wall about when yall would get home,” Applejack sighed as I snuck down the stairs and sat between her and Derpy. “I got you all gifts,” I said and looked around for my suitcase. “I can give you girls them now if I can find my suitcase.” “Ya didn’t have to do that. Get some sleep. There’s always tomorrow,” Applejack said as the other two nodded. “Wanna go up to bed?” Derpy asked hopefully with a blush and I nodded. I’d honestly missed sleeping with her. She had a very unique way of sleeping. I sat on the couch with my hand on Derpys thigh as Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sat at the dining room table. Applejack and Fluttershy had just left a bit ago. They had both liked the stuff I got them so I was grateful about that. Derpy squeezed her stuffed animal and grinned as she watched me. “I have a question,” Scootaloo said and I looked at her. “Why is there some boxes in the hallway?” “Because,” I said and I locked eyes with Mom and Derpy who both nodded. “Derpy is moving in. I invited her to move in with Moms permission first of course. Derpys parents and Mom both agreed after a bit of convincing.” “Where will she sleep?” Scootaloo asked as I gave her a confused look. “Uh, with me?” “And they will be telling me before they have sex so I can vacate the house,” Mom said sternly as we both blushed. “I already heard you two having your first time months accidentally when I came home with the groceries earlier than expected so yeah just warn me before hand please.” “What’s sex?” Silver Spoon asked curiously. Derpy and I instantly stood up, making for the stairs. “I’m glad you asked. I planned on telling you girls about it today,” Mom said and sat at the head of the table with a banana and a box. I had an idea where this was going. She had already talked to me about it indepth and yeah, embarrassing. “We will uh be upstairs!” I said hastily and Derpy nodded as we ran up the stairs. I picked up a box on the way into our room and pushed the door open. I had already cleared out the left side of the room and closet for all her belongings before we left and she had already put a few small items over there, some pictures and a desk. A terrified scream echoed up the stairs as we both paused our unpacking and glanced down the stairs as Scootaloo walked up the stairs with Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, all wearing confused looks. “I had to put a condom on a banana,” Diamond Tiara muttered as I raised an eyebrow. “I’m dating Apple Bloom. Why on earth would I need a condom ever in my life?” “That might be my fault,” I admitted sheepishly and rubbed the back of my neck as Derpy started hanging up her clothes, including a grey dress I loved seeing her in. “I accidentally let it slip there’s a potion in Equestria that gives a mare male parts for a few hours. It’s how same sex couples have children of their own.” “Thanks for that,” Diamond said dryly. “Do you think mom has sex?” “I really don’t want to think about,” I answered quickly. “But no she doesn’t. She does other things with well her hands and other items I know. I accidentally over heard Aunt Cherry talking about it once to her.” “Like what?” Silver Spoon asked as I gritted my teeth. “I don’t know how much Mom told you but maybe she will teach you about masturbation later. I’m not uh qualified to tell you girls,” I answered with forced smile. “And yes, Derpy and I have sex like any other couple. We won’t have sex when we know you girls are in the house, but if you ever come home accidentally and hear us, just put head phones in or yell at us. Okay?” “Thank God for that,” Scootaloo grumbled as her eyes widened. “Wait, was that those noises Diamond Tiara told me she heard a few months ago?” I looked at Derpy and wordlessly nodded as Scootaloo gagged. “Can’t believe you two put your mouths down there. Ya know mom ate the banana after we all three put condoms on it? She ate it!” Scootaloo shouted as I snickered and she threw her hands up. “Gross!” “Well, you girls didn’t put it actually on the actual part you eat,” I answered with a shrug. “Just the skin you peel, so it’s fine.” “Did she give you this talk?” Derpy asked as I nodded. “Yeah. She wanted me to be refreshed on the topic and plus it’s a part of being a parent so I agreed. And well I kinda asked her for advice for our first time and yeah,” I admitted. “I had to put a condom on a banana too, don’t worry.” “Gross,” Scootaloo grumbled as she walked to her room. Derpy and I looked at each other before we burst out laughing. > Chapter XIV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derpy “So you two are living together now?” Roseluck asked curiously as she leaned into my desk. We were in my least favorite class, health class with Daisy, Lily, Watermelody, Trixie, Raspberry Fluff and Blueberry Pie. Ms. Harshwhinny was probably one of the scariest teachers I think I’ve ever seen. She’s up there with Mr. Doodle. At least Harshwhinny was out today and surprisingly, Principal Celestia had taken over temporarily. “Yeah,” I said and turned faintly. “It’s really nice, you know? It’s nice to wake up next to some one you’re with and just know they are there and aren’t going anywhere.” “Must be nice,” Lily scoffed as she stared at the paper on her desk. “Lily! Roseluck! Derpy! No talking when you’re supposed to be working please,” Principal Celestia called out as she looked up from her computer. “Sorry!” Roseluck called back as she picked up her pencil. “Alright class,” Principal Celestia said and I looked over. Right when I was going to start working too. “Since this is health class, who here has had sexual intercouse?” Daisy and Roseluck turned bright red as Indigo Zap rolled her eyes a few desks away and continued playing her paper football game with Rainbow. A few students raised their hands and I sheepishly raised my own as my friends gave me stunned looks. Principal Celestia's health lesson quickly faded to the back ground as I prepared for a barrage of questions. “Wait, what?” Blueberry Pie demanded in a low voice. “Since when?” “Uh about a few months ago.” “With who?” Daisy commented as she rested her head on her arms. “Who do you think?” Lily said and raised an eyebrow. “Sunset, duh. They’ve been dating for about a year now, give or take.” “Huh,” Blueberry Cake said and gave me a smirk. “Sooo, I bet Derpy is secretly a dominant individual in the bedroom and Sunset is secretly submissive.” I turned a bright shade of red and Raspberry Fluff gasped as her eyes widened. “Oh my God, you are!” “W-we switch,” I squeaked and covered my face with my hands, slumping in my seat to seem small. “Switching the topic from Derpys fascinating sex life, are you two related?” Raspberry Fluff asked as she pointed at Blueberry Cake and Blueberry Pie. “I mean one is named Blueberry Cake and the other is named Blueberry Pie. So what gives?” “No we aren’t,” Blueberry Cake chuckled. “Just similar names is all. Heck, even I was surprised to find another Blueberry at the same school.” “Can you even make a blueberry cake?” Watermelody wondered as she continued drawing on her black binder. “You can make anything out of blueberries my dear,” Blueberry Cake smiled as she rested her head on her hand. “Blueberry pies, blueberry donuts.” “Blueberry shakes, blueberry cookies and tarts,” Blueberry Pie added with a shrug. “Blueberry milk.” “The fuck?” Lemon Zest said and took her headphones off. The girl had replaced her Shadowbolt uniform for a pair of ripped black jeans and a blue shirt with some obscure band on it. “We’re talking about all the uses of blueberries,” Lily said as she tossed a piece of gum into her mouth. “Or well, they are. We’re just listening because this class sucks.” “Awesome!” “We should start a gardening club,” Daisy said casually as she replaced her pen for a pencil. “There is one,” Raspberry Fluff said as she opened a book. “If you check the computers, it has a list of all the clubs. It’s ran by a Wallflower Blush.” “Who on earth is Wallflower Blush?” Blueberry Cake said as she looked at Trixie. “Is she asleep?” “No she’s just acting,” Watermelody said and smirked. “Trixie, dear quit playing around.” “Since when did she wear glasses?” ”Trixie,” Watermelody narrowed her eyes as she pushed Trixie gently. Her glasses fell off along with the picture of her open eyes, revealing her closed ones as Trixie let out a snore. ”Trixie!” “Trixie is not asleep!” Trixie proclaimed as she sat up and we all gave her flat looks. “I wondered why her eyes weren’t moving for the past forty five minutes.” I covered my grin as Watermelody glowered at Lemon Zest before shifting her focus back to a sheepish Trixie as she yawned. “Trixie is awake now. What did she miss?” “Nothing,” Watermelody said casually as she gave a shrug. “Except Houdini’s ghost come into class and give us a magic lesson.” “Really?” Trixie asked sadly as her face fell and she stared down at her worksheet that Principal Celestia had dropped in front of her. “No.” “I hate you some days.” “Aww, no you don’t!” Watermelody chuckled and hugged Trixie with one arm. “Sorry, that was kinda rude. But wake up, you have work to do. You have to pass this class to graduate.” “Trixie will be fine. She’s passing all her other classes. C’s and D’s are still a passing grade after all. And don’t hug me.” “You let Sunset hug you. And you hugged her that one time,” Watermelody said as I watched remove her arm and fix her beret. “Speaking of Sunset, you should ask her if she wants to come over with you today and hang out,” Daisy said hopefully as Blueberry Cake nodded her agreement. “It would be cool to add more people people the group,” Blueberry Pie agreed. “If she doesn’t hate us that is.” “She doesn’t hate you girls,” I said and searched for the right word. “She’s unsure about you all, that’s all.” “Unsure?” Watermelody echoed in confusion. “Yeah ya know, unsure. The whole not liking her after the Fall Formal is still in the back of her mind and then the whole anon a miss issue,” I admitted as Blueberry shifted nervously and smoothed down her dress, crossing her legs. “Anon a what?” Lemon Zest interjected in confusion. “Tell you later.” “I never really did anything to her though,” Raspberry Fluff raised her hand as I shrugged. “Same here,” Blueberry Cake added after a moment. “Sure, I didn’t like her necessarily but I’m a pacifist. And sure, I thought she was behind the account almost a year ago but I kept those opinions quiet.” “I didn’t even really know what to think,” Blueberry Pie admitted as she tossed a blueberry into her mouth from the container on her desk. “I was just like, oh more drama.” I narrowed my eyes slightly and forced them to straighten as my friends froze, staring at me. I only got my eyes to go straight when I was serious. “I will try to get Sunset to come with but don’t be disappointed if she says no.” Roseluck nodded as I turned back to get my homework done before I got home. “Can Trixie borrow someone’s paper after they're done? She needs the answers.” Everyone but me groaned as Blueberry Cake handed her paper over. I worry about that girl some days. > Chapter XV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roseluck I finished watering my plants as I set the pail down, smiling faintly at Derpy sitting down with Sunset on the couch. Surprisingly, Sunset had agreed to come. I thought she would have refused. Blueberry Cake, Blueberry Pie, Raspberry Fluff and Watermelody couldn’t come and nor could Trixie unfortunately. Might have been for the best. Don’t want to overwhelm Sunset, after all. “So Sunset,” Daisy began as she sat down next to her, brushing her dress under her left leg and crossing her legs. “It’s very nice to see you again. How’s life?” “It’s good. And yourself?” “Oh good. I’m decent, just working a lot on my flowers and school. The usual,” Daisy said with a smile. “I was surprised you agreed to come along.” “Why?” Sunset asked as Derpy brushed some crumbs of the muffins Mom had made for us. Mainly Derpy because this was one of the first times she had came over in a long time and Mom was excited. “Well I mean we all assumed you hated us,” Lily admitted as she sat down in a rocking chair nearby and tucked her legs under her. If she wasn’t wearing her gardening jeans, I’d have corrected her but oh well. “I don’t hate anyone,” Sunset said instantly and paused. “Okay, there’s some people I strongly dislike but you three aren’t on the list. Cherry Crash, Brawly Beats, Chess Board, Chrysalis, Tirek and more are on my hate list.” “I only know who two of those are,” I admitted as I bit into my apple. “Chrysalis is a bug who kidnapped me, Derpy and a few others in Equestria about a month ago or so. Tirek is one of Equestria’s most feared criminals because he stole almost all of Equestria’s magic once. Recently broke out of Tartarus about three years ago, almost took over and then was banished back,” Sunset said casually as she drank from her water glass. “I’m sorry what?” Daisy finally said. “Kidnapped?” “It’s a complicated story. Basically Chrysalis wanted to get revenge on Twilight and the others. Derpy, Bon Bon, Lyra, my mom and aunts and myself were just in the way apparently. Same with Amethyst and Dinky.” “They took Dinky?” Lily fumed as she grabbed onto the edge of the chair. We didn’t get angry often but we certainly did when it came to Dinky. Cute and very nice kid. “But she’s back now!” Derpy hastily interjected as she interlocked her fingers with Sunset’s. “Octavia, Lightning Dust, Lavender Lace, Trixie, Starlight and a few others saved us. They even for medals.” “Trixie and Starlight? You mean the two in my chemistry class?” “Right you don’t know about that,” Sunset inhaled as she made eye contact with me. “You all have counterparts back in Equestria. You three do, Derpy does. Hell, I went to school in Equestria with Lemon Hearts, Aunt Minuette, Twinkleshine, Moondancer, Lyra and Amethysts counterparts.” “Starlight Glimmer by the way. Completely different person. Doesn’t look like our Starlight either,” Derpy added as I nodded slowly. That was confusing but I wasn’t going to question it. “Anyway, back to me allegedly hating you, I don’t. Truly,” Sunset admitted as she looked away sheepishly. “It’s just well I don’t know much about you girls. I’m not a huge plant person like Derpy here.” “Well, we’re open books!” I announced with a grin. “Ask away.” “Maybe another time. I’m kinda tired.” “Okay,” I said and covered a yawn. “You never did tell us how you two started dating. Neither of you.” “Went to Equestria, I was afraid of the dark, saw an opportunity to sneak into bed when Sunny was asleep, she woke up hours later, and we talked about it a few days later and boom, dating it,” Derpy explained as she turned faintly red. “That’s all that happened.” “Well that was simple,” Lily commented casually. “Expected more to be honest.” “It’s been real but we gotta get back home,” Sunset tossed us a genuine smile. I hadn’t entirely expected her to enjoy her time here but she surprisingly did. “I’ll see you at school.” “See ya around!” Daisy waved as Lily walked her to the door. Derpy stood up and paused, looking between the four of us. “Hey I’ll be right back. Tell Cheerilee I’ll be right out,” Derpy said as Sunset nodded, stepping out the door and I watched her get in the blue suv out front. “Sunset’s birthday is in three days, Ruby is on the twenty fourth. Could I uh get some flowers for those two days to decorate the house.” “Yeah sure,” I said smoothly and smirked. “Leave everything to us. We will get everything ready.” “Oh and don’t tell anyone. I only know it’s her birthday because I live with her. I owe you three!” Derpy said as she hugged us each rapidly and ran out the door. “Well, that happened,” I commented as I shut the door. A loud popping sound made us jump as Lily opened the closet and Trixie fell out with Watermelody looking green. “I forgot you could teleport now,” Daisy said and folded her arms. “Why and how are you in our coat closet?” “Applejack said she had a gut feeling Sunset was here with Derpy. Plus, Sunset gives off a strong magic aura. Easy to follow,” Trixie explained as Watermelody pressed a hand to her mouth. “Trixie thinks her girlfriend needs your bathroom. Trixie hasn’t gotten the teleporting other people down perfectly.” “Right down the hall,” I pointed as Watermelody shot down the hall and we all grimaced at the sounds of vomiting echoed. “Wait, what exactly did you want again?” “To see Sunset. Trixie wanted to ask what she should get for her birthday. Trixie isn’t entirely good at getting gifts. Trixie will ask later,” Trixie explained as she dusted her dress off and placed her hands on her hips, waiting for her girlfriend to return. “Oh.” Watermelody returned and wiped her mouth off as I grimaced. Thank God the smell didn’t follow her. If it did, I’d probably start vomiting myself. “Never do that again without warning please,” Watermelody grumbled and glared at Trixie. “Sunset isn’t here. Let’s go. And we are walking.” “Okay,” Trixie sighed and I opened the door for the two. I didn’t really know Trixie that well but she seemed nice I guess. And had a decent partner. “Hey, do you want those caramel candies?” Lily shrugged and tossed her the bag. I wanted to argue but I had more important things to do. Like figure out which flowers worked best with Sunset and her cousin. Maybe get the Movie Club involved. > Chapter XVI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluttershy I sat quietly at the lunch table, squashed between a very rambunctious Rainbow and Lightning Dust. I originally was scared of Lightning but well she seems nice. Or well, as nice as she can be. “You guys ready for Halloween?” Rainbow asked eagerly as she tossed a tater tot into her mouth. “Ah am. Got mah costume and everything set up,” Applejack said as she stirred her apple sauce with a spoon and dumped a brown powder in it. I gave her a confused look as Indigo glanced over. “Cinnamon. Ah like it in mah apple sauce.” “Alright girls,” Rainbow said and slammed a hand on the table as we all looked. “Sunset’s birthday is in two days.” Pinkie gave a exaggerated gasp as I mentally prepared for the screaming to start. “Oh my frosted cupcakes!” Pinkie screamed and the cafeteria fell silent, everyone looking at us as I felt my face burning. After a few moments, the other students shrugged and went back to their conclusions. “Alright Pinkie is obviously planning it,” Rainbow said as I looked around shyly. The only few people missing were Lyra, Lightning and Trixie. “Take it away Pinks.” “Alright,” Pinkie said seriously and pulled a list out of her hair. “Applejack, myself, Bon Bon and Derpy will do the baking. Sunset likes strawberry flavored products. I’m thinking a strawberry cake decorated in her hair color.” “Ya got it.” “Okay,” Bon Bon said and bit into a tomato. “Will do!” Derpy announced with a giggle. “Rarity and Octavia are in charge of decorations along with Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare. Trixie, Rainbow, Lavender and Fluttershy are in charge of keeping her distracted from the gym while we decorate.” “She won’t get past me!” Rainbow said proudly as I nodded. “Yay,” I said softly. “Lightning Dust, Lyra, Vinyl, Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet are in charge of music. Cheerilee and Berry Punch are going to be helping as well. Indigo Zap and Twilight are in charge of putting all the gifts in the corner and setting up tables with Cherry Berry, Minuette and Ruby Pinch. Got it?” Pinkie asked and we all nodded. “You got it,” Indigo commented with a smug grin and tossed a salute her way. “You’ve thought this out.” “Parties are serious,” Pinkie said sternly as we all fell silent again. “Wait what about about Watermelody?” Lavender asked as she held her head up with one hand, a bottle of grape juice held in the other. “What is she doing?” “I don’t think it’s entirely appropriate inviting me to a party where I don’t entirely know the person, Lav,” Watermelody explained as she looked up from her art book. “Agreed darling.” “Anyway, we also have Ruby’s birthday next week to we are going to. Berry Punch and Minuette are planning it with Pinkie,” Rainbow said as Pinkie nodded eagerly. “Everyone know what they are doing?” Twilight asked as she adjusted her glasses. “Any deviation from our set goals could lead to miscommunication and potentially failure.” “Yeah yeah we got it egghead,” Indigo scoffed as she smiled at Twilight. “You can count on us.” “Be nice Indy!” Sour Sweet snapped as Twilight giggled. “I find her egg head side absolutely adorable but it won’t get her a boyfriend.” “It might!” Twilight protested weakly. “There was the thing with Timber.” “Which lasted about two weeks till he got arrested for dating you, remember dearie?” Sunny Flare asked casually. “It will come to you, don’t worry.” “Sunset’s coming!” Vinyl hissed and jerked her head to the left. Sunset was walking up with Lyra, Lightning and Trixie. We had gotten the three to distract her while we “formulated a plot” according to Sugarcoat. “Hey girls,” Sunset said and sat down next to Derpy and Pinkie. “What we miss?” “Nothing,” Rainbow said and bit into an apple. “Nothing at all.” “Okay.” “The Great and Humble Trixieeeee has arrived!” Trixie announced as she flung an arm out and sat next to Watermelody. I never really expected Trixie of all people to get a girlfriend or boyfriend but I was happy for her. The two did seem similar, both behind performers. Watermelody did drama with Sunny Flare and Trixie did magic with Lavender Lace, Fuchsia Blush and Sunset occasionally taking part to help out in the shows. “Hello dear,” Watermelody smiled with a blush and I smiled faintly. As long as they were happy, I suppose I was happy too. Not really my business who dates who or who’s sleeping with who. “So you lookin forward to Ruby’s birthday?” Rainbow asked with a mouthful of food as Rarity and I gagged. Sunny gave her a disgusted look before looking away. “Yeah,” Sunset said fondly. “I would invite you all but it’s only a small thing. And I appreciate you girls understanding I don’t wanna do anything big for my birthday. Never really did anything too crazy before for it so why start now, right?” Rainbow and Lyra gave each other smirks as they nodded. “Yeah of course,” Lyra said coolly. “I’ve only done big things on my birthday once and that was when I turned sixteen. So about two years ago.” “There was your seventeenth birthday I went to with Octavia, Vinyl and Derpy,” Bon Bon pointed out with a frown. “That was a pretty big one.” I didn’t really like doing big things either for my birthday. It used to be only Rainbow, my parents and my brother. That was it. Then Applejack. Then Rarity. Then Pinkie Pie and that was it. “I mean, we still give her gifts right?” Vinyl asked as she yawned. “Ruby I mean.” “Yeah sure.” Applejack reached into her backpack and slid a cd across the table with a card. Sunset picked it up and examined it curiously. “It’s for her from all of us,” Applejack explained. “It has us doing covers of various Thomas songs. Skip track five though.” “Why?” “Don’t skip it!” Rainbow snapped and glared at Applejack as I hid my face. “It’s fine for everyone!” “Ya said it was childish and that ya were gonna make your own song. You say and ah quote, trains be the coolest shit yo and that’s just the first chorus.” “Okay yeah definitely telling my aunts,” Sunset said casually as she put the cd and envelope in her bag. “I’ll tell Ruby it’s from you all. Thank you.” Applejack tipped her hat slightly and went back to apple sauce. Thank the lord today was almost over. I want to visit my animals at the shelter. Oh and do what Pinkie needs done. > Chapter XVII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blueberry Cake I hate waking up. And school. Not because of it being school, but the people always wear clashing colors other Rarity, Sunny Flare and myself. “So how was your morning?” Tennis Match asked as we both leaned against the Wondercolt statue. My athlete friend was wearing her typical year shorts under her white dress with a tennis ball on the front and knee high boots. A tennis racket leaned next to her blue back pack with tennis ball stitched on the front. “Decent,” I grumbled and wrapped my hand around a steaming cup of coffee. “You?” “Oh it was good. You look nice today,” Tennis Match commented as she looked at my blue dress with a cupcake on the front with pink icing and a cherry on top. “Thanks.” “I should be careful complimenting you. Last time Nolan thought I was flirting with you and he got made,” Tennis Match snickered as I laughed. Nolan had a pretty jealous personality. One of the main reasons I had left him was he got mad at my friends a lot. I could slightly understand my male friends but not my girl friends. “I know right?” I giggled as we finished laughing. “Like I’m straight,” Tennis Match continued as we watched the sun rise and a few more class mates come onto school property. “And so are you.” “Yep,” I agreed instantly. I pulled out my phone and turned the camera on as we both posed for a selfie. “Uhm Blueberry,” Tennis Match said nervously as I watched her shift out of the corner of my eye. “Mhm?” “What’s happening with the statue?” She asked and pointed nervously behind me as I looked, my eyes widening. The statue was swirling pink and I gulped in fear. “Ow!” I yelped and rubbed my head as a present shot out and hit me in the head. “Oof!” Tennis Match grunted as she got hit in the head by a different present. The one I got hit with had a red bow and paper that had three flames on it. “To Sunset from Spitfire,” I read out as I picked up the present. “Happy birthday.” “To Sunset from Sunburst,” Tennis Match read as she picked up the present with a blue bow and a paper with a sun and stars on it. “Happy birthday.” “Who the heck are these people?” I asked as we looked at each other and stood up, stepping away as the statue swirled pink again. “And why is random objects shooting out of our statue?” “And when is Sunset’s birthday?” Tennis Match asked as she looked back down. A pink women shot out of the statue as we both gulped, stepping back. “Counselor Cadence?” I asked in disbelief. “Uh what just happened?” “Counselor Cadence huh?” Cadence asked with a smirk as she looked and pushed her self up. “Ah they there are. What are your names?” “Tennis Match.” “Blueberry Cake.” “Nice to meet you both. I’m Princess Cadence. Please make sure those get to Sunset Shimmer. Oh and this book!” Cadence announced as she held out a book that had fallen behind her. “I must be going back now. Thank you both. I’ll be sure to send some bits your way.” We both watched in stunned silence as she disappeared back through the statue and I looked at the book she had placed on top of the present I held. “Did she just walk through concrete?” Tennis asked as I shrugged. “I guess so.” “So we find Sunset and give her the gifts right?” Tennis asked curiously as we walked down the halls, looking for the fiery haired girl with the two presents tucked under our arms and the book in my left hand. “Correct. I mean, they are hers after all,” I reasoned as we passed by some classmates running. “It’s only right, after she’s saved the school a few times.” “True that!” Tennis Match grinned as she shifted her backpack. “Couldn’t we have dropped off our stuff first? Or waited till after school to find her? She always waits with Miss Cheerilee in her classroom while her mom does some grading and such.” I suppose she had a point. I had been one of the few people who knew Sunset had been adopted, strictly because of I was in the bathroom when Sunset and Applejack were talking about it and was sworn to secrecy. I wasn’t about to say no with two scary girls in front of me. “We can after. This is important,” I answered as we both looked around. I grinned internally at the fiery hair around the corner and pointed. “Hey wait!” Tennis Match called out as we ran around the corner and froze. “Yes?” Spitfire asked as she placed her hands on her hips, looking impatient. “Well? What do you need?” “Sorry we thought you were Sunset,” I sighed as Spitfire sighed. “I always get confused with her,” Spitfire explained. “She was right behind me. We both got history with Mr. Doodle. See you two later.” We watched as Spitfire continued walking down the hall and we gave each other confused looks. “Wait, didn’t one of the gifts say from Spitfire?” I asked and looked at mine to confirm it. “Excuse me,” a voice came from behind us and we spun around. Sunset stood behind us with Rainbow and Vinyl. “Sunset! We were looking for you!” I said with a grin as Sunset raised an eyebrow. I held out the book and present as Tennis Match held out her own. Rainbow and Vinyl gave each other nervous looks as Sunset’s eyebrow raised higher. “What are these?” Sunset asked as she took them. “They came through the statue. Hit us both in the head. And then a Princess Cadence came through and asked us to give them to you,” Tennis Match explained as Sunset blushed faintly. “Oh well thank you both for delivering them to me,” Sunset smiled warmly at us and I nodded. “I will leave my number in your guys lockers. We can go get shakes sometime.” “Oh and happy birthday!” I called out as we stepped aside and she started walking down the hall with the other two. “Happy birthday!” Tennis Match shouted as Sunset waved. “Thank you!” Sunset called back as she disappeared around a corner. “That felt good, didn’t it?” Tennis Match asked as we both smiled. “Yeah, yeah it did.” > Chapter XVIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheerilee “What do you mean we can’t use the gym?” Pinkie shouted as she grabbed my shoulders. “Keep it down please!” I hissed as I looked around Sunset’s friends. We all stood in the gym as Rainbow paced around angrily. “Why the hell not?” Rainbow demanded as she folded her arms across her chest. “We already reserved the gym like days ago!” “Vice Principal Luna needs the gym. There’s an important meeting she’s hosting in the gym for the school,” I explained as Rainbow sighed. “Man fuck her!” Rainbow snarled as Luna walked in. “Rainbow Dash!” I snapped and glared at her as she winced and gave me a sheepish smile. “I hope that wasn’t directed to me, Rainbow Dash,” Vice Principal Luna said coolly as she stood by my side. “We need the gym more. This is for Sunset! Can’t you reschedule your oh so important meeting?” Rainbow demanded as she and Luna glared at each other. “I think what she means is certainly there must be something we can do,” Rarity said and stepped in front of Rainbow. “Oh I meant what I- Ow!” Rainbow yelped as Lyra elbowed her in the side. “I’m afraid not. At least you haven’t started decorating. My sister and I are very sorry about this turn of events,” Luna said and bowed her head slightly. “We understand it’s for Sunset but getting funding for the school and it’s various activities is also just as important, Rainbow Dash.” Luna turned around and walked out, letting the doors shut softly behind her as Flash Sentry, Snips and Snails started setting up chairs and a stage we had for special occasions. “This is bullshit,” Indigo Zap grumbled as she paced back and forth. “I guess we either have to go back to Miss Cheerilee’s or go outside somewhere.” “But then it won’t be a surprise if Sunset knows!” Pinkie wailed and hugged a balloon. How if didn’t pop, I’ll never know. “Now now girls. We can salvage this,” I said and everyone looked at me. “We take it back to my house. We can’t use all the decorations and party supplies because they weren’t meant for small spaces. I’m looking at your silly string and party cannon Pinkie. You girls go back to the house, set up in the living room and dining room. You girls know the code to open the gate, I’ll distract Sunset myself by getting pizza.” “She’s got a point,” Applejack admitted. “Sunset’s family and mah sister are as a contin- what’s it called?” “Contingency plan,” Sugarcoat clarified and fixed her glasses. “Thank ya.” “Alright let’s get moving then!” Lyra announced and slammed her fist into her palm. “Derpy, Octavia and myself will go to my place to get Sunset’s gifts with the exception of her mom and sisters who are hidden at her house.” I gave a nod as I turned around to find my daughter. Presumably still creating copies in my classroom. “Why do we need so many pizzas?” Sunset asked curiously as she held the boxes in her lap as I drove down our street. “It’s just me, you, my sisters, Ruby, Aunt Minuette, Aunt Cherry, Aunt Berry and Derpy.” “That’s still a lot of people Sunset,” I answered as I turned into our driveway. “I had to be prepared.” I would like to make everyone know, I absolutely hate lying to Sunset. It feels wrong on so many levels but this was a different circumstance. “Good point,” Sunset conceded as I pulled into the driveway and parked the car, shutting it off and putting the keys in my purse. I would use pockets but I’m wearing my green skirt with black leggings so no pockets. “I’ll come around and take the pizzas so you can get out of the car,” I said as Sunset nodded. I stepped out and quickly walked around, opening Sunset’s door and grunted as I took the ten boxes or so. We already had pop inside so we were clear on that front. “Thanks mom.” “You’re welcome dear,” I said as Sunset stepped out of the car with her bag. I followed her at a distance to the gate as Sunset put the code in and held it open for me. “Thanks.” I waited for Sunset to come in the yard and I followed her again to the door as Sunset opened it and frowned slightly. “Why is pitch black in here?” Sunset asked as she looked around and felt for the light switch presumably based on her rubbing the wall with her hand. “Where is the light switch?” “Should be on the left side,” I commented and forced myself to not grin and keep a straight. You can smile after wards, Cheerilee. Patience. “Ah there it is,” Sunset answered as she turned the light on. “Suprise!” “Gah!” Sunset screamed as she jumped back slightly and flailed her arms. Thankfully I had stayed back far enough like I figured I’d need. “What on earth are you girls doing?” I peered over her shoulder at the room being completely different as my sisters grinned. The former Shadowbolts, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Twi stood behind the couch with Lyra, Derpy and the others. “Isn’t it obvious?” Lightning Dust commented as Sunset walked inside cautiously and I followed her. “It’s a surprise party. Happy birthday fam.” “You all didn’t have to do this,” Sunset mumbled as I set the pizzas on the table and she faced me. “Did you know about this?” “Know about this?” I chuckled and hugged her. “I planned it out with Pinkie.” “Uhm is she happy crying or angry crying?” Derpy asked worriedly as we all nervously watched Sunset wipe her eyes. “Sunset?” “Thank you,” Sunset whispered as she buried her face in my neck. “All of you. You didn’t have to do this.” “Uh we kinda did,” Twi said with a smile. “You’ve done so much for us all. It’s only fair we start doing the same for you.” “I can’t remember the last birthday party I had. Celestia, that was-” “When you turned nine and I helped mom, dad and Spitfire sneak around to decorate the house.” Sunset whipped her head to the side and I winced as her hair slapped my cheek. “Sunburst?” Sunburst examined his arms before sheepishly smiling. He had a white robe on that he had came through the portal and I smirked. “Yeah?” “You look like Jesus!” Sunset giggled as we all burst out laughing. “Wait, how did you even get here?” “Cherry Berry has been hiding him at her house for a few days. He came through the portal before Princess Cadence handed off one of your gifts to Blueberry and Tennis. We had planned it,” Trixie explained as she sat down cross-legged on the floor. “Come here you!” Sunset growled and Sunburst sheepishly joined us in the hug. “You’re so tall!” “Did you like the surprise?” Ruby demanded as she stared Sunset in the eyes. “I love it.” “Happy birthday Sunset,” I whispered in Sunset’s ear and hugged her harder. “Thanks mom. For everything.” “It was nothing. Doing what I do best, be awesome.” Sunset and I smirked at each other before we burst out laughing. > Chapter XIX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack “This place is fantastic!” Sunburst exclaimed as he examined Sunset’s phone. “Technology could shove Equestria into a whole near! Don’t even get me started on the science, the medicine and the history!” “Easy brother,” Sunset snickered as she looked around sheepishly at the decorated room and the gifts on the table. “I was the same way when I first got here.” “It is pretty impressive,” Rainbow boasted with a grin as I rolled my eyes, looking at Sunburst. He had replaced his robe with a t-shirt and jeans on Sunset’s insisting. “So tell us about ya self,” I said and he looked at me. “Sunset doesn’t really talk about yall.” “Aren’t you the five girls who abandoned my sister over rumors with no evidence?” Sunburst asked and I winced. “Yah we are,” I admitted as Sunset looked down for a moment. “But we fixed all that stuff a year ago.” “Okay,” Sunburst said after a moment and looked me up and down. “If Sunset forgives you, then I do. I’m a pacifist so don’t worry about being afraid of me hurting you.” Well, that was a plus I suppose. I’ve seen Sunset hit before and I hadn’t known she could pack a punch like that. A part of me was glad she never hit me when she was a bully. “Anyway,” Sunburst continued as we looked at him. I was honestly surprised we fit this many people in the house. “I’m the Royal Crystaller in the Crystal Empire. I work under Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.” “Princess Cadence?” Twilight muttered as her eyes went wide. “I need to sit down. The possibilities are endless.” “Sick dude,” Indigo commented as she and Scootaloo tossed a foam basketball to each other. “Not in the house please girls!” Cheerilee called out as she stood in the kitchen. “You got it Miss C!” “So darling. Got any good stories about Sunset as a kid?” Rarity asked with a grin and leaned forward as Sunset narrowed her eyes at Sunburst. The two looked scarily similar with their hair being red, Sunburst’s being a bit darker. “Well there was the time she got her cutie mark,” Sunburst admitted and stroked his chin hair as Sunset glared at him. “Don’t you dare tell that story or I’ll tell the one about you.” “She set half the countryside on fire accidentally while she tried to perfect her fire spell,” Sunburst chuckled as Sunset grinned and I shuddered. “I remember when you met that filly down the street before we met Starlight and you loved her. If I remember, you promised to marry her. Her parents adored you and wanted to make you part of the family,” Sunset smirked as Sunburst turned bright red. “And then there was Moonlight, that filly from Fillydelphia you meant on vacation when she came with her parents to our town. Why she came to our town, I’ll never know.” “She was weird,” Sunburst admitted. “I didn’t know you were gonna go there!” “She was weird,” Sunset chuckled and patted him on the condescendingly as we all laughed. “She sent so many letters, it was crazy. And I went there.” I chuckled as I watched the two continue their arguing. Or well, fake arguing I suppose. Honestly reminded me of how me and Big Mac would act. Cherry Berry flicked the lights off as Cheerilee carried a cake out and we quickly sang a quick version of happy birthday as Sunset stared with a blush at the cake. “You all didn’t have to do this, you know?” Sunset said as she looked at us all in the eyes. “Yes we did. Now blow!” Trixie shouted as she gestured at the cake with a grin. Sunset paused for a moment before blowing out the candles and Diamond Tiara cheered before high giving Sunset. “Alright I’ll be back,” Cheerilee said as she took the cake and disappeared into the kitchen with Fuchsia behind her. “I never got to say this in Equestria but you’re so beautiful now,” Sunburst commented as he looked at Sunset and she turned bright red as Rarity awed. “That’s so adorable!” Rarity squealed as I covered my ears. It was so high pitched, I’m surprised the glass didn’t break in the house. “Thanks little brother. You’re not so bad yourself. Still gotta shave though.” “I think he looks adorable with facial hair,” Fluttershy said quietly as Sunset looked at her and she turned red. “I’ll be sure to remember that for the future,” Sunset said casually as she stretched in her seat. “Now I know why Mom bought so many vegetarian foods this week. I should have assumed someone from Equestria was coming over.” “Spitfire would have came but Wonderbolt schedule interfered. And Twilight is on a friendship mission with Applejack Starlight said. If it makes you feel better, Spitfire came in pony to send her gift through the portal,” Sunburst said and Sunset nodded. It was a bit weird to be hearing about a different version of me out there. “I know her wonderbolt schedule is hectic but I didn’t even expect you. We have so much to do. How was your first car ride?” Sunset asked with a mischievous smile. “Awful. I vomited so much on the side of the road. Don’t even get me started on walking and eating,” Sunburst shuddered as we all laughed. “It was Applejacks idea actually to have me come over and be here till Nightmare Night. The princess should do fine without me for a week or so.” “Awesome!” Sunset pumped her fist as I smiled faintly. Family is important so I had convinced Silver Spoon to get me Sunset’s book she used to communicate with Sunburst and sneak it back into Sunset’s room. Went surprisingly well. I don’t usually like going behind my friends backs but this time it worked out well. “I still think you guys went overboard with gifts. I don’t really need anything.” “Nonsense,” Berry Punch scoffed as she leaned against the wall and waved a hand. “Think of it as making up for us not be there for your last birthday. And besides, it’s kinda our job to spoil our oldest niece.” “Damn straight!” Cherry Berry called out from the kitchen as Lightning snickered. “She’s got a point love,” Octavia added as she set across from Sunset. “It’s kinda our job to do this stuff for our friends. If I remember, you did this for my birthday in January.” “Fair enough,” Sunset admitted after a moment. “Oh and Applejack, I need to talk to you after this is over. Same with you Lyra.” I gulped nervously as Lyra nodded. The look in Sunset’s eyes made me slightly uncomfortable. And I don’t get uncomfortable. > Chapter XX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I sat between Mom and Sunburst as I finished opening my gifts. I still think everyone went a bit overboard. Mainly got clothes from a few of my friends. Got some new video games to play with my family and Rainbow, some new guitar strings from Lavender, some parts for my car and such. While I didn’t really want anything in general, I was grateful. Could always use more clothes. I stared at the photos Spitfire had sent along with some candy I loved as a filly in Equestria. The photos were of me, mom, dad and my siblings mixed in with pictures of just me and Spitfire, Sunburst and the others. But Princess Cadence’s gift stunned me the most. “I’m related to Princess Cadence?” I demanded in confusion as Sunburst nodded. “Yeah. I was shocked too. Spitfire was as well. Mainly confused at first but you know. Apparently Dad was related to a relative of Cadence’s and we never really knew.” “So wait,” Scootaloo said and waved a hand. “Does that mean we are technically related to her and Sunburst and Spitfire?” Sunburst and I looked at each. I hadn’t really thought of that but I suppose it would make sense in a way. “Yeah, you are,” I answered after a moment. “That’s so cool!” Lemon announced and pumped a fist. “I’m friends with a person related to a pony princess.” “More than one,” I corrected and smiled slightly. “I’m related to Princess Twilight, Celestia and Luna then along with Twilight’s family.” The thought was mind blowing in all honesty. And knowing Twilight, she most likely freaked out too. Of epic proportions. “I hate to do this but uhm how do I go to the bathroom?” Sunburst asked nervously as we all fell silent. “Come on,” I sighed and grimaced internally. “This way.” I lead him to the bathroom and turned red as I opened the door, pointed at his zipper. “Undo that, aim into the toilet and boom. Wash your hands as well,” I directed as he fumbled with the zipper. “Not now, you idiot! I’m in the bathroom with you!” I turned away and pointed at the handle as he froze. “Push that to flush.” “I know how to work a toilet, Sunset.” “Obviously not, Sunburst!” “I’m in a new body!” “I cannot believe I’m doing this,” i grumbled and pinched the bridge of my nose as my friends laughed and I quickly stood outside the bathroomas Sunburst did his business. “How did you even go the bathroom when you first got here?” “I went outside? Just lift the robe and boom.” “Dear God almighty,” I grumbled and rolled my eyes. “How you didn’t get arrested and put on a list, I will never know.” “What list?” “I’ll tell you later.” I sat in my room with Lyra and Applejack watching me curiously. Everyone had already went home with the exception of my brother and Apple Bloom. “What do ya need?” Applejack finally as I smirked. “First off, thank you. For telling me about Silver Spoon stealing my book. I’m happy to have my brother here. And the party of course,” I said and pulled a bottle out from under mine and Derpys bed. “Here you go Lyra.” Lyra took the bottle and examined it before it putting it in her back pack. “Thank you.” “I’m sorry for stealing the whiskey from your house. It was during anon a miss and I was depressed looking for something to help,” I admitted as Applejack looked away. “And I’m sorry for doing it.” “Nah you’re good. I knew you had taken it,” Lyra answered and waved her hand. “What?” I demanded as she nodded. “I figured if you took it, you really needed it and were embarrassed to ask. It’s okay. I also knew if you didn’t drink it, you’d give it back do water under the bridge,” Lyra explained as I hugged her. “It’s all good, honestly.” “Thank you Lyra,” I said as we separated and she went for the door. “No problem. I’m gonna talk to Derpy for a bit and head on home. Happy birthday Sunset,” Lyra said as she disappeared down the stairs as I looked at Applejack. “I know you were involved in trying to prank me with the cd,” I said casually as she froze. “I listened to track five. It’s a very cringy rap song about trains being awesome, which is exactly what Ruby would like. And there’s no cursing.” “Alright ya got us,” Applejack sighed and sat down next to me. “Rainbow wanted to prank ya. She had no intention of introducin ya kin to bad language and nor did ah.” “Don’t scare me like that again,” I said warningly. “I was actually afraid my aunt would murder me.” “Ahm sorry. But what do ya want with me?” Applejack inquired as I gave a grin her way. “We flip the prank on Rainbow. Me and you, and I won’t prank you in revenge for your involvement,” I explained as my grim grew bigger. I know some might try to prank her anyway, but I’m a woman of my word. “Alright. What’s ya game plan?” Applejack asked as she dusted her hands off. “RD always plans her pranks out. If only she spent that time studying, she’d actually have some decent grades.” She had a point there. I still helped her study from time to time with the help of Twilight and Sugarcoat. But now it upgraded to one big study group that often took place at the farm because well the barn had the most space for us all. “I have an idea. I’ll just use magic and pretend I’m a demon again. Sunburst is shockingly on board,” I said and shook my head slightly. “I tell you, Starlight and Trixie are some bad influences on him. I never knew him to prank ponies until today. Granted, he is also the brother of me and Spitfire so we didn’t necessarily help out with that.” “But how?” Applejack asked as I grinned again. “We can only use our magic for good stuff and when we play. How can ya make it do something like that?” “Oh you’ll see,” I said as she shuddered. “I have Golden Hazel distracting her in the gym in a few days. Meet me at the statue with the other girls excluding Pinkie on the thirty first. She’s gonna be setting up the prank at home.” “Remind me never to get on your bad side again,” Applejack muttered as she nodded. “Ah thought your brother was gonna hit us.” Oh it’s not Sunburst she had to worry about, I mused to myself. Spitfire was more angry about it than anyone. I eagerly rubbed my hands together as Applejack left the room. The thirty first couldn’t get here fast enough. > Chapter XXI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuchsia I pushed my key in the lock, unlocking the front door and pushing it open. I slid my key in my pocket as I shut the door behind. I assumed both my parents were home, based on the police car out front and mom’s car in the driveway. “Mom! Dad! Wallie! I’m home!” I called out as I flung my backpack lazily on the floor. “Hey, Fuchsia. How was the party?” Mom asked as my eyes flicked over to mom sitting on the couch in her hospital uniform. I would assume she just got home from work. “It was fun. Sunset was thoroughly surprised. We even got her brother to visit,” I answered as I yawned. “She liked the video game I got her. We have plans to play this weekend after homework is done.” “Sounds good,” Mom sighed as I glanced at her. “You okay, mom?” “Yeah,” Mom sighed as I maintained my gaze. “No. Thinking it might be time for a career change after work today. Getting a bit tired of just watching my patients die.” “You love being a nurse though,” I pointed out and frowned slightly. “I did at one point. You’re young so I don’t entirely expect you to understand. Watching patients die every couple of days can wear a person down. I became a nurse to help people, not just watch them die,” Mom sighed again as she sipped her beer before setting it back down on the coffee table. “It’s just complicated. We will see what happens.” “I’m seventeen mom,” I reminded her flatly. “I can understand perfectly well how depressing being a nurse can be. You’re drinking a beer for crying out loud. You only do that when you had a hard day.” “You’re right,” Mom sighed as she finished off her beer and tossed it in the trash can. “I have work in the morning. I’m gonna go to bed. I made dinner, it’s in the fridge if you haven’t ate yet.” I watched her walk up the stairs as I turned the TV off. I set the remote down as I flicked the lights off, walking up the stairs and paused at my sisters room. “Hey Wallie,” I said and knocked on the door. “Come in,” Wallflower said quietly as I pushed the door open. She was lying on her green bed with a book about plant life on her chest. “Hey.” “Hey,” I said casually as strode deeper into her room. We jokingly called it the cave because she often had the blinds closed and light off. “I brought you some cake from the party. It’s strawberry, you’re favorite. I know you were sick and couldn’t go so.” I gave the container a rattle as Wallflower sighed. “Thanks,” she said finally and took it. “Who’s party was it again?” “Sunsets,” I answered and raised an eyebrow at her sudden unreadable expression. It was a bit weird, I could always read my sister. “Hey Walls, hey Fishy!” Dad called out and I internally groaned. “I’m almost eighteen and I cannot believe you still call me Fishy,” I grumbled and folded my arms. When Trixie and Lavender had heard him call me that, I didn’t go weeks without them teasing me about it. I made a mental note to find something to tease my fellow magician friends about. “Because it’s fun,” Dad commented as I adjusted his badge. “Thank you.” “Why on earth do the sheriff’s wear brown?” Wallflower asked curiously as Dad shrugged. “Easily distinguish us from the state police and city police I suppose. It’s always been like that ever since I joined,” Dad commented as he put his hat on. I always found it a bit of a weird hat. “That hat is so weird,” I said as Dad rolled his eyes. “Really? I think it makes me look cool.” “Sure,” I scoffed as Wallflower watched quietly with a smirk. “You look like smokey the bear.” “I’ll take that as a compliment. Smokey was cool when I was a kid,” Dad grumbled as I glanced at the black band around his star. “Who died?” I asked as he raised an eyebrow. “What?” I pointed at his star and he nodded. “Ah. The old chief died after the whole cancer thing. It’s a respect thing,” Dad explained and patted my head. “Funeral is in a few days. I have to be there so don’t wait until for me on Thursday.” “Okay,” I said as Dad kissed my forehead and I gagged as he did the same to Wallflower. “If you weren’t my dad, I’d punch you for kissing my head.” “Heck, I’d punch any guy who kissed your head,” Dad grinned as we watched him leave. “Have a nice night. I’ll see you girls sometime tomorrow morning.” “Okay. Stay safe, arrest some bad guys for us,” Wallflower called out with a faint smile. “Oh you know I will,” dad called back as we heard the door. The two of us watched him get in the car and the lights turned on. “I always adore the chargers,” Wallflower mused as we watched the red and blue lights turn on briefly before turning back off and we watched him leave. “I still love the crown victorias.” “Yeah me too. I’m rather impartial to the taurus,” I said as Wallflower gagged. “What?” “The Taurus is weirdly shaped. I do kinda like the taillights though,” Wallflower admitted as she watered a plant nearby on her nightstand. “What plant is that?” I asked curiously as she finished watering. “It’s a dracaena,” Wallflower answered as I gave her a confused look. “What exactly does it do?” I asked and sat down on her bed. “Do? It doesn’t have to do anything to exist. You know, it lives, it provides beauty, it just lives I guess. It doesn’t really need to do anything to matter Fuchsia,” Wallflower finished as she laid back down and I nodded. “You have a point. Wanna watch a movie?” “Nah I’m kinda tired. Maybe tomorrow.” I gave a nod as I stood up, my eyes falling on a rock on the table with weird lines on it. “Nice rock,” I commented as Wallflower looked over. “Did you somehow carve it?” “Y-yeah!” Wallflower agreed hastily as I nodded. “Looks nice. Why would you carve a rock?” “Why not?” I suppose that was a good point. I left the room, shutting the door slightly and watched Wallflower open the cake container. “Wow,” Wallflower mused after she took a bit. “That’s really good cake.” I decided not to confront her as I let out a quiet chuckle. She was weird but fun in her own shy way. Mental note, take Wallflower on a nature walk tomorrow evening. > Chapter XXII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blueberry Cake I sat with Tennis Match, Sweet Leaves, Starlight and Aqua Blossom nervously at the nearby Dairy Queen as we waited for Sunset to arrive. We had all agreed on the Dairy Queen because it’s closest to my house. I don’t know why we were nervous. Sunset was a really good person now albeit a very strong personality. She did have a mischievous streak that she did use to entertain others. I hadn’t entirely expected her to answer my text either. It made sense for her to leave her number in our lockers. That way we could make the first move and contact her. “I’m starting to think she stood us up,” Aqua Blossom commented as she chewed on a straw. “Relax,” Sweet Leaves said quietly as she looked out the window. “She could be in traffic or something.” I gave a nod as the quiet girl yawned quietly. Sweet Leaves was typically quiet by choice unless she was at a nature walk or Camp Everfree. That had been the most excited I had ever seen her. Aqua Blossom was a fellow member of the fashionista club with me and Rarity. She also was part of the art club with her boyfriend Bright Idea who currently was working the register. “She’s right there,” Starlight pointed to a blue suv pulling into a parking spot as it shut off and Sunset stepped out of the driver’s side. A pink girl stepped out with a black top with a yellow jacket and silver skirt with black underneath as a man with a striking resemblance to Sunset. Sunset opened the door for him and jumped back as he climbed out and instantly started vomiting on the ground as we all matched the disgusted look Sunset and the pink girl wore. “Ew!” I gagged as Aqua Blossom looked away quickly. “That is disgusting as heck,” Starlight mumbled as she turned faintly green. Sunset said something to the male and Sunset quickly came inside with the girl. “Who’s the kid?” I asked under my breath. “Think that’s her sister,” Sweet Leaves explained as Sunset went to the register and froze a bit. “I forgot she and Bright Idea avoided each other after anon. This is awkward,” Aqua Blossom said sheepishly as she tugged on her coats collar. “Well, looks like he’s doing his job regardless,” Tennis Match pointed out as Sunset ordered for herself, her sister I think and the male. We watched as Sunset paid and stood nearby, talking as the man came in. “Who do you think the guy is?” Tennis Match asked as we all shrugged. “Boyfriend maybe?” “No Sunset has a girlfriend,” I said and shook my head. “Probably a friend.” “Or her dad,” Starlight suggested. “It would explain how they look alike.” “Since when did Miss Cheerilee get a boyfriend?” Sweet Leaves asked. “Well we can ask her ourselves because here she comes,” I nodded subtly in the direction as Sunset sat down at our table with the girl and the man wandered and examined the pop machines. “Hey girls,” Sunset said casually with a smirk as she set her phone face down. “You brought friends I see.” “We were just leaving,” Aqua Blossom reassured her as she stood up with Sweet Leaves and Starlight. “No stay,” Sunset said as she held up a hand. “It’s fine.” We all looked at each other as the three sat back down with shrugs. “Sister?” I asked finally and pointed at the girl. “Diamond Tiara,” Sunset nodded. “Her sisters Silver Spoon and Scootaloo are busy at the moment as are my other friends and girlfriend. Derpy is at the movies with her two sisters.” I smiled internally at being correct on the girlfriend thing. Being around Rarity has it benefits and besides the two aren’t exactly subtle. “Is the guy your dad or something?” Aqua Blossom asked as Sunset’s smile disappeared and she looked into her shake, stirring her straw. “No, my dad is dead. That’s my brother Sunburst.” An uncomfortable silence fell over us as I looked away quickly. “I’m sorry,” Aqua Blossom commented quietly as she scratched the back of her head nervously. “I didn’t mean to you know, make you uncomfortable.” “It’s okay,” Sunset said finally as she looked up and forced a smile as Diamond Tiara hugged her. “You all didn’t know. Can’t blame you for something you didn’t know about.” “Still,” Aqua Blossom insisted as Diamond Tiara drank some of her shake and watched us intently. Made me slightly nervous how much intense she looked. “Sunset!” Sunburst exclaimed as he stood next to her suddenly. “This place is amazing. Your carriage was cool. Don’t even get me started on the magical drink dispensers. I wonder what spell they use to keep the beverages in their. Potentially Starswirls!” “Yes Sunburst I know,” Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes as we all tried and failed to hold our giggles in. Sunburst wandered off to the register as Sunset’s eyes followed him for a moment. “You really care about him, don’t you?” Sweet Leaves asked curiously as she smiled faintly. “Yeah, yeah I do,” Sunset admitted sheepishly as she turned faintly. “He’s a good guy.” “Tennis thought he was your boyfriend,” I giggled and nudged her with my shoe. “If this was Equestria he could be but I’m not into that.” “Isn’t that incest?” Starlight pointed out as Diamond Tiara remained quiet, just glaring at Aqua Blossoms boyfriend and I raised an eyebrow slightly. “Incest is legal in Equestria,” Sunset explained as I gagged a bit. “There’s not many males and Equestrians don’t suffer the same physical deformations as humans do after incest. Ponies didn’t really have a choice until Starswirl invented the spell to allow mares to get other mares pregnant. That said, I’d rather die than sleep with my brother and so would Spitfire. Just the thought makes me feel filthy.” We all shared a disgusted look as Sunset shuddered and turned faintly green. “Anyway,” Tennis Match coughed into a fist. “Not that this isn’t nice and all, but why did you pick us of all people to spend time with? You have your own pretty big following and your brother, not to mention your sisters.” “I bullied you all ruthlessly multiple times and I realized I never apologized to you girls for it,” Sunset admitted nervously. “When you two gave me the gifts from my siblings, I remembered I still had you all to apologize to. I’m sorry.” We all looked at each other and Starlight nudged Sweet Leaves under the table. We typically nominated her the spokeswoman of the group. People usually listened to her. “It’s okay,” Sweet Leaves smiled warmly. “We forgive you. We were bullies to you also during you know so we are all sorry as well.” Diamond Tiara made a quiet growling sound that if I hadn’t seen her do it, I would assumed a wild animal got in the restaurant. “I was actually going to try to be you girls friends but yeah anon happened,” Sunset sighed and smirked as she watched Sunbeam talking to Bright Idea about something. He seemed surprisingly interested. “Almost a year later and we are still talking about this,” Starlight grumbled bitterly as I nodded. “Well, sorry for pushing you that one time.” “Well to be fair, I never talked to my other classmates about it. Only the Rainbooms, Cloudkicker, Flitter, Cloudchaser, Blossomforth and Raindrops. I didn’t even talk to Flash about it,” Sunset admitted. “Oh I’m sorry for throwing paint on you and your locker,” Aqua Blossom admitted. “Sweet Leaves doesn’t talk much so she’s sor-” “And I’m sorry for filling your locker with dirt,” Sweet Leaves interjected as she glared at Aqua. “Water under the bridge,” Sunset waved a hand and hastily stood up. “Bathroom break. Diamond, can you make sure Sunburst doesn’t do anything to get us kicked out or arrested?” We watched Sunset walk over to the bathrooms as we all shifted our focus to Diamond. “So sister huh?” Tennis Match said finally. “That’s cool.” “Uh huh. I don’t like you by the way Aqua. You or your boy toy. You two were one of the first people to accuse Sunset,” Diamond Tiara said coldly as I recoiled a bit. I hadn’t entirely been expecting that from her. “Just because Sunset forgives you doesn’t mean I will. I’m okay with the rest of you I suppose.” Sweet Leaves watched quietly as she sipped her milkshake along with Starlight. I didn’t entirely want to get in Diamonds way myself and based on her expression, nor did Tennis Match. “I understand,” Aqua Blossom said after a moment of stunned silence. I honestly don’t know who scares me more, a angry Sunset or an angry child. > Chapter XXIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blueberry Cake “Wanna go do something else? We got a bit longer till we gotta go home and Sunburst wants to explore a bit more,” Sunset commented as we all walked out of the restaurant and Diamond Tiara leaned against the car. Sweet Leaves made sure to avoid the vomit from early that Sunburst produced and shrugged. “I’m down. There’s a park down the street we can go to. This is a residential area after all,” Sweet Leaves commented. “We can walk there.” “Sure,” Sunset shrugged as she started walking. “It’s just down the street. Saw it as I drove past.” It was a fairly quiet walk. The only sound being cars driving past or birds overheard. I didn’t live in the greatest area of Canterlot like Aqua Blossom did. Sunset was kinda in the same boat as me. I only knew where she lived because I dropped Sweet Leaves off a few houses down and we both watched Sunset help Miss Cheerilee bring groceries in. That was a few weeks after the Fall Formal. Sure, we may not have liked her back then but it’s not like we would ever leak her address to the other students. Especially the ones with a bigger grudge than us. “What’s that?” Sunburst asked curiously and pointed at a tornado siren nearby. “Tornado siren,” Tennis Match answered with a smile. “What’s it do?” Sunburst asked and looked at her. “If there’s a tornado, it makes a really loud sound like this. Hold on,” Starlight said as she pulled her phone out. A few seconds later, a tornado siren played as Sunburst flinched. “Do you have tornadoes where you come from?” “We do but they rarely ever get out of control. The pegasus are really good at controlling the weather,” Sunset answered and nudged her brother with an elbow. “You’re lucky, you have people to tell you all this. I didn’t have that. The first time I heard a tornado siren go off, I was terrified.” I had forgotten she was homeless for a bit there. She seemed so much like myself or any of my other friends, it was easy to forget. The fact she survived a tornado while being homeless was mindblowing. Don’t even get me started on the Canterlot winters. “I call the swings,” Sunset smirked as she sat on one. “Reminds me of when Spitfire and dad would fly me around.” I gave a chuckle as I sat on a bench as Starlight joined me. Tennis Match and Diamond Tiara sat on the swings as Sunburst wandered around with Sweet Leaves. “Hey Aqua,” Sunset said suddenly as she moved back and forth on the swings. “Weren’t you the girl Lavender and Fuchsia caught sleeping with Lavenders boyfriend awhile back?” Aqua and Diamond turned red as I bit back a snicker. We had all been pissed at Aqua Blossom about that for a while there. “Yeah I was,” Aqua Blossom admitted and sighed. “Yeah, that wasn’t my greatest moment. Especially considering he broke up with me about a week later to get back in Flashs band. Apparently Flash is keeping him on a very tight leash so he doesn’t sleep with former fans.” “You deserved it in my opinion,” Tennis Match grumbled under her breath. Aqua Blossom shot her a dirty look as she picked up a tiny pebble and chucked it at her arm. “Ow!” “Really?” Aqua asked flatly. “That pebble was smaller than my ear ring.” “Shush,” Tennis Match blushed as she jumped off the swings and landed on her feet. “Bet ya can’t do that.” “What, jump off a swing?” Aqua Blossom demanded as we all chuckled. “Hey look over there,” Starlight nodded subtly in Sweet Leaves and Sunburst direction. “Five dollars on them getting together.” “Oh I’d kill him,” Sunset grumbled as she watched them intently. “Especially after the last potential relationship.” “Why?” I asked and propped my head up. “Is this like a sibling thing?” “Oh absolutely,” Diamond Tiara giggled. “I would always tease Silver Spoon about her crushes and she would do the same about me. If I knew Scootaloo’s crush, I’d tease her.” “Oh that’s easy,” Sunset commented idly as we watched Sunburst intently. “Who? Tell me!” Diamond Tiara grabbed Sunset’s face with both hands. “Five dollars.” “Seriously? You have a job, I don’t! All the money I get is from chores or that time I helped Octavia at her family’s music shop.” “Fine, a piece of gum then.” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she pulled a gum packet out of her pocket, handing one to Sunset who tossed it in her mouth and balled up the wrapper. “Rumble.” “I knew it!” Diamond Tiara shouted and we all snickered as she rubbed her hands together eagerly. “Oh I’m so getting them together. Just you wait and see.” “Good luck,” Tennis Match smirked as she tossed a pebble at Aqua Blossom. “Ow!” “How do you like it?” Tennis Match mocked and the two started an impromptu pebble war. “Why don’t you want Sweet Leaves dating your brother?” “Sweet Leaves is a nice girl. Sunburst is the Royal Crystaller so he won’t be here much if at all after this. A majority of his time is going to be spent in Equestria like Princess Twilight. I don’t really want to see Sweet or Sunburst hurt,” Sunset explained as she jumped off the swings and landed on her feet as Tennis gave an approving thumbs up. “And besides, what kind of sister would I be if I didn’t get all up in my brother’s business?” I didn’t have any siblings so I couldn’t relate. If I had to venture a guess, Starlight was the closest thing to an actual sister. I do tease her fairly often about Micro Chips. Surprisingly nice guy. Never talked to him before I don’t think. “Fair point,” Starlight admitted as we watched Sweet Leaves pat Sunbursts hand. “But what’s a royal crystaller?” “The main job of a Crystaller is to perform the Crystalling, a ceremony celebrating a new life in the Crystal Empire, which can be sporadic and completely random,” Sunset explained with a proud smile. “It’s a big responsibility.” “So a baby sitter?” Diamond Tiara asked curiously. “Essentially. But don’t let him hear you call it that. He gets rather feisty if you do Spitfire said.” “Wow someone in Sunset’s family getting feisty. Now who would have thought that?” Diamond Tiara commented with a smug grin. “I know right?” Sunset snickered as she flicked Diamonds hair. “Definitely not you at all.” “Oh not at all,” I agreed with a smirk as the others laughed. “So what do we do about them?” I gestured out towards the two as Sunburst pointed at the sun. “I’ll handle it,” Sunset said with a nod. “Fluttershy seemed slightly interested in him too.” Now that I didn’t entirely expect. Fluttershy was the most shy girl I know next to Sweet Leaves. But hey, if it worked out for her then more power to her. After all, who am I to judge about who people date? > Chapter XXIV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Tiara “We have to hurry up and pick a gift. Today’s Ruby’s birthday so pick something and let’s go,” Sunset said impatiently as Sunburst stared in stunned silence at the toy aisle. “Yes there’s a lot, now come on.” “Why in Equestria is there so much options?” Sunburst demanded as I picked up a plushie and idly examined the pink unicorn. “Because there’s like half a million people or something in the US alright? Now can we please hurry up, I don’t wanna be late.” “What’s this?” Sunburst asked as his hand rested on a pink Lego kit. “Legos,” I answered as I set the plushie back. “You can build anything you want with them. Scootaloo loves them.” “Is there anything science related?” Sunburst asked curiously as Sunset nodded. “Two aisles down,” Sunset directed as we followed her. I wasn’t really that big into toys anymore but I did enjoy Legos. “You and your constant science projects.” “Didn’t you do a bunch of mad women experiments back at the friendship games to figure out how magic worked here?” “Touche Diamond touche.” Sunburst examined the science projects and I rolled my eyes. I hadn’t really done any of things kids normally do. Like these. That didn’t happen for either of us till Cheerilee happened. Primarily us building a volcano in the back yard. That had been fun. “This one,” Sunburst tapped on a crystal growing kit and Sunset nodded approvingly. “Ruby would like that a lot. She’s been begging Aunt Berry for one for a good while now.” “Okay. Where do I get the bits?” “I’ll cover it,” Sunset chuckled as I stretched a bit. “And it’s coins or dollars here little brother. Not bits.” “Oh right.” “Sunburst is the absolute worst person to go shopping with,” Sunset grumbled as she slammed her head down on the table and rolled her head to look at Ruby and Mom. “Today reminded me why I quit going to the market back in Equestria with him.” “I wasn’t that bad,” Sunburst mumbled as he examined a picture on the table. “I get easily overwhelmed by new areas. You know that.” “True.” “Who was the light purple haired girl at your party the other day?” Sunburst asked curiously as we all looked at him. “Fuchsia Blush. Why?” Sunset asked as Sunburst turned red and Sunset grinned wickedly. “Ooh Sunburst has a crush.” “I do not!” “Do too.” “Do not.” “Do too.” I watched the two go back and forth with a growing smirk. “What happened to Sweet Leaves?” I asked and leaned forward as the two froze and looked at me. “Yeah what happened to her?” Sunset asked curiously as Sunburst turned brighter red. “Ruby, can you give us a moment?” “Sure,” Ruby shrugged and wandered off to go find Scootaloo presumably. Derpy came in from the kitchen and sat next to me. “I really don’t think you should date anyone here Sunburst. I mean, you tried to date Starlight last year,” Sunset said casually and maintained eye contact with him. “I mean, you live in Equestria. Those two live here.” “I wasn’t planning on it,” Sunburst grumbled as we all gave him unconvinced looks. “Okay, fine I debated it. It’s not either really like me either.” “Well Sweet Leaves was definitely flirting with you so,” I commented and Sunburst rolled his eyes. “No she wasn’t.” “Oh she definitely was,” Sunset confirmed. “She touched your hand for a solid thirty seconds. I know you haven’t had any marefriend ever but she was definitely flirting. And then there’s Fluttershy. Who would you pick?” “I don’t know. All three?” “Are you insane?” I demanded. “We kinda don’t really do that here. Women get kinda mad if you’re with more than one partner.” “And herds are going out of style I hear in Equestria so. I mean, if you could make that work then good job but you live in Equestria as I said earlier. And I respect you taking your job there seriously but you shouldn’t date here unless you plan to make trips back and forth.” “I really don’t think you have any say in my dating life after you left for four years,” Sunburst commented as Sunset flinched before glaring at him. We all stared with wide eyes as Sunset narrowed her eyes. Mom opened her mouth but Sunset beat her to it. “Watch yourself little brother,” Sunset warned quietly. “Ruby is in house and I can easily tell you to leave. I appreciate you coming but don’t make me mad. Especially not front of our cousin.” “That was mean I’m sorry,” Sunburst muttered as he nodded. “So I’d have to pick one? And can’t I just leave a book behind that we use to communicate?” “I guess but do you seriously think the others would be cool with that? Fluttershy might but Sweet Leaves and Fuchsia?” “I would hope but you make good points as usual. You’re dating somepony here though?” Sunburst pointed as Sunset made a frustrated sound. “Sunburst, I live here,” Sunset reminded him as she squeezed Derpy’s thigh. “That’s different.” “You’re right,” Sunburst sighed and I patted his shoulder. “Maybe they would be okay with it but it’d not mention you liking all three. If you do of course. Women here hate that. If Apple Bloom told me she liked two other girls and wanted us to all date, I’d kill her so fast.” “And I’d probably kill them myself,” Sunset grumbled as she folded her arms. “If they don’t pass the sister test, they don’t deserve you. Though Fuchsia is a world class girl and a good friend so she may be allowed.” “And girls don’t usually date theirs friends siblings here,” Mom pointed out as Derpy nodded. “It’s a weird thing we do here. It’s a respect thing. Just like I’d never date my sisters exs.” “I didn’t mean to offend you Sunset. I’m sorry,” Sunburst said as Sunset burst out laughing. “You didn’t. I’m just looking out for you all. You and them. Because it might suck for them if you aren’t here just as much as it would suck for you if they weren’t there in Equestria. Besides, do you even know if Fuchsia likes you?” “I don’t know.” Sunset gave a triumphant nod as Aunt Berry walked in. “You guys done having your grown up talk yet? Ruby is getting impatient.” We all nodded and stood up. > Chapter XXV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver Spoon “She looks happy.” Everyone looked at me as we watched Ruby running a train up Moms leg and back down as the two sat around a pile of train tracks and empty boxes. “She does yeah,” Aunt Berry commented with a smile. “My daughter is seven now. Good freaking God. Feels like I just had her yesterday.” “I know what you mean,” Aunt Minuette smirked as Sunset hid a smile behind her hand. “So Sunset,” Sunburst grinned wickedly as he looked up from his book. He was surprisingly getting well accustomed to earth. He was even being allowed to come to school tomorrow. Surprisingly, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna had insisted on him coming. “When are you and Derpy going to have a foal?” Derpy choked on her water as she and Sunset each turned bright red with wide eyes. “Foals? We- I,” Sunset sputtered as she maintained her red cheeks. “We aren’t having foals. I’m not even sure how to raise a kid!” “I’m not even ready to be a grandma yet,” Mom added hastily. “We use protection in this house if any spells are used.” “Protection from what?” Ruby asked innocently as she sat on Moms lap. “Nothing!” Aunt Cherry said quickly and forced a smile. “Protection from monster spells. Like aliens and all that.” “I’d be good with a kid,” Derpy admitted sheepishly. “Maybe one day but not now. After college, maybe.” “You’d be a pretty decent mom,” Scootaloo agreed as I nodded. “Mom and Aunt Berry are good ones too. If I never got adopted by mom and you were older, I’d have been okay if you took me in.” “Thanks,” Derpy mumbled as she turned red again. “But yeah who’s knows? Maybe we will adopt, maybe we will have a biological kid. We will see.” “You’d be a pretty decent mom yourself,” Diamond Tiara said casually as she glanced at our older sister. “But I feel you would be a strict one while Derpy would be the super chill one.” “Oh no,” Sunset chuckled and shook her head. “You’ve never seen Derpy put up with Amethyst giving her attitude. I have. Derpy shut her down instantly. Even I was nervous.” I didn’t know who to be more afraid of, the fact Derpy can get mad or the fact it was enough to scare Sunset. “I should flick you for that,” Sunset grumbled as she smirked at Sunburst. “I’d run into a church if you or even Starlight chased after me,” Sunburst commented casually as he leaned back in chair. “Uh why?” “Because neither of you can go into one.” Sunset burst out laughing as we breathed a sigh of relief. I thought she would have been mad. “That was actually really good Sunburst,” Sunset giggled as Sunburst gave a snicker and Sunset patted his shoulder. “Happy birthday by the way Ruby.” “Thanks!” Ruby called back as we all quickly echoed Sunset. “Thank you all.” “Thank you. I’m not the greatest at playful insults like you are so let me know if I go overboard.” “I know. That was pretty funny. I haven’t heard that one before,” Sunset admitted as she wrapped an arm around Sunburst and Scootaloo. “So you aren’t gonna kill me then?” Sunburst asked hopefully as Sunset snickered. “Oh no I’m still doing that.” We all burst out laughing as Sunset gave a mischievous grin and Sunburst laughed nervously. “You won’t actually kill me, will you?” “Wait and see,” Sunset stuck her tongue out and winked before leaning to me. “Me and you are so doing his nails and makeup when he goes to bed tonight.” “Bet!” “I can’t believe you two made me look like a clown,” Sunburst grumbled as Sunset and I grinned at each other. Mom had already entered the school with Scootaloo and Diamond. Sunburst had long sense washed the clown make up off and had scraped the nail polish off, leaving only a few specks of purple on his nails. Derpy walked behind me as she hid a grin behind her hand. “We saw an opportunity,” Sunset shrugged and her grin grew. I pushed open the doors and held them open as the two walked in. Derpy followed them as I walked inside, shutting the door behind us. “Hey Sunset!” Indigo called out as she and the former Shadowbolts leaned against some lockers. Felt weird to call them former Shadowbolts. “Hey Indigo.” “Hey dearie.” “Your shoelaces are undone.” “You look wonderful if we were in a high school musical.” We all watched and waited for Lemon Zest to announce her presence. We shrugged and kept walking as the green girl continued bobbing her head to her music. “Sunset, what’s up?” Velvet Sky waved and Sunset waved back idly. “People are scarily friendly today,” Sunset mused as she highfived Rainbow. Rainbow tossed her book bag into her locker and shut it. “And I come from a place where everyone is friendly.” “Hey Sunny, hey Sunburst,” Rainbow said and yawned. “How are you two? Hey Derpy, hey Silver Spoon.” “We’re pretty good,” Sunset commented as I opened my locker. “Why is everyone being so weird today?” “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked as she started tossing a soccer ball up in the air. “Like they’re all talking to me and aren’t looking guilty after anon like they used too.” “Oh that,” Rainbow said and laughed nervously. “Yeah, apparently it came out that you’ve decided to start talking to the other students instead of just us. Velvet Sky, Scribble Dee and Norman are just a few who have pestered me about it this morning and school hasn’t even started!” I frowned slightly as Sunset gave a nod. I wasn’t entirely enthused about that. I mean, Sunset already had a whole schedule in her room to perfectly balance out days she spent with each of her friends, aunts, mom and us three along with the rest of the movie club and Derpy. Adding the whole school to the white board of people to talk to is just going to be more stressful. “Okay. Hey Lyra,” Sunset shrugged as Lyra ran past. “Hey you didn’t see me!” Lyra shouted as she kept running. “I pranked Pinkie and she wants a prank war now!” We all fell silent and processed that as Lyra disappeared into a classroom as Pinkie ran past. “Have you seen Lyra?” Pinkie demanded as she grabbed Sunbursts face. “That way,” Sunburst pointed in an opposite direction. Pinkie nodded and took off again. “Thank you!” “May God have mercy on Lyra’s soul,” Rainbow muttered as Sunset chuckled. “A prank war with Pinkie is never ending. Trust me, I know from experience.” I could believe that easily enough. For once, I had nothing to say except slamming my locker and running to class. Mr. Cranky was well cranky if he’s there before us in class. > Chapter XXVI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I slammed my head down repeatedly on my desk quietly as a few of my classmates looked back in confusion. I hated math with a fiery burning passion. Math is the root of all evil, as some would say. I idly wonder what would happen if I went back in time and prevented the birth of whoever created math. Would I be considered a hero or a villain then? To my classmates, most likely a hero. Sounds like some terminator shit. It didn’t help that Derpy, Lyra, Rainbow and my siblings watched it last night. Unsurprisingly, Sunburst is quite impressed with human movies. I jumped slightly as Vinyl started thumping her desk with her finger and I raised an eyebrow. “What the fuck are you doing?” I muttered as Indigo snickered. “She’s vibing to some music is all,” Indigo whispered back. “Where’s your brother?” “In the office with VP Luna and Principal Celestia.” “I can’t believe he bowed to them,” Sunny Flare giggled as she put her pencil down. I remember my classmates giving him weird looks when he bowed to them. The look on Celestia and Lunas face is almost enough to make me burst out laughing again. “Yeah that was pretty funny,” Fluttershy giggled as I looked at the girl sitting next to me. “He’s nice.” I raised an eyebrow at her blushing face as I saw Blueberry Cake and Rainbow having a quiet conversation across the room. Rainbow pulled out a rainbow rubber band and put the note Blueberry handed her in it, aiming at me. “Oh fuck no,” I grumbled and ducked as Rainbow let go. I remember the last time she shot a note at me and hit me at high speeds with it. The note went whistling over my head as Twilight and Indigo jumped. “Gah!” Twilight shouted and jumped. Everyone stared at her and she slumped over with red cheeks. “Give me that damn note please Trixie,” I grumbled as Trixie tossed me it. It handed landed on her desk so props to Rainbow to landing it somewhere at least. Wanna hang out with Velvet Sky? She was asking, BC. Blueberry Cake has unsurprisingly good cursive. I flashed her a thumbs up and gestured at my phone. Yeah sure. Tell her to meet us in the gym after school, I texted her subtly under the desk before Moondancer could notice and take my phone. She gave a thumbs up and I shifted my focus back to my math work. I sat on the stage with my band mates, swinging my legs as Sunburst sat with Fuchsia. “Fuchsia, come here,” I called out as she shrugged, jogging over. “Hey Sunny. What’s up?” Fuchsia sat next to me with her guitar and smiled. “Hey. What do you think of my brother?” I asked idly and she gave a shrug. “He’s cool. Why?” “Well you obviously noticed he likes you so,” I trailed off as Fuchsia nodded. “I did yeah. I kinda can’t date him though I wouldn’t mind it I guess. First rule of girl code is don’t date friends siblings,” Fuchsia recited and pressed her hand to her chest. “I would let you as long as you’re fine with him being in Equestria fairly often,” I commented casually as Rainbow glanced over. “Though you got some competition.” “Who?” “Fluttershy and Sweet Leaves.” Fuchsia gave a snort of laughter and looked at Fluttershy. “Oh please,” Fuchsia scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy isn’t competition at all. All she has going for her is her chest and her fake sweet personality. As for Sweet Leaves, I can see that but once again, not really worried. Have him shave and we will see.” I gave a chuckle as the doors opened. We had invited Blueberry Cake and her friends to hang out with us. I was slightly worried about Lavender and Aqua being in the same room. The two locked eyes as we all watched nervously. “Lavender,” Octavia said warningly as Lavender jumped off the stage and slowly approached Aqua Blossom. Lavender stayed silent as she stared into Aquas eyes, inhaling. “Trixie thinks this should be good,” Trixie whispered to Watermelody. Lavender swung and punched Aqua in the face. The girl stumbled and Starlight caught her. “Alright, that’s enough yall,” Applejack said as she jumped down and got between the two. “I’m good now,” Lavender said and shoved Applejack aside. She jumped back on stage and picked up her guitar, fist bumping Lightning. “I deserved that,” Aqua muttered and rubbed her jaw. “You hit hard.” “Alright so uh we invited you guys here so we can get you opinions on a song. We don’t want you to record this or anything. We prefer to keep these things private,” I explained as Velvet Sky nodded. “Okay,” Velvet said and sat down on the floor with her skirt tucked under her legs. I nodded at Rainbow who gave me a thumbs up. I always did like her guitar playing skills. “No, not me, don’t count me out yet. I sweat, I bleed, still have my last breath. I might be down on my knees but I am not afraid. From the jaws of defeat, I will not suffocate,” Rainbow sang and Blueberry gave an approving nod. “Knocked down, thrown into the fire. Rise up, more than just a fighter. Come back, ah am standing taller. Knocked down, rise up, come back stronger,” Applejack and Lightning sang. “Come back stronger.” “Say “so long” to who I was before,” Trixie and I sang as we stood with our backs to each other and folded our arms with faint smirks. “I’ll win the battle and I’ll win the war. I just love as I see you underestimate all the strength I gained from my mistakes.” “Knocked down, thrown into the fire. Rise up, more than just a fighter. Come back, I am standing taller. Knocked down, rise up, come back stronger,” Fuchsia and Lavender sang. “Come back stronger.” A bright orange glow surrounded me as Sunburst gawked as I felt my ears get pointy and my hair get longer. “Stronger, I will come back stronger. I will come back stronger,” Lyra and Fluttershy sang. “I will come back stronger,” Derpy added quietly. “Come back stronger.” “Knocked down, thrown into the fire. Rise up, more than just a fighter. Come back, I am standing taller,” Octavia added. She had a surprisingly loud voice when she wanted to use it. “Knocked down, rise up, come back stronger. Come back stronger.” I watched Rainbow take her guitar off and set it on the stand as she grinned. “Well, thoughts?” Rainbow demanded as Sweet Leaves nodded enthusiastically. “That was really good,” Sweet Leaves commented as I stretched a bit. “I like Trixie’s part,” Starlight admitted casually as Trixie gave a smug grin. “I think the guitar was my favorite part,” Blueberry Cake said sheepishly and rubbed the back off her head. Tennis Match simply nodded and gave a thumbs up. “What was that?” Sunburst demanded as he stared at me. “The glowing thing?” “Oh we call it ponying up. All of us can do it. So can Mom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon,” I answered and looked back at him. “My aunts and Ruby have as well a few times recently. Haven’t seen anyone else other than my bandmates do so.” “But why?” “The elements we represent we assume. Here, play a guitar or something,” I said and held out Lyra’s to him. “Don’t know how.” “Here!” Pinkie shouted as she rummaged through her hair and threw a harmonica at him. “I’m not even gonna ask where you got that,” Rainbow commented as she raised an eyebrow at Sunburst. “This wouldn’t be the weirdest thing I’ve had in my mouth,” Sunburst shrugged and blew the harmonica. “I really don’t want to think about all the possibilities you might have meant,” I grumbled as everyone laughed. Starlight, Sweet Leaves, Fluttershy and Sunburst turned bright red. “I didn’t mean anything like that! I meant foods from the Crystal Empire!” Sunburst exclaimed as he handed the harmonica to Pinkie who promptly put it in her hair. “Dang, I didn’t pony up or whatever.” “Huh okay. Your special talent is magic related,” I mused and rubbed my chin. “Maybe if we get you to read more books, it’ll happen?” “Here, let me help you,” Sweet Leaves said and dropped to her knees in front of Sunburst. “What are you doing?” Lyra asked with a blush as Sweet Leaves held Sunburst’s shoelaces in her hands. If I had noticed his shoes were untied, I’d have helped myself but she beat me to it. “Tying his shoes before he falls? What did you think I was doing?” Sweet Leaves asked as we all turned red or looked away. “Oh my God, ew! No! Never!” We all looked at each other and burst out laughing. That could have been way wors > Chapter XXVII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I sat lazily on Fuchsia’s couch as the girl flipped through movies with a bored expression. “Hey Fuchsia?” “Yeah, what’s up?” “Why do you hate Fluttershy out of them all the most?” Fuchsia gave me a look and I shivered slightly. It was common knowledge around the school that Fuchsia despised Fluttershy, but no one really knew why. I had tried to ask Fluttershy once and she did was burst into tears. “I guess you do deserve. We’ve been friends for almost a year anyway,” Fuchsia sighed and set the remote down. “Have you ever been told exactly why we are the Rainbooms rivals?” “Well not really. I’ve asked but they aren’t entirely forthcoming.” “Not surprised,” Fuchsia gave a bitter laugh as she rolled her eyes. “Alright, so back in middle school I knew Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, right?” “Uh I guess?” I offered with a frown. I didn’t know that but okay. “Right. Anyway, Fluttershy was my first friend. Fast track to freshman year after I met Trixie and Lavender. Trixie was doing a magic show in the lunchroom where we first met. She was bragging about her skills to gather a crowd to show her tricks too.” “I remember she did that fairly often,” I commented as Fuchsia nodded. I remember Trixie proclaiming she could do magic and naturally, I was curious and wanted to see for myself. When I found out it was card tricks and more, I bullied her ruthlessly back then. Sabotaging her shows, the like. “Exactly,” Fuchsia inhaled. “So she’s doing her magic trick and messes up accidentally. A few in the crowd made fun of her, primarily Rainbow Dash. Applejack just watched and didn’t entirely do anything, Pinkie didn’t and Rarity made fun of her for being a braggart.” I frowned slightly as Fuchsia sighed. I didn’t know that had happened. “Naturally, Lavender and I stuck up for Trixie. I called them out for their behavior when they were friends with Rainbow Dash. And Lavender insulted Rainbow for being a hypocrite for being a dick to Trixie when Rainbow herself is the biggest braggart in sports I know other than Fleetfoot,” Fuchsia explained as I nodded slightly. “Anyway, later that week I confronted Fluttershy because she was there. I told her to get Rainbow in check and to quit being such a pushover.” “Makes sense.” “Yeah. Anyway, Fluttershy had pointed out Trixie was being unnecessarily rude to people in the crowd. A magician always takes hecklers and calls them out on their behavior. Rainbow was equally rude and called Trixie a fraud. Fluttershy and I had a yelling match at my house. I said she was being a blind pushover and needed to grow the fuck up. She said I was supporting a bully and I said she was no better. She burst out crying when I told her we weren’t friends anymore and I picked Trixie over her. I told her to get the hell out of my house and I watched her run to her mom’s car crying. I also insulted her for not supporting her brother like she should.” “What does that mean?” I asked curiously. “She supports her brother.” “Really?” Fuchsia asked flatly. “Because all I see is her and Rainbow yet again being jerks because he doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life and switches hobbies and careers often. We’re in high school. We aren’t supposed to instantly know what we are supposed to do for the rest of our lives. Not like Equestria with your cutie mark system.” I opened my mouth but froze. I hadn’t entirely thought about it that way. I had always thought they were super supportive of each other. Then again, I’ve only met Zephyr a handful of times. “So that’s how the rivalry was born,” Fuchsia concluded. “It often gets heated still to this day. We only really tolerate them for your sake. When you’re not there, it usually gets pretty intense. Lightning and Derpy had to break up some pretty serious arguments before between us.” “Why wouldn’t anyone tell me about that?” I demanded in frustration. “If I had to guess, I’m assuming no one wanted to bother you about it all.” I didn’t entirely like that. Especially if Derpy knew. I idly reminded myself to ask her about it when I got home. “So that’s why you aren’t friends with Fluttershy. Because of a fight you two had in freshman year.” “Precisely. In all actuality, me ending our friendship back then helped her grow more of a spine now. If you remember, she yelled at Rainbow a few times for being rude now recently and the battle of the bands. I don’t think that would have happened if I didn’t call her out. Definitely wouldn’t have during freshman year.” I suppose that was one way of looking at it. She might even be right. I remember Fluttershy being a big push over. Made her an easy target. “So that’s why you aren’t worried about Fluttershy being competition for my brother.” Fuchsia nodded her agreement as I shrugged. “Hey Sis,” Fuchsia glanced at the stairs and I looked over at a green haired girl. I’ve never know she had a sister. “Meet Sunset. She’s hanging out for a bit. That’s Wallflower.” Wallflower growled to our confusion and promptly went back up stairs. “Huh weird,” Fuchsia mused as she scratched her head. “She doesn’t usually react like that when I have guests over, probably had a hard day at school. She did math gave her troubles earlier. I’m gonna get us some popcorn.” “Where’s your bathroom?” I asked hastily as I felt a sudden urge to pee. Fuchsia paused as she stood in the doorway with her hand on the wall. “Upstairs to the left.” I gave her a grateful nod before jogging up the stairs and into the bathroom. I quickly shut the door, locking it behind me and I did my business. I washed my hands with soap and unlocked the door, recoiling slightly at Wallflower in the door way with a rock. “Oh hey. You startled me,” I chuckled nervously. She was slightly unnerving with how quiet she was. “Wanna come watch a movie with us?” “I’ll pass,” Wallflower muttered as she pointed the rock at me and it glowed. “Uh what are you doing?” “You’re gonna forget who I am. It’s normal to be confused afterwards,” Wallflower reassured me as I grunted slightly. “Hey Sunset! Did you fall in up there?” Fuchsia yelled from the kitchen and I rubbed my head in confusion. “Huh, that was weird,” I muttered and walked downstairs. “Hey, were you just upstairs with me?” “No why?” “I don’t really know. Feels kinda weird.” “Deja vu?” Fuchsia offered as she poked her head in the room. “I mean, Wallie is up there but she rarely leaves her room. That girl worries me. She really needs to get out more.” “Who?” “Oh you’re funny!” Fuchsia elbowed me with a grin. “You just met her. You can’t prank me though, I was there. Now let’s watch a few movies before you head home.” I rubbed my head and gave one last confused look upstairs before I shrugged and sat down next to her, accepting the popcorn bowl. If I didn’t remember, whatever it was wasn’t important. > Chapter XXVIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I dragged my loudly protesting brother through the lunch room as some people watched on and snickered. It had pretty much spread like wild fire I had my brother here. A surprising amount of people wanted to meet him for some reason. I wasn’t too surprised that a lot of people thought he was cool. “Where are you dragging me off to?” Sunburst demanded as a nearby Mystery Mint laughed. “To them,” I nodded in Flashs band table direction. “Why?” “You want to have a chance with Fuchsia don’t you?” I asked with a smug grin and he nodded with a blush. “She only hinted she would if you shaved. I’m a girl, I don’t have to shave my face so I don’t have to know how. Unless you want to know how to shave your legs of course.” “I-I’m good on that,” Sunburst muttered as I snickered. We stopped in front of Flashs table and I inhaled, glaring slightly at Brawly Beats sitting next to my ex. “Hello Flash,” I said coolly as I maintained my gaze on his friend. “Hey Sunset,” Flash commented casually as he looked up from his guitar. “Hey Sunset’s brother. What’s up?” “This is Sunburst,” I nodded to my brother as Brawly gave a laugh. “What are you laughing at, fuck boy? Don’t think I forgot nor forgave you for cheating on Lavender.” “She got you there!” Ringo laughed as Brawly slumped over. “That wasn’t my greatest moment. Don’t use me as a role model kids,” Brawly sighed and I snorted in laughter. “Talk about an understatement,” I sneered and flicked my attention back to Flash. “I need your help with something. Meet me at my house after school. Bring a razor and shaving cream, please. If you’re busy though, I understand.” “I got nothing going on. I’ll see you then I guess,” Flash shrugged and bit into a apple. “Come one, come all!” Trixie shouted from the other side of the lunch room in her typical magician outfit with Lavender and Fuchsia. Fuchsia smirked at Sunburst and he looked away as I grinned even wider. “Looks like Trixie is doing a magic show again,” Brawly commented casually as he stared at Lavender. I will admit, she had a decent body. If this was a different universe, I might have even taken a shot at her. Twilight did theorize there could be a million different universes out there with endless possibilities. Mainly she just used words that confused the heck out of us all. “Does she ever get enough of herself?” “I’ll have you know Trixie does a lot for people. More than you’ll ever know,” I grumbled as I remembered the whole Lilac Blossom incident and the hospital. I idly remembered I still had her picture on my nightstand. “Is she happy?” Brawly asked and I didn’t need magic mind reading to know who he meant. “Yeah she is,” I confirmed as we both watched Lavender do a magic trick and a few people clapped. “She’s really happy ever since she met someone.” “What?” “Nothing I’m teasing you,” I gave a cruel snicker. “I’m glad she’s happy.” “Really?” I asked curiously as I watched him intently for any sign of lying. “Yeah. I fucked up and she kinda was depressed around the school. We all knew that. I’m happy she is happy again. She deserves it.” That slightly raised my opinion of Brawly but only slightly. “That surprises me. If she wasn’t in here, I’d knock you on your ass so fast,” I growled as he flinched. Sunburst made a nervous cough as he backed away and I shot him an apologetic look. “But she would probably be upset if I did. I’ll see you after school Flash.” I turned away and dragged my brother behind me. “Sunset! Flash is here!” Mom called up the stairs as I stood up. Derpy laid on our bed playing Sims as Sunburst watched with a fascinated expression. “Thanks mom!” I called back as I walked down the stairs. Flash stood in the living room and looked around as he rubbed the back of his head. “I’ve never been in your house before,” Flash mused as he set down a picture of mom he had been examining. “I also didn’t know Miss Cheerilee had a thing for exploring the US.” “I did,” I commented as I shrugged. “Well, I would expect you to. She’s your mom after all,” Flash shot back as I rolled my eyes. I had meant I knew before then because Mom had a picture from some place in Maine on her desk but okay. “Thanks for coming by the way,” I said as I led Flash up the stairs. “Derpy is here by the way so don’t do any weird guy shit with my brother.” “No problem. And weird guy shit?” Flash asked as he set the bag that I presumed had shaving cream and a razor in it. “Yeah you know, dick measuring and the like,” I said and waved a hand lazily. “Yeah uh I really don’t have any interest in seeing that part of your brother, no offense,” Flash said and paused with an unopened razor package in his hand. “I’m not expected to see that, am I?” “No not at all!” I laughed and Flash gave a relieved sigh. “Thank the stars for that one,” Flash said and placed a can of shaving cream down. “How you been? Heard Derpy moved in with you.” “I’ve been pretty good, you?” I asked as he gave me a thumbs up. “She did move in yeah. She’s currently in our room playing Sims Four.” “Gotcha,” Flash nodded as he looked around. “Alright well, got everything good to go. Got shaving cream and a razor.” “Sunburst, come here please!” I called out as Flash examined a medicine bottle. “I didn’t know you and Derpy took anxiety meds,” Flash commented as he set the bottle back down. “That actually explains a lot.” “Yeah we both do. We got the same prescription so we usually just take from either of our medicine bottles whenever we feel a anxiety attack coming,” I answered as Sunburst walked in. “He’s all ready to go. There’s a first aid kit under the sink if he cuts himself.” “I know how to shave!” Sunburst retorted as Flash ripped open the razor. “Using magic in Equestria, not with hands,” I reminded him flatly. “And I can’t teach you because female. So Flash here will. He’s a good guy so don’t worry about him trying to pull some shit.” “Gee thanks for that,” Flash grumbled as I snickered. I waved a hand as I left the bathroom as I faintly made out the two talking. Mainly something about going with the grain when shaving, whatever the hell that meant. I plopped down on the bed next to Derpy as she continued decorating the house she was building. “Wanna play minecraft?” Derpy asked suddenly as I shrugged. I liked watching her play Sims, she got super focused on it to the point she often forget to eat. She usually was the one who made me eat after playing for hours so I always enjoyed the opportunity to switch up roles. “Yeah sure.” I grabbed my spare controller off the nightstand and turned it on as Derpy saved her progress and opened minecraft. “Are we still building the muffin shaped house or something different?” I asked as Derpy shot me a grin I adored. “Muffin house, obviously!” I gave a low chuckle as I nodded. Only she could come up with the idea of building a house in the shape of a muffin. A lopsided muffin, but a muffin nonetheless. > Chapter XXIX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuchsia “So Sunset is letting you go on a date with her brother?” Watermelody asked in surprise as we sat lazily on the floor of my room. Trixie laid on her back as a snore came from her throat. Lavender was leaning against the wall as she watched Trixie. Wallflower was in the shower I think. Either that or mom was. I still had no clue if she was quitting her nurse job or not. “Yeah,” I said and flipped my hair. “I mean why wouldn’t she? I’m a nice, young attractive girl. And I’m a good friend. She said so herself.” “I mean fair,” Watermelody agreed as a thin line of drool worked it’s way down Trixie’s jaw as she snored louder. “I can’t believe I’m dating the loudest snorer I’ve ever met.” “And plus I have a nice body that I work hard for,” I continued as I swayed my hips a bit and Watermelody turned red along with Lavender. “And I can use a stripper pole pretty well.” “I’m almost afraid to ask,” Lavender muttered under her breath. “But why do you know how to pole dance?’ “Octavia taught me.” “Why does Octavia know how to pole dance?” I threw my hands up and shrugged. I had been stunned too. If only they knew that Fluttershy knew how to as well from middle school gymnastics. I had assumed it was some kink Vinyl had or something. “How the hell should I know?” I commented as my door opened. “Hey Wallie.” “Hi,” Wallflower muttered as Lavender nudged her with a grin. “Hey Lavvie.” “Heyo. How’s it going?” “So so I guess. You?” “Never better,” Lavender commented as Watermelody smiled at Wallie. “Currently getting told about your sisters secret pole dancing career.” “Oh she has one too?” Wallflower asked sheepishly as we all stared in stunned silence at her. “I probably shouldn’t have said that.” “Oh we are so talking about that later,” I grumbled as I went to my closet. I pulled out a shirt skirt and top, tossing them on my bed. “Anyway, I was going to wear these. Thoughts?” The girls who were awake stood at the edge of my bed and I watched their faces intently as Wallflowers eyes widened. “Are you trying to date him or are you trying to fuck him?” Watermelody asked finally as she picked up my pink skirt and examined it closer. “I mean date obviously. Gotta get his attention first,” I said and swayed my hips again as Wallflower looked away quickly. “And I know how to work what I got unlike some certain girls at our school.” “I’ll give you that,” Lavender admitted after a moment. “I can give lap dances but that’s pretty much it. Want an example?” “I think I’m good,” I said quickly and Lavender cracked a grin. “And besides, Sunset would kill me if I fucked her brother on the first date. Wouldn’t be my first either.” “Flash Sentry, eighth grade,” Wallflower commented as we all stared at her again as I blushed. “You said he was an awful lay and you didn’t finish and he did within ten minutes.” “I could have gone my entire life without knowing that,” Watermelody muttered under her breath. “What are you guys doing for Halloween?” “Hanging out with Wallflower and watching horror movies.” “Sleeping.” “Hanging out with Trixie.” Trixie gave a loud snort in response as she rolled on her side. We had been up late last night doing a magic show and she was pretty much the only one who didn’t drink almost an entire gas station worth of coffee. “I need to change sooo,” I said and coughed as the girls quickly left, Watermelody and Wallflower dragging a snoring Trixie. “Peanut butter crackers!” Trixie shouted as I snorted and Lavender shut the door. I picked up the skirt and gave a smug grin. Time to show Fluttershy and Sweet Leaves who was really the best girl at Canterlot High. Primarily Fluttershy. I strode into the restaurant I had asked Sunburst out to with a confident smile, my purse hanging on my shoulder as a few people looked over. I rarely did my make up but this was the exception. Sunburst sat a table and I strode over, sitting across from him and crossing my leg. “Hey there,” I said sweetly and winked as he turned red. “Good evening.” “Hey. You uh look nice,” Sunburst offered weakly and I grinned internally. Wallflower and Lavender were both surprisingly talented in make up given that Wallflower never wears it and Lavender only does on a rare occasion. “You do too,” I commented as I examined him. He wore a white shirt that I’m pressuring Sunset had taken him to get. Either that or Rarity. I glanced over at six people sitting nearby in black trench coats and hats with matching sunglasses. “Looks like the mafia is in town tonight.” “Oh no that’s uhm Sunset, Lavender, Rarity, Indigo, Sunny Flare and Bon Bon. They think I didn’t see the outfits in Sunset’s car but well I have a good eye,” Sunburst admitted as I smiled. I had kinda figured they would do this. “So Sunburst. Tell me about yourself,” I said in a low tone as I leaned across the table slightly. “Sunset has only told me so much about you.” “Well, I’m the Royal Crystaller for Princess Cadence and Flurry Heart. I live in the Crystal Empire near the castle. What about you?” “Magician assistant. I play the sampler and guitar for the illusions. Lavender and I both prefer the sampler more though so that’s we use when we perform,” I said as I sipped from my water glass that had been waiting already. “What’s a sampler do?” Sunburst asked curiously as I admired him. He looked better in my opinion clean shaven then he did within facial hair. I’ll have to thank Flash for that even though talking to him will be a bit awkward. “A sampler is a digital device or program that can capture, store, and play back audio samples,” I explained as he nodded. “So during the battle of the bands, we recorded the sounds we wanted for our song we performed ahead of time to use for the competition. Lavender and I had minor lines in the song. Mainly just echoing some words Trixie said like rejected or dejected.” “I know two worlds Trixie’s and there’s not really much difference. Both are supportive in their own arrogant egotistical blunt way,” Sunburst commented as I choked on my water a bit. “Yeah that sounds like Trixie,” I giggled and smirked. “Wanna hit the movies after this?” “Yeah sure. Uh what is the movies like here?” “Oh you’ll see.” I internally pumped a fist and grinned to myself. This was going better than I hoped. > Chapter XXX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indigo “Wow,” Bon Bon muttered under her breath as we followed Fuchsia and Sunburst out of the restaurant. “Fuchsia can flirt.” “Got that right,” Sunset muttered in awe as we followed them down the street. Twilight had planted a device under the table so we could listen in from a nearby table. “She got major points in my book for that. But it’s not really my decision, it’s Bursties.” “Bursties?” Rainbow asked as she tried and failed to hide a giggle. “Sunburst,” Sunset clarified as Rainbow, Lavender and I exchanged smirks. “It was my nickname for when we were foals for him.” “And what was yours?” Lavender asked as Bon Bon, Sunny Flare and Rarity stayed quiet. “Not even going there,” Sunset said with a blush as she sped up walking. Lavender and I made eye contact and grinned. By the end of the night, we were going to get that damn nickname. Even if I had to bribe Derpy with an entire stores stock of muffins to get her in on it. “I’m gonna get it from her later,” Rainbow decided as Lavender cast a distrustful look her way. Why Lavender, Fuchsia and Trixie hated Rainbow and her other friends I will never know. “Maybe I can ask Lyra or Octavia,” Bon Bon mused. “Sunset is particularly close to those two girls. Or Vinyl knows. Sunset has been known to tell the least likely person secrets.” “I’m right here you know?” Sunset asked curiously as we ducked behind a bush. Fuchsia cast a look behind her as Sunburst held the door open for her. Sunny, Lyra and Rarity had spent hours teaching him about what to do on a date I heard. “You guys don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment in my life. A chance to finally watch my brother on a date. He and Spitfire watched me go on one once apparently. Nothing came out of it though.” We snuck in the theater as Fuchsia approached the counter with Sunburst. I idly recognized the employee from somewhere but I didn’t entirely know where. “Want popcorn?” Fuchsia asked with a smile. “I know you are you know from a different place so money isn’t technically a thing you got here.” She had dropped her voice to a whisper. Presumably to protect the whole Equestrian identity thing. “Uhm sure. Are the theaters different here?” Sunburst asked curiously as Fuchsia handed some dollars to the employee. “I don’t know,” Fuchsia admitted with a shrug. “I’ve never been to Equestria. Lightning and Lavender have told me some stories but that’s it. Maybe one day I will go.” “Maybe. I know Lavender really liked Equestria. She was practically head over hooves the entire time according to Sunny.” Lavender grimaced and looked away as Rarity squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. I had half expected her to shove Rarity off but she surprisingly didn’t. “Hey what movie did those two get tickets for?” Rainbow asked eagerly as she place her hands on the counter. “Uh Jurassic World and I believe the guy stated an interest in him coming back with his sister I think to see an Act Of War,” the clerk stated as she yawned. “We will take a ticket for Jurassic World,” Rainbow said as the clerk nodded. “Alright, six tickets coming up.” “Oh and three buckets of popcorn.” We all gave Rainbow a confused look as she shrugged. “What? If we’re gonna watch our two friends on their date, we might as well enjoy the movie too. I’ve heard this movie is awesome!” “That was awesome!” Rainbow pumped a fist in the air as Bon Bon nodded. “Yeah that was pretty good. Don’t tell Lyra I saw it though. She hasn’t seen it yet and will bury me in her backyard if she finds out I saw it without her,” Bon Bon said as I watched Fuchsia standing at a wall next to the bathroom. “Why did we sit in the middle though?” Sunset complained as she stretched. “Everyone knows the back seats are the best. Mom and I went to the movies every week when it was just me and her before DT, Scootaloo and Silver came along.” “Everyone knows there’s two best spots in a theater,” I answered and Rarity nodded. “The back and the middle. People who sit in the front are pyschos.” “Precisely darling. And with Fuchsia sitting in the back with your brother, we needed the middle seats. And we had our disguises crafted by yours truly.” “Hey girls.” We all jumped at Fuchsia’s voice behind us. She stood behind us wearing a short black skirt and a maroon top that held onto her chest tightly. She grinned at us and folded her arms. “Surprised to see you girls here,” Fuchsia said casually. “Looks like you all just stepped out of Mafia Two.” “Well that didn’t work,” I commented and tossed the hat off. Rarity gave me a dirty look as she caught the hat mid air and I took my sunglasses off. “How long did you know?” Sunset asked nervously as she looked around for her brother. I assume he was still in the bathroom. “Oh since the beginning of the date,” Fuchsia said casually as Lavender swore under her breath sheepishly. “We both did. Normally I’d be mad but I know you were just looking out for both of us.” “We’re sorry,” Rarity muttered as Fuchsia made eye contact with her. “Especially considering your well feelings towards Rainbow and myself.” Fuchsia stayed silent as she nodded. Sunset wrapped an arm around her shoulder and sighed. “I’m sorry as well. But I had to look out for Burstie and as you said, you of course. If it means anything, I’m convinced you’re a great partner to my brother. And thanks for not blowing or fucking my brother in the theater. I’d have died if I heard that,” Sunset said with a blush and hugged Fuchsia. “You look really good by the way. If I didn’t have a girlfriend and my brother didn’t like you, I’d have been tempted.” “Thanks for the compliment. If I swung that way, I’d have let you hit,” Fuchsia admitted and Sunset back. “I know your nickname by the way.” “Tell us!” Rainbow begged as Fuchsia gave her a look that made me shiver. And here I thought Sugarcoat was the master of cold glares. “Nah.” “Hey Sis,” Sunburst said as he approached suddenly from the left. “Is your little spy mission over?” “Yeah,” Sunset sighed as she and Fuchsia quit hugging. “Can I uh you know?” Fuchsia asked as she gave Sunset a nervous look. Sunset gave her a nod. “Do what?” Sunburst asked cautiously. Fuchsia rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek as he turned bright red. Fuchsia winked as she and Sunset disappeared out of the theater with Bon Bon and a laughing Lavender. We who remained looked at each other and burst out laughing as he stared at the other girl. > Chapter XXXI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuchsia I stood in front of the Wondercolt statue with all of our friends and allies in the Rainbooms with the exception of Rainbow Crash and Pinkie Pie. “So what exactly are we doing here?” Sour demanded as she stretched. “I’m looking forward to going home, not stay at school after hours.” “Pranking Rainbow,” Sunset explained with a smirk. “But first I need back up. Sunburst, come on.” We watched them approach the base of the statue as Sunset pressed her hand against it and disappeared, Sunburst following her soon after. The former Shadowbolts and Watermelody gasped. I had forgotten they didn’t really know about the statue and it’s abilities. “So cool!” Lemon Zest exclaimed and pumped her fist. “I know right?” Twilight giggled as she examined the swirling surface of the statue closer. “It’s so cool! I wonder if we can alter it to create different dimensions and maybe even parallel universes. Maybe even go to a whole different time period!” We all gave her confused looks as she sighed. “Never mind.” We stepped back from the statue as a small animal shot out of it followed by two more. “Oh that was worse than going back,” Sunset groaned as she climbed to her hooves. We stared in stunned silence at the knee high unicorn that had comically large adorable cyan eyes. Fluttershy screamed and I jumped as she pushed Trixie and Indigo aside, picking up Sunset. “You look adorable!” Fluttershy squealed as she hugged Sunset. Sunset coughed and Fluttershy turned red, setting Sunset down. I looked at Sunburst as he trotted in a circle. “You’re naked,” Sugarcoat said bluntly as Sunset nodded. “Ponies don’t wear clothes often.” “Behold, the great and powerful Trixie!” The blue unicorn shouted as I froze, staring at her. “Gah!” She hid behind Sunburst and peeked out at us. “You said I would be performing in front of an audience, not monkeys!” Pony Trixie shouted as she glared at Sunburst. “These are humans Trix,” Sunset explained as she lifted Trixie up and plopped her in front of her human version. We stared in shock at her. We all knew Sunset was a unicorn but there’s a difference between knowing and seeing it with my own two eyes. “Trixie still will call them monkeys. Trixie requires the finest stable and hay!” Pony Trixie exclaimed as she stretched. “Great. There’s two of them now,” Rarity muttered under her breath. “Shut up Rarity!” Both Trixie’s shouted in unison and gave her dirty looks. I stifled a laugh as Lavender snickered behind a hand. “Now why do we need the pony version of my girlfriend?” Watermelody asked after she shook off her shock. “Not that I’m complaining.” Human Trixie picked up her pony counterpart who glared at her and started squirming. “Trixie is adorable in both forms!” Human Trixie exclaimed as she hugged herself. Literally. “Put Trixie down now!” Human Trixie rolled her eyes and stretched her counterpart behind the ears as the ponys eyes went wide and she kicked her hind leg a bit. “That’s the spot,” Pony Trixie purred as she flicked her tail and a pungent smell wafted through the air. “Oh fuck me,” Sunset muttered and stepped away from Sunburst, jumping into Derpy’s waiting arms. “Trixie is in heat.” “I am,” Pony Trixie admitted as Sunset’s horn glowed and the smell disappeared. “Ah thank you. Now it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.” “And we need her because she can do illusions that we need for my prank on Dash,” Sunset finished as I grinned. “Will there be peanut butter crackers?” Pony Trixie asked hopefully as Lyra laughed. “Yes we have all the peanut butter crackers you could ever want,” Bon Bon reassured her. “Onward!” Pony Trixie exclaimed as she thrust a hoof out. “To the stables!” I sat across from Sunburst, Sunset and Pony Trixie as Sunset curled up on Derpys lap with a TV remote in her magic. Scootaloo, Cheerilee, Diamond, Silver and Ruby had practically gone nuts when they saw the three unicorns. “How did you even do this?” Fluttershy asked as she held out some lettuce to Sunburst. “Twilight and Starlight apparently knew a spell to grant us our pony forms. I didn’t know such a thing existed,” Sunset admitted as she rubbed Derpy’s hand with her head. “Keep petting me please. My ears are sensitive.” “Oh sorry,” Derpy muttered and resumed scratching as Sunset whinnied and we all burst out laughing. “We will never speak of that again outside of this room,” Sunset threatened as she turned red. “Okay okay,” Lavender giggled and held up her hands defensively. “We won’t.” “What spells does Trixie’s monkey version know?” Pony Trixie asked as she gazed at her human version. “Trixie is a human, not a monkey!” Human Trixie snapped as Sunburst yawned. “And we don’t do spells here. We do slight of hand tricks. Lavender can go invisible and I can teleport if I wear my geode. Fuchsia can too.” “We will host a show!” Pony Trixie exclaimed and waved a hoof around the air eagerly. “Tonight, we will have fame, fortune and bits! Mares and stallions alike begging to bed us!” “I don’t know about that,” Sunset said hastily as I laughed. “It’s kinda taboo to have sex with ponies and other animals here.” “What about Derpy?” I asked curiously as Derpy turned red. “Is it taboo for her? You guys did do it as ponies that one time, right?” “We won’t talk about that. Besides, I don’t think Derpy would want to get under my tail. She might think it’s weird,” Sunset commented casually as she picked a movie. “We’re watching act of war, where is Spike?” “Right here,” Spike jumped out of the kitchen. Twilight had asked her to watch Spike while she and her parents secretly fixed her sleeping area apparently. “I’m going to go get popcorn. I’ll be back,” Sunset said as she jumped off the couch. Spike looked at her before climbing on her back. “Onward!” Spike pointed a paw as Sunset glared at him angrily. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Sunset demanded as she narrowed her eyes. “Heh sorry,” Spike muttered as she levitated Spike off her back and tossed him into my arms as Sunburst rested his head on my lap. We all looked at him and snickered as Pony Trixie snored, kicking a hind leg in the air. I wish I could fall asleep that fast. > Chapter XXXII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lavender I yawned as I stretched out on Sunset’s couch. I had originally planned on sleeping through Halloween because I don’t care for it but a chance to see Rainbow Crash pranked? Count me in. Fuchsia, Trixie and I even put aside our rivalry with Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie just to help out. Temporarily of course. “Hey Fuchsia,” Applejack said cautiously as she looked at my fellow Illusion. “What do you want Applejack?” Fuchsia grunted as she sat down next to me with Sunburst curled up in a ball on her lap. Apparently he, Sunset and Pony Trixie needed to sleep. Something about getting their energy together. “Ah’m sorry.” We both gave each other stunned looks as Sunset and Derpy slept on the floor on a pile of blankets as Pony Trixies snoring came from upstairs. I always did try to tell Trixie she snored but she didn’t believe me. Maybe now she would. “Uh what?” Fuchsia asked in confusion as she stroked Sunburst’s mane. “For making yall hate us. Ah never really liked the others makin fun of Trixie back then in freshman year and ah never stood up for her. Ah respect yall in a way. Ya stood up for your friend,” Applejack admitted as she took her hat off and held it in front of her. “Ah done a lot in high school that mah parents would be rollin over in their grave if they knew what ah’ve done. To Sunset. To yall. And Ah’m sorry.” Fuchsia and I exchanged looks once again as Applejack kept staring down at her hat. I really didn’t want to forgive any of them, especially after the anon a miss issue but maybe now was finally the time to bury the hatchet. With Applejack at least. “I think we forgive you,” I said uncertainly as Fuchsia sighed. “I do too I guess. You didn’t really do anything bad to Trixie back then. But it’s up to Trixie if she forgives you as well.” “Thank ya,” Applejack said as she put her hat back on and smiled faintly. “Will ya be forgiving the others or nah?” “No,” Fuchsia and I said instantly as Applejacks face fell. “Especially not Fluttershy,” Fuchsia sighed and shook her head. “There’s just too much bad history there. It’s just like I told Sunset, we won’t start drama with her when she is around but we certainly don’t care for the others in your band. Twilight is okay of course. She wasn’t involved in all that.” “Ah understand,” Applejack sighed and stretched a bit herself. “Maybe one day the three of us can be friends.” We exchanged looks again and I sighed. “We are willing to try now,” I said cautiously as Applejacks face brightened. “But under the condition you don’t force the Raingoons to be around us all the time. We only really trust you, Sunset and Twilight I suppose.” “I’m happy to hear that,” Sunset smirked as she wiggled her way out of Derpy’s arms. She quickly levitated a pillow into Derpy’s arms and Derpy hugged it. Sunset disappeared with a pop and stood on my lap as she smirked up at me. “About damn time you three sorted it out.” “Ah hear Dash coming,” Applejack said suddenly. With a pop, Sunset disappeared with Sunburst and Pony Trixie too based on the lack of snoring. That or she gagged her. Rainbow Crash walked in as Scootaloo came down the stairs with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. “Hey girls!” Rainbow grinned as she hugged the three. “Where’s Sunset at?” “She went out with Sunburst to get some pop,” Fuchsia lied smoothly as Applejack hid a grimace. I guess she still hated lying even though she doesn’t represent honesty anymore. Guess that can’t be taken away. “Oh okay,” Rainbow shrugged as she examined Scootaloo’s fighter pilot costume. “Looking good you three. Onward, to Victory and candy!” We all exchanged grins as Rainbow led the girls out and the door shut. They were also a part of it obviously. I sat hidden in the dark with Cheerilee and Applejack, Pony Trixies flank pressing against my leg. The door opened and I faintly made out Rainbow Crash, Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo and Silver Spoon. “Where is everyone?” Rainbow wondered aloud. Sunset gave a nod as Pony Trixie and Sunbursts horn glowed faintly. “The heck?” Smoke filled the room as Pony Trixie sweated a bit. Sunset smirked and her horn glowed a bright red. Pony Trixie grunted as an illusion of Sunset as a human walked through the smoke. “Hey Rainbow,” Sunset said as her illusions mouth moved. Fuchsia and I stared in awe. “Hey where’s the others?” Rainbow asked as Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Scootaloo slunk to the kitchen with some bags. “Gone,” Sunset’s illusion said as Sunset inhaled and blasted her illusion as she gave a cry and disappeared. “Sunset!” Rainbow shouted and shifted her feet, clenching her fist. I took a sharp inhale of breath as did Trixie, Fuchsia, Applejack and the others as Pony Trixie shifted to an illusion of Demon Sunset. It looked spot on as Diamond Tiara and the other two ran out. “What did you do to my sister?” Diamond Tiara fake growled as she and Silver Spoon glared at the illusion. Pretty damn good acting if I must say so myself. “I’m the dark part of Sunset’s mind,” Applejack said in a gravelly tone as I bit back a laugh. “She’s gone, it’s just me now!” “Not if I have a say. Sunset is awesome and you’re a prick. Get away from her girls while I find Applejack and the others to defeat her and bring Sunset back!” Rainbow shouted. “There’s no hope for them,” Demon Sunset laughed as Sunset’s horn glowed red again and some illusions of all of us mind controlled walked down the stairs. “I don’t believe you,” Rainbow growled as she stood protectively in front of the three young girls. “Sunset is a much better person. She wouldn’t just go back without someone mind controlling her or someone using dark magic on her. Hang on Sunset, I’ll go find Cloudkicker and Blossomforth. They might be able to help.” Sunset gave a wide smile as watched Rainbow run out the door. “I’m actually happy. She defended me,” Sunset muttered as she shoved her head against Lightnings hand and she idly started scratching her ears. “Oh yeah, that’s good.” “We should probably tell her it’s a prank before she runs out and gets put in the looney bin,” Lyra said worriedly as Sunset nodded. Her horn flashed and she disappeared for a few moments before reappearing with Rainbow Dash. “That was freaking weird,” Rainbow grumbled as she turned green. “Little warning before you teleport me.” “Sorry,” Sunset scuffed a hoof on the ground as Rainbow took in us all laughing as Cheerilee emerged from the kitchen with a grin. “Y-you’re really a pony!” Rainbow exclaimed as she gently picked up Sunset. “Well isn’t she bright?” Pony Trixie snarked as Octavia chuckled. Rainbow chose to ignore the remark as she ran her fingers through Sunset’s mane. “Now if you need Trixie, those spells took a lot out of her and Trixie needs sleep.” Sunset nodded as I high fived Applejack. I think that had went better than we ever anticipated. > Chapter XXXIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuchsia I wrapped my hand around my coffee as the first few flakes of snow landed on my head. It had been snowing off and on all day, Wallflower to my left. She had her own coffee in her hand as I watched her stick her tongue out of the corner of my eye and a snowflake landed on it. “I saw that,” I commented casually as Wallflower turned red. “I have no idea what you’re talking,” Wallflower said and kicked some snow with her boot as I zipped my coat up a bit more. It was only October and already felt like thirty degrees. “Pretty cold outside,” Wallflower muttered as she pressed her cup to her lips. “Where’s your boyfriend?” “He’s not my boyfriend yet,” I corrected as Wallflower rolled her eyes. “He’s hanging out with Fluttershy at the moment unfortunately.” “Oh.” “We should get you a boyfriend,” I smirked and wrapped an arm around her shoulder as we approached our school. “I know a few guys at Canterlot High who could be interested. Give me, Lavender and Lyra some time to set up an online profile for you, vet the guy and boom!” “I don’t think that would work,” Wallflower muttered and I sipped my coffee before choking. “Or a girl!” I coughed out hastily. “We don’t judge here. I mean, Trixie is dating Watermelody remember?” “I still don’t think that will work. I’m not well the most attractive person at school,” Wallflower answered as she stared at our school. “Now I should be worried. We were born a few moments apart,” I teased before frowning slightly. “But seriously, you are perfectly fine as is. We just gotta get you out more and get you out of your shell.” “We’re out right now.” I groaned in frustration and resisted the urge to facepalm. “Wallflower, we’re going to school. that’s completely different from going out to places!” “If you say so,” Wallflower muttered as I raised at eyebrow at the rock in her bag as she zipped up her backpack. “I do say so. You and that rock,” I grumbled and rolled my eyes. “Is it like an art project or something?” “Yeah. It’s my friend.” I gave her a confused and concerned stare as I tilted my head to the side. “Wallflower, that’s a rock.[/] How on earth can it be your friend?” “I can’t describe it,” Wallflower answered as we walked up the steps of our school. “Just is.” “Ooookayyyy then,” I muttered as I held the door open for her. She gave me a grateful look as I followed her inside. I set Sunset down as the crowd of my fellow students froze, staring at the unicorn as she trotted down the hall. Derpy had handed her to me while the girl went to the bathroom. Apparently Sunset had allowed her to carry her around partially because she couldn’t say no. Pony Trixie was kicking the vending machine as Sunset, Sunburst and I watched with mild interest. “Trixie demands this machine give her peanut butter crackers!” Pony Trixie shouted as she slammed her forelegs against the glass. “S-sunset?” Flash muttered in awe as Sunset stretched her hindlegs out with a grunt. “Yes?” Sunset asked as she levitated a dollar into the vending machine and a package of crackers fell. “Yes! Trixie is victorious!” “Can I pick you up?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully as the girl approached nervously. Dinky stood next to her with a stunned expression that all of my classmates wore. “Sure,” Sunset said after a moment. “But be gentle, my ears and horn are very sensitive.” Sweetie Belle grunted as she lifted Sunset up and hugged the pony. “This is incredible!” Surprise giggled as she stroked Sunset’s mane. “You’re really a pony. An honest to freaking God pony!” The crowd followed Sweetie Belle as Sunset squirmed and gave me a look that screamed save me. I tapped the top of my head and she sighed. “Looks like she’s having fun,” Sunburst commented dryly as I glanced down at the pony. “How did your date go with Sweet Leaves and Fluttershy?” I asked curiously as he flicked an ear. “It went okay. I still think it would be easy to just date all three of you. Then I don’t have to hurt anyponys feelings with rejection,” Sunburst commented and scuffed a hoof on the carpet. “I really don’t like the idea of sharing with Fluttershy. Never really interacted with Sweet Leaves before. We never really traveled in the same circles.” “So is that a no?” “No,” I admitted with a sigh as his eyes lit up. “It’s not. I don’t like Fluttershy but I’m not technically dating her so. As long as you spend time equally with me as you do them whenever you visit.” “Well obviously,” Sunburst said as I picked him up and grinned. “Woah!” I said and pushed his muzzle back with a smirk. “Put the car back in park. No kissing.” “Oh sorry-” Sunburst commented as I looked around to make sure no one was around before I kissed him. “You said I couldn’t kiss you!” In the back of my mind, it felt slightly wrong to kiss an animal. Certainly would get me arrested if anyone in an authority position had seen. Thank God dad wasn’t here to have seen it. “I said you couldn’t kiss me idiot. I never said I couldn’t kiss you,” I smiled as I set him down and walked away with a sway to my hips. “See you around, Burstie.” I rounded the corner as Pony Trixie trotted up and apparently was teasing him as he turned red. I had completely forgot she was there with her peanut butter crackers watching us. “Hey how did it go?” Sunset asked suddenly as I jumped. The unicorn was tucking her forelegs under her as Sweetie Belle came running. “Oh fuck she’s back.” “What?” I asked as Sunset teleported and I felt a weight in my shirt. I glanced down in the shirt and Sunset stared at me as she curled in a ball. “What are you doing in my shirt?” “Rarity sent Sweetie Belle to get me. Rarity wants me to try some pony clothes she made.” Oh. That made sense. I pointed down the hall before Sweetie could open her mouth and she nodded gratefully. Sunset poked her head out of the top of my shirt as her mane tickled my neck. “To class!” Sunset exclaimed as I snickered. “Oh you’re warm. Might fall asleep. Also I know you’re dating my brother now. Good job.” “How-?” “Telepathy. It’s one of Sunburst’s special talents.” “Oh.” “Yeah. Now let’s keep moving sister in law.” I rolled my eyes as Sunset burst out laughing. Thank the lord I was already accustomed to her teasing otherwise I’d die. > Chapter XXXIV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset I sat on the ground of my school grounds as I watched my classmates walking around me. Thank the lord for Invisibility spells. Sunburst was watching Scootaloo build a snowman out front with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Mom was inside grading and both Trixies were talking at the portal. I sighed and canceled my spell as my classmates looked at me with smirks, walking over. “Not a fucking word,” I warned as Mystery Mint gulped before smiling. “Hey Sunburst!” Starlight and Blossomforth were sitting next to me and I sighed. They both squealed and starting petting me. “Yeah?” My brother called back without looking as I levitated some snow and packed it into a ball, whistling to get Trixie’s attention. She grinned wickedly and levitated some snow in magic, balling it together as she trotted over to me. “Oh Sunburst,” Pony Trixie sang as she smirked. “What?” Sunburst asked as he turned around, eyes going wide. We both launched our snow balls and hit him in the stomach as he fell in a snow bank. “Gah!” Trixie and I looked at each other as we burst out laughing as I fell ontop of the mares stomach as her forelegs kicked the air. “Celestia, that was funny!” Trixie giggled as I wiped a tear out of my eye. “Damn right it was,” I laughed and we both stood up and looked over to where Sunburst had fallen. “Burstie?” A snow bank exploded, sending snow flying everywhere as my classmates laughed, hiding as mine and Trixie’s legs stuck out of the snow. Sunburst gave us a triumphant grin as I groaned. “For a pacifist, he is surprisingly aggressive,” Pony Trixie mused as I teleported out of the snowbank. “Got that right,” I muttered as I stepped back nervously at the barrage of snowballs Sunburst held in his aura as my classmates watched from the sidelines. “Unicorn magic fight, let’s go!” Lemon Zest cheered eagerly. “And it’s not one where the fate of the earth is at stake too!” Bon Bon added with a grin. “Thank God for small favors.” “For real,” Lyra chimed in with a smile. “I love being a bad bitch hero but I don’t really want anymore drama right now. Evil should take holidays like we do.” I gave a snicker at that as Lyra gave a thumbs up. Trixie and I made a shield as Sunbursts snowballs slammed into our defenses. “Nice try little brother,” I taunted as I smirked. “I did teach you most of your spells.” “You may have,” Sunburst admitted as he smirked back. “But you certainly didn’t teach me everything I know.” He blasted the shield as it shattered and I stepped back. I didn’t teach him that spell. Hell, even I didn’t know that one. “Go Sunset!” Lyra shouted as she tossed me a snowball. “Go Sunburst!” Sweet Leaves shouted back and shot me a sheepish look. “Sorry Sunny. I love you and all, but I’m dating your brother so I kind of have to root for him.” “I’m staying neutral,” Fluttershy decided as Fuchsia gave her a stunned look. “For once, we agree on something,” Fuchsia commented casually as a snowball hit my flank. I spun around and gave a startled expression at Mom grinning at me. “Sorry,” Mom said casually in a tone that didn’t sound sorry at all. “Not really. You may have magic but I had the opportunity.” I gave her a playful glare and snorted, shaking the snow out of my mane. “Oh, it’s on!” Sunburst and I sat on the snow, exhausted as we watched the snowball fight wind down. It had been hours and based on the time my phone said, it was five. “You know, mom and dad would have loved this if they were here,” Sunburst said with a sigh as he leaned against me. “Yeah they would,” I agreed quietly as I wrapped a foreleg around him. “They’d be proud of you, you know?” “Proud of me?” Sunburst scoffed with a smirk. “They’d be proud of you. You fought the sirens and reformed them by yourself, fought Chrysalis too which ultimately saved Equestria. And the Friendship Games debacle. You’ve may not think it’s a lot, but you’ve technically saved Equestria three times. If anypony deserves to be a princess, it’s you. You may be older but I’m proud of you.” I faintly turned red as I leaned my head on his shoulder as Pony Trixie approached the statue. “I’ve actually turned down alicorn hood,” I admitted sheepishly as someone gasped behind me. “You did what?” Fuchsia demanded as she glared at my back along with Trixie, Sweet Leaves and Flash. “You told us all how much you wanted to be a princess and you just turn down an offer like that?” “I’d outlive you all,” I answered sadly. “I didn’t want that. Especially not outliving my brother, girlfriend or sister. It’d be a lonely life.” “Well when you put it like that,” Flash commented as he rubbed the back of his head. “Sunburst is leaving soon right?” “Based on the sun’s movement, right now,” Sunburst answered as he glanced at the sun. “It was cool meeting you bro,” Flash said as he gave my brother a fist bump. “When exactly are you becoming human Sunset? I uh don’t think I’ll ever get used to you being naked all the time, or you being comfortable with it.” “Right now,” I said as a bright golden glow surrounded me and I turned back to a human. “It only was for a few days for me. She altered the portal for those two.” “What did she do?” Fluttershy asked curiously as the others waited at the statue. “She turned the book around,” Sunburst answered simply. “Surprisingly simple.” Sweet Leaves picked him up and kissed his forehead as we all walked to the statue where Pony Trixie was talking to her counterpart. “You will do great my dear pupil,” Pony Trixie exclaimed as she held her counterparts hand in her hoof. “Just keep your magic practice going. You too Lavender and Fuchsia. Trixie is happy to know well she has great assistants.” “Thanks for the help Trixie,” I said as Pony Trixie winked. “Anytime,” Pony Trixie commented with a grin. “Wink!” She waved a hoof as she stepped through and disappeared. “See ya around Sunburst,” Applejack tipped her hat. “It was cool meeting some of Sunset’s family finally,” Rainbow commented. Rarity, Pinkie, Lyra and the others quickly said their own goodbyes. “See you around bud,” Lightning grinned as Sunburst faced his partners. “See you soon,” Fluttershy kissed his nose as he turned red. I was surprised she even did that. Sweet Leaves followed as she hugged him. “Goodbye Sunburst,” Fuchsia said casually as she stroked his mane, stepping back as I knelt down in front of him. “I hate leaving,” Sunburst muttered as Derpy joined in the hug. “I know. See you in a month little brother. Take care of yourself,” I hugged him tighter as he and Derpy grunted. “I will. You too. See you around Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara,Silver Spoon and mom,” Sunburst promised as I watched him disappear into the statue. “Did he just call me mom?” Mom asked in awe. “Sounds like it,” Octavia grinned as Lyra patted mom on the back. I stared at the portal as the others walked away. “You okay?” Derpy asked as she and Lyra stood next to me. “I guess. Just never liked saying bye,” I admitted. “Hey. He and your sister will be back for Thanksgiving,” Lyra reassured me as she rubbed my back. “Now let’s go get some ice cream. Movie night at my place!” The others cheered as I pressed my hand to the statue. I stayed for a moment till turning around and running to catch up with my friends and others.