The blast I had felt was so intense. It made me see just what I had become. I saw myself in a light that I never thought I would. I saw myself as I’m seen in the eyes of others. The Sunset Shimmer I saw was a monster. She tore down anything- anyone standing in the way of her path. She made sure that no one would oppose her and when a soul brave enough to do so stepped forward she did her best to weaken any support she had. She had almost led an army of brainwashed teenagers she thought almost disposable to a pointless war. She was me. I cried my eyes out as I emerged anew. I needed to find a new way somehow. Everyone needed me to find a new way.
Even as I stare out at the walls of my room I can’t stand myself. Every inch and every corner was filled with reminders of what I had done in the past. Each trophy and each crown screaming at me the torment I put others through just to caress in my hands the cheap plastic of school bought rewards.
I couldn't stand them anymore. I lashed out and started breaking all my ill gotten gains. They were worthless. I had made them become worthless as soon as I laid my claim upon them. I stomped any trophies I received to broken shards. I ripped apart any insignificant certificates of achievement that were attached to my walls, their shredded remains scattered all around everywhere. And the crowns…
I snapped each and every crown that I had been given in half. Every one for the Summer Soiree, for the Fall Formal, the Winter Wonder dance, and the Spring Fling…
I paused as I held a very particular crown in my hands. I didn't quite break apart every crown. I knew where this one was supposed to go. I knew who it belonged to. It wasn't mine to break.
I approached them during lunch. They were the girls who were tasked with becoming friends with me or maybe just keeping an eye on me, I can’t really say which would be better. I held the crown that I had saved behind my back, out of their sight for the time being. The five of them were sitting at a table, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and… Rarity. I was unsure as to whether I should really go through with my plan or not, but I was going to do it anyway. I needed to do it.
“Are you sure we can really trust Sunset Shimmer?” said Rainbow Dash, her tone rather casual.
“Darling, we’re the only ones who will even look twice at her,” said Rarity, “Can you imagine what would happen if even we stopped socializing with her?”
“You sayin’ we should keep an eye on her or she’ll go back to being a monster?” said Rainbow Dash.
“What I’m saying, Rainbow Dash, is that she’d get hit with a severe case of isolation, everyone would pretend she didn't exist or worse see her as a stain to be removed,” said Rarity, she dramatically gestured her arm to her forehead, “I wouldn't want anyone to succumb to such a fate. Not even any of us went through that.”
“Couldn't she just spend her all her time online or whatever?” said Rainbow Dash.
“Sometimes that just ain't enough, sugarcube,” said Applejack, “and even then, that still wouldn't solve the other half of the problem.”
Any of them had the right to be suspicious or wary of me. I honestly don’t know why Rarity wasn't more wary or upset than she was.
“Uh! Er- hey Sunset Shimmer, how’s it going?” said Rainbow Dash, when she noticed my arrival and alerted everyone else to my presence.
“Hiya Sunset Shimmer!” said Pinkie Pie.
“Howdy” said Applejack.
“H- hello…” said Fluttershy.
“Greetings, darling,” said Rarity, “do come sit with us, won’t you?”
“Okay…” I said as I sat down next to Rarity and brought the crown to my front, “Rarity, I… here.”
I presented the crown to Rarity. Her eyes widened when she realized what I was showing her.
“Is that… is that the crown for the Spring Fling princess?” said Rarity.
“Yeah… I couldn't stand to look at all of these anymore so I started destroying them, but… I couldn't break this one,” I said.
“Why ever not?” said Rarity, her voice sounding like she already had an idea as to why.
I placed the crown upon her head and explained my reason.
“Because it’s yours, Rarity,” I said, “It always should have been yours.”
I placed my head down on the table and sighed. Rarity had a look of bemusement frozen on her face.
“Th- thank you,” said Rarity.
“Don’t,” I said, “there’s absolutely nothing that you should be thanking me for.”
“You’re wrong, Sunset Shimmer,” said Rarity.
“How could I be wrong?” I said, “I was awful and we all know it.”
“Yes, I suppose you were,” said Rarity, “but I’m not thanking you for what you did then, I’m thanking you for what you’re doing now.”
I looked into her eyes. She had hope in her eyes, hope for me. I suppose somebody would have to, but it sure wasn’t myself.
“I still don’t think I’m even close to making up for my mistakes,” I said.
“You got that right!” said Rainbow Dash.
“RAINBOW!” said the rest of them, causing Dash to shrink down a little.
Rarity decided to ignore that moment and continued, “I don’t see any reason why I can’t compliment you on your progress so far.”
I gave her an indignant look.
“Darling, you’re making this far more difficult than it needs to be,” said Rarity.
I turned my head away from her. It still rested on the table, “That does kind of seem to be my thing. Making things too difficult for any opposition.”
“That attitude is certainly not helping anyone,” said Rarity.
I sighed, “I guess not…”
I sat up and looked at Rarity, “Look, it doesn't really matter anyway. I just feel guilty for this,” I pointed to the crown on her head, “for everything really.”
“That’s perfectly natural, darling,” said Rarity, “you've made… some mistakes, but we’ll help you get back on your feet and become a better person.”
“Is that really possible?” I said.
Rarity looked up and felt the crown resting on her head.
“Yes,” said Rarity, “I very much believe that to be the case.”
