If Sunset had to put her experience this year into one word, it would be “change”. At the start of the school year, she had been the Queen Bee of Canterlot High like she had been for the last two and half years. All the students feared and obeyed her, but it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t just determined to be the ruler of a simple high school. She wanted to be the ruler of Equestria, and show her teacher how wrong she was about her.
And then Twilight Sparkle came and everything horrible she had ever done hit her like a ton of bricks. The power of friendship had forced Sunset Shimmer to go through the pain of every horrible thing she had done to others in her greedy obsession for power and left her broken. And for the first time in her life, Sunset Shimmer regretted her actions. Everything from bullying students to hating her teacher. She had realized the full extent of her wrongdoings by being hit by them again and again.
What was only a few second of being blasted by a rainbow powered beam of friendship, was a lifetime of pain and condemnation. When it was all over, the school saw their chance for revenge. She was isolated. Alone. Hated.
And she deserved it.
What she didn’t expect were the very five students she tried to hurt the most try to be her friend and teach her to be good. Sunset was hesitant at first, but it was better than being alone. Slowly, she changed for the better and in the end earned her redemption by defeating a trio of energy draining sirens.
From being a bully, to being hated, to being a hero? That was definitely a year of change, but a change she welcomed with open arms. There was still a lot to do with her new life such as graduate, figure out what to do afterwards, and make up with her former teacher. For now, however, she was comfortable just getting in some grub in her stomach after a long AP Math test.
Heading into the cafeteria, Sunset waved at a few of her fellow classmates before sitting next to her friends. They greeted her with a smile before focusing their attention back on Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s arm wrestling. A few seconds later, a triumphant Applejack successfully slammed Rainbow Dash’s hand, earning a “woo hoo” from Pinkie Pie before she placed a pink paper crown on Applejack’s hat.
“Darn it, six out of eleven!” shouted Rainbow Dash.
“As much as Ah’d like to whoop yer butt again, Ah’m interested in eatin’ lunch before next period,” said Applejack, digging into her meatloaf.
Sunset smiled at her friends antics before moving on to discuss plans for the upcoming school ball with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. That was until Fluttershy gasped and dropped her fork. “Oh, dear. I almost forgot!”
“What?” asked Sunset.
Shivering, Fluttershy pushed her fingers together and gulped. “I saw one of them yesterday.”
“One of what?” asked Rainbow Dash, raising her eyebrow.
“The sirens. I think it was Sonata,” said Fluttershy earning a series of wide eyed stares that made her hide behind her mane nervously.
Now Sunset’s attention was at full. Nobody had seen the three sirens since the Battle of the Bands half a year ago. Twilight Sparkle assured her friends that they were not a threat anymore since their pedants shattered, thus removing them of their ability to use magic. Still, Sunset didn’t want to leave things unsure and had the girls help her try to find them. After two months of looking, they gave up and assumed they fled town.
Rainbow Dash turned towards Fluttershy, much to her surprise and glared. “You’re serious? You saw one of those creepy draining jerks?! Where?!”
“Downtown,” answered Fluttershy as she got out of Rainbow Dash’s grip. “I was walking some dogs, like I do every Thursday, when I saw her. I didn’t think it was her at first, but when I got closer I could tell it was her.”
“Was she alone? Where were the others?” asked Rarity, puffing her cheeks. “I have a few thing to say to those three.”
“W-w-well, I didn’t see them,” answered Fluttershy, twirling a piece of her hair with her finger. “But she didn’t seem like she was planning anything... um, evil.”
“How do you know that?” asked Applejack.
“Because she was skipping and humming to herself.”
“That’s a bit... weird,” said Rainbow Dash, rubbing her chin.
“Really? I do it all the time!” said Pinkie Pie, smiling.
“Well, you’re... you...” struggled Rainbow Dash before shaking her head. “Anyway, we need to find out what she’s up too!”
“Can she really be up to anythin’ though?” pointed out Applejack, scratching her head. “Ah mean without them necklaces they can’t use magic, right? Princess Twilight said they were just like the rest of us now.”
“And yet these creatures have been living in our world for hundreds of years,” counter pointed Rarity. “I doubt they lasted this long without learning a few things.”
She then turned to Sunset, “What do you think we should do, darling?”
All eyes turned to Sunset as she drummed her fingers. She didn’t want to be overly cautious about this, especially since there was no sign of any magic, dark or light, being used in the area. She would have sensed it. Still, the sight of Sonata Dusk, alone, is troubling. Although she’s not as... bright or malicious as the other two she still is dangerous.
“Let’s just scout her out, see what she’s doing, and if its something worth looking into we’ll confront her about it,” answered Sunset, getting nods from her friends. “And if it’s nothing then we just leave her alone. No point in kicking a hornet hive.”
“Oh, why would anyone want to kick a poor innocent hive of busy hornets?” asked Fluttershy, shaking her head. “It sounds so mean.”
“Figure of speech, Fluttershy,” said Sunset with a smile. “Anyway, let’s finish lunch and meet up after school by the statute before heading out.”
***
After school, Fluttershy took them all to the coffee shop where she had spotted Sonata outside the window. After ordering some refreshments, the six waited for an hour for any sign of her. Yet, nothing happened.
“Ugh, can she walk over here already? I’m so bored,” moaned Rainbow Dash, smashing her head against their table.
“Says the one most eager to have a stakeout,” pointed out Applejack, sighing.
“How was I suppose to know that stakeouts involve waiting for a very long time! I could be at home practicing my soccer skills or playing video games!” shouted Rainbow Dash.
“I have to agree with Dash, somewhat,” said Rarity, flipping her phone open and checking the time. “Despite being a Friday, I do have things I must attend to. I promised Sweetie Belle we would do some shopping for the upcoming dance. She’s thinking of asking that Button Mash kid I believe.”
“You’re parents are letting her go? Isn’t she technically still grounded for the... you know?” asked Fluttershy, eying Sunset.
Shaking her head, Sunset gave a smile to Fluttershy before putting a hand on her shoulder. “Fluttershy, it was months ago. I’m over the Anon-A-Miss incident, and I forgave you all. Even those three.”
“Well, Sweetie Belle might be happy about goin’ but not Apple Bloom. Little missy is still grounded and doin’ extra farm work until her time is up,” muttered Applejack, taking a sip of her drink. She then looked at her watch. “But Ah’m with Rarity here. Ah can’t stay here forever.”
“Hey, guys! Guys!” shouted Pinkie Pie, waving her arms around.
“No, Pinkie Pie. You know you aren’t allowed to have coffee anymore,” said Rainbow Dash, shuttering when she thought about the last time that happened. Everybody’s face winced at the memory of how much damage that incident had caused for the school. Even more so than Sunset’s little demon incident.
“Hey, I was dared to do that! And nobody ignores a dare” pouted Pinkie Pie, crossing her arms. “Besides, I was going to point out that Sonata’s right there.”
They all turned their heads and indeed saw the siren doing what Fluttershy had described. Skipping merrily without a care in the world, Sonata was on the other sidewalk with a big smile on her face. After leaving enough money to pay for their check, the group rushed out just as she was turning the corner. Nodding to each other, they chased after her, but made sure to keep their distance.
The group followed her down a few blocks, making sure not to get noticed or lose sight of her. Sonata, for her part, seem lost in her own little world. She would occasionally look at something that caught her interest such as a dog or something in a store for sale, but she went back to skipping.
“She’s up to something. I can feel it in my gut,” said Rainbow Dash, as they saw her give change to an old hobo. “It’s something evil!”
“I’m kinda finding that hard to believe,” said Sunset, as Sonata walked away while waving at the old guy. “I mean, I don’t even see Aria and Adaggio with her. And those two were a bit more evil than she was.”
“Maybe she’s going to a party! I’m like that when I am!” said Pinkie Pie, pointing in the air.
“Uh, girls. Check out where she’s going,” said Rarity, pointing across the street. They looked at the sign above the building’s entrance and saw that it was some kind of old folks retirement home.
“Why would Sonata Dusk be heading in there?” asked Sunset Shimmer, tilting her head.
“Well, she is hundreds of years old technically, right?” asked Rainbow Dash, shrugging her shoulders. “Anyway, who cares let’s barge in!”
“Wait!” shouted Fluttershy as she grabbed Rainbow’s shirt and held her back. “We can’t just rudely march in there! It would be disrespectful to our elders!”
Rainbow Dash groaned. “But she’s right there! What if she’s trying to suck the energy out of those old people!”
“I didn’t see her with the pendant on so I doubt she’s there for that,” said Sunset, taking the lead as she began to cross the street. “Come on, let’s go see what’s going on.”
The five followed her into the building which was very homey looking with the red carpet, yellow walls, and mahogany wood furniture. A few of the elders were out, either in wheelchairs, strollers, or canes, who looked at the girls for a bit before giving them polite smiles. They smiled back and headed to the entrance desk where a young woman in a nurse’s outfit was typing on her computer.
Noticing the six, she looked up and smiled. “Welcome. Are you here to visit someone?”
“Actually, we’re looking for a friend of our’s. Sonata Dusk?” asked Sunset.
“Oh, you’re friends with Sonata? I’m afraid she’s on her shift and is preparing dinner for the folks here. She should be free on her break in three hours though,” replied the nurse.
Needless to say the girls had to take a step back from hearing this. “W-wait, you’re saying Sonata works here?” asked Rainbow Dash in disbelief.
“Yes, you didn’t know that?” asked the nurse, raising her eyebrow.
“W-well...”
“She’s been very secretive as of late, and we’re just a bit concerned,” quickly lied Sunset.
“Oh, I see. Well, she is one of our hardest working members. She’s only been with us for a few months, but everyone here has taken a shine to her. Especially Mrs. White. She’s been so lonely ever since her husband passed away, and her children are busy in other states. It’s nice to see her smiling again.”
The others just stared at each other before Sunset gave a fake smile. “Well, we wouldn’t want to bother her. So we’ll just leave and talk to her later. Goodbye.”
The six friends waved goodbye and made their way out the door. When they reached outside, they made for the corner of the building. “She’s taking care of elders?” asked Rarity, scratching her chin. “It seems a strange thing to do from taking over the minds of teenagers to suck out their energy.”
“Maybe she’s turning over a new leaf like Sunset did?” suggested Pinkie Pie.
“Maybe...” muttered Sunset, rubbing her arms. “In any case, it didn’t sound like she was doing anything bad. Not to mention it doesn’t look like the other sirens are involved.”
“Ah guess we were worried over nothin’, huh?” Applejack sighed and shook her head. “Anyway, let’s head home. No point in worryin’ about this anymore.”
The others agreed and began to walk away from the elder’s home when Sunset stopped. She turned around and looked back at the entrance while thinking about what Pinkie Pie had said. I wonder. Is she trying to turn a new leaf? And if so, why this place of all places?
“Sunset, are you coming?” asked Rainbow Dash, getting her attention.
“Um, you guys go on ahead. I’ve got some errands to do,” said Sunset, smiling and encouraging them to leave with a wave. “See you girls later.”
The girls hesitated a bit, but nevertheless they waved goodbye. Sunset sighed as she saw a bench nearby and decided it was as good a place as any to wait.
***
About four hours went by, and Sunset thanked whatever deities ruled this world that she could play mahjong on her cellphone. By the time she won her seventh game, she noticed a certain blue haired girl leaving the retirement home. Closing her phone, Sunset approached towards the humming siren and called her out. “Um, Sonata?”
Turning around, Sonata saw who it was and gasped, fleeing with a look of terror on her face. “Wait! Hold on!” shouted Sunset as she chased after her. She followed the fleeing siren down the street as fast as she could, surprised that she was even this far ahead of her. Rainbow Dash’s is right. I need to be more in shape.
Sonata took a turn into an ally, but as soon as she did there was a large crashing sound followed by a yipe. Making the turn, Sunset saw Sonata laying on her backside with a large trashcan over her head. “Hey! Who turned out the lights?!”
Holding back a snicker, Sunset walked over and lifted it up, freeing her. “You okay?”
“A bit dizzy, but yeah,” muttered Sonata, her eyes spinning in their sockets. She shook her head and looked back up at Sunset in terror. “Oh no. Please don’t hurt me! I know you’re angry, but please don’t hurt me!”
“Woah, hold on a second. I’m not going to hurt you,” said Sunset, as she lowered the trashcan and raised her palms. “I just want to talk, okay?”
“A-a-are you really?” asked Sonata, inching away.
Lowering herself to a knee, Sunset reached out and held her hand open for Sonata to take. “I’m serious. I’m only here to talk.”
Sonata looked at the hand for a long time before she slowly raised her own and grasped it. Helping her up, Sunset Shimmer gave Sonata a smile before she asked, “Do you want to get something to eat? Maybe chat over dinner?”
“I... I guess... Wait. You’re not asking me out, are you? ‘Cause I’m not into girls, no offense,” asked Sonata, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, if this is all for a date, I’m flattered, but I tried to kill you with your friends, remember? That’s kinda weird you suddenly want to date me.”
Blushing, Sunset quickly replied, “N-no! I just figured it would be best to break the ice.”
“Ohhhh,” said Sonata, as she then smiled. “Well in that case! You’re buying!”
“Why am I buying?” asked Sunset, crossing her arms.
“Because I called it, now let’s go! There’s a good taco place around the block!” shouted Sonata as she grabbed Sunset’s hand and took her down the street before she could say anything against it.
***
“Mmmm, tacos...” muttered Sonata as she sighed in relief, eating her third order in a row. Sunset wondered how much she was going to eat, and how empty her wallet was going to get by the end of the night. Sonata took one of her unopened ones and handed it in front of Sunset. “You want one?”
“I’m a vegetarian,” answered Sunset, slowly pushing the taco away.
“Suit yourself, more for me!” shouted Sonata with glee as she went back to eating.
Sunset sighed and looked at her watch, noticing it was getting late even for her. Leaning back on her chair, she crossed her arms and said, “So can we talk?”
“Oh, right. Forgot about that.” Sonata wiped her mouth with her sleeve before smiling. “What do you want to know?”
“Well, for starters. Where are the other sirens,” asked Sunset deciding with the most obvious.
“Oh,” muttered Sonata, her voice sounding less chipper and her smile slowly fading. “Well, after the Battle of the Bands... we kinda just split up.”
“Split up?” asked Sunset.
“Yeah, we had a few fights, some hugs, and struggles when we realized we lost our magic and were now a bunch of singerless humans,” said Sonata, tracing a circle on the table with her finger. “We had enough money to split between the three of us and find new lives. Aria said she was going to Europe and Adagio went up north. I decided to stay because... well, I kinda like it here. Plus, I have some friends that I didn’t want to leave behind.”
Sunset’s eyes raised on the words ‘friends’ but kept quiet. “Do you three stay in contact?”
“Oh yeah, we do,” said Sonata, nodding her head. “We even have plans to get together in a few months to see how were doing. We may not be as close as we once were like hundreds of years ago. I think we’ve all wanted some space and we were just looking for an excuse to do it. Still, we do care for each other since we’ve known each other our whole lives.”
Well, I guess that means they are trying to turn over new leafs, thought Sunset as she sensed no lies from what Sonata was saying.
“Have... things been hard?” asked Sunset, with some concern in her voice. “I mean, you did lose your magic.”
“It’s...” Sonata sighed again as her shoulders sagged. “It’s been hard. I mean, its like losing a piece of yourself. Magic’s been part of me since I can remember and to one day not have it anymore? It’s harsh.” She then gave Sunset a small smile. “Still, I have a job. Plenty of money to support myself. I wish I didn’t get glares at those who recognized me, but I guess you have to take the good with the bad.”
“But why the old folks home?” asked Sunset. “I mean it seems like a really strange job.”
“I have a friend there... well, a few friends really,” said Sonata, twirling her hair. “It’s a bit complicated, but I can show you tomorrow if you come here in the afternoon.”
Sunset rubbed her chin. She was convinced that Sonata wasn’t a threat anymore. Not to mention if the other sirens were gone that meant the town was safe. Still, a part of her wouldn’t deny that she was a little curious as to why the retirement home. “Okay, I’ll come by tomorrow.”
“Awesome!” said Sonata as she got up, taking her tacos with her. “I have to go.There’s a movie on TV I wanna see tonight. See you later, Sunset Shimmer!”
Sunset waved goodbye before taking out her cellphone and pushed for a call. “Hey, Rarity? Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be able to go shopping at the mall with you and Fluttershy. Nothing’s wrong, just something came up and I need to do it. You girls have fun. Goodnight.”
Okay, Sunset, let’s see what’s so special about the old folks home tomorrow.
***
Arriving at the entrance around 1:30 PM, Sunset was spotted by Sonata who waved her hand with a smile, dressed in a similar outfit as the nurse from yesterday. “Hey, glad you came! My shift starts soon. I already cleared it with my boss so you can watch me work.”
“Do you need me to help out?” asked Sunset, crossing her arms.
“If you want to. It would be nice to have an extra set of hands,” said Sonata as she guided Sunset into the building.
Immediately, everyone in the entrance area greeted Sonata with a cheerful cry while she said hello back to them. She walked over to each aid or resident of the home with a shake of the hand or a friendly hug. If it wasn’t for the fact she was blue, Sunset could have sworn it was Pinkie Pie doing all this. It got a bit awkward when Sonata introduced Sunset who nodded politely when it was appropriate. After introductions were done, Sonata was told by another nurse that her first shift was over at the entertainment center.
Guiding Sunset down the halls, they arrived at a large room where senior citizens were playing board and card games, watching TV, reading books, or doing other means to pass the time. Sonata spread her arms around and told Sunset, “If you want to play a game go ahead. I’m going to see if anybody needs help.”
She left before Sunset could say anything. Looking around, she could feel a few eyes on her, glancing with curiosity. Gulping, Sunset walked around until an old man called out, “Hey, you!” Sunset turned around and saw him along with two older women. “You’re friends with Sonata?”
“Um, yes?”
The three grinned and moved a chair over. “Pop on over and play a few games with us. Any friend of Sonata is a friend of ours. You know how to play poker, right?”
Sunset recalled all the strip poker games she and the girls had played at Rainbow Dash’s house and nodded. I just hope they keep their clothes on.
She sat down and was dealt her hand while they introduce themselves as Jane, Killia, and Tom. For a few rounds, she didn’t say much, just place down her cards and waited for the results like normal. That was until Killia asked, “So how long have you and Sonata been dating?”
Sunset dropped her cards in shock as a blush decorate her cheeks. “W-what?! We’re not! She even told me she’s not gay!”
“Darn, there goes my twenty,” muttered the woman as she paid a smiling Tom.
Shaking her head, Jane gave a sympathetic smile to Sunset. “Sorry about that. Killia’s granddaughter just came out of the closet and she’s trying to hook her up with Sonata. We keep telling her not to, but the older you get the more stubborn you become.”
“Why would you want to do that?” asked Sunset, tilting her head.
“Simple, I owe her for helping me find my lost jewelry a few months ago. It’s one of the few things I have from my mother before she passed years ago. Turns out one of the other attendants took it because he’s got kleptomania or something,” muttered Killia who soon smiled. “And when I offered her a reward she said no. She was just happy to help. I swear that girl can’t do anything mean or wrong.”
Sunset giggled at that. She turned to Jane and asked, “Has Sonata helped you too?”
“Who hasn’t been helped by Sonata” said Jane, pointing past Sunset’s shoulder. “Check her out.” Sunset turned around and, to her surprise she saw Sonata doing some kind of comedy skit with everyone else in the room watching her and laughing. “That girl knows how to make our final days memorable. She helps us out. Listens to our stories. Makes us laugh with jokes and tales during our youthful days. It’s like she was one of us back then.”
Maybe because she was, thought Sunset in her head. “Why does she do it?”
“No idea. She just says she wants to make us all happy,” said Tom before he placed down his hand. “Full house. I win.”
The two ladies groaned before putting down their cards in frustration. Sunset looked at Sonata with a smile before politely saying goodbye to the elders. She walked up to the siren just as she was finishing up her latest joke. When she did, she looked around, “Hey everyone? Where’s Harold? Wasn’t he suppose to come back from the hospital today?”
When she said this the elders grew silent and frowned. The room suddenly lost a bit of his cheeriness. “Harold passed away last night, Sonata,” said a man in a wheelchair. “We only got the news this morning.”
Sonata’s expression was one of shock and then sorrow. Looking down at her feet, she muttered, “I see...”
Biting her lip, Sunset walked over and put her hand on Sonata’s shoulder for support. Looking up, the siren nodded in thanks before giving the group a smile. “Guess I’m gonna have to wait until I’m up to tell him the joke, huh?”
“Ah, I’ll tell it to him for ya. I’m pretty sure I’ll kick the bucket anytime now,” joked an elderly woman with a cane.
“Oh please, you’ve been saying that for six years now and you’re as healthy as a horse,” joked another elder man in a stroller before the entire group laughed.
“Well, I’m going to go see Haley now,” said Sonata as she waved goodbye to the group. They all said their farewells as Sunset followed Sonata who seemed to be back to her cheerful self despite having learned on one of her friends had died.
“Hey, Sonata? Are you okay?” asked Sunset, stopping her in the hall.
Tilting her head, Sonata asked, “Why would’t I be?”
“Because... well...” Sunset rubbed the back of her head. “Didn’t that Harold friend of your’s die? Aren’t you sad?”
“A little, but I’m used to it,” said Sonata with a sad smile. “I just think he’s in a better place is all and I’ll see him again sometime. Besides, he’s probably with his son now, asking his forgiveness. He lost him in Vietnam you know? Last words they ever had were an argument about him joining up, right before he was reported dead a few months later. Harold said it was the one thing in life he never got a chance to make up for, hopefully he can do that in the next one.”
She couldn’t help but be amazed by how strong Sonata was in this sad moment. “I guess that’s something you have to go through when working in this place, huh?”
“A bit...” muttered Sonata as she took the lead again.
***
They eventually stopped at a door that was labeled “Haley White” and Sonata knocked on it. “Come in!” cried out a voice before the two of them walked through the door. Inside, the room was like any other boarding room, with a bed, tv, bathroom, and furniture. However it was filled with many old pictures in black and white. An elderly lady, in her late eighties with white hair and a blue shirt, sat on a bed with a book in one hand while she was feeling it with her other. Upon closer inspection, Sunset could see that her eyes were white and she was looking outward without blinking.
“Sonata? Is that you? And you brought a friend!” said the woman cheerfully without looking at them.
She’ s blind! realized Sunset as Sonata walked over and gently took Haley’s hand.
“Hey there, Haley. How are you?” asked Sonata with a soft voice.
“I’m doing good, Sonata. I’ve been reading the next Hunger Games book,” said Haley before sighing. “Your grandmother would have loved it. Tales like these are similar to the ones she always shared with me when we were growing up.”
Grandmother? thought Sunset with confusion until she saw one of the photos. It was showing a much younger looking Haley White but also a girl who looked like Sonata, only her hair was style liked women had them in the 50’s and they had sundresses on. I see...
“Who is your friend?” asked Haley. “She smells like spice and fire.”
“This is Sunset Shimmer, she’s a friend of mine from school,” lied Sonata.
“Nice to meet you ma’am,” said Sunset.
“Can you read me where you are in your book, Haley?” asked Sonata, stroking her friend’s bony hand.
“You sure? I mean, I don’t want to bore you girls.”
“It’s okay, go ahead,” answered Sonata.
Haley smiled and read out loud, Sonata fully focused on her while Sunset was eying Sonata. Not once did Sonata act like she was bored or uninterested, rather she smiled and focused on Haley the entire time. Haley read the book for about an hour until she yawned.
“I think somebody needs to go to sleep,” said Sonata, taking the pillow and fluffing it. She gently helped lay Haley down on the pillow. “I’ll be back to bring you dinner and you can tell me about how you and Grandma beat those two jocks at tennis.”
Haley nodded before she closed her eyes and began to doze to sleep. Sonata turned to Sunset and motioned towards the door where they quietly exited. When they shut it tight, Sunset said, “So that’s why?”
Sonata sighed. “Yeah. Me and Haley were best friends in the forties. We were always close, kind of like sisters. She thinks I’m her deceased best friend’s granddaughter, and while it’s been years since we saw each other, I still feel like nothing has changed. Even though she doesn’t know I’m still alive.”
“Why lie to her? You were obviously very close,” asked Sunset.
“Sunset, do you know how old I am? I was here when Christ was walking on the Earth,” said a glaring Sonata. “I’ve had many friends. Some of them famous ones in history. I have fallen in love many times. I have done almost everything there is to do on this planet except one thing.” She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “I couldn’t die.”
Sunset’s eye’s widen. “I watched as every human I cared about slowly age and die before me. I’ve had to fake my death multiple times, or disappear, or run away without any explanation. I thought about ending it all, but I couldn’t leave Adagio or Aria, they were my best friends and they had hopes of one day going home to Equestria. I long forgot about home, I didn’t care about it. Earth was my home and I wanted it to be my grave. But I kept going for their sake.”
“Sonata...” whispered Sunset as she slowly walked over and hugged her.
“... but its okay now, thanks to you and your friends,” whispered Sonata as she broke the hug and smiled at her. “Because... I’m finally aging. I’m finally going to live a normal human life. I have no magic, and it was the only thing keeping me from dying and being with all those I loved.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” asked Sunset.
“If you’re five friends were to die the next day and you were to never see them again because you became an alicorn or something, wouldn’t you get depressed?” asked Sonata.
Sunset didn’t answer.
“I just wanted to show you what you and your friends gave me, even if it did hurt me. You gave me a chance to be normal, and that’s what I want more than anything,” whispered Sonata with a smile. “So thanks.”
“I guess, you’re welcome?” asked Sunset.
Sonata nodded before she looked at her watch and gasped. “Oh no! I’m late to help out with the sponge baths! Do you want to help?”
“Uh, I think I’ll just go home, I got homework to do!” quickly said a green turning Sunset Shimmer.
“Suit yourself. Hey, can we hang out sometime next week?” asked Sonata, bouncing on her heels.
“S-sure,” said Sunset, nervously nodding.
“Yay!” she then hugged Sunset before heading off. “I’ll talk to you later! Come by a visit anytime!”
Sunset waved her hand before she suddenly heard her phone ring. Answering it, she said, “Hello?”
“Hey, one of my soccer teammates spotted you heading into that old folks home where Sonata works, is everything okay?” asked Rainbow Dash on the other line. “She’s not doing anything bad, is she?”
Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle. “No, Dash. In fact... I’d say she’s just being normal.”
Author's Note
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