Finding Home

Chapters

Chapter 1: After the Games
Chapter 2: Winter
Chapter 3: Magic
Chapter 4: Sickness
Chapter 5: Rescue
Chapter 6: Awake
Chapter 7: File
Chapter 9: Tea
Chapter 10: Together
Chapter 11: Home
Epilogue: Sunny Skies
Chapter 8: Doctor

Chapter 1: After the Games

With the Friendship Games over, it was time for the students to go home. The Crystal Prep group were making their way to the buses and outside the school grounds the parents of Canterlot High students were gathering.

A group of six girls stood together to say farewell-for-now to their newest friend. “Bye Twi'Twi'! Come back real soon okay?” Pinkie bounced on her heels, holding tight to the girl's hand.

“Don't worry. I've expedited the transfer process. Twilight will be a Canterlot High Wondercolt within the week.” Dean Cadence said, she had her hand resting on Twilight's shoulder. She smiled at the small cheer the group of girls gave. “Now, we have to get on the bus back to Crystal Prep or all the students will be late home.”

“Bye Twilight. We'll see you soon.” Sunset said. Everyone waved as she walked away with Cadence. Before they got too far though, the indigo haired girl span around.

“Thank you Sunset. I, I don't think I've said that yet. So, Thank You.” She smiled shyly and adjusted her glasses.

“You're welcome Twilight.” Sunset smiled and felt a warmth inside her. It grew when her friends all gathered around to share a hug. Twilight carried on to the buses with Dean Cadence, the girls waved until she was out of sight.

“I'm glad she and Spike will be at school with us soon.” Fluttershy said. “She seemed so sad, all alone even after winning for her school.”

“And you were kind to her, all of you were.” Sunset hugged her friends back. “I'm so happy to have such great friends like you and we'll show Twilight how great having friends is too.”

“Yeah we will.” Rainbow grinned. “Do you think she sings as well as Princess Twilight? I can't wait to ask her to join the Rainbooms. Our band can only get more awesome.”

“Quite possibly.” Rarity said, “Oh, I can't wait to get some measurements from her, another person to design for with such a lovely skin-tone and cute glasses to work with!”

“Y' really do focus on clothes don't yah?” Applejack laughed. She couldn't say much else as running feet and a smaller figure jumping her interrupted.

“AJ, Mac says we're goin' for ice cream! Come on!” Apple Bloom had arrived. “We're goin' to the fancy parlour in town! Hurry, hurry. Ice cream!” She was hopping from foot to foot, clearly excited.

“Alright kiddo. Ah'm coming.” Applejack grabbed her little sister's hand. “Bye girls. Ah'll see you sometime on the weekend?”

“Of course darling, have a nice evening.” Rarity said.

“We're still all going to have a picnic in the park.” Pinkie said, presenting her phone with the text conversation they'd arranged it in.
“Great. Ah'll see you all there.” Applejack left in the tow of her impatient sister.

“Thinking of, I had better go and find Sweetie, I promised mother and father I would take her to her glee club meeting at the rec centre.” Rarity looked around the crowds. “Goodbye darlings, see you all tomorrow.”

“Bye Rarity.” The remaining girls chorused. An alarm beeped on Fluttershy's phone.

“Oh my goodness! With all this excitement I forgot the kitty-cat meet and greet at the shelter!” The pink haired girl looked apologetic to her friends. “I had better get to the shelter now. I promised to help.”

“No worries 'Shy. You make sure Admiral Fluffball goes to a good home.” Rainbow gave her friend a hug and ushered her off.

“Admiral Fluffball?” Sunset sniggered when Fluttershy was on her way. Pinkie Pie grinned too, it was funny and a little adorable when Rainbow Dash showed a softer side.

“I helped 'Shy out a few times at the shelter and there is this one awesome Maine Coon.” Rainbow shrugged. “A cat like that needs the best name so he got one.”

“That's sweet of you Dash.” Sunset grinned.

“And it isn't as bad as naming a gazillion hamsters like Rarity did.” Pinkie giggled, Fluttershy had shared the funny story of the time Rarity had helped at the shelter with the group. They still teased the fashionista for being the queen of the hamsters.

A horn honked from the road. “Ooo Maude came to collect me!” Pinkie jumped and span around. “Byee girls! See you tomorrow!” She was gone in a blur of pink leaving Rainbow and Sunset.

“I'd better get going too.” Rainbow said, looking a little uneasy to be leaving her friend. “The field is all messed up, but me and Scoots were going to practice soccer in the park and then go to the ramps. She's got a new scooter stunt to show me.” Rainbow grinned. She'd signed up to the Big Sis/Little Sis programme and got on well with her fellow adrenaline junkie.

“That's great. You'll have to film it on your phone. Scootaloo can do some crazy things on that scooter of hers.” Sunset noticed Rainbow's unease.

“You cool for this evening?” Rainbow asked, looking around to see the now much quieter school grounds.

“Honestly? I think I am going to go right to bed. Between that math battle, motocross plant fighting and ascending to some kind of magical princess state to fight for the very fabric of reality, I am beat.” Sunset laughed. Listed like that made the day really sound utterly insane.

“Okay. Cool.” Rainbow said, still a hint of concern in her voice. She spotted Scootaloo headed towards them. “See you around then Pony-Girl.” She fist-bumped Sunset and ran to meet her young friend.

“I wish I could convince the girls not to worry.” Sunset said to herself, going to sit on the steps of the school. After the events of the day it was possible her ride home would be busy for quite a while. She took the journal from her bag and began to consider how to sum up the day for Princess Twilight. The earlier, unanswered, messages could really worry her if they were left without the positive conclusion the girls had achieved.

“Ah ha, there you are.” A familiar voice said from the doorway behind her. “You know, that was quite an eventful day.” Luna took a seat on the step beside Sunset.

“Hey Aunty Luna.” Having sat down Sunset had realised just how tired out she was. “Is Mom too busy to get home right now?” She leaned against the welcome shoulder next to her.

“'Tia is working on the transfer forms for Twilight. She sent me to take you home. After today you must surely want to retire to bed sooner rather than later.” Luna noticed the classic drooping signs of a tired out youngster.

“Yeah. After the mental workout with the math, all that mess with the plants and whatever it was with the magic? I'm tired.” Sunset yawned and felt an arm placed around her to help her up.

“Alright then. My car is in the staff parking lot, I'll get us home sooner than if we waited around for 'Tia.” Luna stood, helping Sunset up and guiding the tired teen away.

“Thanks aunty.” Sunset yawned again, glad that her adopted family was so considerate.

-*-

Their drive home was mostly silent. Luna was not the most talkative person and Sunset was too worn out to make conversation. Halfway home though, a text arrived on Sunset's phone. “Have a good rest Sunny. You did great today.” It was from Fluttershy. Ever since the Anon-o-miss incident, the kind animal lover had been determined to daily send an encouraging message to Sunset. She alone had realised just how much their decision to abandon Sunset had hurt the girl.

It still stung Sunset to think about, even if the events had catalysed some very positive changes in her life. The memory of her close friends immediately deciding that she had returned to her old ways, without even the benefit of the doubt, really hurt. After the true culprits had come forward, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow had been too close to the girls to truly address the issue and Pinkie Pie was just too bubbly to focus on the bad of the past.

Though to be fair, her friends still worried for her, like Rainbow's unease as the last to leave Sunset at the end of the school day. An old argument surfaced in her thoughts. “I still wish I could tell my friends about you and Mom.” Sunset said, she had an inkling that Luna agreed with her. “They really do worry about how I am living, just telling them that I'm staying at your and Mom's place would be enough. I don't have to tell them anything more.”

Luna gave a gusty sigh. “Sunset you know that 'Tia wishes to keep the situation quiet. It is all to benefit you, she has your best interests at heart even if the secrecy is a little much.” She was still focused on the road, but if past conversation was anything to go by, Sunset was looking a mixture of doleful and rebellious.

“I hate seeing them so worried. I hate knowing that at any one time they could be feeling upset because of me.” Sunset fiddled with the faux leather of her jacket. “They care and I care. I'm not asking for sleepovers and parties. I just want to let them know I have a roof and running water.”

“I know Sunset. I know.” Luna sighed again. “I will speak with her again. After today the school will have much more to talk about than your living arrangements. Maybe she will finally agree to letting your friends know.” They reached the house and Luna parked up.

Out of the car, Sunset was smiling, a little tiredly but still bright. “Thanks Auntie Luna.” She gave the woman a hug. It was still something that slightly shocked her adopted aunt, but not in a bad way. “Now, I think I need to sleep before I fall over.” She laughed a little, broken by a yawn.

“Quite. We will wake you when it is time to eat.” Luna unlocked the house and gave the girl's shoulder a squeeze as she passed her. “Sleep well.”

“Uh huh.” Sunset mumbled, the last of her energy carrying her as far as bedroom. She managed to kick off her boots and shrug off her jacket before falling asleep on the bed.

-*-

Voices woke Sunset, it seemed there was a “heated debate” going on downstairs. “You have to understand 'Tia! As much of me as you see in her, we are not one and the same. She is upset about worrying her friends. Those girls would not cause issue if they knew.” Luna sounded frustrated.

“Lu, I don't want to risk it. I know she is not you, but that won't mean the same thing will not happen to her! You know as well as I just what happened before the holidays. They are her friends, yes, but they are also a group of teenagers. I don't...” Celestia sounded tense. “I can't risk losing her the same way I lost you.” There was a crack in her voice and Sunset got up in a hurry, finger-combing her hair as she made her way out of the room.

“You got me back though 'Tia. She's a strong kid, it won't happen.” Luna was embracing her sister when Sunset reached them.

“Mom? Is everything okay?” Sunset could see tears in her mother's eyes and Luna looked upset too.

“Yes... I'm okay Sunset. Don't worry.” Celestia sniffed and wiped her eyes. She and Luna parted.

“You know you are a terrible liar.” Sunset folded her arms. “And I'm going to worry.”

Luna gave a little snort of laughter. “See, that there is why I think she's like you 'Tia.” She pointed at her sister. “If 't'weren't for the fact I knew for sure, I'd say she was your daughter from birth.”

“You are a menace.” Celestia laughed too, cheered a little from whatever had upset her. “We'll talk after supper Sunset. Please don't worry.”

“Okay.” Sunset allowed, there was a nice smell coming from the dining room, in fact it could be her favourite. “I'm hungry anyway.” She grabbed her mother and aunt and guided them to the dining room to hurry up the start of supper.

“I picked up a dish of your favourite from the bistro in town.” Celestia said, the table was laid with some large serving dishes. “A few sides too. I thought we would all be too tired to dine out or cook.” The three of them took their seats.

“Thanks mom. It smells great!” Sunset lifted the lid of the largest dish to find potatoes gratin. “Yep, certainly my favourite!” The other dishes contained broccoli, green beans and roasted parsnip. The plates set out for Luna and Celestia did have some cold cuts of beef on them, but Sunset knew her family respected her vegetarianism, just as she respected that her mom and aunt ate meat.

She served herself a portion of each dish and dug in. once her mom and aunt had served themselves too.

Once all three had started their meals and taken the edge of their hunger, the conversation began. “I am very proud of what you did today Sunset. That score of yours was the closest we had ever come to beating Crystal Prep and then you turned back to help your competition during the motocross?” Celestia was smiling. “You really are an excellent person.”

“Thanks.” Sunset mumbled and blushed. It had taken some getting used to being loved like a daughter and she was still caught slightly off guard by such pride and affection from Celestia.

“What you did for Twilight too... Reaching out a hand in friendship to someone who was a threat to both of your homes? You saved that girl Sunny. Well done.” Celestia reached out and placed a hand over Sunset's.

“I wish I could have stopped her before it came to that though.” Sunset bowed her head, she knew exactly the pain that such a transformation wrought, had lived the guilt and self-loathing that came afterwards. “I yelled at her first. If I had just spoken kindly...”

“Cinch was the one who convinced her to unleash that power.” Luna butted in. “You should not feel at fault. The poor child was put under pressure by someone who should have been looking out for her.” She looked guilty a moment. “If I had not monopolised Cadence then maybe Twilight would have had a more kindly ear to turn to.”

“That Headmistress Cinch had a duty of care, a duty that she abandoned in pursuit of victory.” Celestia could see her family getting into a funk over the issue. “That is exactly why I sped up the transfer process to get Twilight into my school as quickly as possible. You and your friends will help her settle and overcome any... leftovers from the magic incident.”

“I know mom.” Sunset smiled again. “I'm looking forward to getting to know this Twilight.” A light blush coloured her cheeks, a little voice in her head was trilling on about the 'cute little scholarly girl in glasses'. If her aunt and mother noticed, they didn't pass comment.

-*-

Having eaten dinner and desert, Celestia asked the two to join her in the family room. Once they were sat comfortably she took a breath and looked to Sunset. “I understand that you want to let your friends know that you have comfortable living arrangements and a family.”

“Yes, I do. I know that they have been worrying, and now that I actually have someone looking out for me and a home to go to, it is harder to avoid the subject. Well, avoid it believably.” Sunset said, keeping an even tone. “It was easier when I was technically homeless, I was better practised at talking around the truth when I had to. Plus for the longest time no one cared anyway.” She settled into the comfy sofa, talking about her past situation always made her feel glad for her loving and warm present.

“Are you sure you want your fellow students to know that you have been adopted by their principal though? Having a teacher for a parent can be tough enough socially, let alone the principal. Adopted by the principal.” Celestia sounded a little strained, holding something back from Sunset.

“You love me even after everything I did and I love you like the mom I have wanted for so long.” Sunset said, emotion thickened her voice. “Why wouldn't I want everyone to know that you wanted me enough to take me in and adopt me? I'm so happy... I want my friends to know.” She was smiling but tears were streaking her face. Celestia too was crying.

“You have to understand though Sunset. The students might treat you differently and that difference is not always positive.” Celestia took Luna's hand. “It was very difficult for Luna.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset could see the pain on their faces. Celestia's was certainly for a past guilt but Luna looked like she was facing physical suffering.

“Our mother was the principal of our school. You know that she's currently head of some prestigious overseas academy, but when we were growing up she was a High School principal.” Celestia began.

“It took a while for anyone to figure it out.” Luna took up the story. There was an undertone to her voice that spoke of great sadness. “Mother worked under her maiden name and we didn't look enough alike for them to join the dots.”

“It got out eventually.” Celestia sighed. “It was easy enough for me to ride out the silly tattle and chatter. I was popular, in varsity sports, had high grades and was voted class president off hard work and friends. Nothing from my mother at all.”

“I wasn't so fortunate.” Luna had slid a little deeper into the couch, now she had her knees close and was hugging them. “I hadn't been very popular, not the sociable type and I dressed in the more alternative styles... I was also coming to terms with being attracted to other girls.”

“When we were in school that was completely unheard of and socially unacceptable.” Celestia said, knowing that it hurt her sister.

“I kept to myself and had a few unusual interests too, video games and fantasy books are fine for boys, but a girl just scares off any of the boys who like those sort of things.” Luna shrugged. “People already had spread rumours about 'too long looks' in the gym locker room and the nastier sorts muttered about school shootings.”

“That's terrible.” Sunset had her own fair share of nasty words and rumours. Most of them deserved. The picture Celestia had painted of her younger sister was a nice if quiet girl who didn't find friends easily. Not someone who deserved such cruel rumour to surround her.

“After it got out that my mother was the principal even my academic achievements were questioned.” Luna blinked, her stare had turned unfocused. “No one wanted anything to do with me, I might have “told tales on them”, reporting back to mother.”

“I didn't notice that Luna was suffering so much.” Celestia sounded full of guilt and regret. “When I found out she was finding it hard I wasn't exactly tactful in trying to help.” Her voice cracked. “It... It drove Lulu to such sadness...” Celestia was crying in earnest now.

“I did something. Something very poorly thought out.” Luna said softly, knowing well how much this had hurt her and her sister. “I took a lot of pills with a lot of alcohol and locked myself in my room.” She was crying too, tears dripping down her face. “'Tia managed to break in when e noticed the silence in my room. I woke up in hospital. I spent a long time in different hospitals after that.”

“Oh god. Aunty Luna.” Sunset grabbed her aunty and mother in a hug.

“It's fine Sunset, now anyway.” Luna wrapped an arm around her niece. “I had a lot of counselling and that helped a great deal. I have meds that help. My family helps.” Celestia was embracing them both. “The point of all this though... We don't want to drive you to that.” Luna was holding tightly to her niece.

“You had a very poor reputation after the fall formal and things had only just settled down when I took you in.” Celestia arranged them on the sofa so the teen was sandwiched between her and her sister. “I didn't want my position to cause you more issues.”

“I understand that.” Sunset said. “But my friends... They'll only be happy for me. I know that they are worried about me and I can stop all of that just by telling them.” Sunset leaned against her mother.

“I can allow that. Those girls can keep things they need to. Also, as Luna said to me, you took on all that magic and floated around in the air fighting an accidentally monstrous girl while looking like some kind of angel. I don't think being the principal's adopted daughter compares when it comes to gossip.” Celestia managed a tight laugh.

“Thanks mom. It'll be fine, I'm sure. They'll be okay about it.” Sunset said. “And thank you for telling me why you have reservations about me sharing the information. It can't have been easy for either of you.” She hugged her family and was hugged in return.

-*-

It was a quiet evening in the household. Sunset had not exactly expected such a sad story. Princess Twilight had related the story of Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna to her, but that the more mundane counterparts to the Equestrian princesses had suffered such personal tragedy had made her heart weep for them. In a small way, she was glad to have helped by becoming part of their family.

Sunset went to bed thoughtful, it had certainly been a busy and fraught day. 'I guess this is the sort of thing Princess Twilight deals with all the time.' She thought to herself before falling asleep; if that was Princess-hood, she was glad she'd not attained it.

Author's Note

Welcome to this story. If any of the events depicted in the chapter have affected you, go and talk to someone. It really does help.
School sucked for me for the longest time and at 15 I was seeing a counsellor. These days (After even more kinds of crummy stuff, being an adult is the worst) I have some pretty common but nicely effective meds that also help. No shame friends! If it helps and it is legal and prescribed correctly then let it help you.
Anyway. Lets get Sunset into a happy place. I was a little cross at the ending of the comic. Some of the events were pretty nasty and not really resolved. There is at least one more chapter to go, depending on how long the story runs as I write it.
Hope you've liked it so far.

Chapter 2: Winter

Celestia dropped Sunset off at the park where she was meeting her friends for their picnic. They had stopped at a mini-mart so the teen could grab some chips and cola to share with the girls. “Bye Mom!” She made a point of shouting and waving the car off. Five girls all turned to look at the gate and the surprising word from their friend.

“Mom?” Pinkie Pie asked as soon as Sunset joined them. “When did you get a Mom? I mean of course you had a mom at some point but I thought she would be a pony in the world you came from and not someone who can drive a car and bring you here to the park today now.” She took a massive breath after that sentence.

“I'm going to tell you.” Sunset said, smiling and sitting on the blanket amongst her friends. She placed the cola and chips on the blanket. “I know everyone has been worried about what I get up to once the school day is over. Where I go when I'm not with any of you.”

“I was just scared that you were all alone in the cold and the dark.” Fluttershy said softly.

“We weren't ever sure and things can be a sore subject for some folks.” Applejack admitted. “Ah didn't want to push.”

“There was a reason we had you visit and sleepover so often darling.” Rarity added.

“I know. It's just mom didn't want me to say anything. She was worried I would get treated differently, especially so soon after everyone had started to see me as a better person.” Sunset explained.

“Okay. So are you going to tell us?” Rainbow sounded impatient.

“Yeah. That was the plan. There is a bit of background to it all though.” Sunset made herself comfortable. “It all started right after winter break.”

“Would Sunset Shimmer please report to the Principal's office.” The announcement came over the school tannoy. Fortunately, unlike in the past, no one began to mutter about She-Demons or Anon-o-miss.

“Looks like I need to go in girls. I'll see you in class.” Sunset smiled to her friends and headed to the office. She had spent a great holiday period with the girls, finally experiencing a family celebration over the experiences of her unfeeling years past. The hurt from the Anon-o-miss incident was healing and soon there would be another school event to push back the painful memories of what had happened at the fall formal.

She reached the office and entered. “Hello Sunset. I just want a little chat.” Principal Celestia greeted her student. The school secretary wasn't at her desk, so the teacher had met her. She led Sunset into her office and the principal took her seat.

“Is everything okay?” Sunset sat in a seat on the opposite side of the desk. Well used to this arrangement, both from her time as a bully and her time as the outcast.

“That is more the question I wished to ask you.” The teacher said. “Have you had any more problems from that gossip page? I made sure to share the full truth of the matter during the whole school assembly.” Sunset had not needed to attend that gathering. The Principal had shared the truth; from two jealous sister's not thinking things through and playing a petty prank, to the fact that all the students had then started to share secrets of of others to see them published on the page.

“No one has given me any trouble about it. A few have even apologised for thinking it was me.” Sunset said, she had accepted that her reputation had been half the issue during the incident. That her schoolmates expected it wasn't the problem; it was the rejection from her friends that stung.

“I also have a few concerns I would like to address.” Celestia said, picking up a file. “The number listed for a home contact won't connect and I don't recognise the address you've given.”

Trying not to look like a deer in the headlights, Sunset scrambled for a reply. “I uh... It's a new built place and the phone-line is still a little tetchy...” Celestia looked unconvinced.

“Sunset. I have camera footage of you bedding down in the school library for the night.” Celestia tapped her desk a moment, thinking. “I know better than to call that trespassing, but please don't lie to me. I worry for the welfare of all my students.”

“There are security cameras? Bummer.” Sunset slumped in her seat. “I, I was going through some tough times when all my friends blamed me and wanted nothing to do with me. I didn't want to spend another night alone and... and sleeping in the library helped me feel closer to Princess Twilight. She was about the only friend I had at the time and I knew she had slept in the library during her first visit.” Sunset drew an arm across herself and held onto her jacket, smoothing the faux leather with her thumb.

“I see. Alone though? You don't have anyone at all?” Celestia looked through the file. “I knew your claim that you parents were overseas had to be untrue after the fall formal, but I had assumed that there was someone in your life who could look out for you.”

“No. There isn't.” Sunset admitted. “Though I do have somewhere with a roof to live in. It's okay.” She sounded like she was pleading with her teacher.

“Sunset. I have a duty of care that extends a little beyond the school gates. I know you got by fine for a few years, but I may have to get the Children's Service involved.”

“No! I can't! What if someone finds out what I am? They'll take me somewhere or try and get to Equestria...” Sunset began to panic.

“I know, that is why I called you here instead. I would like to see your living arrangements for myself. If I think they are alright, I will continue to allow this...situation, to pass.” Celestia took out a notebook. “If, however, I have reservations about things after my check, I will have to create an agreeable solution.” She made a note in the book, Sunset couldn't see what it was.

“No government involvement?” Sunset asked, begged.

“Minimal, if I want to put an alternative in place.” Celestia said. “You will take me to wherever it is you are living once after-school clubs and meetings are over, today. Alright?”

“Yes Principal Celestia.” Sunset was reluctant to take the teacher to her home, but it had to be done. She really was lucky that she had this chance, any other authority would have called in Children's Services right away.

“Thank you Sunset, and please, know that I am doing this because I care.” Principal Celestia said.

Sunset left the office and went to class. At the end of the day she would face whatever was coming.

-*-

Classes and the school day passed far too swiftly for Sunset's liking. Her friends had picked up on her low mood, but they had put it down to holdovers from the horrid treatment before the holidays. Everyone had been feeling too guilty to really tackle the issue, so the doleful redhead had been superficially cheered up but mostly left alone.

When everyone had gone home, three of her friends glad to avoid harsh truths, Sunset waited outside the school building for her teacher. “Thank you for allowing this Sunset.” Principal Celestia said when she found her student.

“It's okay.” Sunset still stood a little guardedly, she really wasn't entirely hopeful about the outcome of this. “Anyone else would probably have turned me away from school on day one. Or called in someone after I went all she-demon... This is virtually the only thing you've asked of me.”

“Shall we head out then?” Celestia looked around, the school grounds were empty of students and she had explained her plans to her sister. They would be undisturbed. “How do you reach your home?”

“I usually take the bus, but I can direct you if you'd prefer to drive.” Sunset began mentally figuring the best route from the school.

“I think driving would be more direct. My car is in the staff lot.” Celestia led the teen to her car, smiling to herself at Sunset's impressed look at the vehicle, it wasn't exactly a car you would associate with a school principal.

With Sunset's precise directions they soon arrived at the building she called home. Already Celestia had her misgivings, the red-brick building was an old tram-house from the city's historic past. It was in an area that was far from residential and the whole site was fenced off. A faded sign on the front declared it property of Toity Holdings. “Don't worry, I checked at the Library and City Hall. There is some kind of fight between Historic Canterlot Heritage and Toity Holdings so this place is in limbo.” Sunset said, leading Celestia to the spot in the fence where two railings could be pulled aside for entry.

“I see, we are well past that date printed on the sign.” Celestia followed, glad she had swapped her tidy suit jacket for something a little harder wearing. After she passed through, Sunset replaced the railings and slipped in the bolts that had been missing.

“Extra security.” Sunset said, noticing the scrutiny. “Most people leave this place alone, I think it was pretty much stripped of anything valuable years ago, but it doesn't hurt to dissuade people more.” After checking the railings were no longer easily shifted, she carefully led her teacher through the overgrown surrounds to the building. They halted at one of the boarded up archways trams had once entered through. With a little grin, knowing this would probably impress her visitor, Sunset poked a finger into a knot-hole and pulled back an otherwise anonymous door.

“Did you make that?” Celestia asked when they stepped in, stopping to look at the ingenious arrangement of hinges and woodwork that concealed the door.

“Yeah, it seemed a good idea, to keep things safe.” Sunset took a small bar of metal from her book-bag and slid it through a latch on the door. “I found this place a little while after coming to this world. Then, once Twilight had..reformed me, I thought that my reputation alone wouldn't be enough, so I made the door instead of just pulling the boards free when I needed to.”

“That is very clever of you.” Celestia made a note, perhaps she could convince the relevant teachers to let Sunset take an accelerated course, the girl deserved some recognition for the skills she had.

“Thanks.” The pride in Sunset's voice was modest, the praise painting a light blush on her face. Again, Celestia was struck by the great change in the former bully, as an educator it warmed her heart to see. “Uh, anyway, it isn't too far to where I stay now. I'm just up there.” Sunset pointed to the corner of the building and what had obviously been an office. A little internal structure held up near the roof on an iron-work scaffold, steps led up to it from the ground.

“Are those safe?” Celestia asked, the metal was black painted but tell-tale streaks of orange at the fastenings indicated rust.

“They're a little rickety on the steps, the worst of it is a few steps missing one of their four bolts.” Sunset warned, starting her ascent, “But I marked those with glow-in-the-dark paint. Just in the corner where the bolt is missing, they wobble a bit if you tread there and that can be a bit shocking.”

“I'll pay attention then.” Celestia said, following the teen. The more she saw, the more unsure she was of leaving Sunset to live here. Alone.

At the top of the stairs Sunset paused and reached into the office through a missing window pane nearest the door. She made a few movements and brought her hand back out, holding a small padlock. “I jury-rigged a way to lock it higher up, no one would think to check that when they can't open the door. I keep the key in the lock though, I was always too worried it would get lost otherwise.” She explained. Celestia just nodded.

With the door unlocked, Sunset opened it and Celestia followed her in to her home. Sunset was quite proud of the place she lived in, having created it all herself. The office space was divided into two by a thin wall. The front half had a table, evidence of school work and a stationary set were placed on it, a paper plate and a few discarded take-away cartons were on the other side. “Heh, I usually find a dumpster when I have a full bag of packages. I never leave food out.” Sunset said, sheepish. She pointed to a battered cooler under the table. “I keep everything edible in there, or there will be rats.”

“What about laundry and plumbing?” Celestia said, trying not to shiver at the mention of rats. She couldn't see anything usable in the little office space, but a plastic crate in the corner had toiletries inside.

“This place has a shower room and toilets.” Sunset looked pleased with herself. “The building was put up before the neighbourhood had water-mains so there is a bowser on the roof that collects rain-water. It filters through rocks and charcoal, I don't drink it, but it is fine for flushing and I can have showers. Cold showers, but clean is clean right?” She opened the interior door. “As for laundry? I have a jar of coins and there is a laundromat a few blocks over.” Letting Celestia into the room, Sunset stood back. “And here's my room. Not quite a palace tower, but I like it.”

Celestia looked around the little room, it was clear that Sunset was very proud of her self-sufficiency and this space she had carved out for herself. If this had been the girl's bedroom in a proper house then it would have been quite charming.

The bed was a futon lifted off the floor on wooden pallets, a pile of blankets and a sleeping bag on top certainly looked cosy for the night. Old crates lined the walls around the bed, they were covered in candles of all shapes and sizes and it looked like new ones had been placed on the remains of old by the amount of wax. Knick-knacks and photographs of Sunset and her friends were nestled in spaces between the newer candles, a safe distance from flames and certainly new additions if the layer of old wax below them was any indication. A Rainboom's poster was on the opposite wall, the guitar Sunset played balanced on a stand beneath it. There were two crates away from the bed, one labelled books and the other clothes. A gym bag with laundry in was next to those.

If you ignored that there was no electricity or heat, that the girl had to use an old shower room and toilet block with only cold water... It looked like a nice little nest away from the world, one that Celestia would have liked to have had when she was a teenager.

Celestia looked to the teen, Sunset was clearly nervous for her reaction, though the nerves warred with defiant pride. For the briefest of moments the teacher saw her sister as a youngster, it brought a little stab of hurt to her heart; Sunset had no one when she was not with her friends and only here to go back to at the end of the day. “This is very nice Sunset, though it has not made me less worried...”

“Principal Celestia-” Sunset began.

“No Sunset, this is important. Please hear me out.” Celestia cut her off. The girl nodded but her whole bearing had turned guarded and reluctant. “You have carved out a niche yes, a rather decent one all things considered, but you have no electricity, no heat. You have to take cold showers and wash clothes at the coin-op...” Celestia trailed off to get a handle on her emotions. “What do you do for drinking water? You mentioned there are rats? How do you charge your phone, seeing as that is all you have if there is an emergency?”

“School for two of those thing; I fill a few bottles at the water fountains and there is a bookshelf in the library, one of the reference sections no one really uses, it has a power outlet hidden behind the books. I plug my phone in there to charge. We aren't allowed to use our phones in school hours, so I leave it there during classes and fetch it after.” Sunset's tone was dull, resigned, as if she was waiting for trouble or punishment. “The other? I clean up all the food crumbs, I've never been full enough to leave leftovers, and I put any food in the cooler so nothing attracts rats here. Fluttershy told me about a humane repellent too, so I put that down at the door and any gaps in the wall.” Sunset realised she'd revealed that hunger was often her companion, she hoped Celestia would let it slide.

It looked like she would have to let the teacher start putting a plan in motion to remove her from this place.

“Sunset.” Celestia put a hand to the teen's shoulder. “You are young, you shouldn't have to live a life like this... I would be working to help an adult out of this kind of situation, let alone a child.”

“I'm not a child.” Sunset grumbled, though she didn't pull away from the caring touch.

“No, but you are not an adult. You should have some care-free times, someone to look out for you. Somewhere warm to live.” Celestia resisted pulling the girl in for a hug, right now it probably wasn't the best idea with the guarded girl. “I will keep my promise though. This is... tolerable for now. However, I am going to look into what options are there so that we can improve your lot without risking your liberty and attendance at the school.”

“Thank you Principal Celestia!” Sunset was so happy to hear that she wouldn't be taken from her friends that she threw her arms around her teacher. The woman paused for a moment before putting an arm around the girl and placing a caring hand atop her head.

“On one condition. Please promise me Sunset, if anything gets worse or you need help, talk to me?” Celestia felt the teen nod against her. “I'll give you my personal number. Day or night, weekday or weekend. Even the holidays. If you ever need help you can call me.”

“Thank you.” Sunset whispered.

“Meanwhile, I will find a way to get you into a proper home.” Celestia added.

“Alright.” Sunset agreed. If only to assuage the guilt growing inside her.

-*-

Sunset saw her teacher back to her car and returned to her little living space. She didn't know that the educator watched her walk back, warring with the emotions that were demanding she take the girl home right away. There was snow on the ground and they had both been able to see their breath on the air, even inside! “I think I need to contact Chrys and Discord.” Celestia decided as she finally drove away. One way or another, she was going to see Sunset safe and cared for.

Sunset had to pause in her storytelling, she had five friends wrapping her into the biggest hug they could muster. “Okay girls?”

“You should have said something!” Fluttershy was crying, tears streaming down her face. Her voice was louder than usual even, she was so upset.

“You better have somewhere to stay now or you aren't leaving here alone.” Rainbow said, a determined look in her eye.

“Any one of us would have been happy to have you!” Applejack added, actually sounding angry.

Sunset bit back the retort that she would have been utterly homeless if she had been living with one of them at that time and the events preceding it. But it was mean to think, let alone say. “You know, I am telling you all this now so that you have some background to what has happened since right?” She said, pushing the negative thoughts back.

“Yeah silly billys! Sunset wouldn't have shouted 'Bye Mom' to someone if she was still living all on her lonesome in an abandoned building.” Pinkie Pie said still quite chipper, though her hair had lost some of its bounce. “But she still should have said something!”

“I would have at least given you a few more sweaters darling.” Rarity chided, keeping her arm around her friend. She was concerned as to what had motivated Sunset not to ask for any kind of help at that time.

“It is okay girls, really. You were all a great help just being my friends. I didn't want to worry you. I mean, I am telling you everything now so that you won't worry still.” Sunset smiled, feeling so warm and loved in the embrace from her friends. “Can I carry on with the story?”

“Please. I really want to know how everything got better.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Right, things changed about two weeks after that, but Mom told that there was a lot more going on beforehand.” Sunset said. “I didn't know about it until after, but I'm glad it happened.”

Author's Note

Just so you know, the flashbacks between the lines are just that; Flashbacks to events. Sunset is telling her friends a story about what happened but the flashback relates information she would not know and not be sharing.

Hope this stood up to whatever bar I set last chapter....

Chapter 3: Magic

Sunset sat amongst her friends, they had eaten plenty of their picnic as she shared the story of her time before being taken in and adopted. Now she had to tell them about the lead up to and the events surrounding her adoption.

“There is a lot involved in making up a life for someone.” Sunset explained. The embrace had ended, but the girls were still close around her. Fluttershy was clutching on to Angel bunny, having been particularly affected by hearing of Sunset's former circumstances.

“Of course there is. All kinds of paperwork and files and computer records.” Rarity listed off. “Those take a lot of doing, we had to collect all sorts of copies just to get passports.”

“Yeah, and that was for your family who were born and grew up here.” Sunset said. “I just walked in as a teenager! A lot of things had to be made for me just to get on after High School. Let alone to be adopted legally.” Sunset smiled, “Luckily, Mom knows a few people with connections and skills.”

The office was kept purposefully dark, only the glow of computer screens lit the room. The teal haired woman sat in front of the screen enjoyed the theatrical look it gave her pitch-dark skin. “Why hello Celestia, you've come to visit your dreadful bad-girl college room-mate!” Chrysalis chuckled, greeting the woman who had entered her office. Her old friend had never been nasty about it, but certain of student-Chrysalis's behaviours had been at the very least frown-worthy to the girl.

“Hello Chrys, enjoying your black-ops Government job? The men at the door were surprised I even knew this place or you existed.” Celestia took a seat in the darkened office. She was well used to the performance. Chrysalis was one of her more interesting friends.

“Oh, the boys are hired to look scary. Adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the place.” Chrysalis flicked a desk lamp on, limited lighting was great for a dramatic first impression but just plain annoying for any prolonged conversations. “Appearance is everything in this line of work.”

“So you've told me.” Celestia grinned. The woman worked in some serious deep-cover operations and in high security government departments. Once, and Celestia hadn't really been sure if it was a joke, Chrysalis had claimed even the President need clearance to know about some of her work.

“What can I do you for 'Tia m'dear? You don't come and visit me at work for a little social chat.” Chrysalis cracked her fingers, sometimes doing a few personal favours was just as fun as the official work.

“I need you to...create someone. A background for them anyway. Maybe not a passport just yet, but strong enough to be allowed one.” Celestia had a file she had copied from the school records and a number of notes she had made herself in the week since visiting Sunset's “home”. There was hopefully enough to create a solid paper-trail for the teen that wasn't difficult for the girl to take on.

“Any real reason? If it is to do with something criminal then I might not be able to do it.” Chrysalis took the file and flicked through, there was plenty of useful information to put together the kind of profile that would stand up to scrutiny. Even if there would have to be some creative efforts on her part.

“I'd say she has some past home strife she sought to escape and ended up at my school. I was able to fudge some data with believable excuses to get her registered, to at least keep an eye on her.” Celestia said, blushing at the thought of having used some of the tricks her friend had taught her.

The Sunset who had arrived those years ago was confused, a fish out of water (or a Pony out of Equestria, Celestia had mused later) but with a brilliant mind. The teacher had wanted to keep her around and had overlooked all the strangely missing data so that Sunset could attend the school.

“Ooh, mama is so proud, corrupting pure little 'Tia.” Chrysalis giggled. “What's changed now? I mean, yeah, this kid is going to need a past to get on with a future after school. But isn't there at least something to fiddle around with so family can't track her down?”

Celestia grimaced and rubbed at her forehead. “Not one word of this is a lie Chrys, but it can't leave this office. I trust that you are the only one who has bugged this place and you are the first to get the recordings?”

“Indeed. Not one dot gets out without my seal of approval.” Chrysalis promised, pressing a button or two concealed beneath her desk to kill the more awkward devices for a while. “Go on.”

“Sunset Shimmer is actually from a world parallel to our own. One with some pretty powerful and dangerous energies. For whatever reason, a portal links the school with a portal in that world. Sunset came through, some of that power has followed. Long story short, she started to exist as a person here the moment she stepped through, turning up as a teenager. If she is going to have a future past high school, we need all the documents.” Celestia waited for the laughter.

Instead she found Chrysalis looking pretty thoughtful. “That explains all the odd readings our X-File guys have been picking up around here, and the theories of one or two scientists we seconded into the programme.” The teal haired woman shot her friend a glance. “Strictly confidential 'Tia dear. And we'll leave your girl alone. I may be morally questionable in some respects but I am not going to turn a teenage girl into a lab-rat so some higher ups can get their power-jollies.”

“Thank you Chrys.” Celestia said, a tension she had been carrying since entering the building dispersed. “My girl though?” She blushed a little at the mention. Luna had been teasing about her more motherly inclinations towards Sunset since she had set her pet project into motion.

“Dear, from what I've got here,” Chrysalis ruffled the papers. “And from the very fact you've come to me for this, she's your girl in your heart. Well done honey.” She put the papers on the desk to go and hug her friend.

“So you'll do it?” Celestia gladly had the hug. If things went to plan then everything would be bright for Sunset soon enough.

“Do it? Heck, I can make it so this stuff skips right over Discord's head and she's yours.” Chrysalis grinned and sat on the sofa next to Celestia. “Not going to though, you have to go talk to him if you want Sunset Shimmer to be Sunset Sonen.” Chrysalis teased. “He still carries a torch for you, you know.”

“I know. Luna reminds me often.” Celestia sighed, her friend was a little mischievous if ultimately good-natured. “It isn't fair to him though Chrys-”

“Ah ah, this isn't fair to you or him.” Chrysalis cut her off. “Now, I will fix this all up and send a packet over. Don't be surprised if it is delivered by a bland guy in a black suit, I do so enjoy tormenting Luna.” She stuck out a pierced tongue. “Once you've got that, you can go ahead and get the judge to sign it all in, if that's what you and Sunset want.”

“Thanks Chrys. Though if you are going to nag about Discord then I'm going to tell you to hurry up and wrap that tongue of yours around Luna's. I swear that girl is blind and you are too stubborn.” Celestia said, grinning, leaving her friend stumped and seeing herself out before the woman started stammering excuses.

Well, if she was going to bring up romantic mistakes...

-*-

Celestia's appointment at the court-house wasn't for a few more days, she really did need the papers and records from Chrysalis before she could do anything. She had spent a casual coffee discussing her plan with Discord, but it all hinged on Sunset as to exactly how things were arranged.

As she drove home a shop caught her eye, there was a newly opened book store on the corner she had stopped at. “I can't say no to a nose around a new book shop.” Celestia said to herself, following signs to the nearby parking lot.

-*-

It was a lot later in the evening than Luna expected when Celestia returned home. She was laden down with a large box and a bag from their favourite take-out place. “I thought your meeting was right after school.” Luna commented from the sofa, engrossed in her latest game.

“I got sidetracked. But I also got pot-stickers and egg fried rice.” Celestia balanced the take-out boxes in their bag on the large box she carried and kicked the front door closed.

“All is forgiven. As long as there is sauce.” Luna folded her game console and put it aside. Finally looking at the large box Celestia carried. “What's in the box?”

“Things.” Celestia placed it on the floor and picked up the bag of food. She went and sat beside her sister and relaxed into the soft seat. “Mm, sitting. I love you sofa.” Luna took the take-out bag and rummaged through.

“Ooo, meal boxes. You're spoiling me.” The younger woman helped herself and passed the other box to her sister. “So, what's in that box huh?”

“I went to a new bookshop and on the way down the street I passed some stores, got a few ideas and bought a few things.” Celestia said, pausing to take a bite of her food as Luna dug in.

“For the room?” Luna said around a mouthful of rice.

“Manners.” Celestia chided, “And yes, for the room. I have an idea on how she would like it and I really want to make staying here an attractive prospect to Sunset. Beyond simply a place to sleep.”

“'Tia, be careful.” Luna said, this time a little more politely. “You've set your heart on looking after her and you love so hard, so fast... It will hurt you if she says no, if she would prefer you as a useful adult until she is of age.” She paused and placed a hand on her sister's knee. “The more you invest into this, the harder it could hurt.”

“I know Lu, but... I see so much potential in her, even when she ruled the student body through fear. Now that she has changed, given all that up, I see a girl shaping up to be a wonderful young woman. I have a hand in shaping that simply as her teacher, but I want... I want to nurture her more.” Celestia leaned back in the seat, resigned to the fact that Sunset had settled into her heart deeper than any other student before her. “There is this... oh, a look like she is just lost. Bereft of something, ever since the formal. She needs something, she knows she needs it and I can see that.” Celestia trailed off and sighed.

“So be it if my instincts are misplaced. That I am maybe seeing something that isn't there... That all those wishes to be a mother are blinkering me onto one path... But I have to at least try.” She settled into her seat, talking over her concerns for Sunset had tensed her a little. As had the emotions surrounding the underlying issue.

It had been illness that had robbed her a chance to have a child, that set into motion her decision to end things with the love of her life. That drove her to see one defiant, stubborn, but so caring, so intelligent and driven teen as a daughter. Of course, the little hints of personality that seemed so like Luna or herself had prompted the wish to adopt her, after finding out the girl really was all alone in the world.

“I know. I don't just live here for my health, I worry about you too 'Tia.” Luna sighed. “If you're set on trying to convince her this is the best option, it can't hurt to have done out one of the rooms for her.”

It had started as Celestia simply clearing one of the spare rooms of their shared house. Taking the accumulated junk to the loft or basement and refreshing the paint. Before long, Celestia had put up a bed and placed a new mattress. Furnished the room with plenty of bookshelves, a wardrobe, dresser and a desk. This had been even before Sunset's true living conditions had come to light. Princess Twilight's mention that Sunset had changed after the fall formal had not only prompted her friends to action. The teacher, now certain that Sunset Shimmer was not living with family, had started taking a closer watch.

Celestia had maintained that she just wanted to make the room into a guest bedroom, but the new guitar amp and stand had clued Luna in. From there, books, little trinkets and toys had arrived, Luna guilty of picking up things on impulse when out shopping and being reminded of the red-headed teen by certain items just as often as her sister.

After Celestia had related, a little more than upset, to Luna what space Sunset called home. Both women had set about making the room as homely as possible. In preparation of asking the teen to consider the elder as her guardian at the very least.

“I am guessing your meeting was also regarding Sunset?” Luna asked, there were many steps to take before offering their home to Sunset. Not least talking to the girl about the idea.

“I had to go and see a friend about some paperwork.” Celestia replied nonchalantly, finishing off her meal. “After all, Sunset is practically an undocumented minor. Those few details I could pass off to keep her in school and the usefully ridiculous happenings involving magic are what she's getting by on at the moment.”

“Paperwork as in government papers?” Luna narrowed her eyes briefly. “A friend?”

“Oh yes, Chrysalis is such a laugh to be around and with her skills and position, it will be easy to give Sunset every bit of past she needs for a future.” Celestia smiled innocently.

“Alright...” Luna seemed unfocused a little. “Did she say anything about Friday to you?”

“Friday? No, Chrys didn't mention anything.” Celestia wondered if it was worth pressing, but decided her sister was due one or two passes. “Do you want to see what I ended up buying?”

“Of course!” Luna dropped her empty take-out box into the bag and watched Celestia pull over and open the larger box she had brought in. If anything, preparing for Sunset's potential arrival gave both women plenty of excuses to indulge in a little retail therapy.

-*-

In an old and derelict tram-house a teenager was sat wrapped in blankets, writing by candle light. The flickering flames were comforting to her, she had always had an affinity to fire and the dancing light reminded her of home. The harsh electrical lights of the human world were practical, but mage-lights and candles had always been so much better. She had been very happy to discover that a number of stores sold bulk bags of candles, from tea-lights to great thick “Wizard” candles, even sticks in different colours. Those kind had become a birthday treat, one coloured candle for each year she had been in the human world. This years three were unlit, she wanted to save them for special occasions, for times she needed cheering up or to celebrate something.

Again, Sunset focused on the flames, her favourite magic had been pyromancy; to create little dancing licks of yellow fire to balls of dripping blue flames. The candles let her have this link, at least a little bit of fire she could still hold in her hands. The thoughts of magic and Equestria cheered her.

Smiling, Sunset decided to write to Princess Twilight and share the happy thought, making friends needed two way communication. She had learned a lot about the princess, now it was time to tell the princess about herself.

It also meant she could avoid putting out the candles and the small amount of heat they provided on the cold winter's night.

Everything had been easier before; not knowing of real care, what love and comfort a family and friends brought. Sunset had found her living conditions adequate, servicing her needs as somewhere to be after school hours. Then light had come into her life, forcefully. Her friends had shown her what living should be in this world by their example and from their families.

A gust blew outside, a breeze working its way into Sunset's room. She shivered and pulled another blanket closer. This winter was colder than others before it, she'd caught a weather-cast saying as much. It was alright though, she had school for the next four days and maybe some time with friends at the weekend.

Dropping the final dot on her message, Sunset closed the book. It was late and she had to catch an early bus to reach the school on time. All the activities with friends and the colder weather meant she also had to do some chores before school too. Sunset put her journal away and lifted a hand. Since the battle with the bands a little spark had ignited in her and sometimes, many sometimes, there was a little bit of magic left.

Looking at the burning candles, Sunset held out her open hand. Putting all her focus, pushing all the energy that one little spark gave, she closed her hand into a fist.

Dozens of little smoke trails were the only sign that a second ago the candles had been lit. Not one still burned.

“Magic.” Sunset smiled, her talent had been returned to her, pure and good instead of the painful darkness at the first instance. Hopefully with practice she would be able to do more than just stop the flames.

It had taken daily practice to get so far as snuffing out all the candles at once, she had started with just one. The tiniest spark inside that had been burning in her soul since the magic had swept into her had grown over time. After a few nights and with determination Sunset had tried to snuff a candle.

She had done it.

Now, weeks on, all the candles ceased to burn. Next Sunset would try igniting them. To have magic once more, untainted by her hunger for power, was like having a missing piece returned to her soul.

Feeling a little better, Sunset snuggled into her sleeping bag and blankets to sleep.

“Wait, you can do magic?” Pinkie interrupted, jumping up and down in excitement.

“Uh, Pinks, Sunset showed us remember? That trick with the flame she twiddles around her fingers?” Rainbow rolled her eyes. They had all seen Sunset play about with her magic once she was confident it was safe, under control and visually impressive. “Not to mention the whole unicorn-horn angel thing she did just yesterday?”

“Oh yeah! You just never told us how you practised it.” Pinkie stopped bouncing.

“Impressive as magic is though, I must ask. Your mother is friends with deep level government espionage agents who can whole-cloth create a person's past?” Rarity had an eyebrow raised. “Just who is she?”

“I'm getting to that. I kind of like keeping you all in suspense.” Sunset chuckled at the indignant sniff and other protests. “What? It makes the story better!”

Author's Note

So a few things here. I like Chrysalis, but as a normal lady in the human world I thought spying was cool. I also decided she was Celestia's wicked college roommate so we could have the "connection" that royal titles gave us. The Luna/Chrysalis thing is cute IMO...

Sonen is a surname that means Sun, one that actually exists. I like to use real names from time to time.

Sunset has magic again. If it sticks around enough for the girls to get some while they play then imagine someone who was a prodigy having access to the power again? It also gives her one bright spot besides her friends, in the life she has given herself.

Just a reminder: Flashbacks between the lines, Sunset had not named her adoptive mother yet. Vauge details of the story are what she is relating to her friends.

As ever: Comments etc are always welcome.

Chapter 4: Sickness

A raging noogie had turned the neat stripes of red and gold into a fire-like furze. “I give! Rainbow! Get off!” Sunset laughed and shoved at her friend. Pinkie Pie was poised to tickle too.

“So, are you going to tell us the rest of the story?” Rainbow let go and Rarity was swiftly arranging Sunset's hair, tsking at the rough-housing.

“Well yeah! This is the story I am telling.” Sunset grinned. “So, you remember that time I was off school ill?”

“Yes.” Fluttershy said, sad and with sudden realisation on her face. “Oh! You were all alone and sick and we didn't know where you were...” Her eyes started brimming with tears.

“Don't cry Fluttershy. Things turned out so well. Just brilliant.” Sunset hugged the girl. “I can tell you though, being sick was awful. I'd never gotten really ill before. I was never close enough to anyone to get sick.” Sunset left out about the poor condition she was in at the time. Bully Sunset had taken and demanded food from students, reformed Sunset had scraped by on what generosity she felt qualified for and the food she could purchase on her meagre budget.

It had not been a good time. In the night when her mind wandered without direction, Sunset still sometimes came across the delirium and fear. The scary what-could-have-been.

Focusing on the good Sunset figured the least alarming version of the story to tell. It would be no good to upset the girls when this whole reveal was supposed to stop them worrying.

Tuesday and a school day. Celestia and Luna had arrived at their usual time, ahead of the crowds of pupils and most of the other teachers. They both liked to share a hot drink and a chat before their working day.

“What are the plans for today then?” Luna leaned back in her seat, the casual pose would have surprised the student body and most of the staff, this was a side only Celestia and their friends saw.

“Chrys said she would let me know when she has finished the files.” Celestia said, scrolling through her personal emails on her phone. “Then I have to speak to Sunset.”

“And make your offer.” Luna said, watching her sister carefully. “Logically, a guardian and a social security number would be hard to refuse in her position. If her living space is as you say, coming to stay with us would be the better choice.”

“I know Lu, I just have to keep in mind to not let my hopes interfere. Scare her away, even.” Celestia sipped her tea. “I won't go right to the idea of adoption. Just a safe and warm place to stay.” She placed her teacup on a saucer. A conflicted expression darkened her eyes.

“I would think she would at least accept a room.” Luna drained her coffee. “She is a sensible girl.” Pausing, Luna looked at the clock, it read eight-thirty. “I had better get to my office.” She stood. “Have a good day 'Tia. I hope Chrysalis has the records ready soon.”

“Thanks Lulu, and have a good day too.” Celestia waved her sister off. She would have to wait for the records to exist before speaking to Sunset about that plan. She looked to the bag under her desk and the extra brown bag inside. “I can at least make sure she has a little extra something to eat.” She said, decided.

-*-

Sunset had jumped on the early bus, she had been worried about finding a dumpster to throw her trash in and gotten up way too early. Though, getting up early meant she found a big bag of returnable bottles, there had to be a few dollars worth inside. She'd had time to stash them away and fetch her guitar to take to school. The prospect of a little extra cash to stretch out her remaining money was cheering.

Even if her throat and eyes were feeling itchy and she had sneezed more than once this morning. “Just a cold, no biggie.” Sunset reassured herself. Her ride to school was otherwise uneventful. It was too early and the route didn't pass any of the places other students lived.

Walking in the school gates, Sunset saw there was a scattering of other students on the grounds. Mostly club or team members getting in for early practice or to book a room. Sunset smiled and waved to the few greetings she had, she wasn't unpopular, but Sunset still wasn't exactly friends with everyone.

Truthfully, a few of the students had every right to hate her. Her treatment of them in the past had been terrible. She had been vile. A few faces in the hall not smiling, the odd bump or trip as someone passed her, a muttered word... She deserved worse than that.

'Chin up Shimmer...' She thought to herself, after the rise at her triumph at the battle of the bands it looked like it was time for a fall. But she wasn't going to let it bring her down. She couldn't. Anon-o-miss had been a hurt but had been resolved. She wasn't going to break.

“Good morning Sunset.” Principal Celestia said, surprising the girl who was deep in thought.

“Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there. Good morning.” Sunset realised her walk had brought her to the main building. The principal was stood by the door, seemingly looking at the milling students.

“Are you doing okay Sunset? I hope you remember my offer.” Celestia placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder. She could feel the chill of the air holding on to the fabric of the girl's jacket.

“It's only been about a week Principal Celestia. I've been fine, nothing has changed.” Sunset shrugged. The cold wasn't the best, but she had found a sweater in a thrift store that worked out for school. At that though, she sneezed.

“Oh my, I hope you aren't coming down with anything.” Celestia smiled and Sunset could only smile back, the affection was clear on the woman's face and for a moment Sunset recalled better times in Equestria. “By the way, I was wondering.” Celestia held out a bag, she'd not noticed Sunset's drifting into thought again. “We accidentally made a little more breakfast this morning...” She trailed off, unsure how to proceed without seeming patronising.

“Sounds good.” Sunset accepted the offered bag. She wasn't too proud to go hungry when food was offered out of real care and compassion. That the educator was stuck for words told Sunset she wasn't being pitying. “Uh, it is vegetarian right?” Sunset didn't want to be impolite but did have her dietary preferences.

“Of course.” Celestia smiled, then looked to her watch. “I had better get back to my office. Take care Sunset.”

“Thank you.” Sunset said, grateful for a breakfast. Most days she would end up with some creation of Pinkie's from the night before, or one of the slices of cold toast Rainbow didn't want (the athlete was often running late and would not get around to eating all the slices she grabbed when leaving her home). The bag contained some muffins, still fluffy and a little warm. Sunset grinned, today was looking good, even with the sniffles.

-*-

“Ugh... I think I've caught something.” Sunset lay her head on the lunch table, she'd not really felt like ordering food, her head was stuffy and her throat was sore.

“Are you sure there's nothing you feel like eating? Ah can probably convince Granny Smith to get you something from out back.” Applejack laid a hand on Sunset's back.

“Here.” Fluttershy said, her quite voice was sweet and caring. She placed a steaming mug on the table by Sunset.

“What's that?” Sunset could just about smell the contents, it wasn't tea or coffee.

“I have packet soups in my bag. Sometimes when it is really cold I like to have one. This one is carrot and coriander.” Fluttershy smiled her angelic smile. “Soup always helps me feel better when I have a cold.”

“Thank you Fluttershy.” Sunset managed a smile, it really was excellent to have friends. She sat up and picked up the mug, taking a deep whiff of the enticing scent before sipping. It was a tasty soup, even if it was just dry soup mix and water from a packet. “Mmmm, thanks 'Shy. This is just what I needed.”

“You're welcome.” Fluttershy carried on smiling and tucked in to her own lunch. After a while the girls started talking amongst themselves. The usual lunchtime chatter.

The conversation mostly went over Sunset's head, she was not feeling well at all and it was hard to concentrate. She finished off the soup without feeling queasy, but her head was still stuffy and it was making her eyes ache too. Someone said her name and Sunset looked up, “Hmm?”

“You going to be okay until the end of the school day?” Rainbow asked, narrowing her eyes, she had said it twice before her friend had noticed. “I'm sure Principal Celestia will let you call a ride home if you are too ill.”

“I'm good. Only an hour or two more to go. I might have to give band practice a miss though.” Sunset waved off the concern.

“If you're sure darling.” Rarity sounded unconvinced. “At least go to the nurses office would you?”

Sunset blinked, it would be sensible, but then Nurse Redheart would tell Principal Celestia and then she would get concerned and take Sunset out of school for the afternoon. But she knew full well where Sunset would go otherwise and wouldn't let that slide. “I'm fine girls. That soup helped a lot. Then I will get home.”

There was a chorus of unwilling agreement. Though Pinkie had some menthol and honey candy that she insisted Sunset have as they left the cafeteria for classes.

-*-

Sunset ducked out of school nearly immediately after the bell had rung. She'd only been feeling worse since lunch. Her last class was advanced calculus, a subject she didn't share with her friends, so she had hurried to the library for her phone and only stuck around to fill one water bottle. One would be enough for the night anyway.

Deciding her guitar would be safe on school property, she left the school grounds to catch a bus home. Fortunately she didn't pass anyone who would have cared she was unwell, it wasn't something she wanted to deal with right now.

She still had a muffin left to have for supper, Applejack had given her a bag of cinnamon-apple-chips that the family was hoping to sell in the 'Winter Wrapped-Up Fayre' at the park and Sunset knew her cooler box had to have at least a couple of carrots in. She'd have some food now without needing to call at a store. Meaning she could get right to bed.

Glad to get right home, Sunset found her bus stop. It wasn't long before one came by and she rode home.

-*-

When Sunset didn't attend school on Wednesday, Celestia was a little concerned. She thought about going to check on the girl, but after a hectic day of running the school and a meeting with the PTA, she didn't manage to fit it in.

Sunset's friends tried calling her phone when she wasn't in by lunch. “Hey...” Sunset croaked down the line. “I'm not feeling so good, I don't want to spread it around.” Her words were broken by a coughing fit. “See? Heh, I'm fine here at home. You guys better stay back, I don't want you getting sick.”

“If you're sure sugar cube.” Applejack said, she'd set her phone to speaker so everyone could hear.

“It's fine girls... Gimme a day, I'll be back in soon. Just got a little dizzy when I woke up so thought I'd stick in bed.” Sunset sounded quite ill, but the girls didn't want to press.

“Alright. But let any of us know if you need anything.” Fluttershy piped up. “When you are coming back, could you tell me, if that's okay? I was going to bring in some soup for you.”

“Thanks 'Shy. I'll keep that in mind.” They could hear Sunset was still cheerful, so the girls said their goodbyes, sent their love and rang off.

With her phone in her hand, Sunset thumbed down to Celestia's number. She looked at it, hovering over the name to dial but locked her phone instead.

Though it was probably unfair to the woman, Princess Celestia had not been the mare Sunset needed in her life. It coloured her perception of the principal.

A deep need for love that Sunset held had twisted into ambition once it had become clear that Celestia did not see her as anything more than a bright student. Sunset decided that achievement was the answer, high scores and good marks earning praise that could be a little like love. Her ambition to earn praise, that had started out as seeking a way to make the princess love her, changed. It darkened into an ambition that had turned into a soul-less quest for power. Power meant high marks, high scores, respect and praise. Power was what she had desired as her ambition swallowed everything besides.

Unbidden, her thoughts drove deep into the roiling hurt and deep sadness that had been uncapped when the relentless ambition was burned away. Everything she had shielded herself from, while unwittingly burying all the good in her, was shielded for a reason.

Sunset blinked back tears, being sick was very bad for her emotional state too. She had spent the day in bed but was still exhausted, hungry and thirsty. Sunset took a sparing sip of her water. One bottle hadn't been the best idea after all. But a day of resting would mean she was ready for school in the morning right? She'd be fine.

-*-

Thursday arrived, Sunset had texted her friends that she was still sick, the coughing and sore throat meant she had lost her voice. There were a number of replies wishing her a speedy recovery and sending their love. A little brightness in the gloom for the girl.

She again fretted over maybe calling Celestia for a little help. If nothing else, the teacher could get some more water and a few over-the-counter medicines for her, but once more she decided against it.

A voice, a growing voice, told her she didn't warrant the concern anyway. It would be an inconvenience for the woman, to have to go out of her way to help. Sunset didn't deserve it.

In her little room, in the cold, Sunset pulled her blankets closer and tried to sleep away the sickness. Coughing weakly into the bitter air.

-*-

On Friday not one of the girls had received a message or call from Sunset by lunch time. “All I get is a phone is switched off message when I call.” Pinkie said, worry haunting her eyes. Of the group, she knew the most about everyone, but still did not know where Sunset lived.

“I messaged her last night and didn't get a reply.” Fluttershy said. “I hope she's just forgotten to charge her phone.”

“I do that, or I run it out playing games.” Rainbow had a nervous grin, she was worried about Sunset too. Her attempt to quash the worry hadn't even convinced herself. “Does anyone know where Sunset lives?”

“No.” Rarity said, flicking through her diary. “I have addresses for so many students at this school, but nothing for our friend. I would say that right now it would be easier to visit Princess Twilight than Sunset Shimmer!” She gesture to the statue and the portal.

“We should go to Principal Celestia.” Applejack said. “We don't know where Sunset lives, we don't know if she has folk to look out for her.” The farm girl looked aggrieved. “All we do know is that she's sick.”

“I would say that is the best idea.” Rarity stood up from the steps, the others joined her.

It was a purposeful group who reached the door to the office suite. Applejack and Rainbow knocked the door. Ms Schreibtisch opened it. “Yes Girls?” She looked at the pair who had knocked and the three others behind. If this group was here, something must have happened.

“Is Principal Celestia here? We need to speak with her. It's kind of important.” Rainbow said as politely as possible. The school secretary was not unkind, but she was fierce when she needed to be and had little patience for anything she deemed 'time-wasting'.

“She is. Come in.” The door was held as all five girls went into the ante-room and the secretary was quick to enter the Principal's office. Within moments she was back, “You can go in, she was having lunch but you five have never come here without reason.” She held open the office door and shut it behind them.

Principal Celestia was sat at her desk, there was a bowl with a pair of chop-sticks sticking from it in front of her, but she did not look displeased to see them. “Hello girls, is everything alright? I see Sunset is not with you.” As she spoke, Celestia realised the absent notices that had passed by her desk. As there had been a lot of sickness absence this week, she had not paid much attention to those notes mentioning student names of those who did not play hookey regularly.

“That's the problem Ma'am, she was off sick on Wednesday, but answered our calls.” Applejack said.

“She texted us yesterday to say she was still not feeling so good, and she had lost her voice.” Fluttershy spoke barely above a whisper, holding tight to her phone.

“She didn't contact any of us today.” Rarity said, the others nodded at her words.

“And now we can't get a connection. No messages, no replies to our texts.” Rainbow was frustrated at being unable to help her friend. “We just get a phone switched off robot.”

“I don't know where Sunset lives.” Pinkie Pie's hair had deflated, as had the girl. “I don't have any other numbers. We're worried about Sunny.”

“Is there any contact or address we can have, just to check in? Did someone call from home to say she is still sick?” Fluttershy was louder now. Asking something she knew was probably against the rules.

Behind her eyes, masked by professional poise, Celestia was panicking. Sunset had been ill and out of school three days. That was three days of no food, three days of no power for her phone, three days of cold. Possibly three days without water. That was bad news for a healthy person. Sunset was ill, she'd told her friends that much. But Sunset had not been 100% in quite a while, if her mention of going hungry was a regular thing. Celestia held back the emotions that the bad thoughts gave rise to.

“I'm sorry girls, I can't share her private information, even for friends it is against the rules.” Celestia knew she was shielding them with the useful truth. “I'll also have to check if the student administration has had any calls to register her reason for absence.” That one was a hard lie. Celestia knew full well there would be no logged call, just like she knew that Sunset was right this moment sick and alone.

“Ah thought as much.” Applejack sighed. “Sorry for taking up your lunch.”

“I don't mind your visit.” Celestia wanted to hurry them from the office, but she didn't want the teenagers worried. “I'm sure Sunset would appreciate your concern girls. Once I know what is going on I'll try and let you know if rules allow.”

“Thank you.” The girls all said, still upset but glad that they had at least asked. The five trooped out of the office. Celestia caught a “Well that was a bust!” from Rainbow before the door was shut.

She inhaled, she exhaled, closing her eyes and steeling herself. Flicking a switch on her desk Celestia spoke aloud. “Luna, its an Emergency. It's Sunset.”

“Ow.” Sunset rubbed at her arm and glared at Rainbow, “What was that for?”

“For being so stupid, you dummy!” Rainbow growled. “You didn't think one of us would have you while you were sick?” Her words rose in volume. “No food, no medicine, no water? You coulda died!” Her voice cracked and the athlete stared at her friend.

Sunset was nonplussed. There were a few drops in the corners of Rainbow's eyes, tears. Rainbow 'Stone Cold' Dash didn't cry often. “I'm sorry.” She spoke softly, guilt creeping in. “I wasn't in a good place right then. I was really stupid.” Rainbow wasn't one for hugs, but Sunset reached out a hand to grip her elbow, at least in a gesture of comfort.

Her second surprise was a bear hug from Rainbow. “Dummy.” The girl half whispered, still on the verge of tears.

“Dork.” Sunset bumped her forehead to Rainbow's. “Don't worry. All of you, please.” She looked to her equally upset friends. “I was in a bad place, in more ways than one, but I'm out of it now. Mom helped me realise that I wasn't helping anyone by living like that. By acting like I did.”

“And a good thing too!” Rarity scolded. “Please darling, never ever do that sort of thing again!”

“I won't Rarity. Pinkie Promise.” Sunset mimed the actions.

“Now she's got to keep it!” Pinkie said.

“Right.” Sunset nodded. “Now, it is pretty bad to leave it off on that point. No one has come to my rescue and you've not heard the nice stuff. The things that will hopefully make hearing all the sad things before, just a little better.” Rainbow had stopped hugging now, she was sat down by Fluttershy, accepting a little soothing fuss from her life-long friend. Sunset shifted position. “So, someone knew where to find me at least.”

Author's Note

Oops, forgot these last night!
Got a little carried away helping my little sister find Steampunk-ing clothes and forgot to note...
So sickness for Sunset. Time for Celestia to act.
Ms. Schreibtisch means Ms. Writing Desk. So take a guess at who she is in Equestria?
More chapters to go of course.

Chapter 5: Rescue

Their picnic was over now, but the six friends remained in the park. No one wanted to leave, or even move from the nice spot, until they had heard Sunset's story to the happy conclusion.

“When you all clued Principal Celestia in that there was a problem.I think she pretty much left the school as soon as she could.” Sunset said. She couldn't help smiling, even if there was still a little of the bad to share, everything got so much better from that point on.

“So she went to look for you?” Rainbow asked, it looked like she was puzzling through a theory.

“Yeah, besides me she was the only one who knew where I was holed up.” Sunset said, tracing and idle pattern on the blanket. “I'd not shared with anyone else where I went. So she had to go looking or break our agreement.” The red-head shrugged, “If she'd told the authorities at that point, things would have gone badly... I was unrecorded and with no known guardian. Waiting for me then was the care system at best, lab rat at the worst.”

“Sounds about right.” Rainbow agreed. “I guess from there she helped you sort out y'know, existing on record and then getting adopted?”

“Yes.” Sunset was about to go further on that track, but an indignant huff distracted her.

“Sunset Shimmer, if you think you will get away from telling to the fullest extent just how poorly you thought out your time of sickness, you have another think coming!” Rarity wagged a finger, scolding her friend, backed up by Applejack and Fluttershy.

“Ah... yeah.” Sunset gave her friends a sheepish grin. “Okay. You all deserve to hear it. Though I might not go into all the details. What's past is past, so there isn't any point to upsetting you all too much.”

As Celestia drove from the school to the building that Sunset called home, her thoughts couldn't help but fall on fearful conclusions. Sunset had missed three days of school, she was sick, she had been in poor physical condition for a while. Not only that, she had been alone and ill without heat, food or water. With her phone battery dead there was no chance to even check she was... Celestia stumbled mentally even calling the battery dead. It was a job for the woman to control her breathing.

“Calm down 'Tia. Breath.” Luna said from the passenger seat. She was worried too, but someone had to keep calm, if even for the sake of the girl they were going to find.

“I'm trying to keep a cool head Lu', but I am worried for Sunset. So many things could have happened!” Celestia rounded a corner, there was only a few blocks to go until she reached Sunset's home and hopefully the ill but otherwise unharmed girl.

“Her friends said she had been feeling under the weather on Tuesday.” Luna reminded her sister. “She might simply have a bit of a cold and be staying inside.”

“You didn't see it there Luna... It wasn't the place to be while well, let alone when sick.” Celestia halted her car. “Can you stay here? I want to be ready to move on right away if she's not here.” Celestia was quick to jump out.

“Of course. I have my phone if there is a problem.” Luna took the device from her pocket.

“Thanks.” Celestia wasted no time and made her way from the car right to the loose railings. The bolts were in place, Sunset had them with her when she left and replaced them on her return. Things were looking up.

Pulling the bolts free and shifting the railings, the teacher picked her way through the yard to the boards and Sunset's clever doorway. It wasn't too difficult to find the knot-hole. A little rummaging knocked the latch free, the bar clattered to the floor, and she swung the door open. “Please be alright Sunset.” Celestia left the door ajar.

There had not been any reaction from anyone at the noise she had made entering. It was worrying still. Up the rickety staircase, the office door was locked, the padlock in place. “High up.” Celestia muttered to herself, remembering. “Sunset? Are you alright?” She called out, unlocking the door and letting herself in. The first room was empty.

Carefully, hesitant to disturb Sunset or discover an alarming scene, Celestia went to the interior door. “Please...” It was a near silent prayer.

She opened the door and looked in. A little gasp escaped her.

Lying on the bed, wrapped in blankets upon blankets, was Sunset Shimmer, she didn't stir. “Sunset?” The teacher couldn't help the crack in her voice. Sunset took a shallow breath that turned to a deep, dry cough.

“Oh Sunset...” Celestia was in the room swiftly. She knelt down beside the bed and placed a hand to the girl's brow, Sunset was boiling up.

“Mom?” Sunset hissed through cracked lips. She sounded confused and exhausted.

That one word tore right through to Celestia's heart. This girl, this child, was suffering all alone with no one to take care of her. That decided things.

Celestia pulled out her phone and dialled. “Luna, come up, it is pretty easy to find the way. I need a little help.” She pocketed the phone as soon as Luna agreed and returned her attention to the ill girl in the make-shift bed.

“Have you had enough to drink Sunset?” Celestia asked gently. There was a half empty bottle near the bed. It was worrying her, back during her first visit the teen had explained that she replenished her drinking water from the school water fountains and Sunset had not been to school in three days now.

“Got my bottle. Got to make it last 'til I'm better.” The ill girl said, her eyes were unfocused, it was clear she was hardly aware of who was there. Celestia moved to get the girl to take a drink, she had no way of knowing if this had been all the water available to Sunset or how much she had drunk while sick. As it was, the girl eagerly drank the cool liquid, to fight the illness she should have been taking in plenty of fluids. In too short a time the bottle was drained and Celestia let the girl back down on her bed.

“Goodness, Sunset!” Luna said, entering the little room and seeing the teenager limp in bed.

“Can you pack her things? She is coming with us.” Celestia pointed to the boxes near Sunset's bed and a few of the scattered items the girl obviously treasured. Luna nodded and began putting things away as Celestia bundled Sunset up in her blankets and sleeping bag, preparing to pick her up.

“I think that is everything but the candles.” Luna lifted the single box the things had fitted in and watched as her sister easily lifted Sunset in her arms. “We're taking her home?” The girl was slack in Celestia's grip, unresisting and barely awake.

“Of course. She is sick and needs looking after. I was hoping to broach the subject under less dramatic circumstances, but she needs me, she needs us, now.” Celestia was trying to ignore just how light Sunset was in her arms. If her friends had not seen her in school since Tuesday when she had been sneezing and coming down with a cold... The implications were horrifying to the nurturing woman. Her thoughts on the journey there were no longer morbid, but Sunset was by no means out of the woods yet.

“Good.” Luna left the room with the box, faster than her sister, she returned and met Celestia halfway out of the building, helping her to carry Sunset down the rickety staircase. The girl barely reacted, mumbling and coughing weakly as she was carried out.

“Can you drive?” Celestia asked when they reached the car. Luna got the back door and took Sunset so her sister could sit on the back seat. When Celestia was settled she carefully placed the girl beside her.

“Of course.” Luna took the keys she had in her pocket.

As the car started up and pulled away, Celestia held Sunset close. “Don't worry. We're taking you home. You'll be safe and looked after.” There was no reply, but Celestia held tight. “It will all be okay.”

“Okay Fluttershy?” Sunset was somewhat crushed in a tight and clutching embrace from her sobbing friend. It was pretty much what Sunset had expected.

“You were sick and we didn't look after you.” Fluttershy said, burying her head into Sunset's hair.

“I told you though, Mom found me.” Sunset hugged Fluttershy and looked to her other friends. Who were now looking very surprised.

“Wait a minute. You're saying that Principal Celestia, our principal, adopted you?” Rainbow said, incredulous.

“Yeah. That is what I was getting to.” Sunset replied, shrugging, nonchalant even if finally revealing all was making her so happy.

“That's fantastic!” Pinkie Pie jumped for joy, confetti randomly appeared in the air. “I'm going to have to throw you a yay you're a mom and daughter party!”

Unfazed by the strange occurrence, Sunset carried on smiling. “Maybe a little low-key though? Mom doesn't want it common knowledge, if only because there are a few people at school who would give me a hard time.”

“Darling, that is sad but true, though surely we can do something in celebration.” Rarity clasped her hands together.

“Ah don't know about you, but Ah would really like to hear the story of how Sunset actually got adopted.” Applejack commented. “Ah'm glad that you and Principal Celestia got each other, but Ah am curious as to how.”

“Yeah. We can do the warm fuzzies after the story.” Rainbow grinned. “Awesome though. Our Principal knows a super spy? So cool.”

“Heh, yeah. Chrys is an interesting lady.” Sunset laughed. “I was out of it by the time Mom rescued me though. I think my fever broke a day or two later, but it was all pretty much a blank.” She'd had that part of the story shared with her after the worst was over. Celestia had been happy to share just how close everything had been, mostly to convince Sunset to stay in her care for a while longer. It wouldn't be helpful for her friends to know that part though.

Author's Note

So all is revealed and feels happen.

More to come! Not rushing things though, I have plenty I need to cover.

There might be a little radio silence, I've gotten LEGO Dimensions to play and might get a little distracted. :twilightsheepish:

Chapter 6: Awake

The reveal had gone down well, no one was anything but supportive and happy for Sunset and Celestia. She'd told the group of the sad times before and the illness that had led to her initially being taken in. “Mom brought me home right away. I didn't have any records to go to a hospital with, so there were a few favours called in.” Sunset settled in to the more comfortable part of her story.

It felt great for her friends to finally know. Their joy was infectious, it felt just as good as when she'd been adopted in the first place.

Though, that was a little while after the part of the story that Rarity had demanded be told.

It was a little upsetting to Celestia, that Sunset was going to first use the room, the room she and Luna had set up, in such an ill state she would be unlikely to notice a thing. She'd held on to vain hopes of surprise and happiness from the teen upon being presented with the space.

They were selfish thoughts but better than the absolute worry she that had had her in its grip most of the afternoon. They had brought her home, put her in the warm bed (tactfully removing the blankets and sleeping bag to be laundered) and wrapped up the shivering girl in fresh blankets.

Now Celestia could only keep watch as Luna went to collect some assistance. She'd given Sunset plenty of water to drink, having to help her, she was still delirious from fever. Her temperature was high and she had certainly not eaten in a while. “Please be okay Sunset.” Celestia whispered, not for the first time since she'd brought the girl in.

“I'm back.” Luna called up the stairs. It was the end of the school day by now, so her original plan had certainly not come to pass. The sound of two people coming up the stairs brought Celestia to the door, halting her anxious pacing.

“I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner, there was no one who could cover the office for the day.” Redheart was first to the bedroom door, a medical bag in her arms. “Luna explained everything to me, but everyone qualified was too busy to take the office.”

“It's fine. This is a little more a favour than any duty.” Celestia said.

“I think I would say it is both.” Redheart said. “You are my friend and Sunset is a student.” She spotted the girl on the bed and her face fell. The nurse hurried over, Celestia would have followed but Luna caught her, placing a comforting hand on her back.

“Okay?” Luna said softly. She could feel the tension in her sister's shoulders, Celestia was certainly worried.

“As I can be.” Celestia admitted, watching the nurse check Sunset over. “I just keep thinking, if I had paid attention to the non-attendance notice on Wednesday, or even yesterday... Maybe she wouldn't be this sick.” she had her arms crossed, grabbing her elbows, another distraction tactic.

“She'll be okay 'Tia, she's a strong kid.” Luna hugged her sister. They waited for the prognosis.

Redheart finished her check and stood up. “She definitely has the 'flu. I think you should keep on giving her a lot of water, she's not been drinking enough at all.” She joined Luna and Celestia. “I'd recommend bed rest, fluids and what food she will eat.” Redheart looked over at the girl. “If she were any worse I would tell you to take her to the hospital. But from what I've been told, that could open a whole can of worms that will be worse for her in the long run.” She sighed. “I am doing you a favour Celestia, but please, make sure that she can be seen by a doctor soon. I'm worried I might have missed something.”

“Thank you. We are working on records, as soon as I get the go-ahead, she'll see our doctor.” Celestia ran a hand through her hair, calculating how long left until Chrysalis had said she would be finished. “Thank you for coming.”

Redheart gripped her hand. “Take care of her.” With that she left the room. Luna took her to the door.

“Sunset, you're going to be alright.” Celestia went and sat on the bed beside the girl. She'd not really stirred since they had brought her here. “You're going to be alright.” It was a statement, it was a hope. Celestia wasn't sure which it was most, but she had to say it aloud.

-*-

A sore throat, sticky eyes, a headache and joint pains greeted Sunset when she woke up. Really, waking was gradual. At first she thought she was dreaming, she was warm and wrapped in a soft blanket on a comfortable bed. Her throat wasn't parched, even if it was sore from her illness.

She opened her eyes , grimacing at the effort it took. 'Where am I?' Sunset thought to herself. It certainly wasn't her space in the old tram-house. In the dim light she noticed the clean ceiling, the nice bed, the painted walls. There were still a lot of candles around the place though, and opposite where she lay, Sunset could just make out the colourful Rainbooms poster. So wherever she was, someone had made an effort to make her feel at home.

There was a glass of water on the bedside table and a few objects she couldn't really make out. All in all though, it felt safe and it was warm. Somewhere a lot better to wake in than the cold and decrepit building she'd lived in for three years.

Awakening more, Sunset realised something else; a comforting presence was beside her. A hand rested on her arm from someone behind her, it was reassuring to the teen. Shifting a little to look, Sunset gave a hoarse squeak when she saw who it was.

Principal Celestia was sat in a chair beside the bed, her hand outstretched to be in contact with Sunset. She was asleep in the chair, not a comfortable looking position.

It was unexpected to say the least.

Now Sunset was conflicted. She wanted to get the water, but moving would more than likely disturb Celestia and she didn't want to wake the woman. After a few beats the need for a drink won out. As Sunset carefully moved to pick up the water she heard Celestia stir.

“Sunset? Are you okay.” Celestia sounded tired but not angry in any way.

“I still feel pretty ill.” Sunset managed to croak out, her voice was still beset by her symptoms. She shuffled to sit up and drink her water. Smiling as the cool liquid soothed her throat and washed some of the funky taste out of her mouth. “Is this your house?”

“Yes, it is.” Celestia stretched stiffened limbs. She'd not intended to sleep in the chair, but she had not intended to sleep at all. “Let me check your temperature.” Fumbling about on the dresser beside her, Celestia found the thermometer strip and placed it on Sunset's forehead.

Sunset found herself leaning in to the touch, it was so comforting. The care her teacher was showing made her feel...happy. Long forgotten wishes were unfurling in her mind, the illness and her fatigue meant she couldn't hold them back. Wishes that had been unfulfilled by a princess, that then had set her on a dark path.

For some reason though, here in the company of a woman who shared the mare's name, Sunset was not afraid of the path she'd once walked. She was not concerned about returning to it now those wishes had come back. A happy sound caught in her throat.

“Are you alright?” Celestia said, alarmed. Sunset coughed a little, the noise had been mangled by the swelling in her throat.

“I'm fine...” Sunset said, blushing a little. “It's just, I guess it's all this; being ill and you taking care of me... It is like having a mom again.” The words tumbled out and Sunset had to just let them go. She took another sip of water to quell a coughing fit. “It is making me feel so happy.” Now she was sure her cheeks would be glowing.

It was a surprise then, to see Celestia looking just as pleased. “I'm glad I could help.” The woman turned away and was certainly looking on the dresser counter again. What Sunset didn't know was that Celestia need to regain her composure, she did not want to blurt out her idea all at once and scare the teen away.

“This is a nice guest room.” Sunset said, trying to move on from the slightly embarrassing line of conversation she'd started.

“It's not a guest room really.” Celestia said absent mindedly. She had found the cold-cure she had been looking for.

“Oh my gosh, it's not your room is it!” Sunset's voice cracked and she moved to leave the bed.

“No, don't worry. My room is down the hall, Luna's is opposite.” Celestia placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder and pressed her to the bed. “Take some cold cure, finish off the water.” The calm words were firm and cut through the teen's panic. Sunset took the pills and then drained her glass.

“Sorry.” She settled back into bed, Celestia took the glass and urged her to lie down.

“It isn't a problem. You're sick and in a strange place. Sleep some more and we'll talk when you are awake.” Celestia tucked her in. “I'll bring a fresh glass of water, or would you prefer a lemonade or some juice?”

“I think water will be fine. Thanks.” Sunset snuggled into the soft fabric.

“Oh, the bathroom is through that door.” Celestia pointed out a door in the corner. “Now, I want you to sleep in the warm with plenty of water to drink.”

“'kay.” Sunset mumbled, she was feeling tired again, ready to sleep. “'Night.”

“Good night Sunset.” Celestia said, smiling from the doorway. Out of the room, in the kitchen she realised she was still beaming. “Keep it together woman...” She said to herself. “Sunset is ill and a guest. I have to wait to ask her about this.” She poured a glass of water. Still smiling.

Back in Sunset's room the girl had already fallen asleep. Celestia tweaked the covers and blankets to cover her better and placed the glass on the side table. “Sleep well Sunset.” She whispered. Now that the teen had woken, with her fever down and had taken some pills and more water, Celestia felt able to go to bed. With one last look to the sleeping girl and one last clench of her heart, she retired to her bed.

-*-

There was sunlight, untainted by twin layers of dusty and cracked glass, streaming into the room. Sunset was awake slowly again, from a realisation that she was cocooned in soft blankets to sitting up. She felt a lot better, though still not well, she drank from the glass on the side table. With the light from outside illuminating things, she was free to look around the room.

In the actual light of day, Sunset could see the room a lot better. The bed was dressed in shades of black, yellow and magenta, the curtains were similar and the floor was possibly real hardwood. The teen grinned, she was looking forward to feeling that under her feet.

The furnishings were dark coloured, to match the bed Sunset guessed. A desk, bookshelves, dresser, chest of drawers and wardrobe were spread around. A chair was next to her bed, it looked like it belonged by the desk though, as the table did not have its usual company. Candles, unused but of every shape and size, were on a number of the surfaces in the room. Even across the wide head-board of the bed. As she had noticed in the night, her Rainbooms poster was on the wall, in a poster frame. An effort really had been made to help her feel at home.

What most surprised Sunset though, was the amplifier and stand in the corner. Her box of books was beside it, a few other items she had left around her little home stuck out of the top. On the desk there was her photo with her friends. 'I suppose with me out of there for now at least, Principal Celestia didn't want to leave them.' Sunset told herself. Trying not to let the feeling of loss and disappointment rise too high in her chest at the idea of her stay being temporary.

A pressing urge had her out of the bed and to the door pointed out as the bathroom. Sunset was glad she remembered that bit. It led to a small bathroom with a shower and all the necessary things. A pair of soft towels were on a rack and a new toothbrush in a cup by the sink. There were plenty of toiletries in neutral scents in the shower and on the sink. So the bathroom at least looked like it was for a guest.

At the sink, Sunset decided to try and freshen up. She still wasn't exactly sure what day it was, let alone the time. Her sleep wear was not looking its best, the sweatshirt and jog-bottoms had been on since she'd gotten home from school on Tuesday. She didn't use the magenta pyjama-pair Rarity had gifted her unless she was at a sleepover. It wasn't warm enough in the tram-shed and she was worried about wearing them out, or not having them clean when staying around her friends.

Returning to the room, Sunset heard a light tap on the door. “Hello?” Her voice was nowhere near approaching normal, but it was more than a hiss.

“Can I come in?” Celestia was the other side of the door. It puzzled Sunset that she'd ask for entry to somewhere in her own home.

“Of course.” Sunset went to sit on her bed and finish off the glass of water. Celestia entered, a bundle of clothes in her arms. “Good morning.”

“Afternoon actually.” Celestia smiled, “Though I appreciate the sentiment.” She walked to the chair and sat down. “I've brought you some fresh clothes, nothing too fancy, just a shirt and lounge pants. They're some of Luna's I'm afraid, there weren't many clothes to bring when we found you yesterday and those are still in the dryer.” She placed the pile on the bed.

“Thank you.” Sunset turned, sitting cross-legged on the bed. “So, um... What...” Sunset stumbled on her words a little. Trying to figure out the best way to ask, well, all of the questions she had.

“It is Saturday afternoon. I believe you may have lost Friday, the girls couldn't get any answer from you that day.” Celestia placed the clothes on the bed. “They came to me, very worried to have not heard from you.”

“I sent them texts, but I can't remember anything after that.” Sunset admitted.

“Once they had told me, I went right to see you. You were in a bad way so I brought you home.” Celestia placed a hand to her Sunset's shoulder. “You should have called me.”

“I thought I would be okay.” Sunset looked away from the caring eyes. “I've not been sick in a long time and I got better quickly then.” She rubbed at her arm.

“Teenagers, you think you're invincible.” Celestia sighed. “Anyway, we've had you checked over by Nurse Redheart. You've not had enough to drink after barely having anything for days.” Celestia scolded with that and pulled her hand back.

“I didn't think I wouldn't make it back to school.” Sunset said, it was dawning on her just how close a call this had been. “I'm sorry.” She closed her eyes. “I was stupid wasn't I?”

“A little foolhardy I would say. Not thinking quite right.” Celestia gently drew Sunset's closer. “Not stupid.” The hug was caring, understanding...motherly. Sunset leaned into it, accepting the concern and affection she had long yearned for. “I hadn't wanted to bring you here quite so suddenly and without your agreement though.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset was quite content to bask in the warm feelings being shared. She'd missed it in her years alone, admittedly, most of that time she hadn't been aware of missing it. She'd realised soon enough that it had been what had left a hole in her heart.

“I'm going to be frank with you Sunset.” Celestia drew back a little to see the girl's face. “After I saw your living conditions I decided to personally rectify the situation.” She waved around the room. “This was all set up for you. So you could live here at least until you were able to live alone. Financially able, you certainly did well enough alone in the past.”

“I sort of figured it wasn't quite a guest room.” Sunset smiled, mostly to reassure Celestia, she recognised the expression of apprehension on the woman's face. “It is really nice.” She looked around the clean, warm, well lit room. She could feel the comfortable bed beneath her and imagine how nice life would be without the gnawing anxiety of surviving to contend with.

“I'm glad you like it. I was worried I had overstepped a mark.” Celestia looked at the candles she had gathered in the short time since seeing Sunset's room in the derelict building. Her glance strayed to the amp and stand for Sunset's guitar and the poster on the wall. “I am afraid I got a little carried away in creating a space to convince you to come stay here.”

“It would have worked.” Sunset said, realising that the colours were shades she herself favoured, that the candles were set on trays so they could be lit without making a mess. Noticing that even some of the book titles on the shelves included those she had spoken of liking.

“Would?” There was a crack of apprehension in Celestia's voice.

“If I'd not gotten sick and made it so you had to bring me in, I think I would have said yes to living here if you had just presented this room to me.” Sunset grabbed the water glass again and took a long sip, the talking was making her croak again. “Getting sick has been a wake-up call.” She coughed, hoarse and slightly painfully.

“Here.” Celestia picked a pill bottle from the table and took out one. “They help with a cough.” She explained. Sunset nodded and managed to gulp one down in between the spasms.

“See? I do need to have someone who can be there. I probably wouldn't be so ill now if I lived somewhere warm and dry and clean.” Sunset looked up at Celestia. “I'd really like it if this could be my room.”

“So you want to stay?” Celestia kept herself from being much too overjoyed, her other offer would be too much too fast. That Sunset would be staying here was a load of her mind and heart thought. The girl would be safe and looked after, well fed and living a slightly better life.

“I'd really like too.” Sunset said, shy all of a sudden. She ignored the negative thoughts crowing on about the princess, about the last time she had been taken in. “All this... It is so lovely and I know you want me here, going to all that effort.” She stopped when Celestia hugged her.

“You are most certainly welcome here.” Celestia was smiling and so so happy. She would find the right moment to broach the other subject on her mind. “Now, I'll leave you to freshen up, I'm sure you are looking forward to hot water in a shower.” She chuckled lightly at the very bright expression that crossed Sunset's face.

“Shower? I spotted a bath in there, I've not had one of those in a looong time.” Sunset grinned. “I used to have hour long soaks back in Equestria.”

“Alright then.” Celestia stood up from the bed. “If you need anything just give a shout. Enjoy you bath.” She smiled softly and went to the door.

“Thank you.” Sunset said, so sincerely. Celestia's smile was genuine and loving.

Sunset had trailed off from telling her story. Recalling the first moments she had realised that Celestia had wanted her there. Hindsight, knowing how things had improved from there was overwhelming her with positive emotions.

“Sunset, are you okay?” Fluttershy's gentle concern broke Sunset from her reverie. “You're crying.”

“I'm fine, really. Just, so happy. Remembering it all.” Sunset wiped her eyes and willingly leaned into the hug her caring friend offered.

“It's just soooo swee-hee-hee-heet!” Pinkie Pie began blubbering, a little over the top but the party girl always strove for great heights. Her reaction started everyone laughing.

Author's Note

You know, this was frustrating at first to write because of one small detail: There is no such thing as Lucozade in the US.
Or to put it correctly, proper Lucozade is not there. The sport version is like Gatorade and Powerade and the rest, but the Energy kind is not sold outside the UK.
It is frustrating, because my family tradition/wisdom puts it that Lucozade is the best when you're down with a cold or the 'flu or any of those other ills. You know, the ones where you don't feel like eating and your energy is near nil.
So yeah, it was annoying that I couldn't use that and it irked me all chapter! Sometimes it is the little things...

Anywho: Yay Sunset and Celestia! More feels coming soon!

Chapter 7: File

Eyes dried, breath caught from laughing at Pinkie's antics and ready to begin again, Sunset settled in to telling the rest of her story.

“So you were taken in while you were ill. When did Principal Celestia adopt you?” Rainbow was blunt as ever. Applejack elbowed her.

“A few weeks later.” Sunset shrugged. “She had some things to sort out first. Chrys had to finish the records, Mom had to figure out how to ask me, I had to decide what I wanted and Discord had to formalise the whole thing.” Sunset counted them off on her fingers. “Then there was me actually getting better first, Mom didn't want to rush me into anything or seem like she was pressuring me. She said that it made her feel bad enough asking me to stay when I was sick. She was so worried that I had felt pushed to that decision.”

“She's so kind.” Fluttershy said. “Lots of people wouldn't even think of that!”

“Wowie, that is a lot to work on!” Pinkie said. “And with all of that, Principal Celestia still had all her work stuff too!”

-*-

Sunset had been away from school for a week now. Celestia had personally told all five girls that Sunset was alright, if ill. Sunset herself had phoned each of her friends once her voice had returned a little better.

That hadn't stopped the rumour mill though. A number had spread, some were simple jokes about her playing hookey but others were nastier. Sunset had been finally sent away, Sunset had run away because that's what she should have done a long time ago. One person had asserted that Sunset had finally done the world a favour and jumped.

That particular sentiment had been overheard by Fluttershy, the girl had fled in floods of tears and run into Vice Principal Luna. The perpetrator had found herself in a whole world of trouble for that comment.

Luna had returned Fluttershy to her friends. “I assure you, Principal Celestia and I have checked up on Sunset and she is recovering from a bad bout of the 'flu. Once the risk of secondary infection has passed she can return to school.” Luna had left out the details, there was little point to revealing that Sunset was in a bedroom at her house.

“I know, but it just made me so sad that someone could say that!” Fluttershy squeaked, Pinkie buried her in a hug to try and cheer the girl up.

“They are being dealt with.” Luna said grimly, her sister would hear about this for certain. Ever the professional, the student would be penalised accordingly. “Please do not worry.”

“It's a good job no one said that around me.” Rainbow muttered darkly. Luna couldn't fault the girl her loyalty. The words spoken by the offender were close enough to home that she, the adult in the situation, was having a job to not get “correctional” on the student.

-*-

Living in someone else's house was a little awkward for Sunset. It had only been a few days and she still wasn't quite sure of the boundaries. Of course, Luna had made it clear that her room was off limits, as was the basement which was in her control. Sunset had her own room and the lounge to use. Celestia had told her it was fine to use the kitchen, she had stocked up on vegetarian friendly snacks and the soda Sunset liked best. She wasn't happy to cook, but there were plenty of tasty apples and carrots to eat.

She spent most of her day reading books and taking the tablets Celestia had recommended at the right times. She still felt dreadful, drained and exhausted physically, even if emotionally she was better than she had been in her whole life. Her cough wasn't going anywhere and it made Celestia wince whenever she heard it.

Sitting more comfortably on her bed, Sunset flipped the page of her book. “I hope we get some records soon. At least then she'd feel less guilty that I can't go to a doctor.” She spoke aloud, Sunset was used to being alone, even lonely, but a week without her friends was getting to her.

Eyes wandering around the room, she spotted the her journal. Maybe Twilight would be around to talk with? On their last letter the pony princess had shared that there wasn't very much to do at the moment.

Picking up the book and selecting a pen, Sunset began to write. A lot had happened in the past few days and at least one friend deserved to be kept updated.

-*-

Leaving the school at the end of her working day, Celestia was relieved to be getting home. As promised, a black suited man with a case had delivered a file of certificates, documents, cards and numbers to prove Sunset existed as a legitimate entity. A letter from Chrysalis shared that she'd set it up in the manner of a witness protection scheme. “No questions asked.” Was the woman's promise and Celestia trusted her.

As soon as she had the papers in her hand, including the all important record that placed Sunset formally in her care, Celestia had called her family doctor and set up an appointment for the very next day. Sunset would get a full physical and whatever treatments she needed.

It was a load off Celestia's mind.

More had been added of course. Nasty rumours had been spreading around. One such gossip, a certain Bitter Leaves, had been sent to her office. She'd sent the girl to the school counsellor and requested a “sensitivity” talk to be arranged.

“I am so very glad to be going home.” Luna said as they left the building together. They waved to the janitor when they passed him.

“Yes, me too. When I heard what Bitter Leaves had said... Are you alright Lu?” With no students around, she could be casual with her sister again. They had both decided on the rule of formality, if only to create a sense of demarcation between home and work.

“I am fine. Though Sunset might find herself the recipient of a hug.” Luna thought a moment “Or at least a chocolate bar. Physical affection might confuse her, hurry up and ask!”

“I can't rush her Luna, she needs to know she is welcome in our home first.” Celestia sighed. Luna was not often patient when she had taken to an idea.

“I suppose.” Luna grumbled, nothing like the senior educator who had stepped from the school building, but exactly the sister Celestia loved.

“Are you stopping at the house this evening?” Celestia unlocked her car and Luna stood by her own.

“I've got some plans this evening, with a friend. I won't be back late, just no need for a meal at home tonight.” Luna grinned.

“Okay then, have a good time.” Celestia smiled and climbed into her car. Her sister went to the gym after work and with evening plans, she likely had a change of clothes for that. It meant she had an evening alone with Sunset, just what she needed for handing over the documents.

-*-

The house was quiet when Celestia returned. She was mildly concerned as she walked through, there was no sign of Sunset. The educator was beginning to think she should worry when she came across the teen. Sunset was sat on a couch in the lounge, engrossed in a book. She was still wearing pyjamas, these ones were new; Celestia and Luna had stopped off to buy some things in Sunset's size so the teen needn't borrow anymore. Even though it had been a minute since Celestia had spotted her, the girl still didn't notice.

Celestia took the chance to spend a moment and just watch. It gave her a warmth in her heart to see Sunset relaxed and happy. Safe, warm and getting well. Once again, her heart called out for the girl to be family. The file was in her hands, just one question and they could go to the courthouse and make it real. “Hello Sunset.” Celestia greeted the girl, she had to stop daydreaming before she spilled out her request too soon.

“Oh! Hi.” The teen jumped a little. “Sorry, I got caught up reading.” She smiled shyly.

“Ah yes, I find myself lost in a good book when I have a day off.” Celestia smiled. She placed the file of documents on the coffee table. “Would you like some supper now or later?”

“I'm alright for now. I had some toast a not so long ago.” Sunset had been nervous to rummage around for too much food. She'd not cooked before, but toasters were easy to use and she had found a jar of honey too. It was a relief to be able to get food when she was hungry.

“Good, I was concerned you would be too respectful to help yourself to food.” Celestia smiled. “I have some things I want to talk to you about. So if you don't mind, I'll brew a pot of tea and we can have a good chat.”

“Alright.” Sunset put her book down and looked at the file. She wondered what was in there. Surely it wasn't her school records? Principal Celestia had been at pains to explain to Sunset that while the slate would not be wiped clean, her good deeds and improved behaviour would be marked in as much detail as the bad.

After the battle of the bands, both Celestia and Luna had apologised for their siren influenced suggestion in their office. Thanking Sunset and her friends for the actions to free the student body. So that wasn't going to be an issue. Anon-o-miss had been resolved

Hopefully this was a good thing then. Celestia had been smiling right? She had invited Sunset into her home, this wasn't going to send Sunset away, or the woman would not have asked her in.

It had to be good. Sunset just kept telling herself that.

-*-

After a short while, Celestia returned with a pot of tea and two cups. She sat down beside Sunset and placed the teapot and cups on the table. “I take it you are wondering what is in this file?”

“Yes. I know it has to be a good thing right?” Sunset eyed the unassuming looking file. It could have anything inside.

“A friend of mine is very well connected.” Celestia said, picking up the file and drawing out the documents. “I did promise to solve your situation with minimal risk to your liberty and attendance at school...” She trailed off and placed each document on the table.

“Are these?” Sunset spoke barely above a whisper. “These...” Sunset reached out and traced a finger over her birth certificate, it was hers, her name was printed on the sheet of paper. It was official. Amongst the documents there was a social security card, a real number and her name indelibly marked on the plastic.

Celestia's contact had outdone herself, there was even a learner's permit amongst the regular papers.

“Sunset, are you alright?” Celestia asked, clearly concerned. “You're crying.”

“I'm just so happy.” Sunset said, she'd not noticed the tears. This was what she needed. This was existence, a record. A way to a real future here in the human world. “I'm officially someone.” Sunset picked up the birth certificate to take a better look.

She regretted that. There were generic sounding place-holder names in the spaces for parents. A stark reminder, she was not from this world. She didn't belong. 'Why is she doing this?' A voice, a cruel voice said in her mind.

Taking a look over the papers, trying to distract herself, Sunset spotted another sheet of paper. An official looking letter that proclaimed Celestia to be her legal guardian. While part of her was thrilled, the voice was not so.

'She's probably just covering her back. I'll bet there was a lot of hushing up to do, over us. Since we came here really.' The voice was the demon, Sunset couldn't escape that truth, that voice that so haunted her nightmares. Now free in her waking hours too. 'She can't possibly care about us Sunny, you don't deserve any of this.'

Sunset battled the tightness in her chest, the terrible feelings that the thoughts were awakening. A logical part of her mind knew that she'd had a bad time of things in school recently. That she had been ill, worn out. The bad and the sad were escaping her control. But the logic was being shoved aside by the demon.

“Why?” Sunset spoke, to the apparition and to to Celestia.

“Because you are are an exceptional young woman Sunset.” Celestia took her hand and smoothed her thumb across the back of it. “You deserve a fair chance. The same chances your peers have.” Celestia was trying to be soothing. The woman had no idea she was repeating what a mare had said a long time ago.

Sunset tried to listen to the now. To what was happening today. But the empty space on the paper and, honestly, inside her, was clawing and dark. Hard to ignore.

“She said that.” Sunset whispered. “I was exceptional, I should have every chance.” The tears of joy had turned bitter. “But she didn't want me, she didn't want...” Sunset broke off into a sob.

“Sunset?” Celestia was at a loss. It was obvious the girl was hurting but she had no idea why. “Sunset, what's wrong?”

“It all happened before! She didn't see, so, so I was going to – to make her see. To make myself good enough.” Sunset stuttered and sobbed. “I strived for power, if I had power then she would want me. But then I, I just desired the power. I... More and more – I don't want that path again!” She buried her face in her hands.

Everything was boiling over, it was all escaping. She was warm and safe, worn and ill. Of course it was going to come out now. But gentle fingers were running though her hair and a comforting arm was around her. It pulled her closer and she was leaning in to a soft sweater.

“Was this the princess?” Celestia asked. Sunset nodded against her. “I can't even begin to understand Sunset. I don't know about where you came from or much about how you came to be here.”

“I guess you don't do you? Princess Twilight has heard both sides of the story, I told the girls my story.” Sunset paused and blinked some tears away. “I owe it to you to tell you. To let you know who it is you've brought into your home.” She bit her lip, nervous as to the result of this openness.

“Whatever happens Sunset, I won't be throwing you out. I was telling the truth when I said we want you here.” Celestia took the teen's hands again, to reassure her and because Sunset looked so flighty the woman was worried she would bolt.

“Alright.” Sunset paused. “I come from a magical land called Equestria. A land filled with creatures that are just legends here. The dominant species are ponies...”

-*-

“The whole thing? You told Celestia all about being a magical talking horse?” Rainbow puzzled.

“Pony.” Sunset corrected. “I don't call you an ape, please don't call me a horse.” She levelled a glare at her friend. “And yes, of course I did. She had to hear everything from me.”

“Straight from the horse's mouth!” Pinkie giggled.

“Pinkie Pie!” Sunset groaned. “Please tell me this is not going to be a new thing. “

“What did you say?” Rainbow said, cocking an eyebrow. “I didn't quite catch that, I think you're a little horse.” That earned a shove from Sunset and a push back from the athlete. Pinkie joined in for good measure. Soon all three were rough-housing as Applejack and Fluttershy looked on, bemused.

“Girls. Would you please stop the horse-play, its simply not ladylike.” Rarity managed to laugh out.

“Et tu Rarity?” Sunset said from beneath her friends.

Though, it had certainly cheered her up from recalling the sadness surrounding her conversation with Celestia that day.

Chapter 9: Tea

With a little time to get her emotions in check, Sunset was ready to carry on. “Thanks girls.”

“Don't mention it. We'd all do the same for each other.” Applejack said firmly.

“I got as far as the going to the tea shop right? That is one of our favourite places to go now.” Sunset shifted a little to hug her knees.

As promised, the tea shop was very close to the clinic, just a few blocks away. There was parking space nearby and a few of the shops along the way were interesting too. Sunset could have sworn she saw Maude Pie in the one store, a place called Crystal Fayre.

Soon enough Sunset was sat at a table while Celestia ordered. The vast menu was easy to decipher for both of them, it seemed Celestia the principal shared the tea habit of Celestia the princess. Sunset was pleased to spot a blend that sounded familiar, one she had actually missed in her years away from Equestria.

The teen looked around the tea shop, there were few customers sat on the mixture of vintage furniture, chairs at tables or couches and comfy seats with low tables beside them. It had a very welcoming feel, Sunset hoped they would be able to visit again, maybe Rarity would enjoy an afternoon tea too.

“I've got our order.” Celestia said, a tray in her hands. She led Sunset to a place to sit, just a little out of earshot of the other customers. Soon Sunset was sat opposite Celestia with two pots of tea and a number of small cakes on the table in front of them. “Where do we start?” Celestia asked, pouring them each a cup of their selected blends.

Unsure of what to say, Sunset examined what was set in front of her while she fished for words. There were matching tea-sets with all the parts; pot, milk jug, cup, saucer and plate. The spoons were silver and the sugar bowl had cubes. Still stuck, she figured at least one good starting point.

“At the beginning?” Sunset said. Trying to think exactly where that would be.

“I suppose the beginning would be well before you came to this world.” Celestia mused, stirring her tea a moment. “Before I was Principal even.” She checked the temperature of her tea and set the cup down again. “I taught abroad with a charity after I qualified as a teacher. I wanted to see a little bit of the world and help children learn. I loved every minute of it. But I got sick, very sick.” As she spoke, Celestia knocked the teacup, it clinked in its saucer, an outward sign of her inner turmoil. “I had to be evacuated back home. The illness and the treatment, between them... I wasn't going to ever have children of my own.”

Sunset's little gasp interrupted her and Celestia smiled sadly. “At first I thought to adopt as soon as I felt I was in a stable enough situation. I wanted a child, but things never seemed right.” She shrugged. “Eventually I got the job of Principal at Canterlot High, I was working with my sister, we had a nice house... Things looked right to adopt, but no one ever seemed right. I worked a lot with Children's Services, but I always ended up matching children to other parents instead.” Celestia sighed. “After a while, I stopped looking. If there was a child out there who needed me, we would find each other.” She sipped her tea, satisfied the temperature was right.

“Then I came along.” Sunset said. Almost tonelessly, her first years had not been the best, from fish-out-of-water into a downward spiral of bullying and manipulating. She hated how she had been, but Celestia still took her in, still cared for here well-being.

“Then you came along.” The woman's smile was warm and loving. “I figured you might be a special case after a normal review of the security cameras showed the almost impossible sight of a girl walking out of the statue.” Celestia grinned and Sunset blushed. “I was curious, especially when you returned a month or so later to enrol. So I fudged some data and let you in. I regretted that at first, but that has certainly changed of late.” Selecting a treat from the plate for herself, Celestia nudged it toward Sunset. “So that brings us to now. Anything else?”

“What were you holding back?” Sunset asked, latching on to what the woman had said in the car, there was a lot to process already, but she had to know.

Celestia looked thoughtful a moment as she ate the small cake. “I had to hold back plenty. All the extra fuss I wanted to give you. Longer hugs, spending more time with you and generally sharing more affection than a house guest would expect.” She paused and picked up her drink again.. “Saying more to you.” Celestia sipped her tea. “On more than one occasion I wanted to just go ahead and ask you to be my daughter.” Celestia smiled, slightly embarrassed. “Just seeing you sat around the house, when you didn't shy away from my attempt to comfort you...”

“You want me?” Sunset said, quietly, surprised. “Even after hearing everything I did? Even after everything you saw me doing?” She'd not picked up her tea yet, instead she was listlessly fiddling with a teaspoon.

“You turned it around Sunset. You've worked so hard to become a better person and you keep on working at it. I admire that.” Celestia placed her tea cup down and took Sunset's hand. “I know about working to change yourself. It took a pretty bad shock for me to change too, you know.” Celestia shook her head, dismissing the memories.

“You were like me? How could you have ever... You're so nice!” Sunset couldn't reconcile that comment with her experiences.

“I wasn't, how did you put it? A 'raging she-demon' but I was the Queen Bee.” Celestia sighed and closed her eyes briefly. “I was very self-centred as well as popular and while not really a bully, my inaction was just as damaging. After a very bad experience I decided it had to change. Myself mostly, but I wanted to shape the attitudes of the students too. That is what led to teaching.” Celestia looked at Sunset. “I suppose it is seeing myself in you that makes me feel more than a little motherly. It's a part of the reason I would love to call you my daughter.”

“I don't know what to say.” Sunset truly didn't. This was all she had ever wanted being offered freely. “This... its...” Her hand shook in the soft grip and a thumb ran soothingly over her palm.

“Don't worry Sunset. Let's finish up our tea and our treats.” Celestia was speaking gently. “I want to give you time to think about this. I want you to be feeling well before you make a decision.”

“Alright.” Sunset sniffed and wiped her eyes, “Thank you.”

Their conversation turned to lighter matters. School social activity that had been going on while Sunset was away. Shared observations of Sunset's friends and class teachers which moved to hobbies and interests. It was a conversation they both enjoyed, getting to know one another was important before the big decision they would both have to make.

After a fair amount of tea and cakes was consumed it was time to go. Leaving the little cafe after settling the bill Sunset caught sight of their reflection in a window opposite. It made her smile, seeing her and Celestia together. It looked like and would look like to passers by, a mother and a daughter out for an afternoon.

“So, after I got better and got back to school I was able to have a really good think about things.” Sunset said, beaming to her friends. “Not that there was too much to think about. I just had to be sure that I wasn't jumping into it. I think Mom needed to be sure too, she said so many times she was sorry about bringing it up so quickly after I moved in.”

“She wanted to be your mom, I think I would be just bursting to tell anyone that.” Fluttershy's eyes had been brimming with tears for a while now. She had assured everyone it was happy ones and she was fine, but it made Sunset want to hug her. So she did.

“I think that was the case. The doctor just tipped me off. Mom said later that she'd not even realised she had said it.” Sunset was still smiling. “Though I think we were both happy she did.”

“Ah'm glad for you both.” Applejack said. “Family is one of the best things in the world and now you've got one.”

“I've got you girls too.” Sunset replied, holding out her free arm to gather the others into a hug. Applejack obliged with a warm grin.

“Yeah, but a mom is special. You've got one again and I'm so super happy for you!” Pinkie jumped in for a hug.

“Darling, this is wonderful news to hear and I am so glad everything worked out for you.” Rarity said. She leaned in. “I am also happy you felt comfortable telling us. I'll keep this under lock and key until you say the word.”

“Thanks Rarity, I appreciate it.” Sunset knew they had all learned their lesson about gossip, there was no need to tell them what had prompted Celestia's reluctance to share the information.

“You know, this is great. Now I know I'm not leaving you hanging when I go.” Rainbow joined the group hug, she'd learned to live with them. “I hated not knowing if you were going to a real home. It sounds like I was right to worry. But now its all cool.”

“I'm glad. I hated knowing that you were all worried about me. I was finding it harder to lie and I didn't want to lie at all.” Sunset basked in the warmth of feeling from all her friends. It was true, they were her family. But Pinkie was right, having a mom was the best and now they knew how happy she was about it.

The group hug ended when someone's phone played a jingle. “My bad!” Rainbow laughed and pulled out her phone. “Wow hey! It is nearly four!”

“Really? Sorry girls, I guess my story took a long time.” Sunset looked a little sheepish, she had not intended for the telling to take up their entire afternoon.

“Nonsense darling. We were happy to hear it all.” Rarity had started to help Pinkie pack away the picnic litter and the things they had brought along. “An afternoon talking with friends is just what we needed after yesterday's excitement.”

“Yeah. With all the games and the magic and then going to the park with Scoots, a chill afternoon was just what I needed.” Rainbow was pitched a ball of paper into a nearby trash can. “And we were the ones who kept interrupting the story.”

“Okay. If it was alright then never mind.” Sunset helped Applejack fold the picnic blanket. “I'll have to talk to mom about your party idea though Pinkie. She usually takes any excuse for cake, so it should be okay.”

“Yay! Party! With the welcome party for Twilight and then the birthdays...” Pinkie halted and started thinking. The other girls carried on clearing up and getting ready to go, used to the party planner getting distracted by potential parties. “Woo! I have a lot of parties to plan!” Pinkie shouted having reached her total.

That set everyone laughing.

-*-

The girls parted ways once their picnic site was cleared. The park was pretty central for all six, each took their own way home when they reached the pathways. Well wishes and goodbyes were swapped.

This time no one looked unwary of leaving Sunset to get home alone. Rainbow was again last to leave, with a fist bump and a “See yah Pony-Girl.” Sunset walked to the gate she'd arranged to meet her ride home.

“Hey Sunset. Over here.” The voice was one Sunset had come to know quite well. It meant two things. One: She would be able to tease Luna for the rest of the weekend and two: She was going to get a ride on a pretty sweet motorcycle.

“Hi Chrys!” Sunset walked over to the woman, she was still astride her motorcycle parked up at the kerb. She held a spare helmet, it was Sunset's, so she had obviously been at the house. “Is everyone else busy?”

“Your Mom was working on something in the office and Luna is in the middle of a match online so they sent me. I was just hanging around.” Chrysalis handed over the helmet and waited for Sunset to mount the bike.

“Are you still sure I can't drive this?” Sunset said as she settled into pillion position. Chrysalis rode a Harley Davidson Nightster and since Sunset had set eyes on it she had wished to take it for a spin.

“Not a chance kid.” Chrysalis grinned, it was a fair ask but it was never going to happen. “Your Mom is already pretty ticked off that I set you up with your motorcross bike. If we let her know that you had control of this one? I think she'd keel over. ”

“True.” Sunset laughed. Pretty soon she would be able to take her test to ride a bike on the street and there was an old Honda she had been working on in the garage at home, ready and waiting. She pulled her visor down and got into the right position for the ride.

This was going to be fun.

Author's Note

Not the end! This was split off chapter 8 as it was getting too long. There is more to come until I am satisfied with the ending.

Chapter 10: Together

The ride home had been great. Chrysalis was an experienced biker and had shown off a little for Sunset. Certainly making more than one manoeuvre that Celestia would have disapproved of.

Back at the house, the teal haired woman had sloped off to the basement to spend time with Luna and Celestia was still busy working. Apparently when visiting students tore holes in the very fabric of reality, you had to get a good excuse prepped and drilled into your memory for any questions asked.

With everyone occupied, Sunset decided she'd go to her room. Recalling all the sad and happy times in her recent past for most of the afternoon, she was still feeling reminiscent. She hadn't exactly told the girls of the few personal highlights in the process of being adopted.

Three hearty meals a day, bed rest in a warm place and sleeping in a real bed at night had done wonders for Sunset. Not to mention the familial affection from Celestia and Luna. After another week off school since visiting the doctor, Sunset was well enough to return to school.

She had taken a ride in with Celestia, so they had arrived earlier than most of the other students. “Please Sunset, I would prefer it if you didn't tell everyone that you are staying with me and Luna.” Celestia had said in the car. “For your sake mostly. When everything is decided we can see about letting the others know.”

Sunset had agreed and, wrapped up in a nice warm jumper and scarf, she had gone to wait at the statue for the arrival of her friends.

“Suuuuunnnnnnseeeeeetttt!” The doppler effect of a speeding Pinkie Pie was an interesting phenomenon, Sunset mused before the pink hurricane was upon her and hugging her hard. “We were all so worried about you and none of us knew where to find you and we just knew that you were ill and we wanted to help but your phone wouldn't connect and please never do that again!” Pinkie said it all in one gasp and would have dropped to the floor if her arms weren't wrapped around Sunset.

“Hello Pinkie Pie.” Sunset put an arm around the girl. “Are the others here too?”

“Indeed we are darling. Pinkie spotted you as we entered the grounds and took off running.” Rarity approached and gave Sunset a gentler hug. “You worried us darling.”

“Pinkie did say.” Sunset disentangled the party planner wrapped around her and faced her other friend. “I'm good now, but the 'flu sucks.”

“Don't even start!” Rarity threw a hand to her brow. “Why, I suffered through a dreadful cold just last spring and to think that a 'flu is worse than that!” The dramatic over-performance made Sunset laugh, the little cough it ended in caused concern to cross her friends faces.

“I'm well enough to come in! Really.” Sunset waved away the concern. A hand held onto her shoulder, it had a strong grip.

“We worry for you Sunset.” Applejack had arrived at school, her rib cracking hug was a little gentler this time. “Good to have you back.”

“Heck yeah. Pony-Girl!” Rainbow skidded to a halt beside them, fist-bumping Sunset. The slow crunch of snow behind her indicated someone else was joining them at a more sedate pace.

“Hello everyone. Sunset.” Fluttershy was wrapped up against the cold and even softer than usual when hugging Sunset. The class bell rang out then and the group entered the school building with the crowds of other students. Sunset was being filled in on all that she had missed during her time of school from her friends and classmates expressed their good cheer at her return.

It was good to be back.

-*-

An uneventful week passed by. Sunset got as far as Thursday when a revelation hit. The school day had passed as it always did, she practised music with her friends and had a ride home with Luna because Celestia had gone to a district meeting in City Hall that afternoon.

They were welcomed home by Celestia and the enticing smell of supper. The meeting had run short and she had decided that a family dinner was in order, seeing as she was home early.

Sunset had decided that evening; after a lively conversation over a home-cooked supper, a time spent reading in company and being wished goodnight by two women who cared for her. It was not a hard decision in the end.

Celestia wanted to adopt her. She wanted to be adopted by Celestia.

They were a family, Sunset knew it. A guardian wouldn't have been so understanding about what made her feel low. A caretaker wouldn't wish her goodnight. Someone who was merely responsible adult to their charge would not decorate a room with such consideration for the person.

Luna was family too. She wouldn't have had lively debates with her sister and Sunset, or invited Sunset to play video games. Nor would she have happily shown off all the additions she had purchased for Sunset's room. Not if Sunset was just a house guest.

The fact that Luna had taken to calling herself 'Best Aunt' was a big clue too.

Thinking it over that night, Sunset was absolutely sure. She was going to have a mom again. She was going to have a family.

Making the final decision during the school day was probably not the best idea though. Sunset was very excited and it was noticeable.

“Uh, sugar cube, you alright there?” Applejack had noticed Sunset practically bouncing in her seat since they had sat in the library.

“I'm fine Applejack? Why?” Sunset sounded happy, the corners of her mouth were tugged up in a smile.

“Well y'all been jumping about in that seat since we got here. Ah figured something was going on.” Applejack knew Sunset wasn't lying and it wasn't as if she was upset.

“Oh, I'm just cheerful.” Sunset replied. “I've caught up on my missed work, aced my last test and I'm back in school with my friends.” She tapped out a little rhythm with a pen on the desk they were sat at.

“Alright then.” Applejack shrugged, she'd not taken Sunset for the bubbly type, but if the girl was in a good mood who was she to argue?

-*-

With another school day done, Celestia was glad to be getting home. She closed her office door, put on her coat and made her way from the school building. As had quickly become part of her routine, she met Sunset in the parking lot with a smiled and a quick embrace. “How was your day?” She asked the teen. Her own had been routine, a little boring even.

“It was good.” Sunset answered simply. She was hoping to choose the right moment to ask of Celestia her very important request. The excitement was hard to keep hold of and she wanted it to be a little more special than blurted out in the school parking lot.

“Nice to hear.” Celestia unlocked her car. “Luna is out tonight, do you want anything in particular for supper?”

“I'm not really sure at the moment. Can we order take-out?” Sunset sat in her seat and Celestia did her mirror checks before starting up.

“That sounds like a good idea. We'll look at the menus in the house.” Celestia smiled to Sunset and they began the journey home.

It wasn't far, Sunset was glad for that, or she may not have been able to keep quiet. As soon as they were through the door Sunset couldn't wait any longer. “I've decided.” She said, virtually shouted. Celestia stopped and turned around.

“Decided what?” Celestia wasn't entirely sure what Sunset was talking about.

Answering a question with another question could be annoying, but hopefully this one wouldn't be; “How long will it take to be adopted?” Sunset asked. Smiling brightly and really really hoping that it wasn't going to be long she waited for Celestia's reaction.

“Not long at all if I call the judge.” Celestia spoke slowly as the words settled into her mind. “An old friend of mine, he always has time for me and I him.” She smiled to Sunset, a warm and genuine smile.

“Great.” Sunset dropped her bag to the floor and fell into an embrace with Celestia.

Celestia who was going to be her mother.

-*-

In a matter of days they were headed to the courthouse. Though Sunset had missed a number of days from school and Celestia had taken personal days too, they had managed to figure one more day away. Apparently legal appointments counted for acceptable absences.

They had walked into the very impressive court building in the old part of the city. That was when the nerves had started for Sunset.

Now Sunset was sat in the hallway outside the judge's office while Celestia spoke with the man. There was apparently some sort of confidential discussion that had to go on between the judge and the prospective parent.

Court buildings were designed to be intimidating. The grand hallways, the severe portraits of past officials, the click-click of professional shoes on tiled floors as employees walked around. It was all ramping up Sunset's anxiety.

Until very recently she had been a non-entity, an illegal alien at risk of a fate worse than deportation. She had also not been a prime example of a polite citizen, it had been a very real concern that she could be arrested or at least garner police attention. Sat there on a seat outside an office, in her outfit that screamed “Bad-girl”, she looked like she was awaiting her legal counsel and a verdict on a misdemeanour charge.

Kicking her legs, Sunset wished she had brought something to read, or her journal, or anything to act as a distraction.

A door opened behind her. “Sunset?” Celestia was in the doorway. “You can come in now.” She smiled and held out a hand. Sunset stood up quickly and took the hand, Celestia clasped her fingers around Sunset's. “Ready?”

“Yes.” Sunset nodded and entered the office.

A rather severe looking man with dark hair but very white eyebrows, goatee and fringe was sat behind the desk. “Miss Shimmer I presume?” He shuffled some papers in his hand, the crisp sleeves of his black suit somehow managing to remain un-rumpled by the action.

“Y-yes sir.” Sunset said, not noticing Celestia pressing a hand to her lips to hold in a laugh. She missed the crafty wink the judge shot Celestia, looking down at the floor instead as she tried to gather her nerve.

“And you wish for Ms Sonen to legally adopt you?” He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk and Sunset shuffled forward to take a seat.

“Yes. I really do.” Sunset said, firmly and looking the slightly intimidating judge in the eyes. All at once he was beaming smiles and acceptance.

“Wonderful. Just wonderful!” He pushed the papers forward. “Celestia has signed already, I just wanted to check that you, the young lady, were indeed on board with the idea.” He smiled wide and uncapped his pen.

“Discord, I wouldn't be here with her if Sunset hadn't agreed to this.” Celestia was chiding, but there was so much amusement and affection in her tone that it had little effect.

“Pish posh. It is all part of the regulations.” He waved a dismissive hand at her and scrawled across the document. “Now allow me to present to you, Celestia Sonen; Your Daughter, one Sunset Shimmer.” He pointed one to the other. “And, Miss Sunset Shimmer, here is Your Mother; Celestia Sonen.” He smiled with a great deal of affection. “I do hope you have found in each other what you've both been seeking.”

They both didn't notice the man brush a tear from his eye, Celestia and Sunset were too busy embracing and giggling and smiling. “I'm very happy for you 'Tia.” He spoke quietly, too quietly for them both.

-*-

Leaving the court-house, Sunset and Celestia still hadn't stopped holding hands. Or smiling.

“Now what?” Sunset asked as they walked down the steps.

“Anything? Everything?” Celestia laughed. “I've always wanted to take a mother-daughter shopping trip. How about we go to the Crystal mall?”

“What? The Crystal Emporium? The huge mall?” Sunset had heard about the place from Rarity, but they had been unable to visit as a group yet.

“I have seventeen years worth of gifting and treating to catch up with. The huge mall is a good place to start.” Celestia was looking forward to splashing out a little on treats for Sunset. Gifting was always lovely and now she had a daughter to buy for.

“Are you sure?” Sunset looked eager to go, but unwilling to seem overly eager, it might look like she was greedy

“Of course. I have a surprise for the evening, but we can get lunch at the mall and get some retail therapy in.” Celestia was glad to see Sunset wanted to go, it promised to be an enjoyable afternoon.

-*-

The Crystal Emporium Mall did not disappoint. Floor upon sparkling floor was packed with store after store. Sunset grinned and looked around, trying to take in as much as she could and then decide just where to even start. Celestia watched the gleeful teen, smiling and so pleased she could witness this.

Sunset Shimmer, getting excited for a shopping trip, unthinkable less than a year ago. “Lets get some lunch, then we'll explore the mall.” Celestia suggested, holding out a hand.

“Sounds like a plan.” Sunset agreed. She took the offered hand, happy to hold it. She didn't care how “uncool” it could look, or if anyone she knew would see her. She had a mom and they were going shopping, a normal thing but something she had not done in too long a time.

Sunset was so very happy.

This really was the very best day of her life.

-*-

After a lunch in the food court, where there was more to choose from than Sunset had seen since Canterlot Palace, the pair visited any and every store that caught their eye. Celestia insisted that Sunset choose new clothes. “You have space and somewhere safe. You're bound to want a few more things to wear.” She was right too, Sunset's outfit had so many bad memories and old associations that the teen wanted to put behind her.

As their shopping trip neared its end Sunset had a few bags, Celestia had a few bags and they had both enjoyed themselves. As they walked through the mall, Sunset spotted one last shop she wanted to visit. There was a motorcycle in the window and all kinds of riding gear on display.

“Sunset?” Celestia realised she had left the teen a few steps behind and turned to see the red-headed girl looking in awe at a motorcycle. “Ah.” She grinned and walked up to Sunset. “See anything you like?”

“Yes.” Sunset mumbled in reply. “Can we take a look?”

“Of course. This is as much a trip for you as it is for me.” Celestia had an inkling as to what Sunset would want, the girl had already chosen a number of new items to wear, but had not come upon a replacement for her jacket. This store could solve that problem, maybe even another too.

-*-

Sunset left the store beaming, a large bag joining her other purchases of the day. The jacket was perfect, the boots a bonus extra, they were a matched set. Not only was she going back to school with a family to call her own, she had a new look too.

The past would rightly be behind her.

Sunset carefully hung her jacket up before changing for bed. It was treasured after all, she would never leave it lying around. There was a tap at her door; “Sunset?” Celestia had finished her work it seemed.

“Come in Mom, I was just about to go to bed.” Sunset said, sitting on her bed and waving a greeting when Celestia entered.

“Sorry that took so long. Though I think being collected by Chrys was no great issue.” Celestia sat beside her daughter and drew her into a hug. “How did it go?”

“We're getting a Pinkie party, but I think she will keep it toned down.” Sunset replied, “Everyone was really supportive and happy for us both.” She leaned in and returned the hug. “It felt good to tell them and it felt good remembering it all. Even if everyone, me included, got a bit upset by some things.”

“Oh? Nothing that will be an issue I hope?” Celestia knew that a lot of tears had been shed on Sunset's part in recent months.

“Mostly they were upset that I'd not asked for help.” Sunset looked down, “They were also upset about how I had been living and the risks I took.”

“They are good friends. I'm glad it went well.” Celestia ruffled the red and gold hair. “I came to say goodnight though. It is tiring to have to work for the school on my weekend. I'm turning in.”

“I'm sorry that magic is causing you more trouble.” Sunset grasped her adoptive mother in a two armed hug.

“You fixed the trouble though. I'm very proud of you.” Celestia rested her chin on Sunset's head. “You did a great thing, remember that.”

“I could have stopped the problem before it began though.” Sunset sighed. “But I got angry and shouted instead.”

“But you are sorry for it and realised you were wrong.” Celestia reminded her. With one last squeeze of hug, she let go and stood up. “You have changed so much for the better Sunset and you strive to get better still. I am so happy to be in your life to see it.”

“Thanks mom.” Sunset replied softly, the praise painting a light blush across her cheeks. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Sunset.”

Author's Note

Welp, we got a party and an epilogue to go. I hope you've been enjoying this thus far.

Sorry that this chapter took a while, had a bit of a crummy week or so. Between work, a virus and a few commitments I've not had the time or motivation to write.

Hope to see you all soon!

Chapter 11: Home

The rest of the weekend passed without event. Chrysalis hung around and when Luna was busy, helped Sunset work on the bike in the garage. They had a little bit of a cook-out on the deck, Discord arrived with ice-cream for everyone.

It was a nice weekend spent with family. Though Sunset didn't have quite so much family as Applejack, nor was it traditional like Rarity's or Pinkie's family (as traditional as Pinkie got really), it was still her family and it was still good.

With the weekend over and school the next day, Sunset had convinced Celestia not to worry too much if they walked from the parking lot together.

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked as she locked up her car.

“Yes Mom. I'm sure. If anyone wants to make it a problem then I have five friends to back me up.” Sunset waved an arm to the school building. “With my Aunty as head of discipline too, I don't think any sensible student here would make an issue.”

“I can't argue with that.” Celestia simply shrugged.

They walked together too the school office, not what Sunset usually did, but Pinkie had messaged her and asked that she go with her mom into the school. The teen had an inkling as to what her friends had planned. Luna had gone ahead too, so she was probably in on things by now.

“Are you joining me in the office?” Celestia asked, slightly puzzled that Sunset had not remained outside to wait for her friends.

“You'll see now.” Sunset said, opening the office door.

“Surprise!” Pinkie Pie shouted. Then, in a slightly quieter voice she read out the poster she held. “Congratulations on being Mom and Daughter!”

“The look on your face!” Luna giggled and snapped a photo on her phone. “Sending that one to mom.” She laughed again and poked her tongue out to her elder sister.

“What?” Celestia looked at her secretary, the dark haired woman had a jaunty party hat on her head and a wicked grin. There were also all four of the other girls besides Pinkie Pie. The short table in the waiting area had a bottle of soda on it and some balloons were tied to the chair. The reception desk had a plate of cupcakes.

“We had to have a small party for you both, because you don't want the whole school to know that you are Sunny's mom.” Pinkie said cheerily. She tacked the poster to a wall, Celestia noticed the little drawing in the corner that was obviously supposed to represent herself and Sunset.

“Thank you girls, Luna, Raven.” Celestia said. “Though here I thought hiring you on as my secretary would limit the shenanigans in the office.” She shot a mock glare at the woman.

“This is a good cause though.” The secretary said, picking up the plate of cakes to pass around.

“We wanted to celebrate for both of you and VP Luna was all for it.” Rainbow said before munching on the cake she'd selected.

“Sorry Mom, I wanted this to be a surprise.” Sunset didn't sound too sorry and had already gotten a cup of soda and a cake.

“It was a lovely surprise.” She selected a treat from the offered plate. “But we had better enjoy this before it is time for school to start.”

The small group chatted and enjoyed the cakes, each of the girls at one point or another letting Celestia know just how pleased they were for both her and Sunset. Eventually time escaped them.

“Sorry girls, it will be time to get to form room soon.” Luna pointed to the clock, there were a few disappointed noises from Pinkie and Rainbow, but they finished off their sodas. In moments the room was cleared and Pinkie was presenting the balloons to Celestia.

“Congrats again! Have a good day.” She smiled and danced out behind the others.

“See you later mom.” Sunset waved and walked off to join her friends.

In home room her mind wandered. This party had been nice, with her friends. The cakes were a lovely gesture. It all reminded her of the party with Celestia's friends.

That had been a little fancier though.

After their day shopping it was time for mother and daughter to return home. Sunset was eager to try on her new outfit and to place the things she had chosen around her room. In the recent past, there had been few occasions she'd been able to feel like this.

Parking up in the driveway, Celestia and Sunset carried their purchases into the house. Sunset made a a beeline to her room. “Don't take too long Sunset. We are going out for a meal soon.” Celestia called out, the laughter and love in her tone warming Sunset's heart.

“Sure. I'll just change into my new outfit.” Sunset called back and hurried to her room. While the jeans and top were lovely and a change, she couldn't wait to put her new jacket and boots on. Dumping the bags on her bed, she rummaged through to pull out the clothes she wanted.

It didn't take long to change and sliding her arms into the new jacket was pleasing. “A new look for a new start. A new me.” Sunset said happily. She inspected herself in the mirror and smiled. For the first time in an age she was feeling good. The girl in the mirror reflected that.

Until a demon scowled back.

“No...” Sunset whispered and shook her head. The flaming vision in her mirror was false, she had changed.

“Sunset? Are you ready to go?” Celestia called through the house. “Luna messaged me, they're at the diner now.” The voice dissipated the demon from the mirror, whether vision or imagination, it was gone.

“Things have changed.” Sunset said, pulling into a confident stance and walking from the room. She had a place to live, a family to call her own and a group of friends to spend time with. Such a wonderful change to her life.

“But do you deserve it?” A voice whispered in her head.

Sunset did her best to ignore it and joined Celestia downstairs. The woman had freshened up and was ready to go.

-*-

The diner had been in business for over sixty years, Celestia had told Sunset as they drove to the eatery. It had been an attempt to calm her down, distract her from whatever had turned the girl melancholy. There was a marked difference in the Sunset who had returned to the car from the Sunset who had left it not long before.

“Don't worry Sunset. These people helped me to get you and Luna has been on board nearly since I confessed my plans.” Celestia said, parking up in the lot. “They are happy this has worked out.” She could see something was bothering Sunset and wondered if meeting new people, people close to her, was the problem.

“I know.” Sunset got out of the car and closed the door. “It's just... The person I used to be was so terrible, I don't think I deserve this... I keep waiting for someone to come and take me away, all this...” Sunset pointed to the new outfit, to the nice diner she was about to go to eat at, to the kind woman who had taken her in. “All this was a dream for me. Now that I have it a part of me says I shouldn't.” She looked to her feet, the lovely brand new boots, a tear landed on the toe of one. “A really big part really. That talks with a voice I thought had been blasted out of me.”

Keeping it a secret wasn't going to help. Holding back had made problems for her before, when the sirens had attempted to drive her friends apart. It was a lesson learned and Sunset was very good at remembering her lessons. She looked up at Celestia, tears still rolling down her face.

“Oh, Sunset.” Celestia's voice brimmed with compassion and Sunset found herself pulled into yet another warm and loving embrace. Hesitantly she put her arms around the woman and allowed her head to rest against the soft material of Celestia - her mother's, jacket. “First thing tomorrow I'll get you an appointment with someone who can help.”

“Help?” Sunset drew back, blushing a little when Celestia brought out a tissue to wipe her eyes and face clear of tears.

“Pleasant Heart and her sister Kind Heart are some counsellors I know, they help teenagers and young adults with problems and illnesses they face, the ones of the mind and heart.” Celestia put an arm around Sunset's shoulders. “They can help you talk through these thoughts and feelings of yours and figure them out. To put them where they belong so you can be happy.” She looked misty eyed a moment and she gazed at the diner. “Or to at the very least, find a way to carry them that doesn't hurt you, doesn't weigh you down.”

“Thank you.” Sunset said, leaning against Celestia. A timid idea came to mind, quietly in case it wasn't well thought out. She seized it. “Thank you, Mom.” Beside her, Celestia almost froze and for a moment Sunset worried it had been a bad idea. All at once alarm bells sounded in her head and panic grabbed her heart.

They stopped in an instant when she was drawn in to another embrace, gentle and soft. “You are a wonderful young woman Sunset, you do deserve this.” Celestia whispered in her ear. The teen felt wetness where her head was pressed to Celestia's cheek. The woman pulled back, sniffed, dabbed her eyes and straightened her jacket. “Alright then, meal time. I hope you don't mind if they have ordered for us already. Luna gets impatient.”

“We have been a little longer getting in than we wanted.” Sunset offered, shrugging her shoulders. She was still nervous, but Celestia had put her arm back around her and was guiding her into the diner. For a moment the teen saw their reflection in the mirrored door, Celestia wore a beaming smile of true happiness and she too had the slightest smile, a real smile. They walked in and spotted the familiar blue hair of Luna.

“Well hey, Mom has decided to join us.” A rich and slightly teasing voice said. “Pull up a seat 'Tia m'dear and introduce me to junior.” The woman who spoke had deep black skin, teal hair and teal eyes. Quite the most surprising feature though was the myriad piercings on her ears and face.

“Sunset, this is Chrysalis Papillon. She assisted me in creating the records you needed.” Celestia pulled a chair out and sat Sunset, then sat down too. “Chrys, this is Sunset. With her taste in clothes and the longing look she gave a motorcycle earlier, I am sure you two will get on famously.”

“Hey kid. Put 'er there.” Chrysalis stuck out a hand and Sunset nervously shook it. “I'm princess-pure-of-heart's naughty wicked college room-mate.”

“Hello. Um, thanks for the files... It couldn't have been easy.” Sunset smiled, still a little nervy.

“No problems. It's fun to play around sometimes.” The teal haired woman laughed.

“Now, Sunset, this is Discord. In a less formal capacity.” Celestia pointed to the man sat across from her. “Discord, one slightly less nervous Sunset.” Celestia smiled from one to the other.

“Charmed.” Out of his formal attire, the judge looked almost punk-ish, his shirt and jacket far from the prim and pressed clothes he had worn at the court-house. He extended a hand and shook.

“Thank you, sir... It is good to meet you somewhere less... scary.” Sunset smiled, recalling his cheerful words after the papers had been signed and noted. “Thank you for helping mom and me.”

“I was happy to do it.” Discord said, smiling fondly to Celestia, the woman didn't seem to notice as she was speaking to her sister, but Sunset spotted the look. “It does this old fool's heart glad to see his dear friend finally reach a goal she long held.” He turned his look to the teen. “I also thank you, for accepting her.”

Sunset blushed. “Its - Its more than I am worth, really. But I will work to deserve it.” Her words were quiet so Celestia would not hear.

“Dear child, you are worth it to her, as such you are most certainly deserving.” Discord smiled.

“Hey, Sunset.” Luna said, jiggling the girl's arm. “I hope you don't mind, but Swiss-Cheese here wanted to order. I know you're vegetarian, so I got you a Mac'n'Cheese Burger and some sweet potato fries.” Luna looked hopeful. “Are those okay?”

“Swiss-Cheese?” Sunset asked, puzzled.

“Chrys has so many holes in her face that she's practically swiss-cheese.” Luna grinned at her joke and ignored the black hand swatting at her. “But the meal? It is vegetarian guaranteed, with a side salad and all the regular burger greens. The fries are just seasoned, they're a special here.” Luna added.

“They sound great.” Sunset said; truthfully this diner was a little beyond her means before. When she had been cruel, Sunset had no need to care for food beyond regular sustenance, simply eating the vegetarian options at school and the basics otherwise. Even with friends, care and joy in her life, they hadn't had the transport to get to a place like the diner and the prices were higher than the Hey! Burger that the girls frequented. Deciding honesty was best, she smiled self-consciously.

“To be honest, I've not really been that adventurous with food. I ate school vegetarian meals, raw fruit and vegetables and cereals when I first arrived right up until I started dating Flash... Then it was just Hey! Burger and Hoagie Jim's added to the list.” Sunset chuckled. “The girls aren't into anything fancier than the cafe near the school. This is all new to me.”

“You're in luck then.” Celestia chipped in. “This is one of the best burger places in the city. I hope someone present asked for my favourite.”

“And the big slice of cake for dessert.” Chrysalis teased. The easy-going banter between friends made Sunset glad, more at ease. No one was objecting to Celestia adopting her, it looked like all three approved heartily.

The server arrived with their drinks and meals. “Oh, root beer! My favourite.” Sunset smiled, the tall glass was iced and had a straw too.

“I do listen sometimes.” Luna grinned, dipping a fry in the sauce on her plate. “I have to remember what my niece likes if I want to be best aunt, after all.” Sunset returned the smile and started her own meal.

With all the food on the table, the five ate their meal in a happy atmosphere of light chatter. 'So, this is family.' Sunset mused, still finding it possible to be even happier with her day, despite the earlier setbacks.

-*-

Their plates were cleared and it was certainly the best burger Sunset had ever eaten. A real treat to top off the best day of her life. She'd decided it had even beat the day she got her cutie-mark.

“All you folks enjoy the food?” The host asked with a smile.

“Yes, thank you. It was as lovely as ever.” Celestia said. “Our compliments to the chef tonight.”

“Why thank you.” The host bustled about, stacking the empty plates and used cutlery. “Do you want refills with dessert?” The chorus of yes was convincing enough. “Sit tight, I'll send drinks right over.”

A tray of drinks was swiftly brought over and served, Sunset had her back to the kitchen and didn't notice that there were a few pleased glances shooting past the hostess with the drinks.

“One specially requested desert for you hon.” Someone said from behind Sunset. A cake was placed onto the table. It was big, it was iced and the scent was heavenly.

“We decided that something special was in order.” Celestia said, she and Luna looked to Sunset. 'Welcome To the Family.' Was iced across the cake and Sunset could feel tears running down her face.

Happy ones this time, fortunately.

“Thank you so much. For everything.” The teen managed to say without sobbing, it was all quite a lot to take in really.

“You're part of the family now, a little extended too seeing as Chrys and Discord helped me.” Celestia said, hugging Sunset close.

“Welcome Sunset. I've wanted a someone else around for quite a while.” Luna put her arms around Sunset too.

“Here's to a mother and a daughter who took a little longer than most to find each other.” Discord raised his glass, sharing a quick wink when Sunset caught his deeply fond regard of Celestia.

“So, if we're part of the family too, do I get to be a Mommy as well?” Chrysalis giggled, ever the mischief maker.

“Motherhood Chrys? I always thought the government had some hive where they were churning out clones of you.” Luna shot back, her grin making it more a tease than a jibe.

“Oh, wouldn't you just adore an army of me though Lulu? Hmm? Imagine if there were even just two of me... What fun we'd have.” Chrysalis purred and Luna blushed and stammered. That set Celestia giggling and through it all, Sunset couldn't do anything but smile and smile.

She had a family again.

At the end of the day, the six friends were lounging around on the lawn in front of the school. Now that they knew Sunset's “secret” she had decided it wouldn't hurt to pass time waiting for her mom or aunt to finish work by hanging out with the girls.

As each one slowly filtered off, their ride arriving or it nearing time for their bus, Sunset was very happy to be waved over by Celestia and Luna as they left the school building. “See you girls tomorrow.” She waved goodbye to those left waiting, Applejack and Fluttershy were expecting Mac in his truck to take them up to the farm, and joined her family to go home.

After years of searching, years of denying the need and months convincing herself she was undeserving. Sunset had found her home.

Author's Note

Epilogue and then we're done.

It started a a writers block breaker. I think I went a little beyond that... I am glad so many people have enjoyed this story. I never expected a feature! Hopefully this and the epilogue will close the story well.

I have some ideas for one-shots that take place in this universe. But I also have an idea for a much different telling of the Anon-a-miss events (with Dazzlings and Shipping!). When something exists, I will post it.

Anyway. Stay tuned for an epilogue, hopefully before christmas.

Epilogue: Sunny Skies

It was the middle of the school day, class was in session and those with free periods were practising, studying or otherwise engaged. No one noticed an elegant woman seemingly step from the pedestal of the still ruined statue. Momentarily unsteady on her feet, as if unused to two, she sat on the step.

She had milk white skin and hair a delicate shade of pink. Her outfit was smart, much too tidy to be sat on the step, but she had an air of dignity that would put pause to any questions.

After a few beats she stood again and spotted a student running an errand. “Hello?” The woman called out and the student turned, a young girl by the looks of things. Her hair and bearing reminded the woman of someone she knew of.

“Hi?” The girl walked over.

“I'm here to visit Principal Celestia, but I am unsure if it is appropriate for me to simply enter the school building. Would you be able to let her know that... Sunny Skies is here to see her?” She smiled.

“Uh, sure. I was going to the office anyway.” The girl waved a stack of papers in her hand. “I'll let her know you are here.”

“Thank you.” Sunny Skies smiled and watched the girl enter the building.

-*-

Afternoon work was never very enjoyable, Principal Celestia mused as she read through another piece of paperwork. The only variety was never something good happening, but such was the life of a high school principal. So it was with a certain weariness that she greeted the knock on her door. “Come in.”

The pink haired student who came through the door wasn't looking at her feet or being escorted by staff, good signs. “What can I do for you Scootaloo?”

“Uh, there is a lady outside by the statue who says she has come to see you? She said she was Sunny Skies. I said I would let you know.” Scootaloo shuffled her feet. “I um, I got to get back to class!” With that the girl fled, but it wasn't often that the young athlete visited the office for reasons unrelated to trouble.

“Sunny Skies?” Celestia was puzzled, but if someone was waiting for her, she would attend. Leaving the office, she smiled to her secretary. “I have a short errand to run. If anyone needs me personally then send me a message, otherwise I am sure Luna can handle it.” The woman at the desk nodded and returned to her own work.

It didn't take long for Celestia to reach the main doors, something about the name of the woman was niggling at her memory, but not in a bad way. When she opened the door and looked to see her mystery visitor, the principal couldn't help gasping.

It was her. The woman looking back at her with the slightly sheepish expression, was herself. Admittedly, it was her if her hair had not been altered by shock, sickness and the treatments for that ill. The delicate pink shade was unknown to those who had her acquaintance in adulthood, but Luna and their friends would have got a kick out of seeing this woman.

“Sunny Skies. I seem to recall now that it was the name I used when I had a fake ID to sneak into Nightclubs with Chrysalis.” The Principal joined the woman by the statue.

“I use it when I disguise myself for a trip to the bakery without pomp and circumstance.” Sunny Skies replied. “I thought two of you would raise suspicion so I made a few changes before stepping through.” The woman looked her double up and down. “Principal.” She held out a hand.

“Princess.” Celestia shook. “Is there a reason you are paying us a visit?” She didn't mean to be unwelcoming, but here was the person responsible for the downfall of her adopted daughter. In a way she was thankful that her actions led the girl to this world, but it also did not sit well that Sunset had suffered at all. “From what I gather, you are somewhat vital to the function of your world.”

“Luna can handle it for a while, but I can't stay long. For a star, the sun here is a dreadful flirt. I think he is quite taken with the idea of a sun goddess again.” Sunny Skies looked up to the glowing orb in the sky.

“Moving on from that theological minefield....” Celestia rubbed at her forehead. “How might I help?”

“I received your letter.” The woman before her seemed to dim, from someone poised and glowing down to a subdued figure, penitent. “I had to come and thank you, face to face.” She looked more emotional than expected of a public figure.

Princess Celestia had been sent a letter by dragon flame. Not the wax sealed missives Twilight sent, but another kind in addressed in a hand that the princess well knew. It had not contained much, simply a scant few paragraphs telling the princess that Sunset Shimmer was the legally adopted daughter of Principal Celestia Sonen. Framed of course with the context that the Principal had encountered the reality of Equestria having witnessed the barriers between worlds torn asunder and then healed as swiftly.

This was going to be a difficult conversation for the both of them and not one to be conducted outside. “I think we should speak in my office. I have tea.” Principal Celestia said.

-*-

No one noticed the principal and her guest as they went through the school, but in the office Luna did a double take. As did Sunny Skies.

“You know what. This is going to be too confusing for a Wednesday afternoon. Tell me later.” Luna lifted a hand in a signal of defeat and returned to her office muttering about vanilla cola and phone games.

“I see she's just as lovely here.” Sunny Skies said, not a trace of sarcasm in her voice. “Though our duties in Equestria sadly necessitate time apart for me and my Luna. I envy the close working relationship you two must have.” She entered the office behind the principal.

“It is handy to have a vice-principal who you can trust and know how she thinks.” Celestia said, taking a seat at her desk after setting the other to the left. Sunny Skies sat down too. “So my letter reached you as intended? I was certainly surprised when the letter went through the portal so easily.” She looked to her visitor who nodded. “Though Sunset has been dabbling in magic a little more flashy than conjuring tricks of late and tried to explain the portal to me.”

“Really? Magic here? How wonderful. Though I hope it isn't too dangerous.” Sunny Skies took in the room she was sat in. There were certificates and prize ribbons, she was surprised and not so to spot some sporting achievements of the principal amongst the usual academic and career related accolades.

“Just a little showing off really. Not around anyone but her friends and family.” Celestia paused a moment as the door opened and a Ms Schreibtisch walked in with a loaded tea-tray. “Thank you.” She smiled and took the tray, placing it on her desk. Sunny Skies gave a very princess-ly nod in thanks also and watched the secretary leave the room.

“I needed to write to you. I was rather unsure if I was overstepping any marks, adopting Sunset...” Celestia said, only to to trail off when she noticed the distant look in the other woman's eyes.

“I have lived for over fifteen centuries.” Sunny Skies' voice had an odd tone to it, one Celestia couldn't place. It sounded like a deep foundation behind her words, one she herself lacked. “I have lived half a century in a land of chaotic nonsense. Ten of those centuries without my sister.” She paused a moment. “I have seen challengers rise and fall at my power. I've seen things you wouldn't believe. Pegasi warriors setting clouds afire at the airdocks of Griffonia. I watched Unicorn magic beams glitter in the dark near Tartarus' Gate...” She sighed. “I have lost students to battles, sickness, accident and sheer life-span... Sunset was the first to run away.” Her face was full of regret.

“A long life must have given you some perspective.” Celestia commented. It was stunning to hear, coming from someone who looked almost her twin, of her centuries of life. “Surely some knowledge to fall back on?”

“Not where it counted.” The pink haired woman sighed again. “I did not realise just what Sunset needed, I didn't see how much she wanted a mother and made me the mare to be one.” She gave a bitter laugh. “I kept everypony at a distance, a benevolent and motherly ruler to all... But for one poor lonely unicorn filly, I should have been more of a mother. ” Sunny Skies took a sip of her tea. “But I didn't become her mother and that so darkened hear heart, twisted her mind.”

“She told me how she'd hurt you. As she left.” Celestia drank her own tea, calmly listening to the literal goddess in her office.

“Nothing I didn't deserve.” The princess said. “Despite my long life, I am still a fool. I did not see my sister step the path to darkness, nor my student as she walked a similar line.” Placing the teacup back on the desk she looked to her near twin. “Thank you for taking Sunset in. For giving her a home.”

“I was glad to. I am glad to.” Celestia smiled wistfully. “I wish now that I had taken her in as soon as a confused and unhappy girl arrived at my school. But hindsight is always twenty-twenty isn't it?”

“Indeed.” The princess smiled softly.

Hearing a being with such a lifespan, so much experience and gathered wisdom, agree with her made the principal pleased. “Sunset wants to apologise for how she acted towards you. For the things she said.” Celestia offered. Those were the two things that most bothered Sunset. Now that she had been convinced to accept that her friends forgave her, that she deserved happiness. It still bothered the teen, how she had treated her beloved teacher.

“There is nothing she need apologise for.” The princess replied. “I forgave her a long time ago, even if I cannot forgive myself.”

“I can have her come here to the office.” Celestia said, cut off by a gesture from the princess. “It would really help her to say sorry, at the very least.”

“I believe it would hurt Sunset more than it would help.” The pink haired woman said, she sounded sad but certain. “I am grateful that you agreed to this conversation and for the letter that led me here.” She stood. “Though I should probably be getting back.”

“As you wish.” Celestia said. “I'll take you back to the statue and the portal.” She stood up and led the other woman from the office.

“Please, don't tell Sunset that I came here.” The princess said. “She deserves to live a happy life untainted by my failures... This would just upset her.”

“You need to see her at some point.” Celestia said, leading them through the school. It was a different path to before. “Sunset needs to say sorry to you. It will help her heal.” Celestia knew that Sunset still carried the guilt and was hurting. It made her heart ache for her daughter, there was little she could do to solve the problem.

Unless this complete stab-in-the-dark plan came through.

Celestia was hoping that they would bump into Sunset soon. She knew that the Rainbooms were practising in the music room this period. They would be passing it in a moment, it was only a few doors down.

A familiar voice, Sunset, could be heard and the pair halted in the hallway. Celestia grinned, her plan had worked out. The princess shot her a look, she knew this had been something the principal had hoped for.

“Alright Pinkie! Okay, I will go and re-fill your bottle. Sheesh!” Sunset was propelled from the room, her focus on the pink hands that had pushed her. Muttering about mad bakers, Sunset turned around and saw the two women.

The bottle dropped to the floor. “You...” Sunset looked to her mother and then to the startlingly similar visitor with her.

“Hello, my faithful student.” The princess said softly. At those words Sunset teared up and hurried to wrap her arms around her former teacher.

“I'm so sorry.” Sunset sobbed. “I was an awful pony and you were only trying to help me and...” She felt a finger to her lips.

“Hush Sunset. I forgive you. I always forgave you.” Princess Celestia said.

“We might want to go outside, the bell will sound soon.” Principal Celestia said. She didn't want the massed student body to disrupt this much needed moment.

The trio slipped outside the school building. “Can you forgive me?” The princess asked Sunset when they were a safe distance from the hustle and bustle of the school.

“What for? I, I wronged you.” Sunset sniffed and accepted a tissue from her mother. Drying her eyes, she kept focused on the princess.

“Can you forgive me for failing you so badly?” The princess said softly, she put her hands to Sunset's shoulders.

“I've only blamed myself. Never you.” Sunset whispered. She stepped forward to embrace the princess, an embrace that was returned. “So I guess we've both already accepted each others apologies huh?” Sunset said.

It was strange, the princess was hugging her, but it didn't feel the same as her mom hugging her. The hug was nice, the intent and emotions were already like a balm to the guilt she had carried since the Fall Formal. But it was just not the same as hugging the other Celestia, hugging her mom. They stepped apart and Sunset smiled up at her former teacher, wiping away a few stray tears. The princess was smiling too, and had to wipe her own tears clear.

“It has been good to see you Sunset.” The princess said, but she looked back to where the plinth and the portal home stood, obscured by the school building. “But I really should be getting back.” She blinked and looked up at the principal. “I'm happy to be leaving you with your mother.” She didn't stumble on the word, but Sunset wondered if she had imagined the flash of pain in the princess's eyes.

Gently, the princess pushed Sunset to the principal. Looking at her mother, Sunset could clearly see the look of worry on her face. As if she was concerned that Sunset would go with the princess. The teen took her mother's hand and smiled to her, squeezing her hand a little tighter.

The three walked to the statue and the princess stepped up to the portal, a tell-tale gleam to the surface of the plinth. “Goodbye Sunset, Principal.” the princess nodded to each. “I hope you consider a visit one day, you are both very welcome.”

“Goodbye Princess.” Sunset said, waving with her free hand. “I'll write Twilight when we are ready to take you up on that offer.”

“It was interesting to meet you.” Principal Celestia said. “You are welcome for a longer visit in the future. I have a few friends who would be most entertained to see you.”

“I will consider arrangements.” The Princess said, a sparkle of mischief in her voice. With a stately bow, she waved farewell and entered the portal.

In moments it was as if the princess had never been there.

Sunset gave a gusty sigh. “I'm glad I could say sorry.” She wrapped her arms around her mother. “I feel a lot better for it.”

“I had hoped so.” Celestia said, placing an arm around her daughter. Her daughter who had not returned to the land of her birth, not left her. “For a moment I was worried you would go home with the princess.”

“My home is here Mom.” Sunset said, quickly and easily. “I'm not against a vacation in Equestria though. I could show you some of the places I used to enjoy, show you my old world. And see what kind of pony you'd be...” She grinned, a little slyly. “Or what sort of panic a pair of Princess Celestias would cause.”

“Hm, yes.” Celestia said, turning them both to walk back into school. “Luna was most put-out by two of me today, I can't imagine what a duplicate head of state would do.”

“Discord would have liked two of you though?” Sunset said with false innocence, a hand tugged at her hair lightly.

“Cheeky.” Celestia was smirking though. “Just so long as the prospect of two Lunas is not communicated to Chrys, we'll all be fine.”

Nearly at the school building, neither were too bothered to separate. Sunset was happy to have put some hurt away, Celestia had confirmed that the teen truly counted herself her daughter. They weren't about to hurry up and part. “So, have anything you want for supper? I was thinking we could eat out.” Celestia said, leading Sunset to the class she was supposed to be in.

“Sounds good Mom. Can we go to the diner?” Sunset asked. She felt lighter, better, happier and finally rooted in this world. It called for celebration.

She was home.

~End~

Author's Note

So it ends.

Maybe it will have a follow up. Maybe a sequel but most probably a one-shot series . There are entire accounts, scenes and orphaned paragraphs that were removed for pacing that might grow into something worth posting elsewhere.

I am glad this was enjoyed by many and hope this natural halt is ending enough. Thank you for reading.

Chapter 8: Doctor

Finally getting out from under her friends, giving Rarity a pointed glance and dusting herself off. Sunset settled back into a seated position. “Do you want to make horse jokes all afternoon, or can I tell you about me getting a mom?”

“Oh! Oh! The Mom bit, the Mom bit!” Pinkie shouted, waving an arm around.

“Sorry Sunset, horse jokes are too easy to pass up.” Rainbow looked at least a little sheepish.

“Of course not Rainbow. You area goof and a dork.” Sunset said primly. “Alright. I told mom the whole thing. Unicorn, student to a goddess, evil power hungry darkness, magic mirror, going back to steal a crown, poorly thought-out teen zombie army...”

“We get the picture sugar cube.” Applejack laughed, the list sounded crazy to her and she'd heard it before. “Just what did she think? Ah don't think it was too bad seeing as she got it signed in that you're kin.”

“I think she was a little surprised, mostly that her school statue linked to a land of magical talking ponies...” Sunset recalled the puzzlement Celestia had writ across her face. Not something she expected of the clever woman.

“That- That is quite a lot to take in.” Celestia had finished her pot of tea as Sunset had told her about goddess princesses, schools of magic, unicorns and pegasi and learning to use all kinds of spells. Though, the troubling part was the sad string of emotional neglect that had drawn Sunset to darkness and skewed ambition.

“Yeah... But it probably explains to you my whole she-demon brainwashing bit.” Sunset had calmed down a little. Her telling had been dispassionate now; after all, her story so far had a sort of happy ending. “And the part where me and the girls get hair extensions, pony ears and wings.”

“True.” Celestia shook her head, a physical effort to organise her thoughts. “I'm sorry that I reminded you of such a sad time. It was never my intention.” She was still holding Sunset in a comforting embrace. It seemed natural for them both.

“No, I'm sorry I reacted like I did. I just, seeing the fake names on that certificate just reminded me... I wanted her to be my mother, but it didn't happen.” Sunset shrugged again. “This is all just perfect though. I was so worried about how I would get on after school. Now I'm a person. It's all so great!” She was beaming again, holding her card in her hand.

This meant a job, it meant college. It meant a future.

“Now you're officially an entity who exists though, I have arranged for you to be registered with my family doctor.” Celestia said. Her heart was soaring, Sunset wanted a mother. Was it still too soon to ask though?

“You have a family doctor?” Sunset asked, curious. “The girls only ever talked about being registered with a clinic...”

“Ah, yes... My family has never been in want of anything, I suppose you could put it.” Celestia hadn't wanted to get on to financial matters. She shifted a little to look at Sunset, but didn't let go of her. “We are all with a private doctor. As soon as I had a social security number, I'm afraid I took the liberty of registering you with her. You are currently sick and I need you checked up.” Celestia gave a thin smile, had she overstepped any bounds? Was this a huge miscalculation?

Sunset was sat back in the sofa and she'd not pulled away from Celestia's arm. She had her eyes closed though and Celestia couldn't get a read on what the teen was feeling. Finally she opened her eyes again. “Please don't say I am going to be costing you a lot of money...”

“Sunset-”

“No, please, don't. I'll get a job once I am well. I'll pay you back. It won't be cheap will it?” Sunset interrupted. She was glad she would be seeing a doctor. She'd not had any option but the school nurse and being careful for a long time. With her poor diet, bad living conditions and overall neglect of herself... A medical professional was vital now. This sickness had been a real warning call to her.

“Sunset. It is of no matter to you what it will cost. You will not have to pay anything back. But tomorrow you are having a physical and any treatments the doctor recommends without protest or demanding you pay for it yourself.” Celestia spoke firmly and squeezed the shoulder beneath her hand.

“But-”

“No buts. I want you well and you are part of the family, so that means you see the family doctor.” Celestia realised the words as they slipped out, but it was too late to take them back. She held her breath, waiting for Sunset to respond.

“Okay.” Sunset was quiet, but it did not seem to be in a bad way.

“Good. Now that all this is sorted out, I think it is about time for some supper. I'm not the world's greatest cook, but I can heat up some soup and there are bread rolls too. How does that sound?”

“That would be great.” Sunset replied. Really, soup did sound like just what she needed. But her thoughts were stuck on the family comment. Just what kind of family relationship did Celestia intend?

-*-

It had taken Sunset a while to fall asleep that night. She had things to think about. Like being part of a family, what that meant. How close was it to be? In Equestria, Cadence had called Princess Celestia Aunt, she had been turned into a princess, selected by Princess Celestia for the privilege. But Blueblood had also referred to the Princess as Aunt and he was just some title inheriting by-blow from a long ago line that hailed from Princess Platinum.

Cadence was very close to Princess Celestia indeed, taken under the Princess's wing in a way Sunset had only dreamed of. Blueblood was tolerated as much as any of the Canterlot noble-ponies, proving Princess Celestia's infinite capability to tolerate just about anything.

“Not helping me head.” Sunset groaned, Principal Celestia was someone else entirely. She was not a millenia old sun goddess who ran a country, Celestia was simply a normal woman in her late thirties who worked in a school. There was little to compare.

Eventually Sunset fell asleep. She had to see a doctor in the morning and wasn't looking forward to it. Being tired on top of a physical would not be enjoyable to say the least.

-*-

Sunset woke up feeling the smallest bit better. The itch behind her eyes was lessening and the ache in her joints wasn't quite as bad. The bedside clock read nine thirty, so she was surprised to hear activity downstairs. “Shouldn't they both be at the school?” Sunset said aloud, worried that she was again disrupting Celestia's day.

She washed and dressed quickly, back into her old clothes, though leggings and a sweater against the chill of winter were sensible additions from either Celestia or Luna's thoughtful purchases. Pausing, Sunset picked put her jacket too. While it didn't have the best associations, especially with her past, it was an effective psychological fillip.

As she had guessed, Celestia was downstairs, she was in the kitchen and turned to greet the teen as she entered. “Good morning Sunset.” She smiled warmly. “It was pancakes for breakfast this morning, you can reheat some if you'd like.”

“Good morning.” Sunset returned the smile and took a seat at the kitchen island. “Pancakes sound great, cold is fine. They get a bit soggy if you microwave them.” She gratefully took the offered plate, doused them in syrup and dug in.

“We have to be at the clinic for eleven. So no need to rush.” Celestia set a mug of coffee, black, beside the teen and took a seat opposite.

“Okay.” Sunset took a sip of coffee. “Thanks.” With her need for breakfast sated somewhat, Sunset slowed a little. “You're missing work again. For me.” She tried not to sound guilty, Celestia didn't want her to be feeling guilty about anything being done for her.

“They owe me plenty of time. Letting Luna be in charge every now and then keeps everyone on their toes too.” Celestia grinned a little wickedly, “My personal days coming in at random means the staff and the student body don't know when Luna will take the lead.”

“I suppose it makes for a change for everyone.” Sunset said between mouthfuls. “Still, you keep missing work for me.”

“Yes, but I am not very well just sending you off for a health check. I want to make sure you are okay, in person. Not from hearing off you what you feel will keep me happy.” Celestia levelled a look over her cup of tea. It was at once caring and mistrustful, saying 'I know that's what you would do'.

“Yeah... I probably wouldn't say everything.” Sunset admitted, she was starting to get a little worried about seeing a doctor. She'd not visited one since coming to this world. There was a lot of things about the human world she had only picked up from the media and pop-culture.

“Exactly.” Celestia had her soft smile for Sunset. “So we'll head out for the appointment in good time. Then maybe we can stop off and pick up some extra groceries. I'm not exactly well versed in shopping for vegetarians.”

“That would be good.” Sunset returned to her breakfast. As she ate the pancakes and sipped her coffee, it began to feel more like she was family than she was a guest. Celestia pottered around the kitchen, rinsing out crockery and tidying up a little.

When Sunset was finished she took her plate to the sink to rinse. “I'm going to go and catch up on school work until it is time to go.” She told Celestia, she'd missed a few days and living with the principal and the vice-principal meant the work came home when she was well enough.

“Now that is what I love to hear.” Celestia laughed, “If only all the students were quite so dedicated.” Her approval made Sunset feel happy, the emotion not even a little tinged with guilt or regret. “I'll fetch you when it is time to go.”

-*-

The Clinic that Celestia's family used was a modern structure within the neighbourhood, the higher class end of the city. The facility was bright and attractive, though it was clear that it was a private medical clinic, the sign at the front proclaimed that a sister site was a charity concern.

“Sunset...” Celestia was trying to figure out the best way to broach the subject of the past she and Chrysalis had invented for the teen. “My friend has made enough invented background to create a record for you, but there are no medical files.” She paused before they entered the building. “We didn't want to falsify anything that might harm you later.”

“That was sensible.” Sunset wasn't really sure what else to say. She was grateful for the work Celestia and her friend had undertaken.

“We... We had to fabricate a past. The gist of it is that you were off the grid up to the age of fourteen, lived in a hostel for the past few years since you started attending Canterlot High and now I'm your legal guardian.”

“Right.” Sunset nodded. Any delay in seeing the doctor was alright in her book.

“I did explain to the doctor that you'd not want to talk about the past, so she'll probably not bring it up. This is a physical check-up, not a mental health one.” Celestia dropped an arm around Sunset to guide her into the clinic. “Though, you only have to ask if you want to speak to someone about those matters.”

“Thanks. But I think I need to get through this first.” Sunset said, some trepidation in her voice. She had never been fond of doctors in Equestria, and all of those had been unicorns with diagnosis spells. She was not scared as such, but she wasn't feeling enthusiastic.

-*-

Sat on a chair in the doctor's office having blood drawn, Sunset decided she did not like medical check-ups. “Almost done.” The nurse said.

Things had started off alright. The doctor had introduced herself as Doctor Kind Heart and greeted Celestia warmly, they obviously knew each other already. She'd been friendly to Sunset, but not in a patronising way. There had been a few simple forms to fill in that they had both signed. Then Sunset had been ushered into the office.

The first tests were all the basics, hight and weight, a reflexes check and a quick peek into her ears and throat. Then the doctor had swapped places with a nurse. A nurse with a needle.

“All finished.” The nurse smiled and placed a cotton bud over the spot she'd needled. “I know most teenagers don't expect it, but I did hear this is your first visit... So, would you like a lolly-pop?” The nurse winked like she was sharing it in secret and pulled a candy from her pocket.

“I've had a needle poked into me. I would love a lolly-pop.” Sunset mumbled, pressing down on the cotton bud to try and stem the stinging. She took the offered sweet, she'd eat it when she felt less queasy from the needle.

There were a lot less needles involved in Equestrian medicine.

“Good choice.” The nurse smiled. “It's our secret too. Teenage girls with leather jackets have a reputation to maintain after all.” Now she was standing by the trolley she had brought in, filling in the notes to go with the two vials she had drawn. “I should know, I was one!” With those last words and a final wink, she bustled out.

“So, Sunset.” The doctor had returned, she was probably a few years older than Celestia, the teenager decided. “I don't have any past medical information of yours to go on, so we'll run the full lot of tests on those bloods we took.” She sat down at her desk.

“Okay?” Sunset had no idea what that actually meant. Advanced medical texts were a little beyond the Canterlot High and Canterlot City library.

“In the meantime, I spoke to Celestia to arrange for your shots once you're over this virus.” Doctor Kind Heart said.

Shots didn't sound good to Sunset, they involved more needles, but maybe if she was prepared for them she would be okay with it? “Uh, so this is, or was, the 'flu right?” Sunset hoped it wasn't something more complicated. She had no idea just how much her physiology had been altered by the portal and turned from unicorn to human.

“Oh yes, the seasonal strain I would expect. A lot of young people are robust enough to only get a mild bout, if any. Though I suspect that you have had a difficult time of late, stress, poor diet and those other sort of things?”

“Yeah.” Sunset didn't want to spell it out to the doctor, but it was all true.

“There's a weakness, the 'flu exploits it.” She pushed her glasses up from the slight slip they'd had as she looked at her notes. “From the BMI check I did before the nurse came in, I can see you are malnourished. I expect the bloods will turn up exactly what you are deficient in too. Once I have the report I can ask you back for that too.” She flipped through the note book in front of her.

“I know that secondary infection is a problem.” Sunset offered. Celestia and Luna had cited that as the main reason they were not letting her attend school yet. Malnourished was not what she had wanted to hear though. It would upset Celestia when she found out, it would upset her friends when they found out.

“Exactly. Celestia is doing well to keep you home. I suppose the principal in her hates to keep a student out of school, but she's got to look after you.” Doctor Kind Heart smiled. “Now, lets get mom back in here to give a report hmm?” She left, not realising that Sunset was confused.

'Is there another doctor?' Sunset thought to herself. She was more confused when Kind Heart returned with Celestia and motioned for her to sit in the other chair beside Sunset.

“Alright then, I'll tell you what I told Sunset, if you are happy to let her hear it?” She looked to the teen and Sunset nodded slowly, still mulling over the mention of “mom”. “Sunset has got the 'flu. She'll need all her shots, as she's not had them in the past, once she is over the illness. Keep her off school until next week, she needs to get past the worst risk of infection. I've got some blood tests to do which we'll write to you about when we get results.” The doctor listed. “Also, Sunset is certainly underweight and probably malnourished too. I'll have specific deficiencies after the bloods are back in. There is a number of diet plans on the website if you need help, but you and Luna have always been very good about balance, so Sunset should be fine in your care.”

“I had a feeling Sunset would be malnourished.” Celestia said, appraising but caring eyes rested on the girl and Sunset couldn't help but feel loved. She felt wanted.

“I took her in from less than ideal circumstances.” Celestia reached over and took Sunset's hand, it was more to comfort herself than the teen, it hurt that she had left her so long without investigating how she lived. “I'll see to it that she is back to one hundred percent.”

“That's about it, there will be a letter in the post when it is time for the shots and the blood results.” The doctor smiled.

“Thanks Kind Heart.” Celestia said as she rose from her chair. Sunset followed behind as they left the office, shrugging on her jacket (glad the stinging from the needle had subsided).

They were out of the clinic and in the car before Sunset had sorted out in her head what to say.

“The doctor called you mom when she went to fetch you. As in, my mom.” Sunset said it quietly, ever so quietly. She had never worked up the courage to ever mention that M-word around Princess Celestia. She couldn't compare a situation like this to anything from her past, she was walking an unknown path. Sunset kept her eyes glued to the dashboard, she didn't dare look at the woman in the driver's seat.

“Did she?” Celestia replied in a tone that seemed to match exactly how Sunset was feeling.

Nervous, scared, hopeful...

Celestia couldn't look at her passenger. What if Sunset didn't want this? What if the whole debacle would make her stand away, separate herself from Celestia? “How did you feel about that?” It was a careful question.

“Confused.” Sunset admitted. She thought on it for a moment. “Hopeful.” The idea that she could have a mom again had returned with the care and concern shown her these past few days. Admittedly it was not unencumbered with her emotional baggage, but it was an option possibly open to her. With those thoughts, Sunset took a gamble. “Happy.”

This Celestia was a different one. Not a goddess princess who had so much and so many to consider. This Celestia was simply a woman who had taken the role of educator to help young minds flourish. Sunset took another risk. “It was nice, to have a mom again. Even if only for a little while.” She managed to look across, shyly, “Especially someone like you.”

“Really?” Celestia's voice cracked a little in disbelief. All this time she had been worried how to communicate her eventual intentions for Sunset and the girl wanted to have her as a mother?

“Yes.” Sunset blinked. She knew she meant it. The silence made her nervous again. “If that's okay? If you think it is too weird we can just pretend I never said that.”

Celestia laughed then, a slightly silly giggle. “Oh Sunset! If only you knew how much I had been holding back these past days!” She turned and took the girl into a slightly awkward hug, given their positions. “We have a lot to talk about Sunset. There is a nice little tea shop near here. We can get a drink and talk.” She released Sunset and gave her a smile.

Sunset sat mute with surprise.

Sunset sniffed a little and realised there were tears gathered in her eyes again. “Sorry girls, I just need a moment.

“Take as long as you need darling.” Rarity said, the others nodded agreement. Fluttershy took Sunset's hand and held it, smiling her benevolent smile.

“Its just... I had been so long without a mom and it hurt so much, again, after the Fall Formal. Everything came back. Everything I had forgotten. But I was in even less of a place to actually achieve what I wanted than I had been in Equestria.” Sunset blinked the tears free. “Then someone wanted me. I was and I am just so happy.”

“And we're happy for you.” Pinkie had taken up station on Sunset's other side. She understood when happy could be so great that you were a little bit sad too.

Rainbow poured another round of sodas, emotions made her uncomfortable but this was her friends and making a lame joke right now wouldn't be the best idea.

If it was going to take a moment, then they would have a moment.

Author's Note

Now both of them know that they can be a family. Yay! We're not done yet though. This feels train is going right to the end of the line!

Anyway....

Wow.

I got featured, follows and favourites and watchers jumped up by miles and so did the upvotes. Thanks everyone! I am glad people like this story. When I started I was worried that I would simply retread the same old ground in the same old way.
I hope this delivers what everyone is looking for and I don't lose that vital thread I have been chasing though this labyrinth of an idea.

Until next time.