Empty Lake, Full Skiesby SnowdrifterChaptersFull Stomach, Sleepy HeadEmpty Rooms and Full HeartsEmpty Hallways and Full BackpacksFull Hallways and Empty TrashcansEmpty Cruelty, Full StopEmpty Buckets, Full BalloonsEmpty Can and Full ExpositionFull Stomach, Sleepy HeadAuthor's Note OK, so i saw potential with this story and had a chat with Wayward Sun about picking it up. This chapter isn't all that involved, but it begins to set the stage. As this is my first foray into fanfiction, I expect you to me ruthless in your assessment. I can take it. Maybe. Tags used because Sunset's dealing with her failed suicide attempt, and what's worse, she's suffering malnutrition and fighting either a bacterial or viral infection. Later chapters will deal with a slight reordering of events taking place between the two movies. Full Stomach, Sleepy Head *THUNK!* Somewhere, in the darkness and fuzziness, there was a strange noise echoing in Sunset’s personal universe. It was probably an anomaly, something that wouldn’t repeat, be duplicated or reoccur. A trick of the dark, messing with her sleepy brain. Too bad it hammered at a throbbing in her head , as she envisioned Vice-Principal Luna swinging a croquet mallet back and forth inside her skull with a manic grin. *THUNK!* Or maybe not. After the noise repeated, Sunset opened her eyes – and had a brief but very real moment of panic. Dark-framed wooden posts and an ominous shadow that loomed over her… “Yo, Sunset! Glad you’re awake.” The shadow moved back, and was no longer back-lit by the sun, a mop of rainbow-colored hair framing Rainbow Dash’s face. It was only slightly less creepy. Everything that had happened the last 24 hours began to spin around inside the redhead's throbbing skull. The hunger, the pain, the shame, and memories of a cold forested lake…. STOP THAT! “Rainbow, um, I’m sorry…” “Hey, can it. You’re gonna stay in bed today. Granny Smith’s orders, not mine. Sunday mornings are for sleeping in on anyways. Especially when you’re sick.” “SUNDAY?!” Sunset shuddered, and tried to pull things together. And then, just as it was starting to make sense… *THUNK* “Huh? Whazzat?” Sunset enunciated eloquently, looking around again. Rainbow pointed out the window. “AJ’s chopping firewood. Big Mac normally does it, but he’s late getting back from town. Something about the old truck they use giving off a different color smoke than usual. Now, if it was rainbow colored smoke, it would be cool.” An engine's low rumbling sound signaled Big Macs’ arrival, as the old truck stopped with a backfire. “Now, I am going to go see if there’s any breakfast left. I got up an hour ago to go for a run, AJ’s been doing chores. Granny’s right outside in the kitchen if you need something.” The athlete sighed, “And before you apologize again, you should know you’ve been saying it in your sleep for hours. I think we get it. No offense.” Sunset had never been happier to hear those two words, because it meant even the stubborn athlete seemed to care. “Thanks…” As Rainbow left, she made a point of not closing the bunk room door. Sunset sighed, but she understood. Sunset Shimmer, girl genius. She realized that between Granny and Cherilee, *someone* had been through suicide prevention and response class. She was trapped. ‘Is that so bad?’ Pride was truly a deadly sin, and Sunset had almost let it kill her. Had any of a dozen people she could think of seen her between last Tuesday and Friday night, they would have seen signs. Maybe that’s why she’d isolated herself so much. That’s why she’d gone to that quiet, clear, cold lake in the woods. And now, here she was – she hadn’t even drowned right. Now, there were altogether too many people paying close attention to her. It was unnerving. Trying to clear her mind, Sunset looked out the window, where she could see Applejack hard at work. It was quite a sight, too. The farm girl had shucked off her jacket and hung it alongside her hat on a peg outside the barn door. Sunset knew it had been Applejack who dove in after her, and who’s strong arms had carried her all this way. Watching Applejack work was somehow… relaxing. She could see how the toned muscles of her arms and legs shifted as she brought the splitting maul overhead. The way her shirt would rise with the maul, showing a strong six-pack stomach. And the way the sun glittered off her blond hair... She was still staring bemusedly out the window when she heard Granny saying, “Right in there.” She turned around to see an older man with a thick shock of brown hair, wearing a tweed jacket and carrying a black satchel. “Oh, don’t get up, stay right there. I’m a doctor. And yes, house calls are still a thing, especially out this far from town.” Sunset thought about running, but realized quickly she wouldn’t get far. He adjusted his glasses, pulled a chair in from the kitchen, and said, “Let’s see what I can do for you.” “Now, sugar-cube, you said we couldn’t take you to a doctor. That’s whatcha made us promise. You said nothin’ about havin’ a doctor come to you.” A.J. was still sweaty from her chores, but she’d seen the look Sunset was giving her after the doctor left. Sunset had aspired water and was going to have to take antibiotics, as she had opened herself up to pneumonia and other nasty threats. Her fluid balance was off, and she was suffering from confusion due to the shortage of oxygen in her blood the near-drowning had inflicted. On top of that, she was still feverish, although at least she was lucid now. Her diet needed to improve, and the doctor had discussed this with Granny Smith. Everyone was also reminded that she wasn’t to be left alone. It rankled Sunset, but the end run around the promise had not broken it. Technically. “Besides,” Rainbow jumped in bluntly, “I had my dad call the guy who treats *me*, so you got taken care of by the doctor trusted with the most awesome athlete in Canterlot! Maybe he can prescribe you some “Rainbow Dash” and… wait, that sounds just weird.” Rainbow made a face, and shrugged. “In any case, I got to go help Flutters at the shelter.” And with that, a streak of rainbow light left the apple orchard, clearing the horizon in ten seconds flat. “But… but… aw, she’s gonna tell. The others, I mean. About where i am, and what... I tried to do...” “Yeah, ‘bout that. See, we already told ‘em we’d found you, and that you were sick and restin’ up. Kinda had to, since we’ve ALL been lookin’ for you. Harvest is over, so the hired hands have already gone – but you’re gonna stay right there till you get better. No arguments. If’n you need stuff from your place, just say so and one of us’ll get it.” AJ got up and headed out of the bunk room, off to take her rather delayed morning shower. Sunset knew she wasn't staring at the farm girl as she left, ponytail swinging back and forth. Then her fever-fogged brain processed what Applejack had said. Sunset got even paler, not that it was possible. My place, huh? Oh, that’ll be a laugh. She knew eventually she’d have to explain that she *had* no place else. That she slept in the school library and used the locker room showers to get cleaned up. That she did her laundry at a coin-op within sight of the school building. That she’d lost nearly everything that hadn’t been in her locker or on her person that cold Friday night, thinking she wouldn’t need it any more. How do I explain that? I never planned to stay in this world… wait, let’s not think on it right now. With a groan, the Sick and Miserable Sunset Shimmer curled back up in her bedding, and drifted off to sleep again - only to grab her head as the old truck outside started up again with a backfire. I knew I wasn't going to get off that easily. Empty Rooms and Full HeartsSunset was feeling so much better after 2 weeks at Sweet Apple Acres. Sure, the bunk was lumpy, but it was far better than sleeping in the library. She had even started pitching in, seeing was she could help the Apples and maybe, just maybe, start making up for the mess she had caused. She’d learned a lot when she arrived in this world, and one of the things she’d found she mastered quickly was technology. She'd found several things to keep her mind off of school. -1 week ago- The Apple family did own a computer, but it had hardly been used. Sunset had spent the day tinkering with it, and finally had something useful to show for it. She grinned, and motioned the Apple siblings over. “Check this out. I got your computer updated and online. There’s a whole bunch of ideas here that could improve your sales or lower expenses *without* changing how you do stuff in the field. More, if you are willing to make changes out there, too. It can save the farm a fortune. Interested?” “I don’t reckon we’ve used that machine in years,” Big Mac said laconically, “so how’s it gonna help us now?” Applejack, on the other hand, hadn’t said anything, as she looked at the list of suggestions Sunset had typed up. She didn’t seem too impressed. “It’s simple. Right now, you’re using a paper ledger, and I saw you always get your supplies from the same few sources without ever checking prices. You've an annual account with Filthy Rich, and every winter you go into the red. He hits you with interest in the spring. You’ve got no advertising budget, relying on strict word of mouth about your cider and other products. By going digital with the budgeting, you can make more efficient decisions. My math is right on the money here.” Big Mac leaned past a skeptical Applejack, and as he scanned the lists, his eyes widened noticeably and he whistled, “That’s almost a twofold increase in net profit, and we just need to make a few changes…” I know, right?” Sunset smiled, but the look on the sibling’s faces quickly caused her to stop. “Was it that smile again? The smug uppity one?” Applejack nodded, “The same. Look, sugar cube, I don’t think we should change things just for the sake of change. That’s not the best way to run a business.” Big Mac interjected, and much to both of the girl’s surprise, it was on Sunset’s side. “Welp, I think some of these changes can’t hurt – not if we can advertise more AND still increase our profit margin. These figures look good to me.” There was a snort from the middle Apple sibling. ‘Don’t try using your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue. You’re for ‘em, I’m against. Granny will have to review the changes, and see what we can actually do.” With that, Applejack walked off, grabbing her hat on the way out. “And here I was going to show her how to use MyStable next. She always this stubborn?” “Eeyup…” Sundays are slow days even on a working farm. With chores out of the way, Sunset was helping out in a variety of positions. Mostly, she wanted to avoid thinking about returning to school. It had been 2 weeks since the disaster of the Fall Formal, and things were just not good. She had all her assignments done, of course. Grades were no threat, but all three of the siblings had warned her that the student body was still rather hostile towards her. In addition, some things had stressed Applejack, and Sunset knew what they were. Granny Smith had backed most of the changes Sunset had recommended, because they were small, easy to implement, and didn’t affect the day to day running of the farm. An infinitely practical woman, Granny was rather taken with Sunset’s head for business, mathematics and science when applied to agriculture. It was, however, the HOW of Granny’s approval that had turned Applejack against Sunset. -3 days ago- “That’s a right clever set of ideas, Sunset. Big Macs got a surprising way with figures, but he wasn’t ever set on applying it like this. Mebbey he never had the time. You kids just go along and put this stuff into practice. Why, having someone so sharp, it’s like Marmalade was here again.” Granny slapped a hand over her mouth, but not in time. Big Mac dropped the mug of cider he was drinking, and Applejack leapt to her feet, “Eeeenope!” Oddly, it was the less taciturn Applejack that snorted out the one-syllable answer before once again grabbing her hat and stomping out. Big Mac, however, took a series of deep breaths and cleaned up the spilled drink. “Oh, my. I really stepped in it that time,” Granny sighed, and shuffled towards her bedroom. Sunset found herself in a nearly empty kitchen, and for the first time since she’d been carried bodily inside the house, it felt… cold. “Marmalade?” Big Mac sighed. “Come on, best I show you.” And he headed up the stairs. Following the farm boy, Sunset realized that she’d actually never seen anyone use the back room up there. As Big Mac opened the door and turned on the lights, she started to get the idea. “Granny knows what she’s talking about, you are a lot like her.” Seeing the redhead’s confusion, Big Mac sighed. “You’re smart, Sunset. You probably can figure this out.” Looking around the room, Sunset could tell two people had shared it. A man and woman. There were picture frames showing the Apple siblings, Granny and others that Sunset hadn’t seen, and judging from the age of many of the pictures, probably never would. At one end of the tidy, well-kept room, however, was something that drew her eyes. On a dresser sat a photo that was out of position compared to the others. It showed two young adults. One was a blond woman with green eyes and a smile you could feel across the room. The resemblance to Big Mac and Applejack was uncanny, and clearly indicated this woman was their mother. She was wearing a set of work overalls, one shoulder undone, showing a t-shirt with a stylized jar of orange marmalade on it. Next to her was a strapping orange-eyed red-haired hunk – so that’s where Apple Bloom got her hair and eyes –in a wife beater shirt, jeans and a ball cap with a quartered apple on it. The photo sat atop an ornate black box, no more than a foot by 6 inches by 4 inches. It resembled a jewelry box, but then something Sunset had read about when she arrived clicked. There were nameplates, One for Marmalade Orange, one for Brock Apple. Different Born dates, same Died date. They had to have been together. “This is a shrine, is it? These were your parents.” “Eeyup.” “What happened? I understand if you don’t wanna say – “Barn caught fire, summer after Apple Bloom was born.” It was Applejack again, standing in the doorway of the room turned shrine. She looked like she’d eaten a bug. “We aren’t sure of the details, but they were both inside when it happened and unable to get out. Firemen said they found ‘em holding each other. Raised a new barn during the next Reunion, to remember them by. And this is their room, just the way they left it that morning. And Big Mac knows nobody’s supposed to be in here. “No offense, Sunset.” “None taken.” After walking out of the room, Sunset paused, “Was that what upset you?” “Sort of. Mom was smart – she ran the business side of things after Grandpa Apple passed on. But Mom was the kindest, most generous person you’d ever see. You aren’t like her at all.” “No, but she sounds like a great example to aspire to. Even for me.” “Eeeyup…” Sundays were for being lazy, and doing nothing, which is why Sunset was under the Apple family truck, with Apple Bloom handing her tools somewhat reluctantly. Sunset’s jacket hung from the driver’s side rear view mirror, and she was carefully making adjustments to the oil lines. Next to one of her fancy boots was a greasy pile of ‘extra’ parts she had as a plan to tease the Apple siblings. She’d been working on the truck all morning, and was just about through. No more backfiring at 5 AM, no more smoke (Including rainbow-colored – sorry, RD) and she figured she’d improved the fuel economy too. It was, however, still a relief when she heard the bell ringing, and Granny giving a loud “Soup’s ON!” Apple Bloom had taken off at the first note from the old triangle, so Sunset put away her tools and checked her work. She fired up the truck, and the old inline 6 engine roared to life like a champion. She backed up off the ramp stands and parked it out front, shutting it off with satisfaction. Then she went inside to clean up. “Truck’s fixed.” “Are you kidding me? Nobody’s been able to figure out what was wrong with that thing. We were gonna go get it fixed, but, well, budget and all that…” “Eyup. Good to know, though.” "Just trying to earn my keep. Not fair of me to just sit around for a week and eat your food,” Sunset smiled. “Glad I can be useful around here.” Big Mac raised an eyebrow, and passed some mail to Applejack. “Now you’re being too modest.” He grinned while his sister read the letters, a strange look developing on her face. He held up his hand, and slowly began a countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… “This can’t be right. We sold THAT much cider on the new web site? The farm’s in the black still? We won't have to take Filthy Rich’s loan to clear us through to next spring?” Applejack seemed flabbergasted, Apple Bloom was practically buzzing with excitement, and Granny had a grin from ear to ear. “Eyup…” "So," Sunset said to Apple Bloom as they cleaned up the lunch dishes. "Ever used MyStable?" Empty Hallways and Full Backpacks-Monday lunchtime- The lunchroom felt cold enough to liquefy nitrogen as Sunset entered and got in line. No one came near her – likely afraid she’d fireball them. It was clear no one understood just yet that she couldn’t. It made her wish she had an arctic parka. At least Granny Smith was supportive, chatting her up a little as they went down the lunch line. Sighing with frustration, she headed towards an empty spot at the far side of the cafeteria. That was the plan, at least. She was learning, however, that no plan survives contact with Pinkie Pie. Somehow, Pinkie and Applejack ended up to either side of her, and steered her to their table instead. Pinkie Pie was, of course, a vibrating bundle of smiles and energy, while Applejack was a irresistible force. Not wanting to upset them, or give the hostile crowd a reason to act, she let herself be guided over to the table. “Darling, you look miserable. Are you taking better care of yourself now?” Rarity, of all people, was fussing over her as she sat, while Rainbow Dash gave Sunset a lopsided grin and a shrug, as if to indicate that there was no rescue from Rarity’s attentions for the moment. “And whatever are you wearing? It’s almost like you’ve one set of clothes!” The very idea of such a travesty made the fashionista prepare for a good faint, arms up in shock. "And whatever happened to that daring little jacket you always wore?” Sunset slumped over the table, “Well, it kinda has holes and burn marks in it, and the zipper's a little melted..." “Wasn’t hard laundering her clothes, although I don’t know if even you can fix that jacket of hers, Rarity.” Applejack paused and downed a healthy swallow of juice before continuing. “But *somebody* wouldn’t let anyone go to her place to get her clean clothes. It’s almost like we weren’t trustworthy.” That was the most Applejack had said since her reaction to the changes she had opposed earlier in the week. Somehow, Sunset’s business models were far closer to those used by Marmalade Orange than expected, and that had set Applejack off somehow. Big Mac said she didn’t like to admit being wrong. Since then, Applejack had begun giving Sunset curt, monosyllabic answers in a way that reminded Sunset of Big Mac. Not for the first time, she wondered if an angry Big Mac would chew someone’s ear off. Hopefully, she’d never see that. “Applejack, I’m gonna tell all of you something. Maybe it’ll go a bit further towards building some trust. But not right now. In fact, I’ll do better than tell - I’ll show you all where I was living - right after class. It won’t take long.” “It better not – I have to be on the field 20 minutes after class,” piped up Rainbow. “How else can I get the rookie players to see how awesome I want to be?” “Wait, it’s that close?” Applejack finally broke out of her dark mood, at least enough to ask Sunset an actual question. That was a relief. “Yup, practically there already,” Sunset replied, before polishing off her salad. “Practically there. Just meet me in the foyer after your last class.” It was technically correct, and that was the best kind of correct. Applejack wasn't looking completely convinced, however. The bell rang, saving Sunset from explaining things further. The afternoon serving of cold shoulder with a side of insults was almost a relief from the personal questions at lunch. She had class with Applejack, who was giving her an odd look through class. It was strange, but at least she wasn’t as hostile. Trust was something Sunset was learning was as important as friendship – and as hard to deal with sometimes. Soon enough, though, classes ended, and Sunset waited in the foyer for the other girls. As they arrived, she could tell they all had questions – but she just motioned for them to follow her. “Why are we going back inside?” Rainbow was the first one to ask, already at the limit of her patience. From the exchanged looks and comments from the other girls, Sunset knew the rest agreed with the athlete. “Fastest way, Rainbow,” the redhead replied, going into the library and heading for the upper level. “Again, it’s about trust. I need to be honest with you. You all know I came through the portal – I was lucky to have clothes on. No money, no paperwork, no magic, struggling with a body I didn’t know how to use in a world I didn't understand.” She passed the last row of books, and reached a door that had a “caution – construction” sign on it. “I arrived at night, and the school building looked like some minor government office. I thought I might be able to find shelter and information, at least.” Sunset opened the door to what looked like a storage room of some sort. “And so, I didn’t tell any of you about this place, because I was ashamed. I mean, Princess and undisputed ruler of all Canterlot… High,” Sunset gestured halfheartedly at the room, “was sleeping in the library and stealing services from the school.” The room was small, and the girls at first saw only a stack of crates that blocked the doorway. Sunset then pushed the leftmost stack, which slid smoothly back twice its width, allowing single file entrance to the neat, organized space behind it. Several more of the crates had been set up along the right hand wall, covered in a set of old, fold-up gym mats. White school towels had been secured together with staples and tape into serviceable blankets, while one of the school’s spare computers, a desk and chair took up the far wall. Sunset reached up and tripped a light switch, throwing the room into much greater detail. Glaringly, there was no sign of personalization or other effort, nothing to identify who was using this space – at least not obviously. Turning back around, Sunset gathered a handful of things from one of the storage crates – a school gym bag with athletic clothing, sports towel, and toiletries in it. This went in a larger bag that had clothing and a handful of books in it. This included her old jacket, which lead to Rarity fainting on the gym mat briefly upon sight of it. Only Sunset seemed surprised by this reaction. Still, she recovered quickly, and carefully moved Sunset's battered jacket into her own bag, wincing. "No guarantees, darling... this is worse than I remember." "Yeah, well, last time I wore it, I was tromping blindly through the woods in the dark. It made things worse." "That’s not a library computer,” Sunset picked up where she left off, taking a seat at the computer desk. “I don’t know why or how, but that computer is linked to the administrative systems instead of the limited system they allow the students to use. This is how I got all your information, and that of dozens of other students. I had access to all the school records.” She started the computer, entering in her password quickly. “Now, this is part of what I didn’t want anyone to find before I could come up here. I really could have ruined the school.” She deleted several file folders, then ran a low level format on the machine. “You mean you’ve been living like this for how long? 30 moons is what, 2 and a half years...” Applejack canted her hat back, while the other girls could only look about in shock. “You were ashamed you’d managed something like this? After the other stuff you’ve done, this actually makes a lot of sense. No offense...” "None taken." “But this is so awesome!” Rainbow Dash gushed, checking the walls and other crates as if there might be even more hidden spaces. “It’s like something out of a spy movie. Sunset Shimmer, Secret Agent! Wait a sec! Are you a SPY?” “Um, I don't think she's a spy... How did you do all this? Um, that is, if you don't mind...” Sunset sighed. ‘Well, first, I moved the construction sign onto the door… The second day at school was the worst. The previous day, Sunset saw fear and shock, surprise. Now, however, the fear was being replaced by something else. Sunset knew it was coming, of course. She was a girl genius, after all. As the fear that kept people in check receded, anger rapidly began to boil up. People began to push their boundaries with her Tuesday morning, though. Whispers and dirty glares began to replace the fearful avoidance and frosty silence that had plagued her first day back at school. The groups and cliques she had manipulated for years were mixing and mingling, and at least there was the buzz of conversation around her. Just not within about ten feet of her. It was like she’d cast a silence spell, the only noise being the click of her boots on the tile floor. As she’d walk down the hallway to class, one or more students in a given group would see her coming and just stop talking. Gazes would all turn towards her, then as a group, they’d pointedly ignore her, even if she tried friendly gestures. No one responded to her, but the conversation restarted as she walked away. Getting within conversation distance hadn’t worked either – people would pointedly walk away from her. Sunset’s methods of isolation and bullying worked against her, as no one would deal with her one on one. There was still an undercurrent of fear, but this time the students were relying on their repaired friendships and gave her no openings to exploit. By lunch, not even Taco Tuesday could cheer Sunset up. The silences had rapidly been replaced by muttering, which was gradually becoming far more negative over time. Sure enough, insults had actually been shouted in the pre-lunch crowd. She had no idea who was shouting, just that it was her name, a declarative of equality with, and something offensive. The old Sunset would have already made a dozen plans to destroy the offender, but the new Sunset wanted to avoid that dark place. She grit her teeth and kept on walking, not giving the shouter the benefit of having her turn and look for them. At least she had a place to sit where the glares were not as harsh. And at least most of the people wouldn't shout at her. Sunset joined Applejack in the line, and tried to pick up their conversation from earlier that morning. However, the farm girl was having none of it. “No, you can’t move back here. Even if you did use your fancy computer skills to erase all your blackmail you had up there, there’s no way you need to be near a computer that has access like that. You’ll sign on at the farm, and I’ll use the profits from your fancy mathematics to cover your room and board, although you’ll be expected to pitch in with a fair share of the chores. It’s honest work, rather than living like a parasite off the school’s resources. And I already know you understand hard work.” “At least you’re not mad at me anymore, I hope. I much prefer you talking this way. When you’re mad, you sound like your brother, all one-word answers.” She managed a small smile, “Good to actually hear your voice.” “Hrm, you don’t say. I’ll remember that, in case you get out of line again.” Green eyes blinked as sunset headed for their usual table, counting down from five. “Waitasec, I don’t sound like Big Mac at all!” Sunset laughed for the first time in what felt like years. Canterlot High could bring its worst. What could possibly go wrong? Full Hallways and Empty TrashcansSunset hated the universe right now. Standing in front of rows of identical lockers, she cursed herself for even thinking those five damning words. Clearly, the universe was listening, and she was facing a rather artistic example of that right now. She had gone in ahead of Twilight's friends to use the restroom, but was brought up short at her locker. This locker was unremarkable in every way but two. The bold and extremely insulting graffiti hadn't been there yesterday. That part of the problem was the least vexing. Sunset knew graffiti could be cleaned up. No, that wasn't the biggest problem. The large and heavily reinforced lock was, though. For three years, Sunset had relied on a cheap little padlock and her reputation to safeguard her few valuables. No one had dared to violate her locker in such a way. The lock confronting her now barely fit the locker catch, and looked like it had been built to survive anything short of a thousand years on the sun. The sphere of silence in the hallway seemed to suddenly grow fragile and sharp as crystal, dozens of students nearby watching to see what would happen. "This is a test," Sunset's dark mood grew ever more bitter with that realization. "They want to see what I'll do. I'll show them, I... No, no cliche villain acts. What would Twilight do?". As she walked towards the school office to report this, she shook her head again, "Probably tell me, 'I told you so. NEVER use those five words together.' Lucky Princess...." Behind her, the conversations started again. And laughter. That was new. Applejack and the other girls walked down the hallway, where they were greeted by an odd sight. Sunset Shimmer was staring at her locker like it was some sort of portal to another world. Snickering was evident all up and down the hallway, save for a zone of silence around Sunset. That barrier was in no way adequate to stop the girls from approaching a seemingly shellshocked Sunset silently standing stock still. "Whacha looking at, Sunny?" If anyone could dispel silence, it was Pinkie Pie. She peered intensely at Sunset's locker before gasping. "Oh my gosh, did you forget your homework?" Sunset's left eyebrow twitched, and she reached out and unlocked her spotless locker, which now had her original lock on it again. "Well, no.. Just..." "Oh, I bet you came in and your locker was covered in mean grafiti and someone swapped your lock and you went to the office to report it and Vice-Principle Luna came back with you so you could show her but the grafitti was gone and your lock was back so she didn't believe you and now you're not sure it happened either but are almost completly sure you're not crazy?" Sunset's entire face began to twitch as she expertly articulated her emotional state at Pinkie's massive run-on sentance, "How in Tartarus..." "Oh, just a hunch." Sunset's reply was unintelligible over the bell for class, probably for the best. The facepalm, however, could be heard in Equestria. Eventually, even the universe tires of humiliating people. Sunset believed this fervently, yet the day was still a train wreck. She prided herself on her intelligence. Because of her brains, rarely did she need to take homework back with her to her little room off the library. No, most of it got done in her free period at the end of the school day. Whomever had gotten into her locker had swapped out parts of Sunset's assignment with cartoon characters, Wikipedia references and pages from an iorem ipsum generator. Fortunately, whomever did this hadn't been super efficient. Long ago, Sunset had changed her default font for printing documents, and the swapped pages didn't match up. Fortunately, her tech savvy arguments bought her some time to reprint the assignments at the library before lunch. Somehow, the graffiti and monster lock were back when she passed her locker, heading for the cafeteria. Not wanting to make a fool of herself again, she got out her phone and took a well-aimed picture. In the cafeteria, five ordinary teenagers discussed their friend, who was late to lunch. "But she'd look so adorable! Really, it would freshen up her image around here if she changes a little here and there," the fashionista proclaimed with grand gestures. "She can be the girl she wants to be... "Nah, if she wants to really be cool, she should join some of the teams." Rainbow even held up a cartoon-like, stick figure drawing of herself, with a smaller figure with loads of red-gold hair in the background. Both figures were wearing soccer outfits... sort of. "She'd end up almost as cool as me. Maybe twenty percent less cool, which you gotta admit is still pretty awesome!" "Not to burst your bubble, Rainbow, but Sunset's carrying a fair set of chores on the farm - she's got about as much time for that as I do. 'Fraid you can't have her from me just yet." The farm girl chuckled as her athletic friend made a face at her across the table. "Um, Applejack, you might want to rephrase that, that is, um... if you want to...", Fluttershy's cheeks ware turning pink from something she'd thought she heard, and she seemed to be attempting to sink into the floor. "We really wanna get her involved again, so naturally, we need a PARTY! We can invite everyone! I bet we can even promote it with a musical number right here in the cafeteria! I have bongos!" "Pinkie Pie, you are SO random. That'll never work." "Why not, Dashie - it works in both movies." "What?" And as Pinkie took in a huge gasp of air in preparation for another expository monologue, five phones alerted their owners to an incoming email in unison. The multiverse had just been saved by Sunset Shimmer. *... And that sums it up," Pinkie's cheerful recap of events left even the usually collected Vice-Principle blinking. She walked over to the locker, eyes on something odd near the gap with.the next locker. "Still not believing Sunset?" Luna let out a deep sigh as her fingernail traced the gap between lockers. Just once, she wanted Tia to handle things. There was a triple shot caramel macchiato cooling on her desk, and some malarkey about approving a musical showcase - aha, there it was. She scraped her nail against the locker, causing something to peel free. The graffiti was painted on a clear plastic backing, which in turn was stuck to the locker with what looked like water. Removable and replaceable. Quite clever. Examining the lock revealed that it was way too thick to safely remove, even with tools from the auto or shop classrooms. Tia was going to have to set aside her tea and cake and call in a locksmith. And Luna could get back to her coffee. That thought almost made Luna smile. "I like physical evidence. I also remember some interesting photos from before the Fall Formal that would have caused disaster if unchallenged." Luna kept her eyes on Sunset during the speech. "I'm reserving judgment on this until I am certain of the facts." And after she had her coffee. "Best go back to lunch. Sunset can come get her belongings from the office later. Oh, and try to bring a better lock of your own to discourage this. That lock looks familiar, so I will keep it and find out how this happened, and who is responsible." In the muttering crowd, a faint "Curses, foiled again!" could be heard as the watching students dispersed. "Don't fret, sugar cube," Applejack drawled casually while Sunset picked up her things from the office later that day and returned them to the locker, securing it with a rather expensive 'spare' combo lock that Rarity had generously handed over (did she glue rhinestones to everything?). "The universe is too big to worry about little old us. I don't know a lot, but I reckon things are gonna be looking up soon." "Agreed, why the nerve of some people, using such a simplistic, and bland artistic expression like a stencil shows a frightful lack of originality... No offense, Sunset." Rarity fussed with her bags, "But we should head out soon, the others will be waiting for us." Sunset allowed herself an eye roll, "None taken, Rarity." she paused as another student approached. Derpy Hooves, as Sunset recalled. "Hey, Sunset, this note is addressed to you." "Thanks, but where did you find it?" a confused Sunset queried. Applejack just shrugged, while Rarity seemed on the verge of saying something, what looked like hearts flashing in her blue eyes. "In my locker. I just don't know what went wrong." "Well, thanks for bringing it to me." "Okay, Sunset. Also, if you see a statue of an angel and it's crying," Derpy's eyes went normal, and she gave Sunset a stare that rivaled a cockatrice. "Remember to back away, and don't blink." With that said, the girl regained her easygoing tone and walleyed appearance and skipped cheerfully down the hall. "Yep. That happened," Applejack broke the stunned silence with a blink. "What's the note say? Rarity practically swooned, "Of course, it must be a love letter. I wonder who the lucky boy is?" With a sigh, the redhead gave Rarity the best glare she could manage. Due to the events of the day, it was rather tepid and the purple-haired girl hardly noticed it. Even as Sunset took a deep breath and prepared to explain how unlikely that was, but she was cut off by Applejack, "I dunno, Rarity, Sunset doesn't seem to be the type who'd settle for someone that wrote out a confession and had somebody else deliver it. She'd prefer someone who was honest and forthright in their feelings. At least, I hope she would." Sunset face palmed (again), and focused on reading the note. Unless pitchforks had been added to Valentine's Day, this wasn't a love letter. It was a challenge. "Um, I'm supposed to leave school today by way of the cafeteria side doors. Whomever wrote this note says they know who messed with my locker but won't tell me unless I meet them there.." "Well, then - we'll go with you. After all, whomever made that garish mess has no sense of style. Oh, eh-he-he, and they certainly shouldn't use other people's lockers for that either." "Well, it's almost time - let's see what this is about." Sunset was ready for the day to end, so she agreed quite eagerly to the suggestion, and the three girls strode off to see who was waiting for them. Peculiarly, there was no one around when they walked through the squeaky cafeteria side door. As the girls looked around in confusion, Sunset stepped on something out of place. Someone had taped a sheet of paper to the sidewalk, and it read, "Up." Sunset looked up, and with a gasp, violently shoved Applejack and Rarity away from her to either side, right before her day got much, much worse. Author's Note Someone has planned on gas-lighting Sunset, messing with her head while she's down. And people thought AJ was giving Sunny a bad time. The only saving grace here is whomever is gas-lighting Sunset is being a bit too clumsy about it. Empty Cruelty, Full StopRarity found herself falling backwards, thoroughly disoriented by Sunset's shove. Startled, she let out a refined, elegant, ladylike shriek as she toppled. She saw something coming over the edge of the roof, and her eye for details picked out several things of note. The object was an open cylinder of a tacky yet familiar dull grey color, with handles on either side. Those handles were each held by a different person. 'Rough, never heard the word manicure?', was her thought as the image was cut out by an inconvenient shrubbery. From a short distance away, she heard dear Fluttershy cry out in alarm, "NO!" Two warring thoughts plauged the fashonista as she hit the bark dust under the thick brush. 'What is this fall going to do to my outfit? battled with 'That looked like a cafeteria...` SPLAT '... garbage can!' Applejack had been starting to warm to Sunset, and was considering apologising to the redhead as soon as she figured out what to say. She'd been stepping down to the sidewalk when Sunset had stopped short, then it came out of nowhere. Suddenly, she was airborne, and she heard a an unmistakable shriek from behind her. As she brought up both arms to cover her face, the farmgirl gritted her teeth. 'She did NOT just push Rarity! I can take it, but pushing one of my friends?' The oncoming grass would mean that she wouldn't land on the sidewalk, but the landing was gonna be rough. Unbidden, she briefly wondered if she could grow wings like Rainbow, Flutters, or Twilight, but the impact with the ground forestalled any further thoughts. Tucking into the impact, AJ used the momentum to come back up with a half-roll, hands coming up to push her hat into place as she got ready to give back as good as she got. Clear as a bell, she heard a suprisingly loud "NO!" which might have been Fluttershy if she ever raised her voice. SPLAT Waitasec, what was that noise? With her emerald eyes still narrowed, she finally tipped her hat back, and... "... and that's how you do awesome, girls! Come on, warmups are done, let's set up for line drills!" Rainbow Dash guffawed at the groans of her fellow soccer teammates, and waved to a nearby tree. Fluttershy sat in the shade, quetly watching the team practice. Recieving a surprisingly energetic wave back, RD returned to her exercises, eager to get moving after hours stuck in a desk. She'd just started her line drills when she heard a familiar, dainty, ladylike shriek. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Fluttershy start turning towards the school. 'I Know that scream,' RD thought, looking towards the cafeteria side doors with growing alarm and hearing a GASP from Flutters at the same time. Rairity was dissapearing into the bushes to the left of the door, and AJ was just coming out of a shoulder roll and trying to get her hat out of her face. Still on the one step up to the side door, looking up in horror was Sunset Shimmer. As Dash put her legs into overdrive, she saw the strange cylinder pitching over the roof, and an actual shout of "NO!" From a half-standing Flutters. As fast as she was... SPLAT ... she wasn't fast enough. Sunset Shimmer was drenched, but as the other girls approached with looks of slowly dawning horror, they began to realize exactly what had just happened. The smell alone was overpowering, and the shocked girl in the center of the rancid mess slowly reached up and ran her fingers through her matted and slicked down hair. Grease. Lard. Bits of bacon and sausage from that morning's staff breakfast. Granny Smith's school meatloaf. The vegetarian ex-villianess was soaked in processed animal bits, cooked and raw. Each of her friends tried to say something; trying to help her and babbling platitudes. She was repeatedly asked if she was okay. With a shudder, Sunset contributed to the conversation with an unequivocal and emphatic answer, power vomiting Taco Tuesday's Veggie Special all over the sidewalk. Author's Note Yes, there were more witnesses. Sorry for a short chapter. Empty Buckets, Full BalloonsSunset felt like she was floating, again, disconnected from reality. Even at her worst, she had never done anything like this to anyone, ever. There was a lot of noise around her and she realized with a start that all of Twilight's frie- no, her friends were all talking at once. She tasted the bile still in her mouth, but wasn't sure how best to answer everyone all at once. Fortunately, she didn't have to. "Alright, give her some room, everyone!" Applejack managed to cut through the chaos and start organizing things, even as Sunset felt anoter wave of nausea building. "Rainbow, help me get her to th' showers. Rarity, emergency outfit for a summer redhead!" With a face, AJ felt the greasey mess get all over her as she got an arm around the shuddering redhead to help her up. "I'm gonna need a change too, if you can manage it. Bring it to th' locker room, ok?" With consensus quickly came order from chaos, as the friends scattered to enact their plan. Sunset found herself propped up by Applejack, RD going ahead of them, opening doors and trying to clear the still busy hallways. Meanwhile, Rarity took off towards the smusic room with an anxious Fluttershy following. "Shy, darling, could you be a dear and check the cafeteria? I know the trash can that was used came from there, and there may be a clue! Call one of us if you find anything." With a worried nod, the shy girl split off from Rarity and went down a different hallway. "Outta the way, people!" Rainbow moved ahead, parting a growing crowd of students as AJ hauled the still retching Sunset along, almost bodily having to carry her. Several students stood stunned and sidetracked, staring shocked as slimy Sunset staggered slowly showerward. It was clear that even those that hated her the most were horrified at what had happened. Sunset was certain that if she didn't feel so Discord-damned miserable, she'd be mortified to be seen in this state. Fortunately, the trio reached the girl's locker room, and the shower of hot water began to cut some of the grease and smell. RD's preferred shampoo smelled of coconut, and the stuff was doing a good job of getting the stuff out of Sunset's hair. Still, she felt the whole bottle wouldn't ever get her clean. Not waiting to get a seperate body wash, she scrubbed everywhere, while AJ started showering in the stall next to her. Her clothes had been declared a total loss, but RD had been texting the rest of the girls and replacements were minutes away. For the first time since seeing the bucket, Sunset was able to open her eyes and start to breathe normally. As she finally began feeling equine again, she heard another person entering the locker room. "... Then I said 'Oatmeal?? Are you crazy?" Pinkie paused, "Anyway, wait here, be right out." "Do hold the door, Pinkie; I've got an armload here," Rarity was here as well, it seems. Well, at least she'd have something to wear home. "Goodie! I was worried there for a moment. Twitchy tail, you know." Sunset had to roll her eyes, it was so wierd it was almost funny. "Pinkie, you don't have a tail.". "Not until Tuesday! Good thing I have a story instead. Even better, it's a real mystery, with a spectacular twist at the end, involving some of your favorite people, Sunny. And cherrichimichangas!" Sunset finally turned and looked over the shower stall door, only to see Pinkie wearing a greatcoat and deerstalker hat, blowing bubbles out of a comically large pipe. "What?" Author's Note Sorry for another painfully short chapter. Pinkie's investigation is next, with clues, meddling kids and Fluttershy! Let me explain! No, wait - too much has happened. Let me sum up... Empty Can and Full ExpositionSunset basked in the steaming shower as her friends came and went, bringing various things into the locker room. Rarity was having an overly dramatic faint, complete with fainting couch, just outside the locker room doors, and several voices could be heard in the hallway as well. Of course, since she was trying to get the last of the horrible goop out of her ears and hair, she wasn’t sure who else was out there, although it sounded like a couple of boys talking rather heatedly and Pinkie’s cheerful banter guiding the conversation. The redhead consoled herself with the fact that Rarity had indeed brought a complete change of clothes before taking a close look at her grease and lard-covered clothing. “Of all the things that could have happened, this is the worst. Possible. THING! Leather jackets need special cleaning, and should never be allowed to get so… so… so saturated! It’s a crime against fabulousity, and I will not let it go unanswered!” Finally feeling almost equine, Sunset left the shower and began to towel off as she heard another set of voices, but these must have been further down the hall and she couldn’t make out what was being said. Eventually, the voices resolved into the girls’ soccer team, who filed into the locker room and immediately clammed up upon seeing Sunset getting dressed. This time, however, they didn’t say anything negative, and when Sunset lifted her head and looked around, she realized that at least for now, based on the sympathetic expressions she received from the athletes who began their own showering rituals, that at least this time she wasn’t going to be assaulted. Still, if she’d had her pony ears, they’d have been flattened back so far they’d have disappeared in her mane. It was a relief to finally join the others in the hallway, since the stares of sympathy from Flitter, Cloudkicker and the rest were still stares, and were starting to give her the willies. In the hallway, having quite the conversation, was Pinkie Pie – now wearing a long-sleeved white dress shirt, blue pants and a yellow ascot – talking with… oh no. Flash Sentry? What in the world was going on here? Flash’s bandmates were there too, and they seemed to be comparing notes with Rainbow Dash, while Fluttershy sat quietly on one of the hallway benches a few yards away. Yep, the whole gang was coming together. Sunset started to feel greasy again as the events of just a few moments ago replayed in her head. Good thing she had nothing left in her stomach. She doubted she could keep down water at this point. That’s when she felt a steadying hand on her shoulder. “How ya holdin’ up, sugarcube?” Sunset was still startled, turning suddenly to face the farmgirl with an ‘eep’ that Fluttershy would have been proud of. “Whoa nelly, that bad?” Sunset realized that she was so close to Applejack she could count the other girl’s freckles, and that her bangs were brushing along the brim of the other girl’s Stetson. She took a half-step back, a sheepish expression on her face as AJ’s expression shifted through surprise into concern. “Wow, you’re a little flushed looking, too. You ok?” With a sigh, Sunset relaxed, “Yeah, just a very hot shower. And scrubbing. Lots and lots of scrubbing. With lots of hot water. And soap. And scrubbing.” It was true, she was probably just red in the cheeks from that. Yeah. It was technically correct, which is the best form of correct. “I didn’t know I could feel so…. Horrible. Yeah, I’m going with that for now.” She looked up, noticing Fluttershy was making some room on the bench, and gratefully flopped down next to her as Applejack nodded and motioned everyone else over. There was a pause. A pregnant pause. Pregnant with triplets. Finally, Flash cleared his throat. “Eeeeyah, this is awkward. I know there’s some, well, issues between us, Sunset, but I heard what happened… and I think I know exactly who was responsible for it. Things have changed since, well….” “And fade to flashback!” Pinkie interjected through her megaphone, adjusting her beret. “Oh, diagonal wipe, very effec….” Flash Sentry and his bandmates were using the cafeteria to practice, since the music room was usually full of those girls – and Sunset. Given their history, it was best to avoid her, even if it meant going out of their way a bit. Besides, he had nothing against the rest of that crowd, and he liked some of the songs they had come up with. More than once, he’d asked about Twilight Sparkle, but the answers had been ridiculously vague. One of these days he would figure it out, but the Fall Formal was such an annoying blur now. He’d been satisfied when Sunset’s house cards had come crashing down, and from how she’d looked after she was drug from that crater, he figured she really didn’t need any more abuse. Up until recently, he’d thought she was just skipping school to spite some sort of punishment or another, but rumors soon emerged – as did a sort of power vacuum. Sure, people were reconnecting with old friends, but things were still far from right with CHS, even though great progress had been made. Sunset Shimmer had been alpha monster though, and no one else had tried to stop her. Whatever else she had done, she had squashed every other petty bully, keeping them under control as much as she did the rest of the student body. Had she applied that charisma and intensity just a little bit differently, she might well have ruled the school with admiration instead of fear, and still prevented any challengers from rising. During her absence, however, things had not gone well. Snips and Snails were toadies, originally protected from reprisals by Sunset’s fearsome reputation. She’d been gone just a couple of days before they’d scurried off to suck up to another bully. The idiots had chosen poorly though, and at least at first, their new patron only protected them to vent on them without any opposition. Fortunately, they weren’t working for someone with the savvy of Sunset Shimmer now. That should have rendered them mostly harmless. Sunset had been clever. In a world of weapons, Sunset would be the finely balanced rapier, poised, precise and efficient. Flash had admired her sharp intellect before he had seen the vile personality wielding it. If Sunset was a precision blade, then the bully that wanted her position of power was a lead pipe, hoping to use fear and blunt force trauma as a solution to everything. It wasn’t happening very fast, though. This thug needed time. And then Sunset returned, a shell of her former self. Half-starved, meek, quiet, and unabashedly repentant. And a certain lead pipe couldn’t relate, and so had decided to lash out and break things. After all, Sunset had been the alpha monster, and posed a challenge. And like any bully, this thug could smell her weakness. Flash should have spoken up sooner, but he hadn’t been certain. Not until now. He just hoped he wasn’t too late. He was. But… he had the proof now. “That’s right, you two. We couldn’t really make you repair the front of the school, because we want the job done right. However, you *are* still going to face disciplinary actions for your part in this. We understand that Sunset Shimmer was the mastermind behind much of what occurred, but she wouldn’t have been successful if the two of you had done the right thing and exposed her rather than helping her.” Principal Celestia templed her hands, giving the two young men seated across from her a steady, measured look as her words hung in the air. She knew from long experience that the young men would begin to fidget, showing their discomfort. She stretched out the wait, watching for that moment of dawning comprehension, where they realized that they had no defenses. And she was prepared should they try offering any. “But Sunset-“ “Hasn’t been found yet. When she is, she’ll face disciplinary measures appropriate for the situation. Therefore, she is not your concern.” “That’s not-” “Fair? The two of you are involved in her schemes by choice. After her manipulations were exposed, it became clear that the only thing she had on either of you was an offer to be in a position of power. Something the two of you reveled in. “You made your choice, and now, you get to experience the consequences. The sooner you start, the sooner it’ll be over. You’ll apologize to the student body at an assembly tomorrow. Then, you’ll be assigned unpleasant tasks all over the school grounds. You’ll complete these tasks and after doing so for a set time based on how well you do them, you’ll be done. Now, the two of you are going to be getting a list of tasks when you report for detention after class today. I’ve also taken the liberty of informing your parents.” “Aw, jeeeze!” Celestia stood up, and opened her office door. “Back to class with you, I hope this experience teaches you something. Now get going, I have a lot to do to get things fixed around here. I don’t want either of you causing any more trouble.” Both boys drug their feet, but shuffled out of the office, whining about fairness and blame. As she closed the door behind them, she could only hope they learned a different song soon. She walked to her window, looking out past the Wondercolts statue moodily. “Sunset Shimmer… where have you gotten to?” There was no hustle or bustle in the empty hallways, just two sullen kids getting their books on their way to class. They were complaining about how unfair everything had been, and how they shouldn’t have to clean up the mess. As they both agreed that it was all Sunset’s fault, and that they shouldn’t be held responsible for her actions, they passed a short hallway where the lights hadn’t been replaced. With a sudden jerk, both young men fund themselves face-first in the lockers. Whomever it was, they were very, very strong, and gave them no chance to escape. “Alright, dweebs,” a gruff voice spoke between their ears, “You helped that damn witch run things here for at least two years. You’re gonna spill what you know. You’ll tell me everything she had you do, how she had you do it, and to who. You’ll do whatever *I* tell you to do from now on, because there’s no way she’s gonna come back. And I’ll make sure no one else kicks your faces in for the things you’ve done or will do, besides me. Or I can break your faces now – repeatedly. “So, what’ll it be?” There was something about being Great and Powerful that lent itself to being on top. Now that Sunset had been exposed, Trixie was feeling even greater and more powerful than ever. No longer would she play second fiddle around here, no sir. Trixie was going to take over this place, as it should have always been. Was there ever any doubt? Gleefully grabbing her packet of peanut butter crackers from the vending machine, she turned around, and bumped hard into someone else well inside Trixiespace. “Watch where you’re going! The Great and Powerfurrrrgggkkkkk!” The last line’s flawless delivery was ruined as the heckler pushed her back into the vending machine hard enough to rattle both the machine and Trixie. She blinked, and looked up into hard eyes. For a moment, she wished she was the Invisible and Far Away Trixie. “Call yourself whatever you like, dweeb, but when I call you, you come running. Otherwise you’ll be the Limp and Bleeding Trixie. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” The Cowed and Scared Trixie swallowed and nodded emphatically, silvery tresses flying, even as she looked to the left and right for help… only to see empty hallways. If she could just reach a smoke bomb, she might escape yet. “Good, because you’re gonna help me stay on top. That blasted Shimmer’s coming back to the school, and I need you to work some ‘real’ magic. Get in her head, get her off balance. You in? Because it would be a shame if I had to break your jaw to keep you from blabbing if you aren’t.” Trixie swallowed as those cold eyes stared her down, and managed to mumble, “Um, yeah… Trixie could come up with… something.” “You’re smarter than you sound. Have it ready by Tuesday morning, before class. Otherwise, I’ll be the one making *you* disappear. And thanks for the crackers.” Trixie could only stare down the hallway as her antagonist walked away. Suddenly, she felt rotten and rather powerless. Again. In the middle of Canterlot Mall, three teenage girls strode arm in arm, losing their minds. They chatted, giggled, and talked. Much of their conversation revolved around the events just a few weeks ago, the mysterious activities that had occurred over the weekend of the Fall Formal. The three girls weren’t exactly sure what had happened, but they knew it involved rainbow lasers, a handful of students, a ridiculous amount of damage and Sunset Shimmer turning into a monster. Well, more of one. Soon, though, the trio separated, each heading her own way to finish up a Saturday’s grand avoidance of all things school-related. It was a welcome reprieve, and for once nothing worth fainting had happened to the trio. Lily went around the back of the mall, readying a key her mother had given her so she could go in through the employee doors and help her mom close down their flower kiosk. At least, that’s before she found herself grabbed and pulled around a corner. She turned with a laugh, thinking it was one of her friends, only to freeze like a deer seeing oncoming headlights. The person who’d grabbed her was scary enough, but the image on the phone that was inches from her face made her blood run cold. “How…” “Going in there? Good. I know the mall has heavy duty security locks, and every stall gets two. You’re gonna get me one, or this is all over MyStable along with your personal information. Or, I can post it now, save us the trouble. Come to think about it, I could just beat you up, take your keys and help myself to whatever I want. So, you gonna be smart, and get me what I want? Because the last option is really sounding good to me.” Lily did the only thing reasonable under the circumstances. She fainted. When she came to, her purse had been dumped. Sitting neatly atop the purse, as if to mock her, Lily saw her keys and her student id. Beyond them, the back door to her mom’s stall swung partly open. The horror, oh, the horror… “See, Sunset,” Flash continued, “With you gone, there was a bit of a struggle between the bullies you suppressed. After that first week, when you still hadn’t shown back up and no one had a clue where you were, one of ‘em decided to make a move. Snips and Snails may have turned faster than a sonic rainboom – but they were never the ones to take charge Principal Celestia has been working them ragged the past week or so, and they’ve done nothing but whine. It was way past complaining. Anyways, when they took out the trash for Granny Smith and were chuckling about it, I knew they were up to no good. So, yeah, Snips and Snails dumped that stuff on you. Trixie came up with the adhesive graffiti on your locker. That lock – the VP is gonna find it’s missing from the rollup door owned by Lily’s mom – the flower shop in the mall. “But the one giving the orders was Gilda.” Author's Note Late, and a little rushed. Questions? Comments? Snide remarks?
Full Stomach, Sleepy HeadAuthor's Note OK, so i saw potential with this story and had a chat with Wayward Sun about picking it up. This chapter isn't all that involved, but it begins to set the stage. As this is my first foray into fanfiction, I expect you to me ruthless in your assessment. I can take it. Maybe. Tags used because Sunset's dealing with her failed suicide attempt, and what's worse, she's suffering malnutrition and fighting either a bacterial or viral infection. Later chapters will deal with a slight reordering of events taking place between the two movies. Full Stomach, Sleepy Head *THUNK!* Somewhere, in the darkness and fuzziness, there was a strange noise echoing in Sunset’s personal universe. It was probably an anomaly, something that wouldn’t repeat, be duplicated or reoccur. A trick of the dark, messing with her sleepy brain. Too bad it hammered at a throbbing in her head , as she envisioned Vice-Principal Luna swinging a croquet mallet back and forth inside her skull with a manic grin. *THUNK!* Or maybe not. After the noise repeated, Sunset opened her eyes – and had a brief but very real moment of panic. Dark-framed wooden posts and an ominous shadow that loomed over her… “Yo, Sunset! Glad you’re awake.” The shadow moved back, and was no longer back-lit by the sun, a mop of rainbow-colored hair framing Rainbow Dash’s face. It was only slightly less creepy. Everything that had happened the last 24 hours began to spin around inside the redhead's throbbing skull. The hunger, the pain, the shame, and memories of a cold forested lake…. STOP THAT! “Rainbow, um, I’m sorry…” “Hey, can it. You’re gonna stay in bed today. Granny Smith’s orders, not mine. Sunday mornings are for sleeping in on anyways. Especially when you’re sick.” “SUNDAY?!” Sunset shuddered, and tried to pull things together. And then, just as it was starting to make sense… *THUNK* “Huh? Whazzat?” Sunset enunciated eloquently, looking around again. Rainbow pointed out the window. “AJ’s chopping firewood. Big Mac normally does it, but he’s late getting back from town. Something about the old truck they use giving off a different color smoke than usual. Now, if it was rainbow colored smoke, it would be cool.” An engine's low rumbling sound signaled Big Macs’ arrival, as the old truck stopped with a backfire. “Now, I am going to go see if there’s any breakfast left. I got up an hour ago to go for a run, AJ’s been doing chores. Granny’s right outside in the kitchen if you need something.” The athlete sighed, “And before you apologize again, you should know you’ve been saying it in your sleep for hours. I think we get it. No offense.” Sunset had never been happier to hear those two words, because it meant even the stubborn athlete seemed to care. “Thanks…” As Rainbow left, she made a point of not closing the bunk room door. Sunset sighed, but she understood. Sunset Shimmer, girl genius. She realized that between Granny and Cherilee, *someone* had been through suicide prevention and response class. She was trapped. ‘Is that so bad?’ Pride was truly a deadly sin, and Sunset had almost let it kill her. Had any of a dozen people she could think of seen her between last Tuesday and Friday night, they would have seen signs. Maybe that’s why she’d isolated herself so much. That’s why she’d gone to that quiet, clear, cold lake in the woods. And now, here she was – she hadn’t even drowned right. Now, there were altogether too many people paying close attention to her. It was unnerving. Trying to clear her mind, Sunset looked out the window, where she could see Applejack hard at work. It was quite a sight, too. The farm girl had shucked off her jacket and hung it alongside her hat on a peg outside the barn door. Sunset knew it had been Applejack who dove in after her, and who’s strong arms had carried her all this way. Watching Applejack work was somehow… relaxing. She could see how the toned muscles of her arms and legs shifted as she brought the splitting maul overhead. The way her shirt would rise with the maul, showing a strong six-pack stomach. And the way the sun glittered off her blond hair... She was still staring bemusedly out the window when she heard Granny saying, “Right in there.” She turned around to see an older man with a thick shock of brown hair, wearing a tweed jacket and carrying a black satchel. “Oh, don’t get up, stay right there. I’m a doctor. And yes, house calls are still a thing, especially out this far from town.” Sunset thought about running, but realized quickly she wouldn’t get far. He adjusted his glasses, pulled a chair in from the kitchen, and said, “Let’s see what I can do for you.” “Now, sugar-cube, you said we couldn’t take you to a doctor. That’s whatcha made us promise. You said nothin’ about havin’ a doctor come to you.” A.J. was still sweaty from her chores, but she’d seen the look Sunset was giving her after the doctor left. Sunset had aspired water and was going to have to take antibiotics, as she had opened herself up to pneumonia and other nasty threats. Her fluid balance was off, and she was suffering from confusion due to the shortage of oxygen in her blood the near-drowning had inflicted. On top of that, she was still feverish, although at least she was lucid now. Her diet needed to improve, and the doctor had discussed this with Granny Smith. Everyone was also reminded that she wasn’t to be left alone. It rankled Sunset, but the end run around the promise had not broken it. Technically. “Besides,” Rainbow jumped in bluntly, “I had my dad call the guy who treats *me*, so you got taken care of by the doctor trusted with the most awesome athlete in Canterlot! Maybe he can prescribe you some “Rainbow Dash” and… wait, that sounds just weird.” Rainbow made a face, and shrugged. “In any case, I got to go help Flutters at the shelter.” And with that, a streak of rainbow light left the apple orchard, clearing the horizon in ten seconds flat. “But… but… aw, she’s gonna tell. The others, I mean. About where i am, and what... I tried to do...” “Yeah, ‘bout that. See, we already told ‘em we’d found you, and that you were sick and restin’ up. Kinda had to, since we’ve ALL been lookin’ for you. Harvest is over, so the hired hands have already gone – but you’re gonna stay right there till you get better. No arguments. If’n you need stuff from your place, just say so and one of us’ll get it.” AJ got up and headed out of the bunk room, off to take her rather delayed morning shower. Sunset knew she wasn't staring at the farm girl as she left, ponytail swinging back and forth. Then her fever-fogged brain processed what Applejack had said. Sunset got even paler, not that it was possible. My place, huh? Oh, that’ll be a laugh. She knew eventually she’d have to explain that she *had* no place else. That she slept in the school library and used the locker room showers to get cleaned up. That she did her laundry at a coin-op within sight of the school building. That she’d lost nearly everything that hadn’t been in her locker or on her person that cold Friday night, thinking she wouldn’t need it any more. How do I explain that? I never planned to stay in this world… wait, let’s not think on it right now. With a groan, the Sick and Miserable Sunset Shimmer curled back up in her bedding, and drifted off to sleep again - only to grab her head as the old truck outside started up again with a backfire. I knew I wasn't going to get off that easily.
Empty Rooms and Full HeartsSunset was feeling so much better after 2 weeks at Sweet Apple Acres. Sure, the bunk was lumpy, but it was far better than sleeping in the library. She had even started pitching in, seeing was she could help the Apples and maybe, just maybe, start making up for the mess she had caused. She’d learned a lot when she arrived in this world, and one of the things she’d found she mastered quickly was technology. She'd found several things to keep her mind off of school. -1 week ago- The Apple family did own a computer, but it had hardly been used. Sunset had spent the day tinkering with it, and finally had something useful to show for it. She grinned, and motioned the Apple siblings over. “Check this out. I got your computer updated and online. There’s a whole bunch of ideas here that could improve your sales or lower expenses *without* changing how you do stuff in the field. More, if you are willing to make changes out there, too. It can save the farm a fortune. Interested?” “I don’t reckon we’ve used that machine in years,” Big Mac said laconically, “so how’s it gonna help us now?” Applejack, on the other hand, hadn’t said anything, as she looked at the list of suggestions Sunset had typed up. She didn’t seem too impressed. “It’s simple. Right now, you’re using a paper ledger, and I saw you always get your supplies from the same few sources without ever checking prices. You've an annual account with Filthy Rich, and every winter you go into the red. He hits you with interest in the spring. You’ve got no advertising budget, relying on strict word of mouth about your cider and other products. By going digital with the budgeting, you can make more efficient decisions. My math is right on the money here.” Big Mac leaned past a skeptical Applejack, and as he scanned the lists, his eyes widened noticeably and he whistled, “That’s almost a twofold increase in net profit, and we just need to make a few changes…” I know, right?” Sunset smiled, but the look on the sibling’s faces quickly caused her to stop. “Was it that smile again? The smug uppity one?” Applejack nodded, “The same. Look, sugar cube, I don’t think we should change things just for the sake of change. That’s not the best way to run a business.” Big Mac interjected, and much to both of the girl’s surprise, it was on Sunset’s side. “Welp, I think some of these changes can’t hurt – not if we can advertise more AND still increase our profit margin. These figures look good to me.” There was a snort from the middle Apple sibling. ‘Don’t try using your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue. You’re for ‘em, I’m against. Granny will have to review the changes, and see what we can actually do.” With that, Applejack walked off, grabbing her hat on the way out. “And here I was going to show her how to use MyStable next. She always this stubborn?” “Eeyup…” Sundays are slow days even on a working farm. With chores out of the way, Sunset was helping out in a variety of positions. Mostly, she wanted to avoid thinking about returning to school. It had been 2 weeks since the disaster of the Fall Formal, and things were just not good. She had all her assignments done, of course. Grades were no threat, but all three of the siblings had warned her that the student body was still rather hostile towards her. In addition, some things had stressed Applejack, and Sunset knew what they were. Granny Smith had backed most of the changes Sunset had recommended, because they were small, easy to implement, and didn’t affect the day to day running of the farm. An infinitely practical woman, Granny was rather taken with Sunset’s head for business, mathematics and science when applied to agriculture. It was, however, the HOW of Granny’s approval that had turned Applejack against Sunset. -3 days ago- “That’s a right clever set of ideas, Sunset. Big Macs got a surprising way with figures, but he wasn’t ever set on applying it like this. Mebbey he never had the time. You kids just go along and put this stuff into practice. Why, having someone so sharp, it’s like Marmalade was here again.” Granny slapped a hand over her mouth, but not in time. Big Mac dropped the mug of cider he was drinking, and Applejack leapt to her feet, “Eeeenope!” Oddly, it was the less taciturn Applejack that snorted out the one-syllable answer before once again grabbing her hat and stomping out. Big Mac, however, took a series of deep breaths and cleaned up the spilled drink. “Oh, my. I really stepped in it that time,” Granny sighed, and shuffled towards her bedroom. Sunset found herself in a nearly empty kitchen, and for the first time since she’d been carried bodily inside the house, it felt… cold. “Marmalade?” Big Mac sighed. “Come on, best I show you.” And he headed up the stairs. Following the farm boy, Sunset realized that she’d actually never seen anyone use the back room up there. As Big Mac opened the door and turned on the lights, she started to get the idea. “Granny knows what she’s talking about, you are a lot like her.” Seeing the redhead’s confusion, Big Mac sighed. “You’re smart, Sunset. You probably can figure this out.” Looking around the room, Sunset could tell two people had shared it. A man and woman. There were picture frames showing the Apple siblings, Granny and others that Sunset hadn’t seen, and judging from the age of many of the pictures, probably never would. At one end of the tidy, well-kept room, however, was something that drew her eyes. On a dresser sat a photo that was out of position compared to the others. It showed two young adults. One was a blond woman with green eyes and a smile you could feel across the room. The resemblance to Big Mac and Applejack was uncanny, and clearly indicated this woman was their mother. She was wearing a set of work overalls, one shoulder undone, showing a t-shirt with a stylized jar of orange marmalade on it. Next to her was a strapping orange-eyed red-haired hunk – so that’s where Apple Bloom got her hair and eyes –in a wife beater shirt, jeans and a ball cap with a quartered apple on it. The photo sat atop an ornate black box, no more than a foot by 6 inches by 4 inches. It resembled a jewelry box, but then something Sunset had read about when she arrived clicked. There were nameplates, One for Marmalade Orange, one for Brock Apple. Different Born dates, same Died date. They had to have been together. “This is a shrine, is it? These were your parents.” “Eeyup.” “What happened? I understand if you don’t wanna say – “Barn caught fire, summer after Apple Bloom was born.” It was Applejack again, standing in the doorway of the room turned shrine. She looked like she’d eaten a bug. “We aren’t sure of the details, but they were both inside when it happened and unable to get out. Firemen said they found ‘em holding each other. Raised a new barn during the next Reunion, to remember them by. And this is their room, just the way they left it that morning. And Big Mac knows nobody’s supposed to be in here. “No offense, Sunset.” “None taken.” After walking out of the room, Sunset paused, “Was that what upset you?” “Sort of. Mom was smart – she ran the business side of things after Grandpa Apple passed on. But Mom was the kindest, most generous person you’d ever see. You aren’t like her at all.” “No, but she sounds like a great example to aspire to. Even for me.” “Eeeyup…” Sundays were for being lazy, and doing nothing, which is why Sunset was under the Apple family truck, with Apple Bloom handing her tools somewhat reluctantly. Sunset’s jacket hung from the driver’s side rear view mirror, and she was carefully making adjustments to the oil lines. Next to one of her fancy boots was a greasy pile of ‘extra’ parts she had as a plan to tease the Apple siblings. She’d been working on the truck all morning, and was just about through. No more backfiring at 5 AM, no more smoke (Including rainbow-colored – sorry, RD) and she figured she’d improved the fuel economy too. It was, however, still a relief when she heard the bell ringing, and Granny giving a loud “Soup’s ON!” Apple Bloom had taken off at the first note from the old triangle, so Sunset put away her tools and checked her work. She fired up the truck, and the old inline 6 engine roared to life like a champion. She backed up off the ramp stands and parked it out front, shutting it off with satisfaction. Then she went inside to clean up. “Truck’s fixed.” “Are you kidding me? Nobody’s been able to figure out what was wrong with that thing. We were gonna go get it fixed, but, well, budget and all that…” “Eyup. Good to know, though.” "Just trying to earn my keep. Not fair of me to just sit around for a week and eat your food,” Sunset smiled. “Glad I can be useful around here.” Big Mac raised an eyebrow, and passed some mail to Applejack. “Now you’re being too modest.” He grinned while his sister read the letters, a strange look developing on her face. He held up his hand, and slowly began a countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… “This can’t be right. We sold THAT much cider on the new web site? The farm’s in the black still? We won't have to take Filthy Rich’s loan to clear us through to next spring?” Applejack seemed flabbergasted, Apple Bloom was practically buzzing with excitement, and Granny had a grin from ear to ear. “Eyup…” "So," Sunset said to Apple Bloom as they cleaned up the lunch dishes. "Ever used MyStable?"
Empty Hallways and Full Backpacks-Monday lunchtime- The lunchroom felt cold enough to liquefy nitrogen as Sunset entered and got in line. No one came near her – likely afraid she’d fireball them. It was clear no one understood just yet that she couldn’t. It made her wish she had an arctic parka. At least Granny Smith was supportive, chatting her up a little as they went down the lunch line. Sighing with frustration, she headed towards an empty spot at the far side of the cafeteria. That was the plan, at least. She was learning, however, that no plan survives contact with Pinkie Pie. Somehow, Pinkie and Applejack ended up to either side of her, and steered her to their table instead. Pinkie Pie was, of course, a vibrating bundle of smiles and energy, while Applejack was a irresistible force. Not wanting to upset them, or give the hostile crowd a reason to act, she let herself be guided over to the table. “Darling, you look miserable. Are you taking better care of yourself now?” Rarity, of all people, was fussing over her as she sat, while Rainbow Dash gave Sunset a lopsided grin and a shrug, as if to indicate that there was no rescue from Rarity’s attentions for the moment. “And whatever are you wearing? It’s almost like you’ve one set of clothes!” The very idea of such a travesty made the fashionista prepare for a good faint, arms up in shock. "And whatever happened to that daring little jacket you always wore?” Sunset slumped over the table, “Well, it kinda has holes and burn marks in it, and the zipper's a little melted..." “Wasn’t hard laundering her clothes, although I don’t know if even you can fix that jacket of hers, Rarity.” Applejack paused and downed a healthy swallow of juice before continuing. “But *somebody* wouldn’t let anyone go to her place to get her clean clothes. It’s almost like we weren’t trustworthy.” That was the most Applejack had said since her reaction to the changes she had opposed earlier in the week. Somehow, Sunset’s business models were far closer to those used by Marmalade Orange than expected, and that had set Applejack off somehow. Big Mac said she didn’t like to admit being wrong. Since then, Applejack had begun giving Sunset curt, monosyllabic answers in a way that reminded Sunset of Big Mac. Not for the first time, she wondered if an angry Big Mac would chew someone’s ear off. Hopefully, she’d never see that. “Applejack, I’m gonna tell all of you something. Maybe it’ll go a bit further towards building some trust. But not right now. In fact, I’ll do better than tell - I’ll show you all where I was living - right after class. It won’t take long.” “It better not – I have to be on the field 20 minutes after class,” piped up Rainbow. “How else can I get the rookie players to see how awesome I want to be?” “Wait, it’s that close?” Applejack finally broke out of her dark mood, at least enough to ask Sunset an actual question. That was a relief. “Yup, practically there already,” Sunset replied, before polishing off her salad. “Practically there. Just meet me in the foyer after your last class.” It was technically correct, and that was the best kind of correct. Applejack wasn't looking completely convinced, however. The bell rang, saving Sunset from explaining things further. The afternoon serving of cold shoulder with a side of insults was almost a relief from the personal questions at lunch. She had class with Applejack, who was giving her an odd look through class. It was strange, but at least she wasn’t as hostile. Trust was something Sunset was learning was as important as friendship – and as hard to deal with sometimes. Soon enough, though, classes ended, and Sunset waited in the foyer for the other girls. As they arrived, she could tell they all had questions – but she just motioned for them to follow her. “Why are we going back inside?” Rainbow was the first one to ask, already at the limit of her patience. From the exchanged looks and comments from the other girls, Sunset knew the rest agreed with the athlete. “Fastest way, Rainbow,” the redhead replied, going into the library and heading for the upper level. “Again, it’s about trust. I need to be honest with you. You all know I came through the portal – I was lucky to have clothes on. No money, no paperwork, no magic, struggling with a body I didn’t know how to use in a world I didn't understand.” She passed the last row of books, and reached a door that had a “caution – construction” sign on it. “I arrived at night, and the school building looked like some minor government office. I thought I might be able to find shelter and information, at least.” Sunset opened the door to what looked like a storage room of some sort. “And so, I didn’t tell any of you about this place, because I was ashamed. I mean, Princess and undisputed ruler of all Canterlot… High,” Sunset gestured halfheartedly at the room, “was sleeping in the library and stealing services from the school.” The room was small, and the girls at first saw only a stack of crates that blocked the doorway. Sunset then pushed the leftmost stack, which slid smoothly back twice its width, allowing single file entrance to the neat, organized space behind it. Several more of the crates had been set up along the right hand wall, covered in a set of old, fold-up gym mats. White school towels had been secured together with staples and tape into serviceable blankets, while one of the school’s spare computers, a desk and chair took up the far wall. Sunset reached up and tripped a light switch, throwing the room into much greater detail. Glaringly, there was no sign of personalization or other effort, nothing to identify who was using this space – at least not obviously. Turning back around, Sunset gathered a handful of things from one of the storage crates – a school gym bag with athletic clothing, sports towel, and toiletries in it. This went in a larger bag that had clothing and a handful of books in it. This included her old jacket, which lead to Rarity fainting on the gym mat briefly upon sight of it. Only Sunset seemed surprised by this reaction. Still, she recovered quickly, and carefully moved Sunset's battered jacket into her own bag, wincing. "No guarantees, darling... this is worse than I remember." "Yeah, well, last time I wore it, I was tromping blindly through the woods in the dark. It made things worse." "That’s not a library computer,” Sunset picked up where she left off, taking a seat at the computer desk. “I don’t know why or how, but that computer is linked to the administrative systems instead of the limited system they allow the students to use. This is how I got all your information, and that of dozens of other students. I had access to all the school records.” She started the computer, entering in her password quickly. “Now, this is part of what I didn’t want anyone to find before I could come up here. I really could have ruined the school.” She deleted several file folders, then ran a low level format on the machine. “You mean you’ve been living like this for how long? 30 moons is what, 2 and a half years...” Applejack canted her hat back, while the other girls could only look about in shock. “You were ashamed you’d managed something like this? After the other stuff you’ve done, this actually makes a lot of sense. No offense...” "None taken." “But this is so awesome!” Rainbow Dash gushed, checking the walls and other crates as if there might be even more hidden spaces. “It’s like something out of a spy movie. Sunset Shimmer, Secret Agent! Wait a sec! Are you a SPY?” “Um, I don't think she's a spy... How did you do all this? Um, that is, if you don't mind...” Sunset sighed. ‘Well, first, I moved the construction sign onto the door… The second day at school was the worst. The previous day, Sunset saw fear and shock, surprise. Now, however, the fear was being replaced by something else. Sunset knew it was coming, of course. She was a girl genius, after all. As the fear that kept people in check receded, anger rapidly began to boil up. People began to push their boundaries with her Tuesday morning, though. Whispers and dirty glares began to replace the fearful avoidance and frosty silence that had plagued her first day back at school. The groups and cliques she had manipulated for years were mixing and mingling, and at least there was the buzz of conversation around her. Just not within about ten feet of her. It was like she’d cast a silence spell, the only noise being the click of her boots on the tile floor. As she’d walk down the hallway to class, one or more students in a given group would see her coming and just stop talking. Gazes would all turn towards her, then as a group, they’d pointedly ignore her, even if she tried friendly gestures. No one responded to her, but the conversation restarted as she walked away. Getting within conversation distance hadn’t worked either – people would pointedly walk away from her. Sunset’s methods of isolation and bullying worked against her, as no one would deal with her one on one. There was still an undercurrent of fear, but this time the students were relying on their repaired friendships and gave her no openings to exploit. By lunch, not even Taco Tuesday could cheer Sunset up. The silences had rapidly been replaced by muttering, which was gradually becoming far more negative over time. Sure enough, insults had actually been shouted in the pre-lunch crowd. She had no idea who was shouting, just that it was her name, a declarative of equality with, and something offensive. The old Sunset would have already made a dozen plans to destroy the offender, but the new Sunset wanted to avoid that dark place. She grit her teeth and kept on walking, not giving the shouter the benefit of having her turn and look for them. At least she had a place to sit where the glares were not as harsh. And at least most of the people wouldn't shout at her. Sunset joined Applejack in the line, and tried to pick up their conversation from earlier that morning. However, the farm girl was having none of it. “No, you can’t move back here. Even if you did use your fancy computer skills to erase all your blackmail you had up there, there’s no way you need to be near a computer that has access like that. You’ll sign on at the farm, and I’ll use the profits from your fancy mathematics to cover your room and board, although you’ll be expected to pitch in with a fair share of the chores. It’s honest work, rather than living like a parasite off the school’s resources. And I already know you understand hard work.” “At least you’re not mad at me anymore, I hope. I much prefer you talking this way. When you’re mad, you sound like your brother, all one-word answers.” She managed a small smile, “Good to actually hear your voice.” “Hrm, you don’t say. I’ll remember that, in case you get out of line again.” Green eyes blinked as sunset headed for their usual table, counting down from five. “Waitasec, I don’t sound like Big Mac at all!” Sunset laughed for the first time in what felt like years. Canterlot High could bring its worst. What could possibly go wrong?
Full Hallways and Empty TrashcansSunset hated the universe right now. Standing in front of rows of identical lockers, she cursed herself for even thinking those five damning words. Clearly, the universe was listening, and she was facing a rather artistic example of that right now. She had gone in ahead of Twilight's friends to use the restroom, but was brought up short at her locker. This locker was unremarkable in every way but two. The bold and extremely insulting graffiti hadn't been there yesterday. That part of the problem was the least vexing. Sunset knew graffiti could be cleaned up. No, that wasn't the biggest problem. The large and heavily reinforced lock was, though. For three years, Sunset had relied on a cheap little padlock and her reputation to safeguard her few valuables. No one had dared to violate her locker in such a way. The lock confronting her now barely fit the locker catch, and looked like it had been built to survive anything short of a thousand years on the sun. The sphere of silence in the hallway seemed to suddenly grow fragile and sharp as crystal, dozens of students nearby watching to see what would happen. "This is a test," Sunset's dark mood grew ever more bitter with that realization. "They want to see what I'll do. I'll show them, I... No, no cliche villain acts. What would Twilight do?". As she walked towards the school office to report this, she shook her head again, "Probably tell me, 'I told you so. NEVER use those five words together.' Lucky Princess...." Behind her, the conversations started again. And laughter. That was new. Applejack and the other girls walked down the hallway, where they were greeted by an odd sight. Sunset Shimmer was staring at her locker like it was some sort of portal to another world. Snickering was evident all up and down the hallway, save for a zone of silence around Sunset. That barrier was in no way adequate to stop the girls from approaching a seemingly shellshocked Sunset silently standing stock still. "Whacha looking at, Sunny?" If anyone could dispel silence, it was Pinkie Pie. She peered intensely at Sunset's locker before gasping. "Oh my gosh, did you forget your homework?" Sunset's left eyebrow twitched, and she reached out and unlocked her spotless locker, which now had her original lock on it again. "Well, no.. Just..." "Oh, I bet you came in and your locker was covered in mean grafiti and someone swapped your lock and you went to the office to report it and Vice-Principle Luna came back with you so you could show her but the grafitti was gone and your lock was back so she didn't believe you and now you're not sure it happened either but are almost completly sure you're not crazy?" Sunset's entire face began to twitch as she expertly articulated her emotional state at Pinkie's massive run-on sentance, "How in Tartarus..." "Oh, just a hunch." Sunset's reply was unintelligible over the bell for class, probably for the best. The facepalm, however, could be heard in Equestria. Eventually, even the universe tires of humiliating people. Sunset believed this fervently, yet the day was still a train wreck. She prided herself on her intelligence. Because of her brains, rarely did she need to take homework back with her to her little room off the library. No, most of it got done in her free period at the end of the school day. Whomever had gotten into her locker had swapped out parts of Sunset's assignment with cartoon characters, Wikipedia references and pages from an iorem ipsum generator. Fortunately, whomever did this hadn't been super efficient. Long ago, Sunset had changed her default font for printing documents, and the swapped pages didn't match up. Fortunately, her tech savvy arguments bought her some time to reprint the assignments at the library before lunch. Somehow, the graffiti and monster lock were back when she passed her locker, heading for the cafeteria. Not wanting to make a fool of herself again, she got out her phone and took a well-aimed picture. In the cafeteria, five ordinary teenagers discussed their friend, who was late to lunch. "But she'd look so adorable! Really, it would freshen up her image around here if she changes a little here and there," the fashionista proclaimed with grand gestures. "She can be the girl she wants to be... "Nah, if she wants to really be cool, she should join some of the teams." Rainbow even held up a cartoon-like, stick figure drawing of herself, with a smaller figure with loads of red-gold hair in the background. Both figures were wearing soccer outfits... sort of. "She'd end up almost as cool as me. Maybe twenty percent less cool, which you gotta admit is still pretty awesome!" "Not to burst your bubble, Rainbow, but Sunset's carrying a fair set of chores on the farm - she's got about as much time for that as I do. 'Fraid you can't have her from me just yet." The farm girl chuckled as her athletic friend made a face at her across the table. "Um, Applejack, you might want to rephrase that, that is, um... if you want to...", Fluttershy's cheeks ware turning pink from something she'd thought she heard, and she seemed to be attempting to sink into the floor. "We really wanna get her involved again, so naturally, we need a PARTY! We can invite everyone! I bet we can even promote it with a musical number right here in the cafeteria! I have bongos!" "Pinkie Pie, you are SO random. That'll never work." "Why not, Dashie - it works in both movies." "What?" And as Pinkie took in a huge gasp of air in preparation for another expository monologue, five phones alerted their owners to an incoming email in unison. The multiverse had just been saved by Sunset Shimmer. *... And that sums it up," Pinkie's cheerful recap of events left even the usually collected Vice-Principle blinking. She walked over to the locker, eyes on something odd near the gap with.the next locker. "Still not believing Sunset?" Luna let out a deep sigh as her fingernail traced the gap between lockers. Just once, she wanted Tia to handle things. There was a triple shot caramel macchiato cooling on her desk, and some malarkey about approving a musical showcase - aha, there it was. She scraped her nail against the locker, causing something to peel free. The graffiti was painted on a clear plastic backing, which in turn was stuck to the locker with what looked like water. Removable and replaceable. Quite clever. Examining the lock revealed that it was way too thick to safely remove, even with tools from the auto or shop classrooms. Tia was going to have to set aside her tea and cake and call in a locksmith. And Luna could get back to her coffee. That thought almost made Luna smile. "I like physical evidence. I also remember some interesting photos from before the Fall Formal that would have caused disaster if unchallenged." Luna kept her eyes on Sunset during the speech. "I'm reserving judgment on this until I am certain of the facts." And after she had her coffee. "Best go back to lunch. Sunset can come get her belongings from the office later. Oh, and try to bring a better lock of your own to discourage this. That lock looks familiar, so I will keep it and find out how this happened, and who is responsible." In the muttering crowd, a faint "Curses, foiled again!" could be heard as the watching students dispersed. "Don't fret, sugar cube," Applejack drawled casually while Sunset picked up her things from the office later that day and returned them to the locker, securing it with a rather expensive 'spare' combo lock that Rarity had generously handed over (did she glue rhinestones to everything?). "The universe is too big to worry about little old us. I don't know a lot, but I reckon things are gonna be looking up soon." "Agreed, why the nerve of some people, using such a simplistic, and bland artistic expression like a stencil shows a frightful lack of originality... No offense, Sunset." Rarity fussed with her bags, "But we should head out soon, the others will be waiting for us." Sunset allowed herself an eye roll, "None taken, Rarity." she paused as another student approached. Derpy Hooves, as Sunset recalled. "Hey, Sunset, this note is addressed to you." "Thanks, but where did you find it?" a confused Sunset queried. Applejack just shrugged, while Rarity seemed on the verge of saying something, what looked like hearts flashing in her blue eyes. "In my locker. I just don't know what went wrong." "Well, thanks for bringing it to me." "Okay, Sunset. Also, if you see a statue of an angel and it's crying," Derpy's eyes went normal, and she gave Sunset a stare that rivaled a cockatrice. "Remember to back away, and don't blink." With that said, the girl regained her easygoing tone and walleyed appearance and skipped cheerfully down the hall. "Yep. That happened," Applejack broke the stunned silence with a blink. "What's the note say? Rarity practically swooned, "Of course, it must be a love letter. I wonder who the lucky boy is?" With a sigh, the redhead gave Rarity the best glare she could manage. Due to the events of the day, it was rather tepid and the purple-haired girl hardly noticed it. Even as Sunset took a deep breath and prepared to explain how unlikely that was, but she was cut off by Applejack, "I dunno, Rarity, Sunset doesn't seem to be the type who'd settle for someone that wrote out a confession and had somebody else deliver it. She'd prefer someone who was honest and forthright in their feelings. At least, I hope she would." Sunset face palmed (again), and focused on reading the note. Unless pitchforks had been added to Valentine's Day, this wasn't a love letter. It was a challenge. "Um, I'm supposed to leave school today by way of the cafeteria side doors. Whomever wrote this note says they know who messed with my locker but won't tell me unless I meet them there.." "Well, then - we'll go with you. After all, whomever made that garish mess has no sense of style. Oh, eh-he-he, and they certainly shouldn't use other people's lockers for that either." "Well, it's almost time - let's see what this is about." Sunset was ready for the day to end, so she agreed quite eagerly to the suggestion, and the three girls strode off to see who was waiting for them. Peculiarly, there was no one around when they walked through the squeaky cafeteria side door. As the girls looked around in confusion, Sunset stepped on something out of place. Someone had taped a sheet of paper to the sidewalk, and it read, "Up." Sunset looked up, and with a gasp, violently shoved Applejack and Rarity away from her to either side, right before her day got much, much worse. Author's Note Someone has planned on gas-lighting Sunset, messing with her head while she's down. And people thought AJ was giving Sunny a bad time. The only saving grace here is whomever is gas-lighting Sunset is being a bit too clumsy about it.
Empty Cruelty, Full StopRarity found herself falling backwards, thoroughly disoriented by Sunset's shove. Startled, she let out a refined, elegant, ladylike shriek as she toppled. She saw something coming over the edge of the roof, and her eye for details picked out several things of note. The object was an open cylinder of a tacky yet familiar dull grey color, with handles on either side. Those handles were each held by a different person. 'Rough, never heard the word manicure?', was her thought as the image was cut out by an inconvenient shrubbery. From a short distance away, she heard dear Fluttershy cry out in alarm, "NO!" Two warring thoughts plauged the fashonista as she hit the bark dust under the thick brush. 'What is this fall going to do to my outfit? battled with 'That looked like a cafeteria...` SPLAT '... garbage can!' Applejack had been starting to warm to Sunset, and was considering apologising to the redhead as soon as she figured out what to say. She'd been stepping down to the sidewalk when Sunset had stopped short, then it came out of nowhere. Suddenly, she was airborne, and she heard a an unmistakable shriek from behind her. As she brought up both arms to cover her face, the farmgirl gritted her teeth. 'She did NOT just push Rarity! I can take it, but pushing one of my friends?' The oncoming grass would mean that she wouldn't land on the sidewalk, but the landing was gonna be rough. Unbidden, she briefly wondered if she could grow wings like Rainbow, Flutters, or Twilight, but the impact with the ground forestalled any further thoughts. Tucking into the impact, AJ used the momentum to come back up with a half-roll, hands coming up to push her hat into place as she got ready to give back as good as she got. Clear as a bell, she heard a suprisingly loud "NO!" which might have been Fluttershy if she ever raised her voice. SPLAT Waitasec, what was that noise? With her emerald eyes still narrowed, she finally tipped her hat back, and... "... and that's how you do awesome, girls! Come on, warmups are done, let's set up for line drills!" Rainbow Dash guffawed at the groans of her fellow soccer teammates, and waved to a nearby tree. Fluttershy sat in the shade, quetly watching the team practice. Recieving a surprisingly energetic wave back, RD returned to her exercises, eager to get moving after hours stuck in a desk. She'd just started her line drills when she heard a familiar, dainty, ladylike shriek. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Fluttershy start turning towards the school. 'I Know that scream,' RD thought, looking towards the cafeteria side doors with growing alarm and hearing a GASP from Flutters at the same time. Rairity was dissapearing into the bushes to the left of the door, and AJ was just coming out of a shoulder roll and trying to get her hat out of her face. Still on the one step up to the side door, looking up in horror was Sunset Shimmer. As Dash put her legs into overdrive, she saw the strange cylinder pitching over the roof, and an actual shout of "NO!" From a half-standing Flutters. As fast as she was... SPLAT ... she wasn't fast enough. Sunset Shimmer was drenched, but as the other girls approached with looks of slowly dawning horror, they began to realize exactly what had just happened. The smell alone was overpowering, and the shocked girl in the center of the rancid mess slowly reached up and ran her fingers through her matted and slicked down hair. Grease. Lard. Bits of bacon and sausage from that morning's staff breakfast. Granny Smith's school meatloaf. The vegetarian ex-villianess was soaked in processed animal bits, cooked and raw. Each of her friends tried to say something; trying to help her and babbling platitudes. She was repeatedly asked if she was okay. With a shudder, Sunset contributed to the conversation with an unequivocal and emphatic answer, power vomiting Taco Tuesday's Veggie Special all over the sidewalk. Author's Note Yes, there were more witnesses. Sorry for a short chapter.
Empty Buckets, Full BalloonsSunset felt like she was floating, again, disconnected from reality. Even at her worst, she had never done anything like this to anyone, ever. There was a lot of noise around her and she realized with a start that all of Twilight's frie- no, her friends were all talking at once. She tasted the bile still in her mouth, but wasn't sure how best to answer everyone all at once. Fortunately, she didn't have to. "Alright, give her some room, everyone!" Applejack managed to cut through the chaos and start organizing things, even as Sunset felt anoter wave of nausea building. "Rainbow, help me get her to th' showers. Rarity, emergency outfit for a summer redhead!" With a face, AJ felt the greasey mess get all over her as she got an arm around the shuddering redhead to help her up. "I'm gonna need a change too, if you can manage it. Bring it to th' locker room, ok?" With consensus quickly came order from chaos, as the friends scattered to enact their plan. Sunset found herself propped up by Applejack, RD going ahead of them, opening doors and trying to clear the still busy hallways. Meanwhile, Rarity took off towards the smusic room with an anxious Fluttershy following. "Shy, darling, could you be a dear and check the cafeteria? I know the trash can that was used came from there, and there may be a clue! Call one of us if you find anything." With a worried nod, the shy girl split off from Rarity and went down a different hallway. "Outta the way, people!" Rainbow moved ahead, parting a growing crowd of students as AJ hauled the still retching Sunset along, almost bodily having to carry her. Several students stood stunned and sidetracked, staring shocked as slimy Sunset staggered slowly showerward. It was clear that even those that hated her the most were horrified at what had happened. Sunset was certain that if she didn't feel so Discord-damned miserable, she'd be mortified to be seen in this state. Fortunately, the trio reached the girl's locker room, and the shower of hot water began to cut some of the grease and smell. RD's preferred shampoo smelled of coconut, and the stuff was doing a good job of getting the stuff out of Sunset's hair. Still, she felt the whole bottle wouldn't ever get her clean. Not waiting to get a seperate body wash, she scrubbed everywhere, while AJ started showering in the stall next to her. Her clothes had been declared a total loss, but RD had been texting the rest of the girls and replacements were minutes away. For the first time since seeing the bucket, Sunset was able to open her eyes and start to breathe normally. As she finally began feeling equine again, she heard another person entering the locker room. "... Then I said 'Oatmeal?? Are you crazy?" Pinkie paused, "Anyway, wait here, be right out." "Do hold the door, Pinkie; I've got an armload here," Rarity was here as well, it seems. Well, at least she'd have something to wear home. "Goodie! I was worried there for a moment. Twitchy tail, you know." Sunset had to roll her eyes, it was so wierd it was almost funny. "Pinkie, you don't have a tail.". "Not until Tuesday! Good thing I have a story instead. Even better, it's a real mystery, with a spectacular twist at the end, involving some of your favorite people, Sunny. And cherrichimichangas!" Sunset finally turned and looked over the shower stall door, only to see Pinkie wearing a greatcoat and deerstalker hat, blowing bubbles out of a comically large pipe. "What?" Author's Note Sorry for another painfully short chapter. Pinkie's investigation is next, with clues, meddling kids and Fluttershy! Let me explain! No, wait - too much has happened. Let me sum up...
Empty Can and Full ExpositionSunset basked in the steaming shower as her friends came and went, bringing various things into the locker room. Rarity was having an overly dramatic faint, complete with fainting couch, just outside the locker room doors, and several voices could be heard in the hallway as well. Of course, since she was trying to get the last of the horrible goop out of her ears and hair, she wasn’t sure who else was out there, although it sounded like a couple of boys talking rather heatedly and Pinkie’s cheerful banter guiding the conversation. The redhead consoled herself with the fact that Rarity had indeed brought a complete change of clothes before taking a close look at her grease and lard-covered clothing. “Of all the things that could have happened, this is the worst. Possible. THING! Leather jackets need special cleaning, and should never be allowed to get so… so… so saturated! It’s a crime against fabulousity, and I will not let it go unanswered!” Finally feeling almost equine, Sunset left the shower and began to towel off as she heard another set of voices, but these must have been further down the hall and she couldn’t make out what was being said. Eventually, the voices resolved into the girls’ soccer team, who filed into the locker room and immediately clammed up upon seeing Sunset getting dressed. This time, however, they didn’t say anything negative, and when Sunset lifted her head and looked around, she realized that at least for now, based on the sympathetic expressions she received from the athletes who began their own showering rituals, that at least this time she wasn’t going to be assaulted. Still, if she’d had her pony ears, they’d have been flattened back so far they’d have disappeared in her mane. It was a relief to finally join the others in the hallway, since the stares of sympathy from Flitter, Cloudkicker and the rest were still stares, and were starting to give her the willies. In the hallway, having quite the conversation, was Pinkie Pie – now wearing a long-sleeved white dress shirt, blue pants and a yellow ascot – talking with… oh no. Flash Sentry? What in the world was going on here? Flash’s bandmates were there too, and they seemed to be comparing notes with Rainbow Dash, while Fluttershy sat quietly on one of the hallway benches a few yards away. Yep, the whole gang was coming together. Sunset started to feel greasy again as the events of just a few moments ago replayed in her head. Good thing she had nothing left in her stomach. She doubted she could keep down water at this point. That’s when she felt a steadying hand on her shoulder. “How ya holdin’ up, sugarcube?” Sunset was still startled, turning suddenly to face the farmgirl with an ‘eep’ that Fluttershy would have been proud of. “Whoa nelly, that bad?” Sunset realized that she was so close to Applejack she could count the other girl’s freckles, and that her bangs were brushing along the brim of the other girl’s Stetson. She took a half-step back, a sheepish expression on her face as AJ’s expression shifted through surprise into concern. “Wow, you’re a little flushed looking, too. You ok?” With a sigh, Sunset relaxed, “Yeah, just a very hot shower. And scrubbing. Lots and lots of scrubbing. With lots of hot water. And soap. And scrubbing.” It was true, she was probably just red in the cheeks from that. Yeah. It was technically correct, which is the best form of correct. “I didn’t know I could feel so…. Horrible. Yeah, I’m going with that for now.” She looked up, noticing Fluttershy was making some room on the bench, and gratefully flopped down next to her as Applejack nodded and motioned everyone else over. There was a pause. A pregnant pause. Pregnant with triplets. Finally, Flash cleared his throat. “Eeeeyah, this is awkward. I know there’s some, well, issues between us, Sunset, but I heard what happened… and I think I know exactly who was responsible for it. Things have changed since, well….” “And fade to flashback!” Pinkie interjected through her megaphone, adjusting her beret. “Oh, diagonal wipe, very effec….” Flash Sentry and his bandmates were using the cafeteria to practice, since the music room was usually full of those girls – and Sunset. Given their history, it was best to avoid her, even if it meant going out of their way a bit. Besides, he had nothing against the rest of that crowd, and he liked some of the songs they had come up with. More than once, he’d asked about Twilight Sparkle, but the answers had been ridiculously vague. One of these days he would figure it out, but the Fall Formal was such an annoying blur now. He’d been satisfied when Sunset’s house cards had come crashing down, and from how she’d looked after she was drug from that crater, he figured she really didn’t need any more abuse. Up until recently, he’d thought she was just skipping school to spite some sort of punishment or another, but rumors soon emerged – as did a sort of power vacuum. Sure, people were reconnecting with old friends, but things were still far from right with CHS, even though great progress had been made. Sunset Shimmer had been alpha monster though, and no one else had tried to stop her. Whatever else she had done, she had squashed every other petty bully, keeping them under control as much as she did the rest of the student body. Had she applied that charisma and intensity just a little bit differently, she might well have ruled the school with admiration instead of fear, and still prevented any challengers from rising. During her absence, however, things had not gone well. Snips and Snails were toadies, originally protected from reprisals by Sunset’s fearsome reputation. She’d been gone just a couple of days before they’d scurried off to suck up to another bully. The idiots had chosen poorly though, and at least at first, their new patron only protected them to vent on them without any opposition. Fortunately, they weren’t working for someone with the savvy of Sunset Shimmer now. That should have rendered them mostly harmless. Sunset had been clever. In a world of weapons, Sunset would be the finely balanced rapier, poised, precise and efficient. Flash had admired her sharp intellect before he had seen the vile personality wielding it. If Sunset was a precision blade, then the bully that wanted her position of power was a lead pipe, hoping to use fear and blunt force trauma as a solution to everything. It wasn’t happening very fast, though. This thug needed time. And then Sunset returned, a shell of her former self. Half-starved, meek, quiet, and unabashedly repentant. And a certain lead pipe couldn’t relate, and so had decided to lash out and break things. After all, Sunset had been the alpha monster, and posed a challenge. And like any bully, this thug could smell her weakness. Flash should have spoken up sooner, but he hadn’t been certain. Not until now. He just hoped he wasn’t too late. He was. But… he had the proof now. “That’s right, you two. We couldn’t really make you repair the front of the school, because we want the job done right. However, you *are* still going to face disciplinary actions for your part in this. We understand that Sunset Shimmer was the mastermind behind much of what occurred, but she wouldn’t have been successful if the two of you had done the right thing and exposed her rather than helping her.” Principal Celestia templed her hands, giving the two young men seated across from her a steady, measured look as her words hung in the air. She knew from long experience that the young men would begin to fidget, showing their discomfort. She stretched out the wait, watching for that moment of dawning comprehension, where they realized that they had no defenses. And she was prepared should they try offering any. “But Sunset-“ “Hasn’t been found yet. When she is, she’ll face disciplinary measures appropriate for the situation. Therefore, she is not your concern.” “That’s not-” “Fair? The two of you are involved in her schemes by choice. After her manipulations were exposed, it became clear that the only thing she had on either of you was an offer to be in a position of power. Something the two of you reveled in. “You made your choice, and now, you get to experience the consequences. The sooner you start, the sooner it’ll be over. You’ll apologize to the student body at an assembly tomorrow. Then, you’ll be assigned unpleasant tasks all over the school grounds. You’ll complete these tasks and after doing so for a set time based on how well you do them, you’ll be done. Now, the two of you are going to be getting a list of tasks when you report for detention after class today. I’ve also taken the liberty of informing your parents.” “Aw, jeeeze!” Celestia stood up, and opened her office door. “Back to class with you, I hope this experience teaches you something. Now get going, I have a lot to do to get things fixed around here. I don’t want either of you causing any more trouble.” Both boys drug their feet, but shuffled out of the office, whining about fairness and blame. As she closed the door behind them, she could only hope they learned a different song soon. She walked to her window, looking out past the Wondercolts statue moodily. “Sunset Shimmer… where have you gotten to?” There was no hustle or bustle in the empty hallways, just two sullen kids getting their books on their way to class. They were complaining about how unfair everything had been, and how they shouldn’t have to clean up the mess. As they both agreed that it was all Sunset’s fault, and that they shouldn’t be held responsible for her actions, they passed a short hallway where the lights hadn’t been replaced. With a sudden jerk, both young men fund themselves face-first in the lockers. Whomever it was, they were very, very strong, and gave them no chance to escape. “Alright, dweebs,” a gruff voice spoke between their ears, “You helped that damn witch run things here for at least two years. You’re gonna spill what you know. You’ll tell me everything she had you do, how she had you do it, and to who. You’ll do whatever *I* tell you to do from now on, because there’s no way she’s gonna come back. And I’ll make sure no one else kicks your faces in for the things you’ve done or will do, besides me. Or I can break your faces now – repeatedly. “So, what’ll it be?” There was something about being Great and Powerful that lent itself to being on top. Now that Sunset had been exposed, Trixie was feeling even greater and more powerful than ever. No longer would she play second fiddle around here, no sir. Trixie was going to take over this place, as it should have always been. Was there ever any doubt? Gleefully grabbing her packet of peanut butter crackers from the vending machine, she turned around, and bumped hard into someone else well inside Trixiespace. “Watch where you’re going! The Great and Powerfurrrrgggkkkkk!” The last line’s flawless delivery was ruined as the heckler pushed her back into the vending machine hard enough to rattle both the machine and Trixie. She blinked, and looked up into hard eyes. For a moment, she wished she was the Invisible and Far Away Trixie. “Call yourself whatever you like, dweeb, but when I call you, you come running. Otherwise you’ll be the Limp and Bleeding Trixie. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” The Cowed and Scared Trixie swallowed and nodded emphatically, silvery tresses flying, even as she looked to the left and right for help… only to see empty hallways. If she could just reach a smoke bomb, she might escape yet. “Good, because you’re gonna help me stay on top. That blasted Shimmer’s coming back to the school, and I need you to work some ‘real’ magic. Get in her head, get her off balance. You in? Because it would be a shame if I had to break your jaw to keep you from blabbing if you aren’t.” Trixie swallowed as those cold eyes stared her down, and managed to mumble, “Um, yeah… Trixie could come up with… something.” “You’re smarter than you sound. Have it ready by Tuesday morning, before class. Otherwise, I’ll be the one making *you* disappear. And thanks for the crackers.” Trixie could only stare down the hallway as her antagonist walked away. Suddenly, she felt rotten and rather powerless. Again. In the middle of Canterlot Mall, three teenage girls strode arm in arm, losing their minds. They chatted, giggled, and talked. Much of their conversation revolved around the events just a few weeks ago, the mysterious activities that had occurred over the weekend of the Fall Formal. The three girls weren’t exactly sure what had happened, but they knew it involved rainbow lasers, a handful of students, a ridiculous amount of damage and Sunset Shimmer turning into a monster. Well, more of one. Soon, though, the trio separated, each heading her own way to finish up a Saturday’s grand avoidance of all things school-related. It was a welcome reprieve, and for once nothing worth fainting had happened to the trio. Lily went around the back of the mall, readying a key her mother had given her so she could go in through the employee doors and help her mom close down their flower kiosk. At least, that’s before she found herself grabbed and pulled around a corner. She turned with a laugh, thinking it was one of her friends, only to freeze like a deer seeing oncoming headlights. The person who’d grabbed her was scary enough, but the image on the phone that was inches from her face made her blood run cold. “How…” “Going in there? Good. I know the mall has heavy duty security locks, and every stall gets two. You’re gonna get me one, or this is all over MyStable along with your personal information. Or, I can post it now, save us the trouble. Come to think about it, I could just beat you up, take your keys and help myself to whatever I want. So, you gonna be smart, and get me what I want? Because the last option is really sounding good to me.” Lily did the only thing reasonable under the circumstances. She fainted. When she came to, her purse had been dumped. Sitting neatly atop the purse, as if to mock her, Lily saw her keys and her student id. Beyond them, the back door to her mom’s stall swung partly open. The horror, oh, the horror… “See, Sunset,” Flash continued, “With you gone, there was a bit of a struggle between the bullies you suppressed. After that first week, when you still hadn’t shown back up and no one had a clue where you were, one of ‘em decided to make a move. Snips and Snails may have turned faster than a sonic rainboom – but they were never the ones to take charge Principal Celestia has been working them ragged the past week or so, and they’ve done nothing but whine. It was way past complaining. Anyways, when they took out the trash for Granny Smith and were chuckling about it, I knew they were up to no good. So, yeah, Snips and Snails dumped that stuff on you. Trixie came up with the adhesive graffiti on your locker. That lock – the VP is gonna find it’s missing from the rollup door owned by Lily’s mom – the flower shop in the mall. “But the one giving the orders was Gilda.” Author's Note Late, and a little rushed. Questions? Comments? Snide remarks?
