The Family That Chooses You

by SmokeTester

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sunset Shimmer, Slice of Life, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Fluttershy
Length: 5093

Having nowhere else to go, Sunset Shimmer visits Fluttershy's family for Christmas

Sunset Shimmer has no place to go for Christmas. Although she says she doesn’t mind, the truth is she's already feeling very lonely. Seeing her friend in distress, Fluttershy steps up and invites Sunset to spend Christmas with her family. But there’s something Fluttershy isn’t telling Sunset - something she hasn’t told any of their friends.

Author’s Note: I am aware of IDW’s ‘Equestria Girls Holiday Special’ comic, but this story disregards it in favor of exploring my own ideas.

Published 2015-12-24 22:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-24 22:40:01 UTC

The Family That Chooses You

The start of winter brought with it cold weather and a thick blanket of snow. All around the city, people were getting ready for the coming Christmas holiday, and the family of Sunset Shimmer was no different.

Together with her father, mother, and sister, the teen-aged Sunset happily took part in the family tradition of decorating the Christmas tree. They surrounded the generously sized Noble Fir in tinsel, ornaments and colorful lights. The family laughed and played and ate cookies with hot cider. It was the picture of the Western Christmas, and it couldn't have been more idyllic. As such, none of the family so much as noticed the shadowy hooded figure watching through the large living room window.

Standing on the sidewalk which was only illuminated by the strings of colored lights hanging from the snow covered house, the figure watched the happy family immersed in their holiday activities. After several moments of staring, the figure slowly turned and began walking down the sidewalk. Coming to the corner, it looked up at the sky and blew a melancholy sigh into the cold air, which turned to steam and swirled around before dissipating into the cold winter night. Taking the hood back to reveal vibrant red and yellow hair, the figure, Sunset Shimmer, shoved her hands in her pockets and began walking down an adjacent sidewalk, toward the main road.

* * *

"No way, Fluttershy," a disgruntled Rainbow Dash insisted. "My sentimental dad's gonna make us listen to Christmas music through the entire break, and I for one don't want to have to hear any, much less play any, before I absolutely have to!"

"Oh, just one song, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy sweetly urged.

"No," Rainbow flatly replied.

"It wouldn't hurt to play just one, would it?"

Rainbow folded her arms and glared.

"I'll let you pick the song," Fluttershy offered. Rainbow let her arms drop to her sides as she sighed emphatically.

"Fine," the prismatic youth finally relented, raising her guitar, "One song. Just try to keep up, okay?"

Without any warning Rainbow Dash immediately broke into a particularly aggressive rendition of "Carol of the Bells" as Fluttershy struggled to keep pace with her tambourine.

On the other side of the music room, Rarity cringed at the loud, oppressive guitar riffs as she fought to keep from losing control over the hem she was making with her sewing machine. She rolled her eyes and looked over at Applejack, who just smiled and shrugged before taking another drink from her bottle of fizzy apple cider.

The song soon ended, with Rainbow drawing out the final high pitched notes. Even though it had been short, the fast pace of the song had taken a lot out of Fluttershy, who now looked as though she had just run several times around the school track. Resting her hands on her knees, the pink haired girl took several deep breaths.

"There, you happy now?" Rainbow said with a smirk.

"I simply cannot understand why you must play that so loudly, Rainbow Dash," Rarity accused. "You are creating a positively hostile working environment, and I must finish these costumes for my little sister's Christmas play by this evening!"

"Duh, it's called a 'music room' for a reason," Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes. "It's not my fault they repurposed the room you used to use for making your crazy getups."

"I resent that!" replied Rarity. "My outfits have been featured in not one, but two regional publications! Which is a lot more than can be said about your guitar playing!"

"Yeah, well, just wait until I secure a record deal," Rainbow said with a smug smile. "There won't be a single person in the world who doesn't know the name Rainbow Dash!"

"Now, now, take it easy you two," Applejack interjected. "Ya'll need ta calm down. Rainbow, you could turn the music down a hair. The last thing we need is the other students complainin’ to Vice Principal Luna again, especially since school hasn't even ended yet. Just because we have a free period doesn't mean the whole school does too."

She turned to Rarity.

"And as fer you," AJ said accusingly, "the only reason you're here doing your sewing is because you're hiding out instead of doing what you're supposed to be doing, which is gettin’ together resources for the Spring Fling planning committee. Try to be a little more grateful."

Rarity sighed in defeat.

"Yes, what you're saying certainly has merit, Applejack," she conceded. Rainbow puffed up at the victory, but it was short lived as Rarity continued. “But, the Spring Fling isn’t for months, and these outfits must be completed today.”

Applejack turned and gave Rainbow a look.

"Fine," Rainbow relented, "I'll turn it down. A little."

Applejack watched Rainbow move the knob on the amplifier counter clockwise a hair, which caused the farmgirl to cross her arms and frown. Rainbow rolled her eyes and moved the knob further, to which Applejack smiled.

Without saying anything else, Rainbow started playing the chorus of her latest song, with Fluttershy meekly following along. In the middle of their rendition, the bell rang and sounds of students filling the hallways could be heard through the closed doors.

A few moments later the doors violently swung open, and in bounced Pinkie Pie, followed by a slightly depressed looking Sunset Shimmer a moment later.

"Howdy, Pinkie Pie," Applejack greeted. "Heya, Sunset!"

“Hi~!” Pinkie greeted cheerfully, immediately darting around the room to see what everyone was up to.

"Hey,” Sunset replied disinterestedly, to which Applejack took immediate notice.

“What’s wrong, Sunset?” Applejack asked. Sunset suddenly came back to herself and looked up with a start.

“Oh, uh… nothing,” she replied. Applejack placed her hands on her hips and stared at Sunset in disbelief.

“Come on, now, Sunset. Ah know we’ve only been friends for a couple'a months, but Ah think Ah know ya well enough to tell when somethin’s botherin’ ya.”

Sunset sighed in defeat.

“You’re right,” she admitted. Applejack nodded once, urging her on.

“It’s just that it’s the last day of school for the rest of the year, and I’m only now just getting used to seeing you all every day. I know just a short time ago I didn’t have many friends...”

“Or any friends!” Pinkie chimed in, eliciting a glare from Applejack.

“Okay, I didn’t have any friends, but now that I do it’s going to be strange to be apart, even for just a couple weeks.”

"I know it’s hard to say goodbye for the break, and I for one am sure gonna miss ya,” Applejack laid her hand on Sunset’s shoulder, then turned to the rest of the group. “In fact, I'm gonna miss all y'all."

"You won't miss meee~," Pinkie sung.

"Right," AJ replied with a smile. "I really can't wait to meet the rest of your family, Pinkie. I just know our families are gonna get along great."

"I still cannot believe you two might be related," Rarity said.

"Shoot, when I first heard about the possibility, I couldn't believe it either," Applejack said, "But, the more I think about it..."

"... The more sense it makes!" Pinkie finished for her, excitedly throwing her hands in the air. Applejack just smiled in response.

“After everything we’ve been through, it’s hard to believe we all have to go our separate ways for Christmas,” Sunset said.

"Oh, I agree, darling," said Rarity, "but even though we are friends, we all have familial responsibilities to attend to."

“Y...yeah, that’s right,” Sunset said. "I guess everybody has pretty big plans, huh?"

"Sure do!" Pinkie said.

"What about you?" Applejack asked Sunset. "What kinda plans have you got for the holiday?"

"Oh, me?" Sunset replied nonchalantly. "I don't really have anything planned. I didn't grow up here, so Christmas doesn't hold any special meaning to me. It'll just be another day."

"I keep forgetting you came from Equestria," Rarity said. "Why, when Twilight Sparkle first arrived it was quite obvious there was something amiss with her. You, however, appear to have lived here your entire life."

"I spent a lot of time researching your world," Sunset said as she scratched the back of her head, "so even though there was very limited information, I was sort of prepared when I came through. Honestly, living on this side has proven a lot easier than I expected. I was really amazed when I found out how much a few Equestrian bits was worth here."

"It's not every day you come across that much pure gold," Applejack said. "If Ah could sell a bushel of apples for one Equestrian bit we'd never be at risk of losin' the farm again!"

"So, what are you going to do during the break?" Fluttershy meekly asked Sunset, holding her tambourine defensively in front of her chest.

"Probably catch up on some reading," Sunset replied. "There is so much to learn about this world where technological development outpaced magic. I was a star student back in Equestria, but here I can barely tell a resistor from an inductor."

The rest of the girls gave her quizzical looks.

“Nevermind,” Sunset said with a wave of her hand.

Rainbow Dash, having finished her song, set her guitar down on its stand and walked over.

"Spending the most awesome part of the most awesome season reading books, huh?" she said with a suspicious demeanor. "Well, whatever floats your boat I guess."

"Won't you be lonely?" Fluttershy asked.

"Maybe a little,” Sunset replied. “But I’ve spent a lot of time alone since I came here. I’ll be okay.”

Everyone present was eyeing her suspiciously.

"Really!" Sunset pressed. "Don't worry about me. Enjoy your holiday break and I'll be waiting for when you get back."

Everyone murmured their acceptance. Everyone except Fluttershy.

* * *

It was already getting dark by the time the six girls were leaving the music room. The school had mostly been vacated, but a few meandering students remained.

After saying their goodbyes in front of the school's main entrance, the girls went their separate ways. Sunset Shimmer sighed, pulling up her scarf to better protect her from the cold air. She walked up to the statue where the portal to Equestria resided and stared at it for several long moments. Reaching out, she was just about to place her hand on the smooth surface when she sensed someone behind her.

"Sunset Shimmer?" a soft voice brought her out of her deep thoughts. Sunset turned toward the source of the voice, Fluttershy, who had remained behind after her friends had left.

"Oh, hey Fluttershy," Sunset said awkwardly. "Is there something you needed?"

"Well, not exactly," Fluttershy said, looking down and away. "Just, well, you see..."

Sunset offered a warm smile.

"It's okay, Fluttershy. If you have something to tell me just tell me."

"Um, I don't mean to be rude, or jump to conclusions or anything," Fluttershy began, "but I got the feeling you weren't telling us the whole story before... about you... and the Christmas break."

Sunset sighed.

"Am I really that transparent?" she asked.

"No! I mean, I don't think the others noticed. Or maybe they didn't want to say anything because it would have been presumptuous..." Fluttershy suddenly paused, looking distressed. "Oh! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I'll just go..."

"No, wait," Sunset said, reaching out and grasping Fluttershy's shoulder. "It's okay, Fluttershy. You're not being rude or presumptuous. It's true that I didn't tell the whole story."

Fluttershy turned to look into Sunset's eyes, which this time caused the normally more assertive girl to look away.

"I wasn’t being honest when I said I didn’t care about the holiday,” Sunset began. “I mean, I wasn't lying when I said we don't have this holiday in Equestria, but we do have something very similar."

"You do?"

"Yeah," Sunset replied, then sighed again. "And the truth is, it's normally a very special time for me. Or at least it was before I abandoned my ties in Equestria. On this side of the portal I hadn't had much time to think about it in previous years. I was too angry, too filled with a thirst for power, too busy scheming... and I guess too blinded to see my own true feelings."

Fluttershy patiently waited for her to continue.

"I'm still not comfortable with the idea of returning to Equestria. Not after what I did. And, here in your world, the other me that belongs here is blissfully unaware of any of it. She's spending Christmas with her family... a family that looks so much like my own."

"You've seen her?" Fluttershy curiously asked.

"I have," Sunset replied, looking up at the head of the statue. "I tracked her down. Curiosity I guess. She seems to be leading a happy, carefree life."

"I'm so sorry, Sunset," Fluttershy said sympathetically. "I had no idea."

"It's not that big a deal," Sunset said with a shrug. "It’s only a holiday, after all. It's not like I'll really be missing much, and I can look forward to reuniting with you girls when it's over and done."

"But it is a big deal," Fluttershy insisted. "And I... I can't leave a lost soul like you alone on a holiday all about people coming together. Sunset, I insist you come to spend Christmas with me and my family."

Fluttershy's resolute face broke and she took on a more timid look.

"That is, if you want to..." she added, her voice becoming softer with every word.

Sunset smiled.

"That’s really sweet of you to offer," she replied. "But it's okay. I'll be okay on my own, honest."

Fluttershy took a deep breath and clenched her fists at her sides.

"No. I won't let you," she said, her voice intensifying little by little. "I won't take no for an answer, Sunset. You’re coming to spend Christmas with me."

Sunset looked into Fluttershy's determined eyes for several moments.

"You're serious," she realized. Fluttershy just stared back at her with unwavering determination.

After an awkward moment, Sunset let out a deep sigh.

"I guess there's no sense in arguing with you," she said, putting a hand on her hip. "I've seen how stubborn you can be when you set your mind to something. Fine. I'll join your family for Christmas."

Fluttershy's sweet smile returned and she gave a confident nod.

"I promise you won't regret it!"

* * *

“This is the place,” Sunset said to herself as she confirmed the address on the slip of paper. It was a large house, two stories with attached double garage. The snow covered lawn looked well kempt, and strings of brilliant white lights adorned the roof and borders of every window. Sunset took it all in from the sidewalk, then after taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she pocketed the slip of paper and proceeded to the front door.

The door was surrounded in a thick garland and a fresh wreath was stuck in the middle, giving the covered entryway a very strong scent of pine needles. Sunset looked around for the doorbell, and pressed it once. Taking a step back, she waited.

Before long she heard the sounds of the locks being released. The door swung open to reveal what Sunset could only assume was a bear.

“Whoa!” Sunset cried out in alarm, taking a step back and raising her arms to protect herself. The animal growled threateningly at her as it crouched down on its front paws, ready to pounce.

“Now Harry, is that any way to greet a guest?” Fluttershy’s sweet voice came from beyond the doorway. The animal looked back sheepishly and let out a whimper.

“Fluttershy… wh-what is that thing?” Sunset asked, keeping her distance.

“This is Harry. He’s our dog,” Fluttershy replied, bending down to give the animal a hug. She didn’t have to bend far, as its back was nearly as high as her chest.

“That thing’s a dog?!” Sunset asked incredulously.

“He’s a Caucasian Shepherd, which is one of the largest breeds of dogs. Shepherds in the East rely on them to protect their flocks from predators, even bears.”

“I can see why,” Sunset said, eyeing the dog. “It’s not gonna... eat me, is it?”

“He may look intimidating, but he’s just a big sweetheart,” Fluttershy said, scratching the dog behind one of its ears, “aren’t you, Harry?”

The previously intimidating looking dog melted under Fluttershy’s touch, and instead of looking mean suddenly looked very happy.

“If you say so,” Sunset replied, not taking her eyes off of the large animal.

“Won’t you come inside? It’s awfully cold out today,” Fluttershy suggested, a slight shiver in her voice.

“Thanks,” Sunset replied. She waited for Fluttershy to go back through the door, and for Harry to follow her, before she cautiously made her way inside the house. Fluttershy shut the door behind them.

“Wow, this is a really nice place,” Sunset said. “I had no idea your family was so wealthy.”

“My, um, father owns a construction company,” Fluttershy said, her voice a little uneasy. Sunset didn’t notice the awkwardness as she was absorbed by the colorful Christmas decorations that adorned every square foot of the rustic home. There were garlands and colorful lights that led to an almost comically oversized Christmas tree, and gold and silver tinsel woven up the banister of a wide staircase. The muted light from the fading overcast day coming through the window mingled with the dim colored light from the decorations, and mixed with the artificially heated air to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.

“These decorations are so beautiful,” Sunset said.

“Ruby will be so happy to hear you say that,” Fluttershy responded enthusiastically. Sunset turned to her.

“Who’s that?”

“She’s… oh,” Fluttershy faltered. “Um, Ruby Eclipse. She’s my… mother.”

“You call her by her name?”

“It’s a… long story,” Fluttershy turned away and played with a lock of her ample pink hair.

“I see,” Sunset replied, suspicion clear in her voice.

“Why don’t we go to my room?” Fluttershy suggested, her sweet smile returning in an instant. “Show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

“Okay, sure,” Sunset replied with a shrug. No sooner than Fluttershy had taken one step up the stairs were they interrupted.

“You must be Sunset Shimmer!” a deep voice boomed, giving both girls a start. “Welcome to our home!”

“Oh, hi!” Sunset replied, turning to face the source of the voice. A tall, well built man with extremely broad shoulders wearing a comparatively tiny pair of glasses approached, his hand already outstretched for a handshake.

“I’m High Steel. Fluttershy’s told us so much about you!”

“Good things, I hope,” Sunset replied as she took his hand. He shook her’s so vigorously he almost sent her through the ceiling.

“Well, mostly,” High Steel replied with a thoughtful look on his face. “At least recently.”

“Oh… right,” Sunset replied, her expression quickly becoming somber. She forced a smile. “Well, it’s very nice to meet you. I really appreciate you having me over to spend Christmas with your family.”

“Oh, you can thank Fluttershy here for that,” High Steel replied. “She insisted we include you, since you don’t have a place of your own to go this year. Our girl is a sucker for hard luck cases, you know.”

“Yeah, I am aware,” Sunset replied with a small smile and a glance at a blushing Fluttershy.

“I was just taking Sunset up to get settled,” Fluttershy said, changing the subject.

“Alright, but don’t be too long. Ruby is looking forward to meeting our guest, and is already putting the finishing touches on a wonderful dinner.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Sunset said a little awkwardly. “Thank you again for having me.”

“It’s our pleasure, Miss Shimmer,” High Steel said.

“Sunset, please,” she replied.

“Sunset it is,” he agreed with a jovial smile.

“We’ll be down soon… uh,” Fluttershy hesitated. “High Steel.”

Sunset turned to give her an inquisitive look, but Fluttershy just looked forward and started up the stairs.

“See you soon, then,” High Steel said as he turned and headed back toward the kitchen.

“Okay!” Sunset replied cheerfully, following Fluttershy up the stairs.

Upon reaching the top Fluttershy turned and headed down an adjacent hallway with Sunset following a little behind her.

“My room is right here,” Fluttershy said. “We actually have a guest room, but I thought you might want to stay with me. You always seem to enjoy Pinkie Pie’s sleepovers so much.”

“Thanks,” Sunset said with a smile. “That’s really considerate of you.”

“I’m just trying to be a good friend,” Fluttershy replied shyly.

“You are a good friend. A great friend, but…” Sunset hesitated. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Fluttershy looked sad for a moment, stopping and staring at the floor ahead of her.

“Come on,” she urged her friend on, “I’ll tell you once we’re inside.”

* * *

Fluttershy closed the door, hesitated for a few seconds, and then locked it. Sunset sat down on the large bed in the middle of the room and dropped her backpack to her feet.

“So, I’m sure you’ve noticed how I talk to my parents,” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah,” Sunset said. “I mean, I don’t know everything about this world, but I’ve gotten the distinct impression that kids refer to their parents by their titles, not their names.”

“They do, normally…” Fluttershy said, then bit her lower lip. “But, well, the truth is…”

Sunset just waited, but Fluttershy remained silent.

“Yes, go on,” Sunset urged.

“The truth is… High Steel and Ruby Eclipse aren’t my real parents.”

For several moments silence hung in the air, neither girl wanting to speak. Fluttershy hid behind her hair as Sunset’s mouth hung open as she searched for something to say. After a while the silence was too much for Sunset to bear, and she had to fill it with something.

“I… didn’t know,” Sunset offered.

“None of our friends know,” Fluttershy revealed. “I haven’t told them, and no one has really asked about my family very much.”

“So… where are your real parents?” Sunset asked, then immediately became wide-eyed. “Oh, Fluttershy… they aren’t…?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Fluttershy responded with a shrug. “The truth is, I was abandoned as a baby. Left at the doorstep of a church in a basket.”

“You can’t be serious,” Sunset said.

“I know it sounds a little cliche, but it’s the truth,” Fluttershy replied. “High Steel and Ruby Eclipse are my foster parents.”

Sunset let out a deep sigh.

“I would never have guessed,” she said. Looking up to meet Fluttershy’s eyes, Sunset asked an obvious question. “Why haven’t you ever said anything?”

“I didn’t think it was that important,” she replied. “Plus… well. I’ve seen how people tiptoe around the issue of Applejack’s parents, and I didn’t want anyone to treat me differently. And also… I’ve seen how mean some of the other kids can be to her too. Bullies will use anything as ammunition, and I’m just not as tough as she is...”

Sunset’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on her.

“And I used to be a bully,” Sunset said with a groan, covering her eyes with her hands. “I know how I used to be, and I would have absolutely used that knowledge against you if I thought it would’ve gotten me ahead.”

“But you’re not like that anymore,” Fluttershy said, taking a seat next to Sunset and placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know I have nothing to worry about from you. That’s why I invited you here.”

Sunset moved her hands just enough to give Fluttershy a side glance. Taking a deep breath, she uncovered her face.

“Thank you,” Sunset said. “I know I don’t deserve a friend like you, and it means a lot that you would care about me enough to invite me here.”

“What are friends for?” Fluttershy asked, closing her eyes and smiling. “Besides, like High Steel said, I am a sucker for hard luck cases.”

“The animals at the shelter can certainly attest to that,” Sunset said with a small laugh. Then she had another realization. “Wait, is that why you’re so devoted to lost and unwanted animals? Because, you yourself were abandoned?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“If it weren’t for people like High Steel and Ruby, I would have no place to go,” Fluttershy said. “They offered me their home, and unconditional love, even though they aren’t related to me at all. I am really fortunate to have them, and when I think about all those poor animals out there in the cold with nobody to look after them, I can only think about how lucky I’ve been. I feel it’s our responsibility to help those who can’t help themselves.”

“You’re right,” Sunset agreed. “Maybe I can spend some more time volunteering at the shelter myself. I know you’re always shorthanded over there.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Fluttershy said, clasping her hands together. “This time of year is especially difficult for them.”

“It would be the least I could do, after everything you’ve done for me,” Sunset replied.

* * *

After Sunset got settled the two girls headed downstairs and into the dining room, where they were met by Fluttershy’s foster mother, Ruby Eclipse. A somewhat short woman with a creamy complexion and vibrant red hair with streaks of bright yellow toward the tips, Ruby immediately welcomed Sunset to their home.

“We’re so happy to have you!” Ruby said excitedly. “Especially since Fluttershy’s brother couldn’t make it.”

“You have a brother too?” Sunset asked Fluttershy, who turned away with a blush.

“That’s another long story,” she replied.

“Just like our girl not to tell the whole story,” Ruby said with a small laugh, “but don’t worry, we don’t have that many dark secrets, and I cleaned all the skeletons out of the closets before Thanksgiving.”

“That’s… reassuring,” Sunset said, attempting to phrase it as anything but a question.

“Please, sit down. We have a spot just for you here,” Ruby said, motioning toward the table.

“Thank you, but I’d really like to help. I feel like it would be the least I could do,” Sunset said.

“Nonsense, you’re our guest! And we take care of our guests here,” Ruby insisted.

“Thanks again,” Sunset said, taking her seat.

After everything had been brought out, everybody sat down around the table.

“We have a tradition in this house,” Ruby said. “Before eating, each of us talks about something we’re thankful for. It helps us keep perspective, as we are all too aware there are so many out there who are without.”

“Sunset, would you like to go first?” High Steel offered.

With a smile, Sunset Shimmer nodded and took a deep breath.

“I’m far from my family on this holiday, and I had resigned myself to spending it alone. Convinced myself that I wasn’t bothered by it. But when Fluttershy offered to take me in I realized just how important this is to me. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but despite everything I’ve done wrong since coming to this world...”

Sunset noticed the strange looks High Steel and Ruby Eclipse were suddenly giving her, while Fluttershy looked away and hid behind her hair. Shaking it off, Sunset cleared her throat before continuing.

“Despite all the mistakes I’ve made, I still find myself among people who care for me. I am infinitely grateful for the friends who have accepted me, and especially for Fluttershy, who has shown me the same unconditional love that High Steel and Ruby Eclipse have shown her.”

High Steel folded his arms and nodded approvingly while Ruby Eclipse wiped away a tear that had formed. Sunset looked over to Fluttershy who was seated beside her and offered a smile, which Fluttershy returned.

* * *

After the bountiful meal, and a wonderful desert, the family plus one carried out several traditions. Even though some of them seemed strange or hokey, Sunset eagerly participated in each of them with unbridled enthusiasm.

As the night grew later they adjourned to bed. After getting ready, Sunset Shimmer and Fluttershy met in the latter’s room.

“You look exhausted,” Sunset observed.

“It’s such a…” Fluttershy paused to yawn, “... busy holiday. Plus, I spent all morning and most of the afternoon at the shelter since we’re even more shorthanded than usual thanks to it being Christmas Eve.”

“And all those carols High Steel had us sing,” Sunset said with a laugh. “I haven’t sung that much with the Rainbooms.”

“He really loves Christmas,” Fluttershy said with a pleasant smile. “Both he and Ruby always make it so wonderful.”

As she spoke, Fluttershy’s words grew more and more quiet. Looking over from preparing her sleeping bag, Sunset noticed that Fluttershy was already nodding off where she sat.

Sunset helped the half-asleep Fluttershy into bed. After pulling the thick covers up to her friend’s chin, Sunset sat down on her own sleeping bag and reached for her backpack. Reaching inside, she pulled out a thick hardcover book and a pen. Opening to a blank page, she put the tip of the pen to the surface of the paper and began writing in a flowing cursive.

“Dear Princess Twilight,

I hope you’re enjoying your Hearth’s Warming Eve. It turns out there’s a similar holiday on this side of the portal, and I was prepared to spend it all by myself once again this year. However, Fluttershy of all people rescued me by inviting me to spend it with her family. It’s been a wonderful time, and I’ve learned…”

Sunset paused for a moment.

“... so much about friendship from her. During this time where families are getting together and making memories, I had thought that because of my past mistakes I no longer had a family to be with. But Fluttershy showed me that true friends are the family that chooses you, and I can’t think of anything more meaningful than that.

I don’t know what challenges I will face from here on out, but I now know for certain that I have friends… family… to stand by my side, and that is never again something I will take for granted.

So, I hope your Hearth’s Warming is going as well as mine is. Here’s to a promising new year, both here and in Equestria.

Your Friend,

Sunset Shimmer”

Author's Note

Merry Christmas, everyone