A Second Chanceby TwilightAppleDashChaptersPrologue.Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 4Chapter 5Prologue.Prologue and Chapter 1 Nasty looks, half-mumbled insults, irritating shoves. This has become the norm for my schooling life. Yeah, you’re thinking, Uh, hello? Sunset Shimmer totally deserves a taste of her own medicine for going full crazy psycho-demon bitch on the school. Let me stop you there by telling you, yes I agree, I should have been a complete pariah at school following that event. Well, actually I was with most of the school, including the principal and vice-principal. But not all of the school. You see, after the five girls that I constantly bullied, backed by the pony Princess Twilight Sparkle defeated my evil she-devil side, you’d have thought that they would have left me there, in my smoking crater no doubt to be arrested and locked away for the rest of my life. But no, after Twilight pulled me out of the crater, those same five girls started hanging out with me, and somehow we became….friends? I was initially wary at first, I mean who wouldn’t? But I soon came to realise that these girls were my only ticket towards becoming a better person, and I have to admit, that she-demon kinda did scare me a little. Plus, it really felt good, having people to rely on, besides yourself. Knowing that no matter what, they’d always be by your side. I’d like to think that I became a different person because of it. As I became a better person, the rest of the school gradually opened up to me and before long, I was treated as just another girls, albeit with five, super-awesome friends. Anywhoo, that was about two years ago, and since then, we totally took down the siren Dazzing’s who were trying to control the entire school, kinda like I tried to once, (hehe.) and it seemed like I had finally unlocked the magic of friendship. Man, I became so close to the other girls and they in turn, came closer to me. We supported each other through the ups and downs. It felt like nothing could ever go wrong… A few months back, this person appeared on MyStable, going by the name Anon-A-Miss. This person quickly proved to be a nasty bully, posting every deepest, darkest secret held by every student in Canterlot High upon the web, making these private secrets public to the whole world. Friendships were destroyed, long time friends became bitter rivals and the aura of trust surrounding the school was gone. What makes it worse is that no-one was spared, not even my closest friends. No-one, except for me. Unfortunately, within weeks of the initial episode, everybody seemed to think that it was me behind these shameful attacks. I know, it does sound like the sorta thing I would do, or would’ve done a year back. But this time I’m actually innocent, I swear! However no-one seems to believe me, and constantly harass me for it. Inside school and outside. However, I refuse to bow before this tide of misdirected hate and anger, because I know that I am innocent, and my friends will stand by me. Because that’s what friends do, right? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The final bell sounded, meaning the day was finally over. I let out a deep breath as I walked down the marble steps of the school. Thank god school’s over today! I was glad to get away from the daily torrent of abuse that I now faced whenever I went to school. Yeah, I admit it, some days I skip school. I mean it’s nothing I can’t handle, only a little abuse, but sometimes I just can’t face the deep hatred of the students. Unfortunately, I had been missing more and more of school as Anon-A-Miss posted more and more of the schools deepest and darkest secrets which had led to an outbreak of physical violence against me. As it was, I only went around school now in the company of my friends, who fiercely defended me whenever someone tried to attack me or abuse me. I was brought back to reality by a hard shove in my back. I lost my balance and fell down the stairs, spilling my books and skinning my knee. “Get out of Canterlot High!” A harsh voice sounded behind me. “Nobody want’s you here!” Amidst the laughter, I quickly gathered up my books and walked away, fighting the impulse to turn around. As I neared the school’s founding statue, the Wondercolt Horse (A.K.A the portal between this world, and Equestria), I stopped before it. Running a hand over the smooth, cold stone, I contemplated jumping into the portal and travelling back to my home world. Now that I had reformed, Twilight had told me that I was allowed to return home whenever I wished, but at the time, I had politely declined and told her that due to saving the school, I was no longer the girl hated and feared by others and me and the other 5 girls were closer than ever. She had hugged me goodbye and wished me good luck. Due to the lack of evil Equestrian magic attacks recently, the Princess had not needed to return to Earth, and I found myself wishing she were standing before me so I could ask her what to do. What would you do in my place Twilight? Would you confront the school body? I slid my hand through the seemingly solid wall when my pocket suddenly vibrated, and pulling out my phone, I saw that Pinkie had texted me. Head 2 Sugarcube Corner. We’re all here! :-) Smiling, I put my phone away and turned my back on the statue. I don’t need to go home, I realized. Home is where your heart is and my heart is with my friends. Chapter 1Chapter 2 “What the hell happened to you?!” Rainbow Dash asked me, pretty much the minute I walked into the store. All the girls were sat at one of the tables close to the window. Upon my entrance, all of them anxiously looked up at me, leading Rainbow to notice the cut on my knee. “Uh, it’s nothing.” I lied lamely, pulling my skirt down over the offending knee. “I slipped on the steps and landed heavily.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes and scowled at me. “Yeah right Sunset, is that why you also have a scratch on your cheek?” I rubbed a hand over my cheek. Well, I’ll be damned. I hadn’t even realised. Rarity pulled out a chair for me. “Come on Sunset dear, have a seat with us.” I grabbed the offered chair and sat beside her and Pinkie. “Who was it this time?” Rainbow continued, cracking her knuckles loudly and business-like. “Let me deal with him.” “It wasn’t anything too bad, I just got shoved and lost my balance.” Applejack sighed. “Sun, we know yeh don’t want us ta interfere, but sometimes y’all gotta let us help ya out. Ah reckon ah speak fer the others when ah say we care too much about yeh to let people push you around and get away wiv it.” The girls nodded and Rarity interjected. “Especially since we know you’re not behind the Anon-A-Miss cyber attacks. It’s quite frightful how even the principal and vice-principal are against you. They have a duty to hear everyone’s side.” “Look girls.” I reply, absently rubbing my knee, which had begun to throb. “I appreciate you all looking out for me, but it’s not surprising that everyone thinks I haven’t changed, I mean, it was only two years ago that I tried to destroy the school and enslave the student population.” “Uh, yeah but like you said, that was two years ago, and since then you saved the same school from those sirens, and helped us see the danger in time.” Rainbow exploded, pounding the table in her frustration. “It’s not fair that you have all this prejudice against you. You’ve turned over a new leaf, there ain’t no way in hell that you would sink back to that level!” I sighed in frustration. “Try telling everyone else that.” Rarity grabbed my hands and held them between her own. While I was initially disconcerted, the comforting warmth and friendly gesture helped me calm down. “I can’t imagine how you must feel, with no-one to turn to but us. But just remember Sunset dear, no matter what, we will always be by your side.” “And we’ll work together to find this Anon-A-Miss varmint and show em whatfore!” A.J replied, a dangerous light entering her eyes. “This character seems awfully eager to incriminate ya. Can y’all think at all of who it may be?” “Believe me Applejack, I’ve tried, but I can’t think of one specific individual who would do this. Overtime, I’ve hurt practically everyone through different ways.” “Well, whoever they are, I don’t imagine I’ll like them very much, and I like everyone.” Pinkie said. “They’re obviously a real meanie!” “Anywhoo, time ah think we changed the topic.” A.J declared and ordered us a round of hot chocolates. For a while, we sipped our chocolates, made small talk, laughed and joked, then Rainbow called out for attention. “As we all know.” She began, importantly. “The Christmas holidays are coming up and we’re all gonna be busy.” Everyone nodded, except for me. A sudden empty feeling threatened to overwhelm me and I quickly took a big gulp of my steamy chocolate. See, while the other girls had plans, I didn’t. I didn’t have a family to spend it with, didn’t even have a decent house to spend it in. Yeah, I was struggling with poverty, though I made a point of keeping that from my friends. I didn’t want their pity. Besides, what I have now is a damn sight better than what I had back when I first came to this world. I have a semi-steady job and a liveable house with a bedroom, a tiny bathroom and a kitchen. “However.” Dash continued, drawing my attention again. “It doesn’t mean we can’t still hang out.” “Yeah, we have simply got to make time to spend with each other this Christmas.” Rarity chimed in. “Especially since this is the first Christmas we can share with Sunset.” “Ah suppose we could have y’all over at mah house and sleepover from Christmas eve to Boxing day.” A.J replied, enthusiastically. “Granny Smith would sure be delighted for more company.” The girls dissolved into chatter again, and this time, I sat back with a smile on my face. This is why I love them. I realised. Suddenly, one of the employees came over to our table. “I’m sorry guys, but I’m afriad it’s closing time.” Surprised, I checked my watch. 6:30! We had been here for three hours! As we headed out, Rainbow pulled up beside me. “Yo, are you going to school tomorrow?” I thought about the effort it would take to get up and ready, and and what I was inevitably going to face. “Nah, I’m just gonna chill at mine, I guess I’ll see you girls after?” “Yeah sure, in the meantime you take care Sun!” She stopped abruptly, and pulled me into a hug. “Just remember girl, even when it feels like the whole world is against you, there will always be 5 girls in your corner.” “Thanks Dash.” I reply thickly, tears welling up in my eyes. “I really appreciate you and the other girls sticking with me, even though no-one else believes I’m innocent.” “Huh, like Applejack said, when we find the bastard behind these cyber-attacks, they’re gonna be sorry they messed with you!” With that we broke apart, and went our separate ways. For me, it was only another twenty minutes walk before I got home. Chapter 2Chapter 3 I went to the fridge and browsed the shelves, finally pulling out last night’s leftovers. I put them in the oven, and took a quick shower to relax from the day’s events. After my shower, I got changed, and checked my phone as I headed back into the kitchen. Anon-A-Miss had struck again, this time attacking Fluttershy and mentioning her unfortunate accident last time we hung out at A.J’s “Fluttershy no. Shit!” I cried, sitting down hard. This was gonna destroy her. We had been camping out in the middle of Applejack’s apple orchard, sitting around a campfire and chatting aimlessly. After a while, Fluttershy nervously admitted that she needed the bathroom, her cheeks lighting up when A.J told her to pick a tree. She got up and disappeared amongst the trees, while the rest of us were talking amongst ourselves. After a few minutes, the rest of us became aware that Rainbow was also missing. Suddenly, we heard a terrified scream from where Fluttershy had gone, followed by sobbing. We all dashed to the spot and found Rainbow kneeling beside her, profusely apologizing. Rainbow, it seemed, had gone off earlier to hunt up some chestnuts to roast, but became aware of footsteps behind her. Never being one to resist a good prank, she had hidden and realized too late, that it was Fluttershy. Unfortunately, when Fluttershy had gotten scared, she had...wet herself and was crying in mortification. She ended up going home early that night, and it was weeks before she got over it. I rubbed a hand over my face and cursed Anon-A-Miss again, this was going to break Fluttershy, having this spread at school. The oven beeped, telling me my food was ready. I quickly bolted it down, burning my tongue in the process and grabbed my phone from where I had tossed it. Sure enough, there was a storm brewing in the group chat. PINKIE: Has everyone seen it yet? RARITY: My god, how did they get ahold of it? APPLEJACK:I swear, it was just the six of us down there when it happened! RAINBOW:How’s Flutters? Somebody needs to go over and make sure she’s ok. I quickly typed a message. SUNSET: I’m not doing anything, should I go over? RARITY: Maybe that’s not the best idea darling. RAINBOW: Yeah, Rarity’s right. It probably is best to just leave her alone tonight. I frowned upon reading this. Why would me comforting Fluttershy be a bad idea? RAINBOW: WHO THE FUCK IS THIS PERSON!? PINKIE: I’m guessing Shy won’t be coming to school tomorrow. RARITY: I don’t blame her. I tried again, and typed out; SUNSET: OK, you guys are probably right, we should give her time alone. But after school, someone needs to talk to her. PINKIE: I’ll go after school. RAINBOW: Man, Anon-A-Miss is cruising for a bruising! APPLEJACK: You’re not wrong there, Dash. This bully’s gotta be stopped, and soon! RARITY: In the meantime, don’t nobody lash out at anyone tomorrow at school. That includes you, Rainbow. I flipped out one final text. SUNSET: Man, I sure hope Flutter is ok. I'm going to bed. I tossed my phone on the table and went up to my room. I got next to no sleep that night, tossing and turning the whole time, trying to get comfortable, but failing. At 3:37 am, I finally gave up and hit the shower again, deciding to go to school, after all. By 8:00 am, I was dressed and finishing a second cup of coffee. Staring absently at my phone, I grabbed it and sent a fresh text. SUNSET: Any word from Flutters? After a few moments, my phone buzzed and I saw that Rainbow had replied. RAINBOW: Course not Sunset. She’s just had her schooling life wrecked, I can’t see her talking to us for a while. Staring at the text, I felt anger and annoyance welling up inside of me. Of course I knew that Fluttershy would be upset. I was just hoping that maybe she would have turned to her best friends. All the same, I had texted rather rashly and sent a make-up text. SUNSET: Course, Sorry Dash, just worried about her. Eventually, A.J joined. APPLEJACK: No worries Sun, we all make mistakes from time to time, happens to the best of us. RAINBOW: Yeah A.J’s right, even I make mistakes sometimes, but not often, mind you. APPLEJACK: Rainbow, no offense, but when I meant the best of us, I didn’t mean you. RAINBOW: Huh? Who else could you be talking about Applejack? No-one else is as awesome as me! I chuckled. Even after bad news, my friends were still good at cheering each other up. SUNSET: Pointless bickering aside, I’ve decided that I’m going to school. Let them mock me, instead of Flutters. There was silence for a few moments, and I was just packing my lunch when Pinkie replied. PINKIE: Hey, that’s cool. I’m nearby, wanna ride? I hesitated, before replying. SUNSET: Sure, just pick me up on the corner of Pinkerton Ave. PINKIE: Why not your house? Just tell me the number, silly. Thinking fast, I quickly typed a reply. SUNSET: Nah, I’ve already set off, just pick me up at the corner. I can’t be biffed going back. FIngers crossed, I held my breath and waited for her reply. PINKIE: Okie dokie lokie! But you’ve gotta show us your house sometime Sunny. Be there in a few, see you soon. :-) Letting out a deep breath, I jumped up and stuffing my phone in my pocket, I ran out the door. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Winter had definitely arrived now. Today, the outdoors were covered in a soft, gleaming white snow. As I jogged to the corner, I saw kids throwing snowballs at each other, couples walking along the path and groups already singing carols. I got to the corner as Pinkie arrived in her old Prius and I jumped in, sighing as I was enveloped in the warm air of the car. “Huh, you looked puffed.” Pinkie remarked to me, as we pulled away from the kerb. “Running long?” “Yeah nah, I just wanted to get as little snow on me as possible.” I replied. “Why didn’t you bring your coat?” “Didn’t think to, honestly.” As she focused on driving, I looked at her properly. She seemed tired, her face was gaunt, there were bags under her eyes and her hair looked flatter than usual. She made a left turn and spotted me gazing at her. “Pardon me for saying, but you look kinda party-pooped there Sun.” “Ehh, got little sleep yesterday, worrying about Flutters. How about you hmm? You look worse.” She dismissed my concern with a wave of her hand. “Just been staying up later than I should I guess. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in a day to plan parties, know what I’m saying?” “Maybe.” I thought to the conversation last night. “I can’t believe that Anon-A-Miss would post something like that. I mean, I know they’re jerks, but that’s pretty low, picking on friendliest person in the school.” PInkie let out a harsh bark of laughter, and yanked the gear stick up a gear. “Not everyone in life is as nice as us Sunset, I’m sure you’ve already realized that since no-one else forgave you after you went demon. There are jerks everywhere you look in this world, I’m not sure about your world, but that’s just how life is here on Earth.” “Gee Pinkie, You’re usually a light-hearted and carefree girl. Why so cynical?”. I asked her gently, patting her on the shoulder. “I didn’t mean to sound so naive, it’s just Fluttershy is such a nice person, why would anyone seek satisfaction from attacking her?” She sighed suddenly and turned her sad blue eyes onto me.There were barely concealed tears in them. “Yeah well, newsflash Sun.” She began wearily and rubbed her forehead. “When we went to Fluttershy’s house last night, we had to stop Flutters from hanging herself. That tends to change people. My eyes widened as I digested this latest piece of news. “Wait, WHAT!” I cried. “Fluttershy tried to kill herself?” “She had the rope around her neck in her garage, and had just jumped when we showed up.” Pinkie whispered, as if scared of voicing it aloud. “Rainbow had to lift her up to stop the rope cutting into her neck, then when Rarity cut the rope, it took all of us to hold her down. I mean she just went berserk.” “Jesus Pinkie! You guys went over there last night? Why the fuck did noone tell me you all headed there?” I was angry that they had kept this from me. “Look, Fluttershy privately texted me, A.J, Dash and Rarity separately, specifically asking us not to bring you.” She fished her phone out of her pocket and after pressing a couple of button, showed me the phone. Hey, um Pinkie? I guess you saw the post. If you’re going to come, please don’t bring Sunset along. “What the fuck could I have done?” She snapped back, stomping the brake as we came to a red light. “I’m confused.” I reply. “But, why would she text you that?” “Look, I’m sorry I-I just can’t deal with this shit.” She sighed, pulling over. “School’s only ten minutes from here, you need to go the rest of the way on foot. I-I’ve got a migraine to deal with, I’m g-going home. Sorry Sunny.” “Hey, no.” I protested, opening my door. “I was a dick, I shouldn’t have brought that up Pinks, I’m sorry. Thanks for the ride, hope you feel better soon.” Chapter 4Watching the Prius drive away, I felt an emptiness awash within me. Why would Flutters text the other girls telling them to not bring me? I wondered aloud, then I set off, walking briskly in the falling snow. Almost immediately, I regretted leaving the car so readily in just my favorite leather jacket. The air was piercing cold and each inhale burned like fire before it was exhaled in a cloud of steam. It was just another nuisance of poverty. I pulled my jacket closer around me and walked faster, pulling out my phone as I did so. SUNSET: Anyone at school today? Pink’s gone home sick. It wasn’t until I was within sight of the school that I got a reply. APPLEJACK: Think it’s just me and you Sun. Rare and Dash are staying with Shy. Meet me at the statue when you get to school. Why did she want me there? I wondered. SUNSET: Be there in 5. I picked up the pace again, and before long I had passed through the gates of Canterlot High. I spied A.J pacing the portal, dressed in a thick over-jacket, and I involuntarily shivered. Her eyes widened as I drew nearer. “Land sakes, Sunset! D’ye wanna catch Pnemonia?!” I tried to reply, but my teeth were chattering to hard to form a coherent sentence. Applejack sighed, and she took off her over-coat, revealing another underneath, and she threw her overcoat around my shoulders. “Lucky ah anticipated this.” She embraced me for a few moments, helping me warm up, then stepped back and spoke again. “Better?” She asked me, eyebrows raised in concern. “B-better, th-thank you.” I managed to reply. “W-w-what was it y-you wan-wanted t-to talk to me ab-bout?” “Naw, we’ll talk inside t’school, even ah’m feelin th chill out here.” She led the way, and my curiosity aroused, I followed behind her. Inside the building, I was treated to furious stares and accusing whispers. Applejack laid a restraining hand on my arm. “Jest ignore them, they won’t do anything.” she murmured to me, guiding me towards a classroom. After checking to make sure it was empty, we went inside and she shut the door. It quickly became apparent to me that she was nervous about something, pacing around the room. Alright, what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked her, zipping up the coat she had loaned me. She stopped pacing and stood near the door, tapping the wall gently. “Weel Sunset.” She began, avoiding my eyes. “It’s well, it’s like this you see? When the six of us were hangin’ out in mah orchard, that’s jest it, there was only t’six of us.” “Go on.” I replied, wary or where we were heading. “Now ah’m not talking ‘bout all the other attacks here, s’jest the one on Fluttershy, so don’t get offended.” She was still avoiding my eyes and tapping nervously. I didn’t like where this was going at all, so I glared at her suspiciously. “A.J, just get on with it.” I told her flatly. “Promise yah won’t get mad at me?” She asked me pensively. “Just. Tell. Me.” Applejack hesitated, and taking a deep breath, she looked at me and clenched her fists. “Ah want you ta tell me honestly.” She said, her tone lightly colored with anger. “Sunset Shimmer, are y’all the person behind the cyber attack on Fluttershy?” I was ready for something big, but this, well. It was a few moments before I could respond. Anger and outrage flooded through my body, but the biggest pain I felt, was disappointment, even upset that one of my closest friends could stand there and accuse me of something that horrible. She watched me apprehensively as I stood in silence. “Well, ya gonna answer me?” Finally I got ahold of my emotions long enough to reply. “You call me one of your best friends, and yet, you ask me if I’m Anon-A-Miss because you, doubt me?” I saw sadness in those lime-green eyes as she turned away. “Sun, Ah…” I was steadily losing control of my emotions, and my voice shook slightly as I continued. “You think that I missed being the school bully, hated by all, so much that I became the cyber-attacker?” “We didn’t…” A.J was fumbling as she tried to come up with blatant excuses. “There were only six of us, down there, are ye sure ye didn’t let slip, or somethin? Ah jest have ta be sure, Ah mean, after what Shy tried to do…” My body shaking, I realized that tears were running down my face as I stared at one of the six worst people in the world. “Were you guys ever my friends?” I choke out, fighting to finish my sentence. “Or did you just take me in because Twilight said?” “Sunny, it’s not like that!” Applejack tried to hug me, but I pushed her away. There were tears welling up in her own eyes as I coldly replied. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” I unzipped her coat and dropped it on the ground. She reached out towards me as I walked out of the classroom. Chapter 5As I walked back to my pitiful residence in the now pouring-rain, my phone went off repeatedly, but I ignored it, not wanting to read the lies surely flowing thick and fast from my ‘friends’ poisoned brains. As I walked, I thought back to the infamous Fall Formal. I had tried to enslave the school and kill Twilight Sparkle. It was no wonder no-one like me, I was just a moody, snobby egotistical bitch hating, and hated by everyone and stupid enough to let myself be manipulated by those claiming to be my best friends. Should’ve known I couldn’t trust them. The old me wouldn’t have. When I got home, I was drenched through and exhausted. I went up to my room, stripped down and fell asleep on my bed. My dreams were full of murky tidings of my demon-being defeated at the Fall Formal, of being bullied by the school. Throughout it all, my voice echoed recurrently. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” “True friends don’t doubt friends.” In my dream I saw Twilight and the others bullying and laughing as I tried to crawl out of my smoking crater. “Hah, what a loser!” Rainbow laughed. “Look at her, in the dirt where she belongs.” Applejack snickered. “Sunset Shimmer, a tyrant?” Taunted Pinkie, while Fluttershy and Rarity laughed. “More like bitch of the school!” I reached out a hand to Twilight, who stood watching me coldly. “P-please help me!” I cried, hoping against hope. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” She replied and pushed me back into the crater, where the school pointed and laughed at me. I woke up crying, not at all relieved at waking.. I shivered, realising how cold I was and headed to the shower. While in the shower, I decided to shave my legs. As I shaved, I wasn’t paying attention, focusing instead on the demon me, when I slipped and cut my leg. “Fuck!” I cried, as blood trickled from my leg. If only friendships were that simple I thought, gazing at the crimson color. A simple cut, a little pain, a little loss then nothing. For a while I absently stared at the bloody razor in my hand. What if cutting away friendship was as simple as five little cuts? I held the razor to my arm and slid the blade vertically up, stopping short of my wrist. Blood welled almost immediately, but was washed away by the hot water. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I made five more long cuts on my arm, savouring the quick, sharp sting. I held my arm, now stained red under the stream of water and watched as the graceful, delicate stream washed away the pain of my loss. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After my shower, I bandaged my arm and slung my favourite old leather jacket on. I hummed to myself as I made a light fruity breakfast. I was in a good mood. I mean, I had found a way to lessen the pain of rejection, and turn it into a much more manageable pain. Suddenly, my phone began ringing, and checking, I saw that it was Pinkie, probably ringing up to have a go at me for how I had treated her 'friend'. I let it ring out, and continued with my breakfast. But my phone rang again, so this time I took it apart and removed the battery. "There, call as much as you want." I said to it, then smacked my forehead. Come on Sun, talking to yourself, first sign of madness. I thought about writing to Twilight to tell her what had happened, but quickly dismissed it. She would've only got the others to be my friends so that I wouldn't go demon again. I sighed and for want of something to do, I put my phone back together. Turning it on, I saw that I had 36 unread texts and 11 missed calls. I signed into Mystable, and browsed the latest scandals. Anon-A-Miss has struck again, but this time had left the other girls alone. As I browsed, I suddenly got an incoming call. It was from Rainbow dash. I stared at my phone for a few seconds, then answered it. "What do you want?" I asked dully. I heard a gasp on the other end, then Rainbow began speaking fast, afraid that I would hang up on her. "Sunset! Oh my god, we've been so worried about you! Applejack was in tears after you left. She felt like a complete bitch for attacking you like that." "Really?" I replied, pouring sarcasm deep into my tone. "Rarity got really pissed at A.J for doing that to you, and I agreed with her, she could've shown some tact. She was way out of line when she accused you of being Anon-A-Miss, when you're the most trustworthy of the group." "Did you ring me up to spout this bullshit, because you thought it was funny?" I spat acidly. "Or did you genuinely think that I would be stupid enough to fall for it again?" "Fucking hell Sunset, get your head out of your ass and listen to what I'm saying!" Rainbow yelled, clearly getting frustrated with me. "Pinkie, Rarity, A.J and I, we know you're not Anon-A-Miss, Fluttershy admits that! We love you, Sun and we want to make it up to you. "Save it Rainbow, I'm tired or you and the other's lies. I used to think we were all good friends, now, I... fuck I don't even know what's real anymore!" I heard a heavy exhale. Then Rainbow spoke again, a little nervously. "Well I wasn't gonna say this, but you know what, I wan you to know how much I trust you Sunset." "Save it." I repeated, curious in spite of myself. "As far as I'm aware, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity don't know anything about this, and what I'm about to tell you now is told to you, because I trust you to keep it in confidence to yourself." On her side, there was silence for a second, then Dash took a deep breath and said; "Me and Applejack are in a relationship Sun, we love each other very much." I exhaled sharply in surprise at this news. I then closed my eyes and groaned aloud as I realised the full scenario. I could see it all, Anon-A-Miss was going to find out about this, and put it up in public, naming and shaming the couple. Their relationship might even break under the strain. I felt a wave of anger engulf me as I realised what else was going to happen. Both of them, Rainbow and Applejack were going to blame me for the attack, and none of my friends will believe that it wasn't me, especially not Rainbow. "Why would you tell me this?" I yelled into the phone. "Don't you know what this means? Now Anon-A-Miss will find out about this and eventually the whole school will find out. Then all of you will blame me." I heard an exasperated sigh on the other end. "Sunset, I don't quite think that you're hearing me. I'm telling you this, because I trust you and because I trust my friends. Friends have got to trust friends, otherwise they... we can't truly be friends." "You fool." I whispered slowly. "You guys will be shamed in front of the whole school. You shouldn't have told me. Anon-A-Miss will make you guys believe that it was me, they'll make you guys hate me." "I won't let that happen Sun." Dash replied determinedly. "I made a promise to you, and to Twilight that I would never let you down. Through thick and thin, I will always be by your side." I moaned again and slumped in my chair. Through my overwhelming sadness and mistrust, I felt a small spark of hope ignite, somewhere inside of me. Maybe Dash's right. I thought to myself Maybe I need to trust her again. Celestia knows I haven't many other choices. "Rainbow Dash." I replied, lifting the phone back to my ear. "You are one persistent bitch. Maybe that's why your pony equivalent is the Element of Loyalty." Dash chuckled dryly. "Ok, now that I have convinced you, can you be really girly for just one moment?" I twirled a braid of hair around a finger. "Kay," "I absolutely love Applejack, and I'm fairly convinced she's crazy about me too!" Dash cried in excitement." "That's really amazing news Dash!" I replied, truly happy for her. "You have got to tell me everything!" "Alright, but one condition." Rainbow cautioned. "You need to come over first. I want to keep this between you, me, and Applejack at this stage." "Sounds good. I'll be there in ten." I replied, about to hang up. However, I had one last question. "Rainbow, why?" I didn't need to finish my question. She understood it perfectly. "Because that's what friends are for, Sunny." She hung up, and I grabbed my bag and hurried out of the door. God almighty, I must be a real damn fool for agreeing to this. I thought to myself. I just hope she stays on my side.
Prologue.Prologue and Chapter 1 Nasty looks, half-mumbled insults, irritating shoves. This has become the norm for my schooling life. Yeah, you’re thinking, Uh, hello? Sunset Shimmer totally deserves a taste of her own medicine for going full crazy psycho-demon bitch on the school. Let me stop you there by telling you, yes I agree, I should have been a complete pariah at school following that event. Well, actually I was with most of the school, including the principal and vice-principal. But not all of the school. You see, after the five girls that I constantly bullied, backed by the pony Princess Twilight Sparkle defeated my evil she-devil side, you’d have thought that they would have left me there, in my smoking crater no doubt to be arrested and locked away for the rest of my life. But no, after Twilight pulled me out of the crater, those same five girls started hanging out with me, and somehow we became….friends? I was initially wary at first, I mean who wouldn’t? But I soon came to realise that these girls were my only ticket towards becoming a better person, and I have to admit, that she-demon kinda did scare me a little. Plus, it really felt good, having people to rely on, besides yourself. Knowing that no matter what, they’d always be by your side. I’d like to think that I became a different person because of it. As I became a better person, the rest of the school gradually opened up to me and before long, I was treated as just another girls, albeit with five, super-awesome friends. Anywhoo, that was about two years ago, and since then, we totally took down the siren Dazzing’s who were trying to control the entire school, kinda like I tried to once, (hehe.) and it seemed like I had finally unlocked the magic of friendship. Man, I became so close to the other girls and they in turn, came closer to me. We supported each other through the ups and downs. It felt like nothing could ever go wrong… A few months back, this person appeared on MyStable, going by the name Anon-A-Miss. This person quickly proved to be a nasty bully, posting every deepest, darkest secret held by every student in Canterlot High upon the web, making these private secrets public to the whole world. Friendships were destroyed, long time friends became bitter rivals and the aura of trust surrounding the school was gone. What makes it worse is that no-one was spared, not even my closest friends. No-one, except for me. Unfortunately, within weeks of the initial episode, everybody seemed to think that it was me behind these shameful attacks. I know, it does sound like the sorta thing I would do, or would’ve done a year back. But this time I’m actually innocent, I swear! However no-one seems to believe me, and constantly harass me for it. Inside school and outside. However, I refuse to bow before this tide of misdirected hate and anger, because I know that I am innocent, and my friends will stand by me. Because that’s what friends do, right? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The final bell sounded, meaning the day was finally over. I let out a deep breath as I walked down the marble steps of the school. Thank god school’s over today! I was glad to get away from the daily torrent of abuse that I now faced whenever I went to school. Yeah, I admit it, some days I skip school. I mean it’s nothing I can’t handle, only a little abuse, but sometimes I just can’t face the deep hatred of the students. Unfortunately, I had been missing more and more of school as Anon-A-Miss posted more and more of the schools deepest and darkest secrets which had led to an outbreak of physical violence against me. As it was, I only went around school now in the company of my friends, who fiercely defended me whenever someone tried to attack me or abuse me. I was brought back to reality by a hard shove in my back. I lost my balance and fell down the stairs, spilling my books and skinning my knee. “Get out of Canterlot High!” A harsh voice sounded behind me. “Nobody want’s you here!” Amidst the laughter, I quickly gathered up my books and walked away, fighting the impulse to turn around. As I neared the school’s founding statue, the Wondercolt Horse (A.K.A the portal between this world, and Equestria), I stopped before it. Running a hand over the smooth, cold stone, I contemplated jumping into the portal and travelling back to my home world. Now that I had reformed, Twilight had told me that I was allowed to return home whenever I wished, but at the time, I had politely declined and told her that due to saving the school, I was no longer the girl hated and feared by others and me and the other 5 girls were closer than ever. She had hugged me goodbye and wished me good luck. Due to the lack of evil Equestrian magic attacks recently, the Princess had not needed to return to Earth, and I found myself wishing she were standing before me so I could ask her what to do. What would you do in my place Twilight? Would you confront the school body? I slid my hand through the seemingly solid wall when my pocket suddenly vibrated, and pulling out my phone, I saw that Pinkie had texted me. Head 2 Sugarcube Corner. We’re all here! :-) Smiling, I put my phone away and turned my back on the statue. I don’t need to go home, I realized. Home is where your heart is and my heart is with my friends.
Chapter 1Chapter 2 “What the hell happened to you?!” Rainbow Dash asked me, pretty much the minute I walked into the store. All the girls were sat at one of the tables close to the window. Upon my entrance, all of them anxiously looked up at me, leading Rainbow to notice the cut on my knee. “Uh, it’s nothing.” I lied lamely, pulling my skirt down over the offending knee. “I slipped on the steps and landed heavily.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes and scowled at me. “Yeah right Sunset, is that why you also have a scratch on your cheek?” I rubbed a hand over my cheek. Well, I’ll be damned. I hadn’t even realised. Rarity pulled out a chair for me. “Come on Sunset dear, have a seat with us.” I grabbed the offered chair and sat beside her and Pinkie. “Who was it this time?” Rainbow continued, cracking her knuckles loudly and business-like. “Let me deal with him.” “It wasn’t anything too bad, I just got shoved and lost my balance.” Applejack sighed. “Sun, we know yeh don’t want us ta interfere, but sometimes y’all gotta let us help ya out. Ah reckon ah speak fer the others when ah say we care too much about yeh to let people push you around and get away wiv it.” The girls nodded and Rarity interjected. “Especially since we know you’re not behind the Anon-A-Miss cyber attacks. It’s quite frightful how even the principal and vice-principal are against you. They have a duty to hear everyone’s side.” “Look girls.” I reply, absently rubbing my knee, which had begun to throb. “I appreciate you all looking out for me, but it’s not surprising that everyone thinks I haven’t changed, I mean, it was only two years ago that I tried to destroy the school and enslave the student population.” “Uh, yeah but like you said, that was two years ago, and since then you saved the same school from those sirens, and helped us see the danger in time.” Rainbow exploded, pounding the table in her frustration. “It’s not fair that you have all this prejudice against you. You’ve turned over a new leaf, there ain’t no way in hell that you would sink back to that level!” I sighed in frustration. “Try telling everyone else that.” Rarity grabbed my hands and held them between her own. While I was initially disconcerted, the comforting warmth and friendly gesture helped me calm down. “I can’t imagine how you must feel, with no-one to turn to but us. But just remember Sunset dear, no matter what, we will always be by your side.” “And we’ll work together to find this Anon-A-Miss varmint and show em whatfore!” A.J replied, a dangerous light entering her eyes. “This character seems awfully eager to incriminate ya. Can y’all think at all of who it may be?” “Believe me Applejack, I’ve tried, but I can’t think of one specific individual who would do this. Overtime, I’ve hurt practically everyone through different ways.” “Well, whoever they are, I don’t imagine I’ll like them very much, and I like everyone.” Pinkie said. “They’re obviously a real meanie!” “Anywhoo, time ah think we changed the topic.” A.J declared and ordered us a round of hot chocolates. For a while, we sipped our chocolates, made small talk, laughed and joked, then Rainbow called out for attention. “As we all know.” She began, importantly. “The Christmas holidays are coming up and we’re all gonna be busy.” Everyone nodded, except for me. A sudden empty feeling threatened to overwhelm me and I quickly took a big gulp of my steamy chocolate. See, while the other girls had plans, I didn’t. I didn’t have a family to spend it with, didn’t even have a decent house to spend it in. Yeah, I was struggling with poverty, though I made a point of keeping that from my friends. I didn’t want their pity. Besides, what I have now is a damn sight better than what I had back when I first came to this world. I have a semi-steady job and a liveable house with a bedroom, a tiny bathroom and a kitchen. “However.” Dash continued, drawing my attention again. “It doesn’t mean we can’t still hang out.” “Yeah, we have simply got to make time to spend with each other this Christmas.” Rarity chimed in. “Especially since this is the first Christmas we can share with Sunset.” “Ah suppose we could have y’all over at mah house and sleepover from Christmas eve to Boxing day.” A.J replied, enthusiastically. “Granny Smith would sure be delighted for more company.” The girls dissolved into chatter again, and this time, I sat back with a smile on my face. This is why I love them. I realised. Suddenly, one of the employees came over to our table. “I’m sorry guys, but I’m afriad it’s closing time.” Surprised, I checked my watch. 6:30! We had been here for three hours! As we headed out, Rainbow pulled up beside me. “Yo, are you going to school tomorrow?” I thought about the effort it would take to get up and ready, and and what I was inevitably going to face. “Nah, I’m just gonna chill at mine, I guess I’ll see you girls after?” “Yeah sure, in the meantime you take care Sun!” She stopped abruptly, and pulled me into a hug. “Just remember girl, even when it feels like the whole world is against you, there will always be 5 girls in your corner.” “Thanks Dash.” I reply thickly, tears welling up in my eyes. “I really appreciate you and the other girls sticking with me, even though no-one else believes I’m innocent.” “Huh, like Applejack said, when we find the bastard behind these cyber-attacks, they’re gonna be sorry they messed with you!” With that we broke apart, and went our separate ways. For me, it was only another twenty minutes walk before I got home.
Chapter 2Chapter 3 I went to the fridge and browsed the shelves, finally pulling out last night’s leftovers. I put them in the oven, and took a quick shower to relax from the day’s events. After my shower, I got changed, and checked my phone as I headed back into the kitchen. Anon-A-Miss had struck again, this time attacking Fluttershy and mentioning her unfortunate accident last time we hung out at A.J’s “Fluttershy no. Shit!” I cried, sitting down hard. This was gonna destroy her. We had been camping out in the middle of Applejack’s apple orchard, sitting around a campfire and chatting aimlessly. After a while, Fluttershy nervously admitted that she needed the bathroom, her cheeks lighting up when A.J told her to pick a tree. She got up and disappeared amongst the trees, while the rest of us were talking amongst ourselves. After a few minutes, the rest of us became aware that Rainbow was also missing. Suddenly, we heard a terrified scream from where Fluttershy had gone, followed by sobbing. We all dashed to the spot and found Rainbow kneeling beside her, profusely apologizing. Rainbow, it seemed, had gone off earlier to hunt up some chestnuts to roast, but became aware of footsteps behind her. Never being one to resist a good prank, she had hidden and realized too late, that it was Fluttershy. Unfortunately, when Fluttershy had gotten scared, she had...wet herself and was crying in mortification. She ended up going home early that night, and it was weeks before she got over it. I rubbed a hand over my face and cursed Anon-A-Miss again, this was going to break Fluttershy, having this spread at school. The oven beeped, telling me my food was ready. I quickly bolted it down, burning my tongue in the process and grabbed my phone from where I had tossed it. Sure enough, there was a storm brewing in the group chat. PINKIE: Has everyone seen it yet? RARITY: My god, how did they get ahold of it? APPLEJACK:I swear, it was just the six of us down there when it happened! RAINBOW:How’s Flutters? Somebody needs to go over and make sure she’s ok. I quickly typed a message. SUNSET: I’m not doing anything, should I go over? RARITY: Maybe that’s not the best idea darling. RAINBOW: Yeah, Rarity’s right. It probably is best to just leave her alone tonight. I frowned upon reading this. Why would me comforting Fluttershy be a bad idea? RAINBOW: WHO THE FUCK IS THIS PERSON!? PINKIE: I’m guessing Shy won’t be coming to school tomorrow. RARITY: I don’t blame her. I tried again, and typed out; SUNSET: OK, you guys are probably right, we should give her time alone. But after school, someone needs to talk to her. PINKIE: I’ll go after school. RAINBOW: Man, Anon-A-Miss is cruising for a bruising! APPLEJACK: You’re not wrong there, Dash. This bully’s gotta be stopped, and soon! RARITY: In the meantime, don’t nobody lash out at anyone tomorrow at school. That includes you, Rainbow. I flipped out one final text. SUNSET: Man, I sure hope Flutter is ok. I'm going to bed. I tossed my phone on the table and went up to my room. I got next to no sleep that night, tossing and turning the whole time, trying to get comfortable, but failing. At 3:37 am, I finally gave up and hit the shower again, deciding to go to school, after all. By 8:00 am, I was dressed and finishing a second cup of coffee. Staring absently at my phone, I grabbed it and sent a fresh text. SUNSET: Any word from Flutters? After a few moments, my phone buzzed and I saw that Rainbow had replied. RAINBOW: Course not Sunset. She’s just had her schooling life wrecked, I can’t see her talking to us for a while. Staring at the text, I felt anger and annoyance welling up inside of me. Of course I knew that Fluttershy would be upset. I was just hoping that maybe she would have turned to her best friends. All the same, I had texted rather rashly and sent a make-up text. SUNSET: Course, Sorry Dash, just worried about her. Eventually, A.J joined. APPLEJACK: No worries Sun, we all make mistakes from time to time, happens to the best of us. RAINBOW: Yeah A.J’s right, even I make mistakes sometimes, but not often, mind you. APPLEJACK: Rainbow, no offense, but when I meant the best of us, I didn’t mean you. RAINBOW: Huh? Who else could you be talking about Applejack? No-one else is as awesome as me! I chuckled. Even after bad news, my friends were still good at cheering each other up. SUNSET: Pointless bickering aside, I’ve decided that I’m going to school. Let them mock me, instead of Flutters. There was silence for a few moments, and I was just packing my lunch when Pinkie replied. PINKIE: Hey, that’s cool. I’m nearby, wanna ride? I hesitated, before replying. SUNSET: Sure, just pick me up on the corner of Pinkerton Ave. PINKIE: Why not your house? Just tell me the number, silly. Thinking fast, I quickly typed a reply. SUNSET: Nah, I’ve already set off, just pick me up at the corner. I can’t be biffed going back. FIngers crossed, I held my breath and waited for her reply. PINKIE: Okie dokie lokie! But you’ve gotta show us your house sometime Sunny. Be there in a few, see you soon. :-) Letting out a deep breath, I jumped up and stuffing my phone in my pocket, I ran out the door. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Winter had definitely arrived now. Today, the outdoors were covered in a soft, gleaming white snow. As I jogged to the corner, I saw kids throwing snowballs at each other, couples walking along the path and groups already singing carols. I got to the corner as Pinkie arrived in her old Prius and I jumped in, sighing as I was enveloped in the warm air of the car. “Huh, you looked puffed.” Pinkie remarked to me, as we pulled away from the kerb. “Running long?” “Yeah nah, I just wanted to get as little snow on me as possible.” I replied. “Why didn’t you bring your coat?” “Didn’t think to, honestly.” As she focused on driving, I looked at her properly. She seemed tired, her face was gaunt, there were bags under her eyes and her hair looked flatter than usual. She made a left turn and spotted me gazing at her. “Pardon me for saying, but you look kinda party-pooped there Sun.” “Ehh, got little sleep yesterday, worrying about Flutters. How about you hmm? You look worse.” She dismissed my concern with a wave of her hand. “Just been staying up later than I should I guess. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in a day to plan parties, know what I’m saying?” “Maybe.” I thought to the conversation last night. “I can’t believe that Anon-A-Miss would post something like that. I mean, I know they’re jerks, but that’s pretty low, picking on friendliest person in the school.” PInkie let out a harsh bark of laughter, and yanked the gear stick up a gear. “Not everyone in life is as nice as us Sunset, I’m sure you’ve already realized that since no-one else forgave you after you went demon. There are jerks everywhere you look in this world, I’m not sure about your world, but that’s just how life is here on Earth.” “Gee Pinkie, You’re usually a light-hearted and carefree girl. Why so cynical?”. I asked her gently, patting her on the shoulder. “I didn’t mean to sound so naive, it’s just Fluttershy is such a nice person, why would anyone seek satisfaction from attacking her?” She sighed suddenly and turned her sad blue eyes onto me.There were barely concealed tears in them. “Yeah well, newsflash Sun.” She began wearily and rubbed her forehead. “When we went to Fluttershy’s house last night, we had to stop Flutters from hanging herself. That tends to change people. My eyes widened as I digested this latest piece of news. “Wait, WHAT!” I cried. “Fluttershy tried to kill herself?” “She had the rope around her neck in her garage, and had just jumped when we showed up.” Pinkie whispered, as if scared of voicing it aloud. “Rainbow had to lift her up to stop the rope cutting into her neck, then when Rarity cut the rope, it took all of us to hold her down. I mean she just went berserk.” “Jesus Pinkie! You guys went over there last night? Why the fuck did noone tell me you all headed there?” I was angry that they had kept this from me. “Look, Fluttershy privately texted me, A.J, Dash and Rarity separately, specifically asking us not to bring you.” She fished her phone out of her pocket and after pressing a couple of button, showed me the phone. Hey, um Pinkie? I guess you saw the post. If you’re going to come, please don’t bring Sunset along. “What the fuck could I have done?” She snapped back, stomping the brake as we came to a red light. “I’m confused.” I reply. “But, why would she text you that?” “Look, I’m sorry I-I just can’t deal with this shit.” She sighed, pulling over. “School’s only ten minutes from here, you need to go the rest of the way on foot. I-I’ve got a migraine to deal with, I’m g-going home. Sorry Sunny.” “Hey, no.” I protested, opening my door. “I was a dick, I shouldn’t have brought that up Pinks, I’m sorry. Thanks for the ride, hope you feel better soon.”
Chapter 4Watching the Prius drive away, I felt an emptiness awash within me. Why would Flutters text the other girls telling them to not bring me? I wondered aloud, then I set off, walking briskly in the falling snow. Almost immediately, I regretted leaving the car so readily in just my favorite leather jacket. The air was piercing cold and each inhale burned like fire before it was exhaled in a cloud of steam. It was just another nuisance of poverty. I pulled my jacket closer around me and walked faster, pulling out my phone as I did so. SUNSET: Anyone at school today? Pink’s gone home sick. It wasn’t until I was within sight of the school that I got a reply. APPLEJACK: Think it’s just me and you Sun. Rare and Dash are staying with Shy. Meet me at the statue when you get to school. Why did she want me there? I wondered. SUNSET: Be there in 5. I picked up the pace again, and before long I had passed through the gates of Canterlot High. I spied A.J pacing the portal, dressed in a thick over-jacket, and I involuntarily shivered. Her eyes widened as I drew nearer. “Land sakes, Sunset! D’ye wanna catch Pnemonia?!” I tried to reply, but my teeth were chattering to hard to form a coherent sentence. Applejack sighed, and she took off her over-coat, revealing another underneath, and she threw her overcoat around my shoulders. “Lucky ah anticipated this.” She embraced me for a few moments, helping me warm up, then stepped back and spoke again. “Better?” She asked me, eyebrows raised in concern. “B-better, th-thank you.” I managed to reply. “W-w-what was it y-you wan-wanted t-to talk to me ab-bout?” “Naw, we’ll talk inside t’school, even ah’m feelin th chill out here.” She led the way, and my curiosity aroused, I followed behind her. Inside the building, I was treated to furious stares and accusing whispers. Applejack laid a restraining hand on my arm. “Jest ignore them, they won’t do anything.” she murmured to me, guiding me towards a classroom. After checking to make sure it was empty, we went inside and she shut the door. It quickly became apparent to me that she was nervous about something, pacing around the room. Alright, what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked her, zipping up the coat she had loaned me. She stopped pacing and stood near the door, tapping the wall gently. “Weel Sunset.” She began, avoiding my eyes. “It’s well, it’s like this you see? When the six of us were hangin’ out in mah orchard, that’s jest it, there was only t’six of us.” “Go on.” I replied, wary or where we were heading. “Now ah’m not talking ‘bout all the other attacks here, s’jest the one on Fluttershy, so don’t get offended.” She was still avoiding my eyes and tapping nervously. I didn’t like where this was going at all, so I glared at her suspiciously. “A.J, just get on with it.” I told her flatly. “Promise yah won’t get mad at me?” She asked me pensively. “Just. Tell. Me.” Applejack hesitated, and taking a deep breath, she looked at me and clenched her fists. “Ah want you ta tell me honestly.” She said, her tone lightly colored with anger. “Sunset Shimmer, are y’all the person behind the cyber attack on Fluttershy?” I was ready for something big, but this, well. It was a few moments before I could respond. Anger and outrage flooded through my body, but the biggest pain I felt, was disappointment, even upset that one of my closest friends could stand there and accuse me of something that horrible. She watched me apprehensively as I stood in silence. “Well, ya gonna answer me?” Finally I got ahold of my emotions long enough to reply. “You call me one of your best friends, and yet, you ask me if I’m Anon-A-Miss because you, doubt me?” I saw sadness in those lime-green eyes as she turned away. “Sun, Ah…” I was steadily losing control of my emotions, and my voice shook slightly as I continued. “You think that I missed being the school bully, hated by all, so much that I became the cyber-attacker?” “We didn’t…” A.J was fumbling as she tried to come up with blatant excuses. “There were only six of us, down there, are ye sure ye didn’t let slip, or somethin? Ah jest have ta be sure, Ah mean, after what Shy tried to do…” My body shaking, I realized that tears were running down my face as I stared at one of the six worst people in the world. “Were you guys ever my friends?” I choke out, fighting to finish my sentence. “Or did you just take me in because Twilight said?” “Sunny, it’s not like that!” Applejack tried to hug me, but I pushed her away. There were tears welling up in her own eyes as I coldly replied. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” I unzipped her coat and dropped it on the ground. She reached out towards me as I walked out of the classroom.
Chapter 5As I walked back to my pitiful residence in the now pouring-rain, my phone went off repeatedly, but I ignored it, not wanting to read the lies surely flowing thick and fast from my ‘friends’ poisoned brains. As I walked, I thought back to the infamous Fall Formal. I had tried to enslave the school and kill Twilight Sparkle. It was no wonder no-one like me, I was just a moody, snobby egotistical bitch hating, and hated by everyone and stupid enough to let myself be manipulated by those claiming to be my best friends. Should’ve known I couldn’t trust them. The old me wouldn’t have. When I got home, I was drenched through and exhausted. I went up to my room, stripped down and fell asleep on my bed. My dreams were full of murky tidings of my demon-being defeated at the Fall Formal, of being bullied by the school. Throughout it all, my voice echoed recurrently. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” “True friends don’t doubt friends.” In my dream I saw Twilight and the others bullying and laughing as I tried to crawl out of my smoking crater. “Hah, what a loser!” Rainbow laughed. “Look at her, in the dirt where she belongs.” Applejack snickered. “Sunset Shimmer, a tyrant?” Taunted Pinkie, while Fluttershy and Rarity laughed. “More like bitch of the school!” I reached out a hand to Twilight, who stood watching me coldly. “P-please help me!” I cried, hoping against hope. “True friends don’t doubt friends.” She replied and pushed me back into the crater, where the school pointed and laughed at me. I woke up crying, not at all relieved at waking.. I shivered, realising how cold I was and headed to the shower. While in the shower, I decided to shave my legs. As I shaved, I wasn’t paying attention, focusing instead on the demon me, when I slipped and cut my leg. “Fuck!” I cried, as blood trickled from my leg. If only friendships were that simple I thought, gazing at the crimson color. A simple cut, a little pain, a little loss then nothing. For a while I absently stared at the bloody razor in my hand. What if cutting away friendship was as simple as five little cuts? I held the razor to my arm and slid the blade vertically up, stopping short of my wrist. Blood welled almost immediately, but was washed away by the hot water. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I made five more long cuts on my arm, savouring the quick, sharp sting. I held my arm, now stained red under the stream of water and watched as the graceful, delicate stream washed away the pain of my loss. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After my shower, I bandaged my arm and slung my favourite old leather jacket on. I hummed to myself as I made a light fruity breakfast. I was in a good mood. I mean, I had found a way to lessen the pain of rejection, and turn it into a much more manageable pain. Suddenly, my phone began ringing, and checking, I saw that it was Pinkie, probably ringing up to have a go at me for how I had treated her 'friend'. I let it ring out, and continued with my breakfast. But my phone rang again, so this time I took it apart and removed the battery. "There, call as much as you want." I said to it, then smacked my forehead. Come on Sun, talking to yourself, first sign of madness. I thought about writing to Twilight to tell her what had happened, but quickly dismissed it. She would've only got the others to be my friends so that I wouldn't go demon again. I sighed and for want of something to do, I put my phone back together. Turning it on, I saw that I had 36 unread texts and 11 missed calls. I signed into Mystable, and browsed the latest scandals. Anon-A-Miss has struck again, but this time had left the other girls alone. As I browsed, I suddenly got an incoming call. It was from Rainbow dash. I stared at my phone for a few seconds, then answered it. "What do you want?" I asked dully. I heard a gasp on the other end, then Rainbow began speaking fast, afraid that I would hang up on her. "Sunset! Oh my god, we've been so worried about you! Applejack was in tears after you left. She felt like a complete bitch for attacking you like that." "Really?" I replied, pouring sarcasm deep into my tone. "Rarity got really pissed at A.J for doing that to you, and I agreed with her, she could've shown some tact. She was way out of line when she accused you of being Anon-A-Miss, when you're the most trustworthy of the group." "Did you ring me up to spout this bullshit, because you thought it was funny?" I spat acidly. "Or did you genuinely think that I would be stupid enough to fall for it again?" "Fucking hell Sunset, get your head out of your ass and listen to what I'm saying!" Rainbow yelled, clearly getting frustrated with me. "Pinkie, Rarity, A.J and I, we know you're not Anon-A-Miss, Fluttershy admits that! We love you, Sun and we want to make it up to you. "Save it Rainbow, I'm tired or you and the other's lies. I used to think we were all good friends, now, I... fuck I don't even know what's real anymore!" I heard a heavy exhale. Then Rainbow spoke again, a little nervously. "Well I wasn't gonna say this, but you know what, I wan you to know how much I trust you Sunset." "Save it." I repeated, curious in spite of myself. "As far as I'm aware, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity don't know anything about this, and what I'm about to tell you now is told to you, because I trust you to keep it in confidence to yourself." On her side, there was silence for a second, then Dash took a deep breath and said; "Me and Applejack are in a relationship Sun, we love each other very much." I exhaled sharply in surprise at this news. I then closed my eyes and groaned aloud as I realised the full scenario. I could see it all, Anon-A-Miss was going to find out about this, and put it up in public, naming and shaming the couple. Their relationship might even break under the strain. I felt a wave of anger engulf me as I realised what else was going to happen. Both of them, Rainbow and Applejack were going to blame me for the attack, and none of my friends will believe that it wasn't me, especially not Rainbow. "Why would you tell me this?" I yelled into the phone. "Don't you know what this means? Now Anon-A-Miss will find out about this and eventually the whole school will find out. Then all of you will blame me." I heard an exasperated sigh on the other end. "Sunset, I don't quite think that you're hearing me. I'm telling you this, because I trust you and because I trust my friends. Friends have got to trust friends, otherwise they... we can't truly be friends." "You fool." I whispered slowly. "You guys will be shamed in front of the whole school. You shouldn't have told me. Anon-A-Miss will make you guys believe that it was me, they'll make you guys hate me." "I won't let that happen Sun." Dash replied determinedly. "I made a promise to you, and to Twilight that I would never let you down. Through thick and thin, I will always be by your side." I moaned again and slumped in my chair. Through my overwhelming sadness and mistrust, I felt a small spark of hope ignite, somewhere inside of me. Maybe Dash's right. I thought to myself Maybe I need to trust her again. Celestia knows I haven't many other choices. "Rainbow Dash." I replied, lifting the phone back to my ear. "You are one persistent bitch. Maybe that's why your pony equivalent is the Element of Loyalty." Dash chuckled dryly. "Ok, now that I have convinced you, can you be really girly for just one moment?" I twirled a braid of hair around a finger. "Kay," "I absolutely love Applejack, and I'm fairly convinced she's crazy about me too!" Dash cried in excitement." "That's really amazing news Dash!" I replied, truly happy for her. "You have got to tell me everything!" "Alright, but one condition." Rainbow cautioned. "You need to come over first. I want to keep this between you, me, and Applejack at this stage." "Sounds good. I'll be there in ten." I replied, about to hang up. However, I had one last question. "Rainbow, why?" I didn't need to finish my question. She understood it perfectly. "Because that's what friends are for, Sunny." She hung up, and I grabbed my bag and hurried out of the door. God almighty, I must be a real damn fool for agreeing to this. I thought to myself. I just hope she stays on my side.
