Christmas At the Witch's Houseby EquineAvengerChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Friends, happiness, a dwindling bad reputation, and love; these were all things Sunset Shimmer once had. However, one horrible day during the holiday season, a mischievous MyStable blogger called Anon-a-Miss started posting secrets about some of the students of Canterlot High, including her five friends: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. At first, her friends didn’t think she was behind it, but it wasn’t long before even they began to suspect she was up to no good like she used to be in the past. Sunset tried to plead innocence but it was no use, everyone was completely convinced she was the culprit and she was scorned and treated like an outcast. After an absolutely horrible afternoon of loneliness, ridicule, and hateful ranting, Sunset sat outside the front of the school in front of the big horse statue going through her things and making sure she had everything in her backpack. This was it. She finally had enough. She was making a very serious decision. After a whole week of non-stop false accusation, she had decided to run away. Before zipping up her backpack, she took out her magical journal that she used to write messages to her best friend and former rival, Twilight Sparkle. Sunset knew Twilight was the only one who believed she was innocent. She opened the journal to a blank page, got out a pen, and prepared to write. However, as the tip of the pen was less than half an inch from the paper, Sunset hesitated. Her friend’s words of guidance echoed in her head. “Sometimes, all you can do is stay strong, stay yourself, and find your family.” But at this point, Sunset believed it was all hopeless. There was nothing she could do to make anyone believe her. She was thinking of writing one last message to Twilight telling her that she was sorry for being unable to take her advice, but she remembered that Twilight was a princess with a lot of important royal duties. Sunset didn’t want to bother her with such disappointing news that would probably just waste her time. “Sorry, Twilight,” Sunset said putting her pen and journal in her backpack without writing a single word. “It was fun while it lasted,” she sadly said taking one last look at the school and shedding a single tear before beginning her journey to find a new home. Sunset walked at a fast pace most of the time, she was very eager to get as far away from that horrible school as possible. In just a few hours, she had traveled quite a ways. At dusk, she had passed through a small town that looked like its residents preferred to live their lives based on older times in history. At night, she found herself walking through a dark and eerie forest. This was a part of her journey that Sunset did not expect and was not happy with. “Did I miss a turn?” Sunset asked herself shining a small flashlight on a map she was holding. “I guess I should’ve asked for directions.” Then she came across a fork in the path where a directional sign pole stood between two paths. She shined her flashlight on the signs but the writing was very old and worn away to read. She looked at the map again. “I guess I’ll go this way then,” she said as she took the right path which led deeper into the forest. After awhile, Sunset was beginning to get nervous. The path was dark, snowy, and cold and seemed to go on forever. Sunset began to sweat as she started to regret venturing into a forest at night. Sunset couldn’t shake the frightening feeling that she was being watched. She looked around at her surroundings but saw nothing. Suddenly, a rustling sound came from a nearby bush and Sunset’s anxiety started rising. She pointed the flashlight in numerous locations trying to find the source of the noise. There was a moment she thought she heard a small giggle like that of a young girl, but she couldn’t find anything. Then she heard a noise behind her back down the path and turned to see what looked like a tall shadowy figure holding a long stick-like object in its right hand. “Run!” Sunset thought she heard the thing say as it reached out its left arm toward her with glowing eyes. Now absolutely frightened, Sunset gasped and took off running down the path away from the creature as she possibly could. Tears of fear poured from her eyes. She dared not look back in fear that the creature might be right behind her. After a whole minute of running, Sunset tripped and fell right on her face, dropping her flashlight and map. But she quickly got up and hid behind a tree to avoid being seen if the creature was still chasing her. She peeked from behind the tree and felt a little relief to see that the creature wasn’t there. But her fear soon returned when she a rustling from a nearby bush. She froze and prepared for whatever was behind the bush to come out. To her surprise, a black cat with gold eyes emerged. Meow! The dark feline said as it approached the shaking girl. Sunset let out a sigh of relief. “Hi, little fella,” she gently spoke to the animal. “What are you doing out in the middle of the woods? Do you know a way out of here?” The cat began walking down the path and acting on instinct, Sunset followed it. After a minute of walking, they came to a snowy yard and a big mysterious-looking house that appeared to be at least five floors high. The sound of thunder was heard as Sunset stared up at the house. “Is this where you live?” Sunset asked the cat, even though she knew it would be impossible to get an answer out of it. Deciding to take her chances in the big creepy house, Sunset walked across the yard and knocked on the front door. To her surprise, the door opened but no one was there. Sunset and the cat entered and she shut the door behind them. She found herself in a dimly lit room. Two candelabras hung on both sides of the opposite wall above two vases of roses on top of two tables. There was a door on both the right and left wall. “Hello,” Sunset called. There was no answer. “Hello,” Sunset called a little louder. She thought she heard the faint sound of murmuring but there was no one there. “Is anyone there?” Sunset asked nervously. Just then, the door on the left wall started opening slowly and light was beaming through the expanding crack. Sunset nearly jumped when she heard the creaking sound the door made. When the door finally opened all the way, there was a young girl holding a candle standing in the doorway. She looked to be about fourteen years of age, she was a little shorter than Sunset. She was slender and had fair skin, blond hair tied back with two braids, bangs hanging about her face, her eyes were green. She wore a large navy blue dress topped with a white apron, and brown leather boots. She stared at Sunset with a curious expression on her face. “Who are you?” the girl asked softly. “I’m sorry,” Sunset politely apologized. “I didn’t mean to intrude upon your home, but I’m lost. Would it be okay if I could have a place to stay for the night?” “Of course, you’re welcome to make yourself at home,” the girl answered understandingly. The black cat that Sunset met walked up to the girl and meowed to her. She knelt down and gently stroked the feline’s back. “And where have you been all day?” “So this is your cat?” Sunset asked. “I found him out there and he led me here.” “It’s a good thing too. The forest can get pretty scary at night.” “Tell me about it.” “You must be very cold and hungry. I was just about to roast some chestnuts.” “That sounds great,” Sunset said. It had been sometime since she had anything to eat. “Okay, follow me,” the girl said leading Sunset and the cat through the left door. They entered a small room where an empty and cobweb covered dresser stood in the upper right corner next to another door and a desk and chair stood in the lower left corner of the room. A pair of scissors sat on the desk. The girl led them through the other door and into a huge dining room. In the center of the room, on top of a big rectangular red carpet, was a long rectangular table with a white dining cloth draped over it. Eight chairs surrounded the table. On both side of the table were two tea sets and two glowing candelabras. On the opposite wall were three windows, two shelves of red wine bottles on each side, on the right side of the wall was a door leading to the kitchen, and in the middle was a huge blazing fireplace. On top of the fireplace were two candlesticks on each side and a portrait of a rose in between them. Sunset set her backpack down on the left side of the fireplace and she, the girl, and the cat all gathered around the warm fire. Sunset and the girl roasted and ate chestnuts together and told funny stories and jokes. “By the way, I never asked for your name,” Sunset said. “It’s Viola,” the girl replied. “That’s a pretty name,” Sunset complimented. “Mine is Sunset Shimmer.” “That’s very nice too.” “Thanks.” Then Sunset reached into her pocket and pulled out her cellphone. She let out an annoyed groan when she looked at it. “The battery’s dead.” “Did you need to call someone?” Viola asked concerned. “No, not really,” Sunset assured her. “So, where are you from?” A sad expression formed on Sunset’s face. “It doesn’t matter. I ran away and I can’t go back.” “Why? Don’t you have any friends or family back where you come from?” “I don’t. No one wants me around.” “What happened?” Sunset let out a heavy sigh as she prepared to tell Viola her sad story. This girl helped her so she owed her something. “It’s a long story.” Sunset told Viola everything about herself from the day she first came to Canterlot High to the rise of Anon-a-Miss, she left out all the magic parts of the story to avoid sounding crazy. “Oh, Sunset,” Viola said looking visibly horrified. “That’s terrible.” “I know,” Sunset sadly agreed. “First time I’ve been blamed for a crime I didn’t commit. But because of my past, no one wants to believe that I’m innocent. They all think I’m still the horrible person that once ruled the school with an iron fist. I guess I’m just not meant to have friends.” “I doubt that,” Viola said. “Sunset, do you believe in fate?” “Why do you ask?” Sunset asked confused and curious. “Do you think you’re the only person here who is all alone in the world? How many friends do you think I get up here in this big creepy-looking house?” “Don’t you have any family here?” “It used to be me and my dad. But he died not too long ago.” “Oh dear, I’m so sorry,” Sunset said extremely sympathetically realizing she might’ve caused Viola to remember some sad memories. “So it’s just you and your cat?” “You could say that.” “Wow, and I thought I had it rough.” “What I’m trying to say, Sunset, is you and I aren’t so different. We’re both lonely outcasts with no family or friends to speak of. But I think there’s a reason you and I met tonight. That fate must’ve brought you here to my home.” Sunset was starting to see where she was going with this. “You think you and I are destined to be friends? Even after everything you’ve heard about me?” “There are no cellphones or computers in this house, so you don’t have to worry about this Anon-a-Miss person having any power here.” “That is true.” “And since my father passed away, it would be great to have another person in this house. I mean, if you would like to stay.” “You would offer me a place here?” Sunset asked feeling her spirits lift. “Why not? You said so yourself you don’t have anywhere else to go.” Sunset felt tears of happiness begin to slide down her cheeks. She now felt like she hadn’t failed to take Twilight’s advice after all. She felt like she had finally found a place to call home and a new friend, someone to call family. “I… I don’t know what to say.” “Well, I think it’s time we went to bed. It’s getting pretty late, and you’ve been through quite a lot.” Viola said. Sunset nodded in agreement. Later that night, Viola led Sunset to a bedroom where Sunset changed into her pajamas and was now tucked in ready to call it a night. “Viola, thanks for everything,” Sunset gratefully said. “Sweet dreams, Sunset, my new friend,” Viola replied and gently closed the bedroom door leaving Sunset to finally get some much needed rest. Sunset enjoyed having her own bed, it beat sleeping in the school library. After bidding Sunset good night, Viola and the black cat walked down the hallway together. “I sense this one is different from the others,” the cat suddenly spoke. “What do you plan to do with her?” “I’m going to take my time with this one,” Viola replied in a less innocent tone. “She’s still hiding something and I want to know what it is. I have a feeling I’m going to have fun with this girl.” She said with a sinister grin on her face that was not natural for a girl of her age. Chapter 2It was a glum day at Canterlot High. The once happily anticipated holiday season had become a time of bitterness and misery. Most of the students were either walking around with embarrassed and miserable expressions on their faces or arguing and fighting amongst themselves. A group of drama students were walking down a hall together bitterly talking about their exposed secrets. “I can’t believe she posted that!” a drama girl named Watermelody yelled angrily looking at her cellphone. “I should say I’m not surprised, considering this is Sunset Shimmer we're talking about,” a drama boy named Indigo Wreath bitterly added. “But I never thought she’d stood this low and on such a grand scale.” “I knew she was still a no good troublemaker,” Octavia angrily declared. “I knew it!” “Just goes to show you, some people really can’t change,” Trixie said smugly. Then a group consisting of an athlete girl named Cloudy Kicks and two rocker girls named Cherry Crash and Mystery Mint approached the drama group. “Hey, Anon-a-Miss just uploaded an embarrassing video of one of my teammates during soccer practice,” Cloudy Kicks angrily said. “Do any of you know where Sunset Shimmer is? I need to get some payback.” She pounded her right fist into her left palm. “No, I’m afraid we haven’t seen her,” Indigo Wreath answered. “Now that you mention it, none of us have seen Sunset at all today,” Watermelody said suspiciously. “That’s strange, think she’s hiding someplace like the coward she is?” Cherry Crash asked. “Hey, I hear you all are looking for Sunset Shimmer, correst?” an eco-girl named Paisley approached the two groups. They all nodded. “I heard none of the teachers in her classes have seen her at all today.” “That’s weird,” Mystery Mint said confused. “A school attendant checked her locker recently and it was completely cleard out. They say she’s probably run away.” “So, she decided to flee instead of facing the music,” Octavia said bitterly. “See, Trixie told you she was guilty,” Trixie said with a proud smile. “Shame I won’t be able to give her what she rightfully deserves,” Cloud Kicks said disappointed. “Oh well, good riddens.” As the two groups moved on down the hall to their next classes, three younger girls who had been hiding behind a corner eavesdropping on their conversation were visibly horrified by what they heard. There three girls were known as the Crusaders; their names were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were the younger sisters of three of Sunset’s former friends. “Did ya hear that, girls?” Apple Bloom nervously asked her two friends. “Sunset’s gone,” Sweetie Belle said extremely distraught. “What are we going to do?” Scootaloo asked nervously. “This whole thing has gone too far now,” Apple Bloom declared. Sunset’s five former friends were all gathered in the music room to practice their instruments. However, none of them seemed really in the mood to play any music and just sat around miserably testing the sounds of their instruments. “So, how long do you think it’ll be till Sunset finally confesses and apologizes?” Fluttershy asked breaking the silence. “I think we should make her work to earn our forgiveness this time,” Rainbow Dash angrily suggested. “I don’t think that’ll be possible,” Pinkie Pie bitterly said. “I heard rumors that she packed her things and hit the road.” “I knew it, the innocent never run,” Rarity angrily added. “Ah’ won’t lie to y’all, ah’m actually pretty surprised this all happened,” Applejack told them. “Ah’ actually thought she had really changed since the Fall Formal. After she helped defeat the Sirens, and all that stuff about her family back in Equestria. It was all so convincin’.” “Well, I’m not so surprised,” Rarity said. “This is Sunset Shimmer we’re talking about. She’s lied and manipulated us in the past. This was probably one big ruse to trick us again.” “If Twilight were here, she wouldn’t be too happy to find out that our new friend was still evil,” Pinkie added. Suddenly, the Crusaders burst into the room. “Applejack,” Apple Bloom called to her big sister. “What is it, Apple Bloom?” AJ asked surprised to see her sister. “There’s somethin’ ah’ gotta tell yah’,” Apple Bloom nervously said. “Remember when ah’ told ya ah’ thought Sunset Shimmer might be Anon-a-Miss?” “Yeah, and you were right. Ta think ah’ thought she was our friend.” “Yeah, well-” Apple Bloom tried to continue but was interrupted. “Do you all remember how patheticaly she tried to plead her false innocence?” Rainbow asked the others who nodded in agreement. “Yeah, but-” Apple Bloom tried to speak up but was interrupted again. “And now she’s chosen to run away instead of owning up to what she did,” Rarity said disappointed. “So unladylike.” “Would all of you just shut up and listen!” Scootaloo yelled unable to take anymore. The older girls were shocked by her sudden outburst, but they finally quieted down and gave the Crusaders their undivided attention. “Ya see, ah’ might’ve shifted the blame on that one,” Apple Bloom said guiltfully. “You what?!” AJ said in disbelief. “Anon-a-Miss, the one who posted the ‘Piggly-Wiggly’ story about you on the internet, it was me,” Apple Bloom shamefully confessed. “What?!” the five older girls said in shock. “Apple Bloom, how could you?!” AJ couldn’t believe her own sister would do something like that. “And I was the one who posted Rainbow Dash’s failed science paper,” Scootaloo told them with regretful eyes. “The junior team was practicing the same time Dash’s team had soccer practice, so it was a good opportunity to get at the paper.” Rainbow’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “You mean to tell us that it was you three this whole time?!” “But, the pictures,” Rarity spoke in both denial and horror. “They were the same pictures Sunset took with her phone.” “But when everyone was asleep, I took her phone and downloaded them to the internet,” Sweetie Belle remorsefully confessed. “Then people started sending us more secrets and we posted everything,” Scootaloo added. “And you made it look like Sunset did it!” Fluttershy concluded visibly horrified. “But why, Sweetie Belle? Why?!” Rarity asked almost in hysterics. “Because you were spending more time with Sunset Shimmer than with us!” Sweetie said beginning to tear up. “Ever since ya’ll became friends with Sunset, you’ve been hangin’ out less with yer families,” Apple Bloom sadly explained. “We thought if ya’ll thought Sunset was Anon-a-Miss then you’d hang out less with her.” “But things got out of hand,” Scootaloo stepped in. “Everyone reacted worse than we expected.” “We’re so sorry,” Sweetie apologized with tears running down her cheek. The five girls were in complete shock. Sunset wasn’t Anon-a-Miss. She was innocent. They were wrong. “Sunset was innocent all along!” Fluttershy said in utter horror. “I can’t believe we did this!” Rarity said totally ashamed. Rainbow Dash was too shocked to speak and held her hand over her mouth. She felt like her own words were being forced down her throat, and they tasted horrible. “If Twilight were here, she’d be so disappointed in us!” Pinkie said as her poofy hair deflated. “We shoulda’ known,” Applejack said directing her shame-filled eyes to the floor. “We misjudged her… badly,” Rainbow finally summoned the courage to speak, but feeling like a complete disgrace. “When we heard that Sunset had run away, we realized that this had gone to far. But unfortunately, it was too late,” Apple Bloom said with tears in her eyes. “No, we have to find her!” Fluttershy said looking like she was about to panic. “We will!” AJ said with determination in her voice. “But first, we have ta tell everyone,” she said turning her attention back to the Crusaders with tearful pleading eyes. The three girls knew what they were being asked to do, they would surely get into a lot of trouble for it. But they knew it was the right thing to do and respectfully nodded their heads in agreement. Later on, the five friends led the Crusaders to the cafeteria where all the students were having lunch. Once they’d gotten everyone’s attention, the Crusaders confessed everything to the entire student body. They even used their phones to log into the Anon-a-Miss account to prove it. “YOU DID WHAT?!” everyone yelled in disbelief. “Yes, ah’m afraid it’s true,” Apple Bloom guilt fully said. “You’re the ones who’ve been making our lives miserable?!” a fashionista named Blueberry Cake angrily asked. “You little-” a rocker named Crimson Napalm said shaking his fist. “Then that means Sunset was-” Octavia said turning to her friend Vinyl Scratch who sadly nodded her head. Octavia’s eyes then filled with dread. “Oh my lord! I regret so much now.” “Sunset was telling the truth after all!” an athlete named Curly Winds said visibly upset. “Looks like the Great and Powerful Trixie has made an error in judgement,” Trixie said with great remorse in her voice. So many other students also looked very regretful about how they treated Sunset Shimmer now that they knew the truth. “Now we know a lot of you are feelin’ pretty bad about all this,” Applejack said getting everyone’s attention. “Trust me, we know. But we can’t just sit around feelin’ sorry for ourselves.” “Sunset didn’t run away because she was guilty, we drove her away with our animosity,” Fluttershy stepped in. “The point is we need to work together to help find her,” Rainbow said. “We also need to throw her a big apology party when we do,” Pinkie added. “We all want to go look for our friend, but we need your help,” Rarity pleaded. “We know we have no right to ask anything of any of you after what we did,” Apple Bloom spoke. “But Sunset is out there all because of us. We need your help to find her.” “We need to make things right with her,” Sweetie said in a begging tone. “We all need to,” Scootaloo added. Although the other students were pretty mad at the Crusaders for what they did, they knew they were also right. They all needed to make amends with Sunset. “Well, what are we waiting for?” Flash Sentry shouted. He was followed by all sorts of yelling in agreement. “But first, I think we need to tell Principal Celestia about this as well,” Scootaloo nervously said to her other two friends who looked just as nervous as her. They knew Celestia wouldn’t happy with them. Later, the five girls and the Crusaders went to Principal Celestia’s office and confessed everything to her and her sister, Vice Principal Luna. “This is an outrage!” Celestia declared as she struggled to hold back her full anger. “This is the worst form of bullying there is. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.” The Crusaders all shamefully nodded. They were very ashamed of themselves. “I take it you all are planning to go looking for Sunset Shimmer?” Luna asked. The five girls and their sisters all nodded. “We have to,” Fluttershy said with sorrow in her eyes. “Please, you’ve gotta let us undo what we’ve done,” Rainbow pleaded. “Very well,” Celestia reluctantly agreed. She could see the pain in their eyes and knew that letting them search for their missing friend was the right thing to do. “We’ll contact the authorities and notify them of Sunset’s disappearance. You may take as many students as you need to look for her.” “Thank you so much,” Rarity said with tearful gratitude. “When this is over, you three will answer for what you’ve done,” Luna sternly told the Crusaders. “Understood,” Apple Bloom sadly acknowledged. “Come ya’ll. We’re gonna find Sunset, and we’re gonna give her the best darn holiday season she’ll ever know!” Applejack declared with determination in her voice. With that, the eight girls left the principal’s office to gather their winter gear and begin their search for their friend and their redemption. Chapter 3The Night Before: Sunset Shimmer tossed, turned, and groaned in her new bed. It was her first night in her new home and she was having a terrible nightmare. In her dream, she found herself in the entrance room of the house. The front door opened to the outside. Sunset nervously walked through the door and into the front yard. Outside were her five former friends standing in the snow. They were all staring at her with cold, hateful glares. “Girls?” Sunset said when she saw and tried to approach them. “Stay away from us!” Rainbow Dash said in a threatening tone. “I told ya, yer not our friend anymore.” Applejack angrily declared. “Please, listen to me,” Sunset pleaded. “I am not Anon-a-Miss. I’m not the one exposing everyone’s secrets. I helped save the entire school from the sirens, remember? Why would I do something like this after something like that?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Rarity bitterly said. “Because you’re ‘Sunset Shimmer.’” “It’s what you do!” Pinkie Pie coldly added. “But I’m not that person anymore! I’m not!” Sunset desperately pleaded as tears started forming in her eyes. “Deny it all you want, we won’t be so easily fooled again,” Fluttershy coldly retorted. “You can’t change who you are.” “But I have changed!” Sunset tearfully yelled. “You’ve done too many horrible things in the past. It’s way too late to change that,” Rainbow said. “Nobody likes you! They never have, and they never will!” “Please, don’t do this,” Sunset begged, tears streaming down her cheeks and falling into the snow. “Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer,” Applejack coldly said. “We will never see each other again.” With that, the five girls walked off into the distance. Sunset desperately wanted to chase after them, but for some reason her legs wouldn’t move and she could only watch as they disappeared into the snow. Then she heard a wet squishy noise coming from back inside the house. She turned her attention to the open front door where the strange sound was coming from. At first, she wasn’t able to see anything, but then out of the darkness emerged what looked like Viola crawling through the doorway and into the light. She was in a very horrific state. Her eyes were missing, blood dripped from the empty sockets and her mouth, and her legs were missing and leaving a trail of blood behind her as she crawled into the front yard. She seemed to be trying to say something but was unable to and made sounds as if she were choking on her own blood. Sunset’s despair soon turned to horror. “Viola?” Sunset said staring in horror at the mutilated girl who was moving closer and closer to her. She wanted to run, but for some reason her legs wouldn’t move. Suddenly, the mangled Viola increased her speed and moved closer and quicker toward the paralyzed Sunset. She was just inches away from her until Sunset let out a terrified scream and nearly jumped out of her bed. She sat up sweating and panting heavily. Then she looked out the window and saw it was morning. After getting dressed, she headed downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. She found Viola happily carrying plates of fruit, eggs, and pancakes out of the kitchen and setting them on the huge table. “Good morning, Sunset,” Viola cheerfully greeted her new friend. “How are you today?” “A little rough,” Sunset answered rubbing her face. “I didn’t sleep too well.” “Oh dear, had a rough night?” Viola asked concerned. “Kinda,” Sunset responded. “Well here, maybe having some breakfast will help you feel better.” Sunset and Viola sat at the table together and enjoyed the delicious breakfast Viola had prepared. “That was delicious,” Sunset complimented. “Thanks, Viola.” “No problem, it’s nice to make friends feel good,” Viola replied. “Yeah, it is nice,” Sunset commented while glumly looking down at her plate. She was remembering the times she used to spend with her old friends back at Canterlot High. “Is something wrong, Sunset?” Viola asked concerned. “Oh, it’s nothing.” “Thinking about your old friends?” Sunset let out a sad exhale before speaking. “Actually, yes. Whenever I think about the good times we had, the day that it all fell apart eventually comes up. I’ve had some pretty bad days, but that day topped them all. I guess pon… I mean, people like me just can’t fit in with human society.” Viola had a suspicious look on her face. “Sunset, exactly who are you?” she asked. “What do you mean?” “I mean I know you’re hiding something about yourself. You could say I have a bit of a sixth sense about it.” Sunset looked very reluctant to tell the young girl her secret, but Viola insisted it was okay and she would understand. “It’s okay, you can tell me.” Sunset took a deep breath as she prepared to reveal the entire truth about herself. She told Viola that she wasn’t human but a magical unicorn from another world. She also told her about the magical adventures she had in the past at Canterlot High. To Sunset’s surprise, Viola didn’t look disturbed or weirded out by this. Instead, she looked fascinated. “You don’t think this all sounds crazy?” Sunset asked noticing the girl’s fascinated expression. “No, actually I feel more happy than ever that we met,” Viola said. “Why’s that?” “Because I feel I can share a secret of my own,” Viola excitedly told her. Sunset’s interest was peeked. There was something about this girl that didn’t feel human either. “You see, I’m not exactly normal either.” Sunset had a confused look on her face. “Here, let me show you something,” she excitedly said and ran out of the dining room. After a couple minutes, she returned with a teddy bear. “Watch this,” she said placing the bear down on the table. Then she pointed her hands at it and took a deep breath. Right before Sunset’s eyes, the stuffed animal stood up on its legs and started dancing as if it were alive. “How… how are you doing this?” Sunset asked amazed. “It would appear you’re not the only one with magic here,” Viola said. “I knew there was a reason you and I met, Sunset. It’s fate. Do you understand what I’m telling you, Sunset?” “I think so,” Sunset hesitantly answered. “We’re both lonely magical girls rejected by society. No one likes us. They all fear us because of what makes us special. The only people we can truly rely on are ourselves.” “I think I understand where you’re going. But… I don’t know.” “Sunset,” Viola said looking Sunset in the eye with pleading eyes. “You’re the only person I’ve met who I can truly relate to. Who understands what it’s like to be different, ostracized, and lonely. Now, I’m not saying you should stay here with me forever, I just want you to know I trust you. You’ve revealed your secrets to me and I’ve revealed my secrets to you. But I believe you’re not this ‘Anon-a-Miss’ person, and won’t post it on the internet. I believe you’re not the horrible person everyone says you are. Now that you’ve seen that I have magic, do you believe I’m evil?” “No! Absolutely not!” Sunset said. “Viola, you’re one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met.” “Thanks, Sunset. That really means a lot to me,” Viola said looking very touched by Sunset’s words. “Are you absolutely sure you’d still like to stay here with me in this creepy old house?” “Definitely,” Sunset said with absolute certainty. The two girls exchanged warm hugs. “You know, I always wanted a sister,” Viola said looking up at Sunset. “Me too,” Sunset warmly replied gently stroking her head. As the two shared the warm embrace, Sunset felt she had finally found where she truly belonged. Silently, she wished that nothing would be able to take this from her. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were all gathered at Sweet Apple Acres getting supplies for their search for their missing friend. They were packing their backpacks with food and batteries for flashlights. Who knew how long this search would take. They all had very glum and remorseful faces as they packed. The five older girls were deeply ashamed of themselves; they had all falsely accused their good friend for crimes she was innocent of all along and now they had driven her to running away. The three younger girls felt even worse since they were the ones responsible for this huge mess. “So, how did Maud take the news?” Fluttershy asked Pinkie. Pinkie’s glum face slowly turned to one of anxiety as if remembering something truly disturbing. In her mind, Maud was standing in front of her. She was wearing her normal grayish blue dress and staring at her with the emotionless expression she always had on her face. “I’m very disappointed in you, Pinkie,” she said in her usual deadpan voice. Despite the words not sounding like they had any emotion behind them, Pinkie knew deep down her sister wasn’t happy at all with the terrible mistake she’d made. Out of all her sisters, Maud was her favorite, and to have disappointed her so badly was painfully eating away at her insides. Pinkie was struggling to hold back her tears of regret. “Oh, I see,” Fluttershy said reading Pinkie’s miserable facial expressions and gently patting her on the back. Applejack came out of the house with her dog, Winona, by her side. “Ah’m bringin’ along Winona. Her nose can detect almost anythin’.” “If only Twilight were here,” Rarity sadly said. “We could use her help.” “Well, Sunset has the only means of contacting her,” Rainbow said. “And besides, I don’t think I could face her after what I did,” Fluttershy nervously added. “Me neither,” Pinkie added just as nervous. The girls believed that without Sunset, they could never be able to face their best friend again. “Do we have everythin’ we need?” Applejack asked everyone. They all put on their backpacks and nodded ‘yes.’ “Then let’s get goin’. Come on, Winona.” All eight girls set out to begin their search with Winona walking right beside AJ. “I hope Sunset is alright,” Fluttershy said hopefully. “Me too,” Apple Bloom added sadly. She and her two friends really felt bad for what they did to Sunset and deeply wanted to talk to her and tell her how sorry they were. For the five older girls, this was possibly their last chance to fix a mistake that they desperately needed to mend and save their friendship.
Chapter 1Friends, happiness, a dwindling bad reputation, and love; these were all things Sunset Shimmer once had. However, one horrible day during the holiday season, a mischievous MyStable blogger called Anon-a-Miss started posting secrets about some of the students of Canterlot High, including her five friends: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. At first, her friends didn’t think she was behind it, but it wasn’t long before even they began to suspect she was up to no good like she used to be in the past. Sunset tried to plead innocence but it was no use, everyone was completely convinced she was the culprit and she was scorned and treated like an outcast. After an absolutely horrible afternoon of loneliness, ridicule, and hateful ranting, Sunset sat outside the front of the school in front of the big horse statue going through her things and making sure she had everything in her backpack. This was it. She finally had enough. She was making a very serious decision. After a whole week of non-stop false accusation, she had decided to run away. Before zipping up her backpack, she took out her magical journal that she used to write messages to her best friend and former rival, Twilight Sparkle. Sunset knew Twilight was the only one who believed she was innocent. She opened the journal to a blank page, got out a pen, and prepared to write. However, as the tip of the pen was less than half an inch from the paper, Sunset hesitated. Her friend’s words of guidance echoed in her head. “Sometimes, all you can do is stay strong, stay yourself, and find your family.” But at this point, Sunset believed it was all hopeless. There was nothing she could do to make anyone believe her. She was thinking of writing one last message to Twilight telling her that she was sorry for being unable to take her advice, but she remembered that Twilight was a princess with a lot of important royal duties. Sunset didn’t want to bother her with such disappointing news that would probably just waste her time. “Sorry, Twilight,” Sunset said putting her pen and journal in her backpack without writing a single word. “It was fun while it lasted,” she sadly said taking one last look at the school and shedding a single tear before beginning her journey to find a new home. Sunset walked at a fast pace most of the time, she was very eager to get as far away from that horrible school as possible. In just a few hours, she had traveled quite a ways. At dusk, she had passed through a small town that looked like its residents preferred to live their lives based on older times in history. At night, she found herself walking through a dark and eerie forest. This was a part of her journey that Sunset did not expect and was not happy with. “Did I miss a turn?” Sunset asked herself shining a small flashlight on a map she was holding. “I guess I should’ve asked for directions.” Then she came across a fork in the path where a directional sign pole stood between two paths. She shined her flashlight on the signs but the writing was very old and worn away to read. She looked at the map again. “I guess I’ll go this way then,” she said as she took the right path which led deeper into the forest. After awhile, Sunset was beginning to get nervous. The path was dark, snowy, and cold and seemed to go on forever. Sunset began to sweat as she started to regret venturing into a forest at night. Sunset couldn’t shake the frightening feeling that she was being watched. She looked around at her surroundings but saw nothing. Suddenly, a rustling sound came from a nearby bush and Sunset’s anxiety started rising. She pointed the flashlight in numerous locations trying to find the source of the noise. There was a moment she thought she heard a small giggle like that of a young girl, but she couldn’t find anything. Then she heard a noise behind her back down the path and turned to see what looked like a tall shadowy figure holding a long stick-like object in its right hand. “Run!” Sunset thought she heard the thing say as it reached out its left arm toward her with glowing eyes. Now absolutely frightened, Sunset gasped and took off running down the path away from the creature as she possibly could. Tears of fear poured from her eyes. She dared not look back in fear that the creature might be right behind her. After a whole minute of running, Sunset tripped and fell right on her face, dropping her flashlight and map. But she quickly got up and hid behind a tree to avoid being seen if the creature was still chasing her. She peeked from behind the tree and felt a little relief to see that the creature wasn’t there. But her fear soon returned when she a rustling from a nearby bush. She froze and prepared for whatever was behind the bush to come out. To her surprise, a black cat with gold eyes emerged. Meow! The dark feline said as it approached the shaking girl. Sunset let out a sigh of relief. “Hi, little fella,” she gently spoke to the animal. “What are you doing out in the middle of the woods? Do you know a way out of here?” The cat began walking down the path and acting on instinct, Sunset followed it. After a minute of walking, they came to a snowy yard and a big mysterious-looking house that appeared to be at least five floors high. The sound of thunder was heard as Sunset stared up at the house. “Is this where you live?” Sunset asked the cat, even though she knew it would be impossible to get an answer out of it. Deciding to take her chances in the big creepy house, Sunset walked across the yard and knocked on the front door. To her surprise, the door opened but no one was there. Sunset and the cat entered and she shut the door behind them. She found herself in a dimly lit room. Two candelabras hung on both sides of the opposite wall above two vases of roses on top of two tables. There was a door on both the right and left wall. “Hello,” Sunset called. There was no answer. “Hello,” Sunset called a little louder. She thought she heard the faint sound of murmuring but there was no one there. “Is anyone there?” Sunset asked nervously. Just then, the door on the left wall started opening slowly and light was beaming through the expanding crack. Sunset nearly jumped when she heard the creaking sound the door made. When the door finally opened all the way, there was a young girl holding a candle standing in the doorway. She looked to be about fourteen years of age, she was a little shorter than Sunset. She was slender and had fair skin, blond hair tied back with two braids, bangs hanging about her face, her eyes were green. She wore a large navy blue dress topped with a white apron, and brown leather boots. She stared at Sunset with a curious expression on her face. “Who are you?” the girl asked softly. “I’m sorry,” Sunset politely apologized. “I didn’t mean to intrude upon your home, but I’m lost. Would it be okay if I could have a place to stay for the night?” “Of course, you’re welcome to make yourself at home,” the girl answered understandingly. The black cat that Sunset met walked up to the girl and meowed to her. She knelt down and gently stroked the feline’s back. “And where have you been all day?” “So this is your cat?” Sunset asked. “I found him out there and he led me here.” “It’s a good thing too. The forest can get pretty scary at night.” “Tell me about it.” “You must be very cold and hungry. I was just about to roast some chestnuts.” “That sounds great,” Sunset said. It had been sometime since she had anything to eat. “Okay, follow me,” the girl said leading Sunset and the cat through the left door. They entered a small room where an empty and cobweb covered dresser stood in the upper right corner next to another door and a desk and chair stood in the lower left corner of the room. A pair of scissors sat on the desk. The girl led them through the other door and into a huge dining room. In the center of the room, on top of a big rectangular red carpet, was a long rectangular table with a white dining cloth draped over it. Eight chairs surrounded the table. On both side of the table were two tea sets and two glowing candelabras. On the opposite wall were three windows, two shelves of red wine bottles on each side, on the right side of the wall was a door leading to the kitchen, and in the middle was a huge blazing fireplace. On top of the fireplace were two candlesticks on each side and a portrait of a rose in between them. Sunset set her backpack down on the left side of the fireplace and she, the girl, and the cat all gathered around the warm fire. Sunset and the girl roasted and ate chestnuts together and told funny stories and jokes. “By the way, I never asked for your name,” Sunset said. “It’s Viola,” the girl replied. “That’s a pretty name,” Sunset complimented. “Mine is Sunset Shimmer.” “That’s very nice too.” “Thanks.” Then Sunset reached into her pocket and pulled out her cellphone. She let out an annoyed groan when she looked at it. “The battery’s dead.” “Did you need to call someone?” Viola asked concerned. “No, not really,” Sunset assured her. “So, where are you from?” A sad expression formed on Sunset’s face. “It doesn’t matter. I ran away and I can’t go back.” “Why? Don’t you have any friends or family back where you come from?” “I don’t. No one wants me around.” “What happened?” Sunset let out a heavy sigh as she prepared to tell Viola her sad story. This girl helped her so she owed her something. “It’s a long story.” Sunset told Viola everything about herself from the day she first came to Canterlot High to the rise of Anon-a-Miss, she left out all the magic parts of the story to avoid sounding crazy. “Oh, Sunset,” Viola said looking visibly horrified. “That’s terrible.” “I know,” Sunset sadly agreed. “First time I’ve been blamed for a crime I didn’t commit. But because of my past, no one wants to believe that I’m innocent. They all think I’m still the horrible person that once ruled the school with an iron fist. I guess I’m just not meant to have friends.” “I doubt that,” Viola said. “Sunset, do you believe in fate?” “Why do you ask?” Sunset asked confused and curious. “Do you think you’re the only person here who is all alone in the world? How many friends do you think I get up here in this big creepy-looking house?” “Don’t you have any family here?” “It used to be me and my dad. But he died not too long ago.” “Oh dear, I’m so sorry,” Sunset said extremely sympathetically realizing she might’ve caused Viola to remember some sad memories. “So it’s just you and your cat?” “You could say that.” “Wow, and I thought I had it rough.” “What I’m trying to say, Sunset, is you and I aren’t so different. We’re both lonely outcasts with no family or friends to speak of. But I think there’s a reason you and I met tonight. That fate must’ve brought you here to my home.” Sunset was starting to see where she was going with this. “You think you and I are destined to be friends? Even after everything you’ve heard about me?” “There are no cellphones or computers in this house, so you don’t have to worry about this Anon-a-Miss person having any power here.” “That is true.” “And since my father passed away, it would be great to have another person in this house. I mean, if you would like to stay.” “You would offer me a place here?” Sunset asked feeling her spirits lift. “Why not? You said so yourself you don’t have anywhere else to go.” Sunset felt tears of happiness begin to slide down her cheeks. She now felt like she hadn’t failed to take Twilight’s advice after all. She felt like she had finally found a place to call home and a new friend, someone to call family. “I… I don’t know what to say.” “Well, I think it’s time we went to bed. It’s getting pretty late, and you’ve been through quite a lot.” Viola said. Sunset nodded in agreement. Later that night, Viola led Sunset to a bedroom where Sunset changed into her pajamas and was now tucked in ready to call it a night. “Viola, thanks for everything,” Sunset gratefully said. “Sweet dreams, Sunset, my new friend,” Viola replied and gently closed the bedroom door leaving Sunset to finally get some much needed rest. Sunset enjoyed having her own bed, it beat sleeping in the school library. After bidding Sunset good night, Viola and the black cat walked down the hallway together. “I sense this one is different from the others,” the cat suddenly spoke. “What do you plan to do with her?” “I’m going to take my time with this one,” Viola replied in a less innocent tone. “She’s still hiding something and I want to know what it is. I have a feeling I’m going to have fun with this girl.” She said with a sinister grin on her face that was not natural for a girl of her age.
Chapter 2It was a glum day at Canterlot High. The once happily anticipated holiday season had become a time of bitterness and misery. Most of the students were either walking around with embarrassed and miserable expressions on their faces or arguing and fighting amongst themselves. A group of drama students were walking down a hall together bitterly talking about their exposed secrets. “I can’t believe she posted that!” a drama girl named Watermelody yelled angrily looking at her cellphone. “I should say I’m not surprised, considering this is Sunset Shimmer we're talking about,” a drama boy named Indigo Wreath bitterly added. “But I never thought she’d stood this low and on such a grand scale.” “I knew she was still a no good troublemaker,” Octavia angrily declared. “I knew it!” “Just goes to show you, some people really can’t change,” Trixie said smugly. Then a group consisting of an athlete girl named Cloudy Kicks and two rocker girls named Cherry Crash and Mystery Mint approached the drama group. “Hey, Anon-a-Miss just uploaded an embarrassing video of one of my teammates during soccer practice,” Cloudy Kicks angrily said. “Do any of you know where Sunset Shimmer is? I need to get some payback.” She pounded her right fist into her left palm. “No, I’m afraid we haven’t seen her,” Indigo Wreath answered. “Now that you mention it, none of us have seen Sunset at all today,” Watermelody said suspiciously. “That’s strange, think she’s hiding someplace like the coward she is?” Cherry Crash asked. “Hey, I hear you all are looking for Sunset Shimmer, correst?” an eco-girl named Paisley approached the two groups. They all nodded. “I heard none of the teachers in her classes have seen her at all today.” “That’s weird,” Mystery Mint said confused. “A school attendant checked her locker recently and it was completely cleard out. They say she’s probably run away.” “So, she decided to flee instead of facing the music,” Octavia said bitterly. “See, Trixie told you she was guilty,” Trixie said with a proud smile. “Shame I won’t be able to give her what she rightfully deserves,” Cloud Kicks said disappointed. “Oh well, good riddens.” As the two groups moved on down the hall to their next classes, three younger girls who had been hiding behind a corner eavesdropping on their conversation were visibly horrified by what they heard. There three girls were known as the Crusaders; their names were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were the younger sisters of three of Sunset’s former friends. “Did ya hear that, girls?” Apple Bloom nervously asked her two friends. “Sunset’s gone,” Sweetie Belle said extremely distraught. “What are we going to do?” Scootaloo asked nervously. “This whole thing has gone too far now,” Apple Bloom declared. Sunset’s five former friends were all gathered in the music room to practice their instruments. However, none of them seemed really in the mood to play any music and just sat around miserably testing the sounds of their instruments. “So, how long do you think it’ll be till Sunset finally confesses and apologizes?” Fluttershy asked breaking the silence. “I think we should make her work to earn our forgiveness this time,” Rainbow Dash angrily suggested. “I don’t think that’ll be possible,” Pinkie Pie bitterly said. “I heard rumors that she packed her things and hit the road.” “I knew it, the innocent never run,” Rarity angrily added. “Ah’ won’t lie to y’all, ah’m actually pretty surprised this all happened,” Applejack told them. “Ah’ actually thought she had really changed since the Fall Formal. After she helped defeat the Sirens, and all that stuff about her family back in Equestria. It was all so convincin’.” “Well, I’m not so surprised,” Rarity said. “This is Sunset Shimmer we’re talking about. She’s lied and manipulated us in the past. This was probably one big ruse to trick us again.” “If Twilight were here, she wouldn’t be too happy to find out that our new friend was still evil,” Pinkie added. Suddenly, the Crusaders burst into the room. “Applejack,” Apple Bloom called to her big sister. “What is it, Apple Bloom?” AJ asked surprised to see her sister. “There’s somethin’ ah’ gotta tell yah’,” Apple Bloom nervously said. “Remember when ah’ told ya ah’ thought Sunset Shimmer might be Anon-a-Miss?” “Yeah, and you were right. Ta think ah’ thought she was our friend.” “Yeah, well-” Apple Bloom tried to continue but was interrupted. “Do you all remember how patheticaly she tried to plead her false innocence?” Rainbow asked the others who nodded in agreement. “Yeah, but-” Apple Bloom tried to speak up but was interrupted again. “And now she’s chosen to run away instead of owning up to what she did,” Rarity said disappointed. “So unladylike.” “Would all of you just shut up and listen!” Scootaloo yelled unable to take anymore. The older girls were shocked by her sudden outburst, but they finally quieted down and gave the Crusaders their undivided attention. “Ya see, ah’ might’ve shifted the blame on that one,” Apple Bloom said guiltfully. “You what?!” AJ said in disbelief. “Anon-a-Miss, the one who posted the ‘Piggly-Wiggly’ story about you on the internet, it was me,” Apple Bloom shamefully confessed. “What?!” the five older girls said in shock. “Apple Bloom, how could you?!” AJ couldn’t believe her own sister would do something like that. “And I was the one who posted Rainbow Dash’s failed science paper,” Scootaloo told them with regretful eyes. “The junior team was practicing the same time Dash’s team had soccer practice, so it was a good opportunity to get at the paper.” Rainbow’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “You mean to tell us that it was you three this whole time?!” “But, the pictures,” Rarity spoke in both denial and horror. “They were the same pictures Sunset took with her phone.” “But when everyone was asleep, I took her phone and downloaded them to the internet,” Sweetie Belle remorsefully confessed. “Then people started sending us more secrets and we posted everything,” Scootaloo added. “And you made it look like Sunset did it!” Fluttershy concluded visibly horrified. “But why, Sweetie Belle? Why?!” Rarity asked almost in hysterics. “Because you were spending more time with Sunset Shimmer than with us!” Sweetie said beginning to tear up. “Ever since ya’ll became friends with Sunset, you’ve been hangin’ out less with yer families,” Apple Bloom sadly explained. “We thought if ya’ll thought Sunset was Anon-a-Miss then you’d hang out less with her.” “But things got out of hand,” Scootaloo stepped in. “Everyone reacted worse than we expected.” “We’re so sorry,” Sweetie apologized with tears running down her cheek. The five girls were in complete shock. Sunset wasn’t Anon-a-Miss. She was innocent. They were wrong. “Sunset was innocent all along!” Fluttershy said in utter horror. “I can’t believe we did this!” Rarity said totally ashamed. Rainbow Dash was too shocked to speak and held her hand over her mouth. She felt like her own words were being forced down her throat, and they tasted horrible. “If Twilight were here, she’d be so disappointed in us!” Pinkie said as her poofy hair deflated. “We shoulda’ known,” Applejack said directing her shame-filled eyes to the floor. “We misjudged her… badly,” Rainbow finally summoned the courage to speak, but feeling like a complete disgrace. “When we heard that Sunset had run away, we realized that this had gone to far. But unfortunately, it was too late,” Apple Bloom said with tears in her eyes. “No, we have to find her!” Fluttershy said looking like she was about to panic. “We will!” AJ said with determination in her voice. “But first, we have ta tell everyone,” she said turning her attention back to the Crusaders with tearful pleading eyes. The three girls knew what they were being asked to do, they would surely get into a lot of trouble for it. But they knew it was the right thing to do and respectfully nodded their heads in agreement. Later on, the five friends led the Crusaders to the cafeteria where all the students were having lunch. Once they’d gotten everyone’s attention, the Crusaders confessed everything to the entire student body. They even used their phones to log into the Anon-a-Miss account to prove it. “YOU DID WHAT?!” everyone yelled in disbelief. “Yes, ah’m afraid it’s true,” Apple Bloom guilt fully said. “You’re the ones who’ve been making our lives miserable?!” a fashionista named Blueberry Cake angrily asked. “You little-” a rocker named Crimson Napalm said shaking his fist. “Then that means Sunset was-” Octavia said turning to her friend Vinyl Scratch who sadly nodded her head. Octavia’s eyes then filled with dread. “Oh my lord! I regret so much now.” “Sunset was telling the truth after all!” an athlete named Curly Winds said visibly upset. “Looks like the Great and Powerful Trixie has made an error in judgement,” Trixie said with great remorse in her voice. So many other students also looked very regretful about how they treated Sunset Shimmer now that they knew the truth. “Now we know a lot of you are feelin’ pretty bad about all this,” Applejack said getting everyone’s attention. “Trust me, we know. But we can’t just sit around feelin’ sorry for ourselves.” “Sunset didn’t run away because she was guilty, we drove her away with our animosity,” Fluttershy stepped in. “The point is we need to work together to help find her,” Rainbow said. “We also need to throw her a big apology party when we do,” Pinkie added. “We all want to go look for our friend, but we need your help,” Rarity pleaded. “We know we have no right to ask anything of any of you after what we did,” Apple Bloom spoke. “But Sunset is out there all because of us. We need your help to find her.” “We need to make things right with her,” Sweetie said in a begging tone. “We all need to,” Scootaloo added. Although the other students were pretty mad at the Crusaders for what they did, they knew they were also right. They all needed to make amends with Sunset. “Well, what are we waiting for?” Flash Sentry shouted. He was followed by all sorts of yelling in agreement. “But first, I think we need to tell Principal Celestia about this as well,” Scootaloo nervously said to her other two friends who looked just as nervous as her. They knew Celestia wouldn’t happy with them. Later, the five girls and the Crusaders went to Principal Celestia’s office and confessed everything to her and her sister, Vice Principal Luna. “This is an outrage!” Celestia declared as she struggled to hold back her full anger. “This is the worst form of bullying there is. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.” The Crusaders all shamefully nodded. They were very ashamed of themselves. “I take it you all are planning to go looking for Sunset Shimmer?” Luna asked. The five girls and their sisters all nodded. “We have to,” Fluttershy said with sorrow in her eyes. “Please, you’ve gotta let us undo what we’ve done,” Rainbow pleaded. “Very well,” Celestia reluctantly agreed. She could see the pain in their eyes and knew that letting them search for their missing friend was the right thing to do. “We’ll contact the authorities and notify them of Sunset’s disappearance. You may take as many students as you need to look for her.” “Thank you so much,” Rarity said with tearful gratitude. “When this is over, you three will answer for what you’ve done,” Luna sternly told the Crusaders. “Understood,” Apple Bloom sadly acknowledged. “Come ya’ll. We’re gonna find Sunset, and we’re gonna give her the best darn holiday season she’ll ever know!” Applejack declared with determination in her voice. With that, the eight girls left the principal’s office to gather their winter gear and begin their search for their friend and their redemption.
Chapter 3The Night Before: Sunset Shimmer tossed, turned, and groaned in her new bed. It was her first night in her new home and she was having a terrible nightmare. In her dream, she found herself in the entrance room of the house. The front door opened to the outside. Sunset nervously walked through the door and into the front yard. Outside were her five former friends standing in the snow. They were all staring at her with cold, hateful glares. “Girls?” Sunset said when she saw and tried to approach them. “Stay away from us!” Rainbow Dash said in a threatening tone. “I told ya, yer not our friend anymore.” Applejack angrily declared. “Please, listen to me,” Sunset pleaded. “I am not Anon-a-Miss. I’m not the one exposing everyone’s secrets. I helped save the entire school from the sirens, remember? Why would I do something like this after something like that?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Rarity bitterly said. “Because you’re ‘Sunset Shimmer.’” “It’s what you do!” Pinkie Pie coldly added. “But I’m not that person anymore! I’m not!” Sunset desperately pleaded as tears started forming in her eyes. “Deny it all you want, we won’t be so easily fooled again,” Fluttershy coldly retorted. “You can’t change who you are.” “But I have changed!” Sunset tearfully yelled. “You’ve done too many horrible things in the past. It’s way too late to change that,” Rainbow said. “Nobody likes you! They never have, and they never will!” “Please, don’t do this,” Sunset begged, tears streaming down her cheeks and falling into the snow. “Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer,” Applejack coldly said. “We will never see each other again.” With that, the five girls walked off into the distance. Sunset desperately wanted to chase after them, but for some reason her legs wouldn’t move and she could only watch as they disappeared into the snow. Then she heard a wet squishy noise coming from back inside the house. She turned her attention to the open front door where the strange sound was coming from. At first, she wasn’t able to see anything, but then out of the darkness emerged what looked like Viola crawling through the doorway and into the light. She was in a very horrific state. Her eyes were missing, blood dripped from the empty sockets and her mouth, and her legs were missing and leaving a trail of blood behind her as she crawled into the front yard. She seemed to be trying to say something but was unable to and made sounds as if she were choking on her own blood. Sunset’s despair soon turned to horror. “Viola?” Sunset said staring in horror at the mutilated girl who was moving closer and closer to her. She wanted to run, but for some reason her legs wouldn’t move. Suddenly, the mangled Viola increased her speed and moved closer and quicker toward the paralyzed Sunset. She was just inches away from her until Sunset let out a terrified scream and nearly jumped out of her bed. She sat up sweating and panting heavily. Then she looked out the window and saw it was morning. After getting dressed, she headed downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. She found Viola happily carrying plates of fruit, eggs, and pancakes out of the kitchen and setting them on the huge table. “Good morning, Sunset,” Viola cheerfully greeted her new friend. “How are you today?” “A little rough,” Sunset answered rubbing her face. “I didn’t sleep too well.” “Oh dear, had a rough night?” Viola asked concerned. “Kinda,” Sunset responded. “Well here, maybe having some breakfast will help you feel better.” Sunset and Viola sat at the table together and enjoyed the delicious breakfast Viola had prepared. “That was delicious,” Sunset complimented. “Thanks, Viola.” “No problem, it’s nice to make friends feel good,” Viola replied. “Yeah, it is nice,” Sunset commented while glumly looking down at her plate. She was remembering the times she used to spend with her old friends back at Canterlot High. “Is something wrong, Sunset?” Viola asked concerned. “Oh, it’s nothing.” “Thinking about your old friends?” Sunset let out a sad exhale before speaking. “Actually, yes. Whenever I think about the good times we had, the day that it all fell apart eventually comes up. I’ve had some pretty bad days, but that day topped them all. I guess pon… I mean, people like me just can’t fit in with human society.” Viola had a suspicious look on her face. “Sunset, exactly who are you?” she asked. “What do you mean?” “I mean I know you’re hiding something about yourself. You could say I have a bit of a sixth sense about it.” Sunset looked very reluctant to tell the young girl her secret, but Viola insisted it was okay and she would understand. “It’s okay, you can tell me.” Sunset took a deep breath as she prepared to reveal the entire truth about herself. She told Viola that she wasn’t human but a magical unicorn from another world. She also told her about the magical adventures she had in the past at Canterlot High. To Sunset’s surprise, Viola didn’t look disturbed or weirded out by this. Instead, she looked fascinated. “You don’t think this all sounds crazy?” Sunset asked noticing the girl’s fascinated expression. “No, actually I feel more happy than ever that we met,” Viola said. “Why’s that?” “Because I feel I can share a secret of my own,” Viola excitedly told her. Sunset’s interest was peeked. There was something about this girl that didn’t feel human either. “You see, I’m not exactly normal either.” Sunset had a confused look on her face. “Here, let me show you something,” she excitedly said and ran out of the dining room. After a couple minutes, she returned with a teddy bear. “Watch this,” she said placing the bear down on the table. Then she pointed her hands at it and took a deep breath. Right before Sunset’s eyes, the stuffed animal stood up on its legs and started dancing as if it were alive. “How… how are you doing this?” Sunset asked amazed. “It would appear you’re not the only one with magic here,” Viola said. “I knew there was a reason you and I met, Sunset. It’s fate. Do you understand what I’m telling you, Sunset?” “I think so,” Sunset hesitantly answered. “We’re both lonely magical girls rejected by society. No one likes us. They all fear us because of what makes us special. The only people we can truly rely on are ourselves.” “I think I understand where you’re going. But… I don’t know.” “Sunset,” Viola said looking Sunset in the eye with pleading eyes. “You’re the only person I’ve met who I can truly relate to. Who understands what it’s like to be different, ostracized, and lonely. Now, I’m not saying you should stay here with me forever, I just want you to know I trust you. You’ve revealed your secrets to me and I’ve revealed my secrets to you. But I believe you’re not this ‘Anon-a-Miss’ person, and won’t post it on the internet. I believe you’re not the horrible person everyone says you are. Now that you’ve seen that I have magic, do you believe I’m evil?” “No! Absolutely not!” Sunset said. “Viola, you’re one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met.” “Thanks, Sunset. That really means a lot to me,” Viola said looking very touched by Sunset’s words. “Are you absolutely sure you’d still like to stay here with me in this creepy old house?” “Definitely,” Sunset said with absolute certainty. The two girls exchanged warm hugs. “You know, I always wanted a sister,” Viola said looking up at Sunset. “Me too,” Sunset warmly replied gently stroking her head. As the two shared the warm embrace, Sunset felt she had finally found where she truly belonged. Silently, she wished that nothing would be able to take this from her. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were all gathered at Sweet Apple Acres getting supplies for their search for their missing friend. They were packing their backpacks with food and batteries for flashlights. Who knew how long this search would take. They all had very glum and remorseful faces as they packed. The five older girls were deeply ashamed of themselves; they had all falsely accused their good friend for crimes she was innocent of all along and now they had driven her to running away. The three younger girls felt even worse since they were the ones responsible for this huge mess. “So, how did Maud take the news?” Fluttershy asked Pinkie. Pinkie’s glum face slowly turned to one of anxiety as if remembering something truly disturbing. In her mind, Maud was standing in front of her. She was wearing her normal grayish blue dress and staring at her with the emotionless expression she always had on her face. “I’m very disappointed in you, Pinkie,” she said in her usual deadpan voice. Despite the words not sounding like they had any emotion behind them, Pinkie knew deep down her sister wasn’t happy at all with the terrible mistake she’d made. Out of all her sisters, Maud was her favorite, and to have disappointed her so badly was painfully eating away at her insides. Pinkie was struggling to hold back her tears of regret. “Oh, I see,” Fluttershy said reading Pinkie’s miserable facial expressions and gently patting her on the back. Applejack came out of the house with her dog, Winona, by her side. “Ah’m bringin’ along Winona. Her nose can detect almost anythin’.” “If only Twilight were here,” Rarity sadly said. “We could use her help.” “Well, Sunset has the only means of contacting her,” Rainbow said. “And besides, I don’t think I could face her after what I did,” Fluttershy nervously added. “Me neither,” Pinkie added just as nervous. The girls believed that without Sunset, they could never be able to face their best friend again. “Do we have everythin’ we need?” Applejack asked everyone. They all put on their backpacks and nodded ‘yes.’ “Then let’s get goin’. Come on, Winona.” All eight girls set out to begin their search with Winona walking right beside AJ. “I hope Sunset is alright,” Fluttershy said hopefully. “Me too,” Apple Bloom added sadly. She and her two friends really felt bad for what they did to Sunset and deeply wanted to talk to her and tell her how sorry they were. For the five older girls, this was possibly their last chance to fix a mistake that they desperately needed to mend and save their friendship.
