Author's Note

I would like to offer my thanks to my friend/pre-reader/editor. When I mentioned off-handedly that it would be fun to release these three chapters together on Christmas, diealein worked tirelessly to make that happen. Thank you for all that you put into making that silly idea happen.

Chapter XX: In Which Sunset Shimmer Learns that People Change

There are good times and bad times to receive calls; Sunset Shimmer had some unfortunate brand of luck to be regularly in the category of receiving calls at the wrong time. She was copying a spell from one of Pearl's grimoires, a tedious and drawn-out process due to the rote being encoded in High Speech. They always were, but repetition did not make the process easier. The call startled her as she was finishing a particularly complex section, causing her to skew a curve which had the effect of wiping the entire page.

It was better than her previous mistake. Even after four long soaks in a tub of heavily scented water - Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie had been overly helpful - and three days, Sunset was certain that she could still smell it.

She swore as she pulled her mobile from her pocket to see which moron was about to receive a dressing down. It would have been silenced were she not a pregnant teenager's guardian. The ringtone was the most obnoxious one she could find, just to ensure she could never possibly miss a call.

The ID showed 'Button Mash'. Anger forgotten, she swiped to answer.

Before Sunset could speak, he was shouting into her ear that "the baby's coming." As she waited for the excitable boy to get the message out of his system, Sunset reminded herself that Sweetie Belle would not be happy to learn that one of her best friends and the father of her child had been accidentally strangled to death.

"Okay, Button, I heard you. Are you sure this isn't a false alarm?"

"Sweetie Belle said to tell you that the plug came out, and that her contractions are less than five minutes apart. They've been going on all morning and they're lasting about a minute."

'She's only at thirty-six weeks,' Sunset thought, though she replied, "I'm heading over now. Call your mother."

Pearl, who had been reading a romance novel with a man on the cover that looked much like a less-hairy Clash, closed her book when Sunset ended the call.

"Ah'll meet ya at the hospital. Just stay calm. Girl's gonna be worried enough as-is."

"Thanks, see you there."

Sunset was starting her vehicle when her mobile rang again. It was Principal Celestia alerting her to the situation, though she quoted the school's nurse to verify that the birth was imminent. As she had for Button, Sunset replied with assurances that she was on her way.

Sweetie Belle was at the nurse's office, Button Mash and Celestia at her sides. The girl showed intense concern, but that was to be expected. She was not overly uncomfortable at that point; the more painful steps were yet to arrive.

Button Mash was closer to panic than any of the others. He was not crying, but his voice had risen in pitch much as Sweetie Belle's was prone to do. Celestia seemed more there for his sake. She smiled when Sunset entered the room, relief flooding into her.

"They're both excused for as long as needed," she said.

"I can help carry you to the car," Button offered.

"I can still walk for now, you know."

"Yeah, but what if you trip and fall?"

Despite the situation, both Sunset and Celestia were stifling laughs.

"We do have a wheelchair here," Celestia offered. "Button Mash, why don't you help me get Sweetie Belle into it? I know you want to walk, Sweetie Belle, but I'd rather err on the side of caution."

"Fine," the teen grumbled.

"Sunset, would mind pulling around to the back? It's closer and more private."

"Will do."

By the time she had moved to the rear doors, all three were outside and waiting for her. Luna joined them, bringing the other Crusaders with her.

"I was not aware you had a new vehicle," Luna remarked, looking over the dark grey sedan. "It looks nice."

"Yeah, funny story: Some guys stole my first car and torched it in the lot of a fast food place after a joy ride. In broad daylight."

Sweetie Belle's groan at that moment was rather conveniently timed, but it served to distract Luna and her sister from the question of what had happened to Sunset's old vehicle or how she could afford a new one.

The women helped Sweetie Belle ease into the backseat, where she lay across it. Button Mash squeezed himself into the gap behind the front passenger's seat. Even with it adjusted as far forward as possible, he had very little room, but he did not complain.

"We'll come see you as soon as we can," Scootaloo promised. She and Apple Bloom both gave their friends a hug and well-wishes before stepping back to allow their principal to speak.

"Please call me later and let me know how it's going," Celestia said.

"And send us a message when the baby is born," Luna added. "No matter how late. Our best wishes to all of you."

"Thank you," the three teens replied in unison. Sunset followed with a promise to keep them updated as she strapped herself into her seat.

Along the ride, Button tried to offer words of encouragement. He referenced several video game heroines interspersed with reminders to breathe.

When he started to hyperventilate, Sweetie Belle exclaimed, "Calm down already."

He regained control of himself with a few deep breaths. "You're right. I want the baby to hear me being cool."

"Okay, good. Now, if you wanna help, would you ... hold my hand?"

She mumbled the last words, but they were still audible. Button responded by doing as she had asked.

When she was stopped at a light, Sunset took the opportunity to regard them in her mirror. It was a sweet scene: Button offered mute support, while Sweetie Belle made an occasional face of discomfort but was otherwise doing well.

Even with driving safely, it took only minutes to reach the hospital. Sunset stopped outside the emergency room entrance and hurried to the desk to fetch a nurse. The one she found wore a tag that displayed 'Redheart'.

Once Sunset explained the situation, Redheart pushed a wheelchair to the car and helped Sweetie Belle into it. As she wheeled the chair through the doors, Sunset parked her vehicle.

Though she had called the doctor on her way to the school, he would still be a while in arriving. Birth labour tended to last some time, so there was no need for him to be present immediately. The hospital staff would give him updates, and he would arrive when it was time. While waiting, Sunset and Button accompanied Sweetie Belle to what the soon-to-be mother described as a holding area.

Love Tap arrived and joined them. She asked a few questions to ascertain how far into the process it was, then nodded.

"You're doing fine, Sweetie Belle," Love Tap assured. The nurse that checked her in had said the same thing, but the girl calmed far more from the experienced mother's words. "Have they explained everything?"

"Yeah, but they said something about taking the baby afterward for the nursery. Do they have to do that?"

"Not at all. If you ask, they'll put a bed in your room so that you can be close."

"What about how early this is? Will the baby be okay?"

Love Tap gave her a small smile and gripped her hand. "I know it's scary, but you can't be afraid of what might happen. Trust your doctor and do your best, and I'm sure the baby will be just fine. Gibson was three weeks early, and he was perfectly healthy.

"Do you want to talk about other things for now? It'll take your mind off this, I promise."

"Like what?"

"How did you and Scootaloo become friends? I don't think you've ever told me."

Though she had to speak through her contractions, it was possible to maintain some light conversation. Once Sweetie Belle became too uncomfortable to talk, Love Tap and Button Mash started sharing whatever short personal anecdotes they could. All of the friendly banter had the desired effect of calming her.

By the time the hospital staff called for the doctor - about four hours after they arrived - Sweetie Belle was much calmer. However, the announcement that it was time to start pushed her fear back to the foreground, engulfing the bright notes of contentment. Sunset wanted to use magick to combat it, but refrained.

The nurses offered her a surgical gown. They had already explained the scrubbing procedures for accompanying a birth. Sunset was about to start when Love Tap placed a hand on her shoulder and took the gown.

"I'll go with her," she declared. "I've been on the other side twice. You two don't need to watch."

"I thought I was supposed to go," Button Mash objected. "Don't the fathers always go?"

Sweetie Belle spoke around her contractions as she replied, "No, don't come back. I don't want to make you to see it. I'll be fine with Mrs. Love Tap."

"You heard her. Now get out there and settle in. This might take a while."

Sunset led Button to the waiting room, where they found Scootaloo, who was seated there alone. She wore a surprised look as they entered, welcoming a hug from the elder teen.

"I kinda made Mum bring me here right away after school," she confessed. "They said I can stay until the baby's born, but I'll still have to go to school tomorrow unless it's super late."

"Why didn't you come back to the triage?"

"I figured you guys would be back there by now. Is the baby already born?"

Button shook his head. "They're just starting. Mum went back, so we're just gonna have to wait."

Scootaloo did not glare at him, but she did look unhappy as she asked, "Why aren't you back there? Isn't that your job?"

Guilt reminiscent of that visible within Sweetie Belle rose in him as a few tears formed in his eyes. Sunset put a hand against each of the younger teens and pushed them away from one another.

"Sweetie Belle didn't want to make him go through that. Love Tap has done this before, so she knows exactly what it's like. She'll be a much bigger help than either of us. I'm glad that you care about her, and I know this is stressful, but watch yourself, Scootaloo."

The athlete looked abashed. She grimaced, rubbing at the back of her neck. "I'm sorry, Button. I shouldn't have said that."

"It's fine. I know you're just worried about her."

He gave her a friendly shoulder pat, which brought a smile back to her face.

"Apple Bloom said she'd come over as soon as she can get her family together. Do you wanna get our homework done?"

Scootaloo volunteering to do homework was not as rare as many believed, but that she moved so quickly to the topic was surprising. She had her backpack on a chair, and had even procured copies of the assignments Button had missed. Sunset offered to help them as needed, then settled into a seat next to them to send messages to everyone else. She started with her promised updates to Celestia and Luna, who replied that they would visit the next day.

The whole Apple family arrived with treats to keep everyone going. Apple Bloom insisted on staying to support her friend. As with Scootaloo's family, Granny Smith only predicated that she would still have to attend school the next day.

"It's a Friday," she replied. "No matter how late it goes, even if Ah only get a couple hours, Ah'm sure Ah'll survive. Sweetie Belle knowin' that there's folk who care about her is more important than me gettin' a full night's sleep."

"Well, alrighty then, young'un," Granny Smith said. "We'll leave this food fer y'all. Ah wrapped a couple treats fer Sweetie Belle 'n stuck 'em underneath. If'n hospital food's anythin' like it used ta be, she'll need it."

"If it does end up bein' late, how's she gonna get home?" Applejack asked.

"I'll take them both home," Sunset offered. "I want to stay close to the hospital, but I don't think Sweetie Belle will mind if I need to leave for that."

"Thank ya kindly," Big Mac said.

"We'll see ya tomorrow. Cain't wait ta see what the tyke's gonna look like. Ah ain't got ta hold a baby since Apple Bloom was born." Granny Smith chuckled. "Now Ah'm gettin' excited 'bout mah great-grandkids." She grinned as she elbowed her grandson. "Mac, we need ta find ya a good girl."

He blushed but said nothing, taking the Apple matriarch's teasing in stride.

The family paused to offer hugs and words of encouragement to those staying before they left. They were not long-departed when Sci-Twi arrived.

"The statistical plot for hours in labour show that most first-time births for those of Sweetie Belle's age, height, and weight last several hours. We're in the lower probability, but still within two standard deviations of the average, so it is possible that we missed it."

"Is the baby born yet?" Spike called from within her backpack.

"Spike, I didn't tell you it was safe."

"I don't smell anyone except people who know about me. Relax, Twilight. Besides, it's getting a little stuffy in here."

She sighed but moved into a secluded corner of the room where she lowered her bag to open it to allow him to stretch his legs. Spike leapt into a chair, his tail wagging excitedly.

"Since you're all here, I'm guessing we're still waiting?"

"Yep. They'll let us know when we can see them," Sunset replied. "The Apples left snacks if you're hungry."

"We ate, but they will be good to have for later if this starts moving into the far end of the bell curve. I've already completed my assignments for the weekend and e-mailed my professors to let them know I might miss class tomorrow, so I'm able to stay if that's alright."

"You'd really cut class to stay?" Scootaloo asked, wonder in her voice. "Who are you, and what did you do with Twilight?"

"Ha ha, Scootaloo. You are right, though: I normally wouldn't miss a class, but this is the exception. I might not be as close to Sweetie Belle as you are, but she's my friend, and I want to be here for her."

"I'm sure she'd be glad to know you want to be here. Thanks, Twilight." Sunset moved to sit next to Spike and rubbed his head. "Thank you, too, Spike."

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were together when they visited. The former lamented the fact she had to leave early the next morning for a training camp for the university's soccer club, so she could not remain. The latter, despite attending school three hours distant, had arranged to borrow her roommate's vehicle to drive back for the weekend.

"I have to leave Sunday, but I can stay until then; at least, if you don't mind, that is."

"I feel like I'm betraying my friends if I leave or betraying my team if I stay," Dash groaned. "What should I do?"

"You made a commitment, and none of us expected the baby to come early. I promise, none of us are going to hold it against you," Sunset replied. "I can send you lots of photos while you're there, and you'll get to visit when you come back."

Dash thought about it for a moment. "Don't send me any pictures. I wanna see the new squirt in person first. I'll be coming by as soon as I get back."

She offered hugs to Sunset and Scootaloo, which quickly turned into a group hug. Fluttershy settled next to Twilight, where the two began discussing their respective fields of study. Fluttershy was working toward veterinary medicine, while Twilight was undecided. It sounded like the young scientist was seriously considering a triple major.

Pearl was joining them as Rainbow Dash left. When she saw the small crowd gathered, she called Sunset into the hall.

"Ah'm gonna head back out ta the house, since that girl's got plenty of support here. Knowin' Karen, she's probably worried as all get out, so she could use a little company. Ah've still got mah spells ta monitor her health, so Ah'll be ready if'n there's a problem. Ya pass mah best on when ya see her, 'n let her know Ah'll be back tomorrow."

"Thanks, Pearl. Just ... will your magick be as effective there as it would be here?"

"This type of magick don't worry none about how far away Ah am. Ah've got a bit of her blood from when she skinned her knee 'n those hair clippin's. That'll give me the bond Ah need ta help her."

"Alright, thanks again."

Pearl clapped her shoulder. "Just don't panic, no matter what. Sweetie Belle's a strong girl, but she'll need ya ta keep yer head in case of an emergency. Use those meditation exercises Ah taught ya, 'n don't be afraid ta use yer magick ta keep yerself steady."

"I will. See you tomorrow."

As she returned to her seat, Sunset checked her phone. Pinkie Pie had replied to ask that she let her know when the baby was born.

They all settled for the wait. There was no predicting how long it would be, but sixteen hours was within the realm of possibility, especially for her size. For Sweetie Belle's sake, Sunset hoped it would not be that long, since extended time increased the likelihood of her needing surgery. The doctor was not known for recommending Caesareans except in emergencies, but he had warned that there was a chance she would need one.

Two surprise guests arrived late in the evening: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Sunset knew they had reformed as she had, but she had barely interacted with them since she had left CHS. They had visited Sweetie Belle at the farm a few times, but most of their time together had been at school.

"Is she doing okay?" Diamond Tiara asked when they located the group. "Sorry we took so long; I had daddy pick up Silver Spoon."

"Then we wanted to bring flowers, but we weren't sure if they'd wilt while we were waiting, so we got caught up worrying about that. Sorry, we should've just come right away."

Apple Bloom put an arm around each girl. "Ah'm sure she'd be right happy ta know ya thought of bringin' her a present. She'll probably be here tomorrow, so maybe y'all can get her some flowers then, okay?"

"Yeah, then you can make them match the baby or something," Scootaloo added.

The five secondary students huddled together in a corner. They had all completed their homework, so they just talked amiably. They debated how the baby would look, whether it would be a boy or a girl, and who would be the best aunt. Sunset was unsure if the rich girls would stay or not, but she was glad Sweetie Belle had so much support. It may not have been the same as having her family, but it was still sure to make the girl happy.

Sunset thought that would be everyone, so she was surprised when she received another message. Surprise shifted to shock she that the message was from Rarity:

"I am in the hospital parking ramp. Would you please come out alone?"

Since most of the group was focused on their hobbies or conversations as they waited, she was able to slip out the doors to meet her former friend. Sunset was too stunned to have much of a reaction, but that gradually faded to be replaced by a desire to recreate one of her nightmares. She pushed against that urge, silencing her other self's horrific whispers as she reached the garage.

Rarity's vehicle was in the lower level, the fashionista primping in her mirror. She waved and called to Sunset, standing for the meeting.

"What are you doing here?" Sunset asked, not bothering to disguise the hostility in her voice or her sharp glare. "How did you even know to come here?"

To her credit, Rarity took the reproach in stride, replying, "I share a dormitory with Rainbow Dash, though I expect you are aware of that, and she mentioned it."

"Why would she do that?" Sunset asked, feeling slightly betrayed.

"I am well aware that I have hurt both you and Sweetie Belle. I merely wish to say that I have had time to reflect on what I did, and I have come to some conclusions. Rainbow Dash and I have discussed these matters on occasion, and she thought that I should no longer hesitate to speak to you."

'Don't fall for her silky words,' Sunset's other self warned.

'She knows what I think of her. Coming here now despite that took courage. I'm going to hear her out.'

Sunset nodded slowly. "Go on."

"I am not so foolish as to think that a single apology will absolve what I have done, but I would like to start making amends with my sister. I leave myself to your judgment."

Sunset dropped directly into her emotional view, what she had learned was called Active Mage Sight. Rarity showed guilt and sorrow, as well as a decent amount of fear. Pride was there, but she had buried it under the others.

"Sweetie Belle is pushing out a baby that's a few weeks early after spending months crying herself to sleep about the fact that her family doesn't love her or want her. What do you expect me to say to you? What can you possibly say to convince me to give you a chance?"

Rarity sighed. "I fully understand that you do not wish to trust me. To make a long story short, our family has a reputation to maintain, but Sweetie Belle was consistently failing to live up to the standards set for her. Quite honestly, I was surprised our parents did not take more drastic measures after that cyberbullying stunt last Christmas."

"So you felt justified? Why are you here now? What changed?"

"Her room no longer exists, Sunset. There are no photographs of her left in the house or online. So far as father and mother are concerned, they have only one daughter. We do not speak of her at home and avoid mention of her to others. At first, I felt they were taking their response a little far, but I did not object.

"Over these months, I have had time to reflect on what I have done. She was never good enough, and I would not accept her for the person she is. I can only imagine the harm my own actions have done.

"Seeing Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo together, more like sisters than they have ever been ... it grated on me for a time. Perhaps it is cliché, but I only realised what I had lost when my sister was gone. All these years we could have spent as friends have been wasted in the pursuit of forcing a vain image upon her. Watching those two caring for one another and accepting each other as they are, I began to regret not being the sister Sweetie Belle deserved.

"As I said, a single apology will never undo a lifetime of maltreatment. I do love my sister, far more than my image, which I hope to prove to her over time. Even if she never fully trusts me, I never again want to see that awful look in her eyes should we encounter each other as we did at Canterlot High. No matter how long, I will do whatever it takes prove myself a different person, giving both her and the baby all of my love.

"If you decide not to give me chance, that is your prerogative. I have brought this upon myself, and I must live with the consequences of my actions."

As Rarity spoke, Sunset examined her. There was no obvious lie present, only shame and remorse. For all that the young woman before her appeared to be sincere, Sunset could not help the instinctive urge to send Rarity packing.

'Why does she deserve your compassion? Send her home with a broken nose. I know you've been thinking about it.'

'If she really has changed, I can't just turn my back on her. It wouldn't be right, not after being in her position.'

Sunset allowed her voice to turn frigid as she replied, "All this talk about reputations makes me think of Abacus Cinch. I saw how all you girls thought about her, and then you ended up being exactly same."

"Can you blame someone for wanting to maintain a good reputation? You certainly tried to create a better image of yourself after the Fall Formal. I merely disapproved of how she responded to failure. She nearly destroyed everything she had rather than having the foresight to recognise a lost cause and knowing when to withdraw."

"She also hurt Twilight and an unknowable number of other students and destroyed what could have been a wonderful place to make long-lasting friends."

"Which is a mistake I have made. I can see now that we did have much in common.

"I fear we are moving off-topic, Sunset. You asked why I am here. After watching my sister continue with her life, looking happier than she perhaps ever has, I began feeling the emptiness of her absence. Eventually, I decided that even if others look down upon me for my sister's choices, I would rather be in her life and make her smile than having accolades in cold solitude. Those who look down upon me because of my sister are simply not worth my attention."

Sunset sighed. "What you're asking is ... it's like playing with fire. We've been healing the wounds you and your parents gave her, but they're going to leave scars she'll have to carry her whole life. No one deserves the shite you put her through."

"You are clear as crystal, Sunset. It may not be much, but perhaps this will help to prove my good intentions?" She reached into her passenger seat to grab a sketch pad. Offering it to Sunset, she said, "I made some designs for the baby. I had hoped to make some for Sweetie Belle, but I was unsure of her measurements these days, pregnant or not."

Sunset glanced through the pages. They were rather plain, very different from Rarity's normal style. All seven were relatively simple, using a few neutral colours. Regardless, the fashionista was beaming as Sunset reviewed her work.

"As I was unsure of the baby's gender or name, I decided to wait on adding personalised effects. If you and Sweetie Belle will give me a chance - and she approves what I have here - I will take these basic designs and make them so fabulous as to make all the other babies jealous. I even plan to leave some fabric in the seams, so that they can be let out at the baby grows."

Sunset returned the pad and nodded. "That's a good idea. Just keep in mind that she doesn't want to push the baby into much gender-specific stuff, so she's wanting to stick with neutral colours and designs."

"If that is her wish, I will abide by it. I know that one of the many hurts I caused her was over that very topic."

"Just one more question. Answer me honestly. If you apologise, and she offers to forgive you if you eat mud first, what will you do?"

Though she shuddered, Rarity was speaking honestly as she replied, "I will do it."

Sunset felt the hands she had not realised were clenched relax. "Alright, I may regret this, but I'll let you talk to her and apologise. It'll be her decision from there."

'I can't believe you're going to give the bitch a chance. Do you want her to destroy Sweetie Belle, the girl you love like a sister? It'll be your fault if she gets hurt again.'

'I know. I know I'm damning myself if she reverts, but she deserves a chance if I had one.'

'That's just it, Sunny: She's not that different from you. How do you know this won't end badly? For all your posturing, I'm still here, after all.'

'You may be a part of me for now, but I'm never going back to who I was.'

"Are you ready to go in? She's been in there for a while, but first time births can take a long time. As long as everything goes well, you can see her after everyone else. If it doesn't ... we'll decide what to do then."

Rarity took a deep breath. "Thank you, Sunset. Yes, I am ready, but I am very much aware of my standing with the others. I know I need to apologise to them, but I would greatly appreciate some warning. Who else is here?"

"The main ones that might say anything are Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They've both been really on-edge about this, too. I'm not going to stop them telling you what they think; if you can't handle them, you aren't ready to see Sweetie Belle."

"I understand. Is anyone else here?"

"Twilight, Fluttershy, and her other friends, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Button Mash."

With a chuckle, Rarity said, "Ah, good, the father is present. No, don't say anything; I knew immediately when she made the announcement. After all, she never spent time with any other boys, and she was too in love with the baby for the pregnancy to have been anything unsavoury."

"Just don't give him a hard time. He's probably more stressed out than anyone other than Sweetie Belle."

"Wait, you mean he's not with her?"

"No," Sunset shook her head. "He and I were both going to go back, but his mother went instead. Sweetie Belle didn't want to put him through it, and Love Tap's done this before. In fact, the doctor is the same one that delivered her boys."

"I suppose I can understand, then. My dear sister is simply too kind for her own good sometimes."

Despite the months of bad blood and hard feelings, Sunset laughed at the truth of Rarity's statement. "Come on, we don't want to miss it."