Samantha Stokes may seem like an average high school girl, but a mere week ago she was practically the ruler of her high school in Canterlot, Virginia. But now she was nothing but the girl who fell, and fell hard. Not only she wasn’t the ruler of the school anymore, her name wasn’t Samantha, her real name is Sunset, Sunset Shimmer. She wasn’t of this world, for she wasn’t even human, she was a unicorn from Equestria, a place of magic and wonder. Her being here is the result of a falling out with her mentor, Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria. Since her arrival in this world, she, in a way, made herself princess of her own kingdom. She ruled the school and everyone feared her. After some spying on her former mentor, she found about the Elements of Harmony and, after finding this world’s counter parts, she managed to split them apart, like she did with many others.
But the beginning of the end started when he found out that Celestia’s newest pupil, Twilight Sparkle, was crowned Princess. This infuriated her to no end. As the school’s Fall Formal neared, she came up with a plan. She would steal Twilight’s crown, which also the Element of Magic, replace the Fall Formal crown with the Element, and when the day of the Formal comes, she would be crowned with Element, and take Canterlot by storm, reclaiming what she considered he destiny. But what she didn’t account on was Twilight Sparkle and her assistant, Spike, coming after her, running against her for Fall Formal Princess, reuniting the girls she worked so hard to tear apart, using the Element against her, and ultimately winning the title of Princess of the Fall Formal.
Sunset was left unconscious from the Element being used against her. While she was in her forced sleep, she was visited by Princess Luna, the royal sister that was banished a thousand years ago. Luna gave her choice that Sunset either stop and change her ways or continue down the path towards destruction. After seeing a vision of her possible demise at the hands of Celestia, Sunset chose the former and decided to change. This started with being the one to present Twilight the crown, right before making a large heartfelt apology in front of the entire student body. On the Monday after the Formal, Principle Tia and Vice-Principle Luna presented Sunset with her punishment, lunch detention for the rest of the semester and summer school. But the punishment will have a twist. Two students named AJ and Rarity, two girls that Sunset had tortured the most, propositioned her a deal. If Sunset were to apologize and make up to the students she had mistreated the most, the punishment of summer school will be revoked. Obviously, she had taken up the offer. Soon after the deal was made, Sunset had received a message from Celestia herself saying that she both forgives Sunset but she also apologizes to her former student in return. After reading the message, Sunset proclaimed her forgiveness toward Celestia.
It had been almost a week since Sunset’s fall as she sat in the last class of the day. The class was history, a subject she rather enjoyed and excelled at. She excelled in all of her classes, for that matter, despite her bully status. She may enjoy learning, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to apply this information in the future.
“As you see, the election of eighteen twenty four is considered one of the most contested elections in American History.” The history teacher, Thomas Turner said. Many students often called him “The Doctor” due to him, and his son for that matter, looking like the science fiction character of the same name. “Can anyone tell me which of the candidates did not win, despite winning the most electoral votes out them all?”
No one raised a hand.
“Anyone?”
He then set his eyes on Sunset.
“Miss Stokes, you’ve been rather quiet.” He said. “Do you know the answer to this question?”
Sunset cleared her throat and stood up.
“That candidate was Andrew Jackson.” Sunset answered. “The reason was that even though he got more electoral votes than John Quincy Adams, he didn’t win due to that he didn’t get a majority vote. Jackson would later say that it was the result of a backroom deal.”
“And he was rather upset about it wasn’t he?” Mr. Turner asked.
“Yes, he was.” Sunset agreed as she sat down.
“Sounds like someone else we know.” Someone whispered, causing several of the students to laugh.
But unfortunately for the whisperer, Mr. Turner heard it as he took off his glass with anger.
“Who said that?” He asked aloud. “Don’t think I didn’t hear that. Now come on, fess up!”
No one said anything.
“Well I guess you all can just sit and wait till after the bell.” He said as he sat down on his desk. “But that doesn’t have to happen unless one of you confesses.”
Suddenly several of the students automatically pointed at one student near the windows.
“Well, well, Linda Davis.” Mr. Turner said. “Why I am not surprised?”
The student in question was a girl dressed in athletic looking clothing with short gold colored hair, hazel eyes, and skin that has seen some sun. This girl’s name was Linda Davis but went by the name “Dusty”. She is one of the best athletes in the school, rivaling students like Spitfire and Dash. Dusty wasn’t present during the events of Sunset’s fall last week as she was going a period of suspension after getting into a fight with Sunset.
Mr. Turner approached the girl and sat down on the empty desk in front of her.
“Well. Do you have something to say?”
“Uh…” Dusty said. “…something?”
Several students laughed.
“Actually the correct answer is, ‘I’m sorry’.” Mr. Turner said. “Would you care to reconsider your answer, or would you and your fellow students care to sit in after the bell?”
Dusty looked around and saw a pleading look from other students.
“Okay…” She sighed. “…I’m sorry.”
Mr. Turner nodded.
“Very well.” He said. “That wasn’t so hard now was it?”
The bell rang.
“I’ll see you all tomorrow!” He said to the outgoing students. “Remember to read pages one ninety one to two eleven and summarize! In complete sentences!”
As Sunset made her way out into the hall, she felt someone bump into her, clearly not on accident. She saw that the bumper was Dusty.
“Watch where you going!”
Dusty merely glanced over her shoulder and raised a certain finger at Sunset with a mocking look on her face of which Sunset returned the gesture.
Sunset made as if to run after the athlete but stopped before she even moved and inch.
“I have better things to worry about.”
Sunset then made her way down the hall in the other direction.
“Howdy, Sunset!”
Sunset looked around and saw AJ walking toward her. Her real name is Alison Jackson and could easily be recognized by her blonde hair stuffed under the Stetson she is never seen without.
“Hey, AJ.” Sunset said. “What’s up?”
“Just glad I’m out of algebra.” The hat wearing girl said with a laugh. “You okay? You look little riled up.”
Sunset sighed.
“Had a run in with Dusty on the way out of history.” She explained as she and AJ made their way to her locker. “I didn’t punch her. I felt like it, but I didn’t.”
“Well that’s good.” AJ said as she patted Sunset on the back. “Shows how much you’re changing. If you were your old self we’d have to call in the National Guard.”
Sunset chuckled.
“Well, guess the National Gaurd won’t be coming out this time.” She said. “And thanks AJ, I needed a laugh.”
The two reached fire haired girl’s locker. As Sunset fiddled with the dial on the lock, the two heard a familiar, proper sounding girl calling over to them.
“Good afternoon, darlings!”
The two looked and saw that it was the fashion oriented friend, Rarity. Every time she is seen she is always wearing something that could be seen in a high end clothing store and her black hair is always kept in voluminous curls.
“Howdy Rarity.” AJ said. “I didn’t see you at lunch. Something happen?”
“Oh nothing to worry about, AJ. I was merely helping Belle study for a test.” The black haired girl explained. “I didn’t miss anything, did I?”
“Nope. Nothing worth talking about, really.” AJ answered. “I must say, ever since we became friends again, it’s weird not seeing you sit with us.”
Sunset cringed, knowing all too well that she was the one who tore them apart in the first place.
“And how are you doing, Sunset?” Rarity asked with her attention now aimed at the former bully. “Doing well, I hope.”
“Yeah, because lunch detention is so much fun.” Sunset said sarcastically. “But other than deciding not to punch Dusty earlier, I’m doing alright.”
“Well that’s good.” Rarity said. She then looked up with her hand on her chin. “Why did I come to look for you again?”
It then clicked.
“Oh, right!” She said. “How has your list come along?”
Sunset immediately knew what the fashionista was talking about.
“It have it right here.”
After getting the books she wanted from her locker and closing it, Sunset opened an outer pocket of her school bag and pulled out a folded piece of paper. She then handed it to Rarity who unfolded it. AJ looked over her shoulder to see.
~~Sam “Snips” Cutter~~
~~Steve “Snails” Maxwell~~
Alison “AJ” Jackson
Pinkie Pierce
Rarity Hotchkiss
Rachel “Dash” Danshov
Florence “Flutters” Sheppard
Bradley “Flash” Shields
Deborah “Derpy” Shields
Michael Chamberlain
Waneta Melody
Sophisticata Burton
Søren “Soarin” Larson
Flora “Fleetfoot” Fairchild
Spira “Spitfire” Sanders
Comet Taylor
“What did you do to make up for Snips and Snail?” AJ asked, seeing that pairs names were crossed out.
“When I first recruited them to do my dirty work, I tore up their homework when they failed to do something. So I let them tear apart my homework, including two essays that took me forever to write.” Sunset explained. “Not to mention that it took me until almost two in the morning to get it all done. Thankfully Mr. Turner wasn’t there the day after, so I got my history essay finished.”
“Sunset, why am I still on the list?” Rarity asked.
“I don’t think returning your hand mirror isn’t really enough.” Sunset explained to the curly haired girl. “So if there is anything you want me to do, just let me know.”
Rarity smiled.
“That’s very kind you, darling” She said, putting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “But you really...”
“I’m not taking no for an answer.” Sunset said, almost blurting out her words.
Rarity and AJ looked at one another and back at Sunset.
“Very well, darling. I’ll find something for you to do.” The former said. “But in the meantime, let was see who you can help for now.”
The three girls looked at the list, seeing the many students listed. After a contemplating, Sunset pointed at a name.
“Michael Chamberlain.” AJ said, reading the name. “Who’s that?”
“He’s in our homeroom.” Sunset said. “You know? Black hair, thick framed glasses, always where’s those suspenders.”
AJ nodded.
“I know who you’re talking about. He goes by the nickname, ‘Micro Chip’. I think I saw Flash talking to him a couple of times.” Rarity said. “What did you do to him that got him on this list?”
Sunset produced a look of embarrassment on her face.
“Well…” She seemed to have trouble saying what she what she needed to say. “…you remember the End of Winter Festival last year?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“You see, during the semester that year, he and I shared the same class and I was making him do my homework.” Sunset explained. “And when he refused to do it, I got an ‘F’ in that class. So I followed him around the Festival to get revenge on him. Then saw him enter one of those portable toilet and that’s when I noticed that a pickup truck was parked behind it.”
Sunset paused, making sure AJ and Rarity were following.
“So I took this cable I found in the back of the truck and tied one end of it to the tail hitch and the other end to this small gap in the porta potty and…”
“Hold on a moment.” AJ said. “This pickup truck, what color was it?”
“It was red.” Sunset answered. “Why do you ask?”
AJ then slapped the left pant leg of her jeans.
“That was Big Mac’s truck!” She said as it all became familiar. “That was you who did that?”
“Yeah.” Sunset with embarrassment. “As a result…” She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully with Rarity around. “…he was a mess when the truck got rolling.”
AJ and Rarity both shuttered at the thought of being in the same situation.
“Well, that is most definitely something worthy of being on this list.” The latter said plainly. “But how are you going to make it up to him after, well, that happened.”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Sunset said. “I’ll just have to ask him.”
“Then let’s go find him then.” Rarity said as she started walking down the hall. “Come along on now!”
It took Sunset and her friends a while to find where Micro Chip was. After asking around, the three girls were told that he was at the library. He was exactly as Sunset described him, black hair, thick framed glasses, and suspenders. He also was rather shorter than the girls at 5’5.
“So it was you who did that to me.” Micro Chip said as he stood in one of the aisles in the library. “And you waited practically a year later to apologize?”
Sunset sighed.
“Look, I’m sorry for what happened, Micro.” She said. “But I do want to make up for what I did.”
“She’s telling the truth, darling.” Rarity added.
Micro was still not convinced as his face remained the same.
“Oh, really? You really want to make it up to me, after you made me do your homework, bullied me, and got me covered in sh-… …crap in the end?” He asked, censoring himself. “Even to this day, some people still call me ‘Micro..’, you know what I mean. Just give me a reason why I should forgive you.”
“Show him your list, Sunset.” AJ said.
Sunset’s mind clicked upon hearing AJ’s suggestion. She then dug through her bag and retrieved the list.
“Have a look.”
Micro looked up and down on the list with a cocked eyebrow.
“That is everyone she’s been the worst to on that list.” Rarity said. “And you’re on there for a reason.”
Micro saw his name and looked up at Sunset, his face now less tense.
“You’re serious about this?”
Sunset nodded.
“I guess you were serious when you apologized at the Formal.” Micro said as he returned the list. “And here I thought someone spiked the punch.”
“Yeah, I’m completely serious.” Sunset said as she pocketed the list. “If there is anything I can do, just name it.”
Micro was quiet for a moment.
“You know, I’m not really sure.” He said. “Tell you what; meet me tomorrow morning at the statue. I’ll have something for you then.”
Sunset said her farewells to AJ and Rarity after they left Micro Chip. AJ had to get to her family’s farm, and Rarity had to get to her job at the boutique. As for Sunset, she decided to head home, or what she considered home. The was home consisted of a ride on the local bus, a walk from the stop to the next, and took another bus to another part of Canterlot on the south side called “Rust Town”. This part of Canterlot used to house the factories that manufactured furniture, clothing, and other products that were bought by the locals. That all came to an end when the United States Government implemented an economic plan called the “North American Free Trade Agreement”, or “NAFTA” for short, which led to many jobs being sent overseas, which left many workers without jobs. Sunset gained this information back when she dated Flash, remembering the times his father would start going on about NAFTA and similar policies that have been implemented.
Sunset walked until she was standing in front of a large factory. The sign on the side, or what was left of it, indicated that this used to be a furniture factory. She found this particular building after she first came to this world all those years ago. Finding this factory was very fortunate for her, as the living quarters seemed to be a gift from Celestia herself. Apparently, whoever the current caretaker of the building was, he was keeping the water, gas, and electricity going. The living quarters had a functioning kitchen, a bathroom, and several bunks for the workers or former workers at this point. What’s more is that the bunkroom served as Sunset’s study thanks to one of several metal desks, of which her tablet would set when it charged. The bunk opposite from the one that she slept sat a mountain of books of all genres, ranging from science to history to whatever novels caught her eye. These books came from wherever she could find them, whether it being a used bookstore, discount store, the local Barnes and Noble, and even Amazon.
“Home sweet home.” Sunset said as she climbed the stairs toward the quarters.
Sunset set her bag down on the kitchen table, tossed her jacket on the sofa against the wall and made her way to the fridge. Inside was a jug of milk, some eggs, a case of water, and some various cans of sodas and energy drink. She grabbed a Mountain Dew and cracked it open. She took a drink as she went over to one of the cabinets and opened it, revealing various cans of food and a loaf of bread. Due to the location of the factory, her only source of food that was within walking distance was a Dollar General, a local gas station, a Taco Bell, and a McDonalds.
Sunset sighed.
“What can I do for Micro?” She asked. “What does he want me to do? Maybe..."
Sunset then shook a lewd thought from her head.
“I don’t think he wants me to do that.” Sunset said. “Now that I think about it, a lot of boys at school aren't really that perverted.”
She then heard the sound of a plane flying overhead. Her best guess was that it was heading toward the Fort Firefly Air Force Base that was located an hour outside Canterlot.
“I guess that’s what happens when you live near an air force base.” She said. “A lot of their kids tend to behave. Well, most of them anyway.”
As she looked through the cabinet in search of tonight’s dinner, she saw that tonight’s options were the usual. She closed the cabinet and went to the sofa, of which one of the cushions covered a metal box, wedged in a space she made to hide it. The box contained her money supply, of which she, given the neighborhood, made sure that it was only her hands that were the only ones in the box. In total, she had managed to maintain a supply of which, that was originally a total of almost thirty five thousand dollars, now had dwindled to a mere three and half thousand, mainly due to her expensive taste in clothing. Upon coming to Earth, she learned that gold was a rare metal and was worth a lot, and since she had brought about thirty bits, which were made of gold, she was in luck.
“And yet I still mooched off Flash.” She said with regret in her voice. She then pulled out her list and looked at Flash's name. "I'll get to you eventually."
It didn’t take long for Sunset to complete all of her homework as it was almost six o’ clock when she was finished. Afterward, she decided to read one of her books to unwind. The book she decided to read was a recently released book titled “Embattled Rebel” by James M. McPherson. It was about a man named Jefferson Davis, the President of the unrecognized country called the Confederate States of America. Sunset found this part of the history of Humanity interesting. Then again, she found all of Human history to be interesting.
As she turned a page, her phone began to ring. She looked at the screen and saw that it was Rarity’s number. She unlocked the screen and put it to her ear.
“Hey, Rarity.” She said into the phone. “What’s up?”
“I’m doing well, darling.” Rarity said from her end of the phone. “I had just gotten home from work.”
Sunset glanced at the clock on her phone and saw that it was now after seven thirty.
“Whoa, I’ve been reading for a while now.” She said. “Time flies.”
“It sure does.” Rarity said with a chuckle. “Anyway, I was just calling to see how you were doing.”
“I’m doing alright.” Sunset replied as she marked the page she left off. “How about you?”
“Well other than finally finishing a commission and reviving the payment for it, I am doing well myself.” Rarity explained. “Also, have you thought of a way you’re going to make it up to Micro?”
“Not really.” Sunset said as she stood up and walked into the kitchen. “I think I’ll just wait and see what he wants me to do.”
“Seems reasonable.” Rarity said. “Anyway, I would love to continue this conversation but I need eat dinner.”
“Same here.”
“You know you can call me any time, darling.”
“I know, you keep telling me.” Sunset said. “Anyway, I need to eat something too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Alright, I’ll see you then.”
The call ended as Sunset killed her end of the connection.
“Now, what am I going to eat?”
Author's Note
Edit: For some of you who are reading this have probably read this before it was republished, I removed the "voice in her head" concept from the story. Honestly, I don't think I can keep up with it and I bet it would get rather annoying overtime, and I don't want to deal with any inconsistencies.
Anyway, enjoy the fic! 