The Phoenix's Guardian

I awoke before Sunset and decided to let her sleep after the emotional night. Heading to the living room, I heard her phone going off in her room.

Going in, I picked up the device and noted the caller, Applejack. Sighing, I answered the phone.

“Sunset’s phone.”

“Umm, hi. Who is this?” Came the accented reply.

“My name is Talisman. What can I do for you Applejack?” I asked.

“Well, I was hoping to talk to Sunset.” The country girl replied.

“Well, currently she is still asleep. Last night was kind of rough with the fallout from the last Anon-a-miss post.” I replied.

“Yeah. I know. I just got home from the police station. I can’t believe my little sister would do something so stupid.” She replied, anger in her tone.

“Did she say why they did it?” I asked.

“Apparently they were jealous that we were spending so much time with Sunset and instead of coming to us, they went and did this. How did you know it was my sister and her friends?” She replied.

“Well Saturday evening, I came across Sunset on the Canter River bridge and was able to talk her back over the railing. After I brought her to my place so she could get warm, she told me everything that has happened in the last few years, up to when this mess started. I just asked a few questions and was able to put a few things together that only someone with an outside perspective would be able to see.” I replied.

Applejack sighed. “We really messed up big time didn’t we?” She said after a moment.

“Yeah, all of you fucked up big time, and in all honesty, this is going to take more than a simple ‘I’m sorry’ to fix. You five abandoned her with next to no provocation and never tried to listen to her. You just jumped on the band wagon and threw her under the bus. She might be willing to be civil with you, but being friends again will be a long shot.” I replied.

“That’s what I figured. I take it she is staying with you?”

“Yes. She also won’t be coming to school for the rest of the term either. If all five of you can provide an honest heartfelt apology to her in person, I can bring her to meet with you. But it will have to be someplace public and neutral. It will be up to her to accept it or not though. Betrayals like this are hard to reconcile.” I replied.

“I understand. Can I call you to set something up? I doubt Sunset will take our calls.” She asked, her exhaustion clear in her voice.

“You can. But just so you know I will be telling her you called and that you will be wanting to apologize. Just be prepare for some harsh words from the both of us when we meet.” I said.

“I understand. Thank you.” She replied.

I gave the young woman my cell number, with the promise that she would keep it to herself and that I would be waiting for her call. Hanging up, I went to the kitchen to start breakfast.

I was just about to go get Sunset when the girl came into the kitchen. I have her a small smile as I set a plate of eggs and a glass of juice in front of her.

“Thank you.” She said quietly.

“No problem.” I said as I sat across from her with my own food and drink.

We ate in silence as I did not want to pressure her into speaking.

“So what are we going to do today?” She asked as we cleared the dishes.

“That is up to you. We can stay in and watch tv, or we can go out and catch a movie or something.” I said as we went into the living room.

“I think staying in will be fine right now.” She replied as she looked out the window.

I followed her gaze and saw that the snow was falling again, and in large quantities.

“Staying in it is then. By the way, your phone was going off when I woke up and I answered it.” I said.

Sunset stiffened. “Who was it?” She asked tersely.

“Applejack. Apparently she had just left the police station. Wanted to apologize.” I said as I went to the racks of movies.

“What did you tell her?” She asked.

“That you were sleeping and that you probably wouldn’t be in the mood to talk with the right now. I also told her that all five of them had seriously fucked up in regards to you and whatever friendship you guys had. I told her that a simple ‘I’m sorry’ wasn’t going to cut it. I gave her my cell so she can let me know when all of them are ready to make things right with a heartfelt apology in public and in a neutral location and that I would tell you and let you decide if you want to meet with them.” I replied as I pulled out a few comedy and cartoon movies.

Sunset was quite, so I turned to look at her. There were tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face. I moved to the couch next to her and pulled her into a hug which she gratefully returned.

“Thank you.” She said quietly.

“It is no problem Sunset. I won’t force you to do something you aren’t ready for.” I said, rubbing her back.

Sunset squeezed tighter for a moment, before lightening her grip, but still holding the embrace.

I gave her a light kiss on her temple and pulled back. “So which movie do you want to watch first?” I asked.

Sunset turned to look, the gasped.

“Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell Princess Twilight what was going on, she has got to be worried sick!” She said before running to her room and returning with a journal with a yin-yang esque sun on it. She opened to it a blank page and began writing.

I watched her in amusement seeing her eyes light up as she wrote about the events of the last few days.

“Sorry, I needed to let her know.” She said with a blush.

I shook my head. “It’s okay. She is one of the few people that have had your back through this. I know she would have been here if her duties allowed.” I said as she closed the messenger journal. “Pick a movie while I make some popcorn.” I added as I stood up.

We had just finished our first movie when Sunset’s journal lit up and started buzzing.

“How does it do that? It took them something like twenty years to figure out how to do that with cellphones.” I said, looking at the book.

“No idea. Princess Celestia had them made, there are some things that Equestria has that are similar to the modern technology of this world.” Sunset replied as she read the latest entry for the youngest princess before gasping, her eye wide.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Sh...she’s coming through the portal.” She replied.

“When?”

“About twenty minutes from now.” Sunset answered with a nervous laugh.

“Well, get changed then. We might be able to stop her from murdering someone.” I replied, hurrying to my room.

Stepping into my closet, I looked between the two sides of clothes. On one hand, my male clothes would give me more mobility, but on the other, I kind of liked that I could crossdress here and not get anything other than a couple of funny looks compared to the insults I could get back on my old world.

Making my decision I grabbed the a skirt, blouse, cardigan, and tights from the right side of the closet and quickly dressed before opening the panel that led to my armory.

Quickly turning on the lights and descending the steps, I moved to the section with my materia and bracers.

Pulling on a pair of eight slot bracers, with the slots split into pairs, I opened the case with the materia, letting the light of the glowing orbs play over my face.

Quickly finding the Fire, Ice, Thunder, and Demi orbs, I slotted them in pairing them with Alls on my right wrist. On my left, I slotted a Cure, Restore, Silence, Slow, Barrier, M-Barrier and a pair of red materia that gave songs of acceptance to me when I ran my fingers over them.

Magic now singing at my wrists, I moved to the Fusion blade, and focused my energy into the blade, causing it to disappear in motes of Mako, now keyed to me and ready to summon when it is needed.

Overkill, probably is for this, but if magic is going to get involved, then it is best to be prepared.

I quickly headed back upstairs and closed the hidden panel. I left my room and met Sunset in the living room.

“Ready to go?” I asked.

“Yeah.” Sunset replied as we headed out to my truck.

We pulled up to CHS just in time to see someone exit the portal in the statue in front of the school.

“That her?” I asked.

“Yes. At least we were able to make it before she caused a scene.” Sunset replied as we jumped out of the truck.

We quickly made our way towards the young woman.

“Princess Twilight!” Sunset called out.

Twilight turned and her expression shifted from anger to relief then to happiness as she ran to Sunset and gave her a hug.

“Sunset! I’m so glad that you are okay!” She said as she embraced the other woman.

“Thanks to Talisman here I am.” Sunset replied, gesturing to me.

I gave a small wave. “Hello Princess.” I greeted.

“Thank you so much for helping Sunset. I would have come sooner but I was bogged down with paperwork.” Twilight said.

“Not a problem. I’m just glad I was in time to make a difference.” I replied.

Then a voice rang out. “Sunset! Twilight! New person!”

I snapped off a trio of Barriers and was rewarded with a solid ‘Thunk!’ seconds later.

Goddess I love Materia.

‘Y’all know this one?” I asked, gesturing to the frizzy haired pinkette laying in the snow.

“Yeah. That is Pinkie Pie.” Sunset replied flatly.

I nodded and walked over to the girl and, smoothing my skirt under my legs, carefully squatted down while pushing Mako into my eyes, intensifying their glow.

“Listen, I get that you care about Sunset. But you seriously screwed up with her. You just need to let this lie for a little longer before you apologize for what you did. Understand?” I said, locking her gaze.

“Y...yeah. Sorry, I just got so excited I didn’t think.” She replied.

I smiled tightly. “Seems to be a lot of that going on these days. When you are ready to apologize, and I want a serious apology mind you, talk to Applejack. She will get in touch with me and I will let Sunset know. If she accepts it is up to her. Not me and not you. Now you need to get back to classes. Twilight, Sunset and I are going back to my place to talk. I can imagine the princess is going to want to have words with all of you later.” I said as I stood up.

Turning to the pair of girls behind me, I gestured towards the truck. “Shall we?”