Road Trips Are.... Interestingby Music ShimmerChaptersProlougeCrusin'/SecretsScars From The PastC-Town StrollBrokenStuck on the HighwayProlougeI just finished my exam. And I was thinking, this year has gone by so fast. It's already the last day of Junior Year. 11th Grade flew by FAST! I mean, I'm not exactly proud of my Freshman, Sophomore, or the beginning of Junior Year. But my redemption turned my life around. And I'm grateful about that. I'm so excited for Senior Year. There will be more adventures that await. I wrote to Princess Twilight. Dear Princess Twilight, Well. Today is my last day of 11th grade. That means that next year will be my Senior Year. I just got done with my exams so I can go home but I thought I'd write to you first because I'm meeting with my friends by the Wondercolt Statue after we're all done with our exams so we can discuss Summer plans. But school doesn't start back up until 3 hours from now. I would write more but I can't think of anything so I hope you're doing well in Equestria. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer I closed my book and turned in my exam and ran outside. "We're still waiting for Twilight." Rarity said. "Then we'll discuss plans." I forgot that Twilight did way more extra-curricular than all of us do so she has more exams. Also she checks over her answers like a million times. 15 minutes later, Twilight ran out by the Wondercolt statue. "Sorry. I had a lot of exams." "It's fine. Anyways what are some summer plans?" I asked. "OH! I JUST HAD AN IDEA!" Pinkie said. "And what is that?" Rarity asked. "WE HAVE A BUS! WE SHOULD GO ON A ROAD TRIP AND MAKE STOPS AT DIFFERENT PLACES EVERY NIGHT! SO BASICALLY WE GET TO TRAVEL AND SEE COOL THINGS!" "So who's gonna drive? I don't think Big Mac or Granny Smith want to go on a whatever how long road trip!" Applejack said. "Well some of us have licenses, so the people with driver's licenses can take turns driving." Rainbow Dash said. "I am NOT sleeping in a bus." Rarity said. "WE DON'T HAVE TO! We could just stop at a hotel and sleep there!" Pinkie said. "You seem to have a solution for everything." Twilight said. "Yeah. So when will we do this road trip?" I asked. "Maybe in about a week." Pinkie said. "So, it's settled?" Fluttershy asked. "IT'S SETTLED!" Pinkie said. I went home after awhile. I was excited for the field trip. I love adventure. But what if there's a magic problem? Well I guess we'll worry about it if or when it happens. I went home and did normal stuff.... blah blah blah! Then it was time for me to go to sleep. Author's Note Okay. I know this chapter was really bad but I promise it gets better. We haven't gotten to the Road Trip Part! But unfortunately, this boring chapter was needed because I needed a chapter when they were planning the road trip. Btw, I think that most of this story is gonna be in Sunset's POV. Her's is the easiest for me. Crusin'/SecretsA week passed and it was finally the day of the road trip. Since Pinkie isn't specific like EVER, I don't know how long the road trip will be so I packed A LOT of clothes. But there will probably be dry cleaners somewhere. We're all gonna meet by the school and we're using our tour bus. And since all of us except for Twilight have a license, we're gonna all take turns driving. Pinkie has the first shift. We met at the Wondercolts Statue. Then, Pinkie and Applejack arrived driving the bus. "SQUEEE! WHO'S EXCITED FOR THE BEST ROAD TRIP EVER?!" "Oh this is gonna be fabulous!" Rarity said. We all then got on the bus. I was sitting next to Twilight, Rarity was sitting next to Fluttershy, and Applejack was sitting next to Rainbow Dash. Pinkie started driving. I picked up my book where I keep in touch with Princess Twilight. She was writing to me. Sunset, your parents came to my castle and asked me where you were. I told them that you were in the human world. They went to go find you. They seemed demanding. And they took some magical source. I don't know if I did something wrong. But sorry if I got evil in your world. I panicked. I started having memories of being neglected in Equestria. I remember being left home alone for days sometimes. And now they're back after me. I was shaking. I started writing back. Twilight. I'm not saying this was your fault but my parents did not do the nicest things to me growing up. Now they're after me most likely. I hugged my knees. Twilight looked over at me. "Are you okay?" I nodded my head. "You sure." "Yeah. I'm fine." But the truth was that, I wasn't fine. I went to Celestia because my parents never payed attention to me. Now all these memories are coming back. I was never close to my family because I was neglected. They didn't care. I tried to get my mind off of it. "Oooh this is my jam!" Pinkie was saying. A song was. I actually liked this song. "GOT 80 DOLLARS AND A FULL TANK OF GAS! SOMETHING GIRL'S SPENDING AT THE HOUSE! CRUSIN' DOWN THE SHOREWAY CONCRETE HIGHWAY, WE'RE SURE GONNA HAVE SOME FUN!" Pinkie and Rainbow were singing at the top of their lungs. I was looking out the window. So many memories ringing in my head. I never told the others about them. Once Applejack asked about my parents and I just replied that they were in Equestria and we weren't all that close growing up. It wasn't something I liked talking about. Who would want to talk about having neglectful parents though? I felt like I was gonna cry. But I didn't want to cry in front of my friends. I just held back my tears. Then 15 minutes later, we got to a rest stop. I went into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. My confidence definitely improved since the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands but I still don't have 100% confidence. I still see many flaws in myself. And I still had major anxiety. Tears were streaming down my face. My parents are after me! Then there was a knock on the door. "Sunset? You've been in the bathroom for 15 minutes. Are you okay?" It was Twilight. "Yeah I-I'm fine! I just uh- don't feel good." "Really? I know when you're lying." "Yes really." I unlocked the door and came out. Twilight gave me the 'I don't believe you' look and we walked out of the gas station. When we got back on the bus, it was Applejack's shift. Afterwards, I got a text. Unknown Number: Liar. You're hiding something! And I'm gonna tell all your friends that you have secrets! I know all of your secrets. But sorry. I don't share my sources. ;) Who is this? I texted back. Me: Who are you? Unknown Number: Sorry. I don't give out my identity either ;) I should be clear. My parents isn't the only secret I've been keeping from the others. I also hide from them that I'm depressed and I sometimes have suicidal thoughts. It's not as bad as it used to be but it's still there. "WHERE ARE WE GONNA STOP FIRST?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "I was thinking Niagara Falls." Applejack said. Everyone nodded in agreement. After 3 hours of driving, we arrived at Niagara Falls and registered for 1 night at the hotel. We had to get 2 rooms due to the fact that there were only 2 king sized beds in each room. So me, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie got a room and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack got another room. We went to set our stuff in the hotel. I sat on the bed and Twilight sat beside me. "Sunset. Something's clearly bothering you. You're acting distant." "N-No I'm fine. Just doing a lot of thinking. I'm quiet when I think. Don't you get quiet when you think?" I said, nervously. "No. You're acting more different than normal." "It's fine Twilight!" "Okay.... But if you need to talk to someone, I'm here." We decided to go to an amusement park first. I was actually excited. I enjoy amusement parks. This might be a good distraction. After a few hours of rides, we all decided to get something to eat. "Let's go to the Rain Forest Cafe!" Rarity said. "OOOH! I HEAR THEY HAVE YUMMY DESSERTS!" Pinkie Pie said. "LET'S GO ALREADY!" Rainbow screamed. We walked into the cafe. It was crowded. We went up to the lady. "Sorry ladies. You have a 10 minute wait. We're out of tables." "WHAT THE HAY?!" Applejack said. "Um. Calm down. Let's just uh, wait the 10 minutes." Fluttershy said. We went to go wait the 10 minutes, then we finally got a table. The waiter came to get our orders. Then the waiter got us our food. Blah blah blah. Then we went back to the hotel. That was a nice distraction. I actually had a lot of fun! Then I got another text from the Unknown Number Unknown Number: Don't have too much fun, because your secrets are still there ;) Me: I don't know who you are or what you want but LEAVE ME ALONE! Unknown Number: Well I guess since you won't tell your friends, I'll tell them that you have the secrets, so you have no choice BUT to share them. ;) Me: NO! DON'T! Unknown Number: Too late. Sending them right now. I threw my phone on the bed. And I proceeded to get in the shower. Author's Note I hope you liked my first REAL chapter. It gets better I promise. Also I'm going to give hints about my story in every author's note and try to reference a song in every chapter. Also I had the idea about Sunset's parents randomly when I saw a theory video about Sunset's parents and the person said that they think that her parents were neglectful to her growing up so that's why she went to Celestia to study magic. But I decided that I should do an adventure story. And since I have a VERY dark mind, my stories are rated Teen. Soooooo here are the hints and songs! The song I referenced was Crusin' by Otis and the Shoreway Saints. I can't put a link because it's NOWHERE on the internet. The band isn't that popular though. Also HINT!: The Unknown Number tortures more than Sunset in the next few chapters but MAINLY targets Sunset. Also Sunset KNOWS the Unknown Number but doesn't know that it's them. Any hints on who it is? ;) Scars From The PastI took a shower. Blah blah blah. I then proceeded to get a blade. I looked at myself in the mirror. Tears were streaming down my face. It's been awhile since I've done this but I only do it when I can't handle my emotions. I then made a cut on my arm. Luckily my friends won't see it because I'm wearing long sleeves. Afterwards, I came out of the bathroom and Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie were looking at me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I said nervously. "Sunset. We love you darling but what are you hiding?" Rarity said. "Nothing." "Oh really? Because this text we got says otherwise." Pinkie pie showed me her phone. Unknown Number: I don't give out my sources but Sunset's hiding something. She's keeping some secrets from you all. Also, I don't give out my identity either. ;) "They're just trying to get to you. I'm not hiding anything." "Yes you are. You're behaving more distant than normal." Twilight joined in. "Life has just been hard lately." I walked over to the bed. Pinkie Pie turned off the light. I laid in bed and so many thoughts were going through my head. I should tell them. But I'm scared to. Then I got a text. Unknown Number: You still didn't tell them. Maybe I need to take this to drastic measures. Me: What do you mean? Unknown Number: I'll pester your friends to share their secrets. Everyone has a secret and I know them all. I'm watching you. ;) I set my phone down and fell asleep. That's when nightmares were happening. Me and my friends were hanging out at this clothing store. "OH MY GOSH! THIS DRESS IS FABULOUS!" Rarity exclaimed, while holding out this strapless blue and red dress. "Yeah it looks good on you." Fluttershy said. "This dress is NOT pretty." I said, holding this really short dress with an ugly shade of green and brown. All of us were laughing. We all were having a good time. Then my parents came with a gun. "SUNSET! WE FOUND YOU! NOW COME WITH US OR SHE GOES DOWN!" My dad was pointing to Twilight. "NO! NONE OF THAT IS HAPPENING! I'M NOT LETTING IT!" I screamed. "Oh really. Well goodbye precious friend of yours." My mom shot Twilight. My dad took the gun. "How about a bonus." My dad shot the others. I started sobbing. "What do you want from me? I ran away because you guys never cared. I was thrown to the side most of the time." I dropped to the floor. "NOT TRUE! YOU SELFISH BRAT!" My mom slapped me. She slapped me so hard I was knocked to the ground. I was losing consciousness. "SUNSET! SUNSET! SUNSET!" "Sunset! Wake up!" It was Twilight. I woke up, I was sweating and heavily breathing. "Twilight? Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry!" I proceeded to grab her and pull her into a hug. "Sunset. It's fine. You were shaking and talking and crying in your sleep. I know something is up but I can't help you if you don't tell me." Twilight was whispering so we didn't wake the others up. I was shaking. "I-I had a nightmare. But I guess I can tell you what's going on but please don't tell the others. M-My parents neglected me growing up so I ran away and began studies with Celestia. During the road trip, Princess Twilight informed me that my parents went through the portal to go looking for me. I know they're after me. And I keep getting a text from an unknown number that I have secrets and that they're watching me." I was sobbing. Twilight pulled me in a hug. "If your parents find you, remember that we have your back and we'll help you through this. Just try to not let it ruin your trip. Anything else you need to tell me?" "No. That's it." I lied. I didn't want to talk about my depression. "Okay. Now try to sleep. We have a whole day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight Sunset." Twilight said. "Goodnight Twilight." I said. After 30 minutes, I eventually fell asleep. "WAKE UP SUNSET!" It was Pinkie. I sat up on my bed. I saw all the others. "What time is it?" I asked. "10:32. We let you sleep another hour." Rainbow Dash said. "Oh. Thanks." I went to go get dressed. I also got a text. Unknown Number: Good progress. Now tell the others and tell them your other secret. ;) Me: Not ready yet. Unknown Number: You'll never be. Don't worry, I'll keep bothering you until you do so. You'll never escape this torture ;) I then started to cry. What am I doing? I took my razor blade and slit both my wrists twice. I grabbed some bracelets to cover them. I felt a little better. How would my friends react to this? They'll probably never talk to me again. I sat down on the bathroom floor and cried for a few minutes. I then realized that I shouldn't worry my friends so I wiped my tears and got up and got out. "Twilight? Where are the others?" I asked. "They're checking out and putting our stuff in the bus. I waited for you. Also I got a text saying that you have other secrets that you're not telling me." "That's not true." I lied. "Really?" "Why would you trust an unknown number over your best friend?" "Look. I don't know who it is but I know you. You don't typically open up to people. I don't know what you're going through but I want you to know that I love you and I'll always be there for you." Me and Twilight hugged. "Hate to interrupt whatever you're doing but I'M HUNGRY! We're trying to figure out what we want for brunch." Rainbow Dash said. "Also Sunset, you have first driving shift." "We'll be out in a second." Twilight called out. "Now Sunset, you know that I'm here if you need to talk." "I know. Now I'm gonna try to have fun. I don't want to ruin this road trip. Race you to the bus!" I started to run and I got to the bus first. "I WIN! AND I GET NOTHING!" "HEY NO FAIR! I WASN'T READY!" Me and Twilight started laughing. "Hey Sunset and Twilight. I have something to say that you'll get annoyed of. LET'S GO ALREADY!" Rainbow Dash said. I think she was referencing Bender from Futurama in the episode 'Game of Tones.' There were probably other episodes but I honestly don't remember. We went on the bus and I sat on the driver's seat. I remember with the help of my friends, I passed my re-take driver's test. "So where are we going for brunch?" I asked. "I was thinking Main Street Cafe." Applejack said. "YAAAAY! I WANT FOOD!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "Where is that exactly?" I asked. "Just use this GPS and you'll be fine." Fluttershy said as she handed me the GPS. After a 5 minute drive, we got to the cafe. It wasn't crowded thankfully. We sat down at a table and ordered our food. After we got done with our food, we went back on the bus. Author's Note So originally, the hotel part wasn't gonna be that long but when I was typing, I got more ideas so it got longer. There was no song referenced in this chapter. I couldn't think of one. But sorry the ending was kind of rushed. I started to get a bunch of ideas for my next chapter so I wanted to finish this one. So here's the hint for this chapter: The main 7 go to a low-class and kind of ghetto city next. WHICH CITY IS THAT?! DUN DUN DUNNNNN! C-Town StrollWe ate brunch and got on the bus. "So, where to next?" I asked the girls. "How about Kentucky? That seems interesting." Fluttershy asked. "No!" Applejack said, defensively. "Why not?" Rarity asked. "I am not-I just don't want to go there." "Okay then. So no Kentucky." I said. "How about Cleveland? It's only a 3 and a half hour drive!" Pinkie said. "CLEVELAND?! I hear that Cleveland has quite a history." Rainbow Dash said. "So Cleveland then? Who objects?" Twilight said. No one said anything. "Okay so I guess I'll be driving to Cleveland." I said. I turned on the GPS. "Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you! Cleveland is also called C-Town and it has a fun dance! I'll show you when we get there." Pinkie said. After an hour of driving, we stopped at a rest stop. "Fluttershy, you have next shift." Applejack said. I didn't have to use the bathroom so I was just walking in the store/type thing. I checked my phone. Unknown Number: Applejack's hiding something about Kentucky. ;) Unknown Number: Also you're hiding something too. Tell them ;) I turned off my phone. I should charge it soon though. It's at 15%. I was looking at the food there. I decided to buy a chocolate bar for myself. After like 3 minutes, all of us were done with whatever we were doing and we got back on the bus. "Applejack. Curious question. Why exactly did you not want to go to Kentucky?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I just didn't want to." "You're normally honest but it sounds like you're lying." Rarity said. "Wow. It seems like we ALL have secrets." Pinkie looked at me, and then looked at Applejack. "I'm not hiding anything!" I lied. I didn't want them to worry about me. It's better for them to not know. In a way I felt bad, but I truly wasn't comfortable talking about it. "Yeah ya are. I ain't but you are." I knew Applejack was lying, and she could tell I was. Everyone could. I got quiet. Awkward silence. I took out a sketch book and started drawing. Drawing was actually one of my best talents. One of the things I'm proud of. Fluttershy was playing more mellow and slow songs, Pinkie Pie didn't like these songs. I was indifferent about them. "THESE SONGS SUCK FLUTTERSHY!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "Oh, uh, sorry. I'll change the radio station." Fluttershy changed the station. After a few hours, we finally arrived in Cleveland, or as in what Pinkie refers it to; C-Town. This time, we checked out at a motel so we wouldn't have to check out 2 rooms. We went to the room and set down the suitcases. "OKAY GIRLS! I HAVE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO DO THE C-TOWN STROLL! IT'S REALLY FUN AND EASY!" Pinkie screamed. "Is this even a real dance or something you made up?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. "IT'S REAL!" We all stood up and waited for Pinkie to do the C-Town Stroll. "SLIDE IT OVER TO THE LEFT! NOW WALK IT OVER TO THE RIGHT! NOW TAKE IT DOWN AND SHAKE IT LOW! BRING IT ON HOME AND DO THE C-TOWN STROLL!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I feel like you got this from a song." Rarity said. "I did! C-Town Stroll by Otis and the Shoreway Saints" Pinkie said. "Anyways, I think we should split up so we can go more places and we can meet up somewhere to go for dinner at 7:00pm and we can all go somewhere after dinner." Twilight suggested. "Okay, Rainbow with Applejack, Sunset with Twilight, and me with Fluttershy and Rarity!" Pinkie exclaimed. I walked beside Twilight. We walked around town. "Sooo uh, where do you wanna go?" I asked. "We should visit the Cuyahoga River!" Twilight exclaimed. "Isn't that the river that burned in 1969? I think I read about that." I asked. "Yup! But it wasn't the first time. It burned 13 times!" "I figured. Anyways, it's not walking distance and we all agreed to leave the bus at the motel so we have to call a cab to go." I pulled out my phone and looked up the phone number for the cab. I finally found it and I dialed its number. After about 15 minutes, the cab arrived. Me and Twilight went inside. The driver turned around. "So where are you two headed? And call me Mr. Roth." "Okay? And the Cuyahoga River." I said. "That's where we were headed anyways." He mumbled under his breath. I started to panic. He was gonna do something to us. I was heavily breathing. I was shaking. Twilight grabbed my arm. I turned around to face her. "Sunset, what's going on?" "He's trying to do something to us!" I whispered. "What do you mean?" "He's telling us what to call him, and I heard him mumble 'that's where we're headed anyways'! I don't know what he's gonna do!" "Sunset-" She was cut off by Mr. Roth. "We're here." Mr. Roth stepped out of the car as me and Twilight did. He grabbed us. "Girls. Get ready to face death." I was crying. I was heavily breathing. I looked over at Twilight, she was crying too. Mr. Roth threw us into the river. "AHHH! SOMEONE HELP!" Twilight screamed. "PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP! OR WE'RE GONNA DROWN!" I screamed. After 2 minutes of screaming and crying for help, the police came on a life boat and went to where I was. "Let me help you two" The police got Twilight on the boat first and then got me on the boat. Me and Twilight hugged each other while we cried, we almost died. But we were rescued. He rowed the boat back to the surface. I got out of the boat. My clothes were drenched. So were Twilight's. "Miss, what are your names?" "Sunset Shimmer." "Twilight Sparkle." "Oh, well Miss Shimmer and Miss Sparkle, what happened? How did you two nearly drown in the river?" "So we called a cab to take us to the Cuyahoga River, a-and once we got there, the driver threw us into the river." I said, shaking. I was cold. "Is his name Jacob Roth?" "Uhh, well his last name was Roth." Twilight said. "He has been known to throw all of his passengers into Cuyahoga River. Most of them die before we can save them. You guys managed to survive. Let me take you back home." "Uh, we're staying in C-Town Motel. And please hurry, I'm getting really cold." I said. "Okay, I'll hurry as fast as I can." The police officer drove us to the hotel and me and Twilight were shivering. We decided to change our clothes. Twilight changed outside of the bathroom while I changed in the bathroom. I looked at the blade, then I looked at my arms. There were some scars from when I cut after the Fall Formal but stopped doing it after the Friendship Games- well stopped doing it as often as I used to. Those scars were fading. Some of them stayed and weren't faded. Then I looked at the new cuts on my wrist. I thought about doing it again. I took the blade and made a cut on each arm. I set the blade down and wiped off the blood on my arms. I finally got out of the bathroom and me and Twilight grabbed blankets. "Do you wanna turn on the TV?" Twilight asked me. I nodded my head. The news was on. "Welcome to the Cleveland News. Here we are reporting at Cuyahoga River. Two girls were thrown into the river by Jacob Roth. Jacob Roth is will be facing charges because he has a history of throwing his passengers into Cuyahoga River. Several have been killed but luckily these two girls survived. We're not revealing their identities because we were never given approval. Back to the news station." Twilight turned off the TV. I looked at her. "Twilight we could've died." "I know." "HE COULD'VE KILLED US!" "Sunset calm down." "HOW CAN I?! I WAS ALMOST KILLED!" I threw myself onto her and cried. Twilight hugged me back. After we let go, I started drifting to sleep, holding onto Twilight. Nightmares happened. I couldn't wake up. It was my parents, Mr. Roth, a lot of things. No use in describing them. After like an hour, I was being woken up. "Sunset, wake up. I let you nap until the other girls arrived." Twilight was gently shaking me. I opened my eyes. And I sat up on the bed and looked around to see the other girls. "What time is it?" I asked. "It's 5:54pm." Rarity said. "So where do you guys want to eat?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Let's go to Red Robin! But it's gonna be a 15 minute drive because it's in Independence." Applejack said. "I'm down." Twilight said. "OOH! I HEARD SO MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT RED ROBIN!" Pinkie Pie said. I was zoning out into my own thoughts. "I want to go to Red Robin. What about you Sunset?" I got startled. "Huh? Oh. Yeah." "Are you sure you're okay Sunset?" Rarity asked. "Yeah I'm fine. I just zoned out." I lied. I then got a text. Unknown Number: Lies! A few minutes later, I got another text. Unknown Number: Tick tock tick tock. Time to spill your secrets now. All your friends have secrets too so you're not alone. ;) I put my phone away. We got on the bus and went to Red Robin. We had to wait for 10 minutes before we got to our table. There was a chalkboard. And Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash decided to write some stuff on the chalk board. Welcome To Dead Robin The Red on the Robin is BLOOD! "Are you two serious?" Rarity asked her two friends. Rainbow and Pinkie Pie were laughing. Eventually the wait was over and we got our tables. Then the waitress asked for our orders. Blah blah blah. We got our food. Blah blah blah. When we all were done with our food, we went to the motel. We were gonna go out somewhere but almost everything is closed so we just relaxed. Author's Note Sorry if some parts seemed rushed, I just wanted to get to the next chapter. Because I have a few ideas. And I have ideas for the ending.... and it's very dark and tragic. NOWWWW HERE'S THE HINTS AND SONGS! Hints: The girls are still gonna be in C-Town in the next chapter. And the secret reveals will happen in a few chapters from now. Referenced Song: C-Town Stroll by: Otis and the Shoreway Saints (Can't send a link.) BrokenTwilight's phone rang. "I gotta take this." Twilight then stepped outside. I leaned against the door. I was sitting on the floor before. I was hearing Twilight on the phone. "Mom, you both were together! - What am I gonna do? - No. I don't want to discuss this when we get back, I want you to tell me full detail now!" I didn't know what was going on. I just knew she was upset and she was on the phone with her mom. "Uh, Sunset? Are you eavesdropping on her?" Fluttershy asked. "Yes. I want to know what's going on." I said. "But what if it's personal?" Fluttershy asked. I love Fluttershy but she was really good at making me feel bad sometimes. Like at the Friendship Games when I felt awful for yelling at Twilight. About 15 minutes later, Twilight walked back in. She looked upset. "Twilight, what's going on?" I asked. "Well for someone who doesn't tell her secrets sure asks for everyone else to tell their secrets to you. I think I'm gonna go to bed." Twilight said, in a kind of attitude. It was 10:30pm. Honestly, I feel bad for asking. Twilight went fast asleep. It was 11:30 PM when the others decided to go to sleep. Well, except for me. "Sunset, are you doing okay?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine." I lied. "Darling what happened to your arms?" Rarity was looking at my cuts. busted "Oh these? They are just scratch marks." I lied. I glanced at my phone and saw that I got a text. Unknown Number: Everyone's hiding something. So are you. You liar! ;) "Really? I know you're hiding something." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not! Now go to sleep." I turned off the light. "Sunset, you know you can always talk to us." Rarity said. "I know. I'm not hiding anything. Goodnight!" I said. I laid in bed. They fell fast asleep. I looked at my wrists. I can't believe they noticed them..... I don't do it that often. I only do it when I feel overwhelming emotions. All the girls are worried about me. But I'm broken and I can't be fixed. I laid there and cried. It was another sleepless night. Why would I sleep? I had nightmares anyways. I buried my face in my pillow and cried. I then got up and went into the bathroom. I looked in the mirror, and as I did, I heard voices in my head. Stupid. Worthless. Why are you trying? You're not a good person as your friends say you are. I just sat on the floor and cried. I grabbed a blade and slit my arms. Then I sat on the floor and cried. Then I heard a knock on the door. "Sunset?" It was Twilight. "Yes?" "Are you doing okay in there?" "I-I'm-" I got quiet. I knew I was not fine and I wanted to say that so badly. I am internally screaming for help. But it won'y come out. But I didn't want them to worry. "Well?" "It's fine! I just couldn't sleep and I'm still not over the river incident!" It was half-true. "I feel like there's something more." "Just- it's nothing. Nothing important." I mumbled the last part. I got up and opened the bathroom door. Twilight pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back. "What about you?" I asked "About last night? It was nothing. My mom just wanted to talk to me." I knew she was lying, but I didn't want to pressure her. At 7:30 AM, the other girls woke up. Me and Twilight were already dressed. "Why are you guys up so early?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We couldn't sleep that well. We were just so excited for today!" I lied. The girls went to go get dressed. It was just me and Twilight in the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Twilight looking at my arm. I knew what question was gonna come next. "What happened to your arm?" Twilight asked. "Oh those are scratch marks, they've always been there." I lied. "Really? I know you're lying." Twilight said. "I'm fine!" I lied. Applejack overheard me from the other room while getting dressed and she stepped out. "Whenever you're ready to admit that you're not fine, you know who to tell." Applejack said. After all the girls were done getting dressed, we all grabbed our suitcases and headed for the bus. "Sunset, you're next shift." Rainbow said. I went and sat on the driver's seat. I buckled up my seat belt and turned around. "Where are we headed for breakfast?" I asked. "I hear there's a cafe called Grumpy's Cafe. We should go there!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Okay. I just need a GPS." I said. Twilight handed me her GPS. "Use this." The drive took us 5 minutes. We arrived. Honestly, I wasn't THAT hungry so I ordered Coffee. After eating and stuff, we went back on the bus. "Hey! We should go to Marble Head. It's in Ohio and it's an hour away! There are many cool places there." Twilight said. "So who objects?" Applejack asked. No one said anything. "Then it's settled. I'll set the GPS for Marble Head." Twilight said. After she set the GPS, we were ready to go. After 30 minutes, we were on the highway. I hit something and the bus stopped. "The bus stopped." I turned around to face the others. "I'll go and check." Applejack said as she stepped out of the bus. "We ran over a pot hole and we have a flat tire and we have no spare wheels!" "WHAT?!" Pinkie screamed. Author's Note Honestly, this chapter is not good. And I know it was rushed and stupid. But I promise, next chapter is gonna be interesting. I was lacking motivation in writing this chapter. I have some interesting ideas for the next few chapters. But part of this chapter is important to the next chapter. AND NOW FOR THE HINTS! I didn't reference a song. I couldn't think of one. HINT! HINT! HINT! The secret reveals will be next chapter! Stuck on the HighwayAll the girls were panicking. "HOLD ON! Guys! Everything's gonna be fine! Let me call a vehicle repair person." Twilight said. "Girls. I'm sorry I got us in this mess." I said, after all, it was my fault. "It wasn't your fault. You didn't see it." Rainbow Dash said. Unknown Number: Wanna know what's your fault? You won't tell the other's your secrets. ;) "I'm getting these texts from an Unknown Number saying that we all have secrets." Fluttershy said. "So am I. Who else?" Rainbow Dash asked. Everyone, including me all agreed. Twilight got off the phone. "It'll be an hour before they get here so we have to sit here for an hour." Twilight said. Everyone groaned. "You know what? I know something we can do! I've had enough of this secret business! So we're all gonna say what the Unknown Number says that we're hiding! We're all gonna sit in a circle and go around and each of you will tell your secrets. We are clearing the air whether you guys like it or not." Rarity said. Some of us sighed. We sat in a circle and we waited for the first person to start. I then got a text. Unknown Number: Well now you have to share our secrets. My little plan worked! Maybe it's for the best, they'll finally know why I've been acting off on this trip. "I'll start. It's not a 'I got denied from a fashion store' thing. This is serious. My dad got arrested when I was little. I was 10 and Sweetie Belle was 8. He told us that he was gonna go to a bar and was gonna be back in an hour or two. An hour later, he didn't return. We were waiting 5 hours and then we got a phone call from him saying that he's been sentenced to jail for beating someone up while drunk for 1 month and he was only allowed 1 phone call and he chose to call us. He told us that he loved us and he feels stupid for beating someone up. We couldn't afford to bail him out because we had more important needs at that point so we had to wait a month for him to return. It was a bad time for us all. We were struggling financially because he made most of the money and he was fired from his job so he had to find a new job." Rarity finished. "So that's the reason why we didn't see your dad over for a month whenever we came to your house. Anyways, here's my secret. I was put in the Juvenile Detention Center for 1 night when I was 12." Rainbow Dash started. Everyone gasped. "When I was 12, I decided it would be cool to skip school, so I did. And then the cops caught me and took me to a detention center. They said that they would only keep me there for 1 night because it wasn't a huge offence but I committed truancy." "Honestly, in my bad girl days, I cut school but I was never caught." I said. "MY TURN! MY TURN! I ALMOST DIED!" Pinkie Pie screamed. Everyone was quiet. "So over the summer during Sophomore year, I got knocked off of my bike and I wiped out and got sent to the hospital. I was told that if I was lying there for another 5 minutes, I would've been dead!" No one said anything. "I once ran over a squirrel by my car and I felt horrible about it that I hid in my room for 3 days. But the vet called to tell me that the squirrel barely survived. But was gonna be in major care for awhile. I still feel horrible about it." Fluttershy said. "So that's why you didn't come to school for 3 days." Applejack said. I was shaking. I was afraid to go. "My family ain't allowed in Kentucky. A few generations ago, some of my family were crooks and they caused some crimes in Kentucky so the government banned anyone in my family from visiting Kentucky. That's why I was hesitant to go." Applejack sighed. "THAT'S STUPID!" Rainbow Dash said. "Yeah! Just because some of your family was bad doesn't mean that everyone is bad!" Rarity said. "I know right?" Applejack said. "Anyways, it's either Twilight or Sunset next." Pinkie said. I looked at Twilight. She mouthed 'I'll go' to me. "The reason why my mom called me last night was because...." She was about to cry. "She and my dad are getting a divorce. I don't know full details but my mom told me that things weren't working out." Twilight was crying. I hugged her. The other girls joined me in hugging her. After we all let go, the girls were looking at me. "We know you've been hiding something. Now you have to tell us what's wrong." Rarity said. "Sunset, we have your back no matter what." Twilight put her hand on my shoulder. I sighed. Twilight knew about what I was about to share. She hugged me. "I was neglected by my parents growing up. They never cared for me, they always left the house and left me behind. They sometimes forgot I existed. So I ran away to begin studying with Princess Celestia. But on the bus ride to Niagara Falls, Princess Twilight informed me that my parents went through the portal to go find me. Now I'm afraid they're after me." I started crying. The girls all hugged me. Honestly, it felt kind of good to get this off my chest. I needed someone to talk to. "Oh yeah..." Twilight said. "You already knew?" Applejack asked. "Yes I did. On the night when we went to Niagara Falls, Sunset woke up because she was having nightmares about her parents and I asked her what was going on." "Why didn't you tell us darling and told Twilight?" Rarity asked. "Look. I didn't want to tell her either but she was really concerned and I couldn't hide that I was upset." I looked down. "Please don't be mad." "We couldn't be mad at you." Fluttershy said. Then I got a text. Unknown Number: Good job! Now tell your other secret. I sighed. "But that's not the only thing going on." "What else is going on?" Twilight asked. "I'm depressed okay?! After the fall formal, I felt overwhelming guilt that I went to the doctors and I was diagnosed with depression. And I stayed deeply depressed until after the Friendship Games, I finally found happiness. But I still get depressed sometimes. And it seemed to come back major during this road trip. But...." I held out my arms to show my cut marks. "You don't...." Twilight started. "I found ways to cope with it. I don't do it as much anymore but I still do it sometimes. I hope none of you are mad at me." I was still crying. Twilight gave me a hug first. And I hugged back. The other girls proceeded to hug me one-by-one. And then they all group hugged me. I felt loved at the moment. Nothing needed to be said. And I was fine with it. I just felt loved by my friends even though I push them away sometimes. Twilight broke the silence. "If you need anything, you can always talk to me, or any of us. We want you here. You are loved." I hugged them tighter and cried more. "I love you guys so much." I said, my voice breaking. "We love you too." Fluttershy said. We hugged for a few minutes and then we broke up the hug. After we broke the hug, Pinkie started the conversation. "So now that we cleared the air and shared our secrets, we still have 20 minutes until the guy gets here. What should we do?" I shrugged. I was mentally exhausted. "We don't have to do anything. Let's just enjoy each other's presence." Twilight said. "But first, Sunset. Are you going to be okay?" I sighed. "The thing is, with depression, you will have moments where you feel okay but moments when you don't. Right now, I feel a little bit better but not fully okay. But there will hopefully be a day where I will be fully okay." "And we'll be with you every step of the way!" Rainbow Dash said. I smiled. "Thanks. It means a lot." "No problem." We sat in silence for 20 minutes. Then, the repair guy came to replace our tire and to get us out of the pothole. It took him like 10-15 minutes to replace it. "Okay girls. Your tire is fixed. You can continue driving." The repair guy said. I went to go and drive. It was still my shift. Rarity then stopped me. "Sunset, I'll drive for you. You need a break." Being the person I am, I felt bad for causing her to feel like she has to take over for me. But I needed a break. "Thanks. I'm just mentally exhausted." I said as I walked over to one of the bus seats. "Oh anytime darling." I leaned against the windows. I slowly drifted to sleep. I was exhausted. After an hour or so, I woke up. I saw that we were almost in Marble Head. Then my phone vibrated. Unknown Number: Oh damn! I mean that for you. Because this isn't the last you'll see of me, I have more tricks up my sleeve. ;) Author's Note This chapter took forever to do. Mainly because I lost motivation in this chapter. I JUST WANT TO GET TO THE ENDING ALREADY! I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS! Also I have two sequels after this story. One is a one-shot and the other one has a few chapters. I'll make a blog post about it. ANY OF THE SECRETS SHOCKING TO YOU?! Also sorry if some of them are corny, I only have big ideas for Twilight's and Sunset's. (With Twilight's, it doesn't play a big role until the last chapter/the upcoming one-shot sequel) But I had to make secrets for all of them for it to make sense. I don't know if you noticed but Anon-a-miss isn't canon in this story. Because I believe that it isn't really canon in the real thing because it was never mentioned. Also I really hate it. Just my opinion. NOW FOR HINTS!!!! The Unknown Number is gonna disappear for awhile. That's a part of their trick.
ProlougeI just finished my exam. And I was thinking, this year has gone by so fast. It's already the last day of Junior Year. 11th Grade flew by FAST! I mean, I'm not exactly proud of my Freshman, Sophomore, or the beginning of Junior Year. But my redemption turned my life around. And I'm grateful about that. I'm so excited for Senior Year. There will be more adventures that await. I wrote to Princess Twilight. Dear Princess Twilight, Well. Today is my last day of 11th grade. That means that next year will be my Senior Year. I just got done with my exams so I can go home but I thought I'd write to you first because I'm meeting with my friends by the Wondercolt Statue after we're all done with our exams so we can discuss Summer plans. But school doesn't start back up until 3 hours from now. I would write more but I can't think of anything so I hope you're doing well in Equestria. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer I closed my book and turned in my exam and ran outside. "We're still waiting for Twilight." Rarity said. "Then we'll discuss plans." I forgot that Twilight did way more extra-curricular than all of us do so she has more exams. Also she checks over her answers like a million times. 15 minutes later, Twilight ran out by the Wondercolt statue. "Sorry. I had a lot of exams." "It's fine. Anyways what are some summer plans?" I asked. "OH! I JUST HAD AN IDEA!" Pinkie said. "And what is that?" Rarity asked. "WE HAVE A BUS! WE SHOULD GO ON A ROAD TRIP AND MAKE STOPS AT DIFFERENT PLACES EVERY NIGHT! SO BASICALLY WE GET TO TRAVEL AND SEE COOL THINGS!" "So who's gonna drive? I don't think Big Mac or Granny Smith want to go on a whatever how long road trip!" Applejack said. "Well some of us have licenses, so the people with driver's licenses can take turns driving." Rainbow Dash said. "I am NOT sleeping in a bus." Rarity said. "WE DON'T HAVE TO! We could just stop at a hotel and sleep there!" Pinkie said. "You seem to have a solution for everything." Twilight said. "Yeah. So when will we do this road trip?" I asked. "Maybe in about a week." Pinkie said. "So, it's settled?" Fluttershy asked. "IT'S SETTLED!" Pinkie said. I went home after awhile. I was excited for the field trip. I love adventure. But what if there's a magic problem? Well I guess we'll worry about it if or when it happens. I went home and did normal stuff.... blah blah blah! Then it was time for me to go to sleep. Author's Note Okay. I know this chapter was really bad but I promise it gets better. We haven't gotten to the Road Trip Part! But unfortunately, this boring chapter was needed because I needed a chapter when they were planning the road trip. Btw, I think that most of this story is gonna be in Sunset's POV. Her's is the easiest for me.
Crusin'/SecretsA week passed and it was finally the day of the road trip. Since Pinkie isn't specific like EVER, I don't know how long the road trip will be so I packed A LOT of clothes. But there will probably be dry cleaners somewhere. We're all gonna meet by the school and we're using our tour bus. And since all of us except for Twilight have a license, we're gonna all take turns driving. Pinkie has the first shift. We met at the Wondercolts Statue. Then, Pinkie and Applejack arrived driving the bus. "SQUEEE! WHO'S EXCITED FOR THE BEST ROAD TRIP EVER?!" "Oh this is gonna be fabulous!" Rarity said. We all then got on the bus. I was sitting next to Twilight, Rarity was sitting next to Fluttershy, and Applejack was sitting next to Rainbow Dash. Pinkie started driving. I picked up my book where I keep in touch with Princess Twilight. She was writing to me. Sunset, your parents came to my castle and asked me where you were. I told them that you were in the human world. They went to go find you. They seemed demanding. And they took some magical source. I don't know if I did something wrong. But sorry if I got evil in your world. I panicked. I started having memories of being neglected in Equestria. I remember being left home alone for days sometimes. And now they're back after me. I was shaking. I started writing back. Twilight. I'm not saying this was your fault but my parents did not do the nicest things to me growing up. Now they're after me most likely. I hugged my knees. Twilight looked over at me. "Are you okay?" I nodded my head. "You sure." "Yeah. I'm fine." But the truth was that, I wasn't fine. I went to Celestia because my parents never payed attention to me. Now all these memories are coming back. I was never close to my family because I was neglected. They didn't care. I tried to get my mind off of it. "Oooh this is my jam!" Pinkie was saying. A song was. I actually liked this song. "GOT 80 DOLLARS AND A FULL TANK OF GAS! SOMETHING GIRL'S SPENDING AT THE HOUSE! CRUSIN' DOWN THE SHOREWAY CONCRETE HIGHWAY, WE'RE SURE GONNA HAVE SOME FUN!" Pinkie and Rainbow were singing at the top of their lungs. I was looking out the window. So many memories ringing in my head. I never told the others about them. Once Applejack asked about my parents and I just replied that they were in Equestria and we weren't all that close growing up. It wasn't something I liked talking about. Who would want to talk about having neglectful parents though? I felt like I was gonna cry. But I didn't want to cry in front of my friends. I just held back my tears. Then 15 minutes later, we got to a rest stop. I went into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. My confidence definitely improved since the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands but I still don't have 100% confidence. I still see many flaws in myself. And I still had major anxiety. Tears were streaming down my face. My parents are after me! Then there was a knock on the door. "Sunset? You've been in the bathroom for 15 minutes. Are you okay?" It was Twilight. "Yeah I-I'm fine! I just uh- don't feel good." "Really? I know when you're lying." "Yes really." I unlocked the door and came out. Twilight gave me the 'I don't believe you' look and we walked out of the gas station. When we got back on the bus, it was Applejack's shift. Afterwards, I got a text. Unknown Number: Liar. You're hiding something! And I'm gonna tell all your friends that you have secrets! I know all of your secrets. But sorry. I don't share my sources. ;) Who is this? I texted back. Me: Who are you? Unknown Number: Sorry. I don't give out my identity either ;) I should be clear. My parents isn't the only secret I've been keeping from the others. I also hide from them that I'm depressed and I sometimes have suicidal thoughts. It's not as bad as it used to be but it's still there. "WHERE ARE WE GONNA STOP FIRST?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "I was thinking Niagara Falls." Applejack said. Everyone nodded in agreement. After 3 hours of driving, we arrived at Niagara Falls and registered for 1 night at the hotel. We had to get 2 rooms due to the fact that there were only 2 king sized beds in each room. So me, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie got a room and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack got another room. We went to set our stuff in the hotel. I sat on the bed and Twilight sat beside me. "Sunset. Something's clearly bothering you. You're acting distant." "N-No I'm fine. Just doing a lot of thinking. I'm quiet when I think. Don't you get quiet when you think?" I said, nervously. "No. You're acting more different than normal." "It's fine Twilight!" "Okay.... But if you need to talk to someone, I'm here." We decided to go to an amusement park first. I was actually excited. I enjoy amusement parks. This might be a good distraction. After a few hours of rides, we all decided to get something to eat. "Let's go to the Rain Forest Cafe!" Rarity said. "OOOH! I HEAR THEY HAVE YUMMY DESSERTS!" Pinkie Pie said. "LET'S GO ALREADY!" Rainbow screamed. We walked into the cafe. It was crowded. We went up to the lady. "Sorry ladies. You have a 10 minute wait. We're out of tables." "WHAT THE HAY?!" Applejack said. "Um. Calm down. Let's just uh, wait the 10 minutes." Fluttershy said. We went to go wait the 10 minutes, then we finally got a table. The waiter came to get our orders. Then the waiter got us our food. Blah blah blah. Then we went back to the hotel. That was a nice distraction. I actually had a lot of fun! Then I got another text from the Unknown Number Unknown Number: Don't have too much fun, because your secrets are still there ;) Me: I don't know who you are or what you want but LEAVE ME ALONE! Unknown Number: Well I guess since you won't tell your friends, I'll tell them that you have the secrets, so you have no choice BUT to share them. ;) Me: NO! DON'T! Unknown Number: Too late. Sending them right now. I threw my phone on the bed. And I proceeded to get in the shower. Author's Note I hope you liked my first REAL chapter. It gets better I promise. Also I'm going to give hints about my story in every author's note and try to reference a song in every chapter. Also I had the idea about Sunset's parents randomly when I saw a theory video about Sunset's parents and the person said that they think that her parents were neglectful to her growing up so that's why she went to Celestia to study magic. But I decided that I should do an adventure story. And since I have a VERY dark mind, my stories are rated Teen. Soooooo here are the hints and songs! The song I referenced was Crusin' by Otis and the Shoreway Saints. I can't put a link because it's NOWHERE on the internet. The band isn't that popular though. Also HINT!: The Unknown Number tortures more than Sunset in the next few chapters but MAINLY targets Sunset. Also Sunset KNOWS the Unknown Number but doesn't know that it's them. Any hints on who it is? ;)
Scars From The PastI took a shower. Blah blah blah. I then proceeded to get a blade. I looked at myself in the mirror. Tears were streaming down my face. It's been awhile since I've done this but I only do it when I can't handle my emotions. I then made a cut on my arm. Luckily my friends won't see it because I'm wearing long sleeves. Afterwards, I came out of the bathroom and Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie were looking at me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I said nervously. "Sunset. We love you darling but what are you hiding?" Rarity said. "Nothing." "Oh really? Because this text we got says otherwise." Pinkie pie showed me her phone. Unknown Number: I don't give out my sources but Sunset's hiding something. She's keeping some secrets from you all. Also, I don't give out my identity either. ;) "They're just trying to get to you. I'm not hiding anything." "Yes you are. You're behaving more distant than normal." Twilight joined in. "Life has just been hard lately." I walked over to the bed. Pinkie Pie turned off the light. I laid in bed and so many thoughts were going through my head. I should tell them. But I'm scared to. Then I got a text. Unknown Number: You still didn't tell them. Maybe I need to take this to drastic measures. Me: What do you mean? Unknown Number: I'll pester your friends to share their secrets. Everyone has a secret and I know them all. I'm watching you. ;) I set my phone down and fell asleep. That's when nightmares were happening. Me and my friends were hanging out at this clothing store. "OH MY GOSH! THIS DRESS IS FABULOUS!" Rarity exclaimed, while holding out this strapless blue and red dress. "Yeah it looks good on you." Fluttershy said. "This dress is NOT pretty." I said, holding this really short dress with an ugly shade of green and brown. All of us were laughing. We all were having a good time. Then my parents came with a gun. "SUNSET! WE FOUND YOU! NOW COME WITH US OR SHE GOES DOWN!" My dad was pointing to Twilight. "NO! NONE OF THAT IS HAPPENING! I'M NOT LETTING IT!" I screamed. "Oh really. Well goodbye precious friend of yours." My mom shot Twilight. My dad took the gun. "How about a bonus." My dad shot the others. I started sobbing. "What do you want from me? I ran away because you guys never cared. I was thrown to the side most of the time." I dropped to the floor. "NOT TRUE! YOU SELFISH BRAT!" My mom slapped me. She slapped me so hard I was knocked to the ground. I was losing consciousness. "SUNSET! SUNSET! SUNSET!" "Sunset! Wake up!" It was Twilight. I woke up, I was sweating and heavily breathing. "Twilight? Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry!" I proceeded to grab her and pull her into a hug. "Sunset. It's fine. You were shaking and talking and crying in your sleep. I know something is up but I can't help you if you don't tell me." Twilight was whispering so we didn't wake the others up. I was shaking. "I-I had a nightmare. But I guess I can tell you what's going on but please don't tell the others. M-My parents neglected me growing up so I ran away and began studies with Celestia. During the road trip, Princess Twilight informed me that my parents went through the portal to go looking for me. I know they're after me. And I keep getting a text from an unknown number that I have secrets and that they're watching me." I was sobbing. Twilight pulled me in a hug. "If your parents find you, remember that we have your back and we'll help you through this. Just try to not let it ruin your trip. Anything else you need to tell me?" "No. That's it." I lied. I didn't want to talk about my depression. "Okay. Now try to sleep. We have a whole day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight Sunset." Twilight said. "Goodnight Twilight." I said. After 30 minutes, I eventually fell asleep. "WAKE UP SUNSET!" It was Pinkie. I sat up on my bed. I saw all the others. "What time is it?" I asked. "10:32. We let you sleep another hour." Rainbow Dash said. "Oh. Thanks." I went to go get dressed. I also got a text. Unknown Number: Good progress. Now tell the others and tell them your other secret. ;) Me: Not ready yet. Unknown Number: You'll never be. Don't worry, I'll keep bothering you until you do so. You'll never escape this torture ;) I then started to cry. What am I doing? I took my razor blade and slit both my wrists twice. I grabbed some bracelets to cover them. I felt a little better. How would my friends react to this? They'll probably never talk to me again. I sat down on the bathroom floor and cried for a few minutes. I then realized that I shouldn't worry my friends so I wiped my tears and got up and got out. "Twilight? Where are the others?" I asked. "They're checking out and putting our stuff in the bus. I waited for you. Also I got a text saying that you have other secrets that you're not telling me." "That's not true." I lied. "Really?" "Why would you trust an unknown number over your best friend?" "Look. I don't know who it is but I know you. You don't typically open up to people. I don't know what you're going through but I want you to know that I love you and I'll always be there for you." Me and Twilight hugged. "Hate to interrupt whatever you're doing but I'M HUNGRY! We're trying to figure out what we want for brunch." Rainbow Dash said. "Also Sunset, you have first driving shift." "We'll be out in a second." Twilight called out. "Now Sunset, you know that I'm here if you need to talk." "I know. Now I'm gonna try to have fun. I don't want to ruin this road trip. Race you to the bus!" I started to run and I got to the bus first. "I WIN! AND I GET NOTHING!" "HEY NO FAIR! I WASN'T READY!" Me and Twilight started laughing. "Hey Sunset and Twilight. I have something to say that you'll get annoyed of. LET'S GO ALREADY!" Rainbow Dash said. I think she was referencing Bender from Futurama in the episode 'Game of Tones.' There were probably other episodes but I honestly don't remember. We went on the bus and I sat on the driver's seat. I remember with the help of my friends, I passed my re-take driver's test. "So where are we going for brunch?" I asked. "I was thinking Main Street Cafe." Applejack said. "YAAAAY! I WANT FOOD!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "Where is that exactly?" I asked. "Just use this GPS and you'll be fine." Fluttershy said as she handed me the GPS. After a 5 minute drive, we got to the cafe. It wasn't crowded thankfully. We sat down at a table and ordered our food. After we got done with our food, we went back on the bus. Author's Note So originally, the hotel part wasn't gonna be that long but when I was typing, I got more ideas so it got longer. There was no song referenced in this chapter. I couldn't think of one. But sorry the ending was kind of rushed. I started to get a bunch of ideas for my next chapter so I wanted to finish this one. So here's the hint for this chapter: The main 7 go to a low-class and kind of ghetto city next. WHICH CITY IS THAT?! DUN DUN DUNNNNN!
C-Town StrollWe ate brunch and got on the bus. "So, where to next?" I asked the girls. "How about Kentucky? That seems interesting." Fluttershy asked. "No!" Applejack said, defensively. "Why not?" Rarity asked. "I am not-I just don't want to go there." "Okay then. So no Kentucky." I said. "How about Cleveland? It's only a 3 and a half hour drive!" Pinkie said. "CLEVELAND?! I hear that Cleveland has quite a history." Rainbow Dash said. "So Cleveland then? Who objects?" Twilight said. No one said anything. "Okay so I guess I'll be driving to Cleveland." I said. I turned on the GPS. "Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you! Cleveland is also called C-Town and it has a fun dance! I'll show you when we get there." Pinkie said. After an hour of driving, we stopped at a rest stop. "Fluttershy, you have next shift." Applejack said. I didn't have to use the bathroom so I was just walking in the store/type thing. I checked my phone. Unknown Number: Applejack's hiding something about Kentucky. ;) Unknown Number: Also you're hiding something too. Tell them ;) I turned off my phone. I should charge it soon though. It's at 15%. I was looking at the food there. I decided to buy a chocolate bar for myself. After like 3 minutes, all of us were done with whatever we were doing and we got back on the bus. "Applejack. Curious question. Why exactly did you not want to go to Kentucky?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I just didn't want to." "You're normally honest but it sounds like you're lying." Rarity said. "Wow. It seems like we ALL have secrets." Pinkie looked at me, and then looked at Applejack. "I'm not hiding anything!" I lied. I didn't want them to worry about me. It's better for them to not know. In a way I felt bad, but I truly wasn't comfortable talking about it. "Yeah ya are. I ain't but you are." I knew Applejack was lying, and she could tell I was. Everyone could. I got quiet. Awkward silence. I took out a sketch book and started drawing. Drawing was actually one of my best talents. One of the things I'm proud of. Fluttershy was playing more mellow and slow songs, Pinkie Pie didn't like these songs. I was indifferent about them. "THESE SONGS SUCK FLUTTERSHY!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "Oh, uh, sorry. I'll change the radio station." Fluttershy changed the station. After a few hours, we finally arrived in Cleveland, or as in what Pinkie refers it to; C-Town. This time, we checked out at a motel so we wouldn't have to check out 2 rooms. We went to the room and set down the suitcases. "OKAY GIRLS! I HAVE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO DO THE C-TOWN STROLL! IT'S REALLY FUN AND EASY!" Pinkie screamed. "Is this even a real dance or something you made up?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. "IT'S REAL!" We all stood up and waited for Pinkie to do the C-Town Stroll. "SLIDE IT OVER TO THE LEFT! NOW WALK IT OVER TO THE RIGHT! NOW TAKE IT DOWN AND SHAKE IT LOW! BRING IT ON HOME AND DO THE C-TOWN STROLL!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I feel like you got this from a song." Rarity said. "I did! C-Town Stroll by Otis and the Shoreway Saints" Pinkie said. "Anyways, I think we should split up so we can go more places and we can meet up somewhere to go for dinner at 7:00pm and we can all go somewhere after dinner." Twilight suggested. "Okay, Rainbow with Applejack, Sunset with Twilight, and me with Fluttershy and Rarity!" Pinkie exclaimed. I walked beside Twilight. We walked around town. "Sooo uh, where do you wanna go?" I asked. "We should visit the Cuyahoga River!" Twilight exclaimed. "Isn't that the river that burned in 1969? I think I read about that." I asked. "Yup! But it wasn't the first time. It burned 13 times!" "I figured. Anyways, it's not walking distance and we all agreed to leave the bus at the motel so we have to call a cab to go." I pulled out my phone and looked up the phone number for the cab. I finally found it and I dialed its number. After about 15 minutes, the cab arrived. Me and Twilight went inside. The driver turned around. "So where are you two headed? And call me Mr. Roth." "Okay? And the Cuyahoga River." I said. "That's where we were headed anyways." He mumbled under his breath. I started to panic. He was gonna do something to us. I was heavily breathing. I was shaking. Twilight grabbed my arm. I turned around to face her. "Sunset, what's going on?" "He's trying to do something to us!" I whispered. "What do you mean?" "He's telling us what to call him, and I heard him mumble 'that's where we're headed anyways'! I don't know what he's gonna do!" "Sunset-" She was cut off by Mr. Roth. "We're here." Mr. Roth stepped out of the car as me and Twilight did. He grabbed us. "Girls. Get ready to face death." I was crying. I was heavily breathing. I looked over at Twilight, she was crying too. Mr. Roth threw us into the river. "AHHH! SOMEONE HELP!" Twilight screamed. "PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP! OR WE'RE GONNA DROWN!" I screamed. After 2 minutes of screaming and crying for help, the police came on a life boat and went to where I was. "Let me help you two" The police got Twilight on the boat first and then got me on the boat. Me and Twilight hugged each other while we cried, we almost died. But we were rescued. He rowed the boat back to the surface. I got out of the boat. My clothes were drenched. So were Twilight's. "Miss, what are your names?" "Sunset Shimmer." "Twilight Sparkle." "Oh, well Miss Shimmer and Miss Sparkle, what happened? How did you two nearly drown in the river?" "So we called a cab to take us to the Cuyahoga River, a-and once we got there, the driver threw us into the river." I said, shaking. I was cold. "Is his name Jacob Roth?" "Uhh, well his last name was Roth." Twilight said. "He has been known to throw all of his passengers into Cuyahoga River. Most of them die before we can save them. You guys managed to survive. Let me take you back home." "Uh, we're staying in C-Town Motel. And please hurry, I'm getting really cold." I said. "Okay, I'll hurry as fast as I can." The police officer drove us to the hotel and me and Twilight were shivering. We decided to change our clothes. Twilight changed outside of the bathroom while I changed in the bathroom. I looked at the blade, then I looked at my arms. There were some scars from when I cut after the Fall Formal but stopped doing it after the Friendship Games- well stopped doing it as often as I used to. Those scars were fading. Some of them stayed and weren't faded. Then I looked at the new cuts on my wrist. I thought about doing it again. I took the blade and made a cut on each arm. I set the blade down and wiped off the blood on my arms. I finally got out of the bathroom and me and Twilight grabbed blankets. "Do you wanna turn on the TV?" Twilight asked me. I nodded my head. The news was on. "Welcome to the Cleveland News. Here we are reporting at Cuyahoga River. Two girls were thrown into the river by Jacob Roth. Jacob Roth is will be facing charges because he has a history of throwing his passengers into Cuyahoga River. Several have been killed but luckily these two girls survived. We're not revealing their identities because we were never given approval. Back to the news station." Twilight turned off the TV. I looked at her. "Twilight we could've died." "I know." "HE COULD'VE KILLED US!" "Sunset calm down." "HOW CAN I?! I WAS ALMOST KILLED!" I threw myself onto her and cried. Twilight hugged me back. After we let go, I started drifting to sleep, holding onto Twilight. Nightmares happened. I couldn't wake up. It was my parents, Mr. Roth, a lot of things. No use in describing them. After like an hour, I was being woken up. "Sunset, wake up. I let you nap until the other girls arrived." Twilight was gently shaking me. I opened my eyes. And I sat up on the bed and looked around to see the other girls. "What time is it?" I asked. "It's 5:54pm." Rarity said. "So where do you guys want to eat?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Let's go to Red Robin! But it's gonna be a 15 minute drive because it's in Independence." Applejack said. "I'm down." Twilight said. "OOH! I HEARD SO MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT RED ROBIN!" Pinkie Pie said. I was zoning out into my own thoughts. "I want to go to Red Robin. What about you Sunset?" I got startled. "Huh? Oh. Yeah." "Are you sure you're okay Sunset?" Rarity asked. "Yeah I'm fine. I just zoned out." I lied. I then got a text. Unknown Number: Lies! A few minutes later, I got another text. Unknown Number: Tick tock tick tock. Time to spill your secrets now. All your friends have secrets too so you're not alone. ;) I put my phone away. We got on the bus and went to Red Robin. We had to wait for 10 minutes before we got to our table. There was a chalkboard. And Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash decided to write some stuff on the chalk board. Welcome To Dead Robin The Red on the Robin is BLOOD! "Are you two serious?" Rarity asked her two friends. Rainbow and Pinkie Pie were laughing. Eventually the wait was over and we got our tables. Then the waitress asked for our orders. Blah blah blah. We got our food. Blah blah blah. When we all were done with our food, we went to the motel. We were gonna go out somewhere but almost everything is closed so we just relaxed. Author's Note Sorry if some parts seemed rushed, I just wanted to get to the next chapter. Because I have a few ideas. And I have ideas for the ending.... and it's very dark and tragic. NOWWWW HERE'S THE HINTS AND SONGS! Hints: The girls are still gonna be in C-Town in the next chapter. And the secret reveals will happen in a few chapters from now. Referenced Song: C-Town Stroll by: Otis and the Shoreway Saints (Can't send a link.)
BrokenTwilight's phone rang. "I gotta take this." Twilight then stepped outside. I leaned against the door. I was sitting on the floor before. I was hearing Twilight on the phone. "Mom, you both were together! - What am I gonna do? - No. I don't want to discuss this when we get back, I want you to tell me full detail now!" I didn't know what was going on. I just knew she was upset and she was on the phone with her mom. "Uh, Sunset? Are you eavesdropping on her?" Fluttershy asked. "Yes. I want to know what's going on." I said. "But what if it's personal?" Fluttershy asked. I love Fluttershy but she was really good at making me feel bad sometimes. Like at the Friendship Games when I felt awful for yelling at Twilight. About 15 minutes later, Twilight walked back in. She looked upset. "Twilight, what's going on?" I asked. "Well for someone who doesn't tell her secrets sure asks for everyone else to tell their secrets to you. I think I'm gonna go to bed." Twilight said, in a kind of attitude. It was 10:30pm. Honestly, I feel bad for asking. Twilight went fast asleep. It was 11:30 PM when the others decided to go to sleep. Well, except for me. "Sunset, are you doing okay?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine." I lied. "Darling what happened to your arms?" Rarity was looking at my cuts. busted "Oh these? They are just scratch marks." I lied. I glanced at my phone and saw that I got a text. Unknown Number: Everyone's hiding something. So are you. You liar! ;) "Really? I know you're hiding something." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not! Now go to sleep." I turned off the light. "Sunset, you know you can always talk to us." Rarity said. "I know. I'm not hiding anything. Goodnight!" I said. I laid in bed. They fell fast asleep. I looked at my wrists. I can't believe they noticed them..... I don't do it that often. I only do it when I feel overwhelming emotions. All the girls are worried about me. But I'm broken and I can't be fixed. I laid there and cried. It was another sleepless night. Why would I sleep? I had nightmares anyways. I buried my face in my pillow and cried. I then got up and went into the bathroom. I looked in the mirror, and as I did, I heard voices in my head. Stupid. Worthless. Why are you trying? You're not a good person as your friends say you are. I just sat on the floor and cried. I grabbed a blade and slit my arms. Then I sat on the floor and cried. Then I heard a knock on the door. "Sunset?" It was Twilight. "Yes?" "Are you doing okay in there?" "I-I'm-" I got quiet. I knew I was not fine and I wanted to say that so badly. I am internally screaming for help. But it won'y come out. But I didn't want them to worry. "Well?" "It's fine! I just couldn't sleep and I'm still not over the river incident!" It was half-true. "I feel like there's something more." "Just- it's nothing. Nothing important." I mumbled the last part. I got up and opened the bathroom door. Twilight pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back. "What about you?" I asked "About last night? It was nothing. My mom just wanted to talk to me." I knew she was lying, but I didn't want to pressure her. At 7:30 AM, the other girls woke up. Me and Twilight were already dressed. "Why are you guys up so early?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We couldn't sleep that well. We were just so excited for today!" I lied. The girls went to go get dressed. It was just me and Twilight in the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Twilight looking at my arm. I knew what question was gonna come next. "What happened to your arm?" Twilight asked. "Oh those are scratch marks, they've always been there." I lied. "Really? I know you're lying." Twilight said. "I'm fine!" I lied. Applejack overheard me from the other room while getting dressed and she stepped out. "Whenever you're ready to admit that you're not fine, you know who to tell." Applejack said. After all the girls were done getting dressed, we all grabbed our suitcases and headed for the bus. "Sunset, you're next shift." Rainbow said. I went and sat on the driver's seat. I buckled up my seat belt and turned around. "Where are we headed for breakfast?" I asked. "I hear there's a cafe called Grumpy's Cafe. We should go there!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Okay. I just need a GPS." I said. Twilight handed me her GPS. "Use this." The drive took us 5 minutes. We arrived. Honestly, I wasn't THAT hungry so I ordered Coffee. After eating and stuff, we went back on the bus. "Hey! We should go to Marble Head. It's in Ohio and it's an hour away! There are many cool places there." Twilight said. "So who objects?" Applejack asked. No one said anything. "Then it's settled. I'll set the GPS for Marble Head." Twilight said. After she set the GPS, we were ready to go. After 30 minutes, we were on the highway. I hit something and the bus stopped. "The bus stopped." I turned around to face the others. "I'll go and check." Applejack said as she stepped out of the bus. "We ran over a pot hole and we have a flat tire and we have no spare wheels!" "WHAT?!" Pinkie screamed. Author's Note Honestly, this chapter is not good. And I know it was rushed and stupid. But I promise, next chapter is gonna be interesting. I was lacking motivation in writing this chapter. I have some interesting ideas for the next few chapters. But part of this chapter is important to the next chapter. AND NOW FOR THE HINTS! I didn't reference a song. I couldn't think of one. HINT! HINT! HINT! The secret reveals will be next chapter!
Stuck on the HighwayAll the girls were panicking. "HOLD ON! Guys! Everything's gonna be fine! Let me call a vehicle repair person." Twilight said. "Girls. I'm sorry I got us in this mess." I said, after all, it was my fault. "It wasn't your fault. You didn't see it." Rainbow Dash said. Unknown Number: Wanna know what's your fault? You won't tell the other's your secrets. ;) "I'm getting these texts from an Unknown Number saying that we all have secrets." Fluttershy said. "So am I. Who else?" Rainbow Dash asked. Everyone, including me all agreed. Twilight got off the phone. "It'll be an hour before they get here so we have to sit here for an hour." Twilight said. Everyone groaned. "You know what? I know something we can do! I've had enough of this secret business! So we're all gonna say what the Unknown Number says that we're hiding! We're all gonna sit in a circle and go around and each of you will tell your secrets. We are clearing the air whether you guys like it or not." Rarity said. Some of us sighed. We sat in a circle and we waited for the first person to start. I then got a text. Unknown Number: Well now you have to share our secrets. My little plan worked! Maybe it's for the best, they'll finally know why I've been acting off on this trip. "I'll start. It's not a 'I got denied from a fashion store' thing. This is serious. My dad got arrested when I was little. I was 10 and Sweetie Belle was 8. He told us that he was gonna go to a bar and was gonna be back in an hour or two. An hour later, he didn't return. We were waiting 5 hours and then we got a phone call from him saying that he's been sentenced to jail for beating someone up while drunk for 1 month and he was only allowed 1 phone call and he chose to call us. He told us that he loved us and he feels stupid for beating someone up. We couldn't afford to bail him out because we had more important needs at that point so we had to wait a month for him to return. It was a bad time for us all. We were struggling financially because he made most of the money and he was fired from his job so he had to find a new job." Rarity finished. "So that's the reason why we didn't see your dad over for a month whenever we came to your house. Anyways, here's my secret. I was put in the Juvenile Detention Center for 1 night when I was 12." Rainbow Dash started. Everyone gasped. "When I was 12, I decided it would be cool to skip school, so I did. And then the cops caught me and took me to a detention center. They said that they would only keep me there for 1 night because it wasn't a huge offence but I committed truancy." "Honestly, in my bad girl days, I cut school but I was never caught." I said. "MY TURN! MY TURN! I ALMOST DIED!" Pinkie Pie screamed. Everyone was quiet. "So over the summer during Sophomore year, I got knocked off of my bike and I wiped out and got sent to the hospital. I was told that if I was lying there for another 5 minutes, I would've been dead!" No one said anything. "I once ran over a squirrel by my car and I felt horrible about it that I hid in my room for 3 days. But the vet called to tell me that the squirrel barely survived. But was gonna be in major care for awhile. I still feel horrible about it." Fluttershy said. "So that's why you didn't come to school for 3 days." Applejack said. I was shaking. I was afraid to go. "My family ain't allowed in Kentucky. A few generations ago, some of my family were crooks and they caused some crimes in Kentucky so the government banned anyone in my family from visiting Kentucky. That's why I was hesitant to go." Applejack sighed. "THAT'S STUPID!" Rainbow Dash said. "Yeah! Just because some of your family was bad doesn't mean that everyone is bad!" Rarity said. "I know right?" Applejack said. "Anyways, it's either Twilight or Sunset next." Pinkie said. I looked at Twilight. She mouthed 'I'll go' to me. "The reason why my mom called me last night was because...." She was about to cry. "She and my dad are getting a divorce. I don't know full details but my mom told me that things weren't working out." Twilight was crying. I hugged her. The other girls joined me in hugging her. After we all let go, the girls were looking at me. "We know you've been hiding something. Now you have to tell us what's wrong." Rarity said. "Sunset, we have your back no matter what." Twilight put her hand on my shoulder. I sighed. Twilight knew about what I was about to share. She hugged me. "I was neglected by my parents growing up. They never cared for me, they always left the house and left me behind. They sometimes forgot I existed. So I ran away to begin studying with Princess Celestia. But on the bus ride to Niagara Falls, Princess Twilight informed me that my parents went through the portal to go find me. Now I'm afraid they're after me." I started crying. The girls all hugged me. Honestly, it felt kind of good to get this off my chest. I needed someone to talk to. "Oh yeah..." Twilight said. "You already knew?" Applejack asked. "Yes I did. On the night when we went to Niagara Falls, Sunset woke up because she was having nightmares about her parents and I asked her what was going on." "Why didn't you tell us darling and told Twilight?" Rarity asked. "Look. I didn't want to tell her either but she was really concerned and I couldn't hide that I was upset." I looked down. "Please don't be mad." "We couldn't be mad at you." Fluttershy said. Then I got a text. Unknown Number: Good job! Now tell your other secret. I sighed. "But that's not the only thing going on." "What else is going on?" Twilight asked. "I'm depressed okay?! After the fall formal, I felt overwhelming guilt that I went to the doctors and I was diagnosed with depression. And I stayed deeply depressed until after the Friendship Games, I finally found happiness. But I still get depressed sometimes. And it seemed to come back major during this road trip. But...." I held out my arms to show my cut marks. "You don't...." Twilight started. "I found ways to cope with it. I don't do it as much anymore but I still do it sometimes. I hope none of you are mad at me." I was still crying. Twilight gave me a hug first. And I hugged back. The other girls proceeded to hug me one-by-one. And then they all group hugged me. I felt loved at the moment. Nothing needed to be said. And I was fine with it. I just felt loved by my friends even though I push them away sometimes. Twilight broke the silence. "If you need anything, you can always talk to me, or any of us. We want you here. You are loved." I hugged them tighter and cried more. "I love you guys so much." I said, my voice breaking. "We love you too." Fluttershy said. We hugged for a few minutes and then we broke up the hug. After we broke the hug, Pinkie started the conversation. "So now that we cleared the air and shared our secrets, we still have 20 minutes until the guy gets here. What should we do?" I shrugged. I was mentally exhausted. "We don't have to do anything. Let's just enjoy each other's presence." Twilight said. "But first, Sunset. Are you going to be okay?" I sighed. "The thing is, with depression, you will have moments where you feel okay but moments when you don't. Right now, I feel a little bit better but not fully okay. But there will hopefully be a day where I will be fully okay." "And we'll be with you every step of the way!" Rainbow Dash said. I smiled. "Thanks. It means a lot." "No problem." We sat in silence for 20 minutes. Then, the repair guy came to replace our tire and to get us out of the pothole. It took him like 10-15 minutes to replace it. "Okay girls. Your tire is fixed. You can continue driving." The repair guy said. I went to go and drive. It was still my shift. Rarity then stopped me. "Sunset, I'll drive for you. You need a break." Being the person I am, I felt bad for causing her to feel like she has to take over for me. But I needed a break. "Thanks. I'm just mentally exhausted." I said as I walked over to one of the bus seats. "Oh anytime darling." I leaned against the windows. I slowly drifted to sleep. I was exhausted. After an hour or so, I woke up. I saw that we were almost in Marble Head. Then my phone vibrated. Unknown Number: Oh damn! I mean that for you. Because this isn't the last you'll see of me, I have more tricks up my sleeve. ;) Author's Note This chapter took forever to do. Mainly because I lost motivation in this chapter. I JUST WANT TO GET TO THE ENDING ALREADY! I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS! Also I have two sequels after this story. One is a one-shot and the other one has a few chapters. I'll make a blog post about it. ANY OF THE SECRETS SHOCKING TO YOU?! Also sorry if some of them are corny, I only have big ideas for Twilight's and Sunset's. (With Twilight's, it doesn't play a big role until the last chapter/the upcoming one-shot sequel) But I had to make secrets for all of them for it to make sense. I don't know if you noticed but Anon-a-miss isn't canon in this story. Because I believe that it isn't really canon in the real thing because it was never mentioned. Also I really hate it. Just my opinion. NOW FOR HINTS!!!! The Unknown Number is gonna disappear for awhile. That's a part of their trick.
