Anon-A-Miss(takes)

To say that Sunset Shimmer was having a bad week would probably be the understatement of the year. It had been a couple of days since the Anon-A-Miss incident started and her friends had come to the conclusion that she must be behind it all without even allowing her to defend herself.

Since then everyone else in the school seems to have come to the same conclusion and had taken it upon themselves to verbally harass her, some even going so far as to 'accidentally' run into her in the hallways. Luckily no one had resorted to violence yet, but with tensions rising steadily it was only a matter of time. She had to figure things out before then.

Suddenly the sound of static blaring through the school speakers jolted her out of her thoughts.

"Would Sunset Shimmer please report to the principal's office. I repeat Sunset Shimmer please report to the principal's office, thank you."

Sunset allowed herself an annoyed sigh as she readjusted her backpack and started towards Principal Celestia's office, ignoring all the smug looks from the people who assumed she was about to get her 'just desserts'.

Ah well, not like this day could get any worse.

As she trudged through the hallways she could see several people gossiping in little groups, likely trying to figure out how she was going to be 'punished'. She didn't know what she was being called to the office for but she doubted that Celestia was going to punish her without proper evidence of any wrongdoings, at least if she was anything like her Celestia.

As she walked into the lobby the cream colored secretary glanced up before going back to her paperwork.

"Principal Celestia's waiting for you in her office."

"Thanks Raven."

Raven only grunted in response, still focused on her paperwork. Principal Celestia should really give that poor woman a raise if she worked even half as hard as her world's Raven. She wondered if her world's Raven was still Princess Celestia's assistant. It had certainly been a while since she'd been home, maybe one day she'd visit but for now she was getting off track.

Steeling her nerves she reached towards the doorknob and pushed inwards, the door opening without a creak. Sitting behind her desk was Principal Celestia, looking more frazzled than Sunset had seen her since arriving in this world.

"Ah, Sunset Shimmer, please have a seat."

Sunset sat down on one of the, admittedly, comfortable seats lined up in front of the desk, setting her backpack down next to her.

"I assume that you know what this is about?"

Ah, straight to the point then.

"I assume that this is probably about Anon-A-Miss right."

Principal Celestia visibly slumped upon hearing the name of the MyStable account that started this whole mess.

"Yes, it is. I'll skip straight to the point then. As much as it pains me to say this I must ask you to stay home for the next few days."

"What! You're suspending me?! Don't tell me you think I'm Anon-A-Miss too!"

Sunset couldn't believe what was happening. Out of all the people in this world she thought she could trust she never expected Principal Celestia to turn on her. Then again she thought the same about the other five so she shouldn't be so surprised.

"Please, Sunset, calm down. You're not being suspended."

Upon hearing those words Sunset visibly relaxed, but then perked back up in curiosity.

"If I'm not being suspended then why do I have to stay home?"

"Sunset, when you first arrived at this school I could tell that you were a young woman who was always meant to soar high, but you were weighing yourself down. I wanted to help you, I really did, but being the principal of this school means having hundreds of students to look after and I was never able to make time to help guide you to be the person I knew you could be, and for that I'm sorry."

Sunset felt tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.

"You don't need to apologize. It's my fault, I made a stupid decision so I have to deal with the consequences."

Principal Celestia let out a sad sigh before speaking again, "You did. But that, too, was not entirely your fault. It's supposed to be the job of us teachers to guide the young so that they don't make the same mistakes as their elders. Obviously I didn't do my job, though it wouldn't be the first time I failed somebody."

Sunset shimmer recognized that this was likely a sensitive subject for the principal if it were anything like the Nightmare Moon incident and so decided to steer the conversation away from such a dark subject.

"Could we please get back to why you called me here?"

"Of course," Celestia agreed, composing herself again, "But first let me just say that I'm truly proud of how far you have come since the Fall Formal. As for why I am asking you to stay home for a few days is due to the rising tensions. While I may not believe you to be the cause of this, many others do and it only gets worse by the day. I've even had parents demanding I punish you without there being sufficient proof that you're the one behind this."

"So you're hoping that if I stay home for a few days this'll all blow over?"

Celestia shook her head sadly.

"That's the best case scenario, however the teachers have been telling me that the students have been getting more aggressive by the day. I am afraid that if the culprit is not caught soon that they may try to do something rash. That's why I must ask you to stay out of school until this all blows over, I wouldn't be able to live with myself is something were to happen to one of my students."

"One of your favorite students?" Sunset questioned playfully.

Celestia let out a hearty laugh and winked at her before answering, "Yes, but don't tell anyone, teachers aren't supposed to play favorites after all."

Sunset smiled, glad she could lighten the mood, even if a little bit. But she knew this was only a brief respite from cruel reality.

"So I assume that my absence will be excused?"

"Of course, we can't have a student failing for something out of their control after all. However I do expect you to keep up with your schoolwork. I'll be having someone bring you anything you missed from your classes after school each day."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Sunset questioned.

Celestia gave her a reassuring smile, "While I may not have ears everywhere, as some people are want to believe, I'm not entirely deaf to the going ons either. Don't worry there are still several students who do not believe you are as guilty as some might. I'm sure one of them would be happy to help you out."

"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Yes, there's just one more thing."

"What's that?"

"You may take the rest of today off, it will also be treated as an excused absence, someone will be by with the work from the classes that you missed."

Sunset nodded as she stood up, making sure to grab her backpack, it wouldn't do if she were excused from school only to have to come back because she forgot something.

"Thanks a lot Principal Celestia."

Celestia bobbed her head in acknowledgement, a smile adorning her face. Sunset had her hand on the doorknob before she looked back to address her.

"You know you should really give Raven a raise."

The principal chuckled lightly before replying, "I know, I know, but the budget simply doesn't allow it."

--

Sunset Shimmer let out her third annoyed groan in just as many minutes. She never realized how agonizingly boring it was waiting around at home with nothing to do. Usually at this point in the day she was getting ready to hang out with her 'friends'. For obvious reasons that was out, and she wasn't going to risk messing around on her phone while the whole Anon-A-Miss thing was still going on.

She just hoped that whoever it was that was supposed to bring her her schoolwork would be here soon. It had been about 10 minutes since school let out and she didn't live much further away than that, give or take a few minutes for traffic. As if on cue the doorbell sang its cheery tune.

Sunset metaphorically, and literally, leapt up at the prospect of having something to break the dull monotony of just sitting around for hours on end. She rushed over to the door and yanked it open replacing the sight of rich mahogany wood with bright mint green.

Upon inspection she realized that the one standing on her doorstep was none other than Lyra Heartstrings which surprised her. Sure Lyra had always been a rather nice person she'd also been a little bit of an airhead and wouldn't be the first person Sunset would figure entrusting a task like this to.

"Lyra?" she questioned, "You're who Celestia sent?"

"Nope!" she said cheerily popping the 'p' then sidestepped to reveal the beige colored teen standing behind her. It wasn't hard to figure out that it was Bon Bon who'd been tasked with the job of delivering her schoolwork. She had always been the more sensible friend? girlfriend? Sunset was never really able to figure out what their connection to each other was.

"Hey." Bon Bon spoke blandly, waving at her. Sunset waved awkwardly back before an uncomfortable silence settled.

"So," Sunset broke the silence, "Do you guys wanna come in?"

"Sorry," Bon Bon apologized, "I have to open up shop in a little bit, I just came here to give you these."

"Oh," Sunset's head drooped as she accepted the stack of paper that was offered to her.

Bon Bon and Lyra shared a look before Bon Bon sighed and addressed Sunset, "Hey, do you- do you want to come over to my place?"

Sunset's face lit up before it fell again.

"Are you sure it's okay? Am I going to cause you any trouble?"

Bon Bon half snorted, half chuckled in response.

"Not any more than Lyra does. I love the girl but I swear she knows just how to get on my nerves."

"Well... If you're sure."

"I am." she confirmed.

"Alright, just let me grab a couple of things."

Sunset quickly stuffed the packet she got into her backpack before tossing it over her shoulder and pulling her phone off the charger. She wasn't planning on using it, but it never hurt to have it on her in case she needed to get in contact with someone. Nothing else coming to mind she makes her way back to her front door and joins the two teens.

"Shotgun!" Lyra cried out as she raced towards the parking lot.

"I swear she does this every time." Bon Bon says, rolling her eyes.

"I don't mind. I'm just glad to be out of there, you have no idea how annoying it is being cooped up for so long."

"I think I do. More than you know."

"What was that?" Sunset inquired, not quite catching what it was that Bon Bon had just mumbled.

"Nothing."

Sunset didn't feel like it was nothing but shrugged anyways, who was she to pry after all? Upon reaching the car she could see Lyra already situated in the front right seat of the four-door. Sunset quickly slid into the back left seat while Bon Bon strapped herself into the driver's seat.

"Everybody have their seat belt on?" Bon Bon questioned rhetorically while cranking up the car. A cursory glance at her passengers confirmed that they were both wearing their seat belts and she backed out of her parking spot before getting on the road.

"So, how're things? Good?" Lyra queried only to receive a blank stare from Sunset. "Duh, of course not!" she exclaimed, smacking her forehead with her palm, "The whole Anon-A-Miss thing!"

Sunset continued to stare at Lyra who continued to stare at her. A few seconds was all she could take of staring at each other silently so she chose to change the subject.

"So what kinda store does Bon Bon work at?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot, not everyone knows." Lyra said sheepishly, "Bon Bon actually owns her own little candy shop! It's really cool, you should really try her caramel squares they're to die for!"

"Lyra." Bon Bon called to her.

"And don't even get me started on her handmade chocolates, you wouldn't believe how many people order from her on Valentines. Personally I'm a fan of her white chocolate."

"Lyra." Bon Bon called again, a little louder.

"Oh, and her bonbons, heh Bon Bon's bonbons I still can't get over that, anyways her bonbons are-"

"Lyra!"

"What?" Lyra shot a questioning stare at Bon Bon.

"You're doing it again."

"Oh, sorry," Lyra apologized, her face flush with embarrassment, "I have a habit of going on rants sometimes, it makes it hard for me to make friends because I usually end up overwhelming them."

"It's fine," Sunset reassured her, "I think if I can handle Pinkie Pie then I can probably handle anything."

"Thanks."

Sunset sent Lyra a questioning stare.

"For what?"

"Like I said it can be hard for me to make friends so thanks for giving me a chance."

"It's no problem. If anyone knows anything about chances it'd be me. Besides those other people don't know what they're missing out on."

"Thanks." Lyra said again, this time smiling gently, and in the rear view mirror she could see Bon Bon grinning.

"So tell me more about the shop."

--

It had been about 30 minutes since they had reached 'Bon Bon's Sweets Shop' which she had to admit, the alliteration was catchy. In that time she'd completed the pamphlets of worksheets that Bon Bon had brought her from her remaining classes. Sunset had spent that entire time trying to figure out how to breach the subject.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead." Bon Bon told her, leaning on the counter. She'd had a few customers come in, but it was mostly quiet right now.

"H-How... How do you know I'm not Anon-A-Miss?"

Bon Bon let out a slow sigh. She'd been wondering when this topic would come up.

"To be entirely honest? I don't."

Upon hearing that Sunset lowered her head slightly, but Bon Bon made sure to maintain eye contact.

"That being said I'm a firm believer of innocent until proven guilty. Plus if I hadn't given Lyra a chance I would've never met my best friend, and you're giving her a chance too so the least I can do is return the favor."

"Thanks." Sunset thanked her, a genuine smile on her face for the first time since this whole Anon-A-Miss business had started. "I've been wondering actually. Best friend? So you guys aren't? Y'know?"

Bon Bon shook her head before answering, "No, I can understand why you'd think that though. We're a lot more touchy-feely than most people, but I don't really have time for romance and I'm not even sure Lyra thinks of me like that."

"Have you ever talked to her about it?"

Sunset didn't think she'd ever seen Bon Bon embarrassed before which made her completely unprepared for just how cute she looked when her face turned tomato red.

If Lyra doesn't snatch her up I just might.

"No, like I said I don't exactly have the time and I don't want to make our friendship awkward if I bring it up and she's not interested."

"I think you should. If there's one thing I've learned it's that if someone really is your friend then they'll stick by your side no matter what."

"Thanks," she said, looking more relaxed now, "I think I just might."

Before Sunset could continue the conversation the store's bell chimed, signaling that someone had entered. She turned her head to see who had entered, but the instant pink entered her vision it felt like her heart had stopped. It seemed like Pinkie Pie had yet to notice her and had bound over to the counter.

"Heya Bon Bon! I'm here to pick up my order!"

"Gotcha. Lyra Pinkie's here!"

"'Kay, I'll be out in a second."

Pinkie nodded before allowing her eyes to roam around the room in search of something interesting. When her eyes met Sunset's her signature smile dropped into a scowl.

"What are you doing here you- you secret stealer?!"

Sunset couldn't bring herself to meet Pinkie's eyes so she lowered her gaze.

"Well? Are you here to steal Bon Bon's secret's too? Well I won't let you you meanie pants!"

Sunset felt her throat run dry. What could she say? They wouldn't believe her, didn't want to believe her. Thankfully she didn't have to, someone else came to her defense for her.

"Shut. Up."

Both Pinkie and Sunset looked in surprise at Bon Bon who had a grimace on her face.

"W-What?" Pinkie stuttered.

"You heard me."

"You're defending her?!" Pinkie demanded.

"You might be my best customer, but I won't stand here and let you insult my friend like that. So either shut up and pay for your order or get out of my store."

Pinkie glowered at Sunset Shimmer, but stayed silent as she pulled a bill out of her wallet, slamming it on the counter. Bon Bon took it and exchanged it for a few more bills and some coins just as Lyra came out of the back room carrying four boxes that she set on the counter.

Pinkie hastily grabbed her change and the boxes before storming out of the store. Sunset felt her throat dry again, but this time for a different reason.

"Did... Did you really mean that? Am I your friend?"

"Well, I may not have really known you for long, but yeah I'd say we're friends."

This time Sunset was unable to stop the flow of tears from her eyes. She thought that she'd been strong enough to handle this, after all she'd been alone once before she could do it again. But she'd been wrong, just like she'd been wrong last time too. Nothing good came of trying to deal with things on her own.

She didn't know how long she sat there, but she was brought out of her reverie by the feeling of a warm body and arms wrapping around her.

"You looked like you needed a hug." Came the mint girl's voice from behind her.

Sunset felt a smile worm its way onto her face as she dried her tears on her sleeves.

"I did, thanks."

"Why don't we go ahead and change the topic to something else." Bon Bon spoke, "Actually I've gotta ask, your apartment looked pretty nice, but I know you're not exactly from around here and you don't exactly seem like the kinda person who's worked a lot, no offense, so where do you get your money from?"

"First of all, no offense taken, second of all you're right. Before coming to this world I was the personal student of Princess Celestia so I didn't exactly need to work to put food on the table. Then when I came here I ended up taking a few bits with me. Bits are our currency, they're coins made of gold so you can guess how I got started up in this world."

"I suppose that makes sense." Bon Bon voiced, "But unless you had a mountain of them that money's not going to last forever. What are you planning to do when it runs out?"

Sunset rubbed her neck sheepishly before answering, "Actually it already did. I actually had a job before the whole, y'know, incident, but I quit before the Fall Formal. After all what was the point of having a job in this world if I was just going to go back to my own?"

Bon Bon glanced past her to Lyra, holding a silent conversation with her.

"How much do you have left?" Bon Bon questioned.

"Thankfully I have enough to keep me going for a few more months, but I've been looking for a job. Unfortunately it seems like most stuff is already taken right now, and most part time jobs aren't exactly available during the winter months."

Bon Bon glanced at Lyra again before settling back on her and asking a single question, "Do you know how to work a cash register?"