“From the ashes, a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring…” — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Sunset ended the day quite pleased with herself. She was leaving this school behind, smoldering in its ashes though only metaphorically. Perhaps she should start finding metaphors that had nothing to do with fire. Once again, Flash drove her home. If he knew that all the recent chaos was because of her, he said nothing.

“I texted Dad at lunch. He said he has a couple of cars for you to paint on Sunday, and your old overalls are still in the garage.”

“All right, I'll text you Sunday morning. Do you think we would have enough time to play? It’s been ages since last time.”

“I’m sure we can make time. Still collecting guitars?”

“Yup, they’re all along my wall leading to the bed. They look awesome up There.”

“Sweet. Maybe you should bring over a different one every time you come over. I’d love to see them.”

Sunset was thankful he hadn’t asked to come inside. “Sure thing.”

The next afternoon Sunset dropped herself on her couch with a groan after popping a couple of pain pills. Soon she started on her on grocery shopping list, and it was back to store for her. It was simply too much of a pain in the ass to shop for herself and her neighbours at the same time. Sunset had lugged and put away numerous canned goods, potatoes, hams and turkeys, among other groceries. But at least there will be lots of leftovers to look forward to, because once again, Sunset was spending the holidays alone. Back in equestria it was the same thing, she would have a ton of Hearth's Warming presents, all bought by her father’s assistant, but no one around except for catering ponies setting up for the annual ball her parents threw. Sunset would spend Hearth's Warming in her room, listening to the music and laughter wafting up the stairs. Sunset shook her head to dispel old memories. She got up and after checking her cabinet and mini fridge, Sunset made her grocery shopping list:

Instant oatmeal
Bananas
Oranges
Brown sugar
Almond milk
Mini Chocolate bars
Ace bandages

Sunset never really liked apples, but had put that aside for who she thought was a friend. Now she didn't have to eat apples anymore. She quickly grabbed her wallet and a bag, sliding her magic journal inside. She had plans to write to Twilight while waiting for the bus. She locked up and headed out the door once again. She walked to the bus stop nearby and took a seat, got out the journal and worte to Twilight.

Dear Princess Twilight

How has your holiday been thus far? Seen any good plays? The small theater group, harmony theater, was always a favorite of mine. I hate to ask you a favor after all you have done for me. However, I really i could use a bit of help. I need you to go to my bank and fill up a bag with bits and gems. They’re worth quite a bit over on this side. College is expensive and i want to make sure I have enough. Also, a letter to my family, and drop it off through the portal along with my bank info. This of course can wait until the holidays are over. I just wanted to make sure I asked you first. Thank you in advance, I greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely, Sunset Shimmer

Sunset closed the book, put back in the bag and got on the bus. Hopefully when Twilight comes with her money, she could stay for a day or two so they might discuss moving the portal to a safer location, somewhere she wouldn't have to worry about running into people that hate her. Now at least they had a good reason to. She watched as the scenery flew by the buildings all decorated for the upcoming holiday, blanked in fresh snow. Sunset felt the bag vibrate in her bag, she quickly took it out.

Dear Sunset Shimmer

My holidays are going quite well and according to my schedule. This is my first Hearth's Warming in my new castle, so the whole town came to decorate it. There was lots of carols, hot cider for the adults and hot cocoa for the little ponies along with presents. It was a magical evening filled with laughter, joy and friendship. The foals and fillies from Ms. Cheerilee's class will be putting on their own play this year. The girl’s younger sisters will be in it. How about you, Sunset? Do you have any plans? Any news on the anon-a-miss front? I would be more than happy to help you out. Are you sure you don't want to come home? I could talk to Princess Celestia for you if you want. After all, if it hadn't been for you, we would have lost during the fiasco with the sirens. Is there anything else you need from Equestria?

Have a wonderful hearths warming.

Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Sunset had to once again evade the topic of the girls. Her prior companions were a topic she needed to avoid with Twilight. Thankfully winter break was quite long so there was less of a chance of running into any of her former classmates. She really didn't want to deal with the headache that would come with it. Sunset got off the bus and worte to Twilight before heading inside.

Dear princess Twilight sparkle

You really don't need to talk to Princess Celestia about me coming back save yourself the trouble. Besides while i do miss somethings mostly magic and my books this place has become home to me these last few years. I was wondering if we could figure a way to move the portal. It might be safer that way since I'm leaving the school. don't want to risk it being destroyed or discovered by the wrong sort. I'll drop the stuff off tomorrow evening i'll let you know when i'm headed over.

Sincerely Sunset shimmer

Sunset closed the book and put in her bag and grabbed a basket. She rather like the co-op. It was relaxing and the smell reminded her a bit of the open market in lower canterlot. You never knew what treasures could be found thire. Once sunset found a copy of Sunshine Sapphire’s juranel. It had been filled with strange spells she had memorized. Sunset finished her shopping and headed for the bus stop after paying. Sunset could just make out male voices they sounded familiar as she got closer she could see four figures. Three men and one female. Hoops, score, and dumbbell why was it always those three. Hoops had his hand wrapped around what seemed to be one of the sirens arms. The blue one with the ponytail. Sonta if she wasn't mistaken.

“where do you think your going bitch. Were not done with you yet . Right boys? “ They all chuckled. Their intent was obvious and it disgusted her.

“Let me go! P-please let me go! “ Sunset watched Sonata try and break out of their grasp as Score grabbed her other arm.

Sunset knew she had to do something but three against one was odds she didn't agree with. Luckily she had a friend who could help she quickly and quietly took out her phone to text Flash.

SS-hay flash need backup on Elm St. bus stop
FS- wht did u do?
SS-nothn yet
FS-k b thir n 5 dont do anythn crazy
SS-cant promise anythng
FS-ur not stuck again r u?
SS-that was 1 time! And no just hurry

She tucked her phone in her hoodie after finding the perfect youtube video. Hopefully she didn't have to use it. Hopefully they were as stupid as the appeared.

“Your hurting me! “

“Aww don't worry baby, we’ll make you feel better. “ Score told the formal siren as he shoved her to the ground.

Sunset let out a disgusted shudder. “Yo! Assholes! Shouldn't you be busy taking lunch money from kindergarteners. I mean, they are the only ones that are dumber than you three. So how about you leave the girl alone or I will make you. “

They laughed. “Oh what are you going to do about it sunbitch. Its three against one. ‘Cause you’re all alone and your friends all left you. “

“I'm not alone I called the cops and I have some very interesting pictures of the three of you and a little B&E. I'm sure the cops will love to see them. But if you leave now I'll burn the photos. Unless of course you want to go to jail. “

Sunset knew it was risky but they weren't very smart and by the look on two of their faces they believed her.

“Your lying. “ Score sneered at her.

“Dude I don't know. Is it worth the risk? “ dumbbell asked.

“Yah let's just run I don't want my balls to be forfeit. “ Hoops said panicking.

Sunset pressed play on the youtube video praying to anyone that would listen that they would fall for her bluff.

“It's the cops!! Run!!” Hoops took off like demons were after him.

“Your on your own man!” Dumbbell followed shortly after.

Score looked at her suspiciously but walked off anyway but not before getting the last word in .”I'll see you later sunbitch this isn't over.”

Sunset let her self relax and turned off the video and headed over to the siren. She held out her hand.

“Are you ok?”

Author's Note

Got some new to help edit thank you Speculore