Author's Note

Woooo new story, I’ve had this idea bouncing around my head for almost a year now, so one day I was just like “Hey, why not?” This story is going to be a bit more mature than my other story but I really wanted to get out of my head. Just as a warning this story will bring up topics of depression, self-harm, violence, and bullying. I’m so sorry if it brings up any bad memories and if it gets too intense take break for as long as you need, I know for me its always tough to read stories like this. Take care of yourself and I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1 New Beginnings

Come on, Sunset get up, Sunset Shimmer chanted in her head. This wasn’t the first time she had this little morning routine and it wouldn’t be the last. Get up. She wasn’t really tired, far from it actually, Sunset had spent the entire night tossing and turning. What little rest she got was constantly interrupted by her waking up and then laying awake for hours, all together she probably got two hours of actual sleep.

After what felt like an eternity Sunset finally rolled out of her large bed sluggishly. It was about five in the morning but this was about just as late as she could sleep in without oversleeping until 1 PM. School didn’t start until 8 AM but the least she could do was get ready. Despite dragging her feet, Sunset went on about her usual morning routine; taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and struggling to pick out an outfit. She could be proactive at times but she was far from perfect.

Sunset had narrowed it down to about two outfits, her usual leather jacket, a simple magenta shirt with a reddish sun design, and an orange skirt or a new outfit she had bought on a whim. She shuddered looking at her old clothes.

“Ugh, definitely not that one, way too many bad memories.” She cringed, grabbing the new outfit.

The new outfit was definitely more appealing as it included a comfortable pair of jeans instead a tight skirt. Not only that but she had heard somewhere that blue is a more trusting color and she didn’t want to scare anyone off with the Rocker Chick look she sported in the past. That is not who she was anymore and she wanted every part of her to reflect this new change.

Sunset stared intently at herself in the mirror giving herself one final check before leaving her apartment. Sunset Shimmer was 5’10, another thing she despised about herself mostly because in the past she used her height to intimidate others. She stared deeply into her cyan eyes which used to be cold and cutting but now they just looked empty and exhausted. Her tanned skin, which was normally slightly darker but now looked paler as she spent more time indoors, stood out when compared to the cooler colors she was wearing. The only really distinct thing about herself that didn't mind was her hair, it was a bright, fiery red with yellow highlights.

What are you trying to prove with all this fake shit? Sunset tried to ignore the growing doubt eating away at her semi-good mood. She swallowed her fear and grabbed her bag and keys. Sunset spared one final glance at her apartment before heading to the bus station. She whispered self-affirmations to herself while walking to stop by her house. I can do this, I don’t need that stuff. I can get through the day. Sunset put on her headphones and flipped to the happiest playlist she had on her phone while she waited for her bus.

“Fluttershy, it’s time to get up.” Fluttershy’s mother soft voice shook her awake.

Fluttershy’s eyes peeled open slowly. She yawned and sat up, stretching her arms. Fluttershy scanned her bedroom looking for her mother. She stood in her doorway, most of her body hidden by the door.

“I h-hope you had a g-g-good night’s rest, b-b-but breakfast is r-ready.” Her mother managed out with a shaky voice.

Fluttershy sighed deeply but forced a fake smile.

“Okay, Mom, thank you. I’ll see you in the kitchen.”

Her mother nodded and fled to the kitchen. Fluttershy dropped the smile and stared at her empty door. I guess that’s still happening, Fluttershy thought sadly. Fluttershy grabbed the clothes she left out last night. A cerulean blue dress with lace sleeves and was decorated with various shades of pink butterflies. She laced up her pink, heeled sandals and headed to the kitchen.

Fluttershy was greeted by the sight of her two parents and table full of delicious looking breakfast food. Her father was already eating breakfast while her mother applied the finishing touches to the meal. Guessing by her brother’s absence he was already on his way to his school, he probably didn’t want to sit through the awkward display. Fluttershy piled food onto her plate in total silence, praying her parents would read the mood and know she didn’t want to talk.

Apparently this was too much to ask for as her mother cleared her throat signaling her husband. He looked up from his plate and glanced at Fluttershy. Realization lit up his face and he swallowed his food.

“So Fluttershy,” he began desperately trying to think of something to talk about, “is that a new outfit?”

“No, I just haven’t worn it until now.” Fluttershy responded simply.

“It’s looks great on you.”

“Thank you.”

Silence. Fluttershy chewed on a piece of toast. Please just drop it, we don’t have to talk, Fluttershy pleaded silently.

“Dear, about what happened...” her mother began.

“Mom, please can we just eat breakfast in peace today.” Fluttershy begged.

She didn’t want to even think about what happened, especially in the morning before school. Literally any other time would be better but how could she be expected to have a good day after this.

“We’re just worried, dear. Maybe you should talk to someone at school.” Her father added, a placing a hand over his wife’s.

“I really don’t want to talk about this right now.” Fluttershy stated.

“But Fluttershy...”

Fluttershy stood up, pushing her chair out. She put her eggs and bacon on two slices toast and wrapped it in a napkin.

“Thanks for the food Mom, it was great.” Fluttershy headed to the front door.

“I’ll drive you.” Her father offered.

“I’ll walk, see you guys later.” Fluttershy waved to her parents and left her house.

She inhaled the chilly autumn air, trying to calm herself. Her mind kept flashing to her mother’s fearful expression, she would never get used to it. Fluttershy never understood how some people could live with the knowledge that their parents were afraid of them, it was the worst feeling ever. How could anyone stand this? she pondered, taking the shortest possible route to school. She closed her eyes trying to push the look on her parents’ faces out of her head.

Fluttershy’s past was going to follow her forever, it was almost comical that a few minutes was going plague her for the rest of her junior and senior year. So much for a fresh start.

Rarity was jerked awake by the shrill ringing of her alarm clock, startling her out of her reoccurring nightmare. No matter how many times she had it she would never get used it. Her back was slick with sweat, causing her silk pajamas to cling to her skin. She threw off her blankets and immediately hopped in the shower. Luckily, she set an early alarm and could move at her leisure.

With the exception of the warm water gushing from her shower, her house was completely silent. Normally this would comforting but now she felt isolated like every person disappeared off the face of the Earth. The shower did little to help calm her nerves but at least she felt cleaner. Rarity wrapped herself in a towel and sat at her alabaster vanity. She applied arctic blue eyeshadow and put on her false eyelashes, this was pretty much the extent of the makeup she put on in the morning. It was just enough to stand out but not enough to cause too much attention.

Come on Rarity, you’re practically begging for it.

Rarity froze from the sudden memory. Her breathing pitched up and her hands began to shake. She gripped her vanity for support as she waited for the wave of fear to wash over.

Minutes ticked by agonizingly slow but eventually her breathing went back to normal. I will not let this conquer me, Rarity reminded herself, hauling herself to her feet.

She walked to her drama couch where she had laid out her newly created outfit. A purple pencil skirt with sky blue flared top adorned with diamond shaped designs. She worked incredibly hard on this outfit because no matter what school she went to first impressions matter and she was dead set on making a good one.

After changing she walked to her kitchen and put on a pot of coffee. While it brewed her mind began to wander, what kind of school would she be going to? Had she had the choice Rarity would have went to Crystal Prep Academy, not only was it extremely prestigious but any college would accept her without a moment’s hesitation. Unfortunately she didn’t get to have the luxury of choice when it came to choosing a new school, she had to just cast out a wide enough net and pray that anyone would accept her.

Her record was probably a mess with suspensions and near expulsions that only a school like Canterlot High would want someone like her. Even her parents didn’t want to deal with her. This beautiful house that they rented for her was basically a large prison cell, she could still remember their proposition to her after she was expelled from her old school.

“You have to believe me, I promise didn’t do any of this.” She pleaded to her parents.

Her mother and father glanced up from the letter her teacher had written explaining what happened. “Honey, at least three teachers saw you do it.”

“Well they’re lying, I would never do anything like this.”

“Rarity,” Her father continued, “maybe you didn’t mean to but the man has scars all over his face.”

“And that bastard deserved it. You don’t even want to hear my side of story.” Rarity snapped.

“You have been getting into fights more often at that school.” Her mother explained.

“I can’t believe you two right now.” Rarity gaped in disbelief.

“I’m just saying, maybe you should stay in the summer home for a while. It’s closer to your new school and you can spend some time alone.” Her father nodded.

Rarity’s jaw dropped. “You’re trying to get rid of me. You don’t want to deal with me anymore and you’re getting rid of me.”

“Come on, dear. That’s a bit overdramatic.” Her mother rolled her eyes.

She didn’t disagree, she just didn’t want to be the one to say it. Rarity recalled pouring her coffee into a thermos. She added cream and sugar while checking her phone. Rarity saw no new notifications more times than she could count. At least her parents were constant in their total disregard for her existence. Rarity laughed humorlessly and grabbed her bag and keys.

She locked the front door and push unlock on her car remote. All her time working in Ms. Hemline’s store had finally allowed her save enough to finally afford an used car although she had to skip her trips to the spa. It wasn’t much just a small white sedan but it was very reliable carting her from work to home for the entire summer.

Her cellphone vibrated shocking her out of her thoughts. Probably another update notification. she thought glumly but still checked it regardless.

Hey sis just checking in, I hope you have a good day at school. Love you. Rarity smiled at the text message. Sweetie Belle, her light at the end of the tunnel. She grown much more mature since she entered the 8th grade and was the only person who believed her after her expulsion.

Rarity texted back a response and an ‘I love you’ keeping it simple as Sweetie probably texted her from class. With a newfound smile she started her car. Maybe today won’t be so bad.

Pinkie pulled up her new white tights, she wanted to experiment with new looks so she picked a more simplistic outfit. She winced feeling the material rub against a healing wound. There was a quick knock on the door before it creaked open, revealing her older sister.

“Pinkie, are you okay I heard you wince.” Maud Pie asked in her usual slow and measured tone.

Pinkie offered a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Maud, just bumped into a scar.”

Maud made an unreadable face and closed the door. Pinkie’s smile fell, she hated seeing her sister worry like that but no amount of words could repair the trust she had broken. The only thing she could do was be open and honest with her sister and just hope that one day she would forgive her.

Pinkie frowned and grabbed her bag. She walked uncharacteristically slow and went into the kitchen. Maud ate her breakfast in total silence barely acknowledging her sister’s entrance.

“Hey Maud.” Pinkie greeted, taking her seat at the table.

Maud nodded, not looking up her book.

“So I start school today I was thinking maybe later you could stop by the diner for dinner.” Pinkie offered hopeful.

“I have to work overtime at the University tonight.”

“Oh.” Pinkie looked down, poking at her breakfast.

“Are you going to be okay here by yourself?” Maud asked seriously.

Pinkie nodded, chewing her cereal slowly. Silence took ahold of the kitchen again.

“I’m so sorry.” Tears leaked from Pinkie’s eyes.

“Don’t tell me, show me.” Maud responded not missing a beat.

Pinkie didn’t answer, finishing her food without a word.

After breakfast the Pie Sisters walked to their family’s car. Despite the non-conversation, Pinkie was kinda excited to be back in a school. No matter what kind of school it is, it’s a chance to make new friends, Pinkie smiles and put on her seatbelt.

Rainbow Dash zipped up her hoodie as she arrived at her new prison called Canterlot High School. She left home hours earlier but chose to linger around the coffee shop to waste some time. Rainbow never felt so restless in her life, normally when got like this she would go a run. But that was no longer an option.

Rainbow groaned as she walked up the stairs to the school. Of course no one else would be here who would want to go to a shitty school like this by choice. She wished her parents would let her just let her get her GED from home, it’s practically the same anyway. What did two years of school matter anyway, half of this crap she isn’t going to need anyway.

The worst part was that she wouldn’t be able to try out for any sports clubs even though she would be able to stop CHS from getting murdered from those snobby Crystal Preppers. She growled at the thought of that school especially since a certain yellow haired bitch goes to that school.

Rainbow opened the front door deciding to explore the place she would spend all of her precious time in. The school wasn't exactly awful, it was actually pretty nice. It had a computer lab, a huge library (not that she cared), and lots of different kinds of classrooms. However, the thing that caught Rainbow Dash’s attention was the enormous track field outside the building. It looked so level and had synthetic track surfacing, even at her old school the track was just grass. Even better the track look like it had been recently to ensure the athletes wouldn’t run on a run down track.

I have to get a closer look, Rainbow thought pushing the doors open. She could smell the plastic smell from a newly applied track, it was strange but she loved it. After getting high from the new track smell, Rainbow finally noticed a jogger running laps on the field. She must have caught on her last lap because the slowed down to stop. She grabbed her towel and water and began her trip towards Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow panicked. Oh god, what do I do! What do I do! She was going to look like a creepy stalker who just watched a girl jog in complete silence for almost two minutes. Just play it cool, Dash. Rainbow nonchalantly leaned against the nearest to the door.

“Sup.” She greeted as the jogger girl approached.

“Howdy.” The girl answered politely.

Since the girl had gotten much closer, Rainbow could finally get a good look at her. This girl was crazy hot! She was taller than Rainbow Dash (which wasn’t saying much as she was 5’3) and despite appearing to be a runner she had a pretty nice rack. She had pretty blonde hair tied back with a red tie, her eyes were brilliant emerald green that reflected kindness and wisdom, adorable little freckles that littered her cheeks and the bridge of her nose, and a bright smile that blinded Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, I haven’t seen ya around school before you must be new. I’m Applejack.” Applejack wiped her hand off on the towel and extended her arm for a handshake.

“Right...yeah I’m Rainbow Dash.” She responded dazed reciprocating the handshake.

Applejack squeezed the life out of Rainbow’s hand but of course not wanting to lose face she hid the pain. Applejack went on about the school and how the reputation was exaggerated by outsiders but Rainbow could barely focus. Applejack was only wearing a sports bra and a pair of shorts that had no business being called clothing. Her outfit exposed her toned stomach and her legs. Applejack’s legs were amazing, long and muscular showing her years of training. They looked like they could kick a tree down with just a few hits.

“So you wanna run track?” Applejack’s voice snapped Rainbow from her lustful thoughts.

“Huh?”

“Well Ah jus’ figured ya did ‘cuz ya walked to the track field on your first day.” Applejack explained, chuckling lightly.

“I used to run but now...I can’t.” Rainbow stated simply, looking away from Applejack.

Applejack didn’t push and changed the subject. “Since y’all are new and all, did ya need a guide around campus.”

“Nah, dont worry it about I already looked around the school.” Rainbow waved dismissively.

“Well alright then Ah’ll see ya around school.” Applejack waved and walked to the showers.

Rainbow watched her figure disappear around a corner, totally not staring at her ass or anything. You know what maybe this school won’t be so bad.

Monday morning 8 AM

Sunset’s Homeroom class was suspiciously small she knew that this was a last chance school but six students was just ridiculous. The five other students were all girls and just based on the varying outfits their personalities were completely different. There was a girl with wild and poofy pink hair, her adorably bubbly outfit and excited smile just screamed happy-go-lucky bordering on a manic pixie dream girl personality. Their eyes meet, the pink haired girl waved happily her smile growing even wider. Sunset offered a polite smile but just couldn’t match the girl’s energy, she couldn’t really help it Sunset was currently in ‘low energy mode’.

The other girl was the walking definition of prim and proper. She had by far the darkest skin color of anyone in the room but everything from her cooler azure eyes to her choice in colors complimented it perfectly. Her luxuriously curled purple hair and meticulously ironed clothes hinted at a fabulous but still practical lifestyle. Sunset was no fashion expert but considering the fact that she had never seen this outfit in any stores the girl must have made it herself. If she ever worked up the confidence, Sunset would compliment this girl’s sense of fashion. This girl carried herself with a sense of dignity and sat quietly waiting for their teacher.

The next girl had pink hair like the first girl but hers was a much lighter shade and was bone straight only being curled on the ends. She had pale white skin that almost made look like a ghost her behavior added to this comparsion as she seemed to blend in the background. Her demeanor was very demure, she barely looked in anyone’s direction let alone making eye contact. They shared similar eye color but this girl’s eyes were filled with worry. Just looking at this girl made Sunset want to protect her.

This next girl had bright rainbow colored hair but considering that Sunset had meet people with three toned hair, rainbow colored hair was just the next step up. Her expression was a mix of boredom and frustration, compared to other girls she was by far the easiest to read, she pretty much wore her emotions on her sleeve. Just by looking at her Sunset could tell she was a really relaxed and cool person. However, despite appearing to be a tomboy she clearly took a lot of time picking out her outfit.

The final girl had blonde hair topped with a brown Stetson. She was wearing worn blue jeans, a red polka dot flannel, and a pair of brown cowboy boots. This girl was by far the most mature looking person in the room, she had this kinda big sister air to her. She seemed like the kind of person who would give great advice. Her aura was so calming and reassuring Sunset felt like some of her worries were fading away just by being near this girl.

Finally, their teacher walked into the room slamming the door incredibly hard making everyone in the class to jump. The teacher was a very short, thin man he had inky black hair that was thinning in the center of his scalp. He wore a black suit and tie that looked like it was carefully ironed because there wasn’t a single crease on it. His dark eyes darted around the class taking in his tiny amount of students. He wore a constant frown that looked like it hadn’t cracked in decades.

“All right students, I’m your homeroom teacher. My name is Mr. Smith.” Mr. Smith stood directly in front of the chalkboard.

"I want you to know ahead we will not be friends or acquaintances. Our relationship will be one of a teacher and a student, nothing more. Understood?" Everyone nodded silently.

"Good, now let's move one to roll..."

Never has thirty minutes seemed so long in Sunset's life, if tortoises somehow got the ability to speak they wouldn't speak as slow as that man. For fuck's sake it's just a Homeroom class; you just take roll, try to finish any homework you left to the last minute, and just try not to break anything. What kind of teacher gives you homework in Homeroom? Sunset questioned while heading to her next class. It was a Biology class one she was actually looking forward. Although she didn't look it Sunset actually enjoyed school, it was always so much fun to prove it to those high and mighty prep school kids just how smart she actually was. However she wasn't as smart as certain purple-haired, glasses wearing girl who used to go to school with Sunset, hopefully she was doing much better than the last time Sunset had seen her.

I don't want to hear your fake apology, just leave me alone! A weight like a lump of cold lead felt like it was sitting in the pit of Sunset's stomach. Her throat felt dry and she sighed heavily, she just wanted to go home. Sunset stopped in the middle of the hallway, she grabbed the wall for support feeling her breathing quicken.

Um...excuse me? a small voice shook Sunset from her self-depreciating mood.

Sunset looked up to be greeted by a pair of concerned eyes, it was the sweet looking pink haired girl who was in her homeroom. She approached her, Sunset assumed her shy exterior that it would take a miracle and a lot of sweet talking to make her comfortable enough to speak.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Sunset lied, trying to fix her posture and tone to sound more convincing. The girl didn't look convinced in the slightest.

"Anyway," Sunset carried on, hoping to alleviate the awkwardness, "I'm Sunset. Sunset Shimmer."

The girl blushed and hid her eyes behind her bangs. "I'm Fluttershy..."

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"My name is Fluttershy."

Sunset guessed this was probably as loud as she was going to get. Just roll with it, Sunset. This is the first real social interaction in almost a week, don't screw up.

"So, do you have Biology too?" Sunset desperately trying to keep the conversation going.

Fluttershy nodded.

"Do you like it?" Sunset offered a shaky smile.

Fluttershy's eyes lit like a Heart's Warming tree. "Oh yes, I've loved biology for almost my whole life. I just find it so fascinating the way that knowing how the cells function can explain what's happening to the body. Just knowing that without oxygen muscles produce lactic acid can help reduce cramps can help athletes and anyone who has trouble when going for a run."

"Really?" Sunset remarked, surprised by Fluttershy's sudden shift in behavior.

"Yeah, but what I really love is Zoology. Animals are just so fascinating. Did you know there is a species of jellyfish that is basically immortal, I was reading..."

Fluttershy might as well as be having a conversation with a brick wall for all that Sunset added instead she just walked dumbfounded with Fluttershy to their shared Biology class. Despite not adding anything to their "conversation", Sunset had a big smile on her face. There's always something so beautiful about watching someone talk about their passions, just watching Fluttershy wave her arms excitedly while talking about various animals. For some reason seeing someone else happy helped alleviate the weight that was sitting inside of her, maybe being near others would help more than the medicine. This just proves it, I never needed any of that anyway. They just put me on that because they didn't know how to deal with me. Sunset smirked and followed Fluttershy into their class.