Like a Phoenix

Chapters

A Chilly Start
Still In Hibernation
Delivery
The New Martyr on the Block
A Blossom without the Sun
Dubstep Can't Cure a Cold Heart
The Great and Humbled
Of Muffins and Cupcakes
Not Exactly Bird Brained
Staying Yourself
Finding Your Family
Staying Strong
Rising from the Ashes
Epilogue

A Chilly Start

Bitter cold swept through Sunset Shimmer’s frame as she cursed her thin clothes for failing to protect her from the winter temperatures. She let out a sigh as her breath turned to frost, tightening the grasp around the arms of her leather jacket as she waited outside the building of Canterlot High.

“Won’t be much longer and I can go inside,” She reassured herself, tugging her jacket tighter again. “Just have to wait for security to clear out.”

Another biting chill snapped at Sunset as she uncontrollably shivered once again, the cold stones against her back beginning to seep through her jacket as she did her best to tough out the feeling. Ever since this whole mess with the new Anon - A - Miss ever began the principals seemed almost lost as what to do with the situation, it was apparent they were at a loss on how to calm the student body when they’re first solution was to temporarily ramp up security for after school hours. Mostly likely to further prevent any graffiti that littered lockers and the occasional brawl that popped up during and after school. But she had little choice but to remain in the school building instead of returning to her previous lodgings in the nearby clock tower. As while it was plenty cool during the warmer seasons, as well as comfier with the gym mat she occasionally "borrowed," staying there in the current winter conditions could mean freezing herself.

Yet the worst of all of it was Sunset’s desertion by her once beloved friends. As much as she despised to admit to it, a part of herself couldn't blame them for their suspicion considering her past streak of deception and blackmailing. Yet she had hoped her work on making right for her past mistakes would have at least merited some level of trust from her companions. Though regardless, instead of being warm surrounded by the friendly chatter of Sugar Cube Corner, she was left becoming a orange popsicle outside the school building.

“Ugghhh.” Sunset let out a frustrated groan, silently cursing at the sting in her eyes causing tears to begin to well up.

“I hear that.”

Sunset snapped her head up at the sudden introduction of a new voice, her eyes meeting up with bright blue eyes attached to a soft purple skin, all obstructed by short strands of darker pink hair. A girl dressed in a deep purple uniform, one Sunset recognized as the designated Crystal Prep outfit hidden under the girl’s jacket and scarf, stared back with a slightly amused expression. But what really struck her was the small straight scar that ragged across her nose.

“I'd guess exams, but getting a better look at you I'm thinking more mini skirt and freezing temperatures.”

“Wh - what?” Sunset stuttered, her face struck between confusion and another flinch from the cold.

“The groaning, the moaning, and the sour expression on your face.” The girl said casually. “Figured it's either the snow or the final school gauntlet before winter break that was making you so miserable out here. Or the fact that everyone calls you Anon-a-Miss.”

Though she tried to suppress her surprise, Sunset couldn't help but furrow her eyebrows as she looked at the pair of neutral eyes that stared back at her.

“How?” Sunset questioned.

“Got a friend on the inside,” She replied nonchalantly, not at all perturbed by Sunset’s now slightly aggressive demeanor. “Tells me all the juicy gossip that goes on here.”

“I guess you're here to get even with me for posting something on them then.” Sunset said with little resistance in her voice. She was already plenty tired from the constant assault from the day, and all she could think about was returning to the warmer school building and to her relatively comfy book bed. “Just get it over with then.”

While she was prepared for a vile remark in return, Sunset was once again surprised when she heard a snort followed by laughter from in front of her. The girl shoving a arm in front of her face as she tried to hide her growing smile before her giggling died down.
“Trust me,” She said as she stared Sunset straight in the eye with a crooked smirk. “If I were here for that, you'd know it in an instant.”

Sunset wasn't sure whether to be relieved or unsettled by the statement, as that scar mirrored her smile as it stuck out parallel above her nose. But one thing was certain, as the girl motioned closer and climbed the stairs to stand next to her, she was far shorter than Sunset originally guessed.

“Candy Drake.” The girl stared over at Sunset.

“Sunset Shimmer.”

“Nice to meet you, Sunset. Stand outside in freezing weather often?”

“Uh, no. I'm just, waiting for my ride to get here.”

“Yeah, same, here to walk my friend home.”

“She goes to Canterlot High?”

“Yep, Dawn Blossom, you probably haven't seen her though. She's so quiet she tends to morph into the backdrop.” She smiled as she gave a small huff that frosted as she released her breath. “Probably why this Anon-a-Miss is completely overlooking her, same as the rest of the students.”

“You don't think it's me?” Sunset shot a side glance at her new acquaintance, their face not even slightly changed from its amused look.

“Pffff, who calls themselves anonymous but puts the Mystable page to their hair colors and gives it all away with their silhouette as the avatar? If you wanted to pull the strings without being noticed you blame it on someone else. It's amateur work if it's yours.” Her expression took a more serious tone as her mouth worked itself into a small sneer. “People will take any excuse to gang up on someone so they have an outlet for their feelings. Rational thought tends to get thrown out when someone’s emotions get riled up enough.”

Unsure of how to respond to Candy’s now tense stance, Sunset let the silence fall on them as she focused on the settings around them to distract herself from the cold. Though it never helped that a rather gut wrenching feeling always seemed to appear whenever her eyes scanned over the Wondercolts statue, a reminder to ask Twilight’s advice on this horrible situation.

The silence was finally broken by the sound of a ringing bell, the source soon to be discovered as Candy pulled out her phone from her jacket pocket, smiling as she stared at the screen.

“That's my que for a pickup,” She said, lifting herself from the wall and moving towards the door. “But before I go…”

“Heads up.” Sunset snapped to attention as something soft hit her face, her hands grasping at cloth as she pulled the projectile away from her face. She took in the white scarf as she could already feel her hands warm up from the garment, curiously looking over at the thrower.

“You look so cold, and since I know I probably can't convince you to take my jacket, I figured my scarf is the next best thing.” Candy said. “At least to keep some part of you warm.”

“I - I can't just take this from you.” Sunset disagreed, only for her argument to be cut short.

“I have two sister’s worth of hand me downs and presents,” Candy said. “I'd bet you by the time I see you again I'll have a whole ‘nother scarf. With pom poms.”

As her hands soaked in the heat that the fleece generated, Sunset gave a quiet sigh as she carefully wrapped the garment around her neck, basking in the comfort of new relief from the cold.

“Thanks.” She said, rubbing the scarf gently onto her cheeks to restore feeling to her numb face.

“It’s no problem.” Candy said in response, putting her hand on the door handle as she pulled it open, taking a brief pause before entering. “If you’re ever freezing your legs off in front of the school again at this time, maybe we can talk again. I could even throw in a pair of mittens, or even maybe some thick leggings if you want.”

Sunset thought about the idea before answering.

“I’ll consider it.”

“All I ask. See you around then, Sunset.”

As the door closed with a soft click behind her, Candy disappeared into the building and out of sight. Sunset waited five minutes before following after her, assured that the very least the new security would have finished with the patrol around the library by now. She absentmindedly tugged the scarf closer to her, and wandered the empty halls.

Author's Note

Some Fun Facts About Candy Drake! (You can just skip these if you're not interested, it won't affect the story at all.)

She's Asexual, sex repulsed, and Aromantic.
She's currently in a platonic but slightly romantic relationship with her mentioned friend.
She's part of the fencing team at Crystal Prep and her favorite class is Physics.

Still In Hibernation

The frosted remains of long dormant grass crunched under Sunset’s boots as she walked along the outside walls of Canterlot High. The snowed over soccer field lay to her side as her eyes wandered over the field for some place to wait out the remaining hour of lunch.

“Guess I could always retreat back to the lost archives of the library.” She mused to herself as she sauntered over to the icy bleachers. “Maybe those students finally realized I’m not returning there when they’re constantly patrolling it now.”

She hesitantly laid her hand over the steel benches and instantly regretted her actions, the cold metal froze her fingers at the touch as she reeled them away.

“Guess sitting out here is out of the question.” Sunset thought to herself, as her gaze took notice of a small grove past the field and through the trees. A small garden area currently with it’s plant residents in hibernation due to the layer of sleet cast over the vegetation and rocks. “That's odd, I don't think I ever remember there being a garden at the school.”

Curiosity overcoming her, Sunset slowly made her way over the snowy school ground and towards the empty space between the trees. The small grotto proved at least proved to be some degrees warmer than standing in the barren field, not to mention the few evergreens that remained kept the ground less frozen over than the rest of the school’s property. Settling down on the one stone bench after brushing off the snow, Sunset pulled off her backpack and retrieved her simple lunch. She ate in silence as very few birds remained in such cold conditions, and the sound of students arguing and yelling over the new Anon - a - Miss post were far from earshot.

“Despite being frozen out here, at least it’s more peaceful than being inside.” Sunset muttered to herself between bites of sandwich.

“I guess that’s one way to look at it.” A female voice came from the opening of the garden.

Looking up from her lunch, Sunset spotted another Canterlot student dressed in a light brown striped sweater, matching the shades of her green skin and darker toned hair.

“I hate seeing all the plants either dead or asleep, but it’s still a nice place to escape to.” The girl said. “I’m Wallflower Blush.”

“Sunset Shimmer.”

“I know,” Wallflower said, a hint of agitation in her voice. “Everyone at school knows who you are.”

“R-right.” Sunset stuttered, fixing her gaze back downwards. “Being a terrifying demon, a past member of the Rainbooms, and a supposed Anon - a - Miss, take your pick.”

“Is it really you though?” Looking up at Wallflower, Sunset’s gaze was met with a curious look as she realized that maybe not everyone at Canterlot High was swept up in the rumor frenzy as to rush to conclusions. “I mean, I guess you had done some pretty bad things in the past. But it doesn’t make sense why the sudden change back into a villian, if all it means is sitting alone in the cold outside.”

“I mean if I had a choice, I’d take my winter months someplace warmer.” She continued, walking over to the bench and brushing away another patch of snow as she sat down next to Sunset. She let out a sigh rubbing hands together before talking again. “But I guess the plants are the only things that ever really want me around. That sounded less lonely in my head.” She sighed again.

“I’m guessing you spend a lot of time out here then?” Sunset asked, packing the rest of her uneaten lunch away into her backpack. Her appetite didn't ever seem to be there anymore.

“I’m the president of the school’s gardening club. I also founded it, and also the only member. And up until this point the only person who's ever been here, or has asked about it.” Wallflower chuckled awkwardly.

“Guess I’m not the only lonely person at this school then.” Sunset laughed bitterly, though immediately regretted it as the silence filled in the gaps between their conversation. “Sorry, that was a bad joke.”

“It’s fine,” Wallflower snapped back sternly. “I guess I just wished I could just talk to people better. Or that someone might actually notice me for more than five seconds.”

“Well, for what it’s worth from the main suspect of being Anon - a - Miss,” Sunset said. “I’m having a good time talking to you right now. Probably one of the better moments of my week.”

In response Wallflower only tensed in her seat, her hands gripping her jeans as her face slowly contorted in a rising anger. The tranquility of the garden around them turning into an uneasy atmosphere as Sunset waited for her to make any kind of remark on her previous comment.

“Maybe we should start hea-”

“I wish it was you.” Wallflower finally outburst, her voice a hissing whisper.

“...What?” Sunset said quietly in surprise.

“I wish it was you!” The timid girl yelled, jumping out of her seat and staring down Sunset with glaring eyes. “You ignore me all the time, and you got to be so popular and loved by everyone despite you bullying everyone, and when it finally seems it showed your true nature again, it’s not even you! You’re not Anon - a - Miss and I hate you for that!”

As her voice fell and the small green enclave grew silent again, Sunset didn’t know what to make of the girl in front of her. Wallflower’s lightly heaving body towering above her seated figure was tense as her hands balled up into fists, but her expression betrayed the rest of her form as tears began to well up in her eyes. It was only a moment before she broke, the water streaming down her cheeks as she snapped her head downward in a futile attempt to hide them from her pronounced enemy.

“I’m sorry.”

Neither girl moved from their spot as Sunset’s soft spoken apology barely scratched the surface of the heavy silence.

“You don’t deserve it, any of it.” Sunset continued in hushed tones, her eyes taking a determined gleam as she dared tried to make contact with Wallflower’s glossy gaze. “I always thought I could make amends to what I’ve done, to promise myself that I’ve never hurt anyone ever again after what I did. But I guess I even messed that up.”

Gathering up her courage and wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Wallflower looked down to see the forced neutral look upon Sunset’s face and felt a pang of guilt for what she said.

“I guess I really haven’t changed after all,” Sunset continued. “So no wonder no one believes me when I tell them I’m not Anon - a - Miss. Not even my friends.” She suddenly felt something warm trickle down her cheek, but didn’t let it distract her from continuing. “Guess in the end all that talk of friendship just turned out to be built on false notions, and now it all came crumbling down.” She felt her whole start to freeze up as she realized something wet was now covering her face, reaching a hand up she realized she was crying as tears poured over from her eyes without her realizing it.

She let out another bitter laugh, “Just look at me now,” Sunset said, Wallflower’s once hard expression softening into a concerned look. “I’ve already been dethroned, now all that’s left for me is banishment.”

Whatever tears Sunset’s eyes had managed to hold back now broke their dams as she felt the sudden feeling of regret and misery hit her with a painful force. Before she knew it, she could hear her voice crying out in echoing sobs as she clenched her head in her hands. Though the last thing she had expected to do today was violently bawl in a garden out back from the school, she also hadn’t expected a warm embrace to suddenly wrap her up as she continued to cry into someone’s now damp shoulder.

Wallflower and Sunset remained clenched together for some time, before the latter could finally restrain her outbreak and even out her breathing. Her face now a red mess with strands of hair stuck to her cheeks, along with her breaths coming out in hiccups.

“I - I’m sorry.” Wallflower said, slowly letting go of the hug. “I should have realized you were feeling so miserable. I guess I was always a little jealous of you being so popular, but that doesn’t mean you deserve this. Any of of this.”

Sunset took a deep breath, calming her wheezing as she retrieved a tissue from her backpack. Wiping off her soaked cheeks, as well as rubbing at her eyes hoping they weren't too obviously puffy.

“Its,” Sunset hiccuped. “Its fine. I probably deserved this anyway. It's punishment for thinking I could move on from everything.”

“No it's not!” Wallflower raised her voice again. “You changed as a person and become better, you did things I'd always wish I could do. But just because I was maybe jealous of that didn't make it right to yell at you.” Slightly flinching as she realized she was yelling again, she lowered her voice as she continued. “You're not a bad person, I can see that clearly now. And I'd rather be quiet and forgotten than become a bully myself.”

Getting out the last of her sniffling, Sunset rubbed away at the rest of her tear stained cheeks before turning to talk to Wallflower again.

“Thanks for that, I guess.” She pressed an uneasy smile on her face. “But I am sorry if you felt I ever ignored you. It was never my intention to.”

“That's okay, most people do anyway.”

“Is that why you said you spend so much time out here?”

“Uh, yeah. I like caring for all the plants here. Or at least when they're all not in hibernation.”

“So it must be something to see in the springtime then.”

“Yeah, it's when I can start planting the marigolds. I just love seeing them in full bloom with their colors. Also…”

Sunset nodded thoughtfully along as Wallflower started to go into a long winded talk about her favorite seeds to sow, what flowers grew best, and how she wanted to compose the layout of the garden. She even found herself politely laughing along with Wallflower over a joke and being impressed with how much thought she put into making the space as beautiful as it could be.

The two had gotten so caught up in their discussion about it, they barely caught the loud echoing of the school's bell, ending their lunch period.

“Guess it's time for class.” Wallflower was the first to comment.

“At least the classrooms will be warm.” Sunset responded.

The two stood up from their seats, carefully stepping out of the garden and walked back towards the school building.

“Hey,” Wallflower broke the silence as the two continued towards the school. “If you want, you can always sit in the garden if you need somewhere quiet.”

Sunset smiled in response. “And if you need someone to talk to, my schedule is open.”

Wallflower smiled back as the two reached the doors of Canterlot High, reveling in the warmth as they entered and gave their goodbyes as they wandered into the halls.

Though still slightly cold from having sat so long outside, Sunset couldn't deny feeling just a little lighter as she bounded off to science class.

Delivery

“Delivery!”

Sunset chastised herself for having been taken by surprise for what seemed like the third time this week. But she was grateful that the face that stared her down was adorned with a big smile and bright eyes, rather than the scorning expression she had become accustomed to. A Ditzy Doo Sunset recalled, having realized the famous odd eye that she now stared into.

“Delivery?” She questioned, unsure if it was rude to stare or avoid eye contact.

“Yep,” Ditzy chirped happily in response. “For a Miss Sunset Shimmer.”

Though Sunset suspected the worst from a unmarked box being cheerfully handed to her, she found herself pleasantly surprised when she discovered a small amount of muffins carefully packed inside instead of a box full of springed snakes, or a glitter bomb. Unsure of what to make of this, she looked up to question the deliverer of whom could have sent the odd gift, but found herself suddenly alone as Ditzy was no longer in sight.

Sighing to herself, Sunset moved to inspect the baked goods first by sniffing them for anything suspicious. They smelled as normal as any muffin could, a hint of blueberries in some and a faint aroma of chocolate in others. She carefully picked off a small piece, placing it into her mouth and having no immediate need to spit out the confection, dared to take a complete bite. Though later she would chastise herself for being so careless at what she ate, she couldn’t stop herself from finishing up the pastry before eating another, before stopping herself at the promise she could save the rest for later. At the very least her stomach was grateful for the snack, and Sunset was pleasantly surprised as she faced no later illness that day due to her bingeing on unknown muffins.

It was only the day after the sudden delivery that she had been stopped in the hallways again, that same girl with the odd lazy eye brandishing another small box stepping into her pathway. That smile having never strayed from her face as she lit up in seeing Sunset, making a beeline for her box and all.

“Delivery, for a Miss Sunset Shimmer!” She chanted again, thrusting the package forward.

“Thanks.” Sunset responded, quickly taking the pastry box. “I suppose you don’t know whom these are from?”

In turn the bubbly student almost appeared shy, blushing slightly as she shifted her gaze for a moment as she talked.

“I’ve actually been sending them and delivering them myself.”

“What?” Sunset questioned, slightly shocked at the answer.

“I sometimes do deliveries for my job at a bakery, whenever there are extra uneaten pastries for the day I tend to take them home with me. But seeing you so upset lately got me thinking maybe you could have used some cheering up.” She said. “I just hope you like muffins.”

Sunset remained stunned for a moment, unsure of what to make at the sudden gesture of kindness.

“Even with everyone saying I’m Anon - a - Miss?”

“For someone posting rumours and secrets, you sure seem positively miserable. And you saved us from the Sirens too, so this can be said as thanks for that.”

“Even after I bullied you, the whole school, and everyone was scared of me?”

“I get called names all the time, it hurts but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t gotten used to it by now. Not to mention, you’re the only person to actually apologize for everything you’ve done. You seemed so upset after you were transformed back, I always thought that you’ve must have felt awful for everything after that.”

Sunset swallowed hard, biting back a small dam of tears as she mentally yelled at herself for being so choked up at the simplest of gestures.

“Thanks.” She managed to choke out.

“It’s no problem.” Ditzy happily responded. “I’ll see if I can snag anything other than muffins next time I’m working.”

And with that, she skipped off into the hallways leaving a sentimental Sunset behind. Easing her breathing out, Sunset carefully cradled the box of muffins to her chest as she braced herself for the inevitable shovings she’d get in the hallways. Though a welcome burden to ensure the pastries were prevented from being completely flattened from various trippings. And as she snacked on them after school hours it had managed to put a smile on her face as she realized she had something to look forward to in the oncoming weeks.

The New Martyr on the Block

“For the last time, I don’t need them and you’d be doing me a favor by taking them.”

Though the sun managed to shine through long enough to start it’s inevitable goodbyes to the remaining hours of the day, the remainder of snow and sleet covering the school grounds still managed to bring the temperature to a chilling feeling. As was evident by Sunset Shimmer pulling her scarf closer to her, as she argued with her new acquaintance from Crystal Prep, draped in her own pink scarf complete with a large pom pom at each end, over a thinly wrapped present.

“I just don’t feel comfortable taking this from you.”

“You’re too proud for handouts.” Candy said matter of factly.

“That’s not it, I’ve just never felt right taking things from people since…”

“Since you stopped taking it by force?”

Sunset took a deep breath, confirming Candy’s suspicions as she turned away from her.

“Look,” She started, getting Sunset’s attention. “If you wanna make up what you did that semester or two ago, you gotta learn when to accept other people’s help. It’s a healing process that includes you just as much as the other people you’ve hurt, and it starts with not being a freakin martyr, forgiving yourself, and just taking the dang gift already.” The hastily wrapped package was once again shoved towards Sunset, perhaps with more gusto than either had expected as the wrapping crumbled slightly in the process.

Reflecting on the passionate tone Candy had taken while chewing Sunset out, she supposed it might be considered rude to reject a gift for no real reason. She made a small huff of frustration, before finally accepting the soft package and carefully removing the outer layer. Her hands touched on thick material, black, knitted and sized for a feminine figure. As she moved to unravel it, she realized she held a small pair of wool leggings perhaps a little shorter than she would have initially preferred. Her hands warmed at the touch of the soft cloth, and her legs felt colder in comparison.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Start with thank you, and we can move on from there.”

“Thank you,” Sunset said. “But I don’t even know if I coul-”

“Don’t even start with that again,” Candy hastily cut her off, surely repressing a groan. “It’s a gift, accept it and leave it at that. Also go put them on, I’m freezing just looking at your bare legs.”

Though she still had it in her to argue about accepting perhaps a slightly bit more lavish gift than she was used to, Sunset bit her tongue and smiled as she disappeared into the school in search of a bathroom to try on the new addition to her outfit.

It was only a couple minutes of waiting outside the school before Candy noticed the doors open again, revealing a now cozier Sunset Shimmer with a troubled expression.

“Are you really sure it’s okay for me to have these?” She said again. “I just don’t know how comft-”

“I told you countless times, I’ve got two sisters and a mother’s worth of hand-me-downs, presents, and more. I’ve got the rest of the semester to start cleaning out my closet before I’m drowned in another span of my sister’s newest creations, as well as whatever my other sister deems too childish for her.” Candy said, a almost devilish smirk adorning her features. “Plus everything I said about learning to accept gifts and getting over yourself isn’t me just spitting out nonsense for the fun of it. So could you just give it a rest already?”

Finally seeing as all her objections remained pointless at Candy’s consistent insistence, she stopped her protesting and instead basked in the newfound warmth.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“Not just for the leggings,” Sunset continued. “But for that comment earlier. For telling me to stop being a martyr and get over myself, I didn't know I needed to hear it. But I think your right.”

“Believe me, wouldn't be saying it if I didn't believe it myself.” The next sentence was said so quietly Sunset barely caught it over the sudden wind. “And I'd have to believe it if I've been through it.”

The next few minutes were spent in thoughtful silence until the familiar chime echoed from Candy’s phone once again, and she said her goodbyes. Sunset following suit a few moments after her, happily content and warm even if the school turned off the heating for the night.

A Blossom without the Sun

Picking out a slightly squashed danish from the box of pastries Ditzy Doo had been generous enough to give, Sunset had actually felt better than she had in a considerable while as she navigated the treacherous hallways.

“Hey, Sunset - a - Miss!”

The mood vanished almost instantaneously, Sunset dragging her steps as she turned to face whomever had called out behind her. Hoops started back with a sickly smile, the small group of students pausing to stare at the event fueling him as he closed the distance between them.

Sunset remained neutral in both stance and expression, refusing to give in to his pompous attempts at intimidation. But already knowing where he was going with this call out, she carefully set her backpack aside along with the box of baked goods along the rows of lockers before fully facing him.

“Think you can just get away with putting out my test scores, huh?” Hoops smile was near sickly as his eyebrows furrowed, all part of a display of self righteous anger. The growing audience egging him on as he spotted the amused faces among the mass. “You messed with the wrong athlete.”

“I already told all of you, I'm not Anon - a - Miss.” Sunset stressed, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. “Not to mention, someone else submitted that info to be posted, I had nothing to do with it. Though I doubt we'd need photo evidence of how much of a thick skull you have.”

A few sounds of exclamation came from the crowd, as Hoops smile was swiped off his face and replaced with a deepening red.

“Your dead, Shimmer.” He bellowed as he threw a heavy punch directed at her head.

Having seen this coming considering it was the only fighting style the athlete had ever shown, Sunset had no trouble side stepping out of the way and allowing Hoops stumble forward. Unable to catch himself in time and thrown off by the weight of his strike, he ended up on the floor before recovering and beginning to pull himself to his feet.

Staring down at him for a second, Sunset’s mind automatically thought to strike while he was vulnerable. It would be easy to kick him while he was down, and maybe then he would think twice instead of snapping at her in the hallways. Her boot raised itself as he was rising, poised to attack as she summoned her strength and made to move, when suddenly…

She froze, a pair of arms reached around her midsection as the owner swirled themselves around to her side and stuck the side of their body between her and Hoops. Sunset first saw pink, the kind that still nauseated her stomach when paired with a butter yellow, slightly wavy and woven into a single braid. Next was the soft grey surrounding the two blue orbs staring at her with a passionate concern.

“Please don't,” The girl spoke. “The last thing you want is to take a trip to the principal's office.”

Having recovered from his stumble, Hoops was beginning to aim for whatever part of Sunset he could manage, only to stop as the clinging student swerved in front of her. While her first thought aimed at confusion at the sudden intrusion, her second notice was at how tall the girl was as she just towered over her in front of her.

“Don't even try and pretend to play hero here.” He said, annoyed with the sudden intrusion to the brawl. “Everyone here wants to see Sunset - a - Miss get what's coming to her.”

“And then what?” The girl said, voice noticeably trembling as Sunset could see how shakey her legs had become. “Fighting at Canterlot High is in the grounds for suspension, and can even lead to being expelled if serious enough.”

“If you have a point, I suggest you make it.”

“Vice principal Luna is already making her way over here, and who is she going to believe when we tell her who started this fight? The delinquent athlete, or the quiet girl who never causes any issues? The same thing for the rest of the people here, how many students are going to try and defend you?”

The hallway grew quiet as Hoops considered her words. Slowly lowering his arms and taking a deep breath as he his shoulders followed suit.

“What is going on here?” The loud voice of Vice Principal Luna sounded through the halls as students began to scatter themselves as to appear as if they had nothing to do with the situation. A straight path cleared as the authority figure stomped towards the three.

“Does anyone care to explain what is happening?” She questioned, her stare digging into first Hoops and then softening at Sunset.

“There was a fight,” The unnamed student stepped forward, her voice still timid at best. “Hoops and Sunset were having a disagreement.” Both subjects shot concerned and glaring looks to her as she took Luna’s full attention.

“But it was only a minor thing, and the two of them are perfectly okay and unharmed.” Sunset took note of the girl’s uneasy smile as she tried to present herself as pleasant as possible. “Some students were curious about it, but everything is alright now.” She turned and face the other two, her expression now pleading with them as Luna’s skeptical expression studied them for any sign of a lie.

“That's right,” Hoops horribly fake smile shown on his face. “Just a minor argument is all.”

“Yeah, no one got hurt.” Sunset agreed, her tone annoyed with no overbearingly cheesy smile.

“Well, seeing as no one is injured, and as Miss Blossom says that everything is settled. I suppose that the two of you are free to go.” Vice Principal Luna said, Hoops letting out a relieved sigh as she turned her gaze from him to stare at the pink haired girl. “But, if you see any other signs of trouble Miss Blossom, please do not hesitate to contact either me or my sister.”

“Of course, Vice Principal Luna.”

“Now if that is all, off to lunch you go.”

With a final air of dominance, Luna turned and walked away, looking over her back just once as she turned the corner.

Both Hoops and Blossom let out a heaving breath as soon as she was well out of range.
“You got lucky this time, Shimmer.” Hoops threatened a continually uninterested Sunset. “Just don't post anything else about me, and we won't have any more issues.” He lashed out as he stomped away into the halls, gathering numerous stares as he did so.

“Um,” The supposed Miss Blossom cowered slightly next to Sunset, still faintly shaking. “Dawn Blossom, nice to meet you, Sunset Shimmer.” She held out a hand, perhaps a little too stiffly, offering it to Sunset.

“Nice to meet you, too.” Sunset responded with a gentle handshake, a small smile forming on her face. “I think your friend has mentioned you before.”

Dawn’s eyes suddenly lit up at the mention of her companion.

“You mean Candy, right?” She spoke a little louder this time. “Goes to Crystal Prep, and says she walks me home after school?”

“Yeah, that's the one.” Sunset said, gathering her bag and picking up her thankfully safe pastries.

“She’s actually been telling me about your conversations.”

Sunset froze for a moment before facing Dawn, the expression on the girl's face showed anything but sinister as a nervous smile stuck out.

“Nothing personal, I promise!” Dawn seemed to read the sudden tension brought on, as she waved her hands in front of her to dissuade any angry thoughts. “Just that things have been hard and to keep an eye out for you.”

Sunset gave a quiet huff in response, before slowly taking off down the hallway. She heard light footsteps behind her, boots tapping on linoleum just paces away. She hadn’t bothered to glance back knowing her sudden, albeit unwanted, savior was surely following closely. White fluffled dress bouncing along with the addition of an overlaid black crop top with a skeleton rib cage for design, almost out of place with her pink polka dot leggings.

Having her semi pleasant day be nearly ruined by an unwelcome intruder wanting to boast about his own attempt at justified assault, Sunset wasn’t one to be in the mood for any new company.

“Okay, I’ll bite, why are you following me like a lost puppy?” Sunset said, perhaps a little more harshly than she would have liked, as she stopped in the hallway not even bothered to turn around.

“Oh, um,” Dawn had stuttered at first, her voice barely above the noise of student passersby as Sunset was sure the girl had flinched at her voice. “I guess I’m worried. About you, I mean.”

Sighing, Sunset willed herself to turn around, staring at a nervous face occupying it’s attention with fidgeting hands playing with a long braid. “If you’re worried about anyone else calling me out, I won’t engage with them, alright?” She tried to manage a smile, but found herself failing before dropping it altogether.

“A-alright, I guess I could just, um…”

There was an awkward pause as Sunset starred at Dawn, whom in turn had lost her sight to the ground as if she was suddenly deeply interested in the floor patterns. Sunset suppressed another sigh, determined not to outwardly groan as she forced herself to do something she was sure she would regret.

“You want to eat lunch together?”

“What?” The floor connoisseur suddenly perked up her head, looking mildly surprised at Sunset’s questioning. “I - I mean, I guess we could if you wanted to. I’m free for lunch today, just like any other day, but, um....”

“C’mon, you can protect me from any other attacks on the way to my usual spot.”

Sunset continued walking down the hall, Dawn’s footsteps always behind her as they moved. While grateful for the quiet moment of slipping through students, most of them jerking out of the way as soon as Sunset passed having fear of Vice Principal Luna still stalking around the school, she felt uncomfortable with her new acquaintance just trailing behind her the whole way. Though it mattered little if she tried to slow up as to let the girl catch up with her, as she kept stride behind her even at a snail’s pace. It also didn’t help that the majority of students watching them pass gave Sunset glaring looks, as if they made out her forcing a shy student to follow her around like a jailer and a prisoner.

“You can just walk next to me, if you want.” Sunset commented, finally having enough of an awkward encounter.

“Oh, right, sorry.” Dawn said, slowly coming up to next to Sunset as they resumed their trek.

“You know,” Sunset said. “If you’re worried about being seen with me, you don’t have to come with me to lunch.”

In return Dawn’s face had scrunched up in surprise, almost as if a realization of her what her actions intended finally crossed her mind.

“No, no, no!” She rapidly dissuaded the idea. “I’m sorry, really sorry. I just always get nervous around people, and I tend to stay behind, and I guess I just didn’t think about what that was saying.” She paused for a moment, hands rubbing each other lightly as she looked away. “Sorry, if you want to eat lunch alone I understand.”

Repressing a deep sigh, Sunset grabbed onto the girl’s hand and led her forward through the halls, the two remaining quiet only until they came to a stop fixed steps away from the back entrance of the school building. The soccer field, along with the remaining thick snow that struggled to hold on as the sun’s rays beamed down could be seen through the small windows of the door.

“I was planning to eat with a new friend today,” Sunset said, looking over at a bewildered Dawn. “It’s outside so it will be colder than here, but if you want to join us we won’t mind.”

In response the other girl seemed unsure of how to answer, but before Sunset could even suggest she’d be better off in the school, she perked up just enough to talk.

“Sure.” Dawn said, with a confidence Sunset was sure she was faking. “I don’t really mind the cold anyway. I always tell Candy I’m pretty well self insulated.” She gave a awkward chuckle, Sunset smiling politely in return.

“Alright then, there’s a garden past the soccer field that we like to sit at. Come on, I’ll show you.”

Opening the door, and being pleasantly surprised at the lack of a cold breeze not immediately hitting her, Sunset exited the building with her new companion at her back. The two crossing the fake grass in little time, rounding through the tree line and becoming enveloped in the small grove. Turning around as soon as she found a dry spot on the stone centerpiece to set her bag down, Sunset spotted Dawn settling down her own things as her eyes wandered around the area with a hint of wonder.

“I never knew this place was here.”

“Neither did I until a little while ago,” Sunset said, retrieving her box of pastries, thankfully still intact as she inspected the contents. “Danish?” She added, opening up the box towards Dawn in offering.

“Oh, thank you.” She said in response, taking the treat with a excited glance as she tore into the bread hungrily. Still twirling around slowly, gazing over the few evergreens and the small fraction of frozen plants left in hibernation.

Taking out her own and carefully nibbling at the sides, Sunset thought for a moment what to discuss before the third member of the garden party was to show. As she remembered Wallflower mentioning a possibility of being late, and she wasn’t one to revel in an uncomfortable silence the whole time.

“So how do you and Candy know each other?” Sunset asked as casually as she could manage.

Turning around from her revolving, Dawn smiled softly as she appeared to remember fond memories at the questioning.

“It’s kind of a funny story,” She said. “Though it’s not too terribly interesting, so I don’t know if you’d be interested....” She finished, trailing off again.

“Sorry if I’m prying,” Sunset broke the oncoming silence. “Guess I was just curious since the two of you seem so…”

“Opposite?”

“Well, yeah. From schools to height you two are pretty different. Especially in personality.”

“Yeah, we are kind of unalike compared to other friendships. But different doesn’t have to mean conflicting, and we have plenty in common too. I mean after all Candy likes to act tough, but we can both see she’s more than that.” Dawn looked at Sunset suddenly, the girl’s previous caution draining from her speech. “That’s why I think Candy and I aren’t afraid to talk to you, despite the your past actions, and this whole Anon - a - Miss business. We can see there's far more to you than just your past actions you've been amending for.”

With the last comment her eyes suddenly pointed downward again, the previous softness on her face turning into a anxious expression as if she feared she may have crossed a line.

“Sorry, probably shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“It’s alright,” Sunset replied. “I’m reminded of it constantly anyways, you saw a prime example in the halls today.”

“Oh, right.”

The two let the peace of the small garden envelop them, as the only sounds heard was the gentle winds and the quiet crunching of danishes. Sunset was unsure if she should break the tension, as it was a pleasant change of pace from the usual sneers and whispering she usually faced echoing from behind her, as all she had to worry about here was to listen for the school bell.

‘I should say something though,’ Sunset mused to herself, sneaking a glance over at companion whom appeared content as a small smile brushed over her features while she still was looking around. ‘It’s probably rude to make her think I’m just dragging her along out of pity.’

But before she could manage a syllable, Dawn’s voice raised itself just over the background noise.

“I had gotten lost,” She said, turning her head to smile over at Sunset. “When I met Candy.”

“First day of Canterlot High and my parents drove me here, but I said I’d walk back since they were busy.” She continued. “My phone died halfway home and I tried to remember the rest of the way, ended up at Crystal Prep and started panicking since there was no one there and I couldn’t find a payphone.” She giggled as she spoke. “Candy ended up bursting out the building and nearly scaring me half to death, and asked me if I was okay. I told her everything and she ended up walking me home, and then giving me her number so I’d never have to panic again.” Dawn gave another light hearted chuckle, before finishing. “Didn’t even question me when I showed up again at Crystal Prep the next day after school, just walked me home again.”

“So you two met because you’re phone died, and you panicked?” Sunset asked. “I’d agree it’s not the most interesting story.” She smiled at Dawn before continuing. “But it’s your story all the same, and I’m happy to have heard it.”

Sunset was sure she saw the girl’s shoulders untense themselves just slightly, as she lightly blushed before cramming another bite of her danish into her mouth and quickly chewing.

“T-thanks.” She managed between mouthfuls. “Maybe sometime you could tell me a story in return.”

“Yeah, sure.” Sunset said, though her heart panged at any narrative her mind could remember. But nonetheless she was grateful for it’s quick passing, even taking a quiet snicker at Dawn still trying to scuff down the rest of her pastry.

“Hey, Sunset, sorry I’m late.” The familiar voice of Wallflower sounded into the small enclave. As Sunset moved to greet her, and motioning for Dawn to stand beside her.

“I was just in the library, and - Hello.” Wallflower seemed surprised but thankfully unperturbed at the newest visitor.

“Hey, Wallflower.” Sunset spoke first, clasping Dawn’s hand as she pulled her forward. “This my new friend Dawn Blossom. Dawn, this is my friend, Wallflower Blush.”

Author's Note

Fun Facts about Dawn Blossom (Again you can skip these if you want)

She's demi-romantic and asexual
Her favorite foods are anything baked
She's part of Canterlot high's sewing club, and enjoys English class the best

Dubstep Can't Cure a Cold Heart

Sunset wouldn’t wish public transportation on her worst enemy.

As she sat on a uncomftorbale wooden bench waiting for a bus that may have been a complete fabrication for how long it was taking, she thought about how she almost missed having Flash Sentry around just so he could drive her places. Though she dared not think further into that, the plenty of unpacking to do in that old relationship alone was for another time. For now she just had to manage her patience in anticipation of that metal monster finally rounding the corner. This work interview was already churning her stomach in anxiety, the last thing she needed was a ill reminder of past mistakes to finish the job. After all if she succeeded in being able to work minimum wage at the local mall, confined within the task of cleaning up clothes and sorting piles, she reassured herself that it would end up leading somewhere. Hopefully an actual apartment.

“Ugh.” She moaned, moving her hands deeper into her jacket pockets. She was so intent with taking her mind off of the cold, amongst other deeply buried things, she had almost missed the telltale sign of music.

A series of steady beats, low pitched and muffled started to sound louder and louder as the sound closed in. Sunset whipped her head around to find the source, and spotted the school’s famous dubstep artist, Vinyl Scratch coming to a stop by the bench placed at the bus stop. The musician wearing her signature headphones, along with a rather puffy white coat, which would have completely blended her into the background if not for her neon highlights spaced around her design.

She shifted to the electric sounds surrounding her ears, smiling as she saw Sunset while giving a small wave in acknowledgement. Sunset did the same in return, Vinyl having been one for always being cordial to her despite whatever rumor came out.

Quickly returning her hand into her pocket, soaking up the warmth before it threatened to freeze, Sunset lost herself in her mind again. She was sure she was grimacing slightly, watching her breath icing over as she let out a small sigh, but she had not expected anyone to take notice of it. Especially not the girl who had always seemed complacent in blocking out all sounds in substitution for her own soundtrack.

Lost in thought again, Sunset nearly jumped as she realized Vinyl’s hand was waving in the corner of her vision. Looking up she saw her, and the rare sight of her headphones placed around her shoulders, looking down through magenta colored glasses with a worried smile as she pointed to Sunset before motioning confusion.

“You’re asking me what’s wrong?” Sunset guessed.

Vinyl nodded in return.

“Well beside the whole Anon - a - Miss disaster,” She said repressing another moan, she would have liked to think the whole thing would have finally blown over. But the situation only proved to be growing worse as the school seemed to be bursting with negativity, ranging from simple gossiping to all out fights. “I’m just nervous about a job interview I’m going on.”

In response Vinyl gave a thumbs up, one which Sunset took as a sign of encouragement.

“Thanks, I’m hoping for the best on this. But I guess this past week or two has had me tensed up, not the best way of walking into an interview.”

Sunset watched as Vinyl’s face turned contemplative, her features scrunching in thought before suddenly lighting up as she snapped her fingers. Reaching into her coat pocket, she retrieved a small rectangular device Sunset recognized as a music player. Scrolling through it for a moment, Vinyl carefully removed her headphones before offering it over to the fiery haired girl.

“You want me to take these?”

Vinyl nodded her head, using one hand to motion putting them on her head. Sunset followed her instructions, gently placing them onto her ears and waited for sound. In turn the DJ clicked on her device, starting a stream of electronic beats to flow forth.

While Sunset didn’t have any one particular taste in music, though arguably she had started to prefer rock after she had been able to perform against the sirens, she couldn’t deny the immediate excitement she had felt when the sudden introduction of synthetic melody graced her mind and overtook her. It was a calmer tempo than most of the musician’s regular music Sunset had overheard blasting from the DJ’s headphones, but she was grateful for that as she allowed herself to be lost within the cadence of the music.

When the song finally ended, Sunset realized that she had been silent for some time, lost in a peaceful bliss of little thought. Turning to over to Vinyl, she saw the expecting smile on her face as she waited for Sunset’s opinion.

“That was,” Sunset paused and thought of how to say what she felt. “That was just what I needed. Thank you.”

Vinyl waved her hand in a gesture of saying it was of no trouble. Accepting back the headphones as Sunset delicately removed them and returned them to their owner.

“Did you make that song yourself?” Sunset asked.

Vinyl nodded in return, standing just a bit taller than before.

“I knew you were one for music,” Sunset continued. “The whole incident with the Sirens can at least tell me that much. But I never knew you were able to write compositions like that.”

There was a hint of blush across the DJ’s face, as she simply shrugged her shoulders as if to say that it wasn’t a big deal.

“Well for what it’s worth, thanks for sharing this with me. And also for helping with the Sirens, I don’t know if we ever got to properly thank you for that.”

Vinyl nodded, a bright grin across her face. She then held up a finger to signal pause, before beginning to root through her bag in search of something. Sunset looked curiously as it took a moment before the musician was finally able to grasp the item and pull it out for her to see. A clear case along with a CD marked DJ - PON3 in blue maker, enclosed inside shined faintly in the faint sunlight that managed to shine through the clouds. Closing up her bag again, Vinyl offered over the disc to Sunset and motioned for her to take it.

“You want me to have this?”

Vinyl shook her head yes, incling for Sunset to accept the gift.

“I - Thank you, Vinyl. I’ll definitely listen to these when I can.”

The DJ gave a passionate thumbs up in response, before perking up at the abrupt interruption of a running motor swerved closer to the two. Looking up herself, Sunset spotted her long awaited ride as a bus drove up to the curb.

Lifting herself up from the cold bench, she turned to her companion.

“My ride’s here,” She said motioning to the oncoming vehicle. “Are you getting on this one, too?”

She felt a pang of disappointment as Vinyl shook her head. The bus now stopping at the sidewalk and opening its doors with a soft squeak. Walking to board the bus, Sunset turned and waved to her fellow student before entering.

“See you later, Vinyl.”

The girl waved in response as the doors closed, Sunset then paying her fare and taking an open seat near the front as she watched the scenery pass by. Vinyl’s song played in her head the whole ride, Sunset only feeling a small sense of surprise when her stomach remained calm as she arrived at the interview.

The Great and Humbled

“Sunset Shimmer! The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to know, what exactly are you thinking?”

As much as her mind said to ignore the raving drama queen rounding up from behind her as she rooted around in her locker, Sunset told herself that it would only make matters worse if the situation was left to fester. Twirling around she found herself staring down a scowling expression placed on the wannabe magician’s face, as she began to wonder if it was too late to run now.

“The idea that Trixie buys all of her supplies at joke stores? I’ll have you know that all my materials are high grade and purposeful for all my magical tricks. Not cheap gags and smoke screens for people to laugh at. Do you know how many people are laughing at me from the sidelines as I practice my talent?”

“Tragic.” Sunset responded, monotone and uninterested. She closed the door of her locker with more force than necessary, and walked away from the fuming student.

“D-did you even hear, Trixie?” The magician tried once again to get Sunset’s attention, ultimately failing. “My reputation is being slandered, mud riddled, and worse! Do you even know what cruelty I’ve been subjected to?”

“Name calling, isolation, and physical confrontation?” Sunset muttered as she continued to walk, Trixie trailing behind.

“But what I really want to know,” Trixie called out again, Sunset taking notice of the anger starting to drain from her tone. “Why just that?”

Sunset stopped in her tracks and turned to stare at the now downtrot student. The once flaring anger that consumed the wannabe wizard now replaced with a confused and turmoiled girl.

“Back those few semesters ago,” Trixie began. “You threatened me with a far worse secret than some false rumors when I was interested in running for princess of the Fall Formal. Which is why I can’t understand why you haven’t posted about those and instead choose to spread small lies about me. Surely more people would have been interested in the more juicy secrets I have to offer.”

“Simple.” Sunset responded, still emotionless. “I’m not Anon - a - Miss.” She turned and continued to saunter off, pretending not to hear the other pair of footsteps continuing to trail behind her.

“I suppose I always suspected that.” Trixie said, after a tense minute of silence as they walked the halls. “And as interesting as this whole Anon - a - Miss has been, I guess I’m starting to realize what it’s been doing to you.”

Sunset stopped dead in her tracks and balled her fists in anger, she grinded her teeth as she spun watching Trixie’s expression turn fearful.

“What this has been doing to me?” Fire lighting in her eyes as she tried to keep her voice below a yell. “It took someone making up some ridiculous rumor about you to even consider how I’ve been living through all of this? Just seeing me shoved around the hallways wasn’t enough? How about constantly being attacked by everyone, called names like “She-Demon,” which is currently spray painted onto my locker?” She took a step forward, Trixie stepping back slowly in fear. “Or how about worst of all, my friends completely isolating me leaving me to deal with all of this on my own even though I thought they would believe me when I told them it wasn’t me? You’re only thinking about me now!?”

The hallway was completely still as the only two figures were stuck in a deadlock stance of Sunset towering over a cowering Trixie. The former making the first move, stomping off as she tried to control her now ragged breathing. She was about to turn the corner, sulk off to the library and stay there until lunch before she heard a barely audible whisper that made her pause.

“I’m sorry.”

Looking back, Sunset saw Trixie’s head hung low, the brim of her star patterned hat being wrung in her hands. Her face obscured by long silvery strands of hair falling forward, frazzled and escaping from their fixed position by her hair clip.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie wants to apologize,” She said as she raised her gaze to meet Sunset’s, the edges of her eyes turning glossy. “Don’t take this lightly, as I am not one to give something out so freely.” She said haughtily, trying to distract from the shakiness of her voice. “And not just for this Anon - a - Miss situation,” Her tone became more gentle as she continued. “But for what I did to you, to all of you when the Sirens were here. While I know I was not at fault for their wiley voices and captivating singing, the fact that I tried to purposely hurt you by letting the seven of you collapse beneath the stage at such a height still haunts me at times. The idea that you or one of your friends, or former friends, could have easily broken your leg or worse makes me sick to even think about it.” Trixie’s eyes turned more sincere than Sunset had ever seen them, as she finished her long winded apology.

“I am truly sorry, Sunset Shimmer.”

And with that the flashy wizard hat had returned to her head, as she waited for what she believed would be a scornful remark ending with her and her guilt being left alone with one another. It was something of a shock to her when she felt the light clamp of a hand on her shoulder, and looked to see Sunset’s soft expression smiling back at her with understanding.

“I think I could forgive you,” Sunset said. “Everyone deserves a second chance, right?”

Trixie smiled in response, swallowing tears as her eyes began to water.

“Well then now that my wonderful apology is finished,” The magician’s attitude returned as she looked away as to hide her face. “The Gracious and Humble Trixie has peanut butter crackers to retrieve,” She said, turning back to Sunset once more as she made to leave. “See you around then, Shimmer?”

“See you around, Trixie.” Sunset said, before taking off herself as Trixie rushed away.

Author's Note

After having Trixie's character become more developed and having it be revealed that she actually does wish for Sunset' s friendship, I have to wonder if she was one to start feeling guilt for some of her past actions. And while she does seem to enjoy the whole Anon - a - Miss situation, I'd imagine it would only be for however long she'd manage to stay out of the rumor mill. I would hope I wrote her in character, as I took an idea from this chapter from the episode "Forgotten Friendship," and used that as my base to write from.

Of Muffins and Cupcakes

“How did you know to find me here?”

Sunset held a bewildered expression as she stared at the duo in front of her. The winter cold battering at them from their positions in front of Canterlot High, as Candy Drake and Dawn Blossom wore pleasant smiles, a hopeful gleam in their eyes they looked expectantly at the fiery haired girl.

“Would you believe a lucky guess?” Candy said, grinning awkwardly.

The lack of a response was answer enough.

“Alright, we have no idea where you were so we just hoped to get lucky by coming here.” Candy said with a pout. “Though I don’t think either of us have seen you anywhere else.”

“Regardless,” Dawn interjected. “We hoped you would come with us to eat, our treat!”

Just two weeks ago, Sunset would have jumped at the chance to be able to share time with her friends. Yet now she felt unsure of letting herself leave the safety of the school’s library, even if she had left in the first place for purpose of finding lunch. Though her options were already limited as is, from what funds she had been able to carry over from Equestria had finally started to diminish leaving her only hopes of further support with the few job interviews she had conducted. Even then, she couldn’t shake the turmoil that ensnared her from that last bitter sting she still felt from the previous fallout she had with her former friends. The last thing she wanted was to walk down that path all over again, it was best to keep any new companions at arms length.

“Still,” She thought to herself as her stomach began to grumble. “Maybe one free lunch couldn’t hurt.”

“Ok,” She finally relented. “Just a quick stop though, right?”

“Sure,” Candy said. “C’mon, Dawn has this place she’s been wanting to go to and I promised to finally take her.” Sweeping her arm in a gesture to come along, Sunset tagged along just behind the other two.

The three of them started down the sidewalk, Sunset making occasional idle chatter as her newest partners discussed various topics. Being so caught up in either her own mind, or in responding to any questions her companions tried in order to gather her into the conversation, she hadn’t noticed the familiar route until the tell tale sign of an aroma of baked goods, along with the distinct pink colors adorning the outside. She froze midway towards the doorway, her head just barely peeking around the side window as her stomach dropped to see five disgruntled girls talking to each other inside at one of the tables.

“You okay, Sunset?” Candy inquired, noticing the sudden odd behavior.

“I - I’m just not that hungry,” She lied, her mind swirling on the prospect of having to face her former friends. “Maybe you two should just go in without me, I can pick something up on the way back home.”

“Really?” Candy asked skeptically. “You were completely fine with us until two seconds ago, what’s eating at ya?”

The usually confident girl bit her tongue as she noticed Dawn glancing into the windows of the bakery, her face lightly contorting as Sunset was sure she realized the issue.

“Um, perhaps it has something to do with the five girls sitting inside?” The pink haired student tensed up as she talked, afterwards whispering to her friend. “The ones that Sunset had that whole falling out with.”

“Ooooh,” Candy said in realization. “Well sucks for them then, come on you two.” She concluded before walking towards the doors again.

“Candy, I don’t know if this is a good idea.” Said Dawn as she looked back at the shaken girl with concern. “Maybe we can just find somewhere else to go, I probably should have realized this was a bad place to go anyhow.” She chastised herself.

The Crystal Prep student let out a huff, before turning back to the others, staring straight at Sunset.

“If you don’t want to push yourself to deal with them yet, I can understand that. We can go to Dawn’s and I’s regular place a block from here.” Candy quickly continuing before Sunset could express her relief. “But if you’re letting fear make this decision for you, don’t. Trust me and the pink tower here to keep you safe from them. You have to learn to live with them, and besides, I’ve dealt with far worse before.” She finished with a devilish smile and a wink, one Sunset wasn’t sure of the intention was.

Taking a moment to think as she snuck another peek at the five Canterlot High students as they seemed to angrily grumble to each other, Sunset felt a sense of alarm rise up in her as she unwillingly recalled that moment Applejack had cast her aside with the rest of the group. But beneath that feeling she realized she had felt something else. Something she had buried under all the guilt she accumulated as she stared at her former so called family.

Resentment.

“Let’s eat here.”

“Are you sure?” Dawn’s eyes furrowed in worry, but Sunset steeled her stomach in turn putting on a determined face.

“You heard her.” Candy commented before turning back to Sunset. “Stick close to us, and let us do the talking if you’re not feeling up for it.”

As the two positioned themselves one each side of Sunset, they kept her close as the three began to enter the warm atmosphere of the cafe. The low voices of the few patrons increased in volume as they opened the door, a sudden envelopment of baking bread and sugary treats now stronger than ever hitting them as they set foot into the building. Candy leading the others as Dawn rounded up the end, sticking close to Sunset’s back the entire time.

Refusing to drag her eyes away from the checkered flooring, the fiery haired girl had hoped the others would simply ignore her presence as she entered. Or better yet not notice her at all even as she tried to prevent herself from comically hiding behind the shorter figure of Candy.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash’s voice screeched over the now shattered peace, Sunset was already sure it was directed at her. “Who said that you were welcome here!?”

Sunset took a deep breath, trying to think of what to respond, of what to say to prove her innocence, of how to get them to believe her. Even if she already knew they had long given up on hearing her out, she had to say something to get them to at least stop calling her out with cruel comments.

“Ah, quit your moaning, ya harpy.” Candy’s voice cut through her thoughts, as she looked up to see the girl’s snarling face, resembling a tense guard dog staring at the athlete. “You aren’t the owners of this building and there’s nothing saying none of us can be here. So stop your complaining already.”

In response Rainbow looked over expectantly at Mrs. Cake, surely wanting her to throw out the three. The baker at first looking uneasy between the two groups before giving Rainbow a stern, disapproving look.

“I know you’ve all been having issues with each other lately, but Sunset has not done anything to prove herself unwelcome here yet. And having no evidence of this Anon - a - Miss situation being linked to her, she has a right to be here just as much as the rest of you.” The older woman finished putting her hands on her hips, locking down on the five girl’s irritable looks.

Rainbow sputtered for a moment trying to think of something else to say, before finally sliding back down in her seat with nothing more than a “Humph.” Mrs.Cake turning to address her newest customers with a sugar sweet smile.

“What can I get you girls today?”

Sunset’s mind temporarily went blank as she tried to reassess the situation, her thoughts suddenly being interrupted as she was snapped back by Dawn’s arm linking with her’s along with a gentle smile.

“Do you recommend anything?” She asked Sunset. Candy talking away with Mrs. Cake, asking various questions on the pastries littered below the countertop.

“I’m actually not usually one for sweets.” Sunset said, shifting her mind to the display case. “But I always liked to go with a chocolate muffin and the smoothie of the day.”

“I might actually go for a cupcake or two,” Dawn replied, her eyes stuck on the multicolored confections. “I’m a bit of a sugar fiend.”

Giggling lightly, Sunset smiled at the memory of Dawn’s excitement at the prospect of a danish. Doing her best to ignore the sound of a suppressed groan coming from behind her, she instead chose to pay her attention on Candy’s cheerful expression as she turned to her.

“Everyone decided yet?” She said.

“Oooh, could I have a chocolate muffin and the smoothie of the day, please?” Dawn spoke first, before glancing at her companion beside her.

“I’ll have the same as her.” Sunset answered next.

“I could go for a decaf caramel frappe and one of your best cupcakes myself.” Candy finished up the order.

After having Candy pay for the three, and quickly doing so before Sunset could add any protest, the girls decided to situate themselves on the opposite side of the cafe to the other patrons. Both Candy and Dawn quickly taking the seats facing towards the other five customers, Sunset not bothering to argue about the arrangement as she sat down.

“Do you think Wallflower would like this place?” Dawn said, looking around at the establishment and then at Sunset as she sipped on her smoothie.

“I actually hadn’t thought about it,” Sunset mused. “But I think she would if we came along with her.” She smiled lightly, brushing away a stray strand of hair from her face. Though the quiet girl had seemed to thrive best in her garden, Sunset could already see the nervous yet eager expression on her face at being invited somewhere beyond the school grounds.

“You mean that girl whose in charge of that gardening club you were consider joining?” Candy asked.

“The one and the same.” Dawn happily responded.

“So sewing and gardening then, add cooking and your already shaping up to be a stereotypical housewife.”

“Pff, I doubt that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

“I think we can both agree on that,” Candy pretended to not notice the amused glare Dawn was sending her, and instead looked over at Sunset peacefully picking at her muffin. “So any interests in clubs this year, Shim Sham?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Sunset said, taking a moment to give Candy a confused stare at the sudden nickname. “I had thought of joining yearbook, Wallflower was talking to us about it. But I’m not sure who else is going to be in it…” She hadn’t needed to look behind her to know Pinkie Pie was surely upset at the idea of their suspected Anon - a - Miss target gathering with her in the same club room. Undoubtedly, or at least in Sunset’s mind, presuming her interest in Yearbook was just to be used for her own benefit.

“If it’s not too much work, maybe we both join together along with Wallflower?” Dawn’s sympathetic gaze looked at Sunset’s uneasy expression. “I can already sew kind of well, so I don’t mind forgoing the sewing club this time.”

“Well now that you’ve made me this wonderfully cute scarf,” Candy said, twirling one of the large, soft, pink pom poms attached to the garment around her neck. “I I’d have to agree that you’ve peaked on your sewing talent.”

The other two girls giggled at the comment, Sunset finally able to divert her mind from the uneasy silence growing from the rest of the cafe. The rest of the time they spent diverted from eating the rest of their pastries to talking about various topics, a few other number of people coming and going from the cafe. Including both Vinyl Scratch and Ditzy Doo, whom Sunset happily waved to as they came and left.

It was only after their pastries were nothing left but crumbs that the three realized how late in the day it had gotten. The all too familiar ring of a phone rang out as Candy pulled her device from her pocket, pouting slightly as she studied the screen.

“My sisters are telling me to come home.” She sighed. “Probably need me for something.”

“I should probably start heading back soon, too.” Said Dawn, looking faintly downcast. “Do you want us to walk you home, Sunset?”

“Huh?” The fiery haired girl perked up at the suggestion. “Oh, no thanks, I can walk back by myself just fine.”

“You sure, we really don’t mind.” Dawn pushed again.

“Yeah, I’m alright.” Sunset continued. “I’d rather not slow you two down.”

“We’ll ask again next time,” Candy said to the two as she moved to stand. “But for now let’s get going.”

Cleaning up after themselves and exiting the building with the chime of a bell, Sunset gave her goodbyes to her companions before going off on her own. She dared not look back at the cafe’s windows as she walked, unable to think of how she would react if five pairs of eyes would stare angrily back. Yet despite the unsettling idea she couldn't deny the pleasant feeling of being able to have enjoyed a enjoyable lunch, perhaps one of the better ones she’s had in some time.

As Sunset slowly went out of view from the shop, five girls went silent as they fidgeted in their seats, eventually having a timid voice speak up at the silence.

“She didn’t seem like her old self.” Fluttershy said, her friends staring at each other in thought before another spoke out.

“If she’s been able to act all friendly with us before, I can’t see why she wouldn’t be able to do so now.” Applejack said, her face cross.

“Who were those girls she was with, though?” Rarity commented. “I can’t ever remember seeing them around school.”

“Dawn Blossom and her friend from Crystal Prep, Candy Drake.” Pinkie piped up. “I’ve seen them walking home together before.”

“But why are they all buddy buddy with that secret stealer?” Rainbow prompted to the group.

They fell silent as their minds twisted in thought. The only sound being the ambience of the cafe’s few patrons. They remained lost in their heads for some time, before a question raised from the quietest member of the party said what they were all now wondering.

“Do you think she actually might not be Anon - a - Miss?”

Not Exactly Bird Brained

Sunset took a deep breath as she spotted a rare sight at her locker, a stern faced Gilda standing just off to the side as she leaned on the metal doors. She didn’t appear to be in any rush, and instead appeared bored as if she were waiting for something, or someone to finally appear.

“Great.” Sunset said flatly to herself. Her next class was chemistry and she need to retrieve her textbook, which meant bypassing the current guard stationed a few paces away from her destination. She thought of avoiding the situation all together and arrive at class sans her book, but realized it would only be off putting the unwanted confrontation to a later date. So taking a deep breath and steeling herself best she could, she put on a brave face and headed straight to her locker around the corner.

Neither student made to acknowledge the other, as Sunset was thankfully permitted to open her metal door with little issue, the faint signs of “She-Demon” having been hastily covered up with a new paint job, likely by the school.

Opening her bag to exchange books, Sunset dared to sneak a glance over at the still impassive Gilda, and was surprised to find that she had not even bothered to look in her direction. The usually aggressive student’s attention directed towards a neighboring door, one that Sunset recognized as an English teacher’s classroom, that she studied with a dull gaze.

Reaching for her coveted school book on the top shelf, Sunset quietly cursed as she pulled the text only to have another one fall forward. The heavy book resounding with a thud as she scrambled to free her hands of her other items to pick it up.

“Hey,” Sunset froze as she realized the voice of Gilda was suddenly aiming at her. “I think you dropped this.”

Confused by what was the oddest way Sunset had heard of starting a confrontation, she looked over and realized that the other student had picked up the book from the floor and now held it in front of her nonchalantly. Reacting on autopilot, Sunset claimed the heavy hardback with no resistance.

“Thanks.” She said, returning it to its place on the higher shelf of her locker.

“You know I’m not interested in fighting you, right?”

Careful not to hit her head as she was started by the sudden comment, Sunset poked her head back at Gilda with a bewildered expression.

“What?”

“You’re not Anon - a - Miss.” Gilda stated back matter of factly. “If it is you however, I’d have to say this is shoddy work compared to your earlier performances.”

“I - uh - agree?” Sunset was sure that was anything but convincing, but her mind still reeled at what she thought would be her biggest aggressor at her school, now speaking against the crowd mind of this mess.

“Whenever you had information about someone, you’d use it to your gain.” Gilda continued, having shown no reaction to Sunset’s confused behavior. “Blackmail, ruining someone’s reputation, using it to get you ahead, you didn’t just send out things into the rumor mill just for fun. You had purpose.”

While her stomach sank at the mention of her past deeds, Sunset already knew where Gilda’s line of reasoning had sent her. And while she perhaps loathed to admit it about someone whom she always deterred from, she had to admit her deductive reasoning when it came to Sunset’s innocence.

“This Anon - a - Miss is running a drama show of the students, sending them brawling at each other in the halls, and whispering stupid rumors behind backs. But it doesn’t get you anywhere, you’re the one being hunted, blamed and punished.” Gilda’s uninterested expression never faltered as she talked, Sunset one to guess the whole escalation of the gossip blog having became old news after the first week of increased security and intensifying punishments.

“I admired your work once, Shimmer.” Gilda said, turning back to move to her old position watching the door. “Whomever has done this is some shabby copy cat with nothing to gain but ruining you. Better hope you find out who before they end up posting something everyone’s never going to forget.” Which Sunset took as code for, “Until they end up posting something about me.”

Sauntering back to adjacent lockers, both girls whirled their heads to the noise of an opening door. A light teal colored athlete stepping out as she begrudgingly thanked the teacher inside before closing the entrance behind her.

“Hey, Lightning Dust, you’re late.” Gilda called out.

“Yeah, yeah,” The girl groaned in response. “Got kept late getting help with my English project. But forget that we got math to get to next.”

The two started off down the halls, neither having turned back to acknowledge Sunset’s contemplative expression as she watched them leave.

“Someone who wants to ruin me?” She thought to herself, piecing together the whole reason of why Anon - a - Miss came to be in the first place. If the person behind the whole affair had started the account for just the purpose of spreading rumors and gossip, why would they single her out in both the pages color schemes and the silhouette of the photo? Though she supposed she was the easiest target for a scapegoat, making the page truly anonymous could have easily worked as apparent evidence from her phone would have done her in anyhow. Gilda had a point in her reasoning, whomever was responsible had something out for Sunset, the only question was, who?

Author's Note

After reading a number of Anon - a - Miss fics with Gilda always at the center of conflict, I thought it might be more interesting to have her thinking a bit more about the situation instead. After all I could see her realizing that Sunset isn't one to simply start up drama for the cause of it, but more for a devious purpose as was shown in the first movie.

Staying Yourself

Curling up in the only blanket she owned, Sunset shifted on her makeshift bookbed before retrieving her beloved journal from her bag. The emblem of the colorful sun lighting up as she opened the cover in hopes of a new message from Twilight. Her eyes scanning the pages as a flutter of hope bloomed in her chest when she caught sight of the newest entry done in her friend’s precise handwriting.

“Sunset Shimmer,” It began. “I’m so sorry to hear about this Anon - a - Miss incident, and I apologize for not being able to write as often as I would like to. This Hearth Warming Eve season has my schedule brimming as both my duties as Princess and obligations to my friends and family are taking up most of my free time.”

Sunset pushed away the pang of guilt she suddenly felt from the idea that she was only further burdening Twilight with her problems. Having caused her enough distress both from stealing her crown and involving her in the Siren dilemma, she started to wonder if it was even right of her to push further on the issue when she was trying to enjoy the holiday season. Regardless, she owed her friend to at least continue reading the rest of her writing.

“I’m sure you’ve already read my previous entry on the wendigos, but to hear that the counterparts of my friend’s acting so horribly only fills me with a mix of anger and despair. And while I doubt that wendigos may be the cause of this sudden disharmony, I know for a fact you can pull through this if you stay strong, stay yourself, and find your family.”

“I wish you the absolute best Sunset, and please, please contact me if you need somepony to talk to. Your friend forever, Twilight Sparkle.”

Sunset traced the last words with her eyes again and again, thinking about the Princess’ words of advice. Until finally she closed the book, resting it beside her makeshift bedside and laying down on the pile of texts. She tried to close her eyes, willing for sleep to take her away from this uncomfortable reality just for the night, yet found herself still contemplating those words that ran through her head.

“Stay strong, stay yourself, find your family…” She muttered quietly to herself, processing the meaning of the phrase as the previous weeks played in her mind on replay. Everything from her first ever slumber party, to the downfall only days later, all building up to the past couple of days as she now tried to sleep on hard covered books, her body faintly aching from the lack of support.

It took some effort to finally close her eyes and empty her mind, even then it took a considerable number of moments to be able to drift away from consciousness. The silence of the now empty library lulling her to sleep, the only person to keep her awake was herself, who know had long last allowed herself to let go just for tonight.

~*~

“Who even am I?”

A voice echoed through the cascade of a starless sky encompassing the contrasting orange figure left stranded in the center.

“W-what?” Sunset stuttered as she began to take notice of where she was situated. She spun around on her heels in hopes of finding anything that might tell her of where she was, but was proved hopeless as she failed to make out anything other than void.

“She - Demon.” A whisper she could barely make out cut through the quiet like a knife before everything was silenced again. Hopelessly twirling around in another futile effort, Sunset searched desperately for whatever source the voice could have came from.

“You never even changed.” Another cry sounded from the space.

“You never should have crawled out of that pit.”

“Watch out, she might enslave us again.”

“Thief.”

“Monster.”

“Demon.”

Before she could comprehend what was happening, Sunset was subjected to a flurry of insults by various voices, all seething and furious. They harped on her relentlessly, leaving her a confused and anxious mess as she struggled to find any solace from the assault.Pushing her mind to move her legs, she raced in whatever direction she’d she could see, but there seemed no escape from the increasing volume of the harassment as it continued to follow her no matter where she ran.

Tripping over her own feet while trying to quickly change direction in hopes of finding solace from this nightmare, she fell to the floor with a soft thud. Pulling her knees closer and cradling her head in her arms, she waited for any sign of the torment to end as her eyes began to water, the sounds now screeching around her. But as the voices suddenly began to lower in volume, allowing her to slowly sit up as she breathed in relief, what came next made her wish for the previous scourge of abuse to return in its stead.

“It was you all along! You’re Anon - a - Miss!” Applejack’s accent was unmistakable as it yelled, striking her out of her short lived calm stupor.

“We trusted you Sunset, we thought you were are friend.” Rainbow’s voice was tinged with a sense of disappointment, buried under the anger that seethed from her.

“How could you do this? After all we’ve been through?” Rarity’s questioning was cold as ice, her bitter tone as cruel as a blizzard.

Sunset tried to object, to argue that this whole situation was never her handwork. But as she tried desperately to scream, her pleas were left unheard as she realized she was incapable of summoning her voice.

“You must’ve just been pretending to be our friend, when all along you were just after our secrets!” Pinkie’s usually cheerful personality was nowhere to be heard as she lay the accusation on Sunset. “You - you secret stealer!”

“You’re not the person we thought you were!” Fluttershy’s anger perhaps hurt the most of all, hearing the usual timid girl now screech with hatred. “You’re not our friend!”

“This is it, Sunset.” Applejack spoke up again over the overlapping voices still muted within the background. “You’re not going to take advantage of us anymore. Tell whatever secrets you want, but we don’t have to listen.”

Still desperate to contradict their claims, the lone figure continued to attempt to scream with the threat of her throat turning sore from her attempts. But it proved a futile effort as she was finally left in silence, the only thing to prevent the solitude from completely overtaking her was the telltale sound of her sniffling as her cheeks soaked themselves with tears.

“She-Demon…” She mumbled in her head.

“Anon - a - Miss.” She continued to think.

“If that’s who I am,” She felt anger rise over her as she pulled herself up from the floor, a newfound sense of energy coming from the rage washing over her. “Then I suppose it’s time to finally accept it.”

Standing with her shoulders slumped, her hair and clothes a disarray from the stress she had endured, a blazing light catched her eye as she looked over to see another figure staring at her from the sidelines.

“You.” Was all Sunset dared to say to the creature.

A demonic silhouette complete with ragged wings, fiery tail, crimson skin, and telltale fiery hair stared back with a vile smile. The mangled remains of what appeared to be the previously sought element of harmony sitting just above her head as she began a dark chuckle at her counterpart’s appearance.

“I guess they were right,” Sunset hissed in a low whisper to herself. “I never really did change.”

She didn’t look up as she began slow strides over to the now cackling monster. Her fate having been sealed as soon as all she worked to amend for was destroyed with a single demonstration of how little of her friend’s trust she had. Her hand raised mirroring that of her devilish reflection, reaching forward to grasp her outstretched claw and revert to her once cruel self.

“Stay strong.”

The soft melody of a serene tone flew by Sunset’s head akin to a gentle breeze. It moved through her mind like a cold wind, freezing her in place as she realized the speaker. The previous stupor shel had been entrapped in began to crack as she retracted her hand, holding her breath in desperate hope of hearing it speak again.

“Stay yourself.”

As her mind began to uncloud itself, Sunset gazed into the two teal eyes that burned into her, realizing the unsettling appearance was no longer her own reflection. Twilight’s words now the only echo still in her mind.

“Heh,” Sunset let out a light laugh, as she sadly smiled. “If I don’t want to return that way I was before, then it’s up to me to decide that. Not the other students, not this Anon - a - Miss, and definitely not my former friends.” She took a step back, glaring at the mirror image with a mixed expression of disgust and regret.

Ignoring the escalating cries and screams from her former appearance, it’s words overlapping as various voices spoke at once, the center of negativity and growing hatred now no longer able to haunt her as she stared it down.

“Have to learn to forgive yourself.”

Candy’s words came after Twilight’s, her voice sounding through the room, louder than all the others. A important reminder that Sunset was grateful she finally realized what it meant to move forward from her past.

“You changed as a person and become better, you did things I'd always wished I could do.”

Wallflower Blush’s usually quiet tone rang out through the empty escape, as the fiery haired girl took the words to heart, at least someone had seen she’d changed.

“You seemed so upset after you were transformed back, I always thought that you’ve must have felt awful for everything after that.”

Ditzy’s was correct about that, it was a small beam of light that some people believe her when she had tried to apologize for her past actions.

“We can see there's far more to you than just your past actions you've been amending for.”

Dawn’s echoes were louder than Sunset would have expected, as the sound stuck confident and clear through the enveloped space. It was a nice reminder to remember that she wasn’t the only one who saw what she was today was more than she used to be.

“I am truly sorry, Sunset Shimmer.”

While Trixie’s apology had been the last “sorry” she would ever have expected to hear, seeing the once fame hungry and boisterous magician show that she herself had her moments, gave her a small twinge of hope that others could one day finally see that side of her, and that she could change herself.

“I admired your work once, Shimmer.”

While Gilda’s words would usually put Sunset into a further tense mood, she took the good out of the complement while learning to accept that she had used her talents for manipulation. Afterall with what she was able to achieve in the past semesters, she could always use that same drive to do something she could call herself proud for.

As she now faced away from the twisted figure that screeched for her to return, Sunset took a deep breath and called back through her memory to a beloved song to drown out the noise. Soft electronic beats guided her footsteps as her vision began to flood with vibrant neon lights, the once shadowed space now coming to life as bursts of colors exploded around her to the rhythm. She took slow strides to enjoy the moment, her now once inescapable prison now a floret of ambition, determination, and…

“Realization.”

With that last word uttered at last by Sunset’s squeaking voice, she felt a renewed supply of tears start to streak across her face once again, though perhaps more welcomed than before. And even as she started to grow dizzy, her once clear thoughts now growing hazy as she continually attempted blink out the water in her eyes. She had realized she was smiling, laughing along with hiccuping breaths, as her consciousness lifted itself away.

Her first thought when reality came snapping back like a cold slap on the face, was that her nose was sniffling. Her second was that if she had been crying the books under her were in danger.

Quickly rising from her self constructed bed, she used the thankfully absorbent blanket pulled over her to dry her tears before giving a relieved sigh when she spotted no signs of water damage to the texts. Grabbing her phone she pressed the home button and squinted her eyes to make out the time, thirty minutes to eight, just enough to get up and start the school day.

Deconstructing her book mattress the best she could so it wouldn’t appear out of place, Sunset quickly packed her things and head for the nearest bathroom. As she covertly brushed her teeth by the sink before straightening out what bed head her sleep had caused her, she took a moment to stare in the mirror at her reflection as last night’s memories came flooding back.

Her first notice was that the eyes that stared back at her were not demonic, her skin still it’s orangish tone, and the noticeable absence of wings at her back. She smiled.

She was still Sunset Shimmer.

And she didn’t care to be anyone different.

Finding Your Family

“Find my family.” Sunset whispered to herself.

The everlooming door of both Princess Celestia stood in front of her like a closed castle gate. Though she had been called into the office in the past a number of times, this time was different than the regretful days long behind her. She had reason to visit the semi - ruler of the school now, and it twisted Sunset’s stomach to think of facing the alternate version of her once benevolent teacher.

“You sure you don’t want us to come in with you?”

Sunset smiled at her friends, Dawn and Wallflower sharing concerned looks as they were given front seats to her show of anxiety of talking to the principal.

“We could just sit by you while you talk.” Wallflower suggested, Dawn giving a small nod in agreement. “We won’t say anything if you don’t want us to, we can just be there for comfort.”

“No,” Sunset quietly disagreed. “I need to face my fears on this, I need to be able to face the mirror image of one of my greatest past mistakes.” She took another deep breath, putting on a sad smile as she turned to the two. “Thank you guys for walking me here, but I’m the one who needs to do this.”

And without letting herself think twice, Sunset pushed her way through the unlocked door. The first face she spotted was Celestia’s secretary, a Miss Inkwell, whom looked up with a surprised expression as she realized who had entered.

“Miss Sunset Shimmer.” She said with a even voice, adjusting her glasses. “Are you here to see Principal Celestia?”

“Y-yes.” Sunset stuttered, talking before she could rethink her choice. “Is she available?”

“She just finished talking with Vice Principal Luna just a few minutes ago, she should be in her office now. Shall I tell her you’re here to see her?”

“Yes, please.”

“Alright, just give me a moment.”

Lifting up from her desk, Ms. Inkwell walked over to the doorway behind her, knocking twice before sticking her head inside. Sunset heard the surprise in Principal Celestia’s voice as her presence was announced, but managed to calm her tone as she informed her secretary to allow her inside.

“Principal Celestia will see you now.”

Sunset braced herself again, sneaking a quick breather before swinging herself forward and into Celestia’s office.

“Sunset.” Principal Celestia’s voice was soft, her eyes showing concern as she looked over her student, likely in search of any signs of a problem. “How are you?”

“Fine.” Sunset partly lied, for what she planned to discuss her current feelings would have to take a temporary backseat. “Do you have some time to talk?”

“Of course,” Celestia replied. “Please, take a seat and we can start.”

Moving over from the doorway and uncomfortably shifting into her seat, she stared straight at her principal with as much determination as she could muster.

“I’m not Anon - a - Miss,” Sunset began, Celestia not even showing the faintest sign of shock at the statement. “But whomever is, is trying to ruin my reputation here at Canterlot High. I have been bullied in the hallways, called appalling names both to my face and online, and have constantly faced harassment through the past weeks. And I need you to start taking this seriously.”

Celestia raised any eyebrow but didn’t change her neutral visage otherwise.

“I have already increased security around the school, both Vice Principal Luna and I have been doing routine patrols around the halls to discourage fighting. This gossip blog on Mystable is something Luna and I have little control over, as it is outside of school boundaries-”

“You can still be doing more.” Sunset interrupted, cringing slightly as she realized she was beginning yell. “This situation is turning into a soon to be full out war between the students, even if what the students are doing is technically outside of school authority it’s still your job to at least protect them from each other. It’s what a ruler does for her subjec-” Sunset paused before correcting herself. “It’s what a principal is supposed to do for her students.”

Celestia took a moment to consider her words, taking a in a deep sigh before talking.

“Perhaps you are right,” She said, sounding almost disappointed in herself. “This Anon - a - Miss has gone far enough. And even if I cannot personally stop them myself, the least I can do is ensure that the students know how to properly behave themselves.”

Before Sunset could reply, Celestia reached over to the intercom system as she pushed to power the mic.

“Attention students, this is Principal Celestia with an a important announcement.”

Whatever noise went on in the Canterlot High halls suddenly went silent, the various students now attentive to their Principal’s calm voice.

“In recent light of these Anon - a - Miss events, any physical fighting and physical harassment of any students will be met with a no tolerance policy.”

Though Sunset couldn’t see his face, she knew somewhere Hoops had tensed up considerably.

“Furthermore, any student’s having proven to submit any gossip to the Mystable blog will be given harsh punishment. But if you are to turn yourself in I can ensure you the consequences will be far lighter than if I, or Vice Principal Luna are to find out through other means. This is your first and last warning, so I encourage all students of Canterlot High begin behaving themselves. Thank you, and I wish you the best on your exams.”

Removing her hand from the intercom, Principal Celestia leaned back into her seat before addressing Sunset.

“I must apologise,” She said, looking at her student with feint regret. “Luna and I both had been concerned with the growing agitation between your classmates, but we were unsure of how to proceed with it. I can see now that taking inaction is no better than adding to the problem. A lesson I had hoped to learn enough of in the past.”

She looked over at the fiery haired girl with a serious gaze, hands on her desk as she lightly leaned over.

“If anyone in this school is to hurt you at all, please do not hesitate to contact me or my sister. For all that’s happened here to you, we both want the absolute best to help you recover.”

It took a moment before Sunset could respond, stunned by the response that her passionate criticism had elicited.

“I - thank you, Principal Celestia.” She said as she managed to gather up her thoughts. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“Thank you, Sunset.” Her mirror mentor replied. “Is there anything else you would like to discuss? Because I believe Luna and I will be having a long talk about finally ending this Anon - a - Miss issue once and for all.”

Considering opening up the long since buried issue with having her principal appear so much liker her once scorned mentor, Sunset hurriedly decided against the idea and appointed it for another day. Yet there was something else she needed to ask, something for herself.

“Just one more thing, this school has a guidance counselor, right?”

~*~

Wallflower and Dawn had both remained in the same place Sunset had left them. The two talking to each other in hushed voices before their eyes snapped to the sudden sound of the office door swinging open. The both of them trying their best to casually walk over to their friend, though failing as they swarmed her with questions.

“We heard the announcement,” Dawn started first. “Is everything alright? Are you alright? How did it go?”

“It sounds like it went okay,” Wallflower began next. “Was Principal Celestia understanding? Was Vice Principal Luna there as well? They believed you when you said it wasn’t you, right?”

Taking a small step back, Sunset looked at the two with a kind smile.

“I’m alright,” She assured them first. “It was only Principal Celestia, but I think she never suspected it was me that started the blog in the first place. She told me Luna and her will be doing everything they can to finally put an end to this Anon - a - Miss.”

Her two companions released breaths that neither had realized they had been holding, both grinning with relief as they expressed their happiness for their friend.

“I’m happy, too.” Sunset said, interjecting the cheers of the other two. “But could I ask something of you girls?”

“Of course.”

“Go ahead.”

“Can you both wait for me after school today in our spot?” Sunset asked. “I have something very important things to do at lunch, and it might take me awhile before I can talk to you again.”

~*~

It had been to easy enough to spot Vinyl Scratch, the DJ’s neon accents made her stand out even in some of the more colorful crowds. Not to mention the sounds of electronic beats resounded from her everywhere she went, if sight was an issue all you had to do was listen.

That is how Sunset managed to find her moving through the halls as if she were part of a music video. Her arms motioning to muffled music from her headphones, while still keeping a eye out for either principals in previous history of having her precious equipment temporarily confiscated.

“Vinyl!” Sunset tried to yell as softly as she could, enough to gather the girl’s attention without alerting the whole school to her whereabouts.

Though she was concerned she hadn’t been loud enough, she was thankfully proven wrong as the musician stopped her impromptu movements, reaching to remove her headset before waving to acknowledge her.

“Vinyl, I want to give you something.” Sunset said, reaching into her bag and pulling out a CD case, a decorated disc inside labeled, “For Vinyl Scratch.” She motioned for the DJ to take the present, whom in turn looked curiously at the item as she took it, before turning back to Sunset.

“It’s a collection of music I’ve listened to over the years I’ve been here.” Sunset explained. “I wanted to give it to you as thanks for the other day, your music has been helping me a lot lately and I wanted to express my gratitude.”

Vinyl moved her eyes to inspect the disc further, before happily smiling as she gave a Sunset a thumbs up in thanks. Putting the case into her bag, she replaced her headphones back to their original position and waved to Sunset with a big grin.

Sunset waved in response, happy that Vinyl enjoyed the sentiment at the very least, and watched the DJ maneuver down the hall and around the corner.

~*~

Ditzy Doo had been increasingly difficult to track down, as the bubbly girl never seemed to stay in one place for long. Sunset rounded the halls for what seemed like the fourth time before she was granted a hint of blonde hair near an opened locker.

“Ditzy!” Sunset called out, a pair of misaligned eyes lighting up at the sound of the name.

“Hi, Sunset.” The cheerful girl beamed back. “Do you need something?”

“I’ve been wanting to properly thank you for what you’ve been doing for me,” Sunset said, quickly continuing before Derpy could argue against the need for gratitude. “I don’t have much in terms of thanks, but I thought this might suffice.”

Opening the small box she cradled in her hands, Ditzy’s face lit up as she saw the few slightly malformed cupcakes, decorated in her favorite shade of blue. The frosting, while moderately splattered, aligned to spell out the words, “Thank you!” in careful yellow writing.

“I was able to work on these during study hall in the kitchen,” Sunset carefully lied, in reality she had snuck into the room at night while taking just enough ingredients that hopefully would not be missed. It wasn’t as if she had done so before in the past.

“Oooh,” Ditzy’s smile grew bigger as she excitedly expressed her delight, her eyes watering faintly. “Thank you, Sunset!”

She took the box carefully, using one arm to hold it close while her free hand tugged Sunset into a side hug. The other student unsure of the intimate contact at first, but quickly melting into the embrace and returning the gesture. She checked another box off her mental checklist, and hastily said her goodbyes to Ditzy before pacing off to finish the rest of her agenda.

~*~

Trixie was thankfully considerably easier to spot, though usually her wizard attire was too flashy even for the school’s lax dress codes, spotting the student with the flashy silver hair and starry attire was simple enough. Waving goodbye to her two band members,she turned and spotted Sunset from the further end of the hall.

“Sunset,” She happily said, before lightly coughing and reverting back to her haughty personality. “What do you have need of me for now?”

“I wanted to ask you something.” Sunset said, stepping closer to the magician. “I was wondering if you ever wanted to join my friends and I at the Sweet Shoppe for lunch, when you have a moment.”

“Really?” Trixie excitedly said, before once again catching her demeanor, toning down her interest. “I - I mean, perhaps. If I can ever seem to find the time.”

“Alright,” Sunset said, smiling amusedly at her. “If you ever have the chance, I’ll be around.”

As she turned to walk away, having one more task to achieve, though it was unfortunately after the nightmare that was gym class, she heard the telltale signs of Trixie’s voice give out a happy giggle. Throwing out a entertained sigh herself, Sunset continued on towards the locker rooms.

~*~

While usually she had always chosen to change into the appropriate school gym uniform in secrecy, Sunset dared herself to remain in the sidelines of the locker room to dress. And while she remained uneasy with the glare she retrieved from Anon - a - Miss scorned students, she knew the more she hid herself away the further her tormentors would push her in seeing her falter. But it didn’t exactly help matters that when she was only half way through putting her clothes on, Gilda had came to stand a few paces away to dress herself.

Trying to quickly finish throwing the rest of her outfit on, while also doing her best to appear as if she wasn’t rushing to do so, Sunset took a side glance at Gilda. While the taller girl had once again continued to ignore her presence, she realized that when the student had turned around to seat herself on the bench to tie her shoes, her face became a scowling stare as she looked at the other girls in the room. All of which hurried to ogle elsewhere, tearing their angry eyes away from Sunset.

Despite her previous concerns about being subjected to a space filled with agitated students, Sunset found herself smirking as she realized Gilda must have purposely positioned herself near her. Or at least she would like to think that.

“Hey, Gilda?” Sunset braved a hushed voice.

The other girl not bothering to turn her attention away from her shoelaces, but giving a indifferent “Yeah?” in response.

“Thanks.”

If Gilda had heard Sunset, she surely didn’t show it as she finished up her shoes as she stood to stretch, trudging out of the locker room at last. Completing her own laces, and ignoring the other students side eyes as she trekked into the gym, Sunset worked through the class with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

~*~

“Sunset?”

“Suuunnseet!”

Nearly jumping at the sudden voices, Sunset turned to spot Wallflower and Dawn approach the garden. She waved them over, calling out their names as they saw her, the two careful not to slip over the frosty grass as they ran to see her.

“Sorry I couldn’t be with you two at lunch today,” Sunset said, walking over to meet her friends as they looked at her with a mix of concern and curiosity. “But I had some things I wanted to do, something I want to tell you both.”

Turning to grab something on the bench, careful to use her figure to block the object as not to ruin the surprise, Sunset carefully held the potted bonsai tree in her hands before returning to face the others.

“I’ve decided to join the Gardening club, if you’ll have me that is.”

It was a moment of tense silence, before Wallflower broke out into a unbearably happy grin as she moved to tightly hug her newest member.

“Y - You are?” She said excitedly.

“Of course.” Sunset replied, still holding tightly onto the plant in fear of it falling from her hands.

“Oh this is so amazing!” Wallflower said, breaking away from the embrace as she walked further into the enclave motioning her hands around the space. “We already have three members so far, and I can just see all the plants we’ll be able to grow. And even -.”

The girl was swiftly wrapped up in her thoughts as she planned for the new spring season, estimating the layout as she continued talking to the two behind her.

“Hey, Dawn?” Sunset whispered, as not to interrupt Wallflower’s enthusiastic organization.

“Yes?”

“Do you and Candy have some time later today? There’s something I want to talk to the two of you about.”

“Sure, Sunset.” Dawn responded, before turning her attention back to their mutual friend. “But maybe we should calm Wallflower down, just enough so we can manage to drag her back to school tomorrow.”

Sunset quietly laughed before shifting back to nod at her gardening friend’s suggestions of marigolds and sage bushes.

Staying Strong

Author's Note

Warning for mention and light discussion as well as thoughts of suicide this chapter. Nothing graphic is described, as well as no gore or blood and hopefully nothing triggering.

Staying Strong

“So what’s up now, Shimmy Sham?”

Sunset suppressed her desire to roll her eyes at the nickname, instead choosing to continue with her original discussion topic for the two girls that stood before her. The three of them huddled in the far back of the Canterlot High library, the building proving warmer than talking on the cold steps of the school building.

“I need your advice.”

“Advice?” Dawn reiterated.

“About my friends, or well, former friends I guess.” Sunset said.

“The ones that dumped you in the hall and left you to the sharks?” Candy snapped, her face in a light scowl.

“So you know then.”

“Sorry,” Dawn softly said. “I just kind of told her some of the rumors circling around school, and the fallout between you and the other girls kind of became something of a well known thing.”

Sunset sighed deeply.

“It’s alright,” She reassured before continuing. “I want to know what the two of you think, about whom this Anon - a - Miss might be. And if we are able to clear my name, what happens afterward.”

“Whether you want to let your ex-friends crawl back into your life or not?”

“Candy…” Dawn’s voice tried to soothe her irritable friend, whom in turn simply gave a frustrated “humph” before looking away.

“Let’s focus on the face behind the Mystable page,” Sunset interjected, already feeling uneasy. “Whoever it is has to have known about Applejack’s old nickname, somehow have gotten access to my phone, and for whatever reason wants to do me in.”

“Well if we factor in the first two requirements, we’re stuck at square one considering we don’t know squat all of whom could fit.” Candy said. “Not to mention just looking at the third leaves us with near half the school.”

Sunset suppressed a groan, this was going to be harder than she had originally imagined.

“The photos were taken at a party, right?” Dawn spoke up, continuing as Sunset nodded. “Well assuming it was a slumber party, all doors were locked for the night and nobody knew where you were considering you weren’t home, it would have to be somebody at the party, right?”

“Not to mention,” Candy added. “Unless someone was able to get you to download a virus it is still impossible by today’s means to hack your phone from a distance. The person who got those photos absolutely had to be in the house the time of the party, otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to get in through the locked doors without someone noticing a broken lock.”

Sunset’s mind whirled for every suspect at the event, taking out herself, but ultimately unable to completely absolve her former friend’s innocence, there was only one other person that had showed herself that night.

“Sweetie Belle!” She exclaimed, afterwards faintly cringing at herself for having yelled in the silent library. “Rarity’s sister, she was the only other person that was at the party save for myself and the five others. She could have sneaked in and uploaded the photos when we we’re all asleep.”

“But could she have known about Applejack’s nickname, also?” Dawn asked.

“No,” Sunset admitted. “But that doesn’t mean Applejack's younger sister, Apple Bloom couldn’t have.”

“But why would the squirts want you out of the picture?” Candy inquired. “Do they have some secret agenda against you for whatever reason?”

“I can’t say,” Sunset continued. “But if it wasn’t them, the only other suspects are the other five that were at both parties along with me.”

“Wouldn’t put it past them.” Candy muttered under her breath, her nearest companion simply giving her a concerned glare before Sunset spoke up again.

“But that leads to the issue that I’ve been dreading,” Sunset sighed. “I have to convince my the former friends of our theory to help clear my name. I need to confront them and tell them it wasn’t me. I desperately want them to believe me, to just take me back as their friend.” Her voice quivered as she talked, causing her to take a deep breath before continuing. “I don’t want to have to return to how I was before. Before the Fall Formal, before the Battle of the Bands, before I really had friends.”

“Who says you have to?” Candy said. “Got two volunteers for that position right here.” Reaching over and hooking a arm around Dawn, the two bore sentimental smiles at their new friend.

Feeling her own face light up, just enough to smile herself, Sunset wiped at her eyes before pulling the two in a slightly awkwardly positioned embrace.

“T-thanks.”

“Ah, don’t mention it. Now let’s go do some confronting!”

The three exited from their relatively cozy spots in the library, marching through the halls together as Sunset led while her followers encouraged her the whole way. The three being so caught up in their trek, they hadn’t noticed a shorter student peeking her way around the corner, a pink bow placed on her head.

~*~

“Do you want us to go in first?”

“Should I push you in?”

“Candy, I don’t know if that will help.”

“It’s what you tell me to do sometimes when you’re nervous.”

“Girls, please, just stay near me, but let me do this on my own.”

The bell positioned above the door of the Sweet Shoppe rang it’s chime as the winter cold flooded into the cafe. Three figures quickly rushing into the warmth as they moved to hurriedly close the entryway behind them as they entered. One fiery haired girl moved in front of the others, positioning herself in front of a large table as five other student’s gave irritated glares at the person standing before them.

“What is it now, Shimmer?” Rarity was the first to speak. “I’ve already have had a horrific day facing all kinds of snide remarks due to you’re latest blog post on my supposed stolen designs, and I do believe none of us are in the mood to entertain anymore of your lies.”

“Just, please, listen to what I have to say.” Sunset spoke, hardening her voice. “I know what you all still believe, but as your former friend, I swear to you I am not this Anon - a - Miss.”

“I don’t reckon why we should be believing you.” Applejack cut in.

Letting her bag’s worn straps fall from her shoulders, Sunset rummaged through the pouch to pull out a journal emblazoned with a orange sun on the cover. Searching through the worn pages, she singled out a section and layed the text on the table for the five to scan over.

“I know you don’t have reason to trust me, I know I’ve done terrible things to you in the past, but please hear me and Princess Twilight out when I said I am not responsible for any of this.” She stared at angered faces with pleading eyes as they drifted from the text to her, as Sunset steeled herself once more before continuing. “Why would I pretend to be your friend and then betray you if all it meant was being subjected to more years of isolation? Why would I be so miserable now if I had gotten what I wanted?”

Sunset felt her voice begin to crack, her eyes started to sting as she forced herself to finish her thoughts, as she screamed the question still burning in her mind.

“Why won’t any of you believe me?” She screeched before her vision flooded, her cheeks now completely damp with tears as they streaked down her face. She shifted her head down, uselessly trying to rub the onslaught of water out of her view.

It may have been the longest moments of Sunset’s life as she waited for any of her prosecutors to give her an answer. Though she realized it must have only been seconds as she felt a hand gently place itself onto her shoulder. Snapping her attention back upwards to see the owner, she only met with Dawn’s sad eyes, the girl offering her a tissue.

Taking the cloth with a quietly muttered thanks, she swiftly rubbed her eyes clear and looked back to the table again in hopes of someone speaking up. It broke her heart as she soon realized none of the girls had changed their expressions. While some looked away in contempt, others rolling their eyes and scrunching their faces in irritation, she could still recognize the enraged glare of Rainbow Dash’s eyes pressing into her.

“This doesn’t mean anything,” Rainbow said, closing the journal and shoving it back to Sunset, the targeted girl scrambling to catch the book before slowly putting it away for safekeeping. “You could have just told Twilight anything and say it wasn’t you. You used this same fake tears effect when we burned you once at the end of the Fall Formal, there’s no proof that you’re not doing the same thing now.”

“You want to say that again?” Sunset soon realized another presence attached itself to her side, as Candy slid into view with a growling tone.

“I said with no other suspects, Sunset is still Anon - a - Miss with what she keeps posting on us.” Rainbow called out, slamming the table with her hands as she rose out of her seat, leaning forward to angrily glare.

“Yeah, well how about you dimwits look up the definition of trust? Considering your so called friendship runs without it.”

“Well that’s quite the accusation,” Applejack joined in the argument, rising out of her own chair to her full height. “When it’s coming from a student from the so called stuck-up Crystal Prep Academy!”

“Hah, like I even care about some school rivalry like you jerkwads. Though I have to say, if all that comes out of this Canterlot High is losers like you, than I’m glad to have never set foot in it!” Candy yelled before quickly turning to her two other friends with a quick side note. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Dawn dismissed the insult, looking increasingly uncomfortable as Sunset remained silent beside her.

“Not to mention, for some school with students as thick headed as you, it’s no wonder the only actual suspects for this Anon - a - Miss is all of you and your sisters!” The agitated girl finally announced, gathering herself a now table full of shocked expressions at the accusation.

“W-what?” Rarity stammered as she took her turn to rise. “You best not be accusing my innocent sister, Sweetie Belle in this matter.”

“Nor Applebloom, either.” Applejack said, crossing her arms. “Seeing as there isn’t any evidence here on your suspected theories, I don’t think we have anymore reason to be listening to any of you.”

“Yeah, well fine then, you can take your dang hoity toity righteousness, and shove it right up your-”

Candy’s sentence was soon cut off at the sound of the door’s bell chiming, a now missing space where Sunset once stood left empty as Dawn turned to calling out the door for her to return. All remaining six went quiet, Candy suddenly shifting her attention away from the remaining girls with not so much as a hard stare, grabbing onto her friend’s wrist whisking her away from the door and into the cold winter snow.

The cafe returned to a now deathly silence, five girls now staring at the door where their accusers had once been.

“That could have gone better.” Fluttershy whispered aside to Pinkie Pie.

“Y-yeah.” Pinkie agreed.

Their attentions snapped again as the bell chimed for the third time that evening, another trio of girls entering the heavy atmosphere.

~*~

“Sunset, I swear to the gods of shortness if you don’t stop and keep making me run in this snow, I will not be happy.”

“Candy, I think Sunset needs to hear something more comforting than that.”

“I’ll get to that as soon as we actually manage to find her. Now use your perfectly normal and well adjusted tallness to try and spot her head.”

“I’ll try, but you should also be using your adorable and not odd shortness to be able to try and spot her feet then.”

~*~

Sunset should have known it was a bad idea, she should have known there was no way they would have believed her. As her legs yelled at her for the intense workout of running through the mounting snow, she came to a crash as she slipped on the icy bridge running over a small river. She recognized the body of water as the one that streamed near Applejack’s farm, one on the further side of town near the edges of Canterlot.

Gripping her hands on the stone railing, and pulling herself up from the freezing ground, Sunset was thankful that nothing but her sore legs cried out in pain. Straightening herself out and finding solid friction on the bridge, she looked over at the icy waters churning below her. The slow but steady flow moving smaller blocks of ice as they floated by beneath her.

Her breath hiccuped as she steadied her breathing, focusing her thoughts on the distance of the water below her. The grip she had so tightly on the side supports now slipping as she continued to listen to the siren song of the peaceful river below her, the waterway a complete opposite of how Sunset’s life had been going, and she had honestly been jealous. She wished for the same life of simply swimming along with little care, no one to yell at her, or to demean her or blame her for things she had no part in. She felt herself lifting her body up to scale the railing, the freezing sensation of the stone burning into her hands but she hadn’t hesitated at the feeling.

She looked into the cold water as she sat on the edge, sure that if she were to fall it would mean the end. She thought of her former friends, her old mentor, her whole life leading up to that night at the Fall Formal. She felt if she were to fall the memories alone would be enough to anchor her down to the deepest depths.

But as the winds suddenly picked up, the icy breeze cutting at her body, she felt the scarf around her neck begin to unravel as she hastily plucked her free hand to hold it close, the warmth tickling at her neck. She remembered meeting Candy, when she threw the gift at Sunset as a simple gesture. She recalled the moments she shared with her and Dawn, eating muffins at the cafe. Or those times she ate lunch together with Dawn and Wallflower, sharing the pastries Ditzy had been so kind to give, sometimes listening to Vinyl Scratch’s music while talking about the odd incident with Gilda and hanging out with Trixie.

She remembered talking with Principal Celestia, how she thought she really wanted to try and keep being herself. How much she wanted to keep improving, to keep seeing those nice faces amongst the glares she received, to just look forward to the next day.

Sunset stared down at the icy waters.

And realized she didn’t want to fall.

The silence of the winter night was broken by sudden sobs, as a lone downcast girl carefully set herself down from the edge of a bridge’s edge. Planting her feet onto the icy ground as she cradled herself as she let out all her despair. As she continued to cry, she let out a horrific scream as she held her head in her hands, signaling two other figures to her whereabouts.

“Sunset!” They both yelled together, rushing over the panicked girl’s side.

“Are you okay?” Dawn asked, holding the girl gently as she continued to weep.

The three remained biding the cold for sometime as they gently held onto the wailing girl, trying to soothe her through her breakdown as she proved unable to cleary talk through her hiccuping breaths and waterfall of tears.

On Sunset’s other side, Candy gave a frustrated sigh before piping up.

“Maybe it would be better if we took to my place for the night. My Mom will understand once I explain things, and it would give her a chance to calm down.” She turned to the crying Sunset between them. “That sound okay to you?”

Her breath still ragged, but able to control her sobbing for a brief pause, Sunset nodded her head. The night was only going to grow colder, and it was now too far of a distance to return to Canterlot High before she froze over from the weather.

“Alright, let’s get there before this snow turns into something worse. Lean on us if you have to, okay Sunset?”

~*~

Her breath still hitched occasionally, even as she was now far warmer in Candy’s home. Sunset sniffled again, her knees pressed against her chest as she tugged on the spare set of PJ’s Candy’s sister had graciously lended her.

She sat in her friend’s room, having pushed herself into a ball on the bed and now waited for her companions to return. Candy still talking to her family about their newest guest, and Dawn calling her parents to tell them the current situation. Sunset took a deep breath, letting out a sigh as she wiped her eyes for what seemed to be the hundredth time that night.

“I still can’t believe I even considered it.” She thought to herself. “Looking back it all seems surreal in a way. All of it, from the cafe to the bridge.” Her mind reeled back to the encounter at the Sweet Shoppe, causing her to flinch at the memory. “They really don’t believe me, huh?”

Pulling herself even closer together, almost hoping to be able to disappear within herself, Sunset heard the door slowly open and looked up to see Candy entering.

“Feeling better?” She questioned Sunset.

“I - I guess.”

“Well,” Candy shrugged. “Better than nothing.”

As she closed the door with her hip, Sunset realized she carried a glass of water and a plate in her hands. Moving over to her on the bed, Candy set down the cup on her night table and put the dish in front of her. Sunset could see the peanut butter and jelly sandwich carefully constructed for her, as well as the napkin beside it.

“Thought you might be a little hungry.” Candy said as she sat across from Sunset. “Sorry if you’re not a fan of PB and J, I’m not the best cook around.”

“It’s fine,” Sunset said, opening herself up to retrieve the sandwich, taking nibbles out of the sides. She ate in silence, her eyes never straying from her food as she forced herself to take tiny bites despite her stomach’s uneasy protest.

“I don’t know how I’m going to be able to go to school tomorrow.” Sunset admitted after moments of uneasy tension. “Maybe I should just switch schools.” She darkly chuckled.

“Crystal Prep isn’t too bad,” Said Candy. “Hate to admit it though, students aren’t much better there than they seem at Canterlot High. Not to mention the uniforms suck when it’s freezing out. Who even decided skirts were acceptable winter attire?”

Sunset snickered through a mouth of food, quickly grabbing the napkin to dab at her mouth.

“Thought you promised a certain Wallflower Blush to join her club, though.” Candy continued. “Not to mention the paperwork to get into Crystal Prep is a real pain, especially when you live in the library of the rivaling school.”

Nearly choking on her dinner, Sunset began to cough as she swiftly reached for the glass of water, washing everything down.

“H-how?” She stammered, staring wide eyed at Candy.

“Had my suspicions, considering that’s the only place we ever saw you at. Before, during, and after school.” She said, giving off a faintly amused smirk. “Though I hadn’t actually had any proof, until you confirmed my guess just now.”

In response, Sunset gave a soft glare at the now slightly smug girl in front of her.

“But in all seriousness,” Candy said as she broke from the staring contest. “If you need somewhere to live for awhile, my Mom actually helps run a program for women in need, including a shared roof and food. And I could vouch for you if you need a job reference. And I’m even sure we could manage to find you a home somewhere to sleep if you aren’t comfortable in a shelter, and I guarantee you it would be better than taking up a book fort in the school’s library.”

Finishing the rest of her sandwich, Sunset took a second to think to herself before answering.

“I’ll consider it.” She said.

“All I ask.” Candy replied.

The two suddenly turned to the sound of the door opening again, Dawn entering into the room holding her cell phone in her hands.

“My parents said it was okay to stay over tonight,” She said, closing the door behind her. “I’ll have to message them that I got to school on time, but considering the circumstances they didn’t argue with me on this.”

“Guess we better start getting ready for bed then,” Said Candy, motioning to stand up. “Got Friday classes tomorrow and exams next week. Going to need all the sleep I can get.”

Walking over to her drawer and rummaging through the contents, she grabbed an oversized night shirt and tossed another over to Dawn. The two exiting the room to change, as Candy looked back to address Sunset once more.

“Bathrooms down the hall if you need it, your clothes should be dry by morning, and no I’m not going to accept any protests of you stealing my room. Dawn and I are plenty used to sleeping on the pull out bed downstairs after movie marathons, so don’t worry about us.”

The girl paused in the doorway, at first making to leave before stopping herself to look at Sunset with a concerned glance.

“Try not to worry about tomorrow, okay? I promise Dawn will keep you safe the best she can, and you’re far tougher than you give yourself credit for.”

With that, Sunset was left to herself again as she placed the now empty dish onto the bedside table. Clearing away any stray crumbs with her hands, she crossed the room grabbing up her backpack and searching inside. Pulling out her beloved journal, holding it tightly to her chest and grabbing a stray pen from her friend’s desk, she made her way back to the bed before opening way to a fresh page and began to write.

“Twilight,

A lot has happened since I last got the chance to write to you, but I feel like I need someone to talk to, and you’re the person right now that I feel the most comfortable with. So I hope you don’t mind me venting to you a little bit…”

Rising from the Ashes

The school building loomed above Sunset Shimmer the same way it had the night of the Fall Formal after her inevitable defeat. The students shuffling into the doorway still casting angry stares in Sunset’s direction, as she stood standing in the cold looking at the highschool with the largest sense of dread since just a semester ago. She would have continued to bide her time in the snowy courtyard until the class bell had finally pushed her inside, if not for an arm coming to link elbows with her.

“We can do this together, Sunset.” Dawn said beside her. “I’ll use my height advantage to try and intimidate anyone who tries to mess with us.”

Giving her best tough expression, Sunset had to stifle her laughter as she was reminded of a pouty rabbit. The other girl smiling in response at seeing her friend grin for the first time since yesterday.

“Okay,” Sunset took a breath to stop her giggles. “I’m ready.”

Tightening her connection with Dawn just lightly, she watched her steps as she trekked up the concrete stairs and marched her way inside the school building.

While she had expected a few looks in her direction considering the student’s beliefs of her assumed part in the gossip of the Mystable blog, the last thing Sunset had expected to see her former five friends waiting for her at the entrance. As well as the three guilty looking trio of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo standing close by.

Bracing herself as she stopped in her tracks to gather herself, not to mention having Dawn subtly position herself in front of her, Sunset watched as the group of girls rushed over as they all spotted her enter. Their faces oddly concerned rather than the enraged expressions that she had expected them to wear when they had seen her enter.

“Sunset,” Rainbow was the first to arrive as she dashed in front. “I - I can’t even begin to tell you-”

“If it has anything to do with last night, neither of us want to hear it.” Dawn placed her hands onto her hips as she continued to stand in between the two students, staring down at the athlete with a cross look.

“We know that what we did last night was wrong,” Rainbow Dash said as the others had caught up. The younger trio dragging their feet as they trailed behind. “But hear us out!” Her voice cracked as she pleaded with Sunset, she hesitantly reached out a hand before stopping herself at the student towering in front of her shifted herself over further.

“Like she tried to do with you last night? The same way she tried to talk to you but you refused to listen? The same way you screeched at her having no proof that she’s this Anon - a - Miss before casting her out all over again?” Dawn talked for Sunset, her voice reaching unfamiliar volumes for her usually timid personality as the five in front of her all cringed at her words. And while her friend was grateful for her intervention, Sunset knew she would have to face her old former companions eventually and braced herself to get it over with sooner than later.

“Dawn,” Sunset managed to find her voice though faintly shaky, placing her hand on her classmate’s arm and stepping out in front of her. “It’s okay, whatever it is they want to tell me, I want to hear them say it to my face.”

Though she wanted to protest, the taller girl bit her tongue as she observed the fiery haired student stand tall before her accusers, and waited for them to speak.

“Well?” She said annoyed, summoning up all her pent up frustration to keep herself steady.

“We... we’re,” Rainbow struggled to find the words as she shifted in place.

“We sorry.” Applejack finished for her stepping forward, the rest of the girls behind her casting concerned glances from behind.

“What?” Sunset outburst, while she had dreamed of her friends reconciling for their past actions for what seemed like weeks, the sudden apology came out of the blue after last night’s events. To see them cowering, and some of them refusing to even make eye contact with her, was a dramatic change from their earlier demeanor from just the day before. Instead of the relief she had always imagined she would revel in when this moment came, Sunset now started feeling sick, her stomach churning with an uneasy sickness as she suppressed an urge to sprint off towards the bathroom.

“We’re saying that we were wrong, dearie.” Rarity’s once melodic voice now only proved a sickenly sweet. “After you had left yesterday in such a rush, we had three other visitors share some information with us.”

Looking a cross between disappointed and angry, the designer motioned for the younger trio to step forward and address Sunset.

They did as they were told, all looking increasingly upset as they fidgeted in front of Sunset’s curious gaze. They all took turns looking at each other before Apple Bloom was the first to come forward, her voice a near whisper as she refused to look at the girl before her in the eyes.

“We’re Anon - a - Miss.”

“You are, aren’t you?” The rest of the present party, sans Dawn, all stared up in surprise as Sunset’s tone was anything but shocked at the sudden confession. Her arms crossing as she looked down at the three with a stern expression, waiting for them to continue.

“Yeah, we are.” Scootaloo spoke next. “But we never meant for it to get this far! We hadn’t meant to hurt you this badly.” She trailed off, making no further point to try and defend her and her friends.

“We started all this because we felt left out from when you all got to go the slumber parties together.” Sweetie Belle stepped forward. “We wanted to spend more time with our sisters, but all they ever seemed to want to do was hang out with you. So we thought creating this blog would give us more time together if it separated you apart from them.”

The group grew tense as Sunset’s lack of response, as instead of replying she pinched the bridge of her nose in thought.

“I was harassed, bullied, assaulted, had a near complete mental breakdown, all because of you girls not being invited to some slumber party!?”

While the three young students recoiled from the outlash, the rest of the girls were thankful that the hallways had been emptied with the majority of students having wandered off to their lockers. As Sunset now was ready to unleash her full resentment on one part of the guilty party who turned her past weeks into a living nightmare.

“I can understand being upset, I can understand being left out, I can even understand if you still have issues with me considering how I used to be.” She took a small breath before continuing, evening out her tone but still retaining it’s angered flare. “But on what excuse do you have for ruining my life, turning this school back into battleground, and spreading rumors around about all the other students?”

The room turned silent, none of the guilty speaking up or trying to vindicate their actions, as they squirmed uncomfortably in place.

Sunset took a deep sigh before addressing them again.

“You three may not have considered the lengths of your plans to isolate me by means of a gossip blog, but I know how you can make it up to everyone. C’mon.”

Motioning for the group to follow her, Sunset started to move towards Principal Celestia’s door, the three slowly following behind before she was suddenly stopped by a voice.

“Sunset,” Fluttershy’s voice barely raised above the clamoring of the group’s footsteps. “We-”

“Save it.” Sunset interjected, not even bothering to turn back as she continued towards the office, entering into the doorway and finding Celestia having a discussion with Luna and her secretary. The three looked up from their discussion as the group entered with little warning, Sunset staring straight at her Principals as she spoke.

“Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna? I think these three need to talk to you.”

~*~

“So you three are the ones behind this Anon - a - Miss blog?” Luna’s asked as her icy stare targeted three cowering students. “You realize what your actions have done I assume?”

The three nodded their heads, none raising their eyes to meet the disappointment in either principals’ expressions, nor the one’s the group of students bore beside them.

Luna took a deep sigh, leaning back onto her sister’s desk as she rubbed her temple with her hand. Celestia took her sister’s pause as a sign to step forward to address the three herself.

“Luna and I have already been discussing the punishments for this Anon - a - Miss for sometime now, seeing as how much trouble this gossiping has hurt the school.”

The guilty tried not to flinch as their imaginations worked for the worst, each of them thinking of their own idea of a cruel sentencing.

“But considering that the three of you saw the damage your actions have caused, as well as came clean about these deeds, perhaps we can slightly lighten the penalty.”

Hearing their principals words, the students raised their head in high hopes as they waited for whatever consequence their mentors thought appropriate.

“Well start with eight months detention, and move on from there.” Celestia finished, the three releasing their held breaths.

“I suppose that’s fair.” Apple Bloom accepted, her two friends murmuring in agreement.

“And,” Principal Celestia started again, as the girls tensed up again. “A school wide assembly admitting to what you did, and an apology for everyone whom was involved in this incident.”

“But we’ll be picked on for who knows how long!” Scootaloo outburst. “It could be years before people forget about all of this!”

Celestia raised a hand for silence, as the purple haired girl bit her tongue at the action.

“We will also be reminding everyone in this school that while you may have started this event, anyone else having proven to have sent any info into your blog is going to be in the same boat you are. No one is going to get off scotch free for having sent damaging gossip in about any other student, and we have already adopted a zero tolerance policy on this matter.”

Kneeling down in front of her younger students, Celestia looked them sharply in the eyes and continued.

“Added, if any of you are being harassed for by anyone of this school, do not hesitate to tell me or Vice Principal Luna. What you did may have been wrong, but for anyone else to continue spreading hate among the student body towards anyone is not acceptable in anyway.”

Hearing their principal’s reassurance, the three lightly lowered their shoulders in relief, and nodded in response.

“Well if that’s understood,” Celestia said as she began to stand up. “The assembly will be scheduled tomorrow at the last minutes of lunch, you girls should start planning on what you are to say to your fellow classmates.”

Turning to the unusually silent group of students in the room, Celestia smiled to Sunset Shimmer before returning her face to it’s pleasant neutral expression as she peered over the rest.

“If that is all, I would imagine you girls have some talking to do.”

“I suppose your right,” Applejack was the first to speak. “C’mon, Apple Bloom. We’ll discuss the rest of this after school.”

“Same goes for you, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity agreed, chastising her sister.

As the group began to file out of the office, Sunset slowly trailed behind, her head set downward as she walked.

“Sunset? A moment please.” Luna called out.

Stopping in her tracks, the girl in question looked back at her curiously.

“I know these girls are probably the last people you want to see right now,” Luna said stepping closer to Sunset. “But trust me on this, if you don’t talk to them now, you may end up never finding peace on this. Just give them a chance to apologize, and you may decide what to do from there.”

“I… I understand.” Sunset replied, Luna nodding in response as her student left to catch up with the rest out into the hallways.

Outside the office Dawn stood in front of the five girls, the three younger students having been sent away to class. They fidgeted in place as no one said anything until Sunset had taken her spot next to her friend, looking over at the gathering with a impassive face.

“Sunset, we all -”

“Tell me after classes.” Sunset interrupted Applejack. “I’ll be in front of the school near the horse statue, you can tell me all your excuses and apologies then.”

The country girl gave a sigh in response, but ultimately nodded her head.

“I reckon that’s fair,” She said, the others behind her murmuring in agreement. “Outside the school after classes then.”

And with that everyone scattered walking at snail’s paces to their respective classrooms. Sunset watching them go for a moment before motioning for Dawn and her to do the same.

“You going to be okay?” Her friend asked as they moved down the halls.

“I’m not sure,” Sunset responded. “But, maybe.”

~*~

It was fifteen minutes passed and the majority of students had either remained in the school building or had made their way out into the snowy expanse. A small collection of female students stood in front of Canterlot High school’s beloved stone horse artwork, all of them snapping to attention as contrasting fiery haired student scaled down the stairway and strolled over to the five as they waited for their chance to speak.

“Dawn and Candy will both be here in ten minutes,” Sunset said, her voice monotone. “You have that long to say anything you want.”

As Applejack was once again the first one to step forward, ready to speak on the group’s behalf, a pink blur whisked past her and swept up Sunset’s hands in her own.

“We’re so so sorry!” Pinkie Pie’s face was contorted in despair. “We were all upset and we blamed you even when we had little evidence to go on. We took out our anger on you and we messed up everything, we didn’t believe you.” Her poofy hair starting to pucker out as she talked, her voice going from it’s rapid speech to a shaky slow tone.

“You tried tellin us,” Applejack came beside her. “But we refused to listen, I guess we couldn’t believe our own sisters would be spreading out gossip on us.”

“But I suppose we all have egg on our faces now,” Rarity came to Pinkie’s other side. “We treated you like a criminal when really you’ve made progress from who you’ve come to be.”

“We started wondering if you maybe you were telling the truth,” Fluttershy attempted to speak up, walking over to fit herself in the close knit circle. “But we let our feelings get in the way of logic.”

“I’m the worst of all in the end though,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she took the one open window left to the party. “You came to us trying to make us see reason, and I just tried tossing you out without even considering yours or Twilight’s words.”
All huddled together now, the five girls all grasped their hands onto Sunset’s, all of them speaking together as they shared their apologies and regrets.

“We’re awfully sorry, dear.”

“I can’t even think of how to be makin it up to you.”

“It’s awful what we did to you, just awful.”

“I can’t tell you how sorry I am, I was the one who threw the journal at you.”

“We’re all super super sorry, Sunny!” Pinkie said with a tearful look. “Could you please, pretty please forgive us for this?”

The five clamored closer together, staring at the girl in question with hope as they waited with baited breaths for any kind of response. The moment felt like centuries as Sunset took a deep breath, her face never changing from it’s serious stance as she quickly retracted her hands from the group’s embrace, the warmth it emanated leaving her fingers, before she gave her answer.

“No.”

There was a wave of stunned expressions as the girls flinched from the unfiltered indifferent tone of Sunset’s voice. Their former friend taking a small step back before she continued in her response.

“Not today at least,” She continued. “For everything I have been experiencing in the last couple of weeks, for having gone through some of the worst times of my life, for not believing me twice when I begged you to just hear me out, I can’t forgive any of you.”

As their hands fell to their sides, or started to hug themselves in stunned silence, the others only stared back at Sunset with heartbroken eyes.

“Maybe one day I can forgive you for everything that happened,” Sunset ignored the reactions she gathered as she talked. “But for the group of friends that took me in and gave me a second chance, you sure didn’t want to believe me when I tried to tell you that I’ve changed. I’m starting to wonder if all of you suspected something like this would have happened in time, that I never really changed at all.”

Her eyes started to sting, quickly rushing to brush away any tears from her eyes Sunset didn’t dare start crying when she still had to finish her explanation.

“I really thought I had become someone to you, that I actually meant something when you invited me to your parties, and talked to me in the halls. I actually started feeling so grateful for Twilight entrusting me to you five, for all of you accepting me into your lives. I guess now it was just a job and nothing more.”

“Sunny,” Pinkie said, the nickname only causing Sunset to faintly scowl in response. “You know that’s not true. We wanted to be your friend.”

There was a pause as Sunset crossed her arms and tightly held onto her sleeves, her face grimacing as she glared at the others with an intense display of anger.

“Until someone else gave you a reason to just dump me, until you had an excuse to just trash me in the hallway, going completely against everything we’ve been through just because some stupid gossip blog.” Sunset’s voice seethed, but she didn’t let up even as she spotted Pinkie beginning to withdraw into herself. “I don’t entirely blame you for not believing me, for everything I did in the past I’d be skeptical about everything I said myself.”

For the first time that day, there was a small essence of hope spread around on the guilty parties faces. Their eyes lighting up just faintly as they waited for some chance of Sunset understanding their reasoning, even if it meant she still hadn’t fully forgiven herself for her own past actions.

“But I still don’t think I’ll be able to stand being friends with you for a long time.”

All traces of the once lit anticipation blew out with little to remain in its place. Sunset finally having finished her piece now shifting her feet to walk away, stopped herself in her tracks as a timid voice struck her.

“I understand.” Fluttershy responded, not daring to lift her head up as she spoke. “What we did was unforgivable, but I’m still hoping you can talk to us again someday. Both for not believing you, and treating you like this.”

The remaining four all sounded their agreements, each resounding their apologies to their former friend. No one daring to speak further or try again to reason with Sunset as they remained standing together, letting the cold wash over them as none tried to stop her from leaving.

Before completely turning away and leaving both her accusers and former friends behind, Sunset looked back once to address them with one last message.

“Thanks for taking me in originally,” She said as small tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. “And for everything after. For what it’s worth, those months we shared together were some of the better ones of my life.” Turning her body away, her head perked up, along with the others, at the sound of a voice ringing out from the sidewalk a couple feet away.

“Hey, Shimmy Sham!” Candy shouted as she stood alongside a sadly smiling Dawn. “Ready to go? We’re meeting Trixie and Wallflower at the cafe!”

“Yeah, just about.” Sunset replied as she waved in response. “See you girls, I guess.” She quickly added before running over to her friends, the remaining students left behind as they watched the last of her fiery hair disappear from their sight.

Epilogue

(Slight warning for mentions for discussions of suicide and suicidal thoughts)

“Sunset, could I ask you something?” Dawn Blossom’s said as she sat alongside Sunset Shimmer, the two waiting on Canterlot High school’s steps as they waited for their third member of the group to show.

“Sure, what is it?”

The pink haired girl’s face began to slightly turn fearful, as she hesitated before speaking again.

“You remember when Candy and I found you on the bridge, after you had run off?”

Sunset’s mind recalled the painful memory, having now been a little over a month old as the school’s winter break had come to an end. The return to the once deemed prison now having been lightly mended, as the majority of students having apologized for their actions against her for the false assumptions of her role in the Anon - a - Miss blog, and classes resuming their slow pacing. Though she would lie if she didn’t admit that seeing her once former friend’s faces every now and again in the halls didn’t sting, as well as the small number of classmates that still either ignored her presence or insisted on her still having some small part in the now deleted gossip blog.

And she had to admit her life was improving, having finally been able to land a small minimum wage job at the mall enabled her to start saving up for an apartment that she had her eye on. As well as finally been able to have a roof over her head as she graciously lived, albeit temporarily at Candy’s house. Even with the still sore past events, she remembered her words of her guidance counselor, and aimed to take things one day at a time.

“Yeah. I do.” Sunset replied enthusiastically. The response causing a reaction of her friend’s form to shrink just faintly.

“Had you been considering…” Dawn trailed off, the next part of her sentence said so softly Sunset had almost missed the word. “Jumping?”

“Yeah, I guess I had.”

Silence enveloped over the two of them again, neither speaking for a moment of tense quiet, until Dawn’s timid voice spoke up again.

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

Sneaking a glance over at her friend, Sunset noticed that even though the fidgeting girl wasn’t looking at her, a sympathetic smile was brushed over her features.

“Me too.” Sunset said in response.

“I’d also say that I guess we’d both have something in common then.”

“W-what?” Sunset’s shocked voice was pitched a bit louder than she would have liked, piercing over the tranquil atmosphere as she turned to her friend with wide eyes. “You…?”

“I’ve had issues with it, yes.” Dawn now stared at her with a serious look. “Both Candy and me actually. We’ve been meaning to tell you for sometime now. Though Candy said she’s may have already hinted at it earlier.”

“We always say that we ended up saving each other, being a reminder for the other to keep pressing on.” She continued, a small grin now painted over her face as Sunset noticed her glassy eyes. “Though we’ve both made a point to push each other to get help too, I’m guessing you’ve met our schools guidance counselor?”

“Vice Principal Luna,” Sunset snickered. “Never would have expected her to be it, but for what it’s worth she knows what she’s doing.”

“I’ve been talking with her since the first year of high school, she’s really helped me out with a lot of issues I’ve had. She’s even been a big help along with Candy in driving me to find a suitable therapist to further discuss my problems. She might recommend her to you, too.”

“I - I might be considering it.” Sunset admitted. “After everything that’s happened, I think maybe it’s time I pushed myself to start thinking about getting professional help before anything else happens.”

“Candy still has that bet on a mad scientist being the next villain of the year.”

Sunset chuckled, though she was hardset in her own bet of their next opponent being a girl from Crystal Prep. It was originally a small pass at the short student, but she took to it after some time, along with Dawn’s guess remaining on the hopes of another magical creature via means of Equestria’s portal.

“But, still,” Dawn reigned back the conversation. “Maybe we can all promise to keep each other afloat on this road to recovery. Or at least just be there when we need someone to listen.”

“Yeah,” Sunset agreed. “That sounds, nice.”

The two smiled at each other, both happy being able to spend a moment together as they continued waiting.

“Hey, sorry I’m late!” Both students turned to see a disarray of a Crystal Prep uniform jog their way. “Fencing ran late, I hit nearly every red walking light running here, and man our schools are far apart.” Candy said as she stopped to catch her breath.

“That’s okay,” Dawn said as she began to stand up along with Sunset. “We got to talk for a bit before you got here.” She smiled as she stood next to her friend, grabbing her warm hand.

“Oh geez, your hands are like ice.” Candy said, only mildly putting up a fight to try and pull her fingers away.

“Maybe you can make it up to us then by treating us to something at our usual spot.” Said Sunset, motioning for her friends to start moving.

“Yeah, yeah, alright.” Candy agreed, smirking as the three made their way down the sidewalk. “As a way of welcoming in the rest of the year.”

“To the rest of the school year?” Dawn asked, throwing up hers and Candy’s hand halfway.

“To the rest of the school year!” Sunset and her short friend both cheered, all of them giggling as they paced down the street.

~*~

Twilight,

I know you might be upset about my long since previous entry about the events of that day. But I am happy to inform you that things are now turning out for the better. I’ve taken yours and plenty of my other friend’s advice concerning seeing someone to better work out my issues, and I can say I am improving steadily. And though we both know that not everyday will be better than the last, and even if I do drop in my recovery every so often, I will continue to keep persevering. I look forward to your visit in the spring, I can’t wait for you to meet all my new friends, and see the progress I’ve been taking. Thank you for everything, Twilight.

Your friend always and forever,
Sunset Shimmer.

Closing her journal and carefully placing it back into her bag, Sunset took a moment to appreciate the last remnants of the day’s snowfall as the sun started to lower itself behind the distant mountaintops. The warm rays of sunlight giving out to cold air as she remained seated on at the bus stop, her long awaited transportation still nowhere in sight.

She groaned as she swirled her head at the sound of yet another car passing by, long given up on checking the bus schedule in false hopes. Resigning to her fate of becoming an orange popsicle in wait for her never appearing bus driver, she instead started to take in the details around her. The now darkening sky a deepening shade of orange shifting to greens with a trailing blue starting to encompass the whole expanse. The lined number of houses with their tones of neutral colors complete with perfectly mowed lawns and paved driveways. The littered trees around the area, some left in hibernation while others stubbornly held onto their evergreen leaves. The bright orange figure approaching her as she sat on the cold bench, the tell tale sign of matching colored poofy hair as they shrugged their purple coat closer.

“Wait,” Sunset mused, dragging herself out of her thoughts as she realized she had recognized the encroaching individual. Her voice speaking out before she could stop herself, calling out their name as they looked up in recognition.

“Adagio?”

“Oh, Sunset Shimmer. What a,” The siren paused before emphasizing her next word. “Pleasant surprise.”

“Taking the bus?” Sunset asked as she studied over the former Canterlot student. Though it hadn’t been long ago since the incident including her and her sisters, Adagio seemed well enough. Though she had appeared perhaps a little underdressed for the colder weather, as if not for her winter coat it would have been likely she would as Sunset used to remember being.

“Yes, seeing as my sisters and I have no means to buy ourselves any other form of transportation, we take your primitive bus.”

“Yeah, the public transport system is no mean high royalty.”

Adagio snickered at the comment, before catching herself and returning to her previous indifferent aura.

The two remained silent, minutes passing as they both waited paces away from each other with nothing to say. Until Sunset made to break the tension.

“How are your sisters doing?”

“As well as they can be,” Adagio spoke uninterested. “We have long since learned to adapt to this human world. Even if these cold streaks can be annoying enough.”

“I’ve never been one for the winter either.” Sunset replied. “I’m guessing you prefer summer months?”

“Of course,” The siren smiled. “It’s one of the only times of the year my sisters and I are able to spend as much time as we please at the beach.” Though it was only for a moment, Sunset was fast enough to catch her usual smug grin turn softer and sentimental even. “Sonata especially loves it, she always was the best swimmer out of all of us. Even if Aria won’t fully admit to it.”

It was and odd thing to hear her once sworn enemy speak about something other than domination and her wicked plans. Just the kind smile talking about her family was something Sunset had never guessed to see, yet only a month ago Sunset would never had suspected to have a falling out with some of her best friends over a simple gossip blog.

Sunset almost wanted to push further, bring the other Adagio out of her shell even if it meant talking about beaches and whatever else the siren brought up, but her hopes were dashed with the sound of a heavy running motor. Turning her head, she spotted her bus and felt a mix of both disappointment and happiness.

“Going on the same bus?” Sunset nodded her head over to the oncoming vehicle.

“Unfortunately, no.” Said Adagio, shifting her thinly covered legs in hopes of warming them.

As they both waited for their rides to arrive, a sudden thought popped into Sunset’s head as she snuck glances at the slowly freezing fishpop of a siren. Quickly unraveling her scarf and folding it in half, she walked over to the Adagio’s curious face and held it out to her.

“Here,” Sunset said as she motioned for the girl to take it. “So you don’t freeze on the way home.”

Unsure of how to proceed, Adagio hesitated for a moment, before finally relenting as a chilling breeze swept by the two. Carefully wrapping it around her own neck, the now warmer siren revealed in the newfound heat as she looked back to the giver.

“I hope you don’t think this makes up for destroying our amulets,” She said, earning a slight eye roll from Sunset. “But, thank you.”

As the bus finally rolled it way up to the sidewalk opening its doors with a squeak, Sunset looked back at the now snug siren, giving her a small wave and a smile before entering and paying the toll.

Taking a seat near the window, she looked back to see the last signs of Adagio still holding tight to the scarf, along with a hint of a genuine smile on her face.

Settling back into her hard chair, Sunset let herself finally relax, for once everything seemed to be alright.

Author's Note

I wrote this story partly as venting, as well as a way to remind myself that everything's not always as bad as it seems. And if anyone is in a similar situation as Sunset is, I wish you the best, it's always the darkest before dawn after all.