Sunset the Shadowbolt

Chapters

Chapter 1: Moving In
Chapter 2: Familiar Faces
Chapter 3: The First Day
Chapter 5: Commencement
Chapter 6: Aftermath of Failure
Chapter 7: The Other First Day
Chapter 8: Meanwhile at CHS
Chapter 9: Mistakes
Chapter 10: Filigree
Chapter 11: First Strike
Prologue: Entrance Exam
Chapter 4: Talks

Chapter 1: Moving In

“Well… I mean I guess we knew something like this would happen at some point.” Adagio almost sounded sad to Sunset as she finished explaining everything to the three Sirens after apologizing for not texting them. “You kept saying you wanted to get off of our backs.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t expect like this…” she responded glumly, sighing as she watched Sonata and Aria trying not to react. “This feels like I’m just throwing you guys away after all you’ve done for me…”

“Well you’re still allowed to visit us after classes, right?” Sonata gave a weak smile as she looked up. “The bus comes nice and close, right?”

“Yeah, classes run till four, so I could be here around four thirty if I hoof it to the bus.” Sunset found herself unable to match the smile coming from Sonata.

“I still find it strange that they don’t let people on the grounds without permission…” Aria gave a loud huff as she crossed her arms. “Sounds pretty fucking stupid to me.”

“Aww… You really are going to miss me!” Sunset snickered as she watched a blush spread across the purple Siren’s cheeks. “Weekends are also available, which is nice. Though Dean Cadance did mention something about clubs…”

“Would you mind if we just bought you new furniture for there?” Sunset’s head swiveled rapidly towards Adagio, a perturbed look on her face. “I’d prefer that the furniture in your room stay there, to be honest.”

“I guess? I mean, it is all your furniture in the first place.” she gave an uneven laugh as she leaned back in her chair. “The only issue is that I set up tomorrow to be my move in day.”

“Oh, that’s not going to be an issue in the slightest.” Sunset felt her blood start to boil from the chill that ran through her as Adagio gave probably the most menacing smile she had seen yet.

“Um, a-a-alright…” Sunset gulped as she pushed away from the table, standing up slowly as giggling erupted from her long former nemeses. “I’m gonna go start sorting my things. Could you bring me some boxes I guess?”

“Sure, sure… Take your time, dear.” Adagio dismissed her with a wave of her hand as she turned to look at Aria, the girl shuddering slightly. “You’ll have them shortly.”

“Thanks.” Sunset turned and started to head to her room, vaulting up the stairs two at a time and walking hurriedly down the hall until she stood in front of her room. Her soon to be former room. She paused as she rested a hand on the wooden door, a sad smile coming to her face before she turned the handle and slipped inside.

It was relatively easy to fold her clothing into the spare cardboard boxes that she had stashed in the back of her massive closet, some of other more delicate belongings resting in between layers of clothes as she went. She paused as she finished folding up a rather revealing top that Aria had gotten her, a box sitting up in the back of the closet, a purple light glittering through its folds.

She got up and walked to the closet door, shutting them firmly before returning to folding the remnants of her clothes.

(V):.:(V)

“Come on… It’s not like I have that many cards…!” Sunset cursed under her breath as she rifled through her wallet. She always left the purses and giant wallets to the… frou-frou girls; the simplistic design of the boy’s wallets always spoke more to her, though somehow she was still struggling to find the temporary ID card that Dean Cadence had made for her the previous afternoon.

“What are you doing back so early?” came an aggressive voice from behind Sunset, making her pause and turn around. A girl with stunning, red wine coloured hair glared at her, arms crossed even though Sunset struggled to tell the sleeves of her blazer apart from her similarly richly hued purple skin. A stunning scar, similar to Sunset’s own, ran down the right side of her face, her opal eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Oh, Uh… I’m guessing you’re thinking that I’m Sun… strike?” Sunset gave a sheepish shrug as she tried to recall her look alike’s name. “I’ve been getting that a lot the last day and a half. My name is Sunset Shimmer, I’m a new student starting here this coming week.”

The girl standing opposite of her looked down at Sunset’s outstretched hand with a look of distaste before looking back up at the taller girl, distrusting glints in the corner of her eyes. “As if I’d trust you again after what you’ve pulled. Trying to fake a scar again isn’t helping your case.”

“Look, just let me find my ID card- I swore I put it in my wallet!” Sunset started scrambling through her wallet again as she ignored the girl’s last comment, pulling out whatever fake cards the Sirens had given her to fill it up. She gave a victorious cry as she pulled out the dark coloured piece of plastic that would serve to get her into her new dwellings. “Aha! Now if I remember right, Princ- D-Dean Cadence! S-She said to just swipe it across the screen and-”

The box gave a small mechanical beep as the gate leading into the CPA student housing opened, Sunset wearing an embarrassed smile as she turned back to this girl. “So sorry about that. I’m still trying to get used to all this. Er, what’s your name?”

The girl once again glared at her before walking through, leaving Sunset standing alone once again. “Um… Alright then… I guess first order of business is to make sure that I make sure that everybody knows who I am. Just what the hell did this Sunstrike do?”

She started to cross the precipice, only to bounce off the now closing gate with strangled cry, landing on the ground with a dull thud.

(V):..:(V)

“Man, why do I gotta find her again? She gave me the heebie jeebies…” Sunset muttered under her breath as she started to ride the elevator up to the seventh floor. She had to find Starlight Glimmer, the twelfth grade prefect, and let her know about the moving. Apparently she needed to supervise everything? Sunset just shook her head. The sooner it was done, the sooner she could not deal with that girl.

The door dinged, fresh light flooding into the admittedly ornate elevator box before Sunset hurried out. The seventh floor common area was just a giant sitting area, like a giant living room. Plush bean bag chairs and fancy looking sofas sat all over the place, little tables littering the rug as well.

She held firmly onto her ID card as she strode through the empty room towards the entrance to the girl’s side, desperate to not lose it. It was her only way to prove who she was should anybody started coming after her. She was not envious of the movers that Adagio had undoubtedly blackmailed into doing all this, but she wasn’t going to complain. Beggars couldn’t be choosers after all.

Once more she swiped the card over the reader, scurrying inside before the door slid shut immediately behind her. There were a few signs of students here and there, music playing behind one door, flecks of snow melting outside another. She observed what she could as she walked towards the elevator up to the fourteenth floor.

It was a surprisingly fast ride up, Sunset blinking and the door opening again, now standing many more stories up than she had been. She exited, the door shutting right on her heels as she stood beside the entryway into her privileged abode. She paused as she held the card up against the box, the same digital beep echoing through the hall as the door slid open.

“Sunstri- Oh, it’s just you.” Starlight Glimmer gave a tired sigh as she straightened her blazer and skirt, giving Sunset a disinterested look. “I was told you were supposed to come and talk to me.”

“Ah, yes.” the Equestrian nodded, a warm smile on her face. She couldn’t risk getting antagonistic with this girl, even if Starlight was with her. Playing nice seemed to annoy her the previous day, so perhaps the same choice was in order. “Today is the day when all my belongings are moving in. I was told to come find you before the movers showed up.”

“Yes, I’m supposed to make sure that no harm comes to the premises while your possessions are brought in.” a tired nod was the response Sunset received. “Do you know when they will be arriving?”

“Yes, in about…” Sunset paused as she grabbed her phone out of her pocket, taking a quick look at the clock on screen. “Five minutes.”

(V):...:(V)

The moving company was true to their name; somehow nothing got bumped, dinged, or scratched as the four beefy men from Magic Hands Moving Co. got everything from transferred from the moving truck just sitting in the street up to Sunset’s apartment rapidly and safely, all without breaking a sweat while Sunset carried up her boxes from the Sirens’ house.

“Mistress Adagio informed us to ask if you needed any help unpacking everything.” the lead man said, all four standing at rapt attention with their hands clasped in front of them.

“I, uh, I should be fine now, thank you.” Sunset said as she rested her last box against her hip as the six of them stood outside. The leader nodded his head, and as if they were in a movie, all four turned about on their heels and started back towards the large moving van, perfectly choreographed.

“Well that was something…” Starlight Glimmer muttered as Sunset walked back to the gate and swiped her card for hopefully the last time today, box balancing carefully against her thigh. “At least there were no damages to the building so far.”

Sunset could tell Starlight was staring at her, even as the shorter girl trailed behind her, obviously trying to hint something to her. She closed her eyes as she swiped her card at the front door, holding it open for the girl who instead motioned for Sunset to go first. “I didn’t even keep track of all the boxes they brought. Judging by the sizes of them, most of that furniture looks built.”

“Yes, well I wish you haste with setting up your room. Be sure not to cause any damages, nor make too much noise.” Starlight commented hurriedly as she passed Sunset and swiped her ID card across the box, entering the elevator and giving Sunset an extremely fake smile as the door shut in front of the Equestrian, leaving just standing there.

“Wow… What a rude bitch!” Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle in response to her abandonment, actually happy to be free from Starlight’s presence as she walked up and swiped her own card across the console, a different beep filling the air.

“Out of service?” Sunset mumbled as she looked at the screen, a small red circle with a line through it flashing on the minute screen. “Yeah right…”

She turned around and headed to the stairs, shaking her head as she flashed her card, the door sliding open before she slipped through. That Starlight was quite the character, same as the purple girl from before. Hopefully she just was running into the bad apples of the school.

She grunted as she made her way further and further up the steps, bypassing the exits to the various common areas until she reached the seventh floor. Her arms were starting to ache as she pushed her way through the door, giving a tired sigh as she dropped the cube onto the ground, voices filling the air.

“...and that's when she stepped aside like the little bitch she is!” snickering filled the air as Sunset looked up to see a trio of girls loitering at the door to the girl’s dorms.

The one in the middle, who just so happened to be the middle in height of the three noticed Sunset first, her eyes narrowing as she motioned towards the approaching girl with a quick nod of her head, her heavily stylized locks of various blue shades kept under wraps by her goggles.

The one on Sunset’s right was the first to stop snickering and turned to look at her, she was the tallest of the three, her aqua coloured skin contrasting greatly with her purple and pink streaked hair. She crossed her arms as she glowered at Sunset.

The last of the three, who couldn’t halt her antagonistic chuckling, her long, reddish ponytail swinging behind her as she followed her fellows action. Her eyes opened, and any sort of happiness she was showing instantly evaporated.

“I thought you weren’t due back until Sunday night…” the ponytailed one said, her tone bubbling with venomous spite.

“Heh, kudos to whoever gave ya that scar.” chuckles erupted through the three of them at the goggle wearing girl’s comment, a flash of emotion running through Sunset before it was quelled as she joined in with them, silencing the trio.

“Man, I don’t know if I even want to know what this Sunstrike girl has done.” Sunset said as she smirked at the trio who returned to regarding her coldly. “My name’s Sunset Shimmer, I’m going to be a student here starting Monday and I’m just bringing the last of my boxes up.”

“...” came the mimicked response among all three, until the ponytail girl spoke up again.

“Sunset Shimmer? Wasn’t there rumours of a girl by that name tyrannizing CHS?” Sunset felt her heart plummet, the back of her neck breaking into a cold sweat as she started to worry that her cover may be already blown.

“If there were, it would be quite the coincidence.” she said, trying to think quickly on her feet. “You see, I just moved here from Great Bridle; I only got into town recently actually.”

“And why would you come all this way to go to school?” the taller one asked, her arms still crossed, “Great Bridle has some extremely well renowned schools.”

“It’s related to why I now scar.” came Sunset’s faked sheepish response, shifting her box around as she gave an uneven smile. “My parents did some research and apparently Crystal Preparatory Academy has quite the reputation, and the Bainhoof’s don’t skimp.”

“Bainhoof?” the shorter girl shook her head, a confused look on her and the blue haired girl’s faces as the taller one gave a dark chuckle. “Sunny? What’s with the-”

“If you really are a part of the Bainhoof family, I’ll buy you lunch for the first week of classes.” obviously the girl was certain in her offer, a smug look of satisfaction on her face as her other two classmates looked on in still quite confusion.

“Well why don’t you meet me up on the fourteenth floor in a little bit? I just need to dig my paperwork out of one of my boxes.” Sunset was struggling to not snap back at the three of them. She was starting to get a niggling itch in the back of her mind.

“Fourteenth floor? Yeah right!” the goggle wearing girl was the next one to grin in victory. “That’s reserved for real students here!”

“Well, if you’ll let me through, I can prove that I am indeed staying on the top floor. I just got room eleven yesterday.”

The three of them rolled their eyes as they let Sunset at the small console beside the sliding door. “You already have room twelve, liar.”

“Sunstrike stays up there too?” Sunset asked as she stuffed her card back into her shirt and under her bra strap, the door sliding open and admitting her in. “Well this is gonna be extra interesting then.”

“So where did you study back in Bridle, Sunset?” quiet snicker echoed behind Sunset, the girl doing her best to mask her growl with a tired sigh.

“Look, my past doesn’t really matter, alright?” she responded as they crossed into the elevator, Sunset pushing the button for the fourteenth floor after all three other girls had made it into the large box. “All that matters is that I’m going to be studying here for the next six or whatever months.”

“Well at least you’re really smart.” the ponytail girl smirked sideways at Sunset, the going from sweet to sour in an instant. “I doubt you even pass the finals.”

Sunset rolled her eyes, her smile threatening to tear her muscles as she forced it, her fingers digging into the cardboard box as the doors opened once again, the three girls strolling out and waiting patiently for her.

“Well? Ya comin?” the middle sized girl asked, her hands resting on her hips.

“Mhm!” Sunset nodded as she scurried out of the elevator and towards the second to last door leading to the sanctity of her new room. She put the box on the ground and slipped her ID card back out from under her bra, flashing it across the electronic lock. It gave its digital beep of approval and the door slid open. “See?”

“That just proves that you’re most likely Sunstrike failing to trick us.” said ‘Sunny’ simply, motioning for Sunset to head on through.

She grabbed her box and made a leisurely bee line for the stairway up to the second floor. “This is a pretty amazing setup.” she commented, looking back at the three lagging girls. “It almost reminds me of my second house back home.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle as she returned to watching her step as she neared the stairs. Sure, they were getting on her nerves, but if there really was someone that looked like her and had caused a lot of trouble, they were right to be nervous of her. It didn’t mean she could have some fun with this; tell a few fibs to help build up her reputation, and let the Sirens’ paperwork do the rest.

She paused just outside the second door after the stairs, the elegant eleven looking back down at her as she pulled out her card and waved it in front of her trio of disbelievers, their looks of annoyance growing. “Now watch as I, Sunset Shimmer, make this door open with a swipe of my hand!”

“Just fucking do it already, Sunstrike. It’s not gonna work anyways, especially not after the last time you tried.” the blue haired girl said, the other two nodding and murmuring in agreement.

Sunset just smirked as she moved the card across the console, a small beep filling the air as the lock disengaged and Sunset grabbed the handle, the faces of the three girls dropping as Sunset’s smile grew larger as she opened the door. “I’ll take your apologies now, by the way.”

“Sure, if you tell me just how much stuff you brought with you!” the ponytail girl said, pointing into Sunset’s room, causing the girl to peek around the corner before giving a small shout of surprise and stumbling back. The room was packed with these various boxes, all laying in a mess; one could barely see the far wall there was so many!

“Obviously more than I thought…” Sunset whispered as she grabbed her box and walked in, the other three following behind slowly, looking at one another. “The nice thing is my paperwork should be in box number three, which is…”

Sunset dropped the current box in her hands onto one of the other larger ones, holding some kind of large piece of furniture. She walked around the room, scouring through the boxes in search for the one she had written the number three onto as the girls murmured among one another.

“Ah ha!” Sunset cried in triumph as she moved a few thankfully smaller boxes aside to reveal the box she was seeking, dragging it out and starting to peel the tape off. “It should be- right there! Here, further proof in case you still needed it.”

Sunset smiled as she held out a clear bag that contained the photocopied pieces of her (il)legal paperwork from Great Bridle. Thankfully all the really legal stuff was in the back, but a driver’s license and a few other minor pieces sat in the front.

“It’s all photocopies, sorry. Some of my stuff is still on its way here.” she gave a smile as she dropped the paperwork onto her lap. “So what are your names? I take it all three of you stay up here as well, so I may as well learn who’s who.”

“Um… Yeah, uh, my name’s Indigo Zap.” the goggle girl pointed to herself, then to the taller girl and the ponytail girl in turn. “That’s Sunny Flare and Sour Sweet.”

“Nice to meet the three of you properly, even if you were rather off putting at first.” Sunset chuckled as she slowly pushed herself up. “As long as that’s all behind us, then I’m fine.”

“I’m amazed, Sunset.” the Equestrian felt her eyes shut as her silent groan was voiced by the other three girls. “I figured you would keep the riff raff out of your room.”

“Aw, shut up, Starlight!” Indigo spat as all four girls turned to watch the prefect walk into the room, an impressed look on her face as she scanned over all of Sunset’s boxes. “Go mind your own business!”

“I just noticed that the door had been left open and wanted to come see how your progress on your room had gone.” her smile of superiority vexed Sunset, but she kept her temper in check, even if the other three didn’t.

“We’re just making sure she doesn’t fall into your traps.” Sour Sweet said, flipping her ponytail.

“You wound me.” the girl held a hand up to her chest, a facsimile of hurt playing across her features. “I only seek equality.”

“Yeah, equality, but with you as the ruler.” Sunny said, shaking her head. “Go spread your lies somewhere else, Starlight.”

“Very well, I can tell that the unintelligent dislike balance.” Starlight gave a tired sigh as she shrugged, shaking her head slightly before looking past them at Sunset herself. “I would recommend you don’t associate with these… dissenters too much, Sunset. It would harm your reputation around here.”

Sunset refused to reply as Starlight Glimmer turned her back on them, slowly walking back out of Sunset’s room, grabbing the door and closing it behind her. The trio broke into grumbling right in front of Sunset, with much gnashing of teeth and shaking of heads.

“Don’t listen to that girl, Sunset.” Sunny Flare warned coldly, a steely glint in her eye. “She preaches equality, as long as it suits her.”

“Yeah… There used to be more of us here- every room was full before she started her so called “study-groups” back in ninth grade…” Indigo crossed her arms, eying Sunset carefully.

“I recommend you be careful with who it is that you trust in this school.” Sour Sweet said, the ‘warm’ smile on her face sending warning signals through Sunset’s mind, and chills down her back. “Just let your new friends take care of you.”

“Friends, huh?” Sunset gave a cold laugh, the blood starting to heat up in her veins. “Do friends here put people through the ringer like you three did? Maybe we can become friends, but I wouldn’t count on it until you show me some real respect. For now though, I suggest the three of you leave. I have a lot to set up.”

Sour Sweet’s face was a mix of emotions as the other two girls started to drag her away and out of Sunset’s room, until the girl was finally by herself amidst a sea of boxes. She gave a tired sigh, praying that she was just running into the bad apples of the school- desperately so! At least she wasn’t the only one that disliked that Starlight girl, and it seems she may have a bit of a history here herself!

For now, she really should focus on unpacking the boxes and getting her room set up properly. She would instantly regret not getting the movers to help her as the first box she opened revealed a massive dresser.

Chapter 2: Familiar Faces

“They really didn’t hold back, did they?” a soft chuckle escaped Sunset’s lips as she looked around the room, taking in the mass of furniture that she had unboxed and arranged the previous day. It had taken her the entire afternoon to set everything up, willingly skipping supper even as she set up her new room, smiling the whole while.

A wide dresser with six drawers sat beside the walk in closet, thankfully this one was only a fraction of the size at the Sirens’, with a full body mirror just beside it. Her desk sat in the corner, its shape resting perfectly there with long arms on either side with a small shelf like piece on the edges. Countless bookshelves lined her walls, empty for the moment but Sunset knew she would soon fill them to the brim with mighty tomes of knowledge! She chuckled at the thought as the dark morning twilight passed through her blinds and blanketed her now made bed. It was a king size, something Sunset both enjoyed and despised; she hated making her bed every morning!

A large stand stood against the far wall from her bed, a sticky note on the box in Aria’s scrawling had told her it was a stand for a television that would be arriving at the end of the week; apparently the store was out of the model the Sirens had bought for her, making her wonder just how big it was going to be.

She meandered over towards her closet, opening it and digging around inside for clothes and a towel. She needed to go out and buy school supplies again thanks to her apartment blowing up and taking all of her old CHS stuff with it. She glanced over at the massive wad of hundred dollar bills that had been stored in the box that had held the bedding the Sirens had gotten her, that time it was Adagio telling her that it was for Sunset to buy anything else that she needed for the week, and to let her know if she needed more.

That reminded her that she needed a bank account now; Dean Cadence had asked for her deposit information as soon as possible for the student funding, making Sunset wonder just how much it was going to be. She assumed that they paid all of the students, so surely it couldn’t be that much, right?

She started to discard her sleepwear into her new laundry hamper, skipping on one leg as she tried to both unclothe and get over to her private washroom. She had organized it last night when she took a quick shower before bed, enjoying the hot water running down her aching frame. It had both a stand alone shower and a separate bath, both of them beyond spacious a single user, such as Sunset.

She smirked as she shut the door behind her, her underwear slipping silently to the ground. Time for a good start to her last day of freedom.

(V):.:(V)

“Huh… She really does look like Sunstrike.” Sunset paused as she reached the bottom of the stairs, noticing a pair of newcomers sitting alongside Indigo Zap in the living room area. The girl speaking had long hair made of many shades of green, which popped against her light pink skin as she removed her headphones off her head. “That’s a real bitching scar though.”

“What did you say her name was again?” the other new girl had periwinkle skin and long white hair tied back in pigtails. She adjusted her glasses as she glanced between Sunset and Indigo as a door closed shut back upstairs.

“Her name is Sunset Shimmer, Sugarcoat.” was that girl Sour Sweet? Or Sunny Flare? Sunset stepped out of the way as the girl tromped down the stairs. “She’s our new classmate.”

“Nice to meet you.” Sunset nodded towards Sugarcoat as the other new girl raised her hand and called out at her.

“I’m Lemon Zest! I love your coat.”

“Thank you. You’re much nicer than the others were yesterday.”

“Hey! We thought you were Sunstrike, alright?” Indigo Zap cried from the couch in annoyance. “I don’t think anyone here likes that girl except the Nerd.”

“Well I expect to have quite the explaining to do over the next… Probably month or so of classes.” Sunset shrugged as she pulled her jacket snugger. The wind hadn’t been too cold blowing through her open window earlier, so she wasn’t dressed too thickly, her jeans and heeled boots matching her leather jacket and top quite well. “Now if you’ll all excuse me, I need to go finish some last minute shopping.”

“You need more!?” Sour Sweet shouted from the kitchen, starting to juggle her bread that she was about to insert into the toaster. “What else could you possibly need in that room?”

“Well my T.V. still has to arrive, apparently they were out of the model at the local stores. I also need to grab a laptop and some speakers, maybe some new strings for my guitar.” Sunset rang out her list, tapping finger against finger. “Oh! And I need supplies for school, binders and all that stuff. Apparently I forgot all mine back home.”

“Well at least she isn’t perfect…” grumbled Sour noisily as she stuffed the bread into the toaster, hammering down on the lever to depress the toast-to-be. “But why are you going out so early? The mall isn’t even open for another half an hour!”

“Well I figured I go and buy some breakfast. I saw this neat little pub a little ways down the street.” she shrugged as she made her way to the door, ‘accidentally’ slipping her wallet out of her coat on the way. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“You dropped your wallet!” Lemon Zest shouted as she vaulted over the sofa, grabbing the fake leather piece and freezing. “Here you… go…?”

“Hm? What’s up, Lemon?” Indigo asked, following her comrade in arms, only to do a spit take as her audiophile friend flipped the wallet over and the mass of hundred dollar bills filtered out of it. “What the hell!? Did you rob a bank or something!?”

“No, that was an advance on my allowance.” Sunset gave a warm smile as she walked over and grabbed the bills, but she was snickering uncontrollably on the inside. “Tell ya what, why don’t the five of you order something nice for lunch? My treat.”

Sunset slowly stood back up, handing one of the hundred’s over to Lemon Zest before stuffing her wallet into her front pocket and walking back to the door. “Toodles.”

She could barely control her laughing as an argument broke out on the other side of the door as soon as it shut behind her, causing her to scurry away rapidly to the elevator. Thankfully it was clear out this morning, no fresh snow on the ground and only mostly cloud covered skies. The cafe would be about a five minute walk, she figured, and after she ate she could head to the mall; maybe even walk there.

“Don’t be afraid to spend that money.” Adagio had said when Sunset called the previous night, refusing to take more of their money. “We’ve been saving up since the banks first came into existence here; we probably have two-thirds of the world’s wealth spread around it.”

Sunset still wondered why it was that they didn’t control the world yet. Heck, for all she knew, maybe they already did! She would have to ask them the next time she got to hang out with them. She pulled out her phone; no, it would be rude to call them at this hour. Knowing them, they would be either asleep in a cuddle-puddle, or busy being busy with one another.

The door opened, letting Sunset enter the short amount of hallway before slipping out the door into the common room. It was still empty, though Sunset wondered if it would always be like that. Hopefully people would learn the difference between her and Sunstrike quickly, she really didn’t want to be dealing with yet another situation of mistaken identities…

She sighed as she swiped her ID card over the console for the elevator. Those days were behind her, but she still felt the pain, even as she tried to bury it that night during karaoke. It was going to take a long time for the wounds to heal, though she also understand that she was the cause of all of this in the first place with her actions.

“Hey. The doors open.” Sunset gave a small jump as the purple girl pushed past her, not even sparing a glance. At least she told Sunset that, so that was a plus.

“T-Thanks…” she muttered as she slipped into the large box with the girl. “Um, could I learn your name now?”

“Tempest Shadow.” the girl said, narrowing her eyes as she stared through their corners at the girl standing beside her. “Starlight told me that you were indeed not Sunstrike, and I recommend you do not interact with that girl.”

“Um, why? Everyone keeps saying that but no one has explained why.”

“She’s a troublemaker; a dissenter that seeks to ruin this school from the inside.” Sunset was amazed at just how adamant Tempest’s voice was, her body remaining entirely composed. “That’s all you need to know.”

“Um, thanks?” she responded meekly as the elevator opened once more and Tempest walked out, a subdued haste to her step. Sunset just shook her head and slowly followed after her schoolmate, before Tempest scowled and walked down a separate path, leaving Sunset alone. First impressions were everything, and the student body so far was prickly, to say the best. At least it was only a handful of students out of hundreds, things should surely balance out.

She gave one last swipe of her card as she stepped out of the gate locking off the student housing from the outside world, giving a small stretch before she started her way down the street. The sidewalks were clear of any snow, the large amount on the street packed down from frequent traveling upon, leaving Sunset’s boots to clack on the cold, frozen pavement underfoot.

Five minutes and twenty some seconds later, only due to someone in a sporty looking car with tinted windows roaring past, Sunset stood in front of the cafe, frozen in spot as she looked in through the large window.

“Hello, Sunset.” Adagio mouthed as all three Sirens greeted her. Aria crossed her arms while a smug grin spread over her face, while Sonata’s exuberance could be felt through the large pane of glass as Sunset slowly walked inside. “How are you this morning?”

“Um, fine, thank you.” she said in response to finally hearing Adagio’s conceited voice, walking over to stand beside the three girls, Sonata launching off the chair and wrapping her arms around her friend. “What are you three doing here?”

“Getting a bit to eat before the morning started.” the lead Siren responded, Sunset surprised that Aria didn’t break out into cackles. Sonata meanwhile was cuddling Sunset desperately, purring happily.

“Believe it or not, but we own this place.” Aria said, leaning back and putting her boots up onto the table, only to just as quickly remove them while hissing and rubbing her aching shins. “The fuck was that for, Adagio!?”

“Just because we own it doesn’t mean we should act like pompous teenagers!” the orange curled mass of dominance spat, shaking her head as Sunset started to giggle.

“Well I guess I should ask if you three have space for anoth-”

“Right here!!!” Sonata shouted, Sunset’s ears ringing from the intensity as the blue Siren rapidly deposited the taller girl in between herself and Adagio, Aria scowling momentarily. “I tooootally recommend the breakfast burrito!”

“I regret us ever going to Mexicolt…” Aria grumbled loudly.

“I was thinking something with apple, rose tea, and white bread.” Sunset chuckled, rubbing Sonata’s head, the girl giggling happily underneath the amber hand. “Nice and light to start a day of shopping.”

“Ah yes, the necessary school supplies.” Adagio sighed melodramatically as she sat back and took a delicate sip of her tea. “That was the most annoying part leading up to the Battle of the Bands.”

“Math is, like, mental torture of these humans!” Sonata moaned, her head thrown back. “For realsies! Why do they even put up with it!?”

“Without math, how would you track the perfect mixture for your tacos, Sonata?” Sunset asked, watching as the girl’s face fell, causing giggling to fill the air from the other three Equestrians.

“So tell us again what it is that you are shopping for today?” Adagio asked, looking away momentarily to motion at one of the girls that had been standing off to the side. “Yes, we need an order of apple-cinnamon waffles, with a side of white bread, plain, and some rose tea.”

“Wow, that sounds really good, Adagio.” Sunset nodded, matching the waitress as she started walking to the back of the cafe. “As far as I’m looking for, probably just a massive binder, loose leaf, and writing utensils. And I guess a new laptop, the student housing has a massive computer lab, but I’d prefer something a little more… personal.”

“Just remember that if you need more money-”

“Give you three a call, yes; but really! There was like seven grand in that box! I don’t think I’ve had that much money here ever!” Sunset watched as the three Sirens started to chuckle in response to her exasperation. “Oh! Speaking of money; I need a bank account. Apparently the school funds its students?”

“Oh, that’s different.” Adagio said, bringing her hand up to her chin. “I mean, we could open you up one tomorrow afternoon. What time do you get out of classes again?”

“I think around four? I don’t even know my schedule yet, I’m supposed to go in and do that tomorrow morning.”

“Aren’t finals starting soon?” inquired Aria, tilting her head. “Are you gonna be ready for them even? I would hate for you to get in and then immediately bomb out because of tests that you haven’t studied for.”

Sunset burst into laughter at the comment, wiping away a tear as she quickly quieted herself. “Aria, please. I was the personal protégé of Celestia when I lived in Equestria. I probably knew more then than any of these kids do now! And I’ve studied tons of stuff in this world! I swear, if there was an actual career that just involved learning everything, that would me.”

“Still, Crystal Prep apparently has quite the reputation of high standards.” Adagio cautioned, resting a hand on Sunset’s leg. “Don’t be afraid to ask us for help.”

“Yeah! We’re smarter than we look!” Sonata beamed as she finally looked up from her pile of whipped cream with a hint of what looked like pancakes and plate underneath, her face almost totally hidden behind a mask of the dairy confection.

(V):..:(V)

“Thanks again for the meal and the ride you three.” Sunset gave a slight bow as she departed the car. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”

“No, I think it best for our cover story if you go alone, sadly.” Adagio said slowly, all three Sirens giving their own sad looks. “This way you can pull out you Great Bridal driver’s license should any Wondercolt come after you.”

“I guess? Well, if you’re sure.” Sunset waved farewell as the Sirens’ car pulled away, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets as they disappeared around the corner of the building. She felt just as disappointed to be apart again after how nice it was to eat together again. She didn’t realize just how much she enjoyed their company.

She shrugged as she started into the mall, the building relatively quiet thanks to the combination of early morning and holidays. It felt cavernous inside, the music bouncing around off the walls thanks to no foot traffic. Sunset was alone, more or less, save for the employees she saw lingering around in the various stores.

What was first on the list then? She paused at one of the many terminals that dotted the mall, tapping a finger against the wide circle to start the map. The Crystal Empire Mall spanned five floors, and Sunset had a sneaking hunch she was going to be visiting all of them. For now she should find somewhere that did school supplies.

Scissors was on the next floor, so that was going to be the first choice. She would be able to get all of her school supplies there most likely, though lugging all of that through the mall was going to be a hindrance. What else could she hit first, something lighter perhaps?

There was a computer shop up on the fourth floor, Sunset remembering that the shop that she went to with the Sirens to get her phone didn’t deal with laptops nor desktops, so no use going there. Except that walking around the mall with a laptop would be risky too; she would be unable to set it down anywhere.

The next business she spotted was a video game retailer, up on the fifth floor. She was getting a T.V. soon, so maybe she should pick herself up a console to go with it? Depending on the console it could also act as a movie player if she so desired, so that wasn’t a bad choice. Again it was the price of the item though, and that’s what caused her pause. She couldn’t carry it around the mall, let alone the long walk back to the student housing!

She should have had the Sirens stay with her, Wondercolts be damned! A taxi was what it was going to be it looked like, and she’d never used one of them before. A first time for everything, then. Sunset paused and looked at the map again, deciding on starting at the top and working her way down, carrying the least for as long as possible.

She took off towards the staircase that led up to the next floor, following them up and up their winding path until she sat at the far end of the floor she needed to be on. She counted all of three other people from this height that weren’t employees, and judging by the way they were walking, they were probably half asleep at the wheel.

It only took her a couple minutes to reach the game store, ‘Equestrian Boutique Games’, walking in and waking up the pair of half asleep boys at the counter.

“Welcome to Equestrian Boutique Games.” one of them yawned, the other too busy copying suite to speak, only nodding as much as he could. “Can we help you find anything?”

“I’m just gonna look for a minute, but I’ll probably need a hand getting something shortly.” Sunset chuckled, the pair joining in as they scratched the back of their heads.

There were tons of games lining the shelves, for all sorts of systems and handhelds; she didn’t know where to even begin looking! If she remembered right, the Gamestation was the more popular of the three, with the 180-Box lagging behind, and the newer version of Sonata’s favourite console lacking even more, so it seemed her choice of console was set.

But what about games? She glanced through the covers, picking up a few to look at the back if they triggered her interest, and it wasn’t long until she had a small collection of various titles, ranging from rpg’s to fps’ as she walked up to the counter, depositing them in front of one of the boys.

“I’ll also need the console this goes with.” she said, the boys looking at her in amazement, causing her to chuckle. They were probably sophomores judging by their looks as they scrambled about.

“S-Sure, wh-which one?” asked the second, drawing her attention to the wall that he now stood beside, pointing up at the shelving holding up the same system with all sorts of prices.

“That one, I guess?” she just pointed at the most expensive one, a small piece of coloured paper hanging off of it saying it had the most storage space. But it was the box sitting beside it that interested her even more. “Oh! And that one too!”

The boy gulped as he looked up at the massive box sitting beside the console, the other boy silently chuckling from behind the counter as he started ringing up the games.

“I haven’t played Band Hero in forever!”

(V):...:(V)

Eight hundred some dollars later, Sunset stumbled out of the shop with her arms full of the box full of plastic band instruments and the system to play it with, giggling in excitement. She no longer cared about the other games that sat in her bag, instead focusing on what could be done with Band Hero. She didn’t have an amp for her own guitar, and she wasn’t planning on purchasing one at the moment, but this game would more than suffice. Apparently it came with all the new songs, as well as all the songs from all the previous iterations of the game.

Next was the computer shop that sat a level down and across on the other side of the mall. She had to take her time walking down the stairs thanks to the sheer bulkiness of the box, combined with four people trying to walk up the way she was heading down, but she was soon panting as she rested inside the aptly named, ‘Computer Store’.

“Good morning!” Sunset looked up just in time to see a young peach skinned man with blondish hair wave at her from behind the counter. “Looks like you have your hands full.”

Sunset chuckled. “Yes, just slightly. How are you this morning?”

“Oh, alive and kicking.” was the surprisingly cheery response as Sunset picked up her box again.

“That’s better than the alternative!”

“Yup! Better to be picking the daisies than pulling them.” the pair laughed for a moment. “Want to leave your stuff up here behind the counter? It looks heavy.”

“Sure, plus it’s store policy I see.” Sunset responded, motioning to a small sign sitting beside her.

“Your words, not mine. So what brings you in at this ungodly hour?”

“I need a laptop, I know nothing about them, and I have a lot of money.” she said simply, the man’s face remaining in a smile as he nodded along with her voice.

“Alrighty, what is the laptop for?” he asked as Sunset deposited her stuff, motioning to follow him over to the long display that was set up.

“School, but I want something powerful.” Sunset responded, watching as her host brought his hand up to his scruffy haired chin as he studied the wall.

“Any gaming?”

“Maybe?” she said slowly, giving an apologetic smile, only to pause when she saw something start glittering on the far end of the display, scampering towards it. “Oooh! What’s this?”

“Ah, that one.” the man walked down to the laptop Sunset hovered in front of. “The NSI Dragon. It’s the top of the line laptop available to the public at the moment, though I hear-”

“Its keyboard lights up!” Sunset said as the keys twinkled with various colours, her eyes opened wide as she smiled excitedly.

“Yes, it does.” the man chuckled as Sunset sat there beaming over the light show playing before her.

“I want it…”

“It’s a lot more than you sound like you need.”

“Wait… You do work here, right?” Sunset said, looking up at the man in amusement who simply nodded. “Are you telling me not to buy something?”

“I’m just saying that maybe there is something more price efficient for you.” he chortled, clasping his hands. “That’s all.”

“Well you deserve an award for the most customer conscious salesman of all time. And while I appreciate the concern, this is the one I want, so let’s go ring me up!”

(V):....:(V)

Sunset shifted her new backpack around, her laptop shifting around slightly as she maneuvered down the stairs towards Scissors. The man didn’t even work on commission! Sunset asked if there was some way she could tip him, but he politely declined, saying he was just happy to help her. Her wallet was much reduced in width now, thanks to about three fifths of the money she brought having been spent now.

At least she saved the inexpensive stuff for last, as she didn’t know how much she was going to spend on a taxi. The mall wasn’t that far away from the student housing, maybe a half hour walk, so it would be a quick drive most likely.

She skipped down the stairs as she started on her way towards Scissors, wanting to get back home and start fiddling with her new laptop. First things first, she would need to finish her shopping; school supplies were a higher priority. But as soon as she hit the floor that held Scissor’s she found herself face to face with a large advertisement in the window of an optometrist’s.

“Hmmm…” Sunset stared at the advertisement, a couple in glasses smiling brightly as large letters advertised a fifty percent off sale on frames. “I mean, I don’t need them to see, thankfully, but maybe they would help differentiate me from this Sunstrike girl.”

With a small nod she shifted into the store for a disguise worthy of a superhero.

(V):.....:(V)

She felt bad telling them that she needed the glasses for looks instead of vision correction, the lenses was where they made their money after all. Still, it was cheap, and should help with distinguishing her from Sunstrike hopefully. Plus they looked really good on her; she couldn’t wait to put them on when she got home, but first, to Scissors.

As soon as she entered she was asked to leave her bags at the front, which she was more than happy to comply with; it would be easier to find what she needed if she could use her hands after all.

“Let’s see… Stationary… Lunchroom?” Sunset walked past the aisles in search of school supplies. “Legal… Ah! School, perfect!”

She walked slowly as she studied the shelving, looking for whatever she could find that was practical; she’d already spent enough money on luxury today after all. Sunset paused before grabbing a few packs of mechanical pencils, replacement graphites, and erasers before stuffing them into her shopping cart.

“Heh… Someone forgot your crown it seems.” Sunset chuckled as she noticed a child’s pencil bag with a snow white unicorn with wings and flowing, multicoloured hair, she reached out for it, only to pause when a familiar voice echoed from the near end of the aisle.

“Look, I knooow I use a lot of paper, but it’s all for a good purpose!” a short, lavender coloured girl giggled as she rounded the corner, a grey woman with white and purple streaked hair laughing alongside a blue man with cobalt hair. “I promise!”

“Twily, please. For the sake of you not deforesting the planet I think you should switch to a tablet for your excessive note taking.” the blue man rested a hand on the shoulder of the younger girl.

“Princess Twilight…?” Sunset muttered, perhaps louder than she have judging by the fact that she was now getting looks from all three people standing a few feet away from her.

“Princess Twilight? You didn’t tell me you were royalty.” the woman chuckled as she patted the girl on the back before looking up at Sunset. “Hello, Sunstrike. I thought- Oh my, what happened to your face?”

“O-Oh, you must be- I’m not Sunstrike, my name is Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset stuttered, speaking quickly as she gave a quick chuckle. “I’m a new student at Crystal Prep and I’m just picking up my supplies. S-Sorry, you just look like someone I knew. I-I’ll, uh, leave you three be.”

“Hey now, no need to be embarrassed.” Sunset froze in spot, her body quaking as the man, obviously the father of this world’s Twilight Sparkle, addressed her. “Our girl Twily here is a student at the Academy as well!”

“U-Um… P-Please to meet you.” Twilight said, adjusting her glasses self consciously as she looked up at the towering Sunset. Twilight came up to bust height on the girl, and while Sunset knew she was tall by anyone’s standards in this world, let alone for a woman, she still couldn’t help but chuckle as she looked down at the shorter girl. “Y-You said you knew someone like me?”

“Y-Yeah… It’s, uh… Personal, sorry.” Sunset smiled apologetically as she fingered her scar subconsciously. “It’s nice to meet another student from CPA, however! I’ve been so busy setting up my room that I haven’t had too much time to go out and meet very many other students yet.”

“Which floor are you on? Maybe Twily here could come visit you!”

“Dad! S-Stop calling me that when other people are around!” Twilight’s face was a cherry red as she flailed her arms at her father, the other three people chuckling softly.

“Well I’m up on the fifteenth floor, actually. Room… Eleven? I think?” Sunset paused. She was still getting used to her new living arrangements.

“Oh! I’m in room ten!” the purple girl looked up at Sunset, a slight smile on her face. “I guess you’re my neighbour then!”

“I’m Night Light, and this is my wife, Twilight Velvet.” the man finally introduced both himself and his wife, Twilight Velvet giving a small wave as Sunset nodded at them in turn.

“Nice to meet you. I guess I was just running into all the bad apples at the school.”

“Bad apples? You mean like Indigo and her clique?” Twilight Sparkle looked up at Sunset with a tired hint to her eyes as her parents took a step back.

“Why don’t you two talk for a little bit, me and your Mom will go look around.” Night Light said with a sly wink as the pair walked away.

“Uh, I guess? I mean, the most trouble I’ve had so far was… Starlight Glimmer?” Sunset said, shivering as she thought of that girl. There were all sorts of hints back to Sunset as she had been; manipulative, controlling, and that hint of superiority.

“Oh, Starlight’s not that bad.” Sunset was shocked as Twilight started to laugh, waving a hand at her. “She just wants all the students to come together with one another as equals, that’s all.”

“Is she… your friend?” she asked the shorter girl, trying her best to keep her worrying out of her voice.

“I-I-I mean, I guess? She’s been one of the few students to treat me nicely at that school. The whole place is a giant shark tank.” Twilight sighed, slumping her shoulders. “I had hoped that I would make some friends there, but all the students are so focused on themselves. I’ve been thinking about transferring into a private study program, but each time I bring it up to her, Starlight convinces me to stay at CPA.”

“Well what about this Sunstrike girl? Your parents and you obviously know her; and all I’ve heard at school so far is to avoid her.” Sunset rested gently against her cart as she started to quiz Twilight.

“Sunstrike is… unique. She’s easily the smartest, most capable student at the school, but anyone who tries to get close to her, well…” Twilight gave a slight chuckle as she straightened her hair. “She’s rough around the edges, she’s let her achievements get to her and sees no others as her equal.”

Yuuup, I know that feeling all to well… Sunset nodded. “Okay, so how are you close with her then?”

“Not really. I mean me, her, and Starlight are the top three students of the school, so we usually end up together in various things, and Starlight can’t stand Sunstrike’s attitude. I, uh… put up with her.”

“Ah, gotcha. Well I guess I shouldn’t hold up hopes for the students being friendly then, huh?” Sunset received a small shrug in response.

“I mean, there’s a few. Lemon Zest is alright, Coco Pommel, assuming you don’t talk to her in front of Suri… Um…” Twilight grew silent as she obviously ran out of names. “T-There’s more! I promise! But… Just don’t get your hopes up.”

“Gotcha. Play it quiet then.” Sunset nodded, her fears manifesting in visions of the students during Anon-A-Miss. “Don’t draw any attention to myself.”

“Ummm… You’re part of the “Upper Floor”, and you look just like Sunstrike.” Twilight said, smiling awkwardly. “You’re not gonna get that chance.”

“Right…” Sunset’s shoulders slumped. She had gathered that this Sunstrike was this versions world of herself, all the comments of the two of them looking alike, combining with what this world’s Twilight said about her behaviour, it just made sense.

“Princess Twilight!? What are you doing here? And with her of all people?” Sunset wanted to stab the next Murphy she met with a dull, rusted spoon as she watched none other than Trixie Lulamoon point a finger at the two of them in her usual over dramatic fashion.

“Um, do we know you?” Sunset said aloud, walking up to stand beside Twilight. She was doing her best to look confused, and her years of experience in playing the Principal’s at CHS definitely helped as the sky blue girl stormed towards them.

“Oh don’t think you can play coy, Anon-A-Miss!” the girl said loudly, scowling at Sunset. “Trixie knows that you deleted your account just so the authorities can’t track you!”

“Look, you obviously have me and my classmate here mistaken with someone else.” Sunset brought her hand up to her face and gave a tired sigh, before smiling and reaching that hand out towards the girl. “My name is Sunset Shimmer-”

“Trixie knows that.”

“-And I just moved here from Great Bridle. Are you a student at Crystal Prep as well?” Sunset could feel her facade start to fail, the corners of her mouth trembling as Trixie slapped away her hand.

“Don’t think for a moment that you can trick me again, Shimmer!” she spat, looking now at the cowering and confused Twilight Sparkle. “Princess, surely you know not to be around this-”

“I-I-I-I don’t even know you…” Twilight stuttered, looking up at Sunset for help.

“Here…” Sunset dug into her wallet, blessing the stars that the Sirens had their… lackeys fly overnight to bring Sunset’s forged documentation as she pulled out her Great Bridle driver’s license. “See? Now whatever issues you may have with this other Sunset Shimmer obviously doesn’t involve me. Are you sure you don’t mean Sunstrike? A lot of the other students at CPA seem to talk a lot about her.”

“She’s not a student there.” Twilight said, adjusting her glasses as she stepped somewhat out from behind Sunset. “I think she goes to Canterlot High School, one of the other schools in town.”

“I… Trixie has found our Sunset Shimmer…” the girl said, backpedaling and looking like her world was imploding as she pointed a finger between the two girls. “A-A-And the Princess! J-J-Just wait until everyone hears of this!”

“Umm… What?” Sunset said, chuckling on the inside as she watched the girl backpedal all the way back out of the aisle before running in the direction of the entrance. “Well that was… something.”

“I agree. Um, tha-thank you. I’m not the greatest at public interactions.” Twilight smiled, a slight blush coming to her face. “Um… M-Maybe we could be, ya know… friends?”

Sunset remained neutral at the girl’s proposal, conflict raging internally. She could use a friend at the school, but she was certain Starlight had her claws in this Twilight, and that could cause issues. She wasn’t sure if she could survive another Twilight Sparkle turning on her. “Sure, why not. Just, uh… Don’t expect a lot out of me. I’m not much of a people person myself, especially after… Yeah.”

“Um, are you two alright?” Night Light said as him and his wife reappeared at the end of the hall.

“We just saw this girl run out of here shouting about… Equestrians?” Twilight Velvet looked utterly confused before she started to giggle. “I don’t know what horse riding has to do with anything, but it seems like you two are fine.”

“Yeah. Yeah, we’re fine. That girl had us confused for someone else.” Sunset chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. “I’m used to it now honestly.”

“Well, hopefully you can clear that up quickly at the school. Reputation is a pretty major thing there.” Night Light said as he wrapped an arm around his daughter.

“So I hear. I, uh, need to finish my shopping; gotta get my school supplies ready for tomorrow, and I’m not looking forward to taking my first taxi here, especially with all the stuff I purchased already.” Sunset gave a small sigh as she started grabbing various binders and packs of paper, adding them to the pile she had started in her cart before running into the Human Twilight Sparkle.

“A taxi? Why don’t you let us give you a ride back?” Twilight Velvet wore a motherly smile as she looked up at Sunset.

“We were on our way there with Twilly before she asked to stop here for more note paper.” Night Light chuckled as Twilight once again voiced her annoyances over the pet name.

“Um, sure. Thank you!” Sunset nodded happily as she smiled. She wasn’t receiving any warning signals anything was up with them, and worst case scenario she knew the Sirens had put a tracking device on her phone; Sonata had spoiled that in secret over breakfast. “I should have almost everything here already, so why don’t I meet you three up at the tills?”

“Don’t be long! Spike is still waiting out in the car!” Twilight said as the three started to depart, only to freeze when she remembered her companion. “Er, you’re not allergic to dogs, are you?”

“Nope, all good here.” Sunset smiled as she returned to grabbing whatever supplies she still needed. This was going to be all kinds of awkward now, wasn’t it?

(V):......:(V)

“So you said you moved here from Great Bridal? What caused you to do that?” Night Light asked as he looked at Sunset through the rear view mirror.

“Yeah, uh… Had some problems at my school and had to leave. Crystal Prep seemed like the best choice for me to continue my studies.” Sunset said quietly, being careful not to divulge too much.

“Well you made the right choice, dear. Crystal Prep is the top rated Academy on the continent! That’s why we enrolled Twilight here.” Twilight Velvet smiled as she looked back at the pair of students, smiling proudly at her daughter.

“Um… W-What happened at your old school?” Twilight asked, her eyes obviously studying Sunset’s scar.

“Uh… Oh boy.” Sunset looked out the window, unsure of what she should even say here. “Look, it’s really personal. All I’ll say is that the closest people in my life at that point turned on me over something I wasn’t responsible for.”

“I’m sorry to hear that dear.” Velvet said, resting a hand on the girl’s knee. “It sounds like they weren’t really your friends in the first place.”

“Yeah…” Sunset said, looking out the window. She could see the rapidly approaching student housing complex, its towers reaching high up into the sky as the car came to a halt against the curb right across from the main gate.

“Are you sure you don’t need a hand with all that?” Night Light said, watching as Sunset grabbed hold of the large box holding the goodies for Band Hero.

“Nah, I’ll be fine.” Sunset grinned as she grabbed the rest of her bags, looping her backpack across her shoulders and hanging her new school supplies from her arms before picking up the box again. “Thank you so much for the ride though, definitely saved me from trying to deal with a taxi.”

“No worries. Best of luck with everything here, Sunset!” Twilight Velvet waved as she and her husband got back into their car after giving Twilight each a loving embrace.

“Here, let me get the doors for you.” Twilight offered as the duo crossed the street, the girl rushing ahead and pulling her large wallet from her purse, pulling out a more official looking ID card than what Sunset possessed.

“Thanks. Much easier than unloading everything at every single door.” the duo chuckled as they slowly made their way into the building, slowly climbing up it through elevators and stairs until they walked out onto the seventh floor common grounds, running face to face with a new trio of girls.

“Oh, your back.” the tall one with striking white skin and long pink hair said as the yellow skinned girl with the white and lilac hair rolled her eyes. The third one barely looked up from her phone, her pale purple skin matching well with her darker violet hair. “I would be careful. Sunstrike got back early…”

“A-Ah, thank you for the heads up, Fleur.” Twilight nodded as she shot aside for the three girls to enter, before grabbing Sunset by the wrist and pulling her out of the elevator before it shut.

“Um, who were those three?” she asked, looking behind and only seeing the shut doors.

“Fleur de Lis was the tall one with the pink hair and her friend Upper Crust was the girl with the yellow skin.” Twilight explained as they started towards the door to the girl’s side of the dorms.

“And the other girl?”

“That was Suri Polomare… She’s a friend of Starlight’s, but I don’t really trust her.”

“Suri… You mentioned her earlier, right? With Coco?” Sunset paused, trying to remember their previous conversation at the mall.

“Yes. Coco hangs around with Suri, but I don’t really know why or what she sees in her.” Twilight motioned for Sunset to enter the elevator that just arrived. “She’s a nice girl though.”

They remained quiet as they rode the elevator up to their floor, Sunset briefly once again thanking Twilight for getting the doors as they paused outside of the barrier to their personal floor.

“So you’re in the room beside me, huh? Do you know if anyone is in room twelve?” Sunset asked as Twilight unlocked the last door.

“That would be Sunstrike…” Twilight’s tone was uneven as she explained, following behind Sunset into the living room.

“Oh. Well I’m gonna have to meet her at some point, may as well get it over with, right?” Sunset shrugged as she walked over to the stairs up, carefully maneuvering her way towards her room.

“I guess everyone has run away…” Twilight said, playful barking from the small carrier she hefted. Spike thankfully did not speak the same language as Sunset and the other humans, though he did love to bark. “I wish you the best of luck with Sunstrike, Sunset… Wow, say that five times fast.”

Sunset chuckled as she waved farewell to the girl as she entered her own room, Sunset depositing the box of plastic instruments onto the floor as she dug her wallet out of her pocket, finally using her own card to get into her room, where she carried her things over to her bed before depositing them on and around it; gently in the case of her new laptop.

With a tired sigh, and slumping of shoulders, she departed her room, making sure to lock it behind her as she walked over to room number twelve, raising her hand and knocking firmly on the door.

No response.

She knocked again, more firmly this time.

“Alright, alright. Stop your incessant knocking!” a familiar voice called out from the other side of the door, the floor shaking ever so slightly as the person stomped towards the door. “What the hell do you want, Star… light…?”

“Uh, hi.” Sunset said, raising a hand and waving at herself, unsure of what else to say.

Sunstrike was Sunset, the exact same stunning hair of yellow and red, striking aquamarine eyes, and smooth amber skin, though she lacked the eye scar and her hair was back in the style Sunset used to wear before she switched over to the ponytail she had been sporting since the karaoke night.

“...What…?” Sunstrike looked at Sunset in utter confusion, causing her to chuckle.

“Everyone has a doppelganger somewhere in the world, right?” she said, smiling warmly. “My name is Sunset Shimmer, I just moved here from Great Bridle.”

“...What…?” Sunset burst out into joyful giggling as her other self stood there, completely lost.

“Okay, so I’m your doppelganger apparently, and-”

“No, I get that, it’s just that normally the whole doppelganger thing isn’t usually this accurate.” Sunstrike said as she studied Sunset, slowly walking around her in the hallway. “I mean, you are literally me, minus the whole eye scar thing.”

That’s not the only difference between us. Sunset chuckled as Sunstrike leaned against the wall beside the door to her room, her arms crossed. “Yup, looks like it.”

“Well you’re obviously smart enough to make it up here, that or you cheated on your exam.” a familiar sneer spread across Sunstrike’s face as she addressed her opposite, Sunset giving a slight chuckle in response.

“You should know that we don’t cheat- There’s no reason to. Besides, I know a lot more than you do; perhaps a whole world’s worth.” Sunset watched as she rolled her eyes at herself, a dark bark of laughter

“You think you know me? Please.”

“I’ve heard that you’re a trouble maker, though if I know me, it’s due to not having someone around to temper your ego; and just a hint of desperation for attention from someone important in your life.” Sunstrike’s face darkened as Sunset talked, her mood obviously souring.

“You don’t know anything.” she whispered harshly, glaring at Sunset.

“I know that it takes a lot to get my attention, let alone my respect. I figure once I start proving my worth to you, you’ll change your mind. That or you’ve started to see me as a threat, and will be searching for blackmail to try and hold me hostage; though I am amazed that you’ve let Starlight Glimmer take over the school.”

“Shut up.”

“I will let you know that you will have trouble finding any dirt on me, sorta hard when someone comes from a world away.” Sunset watched as Suntrike pushed off the wall and stormed back into her room, the door closing behind her with a dull thud and a loud clack as the lock was set, leaving Sunset standing alone in the hall.

“That went about as well as I could have expected…” she sighed as she trudged over to her room. Sunstrike reminded her so much of her past self when she ruled CHS, but this girl obviously lost in her bid for dominance, that role falling to Starlight Glimmer. She paused as she thought over the encounter; perhaps she should have played it a little nicer and less stalker-like. She knew that Sunstrike wouldn’t value friendship, hell, she didn’t want to get close to any of the people in this world again, and knowing old her she would offer friendship as a tool.

She shelved the thoughts for now, instead deciding to focus on getting ready for her classes tomorrow. She was supposed to meet Dean Cadence at the front of the school early in the morning, apparently the two of them were going to be going over her class selection, as well as getting her a temporary school uniform to wear until the school's seamstress returned from their holiday period.

Hopefully it wouldn’t be too small.

Chapter 3: The First Day

“Thank you again for meeting me here so early in the morning, Sunset.” Cadence smiled as she held open the door for the new student. “This way we can get you booked into whatever classes you choose.”

“Not a problem on my end, I’m used to being up early.” she chuckled as she walked over to a chair across from the Dean’s desk. “So how does this work exactly?”

“Well judging by your previous record from Richard Johnson’s School for Gifted Girls, you don’t really need all that much to technically graduate. As far as we require, you need to achieve credits in Math, Science, Phys Ed, English, and Social Studies. That leaves one period open for either an Optional class, or another Primary class.” Sunset watched as Cadence ran her pen down the sheet of classes for her, with different columns for different studies.

“Okay. Do you offer AP classes here?” she asked, noticing a lack of advanced placement classes.

“We do…” the Dean hesitated, before folding her hands. “Our Advanced Placement classes function differently than those you are probably familiar with. You see, instead of choosing something like say, Advanced Chemistry, you instead choose Advanced Sciences, which covers all major disciplines.”

Sunset watched as the top sheet was moved aside, revealing a sheet talking about the advanced classes. Math, Science, English, and Social Studies each had their own quarter of the page, explaining how the courses worked, and what was involves with them.

“You see, we only recommend one of the AP classes to our brightest students.” Cadence said as Sunset flipped the page back around.

“Well am I able to sign up for all four?” Sunset asked, watching as Dean Cadence chortled.

“Sweetie, not even Twilight Sparkle is pursuing all AP classes.”

“No, but I bet Sunstrike is.” Cadence stopped her chuckling at Sunset’s comment, studying her intently. “She challenged me, saying that she’s better than I am.”

“Sunstrike does that with everyone, Sunset.” the amber girl grinned as the woman bought her lie. “I don’t think-”

“I understand the concern, but trust me. I came here to try and push myself.” Sunset interjected calmly, giving a warm smile. “I didn’t have a challenge before so I had no reason to push myself then.”

“Pride cometh before a fall, Sunset.”

“I think that’s what you should tell Sunstrike.” she chuckled, earning a tired sigh of defeat from Cadence.

“Alright, I relent. I just need your choice of optional class then, since that’s all you have left.” Sunset grinned at the comment, hoping that she knew herself well enough to get a perfect match with her other self.

“Do you provide Home Ec. here?”

(V):.:(V)

“I do apologize that the uniform is so tight, Sunset.” Cadence said as she watched Sunset struggle to get the last button to clasp on her temporary top. “Maybe I can talk to Principal Cinch, and-”

“No… W-We’re good…!” Sunset panted as she she stood up straight, large gaps between the buttons on her shirt. She gave a weary smile, though both of them knew it wasn’t going to last long. “You don’t need this back in the same condition you gave it to me, right?”

“I think we can call it a write off if need be. Again, I do apologize. Most of our female students are not so…”

“Huge?” Sunset said, earning a chuckle from the Dean. “Don’t worry, I’m used to it.”

“Well I’m happy to let you know that our seamstress will be in during lunch, so we can get your measurements then and hopefully have your uniforms ready by the end of the day.” Cadence nodding, only to pause when she saw Sunset falter.

“Um… I was gonna use my lunch break to run back to the student housing to get my gym clothes.” she said sheepishly, scratching the back of her head, freezing when her shirt gave an ominous creak.

“Oh,you don’t you worry!” Cadence smiled as she walked with Sunset out of her office. “We provide students with gym uniforms free of charge. You just need to talk to Mr. Sombra at the start of class.”

“Um, will they be in my size?” the duo swore there was audible fraying as Sunset looked down at her chest.

“Yes, they are pretty standard t shirts, sweatpants, and shorts. I will also let you know that your uniform will be coming with specific shoes, which we will size during the lunch break as well. Your sneakers are fine for today, and if anyone has any worries, tell them to come talk to me.”

“Gotcha.” Sunset nodded, smiling slightly as she saw students entering the building and heading towards lockers. “Oh, I didn’t purchase a lock yesterday!”

“The lockers work just like the doors; all you need is your key card.” Cadence said, motioning and drawing Sunset’s attention as one of the students flashed his card across a small terminal on the locker, the door beeping and swinging open slightly. “Though I forgot your locker number in my office. I will get it to you in your first period. You also said that you will be going to open a bank account here once classes are finished for the day?”

“Yes. I have an appointment set up, I’ll bring the paperwork tomorrow.” Sunset nodded as the pair walked back down the hall towards wherever their destination was. “So not only are you the Dean of Students, but you also handle a homeroom, huh?”

“Yes! It’s easily my favourite part of the day if I’m honest.” the Dean gave a giggle more suited for one of the students her than someone her age. “We have a good group, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine.”

“Even with Sunstrike in the room?” Sunset raised an eyebrow as they paused outside of a room, Dean Cadence sigh as she shook her head, yet she couldn’t prevent herself from smiling slightly.

“At least you will have the chance to introduce yourself. Come on in, just be ready to come up front when I call you.” the cerise skinned woman gave a small wave of the hand, ushering Sunset into the empty room.

A number of large, circular tables sat around the room, each of them ringed by multiple chairs. There was a whiteboard on the far wall, with a giant screen looking thing beside it. Light filtered in through the rows of windows on the far side of the room from the door as Sunset gave a small shrug, walking over to the table sitting closest to the window and dropping her massive binder on it.

She opened the fabric encased item, shifting her glasses on her nose as she pulled out a pen and started marking off each of the sections inside. Sunset was planning to have just the one binder for school, just using it to transfer whatever she needed back and forth and leaving old work in her room at the student housing. It wasn’t long until students started to filter into the room, Sunset trying her best to smile at each one as they glared at her dismissively. Sure enough all the other tables filled up, the one behind Sunset having Indigo Zap and her now obvious friends.

“Um, are you sure you wanna sit there?” Lemon Zest had asked after Dean Cadence took away her headphones.

“I do. I mean, I think it’s obvious who sits here, right?” she smirked, watching Starlight Glimmer walk into the room. The confident smile she wore didn’t fool Sunset, the darkness behind it on full display as she glanced momentarily at Sunset out the corner of her eye, Tempest Shadow and Suri Polomare walking a step behind, and a fourth, pale creme skinned girl, almost as tall as Starlight following diligently behind Suri while Twilight Sparkle dawdled behind Starlight and Tempest.

Just as the bell rang, the last student entered the room, her uniform a stylized kind of messy as she slung her binder under her arm. Sunstrike paused and looked up as whispers and murmurs of surprise filled the air, causing her to look around in confusion until she spotted Sunset sitting at the only unoccupied table, smiling and waving.

“This is my table…” she whispered venomously as she sat down across from Sunset. “And that’s my seat.”

“I know, why do you think I sat here?” Sunset smirked as Dean Cadence gave a clap of her hands, everyone looking up to the front of the room.

“Welcome back everyone, I hope your holidays were full of relaxation and good times!” Sunset winced slightly, her left eyelid shuddering subconsciously at the mention of the last few weeks. Many students nodded, some chuckled, but everyone kept their eyes on Dean Cadence. “By now you’ve probably all noticed that we have a new student joining us. I know she looks very similar to someone already in our class, but I assure you she’s not Sunstrike’s long lost twin.”

There were self knowing chuckles from most of the students present, Sunset included as she watched Dean Cadence motion for her to come up to the front. If only they all knew…

“Yes, hi there.” she said as she paused beside the small podium Dean Cadence stood behind, waving to the class. Their eyes were all on her, for… various reasons. “Yes, I look like Sunstrike, and yes, my temporary uniform is threatening to fall apart. You can stop staring at my cleavage.”

More chuckles came from the class as some of the boys seemed to literally be trying to tear their heads away. “My name is Sunset Shimmer, and I’m going to be a student here starting today. Best way to tell me apart from Sunstrike is that I have a scar over my eye here, so take five moments to find out which of us is which when you try and talk to us.”

“Sunset Shimmer? Isn’t that the name of that person doing that thing at CHS?” a boy who sat next to Fleur de Lis called out, his white skin almost identical to the girls, yet his well coiffed hair was a pale azure colour, and a monocle of all things sat over his left eye. Murmurs followed his comment, everyone studying Sunset carefully as she watched Sunstrike take back her seat.

“Really, Sunstrike?” Sunset laughed loudly, shaking her head before returning to address this boy and the rest of the class. “And this is the second or third time I have heard of this. I assure you, I am not that person. I just moved from Great Bridle.”

A moment louder a loud pinging sound filled the air, followed by the top button of Sunset’s uniform flying off and embedding itself in the roof as everyone watched in stunned silence, which Sunset broke with a heavy sigh. “Okay, I’m gonna go sit back down and pray to god that this doesn’t happen again till the end of the day.”

“Well, you sure gave them a show.” Sunstrike snarked as she slid Sunset’s belongings across the table towards the girl, a smug grin on her face.

“Yeah, well they should be used to it with you by now.” she shot back as she sat down in Sunstrike’s former chair. “So, wanna tell me where our classes are, classmate?”

Sunset wore a playfully cruel grin as she watched Sunstrike’s face fall.

(V):..:(V)

“I understand that you shall be joining us today.” the math teacher said slowly, an upper class drawl to his words as her peer up at Sunset from over his Crystal Prep branded tablet.

“Uh huh.” Sunset nodded quickly. Duke Facade was a fitting name for the wiry man, his face nigh unreadable as he gave a barely subdued sigh.

“Very well. You shall need to set up times to after classes to write your missed unit finals. And keep in mind that we have a unit final at the end of this week.” he said, dismissing her to a seat with an errant wave of his hand, somewhat surprising her.

“So you got what, like five unit exams that you’ve missed so far?” Sunstrike snickered as Sunset sat in between her and Twilight Sparkle, while Sugarcoat sat in front of the lavender girl. Sunset didn’t recognize anyone else in the class, and everyone who hadn’t been present in Dean Cadence’s homeroom looked at her in utter confusion. “There’s a good ten hours gone after classes this week.”

“I was thinking maybe five, probably tomorrow and Wednesday.” she said as she opened up her binder, watching as Mr. Facade grabbed a digital pen and started writing on his massive smart board, causing exactly ninety percent of the student bade to give loud groans as he wrote out “Pop Quiz”. Sunset and Twilight made happy noises and gave loud claps as they grabbed pencils and erasers, removing everything else off their desk.

“You shall have fifteen minutes to write the test.” the teacher instructed as he started passing the sheets to the front of each of the five rows, the front student taking one of the pieces and handing it to the next in line, who continued the process until all twenty students had their papers. “You may begin.”

Sunset flipped the sheet over, happy to see it was just trigonometry as she forgot her scientific calculator at home. She gave a giddy giggle as she furiously wrote her name at the top of the paper, before getting to work scribbling on the sheet, the air reverberating with buttons being pressed and lots of pencils writing on paper.

Ten questions had challenged Sunset, and ten questions had been defeated as she walked calmly up to the desk where Mr. Facade sat, tapping lazily at his tablet screen before looking up at her with a sloth-like pace. “I’m not here to answer any questions you have.”

“Oh, then maybe I should ask one of the students where I hand this into?” she said, looking back at the nineteen youths who studied her for half a moment, only to return to their furious writing.

“Finished?” a bark of dark laughter escaped the man as he looked up at Sunset, removing his glasses as he held a hand out. “Let me see, then.”

Sunset gave a fake smile as she handed the sheet over, the man’s eyes darting from side to side as they scanned down the sheet, the girl simply swinging slightly side to side as she waited for his answer.

“Hrmph.” the man furrowed his brow as he turned the sheet over, setting it on the table. “A perfect score.”

There was a loud clacking sound from behind Sunset, followed by someone scrambling to pick up whatever they had just dropped as Sunset watched Mr. Facade as he reached down under his table and pulled something out, handing a small tab to Sunset. “The reward, as is standard. Now go take your seat.”

“Uh, a-alright?” Sunset said awkwardly as she scurried back to her desk, confused about the ordeal as she looked down at the little ticket she now held. ‘Good for one free desert* from the Shadowbolt’s Sweet Shoppe’ it read, followed by a long string of numbers on the bottom of it. She’d have to look into it at lunch.

“Okay, who’d you bribe for the answers?” Sunset used the motion of picking up her binder to look over at Sunstrike, whose eyes were narrow as she looked at her doppelganger.

“No one. It was all pretty easy.” Sunset said with deathly quiet as she slowly unzipped her binder, trying to make as little noise as possible.

“Without a calculator? As if.”

“Maybe someday I’ll explain it to you, but let’s just say that I’ve been studying a lot longer than you have.” Sunset smiled as she opened up her binder, fiddling around with a piece of loose leaf as she waited for the class to start.

(V):...:(V)

Sunset kept her annoyance to herself as she noticed Starlight Glimmer sitting at the front of the class, Tempest Shadow once again sitting at her side. They seemed inseparable to the Equestrian as she listened to Sunstrike trudge along behind her, the duo taking a pair of empty seats at the back of the room, Fleur and Upper Crust sitting in front of them.

“Class, please hand your assignment from over the holidays.” at least this class’s teacher was more lively than Mr. Facade as he addressed the class, eyes scanning over them. “Then open up your textbooks and turn to page three hundred and eighty seven. Sunset Shimmer, if you could come up and see me.”

The number of eyes on her was down significantly, though that was only due to the number of students that already knew her. She paused as she stood in front of the desk of the teacher, the sign on his desk addressing him as Mr. Lost Legacy.

“Here is your textbook for the course.” he started, handing over the biggest textbook Sunset had seen on this side of portal. “You will need to book time after classes to write your other five unit tests. There is also a unit test next Monday, in which you will have to give a presentation on a system of governance of your choice. Everyone has already handed in theirs, so you will be doing yours solo. It is to be five minutes long, and should include some other element, be it slideshow or display.”

“Got it.” Sunset nodded, hefting up the mighty tome with ease. “I should have mine ready by Wednesday’s class.”

Thank the stars that Dean Cadance got Sunset her locker number; carrying this textbook between classes would be a real pain otherwise! She sat back down, quickly scribbling down another five on her notepad. Ten unit finals needing to be written before the midpoint of the month when semester finals would start. Thanks to the way Crystal Prep handled AP classes, she wouldn’t have to worry about the big finals until the summer; the AP classes lasted both semesters.

“How many days now?” Sunstrike asked with a bored tone, not even looking at Sunset as she sat down.

“Well it’s been five per class so far, though I doubt Gym and Home Ec. will have written unit tests.” Sunset replied, flipping through the massive book she now possessed. “That leaves Science and English, so probably a total of twenty tests, at forty five minutes a piece, or fifteen hours, so by the end of the week if the school will allow me.”

“You’re a special kind of freak, aren’t ya?” Sunstrike shook her head as she looked over at the other her, who simply smiled.

“I just love tests.”

(V):....:(V)

“Great, now how are we gonna tell them apart?” Indigo Zap was as vocal as usual it seemed as Sunset hurried out of the change room. She had changed quickly after going with Sombra to get her uniform, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end the whole time.

He had been that third person at her entrance exam, but as soon as she met him face to face chills had started to run down her spine as she remembered the history of King Sombra and what the mad unicorn king had done to the Crystal Empire. At least here he was just dark and brooding, more or less.

Sombra was a man of few words as he introduced himself properly to Sunset as they walked towards a small office built into the corner of the gymnasium. He showed Sunset where the uniforms were kept, the amber girl rummaging through them, looking for something that may fit here. He mentioned that he knew Sunset didn’t have her full uniform yet, but as soon as she did, only her gym shoes would be allowed to be worn in any of the gymnasiums.

“Scar, duh.” Sunset shook her head as she responded to the girl with goggles hanging around her neck. She paused as she looked over at Sunstrike, the girl’s hair also back in a ponytail like Sunset. “Nice hairstyle. Really suits us.”

“What happened to your glasses, four eyes?” was her other self’s response as she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, those are fake.” slightly stunned locks appeared on the faces of Sunstrike, Indigo Zap, and Tempest Shadow, who had just walked over to stand behind Indigo, mirroring the looks she had gotten from the other members of the class. “Just part of the get up, really. Though I have been growing attached to them. Didn’t realize how good I looked in glasses.”

“All right, class. We will start with a two kilometer run to shake the rust out of your legs.” a shrill whistle followed Mr. Sombra’s quick bark, groans radiating from the students as they started to jog around the outside of the gymnasium with steady paces.

“Hey! Bet I can beat you!” Indigo said, jabbing Sunset in the side with her elbow, a smug grin on her face as she challenged the girl.

“I dunno, have you ever beaten Sunstrike?” she asked, looking back at the girl stomping behind her, spinning around mid-step and started jogging backwards.

“Not interested.” the girl said, sounding as bored as she currently looked.

“Well how about whoever wins from the three of us gets that desert ticket thingee I won in Math?”

“YOU GOT ONE OF THOSE!?” Indigo Zap shouted loudly, a hungry look on her face. “Okay! You’re on!”

“Well? You gonna try, Sunstrike?” Sunset asked, winking as she turned around and dashed after the sprinting form of Indigo Zap. “Or do you like losing?”

(V):.....:(V)

“Ah, yes. I’d like one hot fudge sundae, please.” Sunset smirked as she looked back the pouting form of Indigo Zap, the girl crossing her arms as she stood there fuming. It had been a close-ish race, though the trio instantly regretted it as Sombra sent everyone into a further work out routine.

“There. I hope you enjoy it, now I’m gonna go get my lunch.” Indigo stormed off, leaving Sunset alone in the line, literally. No other students were lined up for the Shadowbolt Sweet Shoppe, and as soon as she looked up at the price list she understood why.

I’m glad I got the free coupon… she thought as she struggled to keep her eyeballs in her head at the prices the Sweet Shoppe charged. This would have to be one heck of a good sundae to be worth the price they normally charged. She suddenly worried if the money she had brought would be enough for her lunch.

“Here you are.” the woman’s voice was snobbish, obviously looking down on Sunset as she handed over the massive plastic cup-like container that held her treat. It was certainly sized right for the price they charged; hopefully it tasted as good. For now, she balanced it on her otherwise entirely empty tray as she headed over to the line of students waiting to order at the cafeteria proper.

The cafeteria was larger than CHS’, but was no less lively if one looked closely. The student body was quieter than the Wondercolts, but Sunset noticed that they were talking just as much as their counterparts, yet the way they huddled close together in little groups reminded Sunset of the groups that had risen under her. She took a half step forwards as the line shifted, her eyes passing over the sea of students to find an open table.

She noticed the girls from her floors sitting together in their own groups. Indigo Zap’s back was turned to Sunset as she approached the table that Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare, and Sour Sweet sat at. Fleur de Lis sat laughing with that boy from earlier, Upper Crust sat snuggled close to a grey skinned boy with brown hair, adjusting his glasses as a few other students tried to talk to him.

Her eyes narrowed as she passed over Starlight Glimmer, the girl smiled smugly as she looked over her gathering. Suri Polomare and Tempest Shadow sat at her sides, while Twilight Sparkle and Coco Pommel sat and seemed to be talking quietly to one another while the various other students at the table were obviously trying to get Starlight’s attention. Sunset really wondered what sort of hold that girl had on this school, as it was obvious she had some sort of higher standing aside from just being the twelfth grade prefect.

“Why are you here again, Sunstrike?” the older lady behind the counter interrupted Sunset’s people watching, causing her to turn around. “Oh, you’re not her.”

“Don’t worry, that happens a lot. My name is Sunset, and I’m new here.” she gave a smile as she quickly explained the situation. “So what do you offer for salads here?”

“Caesar, chef, garden, taco…” the lady named off in quick succession, Sunset nodding slowly, instantly thinking of Sonata at the mention of a variation of her favourite food.

“Garden sounds good to me. Just greens and carrots please. Oh, and just a bottle of water please.” Sunset set her tray onto the counter, thanking the genius that decided to put pockets in the skirt she was wearing. She pulled one of the hundreds out of her wallet, handing it across the counter. “Are you able to break hundreds?”

(V):......:(V)

The one student that Sunset had been surprised to not see in the cafeteria was Sunstrike; though seeing as she has a bit of a reputation around the school, Sunset wasn’t shocked that she was hiding away.

“Thank you for coming, Sunset.” Dean Cadence smiled as she opened the door to her office. “Sassy Saddles is ready for you.”

Sunset giggled as she slid into the room, nodding at the other woman in the room. “Thank you for letting me bring my lunch for after. It didn’t look like there was any free space in the cafeteria.”

“Wow, you weren’t joking that she looked like Sunstrike…” the cerulean skinned woman chuckled as Sunset set her tray down on the Dean’s desk. “This will be interesting, I wonder if there are any differences?”

“I dunno, it didn’t look like to me. Well, scar.” the trio of women started laughing as Sunset walked over to the small stand Sassy Saddles stood beside. “Um, should I get up there? Or…?”

“I think I would make better use of it.” the seamstress chuckled, motioning for where Sunset to stand. “Now, we have two ways to do this. I would be able to get better measurements if you were to strip to your underwear, or-”

“Don’t have to ask me twice!” Sunset said excitedly as she started to shuffle off the constricting uniform. “This thing’s been trying its best to suffocate me all day!”

“Well, let me just grab my tape and tablet, and we can get to work.”

(V):.......:(V)

Ms. Berry Breeze was a lot more rigid than her name sounded as she told Sunset to get the semester’s earlier unit finals done before the end of the week, Sunset wearing that she was glaring daggers into her back as she returned to her seat beside Sunstrike, passing first by Starlight Glimmer, sitting at the front as usual, and lastly by Lemon Zest, the girl rocking out to the music playing through her earbuds.

Sunstrike’s brow was heavily furrowed as Sunset sat down, though she remained silent, judging her. Sunset paid it no mind, she was just here to finish her studies, and she wasn’t about to do something that would ruin what the Siren’s had done for her. She needed this if she was going to have a chance at a normal life in this world. At least as normal as a magical creature from another world could have being friends with seemingly immortal evil beings.

Why had the Sirens been so nice to her? Given that outburst from Aria on that first night about their pendants and what it meant to them as not only memories, but a chance to get back to Equestria, why would they try and help her? She was barely a speck in the hourglass of time that was their lives. They had made mention of the thousands of years they had spent in this world, after being banished from Equestria thousands of years ago.

Sunset shook her head, shelving the thoughts. Maybe someday they would answer her truthfully. For now, she should focus on Sunstrike, the girl had been watching her intently all class so far, obsessively so. “What’s with the looks?” Sunset asked as she glanced over at Sunstrike quickly, the girl refusing to answer before turning back to the board that the teacher was writing on. If anything, Sunset figured that the girl had started to try and find some dirt on her, for blackmail purposes obviously, and judging by the looks she hadn’t found anything yet. So far, so good for the Sirens’ cover story for her.

(V):........:(V)

Home Ec. held the most familiar faces so far, Sunset chuckling as she watched Sunstrike shake her head with an audible, exasperated groan, Sour Sweet echoing Sunset in response. Fleur de Lis and Upper Crust were in the class as well, staying away from Sunstrike as well as Suri Polomare and Coco Pommel.

“We’re gonna have words about this stalking habit of yours tonight.” Sunstrike hissed quietly as Sunset sat down across from her.

“Hey, I just picked classes that would push my limits.” she shrugged playfully in response as the class’s teacher, Mrs. Caramel Candy, shut the door behind herself upon entering. “Plus I need to learn how to cook meat properly- one of the downsides of being a vegetarian I guess.”

“Finally… Something we’re different about.” Sunstrike actually sounded relieved upon hearing Sunset’s statement, the room growing quiet as the teacher walked slowly up to the front of the room.

(V):.........:(V)

AP Sciences turned out to be the class with some of the least recognizable faces, tied with math for just two; Twilight Sparkle, who waved shyly at Sunset as she entered, and Sunny Flare, who spared Sunset only a half a glance as she walked past, arms full of textbooks and pamphlets. At least she had been right with her guess of twenty tests to do after classes, now she just needed to find out how to set up for tests after classes. Dean Cadence would know, as Mr. Ivory Spark was also adamant on his unit finals being done before the end of the week.

“So, uh… What other classes are you taking, Sunset?” Twilight Sparkle asked quietly, looking at the girl sitting beside her as the class started on the day’s worksheet.

“All the AP’s, Gym, and Home Ec..” she responded, glancing momentarily over at the girl. She had been quiet in Math, so this interest in her classes was a little surprising. “Why?”

“Wow…” the lavender girl obviously didn’t hear Sunset’s own question back, her face spread wide in shock. “That’s a lot of work, Sunset. Are you sure that it’s the best choice? I-I-I mean, if you want to, go ahead. I-It’s just… Don’t you want some free time?”

Sunset paused for a moment, her hand hovering just above the paper before returning back to scribbling on it. The Princess had been rather adamant about her spending time with the Rainbooms, back when Sunset was weak and had been lying about how they had treated her to cover for them. “I don’t really know anyone here, and I came here to advance my studies.”

“You seem to know me rather well enough…” Sunstrike muttered, intentionally just loud enough for her apparent clone to hear.

“Still, the school can be a bit… grueling. Maybe you should just focus on a couple AP classes?” Sunset knew Twilight only meant well, but she couldn’t help but chuckle at the girl’s advice.

“I’ll be fine, don’t you worry, Twilight. I left all the drama back at my old school, and have no intention of getting caught up in new ones.”

“Well just don’t be afraid to talk to Starlight if anything comes up. She’s her to help everyone.” Twilight’s bright smile mad Sunset pity her. It seemed that she really cared for Starlight, even though she just followed behind at her heels like a stray dog.

“I’ll, uh… Keep that in mind, Twilight.”

(V):..........:(V)

“Sorry for the delay. I didn’t think it would take that long to get tests set up…” Sunset groaned as she flopped into Adagio’s car, the Sirens having agreed to pick her up at the nearby cafe.

“Setting up tests?” Aria stretched around to gaze at Sunset in the back seat, watching as Sonata wrapped herself around the girl.

“Yeah. I got twenty unit finals to do after classes before the end of the week.”

“What the fuck!?” Aria’s jaw dropped as Sunset gave a weak shrug.

“Pardon me, but isn’t that a little ludicrous?” Adagio asked, looking back at Sunset through the rear view mirror.

“Eh, I don’t really care that much. It’s all on stuff that I know, so it’s not like I’m going in blind,” Sunset smiled as she pet Sonata’s head, the girl’s worried look being replaced with a giddy smile at the act of affection. “It could have been a lot worse.”

“Hell, even if you mess up, I’m sure we could convince them to fix the results.” Aria gave a playful wink as Sunset chuckled and shook her head. “Aside from that, how was your first day?”

“Well I spent all day with the me from this world- pretty sure I’ve made her hate me by now.” giggles erupted from the girls in the car. “I guess correctly for which classes she was in, and all of the other girls from the top floor are in the various classes.”

“Are you making any friends?”

“Aria…” Adagio’s voice carried a dangerous edge as she glared at the girl who was busy sticking her tongue out at Sunset, who sat there silent.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I want to. I mean- I did tell Twilight I’d be open to it, but she keeps hanging around that Starlight girl, and I just can’t stand her.” Sunset’s face soured as she mentioned the twelfth grade prefect. She hadn’t had a direct run in with her since the day she moved into the student housing, but every time she saw her today sent a chill down her back.

“...” Adagio was audibly silent as the car came to a stop, drawing everyone’s attention. “We’re being followed.”

“Huh?” Sunset’s head tilted in confusion as she looked up at the lead Siren. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t look back.” the firmness of the lead Siren’s tone stopped Sunset as she started to look over her shoulder. “It’s a red sports car, heavily tinted windows. Staying back, but definitely following us.”

The clicking of the turn signal suddenly filled the car as the light the turned green, Adagio turning off and starting down a different road from where they were supposed to be. Sure enough, the car followed.

“Hey, that’s the car that almost hit me on the way to breakfast the other day!” Sunset said, sparing a glance back.

“And it’s definitely tailing us. Take the next right, Adagio.” Aria said, looking back at the car through the side view mirror. “We can cut through the downtown core if we hit the lights right.”

“Why would someone be following us?” Sunset asked as Sonata grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly.

“I think it’s you they’re after, Sunset.” Adagio’s eyes flashed back again as she took a sudden, sharp turn, the car starting to speed up. “I noticed them parked a ways down the street when we picked you up, and they showed up a little bit before you.”

“Well this can’t be good.” Sunset said, worry starting to gnaw at the back of her mind as the car continued to pick up pace. “Shouldn’t we be driving a little slower? There’s still snow on the ground.”

“We just need to hit the light’s right at Haycake and Ninth.” Sunset looked up towards Aria. “Those lights can be murder at this time of day if you are coming from the wrong direction.”

“Wow… You seem really used to this sort of thing.” she commented, Sonata tapping her on the shoulder and drawing her attention.

“We used to get stalkers all the time.” she whispered in Sunset’s ear as buildings flew past the windows. “Back then you didn’t have cars and such, so we had to get well practiced in disappearing.”

“I see.”

“Okay, left, right, left again and we should get there juuust as the light turns yellow.” Aria said as she pulled out her phone, the seconds counting up on the screen.

“How do you know all of this?” Sunset asked, referring to the light timings.

“Aria loves getting the cops to chase her on her bike.” Adagio scowled as the purple Siren gave a smug look. “Comes back and says that her new bike is totaled again.”

“Hey, they’ve never caught me, now have they!?” Aria said as she nudged her sister in the arm. “Besides, it lets me know that I’ve been making the right modifications. Okay, mystery car has turned the corner behind us, the light should change here shortly, so gun it!”

The car gave a loud squeal as it instantly skipped from sixty to over one hundred kilometers per hour, the amber light blazing past as the car as it flew under the light, the traffic ignoring the sight and returning to their own routes as the sports car skidded to a halt, trapped behind the sea of vehicles crossing perpendicular to it.

“There we go. Okay, next left and then the second right and we’ll be on the backstreet we need.” Aria said as Sunset watched the car disappear from sight, wondering just who it was that had been trailing them.

(V):..........:(V)

“Who the hell are those three?” Sunset froze as she saw Sunstrike sitting on the hood of Adagio’s car. The four Equestrians had just finished setting Sunset up an account at the bank that the Sirens used here in Canterlot. It was a worldwide chain, which probably helped them with transferring funds around the globe easier. Sadly it seemed like the car that had been tracking them didn’t actually lose them, as it sat parked next to Adagio’s, the driver now sitting and waiting for them.

“Um, shouldn’t that be our line?” Adagio giggled, making a sharp noise as Aria stormed past, bumping her aside.

“Hey, get the fuck off the hood of my car! I spent an hour buffering that last night!” she growled, Sunstrike rolling her eyes in boredom.

“There was no mention from Richard Johnson’s School for Gifted Girls of someone transferring out recently, and you’ve made no mention of having anybody else here, seeing as you just flew in recently, as you say.” Sunstrike’s arms remained crossed as she studied the four people standing across from her.

“Look, they’re just distant family relatives who agreed to give me a ride to the bank so I could set up my account, okay?” Sunset groaned, forehead bouncing off her palm before she looked again at Sunstrike. “Why the hell would you follow us?”

“I told you that we were gonna talk tonight.” came the response. “I’ve also heard that a girl that looks exactly like you, scar and all, left CHS right before the holidays, coincidentally not long before you applied at CPA.”

“What? Look, I don’t know what it is that you’re trying here, but drop the conspiracy theory nonsense, alright?” Sunset said, shaking her head at herself. Where- and how- was Sunstrike digging this stuff up? Sure, Anon-A-Miss used to be a thing before they deleted their account during the holiday break, and some of the CPA students seemed to know about it, but they didn’t know much else other than a supposed name for who was behind it. The bit about her cover story was a little more worrying.

“Haaa… Okay, you’re gonna get off of my car and leave us alone, and if I ever hear that you are bothering Sunset…” Adagio’s expression was blazing as she stalked towards the much taller girl, who simply smiled.

“Or else what?” she smiled in smug satisfaction as she looked down at the shortest of the four girls. “You’ll find it is very hard to touch me.”

Adagio smiled, her eyes glinting as she opened her mouth and a different language came out. “[Oh I don’t think so. In fact, I think I’m going to go and find out everything about you instead, and then Sunset can start talking about all of your deep dark secrets. And if you touch her, I’ll make sure there isn’t even bones left for the sharks to gnaw on.]”

“W-What the hell was that!?” Sunstrike looked utterly confused as Adagio finished speaking in perfectly fluent Equestrian. “What did you just say to me?”

“Absolutum dominium.” Adagio smiled as the car’s alarm started to go off loudly, Sustrike leaping off the hood in surprise and cursing loudly. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to get Sunset back to school grounds.”

“Don’t think that we’re finished, Sunset.” the girl whispered as all four Equestrians slowly entered Adagio’s now running car, Sunset rolling her eyes as she walked past, only to start chuckling as she watched Sonata start sticking her tongue out at Sunstrike before vanishing into the car with the rest of the group.

“Wow, she really does look like you.” Aria said, Sunset watching as the girl slid into her own car as the four drove away. “I wonder if she’s as ripped as you are?”

“Pretty much. Why, wanna see us make out?” Sunset teased, watching Aria’s face turn a blazing cherry red, teasing giggling erupting from the Siren's sisters.

Chapter 5: Commencement

Author's Note

Just a note for those who didn't read the blog post the other day; After this will start some flashbacks to the Rainbooms, CHS, and what has been happening with them and Anon-A-Miss.

Chapter 5: Commencement

“Didn’t I tell you to stop being so slow the other day?” came the familiar rumbling as Sunset found herself pushed to the side once again, the mountain of a boy shoving past her in the halls leaving Sunset to scowl fiercely at the teenager. Adagio’s words had resonated with Sunset the previous night; she realized that once again she was trying to play friendly with people who’d rather treat her like crap.

“And what did I tell you about trying to shove me aside, shorty?” she snapped back as she stood up to her full height, looking down slightly at the boy who turned around slowly to look at her.

“What did you-” he started to ask, his eyes narrowing before Sunset cut him off.

“I mean, look at you. Trying to act all big and tall! It’s adorable that you think you’re the big person on campus!” a smug look passed over Sunset’s face as she watched the boys cheeks start to show a reddish tinge. “Probably don’t even break six foot.”

“You’re lucky I don’t hit girls, bitch!” he spat, taking a step forward only to have Sunset erupt into laughter.

“Sure ya don’t, pal. And neither do I; which is why I haven’t put you in the dirt yet.” a dark satisfaction built in the back of the amber girl’s mind as she observed the growing outrage of the football player.

“You better shut up before I knock you into next week!” a small crowd had started to form. Humans always seemed drawn to conflict.

“Tell ya what, I’ll even give ya the first blow.” Sunset smiled as she dropped her binder, leaning forward and turning her cheek towards the boy as she goaded him. “Come on, right here. But you better make it count, cause I doubt you’ll last one punch from me.”

The student gave an outraged cry as he dropped his books and swung his hand in a wide arc towards Sunset’s smiling face, the girl suddenly dropping under his swing only to pop up on the other side of his arm.

“What was that lame swing? I’ve seen sloth’s move faster!” she jeered as the boy stepped back and swung again, and again, and again, each time Sunset dancing to and fro around his strikes, laughing merrily.

“Come on, slowpoke, is that all you got?” Sunset’s smile was wide, a look of pure joy on her face as the students in the circle started to laugh with her, further infuriating the boy who looked around and glared at all of them.

“You’re dead!” he cried before getting low and bull charging her as if they were on the football field.

Exactly as Sunset wanted.

Her smile turned dark as she, like those weeks before with Gilda, stepped aside, leaving her foot ever so slightly stretched out, however she made sure not to grab hold of the boy as she let him carry his momentum forward, tripping over her foot and crashing face first into the row of lockers that had been behind Sunset as her hands shot up into the air. The crash radiated through the air, echoing down the halls as the boy crumpled down onto the floor.

“What’s going on out here?” Mr. Facade barked loudly as he stormed out from his room, the crowd rapidly dispersing. “Sunstr- set. What happened here?”

“He charged me, Mr. Facade.” Sunset said slowly as she reached down and picked up her binder. Thankfully almost all of the gathered students had left by now. “Well, first he shoved me to the side again.”

“I see. You head to your next class. I will get him to the infirmary and let Starlight and Dean Cadence know of this incident.

“Okay.” Sunset nodded and started walking to her next class, barely restraining a malicious smile from appearing on her face as she started walking towards her next class, and the inevitable confrontation with Starlight. Oh, and Mr. Legacy, but he was small fries.

“Second time this week, Sunset.” the man said as Sunset slipped into the class, the bell having rung less than a minute ago.

“My apologies, Mr. Legacy. Mr. Facade will vouch for me. That same student gave me troubles, but it’s fine.” she replied with a warm smile, bowing slightly before starting towards her desk, slowing down slightly beside the smirking Starlight, dropping her voice to a whisper. “He’s in the infirmary now, after all.”

The lavender girl’s face fell as Sunset winked at her, making a steady pace back to her desk as her smile widened further, earning a queer look from her doppelganger.

“What’s with that smile?” Sunstrike asked, a faint hint of worry playing across her voice as she reared back slightly.

“Oh, nothing. Just appreciating a good turnabout.”

(\/):.:(\/)

“I understand you had an incident between classes this morning.” Dean Cadence said as she sat behind her desk, Starlight Glimmer standing behind her as they both looked at the amber girl who stood in front of the desk. Her voice was stern, but non accusatory as she addressed Sunset.

“Yes, a boy who harassed me earlier on in the week came after me again.” Sunset nodded. She had been called in during the lunch break by Cadence to talk with her and Starlight about her earlier run in with Starlight’s underling. “He attempted to shove me against the lockers again.”

“Yet I have testimonies from students that you flung him face first into the lockers after taunting him relentlessly.” Starlight said in a barely restrained calmness. Sunset’s trained eyes could see the joy bubbling under her facade at the thought of finally having caught Sunset.

“Well I won’t deny that I voiced my annoyances with him, perhaps more than was necessary, maybe even taunted him just a little...” Sunset paused as she gave a sheepish chuckle, scratching the back of her head. “However, I can guarantee that my hands never touched him, not even after he swung first.”

“I see.” Cadence nodded, closing her eyes as she pondered, clasping her hands on her desk. “Regardless, he was taken to the infirmary with a broken nose, and unfortunately there are more votes against you than for.”

“Well I might be wrong, but I saw a security camera hanging off the ceiling right above us; one of the new Sizo HDSC Four-K’s. It would have caught the whole, right? Maybe you could check the recordings?” Starlight’s face twitched for a fraction of a second at Sunset’s suggestion, her arms reaching behind her back as Dean Cadence started to type away at her computer.

“Let’s see- Ah, this darn thing is acting up again!” she frowned as she looked at the monitor. Sunset watched as Starlight leaned forward, looking as if she intended to help the woman, when something flashed off of one of the pictures sitting on the shelves behind the Dean’s desk. It was a screen of some sort, with a big red button on it. “Sorry Sunset. I’ll go through the footage later and get back to you. You two go on and head back to lunch.”

“Does her system have a habit of… “acting up” when you’re about to lose?” Sunset asked quietly as the pair walked out of the woman’s office. Starlight furrowed her brow as she scowled slightly before responding.

“You won’t be so lucky next time.” the girl whispered before storming off towards the cafeteria, leaving Sunset to giggle alone in the hall, following shortly after. It was rather basic maneuvers by Starlight so far, obviously the girl never had a struggle with taking over the school, nor with keeping her hold of it. Time for Sunset to start pushing some more boundaries.

(\/):..:(\/)

Sunset sighed happily as she sank into the booth the four Equestrians gathered in at the Storm Kings. Two days had passed since the lunch meeting with Cadence and Starlight, and Sunset had been cleared of all charges. Tonight had been another night of singing and teasing the crowd, and now it was time to relax and get boozed up.

“I’m proud of ya, Sunset!” Aria cheered, playfully jabbing the taller girl’s arm. “I guarantee our sources will have all sorts of goodies for you by the end of next week!”

“Well I plan to do as much digging over the weekend as I can myself.” Sunset said as she set down her whisky. “Gotta learn as much as I can as fast as I can. Thankfully I got my Social report done last night.”

“Oh? What did ya do?” Sonata asked, smiling and hanging off her side as usual.

“A report on communism.” Sunset smirked as she snickered softly. “Directed entirely at Starlight.”

“Oh! Send me a copy; send me a copy!” the blue Siren said excitedly, bouncing up in down in her seat, chest bouncing in her loose yet tight top.

“U-Um… Sure? Why?” Sunset asked in confusion at the energy coming from her friend.

“Well you know how everyone has a favourite food?” Aria said as Sonata giggled in an adorable manner. “Same for us.”

“Huh?”

“Negative emotions come in various flavours, so to speak.” Adagio said with a small wave of her hand. “Sonata must be commended on her taste in the more… subtle types of negativity, while Aria just loves violence; a little basic, but I don’t judge.”

“Oi! Who was the one that wanted to see how far the Great War could be pushed?” Aria said, jabbing an accusatory finger at Adagio.

“And who was the one who started them?” Adagio said slowly, tilting her head as she glanced over at Sonata.

“...Wasn’t my fault…” she grumbled as she pouted, her arms crossed as she sunk into her the seat beside Sunset.

“Well what do you enjoy then, Adagio?” Sunset asked as she wrapped an arm around Sonata.

“Really, Shimmer? She’s the Queen Bitch of the Multiverse! Of course she gets off on people fighting for her affection!” Aria shouted aloud, causing Adagio to let out a tired sigh as multiple sets of eyes turned towards the quartet.

(\/):...:(\/)

The sound of slow, steady clicking echoed in Sunset’s room as the sun started to once again set. Her Saturday had been spent almost entirely in her room, doing exactly as she had told the Sirens. She had paused when she opened up MyStable, looking up at the small boxes labelled “Log In” and “Sign Up”. She didn’t want to log in to her old account, but did she want to make a new one? What use would there be?

Sadly MyStable made it hard for people without accounts to peruse too much of a person's account, usually just the most recent posts and pictures; so with a tired sigh she moused over to the “Sign Up” button and clicked on it. Five minutes later, a new account titled “The Fourth Siren”, was registered. Sunset chuckled, certain that the Sirens wouldn’t mind her little homage as she started to dig into the accounts of the CPA student body.

Gods above were they haughty! She was amazed at just how much shit talking they did on their posts over the years. She laughed as she watched friendships fall apart after mere days, and the secret spreading after that. The school had come off to Sunset as a shark tank already, now seeing what the students were like, she was almost glad that she was only having run ins with Starlight and her goons.

As her room darkened, she finally paused to look down at the time displayed in the lower corner of her laptop’s screen. She chuckled as she read it, not realizing that evening had already come to pass; nor that she had eaten yet today. It was time to remedy that as she pushed herself away from her desk and over to her closet to grab some clothes to put on.

“Well, fancy that.” Sunset paused as she opened her door, only to run into Starlight as she was just about to knock. “Just the person I’m supposed to talk with.”

“What do you want, Starlight?” Sunset said with a quiet voice, eyes narrowing as she studied the bored looking girl.

The lavender skinned girl rolled her eyes before responding loudly. “I’m here to inform you that achieved the top ranking in the weekly Crystal Chalice.”

“Crystal Chalice? What is that?” Sunset shifted her stance so that she was leaning against the wall, crossing her arms.

“Obviously that is now for you to find out. Now excuse me, I need to head to a prior arrangement.” the prefect shook her head as she walked off.

“Well I guess I gotta find out what that is now…” she grumbled as she shut her door and headed towards the kitchen.

“Hey, uh… Sunset?” the amber girl paused as she finished pulling out a glass from one of the cabinets, turning around to see five girls looking at her, with Indigo Zap being the speaker for the group. “Look, we just wanted to apologize for how we’ve treated you so far. We were wondering if you wanted to come to supper with us?”

“...Huh?” Sunset stood looking at them in confusion. All of them were well dressed, so obviously they had somewhere specific in mind. But why were they asking her if she wanted to come along? She seriously doubted that this was just to apologize for their actions thus far.

“We would also like to talk to you about some subjects that would be better discussed in a more…” Sunny Flare started, pausing as she chewed over her words before finishing her statement. “...private setting.”

“Can you at least give me a hint?” Sunset’s brow peaked as she leaned back against the counter. So far there weren’t any signs that this had any malicious intent, but she wasn’t ready to make a decision without learning at least something.

Starlight. Sour Sweet mouthed as she rolled her around before verbally addressing Sunset. “Look, just go get dressed, okay? We’re hungry.”

Sunset gave an audible sigh as she looked down at her glass and studied it for a moment, before pushing off the counter and walking over to the fridge, opening it and pulling out a large jug of water and pouring herself a cup, bringing it up to her lips before slowly drinking it.

Starlight huh? She had to admit, that was a tempting subject. None of these five seemed like they liked Starlight, and vice versa. Maybe this would be a worthwhile meeting. “Alright. Let me go shower and change. I’ll be maybe fifteen minutes.” she relented, before walking back towards her room, the other five girls nodding as they meandered over to the couches.

True to her word, Sunset marched down the stairs not even thirteen minutes later, fully showered and dressed in the outfit she wore whenever her and the Siren’s went to the Storm King’s. “Alright, where are we going?”

“There’s this killer bar in the college district apparently.” Lemon Zest said as she removed her headphones from her ears, the music blaring loud enough that Sunset heard it all the way across the room. “Storm King’s Cellar, I think?”

“Oh, I know that place.” Sunset chuckled; what were the odds? “I’ve been there a few times already. Anyways, are you five even allowed to go there? I’m not sure what the academy’s rules are, and besides, are you even old enough?”

“Yes, we are all old enough, and no, we don’t care about the rules. Seems like you don’t either.” Sugarcoat said bluntly, her eyes narrow as she crossed her arms across her chest. “Now who’s going in whose car?”

“Probably just do our usual split, and I’ll take Sunset.” Indigo said, turning to look at Lemon, who nodded before slipping her headphones back on.

“Oh wonderful. I so do love riding with Lemon.” Sour Sweet swayed back and forth, an obviously fake smile on her face that vanished just as quickly as her forced happy tone, both replaced with annoyance. “It’s not like she blasts her music so loud you can hear it across town.”

Sunset followed quietly behind the five girls as they shared small talk. They weren’t including her, per se, but they made sure not to ignore her. She didn’t care; this was just an opportunity to find out more about Starlight potentially, as well as some light digging into these five. The group rode the elevators down to the main floor, before scurrying out of the front door and towards the nearby parking garage, followed by scurrying up to the third floor.

“Tadah! My pride and joy!” Indigo puffed out her chest as she showed off her car to Sunset, a sporty, muscle car looking vehicle painted in the colours of her hair. “Come on, get in the back! I need a burger, stat!”

(\/):....:(\/)

“So, uh… What sort of things do you like, Sunset?” Indigo Zap broke the awkward silence that fell over the group as they stood just outside the door to the bar. The amber girl raised an eyebrow as she looked at Indigo with a slight smirk. “What? I’m just trying to be friendly.”

“A little late for that course of action, don’t you think?” Sunset responded as the group between them and the door into the bar vanished behind the door. The line wasn’t too long, thankfully, but it was starting to get a bit nippy out.

“We are being serious that we wanted to apologize for our previous actions, Sunset.” Sunny Flare was the next to speak up, her regal tone calm and assuring. “We were wrong to just treat you like another Sunstrike.”

“You know, no one's ever told me what’s up with that girl; why she has this reputation about her.” the Equestrian paused as she grabbed the door, holding it open as she watched the other five make their way through. “Why don’t we start with that?”

“Well, I mean she’s the adopted daughter of Bitch Cinch for one.” Indigo and the rest of the longer tenured Shadowbolt’s chuckled at her supposed wisecrack. “So that was already going against her, not to mention how she tried to take over the student body during first year, acting like she was invincible because of her mother being the head of the school.”

Head of a place of learning taking in someone… Doesn’t that sound familiar. Sunset nodded, pretending to mull over her thoughts before responding. “Well obviously she got caught, right?”

“Yeah, but rumour has it that she has something on Cinch, cause the pair never act like they even know each other ever since the assembly where Cinch called Sunstrike out for her actions.” Lemon Zest looked back over her shoulder as she handed her Driver’s license over to the ever dapper Reginald. “Of course, it was Starlight that brought it to light in the first place.”

A short bark of unamused laughter escaped Sunset’s lips as she shook her head. “Why am I not surprised. I bet that made her look good.”

“Cinch made her Prefect, and ever since she’s been preaching equality and shit while doing everything she can to make sure it only benefits her- Wha, hey! Why isn’t she getting carded!?” Sour Sweet watched as Reginald gave a small bow to Sunset before letting her pass untouched, the two taller people both raising a brow each in confusion.

“I’ve been here before, like I said, and Reginald knows me.” Sunset looked back over her shoulder, smiling at the man while nodding and giving a quick wink. “Love me some Regi. Anyways, that does sound exactly like what I’ve seen of Starlight so far, but if Sunstrike indeed did have something on Cinch, wouldn’t she have used it by now? I mean, surely she does something other than sulk everywhere like a dejected child, right?”

“She used to be a lot more outgoing, so to speak, but she never made any real friends, just cronies and yes-men.” Indigo said as the group filed into the only open booth that could hold their large party. Sunset felt déjà vu as she gave a small chuckle, watching Sugarcoat as the girl still remained silent.

“I don’t have anything to add.” she muttered, pushing her glasses up her nose as she stared blankly at Sunset.

“Well why did you five want to talk to me about Starlight then?” Sunset asked, only to turn towards the obviously frazzled waitress approaching their table. “Is Burgundy on tonight? Good, tell him Sunset Shimmer will have her usual.”

“Your usual?” Indigo Zap’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she studied Sunset.

“Yeah, they have a good whiskey here.”

“You know school regulations-” Sour Sweet started to speak, only for Sunset to hold up a hand, palm out.

“Trust me, I’ve been drinking probably longer than… Look, no alcohol from any of you, alright? I bet Starlight will be waiting for us when we get back.” Sunset shook her head as she watched the other girls, narrowing her eyes as she dared them to order alcoholic beverages. “I can only take care of myself, after all. Now, Starlight.”

Indigo Zap was the one who decided to speak up first, Sunset all but certain that she was the leader of their little group. “Well we heard that you won the Crystal Chalice-”

“For fucks sake…” a loud clap radiated through the air as Sunset’s palms met her face, grumbling heavily before she looked back up at the other girls. “Seriously? You all suck at this, you know? Is that- Celestia above I need my drink.”

“I agree to that…” Sour Sweet rolled her eyes, shaking her head before looking to the still grumbling Equestrian, her tone turning to that fake, sickly sweet tone she seemed to switch between. “What my bumbling cohort meant to say, is that we would like to have you on our anti Starlight Glimmer team. Not everyone who wins the Crystal Chalice is in Starlight’s bad books.”

“And? What makes you think I want to join your tiny group?” Sunset raised a brow as she looked over the group. “From what I’ve observed so far, it’s just you five that seem to talk against her, and even then, need I remind you of the other morning when she convinced you all that I was the reason she was doing dorm checks?”

Silence was the response, shared looks of sheepishness spilling from one girl to the next as Sunset silently watched them. If they indeed did want to stand up against Starlight, why wait till now? It seemed more like they wanted to cozy up to her, probably to try and leech off of her, which she wouldn’t stand for. “Look, I agree that Starlight should get taken down more pegs than in a ladder shop, but you really aren’t inspiring me to join you five. Obviously you either haven’t tried in all your years here at the school, or you just want to try and use me.”

“Well considering how friendly you were generally being when you first arrived compared to lately, I think it’s fair to see what sort of school we are in.” Sugarcoat said simply, narrowed eyes unblinking as she looked back at Sunset. “It’s a self serving shark tank at the best of times, with only the elite of the elite having any true power.”

“Which again, you five don’t seem to be. So why should I risk my necks for you?”

“Consider it a business proposal.” Sunny Flare sounded almost professional as she addressed Sunset, visibly shifting around as she crossed her legs under the table. “Surely there is something to be gained for all of us in taking down Starlight Glimmer.”

“If you five really wanted to rule the school, six months before you graduate wasn’t the time to grow a pair.” the amber girl chuckled as she brushed some stray strands of hair behind her ear. “And as for me, while I would indeed enjoy showing Starlight her place in the world, I’m rather done with the drama of the… upper class. And it’s not like the five of you have anything to offer me here. As I said before, I’m not doing friends- and I easily have more money than this entire province.”

“But what about being known as the girl who took down Starlight Glimmer?” Lemon Zest asked, popping her earphones off as the waitress brought everyone their drinks. “Surely giving everyone something good to know you for would be nice, right?”

“If I wanted that I’d just take my top off in class.” a playful smirk flashed across Sunset’s lips before she took a quick pull of her whiskey. “Like I said, you five don’t have any bargaining chips.”

“If you think you can take down Starlight alone, maybe you should try talking to Sunstrike then.” Lemon Zest chortled knowingly, showing a smirk of her own as she looked down her nose at Sunset. “You two look the same, so maybe you two can fail the same.”

Sunset sat back and smiled at the athlete, taking a lax pose and crossing her legs under the table. “Oh, I’ve already knocked her down a couple pegs. It’s not you or the school I’m trying to prove anything to. It’s Starlight and her pride, and that’s what I’ve wounded already.”

“Well maybe we can just be friends then?” Lemon Zest asked, obviously ignoring all of Sunset’s previous comments on the idea. “‘Cause you just seem like a cool person under that cold exterior you’re showing us.”

“Please just stop. You’re going to ruin my drink.” Sunset’s expression soured at the girl’s inquiry, really not wanting to lose out on her one good thing about this trip. She took another sip as she heard the door to the building slam shut, a gaggling chorus of giggling filling the air and threatening to do just what Sunset didn’t want.

“Hey! No losers allowed here, Pixy!” Indigo Zap suddenly shouted, standing up from her seat and looking towards the doorway, the heads of the other Shadowbolts doing similar as Sunset swore under her breath.

“Hey, it’s not like you own this place, Blue Bush!” came an equally snark shout as Sunset readied herself to put on a deceitful performance, looking over in time towards the slowly approaching Rainbooms, Rainbow Dash still running her mouth. “Besides, doesn’t your school prohibit you going to places like this and enjoying a real drink?”

“Um, excuse me, but could someone please tell me what is going on here?” Sunset asked somewhat loudly, looking between the two groups with mock perplexion.

“S-Sunset!?” the Wondercolt’s all stuttered uneasily, looking at her with a mixture of shock, fear, and awe.

“U-Um… Y-Yes? Do I, er, know you five?” Sunset would find someway to get an award for this show someday, cause she sure as hell was going to need it. “I swear, this is just like that blue skinned girl at the mall coming after me and Twilight…”

“Oh, it’s the other Sunset.” Rainbow muttered perhaps a little too loudly as the group seemed to visibly relax. “I guess Trixie was right about something finally.”

The two groups seemed ready to square off again if it wasn’t for Sunset continuing her superfluous investigation. “I’m pretty sure I’m the only me. I mean, I have a doppelganger at Crystal Prep, but she’s apparently lived in town for a while.”

“Need some glasses, Crash?” Zap sniggered as she smirked smugly at the shortest girl around. “This is our new friend, Sunset Shimmer, and she’s gonna destroy all of you at the Friendship Games in a few months.”

“Not like the school didn’t already destroy itself with Anon-A-Miss.” Sugarcoat said boredly, shutting up the Rainbooms and causing Sunset to freeze involuntarily. “It’s almost worse than what you were all like before that when whatever her name made all of you her bitches.”

“Hey, she changed, alright!” Rainbow shot back, grimacing. “She was a better person than any of us!”

“I believe you mean ‘Stockhoof Syndrome”, dearie.” Sour Sweet sang as she smiled dangerously.

“Ya know what? Ferget them, Dash. Let’s go have a night to ourselves.” Applejack said, clapping a hand down on Rainbow’s shoulder and pulling her away before looking at Sunset, studying her. She could feel a cold sweat threatening to build on the back of her neck as the farm girl’s eyes passed over her quickly. “Rightly sorry, miss. Ah know it don’t mean anythin’, but Ah’d recommend not gettin’ too friendly with those girls if’n Ah’m bein honest.”

That triggered Sunset, the girl’s facade instantly cracking as she shot to her feet, her face contorting in anger. “Oh, I’m sure that’s honest! I wonder if you even know what ‘Honesty’ means!? Why don’t you just leave us alone!”

All five of the Rainbooms seemed to stagger at the fury exploding from Sunset, mumbling apologies before scurrying off, leaving the Shadowbolts looking at Sunset in confusion, the girl groaning as she sat down, grabbing her tall glass of whiskey before starting to down it in one long and continuous pull.

“What was that, Sunset?” Indigo Zap asked in a mix of confusion and awe as she watched Sunset slam her glass onto the table with a long sigh.

“Sorry, they reminded me of some unsavoury thoughts.” Sunset grumbled, rubbing her temples. “And you wanna be friends? Why don’t you start with why you know and dislike those five?”

“They’re the closest things to stars at Canterlot High School, our ‘supposed’ rival school in town. Shit school full of idiots, that’s all you need to know.” Lemon Zest and the other girls chuckled at her brief explanation. “Don’t worry about those punks.”

“Hey, is there something we can do to them?” Sunset asked, warmth flooding through her body as the booze reached her stomach. “They sorta pissed me off, ya know?”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Indigo cheered, gathering everyone close.

(\/):.....:(\/)

Rainbow Dash groaned as she sat down at the table. It had been her idea to come to this club to try and unwind after the hell that had been life since classes started back up again, and yet again something went wrong for them. “Sorry about that, girls.” she apologized in exhaustion as she rubbed her face in her hands. “I should have just ignored them.”

“It’s not like we expected to see her here.” Fluttershy mumbled, hiding behind her hair. She had to be dragged here by everyone else- almost literally.

Applejack had an uneasy, pensive look on her face as she looked back towards where the Shadowbolts now sat huddled together. “Ah wonder if that’s the real Sunset…”

“I mean, she sure yelled at us like she was, but… I dunno… She seemed more like the old Sunset- like old old Sunset, when she was still pretending to be nice with everyone at the start of High School.” Rarity said softly, straightening her hair. “Maybe she really is this world’s Sunset like Trixie thought?”

All of a sudden a major ruckus filled the air, commotion and yelling drowning everything out as people suddenly swarmed their table, clapping and cheering.

“W-W-W-W-What’s going on!?” Fluttershy screamed silently as attempted to further vanish behind her long pink mane.

“We heard that there was a biiiiig birthday party tonight!” yelled one of the waitresses, causing each of the Rainbooms to look at one another in confusion, only for Rainbow Dash to realize that the Shadowbolts were now suddenly missing.

“Oh, those bastards…” she grumbled as Applejack and Rarity stood up and started to try to defuse the situation, her mind floating back to just after that disastrous night around Christmas.

Chapter 6: Aftermath of Failure

Rainbow Dash remained silent as she glumly stabbed at her supper, her parents sharing a quick look before Bow Hothoof spoke up. “What’s up, champ? You’ve been pretty out of it all Christmas Break. You know Tank needs to hibernate to stay healthy.”

“It’s not Tank! It’s-” Rainbow started to yell, only to freeze when she saw her parents recoil slightly in surprise. “S-Sorry, it’s… It’s not about Tank, okay? Just… I’m fine…”

“Did that Sunset girl say something at the party? I’ve been hearing a lot about her of late.” Windy Whistle said, only to make a startled noise when her daughter slammed her fork down on the table.

“Sunset’s innocent, damnit!” the athlete swore loudly before making a strangled noise as she brought her hands up to her face while standing up. “I’m going to my room.”

The normally bombastic teen was silent and sullen as she stalked up the stairs to her room, shutting the door behind her before flopping onto her bed and stuffing her head beneath her pillows. The Rainbooms had all gone their separate ways after their encounter with Sunset, Rainbow herself taking all the blame for what had happened. The disappointment from the Princess had been nothing compared to the looks they had received from their other-world selves as the bus they rode drove away. The band shared not a word as Fluttershy drove them all home, the girls regretting everything that had happened since that morning.

She felt her pocket suddenly buzz, but she paid it no attention, instead trying to drown herself in darkness by pulling the pillows further down onto her head. Time passed in the void, unmeasured as the rainbow maned girl steadied her breathing, only to receive a second jolt in her pocket. She flung her pillows off her head with a fierce snarl as her hand shot towards her leg, only to have her phone buzz a third time. She hesitated, hand hovering over the gap in her pants before it started buzzing like crazy. Rainbow Dash was suddenly worried as she grabbed the phone out of her pocket and fiddled with it. The Rainbooms group on MyStable was absolutely frenzied as the other members all messaged back and forth with one another.

Fluttershy: Did anyone else get that video?

Rarity: I truly wish that I had not.

Pinkie Pie: I mean, I knew that she could sing, but that was something else.

Applejack: Mighty powerful if you ask me.

Fluttershy: It’s all our fault that it’s come to this.

Pinkie Pie: I doubt the Princess will want to talk to us any again any time soon.

Applejack: Or ever again.

Rarity: typing…

Rainbow frowned as she read her friends comments, slightly confused by the pronoun game as well as the video Fluttershy mentioned. She set her fingers to a rapid pace of tapping on her screen in search of answers.

Rainbow Dash: What are you guys talking about?

Pinkie Pie: The video Sunset sent us. Didn’t you get it?

The girl’s eyes flashed up to the top of her phone screen, narrowing slightly when she noticed the small icon denoting an unread text message. She swiped her thumb around, eventually ending on a text message, indeed from Sunset, containing a short message and a video lasting just over three minutes.

~*Today, 7 Minutes Ago*~

From: Sunset Shimmer

This is the last thing you traitors will ever hear from me. I hope you all give Anon-A-Miss a big high five whenever you see them next.

Rainbow felt like she tried to swallow a semi as she tapped on the video, opening it. Sunset stood up alone on a stage, dressed to catch eyes as spotlights focused on her. Her face was hidden, but her head was tilted down towards the mic she held. She slowly raised her head, bringing her hands up to her face as her unmistakable voice suddenly bloomed to life. The lead guitarist remained silent as her heartbeat grew erratic, pangs of guilt and shame ringing out with each powerful lyric coming from Sunset as she denounced not only them, but Princess Twilight, the one who had actually had a chance to fix things.

And Rainbow fucked it all up.

By the end of Sunset’s song Rainbow was left shaking, tears running down her face as she flipped back to the MyStable chat, all four of the other band members still talking as Rainbow started tapping away.

Rainbow Dash: It’s all my fault. I fucked everything up.

Applejack: It wasn’t just your fault Dash, we all had a hand in this.

Rainbow Dash: If I didn’t force us to follow after Princess Twilight we might have had a chance! Sunset seemed to trust her, and then I ran around the corner and fucked everything up!

The blue skinned girl gave an exasperated sigh as she dropped her phone onto her bed. This was all her fault- everything since the middle of the month was all because of her and her rash stupidity! A chuckle escaped her lips as she thought of something.

You can’t spell Rainbow Dash without rash.

(\/):.:(\/)

The next day came too soon for any of the Rainbooms as they stumbled into Pinkie’s home and out of the cold. Only a few more days of holidays remained, and none of them were wanted by the band members. Each silently thanked whatever they could that Princess Twilight hadn’t come back yet; they were certain it would be a catastrophe when she did, though none tried to deny it wouldn’t be justified.

“...We need to try and clear Sunset’s name.” Applejack said, breaking the silence that had permeated the room. “We need to make everyone understand that it wasn’t Sunset behind Anon-A-Miss.”

Slow nods came from the other four band members. It was the least they could do for Sunset now.

“It’s gonna take a while…” Rainbow added, her lips drawing thin. “I doubt everyone will believe us at first.”

“I’d be surprised if anyone believes us at first…” came Fluttershy’s response, all the girls looking down at the floor again.

Rarity was the next to talk. “I think we should do it during the lunch break. That way we will have all the students in one area.” she said, rubbing her chin. “Though I do agree with Fluttershy that it is unlikely anyone will listen to us without proof.”

“We need to find out who Anon-A-Miss is? It could be anyone at the school.” Pinkie’s shoulders drooped at the thought of trying find out just who was behind this whole thing.

“...” Applejack’s face fell as a dark though flashed in her head. “Oh no… No no no no...”

“AJ? What’s wrong?” Rainbow looked up in confusion at her friend, the farm girl having stood up and started to slowly pace around in a small circle.

“I think… I think Sunset may have been right…” Applejack’s eyes shook almost as much as her body as she stopped and faced the group. “I think I know who Anon-A-Miss is…”

A cacophony of mimicked cries filled the air. “What!?”

“You think you know who it is?” Rainbow rushed the girl, grabbing Applejack’s firm shoulders and starting to shake the girl.

“Tell us! Tell us!” Pinkie cried, grasping a torch and pitchfork.

Applejack looked like she was about to burst into tears as she looked around the group, pausing to take a deep breath before she started to speak again. “Think back to when Anon-A-Miss started. What was the first thing posted?”

“Your nickname.” was the agreed upon response by the other four Wondercolts.

“And before it was posted, who knew about it?” her band mates remained silent as Applejack slowly started to hold up her fingers in time with her list. “Us five, Sunset, and my family.”

“But that doesn’t clarify anything.” Rarity said, the other girls murmuring and nodding.

“Out of all of them, Granny Smith couldn’t turn on a computer to save her life.” Applejack continued. “Big Mac barely uses his MyStable. The five of us are innocent…”

“But that only leaves Sunset and your sister.” Rainbow looked totally lost as she crossed her arms. “And we know Sunset is innocent, so why would you think Apple Bloom is potentially guilty.”

“Remember the slumber party? Apple Bloom was real upset when I said she couldn’t join us, and then later that night she called me. When she heard Sunset beside me she called me Piggly Wiggly, and on that Monday, Anon-A-Miss posted.”

“Y-You can’t be serious, AJ…” Pinkie slowly lowered her torch and pitchfork, an uneasy look on her face as she regarded her cousin.

“Do you know how much I’d be wrong? Unless one of you wants to admit to being Anon-A-Miss or spreading my nickname around to other people, I don’t know who else to think of.”

“But that still doesn’t explain the photos from the night at Rarity’s place.” Fluttershy questioned quietly. “How would Apple Bloom have gotten those off of Sunset’s phone?”

“...” the girls all pondered the question, scratching chins and back of heads as they wondered how that could have came to be. It did indeed remove blame from Apple Bloom.

“What if she isn’t the only one?” Applejack said, face drawn as she looked at Rarity. The fashionista made a quizzical look before her face suddenly fell.

“Oh no… Nonono.” she sputtered as shook her head at Applejack, the other three girls left momentarily in the dark. “My sweet little sister would never do something as horrid as that!”

Nobody noticed Pinkie Pie slowly stashing her still burning torch into her poofy curls, followed shortly by the pitchfork before she brought up another point. “She was reeeeeeeally unhappy when you kicked her out of your room that night, Rarity…”

“Do you really think they would do this because we wanted to be alone with each other?” Rarity asked, her appearance becoming frazzled. “What sort of reason is that!?”

“Considering how we reacted, let alone the school?” Applejack walked forward and laid a hand on the dainty shoulder of the marshmallow hued girl. “We were supposed to be the ones to show Sunset the Magic of Friendship, and look what we did. I suspect our younger sisters could do something like Anon-A-Miss.”

“But it doesn’t explain all the other secrets that got put out there.” Pinkie said, shivering at the thought of the potentially guilty girls. “How could they have found those secrets?”

“I think we should ask them.” Rainbow Dash said with dangerous softness, her hands balling into fists. “The three of them were at your place, right, Rarity?”

(\/):..:(\/)

“Whoa, isn’t that-” Rainbow had started to point at the vehicle parked in front of Rarity’s house, only to freeze when three figures slowly got out. Fluttershy’s van had just rounded the corner when Rainbow spotted the fancy, and familiar, car come to a stop.

“Why are the Principals here?” Rarity asked, her voice reaching a higher octave as she started to worry even more. “And who’s that third woman?”

“Wasn’t she with them when we saw Sunset?” Pinkie asked as Fluttershy parked the van across the street from Rarity’s house, the three women walking towards the front door.

“Oh, hello girls.” Celestia gave a surprised smile as she watched the Rainbooms rush around the corner. “What good timing it seems.”

“Yes, hello Principal Celestia. What are you doing here?” came Rarity’s hurried question, the girl doing her best to smooth out her long winter coat.

“We just stopped by Applejack’s farm looking for Apple Bloom and Granny Smith informed us she was here.” Vice Principal Luna gave a small, half of a smile as her eyes shifted between her sister and the other woman who just rang the doorbell.

“Oh! Yes, her and Scootaloo came by earlier to check on Sweetie Belle, the poor girl is dreadfully sick.” Rarity wore an incredibly forced smile as her panic only grew further. “Would you three be able to come back at a later date?”

“Rarity? Why are the Principals here?” came the not sick sounding voice of Sweetie Belle as the girl opened the door, her two friends peering around from behind her.

“Sick, you said?” the unknown woman smirked smugly as she looked back at Rarity. “Why don’t we all head inside? We have a lot to discuss.”

“Actually, I was just coming by to pick up Scootaloo.” Rainbow laughed, walking forward only to be frozen by the creepily happy look on the dark skinned woman’s face.

“Oh? Are you related to her?” the woman asked in an upbeat voice.

“U-Um, n-n-not exactly? I-I mean I’m sorta like her big sister?” stuttered the athlete.

“Perfect! You can stay as well.” the woman smiled only briefly before an almost predatory look flashed across her face. “Now everyone get inside.”

“Please don’t threaten my students, Chrysalis.” Celestia scolded the other woman before turning somewhat towards the Rainbooms. “But please do come inside- all of you. We really should discuss this together.”

“What’s… going on?” Scootaloo asked, sounding as uneasy as she looked as she glanced at the massive satchels the Principals and the woman carried.

“We have to discuss things that happen on the internet.” Chrysalis “smiled”, causing all the students to freeze in their tracks. “And how things can’t so easily be hidden.”

(\/):...:(\/)

“Now before we start, would anyone like to say anything?” Principal Celestia asked, her eyes passing over her gathered students, freezing momentarily on the youngest three in the small crowd.

“Oh! Me!” Chrysalis said, bounding up and down. “I wanna know why the marshmallow girl tried to protect her sister!”

“Chrysalis, would you please act your age?” Luna grumbled loudly, bringing a hand up to hide her look of annoyance.

“I have a hunch that they may have figured something out, that’s all.” the teal haired woman shrugged nonchalantly, only to smile widely when she saw the looks spreading across the faces of the five members of the Rainbooms. “Ah hah!”

“...” the trio of younger sisters felt the cold sweat start to build further on the backs of their necks as they looked over at their older kin.

“I just hope that we are wrong if we are thinking the same thing…” Applejack muttered as she looked over at the three girls standing a few feet away, her face a sea of the numerous emotions raging inside her currently.

“Well, as you know, a girl from your school was scapegoated for a spree of secret and rumour spreading online.” Chrysalis almost sounded happy as she relayed the events of the last few weeks before pointing at the Rainbooms. “And as you five witnessed first hand, she now hates all of you as well as your other magical horse girl saviour. Now, we are offering one last chance to step forward and admit guilt, which I guarantee will help lessen the sentences you face, the least of which, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this, is a girl being taken to the hospital in a comatose state.”

“It was them! They’re Anon-A-Miss!” came the panic ridden cry of Scootaloo as she rushed forward, pointing back at her two friends with wide, fearful eyes.

“What the!?”

“Sc-Scootaloo!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at the Scootaloo in disbelief, colour draining from their faces as they stood there in shock at their friend’s revelation, only for a cold bark of laughter to fill the air.

“Wow… Now that,” Chrysalis smiled a cold, cruel smile as she shook her head at the sporty girl. “was the worst thing you could have done right now, dear.”

“What? B-But they’re A-Anon-A-Miss!” Scootaloo continued to stutter, waving her hand in the vague direction of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The pair’s looks were slowly changing from shock to anger. The Rainbooms remained silent at the display happening in front of them, the girl’s looking at one another with unease, but each of them froze when they saw the emotions building on Rainbow Dash’s face.

“See, all of us knew that already, my dear.” Chrysalis gave a humourless chuckle as she walked up to the girl, grabbing her by the shoulders and spinning her around to face the other two girls just a few steps away. “But it looks like they have something to add.”

“I can’t believe you, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle screamed, arms flying behind her in outrage as her body started to shake. “You… You…”

Apple Bloom took over as Sweetie Belle physically struggled to find any sort of word to say. “Now ain't that just rich! Who was the one that said no word of this had to get out!?”

“B-B-But they started it! H-Honest!” Scootaloo tried to look up at Chrysalis, her body freezing as the woman looked down at her, indescribable emotion spread across her face.

“But they weren’t the only two involved…” Chrysalis looked up at the other two girls, the… smile she wore widening as she addressed them next. “Were they?”

“That’s right!” Sweetie declared, scowling fiercely at the girl starting to shake and struggle, trying to free herself from the steely vice of a grip from the hands holding onto her shoulders. “We started Anon-A-Miss! But we only wanted to split up Sunset from our sisters!”

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom nodded, actually spitting on the ground at Scootaloo’s scrambling feet. “It was Scootaloo that kept on pushing it further and further! Even after our sister’s broke up with Sunset! It was Scootaloo that started going after other students; accepting rumours and secrets from everyone and posting them! It was her that got Gilda to throw that rock at Sunset- and she laughed when she heard about their fight!”

All the emotion in the room was fixated on three young girls, barely into their teenage years. The older students remained deathly still, silent as the void of emotions in their bodies. The two women in charge of the school looked like a pair of rag dolls with spikes driven down their backs to keep them upright. Chrysalis was taking a perverse pleasure from this scene, seeming to drink in the energy of the hatred pouring from the two girls.

Scootaloo had halted her struggles to break free, instead seemingly content to let Chrysalis hold her up in defiance of her body ostensibly attempting to melt onto the floor. The tears and bellows of her two fellows nowhere to be found in the sporty girl, realization dawning on her that she had only made things worse for herself, only for one thought to come blazing from the back of her mind as her head rapidly swiveled up to look at Chrysalis. “Y-You said our sentences-”

“Are you seriously trying to save your own neck again!?” Sweetie screeched, sounding like a banshee even as her voice cracked and squeaked.

“I can’t believe you!” came Apple Bloom’s cry as Chrysalis’ smile grew to an inhuman size while she slowly glanced down at her captive and the last hope the girl held on to.

“Oh, yes. Those two will get lighter sentences for admitting guilt and assisting us in our investigation.” the last hint of a positive look faded away from the orange-ish girl’s face as Chrysalis answered her question. “But you… Your greed not only destroyed any chances of that, but seeing as they revealed you to be the one behind the actions that led to one girl being almost blinded, but second taken to the hospital in a coma.”

Scootaloo finally looked back towards Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, the two turning away from her in disgust. She hung her head, finally collapsing to the floor in an unsightly mess as Chrysalis finally let go of her seeming to be done draining the girl of her hope.

“No, you have a very special place waiting for you, my dear little turncoat.” Chrysalis said with finality as she walked back towards the two Principals, pausing to look back at the other two girls. “Would you two kindly follow me? We have a few small things to go over.”

(\/):....:(\/)

Rainbow Dash paced back and forth, rapidly switching emotions in a flurry of uncertainty. “I… What did… Where did we go wrong…?” she asked quietly, looking at her friends. The Principals and Chrysalis had left a few moments ago with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, informing the band that they would be taking them to their homes to discuss what was happening directly with their guardians.

“I still don’t understand why they would do such a… a horrendous thing!” Rarity said in disgust, pausing when she saw her younger sister peeking around the corner of the door frame, only to vanish back out of sight. “What could have driven them to that?”

“Why did they want to split us up from Sunset?” Fluttershy asked, wiping fresh tears from her cheeks. “What did Sunset do to deserve that after all the apologizing she had done?”

“Sweetie Belle? Come in her.” Applejack said, her voice dangerously level and calm as she summoned the younger girl into the room. “Tell us why you three wanted to do this. Was it really just to get rid of Sunset?”

The girl paused, before nodding slightly. She gave an audible gulp before she responded. “W-W-We didn’t want to ruin her life, w-we just wanted our sisters back. W-We thought she was just tricking everybody again…”

“Want us back? Whatever do you mean?” Rarity sounded borderline hysterical as she peered down at her sister. “And why did you think she was tricking us?”

“You never had time for me anymore, Rarity…” came the eventual sullen answer, Sweetie Belle grabbing handfuls of her clothes. “You were always hanging out with Sunset after the Battle of the Bands…”

“What? Of course I would want to be with my friends, Sweetie, but I still had time for you!” Rarity reached forward and grabbed her sister’s hands, pulling her close. “Now tell me what part you had in this… debacle.”

“...I was the one who took Sunset’s pictures off of her phone after your slumber party- B-B-But that was it, promise! It was Scootaloo who kept on posting stuff…” Sweetie Belle looked up at her sister with tears in her eyes. “I-I-I’m so sorry, Rarity… I’m so sorry…”

“Well sorry isn’t going to cut it, pipsqueak!” Rainbow suddenly yelled, stomping her foot onto the ground in rage and startling everyone in the room. “Our friend got seriously hurt because of you- In every way possible! Do you really think “Sorry” is going to cut it!?”

“Rainbow, please! The poor dear’s been through enough today!” Rarity pleaded, grabbing her sister in tight embrace and trying to hide her away from her friend.

“Yeah, and did Sunset ever get a break!? DID SHE!?” Rainbow sounded like she was screaming herself mute, Fluttershy actually covering her ears in pain. “Why should she get a free pass when our friend didn’t, huh!? On top of that, we’re probably never gonna see Sunset again now! She’s stuck living with the Sirens- who knows what’s going to happen because of this!?”

Rainbow suddenly turned on Applejack, jabbing an accusatory finger in the girl’s direction. “And what about you? Are you gonna go home and tell Apple Bloom that everything is fine!?”

“Rainbow, just calm down!” the farmer shouted back. “We get it, you’re hurting because of all of this, but so are we! But family forgives one another, even if it takes time!”

“Well then I’m glad I’m not related to Her!” Rainbow screamed, grabbing a pillow off of the nearby sofa and hurling it at Sweetie Belle, everyone crying out in fear at the showing. “If I ever see Her again I’m gonna strangle her with her own scooter!”

A loud “Crack!” filled the air, everyone going silent as Fluttershy shook her now stinging hand, a large welt appearing suddenly swelling up on Rainbow Dash’s now sideways facing cheek.

“Rainbow Dash! You will calm down right this instant!” Fluttershy screamed, the room unsure of whether to be more surprised of the girl raising her voice to the volume she had, or the contents of her scolding. “Because you are not helping things right now! And if you so much as touch a hair on Scootaloo’s head then I will not be held accountable for what I might do!”

“...S-Sorry…” the athlete finally muttered, looking down at the ground. Letting her emotions get the better of her was the reason all of this had happened so far. After all, it was her who first suggested that Sunset was behind Anon-A-Miss and not listening was why she and everybody else ended up like this in the first place.

Chapter 7: The Other First Day

The days before the Rainbooms returned to school passed without a trace, none of the girls able to focus on anything other than the actions of the three younger girls. Scootaloo had not been heard from by any of them, though that was more due to neither Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, nor Rainbow Dash reaching out to the girl, and none of the remaining members knew the phone number for the girl’s aunts.

Sweetie Belle got off the easiest for the time being, with only a massive verbal scolding over FacadeTime from Hondo and Cookie, Rarity standing by and resting a hand on her sister’s trembling shoulders. Rarity had been unsure of how to act since the reveal of her sister’s hand in the Anon-A-Miss attacks. Embarrassing secrets had been revealed, but nothing held a torch to Sunset’s or Gilda’s state. True, Scootaloo admitted to pushing Gilda into throwing the rock at Sunset, nearly blinding her and eventually leading to the altercation that lead to Sunset leaving CHS in rage and Gilda in a coma, but her dear sister still had a hand in destroying the bonds of the school that Princess Twilight had created and Rarity and the other Rainbooms helped maintain.

She wished Princess Twilight was here to help them their struggles, fresh tears starting to stream down Sweetie Belle’s face as the two girls’ parents doled out what punishments they could over a screen. AJ had told her all about the belting Apple Bloom had gotten from Granny Smith, the least of the youngest Apple’s punishments her friend had regaled her with. It sounded like the girl would be working overtime over the last few weeks of Winter, and what little time she was allowed to herself was not to be spent with either Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo. Apparently Apple Bloom had gotten quite upset that Granny Smith would have even thought that she’d want to be near Scootaloo anymore.

The call finally ended, each member of the family saying their farewells before the video feed cut out. Sweetie Belle gave a low sniffle and wiped her eyes before peering up at her sister. “What am I gonna do, Rarity…? I-If everyone at school finds out that we were behind Anon-A-Miss…”

A sad smile played across the elder sister’s lips, her brow furrowing slightly. “You’re just going to have to deal with it, dear. Just like what Sunset had to go through.”

“Will I ever be able to apologize to her?”

“...”

“Rarity…?”

The fashionista looked down at her sister, tears streaming down both of their cheeks now. “...I do not know, Sweetie… I do not know…”

(\/):.:(\/)

A hushed commotion spread through the crowd of students gathered in CHS’ auditorium, each of them wondering why they had been directed to the large hall by the various members of the faculty standing just inside the doors of the school. It was their first day back from the holidays, and it seemed like things had been mending somewhat over the time away from classes, with only the odd sour look shared briefly before a handful of students. Everyone grew quiet when Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, and Chrysalis walked up onto the stage and towards the mic, some uncertain looks passing over the professionally dressed newcomer.

“Hello everyone, welcome back from your holidays.” Celestia addressed the crowd from the front of the stage, microphone removed from it’s holder. “I hope you all had time to think about the events before the holidays.”

Grumbles and voiced annoyances radiated from the student body as Celestia slowly looked around the room. “I will start by saying that internet service shall be heavily restricted for the rest of the school year- yes, you may use your cellular data if you wish if you want, but school networks shall be blocking all social media websites, among most others.

“Now, the main reason you were all brought here this morning is to talk about Anon-A-Miss. As you know, a MyStable user spent the week before Christmas spreading secrets and rumours online.” Celestia had to pause as a growing voice of the students started to call out the name of Sunset Shimmer, a heavy exhaustion pulling at the corners of her mind, a collection of all her sleepless nights since the holidays pilling on.

“Sunset Shimmer was innocent.” Chrysalis said as she grabbed the microphone away from Celestia, the woman making an annoyed noise as Chrysalis tapped the top of the mic. “Yes, hi, I doubt any of you know who I am, and it’s better that it stays that way. I was involved with the investigation into Anon-A-Miss, and I am here today to tell you what I am allowed to about the findings.

“First, Sunset Shimmer is not Anon-A-Miss- you can feel wrong all you want, but it doesn’t change the truth of what went on over the holidays. Second, the identity of Anon-A-Miss cannot be revealed to you, as the Youth Criminal Justice Amendment dictates that those under eighteen cannot be publicly revealed.”

While there had been dismissive laughter at first, the student body not willing to trust a stranger in the matter of whether or not Sunset Shimmer was exonerated of being Anon-A-Miss, it soon became boisterous and bemused. All that came to a halt when the doors to the gymnasium flew open, crashing against the wall as a familiar looking female strode purposefully through the crowd and towards the stage.

“They’re right!” Princess Twilight shouted loudly, pausing halfway through the crowd, spinning and looking over the vast sea of, to her at least, otherworldly beings. She looked messy, unkempt as her wild eyes shook in her sockets, bags visible underneath them as her stuck out at various unnatural angles. “Sunset Shimmer was scapegoated by all of you for something she never did!!”

Twilight resumed her frenzied pace up to the front of the stage, snarling as she stole the microphone right out of Chrysalis’ hand without even sparing a look, appearing feral to the crowd she now loomed over. “Her life has been ruined by one of you and all you can do is laugh! Despicable…”

“T-Twilight, what are you doing here!?” Celestia hissed quietly as she walked up and rested a hand on the shorter girl’s shoulder, only to have it swatted away as Twilight continued to verbally assault the crowd.

“I’ve spent the last ten moons trying to reach out to Sunset, only to be ignored, and the last things I heard from her was being called a traitor because of you!” Rainbow Dash slumped over as Twilight locked eyes on her, the other members of the Rainbooms coming to stand by their friends side, Applejack and Rarity making sure to keep protective holds on their sisters as they cowered. “She helped save all of you from the Sirens! Beings that almost succeeded in taking over the school! If it wasn’t for her stepping up to save you all, then you’d all be serving at their feet right now! And that’s whose she staying with now because all of you betrayed her!”

“Twilight’s right…” Rainbow Dash spoke up, her voice quaking as she tried to address the crowd of now silent students. “She wasn’t Anon-A-Miss, and if it wasn’t for us, none of you would have believed she was either…”

Applejack squeezed her younger sister’s shoulders as she spoke next. “If we stood up for her, you all would have ignored what was happening. You would have laughed at some silly nickname for me and went about your ways.”

“Sunset lost her home over the holidays- a home worse than she deserved.” Rarity looked down at her sister. “A home that was falling apart around her because she’d rather try and make things up to all of us instead of ask for help.”

“The Sirens took Sunset in when she was at her absolute lowest.” Twilight hissed, eyebrows furrowing. “While you all were here fighting over Celestia-damned childhood nicknames, those three treated her like someone important. Like a FRIEND!!! They could have bucking killed her and you would have all likely thrown a bucking party! Have you learned nothing about what I have tried to teach you over the last hundred plus moons!? Nothing about Friendship or forgiveness!? Ponies make mistakes, mess up and do something awful, but they can change for the better- Like Sunset BUCKING TRIED TO DO!!!”

Twilight stood like a seething mountain of anger, breathing heavily as she tore into the students. Some had started to cry, either from realization that they had accused the wrong person, or at the sure onslaught of negativity coming from the one who had saved their lives twice over.

Celestia shared looks with her sister and wife, Luna looking pensive while Chrysalis looked ready to cheer Twilight on,a giddy look on her dark features. Celestia reached down again to Twilight, whispering in a low voice. “I think they understand now, Princess Twilight.”

A switch seemed to flip in the girl, sending her stumbling a half step back and looking up at the woman in a mix of reverence and panic. “P-P-Princess Celestia!” the purple saturated girl stammered, eyes wide as she started to sway side to side. “I-I-I’m so sorry I haven’t written! I… I…”

A panicked cry erupted from the crowd as their accuser suddenly pitched to the side before collapsing in an unsightly heap. The Rainbooms rushed to the stage, watching as the three woman on top of it rushed to Twilight’s side, Chrysalis reaching down with practiced ease.

“She’s alright.” she declared loudly, a sigh running through the room. “Heartbeats goin’ fast, but she’s breathing. Probably just too excited at how much fun she was having tearing into all of you.”

That ending statement sent the relieve the student’s felt about Twilight’s fleeing from their bodies as Chrysalis gathered the unconscious form of Twilight firmly in her arms as Celestia finished addressing the students. “We are done with this assembly. Everyone will head to their classes now, and think about their failures to grow as individuals.”

(\/):..:(\/)

“You really tore into them.” Chrysalis hummed happily as she tapped away at her phone, her eyes glancing towards the now stirring form of Twilight Sparkle as she fiddled with the bed sheets. “You should have let us know you were coming to say hi, purple pony princess.”

“...I went easy on them…” Twilight muttered as she looked out the window at the dreary sky, massive overcasting clouds seeming to meld into one another.

“I think you did enough.” Celestia said as she walked into the room, Chrysalis smiling and waving as she put away her phone. “Thank you for messaging me, Chrysi. You’ve always been good at these things.”

“Do they know?” the couple paused at the vitriolic comment from the girl resting in the bed.

“Pardon me?” Celestia asked calmly, her smile faltering.

“Do they know who Anon-A-Miss is?” Twilight now demanded, getting out of the nursing bed and walking towards the two of them, eyes narrow. “Do they know who ruined Sunset’s life?”

“The only ones who know are who the laws allow.” Chrysalis said, her expression cooling. “Your five doppelganger friends, the three younger sisters actually guilty of the crime, and the parents. And I guess the officers in charge of the case and punishments of those three.”

“Seriously!? They just get to walk free!?” Twilight threw her arms out, putting the comments together to realize that Gabby Gums had struck again. “They ruin a girls life and they get nothing!?”

“They are youths, Twilight. The law says they can’t be named, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing punishments.” Celestia said slowly, resting a hand on her wife’s shoulder. “Trust us. Now tell me, why are you here?”

“I wanna know more about that little show before she passed out.” Chrysalis chuckled darkly before her head pitched forward, Celestia’s hand harshly cuffing the back of the woman’s skull. “Ow!”

“...I’ve been trying to reach Sunset ever since that night, to try and explain the situation, but she hasn’t responded.” Twilight started to explain after taking a deep breath and letting out a deep sigh. “At first I thought it was just because of how recently that night was, but by now she should have at least done something… I think she really does see me as a traitor now- the same as those five.”

“So you haven’t slept then? Is that what you’re saying?” Chrysalis asked, causing Twilight to look down at her in skepticism. “I mean, you look like shit to be honest, and I hope that’s not what Princess are like in your world. Well, I mean I had holes through me, but-”

“Yes, I haven’t slept since that night. I had Princess Luna help me with an old spell so I could focus on Sunset. I tried coming, but the time difference between our worlds meant that I never knew what time it was here, and your holidays mixed with the portal’s misunderstanding on seasonal clothing meant I couldn’t really try and reach her in this world.”

“Well I can’t say that I’m surprised to be honest.” Celestia pursed her lips as she crossed her arms, eyes staring at the floor. “The Rainbooms showing up at that moment made it seem like we brought them with us, and considering how they were the ones to first turn their backs on her, if it looked like we did indeed bring them, especially after Adagio warned us not to…”

“...I want to go to their house again.” Twilight said, looking up at Celestia with a determined expression. “I need to prove that I’m on her side.”

“Look, if you go showing up now, I don’t know if you’ll leave in one piece.” Chrysalis said, eyes wide in surprise. “If she’s not responding, maybe that’s just her saying “No!” to you.”

“If you won’t help me, I’ll just go myself!” Twilight started to storm towards the door, growling as she passed the two women. “I’ll go make a spellstone and-”

“Princess Twilight?” the door to the room opened up slowly, Applejack timidly peeking her head in. “O-Oh! You’re awake!”

“Oh? Not looking after your treasonous sister?” Twilight crossed her arms as she scowled at Applejack, the farm freezing and shutting her eyes as she grimaced.

“Twilight?” Celestia asked in shock, looking between the two girls. “She was coming to check in on you!”

“Did you forgive them?” the Princess asked as she watched the other four girls shuffle into the room. “Did you forgive your sisters for destroying someone’s life?”

“They know they messed up, but it was Scootaloo doing most of it.” Applejack said, the rest of the band nodding in agreement of their speakers comment. “...But yes, we’ve somewhat forgiven them. It’s what you would have asked us to do.”

Twilight stood, arms crossed as she looked at the five girls, her eyes slowly closing as she let out a long, low breath. “Yes.” she eventually said, eyes opening only to blankly stare at the ground. “Friendship and forgiveness. That’s what allows us to become better ponies. Very well, I shall do the same and somewhat forgive you, however, I shall be leaving now. I must find Sunset and talk to her.”

“Wait.” Rainbow Dash held out a hand, freezing Twilight mid-step. “I think… I know this is going to sound stupid, especially coming from me of all people at this point, but I think you shouldn’t do this, Twilight. If she isn’t talking with you, I think you should respect that.”

“You’re right, that is stupid!” Twilight spat, rubbing her face in her hands, unable to believe what the athlete had just said. “But I have to go see her, at least this one last time. If I had been there for her in the first place, maybe this never would have happened.”

“U-Um… Wh-Why don’t you come with us to lunch?” Rarity suddenly spoke up. “A good bite to eat while I do your hair might be a good start. I hate to say it, but you look like you slept in a barn last night.”

(\/):...:(\/)

“You aren’t going to believe this!” The whole table looked over at the overly energetic girl bouncing in front of the table, carrying more energy than the entire rest of the cafeteria combined after they watched Twilight enter the room. “But Trixie saw two veeeery important people yesterday!”

“Trixie… What do you want?” Rainbow Dash grumbled as she put down her fork, slumping onto the table in annoyance.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie saw our world’s Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle at the mall yesterday!” the magician boasted loudly to the entire cafeteria, resting a hand on her chest as a smug look plastered her face.

“What!?” Twilight would have shot to her feet if Rarity didn’t hold her down. “Where did you meet them? What were they like?”

“U-U-Ummm…” Trixie suddenly tried to hide away as she started poking her forefingers together, shrinking down as everybody in the room turned to look at her. “T-T-The Unknowing and Apologetic Trixie maaay have thought it was our Sunset Shimmer, and didn’t know yet that Sunset wasn’t Anon-A-Miss.”

Chuckling washed through the room at the girl’s sheepish response. “B-B-But I can confirm that they are both students of Crystal Prep!”

“Crystal Prep?” the lone Equestrian asked, looking around in confusion at the groaning members of the Rainbooms.

“It’s the other school in town.” Fluttershy said meekly, looking terrified as usual. “I-I-It’s full of meanies.”

“Our schools have an extremely one sided rivalry with them.” Rainbow added, scowling. “They always beat us. And if our world’s Sunset is there, there is no way the Friendship Games are going to end well.”

“And if our world’s Sunset goes there… What if she’s anything like the old Sunset?” Rarity visibly shuddered at the thought. “But I’m more worried for our version of you, Princess. That school is not a good place.”

“Excuse me, is the Pony Princess girl still in here?” a voice boomed from the cafeteria entrance, everyone looking up to see the third woman from the morning’s assembly walk in. “Ah, Twilight, there you are. Can you come with me please? We have something to discuss.”

Twilight hesitated, her mind still struggling to dissociate this world’s Chrysalis from her own. “Okay.” she responded with a quick nod as she stood up, Rarity hurrying to finish the last few touches of maintenance on her friend.

“There, good as new.” the fashionista smiled as Twilight looked around the group. “Make sure to say hello next time you are here, alright?”

“...Alright.” a small smile played at the corner of Twilight’s lips as she nodded to the group. They’d have to work to fully gain back her favour, but it seemed they may finally be taking her teachings to heart. “I’ll see you all later.”

“Well? Ready to go see your friend?” Chrysalis asked as the pair left the cafeteria, the pair of swinging doors shutting firmly behind them, surprising the Princess. “What’s with that look?”

“Why do you want to take me back there?” Twilight asked, pausing and watching the woman’s back as it drew further away.

“Well I’m done here for the day, so why don’t I give you a ride?’ Chrysalis shrugged her shoulders as she stopped to look back at Twilight, a lazy smile parting her lips. “I mean, you can walk there if you want.”

“I’ll take the ride.” Twilight said rapidly as she hastily stumbled towards the chortling woman, before taking a slower pace getting out of the school, the blustering wind chilling Twilight’s exposed skin as they made their way to the woman’s car. “You seem quite different from the Chrysalis I know.”

“I think everyone you know here is different from the ones in your world, pony girl.” Chrysalis smirked as she twisted the key in the car’s ignition, the lithe beast roaring to life and filling the interior with blessed warmth. “Shouldn’t that be obvious by your friends alone?”

Twilight’s lips drew thin at the not so subtle jab. The two Chrysalis’ at least had the same opinion on taunting someone. “Yes, the Rainbooms are indeed different than the ones in my world, but that’s part of what makes them unique as well. A pony- person is the sum of their experiences, which has only been proven more to me during my visits here. Though I am unsure if Humans can change the same that Ponies can.”

“Well let’s hope that your friends prove you wrong, cause I know that people can change.” the voice of the obsidian skinned woman was suddenly surprisingly sombre as she looked over her shoulder, backing out of the school’s parking lot with obviously well practiced ease. “I dunno about your world, but Lettuce sure was a trouble in the past.”

“Lettuce?” Twilight turned her head, utterly baffled by the woman’s comment. “Who’s Lettuce?”

“Luna, of course!” Chrysalis gave a hearty laugh as Twilight’s face fell. What sort of nickname was that for the Princess!? “And Celestia is Celery, obviously!”

“T-T-That’s- Why would you ever call them that!? Why would they let you call them that!? That’s as offensive as it is degrading!” Twilight scolded loudly, shocked at what she had just heard.

“Well it’s cause you eat celery and lettuce.” Chrysalis said simply, her eyes were locked on the road, but there was a subtle glint to them as her lips twitched.

“Eat?” Twilight’s brow furrowed as she watched Chrysalis hold up her left hand, a large golden band resting round the third finger from her thumb.

“Hint, married.”

“ What do you… mean…” the purple girl started to ask before her jaw fell as, leaving her mouth to gape as her purple face suddenly flushed redder than the stop sign the car just blew past, with Chrysalis erupted into full body laughter.

(\/):....:(\/)

“I can’t tell Princess Celestia about this…” Twilight muttered, staring blankly into the distance as Chrysalis knocked on the door of the impressive mansion they stood in front of.

“What? Aren’t Ponies allowed to get married?” Chrysalis asked with a hearty ruffling of the shorter girl’s hair.

“YES!” the girl shouted, eyes wide as she looked at Chrysalis. “But Princess’ Celestia and Luna are the rulers of all of Equestria! If they learned that their counterparts both slept with the Human version of the Changeling Queen-”

“I’m sure they’d get a good chuckle out of it, Princess.” the door opened to reveal the smug smile of Adagio Dazzle standing in the doorway. “If I recall, they were quite the, what’s the term… fillyfoolers back in the day.”

“Hello, Adagio.” Twilight scowled, crossing her arms.

“Adagio?” Chrysalis was the one who gave a confused look now as she looked between the two Equestrians. “I thought her name was Andante? Andante Radiance?”

The Siren gave a bemused chuckle as a small smile came to her face. “Oh, I’ve had many names over the millennia, my dear little agent. Why don’t you both come inside. We have some things to discuss I hear.”

The two outsiders shared quick looks before stepping inside. “Why did you call her Andante Radiance?” Twilight asked as she removed her footwear.

“I should ask why you the same thing.” came Chrysalis’ quick retort. “How do you even know her?”

“The Battle of the Bands, remember? Principal Celestia mentioned it when we came here last.”

“But what does Andante have to do with that?” Chrysalis was still confused, something that rarely ever happened before, but had been increasing over the previous weeks.

“Because Adagio is the leader of the Sirens, the ones that were exiled from my world and ended up here?” Twilight raised an eyebrow as she watched Chrysalis steal a peek over at Adagio, the Siren sighing as she crossed her arms.

“Yes, Princess Twilight is correct.” Adagio gave a sour look in Twilight’s direction. “Me and my sister’s are from Equestria as well, though I would like to say that your supposed history, Princess, is woefully inaccurate.”

“You’re a magical horse as well!?” Chrysalis screamed in glee, holding her hands in front of her face in a manner that baffled both magical beings, sending them stumbling back a few steps each.

“N-No- Well, yes- I mean, sort of- Look!” Adagio stumbled a few times before catching herself and taking a deep breath, steadying her emotions. “We are also from Equestria, we are older than your worlds recorded history, and you need not ask more.”

“Oh! Hi, Crystal!” came a cheery voice from the kitchen, Sonata Dusk peeking out and waving her hand towards the tall woman, a happy smile beaming off her reddened face. “How are you doing?”

“My name is Chrysalis, what’s yours, cause apparently you all have been lying to me for the last-”

“Ever since we got you into the government, yes.” Aria grumbled as she followed Sonata out of the kitchen, wiping her face. “Never thought I’d hear Adagio break our promise.”

“Actually it was Twilight who caused issue,” Adagio pointed out succinctly. “though I think it’s for the best that everyone have a better understanding of what tonight is about.”

“About? I’m just here to talk to Sunset.” the Princess shook her head and waved her hands. “Where is she, anyways?”

“She’s not here.” Adagio gave a simple look as her sister’s drew up beside her.

“Not here? Did you kick her out?” Twilight suddenly started to worry.

“No, she’s a student at Crystal Preparatory Academy now, and they demand that all students live in school accommodations.” Aria explained, scowling darkly. “Fucking stupid if you ask me.”

“She actually has her first full day today.” Sonata looked sad, her eyes locked on her feet as they prodded at the floor. “I just hope everything goes well.”

“Crystal Prep? That place is the worst shark tank imaginable.” Chrysalis shook her head. “Seriously, Abacus Finch would be behind bars if any of the things she has done ever went public.”

“Wait, are you suggesting that Sunset isn’t safe?” Twilight’s head swiveled rapidly. “That’s the last thing that should be going on right now- especially when she needs real friends!”

“Is that why you came to talk to her? To get her to talk to those traitorous Rain-goons?” the ferocity of the snarl and hatred flowing out of Sonata shocked Twilight. “After everything they’ve done to Sunset, they deserve what she sent them.”

“Sent them?” asked Twilight as she quickly followed the Sirens and Chrysalis into the extremely spacious living room.

“She gave an amazing performance at the bar a while back- off the cuff too.” Adagio looked proud as she recalled that night, before her face shifted into a look a disappointment and anger. “A song she thought up after you brought the Rainbooms to our house that night.”

“Oh, that…” Twilight gave a heavy sigh, looking down at the ground momentarily before locking eyes with the head of the house. “They followed us, we never noticed them.”

“I know that.” Adagio leaned back, her a small smirk splitting her lips.

“What? Why did you give me such a sour look then?” inquired the confused Equestrian.

“I just wanted to hear it from you firsthand.” Adagio shrugged before Sonata started to speak up.

“We sorta didn’t believe Sunset when she said you brought them to our house, especially with the Principals.” the cyan Siren giggled. “We knew the Principal’s would fear what could happen, and you were the only one that ever seemed to be truly on her side at the school.”

“...Oh for bucks sake!” Twilight swore loudly, shooting to her feet and starting to storm around angrily. “She was open to talking to me that night, and then Rainbow just haaad to run around the corner! Okay, calm down, Twilight. Second chances… Second chances…”

“Are you really giving those five a second chance?” Aria chortled, slapping her leg. “Wow, you really are hopeful, huh?”

“Chrysalis informed us of who was behind this… Anon-A-Miss, was it?” Adagio looked over at the woman, receiving a quick nod in response. “To think that three little girls could cause all that. Why, it almost makes me proud.”

“Those same three did something similar back in Equestria.” Twilight said, ignoring Adagio’s praise as she turned to look at the Sirens. “Though not with the exact same result. They were forgiven, though I doubt these three would be.”

“...We agreed to not tell Sunset who was behind it.” Adagio said slowly, crossing one leg over the other, a flash of worry showing on her face. “Sunset is lost, Princess, and if she heard who was behind the attack… I dread to think what she would do.”

“And why do you care about her so much? After what she did?” Twilight wearily eyed the three other Equestrians.

“She did a lot more to us than you know.” a bestial snarl escaped Aria’s lips as she responded to the ringleader to the Sirens defeat.

“I was the one to rescue her from out in the cold.” Adagio said, nodding as she gazed at the floor. “Her cry that night was very familiar, and that was before she revealed that she was also an Equestrian refugee. Then we learned she beat up Gilda and was pissed off at the Rainbooms; the enemy of my enemy and all that.”

“You wanted to use her for revenge…” Twilight felt a scowl start to play at the corners of her mouth as Adagio gave an uncaring shrug.

“She’s refused, at first saying that’s what you would want, then saying that she was going to be better than the Rainbooms. Really would have made you proud.” Adagio smirked.

“That still doesn’t explain why you housed her and cared for her so much.”

“We grew to like her. Aria won’t shut up about her muscles-”

“Hey!” the purple Siren interrupted Adagio, before a sly look came to her own face. “Wasn’t it you moaning about her intelligence the other-”

“She has a really pretty smile!” Sonata started bouncing up on down on the couch as the two other Siren’s started to butt heads. “A-A-And she’s lot’s of fun to be around! She’s always so happy and kind, always willing to help. She even wants to pay us back even though we keep telling her we control over eighty five percent of this world’s wealth!”

“She’s amazingly confident once you get her over her past, though I fear that she’s going to try and make friends again. Even though she’s declared you persona non grata, she still tries to live by your teachings. She even left that magic journal of hers here.” Twilight felt her eyebrows shoot up at the last statement to leave Adagio’s mouth once her and Aria stopped fighting.

“She left it here!? But why!?” Twilight started looking around in desperation, perhaps it was sitting somewhere nearby.

“She doesn’t like you anymore, Princess, and I suggest you leave her well enough alone.” Aria warned, cracking her knuckles against her legs as she flashed a toothy grin.

“...At least talk to her about me, let her know that I just want to clear up what happened that night- That I didn’t bring the Rainbooms with me.” Twilight started to plead. If Sunset was at this other school and left the journal at the Sirens’ house, how could she talk with her?

“...We’ll see how she’s doing after the first week of classes.” Adagio said, slowly standing up, before pausing and giving a confused look in Chrysalis’ direction.

“Wow…” Chrysalis said, nodding and furrowing her brow. “Horse politics are confusing…”

“Look, you should probably head back to Equestria now.” Adagio shook her head in annoyance as Chrysalis started to giggle. “Feel free to contact us through the journal, but don’t go after Sunset. Unless you want us to figure out how your little cross-world enchantment works and come visit you ourselves, alright.”

Twilight gulped and nodded, her mind going back to the episode with the Crystal Heart when it gave her the visions of King Sombra returning. “O-Okay.”

“Good. Chrysalis? Return her to CHS, then text us. We have some more things to discuss.”

(\/):.....:(\/)

~*Today, <1 Minute Ago*~

From: Thing Three

So how did she get home?

Chrysalis chuckled as she read the message from the newly revealed to be also Magical Horse, before tapping back a response.

Recipient: Thing Three

She walked back through the statue in front of the school most likely. I wasn’t there, but that’s how she took me to Equestria. Really cool place if you tell me, I looked like this bug-horse like thing, full of holes like swiss cheese.

She had often been told that she should be more concise with her messages, but where was the fun in that? The government paid for phone after all- even if they didn’t know about it. Her private phone beeped again.

~*Today, <1 Minute Ago*~

From: Thing Three

Really? Okay then, here’s what I want you to do...

Chapter 8: Meanwhile at CHS

Everyone in the cafeteria watched quietly as Princess Twilight departed right behind the dark skinned woman, the pair appearing to share words as the cafeteria doors closed, before sluggishly returning to eating their lunches and continuing their conversations.

“Hey, Trixie?” Rainbow called out to the slowly retreating girl, the blue skinned magician freezing momentarily before spinning to look back at the Rainbooms. “Can you tell us more about the Sunset and Twilight you saw at the mall?”

“Umm… They looked exactly the same. I-I mean, except for Sunset wearing glasses and having her hair in a ponytail, and Twilight having her hair in a bun…” Trixie paused, before shaking her head. “They looked identical otherwise.”

“Were they talking at all?” Applejack asked next, the rest of the girls nodding their heads. “Did they seem like friends?”

Trixie started off strong, but soon paused and began bouncing her fingers against one another, a sheepish look building on her face. “Well Sunset seemed much nicer than Our Sunset before Princess Twilight came here... A-A-And she even stood up for the two of them as The Shamed and Humbled Trixie… Yeah…”

“Hmmm…” the farmer brought a hand up to her chin, rubbing it in thought before she started her drawl. “Thank you, Trixie. I suppose we should keep eyes out in case we see Our World’s Sunset. Just in case.”

Trixie looked over the five girls as they continued to converse, obviously having forgotten about her. The Old Trixie would have taken it personally, but of late… The girl shook her head and quietly stepped away, walking towards the line to get her own food. She had ended up arriving quite late- thanks entirely to all the vending machines in school being utterly devoid of the single greatest delicacy the world would ever know! How was Trixie supposed to make it through the day without peanut butter crackers!?

She sighed dejectedly as she looked at the selection available to her, before suddenly realizing what it sounded like and quickly glanced back up and apologizing to Granny Smith. “T-T-Trixie deeply apologizes! Trixie did not mean to-”

“I think she knows you weren’t grumbling about the food, Trixie.” came a rather annoyed sounding voice from behind the stuttering girl.

“Lyra! Don’t be rude!” the well cultured voice of the school’s resident cello prodigy responded as Trixie turned to look at the group standing behind her. Octavia turned towards her, an apologetic smile on her face as the sound of skin on skin echoed faintly in the air. “My apologies, Trixie.”

Trixie blinked, paused momentarily, then nodded her head. She was unused to anyone actually apologizing to her for something. Octavia Melody stood there still smiling warmly as Lyra Heartstrings rubbed the back of her head, looking over her shoulder at Bon Bon; the cream skinned girl rubbing the back of her hand. Vinyl Scratch stood beside Octavia, head bobbing to the music blasting out of her earbuds as she held onto a brown paper bag. “No, uh… No offence taken.”

“So what was that big display you were talking about to the Rainbooms over there?” Bon Bon asked cheerily, her mood shifting instantly. “We were still getting in here when we heard the commotion.”

“Oh! Well Trixie found Our World’s Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.” Trixie started to boast proudly, laying a hand on her chest before pausing and trying to reel in her bravado. “They were at the Mall shopping on the weekend. Turns out they are both students at Crystal Prep, aaaand- get this- Sunset Shimmer just moved here from Great Bridal.”

“Oh my... How did Princess Twilight take that?” Octavia asked after motioning for Trixie to order. The magician hurriedly pointed out a few things to the elderly lady standing on the other side of the counter before turning to respond to the slate hued girl.

“Princess Twilight wanted to know more about them, but, um…” Trixie looked away as a slight blush built on her cheeks before she more softly continued to mutter. “T-Trixie may have not known that it was Our World’s Sunset, and didn’t know Sunset wasn’t Anon-A-Miss…”

“Wow… So you bitched out an innocent girl?” Lyra chuckled darkly, sidestepping away from the angry swipe of Bon Bon’s hand. “Way to go, Trixie.”

“Lyra, would you behave?” Octavia loudly chastised the girl, only for Vinyl to take a step forward and slug the lyrist in the shoulder, a loud hiss escaping the lips of the mint coloured girl as Trixie took a step back, sniffling slightly. “Trixie, I am ever so sorry about my comrade’s attitude.”

“N-No, Trixie deserves it. After all Sunset did to show that she had changed, and Trixie jumped on her like everyone else…”

“Well, I mean… We knew she wasn’t behind it.” Bon Bon said quietly, earning a confused look from Trixie.

“...Huh?”

“The four of us seemed to be the only ones who believed Sunset when she said she wasn’t Anon-A-Miss.” Lyra started up, gritting her teeth slightly as she continued to rub at her arm. “Why would she go back to being an absolute pariah? And why would she try so hard to make the Anon-A-Miss account look like it was her behind it? Remember what the Old Sunset was like?”

Trixie stood there mute as the three girls not holding bagged lunches quickly ordered, Octavia handing Trixie her tray with a friendly smile. “Why don’t you join us for lunch? We have more than enough table space.”

“Yeah, I usually spot you sneaking out of the cafeteria. Do you eat somewhere else?” Bon Bon asked, the four girls standing around Trixie in a quarter circle.

“...” Trixie remained quiet, refusing to confirm the confectioner’s accurate guess. A sudden crinkling drew the blue girl’s attention to Vinyl Scratch, the DJ opening her brown bag and rustling around inside before pulling out a familiar rectangular shape and holding it towards the now wide eyed girl.

“It looks to me like Vinyl wants you to join us.” Octavia giggled as Trixie’s eyes shot between the offered package of peanut butter crackers and the glasses of the girl offering them. Trixie’s hand was nearly invisible as she snatched the divine food out of the pale girl’s hand, the other four girls bursting out in laughter as Trixie suddenly cleared her throat.

“A-Ahem… T-The Great and Benevolent Trixie shall indeed grace your table with her presence.” the pale blue girl said, straightening her hat, before following behind them with an embarrassed blush as they continued to giggle at her actions.

“So you say you saw the two of them at the Mall?” Octavia asked as the five of them sat down at their still empty table.

“Yeah, they were picking up school supplies it looked like.” Trixie looked up from her peanut butter crackers for a moment. “Trixie guesses that Sunset didn’t have anything with her.”

“Does anybody else think it’ strange that this new Sunset showed around the same time as Sunset left?” Lyra’s voice was partially muffled as she tried to speak and eat at the same time.

“Well she had a driver’s license from Great Bridal…” Trixie responded quietly. “Besides, they both looked exactly the same to Trixie, more or less. Like Princess Twilight having her hair in a bun, and Sunset wearing glasses and having a scar over her left eye.”

“This other Sunset also had a scar over her eye?” Octavia asked, somewhat conflicted. “I mean, we all heard about the rock throwing incident, and I assumed that poor Sunset would be left with some minor disfigurement, but that this other Sunset would also have a similar marking…”

“Maybe we should all keep a look out for her?” Bon Bon stated as she looked around the table. “Perhaps we could help steer her away from what Crystal Prep could do to her.”

Vinyl gave a lazy shrug, her usual answer to such comments from the cream skinned girl. Octavia gave a warm smile to go with her nod of agreement, while Lyra groaned audibly and shook her head. The four turned towards Trixie, different emotions on each of their faces as they waited for her response.

“O-Oh, um… Trixie agrees that we should keep an eye out for this new Sunset.” the girl stuttered as she felt an unusual pressure building as the four girls she sat with watched her. “A-Although Trixie is unsure of the best way to reach you should She find her.”

Trixie watched as the four attempted to hold in laughter as Vinyl’s hand shifted down under the table, before pulling back up into sight with a rectangular shape in her hand, the cable plugged into it tracing up to the headphones she was wearing.

“Oh… Right…” Trixie said, her face turning red.

(\/):.:(\/)

Rainbow Dash held her hands up defensively in front of herself as Gilda took an extremely aggressive step forward, snarling silently at the athlete. The girl’s face held many reminders of the savage beating rained upon her when she and her gang had tried to attack Sunset; the girl’s nose was now swayed back and forth down her face, minute scars dotting her face like blades of grass.

“Do you really want me to forgive the bitch that did this to me, Dash!?” the hatred Gilda had for Sunset seemed to be boiling over to Rainbow Dash now as the girl tried to get Gilda to calm down as best she could.

“Look, I know you’re angry with her, but please, Gil, just calm down.” Dash wavered in both stature and voice as the taller, stockier girl growled at her. “Sunset’s gone, and I think we all need to move past what happened before the holidays.”

“Easy for you to say! You didn’t spend them in a coma at the fucking hospital!” Gilda’s arms flew up into the air. “You probably spent it warm and cozy with the rest of your little friends!”

“...We spent it together… Thinking about how we ruined everything for Sunset…” Rainbow Dash’s fist clenched as a tear ran down her cheek. Anger was what caused all of this, and she didn’t want to see any more of it. “And when we…”

Gilda took another step forward as Rainbow’s voice died off, the girl realizing she was about to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. “When we “what”, Dash?”

“When we heard about Sunset’s apartment collapsing, we-”

“Ha!” a singular bark of amusement, devoid of any modicum of positivity escaped the scarred lips of Gilda. “At least she got something karmic!”

“She’s not Anon-A-Miss, Gilda! She never was!” Dash felt a small stream of tears start to run down her face. “Why won’t you let that go!? What good is there with all this anger!? It’s what led you to ending up in the hospital!”

A surprised shriek of uncharacteristically high pitched fear erupted from Rainbow as Gilda slammed an arm against the row of lockers, the wall of metal faces shaking violently under the firm arm of the girl now staring down Rainbow Dash, molten venom pouring from her eyes. “Listen well, ‘cause I’m only gonna tell ya this once. Sunset. Is. Dead.”

Rainbow quaked visibly as she watched Gilda stomp off, concern for the future washing away the fear her seemingly former friend had caused her. Rainbow knew not to undervalue Gilda’s promise, the girl would definitely try to go after Sunset again if he found her, and Rainbow knew that if the two met again, one of them was going to end up in a much worse state than in the hospital…

Composing herself, Rainbow set off down the other end of the hallway, her mind deep in thought, wondering what could be done to try and avert this situation.

(\/):..:(\/)

Celestia gave a heavy sigh as she dropped her head into her hands, exhausted from the amount of paperwork that she had been doing since the Christmas break. Gilda’s parents may have dropped any accusations once the footage of her and her gang attacking Sunset was shown, but the school board was unhappy that Celestia had allowed it to happen in the first place. They asked her why she hadn’t stepped in sooner, which considering that everything only came to a head in a single day, would have been very hard. Students squabble all the time, how was she to know this would be any different? Especially given how friendly the student body had gotten after the Battle of the Bands.

“One of the many benefits of being Vice Principal.” Celestia heard her sister chuckle as Luna approached the large desk her sister slouched upon, hopping up to sit on it beside the school’s Principal. “You know we could always ask Chryssi to get rid of them. I’m sure she’d loooove to get her hands dirty.”

The older sister couldn’t help but crack a smirk at Luna’s comment, a single convulsion running through her as she silenced any laughter. “You always were the more direct of us.” she replied as she sat back up straight, rubbing her face with her hands. “Sadly, I don’t agree with your choice. We have to play this by their rules.”

“...Hard to think that it’d be us running this school when younger sisters caused problems, huh?” Luna muttered softly as she looked out the window, Celestia giving a soft smile as she grabbed one of her sister’s hands.

“You were quite the rabble rouser back then alright.” a shared giggle filled the room before Celestia continued. “Old Principal Starswirl was ready to throw you to the wolves after you set off a pallet of firecrackers in his office in revenge for- and I quote- Destroying the hopes and dreams of the student body.”

“The fact that you even need to contemplate the removal of moon pies from the cafeteria menu almost makes me wonder if you really are my sister…” Luna narrowed her eyes dangerously as she looked at her sister, before switching to a proud smirk. “Starswirl got what he deserved- and if it wasn’t for me we’d probably be sitting in that crusty old place he used to call his office!”

The pair shared a silent moment, remembering their past as students in these very halls. “I still can’t believe it was those three behind all of this…”

“Indeed…” Luna nodded her head in response to her sister’s comment. “Though the fact that Scootaloo held such a dark streak…”

“I’m not sure if she’s lucky or unlucky that the only high school in town is Crystal Prep.” Celestia shrugged as she spun back to her paperwork. “The school board want her out of this school, but she has no chance of getting into Crystal Prep.”

“And she turned her back on her only friends in desperation.” Luna sighed as she covered her face with her palm. “What was she even thinking?”

“Well it’s up to her to deal with it now.” Celestia grumbled as she reached for her pen once more. “Just like I have to deal with all this paperwork.”

“That’s the hint to leave, then.” Luna grinned mischievously. “Fare thee well, Sister dearest.”

(\/):...:(\/)

“So the plan to start clearing Sunset’s name at lunch was a bust…” Pinkie Pie muttered as set down her drink, classes had ended a few hours ago now. “To think that Princess Twilight even showed up to yell at everyone…”

Rarity gave a tired sigh before taking another sip of her tea. “Indeed. Although having Princess Twilight be the one to say it will help us.”

“Even if we do get everyone to agree that Sunset was innocent, how do we tell her that?” Fluttershy mumbled from the pile her hair made on the table, her head completely hidden. “She doesn’t want to see us, and I don’t think we should try pushing it again.”

“The best that I can think to do is just get everyone at school to apologize to Sunset in a single video and sending it to her.” Applejack stated, sitting down with a fresh cup of tea. “But not all at once, show each person in turn apologizing to Sunset for what happened.”

“...Am I the only one who thinks that she won’t accept it?” Pinkie Pie said softly, breaking the silence that had washed over them. A mute choir of agreements met her in response as no one moved in their seats.

“Why would she? We never gave her a proper second chance.” Rarity sniffed, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a silken handkerchief to pad at the tears threatening to rain from her eyes. “Why should she give us one?”

“And what about our world’s Sunset Shimmer? What are we gonna do about her?” Applejack asked. “If she’s gonna be a student at Crystal Prep… Well I don’t want to even think of what could happen to her…”

Nods reflected back at the farmer as she took a sip from her drink, Pinkie Pie shifting around and sitting up straight before speaking. “I wonder… No, that wouldn’t end well…”

“What wouldn’t end well, Pinkie?” Fluttershy finally sat up, her eyes puffy and red as she looked at her best friend.

“Should we even show the… You-Know-Whos-Behind-Anon-A-Miss to her?”

“To think she was right all along…” Rarity rested her hands on her legs, head tilted down. “She really is a smart one…”

“I think we should, in their own video.” Applejack said after a moment. “They need to apologize.”

“I know Sweetie Belle would agree. But what about your sister?” the fashionista looked towards Applejack, the farmer nodding. “Although I doubt Scootaloo has a single repentant bone in her body after what she did.”

“What, throwing a friend under the bus?” Rarity’s mounting anger quickly vanished at Pinkie Pie’s comment. “It’s what we did, after all…”

“Has anyone heard back from Dash yet?” Applejack asked, pulling her phone out of her pocket to try and break the sullen silence coming from the group again.

“No, which is quite odd.” Rarity added, pursing her lips. “I do hope she isn’t doing something potentially dangerous again…”

(\/):....:(\/)

Rainbow paced back and forth. This was a stupid idea- potentially really dangerous given what happened in the past when she was here, but given that there was a potential threat to Sunset, she had to warn her! Be damned with the consequences! She took a deep breath, before raising her hand up to knock at the door.

“Took you long enough.” came the snide sneer as the door opened, the devilish smirk of Adagio Dazzle looking down her nose at the athlete as she demanded “What are you doing here?”

“I-Is Sunset here? I-It’s kinda important for her to know about-” Rainbow started to stutter, only to be shut down by Adagio’s firm tone.

“Even if she were, I wouldn’t allow you to talk to her. Now what… Do you want?”

“U-Um… Well there was a threat, see…” Rainbow started after quelling her shaking legs. “A student at the school has sorta threatened to kill Sunset, and-”

“Oh really?” a bemused smile spread across Adagio’s lips as she chuckled. “And who would dare try to threaten Sunset Shimmer of all people?”

“...G-Gilda…” the smiling facade of Adagio slowly collapsed at the rainbow maned girl’s revelation.

“She’s part of one of the local gangs, correct?” Adagio asked. Rainbow nodded. “...You are correct to bring this to my attention. I shall have someone find out more about her. In the meantime, I suggest you leave- unless you want Aria to use you as a punching bag.”

Rainbow stayed put, closing her fists as she looked down at the ground, causing Adagio to tilt her head in confusion. “What are you still doing here?” she demanded, pointing away from from her home. “Leave.”

“You said Sunset wasn’t here?” Rainbow asked, looking up with reserved hope. “Where is she? Did she leave with the Princess?”

Adagio’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t say that she was or was not here.”

“You said-” Rainbow attempted her best Adagio impression- “Even is she were-”

The door slammed shut in Rainbow’s face, leaving her alone in the cold night. Her thoughts raced as she tried to think of what Adagio may have accidentally let slip. Her hand fiddled with her pocket as she rushed to the nearest bus stop, rushing to tell her friends about what she had learned.

Across the street, a pair of eyes narrowed behind tinted glass.

Chapter 9: Mistakes

Sunset groaned happily as she stretched her arms high above her head, all the other Shadowbolts chuckling at some joke from Indigo as everyone joined up outside of their vehicles.

“I’m glad you at least gave us a bit of a chance, Sunset!” Indigo said, clapping a hand onto the firm back of the taller girl. “I promise we mean it that we want to be friends- even if I suck at talking!”

“Yeah, well consider this a trial run for now.” Sunset chortled as she slipped away from Indigo’s hand. “But maybe we can look to continue this arrangement. I do have a question for you, however.”

Sugarcoat gave a slow, almost methodical blink in response to Sunset turning to face her. “Yes?”

“You mentioned something happening at that other school- what did you mean?” Sunset asked as the group started walking back towards the student housing.

“Oh. Before the holidays apparently someone got pissy and started sharing rumours at the school. Tore the whole place apart.” Sugarcoat monotoned slowly, disinterestedly. “I didn’t see much before their MyStable was taken down. Can’t even find backups anywhere for it either. Why do you ask?”

“Just figured I should learn more about the city, ya know.” Sunset gave a disarming smirk and shrugged as she raised her arms behind her head. “I’m gonna be here for awhile after all.”

“Will ya tell us why you moved here?” Lemon Zest’s voice was almost drowned out by her music as she removed her headphones. “Not gonna lie, it’s weird seeing two Sunstrike’s- especially one with a bitching scar!”

Sunset removed her glasses and ran a hand down the scar running from left eyebrow to cheek, a permanent reminder of what happens when you try and give yourself wholly to people. “Maybe someday. The memories still a bit too fresh.”

“A-HEM.” the stern clearing of Starlight Glimmer’s voice broke the feeling of cordiality that had started to bloom, alerting them to the girl standing with crossed arms behind the gate. “You six do realize what time it is, correct?”

Sunset pulled out her phone, looking at it nonchalantly. “Yeah, three minutes to curfew- now will you stand aside so we can come in?”

“...Where were you? Hopefully not out at some party- though knowing your lot-” Starlight started to berate them, only to stop and give an indignant huff as Sunset strode forward and flashed her ID Card across the detector, opening the gate and motioning for her compatriots to get through.

“Don’t buy her stalling tactics, you five.” Sunset smirked as the Shadowbolts took her hint and slowly filed through the opening. “She’s just looking for some excuse to try and say you were late getting back.”

“Is that-” Starlight stopped and started to sniff the air, stopping and staring at Sunset. “Is that alcohol on your breath!? You know the school-”

Again Sunset interrupted her. “Yes, but that's thanks to some kid splashing a jug of mouthwash on me at the mall.” she said boredly, pointing to a still damp portion of her uniform. She silently thanked the gods that Indigo spilled her water as they left the bar in a hurry.

“How do I-”

“Ask me a math question- any sort.” Sunset smirked, putting her hands onto her hips as she stared down at the shorter girl; the rest of the Shadowbolts starting to gather around the girl standing up for them.

“...What’s seven thousand one hundred and sixty three times the square root of five hundred and eight divided by one hundred and sixty seven?”

“Twelve thousand four hundred ninety three point zero five twooo… Seven. Ooor nine hundred sixty six point seven four one four four two- depending on where you wanna place the brackets.” there was a stunned silence from everyone in the courtyard, every single other mouth gaping as Sunset instantly answered Starlight’s question without barely a moment of silence between the two of them. “You can check if you want but I guarantee I’m correct, so why don’t we all head inside?”

Sunset enjoyed the silence as the dumbfounded students all simultaneously pulled out their phones and started hammering away on the screens, their shock only compounding until...

“WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK, SUNSET!?” the Equestrian was almost deafened by the bellow that erupted from Indigo Zap as she held up her phone- the exact numbers Sunset had quoted on display. “What are you!?”

“A unicorn.” Sunset smirked as she looked around at everyone present, almost failing to contain her laughter as she saw the ever blank expression of Sugarcoat completely replaced with amazement. “Now seriously, I’m going to my room; the rest of you do what you want.”

Sunset turned her back on the native Shadowbolts, walking briskly towards the door as she heard five sets hurried footsteps follow not long after her. She didn’t bother looking back- it was obvious who the missing set belonged to. Thankfully the other five girls remained silent as they walked into the main foyer and boarded the elevator to take them up towards their floor. She had to send Sonata that copy of her social report before bed; plus it would probably be wise to do some more digging into the student body of CPA. She needed to know who all was in Starlight’s pocket.

She waved farewell to the five other students as she climbed the stairs towards her room, only to pause when she saw Twilight Sparkle exit her room. “O-Oh, Hello, Sunset. Where have you been?”

“Just out talking with those five.” Sunset jerked her head towards the five girls gushing the floor below.

“I-I see.” Twilight shifted around awkwardly as she shied away from meeting Sunset’s eyes. “U-Um, wh-what’s with that spot on your uniform?”

“Huh?” Sunset furrowed her brow as she watched Twilight point down to the hem of her coat, the damp spot a little crinkly from the cold outside. “Oh, this? Just some kid messing around at the mall and spraying mouthwash all over the place.”

“Ah, I see…” the pair stood there in awkward silence for a moment, until Sunset took a step back and started to turn towards her room. “U-Um, I noticed on the local server that you’ve been going to… Erm… Not wholly recommended websites, Sunset.”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, I was needing certain images for my Social report.” Sunset chuckled. “I didn’t know you were able to access that sort of stuff, Twilight?”

“Yes, I’m in charge of a lot of the tech for this floor.” the girl practically beamed as she nodded her head in pride. “Technology is one of my favourite things to study!”

“Ah, cool to hear! Look, sorry to cut out, but it’s been a long day, and I’m gonna go hit the hay. G'night, Twilight.” Sunset waved to the shorter girl as the door on the lower floor opened, revealing Starlight Glimmer. Sunset bit her tongue as she quickly turned and headed to her room, not wanting to confront the prefect again.

She gave a heavy sigh as she shut the door to her room, resting against the wooden barricade for a moment to collect her thoughts and go over the evening that had happened. She didn’t want to be try and make friends again, even if the Shadowbolts were trying to seem genuine- though she was quite certain it was for more greedy reasons that they wanted to know more about her. After all, the Rainbooms had said they were her friends- hell, they even called her family, but that didn’t stop them from turning their backs on her for someone framing her! That only got her mind thinking about what had led up to this again.

The still air of the dark room sat heavy on her as she brooded. Had Anon-A-Miss been revealed yet? She was certain that it was Apple Bloom who started this whole ordeal, but then how did the photos from the night at Rarity's get online? The only other on there that night was Sweetie Belle, and she did seem very upset that Rarity didn’t allow her to join the six of them.

Could it have been the Rainbooms all along? They never did try to be friendly with her, at least until the Battle of the Bands when she saved everyone from the Sirens. Then everyone wanted to be her friend- at least until they could scapegoat her for something that is. Even if the Rainbooms had been trying to apologize since Sunset had to defend herself from Gilda’s attack, they sure as hell weren’t trying to apologize for her sake- no, they just wanted to ease their guilty consciences.

And then Princess Twilight led them straight to her home. Of course she would side with the Rainbooms- they were just another version of her friends back in Equestria after all. Why wouldn’t she side with them? Sunset was just some trophy for the Princess- to prove that she can make Friendship bloom from hatred.

She flicked the light switch, finally able to fully see her room as she stomped towards her laptop, pausing to look at the replica of her Equestrian self sitting up on her bed. The Sirens had been the truest friends she ever had, ironically. Back when she was Celestia personal protégé, the only reason people wanted to be her friend was because of that position, not to actually be friends with her. And her first year spent on this world showed her just what Humans were like. It had been so easy to rise to power in the school, almost like here.

But then her mind fell back to the time after the Battle of the Bands, of what it was like to have friends and people that cared about her. Yes, in the end it was revealed it was all fake, but as she silently watched her laptop boot into the operating system, she couldn’t help but start to tear up at the happy, if fake, memories. The Sirens had proven to be true friends, much to her pleasant surprise. Perhaps the Shadowbolts could be friends after all? Even if the school was indeed a shark tank, perhaps there were good people here?

She grabbed her mouse and clicked on the internet symbol, before fiddling around and sending a quick message to Sonata- apparently there was a happy taco emoji now?- before making sure to send her a copy of her Social report. With that task finished, she turned to MyStable, and started to continue finding out what she could about Starlight and who was in her pocket.

(\/):.:(\/)

A cacophony of knocks awoke Sunset, almost causing her to roll of her bed as she shot up in a blind panic. The rest of the weekend blazed past, almost without trace- Starlight even left her alone, though it was obvious she was studying Sunset. She started grumbling as as slipped out of bed and rummaged around for something to put on quick, yelling at whoever was at the door. “Hold your fucking horses! It’s like seven in the morning!” Her colourful muttering continued as she stomped towards the door, flinging it open and glaring in blazing annoyance at the person on the other side.

“Out of the way.” Starlight Glimmer commanded, smirking slightly as she looked up at Sunset. Behind her stood Suri Polomare, Tempest Shadow, and Twilight Sparkle.

“...Huh?” the Equestrian gave a confused look as she refused to budge, her groggy mind quickly snapping into gear. “What are you talking about, Starlight?”

The prefect held up a sheet of paper, listing all the websites Sunset had been to to pull info for her social report, as well as a list three times that length of MyStables accounts. “I’m going to need to take in your laptop, Sunset.”

“What!?” Sunset stood up straight, bristling in slowly building anger. “What the hell for!?”

“For the safety of the students, of course.” Starlight’s grin grew. “If you have nothing to hide then you shouldn’t care if we take your laptop in for an… inspection.”

“I don’t have anything to hide, Starlight. But I need that laptop for my Social report today.” the amber girl growled as Tempest Shadow took a step forward, obviously intending to force Sunset out of the doorway. A feral, bestial growl rumbled from Sunset, freezing Tempest as her eyes were locked with Sunset’s, before she slowly stepped aside. Starlight had witness’, and she did not. This was not a battle she could win.

“I know that.” Sunset barely restrained herself from grabbing Starlight as she sauntered past, whispering in a low voice as she made her way into Sunset’s room, scoffing at it. “Such a sty in here, Miss Shimmer. You would do better to make your room more presentable.”

“Yeah, maybe I will now.” came the curt retort as Sunset watched Starlight remove the various cables and plugs from her laptop- none too carefully.

“Hey, careful with that!” Sunset snarled, storming towards the smug smile wearing girl. “That thing is brand new, and I’m not gonna let you ruin it!”

“Surely you’ve realized the ball is in my court, dear.” the insidious, knowing edge to Starlight’s voice stopped Sunset with a foot between them. “But I can promise you, these coming nights may very well be your last here.” Starlight coughed before raising her voice to a louder tone. “Ta ta for now, Sunset. We will make sure your laptop is returned to you in due time.”

Sunset turned around and glared daggers into the slowly retreating back of Starlight Glimmer, watching as she approached her cronies. Tempest and Suri grinned victoriously, but Twilight actually looked a little worried- even more so when Sunset locked eyes with her, the Equestrian realizing that she had been played by the girl. Twilight looked to her side and watched Starlight leave with the other two girls, lingering behind momentarily before slowly walking into Sunset’s room.

“Get out.” Sunset growled, freezing the other girl in her steps. “You played me, Twilight, so get out.”

“W-What?” Twilight shivered for a moment from the cold venom dripping from Sunset’s words. “I-I didn’t-”

“Then where did Starlight get that info, huh? And how did she know that my Social report was on my laptop!?” Sunset rapidly approached Twilight, looming dangerously over her. “And come to think of it, you keep saying a lot of the same things Starlight does! Almost as if you’re nothing but a mouthpiece for her!”

Twilight Sparkle’s eyes were starting to glisten as tears threatened to spill out. “P-Please, Sunset! I just wanted to be your friend!”

“Friend!” Sunset roared in response to that cursed word. “I thought we were friends, Princess! But no matter what world you're from you always stab me in the back!" Sunset bellowed, jabbing the shorter girl firmly in the chest. "Now get the fuck out of my room and never talk to me again!" Sunset felt no remorse as she watched Twilight break down into tears before fleeing her room. Human or Pony, Twilight Sparkle was a traitor and a liar- that much was certain.

She slammed her door ungraciously behind the openly weeping girl, her morning utterly ruined, and potentially her whole day considering she now had no Social report- and considering it was Starlight behind it, the chances of her passing this assignment was being thrown out of the window.

And then there was the threat about her staying here! What did that mean!? Sunset crumpled to the floor as emotion overtook her, bawling and sorrow and wailing in despair one moment, before instantly shifting to cursing furiously and roaring in outrage.

As she slowly calmed down, her head feeling ready to explode, she came to realize that Starlight needed to be taught a lesson, one that would not soon be forgotten. She stood up and stumbled to her bed, half blind from the crying she had been doing, and grabbed her phone. Sonata had been sent a copy of her Social report- at least she hadn’t shared that bit of info with the fucking traitor. She sent a hurried message explaining the situation before deciding to get her morning started with an extra long shower.

(\/):..:(\/)

“And next is…” Mr. Legacy flipped over the top sheet on his clipboard, momentarily studying the name before looking back up at the class. “Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset nodded, standing up slowly as she glanced over at Starlight, the prefect wearing the smuggest grin Sunset had seen from a human. She probably figured Sunset was gonna have to make some excuse or something. Instead, Sunset reached down into her backpack and pulled out a slim grey laptop and started sauntering up to the front of the room.

“Where should I plug in my laptop?” she asked, intentionally a little too loudly. The teacher pointed to a mess of cables, getting a nod from Sunset as she walked over to them, making sure to glance towards Starlight. She couldn’t help but crack a smile as she watched one of Starlight’s eyelids spasm uncontrollably.

A quick cough from Sunset brought everyone’s attention to the screen displaying Sunset’s report, a large hammer crossed with a sickle dominating the display. “As I hope will be obvious by the symbol here, my report is going to be on Communism- one of the greatest ideas on paper, but will likely never be implemented as intended generally thanks to those who recommend it, well, abusing it to get absolute power.”

Sunset held a smirk as she watched Starlight’s expression grow dark as Sunset hit the laptop’s space bar, moving to the next screen. At least she appeared to recognize what Sunset was hinting at. “Let’s just quickly go over the base concepts of Communism and how they could be interpreted in the modern day. We can pare it down to this; Everyone is Equal. We all work together for the good of society and one another. No one person is greater than another- at least supposedly.

“I’d like to bring up probably the biggest literary example of Communism first.” Sunset paused as she hit the space bar again, a large red rectangle with the outline of a pig on it covering the screen next. “Everyone should know of the book about the farm animals rising up against the oppression, only to have some of their numbers become the new abusers of power? The line about ‘everyone being equal, but some are more equal than other’ came from this story, and it is a great example of what becomes of Communism.” Sunset faked the most innocent of smiles as she locked eyes with Starlight. “I’m sure everyone has had some sort of encounter with someone preaching equality, while sitting above you.”

The rest of the five minutes passed quickly, Sunset not locking eyes with the almost visibly steaming Starlight, even as she wrapped up her presentation and received a nod from Mr. Legacy. Instead, it was someone else making noise that caught Sunset’s attention.

“Oh man!” Sunstrike called out, laughing loudly as she clapped her hands and looked at Sunset with pure amusement. “You are not being subtle at all, are you?”

“Sunstrike, please do be quiet.” Mr. Legacy droned in annoyance, Sunset doing her best to appear to ignore her Human self as she returned to her seat. “Next up will be…”

“Seriously! Are you trying to get on her bad side!?” Sunstrike hissed in bemusement as Sunset finished stashing her temporary laptop. “Cause that’s how you get on Starlight Glimmer’s bad side!”

“Maybe I’m the only one willing to stand up to her.” Sunset gave a half grin back as she took her seat. “It seems like the rest of you are cowards.”

“Just cause you got some mafia gang behind you-” Sunstrike started, only to be silenced by Sunset, a few words escaping the side of her mouth as she looked forward.

“A proper family, you mean.”

The rest of the class passed by, ending with the bell announcing that it was time for the students to head to their next classroom. The students hurried their way out, with Sunset being one of the last so she wouldn’t get caught up in the rush- Gym was going to be running or something again most likely and she’d rather not waste the little energy she had from getting woken up so early.

“Oof!” Sunset stumbled back as she tried to turn the corner outside the door, having bumped into someone. “Sorry about-”

“Who did you steal that from?” Starlight asked as Sunset realized that it was Tempest Shadow she had bumped into, with Starlight standing to her side.

“Steal? What are you-” Sunset started, only to be once again cut off by the prefect.

“The laptop, idiot!” she hissed venomously. “How else could you have gotten one while you’ve been in class all day!?”

“Oh, I dunno…” Sunset shrugged playfully, a giant smile spreading across her face. “It’s not like someone from a rich, prodigious family could have something brought to her on a moment’s notice.”

“...” Starlight glared silently at the girl while Tempest crossed her arms, attempting to appear tougher most likely. Starlight was just about to open her mouth again when Mr. Legacy started to walk out of the classroom.

“What are you three still doing here?” he asked with seemingly trademarked annoyance. “You should be heading to your next classes.”

“Ah, my apologies, Mr. Legacy!” Sunset said hurriedly, coming to stand between him and the other two girls. “They just had some quick questions about my project, and I’m not one to leave things up in the air.”

The teacher sighed and shook his head before starting to walk away. “An acceptable reason, but do hurry along.”

“Don’t you dare think this is over, Sunset Shimmer.” Starlight hissed before spinning on her heel and storming away, leaving Tempest Shadow standing alone with Sunset, glaring at her.

“Well, time for gym!” Sunset said happily, smiling brightly at the henchwoman, earning an angry snarl in response.

“You must think yourself so clever for targeting Starlight like that…” Tempest said quietly as the two marched towards the gymnasium.

“Nah. Clever is what’s gonna be coming next.” Sunset smirked, pausing mid step and turning around. “Have you spoke to your adoptive father lately? I’d like to tell him his selection of whiskey is quite good.”

Tempest’s brow furrowed at Sunset’s comment, her mouth opening and closing ever so slightly as the two stood there in the empty hallway.

“The Storm King’s Cellar… A little vain to be naming it after yourself, but at least the staff do a decent job-” Sunset was forced to suddenly step to the side as Tempest swung wide at her, her backpack dropping to the ground. “Woah there, little lady!”

Sunset had to take a second, then a third step back as Tempest continued to swing at her, the dark hued girl’s eyes wide with rage, only stopping when Sunset caught her fourth swing in her had. “How do you-”

“Know about the adoption? Or how your adopted older brother used to-” Tempest gave a strangled cry as she swung her other fist, only for it to get caught as well. “Don’t you worry, Tempest. Unlike some people, I’m able to keep secrets.” Sunset let go of the girl’s hands, the limbs falling limp by her side as Sunset started to turn and walk back down the hall. “Well? Sombra will make us run triple laps if we’re late.”

If Sunset was gonna take Starlight down, she needed to start somewhere, and as a dark smile crept from the corner of her lips, a feeling of cruel satisfaction started to run through her.

(\/):...:(\/)

“So you’re certain this will work?” Sunset asked, shifting the device into her pocket as she looked for the next bus.

“Girl, I’ve hacked foreign dignitaries web mail accounts with a pen and paper. That silly little school’s security is nothing.” Chrysalis was an unmovable wall as she stood looking the other way, dressed in a burly winter coat and jeans. Sunset was truly the amateur here. “Hope you have fun.”

Sunset stood up as the bus arrived, pulling out some change and depositing it, never once acknowledging the other woman she had been with. She had asked for something to get through the ID Card systems at the school- normal lockers could easily be broken into after all, but this technologically advanced school needed a little more than paperclips and patience. She looked out the window as she headed towards the mall, acting as nonchalantly as possible in case she was being observed by one of Starlight’s goons, or even Sunstrike again. The mall was an obvious choice for why Sunset had been at that bus stop to meet Chrysalis after all, and who knows, maybe she would see something impulsive to buy.

She stood up a few minutes later, pulling on the cord to let the bus driver know that her stop was coming up. The Sirens had offered to help her get any car she wanted, but she passed, saying that it would be the most obvious thing for Starlight to go after- plus they had given her so much already. She shivered as she stepped off the bus, thanking the driver before it took off, with Sunset crossing the road a moment later.

She gave a happy sigh as she entered the heated interior, though inside she silently prayed that she wouldn’t run into anyone here. After playing around Starlight all day, she just needed some time to relax. Perhaps the music store would have something new? She grinned as she headed towards the elevator to head up, wondering what sort of music she could get that would piss off Starlight. An errant chuckle escaped her lips as she walked through the choices in her mind. Probably anything fun sounding, given how big of a stick she had up her ass. Or she could go full out and get a bunch of Communist Propaganda to play out loud!

She nodded in response to the tiller as she entered the music store, heading down one of the many isles to flip through whatever was on display as a familiar tune started to play in the store. This was one of Vinyl Scratch’s mixes, she recognized. The girl had an amazing talent with digital audio, and the on stage persona to rule the venue if she chose to go that way. She couldn’t help but smile as she remembered thinking how silly it was that the whole reason she was immune to the Sirens during the Battle of the Bands was because of her headphones blaring her own music all the time.

She grabbed a few disc cases before turning around, only to freeze as she saw five girls standing in front of her, studying her. “U-Um… H-Hi?”

“Well I’ll be…” Lyra Heartstring muttered, stroking her chin even as she started at Sunset’s chest. “Trixie actually waaas telling the truth…”

“I know, ri- Hey!” Trixie Lulamoon turned on the girl, her cheeks puffed out adorably as she glared at her. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is not one to lie! E-Er… A-At least anymore, that is…” the magician straightened her coat as she turned towards Sunset, “Um, H-Hello again. Trixie, uh, owes you an apology for our earlier meeting.”

“Meeting?” Sunset asked, wondering why it is that she came to this mall again. Every time she did she had a run in with someone from CHS. “Oh, right. When I was with what’s her name.”

“Y-Yes. Trixie treated you like someone else, and for that, she is greatly and humbly apologetic.” the girl actually bowed somewhat as Sunset watched, noticing Lyra start to snicker until she got an elbow jab to the side by Bon Bon.

Octavia gave a slightly exasperated sigh as she walked forward, smiling warmly at Sunset. “Please do ignore my friend’s outburst, she has always had an… edge to her.” Sunset watched as she held a hand forward, a simple, obviously well practiced motion. “My name is Octavia Melody, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I’m going to guess that yours is Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset glanced nervously down at the offered hand, before glancing back up to the disarming smile the cellist wore. Sighing internally, she shifted around the disk cases in her hands before reaching forward and grasping Octavia’s hand, shaking it firmly. “Um, yes, it is... If you don’t mind me saying, it’s a bit weird that everyone here seems to know my name.”

“I’m not surprised.” Octavia chuckled as she slowly withdrew her hand. “If it’s alright with you, we would love to discuss that reason.”

Sunset felt time slow to a crawl as her mind started to work in a frenzied pace. It seemed like Trixie indeed told CHS that she had supposedly found the Human version of herself, and it seemed like these four had bought it- though they could just as likely be faking it. Thinking back to the holidays, during the whole fiasco that sent her to where she was now, Octavia, Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon had never once gone after her. They all seemed content to ignore what was going on. Her mind froze on a single thought- she would go and talk with them, perhaps find out what was going on at CHS. After all, there were a few students there needing punished for their actions…

“U-Um.. Sure?” Sunset gave a weak shrug, a flaccid smile spreading across her face as she nodded. “I can’t stay and talk for too long, I have to catch the next bus to get back to Crystal Prep in time.”

“But of course, here, let us get out of your way.” Octavia smiled, stepping aside to let Sunset pass, the other four girls doing similar. Sunset hesitated a moment before heading through, nodding in turn to each of the girls. All the better to keep the ruse up, however long it would be needed. They let Sunset walk towards the cashier, before they shifted their group to the doorway in, standing somewhat aside so as to not block it entirely. “Good to go? Perfect! Let us head to the fountain on the main floor, it should be a little more private than the food court.”

Sunset nodded and followed the group out, all six awkwardly quiet as they boarded the elevator and rode it down to the main floor, before walking through the slowly quieting mall. The fountain was an incredibly ornate piece, the massive pool around it flooded with coins from various people wishing for something or another. They grabbed seats around it, each of them awkwardly silent for a few moments before Octavia cleared her throat.

“Okay, let’s start with how we know your name.” the slate skinned girl said slowly, making sure to keep eye contact with Sunset the whole time, the equestrian nodding slightly. “You see, there was a girl at our school with not only the same name as you, but the exact same appearance as you.”

“Like a doppelgänger, you mean?” Sunset asked, grinning on the inside at just how wrong they were. Just because they didn’t jump on the bandwagon to frame her, didn’t mean they were innocent themselves- she would play with them a bit.

“Exactly.” Lyra said as she stretched, groaning happily. “I thought Sunset was a fre- unique with the way she was built, but now to see two of you?”

Bon Bon stopped glaring daggers at her best friend, before completely flipping expressions and smiling widely at Sunset. “You see, Sunset was a bit of a… Mixed bag at out school.”

“To say the least.” Lyra chirped in, only to double over clutching her side, Bon Bon’s arm a blur as it returned to her side.

Bon Bon cleared her throat before she continued. “She… Well the only way to put it is that she was a bully- she ran our school with an iron fist. But she soon came to realize what she had become, and tried to repent for her actions.”

“Things didn’t go well at first…” Octavia stepped in, Sunset turning now to look at musician, an indescribable pit building in her stomach. “Nobody wanted to believe that she could change and be a better person. She did her very best, but… No one wanted to believe her.”

“It wasn’t until some even meaner bitches came to the school that she finally earned her redemption.” Lyra managed out between heavily grit teeth, partially sitting up straight again. “She helped get rid of them and everyone suddenly loved her. For a time at least.”

Sunset remained silent, listening intently as they continued to talk and the pit continued to grow as Octavia continued where Lyra left off.

“You see, not everyone apparently decided that she had redeemed herself. She ended up being scapegoated for something she never had a hand in- and in an instant, the entire student body once more turned on her, this time even worse than before. She ended up having to be taken in by the… people she… ended up protecting the school from.” Octavia had really taken time to chew over her last few words, looking down at her hands as she was obviously trying to not sound crazy by mentioning magic.

“I see…” Sunset sighed slightly before crossing her arms, brow clenching slightly. “And you see me as someone to try and rid yourself of guilt for letting it happen…”

“W-What?” three fifth’s of the group called out, only Vinyl and Octavia keeping their mouths shut, though only for a moment in Octavia’s case.

“Perhaps…” she said softly, the small bit of ire Sunset had built up washed away as Octavia looked up at Sunset, a pained look on her face as she motioned to everyone but Trixie. “You see, the four of us didn’t side either way with Sunset, and with all that happened to her, we do feel guilty- although I would hazard a guess that you knew that.”

“What Octavia isn’t saying is that Crystal Prep is a shit hole as far as reason goes.” Lyra said loudly, sneering at the school’s name. “Full of assholes, to put it nicely.”

“I won’t deny that, but I don’t think that is what this is about, is it?” Sunset looked away from Lyra and back to Octavia.

“We would like to be friends.” Octavia said simply, resting her hands on her lap. “It is mostly out of personal guilt, yes. But we would hate to see another person ruined by that school, perhaps doubly so given who you look like.”

Sunset sat there in silence, looking around at each of them. Five pairs of eyes looked back at her. She sighed softly as she shut her eyes, her mind arguing back and forth about all of this. Indeed, this was an admission of personal guilt for doing nothing during Anon-A-Miss, though given everything that had happened, with even the Rainbooms turning on her, she didn’t blame them. She wouldn’t agree to be friends with them, she didn’t do friends now after all, but perhaps the idea of using them to spy on CHS…

“...So to make sure I understand all of this,” she started, looking back up at the five girls with narrow eyes, her arms crossed under her chest. “you five want to be friends with me because my doppelgänger got shafted somewhat by your school?”

The Wondercolts all looked at one another for a moment, before looking back at Sunset and nodding with surprising synchronization. Sunset gave another sigh as she glanced down at the floor for a moment. May as well make them think on this for a moment.

“It’s a very shallow reason to try and become friends with an absolute stranger, you know that right?”

More nods.

“Especially to the person you want to be friends with? Using them as proxy for someone else?”

Once again, nods.

“...Haaa…” Sunset leaned back, hiding her face slightly from them as she looked up at the roof, and the night outside. This had gone on long enough, the bus would be here soon after all. “You know what? Fine. I just moved here and I need people to talk with here.”

Trixie sounded like she almost fainted in excitement, the other four girls staying more reserved in their happiness that this apparently “new” Sunset would give them a chance, with Octavia once again taking the lead in talking. “Wonderful. I do apologize for the absurdity of all this- hopefully one day we can fully explain this.”

“You can count on that. If I’m gonna be framed walking around town, I should probably know why.” Sunset chuckled as she looked back at the five of them, before quickly pulling her phone out of her pocket. “Ah, sorry, but I gotta get going, I don’t want to wait for the next next bus in this weather.”

“No worries, love. But, er, before you go, I should properly introduce the five of us.” the six girls all slowly stood up as Octavia started to point to everyone in time. “As I said earlier, my name is Octavia Melody. This quiet girl is Vinyl Scratch, she is the definition of actions speaking louder than words. This is Bon Bon, she is the one to talk to if you ever want anything sweet. This cantankerous young woman is Lyra Heartstrings, she means well, but often lets her mouth run too long. Finally, this is Trixie Lulamoon, though it seems like you two have already met. Oh! One last thing before you go; would you like to exchange cell phone numbers?”

(\/):....:(\/)

Sunset smirked down at her phone screen as she entered the lobby to the upper floor student’s rooms, it was surprising with how trusting those five Wondercolts could be- just how desperate they were to appease their guilt. She was so focused that she didn’t even realize just how quiet it was in here, causing her to pause and look around. She noticed the five ostracized members of this floor sitting around on the furniture near the television, only to pop up when they realized Sunset had returned.

“Sunset!” Indigio Zap shouted loudly as she raced to Sunset’s side. “You- Oh god… Okay, look, just gonna give you a fair warning-”

“Deep breaths, Zap.” Sunset sighed as she pushed herself away slightly from the positively spasming girl. “What’s up?”

The other four girls came over to stand beside Indigo, all of them quiet as they looked at one another before Indigo started up again. “Okay, so, uh… Not to scare ya or anything, but fair warning… Starlight did Starlight things to your room.”

Sunset’s face fell, almost as fast as the bag carrying the music she bought fell to the floor as she raced to the stairs, vaulting up them three at a time as she made a desperate charge to her room. She fumbled her wallet as she tried to get her student ID Card, eventually just slamming the leather card holder against the card reader. The door gave an ominous creak before slowly starting to swing inward, only for Sunset to slam it open, her hand shooting towards the light switch as the other five girls finally caught up with her, remaining silent as they watched Sunset fall to her knees.

To say her room was destroyed was the grossest understatement possible. Everything was torn apart, her desk covered in trash and fruit peels, mud caked the floor in smothering lines, her bed sheets were ripped in half and her closet had been emptied all over the place!

“I… Uh… Tried to warn ya…” Indigo said quietly as Sunset continued to look around, freezing when her eyes fell upon the tattered remains of the present she had gotten from the Sirens. The life sized replica of her Equestrian self, her custom made teddy bear, was in pieces, with only the head laying on the bed with its horn shoved into one of its eyes- to sit there like a boar’s head on a feast table. “We didn’t discover anything until we got back from exams… Starlight was leaving your room with her goons and-”

Sunset rested there on her knees, arms limp against her side as she felt the tears start to build up in the corners of her eyes, her whole body quaking as she simply wondered… Why? She hardly paid attention as she heard the other five girls start to speak up in anger, shouting at someone, but when the quiet, malevolent tones filled the air, she listened.

“Wow, what a pig sty…” Starlight Glimmer said from the doorway to the room. Sunset’s entire being froze as the girl continued. “And here I thought you were some sort of wunderkind.”

“Oh, fuck off, Starlight!” Indigo Zap shouted as Sunset remained still. “We all know you and your lackeys did this!”

“Oh? And how would I get into her room unless she invited me?” Stalight’s voice feigned innocence in the face of Indigo’s accusations. “Besides, I have proof that I was elsewhere until recently.”

Sunset slowly started to shift as Starlight and the other five girls continued to argue back and forth. One knee on the ground was replaced with a foot, which propelled her up to her other foot, her back still to the arguing Humans. She ignored what they said as she turned towards them, her glasses askew as she slowly stumbled one foot in front of the other towards Starlight, the girl flanked by Tempest and Suri. Everything else slowly faded from existence as she approached the cancerous girl, Starlight smirking and cocking a hip as she looked up at the feral looking Sunset, her eyes pinpricks as they shook in their sockets, her breath was almost visible as it steamed from her mouth and nostrils.

“Just think of what Dean Cadence will say once she hears of this.” Starlight smiled victoriously as she crossed her arms in front of herself as Sunset just stood there. The doors to either side of Sunset’s room opened up, with both Twilight Sparkle and Sunstrike peeking out to see what was going on. “You are going to be gone quicker than-”

Sunset was almost invisible as she reached forward, resting both hands on Starlight’s shoulders, dangerously close to her neck as she brought her face to within centimeters of the shorter girls. “[I promise you… That whatever comes next, you were the one who started it. I wanted to play nice, to get away from all the hate, but you… You are hate. You are malice… But you are weak, pathetic- I will show you the real meanings of those words, the real meaning of fear, and torture. I’m about to bring you to the point where you will beg to die, and I will be standing here. Above you. Forever reminding you that while you started all of this, that it was ME… Who ended it...]”

“W-Wait… That sounded just like that other girl…” Sunstrike said loudly as Sunset let go of Starlight, the girl looking utterly confused at what just happened as Sunset grabbed the bag Lemon Zest had retrieved when Sunset dropped it, before slowly turning and walking around to her destroyed room.

Chapter 10: Filigree

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Chapter 11: First Strike

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Prologue: Entrance Exam

A happy murmur escaped Sunset’s lips as she finished stretching, the nearly non existent morning light filtering through her blinds, colouring her room and its contents a dull grey.

“We sent in your application as you asked, Sunset.” Adagio had said the previous night over supper. “Your cover, as it were, is one of the daughters of the Bainhoof family, one of our many aliases overseas. We are having some of our…”

“Lackeys is the word she’s looking for.” Aria commented, steak juice dripping down her chin, earning a chuckle from Sunset and Sonata, and a mighty groan from Adagio.

“We are getting you official paperwork made from Great Bridle, as you will undoubtedly require them. After that we can use them to set up ones for here.”

Sunset had worn a massive smile the rest of the night. She was finally going to be a valid person in this world! Who cared if it was being done somewhat illegally!? She wasn’t a criminal anymore; she just wanted to live a normal life!

Apparently an automated response said that the faculty would be back in today, so hopefully they would hear back! She was getting giddy! In a couple weeks she could be back in school, finishing her education!

For now though, she would focus on cleaning up her room, and doing some actual studying on what Crystal Preparatory Academy was really like, as all she knew was that they had an extremely one sided rivalry with CHS, the Wondercolts always playing second fiddle to the CPA Shadowbolts.

Her lazing about clothes landing easily in the hamper as she turned and straightened out her errant bedding. She had always been an active sleeper, her bed nearly destroyed each morning. She sighed as she grabbed her hamper, hoisting it before starting to make her way towards the laundry room. The poor machines were in for a work out today as she paused outside the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob as a newly familiar sound seeped through the door, causing Sunset to grown before leaving her hamper at the side of the door and tromping downstairs.

“Look, I know this is your guys’ home, and you asked me if it was okay and all,” Sunset paused as she entered the kitchen, Adagio pausing and looking up from her book, her skin positively glowing. “but do you three gotta do it freaking everywhere!?”

Adagio gave a knowing chuckle, after all it had been her who had asked Sunset about her opinion on the matter. “Well, I can only speak for myself, but Aria and Sonata, for as much as they bicker with one another, always find time for a roll in the hay.”

Sunset groaned as she grabbed a tall glass, filling it with ice chilled water as she shook her head. “Yeah, but every night? I don’t want to sleep with earplugs!”

“We’ve offered for you to join us.” Adagio said simply, a small, lascivious smile on her face as she traced her eyes down Sunset’s frame. Ever since that night at the bar, the Sirens had been way more forward with Sunset regarding certain things.

“Like I said, I need more than that if I’m gonna be in a relationship with the three of you. I’m some silly teenager to get wrapped up in the hustle of a relationship, I need something more.”

“And you spoke so highly of your times back in Equestria.” a cruel smile split Adagio’s face as she leaned forward, observing Sunset like a spider in her web.

“Hey now, you know what that is like.” the amber girl pointed a finger at Adagio, wagging it for good, if ultimately inane, measure. “Plus, we’d need magic. Actual, honest to goodness, Equestrian Magic.”

“Ah yes, your little dominant streak… I am certain I could wrap you around my pinkie finger if I so desired.”

“And I assure you that you wouldn’t even notice that you were wrapped around mine, my little sub.” Sunset winked playfully, only for a distressed cry to fill the air, coinciding with a familiar clattering.

“Sunset!?” Aria’s voice carried her annoyance down the halls and into the kitchen. “Why is your fucking hamper sitting in the middle of the fucking hallway again!?”

“Maybe if you’d stop using the laundry room all the time, I wouldn’t have to leave i5 there!” she shouted back, setting down her glass and looking at Adagio, warning on her face as well as her tongue. “I swear to Celestia, if I find out Aria’s stolen any of my underwear again-”

“But Aria needs the shaking to-”

“Don’t you dare finish that comment, Sonata!!” Aria interrupted, a sad cry radiating from Sonata as Sunset approached the stairs, groaning loudly.

(V):.:(V)

“I told you, Aria! I’m not going looking like you did the other night at the bar!” Sunset shouted through her door, patting her own back for remembering to lock it as she changed. “This is an application to a school that has an actual uniform! I can’t look like someone looking for a one night stand!”

“I’m just saying that you shouldn’t go looking like some prude.” came the sarcastic response from the stocky Siren, no doubt she was leaning against the wall. “I’d also hurry if were you. The bus should be here soon.”

“This would go a lot faster if you’d just shut up already!” exasperation was on the menu, served fresh with exhaustion as Sunset raced around her room, trying to decide on what to wear. She frenziedly pulled her hair back into a ponytail, the style feeling strangely liberating as she paused at the entrance to her walk in closet. It was a quarter of what she normally had, thanks to Aria and Sonata doing something to the washing machine, but she still had a few choices to sort through.

She groaned as she grabbed her outfit from that night at the bar, shimmying into them as she hopped on one foot towards her body mirror, pausing to make sure everything was straight and neat, no hairs sticking out at awkward angles.

The scab over her eye had finally started to vanish, leaving her with a rather noticeable scar, but at least she was able to see out of it well enough. She ran her hand down its length, a permanent reminder of her past.

It still looked pretty bitching though.

“Okay, so I got two changes of clothes in my backpack, photocopies of my illegal documentation, and enough change to send me on bus from here to Trottawa.” Sunset said, pausing at the edge of the doorway. “Oh, right! Sneakers!”

“Swimsuit, running gear… Writing utensils?” Adagio asked, tracking things down on her fingers as she and Aria watched Sunset tie her shoes together and hang them off of her backpack strap as Sonata bounced out of the kitchen.

“Pencils, mechanical pencils, pens, and erasers!” she sang as she handed an overwhelming handful of the stated items to Sunset, the girl chuckling and stuffing them into her bag.

“Thanks, Sona. I think that should be everything.” she chuckled as she hoisted the backpack once more over her shoulders. “I’ll make sure to text you three when I get there.”

“Best of luck, Sunset!” Sonata called out as the taller girl exited the door out to the cool winter day. “Worst case scenario we’ll just buy the school!”

Sunset chuckled as the door shut behind her, not doubting for an instant that the Sirens could do that while she she raced towards the nearby bus stop. She was lucky, the bus stopped right across the street from the school during its route, making it easy to remember where to get on and off, and not remember to swap buses.

She arrived just in time, pausing and watching as the bus rounded the corner about a block away. Sunset was amazed that they even allowed buses in this part of town, most of the houses had at least one limousine, if not more, so what use would a bus be? Not that she was complaining, it was going to make things easier for her.

She couldn’t afford to have the Sirens drive her, as part of her background was that she was a student wanting to study abroad after some altercations at her previous school; a small twist on the actual happenings. Sunset always found it easier to lie if you just slightly distorted the truth.

She took a half step forward as the bus finally pulled up in front of her, smiling and nodding to the bus driver as she fished out some change and depositing it in the marked receiver before walking back and grabbing a seat just as her pocket buzzed. She pulled out her phone; a new, top of the line model that the Sirens had gotten her. Her mind washing back to the shopping trip, and one store in particular...

(V):..:(V)

“Oi, Shimmer!” Sunset turned her eyes to the side for half a moment as Aria walked over towards her. “What the hell are you doing? You’ve been standing there looking at the floor for like, four minutes!”

“I don’t know, Aria.” she gave a self conscious chuckle as she returned to looking at the tiled floor, one in particular seeming to demand her attention. “Just… That tile seems to speak to me.”

“...What?” the purple Siren looked at Sunset as if she had just sprouted a horn again as she pointed a long amber finger towards one of the uncountable tiles covering the floor of the electronics shop.

“I think it would listen to me quite well.” she shrugged as she watched Adagio and Sonata approach. “Are we good to go now?”

“I think we can end this here. You have a lot of sorting to do once we get home, as well as memorizing your new number.” Adagio chuckled as she handed the bag to Sunset. “Here, you can carry the heavy part.”

“Gee, thanks Adagio.”

(V):...:(V)

It wasn’t until recently that Sunset switched over to using this new phone, she was still slightly stigmatized with phones, but they were a necessary evil of the modern society. At least it was fast, unlike that well used second hand one she had had since shortly after arriving.

She looked down and noticed that Sonata had sent her a little kissy face emoji, as well as a message wishing her the best of luck with her entrance exam. Sunset was still amazed that they were willing to try and get her in today; classes were still a couple days out, after all. It probably had something to do with the Sirens she figured.

The bus ride was relatively short, all things considered, much quicker than her walk to CHS had ever been, even on the worst of days. She nodded as she exited the bus, thanking the bus driver; she swore she could see a single tear roll down his cheek as she did so. She paused and pulled out her phone again, looking at the notes that she had written for today. Apparently the Dean of Students was going to meet her just outside of the school, apparently her name was Cadence.

She chuckled as she looked up, the chuckle freezing at the site of Crystal Prep Academy jutting up into the sky. This thing was massive! What sort of school was it!? Four stories high, with great, spiked looking pillars resting to the side of the entrances. The school ran for a block either direction at the very least, the school grounds perfectly maintained even in this snowy winter.

It was intimidating to say the least as she tore her eyes away, looking down both sides of the street. No vehicles were coming, so she quickly jaywalked her way across the snow covered pavement and over to the front gate, it’s wrought iron posts capped with crystal like spines, just like the school building. She couldn’t help but take out her phone and start to snap a few photos of the place.

“Sunstrike? What are you doing here?” Sunset paused for a quarter second before returning to snapping photos. Obviously someone else was getting called. It wasn’t until the voice called out a second time, closer to Sunset that she paused to look to her side at the approaching figure.

“You do know that classes don’t start for a few days, correct?” the cerise skinned woman gave a warm smile, Sunset picking out the small, crystalline heart pinned to her coat, her blond, rose, and violet hair obviously well maintained as it flowed behind her, ending in great curls.

Sunset paused as she looked around, before gazing back at the woman and pointing to herself. “Er, are you talking to me?” she asked, confused.

“Yes, I… Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were one of our students. You’re a splitting image of her.” the woman, who Sunset guessed was this world's version of Princess Cadence, paused and gave an apologetic smile, bowing slightly. “My apologies.”

Sunset started to laugh, a warm smile on her face as she ran her hand across the back of her head, thumb swimming through her ponytail, before pulling her backpack aside and rooting through it for the copies of her Great Bridal documentation and holding it towards Cadence. “No worries. I’m just sort of looming here, sorry. My name is Sunset Shimmer, I’m supposed to be doing an entrance exam today.”

“Oh, wonderful!” Cadence clapped her hands together as she smiled back at Sunset, eyes twinkling merrily as she motioned for Sunset to return the papers to her backpack. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Sunset. My name is Cadence, I’m the Dean of Students here at Crystal Prep. I’ll be one of the three faculty members overlooking your exam today.”

“Thank you for getting me in so early.” Sunset watched as Cadence pulled a key card out of her purse, swiping it along a sensor built onto the wall, the electronic gate giving a loud click before swinging inwards on its hinges. “I was surprised when I received the email from back home that I was supposed to come today.”

“Yes, that would be the Academy head’s doing, Principal Cinch. She’s quite interested in you. The Bainhoof family has quite the reputation of excellence to them.” Cadence chuckled as Sunset looked away in mock sheepishness, scratching at the back of her head.

“Yeah, though sadly there’s some… conflicts with having a name.” the amber girl gave an uneasy chuckle, the woman laying an affectionate hand on her broad shoulders.

“I’m sorry to hear that, dear. Hopefully things go better for you here.” Cadence’s smile was just as warm and filled with love as Sunset remembered from her run ins with the pegasus turned Alicorn back in Equestria, the duo pausing just in front of the entry ways.

Sunset looked up now that she was more or less at the foot of the building, standing in awe at the building towering above her. Immaculate didn’t even start to describe the masterpiece of architecture that was Crystal Prep Academy. Her bag slipped from her hand as she stood with her mouth gaping. From a distance it seemed fancy, but now standing in front of it? It was almost equal to Celestia’s School back in Equestria!

“It sure is something.” Cadence chuckled as she stood beside Sunset, the Equestrian blushing in embarrassment as she picked her bag back up and threw it over her shoulder once more.

“S-Sorry about that.” she apologized as she followed after Cadence, the duo continuing to share small talk as they made their way into the building.

“There you are, Dean Cadence. I was wondering what was taking so long.” a disinterested voice, to say the least, greeted the two of them as the doors shut behind them. “Though I do wonder why Miss Sunstrike is with you..”

“Principal Cinch!” Cadence seemed to jump in spot slightly as she turned to address the woman that called out from them. “Sorry about that, vehicle problems again. And this isn’t Sunstrike, this is Sunset Shimmer.”

“I see… The resemblance is uncanny, save for the scar. Regardless, welcome to Crystal Preparatory Academy, Miss Shimmer.” the woman, Principal Cinch apparently, turned towards Sunset, and even though Sunset towered over her, the girl still felt like Cinch was staring down at her from on top a mountain. “I hope you make this interesting.”

Sunset simply nodded as she watched the woman stand aside and motion to Cadence, the woman then waving at Sunset to follow.

“Well she was… cordial.” Sunset said softly when they were out of earshot.

“That was downright hospitable.” came the quiet response from Cadence. “But don’t worry about it, she doesn’t show her face often around here.”

“Yay…?” Sunset said with a soft chortle. “So what all do I have for this exam? I was just told to bring swimming gear, running gear, and writing utensils.”

“Ah, yes.” the woman nodded, turning to look at Sunset. “We use an entrance exam entirely of our own making, derived to give you an example of the dedication required to be a Shadowbolt.”

Sunset nodded, she had read some of this last night, though the site wouldn’t say anything about what was actually in the entrance exam, though judging by her backpack’s contents, it would be a mix of physical and mental examination.

“Over the course of the next hour, with five minute breaks between each segment, you shall be demonstrating to us both you physical and scholastic aptitude and limits. You shall start of with a five minute kilometer run in our state of the art indoor running track, followed by fifteen minutes to swim eight hundred meters in one of our Olympic standard swimming pools, followed lastly by half an hour to finish as many questions out of one hundred as possible on our randomized exam paper.”

Sunset struggled not to let her facade cave in on itself. The women’s world record for those were just barely under those! This wasn’t something that someone passed, this was something someone tried their best to reach! This was Wunderkind levels of ability!

Sunset watched as Cadence looked around, before bending over and cupping a hand around her mouth. “Don’t worry, only a small percent of students technically pass. Just do your best.” she smiled warmly as she stood back up, before motioning to a doorway to her side, swiping her card from earlier against the little box beside the sliding door. “In here is our women's change room. Please feel free to leave your belongings in here while the exam is underway. When you are changed, proceed out to the running track, it’s the only other exit. Best of luck, Sunset.”

(V):....:(V)

Sunset slowed down as she crossed over the finish line, her legs burning as they eventually came to a stop with Sunset bending over slightly and resting her hands on her thighs. Her lungs felt like they were trying to rip themselves out of her chest as she tilted her head up, the sweat pouring down her face. A proud smirk spread over her face as she saw the clock stop; three minutes and a half minutes.

“Acceptable.” Cinch’s voice called out over the intercom, Sunset looking up at the viewing area again, spotting both the shorter head of school and taller Dean of Students, but also a third member. The man was a giant, powerfully built with ebony locks standing surprisingly stark against his rippling dark grey skin. His face was unreadable, though his brows were slightly furrowed. “You will proceed to the change room to shower before heading to natatorium two.”

Sunset gave a tired nod as she threw up a outstretched thumb, before starting to carry herself towards the changing room. Five minutes to try and clean up, this was going to be rough. She was the first to admit that she took long showers back home, the hot water running down her body was her favourite part of her mornings. Well, hot anything was; fire magic was her favourite to practice back in Equestria, and the hot summer sun beating down on her only served to energize her on those summer days.

She had barely rounded the corner of into the changing room before she started to strip her top off, picking up her pace as she raced to grab her shampoo and body wash. She didn’t want to risk being late, and she doubted the extra time from finishing her run early would allow her a longer shower.

(V):.....:(V)

“You may begin once you hear the buzzer.” Cinch said aloud as Sunset sat down the only desk in the small room, setting an array of her erasers, pens, and pencils down next to the mammoth book of paper that rested in the middle of the writing surface.

The swim had gone well, a little over ten minutes for eight laps was pretty good considering how little she had actually swam in this world; pools where too far away and/or expensive, and the beach was used more to show off in her past. But she succeeded, thanking the lessons she had gotten back in Equestria combined with the little bit of reading she had done in this world in her earlier years here.

She grabbed one of her mechanical pencils and started flipping it through her fingers with robotic efficiency as she watched the small timer countdown on the clock sitting behind Cinch and Cadence. The earlier man had vanished, leaving Sunset to theorize that he was there either for safety, or that he was in charge of the physical academics at CPA.

A loud, quick buzz filled the air, breaking Sunset out of her thoughts and sending her hand down to the line wanting her to print her name upon it. A quick scribble and she flipped the page over, the back thankfully empty. The next page was stuffed full of text however, Sunset swearing that she needed glasses to even see it.

1. What is the molecular formula for Dextrose, and what is its molar mass?

Sunset paused; this was an easy question to start with. The name would throw some people off most likely, but glucose wasn’t the hardest thing to calculate molar mass for.

Dextrose, also known more commonly as Glucose, is C6H12O6 ; and it’s molar mass is 180.15.48

C(arbon) - 6 x 12.0107 = 72.0642

H(ydrogen) - 12 x 1.00794 = 12.09528

O(xygen) - 6 x 15.999 = 95.994

72.0642 + 12.09528 + 95.994 = 180.15348

She paused as she moved onto the next question, this one completely different; focusing on math instead.

If two trains-

Sunset gave an annoyed sigh.

(V):......:(V)

Waiting.

Waiting..

Waiting…

“I wonder what’s taking her so long?” Cadence said, looking at the door to the Principal’s office with a hint of confusion. Sunset silently prayed that the paperwork the Sirens had provided would check out. “I don’t think that you should be declined, in all honesty, you were amongst our top ever applicants.”

“Oh? Uh, thanks! Truth be told, I’ve been a little lazy of late thanks to everything, so I think I was a little rusty there, heh…” Sunset scratched at the back of her head with an embarrassed smile. She would have to admit that the entrance exam had actually been enjoyable to undertake; she haaad been Princess Celestia’s prized protégé before her… before she left, and everything at CHS had been woefully uninteresting after the first year, failing to meet her educational demands.

“Well if it were up to me, you would fit in here quite well, Sunset.” Cadence smiled happily up at the girl, her hands resting clasped across the front of her pants.

“...” Principal Cinch’s face looked disinterested, but there was a hint of something more sinister in her eyes as she walked slowly out of her office, the duo having jumped to attention as the door flew open.

“Congratulations, Sunset. You passed among the top of our applicants.” the woman said, her tone not holding the slightest hint of pride as she echoed Cadence, or rather, Dean Cadence. “Our classes resume on Monday. Dean Cadence here shall explain more and show you around the school premises. Show her floors fourteen and fifteen when you get the chance.”

“Oh, thank you so much!” Sunset beamed proudly, ignoring the last sentence Cinch said in her excitement for the chance to continue her schooling in this world, and maybe even push herself slightly if the test earlier was any example. “I look forward to studying here!”

Cinch nodded as she walked past, leaving a giddy Sunset alone with a smiling Cadence. “Well? Shall I show you around, Shadowbolt?”

“Absolutely!” Sunset couldn’t nod fast enough as she followed after the giggling woman.

“Good to hear, because we have a lot to go over. For now, we will start with the less interesting, but more important, bits. Crystal Prep Academy, as you will no doubt hear Principal Cinch say many times during your time here, has a reputation of high results in all of its academic programs, ranging from maths and sciences, to more abstract, like politics.

“We pride ourselves on our academic achievements, and our students do the same. The student body here is the best of the best, and as such we expect you to be on your best behaviour at all times.”

“Sounds simple enough…” commented Sunset as the pair stopped in front of a massive science lab, labelled as the third of such rooms.

“Good to hear. Now, while you are on school grounds you shall be expected to wear the school’s uniform. It, along with many other items, shall be provided to you. You are expected to take care of these uniforms, or else Cinch will have words with you.”

“Joy…” Sunset gave an uneasy chuckle, the thought of seeing more of that woman already causing tendrils of dread in the back of her mind. “Are these custom made? I, uh… I don’t fit in most regular sizes…”

The pair started chuckling as they studied Sunset. “Yes, they are. However, you may have to make due until they arrive. Our seamstress isn’t due back from holidays until towards the end of the week.”

“I-I see… Carry on.”

“Another part of attending Crystal Prep is the student housing.” Cadence explained as they started down a flight of stairs.

“Student housing? I already have a place to stay.”

“I understand, however it is one of the requirements with enrolling here.” Cadence gave a small, understanding smile as she paused halfway down the stairs. “But don’t worry, curfew isn’t until nine o'clock, so you are more than free to visit friends and family off school hours as well as going home for the holidays if you so desire. I will also let you know that the student housing is state of the art! I will be taking you there once we are done with the school tour.”

Sunset just nodded diligently as she continued to follow the woman around the school, conflict starting to build in the back of her mind. The Sirens had been willing to take her in, and she enjoyed her time living with them immensely; but she knew she was a fourth wheel, and they had been altering their lifestyles for her- their home for her. She shelved the thoughts as the duo walked into the cafeteria.

“I should let you know about our student funding program.” Cadence said as she turned once again to Sunset. “You see, while we do charge a tuition fee, we also have some investments from some rather large scholastic organizations from around the world. As such, while food is not provided here free of charge, you are able to use your student funding, often called among the students as Shadowbucks- yes, I think the name is stupid as well- to pay for items and services not only on school grounds, but the nearby Crystal Empire Mall.”

“G-Gotcha!” Sunset said between giggles at the silly nickname, amazed at the prospect of being able to go shopping at a mall for once. “That’s actually really generous of the school to do!”

“Well one thing to keep in mind is that the better you do during classes, the more it will affect your ranking in the school. The higher you rank, the more funding you will receive among other perks. I will show you one at the student housing complex here shortly.”

(V):.......:(V)

“...And here I thought the school was massive…” Sunset said as she tried to make out the roof of the massive complex in front of her. It had two tall prongs on either side, connected to the middle building which stood roughly to the middle of the two towers.

“Yes, we get this a lot.” Cadence chuckled as she flashed her card across the small box beside the gate entrance. “You will be getting your own identification card that you can use to enter school premises. It will prevent you from entering certain off limit areas, however, such as the other genders change rooms and living quarters.”

“Gotcha.” Sunset’s mind was still reeling with everything that she had heard and seen while at the school proper. “That makes sense.”

“Each side of the dormitories has a prefect for each grade, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth. They answer directly to me and Principal Cinch should anything arise, and are chosen personally by us. Girl’s side is to the left, and boy’s yo the right. The middle is free range, though students are expected to leave before eleven o’clock each night.”

“So be back on these grounds before nine, and head to bed by eleven, sounds reasonable I guess.”

“Students are welcome to use all the facilities provided in the commons ground, and they range from an arcade, to a computer lab, as well as small cafeteria’s, though they are mainly vending machines. Ah, here comes our prefect for the twelfth grade. How are you this afternoon, Starlight?”

Sunset watched as the pale lavender girl walk into the open room from what looked like an elevator, nodding and smiling towards Cadence. Sunset felt uneasy, the little voice in the back of her mind screaming caution as she noticed the hints of falsity in the girl’s smile, the nefarious glint in her eyes as she regarded the woman.

“Good afternoon, Dean Cadence. I’m am doing reasonably well.” Starlight responded, before turning slowly to look at Sunset, the disdain evident in her gaze. “Hello, Sunstrike.”

“Heh, I guess that’s gonna be happening a lot here, huh?” Sunset chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head. The warning sirens were blaring full on in the back of her mind, telling her to distance herself from this girl and ignore anything she said. She did her best to play it cool, trying not to give the girl any ammunition as Dean Cadence spoke up.

“Ah, this isn’t Sunstrike, Miss Glimmer. This is Sunset Shimmer, our newest student her at Crystal Prep Academy.” Cadence wore a warm smile as the two girl looked over at her. Sunset struggled not to keep her eyes locked on this Starlight Glimmer girl, and she could tell that Cadence wasn’t getting the same vibes as she was.

“Oh, my apologies. You look just like our resident rabble rouser.” Starlight gave an immensely fake laugh as she turned and looked at Sunset again, a “welcoming” smile on her face as she held out a hand. “I’ll properly introduce myself. My name is Starlight Glimmer, and I’m the student prefect for the twelfth grade. If you do run into Sunstrike, do your best to pay her no mind.”

“I’ll withhold judgements till that point; thank you though.” Sunset grinned as she reached forward and shook hands with the girl, applying a little more force to her grip as she saw the girl’s facade slip for a fraction of a second, anger threatening to break through. “We should let you get back to whatever you were doing, Dean Cadence here was just showing us around.”

“Yes! Sorry for interrupting you, Starlight.” Dean Cadence bowed slightly as Starlight waved and started back on her way, her gaze passing over Sunset.

“...I don’t trust her.” Sunset said softly as the duo arrived at a staircase leading up.

“Oh, don’t worry about her.” a knowing chuckle escaped Cadence’s lips. “She just takes her leadership role a little too seriously.”

The pair walked through the entire complex, not running into another individual their entire time as Cadence showed Sunset the further facilities available to the students of Crystal Prep.

“Even though we provide all of these, nothing is stopping you from personalizing your own room.” Cadence explained as they left the massive computer lab. Each of those systems put anything CHS had to offer to shame. Heck, Sunset’s old, refurbished, second-hand laptop could barely browse the internet! “I’ll show you that perk I mentioned back at the school now.”

“Each of the roughly three hundred students here at Crystal Prep Academy have their own room.” Cadence explained as the pair walked over to the door on the north side of the wall, a sign reading “Girl’s Dormitories, Third Floor” hanging above it. “However the students that reach the top of the rankings having two floors dedicated entirely to them.”

Sunset nodded as the pair walked up, and up, and further up the building, the pair pausing to look over the town from their vantage point every few floors, the city looking smaller and smaller each time.

“Here we are, fourteenth floor.” Cadence grabbed her card out once again and swiped it across the small digital pad, the electronic door, entire opaque, sliding into the wall and allowing them in. “It has space for twenty students in here.”

Sunset looked around in shocked amazement; she had thought that everything she had seen so far was fancy and high tech, but this place made the previous floors look like they belonged to cavemen!

The entryway had a massive closet beside her, countless coats, boots, and shoes stashed away in a neat, orderly manner. Further in revealed what could only be described as a living room, couches and chairs planted around next to tables on the plush looking carpet.

As they walked in, Sunset got to see the kitchen next, a massive, double wide fridge sitting built into the wall, counters hanging out and leading over to the stove and sink. An island stood just a little ways away, letting people sit and eat whatever they made.

“While there is a common eating area, each room has their own private washroom.” Cadence explained as the duo walked up the stairs to the second floor, then into one of the rooms. It was empty, which only added onto its massive presence. It was even larger than what she had at the Sirens’ house! “Well, what do you think?”

“Me? This is amazing; even compared to what I’ve been staying in of late!” Sunset laughed as she nodded, looking around the room still. There was a lot of space here for someone to really do something special!

“Good to hear. Now, we have currently have rooms number three, and seven available on the first floor, and rooms eleven, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, seventeen, and nineteen available here on the second floor… Sunset?”

“I get to choose one of these?” she looked at Cadence in amusement. “I know you said I did well, but I doubt I did this well.”

“Well you can talk to Principal Cinch if you want, but…” Sunset froze at the woman’s comment, causing her to burst out into laughter. “But yes, I need to know which of the rooms you want so I can start processing your ID card. Don’t worry too much, all the rooms are the same.”

“Oh, uh… This one?” she shrugged at Cadence’s question, the Dean nodding before the pair walked out of the room that Sunset just chose, noting the fancy eleven painted on the door. “Well, uh… When do I start moving in then?”

“Well for now we need to finish some paperwork back at the school, and then I can get you a temporary ID card made.” Cadence said, walking Sunset out of the room and closing it behind her. “So tomorrow, if you'd like.”

Chapter 4: Talks

The first day had been relatively peaceful compared to what the second was facing up to be. It had started off with Starlight waking everyone up early for supposed room inspections, starting with Sunset of course.

“What do you mean, ‘Room Inspections’?” she asked as Starlight forced her way into the room. Sunset’s alarm wasn’t supposed to go off for another half an hour, and it didn’t look like she had gone after anyone else yet.

“It’s something I’m supposed to take care of up here, to make sure none of you are causing any damage to Crystal Prep property.” the girl replied without giving Sunset even the briefest of glances. She strode around the room, taking note of the mess it was currently thanks to the girl still unpacking things.

“I figured someone coming from a school as supposedly renowned as Richard Johnson’s School for Gifted Girls would be a lot neater.” Sunset scoffed lightly at the comment as she rolled her eyes. This girl was really want to push her buttons.

“Well that’s part and parcel with moving across the globe, I guess. Having to buy all new belongings means having to arrange everything, and while I may be an academic genius, I can’t apply that to trying to unpack everything.”

“Well I suggest that you find a way.” there was a bored look on the prefect’s face as she bent down, gingerly running a finger along the wall. “Ah… I expected no less. It seems you are more than just messy in your uncaring of your environment. The Dean shall hear of this.”

“Hear of what?” she asked as Starlight tapped something into her tablet, walking away with a smug stride, causing Sunset to throw up her arms upon being ignored. “Fine, don’t answer me. I guess I’ll just get ready early then.”

With a sour mood mixed with the grogginess of still waking up, Sunset Shimmer slowly started stomping towards her shower, pausing as she heard the door to her room shut. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure Starlight was gone, before scurrying over to her bedside stand and unplugging her phone, walking over to where Starlight had bent down.

It was microscopic at best, but there was indeed a small scuff mark in the paint on the wall. She shook her head as she laid a finger next to it for scale before proceeding to take pictures from multiple angles. If this really was gonna get brought up, she would need to make sure that she had some ammunition to defend herself with. Pleased with the number of photos her phone now stored, Sunset returned her phone to her bedside, but not without snapping a few pictures of her room first, and headed once more for the shower.

The next incident started after Sunset’s gloriously hot shower, the girl wearing nothing but underwear and a t shirt as she towel dried her hair, slowly descending down the steps towards the kitchen area. Numerous other girls sat grumbling in the common area, obviously also unhappy at having been awoken, the sentiment getting voiced by Sour Sweet as she halfheartedly dragged a brush through her hair.

“Why the hell did we have to do an inspection today?” she whined, groggy noises of agreement coming from the other four girls sitting around her. “She hasn’t done one of those in months.”

“That’s because we have a new guest with us.” came Starlight’s response as she exited room number four. “Sunset’s arrival has revealed that perhaps I have been too lax on all of you, as evident by the states you have left your rooms in.”

Was Starlight really trying to push the blame onto Sunset for her actions this morning? Judging by the half dead glares she was getting from the five girl’s it seemed they were somewhat receptive of the message, even if they disliked Starlight as much as they supposedly did.

“Wait, are you supposed to be doing these on a regular basis?” Sunset asked, resting her towel around her neck as she watched Starlight knock on the door for room number two, Tempest Shadow opening it and standing aside as Starlight did an impossibly brief look over before nodding and turning away. “What kind of supervisor puts off their responsibilities?”

“She trusts us.” Tempest spat, scowling as she crossed her arms. “Like we do her.”

“Thank you, Tempest.” Sunset almost shuddered from how fake the comment of Starlight’s was as she addressed the taller girl.

“You say that now, but just wait until her negligence costs you something.” Sunset chuckled as she sauntered over to the kitchen island and plucked a fresh looking apple from it, taking a large bite.

“And that's exactly why I am doing these.” Starlight said slowly, stashing the tablet under her arm. “For the safety of all of you.”

Sunset almost choked on her apple that morning.

(\/):.:(\/)

The morning meeting in Homeroom was no different, thanks to Starlight giving her warning glances and Sunstrike scowling like usual at her. The more things change, the more they stay the same… she thought as she remembered the early days of Anon-A-Miss and all the looks she got. She watched quietly as Starlight raised her hand, interrupting Dean Cadence.

“Yes, Starlight?” the woman smiled as she turned to address the purple girl.

“May I come up and say a few words? It will only take a minute.” the smile the girl wore was agonizingly annoying to Sunset. Cadence nodded and stepped aside, motioning for the girl to come forward; Sunset frowned slightly as she watched Starlight pause for a moment to whisper something in the Dean’s ear, the woman nodding as her eyes glanced towards Sunset.

“Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our second day of classes.” polite murmurs came from the crowd of students Starlight addressed, most of them quite forced. “I just wanted to take a moment to remind you all of the privilege we all have to study at this great academy, and of our responsibility- not only to ourselves, but to each other- in its maintenance. Crystal Preparatory Academy has a reputation of excellence around the world, as evident by our familiar new face, Sunset Shimmer. I ask each and every one of you to take some time when you see her this week to talk with her, and welcome her into our student body. Thank you.”

Sunset decided to show what a true practitioner of deception could do as she smiled warmly at Starlight, the girl pausing as a brief look of confusion flitted across her face, the sound of students clapping out of politeness echoing off the walls. The girl had stumbled for barely a moment, but Sunset caught it before standing up and bowing slightly towards the students clapping for her, thanking them as Starlight returned to her seat. That single frame of Starlight looking like she misplayed the situation was perfect, easily the best part of the morning for Sunset so far.

Cadence returned to the stand, talking briefly to the class before the bell rang and she dismissed everyone except for Sunset and Starlight, instead calling the two of them up to the front of the room. “Starlight said that she was disappointed in the state that she found your room in, Sunset. Apparently one of the walls has some damage to it?”

“I’m certain it happened while her and the movers were bringing things up to her room.” Starlight said, opening up her tablet.

“But weren’t you there to make sure that we didn’t cause any damage?” Sunset tilted her head as she looked towards Starlight, doing her best to keep a confused expression on her face while Starlight’s eyes widened ever so slightly. “If it had happened then wouldn’t you have made note of it?”

“What I meant,” the girl started, her voice peaking before she regained her composure. “is that it could have happened at any point during or after that.”

“But didn’t you just say that you were certain it happened during the move?” Sunset swore she could see steam escaping the purple girl’s face as she continued to feign innocence.

“My apologies, my mind was working faster than my mouth.” there was a hint of aggression to the prefect’s words as she turned back towards the Dean. “Regardless, the room was in a state of disaster, on top of the damage done.”

“Well if I can speak for a moment?” Sunset asked Cadence, the woman nodding in response. “Thank you. Yes, my room is still a bit messy, as I am still unboxing and getting the room set up. I took some pictures to send back home actually, as well as a few of that wall mark, as I wanted to bring it up to you, Cadence.”

The other two watched as Sunset pulled out her phone, powering it on and unlocking it by putting her thumb across the little button on the bottom. She swiped and tapped before handing it to Dean, her photo gallery opened. “It’s the first couple there; I rested my finger near it to show you the size of it roughly. Truth be told, I never noticed it when we did the walk in, nor did I until Starlight brought it up.”

“Hmmm… Well that’s not that big.” Cadence nodded, smiling at Sunset. “It was good of you to take pictures to bring it up to me; most students ignore or hide the states of their rooms.”

“Well it only makes sense to take care of the things around me.” Sunset smiled warmly again, watching as the Dean across to the pictures Sunset had taken of her room. “Unfortunately it is taking me longer to arrange my room than I thought, and with all the tests I’ve got lined up it may take me a little bit longer than I thought it would.”

“That shouldn't be too much of an issue, dear. Just make sure to separate the garbage from the recycling before disposing of it. I think we are done here, you two can head to class, I’ll send a message to your teachers to let them know where you’ve been.”

“Thank you, Dean Cadence.” the two students said, Sunset bowing slightly as she struggled not to burst out laughing at how Starlight was acting. It brought a dark pleasure to her to see the girl ruminating silently like that.

“Oh, before I go, I have that bank information for you.” Sunset said, scavenging into her backpack to pull out the large, sealed envelope, handing it to the teacher. “I think everything is in there that you asked for.”

Sunset heard Starlight’s footsteps speed away from her and Cadence, the door shutting firmly as Cadence took the envelope with a friendly smile. “Thank you, Sunset. And please don’t pay any mind to Starlight. Her responsibilities as Student Council President are quite weighty, combined with her schooling. I’ve tried recommending to her to take things easier, but she insists on doing her part for the betterment of the school.”

(\/):..:(\/)

“Um, excuse you?” the student that had pushed past Sunset paused, slowly turning around to face her as he squared his shoulders. Math class had been thankfully short, nothing really worth remembering happening. Now she stood in the hallway, staring in confusion at the student that had so rudely barged past her.

“What did you say to me?” he rumbled as he looked up just ever so slightly at her. He was a massive piece of muscle on muscle, most likely a linebacker for the academy’s football team, his blazer proudly displaying a cleat on it’s breast pocket.

“I said I think you forgot to say ‘excuse me’ as you tried to push me aside.” she said again, much more slowly this time as she glowered at him, adjusting her glasses back onto her nose.

“I didn’t see you.” he muttered as he tried to turn back around, only to freeze when Sunset laid a hand on his shoulder.

“That’s not gonna work, seeing as I’m taller than you.” she could feel her temper rising, all the annoyances from the last couple days swirling in her mind.

“Aw, fuck off, Sunstrike.” came the response as the boy tried to remove Sunset’s hand, the girl refusing to be moved again.

“Another mistake. I’m not Sunstrike- See this scar? My name is Sunset, and I suggest you apologize”

The boy grunted before hefting his weight and tearing himself away from Sunset before returning to trundle along down the hall, leaving Sunset simmering as various students stared at her.

“Feh…” she shook her head, doing her best to swallow the raging emotions as she returned back on the pathway towards AP Social, the second room she’d have to share at the academy with Starlight Glimmer. Everywhere she looked, that girl stared back; innumerable pictures of her lining the walls. Most of them had her accepting some kind of award or giving it to someone, including a number of massive, crystal heart looking trophies to this world’s Twilight Sparkle.

She prayed that Starlight wouldn’t try to cause any other trouble for at least the rest of the school day. She had all those tests to write after class, and hopefully by the time she returned to the student housing she could avoid her for the evening. At least Dean Cadence had told Sunset not to worry about the small scuff on her wall.

“Cutting it close, Miss Shimmer.” Lost Legacy said as he shut the door behind Sunset, the bell ringing right on cue. Surprisingly, she was the last one here; she didn’t know how Sunstrike passed her, but there she sat, a bored look on her face as she opened her binder.

“My apologies, Mr. Legacy. Had… an issue in the hallways.” she gave a small smile as she bowed her head.

“I care not for excuses. Head to your desk, amd try not to make a habit of it.” he dismissed her with a wave of his hand before heading to the front of the room, leaving her alone to scurry to her desk, past a softly chuckling Starlight Glimmer.

“Did he ruffle your feathers?” she whispered ever so quietly as Sunset passed, the girl struggling not to freeze in place. Was Starlight trying to set her up? What was with this girl?

(\/):...:(\/)

The rest of the day had gone well enough, the tests for AP Math were enjoyably easy for her. She had been surprised when she first arrived in this world at just how differently education worked. She knew more than the local students, yet also less at the same time. She had spent many sleepless nights that first year taking out books from the local library to study up on these new subjects that had never been discussed in Equestria.

Sadly, it had only lasted for a year before she ran out of readily available subjects to pursue, her voracious appetite for knowledge not changing on this side of the mirror-portal. At least now she could use all the formulas she had learned; CHS never challenged her during her stay, which is part of why she got so good at blackmailing the students- She had too much time on her hands.

“You’re just getting home now!?” Aria’s voice cried out from the earpiece in her phone.

“For realsies!” Sonata added, obviously grabbing the phone away from her sister. “It’s, like, quarter after eight!”

“Yeah, I had to wait a bit for the bus to arrive.” she replied as she scrunched her shoulder up to her ear as she fiddled with her wallet for her ID card. “Just wait till I tell you what I had to deal with today.”

This time, Adagio responded. “It wasn’t that Sunstrike girl, I hope? We contacted one of our… friends to do some research for us on her.”

“You really didn’t have to do that.” Sunset chuckled as she walked in the door, pausing to make sure the door slid shut behind her.

“I know, but it helps to have something prepared should you need it.”

“Heh, I guess… Thanks you three.” Sunset was glad that she had the Sirens watching her back. She might not necessarily agree with their methods, but who was she to judge? She had spent countless weekends stalking various Wondercolts, finding out different things to pressure them with. She was just hesitant to do that again, as much as the little voice in the back of her mind kept bringing up Starlight. No, she had something else in mind.

“So are ya sure you aren’t gonna have any time free until the weekend?” Aria asked, her voice surprisingly tentative.

“Yeah, I’m really sorry. I got tests every day after classes that need to be done before Monday, and then I have a presentation to make for AP Social as well.” she could hear the frowns from the other side of the phone. The Sirens had been trying really hard to spend time with her, and it was slowly starting to get to her. “I promise that we will get together soon!”

“Hey, could you pipe it down?” Suri Polomare said loudly from the sofa, the girl looking across the back of her seat along with Starlight, Tempest, and Twilight Sparkle, the bespectacled girl giving a reserved smile and a small wave as Sunset paused to look at them. Some kind of movie was playing on the screen that the four of them had been previously watching.

“Did I just hear that right?” Aria’s voice carried that protective aggressiveness it had from the night at the bank, something that Sunset had been surprised to observe from the Siren, given her attitude during the Battle of the Bands, constantly harassing everyone.

“Don’t worry about it.” Sunset said quietly, shaking her head as she passed by the girls who returned to watching their show. “Not worth the effort. Anyways, today was a bit of a different day.”

“A good different?” Sunset couldn’t help but smile at how Sonata sounded, though it seemed even she could tell it wasn’t a positive tone on Sunset’s voice.

“Sadly no.” Sunset chuckled as she opened the door to her room, slipping inside quickly and locking it behind herself. “Have I mentioned Starlight Glimmer yet?”

“You said something about not being able to stand her, yeah.” Aria said, the other two Sirens adding their own noises of affirmation.

“Well she runs the school it seems. She’s the prefect- the head student of the twelfth grade, as well as the President of the Student Council apparently.”

“Something something, absolute power, some thing something, corrupts absolutely.” Sunset burst out laughing at the tone of Sonata’s comment, a tear running down her cheek.

“I-I’ll be honest, Sonata…” Sunset managed to get out as she tried to reign in her giggles. “I don’t think she was ever a nice person. I mean, she made it seem like she was the one behind the brute that tried to run me into the lockers.”

“...Starlight Glimmer, you said?” Adagio said softly, calming her boisterous sisters.

“Please don’t put a hit on her, I’d be suspect number one! Besides, I’m sure she still just thinks I’m another Sunstrike. Once I prove I’m here to play nice, she’ll leave me be.”

(\/):....:(\/)

Sunset continued to have run ins with either Starlight or her underlings through the next two days, her mood souring further as the girl continued to grate on her. She had even tried to politely pull the girl aside to try and figure out why it was that she was being targeted.

“Look, I get that Sunstrike may have done some stuff during her time here, but I’m not her, so could you please lay off me?” Sunset asked, sounding just as exhausted as she felt by this point. She had cornered the prefect after arriving back at the student housing, her daily catch up tests over for now.

“That’s pretty low to blame her for your actions.” Starlight crossed her arms as she looked up at Sunset, a smug look playing across her features.

“Well considering I haven’t done a damn thing while I’ve been here, I see no other reason that you’d be picking on me.”

“As long as you refuse to fall in line, I don’t think we have anything to talk about.” the girl flipped her hair as she giggled, turning and walking away from Sunset, who stood there looking slightly lost.

“You know… I came here to get away from my past. I did things… I just want to study now.” Starlight paused, but didn’t look back as Sunset spoke loudly. “I’ve earned my scars for my actions, but if you want me to earn more… Keep doing what you’re doing, Starlight. Just remember that I didn’t ask for any of this...”

Sunset’s voice had been empty as she pleaded with Starlight to drop the hostilities, but as soon as she finished her speech, Starlight resumed walking to her room, leaving Sunset alone to stand in the empty foyer, her heart beating irregularly as hurried up the stairs and into her room, pulling her phone from her pocket as she entered her room, dialing a familiar number.

“Hey, Adagio? I… I need to talk…” she said uneasily as the lead Siren answered the phone. “Cause I think shit is about to hit the fan.”

“Sunstrike? Or Starlight?” the Siren asked calmly as Sunset flopped down onto her bed in a messy pile.

“Starlight. She’s really out to get me for not, and I quote, ‘falling in line’, whatever that means.” Sunset grumbled as she rolled over onto her side. “Like, I’m not causing any trouble here; I’m mainly staying by myself, but I’m not letting her roll over me.”

“Yet you personally admitted that you played it like a total creep when you met Sunstrike.” Adagio chuckled softly into the amber girl’s ear, causing a small blush to build on Sunset’s cheeks.

“Yes, but I realized after the fact that I played it totally wrong, and I tried to apologize but she wouldn’t listen to me. I-I mean, I don’t blame her. But that’s not who I need to talk about. I… I pulled her aside and tried to talk to her just now and I think I chose the wrong things to say again…”

“Did you threaten her?” Adagio asked, Sunset swearing she could hear the Siren shifting around and crossing one leg over the other, like a mother does when talking with a child.

“Maaaybe…” came the sheepish response. “I mean, I just asked her to leave me alone- more or less…”

“And?” Adagio didn’t ask so much as demand.

“I told her that if she kept going that I’d really stand up for myself. Look, I’m on edge enough thanks to students thinking that I’m Sunstrike still, and treating me like her. The voice in the back of my mind is really telling me to snap and show them that I’m not Sunstrike, but that's exactly the opposite of what I really want. I don’t want to go back to that point, I just want to study and get my diploma so I can get on with my life here; that’s all. But I keep saying the wrong thing, almost like I’m going back to who I was when I first arrived here.”

“...Sunset… Do you know who you are?” Adagio said after a long silence between the two Equestrians.

“What kind of question is that?” Sunset couldn’t help but give a slight chuckle.

“What I mean is… When I found you that night out on the street in front of our house, you were broken, so to speak. The whole time you were with us that night you were doing your best to forget about everything before that moment. And during the Battle of the Bands, when you showed us around the school you kept trying your best to be friendly with every student, even as they ignored you or warned us to be careful around you; you still tried to keep a positive outlook when you were talking with us, but as soon as you though we weren’t looking you started to sulk.”

“When you confronted us in the halls, you were trying to protect people that the instant we brought up what we learned of you, you shut down. Until you stepped up to defeat us, you were tossed aside, yet you never spoke out about it; you just accepted it quietly and resumed pitying yourself. Compare that to what you were like before that. Confident. Assertive. Proud. Maybe you were a little too much so for your liking, but you stood up for yourself, and everybody respected it. You only went after those that needed to be put in their place; and you limited yourself to how you did it. You may have been the ‘Alpha Bitch’ of the school, but you didn’t cross certain thresholds- you respected yourself too much to fall to those levels.”

“You may not want to go back to blackmailing students and lying to the faces of every teacher, and I understand that. But maybe in this case, you need to show what you are capable of. You have changed so much since you moved in with us. You got over what happened before the holidays and are able to walk around with your head held up, but now it sounds like you are going back to rolling over, hesitating on what you should be doing.”

“Now, who are you? Are you the girl that will roll over when something starts going against her? Or are you going to prove that you don’t need to earn their respect, but rather, that they need to earn your respect?”