Prelude to Anon-A-Miss: Sunset's Redemption

Chapters

Getting Acclimated
Past Mistake
Hanging with the Girls
Declaration
Lunchtime
A Talk Between Friends
Apologies and a Confrontation

Getting Acclimated

Sunset Shimmer reached the front doors of Canterlot High and yawned. I still can't believe what happened last night, she thought. The memory of her ponying up and joining her friends in the fight against the Dazzlings had continually played through her mind, and it felt exhilarating. Pinkie's after party didn't help my energy much. Oof. She shook her head rapidly in an effort to snap herself back to the here and now, then opened the door.

The halls of Canterlot High were filled with students walking and talking, and they were all gabbing about last night's events. Sunset caught little snippets as she passed them by.

"Can't believe that magic happened again!"

"What is up with the place, anyway?"

"That shit was crazy!"

Sunset smiled to herself. So this is what it feels like to be good. It's been so long that I'd forgotten. She bumped into someone, and fell onto the floor of the halls. Sunset blinked, then saw a gray outstretched hand offering to help her up.

"Are you okay," Asked someone with a familiar monotone.

Sunset smiled and accepted Maud's help. "Yeah," Sunset said. "I'm fine. Just got lost in my thoughts."

Maud stared at Sunset blankly, then surprised her by smiling just a little. "You rock," she said, then walked off.

Sunset smiled warmly as Maud turned a corner in the hallway, then went about her business. She hummed the counterspell song from the previous night's events, then heard someone call her name, causing her to stop and turn around. She blinked as she saw a blonde-haired girl run towards her as her yellow tie waved like a flag in the wind. She stopped in front of Sunset and bent over, gasping for breath. She held up a hand and curled it into a fist, then unclenched her pointer finger, signifying that she needed a moment.

Sunset waited patiently for a few moments, then yelped as the girl gave her a big hug. "You were amazing last night," she exclaimed. "I always knew you had some good in you!"

Sunset returned the hug with a smile. "Thanks...um..." she trailed off, desperately trying to remember the teen's name.

"Derpy," the teen said as she broke the hug with a smile. "Or Muffins. Either one works with me." She laughed.

"Well then, you're welcome, Muffins," Sunset said. Muffins smiled, then walked away.

That was nice of her, Sunset thought.

"There she is," called a voice.

Sunset turned around to see a throng of people looking at her. Before she knew it, nearly all the students had crowded around her. "What the fu-" The students started to chant her name in a cheer, causing Sunset to blush deeply. It continued until sounds of shoving came from several different directions. Sunset groaned in frustration. What now, she thought.

She immediately calmed down as she saw Rainbow Dash squeeze out from between two students. "Okay folks," she said, raising her arms. "Let's not overwhelm Sunset."

"Indeed," said Rarity as she managed to make her way through the crowd. "She had a busy night and we'd appreciate it if you gave our friend some space."

"Yeah," Pinkie Pie said from behind Sunset. "I threw a party so crazy last night that even I needed time to recover!"

"Besides," Applejack said as she reached the group. "It ain't like y'all won't ever see her again."

"Now if you'd all be so kind," Fluttershy said, "let her be. Please," she asked with a face so adorable that Applejack had to keep a random student from hugging her.

The crowd dispersed, and Sunset heaved a sigh of relief. "Thanks, guys," she said. "That was getting a little out of hand."

Rainbow Dash slapped Sunset on the back as they started walking together. "Don't worry about it!"

"Enjoying your popularity," Applejack asked as she nudged Sunset.

Sunset smiled warmly. "I guess. It's going to take some getting used to, that's all."

"If you're this popular now," Rarity said. "It's only a matter of time before someone asks you out!"

Sunset blushed. "I-I don't think I'd be up for it, to be honest."

Applejack walked up to Sunset and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sunset," she said. "I'm gonna tell you this right now so you'll be prepared." Sunset nodded. "Not everyone's gonna believe you've changed overnight."

"It wouldn't surprise me," Sunset said as she looked away and folded her arms. "What happened last night was incredible, but I get the feeling that it's going to take a lot more than just ponying up and saving the world just to gain trust."

"That's a mouthful," Pinkie said.

"But it is a valid point," Rarity said. "Some people simply won't be satisfied no matter what you do, and it's best to just ignore them and move on with your life."

"Sometimes that's easier said than done, Rarity," Sunset said. "But I understand what you and Applejack are saying. I'll keep that in mind."

"Um, what time is it," Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow Dash took out her phone and blanched. "Oh crap, the bell's going to ring! We'd better high-tail it!" The six nodded at each other and ran to their classes.

A couple of classes later, Sunset felt exhausted. She needed an energy drink or something. Coffee? Yes, coffee. Coffee is good. She walked over to the cafeteria, only to have someone bar her way. Sunset sighed. "Can I help you," she asked wearily.

"Yes. Can I have your autograph," the student asked. Sunset made a sputtering noise and took out a pen, then signed the student's notebook. "Thank you," the student said cheerfully and ran off. I wonder if Princess Celestia goes through this crap on a daily basis, she thought. Enough thinking, she thought. Coffee now!

Sunset arrived at the cafeteria and got a coffee from a vending machine. She took a deep whiff, then sighed contently. She took a sip and began to feel a bit more alert. She smiled, then left the cafeteria. As she walked the halls to her next class, she heard footsteps behind her. Eh, must just be another student heading in the same direction as me, she thought.

"Hey," a voice angrily called out as Sunset continued her walking. "Don't you dare ignore me, Sunset Shimmer!" She stopped, then turned around to see a light-green skinned girl wearing a striped sweater with blue jeans. She glared at Sunset angrily. "I have a bone to pick with you," she said through gritted teeth.

Past Mistake

"Me," Sunset asked. "Who are you and what did I do to you?"

The girl stopped in her tracks and heaved a sigh of frustration. "Of course you wouldn't remember me," she said bitterly, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Nobody does..." She trailed off and looked away.

Sunset began to walk up to the girl, but she looked back at her. "You want to know the who and what? Fine." She gestured to herself. "I'm Wallflower Blush, and what you did to me was unforgivable." Wallflower glared at Sunset. "It was while we were in ninth grade..."

Wallflower Blush walked the halls of Canterlot High, hiding her face from the world. She sighed, cursing her shyness. She'd been here for a couple of months, and she still didn't have any friends! She stopped mid-stride, hearing someone crying. Curious, she walked over to the noise and found Sunset Shimmer with her head in her hands, sobbing.

Wallflower slowly walked up to Sunset, only vaguely aware of her reputation. She sat next to her, then tapped her on the shoulder. "Back off," Sunset warned through her tears. "You don't want to get involved with me." She sniffled. "I always end up hurting people. You're better off like me. Alone."

Wallflower put a sympathetic hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Surely you can't be all that bad," she said. "You're probably just misunderstood."

Sunset looked up at Wallflower, tears streaming down her eyes. "You...you think so," she asked with another sniffle.

"Yeah," Wallflower said, then turned away. "I know what it's like to be lonely."

Sunset smiled warmly. "You do?"

Wallflower nodded. "I have a hard time talking to people, so I spend most of my time gardening."

"Do you...do you think we could maybe be friends," Sunset asked with a hopeful smile.

Wallflower returned the smile. "Yeah. I'd like that."

Months had passed, and Wallflower and Sunset became close friends. Then, one day at school, they met in the cafeteria. Sunset sat next to Wallflower, but seemed reluctant to talk. Wallflower took notice, and prodded her. "Sunset," she asked. "Is everything okay?"

Sunset sighed heavily. "I." She turned away. "I think I...have a crush on you," she said quietly.

Wallflower blushed heavily. "Y-You d-do," she stammered in disbelief.

Surprising her, Sunset spun around to face Wallflower. "Yeah, I do," Sunset said, then took Wallflower by the hand. "I know this is sudden, but can we maybe dance together at the Winter Wonderland Ball next week?"

Wallflower's heart was beating furiously. She could hardly believe that her only friend wanted to go on a date with her! She felt tears form in her eyes from happiness. "I-I'd love yo-too," she exclaimed.

Sunset smiled. "Great," she said. "I'll see you then. Make sure to be well-dressed!"

All through that week, Wallflower could barely contain her excitement. She hardly saw Sunset at all, but she knew she'd see her at the dance, at least. Then at long last, the night of the Winter Wonderland Ball arrived. Her first date! She couldn't remember the last time she had been this excited! She had arrived in the multi-purpose room and searched for Sunset. She found her and ran towards her, then skidded to a halt when she saw her holding hands with a blue-haired boy.

Wallflower ran up to Sunset and turned her around. "S-Sunset," she asked in confusion, "what's going on? I thought you asked me to this dance!"

Sunset blinked at Wallflower, then tilted her head slightly. "Do I know you," she asked. Shock gripped Wallflower's heart like a vice. "Have we met before?"

Tears began forming in Wallflower's eyes. "S-Sunset," she stuttered. "We've been friends for months," she exclaimed, gesturing to herself and Sunset. "You asked me out to this dance!"

"Is everything okay," the boy accompanying Sunset asked.

Sunset nodded. "Everything's fine, Flash. She's just a little confused, that's all." She then leaned into Wallflower and whispered in her ear. "I warned you not to get involved with me. I always end up hurting people." She returned to her normal posture. "You're all alone," she said with a smile. "Bye-bye, now." She walked away from Wallflower with a wave of her hand.

Wallflower stood in the middle of the dance floor, struggling to comprehend what just happened. She choked up, then ran outside and leaned against one of the doors. She sniffled twice, then broke. Unable to stand due to grief, she slid down until she sat on the stairs and covered her face with her hands. She spent the rest of her time there sobbing uncontrollably until her parents came to pick her up.

Wallflower shed tears as she finished her story. Sunset had put a hand to her mouth in shock. "Oh...oh, Celestia," she said with a sniffle. "I'm so-"

"Don't you play that apology bullshit with me," Wallflower snapped. "I already had enough self-esteem issues as it was before you toyed with my emotions. My parents sent me to a counselor just so I could feel like I was even remotely close to being worth something," She shouted, her face red with rage. "You're lucky I'm a pacifist, Sunset Shimmer," she growled. "Because if I wasn't, I wouldn't hesitate to kick your ass right here and right now."

The warning bell for next period rang, but Wallflower stood motionless save for her shaking in fury. "I don't care what anyone else thinks," she said. "I'm not falling for your act, and one day I'll make sure that the whole of Canterlot High will see that you haven't changed one bit." She turned away in a huff, leaving a stunned Sunset Shimmer to absorb her words.

Hanging with the Girls

Lunch period had arrived, and Sunset couldn't get her mind off of Wallflower Blush's rant. She got her food, then walked through the cafeteria. Nearly all of the students she passed asked her to sit with them. Sunset rolled her eyes and sat down with her friends.

"Are you all right, sugarcube," Applejack asked, being the first to notice Sunset's expression of concern.

Sunset sighed. "I don't know," she said. "Just another bit of my past came back to bite me in the ass." She made a sputtering noise.

"I'm sure you'll feel better if you tell us all about it, darling," Rarity said with a gentle smile.

"Yeah," Sunset said. "I'm sure I will." She then proceeded to tell her friends what happened in the halls. When she finished, she sighed again.

Pinkie Pie hissed through her teeth after she finished her chocolate milk. "Yikes," she said. "That's no fun."

Sunset put her head in her hands. "And on top of that, the students here don't seem to want to leave me alone!" She hit her head on the table.

"Welcome to the celebrity life," Rarity said. She received several funny looks. "What?"

"We can keep 'em off your tail," Rainbow offered.

Sunset smiled. "I appreciate it, Rainbow. I'll call on you if I need you."

"Can do," Rainbow said with a nod. "Right, girls," she asked, looking at her other friends. They all nodded in agreement.

Rarity, Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash all walked out of the cafeteria together, laughing. They rounded the corner to see Wallflower Blush, leaning against a locker and glaring at the girls. "I think she's supposed to be the bad guy," Pinkie whispered loudly into Sunset's ear.

Wallflower focused her glare on Pinkie. "'Bad guy'," she scoffed. "Says one of the five girls hanging out with the Queen Bitch of Canterlot High," she said, throwing her arms up in disbelief.

"Hey, now," Applejack said, narrowing her eyes. "She don't act like that no more."

"Indeed," Rarity said as she folded her arms. "She's a changed woman."

"Hiding behind your so-called 'friends', Sunset Shimmer," Wallflower asked angrily. "That's cowardly."

"At least she has friends," Rainbow said as she glared at Wallflower.

"And she's not hiding behind us," Fluttershy said. "We're standing with her!"

Wallflower began to shake with fury, then opened her mouth, only for Pinkie to speak. "Ooh," Pinkie squealed excitedly. "Is this the part where you say 'You may have friends now, and you may have fooled all of Canterlot High...but mark my words, Sunset Shimmer! I won't rest until all of CHS knows you haven't changed a bit!'?" Wallflower's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Fluttershy, Sunset, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack all had equally bemused expressions on their faces.

"H-How did you..." Wallflower stammered in shock.

"Just a hunch," Pinkie said cheerfully, then grinned widely as a a squeaking noise came from out of nowhere. Wallflower stood still for a moment, then growled in frustration and stomped off in a huff.

"Aww," Pinkie said, slouching in disappointment. "I wanted to hear her rant!" She went back to a normal posture and shrugged. "Oh, well!" She then skipped down the hallway as her friends continued to stare in awe at her.

Wallflower Blush rounded a corner in the halls, then stopped in front of her locker. Her eyes began to mist over as her anger gradually transformed into sadness. She sniffled. "It's not fair," she whispered. "How could someone so cruel become so popular overnight?" She wiped a tear from her eyes. "There's got to be a way to expose Sunset as the cold-hearted bitch she is." She sighed. At least I have plenty of free time to think something up, she thought.

Wallflower opened her locker, took out a couple of textbooks from her bag, then closed it. Maybe I need friends. Someone to back me up when I need it. I just wish I wasn't so shy most of the time. She put the textbooks in her backpack, then zipped it up. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "First things first, though," she thought aloud. "Gotta get through the rest of the school day."

The school day had ended, and Sunset and her friends left Canterlot High. Sunset folded her arms and looked off to the side as they walked down the steps. "is something the matter, darling," Rarity asked.

Applejack walked up to Sunset and put a hand on her shoulder. "Still thinkin' about Wallflower," she asked.

Sunset nodded. Rarity walked up to her and took her by the hand. "Remember what I said earlier, Sunset," she asked with a gentle smile.

"I know, Rarity," said Sunset. "Still, I can't help but feel bad. What I did to her..." She trailed off and sighed.

"What you did to her was in the past. And the past isn't today," Rarity said.

"My past is not today..." Sunset said as though she were mesmerized.

Rarity blinked. "That's not quite what I said, but it sounds good nonetheless."

"Yeah," Sunset said with a growing smile. "I like the sound of it."

"Kinda makes you wanna get on the school's roof and sing about it, huh," Pinkie asked. Her friends all gave her weird expressions. "What," she asked innocently. "I'd do it," she said, pointing her thumb at herself.

"We know," the girls said in near unison. Everyone laughed.

"Thanks, guys," Sunset said happily. "I don't know where I'd be without you."

"I'm just glad we don't have to think about it," Fluttershy said.

"Guys," Rainbow shouted. "The buses are leaving!" Everyone said their goodbyes and boarded their respective buses.

Later that day, before bed, Sunset grabbed her journal and wrote in it.

Dear Princess Twilight,

How have things been going for you lately? I can only imagine what sort of boring, diplomatic princess stuff you must be up to. Either that or saving Equestria from a force of evil bent on taking it over.

Sunset waited for a moment as she laid on her back on her couch. Her book vibrated and she got up and opened it.

Hey Sunset.

It's been a little bit of both, actually. Though I don't think diplomacy is boring. I've had sleepless nights trying to organize the Equestrian Grad Pony Summit, I had to entertain yaks, made up with an old friend, and most recently, my friends and I had to prevent a creature of nightmares created by Princess Luna (long story) from getting into the real world.

Sunset blinked in surprise. She wrote back, telling Princess Twilight all that happened over the course of the day.

Rarity's right, you know.

Sunset smiled warmly. She wrote back.

I do.

Sunset yawned.

I'd love to chat some more, Twilight, but I'm all worn out. Talk to you later.

Sunset closed the book, then walked up the stairs to her loft. She held out her hand and strummed each guitar she passed by. "Music to my ears," she said. "That never gets old." She crawled into bed and turned out the light, falling asleep almost instantly.

Declaration

The weekend had come and gone, and Sunset Shimmer enjoyed every minute of it. Nobody pestering her, nobody trying to get her attention but her friends. It was peaceful. Now it was Monday, and she took a deep breath and sighed before entering Canterlot High. How does Rainbow put up with this if she's so popular, she thought. She opened the front door, and before she could blink she was crowded by a majority of the student body, clamoring for her attention.

Sunset sighed heavily, ignoring the throng of students as best she could as she made her way to the locker. "Wow," Pinkie said as she walked up to her. "I think you're more popular than Rainbow Dash!"

"I heard that," Rainbow shouted in the distance as she made her way through the crowd. She pushed and shoved, then fell flat on the hallway floor when she managed to break free. Sunset extended a hand to her, which she gratefully accepted. She dusted off her skirt, then cracked her neck. "I'm still as popular as I ever was, I just convinced people to back off. Even I get sick of attention sometimes."

Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes, then her mind caught up with Rainbow's implication. Her eyes widened. "How'd you do that," she asked excitedly, grabbing hold of Rainbow's hands. "The students here have been driving me crazy! It's like having hundreds of stalkers!"

Rainbow laughed sheepishly. "I talked to Principal Celestia," she said.

"Well, it's a start," Sunset said as she let go of Rainbow's hands. "Thanks for the tip!"

"No problem," Rainbow said with a smile. She leaned into Sunset and whispered. "Hey, have you seen Wallflower lately?"

Sunset shook her head. "Not since Friday, no," she said. "She was pretty pissed off."

"Maybe she cooled off over the weekend," Pinkie said. The friends turned a corner and saw Wallflower smiling. "See," Pinkie said. "She's smiling!"

Sunset frowned. "Uhh, Pinkie," she said. "That's more of a smug smile."

Pinkie tilted her head. "It is?"

"I see that look on Rainbow Dash almost every day," Sunset said.

"Ooh," Pinkie squealed. "Are you going to tell us-"

"Shut the hell up, you annoying pink sugar junkie," Wallflower said as anger quickly took hold of her. "I don't have time for your bullshit." Sunset's and Rainbow's eyes narrowed, and they began to walk over to her, only to be blocked by Applejack.

"Hey, now," Applejack said as she kept her two friends from going any further. "Let's not start anything here." She turned around and folded her arms, giving Wallflower a stern look. "Want do you want, Wallflower," she asked impatiently.

Wallflower's smile returned. "I just want Sunset to know that her days of popularity here are numbered."

"Is that all you've got to say," Rainbow Dash asked. "I've heard better threats from bad guys in bad movies!"

Applejack turned her stern look to Rainbow Dash. "Don't make the situation worse," she said. Rainbow simply shrugged.

Wallflower scoffed. "Is one of Canterlot High's strongest students afraid to tussle," she asked with a quirked eyebrow. Applejack felt heat rise to her face and turned towards Wallflower, only to be blocked by Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Outta the way, you two," Applejack growled. "This bitch ain't gonna call me yellow an' get away with it!"

"Now see here, Applejack," Rarity said as she put her hands on her hips. "Think about what you're doing. Are you really going to stoop to her level?" Applejack looked over Rarity's shoulder to glare at Wallflower, then closed her eyes and sighed.

"Sorry, Rares," Applejack said as she took off her hat and pressed it to her chest. "Got a little carried away with my pride there."

Rarity smiled. "It's all right, darling. It happens to the best of us." She turned to Wallflower. "Is that all you came here to say," she asked.

"No," Wallflower said. "Over the weekend, I came to a realization. I can't just target Sunset Shimmer," she said, then pointed at Rarity. "You'd just come to her aid. So I'm going to take you all on." Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, earning a death glare from her.

"You," Rainbow said as she finished laughing. She wiped off a tear, then pointed at Wallflower. "Against us? You wouldn't stand a chance! Have you even seen what we're capable of when we work together?"

Fluttershy walked up to Wallflower. "Um, why are you even doing this," she asked. "You seem like such a nice person."

Wallflower snarled. "You know damned well why I'm doing this," she snapped. "Niceness went out the window a long time ago." She turned her gaze to Sunset. "One way or another, Sunset Shimmer...I'll make you pay. And if that means that I have to go through your friends," she said, then narrowed her eyes. "Then so be it," she said coldly. She turned around, then walked off.

Sunset sighed heavily. "I'm sorry I got you guys involved in this," she said as she looked away and grabbed hold of her arm.

"Sunset," Rainbow Dash said. "Look at me." Sunset turned to look her in the eyes. "You didn't get us involved in this," she said, poking her in the chest. "She did," she said, gesturing to the spot Wallflower once stood in.

"Oh, my," Fluttershy said. "We aren't going to fight her, are we?"

"Of course not, darling," Rarity said. "Right, everyone," she said sternly.

"Okay, fine," Rainbow said in defeat. "We'll watch each other's backs. But if push comes to shove..." Rainbow trailed off, then slammed her fist into her palm.

"Let's try to avoid fightin' if we can help it," Applejack said.

"Hippo," Rainbow muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes.

Sunset leaned into Rainbow and whispered. "I think the word you're looking for is 'hypocrite'."

"To-may-to, to-mah-toe," Rainbow said. Before Sunset could say anything else, the warning bell for the first period of the day rang. "See you all at lunch?" Everyone nodded, then went to their respective classes.

Lunchtime

Sunset arrived in the cafeteria, then grabbed her lunch. She smiled as she approached the table that she and her friends always sat at. "Hey girls," she said. Each of the girls greeted her in return as she sat down.

"So what's the plan," Rainbow asked.

Applejack looked at Rainbow with a raised eyebrow. "What plan?"

"Duh," Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "The plan for Wallflower! She pretty much declared war on us!"

Rarity gave Rainbow a stern look. "I thought we all reached a consensus that we wouldn't fight."

"Hold on," Rainbow said, holding her arms out in defense. "I didn't say anything about being violent. She's probably going to try something sneaky. Try to get into our heads."

"I dunno," Applejack said with a frown. "She don't seem like the type."

"Did you already forget what happened earlier today, Applejack," Sunset asked.

Applejack blushed. "C'mon now. Y'all know I got a short temper," she said.

"So what's the plan, then," Pinkie asked.

"Um, Pinkie...I don't think we have one," Fluttershy said.

"Yet." Rainbow added.

"Okay, then," Sunset said. "What do you think we should do, Rainbow?"

"What? Me," Rainbow asked in surprise and pointed at herself. "I thought you'd be the one to come up with something, Sunset! Aren't you like, the leader or something?"

Sunset blanched. "M-Me? Leader," she asked incredulously. "I'm not cut out for that," she said, waving her arms in refusal. "I hardly did anything when the sirens tried to take over."

Rarity walked over to Sunset, then put a hand on top of hers. "Sunset, darling, I believe you're forgetting the fact that you were instrumental-" she cleared her throat, "-so to speak, against the Dazzlings."

"But that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm leader material," Sunset said. "I think I'm more of a 'second-in-command', next to Princess Twilight," she said, putting her hand on her chest.

Pinkie walked up to Sunset. "I'm sorry, Sunset, but your Princess is in another castle." Sunset blinked. "Dimension!" Pinkie corrected herself. "I meant dimension."

"I think what Pinkie's tryin' to say is that Princess Twilight ain't always gonna be able to help. You're the go-to gal for magical stuff now," Applejack said with a smile.

"Guys, I'm flattered," Sunset said with a laugh. "Really, I am. But I honestly don't think I should."

"Tell you what," Rainbow said to Sunset. "Why don't we make a deal?" Sunset looked at her questioningly. "You take some time to think about it, and I mean really think about it. If after..." she trailed off and cupped her chin in thought.

"A week," Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow nodded in satisfaction. "If it's been a week and you still don't want to be leader, we'll figure something out. We're a team, after all."

Sunset thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, Rainbow Dash. You've got yourself a deal." The two shook hands. "Now can we drop this subject?" Sunset smiled nervously. "It's making me feel a little uncomfortable." everyone nodded in agreement.

The six friends spent the rest of their time in the cafeteria, blissfully unaware of the two figures watching them from a distance.

Sunset left the cafeteria and sighed. Why do I have to be the leader, she thought. Just because I'm the 'go-to gal for magical stuff' doesn't mean I should lead five other people I've only just recently made friends with. Her thought process was interrupted as she heard countless footsteps hurry towards her. She turned around as she felt a chill down her spine. She saw dozens upon dozens of students run toward her. "Oh, fuck." She blanched, then started to run.

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash left the cafeteria and heard footsteps thundering in the hallway. "What in tarnation?!" Applejack instinctively held onto her hat as she saw Sunset run past. "Sounds like a stampede!" Countless students ran past the five girls in pursuit of Sunset. Applejack stared in disbelief until Rarity tapped her on the shoulder. "Guess I wasn't too far off," she said, then ran with her friends to catch up with the crowd and Sunset.

The two figures laughed as the scene unfolded before them, then stepped out of the shadows. Wallflower smiled at her new colleague. "What did you do," she asked.

"Oh, I just told them that Sunset was signing autographs."

Wallflower smiled widely. "Ooh, that's good. Wish I thought of that."

"I'm so glad I came to you, Wallflower."

Wallflower laughed. "Yeah, me too. Just one thing."

"Hm?"

"You never told me why you wanted to help," Wallflower said.

Her partner scoffed. "I think it's obvious why," she said as she grit her teeth and clenched her hands into fists. "Nobody upstages the Great and Powerful Trixie and gets away with it!"

Sunset was running full tilt in the hallways as she was being chased down by a mob of students. Crap, crap, crap, crap! She stopped as she reached a dead end and pressed her back to the wall. The students came closer, and something within Sunset Shimmer snapped. She felt her temper rise as one student neared her. "Just leave me alone already," she shouted angrily, then swung and connected.

The student landed to the floor with a thud, then looked up at Sunset with an expression of shock and betrayal. "What the hell was that for?"

Sunset's jaw dropped as she realized what happened. "I...I..."

Rainbow sped through the crowd, then got between the student and Sunset. "What the hell were guys expecting," Rainbow said angrily. "You've all been doing nothing but bothering her! Trying to get her attention, following her nearly everywhere, and now you corner her! I don't care what you guys were going to do, but I think that punch should've happened a long time ago!" She gestured to Sunset, whose knees buckled as she put her head in her hands. "Look at what you've done to her!" The students all looked at each other with shame on their faces. "Now back the fuck off of her or you'll have to deal with me!"

"You'll have to deal with all of us," Applejack said as she and others caught up. The students slowly shuffled away.

Rainbow Dash walked up to Sunset, then sat down next to her. "Hey..." Sunset looked up, revealing teary eyes, then hugged her friend and broke as the warning bell for the next period rang.

A Talk Between Friends

Pinkie gasped. "That's the warning bell, you guys! We've gotta get out of here!"

"You guys go on ahead," Rainbow said, then gestured to Sunset. "She needs someone right now, so it might as well be me."

"Are you sure, darling," Rarity asked. "You're going to be late!"

"Of course I'm sure! I'm not going to just leave her here," Rainbow exclaimed, again gesturing to Sunset. Rarity shrugged, then ran to her next class with everyone else. Silence ruled the hallways, save for the muffled sobs of Sunset Shimmer. Rainbow smiled warmly and tightened the hug. "It's going to be okay, Sunset," she said reassuringly. "I'm not leaving you 'til you're done."

A few minutes later, Sunset sniffled, then shuddered. "T-Thanks," she said as she looked at Rainbow.

"Hey, no problem," Rainbow said. "Feel better?"

Sunset sighed heavily. "I don't know," she said as she put a hand to her forehead. "I can't believe I just did that."

"I can," Rainbow said. "Hell, I know I would've gotten angry faster."

"That's not what I meant, Rainbow," Sunset said sadly. "I...I just went back to the old me."

Rainbow rolled her eyes and grunted in frustration. "Sunset, that wasn't the old you," she said.

"You're right," Sunset said quietly. "That was worse." She broke the hug, then hugged herself. "Even before I changed, I-I never actually hit anyone..."

"Sunset Shimmer," Rainbow said in frustration as she grabbed Sunset by the shoulders and forced her to look her in the eyes. "This attitude won't get you anywhere in life." Rainbow turned away from Sunset. "I," she paused for a moment. "I should know."

"You?" Sunset's eyes widened in disbelief. "What could you, captain of damn near all the sports teams at Canterlot High and Miss 'Awesome As I Wanna Be' possibly know about-"

Rainbow Dash turned around, revealing teary eyes. "Because I've been where you are!" Sunset put a hand to her mouth in shock. "You don't just become 'captain of damn near all the sports teams' without failing at least once!" She sniffled. "I tried so hard during the first tryouts, and I didn't make any of the teams. I was a constant failure at everything athletic in Freshman year."

"What does that have to do with-"

Rainbow raised a finger as she sniffled again. "Y-You didn't let me finish." She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I felt worthless. Like the only direction I could go was down. All I could do was feel sorry for myself. My self-confidence had been crushed, time and time again." Her voice broke. "Before all those failures, I was outside nearly every day. Running laps, doing drills...and I still didn't get in." She sniffled again. "A-All of those failures...they sent me into a depression, Sunset. All I could do was just eat, sleep, go to school, then lay on the couch and stare at the television."

"Rainbow..."

"Sunset," Rainbow said as she took both of her friend's hands. "If it weren't for the girls...I don't know where I'd be right now. They helped me realize that I shouldn't let self-pity take control of my life, and now I want you to realize that too."

Sunset's eyes began to mist over as she choked up. "Thank you, Rainbow Dash...I had no idea how badly I needed to hear that."

Rainbow smiled, then hugged Sunset even tighter than before as they silently cried together.

Apologies and a Confrontation

Later that day, after the final period ended, Sunset Shimmer left her classroom. She sighed. She could hardly catch a break lately! It's been one bad thing after another, and she began to wonder when or even if it would stop. In spite of all those thoughts, however, she smiled. Thank Celestia for my friends, she thought. I'm with Rainbow, I don't know where I'd be without her and the other girls either. She folded her arms and frowned. And I'd rather not find out.

Sunset's thoughts were interrupted as she bumped into a student. She landed on the floor with a yelp, then looked at the person and gasped. It was the student from earlier! He offered her his hand, which she reluctantly accepted. "Hey," Sunset said as she stood at her full height. "I'm really, really sorry about attacking you back there," she said sincerely. "I was just so overwhelmed, and you all followed me around like the paparazzi..."

"I'm sorry too," the student said as he put a hand behind his head. "Things got way, way out of hand. I promise I'll talk to the other students. I'm sure they'll understand."

Sunset smiled. "I hope so. I worked really hard to earn the respect and forgiveness of the student body here, and I'd hate to see it all go away in a puff of smoke."

"Yeah, me too," The student said. "You've sure come a long way, Sunset Shimmer."

Sunset blushed. "Thanks," she said, still not quite used to such frequent praise.

"But I have to ask," said the student. "Why were you signing autographs?"

"What?" Sunset's jaw dropped momentarily in shock. "What gave you that idea?"

"Wait, you mean you weren't?"

"No," Sunset said as she shook her head. "Who or what gave you that idea?"

"Some blue student announced to like half the cafeteria that you were planning on it."

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Figures I'd be in the other half," she muttered under her breath, then shook her head back and forth, snapping her back to the here and now. "Okay, so some student falsely claimed that I was planning on signing autographs. Could you tell me more? Any other distinguishing features?"

The student cupped his chin in thought for a moment. "Well, she was kind of loud and obnoxious-"

Sunset slapped the palm of her hand against her forehead, then dragged it down her face. "Trixie. FUCK." She gritted her teeth in anger.

The student snapped his finger. "Yeah! That's her name. She said it at least five times," he said, rolling his eyes.

Sunset smiled at the student. "Thanks for telling me," she said as she put an appreciative hand on his shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business with a certain self-absorbed bitch." Her anger rose at the mere thought of that damned showoff laughing at her for punching the poor student. She stormed off in search of Trixie. Just out the corner of her eye, she saw Applejack walk towards her.

"Hey, Sunset. Y'all feelin' okay?"

Sunset was so angry she could barely speak. All she could manage was "Trixie...autographs..." She cracked her knuckles.

Applejack eyed Sunset in confusion for a moment, then her eyes shot open in realization. "...Oh." Guess Sunset's still saddle sore about her trapping us under the stage during the Battle of the Bands. Now this happens. "I'll tag along. Ya know, just in case you need someone to hold you back."

"You might just need to," Sunset said through gritted teeth.

Trixie smiled as she opened her locker to grab her belongings, then closed it to reveal a very irate Sunset Shimmer. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Canterlot High's newest 'celebrity'," she said, putting a disdainful emphasis on the last word of her sentence. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"Cut the crap, Lulamoon," Sunset said angrily, banging her fist on a locker. "I know you're the one who pulled that stunt with the students during lunch!"

Trixie folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Yes. And?" She looked at her fingernails,

Sunset's face went crimson as she neared the illusionist, only for Applejack to step in front. "She ain't worth it, Sunset. Just let it go. She don't deserve the satisfaction."

Sunset took a deep breath, then exhaled. "You're right, AJ." Not even looking back, she walked away.

Applejack glared at Trixie. "One of these days, you're gonna bite off more than you can chew, girl."

Trixie continued idly staring at her fingers. "Maybe. But not today." Applejack rolled her eyes, then walked away to catch up with Sunset.

Moments later, Wallflower walked up to Trixie. "I heard Sunset punched a student," she said with a smile.

Trixie smirked. "Sunset's so easy to get to," she said with pride. Just imagine what the two of us could do together, Wallflower," she put an arm around Wallflower's shoulder and waved her arm. "and if we find any others interested in Sunset's downfall, that'd make it all the better."

Wallflower grinned. "Now that you mention it, I do have some people in mind..." She whispered in Trixie's ear.

"Wait, are you sure? But they're related to-"

"Yes, I'm sure," Wallflower said. "Just in case I can't get to Sunset through her friends...I'll have to get to her through other means."

"I don't know...it seems like kind of a long shot."

"Think about it, Trixie," Wallflower said. "With Sunset's temper, she's bound to slip up in one way, shape or form. Or did you already forget what she did to that student?"

Trixie smiled. "You have a point there...okay, I'm sold. Do you think you'll hear back from them?"

"Hard to say," Wallflower admitted. "They seemed pretty adamant that Sunset's changed." She scowled. "They're wrong." She took out her phone and opened her internet browser. "But I can wait. The payoff will be worth it." She opened up three tabs.

MyStable - Apple Bloom
MyStable - Scootaloo
MyStable - Sweetie Belle

End of Prelude to Anon-A-Miss: Sunset's Redemption