Chapters Waist Down (Edited 1/6/20)
Sunset Shimmer had awoken in a crater. What happened? She could remember stealing the crown from Princess Twilight in a fit of rage and jealousy, turning into a demon, getting blasted by a friendship laser (making her feel intense guilt for everything she's done), and...
and...
She couldn't remember a damn thing afterward. It was just a blank...
Sunset Shimmer felt someone else's energy that felt sinister to the very core. She looked to her left, finding the demon she turned into, giving her a devilish grin. Sunset tried to stand up and run, but her legs didn't even move. Sunset never stopped trying to get up, but her legs were being nothing more than meat sacks. Her demon's heels clicked towards her, the grin stretching further across her lips.
"Give up. After the fall you had, you're lucky to still be breathing. I'm surprised you didn't snap your neck on impact." Every word spoken out of the demon's mouth confused Sunset to no end. What the hell was she going on about?
"What fall? What are you talking about?!" Sunset screamed. She demanded answers, yet the demon still laughed at her pleas.
"After the elements blasted your dumb ass, it sprang you into the air causing you to plummet to your death. Yet, you never did... Interesting..." The devil tapped her chin, appearing to be mockingly interested in Sunset.
"I almost died!?" She screeched, beginning to have a panic attack. Her hand quickly darted over her chest. The demon laughed at her expense, her grin never leaving her ugly face. Sunset stopped panicking, now crawling away from the demon. The demon smiled, a blade made of fire formed in her hand. She walked over to Sunset, her blade high in the air.
"Now that you are nothing but a meat sack, I should just kill you and take over your body. Your legs may not work, but my wings sure as hell do!" The blade breathed viciously against her body, the reflection peering closer into her prey. Sunset was nothing more than a rat in a snake's game.
Sunset expected a sword to cut into her, seeping through her interior. It's what she deserves, after every problem she formed. But nothing ever came for her.
The steady sound of beeping now filled her ears.
What just happened?
🔥
Principal Celestia held her student's hand, hoping for the best. How stupid was she? She should've just tried to help the teenager instead of letting her continue. But, no! She thought the whole thing would blow over!
"Tia."
Now she's dealing with magical beings from other dimensions! Magic crowns! Fucking everything!
"Tia ."
What the hell is she supposed to do?! Pray that another situation like this would happen?! Gah! This is so frustrating!
"Tia !"
Celestia looked up from her student, only to see her sister, Luna. She was pushing her glasses up with her arms, dressed in sleepwear. The only thing keeping her warm was the brown coat draped over her. She held two bags, containing two sandwiches and some soup. She looked super concerned, not sure if tossing her words into the air would be beneficial.
"I brought lunch. You, okay? You looked deep in thought." Luna handed Celestia the bags, giving her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
"You didn't have to get lunch for me, Luna. I would've just gone out and gotten something." Celestia smiled, but it didn't feel genuine. Luna frowned, shaking her head. Luna placed the bags down, now steading the tired principal in her arms.
"That's untrue. You would've stayed here for another night without food. I can't see my sister go like that, it's not right." Luna finally let go, now grabbing the bags for the two of them. Luna opened her bag, now eating a hoagie from a local store. Celestia was glad she has someone like Luna, but she wished she realized that when growing up. Celestia pushed those thoughts away, now dipping her sandwich in her tomato soup.
"I appreciate having you as my sister, Luna. I know I haven't said that enough to you"
Luna had simply waved away the compliment. "I'm just looking out for you, Tia. That's all. Our shitty mistakes should just stay stuck in the ground."
The two ate in silence, the steady beeps keeping Sunset could only be heard.
🔥
Sunset gasped, her throat feeling terrible. She can't scream and even make a sound for help, only inaudible sounds coming out of her mouth. Her eyes shifted over to her principals, everything just another blur. From what she could see, they both held faces of shock and worry. Possibly a stifle of hope?
Sunset tried to move her legs, to rush away.
Nothing...
No feeling at all...
Sunset began to have another panic attack, Luna trying to hold and calm her down. Her principal called for any nurses or doctors, footsteps now drowning the hallways. A nurse had come in, a needle in her hand. Sunset wanted to run! She wanted to do anything in her power to leave!
The nurse had plunged the needle into her arm, Sunset now calming down significantly. Luna had let go, her face becoming slightly more relaxed. Celestia had also visibly exhaled in relief, thanking the nurse.
"....what's going on...?" Sunset managed to choke out a question before passing out.
🔥
"I knew she was going to freak out, but that was ridiculous! Gah, I didn't mean to spook her." Luna somewhat shouted. Celestia walked over to her student, holding her hand once more.
"This is going to be a big change for her. I have no idea how she's going to take it."
"Yeah... I wish this never happened, though. I only wanted the best for her. Are there any other injuries on her?" Luna asked.
"There were two long gashes on her back. No one knows how she got them."
Luna didn't know what to make of that. She watched her sister hold onto Sunset like a lifeline, her eyes fully concentrated on her hands. Luna refused to look at the sight for much longer, finally taking back her seat. Celestia gave it up, now taking a seat next to her sister, Luna pulling out her phone to distract herself.
Luna surfed the internet, conversing with Celestia on whatever she attempted a new conversation starter. They tried to move on to more positive subjects, but the beeping was a constant reminder. Celestia never wanted this to happen.
"How are we going to move her into our home?"
"Don't worry, Luna. We'll figure it out when we get there." Celestia reassured.
"Let's just hope she doesn't go into my room by mistake. I like to keep my privacy."
Luna shuddered quietly to herself, now getting laughed at by Celestia.
Maybe this won't be so bad.
Sunset awoke in a snowstorm.
The snow-flakes danced around her, then flickering out of existence. Her legs still wouldn't budge, no matter how much she tried. Is she paralyzed? What the hell happened to her? What was her demon trying to tell her?
C'mon, Sunset! Think!
Her hair flowed, blowing in the wind's direction. She clenched her leather jacket, yet she could barely keep the piercing cold away. She coughed, blood staining the ground and her ruined shirt. Why was this happening to her? Is this the elements' doing? No, she already suffered through the memories of everyone she hurt. Wasn't that enough? Let alone the cuts on her back!
God or Celestia? What's happening to me?
She pushed onwards, blooding her hands on the shards of ice. She had to keep going; she had to escape this personal hell. As Sunset's lungs crystalized, two figures emerged from the mist of snow. Two figures look like her principals.
The shadowy figures stood around Sunset's paralyzed form, each one offering a hand. The former unicorn took it. The mist disappears. The snow had become the grass, now covering her unfeeling legs - sunflowers grew in an open field. The mountains never ceased, giving shade from the burning sun. The two figures each smiled, now pulling Sunset into her arms.
Everything was wonderful...
Before it faded away.
🔥
Luna sat alone in the awful doctor's chairs, playing mobile games on his old phone. Luna resisted the urge to pull her hair, as she loses in another game of pool.
"I think I should probably play another game," Luna spoke out loud to herself. The rage feeling subsided, now hearing faint sounds of someone waking up. Luna turned to Sunset's bed, preparing for the worst.
Sunset eye's met with a blinding light, the steady beat filling her ears. Her eyes adjusted, a boring ceiling the only thing she could see. She turned to her left, finding the strange vice-principal that held her down had a cautious smile. Sunset attempted to move her bandaged parts, but nothing happened. Is she paralyzed?
"Hey, Kid. I'm glad you're finally awake." Luna offered a hand, but Sunset just stared at it. She lifted a weak hand and shook her pale hand. Her smile grew, eyes now sparkling the entire solar system.
What's going on? Am I ever going to get some answers?
Sunset searched around the room, her vice principal still holding her hand. She wore a wrinkly shirt that had a gaming controller on it, her jeans looking worn-out. Why was she here? Is Principal Celestia taking over without her sister?
"Vice-Principal Luna? What are you doing here?"
"You don't have to be so formal, we're not in school. I'm watching over you when my sister can't." Luna let go of her hand, now settling herself within her chair.
"Why are you watching over me?" Sunset managed to cough out. Why does the unstoppable sister duo want to watch over her? She's caused nothing but problems for them.
"Because you're a student of ours. We also feel partially responsible for this." Luna guilty looked away from the broken teen, rubbing her arm with a wobbly mouth.
Partially responsible for this? You're currently visiting one of your students (that's a rebel magical unicorn from another dimension) who could never walk again due to a magical accident... and you're blaming yourselves for it. Sunset put both of her hands on her head, tears freely leaking out of her eyes. Luna caught wind of this, now walking over to the troubled teen.
"Kid, what's wrong? Need something?" Luna put his hand on her arm, trying to think of something that could make her feel better.
"No, I'm just being stupid..."
Luna leaned down to her eye level, her hand never leaving.
"Kid, you're not being stupid. You're stuck in a very sucky situation that could've been prevented. Sometimes crying is the only logical option - and that's okay. If you need some time alone, I can sit back in those chairs or le-"
"Don't leave... please, don't leave." Luna nodded and told her she can ask for anything. Sunset had tried to smile, but her vision became blurred as she went back to sleep.
Where she can be alone with her thoughts.
🔥
"She's never acted like this... it's strange..."
Luna watched the teen go back to a peaceful sleep, her fingers absently rubbing the seams on her t-shirt. She recalled watching Sunset getting blasted with that weird beam, the sound of her falling echoed throughout Canterlot. That snap could've made anyone vomit... well, mostly.
I don't think she'll ever forget rainbows sprouting from a group of kids.
Luna wasn't sure, she may need to ask Princess Twilight about that beam, among other things. That beam gave Sunset a fresh start, destroying all negative parts of herself. Sunset died and rebirthed.
Like a Pheonix.
Luna frowned...
She hopes she'll be able to be there for her. It'll be a trying time for them all.
Dash to Her (Edited 1/27/2021)
She can do this! She can do this!
Dash stood outside of Sunset's room, the person she hadn't seen in almost two months. The person she unintentionally hurt - her screams and snap still ingrained in her memory. She shook her head, slapping her temple in an attempt to prepare herself. Although, if any nurses were to see her - they'd see a kid pacing and slapping her forehead.
Rainbow Dash knocked on Sunset's hospital room, a quiet 'come in' coming from behind. She slowly twisted the doorknob, slowly creeping inside. Gah! Why did the girls send her of all people? She's terrible at apologizing and stuff.
Dash saw Sunset with a sketchbook, detailing a rotting rose. She finally looked up from her pad, one of her legs in a partial cast. Dash sheepishly waved, her will to stay strong coming to an end. "Oh... hey, Rainbow Dash..." Sunset didn't seem angry at her, more confused than anything.
"Hey, Sunset... the girls and I have tried to visit you for weeks, but the hospital wouldn't let us... I'm sorry." Dash put her hands in her pockets, trying to avoid Sunset's (probably judgemental) gaze. Sunset put her sketchpad off to the side, a weak smile washing over her.
"That means a lot to me, Rainbow... but it doesn't matter, I'm not important. You girls shouldn't waste the effort." that weak smile faded, Rainbow Dash now forming fists in her pockets.
"Not important? We almost killed you!" Dash almost shouted, Sunset turning her head away.
"It was my fault, to begin with. If I hadn't realized how shitty my plan was, I would've saved myself from becoming crippled." Sunset's amber hair had fallen down, her eyes dropping as Rainbow looked at her in shock.
"Wait... you're legs don't work anymore?" Dash didn't even wince as her nails dug into her nails, Sunset now nodding her head solemnly. How had they not known this? They destroyed a girl's life without even know for two months?!
Rainbow fell against the wall, putting her head in her hands. Sunset looked worried but didn't voice her opinion, just silently observing Rainbow's mental breakdown.
"Oh, god... this is all my fault...!" Rainbow mumbled in her palms, Sunset trying to reach a hand out to her. Rainbow saw this, now coming over and letting Sunset put a hand on her shoulder. "It wasn't your fault, Rainbow. No one could've predicted what happened. Yeah, it happened and it hurt me a lot, but beating yourself over it isn't going the make matters better."
"So, you're not mad at me?" Rainbow Dash, whispered - her voice echoing in the boring room.
"I can't be mad at you for an accident, Dash. Make sure the others know that too if you accept me."
"Accept you? You're already our friend the last time we checked, Sunset. I want to redeem my loyalty, but I'm not good at this mushy stuff." Dash soon saw the brightest smile of that day, the former bully now beaming largely at her.
"You shouldn't count yourself out, Rainbow."
🔥
Sunset laid in her bed alone, Dash left an hour ago. She seems nice - hell, probably the first friend she's made in years. Why did she think of taking over a school full of kids from another dimension was a good idea?
~~Because you're a stubborn little shit.~~
Whatever, no point in crying about spilled milk. She checked the time, Luna should be here soon with possible food. She has to appreciate someone who sneaks food in for her. Honestly, she's trying way too hard to be a 'laid-back mom' or however the phrase goes. She can't really remember her parents too well, they simply disappeared one day.
They're probably disappointed in her.
Her door opened, Luna carrying bags of Burgers in his hands. She adjusted her necktie around her neck, a small smile forming on her lips. "Hey, kid. Brought a veggie burger for you."
"Really? Thanks a lot." She passed the decently sized burger to Sunset, who took it with her limp arms.
"It's no problem, Sunset. Just making sure you don't have to eat the slop they keep serving you here."
"You always are a food critic." Luna shrugged at that comment, mumbling something about enjoying good food. Sunset had never really embraced the variety of food in Equestria and here. That is until Luna showed her the power of the consumption of good food. The school's lunch really doesn't do the world of culinary arts any favors.
The two ate in relative silence before Luna asked her how her day was going.
"It was a girl from school that slapped some sense into me earlier."
"You mean one of the girls that fired the rainbow death beam?" Luna began to unwrap her own burger, Sunset nodding her head. Sunset finally took a bit out of her burger, the sauce rushing into her mouth with gusto. Luna repeated the action, nodding her head in approval at the burger.
"How did the meeting go?" Luna asked in between bites.
"She seemed pretty guilty about the whole thing, which I don't blame her for. Although, she wants to be my friend now apparently."
"That's great! I'm glad you found someone new to talk to!" Luna was smiling from ear to ear, Sunset a bit weirded out by her enthusiasm.
"Yeah... thanks... I guess?" she finished her burger, now crushing the wrapper in her weak palms. Luna took her trash, now putting the contents in their empty bag. "Anything else new in this boring place?"
"Nope, just did some sketching today. I'll probably read tomorrow, Luna."
Luna nodded her head, Sunset now leaning back on her uncomfortable bed. She rested her eyes, her vision becoming blurred as she let out a small 'thanks' before drifting off.
Bond (Edited on 1/27/2021)
For a moment, Sunset could truly enjoy the slow momentum of watching nature. Principal Celestia held on to her wheelchair, her left leg still healing from the fall. She couldn't feel it, but she still had to be careful with it. Not much had changed since her meeting with Rainbow, only her leg not needing a cast. Sunset would finally return to school, not that she's really looking forward to it.
Thankfully, her principals would be taking care of her now... yet, the nagging feeling of her fucking something up still lingered. Fucking up is something she was born to do.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Celestia finally spoke, Sunset being pulled out of her infinite musing. Sunset nodded her head, a quirk forming on her lips. Although, that soon faded with more thoughts piling her head.
"What's wrong? You're usually not this quiet." Celestia asked, Sunset shrugging her shoulders a bit.
"I'm just overthinking about nothing important..." Sunset continued to stare at the field full of dying flowers, the winter air nearing closer and closer. Celestia smiled slightly, yet her concerned look never faltered.
"You want to talk about it?" the principal suggested, Sunset nodding her head slightly.
"I'm not really looking forward to school. I've been gone for a while, but my classmates still probably hate me... not that I can blame them." She reached down, grabbing a dying sunflower. Sunset examined the honeyless weed, placing it in her jean pocket before looking outwards. Later she'll draw it on her sketchpad.
"You still have those girls, right?"
"Yeah... I'm not looking forward to that either." Sunset grumbled, the circles around her eyes growing ever prevalent. Celestia leaned down, her eyes not unlike a concerned mother.
"Why not? Rainbow Dash seems fond of you."
"I don't think a small apology from one applies to all. I still appreciate it, despite it being my fault."
Sunset danced her fingers on her armrest, the sound of cheep metal growing prevalent. Her interactions with the others were minimal at best, not to mention she's screwed with their heads. She judged them at face value, which costed her greatly.
"The others will accept you, Sunset. They are goodnatured, nothing will pull them away from you."
Staring into her Principal's eyes, Sunset could only do one thing: smile.
🔥
Sunset has in her wheelchair, unfinished drawing in her lap. Not unlike, Rainbow - she'd received another surprise from another girl. In the doctor's chair, sat a fashionista - the same one she ruined. Rarity was filing her nails, the unnerving silence sweeping over the two.
"Sooo... Rarity... How are you, today?" Sunset choked out her shitty greeting, Rarity putting the nail filer down. Rarity had a solemn face, not even her makeup could cover it up.
"I... I-I... Sunset... I'm so deeply sorry." A single tear messed up her mascara, the fashionista shaking a bit in her spot. Sunset frowned, shaking her head slightly.
"Don't be. The mistake's all mine."
"But how could I not be sorry, dear?! We hurt you gravely!" Rarity's tone spiked, yet it never reached Dash's level.
"I told Rainbow this; it was an accident. It could've been avoided if I wasn't such a shitty person." Sunset held the fashionista's hands, Rarity now looking deep into Sunset's eyes. Sunset brought her thumb to Rarity's cheek, wiping some tears and dripping mascara away from her face.
"How can I prove myself to you all if you mourn? I can't burden you with my wrongs, but I would like to do some good things for a change." Sunset smiled, Rarity now avoiding her gaze.
"I can't let go of what we did, darling. It's too hard." Sunset turned her wheelchair around, now scooting over to a deck of playing cards laying on a table. She shifted over to Rarity, now opening the worn deck.
"How about we play something? You're the guest of honor." She gave the deck to Rarity, not expecting the sudden topic changer. Rarity started setting up a game of War, passing out the cards for the two of them. They glanced at their cards, Sunset still smiling - but it started fading away slowly.
"I still never apologized for ruining your freshman year." Sunset started playing, blurting out that detail. Rarity still focused on the game, but her gaze withered.
"We both know that's not important anymore." She replied, frowning slightly. Sunset solemnly nodded, setting up for the next turn.
The two played in mostly silence, occasionally making comments or awkward apologies. Sunset preferred this over the shoutfest that was the last meeting, but she could hardly fault Rainbow for that. It's still hard to shake off the sound of a bone-crunching fall even after two months.
Sunset's door opened, revealing Luna with a ~~badly~~ hidden pizza. Luna glanced between the two girls, her lips formed a firm line. "Wasn't expecting a guest. Not that I mind."
Luna sat down near the two, cracking open the Italian classic. She grabbed plates, passing a slice to each girl.
"I see you've shown up, Rarity. How have you been lately?" Rarity gave her principal a glance, trying not to say anything about her odd appearance. To see the strict vice-principal in a loose t-shirt and pajamas is truly a sight.
"All of us girls have been terribly worried for Sunset, Vice-Principal Luna. Have you been taking care of Sunset?" Luna nodded, taking a bite out of the fresh pizza. Sunset repeated the action, smiling all the while.
Rarity asked Luna various questions, mostly about her unexpended watch on Sunset. It's rather odd Principal Celestia or Luna never addressed what they were doing with Sunset, but they most likely never had a reason to.
After a buttload of questions, they all ended up just playing some more card games. Perhaps this is a new friendship in the making for all of them. Sunset certainly seems better now. Now Rarity has to deal with the thoughts of making a new outfit for Sunset.
It will look wonderful on her
