Anon-A-Miss: Chaos

Chapters

Better Together
Chats
Meetings
Eyes Peeled, Ears Open
A Desperate Search
Canterlot High Noir
Sweetie Belle's Perspective
Halls of Hostility
Anything for a Friend
Steadfast Friendship
Doubts
Setting the Stage
Echoes
Pulling the Trigger
Crescendo

Better Together

"Now that we've established that Sunset is innocent, where do we go from here," Rarity asked.

Sunset wiped a tear from her eye, then took a deep breath and composed herself as relief flooded through her. "I'm sure we'll figure something out," she said. "We just need to brainstorm, that's all." She looked at all of her friends. "So. Any ideas?"

"Um," Fluttershy said just loudly enough to catch everyone's attention. "Whenever something's bothering me, I talk to Principal Celestia or Miss Cheerliee."

"Okay," Sunset said as she took out a notepad and a pen from her backpack. She wrote "Communicate with the staff" as an option to explore. She looked back up to her friends. "Anyone else," she asked. "I'm open to more suggestions." She smiled warmly as she looked at her friends. She didn't know where she'd be without them, but she did know all along that together they were always better. Silence fell and remained for a few moments. Sunset simply shrugged. "Well, one idea's better than nothing," to which everyone else agreed. They all set out for Principal Celestia's office.

"All right," Sunset said as they reached Principal Celestia's office. "Let me do the talking, okay? The last thing we need is for all of us to barge in and speak all at once. Understood?" The rest of the girls nodded, and she knocked on the door.

"Come in," said Principal Celestia. Sunset and the girls entered the office, causing her to feel worry. The last time they were in here, those three magical singers had her and her sister under their spell. "Oh good lord," she said as she put a hand to her head in exasperation. "What sort of magical-"

"There's no magic involved this time, Principal Celestia," Sunset said.

Celestia sighed. "That's a relief. With all the damages done to school, it's been driving me up the damn wall with trying to figure out Canterlot High's budget!" The girls stared at her in surprise. She blushed and made a mental note to get in touch with one of her sister's old friends. What was her name again? ...Radiant Hope? She'd been stressed out by all the magical events around her, and she could use some counseling. "I'm sorry about that," she said sheepishly. "Now, what's going on?"

Sunset told Celestia about the entire incident while the other girls looked away in shame, clearly embarrassed by their moment of doubt. Once she finished, the Principal cupped her chin in thought for a moment, then spoke. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, girls," she said. "I'll have the staff keep a close eye on computer and phone usage."

Sunset smiled. "No, thank you, Principal Celestia." The other five echoed her sentiment, then they all left the Principal's office.

"Okay," Sunset said upon leaving Principal Celestia's office. "Anyone else have any ideas?"

"Well," Applejack said as she scratched her forehead. "What about Micro Chips?"

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Okay... what about Micro Chips?"

"Ya think there's a chance he might be a suspect?"

Sunset pondered this for a moment. She hardly knew Micro Chips, but he didn't seem like the malicious type. Nevertheless, the thought was better than nothing at the moment. "What makes you think that, AJ?"

Applejack shrugged. "I dunno," she admitted. "He seems like the type who'd be good with all that tech stuff."

Sunset looked to her other friends. "You guys probably know him better than I do. What do you think? Is Micro Chips capable of this?"

"He could pull it off," Pinkie Pie said, "But he wouldn't. He's too nice of a guy."

Applejack shrugged again. "It was just a thought."

Sunset sighed. "So we're back to square one, huh?"

"It certainly seems that way, darling," Rarity said as she idly stared at her fingernails.

The warning bell for first period rang, causing the girls to yelp. "Scatter," Pinkie cried out.

"Meet y'all at lunch," Applejack asked.

The girls nodded in agreement, then ran to their classes.

Rarity and Applejack were the first to reach their table of choice. "Any new ideas," Applejack asked the fashionista.

Rarity sighed as she sat down. "Terribly sorry, darling," she apologized as she put a head to her hand. "I've been quite busy preparing for tests. I've barely had time to think about anything else."

Applejack's eyes widened. "Land sakes!" Between the sleepovers and this Anon-A-Miss gal, she'd completely forgotten about the tests!

Rainbow sat at the table. "Screw the tests, what about Sunset?"

"What about me," Sunset asked as she reached the table. She gave her friends an inquisitive look.

Fluttershy reached the table. "Is everyone as worried about the tests and Anon-A-Miss as I am?"

Pinkie Pie skipped to the table. "I hope those two won't conflict with each other, causing one of us to have a comedic meltdown!"

Sunset blinked, then realization dawned on her. "Oh." Rarity and Applejack grinned sheepishly, then began to eat. "Don't worry, girls," she said reassuringly as she picked up a fork. "I'm sure we can balance both."

"Guys," Rainbow said.

"Ooh," Pinkie squealed with her mouth full of food, nearly spraying an unfortunate student before swallowing. "That sounds like a lead in to a song!"

"Guys," Rainbow repeated.

Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes. "Not every other sentence has to start a song, Pinkie."

"Says who," Pinkie asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"Guys!" Rainbow pounded a fist on the table, gaining everyone's attention but Fluttershy's, who yelped and hid under the table. "Sorry," she said, then looked below. "Didn't mean to startle you, Flutters."

Fluttershy slowly got up from under the table then sat back down, blushing furiously from embarrassment. She hid her face while eating.

"Anyway," Rainbow said. "Now that we have enough time, has anybody else got any ideas?"

"Rainbow," Sunset said as she put an arm on her shoulder. "The ideas will come when they'll come. You can't rush inspiration."

"Indeed," Rarity said after swallowing her food. "But whoever this 'Anon-A-Miss' is, she does seem to have it out for you." Sunset's eyes widened. All of a sudden she knew just who to talk to. She slowly got up off of the table. "Where are you going, darling," Rarity asked.

"I need to have a chat with someone. I'll be back."

As Sunset left the cafeteria, she failed to notice a pair of students holding their phones and looking at each other with suspicion in their eyes.

Chats

Sunset Shimmer was a woman on a mission. An angry woman. She carefully scanned the halls in search of her target, trying to keep her temper under control. She didn't want a repeat of the incident where she knocked a student down on the floor. She shuddered and grit her teeth, still feeling regret over it. However, that was neither here nor there. She had to focus on the present.

As Sunset continued her search, she noticed some strange behaviors from the students in the halls. Shifty eyes, glances of suspicion. It made her feel slightly uneasy, especially since she had just started to get used to the new atmosphere at Canterlot High. Ever since she changed her ways... she shuddered again, as though something unpleasant in the back of her mind was trying to resurface. She shook her head, then decided not to dwell on the past. She had to focus on the present. Within the space of a few seconds, her eyes widened and narrowed as she found her target: Wallflower Blush.

Wallflower was leaning against the wall in the hallway, reading a library book on gardening. She was, at present, unaware of Sunset's presence as she turned a page.

Sunset walked up to Wallflower. "Hey," she nearly growled, causing the gardener to jump and yelp, nearly losing her grip on the book. She looked at Sunset, then narrowed her eyes as well.

"What do you want," Wallflower asked, lacing her tone with contempt.

"What do I want," Sunset asked incredulously as she gestured to herself. "I want you to cut the Anon-A-Miss bullcrap, that's what I want!"

Wallflower closed her book, then stored it in her locker. "And what makes you think I'm Anon-A-Miss, hmm?" She folded her arms and gave Sunset a challenging look, hoping her apprehension wouldn't show.

Sunset put the palm of her hand to her head and sighed. "You've got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath. "Do you think I'm stupid or something?!" her temper began to rise. "You're Anon-A-Miss because you've said you want the school to know I'm still the old me as opposed to the new me!"

Wallflower scoffed. "Okay, so I have a motive. That's not enough to pin me as a culprit, though. You'd need solid evidence for that."

Sunset opened her mouth as if to say something, then shut it as an alarming thought crossed her mind. She took out her phone and went straight to Anon-A-Miss' MyStable page. She looked over the posts at all the pictures from the sleepovers she had with her friends. Wallflower couldn't have taken those pictures. She had to have physically been at the sleepovers in order to do that! She looked back up from her phone with a scowl. "This isn't over," she angrily declared with a pointing finger. "I'm keeping my eyes on you." She stormed off back to the cafeteria.

Wallflower heaved a sigh of relief as she watched Sunset walk off. "And I've got my eyes on you too," she said as a grin formed on her face. "My eyes, and four other pairs."

Once Sunset returned to the cafeteria, she sat back down at the table with her friends.

"So how'd it go," Rainbow Dash asked eagerly.

Sunset sighed heavily and recounted her conversation with Wallflower while also mentioning the students' strange behavior.

"Well, that's a mite concerning," Applejack said.

"It is," Sunset said. "But I'm not entirely ruling Wallflower out. She has a motive!"

"But she also has a point, darling," Rarity said. "In the Shadow Spade novels and in detective novels in general, motive alone isn't enough to convict a criminal."

"I know, Rarity, I know," Sunset said as she slowly brought her head to the table.

"What about the students," Fluttershy asked.

"It was unsual," Sunset said. "But I don't think it's so out of the ordinary that something should be done about it."

"How could you say that?!" A student shouted, causing nearly everyone in the area to jump. Sunset and her friends turned around to see three students glaring at each other.

The smallest of the trio was hopping up and down, his face red with fury. "My mother would never do such a thing!"

The medium-sized one fumed. "Then why was this posted," he exclaimed, showing the smallest his phone.

The large one snarled. "Never mind that, what about these?"

"Is now a good time to be doing something about this," Pinkie Pie asked as she gestured towards the trio.

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Puh-lease! Those guys are almost always pissed off," she said as she laced her fingers together in a relaxed pose.

"Yes, but at each other," Rarity asked. "Those three almost never fight!"

"Almost," Sunset said. The warning bell for next period rang. "Guess we should let the staff handle this one," she said. "Think you guys have time for a meeting at my place tonight?" The five nodded. "Great," she said. "See you guys then!" They all split up and went to their classes.

Meetings

Later that night, Sunset was at her apartment, awaiting her friends. They had sent each other texts concerning the continuing odd behavior of their fellow students over the remainder of the day. An angry glare here, a harsh word or two there. Something had to be done about it before it all spiraled out of control!

Sunset had cleaned her apartment, which she did every time she knew her friends would come over, but she always liked to leave at least one thing out of place, just to see if Rarity would pick up on it.

Sunset heard a knock at her door, and she opened it to reveal Fluttershy. It was a rare occasion for her to be the first of her friends to arrive at her place, which Sunset found odd, because she lived closer to her than the others. "Come on in, Flutters," she said with a smile. "Make yourself at home!"

"I hope everyone else from CHS uses tonight to cool down," Fluttershy said as she walked in. "I can't imagine being in a school filled with aggressive and mean students!" She shuddered slightly.

"Well, that's what this meeting is for," Sunset said as she walked over to her mini-fridge. "I want to make sure we take some preventative measures before things go south."

There was another knock at the door. "I'll get it," Fluttershy said. "I'm closer."

Sunset shrugged, then searched her mini-fridge.

Fluttershy opened the door, and Pinkie Pie all but jumped in. "Woohoo!" Fluttershy yelped and jumped back a few inches in surprise. Pinkie put her hands in her hair and took out several refreshments and snacks, then placed them all in strategic locations as Sunset turned around with a 2 liter of soda. Sunset blinked, then shrugged and put the soda away. She should've known Pinkie would come prepared.

Another knock. "I'll get it," Pinkie declared in a singsong tone. She opened the door, and Rainbow Dash walked in, giving her a high-five.

"So what's the plan," Rainbow asked as Pinkie closed the door behind her.

"We'll get to that when everyone gets here," Sunset said.

Rainbow shrugged, then grabbed a fistful of snacks and sat down on the couch. She closed her eyes, leaned back and sprinkled the snacks into her open mouth. "Any idea when when anybody else'll get here?"

"They'll get here when they get here."

Rainbow made a sputtering noise, then grabbed some soda and chugged it down as another knock came from Sunset's door. The athlete grinned widely, sensing a chance for some fun. "I'll get it," she said, then took a deep breath, sucking in air until she felt a bubble in her throat. She repeated the process again, then opened the door. She tensed up her stomach muscles, then saw Rarity. Oh, shit, she thought it was going to be Applejack! She turned her head away almost immediately, but it was too late. "Son of a bitch," she belched out loudly with her head about halfway turned.

"Rainbow Dash! Honestly," Rarity admonished as her eyes narrowed in offense. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, waiting for an apology.

"Sorry, Rares," Rainbow belched out again, then coughed. "Damn, wasted opportunity," she said in frustration with a strained tone. Next time she'd wait until she knew for sure it would be AJ on the other side of the door. She grabbed a glass of water, drank it down, then sighed.

Pinkie Pie burst into a laughing fit, then skipped over to Rainbow as she wiped a tear from her eye. "Oh, you have got to teach me how to do that, Dashie!"

Rainbow Dash grinned widely as someone knocked on the door.

"That's probably Applejack," Sunset said as reached the door. She opened the door, and Applejack walked in.

"Howdy, y'a-"

"In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups. The police who investigate crime, and the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories." Pinkie finished belching out her monologue, then grinned widely, making a squeaking noise.

Sunset's apartment fell silent as she and each of her friends stared at Pinkie with various expressions of disgust and awe. Rainbow Dash broke the silence by bursting into a laughing fit even stronger than Pinkie's before her!

Applejack looked at Sunset with confusion, and was given a shrug and roll of the eyes as a response to her unspoken question. "Well, ain't that somethin' to walk into," she said flatly as the door closed behind her. She looked at the couch, where Rainbow Dash was soundlessly laughing. "Is she gonna be okay," the farmgirl asked, pointing at the now red-faced athlete.

Rarity sighed. "Oh for goodness' sake, Rainbow. It wasn't that funny!"

Rainbow Dash gasped, bringing her natural cyan color back to her face. "Holy shit, I can't remember the last time I laughed like that!" She sighed, finally having caught her breath. Normally, belches weren't that funny for her, but never had she ever heard anyone belch as long and loudly as Pinkie did!

"Great," Sunset said, clapping her hands together. "Now that we're all here, let's get started." She sat on her couch, as did Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Pinkie Pie opted to sit on Sunset's amp, while Fluttershy rolled in on a desk chair. "Okay," she started. "Does anybody have any ideas on how we can counter Anon-A-Miss?"

"We could check everyone's phones," Rainbow Dash said.

"That would be an invasion of privacy," Fluttershy said.

"Not to mention it'd take forever to go through all of them," Sunset added. "Any other suggestions?"

"Maybe we could, um, ask everyone nicely," Fluttershy asked.

"Fluttershy, dear, never change," Rarity said as she gently pat her on the head.

"It's a nice thought," Sunset said, "But chances are whoever Anon-A-Miss is is going to lie when you ask them."

"Perhaps I could channel my inner Shadow Spade and try to get some answers," Rarity said.

Sunset cupped her chin in thought. "I don't see why not," she said with a shrug. It was better than nothing at this point. "Just...try to be discreet." Rarity grinned and nodded. "Now, then," she continued. "Any other ideas?"

"Ooh," Pinkie squealed in excitement. "I could make and send out party invitations for Anon-A-Miss, then we'd find out who they are when they arrive!"

"I... don't think they'd fall for it," Sunset said. "It's a bit too obvious."

Pinkie shrugged. "Just a thought."

Applejack sighed. "Sorry, girls, but I got nothin' at the moment. Maybe I'll just keep my ears open while I walk the halls."

Sunset smiled. "Works for me. Anyone else have any ideas?"

Rainbow grinned, holding a controller. "Maybe playing some games could help."

"I don't see why not. You can't rush inspiration, after all."

Everyone else agreed and spent the rest of the night just hanging out.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all sat in a circle. They had recently texted Wallflower and Trixie, requesting a talk over the phone. They needed to get something off of their chests, and they weren't sure what to expect. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's phones rang, causing the trio to jump and yelp. They exchanged nervous glances, then nodded with conviction. The two girls accepted their calls.

"Hello," Wallflower said.

"Can you make this quick," Trixie asked impatiently. "The Great and Powerful Trrrrrixie was in the middle of a good game."

"Wallflower, Trixie..." Scootaloo said, then paused with a sigh. "We've been thinking..."

"Yes...and," Wallflower asked.

"All day we saw people fighting, and we were the cause of it," Sweetie Belle said.

"What's your point," Trixie asked.

"We don't like where this is going, Wallflower," Apple Bloom said plainly, folding her arms. "This was about Sunset, not the rest of Canterlot High."

"Oh. Is that all," Wallflower asked, relieved. "Don't you worry, girls. Tomorrow afternoon, it will be."

The Crusaders exchanged glances of doubt.

"I-If you say so..."

"I do say so," Wallflower said. "Everything will work out just fine."

"Are we done now? Trixie has a high score to beat!"

"Anything else," Wallflower asked.

"N-No." Scootaloo said, putting an arm behind her head.

"See you tomorrow, then!"

Wallflower and Trixie hung up, leaving Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo feeling uncertain about ditching their original plan of backing out.

Both meetings came to a close, but nothing could have prepared either party for what the next day would bring.

Eyes Peeled, Ears Open

Applejack woke up with a stretch and a yawn, then cracked her knuckles and neck. Today was gonna be the day that that Anon-A-Miss person would get the what-for. She could feel it. Between her and her five other friends, she felt confident that today would be the end of it.

Applejack quickly got dressed, then slid down the banister on the stairway. "Never gets old," she said with a laugh. She walked into the kitchen to see Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom all at the table eating breakfast. "Mornin', y'all." They each greeted her with a wave since their mouths were full of pancakes. Ma always said to never talk with your mouth full, she thought as a wave of nostalgia flooded through her, filling her with calm. She sat down at the table, and began to eat.

After Applejack finished and cleaned up after herself, she began to head out, only for Apple Bloom to rocket past her.

Must be excited to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Applejack smiled warmly, understanding her younger sister's feelings. She was looking forward to spending time with her own friends! But first things first. She had to keep her eyes peeled and her ears opened. Ain't nobody gonna mess with a friend of hers and get away with it!

Narrowing her eyes in determination, Applejack boarded the bus. As usual, all the students were gabbin' about something or other. She blinked in surprise once she came to a realization...

Everyone's arguing!

"How in tarnation did this happen so fast?" Applejack scratched her head, then got to her seat and glanced at other students and their phones as she passed them by. Most were checking Anon-A-Miss' page for updates. She just didn't understand. If this gal's been posting secrets and pissing people off, why would students keep coming back for more? It didn't make a lick of sense! She shrugged it off, then sat down at a seat.

Once the bus stopped in front of Canterlot High, Applejack walked out of the bus as she continued to keep her eyes on her fellow students. Still keeping their noses on their phones, but not posting as Anon-A-Miss! She grit her teeth and grunted in frustration, then went along inside.

Applejack opened the door to students shouting at each other. She could practically feel the anger in the air. It was gonna be hard tryin' to focus with everyone yelling...but she had to. For Sunset. All of a sudden, she was grabbed from behind by a pair of amber-colored hands. "What the-" she turned around to see Sunset, looking haggard. "Are y'all okay, Sunset?"

"I... I don't know, Applejack." Sunset sounded scared. "I was fine when I woke up this morning, but then I got on my bus and people were fighting!"

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Y'all seemed just fine the last time the whole school was at each other's throats."

"That was dark magic, Applejack. This," Sunset said, gesturing to all the students. "This is different." She sighed heavily. "Is this..." she trailed off and looked away slowly.

"Is this what, sugarcube?"

"Is this what it felt like when I tore Canterlot High apart?"

Applejack paused for a moment, then mentally prepared herself for anything. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Yes."

Sunset flinched, then embraced Applejack and shuddered. "It hurts, Applejack."

Applejack returned the hug and gently ran a hand through Sunset's hair. "I know it does, Sunset. I know it does."

The warning bell for first period rang.

Applejack broke the hug, then smiled and put her hands on Sunset's shoulders. "Don't you worry. You've got five friends lookin' out for you, and we won't rest until it's all said and done." She tightened her grip. "One way or another, this mess ends today."

Sunset smiled warmly. "Thank you. I feel a little better."

Applejack grinned. "Glad to hear it. See ya at lunch!"

Sunset waved as Applejack walked over to her first period class.

Applejack muttered under her breath as she left her first period class. Why did she think glancing over people's shoulders was a good idea? She was starting to feel no better than an eavesdropper! Shoulda left the observational stuff to Rarity... Her thoughts were abruptly put to a stop as she heard someone sobbing nearby. Now someone's crying? What's next? Fighting in the halls? She followed the sound until she noticed a stocky teenager sitting on the floor. Her pale hands covered her face as her purple and orange beaded hair bounced with each convulsion of emotion. It was one of Rarity's Wondertone friends! What was her name..."Torch Song?"

Torch Song lowered her hands from her head, revealing tear-dampened cheeks. "A-Applejack?"

"What's wrong?"

Torch Song sniffled. "T-Toe Tapper and I have been friends since Kindergarten... and now he wants nothing to do with me anymore!" Her crying began anew as Applejack sat herself down next to the emotional student.

"What happened?"

"H-He thinks I can't stand his singing voice!"

Applejack's eyes widened. "That's crazy talk! I know you love his singing voice." That's about all she knew about Torch Song, period.

Torch Song sighed heavily and dug into her pocket, producing her phone. She handed it to Applejack.

Anon-A-Miss
Torch Song thinks Toe Tapper sings like a cat on fire!

Applejack's eyes narrowed as she felt anger build from within. It was bad enough this Anon-A-Miss person was exposing people's personal lives, but now she's making up lies?! She gave Torch Song's phone back to her, then stood up. "Don't you worry," she said in a tone far calmer than how she felt. "My friends and I'll take care of this."

"Thank you, Applejack." Torch Song got up and hugged her.

"Don't mention it," Applejack said as she returned the hug.

The warning bell for second period rang, and the hug was broken. "Try to stay strong," she called out as she ran off.

"Will do," Torch Song said, then ran off to her next class.

Second period ended, and Applejack was still furious over the fact that someone was getting a kick out of making up stories to hurt people. She couldn't remember the last time she was this pissed off over something! Her blood was boiling, her teeth were clenched...she kept looking forward as she went on to her next class, worried that the wrong thing would set her off like a bomb.

Third period was over, and Applejack had calmed down a mite. Whether hard labor or schoolwork, focusing on something worked wonders for her. Smiling, but still determined to take down Anon-A-Miss, she walked the halls and scanned students as she passed them all by until she reached her class.

Fourth period ended, and still no luck. Applejack began to feel frustrated again as she passed a group of students shouting at each other as several staff members began to intervene. Shaking her head, she sighed. It's a damn shame, what Canterlot High's become today. Who on earth would go to so much trouble to cause so much trouble? Her eyes widened as realization struck. There was only one student in school who would sink this low.

"...Trixie..."

The warning bell for fifth period rang, and Applejack headed over to her class.

It was now lunchtime, and Applejack knew who Anon-A-Miss was. She went into the cafeteria to tell her friends, feeling confident that before lunch ended, everything would be back to normal and it would be all over.

She would come to find that she was simply being optimistic.

Author's Note

Ten.

A Desperate Search

Apple Bloom's alarm clock went off, waking her up. She rubbed her bleary eyes, then got out of bed and turned it off. Guilt had begun to set in, and Applejack almost always knew when she was hiding something! Therefore, she had decided to wake up before her older sister. Cracking her neck and her knuckles, Apple Bloom began to get dressed.

Apple Bloom raced into the kitchen as Granny Smith began to set the table. "Hiya!"

Granny smiled warmly. "Mornin', child. You wanna help?"

Apple Bloom nodded. She'd have to tread carefully with Granny Smith. Every member of her family, including herself, valued truth very highly. That was one of the reasons she had begun to feel her guilt. She just had to keep quiet around her family until this whole mess blew over. Easier said than done...

Once breakfast was over and the table was cleaned, Apple Bloom shot past Applejack and headed for the bus. The door opened, and she flinched, covering her ears. Everyone was arguing loudly! Gritting her teeth, she got on trying to ignore all the yelling until she sat down. She took her phone out of her pocket, then sent a text.

Everybody's gone plum crazy! - Apple Bloom

That's part of the plan. - Wallflower Blush

Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes as her doubts grew stronger.

This isn't right, Wallflower! Only Sunset was supposed to be the target! - Apple Bloom

Oh, she still is. The students are just the means to an end. - Wallflower Blush

Apple Bloom's eyes widened. Before she could send another text, the bus reached Canterlot High. She disembarked and began searching for Wallflower. Things had gotten out of control, and she wanted to talk some sense into the woman! As she ran through the halls, the warning bell for first period rang. She sighed, then went to her class.

First period was over, and Apple Bloom resumed her search. She kept her eyes forward, avoiding the fight in the- "A fight?!" She panicked, then ran over to Vice-Principal Luna's office, throwing open the door.

Vice-Principal Luna stood up from her desk, glaring at her. "Apple Bloom, what is the meaning of-"

"There's a fight in the halls!"

"What?! Where?"

Apple Bloom guided the Vice-Principal to the scene, then sighed heavily as the warning bell for second period rang.

Second period ended, and Apple Bloom took out her phone.

It's absolute chaos out there, Wallflower! - Apple Bloom

She waited for a minute and received no response. Growling in frustration, she pocketed her phone and began running through the halls.

"Hey!"

Apple Bloom looked behind herself to see muscular tan teenager chasing after her as his long blond hair bounced. His blue eyes narrowed in determination as he caught up to her. He was Watchful Eye, the Hall Monitor "Dammit!" she swore under her breath, then stopped. "I know, I know... no running in the halls."

"Then you'd better have a good reason for doing so if you knew not to."

"I'm looking for a student named Wallflower Blush! She's the one causing all this ruckus!"

Watchful Eye blinked. "Do you have any proof?"

Apple Bloom opened her mouth, blinked, then sighed heavily. There was no getting out of this, and she was positive she'd be in some sort of trouble by the end of the day anyway. Might as well rip the band-aid off. "No. I don't."

"I'm going to let you off with a warning, then," Watchful Eye said, folding his arms. "But if I catch you running in the halls again, there will be consequences."

Apple Bloom heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you." The warning bell for third period rang.

Third period had ended, and Apple Bloom took out her phone. She knew she would be hoping against hope in doing so, but she called Wallflower Blush anyway. Several rings later, there was a click.

"Hello, you've reached the voicemail of Wallflower Blush. Please leave a messa-" Apple Bloom hung up and put the palm of her hand to her face. Why did she even bother?! She grunted in frustration. There had to be a way to contact Wallflower that would get her to respond!

Apple Bloom dared not use the Anon-A-Miss account, because that's what got Canterlot High into this mess! She had to think. How do you get a hold of someone who's practically invisible?! Before she could take another action, the warning bell for fourth period rang.

Fourth period ended, and Apple Bloom paced back and forth, desperately trying to come up with a plan of some kind. By the time an idea began to form, the warning bell for fifth period rang.

Fifth period had ended, and Apple Bloom took her phone out and sent a text to the other Crusaders. She should have done so from the start! Surely Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had come into contact with Wallflower!

Have either of you been able to get in touch with Wallflower? - Apple Bloom

No. And not for lack of trying. - Sweetie Belle

Same here. - Scootaloo

If Apple Bloom didn't have a bad feeling about all this before, she sure as shootin' did now!

Meet me in the cafeteria, girls. We need to speak to her before things get worse! - Apple Bloom

Roger that! - Scootaloo

Will do and see you there! - Sweetie Belle

Apple Bloom pocketed her phone and made her way to the cafeteria as a small hint of regret began to surface within her. Things shouldn't have gotten this out of hand. They should have pulled out last night... She grit her teeth. No. Now wasn't the time for self-pity. This was a mess that she and the girls got themselves into, and this was a mess that the three of them would get out of together. Whether or not the Crusaders got out unscathed didn't matter to her, so long as she had Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo by her side.

With the cafeteria in sight, Apple Bloom's regret began to disappear as determination took root. One way or another, this mess ends today! she thought, then strode on in.

Author's Note

Nine.

Canterlot High Noir

I woke up from my sleep and immediately got into character as I got of bed. Today I was going to get to the bottom of this Anon-A-Miss mess. Some palooka tried to frame a good friend of mine, and when I find the punk who's responsible, it'll be curtains for them! When you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!

I got dressed in one of my favorite outfits, which was a brown trenchcoat with a peach belt and bow. I put the hat on my head and smiled. It was time to get to work! I strolled downstairs, nearly tripping as my younger sister, Sweetie Belle, ran past me. Hmph. Kids these days. No matter. Breakfast was waiting and you can't do detective work on an empty stomach!

By the time breakfast was over, Sweetie Belle ran ahead of me again! Doesn't she know the expression 'ladies first'? Nevermind that. It was time to board the bus and begin investigating! My sister was nowhere to be found, but that was just fine. She's her own girl, after all. I got on and almost immediately covered my ears! Everyone was shouting at each other, far worse than yesterday's hostilities. I grimaced as I made my way to my seat. This sort of hubbub wouldn't give me the chance to grill any potential suspects, so I sat down at the closest available seat and stared out the window, thinking of ways to expose Anon-A-Miss' identity.

Upon reaching Canterlot High, I spied Micro Chips. Remembering that Applejack listed him as a potential suspect, I decided to confront him. "Micro Chips!" I yelled out his name, gaining his attention. As I walked towards him, I pulled up Anon-A-Miss' first post on my phone and pointed at it. "What were you doing when this was posted?"

The purple bespectacled student began to sweat nervously under my gaze. "Y-Y-You don't want to know." He looked away.

My suspicion aroused, I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I don't?" I leaned closer to him in an attempt to come off as more intimidating. I didn't like doing this to the poor shmuck, but if it helped clear Sunset's name I'd do it in two shakes of a martini! "And why is that, pray tell? Did someone put you up to this?" I pointed at the post again.

"N-N-No..."

I had to force out whatever it was he was hiding from me. I imagined a fanny pack, platform shoes with fishes swimming in them and a plaid shirt.

All part of the same outfit.

I nearly flew into a rage, then calmed myself enough to slap my palm on the wall. "Perhaps you don't understand..." I was practically growling. "I want to know if someone put you up to this." I snarled, baring my teeth as I imagined polyester jumpsuits. "I'm going to give you to the count of five."

Micro Chips flinched, but stood his ground. I had to admit, he's braver that I gave him credit for.

"One."

Oh, he was going to break. I could practically see his teeth chattering!

"Two."

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you!"

Damn. I was hoping he'd hold out until four. "Thank you."

"But don't say I didn't warn you."

"Duly noted."

Micro Chips looked left, then right, then leaned into me. "I was masturb-"

I put a finger to his mouth as I slapped the palm of my other hand on my face. He was right. I didn't want to know. "I'm going to lift my finger from your mouth." Unwelcome images made their presence felt in my mind, and I cursed myself for it. "When I do, I want you to walk away... and never speak of this again to anybody. Capiche?"

Micro Chips nodded, and I removed my finger. We both turned around and went our separate ways as the warning bell for first period rang.

My first class of the day had ended, and I was still plagued with images of a most personal and unwanted manner. I needed a distraction. I needed...

"Rarity..."

I turned around to see Sunset Shimmer. Her normally bright teal eyes had lost their usual luster, and her hair was slightly frazzled. Her frown suggested that she'd been having a rough go of it. "Goodness, darling, are you all right?"

Sunset sighed and shrugged. "I wish I knew. What I do know is that it feels like there's something in the back of my head, like a long lost memory... and it's slowly trying to crawl to the front. It almost feels... maddening." She sighed again, putting her head in her hands.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I put my hand on her shoulder as a show of support.

"Again. I wish I knew."

The warning bell for second period rang.

"If you think of something, anything I can do for you, just say the word."

Sunset smiled faintly. "Yeah. I will. Thanks, Rarity."

"Don't mention it, darling."

And on that note, we parted ways.

As I left my second class, I started to realize that I wasn't thinking hard enough. Sure, Micro chips was tech savvy, but he didn't have a mean bone in his body. I had to think mean. I had to think bitchy... I gasped as realization dawned on me. I knew who to grill next!

"You're kidding, right?" Diamond Tiara, a constant tormentor of my sister her friends, said. "Look. We might be bitchy," she said, gesturing to herself and her toadie, Silver Spoon. "But we've never wrongly accused anyone before." I opened my mouth to say something, only to realize that as loathe as I was to admit it, she was right. Never in my memory had Sweetie Belle ever said those two had done so.

"Are we done now?" Silver Spoon folded her arms impatiently.

The warning bell for third period rang, and I hid my irritation as best I could. "Yes. We are," I said in as dignified a tone as I could muster. In my experience, you never give your antagonist the satisfaction of seeing you angry. As I walked away, I continued to rack my brains. Who would go to such lengths just to stir up trouble? As I reached the door to my classroom, I gasped. Why didn't it occur to me sooner? I went inside as a plan began to form in my brain.

I left my third period class and began my search. My next suspect was never too far away from trouble, but unfortunately for me, trouble was at every turn! Arguments were around every corner! Finding her was going to prove-

"Ack!"

A thud sounded on the floor beneath my feet, and I looked down to see my quarry.

"Trixie."

The illusionist looked up at me and got up on her own. "Rarity." She stared at me disdainfully. "To what does the Great and Powerful Trixie owe the honor of your presence?"

"Cut the act, sister."

Trixie raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "You're one to talk."

I sighed and closed my eyes momentarily, rolling them to calm myself. I can't let her have the advantage. "Be that as it may, I have a few questions for you."

Trixie idly stared her fingernails, perhaps in an effort to irk me. "You don't say."

I risked a glance at the clock in the hallway. Time was of the essence, and I aimed to get at least one answer out of her! I had to ask the right questions and push the right buttons. I had to think fast. Within seconds, I attacked her weakness. "On second thought, nevermind. You're not worth my time."

I glanced at Trixie to see if she took the bait. Her slack-jawed expression told me all I needed to know. I had her right where I wanted her! "How dare you insult the Great and Powerful Trixie! She's worth all the time in the world!"

"Oh, is she now?" I feigned disinterest to further rile her. "As a member of the Rainbooms, the band that won the competition against the sirens, why would I think you worth my time?" I had to play dirty. Rub salt in her wounds. "Face it, Lulamoon. You'll always be second best."

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is not playing second fiddle to Wallflower!" She gasped and put her hands to her mouth. I turned and smiled, slightly tipping my hat as the warning bell for fourth period rang.

I left my fourth period class. I finally had a lead! All I needed to do now was find Wallflower Blush and interrogate her! I kept my eyes peeled, searching the halls for her. Easier said than done, as she seems to prefer being out of the limelight. Time flew as I went from walking to sprinting, taking great care not to catch negative attention from Watchful Eye, the hall monitor. Before I knew it, the warning bell for fifth period rang. "Dammit!" Feeling defeated, I walked to my next classroom.

I left my class for the cafeteria. I may not have found Wallflower Blush, but at least I had something to go on. As I entered the lunchroom, I vowed that come hell or high water, one way or another...

...this mess ends today!

Author's Note

Eight.

Sweetie Belle's Perspective

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes to darkness. She preferred waking up to sunlight, it just felt so right. Sighing, she got dressed, then went downstairs as she ran past Rarity. Her eyes widened and she did a double take, glancing at her sister long enough to notice her attire. Whenever Rarity wore something based on one of her Shadow Spade books, it meant someone was headed for a world of trouble. Unfortunately, that also meant that Sweetie Belle and her friends were likely in for said world of trouble!

Once breakfast ended, Sweetie Belle shot past Rarity, avoiding eye contact. Even so much as a glace between her and her older sister could potentially cause her to break and spill the beans! She really did feel guilty, but at the same time she didn't want to get caught. Hoping to find refuge, she ran to the bus.

The bus door opened, and Sweetie Belle flinched as she covered her ears. The students weren't just talking, they were shouting! Passing several seats until she found an open one, she sat down and sent a text to Wallflower.

Hey, what's with all the fighting? - Sweetie Belle

All part of the plan, Sweetie Belle. All part of the plan. - Wallflower
Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow.

And how is this going to help us get back at Sunset? - Sweetie Belle

Oh, you'll see. - Wallflower

Sweetie Belle sighed. She'd heard that phrase enough times to know she wasn't going to get any more info. Probably best to just sit back and wait until the bus reached Canterlot High.

Once the bus reached its final stop, Sweetie Belle disembarked, not caring to see if Rarity was close by. She hurried inside to more angry students shouting at each other. Geez, this is almost as bad as the Battle of the Bands! She covered her ears and made a beeline to her first period class in the hopes of getting some semblance of peace.

After first period, Sweetie Belle left her class and entered a crowded hallway full of bickering students. She sighed heavily as she went on her way, watching students restrain one another in an effort to stop fights before they started. At least some people were being decent around here. That gave her some much-needed hope as she headed to her next class.

Second period had ended, and Sweetie Belle once again walked out to a hall full of shouting students. Maybe she could talk to Wallflower or Trixie... She took out her phone and dialed a number.

Now Calling: Wallflower Blush

Sweetie Belle waited patiently as the phone rang, and rang, until it went to voicemail. She sighed and hung up, then dialed Trixie.

Now Calling: Trixie Lulamoon

Sweetie Belle crossed her arms as she leaned on a wall with a grunt of frustration. The phone rang once, twice, a third time... and went to voicemail. She hung up again, then shook her her head slowly in defeat. Why was she expecting answers when she very well knew she wasn't going to get any? Sometimes she was too optimistic for her own good. She made a sputtering noise, then walked to her next class.

Sweetie Belle left her third period class with a smile for a change. The teacher was funny, and he managed to keep other students from fighting each other. That was a plus in her book! Now if only that could spread through the rest of the school, things would be looking up. On that note, she headed to her fourth period class, not bothering to watch any conflicts on the way.

After fourth period, Sweetie Belle stayed in her classroom until everyone else left. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then sighed in contentment at the peace she finally felt. It felt like it was the first time in an eternity that silence was all around her until a gruff voice spoke up.

"You're going to have to leave eventually."

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes to a slightly frowning Cranky Doodle.

"Is something wrong?"

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment, then nodded. "I wish all the fighting would stop. It's starting to drive me crazy!"

Cranky Doodle walked up to Sweetie Belle as his toupee bounced slightly, then put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Look, Sweetie," he said as his icy blue eyes looked at her. "Canterlot High has been through a whole lot of crazy things lately. We'll make it through this madness just like we have before. You just need to have a little faith, that's all."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Doodle. I feel better!"

Cranky smiled back. "Don't mention it, kid. Now, scram. You don't want to be late for your next class, do ya?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head, then left for her next class.

After fifth period, Sweetie Belle left her classroom and looked around the halls. Students were still fighting! And she, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom agreed to help Wallflower and Trixie... Had she known this was going to happen, she would have tried to talk her friends out of it.

Sweetie Belle winced, feeling a pang of guilt as she passed a student slumped against a locker, sobbing into his hands. Why did she and the girls agree to do this?! Tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she felt herself begin to choke up. She knew that trying to contact Wallflower would be a wasted effort, so the only thing to do would be to confront her directly.

Sweetie Belle ran to the cafeteria at the risk of drawing the ire of Watchful Eye. She wanted to do everything in her power to make sure that this mess ended today! As she neared the lunchroom, she looked back and sighed in relief, then nearly jumped as her phone buzzed. She took her phone out.

Have either of you been able to get in touch with Wallflower? - Apple Bloom

Sweetie Belle grunted in frustration. Looks like she wasn't the only one being ignored...

No. And not for lack of trying. - Sweetie Belle

Same here. - Scootaloo

Now Sweetie Belle had to find Wallflower. She entered the cafeteria in the hopes of finding either her or Trixie...

Author's Note

Seven.

Halls of Hostility

Fluttershy woke up, feeling dread in the pit of her stomach. She both did and did not want to go to Canterlot High today. She did not want to go because of all of the fighting, but at the same time she did want to go because she'd managed to survive it when the Dazzlings used their spell. Not to mention she had the feeling that Sunset could use some support, especially after what happened yesterday.

Narrowing her eyes in determination, Fluttershy got up out of bed. She had to go. What kind of friend would she be to Sunset if she stayed at home just so she could feel safer? The two of them had been through worse together, and Fluttershy owed it to not just herself, but her friend as well! Once fully dressed, she ran downstairs to head to the bus stop.

Once Fluttershy reached the bus stop, she looked around, then grumbled. Zephyr was probably sleeping in. Again. If that was the case, then her mom or dad would take time out of their day just to get him to school right before the bell rang. Again. She loved her brother, but sometimes he could be so infuriating! Shaking her head with a sigh, she resolved to have another talk with him after the school day. Oh, who was she kidding? He'd more than likely just nod his head and pretend to listen! She took a deep breath, then exhaled. There were more important things to worry about right now.

The bus had arrived, and Fluttershy got on board, flinching as the shouting of her fellow classmates assaulted her ears. There was no turning back now, not even if she wanted to. She closed her eyes, thinking happy thoughts. Images of cute puppies trying not to fall asleep and failing adorably appeared in her mind. Smiling and giggling to herself, she felt better.

The bus stopped and Fluttershy disembarked, making a beeline for Canterlot High. She would have preferred to spend some time outside where it was nice and quiet, but Sunset needed her and the rest of their friends! Entering the school, she sighed as students shouting even louder than the ones on the bus assaulted her ears.

"You okay," asked an all too familiar raspy voice behind Fluttershy.

Fluttershy turned around to see Rainbow Dash, eyeing her with concern. She sighed again. "I want all this fighting to end, Dashie."

Rainbow Dash smiled warmly as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "We all do, Fluttershy. We all do."

Fluttershy returned the smile, which slowly faded. "I'm worried about Sunset..."

Rainbow tightened her grip on Fluttershy's shoulder. "You don't have to worry. With friends as awesome as we are, she'll be just fine."

Fluttershy's smile returned, feeling reassured by Rainbow's words. "You know what? You're right!"

Rainbow grinned, putting her hands on her hips. "Of course I am!" The warning bell for first period rang, and she let go of Fluttershy's shoulder. "Trust me," she said. "Everything's going to be just fine."

The two went their separate ways.

First period had ended, and Fluttershy walked the halls, ignoring the shouting as best she could. At least their anger wasn't directed at her. That would have been too much for her to take, even though she knew she'd done nothing to provoke anyone. Running a hand through her hair, she pressed on. Today would have been a little easier to deal with had she brought Angel Bunny or any of her other numerous comfort animals.

"Dude, what the hell?!"

Fluttershy blinked in surprise, recognizing the voice. She made her way towards the noise to see a student with thick green dreadlocks and a vest staring down a purple bespectacled student with suspenders. "Micro Chips! ...S-Sandalwood!" She ran a hand through her hair nervously. "What's wrong?"

Sandalwood turned around to face Fluttershy and pointed at Micro Chips. "He said that spirit animals aren't real!"

"While I genuinely believe that to be true," Micro Chips said as he adjusted his glasses. "I haven't said it before because I knew you'd get angry!"

Sandalwood turned to face Micro Chips, glowering at him. "You just admitted it!"

Micro Chips heaved a sigh as he reached into his pocket, producing a phone. "I did," he said as he accessed the MyStable app. "But I never told that to anyone else!" he held out his phone and pointed at it.

Micro Chips thinks spirit animals are a fabrication!
- Anon-A-Miss

"Enough!" Fluttershy yelled, surprising herself and the two before her. Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth with a gasp.

Sandalwood and Micro Chips stared at Fluttershy, then at each other.

Fluttershy regained her composure a moment later. "You two shouldn't be fighting like this," she said softly. "You're best friends. Don't let the little things become big things, like I and my friends almost did during the Battle of the Bands..."

Sandalwood and Micro Chips continued staring at each other until their expressions softened.

"She's right," Micro Chips conceded. "We can have a perfectly rational conversation about this instead of going at each other's throats."

Sandalwood nodded, then turned to Fluttershy. "Thanks, Butterfly."

Fluttershy blinked. "Um, my name is Fluttershy."

Sandalwood snickered. "I know. 'Butterfly' is a nickname I'm giving you." He put a hand on her head. "As thanks for keeping the peace between us." He gestured to himself and Micro Chips.

"Y-Y-Y-You're W-" Fluttershy stammered until the warning bell for the next period rang.

"See ya later, Butterfly." Sandalwood took his hand off of Fluttershy's head and walked off with Micro Chips. She stood still for several moments as heat rose to her face. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute!

"Hey!"

A new voice snapped Fluttershy out of her reverie. She turned around and saw Watchful Eye, the hall monitor.

"Class is about to start. Wouldn't want to be late, would you?"

Fluttershy gasped. "No, I wouldn't. Thank you!" She waved to the hall monitor and ran off to her next class.

Second period ended, and Fluttershy found that she couldn't keep her interaction with Sandalwood out of her mind.

"See ya later, Butterfly."

The recollection alone caused her to smile.

"Fluttershy..."

Fluttershy turned around and gasped in shock. Sunset Shimmer stood before her, hugging herself tightly as her eyes darted around. "Goodness, Sunset! What happened?"

Sunset shuddered. "I... I've been having a rough morning." She proceeded to tell Fluttershy everything that had happened to her up until this very moment. "I-I think I'm starting to hear voices..."

Fluttershy gasped. "What are they saying?"

Sunset looked away, as though she was deeply ashamed of herself. "...That I'm a monster..." Her whisper was barely audible, but still loud enough for Fluttershy to hear.

"Oh, Sunset..."

The warning bell for third period rang.

Sunset turned back around to give Fluttershy a sad smile. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she said. Fluttershy hesitated momentarily, then Sunset put a hand on her shoulder with a genuine smile. "I promise."

Feeling slightly reassured, Fluttershy nodded and went to her next class.

Fluttershy left her third period class with a lot on her mind. Sunset did tell her not to worry, but she couldn't help it! That, along with the quadratic equations that were drilled into her head in math class... Not to mention these confusing feelings for Sandalwood that were surfacing. She sighed. I really, really should have brought Angel Bunny with me! She decided to go outside for some fresh air to clear her head.

Upon reaching the exit, Fluttershy walked out and closed her eyes, focusing on the background noises. The chirping of the birds. Cars passing by. The light breeze flowing through her hair... She sighed happily, finding peace in a moment of mental respite. The moment was not long, however, as the warning bell for fourth period rang.

Fluttershy smiled and walked back inside.

After fourth period, Fluttershy left her class to more screaming and shouting in the hallways. With a grimace of pain, she covered her ears and ran to her next class.

Fifth period ended, and Fluttershy bolted out of her classroom. She didn't know how much more of this madness she could take! If the halls were this bad, she could only imagine how intense the cafeteria atmosphere was! Still, her friends were going to be in there. Sunset would be in there, and something told her she'd be in dire need.

Fluttershy grit her teeth as she neared the cafeteria, and fervently hoped that this mess would end today!

Author's Note

Six.

Anything for a Friend

Pinkie Pie opened her eyes and sprung out of bed. Normally the first thought on her mind would be something fun to do, but someone was trying to frame Sunset Shimmer and that was not cool. She cracked her knuckles and began to go about her day as she dressed, then made her way downstairs.

Pinkie hurried down the stairs to see her three sisters, and blinked in surprise. "Limestone? What are you doing here? You graduated from Canterlot High already!"

Limestone grunted and folded her arms. "Maud told me what's been happening."

Pinkie frowned slightly. "I didn't tell you anything because I didn't want you to worry about us," she said as she gestured to herself, Marble, and Maud.

"Pinkie," Limestone said as she put her hands on her sister's shoulders. "I'll always worry about you three." She smiled, a rare occasion even when she interacted with family. "It's what I do."

Pinkie returned the smile and hugged, which was broken after a moment. "Now enough with the sap! You girls go, and be safe. If anybody messes with you..." She gave a sinister grin and cracked her knuckles.

"Will do, big sis," Pinkie exclaimed as she and her other sisters made their way to the bus stop.

The bus arrived at Canterlot High, and Pinkie and Marble disembarked as they covered their ears. "Sheesh! I've had enough of all the fighting!"

"Mm-hm!"

Maud remained silent as the three entered Canterlot High.

"See you girls later," Pinkie said as the sisters went their separate ways. She sighed, knowing that the idea she had for invitations wouldn't have worked. She just wanted to do something to help Sunset... but what?

The warning bell for first period rang, and Pinkie high-tailed it to her class.

First period ended, and Pinkie sighed again. She couldn't think of anything to help with all of the angry shouting and yelling! Maybe getting a breath of fresh air would help get her noggin running. She walked to the school exit and went outside. "Ahhh," she sighed in contentment. A gentle breeze blew, calming her further. "So relaxing..." she lied on the steps, putting her hands behind her head as she laced her fingers. The warning bell for second period rang, and Pinkie yelped. So much for fresh air...

Second period ended, and Pinkie still couldn't think of anything to do for Sunset! "Come on, brain," she said. "You gotta push past the social studies! Help me!" She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, but nothing came to mind. This began to frustrate the pink girl, and she clenched her teeth. "Work, dammit, work," she shouted, flailing her arms.

Several students passing by stopped to watch the spectacle before them, then went about their days, simply chalking it up to Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

After a few moments, the warning bell for third period went off. Pinkie slouched in defeat and trudged off to her next class.

Third period ended, and Pinkie muttered under her breath. Nothing was coming to her... nothing! She yelped as she felt a pair of hands embrace her from behind. The pink girl turned around...

"Sunset?"

Sunset shivered. Her normally bright hair looked faded, and she struggled to look her friend in the eye. "Pinkie..." she took a deep breath, then sighed heavily. "I... I could use a hug."

Pinkie's eyes widened, and she smiled. "One hug-a-roonie, comin' up!" She embraced Sunset, who shivered again, then returned the hug. The former bully sighed again, but this time contentedly. This was what Pinkie could do for Sunset! It was all so clear now! All she had to do was just be there for her! Boy, did she feel silly, thinking too hard after all that time!

Sunset broke the hug with a faint smile. "Thanks, Pinkie. I really, really needed that."

"No problem," Pinkie said with a wink. "Hey," she said, then put a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Keep in touch with me throughout the day, okay? I'm worried about you..."

"I will."

Pinkie smiled. "Pinkie Promise?"

Sunset smiled warmly. "'Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,'" she recited.

"That's my girl," Pinkie said with a grin and a gentle pat on her friend's back.

The warning bell for fourth period rang.

"See you later," Sunset said.

"Yup, yup!" Pinkie headed over to her next class.

Fourth period ended, and Pinkie shot a quick text to Sunset.

How are you holding up?

She pocketed her phone, and began walking toward her next class while also keeping a ear open for when her phone buzzed. Several moments passed, and Pinkie began to worry. Sunset Shimmer would never break a Pinkie Promise... would she?

Pinkie's phone buzzed, and she snatched it out of her pocket.

Sorry about that... - Sunset Shimmer

Was busy talking to Rainbow Dash.

I'm doing just fine, don't you worry.

Pinkie heaved a sigh of relief.

Good to know, Sunset. Good to know.

The warning bell for fifth period rang, and Pinkie put her phone back in her pocket as she headed off to her next class.

Fifth period ended, and Pinkie left her class with a smile. Aside from all the shouting and fighting students, everything seemed to going just fine. She took her phone out, and sent Sunset another text.

Hey there, what's the word?

Pinkie put her phone back in her pocket and waited patiently for a response. A couple of minutes passed and she took her phone out. No response. The pink girl's eyebrows furrowed in concern. Maybe Sunset would send it... now!

No response.

Pinkie felt a chill through her body, then sneezed. Her eyes widened in horror. A chill and a sneeze was her Pinkie Sense acting up, and those two put together meant something terrible was going to happen to Sunset Shimmer! With as much speed as she could muster, Pinkie Pie ran to the cafeteria.

"Don't worry, Sunset! I'm coming to save you!" She just hoped she wouldn't be too late...

Author's Note

Five.

Steadfast Friendship

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and rose from her bed. This was it. Today was the day she and the girls were going to take down Anon-A-Miss! With the cracking of her knuckles and neck, the athlete swiftly got dressed and bolted out the door. She wasted no time interacting with her parents this morning. Rainbow loved them to death, but for now... she was a woman on a mission! As fast as she could, she reached the bus stop and boarded.

Rainbow's bus stopped, and she hurried out to go inside Canterlot High. As she made her way in, she noticed Fluttershy looking a little ill at ease. "You okay?"

Fluttershy turned around, then sighed. "I want all this fighting to end, Dashie."

Rainbow Dash smiled warmly as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "We all do, Fluttershy. We all do."

Fluttershy returned the smile, which slowly faded. "I'm worried about Sunset..."

Rainbow tightened her grip on Fluttershy's shoulder. "You don't have to worry. With friends as awesome as we are, she'll be just fine."

Fluttershy's smile returned, feeling reassured by Rainbow's words. "You know what? You're right!"

The two went their separate ways.

First period ended and Rainbow left her class, gritting her teeth. She wanted to help Sunset, but her only idea was shot down... But her friends had valid points. Making a sputtering noise, she put her hands in her pockets and began to walk the halls. Nothing says I can't at least glance at their phones... With each student she passed, the athlete took a quick look at students' phones. She continued to do so until the warning bell for second period rang.

After second period, Rainbow left her class and sighed. Why did she think trying to monitor everyone's phones was a good idea? The athlete kicked at the hallway floor. "Everything's going to be fine," I said... She rolled her eyes and shook her head. Did she really say that to Fluttershy or was she just trying to fool herself?

"No," Rainbow muttered under her breath. This wasn't the time for a pity party. Sunset Shimmer needed help, and she'd do anything in her power to help Rainbow if she was in the same position! The athlete narrowed her eyes in determination, feeling a new rush of adrenaline. The day had hardly begun, what was she getting all depressed for?!

The warning bell for third period rang, and Rainbow ran to her next class.

Third period ended with Rainbow bolting out of the classroom. Maybe she just needed to clear her mind or something. Or better yet...

She closed her eyes imagined herself in the center of a large circle. Gradually, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, and even her parents appeared. A chant began.

"Rainbow Dash is awesome!"
"Rainbow Dash is awesome!"

Feeling motivated, Rainbow opened her eyes with a huge grin. She cracked her neck and her knuckles. "Time to be awesome!"

The warning bell for fourth period rang, and Rainbow sagged in frustration. "Goddammit," she muttered under her breath. Well, she was always awesome anyway.

Rainbow Dash left her fourth period class and began wandering the halls until she heard her name being called.

"R... Rainbow..."

She turned around to see Sunset Shimmer, on the verge of tears. Gasping, the athlete hurried over to her friend. "What's wrong?"

Sunset sniffled. "Make it stop... Please..." She broke, hugging Rainbow as she sobbed. The athlete returned the hug, worried for her friend.

For a moment, Rainbow stood there, her mind racing with way to console Sunset. She ended up stroking her hair gently. "It's going to be okay," the athlete said over and over. And yet, she couldn't help but wonder if she meant it or she was trying to calm herself down.

Would everything really be okay, though? This whole Anon-A-Miss bullshit had been tearing the school apart, just like- Rainbow's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. Just like Sunset before she accepted friendship... The athlete tightened the hug, then whispered into Sunset's ear.

"You, me and the girls are going to get through this, okay? All five of us have your back, and don't forget the staff do too!"

Sunset shuddered, having cried the last of her tears. She stared at Rainbow with bloodshot eyes. "Why do I have to constantly be reminded of my past?" Heaving a sigh, she put a hand to her forehead and shook her head, breaking the hug. "You'd think that after everything I've done and everything that I've been through..."

"I get it," Rainbow said softly. "It sucks big time." She smiled. "But like I said, a lot of people have your back. You don't have to suffer alone."

Sunset folded her arms and looked away. "Maybe I'm supposed to..."

"Sunset!" Rainbow grabbed her friend's hands, gaining her attention. "That's a load of bullshit. You're only letting yourself suffer."

Sunset sighed heavily and looked away again.

Rainbow grit her teeth in frustration. There had to be a way to get her out of this funk!

"I appreciate what you're doing, Rainbow," Sunset said with a faint smile, "But I've got a lot going through my head right now... I think I just need some time alone..."

"Sunset..." Rainbow said. "I... I don't say the 'L' word a whole lot, but..." She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I love you like a sister. And I'm worried about you."

Sunset's eyes widened in surprise, then she smiled warmly. "I love you like a sister, too," she said, then hugged Rainbow Dash again, holding her tightly until the warning bell for fifth period rang.

Rainbow broke the hug. "See you in the cafeteria?"

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. See you there."

Fifth period was over, and Rainbow Dash hurried out of her classroom. She was happy that Sunset cheered up, but knowing her, she began to wonder how long that would last... Hopefully she'd still be feeling better by the time they all met up in the cafeteria.

Upon reaching the lunchroom, Rainbow Dash kept her guard up. She had a feeling that anything could happen...

...And she would come to regret how right she was.

Author's Note

Four.

Doubts

Scootaloo woke up, feeling unease. Not because her aunts Holiday and Lofty were away at work, but because she felt as though this Anon-A-Miss thing had been a bad idea. Not from the very start, though. Jealousy had taken hold of her and her fellow Crusaders, but now that she had time to think about it, this seemed like a bit much. She quickly got dressed, then ran downstairs to get to the bus stop.

Upon reaching the stop, Scootaloo tapped her foot impatiently as she folded her arms. She closed her eyes and sighed, then opened them as she heard the bus approached. The door opened, and the teenager walked in to an audio assault. Scootaloo flinched and grit her teeth as she walked over to find an open seat.

She sat down and growled as she took out her phone. She sent a text.

What the hell, Wallflower?!

Scootaloo scowled at her phone, waiting impatiently for an answer.

Moments later, she received one.

All part of the plan. - Wallflower Blush

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow.

That doesn't tell me anything.

All in good time. - Wallflower Blush

Scootaloo grunted in frustration, then pocketed her phone and stared out the window until the bus reached Canterlot High. Upon disembarking, she ran a hand through her hair and entered the school.

The halls were filled with yelling and angry students. This sucked big time. Scootaloo felt like there was nothing she could do. The fact that she was in part responsible for all of this craziness only made her feel worse.

The warning bell for first period rang, and Scootaloo trudged off to class.

First period was over, and Scootaloo began to wonder for at least the dozenth time if what she and her friends were doing was truly worth the cost... Tearing the school apart just like- She gasped. Okay, now she knew what she doing was wrong! What was she thinking?!

Scootaloo had to talk some sense into Wallflower Blush before it was too late! She hurriedly grabbed her phone and dialed the gardener's number. A dial tone began. "Come on, pick up!" the girl ran in place, feeling panic wash over herself. Several moments later, it went to voicemail. "Dammit."

The warning bell for second period rang, and Scootaloo sighed heavily as she headed to her next class.

Second period had ended, and Scootaloo had calmed down considerably, now that she had had some time to think. Maybe she could find Wallflower and speak to her directly. There was still a chance that she could keep things from spiraling out of control...

Scootaloo sprinted through the hallways, looking left and right. She watched her speed, taking care not to gain the ire of the hall monitor. Moments became minutes as she continued her search, and the warning bell for third period rang. Gritting her teeth in frustration, Scootaloo walked to her next class.

Third period was over, and the shouting of students was still in full force. Scootaloo covered her ears, hardly able to hear herself think! Why didn't Wallflower or Trixie tell her, Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle anything about this? She thought they were supposed to be a team! ...Honestly, though, she didn't know what to think right now. Canterlot High was slowly descending into hell, and the poor girl felt powerless, unable to do a damned thing to keep things from getting worse...

Scootaloo found a wall and leaned against it, then slid down and sat on the floor as she buried her head in her hands. Was this how Rainbow Dash felt in her darker moments? It felt terrible...

The warning bell for fourth period rang, and Scootaloo got up. This wasn't the time for self-pity. She didn't know how much time she had, but she was going to make the most of it! She ran to her next class.

Scootaloo had a headache by the time she left her fourth period class. She wasn't expecting that much note-taking! With a shake of her head, the teen racked her brains. Maybe calling Wallflower would work this time. She grabbed her phone and dialed the gardener, patiently waiting for an answer.

"Hello, you've reached the voicemai-"

Scootaloo grunted in frustration and hung up. She should have known. Why did she think something different was going to happen? The teen decided to stay standing as opposed to sitting down again. She felt nothing would be accomplished if she just sat down and did nothing...

The warning bell for the fifth period rang, and Scootaloo high-tailed it to her next class, not caring about being caught by the hall monitor.

Scootaloo left her fifth period class and began to head to the cafeteria, when her phone buzzed. She took it out of her pocket and read her messages.

Have either of you been able to get in touch with Wallflower? - Apple Bloom

No. And not for lack of trying. - Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo frowned and sent a text of her own.

Same here. - Scootaloo

This was worse than she thought! Wallflower wasn't communication with any of them! Her phone buzzed again...

Meet me in the cafeteria, girls. We need to speak to her before things get worse! - Apple Bloom

Scootaloo sent another text.

Roger that! - Scootaloo

Will do and see you there! - Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo shook her head wearily. What was Wallflower Blush's deal, anyway? She wanted to get back at Sunset Shimmer for some reason she didn't know, and the gardener convinced the Crusaders to help... And here she is now, doing things without consulting her or her other friends. It was like they didn't really matter. What were she, Sweetie and Apple Bloom to her? Expe-

Scootaloo came to a sudden realization, and her eyes widened in shock as she failed to stifle a gasp. She was so shaken by her revelation that instead of texting her friends in warning, she ran towards the cafeteria to tell them in person. A mistake that will haunt her for days to come.

Author's Note

Three.

Setting the Stage

Trixie woke up with a wide grin. Today was the day she would have her revenge! After being so humiliated by the Rainbooms in the Battle of the Bands, so vowed to make those girls pay! It was a shame that Twilight Sparkle wasn't around, but the next-best target was... Sunset Shimmer.

Trixie gritted her teeth in anger. Sunset. She just had to steal the spotlight by ponying up! For the whole of Canterlot High to see! The poor illusionist would never live that down! At least her vengeance would provide some sort of consolation...

Trixie eagerly ran downstairs and headed straight to the bus stop, not stopping to say good morning to her parents. She just knew that she'd be in trouble at the end of the day, but the illusionist felt the end result would be worth it. She boarded the bus, then yelped. At least, Trixie thought she yelped. She could hardly even think with all of the yelling students... And yet, she took it as a sign that the plan was running smoothly.

Trixie arrived at Canterlot High as she continued to smile. The pure, unadulterated chaos that had taken over the halls was just the beginning. The anticipation she had built up since the planning with Wallflower had reached a boiling point, and she could hardly wait for the climax!

The warning bell for the first period rang, and Trixie giddily ran to her class.

Trixie left her first period class, thankful to be free. She couldn't focus, as all she could think about was lunch. ...Okay, she was a little hungry, but that was beside the point! That would be when everything went down. Ooooh, it was all she could think about!! The illusionist stopped in the middle of the hallway, took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Okay. She was still excited, but not so excited that she'd raise suspicion. Everything was going according to plan, and she couldn't wait to see the results of her and Wallflower's efforts!

The warning bell for second period rang, and Trixie hurried to her next class.

Second period ended, and Trixie could was back to barely being able to hold in her excitement. She made a concerted effort to calm herself as she closed her eyes and sighed. Curb your enthusiasm, Trixie... curb your enthusiasm...

The shouting of the students filled Trixie's ears, making it harder to focus. Fine by her, whatever kept her calm at this point. She'd take whatever she could get....

The warning bell for third period rang, and Trixie scuttled off.

Trixie's giddiness had returned as she left her third period class, and she was too caught up in herself to pay attention to where she was going. The illusionist ran into a student.

"Ack!" Trixie fell on the floor with a thud. She shook her head rapidly.

"Trixie." An irritatingly familiar voice said.

The illusionist looked up to see the prissy fashionista of the Rainbooms. "Rarity." She got up on her feet. "To what does the Great and Powerful Trixie owe the honor of your presence?"

"Cut the act, sister."

Trixie raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "You're one to talk."

Rarity sighed and closed her eyes. "Be that as it may, I have a few questions for you."

Trixie idly stared her fingernails. "You don't say."

"On second thought, nevermind. You're not worth my time."

The illusionist's jaw dropped. Her honor had been offended, and she needed it restored! "How dare you insult the Great and Powerful Trixie! She's worth all the time in the world!"

"Oh, is she now," Rarity asked, wearing a look of boredom on her face. "As a member of the Rainbooms, the band that won the competition against the sirens, why would I think you worth my time? Face it, Lulamoon. You'll always be second best."

That tore it. The illusionist lost her temper. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is not playing second fiddle to Wallflower!" She gasped and put her hands to her mouth.

Rarity turned and smiled, tipping her hat and walking away as the warning bell for the next period rang.

Trixie seethed in fury as heat rose to her face, only to realize the implications of what just happened. "Shit." Moving swiftly, she took her phone out of her pocket.

Rarity got me to spill the beans. She knows you and I are working together! - Trixie

Trixie ran to her next class, checking her phone every once in a while until she reached the doorway.

Just stay calm. - Wallflower Blush

It's not over until it's over.

Trixie sighed heavily. Wallflower was right. This was just a minor setback.

Thank you. - Trixie

I really needed to hear that.

Fourth period was over, and and Trixie had calmed down considerably since her outburst. She checked her phone.

Hey, what are friends for? - Wallflower Blush

Trixie smiled warmly. She had all the reassurance she needed, and her confidence in the day was restored. She grinned wickedly. Just one more period until lunch. She could hardly wait any longer!

The warning bell for fifth period rang, and Trixie headed on over to her next class.

Fifth period had ended, and Trixie left the classroom. It was only a matter of time now. Months of planning with Wallflower Blush had led up to this. It was exciting. It was thrilling... She almost wished she had popcorn to fully enjoy what was going to go down. The illusionist wasn't going to fool herself into thinking that this was something she'd get away with, however. She knew that what would follow would be too big for just a slap on the wrist... But she craved revenge, and nothing would stop her or Wallflower from exacting it!

Trixie walked to the cafeteria, where Canterlot High history would be made. All the pieces were in place. Everything was ready. The illusionist walked inside and took a deep breath, knowing that nobody present would forget the events that were about to transpire.

All Wallflower had to do was simply pull the trigger.

Author's Note

Two.

Echoes

Sunset Shimmer awoke from her slumber and got out of bed. She stretched and yawned, then changed into her day clothes. She headed over to her bus stop, then headed inside the bus when it arrived.

Upon entering, Sunset flinched as angry shouting assaulted her ears. The uneasy feeling she had had yesterday returned, and it felt as though it wouldn't go away as easily as it did then. She sat down at a seat and stared out the window until the bus reached Canterlot High.

Sunset walked in, her feeling of unease growing slowly with each step she took until she saw Applejack in the halls.

Once Applejack was out of Sunset's sight, she sighed happily. She was truly grateful for all of her friends. People who were willing to do anything for her. To help her...

Sunset winced as the uneasy feeling returned, but she understood she had little time to worry about it. She hurried off to her next class.

Sunset left her first period class and sighed heavily. Try as she might, she could not rid herself of that ominous feeling and it was making her feel slightly tense... She sputtered, then turned around as she heard a whisper. There was nobody behind her.

Sunset grit her teeth and turned back around to see Rarity.

Despite Rarity's words of reassurance, Sunset still felt ill at ease. She wanted this feeling to go away...

"You're a monster..."

Sunset's eyes widened, and she turned around. Nobody was there. She grit her teeth and clenched her hands into fists. Was she losing her mind?? No. She shook her head. She just needed something to distract her, and hopefully the next class would be just what she needed...

"You're a monster..."

Sunset held herself tightly as she left her second period class. That was the third time she'd heard that today, and it was three times too many for her. She shuddered, then noticed Fluttershy a few steps ahead of her. Maybe she'd be able to help...

Sunset didn't like lying to Fluttershy, but she didn't want her friend worrying about her. Yet at the same time, she hated herself for doing so.

"You're a monster."

Sunset winced and grabbed her head. "...Please stop..." She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take...

Third period was over, and Sunset Shimmer felt like she was barely keeping herself in check.

"You're a monster."

Sunset growled. The voice had become more insistent, and something in the back of her mind told her that she should recognize where she first heard those words.

Sunset blinked. Had she heard those words spoken to her before? She didn't know... She sighed heavily, then saw Pinkie Pie a few feet ahead. Hopefully she'd be able to help her out...

Sunset smiled warmly as she walked away from Pinkie. Her hugs were always warm, and always put her mind at ease...

"You're a monster."

The voice sounded closer, and Sunset grit her teeth as a memory of herself surfaced in her mind's eye. It was the night of the Fall Formal, and she had the sledgehammer in her hands. She shook her head rapidly, then went on to her next class.

Fourth period ended, and Sunset's memory had persisted throughout class. She left the classroom and looked around. With each student she passed, she grit her teeth. She felt a headache coming on...

"You're a monster!"
"You're a monster!"
"You're a monster!"

Sunset cried out, covering her mouth just in time to avoid any unwanted attention. A lump formed in her throat as she felt her eyes water. She wanted this madness to end... She took a deep breath, then saw Rainbow Dash.

"R... Rainbow..."

"I love you like a sister, and I'm worried about you..." Rainbow's words echoed in Sunset's head, but did little to rid her of all the things that had been plaguing her mind all day. She remembered that she Pinkie Promised Pinkie Pie that she'd keep in touch with her!

How are you holding up? - Pinkie Pie

Sunset sent back a text.

Sorry about that... - Sunset Shimmer

Was busy talking to Rainbow Dash.

I'm doing just fine, don't you worry.

Why the fuck was Sunset still lying to her friends?! She blinked, feeling her phone buzz.

Good to know, Sunset. Good to know. - Pinkie Pie

The warning bell for fifth period rang, and Sunset Shimmer knew why she was lying to her friends. It wasn't just that she didn't want them to worry about her...

...It was that she deserved this suffering.

Sunset Shimmer left her fifth period class, feeling empty. The anguish she'd been experiencing throughout the day had taken its toll on her, and she just wanted the day to end...

"You're a monster..."

Sunset sniffled, but pressed on. She had to. It was all she could do to avoid falling completely to despair. Just an inch away from madness, she ignored all that transpired around her. All that mattered was getting to the cafeteria and talking to her friends...

...Friends that she didn't think she deserved anymore.

"You're a monster..."

Sunset grit her teeth. "Shut up..."

"You're a monster..."

Sunset sniffled again as her hands balled into fists. "D-Dammit..."

"You're a monster..."

Sunset shuddered. "P... Please stop..." She whimpered. This was a battle that she had been losing from the start, and she needed help. She needed her friends... that she didn't deserve.

No... she did deserve them!

No... she didn't.

No... she did!

Sunset grabbed her head, hissing through her teeth. Whether or not she deserved them anymore was irrelevant at this point. What was most important was that she needed them, and she needed them desperately. She'd figure the rest out after a talk with them.

Sunset sighed wearily as she felt mentally and emotionally drained. Speaking to her friends would push her beyond the limits she had already reached, but she knew all too well that there could be no healing without pain. She scoffed. Yeah, she hadn't had enough of that today...

With her friends in her mind, Sunset Shimmer fought through the pain as she reached the cafeteria.

I sure hope this all ends today, she thought as she entered.

Within minutes, Sunset would come to realize that for her...

...it was just the beginning.

Author's Note

One.

Pulling the Trigger

Wallflower Blush woke up slowly with tears in her eyes. She had that dream again. That goddamn dream!

"You're all alone. Bye-bye, now."

She sniffled as she got up out of bed. All of the pain and suffering she had endured would end today. She and Trixie had spent months planning this, and the seeds of their labor would bear fruit soon...

Wallflower got dressed and hurried straight to the bus stop. She waited until the bus arrived, then walked towards it. If everything went smoothly, then...

The bus door opened, and Wallflower was greeted with students yelling at each other. Perfect, she thought. So far, so good... She sat down, then felt her phone buzz.

Hey, what's with all the fighting? - Sweetie Belle

Wallflower smiled. Her bus wasn't the only one with angry students in it. That was promising. She sent a text back.

All part of the plan, Sweetie Belle. All part of the plan.

And how is this going to help us get back at Sunset? - Sweetie Belle

Oh, you'll see.

Wallflower pocketed her phone, and it buzzed again.

Everybody's gone plum crazy! - Apple Bloom

Wallflower smiled. Yes, everything was going accordingly.

That's part of the plan.

This isn't right, Wallflower! Only Sunset was supposed to be the target! - Apple Bloom

Oh, she still is. The students are just the means to an end.

Wallflower tried to pocket her phone, only for it to buzz once more.

What the hell, Wallflower?! - Scootaloo

She should have known that all three of them would contact her.

All part of the plan.

That doesn't tell me anything. - Scootaloo

All in good time.

Wallflower sighed, then put her phone in her pocket as a memory stirred within...

Wallflower's family car drove up to Canterlot High, where the gardener stood still.

"Hey there, kiddo!"

Wallflower made no movement, save for a heavy sigh.

Palette Brush raised a concerned eyebrow at his daughter's motionlessness, then parked the car and walked up to her. "...Is everything okay?"

Wallflower remained still, then flinched as she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up at her father, who in turn gave her a worried look. "Where's Suns-"

"Please don't say her name," Wallflower all but whispered.

"...Do you want to-"

"No," Wallflower said flatly. "I just want to go home."

Palette slowly lifted his arm from Wallflower's shoulder. "Okay," he said softly. "We can do that." The two walked to the car in silence and boarded.

Palette buckled his seatbelt, and reached for his keys, only to stop when he heard a barely audible whimper from his daughter. He had no idea what happened during the dance, but he knew that Wallflower was hurting, and badly at that. He unbuckled his seatbelt, then leaned towards her and hugged her.

Wallflower broke almost immediately, returning her father's hug as she buried her head in his chest.

Wallflower grit her teeth and clenched a fist at the memory as the bus stopped in front of Canterlot High. She didn't know where she'd be without her parents. The thought of them alone calmed her just a bit. The gardener sighed, feeling a bit of her anger dissipate. She held on tight to a piece of it, however. She didn't want to lose sight of what she was doing and why...

The warning bell for first period rang, and Wallflower went off to her classroom.

The day after the incident with Sunset, Wallflower Blush was completely despondent. She stayed in her room for most of the day, only coming down to eat, then heading back up to her room to curl up into a ball and lay in her bed.

That night, Erica and Palette went up to their daughter's room and knocked on her door. When there was no answer, they entered.

"Please... go away..." there was a barely audible sniffle as Wallflower's parents neared her bed.

"You know we can't do that, kiddo," Palette said softly.

"We're worried about you, my little sprout," Erica said in a similar tone.

The covers on Wallflower's bed rustled, and the gardener emerged with bloodshot eyes.

"Oh, sweetie..." Erica embraced her daughter, who shuddered in response. Palette joined in, making it a family hug.

The combined love and warmth from her parents' hug caused Wallflower to sigh contently. "I love you guys," she whispered.

"We love you too, kiddo."

"Do you feel ready to tell us what happened last night," Erica asked as she ran a hand through her daughter's hair.

Wallflower remained silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and exhaled.

"...Yes."

First period had ended, and Wallflower sighed. She knew her parents wouldn't understand what she was doing, and that they most certainly wouldn't approve of it either. Trouble would definitely follow after the stunt she was about to pull, but it would be worth it just to see the look on Sunset Shimmer's face...

Just imagining that smug smirk of hers made Wallflower's blood boil. She didn't care if she was the only person in the world that thought that bitch hadn't changed! The gardener wanted revenge, and that would happen today, come hell or high water!

Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

Now Calling: Scootaloo

Wallflower pocketed her phone immediately. The Crusaders would fulfill the role she set for them...

The warning bell for second period rang...

It was the first day of school after the Winter Wonderland Ball, and Wallflower did not want to be here. The wounds inflicted from the dance were still fresh, and being in the halls of Canterlot High only added salt. The gardener sighed heavily as Sunset Shimmer's words echoed in her mind...

"You're all alone. Bye-bye, now."

Wallflower grit her teeth as she held back tears. She took a deep breath, then exhaled, feeling calmer... Until she heard Sunset's voice.

"Oh, puh-lease," Sunset sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. "What makes you think I'd want to hang out with you?" She put an emphasis of disgust on the last word, practically oozing with contempt.

"I... I..." A purple bespectacled student slowly slid down a locker he had been leaning on. He looked away from Sunset, sweating nervously.

"That's what I thought," Sunset said as she flashed her smug grin.

Wallflower grit her teeth again, but not out of sadness. Her hands balled into fists as she walked forward...

...Then stopped. The gardener's eyes widened as she tried to will herself forward, but a chill ran through her body. She wanted to tell Sunset off, but she just stood there! Rooted in place.

Dammit...

Wallflower remained still, cursing herself as she felt powerless. By the time Sunset Shimmer had left her sight, she found she was able to move again.

"Dammit!" Wallflower slammed her fist on the wall. Someday she'd have the courage to talk to Sunset again. Someday...

Second period ended, and Wallflower left her class with a sigh. She was starting to become impatient as her phone buzzed again.

It's absolute chaos out there, Wallflower! - Apple Bloom

The gardener sighed and was about to pocket her phone when it buzzed again.

Now Calling: Sweetie Belle

Wallflower growled and rolled her eyes. The Crusaders were persistent, she'd give them that. She almost felt bad that she only had them on board as scapegoats, but Sunset drove her to this.

The warning bell for third period rang...

Wallflower stared in awe at the massive crater that the giant magical rainbow left. What just happened?! One minute, she was standing at the entrance with all the other students...

Suddenly, everything came back to her. Sunset, in a fit of jealousy, stole the Fall Formal Princess crown from the new girl who won it fair and square.

The gardener's eyes widened. Sunset! She neared the crater, only to see smoke in the center. Wallflower turned away, unable to look at a smoldering corpse. Sunset was an awful person, but she never wanted her dead-

"I-I'm sorry..."

Wallflower turned back to see Sunset Shimmer, disheveled and in tears. How the hell did she survive that?!

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know there was another way..."

Wallflower's surprise slowly turned to anger. Typical bully tactics. When faced with a greater power, a bully either grovels or turns tail and runs. Sunset was just trying to save her own ass. Feeling her anger rise, the gardener stormed off.

Third period ended, and Wallflower left her class. She began to have trouble keeping focus due to all the shouting and angry students, but the end result would be worth it. It was only a matter of time before all was right with the world, and she relished the mere thought of it.

Wallflower would accept whatever punishment she'd get for all the trouble she'd caused. She figured she'd be grounded for at least a month or two, and maybe detention for just as long. Then again, perhaps she was being optimistic...

Wallflower's phone buzzed. It better not be one of the Crusaders again, she was getting tired of their badgering!

Rarity got me to spill the beans. She knows you and I are working together! - Trixie

The gardener closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then sent a text back.

Just stay calm. - Wallflower Blush

It's not over until it's over.

The warning bell for fourth period rang.

Wallflower blinked as felt something wash over her. She looked around as everything came back to her. Those three new girls had hypnotized her and the other students! She was hearing singing...

The gardener turned around and watched in shock as Sunset Shimmer, Biggest Meanie of Canterlot High levitated...

...then grew ears and a tail, sporting her smug look.

Wallflower Blush felt her blood boil as she watched the least worthy person in the world help the Rainbooms save the day. Her scream of impotent rage was easily drowned out by the singing of her schoolmates.

Fourth period was over, and Wallflower checked her phone.

Thank you. - Trixie

I really needed to hear that.

The gardener smiled warmly. At least Trixie understood her need for vengeance. She sent a text back.

Hey, what are friends for? - Wallflower Blush

Just one more period, she thought as she pocketed her phone. One more period and the final phase of her and Trixie's plan would begin.

The warning bell for fifth period rang...

Wallflower Blush returned home from the Battle of the Bands, seething with fury. First Sunset Shimmer fooled those five students and that girl from an alternate world, and tonight she just fooled all of Canterlot High!

...Well, not all of Canterlot High.

Wallflower was the only person left who knew that Sunset hadn't changed, and she vowed then and there to take matters into her own hands. Sunset Shimmer had to go down.

Fifth period ended, and Wallflower walked out of her classroom. This was it. The moment she and Trixie had been planning months for had finally arrived! Grim determination flowed through the gardener. Nothing would stop her from doing what she must.

Wallflower Blush reached the cafeteria and looked inside, glancing around until she saw the table the Rainbooms sat at. All six of them were there, and they were hugging Sunset.

Wallflower's anger rose, and she took her phone out of her pocket. The time was now. She logged into MyStable and wrote a message. Her thumb hovered over the Send button as she stared coldly in Sunset Shimmer's direction.

"This is for everything you put me through, you motherfucking bitch..."

Wallflower hit send, then entered the cafeteria.

Within moments, all phones would receive a message from Anon-A-Miss.

This is my final message.
Ever since yesterday, I've been exposing peoples' secrets and posting them online.
And now, it's time for you to learn mine.
I am Sunset Shimmer.

Author's Note

BANG

Crescendo

Applejack strode into the cafeteria, feeling good about herself. She grabbed her lunch and sat at the usual table, waiting for her friends as she tapped her fingers. She didn't care for all this fussin' and fighting, and just wanted things to go back to normal!

Rarity walked into the cafeteria, taking stock of the situation surrounding her. Students were still at each other's throats, and the staff was stretched thin trying to keep her peers under control. It was pure chaos, even worse than a sale at Carousel Boutique on a bad day! The fashionista shook her head. Now was not the time for such thoughts. She had to get her lunch and sit down.

A few moments later, Rarity arrived at the table where Applejack was sitting. "I'd ask about the getup," the farmer said, appraising the fashionista's outfit. "But there's more important things to talk about here."

Rarity nodded, then laced her fingers together and rested her head atop her hands. "Agreed. But we should wait for the others, don't you think?"

Applejack nodded. "Agreed."

"See ya later, Butterfly."

Sandalwood's words continued to echo through Fluttershy's head as she grabbed her lunch. She had to focus if Sunset was going to be helped. These newfound feelings would have to wait! And yet...

"See ya later, Butterfly."

Fluttershy felt heat rise to her face, then shook her head. No, no, no! Sunset first, Sandalwood later! She grit her teeth in determination, and pressed forward.

Fluttershy reached the usual table where Rarity and Applejack were waiting.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Uh, y'all okay, Fluttershy?"

The animal caretaker sat down at the table and sighed. "Yes, Applejack," she said as she began to eat. "I'm doing just fine..."

"Are you sure, darling? You seem rather distracted."

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, when she briefly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, Butterfly," Sandalwood said as he walked past.

Fluttershy felt heat rise to her face like never before. "H-Hi," she said before giggling nervously and waving at him. She turned around to see Rarity and Applejack glance at each other, then stare straight at her with knowing looks.

Rarity squealed, flapping her hands excitedly. "You have a crush! Oh, how adorable!"

Fluttershy slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead.

Pinkie Pie hurried into the cafeteria. Lunch would have to wait, Sunset Shimmer was in danger! She scanned her immediate surroundings, hoping to find her friend. Time was limited, so she decided to ask her other friends at their usual table...

"Yeah, that's nice and all," Applejack said as she folded her arms. "But let's not get too distracted. okay?" She looked at Fluttershy. "Not that I ain't happy for ya," she said with a smile.

The shy girl blushed as she looked away.

"Guys," Pinkie exclaimed as she reached the table. "Has anybody seen Sunset?"

"Not since before first period," Applejack said.

"I saw her before second," Rarity said.

"She was with me before third," Fluttershy said. "Why? Is everything okay?"

"No," Pinkie said as she shook her head. "She's in big, big trouble," she exclaimed, flailing her arms.

Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack gasped.

"Well," Rarity asked worriedly. "What sort of trouble is she in?"

"My Pinkie Sense went off, that's all I know."

The party girl's friends all exchanged meaningful glances at one another. In all the time they'd come to known each other, they'd learned to trust in her Pinkie Sense.

"Well, we can't just sit here gabbin', we gotta find her!"

Rainbow Dash entered the cafeteria, warily looking around for anything suspicious. She glanced in each direction, then noticed her friends begin to rise from their table. The athlete hurried over.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Where are you guys going," she asked.

"Sunset's in trouble," Pinkie said.

Rainbow stood still for a moment. "...Pinkie Sense?"

The rest of the girls nodded in unison.

"I think we should stay here."

"What," Rarity asked in surprise. "Why?"

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, exhaled, and told her friends of her talk with Sunset.

"Oh, my," Fluttershy said. "It's... it's worse than we thought."

"That's why I think we should stay here," Rainbow said, pointing to the cafeteria floor. "She's going to come, we should just wait for her."

"I dunno," Pinkie said, cupping her chin. "Did she Pinkie Promise?"

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, then shook her head. "That doesn't mean she won't come, Pinkie. You've got to have faith that she will."

Sunset Shimmer entered the cafeteria. Her mind was racing as tears were falling.

"You're a monster..."

She hissed through her teeth, fighting through the mental turmoil. The voices. The shouting of the students, reminding her of her darker, manipulative days. She was lonely. So painfully alone.

A memory flashed.

"I don't deserve your friendship," Sunset shouted. "After all that I've done. All the pain that I've caused." She sobbed again. "I... I don't deserve forgiveness! Please. Just leave me alone."

Wait. That never happened... did it?

The rocker yelped as she experienced a sudden splitting headache. She clutched her head in agony, only for the pain to disappear just as quickly and suddenly as it came. Opening her eyes, she saw her... friends? Friends or no, she needed them, and with that in mind she walked over to the table.

"G... Guys..." Sunset's voice was weak, but not so weak that the girls didn't hear her.

The five girls gasped and ran over to her, each speaking at once.

"P-Please..." Sunset sniffled. "I..." she sat down at the table. "I can't. I-I just." She trailed off, already past her limit.

Sunset's friends huddled around her, then hugged. She broke immediately, sobbing uncontrollably. The warmth she was feeling, deserved or not, was a much needed respite from the hell she'd been through.

Everyone's phone buzzed simultaneously.

"It can wait," Rainbow Dash said.

Within moments, the fighting and shouting stopped. An oppressive silence loomed over the cafeteria. The girls looked up from their hug, and saw every student glaring in their direction.

Pinkie gasped. "This must be the danger!"

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "What in tarnation's goin' on?!"

Rarity risked a glance at her phone, and her eyes widened. "Oh, shit," she all but whispered, then showed the message to her friends.

This is my final message.
Ever since yesterday, I've been exposing peoples' secrets and posting them online.
And now, it's time for you to learn mine.
I am Sunset Shimmer.

Rainbow Dash grit her teeth. "Oh, Jesus..."

"Sunset's in no condition to deal with this," Fluttershy exclaimed. "What can we do?"

The students slowly walked towards the six, and the shouting and anger gradually returned. Only now, it was directed at one person: Sunset Shimmer.

"Wh-What's going on," Sunset asked wearily.

Applejack wordlessly handed her phone to the rocker.

Sunset took it, then read the message. Her eyes widened in horror, and her hands began to tremble as she lost grip of the phone. "Oh, sweet Celestia..."

The students drew closer, and Sunset could barely make out what they were saying as Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie all formed a circle with her in the center.

"How could you?!"

"We trusted you!"

"You haven't changed after all!"

Each exclamation of rage and sorrow struck Sunset Shimmer down to her core. "P-Please s-stop!"

Sunset's circle of friends shrunk slowly, until almost all six girls were touching each other.

"Stand strong, girls," Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Pinkie Pie yelped as she was pushed away by a student, who then came within inches of Sunset's face.

"You're a monster," he spat.

Suddenly, memories flooded through Sunset. Memories of her wrongdoings.

"N-No..."

All the people she'd hurt.

"No..."

Everything came back to her.

"No!"

The memories that replayed over and over... The pain she felt... While in the rainbow.

Pushed far, far, beyond her limit, Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath...

...and shrieked in mental anguish, causing everyone to stop.

Then everything went black.

End of Anon-A-Miss: Chaos

Author's Note

It is highly recommended that you read The Other Side of the Rainbow, as it ties into the next book and also provides context for what Sunset was experiencing.