Author's Note

This chapter take's place while Officer Moon Stone is racing down the street trying to get his little sister to school on time.

Chapter 7 – Dimming Suns Part 3 Of 19: August 3rd Wednesday, 7:45 AM

A smile that was the embodiment of angelic made its way across Fluttershy’s face as the light of the sun gently caressed her face. She rolled over in her bed, feeling her eyes begin to slowly open as she fought the urge to let the daylight coax her back to sleep. After one brief battle, she managed to get up, stretching to set her bones back into place.

‘Oh my, I slept so good last night. I don’t think I’ve had a slumber like that in a long time,’ She thought to herself, pushing some strands of her cherry blossom hair from her face. ‘I guess I was so exhausted from everything that happened that my body just shut down on its own.’

With a soft exhale, Fluttershy made her way to her bathroom to freshen up and get ready for school. Things went fine for the first few minutes as her mind was still in the process of leaving the realm that was dreamland. It was while Fluttershy was showering did she find her mind beginning to form thoughts – specifically those of Sunset Shimmer.

It had been some time since MacPherson saw the former bully; the last being on the night she was part of the case involving Lightning Dust’s assault on her. In the time following, Fluttershy did not have any opportunities to see Sunset due to her being focused on other things. It wasn’t as if she put in no effort to do so, but the girl proved to be as stealthy as a cat, leaving Fluttershy with little to no clue of her whereabouts. Not that this ever kept her from keeping an eye out, though it did prove to have its own difficulties.

However good Sunset was at hiding herself, Fluttershy was not going to give up just like that. She vowed to herself – and the one who used to torment her – that the latter would have the helping hand she needed. Despite this, Fluttershy knew what she put in was not going to be enough to get Sunset to trust her with such a thing. She needed to do more – to show through greater actions that she could be depended on and cautious of.

‘But what could I possibly do?’ Fluttershy thought while exiting her shower and putting on her bathrobe. ‘This isn’t something I’m used to doing. It’s not like I can treat this as if I’m trying to help a sick animal either. This is a lot more complicated, and it’ll take more than hugs to make Sunset’s pain go away. I just hope I can come up with something soon… before it’s too late.’

As Fluttershy exited her bathroom, she heard the gentle voice of her mother coming from downstairs. Since her bedroom was closed, it was somewhat muffled, but she could still hear that she was talking to someone. And something told her that it was not her dad her mom was talking to.

‘Is she one the phone with someone?’

Feeling the need to investigate, Fluttershy sped up in dressing herself before exiting her bedroom and going into the hallway. She went down the corner just as her mother turned to look in the same direction of where she was entering. A warm smile was quickly given to her before the older woman turned her attention back to her conversation.

“Yes, Mrs. Dust. I want to know if she will be able to help her.” Mrs. Macpherson said as she patted Fluttershy on her head. A moment passed before she continued with a bit more of a somber tone. “Oh, I see… so Lightning Dust isn’t in the city right now? Alright then, thank you for your help. I’ll get back to you soon.”

Just seconds after she hung up the phone, Fluttershy addressed the elephant in the room. “Mom, what’s the matter? Who were you on the phone with?”

“Oh, I was just on the phone with CPS honey. Don’t worry, it isn’t anything important you need to worry about,” Her mother replied with as much reassurance as she could. “Did I wake you up?”

“No, I was already awake before I heard you from outside. I was just finished preparing for school,” Fluttershy replied, pointing to her drying hair. “Why were you on the phone with CPS? Are you sure that everything is alright?”

“Yes dear, it’s all fine. It was just something involving Lightning Dust. Nothing you need to trouble yourself over,” Mrs. Macpherson said with a bit more firmness. “Now it is time for breakfast. Please come join me in the kitchen so we can eat. You’ll need a full stomach so you can think during your classes.”

Hanging up the home phone, her mother gestured towards the downstairs following her daughter down into the kitchen. Getting to the kitchen, Fluttershy watched as her mother began to make them coffee and tea. Wanting to help, she quickly got out three cups from the kitchen cupboards and set them on the kitchen table. A soft sigh escaped her before she could stop herself and it immediately caught her mother's attention. Sensing that her daughter wasn’t feeling well, she turned her attention to the pinkette.

“Fluttershy? is there something the matter dear? You seem to be upset this morning.”

“Hm?” Not expecting her mother to address her, Fluttershy jumped and glanced over at her. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just… have a lot on my mind.”

“Yes, it’s clear you do. I could tell just from the sigh you gave,” Mrs. MacPherson said as she gave a small smile. “Let me guess: is it about Sunset?”

“…Was it that obvious?”

“Well, you have been set on getting her help and perhaps doing something more. And I often hear you talking to yourself about how you can go about that. And even if I didn’t, it doesn’t take a mind reader to know that’s mostly what you’ve been thinking about.”

Fluttershy gave no retorts, too consumed by the embarrassment of her failure of trying to conceal her worry for Sunset. ‘Wow… I guess I made it more obvious than I thought.’

“Judging by your expression, it you must be quite shocked by how I figured that out. It’s also apparent that you’re lost on how about all of this,” Mrs. MacPherson continued. “Is there anything I’m getting wrong about that?”

“…No, there isn’t,” Fluttershy confirmed with another sigh. “I’m worried I might not be able to help Sunset as I thought I would be able to. I tried to offer her a hand, but she just keeps turning me down. I don’t want to give up, but… I just don’t know what to do!”

“Let me ask you this. What do you have in common with Sunset Shimmer?” Her mother began, placing a plate of sunny side up eggs and strips of bacon in front of her daughter.

“What do I have… in common with her?” Fluttershy repeated perplexedly as she began to eat her breakfast. “I don’t think I understand.”

“What she means is things like what hobbies or interest, honey,” The deeper but just as gentle voice of Mr. MacPherson specified as he entered the kitchen, covered in dirt and oil. “Things that allow a person to connect with another.”

“Oh, good morning Dad,” Fluttershy greeted, watching as her father went to her mother and gave her a loving kiss. As she laughed and playfully pushed him away, she steered his attention back to her with what he just brought up. “So, by hobbies or interests… do you mean what we like to do?”

“Yes, exactly that,” Mr. Macpherson nodded, sitting at the table with his daughter. “Like what you like to do for fun or on your days off from work. Or what characteristics either of you have that remind you of each other.”

“Oh, I see…” Fluttershy nodded, immediately getting what he was saying with his other statement. “I suppose I could start there, but I don’t know what we could talk about. And it’s not like Sunset and I started off as friends when we first started high school so...”

“True, but it isn’t like you can’t think of anything you both would like.” Mr. Macpherson said, running his hand down his daughter’s back. “Everyone knows that finding what it is you have in common is one of the biggest indicators of a growing friendship. Shimmer may have been a bully before, but that doesn’t erase the possibility of her being a friend. There are cases where the bully and those they bullied become friends.”

There was a ring of truth to this. Shocking as it is for others to believe, there were incidents where school tormentors did a turnaround and became friends with those they hurt. This wasn’t to say it happened every time as some victimizers didn’t change while the victim refuses to even give them the time of day. While it was dim, there seemed to be one small change of Sunset falling into the former category. Caution still needed to be taken on the part of Fluttershy, and everyone else that wanted to give aid. Or else they would be stuck at square one. Her father’s suggestion didn’t seem like a bad one in spite of this. Maybe…

“Yes, that is true. People who once disliked each other sometimes do create a friendship of some sorts between one another. And Sunset didn’t really have true friends even with Snips and Snails being her, um… accomplices.” Fluttershy explained, looking downward at her plate. “I wonder if I’ll be able to succeed though… or at least talk to her on friendlier terms.”

“Nothing is ever known for certain honey – especially those you don’t try in. And this is one of those situations where the outcome can go either way, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the plunge to get the end results.” Her father said softly. “Don’t fret, your mother and I are positive you can find something you and Sunset can talk about. Even if it’s just one thing. Whatever it is, use it to the best of your abilities to build your potential friendship, alright?”

Fluttershy smiled as she clenched her fists with conviction. “Of course, Dad. I will!”

At that moment, a ring resounded through the house.

“Oh, it’s the doorbell. Someone must be waiting outside,” Mr. Macpherson murmured. “Dear, can you go see who it is?”

“Sure, thing honey.” His wife replied as she stood up from her chair. “I’ll be back in just a minute Fluttershy. Please make sure to finish your food before we leave.”

“Yes Mom.”

Flashing her a loving smile, Mrs. Macpherson left the kitchen and walked down the hall to where the front door was. She took a moment to prep up her hair before she opened it to see who came to see them. One look at the visitor’s purple hair and sapphire eyes were everything she needed to figure out their identity.

“Good morning Rarity! What brings you here today?”

“Good morning Mrs. Shy! I am here to walk Fluttershy to school,” Rarity explained with a polite yet warm smile. “Is she ready to head to out yet?”

“I’ll be ready in just a second Rarity!” The animal lover’s voice yelled from afar, making the duo turn to see where it was coming from.

“Goodness, that was fast,” Mrs. Macpherson said, watching as her daughter grabbed her coat from the foyer closet. “Did you finish your meal already?”

“I did. Oh, and don’t worry. I made sure to put my dish in the sink too.” Fluttershy said, as she put her coat on. “I’m sorry I won’t be here to help you with Zephyr. I know how lazy he can be with school and all and I would stay a little longer to help but… well…”

“It’s perfectly alright dear. It isn’t your job to parent your little brother anyhow. The last thing we want for you is to be parentified. Least of all to him,” Mrs. Macpherson laughed, not noticing the shivers her daughter and Rarity gave. “Now, I would like for you to be home before dark alright? And if you happen to be late, please call me as soon as possible so I can come and pick you up right away. You can even stay over at one of your friends if you feel it makes you safer.”

“Sure thing Mom,” Turning her attention to Rarity as her mother closed the front door, Fluttershy asked the obvious. “So, um… should we head to school now?”

“So darling, would you mind telling me why seem to be all gloomy today?” Rarity asked as the two girls walked down the sidewalk.

Pulling her gaze up from the ground to the girl walking in front of her, Fluttershy gave a little blink. “What do you mean Rarity?”

“I’m asking why do look so… not like yourself.” The fashionista reiterated. “You are far calmer and more… serene than you are right now. And you’re not even marveling at the trees around you like you usually do when you walk to school. Is there something that’s on your mind?”

“Oh, um… I’m just thinking of somebody right now. Someone I feel needs my help with some… issues they’re dealing with at the moment.”

“I see. Would this perhaps be a victim of bullying or an outcast perhaps?”

“T-they’re an outcast yes,” Fluttershy confirmed, not having the heart to reveal who they were. “I don’t want to say who they are because I want to respect their right to privacy… but this person is really going through something. I asked my parents what I should do and they gave me some helpful tips. I just don’t know how to go about it since… I’m not use to doing this kind of thing.”

Rarity hummed thoughtfully, rubbing one finger against her pristine chin. “Well, if you’d like my advice darling, I say to just do what you can while also not pushing the issue too much. You have good intentions, but it is never a good idea to be overbearing. Doing that can make whatever this person is going through worse than it must already be. And we know how badly that can turn out.”

“Yes, you’re right. I’m not trying to force them or anything like that. I just wanted to see how I could use the idea I was given,” Fluttershy agreed, seeing where Rarity was coming from. “I guess I’ll just have to do it little by little if I want them to get better. Hopefully it won’t end up failing if I do it right.”

“I don’t think there is exactly a right or wrong way to do it. I think it’s a matter of whether you do it at all or not,” Rarity stated with a gesture of her hand. “Still, even the smallest of steps can lead to the biggest results. That’s how it is with my dresses, so perhaps it will be the same with your quest to help this poor victim of yours.”

“Y-yeah… maybe,” Fluttershy agreed halfheartedly with a sweat drop.

Sweetly smiling, Rarity refocused her attention in front of her as to make sure she didn’t bump into anything or anyone. One moment passed before she looked down at her watch to see what time it was that morning. A gasp escaped her, and before Fluttershy knew it, her hand was being grabbed by one of Rarity’s own as she got dragged down the street.

“Uh, Rarity?” The shy girl asked, her annoyance giving way to worry. “What’s wrong?”

No response came from the other girl. Her head swiveled this way and that, looking like she was looking for something that was supposed to be where she was going. Fluttershy picked up on it and decided to stay quiet – feeling something tell her not to interrupt her friend from her task.

The answer regarding what that task was came a moment later.

“Hold that bus!”

A cry of surprise left Fluttershy at the sudden rising of Rarity’s elegant voice, temporarily distracting her from the feeling of being pulled along even harder. It took a few minutes, but the girls were able to get to the city bus just before it was preparing to take off.

“Um, Rarity… I don’t think I can get on with you.” Fluttershy stated as they climbed on. “I don’t have the means to pay for this ride.”

“Nonsense darling, I’ll take care of it,” Rarity said understandingly, her generous side coming forth as she pulled out her wallet. “It’s not like I’m hurting for money right now, so I don’t mind spending an extra dollar or two.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you with having to spend your money on me.”

“Perish the thought darling! You will never be a burden to me when you need a hand in something. And it’s not like you haven’t given just as much back in the past – even if you were rather… excessive. Just worry about yourself for now, alright? Your mother can pay me back when she gets the chance. Or you if you prefer it that way.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Fluttershy said, finally backing off. “Thank you.”

“Of course dear.” Rarity cooed. “Now go and take your seat. I’ll be there in just a minute.”

Not needing to be told twice, Fluttershy went down to where the bus’s seats were. Before long, she found two sets that were in the back and set herself and her backpack on one of them and the floor. A minute passed before Rarity joined her, and the two hold onto their sears as the bus made its departure for their school.

“Oh, by the way Fluttershy,” Rarity suddenly began. “I need someone to help me model for a dress that I’m trying to put together. I was wondering if you would like to do this after we get our homework done?”

The pinkette didn’t say anything at first, looking to be distracted by something weighing on her mind.

“Fluttershy?” Rarity asked again, noticing her expression. “Fluttershy can you hear me?”

“Hm? Oh, yes I heard you,” Giving a shake of her head, Fluttershy gave her an apologetic smile. “Y-you said you needed someone to model for you?”

“…I did,” The purple-haired fashion designer confirmed, brows slightly furrowed. “You look like something is troubling you. Are you sure everything is alright?”

‘Sunset shimmer is a monster! Nothing more and nothing less!’

“I’m sure. I just have a lot on my mind. You know, with the whole bully victim and all…” Not feeling like going any further on the topic, Fluttershy tried steering it onto something else. “So um, how i-is drama class going Rarity? Are you enjoying it?”

Rarity – sensing that Fluttershy was not in the mood for discussing serious topics – wisely opted to drop the subject. “Why yes, I’m enjoying it very much! I’ll be playing Katharyn from the greatest plays of all time ‘King Sombra the Fifth’ which was written in the late fifteenth century by Shakespeare.”

A slightly confused look etched its way on Fluttershy’s face. “Shakespeare?”

“Exaclty him! He was and shall always be the great-no-the greatest of all playwrights! It is an honor-nay-a absolute privilege to study that play! Let alone to act one of the most important scenes in the entire play. I can’t think of anything greater than that, can you?”

“Um… probably not since I’m not really one for plays. I do like the costumes they make, so there’s that.” Fluttershy admitted, looking down at her bunny-styled shoes. “Oh, I was wondering, can I take a rain check on helping you with your modeling for that dress?”

“Of course, darling!” Rarity agreed, taking out her pocket calendar. “How about we put you down for three after school next… Thursday? I can pick you up and bring you to my home if you’d like.

“I don’t mind. I’ll have to check with my mom first, but I am sure she’ll say I will be able to go,” Fluttershy said, making a mental note to inform her mother about what she’d be doing after school. “Oh, and one more thing…. Do you mind if I bring a friend with me?”

Before Rarity could give a reply – or as who this supposed friend was – a screech coming from the bus drew their focus to the window. The girls watched as the it turned the corner and made its way towards the drop-off spot in front of Canterlot High School. After waiting for a few minutes for the bus to come to a complete stop, the back door opened, allowing them to step off the bus.

“Looks like the construction crew are still working to repair the damage from Sunset’s fight with Twilight,” Fluttershy commented, looking around the main entrance.

“Indeed.” Rarity added with a nod of agreement. “What a mess it is.”

Looking around, she saw the crater from the battle had two crewmen inside of it, a long rope attached to large crane was unloading several large pipes to the men below. Each crewman could be seen taking a hold of the pipes as they guided them into position; using all the manpower they had to put them back into place.

Other crewmen could be seen measuring the hole, keeping their distance to let their other partners work. A police officer stood guard near the entrance, letting students and faculty filed past him on their way to their classes and offices. Trucks moved back and forth on the road and the lawn dropping off wood, brick, wires, drywall sheets and glass panes.

“Look at those poor men are out here, pushing themselves to the limit to ensure nothing hazardous happens at our school.” Rarity commented with pity. “ And to think this was all started by that uncouth fight Twilight had with Sunset Shimmer! I do hope they are getting decent pay for doing such laborious work. Because that could never be me. not at all!”

Heading inside the school the girls parted ways and headed over to their lockers, wanting to get their supplies as quickly as possible. Glancing at her watch, Fluttershy saw it was 7:55 in the morning – indicating the amount of time she had to get to her class. Hurrying to her locker, she found herself freezing in her tracks her eyes fell onto Sunset’s, a hand raising to her mouth as she let out soft gasp.

‘What in God’s name…? What happened to her locker?!’ She thought to herself, taking in the damage – alongside the profanity – etched onto the metallic door. ‘It wasn’t like this when I left school yesterday, and everyone else had gone home for the day. It couldn’t have been Lighting Dust, since I tried stopping her from assaulting Sunset. Could it have been one of the other bully groups that go here? If it was, then which one?!’

“Hey look, it’s Klutzershy!”

Jumping at the unpleasant voice, Fluttershy looked behind her to see one of the bullies of the school – Crackle – standing behind her. Behind him stood his group of friends, eyeing the girl as if they found their favorite food to eat. Fluttershy stood where she was, keeping her eyes on the floor but not exactly backing off from their approach.

“Aww, what’s the matter? Don’t got anything to say to us?” Crackle continued, leaning uncomfortably close to the girl. “We’re your classmates; the least you can do is say hi to us; or are you just not in the mood to speak today?”

“You’re half-right,” Fluttershy replied curtly. “I’m not in the mood to talk right now. Not to you guys at least.”

“And why not? You have someone else you want to buddies with instead of me and the boys?” Crackle asked before he took a pause and smiled even wider. “Oh wait – you have a secret boyfriend or something, don’t you?”

Fluttershy’s cheeks found themselves matchin the color of her hair at that moment. “And what if… I do?”

“Holy shit, you’re not denying it?! Now that’s something I didn’t expect to find out!” The boy’s laugh echoed through the halls, slightly drowned out by those of his gang. “Damn, who would have thought the meek and shy Klutzershy would managed to snag a guy! I don’t know whether I should laugh or pity the guy.”

“Look, can you please just leave?” Fluttershy asked, trying to sound as polite as she could in spite of her growing irritation. “I just arrived at school and I have to get to class soon; I don’t want to be late and I don’t think you do either.”

Crackle made a fake pout as he slung an arm over the shorter student’s shoulder. “What, you’re leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay with us for a bit longer? There’s still at least five minutes before the bell. The teachers won’t get mad at you for being a little late, will they?”

“Maybe not her teachers,” Another voice said from behind them. “But ours definitely will. Including yours.”

Before either Fluttershy or Crackle knew what happened, the ladder was forcibly grabbed and slammed into the lockers just next to Sunset’s. A shout of pain left him as he slumped to the floor, holding his shoulder as it throbbed with agony. Gulps left the throats of his possie – not just from the assault, but from just who it was that committed it.

“Are you seriously starting this shit right now Crackle? Right when classes are going to start? I swear it’s like you have no sense of time at all,” Garble grumbled, looking down at Crackle with disapproval. “And what do you think you were doing, talking to her like that and invading her space? Do you not understand boundaries at all?”

Crackle gave him an incredulous look. “W-what do you mean? I wasn’t doing anything! to her! I just was talking with her and asking if she wanted to hang with us!”

“More like you were trying to pry some pretty personal stuff from her when she clearly doesn’t want to. Like – oh I don’t know – having a boyfriend and shit,” Garble retorted, watching as the other boy paled. “Yep, that’s right. Didn’t expect me to catch onto all that now did you?”

“N-now hold on a second, I was just-”

“Save it,” Turning to Fluttershy after effectively silencing Crackle, the blonde’s blue eyes stared at her teal ones apologetically. “Fluttershy, please allow me to ask your forgiveness in this matter. Had I have known this craven idiot would act like that I never would have allowed him to be within ten feet of yon. Can you forgive me for this careless mistake?”

“U-um, sure… I can,” Fluttershy replied tentatively, confused as to why Garble was the one doing the apologizing when he all he did was come to her aid. She supposed this was due to him feeling like he should have kept a better eye on his friend group. which would explain why he was apologizing on their behalf. While Fluttershy didn’t feel it was Garble who needed to do it, she decided to accept it – if not to avoid any further conflict. “It's really not you that needs to apologize, but I don’t really have time to argue who is at fault here. Do any of you know where I can find Sunset Shimmer”?

Garble – after taking a moment to let the ringing of the bell pass – replied to her question dejectedly. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I don’t know where I can find her. She’s became pretty hard to after that whole fight that happened at the front of the school, but I’m sure you’ll be able to eventually.”

“I see…” Lowering her head in disappointment, she looked to the rest of his boys for their alibis. “And I suppose you all don’t know where she is either?”

“No idea,” Crackle murmured, “but I am sure she has to be around here somewhere.”

“None here either,” Backdraft added. “If she has come to school today then she more than likely already saw her locker and ran out crying. Not that I blame her. She is a loser after all.”

Turning his attention to Backdraft, Fluttershy watched as Garble cracked his knuckles, giving the teen a dirty look. Not wanting a fight to break out, she got in between the two, giving the blond an expression that made him stop in his tracks. Feeling her hands resting on his chest, Garble shook his head and rolled, his eyes, gently pushed Fluttershy off of him.

“Look, we need to get to class right now, so we don’t really have time to find her for you Fluttershy,” He said once he calmed down. “But we can try to do it during lunch hour if that will help you. I’ll even have the rest of the guys give you a hand to make it easier for you.”

“Y…you would do that?”

“Sure. It’s the least I can do for putting up with their shit,” Giving a gold glare to the boys standing behind him, he added with a low growl, “Right guys?”

“Y-yeah,” Backdraft stuttered. “W-we’ll help you out if you want.”

Fluttershy smiled in gratitude. “Thank you, I’ll take you up on that offer. Just um… please don’t cause any trouble for me while we do it. O-or for Sunset. I don’t want things to be harder for her than it already is.”

“You can leave that to me,” Garble said confidently. “I’ll make sure these guys don’t try to step out of line. And if they do… well, it’ll be the last time they ever do. Count on it!”

Giving a little chuckle at the boy’s response, Fluttershy nodded before giving a farewell wave to them. Her departure to her class was stopped just a second later when she found herself bumping into Vice Principal Luna. She gulped as her cold blue eyes locked on her tranquil teal ones momentarily while brushing her hand against Sunset’s locker. Exhaling heavily, she turned her full attention to Fluttershy and frowned, causing the timid girl to take a step back.

“Miss Macpherson” Luna began. “Do you know who did this to Sunset’s locker?”

“N-no ma’am I don’t,” Fluttershy replied, trying to stay calm. “B-but if you like I can-”

“That’s not necessary. Just go to class,” Luna interrupted, turning her attention to Garble and his group. “I assume none of you know who did this either?”

“No ma’am,” All three replied in unison.

Sighing, Luna began to say something else, but was interrupted by the second ringing of the bell, giving the boys the break they needed to get out of there. Fluttershy stayed for a bit longer before walking off, giving one final glace at the older woman. Watching them leave she took out her radio pressing the button, her eyes locked with Sunset’s locker, her thoughts drifting to her own days of being bullied.

“Celestia what is your current location?” She solemnly asked into the radio.

“I am in the library with Cheerilee. Do you need some help with something?”

“Yes, I do,” She replied sighing in irritation, “Should I meet you in the library or in your office?”

“Meet me in my office Luna I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to walk Sunset to class then I can join you and we can talk about whatever it is you want to discuss.”

Putting away her radio, Luna took one last look at Sunset’s locker before heading down the hallway towards Celestia’s office getting there a few minutes later. Opening the door, she took a seat in front of her sister’s desk, waiting for Celestia to show. Looking around, her sisters small but quaint office Luna couldn’t help but smile to herself. The walls were covered with many photographs of the students that Celestia had helped over the years.

‘It feels like only yesterday she aided these students with going on the right path. Even if some of them didn’t, we still have the students who succeeded, so there’s that at least…’ She thought to herself, feeling her smile turn bittersweet. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a photo that was not expecting to be there. ‘What the…?’

The photograph showed Luna in a green and white plaid skirt with a white long sleeve button down shirt and blue vest. Her hair was tied in a ponytail her eyes were warm and soft thick glasses could be seen adorning Luna’s face. Getting up, she picked up the photo and ran her fingers over it, tracing a girl’s face that stood next to her. A plaid green and white skirt and blue vest her oil black made up her attire, with her skin looking almost grey. The girls flowing sparkling dark blue hair also was tied in ponytail, her deep purple eyes staring intently at the person behind the camera.

‘Why would Celestia bother to keep this?’ Luna thought, not noticing her sister coming into the office as stared intently at the photo. ‘I asked her to get rid of this photograph a long time ago. What is it doing here in the office? Did she forget?’

“Lulu?”

Upon hearing her sister’s voice, Luna’s mind snapped back into focus as she turned and eyed her sister with surprise and confusion. Celestia shared a similar look, but that faded once she saw what it was that her younger sister was eyeing.

“Oh… so you saw the photo?” She asked guiltily.

Luna gently set the photo down. “I did... and I wasn’t expecting to see it here again. Did I ask you to throw it away the last time I saw it?”

“I’m sorry Lu,” Celestia said as she attempted to explain. “I know you’re upset with me for keeping it, but she was my friend too. I kept it to remind myself of how I hurt you. I miss her as much as you and I want to-”

“Don’t,” Luna’s sharp cut off silence her older sister like a stab to the heart. “I know what you’re trying to say, but don’t. That is in the past, and I don’t want to talk about that right now. We have other important matters to address. Like morning.”

“What happened? Was there another fight?”

“No, but something I consider to be just as bad,” Luna flatly stated, pulling out her chair and taking a seat. “Someone has vandalized Miss Shimmers locker.”

“T-they what?!” After recovering from her shook, Celestia’s anger came forth. “Who?!”

“You’re guess is as good as mine, and I had even less success getting witness statements,” Luna replied, rubbing her temples as she leaned back in her chair. “It was quite a sight if I do say so myself; one that I almost have to applaud the perpetrator for having the guts to pull off.”

“If you’re describing it like that, then it has to be bad,” Taking a couple of steps closer, the main principal. “Have you found any other clues as to who could’ve done it?”

“Not at the moment, but I intend to,” Luna said firmly, crossing her arms. “I feel that this person truly has it out for Sunset if they’re making their dislike for her so public. That is all the more reason why we need to catch them as quickly, so that this can never happen again; to Sunset Shimmer or anyone else.”