Author's Note

After much consideration, review and feedback, I decided to rewrite the major aspects of this chapter and in rewriting the other chapters as well, all the while keeping the original comments. I'll shelve the rest of the chapters as archived, paving the way for a new rewritten story.

Again, feedback is appreciated!

Silent Night

Christmas. That time of the year is here once again.

A time where families from parts of the country and the world gather around in one place to celebrate the festivities. A time where friends hang out and exchange wonderful memories from exchanging gifts to playing games, exchanging stories and laughter around the warm fireplace.

It is truly the best time for the bonds of friends and families to grow and make new memories to cherish for years to come.

Everyone, except for one.

Amidst the busy small town decorated with Christmas decor, Sunset Shimmer walked alone on her way to school. It's been a week ever since the user known as Anon-A-Miss has been leaking personal secrets of her friends and students of CHS.

Her heart ached the more she thought about the accusations made against her, pinpointing Sunset as Anon-A-Miss. Her friends did not give her the benefit of the doubt, nor did they make sure if their accusations are correct.

"Merry Christmas, Sunset..." She uttered under her breath.

Making a right turn, she bumped into someone as the book-carrying person fell on her back to the floor, dropping the books she carried. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying any attention! Here, let me help!"

One by one, Sunset stacked the books neatly before taking a glance at the person. Sunset stopped at the moment her eyes met the other.

In front of her is a young girl in a Crystal Prep uniform, wearing thick black glasses, her hair tied up into a bun, and the pink highlight in her hair is wider than the pink highlight in pony Twilight's mane.

The girl stood up and dusted herself off, with Sunset standing up after with the books in hand. "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't see you walking this way because of the books I was carrying.

Sunset let out a nervous chuckle, carefully handing over the books to Twilight, "It's no problem, I'm the one who should apologize. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings."

"Well, thank you, miss...?"

"Sunset. Sunset Shimmer." She then shook Twilight's right arm all the while keeping the books in balance.

"Thank you, Sunset. I appreciate the help." She then laid the books down to the outside table of the cafe, "My name is Twilight Sparkle, I study at Crystal Prep! What about you?"

"O-oh, me? I, uh, study at Canterlot High!"

"Canterlot High? Huh, that's neat!"

"It's nothing special, really. Do you need help in carrying those books?" Sunset asked.

"I'd love to, they're heavy so I don't mind the extra help!" Twilight happily accepted Sunset's offer.

As the two girls walked to Crystal Prep, Sunset and Twilight exchanged bits of information with each other, with Sunset leaving out the fact that she is a unicorn from another world. The worries in Sunset's mind seemed to fade away during their walk and talk. The fiery-haired girl feels happy to have met this world's Twilight Sparkle. Once they arrive at Crystal Prep, Sunset and Twilight exchanged numbers and bid farewell to each other, leaving Sunset alone once more.

The worry and heartache returned to her the moment Twilight left, and she fears it will get worse the moment she sets foot in CHS.

Sunset endured the harsh words that lingered in her thoughts as she walked down the school hallway past her friend's lockers and to hers, only to see various notes with mean words written on it. Ignoring the notes, she opened her locker and took the treasured photo of her and the others.

She smiled, remembering the time they took the photo of her first time hanging out with the friends who cared for her. Then the smile disappeared. The thought of those times and looking back at her current situation melted the smile that developed in her face.

Sighing, Sunset took and hid the photo in her pocket, closing her locker door.

Trudging through the wave of angry students, Sunset eagerly but slowly took her lunch tray and headed to the one empty table in the farthest corner of the cafeteria. A small tear escaped her eye as she glanced at the table where she and her friends sat on every break time, memories of the past filling her thoughts that seem to mock her current situation.

“Way to go, Anon-A-Miss!” One student snarled.

“You’re a no-good secret stealer, you should just go away!”

“Sunset Shimmer’s a blackmailer!”

The stinging words were enough to make Sunset’s eyes stream with tears as she sat down, placing her palm on her head to conceal her tears but to no avail.

Why me? I would never do such a thing! Sure, I blackmailed people when I was a bully, but this!? I’d never share secrets to hurt people, even if it’s my friends! Sunset thought to herself as she began to eat her salad slowly, sniffling in between. If only-

SLAM !

“Hey, Anon-A-Miss! Remember me!?” Gilda angrily asked while she swatted Sunset’s spoon away.

“I-I’m not Anon-A-Miss… I swear! It’s not me!” Sunset exclaimed in her defense.

Gilda then pulled Sunset away from her table, ignoring her pleas to let go. The students noticed this as they started cheering for Gilda. “I’m not just gonna let you go, no. Not after you posted my personal secrets for all of CHS to see!”

“Ow! Please, I swear it’s not me Gilda! I’m not-” Sunset is interrupted as Gilda’s fist connected with Sunset’s stomach, with Gilda pulling her up and shoving Sunset to the wall. Sunset held her stomach as she groaned in pain.

“Oh, I swear it’s not me Gilda, oh poor me I’m innocent!” Gilda mocked Sunset’s own words with a sarcastic tone. “Lies, lies, lies!” Another punch connected on her stomach, with a second punch striking her left cheek. The fiery-haired girl is defenseless as she raised her arms to protect her face from Gilda’s attacks, only to be punched on her stomach, causing Sunset to wince in pain.

The students continued to cheer for Gilda, that is until Sunset slapped Gilda in self-defense. “Why, you!” She grabbed Sunset and lifted her up, throwing her down on the table. Sunset looked over to her friends, hopeful that they will come to her rescue. Only disbelief replaced the hope she felt just now as they all turned a blind eye. “That’s enough!”

Silence filled the room as Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna entered the cafeteria. “All of you, vacate the area except Sunset!” The younger sister sternly said, giving the students a deathly glare that is sure enough to send chills down their spines.

“As for you, Gilda. My office.”

“But-”

“Now,” Luna said as she gave Gilda a stern look, leading her away from Sunset. Celestia helped Sunset get up on her feet, carrying her left arm by her shoulder. “Are you all right, Sunset?”

The unicorn turned human shook her head.

“I’m sorry I didn’t arrive sooner, Sunset. Do not worry, I will take you to Nurse Redheart. She’ll get you patched up and let you stay at the Clinic while I deal with the students who stood by and let Gilda hurt you.” Celestia said as she looked Sunset with worry.

“Is she all right, Nurse Redheart?” Celestia inquired as she entered the Clinic Room.

“Other than bruises on her stomach and cheek, she’ll be fine. Sunset is very lucky. I gave her painkillers for the pain and ace wrap to control the swelling. Sunset can go home today with no complications.”

“I see. Thank you again, Nurse Redheart.” Celestia then walked to where Sunset is sitting, as she sat down next to the fiery-haired student and placed an arm on her shoulder.

“Feeling better now, Sunset?”

“I…” Sunset paused for a moment before gaining the courage to speak again, “no, I’m not Principal Celestia. I don’t feel safe anymore.” She began to sob once more, this time on Celestia’s shoulder, embracing her as if she was the Princess she knew.

“It will be all right, Sunset.” Celestia patted Sunset’s back to comfort her, “just let it all out. They won’t hurt you again. Gilda is indefinitely expelled from CHS and the students who stood by and did nothing received three-month-long detention.”

“B-b-b-but they’ll still hurt me, Principal Celestia. I-I-I don’t know if I can come back, I-”

“Shh. It’s all right, Sunset. That’s exactly why I came here. I suggest that you stay at home for a few days, at least until this whole debacle has died down. Luna and I will put an end to this school gossip as best as we can.”

“T-Thank you…” Sunset weakly said as she slowly calmed down, wiping away the tears with the tissue Celestia gave to her. “Thank you for believing in me.”

“Now, I want you to head on home. The students have left while you were recovering, so you need not worry about them. If you need anything, you can always come to me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Principal Celestia. Thank you, once more.” She embraced Celestia once again, this time with Celestia giving Sunset a comforting embrace.

Unknown to Celestia, Sunset was a homeless girl. The cold winter did nothing to make her feel any better as Sunset trudged through the snow until she arrived at the abandoned building, sitting down on the cold floor while she took out a box of matches. Taking out a match, she lit the match before using the flames to light the stack of newspapers surrounding the pieces of wood Sunset collected before sundown.

The abandoned house has little to no roof which exposed Sunset to the snowfall, and it stood alone afar from the developed houses. Sunset scooted closer to the metal barrel for the comfort and warmth that the crackling fire offered, extending her arms over the barrel to make herself warm. “Merry Christmas, Sunset…” she uttered quietly as her eyes leak with tears once more down on her cheeks.

After settling in by the makeshift fireplace, she took out her journal and pen and began to write to Twilight.

[i ] Dear Twilight,

Today is probably the worst day of my life as a human. Not only did my friends spat hurtful words at me, but they also left me to eat all alone. I sobbed so many times today, I even cried during lunchtime. Then Gilda showed up and beat me to a bloody pulp. She punched my stomach and face several times while she pulled me up and pushed me back against the wall. I tried my best to defend myself and block the punches, but she punched my stomach when I did. That’s when I slapped her in self-defense and made things worse. She lifted and threw me down on the table, I was at the mercy of Gilda at that point.

I looked over to my friends hoping they’ll intervene, but they turned a blind eye instead! That’s when Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna stepped in before Gilda could seriously injure me. I’m sorry if I failed you. Twilight. Friendship may not suit for me and the girls. They still believe that I’m Anon-A-Miss, they still believe that I’m not innocent and that I have returned to my old ways!

Forgive me, but I don’t think I’ll come back to CHS soon. I don’t know if I can continue trudging through the things they put me through, especially now that I’m all alone in this world with no one to call as my friend… well, anyone except you. I’m still thankful that you believe that I am innocent and didn’t cut me off from your friendship. If you have time, please come over. I don’t want to be alone again…

Your troubled friend,
Sunset

Closing the journal, she prepared to sleep on her messy futon until a voice made her stop. “Sunset?”

She turned around to see Twilight Sparkle on her winter clothes staring at her. Behind her is a purple sedan. “T-Twilight! This is not what it looks like!

“Are you… homeless?”

Sunset sighed and lowered her head in shame, “Yes I am, Twilight.”

“I see. Well, pack your things Sunset. It’s not right to just leave you here alone in an abandoned home.”

Seeing that there is no chance of talking her way out of this, she sighed and packed the necessary things as she sat down on the passenger seat. Twilight then sat down on the driver’s seat as she drove away from the decrepit building. Sunset sat silently, before Twilight broke the ice by asking her a question.

“So, Sunset. Why didn’t you told me that you were homeless?”

“It’s… it’s complicated, Twilight.”

“I see. Well, seeing that you’re all alone with no family or relatives around, I’ll convince my mom to let you stay with me.”

“Thank you, Twilight. I appreciate the help.”

“You’re welcome, Sunset. Here we are.”

Twilight parked the car by the two-storey house decorated in Christmas decorations, with neatly stacked ornaments and Christmas lights giving the place a cheerful vibe. Sunset smiled at the decorations as she got out of the car. “Wow, your house is beautiful.”

“Thanks. It’s not exactly a mansion, but it’s a place we get to call home.”

Twilight opened the door and led Sunset in, she stood there in amazement at the simple yet lovely atmosphere of the living room. “Mom, I’m home!”

“Good evening, Twilight!” Velvet gave Twilight a quick hug, before glancing her attention at Sunset. “And hello, Twilight’s friend!”

“Thank you for the warm greetings. My name is Sunset Shimmer, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Mom, my friend is homeless and she needs a place to stay in. Is it okay if she can stay with us?” Twilight asked.

“Of course, dear, of course! Your dad would be thrilled to meet your friend!”

“Thanks, mom.” Twilight gave her a quick hug. “Come now, Sunset. My room is big enough to fit the two of us!”

“Thank you for the hospitality, Miss Sparkle.” Sunset thanked Velvet.

“You’re welcome, Sunset, and please call me Velvet.” She smiled before heading off to the kitchen.

Perhaps all hope is not lost. Maybe this is my second chance at friendship, with the human Twilight Sparkle. Sunset thought happily, a smile forming on her face as she and Twilight made their way up to her room.

As Twilight opened the door, she is greeted by a small light mulberry dog. “Spike! Did you miss me? Who’s the good boy? You are!” Twilight tickles Spike playfully, before stopping to let Spike greet her friend.

“Sunset, this is my dog, Spike. He’s my #1 Assistant!” Sunset held Spike by her arms, petting him softly. “I think he likes you already.”

“He sure does.” She chuckled under her breath, before setting Spike down on the floor. “Wow, your room is impressive, Twilight.”

Her room is decorated in varying hues of Purple, with assorted books on the left adorning several trinkets on the shelves and an aquarium right next to the door. Various science posters adorn the ceiling, along with planets and several stars hanging from above next to the chandelier. Several trophies and medals adorn the top shelf and a picture of Spike to the far end.

“Thanks, my mom helped me decorate my room. There’s an extra bedroll to the right, you can use that.”

Sunset walked over to the right side of the window and took the bedroll from the sofa, carefully unpacking it and placing it down the floor.

“Twilight… thanks. I appreciate your hospitality. I promise I’ll explain everything to you tomorrow when we’re alone, and with full honesty. I promise.”

She then approached the nerdy girl and gave her a hug, the same hug that she gave to Princess Twilight the last time they met in person.

“You’re welcome, Sunset. Now go on and shower up, it’s getting late and we should get some proper rest.”

Sunset sniffed her shoulder before covering her nose. Twilight giggled at Sunset’s reaction, to which a sheepish smile formed on her face.

With Sunset refreshed and well dressed thanks to Twilight’s extra clothes, both girls said their goodnights and slumbered in their respective beds.