Author's Note

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to the song's lyrics mentioned in this chapter.

Anyways, here's another chapter written by yours truly! Feedback is encouraged!

Anger

Meanwhile, in Ponyville.

Princess Twilight and her marefriend, Rainbow Dash are sitting by the top floor of the castle, accompanied by candlelights and a picnic basket. Being a Princess has strained Twilight, and serving as part of the weather team definitely takes its toll. Both ponies planned out a date to get away from their duties for a bit, not minding the snow as their love for each other is what matters to both of them.

“Thanks for taking the time to go out with me, Rainbow. It’s been a while since we got out and spent time together.” Twilight said as she nuzzled Rainbow’s cheek.

“No problemo, Twi! Anything for my love-Dovey bookworm.” Rainbow took a sip from her juice box.

“You know, Rainbow, I wonder. What would our life be like once we marry?” Twilight pondered.

“Come on, it’s the future. If anything, you shouldn’t worry too much about the future!”

Twilight chuckled, “Of course, Rainbow. Of course. It’s just that, I can’t help but wonder about what’s in store for us as a married couple.”

“Trust me, Twi. One thing I can be sure of is that I will never leave you,” Rainbow purred, giving her a quick kiss.

“Thanks, Rainbow. I needed that.” She blushed.

“Twilight! Twilight! You have a message!” Spike said as he ran up to the top floor, holding the journal.

“Ah, I see! Thanks, Spike!” She then levitated the book to her and gave spike a sandwich, turning the pages to the fresh message.

For a while, Twilight’s expression was happy. Yet as she continued to read the message, that changed to worry and then anger. “They bucking WHAT!?”

Her sudden outburst caused Rainbow to spit out her juice out of surprise, “What’s wrong, Twi!?”

Twilight stood up and closed the journal. “It’s Sunset. Something bad happened to her, she was bullied!”

“What!? By who!?”

“Their world’s Gilda. But that’s not all. Apparently, our counterparts have abandoned her as well, believing her to be a secret stealer and that she went back to her old ways. They even turned a blind eye when Sunset was beaten to a pulp!”

“That’s it! I’m going in there and I’ll kick my own flank!” Rainbow Dash stood up and prepared to storm off, that is until Twilight cast a levitation spell on her.

“Rainbow, I know you’re angry, but violence doesn’t solve anything! We’re going there and we’ll talk to the girls about their abandonment of Sunset! They don’t even know the disappointment and anger that I felt when I read that part!” Twilight fumed.

“Okay, fine, I’ll try not to kick my own flank. Could you please put me down now?”

“Of course, dear.” She gently placed Rainbow down on her four hooves, before receiving a nuzzle from her in an attempt to calm Twilight down.

“Spike, can you watch over the castle for me? Rainbow and I are going through the portal and teach those girls a thing or two about loyalty!”

Spike quickly scarfed down the sandwich before replying, “Sure thing Twilight! You can count on me!” He saluted.

“I know you will. Now, let’s pack some things and head there Rainbow.”

A warm bed, new clothes, and a friend to lean on. Sunset feels like she's been given the love and chance she worked hard for, ever since Princess Twilight saved her during the Fall Formal Ball. Sunset can't help but smile in her sleep.

The warmth of the sun shines down on her through the glass window, with soft snowfall accompanying the atmosphere. Sunset slowly woke up and yawning in the process, a gentle voice of a singer welcoming her new day.

Have yourself, a Merry, Merry Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight.

Waking up from the sound of the soft voice of the singer, she rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms to flex her muscles from the rigidness she received from her old futon.

“Good morning, Sunset.” Twilight greeted with a cheerful tone. She’s still wearing her PJ’s from the last night, carrying a tray of food with her.

“Good morning, Twilight.” Sunset sniffed the delicious aroma coming from the tray. “That smells delicious.”

“Just wait till you taste it, I cooked it myself!” She happily said, placing her plate down on her desk and placing the tray down next to Sunset. Judging from the smile, it seems like this is her first time cooking for a friend. Her plate contains two pancakes with a maple syrup smiley face on both surfaces, accompanied by two fluffy slices of bread and butter, fork and bread knife.

“Thanks for the food,” Sunset said as she eagerly took a slice of the pancake down to her mouth. She savored the rich flavor that the pancake holds, a mix of blueberry and strawberry filling inside. “Wow! This really is delicious, Twilight!”

Twilight can’t help but put on a big smile on her face, a swell of victory filling the bookish girl’s veins as she took out her book and pen, checking off the “Make delicious meal for a friend” checkbox. Sunset can’t help but chuckle slightly at seeing the human Twilight writing off a checkbox like her pony counterpart.

“Arf!”

Looking at the location of the sound, Sunset notices Spike approaching her with an excited wag of his tail. Sunset knows too well what this means, so she slices two bite-sized pieces of her pancake and gave it to Spike. The fiery-haired girl can’t help but pet his head as he ate.

“He really likes me, Twilight.”

“That’s Spike for you, he likes meeting new people. He usually sleeps by my side, but sometimes when my brother is here, he’d sleep by his side as well. That’s how you’ll know that he loves you.” She smiled at the thought of embracing Spike whenever he seeks comfort in his sleep.

“And he’s cute too.” Sunset gave Spike one belly rub before he got up and jumped up at Twilight’s bed. “Thanks again for the hospitality, Twilight. I-”

“You’re welcome, Sunset.” Twi interrupted, “And please, call me Twi.”

“Okay, Twi.” Sunset smiled as she finishes the last of her pancakes, letting out a small burp. “Excuse me.”

“So, I talked to my mom and dad earlier before they left for work. They agreed to let you stay with me until you can get back on your feet. In fact, my dad was excited to hear that I made a new friend!”

“Remind me to prepare myself for a big hug from your dad, then.” Sunset chuckled. “Anyways, I’ll go on ahead and wash my dish and get dressed up.”

“Sure thing, Sunset. Just be careful with the faucet, don’t turn the knob too far.”

“I won’t, Twilight.”

After cleaning the dishes and taking a bath, Sunset dressed up with the clothes that Velvet cleaned last night using the laundry machine. She sniffs the collar of her jacket, identifying the smell as Mint. “Smells nice.”

“Hey, Sunset, I was wondering if you could help me out with something,” Twilight asked as she typed away on her keyboard.

“Sure thing. What is it?”

“Since you’re from CHS, I have to ask. Did you notice anything strange? Like a beam of Rainbow shooting up from the sky?”

Sunset gulped, she can’t tell Twilight about magic for now. “Uh, n-no, nothing strange really. I don’t recall seeing a beam of Rainbow in our school.” Sunset stammered.

“Uh-huh. Then why is my necklace detecting some sort of anomaly from you?” She said, holding up her circular necklace that is beeping at Sunset’s direction.
“A-anomaly? Gosh, Twi. I’m perfectly normal!”

“Sunset, this necklace detects anomalies that aren’t native to planet Earth, like “magic.”

“M-magic? I’m not a magician, pfft.”

“Sunset.” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

She let out a sigh and sat down on the bed to face Twilight. “Okay Twi, I’ll tell you. Yes, I do have witnessed a Rainbow beam shooting up to the sky. I know, because I was the one who summoned that.” Her heart ached as she remembered her friends from the time they defeated The Sirens during the Battle of the Bands.

“Interesting. How did you attain this magical ability?” Twilight inquired.

From there on, Sunset explained everything to the human version of Twilight about everything, Starting from her origin, she went on to explain about her life in Equestria and studies during her time as Celestia’s Protege, about how she was an arrogant unicorn who yearned for great power and rule. During this time, Twilight’s reaction is a mix of shock and excitement, writing down the important notes in her journal.

She continued on explaining the events during the Fall Formal and her redemption, and finally the events of the Battle of the Bands.

“Fascinating! To think that you came from another world filled with magic and things that are impossible to achieve on earth is a big discovery for me!”

“I’m surprised you’re taking this well. Most people would believe that I’ve gone insane if I explained this to them.” Sunset nervously chuckled. “But please, Twi. Don’t tell anyone about this. I’ll explain it to your parents at the right time. I trust that you’ll keep this between us?”

“Of course, Sunset. You can count on it! If my pony counterpart can, then I can as well!”

“Thank you. Well, is there any way I can help around the house?” Sunset eagerly asked.

“Well, we do need to refill our grocery stock and I can’t leave the house since my parents forgot to leave the keys to me. Is it alright if you can buy the groceries for me?”

Sunset nodded, “Of course, Twi! I’d love to help!”

“Thanks, Sunset. Anyways, here’s the list.

Twilight and Rainbow stepped through the portal as she orients herself again on the human body’s functions, legs, and hands. Rainbow, on the other hand, let out a terrified scream as she looked at her hands.

“TWILIGHT, WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HOOVES!?” She then looked at her back and noticed that her wings are gone. “AND MY WINGS!?”

Twilight helped Rainbow up to her feet, “Rainbow, those are hands, and humans don’t have wings or horns. Those are legs, it’s what you use to walk in this world.” Twilight pointed at her legs.

Rainbow tried to walk on two legs while Twilight helped her, it took a while until Rainbow got the gist of it and is able to adapt quickly.

“This is strange, but at the same time it feels cool,” Rainbow said.

“Trust me, Dashie, the first time I got here, my reaction is the same.” She chuckled nervously. “Brrr, it’s cold here!”

“You said it! When will they move the snowy clouds!?”

“Uh, Rainbow, humans can’t control the weather. Remember?” Twilight deadpanned.

“O-oh. Right, I forgot! Hehe, sorry.”

“It’s okay, Dashie. Now let’s go and look for Sunset’s “friends.” Remember, no punching.”

“I’ll try Twi, but no promises.”

For a while, Twilight and Rainbow searched for the five girls in CHS. Twilight can’t help but feel angry that even the rest of CHS, excluding the principals, believes that she is Anon-A-Miss! This definitely made her more disappointed with her friend’s counterparts. Eventually, they stumble upon Canterlot Mall after seeing no luck at their school.

As Twilight and Rainbow searched for their counterparts, Sunset just finished her shopping at Canterlot Mall, using a hoodie to hide her face from possible CHS students she might stumble upon. Sunset is carrying two paper bags of assorted groceries as she strolled her way down the mall’s wide area. She prepared to exit the mall until she felt a tug pulling her back.

“Remember me, dweeb!?” Gilda angrily asked, making Sunset gulp in fear.

“G-G-Gilda! Please, don’t hurt me!”

“Because of you, I got expelled and your secret stealing made me a laughing stock!” She punched Sunset by the cheek, falling down on her back as the groceries fell down to the floor accompanied by the sound of milk bottles breaking. The nearest Security guard tried to break it up, only to be punched by Gilda.

Sunset then tried to make a run for it, only to be pulled by Gilda with her leg. Sunset tried to crawl away to no avail, as Gilda pulled Sunset up and started to punch her in the face again. She landed two hits on her cheeks and kicked her leg until she was stopped by Rainbow with a punch to her face.

“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size, chump!?” Rainbow Dash angrily yelled as she stood in front of Sunset to protect her.

“Why, you!” Gilda got up and tried to punch Rainbow but to no avail. The pegasi turned human evaded the punch and landed two punches on Gilda’s face, sending her down to the ground.

“You got lucky this time, Sunset! This is not over!” Gilda exclaimed as two intercepting Security Guards carried her away from the mall. “Are you okay, Miss?” The guard asked.

“Yeah, we’re cool. Thanks for taking Gilda out of the mall.”

Rainbow then turned her attention to the fiery-haired girl, “Are you okay, Sunset?” Rainbow asked, offering a helping hand. Sunset did not reply.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m the pony Rainbow Dash, in case you’re wondering.”

“Oh.” Hearing those words, she grabbed her hand as Rainbow helps Sunset get up on her feet.

“Sunset!”

“Twilight!”

Princess Twilight hugged Sunset warmly, before letting go and checking her face. “Who did this to you, Sunset!?”

Instead of replying, Sunset cried on Twilight’s shoulder instead. Rainbow picked up whatever she can salvage from the grocery bags carefully as to not get hurt from the pieces of glass.

“It’s okay, Sunset. I’m here now.” Twilight patted Sunset’s back to try and calm her down.

“I-I can’t take much more of this, Twilight! It’s just too much for me!”

“That’s why we’re here Sunset. Rainbow and I are going to teach those five girls a lesson about abandoning you.”

“You bet we will! When I get my hands on her, I swear I’ll-” Twilight silenced Rainbow’s fury as she gave shook her head.

With Gilda gone, Twilight and Rainbow Dash assisted Sunset in replacing the spilled milk and food that was ruined thanks to the bully. Twilight can’t help but feel worried for her close friend, and at the same time feeling furious at what her friends did to her.

As fate has it, they encounter the five girls in the food court, with Rainbow Dash slamming her fist down on the girl’s table.

“What the!?” The human Rainbow stammered.

“That’s my line, you idiot!” Dashie slapped her counterpart, with Fluttershy rushing to her aid.

“Dashie! What did I say!?” Twilight angrily lectured her marefriend.

“Princess Twilight? What is the meaning of this?” Rarity asked.

“And what’s that snake doing here!?” AJ pointed at Sunset.

“That “snake” is the friend you abandoned! I thought you knew better not to leave your friends, especially you, Rainbow!”

“She’s not our friend! She’s a secret stealer, that’s what she is!” AJ said in her defense.

“Oh yeah? What about the time you lot abandoned Sunset when Gilda tore her to pieces yesterday!?” Dashie angrily asked.

None of the girls responded, except with the look of guilt on their faces.

“Well!?” The silence continued, making Dashie angrier at the lack of response.

“Honestly, I thought I left Sunset in good hands! I thought you girls would teach her the magic of friendship. Apparently, you failed in doing so when you were quick to abandon her! Do you even have proof that she’s Anon-A-Miss!?” Twilight angrily said.

“S-she posted pictures of us in MyStable, pictures that Sunset took!” Pinke retorted.

“Photos that she took in our Slumber Parties!” Rarity huffed.

“That’s the thing. You’re assuming things without thinking twice! The fact that you turned a blind eye when Sunset was bullied by Gilda angers me more! How could you, girls!? I trusted you!”

“And we trusted her too, Princess! She broke it, she paid the price for it!” The human Rainbow slammed her hands down on the table out of anger.

“But she’s innocent! She wrote to me about the things that transpired! Yet here you are, accusing her of things she didn’t do! Have you really forgiven her, huh!? Did you!? You saw what Sunset did at the Battle of the Bands, she saved you all from The Sirens, and yet you do this to her!? After all that she did for the school, you easily turn your backs like it's not a big deal!? Your accusations led everyone to believe that she posted not only your secrets but theirs as well! You opened up the floodgates that ruined Sunset's chances of making new friends!"

Twilight let out an angry sigh, seeing that there’s no hope in convincing Sunset’s “friends” about her innocence. “You know what? Fine, have it your way. I’m taking Sunset away from you until you girls would see the error of your ways and apologize to her for the hurt you inflicted on Sunset’s heart.”

With that said, Twilight and Dashie escorted Sunset out of the mall leaving the five girls behind. Unknown to them, Sweetie Belle stood by and watched the commotion from afar, with guilt and worry piercing her heart.