After the lovely time with her hopeful friends, Sunset and the others get ready to head home for Christmas Eve and enjoy some time with their families. Dash helps Shy pack up her sleeping bag, as Rarity is helped by AJ. Pinkie remains here, as her family will be over here soon, as she somehow convinced them to have a bigger celebration of Christmas with the Smiths. Sunset sits on the side, looking at her tattoo a bit, deep in thought about the party. The others have been kind, and show they do care, though she feels still cautious and nervous about everything.

Luckily for her, those odd thoughts seem to be quiet, and she was able to enjoy her time with them all and the Smiths, as she watches Celestia's van drive up, as she has her gifts and other items ready to go. Big Mac offers to help carry stuff out to the car, and they all agree that next week, Tuesday, they shall meet up in town for a hangout, as the weekend will be for the holiday, and Monday most have chores and cleaning to get done. Sunset wraps up herself in warm clothing, as Big Mac begins to help her. Celestia exits and comes over, "You had a good time Sunset?" Her voice is hopeful and full of both nervousness and kindness.

"Yeah it was very nice, had a lot of fun and we all, sort of made up," Sunset says, as she looks at her walking up, as Granny speaks up. "Oh, they had a blast playing those new-fangled games. And Sunset got a lot of gifts, and some nice person got gifts on Sunset's behalf." Granny says, smiling as she winks to Celestia, assuming she planned it, while Celestia looks confused, and nods. "I see, well thank you for having everyone over," Granny explains it was no big deal, as Sunset soon helps Big Mac put her things away, and let the two adult talk.

Shy walks up to her outside, all bundled up. "Su-Sunset, I...have to ask something," Shy asks, before going quiet, as Sunset looks at her, and smiles. "What's up Shy?" She notices her odd glancing down, and her worry grows a bit.

"I am just, wondering well if you want we can maybe, my mom's work has a big party for New Year's eve, and...mind if..you come with me? I...am sort of having to go, since I would rather be there than home with my Brother." Shy mumbles and Sunset nods, before smirking.

Sunset smirks and replies happily, "Sure thing Fluttershy, I can come with if you're okay with that. What kind of party is it? Formal? Or informal?" She asks, before adding, "Also, can Celestia and Luna come too?" Shy thinks about this, but replies. "I think they can, let me check with my mom first."

Sunset nods, as she puts a hand on Shy's shoulder, and Fluttershy doesn't eep, a good sign. "It is fine Shy, just text me the info." She says, with a smile, as soon Shy gives her a soft smile and nods. The two soon get interrupted by Dash shouting for Shy, as Dash is being driven home by Shy, the only one here with a license.

"I have to go, talk to you later Sunset." Shy says with a smile and soon gives her a soft hug, before letting go and heading inside. Sunset feels her heart skip a beat, and she feels, warm and happy even when standing outside in the cold. Big Mac walks over, and softly speaks, "Seems she and you are on better terms than everyone else." He says, with a chuckle, making Sunset blush and think on his words, though he soon just pats her back, and in a supportive big brother gesture, before he takes her bag and helps load it up into Celestia's tiny car.

Sunset looks at him and speaks, "Thanks, and I can hope we all become friends." to which Big Mac goes "Yup" as he Celestia walks over, in her big winter coat. "So, Sunset you ready to head home?" Sunset nods, as she smiles, "Yes I am, but first." She heads back inside, thanks everyone, and also gives Granny a hug, before she and Celestia head out and back on their way home.

-----Meanwhile within the City-----

A strange man walks in the blasted sunlight, mask on, scarf up, and sunglasses on, as he really hates the sun. Even on this cold, semi-cloudy Christmas Eve day, he finds himself wanting to head back to his place to read, but his boss sent him on this for a reason. 'Why do I get the Daytime shit.' he thinks, as the man has a brown winter cap on, and a big black jacket, not made for winter, more of a biker's jacket.

He soon arrives at his destination, the bike shop, as the man at the front counter looks up, and speaks. "Hello and welcome to Harold's Rides and Gear, how can I help-" He goes quiet, as the man removes his sunglasses, his black eyes looking at the man.

"Hello Harold Genovese, I believe you have a bike for my boss. I need it today." He says, coldly, as the man gulps, and shakes. The man chuckles, 'Wow, the Boss was right, this guy is a pushover. Can't believe he paid him instead of just making him create the bike for her. Well, he's rich so who cares.'

The man nods, as he soon trembles, and grabs some paperwork. "O-of course...follow me." He says, heading into the back, as the man follows, the short Italian man soon guides him to a beauty of a motorcycle. One Harley Motorcycle, with a custom fiery paint job custom helmet, jacket, and more. "H-here it is....my brother Tony got the jacket and helmet done...the rest is already set and will be delivered to your boss soon." He says, shaking as he looks nervous.

The man whistles, sliding a hand along the bike, as he smirks. "He'll love it, perfect gift for his kiddo. Nice work Harold, see this is why we pay you." He says, smiling as he sighs. He soon hands some papers to him and speaks. "I'll be driving her for a test. Make sure you did make it custom with those special parts." Harold nods, as soon the man suits up with his own helmet and walks her out. He soon gets the engine purring, and in a flash is off driving around the block.

It handles like a dream, has fantastic grip even on snow and icy roads, excellent responses, smooth gear shift everything feels comfortable. The engine sounds quiet, but it is one powerful machine, yet feels so gentle and smooth. The mysterious man takes the motorcycle for a good spin, before coming back, and driving inside Harold smiles, as the man kills the engine, walks inside, and gets off. "Great Bike, LOVE IT. Here, bonus payment." He says, tossing a bag at him, full of cash, which Harold thanks him.

Soon a black van rolls up, and he helps load the bike and other gear in, and the man sends a text to his boss. "Bike looks and runs smooth boss, she'll love it. Be dropping it off at the time told. Thanks for sending me this job. Might be daylight work, but hell the test run made it worth it." The man types, as he soon gets inside the van, enjoying the darkness and a mysterious lady speaks. "Had fun, Jack?" The man, Jack chuckles, "Trust me, I always love a good ride, Babe." He smirks, as both laugh, and a third person drives the van, to a place unknown by many, to get their job done on time.

-----Back with Sunset-----

Sunset and Celestia arrive back at their home, bringing in the gifts through the Garage with help from Luna. Sunset soon finds the Tree has many presents under it, the kitchen smells of good food, cookies having been made, along with tea and other goodies, and it seems Luna has been busy decorating and preparing for tonight, and tomorrow. Sunset and her guardians all sit down, after putting her gifts from her friends away, and take a moment to rest.

"So it went well?" Luna asks as she looks at Sunset. "Yes, it did." She replies as Luna nods. Luna seems very deep in thought, as Celestia gets them all some tea and cookies to snack on, as they chat in the living room, all three on the big sofa together, the TV simply playing a Christmas Movie, one of many on today no doubt.

"That is good, I hope you all can try to become friends, but if anyone does try to hurt you or ruin your name like this again, or not believe you...well serious actions will be had." She says, sounding more, ashamed of herself still, for not believing in Sunset, as Celestia sighs, "I think we can help mitigate issues at school, and enforce a better ruling for bullying, cyberbullying, and awareness of false information." She says as Sunset and Luna both nod since these sorts of rules would be helpful, and Sunset knows the school is very lenient on some rules, having used them to her own advantage before.

"I think that is a good idea, but don't just do this because of me, I think some other bullies and...myself need some punishment for how we behaved." Sunset adds as Luna nods, but Celestia speaks up, "You have your own punishment now, plus you were homeless and have, well a unique life so far. I think having that crown take you over and recent events are punishment enough." She says, in a stern and kind manner.

Luna hums, as she speaks, "Yes, and helping is out here, staying in school, repairing broken friendships, and making amends with others at school can also be done still to help mold you into a better person." She says as if coming from experience. Both sisters look at Sunset who nods before Celestia claps her hands, standing up as she smiles.

"Now, instead of just sitting, let's finish up decorating, and we have dinner plans to make-" Luna: "Let's have Sunset decide that." She says, before Sunset smiles, and speaks. "Let's go to a place. Where Xavier took me for food. I believe it was the Gem Dragon." She says as both think on it, but Celestia soon nods.

"The Gem Dragon it is, do they do carry out?" She asks as Sunset is unsure, and soon they begin to look into the restaurant for a menu and carry-out options. They find the website, and on the front page, is a message saying 10 percent of all funds go to their community homeless shelter. Sunset smiles, and wonders if they are the people who made delicious ramen and vegan meals for the shelters these past few years.

They all soon manage to get an order called in, and Celestia heads out to get it. In the meantime, Luna and Sunset play some two-player games, mainly Nintendo games with some Xbox games too. Luna shows off her skills in Diablo 3 and other games. The two bond via gaming, and chatting over their days, and Sunset seems, pretty relaxed with Luna, who shows her nerdier, gamer side to her. Soon they hear Celestia return, and help her bring in food, as they pause their games and all get their meals, cuddling up in the living room by the fire to eat, and watch some funny Christmas movies.

It is a lovely time, though soon Celestia seems to go to her office for something, and Luna looks, a bit nervous. Celestia soon returns, with papers in hand. "Sunset, can we talk?" Sunset nods, as she stands up and walks over to her, now dressed in warm sweats and with slippers on. "Is something up?" Sunset asks, a bit nervous and a little worried.

Celestia sighs, and then smiles. "Recall those, papers I asked you to sign. Well, uh, they weren't just for you to live here and health forms. See, I didn't want you to feel, unwelcomed here, and well I suppose you wish to not end up back on the street. And to make it official, that your family..." She holds out the papers, which are adoption papers, officialized and accepted by a judge, and has everything filled in and properly done.

Sunset blinks, and a part of her can't even process this before she feels, water on her cheeks. Celestia looks nervous, and Luna walks over. "Are, you okay?" She asks as Sunset wipes away her tears and smiles. "Y-yeah I just, wasn't expecting...you...thank you." She says, as she soon hugs Celestia, who hugs her back. Sunset is shocked, but extremely happy, though is it because she has a home and family, or because she feels relief from worrying about being a burden, it is hard to tell.

The two embrace, as Luna joins the hug, as the family now sits down to continue, as Luna and Celestia clarify she can call them by their names, or Mom for Celestia, and Luna would like to be called Aunt, but both don't push it. It is a great and happy evening, as they all bond and Sunset grows to accept this change in her life, for the better, While her doubts and worry remain, and her fear of disappointing them both lingers, she can focus on the bright side of things now. Soon, they all retire for the evening.

As Sunset gets settled down for the night, with her guardians retiring for sleep or late-night gaming, a group arrives at their home. Soon via unknown means they enter, placing gifts, stealing cookies, and getting the items their boss told them to deliver in place. The Bike is placed in a spot visible to the windows and given some kind of protection from the snow and from being stolen. The individual in Christmas Elf attire, but obviously not actual elves, make it quick, and soon drive away.

Xavier himself soon arrives as a crow, dropping the keys to the Harley in Sunset's snow-covered flower box attached to her window, and flies off. He watches her take them and soon sees the motorcycle, as she rushes out to check on it. Soon, Sunset rushes back in and opens the Garage, as Celestia soon is moving, and both get it into the garage for safekeeping. The Xavier in his crow form soon flies off, however unaware of another individual watching.

Sunset and Celestia both go back to bed, as a blond-haired girl soon walks into their home, takes a picture of their house number, and sighs. 'Maybe she can help me.' the lady thinks, before soon walking towards town, soon vanishing into the night.

Well that was quite the pair of chapters. Seems there is more going on than expected. But those may be explored next time. So now, people, do come back to join me by the fire, and relax as I tell you this tale. Do be good to one another, and always ask me questions. Good Morning, Noon, or Night my listeners.

Author's Note

Another chapter is finished and hopefully fully edited on schedule. Though I feel this one is, less than perfect. I felt unmotivated due to events in my DMing experience. The summary of it is two players blew up a key story area, and I have been scraping my brain apart to figure out how to fix this...as they blew up a teleportation device for them to escape a plant-Flood-like zombie horde. So I have been distracted and had to ENTIRELY rewrite this chapter as the first old drafts have too many errors and also I feel them be too old and do not fit the themes I want.

I hope the themes of mystery and such hit a bit, as I am expanding the world and also showing Sunset is healing...slowly. I myself have mental illness, but never suicidal thoughts. So I am trying to portray the slow healing/general shift out of the depression I have experienced myself. It still lingers but is easier to ignore and able to avoid falling back into it.

Also do feel free to comment with questions, concerns, and any grammar or other issues, cause I am no professional writer, and editing is now mostly done via Grammarly. Sometimes I may mistakenly have stuff that makes the entire chapter feel off, as Esorial pointed out in a previous chapter, which I do thank you for that. Helps show the Smiths as a good family now I changed some things.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this chapter, be good people, and enjoy yourselves.