Sunset and her family soon arrive at the shelter, as they see many folks coming in to adopt some pets for themselves or adopt ones in need. Sunset smiles as many pets are here, mainly dogs, cats, and some parrots or birds. Attached to the shelter is a pet store, so other animals are up for sale, and all the needed supplies for caring for and raising a pet. The place is warm, and cozy, even with the smell of the animals and pet food present in the building.

And at the heart of it, is Fluttershy, even with Christmas, is here volunteering. She wears her usual yellow sweater, with her shelter vest, and her hair done up as she talks to a young girl about how to help raise her dog, as her mother and father are also excited for the puppy to join their family. Celestia and Luna look around, as Sunset notices a black cat in one of the cozy cages off to the side, as the cat looks at her. Shy notices them and smiles but also is busy so can't talk right now.

Sunset sighs, as she speaks, ' God, she really is great. Why did I hurt her so badly before?' she thinks and sighs. She hides her expression, though is sad as she recalls the times she bullied Shy, hurt her, and made fun of her. All because Shy is, is... What even was it? Shy being an easy target? Too kind or not going to stand up for herself, or was it something else? Sunset mentally grumbles as a voice speaks, "It's because she is pure, and that purity is what we lost."

Sunset shakes her inner voice away, as she idle walks over to Celestia, and looks at the cats with her. Celestia looks at her, "You alright Sunset?" She worries, as Sunset sighs. "Yeah just, had a moment, I think, anxiety? Not sure," she says, as the black cat meows, and walks over. "but maybe some chatting can help me calm down." She finishes, as Celestia nods, and rubs her back gently. "I see, well, maybe we can ask to meet a cat, this one is cute." She nods, as the black cat's bio sheet says their 1-year-old, is called Omega and has been here for a bit.

Sunset looks at the cat, and sighs, "Omega is an odd name." Celestia nods, "Yes it is, but so is mine and yours. Now, hiya little gal, how are you?" She asks, as the black cat meows and reaches out, as Celestia walks a bit closer, and begins to talk to the cat. Sunset chuckles a bit, as she looks over, Luna is actually talking to a younger lady, about her dog who seems to adore Luna, as it lays by her and looks happy.

Sunset sees Shy finishing up with the family and sends them to get their paperwork finalized, as she comes over. "H-Hey Sunset, you uh, came here for something?" She asks, nervously, as Sunset feels her heart hurt from it, as Shy tries to keep eye contact, but also seems too nervous to do so.

Sunset sighs and speaks. "No just came to check on you, and also see when you get off work, so we can discuss the New Year's Party, and uh...I have something to tell you in private." She says, as Shy nods, and Celestia adores the little black cat, as Shy giggles. "Alright, I get off at 5 o'clock, though my dad and brother are out till 10, so it is just me and my mom tonight though we can still talk, uh, my place? Or...at Principle Celestia's home?" She asks, knowing Sunset's living arrangements, as all the girls got that information a while ago.

Sunset thinks, "Not sure, we can probably talk about it later." She says as Celestia speaks to them both. "Hello Fluttershy, sorry I was intrigued by Omega here." She says, as Omega meows, Shy giggles, and Sunset feels both pain and joy from it and is somewhat confused about why. "Oh that is fine, she's a little angel. Though, no one wants her due to superstition. I-I would but we have Angel at home, and I am scared she would go after him."

She says this, and Celestia nods, before looking up and seeing Luna and the lady, and sighing. "I understand that some people don't see things for what they are, and only for what they are told. A black cat isn't bad luck, especially this little girl." She says, putting a hand on the cage, as Omega attempts to nuzzle her hand. Sunset smirks reminded her of how the Princess had kittens, dogs, and even other more dangerous animals simply be calm and cute around her.

Shy smiles, and speaks, "Well, hopefully, someone sees her like that and adopts her." Celestia nods, though looks to be thinking something over, as she looks over the biography for Omega. Sunset then smirks, as she can tell she is debating something, like her old Teacher, her new mother does the same lip bite and inquisitive staring, a trait both seem to share.

"Well, maybe she is lucky today." Sunset says as she looks at Shy, "I uh, saw Flash a few minutes ago, and had a talk with him." Shy looks at her, and then looks, sad. No Worried? It is hard to tell. "Oh, so, you two are-" Sunset puts up a hand, and then adds, "We're just friends now, he has the hots for Twilight, and we're cool. He is also gonna give me driving lessons." She says, smiling, as Shy nods.

"That is great, well try to get an affordable car, and if you need extra help or a buddy I can help." She says, softly, smiling a bit, as Sunset can't help but smile back. Celestia soon looks at them both, and speaks, "Excuse me." She says, walking by to Luna, as the lady and Luna both watch her come over, and then the lady gives Luna something and heads to check out with her pet food. Shy and Sunset watch this, as Shy beams.

"She is gonna adopt you." She says to Omega, who meows, and Shy walks over and pets her with a finger through the cage door, as Sunset looks on, ignoring the feeling of guilt over what she did to shy, and focusing on her smile. She then walks over and puts a hand on Shy's shoulder. "I do have something I want to show you later, I got something big for Christmas." She says, as Shy nods, hiding her shocked look at Sunset's contact, as both have an awkward moment of silence, before Omega meows.

Shy smiles and keeps petting her, as Celestia and Luna walk over. Luna looks at the cat and smiles softly, adoring the little one. "Oh so precious, a little gal. I think your right, she'll fit in right at home." Celestia nods, as Sunset smiles. "So I take it we're adopting her." Celestia: "I am, though we'll need everything for her, well we have old liter boxes and food bowls in the basement in storage since we had cats, but after Mr. Mittens and Vixen died of old age 10 years ago we haven't had any."

"Yes, though I been wanting to get one again, or a dog, any furred friend to help give some warmth to the old home." She says, calmly, as Luna reaches out, and oddly, Omega purrs instantly from her touch, as Luna chuckles. "Awe, so cute, She's purring..though Omega isn't a fitting name for her."

"Well maybe you should name her Luna, after all, you both are similar." She says, chuckling, as Luna glares at her sister. "Is it because I am cat-like in nature, small, or because of that joke?" She asks as Celestia rubs her neck. "Mainly the first two." She teases, as both have a look at each other before they chuckle. Sunset chuckles too, as Shy giggles softly.

They all stop soon, and Shy speaks up, 'Well, let me open the cage so you can hold her, and I'll get the paperwork." She says, opening the cage, picking up Omega, and handing her to Luna, and Omega just looks, so comfortable in her arms. Surprisingly she doesn't fuss or seem angry, and is one chill young cat. Shy leaves to go get paperwork, as Sunset watches her go, and Luna looks at this. Celestia soon goes shopping for cat litter, and food. She acquires some help from another worker, a young man, to help her become reacquainted with cat caring. He is at first nervous as he doesn't think they could handle it, but she explains why they wish to pick her out, and he soon begins to help her more willingly.

As Sunset and Luna stand there petting Omega, the cat yawns, and rolls over, before getting belly rubs. "Sunset, you and Shy are on good terms right?" Luna asks, Sunset looks up, confused, as Luna sees this. "I only ask since you both seem a bit awkward, which is understandable considering your past experiences with each other."

"Yeah, I..it's sort of awkward," Sunset admits, quietly. "I just really want to make things up to her, due to everything before. I...don't really recall why I just picked her out to be so mean to." She softly adds as she stops petting Omega, as Omega looks at her, with those intelligent blue eyes. Luna nods and thinks over what Sunset said.

"I think, maybe you did it because she made you question something. Perhaps she made you recall a part of yourself you lost. I was like that to someone once, blamed them, and hurt them badly due to my own pain." She says as she gives Sunset a gentle smile. "So try your best to make it up to her, I do recall you mentioning giving her a ride on the motorcycle." She says as Sunset nods, smiling as she like the idea of them together, driving around free. Though it reminds her of when Flash drove her around in his car, that sense of freedom.

She wonders though how he could drive so young, as well as Shy being able to drive early too. Though her thoughts are broken when Luna speaks, "Also I will say you should do the same with others you bullied, and try not to let them only know you as who you were, but who you are now." She says, as Sunset nods, and thinks about this. 'Who I am now, I am, someone finding her place in this world still. But I am getting there.' She ponders, and both soon have Shy return to them with the paperwork.

"Alright, I have it here, let's go get it filled out." She says, as both walk after her, Celestia soon comes back with some stuff, and thanks the man for helping her. They all soon sit down in a room, as Shy brings in a proper shelter worker, and they discuss the adoption process, health concerns, and other concerns with Omega, as also her history and records.

Overall Sunset finds this odd, as Omega has no problems, no illnesses, or injuries, besides being small and a bit underloved and unable to eat hard food, she is healthy. Too healthy, for her being a stray from the streets, which is verified and how they found her. Omega also seems to use to people for being so young, though that is overlooked as the shelter wants her to find a home, as most folks are superstitious or not interested in such a young kitten. Sunset hums, as this is odd, though might just be luck on their side.

The adoption is handled, and soon they have Omega, but Luna soon looks at her and speaks up. "I think, Salem fits you better." She says, as Omega perks up and seems, happy at the name. Shy giggles, as she grabs a travel cage and some soft food, as well as some treats. "Now, I think later I may have to come over to check on little Salem." She says as Celestia nods, "Oh yes, and we can talk about the party. Just you or-" She and Celestia discuss the plans for later, as Luna holds Omega, now Salem, as Sunset chuckles.

Soon little Salem is in their car, as they prepare to head home, to not only have Salem get used to the place slowly but also to prepare for having Fluttershy and Mrs. Shy over for dinner and to discuss the party. Thus they have cleaning and preparation to do, as Sunset sits in the back with Salem, who is meowing a lot, as they drive along. "I am surprised no one else adopted Salem before." She says as Celestia nods.

Sunset finds it odd but is happily enjoying the cat in the carrier chilling beside her, as petting her helps keep Salem calm in the car. After the long drive, they get home and begin bringing in Salem and the important stuff, then the food and drinks. Salem is let free in the safest room of the large home, the bathroom, as they have to prepare the litter box and such downstairs and also get her some food and water.

This all takes an hour, and soon Salem is set up in the bathroom, as Luna tackles cat preparations, Sunset tackles cleaning up, and Celestia tackles meal preparations. They all do their part and help each other when able, which dinner being a large salad, hamburger and ground squash burgers, and some new foods she wants to try, as Sunset and Shy are both vegetarians. or are somewhat, Sunset has been thinking of eating meats again, after the Horse Meat scare she had 2 years ago.

Soon they are prepared, and Sunset stands in the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror, as she sighs. "It's just a meeting with her and her mom, hopefully, nothing weird happens." She says to herself, and to Salem. Salem meows and Sunset smiles. "Yeah, I know nothing will happen, cause your our good luck cat." She hopes as Salem purrs, as Sunset picks her up, and heads out to the living room to wait.

Soon, the Shys arrive, as Fluttershy and Mrs. Shy are dressed warmly, and Sunset helps them come in, having Salem be in a small makeshift play area, so she doesn't get lost or stuck in the large home. Mrs. Shy looks at Sunset a bit hesitant about her helping Shy, as Sunset hangs up Shy's coat and then looks at her. "May I take your coat?" Sunset asks, as Mrs. Shy nods, and hands it to her.

Celestia, Luna, and Mrs. Shy soon greet each other and begin to ask how their vacation has been, and how her work is treating her, as she has no days off besides Christmas Eve, Day, and the week between that and New Year's Eve, with New Year's Eve and two days after it. Shy sits by Sunset in the living room as they both have Salem with them.

"Big home, really big." Sunset chuckles, and nods. "Yeah, it is pretty big, though it is also quite nice. I can show you my room in a bit. Can't bring Salem in it though, too many cords and things she could get into." Sunset says, as Shy nods, petting Salem, who purrs happily. "We can go up in a bit, so, what did you want to show me? Your gift?" Sunset smirks, and soon stands up. "I'll show you in a bit." She says as both enjoy petting Salem.

Sunset mentally is happy Shy is here, calm and not nervous, and looking very cozy in her sweater. She and Shy sit like this for a bit, before they soon put Salem in the little play area, and head up to Sunset's room. Sunset holds her hand and speaks. "Okay, this is part one of my gifts." She says, opening the door, to show her jacket, helmet, new boots, her computer, headphones, and the other small stuff.

Shy is impressed and confused. "This, is really cool, but why do you need a helmet and leather jacket? You don't own a bike." She says as Sunset smirks, and shy gives her an odd look before the realization hits her face. "No way...who got you one?" She asks as Sunset smiles, pulling Sunset inside her room. "Xavier did, I think this is his last gift to me before he goes on his way. A big gift too, and also I...want to tell you something even bigger than all of this." She beams, as Shy nods, as Sunset sits down on her bed, and Shy follows.

"So what is it?" She asks, a bit nervous, as they sit so close. "Okay, so...You know I am living here now, well, Celestia adopted me, and, now I am under their care as Celestia's adopted child and Luna's adoptive niece. And the rest of the family knows or will be told soon." She says, as Shy gasps, before hugging Sunset and speaking. "That is great, you have a home and family here. T-thought uh." She stops, and lets go, as Sunset couldn't even hug back. "w-what about your family back..in Equestrian?" She asks, as Sunset blinks, and sighs.

"Oh...well uh, my folks died when I was young. The only family I have there would be my aunt, I think, and the Princess, but...both those bridges I...burned before I came here." She sighs, as Shy looks down. "S-sorry I shouldn't have asked." She says as Sunset smirks, a half-hearted smirk. "No worries Shy, you're fine. Now, uh, tell me how was your Christmas?" She asks, as Shy slowly talks about it, realizing Sunset wants a distraction from bad memories. Sunset happily listens to Shy talk and talk, becomes more open and emotional, and is also sassy about her lazy brother.

Soon they both get called down for dinner, and chuckle, as they head down and join the three adults for the meal, and also feed Salem some wet food and notice how she hasn't used the small litter box they got for her yet. Soon they begin to eat, after washing up. They all chat over the meal about how the Party will go. Sunset pays attention and retells what Mrs. Shy says to herself. ' It starts at 8 o'clock, in formal attire, at the Canterlot Party Hall, and many of Mrs. Shy's bosses and colleagues will be there. Sounds invite-only, but friends and guests are welcome. She mentioned no silver which either means A; they know about the existence of creatures like lycans and fae and want no problems, or B they have lycans and fae among them and don't want to stand out. Also, all young teens will have access to a soda bar, snacks, movies, and a game room area, with little kids in a separate room. I can see why Dash wouldn't go, being in a dress till tomorrow early morning is gonna suck.' She thinks, as they all eat up, enjoying the meal.

"Wait, can I wear a suit?' Luna asks Mrs. Shy, who blinks, "Oh, do you not own a dress?" Luna looks at her, and sighs, "No, for two reasons, the first being my first-ever dress was ruined by my first-time boyfriend, and I have preferred suit tops, their more comfortable. Also, It has a skirt with pockets." She says as Celestia chuckles, and Mrs. Shy smiles. "Then, of course, you can wear it. No problems with folks wearing what they wish, so long as it isn't Mrs. Chrysalis and her black dress incident."

"Wait Officer Chrysalis?' Celestia asks, as Sunset mentally chuckles over this info. Chrysalis, the Queen of Changeling and Menace to society, is a police officer. She heard of her from Princess Celestia, who had a deep resentment toward her, for some reason. Mrs. Shy talks of the incident, something to do with a deep V-neck dress and too much being shown. Sunset thinks about how she likes her dresses, but also would want to try a suit maybe. The image of her in a suit dancing with Fluttershy comes to mind.

' I owe a dance for making her date to the Fall Formal dump her mid-night.' She sighs, and then speaks up, "Well maybe she'll wear a suit or suit dress this time, and I may try a suit. See how it fits, and also more pockets." She says as the girls all chuckle, and Celestia nods, as they all begin making talk about what to wear, and then on to over matters, mainly light topics and stuff that makes Sunset feel calm and relaxed, listening to them all.

The night goes on for a good while, with Sunset showing off her motorcycle to Mrs. Shy and Fluttershy, as both are concerned but are informed Sunset will learn first before she tries to ride it. They all also play some games on the switch, and Shy reveals she is a huge Zelda nerd, as Mrs. Shy is told by Celestia about the adoption, and both soon talk parenting tips, as Celestia is worried about Sunset. Sunset chills with Salem as She, Luna, and Shy game, before it gets late, and the two Shys must leave. After goodbyes, numbers exchanged, and Shy smiling at Sunset, the evening of activity comes down to a calm standstill, as Sunset realizes how she feels, very weird right now. She is already missing shy, yet is unsure why.

'Can worry about that later, now, it is time to relax.' She thinks to herself, as the family winds down, and begins their late evening activities. Luna chatting with her group online, Celestia goes to read her book of the night with Salem, and Sunset is in her room, vibing to music as she writes stuff in her journal, updating Twilight on what happened, and current events. She soon goes to lie on her bed, and read her books from AJ, as she had a good day today.

"I wonder what tomorrow will bring.' She thinks and smirks, as she reads some more, before turning in and going to bed.

Ah, a lovely chapter that was. Salem joins the Faust-Shimmer family, and it seems Mrs. Shy is cautious of Sunset. Though another heart-to-heart and Shy learning of Sunset's adoption was just adorable to me. Now, we'll see how things go and lead up to New Year's Eve, oh that party does sound fun. But, for now, be good my dear listeners, and remember, to be kind to one another. Good Day or Evening to you, my gentlefolk.

Author's Note

And this is a new chapter, mainly because I didn't have a clear connection between the two edited chapters before, and the next one. So note, that the next chapter is gonna be about Catherine, and some more events on her end. To help lead into the next part of the story. I write this the same week as editing the other chapters, so trying to keep things smooth and make sense here.

I hope you all enjoy it, please point out issues or mistakes I left, though I should catch most grammar and structural mistakes before this gets released.

And next up, is a Catherine Chapter, then a Session with Dr. Wolf.