The car ride was comfortable, as AJ and Sunset both are quiet for some of it, as they ran out of things to talk about, as they soon arrive at the market and shopping center, as they exit from the car, and begin to head to it, as AJ looks at Sunset, and thinks, 'How shall I ask about her attending the party? Oh, this is gonna be hard.' AJ sighs, and walks along the cleared paths around the open area, as Celestia looks around, and smiles. Sunset sighs and walks beside them, as she looks around and avoids some eyes, as some students from the school are present, and Sunset wants to avoid them.

Celestia sighs, as she looks around, "I have to go grab some items, I trust you two can find what you need without trouble?" She asks, as AJ and Sunset nod, "Yeah Miss Celestia we'll be fine." AJ says confidently and Sunset chuckles a bit before stating, "Just as long as we avoid some folks, I rather not see them." Celestia nods and looks at Sunset, "Just come find me if you need help then, and Sunset, know if anyone gives you trouble from school, they'll be hearing from me." She says, as Sunset nods, and sighs, "I will, but let's hope that doesn't happen."

Celestia nods, as she heads into a store for candles and perfumes, as AJ looks at Sunset, showing a smile, "So wanna go check out the new games available? Or some sports stuff?" Sunset nods, but thinks, then pointing at a book store, "How about books first, I want to find a new book to read, plus maybe find a book on manners for Dash." She says, seriously, as Aj and her stare at each other, before both laugh a bit at that. "Oh totally, reckon Shy may give her one as well," AJ states, though Sunset looks sad at the mention of Shy, AJ pats her shoulder, "Hey you alright?" Sunset nods, and smiles, a slightly strained one, "Yeah, though uh, let's go, I do have to find a gift for Mi-, Luna and Celestia." She says, and AJ nods, as both head out to go shopping.

The shopping goes smoothly, AJ managing to buy gifts for her friends, secretly buys Sunset a gift, which is a fantasy book series, and a guide book for the newest Zelda game as Sunset was excited she was able to get one and uses a card she was given to her. AJ smiles and mentally goes through her list as they walk around, having spent almost an hour here, 'Got the gifts for Sunset, Dash some wireless earbuds to use when working out, Rarity that purse, and Pinkie that new cookbook she been wantin' plus dem new oven mitts. Just gotta get Shy a big blanket and some air freshener for her van, and the stuff for Bloom and Mac." she thinks as she then notices Sunset is not beside her, as she turns and sees Sunset looking into a tattoo shop. AJ walks over, and speaks, "You know we'll have to wait for Celestia to let you get one."

Sunset nods, and smiles. "I know, but, I bet I can get a book of tattoos, so my first one isn't ordinary." AJ chuckles, and nods "Right then let's go In to ask for a book." She says as they head inside. The shop is oddly jovial, with many paintings and drawn artwork, a crystal dragon on the counter, several chairs in the back with calm lighting, small TVs, and soft pillows. A short woman, with dyed pink and white hair, with some brown roots coming in walks over to the desk, stepping up onto something to see them as she is a short woman. She looks at them both with two deep brown eyes and notes their lack of a parental figure, "You two got a parent with you? Or are you sneaking out to get a tattoo?"

AJ itches her nose, as she gets an odd smell, from the perfume she is wearing, as Sunset speaks, "I am just here to get a book, and uh, ask a few questions." The lady nods, and walks over, as she smiles, with clear arm-length tattoos of lilies, gladiolus, and roses on her arms, as she stands before them, being much shorter. "Well then, before I do I must tell you it is illegal to get a tattoo unless you are legally eighteen years old. However, if you got a parent or guardian, and the right paperwork, we can do it after all the right forms are filled out."

Sunset and AJ look shocked, and AJ speaks, "So wait, what sort of forms would we need, Miss?" The lady sighs, "Names Miss Politan, and that would be your birth certificate, documents showing they're your parent or guardian, and written consent forms." She says as Sunset's smile drops, and she looks defeated. Neo looks confused, but AJ speaks, "Ma friend here, is an orphan, and she wanted one, her guardian is out shopping, but we don't have those papers on us." AJ says as she is glad she doesn't have to fully lie, for what she knows Sunset has no parents here in this world so it isn't a total lie.

Miss Politan looks at them both and sighs. "Look, without some confirmation of age, I am not fully sure you can legally get a tattoo." Sunset then blurts out, "All I want is to cover this." She says, showing her, less-scarred arm, as the tattoo artist blinks, and looks at Sunset with respect and nods. "I can get that, but I still have to take precautions, to avoid lawsuits. I am the co-owner with my friend Roman." Then a ginger-haired man leans back in a t-shirt that says "Gun's and Roses" as he speaks, "Something up Neo? Oh, kids." Miss Politan looks at him as he pokes out of a back office, as she speaks, "One has, those kinds of marks, wants to make them into art." The man nods and thinks on this before he motions Neo to come over, which she does, as AJ looks at the sad Sunset, and gently pats her back.

"Hey now Sugarcube, if this doesn't work out, we could buy those fake water tattoos and maybe, go over my place to do them? We can even maybe, invite some of the girls over?" Sunset sighs, "Maybe, but I wanted a tattoo, should have done more research, looked into the laws, and all that." She sighs, as her phone vibrates, and she holds it up. "It's Celestia, wondering where we went." AJ nods, and then smiles, "Tell her to come here, maybe she can help work things out." Sunset nods, and responds, as AJ notices Miss Politan's glance towards them, and the loud whisper argument she is having with this Roman fella, as AJ tries not to listen in. Soon Celestia walks in, and sighs, "So, you found a shop, is something wrong?" Sunset nods, and speaks, "I legally can't get a tattoo till I am eighteen, without my birth certificate."

Celestia sighs, and looks unsure how to handle this, before Roman speaks, "I, think we can make a small arrangement, seeing as you are in a difficult time of life, being newly taken in and such." Celestia looks at AJ and Sunset, but nods, and listens. "So, Miss,-" "Sunset, Sunset Shimmer," Sunset informs him. "Yes, Miss Shimmer, we can give you perhaps, a small tattoo, after we do some consent forms and legal paperwork, and instruct you on how to care and manage the tattoo, however, we must not mention this to the public, that we at Torchwick Ink did that art, or if we did, it was fully legal. And know we'll prefer if you only come to us for anymore, so another artist won't recognize the style and ask questions." He says, in a very, oddly casual manner, like he's done this before.

Celestia nods, but looks at him, "You do run a legal business right? Not going to hurt Sunset or give her a bad tattoo if we accept?" She says, sternly, as Miss Politan walks over, and looks up at the much taller lady, "Miss, I assure you, I am a professional and do the best art ever, so I will be doing this one personally, as to avoid mess-ups from the trainees. Luckily most are out on their lunch break, so we got time." Celestia nods, and smiles, "That is good, though how much will it be?" Miss Politan walks over to a catalog of tattoos and hands it to Sunset. "Each one has its price, but ones for the wrist and inner lower arm are around fifty to two hundred dollars." AJ looks shocked, as she looks at the catalog with Sunset, who opens it, right to a bunch of wrist ones, one of which is a small crow, with a skull-like head and amber eyes, as it is a bit more expensive.

Celestia looks at Sunset, who looks up, and Celestia smiles, "We'll accept, let Sunset make her choice, though how long will it take?" Roman sighs, and speaks calmly, "That depends on the level of design and size, a smaller tattoo may seemingly take less time unless you want an intricate design. Then some take multiple sessions to do." Sunset looks at him, and holds the catalog open, pointing to the crow, "How about this one, for my wrist, not super detailed?" She asks, as the two look at each other, and Neo smirks. "A black crow, number 117 wrist, oh yeah that one isn't too long, takes me roughly forty-five to an hour." AJ mentally curses, "Damn, we still gotta eat lunch, but, Sunset wants it, so, she'll get it." she sighs, and smiles at Sunset, who nods, and soon Sunset, Celestia, and Roman head into the back, as Miss Politan looks at AJ.

"So, you're a Smith, right? From the Apple farm on the outskirts of the city? I don't mean to pry, but I just wanted to know, I buy apples from the farmer's markets and see your grandma around, Mrs. Smith. I uh." Miss Politan looks away, and sighs, "I heard about your folks a few years back, been wondering how your family took it, my family, well my dad knew your folks, attended the funeral. May not recognize me with my dye job or tattoos." AJ nods and realizes who she is, and chuckles, "Ah it's fine, and I knew I known you from somewhere. But yeah I have been fine mostly, just helping my friend." She says, as Neo nods, and beams a bit. "That is good, though I would recommend getting a tattoo, though we both know your Grandmother wouldn't be too happy."

AJ nods, and looks around, "Yeah, though I have to ask, you both done this before, slightly not fully legal tattoos?" Neo looks around and leans up to her, and whispers, "We all got our secrets, Jacklin." She smiles, and soon both she and AJ begin chatting as Neo prepares her station for Sunset, mainly about their families and the holidays, before going to what they have been up to the last few years. "So I have been in school, learning to either become a better farmer or help expand the family business, though you, last I heard were in college." Neo nods, and smirks, "I am still in college, going to be a graphic artist and design major, but I got into tattooing, met Roman who is a marketing major, was into tattooing, and also artwork and such. He's out of college, and I met him and we got into this business, luckily my college isn't too far, and we work mainly on the weekends. Decent money, though his real work is getting new hires and running this place. We trained twenty people this year, now they're out there in this business with skills to stay afloat and help others get on their feet."

AJ nods, and smiles, as Sunset walks out in her t-shirt, and smiles. "Alright, let's do this." Neo nods, and AJ leaves the small side room, as Sunset sits down, and Neo tells her about the tattoo, puts on a face mask, and begins the process, as Celestia and Roman chat, mainly about how he has given many seniors from her school tattoos, and they talk about how to help Sunset care for the tattoo, and risk involved. AJ sits in the hall, and gives Sunset a supportive smile, as she pulls out her phone, texting her brother about the slight delay, but so far the plan is working, as she sends the girls a group text, "Girls, gonna be late, but do not worry, Operation Apology Party is still on, though luckily I ran into a family friend, so Sunset's in good hands." she sends it, as she waits, and watches this work occurring, and smiling more internally as Sunset seems excited for this, as her right arm is soon being inked up, and the work begins.

--An Hour later--

Sunset stands up and smiles, as Neo places a bandaid over the tattoo, covered in cold petroleum jelly, as Neo talks to her about some tips for aftercare, and saying how if she keeps it moisturized and clean, plus uses the right soaps and sunscreens, her tattoo should last a decade or so without touch-ups. Sunset and Neo talk more about future tattoos and how they will affect her skin and scars, and Neo subtly says to not do self-harm by saying "Let's make sure any works of art you get last a long time." AJ checks her phone and sees the girls want an update, but she replies with "You'll all see later." as she smirks and watches Sunset walks over, and smiles. "So after twenty-four hours, I can take the bandage off, though we got pictures of the tattoo. Wanna see the up-close shots?" She asks as AJ smiles. "I can see it up close after the bandage comes off, which will be by Christmas then, so now, shall we go eat? Bet ya hungry by now."

Sunset nods, as Celestia walks back over, having been outside to take a call, and smiles. "So, your alright Sunset?" Celestia asks with worry, but Sunset nods. "It was a bit painful, but that is normal, plus it came out good, can't show you until after twenty-four hours, so it can heal, and also gotta be careful with it for the next little while to let my skin heal without issues." Neo walks over, nodding, "Yep, she got all the tips and rules down, so she'll be all set."

"That is very good, thank you for this Miss Politan, and I did tell Luna of this, she seemed very surprised with this but supportive. Now, let's go eat then, finish up shopping, and discuss the afternoon plans." She says as the girls nod, but Sunset smirks, "I think I'll be going over AJ's place, eating some delicious pie, and relaxing there for a bit will be nice. Though if I need you to come to pick me up I'll call." AJ nods, but then smiles, "Why not stay a night, Granny would like to talk to you, and we could, if you want, invite the girls over. Make it a party or, something, if ya want." AJ says, hoping to not overstress but not try to sell the idea to Sunset, who thinks on it, for a long bit, as Celestia looks at AJ, hopeful.

"You know, sure I can come over to stay, as long your family is okay with it, though inviting the girls over, well, let me consider that for a bit." She says, and then sighs. "But that means grabbing some clothing for a sleepover, and my stuff." Celestia, "Oh, don't worry, I can have Luna prepare it all, and I'll drop it off, but that does mean you'll need a ride." AJ smiles, and speaks confidently, "Mac's old truck has enough room for three, so he can give ya a lift to our place."

Sunset looks at the two, curiously, before smirking, "You two planned for me to have a sleepover at your place didn't you?" Celestia and AJ blink, but AJ sighs, "We did, so ma family can help make sure you okay, we're a caring bunch, plus I do want to make things up to you. And maybe make the girls come by and apologize." Sunset sighs, and looks down, "They don't, no one has to apologize anymore, I know you all didn't mean to push me out, you just all didn't think I could change, which from how I acted before..." She trails off, as Neo had left the room to give them privacy, not wanting to eavesdrop on this conversation.

Celestia hugs Sunset gently, "Sunset, you were just mixed up and confused is all, and that is in the past, you have changed, and want to change into who you want to become. Now, I won't repeat myself from the hospital, but, we all forgive you, and want you to forgive us." Sunset sighs, and nods, "I want to, and I am, it's just, sometimes I have thoughts like I did, taking power, and other times it is more of the dark ones." AJ nods and puts a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Easy now, whenever you think those dark thoughts, remember this, your life is precious, and no matter what, you should keep on livin'. That is what I told myself before, and it helped me." AJ beams, as she mentally sighs 'Specially after I moved out to Manehatten for that bit, really should have stuck to my home.' but pushed the thoughts back.

Sunset smiles, and speaks softly, wiping a tear away. "Thanks, AJ, and uh, sorry for making the mood so, sad. Let's go eat and, talk about something fun." Celestia and AJ nod, but still look worried, as they all say thank you to Neo and Roman, leaving Torchwick Ink, and going to a place to eat, as AJ mentally hopes that she can help Sunset deal with her emotions, like she has, but is thankful Sunset has it easy, "At least she doesn't get my moods." she chuckles to herself, as they head inside a nice restaurant, and gets some lunch. With warm food, Christmas music softly playing, and each other, the three enjoy their meal, and AJ smiles, happy to have Sunset still here, and hopeful her parents watching from wherever they are, are proud of her.

Well, that was a longer chapter of this story, my apologies if it bored you dear listeners, but this story is not about grandeur or adventure, but of emotions, feelings and connections. Maybe in time, that may change, but for now, do know I shall keep telling you this tale, so come by my little inn, grab some drinks, perhaps eggnog, and do know, that I hope you all have a Happy Holidays. See you in our next chapter, of a Shimmering Hope.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, I am sorry for the delay but hey, I said this was going to be a two-part chapter. I do hope you enjoyed them, with their more plot moving and soft themes, plus I did show two, possibly recurring background characters, with some past connections. And yes if you know who they are, they're Neo and Roman from RWBY, just as peaceful normal folks No their not my original creations, more of a fan interpretation of characters I like from a series, which I did enjoy. So the good news is more chapters will be well on the way, with hopefully no major issues arising from the holidays to ruin it. Think of this as your holiday gift, if you celebrate any holidays.

So take care, have fun, and stay safe this new year, and remember to be kind to one another.