The Aftermath Fast Forward Extravaganza!

by FreeHomeBrew

Rating: teen
Tags: Principal Celestia, Slice of Life, Narcotics, Drama, Comedy, Vice-Principal Luna, Equestria Girls, Trixie, Sunset Shimmer, Main 7 (EqG)
Length: 22294

Sunset Shimmer finds herself betrayed once again, goes to find herself, stays with her friends and finally...

Sunset Shimmer returns home after a bad fight with Luna, and they have some words to exchange. Then, it turns out Chrysalis hadn't been entirely truthful, and Sunset hits the streets. She comes across Trixie and has a not too great time with her, but their circumstances allow them to not be at each other's throats. She reflects on what she's done and how things are going before she confronts Luna once more. Luna presents her with renewed adoption papers but....

Sequel to Aftermath of the Fall Formal starting at Chapter 22. So it's more like a branch when that story is done.

Edit 20210403: This used to have a human tag for EqG but I realized that's not what it's for. Pardon!

Published 2021-04-02 21:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2021-04-02 21:10:00 UTC

The whole story

Author's Note

This is what happens when a sandbox chapter has a deadline on April 1st meets all of the suggestions from you, the readers!

Okay so this side story/chapter started as a bit of a joke, but in the end became more of a comedic sandbox to test some ideas for Aftermath. The latter half is a bit more serious than the prior half. Also a bit more rushed. Frankly, the bits that have been condensed could easily have been stories on their own but that's not what this was all about.

Over the past few weeks, Shimmering Sun had gotten suggestions from readers, and I would like to try those out in this story. So if there's anything to your liking or disliking, please please do comment so we can incorporate that into the actual story (or leave it out on negative feedback). The first part I worked on nightly about every night for a few weeks. The latter part was written in like... a day or two. Because deadline.

As for any concerns like "why write this when you can write Aftermath", I am but an editor and a tutor. I am not the author nor the co-author of that story. It's Shimmering Sun's story and she's been extremely busy with college and life. Any feedback on this chapter will probably help speed that story along, regardless of whether it's "boo, I hate this" or "wow, I love this". So do please let us know.

Also take it with a pinch of salt, since the deadline was 1st of April after all. It's also not been proofread. It gets a little bit lewd at times but nothing adult, and it has some parodied lyrics so props to who can tell the songs.

There's a heartfelt exchange at the end. So I know it's long 'n all, but that's something to look forward to at least. Enjoy,

The whole story

“I’ve given yesterday a lot of thought,” Luna began. “A lot. My life flashed before my eyes and it’s given me a lot of material to really… think about.”

“I see,” Chrysalis said, “go on?”

“I’m sorry,” Luna said. “I’m sorry how I’ve treated you.” She fiddled with the bottom rim of her shirt. “I’m sorry for what I put you through before.” She sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize earlier that you went through another loved one taking their own life, and how much worse that must’ve been. Today I had a lot of time to think. Alone. And one of the things that passed my mind was how I almost lost Sunset and how horrible that was and then I started thinking about when I… Well, when I put you through that myself and how Sunset did it to you too.”

There was a pause.

“She really is like my old rotten self,” Luna continued. ”You were right in leaving. There’s no telling what trouble she and I might get into next, but as we are, it can’t be anything good. So I’m sorry.”

“Well finally you managed to get a good look at yourself, huh?” Chrysalis said. “Well good on you. Let me know when you’re your new self so you can set Sunset straight. After you set her straight too, maybe ring me.”

“That’s the thing,” Luna continued. “I feel like I’ve finally changed. What you just said would’ve gotten to me yesterday but now… It’s not that I agree or disagree, I just… Well it doesn’t hit me like it used to. And I think I can handle Sunset and lead by example.”

“Huh,” Chrysalis said, not sure whether or not she should be surprised. “I suppose we can, maybe, you know...”

“Yes?” Luna said with hope.

“Well, I’d have to see this for myself, of course.”

“Uh-huh” Go on, Luna thought.

“And see how well you are with Sunset and if … well, we can live together without snapping anyone’s necks,”

“What did you have in mind?” Luna asked, not wanting to press anything to risk this chance.

“If you get your house in order, I might come around. Maybe in an hour or two? Give you some time to prep?” Chrysalis said cautiously.

Yes yes yes yes! Luna thought. “Sure. I can do that.”

“Alright.”

“Yeah.”

“See you in two hours.”

“Yeah, see you in a bit.” Luna hung up the phone and stood there for a moment. Her heart started racing and with blood rushing through her every vein, she jumped for joy and danced her way to the broom closet. As terrible as yesterday had been, so glorious had today become.

Two more hours passed and the whole place was spotless. Luna had put on the clothes Chrysalis so adored seeing on her and she stood before the front door, ready to receive her permanent guest.

She felt her heart beating in her throat, hearing Chrysalis approach the door. Despite expecting, knowing when the doorbell would ring, she still jumped at the sound of it.

“Hey Chrysalis~” Luna said in a welcoming tone. “I really put a lot of effort into getting everything in order here and… Thanks, for always having done that for me. For us.” She put her hands in front of her hips. “It was a lot of work but also really rewarding.”

“It’ll wane,” Chrysalis said. “Especially if it goes unappreciated for years on end.” The bitterness in her voice was palpable. “But you wouldn’t know that.”

Luna looked down. Her work had been its own reward, but now it just seemed like a drop on a hot plate.

Chrysalis put her left index finger below Luna’s chin and pushed it up so they were eye-to-eye. “So thank you, thank you for finally making that first step to understanding.”

Luna smiled an apologetic smile. She had not expected Chrysalis to be so tactful after last night’s rough night, and that god awful morning. Clearly she still had a lot of baggage, a whole bag of chips on both shoulders, but she was giving it her best.

Luna went into the kitchen to get them some coffee while Chrysalis sat down on the couch. When Luna returned, she placed the tray on the coffee table and went to sit on the chair across Chrysalis. Before her bum hit the seat however, Chrysalis motioned with her hand to come sit next to her on the right end of the couch.

For the next ninety minutes or so, Chrysalis and Luna were engaged in a new game, that quickly devolved into their old romantic habits of flirting and drawing closer. Sure there was that more serious underlying conversation about new rules and how things would be different from now on, but by the end of it, Luna was lying on top of Chrysalis in her embrace, both facing the ceiling.

“I’m glad we got that sorted,” Chrysalis said. “But if you ever, ever, go back, I’m moving to the other side of the planet. I don’t care what language they speak there, I’ll learn the fuck out of that.”

Luna held Chrysalis’ hands a little tighter around herself. “Don’t worry,” she said. “I now understand why ‘you don’t know what you’ll miss until you’ve lost it’ is actually a saying. I’ll never do that again. My life literally flashed before my eyes. I felt like I was literally dying. I felt worse than when you were-”

“Throat fisting you for a fist full of drugs?” Chrysalis completed her sentence.

“Yes,” Luna said, “but dear god try and tone down on the visuals, okay?”

“It’s my way of coping,” Chrysalis said. “If I can’t poke fun at it, it’ll consume me. I just know it. Fearing it makes it stronger. Mocking it makes it weaker.”

Luna picked up Chrysalis’ arms. Chrysalis flinched at Luna moving her broken arm the wrong way a little. “Oh, sorry,” she said. She sat herself upright. “I should get some dinner going.” She looked over to the table, which was still set for 3 when she went through her routine of setting it for everyone. She had felt too sad to clear it away.

“Expecting one more?” Chrysalis said.

“I just set that out of habit,” Luna said. “And I felt like if I were to clean it it’d be bad luck somehow.”

“Have you called Celestia and Sunset yet about stopping by?”

“Celestia is dropping her off later today,” Luna said.

“Text them to stop by earlier,” Chrysalis said, “I’ll dial a pizza place. My treat.”

Luna hugged Chrysalis at the kind gesture. “I’m really glad to have you back.”

“Yeah, I just felt like celebrating.”

The calls were made and not much later, their two guests came around.

“Chrysalis? What is she doing here?” Celestia asked Luna. “She didn’t hurt you did she?”

“Actually,” Luna said blushing, “She took one of my vital organs. But that’s okay,” Luna said.

“Luna! What the hell!” Celestia yelled, rushing to call 911.

“Sister, chill! It’s a joke!” Luna said in an outdoor voice. “Geez, I was setting up to say ‘because she stole my heart’. Way to ruin a joke.”

“Again?” Celestia said half surprised. She looked to Sunset, and then back to Luna. “Actually, I’ll be honest. Sunset and I have had some talks of our own while she was with me. Luna, you need to chill.” Luna nodded. “If you want Sunset to stay you’re going to have to trust her.”

Luna nodded again. “Yeah. I know. I had a lot of time to think a lot about a lot of things and, yeah, I really need to start trusting her. A lot.”

“Her life flashed before her eyes,” Chrysalis said.

“My life flashed before my eyes,” Luna confirmed, nodding. She looked to Celestia. “So… You were upset with Chrysalis being here before saying ‘actually’. Was there more to that? It sounded like there was more to that.”

“Yes,” Celestia said. She donned an earnest and serious frown. “I’m not saying what Chrysalis was right or justified last night, or even acceptable. She was wrong to just kiss me like that.”

”Butt?” Luna and Chrysalis asked.

“However,” Celestia continued. “She has also saved you, Luna, and Sunset.” She put her hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “So clearly, she’s heroic deep down and knows what the right thing to do is and she’s willing to go to great lengths to do it.”

Chrysalis nodded. “‘S all true. Can’t deny a thing.”

“So I’m not sure what to make of last night,” Celestia said, “But I am sure of what to make of you.” She looked to Chrysalis. “I’m not sure if I could’ve done what you’ve done for these girls. I would like to think I can, but I’m sure I would freeze up and be powerless to do anything. I’m sure that if push came to shove, you’d jump in harm’s way to save me all the same.”

“Of course,” Chrysalis said. “You’re going to be an aunt, my sister in law (not related by blood).”

“What was that last bit?” Celestia asked.

“You’ll be my big sister, my sister in law,” Chrysalis said.

“Uh huh,” Celestia said. “In any case, I’m willing to give you another chance, Chrysalis. I may not understand you, but I do understand you’ll do the right thing when it counts the most.”

Chrysalis took on an apologetic look. “Thank you, Celestia. I’m still sorry for last night.”

“Actually,” Sunset began. She looked at Celestia and then at Chrysalis. “I’m sorry too.”

Chrysalis felt like getting her ears checked. “Who are you and what have you done with the real Sunset?”

Sunset shook her head. “It’s really me, Chrysalis,” Sunset said. “Like Celestia said, we had a good long talk yesterday. One I should’ve maybe had with Luna maybe. She told me about what she had said to the students after I had-”

“Powersnuggled the sidewalk?” Chrysalis interrupted her

“Yes,” Sunset said, “but dear god try and tone down on the visuals, okay?”

“It’s my way of coping,” Chrysalis said. “It consumes me if I don’t make fun of it. I just know it. Mocking it makes it weaker. Fearing it makes it stronger.”

Sunset looked at Luna, who just shrugged.

“Anyway. It got me thinking. Mostly about the things I left behind in Equestria,” Sunset said. “It’s almost like I’m already dead to that world. If that mirror breaks, I might as well be.”

Chrysalis, Luna and Celestia exchanged somewhat concerned looks.

“I only know Twilight from that place, and only a little. I’m hanging by a thread and not a really important one at that, in the grand scheme of things,” Sunset continued. “But here, I have friends who appreciate me. I can see that now. Celestia explained how my life is not really even just my own anymore since if I take it away, I’ll take away a part of everyone who knows and loves me. Like I end all of them as well, and it cascades and expands like plucking a string in a web until the whole thing comes undone.” She looked at Luna. “Well, she put it more eloquently. One of her points being that if someone’s changed forever and so much they’re hard to even recognize, they might as well have died along with you.”

“Her life did flash before her eyes thinking about losing you,” Chrysalis remarked, “so it sounds like there might be something to that.”

“I would quit being a teacher,” Luna said. “I would see your face in every child and know they too have it in them to-”

“-test the dynamics between gravity and the third law of motion of classical mechanics up close and personally?”

Luna mumbled a few things while counting on her fingers. “... that’s the action-reaction one right?” Luna asked. Chrysalis nodded. “Then yes.” She gave Chrysalis a look.

“Hey you told me to cool it with the visuals, so don’t get confused when I get technical about it to spare you,” Chrysalis said.

“Why would you give up teaching?” Celestia asked. “There’s less than a handful of things you like more than teaching.”

“I wouldn’t know which of our students would be next, just that one of them would be,” Luna said. “And if I can’t even save the one I consider my own daughter, what hope is there for me to save any of them? I don’t think I can stand that in the best of times.”

“Good thing you won’t have to worry about that,” Sunset said. “Well, not with me anyway. I’ve lived in the streets before and I’m really lucky to have you all to care for me,” Sunset said, wiping away a tear. ”And all I did in return was hurt you to the point we almost broke apart forever.”

Luna shook her head. “It’s on me, Sunset.” She said. “I should have had faith in you and Chrysalis. In myself, for that matter. That if I just let go, that you would do the right thing on your own. Not to earn my respect or appreciation, but for realizing that if you did the right thing that those would follow irregardless. I should’ve seen my younger self in you and told you all the things I should’ve said to my younger self all those years ago. Instead I just engaged. Well no more.”

“I’m just glad you two have seen the light.” Chrysalis said. “I just do what I mean. I couldn’t stand how you two were running off of the same cliff and were dragging me with you. There was nothing I could do but cut all ties. I’m glad I got to you two.” She turned to Celestia. “And I will make things right with you.”

Celestia nodded an uncertain nod.

“This may be a small gesture, but,” Chrysalis continued, “I was about to order some pizza to celebrate. Sunset and you are very welcome to stay. My treat.”

Celestia and Sunset exchanged a look, knowing Sunset was going to be staying anyway.

“Sure,” Celestia said, “I’m not one to decline generocity.” Luna gave a smile and held Chrysalis’ hand. “I’ll have a hawaiian, extra pineapple.”

“Ooh ooh!” Sunset said excitedly, “Can I have a meatlovers?”

Luna winked at Chrysalis, “I too would like to love some meat.” Chrysalis blushed. “I’ll have the Frutti di Mare”

“Guess I’m having a tuna taco tonight.” Chrysalis said.

“No you won’t,” Luna said. Chrysalis gave a disappointed look. “You’ll be having a nice juicy oyster, with a pearl to suckle on,” Luna gave her bedroom eyes.

“Ahem, as for my pizza,” Chrysalis said blushing like mad, “I really love CP, so I’ll have myself some CP.”

“What’s CP?” Sunset asked.

“Cheese pizza,” Chrysalis said. “And nothing else,” she added in a stern voice.

“Oh,” Sunset said. ”I guess I’d like mine PTHC: Pepperoni, tomato, ham and chicken. It’s halfway to a meat lovers, but the tomato balances out the salt a little.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s… not actually a pizza shorthand,” Chrysalis said. “Kinda like BLT is the only sandwich shorthand. I think there’s another one for lettuce-gherkin-bacon-tomato and whatever else is put in there.” Chrysalis gave Sunset a stern look. “Anyway just don’t search online for those abbreviations. You’ll get in trouble, and not with me or Luna either. Trust me.”

Sunset nodded, somehow suspecting that for once, Chrysalis wasn’t joking around. “Okay, I’ll trust you, as a first step to sharing the same roof again,” Sunset said.

“You know,” Luna said, “If you make the cheese Parmezan, you’ll get a PP,” she snickered. “You want a big PP, Chrysalis?” She grinned.

“Careful Luna,” Celestia started, “She might grow so fond of PP,” she too chuckled at hearing herself say it, “it might just become her favourite thing!”

“I’ll get a big PP alright,” Chrysalis said. “So big you’ll be walking like a cowboy all week.”

Luna and Celestia blushed.

“Can I get a big PP?” Sunset asked innocently.

Luna put her hand on Sunset’s head in a single pet. “You’re adorable,” she said.

A little while later, the pizzas arrived and everyone was having a good time. Something that had seemed impossible no twenty four hours earlier. The pizzas came with a free drink, and Chrysalis was fiddling with the straw, which annoyed Luna to no end. A discussion brewed, and soon the talk of the table was on whether a straw is a single hole or two connected holes.

It was a very heated discussion, all the way from extruding a two dimensional circle to one dimensional traits still having two endpoints, two sides, and whatnot. Chrysalis was dead set on a straw being a tube, whereas Luna was equally convinced it was in fact only a single hole. After all, she argued, if you put a hole in a piece of paper or a plank, it’s a hole. Make the plank thicker and you’d still call it a hole, not a tube. Etc etc and on the discussion went.

“Tell you what Luna,” Chrysalis said, ”you can suck my ass as hard as you like and if you manage to sip my coffee a-la human centipede style through my lips, I’ll concede that a straw is really just a very long single hole and not a tube with two two-ended holes on either end.”

“Alright,“ Celestia said in a loud voice, getting up in a rush. She went to sit on the couch, and soon enough Sunset followed not feeling like she was contributing much to whatever Luna and Chrysalis had going on. Celestia turned on the TV to which Sunset was soon streaming cute animal videos. They were having a riot watching reverse-animal-rescues for the sheer absurdity, their hollering loud enough to draw the attention of Luna and Chrysalis who joined up shortly after. They were all crying from laughter, literally crawling on the floor gasping for air watching people put tin cans on foxes’ heads, and cats in storm drains (as per a rescue played in reverse).

Sunset suggested Luna and Chrysalis should get a room after their discussion caught on again and she and Celestia couldn’t hear the TV anymore. Thus, the two got up and went into Sunset’s room. Celestia held back Sunset, saying they only did that to tease her the same way Sunset teased them just now. Don’t dish out what you can’t take.

It wasn’t long before Luna and Chrysalis quieted down, which did not go unnoticed by Sunset. Celestia remained apparently oblivious. Shortly thereafter there was the brushing of clothes and giggling noises, irking Sunset. She got up and past Celestia, who was completely absorbed into really satisfying and hypnotic motions in manufacturing videos. Sunset went to sit on the other side of the doorpost to listen in, hearing some tumbling and soft moaning between the giggling sounds.

Sunset couldn’t imagine a clear enough picture to the sounds coming from her bedroom and made the call to walk in on whatever terrible things she might be witness to.

“Wow,” Sunset thought. “It’s like last night never even happened.”

On her own bed she saw Luna and Chrysalis snuggling and kissing like mad, with their hands under one another’s clothes.

Then it hit her. “Hey!” She shouted. “On my bed?!”

It was at that time that Celestia also stepped into the room. She had something to say, but the sight she walked into let her drop whatever thought she was holding on to.

“Really?” she asked, not entirely sure what she was looking at. “On the kid’s bed?”

“Sunset told us to get a room,” Luna said in a joking voice. The two bed messers parted. Chrysalis had a smirk on her face. Luna tapped the mattress, inviting Sunset to sit between them. Sunset went and sat between them, and Celestia followed suit to sit on the end of the bed.

“Really, sister, Sunset is a little too young to walk in on…” Celestia said hesitantly, “what if things had gotten much more ... intimate?”

Immediately, Chrysalis felt an urge to grab Luna by the, well, you know. She would let her too, though seeing Sunset between them really killed it.

“Well,” Luna started, knowing full well she had no rebuttal.

“I can handle a lot more than you give me credit for,” Sunset said to Celestia. “I’m not just some kid. Where I’m from, I would’ve been at least twenty years old, probably. Twenty five tops.”

“Had this been any other couple then maybe,” Celestia said in a provoking voice, “But these two may just burn something terrible on your retina and etch the image of whatever they were doing into your brain.” She tried to make it sound like a campfire ghost story.

“You worry too much, Celestia,” Chrysalis said. ”Maybe if we didn’t know you two were around, and maybe if it were our bedroom,” she gave Luna a naughty look.

“Be careful what doors you open in this place, Sunset,” Celestia said. “I remember one time, I walked in that bedr-”

“Alright alright!” Sunset said. “Stop it before you drag my imagination in the gutter!”

“Come now Sunset, I would never hurt you,” Celestia said. “I couldn't bear to do that. You mean a lot to me, and you are a part of my family. Just like Luna and Chrysalis.”

“The Princess said that once too,” Sunset said, her voice cracking. “I’m… I'm not sure if I can trust you just yet.” A tear fell down the left side of Sunset’s face, Luna immediately picked up on this. She quickly got up and pulled Sunset in for a big warm embrace.

“Hey, sweetie,” Luna soothed. “Don't cry. You're stressing yourself out too much.”

Sunset wrapped her arms around Luna. “S-sorry,” she stuttered. “This subject is just really hard for me to talk about that's all.”

“I know,” Luna stroked Sunset’s hair. “How about I sing you a nice lullaby just like when you have a nightmare? You seem too tense right now, and I just want to be there for my little girl.”

Sunset blushed, suddenly becoming embarrassed. “...In front of everyone? Really?”

Luna caressed Sunset’s cheek and chuckled. “It’s fine, Sunset. Celestia and Chrysalis aren't going to bother. You may be a teenager, but you'll always be my baby no matter how old you are.”

Sunset nodded, feeling really comfortable between the three older women. There were still many things about the human world she had to learn, it seemed.

Luna started her lullaby. “I changed it a little just to match your life,” she said, booping Sunset on the nose:

“Sunset, I tell you, the world ain't gonna roll you
You are the sharpest tool in the shed
You are looking pretty smart with your fingers and your thumbs
In the shape of a heart on your chest”

“Well, the years start coming and they won't stop coming
Fed to the rules and you'll hit the ground running
It makes so such sense to live for fun
Your brain gets smart until it goes numb”

“So much to do, so much to see
As long as you do, take the right streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow”

“Hey, now, you're on par, call your friends too, go play
Hey, now, you're all stars, get the show on, on stage
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold”

By the end of it, Celestia and Chrysalis were humming along.

“Okay my turn!” Chrysalis said, making sure the neighbours were also informed. She took a deep breath and out came the first words.

“Never gonna give you up! Never gonna let you d-”

“No!” Luna and Celestia said together, “we don’t do that here.”

“Aww,” Sunset said, completely unfamiliar with the song, “It sounded so nice too,” she said.

Chrysalis looked to Luna with a frown and pointed at Sunset, who was looking at Luna with puppy dog eyes.

Luna rolled her eyes, “Fine,” she said. “Just for you,” she smiled at Sunset. “Just this once.”

And so the three of them sang Sunset the rest of that song. By the end, everyone was more awkward for the experience, and Sunset managed to capture the moment succinctly. “That was a song about a couple.” She put her hand out in front of her. “Let us never speak of this again.” To which the other three put their hands on hers.

“Oh,” Celestia said suddenly, breaking the awkward moment, “I just remembered what it was I came in to say.” She stepped off the bed and looked at the threesome with a sad frown. “I noticed the adoption papers lying around, well, in a stack but still, but went over them again and… Chrysalis, you have some explaining to do.”

“How do you mean?” Sunset asked. She looked to Chrysalis. “What’s this about?”

Chrysalis sighed. “I didn’t think it’d be found out. What gave it away?” She asked Celestia.

“I just happen to know that the serial numbers on these documents only increases, and that the number on this particular document passed some time ago, before you even came back in town,” Celestia explained.

“They’re fake?” Sunset asked.

Chrysalis looked away in shame. “I’m sorry.”

A knot twisted in Sunset’s gut. She didn’t feel so good, like someone had snapped their fingers and she were about to crumble to dust. She went to sit on the edge of the bed. “I can’t believe it.” She said. “Right when I actually made an effort to try and trust you, it turns out you… You… Betray us like that.”

“I just wanted to make Lulu happy,” Chrysalis said. “I’ve faked papers before and it saves a lot of legal issues, fees, all that nonsense. There’s just that small risk it won’t work.” She looked to Sunset. “If these papers work then what’s the difference? I didn’t betray you or Luna. I just did things my way. The system is too retarded to bother. If you want to be a family then I think you should just be able to be a family. No paper walls no nothing.”

“Well, here’s one difference:” Sunset said angrily, with tears in her eyes. “I gave those papers to Luna on her birthday, believing they were true, but now...” She wiped away at her eyes. “You made me into a liar too.”

Luna put her hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

“You put too much stock in that paper, Sunset,” Chrysalis said. “When you gave those papers, you didn’t lie about opening up that door to being a family. That’s the part that counts. Who cares about what whichever institution thinks: If you’re a family you’re a family! The paper is only there so the state knows about it. Heck, you could have that paper signed and legal and true and all that, but if that had been the case last night, you still wouldn’t have been a family. The paper isn’t magical.”

“I’m sorry,” Sunset said to Luna. “I tried but… I can’t.”

Luna came in for a hug, but Sunset pushed her away. Instead, she got up and put on her shoes.

“Sunset?” Luna asked. “Sweetie, please. I never doubted you! I never doubted what you meant by that present!”

“It wasn’t real,” Sunset said. “And if I can’t tell what’s real, who can I trust? Even if I’m honest, who can trust me?” Sunset tied the last knot in her second shoelace. “I’m sorry, but that’s not a world I can be a part of anymore.”

She got up and quickly walked towards the bedroom door. She turned to look at the three women. Celestia stood in shock and contemplation, Chrysalis was drowning in her guilt and pity and misunderstanding. Luna was the only one who got up and reached for her shoes. “Sunset wait!” She yelled. But Sunset had already reached the front door and slammed it shut.

“T-Trixie is still amazed you f-f-found her without even looking f-f-for her,” Trixie said.

“I told you I wasn’t looking for you,” Sunset said. “You just happened to be hiding in my old hideout.”

When Sunset had run away from home, she went back to the first hideout she had after she’d arrived in the human world. No one else had known about this place, hence she had always planned to return here whenever she wanted to ensure nobody would find her. It’s not a difficult place to find, but only if you’re in that runaway-teenager mindset.

It had been quite the surprise to find Trixie in her hiding spot like she had. It did save her the effort of figuring out why she was here: same as hers as it happened to be the case. Despite their past animosity, they had found a likeness in this commonality. Fertile ground for a little due trust.

“You cold?” Sunset asked.

“T-t-trixie has been warmer, yes,” Trixie replied, obviously shivering her tits off. She was not dressed for the cold, unlike Sunset.

“You’re a terrible runaway.” Sunset said. “I know a much warmer place to stay. It’s a little easier to be found but a little harder to die of frostbite.”

“T-t-trixie doesn’t want…. D-d-doesn’t want to be a good runaway,” Trixie said with a tear and an apologetic smile. She got up and closer to Sunset. “B-b-but she d-d-does want to be warm… a-a-and live.” She put her hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

A little while later, Sunset had taken them to her other hideout. It was a heat exchange unit of an industrial cooler on the outskirts of town. The smell was a little off, though not toxic, and the warmth, well…

“Trixie much appreciates this new hideout,” she said, still having to adjust to the heat. She had taken off her socks and shoes, as well as her top. Sunset had taken off much more than that.

“Yeah,” Sunset said, laid back on a pile of her clothes, “it’s like a private sauna in a way. The worst part is having to go outside again and being all sweaty. Especially in winter.”

There was a pregnant pause. The hum of the industry nearby filled the void and the heat had penetrated both girls to the bone.

“Trixie knows she has a rough history with you,” she said cautiously, “but she can’t help but wonder:” she gulped. “Why is Sunset a good runaway?”

Across the small and dark space, Sunset’s eyes gleamed in a narrow beam of light, flickering with a constant interval. Trixie had asked a painful and taboo question, stepping far across a bound she had been deeply unaware of.

“Why are you a first time runaway?” Sunset asked in return. Light fell on Trixie’s mouth and nose, though Sunset couldn’t make out her eyes. She noticed Trixie’s quivering lips and remembered her first time running away. “You don’t need to say,” Sunset said. “If you don’t want to.”

There was some banging in the tiny space and Sunset felt someone bump into her from the right. “Sorry,” Trixie whispered. She sat down next to Sunset. Sunset felt a hand tapping besides her thigh as though looking for something. She put her own hand in the same place and Trixie grabbed hold of it.

“Trixie didn’t want to run away from home,” she said, squeezing Sunset’s hand a little. “But I couldn’t stay either.”

Sunset took note of her breaking speech pattern, “It’s okay if you don’t want to say. I’ve been there. It’s hard,” she said. She felt Trixie squeeze her hand. “We can just sit here for a bit.”

And so they sat there in relative silence for a bit. Trixie occasionally squeezed her hand a little before settling on playing with her fingers, a game Sunset also got into. At some point, they were moving their lower arms and even their upper arms just to get an edge in. Then, Trixie’s hand brushed against Sunset’s thigh and all she felt was skin, much to her surprise.

“Hey!” Sunset said startled. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Trixie pulled back her hand. “You’re not wearing pants?” Trixie asked.

“No! Are you mad?” Sunset counter queried, equally surprised. “In this heat? In this darkness? No wonder you were having a hard time. Heck, if it wasn’t for you I’d be wearing nothing at all. You know how bad your clothes will smell tomorrow?”

“But,” Trixie tried formulating an argument. “...”

“But what?” Sunset said. “What, you go fully clothed into saunas too? Yeah I know your family can afford to.”

“No...” Trixie said. “But this is the worst sauna Trixie has been to.” She said slightly upbeat, getting dressed for a sauna.

“There’s no service either,” Sunset said. “That’s what you get for going cheap. It is free after all.”

With a lot of effort, Trixie tried to take off her sticky sweaty top and bra. She got them down to her elbows behind her back, but couldn’t get them down without a second pair of hands. She heard Sunset crawl closer with a sigh.

“You took too long,” Sunset said. “Let me help.”

“Trixie” *grunt* “Can undress herrrrrrrSELF” she kept struggling and intensifying her frustration noises, neither of which helped her get untangled. She felt a hand on her shin, crawling up her leg.

“I highly doubt it,” Sunset said deadpan. “Just how will you get off your denim pants when you’re stuck like that?”

Trixie felt Sunset reaching for the button of her trousers. “Trixie needs not be undressed like a four year old!” She said in anger.

“Well if you’re that competent I’m sure you can just snap out of your top and stop me whenever you like.”

“Trixie cannnnn!” She said, still struggling.

Sunset had undone both the button and the zipper at this point, and was putting her hands between the cloth and Trixie’s legs to pry off the fabric. She moved in from the other end at her ankles to get the rest of it somewhat loose. She pulled on the brim and the trousers gave way, though things weren’t a walk in the park with Trixie kicking about. With the brim now half way down her thighs, the tension in the fabric and the stickiness had halted any progress they could hope for.

“You made Trixie even tighter!” Trixie said in frustration.

“Well if you would stop struggling and act like an adult for once!” Sunset said angrily. “Just, work with me here, okay?”

Trixie was panting. The struggle had only made her sweat much more and her case had gotten hopeless. She gave it one last shot, but ultimately relented. “Alright,” she said, ”but Sunset will help Trixie her way.”

“Fine,” Sunset said. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Trixie and Sunset finally managed to take off Trixie’s top and bra, freeing up her arms. Four arms were plenty to take off the denim as well. She put her clothes against the wall like Sunset had and went to sit with them. After all that and a minute or so, she nervously asked: “So is nudity permitted in this establishment?” Her heart was racing.

“Wh-” Sunset was about to ask why, only to realize she didn’t care. ”Only after dark,” Sunset said tentatively. “Doesn’t matter when it’s dark.”

Trixie took off the last of her clothing. “It is customary in a sauna that everyone follow the same dress code,” Trixie said.

Sunset sighed. “Fine.” She took off the last of her clothing as well. She put her index finger along the brim and stretched her underwear like a catapult. She flung it in Trixie’s general direction. “There,” she said. “Happy now?”

Trixie felt the cloth hitting her face, not sure how to answer that question. She was however disappointed it was too dark to see. “Yes,” she said. ”Still, Trixie would complain to the management about the lack of service, but she will leave a bad review instead.” Trixie said.

“Well I found this place first,” Sunset said. “This mattress we’re on is mine, the water bottles outside are mine. I look after this place whenever I’m here.”

“You have water bottles?” Trixie asked, ”Were you going to tell Trixie?”

“I was going to drink and not hide it,” Sunset said. “You thirsty? It’ll cost ya.”

“Trixie has no money on her,” she said coyly, although Sunset could not make out her expression.

“I haven’t met a runaway who hasn’t packed at least some rations or something.” Sunset replied. “You can also trade in information or services. Wouldn’t recommend the latter,” Sunset said rather somberly. “Doesn’t tend to end well.”

“Trixie was not planning on making a career on the streets,” Trixie replied.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll think of something to satisfy us both,” Sunset said. “Water will be more precious by the hour, I can promise you that.”

She got up and opened the outside hatch. The icy cold breeze from outside provided a nice refreshing breath. Moments later, Sunset swiftly moved back in and closed the hatch.

“Well, there’s some good news and some bad news,” she said. “The good news is, it’s snowing, so the water is a nice icy cold.”

“And the bad news?” Trixie asked.

“The bad news is it’s snowing, so we can’t leave.”

“Why not?” Trixie asked.

“We’ll leave tracks and we’ll lose this place for sure.” Sunset said.

“So Trixie will be stuck here with Sunset for a while?” Trixie said. “Interesting,” she thought.

“Yeah,” Sunset said.

Trixie heard the sound of a bottle cap twisting.

“You want some?” Sunset asked. “Here.” In the dark she handed Trixie the bottle as best as she could. After a few misses, Trixie had grabbed hold as well.

“Whoah,” Sunset said, not letting go. “Not so fast. Just put it to your lips, I’ll tip it. First sip is free.”

Trixie grumbled, but agreed. She got her sip and upon withdrawing she “accidentally” squeezed the bottle a little, dripping a bit of the icy water on her sweaty chest. “Eeek!” she yelped. The cold water running down her body both on the inside and the outside did wonders however. Sunset took a big swig herself. She reopened the hatch and put away the bottle.

“Trixie might have something to trade,” Trixie said. “The water was refreshing, but bargaining is not her strong suit.”

“Whatchya got?” Sunset slurred.

“Trixie will trade you her panties for one bottle,” she said.
Sunset raised her eyebrows so much her head followed them in backing away from Trixie. “I see,” Sunset said, “bargaining isn’t your strongest suit.”
“Two bottles!”
“Okay, question,” Sunset said, “Are you planning to leave here without them?”
“Trixie has gone out without them before,” she said, almost daring Sunset. “Even in just a skirt.”
“I’m not buying it,” Sunset said flatly. She did make a mental note to wipe whatever seats at school before she would sit down. “And I’m also not interested in your panties.”
“Really?” Trixie asked surprised. “They go for a pretty penny in the boys locker room,” she said. “Only fans will buy them though.”
“That is… really messed up,” shock and horror had crept into Sunset’s voice. ”You brought your backpack, right? What’s in the bag?”

”Trixie has...” She rummaged through her backpack in the dark, going by touch to find her things. “Trixie has a coupon for a free second pizza?”
“No deal.”

“A one pound dumbbell.”
“Yeah no,” Sunset said. “That literally weighs you down. What the hay.”
“Trixie likes to stay in shape.” She continued rummaging.

“A tin of anchovies,” Trixie said.
“Why?” Sunset had a second thought “Oh god why?”
“Trixie likes anchovies.”
“That tin has got to be bulging by now,” Sunset said. She opened the hatch again. “Give me. I’ll put it in the snow.” Trixie did as she was told and Sunset closed the hatch.
“Any more weird things you’ve packed?”

“A spare bra.”
“It won’t fit me, next!”
“Maybe it doesn’t need to,” Trixie said.
“I’m not going to sell your underwear in the boys locker room!” Sunset got a little aggravated.
“It’s not just the boys locker room,” Trixie said with a wink.
”Next!” Why are humans such damn perverted freaks?!

“Trixie has… A pack of chocolate chip cookies,”
“More like cookie chip chocolate soup by now. No thanks.” Sunset said.

“A raw onion”
“Why on earth did you bring a raw onion?” Sunset asked with a giggle of disbelief. Her mood swung about and she was getting amused with how much of a runaway newbie Trixie was. A stark contrast with her underwear economy cunning.
“To go with the anchovies.”
“Did you bring anything to at least chop the onion?” Sunset asked.
“Trixie did not.”
“So… were you just… going to take a bite out of the raw onion then or what?”
“Yes,” Trixie boldly proclaimed, not sure if a ‘no’ had been more foolish.
“Well then.” Sunset said. “I don’t want it in any case. What else?”

“Trixie has a torch,” she said.
“Not an oily rag on a stick I hope?” Sunset said, having only encountered mundane and steampunk torches in her magical world.
Trixie gave a deadpan stare into the darkness. “It’s battery powered,”
“For the love of god, don’t turn it on!” Sunset said alarmed.
“Hmpf,” Trixie huffed. “Trixie is as pretty now as she is on stage,” she said. “Why, she would make even Sunset blush as she is now!”
“Yeah I doubt that,” Sunset said.
“She would prove it too, if only she had batteries.”
Sunset facepalmed. “Next!”

“Trixie has also brought paper towels,” she said.
“Good thinking,” Sunset said. “Finally something useful. We’ll keep tabs on that. Next?”

“Trixie has packed fudge,” she said.
“You have, have you?” Sunset asked. “Didn’t take you for a fudge packer.“
“Trixie used to be a professional fudge packer,” she bluntly announced. “Until they caught her packing fudge for her own enjoyment.”
“Give it to me,” Sunset sighed. “I’ll at least put it in the snow. What else you got?”

“An opened jar of pickles.”
“You’re joking,” Sunset said flatly.
“No!” Trixie said full of conviction. “Trixie likes anchovies with onion and pickles, so she brought anchovies, onion and pickles.”
“Alright alright,” Sunset said. “They’re hot pickle soup by now.”
“Actually,” Trixie said, ”Trixie was joking about the pickles.”
“Thank god,” Sunset said.
“It’s garlic, pickled garlic,” Trixie said. “To go with the anchovies and onion.”
“That sounds disgusting, and I put pineapple on pizza. Do you have any serious tradeables?”

“Trixie has two more items of actual value,” she said with glee and pride. “Mom’s homemade brownies Trixie never even gets to try,” she said in a mopey tone.
“What the hay, Trixie,” Sunset said. “What mom makes brownies only for hers- Well, I guess that’s just typical, actually. Just for her?“
“They’re for her and her once-a-month friends and they sit in the attic all day listening to some weird music.”
“Maybe if we get hungry,” Sunset said.

“Trixie also took one of daddy’s wine bottles,” she said. “Even if he has no use for Trixie, he might want this bottle back.”

“Here’s an idea,” Sunset said. “I have some rations lying around, but they’re probably near or, god forbid, past their expiration date. So here’s what I propose: Let’s ration our combined stash and dig in going from fresh to hopefully-not-spoiled. I can live without food poisoning. Plus I’m already sharing this nice and warm shelter with you.”

Trixie considered her offer for a moment. Sure her stuff would go first, but the water at least doesn’t spoil and it is the most valuable thing besides her edibles. If they were to get the munchies they could always dig into Sunset’s stash.

“How much water is there?” Trixie asked.

“Few gallons,” Sunset said. “Although only a few bottles. The rest is in larger, heavier containers so it’s harder to get to.”

“Then Trixie finds your offer acceptable.” She moved her open hand towards where Sunset was sitting, touching her on her chest.

“Trixie what the hay?” Sunset said. Trixie quickly retracted. She had no regrets.

“Trixie made a bargain and felt like shaking hands on that.”

Sunset grabbed her hand and shook it. “You know, it’d be really helpful if you could just say that,” she complained. “It being pitch black and all.”

“Trixie regrets nothing,” she said. “But she does apologize.” After a moment’s silence, she said: “Trixie would still like some more water. She has had a headache for a while and thinks it might be dehydration.”

“I would suggest eating the snow but,” Sunset said, “That’s a health hazard. You can have your own bottle and ration it as you will.” Sunset opened the hatch again and leaned over the edge to grab the bottle, tantalizing Trixie with her shadow. She got back in and handed Trixie the bottle.

“Trixie feels, … compelled, to thank Sunset for making her runaway… not completely miserable,” Trixie said, in lieu of saying “fun and exciting”. “Trixie has never done a secret stakeout.”

“You’re welcome?” Sunset said. “I know it’s rough, so, us teens have to stick up for one another, you know? You just learned what I knew all along.”

“What’s that?” Trixie asked with dread.

“Can’t trust adults,” Sunset said.

“Trixie says we should show them what for.” She started rummaging through her backpack. “Trixie says we start with the forbidden brownies!”

The heat had really dampened Sunset’s appetite, plus the prospect of some mystery brownies made by an adult for other adults didn’t exactly seem appealing either. “You try em first,” she said. “If they’re any good I’ll try one too.”

Trixie nodded, which of course Sunset didn’t see. The sound of a plastic bag filled their little sauna box and when it fell silent, Trixie held a brownie. She smelt it, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. She took an eager and spiteful bite, the taste of sugar, chocolate and cinnamon flooding her taste-buds. There was a slight bitterness mixed in but not enough for it to be a bother.

“These are pretty good,” Trixie said with a mouth full, not knowing what they’re supposed to taste like. “Trixie insists Sunset try at least one, for making her stakeout exciting.”

Sunset put her hands up in front of her chest, in case a brownie was about to be mushed into her. “You like anchovies with pickles, onion and garlic, so I’m not sure your word on taste has much value.”

Trixie crawled closer to Sunset, who in turn tried finding more comfort in her little corner. “Say aaah,” she said.

“Trixie, no, what are you doing?” Sunset said in protest, obviously already reluctantly surrendering to her fate. “Trixie sto-” the next thing out of her mouth were some brownie crumbs.

“They are pretty good, actually,” Sunset said. “Got any more?”

“Trixie has twelve total,” Trixie said, taking another one. “Here,” she moved another brownie in Sunset’s direction. After the first one, her appetite had made a comeback, so Sunset accepted the second one. In about fifteen minutes, their entire stash was gone.

“Want to wash it down with this?” Trixie said excitedly, holding up the wine bottle.

Surprised Trixie dropped her third-person act, Sunset replied, “With what?”

“This,” Trixie said, “Daddy’s finest wine.” She wasn’t clear on the ‘finest’ part, but fine enough surely.

“Sure,” Sunset said.

“Come closer,” Trixie said. “Now Trixie will tip!”

Sunset rolled her eyes. She grabbed the bottle, undid the cap, and put it to her lips. She moved it away again by a little. “Trixie, how much alcohol is in this?”

Trixie took the bottle and sipped it. “Trixie wagers no more than three percent,” she said.

“Alright,” Sunset said, grabbing the bottle again. She put it against her lips again and pushed the back end up.

“Uh uh,” Trixie tisked. “Trixie tips.” And so she did. She let Sunset have a big gulp. “Don’t spill a drop of it.”

Sunset moved the bottle away from her before Trixie stopped tipping, careful not to spill. She swallowed thrice to clear her mouth of wine. “Trixie what the ha-” Sunset interrupted herself, “woah”

Trixie was swigging while Sunset had her reaction. She too swallowed only to ask Sunset what was up. “Is it not the best wine?” She asked.

Sunset felt a very heavy dizzy spell coming on, almost like a brain freeze. “Trixie…. This isn’t three percent.”

“Did Trixie say three?” She asked mischievously. “Trixie may have meant thirteen.” She said, taking another swig like a total champ. “Or twenty three.”

“I’m gonna lie down for a bit. I don’t feel so good,” Sunset said. “What the hay kind of poison did you pack?”

“Trixie will be honest,” she said. “She may have made a mistake taking adult food items.”

They lay there for a little while in silence and in darkness. Trixie kept sipping the wine, though she had put that away after only a few more swigs.

That’s when they came by the experience of why Trixie’s mom never shared her special brownies.

“Trixie,” Sunset began, “Where’s the floor gone?” She asked.

“What do you mean, ‘floor’?” Trixie asked. “What even is ‘floor’?”

“The floor is gone!” Sunset said somewhat alarmed before sighing. “But I don’t think we’ll need it.” Sunset let her thoughts wander for a moment. ”Trixie,” Sunset started again. “What does the inside of your mouth taste like?”

Trixie blushed a very deep blush, and she was very glad for the darkness. “T-Trixie is surprised by Sunset’s sudden forwardness,” she said, flustered. “But she i-invites Sunset t-to come over and f-find out.” She stammered, her typical boastfulness and confidence struggling to overcome her excitement and embarrassment.

Now it was Sunset’s turn to blush as well, as she’d just realized what she’d said was embarrassing, and how she got an even more embarrassing reply. “That’s not what I meant!” She said, trying to fix what cannot be unheard. “I meant like, why can’t I taste the inside of my mouth?”

“Trixie can do that for you,” she said, crawling closer. “She is curious to know just like Sunset.”

“Trixie, no,” Sunset said again, “I mean, why can’t people taste the inside of their mouth?”

“Sunset is mistaken,” Trixie said. “People taste the inside of each other’s mouth all the time.”

”Still not what I meant,” Sunset said.

“Do you want to find out?” Trixie asked.

Sunset pulled back and sat against the wall behind her. “I’m sorry,” Sunset said, “I can’t”.

Trixie also sat upright, quietly next to Sunset. “Despite Trixie’s complexion, she will have you know her balls are getting even bluer. She thought Sunset would be more engaging.”

“You have balls?” Sunset asked. “Wait, now I’m confused.”

“Trixie has more balls than Sunset,” she said with a huff. “Since Sunset won’t play along.”

“I don’t think I have any balls, so that’s not exactly a high bar, Trixie,” Sunset said sarcastically. “Wait no, I have two balls,” she pointed to her eyeballs, which of course went unnoticed.

“If Sunset has balls then we should continue playing our little dance,” Trixie said. She moved her hand to grab Sunset’s hand, who in turn tensed up without retracting her hand. They locked their fingers. “Unless Sunset is too fragile to have a little fun?”

“Says the first time runaway to the veteran,” Sunset said. “I’ve been through a lot more and a lot worse than you have and I’m still moving forward.”

“Then you won’t mind having some fun,” Trixie said.

Sunset’s stomach suddenly made the rumblies and derailed the entire conversation. The two girls giggled at the sound sounding silly, and Trixie’s stomach rumbling in turn.

“You still have that bag of caramel?” Sunset asked out of the blue. “I’m absolutely starving.”

“Fudge,” Trixie said. “And yes, but Sunset put it outside.”

Sunset nodded and opened the hatch again. Moments later, Sunset tossed Trixie the cold bag of fudge blocks, which surprisingly had retained their shape for the most part.

“EEEeeh!” Trixie yelped. “That’s super cold!”

“Not for long.” Sunset said. “We should dig in before they melt.”

“Trixie will share,” she said. She handed Sunset a piece and munched down on her own.

Sunset finished her chunk of fudge. “Well, at least we finally know what the insides of our mouths taste like.”

The two chowed down on the fudge and by the end of it were scarfing it down like wolves. The chocolate soup with cookie chips was next, though the smell of the liquid chocolate was really bad. Sunset got out a bag of chips, which was still edible, and a can of vegetable soup. It too was still edible, but they had no can opener. The salty chips had satiated them, though they felt pretty miserable realizing this would have been their dinner. Trixie broke the mood somewhat.

“Trixie still wanted to tongue wrestle with Sunset,” Trixie said, pouting.

“Give it a rest,” Sunset said. “I don’t feel too good, so I’m gonna have some water and call it a night.”

“Trixie isn’t sure she can sleep when she’s so hot and bothered.”

“When you start dreaming of being on fire or exposed to radiation, you’ll do good to wake up and have a drink,” Sunset said. “Like, if you dream of dying, probably a good idea to wake up.” She had found her bottle and drunk about half of it. She went to lie down on her back on the mattress with her head on her clothes. “Pretty sure that if you die in real life you’ll die in your dream.”

Trixie crawled towards her and went to lie sideways to Sunset with her head on the latter’s belly.

“Eek!” Sunset yelped at Trixie’s hair tickling her belly. “Trixie why?”

“Trixie is sorry for treating Sunset poorly,” she said. “Sunset has not been… friendly… with Trixie in the past either but tonight, Trixie enjoyed her company. Despite our arguing and struggling, Sunset provided shelter, water and a caring listener. Trixie will behave, be nice and be grateful.”

“You would’ve been in a lot of trouble out there,” Sunset said, “had you dug into those adult foods in the cold.”

Trixie grabbed Sunset’s arm and put it over herself, finally having let go of her wicked intents. “Trixie feels safe with Sunset,” she said. “For being better prepared and knowing what to do.”

“I’m sorry but you can’t sleep like this,” Sunset said, “’s too hot. Get your clothes, sh-sleep next to me. ’s fine.” Sunset slurred.

Trixie did as she was told with reluctance and understanding. She put her clothes next to Sunset’s pile of clothes and went to lie next to her. She rolled onto her side facing Sunset and drew very close. She managed to kiss Sunset on her cheek. “Night night,” Trixie said. Sunset was already gone.

Further points for this scene:

Trixie and Sunset getting stoned and drunk

GIF vs JIF

The return home:

Two days had passed and Sunset and Trixie were yet to return home. The police had been alerted but had found nothing.

After their first night, things had thawed out and the snow had cleared, allowing the duo to find some much needed relief in a restaurant’s restroom. With what little cash Sunset had brought they managed to buy some actual food items before heading back to their hideaway. Sunset had asked why Trixie had stayed, to which she’d said it had been a fun experience despite having felt somewhat hungover.

The third day they’d run out of money but still they did not want to leave their hideout. It had been too much fun still, despite the ever pressing matters becoming more urgent.

Trixie knew of a pizza place where one of her fans worked. She had called the pizza parlor for two pizza’s, using her coupon, and upon delivery, managed to sell her bra to the delivery boy for the two pizza’s. The boy had eyed Sunset and looked as though he was looking to sell her some pizza’s too. Sunset had lost her appetite, or so she had said before digging into her hawaiian pizza.

That night, Sunset had gotten to thinking that she had done worse than that during her time in the streets. She hadn’t done something on that level for a while now, and seeing Trixie degenerate like this made her realize this was not a path for her. She had friends who cared for her now. She missed Luna’s roof over her head, and she still felt like apologizing to her. Out of all the adults in her life, she was one to stand out as the least terrible to her. The least unreliable and untrustworthy.

Despite Trixie still trying to make advances on Sunset, the two had actually bonded somewhat over their brief time together. They had managed to sustain themselves for longer than they had expected, provided food, water, shelter and company, sometimes by less than legal means. They had earned one another’s trust enough for Sunset to open up a little. And so that night, Sunset popped the question she had asked the first night.

“Trixie,” she asked. Trixie lay where Sunset had that first night, and Sunset had her head on Trixie’s belly this time. Sunset was playing with Trixie’s hair. Trixie was twirling her finger in circles around Sunset’s belly button. “Why did you run away?”

Trixie turned her head away from Sunset and put her hands on her own chest. “Trixie didn’t want to run away. Trixie had just had it that day. Nothing she did was right, everything she did was wrong, her parents told her to do things she could not do at the same time,” Trixie sighed. “So she had already lost and punishment was inevitable through no fault of her own. So she ran away.”

“Do you miss your parents?”

Trixie nodded. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I want a decent meal. Trixie’s skin feels off. She’s stiff from sleeping in this hot mess. Trixie does not want to spend another night away from home.”

Sunset could relate to all of these wants. She didn’t want to see Chrysalis again though. Or Luna, albeit for different reasons. She didn’t want to confront her.

“You’ll have to face your parents again though,” Sunset said. “Go back to that mess.”

“Their mess is not as bad as mine.” Trixie said. Trixie hopes she won’t be punished.”

“I won’t be punished,” Sunset said, mostly to herself. “Well, not in a direct sense. I’ll have to own up to the things I’ve done so, that’s punishment in a way. You know, face the consequences. Like cleaning up after you’ve made a mess.”

“Trixie will be grounded for at least a month, and only be allowed internet one hour a night to check her mail.”

“But at least you’ll have a good meal.“

“Why did Sunset run away?” Trixie asked. She traced her finger along Sunset’s curves again, and Sunset didn’t much mind.

“I was made a liar by someone,” Sunset said. “I did something really meaningful and heartfelt for someone but it was based on a lie because of someone else.”

“Your mom?”

Sunset stayed quiet for a moment before deciding on an answer. “Something like that.” She paused. “But I think we can make things right.”

Pause.

“Do you want to go home tonight?” Sunset asked.

Trixie thought about it for a moment, her finger moving slowly like a figure skater across Sunset’s belly and chest. “Trixie is enjoying Sunset’s company too much to give that up tonight,” she said. “Trixie has a full belly and a place to sleep. She can wait for one more night.”

“We’ll go back tomorrow, then,” Sunset said. “I need a fresh change of clothes.”

Early, before dawn, before there were prying eyes who could spot them leaving, they had packed their things and went about their way. Trixie had offered for Sunset to come with her to her home, but Sunset knew that as soon as they got word of Trixie staying at Sunset’s hideout and staying even longer because of her, she’d get heat for it. Sunset didn’t want Trixie to follow her, since Luna having taken her in was a fact best kept secret.

With dread and loss in her eyes over a weak waning smile, Trixie waved farewell to Sunset. Sunset had wanted to go home, but found herself taking detours over very flimsy excuses, By the time she had spent all her quarters at the arcade, school was out, and she heard familiar voices having the most sensible of discussions.

“I’m telling you, it’s GIF, as in, ‘girl, you dead wrong’,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Nuh uh,” Pinkie Pie said, “It’s GIF, as in ‘gibberish, pure gibberish’.”

“Giggly gifted ginger giants giving gimpy giraffes gin,” Sunset said, walking up to them.

Applejack looked to the two bickerers who kept quiet trying to process that string of g’s just now. “Well, ya shut them up,” AJ said. “Also, where the hay have you been?!” She got a tad loud, to which Rarity put her finger on her lips.

Rarity gave a concerned look to Sunset and wrinkled her nose. “Darling, no offense but you smell like you enjoy eating tendies and playing video games a little more than you should.”

“The whole school is worried about you,” Fluttershy said. “Well, they’re curious at least.”

“I’m fine, by the way,” Sunset said with snark. She put her hand to her face. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m… there’s something I gotta do that I’m not looking forward to doing.” She raised her finger. “And before anyone makes any weird suggestions, it’s actually just going to talk with Luna.“

“You weren’t with her?” Dash asked. “We thought you were with her this whole time.”

“Why?” Sunset asked. “Why would I be with her? What’s going on?”

The group looked among themselves before turning their attention to Sunset again. “She hasn’t been to school since you were gone.”

Sunset recoiled a little. She didn’t know Luna had taken it so hard. “Did Celestia mention anything about this to the school?”

“Just that Luna took a few sick days,” Fluttershy said. “But it’s a bit of a coincidence for her to go sick the moment you go missing.”

“Well,” AJ started, “Maybe she really is ill. Ah’m sure your kid missin’ ain’t gonna do ya any good Ah’ll tell ye what.”

“We should go and visit her,” Pinkie Pie said. “We were going to cheer her up and bringing you home safe and sound will be the best to brighten up her day.”

“I uhh,” Sunset said, scratching behind her ear, “I was actually sort of on my way there. I just got stuck.” She sighed. “I don’t want to confront her.”

“I wouldn’t want to confront anything other than a shower as you are now,” Rarity said. “We’ll get you cleaned up before we go. I live only a few blocks from here.”

“That’s okay,” Sunset said. “I would… I made a mess, Rarity, and I think it’s best I own up to it the way I am.”

“You really should shower, not gonna lie,” Pinkie Pie said. “It’s like Dash did nothing but workout for a month and showered in her own sweat.”

“God that is so gross, Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said. “Way to make me want to shower more and hate them at the same time.”

Sunset was made aware of her own smell, and she took a look at herself in the reflection of the windows nearby. She looked about half as bad as she thought she smelt, which was about half as bad as she actually smelled. She sighed.

“Alright,” she relented, “I’ll go have a shower first-”

“-and a change of clothes,” Rarity interrupted.

“-and a meal,” Pinkie Pie amended.

“And a change of clothes, AND a meal, before heading over to Luna’s. Fine.” She struggled to juggle both wanting and not wanting this interruption in her ‘plans’. Ultimately, it would make things easier.

All the gang found their way around the block over to Rarities. Her folks weren’t home, and neither was Sweetie Belle. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy went to cooking up something in the kitchen while Rarity tended to facilitating Sunset’s shower. Applejack and Dash went through Rarity’s wardrobe for a fresh batch of clothes, which all of them realized was a terrible mistake.

When Sunset re-emerged fresh from the shower, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had managed to settle on a nice red dress with dark red accents and orange and yellow highlights. Rarity damned herself for not having rid herself of the unsightly thing when she told herself to, but here she was staring at it on Sunset. She gave her a good second look however, and managed to complete her look with a wide brimmed red hat, decorated with a black ribbon bow. She put two black ribbons on her wrists as well. This look she found acceptable. Tolerable for the brief duration it had to last. On Sunset. Once.

Sunset thanked them for their efforts. She felt more comfortable and confident about engaging Luna.

Everyone found their way to the dining table which was set for just Sunset, although her friends had snacks. They had had their lunch only a little while ago after all.

Conversation turned to what Sunset had been up to these past three days, to which images of her and Trixie being sick and weird came to mind. Her resting her head on Trixie and the latter swirling her finger all over her was not something she thought would follow her home at that time. Needless to say, what goes on in the sauna stays in the sauna. She tried speaking the truth as much as she could allow herself, which amounted to her staying in her hideouts until this afternoon. It wasn’t a lie.

Her friends informed her about the situation at school with Celestia being a bit off, Luna having some time off, the teachers’ concern and the students being mostly curious yet indifferent. As to how Luna was doing, they really didn’t really know.

On whether they had thrown Chrysalis their party they looked away. Applejack came out and spilled how it simply didn’t happen. Nobody cancelled, nobody was expecting it and nobody put in an effort to get it started. So that was still a thing. It would’ve felt weird celebrating Chrysalis saving Sunset with Sunset being god knows where doing god knows what. The latter part of that remark had Sunset in a blush.

A little while later, they all found themselves at Luna’s doorstep. Sunset noticed Chrysalis’ and Celestia’s cars standing outside. She had hoped for a peaceful one-on-one but it would seem she had to settle for company.

“I’m still not sure you guys,” Sunset said, “I don’t even know what to say. Is she hurt? Is she angry? Is she glad to see me?”

“Were any of us?” AJ asked rhetorically. “If any of us were then Ah didn’t notice.”

Rarity put her hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “We were all much to glad to see you in good health to feel hurt over anything.”

Pinkie Pie glomped her. “Yeah!” She yelled. “I’m sure she, and Celestia, and Chrysalis will all be very happy to see you again!”

Rainbow Dash had sprinted up the flights ahead of the rest, and was impatiently staring down. “Come on you guys! Let’s move!”

She rang the doorbell, and by the time it opened, the others had just arrived as well.

“Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said. She looked down the hallway that ran up to Luna’s apartment, “You guys!” Then she noticed the extra. “SUNSET!” She said in surprise.

Panting, Sunset replied. “Heh-heh-h-hi...” She swallowed. “Let me just… phew,” kept panting for a while, trying to catch her breath. Fluttershy and Rarity chuckled at how they weren’t as athletic as Dash, AJ or Pinkie.

“Come in!” Celestia said. She ushered the group into Luna’s home. Luna was standing by the kitchen counter getting tea for her company, Chrysalis and Celestia. “Luna! Guess who came back?” Celestia called.

Luna put down the things she had on hand and walked back into the living room where Sunset and her friends were still standing by the door to the hallway.

“I’ll go poor them all some tea,” Celestia said, relieving Luna of her hostess duty. “Go welcome her back,” she said in passing Luna.

“My god, Sunset! Where have you been?” Luna asked, her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. “What have you been up to?... What are you wearing?”

Rarity raised her hand. “That’s one of my dresses,” she said with some restraint. “When we found Sunset she smelled absolutely dreadful so I offered to have her and her clothes cleaned at my place.” She handed Luna the bag of Sunset’s clothes. “I would recommend not taking a whiff of that.”

Luna took the bag and looked into it. She could see why Rarity issued her warning. She looked back to Sunset and took in her new look. She smiled. “It looks good on you,” Luna said. “You have good friends.”

Sunset blushed. “Thanks,” she said. “I’ll remember that.” She smiled at her friends, who returned the gesture.

Celestia walked back into the room carrying tea for all. “Why don’t you have a seat over there?” Celestia suggested, motioning to where Chrysalis was seated. She waved at the crowd. “Have a seat and tell us why you’re here.”

Luna tugged on Sunset’s hand and the group followed suit in sitting down in the living room. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were the only ones to not have secured a proper seat, so they sat down on the ground. Dash sat on the armrest of Fluttershy’s chair.

Sunset looked meekly away from Luna, only barely making eye contact on the odd glance. Luna broke the ice.

“So, where have you been these few days?” she asked. “How have you been? Are you okay?”

Sunset wiped away at her eyes. “It wasn’t that bad,” she said. “I’m a good runaway. I actually helped another runaway who was doing much worse than I was. It put some things into perspective.” Finally, she managed to look Luna dead in the eyes and for the very first time that potential to be a decent, honest and genuine human being manifested itself. Luna found a brilliance in her eyes she had only seen in her sister. It was but a glimmer, but it moved a mountain. “I’m sorry,” Sunset said. “I’m sorry I wronged you. I’m sorry I hurt you.” She stood up and looked around, facing each individually. “And I’m sorry I’ve made you all worry,” she said. She sat back down and glanced at Chrysalis and then at Celestia, though her attention fell back to Luna. “I heard you’ve been absent from school,” Sunset put. She swallowed. “How… how have things been around here?” She asked. “How were you?”

Luna looked away, glad Sunset finally asked about her well being, despite her being the one to put her through further torment. “I actually took a few sick days,” she said. “Since I’d actually gotten sick. That’s what you get when you’re in the pits and you can’t sleep or eat. I had some tea this morning with a crispbake, and my lunch was some chicken soup.” She looked to Chrysalis and they held hands. “So I guess I’ve been literally worried sick.” Sunset looked down in shame. “The last thing you said to us was ‘I’m sorry, but that’s not a world I can be a part of anymore.’ and right after you’d had your suicide attempt… What was I supposed to think?”

Sunset’s heart sank and she knew exactly why she had had a hard time coming home.

“So,” Luna asked, “Why are you here?”

“I had some alone time with the other runaway, and no, not a guy and no, nothing crazy, just talking, and I noticed how she was degenerating so fast those few days that, it made me realize: My life is far from as miserable as I thought it was ‘till then. Like I’d realized I was wrong to think that. And of course our home life came up and she asked if I had trouble with my parents and well, … I said, ‘something like that’. So I went and considered that. Why I hadn’t just said no, or even denied I have a home at all?” She looked at Luna and Chrysalis. “I just surprised myself, confessing that this was my home and that I may not have a mother or a father, I still have, well, something like parents at least.”

There was a pause, Chrysalis smiled.

“So I guess I’m here because I feel like… I’ve got some place I belong. Some place where I’m loved. That, and I came to apologize, about having hurt you and making you worry.”

Luna had not expected such a clear cut answer, even if it’d been presented in a bit of a rag tag manner. “I’m really glad you’re back home safe and sound,” Luna said. “These past few days have been really terrible.” She looked to Sunset. “So, apology accepted.”

Chrysalis nodded as well. “Actually, while you were out,” she looked to Celestia and then back to Sunset. “We got you both a surprise, to celebrate this moment,” she said. “Celestia and I have spent some time together on this, making amends, and this would just really seal all the deals.” She grabbed a stack of papers and handed them to Luna. Celestia got up to make room for Sunset to come sit next to Luna, and in turn she took Sunset’s place.

“What are these?” Luna said, perusing the papers and skimming them. Sunset looked along by her side. “Are these legitimate?”

“I made sure they were,” Celestia said. “Chrysalis managed to get you new ones since the others were counterfeit. These are the real deal.”

Sunset snatched the papers from Luna, “No! Don’t them wet!”

Luna was wiping away at her eyes, having burst into tears. “Thanks,” she said.

Sunset read some of the papers and skipped to the more important parts. She was no expert and was not well versed in legalese, but as far as she could tell, the text itself at least looked solid.

“But why?” Sunset asked. “How did you two suddenly become friends?”

“I mean,” Celestia started, “That pizza the other night was just, such a great treat it just cleaned Chrysalis’ entire slate.”

Sunset didn’t buy it for one second.

“Okay,” Celestia said. “When you ran off, the three of us spent all evening looking for you. We weren’t home before at least one thirty at night. It was cold, we were dead tired and Chrysalis alerted the authorities, who told us to wait at least 24 hours.”

“What a crummy thing to do!” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s cold out! What else are the cops going to do at that time of night?!”

“Why didn’t any of you even tell any of us?” Fluttershy said, gesturing to her other friends.

“We would be happy to accomodate you, Sunset,” Rarity said, “Or help look for her of course,” she said to Luna.

“Why didn’t you look for her?” Luna asked. “She’s not been to school either,” she turned to Sunset, “have you?” Sunset shook her head.

“Well, after your ... attempt, we figured you two would be spending some alone time at home,” Applejack said, “We just didn’t want to interrupt.”

“I did try and reach out,” said Pinkie Pie, “But I couldn’t get a hold of Luna’s private number-”

“Even if ya did,” AJ interrupted her, “Would ya even call ‘er knowin’ she was sick?”

“Yeah there was that,” Pinkie replied. “And I couldn’t get in touch with Sunset, which I at least figured was for a good reason.” She looked to Sunset. “I trusted that once things got better you’d let us know.”

“I was annoyed at the idea, but I’m glad I get to see you again,” said Rainbow Dash. “That was a big itch.”

“I’m sorry, you guys,” Sunset said.

“Aah-” Celestia interrupted the conversation, “Can I… continue my story?” She asked.

“Oh, sorry,” Sunset said.

“Please continue,” Luna said.

“Chrysalis suggested to look for her come dawn, but I had other responsibilities and Luna was losing her mind so, she stayed home in case you got back,” Celestia continued. “About six hours later, half way through lunch time, Chrysalis still hadn’t found her. Sunset also hadn’t returned home yet.”

“Chrysalis told me how miserable Luna was, and how good of a runaway Sunset was.”

“Is,” Sunset said.

“Is,” Celestia said. “She had little concern about us seeing Sunset again, despite the last thing she’d told us when she ran out. That’s when she proposed to me-”

“You proposed to my sister?! While I was that bad of a wreck?!” Luna asked in fury.

Chrysalis snickered. “I was sitting on your half of the bed when I did.”

“WHAT?!”

“AND THAT,” Celestia said loudly, “was when Chrysalis suggested she and I make amends by getting legitimate adoption papers.”

“Really Luna, you’re jealous so easily,” Chrysalis snickered.

“Shut up,” Luna said embarrassed.

“She had the lower connections, I had the white hat connections and so we made it work,” Celestia said. “It was a very meaningful thing for her to have suggested and done for us all, and so I can forgive her for what she did to me.”

“I’m all in on this now,” Chrysalis said, “As is Celestia.”

“We hope you two are as well,” Celestia said.

“Well, yeah! Of course!” Luna said. “Thank you! Thank you both! This is… this is a wonderful gift.”

Sunset still held the papers and didn’t respond.

“Sunset, are you okay?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You just got an incredible gift,” Fluttershy said.

“It’s not every day you get parents,” Rarity said, “That usually happens only once, through well… special efforts.”

“Believe me,” Chrysalis said with a look, “We tried the other means.” Rarity looked perturbed having heard that. “A lot.”

“Will you please, not?” Luna told Chrysalis. “They’re kids, for the love of...” She facepalmed.

“Alright, alright,” Chrysalis said, backing off.

Sunset turned another page. “I just don’t know what to say, or do for that matter.” She looked up. “Sure, I feel at home here, and loved and everything but… It’s such a big thing all of a sudden. Plus I’m not sure I even want parents. Didn’t turn out that great last time, you know?”

“Family can be great,” Applejack said. “Mah parents passed away when Ah was young. Ah would’ve appreciated having had them around a bit longer,” she said.

“I was going to say ‘lucky you’,” Sunset said, “But that’d be too awful, even for me. It’s just that some days I wish I didn’t have any parents at all. That the house would just catch on fire while I was at school and that’d be that.”

“I’m sorry I gave your such a rough time here, Sunset,” Luna said, “I can understand why you hesitate, or need time to appreciate what it means to be a functional family.”

“Maybe she just needs to learn what that is!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly. “Through a series of sleepovers at our places!”

Everyone looked to Pinkie Pie with surprise.

“Pinkie Pie, no offence,” Dash started, “But our families aren’t exactly normal either. Your folks are really traditionalist and restrained, Applejack is an orphan, Fluttershy’s parents are doormats who can’t say no, -”

“Actually,” Fluttershy started meekly. She put her hand to her chin looking up, she then looked at Dash, index finger up and about to speak, but all she could muster was: “nevermind.”

”And then there’s my parents...” she groaned, “Well let’s not get into that.”

“No, let’s,” Sunset said with curiosity. “What about your parents?”

“Her parents are sup’r dotin’ ‘n’ praisin’ ‘r e’ry breath,” Applejack said. “They could jar ‘er farts for keepsake in a trophy room.”

“Don’t give them any gross ideas,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well my family is pretty normal,” Rarity said. “Sure, I have my own place with my sister, but our relationship with our parents is pretty great,” she said proudly.

“They’re super quirky,” Rainbow Dash said. “But yeah, also vanilla.”

“So?” Pinkie Pie asked the group, ”Who’s up for slumber parties? Let’s show Sunset some good family time with our quirky parents!”

“Sure!” They all replied.

“I guess,” Sunset said. “I like hanging out with you guys so, why not?” She looked to Luna. “Can I?”

“Asking your parents for permission is a normal family thing, Sunset,” Luna said. “You may have less to learn than you think. About families at least. You can think about the adoption while you’re having your sleepovers.”

Thus, Sunset spent the whole week sleeping over at her friends’ respective homes.

First up was Rarity’s, since she was the easiest to accommodate her, having to account for the fewest number of people. She had invited her parents over for the evening at a last moment’s notice, and they too were readily available.

At Rarity’s they’d had a fun evening where Rarity could tend to her guests’ every whim as a good hostess and thus she had very little to do in that regard. Sweetie Belle had gotten out a photo album of some years ago where they still lived with their parents, and all were joyfully recollecting the good memories.

Sunset, meanwhile, took great interest in their interactions and asked questions wherever relevant. Personal human history from times where she wasn’t even in this world yet taking place at an age where she herself was but a filly, an entirely different creature, was like looking at an alien world. She had a ton of questions about the theme parks and restaurant playgrounds. Both in the general sense and in the personal sense.

Like whether all children were permitted to play, and whether Rarity and Sweetie Belle were allowed to play. When in return they asked from whence such a strange question came, Sunset stayed quiet to be considerate of the good mood in the room.

Sunset had asked them all how it was that their relationship was right as it was, what it was that made it right and how it differed from being friends.

Rarity’s parents took on the questions, saying how they’ve both had friends and children, whereas Rarity was yet to become a mother. A remark that had her in a blush, and a tease by Sweetie Belle and her mother.

The difference between having a child and having a friend is a deep investment of yourself into seeing them succeed in life. Of course, you want to see and help your friends succeed. Good friends are delighted for each others’ successes. The difference lies in the life experience. Parents teach how to deal with the struggles that inevitably come. Sunset brought up how teachers do the same, in a way. Rarity’s parents highlighted that those relationships are really ethereal and more like clouds. They come, transform and go. Being a parent is like keeping a garden. It needs nurturing, nourishment and maintenance. It’s hard work to keep a sapling when a harsh winter strikes, but you push on through. Then, hopefully, one day, the garden will bear its fruits and you can relax in its fragrances. When your final day has come, you rest assured you have done your best. The garden will still be there tomorrow, even if you won’t be. It will remain there for its time, providing joy and beauty to those who come after.

Rarity had initially objected to her parents suggesting Rarity would be unable to answer the questions aptly, but having heard it like this she realized they had been right. She had never taught, despite having shared her hobby with Sweetie Belle before. Her parents’ remarks had shed new light on her understanding of her relationship with them, and it’d take a while for it all to sink in. Her parents did ask her how she felt about them and their relationship, and how Rarity would distinguish it from her relationships with her friends.

Rarity realized she had never had any want, and that she’s always been provided for much more than she would find normal in a friendship relationship. You don’t take in your friends for years upon years to feed them, clothe them, do their laundry, bring them back to health when they fall sick twenty four seven, pay their bills, or be a parent. Sure, Rarity is generous, but to an extent. She realized there had to be limits, although she had not even considered what those limits would be or under what circumstances.

By the end of the evening when all had parted and retired to their rooms, Sunset and Rarity got to talking about Sunset’s impressions. Sunset was reluctant to entrust her past to Rarity, in addition to knowing it would greatly upset and concern her. She summarized it as her parents having always caused her misery, and her successes were stifled not praised. When she came by the princess as a mentor, as well as inspirational staff and students, she found great motivation to further herself and reject her rotten upbringing to that point. It was Celestia who wanted her to succeed, as did the other staff and some students, though she never considered any of them friends. Then, that fateful day, Celestia betrayed her and no longer supported her advancement in the fields of her choosing. Her parents had been rotten from the start, and the adults that ended up supporting her betrayed her. Thus, no adult could be trusted, and what a parent is to Sunset is what she’s known to be parents: evil people who’ve put you on this earth to suffer at their hands.

Rarity understood then, that she understood very little of Sunset. Although she could not understand her running away from home, it also did not come as a surprise in light of these revelations. She clarified to Sunset that her parents had always been there for her and her younger sister. Even when they’d done something wrong or even naughty, punishment was never severe or corporeal. Sunset merely remarked it as her being lucky. It would come to sink in with Sunset that she’d missed out on deep and good things during childhood, but not before she’d visited her other friends.

The next night she spent at Applejack’s. After school, they’d gone to Applejack’s farm and were welcomed by Granny Smith and Big Macintosh.

The rest of the afternoon, Sunset and Applejack had spent picking apples and tending to the orchard. While they were at it, Applejack awkwardly brought up the topic of family, since they had little time to discuss it, and it was a significant part of why Sunset was there today. Sunset felt it was forced but engaged her anyway, since she had a point.

Applejack explained to her how she’d become an orphan shortly after she was born, and so she had little memories of her parents. Sunset asked about Applebloom, to which Applejack told her it’s a long story and a wrong question.

Applejack continued with the adoption into the homes of other family members temporarily, and ending up with Granny Smith. The Apple family being big, they are by far not the only grandchildren she has. It had been considered how if her uncles and aunts would lose their lives, what would come of her nieces and nephews. Another point was how the apple farm would need tending to if not sold, and it’d be impossible for Granny Smith to do that for very long.

Granny Smith had insisted, and Applejack told Sunset this with tears in her eyes recalling Granny Smith’s fiery passionate defence, that she had insisted Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom would inherit the Apple farm without conditions. Granny Smith put her name to it, as well as keeping it afloat while caring for her adopted grandchildren until they could care for it themselves. Applejack would never forget how she’d stood her ground and sacrificed her peace at old age to provide her and her siblings this blessed future. It was rough, but it was theirs. And they stood in their parents’ footsteps.

The sun had set and cold set in so they went and joined Big Mac, Granny and Apple Bloom for dinner. They held hands in a moment of silence before digging in. After their meal, they’d settled in the livingroom and Sunset came to ask Granny Smith about what Applejack had told her this afternoon.

That same fire returned to Granny Smith’s eyes and her body tensed up. She grew roots and that frail old body became an immovable mountain, and then she spoke. “Their blood is in this soil,” she said. This land and this farm was a great deal of what their parents had made for their children. They had already lost their parents, and she wasn’t about to let them lose their roots.

These acres, this farm and this family carried, and were carried by, the spirit passed on to them by their predecessors. It was in the acts of tradition and in the maintenance and owning of the properties and heirlooms. Family events like the zap apple harvest didn’t come out of nowhere. They were built through hard and honest work.

Sunset was silent for a moment, observing how the whole family nodded to the things just said. She asked about family members that settled some place new, to which Granny Smith answered sagely that once the apple tree has bloomed, its shade will hinder its seeds from growing and so they must spread out. She still found it a bit confusing, though seeing the family history and seeing what Granny Smith has done for them was plenty to see they were nothing like her family. Conversely, she concluded she must’ve never had a family.

That night, Sunset could not rest her mind and she turned to Applejack, asking if she was awake. From the dark came an affirmative hum. She asked Applejack about those metaphors.

Applejack told her that yes, although she and her siblings are but little sprouts growing up under this mighty apple tree, they cannot build a life here. Not all of them anyway. One of them will stay to keep their tree alive, and the others can sprout, grow and bloom elsewhere. To put it plainly: imagine Big Mac, Applebloom and Applejack all married with children as the rest of the Apple Family does. Within twenty years there would be about thirty four children running around the place.

Sunset found that hard to believe, to which she got an invite to the next Apple Family Reunion. Applejack stoically mentioned how she too would have had many more siblings had her parents still been around. She has a duty to live for all of them. It was then that Sunset saw her friend in a new light.

The following day she came home with Fluttershy. Fluttershy issued a meek knocking on the door, which was followed by a meek opening of said door by her mother. They were welcomed in and Sunset noticed immediately that Rainbow Dash wasn’t kidding.

Sunset was shown around the house and they all, as at Rarity’s, settled down in the living room with hot drinks. Hot chocolate this time, extra deluxe. Fluttershy recalled how she’d spoilt her bunny and was glad she didn’t turn out like him.

Fluttershy engaged the conversation by telling her parents why they were all here today, and how Sunset wishes to learn more about what it means to be a normal family. Her parents exchanged a look and reminded Fluttershy how she’d helped them with her freeloading brother.

Sunset asked what happened with that and on they went to tell that tale. Her brother had made himself at home on a few occasions and last time he’d wrecked his father’s cloud collection and his mother’s garden for his own selfish purposes. Fluttershy wasn’t having it and stood up for them without breaking any relationships or individual hearts.

Sunset had called him a complete loser based on what she’d heard, and the rest agreed save for how he’s now had a change of heart and was being more productive. But he’s no Shining Armor.

In this home, Fluttershy was the bravest and boldest among them, which Sunset found unbelievable at first and kind of sad once she saw how it was. Being so demure, she had to ask who made the first move. Shy’s parents both blushed and Fluttershy told Sunset off for asking something so inappropriate. Much to her surprise however, her mother agreed to tell their story since Sunset was there to learn. The story wasn’t anything to be ashamed of.

As it happened, both her parents came from broken homes, much like Sunset’s. Instead of being strong willed and stoic about the suffering they faced, they instead took it all and were always hoping for better days. This only got them into further trouble when high school and college came about and they were bullied and tormented until the very last day. They were the easiest and softest targets.

When asked how they managed to go through all that without becoming completely nihilistic and cynical, they answered that they’d known one another since very early on. They had both been beaten up and tossed in a small messy space to be left there overnight. All they had done that while was care for one another as they would for themselves. Lick their wounds, and know exactly the hurt and suffering behind those deep eyes. It was then they had pair bonded for life and come what may, they would live and find their happiness.

Not many encounters times after that first one, they had decided they wanted to get married once they were old enough, and then try for a child. They had kept their romance hidden so as to not throw on more fuel to that hell that was the eternal bully. Many times and for long they were apart, seeing each other once a blue moon.

Fluttershy’s father got up and moments later came back with a big heavy box from the attic. It was a crate containing every single love letter they had exchanged. They were never far apart at heart.

Their story was not a heroic one, but through their pain and perseverance they had appreciated a deep understanding and let their love shine beauty to all who bore witness. They lived for more than themselves, they were already living for Fluttershy and Zephyr Breeze. They were already a part of this world, so their parents had decided, even if they had yet to be born.

Shy’s parents explained could not be more grateful and proud of her kindness, knowing for certain that she would never inflict upon the world what had been done to them. They had bent reality a little back into shape, and now Fluttershy was doing her best to do the same.

Fluttershy blushed at the praise and appreciation, and thanked them for it.

The day ran late and Sunset and Fluttershy retreated to their bedroom. Sunset felt her head spin from all the questions emerging from her past. How she might’ve turned out had she found a laudable purpose instead of power. Whether her parents too had come from broken homes and were exacting their vengeance upon their own child.

Fluttershy’s parents had not been brutal to their children, though that didn’t exactly save them either. They may not be the ones to teach the constraints of life, but they had brought their children into this world with a purpose and meaning older than themselves. Zephyr learned that life indeed was constraining, but a life not lived to the very bounds will never know them.

Tearfully and in total darkness, Sunset reflected on her meaningless life, and how blessed she was to have been saved by the Rainbooms and Twilight Sparkle. Her connection to Equestria had suddenly been reinvigorated, and she felt the urge to go back, make amends and thank them. Most of all Twilight Sparkle and the Princesses. What joy to have been given purpose, even if it is still not clear or fully formed. To have something new lifting you out of bed.

She asked Fluttershy how it had been for her growing up. Fluttershy told her it was her innate nature to be kind, although she had almost become as “kind” as her parents. She had attended a guest speaker at the school who helped students become more assertive and to stand up for themselves. For a little while after that she’d been mean, though in hindsight that was part of her growth as a person. From that time onward she had managed and continued to temper her nature with a solid “no” when the times would call for that.

Her parents had never told her tonight’s story either. It was built into how they’d lived thus far for as long as Fluttershy could remember. Having heard it expressed they had shone a new light on her life as well, further establishing she was on the right track.

Sunset thought back to her home situation with Luna and Chrysalis. They hadn’t had the lives of the three parent couples thus far, and their “family” was nothing like the families she’d stayed with. They had no history, no legacy and no purpose or meaning. They were three strangers who’d crossed paths, bumped into each other.

Next up was Rainbow Dash’s home. For the longest time, Rainbow Dash and Sunset had been kicking a ball around in a public courtyard. When asked as to why, Rainbow Dash explained how her parents were a little too fond of her, leading to embarrassing situations. They used to cheer her on even when she failed, allowing her to succeed later in life, but the incessant support escalated to her being praised for breathing and having a heart beat.

Sunset merely replied that her only encouragement had come from the princesses, and that was only if she did what she was told. She remarked that for the both of them it was hard to tell whether they were ever even genuine. After all, if Dash is being praised for trivial things, the praise for actual success becomes completely worthless. Sunset’s praise may have only come from a place of control. After all, Sunset at that time was after power, and Celestia was a powerful figure who may have felt threatened by a potent rival.

The sun crept below the horizon and the two teens went inside. They got a warm welcome home by Dash’s parents, who praised her exactly once for exactly one thing before they proceeded further into the house. Sunset got the usual grand tour which ended at Dash’s room where they laid out their belongings. Rainbow Dash shut the door, thanking her parents and letting them know they’d be down for supper momentarily.

Sunset was surprised to see how little of Dash’s story seemed true and exaggerated. Dash told her that it was not always this way and that one time she told them off, hurting them in the process. They made amends, and now they’ve gotten a healthier relationship. They still fall into their old habits from time to time, which is something Dash was hoping to avoid today, but otherwise “they’re cool now”.

The two went downstairs and had supper with Dash’s parents. Moments later they had set themselves in the living room with piles of photo albums and some of Dash’s trophies on the mantle. Gleefully her mother picked up the first of the albums and proudly showed Sunset Dash’s baby and childhood pictures. Dash pulled up her shirt and pulled it over her face, wanting the agonizing embarrassment to end. Her parents told her they’re not boasting about her to Sunset like they used to. They just thought their daughter was adorable and they were proud of her, and that part was worth sharing.

Dash sighed and relented, having decided to listen very closely for things to escalate. To her relief, they simply went through their old family photos without any fuss.

The album came to an end and the evening had progressed quite a bit. With a nervous chuckle Windy Whistle dug through the stacks of photo albums and pulled out the latest one, with pictures of her daughter’s high school sports career. There were a few pictures at the start of training and the whatnot, after which the dates of the pictures grew more sparse. Then one day, several pictures appeared for each consecutive day, all of them with a Wonderbolts team with Dash in it. Sunset had to wonder how many pictures didn’t make the final cut to be put in the album. The final picture of the sequence showed a fairly frustrated Dash after a winning match. Sunset turned the page, as she held the album in her lap. The picture on the next page was taken a week later, and it was a tearful hug between her parents and herself. On the other page was a proper family photo with all of them all dressed up. She had seen the same picture hanging in the hallway upon entry, although she thought nothing of it when she passed it.

Sunset peeked ahead, and the last few pages were near-daily pictures of both regular events and sports. She turned back to the family photos and asked Bow and Windy about why it was there was this big gap and a sudden change in theme.

Bow and Windy went on to relay their side of the same story Dash had told her. By the time it had gotten to the point of the break, they had already pushed Dash to hide her various successes, especially the big one of making the team. They couldn’t blame her for not tackling this problem in a mature manner, she’s just a kid still. Though they would’ve of course been there for her had she only talked to them earlier. They had been really shaken and it woke them right up to their blind sides. All the things they had left unattended simply because they couldn’t see them. All their attention had been on Dash, and so they had missed their relationship and themselves.

A week later, they had had their proper talks and set new rules. Rules to all of them could agree. Dash had properly apologized to them for her neglect, mistrust and snapping at them.

Rainbow Dash added that this was the first time she really realized she had responsibility in her relationship with her parents. Up to that point, everything had gone relatively well through their one-sided efforts and very little had to actually be addressed outside of rules like “clean your room”. She appreciated having been made aware of this and how she was treated more like an adult. She was becoming more of an adult after all, her parents said.

Rainbow Dash admitted that right before she snapped, and it’s why she snapped, she wasn’t too fond of her parents anymore. She had snapped when the anger finally burst out, and it was through a conversation with Scootaloo that she came to appreciate her parents again. Things did need to change on their side as well though. And so they were changing.

Windy agreed, although it was pretty difficult to break a habit she’s had for that long, and for such good reasons (or so she still thought). Their love had changed, and it had changed for the better. It had grown and it had grown deeper. The weeds had to be rooted out so their love could bloom.

Sunset closed the album and put it on the stacks of all the other albums. She thanked them for their time and spending the evening before getting ready for bed. The exercise had sapped her more than she’d anticipated.

That night, memories of her and Luna came to mind where, recently, every time Luna had told her she loved her, things had gotten worse. She’d gotten more and more restrictive to keep her from doing the bad things she thought she might attempt. There’s no nurturing in merely keeping someone safe and stripping them of trust and responsibility. How can Sunset grow if Luna is doing all she can to keep her as she is, knowing she is so miserable she might end her own life? How is that a life? How is that love? Sunset had told her off as well, so much so she’d spent the night at Celestia’s. Their reunion had been brief, and time would tell if Luna had changed for the better. If Rainbow Dash’s parents and she herself could change, surely Luna and Sunset can change too?

The time she’d spent with Celestia had also been illuminating. She too had to understand that if Luna is doing a poor job of loving her, that rebelling like she had is escalating. It was a hedgehog’s dilemma: the closer they tried to be, the worse they stung. Instead, had Sunset taken that responsibility Dash had only recently discovered, Luna and her might’ve had a proper talk about it instead.

Their issues in their relations might be very different, but the solutions did have plenty commonalities. It’s not simply a case of talking things over and being done with it. It is to change the way they love one another with renewed expectations and understanding.

Sunset asked Rainbow Dash about how things had worked out for her. How’d she changed and if things had gotten better or worse somehow. Dash replied that since she’d found a new appreciation for her parents after her talk with Scootaloo, most of the things she’d done followed automatically. She wasn’t one to think too deeply about these things. She just did and tried to be tactful about it. Meaning to say she made the effort to mind her words in talking to her parents.

Sure it had been annoying at first to say things like “Okay mom, that’s just enough,” with a forced smile whenever she’d get too much praise to her liking. Or to reject her father from attending every bit of practice she did. She’d bargained down to every public match plus the practice right ahead of said match, and he could cheer like the rest of the audience. No merch, no being the loudest. But in the end, it had changed for the better since she had to bother less and less as they became less and less obnoxious.

Luna had welcomed her back home, but there were no guarantees yet of things going smoothly from this point out. They would both have to consider what it is exactly that they want. They would need a way to gradually change without going at each other’s throats. That was something to discuss when Sunset would return home, the day after tomorrow.

The last family lived a little while away from Canterlot. Pinkie Pie stayed at the Cakes’ house during weekdays. Today was a Friday night and so there was a perfect opportunity to stay the night at the Rock Farm. The train ride there had taken much of the afternoon.

Pinkie Pie’s family was fairly big, though today only her parents were around and the other siblings were otherwise engaged. Sunset had gotten the strangest most archaic greetings ever, and doubted even the princesses knew of greetings this dated. They were very dignified and stoic, so Sunset felt the urge to try and fit in. She was unable to return the gestures in kind. Her effort was appreciated, and her failure was not minded. They were shown about the old cottage, which looked a great deal nicer on the inside than on the outside. They’d stashed their things in Pinkie’s bedroom and went to go downstairs.

Her parents were a quiet bunch, and a lot of communication was through body language of nods and smiles. Pinkie Pie very proudly announced that she taught them those smiles when they finally sat down to have a chat.

Learning about folks who hadn’t smiled until someone taught them was not something Sunset thought she’d ever encounter, yet here she was face to face with people who went through decades without one. When she asked them about this they mentioned how before, they thought they’d taken life as seriously as they could. Everything they did mattered, be it virtue or sin. And through their acts of sin they realized they had little to smile about, working to set things right to counterbalance their transgressions.

Then Pinkie Pie came about and taught them that some things are worth appreciating with a smile, such as that very first party she threw. Ever since, they have taken it upon themselves to always count their blessings, and to smile when they had blessings to count. The sun came to rise on a family that was grateful to get out of bed and seize that second chance every day until they would run out. That no matter how bad they had messed up the day, week, month or year before, today is a new day to counterbalance any of the foolish things they had done. Any one thing, and with any luck and effort a few more. What has been done cannot be undone, but at least something can be done to try and balance things out.

It had been an innovation that was easily integrated into their lives as they were. An innovation that let them relax, appreciating all the things they were doing right and all the things they could yet try and set right.

Igneous explained that before, a day was feeling the mountains of guilt and shame stacking up upon their shoulders and back. Their weight keeping them down. Things could be so much worse. So much worse. His wife could be chronically ill and worsening, his children could hate him and he could lash out at them in frustration or worse, malice. His business could run into the ground and be foreclosed, leaving them all homeless in such a state, before autumn and winter. Things could be so much worse they could be hell.

Now, life had been reinvented where everything to set right was a new opportunity to feel great about fulfilling their duty. Any screw-ups carried to the next day, waiting for that second chance. They had their health. They had their love. They had their work cut out for them into workable pieces to keep the world from crumbling down around them. They want to be ready when the rain comes.

It was a lot to take in. Sunset, not sure how to respond, nodded, paused, and asked her next question.

Sunset was curious why they thought Pinkie Pie hadn’t been their first or last child. That somehow made more sense to Sunset. She now has older siblings who had missed a few years of having her as a role model. Had she been the youngest, she would’ve broken off the status quo. It didn’t make enough sense to any of them, including herself, and Igneous simply put it that this too was one of those blessings to count as it had come to them. As far as they were aware, they had no active hand in shaping the fundamental nature of the personalities of their children. They simply were, and they taught them what they knew.

Pinkie Pie added that just before then, she had shared a great moment with her current friends, albeit that at the time they had all been far apart. It was at that time that she broke her own mould, which allowed her to bring joy to her family. Having seen her efforts make such an impact, she had made it her life’s goal to make the whole world smile. She even wrote a song about it, to the surprise of exactly no one.

The conversation moved to how Igneous and Cloudy loved their children. The answer came all the same as the earlier ones: they considered themselves to be very lucky to have their many healthy children. The lives of their children had been spared drama, disease and tragedy, and they were very grateful to have them in their lives. They each brought their own changes with them and enriching experiences. For better or for worse, all of it would make their lives their own. Every downturn was a chance to make things right. Everything right was the cherry on top.

As their lives had been before Pinkie Pie, where everything mattered, so it still did. The difference was a positive vision on themselves, their children and all their lives. One day they would part for the last time, a remark that brought a tear to Pinkie Pie. Be it when Igneous or Cloudy would leave this world, or god forbid their children would precede them. In the meantime, that time of definite and unknowable span, they could only make the most of it. Pinkie Pie had already moved out of the house, as had her elder siblings. Visits became more and more infrequent, and therefore the time together became ever more precious. They no longer had the time to argue and to bicker. Not when they all still had so much to set change for the better.

The clock struck ten and it was time to call it a night. After a few minutes, Pinkie Pie and Sunset lay in their respective beds awake and talking. Pinkie Pie told her that at the time, she had only had that intent of having her parents smile. All that talk of things going right and wrong was her father mixing it with his own spirit. She hadn’t come up with that. She was just a little kid when she tried having her parents smile. She told Sunset that a smile is not something you can give, or even should give. It’s something you can invite others to do, and they will fill in the blanks with their own personal take. Each smile is as personal and unique as the person making it. So too is what they do with it afterwards. She was glad she didn’t just let her parents smile just that once, but for the rest of their lives. She thought that was awesome. Something that had already made her life worthwhile, come what may.

Sunset hadn’t once even considered making her parents smile. Not as far as she could remember. She had been shown neither mercy nor joy. Oftentimes she had wished to never have been born. She would run away from home or get thrown out. Her parents often didn’t let her back in, particularly when it rained or when it was chilly.

Pinkie Pie asked how things had been ever since she had stayed at Luna’s place, and Sunset gave it some thought instead of answering immediately. The things Igneous had said tonight had certainly gotten her to think, as had her experience with Trixie. Her situation had been far from what life had been for her. She didn’t want to degenerate again, knowing the beaten path.

Her time at Luna’s had not been bad, but it had gotten worse over time. That was something yet to be addressed. She was hoping Pinkie Pie could support them as much as she had her own family. Her friend, of course, was entirely up for that. The only thing better than doing the best thing ever, is to keep doing it.

Sunset woke up at Pinkie’s that Saturday, half-and-half on facing today. On the one hand, she had seen how her friends’ families had been. It had been completely alien to her, and her new experiences did not mesh well with what she understood parents to be from her past. On the other hand, she had to confront Luna again, who was ready with the adoption papers.

Over breakfast, she brought it up with Pinkie’s parents, not entirely sure why. Windy soothingly said that whatever happens happens, and if things go south there is something to tend to, and if things go right then you can tend to the next thing to put right. Her relationship with Luna is far from smooth, so there’s a lot to be done regardless of the outcome of this first step. It may very well be the last step: first grow the relationship to maturity, then formalize it. The only way to find out is to do it.

When the last day of man has passed, Igneous said, the world will still need putting back together despite the combined efforts of all.

Sunset took their words to heart. Today was not the end, nor an stand alone event, but the new chapter to her life and that of Luna and Celestia. If she wants this to succeed, she shouldn’t get lost in minutia without losing sight of the bigger picture. She’s seen what good families can be, and it’s something she realized she’d deeply missed growing up. It would be nice to have the latter days of her life as a teenager spent with a caring parent.
After breakfast, Sunset took to the road again and was accompanied by Pinkie Pie, who was cheering her on. Back in Canterlot, she’d first get together with her friends before embarking to Luna and Chrysalis’ place. She thanked them all for the great time they’d had with her. Even if things go awry with Luna and Chrysalis, she’d always have them.

Their appointment was to be at ten AM, and so it was. She was welcomed back by Luna and Chrysalis, as were her friends. They exchanged pleasantries and went to sit down in the living room.

Luna asked whether Sunset had come to a decision. The moment of truth. Sunset said she had learned a lot this past week, and felt it was inappropriate to take a decision when really, she wasn’t ready yet. She would first like to become more of a family with Luna and Chrysalis. She looked to Chrysalis and said the latter was right. The adoption papers are just papers. They don’t magically make you a family. She was sorry for having been shortsighted.

Luna wanted to know more about what it was like staying with all of her friends this past week, and so Sunset relayed her experiences. Rarity’s parents had talked about the things parents relay to their children in preparation for the world and how it’s different from how friends and teachers can guide in that. At Applejack’s they’d talked about family being bigger than the people closest to you. Family includes everyone here and now, far and near and back when and tomorrow. One day soon she too would spread her wings. Next, at Fluttershy’s, her parents had decided to dedicate their lives to her far before she had even been born. She was a part of this world while the world lay waiting. Her parents had survived every how because they had a why to get them through it all.

Then, Sunset remarked that she felt the following encounters were probably the most important to her. At Rainbow Dash’s, she’d learned that love must change in order to grow. So that’s a big part of why she was not yet ready to sign the adoption papers. At the rock farm, Pinkie’s parents told them how their daughter had transformed them from a grim, bitter and sober existence to a happy and meaningful life. Sunset would like the same for their family, and Pinkie’s already offered to help. Maybe Sunset can help change Luna and Chrysalis as much as Pinkie Pie helped her parents change for the better.

Luna remarked that it must’ve been quite the journey going by all of these experiences. Luna admitted that she wouldn’t be able to provide everything she had encountered with the other families. Dash interjected that her family didn’t live on a farm and that she didn’t have a bothering brother either. Her parents were in fact the complete opposite of Pinkie’s. Trying to provide everything would end up backfiring. Luna conceded her point.

Sunset also didn’t want all of that. She wanted whatever her family with Luna and Chrysalis had to offer at it’s best. Something that’s different from what her friends had. Something they didn’t have but could take home after a night of sleepover.

Luna and Sunset leaned into one another for a deep embrace. Luna was glad to hear the commitment. How Sunset had found faith in even becoming a family. Celestia pushed Chrysalis into the two and Sunset drew her into the hug, followed by Celestia. Her friends all dawwed at the sight of it all. Pinkie Pie got out her party cannon and fired it in celebration.

Fifty one weeks later, Pinkie Pie had sent out invitations to a party at Luna’s place, who was irked by her house being commandeered by Pinkie Pie without a heads up. That was until she read the invitation and completely concurred. It had indeed been a year since Sunset, Luna and Chrysalis had made their vows to do their best to become a family. With a lot of effort and very little time, they had come a long way. The year had flown by, and certainly not without issue. The last few weeks had been swell. The party was on. Luna had gotten new adoption papers since the last forms had dated.

The day of the party had come about seven very short days later. Once again they sat down to talk and they’d discussed everything that had happened the past year. Luna and Chrysalis dating again and growing closer as a couple. Luna had realized things were going really well considering her past, as had Chrysalis. Sunset figuring out what it was that she wanted out of this family if she had a choice and say in the matter, as she so happened to have in fact. They had given changes a chance and kept some while rejecting others and thus life improved for them all. They were now in a place they couldn’t have fathomed a year ago, let alone fifty four weeks ago.

Luna and Chrysalis together presented Sunset with the renewed adoption papers, which included a hand written section clarifying and specifying their commitment. Celestia felt like a bridesmaid witnessing the rings being presented.

“Before you sign,” Luna said, “I have a few words to say.” Chrysalis held her hand.

Sunset nodded.

“When I first picked up up from the gutters in your dire, dreadful and hopeless state, I did so because I saw so much of myself in you,” she started. “I could see where you were because I had been there. When you had moved in last year, it turned out that was not enough. My life had improved materially. I had a job, I had my dear students, I had my sister back and I thought I had someone who could be my daughter. Little did I know I couldn’t even become a mother.” She squeezed Chrysalis’ hand. “I was just older than you, and so different.”

“When Celestia took you in two weeks ago last year, or, when I kicked you out, I thought I’d lost my mind. When you ran away the very next day, my body gave and I became so ill. My world had come to an end. I thought my heart would just, let go. Those were the longest few days in my life. And when you came back, the lights went back on. The rain had stopped. It was still cloudy and the fog made things hard to make out, but you were with us and you were willing to give us all a chance.”

“You had been right to take a week to see other families. I feel silly not having done the same. Not setting myself straight and learning how to be a decent parent. How to be a mother. I feel silly laying claim on a complete stranger who I thought might’ve been just like me when really, we’re also quite different. And I’m happy that we are, since I wasn’t much to be back then. I still had a lot of baggage and misery you didn’t need, and that on top of your own no less.”

Luna turned to Pinkie Pie and Sunset’s other friends who were crowded around her. “And a big thank you to your friends of course, for being there for us. You’ve all been a great help in getting us through this second chance.” Her friends proudly smiled.

Luna turned back to Sunset. ”When I showed you the papers last year and you said you wanted to wait before signing them, I was actually relieved. I had no way to tell if I was fit for the role. What if I’d just do as I’d done before? Expect you to be the only one to change for the better? It’s been a lot of teamwork. I wouldn’t expect anyone to do that all on their own.” Luna shook her head. “I was very foolish.”

“I’m glad we got through it,” Sunset said, holding Luna’s hand. “Together, and in one piece.”

“Me too, champ,” Chrysalis added.

“We’ve all changed a lot this year,” Luna continued. “We were finally on that same page of being a happy family, and we were all committed to that, come what may. It certainly helped me through some times where I had to be alone for a bit. Whenever you or Chrysalis had pushed me a little too far, especially in the beginning. But then, I too had to change and adjust and get used to how we would do things going forward. I realized I can’t just love the way I want if all I did was hurt you and hurt us. I think that may have been the most difficult thing of all. I tried to do everything I did for your own good, or our own good, but I didn’t even stop to think what might’ve been good for all of us. Now I’m free to trust you and to support you when you need me. You’re here to comfort me when I’m down, and you too have a shoulder to cry on. And really, getting to cook you a meal every day and make your bed are just the most rewarding things to do. Knowing you’ll be there, knowing I can always be there for you.”

“You’ve helped me grow so much, and I can’t thank you enough,” Luna said, wiping at her eyes, “Really, you’ve saved me from so much misery, from my foolish self.” She looked at Sunset, her eyes still watery. “So, thank you. Thank you for everything.”

Sunset didn’t have anything prepared, but felt an urge to speak. To say something as heartfelt in return. All she could think of was to speak from the heart, and so she did.

“I’d never felt at home anywhere, since home wasn’t a safe place for me,” Sunset started. “I’d manipulated people for so long that it became who I was. Nobody ever really knew me, and I would never tell anyone because all it’d gotten me was hate and stabs in the back. I couldn’t trust my parents, I trusted Celestia who betrayed me,” Sunset looked to Celestia, who was shocked. “Not you, sorry. And so I’d never met an adult who sooner or later wouldn’t hesitate to hurt me. I never trusted you,” she said, pointing to Luna, “or you,” pointing to Chrysalis, “or you,” pointing to Celestia. “Or anyone. Those first few months we spent together were me still doing whatever it was I did to get by, although I had become less, well, terrible. I had my friends and I feel like I could really trust them. Especially now.”

“When you asked me to get adopted, in the back of my mind, I shuddered to think you would do to me as I thought every parent or adult did. How could you have been so vicious to even ask me to just be victimized all over again?” Luna was about to speak up but Sunset raised her hand. “Had I not seen my friends’ families, I wouldn’t have realized how wrong I was about… well, at least some adults. Their parents, and giving you three a chance. And I’m glad I have.”

“As are we all,” Luna said, getting nods from Chrysalis and Celestia.

“Sunset?” Luna asked, presenting the papers once more, “will you be our daughter?”

“Yes,” she said with a smile, “Yes I will.”

Sunset took the papers and signed her name. She returned the papers to a delighted Luna and Chrysalis. Pinkie Pie exploded into party and fired her party cannon, officially starting the festivities.

The party was well underway and tearful hugs were exchanged, the cake was cut, and Chrysalis was disappointed there was no stripper inside. She got a bonk on the head instead, and a second one for being disappointed the stripper wasn’t Celestia.

The festivities lasted all afternoon and all too soon, Sunset’s friends had gone home and the table was set for dinner. After dessert, Celestia had an announcement.

“I’m really happy for you all to have finally and formally become a family,” she said. “And just for today, I saved up one more surprise.”

The rest looked about themselves, completely in the dark as to what she might have up her sleeve that could make today even better.

“During this last year, I have searched far and wide among doctors, hospitals and experts who could perhaps help me with my problem,” Celestia started, somewhat concerning the others, ”and I have finally found a fertility specialist who gave me great confidence that I may yet have my very own child!”

“Th-That’s,” Luna began, “That’s amazing! Congratulations!”

“I know right?!” Celestia said. “I hope giving birth won’t be as difficult as keeping this secret because, my lord!”

“But, so,” Sunset interjected, “weren’t you sterile because of… well, you know the story. You were there.”

Luna looked away, still.

“Well, yes,” Celestia said, “That was indeed the conclusion at the time. However, I may have not gotten any more fertile, but medical science has certainly advanced enough to give me a second chance at that as well. They have already re-examined me and have great faith they can help me out.”

“I want to congratulate you,” Chrysalis said, “But I also don’t want to jinx it.”

“Then wait until my child is born,” Celestia said. “I’m planning to give birth within the year.”

“You hear that, Sunset?” Luna said, “You’re getting a cousin! You’ll be an aunt!”

“Don’t jinx it Luna!” Chrysalis hissed.

“An aunt?” Sunset said to herself. “I’m going to be an aunt.”

Thus, the night started with another celebration, lasting until around midnight. They all had their plans for the future, seeing how their roles would change and develop. They had made their future brighter than it had ever been before, brighter than they could’ve ever imagined.