Anon a miss: family love

The teachers and Celestia were drawing their meeting to a close. The meeting had gone on longer than initially thought, as it was well over an hour after school, and everyone had already left. Luna joined them just as they were reviewing the decisions to be taken in the coming days and weeks until the true culprits were found. Celestia straightened her paper about school procedures and the personal thoughts of the teachers on the matter. The main problem they encountered was that this was the first cyber-bullying experience at CHS, so they had no precedent on how to handle the situation. Thus, the teachers brought forth ideas to limit the bullying, while Celestia researched what other schools did to solve the problem and punish the ones responsibly.

"Starting next week, we are going to check the school computers and work to install site limiters. Luna will be in charge of that process. We are going to be patrolling the halls in between classes, and we need to keep an eye on Sunset to avoid an incident like earlier today. As she is the scapegoat and being blamed for all the backlash, Anon-a-miss is causing. We need to make sure she doesn't get jumped by other students. While working on the computer site and watching student activity, Vice-Principal Luna will be watching Rainbow Dash in ISS. I will be dealing with any students found fighting and be patrolling the halls during class. Raven will be taking most of my calls, and I'll be bringing my paperwork home to complete there. Now, does anyone have questions before we depart for home?" Celestia asked.

All the teachers looked among each other before they all shook their heads.

"Excellent, why don't we all head home for a relaxing weekend? We'll be having a busy and stressful week starting Monday. I hope to see you all Monday morning bright and early," Celestia said, standing up. As they were all leaving, Cheerilee walked up and gave Celestia a hug.

"Ciao Celestia, take care," Cherrilee said before she slipped past the door being held by Cranky.

After turning off the light, Celestia with Luna, who was currently in a phone call, left the staff room. As Celestia headed to her office, the two split, with Luna going to the library presumably to go to the server room. As she walked down the halls, she saw a few students were still roaming the halls. Upon closer inspection, she noticed most of them were in theatre class, and a few were student council members likely preparing for the school dance on Saturday. On the way to her office, Celestia stopped on her way to open Sunset's locker and grab Sunset's backpack and a couple of books. Once that was done, she began walking to her office, all the while placing the textbooks in Sunset's bag. While walking there, she spotted Flash Sentry walking towards her.

As Flash approached, Celestia was still putting books in Sunset's backpack, "Here, Principal Celestia, I have Sunset's notebook and pencils. I realized I still had them when I got home and opened my bag to get a jump on my homework. So I drove back hoping I would miss you or Sunset," Flash handed her the supplies and said waved goodbye before she could properly thank him. "Bye Principal Celestia."

"Wai- Flash! That boy, geez, always so quick to please and leaving before anyone express their thanks!" Celestia grumped about Flash as she placed the rest of Sunset's school supplies in the bag.

Once she was finished, she saw Rainbow Dash run out the front doors and caught a glimpse of Rainbow met up with the rest of the girls that had saved the school twice, two more than they should have in Celestia's opinion, and watched them leave the school grounds together. Celestia sighed dejectedly, thinking of how much they mattered to Sunset that she felt the need to kill herself when they abandoned her. Though she supposed that the treatment of her fellow students could be as equally to blame for her self-destructive thoughts.

Celestia shook her head and, she walked into her office and saw Raven still working. That was a bad habit of Raven's. She refused to leave until Celestia herself left. Celestia sighed exasperatedly before she told Raven that she could leave as she just had to pick up Sunset and her purse from her office. Raven smiled before she told Celestia that she would be here early on Monday before giving Celestia a one-armed hug and walking out the door.

When Celestia entered the office, she saw Sunset sleeping on the couch. The in and of itself wasn't what caused her to pause. No, it was the fact that Sunset was sleeping while curled up inside her jacket and using her sweater as a pillow. A small smile broke her face as she pulled her phone to snap a photo. Celestia put her phone away and glanced at the clock showing it was three forty-eight.

"Hey, my little ray of sunshine, time to wake up," Celestia said, rubbing her shoulders.

"Huh?!" Sunset flinched awake, throwing her coin purse across the room and hitting the bookshelf by the door before she focused on Celestia.

"Oh hey Cellsia," Sunset mumbled tiredly.

"Hey, sweetheart, let's head home for dinner. I also need to talk to you about something, but it can wait until we get home," Celestia frowned when she saw the cut on Sunset's forehead.

Celestia helped the sluggish Sunset put on her jacket and zip it up to make sure Sunset was warm when they exited the building. They spotted Luna on the upper level at the entrance of the library and waved goodbye as they left, who lifted her hand in acknowledgment before returning to her call. Celestia helped Sunset get in her white SUV before she started it and headed home. When they arrived, Celestia parked her car and grabbed Sunset's backpack.

Once parked, Celestia looked over at Sunset, who once again dozed off during the drive from the school to Celestia's house. Shaking the girl awake, she helped lead the tired girl inside. Once inside, Celestia put her bag on the console table and hung her keys on the hook. Sunset made it halfway upstairs when Celestia called her down. Grumbling, Sunset turned around made her way to Celestia. Sunset sat next to Celestia when she gestured towards the couch.

"Yes, Celestia?" Sunset asked while trying to hide the small amount of concern and worry.

"Sunset. First, I'd like to say this is entirely up to you whether you want to or not. However, I must let you know that I've asked for adoption papers to be made for you. I feel a connection with you that I never felt before, and I would like you as a daughter. Second, if you don't want me as your mother, you needn't worry about me kicking you out. You will still be welcome in this house. I will, however, take over as your legal guardian, but only until you're eighteen," Celestia said while trying to keep herself composed, worried that Sunset might feel guilty and agree if she showed too much hope.

Sunset was silent for a few moments as she stared at Celestia. She looked away and continued to stay quiet as her eyes flickered around the room. Celestia was about to continue speaking when Sunset broke the silence, "If you to adopt me, that means I can call you mom, right?"

"Yes, if you want to call me mother, mom, or whatever you like," Celestia said as a small amount of hope leaked into her voice.

Sunset once again went quiet before she stood up and turned away from Celestia. Celestia grew worried and stood as well. Celestia didn't think she would have such an adverse reaction and wondered if she pushed too fast. She was worried that Sunset would leave and disappear. Tears began to gather at the edge of her eyes. She reached for Sunset but was suddenly hit in the chest. After regaining her breath, she looked down to see a crying Sunset in her arms hugging her.

"Thank you. This is all I ever wanted!" Sunset cried out.

"Don't thank me. But Sunset, I want to know something," said Celestia releasing Sunset and putting a hand on her shoulder.

"What is it?" Sunset asked between sniffles.

"Can you tell me a little about your past?" Celestia asked. She felt Sunset tense slightly.

Sunset was silent for a long time before she began quietly, "Well, in my world, I didn't know my biological parents. I was adopted by an elder couple because they couldn't have a baby. But when I was three years old, my adoptive parents died. My papa was Light Bright, and my mama was Soft Wind. It was a train accident. A landslide derailed the train. They were flung through the window and killed on impact. Even if they would've survived being flung, ponies found them crushed underneath a train cart. I suppose I should be happy they didn't suffer. After that, it took me a year to be adopted."

"It was a few weeks after my fourth birthday. I was taken in by a couple who were anything but ideal. Father was a Pegasus, he didn't hit me unless I did something wrong, but he didn't need to hit me to get what he wanted. He would gather clouds and turn them into storm clouds and make them shoot lightning at me. He never hit me with a bolt because it would cause scars, and I was just entering school. It traumatized me, and I still fear lightning or storm clouds to this day. Mother was an earth pony and far more rugged in her disciplining. She would beat me if I didn't understand something about my task. She was clever, though, always hitting me in the most common places for young ponies to get bumps or scraps. I felt more like a maid than a daughter with them."

"One day, my luck changed, for the better? I honestly don't know, considering what happens later. Anyways, I burned the house down by accident. I didn't have control over my magic. I was just so tired of them hurting me. I remember getting mad, and suddenly everything was ablaze. They died in roaring flames while I was untouched while the house crumbled around me. The fire lashed out at anything that could've hurt me. It was my fault. It wasn't until a year that I met your counterpart, Princess Celestia. During that time, I was passed through one foster house after another before I was taken in my by an old noble family whose ancestor was Princess Platnium. They were strict but taught me how to control my magic. It was at a gala that I met Princess Celestia. While I was there, she was impressed when I stopped a fire when one of the servers tripped, and a flamming kabob caught a window drape on fire. The noble thought I started the fire and kicked me out. That's when the Princess took me under her tutelage."

"As I said, she was impressed and kinda became my foster parent, but was mostly while I lived with her she was my teacher first and foremost. We got along great at the start. I was her student, and she was my teacher. I remember the day it all happened. I had called her mom, she chided me, saying I wasn't her daughter and that I could cause her problem with the nobles if I made that mistake again. I was a little embarrassed, but we moved on like nothing had happened. The next day she canceled our lessons, and the day after that, she became so cold it still hurts cause I don't know why our relationship changes so much."

"Then she began to spend more and more time with Cadence. What were once lectures and lessons taught by the Princess became a list of subjects I needed to learn by the end of the week. Not only that, but she wanted me to make friends, but when I told her how difficult it was for me, she only told me to try harder. After a while, she ignored me and my struggles. Sometimes I still wonder why she couldn't love me or show that she loved me when she could show Cadence love. I still don't understand because I know she did love me. I know she did. So, what changed? What did I do that caused her to hate me? I don't think I ever will."

"Anyway, one day, she just showed up and told me to follow her. I might have been starved for attention at that point and didn't think of her sudden reappearance in my life. I happily followed her to a room where she showed me the mirror. I saw a destiny that was not mine, but I thought it was. And the rest was history as I learned of its true nature. I didn't think she monitored me anymore, so I snuck into the restricted section and was chased out by her when she confronted me. I hated her, the way she treated me, and in my anger and hate, I beat up the guards escorting me and fled to the world on the other side of the mirror," Sunset said somewhat numbly.

"Honey, you been through so much, and yes, you went down a dark road for a while, but look at how far you've come. You changed into a little ray of sunshine, and I promise everything will return to normal. I will be with you every step of the way," Celestia said while hugging Sunset and tears from her face giving her a motherly kiss on the top of the head.

"Mhm," Sunset said, as that was all she could manage at the moment.

The two were silent for a moment as they just basked in each other's presence. Celestia was having a hard time processing everything that Sunset went through. She swore that she wouldn't ever abandon Sunset. Sunset needed her just as much as she needed Sunset. They were kindred spirits, the two of them. Her heartache was almost the same as Sunsets.

"Not to rain on our parade, but I want to check on your injuries. So how about we go to my room, okay?" Celestia asked.

"Okay, Cele-mom," said Sunset, testing the waters.

Celestia smiled, "Come on, let's get you checked up, my little sun," Celestia said, accepting and establishing her newfound position as a mother.
Celestia took Sunset into her room, sat her on the bed, and closed the curtains and door for more privacy.

"Now, Sunny, I'm going to take your clothes off. I'm going to change your bandages and see if we can't do something about that cut on your head," Celestia said as she took out a first aid kit and bandages.

"Okay," said Sunset.

Celestia took off his jacket and shirt, took off his bra, and began to remove the bandages. The wounds were healing and looking much better than they were before. After cleaning the wounds and rewrapping the gauze, Celestia redressed Sunset starting with a bra, her shirt and finishing off with her jacket.

"Well, now I'm going to take your pants off and your boots, okay?" Celestia asked.

Sunset nodded.

Celestia pulled her pants down, and he could see that she had a small rug burn on her left knee and bruising on both of her knees. "Sunset, there's not much I can do with your knees. Are you going to be okay?" Celestia asked.

"I'll be fine," Sunset said.

She helped Sunset pull up her pants and tied her bootlaces before hugging her and stroking her hair.

"Thank you for helping me," Sunset said as she sobbed.

"You're welcome, Sunset. Let everything out. I know it's been a long day," Celestia continued stroking Sunset's hair until she realized that the girl fell asleep in her arms. Celestia smiled at her understanding that she was probably after the day she had. She covered her with the pastel-colored sheets on her bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead, and went downstairs to make dinner.

When she got to the kitchen, Celestia started to prepare stir-fry rice with chicken cooked on the side so Sunset could choose whether she wanted it or not. As the rice cooked, she fished her phone out of her jacket pocket and hit the call button.

It ringed three times before it was answered, "Chrysalis speaking."

"Hey, Chrys."

"Oh, Tia! How are you? Are you calling about the adoption papers? Well, you'll be happy to know I just finished them. I was about to leave to pick up Luna before coming over."

"Actually, we just had a breakthrough. To be frank, both me and Sunset are exhausted, and I would like some time to process what I've just learned. How about you come tomorrow night. I'll cook all your favorites and your drink as an apology."

"No, no, that's cool. Not gonna lie. I should probably head to catch up on some rest too."

"Thank you for understanding, Chrys. I'll see you and Luna tomorrow."

"Totally wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Love ya, Chrys."

"I see ya later, Tia," Chrysalis said before she hung up.

Celestia frowned, "She needs to stop blaming herself. I never blamed her for what happened. She'll only say love you to Luna now."

Celestia sighed before focusing on dinner. When it was ready, she turned off the stove, served the food on two plates, took a pitcher of iced tea out of the refrigerator, and put it on the table. She proceeded to set the rest of the table before going up to wake the slumbering Sunset.

"Sunset dinner is ready," Celestia rubbed her cheek.

"Okay, Mom," Sunset groggily, as she hugged Celestia, and Celestia hugged her back.

With Celesti helping her along, Sunset got up and made her way down the stairs with Celestia. When she saw the food, she eagerly sat at the table and began to eat. After she finished eating, she helped Celestia lift things off the table. Celestia put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

"Mom, are you busy?" Asked Sunset

"No, honey, what do you need?" Asked Celestia

"Well, I have history homework, but I don't understand, and well ... it's just that," Sunset said bashfully.

"Do you want me to help you do your homework?" Celestia guessed

"Well, if you're not too busy to help a little," Sunset lowered her head in shame.

"I can help, but how about we do that tomorrow morning after a good night's sleep?" Celestia asked before adding, "You seem to be really tired, and you slept a good part of the day."

"Um, okay, if you don't mind, I'm going to head up first."

"Of course not, have a good night's sleep, my little sun."

"Night," Sunset called before heading upstairs.

Celestia wrapped up the dishes quickly. Before she headed upstairs. She went to her room and changed into her pajamas. As she did, she looked at a box in her closet. Walking up to the box, she laid her hand before a quiet and hoarse whisper came from Celestia.

"I'll make you proud. Look over me as I raise her."

With that, she walked over to Sunset's room and peeked inside to see Sunset sleeping peacefully. She thought about going in and giving her a kiss but didn't want to wake the girl, so she went to her room and turned off the light before she crawled into her bed.