My past does not define me

by General Alduin

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Sad, Lyra, Drama, Equestria Girls, Bon-Bon, Suicide / Self Harm, Profanity, Human, Sunset Shimmer, Main 6
Length: 14542

How the mighty have fallen. Sunset Shimmer, once the queen bee of CHS, has been dethroned in one night. How is she going to cope from being the most feared girl in school, to most reviled?

How does one recover from falling below rock bottom?

That’s what the former queen bee of Canterlot High will have to answer, ever since the events of her Junior year Fall Formal. In under an hour, Sunset Shimmer had fallen from the most feared girl in school to the most reviled. Now, nobody is afraid of her, and they’re going to let her know every day till they graduate.

Sunset however seems, surprisingly, regretful of who she was, and she’s desperate to make up for everything she did. It’d too bad no one will ever giver her the light of day, especially after she turned into a demon. How does one live that down?

And these girls, the ones who caused all of this in the first place, why are they making the effort to reach out to her? She broke apart their friendship. She bullied them all relentlessly. She nearly killed them.
They should hate her the most!

Yet... they provide her with something she’s desperately lacking: hope.

Published 2022-02-05 06:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2022-09-12 02:18:53 UTC

Harmonys judgement

“What. Is. Happening!?” Sunset Shimmer yelled as she was engulfed in the brightest rainbow she had ever seen.

She screamed as it swirled around her, it’s embrace feeling like she was being thrown into the sun itself. And to think, she had thought the transformation into a demon was excruciating.

Her mind was lifted of the foggy haze that had claimed it since she had out on the crown. Right in time for her to experience the rainbow searing her skin and painfully burn away her wings and tail.

She couldn’t take it anymore and squeezed her eyes as tight as they could go. She gingerly opened them up after a minute, finding herself in a black void.

Sunset looked around fearfully, her mind racing a million miles an hour. Was she dead? Why was she turned into a demon? Why did she try to kill those girls? She’s not a murderer! Why did that rainbow hurt so much? Why did the crown do that to her?

Where was she?

Perhaps the rainbow had killed her and this was her eternal punishment. But this seemed rather excessive! She wasn’t that bad a person right? She had a family she had to get home to, she didn’t deserve death!

It was all Celestia's fault anyway. If she just gave her Princesshood like she deserved, Sunset wouldn’t have had to resort to such desperate measures to begin wi-

She wasn’t alone.

Sunset didn’t know how and she didn’t know what, but something else was here with her. The devil perhaps? Celestia? Maybe Faust herself?

When she looked around to find any evidence of this unseen observer, she realized she was completely naked. She yelped in alarm and tried to cover herself the best she could.

She understood why the humans were so particular about clothing. At least back home you had a tail for modesty (mostly) and fur to protect you from the elements. These humans, for some ungodly reason, had lost that a long time ago in their evolutionary history.

It seems she had spent too much time among them, or at the very least she was insecure with an unseen presence ogling her.

Sunset opened her mouth to speak but recoiled in pain as her head felt like it was being split open. Soon, a torrent of hundreds of different memories from all manner of people flooded her mind.

Sunset saw memories of how each of her family reacted to the news she had run away, how Celestia felt when she found Sunset in the forbidden section of the Canterlot library, how hurt somepony was when she belittled them.

Sunset fell to the ground, shaking as hundreds more followed.

Memories of every hurtful word, every time she sabotaged someone, every awful thing she did to someone from their perspective. She heard what they heard, saw what they saw, felt what they felt.

Lyra crying after Sunset sabotaged her chances at being princess. Applejack fuming at Sunset for implying she sleeps with her brother. The fear her presence instilled in all around her.

After what felt like an eternity, the memories subsided. Sunset was left sobbing on the ground. The full weight of her actions made clear to her in the worst way possible.

Sunset curled into herself pitifully, whispering a hundred desperate apologies for each and every single one of her new memories. She didn’t even notice when the void began fading, engulfing her in bright light.

“You will never rule in Equestria!”

‘W-what?’ Sunset found herself staring down at the dirt, her shoulder blades screaming in pain as she felt blood trickle down her back. She groaned as she shifted her body, her muscles sore beyond reason, skin sensitive to even the softest touch, and dozens of scratches prickling her body.

“Any power you may have had in this world is gone!”

‘T...Twilight?’ It took Sunset a moment to remember everything. Where she was, who she was, what had happened, vague memories of trying to kill Twilight.

And with the sudden clarity given to her, she remembered the void she had found herself, and all the memories came pouring back.

“Tonight, you’ve shown everyone who you really are.” Sunset's eyes welled with tears and she began crying profusely. “You’ve shown them what is in your heart.”

Sunset shakily lifted her head to look up at Twilight, her body protesting every small movement she made. “I… I’m sorry.”

She turned to look at the whole school as they gathered around the crater, shame filling her heart as she stared into the faces of everyone she wronged. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t know there was another way…”

“The magic of friendship doesn’t just exist in Equestria.” Sunset cried harder at that. She had never taken Twilight as the gloating type. “It’s everywhere.”

‘She’s going to execute me.’ Sunset thought bitterly. ‘She’s going to take me back home, put me on trial, and execute me in front of a cheering crowd.’ Sunset shook with fear, worried what fate would befall her family. Surely others would retaliate against them when they found out what their daughter d-

“You can seek it out!”

“What?” Sunset said quietly to herself, looking up at the craters edge. ‘She's… not going to execute me?’ Sunset began climbing up the walls of the crater, her body aching in pain, hoping she had been wrong about Twilight.

“Or you can forever be alone… the choice is yours.”

“But…” Sunset finally reached the top of the crater. “But All I’ve ever done since Being here was drive everyone apart! I don't know the first thing about friendship!”

How true that was. Sunset had never had a friend, she never needed one. She had her brother, his weird friend, and her giant pig tails. How could Sunset ever hope to seek out friendship, especially now?

Sunset gasped lightly as Twilight grabbed her hand softly. She helped lift Sunset out of the lip of the crater and onto her feet. ‘I just tried to kill her. Why is she helping me?’

“I bet they can teach you.” Sunset looked towards Twilight's friends. She didn’t know it was possible to feel even worse with herself than she already was, but looking at the smiling faces of Twilight's friends filled her with such indescribable shame that Sunset nearly fell to the ground.

Sunset had tuned everything else out by that point, her mind overwhelmed with the mixture of shame, pain, humiliation, and the hundreds of new memories she had to sort through.

She stood there stupidly, staring at the ground as the world continued on without her, much like it would if she had died, which at this point seemed like a mercy.

‘I deserve to be dead.’ Sunset thought bitterly. ‘I deserve to be dead…’

She didn’t know how long she was like that, but eventually she was snapped out of it when Vice Principal Luna grabbed her shoulder, holding a shovel out to her.

Sunset grabbed it without a word and was corralled to the pile of debris her transformation had left behind. She was surprised to find Snips and Snails there with her, wheeling in a wheelbarrow.

She turned to Luna to protest their punishment, but was immediately shut up by the woman’s harsh glare. Soon, the three of them got to work shoveling the debris into the wheelbarrow, occasionally wheeling it away and dumping it out whenever it got too full.

Sunset meekly hid behind a wall as she watched Twilight say goodbye to her friend's while she held a trowel. Twilight disappeared into the statue a few seconds later and Pinkie crashed head first into the statue's base.

She sadly thought back to the meeting between her and Twilight earlier.

“Sunset shimmer, for your crimes you are hereby exiled from Equestria.” Sunset Shimmer began sobbing, she’d never see her family ever again.

She quieted down when Twilight put a hand on her shoulder. “However, in thirty moons I will return. If I find that you are an honest, generous, loyal, and kind person filled with laughter, you will be welcomed back home.”

Sunset just stared forward glumly. There was no way that was going to happen. Those girls weren’t going to give her the light of day. Hell, she’d probably be expelled after tonight.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Sunset flinched at Luna’s authoritative tone. “Stop slacking off and spread mortar onto these bricks."

She looked to Snips and Snails. They looked absolutely miserable, all because of her.

"Vice Principal Luna… Can you let Snips and Snails go?" The two boys stopped why they were doing and looked at her in shock.

"Excuse me?" Luna crossed her arms and raised her left eyebrow.

"They only did everything I told them too. I didn't give them a choice in being transformed into demons. I’m entirely at fault for their actions." Sunset said awkwardly. "Can you let them go? They don’t deserve to stay here any longer."

The two boys whispered among themselves, clearly surprised by Sunset's concern for them.

Luna meanwhile just stared at Sunset quietly with an unreadable expression. "Fine." She finally answered. "But only for tonight. You can't save them from their punishments, up to and including expulsion." The two boys paled at that. "You two can go."

Snips and Snails quickly ran off without a word, deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth, and disappeared into the night.

Sunset let out a small sigh of relief, though couldn't help but be a little jealous of the freedom she won for them.

"Now." Sunset was pulled from her thoughts by Luna. "I don't expect you to clear away all the debris or fix the entire wall, you are a teenager after all. Just do what you can for tonight, and me and my sister will decide your punishment later."

"I… I understand." Sunset nodded and began applying mortar to the bricks. “I’ll do what I can.”

"Don't expect to come back Monday." Luna added as she turned and walked away. “Other then to clean out your locker of course.”

Sunset winced and she wiped away the tears welling in her eyes. Well that just confirmed it. How was she supposed to make friends with anyone when she was expelled?

Hell, she shouldn’t even be worried about that. How was she supposed to finish her high school career? You couldn’t make it in this world without a high school diploma, and there’s no way any other high school would take her after everything she did. Surely this would be added to Sunsets permanent record.

She’d run out of money by the time Twilight came back, and there’s no way her exile would be lifted by then. She’d be flipping burgers till she was eventually fired from even that.

At best she’d live on the streets and at worst she’d have to sell her body to make even a meager living-

“Sunset?”

Sunset yelped in fright and fell to the ground, wincing as she fell on her back. Sunset looked up and found Fluttershy standing over her, a hand placed over her mouth.

“I’m so, so sorry!” Fluttershy said. “I didn’t mean to frighten you!”

“It’s… it’s alright.” Sunset groaned as she pushed herself up, shakily going back to applying the mortar. “Did you need something?”

“Um…” Fluttershy stood there awkwardly as she watched Sunset work. “I know you probably have a home, but I was wondering if maybe… you could stay with me tonight?”

“What?” Sunset turned her head towards Fluttershy, who visibly jumped when she did.

“I-if you don’t want to, th-that's fine.” Fluttershy awkwardly added, looking off to the side and smoothing out her dress. “We just d-don’t want you alone r-right now.” Sunset stood up, making Fluttershy take a step back. “Sunset?”

The two girls just stared at each other for a long moment. The moment Fluttershy opened her mouth to say something, Sunset practically tackled her and knocked the air out of her lungs.

“I'M SO SORRY!” Sunset bawled, wrapping Fluttershy in a tight hug. The poor girl was at a loss of what to do as she held onto Sunset, trying desperately to prevent the red head from falling to the ground. Sunset made a hundred desperate, barely coherent apologies to Fluttershy, who merely held onto her.

“Shh… it’s ok, just let it all out.” Fluttershy said softly, stroking Sunset's hair as the red head bawled into the crook of Fluttershy's neck. “Everything will be ok... I promise.”

Author's Note

Hello Fimfiction! I’ve decided to write my third fic on the platform.
Since my ‘In the Wake of Anon-A-Miss’ is doing so well, I decided to write the prequel, aka Sunset after the Formal.

Since I made a surprising amount of backstory that was referenced in the fic, and I ather like the idea of following Susnet as she makes her way after the Formal, i decided it would be fun to try it out myself.
I have no idea how much i’ll Update this, ‘In the Wake of Anon-A-Miss’ takes priority due to its popularity, so expect an erratic update schedule.

I also guess this means both the sexual and prequel are being written at the same time.

And he,s this is a bit of a mopey chapter. Don’t worry, the entire fic wont be like this. I just wanted to stress how much the Fall Formal sucks for Sunset right now. Next chapter we’ll be following Twilight and Flutters.

I did have to watch Sunsets defeat to get the dialogue right, which seems to be common practice for these stories.
I did skip over Spike and the happy ending, felt it would be rather jarring to the tone.

I also felt Sunsets thoughts, feelings, and worries are a bit realistic, especially with how bad she feels right now.

I also find it ridiculous when fics have Sunset fic the entire wall by herself. She’s a teenager, how is she gonna do that?

I also decided to change things up and have Sunset stay with Flutters. I haven’t seen that done yet.
That should be fun for Susnet, dealing with a nervous Fluttershy and her no doubt angry parents.

Anyway, thank you all for reading my fic!

A shy sunset

With great reluctance, Twilight said her goodbyes to Flash, perhaps even final depending on what happens in the intervening two years.

She made her way out the gym, being congratulated by the students the whole way, and found Principal Celestia. “Principal Celestia?”

Celestia turned around and smiled at Twilight. “Hello Twilight, did you need something from me?”

“I do.” Twilight answered. “I need to talk to you about Sunset.”

Celestia's smile faded lightly for a brief moment. “Of course. Perhaps we should take this to a more appropriate location.” Twilight nodded and followed Celestia out of the gym. “I take it that Sunset is from your world as well?”

“Yes.” Twilight nods. “She ran away a few years back. I must warn you however, that though she is exiled from Equestria, she is still an Equestria citizen. If she is taken away by your authorities, there might be a diplomatic incident when I return.”

“You won’t have to worry about that, Twilight.” Celestia answered. “There’s no laws covering her demonic rampage and I plan to make an excuse about the damage done to the school that won’t implicate her. However, me and Luna will have to re-evaluate Sunset's continued admittance to CHS. Something tells me she did more than steal a crown.”

Twilight wasn’t surprised by that, but it did worry her regardless. “Principal Celestia, if I may, I know Sunset hasn’t been the best person over the years, but the Sunset I saw crawl out of that crater wasn’t the same person who stole my crown. If you expel her, she won’t be able to become a better person or make up for all her wrong doings.”

The two stared at each other for a long moment. “Well, if a princess demands that Sunset be allowed to continue going to Canterlot High, then who am I to argue with her?”

“I wasn’t-” Twilight stopped when Celestia gave her a look, quickly catching on, a small smile spread to her lips. “Yes. I believe it is in everypo-everyone’s best interest that Sunset isn’t expelled. We wouldn’t want any difficulties when I return.”

“Of course.” Celestia nodded. “However, it might take some time to convince the School Board. They’ll probably want to hear about Sunset's past behavior and may not be as forgiving as you.”

“If anypo-anyone can do it, it’s you.” Twilight said with confidence. “Now, can you please round up the other girls and have them meet me outside? I want to give them one final goodbye before I go.”

“Of course.” Celestia nodded. “You may want to meet with Sunset before you go as well.”

With that Twilight and Celestia went in opposite directions, Twilight towards the now destroyed exit and Celestia back into the gym. When Twilight got outside, she found Sunset Shimmer still shoveling debris with Snips and Snails. “Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset flinched at Twilight's tone and looked towards her. “Y-yes princess Twilight?”

“I need to speak with you.” Twilight said in a neutral tone. Just because Sunset was regretful didn’t mean Twilight still wasn’t angry at her for stealing her crown and trying to kill her.

Sunset nodded and shakily walked over to Twilight. Twilight's face softened when she saw the pitiful state the girl was in: bruises and scratches littered her body, her clothes were torn, her eyes were red and puffy, and she was covered in dirt.

The two girls stared at each other for a few moments, Twilight trying to think over what to say. “I want to alleviate any fears you may have. You will not be brought back to Equestria to face justice, nor will you be executed. I will also not disclose your crimes to the general public and will spare your family from any retaliation from myself or Equestrias citizens.”

Sunset brightened at that. “T-thank you Twilight. You have no idea what this means to me.”

“However.” Sunset deflated, bracing herself for what was coming next. “This doesn’t mean you are pardoned. What you did was wrong and put Equestria in danger, put me in danger. That’s not something I can ignore.”

Sunset began shaking as Twilight cleared her throat and put on the most regal and authoritative tone she could muster. “Sunset shimmer, for your crimes you are hereby exiled from Equestria.” Sunset Shimmer began sobbing. Twilight briefly panicked, not having expected that from the girl.

She quickly regained her composure and out a hand on Sunsets shoulder. “However, in thirty moons I will return. If I find that you are an honest, generous, loyal, and kind person filled with laughter, you will be welcomed back home.”

“B-but y-y-your friends will n-never accept me.” Sunset wiped her eyes. “I-I probably won’t even be a-allowed to come back t-to school after t-today.”

“You don’t necessarily need my friends to teach you how to be a better person.” Twilight said simply. “I just want to see that you made the effort.” Sunset looked at the ground dejectedly. She gasped lightly when Twilight pulled her into a small hug. “I have faith in you, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Twilight! Get over here, the portal’s about to close!” Spike called out, causing Twilight to pull away from Sunset. She flashed Sunset a small smile and began walking towards the statue, her friends gathered in a group to see her off.

Sunset merely stared as Twilight left. Not wanting to ruin their goodbye, she began walking towards the school entrance and hid behind a destroyed wall.

Fluttershy stared at the statue sadly. She had just made a wonderful new friend, one who changed her life in fact and brought her friends back together, but now she wouldn’t see her for over two years. Even then they would only be able to hang out for three days before she had to leave again.

Fluttershy instinctively reached to the top of her head, trying to confirm that the pony ears had disappeared. She let out a small sigh when she didn’t see anything and lowered her hands.

“Hey Shy!” Fluttershy turned around to see Rainbow Dash waving to her. “We’re all going to Pinkies for a sleepover. Wanna come?”

Fluttershy smiled and opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when she caught a glimpse of Sunset. She looked over to the redhead who was hunched over a brick and sloppily applying mortar to it. “Uh, another time. I’ve got plans for tonight.”

“Plans?” Rainbow Dash gave her a confused look. “It’s the Fall Formal, what are you-” Rainbow followed Fluttershy's gaze and realized what she was up to. “Ah… I see.”

“You don’t approve?”

“Well, not really.” Rainbow Dash declared. “I mean, I know we promised Twilight and all, but I think I need a few days before I associate with… her.”

“I know Dash, and I don’t blame you. This isn’t easy for me either.” Fluttershy looked back to Sunset. “But I don’t want her to be alone tonight.”

Rainbow Dash just stared at Sunset quietly. “Well, I can't stop you. But if she starts giving you any trouble, just give me a call.” Dash flexed and patted her left bicep with a cocky smile.

“Sure Dash.” Fluttershy rolled her eyes but smiled. “I’ll see you later Dashie.”

Dash gave a quick salute with two fingers before joining with the rest of her friends. Fluttershy meanwhile walked towards Sunset, her pace slowing to a crawl as she got closer and closer.

She was still deathly terrified of the girl, despite shooting a rainbow laser to her face. Fluttershy stopped halfway to Sunset as memories of how Sunset used to bully her flooded her mind. She took a minute to steel herself and continued onward.

Stopping a foot behind Sunset, Fluttershy was at a loss of what to say. She had hoped Sunset would’ve noticed her by now, but it seemed she was lost in her own world. “Sunset?”

Fluttershy recoiled back as Sunset jumped in fright and fell to the ground. “I’m so, so sorry!” She didn’t know Sunset was going to react like that. “I didn’t mean to frighten you!”

Fluttershy cringed as she waited for Sunset to start yelling and berating her. “It’s… it’s alright.” Fluttershy's demeanor changed and her eyes widened in surprise. “Did you need something?”

“Um…” Fluttershy took a few moments to answer, trying to decide if she had enough courage to do this. “I know you probably have a home, but I was wondering if maybe… you could stay with me tonight?”

“What?” Fluttershy jumped back. Had she somehow offended her? It was hard to gauge how Sunset was feeling and how much of her personality remained intact.

“I-if you don’t want to, th-that's fine.” The poor girl smoothed out her dress, clutching the fabric tightly. She started shaking fearfully, not knowing what Sunset was going to do. “We just d-don’t want you alone r-right now.” Fluttershy stepped back when Sunset stood up, her heart racing and ready to run away at any moment. “Sunset?”

For what felt like a small eternity, Fluttershy and Sunset stared at each other. Fluttershy couldn’t take the silence anymore and opened her mouth, squeaking in fright as Sunset ran toward her. ‘B-but I was just trying to help!’

She knew this was a bad idea. Maybe Sunset didn’t truly change or Fluttershy had somehow triggered her in some way and prompted her to attack. She was about to cry for mercy when the wind got knocked out of her when Sunset barreled into her and wrapped Fluttershy In a tight hug.

“I'M SO SORRY!” Sunset began bawling, practically incoherent as she sobbed out what sounded like apologies if Fluttershy tried to decipher them. Fluttershy just awkwardly kept Sunset from falling to the ground, no easy feat as Sunset was much heavier than her arms could handle.

Fluttershy's body relaxed as she looked at Sunset's face and scanned the rest of her body. She was in terrible shape, no doubt from the rainbow laser earlier. Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel bad, despite knowing this was necessary and that she didn’t really have a choice in the matter.

Fluttershy hugged Sunset back. This wasn’t the outcome she had predicted, but she welcomed it nonetheless. Her mind began racing with what was going to happen next: what she was going to tell her parents, where Sunset was going to sleep, whether Sunset needed medical attention.

But she pushed all those thoughts away for now, stroking Sunset's hair to calm her down. “Shh… it’s ok, just let it all out.” Fluttershy smiled. “Everything will be ok. I promise.”

For the second time in three days, Fluttershy made a new friend.

Author's Note

So yeah, I did take some previous scenes from the last chapter.
But I edited them so it wasn’t a boring rehash from what happened before.
I just wanted those scenes from the other perspective, see what the other person was thinking.

Not that it needed to be said anyway, but it seems Sunset isn’t being expelled (shocking I know, who could’ve seen that coming?)
That’s gonna be really fun on Monday.

This is also probably baby Twilights first pardoning/judgement of a criminal.
Really taking to the princess role.

I also do feel that being the element of kindness, Fluttershy would be the most concerned with Sunsets well being and the first to reach out to her.
She’d also be frightened beyond reason to talk with the girl as well.

My only question is how she’ll convince her parents to take in a girl who bullied their daughter to stay at their house without warning.

Or how Sunsets going to deal with the girl jilt of being cared for by the girl she tormented the most.

This is going to be fun for everyone all around.

Anyway, thank you all for reading my fic!

A talk between a farm girl and a rainbow

Fluttershy stayed with Sunset as the redhead applied mortar to the bricks, talking with her to keep her mind off everything that had happened earlier. She could tell Sunset was in a lot of pain by the way she moved and the somewhat slurred and distracted responses Sunset gave her.

She also could tell that Sunset was doing a terrible job applying mortar, whether that was because of her pain or that she had no idea what she was doing, Fluttershy couldn’t tell.

After a few hours, Vice Principal Luna arrived. She frowned at Sunset's sloppy work, causing the girl to look down in shame. “Well, I suppose I couldn’t have expected any better from you.” Fluttershy frowned in disapproval at Luna’s hostility. “This is enough for tonight, you can go home. Unfortunately me and my sister will have to stay a little longer because of what happened. Thanks for that.”

Before Fluttershy could say anything, Luna turned around and walked back inside. “Well, that was a little unprofessional of her.”

“It’s fine, I deserve it.” Sunset stood up and dusted herself off, wincing lightly. “I’m not even going to be a student here anymore anyway.”

Fluttershy swiveled her head towards Sunset. “Sunset! Don’t say that.” She stood up and grabbed Sunset's hands. “I know what you did was… wrong, but you don’t know for certain you’re going to be expelled.”

“Oh yeah?” Sunset pulled her hands away. “Even If we ignore the demon thing, what do you think happens to delinquents who blow up the school?”

“Most of the school’s fine and technically you only ripped apart the front entrance. We were the ones that caused an explosion with that rainbow.”

“Fine, but causing a fight? Stealing the crown? Years of terrorizing the school?” Sunsets body deflated. “Trying to kill you?”

“Well, I mean, you only really tried to kill Twilight. Me and the girls jumped in the way to protect her.” There was an awkward silence between the two girls. “Did you want to kill anyone?”

“No!” Sunset hastily declared. “I-I don’t know what that was! I don’t know what any of that was! That… thing… it wasn’t me!” Fluttershy squeaked as Sunset grabbed her shoulders. “I didn’t want to kill you! I didn’t want to kill anyone! I-I just wanted to be a princess! You have to believe me!”

“Sunset! Settle down, it's alright.” Fluttershy gently placed her hands on top of Sunset's own, pulling them off her shoulders. “I believe you. I don’t know anything about magic, and you never seemed to be that violent before, so I believe you.” Sunset visibly calmed down. “Look, even if you are expelled, me and the girls will still take care of you, ok? And if they don’t, I will.”

“Why? I was awful to you.”

That was a good point. Why was Fluttershy doing this? She should be terrified of Sunset, no one would blame her for wanting to take things slow with the girl. “I’m not sure actually… I’m just afraid I guess.”

“Afraid?” Sunset's face fell. “Oh, I see.”

“No! That’s not what I… ” Fluttershy sighed. “I’m afraid I won’t see you again if you’re alone tonight.”

Sunset seemed confused. “Won’t see me again if I’m alone ton-” Sunsets face lit up as she understood. “Oh! You think I’m going to kill myself.” Fluttershy nodded nervously. “Oh, no no no, Fluttershy, I’m not going to do that. I have a family back home I need to get back to.”

“A family? I Didn’t think you had any kids.” Fluttershy squinted her eyes at Sunset. “Or a husband for that matter.”

“What? No!” Sunset blushed. “I have my brother and parents back home. I’m seventeen, I haven’t done… that.”

“Really?” Fluttershy said with genuine surprise, tilting her head.

Sunset seemed somewhat offended. “Don’t know why you are so surprised. You’re in the same boat.” Another awkward silence fell between them, each girl staring blankly at the other. “No.” Fluttershy looked away, awkwardly rubbing her upper arm. “You’re like the shyest girl in the world, who did you-” Sunset realized Fluttershy was extremely uncomfortable and stopped talking. “You know what, that’s private. How about we put a pin in it?”

Fluttershy nodded profusely. “W-we should probably go home, my parents are probably wondering where I am at-“ Fluttershy pulled out her phone. “-12:50? How have they not called yet? They’re like super paranoid.”

“Sorry…” Sunset apologized awkwardly. Fluttershy didn’t need to stay this late with her.

“It’s not your fault. I chose to stay with you, remember?” Fluttershy grabbed Sunsets arm and pulled her towards the parking lot.

“What are we going to tell your parents exactly? I’m sure you’ve told them about me and we can’t just tell them why you brought me home.”

“I’m… not sure.” Fluttershy admitted. “We can buy time by telling them you’ve been through a lot tonight and don’t want to talk about it.”

“And if they don’t want me in the house?”

“They won’t have a choice, you’re my friend now and I don’t want you alone. Plus, it’s pretty late out and you’re in really bad shape, it isn’t safe for a young woman to be walking alone this late.”

Sunset's chest tightened when Fluttershy called her a friend. “I can handle myself you know… and how can you already say we’re friends?”

“I’m sure you can, but you’re hurt, probably exhausted, and most likely will be distracted walking home. Better safe than sorry.” Fluttershy unlocked her car and helped Sunset in. “And I’m not saying we’re best friends or anything, but the girl who used to bully me never would’ve apologized or hug me like you did.” Fluttershy got into the driver’s seat and turned her car on. “Everyone deserves a second chance, right?”

Sunset meekly nodded. “I’d… like to be best friends.”

“Me too.” Fluttershy flashed her a smile. “But one thing at a time. Let’s get you cleaned up and put you to bed. You look like you need it.”

Sunset looked a little annoyed but nodded, staring out the window as Fluttershy drove out of the parking lot and made her way home.

Applejack stared up at the ceiling of Pinkie's room. The rest of her friends had fallen asleep a long time ago, having worn themselves out with the events of the Fall Formal and their subsequent partying.

Applejack meanwhile, was deep in thought. She had spent the last hour thinking over Twilight, magic, her and her friends turning into scary pony people, and… Sunset.

Applejack frowned. What were they going to do with her? Applejack knew they promised Twilight to take care of her, but this was the same girl that tormented the school for years and broke their friendship apart.

Applejack never broke a promise, but what was she and her friends supposed to do? Sure, Sunset seemed remorseful crawling out of that crater, but that was probably just an act. She just wanted to save face, nobody changes that quickly.

Fluttershy didn’t seem to think so though. She seems to jump at the opportunity to help Sunset, and considering there was no calls for help from her, everything must’ve turned out well.

“Hey AJ, you awake?”

“Yeah, Ah’m up.” Applejack turned her head to Rainbow Dash who stared at her in kind. “Yah thinking about Sunset too?”

“Of course I am.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “She’s with Flutters, how am I not going to worry about that? Especially since she went full Satan on us earlier.”

“Yeah, church says Ah should confront my demons, but Ah don’t think they meant it so literally.” She smiled to try and brighten the mood.

“She tried to kill us.” Rainbow Dash continued like she hadn’t heard Applejack. “Am I just supposed to forget that?”

“She tried to kill Twilight and ‘Shy, didn’t seem to matter to them.”

“Yeah I guess.” Rainbow Dash groaned. “It would’ve been so much easier if Twilight didn’t make us promise anything, I was so looking forward to shoving her into lockers.”

“Dash, that’d make yah the bully.” Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a disapproving look. “That’d be extremely Immature. God says to turn the other cheek, just cause Sunset was a bully doesn’t give yah the right to bully her back.”

“But everyone’s gonna be doing it.” Dash whined. “And don’t give me that ‘if your friends jumped off a bridge’ thing, I get that enough from my parents.”

“Your parents discipline you?” Applejack said mockingly. “Ah’m shocked, Ah though they let yah run wild.”

“They’re overly affectionate, that doesn’t mean they don’t still punish me for shit.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. “Back on topic though, I’m not sure I buy this whole ‘oh, I don’t know the first thing about friendship, woe is me’ bullshit. This seems like a ruse.”

“Ah kinda feel the same.” Applejack nodded. “Still, we promised Twi and should at the very least make the effort with Sunset. At the first sign of her being an untrustworthy snake, we drop her. Twilight will understand.”

“Some people just don’t want to be helped.” Rainbow Dash added. “Guess it doesn’t matter, we probably won’t see her much anyway after she’s expelled.”

“If anyone deserves to be expelled, it’s her. “ Applejack laughed. “Who do yah think will actually be Valedictorian when she’s gone?”

“Me, duh.”

“God also says yer not supposed to lie.” Applejack smirked.

“God also probably doesn’t approve of getting drunk off your ass from your family’s cider when your grannies away.” Rainbow Dash countered.

“Find the law where it says that.”

“I would, but we only have the Old Testament.”

“That’s like ninety percent of the Bible, Dash.”

“Then it’s in your ten percent.”

“Whatever.” Applejack rolled her eyes and turned around, pulling the covers up to herself. “G’night Dash.”

“Night cowgirl.” Rainbow Dash replied as she turned away. “... I can still call you a hick though, right?” Applejack kicked Rainbow Dash in the back to make her displeasure known. “Ok ok! Geez.”

Author's Note

Some may say that Luna’s being a bit too hard on Sunset, but considering everything that’s happened, Sunsets lucky that’s all she’s getting.

And yes, we all know Sunset isn’t going to be expelled, but the characters don’t know that yet.

Kinda fun to see Fluttershy being assertive and reaching out to Sunset.
In these kinds of stories, its either Fluttershy or AJ that reachout. Though I did see rarity do it once.

Also, it may seem odd Fluttershy thinks that Sunset was married and had kids when she said she had a fmaily, but considering that’s what people usually mean when they say they have a family, and that Fluttershys questioning how old Sunset actually is, she can be forgiven.

And there’s no real reason why Fluttershy is lacking her v-card, I just thought it’d be surprising.
I also point out that these are teenagers, you never know what they’ll get up to regardless of their personality.

And yes’m a bit of religion, but I really do feel like AJ would be religious. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it won’t come up often (if at all really) so don’t worry.
And yes, I have decided that Dash is Jewish. I just though that’d be fun.

And a bit of foreshadowing for Anon-A-Miss here...

Anyway, thanks for reading my fic!

Fluttershy demands Sunset takes a bath

Fluttershy pulled into the driveway and turned off her car. She moved to get out when she noticed Sunset staring at her house anxiously, refusing to move.

“Hey.” She placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder. “It’s gonna be alright, my parents will come around.”

“You don’t have to do this, you know.” Sunset retorted. “I’m really not going to kill myself.”

“Better to be safe than sorry. Besides, you’ve had a rough night, you could probably use a friend right now.” She smiled reassuringly at Sunset. “Now come on.”

Sunset reluctantly unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car, wincing at even the slightest movement. She followed Fluttershy who eventually unlocked and opened the front door. Sunset took a deep breath to steel her nerves and walked in, closing the door behind her.

Fluttershy's mother looked up from her book. “Fluttershy? Why are you here so late? We thought you were at Pinkies.” She looked towards Sunset and her eyes widened. “Who’s this?”

“Did Rainbow text you saying I was at Pinkies?” Fluttershy's mother nodded, eliciting an annoyed groan from Fluttershy. “Bit presumptuous of her… no, I decided to skip the sleepover tonight. I was out late because I was helping a friend.”

“A friend?” Sunset fidgeted under Mrs. Shys scrutinizing look. “You’ve never mentioned a friend like this before.” Mrs. Shy stood up and walked over to Sunset, finally noticing the girl's disheveled state. “Oh honey, what happened to you? You look like you’ve been put through the ringer.”

Sunset stammered out an incoherent response. “She’d rather not talk about it.” Sunset and Mrs. Shy looked to Fluttershy. “Something crazy happened at the Formal and she was in the middle of it, she really just needs a long bath and some sleep.”

“Oh, well I don’t want to pry.” Mrs. Shy smiled at Sunset. “What’s your name dear?”

Sunset paled and began shaking. This was it, Mrs. Shy would realize who she was and kick her out. Surely Fluttershy couldn’t stand up to her mother, she was far too passive. ‘Perhaps I can lie? Just for one night? It wouldn’t hurt anybody, we can tell her later.’ Sunset shook her head. ‘No. I’m not that kind of person anymore. I’m trying to be better, I can’t be a lying bitch again. Fluttershy deserves better than that.’ Sunset looked up at Mrs. Shy fearfully. “M-My names S-Sunset Shimmer.”

“Sunset Shimmer?” Mrs. Shys eyes hardened into a glare as she recognized the name. “As in, the Sunset Shimmer who’s bullied my daughter for years? The Sunset Shimmer who broke apart her friendships? The Sunset Shimmer who could never be punished by teachers? That Sunset Shimmer?” Sunset shook and nodded fearfully. Mrs. Shy looked at her daughter. “Fluttershy, honey, care to explain?”

“Mom, I know this is… unexpected, but Sunsets had a really tough night and she really needs to be with someone right now.” Fluttershy pleaded. “She’s changed mom, she apologized to me.”

“Nobody changes that quickly, Fluttershy.”

“Well, I imagine nearly dying puts things into perspective.” Fluttershy offered innocently, her mother’s demeanor changing immediately.

“Nearly dying?” She looked to Sunset. “What does she mean by that?”

Sunset could only stutter awkwardly before Fluttershy interrupted. “Mom, look at her! She’s been through enough, let’s not make her recount what happened.” Fluttershy grabbed Sunsets arm and began leading her away. “I’ll tell you later, ok? Right now we need to get Sunset cleaned up.”

Mrs. Shy stared after the two girls, a mixture of pity, confusion, and anger on her face. She was torn between despising Sunset for what she put her daughter through and pitying her for her near death experience… whatever it was. She shook her head and decided she’d deal with that later, she needed to tell her husband what was happening.

Fluttershy dragged Sunset towards her room a little too hastily, Sunset wincing in pain and trying to keep up. “Now, That should buy us some time. The school will probably have an explanation and we can use that, we’ll just have to use the traumatized excuse until the school comes up with something.”

Sunset stared at Mrs. Shy until she disappeared behind a corner, prompting Sunset to look forward. “Did you seriously just lie to your mom?”

Fluttershy seized up nervously. “Well, what was I supposed to do? Besides, it wasn’t not a near death experience…”

“I’m just surprised, I never imagined someone like you could lie so quickly.”

“I’m a teenager Sunset, you think I’ve never lied to my parents before? Don’t tell my parents I said that... ” She said with a teasing smile. “Now, I don’t make a habit out of it like some people do, but I have lied before. At least I’m lying for a good reason this time.”

“What kind of stuff have you lied about exactly?” Sunset asked innocently. “Maybe about a certain something I accidentally learned earlier?”

“Sunset, we just became friends, you were never even supposed to know. I’m not comfortable revealing that to you, only Dash knows.”

“Why Rainbow Dash? She doesn’t seem like she’d be great at keeping secrets.”

“Hey! I know my Dashie." Fluttershy said defensively. "She’ll struggle to keep a secret, but I know she’ll take it to the grave with her."

“Well, you’re the expert. All I know is how to break her and Applejacks friendship apart.” The two girls shared a small giggle at Sunsets self-deprecation as they reached Fluttershy's door.

“Now, you’ll be sleeping in my room for the time being, I don’t want you sleeping on the floor so you can have my bed, I'll just get a sleeping bag and sleep on the floor instead. You should also probably take a shower. I'll give you one of my pajamas, though I don’t think they’re exactly your style. Hope you don’t mind.”

Sunset merely stood there dumbly as Fluttershy went to her dresser, grabbing a pair of neatly folded light green pajamas with butterflies scattered across it. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing: Fluttershy offering her bed, willing to sleep on the floor for Sunset, offering her some pajamas.

She was overwhelmed with gratitude and guilt and wiped her eyes before she began crying again. “Hey, is something wrong?”

Sunset looked into the concerned eyes of Fluttershy and cleared her throat awkwardly. “Y-yeah, just… It’s not fair that you sleep on the floor after everything that happened, you’re doing enough. You can take the bed.”

“Sunset, you are clearly injured, we probably should’ve taken you to the hospital in fact. I am not having you sleep on the floor.” Fluttershy walked up to Sunset and forced her pajamas into the red heads arms. “Sleeping on the floor might make you even more injured."

“But it’s not fair to you, you don’t deserve to be forced off your bed. I don’t even really deserve to be here.” Sunset yelped lightly when Fluttershy grabbed her shoulders.

“You are my friend. A friend who’s injured. A friend that needs someone right now.” Sunset was surprisingly intimidated by the girl's stare, sweating nervously. “You deserve to be here.”

“Why are you so adamant that we’re friends?” Sunset asked defiantly. “You don’t even know if I’ve really changed.”

“I do know.” Fluttershy fired back, letting go of Sunset's shoulders. “I don’t know how, but I do. You’re not the same, I'm not sure how you're different or why you changed so quickly, but I know you're not the same-"

“Bitch?”

“Jerk that you used to be.” Fluttershy frowned at Sunsets choice of words. “I don’t care if nobody else thinks you’ve changed, I know the truth. And by God, you’re going to sleep on my bed whether you like it or not young lady!” Fluttershy growled as she stared at Sunset intensely, her hands on her sides.

Sunset was taken aback by Fluttershy's attitude. “Where was this defiant attitude back when I was bullying you?”

“Oh! I’m so sorry.” Fluttershy immediately lost her composure and shrunk into herself, twitching nervously. “I didn’t mean to be so demanding, I don’t know what came over me.”

Sunset was even more flabbergasted at how quickly Fluttershy retreated to the vulnerable shy girl she was familiar with. “Ok mom. I’ll sleep on the bed. But you’re sleeping with me.”

“W-what!?” Fluttershy's pupils shrunk to pinpricks and she looked like she was about to faint.

“Not in that way.” Sunset sighed, annoyed with her bad phrasing. “Just sleep next to me, that way no one sleeps on the floor.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.” Fluttershy let out a huge sigh and placed a hand on her chest. “I guess I can do that, but it may not be very comfortable with the two of us.”

“It’s only for one night, right?” Sunset shrugged. “I should be able to go back home tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked as she carefully studied Sunset.

“I’m not going to kill myself.”

“It’s not that, I just don’t know where you live. You’re not…” Fluttershy frowned. “You’re not homeless are you?”

“No, I'm not homeless! You think I'd survive two years being homeless?” Sunset huffed. “I rent out a cheap apartment from this weird landlady. Just as long as rent doesn’t go up I’ll be fine.” She saw that Fluttershy wasn’t satisfied with that explanation, perhaps she thought Sunset was lying? “Look, I’ll bring you home tomorrow and you can judge my living situation yourself. Ok?”

“Fine.” Fluttershy nodded slowly. “But if I find you’re living out of an abandoned factory, you are staying here.”

“You’re very mom-like, you know that?”

“I get that a lot.” Fluttershy giggled. “Now, go take a bath.”

“I just had flashbacks to when I was four and my mom tried to force my to take a bath.”

“Bath.” Fluttershy grabbed Sunset and lightly shoved her towards the bathroom. “It’s one of those weird handles where you have to turn it all the way around to get hot water, don’t turn it all the way though or you’ll literally get boiling water, gives you burns and everything.”

“You should probably get that checked.” Sunset said with a half smile as she made her way to the bathroom.

“Yeah, I know. But dad doesn’t want to spend the money.” Fluttershy said with a hint of annoyance. “Oh! And lock that door! My brother never knocks. You have my permission to punch him if he barges in on you naked.”

“I was going to do that anyway but it’s nice I won’t have to worry about getting in trouble.” Sunset joked before disappearing behind the bathroom door and quickly locking it. Her smile immediately faded and she stumbled over to the sink. She winced as she began undressing and threw the dirty, ragged clothing haphazardly on the floor.

She splashed some cold water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror for over a minute. She looked over every scratch, bruise, and scuff mark along her body, beginning to tear up again before quickly wiping her eyes. “Faust, you’re pathetic…”

She stood there for another minute, berating herself for how horrible of a person she was and how she didn’t deserve Fluttershy's kindness. She finally realized she was wasting Fluttershy's water, berating herself for that too, and turned it off.

Sunset made her way to the shower and turned it on, sitting down and hugging her legs to her chest as the hot water washed over her skin, cleaning off all the caked blood and dirt. She buried her face into her legs and began silently sobbing to herself, not even taking notice of the stinging pain from her shoulder blades.

Author's Note

And I’m back, sorry for the wait everybody.

Let’s just be honest, Mrs. Shy hearing that Sunset nearly died earlier would probably be the only thing that would stay her hand, at least for the night.
And if anyone’s wondering, she isn’t concerned that Fluttershy was caught up in whatever happened because she’s totally fine.

I’m also like pretty sure Fluttershys lied to her parents once or twice. Just because you’re cute and innocent doesn’t preclude you from lying to your parents or being a rebellious teen.

I feel it's pretty in character for Fluttershy to offer her bed to an injured Sunset, it can't possibly be good for an injured person to sleep on the floor.

We've also seen Fluttershy has a bit of a authoritative side (which does weirdly seem like a motherly thing to do (Fluttershy is the team mom confirmed?)), I'm sure she'd go all drill sergeant when an injured friends being stubborn.

Fluttershy being worried that Sunset lives in a factory is a reference to the fandoms tendency to have Sunset living in an abandoned factory. Seriously, sunset almost never has stable housing in fanfics.
No judgement I just thought it'd be a funny reference.

I'm also going with the interpretation that Sunset puts on a bra e face when she's around people or needs someone with her or she'll have a tendency to go to the darker parts of her mind.
Atleast for now.

And that's it, sorry again for the long wait. Thanks for reading my fic!

Sweet demonic dreams

Fluttershy stared at her lamp tiredly, snuggled up in her covers with Sunset sleeping next to her soundly.

The girl had been in the shower for over an hour, Fluttershy having almost gone over to check to see if she was alright and hadn’t...

Fluttershy shook her head, she really needed to stop thinking like that. Sunset had assured her she wasn’t going to kill herself.

Still, she couldn’t get rid of the nagging feeling that the moment she looked away, Sunset… Sunset would be gone.

Perhaps she should worry about something else to get her mind off it. Like how she was going to protect Sunset from their fellow students, how she was going to get her other friends to come around (especially Rainbow), what their cover story was going to be, what to do if Sunset was living out of an abandoned factory-

Wait, no, it’s night time. She needs to stop worrying and get some sleep! She can’t help Sunset if she's dead tired!

Thankfully Fluttershy was pulled from her thoughts when Sunset began twitching and murmuring in her sleep. Fluttershy sat up and placed a hand on Sunsets shoulder, gently shaking her. “Sunset?”

Fluttershy let out a startled eep of surprise when Sunset suddenly shot up, panting heavily and gripping at the covers. Sunset didn’t say anything as she threw the covers off her and threw her legs over the side of the bed, placing her feet on the ground, rested her arms on her knees, and began rubbing her temples.

“Nightmare?”

“That obvious?” Sunset said with an exhausted sigh. “Sorry for waking you up.”

“Oh, no, I was already awake. I don’t think I’m used to someone sleeping in my bed.” Not a total lie, that was part of the reason she couldn’t get some shut eye. Fluttershy crawled across the bed and sat next to Sunset, gently rubbing her back. “You want to talk about it?”

Sunset sighed. “Do I have a choice?”

“Not particularly.” Fluttershy said with a small smile. “Was it about… you know?”

“Yeah, that was definitely part of it.” Sunset rubbed her eyes. “But I wasn't, like, the demon. I was on the ground watching everything go down and it... I uh… I-I succeeded in killing all of you. There was… there was nothing left but a smoking crater where you used to be. I tried to block it, hoping it’d take me instead, but it just went through me.” Sunset took a deep breath and exhaled. “Then I watched it go through the statue and… fuck…” Sunset straightened her back and rubbed her eyelids. “It just… it… I…” She groaned and rested her elbows on her legs.

“I take it the demon killed everyone on the other side?”

Sunset nodded. “And it was… so bloody. She ripped them apart without mercy one by one. Then she took great pleasure ripping off Celestia's wings and horn, leaving her for last.”

“Celestia?”

“Uh, other Celestia. My Celestia. She used to be my mentor.” Sunset huffed in annoyance. “Before I fucked everything up.”

“So, you saw what would’ve happened if you won.” Sunset said nothing, just staring at the floor. “Did… anything else happen?”

“Well, now I'm pretty sure I’m schizophrenic.” Fluttershy gave Sunset an odd look. “After it was done, I collapsed to the ground crying and the demon asked what was wrong and looked at me. Then it began mocking me and saying this is exactly what I wanted while I tried to deny it. I don’t think nightmares usually work like that, so, like, I’m a bit worried that I now have some sort of mental illness on top of everything.” Sunset looked to Fluttershy. “I-I know it’s cliched and dumb.”

“Hey, it’s not dumb. You went through a traumatic experience, it only makes sense that you’d have nightmares about it.” Fluttershy rubbed Sunsets back. “Give it some time, the nightmares will slow down. If they don’t, I’m sure there’s some kind of medicine out there that blocks dreams.”

Sunset didn’t say anything for a moment, slowly beginning to nod her head. “Yeah, I...Yeah. You’re right. Are you… traumatized at all after tonight?”

“Are you kidding? I was given magical power and helped shoot a rainbow laser. I’m probably the farthest thing from being traumatized.” The two girls shared a small giggle. “Now come on, we really should get some sleep.” Fluttershy said as she began moving back to her side. She noticed that Sunset was still hesitant, awkwardly staring at her own side of the bed. Fluttershy briefly thought of what to do and her eyes widened when she came up with something. “Hey.” Sunset looked over as Fluttershy grabbed a stuffed unicorn and threw it over. “Thats Mr. Snickerdoodle. You can use him tonight to keep the nightmares at bay. Worked for me when I was young.”

“Um, thanks.” Sunset said as she studied the Unicorn. “I’m not sure how much he can really help me though.”

“Can’t hurt right?” Fluttershy countered as she turned over. “And unless you want to snuggle me tonight, and something tells me you’re not the snuggling type, he’s your best bet.”

Sunset did have to concede that it’d be awkward for her to snuggle Fluttershy, and laid down, pulling the covers up and snuggling the Unicorn. She took another deep breath, exhaled, and closed her eyes.

Lyra shot up panickedly, gripping her blanket to herself and panting heavily. Seems Sunset Satan wouldn’t leave her alone even in her dreams.

‘Whatever, that dumb Satan worshipping whore is gonna be expelled after today. If not, we’ll all just tell Celestia what she’s done over the years.’ She would’ve preferred they’d be able to just kill Sunset outright (after all she can turn herself into a demon), but she doubted the cops would believe that Sunset is a Satan worshiper who can turn into a demon and mind control people. She already tried telling them earlier and was told not to bother 911 again.

Maybe somebody else can kill her, but it wasn’t going to be Lyra. Won’t be her problem when Sunset’s gone anyway.

Not unless she turns into a demon again…

Lyra groaned and grabbed her phone, calling up Bon-Bon and putting the phone up to her ear. “Lyra?” Bon-Bons tired voice came over the phone. “Sweetie, it’s 4:00 am, what do you want?”

“Yeah I know Bonny, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t sleep.”

“Nightmare?”

“Yeah, guess who’s it about.” Lyra said mockingly.

“I’m going to guess a certain red haired bitch who turned into a demon earlier?”

“Bingo. She sacrificed me to her satanic cult, ripped my heart out and everything. Are you having nightmares too?”

“Can’t say I am, though I don’t remember any of my dreams anyway.” There was a small pause. “You sure she’s a cult member?”

“Of course she is, how do you explain the whole turning into a demon thing?”

“Well, those other girls seemed to have some magic too. Plus she was super obsessed over that crown so maybe it was magical?”

“That makes no sense, Bonny.”

“Less than a satanic cult that can turn its members into demons?” Lyra didn’t respond. “Look, those girls seem to know what was going on, maybe we can ask them on Monday and see whether or not Sunset is a satanist.”

“I guess, but my money’s on she’s a cultist.” Lyra said stubbornly. “There’s no other logical explanation.”

“What about any of this is ‘logical’ to you? I say she’s an alien.”

“Since when can aliens turn into demons?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were an expert on aliens and unicorns.” Bon-Bon let out a small laugh. “Hey, maybe she’s a unicorn in disguise! You’ve always wanted to meet one right? Cause they’re totally real?”

“Laugh it up, but when Unicorns are finally discovered I’m going to lord it over you and my siblings for the rest of our lives.”

“Sure you will.” Bon-Bon said dismissively. “Look, I’m tired and I need to get back to sleep. I’ll see you later alright?”

“K, sorry for waking you. Night Bonny.”

“Night Lyra, don’t let the alien Unicorn satanists bite.” Bon-Bon said as she hung up, Lyra rolling her eyes in response.

She snuggled back into her covers and smiled. She wouldn’t have to worry about Sunset at school anymore. ‘Monday’s going to be a great day.’ She thought to herself before closing her eyes.

Author's Note

And I’m finally back with another chapter!

But of a short one admittedly, trying to establish the attitude around school and how Sunsets mental state is going to be.

In most stories like this, there’s almost always a nightmare sequence involving the demon. I decided to avoid that and just have Sunset recount the nightmare instea dna have some more flutter comfort.

I also thought adding people thinking Sunset is a satanist would be unique and could be explored. After all, nobody really knows what’s going on or that Twilight was even from a different universe. Only the humane 5 know what’s going on and why Sunset went full demon earlier.
I also may or may not have binge watched season 4 of Stranger Things, which had references to satanism so maybe that carried over somehow.

Also I’m like pretty sure the usual trope of the demon mocking Sunset in her dreams is technically schizophrenia, I don’t think dream entities really work like that.
Makes for some good storytelling though.

I came up with Mr. Snickerdoodle after looking at a screenshot of Flutters bedroom and saw a stuffed unicorn.

Thanks for reading my fic!

The vegetarian commonality

“Sunset.” Sunset stirred as she was gently shook awake. Her nose sniffed the air, picking up a delectable scent. “Sunseeettt.” Her eyes began fluttering open, finding Fluttershy standing over her with a plate of food. “Wakey wakey eggs and bakey!”

“Uh, what?” Sunset groaned tiredly as she sat up, groggily looking up at Fluttershy.

“Breakfast.” Fluttershy held out a plate for Sunset. “I would’ve used one of those little bed trays that only see use for Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t seem like your speed.”

Sunset grunted something that sounded like an agreement. “Those things are totally useless, I don't even know who’d enjoy breakfast in bed. What if you spill something?” Sunset winced as she maneuvered her legs over the side and grabbed a plate from Fluttershy. There she found eggs, bacon, two pancakes, and a few strawberries. She ignored her body protesting her every movement as she began to eat. “You make this?”

“No, it was my dad.” She sat down next to Sunset. “I figured you’d like to stay away from an awkward breakfast down stairs.”

“You seem to know everything about me already.” Sunset mused. She looked over to Fluttershy plate and found it didn’t have any bacon. “You already eat your bacon or something?”

“Oh! I’m sorry, did you want extra? I know people really like bacon, I really should’ve asked if you wanted more-”

“I don’t eat meat.” Sunset interrupted before Fluttershy could descend into an apology filled rant. “I’m vegetarian.” A very awkward silence fell between the two, Sunset peaking to Fluttershy and finding she was staring right at her with wide eyes. “What?”

“You’re… you’re vegetarian?”

“Uh… yeah.” She jumped lightly when Fluttershy placed a hand to her mouth and squeed.

“I’ve never had a vegetarian friend before!” Fluttershy said excitedly. “I thought you were an omnivore like everyone else! You know how hard it is to be the only vegetarian of my friends? I went to AJs place once for a party one day, and they were serving nothing but meat. Nothing but meat! Even my family eats meat!”

“What about Tree Hugger? Aren’t you friends with her?”

“She’s vegan, and a very Judgey one at that. I ordered something with egg once and she wouldn’t let it go for over a week.” Fluttershy huffed. “You Judge people for what they eat?”

“I could care less, it’s just how I was raised.” Another awkward silence. “Yes?”

“I, well, we didn’t exactly get a full explanation from Twilight, didn’t have time to. I know she’s a pony princess and the crown was hers, but that’s about it. Last night you told me you had a Celestia back home.” Fluttershy tilted her head. “What did you mean by that? I just need a bit more context.”

Sunset was quiet for a moment, setting her fork down and looking at Fluttershy. “I come from the same place as Twilight, a kingdom called Equestria, and back home I’m a Unicorn, so obviously I didn’t eat a lot of meat.” Sunset shrugged lightly. “It seems that our worlds share counterparts. For example, back home Celestia is an immortal Alicorn who raises the sun and moon that rules over Equestria.”

“So this Equestria… is it basically King of the Rings?”

“Um, no? I don’t know much about King of the Rings. Though, I guess back home would qualify as fantasy. No Dwarves or Elves or anything, though maybe Diamond Dogs and Deer might count…” Sunset mused lightly to herself for a few seconds, eventually realizing Fluttershy was still staring at her. “Anyway, the crown I stole was an Element of Harmony, which were powerful artifacts that disappeared a long time ago. Twilight must’ve found them and they turned her into an Alicorn.”

“How do you know she wasn’t an Alicorn to begin with?”

“Trust me, we’d know. There were only two Alicorns when I left: Celestia and Cadence. Cadence was transformed into an Alicorn after some sort of… love quest or something. I don’t know, I always suspected she was a slut, I never bothered to find out how she became an Alicorn. While Celestia was born an Alicorn.” She looked back to her food. “Being an Alicorn is a big deal, and Twilight definitely wasn’t one of them. I saw her a few times at Celestias School for gifted Unicorns, and she was definitely just a Unicorn.”

“You went to school together?”

“No. Well, kind of. I was Celestia's pupil by the time Twilight got enrolled, something about hatching a dragon. I don’t know, I was too busy watching a Sonic Rainboom that day. I used to see her when I did errands or some kind of project for the school. We never really said anything to eachother or anything.” Sunset picked at her food. “No idea how she managed to find the Elements. I didn’t even think they existed.”

“Well that’s… certainly interesting.” Fluttershy looked off into the distance, mulling over Sunset's words. “Well, I think that’s enough explanations for today. I’d love to learn more, but I don’t want to overwhelm you.” Fluttershy got up and walked to her closet. “Now, I know for a fact you won’t like my fashion, so how about we drive over to your place and you get a change of clothes?”

“Is this just an excuse for you to see if I’m homeless?”

“A little, but unless you want to wear frilly skirts, sweaters with animals on them, and this cute little thing-” Fluttershy held out a blue dress. “-We should go get you a change of clothes.” Fluttershy put the dress back. “You got a key?”

“Left it in my bag which I left at school. I hid a spare key around my apartment.”

“You what!?”” Sunset jumped at Fluttershy outburst. “Sunset! You’re a young woman living all alone! What if some robber broke in using your key!?”

“Fluttershy! Relax, I hid it in a place they’d never find.” Sunset crossed her arms. “For the record, I’m not that helpless.”

“That’s still way too risky, I’d never tempt fate like that.” Fluttershy shivered lightly, no doubt thinking of the worst possible scenario. “Perhaps not, but there’s not much you can do while asleep.”

“I guess you’re right.” Sunset half heartedly admitted, standing up. “I’m going to have to get a new leather jacket, I only had one.”

Fluttershy lit up. “Oh! I have a great idea!” She ran to Sunset and grabbed her hand. “What if we went to Carousel Boutique to get you a new one? I think Rarity works today.”

“R-Rarity?” Sunset seized up. “A-are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean, so soon after what happened?”

“And you think Monday won’t be too soon?” Sunset opened her mouth to speak but closed it, silently admitting Fluttershy had a point. “Look, we’re supposed to take care of you now, and it isn’t going to help if you put off meeting up with all of them.” Fluttershy smiled. “I can reign Rarity in if she gets hostile. I promise.”

Sunset relaxed, finding Fluttershy smile and reassurance oddly comforting. “Well… alright. I did rather like having a leather jacket.”

“Great!” Fluttershy smile grew wider and she began dragging Sunset to the car. “Now come on! I want to see if you’re lying about being homeless or not!”

Sunset awkwardly tried keeping up with Fluttershy as she dragged her down the stairs, past her family’s confused faces, and out the door.

“Stop.” Sunset commanded as they came upon her house. “This is it, find a parking space.”

“What?”

“It doesn’t have a driveway, just find a parallel space, there should be a few over there.”

Fluttershy shrugged and did as she was told. The two got out when she finally parked and made their way to Sunset's home. “This is your home right?”

“I am not homeless!” Sunset said with some exasperation, going over to the bush and digging up a specific spot. “See?” She said holding out a key.

“... There wasn’t nearly enough security measures for that.”

“I’ll put some slabs of concrete over it, will that be enough?”

“Well now you’re just bringing attention to it.”

“What will make you happy with me having a spare key?”

“Having it not outside where some serial killer can find it.”

“I like to live dangerously.” Sunset said half jokingly as she went to her door. “Now, I think this should put to rest any concerns about my state of living.” She said as she unlocked the door and opened it.

Fluttershy filed in and took a look around, humming in surprise. “This is actually… kinda nice.”

“See? Not an abandoned factory or a cardboard box.” Sunset closed the door and went to her closet (in reality just a filing cabinet) and found a change of clothes. “You can look around if you want. Just have to change and brush my teeth.”

Fluttershy nodded and idly looked at everything, stopping at Sunsets tv to find she had a Play System, a Play System 2, a Play System 3, a Play System 4, an Mbox 360, an Mbox 1, a Wee, A Wee U, a Ninvento Switch, and about a million games from their respective consoles scattered about. “I see you like video games.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Just kinda got into them.” Sunset responded from the bathroom, her voice muffled from brushing her teeth. “You can turn the tv on while you wait.”

Fluttershy was tempted, but knew they wouldn’t be there for much longer so just idly studied some of Sunsets games. “So, why do you like this stuff so much anyway?”

“Oh uh… I dunno.” Sunset answered half heartedly. “I just like them. See? I had hobbies, bullying wasn’t my entire life.”

Fluttershy nodded and looked around a bit more, finding three journals titled Schemes, Dossier, and Blackmail. She looked over when she heard a harsh gasp, seeing Sunset whincing in embarrassment. “Probably not a good look right after I said bullying wasn’t my entire life.”

“Uh…” an awkward silence fell between them. “Well uh… at least you’re organized.” She placed the journals down. “Now come on, you look... incomplete without your leather jacket.”

“I feel incomplete too.” Sunset said as she rubbed her bare shoulders, following after Fluttershy. “I almost always wore that thing. I thought it went really well with my style.”

“The bad girl style?”

“I guess, I thought I was more biker chick. Though, I probably acted more bad girl.” Sunset said with some regret as she filed into Fluttershy's car. “Still, better than butterfly pajamas.”

“Even I would think that’d be weird to wear out in public.” Fluttershy said with a smile before she took off and made her way to Carousel Boutique. When they arrived and parked the car, Sunset got out and looked at the building nervously. “Nervous?”

“I guess.” Sunset looked to Fluttershy. “You don’t have to say anything, it’ll just get repetitive for you if you keep saying to give people time, they’ll come around, and you’re here for me.”

“I don’t mind being repetitive. I’ll do anything if it makes you feel better.”

“Uh, thanks, but I’m a big girl. I don’t always need a… friend to psyche me up every time I’m nervous.” Sunset cleared her throat, the word friend sounding foreign to her.

“If that’s what you want.” Fluttershy smiled and gently took Sunset by the hand. “Now come on, Rarity should be in by now.”

Sunset nodded and let Fluttershy lead her, knowing she’d be too cowardly and turn tail before walking in. Her heart skip a beat when they opened the door and immediately found Rarity in her uniform.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique! Where everything’s chic, unique, and magnifi-” Rarity stopped and her smile dropped immediately when she saw the two of them. “Sunset… Shimmer.”

Sunset awkwardly smiled and waved pathetically. “Uh… hi?”

Author's Note

And back with another chapter!

Do those little bed tray for food ever see any work except for mother’s day?

Also, I think it makes sense that Flutters didn’t know Sunset was vegetarian, it’s not like that would’ve come up between the two of them. Also, while there’s no real evidence that either of them are vegetarians, it seems pretty likely.

Also, I know what you’re thinking: ‘But Alduin! The Lement If Magic didn’t make Twilight isn’t an Alicorn!’
And you’re right, but how would Sunset know that? She’s been gone for a while (in this continuity it’s been 7.5 years in Equestria) and with what little she could learn in such a small amount of time, it makes sense she’d jump to conclusions regarding the elements of Harmony and Twilights sudden Alicornhood.

Also, I’m not entirely sure how Cadence became an Alicorn, but I remember hearing something about saving love from a villain, idk, I don’t read the comics.

I’m also pretty sure Flutters would be the type to be horrified by someone leaving a key outside.
Kinda like me, I’m a paranoid person.
What if some robber finds it? Sure they could break in, but I don’t want to make it easier for them.

And yes’m Sunsets brushing her teeth after having breakfast.
Give the poor girl a break, she’s been through a lot last night.

Anyway thanks for reading my fic!

The fashionista and the sun

There was a long, painful silence between the three girls, each waiting for the other to start talking.

“... What are you wearing?” Rarity asked, breaking the deadlock.

“Uh, my clothes?” Sunset answered confused.

“Without your leather jacket?” Rarity walked over and lifted Sunset's arm. “I don’t usually like leather jackets, but yours really tied your look together darling.”

“Uh…” Sunset awkwardly let Rarity study her.

“That’s actually why we’re here.” Fluttershy interrupted, gaining Rarity’s attention. “Her jacket was ruined after last night so we’re here to get her another one.”

“Oh!” Rarity stopped studying Sunset and looked to Fluttershy. “Well, you certainly came to the right place! I think I saw a jacket that was either the same kind or very close to it, I’ll go and get it for you.”

Sunset watched as Rarity began walking away, her eyes darting back and forth as she mustered the courage to speak up. “A-actually Rarity… uh, I was thinking of wearing a different leather jacket from now on.” Everyone turned to Sunset. “And maybe a new style? I-if it isn’t any trouble.”

Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other for a few seconds. “Any particular reason?”

“I… I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, be a better person now, I want… I need people to know I’m a better person, and I can’t do that if I can’t even reinvent my style. People will see me and just see the old Sunset.” Sunset shrugged. “So, getting a new wardrobe seems like the logical first step.”

Fluttershy and Rarity exchanged looks, Rarity smiling before looking back to Sunset. “Why, of course darling! I’d be more than happy to help. How about you look over the leather jackets and pick one out? I may be a fashion connoisseur, but I will admit I’m not well versed in leather jackets. At least, not as much as you I would imagine.”

Sunset seemed surprised that Rarity agreed so readily, looking at Fluttershy. Fluttershy smiled and gestured for her to go, Sunset giving a shy nod and walked further into the store.

Rarity walked over to Fluttershy and grabbed her arm. “Come on, you should help to. You know her better than I do after all.”

Fluttershy didn’t resist and allowed Rarity to guide her to the opposite side of the store, both girls looking over various articles of clothing and trying to decide what might be considered friendly yet something Sunset might like. Fluttershy knew Rarity had an ulterior motive to inviting her here alone, away from Sunset, and so prepared herself for when Rarity finally did start talking.

“You’re certain we can trust her?”

“I am. If you’re not so sure then why are you helping?”

“Because I promised Twilight.” Rarity turned around to face Fluttershy. “I’m giving Sunset the benefit of a doubt. I’m willing to ignore everything she’s done and try to be friends with her, unless she goes back to who she was. I don’t want either of us to be hurt if it turns out she hasn’t changed.” She looks away. “Trying to change her look and perception of herself is a start, but she could be trying to cover her (excuse my language) ass in the inevitable fallout.”

“Sounds like you’re not so sure about her.”

“I’m not, but I believe in second chances. I’ll be her friend until she gives me reason not to. It’d be unladylike if I rejected her when she’s being friendly and hasn’t done anything deserving of my scorn.” There was a small lull in the conversation. “I still would like an apology for last Spring Fling.”

“And she’ll give it to you, but she’s still recovering from last night. Give it time.” Fluttershy flashed Rarity a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to worry about Sunset. She’s really changed Rarity, it’s like she’s a whole new person now. The girl that was thrown in the bottom of that crater isn’t the same as the girl that crawled out. You can trust her Rarity, I promise.”

Rarity said nothing for a long time, finally nodding. “Alright, I will. If you’re so sure about it, I’ll trust her. Perhaps I could even… hang out with her after work?”

“What’s to stop you from hanging out with her now?” Fluttershy smiled brightly. “She looks overwhelmed with the choices, isn’t it your job to help a customer?”

Rarity looked to Sunset and found that she did look rather lost while studying the leather jackets. “I guess it is.” She gave a snort of amusement before turning and walking towards Sunset.

Maybe she didn’t need a leather jacket. Leather jackets were only worn by cool delinquents right? Or in her case, narcissistic bullies. People that challenged authority, rebels without a cause.

None of these leather jackets looked ‘friendly’ to her. Plus, people would associate leather jackets with the old her, she was the only person that wore one at school.

Maybe she should dress like Fluttershy, people liked Fluttershy. But she didn’t like Fluttershys style, not that it was bad or anything, but it was way too... cute? Feminine? Animal lover?

Perhaps she could dress like Derpy? People liked Derpy and she wasn’t cutesy like Fluttershy.

‘But she also wears socks with sandals and a tie…’ Sunset grimaced, it didn’t feel like her either. Well, it’s not like she had to wear socks and sandals or a tie, but that would defeat the whole purpose.

Perhaps a more girly look would suffice? But how girly? She wasn’t like Gilda who defied conventional understanding of female fashion, nor was she cutesy like Fluttershy or whatever Derpy had going on.

What even was her fashion anyway? It wasn't a straight biker chick or bad girl look, but it wasn’t exactly the most typical fashion for women... was it?

Was there a middle ground for her old look and looking frien-

“Is there anything you need help with darling?” Sunset yelped and jumped back when Rarity spoke. Rarity herself looked shocked, the two girls staring each other for a few seconds. “I apologize, I didn’t realize you were so… engrossed in our product.”

“It’s not that.” Sunset huffed, looking back to the slather jackets. She really needed to stop freaking out when people talked to her. “None of these really seem like they’d be friendly. I know that’s not really what they’re for, but… you know.” Sunset cleared her throat. “I want to reinvent myself in a way that feels like… me. I could dress all girly and cutesy but it won’t be a fashion I would like wearing. I know that doesn’t make any sense.”

“Why of course it does darling! I understand perfectly.” Rarity began looking through the Esther jackets. “You want to be different to convey you’re a new person but also want to be proud of the wardrobe you have. That’s what fashion is: expressing yourself in a way you’re proud of.”

Sunset stared at Rarity with wide eyes. “I Uh… I never thought of it like that.”

“No one does until they engross themselves in the world of fashion like I have, it's my job to know these things.” She picks out a leather jacket and holds it up. “Now, you want to seem friendlier and convey you’re a new person, so softer colors might be what you’re looking for. That’s harder to do with black leather, but this might be a good match.”

Sunset took it from Rarity’s hand and looked it over: it was a leather jacket smaller then her previous one, with folded sleeves, an actual zipper, pockets that’d be just enough to hold her phone in, and orange stripes on the sleeves.

She had to admit, it’d totally be something she’d wear while conveying she’s different now. Not nearly enough, but it’s a start. “This is… actually really nice. Thanks Rarity.” She said with a somewhat strained smile.

She recoiled slightly when Rarity gasped. “I just remembered!” Sunset was about to question what it was Rarity remembered, but she was grabbed by the girl and forced further into the store. They stopped at a shoe rack where Rarity scrambled around, finally pulling out to black high heeled boots with an orange stripe. “Serendipity! I believe these are from the same collection. They go perfectly with your jacket darling!”

Sunset's eyes widened when she saw them. They definitely matched and looked… cute? Sunset had never considered herself a lover of shoes, but these might be the exception. She took them from Rarity and looked them over. “These are very nice, but I’m not sure if it’s enough to change my style. It’s still the same as my last look.”

“Not with this.” Sunset looked behind herself to find Fluttershy holding up a aqua blue blouse with a transparent yellow skirt. “I thought it looked friendly and it’s different from your old shirt.” Her smile dropped. “Or is it too girly?”

“No!” Sunset said excitedly. “This is perfect! It shows I’m different and it’s something I’d wear!” Fluttershy eeped when Sunset brought her into a hug. “Thank you so much Flutters!”

Fluttershy looked surprised at her nickname, giving Rarity a glance that said ‘told you so’. Rarity held up her hands in defeat, conceding Fluttershy's point. “Well, I think the next logical step is finding you something for down below, if you catch my meaning.”

“Oh, I have some pants at home I can wear. I’ll just wear those.” She let go of Fluttershy and let go of Rarity. “I promise they'll be up to your standards.”

“They better, otherwise you won’t hear the end of it from me.” Rarity said half jokingly. “I can ring you up if you’re ready, we’ll wait for Fluttershy to get you some more shirts.”

Sunset nodded and followed after Rarity, Fluttershy separating from the group to find more shirts.

When all was said and done, the total came out to $33.84 dollars. Sunset reached for her bag to pay, only to remember she had left it back home. Everyone stood around awkwardly for a moment, until Fluttershy (who had bagged Sunsets order) realized what the problem was. She walked over and took out her card.

“What? Fluttershy, I can’t let you-”

“You can pay me back.” Fluttershy interrupted with a smile. “Just let me pay for now and you can pay me back when you have your bag.”

Sunset looked reluctant but conceded, letting Fluttershy pay for her. “You sure it isn’t too expensive?”

“Why of course not, it’s only thirty three dollars. Would’ve been worse if Rarity didn’t apply her employees discount to the order.”

“She did?” Sunset looked even more guilty at that, looking at Rarity as Fluttershy picked up Sunset's order and began walking to the exit.

“Of course! Anything for my friends.” Rarity said with a grin.

Sunset didn’t respond, just staring at Rarity as she argued with herself internally. “Rarity, about the last Spring Fling-”

“Hush.” Rarity said sternly, a frown etched on her face as she held up her hand. “We needn’t talk about it right now darling.” Rarity declared, lowering her hand and giving a small smile. “I’m sure you’re desperate to make amends, but from what I hear you’re still recovering from last night. I do expect an apology in the future, but let’s wait till you’re in a better place, ok?”

Sunset said nothing, her eyes going back and forth between Rarity and the counter. Finally she nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that… that sounds good.” She began walking. “Uh, thanks for the help… and the discount. I’ll Uh… see you at school?”

“Why, I’m free tomorrow darling! I’ll see you and Fluttershy then.” She waved the two girls off as they left the store. “Come back again you two!”

Sunset sheepishly waved back and left with Fluttershy and for the first time since last night, she actually felt good.

Even… hopeful.

Author's Note

Hello once again audience!

So, a bit of a slower chapter, trying to justify Sunsets second design in the series and build up some chemistry between Sunset and Rarity.

I did initially envision that Rarity was cold towards Sunset and Flutters had to encourage her to make an effort, trying to stand up for Sunset.
But that didn’t seem as strong or interesting as Rarity, if somewhat cautiously, accepting Sunset and helping her.
It also ties into her characterization of being generous, giving Sunset a second chance

Shout out to AngelaCA for evolving the plot and inspiring the first line Rarity spoke. That line alone, I think, helped make this chapter much more interesting and character driven to read.

I know that Sunset kept the same design from EG to RR, but I like Sunsets redesign better and I feel she’d want to reinvent herself because she’s a new person now.

I also liked the idea of having Susnet call Fluttershy Fluttes, seems like a natural progression of their relationship.

I also was going to have them try out some pants and maybe have Rarity measuring Sunset and finding out about her scars, but I scrapped those scenes as I felt this was already too long.

I also liked how I ended it. I was going to end it on a more somber note, but giving Sunset a win after the last few chapters seems needed.

Anyway, thanks for reading my fic!