Sparkling Sunsets

by Skyreads

Chapter 18. Paranoia

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Glida made her way to the front and bent down to Sunsets face to grab the terrified girl's throat.

“This outta teach you.” Glida said as she pressed down on Sunsets windpipe. The amber girl tried to gasp for air as her legs felt the cold wind brush on them as her skirt had been completely pulled up. Sunset could feel nothing but terror as the buff blonde boy began to pull down her underwear.

“No… no..please.” the distressed teen tried to get out. A small shriek came out as the boy began to enter her.

“STOP!” Shooting up from her laying place in bed, the fiery redhead trembled, covered in a cold sweat and tears running down her face. Her eyes frantically scanned the room looking for a possible threat. She saw on her alarm clock that the time was 2:45 am.

Sunset began to notice how hard it was to breathe .

‘How do I breathe again? It’s just in and out, right? Why is it so hard?’

Hyperventilating, the panicked teen clutched the collar of her shirt as tears turned to sobs.

Sunset moved her arms to hug herself, curling her body up as her knees were brought to the front of her chest. Her body continued to shiver and shake as when she thought about it too hard she could still feel them. Gilda and her gang.

It had now been nearly two months since their attack and the Anon-A-Miss debacle, with the beginnings of February. The Twilight Sparkle of this world and her just had their two week anniversary. Spending time with her and her new friends had made her the happiest she’s ever been.

Yet Sunset could still feel it.

The pain of her old friends and peers words. The pain of Gilda and her gangs punches. The pain of them violating her human body. The one she had only gotten to know for a few years. In a sense it no longer felt like hers.

‘Please. How? How do I get rid of this pain? How do I get ownership of my own body back?’

“Regain control.” A sudden deep female voice said. It was familiar.

‘Huh?’

“You heard me, Sunset Shimmer. The only way to regain control is to control your own pain.’

Sunset blinked. She bit her lip. She hadn’t done it since that night. As long as it doesn’t go that far it’s okay…right?

Shoving the sheets to the side, Sunset stood up and tiptoed to her desk. Laying there was her sketchbook, colored pencils, and a pencil sharpener. Amber fingers picked up the sharpener as teal eyes examined the two razors held captive in the plastic. Walking to her backpack with the sharpener in hand, Sunset grabbed a penny from her bags small front pocket.

Sunset placed the penny into the small indentation of the tiny nail holding down the sharp metal object. It barely fit but it got the job done. Twisting the penny over and over again the razor finally felt out along with the tiny nail.

Her hands trembled in… fear? Anticipation? Either way Sunset brought the shiny sharp metal to her arm. She shuddered as she felt relief and tension flood out with her blood.

Over and over again, until her body and mental felt satisfied.

***

Stepping out of the bathroom after finishing her morning routine, albeit much slower from cleaning the left over blood on her arms and exhaustion after only getting an hour extra of sleep, Sunset quietly descended down the stairs.

“Good morning Sunset.” Luna said, placing down a fruit bowl with yogurt on the kitchen island. The redhead sat in front of it and stared for a moment. Placing her head in her hand and taking a bite from her fork she quietly emitted a, “‘Morning.” The food was tasteless, which wasn’t her foster mothers fault.

Luna looked up at her with concern, “What’s wrong, dear?”

Sunset shrugged, “Nothing, just didn't sleep well.”

“I see. Was it nightmares?” The pale blue woman asked, taking a bite from her own breakfast.

Sunset took another bite, but pushed her bowl away, deciding she was done. If she was being honest, she really didn’t want to talk about it. Saying it out loud made it true. Plus Sunset's headache and now sore arms dulled her thoughts.

The redhead sighed and shook her head slightly, “No, just couldn’t sleep. I’ll be fine.”

Sunset stood up and retrieved her bag, making her way to the front door, “I’m gonna drive myself to school today. I’ll see you later.” She said closing the door before the woman could respond.

***

Sunset parked her bike in a lot down the road from her school. The other students may have laid off and avoided her now but she still found it hard to trust them.

The redhead stomped her way up the school's steps and past the front doors making sure to keep looking forward. She was there much earlier than usual but there were still some other peers.

Acknowledging the new contents of announcements in the main foyer Sunset saw the official announcements for the friendship games, new or returning clubs and sports and finally the spring dance held at the end of the month. The redhead cringed, ‘Uh yea, definitely not going to that.’

Sunset jumped a bit as she suddenly felt her buzz in her pocket. She already knew who it was. Looking at her phone screen she saw her regular good morning text from her purple arrayed girlfriend. Typing back her response Sunset made her way to her locker.

Finally reaching it down the middle of the east hallway, Sunset entered her combination and opened the green metal compound. Looking into the locker still gave her a bad and nauseating feeling at the memory of being stuffed into one.

The redhead jumped again for the second time that day as a random white sheet of paper glided down and landed at her feet.

Sunset stared at it for a moment. This was either going to annoy her or not depending on who it’s from.

Bending down, Sunset picked up the note and turned it around, ‘Watch your back.’

Sunset frowned as panic began to fill her being. She didn’t need to wonder who it was from. Sunset started to tremble and her mind went blank in terror.

The redhead didn’t know how long she stood there trembling, eyes wide and mind in panic.

“Hi Shim Shim!” A nasal voice practically shouted behind her.

“Aah!” Sunset let out a panicked scream as she quickly turned around and hit her back on her open locker in an attempt to escape.

“Wow, sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you. I suppose Trixie's presence is that great!” The voice said, clearly trying to hold back a giggle.

Sunset took in who was standing in front of her with wide eyes.

Trixie. Should’ve known.

Sunset took a deep breath. “Sorry, I’ve been a bit jumpy today.”

Starlight raised a brow (who Sunset just now noticed was standing next to Trixie), “Is everything okay?”

The redhead nodded, “Y-yea, nothing to worry about.”

To Sunset’s luck the school bell rang alerting students to travel to their first class of the day.

“Gotta go see you later.” Sunset said walking away, when she caught a glimpse of Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie looking at her. Sunset rolled her eyes.

‘Great how much of that did they see? And how long did they just stand there watching me? ‘Oh, Sunset forgive us! But also we’re just gonna stand here and watch.’ Please, just like last time.’ Sunset thought bitterly as her steps turned to stomps that could cause earthquakes .

***

Sitting in class at the front row Sunset could feel her blood boiling as she shook her leg up and down in her seat vigorously.

First, it was like Sunset had eyeballs in the back of her head as she felt Rarity staring at her so well she could not only practically see it but also taste it.

Second, somebody had threatened her. Not just somebody, but Gilda. Why can't she just buck off? It’s not her fault her dumb entourage got themselves arrested. They already traumatized her. Shouldn't that be enough?

The redhead felt the heat in her blood turn down quickly as her heart sped up and her blood turned cold. What did they plan to do? Her will to live had been taken once. Is it going to happen again? Are they going to accuse her of something and make her lose all her friends? Make her lose her new home and family? Take Ray away again?

Her breathing sped up as her body locked in place.

She would NOT be able to handle losing everything again.

What should she do? Tell the police? But she had no proof it was Gilda who sent it.

Tell Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna? That could work, but there's only so much they could do.

Something brisked by Sunset. She flinched so hard, she nearly fell from her seat as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Her hearing went stoic as her teacher's lesson became muffled.

‘Okay. Okay. Calm down Sunset. Do what Dr.Light said in moments of panic. Think of things that make us feel safe. Um, okay, being in school, I can call for help. The principals, they've shown nothing but wisdom, kindness and openness to me even after I was a crazy tyrant of the school just a couple months ago. My friends, they've been there for me in a way the past element holders weren't, even if I didn't see it back then. We’ve all got a little something messed up with us.

Trixie, a narcissistic, in-training magician but she's open minded and funny. Always lightens the mood.

Starlight can be a little too anxious and impulsive but she's kind and observant and isn't afraid to admit when she- or you- are in the wrong.

Lavender Lace, a big follower and naive but she'll never leave your side when you need her.

Fuschia Blush, Quiet and prefers the background but she's ready to help and give you anything when you need.

Princess Twilight, can be a grumpy bookworm but she's wise and ready to lend a ha- hoof and any moment.

Twilight Sparkle, my Twilight, dear Celestia, where do I begin? She's kind, thoughtful, intelligent, ambitious, open minded, caring, beautiful, adorkable.’

Sunset at the moment took a deep breath as she began to feel normal again. The teacher's lecture re-entered her hearing system allowing her to re-engage in class.

Well now she just felt awkward, coming back to her senses. The amber skinned girl felt the dry tears on her cheeks as they grew warm, picking up her eyes she observed her teacher staring at her with concern and a bit of confusion, thankfully the teacher had enough decency to not bring too much attention to Sunset’s state as she still spoke on the topic they were learning about. It didn't appear to help though as Sunset glanced at her classmates to find them looking at her. Maybe not head on but definite not so side glances that lasted to long.

The fiery redhead swallowed nervously and pulled at some the ends of her short locks while she started to write down notes.

Twenty minutes passed before the teacher ended the lecture and began to hand out the assignment. Stepping up to Sunset’s desk she handed the former unicorn the worksheet and a pink note, “Why don't you head somewhere more reclusive or to the nurses, to calm down and collect yourself okay?”

Sunset nodded and gave the teacher a grateful look, she wanted nothing more than to leave and do exactly what the teacher said.

The redhead gathered her things and stood up. Avoiding eye contact, she left to a private table in the furthest back of the library.

***

The table buzzed along with a magical magenta glowing journal. Sunset had been conversing with the princess since she left her class, apparently her first class teacher told her next educator of what transpired as when she entered the class the teacher handed her the lesson of the day and sent her back to the library.

Not that this particularly bothered Sunset. Not at all. Though she was sure the sister principals had caught wind of it by now. The redhead only hoped it wouldn't spread around school that she had a silent panic attack in the middle of class. The only fragment of pride Sunset had in the situation was that it was silent.

Sunset scooted the journal closer, reading Princess Twilight’s entry on updates with the nearly reformed discord and the special concert PonyVille received from Countess Coloratura.

The redhead gave a small smile, ‘Well I’m glad She’s having fun in Equestria with all those friendship lessons. Who knew there were so many to learn?’

Suddenly a different buzz entered the fray, this time it came from a glassy rectangular device. Sunset’s smile widened more, for it had been from her Sparkes.

Sparkes<3

“Hiya Sunnybun! I hope you're having a good day so far! I just got out of chemistry and I must say sometimes I wish we went to the same school. We’d be unstoppable partners in class! Also fun fact, Scientists recently discovered a rare new element called Beautium and it looks like you’re made out of it!”

Sent, 11:20 am.

Sunset giggled as a blush overcame her face.

“Did you google that?”

Twilight’s response came immediately.

“Maybe >-<. Did you think it was cute?”

“Yes, Sparkes, I did. You're not even here and you've managed to lighten up my whole day with just a text.”

“Are you not having a good day?”

Sunset thought for a moment. It was true she was having a shitty monday but she wasn't sure if she wanted to worry Twilight about it. Especially while she was at school. Sunset was worried it would make her selfish to spill to her while at school and then make her worry all day, that was something the old Sunset Shimmer would do. Sunset’s thoughts were interrupted with another buzz from her phone.

Sparkes<3

“You can tell me anything Sunnybun, It doesn't matter the time or where. I’m always here to listen- or I suppose in this case read. I know it might not add much comfort since it’s through text but telling others in any way you can will always help relieve the pressure.”

Sent, 11:26 am.

Sunset teared up a bit, ‘How does she always know what to say?’

Amber fingers began to type. Maybe she didn't have to tell her everything, but a few things wouldn't hurt. Plus that's what having a special somepo- person is for, right?

“To be honest, I barely got any sleep. I had a bad nightmare-well more like a memory. And it’s left me jumpy and panicky all day. I had a mini panic in class of all places.”

Sunset felt embarrassment heat up her cheeks at having to admit it.

“Oh stars, I’m sorry you had to go through that. If you want later tonight we can talk about your memory-mare. Only if you're comfortable.”

“Was the mare part on purpose?”

“What?”- “Oh! No! Lol, I just meant cause your nightmare was a memory.”

“Uh huh.”

“I mean it! >~<”

Sunset giggled at teasing her girlfriend. Just then the bell rang signifying the forty minute lunch time. The redhead huffed and gathered her things to join her friends in the lunchroom.

“Hey babe, lunch is starting so I gotta go. I’ll text as soon as I’m out of school.”

“Right! Me too…. Also you can continue to call me babe, if you want ^///-///^”

Sunset smirked, walking out of the library.

“All right, babe ;)”

***

The amber skinned girl sat at the lunch table, that her friends designated as theirs, first. Pulling out her tuna sandwich, she’s always been looked at weird for her love of sea food but on Celestia did Sunset love seafood, Equestrian(which was very rare) or human.

Sitting alone as other students passed her sent her into her own world. One where she could just be quiet and allow herself to not think. Of course recent events took that away from her. If she was in her own world for too long it became dark. She always felt like she was alone. Like she was one single spot in a crowd of fast moving spots that avoided and whirled around her, keeping their distance. Sunset grew used to it. Accepted it. At one point she preferred it. Now she just felt a looming dark shadow of a demon on her back with many different hands grabbing her body without her want as others just watched or walked by without a care.

Tears built up for the, what? third? Time today. And it wasn't even noon yet. This information almost made Sunset angry, frustrated. It made her frustrated. Why did she have to end up the outcast, the target, the lesser than, everywhere she went. Equestria, Sire’s Hallow, Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, the Canterlot Palace, the human world, Canterlot High School, all of it!

Sunset, knowing she was able to lose her battle with her cool and near edge tears, quickly stood up and briskly walked towards the restroom as she saw Trixie and Starlight beginning to approach the table.

Bursting through the bathroom door, the red head shut herself into the nearest stall, sliding her back down the wall. The amber skinned teen buried her face into her hands with her knees up to her chest. Covering her mouth, she attempted to stifle any sobs.

Sunset didn't know how long she was in the bathroom, quietly sobbing before she heard sniffles on the other side of the bathroom. The redhead went silent not wanting anyone to know she was there.

Sunset heard the sink faucet turn on, then the paper towel machine spit out its contents and the sound of a nose being blown clean. The sounds tore Sunset out of her sob spell as she stood up and began to wipe her face clean with the toilet paper.

The bathroom door opened and Sunet presumed that was the previous person leaving. She soon discovered it was another person entering instead.

“She's not at the table anymore, she ran off somewhere. Rares is right, she looks frazzled as hell.” A raspy female voice said.

“T-they said she was awfully jumpy this morning and had been staring at a piece of paper in her locker. Then R-Rarity said she h-had a panic attack in class this morning.” a soft whispery voice responded.

Sunset wanted to smash her head into the wall so hard it would combust on impact.

‘Of Course, It’s those two. Today is sure as tartarus, not my day.’

“Yeah… I, um, hope she’s okay. I mean I know we did some pretty fucked up shit but who’s what other did to her outside of school.” Rainbow Dash said.

Sunset heard a gasp.

“Oh my goodness, I-I never even thought of t-that.” Fluttershy said, sounding like she was about to cry again.

The bathroom door opened again alerting a third addition to the party.

“Oh, well, lookie, who’s here.” a nasal voice only spoken by Trixie said.

“Trixie.” Rainbow Dash said, trying to sound cool.

“Uh huh, are you two gonna continue your sobbing? Cause if so I’ll leave.” Trixie said, sounding defensive.

Rainbow scoffed, “Please, we were just leaving.”

“Good, oh and by the way, leave Sunset alone. Trixie doesn't know what you did to her to make her all skittish but Trixie doesn't appreciate you messing with her friend.” The illusionist said.

“Huh? We haven't done anything. We haven't been near her at all.” Rainbow said defensively.

“Mm-hmm, toodles.” Trixies said slyly with the sound of the door opening and then closing.

It was silent for a moment. Sunset stood with her back against the wall trying to process her rollercoaster of emotions during the morning part of her day.

“You can come out now, Sunset.”

The redhead blinked, coming back to earth, she opened the door to look at Trixie, who was standing in front of her now.

"Listen, Trixie doesn't like to talk about it but..," Sunset watched as Trixie rolled up her navy blue sleeves revealing dark blue scars littering her arms, "You can trust me, Trixie knows what your going through. Trixie... hasn't always been great and strong and powerful, I've tried it too. Trixie these days is glad to be here with her friends despite the painful days though."

Sunset tried to hold back her tears.

“Come here.” The sky blue skinned female said with her arms wide open.

Sunset broke, worse than the other three, or was it four?, times today. Clutching onto her friend with her arms around her, Sunset couldn't help but sob into her shoulder. Unleashing the beast of tears that wrecked her soul.


Author's Note

Hi Hi!
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, angst is what I live for after all.
Feel free to comment, thoughts, concerns and opinions, they actually help alot lol.

Anyways until next time!

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