Sunset sat in the school's library in conversation with Princess Twilight on an early February afternoon.

Happily for the princess, She had been chosen for a magic education speech in canterlot. Sunset truly couldn't be happier for the Princess that gave her a second chance and showed her a better path to walk down. But Sunset has always been a bit of the jealous type. A flaw she nowadays is all too aware of. Of course in this instance, seeing the pony princess gain all the success Sunset had longed for for many years stung a little. Luckily nowadays she worked hard to focus on her own success, the ones she can have in the future, the ones she can truly call her own.

Her eccentric and unique small group of friends. Her scientific genius of a girlfriend that shared a love for knowledge. Her foster family with a growing addition that showed her love and support that she had once thought never possible for her after the many failures.

Unfortunately Sunset had yet to inform her friends or her foster mother of her girlfriend. Not necessarily because she thought a bad reaction would occur but more for privacy. The protection from the school finding out of the pony princess's counterpart and whisking her away.

The rumors were dead. The harassment had stopped. Sunset now sits in a quiet bubble with her friends in the middle of the school's social class. If she were being honest with herself, she's found that she likes it that way. Not so far at the bottom to be ignored but not so far at the top to be criticized and whispered about. Now she was just Sunset Shimmer, former bully, former bullied, and just minds her own now days.

A small cube of fear still sits in Sunset's brain. At any moment everyone could turn their back on her again. Steal everything that she cares about. Her friends. Her foster family. Her gecko, Ray. Her girlfriend.

Sunset was resilient though, she knows that. She refused to let anything like that ever happen again.

Chatting with the Princess helped. Sunset had been vague enough to Princess Twilight that she wouldn't know it was her human counterpart that Sunset was blooming a fierce romance with. The royal pony was excellent for advice, advice that the unaware of magic therapist she had couldn't give.

Speaking of magic, the Friendship Games were coming up. Something both human Twilight and Sunset were not looking forward to, they had made discussions about skipping the event; which at first made the bespeckled girl was nervous at the idea but as it grew closer she has warmed up to it. With the girls no longer having the harmonies virtue magic, there wasn't much to worry about, other than where that magic had gone. According to Princess Twilight, it’s unlikely it was sent back to Equestria without someone deliberately doing it. Trixie mentioned that the extra magic swirling in the air mixing with the humans' low amounts of magic still very much exists.

The redhead tapped her pencil against her chin. The princess bid farewell in their conversation to get ready for her speech.

It was after school hours and Sunset had caught a ride with her foster mother as her bike didn't like the cool weather so much. Thankfully the warmer winds were starting to drift back in preparation of spring.

It made Sunset smile back on memories of the winter wrap up in Canterlot which usually involved a lengthy picnic and frolic in the newly fresh bloomed garden of the palace maze.

A sigh escaped the former unicorn.

‘I’m hungry.’

“Sunset. I’m hungry.”

The amber skinned female frowned at her thoughts being read back to her in a nasal voice. Turning around Sunset looked up and made eye contact with a pale azure skinned girl dressed in a dark blue zipper jacket with a light purple layered dress that reached her mid thigh adorned in glittery silver stars.

“You read my mind.” Sunset smiled at her friend.

“Yes, the great and powerful Trixie is amazing like that. Now, where do you want to eat?” The silver haired illusionists said, motioning her hand towards the library doors.

“Want to get something sweet?” Sunset asked packing her things into her black leather satchel.

Trixie answered with a wide smirk, “Like you have to ask.”

***

The two girls sat in a secluded booth in the corner of the sweet shop known as Sugar Cube Corner as Sunset let her foster mother know that she’d be walking home.

The fiery redhead shuffled in her seat somewhat nervously, her anxious nerves had decreased considerably since first coming into the shop thanks to Mrs.Cakes friendly smile and kind words of checking in with Sunset during ordering.

Sunset was able to assume Pinkie Pie had filled in the desert shop owners with what had happened as the pink baker still worked in the shop.

“Dear Celestia, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here. Sweet oats, I’ve missed their strawberry shake.” The redhead mused with an elated smile.

“I actually have yet to try this place out. Trixie's sweet tooth can be so powerful that even she has trouble combating it.” The illusionist said, unwrapping her blt sandwich with her mint milkshake sitting by her side.

Sunset laughed at the thought of Trixie fight against a giant cake.

“So, you ready for your big gig at the end of the month?”

Trixie flung her hands out and swallowed, “Of course, Trixie is ready! Starlight has actually been a big help, not that Trixie needed the help. But she understands magic in a different way than I do, her perspective is useful.”

Sunset nodded, “So, she knows about magic now?”

The silver haired female blushed and nodded, “A magician never reveals her secrets, unless it’s to impress a girl.”

The redhead knocked her head back in a genuine laugh, “I know that’s true, I kind of did the same.”

Trixies aubergine eyes lit up, “Speaking of which you have yet to give details of who you're seeing.”

Sunset smirked and shrugged, “I’m keeping it surprise till your gig, it’ll be fun to see your face.”

Trixie raised a brow, “Is it someone I know?”

“Technically but not really, she looks like someone we know. She goes to Crystal Prep.”

The pale sky blue teen crossed her arms at that, “A Crystal Prep girl?”

“Don’t be like that, that whole rivalry thing is dumb and she thinks so too. We’re thinking about skipping the games together.” Sunset explained.

“Skipping the games!? Why would you do that?”

The redhead rolled her teal eyes, “I'm not interested in them. Besides, it's not like it’s mandatory or that I’m participating.”

“You don’t know that for sure. Even Trixie can admit that you're the smartest person in our school.” Trixie pointed out.

“I seriously doubt Principal Celestia would want a passively suicidal former bully to represent the school, someone like Micro Chips or Whiz Kid can easily be chosen over me.” Sunset argued.

Trixie placed a reassuring hand on top of Sunsets, “Sunset…”

The two glanced towards the store's doors as a bell announced new customers.

A prisma haired athlete and a tired looking pastel yellow skinned girl entered.

Sunset couldn’t help but notice Mrs.Cakes' look of disdain, or Trixies. Those looks where whipped away though as a third person entered after them, that being a lilac skinned female in black combat boots, ripped high waisted skinny jeans with a dark brown belt, a hot pink cropped hoodie with a band on it that Sunset didn’t recognize, a backpack and her iconic pink starry beanie.

“Hi guys!” Starlight Glimmer waved as she approached the two.

Trixie reached up and grabbed the female's hand, “Hello Starry, how was your meeting?”

Starlight smiled, “Pretty good, they just went over the requirements and stuff. Now I just need to work on promotion.”

“Luckily for you, Starbright, Trixie happens to have plenty of experience in self promotion.” The magician boosted.

Starlight giggled, “Wonderful, I’ll hold you to it. I’ll be right back, I'm gonna get food.”

Sunset turned to Trixie, “What’s she gearing up for?”

“Oh Trixie's charismatic and beautiful girlfriend is running for student body president.”

“That’s pretty cool.” The redhead smiled.

Trixie nodded as Starlight sat down beside her with a chocolate scone and tea.

“So, Sunset what’s been up with you?” Starlight asked.

The three spent the next hour conversing and laughing together as they enjoyed their lunch.

The lilac skinned girl eventually leaned in closer to her two friends, “Not to make it wierd but the rainbow haired girl over there keeps glancing over at us.”

Trixie was quick to snap her head their way and open her mouth but Sunset was just as quick to shut it down.

“It’s fine, just leave it alone.”

“But-!”

Sunset simply shook her head at the wizard in training and gave a pleading look.

“Who are they?” The purple haired teen asked.

Sunset shook her head again, “Just some girls I used to hang out with. We had a falling out a bit ago. There's nothing to worry about now.”

“Ok, if you say so.” The student council member said, shooting a quick concerned look.

With the matter being settled, the three went back to their conversations.

As five rolled around, Sunset was ready to call it a day as exhaustion began to creep up on her, thanks to her insomnia.

Giving her goodbyes to her friends and leaving the shop, Sunsets phone buzzed with a message that made her smile.

Sparkes <3
“Hi! I just got out of the practice testing, it took much longer than anticipated. Turns out Hayvard makes sure all testing is rough, but it was a fun challenge!”
Received at 5:02 pm

“I know you did great Sparkes! Those college guys are gonna be super impressed by you.”
Sent 5:03 pm

Sparkes <3
‘‘Aw thank you! I think it helps that I was the first one done. I'm looking forward to a nap, my brain is fried.”
Received at 5:03pm

“Yea me too, I’m walking home right now. Tomorrow I’ll come over and we’ll watch movies and cuddle to recharge that beautiful big brain for yours.”
Sent 5:04pm

Sparkes <3
“That sounds absolutely lovely. I’m looking forward to it ^-^/!
Received at 5:05 pm

“Sunset!” A raspy voice called behind.

The redhead didn’t even have to turn around to know how it was. Taking a deep breath, Sunset turned around facing Rainbow Dash.

At that the cyan skinned teen stopped her jog, keeping some distance between the two, “Hey.”

Sunset raised a brow, “Hi.”

Rainbow Dash scuffed her foot against the concrete awkwardly.

“Did you have something to say?” The redhead asked somewhat irritatedly.

“I- I wasn’t expecting you to stop.” Rainbow explained, scratching the back of her head.

Sunset rolled her eyes and turned back around, typing a reply to her Twilight telling her she would call her later, “Oh, my bad.”

As the amber skinned female began walking away, Rainbow stopped her with a hand on the shoulder, “Wait I do have something to say!”

“And that is?”

Rainbow closed her eyes and took in a breath, she reopened her eyes and looked into Sunsets, “I’m sorry.”

Sunset stayed silent.

“I… I was removed from the soccer team.” Rainbow started, contemplating what to say next.

“That sucks.” Sunset replied dryly.

“Couch said if I keep my record straight and grades up they’ll consider reteaming me next season.” Rainbow explained.

Sunset simply nodded.

“I’m sorry, I’m stalling. I’m sorry about everything in December. That wasn't cool of me at all. At the time I thought it was… I let Thunderlane convince me and I shouldn’t have. I regret it. I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I put myself on that list. You didn’t deserve it, even if you’ve done bad things too. You never took things to a physical level. Unlike me.” Rainbow Dash said with sad eyes.

“Do you regret it just because you got kicked off the team?” Sunset asked, steel in her eyes.

The athlete shook her head, “No, I’ve regretted it since the day we did it. I needed to pay for my actions and I won’t reject that. I’m genuinely sorry, Sunset. I really am. I’d do anything to make it up to you.”

Sunset thought for a moment, staring up at the cloudless sky with the soft light of the late winter sun, “Your apology is appreciated.”

“Huh?”

“I appreciate your apology, it does mean a lot. I hope you can get back on the team, really, I don’t want your life to be ruined…” Sunset said, “…like it almost ruined mine.” She whispered.

Rainbow reached out to Sunset but stopped herself, “I-I'm so sorry, Sunset.” Rainbow said with tears threatening to spill.

“Thank you, but, at this point, both of us need to move on.” The amber skinned girl smiled and turned to walk down the road towards her home, leaving a silent crying Rainbow Dash and a hidden Fluttershy.

***

Twenty minutes in her peaceful walk with only five left. Just past the industrial shops and around the corner onto the road that leads into the gated community.

During her walk Sunset thought over Rainbow Dash’s apology. She was glad she didn’t need to wonder anymore if the girls didn’t regret abandoning her and taking things much too far. She had wondered multiple times if they even cared that they were very much at the forefront of the crowd that pushed her into the corner that made her fall off the edge.

Sunset decided to stop by the small old book store within the industrial shop section, finding two books and a new sketch book as her current one was quickly filling up. One of the books consisted of mythical creatures to this world but not to her own. Twilight found it fascinating when Sunset compared and contrasted the stories with what had once been her reality. The second book was a mechanical book as she knew Twilight was becoming mechanical in order to make up for the device she made that she couldn’t regularly use as per Sunset’s request. The red head was very thankful that the scientist had respected that and kept the magical studies a secret. Luckily for Sunset these books were part of the buy one get one deal. The former unicorn had also been considering applying for a job at the bookstore in a way to one, get more discounts and two, feel less guilty about living in her vice principal's home and ‘mooching’ off of her.

Leaving the store, Sunset smiled, she was excited to share these with her girlfriend, for once in an incredibly long time she genuinely looked forward to the future.

The fiery haired girl turned the corner, lost in her thoughts, that peacefulness was ripped from her as she was grabbed from behind, a larger buffer figure wrapping one arm across her chest and the other hand across her mouth, ripping Sunset's school bag off and making her drop her bag of new books.

Sunset's muffled screams became quieter as she was pulled into the alley way. As she kicked her legs in an attempt to slow down her attackers another figure in a mask grabbed her legs off the ground.

As they reached the back of the alley, Sunset was dropped roughly. She snapped her head up with nothing but anger rushing through her veins. That was quickly removed as a hard punch knocked her face to the side. The figure that had originally grabbed her now sat on her stomach and delivered punches to the amber skin.

After an odd number of punches, the attacker paused, leaving both breathing heavily.

“Hey sunny side up. How you been?” The raspy female voice said.

Gilda.

“Celestia’s left fucking teat. How could I have let my guard down?”

It had been a couple weeks since Gilda’s threatening note. Sunset damned herself for allowing herself to let Gilda trick her into relaxing.

Sunset raised her head to meet eyes with Gilda’s spice yellow eyes. The red head gave a hateful glare and spit blood into the olde buffer female’s face.

“Tch.” Glida whipped the blood off her face and delivered a new punch, “Still a cheeky little cunt, I see.”

“Fuck you, Glida. The whole online drama is over now, plus the real Anon-A-Miss confessed.” Sunset glared.

“Yeah Yeah, those dumbass freshmen’s really fucked themselves over. They can have their own pity party. Me and you got something personal. You got my boys put in jail.” The spiky haired roughian said.

“They got themselves put in jail, that's what happens when you do illegal shit.”

Sunset emitted a strangled noise as two punches knocked against her face. She could feel more blood pouring into her mouth.

“This is a populated area, Gilda, hurry up.” The masked figure gruffed.

Sunset took Gilda looking away as an opportunity to swing her knees forward and hit the buff female in the back of the head.

“Ah!” Gilda called out in pain.

The redhead used the opportunity to slip out from under Gilda and took off running. Sunset reached into her pockets to grab her phone, only to realize it wasn't there anymore.

The masked figure ran after her and grabbed her from behind, in retaliation Sunset bit his hand as hard as she could, teeth hitting the bone.

“Help!” Sunset called out after being let go briefly.

“Alright, we don't have time for this, let's take her. You can do whatever you want then.” The masked voice said.

Sunset felt fear in realization of what they were planning, she ran faster, only to be stopped by immense pain in her calf.

When she fell to the ground, she looked back at her leg to see a small hand knife in her calf muscle.

In stubborn persistence, Sunset stood back up and started to attempt to hobble off.

“Oh no you don't girl you seriously starting to annoy me.” The masked figure kicked her to the ground and then sung a foot into her gut, knocking the wind of Sunset.

Gilda came around to Sunset’s head giving a wicked smile, “Alright time for a nap, little girl.”

Sunset let out a scream that was cut off with hand over her mouth as many punches made her world go black.

Author's Note

Welp.

When you tryna have a good day but hooligans exist.

I hope you enjoyed! Feel free to let me know your comments, thoughts and concerns :D