The final bell screeched the announcement of the high school student's freedom. Sunset Shimmer was one of the first to bull through the doors. She jumped every other step, as soon as her boot hit the last stair step she made a b-line for her new ride.

With all the craziness that was that Monday, she had forgotten today was her first day riding the motorcycle on city roads.

Her engine rumbled with the threat of an angry dragon. She pulled out her red helmet from the seat storage. Heavy steps from combat boots stepped behind her and stopped.

“Hey,” Flash Sentry’s voice greeted. His tone sounded cautious.

“What's up flash?” Sunset replied as she clipped the helmet strap. She talked hastily, making her intention of leaving soon clear to him; a part of her felt guilty but she wasn't in the mood to have a full conversation.

“Weird day, huh? With those vines and the weather stuff,” The sports car driver said as he kicked at the pebbles.

“Yeah, Flash,” Sunset said shortly as threw her backpack into the storage.

She heard the male sigh, “Um, so everybody wants me to ask you about the new girl. Like, how do you two know each other or if she… ‘already’ uh… ‘hates’ you?”

The fiery-haired girl sent him a look that asked if he was serious. He responded by putting his hands up, “I'm sorry. Everyone was hounding me.”

Flash’s face and tone switched to one of sympathy, “I have to admit I wonder too. Your uhh, ‘exchange,’” he used his fingers as quotations, “was kinda intense.”

Sunset swung a leg over her motorbike and rolled her eyes, “Why does everyone care? It's no one's business.”

“I know,” he said, defeated.

The motorcyclist took a deep breath, trying to release the hot frustration building up, “Sorry Flash, I'm not mad at you. I just,” she pinched the bridge of her nose, “under a lot of stress right now. If you need something to tell everyone, we don't know each other. I've never met her before today. If she has bad blood with me, that's on her.”

Her amber hands reached and tied her flaming locks back in a low ponytail, “We simply are from the same place and had a misunderstanding.”

Flash nodded and he watched her place her hands on the handles, “When did you get a bike?”

“I made it,” Sunset said, her pride slipping in.

“Nice,” he praised with a smile. It disappeared as tapped his fingers on the hood of his car, appearing to muster up the courage to say something else, “Do you know if she's got a..,” he scratched the back of his neck and swallowed, “a boyfriend?”

The former bully facepalmed, “Dear Celestia, Flash.”

“What?” he said louder than he probably meant to, “I-it’s a normal thing to ask!”

The male's face was covered in a red blush. Sunset giggled a bit, “No, I don't think so but she is just passing through so I don't know if crushing on her is a good idea.”

He nodded, “Right. Okay.” Based on his smile as he opened his car door she could deduce that he wouldn't be taking her advice.

Sunset revved her engine as she prepared to take off only for Flash’s voice to stop her again, “You know, if you're stressed or upset or anything and need someone to talk to, I'm here, okay?”

The serious concerned look in his navy eyes made her nod, “I’ll try to keep that in mind,” she threw her kickstand up, “now if you'll excuse me, I have to chase someone down.”

He grinned with a chuckle, “Have fun!”

She zipped off and watched Rainbow Dash stare at her like a gaping fish as she drove by the track field.

Her Twilight’s phone still wasn't picking up calls and texts remain unread. The redhead went into full search mode. The first place was the most obvious. Sunset pressed harshly on her gas pedal.

The two tired vehicle carried down the road. Sunset knew Twilight almost never went home immediately after school- especially when she had something like the portal and magic to continue to study. The fiery headed rebel concluded that would be her first place.

After several minutes of infuriating traffic that had been testing her patience, she pulled into the parking lot of the prestigious school that was Crystal Prep. Many students in uniform passed by with stares. Parents scowled as the beast of her motorcycle roared its entrance onto campus.

Sunset stopped in the general parking, barely putting the bike in park as she pulled her helmet off with haste before she whipped her head in all directions hoping to spot any sign of indigo hair.

With each passing second she grew more impatient and antsy. Those passing seconds had somehow quickly turned into forty minutes. The former unicorn dug out her phone and pressed on the only contact in her phone.

“Come on, come on, come on…” she mumbled to herself as the call attempted to connect, “Scorpain’s missing small bell!” Sunset cursed as the same warping she had been getting for days played in her ear.

Students looked her way again. She almost turned to snap at them but instead she tapped her fingers as she contemplated what to do next. She thought to ask one of the students gawking at her to give her directions to the science wing of the building but she couldn't break into the school. Well, she could but unfortunately she promised to put her life of mischievous rebellion behind her.

She throttled her engine and snapped her helmet back on. For now, she would have to wait- as much as she hated it. Taking off down the City road Sunset bit her lip as she fought the tears threatening to blur her vision. As childish as she felt admitting it, all she wanted was her friend and a large part of the former bully feared that she had lost her.

Sunset pushed the feeling down and refocused her driving. When she re-entered her part of town, the biker almost made a complete stop in the middle of the road. Pinkie pie was skipping down the sidewalk with Applejack and… Princess Twilight. Sunset Shimmer wasn't sure why but the sight angered her.

Violet eyes that were so close to the ones she loved caught contact. The princess seemed curious. Whether it was the bizarre works of the world she was in or because she could read the anger and anxiety in the fellow native equestrian’s eyes… Sunset didn't care. It wasn't the prissy princess’s business anyway. She sped off and refused to look back.

Thwack!

A hand slapped at the air.

Thwack!

The hand smacked at the air again.

The third hit to her head made her shoot up, “Ow Magma!”

The orange tabby sat innocently in the middle of the bed, swishing his tail as if he were pleased with himself.

Sunset rolled her eyes, “I’m up you crazy little manticore.”

It took her much longer than she usually would take to get ready for school but Sunset really wasn’t looking forward to being at Canterlot High for most of the day. There were too many reasons. And she didn’t care to pinpoint which one was consuming her the most. It could have been the ‘Oh so amazing and talented’ princess that had so much potential or the fact that the Twilight she missed wasn’t findable for her yesterday; an hour had passed after she left the CP parking lot when the redhead found herself knocking on the Sparkle Family door. It had been a bust- only Velvet had been there. The woman explained that Twilight had been quiet and distant since that night and they were still working on helping their family member how they could. She recommended that Sunset continue to give her space. The unicorn turned human couldn’t help the lean into the mothers warm and comforting hug as much as possible.

Sunset still had a migraine from the dumb tears that refused to leave her alone when she arrived back to her townhome.

Sunset reached her front door with an apple in hand where she zipped up her knee high leather boot, the comforting pressure of a feline brushing up agianst her made the corners of her mouth turn up. She bent down and picked up the purring cat that laid floppily in her arms. Sunset giggled at his antics and scratched under his jaw, “I know, momma’s been a real dumpy cry baby, huh?”

The feline stretched in her arms with an amusing mew, “Such a silly kitty,” she mused him before putting him back down with a pat ontop of his head, “I love you, be a good boy.”

Her heart lightened as the positivity her feline companion brought her gave her the motivation the finish what she started yesterday; to find the Twilight Sparkle that had consumed her mind since the day she saw her by her trash cans.

Magma replied in a meow as he saw his human companion prepare to leave.

Sunset bit back a groan as she saw the school building come into view. The stop light suddenly felt quick as red flashed to green. Taking her time wasn’t enough either. She threw her helmet lazily into the seat storage after throwing her backpack over her shoulder. The former bully’s spirit lifted a little as a familiar blue sports car pulled up next to her. Seconds later the boy with blue hair that matched the car swung the door open and exited.

“Hey,” Flash smiled at her, “you didn’t seem in a hurry to get here. I almost drove you over.”

Sunset half smiled, “Yeah I wasn’t.” Her dry tone conveyed to him how much she meant it.

“Wow,” he said with a bit of concern. As he fully took in her appearance, Flash Sentry could see the puffiness to her eyes accessorized with dark circles. Her left boot was only half way zipped and her leather jacket had creases. Flash knew how much the fiery girl didn’t play about with her jacket.

“Are you doing okay? Did you not find what you were looking for yesterday?” He asked as he followed her up the steps to the school.

“No I didn’t but I am going to today.” Sunset answered.

“Oh that’s good,” he smiled at her as they walked side by side, “let me know if you need help.”

Her smile back was small but genuine, “Thanks Flash.”

He looked away and stared at the steps they began to ascend when a blush grew on his cheeks, “I think I’m going to try to talk to that new girl, Twilight, today.”

A familiar churn of anger that the girl had felt the day before, while driving, had made her chest hurt. Sunset simply nodded. She was fine with her friend doing as he pleased; it wasn’t her business on who he decided to crush on but now… she just had a bad taste in her mouth that wasn't there yesterday during this talk.

What did he find so appealing about the prefect, always so good, no troublesome princess? The princess was lanky and moved weirdly. Sunset bet even in her natural pony form she would still look weird somehow.

The redhead gripped the front door to the school and began her stomp to her locker. The flame of anger was starting to burn bright.

“Uh, see you later?” Flash questioned steps way behind her. She simply waved at him without turning around, not having the care to be polite.

The familiar sounds of her boots stomping echoed through the halls. The fear and caution her peers were eyeing her with had set her off further. They wouldn’t treat the Princess of Friendship like this. Sunset bet they would all be concerned and happy to help. Not with her. The former unicorn hadn’t done anything tyrannical or mean in almost two whole months and yet they looked at her as if she was some terrifying monster. Maybe she was.

“Heya Sunset,” a thick southern voice greeted. The redhead didn't look at the Stetson-wearing girl as she walked past and opened her locker.

“Hi,” she mumbled shortly.

The muscular build of the farmer came into view at the corner of Sunset’s eye, “Are ya alright, sugar cube?”

“I’m fine Applejack.” Sunset answered coldly.

Forest green eyes looked at her wearily but the apple collector decided it was best not to pry the fire blazing girl, “If ya say so.”

Sunset didn’t take the opportunity to open up, leaving Applejack with silence. The farmer thought a friendly conversation could help lift her agitated friend’s mood.

“Did ya hear about that new girl, Twilight Sparkle? She signed up for fall princess yesterday after school. I was there when she did,” Applejack admitted a laugh, “tha girls got terrible handwritten’, looked like she never held a pen before. Pinkie Pie and I couldn’t help but take her to sugar cube corner after- especially after the poor girl said she wasn’t from around here-”

A locker slamming loudly had made the country girl gasp.

“Well I’m glad you had such a great time with the perfect princess,” Sunset growled sarcastically. The round teal irises of her eyes sharpened to pointed pin pricks and her scalia was growing black.

Applejack had to do a double take. She shook her head. There was no way on Granny Smith’s grass the farmer had just seen what she did. Sunset Shimmer’s eyes turning to sharp daggers and growing black? Nope, it must have been that weird basil stuff Rarity put on her toast that morning.

When Applejack’s eyes turned back she wasn’t able to check her lapse of reality. The redhead had already turned and stomped away.

A pang of guilt ran through Applejack. Despite the hostile tension between Sunset and the newcomer to Canterlot High yesterday, there had been thought it had been fixed. Twilight Sparkle had even said it was a misunderstanding the day before. Had she been wrong?

A gentle hand on her upper back made her jump, “Darling, is there a reason you are staring down the hall?”

Applejack nodded, “It’s Sunset Shimmer. She seems mighty upset.”

“Oh? What happened?” The clothes designer asked as she grabbed one of her paramour’s binders and closed the locker.

“Ah mentioned being with that Twilight girl and that seemed to upset Sunset. She got real mad.” Applejack explained.

Rarity hummed in thought, “I wonder if she's a little jealous. She doesn't seem to have much experience with having friends.”

The girls started to walk as the first-period bell rang, “…maybe,” the cowgirl considered, “We should start including her more into the whole of the group.”

“Yes,” Rarity agreed before she had to change the directory of the conversation, “Unfortunately, I got another message on Mystable. More questions about trusting Sunset.”

“Ah don't think anyone has anything to worry about. Sunset hasn't shown any sign of bad intentions or ‘putting a hiatus’ on bullying. Ah think she's really trying to figure things out with herself.” Applejack offered.

They stopped by Applejack's classroom door as Rarity confirmed, “I agree, dearest. Especially after the talk I had with her in the park a couple days ago,” she reached up and planted a kiss on the farmer's freckled cheek, “We’ll have to help everyone see that too. I'll bring her to lunch today.”

Applejack’s voice dropped, “Sound’s a mighty good to me, sugar cube,” her voice flipped back to add a another comment, “oh by tha way your basil thing made me feel weird.”

Sapphire blue eyes rolled playfully, “And you call me dramatic, darling.”

Rarity sauntered away to her own class and Applejack entered her class, hoping they could help their fire-headed friend feel included.

Sunset sat in her third class with her head in her hand. The shining sun despite the ever-growing cold winds contradicted the gray wadded blanket of loneliness sitting in her chest. Her eyes were trained on the environment outside instead of the lesson the teacher was conducting at the front of the class, the pencil in her hand was completely still as the former unicorn ignored the words being spoken.

Her eyes switched to a familiar leopard gecko running on the window seal. He stopped and looked at her before turning his attention to a tiny bug; his little mouth opened wide and scooped the meal into his mouth.

‘Why can’t I be as carefree and happy as you?’ She asked the lizard in her mind. The scaly creature looked back up to her as if he knew her thoughts. After a few second staring contest the gecko’s face changed into what looked to be a dopey smile. The redhead couldn’t help to return the smile. He stuck his tongue out at her before scurrying off.

She watched him run onto the grass and towards a field. Sunset’s smile fell as she realized it was the soccer field, which had many occupants on it. The familiar magical princess from her homeland with the group of five girls she had become friends with. Or so she had thought.

Rainbow Dash looked to be in a one vs one with Princess Twilight Sparkle. The princess was obviously losing with her long straight hair now tangled, her bangs sticking to her forehead and her chest heaving heavily. The soccer champion was clearly playing with her and not only in the sports game. Yet the princess continued to play on and not relent. The four other girls cheered the game on. When it finished, Pinkie Pie shot off a party cannon and the chromatic haired athlete landed a playful punch on the princess’s shoulder.

Why don’t they hang out with me like that?’ Sunset thought but the question answered itself bitterly.

Because they are embarrassed of you. They would hate to tarnish their good reputation by hanging with the meanest girl in school.

The answer came from a voice that sounded outside and inside of her head. Her eyes searched to see if anyone had said the statement out loud to her. Maybe she had accidentally asked out loud. But even with a slight turn behind her every student was encapsulated in their own thing- paying her no attention. Sunset had to admit the voice sounded close to hers- just much deeper and more sinister. She peeled her eyes away and back to her paper. Sunset flinched as the bell rang. She hadn’t noticed everyone packing up despite just looking at them.

Sunset began to gather her things and stand as well but the sound of her frantic breathing and a piercing frequency in her hearing-sensitive ears made that task hard. A figure appeared beside her. They said something but the sound was muffled.

The unicorn-turned-girl had to place a hand on the desk to balance herself, “W-what?” She asked the muffled voice.

Two hands on her shoulder guided her back down into her seat, “Sunset, are you okay?” A sweet voice like honey asked, the awful pitch in her ears finally ceasing.

Sunset looked up and was meet with her teacher Miss Cherilee. The educators face was full of concern, “Just calm down a moment and remember to breathe. Do you need anything? Water? Or the nurse?”

The wide teal eyes of the unnatural human looked away from the concerned face of the teacher just to find another one on a face of ivory that was Rarity, “Darling?”

Next to her was Fluttershy with wide doe eyes. Students that entered the room started to whisper to each other as they wondered of the commotion.

Sunset shook her head as she heard the warning bell, “I-I’m fine. Sorry.” She quickly grabbed her possessions and walked out before they could stop her. As much as she wanted to, the redhead vowed to not run to the bathroom everytime she needed to cry. It made her feel weak and she was so tired of feeling like that.

After the finalization of the next class, Sunset found herself in her favorite secluded spot in the library. Only something was different. A bed made of books with a blanket. There also happened to be a few years old yearbook out and opened to the page that named the popular group of five girls as best friends. Seeing that back then had been the fiery girls turning point to break them up. She closed the book before sitting at the usual table she did on the library's second floor.

The lonesome girl heard echoes to the doors of the library open and close, she hadn't cared enough to look at the culprits of the noise. A minute later when her ears picked up on two feet patterns- one heeled and one gentle, she wished she had looked to see who entered. She would have deepened her hiding spot.

“Hello, darling,” a transatlantic accent greeted. When Sunset turned she was met with the posh designer and the shy animal caretaker who waved at her.

“How are you feeling?” Fluttershy asked.

“Fine. Why?” The redhead replied with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Fluttershy took the seat across from her, “Well, It looked like you were about to have a panic attack earlier.”

Sunset leaned back in her seat as she crossed her arms, “No, I just… heard something incorrectly, that’s all.”

“Oh, well I'm glad it was only a mishap,” the animal caretaker said chipply with a smile.

“Are you feeling better now?” Rarity asked with a smile.

“Sure,” Sunset shrugged.

Awkward silence filled the air between the girls. Naturally, Rarity was the one to break, “Darling, we were wondering if you would join us for lunch. It would be such a treat to have you!”

“It would?” Sunset asked, her disbelief and mistrust leaked through in her voice.

“Of course! You're our friend, we want you with us.” Fluttshy confirmed. The quiet girl stood and offered a hand to the fiery haired girl. After a moment of hesitation the former bully took the pastel-pink haired girl's hand.

The three walked through the halls to the cafeteria. Sunset couldn’t get herself to enjoy the presence of them like her had before despite the attempts from the two other girls. They did their best to get her to engage but she simply couldn't stop thinking about all the negatives. How she missed her beautiful best friend. How the girls she was considering friends were all hanging out and having fun without her and that terrifying voice that whispered in her ear.

As they entered the large lunch room, Sunset’s peers turned from loud chatter to gossiping whispers. She rolled her eyes.

‘We get it, I was a bully,’ She thought bitterly, 'Does everyone have to look at me like I’m a big dangerous animal ALL the time?’

As they walked up to the table Pinkie Pie hugged her, “Hi Sunshim!” The party girl then placed a random cupcake on the table for her before she sat back down. The person next to her was Princess Twilight. Sunset avoided her as she sat down on the other side of the table in the outside seat next to Rarity. Applejack leaned ahead to greet the girl dressed in leather, “Heya sugarcube!”

Sunset smiled genuinely at her as her gray ball of loneliness shrunk the smallest bit.

It regrew, this time feeling larger, when Rainbow Dash placed her soccer ball on the table with a big smile on her face, “Hey Shimmer!” She said quickly before turning back to the princess.

The last greeting set off the chatter amongst the girl. It all sounded jumbled with only a few comments shouting out to Sunset.

“So Twilight about getting that crown, I say we put them in a game and when they lose to me they have to give it back!” Rainbow suggested ethuasitically.

“Yeah let’s kick their butt!” Pinkie Pie joined. The Princess giggled at their antics.

“Fluttershy, darling, you must simply model some of my upcoming designs! You have the perfect spring look.” Rarity said.

“Rares, It ain’t even winter yet.” Applejack said.

“Early planning is never wrong, Darling,” The fashion-forward girl said back like she was stating a real fact.

Their voices began to turn into one as Sunset sat staring at her lunch. She had absolutely nothing to add. She felt like a person trapped in a bubble. Everyone was outside getting to enjoy each other and she just was just taking up a seat. It felt as if that group of six were natural friends and had been for years while she was the clear outsider that just sat and watched. Sunset wished her Twilight was here. Her Twilight understood her and never made her feel like the outside looking in. The young genius always made sure to always talk to her.

Or at least, she did. Yes, they had an argument and yes, Sunset was upset with her but she didn't want to throw their friendship away. For once, she wanted someone to fight for her and work things out with her. A friend who she didn't feel like an annoyance or obligation to. Twilight Sparkle had felt natural to herI a way no other creature had. Sunset was going to do everything she could to get her one true friend back and help the young genius with anything she could. Together they could be unlimited and Sunset finally felt ready to embrace that. She just wished she hadn't let her fear treat Twilight the way she did. Sunset genuinely felt that only her and Twilight could understand each other. Everyone else could understand them. Or wouldn’t.

Whether it was Princess Celestia or her parents, neither seemed to want to try with her for long enough. The human nerd knocking over her trash cans was the first one to actually want to be by her side and Sunset wanted to be by hers.

Sunset Shimmer was going to fix it. No more running away. She was done with that.

Sunset was dragged out of her thoughts at the sound of jingling diamonds. Her eyes moved down to see Rarity’s phone screen light up with a notification from Mystable. The fashionista paused her part in the group talk to look at her phone. The redhead watched sapphire eyes run across the screen before the manicured hand that was holding the phone placed it back down on the table. The unlock feature on the phone and yet to turn off, allowing anybody looking down to read the notification. That person was Sunset. She hadn’t meant to read it but her eyes caught the digital words.

‘Smart thinking of having Shimmer sit with you guys at lunch to keep tabs on her. Keep us posted.’

What?

Keep taps? Was that really why Rarity and Fluttershy invited her to the table? To make sure she wasn't doing anything mischievous?

A new bright burning blaze burned in Sunset. She melted the wall with the violent glare she stared at it with.

Of course it all made sense. That's the only reason these girls were so ‘forgiving,’ so willing to drop what she had done and become friends with her. It was all an act to make sure the mean and disastrous Sunset Shimmer stayed in line.

She was too late in stopping her mouth from moving, “What is that supposed to mean?” Sunset bit out viciously.

The ivory skinned jumped before grabbing her phone, “Oh, it's nothing darling. Don't worry about that.”

Sunset stood, “What do you mean don't worry about it?” She pointed to the phone now in Rarity’s hand, “What do they mean ‘keep tabs’ on me?”

The designer stuttered, “I- well, it's just-”

Applejack used a hand that signaled Rarity to stop before standing to meet Sunset, “It’s nothin’ to get worked up over Sunset. Some people are just assuming the worst.”

The words seemed to be wrong as Sunset’s shoulders raised, “Assuming the worst? About me? Is that the only reason you guys have been around me? To make sure I, what?”

The hurt girl was met with a moment of silence as the faces she had come to know looked at her with shock. Some were confused and some were angry. She choked a laugh as her eyes grew wet, “Only Princess Celestia knows how stupid I am at this point. I was such a fool for believing you guys wanted to be friends with me!”

The whole cafeteria was staring as Princess Twilight spoke from her seat, “Sunset, you need to hear your friends out.”

The former Equestrian native whipped around to the princess, “Nobody asked you.” Sunset said with pure venom laced in her voice.

“Hey don't talk to her like that,” Rainbow defended as she stood as well.

Sunset scoffed, “Of course, the perfect princess has been here for two days and all of a sudden everyone loves and adores her!” she grabbed her backpack and threw it over her shoulder, “Well, fine! I don't need you guys anyways.”

The girls and the cafeteria crowd watched in stunned silence as Sunset stormed out of the room, roughly whipping the few drops of salty tears off her cheeks.

“Do you think she’s going to be okay?” Fluttershy asked in sad confusion.

“I don't know, sugarcube. I don’t know.” Applejack said as she sat back down rubbed the back of her guilty-looking partner.

When the final bell rang out for dismissal Sunset Shimmer was one of the first students out. She wasted no time hiking on to her bike and starting her engine. Teal eyes caught the sight of a worried-looking Flash Sentry walking out of the front door with the Princess by his side. She rolled her eyes and zoomed off.

Her motorcycle roared as she sped down the road from the town area and into the suburbs. The holding stick of the bike had barely met the concrete ground before the redhead stood from the seat and shook her hair out of the helmet. She ran up the steps, skipping a few, of the porch. Her only moment of slowdown was knocking on the front door of her friend’s house.

Twilight Velvet opened the door, her expression showing surprise, “Sunset, dear? Is everything alright?”

“Is Twilight here?” Sunset asked with a hint of desperation.

When the mother's face turned sad Sunset hurried an explanation, “I know you said to give her space for now but I really need to talk to her. It's important.”

Velvet nodded understanding, with her brows still upturned, “She’s still at school. Twilight has been very adamant about her new extracurricular activity. We’re used to that behavior from her but it has me more worried this time,” the woman's eyes turned uneasy, “Twilight last night had still been so quiet,… reclusive. Night and I were just speaking of contacting her a therapist.”

Sunset nodded as she retained the knowledge before offering the woman grounded and determined eyes, “Don't worry Mrs.Velvet. I'm going to fix things.”

The motorcyclist turned on her heel. After hopping down the steps the same way she came up them, Sunset mounted her bi-wheeled vehicle. She gave the woman at the front door a thumbs-up before speeding off again.

She sped to the heart of the city. The large windows to the tall buildings reflected her weaving through the similar troublesome traffic that annoyed her yesterday. Through the bustling movements of cars on the road the crystal aesthetic of the school that rivaled her own came into her view.

Nope.

Sunset nearly crashed into the stopped car in front of her. The voice spoke again. It should have freaked her out more than it did. And for one reason or any other Sunset chose to listen- whether it was magical influence or a messed up manifestation of her inner conscience.

The former mage turned her route around with a u-turn at the next available chance. Just because she wasn't one for rules doesn't mean she had to be dangerous. She learned that hard lesson in Equestria.

She allowed herself to not think as she followed the guide of the road. When she did, Sunset felt that tingling sensation of magic run through her. The magically experienced girl felt the magic was leading to where she needed to go. It might have just been a leap of hope but she followed it.

The trail brought her back to the small town area of Canterlot City. Her eyes scanned the sidewalks and crevices of the streets. Stop light after stop light and Sunset could feel her faith in following the metaphysical trail wavering. The sudden spike stopped her doubt, now it felt like she was being pulled by a rope.

She stopped in the street parking of a small corner diner. That's when she saw her confirmation, a swish of a dark purple plaid skirt as the wearer headed further into the alleyway between businesses. Sunset had never hopped off the bike so quickly. She jogged after who she suspected to be her friend.

Sunset repressed a smile as her suspicion was confirmed, in the middle of the ally her Twilight, still in her school uniform, was crouched down. The redhead could see the inventor’s magic-capturing device in one hand with a bag full of pebbles in the other.

“Twilight,” Sunset said without realizing her vocal cords were moving. She hadn't been trying to scare the younger girl yet the latter still jumped in surprise before standing and turning around.

The two estranged girl’s eyes meet. As soon as they did Sunset felt her knees almost buckle.

“Sunset…,” Twilight's voice came out weak and surprised as she took an involuntary step forward. When she did, the chain restraints around Sunset's ankles let go and she found herself fast-walking closer to the person she hadn't been able to stop thinking about. Twilight did the same as she started to meet her fiery-haired friend halfway.

They wrapped their arms around each other in a tight embrace. Neither seemed to notice or see the bright release of magenta and fire magic that bursted from them.

“I’m sorry,” Sunset said into her shoulder.

Violet-colored eyes looked at her as if she were crazy, “You’re sorry? I'm sorry. I should have never brought up your past or said the mean and awful things I did. I know how hard you've worked to better yourself and I was wrong for that.”

Sunset tucked a loose lock of wavy hair behind Twilight’s ear, “I'm sorry I didn't trust you or… myself.”

“You… really didn't trust me?” Twilight's voice cracked with hurt.

“I- it wasn't just specifically you. I didn't trust myself mostly or humans in general. I was dumb to let that project onto you. I know how smart you are,” Sunset admitted. The last statement made lavender cheeks turn pink.

“Sometimes it's scary how clever and intelligent you are. But I'm done letting that fear control me,” amber hands took lavender ones into her own, “I know you still have things planned. I want to help.”

Twilight was quiet with shock for a moment, “you do?”

Sunset's hands gripped Twilight, “I do. Being away for a couple days has really made me think and a lot has happened that has made me realize that you,” she placed a hand on Twilight’s cheek, “are my very best friend. No one is able to understand and… look at me with the love and compassion that you do. I don't want it to be anyone else anyway.”

“Sunset,” Twilight said in a whisper as her eyes filled with tears, “I- I believe that myself with you. I've realized just how lonely I was without you before. I don't want to be away from you like this or make you sad again, but-” she cut herself off.

A strike of fear hit Sunset as Twilight went silent, seemingly fearful of what she had to say.

“But, what?” Sunset asked.

“I did something I shouldn't have. It was the heat of the moment and I-i just wanted to prove myself and-” Sunset cut off her nervous rambling with a squeeze to the hand that she was still holding.

“Hey, you are talking to the queen of impulsive decisions. Whatever happened we will figure it out,” the former unicorn reassured as she wiped tears off Twilight’s cheeks.

“Really?” Twilight asked with wide eyes.

Sunset nodded and her friend took a deep breath before letting the confession fall out, “I opened the portal successfully.”

The redhead blinked, “that doesn't surprise me. Tartarus, it would have been more surprising if you hadn't.”

“I went through it and entered Equestria. I… stole the crown of magic you had told me about.” Twilight finally revealed.

The nerdy girl stood frightened as her close friend stared at the wall in shock before bursting into giggles. The giggles evolved into pure laughter and Sunset grabbed her sides, “Dear Celestia, I've been that bad of an influence on you!”

Twilight also dissolved into giggles with her friend, “I guess so,” she said with a blush.

Sunset closed the space between, “Curious. Where is it now?”

“My room,” Twilight informed bluntly.

Sunset chuckled, “Oh to casually have a powerful magical weapon in my room. The portal is at your school right?”

The young scientist nodded, “what are you thinking?”

“Well we can't exactly sneak into your school every time we want to study the magic,” Sunset said.

Twilight tapped her chin, “Yeah, it was pretty terrifying breaking to the school Saturday night. What do you think we should do?”

“Can we contain all the magic somehow and move it to my house?” The experienced mage theorized.

Twilight smirked, “I've already made a larger version of my E.M.E.R. That should work.”

Sunset tipped her chin up, “Just think with your genius and my expertise, we would be unlimited.”

Twilight brought her hands up to Sunset's face that was so close to hers, “you really think so?”

“I do,” Sunset said with no pause.

The air shift around them made the girls pause. Sunset found herself unable to look away from the eyes of her genius friend.

They were so captivating and Sunset wasn't particularly upset about it.

“Sunny? Did you mean it when you said you won't let fear stop you anymore?” Twilight asked, searching the teal eyes of the taller girl.

Sunset nodded, “Yes, I do mean it.”

Twilight's face seemed to get closer and this time Sunset found herself leaning in as well. The ex-unicorn let her eyes move down to the lips of the girl in her hands. Twilight didnt move or look away, it was clear she was waiting for the redhead to make the move.

She started too. Their lips were not even an inch anyway. Sunset felt her heart race in the anticipation and the way that feeling made her whole body light up.

A heavy back door slammed open. The girls jumped apart quicker than they ever thought they could move.

“Get outta here ya damn hooligans!” an older man that seemed to be the owner of the diner yelled at them.

In the moment the old man yelling at them had been terrifying. After Sunset grabbed Twilight's hand and ran out of the alley, the girls burst into another fit of laughter.

“What were you doing back there, by the way?” Sunset asked as they reached her bike.

“Oh my reader was picking up on major magic use in that diner,” Twilight clipped her helmet, “there was a weird foggy green mist of extracted magic floating around in the alley.”

“Hmm,” Sunset thought as she considered the information, “maybe we can use that.”

Twilight grinned at the suggestion, happy to know her friend really wanted to join her.

“Also,” Sunset started, her voice smaller now, “Were you just ignoring me super hard, or is there something up with your phone?”

Twilight turned red with embarrassment, “um, I definitely wasn't ignoring you.”

Sunset raised a brow.

The bespeckled girl sighed in defeat, “I accidentally brought it through the portal with me, now I can't get my phone to act right.”

The redhead rolled her eyes with a laugh as she got on the motorcycle, “Let's get that magic contained then. Maybe we can fix it.”

Twilight gasped enthusiastically. She put her helmet on quickly as she joined Sunset on the bike.

Warmth that rivaled the cold wind of the mid-fall filled their bodies as they leaned against each other on the bike. Their insides screamed with delight to be by each other again and to embark on the power that is knowledge and magic.

Author's Note

AAAAHHHHH!!!
This took wayyy to long. Sorry it been like a month… life reared its ugly head.

Green misty magic sounds weird I wonder how that will affect the outcome of magical studies along with a sudden voice that tells you things, tee hee.

Also some sad news that I probably should mentioned sooner. There's only like three MAYBE four chapters left. Which makes me really sad cause I've enjoyed writing this story so much but I have others in mind to start!

I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait and that you enjoyed!

(ps I put a reference of my favorite musical in the chapter. Let me know if you spot it )