Family Matters

by TheKing2001

Chapters

Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XI
Chapter XXXV

Chapter I

Sunset

I dodged Velvet Sky as I ran down the hallway as she gave me a confused look and I jumped over Micro Chips

“Sorry! Excuse me!” I called out as I rounded the corner. The two gave me thumbs up as I looked ahead and my eyes widened as I skidded to a stop.

I let out a frustrated groan at the large crowd of students in front of me. I inhaled a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Emergency, move it please!” I shouted as everyone looked at me nervously before making two rows and I ran outside. I jumped down the stairs and stopped at the statue, pressing my hand against it as my hand disappeared into it.

“Woah there Nelly!” Applejack said as she pulled me back. “Where ya headed sugarcube?”

“Equestria,” I said simply and pulled back. Rainbow, Pinkie, Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy stood around me with worried expressions. I hadn’t had time to tell the others or my mom or girlfriend what was happening, just ran out of class when Sunburst had sent me an important message.

“Why?” Rainbow asked curiously as I sighed in frustration. I really didn’t have time for this.

“Sunburst sent me a message in class. Spitfire had an accident at practice and it’s pretty bad. I want to be with my sister so if you all will excuse me, I’ll be leaving now,” I said as I pressed myself against the statue only to be pulled back again. Now I was starting to get angry. “Seriously? What now?”

“Did you tell your mom or the others?” Fluttershy asked quietly as I shook my head. They all looked at each other and had a silent argument.

“Well it’s settled then,” Applejack announced as I raised an eyebrow.

“Uh what is?”

“Why, we’re coming with you of course darling!” Rarity exclaimed as she smiled. “You should have people around you with right now.”

“I appreciate it but I wanna do this alone. Besides, I’ll have Sunburst and Soarin.”

“Absolutely not,” Fluttershy said with surprising confidence as she hugged me. “We are coming with you and that’s that young lady.”

“I’m staying behind,” Twilight said and rubbed her neck sheepishly. “I’m a princess there or well, my counterpart is. I’d attract too much attention to us all. Rainbow and Pinkie are going to stay as well. Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack will go with you.”

“Okay,” I said after a moment. “I never did get to take you girls to Equestria so this makes up for that.”

The others nodded as I gave a smirk.

“Hope you’re ready for a trip.”

I collapsed on all four legs as I hastily moved away. Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack tumbled out along with a green unicorn, a blue unicorn, a lavender unicron and a cream earth pony.

“Lyra? Bon Bon? Lavender? Trixie?” I asked in confusion.

“They caught up to us and refused to let us go without them,” Applejack explained as Lavender helped Trixie to her hooves. I inhaled and quickly cast a bubble spell around Rarity and Trixie’s horns.

“Uh why?” Rarity asked as she, Applejack and Fluttershy laid on their stomachs.

“So you and Trixie don’t destroy the place. Where’s Fuchsia?” I asked and looked around. I had thought she and Sweet Leaves would have jumped at the chance to see my brother again after a week without seeing him.

“Fuchsia went home from school sick earlier. She was throwing up in the bathroom. Food poisoning,” Trixie explained as she shakily stood on her hooves with Applejacks help.

The doors burst open and a stern looking black pegasus followed by a black unicorn that looked exactly like her in gleaming purple armor glared at us, leveling spears at us.

“That’s new,” Bon Bon muttered as she and the others backed against the wall nervously.

“Freeze!” The pegasus demanded as I stared at her with a raised eyebrow. If only they knew I technically was their boss.

“State your business and how you got in!” The unicorn demanded as I smiled.

“I’m Sunset Shimmer. Pleased to finally meet you two. This is Lyra, Bon Bon, Lavender Lace, Trixie, AJ, Flutters and Rares. And you are?” I asked as they gave each other terrified looks, their spears falling to the ground with a clang.

“I’m sorry ma’am!” The pegasus apologized hastily as she and the unicorn saluted, standing at attention. “We didn’t know it was you.”

“Honestly!” The unicorn added nervously.

“It’s alright. At ease. That’s the term, correct?” I asked with a smirk as they nodded. They stood on all four legs and breathed heavily.

“Uh what’s going on?” Rarity asked in confusion as the others inched forward nervously.

“I’m a member of the Royal Guard. These two are members,” I explained as they all stared at me. “I’m technically their boss.”

“I’m Berry Blast,” the unicorn pointed at herself. “And that’s my twin sister Blitz. We deeply apologize for what happened. What brings you here if I may ask?”

“My sister,” I said simply as I gestured for everyone to follow me. “She’s hurt according to my brother.”

“Ah Captain Spitfire. Yeah we were there for her show. She’s in Ponyville General,” Blitz said as she adjusted her helmet slightly. “Rainbow Dash has been begging to see her but she isn’t family so.”

“Makes sense. I love Dash but if Spits is as hurt as I was led to believe, Rainbow would just get in the way.”

“Precisely.”

I turned around slightly as Trixie and Rarity fell on each other.

“I do apologize darling. Not quite used to these legs,” Rarity apologized as I levitated her to her hooves.

“Trixie is okay.”

“So when exactly were you going to tell us about this whole military career you got going on?” Bon Bon asked expectantly as I felt my friends eyes on me. “And more importantly, does your family know?”

“Yes mom knows. I wanted to tell you girls but with Sunburst visiting and all, I just never could find a perfect time to sit you all down and explain,” I admitted and scuffed a hoof on the ground.

“We understand,” Fluttershy said softly as Lyra wrapped a hoof around me.

“Let’s get you to your sister eh?” Lyra commented with a faint smile. “Family matters after all.”

“We will escort you there,” Berry Blast said as she opened some more doors with her magic.

I gave her a grateful nod as we all stepped outside, making a mental note to meet the other Guards.

Chapter II

Sunset

“Woah,” Fluttershy muttered as she trotted alongside me and Lyra. “I can see what Lavender meant about wanting to stay. This place is beautiful!”

I gave a faint chuckle as I followed the two. Rarity froze and gasped, pointing at her counterparts house.

“What is that?” Rarity asked as I glanced back.

“Your counterparts house. Where is Starlight at Blitz?”

“Out with her marefriend if I remember correctly ma’am,” the pegasus answered as we approached the hospital. “Your brother and the Princess are inside the hospital room. They’re the only two allowed in other than you and your friends of course if you wish.”

“Of course they can be. Do you two know what happened to Spitfire?” I asked as I opened the door with my magic.

“All I know is something about her wing clipping a tree I believe and her crashing into the ground. The news is all over Equestria at this point,” Berry Blast commented. “Soarin and her teammates are here as well if you wish to talk to them.”

She pointed a hoof to a nearby row of couches where Soarin and a few other wonderbolts sat.

“Yeah I’ll talk to them,” I said as Bon Bon placed a hoof on my back.

“If you need us, we’re here. Derpy and Cheerilee are mad at you by the way for running to Equestria without telling them what was happening,” Bon Bon said as I gulped nervously. Angry Derpy was scary but Mom getting angry? That was enough to end worlds.

I inhaled and trotted forward, stopping in front of Soarin.

“Hey there.”

He spun around as High Winds and Surprise looked up in surprise as I smiled faintly.

“Sunset?” Soarin asked as he poked me with a hoof. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see my sister,” I answered as their faces fell.

“Oh yeah makes sense. I guess Sunburst sent you a letter or something?” High Winds asked as I nodded.

“Wait. So you’re Sunset Shimmer? The one who Cap is constantly talking about?” A yellow pegasus asked as I nodded.

“Yeah. I’ll love to meet you all but I have a sister to visit. Have they let you in to see her soarin?” I asked and he shook his head. I gritted my teeth slightly as I approached the nurses desk with my friends and the Wonderbolts behind me.

I slammed my hooves on the desk as the nurse gave me a flat stare.

“I’m here to see Spitfire. What room?”

“Only family is allowed to see her,” the nurse grumbled as I looked at her nametag. “Can’t let you back there.”

“Well Nurse Coldheart, I am her sister so I’m going back there,” I snapped and levitated the clipboard of patients till I found Spitfires room. “And I’m not asking.”

I dropped back to all fours, pushing the double doors open as I felt the nurse bit my tail.

“Where’s your proof?” Nurse Coldheart demanded and I narrowed my eyes at her. “We have protocol. We have to have you sign a sheet.”

“You can take that sheet and fuck off,” I grumbled as the same yellow pegasus gave me an approving grin. I lifted the nurse with my magic and dropped her on the floor. “Now goodbye.”

I strode down the hallway with Soarin behind me with Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity along with the two guards. I glanced back as Lyra and Bon Bon started talking to some nurses. Based on Bon Bons hoof gestures, she was either cursing them out or making some grand story about how Nurse Coldheart was a prick.

I heard galloping behind me as Trixie, Lyra and Bon Bon caught up as the trio panted.

“That woman was a dick,” Lyra grumbled as she rolled her eyes.

“She was just doing her job Lyra,” Bon Bon grumbled as Lyra and Trixie shot her incredulous looks.

“You did most the yelling!”

I ignored the two bickering as I approached Spitfires room.

“Please stay out here,” I told Blitz and her twin. “Make sure no one comes to bother us unless it’s friends, the other wonderbolts or a doctor.”

“Yes ma’am!” The two saluted before standing at the door. I inhaled and pushed the door open. Sunburst was sitting next to Spitfires bed along with Twilight.

“Hey Twilight, hey brother,” I said as Spitfire groaned. I stepped forward and nuzzled my brother. I barely got out of the way as Fluttershy tackled him. She had gotten surprisingly used to her new body. I looked away and gagged into a hoof as they kissed, Twilight turning red.

“You seriously told Sunset?” Spitfire scoffed as she folded her forelegs. Or would have if there wasn’t a wire attached to her foreleg. “It’s seriously not that bad! Just a few days of rest and I’ll be fine.”

“You almost died,” Sunburst pointed out as he and Fluttershy separated with blushes. “The doctors said if it wasn’t for the tree, we would have two of you, not one.”

“And besides, I’m glad he told me what was going on because I know you wouldn’t,” I snapped as I sat next to Twilight.

“Hey Sunset,” Twilight hugged me with a wide grin. “Can you believe we’re related!?”

“Yeah I know,” I smiled back as I glared back at Spitfire. “So what did the doctor say?”

Spitfire shrugged as Soarin sat next to her bed and I faintly remembered Rarity and the others were in the room.

“Just a concussion, some blood loss nothing major,” Spitfire waved a hoof.

“Nothing major?” Twilight echoed in shock. “Nurse Redheart said you would have died if we hadn’t gotten you here in time!”

“Fine,” Spitfire grumbled as she glared at the ceiling. “I also have something called a depressed skull fracture. Whatever that means.”

I looked at Twilight and she levitated a book into my lap.

“She basically is going to need surgery. I wonder if they will let me watch! I’ve always wanted to take notes on head surgery,” Twilight giggled and I rolled my eyes.

“Only you can get excited about surgery,” I said dryly as I rested a hoof on Spitfires. “So how long will the surgery take?”

“About two and a half hours,” Spitfire answered with a sigh. I gave her a stunned look. I had particularly expected her to fight to the end over it. She was stubborn like me. “Don’t look at me like that. Yes, I tried to refuse. Twilight is very convincing when she wants to be.”

I gave a chuckle as I leaned forward to nuzzle her.

“You’re lucky I love you otherwise I’d have pushed you away,” Spitfire muttered as Soarin laughed. “Hey Soar. Are the others still out there?”

“Yeah,” Soarin nodded. “Currently arguing with nurses last time I checked. Sunset left a very unique first impression.”

Spitfire gave a chuckle as she looked around.

“Hey Lyra, hey Bon Bon, hey Trixie.”

“You know our names?” Trixie asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Of course. I’ve met Lyra and Bon Bon before and I’m quite the fan of your pony counterpart.”

“Really?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Mhm. Can I have a moment to speak to Sunset’s friends?” Spitfire asked as we all looked at each other and shrugged. We waited for her to start talking before she coughed. “Alone?”

“Oh sorry,” Soarin said and we hastily left the room, closing the door behind me.

I idly wished I had gone invisible to listen in.

Chapter III

Bon Bon

I stood in the room quietly watching as Sunset’s sister gave Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy an unreadable look that seemed familiar. I shivered slightly as I realized I’ve seen it on Sunset’s face so many times, before her redemption and countless times after.

“What is she waiting for?” Trixie whispered in my ear as the unicorn shifted on her hooves.

“I have no idea,” I whispered back as Lyra nodded slowly.

“Me neither,” Lyra added quietly as Spitfire maintained eye contact on the other three till Applejack started visibly sweating.

“So,” Spitfire said finally after what seemed like an eternity since Sunset and the others left. “You three are part of the hundreds at that school who hurt my little sister.”

Rarity’s eyes widened slightly as Fluttershy squeaked and hide behind Applejack as the other mare looked away.

“Y-yes we are darling,” Rarity admitted nervously as Spitfire flicked her cold gaze onto Rarity and the mare shuddered. I realized she and Sunset had very similar facial expressions at times.

“Hm.”

Applejack looked at me and I shrugged. As much as I enjoyed Applejacks company, she was on her own for this. She did technically get herself into this mess and I didn’t so.

“If it means anything, we regret what we did,” Applejack said cautiously as Spitfire slightly raised her eyebrow. “It was shameful what we did. And ah’m happy people like Lyra, Bon Bon, Trixie, Octavia, Vinyl and Derpy were there for her. As well with Lightning, Lavender and Fuchsia.”

“I would bucking hope so,” Spitfire snapped as she narrowed her eyes. “If you weren’t sorry, you’d be buried out back right now.”

Lyra and mine eyes widened at the implication as I stepped back a bit, my flank bumping into Trixie.

“You know, me and Sunset are very similar. We are both very stubborn mares, very protective of our own and we don’t like when ponies mess with our own,” Spitfire said casually as she leaned back on her hospital bed. “And you bucked with one of mine.”

“I don’t know who’s scarier, Sunset or Spitfire,” Lyra whispered as she nuzzled me.

“I don’t either,” I said quietly. “I’d say it’s a fifty fifty.”

Trixie stayed quiet as I bit back a giggle at her saucer wide eyes.

“If it makes you feel better darling, we are helping Sunset talk to other classmates. She’s a beautiful soul,” Rarity said with a faint smile. “It took us too long to realize that.”

Lyra coughed into a hoof as Rarity gave her a look.

“Okay, not all of us,” Rarity corrected with an eye roll. “My point is darling, Sunset is one of my closest friends. I think I can speak for all of us at Canterlot High that I’d rather die than ever betray or her hurt again. I still feel immensely guilty at times.”

Spitfire maintained eye contact once again as Rarity gulped before Spitfire finally smiled.

“Good answer,” Spitfire admitted as she gave us all a warm smile before it disappeared and she frowned at the other three she had been glaring at. “But if you ever hurt my sister again, I’ll break your horn and wings and bury you so deep in the Everfree Forest that nopony will ever find you.”

Our eyes widened as Fluttershy let out an eep.

“Ah think we understand sugarcube,” Applejack said finally and she wiped some sweat off her head.

“Remember how Sunburst said Spitfire was the one who was the most furious about anon a miss and to look out?” Trixie whispered as Lyra groaned. We had both gotten tired of hearing of anon a miss. At least our classmates promised to never bring it up since Sunset started talking to more people.

“Yeah?” I muttered as Spitfire looked at me.

“I think he was right.”

“Trixie is impressed,” Trixie commented casually as I settled into the bed, wrapping my forelegs around Lyra as I laid on my side.

Twilight had once again graciously offered us rooms in the castle. Sunset was sleeping at the hospital in Spitfires room along with Soarin, ignoring her sister’s protests.

Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy were sharing a room next to us. Trixie was sleeping in our room because it was easier for us to help her get used to her body. She did seem to be used to it already surprisingly.

“Impressed about what?” Lyra asked as she opened an eye and gave a content sigh as I snuggled closer to her.

“Everything. How used to Equestria you all are, how well Lyra can use her magic, Twilight being nice to me even though we didn’t entirely get along before I became friends with Sunset,” Trixie explained as she rolled around her bed and glared down at the bed. “It’s weird sleeping as a pony. How do you all do it?”

“It was weird for us all too,” I chuckled as Lyra nodded. “I could hear Octavia screaming her anger about her unability to get comfortable on our first night here. It was funny.”

“That or she was screaming because of Vinyl,” Lyra laughed as Trixie raised an eyebrow.

“Lyra!” I snapped as I blushed a bright red that honestly probably resembled Sunset’s mane. “We don’t talk about our friends sex lives!”

“Unless it’s Rainbows,” Trixie countered as Lyra snickered. “Or well, lack of a sex life.”

I’ll admit, I giggled at that. Trixie smiled as I yawned.

“Isn’t Sunburst sleeping at the hospital as well?” Lyra asked curiously as she shifted in my hooves.

“Yeah I think so,” I confirmed. “Why?”

“Just checking. If we hear Fluttershy making weird noises, we will know why.”

Trixie burst out laughing as I smiled at the rare sound. Trixie laughed very rarely or if she did, I didn’t hear it.

“I think Sunset would kill him for that if she found out,” Trixie commented once she regained control of her laughter.

“Probably. Or Fuchsia would if she got to him first. Sweet Leaves seems super innocent and shy. Anyway, how are you and Watermelody?” I asked curiously as Trixie grinned.

“Great! Trixie isn’t entirely sure of how date or talk about feelings much so that’s a bit of a rough spot for us. Trixie doesn’t know what to get her for Christmas or you all either. Trixie was thinking a bunch of art supplies for Watermelody and Sunset.”

Lyra and I both nodded with our eyes glued on our blue unicorn friend.

“Trixie isn’t the greatest person at feelings like this. Watermelody will probably get bored of me.”

“Nah,” Lyra said instantly and shook her head.

“I don’t know her well but the few conversations we had hinted at her caring about you a lot,” I added. “And we will help you. Me, Lyra and Vinyl.”

“Really?” Trixie asked with a big grin. I gave a nod. “Thank you. Trixie will shower you three with the best of affections a friend can give.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Lyra said with a yawn. “What are friends for?”

“True. Goodnight,” Trixie muttered as she rolled over with her back to us.

Lyra shut the light off with her magic, plunging the room into darkness as I closed my eyes.

“Goodnight,” I said quietly into Lyra’s ear.

I waited for a response and smirked as she snored quietly.

I wish I could fall asleep that quickly.

Chapter IV

Sunset

I stretched a bit as Lyra and Trixie trotted in the hospital room. I had hoped they would come back, I was a bit surprised that Spitfire didn’t kick Soarin between the legs for sleeping in the hospital bed with her.

“So uh why exactly is mom and Derpy mad again, other than me not really communicating well?” I asked and bit my lip. More like not at all.

“Well for starters you missed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons birthday yesterday,” Lyra said casually as my eyes widened.

“Oh fuck me!” I shouted out and instantly turned red as Nurse Redheart gave me a confused look. “I can’t believe I forgot. I feel fucking awful.”

“Especially since Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara felt awful you weren’t here,” Trixie commented as Lyra shot her a dirty look.

“Not helping Trixie!” Lyra hissed as I looked down. “Look, Octavia, Vinyl and Rainbow gave them the gifts you had for them under your bed. You can sort it out later with them.”

“At least they got that,” I sighed and stared at Spitfire. How she slept through that, I’ll never know. “Where’s Bon Bon and the others?”

“Outside. Fluttershy wanted to see some of the animals in the hospital courtyard,” Trixie commented as Nurse Redheart yawned.

“So your sister is seeming okay. We won’t know if she has any internal injuries or not till we get her in for surgery,” Redheart explained as I looked at the white earth pony.

“Isn’t there like some kind of spell you can do?” I asked as she shook her head. “There’s no unicorn doctors?”

“There’s one but he’s in charge of all the patients. He’s currently on the third floor.”

I gave a frustrated sigh as Spitfire shifted, opening her eyes.

“Oh hey sis,” Spitfire grumbled as Nurse Redheart shoved a bottle of water her way. “Where’s your friends at?”

“Outside with Twilight. Soarin went to get you lunch,” I said quietly so the nurse wouldn’t hear. Stupid hospital food is gross. Spitfires eyes lit up as I snickered.

“Thank the stars for him,” Spitfire muttered as she rolled her eyes. “Hospital food is the bucking worst.”

Lyra sat down and stretching out her forelegs as she levitated a magazine her way.

“You remember the spells I taught you?” I asked in surprise. I hadn’t expected her to actually remember them.

“Mhm. Pretty useful.”

“Wow,” I muttered and she laughed. “I thought you would have forgotten.”

“Nope.”

We fell silent as I watched Redheart do random medical stuff on my sister. Presumably checking her blood pressure and all that. I idly wished Berry Blast was here to help me figure out what was what.

I was a bit surprised Spitfire didn’t bite the nurses head off after the four test. I probably would have. All three of us hated hospitals, me for the needles and Sunburst because of the white walls. Said it made him uncomfortable or something. Spitfire just hated sitting still for so long.

“Sunset, is there anything you need to do today?” Spitfire asked as I watched the nurse leave.

“No not really. Just hang out here,” I answered and frowned slightly. “Twilight did want me to meet the other guards at some point but it can wait till you’re better.”

“Go.”

“Yeah no,” I scoffed and shook my mane. “I’m staying here.”

“It’s the nice way of telling you to come back later. You’ve only been here for what, two days and you’re smothering me. I love you but go hang out. Get drunk or something and sneak me in a bottle of whiskey would ya?”

I frowned at her and she promptly frowned back as Lyra and Trixie watched intently.

“Battle of the wills,” Trixie whispered to Lyra who hid a laugh behind a hoof.

“But what if-”

“For Celestia’s sakes Sunset,” Spitfire interrupted me and rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine. I’m around a bunch of equally smothering nurses. Like that one!”

A filly with a nursing cutie mark trotted in with a big grin.

“Hi there, I’m nurse Nursery Rhyme. How are you today?” Nursery Rhyme asked as Lyra stared at her.

“Just how old are you?” Lyra asked and raised an eyebrow.

“Thirteen but don’t worry, I’ve gone through all the required training to being a nurse right after I got my cutie mark. I’m just gonna draw some blood for testing,” Nursery Rhyme said reassuringly as she pulled out a needle. “You all can stay and watch if you wish-”

I bolted.

“What’s her deal?” I heard the fillies voice travel down the hallway. “Oh well here we go!”

Kill me now.

I trotted down the hall of the castle, looking for the guard room. I had been convinced by that needle to come back later. I have a sneaking suspicion that Spitfire arranged for that because of my needle fear.

“Well if it isn’t Sunset Shimmer,” a voice said behind me and I spun around and almost bumped into an orange earth pony with large poofy hair.

“Adagio!” I grinned and threw my hooves around her in a hug. “Holy fuck, it’s been forever. How’s it going?”

“Good good,” Adagio chuckled as she hugged me back. I stepped back and we dropped down to all four. “You here for you sister I’m assuming?”

“Yeah. Lyra, Bon Bon and Trixie came along with Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity. How’s your sisters?” I asked as she grimaced.

“Sonata is doing fine,” Adagio answered quickly. “Making a killing with her business, I’m very proud of her. I will admit, I sometimes do have to do her taxes for her and all but other than that, she does everything else.”

“And Aria?” I asked curiously as Adagio gritted her teeth.

“I would assume Aria is fine as well,” she commented coolly. “Probably in Canterlot for all I care. She and Princess Luna are pretty close.”

“When did that happen?” I asked in curiosity. I hadn’t known the two had even meet. Clearly shit happened in my absence.

“In your absence. No offense but I really don’t wanna talk about my other sister right now okay? So can we please drop it?” Adagio asked as she stared at me hopefully. I nodded and she sighed in relief. “Thanks Sunset. Where you headed?”

“Uh the guards quarters. Twilight asked me to meet them and my sister kicked me out of the hospital room for a few hours for smothering her allegedly. Lyra is somewhere in the castle with Applejack and Bon Bon. I think Twilight is showing Fluttershy, Rarity and Trixie around town.”

“Right this way,” Adagio said and waved a hoof.

She started trotting foreward and after a second, I followed her.

Author's Note

https://yunas-princess-adventure.fandom.com/wiki/Nursery_Rhyme

Chapter V

Sunset

“So how’s Derpy and the others?” Adagio asked curiously as I trotted next to her. “Sonata told me the Camp Everfree trip had some complications.”

“Derpy is pretty good. She moved in with me and mom,” I said as Adagio grinned.

“Congrats on that.”

“Thanks. The others are pretty good. Heard a rumor Bon Bons mom is getting custody of Bon Bons little sister soon but not sure yet. Octavia and Vinyl won some music award recently for most innovative wedding songs by mixing dubstep with classical music. The Shadowbolts aren’t Shadowbolts anymore, they go to Canterlot High, Cinch is dead, uhhh Trixie and the other two are good. Fuchsia, Fluttershy and Sweet Leaves are currently dating my brother.”

“And Rarity?” Adagio asked curiously as I smirked. “Wow, never knew Sunburst could pull three girls at the same time.”

“Rarity is okay. She is debating on hiring Suri for her online business but Coco is completely against it. Rainbow is trying out for some sporting event downtown with Applejack. AJ is good but you can her yourself along with Rares and Flutters. Sci Twi is really good, she took my place of the smartest girl at school but meh I don’t care. Pinkie is well Pinkie. But how are you?” I asked with a teasing grin and nudged her. “Is Twilight keeping you all warm at night? I want all the details, girl.”

“Oh most definitely,” Adagio said with a mischievous grin. “And all the details huh? Well, her tongue is very-”

“I change my mind, I don’t want all the details.”

Adagio gave a loud laugh as I smiled. It felt nice to see her again. I made a mental note to catch up with Aria and Sonata while I was here. And meet the rest of my sisters team.

“It’s nice to see you again Sunny,” Adagio said and I glanced over at her nodding. “Why didn’t Derpy and your family come along with the others?”

“I kinda got the message from Sunburst in class and took off running. The only reason AJ, Fluttershy and Rarity came is because they caught me. And apparently, Lyra, Bon Bon and Trixie forced Rainbow to tell them where I went. I feel really awful, I missed Diamond and Silvers birthdays yesterday,” I admitted and looked down. Adagio placed a reassuring hoof on my shoulder and gave me a smile.

“Oh shit. I think they will understand though. And happy late birthday by the way.”

“Thanks,” I smiled back as she removed her hoof. “And I hope so.”

“I know so. Your family is a pretty good forgiving bunch,” Adagio chuckled as she paused at a door. “We’re here.”

“Thank you Adagio. Hey when’s your birthday?” I asked curiously and flicked an ear.

“I don’t know. Haven’t celebrated my birthday in over a thousand years. I know Sonatas was last week. She turned one thousand, three hundred and ninety five. Almost fourteen hundred years old and she is as childish as she was as teen,” Adagio chuckled and shook her head.

“Well let’s go get drinks tomorrow. Me you Lyra Trixie and maybe Rarity. Twilight too if she is in the mood.”

“Sounds good,” Adagio said as the two of us entered the room.

Two grey pegasus were laying on their bunks as a blue earth pony and a yellow unicorn sat talking to themselves. The twins I had met earlier were asleep in their individual beds as a small green earth pony made bed.

“Alright well here you go Sunset,” Adagio shrugged as the other ponies looked over at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at the bar. God knows I need a drink.”

She turned around and whapped me on the flank with her tail as I chuckled.

“No need,” I said dismissively as one of the pegasi tried to salute. “Don’t worry about saluting me, please and thank you. What’s your name?”

“Silverspeed,” the pegasus answered and fluffed her wings a bit. “That’s Glimmer Shine, Wallflower, Sunbeam, Shoeshine, Indigo Zap, Sunny Flare, Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat. You’ve met the twins already. And there’s Aria.” She pointed to each pony as I nodded. I stared in curiosity at the pony versions of the Shadowbolts before turning away.

“Nice to meet you,” I commented and trotted up to a sleeping Aria. Now I know why Adagio had taken off so fast. “Hey Ari.”

“Fuck off Sonata I’m exhausted,” Aria mumbled as she faced me. Her eyes widened as she hugged me. “Sunset, holy fuck. It’s been forever!”

I gave a chuckle as I hugged her back.

“That it has. How’s life been?” I asked as she jumped off the bunk.

“It’s been good. How’s your sister doing?” Aria asked curiously as I looked around the room. “I was one of the ponies who took her to the hospital, looked pretty bad.”

“It did,” Sunbeam chimed in from her spot on the floor. “Never saw anything like that before in my short twenty eight years.”

“She’s doing alright. Being stubborn as usual,” I grumbled as Aria laughed. “Thanks for taking her there.”

Aria waved a hoof dismissively as she stretched out her forelegs.

“Man it’s nice to see you. How’s Derpy and the others?”

“Pretty good. Just got done telling Adagio all about it. Derpy moved in so that’s a plus,” I commented as Shoeshine and the others gave me a confused look.

“Uh not to call you a liar but why would Derpy move in with you? She has a husband and two kids last I checked,” Shoeshine pointed out with a frown as the blue earth pony flicked her tail a bit.

“It’s complicated. Got a spare bunk?” I asked with a smirk.

“You got your own quarters with a bunk,” Glimmer Shine commented as she stood up. “Myself and Aria will show you it.”

I raised an eyebrow slightly as Aria rolled her eyes. The grey pegasus trotted out the door with Aria behind her.

“I’ll be back to get to know you girls one on one later,” I promised as I followed them.

Sunbeam and the others waved as I trotted out, faint conversations following me. Something about me being not what they expected. I still don’t know how I should take that.

Chapter VI

Aria

“So what’s life been like?” I asked Sunset with an uncharacteristic smile. It had been forever since I had seen her. It was nice to see her again.

“It’s been okay. What about you?” Sunset shot back as I cursed internally.

“Complicated,” I said finally as Glimmer Shine snorted.

“Talk about an understatement of the century,” the grey pegasus grumbled under her breath and fluttered her wings a bit. “It was worse than Tartarus here for a short bit but we got things sorted out. I presume you aren’t staying permanently?”

“No,” Sunset admitted as Glimmer raised an eyebrow slightly. “I’m just here for my sister and Twilight. But meeting my technical co workers is always a plus. Silverspeed and the twins seem nice. They’re the only three I’ve really had an opportunity to talk to, other than you and Aria.”

“They’re okay. Your room is here,” I said as we stopped outside of a room with Sunset’s name on the door. She stared at it and brushed it with a hoof as I laughed quietly.

“Wow. Twilight really went all the way, didn’t she?” Sunset asked with a smirk as she opened the door and examined the interior of the room.

“That she did. Your sister also helped design it based on what she figured you’d like.”

“I can tell.”

I fell silent as I examined Sunset. She didn’t seem entirely different except for one thing.

“What’s with the crown getup?” I asked curiously as Sunset shot me a confused look.

“Uh what are you talking about?” Sunset asked and I pointed a hoof to the fiery orange and red crown she wore.

“The crown you’re wearing,” Glimmer Shine commented as she stared too.

“My geode!” Sunset exclaimed as she felt her head, examining the crown in front of her. “I was wearing my geode when I crossed over. So was Lyra, Bon Bon, Trixie and the other three. But why did mine turn into a crown?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted and gave a shrug. “Ask Twilight. Maybe she would know? She didn’t say anything at all about it?”

“No,” Sunset said and shook her head. “No one did. But we were kinda focused on my sister more, not what was on my head. I wonder what the other geodes turned into.”

“Who knows?” I shrugged. “Have a good night Sunset.”

“Goodnight Aria. Good night Glimmer,” Sunset smiled as she shut the door and the light turned off.

“So how’s Sunset? What’s she like?” Sunbeam asked curiously as I looked at all the others staring at me curiously from their bunks.

“She’s doing okay. Naturally worried about her sister,” I answered as I pulled my blankets over me and yawned. I had just gotten in yesterday from Canterlot early in the morning and was exhausted. “And as for what she is like, she’s probably one of the most caring people I know. She’s not all strict, she’s very mischievous when she wants to be. Cates about her friends, fiercely loyal to them and the Princess of course.”

“Where has she been this whole time?” Shoeshine asked curiously as she fluffed her pillow a bit. “I swear I thought I saw one of those monkeys in that portal a few months ago that sounded and looked a lot like her.”

I looked away as Silverspeeds eyes bore into me.

“I have no idea what you’re about,” I lied and looked back.

“Are you sure?” Indigo asked and gazed at me intensely. “Because those weird things were all over Equestria in the sky and I swear I heard someone that sounded and looked like you and your sisters there too.”

I stared back with an equally amount of intensity and opened my mouth to speak.

“Because she was,” a voice came from the doorway and we all looked to see Sunset standing in the doorway with a pillow in her magic. “I was, Adagio was, Sonata was and so was Lyra along with Bon Bon, Trixie and the other three I came here with.”

We all watched her silently as various expressions played on the others faces. Sunset tossed the pillow above Wallflowers bunk and peered at her.

“Care if I sleep above you?” Sunset asked with a smile.

“N-no of course not,” Wallflower mumbled as Sunset gave an appreciative nod. She teleported into the top bunk and stretched out.

“So wait,” Sunny Flare waved her hoofs in the air. “You’re a monkey?”

“They’re called humans,” Sunset corrected as she slid under the sheets. “A monkey is a racial slur there. I wouldn’t say that. I’m originally from Equestria but I live there by choice. Plus, Twilight has me protecting that world from any magical creatures from Equestria crossing over and harming the people that live there.”

“Makes sense based on what Aria has said so far about you,” Blitz commented casually as she brushed her mane aside. “That explains why none of us saw you enter the castle and you just appeared with those other mares.”

“Mhm,” Sunset said with a shrug. “The portal is upstairs.”

She levitated her crown geode thing off, placing on a nightstand nearby hers and Wallflowers bunk beds. We all looked at each other before Lemon Zest coughed loudly.

“So why exactly aren’t you sleeping in your quarters?” Sugarcoat asked and rubbed her eyes with her hooves.

“I’m super used to sharing a bed with my girlfriend and well, I don’t really like being alone is all. And I’m afraid of the dark a bit. Rainbow and Cloudkicker call me Nightlight back home sometimes. And no offense, while you are all gorgeous mares, it’s no Derpy,” Sunset admitted sheepishly as she turned red.

“I’m straight anyway,” Sour Sweet chuckled as Sunset nodded.

“I know your counterparts. So does Aria, Adagio and Sonata,” Sunset admitted as she pointed to Sunny Flare and Indigo. “It’s kinda surprising knowing you guys are royal guards here.”

“I knew that voice sounded familiar!” Lemon Zest shouted as we all chuckled. “It was freaking me!”

“Our counterparts were awful to that poor girl,” Sunny Flare mumbled as she looked away. “I would have never treated the Princess’ counterpart that way.”

The others nodded as I yawned.

“I’m going to sleep now. I think I’ll sleep in here more often. After all, a leader does sleep where her co workers sleeps,” Sunset said casually as Glimmer gave an approving nod. “Goodnight everyone.”

“Goodnight,” we all said in unison.

A loud snore came from Wallflowers bunk as we all looked at her before looking to each other, bursting out laughing. I didn’t think she of all ponies snored.

You know what they say, watch out for the quiet ones.

Chapter VII

Sunset

I sat on the couch with Lyra, Bon Bon, Trixie and the other three in front of Twilight with our geodes. The others had turned into different shapes too.

“Fascinating,” Twilight mused as she set Applejacks necklace down. “They look identical to our Applejacks, Fluttershy and Raritys elements of harmony. I can sense the tree of harmony in them too somehow, but I’m not sure how or why.”

“The tree of what?” Trixie asked with a confused expression. Twilight’s horn flashed and we all were standing under ground, staring up at a large crystal tree with various symbols on it.

“Oooh!” Rarity said in awe as she stared at it. “It’s gorgeous, darling!”

“This is the tree of harmony,” Twilight explained as she brushed a hoof against it fondly. “It gave me my castle after my home was destroyed and holds our elements. We don’t necessarily know how it came to be but it protects Equestria. We’re under the castle of the two sisters right now in the Everfree Forest.”

I stepped back nervously as my ears flicked a bit. I didn’t entirely like the Everfree Forest. It’s not natural. Apparently the others picked up on it because Bon Bon and Fluttershy looked around nervously as Lyra backed up slightly.

“Relax, it’s safe,” Twilight said and waved a hoof in the air. “I’ve been down here multiple times.”

“It’s not that,” Lyra answered with a frown. “It’s Sunset. If she’s nervous of all people of this place, then it’s a pretty safe bet that we should be nervous.”

“Ah. But yes, all of your geodes have magic that is identical to the trees magic. Somehow, I’m guessing magic leaked from the tree into your world. How, I’m not sure. But I presume if there’s one portal to your world, then there must be more that Starswirl made that we haven’t discovered yet. This is so exciting!”

“But dangerous too,” I pointed out. “Especially if an enemy of Equestria finds it before we do, or any other creature. We don’t know what they would do with it.”

“That is a concern too,” Twilight admitted as my friends looked back and forth between the two of us as we shot back and forth to one another. “So I want to try something. I’m gonna cast a spell on Lyra and the others. I need Sunset in case it goes poorly.”

“Uh okay?” Applejack said hesitantly as Lyra nodded. Twilight’s horn glowed and a purple glow surrounded them.

“What exactly is this spell?” I asked cautiously as Bon Bon looked around.

“You said Lyra represents an element and such. If we can speak to the elements like they did, we can learn more about how they switched,” Twilight explained as two Lyra’s, Bon Bons and doubles of the rest stood next to each other.

“Uh why is Lyra not moving?” I asked nervously and flattened my ears.

“Easy. I put them to sleep temporarily so they wouldn’t feel any potential discomfort,” Twilight explained as I sighed in relief. Last thing I wanted was for them to be injured or worse. “Hello!”

“Hey,” Lyra’s clone said and stretched. “By the maker, this is weird.”

“Got that right,” Bon Bons agreed as she waved a hoof in front of Trixie’s face.

“This is weird,” I muttered as the see through doubles of my friends looked at us. “I’m-”

“Sunset Shimmer,” Lyra interrupted me with a faint smile. “And that’s Princess Twilight. It’s weird having a body. What exactly can we do for you?”

“We have a few questions. Mainly about how you switched bearers and all,” Twilight answered as Fluttershys nodded.

“You best pull up a seat. We’re gonna be here for a while,” Fluttershy advised with a smile.

“Okay.”

“I think I’m going to die from an aneurysm,” I moaned as Generosity chuckled.

“That tends to happen when talking to me,” Generosity admitted as she brushed her blue and pink curls aside. “I don’t leave any details out. Can I go back now? My bearer is getting restless.”

“Yes thank you,” Twilight smiled warmly. We both watched in stunned silence as my friends absorbed the see through versions and Applejack groaned.

“Mah head hurts a bit,” Applejack grumbled as Bon Bon nodded slowly.

“Did you two get what you needed?” Lyra asked curiously as we both nodded enthusiastically. “Do you care to share with the class?”

“So the elements abandoned the human worlds originals because they betrayed their true selves, right?” Twilight asked as Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy looked down.

“Correct darling,” Rarity whispered quietly.

“So the elements chose new bearers!” Twilight shouted and stood on her hind legs. “Lyra for her fierce loyalty to Sunset and her friends, Bon Bon for generously giving Sunset a place to stay when she needed one when she wanted to think away from home or just an ear to vent to. Trixie, for trusting Sunset and the others. But Fluttershy represents courage now, Rarity is integrity and AJ is determination because well, in both worlds you’re the most determined mare I know.”

“Thanks Ah think.”

“And according to the elements, they created new ones from themselves. The ones the Rainbooms, Trixie, Lavender, Fuchsia and Mom bear. Generosity gave me a headache will all she told us.”

Bon Bon slowly trotted up to me and nuzzled me as I blushed.

“What was that for?” I asked weakly as Bon Bon shrugged.

“You said it’s something friends do here. And you’re my friend so,” Bon Bon answered she nuzzled Lyra. “Feels funny not gonna. Lyra is quite furry.”

“So what do the geodes do?” Twilight asked curiously as Trixie flared a hoof out.

“Sunset reads minds, Trixie can teleport, Lavender turns invisible, Fuchsia can walk through solid surfaces, Applejack is super strong, Fluttershy speaks to animals, Rarity summons weird gems, Pinkie makes things explode, Rainbow is super fast. Lightning controls well lightning and is super fast, Bon Bon doesn’t need to measure or anything when baking or in math class, Vinyl can shout really loud. She knocked some trees over at Camp Everfree with her voice alone. Octavia can tell the future in small parts, Derpy can tell how people are feeling just by being near them and Lyra can levitate stuff.”

“We can only use our powers when we think about it,” I clarified as Twilight continued writing on her papers. “Which is probably why I didn’t see Spitfires and yours memories.”

“Fascinating!” Twilight exclaimed. I quickly teleported us all to the castle and snuck out of the room quietly with Bon Bon and the others.

I love Twilight like a sister, but I wanna go hang out with Adagio and check-up on Spitfire.

Chapter VIII

Lyra

I trotted behind Sunset and Adagio as we entered a bar. Bon Bon looked around curiously as Trixie grinned.

“Ain’t this the bar where ya got drunk with your friends from here?” Applejack asked curiously as Sunset nodded with a smile.

“Mhm,” Sunset conceded. I could see my Equestrian counterpart in a corner booth and her eyes lit up when we made eye contact. “Hey Aunt Berry.”

“I’m sorry?” Berry Punch said as she leaned on the bar. “Oh well I’ll be damned. If it isn’t my favorite world crossing customer. Still weird to know my counterpart is your aunt a bit.”

Sunset gave a quiet laugh as we all sat down on the chairs in front of the bar.

“Sorry, force of habit to call you aunt,” Sunset said sheepishly. “Whiskey for me, Lyra and Bon Bon please.”

“You got it. What about the others?” Berry asked and nodded at Trixie, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Vodka for Trixie please.”

“Anything apple related for me sugarcube.”

“I think me and Fluttershy will pass darlings,” Rarity said as Trixie scoffed. The magician eagerly took a shot of her vodka and coughed a bit.

“Trixie thinks you are just secretly a lightweight and are afraid of passing out in front of us.”

Rarity gasped and shot her a look as Berry Punch slid three glasses to me and Sunset before pushing the third to Bon Bon.

“I am not lightweight!” Rarity snapped as Adagio raised an eyebrow before drinking from her own glass. “Your finest wine please!”

“Woah Rares,” Applejack chimed in and gave her a concerned look. “Trixie is just trying to start a competition. Ya ain’t gotta listen.”

“Oh no darling. I’m quite certain about this,” Rarity narrowed her eyes as Bon Bon and I shared a look, before watching Sunset casually drink her alcohol.

“Howdy Sunset!” Equestrian Applejack patted her on the back and we all jumped. I hadn’t even seen her coming. “Lyra, Bon Bon, nice to see yall again.”

“Hey AJ,” Sunset grinned and the two hugged. “Meet well you, Rarity and Fluttershy.”

Equestrian Applejack gave her counterpart a unreadable expression as she examined her.

“So you’re the one who betrayed a pony that ya called family ah take it.”

Human Applejack flinched as Berry Punch stepped away nervously. I had partially forgotten she had been told about it as well. Sunset stayed quiet as she poured some more alcohol in her glass.

“Ah-”

“Shut up,” Equestrian Applejack interrupted and her counterpart fell silent. “Ah really got to know Sunset when she was here with her friends. She is a damn good mare and a friend.”

Human Applejack slumped further on the bar as Trixie gave the Equestrian version an impressed look.

“Ah know,” Human Applejack muttered. “Ah got her forgiveness now thankfully. Ah’d rather die than anything like that happen again. There could be camera footage of her killing someone and I still wouldn’t believe it.”

“Good. Just one more thing.”

“Yah?” Human Applejack asked as she sat up straighter. We all gasped as the Equestrian counterpart punched in the face and she slammed against the bar.

“Woah!” Rarity exclaimed as Berry pushed a first aid kit our way with a sigh.

“Now come sugarcube. Let’s get ya fixed up and share a beer now that Ah got that out of the way,” Equestrian Applejack grinned warmly at her counterpart before shoving her onto her back. “Ah’ll bring her back to the castle after.”

“Well that happened,” Sunset said finally as we watched the Equestrian Applejack wiping some blood off Human Applejacks jaw before the two hit their beer bottles against each other.

“Huh, guess what they say is true,” Rarity mused as I tilted my head curiously.

“What’s that?”

“Only true friends will punch each other and then share beers.”

I rubbed my head as I stumbled down the hall with Bon Bon and Trixie as the two struggled to keep each other up.

“My head hurts,” Sunset muttered as she yawned. “We may have drunk too much.”

“Trixie agrees.”

We had already dropped off Rarity and Fluttershy at their rooms. Surprisingly, Rarity held her own in a drinking competition with Trixie. Applejack was with well Applejack at the farm.

“I have to go to bed. I have to drop by and visit Sea Swirl and Sassaflash at some point along with Bon Bon, Lyra, Minuette and Amethyst if I get the time. Wish Derpy was here. I’m cold.”

Indigo Zap and Sunbeam trotted past as we stumbled down the hall, the two guards pausing to straighten Trixie before trotting away and snickering.

“You can always sleep with us,” Bon Bon slurred as she bumped into the door frame. “Oopsie.”

“I have a girlfriend. Can’t,” Sunset said and shook her head.

“Not like that silly filly,” I corrected as I helped Bon Bon into our room. “I love ya but I’m not interested in that with you.”

Sunset shrugged and nodded as she trotted into the room behind Trixie and shut the door. Trixie fell forward on her bed and grunted in a pillow. Thank the lord for Twilight planning ahead and leaving us some vomit buckets in the room already.

Sunset and I stared at each before looking at the bed as my fellow unicorn coughed and swayed on her hooves.

“So uh how does this work?” Bon Bon asked as she joined us after she covered Trixie up with a blanket.

“Like this,” I said pointed for Sunset to get in the middle. She shrugged and jumped onto the bed as Bon Bon and I looked to each other. “Now you pick a side.”

I expect her to pick the left side. She prefers that side for some ungodly reason. I watched her climb next to Sunset and yawn as I laid down on the right side, pulling the blanket over us.

Sunset turned red faintly as Bon Bon and I wrapped our hooves around her and nuzzled her cheek.

“Night Sunset,” Bon Bon muttered into Sunset’s mane as I rested my head on her chest.

“Night Sunny,” I whispered.

“Night girls.”

Sunset’s horn glowed faintly red as the light went out.

Author's Note

Grand Theft Auto Six just got announced this morning. Trailer coming early December. Let's fucking go. https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/1722237556258120163?t=oSp5DtfUXoOZGTgyHtrqrQ&s=19

Chapter IX

Sea Swirl

“Bye Lyra!” I waved as my friend trotted out of the house. We usually have our friends over for dinner every week as I watched Lyra and Bon Bon trotting toward their house. Amethyst had agreed to watch over their kids.

“So what do you wanna do now?” Sassaflash asked curiously from the living as I trotted over to sit next to my wife on the couch.

“I don’t know. Watch a movie or something,” I admitted as Sassaflash gave me a grin.

“I know what else we could do,” Sassaflash suggested as her hoof slipped between my hindquarters and I gasped slightly at the contact.

“I could be down for that,” I agreed as she moved her hoof up. A loud knock out the door made us both groan in frustration as she removed her hoof and licked it. “I’ll get the door.”

I jumped off the couch and trotted over to the door, opening it to reveal a fire maned unicorn.

“Sunset?”

“Hey there,” Sunset smirked as she leaned against the door frame. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

“Oh my stars!” I gushed and hugged her eagerly. “You should have said you were coming. Come inside, do you want a drink?”

“A water would be nice. I didn’t entirely plan to visit, things just sorta happened. Saw Lyra and Bon Bon yesterday as well. It ended up with me and the others spending a few hours testing experimental products for the shop.”

I nodded as I pulled my friend into the house, shutting the door with my magic.

“Sunset, meet my wife Sassaflash. Sassaflash, meet one of my foalhood friends Sunset,” I introduced the two as they shook hooves.

“Nice to finally meet you. Heard a lot of things about you,” Sassaflash said as Sunset chuckled.

“Likewise. Good things, I hope.”

“Oh mainly about how you’re a certified bad bitch if we wish to quote my wife word for word,” Sassaflash commented casually as I blushed and the two shot me grins.

“Only a bad bitch Monday through Thursday. I prefer to take the weekends off,” Sunset snickered as I laughed. “So how’s it been around here?”

The three of us settled back onto the couch as I shrugged.

“Been pretty calm around here actually,” I admitted as my eyes widened and I turned to Sassaflash. “That means we’re due for a monster attack. We should board up the windows tonight.”

“Yeah yeah. It’s been six months since that Timberwolf came to town it’ll be fine,” Sassaflash rolled her eyes as Sunset raised an eyebrow slightly. “So what’s been up with you Sunset? Sea Swirl has only told me so much.”

“Not much. Just visiting Spitfire while she recovers. Had us all worried for a moment there. Home has been pretty calm surprisingly.”

“Spitfire is her sister,” I clarified as Sassaflash gave me a confused look. Her eyes widened slightly and she sat up straighter. “Sassaflash went to the Wondercolt academy with Rainbow, Raindrops, White Lightning and Cloud Kicker.”

“And Dizzy Twister,” Sassaflash added. “Cloud Chaser and Bulk Biceps went too. How is the captain?”

“Stubborn but fine. She goes in for surgery tomorrow. I got the doctor’s to let the other wonderbolts in to see her.”

“Oh damn,” I said and wrapped a hoof around her. “If you want us there, we can show up. I can take that day off.” Sassaflash nodded her agreement as Sunset hugged me back.

“I’d liked that if you would. Up to you two of course. Cloud Kicker and the other Ponyville wonderbolts have been there today too,” Sunset admitted as she sniffed the air and gave us smirks. “Based on the smell, I’d say I did interrupt something.”

We both turned red as Sunset burst out laughing.

“Alright well I’ll let you two get back to your actives. Sassaflash, it was nice to meet you. I’m staying at the castle with the others so anytime you wanna come by, you’re more than welcome too.”

Sunset stood up as she and Sassy walked to the door. They both surprised me as they hugged and Sunset trotted out the door.

“Well she seems really nice. I like her,” Sassaflash said as she came back into the living room. “Way better than her past self as you’ve told me some things.”

“Yeah she is,” I said fondly as I grinned at her. “If I remember correctly, we were busy.”

I used my magic to drag her next to me as she smirked back.

I trotted down the hospital hallway with Sassaflash hovering next to me. Sunset and a few others I recognized were pacing out of the hall.

“Hey did we miss anything?” I asked as we stopped next to them.

“Spitfire has been in surgery for hours. They haven’t came and talked to us yet. I’m getting nervous,” Sunset admitted as Rarity and Soarin placed reassuring hooves on her back. Sunburst was sitting nearby talking to Fleetfoot and Fluttershy.

“Spitfire is related to you. I’m sure she will be fine,” Lyra commented as I nodded. “Stubborn too.”

“Haha.”

“How’s Lavender?” I asked curiously as Sunset paused her pacing.

“She’s doing good. She hasn’t talked to her cousin in a good while still even though we’ve all tried to convince her too. CK is getting more and more upset about it as the days go by. Lavender really liked Equestria.”

“My friend over in the human world,” I whispered into Sassaflashs ear as the confused expression disappeared as she nodded.

“Gotcha.”

Together, we sat down on some nearby chairs as Twilight was talking quietly to Bon Bon and Adagio. Apparently the rest didn’t come with. Probably school related. Glad to know I didn’t have that problem anymore.

A stallion dressed in blue clothes pushed through the doors and we all looked expectantly at him.

“I’m Doctor Stable. I worked on your sister. I really think we should speak in private.”

“What you can say to us you can say to them,” Sunburst answered and nodded to us all.

“Spitfire requires a blood transfusion. She lost a lot of blood during the surgery.

“Okay, how much do you need?” Sunset asked as she stretched a bit.

“A few gallons.”

“Then take mine. Take it all if you have to,” Sunset said casually as a stunned silence fell over us.

“I can’t. That would kill you and according to your file, you don’t have a matching blood type to Spitfire. No one here does. It’s a rare type.”

He handed Sunset a file and her eyes narrowed.

“Trixie demands to know how you didn’t find a way to stop her bloodloss in the first place.”

“It’s always a risk with these surgeries,” Doctor Stable answered.

“Sunburst, Adagio, Twilight, stay with Spitfire. Lyra, Trixie, Bon Bon, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy, come with me. We’re going to Canterlot.”

She strode out the room as we all looked at each other and I chased after her. Twilight stayed back and appeared to be talking to the doctor.

“Why are we going to Canterlot?” I asked as Lyra and the others caught up.

“Easy. I’m going to see Celestia,” Sunset said as Berry Blast trotted by. “Berry, I’ll need you. Come with me please.”

The mare nodded and spun around to join us.

“I thought you were afraid of seeing Celestia,” Bon Bon pointed out.

“I am. But it’s for my sister. She would do the same for me or Sunburst. Only she and Luna have the blood of all three tribes. Cadence and Twilight don’t according to my knowledge due to them not being natural born alicorns. And I refuse to take blood from a filly.”

“And if she refuses?” Applejack pointed out as Sunset gritted her teeth.

“Then I’ll take it from her.”

Chapter X

Lyra

We all stared at Sunset in shock as Sea Swirl grabbed her shoulders with her hooves.

“Sunset! Have you lost it?” Sea Swirl demanded as she looked around with a scared expression. “That’s treason! They could execute you for that if they found you guilty! They contemplated it with one of the guards until Luna stepped in and pardoned her!”

“If it happens it happens,” Sunset sighed as she gently pushed Sea Swirl away.

“I’m not letting them kill my friend!” I snapped angrily and stood in front of her. Bon Bon and Fluttershy joined me with the others quickly following as they all shared my angry look. “What about Derpy? Your family?”

“They would have to understand.”

“No it’s you who doesn’t understand,” Rarity slammed a hoof into Sunset’s chest. “We are going to exhaust every option first. Then we commit treason together.”

“She’s right,” Applejack jumped in as Sassaflash nodded. “You’ve always taken all the risks by yourself. Not anymore.”

“God you all are stubborn as hell,” Sunset grumbled under her breath. “I love you all but you really are more stubborn than Rainbow Dash and I quite honestly did not think that was possible.”

We all rolled our eyes as we continued out of the hospital.

“So that’s why you had me come along,” Berry said casually. It was a bit weird seeing her without any armor on. Everytime I’ve seen her, she had been on uniform. She was pretty nice though, we talked a bit. “Because I’m the only one who knew how to safely do a blood transfusion out of all the guards and take Princess Celestia’s blood.”

“Precisely. Besides, you could help hold her down if she woke up and tried to fight me. There’s no way in Tartarus we could all beat Celestia. She is way too strong, plus Princess Luna and half a million royal guards. We wouldn’t stand a chance.”

I froze for a moment as I pondered that. That was a part I didn’t think of. I like how I was instantly on board for committing treason in a whole different while everyone else is like hold the hell up for a moment. I have been spending way too much time with Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash.

“So what now?” Applejack asked. “How do we get to Canterlot? Walk?”

Bon Bon and I both chuckled as Sassaflash grinned.

“We can fly, take a train or teleport. But teleporting takes a lot out of my Sea. We usually take the train or she rides on my back. Train is this way.”

Trixie took off like a bat out of hell after Sunset. She had apparently surprised herself by being good at actual magic but she promised me to not tell a single soul.

I sat lazily on the train cushion as Bon Bon snored next to me. Sunset had woven this insane tale about some dying family member of ours and how we desperately needed to get on the train.

I was more surprised the stallion actually believed her and let us all on the train without tickets. Applejack had been more annoyed than the rest of us about lying while Sassaflash had been very impressed by Sunset.

“I’m so excited!” Rarity gushed as Applejack lifted her hat slightly. “It’s one seeing Canterlot from the portal but seeing it in person? You can’t tell me you aren’t excited to see what our city is like in a different world!”

“Okay Ah’m a mite curious but not that much. Besides, it’s just another town. Ain’t nothing special.”

“Nothing special?” Rarity echoed as she stared at her. “Fluttershy, what do you think darling?”

“I think you’re both right.”

Trixie and I chuckled as the two others grumbled. Sassaflash had been asleep next to Sea Swirl as they wrapped their tails around each other. Curiously, I placed my tail over Bon Bons but nothing really seemed different. I assume it’s their equivalent of holding hands.

“We’re here,” Sunset said as the train slowed to a stop. She had been pacing back and forth along the train car. Berry Blast had been unsuccessful in trying to get her to sit down. She would learn later that when Sunset got this way, we just stayed out of her way. Nothing can stop her from pacing.

I can relate to it. Pacing helps me think. It’s very common to walk into the house and see me pacing around the kitchen or the dining room.

I nudged Bon Bon as she opened her eyes and stretched her forelegs and hindquarters out.

“What time is it?” Bon Bon mumbled as she stood up.

“About seven pm according to the clock.”

“Oh fun,” Bon Bon muttered as the doors opened and Raritys eyes widened.

“It’s spectacular!” Rarity gushed as Applejack joined her outside the train car.

“Wow,” Applejack said as Fluttershy looked around in awe. “It’s better in person. Still like my small town though.”

“It is pretty cool,” Berry Blast chuckled as she and Sea Swirl joined us. Sassaflash hovered above us as Sunset stretched. “This is only my second time coming here.”

“Maybe Rarity can stay with the princess but we have to hurry,” Sunset said as we all nodded. “You better get ready.”

Rarity opened her mouth to speak as Sunset’s horn glowed. A loud popping sound later and we all tumbled onto the floor of the castle, Sunset being the only one on her hooves.

“Think I’m gonna vomit,” Fluttershy whispered as she pressed a hoof to her head. A lavender earth pony with a blonde mane and dark purple glasses galloped around the corner with a white earth pony with a light brown mane and black glasses.

“S-Sunset Shimmer?” The white one stammered as their eyes widened.

“Hey Raven, hey Grace. Girls, meet Raven Inkwell and Grace Manewitz. They are Celestia’s royal advisors,” Sunset explained as she pointed to both mares in rapid succession. “Look, I need to see Princess Celestia. It’s an emergency.”

“We need identification. Go back to your house and get it please,” Grace said coolly as Sunset glared at her.

“I will break your foreleg in nine different spots. Just because you follow the rules to the letter, which I usually respect isn’t benefiting me right now. So please just go tell Celestia and I’ll give you your favorite wine in return. Deal?”

Grace nodded as she and Raven turned around to gallop into the room in front of us.

“Grace is a bit of a stickler for the rules. Raven is a bit more of the prankster of the two,” Sunset explained as a bunch of ponies came out looking frustrated.

“The princess will see you now,” Raven said with a smile as she and Grace held the doors open.

Sunset inhaled and nervously trotted through. After a moment of looking at each other, we followed her.

Chapter XII

Sunset

“Here,” I said to Nurse Redheart and levitated the blood into her hooves. “Now help Spitfire.”

“Where did you even get this from?” Redheart demanded as she stared at me in awe. “We don’t have her blood type. Will it actually help her?”

“It’s from Princess Celestia. You’re a nurse now do your fucking job before my hoof goes so far up your ass, you’ll need to see a doctor yourself to get it removed,” I threatened as Redheart glared at me.

“I like her,” Misty Fly whispered to Blaze who nodded. I had partially forgotten the rest of the Wonderbolts were in the room along with my friends and the rest of the mane six.

“Me too,” Blaze whispered back before I gazed intently at them and they gulped.

“Now Sunset, don’t threaten the mare,” Twilight placed a hoof on my back as Soarin nodded. “It is from Princess Celestia. I can confirm.”

“Okay. Thank you,” Redheart nodded before shooting me another dirty look. She disappeared through some doors and I watched her enter Spitfires room with some doctors.

“I know getting angry when ponies you care about is like your thing but I don’t think threatening a nurse is the way to go about it,” Rainbow Dash pointed out as she flapped her wings above me. “It’s not smart.”

“You’re one to talk Dash,” I snorted as she rolled her eyes. “But maybe you’re right.”

“Pfft maybe is an understatement,” Sassaflash commented casually as she leaned against the wall. “Threatening ponies is usually White Lightnings gig too.”

Twilight hugged me as Aria and Adagio glared at each other from opposite sides of the room while Sonata sat next me. She had practically thrown herself out of her taco stand to hug me.

“They are still aren’t getting along,” Sonata muttered into my mane as she hugged me as well.

“They will get over it. If I have to lock them in the same room together by god,” I slammed a hoof down on the ground.

“I hope so Sunset. I hope so.”

The doors swung open and Nurse Coldheart trotted out, pointing at me and Sunburst.

“Your sister wants to see you two first.”

“Okay,” I said and stood up, following her through the doors. Sunburst followed me as we trotted into the hospital room as Redheart left the room, giving me a final glare.

“Hey,” Spitfire said as she looked at me. “Good You’re here. Sit down.”

Sunburst and I looked at each other before sitting next to her on opposite sides of the bed.

“What’s up?” I asked finally as Spitfire looked down.

“I asked specifically for you two to sit here while they do the blood thingy,” Spitfire waved a hoof around.

“Blood transfusion,” Sunburst clarified as she pointed at him.

“Yes that thank you.”

“Okay but why us?” I asked as she inhaled. “Anypony could have. Soarin, Misty, Twilight-”

“I’m scared.”

“What?” I finally asked as my eyes widened slightly and Spitfire raised her head to look at me.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to be alone. I know you hate needles so you don’t gotta stay if you feel uncomfortable but I want at least one of you to stay with me,” Spitfire admitted as she dropped her voice to a whisper. “Please?”

“Y-yeah,” I muttered as I leaned over and nuzzled her. “Just didn’t think you wouldn’t admit something like that. I never thought you got scared.”

“I’m just like you and Sunburst,” Spitfire scoffed as she rolled her eyes. “Example, I was terrified when I led the Bolts against Tirek that one time. For myself and the other pegasus ponies I had recruited. Derpy, Cloudkicker, Cloudchaser, Flitter, Sassaflash, White Lightning, Raindrops and Blossomforth just to name a few. I think you get the point.”

“I think we got it,” Sunburst answered as he pushed his glasses up. “Of course we will stay with you.”

“Damn straight,” I agreed. “I don’t think Redheart likes me very much.”

“She doesn’t,” Spitfire admitted. “Especially not after you threatened to shove your hoof so far up her plot that she would need to see a doctor.”

I gave a nervous laugh as I rubbed the back of my head with my hoof.

“Yeah that may have happened yes,” I said. “She annoyed me though, asking me all sorts of questions and shit.”

“Fair.”

“So is this why you had us sit in on your surgery too?” Sunburst asked and flicked his tail slightly. “I thought it was fascinating but Sunset looked more sick at seeing your internal organs.”

“Please don’t say anything more,” Spitfire said as she raised a hoof and looked a bit green. “Or she won’t be the only one who will get sick.”

“Sorry.”

I yawned as Spitfire flopped back on her hospital bed and sighed. Her eyes flicked to the clock above the door as she rested her forelegs above her head.

“So Bon Bon told me something,” Spitfire said finally and looked at me.

“Oh God. What did she say?”

“That you cut yourself after something called the Fall Formal repeatedly because you were depressed after how you treated the school,” Spitfire said bluntly as Sunburst glared at me.

“Maybe I did,” I admitted after a moment. “It wasn’t a great time for me. Sure, mom did her best but I wasn’t exactly forthcoming for a bit there.”

“I know what it’s like to feel guilty about treating ponies poorly,” Spitfire admitted as she stared at me. “I tried to replace Soarin with Rainbow Dash for the Equestria Games just because he got injured. Rainbow tried to play both sides but ultimately chose Ponyville. She taught me a lot that day. Stuff I will admit I forgot about. And yes, stuff you had partially taught me. You’re loyal to your family. And then I called Rainbow Dash Rainbow Crash when she hated that nickname.”

“She didn’t tell you that until a good while after,” Sunburst pointed out.

“Still doesn’t justify it,” Spitfire shot back. “But if you ever try to kill yourself again, I’ll punch you so hard that you won’t remember me hitting you. Same if you manipulate anypony.”

“I understand,” I said as she nodded in satisfaction.

“And you two better not tell anypony about me admitting I’m scared! I don’t need that out there!” Spitfire snapped as Sunburst and I both laughed.

“We promise,” I said as I grabbed her hoof with mine. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

I gave a nod as Sunburst waved Redheart in.

Chapter XIII

Lyra

I paced back and forth of the hospital room as Sunset finally came back with Sunburst. The pair looked exhausted as Sunset flopped on a chair next to the Equestrian Rarity.

“How is she?” Raindrops asked finally. It was slightly weird to know more than one of my classmates counterparts were wonderbolts. Cloudkicker, Cloudchaser, Thunderlane and Bulk Biceps were sitting with the rest of the Wonderbolts. I didn’t know who Dizzy Twister was but she seemed nice the few moments I talked to her.

“She’s fine. Everything went well and she’s asleep. Doctors say she will be leaving in a few days.”

“That’s good,” Rainbow said as she spread her wings a bit. “So this is the human version of Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy?”

“Yeah,” Trixie said as Rainbow approached the three.

“Heard Rarity and Applejack hit you two,” Rainbow said casually as the looked at the human Rarity and Applejack. “And Fluttershy just said she disapproved of how you treated Sunset. When I see my counterpart, I’m aiming to knock her the buck out.”

The Wonderbolts gave the three angry looks as I smirked slightly.

“Tell mine I’ll be ready for her the day she comes here,” Raindrops sneered and cracked her neck. “I’ve been looking forward to letting out anger recently.”

“Yeah!” Bulk Biceps shouted as we all winced. That was one insane looking pegasus. How he flew, I’ll never know.

“Same here,” Cloudchaser said casually as she grinned. Thunderlane nodded his approval as he stretched.

“Me too,” he agreed as he finished stretching.

“You think we should warn them?” I whispered to Bon Bon who shook her head.

“Nah,” Bon Bon whispered back. “Get what they deserve. And I personally find a fight between two Rainbow Dashes very entertaining.”

“Huh. Weird, you usually are against violence,” I mused as she scoffed.

“You’re an influence. I blame you entirely for this.”

“Mh,” I shrugged again as she leaned against me. “You still love me though.”

“I hate when you’re right.”

I gave a chuckle as Twilight sat next to me.

“So how’s life?” Twilight asked curiously and flicked her one of her ears as we both shrugged.

“Life is good,” Bon Bon said and I nodded. “You?”

“Good. Adagio is naturally good. Haven’t had any real threats in Ponyville or Equestria so that’s a relief,” Twilight groaned as she rested her head on a table. “It’s like everyday there’s a new creature threating Equestria.”

“That’s a bonus I suppose. We haven’t really had anything major happen to us either,” I said and gasped as I looked at Bon Bon with wide eyes. “Oh fuck, that means we are in for something crazy happening to us.”

“Great,” Bon Bon groaned as Twilight laughed. “Time to prepare for yet more strain on my wardrobe.”

“I’m coming back with Sunset as is Adagio, Sonata and Aria. Princess Celestia plans to as well but don’t tell Sunset yet. It’s a secret between the three of us,” Twilight said as she held up a hoof and spoke quietly as I nodded and zipped my mouth shut with a hoof.

We all looked to Sunset laughing Soarin, Dizzy and Fluttershy. I for one am ready to go sleep in my own bed.

I stood in front of the portal with Bon Bon as we quickly said our goodbyes. I was surprised at how fast Spitfire was up and about. When we asked Twilight about it, she said alicorn blood healed ponies faster than usual. Lucky bastards.bacteria.

Sunset had been stunned to find to out Princess Celestia was coming along with Twilight back to the human world.

“But why?” Sunset asked as Celestia smiled faintly.

“I am quite interested in seeing this world you have called home for a good while. Don’t worry, I’m leaving an illusion of myself in charge. They won’t ever notice the difference.”

“Okay,” Sunset said as Trixie waved to counterpart before stepping through the portal. I counted to five before Bon Bon and I followed her. I clenched my eyes closed as we both tumbled on the ground.

“Ow my head,” I muttered as I pushed my self up. “Good to be back home. We have so much freaking homework I bet.”

The three of us looked up to see Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, Cheerilee, Diamond Tiara, Derpy, Silver Spoon and Scootaloo all giving us disapproving looks as we gulped.

“H-hey guys,” Bon Bon stammered as the statue glowed again and a tall white women in a long dress stepped through followed by Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight, Spike, Applejack, Spitfire, Sunburst and Sunset. Adagio, Aria and Sonata tumbled out and shakily stood up.

“Woah,” Trixie said in awe as we all took in Princess Celestia’s dress. Principal Celestia’s eyes widened slightly as she stared into her counterparts eyes.

“This place is quite unique,” Princess Celestia mused as Vice Principal Luna gave a long groan.

“Oh great,” Luna grumbled and folded her arms. “Now there is two of you.” We all burst out laughing as Luna rolled her eyes.

Derpy tackled Sunset as I smirked slightly and watched them kiss before Derpy pulled away.

“Me and you are going to have a long conversation about you just running away like that,” Derpy snapped as Cheerilee stood over Sunset.

“We all are,” Cheerilee corrected coolly as Sunset gulped nervously. “You have a few people to apologize to when we get home.”

“I’m not sure what these are,” Spitfire muttered as she examined her hands. She was wearing a dark blue military uniform with multiple medals on her chest.

“Hands,” Trixie said simply as she helped her up. “Where is Aria staying?”

“With me,” Bon Bon raised a hand. “We discussed it last night at the castle. I have a spare room we use for storage. Just gotta text Mom.”

“I feel I should be freaking out about this way more than I currently am,” Spitfire said dryly as she took an experimental step forward. “This is weird as heck.”

“Well let’s go home,” Cheerilee said as Derpy pulled Sunset up and grabbed her hand. “You too Sunburst, Spitfire and Princess Celestia. We will get you all sorted out with Sunset and I have a conversation.”

“Good luck,” Fluttershy whispered to Sunset who paled a bit.

“Thanks. I’ll freaking need it.”

I gave a yawn as I followed Bon Bon to her car that we had left here for almost two straight weeks.

I am so ready to go back to sleep.

Chapter XIV

Sunset

I gazed nervously at Mom and Derpy who sat in front of me with unreadable expressions. Spitfire and Sunburst had been shown to their rooms and were asleep thankfully. Princess Celestia was examining the TV in the living room.

“So how is she?” Derpy asked finally as I shrugged.

“Better. Had to jump through way too many hoops to get her this way. Stupid nurses,” I scoffed and shook my head.

“You know, there’s a thing called communication,” Mom said flatly. “We are mainly angry you told us literally nothing and just ran off. Now you have a bunch of homework to make up, detention and the fact that we all had to cover up for why you were gone. We wouldn’t have had to if you actually stopped and talked instead of just reacting.”

“I know. So I am grounded I take it?”

“I figured you’re getting punished enough at school. Don’t worry, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy all have detention with you so you aren’t alone on that front,” Mom said as Derpy stood up and walked up stairs. “And you also missed your sisters birthday. They were very upset, so you should probably apologize. They were both pretty angry.”

“I know. Are they here?” I asked hopefully and groaned when Mom shook her head.

“They are having a sleepover at Rarity’s with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. If it makes you feel better, Rainbow and the others did try to lie for you. Next time just talk before leaving please.”

“I understand,” I nodded and stood up. “Am I free to go?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna talk to Celestia for a bit. Go hang out with Derpy for a while. Her family is coming over for Thanksgiving along with Berry, Ruby, Cherry and Minuette by the way.”

I nodded as I hugged her before bounding up the stairs and pushing the door to my room open. I sighed as I looked around. It felt nice to be back home. Derpy stared at the TV, focused on her video game.

I glanced at it quickly enough to identify it as Mario Kart. Derpy let out a quiet curse as a turtle shell hit her. She groaned and shut the Nintendo off, setting the controller down.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Derpy answered as she flopped back on the bed and placed a pillow over her face, screaming into it. “I hate that track. Got me messed up. Can never win.”

“I can relate. So uh how was home?” I asked weakly as I sat next to her.

“Boring. School, hanging out with your sisters, which is always nice. Oh, Flitter and Cloudchaser got into a fight again in lunch. Both got suspended.”

“Thank the lord my sisters never fight each other like those two do. Was it over who was the best babysitter for Rumble again?”

“Mhm,” Derpy nodded as I stretched snd dragged a blanket over us and draped an arm over her as she gave an approving sound. “Oh you don’t know how much you miss something until it’s gone. Sleeping alone sucked. I didn’t realize how big our bed is when it’s empty.”

I gave a faint chuckle as we hugged. I couldn’t relate because I never slept alone in it but if she said it was large empty, then I’d take her word for it.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled into her hair. “Hopefully there isn’t a next time, but if there is, you all are obviously coming with me.”

“I’d hope so. It’s fine,” Derpy said as she laughed quietly. “Octavia has been going mad recently.”

“Why?”

“She hates when they start playing Christmas music at the end of October. It drives her absolutely mad. Last year, they started playing Christmas music on the first day of October at her job and she wanted to rip her hair out by the end of the first week.”

I pictured a mad Octavia and I gulped nervously. I quickly learned to never anger the nice or quiet ones. Rarity has seen Octavia furious once but she refused to talk about it. If it was that scarring, I didn’t want to see it.

“I can imagine. I missed you in my short two week absence.”

“Felt longer than two weeks,” Derpy grumbled as I picked up the TV remote and turned on the TV, going to our favorite cop show. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are mad by the way.”

“Mom told me. I’m a bit nervous, I’ve never seen them angry before.”

“Nor have I,” Derpy admitted as she propped herself up with a hand. “At least we start Thanksgiving break tomorrow. You have a lot of apologizing to do to me.”

“I said I was sorry!” I replied as Derpy gave me a sultry smirk. “Oh, I see. You mean that type of apologizing.”

“Yeah. About two weeks worth I’d say.”

“I can definitely do that,” I shrugged as Derpy smiled faintly.

“I’m sure you can. Where’s Twilight, Adagio, Sonata and Aria staying?”

“Aria is staying with Bon Bon, Adagio and Twilight are staying at Lyra’s and Sonata is staying at Trixie’s. Sonata and Trixie are surprisingly close, I didn’t expect that. Apparently Pinkie is joining them as well.”

“Oh. Hopefully Pinkie and Trixie don’t kill each other.”

“They won’t,” I said confidently. “Pinkie is too oblivious to know Trixie doesn’t like her all that much and Trixie won’t start drama in front of Sonata.”

“I hope you’re right,” Derpy sighed as she kissed my neck before she sat up. I did too. I wasn’t too surprised Lyra offered them rooms, she barely would have any visitors if it wasn’t for me and the others dropping by often. Lyra lived a surprisingly lonely life at home, it being just her.

“What are you doing?” I asked and blushed as Derpy took off her pajama shirt as my mouth went dry.

“You’re starting you apology tonight,” Derpy commented as I reached out a hand and she slapped it aside, pinning my hands above my head. “No talking or noises.”

“This is new,” I muttered with wide eyes. Derpy bit my neck as I groaned as she frowned.

“I said no talking. Shut the hell up.”

I nodded as she gave an approving smile.

“Good. Now stay quiet or I won’t do anything more to you.”

I weakly nodded as she slid under the blanket and I shivered.

Thank God Mom and the Princess were downstairs.

I didn’t exactly know when Derpy became this dominant but I was all for it.

Chapter XV

Lyra

I gave a yawn as I leaned against the row of lockers as I watched my classmates talking to their friends. This was the last day of school till Thanksgiving break. Trixie, Lightning, Applejack and Twilight were all talking next to me.

“So Trixie,” Twilight said as she pushed her glasses up. Her pony counterpart was at the band room on the other side of the school with Rainbow and Vinyl. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

“Dad is occupied and mom is working overnight so probably just putting something in the microwave for dinner. You?”

“Really?” Applejack asked and raised an eyebrow. “Thanksgiving should be with ya friends and family.”

“I’ll be fine,” Trixie said and I instinctively knew she was lying. She only used first person when she was serious or lying. Based on Applejacks face, she knew she was being lied to as well.

“Uh huh,” Applejack said and we all looked at each other.

“Trixie, wanna come over for Thanksgiving?” Twilight offered with a small smile. “Mom and Dad would love to have you. Cadence is coming with my brother like every year. We always have an empty seat.”

Trixie choked on a cracker and Applejack slammed a hand into her back. Trixie gave her a grateful nod before giving Twilight a stunned look.

“Why me? Lightning doesn’t have any plans with her family either,” Trixie pointed out.

“I’m hanging out with Fluttershys family this year. Last year I was with Rainbows. Derpy and Sunset’s families are getting together so,” Lightning pointed out. “Just say yes damn it. You deserve to be with some people who care about you.”

“Okay fine,” Trixie sighed as Twilight grinned.

“What about Watermelody? Why didn’t your girlfriend invite you to her families dinner?” I asked as Trixie inhaled.

“We haven’t introduced each other to our respective parents. We did briefly talk about it but decided to wait. Granted, she doesn’t know I don’t have any plans for that day so there is that.”

“We are going to have so much fun!” Twilight laughed as she hugged Trixie who stared at her before patting her on the back. “We can play video games and such!”

“You play video games?” Lightning asked with a disbelieving look.

“Yeah! Sunset got me into them. After my whole Friendship Games incident, Sunset and Derpy spent a lot of time with me. Mainly Sunset because of her former magical incident experience. Applejack and Fluttershy helped a lot too. Oh, and Lyra. You know what, everyone helped. Let’s just say that.”

I gave a faint chuckle as she and Trixie separated as Twilight handed Trixie a sticky note with her number and instructions to call her after school.

“I think deep down Sunset was a bit jealous of me,” Twilight commented suddenly and we all gave her confused looks.

“What do ya mean?” Applejack asked curiously as we watched Bright Idea and Scribble Dee hug.

“I mean, I had the entire school rallying behind me, being nice, helping me. Sunset never got that. She got bullied, pushed around and more,” Twilight said as Lightning and Trixie both flinched. They both hadn’t been entirely fond of Sunset pre battle of the bands.

I was partially grateful Octavia wasn’t here. She and believe it or not, Bon Bon had been the most cautious about Sunset but Bon Bon had been very quiet about her opinion. Octavia on the other hand was very public about it. I knew she still hated herself for it.

“Anyway,” Twilight continued. “She never really had support like that except from Cheerilee, her family, Derpy and the rest of the Rainbooms. She was probably jealous about that deep down. I would be if our roles were swapped.”

“Sunset always has been very independent. If she does feel that way, most likely she only told Derpy or her family,” Applejack said and shrugged. “Ain’t no point in dwellin in the past.”

“True that,” Lightning agreed as our classmates fell silent and stared in shock at Sunset walking with Spitfire. Her sister still wore her military uniform with medals all over and dress pants with black shiny shoes and sunglasses.

Derpy was next to Sunset as the two stopped next to the bathroom and they both disappeared inside.

“Her sister seems to be adapting well,” Lightning commented as we all watched Spitfire giving cold looks to the other classmates. I was glad to not be on the receiving end of her glare.

“Ah was pretty impressed. Ahm still surprised Sunset hasn’t helped her pick new clothes.”

“I mean, it’s only one day. Probably didn’t see a point and I think Rarity was dropping some stuff off for them tonight.”

I gave a shrug as a reply as Bon Bon and a small girl with red hair followed behind her.

“Hey Twist,” I grinned and hugged the girl.

“Hey Mith Lyra,” Twist said as she stretched and hugged me back.

“She’s coming to live with us. She arrived when we were all on our unofficial break,” Bon Bon grinned as we separated. “This is so awesome.”

“You’ve been around Dash too much. And don’t call me miss please, makes me feel old,” I said as I released Twist.

“Thorry Lyra.”

“Don’t sweat it,” I waved a hand lazily as I placed a hand on Bon Bons shoulder. “I’m so ready to go sleep. I have YouTube to watch as well.”

“And you have to come over to help with Thanksgiving,” Bon Bon pointed out with a wink. “Crazy to think we’ve been doing this for years.”

“Ah gotta catch up with Mac and Bloom. Ahll see yall around. Have a good Thanksgiving,” Applejack said as she pushed herself off the lockers as Apple Bloom walked past with Scootaloo.

“You too AJ,” Lightning said as Applejack ran after the two girls. “I gotta go catch up with Fluttershy. I’ll give you guys a call or something.”

“Bye!” Bon Bon waved as Lightning walked away. “You leaving too Trixie and Twilight?”

“Just waiting for my brother to come pick me and I’m telling my parents Trixie is joining us this year,” Twilight said as she put her phone away. “Hi Twist.”

“Hello!”

”School is now out, you’re all free to go. Have a good Thanksgiving!” Principal Celestia said over the intercom as I smiled at Octavia and Vinyl running past.

“Vinyl Scratch, I have had enough Christmas music at work! You are not making me listen to anymore until December!” Octavia shouted as Vinyl held out her head phones.

“Come on Tavi!”

“No!”

I looked at Twilight and Trixie as the five of us started laughing. While I felt sympathetic, Octavia was on her own here.

If I don’t bring attention to myself, Vinyl won’t submit me to that torture.

Chapter XVI

Sunset

“So what exactly do you do for Thanksgiving?” Sunburst asked curiously with a notebook pen ready as I laid lazily on the couch with Derpy resting her head on my lap. Spitfire sat across from us with Celestia and Twilight watching intently.

“You know, you spend time with your friends and family. Pretty much all there is to it I suppose,” I answered and shrugged.

“We should bring something like this back to Equestria,” Twilight mused as Celestia nodded.

“I agree,” Celestia said as the front door swung open.

“Hey girls!” Aunt Cherry waved as she walked in. Ruby and Dinky ran in after her and Dinky tackled Derpy.

“Dinks!” Derpy grinned as the two hugged.

“Hey Aunt Cherry. Mom is finishing up in the kitchen,” I said and she gave a grateful nod as Amethyst strode inside with Aunt Berry and Aunt Minuette. Derpy’s mom and dad followed after and Time Turner shut the door.

“Wow it got crowded in here,” Scootaloo commented as Ruby and I hugged. Scootaloo stood at the top of the stairs as Twilight and Celestia watched curiously.

“You could say that,” I chuckled as my aunts disappeared into the kitchen to talk to Mom.

“So you guys cook everything by your selves all the time? No servants?” Celestia asked as I shook my head.

“No servants. People rarely have them here. I help out cooking sometimes myself. I helped mom late last night after Derpy fell asleep.”

I decided it was best to leave out what else we got up to for a good three hours, especially considering her mom and dad were in the same room.

“Hey,” I said as Diamond Tiara walked past with Silver Spoon. The two looked at me before continuing to walk away. I gave a frustrated sigh as Derpy patted my shoulder.

“They’ll come around. They’re kids, they don’t understand things the same we do. We didn’t tell them why you left, that’s your job. They will understand after,” Derpy promised as we hugged. “Trust me.”

“I know.”

“What do you guys do after?” Twilight asked and leaned forward.

“Usually hang out, watch football. The Lions are playing and we are pretty all Lions fans here. Just spend time with each other,” Derpy answered with a smirk. “Berry is probably going to be intoxicated and will either stay the night or have Minuette drive them home.”

“Accurate,” I snickered as Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Scootaloo, can you please bring me my phone charger?”

Scootaloo nodded as she disappeared into mine and Derpy’s room.

“Hello dear,” Pit Stop said as she and Derpy hugged. “It’s been forever since you moved out. How is it here?”

“Great!” Derpy said excitedly. “Sunset is great, her mom is awesome and her sisters and brother are all cool. I see dad everyday at school so I already know how he is.”

Spitfire snickered slightly as I turned red and Twilight shot me a grin. Silver Spoon walked by and went outside before I could stop her. I’d have to talk to her after dinner then.

Sunset, can I borrow you to help with the table?” Aunt Cherry called out and I stood up.

“Yeah coming!”

I yawned as I rested on the couch in my spot I had reclaimed. Aunt Berry was naturally drunk as we all watched TV. Aunt Minuette and Time Turner was trying to explain the point of football to Celestia, Sunburst, Twilight and Spitfire.

“So who do you want to win?” Twilight asked me as Diamond Tiara walked past and I grabbed her arm.

“The Lions,” I said as I pulled Diamond Tiara next to me and Derpy.

“What the fuck?” Aunt Cherry shouted and I instantly covered my sisters ears. “Come on!”

“Oh my God, seriously?” Aunt Minuette scoffed as the other Equestrians gave stunned looks. “The Packers are the worst! How are we losing?”

“They take this sport seriously,” I whispered to Celestia and she nodded.

“I see.”

I removed my hands from Diamonds ears and made her look at me.

“I’m sorry I missed your birthday. You know I wouldn’t do something like that on purpose unless it was an emergency,” I hugged Diamond. “Today is supposed to be about family, so let’s maybe forget about this today?”

“Okay. You know, you could have had us move it to the hospital in Equestria. We would have been fine with a small get together,” Diamond commented as she hugged me back.

“I know. Trust me, everyone has been talking to me about my choices. And I’m sorry. Derpy, do you still have our gift for them?” I asked and my girlfriend nodded. “We will give you them later tonight. I don’t feel like moving after dinner so.”

“Don’t blame you,” Diamond giggled as I sighed contently. “Mom knows how to cook.”

“I helped!” I said defensively as she laughed. “I made the potatoes with Derpy along with other stuff!”

“I am quite impressed,” Celestia said as mom blushed. Celestia and Twilight sat with my siblings as the four watched the game intently. “Oh we scored. Is that that the term?”

“Yeah,” Amethyst said with a smile. “Or touch down. Both work. Where is Adagio?”

“She’s with Sonata and Aria at Lavenders for dinner. Lavender asked them and Fuchsia to come. Apparently today is the one day Adagio and Aria are willing to out their differences aside,” Twilight answered and sighed. “I’m happy about that at least. Still wish she was with me but oh well.”

“You remember our first Thanksgiving?” Mom asked suddenly as I smiled.

“Yeah. I was still in my self hatred phase and I told you to go to your sisters and leave me behind. Randomly at like five pm, you came into my room with two plates and the two of us just sat there on my bed, talking and watching movies. If I remember, we both fell asleep together on that bed,” I said fondly. “It seemed so different back then, just the two of us.”

“Things were simpler back then,” Mom agreed. “I think we’ve both come a long way, especially you.”

“Agreed,” Amethyst chimed in as Twilight nodded her approval.

“Are you serious?” Aunt Berry shouted at the TV. “How did we lose? I’m not drunk enough, where’s the beer?”

We all burst out laughing as I hugged Derpy and Diamond with one arm each. Celestia grinned at me as I blushed and watched my aunts take a shot.

I never thought Celestia would ever come to this world but it was oddly nice. Especially since she’s family too.

Author's Note

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Chapter XVII

Sunset

Derpy kept her hand over my mouth as I continously moaned into her hand, pushing my hips against her hand between my legs as she gave a smirk.

Derpy leaned over and kissed my forehead as I finished on her hand and I let out a final muffled cry as she removed her fingers.

“Aah aah haah,” I panted as Derpy gave a mischievous smile and licked me clean before curling up in a ball and rested her head on my chest.

“I’ve been practicing. Being more controlling during that and all like you liked. Did I uh do well?” Derpy asked in her normal shy tone as I nodded weakly.

“I’m impressed,” I answered as she handed me a bottle of water and I eagerly drank from it. “You learned a lot of stuff even I didn’t know about.”

The door opened and I pulled a blanket hastily over us. Spitfire stood in the doorway with a stern smile.

“What was going on in here?” Spitfire teased as she sniffed the air and gave a larger grin. “Somepony was getting dirty in here.”

“Shut up!” I snapped and turned even redder. “What do you need sis?”

“So uh I need your help,” Spitfire admitted as Derpy raised an eyebrow.

“With what?” I asked warily. I’d be a bit more open to helping her if we weren’t both well naked.

“I’m well bleeding and don’t know why,” Spitfire answered and I turned red once again.

“Meet me in the bathroom. Now get out so I can get dressed,” I sighed.

“Okay.”

“I cannot believe I have to do this,” I grumbled as I placed my hands on my hips. “I hope to God I don’t have to do this for Celestia.”

“So what exactly is going on? Do I have to see a doctor?” Spitfire asked as I handed her a package.

“Open that and put it inside you. It’ll ah deal with it temporarily. This happens every month here,” I answered uncomfortably as Spitfire raised an eyebrow.

“How haven’t you died? This world doesn’t even control the weather! This shit hurts,” Spitfire grumbled.

“Luck I guess,” I answered and unbuttoned her jeans I had given her. “I cannot believe I’m taking the pants of another girl off. Usually I only do this to Derpy.”

“How was it?” Spitfire teased with a grin. “Only me, Twilight and Sunburst are here. Quite a lot of interesting noises came from you two.”

“Mom was supposed to take you two with her,” I grumbled as I stood up and turned away. “She always takes my sister out of the house so we can be alone. You better not say a word about this to anyone.”

“What? That you took my pants off or that we heard you and your marefriend going at it?”

“Both.”

Spitfire gave a low chuckle as I tried hard to not listen to the noises behind me.

“Are you done yet?” I demanded. “I am really uncomfortable right now.”

“Yeah.”

“Thank fuck,” I muttered and opened the bathroom door. I promptly rushed down the stairs. Whatever got me the hell out of that bathroom.

Derpy, Sunburst, Twilight and Fluttershy were sitting with Lavender on the couch as Lavender gave Fluttershy an distrustful look.

“So what was going on upstairs?” Sunburst asked curiously as Derpy, Twilight and I blushed.

“Nothing. We were uh exploring,” I said as Fluttershy blushed as well.

“Is that we are calling it?” Lavender asked with a grin.

“Shush you.”

“So during you and Derpy’s uh alone time, Lavender mentioned she might get back with Brawly,” Twilight said with a blush.

“What?” I demanded and glared at Lavender. “Do I need to remind you what he did to you?”

“Maybe he isn’t a dick now?” Lavender offered as I rolled my eyes.

“He literally cheated on you and then cheated on the girl he cheated on you with. I don’t think that means he changed Lav,” I pointed out flatly. “I remember quite vividly me and Octavia having to hug you everytime you cried for weeks after. And then me and Vinyl jumping him in the alleyway near the school.”

“You did what?” Derpy snapped as everyone stared at me.

“Oops?” I offered weakly as they all groaned. Maybe I was meant to keep that a secret.

“Now that’s my sister,” Spitfire grinned as she ruffled my hair and I blushed. “Good shit.”

“Not good stuff!” Twilight chimed in as she held her head in her hands. “Oh my stars Sunset! I can’t believe you did that.”

“He hurt my friend. Plus one of the few who actually believed me as innocent so it felt extra good to hit him,” I shrugged nonchalantly as Twilight gave me a confused while my sister looked angry.

“What do you mean innocent?” Twilight asked and I realized we had never told this world’s Twilight about all that drama. I inhaled and then told her everything and she surprisingly looked angrier with each passing moment as did my sister and brother. “I can’t believe they did that! Our friends?” Twilight gazed at Fluttershy who hid under a pillow.

“Yeah but it’s fine now. They’re re-earned my trust back,” I reassured her as Lavender shot a look back to Fluttershy.

“Not all of ours trust,” Lavender muttered as Derpy placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. Fluttershy shuddered and Twilight hugged her.

“Wait when did Lavender even get here?” I asked suddenly and stares at her. Lavender gave a shrug as a response.

“Got bored at home so I figured I’d drop by and see what’s going on here. I came here while you were uhm over halfway done with your exploration,” Lavender admitted with a blush.

“I see,” I said and rubbed the back of my head. “So what do you wanna do?”

“I mean we could always head to Lyra’s and practice for our new song,” Twilight suggested. “Maybe your siblings and Princess Celestia might be interested.”

I gave a nod as Derpy shrugged. That was fine by me I guess.

“Yeah that works. I’ll send a text,” I said as Twilight nodded.

“What’s it like to play guitar?” Sunburst asked curiously as I gave him a grin.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, trust me.”

There was only a few things better than playing guitar and they were pretty much friends and family.

Chapter XVIII

Spitfire

I stood in a large room groaning along with Princess Celestia and Sunburst as Twilight smiled faintly.

“First few car rides are always an experience,” Twilight giggled as Sunset and Lyra set up some shiny metallic items with cords.

“I see that,” Princess Celestia said as she sat up straighter. “What is this room?”

“It’s where we record all our songs and practice. We call it the studio but it’s actually just Lyra’s basement,” Rarity admitted. “Sunset and her friends used it before they extended their gracious invitation to us as well.”

“I see. So we will be getting a royal performance?” Princess Celestia asked curiously as Sunset chuckled and nodded.

“Lavender is gonna be practicing a song that she is gonna perform at our next show,” Trixie explained as Sunset lifted up a guitar and strummed it experimentally before giving a satisfied nod.

I didn’t know much about the blonde haired girl except that she was especially confident of herself and was close to Sunset. I’d say Sunset had more friends than I did in all honesty and I felt a pang of jealously that I quickly shoved down.

No need to be jealous. This is one of the few things my sister and I don’t have to compete with each other over. Besides, I have Sunset, Sunburst and Soarin. Apparently my sister’s friends like me a lot too surprisingly.

“You look better when I’m drunk, you look better. You look better when I’m drunk, you look better,” Rainbow started with a faint smile as Lavender took a step forward.

“It’s the right night to make the wrong moves, got a bad case of nothing to lose. When the light’s out, we have an excuse
is this romance or is it the juice?” Lavender sang as she glowed a lavender color.

“I might be crazy but I think tonight has only begun. You’re not my normal type but we can make an exception,” Adagio sang and shot Princess Twilight a wink who promptly blushed.

“A little less thinking and a lot more drinking that’ll work for me tonight. When the room starts spinning and we stop sinning, I begin to realize,” Lavenders voice raised as she stood with a confident smile in front of us. “You look better when I’m drunk. You look better drunk, you look better drunk, you look better drunk, you look better when I’m drunk.”

“It’s about time I learned my lesson, this lesson under my skin. it’s a new night, a new location so I wait for the buzz to kick in,” Lyra, Lightning and Rainbow sang.

“A little less thinking and a lot more drinking that’ll work for me tonight. When the room starts spinning and we stop sinning, I begin to realize,” Lavender sang as Princess Celestia gave an impressed look her way. “You look better when I’m drunk. You look better drunk, you look better drunk, you look better drunk, you look better when I’m drunk.”

“Hey DJ, spin the soundtrack to bad decisions,” Bon Bon, Derpy, Octavia, Fluttershy and Rarity sang. I won’t act like some music expert but their voices blended together very well. “And these drinks make me lose my self-control.”

“Hey DJ, spin the soundtrack to bad decisions,” Pinkie and Sci Twi sang. “And these drinks make me lose my self-control.”

“You look better when I’m drunk, you look better. You look better when I’m drunk, you look better. You look better, you look better when I’m drunk,” Lavender finished as she inhaled. “Haven’t sang like that in a minute, good lord.”

“For a world that doesn’t have regular town sing alongs,” Princess Celestia began as they all gave us hopeful looks. “You all sing very well. I miss Sunset’s singing, it used to echo down the castle halls.”

Sunset turned bright as the others all gave laughs as Derpy wrapped an arm around her.

“She is very good at singing. I love hearing it. She sings in the shower often,” Derpy teased as Rainbow laughed.

“Not the only singing she does,” I muttered under my breath as Rarity choked on the water she had been drinking. I forgot she had worked her way over to me.

“How did you all do that glowing thing?” Princess Celestia asked as they all shared a look with Twilight.

“We pony up whenever we play instruments or sing. Or display true parts of ourself,” Twilight explained. “Magic for me and Sci Twi, loyalty for well Lyra now. Equality for Lavender, she and Starlight get along very well because of that view.”

“And these geodes,” Rainbow said and handed one to Princess Celestia. “I can’t believe you’re related to Spitfire! That’s so awesome!”

“Most definitely came from the tree of harmony. How, I don’t know. Most likely from Starswirl somehow or Clover the Clever,” Princess Celestia reasoned as she handed the geode back. “I can feel the magic in it.”

“You can just feel magic?” Fluttershy asked curiously as she tilted her head.

“All Equestrians can,” Sunburst confirmed. “Adagio, Aria and Sonata can as well as Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia, Spitfire, Sunset and myself. Most likely coming from Equestria where magic is very prevalent for all three tribes.”

“And me!” Spike growled as the dog jumped out of Pinkies hands. “Now where is my counterpart? I wanna play tug of war!”

“Outside,” Sonata said as she pointed. Spike took off with barks as Sci Twi laughed. “Wait, I’m coming too!”

I gave a rare laugh as Sunburst raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Where is my counterpart?” I asked suddenly. “I wanna talk to her.”

“Most likely at her house. You can see her tomorrow if you wish,” Sunset said casually as she squeezed Derpys hand.

“I’d like that,” I said as Applejack and Octavia both gave me wary looks.

“Why do ya wanna see her?” Applejack asked suspiciously as I shrugged.

“No reason. I just want to have a conversation with myself,” I said as I stared into their eyes. Main part of lying was to maintain eye contact. Breaking it is a sign of guilt.

Me and my counterpart were going to have a few words.

Author's Note

So I've done thinking about what singers voices would work best for the group. We already know Sunsets and the Rainbooms along with Trixie, Lavender and Fuchsia but the others haven't sang in the movies. Not where we heard them at least.

Lightning: Syd Duran from Valora.

Bon Bon: Amy Lee from Evanescence.

Lyra: Jen Ledger from Skillet.

Vinyl: Izzy Hale from Halestorm.

Derpy: Faith Hill.

Octavia: Nita Strauss.

And all rights belong to the original owner of the song used, as always.

Chapter XIX

Spitfire

“She’s right there,” Sunset pointed as we approached a track where I could see my counterpart in a blue shirt and shorts with a whistle hanging around her neck.

“Thanks,” I said as I straightened my hat. I had opted to put on my Wonderbolt uniform instead of what Sunset calls street clothes. Might as well use the intimidation factor of it to my benefit. “Hey you!”

My counterpart flinched as the people on the track froze and looked at her as she slowly turned to face me. Her eyes widened as I approached her, taking my sunglasses off and hanging them on my shirt.

“Me?” Spitfire asked and pointed at her self. I idly felt weird talking to myself and hearing her reply. Have I always sounded that way?

“Yes you,” I growled and stood in front of. “Sunset, leave us.”

“Are you sure about that sis?” Sunset asked warily as my counterparts eyes widened further.

“Sis?” Spitfire asked as she gave us confused looks.

“I’m sure,” I said as I ignored the question.

“I’ll be over here but I won’t leave,” Sunset answered as I stifled a groan. She walked over to the bleachers as I examined my counterpart closely.

“You know, my own sister was terrified to see me when she came home,” I sneered as I walked around her slowly in a circle like a shark circling it’s prey. “And when she finally did see me, she was afraid of me. I know you stuffed her into a locker repeatedly after this Fall Formal thing. And don’t even get me started on the anon a miss issue.”

“I-”

I cut my counterpart off as I punched her in the jaw and she slammed into the grass face first. The others gasped and my sister stood up.

“I deserved that,” Spitfire admitted as she sat up and rubbed her chin.

“You’re damn right you did,” I agreed angrily as I pulled her up to her feet. “I’m not used to this body so you should be grateful. If I was in my pegasus body, I’d have broken your jaw with my hoof.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry,” Spitfire sighed as she wiped some blood off her lip. “Sunset has proven to be a way better person than me. Soarin can vouch for that.”

I grabbed her shirt and punched her again as her head whipped to the left and the others gasped again.

“I think she’s had enough,” a girl who sounded like Misty Fly stepped forward.

“Shush Misty,” I snapped as she gawked.

“H-how do you know my name?”

“Call it intuition,” I snapped as I focused on my counterpart. “If I have to talk to you again about this, we are gonna have problems and it’ll end up with you in a full body wing and hoof cast drinking through a straw!”

“I don’t have wings ma’am,” Spitfire said sheepishly as I narrowed my eyes.

“Is that attitude I hear?” I shouted as she shuddered. “La-dee-doodle-dah! Lemme give you a different scenario then! Picture me breaking all your limbs and leaving you in a full body wing and hoof cast!” I didn’t care if she had no wings, it’s about scaring her into compliance.

“I think she gets the poin-” Sunset started as I spun around to face her, realized the entire school was staring in fear.

“I’m not finished!” I shouted as my sister straightened and nodded. I turned around to face well, me. “Listen, I understand where you’re coming from because I’m you in a way. But we never put our fellow ponies in danger, no matter what they’ve done unless all. And you made my sister afraid of me.”

“I under-” Spitfire began.

“You think you all have it made in the shade? Well, you’re be in the shade indeed because you can’t go outside because you’re in a full body wing and hoof cast drinking through a straw!” I screamed and shook her. “Do I make myself clear?”

“U-uh huh,” Spitfire responded shakily.

“Excellent, have a sticker,” I beamed and pulled out a sticker I had found in my pocket. I handed her it as she stared at it in confusion. I stepped a few feet away as the entire school stepped back in fear as one.

“Your sister is terrifying,” I heard Spitfire whisper to Sunset as I hid a smug grin. “Please remind me to never make her angry again. I’m her and I’m not even that scary.”

“You’re scary as hell,” Fleetfoot scoffed. “And well, based on that show, I don’t think the school will ever mess with Sunset ever again.”

“How did you grow up with her?” Spitfire asked as I watched with an eagle eye.

“That was her drill instructor mode,” Sunset answered. “For Wonderbolt camp and training Twilights guard. Trust me, she put the fear of God into me when she trained me. Spitfire is a firm believer of tough love.”

“Clearly,” Spitfire grumbled as she blew her whistle. “Back to practice! I didn’t give you all permission to stop, now did I?”

“Practice for what?” I asked curiously as Sunset finally walked back over.

“Track. She and Rainbow split leader ship responsibilities three ways with her, Rainbow and Indigo Zap,” Sunset explained I followed her to the school doors.

“Indigo goes to school here?”

“Yeah so does Sugarcoat, Sour Sweet, Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare. None of the other Guards counterparts are here. I don’t even think Wallflower, Sunbeam, Glimmer Shine, Berry Blast or Blitz exist over here.”

“Gotcha. Think I scared her?” I smirked as Sunset held the door open for me.

“Spitfire, I think you scared everyone.”

“Then my job is done. Now no one will mess with you.”

“Spitfire, they haven’t messed with me in almost two years. I doubt they would start now. "

“Well, now they have an extra reason not to,” I grinned even wider as Sunset gave a frustrated smile and shook her head.

“Just go get changed. And watch out, Principal Celestia might be talking to you about this if anyone tells.”

I rolled my eyes as I took her bag that she put spare clothes in for me and stood outside the bathroom. I will admit, I was curious to see what her school life was like.

But first, I had to change as she said.

Author's Note

If you can guess the episode that words were used during the Spitfire/ Spitfire thing in this chapter, you're awesome.

Chapter XX

Spitfire

I stared around me and Sunburst at the lunch room. In a way, it reminded me of the Wonderbolts lunch room. Thunderlane and Cloudchaser were sitting next to each other as Thunderlane was apparently in a hoof wrestling match with a person I suspected to be Bulk Biceps.

Sunset and Rarity along with Vinyl had made our lunch trays. Thankfully it was all vegetarian.

“I’m gonna sit with Fluttershy, Sweet Leaves and Fuchsia,” Sunburst said and smiled at me. “Wanna join us?”

“No, I don’t want to join you and your marefriends, especially after whatever you and Sweet Leaves were doing last night.”

“We were up to nothing!” Sunburst said hastily as I grinned and made a sucking sound as I moved my fist up and down to my mouth with my cheek stuck out. “That is not what was happening!”

“Sure sounded like it.”

“Well, it wasn’t. We were watching a horror movie on her laptop with Fuchsia.”

I gave him a wicked grin along with a wink.

“So Fuchsia was watching Sweet Leaves go down on you? Or did the two take turns?” I asked with a mischievous grin. “Or did they each pick a side?”

“You are insufferable some days. We were not doing that,” Sunburst grumbled with an eye roll.

“I’m joking, you know that right?”

“Yes, you’ve been spending too much time with Rainbow, Pinkie and Lyra.”

I gave a chuckle as I watched him walk over to Sunsets table and sit next to Fuchsia and Sweet Leaves across from Fluttershy.

I could probably sit with my sister or just hang out alone. While I did secretly enjoy company of other ponies, I did like quiet sometimes. My eyes drifted to Sunset who pointed to a table with a bright haired girl and a girl with goggles that seemed familiar.

With a shrug, I walked over to the table and sat down.

“Yo Spitfire!” Indigo grinned and slapped me on the back. “You really showed your human counterpart the what for!”

“That was a bit uncalled for,” Sugarcoat stated and pushed her glasses up. “Though I do respect how protective you are of your sister.”

“It was very admirable,” Sunny Flare offered with a smile. “What can we do for you, dear Spitfire?”

“Sunset suggested I sit with you. She really wanted me to come to school with her today and I couldn’t resist those puppy dog eyes. Plus, I got to deal with my counterpart.”

“Our table is always open dearie. Tell us, what was Sunset like growing up?” Sunny Flare asked and leaned forward.

“Completely different from how she is now. She had a rude side that she doesn’t show much anymore. She still doesn’t take shit from anypony but didn’t have many friends. She only had two from what I remember when we were fillies.”

“I heard she was a bit of a bully until senior year,” Indigo commented as Sour snatched off Lemons headphones and handed them to her. “Kinda like how Crystal Prep was. She had some similar actions to how some did back there, blackmail, threats the like.”

“I know,” I gritted my teeth slightly. “Me and her had words about that back home. I was no better with Soarin, trying to replace him. In all honesty, Sunburst is the most innocent of the three of us.”

“I can believe that,” Sour admitted. “Tell us more.”

“Well, Sunburst got bullied once. Me and Sunset beat the colt up together. I may or may not have vowed to look after both of them that day. We were only seven or so at the time and he was about four or five. Dad spanked the Tartarus out of our plots for choosing violence but he did respect that we stood up for our brother.”

“Isn’t it a bit hypocritical for him to spank you two for being violent?” Sugarcoat pointed out.

“Dad was unique. He did the things he did because he wanted to teach us. He loved us a lot,” I replied hotly, a bit angry at her word choice. “He knew when to punish us and when to be kind, just like any father. Or well, any good father I should say. I never did get to thank him or mom for all they did.”

“Can’t relate,” Sour Sweet said after a moment. “Are they-”

“Dead? Yes they are.”

“I would have used a bit more tact but I am sorry to hear that dearie. Sunset doesn’t talk about her parents much to anyone except her family and Derpy. She’s only made offhand comments about her biological mother and father being amazing.”

“They were,” I admitted fondly. “You all saw me beating myself?”

“Girl, the whole school saw!” Lemon Zest announced. “I’ve never seen Sunset be scary before so I can’t speak on her but you are defo intimidating dude! For real!”

“Facts,” Indigo added. “Remind me to never get on your bad side. So what do you do in Equestria?”

“I’m the leader of the Wonderbolts, it’s a military unit. We rarely get activated for military operations so we do air shows. We only got activated during the changeling invasions and Tirek. We were in the far side of Canterlot during the first invasion dealing with changelings and the second time we were in the Crystal Empire detaining the ones who took Shining Armors spot along with Princess Cadence and Princess Flurry Heart.”

“Huh, she doesn’t have a daughter here. Maybe Sci Twi should get ready to be an aunt,” Sunny Flare mused with a smile. “So exciting!”

“I suppose.”

“So what rank are you then?” Indigo pressed as I examined my salad.

“Captain. Sunset technically outranks me because she is a commander in the guard but she often defers to me and looks to me for advice,” I answered as I stabbed some lettuce with a fork and gave an experimental chew. Not bad for a world that primarily eats meat.

“Any more good Sunset stories?” Sour Sweet asked as I swallowed my salad and gave a mischievous grin.

“Well, there was this one time.....”

Chapter XXI

Lyra

“What do you think about coming to my house for Christmas?” Bon Bon asked as we walked down the hallway side by side.

“I don’t know,” I sighed as I shifted my backpack slightly.

“You okay?” Bon Bon asked worriedly as she squeezed my hand.

“I’m fine.”

“You suck at lying.”

“I might just skip Christmas this year,” I admitted as she raised an eyebrow.

“Parents?” Bon Bon asked and I nodded. “It sucks I know. But you’re welcome at my house whenever. My mom adores you.”

“We will see.”

Bon Bon frowned slightly and squeezed my hand reassuringly. It wasn’t I hated Christmas, quite the opposite but the house always felt empty.

Sunset rolled in front of us with her sister on top of her as the pair slammed into a locker with a bored looking Sunburst behind them.

“What are you two doing?” Bon Bon cried out as we both moved to separate them. Spitfire threw Sunset into a locker as everyone in the hallway gasped and I grabbed Sunset.

“Hey what gives?” Sunset demanded.

“You’re fighting your sister, that’s what!”

Bon Bon placed a hand on Spitfires chest as the two fiery haired girls laughed.

“We’re playing!” They both said in unison.

“What?” Bon Bon asked.

“They’re wrestling,” Sunburst said helpfully. “They used to do it everyday as fillies. It annoyed me to no end because they always play fought when I was reading in the living room.”

“Shush you,” Spitfire sneered. “You and Starlight did the same thing!”

“I did what?” Starlight called out from the crowd.

“Different Starlight!” Sunset called back.

“Oh!”

“We probably shouldn’t have done this here,” Sunset admitted sheepishly as she blushed faintly. “She was talking shit.”

“I was what?” Spitfire snapped and grabbed Sunset’s head with her arm. “Come here damn it!”

I watched Spitfire rubbing Sunset’s head aggressively with her spare hand as Sunset flailed around and failed to get away. My smirk grew slightly wider as we all stepped away.

“Maybe we should let them be for now,” Bon Bon said as Sunset finally broke from the head lock and tackled Spitfire as the pair laughed.

“Do you do this with Twist?” I asked curiously as Sunset pinned Spitfire down with her knee on her chest.

“What? No! She’s too young for this rough playing!”

I held my hands up protectively.

“Just checking.”

I sat lazily on the couch as I watched the snow fall yet again on my windows. Twist and Bon Bon sat with me as we quietly watched outside.

“Is that a yes to coming to my house for Christmas?” Bon Bon asked quietly as Twist played on my phone. “You know how much we all worry about you in this house.”

“I guess. Just not feeling Christmas this year right now I guess. Which is weird but I have everything I want already. Ya know, Derpy, Vinyl, you, even Trixie and Fluttershy. And Twist of course.”

“Why not Lyra? Chrithmath is the coolest time! Dinky and I are planning to go sledding even it thows. Wanna come with?” Twist offered hopefully and I melted a bit at her expression.

“Yeah of course kid.”

“Do I get to come?” Bon Bon pouted as I laughed quietly.

“Of course thith! Apple Bloom and her sister might join us too if everything goes right. I keep hearing about anon a miss. What’s that?”

Bon Bon and I looked at each other, having a silent argument. We had wanted to keep it a secret from her sister but I guess she did overhear Sunset’s sister mention it during her intimidation of her human counterpart.

“Your friends Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo did something really bad and hurt a really close friend of ours pretty bad. She wasn’t the same for a good while after wards and it hurt us all to see,” I began and paused to sip my hot chocolate.

“It was like our friend wasn’t herself anymore,” Bon Bon took over. “In a matter of three weeks, all of her confidence was gone and she was depressed. It was like the person we knew and loved had died in a way.”

“But I thought you loved Lyra?” Twist pointed out.

“I do,” Bon Bon laughed. “But I love this person in a completely different way. She might be family one day after all.”

“Anyway, it was worse for Cheerilee because that was the second time she had to see Sunset depressed and with like no confidence. Cheerilee despised the Rainbooms for a long time afterwards and she almost never hates people,” I said.

“Thunset is nice to me.”

“She’s nice to everyone now,” I agreed readily. “Of course she wasn’t always that way but people change. But anyway, they framed her for something she didn’t do and everyone instantly hated her again. It was like all her hard work was for nothing.”

“Why?” Twist asked curiously and I sighed. “Scootaloo is her sister though.”

“Well she wasn’t always her sister. And they were all jealous Sunset was spending time with their sisters and sister figure. It was a tense time for everyone in the school. It’s why Sunset’s sister went off on her counterpart.”

“Are both Spitfires twins or something? How is there two of them?” Twist asked as I smirked slightly.

“Maybe one day soon we will show you. But we gotta ask Sunset first. Security and all,” I said as someone knocked on the door. “I’ll get it.”

I stood up and strode over to the door, opening it slightly to reveal a woman with flowing hair.

“Princess Celestia?” I asked curiously as she nodded. “What can I do for you?”

“I’d like to speak to you in private. Mainly about your friendship with Sunset,” she answered and I raised an eyebrow.

“Not much to tell. She’s my girl, do anything for her. What ya wanna know?”

“I’m talking to all of her friends,” Celestia answered and I stepped aside to let her in. “Thank you. Now where can we speak? Is Bon Bon here?”

“Yeah, she is. We can talk in my room,” I said as we walked past the living room and Bon Bon gave me a confused look.

I shrugged in reply and gestured for Celestia to follow me upstairs.

Chapter XXII

Celestia

I examined the bedroom I sat in as Lyra shut the door. She had a mint green guitar on a guitar stand near a closet door with a box that Sunset called a TV and multiple consoles hooked up to it.

Mythological creature statues decorated the room, creatures that I recognized and hadn’t seen in a millennia.

“So uhm what’s this about?” Lyra asked hesitantly as she sat on a beanbag across from me. “I didn’t break some weird Equestrian law, did I?”

“No not at all,” I gave a laugh as she visibly relaxed. “I’m just curious, how did you and Sunset become friends?”

“She and Derpy became friends after the Fall Formal. Obviously, they became way more than just friends in recent times but minor detail. Anyway, I wanted to make sure Derpy was safe around Sunset so I tagged along to one of their sleepovers after Micro Chips tripped Sunset in the lunch room. Sunset had actually been afraid of me, which I’ve never had anyone ever be afraid of me.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen Sunset afraid. Probably the first few times she had came to Canterlot from her small farm town to study under me. And the changeling kingdom when she was being choked out by Chrysalis.

I vaguely remember watching Lyra and Bon Bon try to get out and help her along with Rainbow, Twilight, Applejack and myself till Octavia had came out of nowhere and tackled Chrysalis.

“So what element do you represent again?” I asked curiously as Lyra gave a large grin.

“Loyalty, duh. Thought that was kinda obvious. I do anything for my friends. Not like I really have anyone else to show it to,” Lyra shrugged as her face fell and she smiled.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Look around. Do you see my parents?” Lyra asked and I shook my head. It was normal for ponies to move out during high-school in Equestria. “They’re always on tour with their band. It’s how I learned how to play guitar and sing. They’re never home so Bon Bon or Rarity or Derpy are always here to spend time with me.”

“They sound like good friends,” I smiled at the mint haired girl. “Luna showed me Sunset’s dreams. You are in quite a lot of them. I know she values you a lot. That’s the reason she considers you the second in command of her group.”

“S-she does?” Lyra asked as her bright gold eyes widened as a faint blush crossed her face. “Uh she dreams about me?”

“Yeah she does. All of you play a role in her group. Lightning, Rainbow and Aria are obviously brute strength, you and Octavia give unbiased opinions. Fluttershy, Pinkie and Derpy are the most optimistic people I’ve ever met. Need I continue?”

“I get you.”

“And for what it’s worth, you’re always allowed in the Canterlot castle if you need to get away or want some advice,” I suggested as a smile tugged at my lips. “After all, Bon Bon is related to Applejack. Applejacks sister is dating Sunset’s little sister and Sunset is related to me. We might be related one day. I saw you trying to get out of the changeling prison to save Sunset so I approve of being related to you.”

Lyra gave a smile as she nodded. “Anything else?”

“Send Bon Bon up please.”

I stared at the pink and blued girl sitting across from me with a nervous expression. Lyra had been a bit more better at hiding her nervousness than her marefriend was.

“So Bon Bon,” I began as she gulped. “What’s your element?”

“Generosity Princess,” Bon Bon bowed her slightly and I sighed.

“Celestia is fine. So how did you become Sunset’s friend?”

“Well, she vandalized Lyra’s chances to be Fall Formal Princess one year. Lyra cried a lot about it and stuff. Sunset made a whole new ceremony and crowned Lyra the Fall Formal princess and gave her the crown. I became a lot more open to Sunset after that and went to a sleep over. She was well, nervous about it. Sunset pulled all the stops to make me comfortable even though I was happy to just be with her, Derpy and Lyra.”

“I see. So what about now?”

“I adore Sunset. She’s a pretty nice person. I mean, sure she has her moments where she gets angry or makes mistakes but she’s human. It’s expected to make mistakes. And my sister loves her too.”

I gave a faint smile as Bon Bon shrugged.

“Pretty much all. Sunset stood up for me a few times even when she was a bully because of some unsavory types coming after me for liking Lyra. She didn’t have to do that but she did and I still wasn’t sure about her after the Fall Formal until Lyra mentioned she was hanging out with her. It was a mistake not following Derpy’s example and befriending Sunset right away,” Bon Bon looked away with a sigh. “She will probably replace me one day once she knows I was afraid of her.”

“She already knows,” I said as Bon Bon gulped. “She won’t replace you. Sunset loves you just as much as you and Lyra love her. And it’s to be expected a few would be wary about her. If I remember correctly, you defended Sunset during anon a miss alone against Rarity multiple times.”

“I did yeah,” Bon Bon admitted sheepishly. “That was the closest I ever came to a fist fight. That whole situation was the first time I ever heard Derpy curse when she called Norman a uh bitch. We were all stunned. It was slightly ironic really, we all were against the former bearers. Me and Rarity were at odds, Lyra and Rainbow which scared me because Rainbow is stronger, Octavia and Applejack which again scared me because Applejack is stronger, Vinyl and Pinkie, Derpy and Fluttershy.”

I winced slightly at that. The idea of Fluttershy of all ponies being at odds with someone was stunning. Then again, her pony version did stand up for herself when necessary and encouraged to.

“You know Sunset admires you right?” I asked as Bon Bon snorted.

“Please, me? Sunset is literally the one who freed me and the others from the sirens with the Rainbooms. Sunset is the one who fought Chrysalis with no magic to try to protect us. I watched her fight her and I was terrified and crying. I thought my best friend was about to die. She has nothing to admire me for.”

“Uh who’s the one who randomly brought her a cake after she missed her birthday?” I asked pointedly. “Even though it wasn’t her fault. She thinks you’re way stronger than her in more ways than one. I can confirm you’re a good friend to her. She will need you and I’ll need to tell her all this in the future.”

“Why?” Bon Bon asked warily. “Is some crazy drama gonna go down again?”

“I’m not sure but if it does, she will need you to help her. Thank you for being her friend Bon Bon,” I smiled warmly as I hugged her.

She gave me a stunned look before hugging me back.

Chapter XXIII

Octavia

I sat on Sunset’s bed with Vinyl and Derpy as Princess Celestia’s eyes drilled into us. I had been summoned along with Vinyl to meet her and I didn’t entirely know why. I had heard she talked to Lyra and Bon Bon but they didn’t tell us about what.

“So Octavia. How did you become friends with Sunset?” Princess Celestia asked finally as I inhaled.

“After the battle of the bands.”

“Not before like the rest of your friends?” Celestia inquired curiously.

“No ma’am. I loath to admit I hated Sunset,” I admitted as Derpy tensed up and Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Not anymore obviously loves. Sunset and I were academic rivals back then and she was very aggressive in beating me down verbally to be the best. Nowadays, it’s just a friendly rivalry that we have fun with.”

“I see. And you represent what? Laughter?”

Vinyl burst out laughing as Derpy gave a faint smile. Celestia raised an eyebrow as I glared at my girlfriend.

“Octavia represent laughter?” Vinyl gasped as she pushed her self back up. “Nah, she represents honesty. She can be blunt and no nonsense when she wants to be. That was her whole personality when I first met her. She was shy as heck too. Girl didn’t even know what a root beer float was till Lyra, Bon Bon, Derpy and I took her to a rolling rink.”

“And I take it you are laughter then?” Celestia asked curiously. Vinyl nodded as she finished laughing. “I can see why. I was told about a prank involving cupcakes that had ranch in them you gave to the rainbooms.”

“And hot sauce!” Vinyl added proudly with a grin. “And ex lax brownies!” Princess Celestia gave a disgusted look before giggling to my shock.

“How did you two become friends with Sunset?” Celestia asked as she focused on on Vinyl and Derpy.

“Before the battle of the bands about a week or two,” Vinyl answered. “Bon Bon introduced us and Sunset doesn’t mind the wubs which is awesome!”

“The wubs?” Celestia asked in confusion and I coughed into my fist.

“Don’t ask,” I muttered under my breath as she nodded.

“And I became friends with Sunset after I offered her some muffins and hung out with her a bit with Fluttershy and Applejack. The four of us often picked apples at the orchard or went to the pound. She’s adorable if you get to know her,” Derpy said with a blush. “Especially when she’s asleep, she looks so carefree.”

“So you must be kindness then?” Celestia asked with a smile and Derpy nodded sheepishly. “I’m well acquainted with your Equestrian counterpart after me and Luna defended her against some royals bullying her for her eyes and flying when she delivered a package to the castle. You’re a good match for it, I wonder what would happen if you were my world’s element of kindness instead of Fluttershy. And you two are involved I take it?”

“Yeah. We’ve been dating for almost two years now. It’s been very nice for us both,” Derpy said as she smiled and looked to a picture of us all smiling in front of our school with Derpy and Cheerilee’s arms wrapped around Sunset with Vinyl and my hands on her shoulders. Rainbow and the others stood next to us with smiles except Applejack who was asleep. Bon Bon was mid yawn and Rarity was forcing a large smile on her face. “These girls are the first people to not judge me for my eyes and especially Sunset. She actually finds them adorable which stunned me. I never expected that.”

“Believe it or not, Sunset always was kind to disabled ponies around Canterlot. She had a very brutal way of dealing with their bullies. Primarily by beating them up. She thought I didn’t know but I did. While I don’t approve of her way of handling them, the Canterlot ponies never disrespected disabled ponies ever again,” Celestia admitted with a faint smile. “You three are very good friends to her and I’m quite proud of you Octavia. I saw you save Sunset’s life that one time. It’s not easy to forgive someone who treated you badly and you did.”

I smiled and shrugged. She had a point I guess. I almost forgot about Sunset bullying me and stealing my homework repeatedly.

“Yes well she is quite a lovely young woman and I’m quite lucky to know her.”

“Same here,” Derpy chimed in. “We might end up married one day. We’re waiting till after high school ends. I’ve already made my decision though.”

“Spill the tea girl,” Vinyl nudged her and Derpy pointed downstairs where Sunset was playing video games with Rainbow, Scootaloo, Silver Spoon, Diamond, Twist, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. “Okay I get it. Be quiet. So what’s your answer?”

“Obviously yes. That was a given, figured you all knew that. But Sunset agreed to wait until after high school. Cheerilee was surprisingly scary to ask permission. Apparently my mom and dad scared Sunset when she asked them too,” Derpy whispered as Celestia giggled. For a princess, she laughed surprisingly a lot.

“I’m very happy for you both love,” I grinned and hugged Derpy as she gave me a startled look. I rarely hugged people.

“Same girl,” Vinyl chimed in as Celestia nodded. “Bon Bon was talking about something too recently but I can’t say. I wasn’t meant to hear it but I did.”

I raised an eyebrow as Vinyl shrugged. I had no idea what she was talking about and based on Derpys confused expression, nor did she.

“We are talking about this later Vinyl,” I scoffed as I folded my arms and frowned slightly as Twists laugh echoed up the stairs. “You are leaving today correct Princess?”

“Yeah. Spitfire and Sunburst left early this morning. They wanted to wait for you and Vinyl but they unfortunately have responsibilities as do I. It sucks being a ruler but I need you girls to stick with Sunset. She is going to need you all. Some items from Equestria may have ended up here. I only know of a mirror and a time twirler but there may be more.”

“We understand,” I said and Derpy gave a thumbs up.

“Anymore information we should know?” Vinyl asked curiously.

“I can’t intervene in my students destiny like this. I can offer advice and help them sort it out but I can’t tell them about their future challenges. I could have easily intervened during Tirek, the changeling wedding invasion and Starlight but those were Twilight’s challenges. I could have defeated Chrysalis on my own but that would have taken away Twilights lesson she and her friends learned that day. Make sense my little ponies?”

I smirked slightly at that. Even though we weren’t ponies, I found it funny she called us her little ponies.

We all gave each other looks before nodding as Celestia gave a grateful nod.

Chapter XXIV

Rainbow

I bounced the soccer ball up and down on the ground as Cloudkicker, Tennis Match and Mystery Mint stretched on the soccer field. Indigo was doing push-ups in the grass as I switched to balancing the ball on my shoe.

“Where is she?” Cloudkicker finally asked as she touched her shoes with her fingers. “Wasn’t Sunset supposed to be here?”

“I’m here!” Sunset called out as she walked up in shorts and a tee shirt. “Did I miss anything?”

“Nah. Other than Rainbow talking about Princess Celestia or whatever,” Mystery grunted as I watched with narrowed eyes.

“Oh?” Sunset raised an eyebrow as I shrugged.

“Maybe. I heard she was uh interrogating Octavia, Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl and Derpy about how you all became friends and how they become the elements,” I admitted sheepishly as Sweetie Belle watched from the bleachers.

“Yeah. I asked them about it but they all said that it was pretty much just them being asked about my friendships with them and they will need to help me with something in the future. Typical cryptic Celestia,” Sunset grumbled and rolled her eyes.

“Was she always like that?” Cloudkicker asked as she stood up and started doing jumping jacks. “In uh pony world?”

“Oh my fucking days yes. Even before I abandoned my studies, she wasn’t exactly forthcoming with answers. I knew she had a plan to help with Nightmare Moon years in the making but I wasn’t exactly privy to it like Raven was. Hey Sweetie Belle!” Sunset shouted and Sweetie ran down the bleachers to hug her.

“Hey Sunset! How’s life?” Sweetie asked as Sunset grinned and rubbed her head.

“It’s pretty good. Just thinking about things, yanno?”

“Like your mom?” Sweetie Belle asked as we all froze and I looked away. “Your Equestrian one, I mean.”

“How did you know-” Sunset started and paused. “The sleepover you and Apple Bloom came over to that Scootaloo and my other sisters invited you to.”

“Yeah, I heard you and Cherry Berry talking about something,” Sweetie admitted sheepishly. “Sorry for accidentally overhearing you.”

“It’s fine. She is the matriarch of the family. She’s the family therapist in a way.”

“So are you gonna tell us what’s on your mind?” Tennis asked impatiently as Sunset sighed. “The rest of the soccer team aren’t here but we are. And keeping secrets from your team isn’t a good thing so spill. I know you and I aren’t the closet but I’ll listen.”

“I don’t know. I guess I just miss her now and again. Especially with Hearths Warming coming up and that being her name, it’s kinda weird having this holiday without her. She always went all out even though we didn’t really have the bits growing up,” Sunset answered as I inhaled.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered as they all looked at me.

“For what?” Sunset asked as I groaned.

“We all knew something was up when you came back but we didn’t really know whether to push or not. We all asked what was wrong but you weren’t exactly forthcoming,” I explained as Sunset nodded slowly.

“Nah you all put the effort and I wasn’t exactly ready to discuss mom’s death. It was way too soon and yeah. Applejack and I talked extensively about it a few weeks later. I didn’t even talk to Derpy about it and she was there when Mom died. All my friends were crying along with me apparently Vinyl later told me.”

“I can’t imagine what that is like,” Cloudkicker admitted as the others nodded. “Sorry but I mean, I’ve never lost anyone in my family.”

“I lost my cousin,” Mystery chimed in. “Car crash.”

“Uncle for me,” Indigo said and we all looked at her as she sighed. “Suicide. It was a difficult time. I was only thirteen at the time.”

“I don’t think anyone in my family has ever died,” Sweetie said as we all jumped slightly. I had forgotten she was still hugging Sunset’s waist.

“Let’s talk about something else shall we?” Tennis gave a nervous laugh. “Something child friendly girls.”

“Agreed,” Sunset said instantly. “So Sweetie, heard a rumor about you and certain male student named Button Mash. What’s up with that?”

“N-nothing!” Sweetie blushed and looked away as we all chuckled. “Dinky introduced us. We’re uhm friends!”

“Yeah friends,” Tennis whispered as she gave a snicker. “How are you and your boyfriend, Mystery?”

“Emerald Glow and I are doing pretty good. We are going on a camping week date this summer,” Mystery turned red slightly as she smiled.

“Blossomforth and I are going to Texas next year for our anniversary,” Cloudkicker added with a smile as she stopped her jumping jacks.

“You two should totally come on a group date with Derpy and I one day. Lyra, Bon Bon, Trixie, Watermelody, Octavia and Vinyl usually go on group dates,” Sunset said casually as Cloudkicker shrugged.

“Blossomforth likes you as do I so we could be down for that. I gotta ask her first though. I’ll call her after we finish practice.”

Indigo pushed her self up and yawned, following a stretch as she stole the soccer ball from me and rolled it over her shoulders.

“So why did you come to this school?” I asked as Indigo smirked.

“This school is way better than cpa. No uniforms, the sport teams are more fun and unified, people are nicer. Sour and Sugarcoat are still a bit prickly at times but Sunny has became good friends with Coco and Heat Stroke. Lemon Zest is surprisingly good friends with Curly Winds and Vinyl. It’s scary how alike those two girls are.”

I gave a chuckle as Sunset shuddered slightly. Lemon and Vinyl were very similar and it was a bit scary. Lemon was probably the most friendly Shadowbolt, even during the games before we became all friends instead of enemies. They were slightly awkward around Sci Twi, but Sunset and I have a plan to help get them all over it.

“Enough conversing!” I announced as Indigo tossed me back the ball. Let’s play soccer. Me, Mystery and Tennis are on one team. Indigo, Sunset and Cloudkicker are on the other!”

We all looked at each other and nodded.

I was so looking forward to finally having some competition with my friends.

Chapter XXV

Indigo

I tucked the soccer ball under my arm as we all walked into Sugarcube Corner where Sunny, Sugarcoat, Lemon, and Vinyl were waiting.

“Hey you guys,” I greeted them as I flopped on the seat next to Sugarcoat who promptly scooted over and rolled her eyes.

“You could have asked before you sat on my dress,” Sugarcoat said flatly with a bored tone as I groaned.

“Sorry. How was the rest of your guys school days?” I asked as Sunset slid in across from us. Rainbow, Sweetie Belle, Cloudkicker, Tennis and Mystery sat a table nearby.

“Quite an intriguing time,” Sunny commented as she brushed her hair aside. “How about you dearie?”

I shrugged as I watched Pinkie plop down several shakes in front of us before she skated off to another table.

“It was okay.”

“Boring.”

“Such a fun time.”

“Decent.”

We all looked over to Lemon who was busy sucking up her shake before she spit the straw out with wide eyes and gave a pained cry as she grabbed her head.

“Brain freeze!” Lemon cried as she slammed her head on the table and we all chuckled. “Sour, help me!”

“You did that to yourself,” Sour answered as she stuck her straw in her mouth. “Suffer the consequences.”

Lemon let out a pained, sexual sounding moan as Sunset and the others turned red. Sunny Flare hid her face in her hands as Sour groaned.

“Never make that sound again Lemon,” Sugarcoat told her as I laughed. Vinyl sat watching with a grin as she rolled her eyes.

“So how’s Scootaloo?” I asked and leaned back in my booth. “And Silver and Diamond?”

“They’re okay. I have to help them with homework tomorrow night,” Sunset sighed. “I love those girls but helping with their homework is always a struggle while also trying to get mine done.”

I agreed with that. At least Canterlot High homework was way easier than CPA work. That shit made me want to kill myself some days. Surprised I was even able to do my sports for the school.

“Just one more person- ah there she is!” Sunset grinned and stood up as Twilight walked in and looked around as Sunset waved her over. “Twilight, hey girl!”

“Oh uhm hey,” Twilight’s eyes drifted over to us nervously as we all looked down.

“Hey,” Lemon said awkwardly as she rubbed the back of her head. Out of all of us, Lemon was the one with the least amount of issues with Twilight.

“Oh look, Rainbow is waving me and Vinyl over. Twilight, why don’t you stay here for a moment?” Sunset suggested as she and Vinyl took off towards to other booth.

“Fudge,” Twilight muttered as she sat down across from me. “So uh how’s the weather?”

We all looked outside the shop at the snow starting to fall before looking back at her.

“Right,” Twilight said. “Snowy. How you girls practiced soccer in shorts and tee shirts, I’ll never know.”

“I wear leggings under my dress so,” Sugarcoat shrugged and sucked on the straw. “Keeps me warm.”

“And Indigo is just a freak of nature who can wear shorts in any fucking weather,” Sour scoffed as she tossed a cherry in her mouth.

Twilight stayed silent as Sunny coughed.

“So dearie, we haven’t seen much of you. Are you ah, alright?”

“Fine.”

“We’re sorry,” Sugarcoat mumbled as Twilight opened her mouth and Sugarcoat held up her hand. Twilight closed her mouth and looked up at the ceiling. “For the whole Friendship Games thing. Me being overly blunt, forcing you into releasing the magic and years of being a jerk.”

“Same here,” Sour chimed in as she played with her hands. “Sunny and I were worse. Sugarcoat is just blunt because she thinks it’s helpful to point out where people’s mistakes are, she just does it wrong. But we made fun of you for fun.”

“And that’s even worse,” Sunny added. I had already apologized so we all looked at Lemon who lifted her head.

“Yeah I’m sorry too. Got a brain freeze right now and it’s worse than getting ran over by an eighteen wheeler three times.”

“Why would he run you over three times?” Sunny asked with a confused expression.

“Once going forward, then backing up and third time to go in the original direction he was headed.”

We all fell silent as we each individually processed Lemons words. That was probably one of the smartest things she had ever said. And she didn’t really do thinking too much, she preferred to just do.

“I forgive you,” Twilight admitted as Pinkie sent down a vanilla shake in front of her and disappeared. “I was the one who helped the others teach you friendship so I suppose I’d be a hypocrite to not try to be your friends.”

“Way better person than I am,” I grumbled. “I’d never be friends with someone like me.”

Sour kicked me under the booth and I jumped, glaring at her as she glared back.

“Is everything alright?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“Just fine,” I gritted my teeth slightly.

“Exactly,” Sour said as she looked back. “Just correcting some self deprecating behavior is all.”

“I need to go to the mall after this,” Lemon announced as she sat up straighter, brain freeze seemingly gone.

“For?” Sugarcoat asked flatly.

“Christmas shopping. It’s a bit weird to have more than just my parents to get gifts this time around. I got Rainbow, Sunset, Lyra, Octavia and you guys.”

“I completely forget it was December. I haven’t even started yet,” I admitted sheepishly. “Well, Twilight wanna come with us?”

Twilight looked over at Sunset and Rainbow who watched with faint smiles. They both gave an encouraging nod as Twilight inhaled and nodded.

“Yeah let’s go. I should probably get some final gifts myself while I’m there. I don’t mean to be presumptuous but can I get a ride?”

I gave a chuckle as I nodded, patting her on the back a bit too hard.

“Sorry about that. But uh yeah, I can give you a ride.”

“Good luck. She listens to the worst music,” Sunny muttered as I rolled my eyes.

“It’s just soft rock. Now come on girls. Let’s get this done.”

Twilight shrugged as we all stood up and made our way to the doors.

“Can’t be that bad,” Twilight decided as I held the doors open for her and the others.

“Don’t speak too soon,” Sugarcoat warned as she examined my truck. “You always struck me as a sports car person.”

“I enjoy both, now let’s go!”

I ignored her amused eye roll as I slid over the hood. Have to look epic, of course.

Chapter XXVI

Indigo

I walked alongside Twilight and the others as we strode the mall. Sunny had a bag hanging off her wrist as some random guys gave her approving whistles and I felt a pang of jealously. Must be nice to always be noticed by the guys.

“You nervous?” I asked as Twilight jumped slightly. “It’s just a mall Twilight.”

“I don’t really do well with crowds of people. I prefer to be with my group of friends. Sunset and the others don’t force me into the public. Usually,” Twilight said and her eyes widened. “Not that you guys aren’t my friends or forced me here!”

“I know you hate crowds but hey, you’re getting out and about at least!” I commented with a grin as I held up a fist.

“Fair enough,” Twilight admitted as she pushed her glasses up. “I don’t think I’ll be able to get your guys gifts with you all here.”

“You’re getting us gifts?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t you like, hate us?”

“I’m afraid of you all, I don’t hate you,” Twilight corrected.

“Well let’s correct that then shall we dearie?” Sunny Flare suggested as she slowed down to walk alongside us. “We shall have a soiree at dear Indigos house. Primarily because mine is ah less than hospitable, Lemons is messy, Sugarcoat doesn’t have guests at her apartment often and Sour is grumpy.”

“What the heck is a soiree? Sounds like a type of thing they sell at the gas station so I’m in!” Lemon Zest announced eagerly as she slung her headphones around her neck.

“That’s a slurpee Lemon. Not a soiree,” Sour facepalmed and shook her head. “A soiree is like a party or something stupid. It’s fancy talk.”

“I hate fancy talk. Just speak like a human,” Lemon scoffed and folded her arms as she looked away.

“Trust me, we know,” Sugarcoat chimed in.

“So whaddaya say?” I looked at Twilight who was in the process of chewing her lip. “We can watch movies and order pizza. Got some video games too if that’s your speed.”

“Video games are more of Trixie’s speed along with Rainbow, Sunset, Derpy, Applejack, Lightning, Lyra and Vinyl,” Twilight admitted after a moment. “But movies do sound appealing I suppose. I’m in.”

I knelt in front of my TV in the living room as I thumbed through the dvds. Twilight and the others were in pajamas on the couch and I resisted the urge to laugh at Sours lemon decorated pants.

“Star Wars, The Hunger Games, Lord Of The Rings,” I listed off a few more franchises as they all looked at me.

“You don’t seem to be the Lord Of The Rings type,” Sugarcoat stated as she pushed her glasses up.

“I’m trying to figure out if I should be insulted or not,” I said as I paused and looked back at her.

“It wasn’t an insult, just an observation,” Sugarcoat answered as Twilight handed me a movie.

“The Conjuring?” I read as Sour grinned evilly and rubbed her hands together. Sunny and Sugarcoat looked at each other nervously as Lemon raised an eyebrow slightly.

“You watch horror?” Lemon asked in disbelief. “I thought you’d watch sci fi movies?”

“Well I do,” Twilight conceded after a moment. “But when I was lonely and had no friends, horror movies helped in a sick sort of way.”

We all looked away or down as Twilight sighed, rubbing her wrist absent-mindedly as Sugarcoat glared at her suddenly.

“Show me your wrist,” Sugarcoat demanded as Twilight gave her a confused look.

“I don’t under-”

Sugarcoat grabbed the other girls sleeve with surprising agility as we all gave her confused look and she yanked the wrist up to reveal one cut and we all stared in silence.

“Woah,” I said after a moment.

“The fuck?” Sugarcoat snapped as I recoiled. I had never heard her curse before. It’s comparable to catching Sunny cuss.

“It was just once,” Twilight weakly protested as I put the movie she handed me in the dvd player. “Research said it helped people who were lonely so I tried it. It hurt like crazy and didn’t help me so I never did it again.”

“I assume we didn’t help either,” Sour muttered as she rubbed her neck. “I’m well, sorry.”

Twilights eyes widened as she pulled away and hugged Sour.

“No, it wasn’t your fault!” Twilight said hastily and Lemon raised an eyebrow. “Okay maybe a little but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you didn’t make me do that, I did when I followed foolish unproven research. What works for another person doesn’t work for me and that’s not on you.”

“Since when did you get so damn good at public speaking?” Sugarcoat demanded as Twilight let go of Sour and hugged Sugarcoat next. “Warn me next time please.”

“Well since you said I was bad at public speaking, I read up on it. It’s a fascinating topic and I owe you for helping me be better at it!” Twilight grinned as she let go. “And I’ll uh warn you next time?”

“Thank you.”

“So Twilight dear, what ever happened to Timber?” Sunny asked curiously as Twilight gave a groan.

“So we were dating but apparently he was nineteen and with me being seventeen, that was evidently illegal and he got arrested. But he got out last week and we’ve been texting. He’s nice to me.”

“And what about now?”

“We’re just friends now. We should set Suri up with him,” Twilight mused her arm rubbed her and I snickered. That sounded like a recipe for disaster. Suri got along with practically nobody unless it was benefitting her in the long run.

“That sounds awful,” Sugarcoat stated as I picked up the TV remote and hit play. “So Timber doesn’t have your eye anymore then?”

“Nah. He’s a great guy but we decided we are good friends. Shame, his sister was really hoping it would last. Gloriasa is a nice women when you get to know her.”

I gave a nod as Lemon shut the lights off and everything went dark save for the tv lighting up our faces.

“This is the best horror movie, trust me girls,” Twilight reassured us all and leaned back with a warm smile.

Lemon gulped as we both gave each nervous glances that the others thankfully missed. I would have hated for them to see me be afraid of a silly horror movie.

I had a reputation to maintain after all.

Chapter XXVII

Sour Sweet

“Yeah, kill her!” I shouted eagerly as the others all crowded away from me as they all hugged each other and gave me stunned looks. I gave a laugh as Jason pulled the girl out of the tent in her sleeping bag and slammed her against a tree. “Yeah!”

“So in horror movies, she roots for the killers?” Twilight mused as her eyes widened.

“A-apparently so,” Sunny Flare muttered with a scared expression.

“Dear god,” Sugarcoat mumbled as Lemon yelped slightly. “We are never allowing her to watch horror again. Ever.”

“Hear, hear,” Lemon chimed in as I gave another laugh. I quickly looked at them as they all gulped and I rolled my eyes.

“Everyone wants them to survive but who wants to be like everyone else?” I questioned and raised an eyebrow. “Being like everyone else is just so boring. Being your own individual is so much more fun.”

“She has a point,” Sunny admitted after a moment as Indigo gave her a stunned look.

“You have fun?” Indigo asked as Sunny frowned. “That’s so unbelievable. That’s like saying Sugarcoat has fun!”

Lemon giggled as Sugarcoat scowled at our athlete friend. I looked at Twilight as she focused back on the tv and ignored the two bickering surprisingly well.

“I have fun!” Sugarcoat defended herself as Sunny rolled her eyes.

“Doing what, reading?”

“Reading is fun,” Twilight added her two cents in. The two ignored her and continued bickering.

“Finally it’s over,” Lemon muttered as the credits played on the tv screen. “Where’s the ice cream?”

“Freezer in the kitchen. Duh.”

“Shut up Sour.”

I shifted in the bed I was sharing with Sunny as she and the others slept around the room. After Lemon tried using me as a sleeping doll, I vowed to never sleep with her again. Secretly, I didn’t mind her cuddling me. Felt nice to have something other than people fearing my multiple personality disorder.

“Can’t sleep either?”

I jumped slightly and looked over the edge at Twilight. The purple girl was looking up at me and squinting before chuckling softly.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” Twilight said and I nodded.

“Why are you awake?” I asked as she shrugged.

“Couldn’t sleep. Same as you I suppose. What’s up with you?”

“Just thinking I suppose. You?”

“Dreams,” Twilight admitted sheepishly. “I may have gotten over being depressed and all about my Friendship Games, but Sunset told me the dreams don’t always go away. She still has them here and there but Scootaloo, Cherry Berry, Derpy, Cheerilee and the rest of her family and friends help her out. They’ve helped me out, especially Sunset.”

We hugged ourselves and looked away as I sighed.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“I know,” Twilight said quietly. “And it wasn’t yours either entirely. Cinch manipulated you all.”

“Fair enough,” I admitted as we fell silent except for Indigos quiet breathing. “I always did admire you, you know?”

“What?”

Twilight gave me a confused expression as I sighed and faced her again as she put her glasses on.

“I mean, you made everything seem so easy. Learning, ignoring the people who bullied you, me, getting all the best grades,” I answered as Twilight listened and watched me.

“Sit next to me,” Twilight ordered and patted next to her. I raised an eyebrow as she gave me a smile. “Please.”

I rolled my eyes as I folded the blanket gently to avoid waking up Sunny, sliding down next to Twilight.

“I always saw you,” Twilight admitted and patted my hand. “Sure, you have your multiple personality disorder and your random attitude but like you said, who wants to be like everyone else?”

“Fair enough,” I agreed as I looked around quickly. “Are the others still asleep?”

“Uhm yes. Why-?” Twilight started as I leaned forward and kissed her. Her eyes went wide as I pulled back and she turned bright red. “W-what was that?”

I pushed myself up hastily and prepared to run as she grabbed my hands.

“Sour, wait!” Twilight snapped as I froze and she forced me down next to her. “It’s fine, really.”

“No it’s not,” I frowned. “You came here to get used to us, not have me kiss you.”

“I’m more so surprised by the fact that you A: like girls and B: like me of the girls you could like. Sugarcoat or Lemon Zest seems more your speed.”

I gave a snort as she laughed quietly.

“I don’t really know when I started liking you. You’re just so smart and all that. Plus pretty, what’s not to like?” I asked as she turned red.

“You think I’m pretty?” Twilight asked curiously and pushed her glasses up as I nodded. “The only person who ever called me that was Rarity jokingly and Timber.”

“Well duh idiot!” I snapped as she recoiled. “Sorry, my multiple personality thing.”

“It’s fine just wasn’t expecting it,” Twilight answered as she inhaled and hugged me, kissing my quickly before leaning away. “Uhm, was that okay?”

“Mhm. Could use a bit more work I think,” I suggested with a smile.

“Wanna get dinner sometime?” Twilight asked hopefully as I nodded. “I know a place nearby that’s a small diner. We can see what happens next I suppose.”

“I’ll make the time for you.”

“And yes, you’re pretty too,” Twilight said and I turned red myself. “I always knew that about but never really felt confident enough to tell you.”

I leaned forward as someone started clapping. The two of us jumped and looked back as the other girls were grinning at us.

“About fucking time,” Indigo yawned as she finished clapping.

“Congrats dearies, we were rooting for you,” Sunny Flare said with a happy smile.

“We’re not dating yet. Wait, are we?” I asked and looked back at Twilight who shrugged.

“Testing the waters but I’m perfectly okay with you kissing me now and again.”

“Only took you two months to quit dancing around the topic,” Sugarcoat growled as she folded her arms. “And for the record, Lemon Zest and I are not dating. Just because we argue often does not make us partners.”

“Yet,” I muttered as she threw a pillow at me.

“When you two gonna get busy between the sheets?” Lemon asked and wiggled her eyebrows as we blushed. Sunny gasped as Indigo burst out laughing and Sugarcoat rolled her eyes.

“You weirdo,” I smirked as I shoved her playfully. “Shows over girls, go back to sleep. I’m tired.”

I started to climb back in bed as Sunny grabbed my shoulders.

“Ah ah!” Sunny chided with a grin. “You get to sleep with your new lover.”

“I’m going to murder you,” I hissed in her ear as she went pale. I looked back at Twilight who lifted the blanket on the floor with a blush as I turned red again and sighed as I joined her.

I yawned as she dropped the blanket over us as the others went to their original positions.

Twilight tossed her glasses onto the night stand as she wrapped an arm around sme and I pushed back against her.

Maybe I should allow people to cuddle me more often.

Author's Note

Sci Twi + Sour Sweet. I originally planned on it being Sugarcoat.

Chapter XXVIII

Silver Spoon

“Thank God school is out,” I muttered as I lifted my backpack on my shoulder as Scootaloo opened her own locker next to me.

“You said it,” Scootaloo grunted as she strained to keep the pile of sports gear and homework from falling out as she fished around for her bag. “I hate my locker.”

“Well maybe if you cleaned it, then it wouldn’t be so awful,” I chided as she rolled her eyes. “I’m surprised your room is clean. What are your plans when we get home?”

“Play soccer!” Scootaloo announced with a grin as she slammed her locker shut.

“I forgot you’re a freak of nature and play soccer in the snow,” I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

“Yeah well at least I’m not all about clothing and makeup,” Scootaloo shot back as I gasped and gave her a dirty look.

“I’ll have you know these leggings and blouse with a blue jacket is very color coordinated,” I grumbled as I took my contacts out and put my glasses on. “Nothing you would know about.”

“Would you two shut up?” Diamond Tiara snapped as she leaned against a locker, dusting off her pink skirt and yellow jacket with her typical white shirt under. “You two can be unbearable sometimes.”

“Can you girls go thirty minutes without fighting?” Dinky asked with a bored expression as she, Button Mash, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Pipsqueak and Rumble watched with bored expressions.

Dinky and the others with the exception of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had been adopted into our group. Dinky for the obvious reasons of Derpy dating our older sister and the others for reasons.

Sweetie Belle was apparently into Button Mash, Scootaloo and Rumble and Dinky with Pipsqueak. Surprised Derpy and Amethyst didn’t scare the heck out of him. Sunset didn’t even know about Rumble yet surprisingly. Or as Scootaloo says, they’re just friends but Sweetie and I call BS on that.

“We aren’t arguing. Just having a heated debate!” I said as Pipsqueak scratched the back of his head.

“What’s the difference?”

“Don’t know yet but I’ll let you know when I decide!” Scootaloo announced as Sunset walked up.

“Hey Dinky, Sweetie, Apple Bloom. What’s up Pipsqueak and Rumble? You three ready to go?”

“Yeah,” Diamond answered as Sunset rubbed Dinkys head. “Is Dinky coming with?”

“Yeah. We have to go pick up Spitfire and Sunburst, watch the Hearths Warming thing and then come back. Everyone except Fuchsia is coming because she flew out to Nebraska yesterday evening,” Sunset said.

“Okay.”

I stood in front of the Wondercolt statue, shivering slightly as I wrapped my coat around me tighter.

“Alright so just take a few experimental steps when you get through,” Sunset warned as Rainbow, Cloudkicker and the others nodded. Twilight was busy with Sour, Indigo was out of town, Sunny was helping Lemon decorate her house and Sugarcoat was with her parents so they were missing.

I inhaled and walked through the statue with Mom and Apple Bloom. I tumbled through and landed on my hooves as I stumbled away, watching Lyra and Rarity fly through followed by the rest.

“Woah,” Rainbow said as she examined her wings. “Cool!”

“Oh fun,” Cloudkicker said as she brushed her mane out of her eyes and looked at Lavender. “Wow cousin, you look completely different in person.”

Lavender ignored her and Cloudkicker gave a sad sigh, scuffing a hoof along the floor.

“I’d hope so,” Mom chuckled as Derpy flapped her wings with Lightning above us. The doors swung open as a rainbow maned pegasus trotted in with a white unicorn.

“Twilight!” Equestrian Rainbow shouted. “They’re here!”

“Dash!” Sunset grinned and the two hugged. “Hey Rarity!”

“Hey Sunset!” Equestrian Rainbow grinned back and two hoofbumped as the pegasus looked back with narrowed eyes. “I assume that’s my human counterpart?”

“And mine too?” Equestrian Rarity growled as she glared.

“Yes it’s them along with Pinkie, AJ, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom. Can we not attack each other?” Sunset asked in a bored tone as Sweetie Belle leaned against me.

“It’s almost Hearths Warming so I won’t hurt her,” Equestrian Rainbow said casually as she dropped to her hooves. “Don’t want to risk the Windigos returning. Your siblings got here about an hour ago, they’re downstairs with Twilight and Sonata right now.”

“Epic!” I said and turned red when everyone laughed. “I mean, cool.”

“Now come along and get some cider!” Equestrian Rainbow cheered as Sunset shook her head. “Non alcoholic of course for the fillies and you all. Unless Berry Punch wants some.”

“I’ll pass for now. Gotta drive home after this,” Aunt Berry shook her head as Mom and my other two aunts snickered. “Why do I always have to drive?”

“Because you always forget to hand me the keys until you’re halfway down the road and don’t want to stop,” Aunt Minuette deadpanned with a flat look.

I joined in on laughing as Derpy helped Fluttershy take a few steps. I shrugged and started trotting down the stairs with my sisters helping the other two fillies and Cloudkicker.

“Hey girls,” Twilight smiled as we entered her library. “Happy early Hearths Warming.”

“Merry early Christmas,” Scootaloo commented as Sonata waved eagerly. “Where’s Adagio and Aria at?”

“I gave my Guards the month off to be with their families. Aria is upstairs and Adagio is Celestia knows where,” Twilight waved a foreleg around. “Most likely down at Berry’s Bar with Applejack and Pinkie.”

“Ah.”

“Another one of Sunsets friends I take it?” Twilight mused as she examined Cloudkicker flapping her wings and looking back at them. “It’ll take a bit to fly if that’s what you’re attempting.”

“Just looking. And yes, I’m an acquaintance of Sunset. She would only let Lavender come with if I was allowed to come.”

“Ah I see. We should probably head out. Spitfire and Sunburst just left with Starlight to go help set up.”

“Set up what?” Scootaloo asked curiously as she was hugged by Sonata and groaned quietly as Twilight hid a smile behind her hoof.

“Hearths Warming play. We have one every year throughout Equestria to remind us of the fact we are all better together than apart. I loved going as a filly,” Twilight said with a fond expression.

“Well, as long as Princess Celestia isn’t there,” Sunset commented as she and the others came down the stairs.

“Uh what?” Bon Bon gave her a confused expression. “Why?”

“I mean she probably hates me after abandoning my studies. I would,” Sunset said quietly as Cloudkicker gave us all confused looks.

“Uh, you fixed all your issues with Princess Celestia, remember?” Equestrian Rainbow pointed out.

“And you went to her to ask for her to donate blood to save Spitfire, then she came to the human world for Thanksgiving,” Octavia said as she pressed a hoof against Sunset’s head. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine,” Sunset said before laughing. “Vinyl, when did your girlfriend get a crazy sense of humor?”

“She’s not joking,” Vinyl said slowly with a concerned expression on her muzzle. Sunset shrugged and hugged Twilight.

“Well, I still don’t wanna risk it. Besides, Twilight donated the blood most likely. It’s what she would do for anypony.”

Sunset separated from Twilight as she slowly trotted away.

“What the heck was that about?” Aunt Cherry finally said.

“I don’t know,” Lyra said after a moment. “But she seems to remember everything else. Twilight coming to the human world, Spitfire and the rest. But I don’t see why.”

“I don’t either. Maybe she hit her head,” Pinkie suggested. Everyone looked at Derpy, who promptly turned red.

“She has not hit her head during that activity,” Derpy answered hastily.

“I’ll do some research after Hearths Warming. We should probably catch up to her before she realizes we aren’t with her,” Twilight mused as we nodded.

Mom held out a hoof and swung Sweetie Belle onto her back as Equestrian Rainbow lifted Apple Bloom up.

“Ah can walk just fine!” Apple Bloom snapped as Applejack rolled her eyes.

“No ya can’t. Ah even have Bon Bon helping me now don’t complain Missy.”

“Fine.”

Diamond and I burst out laughing as Apple Bloom glared at us. Sometimes, Apple Bloom was so easy to rile up.

Chapter XXIX

Sunset

I wrapped a hoof around Derpy and Dinky as we stared at the stage, stifling a yawn. Lavender and Cloudkicker had returned after I forced the two to go on a walk, suggesting Lavender show her cousin the house she apparently owned.

“What’s that?” Dinky asked as she pointed and I smiled faintly.

“Chancellor Puddinghead if I remember the story correctly. She lead the earth ponies, Commander Hurricane lead the pegasi and Princess Platinum lead the unicorns,” I explained as Trixie snickered with Vinyl and Lightning.

“Chancellor Puddinghead?” Vinyl giggled softly as Pinkie laughed.

“Yeah. I’d be careful, earth ponies practically worship her,” I warned. “Then you got Clover the Clever, Private Pansy and Smart Cookie. Clover the Clever is naturally played by Twilight.”

“Naturally,” Earth Rainbow snorted as we focused back on the play. “And you all do this every year?”

“Mhm,” I said with a smile. “To remind us we are better off together, not against each other or else the Windigos would return. Allegedly of course.”

“Of course,” Cloudkicker nodded with a smirk as we watched the play end. “Did they really turn to ice?”

“So the story says. I’m not sure I believe it one hundred percent but it keeps everyone happy and united so it has it’s purpose I suppose.”

“What’s the next one?” Dinky asked with a grin as I smiled down at her.

“I believe Snowfall Frost. It’s like what’s the dudes name who hates Christmas and owns that business?”

“A Christmas Carol?” Fluttershy suggested as she looked around.

“Yes that. Thank you.”

“It all began many moons ago in Canterlot,” Twilight started speaking from the stage as we all watched. “Every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit. Except for one. It was said Snowfall was as studied as Starswirl the Bearded.”

“Thank Celestia’s cake loving flank she didn’t go off on a Starswirl loving tangent this time around,” Spike grumbled as he sat down next to us.

Mom and Rainbow laughed quietly as I smirked. It was common knowledge to castle staff that Celestia loved cake more than anything.

Starlight stood on the stage as some of the unicorns levitated a house looking background as Starlight scowled slightly. Her mane looked like what she had told me it was like back in her village. I kinda prefer her new mane style.

“Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect,” Twilight concluded as Starlight levitated a rock and it turned gold as some stallions trotted past with bells and she dropped the rock, watching it shatter.

“Well, that batch is ruined,” Snowfall grumbled as she glared at the stallions. “Snowdash!”

Rainbow Dash flew into the room with a dust pan and broom as she sighed.

“Snowdash was Snowfalls loyal assistant,” Twilight clarified as Snowdash dropped to her hooves.

“What do ya need?” Snowdash asked.

“Clean this mess up! Those foolish ponies were ringing those foolish things and I post my concentration!”

“Wow, ponies trying to enjoy their Hearths Warming. Where’d they get that crazy idea?” Snowdash muttered as she started sweeping.

“Today is nothing to celebrate! Hearths Warming Eve is a menace, a dangerous day to all of Equestria.”

“Dangerous? It’s awesome! It’s the day we remember how the unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies united to defeat the windigos!”

“That silly legend is just the problem!” Snowfall snapped. “Telling everypony that singing songs and being nice will solve anything! I’ve spent years studying magic and that’s not how it works.”

“I think you’re missing the point,” Snowdash commented after a moment.

“Work hard, learn and use your skills to better Equestria! That’s a noble goal for anypony,” Snowfall snapped angrily as she glared at Snowdash. “But if you want leave work early and abandon all your duties then be my-”

“Sweet!” Snowdash said and flew out the room quickly.

“I hate Hearths Warming Eve!” Snowfall growled as she watched Snowdash fly away. All of Equestria would be better off if we skipped the day all together!”

“She can act,” Rarity whispered with an impressed look as the the others nodded.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, they say in the street. Happy Hearth’s Warming, they think they’re so sweet,” Snowfall closed the blinds with her magic and rolled her eyes. "Words said so often that they lack any meaning. Why should I join in when I could be intervening?”

“Creepy,” Derpy shuddered as I smirked slightly at her as we held hooves.

“Everypony loves this cursed holiday. But would they be better off with it out of the way? Well, okay!” Snowfall sang as she stepped through a green fog with an evil smile as the crowd collectively shuddered as Snowfall started pouring liquids into the cauldron. “Say goodbye to the holiday, with my magic, I’ll erase it. The greatest gift that I give today. And everypony will have to face it.”

I watched as Fluttershy hugged Rarity with a nervous expression. I’d never heard Starlight sing before but this was pretty damn good.

“No more little games for you to play after you say goodbye to the holiday,” Snowfall pointed a hoof at us all with a smirk. “Goodbye, Hearth’s Warming, you had a good run. Goodbye, Hearth’s Warming, it’s over, you’re done. Finally set free from your forced celebrations. No need to reply to your trite invitations.”

Snowfall dumped some random toys into the cauldron and blew away some illusions of them out of the air.

“Calendar shorter by a single day. Is my magic up to the test? Time to see, I can’t delay,” Snowfall sang as she stood on her forelegs as three illusions of windigos flew around above her as the crowd gasped and I smirked at the Equestrian Trixie hidden behind the stage to most but me.

“Say goodbye to the holiday. Prepare the spell, no hesitation. All memory shall fade away. See Equestria’s new transformation,” Snowfall continued singing as she dropped back down to all four hooves as she gave a sinister sounding laugh. “No more shall anypony say Happy Hearth’s Warming after today.”

I hugged Derpy tighter as the scene changed.

“She can sing,” Spitfire agreed after a moment as I smirked.

“It should be over in an hour and then we can go home,” I reassured the others as Ruby let out a yawn as she sat on Aunt Cherrys lap.

“Okay. I’m ready to go sleep,” Derpy mumbled next to my ear.

I gave a smile her way as I kissed her cheek quickly.

“Me too.”

We turned to finish watching as Derpy turned red. It was so easy to rile her up somedays but she was equally good at riling me up so I tended to be careful with it.

Chapter XXX

Sunset

“I’ll see you in a few days,” Soarin promised as I stood in front of the mirror with my sister.

“I know,” Spitfire said casually as Soarin kissed her. I turned red as Spitfire grinned and slapped his flank with her tail and I gagged.

“I could have gone my entire life without seeing that,” I grumbled under my breath. “You two are worse than AJ and Rarity.”

The two burst out laughing as I looked over at Derpy. Everyone else had went through the mirror except us.

I waved Derpy over with a hoof and pressed my lips to hers as she let out an eep sound before sighing contently and kissed me back. Her tongue was rougher and wider than when she’s a human. I don’t know which is better, both are amazing.

She tasted like a mix of blueberries and muffin mix as I pulled away. We both looked at Soarin and Spitfire turning red as Derpy and I burst out laughing.

“Looks like we won,” Derpy said with a smug smile as she placed a wing over my back.

“Looks like it,” I agreed readily. “Wanna go again? Or we can spare them and wait till we get home and cuddle on our bed?”

“Both,” Derpy purred as I snickered and planted kisses around her face.

“Your wish is my command dear.”

“I’m so going to throw up if you ever make out and grab your marefriends flank in front of me again,” Spitfire tossed me a dirty look as I gave a laugh.

We sat on the couch as Derpy snored quietly curled up in a ball next to me as Vinyl, Sunburst, mom, aunts and siblings watched Home Alone.

“You can try,” I whispered back with a smug grin. “At least that’s all we did.”

“Oh I would have bucked you into next week,” Spitfire warned with an eyeroll. Ruby glanced over as Sunburst allowed her to sit on his lap.

“Relax, I’m playing. That stuff we do is private for obvious reasons. Nobody watches us do it,” I whispered back.

“Shut up over there,” Vinyl nudged me playfully. “We’re trying to watch a movie.”

“Make me DJ girl,” I snickered as I shoved her back. “Surprised Octavia couldn’t make it.”

“She has a cold and pretty much told me to get out of the house when I visited everyday. Practicing my wubs when she is sick isn’t always the greatest idea for the record.”

I shivered slightly. While I’ve never seen Octavia angry, Rarity told me one story where Octavia got angry and it convinced me never be on the receiving end of her anger.

“Muffins,” Derpy muttered as I shook her and she sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Oh you’re all still here.”

“I’m surprised you’re awake. Going through to Equestria usually knocks you out longer than an hour and a half,” I checked my phone before setting it back down.

“I slept well last night.”

I vaguely remembered last night, mainly just us going to one of Pinkies Christmas party at school and passing out from a migraine. Migraines are evil but they do make people sleep easy. Medicine helps too of course.

“So how’s school been?” Sunburst asked as I laughed and watched a paint bucket slam into the guys head.

“Decent. A bit hectic with finals coming up but I think I’ll do fine,” I said and wrapped an arm around Derpy and Fluttershy with grins. “We will do fine. Been hitting the books hard.”

“I’ve woken up at like four in the morning to go to the bathroom and she’s still at her desk studying or asleep on her desk. Then I have to drag her to bed,” Derpy rolled her eyes.

“I respect the dedication but sleep is an important part of passing a test Sunset,” Aunt Minuette said as she set her hot chocolate down. “Don’t wear yourself out too much. It’s winter break, have some fun girl.”

“We will,” I promised and yawned. “We’re all going downtown tomorrow night to look at the Christmas lights. Don’t know if Octavia will be joining us but all the others are. Got work tomorrow morning snd then I’ll be off for a few days.”

Sweetie Drops usually closed the entire week for Christmas except rare occasions according to Applejack. Apparently the two families have been doing business ever since freshman year. Except the time of anon a miss where Sweetie Drops and Bon Bon had cut off all ties with them and got their money back for all the produce they had bought off the Apples.

“Oh I’ll make Octavia come,” Vinyl proclaimed with a grin. “Sick or not, she is coming with us. She might end up taking my head off at the end of the night but hey, we will have fun at least!”

“I didn’t think getting your head taken off was a definition of a good time,” Fluttershy said softly as she shook her head. “I think I prefer your head where it currently is.”

I think we all preferred that in all honesty.

“I’ll be fine. I can run faster than Octavia can,” Vinyl said confidently before muttering I hope so under her breath.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Octavia run before in all my life. I’ve seen her gallop as a pony but that’s kinda different than her running as a human.

“Alright it’s been real but it’s Ruby’s bedtime,” Aunt Berry stood up and stretched. “We will be back in a few days most likely. See you girls around, love yall.”

“See you guys,” I waved lazily after hugging Ruby and my aunts before they walked out the door, shutting it gently behind them.

“I’m going to bed. Goodnight,” Scootaloo waved as she stood up and walked up the stairs. It was pretty late and we were all tired after today.

“Come on,” I told Derpy. “Let’s go to bed. Spitfire and Sunburst, you remember where your rooms are?”

“Yeah,” Spitfire confirmed as Derpy ran quickly up the stairs as I followed at a more subdued pace. Our door was half open as Derpy was climbing in bed as she yawned.

“Goodnight Derpy,” I said as I pulled my shirt off and put a pajama shirt on I had hanging up nearby.

I waited for a response and got a quiet snore instead as I burst out laughing.

“Yeah, that’s how I feel too tonight.”

Author's Note

Home Alone is the best Christmas movie, I don't give a shit what anyone else says lol.

Chapter XXXI

Sunset

I continued wrapping the small pieces of candy as I added to my ever growing pile on the countertop next to me.

“Thanks for agreeing to come help us out Sunset,” Bon Bon said as she and her mom continued wrapping candies with stunning speed as Lyra and I watched with impressed looks.

“No problem,” I said and pushed the chocolates I wrapped into a tray and set it back down. “You two still coming to look at the Christmas lights later tonight?”

“Depends,” Bon Bon frowned and wiped some sweat with her sleeve. “You girls coming to Octavia and Lyra’s Christmas performance with the orchestra?”

“Yeah. We already got our tickets last week,” I replied. “You honestly should have expected us to go Bonnie.”

“Then yes, we will be there,” Bon Bons smiled brightly as Lyra turned red.

“I swear, Bons is too protective for her own good,” Lyra muttered under her breath. “Hey Bacon Hair, try one of these chocolate covered cherries please.”

“Bacon Hair? Seriously?” I asked as Sweetie Drops held out a piece of chocolate. I shrugged and took it, tossing it into my mouth. “Pretty good.”

“They’re your moms favorite. I’m gonna give you a box to take to her as a gift from me,” Sweetie Drops said as she handed me a box.

“Be careful,” Lyra warned as she shoved a second box into my hands. “Derpy fucking loves chocolate covered cherries. That box is for her. Trust me, she will adore and love you for easily the rest of your days.”

I rubbed the back of my head in thought. While that did make sense, it’s kinda hard to think that when Derpy practically proclaims her love every night during our late night “cuddle sessions” as she fondly calls them. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like them too.

“Uh, I’m pretty sure she already does,” Bon Bon pointed out.

“Shush, you’re not helping.”

Octavia sniffled and blew her nose into a tissue as she glared at Vinyl.

“While I adore our friends, I do not appreciate you hiding my cello till I come look at Christmas lights while I am suffering a flu,” Octavia scowled at her girlfriend as Rainbow snorted a laugh. “What’s funny Dash?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s Rudolph!” Dinky shouted as she brushed some snow off her shoulder and pointed to a reindeer decoration. “Look, Amy!”

“I see him,” Amethyst grunted with a smile. The slightly younger teen wore a purple coat wrapped around her with a matching hat.

“Do reindeer in this world have glowing red noses?” Sunburst asked curiously as he and Spitfire examined the decoration closer.

“No Rudolph is a special case,” Vinyl explained as she and Pinkie threw snowballs at each other. “We should totally watch it Tavi!”

“Hey Octavia,” Trixie grinned as she and Watermelody stood next to each other.

“Yes Trixie?”

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you, yeah,” Trixie sang and burst out laughing with Watermelody and Ruby as she swung her legs around Moms neck.

“If I hear that song one more time, I will die!” Octavia fumed as we laughed harder. “I’ve had it to here with that song! They play it every hour of the day!”

“Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I’ll give it to someone special. Last Christmas I gave you my heart. But the very next day you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears. I’ll give it to someone special,” Lavender and Applejack sang as Octavia covered her ears and the two started laughing again.

“Come here!” Octavia shouted as she started chasing the four girls around the snow.

I pulled out my phone and examined the text Silver Spoon had texted me and I started laughing quietly. It was a hastily drawn image of Sunburst, Fluttershy, Fuchsia and Sweet Leaves with hearts and I mentally made a note to print a copy and tease them with it.

“Oh dear lord fan art,” Aunt Cherry laughed as she peered over my shoulder. She shook her head and walked over to Diamond Tiara who was hiding from the others. Presumably to avoid snowballs.

“Hey watch this,” Spitfire said casually as she picked up a snowball and threw it gently at Diamond. Diamond jumped and looked around as Spitfire whistled innocently and I snickered, looking at the lights again.

“Come here,” Derpy grumbled as she grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

“Uhm okay,” I gave her a confused look as we walked further into the park. “What’s up?”

“So I kissed you earlier.”

“Correct?”

“Your mouth tasted like chocolate covered cherries.”

Derpy narrowed her eyes and I gulped as she stared into my soul it felt like.

“Yeah I got some at home. They’re in my underwear drawer because it was the one place I knew you wouldn’t look,” I admitted and started to sweat lightly as Derpy suddenly grinned and I let out a sigh of relief.

“Fair enough. You have the rest of the week off correct? I don’t want us to leave bed unless it’s for the bathroom or dinner,” Derpy stated firmly as I rolled my eyes with a smirk.

“Correct. The shop is closed for the week until a few days after Christmas. I gotta wrap up a few more gifts and then I’ll be done for the year. Spitfire and Pinkie are hard to shop for, believe me.”

I leaned forward slightly and kissed Derpy as gagging came behind us. Spitfire and Rainbow stood behind us with red faces as Derpy kissed my cheek.

“I always walk in on you two at the worst times,” Spitfire grumbled as she looked away.

“Don’t worry, I heard them going at it once. I never knew Derpy could be so commanding,” Rainbow admitted.

“She gets pretty rough like that,” I agreed and grinned mischievously at my friend and sister, wiggling my eyebrows. “Especially when she pins my hands above my head or gets handcuffs or-”

“Okay I get it!” Spitfire snapped as she turned into a tomato.

“Hey Sunset?”

“Yeah Dash?”

“Quit trying to get arrested for public kissing and come look at the lights.”

Rainbow spun around and ran off before tossing us a grin.

“Can you actually get arrested for that?” Spitfire questioned as I shook my head.

“As long as it stays decent, it doesn’t matter.”

Thank God for that at least.

I squeezed Derpy’s hand before I grabbed my sisters hand and the three of us walked back to the others.

Chapter XXXII

Author's Note

This chapter is gonna be a bit different and alternate between all of the characters povs. Each get about 500 words, Merry Christmas! Took me forever to write this one lol.

Chapter XXXII

Vinyl

I carried a bowl of soup as I nudged Octavia’s door open. The cellist was laying in bed as she blew her nose, tossing the tissue into her trash can. Her room was so blandly painted in my opinion.

It was a light brown with purple curtains that made me wanna gag. I’d never tell her that though.

“I got soup,” I announced with a grin as Octavia lifted her head and gave me a weak smile.

“Thank you love. Wish our friends were here but alas, I can’t risk getting them sick. I was cutting it close going to the lights downtown with them,” Octavia grumbled as I set her soup down on her nightstand and handed her a spoon.

“But you had fun, don’t deny it,” I snickered as I flopped down on bed next to her.

“That is not the point, love! I could have gotten everyone sick.”

“But you didn’t,” I retorted.”S’all good. Relax!”

“You’re too good for me, love. All of you are,” Octavia muttered as I rolled my eyes and kissed her cheek as she sipped her soup with a spoon.

“Oh trust me, you’re too good for me. I know I’m difficult to get along with some days.”

“A tad,” Octavia admitted as I turned her TV on and I dumped my backpack full of Christmas movies out in front of her DVD player. “But I love you for it regardless, love.”

“You call everyone love. I should totally get a unique name.”

“Like?”

“How about whore?” I suggested with a grin as Octavia rolled her eyes. “Cumslut? Octavia’s bitch? Uh, what other fucked up name can I come up with?”

“Spend some time with Lightning, Rainbow, Pinkie and Lyra. I’m sure they will find some wild way to encourage your depravity.”

“Good idea!”

I shoved Octavia’s favorite Christmas movie, Rudolph, into the dvd player as I grabbed the remote and coughed.

The two of us froze and looked at each other as Octavia started laughing.

“Well, well, looks like I got one of our group sick,” Octavia teased with a smug grin. She lifted her covers and I turned slightly red when I realized she only had underclothing as she called it on. Octavia patted next to her. “Sit.”

I nodded and flopped down on the bed as Octavia’s bed threatened to swallow me whole.

“Damn Tavi, your bed is soft as hell!”

“You say that everytime we sleep in this bed, Vinnie.”

I paused and tried to think of a counter argument but thought of none. She had me beat there.

“Vinnie, huh?” I mused as Octavia coughed and blushed. “That’s a new one.”

“Well you did say you wanted a new nickname Vinnie. This is probably the worst Christmas ever, sick with the flu in bed. I’m sorry love.”

“It’s fine,” I answered and started trailing kisses down her cheek and neck. “We’re together, our friends are happy, we’re happy, everything is fine. Relax a bit.”

“You do raise fair points. Now let me eat my soup and watch our movie.”

I kissed her again as we both focused on the movie again.

Octavia being sick or not, best Christmas ever.

Lyra

I held the ladder steady as Twist climbed it, placing the star on top of the tree as Bon Bon and Sweetie Drops watched with smiles.

“Nice work sis,” Bon Bon patted Twist on the head as the girl climbed off the ladder. We all stepped back and admired the tree with it’s sparkly lights and ornaments.

“Thanks Thith!” Twist hugged Bon Bons waist as I flipped the light switch off. “Thanks Lyra.”

“No problem,” I said casually as Sweetie Drops folded up the ladder and carried it away as I sat on the couch with Bon Bon and Twist. “Applejack sure is taking forever in the bathroom, think she’s texting Rarity?”

Bon Bon choked on her hot chocolate and Twist patted her on the back hard.

“Fudge, thanks!” Bon Bon coughed out as she looked at me. “As for your question, it could be a possibility. I personally don’t really see why my cousin would be into Rarity but to each their own. I ship it.”

“Jackity,” I mused as Twist giggled.

“Jackity!” Bon Bon let out a snort as she fell onto my lap. “That was good, Ly-Ly. I think Rainbow and Sunset are placing bets on when they get together. Apparently it’s a pretty big bet, half the school is putting money in.”

“Money in what?” Applejack asked as she walked down the stairs and Sweetie Drops grinned. “Also, Ah gotta head on out soon. Granny wants me to come help with baking. Ah’ll drop some baked goods off at yalls houses soon.”

“That’s nice of you Applejack,” Sweetie Drops smiled warmly as Applejack blushed faintly.

“Oh, it ain’t nothin.”

“So you interested in anyone?” I asked curiously with a hidden grin as Bon Bon smiled behind her mug. “Anyone at all?”

“A-ah ain’t sure what ya are talking about,” Applejack turned even redder as we stifled laughs. “Ah do wanna know when you two got together. For ya know, curiosity and all.”

Bon Bon and I gave each other knowing looks as we smirked.

“Everyone knows the story,” I said with a shrug and stole Bon Bons hot chocolate, taking a sip before giving it back to her. Twist gagged a bit as Sweetie Drops chuckled.

“Yeah well fine Ah like Rarity? Are ya happy? Ah want to use yalls story to get ideas.”

“I knew it!” I shouted with a grin. “Well, what worked for us won’t work for her. We just started talking one day and kept going till we went on a date and I kissed her. Simple as that.”

“So ah just kiss and that’s that?”

“No,” Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “Rarity is the type of girl who wants the whole nine yards. Chocolates, nice restaurant the like.”

“Reminds me of someone else I know,” I muttered as Bon Bon smacked me playfully upside the head. “Ow!”

“Anyway, just be confident AJ. You got this,” Bon Bon smiled warmly at the farmer as I nodded.

“Thanks yall. Ah gotta get on home, and Merry Christmas if I don’t see ya before then!”

“Merry Christmas,” we all said in unison as Applejack disappeared down the steps to the front door.

“What now?” Twist asked as she curled up under her blanket.

“Well, you go to bed soon little one,” Sweetie Drops smirked slightly as Twist groaned. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Twist muttered as the two got up and started walking away.

“Bye Twisty,” Bon Bon called out as I yawned. “We should go to bed too.”

“Maybe,” I admitted as I yawned again.

I curled up next to Bon Bon on the couch as we both fell asleep.

Rainbow

I wrapped my coat tighter around me as I stood on top of the hill with Fluttershy and Lightning, sleds tucked under our arms as we looked down.

“So we’re going down that?” Fluttershy asked nervously as I nodded with an eager grin. “It’s so high up though.”

Pinkie gave an excited scream as she ran and slid down the hill on her stomach, rolling halfway down as her laughs echoed.

“We can go together,” I suggested as Fluttershy nodded slowly. I set my sled down and sat on it, patting in front. “Now you sit between my legs.”

“Hahah!” Lightning burst out laughing as I glared her while Fluttershy eeped and turned red.

“Not like that, you freak of nature,” I scoffed as Lightning continued laughing. Fluttershy nodded and sat in between my legs as I wrapped an arm around waist. “Push us please?”

Lightning nodded as she gave us a gentle push, grunting as we went flying down the hill and Fluttershy screamed as my grip tightened around her.

“You’re fine,” I shouted into her ear as we flipped over and went rolling in the snow as I ended on top of Fluttershy. “Well, uh that went well.”

“That was awesome!” Fluttershy giggled as she looked at me and kissed me as I short circuited.

“I knew it!” Pinkie shouted as she popped out of a nearby snowbank. “I knew Fluttershy and you two had something going on but you two were keeping it a secret! Meanies!”

“Woah, I saw that!” Lightning called out as she slid to a stop next to us. “Together, Pinkie?”

“Mhm!”

“Rainbow and Fluttershy, sitting in a tree,” Lightning and Pinkie sang with smug grins before they started laughing.

“In all honesty, I’m happy for you two,” Lightning said as her laughter slowed to a stop. “I always knew you two would get together.”

I rolled my eyes as we sat up, my eyes wide.

“Uhm Rainbow Dash? Was that okay?” Fluttershy asked nervously and brushed her hair aside.

I weakly nodded as she gave a quiet “yay” and I snickered as Lightning and Pinkie quietly disappeared.

“Wanna go again?” Fluttershy offered and I nodded.

I faintly made out a picture being taken as Fluttershy kissed me again but I didn’t care. I just had to figure out how to tell the others.

Rarity

I sat quietly at my sewing desk as I pounded a fist against my head in thought. Sunset was a hard person to get gifts, she had so many unique interests, it’s hard to just settle on one.

“Having a hard time deciding still?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously as my younger sister came into my room. “Sunset is pretty difficult to shop for.”

“You already got her a present, didn’t you?”

“Mhm! Who better to ask than her sisters?” Sweetie Belle asked and placed her hands on her hips. “And girlfriend. They live with her after all. They all are gonna know her best.”

I paused as Sweetie Belle smiled sheepishly.

“You got her some videos or something didn’t you?” I asked as Sweetie Belle shook her head and I raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, I got her one video game,” Sweetie Belle admitted as she held up a finger. “That’s cheating though. Everyone knows she loves video games! I also got her something for her guitar and a phone case because she drops hers constantly.”

“True,” I cringed slightly. The amount of times I’ve seen Sunset and Derpy drop their phones was mind blowing. I partially suspected Sunset only did it to make Derpy feel better about being a tad on the clumsy side.

“You’re creative! You’ll come up with something. Just make her a hat or something, she will like that,” Sweetie Belle waved a hand casually as she dropped down next to me. “You still have those designs for that skirt and stuff, right?”

“Sweetie Belle, you’re a genius!” I squeezed her face with both hands as she blushed.

“So I’ve been told,” Sweetie Belle smiled as she removed my hands. “Applejack is knitting her a hat or something.”

I paused and processed her words as I gave a slight shudder. I don’t even want to imagine Applejack making clothes. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. I loved Applejack and all, but she can’t make clothing to save her life. At least she was decent at knitting.

“Good lord, when did it become so foggy?” I asked and looked out the window. I could barely see down the street, it was so foggy. Reminded me of that dreadful Silent Hill movie Rainbow made us watch during a sleepover at Pinkies.

“About an hour ago, give or take. Can you take a break to come build a snow man with me?” Sweetie Belle asked eagerly and I looked at her with a slight frown. I didn’t really like saying no but I really needed to get this work done by at least tonight and the sun was already setting.

I opened my mouth to say no as Sweetie Belle gave me her trademark puppy dog eyes that made it hard to say no.

I inhaled and gave a smile back, nodding.

“Let’s go build a snowman, Sweetie.”

Sunset

I flopped down on the couch next to Derpy and Silver Spoon as I kissed Derpy’s cheek as Spitfire and Derpy both turned red.

“I hate when you do that,” Spitfire grumbled as I snickered. “Go make out upstairs or something.”

“Oh we will later,” I promised and winked.

“Joy,” Sunburst muttered as I laughed again.

“Should we be helping mom in the kitchen?” Spitfire asked and we all gave her surprised looks. “Yes, I called Cheerilee mom. Get over it.”

“Aunt Cherry is territorial about her kitchen. Only Mom, Aunt Berry and Aunt Minuette are allowed to cook in it,” I warned and shook my head. “Apparently Ruby accidentally burnt herself on the stove when they were all distracted cleaning up one of her messes and Aunt Cherry is like, terrified of anyone under twenty seven in the kitchen.”

“Makes sense,” Spitfire admitted after a moment. “The others out back still?”

“Yeah, Scootaloo is trying to teach Dinky and Diamond how to play football.”

“I’m gonna go join. I’ve never played football before but it can’t be that difficult nor different from hoofball,” Spitfire proclaimed and I bit my tongue. It’s gonna be much more funnier watching her be proven wrong.

Spitfire stood up and walked out to the sliding door, opening it and jogging outside.

“Text Dinky to take pictures for me please,” I asked with a grin. Derpy nodded slowly as she pulled out her phone and started typing. “I love you, you know that?”

“Love you too,” Derpy replied as she leaned against me, pulling Sunburst and Silver Spoon with her other arm, taking a picture as we all smiled.

Derpy and I wore matching green and red sweaters that pointed at each other, the only difference in Derpy’s tan leggings and my black ones.

Derpy examined the picture and with a satisfied smile, posted it on Snapchat.

“We still up for surprising Trixie later?” I asked as Derpy gave an eager nod.

“I think she’s with Watermelody right now,” Silver Spoon mused as she rubbed her chin. “At least, that’s what her snapchat post said when she posted a picture of Watermelody kissing her cheek.”

“Surprised Trixie told her parents,” I said under my breath. “Watermelodys parents were less than enthused about her dating Trixie I heard.”

“Same,” Derpy frowned slightly before hugging me excitedly. “It’s our second Christmas together since we’ve been dating!”

“We have to do something special then,” I mused as I yawned slightly and hugged Derpy back. “Maybe a hotel? Or all night video game session in said hotel?”

“Shush,” Derpy rolled her eyes and kissed me. “Just us being here is special enough.”

“You got me there,” I admitted and kissed her back as Derpy leaned closer to my ear.

“But if you want, I’d be perfectly okay if you did something special tonight in bed,” Derpy whispered in my ear as I blushed.

I nodded sheepishly as she gave an excited smile.

Cloudkicker

I held the ladder steady with Blossomforth my little sister, Alula climbed the ladder to put the star on top of the tree.

“Great job!” Blossomforth congratulated the younger girl as she climbed down. I folded up the ladder and leaned it against the opposite side of the wall.

I faintly made out mom and dad upstairs in the kitchen, presumably making dinner when I glanced at the front door, raising an eyebrow at a shadow outside the door as someone knocked.

“I got it,” I said as I took a few quick steps to the door. We weren’t really expecting anyone else. Raindrops was with her family, as was Flitter and Cloudchaser. Lavender was most likely with Trixie, though Blossomforth did tell her she was invited for Christmas here.

I opened the door and froze as my eyes slightly widened. Lavender stood in front of the door with a bag of gifts in her hands.

“Hey,” Lavender said simply as she looked around nervously. “Can I come in?”

“Of course,” I shook my surprise off and stepped back as Lavender gave me a grateful nod and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. “Alula, come help Lavender with her gifts! Blossomforth, can you get us some hot chocolate please?”

“On it!” Blossomforth gave me a mock salute as I laughed. Alula darted around me and hugged Lavender with a grin.

“Hey Lula,” Lavender smiled down at her as she set her bag down.

“Hey Lavvie,” Alula chirped as she took our cousins bag and stepped away. “I’ll leave you two to talk.” Alula winked at me and I sighed.

“I’m sorry,” we said in unison and both looked at each other.

“What?” I asked as Lavender sighed.

“For slapping you. It was uncalled for. You were just looking out for me as you always have.”

“It’s fine. If anything, I’m sorry. I never should have told you where to live and if Equestria is where you want to live, then I support it. It’ll just suck you not living here close.”

“I thought about it and I’ll probably stay till before college,” Lavender admitted. “Maybe, you can come with to Equestria one day and I’ll show you the house the Princesses gave me properly instead of just the outside. You’d like it a lot.”

I gave a nod as Blossomforth stepped forward with a smug grin.

“So you two worked it out finally?” Blossomforth asked as she held out two cups of hot chocolate.

“Yeah,” I said happily and reached for the cup only for Blossomforth to pull it away and shake her head, pointing above us with a smugger grin.

I looked up at mistletoe that Alula had begged us to hang up earlier and I turned red, kissing Lavenders cheek.

“Ah, ah, ah!” Blossomforth shook her head and giggled. “Lips, those are the rules!”

“Do you have an incest kink that we are just now finding out about?” Lavender asked flatly as I laughed.

“Ew no!”

I kissed Lavender on the lips for five seconds and pushed her away, wiping my mouth.

“First and last time that is ever happening,” I gagged dramatically. “Not that you’re ugly cousin, but I don’t wanna kiss you. How you’re single still is beyond me, nice slim body, decent sized chest according to the boys at school.”

“Not for a lack of trying,” Lavender grumbled as she tried and failed to hide her blush. “We are saving this train of thought for another night.”

“Sounds good.”

Blossomforth held out the mugs again and I waved it aside, opening my arms.

Lavender hesitated before opening her arms and we hugged.

Twilight

I sat at my desk with my mask on, welding a gift for Sour. I had spent hours coming up with a bow design that she would like, now all I had was the finishing welds and it’d be done in time for tomorrow.

“Open up Twilight!” Indigo shouted as she continued banging on my door. “We are getting bored, if you’re trying on different clothes to seduce Sour into fucking you, stop it!”

“Indigo Zap!” Sunny Flare said in a horrified tone. “Twilight would not do that!”

“Most teenagers actually get horny a good percentage of their formulative years and I’d be concerned if Twilight didn’t.”

“Not helping Sugarcoat!”

“Whoa dude, what turns you on?” Lemon Zest asked with a grin. “Other than random facts of knowledge and dry sarcasm?”

“Haha!” Indigo laughed before pounding on the door again. “You got the count of five Twily!” I quickly finished welding Sours gift and sighed.

“I’m always friends with the weird ones,” I muttered as I gently pushed Sours gift under my bed. “Rainbow, Pinkie, Lyra, Vinyl, Indigo.”

“I heard that!”

I sighed and tossed my welding mask aside, standing up and opening the door to reveal my other friends standing in the door impatiently.

“About time,” Indigo snorted as she stepped into my room. “We’ve been here for hours!”

“We’ve been here for ten minutes,” Sugarcoat corrected dryly with a smile.

“Hello dearie. You look festive,” Sunny smiled as she hugged me, stepping back to examine my blue sweater with snowflakes designed into it. “Your room is a bit lacking, considering what your parents did to the rest of the house.”

“Looks like I stepped out of a Christmas movie dude!” Lemon laughed as she hugged me. “Christmas lights everywhere, a blow up Frosty in the front yard!”

Sour pushed Lemon aside onto my bed as she hugged me, kissing my forehead as I turned red.

“Oooh,” Lemon and Sugarcoat said in unison as the pair giggled.

“Shush,” Sour grumbled as I returned the gesture. “Hey Twi.”

“Hey.”

“So what ya working on?” Lemon asked as she plopped on my work chair, spinning in circles. “Weee!”

“Nothing!” I said hastily as they all gave me doubtful looks. “Something!”

“Talk about ominous,” Sugarcoat mused as she picked up my welding helmet and hung it up. “We’re going out for cupcakes, wanna join us?”

“You’ll be back in time for dinner with your family,” Sour promised as she squeezed my hand. “Please?”

I melted a little at the puppy dog eyes Sour and Lemon gave me. Mainly Sour of course.

“Yeah, let’s go,” I said after a moment. Sunny tossed me a scarf and hat that matched my sweater.

“Yay!”

“Hell yeah.”

“Cool.”

“Can we go already?”

I gave a faint laugh as I grabbed Sours hand again, pulling her out of my room as the others followed.

I gave a look at where Sours now finished gift lay and shut the door.

Trixie

“I still can’t get over the fact your moms name is peanut brittle,” Watermelody said as we sat on my bed.

“Yeah most are surprised about that fact,” I admitted sheepishly. “Mom makes the best peanut butter products Trixie has ever tasted.”

“I can believe that,” Watermelody chuckled as she looked at the door. “They aren’t going to come in here, are they?”

“No, they don’t if my door is closed. Why?”

Watermelody pushed me onto my back as she sat on my waist and kissed me as my eyes widened slightly and she laughed quietly, tossing her beret in the corner.

I kissed her back hesitantly as she gave an approving sound, slipping her hand under my shirt and I gasped slightly as she finally pulled away.

“Was that okay?” Watermelody asked hesitantly as I nodded quickly.

“What was that?” I asked curiously as Watermelody grinned, kissing my neck as I yelped. She leaned back and tossed her shirt off as my eyes widened again.

“What do you think?” Watermelody questioned with a smirk as she kissed me again and I pushed back as I kissed her. “You’ve gotten better, I’m happy about that.”

“Mhm,” I mumbled back with a red face.

“Trixie, your friends are here!” Mom called out as we both froze, looking over each other’s half exposed bodies.

“Shit,” I cursed under my breath as Watermelody pulled her free hand out from my shirt and searched for her shirt.

“Where is my shirt?” Watermelody asked hastily.

“It’s uhm on the ceiling fan. Where you threw it.”

“Fuck me,” Watermelody muttered as she stood up cautiously on my bed and grabbed it.

“I was about to till we got interrupted,” I grumbled and folded my arms across my chest with a huff.

“Well dear, we can always continue this later tonight if you wish,” Watermelody teased with a grin as she put her shirt back on.

“Yes, please,” I mumbled and she nodded. Watermelody picked up her beret and put it on her head as she looked in the mirror and gave an approving sound as I smiled.

“But first Trixie, you might want to brush your hair and put a bra on. We’re going out and the others might know what we were up to,” Watermelody planted a kiss on my cheek as I turned red again.

She may have a point there.

Fuchsia

I laid on a beach chair with sunglasses on in a purple bikini that showed a bit more skin than I knew dad was comfortable with as I stretched slightly.

I might as well work on my tan while I have the opportunity. I work hard for this body, I should be able to show it off this summer like I planned.

“You know it’s a tanning salon, not an actual beach,” Wallflower pointed out as she laid on a chair next to me. “We’re in New York, not Tampa.”

“Don’t take this from me,” I responded as she giggled softly. It was a nice sound, something I rarely hear.

“Fair enough,” Wallflower admitted as I put some more sunscreen on and adjusted my sunglasses.

“Where’s mom and dad?” I asked as I propped up a leg and admired it.

“Upstairs, getting each other off. Or well, I would assume that’s what’s going on based on the noises,” Wallflower said as we both gagged in unison.

“Disgusting,” I muttered and shook my head a bit.

“Why are you caring about tanning? You’ve never cared about it before?”

“I didn’t have a boyfriend before either. And besides, a girl can look good whenever. Just because you like to hide in baggy clothes Sis doesn’t mean I want to.”

“I don’t hide in baggy clothing!” Wallflower protested weakly as I pulled down my sunglasses slightly to look her in the eyes. “Okay, I do prefer baggy clothing but well my body is nasty to begin with.”

“Hey,” I snapped and sat up straighter. “None of that. Your body is fine and beautiful in it’s own way. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise or I’ll knock them out.”

“You’d actually do that for me?”

“You damn right I would,” I said as Wallflowers eyes widened. “Hurt my sister, I beat your ass. Simple as that.”

“Why?”

“Well, let’s see,” I held up a finger. “We came from the same woman, I’m older than you-”

“By five minutes,” Wallflower interjected with a frown as I chuckled. She hated that fact.

“And we look out for each other, no matter. If you need friends, I can always introduce you to Roseluck. She seems to like flowers like you do.”

“I don’t think she likes me much. I’ve tried talking to her and I just can’t say the right words, no matter how hard I try.”

“Well, then I’ll knock her teeth out,” I said confidently. I’ve been wanting to hit her for a while now to be honest with how mean she was to Sunset a long time ago.

“No!” Wallflower exclaimed and I raised an eyebrow. “I mean, don’t do that. Please, I can handle it.”

“Okay then. Just say the word,” I shrugged and lifted my sunglasses back over my eyes. I rolled over on my stomach to get my back tanned as she averted her eyes. “I love you, you know that? You ever need help, I’m there.”

“I know.” I waited as Wallflower shrugged. “I love you too, sis.”

“Where’s your rock thing at anyway?” I asked as she tensed up slightly.

“Home. I don’t need it here, I can always count on you. It’s easy to talk around you without worrying about you pointing out my errors in speech and whatnot.”

“Huh, okay. Don’t you ever forget it,” I laughed and elbowed her gently. “I am the best older sister after all.”

“You’re my only older sister,” Wallflower pointed out. “And it’s by five minutes.”

I looked at her and laughed with a smirk, Wallflower joining in after a second. She may think she’s the lucky one, but I’m truly the lucky one in this sisterhood.

Chapter XXXIII

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter XXXIV

Sweetie Belle

“I’m bored.”

Apple Bloom and I both gave Scootaloo confused looks as the girl laid in a pile of snow outside our school. Most of our classmates were building snowmen in the yard for lord knows why. News year had came and gone along with Spitfire, Twilight and Sunburst.

“That’s a true crime of the century right there,” I noted dryly and rolled my eyes. “A bored Scootaloo is enough to cause the world to implode.”

“And explode.”

“I don’t think a world can implode and then explode,” I said as I scrunched up ny eyebrows. “Unless it’s Star Wars or something.”

“Are you three really just laying in the snow?” Diamond Tiara asked as we all three looked up to see her, Silver Spoon, Dinky and Ruby staring down at us. “Get up and do something?”

“Like?”

“Like this,” Diamond said casually as she bent over to scoop up some snow and her eyes looked around before locking onto Vapor Trail, throwing the snowball into her back and casually looking innocent as the girl jumped and looked around.

“Seriously Sky?” Vapor scoffed and stared at her friend. “You couldn’t have waited until after my snowman was done?”

“It wasn’t me!” Sky Stinger shot back as we all stifled laughter. “Woah!” Sky ducked to avoid the snowball Vapor had thrown and it slammed into Applejacks face as Apple Bloom gasped.

“That’s it!” Applejack shouted as she locked eyes with a nervous looking Vapor.

We watched as Diamond smirked smugly at us as she placed her hands on her hips as the entire courtyard dissolved into chaos as people started throwing snowballs around.

“And that ladies is how you start a school wide snowball fight,” Diamond winked at us as Ruby giggled and slid down the snow to sit next to us.

“Where’s Sunset at?” Dinky asked as she narrowly avoided a snowy projectile Derpy had thrown at her. “Hey, I saw that!”

“Next one won’t miss!” Derpy called back with a mischievous smirk. Dinky went pale as she waved goodbye to us, taking off running as Amethyst Star and Derpy followed her.

“She’s currently inside baking something for Rarity with Pinkie,” Silver answered as she tugged her silver coat around herself. “Derpy was going to help but well, it appears she is distracted at the moment.”

We all giggled as we looked at Derpy running from Amethyst and Dinky. Apparently the tables turned on her at some point.

“I will not be involved in something as childish as this Vinyl!” Octavia shouted nearby and the remaining girls standing hastily slid into the snow fort Scootaloo had made with us. “Go find Trixie or Lyra!”

We all peeked through a tiny window I had created as the two teens stood in front of us.

“Come on Tavi, loosen up!”

“I am plenty loosened up!” Octavia snapped as Vinyl started laughing and Octavia turned red. “Not like you dirty minded individual! Get your mind out of the gutter!”

Rainbow tossed a snowball at the back of her head and Octavia turned around slowly glaring at the rainbow haired girl as Rainbow nervously stepped back.

“Oh hey Octavia we’re all uh friends here right?” Rainbow asked nervously as she continued backpedaling and Octavia maintened her slow walk towards her. “Hey, look it’s Vinyl behind you with your cello!”

“It is on,” Octavia said softly as Rainbows eyes widened in horror. Octavia moved with surprisingly agility, picking up some snow and quickly launching it at Rainbow.

“Woah,” Scootaloo said quietly as we watched Octavia chasing Rainbow around the yard. “Did you all know Octavia could move that fast?”

“Eenope.”

“Hey girls,” we turned around slowly and looked at Fluttershy standing behind us. “I saw you start this, Diamond Tiara.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Diamond said hastily as Fluttershy narrowed her eyes before smiling slightly and holding up a snowball. “Oh shit.”

“Scatter!”

“I can’t believe Fluttershy of all people beat us all down in a snow ball fight,” I grumbled as we all trudged to Cheerilees room, dripping wet from snow. Diamonds and my hair were flat and soaked, which annoyed me and her greatly.

“My poor hair!” Diamond wailed as she undid her ponytail and muttered a curse word under her breath.

“Hey girls!” Sunset called out as she and Pinkie ran past with Sunset holding some weird souffle looking thing. “Bye girls, love you all!”

“Do you think we should warn them about the massive snowball fight outside our school?” Ruby asked as Diamond and Silver grinned mischievously.

“Nah,” Silver answered as she tossed Diamond a towel from her bag. We had left all our bags in hallway outside their moms door so we didn’t get them wet. “It’s gonna be funny, let them figure it out. Lyra and Bon Bon are taking part now too unsurprisingly.”

I was more worried about Lightning, Cloudkicker and Raindrops working together. They were scarily effective together, enough that Rainbow and Applejack themselves were staying away.

“What happened to you girls?” Cheerilee asked curiously as she gave a quick glance from her computer to look at us.

“Snowball fight in the front lawn of the school. Last time I checked, Granny Smith was getting involved herself. We quickly ran away after getting beat by Fluttershy by herself. Fluttershy of all people if you can believe it,” Scootaloo answered as she sat down.

“I don’t know if AJ or Fluttershy is scarier,” Silver chimed in. “I’m so cold, can we go home now?”

“Go sit near the fake fireplace I got in here. It’ll warm you girls up pretty quick. Ruby, your mom will be here soon and I’ll be taking Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to my house for a sleepover. I expect you girls to be on your best behavior, understand?”

“We understand,” Apple Bloom and I said in unison as Scootaloo pumped a fist enthusiastically. We had been begging for months for this opportunity.

One things for sure, we’re gonna make this the best sleepover ever. One that will rival Pinkies.

Chapter XXXVI

Sunset

“Is all the decorations up?” I asked as I glanced up from my clipboard.

“Yes Sunset,” Derpy rolled her eyes and squeezed my shoulder. “You’ve been spending too much time with Twilight, we’ve been over this list a dozen times. Everything for your mom’s birthday is ready, Cherry has brought the cake and everything just relax alright?”

“This has to be perfect. This is mom’s birthday, it’s an important day-” I said as Derpy kissed me.

“Are you done yet?” Derpy asked with a smirk as I sheepishly nodded.

“Yes ma’am. Where’s Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?” I asked as Derpy pointed upstairs.

“Your mom is lucky to have you, you know? You’re a damn good daughter Sunset,” Derpy said casually as she dusted off her dress and hugged me.

“I try.”

“She’s right,” Aunt Cherry said casually as she leaned against the kitchen doorway. “Minnie is on her way with Cheerilee as we speak. Got everything ready?”

“Ready,” Derpy gave a thumbs up as I nodded. We had originally offered my friends to come for Mom’s birthday party but they insisted on family only for us. “I’m a tad surprised you all let me stay for this.”

“Are you kidding?” Aunt Berry poked her head in. “You’re practically family at this point Derpy. You even live with my sister and my nieces.”

“Thanks Miss Punch,” Derpy kicked at the carpet and blushed as I snorted back a laugh.

“Mom’s car just pulled in,” Scootaloo called down from upstairs as I shut the lights off.

“Where are you?” Aunt Cherry whispered as I strained to identify where she was.

“Here,” Silver Spoon said over my shoulder and I reached around blindly. “Whoever just touched my chest, please never do that again.”

“Sorry!” I muttered with a red face.

The front door pushed open as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, faintly making out Mom and Aunt Minuette’s outline in the darkness.

“Why is so dark in here?” Mom said as I watched her stumble around.

“I have no idea. Maybe the power went out,” Aunt Minuette said casually as she smirked. Naturally, she was in on it as I inhaled and turned the lights on.

“Happy birthday,” I said coolly as I stood up and Mom jumped. “What, you seriously think we forgot?”

“Honestly I forgot,” Mom admitted as she set down her bags. “Thank you. All of you.”

“Anytime sis,” Aunt Cherry gave a mock salute and smirked. “If I remember correctly, our youngest sisters birthday is fourteen days away as well.”

“Don’t you dare do anything big,” Aunt Berry warned and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t need anything crazy.”

“Sure,” Aunt Minuette rolled her eyes and shot Mom a smirk. “Now come on you, you have a birthday to celebrate.”

“You know, I didn’t actually expect you to get me this,” Mom mused as she examined the dress she had told Derpy she liked the other day at the mall. “Thank you Derpy.”

“You’re welcome Cheerilee,” Derpy said quietly as I leaned back in my chair.

“This is from all of us,” Diamond handed Mom a picture frame and Mom flipped it over to stare at the picture we had all had taken months ago in the woods we had gone camping at and another with Derpy added in.

“No offense but this my favorite gift so far,” Mom admitted as she patted the two pictures.

“We figured that would be the case,” Diamond said with a shrug. “You do really like your pictures. You have a whole wall devoted to family pictures.”

Mom shot a quick glance over at the wall and nodded. I was still surprised she hadn’t ran out of space on that wall. One of these days she was clearly going to have to start expanding her picture collection.

“Was Minuette in on it?” Mom asked as Aunt Minuette rolled her eyes and crossed her legs.

“Of course I was. Do you seriously think Berry could have planned this out alone?”

“Hey!” Aunt Berry protested and frowned slightly as we all laughed. “I could have easily planned something like this!”

“Sure love,” Aunt Minuette snickered. “And the sky is falling down.”

“It could be,” Ruby offered as she looked outside. “It did in Chicken Little, didn’t it?”

“What the heck is that?” I asked after a moment.

“It’s a Disney movie about a chicken who thinks the sky is falling but it’s actually an acorn or something the first time then he has to save his town from an alien invasion,” Mom explained as I raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

Silver Spoon facepalmed as Mom and the others sighed.

“I’ll have to show you it for you to properly understand. It’s a really good movie though,” Mom said as I nodded.

“I’ll take your word for it. I’ll die on the hill that the Lion King is still the best Disney movie,” I said casually. I partially did think that but it also annoyed Diamond Tiara who said one hundred and two Dalmatians was the best. I’d never seen the movie so I had no comment.

Diamond scowled at me as I snickered softly and Derpy elbowed me with a frown.

“Keep it up and you’ll sleep on the couch tonight,” Derpy threatened quietly next to my ear and I paled. The scariest part was I knew she wasn’t joking either. She’s made me sleep on the couch more than once and it’s not comfortable.

“Did you have a good birthday?” I asked mom hastily to change the topic and she nodded enthusiastically.

“Heck yeah. Anytime spent with you all is good. Thanks for this, I didn’t even remember today was my birthday,” Mom answered as she set the photos on the coffee table. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom break.”

Derpy watched her leave the room before staring at me with her bright gold eyes.

“You’re on thin ice young lady,” Derpy whispered in my ear and I gulped. “Don’t antagonize your sisters.” I idly wanted to point out we were the same age but decided against it.

“Yes ma’am. I can always just hug you and you’ll forgive me,” I said with a small smile.

“Affection is always nice and is the way to my heart, yes but don’t annoy your sisters. I hate sleeping alone just as much as you do,” Derpy said quietly as the others innocently looked away.

“I know. I understand, no more annoying my sisters.” Derpy focused on me and I started sweating before she smiled.

Derpy gave a satisfied nod and I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding.

Derpy was surprisingly scary when she wanted to be.

Chapter XXXVII

Sunset

I declare Valentine’s Day is the worst fucking holiday. I mean, if you think about it, it’s really just a day for companies to make bank off of people. It’s the same in Equestria.

But well, Derpy cares about it so. All our friends are doing stuff today as well. Lyra and Bon Bon are out of town for the day, Pinkie is at work, Rarity and Applejack are on their “not a date”. Even Lightning Dust is on one right now, Aunt Berry and Aunt Minuette are at some fancy hotel for the night while Aunt Cherry watches Ruby.

“Hey,” I said as I shook Derpy awake. “Wake up, it’s Valentine’s Day.”

“Oh sh- heck,” Derpy corrected mid sentence as I bit back a smile. “It is, isn’t it?”

“You forgot?” I asked and sighed in mock disappointment. “Pity, I had plans for us today. Dinner, movie, hotel and keeping the other patrons up all night. Shame.”

“W-we can still do all that,” Derpy said with a blush as she sat up and yawned, stretching. “Even the last part if you wanted.”

“Uh huh,” I mused and folded my arms. “You forgot it was Valentine’s Day. Kinda hard to forgive that.”

“I’m sorry,” Derpy threw the blankets off and hugged me.

“Okay I’m joking relax,” I laughed as she sat back with a huff. She had honestly looked like she was about to cry. “I’m sorry.”

“That was mean,” Derpy grumbled as I rolled my eyes and handed her a box of chocolates in a heart shape I had left on the nightstand on her side of the bed.

“Will these chocolates persuade you to forgive me?” I asked with a smirk as Derpy opened the package and tossed one in her mouth.

“Hmm caramel. You did get my favorite chocolates so that is a pretty good motivator to forgive you. I suppose so. Let’s go,” Derpy said as she ate another chocolate.

“Just one problem.”

“What?”

I pointed at her chest and she glanced down.

“You’re naked. This isn’t Equestria so we kinda can’t go out like that.”

Derpy turned bright red as I smirked, kissing her.

“Oh, right.”

“But it’s also welcome,” I added as she rolled her eyes.

“You’re dirtier than Lyra, you know that?”

“I am but you love me for it.”

“Yeah, you’re right I do.”

Derpy and I walked down the halls of our hotel as she dragged a suitcase behind her. I had offered to carry it but she refused. I didn’t even know what she had in there something about it being a surprise.

I had originally wanted to bring my guitar but Derpy had made me leave at home. Quite tragic really. Fluttershy and I spent hours writing that song but oh well.

“This is a nice hotel,” Derpy mused as I stopped at our room and swiped the card. “How much did you even spend tonight?”

“That’s my business but for you? It’s worth it,” I commented casually and hugged her before walking into the room.

“Hm I see,” Derpy said as she shut the door behind her. “You shouldn’t spend a bunch on me. Remember, I only got you flowers, a card and chocolates and felt awful about it.”

“Oh God here we go again,” I rolled my eyes and flopped down on the large bed. “It’s fine, I have a decent job. You didn’t have to get me anything. Now what’s in the suitcase?”

“Later,” Derpy said as she flung herself down next to me, rolling the suitcase across the floor with her foot into the door as we listened to it shut, the lock thudding into place. “I’m really lucky. To know you.”

“Pretty sure that’s my line,” I commented as I placed my hands behind my head. “But I feel the same. Wanna watch a movie or something?”

“Depends. If I watch, Interstellar one more time I’m gonna die.”

I snorted a laugh and started flicking through movies on the TV. We both hated Interstellar after Twilight dragged us to see it multiple times, at the theater and her home.

“Fair enough. Valentine’s Day never really mattered all that much to me,” I admitted and picked a random movie. “Well, till we started dating of course.”

“Makes sense. I know you don’t really like today so thanks for trying,” Derpy gave a faint smile as she flopped next to me. “Never took you as a Harry Potter fan.”

“Believe it or not, Rainbow Dash loves this series. She’s read all the books,” I said and shrugged. “I necer really took her as the type but hey, we all have our hobbies. Me, painting. You, baking.”

“And you,” Derpy added as I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t realize I was a hobby.”

“That came out poorly,” Derpy admitted as I hugged her with one arm.

“Maybe but it was meant well,” I answered and shrugged as she leaned into the hug. “You’re very soft by the way.”

“Weird compliment I suppose but thanks,” Derpy grinned as I nodded. “I also may have lied, I got you something else for Valentine’s Day so one sec.”

She slid out of the bed and bent over to open her suit case and I turned bright red.

“Derpy, I can see up your skirt,” I said as she scoffed.

“Nothing you haven’t seen or touched before. Here it is,” Derpy pulled out a giant grey pegasus with bubbles and gold eyes.

“Woah.”

“It’s a stuffed animal of my pony self!” Derpy announced as she handed me it. “So whenever I’m not home with you, you’ll still have me there with you to cuddle and kiss.”

“You’re adorable as fuck, you know that?” I asked as she smiled warmly. I grabbed her wrist and yanked onto my lap as I kissed her.

“So you like it I take it?” Derpy asked and I nodded as I hugged her stuffed self and her.

“I love it. And you, of course,” I answered and pulled her onto the bed. “I’m ready to go take a nap. You game?”

“I’m game.”

“Now I gotta get you a stuffed version of my pony self,” I mused as her face lit up.

“I’d love one,” Derpy admitted as she yawned.

I didn’t even bother getting into my pajamas as I nuzzled Derpy.

Okay, maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t the worst day ever.

Author's Note

Completely forgot to finish this chapter.

Chapter XI

Celestia

I propped my head up with a hoof as I stared at the old pink unicorn in front of me. This mare was driving me up the wall.

“Miss Perfection, I can assure you the fact that there is another world out there is not a concern to us. They bear no real threat and the holes you saw in the sky are evidently not there anymore,” I said as one of my guards let out a snicker behind a hoof.

“Well how exactly do we know that?” Sheer Perfection demanded as she stared at me. “How do you even get there?”

“How you get to this world is a state secret that only a few are allowed to know. Which you unfortunately, are not one of the select few. Any other questions?”

The doors swung open as Grace and Raven galloped in. I raised an eyebrow slightly as the two stood next to me, panting.

“Uhm you have Sunset Shimmer and some other ponies with her requesting to see you. They say it’s an emergency. Do you want me to just let Sunset in Princess?” Grace asked as my eyes widened.

I didn’t know Sunset had came back. Normally Twilight either tells me she is here visiting or I feel Sunsets magic entering Equestria.

“Send them all in please Grace. Everypony out, day court is over!” I called out as I gestured for my guards to escort the nobles out. They looked annoyed but complied. “My guards as well please. Grace and Raven too. Thank you.”

I forced myself to not grin as Sunset trotted in with Sea Swirl and Lyra Heartstrings along with her other friends.

“Princess Celestia,” Sunset said as she bowed with the pegasus, Sea Swirl and the other unicorn.

“Woah,” the blue unicorn muttered as I stared at Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy. I wasn’t expecting them here. Sunset smacked the blue unicorn with her tail and the others hastily bowed.

“You can stop bowing now,” I said with a faint smile as Sunset nodded. “Sea Swirl, Lyra Heartstrings. I haven’t seen you two since you were fillies.”

“She knows your name,” the pegasus whispered in awe into Sea Swirls ear.

“This is the other world’s Lyra Princess,” Sunset answered as my eyes widened slightly. That explained a bit. “Along with the other worlds Applejack, Trixie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Bon Bon. The pegasus is Sassaflash and the other unicorn is Berry Blast.”

“What can I do for you Sunset?” I asked curiously as she inhaled before running at me.

“What are you doing?” Sassaflash hissed Berry Blasts and Sea Swirls horn glowed. I raised an eyebrow as Sunset hugged me and I hugged her back.

“I’m so sorry. For being such a bitch and trying to force you to make me a princess.”

“I know,” I said as the two unicorns horn quit glowing. “It’s good to see you again and properly talk to you. And you shouldn’t call yourself that.”

“You’re not banishing me?”

“Woah!” Lyra cut in and stepped in front of Trixie angrily. “If anybody is getting banished, I’m going too!”

“Same here!” Rarity chimed in with a frown.

“Me too,” Bon Bon agreed as she nudged Trixie.

“Ugh fine Trixie too! But banish us somewhere warm please where there’s nice alcohol. Preferably a beach.”

I burst out laughing as I hugged Sunset tighter.

“Oh, nopony will be banished. If I wanted you banished, you already would have been,” I chuckled as I nuzzled Sunset. “Now what do you need? We are family after all.”

“Spitfire is injured. She uh needs a blood transfusion but only you and Princess Luna have the blood type of all three. I understand if you don’t-”

“What do I have to do?” I interrupted her. “Spitfire is technically my family too as well remember?”

“Right,” Sunset said as she gestured for Berry Blast to step forward. “We need about five gallons. That’s all the doctor’s said Spits needed. I tried to force them to take mine but well, they refused.”

I chuckled again as I let Sunset go and Applejack hid a grin behind a hoof.

“That was so adorable!” Rarity squealed as I checked the glass windows. Okay, still intact.

“We will never speak of that outside of this room,” Sunset grumbled as she turned bright red.

“Oh of course sugarcube.”

I laid on a bed with a needle sticking out of my foreleg. Berry Blast was sitting next to me along with Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy as the guard was continously checking the bag.

“Two more gallons to go Princess,” Berry said as she and another doctor looked at me. I gave a nod as Sunset sat nearby laughing with Bon Bon, Lyra and Trixie.

“I know what you three did,” I said coolly as Applejack jumped. “To Sunset. Twilight had been very disappointed in you when she came to me after she came back for advice on how to help Sunset.”

“Ah can see that.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly as the farmer flinched.

“Don’t ever hurt her again. Or you’ll have me to deal with. And I put my enemies in stone by the way. Now what is your problem? You seem distraught.”

“It’s just we are Sunset’s friends right?” Fluttershy said as I nodded. “I love Lyra and the others, don’t get me wrong but it just feels sad.”

“Sad?” I inquired as Rarity opened her mouth.

“We were assigned to Sunset. But we all agreed that we would have befriended a few weeks after to make sure she was honest. She spends time with us and is close to us. Very close, in fact but she just has a closer bond to Lyra and her other friends than us.”

“Can you blame her?” Sassaflash snorted as Applejacks ears flattened. “I don’t know entirely how the internet works but that was screwed up of you all.”

“We know. We haven’t wanted to talk to Sunset about it because we don’t wanna offend. We just wish we had a stronger bond together.”

“May I remind you that you all saved the world with Sunset?” I pointed out. “I watched from my personal quarters. I had been so proud of Sunset. She has a very strong bond with you all regardless of who she spends time with most. And she may always be a bit closer to Lyra and Bon Bon and the others, but she wouldn’t just up and abandon you. Sunset is a better pony now.”

“Ah hope so. Ah really do.”

“And we’re done!” Berry Blast said as she tied off the bag and placed it in a container with the Equestrian Red Cross symbol on it. “Thank you.”

She slapped a band on the entry point and put the needle in a trash can.

“We need to hurry and get back. Teleport?” Berry Blast asked as her horn glowed.

“Yeah go,” Sunset nodded and the other unicorn disappeared with a pop. “Can I come visit again Princess?”

“You better hope so,” I said casually as I hugged her again. “Go to her. I’ll drop off a notebook with Twilight to communicate with me.”

Sunset walked away to Lyra as I focused on Applejack.

“You need to stay with her. She’s going to need you girls very soon. She is going to have a lot happen in her near future.”

“Like what?” Sea Swirl asked curiously as I chuckled.

“I can’t say. It’s her path to discover. I can’t give intervene or change their destiny, I can only offer advice.”

They teleported away as my horn quit glowing. I closed my eyes as Luna entered my room.

“Was that Sunset?” Luna asked curiously as I nodded. “I’m proud of you. That most likely wasn’t easy.”

“It was easier than expected. I expected her to hate me. And she would have been completely justified. I was too hard on her growing up.”

“I’ve seen her dreams. She had the exact same fears. I did my best to calm them down but I can only do so much. She has to do the rest. I will let you know if anything changes tonight.”

“Thank you.”

Luna draped a blanket over me and pressed the tip of her wing to my forehead. Everything went dark as I felt myself fall asleep and go to Lunas realm.

Chapter XXXV

Scootaloo

“So what do you think you’re getting for your birthday today?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously as we walked down the hall and I resisted the urge to gag at Diamond holding Apple Blooms hand.

“Not sure. Kinda don’t think anyone is gonna do anything for my birthday. Sunset hasn’t even mentioned it all nor has mom,” I sighed and shook my head. “But it is what it is.”

“Well come on, let’s get to the gym,” Silver Spoon said with an eye roll.

“Why the hell are we going go the gym? I want to go home,” I said as the others grabbed my shoulders and started shoving me towards the gym. “Hey woah!”

They ignored me as they kept shoving me at the gym doors before Sweetie grabbed my shoulders to stop me.

“I could have walked,” I grumbled as Diamond covered my eyes. “Diamond, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“I’d watch your language,” Mom warned as I felt myself be shoved forward and Diamond removed her hands as I looked around warily.

Purple and orange balloons decorated the gym as I raised an eyebrow slightly as I stared at Sunset and her friends along with Rainbow and the others.

“You actually remembered my birthday?” I asked as Rainbow snorted.

“Well duh!” Pinkie chimed in as the pink girl floated down from the ceiling. “I know everyone’s birthdays. Lyra’s, Rarity’s, Lightning, Fluttershy and so on!”

“I feel offended you think we forgot,” Vinyl scoffed and looked up at the ceiling. “Joking of course. Happy birthday.”

“Now come on,” Rainbow gestured us over. “We only have the gym for a limited amount of time after all.”

That explains why the gym was off limits for the rest of the day. It sucked at the time because we always tried to spend our lunch playing in here but this is admittedly more cooler.

“So did you enjoy your birthday?” Rainbow asked as I laid on the floor of my room, idly reading my Daring Do books she and Twilight had gifted me.

“Yeah it was pretty good,” I admitted. Probably the better ones I’ve had. Birthdays in the orphanages are pretty lackluster because they have so many kids and can’t show favoritism. Most we usually got was a cupcake, happy birthday sang to us and a few cheap toys from the dollar store.

I wasn’t exactly used to getting a lot of gifts like I did today. I don’t really spend a lot of time with Octavia or Trixie or Watermelody or Lavender or Fuchsia but even they got me stuff. Art supplies, music books the like but still welcome of course.

“That’s good,” Rainbow said as she tossed a beanbag up into the air as we watched Derpy and Sunset walk into the bathroom together. “Uhm, are they seriously going to do that in the bathroom?”

“Nah,” I said and shook my head as Rainbow sighed in relief. “They usually have their arguments in the bathroom with the shower running so we can’t hear it.”

“Sunset and Derpy argue?” Rainbow asked with a startled look. “Wow, they seem perfect.”

“Well they are perfect together. I’ve only ever heard them fight twice in the entire year and a half they’ve been dating. But based on the two laughing in the bathroom, I highly doubt they are arguing. They usually just shower together and that’s that.”

To save water or something they say but well, we aren’t stupid. At least the bathroom is the most soundproofed room in the house.

“What’s it like living with a teacher?” Rainbow asked as Diamond walked in with Silver Spoon, Dinky and Sweetie Belle. “Yo.”

“Hey,” Silver Spoon said casually as she flopped down onto my green bean bag chair she had gotten me.

“It’s pretty cool living with a teacher. I’ve tried to find where she keeps the answer sheet but Mom hides it well. She doesn’t tell us the answers either but at least she does sit down and help us. For hours even! They never did that at the orphanage. Well one did. And she does warn us when tests are coming up so we can study.”

“Darn,” Rainbow muttered as we laughed. “I’m really uh ya know, happy for you all. Legitimately.”

“I didn’t know she knew such big words,” Sweetie Belle whispered to me and I snorted back a laugh. “Octavia has been rubbing off on her.”

“Anyway, call me later Scootaloo. Let’s go see a movie. Already got permission so it’s all cool,” Rainbow said as she tossed me the bean bag and I caught it with my spare hand. “Catch you on the flipside kid.”

We watched her leave as Diamond slowly faced me.

“Did she seriously just say catch you on the flipside kid?” Diamond demanded as I nodded and she gagged. “What the hell? Who says that anymore?”

“Clearly Dash,” Dinky chimed in as she picked up my book. “Good book, already read this one. Where’s Derpy at?”

“In the shower with Sunset,” I said casually and pointed at the bathroom door.

“Again?”

“Yes Sweetie, again,” Silver Spoon rolled her eyes. “Did you have a good birthday Scootaloo? Kinda jealous Sunset was able to come to yours.”

“It was fun yeah. I was so close to beating Pinkie at that cup stacking game. Swear that girl has an uncanny ability to win any and all party games, even if it’s her first time playing it,” I grumbled as they all laughed. “Probably one of the better birthdays I had. Orphanage birthdays were the absolute worst. But at least they tried, ya know? Can only do so much after all.”

“Still angry you never told me about being an orphan,” Sweetie Belle said as she glared at me. “We tell each other everything, got it? That includes Bloom. She’s with her sister and brother at the moment. Something about apples, I don’t know.”

“It’s always apples with that girl,” Diamond muttered and I snorted.

“That is her name and their family business.”

“Scootaloo?”

“Yes Diamond?” I asked with a smirk as she gave me a flat look.

“Hush up.”