LOVE, SUNSET AND OTHER DELUSIONS !

Chapters

I - Sunset Shimmer, the average and ordinary girl
II - Twilight Sparkle, the God Princess of Night
III - Pinkie Pie, master baker and party animal
IV - Shining Armor, the black knight of the evil organization
V - Flash Sentry, lovesick lover boy
VI - Fluttershy, compassionate doormat and a little bit of kindness

I - Sunset Shimmer, the average and ordinary girl

Middle-second syndrome is a term typically used to describe early teens who have grandiose delusions, who desperately want to stand out, and who have convinced themselves that they have hidden knowledge or secret powers.

It is an evil, both scary and adorable at the same time. Mixing dreamy childhood and self-awareness, this evil drives to act strangely.

On this subject, this girl too was a splendid case of this evil in middle-school.

Self-proclaimed ‘The God Princess of Flames’, her trademark catchphrase was:

“Disappear into the flames of love!”

The high-pitched buzz coming from her alarm clock made Sunset Shimmer realize it was time to get up from bed. An arm slowly made its way out of her blanket cocoon to grab the devilish engine and threw it across the room.

“Five more minutes…” She grumbled under her blankets.

But then, her room’s door flew wide open and Sunset heard quick footsteps before someone jumped on her bed to wake her up.

“Come on Sis!” A boy voice came from outside her blanket fortress, “First day in our new schools!”

Sunset gave up, she wasn’t going to get anymore sleep now. She wrestled her way out of her blanket and from her little brother on top of her, and after pushing him with enough strength to make him fumble out of her bed, she managed to get her head out, revealing the mess her early morning hair were.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m up…” She said, finishing with a loud yawn as she stretched her arms.

Her younger brother, who was now on the ground, couldn’t help but snicker at the view of her sister’s head.

“Come on sleepy head!” He called, jumping on his two feet. “Mom’s making breakfast!”

He finally rushed out of the room with such energy Sunset wished she had right now. She turned her gaze away and looked at the mirror hanging on her wall.

“Today…” She started.

Today was a very important day for the fifteen years old teenager, it was the first day of her Freshman year at Canterlot High School.

“New city, new school, new life!” Sunset finally said with enthusiasm as she jumped out of her bed.

As she started to walk out of her room, her foot collided with a box next to her bed. Her room was filled with those, since her family only moved in two days ago.

She stared at the half opened box with disdain as she saw a replica sword from an anime she saw at a younger age and a red cape with flames on it. She gulped and gently pushed it under her bed with her foot.

“Friendly reminder,” She talked to herself, “Get rid of this.”

She walked out of her room and through the small corridor of their apartment to finally reach the kitchen, the delicious smell of bacon and pancakes reach out Sunset’s nostrils and her stomach made an unhappy noise.

“Yeah I know, I’m hungry too.”

She entered the kitchen, not surprised to see her younger brother, Sunburst, eating what seemed to be like his fourth pancake. Her mother, Sunrise Shimmer, drinking her coffee next to him. She smiled when she saw her daughter enter the room.

“Ready for the big day, uh?” Sunrise Shimmer joyfully asked.

“Yeah, I guess I am.” Sunset stated as she helped herself on the table and took a big portion of bacon on her plate. “I’m glad to be in a new school, no one’s going to know me.”

“I don’t blame ya’,” Her brother stated, his mouth full of food, “You were pretty weird back then!”

“Urgh.” Was all Sunset could reply as she stuffed some bacon in her mouth.

Her mother nodded and added with a giggle, “Remember that time when she tried to summon a demon in our living room? She even drew a pentacle made out of ketchup.”

“Is it before, or after the time she shouted some magical incantations in Latin to a small man at the mall, believing he was a dwarf from another world? She even threatened him with a toy axe.” Sunburst said.

Sunrise put a finger on her chin as she thought, “I think it happened after that, because she didn’t have that axe anymore. She said she handed it to a legendary blacksmith so he could enchant it.”

“Yeah, I think she just somehow broke it and threw it away.” He said with a shrug.

“You know I’m right here, right?” Any joy Sunset had was now long gone and she just wanted to go back to bed.

“Oh, we know sweetie, we know.” Her mother added.

After a long and painful breakfast filled with memory better left forgotten, Sunset made her way to the bathroom and took a long hot shower. She put her clothes on and brushed her teeth as her little brother walked by.

“Hey Sunburst.” She called him as she spat toothpaste in the sink.

“Yeah?”

She turned around to face him and showed her outfit composed of a black leather jacket, a purple shirt and black jeans. “How do I look?”

Her brother stared at her, and after a moment of reflections, he finally said, “Ordinary.”

“Ordinary?!” Sunset jumped in excitement. “Yes!”

“You’re still weird though.” Sunburst added before walking away, but she ignored that last sentence completely.

She smiled at her reflection in the mirror and repeated, “I’m just an ordinary girl. That’s right! Nothing more.”

She finished preparing herself, and after a kiss on the cheek from her mother, she made her way to the bus station, not too far away from her apartment.

“First day…” She thought out loud, “I wonder how my classmates are going to be.” She sighed, “Well, it can’t be worse than my first day in sixth grade.”

She remembered entering the classroom, wearing that red cape with flames and her sword behind her back, smirking when all the looks of her former classmates where on her.

“I am the God Princess of Flames, Sunset Shimmer! And you will all bask in my glory!” She presented herself as she jumped on the nearest school desk and pointed a finger to the nearest classmate, “Disappear into the flames of love!”

She stopped her walk to smash her head several times in the nearest lamppost, “Die! Die! Die! Me from before!”

She finally retrieved her calm.

No. This time, it’s going to be different. She’s going to act normal, and have normal conversations with her normal classmates.

Because that is how High School was supposed to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

When she arrived at the bus stop, she saw that there already was another girl waiting there. She had long purple hair and glasses on her face, but what Sunset thought was weird was that strange symbol the girl had drawn on her right hand.

From the knowledge she acquired in those now past dark times, Sunset recognized it has the Uruz rune, a rune that symbolizes physical, spiritual and emotional strength.

‘Uh. That’s... Weird.’ Sunset thought. The bus quickly arrived and the purple haired girl turned her head to face Sunset as the bus stopped in front of her. She smirked and put her right hand in front of her as she shouted, “By the elder gods, I command thee to open!”

Then, the automatics doors of the bus opened and the purple haired girl made a triumphant grin, as she seemed pleased with herself and went on the bus. Sunset stared, her mouth agape.

“The hell was that?” She asked herself. ‘It almost seems like… No, I’m imaging things.’ She thought as she went on the bus herself and sat far away from that strange girl.

The bus ride was way shorter than what Sunset Shimmer expected it to be, and she finally arrived in front of the school. Unfortunately, that weird girl from earlier seemed to be going at that school too.

“Just ignore her, Sunset.” Sunset said, as she entered through the front doors and was welcomed by a sea of students.

She scratched the back of her head as she looked around and grabbed the piece of paper in her pocket. “Let’s see,” She said as she read through it, “So, first years are on the first floor. Seems logical. My classroom is 1-3.”

After a few minutes of search, Sunset easily found her classroom. As she grabbed the door’s handle, she stopped herself to take a deep breath.

“Here starts, the new life of Sunset Shimmer!” She exclaimed as she pushed the door open.

The classroom was full of students chatting between each other’s, none of them paying her any attention. Sunset smirked.

‘Perfect!’ She thought.

She looked around and managed to see an empty seat in the back, behind a fluffy pink haired girl.

Sunset quietly took place and put her bag under her chair. The girl sitting in front of her turned around and beamed at her.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?” She greeted, as she handed out her hand.

Sunset was a little taken aback buck quickly retrieved her composure, “Hum, I’m Sunset Shimmer!” She replied as she grabbed the pink girl’s hand, “Nice meeting you.”

Pinkie Pie shook her hand vigorously and exclaimed, “Nice meeting you too! I’m so happy to start this new year!”

“Y-Yeah,” Sunset chuckled, “So am I.”

‘Yes! A totally normal conversation!’ Sunset thought, ‘I love you, High School!’

Pinkie Pie took a closer look at her, “Now that I think of it… I’ve never seen you before, and I, like, know EVERYBODY in Canterlot.” Pinkie said, “Are you new in town?”

“Well, you figured me out. I moved in two days ago.” Sunset explained.

“That’s super-duper awesome!” Pinkie stated, “Now I have to make a welcoming party for you!”

Sunset was a little bit uneasy, she wasn’t prepared for her first encounter here to be so… Friendly.

‘I spent most of my time in middle school alone, so I’m not going to refuse that girl’s sympathy!’ She thought. “You really don’t have to.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Oh, I know! But I want to! What about, you come with me and some of my friends after school? We’re going to play laser tag!” Pinkie Pie explained.

Sunset’s eyes were filled with hope.

‘Laser tag? I never had the chance to play laser tag since I never had any friends to play with!’ She almost could feel a small tear dropping from her left eye, “T-That sounds like a plan!”

“Well you better prepare yourself then!” Pinkie exclaimed, “Because I’m unbeatable.” She finished with a devilish grin, making Sunset giggle.

Then, something caught Sunset’s attention when the classroom’s door opened, revealing that purple haired girl from before. Sunset stared at her perhaps a bit too much because Pinkie Pie noticed it and followed her gaze.

“Oh, that’s Twilight Sparkle!” Pinkie explained to Sunset.

“You know her?” Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not that much,” Pinkie said with a shrug, turning her head back to Sunset, “We were in the same class in fifth grade, she was one of the quiet ones.”

‘One of the quiet ones.’ Sunset smirked as she closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief, ‘Perfect. So, this girl isn’t going to be a problem.’

As soon as she opened her eyes, Twilight Sparkle stood in front of her, looking at her quite… Intensely.

Sunset felt anxious under the purple haired girl’s glare, “C-Can I help you with something?” Sunset asked.

Twilight stood still for a moment, and said in a whisper, “You… It’s you…”

“It’s me… What?” Sunset gulped, she already saw that kind of behavior before. Hell, she experienced it.

“I saw you… In my dreams…” Then, Twilight let out a cry of pain as she fell on the ground, holding her right hand close to her chest. “My hand! It’s burning!” Twilight cried out.

Everyone’s attention was now on them, much to Pinkie’s pleasure, she seemed to have a lot of fun.

“A-Are you okay?” Sunset tried, feeling drops of cold sweat in her back. ‘N-No, it can’t be…’

“I think someone should help that poor girl to the infirmary.” A beautiful girl with purple hair stated at the front of the class.

All of her classmate nodded in unison.

“Yeah… And who-” Sunset stopped when she felt all the glares were on her now. She gulped as she pointed a finger at herself, “Me?”

All of her classmate nodded in unison once more.

Sunset went livid. She slowly lowered her glare to the girl at her feet.

“P-Please,” Twilight said, still holding her hand. “I… I won’t be able to hold him any longer!”

Sunset trembled, her worst fears became true.

‘This girl… She’s just like me!’

Author's Note

Hi guys, weclome to my new fanfic inspired on one of my favorites anime of all time, Chunibyo!

I'm writing this story to think of something else than The Amazing Sunset Shimmer. It will be shorter and overall easier to read. It's just a small story not to be taken seriously that I'll write on my free time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep3QkaabO-c
Hope you guys enjoy.

II - Twilight Sparkle, the God Princess of Night

“Hum… Here, this should do it.” Sunset stated as she grabbed the ointment bottle she was searching for through one of the infirmary closet. “The nurse does not seem to be here though.” She said as she looked around the small infirmary.

The size of the infirmary made Sunset realize something, this school was way tinier than the one she used to go.

‘I did go from a private school to a public one.’ She thought as she walked towards Twilight Sparkle who was sat down on the nearest chair, patiently waiting for Sunset. “Here, let me take a look.”

Sunset opened the bottle and took Twilight’s hand, not noticing the blush on the purple haired girl’s face. She slowly but methodically put the ointment on her hand.

There was silence for a minute before Sunset rose her glare to Twilight and finally found the courage to ask, “What’s your problem?”

Twilight looked away, “M-My hand burned. It’s because of the demon I sealed inside. Nightmare Moon.” She smiled and stood up to her feet. “It resonated with you, because it can sense powerful beings!” She laughed as she put her hands on her hips, “But don’t worry, I won’t say a word to the evil organization that-”

But Sunset wasn’t listening anymore, she just couldn’t.

‘No doubt,’ She thought, ‘She’s a serious case!’

“Nightmare Moon is a powerful demon from the seven hells, sometimes it warns to me about the foes I’ll come across.” Twilight Sparkle stated, “Or, allies.” She finished with an implied glare.

‘I should get going, I don’t think it’ll be good for my own sanity to be close to that girl.’ Sunset cleared her throat. “Listen hum, Twilight,” She started, “I’ll get back to class, feel free to-”

“But be careful!” Twilight quickly cut her through her sentence, she made a small jump to be an inch away from Sunset, “Who knows, maybe the evil organization is listening right now, walls have ears…” She finished in a whisper, “It’ll stay between us… God Princess of Flames.”

Sunset’s heart skipped a beat.

“Uh?” She just looked at Twilight with an empty glare, flabbergasted.

Twilight smirked and took a few step back as she put her right hand in front of her, “Disappear into the flames of love!”

“STOP THAT!” Sunset grabbed Twilight by her wrist, the purple haired girl seemed unfazed, “W-W-Where have you heard about that, eh?” She gulped, her hands were trembling, sweat dropping on her face. Sunset wasn’t realizing that her grip on Twilight’s wrist was growing tighter.

“As I told you,” Twilight continued with a confident grin, “Nightmare Moon can see everything, she…” Her confident mask faded away as she was now unable to ignore the pain, “S-Sunset you’re hurting me.” She admitted with puppy eyes.

Sunset quickly let her go, still shaking. “Sorry!” She squeaked. “L-Listen, you can’t talk about that to ANYONE!”

“Of course!” Twilight exclaimed with pride, “Don’t worry, I, the God Princess of Night will know how to keep my mouth shut. The evil organization mustn’t-”

“No, that’s not it!” Sunset exclaimed as she stomped the ground, “I’m done with that, you hear me? Done! The God Princess of Flames is sealed! Forever!”

“But why?” Twilight pouted as she crossed her arms, “It’s cool!”

“No it’s not!” Sunset gritted her teeth, she was getting angry, and quite bored of this conversation. She inhaled deeply and retrieved her calm, “Listen, this part of me is behind me now,” She stated, putting a lock of stray hair in front of her face back in place, “It’s over!”

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes!”

Twilight put a hand on her mouth and looked at Sunset with pride and hope, “Does that means… You finally achieved the status of ‘God Queen of Flames’?”

Something snapped in Sunset, she grabbed Twilight by the collar and shook the poor girl. “Listen! I’m no god, no princess, no queen! I don’t have magic and demons aren’t real! I’m just a regular Freshman!”

“Okay! Okay! Okay!” Twilight pleaded, “Stop shaking me pleaaaaaa-”

Sunset let go of Twilight which dropped on her butt. “And you too you’re just a normal student! So stop pretending!”

“Not true.” Twilight said, “I sealed Nightmare Moon in my-”

“Twilight, it doesn’t exist.” Sunset simply stated her facts.

Twilight frowned and looked at the ground. “Yes it does.”

“No it doesn’t!” Sunset blurted out once again.

Twilight smirked as she put her hands in her pockets and defied Sunset with a stare, “Then… You want me to show it to you?”

Sunset paused for a second. Something wasn’t right. “W-What?”

“Do you want to see… My demon?” Twilight seriously asked. All of her demeanor changed.

‘W-Why does she sounds so serious all of a sudden?’ Sunset gulped. ‘Wait is she… for real?’

“So?” Twilight asked again.

Sunset loudly cleared her throat and defied Twilight with a glare, “Yeah, go ahead.”

Twilight chuckled as she took a step forward, “You asked for it.”

Twilight slowly put her right hand out of her jacket’s pocket, her palm facing her own face, showing Sunset the back of her hand with the rune on it. And Sunset could swear it was glowing in a blue light.

Twilight took a step forward, “I appeal to the powers of nightmares…” She started, taking another step.

Sunset took a step back, her eyes wide open, “W-Wait…”

“Be the armed arm of my anger…” Twilight continued, slowly taking another step. Her hand was glowing such as it was illuminating the whole room.

“It… It can’t be…” Sunset stated, “S-Stay away!”

“May the endless night be-uh?” Twilight tripped and fell forward right on top of Sunset.

As both girls fell on the ground, they pushed a table which pushed a chair which pushed a displayed skeleton which fell on the ground in a deafening noise. Sunset was now angrier and on top of that, she hurt the back of her head. Today was not a good first day.

“Oh snap…” Twilight stated as she sat on top of Sunset and put her glasses back in place.

Sunset was about to move the girl when she stated a blue light to her left. There on the ground, was one of those wireless LED lights. Sunset looked at it, then at Twilight, then back at it and back a Twilight.

Twilight chuckled as she grabbed it, “Wait, I’ll put it back in place.”

“I swear I’m going to-” Sunset growled as she readied to launch herself towards Twilight’s throat.

Then, the door opened and a lady in white blouse entered. She looked around to see what caused that noise she just heard and then she saw them. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Sunset Shimmer laying on the ground and Twilight Sparkle sitting on top of her, and crossed her arms.

Sunset and Twilight both exchanged a look before both gulping at the same time.

“May I ask what is going on here?” The nurse asked with a tone that meant she wasn’t going to repeat her question.

As both girls walked back towards their classroom, Sunset stated, “Listen, Twilight. I’m seriously done with all of this. You want to believe in that crap? Fine! But leave me out of it.”

“But I can’t!” Twilight stated, grabbing Sunset’s arm, “You saw my demon, now we’re bounded by a pact!”

Sunset sighed and rolled her eyes, “What kind of pact?”

“The pact between the soul of the night and the soul of the flames!” Twilight cheered, “We’re like, soulmates.”

Sunset grunted, shaking her arm for Twilight to let it go, “That’s a lot of souls to be sure…”

They both arrived back at their classroom and Sunset excused herself to be late for her very first class.

“I-It’s okay girls, really.” Their professor dismissed their excuse with a movement of her hand, “So, you are Sunset Shimmer right?” She asked with a smile as both girls entered the classroom.

‘And everyone’s looking back at me now… Great.’ Sunset thought.

“Yep, that’s me.” Sunset quietly stated, avoiding her classmate’s glares.

“And you must be Twilight Sparkle.” The professor asked, looking at Twilight.

Twilight chuckled, “Eh, that is indeed how the mortals of this world calls me. But I’ll do you a favor, you can call me the God Pr-aouch!” She said rubbing her ribs Sunset just pocked.

“Ignore her.” Sunset quickly added, “She’s dumb.”

All the class giggled. Sunset wanted to go back in the courtyard and dig her own grave with her bare hands.

“O-Okay then.” The professor made a nervous and awkward chuckle, “Oh, yes! I’m Miss Cheerilee by the way, nice meeting you girls.” She then gestured them to go back to their places.

Sunset dropped herself on her chair, ignoring the snickers from her classmates.

“What an impression on your first day, uh?” Pinkie Pie asked her with a giggle.

Sunset rolled her eyes and fell face first on her desk. “You tell me.”

The rest of the day passed by quickly as Sunset went through her first classes and met her new professors.

‘They seems nice.’

When the alarm rang at 3 P.M, all students put their stuff back in their bags and prepared themselves to go home. Sunset was going to do the same when Pinkie Pie stood next to her.

“So, Laser tag?” Pinkie joyfully asked.

Sunset looked at her with stars in her eyes, she almost forgot.

‘Pinkie Pie… I love you.’ Sunset fortunately thought to herself, as she quickly wiped away the tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Yeah, let me just-”

“Sunset Shimmer?” Miss Cheerilee called from her desk, “Can you come here a minute?”

Sunset noticed Twilight standing next to her, looking embarrassed.

‘Oh god, what now…’

‘Of course!’ Sunset frowned and kicked a small rock that was on her path, ‘Of course she lost her wallet! Of course her bus card was in it! Now I have to walk with her home because she apparently lives in the same neighborhood, and, as the universe loves to remind me, I can’t have a normal life!’

She glared as Twilight playfully runs circle around the red and gold haired girl.

‘Blissful idiot.’

At least, Pinkie Pie gave her phone number to Sunset so they could exchange texts.

_Sorry I couldn’t come, maybe another time? Sunset wrote.

_Of course, we have a whole year ahead of us silly! Was what Pinkie Pie replied.

Sunset smirked, she already liked the girl.

‘Unlike the other one there.’ She thought, glaring daggers at Twilight.

“So… You live with your family?” Twilight asked, breaking the silence.

Sunset sighed, “Yeah, well it’s just me, my mother and my brother. My dad’s working for a Japanese company in Tokyo.” Sunset explained, “He’s still with my mom though, long distance relationship and all of that.”

“Must be cool…” Twilight stated, looking at the sky, “At my home, it’s just me and my big brother…”

“By the sound of it,” Sunset said, “You don’t seem to be fond of your brother.”

“It’s not that… It’s just…” She went closer to Sunset and whispered, “He works for the evil organization.”

“Uh?”

“He’s a Black Knight posted at the control station of the invisible borders!” She gritted her teeth, “He’s an enemy.”

“Hey.” Sunset stared at her, with a deadpanned glare.

“Even with Nightmare Moon, I can’t defeat him! His power is incommenrable! He’s scary.” Twilight stated.

“Incommensurable.” Sunset corrected, “And, that brother of yours, he’s that scary?”

“He is!” Twilight vigorously nodded, her glasses bouncing up and down on her nose.

Sunset sighed. ‘Well, I pity the poor man. He has to deal with her every single day.’

“I actually would like your help.” Twilight admitted, grabbing Sunset’s arm.

‘I hate when she does that!’ Sunset thought, shaking her arm again, but Twilight wasn’t letting it go.

“God Princess of Flames! Your power is the only thing capable to lead us to the invisible borders!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I told you to not say that name anymore!” Sunset growled, “Come on, what did I do to deserve this?” She whined at the sky.

Twilight let go of Sunset’s arm. “Look, I even got you a new special attack!” She ran a few meters and then slides on the ground while turning on herself, “Hellflames!” She exclaimed, imaging a burst of flames out of her palms.

When she finally finished spinning, she looked back at Sunset with a proud face. “So? So? How was it?”

Sunset looked unimpressed, “You have small wheels under your shoes? Seriously Twilight, you’re fifteen.”

“Actually, now that you mention it, I am two thousand and thirty-eight years old, I was reborn in this body by-” Twilight started.

‘And here we go again…’ Sunset rolled her eyes.

They both resumed her walk in silence and only a minute later, Sunset bumped into Twilight when she was watching her phone.

“Ugh, what again?” Sunset asked, annoyed.

Twilight stared at the vending machine in front of her. Sunset sighed and got her wallet out, “What do you want?”

Twilight beamed at her and pointed to a purple energy drink, “It gives back mana and HP!”

Sunset ignored her and bought the drink.

After an hour walk, but what seemed to be an eternity for Sunset, Twilight Sparkle and herself finally reached their destination, namely, their home. Sunset was walking and Twilight hung tight on Sunset’s arm as she was sliding on her wheel shoes.

“Wait, you live in apartment 3-8?” Sunset asked.

“Yep!” Twilight nodded.

“It’s like, the apartment just on top of mine.” Sunset realized with fear.

Twilight giggles, “There’s no such things as coincidences.”

‘Yeah, I’m starting to believe that.’ Sunset thought.

They both walked up the stairs of the apartment complex, and Sunset stopped in front of her door.

“Well, that’s where I’m leaving you.” Sunset stated. ‘Finally.’ She added in her thoughts.

Twilight looked away and mumbled something, fidgeting her hair with her fingers.

“What again?” Sunset asked.

“Well… My keys were in my wallet and… My brother works until nine, so…” She said, finding a small spot on the wall next to her very interesting.

Sunset crossed her arms and waited. Twilight slowly managed to look at her with puppy eyes, which frustrated Sunset.

‘I’m going to regret this.’

“Oh, so you are officer Armor’s little sister! He briefly talked about you now that I remember!” Sunrise Shimmer stated, cutting the hot cheese pizza in the center of the table in pieces.

Sunset Shimmer had the great idea to invite Twilight for diner. Sure, she didn’t like the girl, but she wasn’t going to let her starve. So, both girls were sat on one side of the table, and Sunset’s mom and brother were on the other side.

“You met the guy?” Sunset asked as she sipped her can of coke.

“Yes, the very day we moved in. A very charming young man.” Her mother explained, she took a closer look at twilight a smiled at the girl, “And he wasn’t lying when he said you were cute!”

Twilight’s face became red.

“What’s that on your hand?” Sunburst asked her, pointing to the rune.

“That’s nothing.” Sunset stated before Twilight could answer.

“Nightmare Moon is the master of the night, she’s the one who will bring darkness upon thee-” She was cut short by Sunset slamming a slice of pizza in Twilight’s plate.

“We don’t need an explanation!”

“A-Alright.” Twilight stated, now more interested in the pizza in front of her.

After diner, both girls were in Sunset’s room. Sunset was sat on the edge of her bed, waiting impatiently for Twilight’s brother to return. Twilight Sparkle, as for her, was having a lot of fun searching through Sunset’s stuff.

She beamed with joy when she found the box with the cape and the sword inside. “So cool!” She stated as she drew the sword out of the box, “Strapped in the back, it’ll look amazing!”

Sunset smirked, “Well actually, that’s how I used to-” She stopped herself.

“Hm?” Twilight turned to look at Sunset.

Sunset frowned and crossed her arms, “Whatever.” She uncrossed her arms and gets up to her feet, “You can keep playing with it if you want. Tomorrow, I’ll throw it away.”

“T-Throw it away?” Twilight asked with a small voice.

“Yeah.”

Twilight jumped to her feet, “B-But that’s the God Princess of Flames legacy!”

“Yeah, well, the God Princess of Flames isn’t real, so…” Sunset shrugged, “And, didn’t I already told you I was over with all this?”

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“It’s embarrassing!” Sunset spat out.

“No, it’s cool.” Twilight firmly stated.

“No, it’s, NOT!” Sunset stomped the ground, “Really not!” She snatched back the sword from Twilight’s grip.

Twilight looked sad, not because of Sunset’s gesture, but because of Sunset’s words.

“Magic isn’t real!” Sunset said once more, “The God Princess of Flame isn’t real…” She finished in a hushed tone, looking away.

Twilight took a deep breath, “Magic does exist.”

“No it doesn’t.”

“Yes it does.”

Sunset let out a frustrated growl before looking back at Twilight in the eyes, “Listen, you’re really starting to-” Sunset stopped when she saw Twilight’s look of determination.

Twilight looked at her firmly, her eyes sparkling, “Yes it does.” She said, believing every words. “So… Don’t throw it away.”

Sunset was lost in Twilight’s eyes. Those big, purple, curious eyes. She sighed in defeat.

‘Well, I must admit, this girl is way stronger than me.’ Sunset thought. She gently put the sword back in its box before turning around and pointed Twilight with her finger.

“Disappear into the flames of love!” Sunset exclaimed, even taking the pose like she used to.

Twilight’s eyes opened wide, a smile taking its place on her face. At least, she managed to make her smile.

Sunset smirked and put the box back under her bed, “Don’t get any ideas, it’ll just be a waste. I’ll sell it on Ebay or something.”

Twilight’s smile stayed rightfully on her face as she quietly nodded.

And, seeing that genuine, happy smile on the girl’s face. Sunset couldn’t help but reply with one of her own.

III - Pinkie Pie, master baker and party animal

“It’s already been a week now, uh?” Sunset said, mostly to herself, her elbows leaning on the fence of her tiny terrace. She sighed and took a sip of her soda, “And I’m already tired.”

The week hasn’t been easy for Sunset Shimmer, between classes and dealing with this Twilight Sparkle girl. The purple haired girl seemed to already be attached to Sunset in some sort of ways, she waited for her every morning and followed her home every day after school.

She looked up and felt a smile appear on her face at the sight of the beautiful starry sky. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and Sunset saw she received a text from Pinkie Pie.

_Heya, Sunset! How was your weekend? Pinkie Pie asked.

Sunset sighed, her weekend has not been what she hoped for. Pinkie Pie invited her, again, to hang out with her friends for a movie night. But since Twilight Sparkle’s brother always came home late at night, Sunset’s mother made a habit of inviting Twilight for dinner, much to Sunset’s dismay.

_It was okay. Sunset simply replied.

Then, Sunset heard someone walking on the terrace on top of hers and after a few seconds, a rope appeared in Sunset’s field of view.

“What is she doing…” Sunset sighed.

She heard someone gesticulate as two feet appeared in front of her, the girl living on the apartment on top of her seemed to think it was a great night to make an escape.

Sunset raised an eyebrow as she stared at the girl who was trying to climb down, but seeing the two small feet trying as best as they could to land on were Sunset’s was laying, she rolled her eyes and gently grabbed one foot to help it achieve its goal.

She saw that Twilight had her hair tight in a ponytail and was wearing what seemed to be some kind of black gothic dress. Sunset then quickly looked away with a small blush on her cheeks as Twilight’s pantie entered her vision.

With a confident smirk, Twilight Sparkle stood proud on the fence of Sunset’s balcony.

“Did you saw it?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah I did.” Sunset crossed her arms.

“Do you want to see it again?” Twilight playfully asked.

Sunset grunted and tried to hide her blush, “I’m going to push you.”

Twilight Sparkle did not reply and resumed her climbing down of the rope.

“Where are you going?” Sunset asked, leaning again on the fence, as she watched Twilight carefully and safely landing on the ground in front of the apartment complex.

“Nightmare Moon told me there was a fluctuation near the invisible borders!” Twilight called. “Want to come with me? I could use someone as powerful as you are!”

Sunset blew a raspberry, “Yeah sure.”

“Great!” Twilight beamed.

Sunset’s lips formed a thin line. “I was being sarcastic.”

“Oh.” Was all Twilight could reply. Sunset couldn’t clearly see Twilight’s face in the dark of the night, but she heard the disappointment in her voice.

“Well good luck doing… Whatever.” Sunset called as she waved and started to make her way back inside of her apartment.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted!” She heard Twilight call as Sunset slammed the door behind her

“You really don’t have to.” Sunset said, now to herself.

“…and Rainbow Dash didn’t even saw it!” Pinkie Pie finished telling her story. “She spent the rest of the night with a drawn mustache on her face!” She giggled.

Sunset and Pinkie were sitting in their respective places, both waiting for classes to start.

Sunset chuckled, the pink girl’s laugh really was contagious. “And then what happened?”

Pinkie seemed to think for a second and then looked away, “Uh, nothing that’s all.”

“If I can intervene,” Sunset heard someone say behind her, “I think after that fateful event, Rainbow Dash chased you down and managed to scribble down your face as well.”

Sunset turned around and recognized the girl as Rarity Belle, another girl from her class.

“Rarity!” Pinkie Pie whined, “You weren’t supposed to say that!”

Rarity hide her playful smile behind her hand and then looked at Sunset.

“Oh, where are my manners,” She said, bowing in front of Sunset, “We were not properly introduced, my name is Rarity. You are Sunset Shimmer if I’m not mistaken?”

Sunset blushed and scratched the back of her head, “Yeah, that’s me.”

“Pinkie Pie told me a lot about you,” Rarity said with a radiant smile, “It is a shame you were indisposed this weekend, we had a lot of fun.”

“Yeah…” Sunset started, glaring at the back of the head of a purple haired girl in the front row. “Indisposed is a way to put it.”

“Well,” Rarity continued, “I can’t wait to learn more about your interesting character, Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset’s blush came back, “Hum, likewise.” She stated.

The bell announcing the start of classes rang loud in the school. Rarity made her way to her place, waving at Sunset, making her face red as a tomato.

This girl really was beautiful. It wasn’t really a secret that Sunset Shimmer had a preference for girls, but every time Rarity looked in her direction, her heart skipped a beat.

“Sunset,” Pinkie started with a giggle and an implied glare. “You’re staring.”

“No I’m not!” Sunset yelled, jumping on her feet.

Her face now became livid as all her classmates looked at her with incredulous looks on their faces. She quietly sat back, making herself as small as she could.

Pinkie’s voice became a whisper as the teacher entered the room, “I don’t blame you, you know.” she said. “She’s already the most popular girl in school.”

Sunset sighed and rested her head in the palm of her hand. She wasn’t getting any idea though; she knew a girl like her didn’t stood a chance with a girl like Rarity. A part of her wanted to have a girlfriend by the end of the year, but she wasn’t very hopeful.

‘One thing at a time, Sunset.’ She thought.

“But, for what it’s worth…” Pinkie winked at the fiery haired girl, “I think you girls would look cute together.”

Sunset’s face became red once more and she was getting tired of this. She opened her mouth as she was going to say something but both girls were quickly cut short in their discussion.

“Miss Pie, Miss Shimmer,” their teacher called them at the front of the class, “Maybe you girls would love to continue your conversation in detention.”

They both straightened up and Pinkie turned around to face the board.

“No sir.” They both said in unison.

All their classmates laughed at them and Sunset gritted her teeth as she looked at her feet.

‘I’m already the clown of the class, great.’ She thought.

The class quickly grew quiet as the teacher started his lecture, when Sunset rose back her glare, she saw Rarity in front of the class smiling at her with a small wave of her hand.

Sunset gulped and made a small wave back, earning a quiet chuckle from Rarity.

‘Maybe… Just maybe…’

Lost in her thoughts, Sunset didn’t notice the purple haired girl at the front of the class throwing small glances at her.

After a long day of school, the last bell of the day finally rang and Sunset quickly grabbed her bag and made her way towards the exit, Pinkie Pie right next behind her.

“Hey, Sunny! What’s the rush?” Pinkie Pie asked her.

‘Sunny?’ she dismissed the thought. “Oh nothing, really…” Sunset replied with a small chuckle. “I’m just… Eager to go home, I guess.”

“I was thinking,” Pinkie Pie continued, frolic next to Sunset. “Maybe I can come to your place? You know, since we didn’t really get the chance to spend time together!”

“That would be great.” Sunset replied to her, a grin on her face. She quickly glanced back behind her and saw that she managed to lost Twilight Sparkle in the sea of students.

When she turned her gaze back in front of her, Twilight Sparkle appeared with a grin of her own. “Sunset!”

“Gah!” Sunset made a surprised gasp.

Twilight Sparkle huffed as she put her hands on her hips, “I almost get the feeling that you’re avoiding me.”

“No, of course not…” Sunset made a forced chuckle. “Why would you think that?”

“Heya, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie greeted.

The purple haired girl stared at Pinkie Pie and took a fighting stance, “An enemy?”

Sunset chopped her on the head, “No she’s not!”

Twilight put her hands on her head where Sunset just hit her with a whine of pain.

Pinkie Pie joyfully laughed, “You girls seems really close!”

“We’re not!” Sunset exclaimed as she stomped the ground and resumed her walk, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle right behind her.

“Oooooh, spacy!” Pinkie Pie cheered as she entered Sunset Shimmer’s living room.

“Yeah well, my father sends us some money every month.” Sunset explained as she dropped her bag on her couch and turned on the TV. “Thanks to that and my mom’s part-time job, we can afford a place like this one.”

“I thought you had a little brother?” Pinkie Pie asked as she was looking around the apartment, “I love kids!”

Sunset checked the time on the clock on top of the wall and said, “He’s got karate lessons, he should be back soon.”

Then, Sunset realized she was feeling calm and relaxed, and that wasn’t normal. She looked around, saw that her room’s door was half-opened and her left eye twitched.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset called. “Get out of my room this instant!”

She heard a loud chuckle behind the door before it opened, revealing Twilight wearing Sunset’s red cape, her sword in her back.

“I feel more powerful than ever!” Twilight stated as she drew the sword and pointed it toward Sunset.

Sunset lets out a frustrated growl.

“Oh! Cosplay!” Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, seemingly excited.

Twilight made a small ‘humpf!’ before walking towards Pinkie Pie.

“This isn’t cosplay, ignorant girl!” Twilight exclaimed, loud and proud. She pointed the sword towards the ceiling, “This is the legendary DaybreakerTM! The very same weapon the God Princess of Flames used to slay the army of demons from the seven hells!”

“Don’t name my sword.” Sunset muttered under her breath.

“Shiny!” Pinkie Pie said as she was going to touch the sword. Twilight quickly put it away from the pink girl.

“Do not touch it you fool!” she exclaimed. “It is so powerful that it would burn you to ashes with a single touch!”

“Really?!” Pinkie Pie gasped while she turned her gaze to Sunset. “Why do you have such a weapon stored in your room?!”

Sunset stomped her way towards Twilight and grabbed the sword from her grip, ignoring the purple haired girl’s complaint.

“Stop saying dumb things!” She said to Twilight. “And you,” She continued, looking at Pinkie. “Stop believing everything she says.”

Twilight whispered to Pinkie Pie but loud enough for Sunset to hear, “You should keep this for yourself, the God Princess of Flames is undercover right now. The evil organization mustn’t know she’s here.”

“Ooooh, I get it.” Pinkie replied with a whisper, mimicking closing her mouth with a key and threw it away.

Sunset face palmed. She thought Pinkie Pie was one of the normal ones.

“So,” Sunset started, trying to change the subject. “What do you want to do, Pinkie?”

“I have a new cupcake recipe I wanted to try out!” Pinkie quickly exclaimed, “Want to be my test subjects?”

Twilight’s eyes sparkled with hope at the mention of the ‘cupcake’ word.

“You know how to bake?” Sunset asked as she put the sword on a table.

Pinkie looked outraged at that statement. “If I know how to bake?!” She quickly put her arm around Sunset’s neck and drew her closer, “I’m the best.”

Sunset chuckled, “Well, I’d love to Pinkie, but I don’t think I have what you would need to-”

She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Pinkie Pie was already in the kitchen, putting out a pack of flour from her bag. She gave her an incredulous look.

“Don’t tell me you always have baking supplies in your bag.” Sunset crossed her arms.

“Of course I do!” Pinkie Pie laughed as she put out a pack of sugar.

“Why?”

“In case of cupcake emergency, silly!” Pinkie Pie simply explained, like it was the obvious answer.

Sunset looked between Pinkie Pie who was putting out her ingredients from her bag, and Twilight Sparkle who had already grabbed back the sword and was slicing the air in front of her like she was fighting an invisible foe.

Twilight made a step backward and fell on one of her knee, “Argh!” she said in a grunt of pain. “He got me good.” She stated as she put a hand on her ‘injured’ ribs.

Sunset rolled her eyes and made her way to the kitchen to help Pinkie Pie, not realizing she was smiling all along.

“So, Pinkie…” Sunset started as she washed her hands. “What do you do for fun? You know, besides baking.”

“I do a lot of stuff!” Pinkie cheered. “I hang out with my friends, I play laser tag, I play hide and seek with my sisters, Maud always wins!” She said with a giggle. “I like going to the pool. I also do some dwarf hunting when I have the time… Those guys are really a sore to catch!” Twilight gave her an understanding look. “I also love to party! I at least try to organize one party a month!”

“Hey, I’d love to see that.” Sunset stated, purposely ignoring the dwarf thing.

Pinkie Pie gasped and grabbed Sunset by the shoulders, “It reminds me! We still haven’t had your welcoming party!”

Sunset chuckled, “It’s okay Pinkie.”

“No it’s not!” Pinkie shook her head. “It very serious!” The pink girl winked at her. “But don’t worry, auntie Pinkie got you covered!”

They both shared a laugh.

Sunset tried to help Pinkie Pie as much as she could, but she wasn’t as talented as the pink haired girl. After some messy baking, –Pinkie Pie ‘accidently’ threw some icing on Sunset’ shirt, which resulted in an icing battle– the three girls were sat around the table, enjoying the sweets Pinkie Pie had made.

“I have to admit. These are the best cupcakes I’ve ever had in my life Pinkie.” Sunset stated after her third chocolate chip cupcake.

Twilight vigorously nodded, her mouth still full of food.

“Really?” Pinkie Pie seemed ecstatic.

“Yeah.” Sunset nodded as she grabbed a fourth one. “Where did you learn to bake like that?”

“My auntie owns a bakery shop in town, she let me help her from time to time.” Pinkie explained. “She already told me that I was good, but it’s always nice to hear it from my friends!”

‘Friends?’ Sunset smiled. She at least made one friend this week.

She made a quick glance towards Twilight and sighed.

‘Let’s say, one and a half.’ She thought with a smirk.

IV - Shining Armor, the black knight of the evil organization

As soon as the bell of lunch break rang, Pinkie Pie turned around and faced Sunset with a mischievous grin.

“So, Sunset.” Pinkie Pie started.

Sunset rose her glare to her pink haired friend as she put her notebook in her bag. “Hm?”

“I was wondering…” Pinkie continued, “Who do you think is the cutest in our class?”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “The cutest? You mean the cutest boy?”

“Boy, girl, whatever.” Pinkie Pie shrugged. “It’s twenty twenty-three, I’m not judging.”

Sunset rolled her eyes, “Well I don’t know, I didn’t put much thought into it.” Sunset replied with a lie, as Rarity’s head popped up into her mind.

“Liar!” Pinkie chuckled, “I know you did! And to be fair, we have a good batch this year.” She said with the eyes of a predator. “Between Flash Sentry, Thunderlane or even Soarin!” She stated, pointing to the three boys who were chatting in front of the class.

Sunset stared at them, unimpressed. “Well, why don’t you tell me who you think is the cutest first?” She smirked.

Pinkie frowned and pouted, “Hey! Not fair, I asked first!”

“Don’t care.”

Pinkie narrowed her eyes at her friend but soon retrieved her cheerful composure. “Well…” She started as she looked around the classroom to be sure no one was listening. “To be honest with you… There is this… One guy…” She finished with a small taint of a blush on her cheeks.

‘Uh? That’s the first time I actually see her-Wait is she… Blushing?’ Sunset thought as she realized her friend was about to confess something really important.

“Wait, Pinkie.” Sunset quickly added before her friend could say anything. “I was joking. I don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable position, you really don’t have to tell me.”

“But we’re friends!” Pinkie joyfully stated, “That’s what friends does!”

“What? Put each other in uncomfortable situations?”

“No, silly!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “We talk about our crush! That’s what high school girls does!”

“Really?” Sunset doubtfully asked.

“Really!”

“Well…” Sunset finished putting her school stuff away in her bag and leaned her elbows on her desk. “Go ahead Pinkie, tell me. Is he in our class?”

Pinkie’s blush quickly came back as she vigorously nodded.

“Yup!” She stated.

Sunset waited for a few seconds but Pinkie Pie patiently stared at her, a smile on her face.

“Well… Are you going to tell me? Or…” Sunset said.

“I was going to.” Pinkie chuckled. “But now that I have to, I can’t!”

Sunset just blankly stared at her.

“Weird, uh?” Pinkie laughed harder.

“Sunset Shimmer?” An unknown voice behind Pinkie Pie asked.

Sunset looked up and saw a girl that, Sunset guessed, was at least two or three years older than her with black hair tight into a bun. She wore thick glasses on her nose.

“Yes?”

“Oh, hi Raven!” Pinkie greeted.

The girl, apparently named Raven, glanced at Pinkie before her gaze turned back to Sunset again.

“My name is Raven Inkwell.” She presented herself. “I’m in the disciplinary committee.”

‘Disciplinary committee?’ Sunset thought as she became livid. ‘What did I do?!’

Seeing Sunset’s expression, Raven quickly added, “You are not into trouble by any means, if that can reassure you.”

“Ooooh…” Pinkie seemed disappointed. “For a moment, I thought you were a thug.” She said at Sunset.

Sunset decided to ignore her, “Can I help you with something?”

“Actually, yes.” Raven stated as she put her glasses back in place with the palm of her hand. “I looked into your files and saw that you had good grades in literature back in middle school.”

“Wait, I thought only the school president could-” Pinkie started, but was quickly cut short by Raven.

“And I thought that,” The black haired girl continued. “You maybe wanted to join my club.” The girl stated as she handed to Sunset a paper.

Sunset grabbed it and saw it was a poster for the literature club of the school.

‘Oh right, Pinkie told me there was a bunch of clubs in this school.’ She thought. ‘I guess it wouldn’t hurt to join one.’

“Last time I heard of a literature club… It didn’t end very well.” Pinkie looked quite serious, mimicking putting a rope around her neck.

Once again, Sunset decided to ignore her.

“Uh, thanks! I’ll keep that in mind!” Sunset stated, as she put the paper in her jacket’s pocket.

Raven Inkwell slowly nodded. “On that note.” She turned around and left the classroom as soon as she came in.

“That was weird.” Pinkie stated.

“Coming from you, that’s-” Sunset’s eyes caught a disrupted Twilight Sparkle at the front of the class, frantically searching something in her bag. “Uh, I’ll be back Pinkie.”

Sunset got up from her chair and walked toward Twilight. Twilight saw her and jumped at Sunset’s feet.

“Woah!” Sunset exclaimed with surprise.

“God Princess of Flames, it’s terrible!” Twilight cried out.

“What is going on now?” Sunset knew it wasn’t that serious, after a week and a half in her company, she learned how Twilight Sparkle could be. “And if you tell me you forgot your wallet again…”

“Worse!” Twilight exclaimed.

“What is it then?” Sunset crossed her arms, looking down at the girl at her feet.

Twilight mumbled something but it was too quiet for Sunset to hear anything.

“I didn’t quite catch that.” Sunset stated.

“I forgot my lunch…” Twilight said, a bit louder.

Sunset raised an eyebrow and shrugged, “So? What’s the big deal? Just go to the cafeteria.”

“I… Don’t have any money on me right now…” Twilight admitted.

Sunset stared at her and made a mental note to ask her mother if it wasn’t too late to change school.

“Of course you don’t.”

Sunset finished her half of the sandwich she shared with the glasses wearing girl and watched as Twilight was enjoying her own half.

“You owe me.” Sunset stated.

“Hm-hm.” Twilight Sparkle nodded.

They were both sitting on a bench near the entrance of the school.

“So, care to tell me how you managed to forget your lunch?” Sunset asked her.

“I woke up late this morning, and since the Black Knight had an early shift at work today, he wasn’t there to wake me up.” Twilight admitted, “I spent the night chasing down a Nocturna.”

“A… What now?”

“A Nocturna! It’s a magical being that only appears at night!” Twilight joyfully explained, “I wanted one as a pet!”

Sunset gritted her teeth. ‘Keep calm, Sunset.’

“Twilight, I’m pretty sure this animal isn’t real.” She stated.

“Of course it is, I saw one, near the park two blocks away from where we live! I even took a picture!” Twilight said as she grabbed her phone. She handed it out to Sunset.

Sunset grabbed it and narrowed her eyes, “Twilight… It’s pitch black, I don’t see anything.”

“Well…” Twilight chuckled. “It kind of was the middle of the night.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t, like, a black cat or something?”

Twilight put a finger on her chin as she thought. “Hum, I’m pretty sure I would recognize a mere black cat if I saw one.” Then, Sunset could swear she saw a lightbulb appeared on top of the purple haired girl’s head. “I know! What if, you come with me tonight?! I’ll show you it’s real.”

Sunset made a forced laugh, “Yeah, sure.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes, “You’re being sarcastic again, aren’t you?”

“No, no, I’m serious!” Sunset replied.

Twilight beamed with hope in her eyes, “Really?”

“And that, was sarcasm.” Sunset smirked.

Twilight frowned and was about to say something unpleasant to Sunset, but she felt someone gently tap her shoulder. She turned around and faced a tall pink haired girl. It wasn’t the same shade of pink as Pinkie Pie’s hair, it was a paler kind of pink.

“Hum, excuse me I…” The girl seemed uneasy.

Twilight quickly jumped to her feet and took a fighting stance.

“Are you from the evil organization?!” She shouted as she grabbed the nearest stick of wood and used it as a sword.

“Hum… No?” The pink haired girl squeaked as she tried to hide her face behind her very long hair.

Sunset quickly grabbed the stick Twilight was menacingly pointing toward the poor girl and threw it away.

“Excuse her.” Sunset stated as she glared at Twilight. She turned around to face the girl, and now that she was standing up, Sunset realized this girl was easily a head taller than her. “What can we do for you, uh…”

The shy girl looked away and whispered something.

“Uh, one more time please.” Sunset tried.

“My… My name is…” It almost looked like the girl was about to cry.

“Fluttershy?” This time, it was a voice Sunset could recognize. When Sunset turned around, she saw Pinkie Pie walking towards them, a bag of candy in her hand. “You’re already making friends with Sunset?! That’s great! I told you she was nice!” She stated as she put candies in her mouth.

“Oh, hum, no I wasn’t...” Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide. “You’re Sunset Shimmer!”

“That’s how my parents decided to call me, yup.” Sunset nodded. “And I guess you’re Fluttershy.”

“Y-Yes, hum sorry about… that.” Fluttershy quietly cleared her throat and looked at her feet. “I kind of heard your conversation with your friend… Not that I was eavesdropping or anything!” She quickly added.

“I knew it!” Twilight jumped in front of Sunset, making the shy girl flinch. “She’s a spy! Quick, God Princess of Flames weed need to-Oww!” She whined in pain as Sunset grabbed her by the ear and pushed her out of the way.

“Stop that!” Sunset ordered at Twilight. She then looked back at Fluttershy and tried to put the most welcoming smile she could on her face. “Please, continue.”

“Hum… As I was saying…” With a drop of sweat on her forehead, the shy girl continued with such a small voice Sunset had to concentrate to actually understand what the girl was saying. “A… A friend of mine lost her cat. A black cat. So… When I heard you two talking about a black cat, I got curious and then I, hum…” She looked away. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, right! Rainbow Dash did mention her cat disappeared two days ago… She was kind of worried.” Pinkie Pie put a hand on her friend’s shoulder, “And don’t worry Fluttershy! Sunset here hasn’t a mean bone in her body, right?”

Sunset raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

“Or, maybe she does.” Pinkie Pie added, suspiciously.

Both girls exchanged a smirk. “It’s okay Fluttershy.” Sunset chuckled. “Well, I don’t know about that cat, but maybe Twilight here can help you with that, she’s the one who saw it after all.”

“It was a Nocturna! And a powerful one! It was, at least, level eight or nine!” Twilight stated, now standing next to Sunset. “And I don’t know if it’ll be a good idea to share this kind of information to the… Enemy.” She finished, glaring at Fluttershy.

The poor girl hidden herself behind Pinkie Pie. “Enemy?” She squeaked.

Sunset sighed, “Alright, I have an idea.” Sunset explained. “After school, Twilight and I will go get that cat-”

“Nocturna!”

“-and will see if that’s the one you’re looking for.” Sunset finished.

“Oooh! I have a better idea!” Pinkie called, raising her hand. “The four of us can go! It’ll be fun!”

“I don’t see why not.” Sunset shrugged. “It’s not like I have something better to do anyway.”

“Well… If that’s okay with you…” Fluttershy whispered.

“Of course.” Sunset beamed at her.

“Aww, Sunny you’re so sweet!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she grabbed Sunset’s left arm.

At that sight, Twilight pouted and jealously grabbed Sunset’s other arm. Sunset rolled her eyes, but the frown on her face almost seem forced.

Once the school day was over, Fluttershy waited for the three other girls in front of the school’s gate and the four of them started heading toward the designated park Twilight talked about earlier.

“Is this the place?” Sunset asked when then four girls finally arrived.

It was small park with a few trees and games for kids, like swings and slides. Sunset thought it would be a great place to have a picnic if the weather would allow it.

“It is…” Twilight replied with a serious tone, watching her surroundings. “I can feel its evil presence!”

“Yeah, yeah…” Sunset looked around but there wasn’t any cat in the horizon.

“What are we waiting for?” Pinkie exclaimed as she took the lead in front of the three other girls. “Let’s go look for it!” She then started running toward the nearest swing installed next to a tiny sand box designed for kids.

‘You just wanted to play.’ Sunset thought as she watched the girl climbing on top of the swing.

“P-Pinkie be careful!” Fluttershy called, following her friend to be sure she didn’t get in any kind of trouble.

Sunset then felt something rub against her shin. “Woah!” She exclaimed, taken by surprise.

“Meow!” A small black cat looked at her.

“Nocturna!” Twilight beamed as she pointed it with her finger. “See?!”

“And like I guessed,” Sunset started, grabbing the cat and petting it on the head. “It’s just a cat.”

“Don’t be fooled by its illusions spell!” Twilight warned. “I can sense its power from here!”

“Hey Fluttershy!” Sunset called, “Is that your friend’s cat?”

Fluttershy, who was helping Pinkie Pie get back on her feet after falling from the swing, quickly joined them and grinned at the sight of the cat.

“Luna!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she rubbed the cat’s ears.

“Meow!”

“So, I guess it is then.” Sunset handed the cat to Fluttershy, but just when the shy girl was going to take it in her arms, the cat managed to get free from Sunset’s grip and ran away.

“Oh no…” Sunset started.

Pinkie Pie barked out of laughter, grabbed Fluttershy by her wrist and started running after the cat. “Quick!” She called. “Everyone! Grab the Nocturna!”

Poor Fluttershy had a hard time following Pinkie’s pace, “P-Pinkie wait!”

Twilight Sparkle quickly followed them with enthusiasm, “She’s right! Come on Sunset!”

Sunset grunted but did as she was told, “Pinkie! Don’t start getting into her delusions!” She whined.

After a long and hard three hours’ chase, Sunset finally managed to catch the cat. “I’m not letting you go this time!”

All the girls seemed exhausted excepted for Pinkie Pie, who was still full of energy. The sun had disappeared into the night sky half an hour ago.

This time, Sunset carefully handed the cat to Fluttershy who took it into her arms.

“T-Thanks again girls.” A thankful Fluttershy stated with a genuine smile. “I’ll let Rainbow Dash know what you did for her.”

“My pleasure.” Sunset smiled back.

The girls parted ways and Sunset Shimmer headed towards her home, Twilight Sparkle hanging tight on Sunset’s arm as she was sliding on the ground with her wheel shoes.

“We had fun today.” Twilight jovially stated.

“As much as it pains me to admit it,” Sunset started. “We did.”

“We should do that more often!” A high pitched voice came called behind them.

“Gah!” Both Sunset and Twilight flinched in surprise.

Sunset turned around and faced Pinkie Pie. “Don’t do that! I almost had a heart attack!”

Pinkie’s only reply was a giggle.

“Why are you following us?” Sunset asked, resuming her walk.

“I just had this ‘Pinkie feeling’ that something interesting is going to happen!”

“I don’t know if I should be afraid or not.” Sunset replied at that statement.

When the three of them arrived at Sunset’s home, they entered the living room and Sunset noticed a man she didn’t know sat at the kitchen table, speaking with her little brother. He was a lot taller than the girls and had pale skin with blue hair.

“Oh, here they are!” Sunburst greeted as the man quickly jumped to his feet, staring intensely at Twilight.

Twilight let out a small gasp as she jumped in front of Sunset and took a fighting stance. “The Black Knight!”

The ‘Black Knight’ just patiently glared at Twilight as he was waiting for her to make the first move. Sunset could feel the intensity in the room.

“Uh, what’s going on?” Sunburst asked.

Pinkie seemed like she was having the time of her life though. “Are they going to fight?!” She asked to Sunset.

Twilight smirked and ran toward the man, she tried to land a kick but the man easily dodged it. She then grabbed a lamp on a small table and threw it at her target. “Thunderous Nightmare!” She called as it was some sort of special attack.

The man deflected it and the lamp smashed on the nearest wall.

“Hey!” Both Sunset and Sunburst called, outraged.

“Don’t worry. I’m used to this.” The man calmly stated. “It won’t take long.”

Twilight ran towards him again and jumped on the kitchen table.

“Twilight!” Sunset called, afraid the girl was going to hurt herself.

Then, she jumped from the table and launched herself, aiming for the man’s face with her fist. “Nightmare Punch!”

“That’s enough!” He yelled, slapping Twilight right in the face as she was still in the air.

She fell on her back with a whine of pain, stunned.

The man sighed and put a hand through his hair, “I’m sorry about that.” He stated, then he pointed at the lamp. “I’ll pay you back, of course.”

“Uh, don’t worry about that but…” Sunburst stated, “What just happened?”

The man faced Sunset, “So you’re Sunset, uh?” He pointed to Twilight, still on the ground behind him, with his thumb. “You are a friend of this fury?”

“Uh, I guess I am.” Sunset replied, scratching the back of her head.

“I don’t know how you do it.” He said with a chuckle. “I’m Shining, by the way. Shining Armor.”

“Nice to… Meet you?” Sunset tried.

“Listen,” Shining Armor started. “I know she’s crazy, with all her delusions about that Nightmare Moon thingy, or those invisible borders but…” He sighed. “What I’m trying to say is, thanks for taking care of her.”

“Uh, you’re welcome?”

Shining Armor grabbed the knocked out Twilight and threw her on his shoulder. “I’ll see you guys around.” He stated as he left with his sister who was still dazed from the blow she received.

Sunset and Sunburst stared as Shining closed the front door behind him. They both exchanged a look before looking back at the door again.

“I told you something interesting was going to happen!” Pinkie’s high pitched voice exclaimed from behind them.

“Gah!” Both Sunset and Sunburst yelped in surprise.

Sunset forgot she was there.

V - Flash Sentry, lovesick lover boy

Sunset Shimmer was walking alongside Rarity next to the Canterlot river, both girls holding hands, enjoying each other’s company. Sunset took a closer look at the beautiful girl standing next to her, her perfectly curled purple hair flowing down her back, eyes as perfect as diamonds and a beautiful smile across her face. The faint blush on her cheeks being easily the cutest thing Sunset ever saw in her life.

Rarity slowed down her pace and let go of Sunset’s hand. Sunset turned around to face her, a concerned look on her face.

“Rarity?” She asked. “Is something wrong?”

Rarity shook her head, “No, Sunset.” She looked at her straight into her eyes as if she was staring right into her soul. “In fact, everything is perfect.” Rarity took a small step forward. “You’re perfect, Sunset…”

Sunset gulped. She tried to ignore the burning feeling across her cheeks and the butterflies in her stomach but it was easier said than done. “Uh, thanks?”

Rarity took both of Sunset’s hands in hers, maintaining her gaze. “There is… Something I wanted to tell you, for quite some time now...”

Sunset’s heartbeat was going crazy. “R-Really?”

“Yes…” Rarity took another step forward, now only a few inches away from Sunset. “Sunset I… I love you.”

Sunset didn’t know what to say. She just stared at the perfect girl in front of her, her heart beating as loudly as ever.

Rarity closed the small gap left between the two of them, their chest almost touching. Then, Rarity slowly closed her eyes and pressed her lips forward, only a mere inch from Sunset’s.

Sunset hold her breath and mimicked her as she closed her eyes, took a tiny step, and pressed her lips against…

“Sunset! Wake up!”

“Uh?” Sunset’s eyes opened and the first thing she saw when she woke up was Twilight Sparkle’s face staring at her, only a few inches away. “Woah!” She screamed in surprise as she rolled to the side and fell from her bed, her face right on the ground.

“I think you were having a nightmare.” Twilight Sparkle stated, sitting cross-legged on Sunset’s bed with a concerned look. “You were moving around and moaning in your sleep.”

Sunset made a forced chuckle. “Uh yeah… Nightmare.”

‘That’s it, no more spicy food before going to bed.’ She thought as she wiped off the sweat on her forehead.

Then, Sunset realized what was going on and frowned, pointing her finger at Twilight. “And what are you doing here?”

“Waking you up?” Twilight tried, an innocent grin on her face.

“How did you get in anyway?” Sunset asked, already annoyed this early in the morning, slowly standing up on her feet.

“Your window was opened.” Twilight explained as she pointed to the designated window, which was indeed open, and Sunset could see the usual rope hanging outside. Twilight must have used it to climb down like she used to do on her balcony.

Twilight appearing unannounced in her apartment was now becoming a regular thing for the Shimmer family.

Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose, “Twilight, you can’t just enter my room like that!” she snarled.

“Why not?” Was a genuine question Twilight asked her, with an interrogating glare.

“It’s a breach of privacy! What if I was… You know…” Sunset wasn’t believing the fact that she actually needed to explain this to Twilight. “Indecent?”

“You mean, like you are now?” Twilight asked again.

“Uh?” Sunset looked down at herself and saw that the only clothes she was wearing was her pink bra and pantie. “Gah!” She screamed as she grabbed her blanket to cover herself, blushing heavily. “Twilight get out!”

“But Sun-” Twilight started.

“GET OUT!” Sunset screamed, her face red as a tomato.

Twilight pouted but reluctantly gets up from the bed and made her way towards the door, “You must’ve get up on the wrong foot today Sunset, because you are-”

Sunset did not let her finish as she violently pushed her out and slammed the door behind her.

“Oh, hello Miss Shimmer.” She heard Twilight from the other end of the door.

“Twilight?!” Sunrise Shimmer exclaimed, surprised to see the purple haired girl coming out of Sunset’s room.

Sunset slammed her head against the door and fell on her knees.

“Kill me now.” She said, hoping a certain someone high above could hear her complaints.

Sunset went to go with her usual morning routine as she ate her breakfast alongside her brother, her mother and Twilight. An hour and a half later, both girls were in school, walking towards their respective places in the classroom.

As she was marching towards her desk, Sunset found herself stopping in front of Rarity who was talking with one of her friends.

“Oh, hello darling.” Rarity greeted, a charming smile on her face.

Sunset felt the heat rising on her cheeks. “H-Hi Rarity!” she squeaked as the memories from her dream resurfaced.

Rarity made a polite giggle, but even if she saw the faint blush on Sunset’s cheeks, she did not mention it. Sunset then finally arrived at her desk and sat in her seat as she sighed.

‘Dummy.’ She insulted herself.

To Sunset’s surprise, Pinkie Pie wasn’t there, which was odd considering the fact that she usually was one of the first of her classmates to arrive in the morning.

She did not think much of it, something must have happened and she was running a bit late, nothing to worry about. As Sunset sat behind her desk and grabbed her notebook from her bag, she heard two of her classmates chatting next to her.

She wasn’t particularly listening to them, but they were loud enough for Sunset to ear most of their conversation. She recognized one of them being Flash Sentry but she forgot the name of the other one. Sunset never was good at remembering names but Flash was easily recognizable with his spiky electric blue hair and blue eyes.

“… no biggies.” The other boy said with a monotone voice that was contrasting with the smirk he was wearing. Flash seemed to be in some sort of trouble and his friend was having a lot of fun with it. “There’s plenty of fish in the sea, Sentry.” He stated as he passed his hand through his mid-length black hair.

“I know, I know.” Flash quickly added with a sigh as he took his place on his desk on the left of Sunset’s. “But it’s already the fourth time I’ve been rejected since the year started!” He stated with a desperate look on his face.

“Well,” His friend continued with a chuckle, “Maybe if you stopped being so clingy, you’ll have better luck.” he stated candidly.

“What can I say?” Flash whined, throwing his hands above his head. “I was in love!” When his friend snorted, Flash frowned his eyebrows. “Stop making fun of me!”

The black haired boy rolled his eyes, “You’re falling in love with a different girl every Tuesdays, Flash. So, forgive me if I’m not taking you seriously.” he stated with his derisive smirk. Then, a sympathetic smile appeared, replacing the smirk on his face as he put his hand on Flash’s shoulder. “But, you’re still my best friend. So if you ever need a wingman…” He finished with a wink.

Flash smiled back, “Thanks, Red.”

“Anytime, man.”

Red turned around to take his place on the second row, but then raised an eyebrow at the empty spot in front of Sunset.

“Where’s Pinkie?” He asked, staring at the missing person’s desk a while.

Sunset took a moment to realize he was talking to her as her gaze met his. She shrugged, “I don’t know.”

He stared at her with an annoyed look on his face which Sunset guessed was his natural expression. Sunset could, for a fraction of second, see a disappointed look on his red eyes before his bored expression came back. He just shrugged before heading to his desk.

“Uh…” Sunset heard from her left, she turned around to face Flash as he awkwardly grinned at her. “We’ve never really been formerly introduced before, didn’t we? I’m Flash Sentry.” He said, handing his hand to Sunset.

Sunset shook his hand out of politeness and returned to revise the lesson of the day on her notebook. “Sunset Shimmer.” She blankly stated.

“So…” Flash continued, with what he thought was cool smile. “How’s it going?”

Sunset sighed and narrowed her eyes when she looked back at him. She could easily guess the intent, she lowered her elbows to her desk and leant forward as a thin line appeared on her face. He was trying to hit on her.

Sunset coughed politely in her fist. She was glad that, before she could mutter a response, someone appeared in front of her breathing heavily.

“I… Made it… In time!” Pinkie Pie managed to mumble as she dropped herself on her chair, taking back her breath.

Sunset silently thanked her for the interruption. “Sup’ Pinkie?” She greeted, her smile reappearing. “What took you so long?”

“Gummy was stuck in the dishwasher!” Pinkie explained her, like it was obvious.

Sunset gave her a questioning look, “Who? And what was he doing in there?”

“How am I supposed to clean a baby alligator?” Pinkie asked, dumbfounded.

“I’m sorry, wha-” Sunset was cut short by the bell announcing the start of the class.

During lunchtime, both Sunset and Twilight were sitting on a bench in the bleachers of the school’s soccer field. Sunset was slowly chewing on her home-made salad as she watched a rainbow haired girl practicing lonely on the field.

“You decided on which club you’re going to join?” Twilight asked her.

Sunset shrugged, “Not really. This girl, Raven, asked me if I wanted to join hers, I guess I’ll check it out.”

“Hmmm…” Twilight hummed, staring at Sunset’s lunch.

Sunset sighed, now used to her friend’s antics.

“You know vegetables aren’t good for you, right?” Twilight asked her as she was eating her own lunch composed of cold rice and chicken.

Sunset raised a single eyebrow as she looked at her, “What are you talking about?” she asked as she put a slice of cucumber in her mouth.

“Vegetables considerably lowers your mana and your stamina.” Twilight explained, her face tight as she wore a disgusted look watching Sunset’s salad.

Sunset chuckled, “I take it you don’t like vegetables.”

“God no.” Twilight pulled out her tong of her mouth, showing her revulsion. “The Black Knight knows that it weakens me, that’s why he always tries to hide some in my lunches.”

Sunset had a sympathetic thought for Twilight’s brother, raising a girl like her must not be easy. “Yeah, that’s obviously why.”

“But I’m no fool.” Twilight proudly stated as she put a piece of chicken in her mouth. “I always double check my meals.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Sunset silently continued to eat her lunch for a few minutes as she watched the rainbow haired girl on the field cheer to herself when she landed a goal, enjoying the calm, ignoring the insistent look Twilight was giving her.

“Hey, God Princess of Flames…” Twilight started.

Sunset rolled her eyes, “I already told you to not call me by that name. At least, not in school.” she stated as she folded her arms, giving Twilight an annoyed look.

“I heard… Something really strange in class this morning.” Twilight began, ignoring Sunset’s complaint as usual.

Sunset gave her an intrigued look, beckoning her to continue.

“Those two boys, sitting next to me in class… What’s their name again?” She said, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Oh right, Red and Thunderlane!”

“Yeah, what about them?” Sunset asked.

“They were talking about some kind of list the boys in our class made.” She put another piece of chicken in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully as she remembered the conversation. “Something about a poll… Something about the prettiest girls in our class or something like that.”

Sunset snorted, “Well I’m not surprised, that’s teenage boys for you.” She said as she finished her salad and started peeling the skin out of an orange. “I really hope for them that they won’t get caught though. Not that I really care, but if the girls in our class founds out, those guys will be in a lot of trouble.”

Twilight shrugged, “I guess so. I think it’s dumb.” she then looked down at her feet. “I’m sure I’m at the bottom of that list.”

“I think you’re underestimating yourself, Twi’.” Sunset said, bumping Twilight’s shoulder. “And, then again, who cares?” She asked, “It’s just a dumb list.”

“Yeah…” Her cheerful demeanor quickly came back as she playfully leaned into Sunset’s shoulder. “I think you’ll be at the top of the list though.”

“And you’re overestimating me.” Sunset chuckled as she gently pushed Twilight away from her, “I don’t stand a chance next to girls like Rarity or Roseluck.”

“I think you’re prettier than them…” Twilight muttered too quietly for Sunset to hear.

“What?” Sunset asked her.

“N-Nothing!” Twilight quickly added as she put a big piece of chicken in her mouth and swallowed it after chewing it only two times. Her face became red as she started to cough, choking on it.

Sunset busted out of laughter as she slammed her hand on Twilight’s back to help her friend.

The mood was tense in the classroom on this early afternoon. Rarity and another girl Sunset remembered as Carrot Top were both standing in front of the classroom, angry looks on their faces. Miss Cheerily was standing next to them, a disappointed look on her face as she glared at the classroom.

Almost all of the girls in the class were wearing the same expression as Rarity. Even Pinkie Pie was somewhat angry, to Sunset’s surprise. Behind Rarity, on the black board, was a piece of paper.

“Dear Carrot and I have found something very interesting during lunchbreak.” Rarity started, pointing to the piece of paper.

The boys in the class were all looking distressed, except for Red and Thunderlane sitting next to each other’s, both tried to repress their laughs but quickly straightened themselves at the look Miss Cheerilee was giving them.

Sunset glanced at her left to see a sweating Flash Sentry, his face livid as he gulped.

The piece of paper on the board was the famous list Twilight mentioned earlier, a list of what the boys thought were the prettiest girls in the class. Even at her place at the back of the class, Sunset could easily read what was written.

1. Rarity Belle
2. Sunset Shimmer
3. Roseluck
4. Dusk Whistle
5. Choco Cream
…

And the list went on. All the fourteen girls of the class were noted on that list. Sunset smirked at herself when she saw she was second and sighed when she saw Twilight was number seven.

‘Right in the middle, that’s not bad.’ She thought to herself, hoping Twilight wouldn’t think much of it.

She also was surprised that Pinkie was number thirteen. Sunset genuinely thought that Pinkie Pie was cute enough to be somewhat popular, but she guessed that her attitude could be repulsive for some of the boys.

“I would love to hear what you boys have to say about this.” Rarity stated, her cold stare stopping at each and everyone one of the boys in the class. When she observed every movements and actions the boys were doing, her gaze stopped on Red as he couldn’t stop his snickering. “Red Light.”

As he heard his name, he quickly stopped laughing and straightened himself. He was still wearing that usual annoyed look on his face but Sunset saw from behind that he was nervously waggling his fingers behind his back. “Uh, yeah?”

“Do you have anything to do with that? Is there… Anything you can tell me?”

Red made a forced chuckle, “To be honest, it’s the first time I’ve ever heard of it.”

Sunset smirked. He was a good liar. Rarity slowly nodded but Sunset could see that she wasn’t believing him. She however looked at the boy sitting next to him.

“Thunderlane!”

“Y-Yes!” The boy replied.

“Have you participated in those rankings?” Rarity cold stared him, pointing the list behind her with her thumb.

Thunderlane wasn’t as good as Red to hide his emotions. He was quivering, shifting his weight from side-to-side.

“N-No I…” He gulped loudly as he eyes frantically looked from left to right in panic.

Rarity raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms. “Yes?” She asked suspiciously.

“I… I don’t remember!” The poor boy stuttered.

Rarity and Carrot Top both looked at him with interrogating glares.

Sunset repressed a laugh as she looked back at Flash. If someone could drown in his own sweat, Flash would be dead long ago. She already found the culprit, but she knew better than interrupting Rarity’s investigation.

“Looks like we’re at a dead end.” Miss Cheerilee stated. “Well if we don’t have a culprit, I say it would be fair that all the boys here will face the same punishment.”

“What?”

“Oh, c’mon!”

“I have nothing to do with it!”

All Sunset could hear was excuses from her masculine classmates. In a scattered fashion, voices started to become louder and soon, the classroom became a boisterous field of complaints for the boys, while the girls remained silent, glaring daggers at them.

“It… It was me…” Sunset could her a mutter from her left.

No one heard him as Miss Cheerilee was trying to calm the class.

“IT WAS ME!” Flash Sentry yelled as he jumped to his feet, unable to meet the gaze of his peers.

The class went silent as all looks were now on him.

‘Oh boy, this is going to be interesting.’ Sunset thought to herself as she leaned her head into the palm of her head. She was glad that all the attention was on someone else than herself for a change.

“I… I did it.” Flash stated in a whisper that could easily be heard in the entire classroom now that everyone was silent. He looked down at the ground, biting his bottom lip. “N-No one else was involved. I did it all myself.”

Sunset looked around the classroom and had a hard time not laughing at the sight in front of her. All the boys in the class were looking at him like he was a hero of some sort, taking the blame for all of them. But the girls were giving him cold stares, even Pinkie Pie. Twilight, as for her, was looking intrigued but Sunset could read on her face that she just wanted this to be over so she could go home.

“I-I’m sorry.” He continued. “I didn’t think it would hurt you girls like it did, I did not mean any harm… It was just a silly game.”

“It was just a game?” Rarity asked him, outraged. “And do you really want us to believe you were the only one involved in… In this?!” She asked again.

“I was!” He exclaimed adamantly.

As silence came back in the room, both Rarity and Carrot Top turned their gaze to Miss Cheerilee. Their teacher sighed and looked at Flash with disappointment.

“Mister Sentry…” She started. “I think I speak for all of us here when I say that I’m really deceived by your actions. And I do think detention is the appropriate punishment.”

Flash didn’t say a word.

“However, since you’ve not only wronged me but all the girls here, I think it’s only fair that they chose the suitable punishment.” She turned her gaze to Rarity and Carrot Top. “What do you say girls?”

Rarity spoke up, “As much as would love him to face detention this early in the year…” she started. “I do not think it is… Quite enough.” She glanced at her friend, “What do you say Carrot?”

“To begin with, a proper apology would be appropriate.” Carrot started, “It is one thing to say you are sorry, but it is another to show how really sorry you are.”

“I know that…” Flash said. “That’s why I’ve made a decision.”

“A decision?” Carrot raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll show to all of you girls how sorry I am…” He looked up, fire in his eyes. “I’ll shave my head!” He blurted out.

This time, Sunset couldn’t refrain her laughter.

“I… I don’t think it’s…” Miss Cheerilee started, but she was quickly cut short by Rarity.

“I think it’s an excellent idea.” Rarity nodded.

“It’ll work.” Carrot nodded too. “We won’t forgive you right away but if you do it, It’ll show us you were serious when you said you were sorry.”

“I-I’ll do it!” Flash stated. “On my honor as a man!”

“Today was… Interesting?” Twilight stated, as she walked alongside Sunset and Pinkie Pie through the halls of Canterlot High School.

Sunset laughed. “Yeah, I had a great time.”

Pinkie pouted but didn’t said a word as she was angrily chewing on a candy. The three of them stopped their walk when they heard voices coming from the next hall.

“Oh god, what did I do?!” Flash cried out, his face in the palm on his hands.

When Sunset, Twilight and Pinkie Pie turned around at the corner, they saw Flash sitting on the stairs next to the janitor’s cabinet, Red and Thunderlane right by his side.

“You were a true hero back there, Flash!” Thunderlane said.

“Yeah… A true martyr, giving his life for his fellow classmates.” Red added mockingly, “Now, can I please be the one that’ll shave your head?”

Flash raised his head and glared at him with pleading eyes.

“What? I always wanted to shave someone’s head.” Red said as he shrugged.

“Y-You don’t really expect me to shave my head right?”

Sunset walked towards them as she cleared her throat to catch their attention, Twilight and Pinkie right behind her.

“Actually,” Sunset began, “The girls do expect you to do it. What you guys did was… Pretty messed up.”

Thunderlane looked away at that statement and Red made a forced chuckle.

“D-Didn’t you heard him?” Red asked, raising his hands like he was innocent and had nothing to do with it. “He said he did it! I’ve got nothing to do wi-”

When Red stopped talking and wore a fearful expression on his face as he looked away, Sunset turned around and could see the stare Pinkie Pie was giving him.

‘Geez’ Pinkie.’ Sunset thought. She was honestly chocked that the usual cheerful girl could give an angry look at someone like that.

“Thirteen?” She hissed as she glared daggers at him.

“Hey for what it’s worth, I’m the one who voted for you!” Red tried. When he saw that Pinkie was still giving him a cold stare, he sat down next to Flash. “Alright, I’ll shut up…” He whispered.

Sunset sighed, “Listen guys. It’s not about who’s first or who’s last.” She said as she put a hand on Pinkie’s shoulder to calm her down. “The girls were really hurt by your actions. How would you guys react if we did the same thing?”

Flash slowly nodded as he gave her a comprehensive smile, “Yeah, I guess we would’ve been pretty mad too.”

Sunset gave him an honest smile.

“Then you know what you have to do.”

“Yeah…” He nodded, “I guess I do.”

With a nod of her head, Sunset walked away. “And to be honest, it’s just hair man, It’ll grow back.” She finished as she waved him goodbye.

“So… It means I can shave your head right?” Sunset heard Red’s voice ask as she walked away.

“Woaw, Sunset.” Twilight added when she was sure they were far enough so the boys could no longer hear them.

“You were far kinder than I thought you would be.” Pinkie nodded, her joyful attitude slowly, but surely, coming back. “Who would’ve guessed that under that grumpy face of yours, there would be such a kind and generous woman!”

Sunset gave her a look, “Grumpy face?”

“I can’t believe we spent so much time on this when there’s much more important things going on right now.” Twilight quickly said. “I had to refrain her, but my demon almost awakened in class and-”

“I couldn’t just ignore the poor boy, he’s not a bad lad.” Sunset replied to Pinkie, ignoring Twilight who was now talking to herself. Then a devilish smirk appeared on her face. “And I can’t wait to see him bald.”

Author's Note

this chapter is way longer than I expected it to be
it was supposed to be out Saturday
but y'know how life is, some things happens...
(I was playing Palworld)

VI - Fluttershy, compassionate doormat and a little bit of kindness

“W-Wait… I-I can’t…” Sunset Shimmer tried between laughs. She had a hard time refraining her laughter at the sight in front of her.

“Not funny.” The boy in front of her responded.

Sunset, who had grabbed her desk chair to prevent herself from falling, looked away from the boy and tried to take back her breath.

“W-Wait a second… I just need a second…” She tried to calm herself as she breathed slowly.

When Sunset finally managed to retrieve her composure, she looked back at the boy…

And laughed harder than before.

“Nah man, I’m really sorry but I can’t!” She exclaimed, swiping out the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

Flash Sentry sighed, “I don’t blame you… At least you’re sorry.” He stated as he glared at Red and Thunderlane who were both staring and laughing at him at the front of the class with a few of their classmates.

“Yeah… I was just trying to be polite.” Sunset admitted, her gaze not leaving Flash’s now bald head. A sunray through the window made its way right on top of it, making it shimmer in light.

It only made Sunset laugh harder. She turned around when she heard the classroom’s door opening, revealing Pinkie Pie.

“Good Morning everyone!” She greeted with a cheerful smile as she walked towards them, “Sunset, I can hear you laughing from the other side of the hallway! What is so funn-” she stopped herself at the sight of Flash in front of her.

She looked at him for a moment, remaining silent. She just stared at him with a shocked stare.

“P-Pinkie Pie, are you alright?” Flash tried as Pinkie couldn’t leave him from her sight.

Sunset laughed when Pinkie Pie didn’t make any answer. “I-I think you broke her!”

“W-What… Happened to your hair?” The pink girl asked in a whisper.

“What hair?” Sunset added with a devilish smirk towards Flash.

A single chuckle escaped Pinkie’s mouth. Then, another one. Her chuckle intensified and it quickly grew louder. Soon, she was laughing as hard as Sunset, falling on her back and grabbing both her sides.

“No way! He really did it!” Pinkie shouted as she repeatedly slammed her hands on the ground, “He really did it!”

“Of course I did!” Flash Sentry replied with a frown as he stomped the ground with his foot.

Thunderlane, Red and another girl Sunset never spoke to walked towards them. Thunderlane still laughing but Red seemed to have calmed down, even if he had a hard time to do so.

“H-Hey Flash,” Red started between two chuckles, “The reflection of your head is blinding people from the other side of the room.”

“You did a great work, man.” Thunderlane said to Red, “Not a single hair left.”

Pinkie only laughed harder and Sunset snorted. Flash rolled his eyes and crossed his arms with a sigh.

“W-Wait Flash, hair me out.” Sunset started, making Pinkie Pie tear up. “When you wash your face… How do you know when to stop?”

“Oh, I have one!” Thunderlane exclaimed, “You know what is pointless now? To tell him a hair-raising story!”

“Hey, don’t get a head start on me. I have one too,” Red added, “You know why Flash always seems calm and collected? Because he knows how to keep a cool head.”

“Guys, come on…” The other girl Sunset didn’t know started with a roll of her eyes as she tried to hide her snicker. She had long brown and curly hair with green eyes. “Don’t be too hard on him.”

“I-If he had his own Netflix show,” Pinkie started as she tried to get up, “It would be called Balding Bad!”

“Okay, okay I get it. I’m bald now, it’s funny. Ah ah ah.” Flash grumbled with a frown and a forced laugh. “We all had a good laugh. Can we move on now?”

“Whatever you say, Balder White.” Red snorted, making Pinkie Pie fall back on the ground.

“At least, his never going to have a bad hair day.” Sunset pointed out. “I’m kind of jealous.”

“A bad hair day for him would just be… A day!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Red helped her stand up.

“I’m never going to hear the end of it, right?” Flash sighed in defeat.

“Never!” All of them replied in unison, except the brown haired girl whom just giggled.

“Well, I am glad you kept your word Flash Sentry. As a true gentleman should have.” Rarity stated with elegancy as she approached them with a smile on her face. She made a small wave at Sunset, making her blush and look away. “And be reassured, I won’t be making fun of you.” She then looked at his head and made a polite chuckle that she tried to hide with her hand. “Or, I will at least try to.”

“Geez’, thanks.” Flash responded, unamused.

“You guys seems to have fun.” A voice behind Sunset stated.

Sunset turned around and grinned at Twilight who just came back from the restroom.

“What’s going on?” She innocently asked. “Did someone rolled a twenty and casted Tasha’s hideous laughter?”

“Tasha’s… What? No, Look!” Sunset laughed and stepped aside, pointing Flash’s head with her finger. “Flash’s aerodynamic now!”

They all laughed harder at Flash, whom accepted his fate as he just glared at them. Twilight remained calm and scratched her chin. After a second, she just shrugged.

“I think he pulls it off.” She stated.

“Really?” Flash asked with a faint blush on his cheeks, his eyes wide in surprise.

“Really?!” The rest of the group of friends asked.

“Really.” Twilight nodded. “A bald head is the ultimate power move.”

“Hopefully,” Red stated as he shrugged and started to walk back to his desk with Thunderlane and the other girl following him. “Now we can expect to see Superman coming around… Now that Lex Luthor is in our class.”

“At least he’s not in a wheelchair… I would be afraid if he tried to read my mind!” Pinkie Pie chuckled as she sat at her own desk.

“I’ll reassure you Pinkie, no one’s ever going to try to read your mind.” Sunset replied as she sat on her chair too. “I at least hope so, for their own sanity.”

Pinkie laughed, “Yeah, I think you’re right.”

Flash Sentry silently sat on his own chair in defeat. “I deserve that.” He mumbled.

He quietly watched Twilight as she walked to her desk and took place on her chair. He thought back at what she said earlier, making him blush.

“So... Sunset…” Twilight started as Sunset and herself walked through the gates as they headed home after a long day of school. “Tomorrow is the school’s club day. All of the clubs are going to make presentations for the new students.”

“Yeah, and?” Sunset asked.

Twilight made her way in front of Sunset and stopped, facing her, forcing the fiery haired girl to stop as well. “Do you know what club you’ll be interested in? I heard Pinkie Pie wanted to check out the pastry club.”

“I don’t know. There’s that girl, Raven I think, who invited me in her literature club.” She shrugged, “I’ll see tomorrow I guess… And I’m surprised you’re interested in those kind of things.” Sunset replied as she raised an eyebrow.

“Of course I’m interested!” Twilight quickly glanced around her as she made a step forward and continued in a whisper, “I’m convinced that the evil organization is secretly watching over this school… I’m pretty sure one of those clubs is just a cover for their malicious intent.”

“Uh-uh.” Sunset nodded with a deadpanned stare.

“And tomorrow, my mission will be to discover what those intentions are!” The glasses wearing girl stated with conviction as she raised her fist. “They don’t know what’s coming for them!”

“Oh yeah, they have no idea.” Sunset rolled her eyes and walked around Twilight to resume her walk back home.

“P-Please, someone?” Both Sunset and Twilight heard a small voice begging.

Sunset looked in that direction and saw Fluttershy handing flyers to the students who were completely ignoring her as they walk past her.

“C-Canterlot’s animal shelter could really use your help!” Fluttershy tried with her quiet voice. “Think about all of those p-poor animals that only wants to be loved and cherished!”

“Hey, I remember her!” Twilight started, “That’s the cat girl!”

Sunset sighed, “Fluttershy. Her name is Fluttershy, Twilight.”

Fluttershy handed a flyer to a passing student. “Would you want to-” The boy walked past her, not even giving her a look. “No? Oh, that’s okay…” Fluttershy stated, defeated. She tried again when a girl approached, “And you? Those kind animals surely would…” The girl ignored her and continued her walk. “Oh alright…”

Sunset started to feel bad for the poor girl as she watched the students ignoring her.

“Hey, if it isn’t my favorite doormat in school!” A boyish voice called.

A girl with short white hair and a brown leather jacket walked towards Fluttershy with a smirk on her face. Sunset could swear she saw fear in Fluttershy’s eyes.

“Oh, h-hi Gilda…” Fluttershy started, curling up on herself.

“Didn’t I already told you that it was Miss Gilda to you?” Gilda stated as she stopped in front of the shy girl.

“Y-Yes! Sorry!” Fluttershy quickly replied.

Gilda rapidly grabbed Fluttershy’s pile of flyers, making the poor girl wimp. “What the hell is that?” She asked with a disgusted look. “You’re still trying to recruit people for your stupid animal shelter?” She made a forced loud laugh, “You really are pathetic! Who would want to go in a dirty and stinky place like that?”

Fluttershy didn’t answered as she started to tear up.

“Oi! I asked you a question!” Gilda shouted to her as she shoved Fluttershy on the ground and threw the pile of flyers over her shoulder, the papers scattering away with the wind.

Twilight frowned at that sight. “Sunset? Shouldn’t we… Sunset?” She tried as she looked next to her and saw that Sunset was already gone.

“Hey, you!” Sunset called, now only a few feet behind Gilda.

Gilda turned around and gave her a dark glare. “What?!”

“How dare you speak to her that way?” Sunset stated, fury in her eyes. A few of their fellow students started to gather around them.

“What did you just said?” Gilda asked her, slowly walking towards her until they were just a few inches apart.

“I said…” Sunset continued, making the last step. Now both girls were face to face. “How dare you speak to her that way?!”

“Are they going to fight?” Sunset heard a student whisper.

“Should we call a teacher?” Another girl asked.

Twilight gulped, “S-Sunset…” She tried.

Both Sunset and Gilda stared at each other for a moment. Then, Gilda smirked and walked past Sunset, bumping into her with her shoulder.

“You’re lucky we’ve got a crowd.” She simply stated as she walked away.

Sunset watched her silently as Gilda disappeared in the crowd.

“Woaw Sunset, you were so cool!” Twilight stated as she ran towards her friend.

Sunset lets out a relieved sigh, “Yeah, well… I’m actually glad she didn’t start a fight. Pretty sure she would’ve knocked my teeth out.”

Twilight blew a raspberry, “What are you talking about? You’re the God Princess of Flames, she had no chances against you.”

“Sure.” Sunset replied with a roll of her eyes as she turned around.

She kneeled next to Fluttershy who was sat on the ground, hiding her face behind her knees.

“Are you okay Fluttershy?” Sunset tried as she put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Y-Yes…” Fluttershy whispered, “T-Thank you, Sunset…”

Sunset grabbed Fluttershy’s hand and helped her getting back to her feet, “No problem. What’s her deal anyway?”

“G-Gilda’s always making fun of me when Rainbow Dash’s not around…” Fluttershy admitted.

“Well, don’t worry. From now on, I’ve got your back.” Sunset beamed.

Fluttershy blushed as she looked at the ground, “You’re very kind Sunset…”

“Hell yeah, she is!” Twilight quickly added, handing to Fluttershy the pile of flyers she had retrieved on the ground.

Fluttershy gently took it and thanked Twilight with a smile. Sunset grabbed one of the flyers and took a closer look at it.

“So, you still need some help at that animal shelter of yours?” Sunset tried.

Fluttershy’s face showed a mixture of surprise and excitement, “Y-You’re serious?”

“Of course I am.” Sunset happily nodded, “Twilight and I would be happy to help you.”

“Uh… I do?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“You do.” Sunset stated, giving her a look.

“That would be great!” Fluttershy stated with glee. “W-Well in that case, if you girls have nothing else to do right now… We could go straight away.”

“Actually, there’s some magical perturbation near the park and I was thinking of investigating it-”

Sunset slammed her hand on Twilight’s mouth to stop her from talking, “We would love to, Fluttershy…” then she quickly removed her hand from Twilight’s face. “Ew, Twilight! Did you just lick my hand?” She asked with a disgusted look as she wiped her hand on her jacket.

Twilight’s only reply was a faint giggle.

She was cornered. Twilight had her back against the wall, sword in both hands, facing two gigantic monsters. She wiped out the blood on her face and tightened her grip on the sword as she raised it in front of her. Facing her, a monstrous Manticore and a starving Cerberus were looking down on her, waiting for her to make a move.

She concentrated herself as she lets her dark magic flow through her veins. Black tentacles made out of smoke appeared around her, she jumped forward and sliced at the Manticore with a war cry.

“Take that!” She yelled.

“Twilight… What the heck are you doing?” An unamused Sunset Shimmer asked, a drop of sweat on her forehead as she helped Fluttershy moving around big bags of pet food. She watched Twilight in the corner of the room, a broom in her hands, playing with a puppy and a cat. “There’s still a lot of those bags, so it will be great if… You know… You helped a bit?”

Twilight rolled her eyes and put the broom away. She kneeled in front of the puppy and scratched it behind its ears, to its delight. “I already told you, someone as to watch these monsters while you guys are working. I would never forgive myself if they attacked you while I’m here.”

“Twilight Sparkle. Come help this instant or I’m going to hurt you.”

“It’s okay Sunset…” Fluttershy stated when she dropped another bag in the corner of the room and opened it. “They’re happy to have someone to play with. Usually, it’s just me…” She then proceeded to put pet food on several bowls. “Can you take bowls over there and put some water in them?”

“Sure.” Sunset said as she quickly did was she was told to do, “But you and Pinkie said multiple times that you have a rather large group of friends. Why aren’t they helping you?”

“Oh well, you know… Rainbow Dash usually have soccer practice after school, Applejack has to work on her farm and Pinkie Pie is working with her aunt.” Fluttershy explained, “Rarity comes by, from time to time…”

“Wait…” Sunset stopped and put the bowl she was holding on a table as she turned around to face Fluttershy, “You are friend with Rarity?”

“Of course.” Fluttershy nodded. She gave Sunset and incredulous look, “Didn’t Pinkie Pie told you?”

“Well, she mentioned it, but Pinkie’s friend with everyone. I just… Didn’t realized Rarity was a part of your group.” Sunset stated as she looked away. An image of Rarity smiling at her appeared in her mind.

‘Damnit, I should really start to hang out with Pinkie more.’ She thought, not realizing the blush on her cheeks.

“S-Sunset are you okay?” Fluttershy asked with worry.

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, why?”

“You’re red! You may have a heatstroke, maybe you should rest a bit…”

“Oh, no!” Sunset quickly added when she realized the heat in her cheeks and dismissed Rarity’s pretty face out of her mind. “I’m fine really!”

“Really? Because it seemed like…” Fluttershy started.

“I said I’m fine!” Sunset quickly squeaked as she looked away and started pouring more water in the bowls.

“O-Okay then…”

Twilight who was listening the conversation gave Sunset an inquisitive glare. Sunset noticed it and gulped, “What?”

“God Princess of Flames...” Twilight started, a serious tone in her voice as she marched towards her.

“God princess of… What?” Fluttershy asked, lost.

“Ignore her.” Sunset quickly added.

“You’ve soon reached your maximum potential and obtained the status of God Queen of Flames, so don’t let those trivial mortal things get in your way.” Twilight said, stopping in front of Sunset and folding her arms. Sunset could tell Twilight seemed bothered about something.

“Sometimes, I really have a hard time following you Twilight.” Sunset said, “And believe me, I try.”

“I’ve seen enough movies to notice what’s going on.” She then pointed an accusatory finger in Sunset’s direction, “You’re in love with Rarity!”

Sunset lets out a small shriek of surprise, dropping a bowl full of water on the ground, startling poor Fluttershy.

“W-W-What a-are you t-talking about Twi’?” Sunset stuttered as her face became as red as a tomato.

“Sunset is that true?” A curious Fluttershy asked with innocence.

“N-No!” Sunset yelled, maybe a bit too loud, “S-She has no idea what she’s talking about! And ‘love’ is such a strong word! I d-don’t even know her that much!”

“But you would like to.” Twilight quickly added with a frown.

Sunset looked around to find the nearest exit, “You’re imagining things Twilight!”

“Am I?” Twilight asked again. Her scrutinizing glare not leaving Sunset.

“I… I…”

“Twilight, that is quite enough.” Fluttershy gently stated as she put a gentle hand on Sunset’s back, “You’re making Sunset uncomfortable.”

Twilight then realized what she did and quickly looked away, biting her lips. “R-Right, sorry Sunset! I didn’t want to-”

“I-It’s okay! Let’s just not… Talk about that ever again. Like ever. Again. Ever again.” Sunset said with panic.

“R-right.” Twilight said, scratching her arm.

Both girls were standing in front of each other but looking in opposite directions. Fluttershy’s eyes went from Sunset to Twilight and her eyes went wide. A small chuckle escaped her mouth when she saw Twilight’s expression.

“W-What?” Twilight asked, embarrassed.

“Nothing.” Fluttershy stated with a smile as she resumed putting food in the bowls, “I noticed something too.”

Both Twilight and Sunset looked at each other, trying to understand what Fluttershy meant by that.

Author's Note

sup guys

you should watch Frieren, its quite good