Darkness, nothing but darkness and cold. Sunset shivered all over when she suddenly woke up and screamed at the top of her lungs, tears streaming down her face. It took her a moment to realize that she was in the boiler room, with only an icy breeze blowing through. She hadn't really been wrapped up in her masses of blankets.

Sunset clutched her face in disbelief.

“I'm alive!” she exclaimed overjoyed, ”I'm alive!”

Sunset jumped up and danced with happiness.

Then she breathed out in relief, what a terrible dream. The thought had only just occurred to her, but her body froze instantly. No, it wasn't a dream, she told herself. And even if it had been, she hadn't been given a second chance to throw it away!

Sunset hastily reached out for her cell phone, what day was it today? A status message from her news feed was emblazoned on her cell phone. “Happy Christmas Day”

Sunset breathed a sigh of relief, it was indeed not too late to make things right again. Sunset hesitated for a moment, was she really willing to do what was suddenly unloading in her head? The screen of her cell phone went off and Sunset looked at the reflection of her face. Was this the pony she wanted to be?

She remembered her vow from a few minutes ago ‘I want to honor the past and learn from it, live in the present and think about the future! I don't want to be the pony I was. Please spirit give me a second chance! Let me change Scootaloos and my destiny I beg you! It must not be too late!’

Even if Sunset could claim it was a desperate attempt to get out of her predicament, she still felt the power in those words and how much she had meant them. Sunset may be many things, but she was true to her word and deep in her heart she knew that what the spirits had shown her was true.

But that meant parting with what meant the most to her in the world and that was power, she had sacrificed everything for it, giving it all up meant having nothing. Scootaloo's gravestone and her cheerful song came to her mind. No, that wasn't true, at least she would still be able to be happy. A sudden pain stabbed in Sunset's chest, her heart pressed hard against her ribs and beat uncontrollably. She suddenly felt warm and a smile formed on her face. A feeling that she hadn't felt in a long time, and certainly not with this intensity, built up inside her at the thought of Scootaloo. That was all she needed.

Sunset looked into the reflection of her cell phone screen again, the smile and softened features suddenly making her seem like a completely different person.

Sunset now knew what she had to do! And her grin grew from second to second.

The very first thing Sunset did was grab her laptop and look up the number of a good restaurant nearby. She would have to give up everything she had for it, but it was worth it!

Once that was done, Sunset pulled out a locked box from the far corner of the room. Sunset's heart paused for a moment, this was what Sunset had been most afraid of, it was her first real test of whether she was true to her word. What she did now, she did in the knowledge that she could not yet say whether it had all been a dream. As soon as she visited Rainbow's apartment, she would find out whether she really lived there and whether Scootaloo was an orphan. But that shouldn't matter to Sunset!

At the bottom of the box, Sunset pulled out an old book adorned with a flaming sun, her cutie mark. She had taken this book with her from Equestria. It was magical and allowed her to communicate with the counterpart that belonged to Celestia. She had taken it with her to see if Celestia would contact her, but she never had. Doubts rose in Sunset's mind, why had she never contacted her if she was so sad?

‘Never mind!’ Sunset's inner voice shouted. She couldn't give a damn what others thought, especially not with what else was going on today. It was important what Sunset thought and what she did, and she was sorry for the way she had behaved towards Celestia. No matter whether she still had a spark of love left for Sunset or not.

Sunset took a deep breath and exhaled again, and as soon as she put pen to paper, the words just flowed out of her. And with every word she wrote, she felt her soul lighten and a heavy shadow that she had been carrying around with her all these years lifted.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I don't know whether you still have this book close to you or not. And whether I still have a place in your heart. I certainly don't deserve it for how ungrateful and spoiled I've been after everything you've done for me.

I'm fine where I am now, but I haven't really changed - on the contrary, I've been a terrible pony. If you had seen me like that, you would have been terribly disappointed in me.

But I don't want to be like that anymore! I want to change! I want to honor my past and learn from it, live in the present and think about the future and become the pony that I always wanted to be and that you always saw in me.

And I'll start with you. I'm so terribly sorry that I broke my promise to you and made you unhappy. For what it's worth, I want to stick to my word from now on!

I would also like to thank you for everything you have done for me. You saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself until now. I will probably never be able to repay you, especially not after the way I behaved. But I will not only honor you in my past, but I will always carry you with me and that you will be a part of my future again!

I love you with all my heart Celestia, even if I could never really show it to you. I'm sorry that I can't be with you again this Hearth Warming Eve. But rest assured that I will give all my love and generosity to the people of this world.

I wish you a wonderful Hearth Warming Eve!

With love your Sunset Shimmer!"

It was a strange feeling that ran through Sunset after she had written the last point. She felt incredibly liberated and light, but then suddenly there was a part of her that felt uncomfortable having written those lines. She felt so naked and helpless all at once and with that feeling came fear and regret. The scene around Scootaloo's grave suddenly flashed before her eyes and how she had been rejoicing with Rainbow Dash just a few minutes before. Any doubt Sunset had felt a moment ago was suddenly swept away. She was better than that and she was stronger than her fear! If there was one thing Sunset would not allow to be taken away from her, it was her will!

She still had some time before she could go and pick up the festive meal. She thought about what she could bring as presents, not that she had much to choose from. But after pondering for a while, she thought she had found things that everyone would be happy about and that undoubtedly came from Sunset's heart.

She looked in the basement of the school for something that looked like a large sack and something similar to wrapping paper with which she could wrap and transport Rainbow's present. Scootaloo's present, on the other hand, would remain unwrapped.

In a good mood, as Sunset could never have imagined, she left her boiler room early in the morning and skipped happily through the streets, whistling Rainbow and Scootaloo's song and singing softly here and there.

Like yesterday, there weren't many figures to be seen, but whoever she saw she greeted with all her heart and wished them a Merry Christmas. The strange thing was that Sunset was genuinely happy and meant it. It wasn't just an act of kindness to make others feel good, no, it gave Sunset herself pleasure to stroll through the streets so cheerfully.

She finally arrived at the restaurant, which had fortunately accepted her more than last-minute order. The price was quite impressive and drove Sunset into bankruptcy, but it was worth it!

“Merry Christmas!” Sunset announced as she entered the store and although stressed faces met her at first, not a bad word came from the staff; on the contrary, they seemed to be infected by Sunset's good mood.

“In a pretty good mood for almost missing your Christmas dinner,” grinned the man who welcomed her at the counter.

“How could I not be happy when I meet my rescuers in distress?” Sunset grinned ear to ear in a way she hadn't thought possible.

“Hahaha, it's rare to be in such a good mood so early on Christmas morning,” laughed the man.

“That's a shame, everyone should be in a good mood at Christmas!” Sunset's voice sounded surprised, partly because she was supposed to be the last person to be surprised. After all, she had been the personification of the bad Christmas mood just a few hours ago.

“Well, all the worse if you have to work instead of celebrating,” sighed the employee.

For some reason, Sunset felt the urge to put a smile on the man's face.

“It may be little consolation, but I think it's great what you're doing here. You are the givers of so many meals on this most wonderful of days and put smiles on more people's faces than I ever could. So I for one am very grateful that you've helped me out today and I'm going to raise a glass to you!”, Sunset announced happily, before grabbing the back of her head in embarrassment, ”That reminds me, I don't even know your name yet and I don't know the names of your colleagues I could raise a glass to.”

The man in front of her laughed heartily: “You really are a funny young lady. My name is Coriander Cumin. I'd be happy to introduce you to the others too, they could do with a smile.”

After a short time, three people emerged from the kitchen with large boxes and trays. A grin played around Sunset's face, she knew what she had ordered but the sheer quantity delighted her.

One by one they introduced themselves to her, Daisy, Lily and Rose were their names, followed by the chefs Saffron Masala, Salsa Granada and Tonic Tapas.

None of them could help but smile at the sight of the beaming teenager.

“Tell me Sunset,” Lily finally began, ”weren't we supposed to deliver your order? Then why did you come here?”

Sunset looked a little embarrassed: “Well, the food isn't going to my house, I'm kind of on my way too and thought you might be able to take me with you.”

The three girls, not much older than herself, looked at each other puzzled, but finally nodded. “Sure, why not,” Daisy finally said.

Sunset now looked even more embarrassed: “There's one more thing,” she began hesitantly, “Would it be possible if I rang the doorbell first and you waited a few minutes before I signaled you to follow me with a whistle?”

Sunset put on the most begging look she knew and had always used with the teachers when she wanted to appear sweet and innocent. But this time it felt different and she could see from the looks on the three girls' faces that they couldn't refuse Sunset's request.

“Sure, as long as it doesn't take too long,” Rose began, as Sunset fell into her arms and started dancing with joy.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you!” exclaimed Sunset, ”I just wish I could do something for you too!”

They all waved them off. “Oh, it's Christmas!” Lily finally said.

“Right, right,” Sunset murmured, ”It may not be much, but I'll be happy to sing you a little Christmas serenade.”

The looks on the others' faces spoke volumes that they were very uncomfortable, but Sunset had already started. And although she felt embarrassed at the thought of being like Pinkie Pie, she didn't care at all. She sang the song that Rainbow and Scootaloo had sung when they had started their walk. It only took a few seconds for her audience to listen spellbound. Sunset knew she had a beautiful voice and could sing, but she sensed something was different.

When she had finished, everyone applauded and thanked her, beaming with joy.

Then they began to load the things into the car while Sunset took out her money. A whole lot of small bills, as it was when the main source of income had been her classmates' lunch money.

“I'm sorry I only have it this small. This should be the price for my order. And this is for you and all your nice colleagues!” Sunset placed two large bundles of money on the counter, whereupon Coriander began to smile.

“That's really very generous of you, but I see you've scraped together your savings here, I can't accept your tip!” he finally said.

Sunset, however, pushed the extra bundle over again: “But I insist it's the least I can do for you for helping me out today and I want to express my gratitude for your work financially as much as I can today!” Besides Sunset's joy, there was also a little pride in her voice this time.

She had just given someone more money than they had asked for and the crazy thing was that it somehow felt good. She wondered if that feeling would remain if she was left penniless tomorrow?

Oh Sunset didn't care, her heart rejoiced and her soul laughed like she had never known before. She wanted to keep this feeling in her heart!

So she got into the van with the three girls and let herself be driven to Rainbow's apartment. On the way, they sang a few Christmas carols, Sunset asked about their plans and the girls asked her what her plans were, to which Sunset grinned mischievously and explained that she had something to make up for and that it was going to be a very special surprise.

When the car stopped in front of the dilapidated house, the girls looked on in amazement. Sunset instructed them to take their things with them and wait under the stairs until she gave the signal.

Then Sunset got out and entered the house, where she knew the front door would not be locked. It was exactly the same as last night, if Sunset had needed any more proof she was now almost certain that it hadn't been a dream, which made things a little easier for her now that it was almost time.

Well, almost, because Sunset had to control herself not to laugh as soon as she saw Rainbow Dash. Sunset rubbed her hands and face briefly, put her bag out of sight next to the door and then put on her unfriendly face.

Full of tension, she pressed the bell.

“I'll get it!” she heard Rainbow Dash's voice from behind the door. Rainbow Dash opened it in the best Christmas mood, but as soon as she saw Sunset, that changed.

“What are you doing here?” Rainbow asked, visibly shocked, and Sunset thought she could hear some fear in her voice.

“Hello Rainbow Crash!”, Sunset mocked in her most disgusting tone and with a sardonic grin like she had so often put on at school, “I wanted to pay my favorite looser from school a little visit at Christmas to let her know something.”, Sunset's eyes twinkled mischievously at Rainbow.

The light blue complexion of her skin was already beginning to flush with anger.

“Oh save it Sunset! You...” Rainbow's words must have gotten stuck in her throat because of her inner rage. This was Sunset's chance!

“I'm sorry Rainbow Dash!” as soon as the words had left Sunset's lips, Rainbow's anger gave way to confusion at what she had just heard.

“I'm sorry for the way I've behaved towards you all these years. There's no excuse for that! But that's over from today!” Sunset swore with deep remorse in her voice.

“But that's not the only reason I came here today, I also want to give you a little Christmas present from me.” Sunset pulled a poorly wrapped guitar out of the bag she had brought with her and pressed it into Rainbow's hand, who was still standing there speechless.

“Is that some kind of perfidious trick?” Rainbow asked, puzzled.

“I promise you it's not!” Sunset assured her. Then she spotted that Scootaloo had approached the door like a shy deer. Torn between fear and curiosity, she looked at the scene at the door further back.

“I have something for you too, Scootaloo.” Sunset bent down a little to be at eye level with her and smiled warmly at her. That was enough to make the little girl come closer.

“It's not packaged, but it is my most precious possession in this world.” There was no doubt that the words from Sunset's mouth came from the heart, she took off her jacket and gave it to Scootaloo, ”This jacket has given me the confidence and courage to defy all odds and pursue my goals with determination, even if I haven't used it for good. It may still be a little too big for you, but trust me, it looks 20% cooler on you that way.” Sunset thought she recognized a fleeting grin on Rainbow's face out of the corner of her eye. Scootaloo held the jacket in her hand, both fascinated and puzzled by her gift.

“I hope it will serve you well,” Sunset smiled and a feeling rose up inside her that she had never known before. A pleasant throbbing and tingling in her chest that warmed her from the inside and filled her whole being with happiness. And when she thought this feeling couldn't get any better, Scootaloo fell into her arms and said: “Thank you Sunset!”

And Sunset returned the hug. Her breathing became heavier and her eyes became moist. Never in her life could she have imagined that it was the most wonderful feeling in the world to give a gift from the heart and make another person happy.

When Scootaloo had detached herself from her, Sunset continued, first turning to Scootaloo, then back to Rainbow: “But that's not all!”

“Oh no?” Rainbow furrowed her brow, while Scootaloo looked on curiously, wondering what surprise awaited her.

Sunset put her fingers in her mouth and let out a loud whistle. Then they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. One, two, three people carrying large boxes and trays and waiting outside the door to be let in.

“I would like to be the giver of your Christmas dinner today!” exclaimed Sunset happily!

At that moment, Rainbow's parents came to the door.

“Rainbow, what's going on here?” Rainbow's mother asked.

“This...” Rainbow began, stammering, ”is my friend Sunset. She brought us presents and apparently a whole feast too.”

Rainbow's mother also seemed very overwhelmed by the situation, so Sunset took the stage.

“Mrs. Dash I'm sorry if I'm a little too pushy. I just wanted to make Rainbow and Scootaloo happy with the food. I hope I don't upset their plans and they accept the food. It would be a shame if it didn't get away.”

“Well, it smells really delicious and it certainly wasn't cheap either. Rainbow is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Sunset became very embarrassed: “I hope she will one day, but at the moment I'm happy if I just don't cause any problems for your daughter. I wish you a Merry Christmas and enjoy your meal!” Sunset bowed and was then ready to leave.

“Wait!” Rainbow seemed surprised herself that she had said that. Struggling with herself, she added, “Don't you want to eat with us?”

“No, the food is for you and your family. The last thing I want to do is impose, but I appreciate the polite gesture.” Sunset smiled and was about to disengage when Rainbow persuaded her to turn around again.

“Oh fiddlesticks, you donated the food we insist you stay!” This time the words had come out of Rainbow's mouth confidently, even though her face was still struggling with all the impressions and feelings.

“Are you sure about that Rainbow?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, it's Christmas and you've given Scootaloo a really cool present. I'd really like you to eat with us!” Rainbow assured her.

There was that feeling in Sunset's chest again and tears in her eyes.

With that, Sunset entered the Dashs' apartment, the trays and boxes were brought in and uncovered and set down in the kitchen by the people. Everything Sunset had asked for was there. A huge goose, dumplings, green and red cabbage, gravy, freshly baked bread, fruit, pudding, pancakes, soup. And everything smelled so incredibly good. Everyone's eyes almost popped out of their heads at the sight.

It all made Sunset very uncomfortable and she tried as hard as she could to avoid the stares whenever she felt like someone would have to thank her directly. Sunset didn't even notice it that much herself, but Rainbow couldn't help but notice that Sunset, almost more than all of them, was literally pouncing on the food as if she didn't have much to eat herself.

Sunset, however, enjoyed not only the food but also simply being allowed to sit at the table and enjoy the company. Her greatest pleasure was watching Scootaloo out of the corner of her eye as she enjoyed the food and made contented noises.

You would have thought, the way they were sitting there at the table, joking and enjoying each other, that Rainbow and Sunset really were friends. For a short while, Sunset had actually forgotten how she had behaved towards Rainbow for the last few weeks alone.

Late in the afternoon, Sunset said goodbye to the Dash's and wished the whole family a Merry Christmas. She then made her way to Pinkie Pie to offer to help her prepare for the party.

Oh how Sunset was looking forward to seeing Pinkie's face when she stood in front of the door. She was even looking forward to the hug that would inevitably come and deflate her. The whole way, Sunset just couldn't stop smiling.

She came to the address Rainbow had given her. Pinkie's house looked quite normal, perhaps even a little boring. So gray and lifeless, even in front of the house there was a rock garden with very little greenery. Somehow Sunset had always imagined it to be very different. Trying to hide her anticipation, Sunset pulled herself together with all her might and rang the doorbell. She could already feel a broad grin forming on her face, there was no way she could get out more than a simple “Hey” with a serious expression. To Sunset's surprise and happiness, however, it wasn't Pinkie Pie who opened the door for her, but a slightly older girl who looked like the opposite of Pinkie. Gray and drab, even though she was wearing a brightly flashing necklace that Pinkie must have given her.

Before Sunset could say anything in her astonishment, the girl began to speak:

“You're probably here for Pinkie's party. I'm afraid you're a bit early.” Her voice sounded monotonously bored, but at the same time reassuringly deliberate and slow as she spoke. It was like a car accident Sunset didn't want to watch, but she couldn't look away either. She was at a loss for words for a few seconds when Pinkie's quick voice rang out from the back of the house: “Hey Maud, who is it? Is it a surprise? Is it...” Pinkie stepped into the light of the doorway and her face became the biggest eyes and formed the widest grin Sunset had ever seen on another person, let alone another living being.

Sunset knew Pinkie was about to explode with joy, she just couldn't help it.

“Hey.” Sunset greeted her and a smile inevitably formed on her face.

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” Pinkie screamed excitedly with sheer joy. Not a second later, Pinkie had her in a tight hug and whirled her through the air. Sunset couldn't help but rejoice and laugh from the bottom of her heart.

“I knew you were coming! I just knew it!” Pinkie announced and cuddled Sunset after the fussing had stopped.

Sunset grabbed the back of her head, still smiling.

“I'm truly sorry Pinkie for the way I've behaved towards you over the last few years. I know I have a lot to make up for.” Sunset now looked deep into Pinkie's eyes, who was on the verge of spinning her around again. There was that unfamiliar warm feeling in her chest again, so intense and strong.

“Thank you for believing in me Pinkie.” Sunset's voice was shaky, she had only now realized how much it moved her that Pinkie was happy to see her and how much it meant to her that at least one person had seen the good in her.

“You can't imagine how much it means to me that you're happy to see me. You really are something very special, Pinkie Pie.” Sunset's eyes filled with tears, although she was still smiling at the same time.

“Aaaaaawwwwww!” Pinkie's voice rang out and she rushed out to hug Sunset again. But unlike what Sunset was used to from Pinkie, her hug was tender and reassuring.

“I'd better leave you two alone for once,” Maud's voice sounded in the doorway without even a hint of emotion.

“I have to thank you Sunset for coming silly. It's going to be the best Christmas party ever with you. And you can't imagine how much that means to me,” Pinkie told her, clearly moved by Sunset's previous words.

“Thank you Pinkie,” Sunset replied, wiping the tears from her face.

“I came so early to offer you my help with the preparations and so that I wouldn't be the center of attention later or break up the mood at the party. I can imagine it would have been quite a shock for everyone if I had suddenly turned up.” Sunset laughed sheepishly and Pinkie laughed with her.

“Oh this is going to be great Sunset! Would you like a cupcake first?” Pinkie blathered on, but she didn't even wait for Sunset's answer and carried on talking, ”Of course you want a cupcake stupid question, especially as it's a Christmas cupcake. Who doesn't love a Christmas cupcake - they're the two best things ever. Christmas and cupcakes. Oh! Oh! Oh! You have to try our hot chocolate too! You wonder...” it went on like this for quite a while.

Yesterday Sunset would have loved to strangle Pinkie, but now her voice was the most beautiful melody of all. Nicholas had been right Pinkie was a great embodiment of the spirit of Christmas, Sunset could learn a lot from her.

Pinkie had not understated her Christmas cupcake and hot chocolate were truly unique. Not once had Pinkie made a face when Sunset was there or made her feel unwanted, quite the opposite!

They even had a lot of fun together while they made the final preparations for the party. Inwardly, Sunset began to hope that she and Pinkie might become friends, even if the spirit of Christmas had died in people's hearts. And after Sunset had given Pinkie her Christmas present. It would definitely be phenomenal, only she was sure she wouldn't come off too well herself. And yet Sunset was really looking forward to giving it to Pinkie later. If anyone deserved it, it was her!

In the middle of her preparations, Sunset saw the emblem on her journal light up. Her heart slipped into her pants and stopped beating for a few seconds. Celestia had received her message and replied. Sunset reached for the journal and hesitated. What if Celestia's reply wasn't what she had hoped for? What if Sunset had ruined everything.

“Oh what have you got there Sunset?” asked Pinkie, who had suddenly appeared behind her.

“An old book that means a lot to me and contains a message from someone who was once very important to me. I haven't read it yet, though,” Sunset admitted.

“Oh, and why not?” Pinkie wanted to know.

“I'm scared,” Sunset replied.

“Hey, whatever it says, I bet it's nothing you can't fix if you want to,” Pinkie assured her.

“Oh Pinkie.” Sunset hugged her and opened the book before her courage could fail her.

"Sunset I can't believe it! I have wished so many times that you would contact me and tell me that you are okay. I'm so sorry that I couldn't be a better teacher for you.

Hearing from you and knowing that you are doing well is the best Hearth Warming gift of all!

I am also so incredibly proud of you that, despite everything, you found your way back to me all by yourself! Whatever terrible things you have done, I am sure that you will find a way to make it up to them!

You are the most determined and stubborn pony I have ever met. If you set your mind to something, you will succeed.

I love you too Sunset and I want you to be a part of my life again! You are always welcome in Equestria!

With love, your Celestia!"

A few tears rolled from Sunset's eyes. That was the best Hearth Warming present of all, yes it was, Sunset thought to herself. She briefly apologized to Pinkie so that she could compose a reply in peace.

"Thank you, that means a lot to me! I think I've finally understood what the spirit of Hearth Warming Eve is all about and I want to carry it with me all year round!

You don't need to apologize for anything. You were a great teacher and I was just too blind and arrogant to realize it. But from now on, I want to appreciate your advice and ask for it!

I will tell you in detail about my first day as a new pony later.

Thank you for letting me back into your life!"

Afterwards, Sunset put the book away safely and promised to ignore it until tomorrow and turn all her attention to Pinkie and the evening. When they had finished getting ready, Sunset was more than surprised when Pinkie asked her if she wanted to greet their guests together. In the past, Sunset would have felt like a trophy on display, but now she was simply happy about the kind gesture.

No matter how hostile, frightened, surprised, amused or insecure people were when they met her, Sunset was happy and smiled at every single visitor and greeted them in the warmest possible way. Sunset had liked Applejack's reaction the most, her jaw had almost dropped to the floor, even more so when Sunset had wished her ‘Merry Christmas!’ and hugged her. Sunset could literally feel Pinkie's gaze saying, ‘I was right! Have fun cleaning out the pigsty!‘.

When Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo arrived, Sunset had to restrain herself from hugging Scootaloo tightly and twirling her through the air like Pinkie had done to her. She was indeed wearing Sunset's old jacket and a smile formed on her face at the sight of Sunset.

“Merry Christmas!” Sunset announced, taking the two of them in her arms and waving them in.

Rainbow didn't say anything, but her expression was all Sunset needed, the small smile and the incredulous shake of her head, as if this was all still a dream that Rainbow could wake up from at any time, but enjoyed while it lasted.

“Cool jacket!” Pinkie complimented Scootaloo, who blushed a little. Sunset gave her a little wink and thought to herself ‘Told you so!’.

More and more guests arrived, so that Pinkie's house was packed, they had emptied out the entire living room so that it served as a huge dance floor, with a DJ console and a small stage right at the front.

Sunset sipped the apple cider punch with relish; she hadn't been able to admit it before, but the Apples knew what they were doing. Especially in this Christmas version with the cinnamon flavor, it was simply delicious. Sunset had suggested adding a little rum to one of the bowls, but obviously Pinkie didn't have that available. Too bad, though, Sunset thought to herself as she pulled out her flask and poured some into it. The evening went pretty well despite Sunset's past, there were no arguments because of her and the people she talked to were at best very irritated by her good humor and apologies, with some she could even have a halfway normal conversation.

But right now, Sunset just let her gaze wander and was happy. Until her eyes caught a very special scene. Scootaloo was stomping energetically towards four girls her age, two of whom Sunset identified as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, Applejack and Rarity's siblings, who were obviously being bullied by two of their classmates Sunset didn't know.

“Hey!” Scootaloo shouted firmly as she came stomping up, ”Leave those two alone Tiara!”

Tiara turned around angrily, her anger giving way to a mocking smile that Sunset knew all too well, “Oh well, if it isn't the retarded Scootaloo. Cool jacket, is that your mommy's?”

Her friend started to laugh spitefully.

Scootaloo didn't make a face, but stood up to the two girls' stares.

“Let's see how hard you laugh when that retard kicks your ass!” Scootaloo's voice left no doubt about her seriousness.

“How do you talk to...” the other girl began, but she didn't get very far.

“Hey, hey, hey, you shut the fuck up!” Scootaloo yelled at her pointing her finger at her, ”If I want to see you talk I'll shove my arm up your ass and use you as a hand puppet! Do you get it?! Do you get it?!”

Tiara and her friend suddenly had a worried look on their faces.

“Wow Silver Spoon better let us get out of here, you seem to have burned out one too many chromosomes,” Tiara finally said and made a quick getaway.

Scootaloo scowled at the two before Apple Bloom began to speak sheepishly: “Thank you for defending us from those two.”

“Yes, that was really cool of you!” Sweetie Belle agreed with her.

Scootaloo's anger and excitement faded and she turned a little red in the face with embarrassment.

“Oh, that was nothing!” Scootaloo wiped sheepishly through her hair.

“That's a cool jacket you've got there,” Sweetie Belle noted.

“Do you think so?” asked Scotaloo a little excitedly.

“Yes, definitely! And I know a thing or two about fashion. My sister Rarity is obsessed with it,” Sweetie Belle announced proudly, while Apple Bloom started to giggle.

“I'm Apple Bloom, by the way,” she finally said and held out her hand to Scootaloo.

Scootaloo grabbed it hesitantly but was then pleased: “My name is Scootaloo.”

“And I'm Sweetie Belle,” Sweetie finally added.

“Would you like to be our friend?” Apple Bloom looked at her expectantly.

“Yes, I'd love to!” Scootaloo's mouth was filled with joy at lightning speed and the two other girls were already rejoicing before Scootaloo's face darkened a little, ”But you should know that I live in a youth center and my leg is broken.”

Scootaloo's head sank at the thought of losing her two friends again.

“Oh, that's terrible!” said Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle agreed.

“But what does that have to do with whether we want to be friends?” Apple Bloom wanted to know. Scootaloo slowly raised her head as she began to process what had been said.

“I...” she looked at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's happy faces, “I don't know either!”, she finally said and started to smile.

“Hey, maybe we should get a punch and then hit the dance floor?” Scootaloo asked expectantly.

“Oh yes!” cried Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and the three girls walked off.

A solitary tear trickled down Sunset's face when she saw Scootaloo's smile. Well done, Sunset praised her and herself.

“Heeeey!” Pinkie Pie's shrill tone suddenly sounded next to her and Sunset was startled.

“Whoa Pinkie you scared me to death,” Sunset laughed heartily.

“And are you having a good time?” asked Pinkie.

“And how! This is a great party Pinkie!” Sunset praised her, ”Thanks again for having me here and for letting me help welcome the guests!”

“Don't you want to come and dance with us?” Pinkie asked expectantly. Sunset actually wanted to say yes, but she knew she still had to give Pinkie her present and the later it got, the more difficult it would be. Well, the party had to end for Sunset at some point.

“No thanks Pinkie, to be honest I think it's time for my present now. I'm sorry to have to interrupt the music for a moment,” said Sunset.

Pinkie looked at her, confused, while Sunset made her way to the DJ booth and whispered something in Vynil Scratch's ear. She then handed her the microphone and turned the music down.

“Excuse me!” Sunset cleared her throat and all eyes were suddenly on her, ”I'm sorry to have to interrupt your party for a moment. I've done this often enough to make myself the center of attention, but this time it's necessary to present my Christmas gift to the hostess of this party.” Sunset paused briefly, weighing her words, “To be precise, it's not just a gift for her and it's not really a gift, but something I want to give back, something I took away from the following people a long time ago and only realized far too late how precious it actually was.”, Sunset began to call out the names one by one, ”Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy. Rarity. Applejack. And Rainbow Dash. You used to be the best of friends and the only reason you're not anymore is because of me. Every fight you had, every misunderstanding and every mean thing you thought came from one of your friends actually came from me. I wanted to separate you so that you could stay out of my way together, but that was cruel and wrong of me. I'm so sorry for what I did to you and I hope you can forgive each other and pick up where you left off,” Sunset had to control her voice, so much did her past behavior hurt her now. The looks on the crowd's faces showed her that everyone was shocked by what she had said. And the looks she could catch from the girls in the crowd were a mixture of shock, anger and disbelief. “I think I'll go now. Merry Christmas and I hope I haven't ruined the party!” Sunset concluded dejectedly, handing the microphone back to Vynil Scratch.

She left the stage and made her way out, which was generously cleared for her. No one spoke to her and it was dead silent until the music slowly started up again and people began to dance.

“Hey you boss bitch!”, Rainbow's angry voice suddenly rang out behind her, ”What do you think you're doing here?”

Sunset turned around hurt, she deserved that!

“Rainbow, I ... I'm sorry!” was all Sunset could say, deeply depressed.

“Yes, it should be!”, Rainbow's eyes narrowed in anger, ”You thought you could just get out of here without showing me your dance moves first!”

Sunset had expected the worst, and when it failed to materialize and Rainbow's expression and tone suddenly lifted, she slipped out a simple, “What?”

“You must be scared Shimmer!” Rainbow teased.

A smile formed on Sunset's face, “You really mean it.” Sunset wiped her face and put on her bitchy voice, “Dream on Dash! I just wanted to spare you the embarrassment.”

Then Sunset moved past Rainbow onto the dance floor and began to dance. Not to mention that what Sunset showed there was beyond good and evil and wouldn't have stood up in any dance competition, but she didn't care.

Rainbow danced with her and had obviously forgiven her, or at least did for the day. Sunset wasn't going to complain and took what she could get. She was allowed to linger here for a few more wonderful minutes and be happy.

Yes, Sunset had changed that day! And Sunset was better than her word. She did everything she promised and more, and to Scootaloo, who didn't die, she became like a sister. She became as good a friend, as good a student, and as good a person as the good old town or any good old town or community in any world knew. Some people laughed when they saw the change in her, but she let them laugh and hardly heeded them, for she was wise enough to know that nothing good happens on this globe that some people do not laugh at first; her own heart laughed and that was quite enough for her.

And since that day, it was said that there had never been a pony who carried Christmas more in her heart than Sunset.

Scootaloo had broken away from her new friends and run towards Sunset, who this time couldn't resist taking her on her shoulders while dancing.

From up there, Scootaloo called out over the crowd, beaming with joy:

“God bless us, all of us!”

Author's Note

Thanks for everyone who stayed 'till the end! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Even if the Christmas Carol ends here I plan to continue the story as I found it interesting to see how things unfold if Sunset managed to change herself and has to win the people over. So if you are interested too I'd love it if you followed me.