The month of February seemed to be the strangest for the Winter Solstice of the city of Canterlot this year.

    The temperatures would sometimes drop down way below the mid-twenty degree fahrenheit mark to either fifteen or below. The atmospheric conditions may have been unpredictable, but the position of the sun in the sky controlled how warm or cold the days were.

For example, it would be about somewhere in the high thirties during the afternoon; then by sunset, it would drop down to the low tens or less. If it happened to rain when the temperatures were right enough for it to come down as a cold liquid, the moisturized areas would become a thin sheet of ice when the day was ending. As a result, both sidewalks and roads would be transformed into areas perfect for ice-skating.

Commutes within the city would have to be delayed for a few hours or more until the salt and sand trucks were finished with thawing out the roads, so traveling to either work or school wouldn’t be difficult or dangerous.

This bizarre weather was obviously caused by a green-house effect that either originated from the polluting industrial smoke from Canterlot’s factories, or the jetstream-carried gases from the more industrial city of Cloudsdale which lied several miles northeast of Canterlot.

Despite all the chaos and inconvenience, one small benefit that came out of having this weird weather was that it sometimes brought joy to most students who didn’t really feel like attending school on a certain day--or ever, for that matter.

    For six high school senior-class girls, the aftermath of a Thursday night icestorm gave them an entire Friday off from classes to spend the entire day with each other, along with the following weekend.

One of their activities consisted of a common trip to the Sugarcube Corner Coffee and Sweets Shop. Thankfully, it wasn’t very busy since the main road leading to it was still frozen solid for the time being. The other activity would be a snowball war--if there was any snow at all for the moment, now.

As for what the girls did on a Friday night; well, it was none other than a slumber party of course. The place this time was over at Rainbow Dash’s house.

Rainbow Dash was playing against Applejack on her new Xbox One gaming console that she got for Christmas from her parents. Rarity and Fluttershy were giving each other a manicure. Pinkie Pie was on the phone ordering pizza for everyone, and Sunset Shimmer was currently writing a letter to her friend and possibly new teacher, Twilight Sparkle who resided in Equestria; but came around for visits every once in a while.

Dear Twilight Sparkle, she wrote.

You would not believe the crazy weather we’re having over here for this month. We get at least one inch of snow one day, then it melts because of a warm front the next. I bet the weather in Equestria is more stable and organised since it’s all done by the pegasi. Do you think it’ll be okay if we borrow your Rainbow Dash and her weather team for a bit to correct this world’s weather?

I’m only joking, of course. It would be hard to tell two Dash’s apart since they both have the same persona. Please don’t tell your Rainbow Dash I said that.

As for news about what’s going on at Canterlot High.

The Winter Formal is happening this month, and that it’s taking place on Valentine’s Day. That’s what Hearts and Hooves Day is called here incase you were wondering. It’s funny how the holidays for both of our worlds are celebrated the same way, but have different titles.

I don’t plan on running for Winter Formal princess, or get myself involved with any other popularity contest that the school has to offer. The old me already ruined other students’ chances to shine for the past few years already, so I think it’s about time that I just become a voter instead of a candidate. Our Rarity is one of the contestants, and she has my support already, along with the four of us.

As always, I wish you the best of luck in what you and your friends’ duties are to maintain harmony in Equestria. I also hope we can make plans for when I do decide to come back to Equestria for a visit of my own. Seeing Princess Celestia should be the first thing, of course.

Sincerely yours, Sunset Shimmer.

When Sunset closed her journal, she looked down at it with a look of contentment in knowing that Twilight would approve of her selfless decision to support Rarity to make up for her own mistakes--and for what happened at the Spring Fling, of course.

Sunset’s peaceful mind was suddenly interrupted when she heard Applejack let out a frustrated grunt when her virtual avatar soldier was killed by a bright blue sword, which Rainbow’s character wielded.

“Consarnit, Dash! Will ya stop campin’ with that damn sword already?” she fumed.

“It’s tactical. What can I say,” Rainbow smugly replied with a shrug.

“Feh!” Applejack uttered and put down her controller before she had the urge to break it. “Ah give up anyway. You win.”

“Heh. If you say so, even though I never thought you’d forfeit that easily, AJ.”

“Believe me. Ah’m full of surprises,” Applejack muttered.

“How about you girls give that game a break so we all can all have a nice conversation. Maybe even gossip a little,” Rarity suggested incase conflict was about to erupt between the prismatic athlete, and the usually laid-back southern belle.

“Fine by me,” Applejack nonchalantly replied.

“I definitely like the gossip part,” Rainbow added with a bit of interest.

“I don’t think I like to talk about other people though,” Fluttershy stated. “It seems kind of mean, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t worry, darling,” Rarity assured with a smile. “It only stays in between the six of us. Besides, it’s a common activity to do at a slumber party.”

“Okay. I guess that’s fine then,” Fluttershy said, still sounding unsure.

The girls formed an irregular circular formation with Sunset, Rarity, and Fluttershy sitting on the edge of Rainbow’s bed. Applejack and Rainbow sat in their gaming recliners, but turned them around so they could face over to where the bed was, and Pinkie seated herself on the floor between Rainbow and Applejack.

“So, what shall we talk about first?” Rainbow asked. She really had no subject of her own in mind except sports and bragging on how great she was at motivating her teams to be their best, and how much expectations for a great performance she had for each of them. It was interesting the first several times, but it soon got on her friend’s nerves that she was pretty much restricted from being a boaster at any slumber party when everyone was supposed to have fun.

For a brief moment, there was uncomfortable silence as each one of the girls tried to think of a topic that would hold some kind of conversation. Fortunately enough, Pinkie Pie was the one to speak up. Silence was never on the party girl’s agenda, after all.

“I know!” she chirped. “We should totally talk about who we want to take as a date for the Winter Formal! It is our last year anyway, so I think it’s about time we should each start finding boyfriends or something like that! That way, we’ll already have dates for the Senior Prom! *Squee*”

“Oh...my,” Fluttershy flustered with a small blush forming on her cheeks. This was yet another topic she was uncomfortable with.

“I suppose that could be an interesting subject,” Rarity stated with a slight chuckle and a blush of her own. “Plus, it would be nice to find a special someone before the year ends. How about you start, Pinkie, since you’re the one who brought it up.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie chimed. “Well. You all know that new guy who works part time with me at Sugarcube Corner? Brown curly hair. Green eyes.”

“Ya mean Cheese Sandwich?” Applejack implied with a smug look. “Yeah of course we’ve seen him around. Ah gotta say you two look like the perfect couple since you both like to throw parties an’ make others laugh.”

“Shouldn’t you’ve asked him out already?” Rainbow asked with a raised brow. “Neither one of you don’t seem to be the type to hold back such an action.”

“I’m sure they're just taking things slow, Rainbow,” Rarity explained. “Courtship cannot be rushed, even if it seems like the two individuals have the same chemistry. Love isn’t an open door, you know.”

“I have made a move on him, you know,” Pinkie said with a prideful grin.

“Whaddya do, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, inquisitively.

“Well, while Cheese and I were baking several batches of chocolate chip cookies, I sucked him off with his consent.”

The friends gasped as the pupils of their eyes shrunk to dilated dots. The color in their cheeks turned a deep shade of pink that almost matched Pinkie’s hair.

“Pinkie!” Rarity cried, aghast.

“What?” Pinkie asked, completely oblivious. “He had some dough on his thumb and asked me to lick it off for him.”

“Oh,” all the girls uttered in relieved unison. The normal color of their skin returning to their faces. Rarity regained her cool and calm composure as well.

“Mind telling me why you all looked squeamish for a moment there?” Pinkie asked with a furrowed and suspicious brow. “It’s as if you implied I did something else to him.”

“Uh...no. Well...maybe. Gah. I mean,” Rarity stuttered, tripping on what words she wanted to say--but she couldn’t think of anything without it sounding accusatory.

“It’s nothin’, Pinkie,” Applejack quickly interjected with a forced expression of sincerity. Since she was a terrible liar, Applejack knew she had to get the main topic back on track.

“Anywho; Ah can’t really think of anyone certain Ah would go to the dance with. But Ah will admit Ah’m into someone who’s strong as Ah am. Maybe even more.”

Applejack was nervously stroking her ponytail and blushing a bit at this point.

“Pigskin Pete and Twister are so far the only strongest guys I know,” Rainbow stated with a cocky smirk. “Don’t know if they’re really into farm work though.”

“An’ jus’ what is that suppose ta mean?” Applejack demanded, clearly offended by Rainbow’s brash remark.

“Just saying. Pigskin is extremely dedicated to football, and Twister mostly loves to lift weights to keep his muscles in shape.”

Applejack glared at Rainbow with sharp daggers in her eyes while emitting an intimidating growl.

“But of course that doesn’t mean they won’t consider doing it. They’re quite helpful if someone really needs it,” Rainbow added, which made Applejack relax a bit.

“If ya say so; but now Ah think it’s your turn ta tell us who you would go with, Rainbow,” Applejack said, looking expectant.

“Oh, that's easy,” Rainbow stated smugly, “Anyone who is awesome as me has my attention--and believe me, when I say that’s a really high standard which makes me hard to get. Kind of like Rarity for example.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity scoffed. “I do not label myself with such an uncouth title. It’s true my standards of societal class are quite high, but that doesn’t make me a stuck up snob about it.”

“But it would be true you would rather go out with some famous dude like Trenderhoof than an egghead like Bright Dwight? Correct?” Rainbow implied.

“I refuse to answer such a judgemental question,” Rarity stated haughtily while crossing her arms.

“Whatever then,” Rainbow waved before turning to Fluttershy. “What about you, Flutters?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked. She appeared to have been lost in her own little world before Rainbow called her name.

“Who would you want to go with to the Winter Formal?” Rainbow rephased.

“Oh. Um. I..I’m not sure,” Fluttershy fretted while curling up a bit to show her already growing uncomfortableness.

“C’mon,” Rainbow pressured. “There’s got to be somebody that you’re interested in.”

Fluttershy shrunk back a bit further.

“Lay off of her, Rainbow,” Applejack intervened. “If Fluttershy says she doesn’t know who she wants to go out with, then she means it.”

“Okay okay,” Rainbow said, holding both of her hands up defensively. “Just thought I’d try to involve her in our discussion about dating and what not. But I’m pretty sure Big Mac would want to say yes if Fluttershy asked him.”

In hearing this, Fluttershy blushed profusely before completely going in to a fetal position while uttering clear meeping sounds of either embarrassment or flatterment.

“Ah’ll have ya know that every girl in the whole darn school gawks at him,” Applejack stated with a bemused expression painted on her face. She was no stranger to these kinds of incidents, after all. “Ah pretty much had ta be his bodyguard fer the entire time he was at school. Too bad Ah can’t do it since he’s now in college. Ah bet he’s already gettin’ swarmed by them sorority college gals already.”

“Well I have to admit that he does have that special kind of charm on him,” Rarity said with a light chuckle. “But consider it a gift, and not a curse.”

“Ah’ll take yer word for it,” Applejack grumbled.

The only one left in the group that hasn’t had a turn in voicing their ideal date was Sunset, who they all faced in unison. It was then that they noticed that Sunset had both her legged tucked up near her face with her arms acting as a support. The look in her eyes clearly expressed that there was something on her mind that was deeply troubling her. What the reason was: the friends weren't exactly sure, but it definitely had something to do with their current discussion.

“Is something the matter, Sunset?” Rarity asked, concern deep in her tone.

“What? Uh. No..um..nothing,” Sunset lied while trying to revert to a sincere attitude. “I’m alright.”

“No yer not, sugarcube,” Applejack protested, shaking her head in disapproval. She was clearly seeing past Sunset’s ruse. “Ah may be awful at lyin’, but that doesn’t mean Ah’m bad at detectin’ ‘em. If somethin’ is botherin’ you--ya shouldn’t have ta be holdin’ it back from the rest of us.”

“Well have you maybe considered that it may be my own buisness,” Sunset retorted with a slight defensive demeanor. “Just because we’ve all made nice doesn’t mean I’m going to allow any of you to poke into my head further. I’ll have you all know that I’m not going to turn into a demon or Miss. Queen Bitch again, okay?”

“But see here…” Applejack began, but was cut-off when Rarity raised up her hand and gestured her palm at the farm girl.

“What Applejack meant to say was that we all understand that you’re still not completely used to having a real friendship--and that you probably don’t trust us enough to fully open yourself up, which is completely understandable. But I believe I speak for Twilight when I say that holding back even the slightest of feelings is unhealthy for a true friendship. Your friends are what can help you through even the toughest of times. If you can just tell or give us some kind of hint of what’s bothering you, we’ll do all we can to help you, and that we won’t give up on you either.”

Rarity’s words clearly got through to Sunset because she did have to admit that Twilight, or even Princess Celestia, would probably say the exact same thing. Giving in, Sunset gave a sigh of defeat.

“Alright,” she said, her voice now calm but slightly soft. “I’m worried that Flash won’t consider going with me to the Winter Formal--even if I am a changed person.”

A moment of silence passed as the friends took in Sunset’s words with sympathetic, but understanding expressions.

“I don’t understand why he wouldn’t,” Rarity said, finally breaking the silence. “He and the rest of the entire student body saw how much good you did by helping us defeat the Dazzlings. With a deed like that, he should have a reason to respect you.”

“I wouldn’t call ignoring my existence, even after our victory, a way of showing respect,” Sunset deadpanned solemnly.

“It was pretty rude of him to do that,” Fluttershy stated.

“Ah’m sure he jus’ doesn’t know what he should say to ya,” Applejack theorized. Frankly, she knew that probably wasn’t the case, but there was nothing else she could think of. However, she really didn’t help Sunset feel any better.

“No. That’s not it,” Sunset said, shaking her head. She looked as if she was going to cry. “It’s super obvious that he likes Twilight now. I don’t blame him though because he deserves someone who always had a pure heart and soul. Him and I were never destined to be together in the first place. Even our separate worlds proved it.”

Sunset reached over to a box of tissues which rested on Rainbow’s bedside nightstand. She then plucked a few sheets to dry her eyes and blow her nose as her feelings began to pour out. The friends weren't hesitant to closely huddle around Sunset and do their best to comfort her.

“Just because you’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past doesn’t mean you aren't pure of heart, darling,” Rarity assured. “And yes, it does seem as if he has taken an interest to Twilight; but he should face the reality that she mainly lives in Equestria with her duties while you choose to reside here and live a normal and easy-going lifestyle.”

“Don’t forget that if there’s pony-versions of ourselves living in Twilight’s world; then there has to be another Flash,” Rainbow added. “It’s really convenient if you ask me. Besides, I bet Twilight would prefer Equestrian Flash for a pretty good reason.”

“Such as?” Applejack asked with a raised brow.

With a mischievous look that instantly gave the friends an uncomfortable feel, Rainbow replied, “Well since he would be a horse, he would have a way bigger and longer d

k of course.”

Rainbow then burst out laughing, but the friends were giving her unamused expressions since they felt that Rainbow was being a bit insensitive. Sunset, however gave a slight warm-hearted chuckle while still in the process of stopping her tears from flowing.

“I get what the both of you are saying, but I don’t know if it can help in the hopes of starting over for a real relationship.”

    “Everyone deserves a second chance,” Rarity assured. “Even you, Sunset. We all know that you’re a great person with a warm heart. All you have to do is to show Flash it yourself, then hopefully he may fall in love with you again.”

    “Maybe,” Sunset sighed, still looking and sounding doubtful.

    The silent and calming atmosphere of Rainbow’s room was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing.

    “Yay! Pizza’s here!” Pinkie cheered out of the blue and rushed downstairs with money in hand.

    “Perhaps havin’ somethin’ ta eat might make ya feel a little better,” Applejack said with a small smile.

    “And maybe later you can take me on in an one on one match of Halo!” Rainbow added, while spinning a controller on her finger. A common smug grin was painted on her face.

    Applejack frowned.

    “Ah don’t think Sunset needs that kind of grief, Rainbow. She’s already havin’ a hard time enough as it is.”

    “No, no. It’s fine by me,” Sunset reassured while lifting the spirit of her voice up. “As long as I’m with outstanding friends like you guys, then I feel like I can overcome anything.”

    The friends smiled, flattered by Sunset’s compliment. They believed now that they could find a way to bring Flash and Sunset together in the hopes of kindling a real romantic flame between them.

    Sunset was true on her word about the girls being great friends to her, but she knew she was being a bit overzealous about being able to accomplish certain goals, which of course consisted of getting back together with Flash. It was a total longshot, or maybe even a missed hit in her mind.

Monday was when school was back in session since the ice on the roads have been melted now, so the basic city commutes were thankfully back in smooth operation.

All of the friends, except Rainbow Dash, were happy to get back to their academics. The only class that Rainbow ever liked however was gym, since she preferred to move around, instead of sitting still at a desk. The current class she was in now was her least favorite, Social Studies with Ms. Harshwhinny.

Luckily, Sunset was in the same class, and was seated right next to her so she could help Rainbow with notes or projects.

While Miss. Harshwhinny was preoccupied giving a lecture, Rainbow leaned her head over a bit toward Sunset’s direction and spoke as softly as she could.

“Psst, Sunset.”

“Hm?” Sunset replied, not taking her eyes off her subject notebook as she continuously jotted down important facts and details.

“Is it okay if I ask you a question real quick?”

“Sure, but make it short. I’m kind of busy taking notes here as you can see.”

“Alright,” Rainbow started before taking a momentary breath. “Have you planned out your move on Flash Sentry yet?”

Sunset’s writing hand immediately froze up as she slowly turned her head to face Rainbow. Her brow was raised while her mouth wore a neutral frown, and the look in her eyes expressed that she was taken aback by Rainbow’s out-of-the-blue question.

“What are you talking about?”

“Duh. Getting back together with your ex-boyfriend so you can have a date for the Winter Formal, of course,” Rainbow replied without thinking about her words. “Remember? We all discussed it last night at my house.”

“I don’t recall making a promise that I would consider going along with it,” Sunset stated. “Plus, I don’t see why it seems so crucial that I do.”

“It just seems like it’s the best thing for you. You might even feel a lot better about yourself if you’re successful.”

“Which only proves that I will feel even more horrible if I fail,” Sunset countered bemusedly.

“You should at least still try,” Rainbow insisted, but she just happened to raise her whisper just right about the time that Ms. Harshwhinny was done with her lecture.

“Ms. Dash. Have you already forgotten the rules in my classroom about talking to friends during lessons?” Harshwhinny asked with a solid firm and official tone; a deep and expectant scowl painted on her face.

“Sorry, ma’am,” Rainbow grumbled. “I must’ve let it slip my mind.”

Harshwhinny just gave a disapproving sigh.

“Well if it seems that you wish to talk, why don’t you tell me and the class what event sparked the Parisian June Rebellion of 1832?”

“Uhh,” Rainbow uttered while struggling to find her answer. She always hated this kind of discipline that Harshwhinny gave her whenever she did something wrong; and since her grades were the lowest in that class, Rainbow was pretty much Harshwhinny’s main target.

The answer to Harshwhinny’s question was discussed before earlier in the year, but Rainbow just happened to end up getting herself a broken arm due to a basketball accident at that time, so she missed the entire topic on the French Revolution.

“We're still waiting, Ms. Dash,” Harshwhinny pressed while tapping a foot impatiently on the floor.

“Um....didn’t it have something to do with that little guy who always had his hand in his jacket. Nappy I think was his name.”

The entire class burst out laughing while Harshwhinny just massaged her temple to prevent a possible stress-induced migraine.

“That would be, Napoleon,” Harshwhinny corrected matter-of-factly, “And no that’s not the correct answer--but close; just as you are to failing my class.”

Rainbow gave a nervous gulp because she knew if her grades became an ‘F’ in any of her classes, she would be forced to be kicked out of all her sports activities, and that she would have to take Summer School which would feel like a prison to Rainbow. She knew she would lose her sanity exactly on the first day of that horrible place!

“Anyone here wish to fill Rainbow in on the correct answer?” Harshwhinny asked while looking around the room. No one had their hand raised except Sunset.

“Go ahead, Ms. Shimmer,” Harshwhinny nodded.

“The death of General Jean Maximilien Lamarque, ma’am,” Sunset stated without expression.

“Very good,” Harshwhinny said with a rare and small smile. It quickly reverted back to a frown when she glanced back at Rainbow. “Just because you're a friend of Sunset doesn’t mean I’m going to let you off the hook for her answering the question for you. Is that clear, Ms. Dash?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rainbow sighed and glanced back over to Sunset who was back to diligently writing her notes as she previously did before, paying no attention to Rainbow or anyone else.

Rainbow wanted to chew out Sunset for not coming to her defense like a true friend would do, but then it came across her that she might have struck a nerve when she mentioned or forced Sunset to try and reconnect with Flash.

The only thing Rainbow could do now was to remain silent until class was over, and to be with the four other friends. Rainbow knew now that she would only run into problems if she tackled Sunset’s problem alone like she did just now. It would require all five of them.

Later that day during a free period hour; Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy met up in the CHS Library to have one of their routine discussions which mostly was on the topic of helping Sunset feel more comfortable with the ways of friendship.

Since Sunset still had classes at this time, it was a convenient way for the friends to come up with ideas of tutoring their Equestrian friend. Surely it seemed wrong to go behind Sunset’s back like this, but the friends couldn’t come up with any kind of alternate solution.

They held their private meeting in the upper portion of the library where no students or faculty seem to go, so they could freely let their voices speak at their normal volume.

Rainbow was the first one to share her experience back in Ms. Harshwhinny’s class, which only triggered the understanding of the origin of Sunset’s distant mood in their own classes with her. The friends could only glance at Rainbow with either disgust or disappointment.

“You should have never been so straight on with her, Rainbow,” Rarity tsked.

“Well excuse me for not knowing anything about how her love life with Flash was like,” Rainbow retorted while crossing her arms in offense.

“It was nothin’ but a stunt,” Applejack reminded. “Y’all heard her during one of our rehearsals in the Band Room. She was takin’ advantage of him jus’ to earn more respect an’ attention. Now that her soul is clean thanks to us and Princess Twilight, Ah reckon that Sunset wants to have a real connection with Flash, but is afraid of those feelin’s about love an’ what not. She seemed really out of herself when we continued our aloud reading of Romeo and Juliet today in Language Arts.”

“How so?” Rarity asked.

“Well. When it was mah turn ta read a line of Juliet, Sunset didn't even bother ta correct me like she normally does when mah drawl slips out by accident on certain words or phrases. She known perfectly darn well that mah grades in that class are average due to mah little impediment, but it seems as if she didn’t give a hoot at all about the shame and embarrassment Ah was dealin’ with. Y’all could imagine the reactions Ah got from mah classmates when Ah made Juliet sound like someone who would live down back in mah old hometown of Appleloosa. The look Ah got from Mr. Doodle definitely showed that mah grade has dropped by who knows how much. Ah could be already at a D-minus for messin’ up one of the worlds most famous literary pieces--even if the written words themselves don’t make one hint of sense.”

The friends took a moment of silence to process the situation which seemed quite grim. Fluttershy just happened to be the one to say it aloud.

“Do any you think Sunset doesn’t want to be friends with us anymore?”

The friends were quite taken aback by this statement, but each of them expressed their doubts.

“I don’t see what would make her want to think that,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “We do everything we can for her to make her feel more comfortable around us, and the rest of the entire student body. I just think that forcing her to get back with her Flash, who was the one who did break her heart, might've just put her into a state of minor depression.”

“She could just be on her period,” Rainbow shrugged. “I mean, we all get a bit bitchy when those cramps start happening, right?”

“Ah’m pretty sure that’s not the case, Rainbow,” Applejack deadpanned. “She showed no signs of havin’ lower-body discomfort, and she didn’t ask Mr. Doodle to be excused to the restroom. It was thanks to the pressure ya gave her that put her in a bad mood.”

“So you’re saying that this is all my fault then?” Rainbow huffed.

There was a moment of hesitance as answers were formulated. No one wished to pin full blame one person, but it was the logical thing to do.

“We don’t want to say it in that kind of way, darling; but Applejack is correct,” Rarity affirmed. “The best thing now is to owe Sunset an apology for your invasive behavior.”

“Is that all then?” Rainbow asked with furrowed brows. “Sounds a bit too easy if you ask me.”

“No, Rainbow,” Rarity replied, shaking her head in disapproval. “You have to be clearly sincere with Sunset to show that you’re meaning what you say.”

“Alright, alright. I get it,” Rainbow said while raising both hands up. “No need to get prissy. I’ll be sure to do what I can to make it up to her.”

“Mmhm,” Rarity uttered, unconvinced.

“I wonder if Sunset will even think about going with us to the party I’m planning for all the singles at CHS?” Pinkie asked out of the blue.

“Come again?” Rarity asked, taken aback.

“Duh. The Still Single and Ready to Jingle banquet that’s taking place in the gymnasium today after school,” Pinkie explained, gleefully. “Principal Celestia agreed that it would be a perfect way for our peers who still don’t have a date to find one. It will benefit us all as well!”

“I think the word you’re looking for is, mingle, darling,” Rarity corrected.

“Hey, potato, tamato as I always say,” Pinkie shrugged.

“Ya know, this party of yours, Pinkie might be jus’ the thing we need tah help Sunset,” Applejack pointed out.

“Really?” Pinkie squeed, but then she looked dumbfounded. “But how exactly?”

“I think I understand,” Rarity said. “Since we all know Flash still hasn’t hooked up with anyone else since his split, this might be the perfect opportunity for both him and Sunset to begin talking to each other again, and hopefully work out another chance to have a real and meaningful relationship. Of course they can still just be normal friends, if that’s any consolation.”

“Uh...Ah was jus’ gonna say that Sunset perhaps could find other potential guys to go out with,” Applejack stated, looking a bit perturbed by Rarity’s interruption. “We can’t be sure if she’s only into the rock star types.”

“Oh please, AJ,” Rainbow cut in. “She may have softened up on the inside, but she’s still a badass looking chick on the outside. I would totally do her myself if I had the chance.”

Rainbow knew she caught herself too late as the friends just stared at her with wide eyes. Pinkie however was stifling giggles.

“I..uh..w-what I meant to say was; if I was in Flash’s shoes, I would definitely give her a second chance,” Rainbow said in hopes of getting herself out of her current awkward situation. The friends however continued to gawk at her.

The five minute warning bell that signaled the ending of free period chimed over the intercom, snapping everyone out of their apparent trances.

“I think it’s best if we talk to Sunset about the banquet during lunch,” Rarity suggested, acting as if Rainbow didn’t give her embarrassing statement. “Of course you still have to give your apology first, Rainbow. We want to reassure her that we are still friends with her.”

“Got it,” Rainbow nodded, relieved that she didn’t have to give an explanation for her odd statement.

The girls then got up and put on their backpacks before they left the library to attend their upcoming classes before lunch started.

Lunch period began normally as it did everyday. Today was Walking Taco Wednesday, which of course was a follow up to Taco Tuesday, but instead, the ingredients that you would normally find inside a basic taco shell is stuffed into a plastic bag, along with the pieces of the shell as well.

Only four of the friends so far we’re seated at their usual table, while both Rainbow and Sunset were still missing for the moment. It was assumed that Rainbow decided to confront Sunset  before they decided to step into the cafeteria.

It had been at least five minutes since the four friends retrieved their portions and seated themselves. All except Rarity had began eat their meals as soon as they got them, which the prim fashionista didn’t look kindly towards.

“I’ll have you all know it’s rude to begin eating a meal without everyone present,” she scolded.

“Ya do realize that we ain’t at yer place, Rare,” Applejack stated while rolling her eyes in annoyance.

“Well of course I do, but me and my parents believe that such good mannerisms should be performed anywhere,” Rarity retorted with a lift of her nose.

Fortunately, before anymore arguments could be made between Rarity and Applejack, Pinkie spotted Rainbow and Sunset together in the lunch line.

“There they are!” she announced. “And it looks like they’re getting along okay.”

The friends turned towards the direction that Pinkie indicated to, and sure enough, they all saw that Sunset and Rainbow were chatting with each other in an unheard conversation with smiles on their faces.

When Rainbow and Sunset seated themselves down with the others, their positive attitudes didn’t change one bit.

“Hey, guys. Sorry we’re late,” Rainbow said. “You can imagine how hard it was for me to reach Sunset with all the student traffic going to and from their classes. It even took a bit more time before Sunset was willing to talk with me.”

Sunset then gave a shamed sigh and said, “I should’ve been the one to apologize first of all because of the way I’ve been acting earlier today. I promise I'll do what I can to make up for it. Rainbow even told me how all of you felt because of my ignorance, and I don’t blame either of you for being mad at me.”

“We can never stay mad at you, darling; and we never were in the first place,” Rarity assured while placing her hand on top of Sunset’s. “We didn’t even feel that way at all. Confused and worried, yes, but not angry. We all know you’re a great person, and that’s what counts the most.”

The friends silently nodded in agreement to express that Rarity’s explanation was sincere.

Sunset then gave a heartfelt  smile.

“Thanks, Rarity. That really means a lot, even if I do know that already--but it’s still great to hear.”

All the girls then shared a laugh before they got down to eating their lunches.

As everyone was beginning to leave for the remainder of their classes, the girls realized that they didn’t tell Sunset about the banquet. Rarity was the first one to speak up.

“Pinkie, dear. I believe you should tell Sunset about the after school party that you have planned today.”

“Oh yeah!” Pinkie chimed. “I can’t believe I almost forgot to bring it up! Silly me.”

“Oh. What kind of party is it, Pinkie?” Sunset asked, looking and sounding very intrigued.

Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash knew that the answer might ruin Sunset’s mood again, but there was no turning back from this point on. What had to be said, needed to be said.

“It’s for all the single guys and girls who are still in need of a date for the Winter Formal,” Pinkie replied with her casual over enthusiasm. Her eyes were even closed to not yet acknowledge Sunset’s already faltering smile.

“We all thought it would be a great way for you to either get back together with Flash, or maybe to try and find a new boyfriend! Rainbow did mention after all, that you are such an awesome chick that she would even want to make love to you herself!”

Sunset’s brows shot up in surprise as her mouth hung open agape a bit at such a fact as this. Her cheeks even blushed a light shade of pink.

No one was more embarrassed than Rainbow; however, who swore her face was turning a darker shade then Sunset’s face. It was either from shame or anger, or both. She had to think of an excuse quick!

“It was only a figure of speech. I swear it was,” Rainbow managed to say, but she didn’t sound that all convincing.

“I see,” Sunset finally said after a brief pause. “Well to be honest with you, girls; I’m not sure if I really feel comfortable with this. I get that you’re trying to help me get back together with Flash, or trying for any other hook up with any other guy at the school, but I doubt that Flash or anybody else would want to go out with me. I know that they won’t ever erase the terrifying image of the horrible demon that brainwashed them from their memories. Really, I’m glad that you all are trying to help me find a date, but I think it’s best if you all go without me. I’ll be at the dance of course just to be with you guys and give my support when it’s needed.”

Sunset faced towards Rarity and said, “I’ve already voted for you for Princess of the Winter Formal, Rarity. You do deserve it, after all.”

“Well that’s very sweet of you, darling; but let’s not drift off the subject here,” Rarity stated officially.

“Oh. Alright then,” Sunset sighed. She really wished to be off the subject, truthfully.

“You know," Pinkie began, now sounding more sincere. “It isn’t mandatory to actually find a date. People can still just mingle with their friends instead of hunting down others for the perfect date. You’re right, Shimmy! Being with your friends is more important than looking desperately for love!”

“Uh...yeah. That’s what I meant to say,” Sunset fibbed with an unsure smile.

“So? Does that mean you’ll go with us?” Rainbow asked, uncertainly.

Sunset took a brief moment to think of her answer.

“Sure. I don’t see why not since I know my best friends are going to be there,” she finally said.

The girls smiled and cheered.

“Well. I guess I’ll see you all at three-o'clock then!” Pinkie said, before bursting out the cafeteria doors, and disappearing in a flash, leaving her friends in awe of how she can move so fast like that. But as usual, they could never figure Pinkie’s logic out.

What mattered now, was that hopefully everything would work out okay for Sunset, and the girls. The fear of course was,  what could go wrong?

It was a cursed question that was better left said aloud--but even of course thinking it was not a safe precaution.

    As soon as the bell to final period ended, signaling the end of the school day, every student at CHS who didn’t have a date to the Winter Formal made their way to the gymnasium where the banquet would be taking place at exactly three-o'clock PM. Since the final bell rang at two forty-five, it would be a fifteen minute interval before the festivities even began.

    Sunset and her friends were already in the gym to make any last minute preparations that needed attending. The banners needed to be checked and secured if need be. Balloons were inspected for if they still had the right amount of helium in them, and the stage where the Princess of the Winter Formal would be crowned tomorrow night, needed a few more bits of decor to it.

    “That should be everything!” Pinkie proclaimed. “Oh, and just in time too!”

    Sure enough, students began walking into the gym at an easy going pace and fashion, talking amongst themselves as they went. The final result of the occupancy of the gym seemed to be a third of what the full student population was at CHS. This result overwhelmed Sunset a bit, but she did her best to remain calm by remembering that she had her friends by her side.

    However, when she caught a glimpse of Flash hanging out with his bandmates near the bleachers, her anxiety was starting to get the better of her. Rarity seemed to be the only one to notice Sunset’s cracking composure, and the color drain from her face.

    “Sunset? Are you alright, darling?”

“I need to use the restroom,” Sunset replied rather hastily and bolted towards the gymnasium’s latrines while clutching her lower stomach with one hand while her other covered her mouth.

The friends glanced towards the direction that Sunset just ran to with looks of confusion and concern.

“Whoa. What was that all about?” Rainbow asked.

“I have no idea,” Rarity replied, shaking her head. “But she looked quite ill.”

“How can anyone get sick before a party begins?” Pinkie asked, dumbfounded. “It should happen after, depending on how many sweets each person had that is.”

“Ah think we all should know why,” Applejack said in a tone that pointed out the obvious cause of the situation. The friends silently nodded in mutual understanding.

“Perhaps inviting Sunset to go with us wasn’t such a good idea after all,” Fluttershy stated. “Forcing Flash, or another kind of boyfriend on her isn’t going to help her become more confident in herself.”

“Ah’m with Fluttershy on with this one, y’all,” Applejack agreed. “Ah can’t believe Ah was so dumb as tah think this was the right thing tah do!”

“Don’t blame yourself, Applejack,” Rarity assured her. “It’s not your fault, or any of ours. Besides, I think this marvelous banquet was a wonderful idea for our fellow students anyway.”

“It still doesn’t change the fact that Sunset’s still unhappy, or that it was still AJ’s suggestion,” Rainbow implied.

The friends just gave her a cold and bemused stare.

“I think I should go and check on her to see if she’s alright,” Fluttershy offered. “If that’s alright with any of you, I mean.”

“Go right ahead, dear,” Rarity confirmed. “We’ll look after things here.”

Fluttershy nodded in response before heading off in Sunset’s direction.

---

    When Sunset rushed into the restroom, she was relieved to see that she was the only one in it for the time being because as soon as she was in, she made a beeline for the closest stall before she began heaving up the contents of her digested lunch from earlier.

    “Wow, Sunset," remarked a female voice in her head that sounded just like hers--but with a darker, mocking tone.“Either your lunch didn’t agree with you, or that our ex-boyfriend put a curse on himself that makes us sick every time you see him. Wait. Scratch that second ‘us’.  I forgot that without me, you’re nothing but a pathetic and helpless little girl.”

    Sunset wasn’t afraid of this voice, because she knew it all to well. It was the remnant of her old self that didn’t have the strength to overwhelm her, but had the ability to demoralize Sunset anyway it could. She may have been reformed, but the guilt she carried with her haunted her in this kind of manner.

    “Will you stay out of this?” Sunset hissed aloud at herself when she stopped vomiting.

    “Nope. No can do. Can I ask why you want to get back together with that douche who broke your heart in the first place?”

    “He’s not a douche!” Sunset shouted. “It was because of you that he did so!”

    “Me?” the voice asked, pretending to be hurt and offended. “Why, I would never cause my own friend to get herself dumped.”

“We were never friends,” Sunset said, now in a low and disdainful tone. “You were just my jealousy that soon evolved into a dangerous and murderous demonic creature.”

“For your information, I was just doing you a favor!” it argued. “That princess was the only one who had to die in the first place. Those five obnoxious girls just had to intervene. Of course, it would’ve been satisfying for them to go up in smoke as well; but then they wouldn’t be around to make great slaves to us, now would they?”

“Those are my friends that you are talking about,” Sunset seethed. “And I’m glad that they defeated you. I had no intention of killing anybody or anypony at all. I may have been envious and impatient, but I never had the will to commit such a crime.”

“Right,” the voice stated, giving Sunset the mental image of herself rolling her eyes out of annoyance. “No one could possibly become so jealous and hateful of their enemies, that they wouldn’t ever want to get rid of them for good. That makes all kinds of sense. Not!”

“Will you just shut up already?!” Sunset nearly screamed. “I won’t give into what I once was! I know my friends care about me, and that they’ll do anything to make me a better person!”

There was a moment of silence as if the voice in Sunset’s head did do as it was told, but it was short lived when it calmly asked, “As in trying to reconnect you with Flash for a real and meaningful relationship?”

Its words hit Sunset like a brick, but she didn’t get angry. Instead, she just sighed solemnly.

“Yeah. Something like that,” she replied quietly.

“But you reacted by pushing them away. Tell me this, Sunset. Are you really that scared of getting a second chance for true love? So afraid that you treat the people who are trying to help you in the first place like crap? What do you really want for your own happiness, huh?”

Sunset hesitated for a brief moment.

“I want Flash Sentry back, for a real relationship this time,” she finally answered.

“Then what are you waiting for?” the voice asked in a near commanding demeanor. “You might as well go before it’s too late. He may already be flirting with another girl back at that party as we speak. Prove to yourself that you’re not scared.”

“I will,” Sunset told herself sternly. “I’ll show you! I’ll show them all!”

Sunset then stomped over to the bathroom door and swung it open, only to have a surprised Fluttershy to fall on to her, and make them both land quite hard on the floor.

“Fluttershy?” Sunset asked after she recovered from the sudden shock. “What were you doing by the door?”

“I….um...I was,” Fluttershy stuttered nervously, not knowing what she could say.

Sunset however got an obvious impression when she realized that Fluttershy had perched herself against the door at an angle that would cause her to stumble in if someone had opened the door in such a hasty way.

“You weren't….eavesdropping were you?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Eep!” Fluttershy squeaked while bringing her arms and fists up to her face to hide her shame and embarrassment. Tears even began to form in her eyes as well.

Sunset’s expression softened to show that she wasn’t going to yell at her. She then gently asked, “How much did you hear?”

“Q-quite a lot,” Fluttershy replied, still sounding a bit afraid. “But who were you talking to? There seemed to be nobody in the restroom except you.”

“I was just having a talk with myself,” Sunset replied with a small smile and chuckle. She was trying to make light of the situation. “I’m sure not a day goes by when you, or anyone else has a self-conversation.”

“Well yeah; but it sounded more like an arguement than a talk. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m fine, really,” Sunset replied, but still was actually unsure. “I guess I just went through a little phase for a moment there--but everything is cool now.”

Fluttershy relaxed, but she still was uneasy about Sunset’s so-called phase. It sounded really serious, and a bit dark to the ears.

“Well...if you say that everything is alright, then that’s good news, I guess. Me and the girls were really worried about you when you took off so suddenly like that.”

“I’m truly sorry about that too. I guess I should come clean about it, though.”

“You really don’t have to,” Fluttershy said, but Sunset raised her hand.

“No, no. I must. I remember from one of my lessons from Princess Celestia was that you had to be open with other ponies or people. It’s a shame at that time that I didn’t believe her.”

Fluttershy gently put a warm and comforting hand on Sunset’s shoulder, smiling softly.

“You can’t keep being hard on yourself about the past, even if it was that hard on you. Sure it’s impossible to go back to that time and try to make things right then and there, but that doesn’t mean you can do it for the present and the future.”

Sunset smiled back.

“You’re right, Fluttershy, and right now, I’m going to try and make amends meet with Flash as a major start.”

“Are you sure you’re up for it though?” Fluttershy asked, now looking a bit worried. “I mean if seeing Flash was the cause of that episode you had in the latrines, then I think that maybe we should come with you to offer some moral support.”

“It’s a nice offer, but I think it’s best if I do this alone. Don’t wish for him to think I’m trying to be desperate or anything. You understand, right?”

“Of course I do, and I think the others would to. I guess I’ll get back to them now and leave you to your task. I hope everything goes okay,” Fluttershy said, still looking and sounding unsure if she should let Sunset go in alone--but she understood it was the right thing to do.

“Same here, Fluttershy. You can rejoin the others now. I’ll rejoin you when I’m finished,” Sunset assured, maintaining a confident smile.

“Alright then,” Fluttershy said one final time before she headed off to join the others.

Once Sunset saw that Fluttershy was indeed back with the girls, she turned her glance toward Flash, who was now alone near the punch bowl. This was the perfect opportunity now to hopefully talk to him without his own friends causing the situation to be awkward, despite that it would be even now since they haven't spoken to each other ever since their split.

Taking a deep and calming breath, Sunset began to smoothly make her way towards Flash, who was still fortunately staying where he was for the time being.

Okay, Sunset. You can do this, she thought to herself. Since you proved to everyone at school that you are no longer something they need to fear, perhaps it means that someone you had feelings for may be willing to give you a second chance.

“Or not,” the voice added with a sinister snicker. “You already know that they have never forgotten what you have done to them all, and Flash hasn’t either. You’re chances of getting back together with Flash are a half to nothing.”

I’m aware of that, Sunset said in her thoughts. But you cannot stop me from at least trying!

“You won’t succeed,”

Watch me,

“Um. Hello, Flash,” Sunset said shyly when she was at least a comfortable five foot distance away from him. He hadn’t acknowledged her presence yet, so Sunset knew she had to be the one to start the conversation in hopes that it would become one.

Flash turned his attention toward the direction of Sunset’s voice, and looked a little surprised to see his ex-girlfriend standing right by him, but he quickly relaxed his composure.

“Oh hey, Sunset,” he replied with a small and calm smile. “Sorry that I didn’t hear you approach. Must be the noise of everyone here having a good time.”

“Or the fact that he knew what your footsteps sounded like, and on purposely ignored you in the hopes that you would go away.”

“Well Pinkie’s parties are always full of commotion,” Sunset stated with a chuckle, ignoring her self-taunt. “I’m sure everyone here at school hasn’t recalled a moment when a celebration hosted by her wasn’t dull.”

They both shared a small laugh before it momentarily ceased.

“So what has been going on with you and the girls lately?” Flash asked.

“Oh, the usual stuff. Weekend slumber parties, planning and arranging gigs for the band, working on class projects or assignments together. Not really exciting, I know. What about you?”

“Same for the final two,” Flash said with a shrug. “Me and the guys may not have ‘slumber parties’, but having late night parties while blasting loud rock music until the police show up at our door can definitely count as one.”

Sunset and Flash shared another laugh which was a little more spirited this time, but they both still felt the awkwardness of being in each other’s presence.

“I guess you love the thrill of being a rebel, eh?” Sunset asked.

“I’m not really a rebel,” Flash stated with a smirk. “I’m just a little rebellious, that’s all. But I suppose if I put it that way, then it sounds the same doesn’t it?”

“I guess so,” Sunset replied with a light chuckle.

“You do realize that you’re stalling, right?” the voice asked, sounding bemused. “Or most likely--he is.”

I can’t rush it! I’m not desperate you know?

“I never said you were. I just thought I’d get you back on track incase the main objective that you’re trying to complete is beginning to slip away.”

I don’t need you in on this! You got me in this dilemma in the first place, and I’m not about to let you to intervene. Now leave me alone and get out of my head!

“Can’t make a promise on that second command. You could try sneezing hard to see if anything helps, but I strongly wouldn’t advise it.”

Sunset emitted an annoyed sigh to the confusion of Flash.

“Is something the matter, Sunset?” he asked with a raised brow.

Sunset snapped herself back to reality and softened her expression when she made eye contact with Flash.

“No, I’m fine,” she excused sheepishly. “I guess I sort of spaced out for a moment there. Sorry about that.”

Flash still looked concerned.

“Are you sure you’re alright? I mean, you looked as if you have a lot on your mind. If there’s something you want to tell me, then please feel free to do so. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

Sunset was quite baffled that Flash was that eager to help, or even listen to her despite all of the things that have happened to them in the past; but it seemed as if he has already forgiven her for her mistakes and sins.  She wasn’t exactly sure however if he was being sincere with her, but she had nothing to use to deny her theory.

“Well, since you put it that way; then yes, I have had a lot of things to think about recently, and you could say that it’s been bringing me down a bit,” Sunset admitted.

“Well, what is it then?” he asked more eagerly.

This is it, Sunset, she thought anxiously to herself. Ask him now while you have this chance.

“I…,” she began, but then suddenly, her mind was somehow reverted back to the memories of how Flash seemed to be swooning over Twilight. First with him asking the pony princess to dance after her defeat, to the moment of how he embraced her after the Battle of the Bands competition. These signals were all too clear for Sunset to deny.

“I….I’m sorry,” she whimpered as she began to break down all of the sudden.

Flash gave a surprised and confused look at Sunset’s sudden change in demeanor.

“Sunset? I don’t understand. What’s going on here?”

“Don’t deny it, Flash,” Sunset replied. Her tone was cold and soft, but it still signified how emotionally fragile she was. “I already know that you have an eye for her, so I already know what the answer is going to be. And you know what? You can have her for all I care! You deserve better than me anyway.”

Sunset just happened to be speaking loud enough for the entire gym to go quiet and compel all souls within the vicinity to gaze at the ongoing drama. Flash and Sunset were not even paying attention to the audience that surrounded them. It was like they were street performers acting in a play.

Flash went silent for a moment as he tried to think about what girl Sunset was referring to; and luckily, he didn’t have a hard time to remember who it was.

“Do you mean...Twilight?” he simply asked.

Sunset rolled her annoyed and moist eyes.

“Who else? Fleur De Lis?” she retorted with depressed sarcasm.

Flash was now starting to get the idea of why Sunset was acting like this, and the reason why she possibly approached him in the first place. He wasn’t mad at her at all, or thought that she was acting like a spoiled child. Instead, he felt horrible about the way he treated her after her reformation by acting like she wasn’t important or didn’t even exist.

He knew he witnessed what she was like after she was turned back to normal after her She-Demon incident, and did feel a bit sympathetic for the condition she was in at that very moment. Battered, scared, and seeking mercy and forgiveness. He was, at first, wary of running into her even after she changed her ways and rebuilt part of the school that she had demolished. It was a punishment that she deserved, but she didn’t deserve the grudge that every student, besides the five girls that stood by Twilight, held against her.

Now that she helped Twilight and the Rainbooms defeat the Dazzlings who were actually banished Sirens from Equestria, the entire student body of CHS had began to respect and trust Sunset a little more. Of course, the memories of what she’s done to them still lingered in their heads, but the grudges they beared against her were removed.

However, Flash realized that he hadn’t done the same thing. To show that he still had room in his heart to forgive her, or to even consider giving her a second chance to go out with him again. He just couldn’t believe how selfish he had been this entire time, and hadn’t realized it yet.

“Sunset. I…” he began, but Sunset cut him off.

“No,” she stated while raising one hand in front of his face. “I don’t want to hear any excuses. You know what you want, and I don’t wish to be the one to change your mind. I know Twilight well enough to know that she can be the ideal girl for you. As long as she’s happy, then I am to.”

Sunset forced a sad smile, but her mouth quickly began to quiver, along with a small suppressed sob to escape it. When she managed to regain some control over herself, she resumed eye contact with Flash before she said, “I’m sorry for bothering you. I know that you don’t fully forgive for what I’ve done in the past, but I hope that we can still be just friends.”

With that, Sunset quickly turned away from Flash and hurriedly headed for the exit from the gymnasium. The students that were in Sunset’s path weren't hesitant enough to get out of her way. They knew not to fear or hate her anymore, but by that episode that she was creating in front of them, they thought it was best to give her some space until she calms down.

When Sunset disappeared from sight, Flash could only stand there in utter, confused silence. He knew he should’ve called out to her to stop, or to go after her to make reason. Unfortunately, he didn’t consider to actually fall through with either option. His mind just went blank.

He was suddenly snapped out of his trance when a light cyan hand forcefully took him by his shoulder, and was spun around to face a displeased looking Rainbow Dash, along with the rest of the friends who had different expressions of concern.

“Alright, Casanova. Start talking,” Rainbow demanded.

“Huh?” Flash replied, still a bit dazed.

“Don’t play dumb! We saw the whole thing unfold,” Rainbow sneered. “Just who do you think you are, huh?”

“Rainbow, please simmer down,” Applejack interjected. “We ain’t here ta be threatenin’.”

Her expression then almost became like Rainbow’s.

“But we do want to know what made Sunset so upset like that. Surely ya did or said somethin’ that set ‘er off like that.”

“I hardly got to say anything,” Flash exasperated.

“Then what happened then?” Rarity asked with a furrowed brow.

“Well, she was about to tell me what was bothering her since I wanted to help her find a way to overcome it; then out of nowhere, she started to breakdown and tell me off. I can’t really explain it anymore than that.” Flash explained with a shrug. “But I already know what it was about, since she did happen to mention Twilight.”

The girls shared looks of mutual understanding that Flash had seemed to get what was troubling Sunset, so they relaxed a bit. But they didn’t let Flash off so easy yet.

“Well if you figured it out, then why didn’t you tell Sunset about how you really felt about Twilight in the first place?” Rainbow insisted.

“Like I said before: she didn’t even allow me to finish any of my sentences,” Flash replied, a bit annoyed that he had to repeat himself. “She just jumped to a conclusion, just like that.”

His expression then reverted to a look of guilt.

“She was right however about the part of me admiring Twilight though.”

“Well of course we all knew that was obvious,” Rarity stated. “But we still agree that it was selfish of you to not acknowledge her even after she helped us defeat the Dazzlings. A ‘thank you, Sunset’ would’ve been acceptable as well.”

Flash stared down at the floor as he began to feel more of the regret that was building up inside him during Sunset’s semi-trifled and emotional tirade. With such an act as hers, Flash now knew that Sunset wasn’t the brash and cynical bad girl that he remembered her as. He was now seeing her as an extremely sensitive, but good-hearted individual who was misunderstood and under-appreciated, even after her reformation. If he only got to understand her better before breaking her heart in the past, he may have stopped her from falling into power-hungry madness that soon fully corrupted her.

“Do any of you think now would be a good time to at least go after her, so I can try to clear all this up?” he asked all five of the girls.

They all simultaneously nodded in agreement.

“It wouldn’t hurt,” Rarity said. “But you best choose your words wisely. If it’s true that you’re interested in Twilight now, or any other girl for that matter: you have to let her know, but you must reassure her that she is still competent enough of rebounding for finding true love. Your decision is completely up to you really; but consider the fact that everyone deserves second chances, darling.”

“I understand,” Flash said simply, even if he was already aware of that fact. But he knew making his decision final wasn’t going to be easy. It would be even more of a challenge if Sunset wasn’t going to be willing to listen.

“Then ya better go then,” Applejack urged. “God knows what she’s doin’ now.”

“She’s obviously heading for her apartment to sulk,” Pinkie said with a disappointed frown.

“How do you even know that?” Flash asked with a raised brow.

“I would probably do the same if I felt what she was feeling,” Pinkie replied with a shrug of her shoulders. “Then again, doesn’t everybody mostly?”

Flash took a brief moment to think Pinkie’s theory over because he wasn’t sure if it was believable or not--but knowing what the party girl’s anti-logical stunts, she might be spot on.

“Alright,” he finally said. “If I’m successful at getting through to her, I’ll bring her right back here if the banquet is still going on by then.”

“It’ll end at five,” Pinkie confirmed.

“Good. Two hours is all I need anyway,” Flash stated before beginning to exit the gym.

When Flash disappeared from sight, the girls exchanged glances of concern with each other.

“I hope that he can help Sunset feel better about herself after this,” Fluttershy said.

“He should be able to, sugarcube,” Applejack assured. “This is somethin’ that he has ta do by himself.”

“I so wanted to knee him in the groin for treating Sunset the way he did,” Rainbow stated with a clenched fist.

“Rainbow, please,” Rarity scoffed. “Violence won’t solve anything. It’s true that he should’ve shown appreciation for Sunset helping us beat those dreadful sirens, but him and her working this out is the only solution we have.”

“But I don’t get why Sunset was chuckling when Flash embraced Twilight?” Pinkie asked, looking a bit confused.

“Sometimes a smile is a strong mask for what someone is truly feeling,” Rarity explained matter-of-factly. “Even I could tell that Sunset was troubled when Applejack mentioned that Flash asked about Twilight in the first place.”

All eyes glanced at Applejack, who wore a face of shame and embarrassment.

“Uh...mah bad,” she cringed sheepishly.

“It’s not your fault, darling,” Rarity assured. “As I always say it’s nobody’s. What we can only do now is to wait and hope for the best.”