“I know it hurts Sunset I know but it’s alright I’m here now” holding Sunset warmly in her arms Fluttershy hearing Sunset Shimmer sniff hugged her a little more tightly giving Sunset the time she needed to calm down. “I know what you are going through Sunset, I know it hurts let it out honey let it all out”.

Letting out a few breaths Sunset swallowed hard blinking away the last of her tears closing her eyes she rested her head on Fluttershy’s shoulder. Tucking her wings against her back Fluttershy slowly helped Sunset up, “Do you feel better now Sunset” letting her go Fluttershy reached into her own skirt pocket taking out a handkerchief handing it to Sunset she added, “It’s going to alright Sunset trust me everything will be okay”.

“How is it going to be alright” she asked, taking the handkerchief she dried her eyes handing it back to Fluttershy adding, “why are you here Fluttershy? Shouldn’t you be in class and not wasting your time with” looking down she held her left arm finishing, “a creep like me”.

“Sunset” she began taking a seat on the cold and very uncomfortable cement floor seeing Sunset wasn’t about to join her she added, “please sit-down I have something important to tell you”.

Staring at her Sunset turned around folding her arms over her chest closing her eyes she sighed though she was silently grateful to Fluttershy she was also afraid of her. Hearing Fluttershy’s hand pat the cement floor Sunset turned back around looking down she slowly walked over to her taking a seat making sure to keep herself at arm’s length from Fluttershy burying her head into her arms.

“Sunset” she listened to Fluttershy begin, “it's going to be a long time before anyone can actually forgive you” taking a moment to let her words sink in she looked Sunset over making sure she wasn’t about to break down again before continuing, “I don’t know why Twilight chose to leave you here in this world Sunset. However, in my heart I believe she wanted us to teach you about friendship I fully intend to do just that.'' noticing Sunset was still not looking up she added, “I know you think that everyone at school hates you and while you are probably right about that I for one don’t hate you at all, in fact I really do want to become your friend”.

“Why?” Sunset asked slightly looking up catching Fluttershy’s attention she continued, “just tell me why”.

“I don’t understand Sunset” watching her get up Fluttershy also stood up watching Sunset turn around she added, “please don’t turn away from me I really do want to help you but I can’t do that if you don’t confide in me what it is that is troubling you” not getting a reply she reached out laying a gentle hand on Sunsets shoulder finishing, “please tell me Sunset what you meant”.

Both stood silently for a few minutes before Sunset reached up taking Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder the other letting it happen watching as Sunset let go of Fluttershy’s hand. Taking a step forward Sunset pressed her forehead against the metal lining the walls of the shack she called home the metal felt cold, smooth and soothing. Turning around she leaned her back into the wall of the shack locking eyes with Fluttershy momentarily before looking away from her.

“Tell me Fluttershy I know I have asked you this before” she finally began after what seemed like hours but was only a few moments “why do you want to become my friend?" sliding down she pulled her legs up close to her chin adding, “I tormented you, teased you, humiliated you and caused you to cry so many times that I can’t even begin to count on one hand just how many times I caused you to run off crying.” placing her head back into her arms she finished, “Just tell me 'why' please that’s all I want to know”.

Taking a seat next to her Fluttershy gently wrapped her arm around Sunset letting out a soft but noticeable sigh. Looking around she saw that the shack was covered in old dusty cobwebs the metal lining the walls had clearly seen better days as much of the metal were riddled with bullet holes. Feeling Sunsets hand against her own she quickly turned her attention to her as Sunset once again removed Fluttershy’s hand from her shoulder.

“Alright Sunset” she began, “if you want to know why I want to become your friend the truth of the matter is this” getting up she dusted herself off adding, “I know there is goodness in you, you just need help to bring that side of you out”.

“Goodness!?! You must be joking?” She replied, adding, “Flash Sentry was right about me I am someone to hate” scoffing she stood up and headed outside with Fluttershy much to Sunsets irritation following her out. Letting out a forced sigh Sunset turned around pointing in the direction of the school practically growling out, “Leave”! unsure what caused Sunset to become upset Fluttershy took a tentative step towards her. “why are you still here I told----”.

“I can’t do that Sunset Shimmer I won’t do that” she interrupted her “I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me”.

Realizing Fluttershy wasn’t going to leave her alone Sunset balled her hand into a tight fist her body trembled with anger not wanting to start a fight she turned to leave. Walking away from her Sunset got a few blocks before she stopped noticing Fluttershy was following her.

“You really don’t know how to take ‘I don’t want to be your friend’ for an answer do you Fluttershy?” she bitterly asked causing Fluttershy to bump into her. “Really! I tell you to leave and you decide to---” hearing a sorrowful sound a few feet from her Sunset cut her words short adding, “What was that?”

“What was what” Fluttershy replied, “I didn’t---”

“I know I heard something” Looking around she again heard the sorrowful sound noticing Fluttershy was about to speak she quickly placed her hand over Fluttershy's mouth whispering, “Shh”. Removing her hand from the timid girl’s mouth she placed a finger to her own lips adding, “you need to keep quiet” taking a few steps away from Fluttershy she finished “I thought I heard a cat cry out”.

Looking around herself and not really hearing anything Fluttershy gave Sunset a slightly confused glance. Unconvinced that there wasn’t something there making the soft sorrowful sound Sunset started to head further down the street towards the back of the alley. Following the sounds, she quickly came to a sewer grate kneeling next to it she heard a cat’s cries for help. Getting back up Sunset looked at Fluttershy who had a worried look etched on her soft angelic face.

“Please oh, please don’t let there be a little kitten in there”. Getting next to the grate as Sunset started to look around for anything to use as a pry bar, she knelt peering into sewer grate. Sure enough there was indeed a little kitten trapped under a sewer grate. “Oh, my gosh you poor thing how on earth did you get yourself stuck down there”? the kitten had white, brown and orange patches over most of its tiny body. Deep yellow eyes looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes locking with hers as it cried and mewed for help.

‘Mew’

“Shh little kitten we’ll get you out don’t worry we’ll help you”. Getting up she started to look around not finding anything of use she added, “Sunset we need to do something to get---” Her words were interrupted when Sunset knelt placing both hands onto the grate, “uh, Sunset that grate must weigh at least sixty pounds!" She watched as Sunset prepared to lift the grate "your not going to be able to move it without some sort of---” A low guttural growl was heard from Sunset causing Fluttershy to take a step back “lever” she finished watching in complete shock as Sunset began to pull hard on the grate.

The alley was quickly filled with the echoing sounds of metal bending, twisting and snapping like dry twigs. Pulling back on the grate Sunset ripped it from its place in the alley holding it in her hands both girls stood up with Sunset staring coldly at Fluttershy. Taking a few steps away from the sewer she raised the heavy metal above her head Fluttershy stood in stunned silence to shocked to do anything.

“I need you to move to the right Fluttershy” She heard Sunset say Fluttershy unsure what just happened immediately got out of her way as Sunset threw the sewer grate several feet from their position. “Now to get that kitten out of there” she continued, dusting her dirty hands off turning her attention to frightened kitten she finished, “Just don’t bite me”.

“How did you---” Fluttershy began to ask while she watched Sunset reach inside the basin scooping up the little frightened kitten in her hand. Standing up Sunset dusted her skirt off and placed the small furry animal into Fluttershy’s warm, soft, protective arms. Noticing the kittens right front paw was injured Fluttershy added, “Oh, no his poor little paw is hurt”. Hearing a coat flop on the ground and the sound of cloth ripping she turned her attention to Sunset finishing, “uh, Sunset what are you doing”?

Wordlessly Sunset had begun to tear her shirt ripping off a large piece of her shirt she gently took the kittens paw into her right hand and began wrapping the cloth around its injured paw. Once finished she gave the little kitten a soft pat on its fury head “There you go little fellow” she said, adding, “don’t worry Fluttershy will take good care of you”. Picking up her coat she glanced up momentarily locking eyes with the kitten seeing two big, round sad eyes staring back at her she grumbled “don’t give me those sad eyes” standing up she finished, “your Fluttershy’s problem now, not mine”.

‘Mew’

“I think he likes you” she heard Fluttershy softly whisper “and he isn’t my problem he is ‘our’ problem Sunset besides that he needs you” looking to the little kitten in her arms she snuggled his soft fury face finishing, “yes you need Sunset don’t you little guy you like her huh? Yes, you do, you want her to take care of you huh little fellow”.

“ugh, I’m going to be sick” she heard Sunset groan “enough with the mushy stuff already Fluttershy I mean really what’s the big deal we got him out of there now he is your problem not mine” snapping her head up she heard Sunset add in disgusted irritation, “which means you can leave now and I can go back to sulking in my shack” Watching her head back to the shack Fluttershy began to follow her again quickly catching Sunsets attention once again. “Fluttershy will you stop following me I mean really you have your own friends to go pester you don’t need an eowynthir like me making your life any more difficult than what it already is.''

With a very confused look plastered on her face she replied, “A what? Sunset I have no idea what you just said but it doesn’t sound very---"

“You need to take the kitten to the animal shelter” Sunset interrupted her adding, “just go out to the street take a right at the corner keep going until you come to a stop sign from there take a left walk straight until you come to a large brick building” noticing Fluttershy wasn’t moving she finished, “please just leave Fluttershy and take that kitten with you he won’t survive out here on his own”.

“I’m not going anywhere Sunset Shimmer until you explain to me what it is that you said to me because it sounded like some sort of …insult” petting the kitten she added, “I hope you didn’t try to insult me because that wasn’t very nice especially since all I want to do is take you back to school and become your friend”.

“How many times do I have to say this Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend” Looking away Sunset began to stutter adding , “a-and no I di-didn’t insult y-you Fluttershy” swallowing hard she continued, “I called myself what I am and what I always will be an ‘eowynthir’ it means a pitifully shellfish coward”.

“Why on earth would you dare call yourself that Sunset”?! Fluttershy exclaimed a complete look of utter shock was clearly plastered across her face “Sunset there is no reason for you to call yourself that”.

“Yes there is, there is a good reason to call myself that" she yelled back, "it's because it is what I am! It is what I always will be that and nothing more”. Trying hard to fight back her tears Sunset took a step back silently hoping that Fluttershy would leave taking the small kitten with her. “So just leave me here where I belong in the slums and dirt with all the other trash you humans throw away”

“Let me explain something to you Sunset” she heard Fluttershy softly begin just above a whisper “I don’t know why you think that you are a pitifully selfish coward and I don’t much care to know because to me you are not this at all”.

“Please just stop trying to be my friend Fluttershy just stop already! I can’t take my heart being broken again”. Feeling her tears breaking the surface of her eyes Sunset tried to run only to find herself on her knees having tripped over her own two feet, “you said ‘I know you must feel so alone right now but you need me’ holding herself she finished, “You have no idea what I am feeling how can any of you understand what I am going through”?

Helping her up Fluttershy with the kitten still in her arms Fluttershy gently took Sunsets right hand into her own. Setting the kitten down for a few moments she leaned towards Sunset gently wiping away Sunset's tears. Taking a step back Fluttershy knelt picking up the kitten as she offered Sunset a warm, pleasant smile watching her step back as well. Both stood silently for a few moments each unsure what to do next.

“Fluttershy how did you find this place” Sunset finally asked, “that is if you don’t mind an eowynthir like me asking you”?

“First Sunset” she began holding up her right hand indicating with her index finger “you will stop referring to yourself as a-a, um, err- however you say that word that you just called, yourself do you fully understand?” indicating with her middle finger she continued, “and second I want to know why you feel that you and I shouldn’t be friends when you have every reason to be my friend" indicating with her ring finger she finished. " Third and finally what did you mean by you can’t take having your heart broken again”?

“Y-yes I un-understand” she replied clearly unsure of herself keeping her gaze fixed to the ground she continued, “ as for the second part I don’t want to be friends with you because I don’t want to hurt you again for the third part I really don't want to talk about it”.

“I see Sunset” Fluttershy replied flatly adding more calmly and just above a whisper, “ Very well Sunset as for how I found this place I simply followed you here for the second time this week. You see after you ran out of Principal Celestia’s office she ran after you” gently petting the kittens head she added, “only Principal Celestia couldn’t keep up with you due to having an asthma attack”, Putting a finger to her chin she continued, “I hope she’ll be alright”.

Looking down Sunset turned to head into her shack stopping in her tracks hearing snickering and laughing from her right. Turning in the direction the sound was coming from she quickly placed Fluttershy behind her seeing three boys approaching them each one with a sickening leer plastered on their faces.

“Great the diamond dogs” she muttered to herself feeling Fluttershy’s hand grip her own she turned her attention to her adding, “don’t worry I won’t let them hurt you” tugging on Sunsets hand Fluttershy tried in vain to get Sunset to follow her out of the alley. “Fido care to tell me what you three want?” Fluttershy heard Sunset snarl out “because if it's money you three are after neither of us have any”.

“Sunset let’s go I really don’t want to be here any longer” she heard Fluttershy whimper. “I want to get back to shc---”

“Now what's the hurry baby?” she heard one of the diamond dogs say interrupting her Fluttershy turned her attention fully to him his eyes locked with hers noticing his dog collar had the name ‘Rover’ pinned to it. His dirty red denim vest did little to hide his broad muscular chest and shoulders, his white torn t-shirt clearly had seen better days. “The names Rover girls and making your day really special is my game so how about we all head to my place for some ...fun?”

“No thanks” Sunset chimed in making sure to keep Fluttershy behind her and keep herself between the diamond dogs and Fluttershy who showed signs she was clearly worried, “I think it's time for you three to leave”.

“Now don’t be like that Sunset after all we just got here” Rover replied with a sick grin plastered on his face looking him over Sunset noticed his grey jeans had spots of car oil covering most of his thighs and shins. “All my brothers and I want is a good time sister think you two are up for that?” Noticing Fluttershy was holding the small kitten in her arms, “Hey Fido isn’t that the stupid stray” he added turning his attention to his older brother “that you shoved into that sewer grate last night”?

“Why I believe it is Rover” having taken notice of the kitten in Fluttershy’s arms as well Fido stepped forward watching in delight as Fluttershy and Sunset both stepped back. Fluttershy watched as Fido reached out to grab the kitten his merlot colored hair blew lightly in the breeze. “Hand it over kid”.

“No” Fluttershy screamed in fear pulling back trying desperately to keep Fido from grabbing the small kitten “get away from me”.

“Get away from her!” she heard Sunset scream out, reaching out and grabbing the Fido’s hand, “You need to leave Fido” turning her attention to the other two while wrenching Fido’s arm painfully behind his back she added, “and take your trash with you”. Quickly she pushed him forwards causing him to fall into a pile of nearby broken crates, “I won’t let you degenerates hurt Fluttershy or that kitten she is holding”. Watching him get back up she lunged in catching him completely off guard getting a good hold of his bluish gray vest. Much to his and Fluttershy’s surprise Sunset spun on her right heel throwing him headfirst into a trash can dusting her hands off she finished, “and take your Neanderthal brothers with you Fido”.

“What did you just call us”? Fido’s younger brother Spot screamed out balling his hands into tight fist “we’re the diamond dogs you can’t talk to us like that” watching him drop his hand to a knife tucked under the waistband of his jeans she prepared for his attack, “you’re going to pay for what you did to my brother Sunset Shimmer”.

“Really because I just don’t see that happening, do you?” Turning her attention to him she added, “Aw what's wrong Spotty Spot did I hurt your little feelings?” locking eyes with Spot she finished, “too bad you little runt now I would suggest you three leave”. A soft growl escaped her lips Spot for his part having been too preoccupied with Sunset Shimmer completely failed to notice Sunsets pupils were beginning to glow red. “before things get” her voice darkened her jaw locked gritting her teeth she concluded, “violent”.

Pulling out his knife Spot lunged in taking a swipe at Sunsets stomach just barely getting out of the way in time she moved to the right raising her hands up to attack. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in complete fear as Sunset reached out to grab Spots arm.

“I can’t let this go any further even if it means revealing to her what I am” Fluttershy thought to herself, “this has to end now before someone gets hurt”

The sudden sound of a gun going off quickly caused everyone to freeze in their tracks turning her attention to the street beyond the alley Sunset saw a man entering the alley. Looking him over while still fully prepared for Fido’s attack she saw he was dressed in a black denim vest, brown t-shirt and dark stained blue jeans.

“Alright, what the hell is going on here”? The person yelled putting away his gun noticing Fido was just getting up and Spot was still holding his knife fully pointed at Sunset the person added, “Spot drop the knife”. Seeing Spot wasn’t about to obey him he growled out, “NOW”.

“Oh, come on Jim” he spat back in anger “Sunset attacked us first and I’m---” having suddenly felt the cold steel of Jim's gun pressing against his right temple Spot wisely decided not to finish his sentence “alright, alright I’m dropping it” letting go of the knife it clattered noisily on the pavement “just don’t shoot me please Jim” he finished taking a step back from Sunset.

Turning his attention to Fluttershy and Sunset who both stood dumbfounded Jim smiled to both, “Alright girls I think it’s time for you two, to get out of this area and head back to school” looking to Rover who snarled to him he added, “don’t worry girls these three idiots won’t bother you two any longer”.

“Who by the flames of Tartarus are you?!” Sunset exclaimed “and more to the point how in all of this world did you find us?”

“Huh, oh my name is Jim Diamond” he replied keeping a watchful eye on all three diamond dogs especially Rover “I am their older brother and a bounty hunter I placed a small tracking device into Rover, Fido and Spot’s bodies with those I can track their location at any time I see fit to do so.''

“I see”. She replied folding her arms over her chest glaring at him “and you just happen to come by at the right time because?”

“I was as I said tracking them and uh, your principal called me asking for my help in finding Sunset” leading the girls to his jeep he unlocked the trailer pointing to it he added, “Alright you three get into the trailer and be quick about it” Watching all three of his brothers begrudgingly get into the trailer each one taking a seat near the front of it. Taking out three sets of handcuffs he cuffed each of them to the sides of the trailer closing the gate once finished. Opening the jeeps door for Fluttershy and Sunset to get in he stood for a few seconds before adding, “I’ll take you to the local animal shelter then I’ll drop the two of you off at your school afterwards I need to get these three idiots back home”.

“How did you know we needed to go to the animal shelter” Fluttershy chimed in clearly confused, “neither of us said anything about needing to do that”. Watching him point to the kitten in her arms she blushed finishing, “oh”.

Getting into the jeep Fluttershy noticed Sunset wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you coming Sunset?” she asked. “I thought you and I were becoming friends after all you did stand up for me”.

“No Fluttershy I am not and for the last time Fluttershy I don’t want to be your friend!” turning to leave she looked over her shoulder adding, “I want you too---”

Hearing the jeep door open and slam shut she cut her words short as Fluttershy got out of the jeep leaving the kitten to sit in the front seat. Walking up to Sunset she placed her hand on Sunsets shoulder spinning her around she pointed to the jeep growling out, “get in the jeep Sunset” watching Sunset shake her head she angrily added, “NOW”. Watching Sunset head towards the jeep with her head bowed low she finished, “that’s better now we will head to the animal shelter to drop this kitten off then you and I will head back to school”.

Begrudgingly getting into the jeep Sunset sat in the back looking out the back-left passenger window hearing the jeep start up she sighed. Looking back up front she leaned in asking, “Fluttershy can I ask you something”?

“Sure, thing Sunset”.

“You said that you followed me for the second time this week yet I don’t remember seeing you at all other than at school so my question is this, How were you able to follow me without me seeing you or knowing that you where there”?

“It’s really quite simple you were rather preoccupied from your defeat at the Fall Formal” she replied feeling the kitten resting in her lap she added, “Sunset would you like to hold the kitten for a little bit at least until we get to the animal shelter that is”?

Shrugging she gently took the small fury kitten from Fluttershy leaning back into the soft leather seat she placed the kitten into her lap smiling to herself. Softly stroking the kittens fur Sunset closed her eyes letting her thoughts drift to more pleasant times. The kitten purred contently in Sunsets lap as both the kitten and Sunset enjoyed the ride looking out the window Sunset said, “Fluttershy there is something I think you should know”.

“Oh, what’s that Sunset”

“While I am not ready to be your friend, I would however accept you as an acquaintance at least until I am more comfortable with the idea of us being friends”.

“I fully understand” she replied, adding “likewise I feel there is something that you need to know as well Sunset”.

“Let me guess you’re not going to let me slip away once we get to the animal shelter huh Fluttershy” scoffing while shaking her head she finished, “what do I need to know Fluttershy”.

“one you are correct that I won’t allow you to slip away once we drop off this kitten you see Sunset, I made Principal Celestia a promise. And a promise is well, err it’s a-a, um well it’s a promise” turning around to face Sunset she finished, “secondly you took your first step today to becoming a better person by showing kindness when you helped to save this kitten from that sewer and bravery when you defended me from Rover and his brothers”. Hearing the jeep coming to a stop and seeing they were at the animal shelter she finished, “tell me Sunset doesn’t it feel good to have done something nice for someone else without the thought of a reward of any kind”.

“You know” she replied opening the door with the kitten in her arms stepping out she finished, “it does feel rather good I do feel kind of fuzzy inside”.

“Alright girls let me check on my brothers then we can go inside” both girls heard Jim begin watching him move to the trailer Fluttershy and Sunset headed up to the front door of the animal shelter while Jim checked on his brothers “alright you three” he added looking them over with a smirk on his face all three of his brothers gave him scornful glares “look comfortable” turning his attention to Fluttershy he finished, “Fluttershy why don’t you and Sunset take the kitten inside I’ll join you both in a few minutes”.

“Alright” she replied gently taking Sunsets hand into her own “come on Sunset lets go and drop off this kitten then we need to get back to school”. Getting inside the shelter both looked around letting go of Sunsets hand Fluttershy took the kitten from Sunset adding, “we need to find the person that runs this shelter then we can drop you off little kitten and they will be able to find you a good home”.

‘Mew’

The shelter was filled with cages of all sizes and shapes several tanks of fish were stacked in the back. Looking around Sunset saw several boxes of open topped crates in the middle of the shelter walking over to them she peered inside seeing guinea pigs of all colors running around each one either playing on wheels or eating fresh grass.

“Aw how cute” she said catching Fluttershy’s attention “hey Fluttershy check this out aren’t they just adorable”.

“Huh?” confused Fluttershy walked over to Sunset who gestured towards the guinea pigs her eyes lit up like a christmas tree “awww they are cute Sunset”. Hearing a door open and close behind them both girls turned around seeing a young woman with bright red hair, silver glasses and a white lab coat coming out of the back, “oh, that much be the person that runs the shelter”.

Walking over to the front desk Sunset cleared her throat catching the young woman's attention, “May I help you?” the woman cheerfully asked.

“Yes, Fluttershy and I found this kitten a few blocks from here it was trapped in a sewer its right front paw is hurt so we were hoping you could take a look at it for us”. Turning to face Fluttershy she quickly motioned her over adding, “Fluttershy are you sure about leaving this kitten here? I mean what if he gets, oh, I don’t know lonely or, or something bad happens to him?”

“I know you girls are worried about this kitten but I can assure you that we have the most qualified staff working here no harm of any kind will befall this beautiful kitten” the young woman said adding, “please place the kitten onto the desk so I can examine it”.

Gently placing the kitten onto the front desk the young woman proceed to look the kitten over noticing her name tag Sunset said, “Miss Cloudy Heart I am sorry for my concern about this place I have never done something like this before and there for I got worried uh, for the kitten I mean”.

“I understand” looking up from her work Cloudy Heart smiled to both girls picking up the kitten she walked over to a small cage near the back of the shelter opened it and placed the kitten inside adding, “we will have to leave him in this isolation cage for a few days to allow his paw to heal properly.” turning back to both Sunset and Fluttershy she finished, “you girls did a good thing bringing that little kitten here though he is a bit malnourished but not to worry I can most certainly help with that.”

“Oh good” Fluttershy chimed in turning her attention to Sunset, “You see Sunset there was nothing to---” noticing Sunset wasn’t next to her added, “where did she go” looking around she saw Sunset sitting on the floor of the shelter with a small puppy in her arms watching the puppy lick Sunsets face for a few minutes Fluttershy headed over to the two of them finishing, “I see you made a new friend Sunset”.

“Hey stop that” she heard Sunset happily laugh the puppy kept licking Sunsets face while Sunset laughed happily, “h-hey come on now” gently picking up the little puppy she sighed placing him back into his enclosure seeing a sad look on the puppies face she finished, “Sorry little guy but I have to go I’ll come by some other time to play with you again”.

“So Sunset” she heard Fluttershy ask, “Are you ready to head out now”?

“I suppose you want me to head back to school now huh Fluttershy?” she replied, adding, “I really don’t want to go back there not after what I said to Flash Sentry not after what I called him” looking away a look of pain and anger etched across her face balling her right hand into a tight fist she finished, “he’s going to hate me even more and I can’t blame him but do what he did it just hurts.''

“If you don’t mind me asking Sunset” noticing her hand was squeezed tightly into a fist Fluttershy quickly took Sunsets hand into her own calming her down, “what did he do that caused you to run away from CHS”?

“He vandalized my locker I can handle that upstart little tart Trixie” she replied calming down a bit “or that fool Lavender Lace doing something like that but to have Flash Sentry do something like that it, well it just curdles my blood to have that, that, Lat ayhTye Ùqua” getting a confused look from Fluttershy, Sunset finished, “Lat ayhTye Ùqua means ‘bastard of a Pegasus’ in the country that I come from if Flash Sentry were to be a Pegasus I would not only be insulting him but his enter families lineage.”

Leading her outside Fluttershy opened the front door to the Jim’s jeep gesturing to the jeep she smiled to her watching Sunset get into the front seat she got into the back seat. “You are right Sunset I do want you to return to school but not because I made that promise to Principal Celestia I want you to return to school because even though we are not formally friends I still want to help you.” buckling up she added, “I uh, also kind of want to apologize to Flash Sentry as well for what you said to him earlier today.”

Jim came out a few minutes later getting into his jeep he turned the radio on selecting a lively toon turning her attention to him Sunset asked, “So um, what is going to happen to your brothers Jim”?

“Well Sunset they will be brought to the police and charged with violating their parole which is why I had to place the tracking devices on them” starting up the jeep he added, “I was actually tracking them when your principal called me in the hopes that I could also help find you as well” checking his mirrors he pulled away from the shelter finished, “Though Fluttershy was already out looking for you principal Celestia wanted to make sure you also had a safe ride back to Canterlot High School”.

“I see” she said, looking out the window as Jim came to a stop at a red light she thought to herself “so she didn’t even trust Fluttershy to bring me back she once again has proven to not trust her students I suppose I can’t expect anything less from anyone called Celestia”

“We should be at CHS in a few minutes” she heard Jim say snapping Sunset back to reality “Fluttershy would you like me to walk you and your friend to your class when we pull up to CHS or do you think you can take it from here?”

“Thank you, Jim, but I think Sunset and I can handle this on our own”. She replied.

Pulling into Canterlot High’s parking lot a few minutes later both girls saw Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna standing out front each had angry looks on their faces. Shutting off his jeep Jim got out opening the front passenger door for Sunset getting out she hung her head in shame not wanting to make eye contact with either Luna or Celestia. Approaching them Celestia noticed the diamond dog brothers handcuffed to the back of Jim’s trailer angry that Sunset had run off she pointed to the school entrance. “Go to detention hall two B this instant young lady you are in very big trouble for what you did earlier to---”

“Principal Celestia I must protest this Sunset” Fluttershy interrupted her “has been through enough for one day please I think she can have detention tomorrow”.

“How can you possibly stand up for her” Luna chimed in “Fluttershy she bullied you, lied to you, hurt you and humiliated you and yet you defend her”?

“While Sunset did do that to me I too must take responsibility for that, I could have stood up to her yet I didn’t” Taking Sunsets hand into her own she stared coldly at Luna and Celestia adding, “all I can do now is try to help her” taking a step towards Luna she finished, “I am going stand up for her just like she stood up for me earlier today”.

“Now is not the time for this Fluttershy” Celestia began adding, “Sunset ran away from school though she was upset by what Flash Sentry, Lavender Lace and Trixie Lulamoon did that is still absolutely no excuse for her to run away.” Turning her attention to Sunset who kept her head hung in shame she finished, “it is for that reason that I have decided to give her detention”.

“But I don’t---” Fluttershy began only to be interrupted by Sunset.

“Fluttershy listen to me” letting go of Fluttershy’s hand she added, “Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna are correct in their decision to give me detention besides it’ll give me what I want most of all”.

“and that is” everyone asked in unison.

“Simple it’ll” She replied, still keeping her head hung in shame, “give me the means to be left alone that is after all what I want now just to be left alone”. Walking past Celestia she finished, “how many days do you want me to spend in detention Principal Celestia?”

“I haven’t decided yet please go there now and do not leave the room until I call you over the intercom” she replied turning her attention back to Fluttershy “as for you Fluttershy please go to class I’ll talk to you about this after school has let out”.

“very well” she replied having been defeated she watched Sunset head inside knowing in her heart Sunset needed a friend now more than ever “I swear to you I won’t let you be alone” she thought to herself “not ever will you be alone again Sunset not ever”.

Everyone headed inside Sunset headed to detention hall two B while Fluttershy headed to her next class. Celestia headed to her office with her sister in tow entering the office she sat down placing her head into her hands letting out a disgruntle sigh feeling her sisters’ hands resting on her shoulders she looked up. Receiving a warm smile from Luna began to massage her sisters’ shoulders once finished she hugged Celestia returning the hug Celestia leaned into her chair hoping the worst was over.

Next Chapter: August 3rd, Wednesday 1:10 pm part ten Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 52 Minutes