Sunset did all she could to remain calm, even as her instincts screamed in panic and her whole body trembled, trying to run away from danger.
She had tried to count the time, but it proved impossible to concentrate, and keeping her body calm was already out of her complete control.
She felt the hoof keeping her down leave her back, and Sunset immediately got her head out of the river and took a deep breath.
Rainbow quickly pulled her out to shore and got in front of her. “So, how did it go?”

“It seems like we’re stuck here.” She gave a sigh of frustration. “We made so much progress yesterday.”

Rainbow gave her a towel to dry herself. “Well, you can at least get a bath without freaking out. I would call that a very huge progress.”

“Yeah, as long as I don’t dip my head in it.” The towel sneaked along her body with her magic, drying her and giving some warmth to her body. “I will stick to showers for now.”

“Do you want to try drinking?” Rainbow offered her a bottle of water.

Sunset shook her head. “I think we did enough for today. Thanks for the help.”

“No problem.” Rainbow looked at the still slightly shivering Sunset and then back at the river. “Hey, I know winter just started but, is the water really that cold?”

Sunset put the towel away. “Probably not, I just hate the cold.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Really? I was expecting you to be like a walking heater or something.” She got an immediate glare from the unicorn. “Uh, sorry. Anyway, you should get going to your day with Rarity before anypony suspects something.”

“You’re right. Thanks again for your help.” Sunset summoned her wings and flew towards the town, thinking about Spike.
Sleeping together had calmed him down, and she assured him that he was helping her, which she honestly felt it did. It was weird, since it reminded her of her old self, yet that kind of nostalgia was what she had been clinging to nowadays, like she did with Cadence.
She had sent a letter to Celestia talking about what Spike told her, but she still hadn’t given her an answer. Luna had sent her a letter in advance, telling her that her sister had gotten the message and that she had been doubling her efforts on whatever she was planning.
Sunset sighed. Things weren’t getting easier for her, but at least this was the last objective of her current list.
Speaking of which, she finally saw the carousel-like structure of Rarity’s house, so she descended to the front door, hiding her wings.
She gave it a couple of knocks until a familiar white unicorn opened it for her. “Welcome darling. Finally, we have a day for ourselves,” she said as she beckoned her inside.

“You seem exited. I wonder what you got prepared,” Sunset said a little nervous.

“Oh, I’m sure you will love it, but first you must know that I’m a dressmaker and an avid follower of fashion.” Rarity extended her foreleg over the vast array of dummies and textiles neatly organized all over the building. “I’ve an eye for detail, I’m generous, and always ready to help any of my friends.”

“Thanks for the resumé, but I’m not hiring you unless you bring me two forms of ID, and three letters of recommendation,” was Sunset’s response, which managed to derail Rarity from her speech as she held back a chuckle.

“Sorry, but my point is that those are the reason why I volunteered myself to make the dresses of all my friends for the gala. And that-”

Sunset interrupted her with a groan. “Why is everypony so obsessed with that event? I mean, Applejack had a wrong but reasonable motive to go, but what do you actually expect from it? They are so boring that I set off the fire alarm once to end it quickly. And I didn’t even get in trouble with Celestia for it!”

Rarity waited patiently for her to finish her rant and continued. “Well, as far as I know, Rainbow wants to meet the Wonderbolts there.”

“Okay that’s reasonable, there aren’t many ways to see them.”

“Fluttershy wants to see the animals.”

“She told me that, I gave her a warning about it.”

“Twilight wants to see Celestia.”

Sunset paused for a second. “She knows she can just take the train and visit her in Canterlot, right? I know Spike goes there from time to time.”

Rarity shrugged. “Maybe you should tell her that. She tends to miss the obvious answer sometimes. But back to what I was saying, what I wanted to do for our day together is for you to help me make all the dresses.”

“Okay.”

The instant response took Rarity by surprise. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting for you to agree so quickly.”

“Well, tailoring sounds like and useful skill, and I mean no offence, but I would prefer to make my own dress. But I thank you for the offer.”

Rarity wanted to insist, but she knew that Sunset and Applejack shared the stubbornness trait, so she opted for negotiation. “How about this; You can make the tailoring, but I will make the design.”

Sunset thought about it for a moment. “Okay, sounds fair. So, how can I help you.”

Rarity smiled and levitated a couple of papers and pencils over to a nearby table. “Take a seat please.” Sunset did as she said, and she continued explaining. “Twilight told me you were a skilled artist, so what I want you to do-” She put one of the papers in front of her along with a pencil. “-is to think about each of them, who they are, what they like, and make the design of their dress.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I just spent a day with most of them.”

“You can start with Twilight, I’m sure that one will be easy,” Rarity encouraged her, and Sunset stared at the paper, seeking ideas.

“Well…” She picked up the pencil. “I doubt being covered in books is a form of fashion, but a magician’s style would fit her, something that resembles Star Swirl the Bearded, but more elegant I assume.” She started a rough outline of the dress, with Rarity looking right over her shoulder. “Speaking of the mage, he used to have stars and moons on his clothes, but I think just stars like her cutie mark would be enough, but I don’t know what color they would be.”

“I will take care of matching the colors. Anything else you want to add?” Rarity asked.

“No, I think this is fine for Twilight, she likes the simpler look. She’s not a pony that wants to gather too much attention.” She put the design away and picked up another paper. “Rainbow on the other hoof, would probably die if she wasn’t the center of attention, and with the Wonderbolts there she will want to look as awesome as possible.” She took a moment to think. “It needs to be easy to fly into, have a touch of the skies and something that tells it’s her.” Having an idea, she started making the outline and quickly filled some details.

“That looks very good,” Rarity praised as she wrote her words on a little notepad.

“It still lacks something. Something that signifies her achievements.” She paused to think. “I doubt she can just go wearing her necklace.”

Rarity smiled with confidence. “I could make it work.”

Sunset still looked unconvinced. “No, it has to be related to her flying skills.” She then had an idea and started sketching a couple of models in another paper.

Rarity looked curiously. “What’s that darling?”

“The best young flyer competition has a golden crown that is given to the victor, so I’m basing it of that.”

“But Rainbow hasn’t won one yet, and it’s still a couple of months until the next one starts.”

“And you think she won’t win it handily?” Sunset asked with a smile while finally adding the new ornament to the dress.

Rarity smiled and made another note and underlined it thee times. “How about Applejack next?”

Sunset got another paper and started thinking. “She’s… not one to wear dresses, she would probably attend it like she would attend farm work. It must have her hat; I’ve never seen her without it. Maybe giving her one that had more elegant details?”

“And what kind of details would those be?”

“I guess apples, and a more country kind of look instead of something formal.” She started drawing, not really convinced about the design, but Rarity wasn’t correcting her, so she assumed it was okay.

She presented the design to the fashionista, and she simply nodded and put it with the others. “Next up, what about Pinkie?”

Sunset bit the tip of the pencil for a moment. “Something colorful and with weird little details. She would probably like to dance in it, so a style like that could work. And for the details…” She started to make the design with some ideas, but half-way decided to let loose and improvise with a little bit of silliness like Pinkie used to do.

Rarity noticed this and added it to her notes with more underlines while Sunset finished. “Very well, the last one; Fluttershy.”

“You don’t want me to do yours?” Sunset asked, but the fashionista shook her head.

“I already have it prepared. Now, what do you think Fluttershy would wear to the gala?”

Sunset started to think. “I think something with a nature kind of aesthetic. She’s also not an attention seeker so something simple yet beautiful should be enough. Maybe some butterflies as decoration?” She started the design, putting extra effort, but it was clear this one wasn’t on par with the rest. “I don’t think I’m helping you much with this one.” Sunset put the drawing aside, and then an idea came to her mind.

“Don’t worry, it’s a first draft.” Rarity took the drawings while finishing the last of her notes. “Now, if you want me to-” She stopped when she noticed Sunset was drawing in another paper, but it wasn’t a dress, but a tiny suit with a red bowtie. “Is that for Spike?” she guessed.

“Yeah, it just popped into my head. He always tries to leave a good impression of himself, even if he doesn’t really know how he really looks,” Sunset responded looking at the finished drawing, a smile forming in her lips.

“Interesting.” Rarity quickly took more notes. “Do you have ideas for anypony else?”

Sunset took a moment to think before starting another drawing. “I know she would probably never put a hoof in a party like the gala but-” The design was similar to Twilight’s, but the dress was bulkier and of a dark color with purple pink moons instead of stars, and she added an elegant mask to conceal the thick glasses. “-I think Moon would like this.”

Rarity smiled as she added more notes. “That’s a beautiful dress darling. Who else can you think of?”

“Well… there’s Cadence and Shining.” ‘It could be a good wedding gift,’ she thought as she once again started drawing the design, Rarity observing and taking notes while giving the occasional encouragement to continue.

They spent a couple of hours like this, making designs for pretty much everypony Sunset had met, even Granny Smith and some of the castle staff.
“Okay, I think I’m spent for today,” Sunset said, finally letting go of the pencil.

Rarity looked at the pile of designs she had made. “You gave me a lot to consider making in the future.”

“Actually, can I practice tailoring with those? I would like to give them as gifts in the future.”

“Of course, darling. I see you have your own share of generosity.” Rarity added one las note to her pad and quickly hid it out of Sunset’s view.

“What’s your reason to go to the gala?” Sunset asked looking at the fashionista. “I think I can see you actually fitting in with the nobles at the gala.”

Rarity smiled with a little pride at her words. “Well, I’m expecting to meet the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot.” Sunset watched her start to daydream on the spot. “Our eyes will meet. Our hearts will melt. Our courtship will be magnificent. He will ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say-”

Sunset interrupted her. “Sorry to crush your dreams but Gilmore is not interested in mares.”

Rarity blinked twice. “Who? I’m talking about Prince Blueblood, Celestia’s nephew, I’m sure you’ve met him.”

“Oh yeah, I met him once. Once was too much.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Really? How so?”

“Well, one of the members of the nobility introduced me to him, and after eleven minutes of talking, I introduced him into a nearby wall.”

Rarity huffed. “Oh, it can’t be that terrible. I’m sure you just overreacted.”

“Trust me Rarity, there are far better choices if you want a partner. I can even introduce you to some and put some good words, but please stay away from Blueblood.”

Rarity noticed the almost begging tone in Sunset’s voice. “Darling, why did you say, ‘stay away’? Is he… dangerous?”

Sunset looked away for a moment, seemingly to find the correct words. “Not really, he’s more of a pampered idiot, but… you can’t tell this to anypony okay? Pinkie Promise?”

“I Cross My Heart, Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my Eye,” Rarity said seriously while doing the motions.

Sunset took another moment before speaking. “After making him eat marble wall, I was totally expecting Celestia to chastise me, but… she didn’t, in fact she seemed relieved that I did it.”

Rarity shook her head. “Relieved? Why would she feel that way?”

“I asked myself the same question. I tried asking her, but she completely dodged the question, so I asked if I should apologize and try friendship with him, and then…” Sunset paused. “Not a word to anypony.”

“I will promise again if I have to.”

“She told me, in the angriest voice I’ve ever heard from her or others including myself, and I quote; ‘Never apologize to the Blueblood’s. Never trust the Blueblood’s. They are not your friends, or any pony else’s.’”

Rarity’s eyes went wide, unsure if she heard her right. “But, aren’t they family?”

“He’s a very, very distant relative. About 52 times removed, which honestly makes me question if they are related at all. But I feel something happened a long time ago between Celestia and the Blueblood’s. But it’s pretty much a crown secret.”

Rarity was about to ask another question, but she was interrupted when a little filly entered the main door. “Oh, Sweetie Belle! Did you have fun with your friends?” she asked as her sister walked up to them.

“Yeah, we tried a lot of stuff today, but, uhm, who is she?” the filly asked pointing at Sunset.

“I’m Sunset Shimmer, nice to meet you.” She offered her hoof and Sweetie shook it, but didn’t respond, just looked at her in the yes, making the unicorn a little uncomfortable.

“Sweetie don’t forget your manners,” Rarity warned her, taking Sweetie Bell out of her thoughts.

“Sorry, it’s just a little bit of a shock meeting the fairy godmother in pony!” the filly exclaimed with enthusiasm.

‘I hope they don’t put that name in my tombstone,’ Sunset thought as she stood up. “Well, I would love to talk, but I think it’s already kind of late and I’m exhausted. We can continue tomorrow.”

Rarity nodded. “Very well, I will have some guidelines for your practice.”

“Thank you for everything,” Sunset said before quickly leaving the boutique, leaving two worried ponies behind.

I was already night when Sunset finally rested on her bed, but her thoughts kept her awake.
She was thinking about each day she had spent with Twilight’s friends, and how each of the elements had helped her in one way or another.
She had found Fun in Laughter. Truth in Honesty. Support in Loyalty. Forgiveness in Kindness. Inspiration in Generosity. Sisterhood in Magic. And Warmth in Spike.
Allowing herself to have fun and not fret over perfection. Being honest about her feelings with others. Asking for help in the one’s you can trust. Allowing others to forgive her so she could forgive herself. And using her care for others as a tool to be creative and give something back to them.
‘Could these lessons help me break that glass and form real friendships?’ she asked herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a scroll appeared in the air and fell on her nose.
She picked it up and opened it, noticing that it was from Celestia.

“Dear Sunset.

I’m sorry it took so long for me to respond, but I was finishing the last preparations for your return to your studies. I will go to Ponyville tomorrow so we can start right away, and we can talk about what Spike told you.
Of course, if you need more time with Twilight and her friends, we can postpone it a couple more days, but I would prefer if we could start as soon as possible.

PS: Cadence and Shining say hi to you and Twilight.”

“Well, I better get some sleep then.” Sunset put the scroll away, and then noticed a group of ponies watching her from the glass door to her balcony.
The intruders immediately tried to run away, but she casted a spell that made the glass in the door jump out of its frame and surround them like a box, trapping them with just a couple of small holes so they wouldn’t suffocate.
Sunset walked up to the intruders and lighted up her horn so she could see them. “What are you doing in my balcony?”

“Uhm… Cutie Mark Crusaders… window cleaners?”

Author's Notes:

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Sunset's morale has gone up!: +15

Current morale: 45/100

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Finally, we reached the last of the main six. I hope these little peaceful times aren't boring, and I will say the next couple of chapters will be interesting in a new way.

I will also say, if you haven't deduced it by now, that each chapter title is either something Sunset thinks or says during or at the end of the chapter. Keep it in mind for future chapters.

Have a nice existence.

I will be watching you.