Here's a fic I debated making for quite a while now. At some point during the final few chapters of the original, I became burned out as the flaws and my personal issues with the fic kept piling up and a part of me just wanted to start over in a different better way.

One change was turning it from a first person narrative from Marcus' point of view to third person from the girls' as well. This should help add extra layers and add more interesting character and story development.

Another issue was I didn't plan most of the original and that really hurt the fic, since I didn't bother trying to equal Marcus' development with the girls, as some spend much more time with him, leading to him getting in with some girls to be rushed. Fluttershy and Sci-Twi being the worst offenders, as I rushed it in short chapters with only a few moments before that of interactions. Here you should see more development from each girl perspective as their relationship grows.

Another thing as I am sure you noticed is that the story is rated M, meaning lemons are going to be in this main fic eventually when I get there. No, side stories for me to place all that there. Also as stated in this chapter Marcus and the girls are seniors and of age.

This will be a test chapter to see if you all like the idea and if this will be better than me deciding to just continue the original faults and all. Hope you enjoy.

Sunset let out a tired groan, as the blaring sound of her alarm clock rang out in her apartment. She quickly rubbed her eyes, before letting out a huge yawn, as she regained complete awareness around her. She then realized instead of lying vertically, she was horizontally on her bed and her blanket was currently on the floor below her.

“Did I pass out again?” She mumbled as she reached out and turned off her alarm, “Better hurry up if I am going to make it on time.”

She was never a morning person, or pony back when she still lived in Equestria. Thankfully, Celestia was kind enough to have her lessons be a little late in the morning, but here she didn’t have the luxury. She quickly rushed down from her bed, only to stumble a little onto the floor. She quickly got up with a light groan, before she quickly made her way into her bathroom.

After a quick two minute shower, she dared a glance at her bathroom mirror and smirked at her wet, yet still untidy hair. She quickly rubbed it back, making it presentable enough.

“No time for breakfast. If I leave now I might make it with enough time to see the girls,” She grumbled a little, as she quickly got dressed in her usual attire.

She then quickly left her apartment and went on her way to school as fast as she could. She panted heavily, as she reached the entrance, before with a sigh, made her way inside. The tenseness from having to rush in order to try and make it on time increased, as she felt the glares from her fellow peers. She gave them a nervous smile, as she waved awkwardly, only to stop with a frustrated and depressed sigh when the glares increased in intensity.

“Here comes Shimmer thinking she can play nice and we would forget everything!”

“Who does she think she is fooling?”

“Oh, how the mighty have fallen and good thing too!”

Sunset closed her eyes, as she rushed past her peers and tried to prevent tears from forming in them. The worst part was that she couldn’t blame them for feeling this way. She had been a terrible bully. Memories of her blackmailing, framing, and even insulting others filled her mind, as she ultimately broke down and could no longer resist crying a little. She found the courage to open them in order to wipe the tears and was relieved to see no peer around that could see her vulnerability. Ever since that night, she has tried so hard to make up for her past behavior, only for mostly everyone to stubbornly refuse to actually give her a second chance. Not that she again can blame them. While you can try to change and make up for your terrible behavior, it’s ultimately on those you hurt whether or not they give you a second chance. You aren’t and shouldn’t be entitled to forgiveness just because you learned to become a better person.

As Sunset continued walking throughout the hallway, she eventually stumbled upon her, and as of now she tends to use the word loosely, friends talking with one another. They all are wearing their usual attire and seem to be having a good time. She once again wiped her eyes to make sure she removed all of the tears and forced a smile on her face, before making her way towards them.

“I still can’t believe that we not only met and befriended an alicorn from another world, but we ended up helping her save the school from a demon,” Applejack spoke to the group, getting nods from the others.

Sunset instinctively flinched at the reminder of that night that was both terrible and wonderful for her. Terrible in how she reached a major low in trying to use the element of magic to form an army of demons and take over Equestria, yet wonderful as it finally gave her the wake up call she needed to try and become a better person.

“Yeah, it was so cool. We floated up in the air and made an awesome rainbow and… Sunset, what luck we were just talking about that night,” Pinkie responded, before greeting Sunset when she noticed her approaching.

The other girls faced Sunset with various expressions on their faces. Pinkie and Fluttershy gave her an excited and huge smile and a small and nervous one respectively. Rarity had a sheepish look on her face, but still greeted Sunset with an awkward wave. Both Applejack and Rainbow had tense looks on their faces, before they managed to look neutral.

“Good morning, Girls!” Sunset spoke up, trying to sound excited and friendly.

“Good morning, Sunny!” Pinkie greeted back, before embracing her in a tight hug, “Can you believe it has only been about a few weeks since you changed?”

“Yes, Pinkie! I know about that personally,” Sunset responded back as she resisted the urge to flinch.

“It just feels good that you became a better person, so I can befriend you and actually be friends with everyone in school!”

“Good morning, Sunset,” Fluttershy spoke softly as Pinkie let go of Sunset, “How have you been?”

“Wonderful,” She managed to force herself to answer, “I have been feeling a lot better,”

“That’s good,” Fluttershy began with a gentle smile that actually managed to make Sunset give a genuine smile back, before the timid girl lightly embraced her, “If you ever need to talk, I will always be there to listen.”

“Yes, thank you, Fluttershy,” Sunset responded genuinely as she returned the hug.

Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity simply stared in stunned silence as they watched the two gently hug each other. It was expected for Pinkie to embrace Sunset with open arms, despite everything she has done to them and the entire school, but the usually timid girl doing the same is still a massive shock, considering she was Sunset’s usual target when it came to bullying.

“So, what are you girls up to?” Sunset asked, once again forcing the smile on her face.

“We were just chilling before class, Sunny!” Pinkie answered with a grin, “I hope something exciting happens today!”

“Hopefully, not too exciting,” Rarity added with a scoff, “We don’t need something else on the same level as the fall formal.”

“I mean it was awesome using magic!” Rainbow pointed out.

“It was a wild and interesting time at any rate,” Applejack spoke up with a smile of her own, “Though, now we have to get back to being normal high school seniors.”

“I am going to miss Twilight though,” Pinkie piped up with a small frown, “I never got the chance to throw her a welcome to Canterlot high party, or even give her a cupcake!”

“Relax, Pinkie, darling. I am sure our new other-worldly friend will visit in the future,” Rarity assured her.

“I hope so! It will be great to have a new friend that is from another world!” Pinkie pouted.

“Uh… You still have me. I am from the same world as Twilight, remember?” Sunset spoke up sheepishly with a nervous and unsure smile.

Before Sunset or anyone could register a response from the party girl, or even blink, Pinkie’s mood turned a one-eighty and she quickly embraced Sunset in a tight hug, causing her tanned orange face to turn a pale purple and her to continuously gasp for air.

“Oh, my god! You are right! How could I possibly have forgotten about that little detail? Yay! Becoming friends with you, Sunny, is now even better,” Pinkie cheered with the happiest grin anyone has ever seen on her face, “Oh, I am going to change your welcome party to a more special welcome to Canterlot high from another world party!”

“Inkie kent breeh!” Sunset tried to speak out.

“Huh? Don’t be silly, Sunny. A unicorn turned human from another world only deserves the best after all. I won’t tolerate you being a party pooper about it!” Pinkie argued, “Twilight asked us to become your friends and show you how great friendship can be! That is what we are going to do!”

“Pinkie, I think Sunset is simply asking you to allow her to breathe,” Rarity interjected with a concerned look.

Pinkie blinked before taking a good look at Sunset and upon noticing her face slowly fading from purple to blue, quickly let go with a concerned and apologetic look. She wasn’t the only one as everyone else could only watch Sunset take deep breaths with concerned looks on their faces.

“Sunset, I am so sorry! I only wanted to show how happy I am to have a friend from another…”

“It’s…. Fine….Pinkie…” Sunset managed to say between her heavy breaths.

Suddenly, Sunset felt a soft hand gently patting her back and she didn’t have to look to know it was Fluttershy. After a few moments she finally managed to get her breathing under control.

“Are you feeling ok, Sunset?” Fluttershy asked, completely concerned.

Before Sunset could answer, the voice of Principal Celestia rang out and echoed throughout the hallway.

“Would Sunset Shimmer report to the principal’s office?”

This caused Pinkie and Fluttershy to gasp and give Sunset concerned looks, while Rarity had a confused look on her face. Rainbow and Applejack both had neutral uncaring looks on their faces, that seemed to be at least a bit forced.

“What did you do this time, Sunset?” Rainbow asked bitterly, causing the redhead to pale a little and nervously look down on the floor.

“Perhaps, it’s more punishment for her destruction of school property,” Applejack spoke up, sounding just as bitter.

“Whatever it is, I just hope it won’t cause our effort towards befriending you to go to waste,” Rarity added with a pleading tone, that made Sunset pale even more and even sighed.

“Sunset, please tell me it isn’t anything bad like you getting expelled,” Fluttershy pleaded, causing Sunset to flinch, “I know it has been rough, but you are making great progress and I would hate for it to end like this.”

Fluttershy’s words almost caused Sunset to break down and cry on the spot, but she managed to take a relaxing deep breath. Before she could respond and reveal what is likely the true reason she has been called to the front office, Pinkie added her own two cents.

“Yeah, you shouldn't be expelled when you are making great progress in being our new friend! We should go with you and tell Celestia that she isn’t expelling you without a fight! No way am I letting my new friend from another world get expelled without trying to prevent it!”

“Pinkie, I appreciate it, but…”

“You’re right, Pinkie!” Fluttershy spoke up, much to the shock of everyone else there, including Sunset, who couldn’t believe the usually timid girl interrupted her, “You already did your punishment and shouldn’t receive more. We should give her a piece of our minds and explain that you are doing well with your second chance!”

Sunset took a long and relaxing deep breath, as she fought with everything she had to prevent the tears that she could feel about to form from appearing. After everything she couldn’t believe the timid girl was defending her. With Pinkie it was a given due to her nature, but for Fluttershy it was unbelievably sweet. Sweet to the point that it made it even harder to hold back her tears.

“I…I-It….” Sunset tried to speak up.

“Oh, it’s no problem, Sunset,” Fluttershy began softly with an adorably sweet smile, “As friends it’s the least we can do for you.”

Sunset closed her eyes and turned away, before taking another deep breath, as she felt a tear or two formed. She quickly wiped her eyes and faced the group with another forced smile.

“N-No. N-No, it’s ok girls,” She managed to begin nervously with an awkward chuckle, “Believe it or not, I am actually not in trouble…”

Sunset paused as both Rainbow and Applejack scoffed loudly, causing the usually timid Fluttershy to give them a dirty look.

“To help show that I have turned over a new leaf, Principal Celestia offered me to help show any new students around.”

“That sounds amazing!” Pinkie chirped with a grin, “You get to be the first one to make new friends! Lucky! I hope I get to do that one day!”

“That does sound nice,” Fluttershy added with her own adorable grin, “It’s even better you don’t have to worry about getting into more trouble for your actions.”

Pinkie simply nodded in agreement while Rainbow and Applejack shook their heads in disappointment. Rarity and Sunset both had unsure looks on their faces, before they both tried to have a more neutral one.

“R-Right. Well, I better get going. I already made both Celestia and the new student wait long enough,” Sunset responded with a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of her head, before slowly going on her way.

Marcus took a relaxing breath as he slowly and nervously entered his new school. He quickly yawned as he began making his way through the hallway. He had finished a large cup of coffee on the way and the caffeine still hadn't taken effect. He quickly noticed everyone looking at him in brief shock.

“A new student?”

“Let’s hope he’s nothing like Shimmer!”

“I don’t know. He looks nice.”

“Yeah, and he’s quite handsome to be honest.”

“You got that right!”

Marcus found himself slightly blushing at the words his new peers were saying about him, especially the latter ones from a group of giggling girls. He took a relaxing breath and shrugged off his blush, before continuing on his way through the hallway. Eventually he reached what he assumed was the principal’s office and knocked on the door.

“Come in!”

He quickly entered the office, before taking another relaxing breath. It was always hard to start going to a new school and starting over, but this time it was much harder for him. Inside he spotted the Principal sitting at a large desk and typing on her computer. From what he could see she had pale pink skin and long pink, blue, and green hair.

“Hello, you must be Marcus,” She began as she glanced up from her computer, “I was just finishing up your schedule. Please have a seat.”

Marcus nodded and quickly took a seat in front of her. She was wearing a bright yellow dress uniform with a pendant of a bright sun. She also had the largest breasts he has ever seen in his life and he found himself slightly blushing for a brief moment, before he shook his head. The office was a small and cozy room with a painting of a bright sunny sky with only a few clouds. Her desk was cluttered with countless folders and sheets of papers.

“I’m principal Celestia and let me be the first to welcome you to Canterlot High.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Your father already called ahead to set everything up to make it more convenient for you. I won’t keep you here any longer.”

He simply nodded in response.

“Well, I won't keep you any longer. The school tour should be finished with plenty of time before the day officially starts.”

“School tour?”

“Yes, Ms. Shimmer will be happy to show you around and answer any question you have.”

“Ok?”

“Trust me it will be quick and you might find it even helpful,” Celestia assured him with a smile, before pressing a button on the desk, “Would Sunset Shimmer report to the principal’s office? She should be here in a few moments. Go ahead and wait outside for her.”

“Ok,” He simply responded, before leaving his seat and leaving the office.

Sunset found herself heavily panting as she neared the office and despite that, she wasn’t slowing down as she wanted to get to and meet the new student for a couple reasons. One being since having to explain what was going on took some time, she wanted to rush in order to try and prevent him from waiting long and the other is she desperately wants to possibly befriend someone who didn’t have to deal and put up with the old her. In the distance she spotted someone she swore she hadn’t seen before in front of Celestia’s office. She stopped and took a few deep breaths to get her energy back, before slowly making her way over to him. When she got close enough, she found herself lightly blushing at how handsome he looked.

“Hi, are you the new student I will be showing around today?” She asked as she sheepishly rubbed her hair with a nervous smile on her face.

“Yes, my name is Marcus.”

“That’s kind of a strange name,” She responded simply without thinking, before she quickly covered her mouth.

“I suppose to you it would be,” He shrugged, “Still a little rude to point it out, don’t you think? I mean I personally find your name a little weird, but I wasn't going to bring it up, especially since alliterative names tend to have a nice ring to them.

Sunset froze and paled in guilt and disappointment as she pondered what to do. She had one goal. To make an ideal first impression and befriend the new student. It was simple and should have been easy, but she had to open her big mouth without any tact.

“Are you ok? You…”

“I’m Sorry!” She cried out desperately as she closed her eyes in case tears started to form, “I… I just spoke without thinking and didn’t mean to be rude. I swear I will do anything to make up for it! I shouldn’t have said it and it was a huge mist….”

Sunset was interrupted when she felt an assuring hand on her shoulder. She sniffed and dared to open her eyes, since no tears had formed in them, to find him looking at her with concern in his beautiful emerald green eyes. She once again lightly blushed as she got lost in them.

“Hey, relax. It’s not that big of a deal, ok. You just made a simple mistake. One that I don’t care too much about. Sorry about making it seem like I did,” He assured her with a gentle smile.

Sunset’s blush deepened and she felt a fluttering feeling in her chest as she continued to gaze at him. At this handsome boy in front of her. The more she looked at him the more she liked what she saw. He towered over her and most impressively he had muscles that could rival, if not surpass Applejack’s, that were showing from his short sleeve shirt. Speaking of his attire, even Rarity would gape at the well worn short sleeve shirt and jeans combo, showing off his handsome body. Sunset took a relaxing deep breath and managed to force a smile.

“Right,” She simply began nervously, while sheepishly rubbing the back of her head, “I… I just want this to go well, you know?”

“It still can,” He responded with a gentle smile, earning an awkward chuckle from her, “How about we start over? My name is Marcus.”

“I’m Sunset Shimmer and it’s nice to meet you,” She responded, before taking another relaxing breath, “Now without a further do, let’s get started on the tour and hopefully finish before school starts.”

“Sounds good to me. Lead the way.”

The school tour was about what you would expect. Simply showing him around and where the important places are. The only thing worth noting to Marcus was how his guide acted before the tour. Who would have thought she would overreact to a simple mistake? Another thing to note is that her smile seemed to be fake, as if she was forcing it in order to act extra friendly. He couldn’t help but wonder why she reacted in that way. Must be something personal and none of his business, especially since he just met her this morning.

Classes seemed to be like in any other school and he did receive attention as the new student. He introduced himself to each class and answered a few questions and interestingly enough in each class so far there was at least one giggling girl asking if he was single, who would only giggle more sweetly when he answered in the affirmative.

He entered the cafeteria, more than ready to chill and fill his stomach for about half an hour before his final round of classes for the day. As expected, since it’s his first day, things were easier in order for him to get more adjusted to everything. The room was filled with countless students chatting and eating with their friends. As expected some eyes were on him as he looked around for an empty table to sit at.

“What was the new student like, Sunny?” Pinkie blurted out, before Sunset could even sit down between her and Fluttershy, “Huh? Are they nice? Do they like parties and sweets? Oh, what am I saying? Of course they do! Who doesn’t?!”

“Settle down, Pinkie,” Applejack sighed as she placed her sandwich down on the table, “I am sure they are nice and hopefully won’t end up being a major bully for years,” She added somewhat bitterly.

“Well, they shouldn’t be able to turn into a raging demon and try to recruit teenage soldiers to try and take over another world,” Rainbow added even more bitterly as she rather roughly set her fork down on her plate.

“Well, I think we shouldn’t be too quick to judge,” Rarity managed to speak up, “Twilight has taught us to work things out as friends and to give second chances, after all. Something we should have learned sooner or even shouldn’t have had to learn at all as close friends. However, they also have to work hard to make up for their terrible behavior.”

Sunset could only look down in guilt after hearing the three girls’ words and sighed sadly. She closed her eyes and tried to resist crying. As if sensing her despair, Sunset could feel a soft hand gently rubbing her back in assurance.

“It’s ok, Sunny,” Fluttershy whispered softly in her ear, “Just give them time. You still have mine and Pinkie’s support.”

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Sunset whispered back with a small but genuine smile.

Sunset then managed to get herself under control and began unpacking her lunch. Right when she unwrapped her sandwich from her plastic wrap, she noticed the cafeteria door open and in came Marcus.

“Oh! Is that him, Sunny?!” Pinkie asked excitedly while practically bouncing in her seat.

“Yes, Pinkie.”

“Oh, it must be lonely to have no one to sit with,” Pinkie realized with a small frown, “I know let’s invite him to sit with us!”

“Oh?... Sure, since I met him it would be nice to get to know him more,” Sunset responded sheepishly.

“Yippie! That’s the spirit, Sunny!” Pinkie beamed with an excited grin as she hopped up from her seat and began hopping in place.

“I have no issues with it. From what I can see he looks like a decent gentleman,” Rarity answered as she glanced at him looking around.

“Sure, why not?” Rainbow shrugged.

“It would be nice to get to properly know him and see what he is truly like,” Applejack added as she took a bite from her sandwich.

“I have no problem with it, since you all don’t,” Fluttershy finally softly piped up.

“Great!” Pinkie began, before she rushed off while adding, “Let me get him and we can all meet our new friend!”

The other girls sighed and simply gave each other a knowing look.

“I don’t envy the poor fella for what he is about to go through,” Applejack piped up while continuing to eat her sandwich.

“Yeah, I still remember the first time I met Pinkie,” Rainbow added with a flinch as she played with her plate of spaghetti.

“Yeah, one reason Pinkie was one of my first victims, or at least I tried to anyway,” Sunset mumbled as she tried to forget about her first experiences with the party girl.

Meanwhile, before Marcus could find an empty table, he was out of the blue met with an unstoppable force. An excited sugar rushed force of pure friendship in the form of a pink teenage girl.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie, your new friend here to welcome you to Canterlot High! It’s great to finally meet you! I am still annoyed and jealous Sunny got to meet you before me but better late than never!” Pinkie began as she ignored him, staring at her in minor confusion, since she had an infinite amount of questions to ask him, “What’s your name? Do you like cake? What about ice cream? Cookies? Do you like parties? Oh, I almost forgot! My friends and I were wondering if you wanted to sit with us. It must be so lonely with no one to sit with! Come with me and you can answer my and my friends’ questions.”

By the time Pinkie finally stopped her introduction for the time being, she finally noticed and got a good look at her new friend. She found herself lightly blushing at her handsome new friend and now was hoping more than ever he likes sweets and parties.

Marcus took a quick breath after the surprise appearance of this adorable and excited girl that seemed to be on a constant and endless sugar rush.

“Pinkie, right?”

“Yep, and I am your new friend!” She responded back excitedly.

“Like you said before,” He quipped, earning an adorable giggle, “You said you were offering me to sit with you and your friends, right?”

“Uh huh,” Pinkie nodded with a cheerful grin that could potentially give one diabetes, if they aren’t careful, “My friends and I want to meet you, especially since you already met Sunny.”

“You’re friends with Sunset then?”

“Yep! Though, it took a while, since she was the biggest meanie pants I ever met but enough about that. Let’s go meet with the others.”

“Ok, lead the way.”

The two quickly made their way back to the table. Pinkie happily returned back to her seat while Marcus somewhat nervously took the only free seat that happened to be between Sunset and Fluttershy.

“Uh… Hi, nice to see you again,” Sunset began sheepishly while nervously rubbing the back of her head, “It’s also great for you to meet my friends.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy both smiled cheerfully and shyly respectively while Rarity had a hesitant look that quickly turned into a more neutral one. Rainbow and Applejack glared and shook their heads.

“Same here and it’s great to meet your friends,” He managed to say just as sheepishly.

“Since you already met Pinkie, who is one of a kind, let me be the second one to introduce myself. I’m Rarity and it’s great to meet a new student,” Rarity began with a charming smile that quickly turned into a more flirty one, “Especially, a handsome young gentleman like yourself,” She added with a wink.

Marcus blushed hotly and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as she continued to gaze at him. She found herself absentmindedly licking her lips as she continued to look at this handsome stud, wearing a wonderful outfit that completely suited him. A wonderful black and green short sleeve shirt that matched well with his short black hair and wonderful emerald green eyes, which even showed his impressive muscles. While the fashionista tends to have a low view of the typical muscle jock jerk, she always appreciates a gentleman that does a great job of taking care of their body.

“N-Nice to meet you too,” He managed to respond nervously.

“No, the pleasure is all mine darling,” She insisted with another wink, “Like I said it’s always great to meet a handsome gentleman like you seem to be and I for one can’t wait to get to know you better.”

“Right…”

Sunset and Pinkie felt an urge of jealousy and anger at Rarity flirting with him and both in confusion managed to ignore that feeling. They just met him after all, so why would they be feeling that way, and besides Rarity has always been flirty with boys she finds cute.

“Anyway, my name is Rainbow Dash and I am captain of every sports team here,” Rainbow spoke up, after a few moments of silence.

She managed to shake off and resisted lightly blushing at this handsome stud in front of her. She did glance in interest at his impressive physique. No wonder Rarity is already flirting with him and Rainbow can’t blame her. Hell, if she didn’t have a reputation and was into that kind of thing she would do the same. He seems like exactly what she needs to make at least one of her sport teams even better.

“Really? How do you find the time for all that?”

“Please, I am the best at sports and competition to the point that it’s practically my life,” She bragged with a cocky smile, “You look like you might be good enough to make our team even more awesome, since even I can’t do everything.”

“Yeah, I play a few sports.”

“Cool, I will be sure to put you through the winger to see how great you are,” She told him with a smile as she imagined them competing during training.

She found herself getting pumped at the thought of that and couldn’t wait to see how great he is against her. She of course will win and train him hard to make him even better and second best, since it’s impossible to be as awesome as her after all.

“Howdy, my name is Applejack and to be honest we were kind of worried about what you were like,” Applejack piped up.

“What do you mean?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Let’s just say not every new student in the past has been kind to us,” She answered honestly, yet simply.

Sunset released the breath she didn’t even know she was holding and was grateful the honest cowgirl decided to be vague to spare the little detail she didn’t want him to know yet, until she formed a friendship with him and have a greater chance of him being willing to stay as friends, after seeing how much she has changed.

“Ok.”

“Anyway, it’s nice to meet you and even more seeing that you seem to be genuinely nice. I hope this isn’t an act.”

Applejack like Rainbow and of course Rarity couldn’t help but gaze at his impressive physique and the cowgirl couldn’t help but wonder who is the stronger between the two of them. She lightly blushed as she imagined different competitions of strengths against him. She has always liked strong guys and to meet a seemingly handsome nice one was certainly a god send. She desperately hopes that his nice act is truly not an act.

“Same here and I assure you it’s not,” He assured her, getting a nod from the cowgirl.

Realizing that there was only one girl that hadn’t introduced herself, he turned to the last girl of the group.

“O-Oh, my name…. My name is Fluttershy,” She managed to find the courage to say after a few moments as she desperately tried to hide behind her long hair.

Sunset quickly gave her comforting and assuring pats on her back. After taking a deep breath, she managed to repeat herself in a more audible tone.

“My name is Fluttershy and…. Nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” He said softly, getting a nod.

“Sorry about that, but Flutters has always been the shy one of the group,” Sunset explained as she wrapped an arm around her in a comforting hug that Fluttershy returned with a gentle and content smile, before she nodded in agreement.

“She has always been like this since we first met in preschool,” Rainbow added with a smile, “Just give her time and be gentle, then she will warm up to you, especially if you have any pets or animals.”

“Animals?” He questioned, “You love animals?”

Fluttershy only nodded with a smile as Sunset continued patting her back. He quickly pulled out his phone and found a picture of an adorable large brown boxer. Fluttershy’s eyes widened and she squealed happily at the image of the dog relaxing on the couch.

“Oh, my! That’s an adorable dog!”

“That’s my precious little Sissy,” He answered with a smile, “Maybe one day you can meet her, once I get settled in and we become better friends.”

Fluttershy could only nod eagerly with a smile on her face. Seeing that he has finished being introduced to these girls and managed to end up in a group of friends that he could get to know more in the future, he quickly unpacked his lunch and began eating. He watched each of them chat with one another while eating their own lunch. He found himself slightly blushing as he continued to gaze at each girl periodically. They all looked cute and each one had their own charm. He found himself looking forward to getting to know these girls more in the future.

Here we are with another chapter fairly quickly. Thank you for the support on the first chapter. I am glad I decided to just do this remaster and found myself looking forward to expanding and improving from the original version.

Hope you enjoy and have a great day

Marcus took a relaxing breath as he entered the school cafeteria and received smiles and nods from his fellow peers. He sheepishly smiled and waved back, before he began to make his way to his usual table, only for his vision to turn pink as he felt something soft and poofy lightly rubbing against his face. Like how thunder always comes after lightning, Pinkie’s excited greeting came not that long after her surprise appearance.

“Hello, Marky!”

“Pinkie, must you always greet me like this?” He asked as he felt a chunk of her hair lightly rubbing against his nose.

“Of course! I missed you and unlike what happened with Sunny, I am not letting the chance to give my new friend some affection pass me by!” She began cheerfully and forcibly with a giggle.

“You greeted me this morning and may I still point out that we just met three days ago.”

“So? I always like to greet my friends at any opportunity,” Pinkie argued innocently in a cheerful tone, “Though, I admit I have taken more of a liking to you than I do for most.”

What? Before he could question her and ask what she meant by that he suddenly sneezed.

“Oh, bless you, Marky!” She began with another giggle, “Now, let’s go meet with the others!”

One of the most surprising things for Marcus after joining Canterlot High was how friendly and welcoming everyone seemed to be. Most of all is the excited girl who seems to lack the concept of personal space, though even more surprising is how Marcus doesn’t mind the acts of affection from the adorable and cheerful girl in front of him. In fact he actually really likes it.

“Ok,” He responded simply, before managing to separate from her.

Pinkie managed to resist the urge to pout and followed him to their table. The others were chilling and eating their lunch. Rainbow and Applejack were joking around and teasing one another. Rarity was sharing the latest gossip with Fluttershy, who shyly nodded to whatever she said. However, Sunset was eating her lunch with a smile that seemed completely forced.

“Hello girls. I brought our new friend here!” Pinkie greeted as she hopped back into her usual seat between Sunset and Fluttershy.

Marcus took a seat at his usual spot and quickly placed his lunch onto the table. He could barely hear Fluttershy mutter agreements to Rarity’s statements.

“Yeah, as you usually do, Pinkie,” Rainbow quipped.

“What are you girls up to?” He asked as he unwrapped his sandwich.

“Just explaining to Applejack how better I am than her at most things,” Rainbow responded with a cocky smile.

“Last I checked, Rainbow, you couldn’t beat me or Applebloom at armwrestling, nor could you during our drinking competition with our family’s special apple cider.”

“I was just having an off day those times,” Rainbow pouted bitterly and surprisingly cutely.

“So, interested in a rematch?” Applejack teased with a smirk.

Rainbow could only groan bitterly in defeat.

“Sorry about her, Marcus,” Applejack began with a chuckle, “She talks a big game, but always folds like a stack of cards when she meets her match and I am happy to say I am one of a few that can cause her to, especially when it comes to games of strength.”

“Good for you,” He responded, before taking a bite of his sandwich.

“Speaking of strength, you look like you keep in shape quite well yourself,” She began as she glanced at his noticeable muscular arms, ”My family are looking for some hired help and you look like you can handle it.”

“I have been thinking about getting a job once I finish getting settled in,” He admitted with a smile, “I will be sure to think about it.”

“Well, at any rate I should show you around at our family shop. We have the best apple products in town and do have a bit of a promotion going around.”

“Promotion?”

There’s a reason Rainbow tried to beat me and my sister at armwrestling and outdrinking us,” Applejack began with a smile and shot Rainbow a cocky look that made the rainbow haired girl groan in defeat once again, “Anyone who can beat an Apple at either gets free apple products for a year.”

“Her cider is so good and sweet but getting it for free will only make it sweeter,” Rainbow grumbled bitterly.

“That’s interesting. I will keep that in mind.”

“Well, aside from the few times I ever lose,” Rainbow began bitterly, ignoring the cocky look on Applejack’s face, “The next sports season starts soon, so let me know.” She added, getting a nod in response.

“Good afternoon, Marcus, darling,” Rarity began with a flirty smile and wink, making him lightly blush, “I trust you have been settling in well and have been enjoying your first week here.”

“Yes, you girls have been nice and welcoming,” He responded nervously while sheepishly rubbing his head.

Perhaps, a little too nice and welcoming, but he certainly wasn’t complaining too much. This seems like a nice place for a fresh start. Perhaps, he could make some friends and live well and comfortably here.

“Speaking of that, I was wondering if you wanted to finally hang out after school, Marky?” Pinkie asked with a beaming and begging look on her face.

“I… I’d like to, but….”

“Yippie!” Pinkie interrupted with a cheer, “We get to start and enjoy the weekend with our new friend. Oh, what should we do? We could…”

“Pinkie.”

“How about we show you around town?”

“Pinkie.”

“No, how about I take you to Sugarcube Corner, where I work?”

“Pinkie!”

“No…. I know….”

“Pinkie! I would like to, but I still have to finish unpacking and….”

“Oh, no worries, Marky, we will help you with that,” Pinkie interrupted again with a smile.

“You will?”

“Yep, we are more than happy to begin the weekend by helping out then we can get right to something more fun, right guys?” Pinkie responded, getting nods from the others.

“Yep!” Rainbow simply agreed.

“With all seven of us it shouldn’t take that long,” Applejack added.

“Like Pinkie said it’s no trouble and we are happy to help, darling,” Rarity assured him with another wink.

Fluttershy simply nodded in agreement.

“Sure, we are more than happy to help you out,” Sunset agreed with another forced smile.

Despite not buying the smile, Marcus nodded and forced a smile of his own.

“Right. Thank you girls. I guess wait for me after school and I will lead you all there.” He told them, getting nods in agreement.

Marcus took a relaxing breath as he felt the cool fall air on his skin and he briefly ignored the awed looks of the girls as they glanced at his home. They were completely surprised when he led them to the more wealthy area of the town and that he lived in a nice manor with enough room for a large family to live comfortably. He quickly found and used his front door key to open it.

“Come on in girls, before a few flies decide to invade your mouths,” He quipped, before entering.

The girls blinked and gave each other a look, before they slowly made their way inside. They found themselves in a large living room that only had a few furniture. There was a large couch at one end of the room facing a large flat screen television on the opposing wall. Between them was a large table with a large candle and a few coasters. A good half of the living room, however, was filled with a bunch of boxes. The girls shared another surprised look as he effortlessly stacked a couple large boxes in his arms and walked closer to the them.

“Well, are you going to ask the question that is on all of your minds, or….”

“You live here?” Rainbow blurted out in shock.

“Yes, my father owns his own mining company and thought it would be great for me to live out here alone to make some friends.” He simply answered, “Now, I guess you girls each grab a box and we open its contents together, then I will guide you to where it all should go.”

The girls nodded and they each got to work. Applejack and Rainbow did most of the work, though Rainbow tried to turn it into a competition by trying to outdo Applejack, only for Marcus to have to intervene and prevent her from dropping and potentially breaking anything. Rarity and Fluttershy being weaker helped with the smaller boxes, though they didn’t mess up with anything. Pinkie being her, tried to rush it in order to get done asap and get straight to the fun, ended up moving things to where they don’t belong. Sunset tried her hardest to stop it, but since it was again Pinkie it was futile.

“Well, despite someone almost dropping one of the largest boxes, though luckily it only contained all the plastic dishes,” Marcus began, getting an annoyed groan from Rainbow as the others chuckled, “Not to mention someone deciding to rush and not wait for me to decide where some of it should go,” He added, getting a sheepish giggle from Pinkie as the others shook their heads, “You girls were a great help.”

“Glad to help, Marky!” Pinkie responded with a cheerful smile and giggle, “Now, we can have fun and get to know you more.”

“Now that everything is unpacked, I guess I can give you a proper tour and show you around,” He suggested, getting nods of agreement.

Marcus led the girls upstairs and into one of the first rooms on the right. Sunset’s eyes widened and practically shot out of her skull. She and the others had entered a large room filled with various classic arcade cabinets in one half, with another large flat screen television on the wall of the other half of the room. Underneath the television was a large table with countless different gaming consoles from over the decades and besides it was a large and expensive looking gaming PC. Everywhere else were large shelves filled with countless games. Drool began to form and fall from underneath Sunset’s mouth as she continued to gaze at the room in awe.

“I take it you like the room?” He quipped with a chuckle.

Sunset could only nod sheepishly while blushing hotly as he chuckled once again at how adorable she looked. Her blush deepened as the others joined in, before she awkwardly began chuckling herself.

“I guess we have time to play a quick round or two before moving on, if you want?” He offered.

“Yes!” She squealed in excitement with a cheerful grin, causing his heart to melt at the sight of her giving a more genuine smile for once, “I… I mean sure, I don’t mind,” She added sheepishly, before taking a relaxing breath.

He nodded, before he quickly looked through his collection of fighting games and picked one he thought would be best for now. He then placed it in the console and grabbed a couple wireless controllers.

“I should warn you that I have never lost against someone at this,” Sunset told him, managing to sound more confident as she took the controller.

“Yeah, she always beats Applejack and I during sleepovers,” Rainbow added bitterly

“Really? Well, I am undefeated at this game myself, so that should make this more interesting,” he responded, before quickly setting up the match.

Sunset only gave him a cocky look in response. Not long after she first arrived to this world, she discovered her love of gaming and like with many things was naturally great at them. At the earliest opportunity, she snuck back to Equestria and got a bunch of valuable gems, which apparently is more rare here and managed to get a nice apartment. She then filled it with a nice collection of gaming computers and consoles with a sizable collection of games. She even started doing streams to earn extra money on the side and quickly became known as the gaming queen, where she ruthlessly showed her dominance at gaming. She still does it, though now has a much softer approach to it. Thankfully, most of her audience is from across the world, so they are unaware of her terrible past and she doesn’t have to deal with too much hate because of that fact. At any rate, she has never lost so far and she isn’t starting now. She mentally giggled as she waited for the match to start. This shouldn’t take too long and hopefully that means more matches for her to win…

“Ten seconds?” Rainbow questioned with her jaw dropping to the floor and she wasn’t the only one.

The others could only glance from the results screen and back to each other rapidly in pure shock.

“Ten seconds for Sunset to lose,” Applejack managed to finish, once she and the others managed to snap out of it, “I… I never thought she actually could lose, but to suddenly and without warning see her lose so quickly and effortlessly was surreal.”

The others could only nod in agreement.

Meanwhile, Sunset was frozen in pure shock, disbelief, and even anger as she could only focus on the result screen. How could it happen? She was undefeated and a natural, yet somehow he managed to effortlessly and quickly beat her!

“That was a good match,” He began with a smile, snapping Sunset out of it, “Want to do another?”

“Yes! Best two out of three! I wasn’t completely ready!” She quickly blurted out in annoyance and determination.

He simply nodded with a grin and pressed the rematch button. Sunset took a relaxing breath and narrowed her eyes, more than ready not to be taken off guard this time. She was cocky and underestimated him. That led to her downfall and she won’t repeat that mistake this time.

When the round began, she was quick and extra careful. She managed to dodge and avoid most of his hits, though he did the same to her own onslaught. As the round continued and dragged on and on, he managed to land more hits than her which caused her to quickly become more annoyed.

“What?! I had you! How did you manage to avoid damage when I hit you?!” She complained bitterly, after he managed to block a devastating final hit from her combo.

“Experienced players learn and manage to master the timing of the invincibility frames to avoid the most damaging of hits from combos,” He explained calmly with a smile, “Natural talent, while great generally speaking, can only take you so far and to be the best you have to practice each game and master their tricks.”

Sunset could only groan bitterly in response and take a relaxing deep breath, before she nodded when realizing the merits of his advice. This opened her up for him to perform the same brutal combo as payback and unlike him couldn’t evade or block it in time, leading to her defeat.

“It also helps not to get distracted,” He quipped with a chuckle.

No one chuckled with him as the girls could only once again view the results scream with stunned looks on their faces.

“Tough crowd,” He grumbled playfully, before shrugging.

Sunset once again found herself staring at the results screen completely stunned. She had lost and it wasn’t a fluke, or her underestimating him. She had lost against someone fair and square. Against someone more skilled than her. Against a handsome and nice boy. Wait, what? She shook her head to clear her mind. Not only is he handsome and nice, but he is skilled and into gaming like her. Oh, she could learn a lot more from him and become even better. Now, she really wants to befriend him even more and perhaps even something more if the cards play right.

“Are you ok, Sunset?” He asked with concern, snapping her out of it.

“O-Oh, yeah,” She began nervously as she could feel her warm cheeks, before she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, “That was a great and fun match. I can’t wait to play more with you.”

“Glad to hear it,” He responded back with a smile, “Now, shall we move on with the tour?”

Sunset only nodded as she managed to regain her composure while he quickly put everything away. By that point the others had gotten over their shock as well and they left the room.

Marcus then led them to another room on the opposite side of the floor. Once inside both Rainbow’s and Applejack’s eyes widened and excited smiles formed on their faces. He had led them into a workout room filled with different ways of staying fit. There were a few treadmills in one corner and a collection of different dumbbells and weights in the other. In the center was a large fridge stocked with plenty of bottles of ice cold water.

“Yes, I figured you two would like this room,” He quipped with a chuckle.

“Wow, I knew you kept in shape muscle wise but not doing cardio too,” Rainbow responded as she glanced at the treadmills.

“Of course. I tend to be more well rounded when I keep in shape.”

“Oh, now I really can’t wait to put you through the winger during our training,” Rainbow began with a challenging smirk, “Though, I want to see how strong you really are.”

“I guess we have time for a quick match,” He responded with a smile, “What do you have in mind?”

“Simple,” She began, before walking to a small table and placing an arm on it, “One quick round of armwrestling.”

“Really, Rainbow?” Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Shouldn’t you pick something you are actually good at like a competition of speed?”

“Oh, shut up! I will have you know I am pretty strong,” She shot back, “Besides, I want to save that for later and give him more of a chance before I dominate him.”

“Sure, one quick round can’t hurt,” He responded, before joining her at the table and wrapping his larger hand around hers.

“Awesome. On the count of three and no holding back. I can handle it,” She told him with a cocky grin, “One. Two. Three.”

To everyone’s amusement and Rainbow’s shock and annoyance her hand was almost instantly pinned to the table.

“You were right. It was a quick match,” He quipped with a chuckle.

“One more. I wasn’t ready!” She pouted cutely with a groan.

“Sure, since it was so quick,” He teased with a smirk and another chuckle.

Everyone else joined in, causing her to pout even more, before she managed to turn it into a look of pure determination. She narrowed her eyes as they put their hands back together.

“One. Two. Three.” She called out while giving it all she had.

The two ended up in a stalemate, but strangely while Rainbow was clearly straining and even sweating while giving it her all, he was completely unaffected and didn’t seem to be trying one iota.

“I got you now!” She called out as she wiped sweat from her forehead, “See how strong I am and how outmatched you will be during our training sessions?”

“I think it’s time to actually try,” He simply responded.

“What?” Rainbow could only ask, completely confused, before her hand was slowly pushed onto the table, “No! Come on!”

Despite her best efforts, Rainbow couldn’t stop her hand from eventually touching the table. She groaned and grunted in pure defeat with a light blush on her face. She had lost not once but twice and the worst part was she couldn’t use her usual excuse, since she actually gave it her all to no avail. Oh, now she really wants to start training this handsome stud in front of her. If he is this strong, then with her guidance CHS will be unbeatable. Wait, handsome stud?

“Well, that was fun, Rainbow,” He teased with a grin.

“Yeah, yeah. Just know this is something I am only pretty good at,” She responded hotly, “I will show you when we try something I am better at.”

“Thanks for an entertaining show, Rainbow,” Applejack cackled with a grin, “It’s nice to see someone else beating you effortlessly at armwrestling.”

“Oh, shut up!” Rainbow shouted bitterly, before taking a relaxing breath, “If you think you are so great, Applejack, why don’t you give it a try?”

Applejack grunted and was hesitant.

“I don’t mind and since those matches were quick, I can do one more before we move on,” He told them with a smile.

Applejack sheepishly smiled back and nodded, before she and Rainbow switched spots. She then unrolled her sleeves, revealing her muscular arms in their full glory and even did a few flexes. Marcus found himself staring at them in awe and looked even more forward to their match.

“I won’t lie and say I haven’t been curious, or looking forward to testing my strength against yours. Fair warning, though, the ones who have beaten me at this can be counted on one hand,” She bragged with a cocky smile, “And we Apples do this all the time.”

“You’re only making me more excited and you better live up to the hype, unlike Rainbow.”

“Hey!” Rainbow complained hotly with an embarrassed blush on her face.

The others only chuckled as Applejack placed her arm onto the table and connected her hand with his.

“Alright, on the count of three,” Applejack began as she used her other hand to remove her red scrunchie, “One. Two. Three.”

Like during his match against Rainbow, the two were in a stalemate, but unlike said match the two seemed to be treating it equally as casually. Applejack lightly grunted as she used her free hand to quickly stroke her hair, before slowly managing to get a chunk of it in her scrunchy. Right before she could finish setting it in place, he managed to move her hand closer to the table. She grunted slightly more loudly than before while quickly setting her hair in a long ponytail, instead of her usual short one.

“Impressive,” She began with a chuckle, “I see that unlike with most matches, I shouldn’t be too casual and actually focus completely on it,” She then narrowed her eyes in pure determination, “But for your information I have been holding back!”

After applying more pressure, she not only managed to return their hands back to the starting position but moved his hand a little bit closer to the table. However, much to her shock, it suddenly felt like she was pushing hard against a brick wall.

“You aren’t the only one,” He responded with his own chuckle, “Oh, and by the way a longer ponytail suits you much better than your short one.” He added with a charming smile.

“Oh, thank you,” She responded while blushing lightly.

She grunted and sweat even formed on her face as she tried to apply more pressure to no avail. His hand refused to budge one iota and her blush deepened a little. The only other person that gave her this much trouble was Big Mac. She never thought she would meet anyone else that would, especially not a handsome guy around her age. She was hoping he would be able to compete with her, but seeing that he is stronger than her is a dream come true. Which is why when her hand ended up being slowly moved to the table, she only smiled in both defeat and acceptance.

“That was a good match,” He began with a smile, “Unlike Rainbow you actually managed to live up to the hype,” He added with another chuckle.

“Hey!” Rainbow snapped bitterly as the others chuckled as well.

“Thank you, I enjoyed it too… sugarcube,” She responded with a sheepish smile and giggle, “Like I said you should come visit my family business soon, especially since you just won free cider for a year.”

“Sounds great. I will keep that in mind and maybe your job offer.”

“Great, we will work that out later and I look forward to working with you, sugarcube,” She told him with a bigger smile and even gave him a wink.

“Well, I guess we can move on to the next location,” He told the group, before making his way out of the room.

While the others quickly left, Rainbow with a grin walked right up to Applejack.

“Not that easy, huh? Did you enjoy getting easily dominated?” Rainbow teased with a chuckle.

Much to Rainbow’s surprise, Applejack nodded with her own grin.

“Yes, Rainbow, I did. Unlike you my ego isn’t as weak as paper and I actually enjoy losing to people fair and square,” She responded, before making her way out, “In fact I always had a thing for strong guys and it’s great to finally meet a handsome guy that is much stronger than me.” She mumbled to herself with a quiet giggle.

The next room he led the girls into was a large room filled with plenty of easels and tables filled with different art supplies, including paint, markers, colored pencils, and plenty of paper. The girls found themselves staring in awe at the impressive drawings on the easels and eagerly looked around.

“Marcus, darling, are these your paintings?” Rarity finally asked the question that was on the rest of the girls’ minds.

“Yeah, this is a small hobby of mine,” He answered sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head, “Sorry if they aren’t any good and….”

“Good? Darling, these have to be the best paintings I have ever seen,” Rarity interrupted with a smile, “The colors and the designs of the wedding outfits of this bride and groom is much better than any clothing design I could come up with.

“Yeah, this painting of a few race cars in action is beyond cool and awesome,” Rainbow agreed.

“This painting of these little bunnies out on a nice grassy field is really adorable,” Fluttershy gushed with a giggle.

“Anyone that can’t paint a nice bowl of fruit is worthy of my praise, sugarcube,” Applejack complimented with a smile and wink.

“Oh, this lovely void of rainbow colored shapes and lines really calls out to me,” Pinkie added with a cheerful grin.

“As someone who recently got hooked on art, I have to say you have wonderful natural talent,” Sunset added with a smile.

“Oh, thank you girls,” He responded nervously with a sheepish smile and blush, “I guess we can finish the tour.”

The rest of the tour was not as impactful and soon enough he showed the girls the last room. Fluttershy’s eyes widened and she let out an excited giggle, when a certain female dog raised her head at them entering the room. This room was a personal room for Sissy and in the center was a large play area filled with countless different toys and a large doggy bed. In one corner were two large bowls for food and water.

“As you can see, this is her room.”

Fluttershy quickly rushed towards her and began gently petting her on the head.

“Aren’t you an adorable girl? Yes, you are!” Fluttershy gushed as Sissy closed her eyes and melted from the simple act of affection.

Marcus walked to her bowls and lightly frowned when he saw they were close to empty.

“Right, I have been so busy showing you girls around that it slipped my mind to refill her bowls.”

“Oh, may I help!” Fluttershy asked… no begged with adorable puppy dog eyes, “It’s the least I can do to make up for making her have to wait.”

Marcus practically melted from the adorable pleading look and tone of the timid animal lover that he could only nod.

“Sure, though, don’t think you are at fault.”

Fluttershy nodded back with an adorable and excited smile.

“Speaking of food, I guess I better get started on dinner after we take care of her needs.”

After all that, they noticed it was getting a little late and the girls decided they better get home.

“Well, Marky, it was fun seeing your awesome house and getting to know you more,” Pinkie began with a cheerful grin, before embracing him, “I know we are going to be the best of friends!”

“Oh, thank you,” Was all he could say sheepishly.

“Well, dude, you made me have even more expectations for you during our future training and you better live up to the hype,” Rainbow told him with a teasing grin.

“Well, one of us should,” He quipped back.

“Yeah, well….” She stuttered with a light blush, before groaning in defeat as he and the others chuckled at her expense.

“Remember you are always welcome to work on our farm and to enjoy your free cider at our business. I will be sure to let my family know you won our little promotion, sugarcube,” Applejack spoke up with a smile and wink, “Don’t be a stranger now.”

“It was nice to see you have great artistic talent, darling. In fact I can help you expand it in the future. If you are interested, just let me know,” Rarity complimented and offered with a charming smile and wink.

“It’s nice to see and meet your adorable dog and it’s great you seem to be taking good care of her,” Fluttershy began with an adorable smile, “I work at the animal shelter in town and am always looking for help. If you are interested, of course.”

“It was great to meet another gamer, especially one with an impressive collection. Like Pinkie said I hope we become great friends,” Sunset told him with a smile.

He found himself smiling back when he noticed that Sunset’s smile was more genuine this time around and at the girls’ kind words.

“Glad you girls enjoyed yourselves and the feeling is mutual,” He responded back.

“Bye, Marky, and we will see you soon!” Pinkie shouted as the girls went on their way home.

Marcus took a relaxing breath, before a smile formed on his face. It seemed that moving here was what he needed and he seemed to have made great and supportive friends. He couldn’t wait to spend more time with the girls and maybe make even more friends in this nice and friendly town.

Marcus let out a deep yawn as he snuggled with a pillow. It was the first time since he moved here that he was able to sleep in and he was really enjoying it. After a few minutes, he finally lazily stumbled out of bed and left the bedroom. He quickly rubbed his eyes as he made his way downstairs and entered the kitchen. He yawned once again as he made his way to the fridge, only to blink in shock when he realized he didn’t have anything to make for breakfast.

“Right, I remember cooking the last of the food last night,” He grumbled as he closed the fridge, “Well, looks like today I am going to do some shopping and… I guess while out exploring the town a little bit.”

Suddenly, he heard whining as Sissy rushed into the room with her food bowl in her mouth, before she stopped in front of him and dropped the bowl. Marcus chuckled as she gave him a begging look.

“Really, girl? I just filled up your bowl last night,” He began while shaking his head, “No matter. Luckily for you I still have plenty of food for you, despite how much and how quickly you consume it,” He added as he gently patted her on the head, getting a happy whine from her.

“Welcome everyone to my latest gaming stream!” Sunset greeted with a cocky smile as she finished adjusting her headset, “Today is something special for all of you. I, the gaming queen, will be going up against someone who calls himself the king. Please, we will see about that!” She added with a chuckle as the stream paned back to reveal Marcus.

Marcus was wearing a black and green jacket with a black undershirt and his hair was greased back. Sunset tried her hardest to resist the urge to blush, but failed when he gave his own cocky smile.

“Hello, everyone! It’s an honor to be here with the wonderful and beautiful gaming queen,” He began with a flirty wink, making Sunset’s blush darkened, “Afterall, what could be a better rival, or even someone better than a queen, than a king?”

“Y-You… Talk confidently enough. I will give you that,” Sunset managed to respond sheepishly, before taking a relaxing breath.

What was going on? She has never been nervous playing against someone before? Sure, he beat her before, but this was her show, her element, and as the queen she never loses. Sunset shook her head and managed to regain her confidence and determination. As the gaming queen she is going to show him that him being the so-called king means nothing. She has never lost on her own show and she isn’t starting now, especially to this handsome stud that managed to beat her before. She will prove that was just a one time thing.

“Well, it helps when you know for certain the outcome,” He responded with a charming smile that made her blush darkly once again.

“W-Well, if you are so sure…” She began sheepishly as she tried once again to regain her composure.

The two started the match and Sunset was quickly outmatched. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t land a single hit and he slowly lowered her health until she finally was defeated by a killer combo.

Sunset could only look at the results screen in stunned silence as she blushed hotly. Anger and annoyance coursed through her veins, yet there was another feeling that she couldn’t pin down. Strangely, it made her want to try again like her other feelings did but for the opposite reason than them and she couldn’t put her finger on why.

“A perfect run?” He questioned with a chuckle, “I expected better from the so-called gaming queen.”

“Yeah! Well, I am just getting warmed up!” Sunset snapped angrily.

“Good. I don’t want it to be too easy.”

“Oh, I’ll show you how easy it will be to beat you!” Sunset snapped back, before starting the next match.

Sunset was much more aggressive this time around, forcing him to dodge her attacks, which he did flawlessly, much to her increasing aggravation. She quickly wiped sweat from her forehead and narrowed her eyes in determination as she started attacking even more fiercely. This did little to help as he continued to effortlessly dodge and block her attacks.

“Stay still, so I can hit you!” Sunset finally roared in pure anger as he once again dodged her strike and countered with a killer combo, knocking her character’s health into the red, “Come on! This can’t be happening!”

“Wow, you look hot all pissed off like this,” He teased with a chuckle.

Sunset froze and could only blush lightly as his words registered and couldn’t do anything as he finished her off with another killer combo. When she snapped out of it, she could only blink, before she pouted in defeat.

“No fair! You distracted me!” She complained bitterly.

“Aw, now you look adorable,” He teased with a charming smile, making her blush darkened “We both know that only sped up the inevitable.”

Sunset could only groan bitterly in defeat, before changing the stream to show an image of her raging with the words “on break”.

“Fine, you are more skilled than I thought, but I am just having bad luck and after the break I will show you!” Sunset spoke bitterly, before a cocky smile formed on her face.

“You seem tense,” He noted with a raised eyebrow, before a cocky, yet charming smile formed on his face, “Perhaps, I can help with that?”

“Huh?”

“Please, you have the hots for me,” He insisted as he moved closer to her as his smile widened, making her blush hotly once again.

“What are you…”

“You got turned on by getting effortlessly dominated by the king,” He chuckled as he moved his face a few inches from hers, “I have to admit you are both adorable and hot.”

“I…”

Sunset couldn’t think of a response, before he gently pressed his lips against hers. To her surprise she quickly melted into the kiss as he deepened it by placing his tongue inside. She returned the kiss as the two engaged in a brief round of tongue wrestling, where like how he dominated her during the fighting game, he effortlessly pinned her tongue, making her loudly moan. He then eagerly explored her mouth for a few moments, before the two separated, breathing heavily.

“I… So…. Amazing….” Sunset could only blurted out while in a dreamy daze.

“That is only the beginning,” He teased with another charming smile.

“Beginning?” Sunset could only stutter nervously.

“Of course. What do you say we take it to the next level?”

“I… Yes!” She cried out in agreement.

He nodded, but before anything could happen he suddenly faded away from her vision and she realized that was only a dream.

Sunset could feel her warm cheeks and shook her head. That was the weirdest dream she had in a while and couldn’t wrap her head around it. Who would have thought she would end up dreaming of having a second round with Marcus, where he would end up dominating her even more effortlessly? Her behavior seemed fairly normal at first but ended up gradually getting more jarring, though now that she thinks about it, she felt the same way when it happened in real life. Despite feeling angry about losing, she also felt…. Turned on? Sure, he was a nice and handsome guy, who seemed patient with her when she made a mistake and she was happy to have the opportunity to befriend someone who didn’t have to put up with the old her, especially after learning he is a gamer with an impressive collection. Does she have a crush on him? She shook her head and tried to clear her thoughts. She just met him and she already has at least an attraction to him. She took a relaxing breath and decided to try and figure this out later. Well, it was the weekend and she might as well see if Pinkie or Fluttershy were available.

Marcus took a relaxing deep breath as he squeezed shampoo onto his hands and rubbed them together. As he began rubbing his hair with the shampoo, he began to reflect on why he ended up arriving at Canterlot in the first place.

“Hello, son. I am sure you are wondering why I called you in here.”

“I hope I haven’t been doing a poor job helping out in the mines.”

“No, it’s not that son,” Marcus’ father began with a sigh, “I am worried about something else.”

Marcus and his father are currently in their large living room after a long day of work. The living room contained a large brown leather couch with a large fancy glass and jewel table, containing rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, in front of it. In front of the couch was also a large one hundred inch flat screen television, which was showing and playing the news on a low volume the two could barely hear.

“What is it?” Marcus asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Son, you have been doing a fine job helping me out with the family company,” He began honestly, before taking a brief pause, “Please, have a seat.”

Marcus shrugged in confusion but took a seat on the couch. His dad took a relaxing deep breath, before taking a seat himself.

“You know I am proud of you, right?” He asked quickly, before taking another brief pause, “You are helpful, hardworking, and nice on the job. I trust you will run it well in my place,” He complimented, before sighing, “However, there is one thing I am worried about.”

“What is it?” Marcus asked, completely confused.

“Do you remember back when you were little and how you were so shy that you could barely make eye contact and talk at all to anyone?”

“Yeah, and over the years I managed to get over that to the point that I have no issues talking with people.”

“Yes, you have,” His father acknowledged with a proud smile and nod, “However, you are still incredibly introverted and I can’t help being a little worried about it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Son, you only leave the house for work, or to go to the gym on one of your days off,” His father began with another sigh, “To my knowledge you only interact with those that start talking to you first and you haven’t made many friends.”

“I….”

“I know and think it’s incredible you have made great progress with your shyness, but I feel you can still improve and I think it would be in your best interest to go that extra mile,” His father added with another smile, “It will help me feel at ease about your future, when you continue to work hard in the company and rightfully take my spot one day.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I think it might do you well to live on your own in another town.”

“Huh?” Marcus could only ask, completely confused, with a raised eyebrow.

“I think living alone will help give you the push you need. You will need to adapt and start going out more just to live your everyday life. You will be going to a new high school, where I hope you start making friends and being more social.”

“That’s….”

“I know it’s something unexpected for me to bring up out of the blue, but I feel a sink or swim situation like this will only help you out. I wouldn’t have considered it, if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

“I… need to think about it.”

“I understand. Please take as long as you need as you still have a whole week of work during fall break to decide and we can work out the details from there.”

Marcus shook his head as he finished washing his body and turned off the shower. A part of him could understand his father’s worries, which is why he ended up agreeing and so far things seemed to be going well, but it was still an huge adjustment for him to get used to. Hopefully, he will make some more friends, or even meet up with the girls again. After getting dressed, he quickly gave Sissy another petting session.

“Well, girl, I am off to explore the town and maybe meet some new potential friends. I trust you will be good while I am gone?”

Sissy only gave a bark in the affirmative, making him chuckle.

“Good, girl. Well, I am off and I will be sure you get you some treats while I am at the mall,” He responded with a smile, before going on his way.

Sunset could only sigh bitterly in defeat as she sat on her couch and placed her bare feet onto the table. She realized that Pinkie works today and while she could always visit her on the job, she couldn’t really do much to have fun with her. Fluttershy sent her a quick text saying she was busy preparing for their next session of taking care of the animals at the local shelter and assured Sunset that she can handle it and to do something more fun, in her usual timid way.

“Great, just what I need,” Sunset grumbled with a frustrated sigh as she crossed her feet and grabbed the remote, “The only two of the group completely willing to give me a chance are busy,” She added as she turned it on and scrolled through the channels for something to watch, “Rainbow and Applejack are a no, until I can get them to actually give me a second chance. Rarity is a maybe, but I have to deal with her being lukewarm about it and right now I need complete support and friendliness.”

After a few moments of boring commercials, Sunset sighed once again in frustration, before she turned off the tv and simply lie down on the couch.

“Well, there’s Marcus, who seems really friendly….” Sunset pondered to herself with a light blush, “I have taken a liking to him and…” She froze as her blush darkened a little, “The only problem is I can’t contact him,” She finally added with a sigh, “You know what, I am just going to go out and see if I can have fun on my own!”

After a quick shower, she with a couple towels wrapped around her chest and waist pondered what to wear for the day. She pulled out different clothing and gave each one a quick once over. She was in the mood to wear something different than her usual attire to help give the impression of the new and better Sunset Shimmer. She eventually decided on a red and yellow flame styled short sleeve shirt with matching shorts. She looked through her different boots and shoes for what would fit her attire best, before settling on a pair of matching flame styled flip-flops with black straps, containing a symbol of a red and yellow sun. She quickly pulled out a small mirror and looked over her appearance. She placed a hand on her chin and felt her new look was incomplete. She then grabbed a hairbrush and thoroughly brushed through her long hair, before grabbing a scrunchy that was black as coal and set her hair in a long flame styled ponytail. She ended up giving a small, yet genuine smile at her reflection, before she decided to go on her way and try to make the most of her day.

Marcus’ stomach growled as he made his way through the town and he groaned while rubbing it. The first thing on his mind was finding a place to get some quick breakfast. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a group of young adults leaving a place with paper bags in their hands. He picked up the pace and rushed towards where they had just left. When he arrived there, the first thing he noticed was a sign with the words "Sugarcube Corner". Through the glass windows, he saw a bunch of people eating breakfast and he entered with a smile on his face, more than happy to finally have breakfast for the day. Before he could even think, he suddenly heard an excited gasp and his vision was suddenly filled with familiar pink and poofy hair.

“Marky! What a wonderful surprise!” She exclaimed with a cheerful giggle.

“Pinkie?”

“Uh-huh,” She responded cheerfully, “I didn’t expect you to come in here for breakfast, but I am so happy you did!”

“Pinkie, what have I told you about being too affectionate with customers?”

“Whoops, sorry Mr. Cake!” Pinkie responded surprisingly sheepishly, before separating from Marcus and giving him some space.

Now that they were separated, Marcus noticed Pinkie was wearing a blue and white maid uniform and her hair was in a long poofy ponytail.

“Come on. Let me lead you to a free table,” She began with a cheerful smile, “Where I will serve and take care of you,” She added with a wink.

“Pinkie, try not to cross the line. We don’t need you making another customer uncomfortable.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Cake! I can keep myself under control!” Pinkie assured her boss with a surprisingly serious look.

“Just making sure you don’t cause any more issues.”

Pinkie then led Marcus to a free table and handed him a menu that she pulled from her hair.

“Here you go, Marky. I will go see if others are ready to order, but I will be back soon to serve you.” Pinkie told him with another cheerful smile, before she reluctantly left him with a small frown on her face.

Marcus took a relaxing breath as he looked through the menu. He eventually settled on a full breakfast platter, containing eggs, bacon, and pancakes. True to her word Pinkie quickly arrived to take his order and decided to sit down with him, during her first break of the day.

“So, what are you planning on doing today, Marky?” Pinkie asked as he used his knife to cut his pancakes.

“Well, I guess I am just exploring the town and I do need to get some food for myself and Sissy.”

“Oh, you should go to Canterlot Mall!” Pinkie responded with a cheerful grin, “It has everything you could ever need to buy and it has really good prices too. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends!” She added with a giggle, before a small frown formed, “Though, I wish I could join you if I didn’t have to work the rest of the day.”

“Uh… It’s ok. I am sure we can go there another time?” He assured her sheepishly.

Before he could even blink, Pinkie’s arms were wrapped around him and she began giggling cheerfully.

“Really? Yippie! I can’t wait!”

“Pinkie!”

“Sorry again, Mr. Cake,” Pinkie spoke sheepishly as she quickly separated from him, “I suppose I better get back to work,” She added, after a brief awkward pause as she saw more people entering the building, before going on her way.

Marcus took a relaxing breath, before going back to eating his breakfast. He had never met anyone as cheerful as her. She was his opposite, cranked up all the way to ninety nine and with the knob broken off to boot. She was very overwhelming, though like he noted before a part of him kind of likes that, though it will take some getting used to, assuming that was possible.

Sunset took a relaxing deep breath as she entered the mall and tried her best to ignore the dirty looks her peers were giving her. She nervously continued on her way through the mall as she ignored a few people shouting insults after her.

“What are you doing here, demon!?”

“Oh, are you here to go on another tantrum and try to destroy the mall, Shimmer?!”

“If you know what’s good for you, you will stay away from all of us you bitch!”

Sunset closed her eyes and tried her hardest to prevent herself from crying as she rushed ahead and away from the dirty looks and mean words from everyone around her. Eventually, she stopped and wiped her now wet eyes and sniffed, before managing to regain her composure.

“Attention everyone! The great and powerful Trixie is having another of her magic shows and is happy to report there are still plenty of seats remaining!”

Sunset froze and looked ahead to find a familiar blue skinned girl with long white hair, containing light blue streaks, wearing a blue and purple magician outfit with a matching blue magician hat and purple boots. A dormant feeling of jealousy and anger towards the girl flared up inside Sunset, before she managed to bring it down, when she took a relaxing breath. Sunset continued walking forward and was eventually spotted by the girl, who gave her a cocky grin.

“Well, if it isn’t second place Shimmer,” Trixie taunted with a chuckle, causing the dormant feeling to flare up in Sunset once again and even more than before.

“Trixie,” Sunset simply greeted through clenched teeth.

“Oh, how the mighty have fallen, huh Shimmer?” Trixie began as she glanced at the crowd around them giving Sunset dirty looks, “Though, even at your best you still weren’t a match for the great and powerful Trixie!” She added, before raising a fist in the air and receiving applause and cheers from the crowd.

Sunset found herself forming fists and even grunted in anger, but before she could say something she would end up regretting, Trixie was joined by a couple of familiar girls wearing matching magician outfits. One of the girls had light purple skin with darker short purple hair while the other had light gray skin with long blonde hair. Sunset took a relaxing breath as she watched both Fuchsia Blush and Lavender Lace approach Trixie.

“Trixie, we are happy to report we have given out all of our fliers and it looks like this show might end up becoming a full house once again,” Fuchsia announced, before blinking when she noticed Sunset and the crowd around them.

“Trixie, is happy to hear the wonderful and expected news,” Trixie began with a cocky smile, “Oh, and as you two might have noticed, Shimmer has graced us with her presence.”

“Yes, and she is lucky this is a public mall,” Fuchsia simply scoffed with her arms crossed.

“Indeed,” Trixie agreed with a chuckle, “Trixie was about to remind her that even back when she was on the top of the world she still couldn’t compete with her. After all, who could possibly stand up, let alone beat the great and powerful Trixie!?” She added, before doing another victory pose.

“I… Well….” Sunset found herself growling in pure aggravation, but couldn’t come up with a response.

“It was so wonderful seeing her try her hardest to beat us at the school talent show every year, only to always fall short,” Lavender Lace cackled with a grin.

“Yes, after watching her be all cocky and arrogant all year, seeing her yearly defeat only made it so much better,” Fuchsia added with her own grin.

Sunset grunted and narrowed her eyes in anger, before trying to calm herself down by taking relaxing breaths.

“Trixie so fondly recalls their first competition and remembers how cocky she was. Despite being her first time, she thought for sure she was better than everyone else competing. How Trixie tried to calmly explain she had no chance against her, but she stubbornly insisted otherwise, so Trixie suggested a little wager. The loser does whatever the winner wants and she agreed to it hook line and sinker. To give her credit though, she was better than most of the others at the show, but she was still no match for the great and powerful Trixie,” Trixie began with her own grin and chuckle, before doing her pose once again and getting applause from the crowd.

Sunset closed her eyes and tried to get her heart pressure and breathing under control, before she did something she would end up regretting.

“Another thing to give her credit for is that she was great at giving foot massages.” Fuchsia added with another chuckle.

“That was the one thing I looked forward to every year, especially after having to deal with her usual terrible cocky self all year,” Lavender Lace added with a nod, “I mean even you Trixie have redeeming qualities and can be nice.”

“Trixie is choosing to ignore that little jab towards her,” Trixie began with a playful look, “In conclusion, Shimmer, it was fun putting you in your place at the height of your power and it’s more wonderful to see you have hit rock bottom. Though, Trixie does hope you are still planning on competing against her and keeping our wager as an annual thing. Trixie’s great and powerful feet have really benefited from that treatment.

“I… it’s…. No, I… I will think about that, but I don’t think I will wager that again if I decide to take part again,” Sunset managed to say evenly but with a hint of anger, after taking relaxing deep breaths.

“A shame. Well, it seems you have learned something after all. It appears you aren’t stubborn enough anymore to make the same wager for the fourth time to try and prove the fruitlessness of you being better than Trixie.”

“I… If there isn’t anything else, Trixie,” Sunset simply spoke just as evenly.

“If you change your mind, Trixie hopes you don’t forget the lotion this year,” Trixie simply taunted with another cocky smile and chuckle, before the two other girls and the crowd began chuckling along with her.

Sunset groaned in pure aggravation and formed fists, before taking calming deep breaths and counting to one hundred to calm herself as she went on her way. Once she was out of view, she immediately rushed for the nearest restroom and once inside the tears immediately started falling. She turned on the sink and washed her face as she glanced sadly at her reflection in the mirror. Seeing Trixie and hearing her words brought back bitter memories for her. Back when she was her old self, she was extremely arrogant and cocky. She always took the opportunity to prove her superiority to others by getting perfect grades and becoming the number one student in academics, attending every competition and managing to win almost every one of them available, and even making sure her record was clean, despite her antics and behavior towards her peers. However, she still didn’t do it perfectly, despite how much she wanted and wished she had. One of her weaknesses is how much she hates to lose. How much she hates being even second best. Trixie managed to take advantage of that weakness and no matter what she couldn’t fight against it. Somehow, no matter what she did, Trixie always managed to impress the judges more than her and while that alone would be bad, she managed to make it worse by making a wager and taking advantage of her arrogance. Normally, she would ignore her loss and pretend the wager didn’t happen, but Trixie was smart and covered her bases by having it be a written and signed document, which she at the time had no problem with since she was sure she would win. She didn’t want to have to deal with going to court over it, so she had no choice but to suck it up and do what she wished. Sunset took a relaxing breath and continued washing her face. You would think after that one time she would learn, but no. She was so angry and determined to prove her superiority and kept thinking it was a fluke that she made the same written wager not twice, but three times now. Sunset quickly dried her face and decided to continue to try and have a good day. Her interaction with Trixie has shown her she still has a long way to go not just with getting everyone to trust her and give her a second chance, but she still has some issues to improve on. Her temper and anger being one thing she needs to learn to have better control over. She left the restroom, more determined to improve as a person and to earn her second chance. Just because her only supportive friends were busy today and that no one else wants to tolerate her company didn't mean she couldn't find a way to enjoy herself. She could go and play a few games at the arcade and enjoy herself alone, without anyone to bother her, or her to bother them. The road to her redemption may be hard and long, but she is determined to cross it one day by taking it one step at a time, but for now she will try to enjoy herself as best as she can!

Marcus entered the mall and was stunned and impressed to find himself inside what he considered the be the largest one he has ever seen. He could see why Pinkie praised the place and didn’t quite know where to start. As he continued walking, a few vaguely familiar peers from school gave him friendly waves, which he sheepishly returned. He figured he should start by getting what he needed, then maybe explore the place and go from there. Perhaps, he will meet up with the girls he has met already, or even make a few new friends. Whatever ends up happening, he knows this trip will be interesting at the very least. Before he could think of where to go exactly, he heard a loud thud and in the distance saw someone had fallen down with a couple of bags. He found himself rushing towards them and decided to help them out. All he could make out was green hair and a brown sweater. Also, much to his annoyance, no one else seemed to care or have noticed which only made him increase his pace, much more determined to help this poor person.

As Marcus approached the fallen person, the only thing on his mind was wondering why no one else seemed to be helping her. Once he was close enough, he noticed the fallen person was a girl around his age. A light green skinned girl with darker green hair, wearing a brown striped sweater. On her feet were brown slip on shoes with no socks. Once he heard the girl let out a groan, he immediately held out his hand towards her.

“Are you ok?”

The girl let out another groan, before she noticed Marcus staring at her with concern and could only blink in pure shock. No one has ever noticed her before, let alone give her the time of day. Usually people were content to act like she didn't exist and only rarely, if ever, notice her. Come to think of it, she had never seen her before. Is he new in town?

“I… You noticed me?” The girl stuttered, completely stunned.

“Uh, yeah. I noticed you tripped and that no one else seemed to have noticed, so I decided to help you out.”

The girl only stared at him, still completely stunned.

“Uh… Would you like me to help you up?” He asked awkwardly after a few moments of silence.

“Oh? Oh… Yeah, sure,” The girl stuttered sheepishly while blushing hotly, before grabbing onto his hand.

He pulled her up and helped her back to her feet.

“Are you ok?”

“Oh, yes. Just a little sore, but I should be ok,” She answered nervously while picking up her bags.

“Glad to hear it,” He began with a charming smile, making her blush lightly, “My name is Marcus and you are?”

“Oh, Wallflower Blush. Nice to meet you,” She responded nervously with a sheepish smile, “Thank you for the help. Usually no one does,” She added sadly, before looking down.

“What!? That’s terrible!” He said in pure disgust.

“It’s ok. I am used to it and….”

“That doesn't make it right!” He interrupted sternly.

Wallflower was flattered to hear someone say that, especially a handsome boy like him. It has been happening for so long that she doesn't even bat an eye about it anymore, but it was still nice to hear someone else complain about how terrible it is. Though, not like he could do anything about it.

“I know,” She mumbled bitterly, “But that is the way it has always been.”

“That doesn’t mean it has to stay that way!”

Wallflower could only flinched from his statement. While it was incredibly flattering to receive help from this kind and handsome boy, sadly there was nothing he could do to make a difference and besides, he will just forget about her anyway, especially when.... No, she doesn't feel like using it on him, the only guy to help her out and say those things, despite how embarrassing this is, though he might forget about her anyway. As great as this is she knows it won't last and she will go back to being invisible and miserable.

“I… Thank you again, but I should be going,” She managed to respond after a huge pause, before she went on her way.

Marcus could only awkwardly watch Wallflower leave, completely confused and sad about his short interaction with her. What was that? First, no one seemed to have noticed her fall and according to her it was the norm. Why? How? He shook his head and forced himself to get back to what he originally went there to do. Maybe he will meet her again and perhaps get some answers. Maybe he will even be able to help her out.

As Marcus got deeper and deeper into the mall, he quickly looked around the place and mapped it out as best he could. Eventually, he stumbled upon a large crowd around a small group of three magicians. He was curious and wondering why there was a crowd here, but he simply decided to shrug it off and to do what he came here for.

“Well, Trixie, we did a great job at putting Shimmer in her place as usual,” Lavender spoke up.

“Yes, and Trixie, is only disappointed she couldn’t get her annual foot massage out of it, but hopefully that will still happen.”

“Indeed, though, it’s great to see her hit rock bottom like she deserves,” Fuchsia added with a smile.

As Marcus made his way through the crowd and heard the magicians’ comments, a feeling of aggravation flared inside him. Were they talking about Sunset? If so, why? He managed to calm himself down as he didn't want to let it make him cause a scene. Once he was in the center of the crowd and before he could move on, he was noticed by them. The three girls couldn't help but stare at him, a little stunned at seeing this handsome boy in front of them.

“Trixie, hasn’t seen you around here before,” Trixie began with a faint blush on her face.

“Must be the new student we heard about, Trixie,” Lavender added with a faint blush of her own.

The other girl simply nodded sheepishly, blushing lightly like the other two.

“Well, Trixie, is happy to see someone new,” Trixie told him with a smile on her face, “Especially a handsome guy like yourself,” She added with a flirty wink.

This caused Marcus to blush lightly and the other girls to give Trixie dirty looks. There were mixed reactions in the crowd. Many girls also felt an urge of jealousy from the magician flirting with him while the guys simply watched either amused or uncaringly.

“Oh, thank you. My name is Marcus,” Marcus began nervously while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, “I have to say it’s great to meet a few beautiful girls as well,” He added with a charming smile that made all three girls’ blushes darkened.

“Tri… I appreciate the compliment,” Trixie managed to say as the other two lightly gasped.

Both Fuchsia and Lavender couldn’t believe what was happening. They had never seen Trixie this nervous around someone before, let alone a handsome guy. Not only did she stutter but she ended up abandoning talking in third person and instead finished her response in first person which was unheard of before. They could also feel a spark of jealousy inside them that was rapidly growing and burning rapidly as she continued to flirt with him.

“You three are magicians I see?”

“Y-Yes and you are lucky to be in the presence of the great and powerful Trixie,” Trixie tried to brag in her usual way but sounded much more nervous, making her usual pose even more adorable.

“Well, you are adorable, but how great are you?”

Trixie could only blush hotly with a nervous smile on her face, before she took a relaxing deep breath. The other two girls gave her death glares.

“Tr- I happen to be the best magician in town,” She managed to brag sheepishly, before handing him her last flier.

The flier showed an image of her pulling multiple rabbits, each a different color of the rainbow, with the words, “See the great and powerful Trixie take magic to the next level”.

“Looks interesting. When is the next show?”

“Oh, it’s in about a week and I hope you decide to come by,” Trixie responded sheepishly while rubbing the back of her head.

“Sure, I have a free schedule.”

“Great!”

“Well, it was nice meeting you, Trixie, but I better get back to my shopping.”

“Oh?” She began, sounding disappointed, before managing to sound more neutral, “Same here, Marcus. I hope to see you sooner rather than later.”

Marcus simply nodded, before going on his way. Trixie took another relaxing deep breath and placed a hand on her rapidly beating heart. Trixie had never met a boy that has made her feel like this before. Not only is he handsome, but he is quite charming and nice. He also has an impressive muscular physique that she can't wait to admire. She seems to have finally found the only one worthy to be her boyfriend, her equal.

“Trixie, what was that?” Fuchsia asked both confused and annoyed.

“Trixie thinks she found the one,” Was all she could say dreamily.

After getting his shopping done, Marcus stumbled upon the mall’s arcade and decided to check it out. Inside was a sizable area with all kinds of arcade games. Some of them being classics he recognized and haven't played in a long time like Pacman, Street Fighter, and Space invaders. There were a few people that he didn’t recognize at all and assumed they didn’t go to the same school as him. It wasn’t long until he spotted a familiar flamed haired girl that was currently focusing intensely on the game she was playing. Despite only seeing her from behind, she looked more beautiful with her hair in a nice long flame style ponytail and she was wearing a matching flame style shirt and pants. He couldn’t help but lightly blush as he gazed at her. By peeking past her shoulder, he was able to see her playing another kind of fighting game. Looking more closely he could see a little bit of sweat on the side of her face as her character took nasty damage from a combo, causing their health to enter the red.

“Lucky shot!” Sunset groaned out bitterly, “I have to give this game credit for actually having a difficult A.I. on the hardest difficulty, but it’s still no match for the queen!”

Sunset quickly wiped the side of her face with a free hand as she narrowed her eyes and countered with her own killer combo, almost defeating her opponent. Due to a few expertly timed dodges and blocks from both her and the computer opponent, they both managed to avoid further damage until the timer ran out and she managed to win by having slightly more health.

“Yes! In your face, the hardest difficulty!” Sunset bragged with a cocky smile and raised her fist in the air, “I told you that you weren’t a match for the queen. She is undefeatable!”

“Really? I seem to recall otherwise,” Marcus teased with a chuckle.

Sunset froze for a brief moment, before slowly and nervously turning around while blushing hotly.

“O-Oh, Marcus? Hi…. What a surprise to see you here,” She managed to greet while sheepishly rubbing her ponytail.

“I needed to go shopping for food and decided why not see a little of the town while out. Pinkie, told me about this place, so here I am,” He responded back

“I decided to go and have some fun on my own,” Sunset told him with a forced smile, making him raise an eyebrow.

“I see. Were the others busy?” He questioned.

“As you know Pinkie is working and Fluttershy is out preparing for something that she and I usually do together.”

“What about the rest of the group?”

“Oh? I… They…. Uh…. Yes, they are busy with their own things too,” She stuttered nervously with awkward pauses, before giving her answer.

Marcus was now even more suspicious of her behavior, but decided to just let it slide and move on to something more pleasant for her emotional well being.

“Ok? I… Uh, saw the ending of your match.”

“Yes, I was playing on the highest difficulty and have to say it was a fun and wonderful challenge, but still no match for the unbeatable gaming queen!” She bragged with a cocky smile that was completely genuine.

“Unbeatable?” He teased with a raised eyebrow, “I seem to recall otherwise yesterday,” He added with a chuckle, making her blush hotly.

“I… Well, that was a lucky fluke,” She countered sheepishly while once again rubbing her ponytail.

“You are adorable when you try to be cocky,” He simply teased again with a charming smile that made her blush darkened.

“I…. I will prove it!” She finally managed to exclaim, narrowing her eyes in determination, “How about another match right here and right now!”

Marcus mentally chuckled. Despite trying to look more serious, her still bright red face ruined any effect her narrowed eyes would normally have. It seems her being fiery was more than simply an appearance of hers, though it seems more adorable and fun to see for him than scary.

“Sounds good to me. Hope you are ready to lose again.”

“We’ll see!” She scoffed.

Marcus only smiled in response while Sunset managed to shrug off her blush and even cracked her knuckles, more than determined to beat him and make up for her defeats from yesterday!

“Here are your nachos and large soda,” Sunset told him somewhat bitterly as she placed the items onto the table.

“Why are you so bitter about having to pay for lunch?” He asked playfully with a teasing grin as he grabbed a nacho chip and placed it in his mouth, “You were the one who made that little wager in the first place.”

“I know, but it’s still annoying to me,” She sighed as she moved back to her spot at the table, before placing her own plate of nachos and soda on top of it, “I have a bit of a problem with losing.”

“I mean your little fits of anger were adorable and funny to see,” He teased with a chuckle, before taking a sip of his soda.

“Adorable?” She froze, blushing hotly.

“Yes, not only do you look beautiful with that fitting fiery outfit, but your adorable fits of amusing anger only adds to it and make it even more adorably fitting,” He admitted while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head with a light blush.

A nervous, yet warm feeling flared up inside her and she found herself placing a hand where her heart is. She could feel her heartbeat was higher than usual and she took a relaxing quick breath. Ever since she has arrived to this world her fiery temper and behavior has scared and cowed almost everyone else and it was an incredibly pleasant surprise to meet someone that found it adorable and wasn’t turned off by it, especially a handsome and kind boy she has taken a liking to!

“I… Y-You t-think I’m hot?” She stuttered nervously while sheepishly rubbing her ponytail.

“Yes, I supposed you could say that and pun intended too I guess,” He responded with a shrug.

“Uh… Thank you,” She managed to respond after a few moments of silence, before she finally grabbed a nacho chip and placed it in her mouth.

“No problem.”

Sunset could only sheepishly nod with a nervous, yet genuine smile, as she removed her hand from her chest and even took off her flip flops to relax a little on their lunch break.

“So, you said you wanted to see the town a little bit, right?” She asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Yes.”

“Well, once we are done eating, I could show you around a little bit,” She offered.

“Sure, just let me stop back home to drop off the groceries, and knowing Sissy, I might need to refill her bowl for her lunch.”

Sunset simply nodded, more than happy to show him around, and that she ended up not having to try and enjoy today alone.

After enjoying their lunch, going on a quick trip back to his house to drop off his groceries, and making sure Sissy has plenty of food for the rest of the day, Sunset began showing him around town. The first thing she showed him was the outside of the local animal shelter.

“This is the animal shelter where Fluttershy and I help take care of poor stray animals, before they hopefully find a new better home,” Sunset spoke up with a small genuine smile as she stared blankly at the building.

For Sunset, spending time with Fluttershy has not only been a wonderful peaceful time but without that she doubt she would be able to handle her negative reputation as well as she could. Fluttershy was too kind for this world and Sunset really appreciates her for being so willing to be a friend to her, despite how horribly she treated her in the past. She more than regrets how much she used to torment her on a daily basis, especially after splitting her close friends apart. Helping her take care of adorable little animals has become a favorite past time, not only to spend time with her as a friend but because she has genuinely begun to enjoy doing it which is another thing she is grateful that Fluttershy has done for her, making her enjoy being kind and doing a good thing just because it feels good to do so!

“Are you alright?” He asked awkwardly in concern, after a few moments of silence.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Sunset assured him sheepishly while rubbing her ponytail, “I was just thinking deeply about something,” She added with an awkward smile, “Oh, don’t worry about it,” She chuckled nervously when he opened his mouth to respond.

He raised an eyebrow in confusion but simply nodded.

“Come on, and let me show you some other places,” Sunset suggested, before they went on their way.

Sunset then showed him a fancy looking building and after peaking through the windows, he saw a few mannequins wearing fancy clothing.

“This is where Rarity works to make in her own words ‘the most fabulous clothing imaginable’.” Sunset told him with a forced smile, before making a small sigh.

Sunset could recall how she ruined Rarity's chances at the previous fall formal. That and her splitting her friends up are likely the two big reasons for her being so hesitant to give her a second chance. Not that she could blame her. At least she isn't too hostile like Rainbow and Applejack are, so there's hope and more of a chance for her to come around. At least Sunset hopes that is the case.

Marcus heard the sigh and raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything in response, before she once again led him away.

The next location was in a smaller more country-like area of the town with plenty of dirt and trees around them. Sunset led him to a building with the words “Sweet Apple Family” on a neon sign that also was flashing a bright red apple.

“This… This is the family business Applejack told you about yesterday. I won’t show you inside, since I am sure she wants to do that herself and I already took some of that from her just by taking you here,” Sunset explained with a sheepish smile, “I wouldn’t want to make her too mad,” She added with an awkward chuckle, before mumbling, “Well, another reason to be angry with me, anyway.”

Figures, both Applejack and Rainbow are going to be the hardest to convince to give her a second chance and they are basically in the same boat as everyone else. She knows how stubborn the two can be when their mind is set and she did use it to her advantage to split them up. Even she was stunned at how stubborn they could be to the point that despite being close friends for years, when they think the other wronged them with something minor they refused to talk for a long time and only did so due to an outside force. You would think at some point they would get over it and talk it out, but not them with how stubborn they can be apparently. Then again the others were like that as well in that case, so who knows. Despite that, Sunset can't blame them due to how terrible she was and knows she deserves having to go through the hoops to convince them, assuming that it's actually possible of course.

Marcus heard that and once again raised an eyebrow, but he still decided not to pry and ask her what she meant.

“In the distance I am sure you can see their farm surrounded by all the trees,” Sunset told him as she glanced out in the distance.

He turned and sure enough in the far distance he could make out a farm surrounded by a bunch of trees.

“Let’s just say Applejack’s family has a monopoly on Apples here and is actually influential because of that. Not that they flaunt it or their great amount of wealth.”

“So, they are incredibly down to earth despite that and hold to the values of the average hard working person?”

“Yes, though she could tell you all about her family values herself,” Sunset answered, “Now let me show you around the rest of the town.”

After a tour through the rest of the town, it started to get pretty late. Sunset decided to show him one of her new favorite spots, before it got too late. They both could feel the cool autumn air as Sunset led him into the town park. They both took a seat at a bench in the center of the park. From there they could see a bunch of kids playing on the swings, jungle gym, and seesaws. There were a bunch of adults relaxing and chatting on the other benches. Sunset took a relaxing breath and took off her flip-flops, before hanging her head back on the bench.

“Nothing beats relaxing in this nice cool weather after a long day,” She began sheepishly as she rubbed her ponytail, before removing her scrunchy and letting her hair fall freely past her shoulders, “After walking all day and showing you around, my feet are killing me,” She added with an awkward chuckle as she gently rubbed her bare feet together and began rubbing her hair with a free hand while holding her scrunchy in the other.

“Right. Thanks for the tour.”

“No problem. I know what’s it like to be lost in a new area and figured I would help you out,” She responded as she quickly set her hair back into a ponytail and even scooted to the other side of the long bench, before moving her body and placing her feet on it, in order to lie down on it, “I always like to come here after a long day and just relax in the nice cool autumn air,” She added with a small smile as she raised her feet up, “I have always enjoyed cold weather.”

“What about the others?”

“Oh, Fluttershy, sometimes likes to relax with me and we usually help feed some of the ducks in the small pools of water here,” Sunset began as they glanced at a nearby area where a few kids were feeding a few ducks in the distance, “Pinkie, isn’t really one to sit down and relax, but still likes my company when she has time.”

“As for the others?” He found the urge to ask, only to regret it, as he saw Sunset cringed so much she seemed to have almost fallen off the bench.

“Oh? I… I don’t know….” She stammered nervously with a sheepish smile as she rubbed her ponytail so much and so hard it immediately became undone and her scrunchy fell off, “It just never came up….”

As much as Marcus was confused and suspicious of her answer and a few other things when it came to her and the others, he didn’t feel he had a right to ask something that was likely personal when he had only known her for a few days now. Despite growing somewhat close in this short time, he felt that was still a boundary he wasn't ready to cross just yet. Sunset took a relaxing deep breath and sat right back up.

“Hey, may I ask you something?” She finally worked up the courage to ask after a few moments of silence.

As much as he wanted to tease her and say she already did, he could tell it was serious, so he simply nodded.

“I was just wondering… Let’s say….” She tried to ask, only to stop as she pondered the best way to say it, “Let’s just say hypothetically you learned I was a terrible person and I decided to start a new leaf. Would you be willing to let that go and still…”

“Sunset, I have only known you for a few days and so far I think you are a kind girl,” He began with a smile that made her freeze with a light blush, “I admit I have my suspicions due to you acting a bit strangely,” He added making her blush darkened and her to look nervously at the floor for a brief moment, before he gently raised her face and make her look at him, “But I am going to let it slide since it's likely something personal and it’s none of my business, unless you and only if you decide to tell me. I feel you should relax a little and not worry about it too much, ok?”

“I… I’ll…. I’ll try,” She finally managed to promise with a nervous, yet genuine smile, before she found the courage to lightly embrace him, “T-Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

“No problem.” He responded somewhat sheepishly as he returned the light hug.

As the sun started to completely set, the two finally decided it was time to go on their separate ways.

“Thank you again. Not only did you help me have fun when I thought it would just be me alone for the day, but you helped ease my mind a little,” Sunset told him with a small grateful smile.

“No problem. Glad I could help." He responded with a charming smile that made her lightly blush.

Sunset found herself incredibly grateful to have met him a few days ago. Fluttershy and Pinkie were great and all, despite their faults, but they were sometimes busy and it was still hard that the others were at least hesitant about befriending her. Being able to meet someone who didn’t have to put up with the old her was a god send, especially, when they are a kind and handsome boy who likes video games and is… admittedly better at them then her. She is incredibly grateful that he not only helped make her day more fun, but he even helped ease her mind a little. He surely deserves a reward for doing so, but the only thing that comes to mind is… Sunset took a relaxing deep breath, before giving him another grateful smile.

“Still, thank you and I think you deserve a reward for such a thing to show my gratitude,” She managed to speak.

“Reward? What?”

He was interrupted when Sunset managed to find the courage to move her face closer to his and plant a small kiss on his cheek, making his eyes widened a little. The two lightly blushed and could only look at each other with sheepish smiles for a few moments.

“Well, thanks again and I will see you later,” Sunset only told him sheepishly, before going on her way.

Marcus could only watch her leave as he gently rubbed his cheek, before taking a relaxing breath and after finally snapping out of it, continued on his way. He didn’t expect to receive a kiss on a cheek from her, though, it felt nice and rewarding. Perhaps, moving here was a good idea to improve his social skills.

Back at her apartment, Sunset quickly kicked off her flip-flops and tossed them near her closet, before jumping onto her couch. She let out a relaxing sigh as she laid her head on a couch cushion and gently rubbed her bare feet together. She then quickly took off her scrunchy, letting her hair down for the night, before grabbing the remote and turning on the television. She was happy to say the day turned out better than she thought. Despite that terrible encounter with Trixie, the day still got better when she ended up meeting up with Marcus and the two had fun. She lightly blushed when she recalled how she ended their day together. She couldn't believe she kissed him on the cheek. Despite only meeting him a few days ago, she has become attracted to him and dare she say developed a crush on him. She had never felt that way before. She shook her head and decided to tackle this one step at a time. She will start by simply being friends and if they grow closer, good. If not, then hopefully they will stay as good friends. Like he told her, she shouldn't worry too much about it and try to enjoy herself.

Trixie giggled as she glanced at her personal copy of her flier and imagined how her next show would go down. She couldn’t wait for it and hopes Marcus shows up, so she will impress him with her skills and the two could get to know each other, before they eventually get together. She giggled again as she imagined them holding hands, going on dates, and eventually getting married. She could practically see and name their future children already and she can’t wait for it to become set in motion.

Wallflower sighed bitterly as she found herself pondering what to do. She knew she already decided not to use the stone on Marcus, but could she really follow through? Despite, how great it felt for someone to not only notice and help her but to even call out the injustice of her being unnoticed, it was still a little embarrassing for her. Well, he likely won't remember her anyway, so might as well. Then again if it happens then she doesn't have to either. She groaned and shook her head as she continued struggling to decide, before sighing in defeat. There is still the small chance he remembers her and while he might not be able to change things, it might still be nice to have one person notice her, especially when it's a handsome guy. She sighed once again, before deciding to just leave it be. At best she might make a friend who notices and remembers her and at worst he forgets her anyway, making her situation not change one iota.

What do you know? I managed to complete and put out another chapter before it's officially 2023. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

Marcus let out a huge yawn as he gently rubbed his eyes, before entering the school. After a couple days of being able to sleep in a little, he was caught a little off guard with having to get up early again for the new school week. It’s completely unfair how the weekend is so close to the weekdays while the weekdays are somehow far away from the weekend. He shook his head to clear his thoughts on this injustice and figured he would relax a little before school.

“Hey! Rainbows!”

Marcus immediately turned in the direction of the excited and even flirty sounding voice, only to almost gag instinctively. In the distance was perhaps…. No, the most disgusting human being he has ever seen. In front of him was a blue skinned male with poorly groomed and incredibly greasy dirty blonde hair in a terrible looking bun. He was also wearing a cheap looking sweater vest that only made him look more like a greased up hobo. On his feet were torn up flats with countless holes, revealing dirty stained black socks. Marcus instinctively squeezed his nose, only to still smell a foul odor coming from him walking past and Marcus didn’t know if he was imagining it or not, but there might have even been a group of flies flying after him. Despite being completely disgusted and flabbergasted by the person he just saw, he was curious and decided to see where he was going.

“Come on, Rainbows! I just saw you around here and I am in no mood for your game of playing hard to get!”

Marcus noticed everyone else watching this strange and disgusted man with mixed reactions. The girls seemed to look at him with pure disgust and annoyance while the guys’ reactions were mixed among themselves. Some looked at him in pure amusement as if they were about to experience an entertaining show while others simply shook their heads.

“I know you’re hiding around here, Rainbows. Come on out, so we can finally start dating,” He spoke once again while rubbing his messy hair with a smirk.

Marcus and everyone else could hear a loud and annoyed groan from a nearby garbage can. The hobo looking man immediately grinned and moved behind the can.

“There you are, Rainbows, looking even more awesome than usual and I didn’t think that was possible,” He flirted with a grin and wink.

Rainbow with a disgusted scowl on her face could only once again groan in pure aggravation. She was sitting down in a hiding position and instead of her usual outfit, she was wearing matching rainbow styled sweatpants and sweatshirt. Her hair was in a long ponytail with a rainbow scrunchie and on her feet were matching Rainbow and white tennis shoes.

“Zephyr,” She finally began, sounding completely disgusted and annoyed, “How many times do I have to tell you I am not interested in you?”

“Rainbows, how many times must you play hard to get, before you admit you have always loved me and we can finally become the best couple in the school… No, world. No, wait, universe,” Zephyr simply responded with a cocky grin.

“I. Am. Not. PLAYING. HARD. TO! GET!” Rainbow simply grunted slowly and with emphasis in the hopes it would actually help him understand.

“Come on, Rainbows!” Zephyr began with a frustrated sigh, “Enough of this game. You look so amazing in your sweats,” he added as he glanced at her with a flirty smile and wink, “I can already see and imagine your amazing body curves.”

Rainbow once again could only groan in pure annoyance and disgust, before she got up and walked right to him.

“Zephyr, I am sick and tired of this!” She exclaimed with a killer death glare as she even poked him hard on the chest with enough pressure to push his back a little, “For the last time, I am not playing hard to get and I am not interested in you at all! Now, leave me alone!”

“Come on, Rainbows! Why wouldn’t you want to be with me?” He asked with a cocky grin.

“Where should I start?” Rainbow asked rhetorically as she placed a hand on her chin and pondered the question for a brief moment, “You smell like a rotten dumpster to the point that I swear flies are attracted to you half the time. Your hair is disgusting and your attempts to have a cool hairstyle is a complete failure as it looks stupid and not cool at all. As much as I hate to agree with Rarity, you are a good reason someone needs to actually bathe regularly and make me want to do so more often than I tend to do just to make sure I don’t end up like you!”

“Rainbows, this is the Zephyr Breeze style,” Zephyr scoffed bitterly with crossed arms, “I figured someone cool like you would appreciate it.”

“No, it’s not cool. It’s completely disgusting,” Rainbow scoffed while crossing her own arms, “And that is just your appearance. Even if you didn’t smell like a dumpster and actually groom yourself in a cool style, I wouldn’t be interested because you aren’t cool enough to make up for your horrible smell and looks.”

“Please, who could be a cooler guy for you than me?” Zephyr asked bitterly with a scoff, before a cocky smile formed on his face, “Come on. I know you decided to dress up like this to impress me and may I say you did an incredible job by the way. After all, what other reason could you have to dress like this?”

Rainbow only groaned and rubbed her face in pure aggravation, long exceeding her limit of dealing with Zephyr for one lifetime. She looked around and groaned again upon finally noticing the crowd around them, before her eyes widened slightly when she noticed Marcus.

“Him,” Rainbow simply said, before rushing towards Marcus, earning confused looks from Zephyr and the crowd.

“What?” Zephyr asked.

“Him,” Rainbow clarified as she pointed at Marcus, “I am dressed like this, since today I was planning on training him to possibly join a team or few.”

Zephyr and the crowd simply stared at Rainbow in bewilderment for a few moments, before Zephyr scoffed disbelievingly.

“Fine, keep playing this game, but one day you better knock it off, so we can finally go out,” He told her before going on his way.

“So, I bet you are wondering what that was,” Rainbow told him awkwardly, after a few moments of silence while sheepishly rubbing her ponytail.

By then the crowd had moved on since the show was over and went back to what they were doing before.

“I think I can guess.”

“Well… That was Zephyr, Fluttershy’s younger brother,” She finally answered after a brief awkward pause.

“Younger brother?”

“Yes, he had a major growth spurt and it went to his head, so he thinks he’s the most amazing boy around. He thinks he’s the strongest around just because he’s big and thinks he’s so handsome he doesn’t have to bathe or groom himself, but since he doesn’t put an effort to be either, he’s actually clearly not.”

“I see,” He simply responded.

“That’s not even the worst part. Ever since Fluttershy and I met as little kids, he had this obsessive crush on me and kept trying to get my affection,” Rainbow continued with a frustrated sigh, before she gagged, “Ever since his growth spurt, he thinks I now love him back and no matter how much I make it clear to him, he just thinks I am playing hard to get.”

“Wow,” Was all he could say in response to that.

Suddenly, the two heard the bell rang and Rainbow took a relaxing deep breath.

“I will talk to you later at lunch about your training and hopefully this is the last time I have to put up with Zephyr for at least today.”

Rainbow instinctively flinched as she felt chills on her back and feared something terrible was going to happen that involved her and Zephyr. Rainbow managed to shrug it off and considered she was being silly, but perhaps she shouldn’t tempt fate.

“Hello, Marky! It’s wonderful to see you again!” Pinkie greeted cheerfully with a large grin on her face as he sat down in his usual spot.

“Pinkie, I saw you on Saturday.”

“I know, but I couldn’t spend much time with you while working,” Pinkie pouted for a brief moment, before with a grin, began gently nuzzling his face with hers, “But now I can make up for that!”

Rarity, Sunset, and Applejack glared bitterly at Pinkie.

“May I remind you we all hung out last Friday?”

“Yeah, but it’s been days since then,” She argued bitterly with a groan as she stopped nuzzling him.

“The thing you have to get used to about Pinkie is how clingy she can be,” Rainbow told him with a chuckle.

“Though, she seems to be even more so with you,” Applejack added bitterly with her arms crossed.

“Your hair is in a long ponytail,” Marcus pointed out.

“Oh, you noticed,” Applejack began nervously with a light blush while she sheepishly rubbed her ponytail, “I… I thought it felt more fitting and found I like it more than having it in a short one.”

“Alright, I was hoping we could get started on your training after school today,” Rainbow spoke up with a determined look.

“Sure, I have nothing to do today,” He responded.

“Great, I was hoping and looking forward to it!”

“So, I heard earlier and can clearly see.”

“Right, I may have gotten dressed for it sooner than I should have,” Rainbow admitted sheepishly while rubbing her ponytail.

“At least it suits you may I say, darling,” Rarity spoke up with a teasing smile, “Not to mention, it’s interesting you are so excited for it that you changed your attire before you even made sure he agreed to it.”

“Well…” Rainbow began with an embarrassed blush, “I just want to do this as soon as possible and make the team even more awesome,”

“I see he made an impression on you, Rainbow,” Applejack teased.

“Well, I am looking forward to dominating him and perhaps making him almost as good as me!”

Applejack playfully rolled her eyes, before giving Marcus a smile.

“Since, Rainbow is insistent on you spending time with her after school today, I guess I will have to show you around my family business another time, sugarcube.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Hopefully, we get to it sooner than later,” Applejack giggled cutely, getting baffled looks from the other girls for a brief moment.

It was strange for the usually tomboy cowgirl to giggle like a girly girl. Pinkie, Sunset, and Rarity felt a flare of jealousy burning inside them, before they managed to stamp out the feeling.

“Looks like you are the one he truly made an impression on, huh Applejack?” Rainbow teased with a grin, causing the cowgirl to blush hotly.

“Well…. I…. Maybe a little,” Applejack managed to mumble nervously while sheepishly rubbing her ponytail.

“Well, speaking of spending time with you, darling,” Rarity began sweetly with a flirty wink, making him lightly blush and Applejack, Sunset, and Pinkie to glare bitterly at her, “Plus, speaking of business, I could also show you around mine and perhaps make a new wonderful outfit for you. It’s rare that I get to design outfits for men after all,” She added as she glanced at his handsome and muscular figure and imagined him in a few potential outfits.

“Yeah… Maybe later.”

Marcus took a relaxing breath as he pulled out a carrot from his paper bag, but before he could eat it, an adorable white bunny jumped out of Fluttershy’s backpack and onto the table, before rushing towards him.

“Angel!” Fluttershy exclaimed, completely stunned and disappointed, “What did I tell you about staying in my bag?”

“Really, Fluttershy, you still bring him to school, despite what Vice Principal Luna told you?” Applejack asked while shaking her head.

“I can’t help it! Angel gets so lonely and annoyed being left alone at home without me,” Fluttershy pouted cutely.

“More like you get lonely without him, Flutters,” Rainbow teased with a chuckle.

Fluttershy could only blush in embarrassment. Marcus looked down at the adorable bunny, looking eagerly at his large carrot with his adorable black eyes.

“Hungry little guy?” He asked softly, getting a nod from the bunny.

Marcus reached out and gently rubbed the bunny on the head. The bunny quickly relaxed from his touch with his eyes closed, much to the girls’ shock and amazement. Marcus then quickly broke the carrot into a smaller piece and placed it down next to the bunny, who immediately grabbed it and began eating it.

“Wow. Angel usually only lets me touch him like that,” Fluttershy spoke up, sounding completely amazed, “Are you usually this good with animals?”

“I guess so,” He responded with a shrug.

“Perhaps, he has calmed down and will let anyone… Ah!” Pinkie began with a smile as she moved a hand towards Angel, only for him to almost bite it, “Nope. Looks like Fluttershy isn’t the only one around here that is great with animals.” She added with a giggle.

“Angel, what have I told you about biting my friends?” Fluttershy scolded with a sigh, “Now, get over here and I will feed you, but you must stay out of sight before I get caught.”

The bunny with an annoyed look slowly made his way back to Fluttershy, who immediately pulled out a small bowl filled with vegetables.

“Alright, you better eat and relax while you can, because I won’t go easy on you after school,” Rainbow told him with a serious look, “You are getting training from the best.”

“You better actually live up to the hype this time,” He quipped back.

Rainbow blushed hotly while the others chuckled.

“Yeah, well…. I will show you!” Rainbow managed to say with an adorable pout, before it turned into a look of pure determination.

Rainbow impatiently stomped her foot onto the ground repeatedly with a bored look on her face as she waited for Marcus to finally arrive. Out of nowhere, she suddenly felt a sense of dread and looked around suspiciously, more specifically at a group of bushes in the distance. Perhaps, she’s being paranoid, but she had the feeling someone was watching her. Before she could ponder this for long, Marcus finally left the school building.

“About time you showed up,” She complained playfully with her arms crossed.

“Well, here I am, so shall we?”

“Yes, follow me to the field where I will test and dominate you.”

“Bitter over your losses last Friday?” He teased with a smirk.

“No,” She denied bitterly with a pout while blushing hotly, “Now come on! We are burning daylight!” She demanded, before going on her way.

Marcus chuckled, before following her. Unknown to the two, someone was watching Rainbow through a few bushes with a scowl on his face. A certain hobo looking man.

“So, Rainbows wasn’t lying,” Zephyr scoffed bitterly as he glared at Marcus, “So, he thinks he is good enough to to be trained by Rainbows. Please, I better keep an eye on them and make my move, then she will see I am the only one worthy of her training and maybe even decide to stop playing hard to get, so we can finally date.” He added as he sneakily followed them.

Rainbow led Marcus to the field where someone was waiting for them. This person was a bright yellow skinned woman with short orange fiery hair. She was wearing a yellow and orange flame style sweatshirt and sweatpants. On her feet were matching flame styled athletic sandals and socks.

“So, this is the one you told me about, Dash,” The woman began, before giving Marcus a good and long look, “Yes, he looks impressive enough, though, I would like to see to make sure.”

“Don’t worry, Coach Spitfire, I will be sure to put him through the winger,” Rainbow responded with a cocky smile.

“Somehow I have a feeling he’s the one who’s going to do that, Dash,” Spitfire pointed out as she glanced at Marcus’ muscular arms, “But I guess we will see,” She added, getting an annoyed pout from Rainbow, “Anyway, like Dash said, I am Coach Spitfire and I am interested in seeing how this goes, since she thinks you will be a necessary addition to any and all of our teams here.”

“I’m Marcus and I will be sure to try to put on an entertaining show.”

“Oh, I’m sure it will be one,” Spitfire responded with a smile, “Now, why don’t you two get started while I keep track of everything.”

Rainbow and Marcus both nodded while out in the distance Zephyr let out an annoyed groan.

“Coach Spitfire is getting involved to play ref, huh? It should be me showing off how awesome and athletic I am!” Zephyr grumbled to himself, “Well, I get to watch my Rainbows beat this fool and teach him a lesson for thinking he could be a challenge for her. Please, only I, Zephyr Breeze, is good enough for that.”

Spitfire and Rainbow led Marcus to a large grassy field with a couple of nets on opposite sides of it. Rainbow did a few stretches as Spitfire grabbed a clipboard in order to keep track of the progress. Zephyr, who was still hiding nearby, eagerly watched with drool coming from his mouth, Rainbow doing her stretches while imagining her curves.

“Alright, you two, let’s start with a quick game of soccer. First to five goals win,” Spitfire told them as she grabbed a pencil from her clipboard.

“Hang on,” Rainbow responded as she opened her backpack.

“What, Dash? I thought you were the one who wanted to do this,” Spitfire told her with a sigh as she wrote a few things down.

“I do, but I need to finish preparing for this.”

“You dressed like this before even getting agreement from me to do this today and you somehow still need to prepare?” Marcus asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, but….” She began sheepishly as she rubbed her ponytail, “I finished my stretching, so now all I need is to put on my lucky socks,” She answered as she opened her backpack.

“Lucky socks?” He questioned.

“Yes, they help me perform an extra twenty percent better than usual,” Rainbow answered as she continued to look through her backpack.

“I didn’t expect someone who brags about themselves and their skills to believe in and use a ‘lucky charm’.”

“Yeah, well…. It only helps me a little bit and I want to give you my absolute best to train you,” Rainbow finally managed to answer while blushing hotly.

“This kind of thing is common,” Spitfire explained with a reminiscing smile, “Plenty of people have superstitious traditions to give them a boost. I was the same way…. Well, I still have my own lucky socks that I am actually wearing right now, but I now know it’s only wishful thinking and only have them to keep the tradition alive.”

“I see,” He simply nodded.

Rainbow groaned as she put her head into the backpack for a few moments, before she dumped all of her stuff onto the ground.

“Where are they? I always keep them in….” Rainbow pondered bitterly with another groan, before her eyes widened, “Right, I loaned them to Pinkie in order to bake that difficult cake for Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s anniversary last week and forgot to get them back.”

“Oh, well. I guess we will have to continue without them,” He responded.

“I…. I don’t think it’s right to,” Rainbow told him sheepishly, before looking down, “I always use them before a game and I am not stopping now.”

“So, are you telling me we have to reschedule?” He asked with a raised eyebrow,

“Sorry, but I need them, so I have to get them back from Pinkie.”

“What if you use another pair of lucky socks?” Spitfire asked, as she slipped off her sandals.

“You’re…. You’re going to let me use your lucky socks?” Rainbow asked, completely stunned, “The ones that helped you become one of the best athletes in the whole town?”

“Yes, the very same and I don’t want to have to do this another time, so let’s get on with this,” Spitfire answered as she took off her socks.

Rainbow eagerly took the socks and after quickly taking off her tennis shoes used them to replace her own rainbow socks.

“I never thought I would get to use the special lucky socks of one of my athletic idols,” Rainbow began with a grin as she slowly put on the socks.

“No problem and glad I could help you out. Besides, I don’t really need them anymore,” Spitfire shrugged as she slipped her sandals back on, “The cool fall air does feel nice. Maybe, I should start playing sockless during this nice season,” She pondered for a brief moment as she wiggled her toes, “Anyway, if there isn’t anything else, shall we get started?”

Both Rainbow and Marcus simply nodded in agreement, before Rainbow quickly put back on her tennis shoes. Meanwhile Zephyr let out a disappointed groan and even took off his slip on shoes.

“If only I could give my Rainbows my socks,” He mumbled bitterly to himself as he rubbed his dirty black socks, “Surely, they will help her more than even Coach Spitfire’s and it will help us get closer to one another like we should be.”

The two quickly took up opposing sides on the field.

“Get ready, Marcus. You are not only going up against the captain of every sports team, but one with the lucky socks of her idol and one of the best athletes in town!”

“Sounds great, assuming you can actually put your money where your mouth is this time,” He quipped.

“Yeah, well…. I will show you!” Rainbow stuttered with a pout while blushing hotly.

Rainbow managed to shrug off her blush and took a relaxing breath. What is going on with her? No one has ever made her react this way before. When others, usually Applejack, teased her she only gets annoyed and angry, but when he does it she gets nervous and sheepish. The strangest part is she actually likes it. Why?

“Alright, you two, I want to see a nice and clean game. First to five goals wins,” Spitfire announced as she kicked a soccer ball to the center of the field and held up her clipboard, “On the count of three. One. Two. Three,” She added as she held up a pencil.

Both Rainbow and Marcus rushed towards the ball while Zephyr watched eagerly.

“Finally, the main show has begun and I can see my Rainbow school this moron, who thinks he can challenge her,” Zephyr began with an excited smile on his face, before he scoffed, “Please, I am the only one who can challenge her.”

The two reached the ball at around the same time and fought to kick it closer to their opponent's goal. Eventually, Marcus gently pushed Rainbow back and away from the ball and with a powerful kick managed to get the ball into Rainbow’s goal.

“With an impressive and powerful kick he managed to get a goal,” Spitfire announced with an impressed smile.

“But he used his hands and….”

“I am only not allowed to use my hands on the ball,” He corrected with a smug smile.

“He's right and he gets extra credit in my book for being clever,” Spitfire spoke up as she grabbed the ball and placed it back in the center.

Rainbow pouted but didn’t argue. Looks like she is going to have to take this more seriously and show him why she’s the captain of every sports team and that she is the best student athlete in the school!

Zephyr shook his head with a groan.

“Rainbows, let him get one in order to make it hurt more when she dominates him.”

Rainbow took a relaxing breath. Clearly, he is stronger than her, so she should try to out maneuver him. When he tried the same trick, she moved out of the way and quickly kicked the ball closer to his goal.

“Did you really think I would fall for the same trick twice?” She teased with a cocky grin.

“Worth a shot,” He simply responded with a shrug.

Zephyr’s face broke out with a grin and he chuckled as he watched Rainbow and him fighting over the ball with her slowly and surely moving it closer to his goal.

“That’s my Rainbows. After you school him, I will reveal myself and I will be sure to actually give you a challenging game!”

“What did I tell you?” Rainbow taunted with a grin and chuckle.

“Nice to see you actually live up to the hype,” He simply quipped back.

Rainbow managed to resist pouting and blushing and instead kept her focus on winning this round.

“Nice try. You aren’t distracting me from getting this goal.”

“Like I said before, it was worth a shot,” He shrugged.

The two kept fighting for control over the ball, until Rainbow managed to get it inside the goal.

“I told you!” Rainbow bragged with a cocky smile.

“That’s my Rainbows!” Zephyr cheered, “If only I have popcorn to enjoy this more. Oh well, seeing my Rainbows be awesome is amazing enough!”

“With an impressive comeback, Dash has gotten her first goal,” Spitfire spoke up, “I can tell we have a great game ahead of us and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

The two were evenly matched as they continued to get goals through different ways. Marcus from using powerful kicks to manage to get goals before Rainbow could counter and Rainbow from using her slightly better agility to out maneuver him. Finally, they were tied four to four and were in their last round.

“Alright, you two! This is it and let me say it was a great game. You both showed your skills and I can tell Marcus here is athletic enough if he can go toe to toe against you, Dash. I am fully willing to allow him to join any and all teams,” Spitfire announced with a smile as she placed the ball down, “I have seen enough to have confidence he will be a great asset to any and all of our teams. Dash, I trust you to continue to train him on your own and after this we can call it a day.”

Both Rainbow and Marcus nodded and gently wiped sweat from their foreheads. Rainbow took a relaxing breath. Not many have ever managed to challenge her like this and she was more than happy to finally find someone that was also willing to join a few teams. Applejack has always been too busy helping out her family business, but now she has someone else. A handsome athletic stud that could actually challenge her and make her sweat. Wait, handsome stud?

“Before we get to it, just let me say you are one of the few who has challenged me this much and I agree with what Coach Spitfire just said. I am happy to see I had the right idea about you,” Rainbow began with a smile, “You did well against me, but now you will lose like everyone else,” She added as it turned into a cocky one.

“I am happy to see you have actually put your money where your mouth is this time and we’ll see.”

Rainbow simply nodded with a determined look on her face, before the two rushed for it for the last time. Zephyr was eagerly watching to see the conclusion to this match.

“I guess Rainbows decided to be nice and make it fair for him, but now I finally get to see him lose before I reveal myself.”

Marcus tried his hardest to end it with another strong kick, only for Rainbow to block him and try to sneak the ball past him, only for him to block her every attempt as well. This continued for a few minutes as Spitfire watched the match intensely with her clipboard lying on the bleachers, having long stopped writing on it. Meanwhile, Zephyr was gradually losing his patience and could only let out groans of annoyance.

“Come on, Rainbows! Beat him already so I can reveal myself and we can spend time together!” He screamed out bitterly while pounding on his head with his fists, only to quickly cover his mouth when he realized he was being too loud.

Rainbow, Spitfire, and Marcus froze in their tracks when they heard Zephyr’s scream.

“That. That scream sounds like….” Rainbow began, before pausing and groaning, “Zephyr!”

“That guy that was bothering you this morning?” Marcus asked, getting a nod from Rainbow.

“So, someone you know is spying on us, Dash?” Spitfire asked.

“Yes, Coach Spitfire,” Rainbow answered with a groan, before she began looking around for where he might be, “Zephyr! We know you are out here, so come out and explain why you thought you could spy on us!”

Zephyr sighed, before walking out of the bush he was hiding behind and with a “charming” smile that showed his yellow and crooked teeth, which still had pieces of food in them, made his way to the group.

“Rainbows, I can explain why I am here and….”

“You mean other than being a creepy obsessive stalker?” Rainbow asked bitterly with a death glare while crossing her arms.

“I am not a stalker!” Zephyr exclaimed, completely offended.

“If the shoe fits,” Rainbow simply responded.

“I mean I don’t know you but what I saw this morning is proof enough for me to agree with her and it isn’t a good look for you,” Marcus piped up while shaking his head.

“Who asked you?” Zephyr asked bitterly, before taking a relaxing deep breath, “Look, at first I wanted to see if you were telling the truth and not making another excuse to continue your game of playing hard to get.”

“For the last time, I am not playing hard to get! When are you going to get that through your thick skull!?”

“Please, who could resist Zephyr Breeze,” Zephyr bragged with a cocky smile and even did a flex, causing Rainbow to scream in pure aggravation and smacked her head, “Anyway, then I decided to watch you beat him and while it was great to see you score, it’s annoying that you decided to go easy on him and make it fair. You don’t have to do that, Rainbows.”

“I wasn’t going easy on him,” Rainbow argued, “He is actually skilled enough to challenge me and even make me sweat to the point I am actually going to take a second shower for the day.”

“You can be too nice for your own good, Rainbows, but we both know only I can challenge you like this,” Zephyr shook his head, before a cocky smile formed on his face, “You know what? Let me take your place and beat him to show you.”

Rainbow, Marcus, and Spitfire simply looked at each other in complete bafflement.

“Rainbow?” Marcus finally asked.

“Yes?”

“Has he always been this obtuse and delusional?”

“You…” Rainbow sighed, “You don’t know the half of it and never had to put up with him since early childhood.”

“I am so sorry about that,” Marcus told her.

“Same here, Dash,” Spitfire added, “If it wasn’t after school, I would gladly give him detention for his behavior.”

“Thank you,” Rainbow responded with a relaxing deep breath, “You know what? Fine, Zephyr. You can take my spot on one condition.”

“What, Rainbows?”

“If he wins, you leave me alone for a whole week.”

Zephyr pondered it for a brief moment, before nodding.

“Deal and if I win, which I will, you stop playing hard to get and we finally go out on a date,” He told her with a smile, before blowing her a kiss, that made her cringed and gaged.

“I am not…. Fine, only because I know he will win,” Rainbow responded with her own cocky smile.

“Rainbow, are you sure…”

“Yes! I don’t care about winning this on my own and only want him to leave me alone for a while and I know he stands no chance. Besides, we can always play another game later,” Rainbow interrupted.

“Ok, if you are sure,” Marcus responded.

“After the week is up, I will be sure to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t keep this behavior up,” Spitfire added as she glared at Zephyr.

Zephyr was oblivious to any and all negative thoughts and conversations about him for the moment as his mind was filled with thoughts of him winning the game, getting Rainbows to admit she likes him too, and finally dating her. He quickly cracked his knuckles, only to groan in pain from doing so. The two then quickly took up opposite sides of the field, glaring at one another.

“Rainbows, may have been nice and went easy on you, but I won’t!” He taunted cockily with a grin.

“No way am I letting a disgusting stalker force a girl that doesn’t like him to go out with him!” He simply responded bitterly.

“I am not either of those things and Rainbows does love me! She is playing the biggest game of hard to get!” He grunted angrily through clenched teeth.

“Alright. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.”

The two rushed for the ball, only for Zephyr to stop right before it to take heavy breaths. Taking advantage of this, Marcus gave it a powerful kick and knocked it into the goal.

“I win. Now leave her alone for the week,” Marcus simply said.

“What!? No, I wasn’t ready. This isn’t fair,” Zephyr spoke between heavy breaths.

“No, you lost fair and square. Now honor your agreement,” Marcus responded bitterly.

“I… Who’s going to make me?” Zephyr asked angrily with a glare, “I know what Rainbows wants.”

Marcus, Rainbow, and Spitfire could only shake their heads in complete annoyance at him still being stubborn

“We are done here and leaving anyway,” Rainbow spoke bitterly with a sigh, “I am just glad I don’t have to date him,” She added while gagging.

“Yeah, it’s better just to leave and ignore him for right now.” Marcus agreed.

“If he still gives you trouble, let me know and I will take care of it during school hours,” Spitfire spoke to all of them, getting a nod from Rainbow and a groan from Zephyr.

“Whatever!” Zephyr scoffed, “It was a fluke and I know you truly love me Rainbows. I will get you to admit that soon. I just know it!” He added as he finally decided to go on his way.

“Finally,” Rainbow said with a sigh, “Now, I am going to take a shower and relax for the day.”

“Dash, if he has been bothering you for a while and at school, why didn’t you tell any teachers about it?” Spitfire asked.

“I… I just….”

“You didn’t want to look weak?” Spitfire asked with a sigh, getting a nod, “Rainbow, his behavior is terrible and you should have spoken up. He is almost an adult and can’t get away with it. Look, we will talk about this later and decide on options to make it stop.”

Rainbow nodded gratefully with another sigh, before the three slowly began making their way home. After a few moments, Rainbow remembered she still has her socks.

“Oh, right, I almost forgot to return your…”

“You can keep them.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I am not into that superstition anymore and only kept them for fun. I guess you can consider it a gift from one athlete to another. Be sure to continue their legacy,” Spitfire answered with a smile.

“Thank you! This makes up for having to deal with Zephyr today!” Rainbow exclaimed in pure happiness with a beaming smile.

“I'm glad I could help make up for having to deal with him. Now, let’s go home and hopefully have a more pleasant day without him around,” Spitfire responded, getting a nod from Rainbow and Marcus, before they all went on their way.

Sorry for the longer wait. My muse had a hard time agreeing with me. But finally my first chapter of 2023.

When Marcus arrived at the front of CHS, he noticed both Fluttershy and Sunset standing in front of the statue. Fluttershy was wearing a blue dress with drawings of butterflies and on her feet were pink open-toe shoes in the shape of them. Sunset was wearing a light black unzipped jacket over a bright yellow and red flame style undershirt with matching shorts and on her feet were the flip-flops she wore during the weekend. They both had fliers in their hands and tried to get the attention of everyone walking past them.

“Looks like it’s going to be just us again, Fluttershy,” Sunset told her.

“I know,” Fluttershy sighed, “I don’t know why everyone doesn’t want to help out these poor animals,” She added sadly as she looked down onto the ground.

“It’s ok, Fluttershy,” Sunset assured her as she gently embraced her in a light hug, “We are going to have a good time on our own as always.”

“Yeah, helping animals has become much better with a friend helping out,” Fluttershy admitted softly as she returned the embrace.

The two separated from each other right when Marcus reached them. They both blinked in slight surprise at the sight of him, before they each greeted him with a smile.

“Oh, hi, Marcus,” Sunset greeted with a friendly and nervous smile as she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, “What’s up?”

Fluttershy simply nodded.

“Hello, girls. What are you up to?”

“We are trying to get more people to join and help us out at the animal shelter but as usual they aren’t interested,” Sunset answered.

“I see.”

“Unless,” Fluttershy spoke up suddenly, surprising Sunset and causing her and Marcus to look at her, “Unless, if you don’t mind, you…”

Before she could finish, Angel peaked out from her backpack and upon noticing Marcus, immediately jumped out of it and towards him. Marcus managed to catch him in his hands and the bunny immediately relaxed in his grasp.

“Angel! You do this after I lectured you yesterday about staying put in my bag?!” Fluttershy sighed in frustration, getting an annoyed look from the bunny, “Anyway, since you are good with Angel, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind joining us to help out, if you want.”

“Sure, I have a free schedule,” He answered as he gently rubbed the bunny on the head, getting happy noises from him.

After school, Fluttershy and Sunset led Marcus to the animal shelter and they all entered the building. Marcus was looking forward to helping the girls and since Sunset seems to like doing this, it should be a wonderful time. When he first moved here he didn't expect to be helping a couple of beautiful girls out this quickly, or making friends at all this soon, but this town seemed to be more friendly than his old one.

“I am sure they will be happy to see another person helping out. They did quickly warm up to Sunset after all,” Fluttershy spoke softly with a smile as she opened her backpack and let Angel out, "Now, Angel, I expect you to behave and listen to me while here."

Angel simply nodded with an annoyed look.

“Now that we are here, could you tell me what you did to prepare for today?” Sunset asked.

“I think it’s best if I simply show you,” Was all Fluttershy answered with.

Sunset raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything as she, Marcus, and Angel followed Fluttershy to the kennels. Inside the cages were plenty of animals Marcus expected to see, like cats and dogs, and ones he didn’t, like pigs and ferrets. All of the animals practically lit up and became excited when they noticed the timid animal lover.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Fluttershy began slowly and softly, like a mother talking to her young child, “Sunset and I managed to find someone else to help us out today,” She added, causing all of the animals to stare at Marcus, “I expect you to show him the same respect you show us.”

All of the animals nodded in agreement.

“Before we get started, I have a surprise for you, Sunset,” Fluttershy spoke up, before she rushed to a back room.

“Surprise? What could it be?” Sunset mumbled to herself.

After a few moments, Fluttershy returned with a small reptilian habitat, containing a small and yellow leopard gecko. The gecko’s eyes immediately lit up when it saw Sunset and even tried to get past the glass.

“Fluttershy, did you really get this for me?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, I told you I would find the perfect pet for you and it was an important promise for me to keep! I even turned it into a pinkie promise when you were gone, since it was that much of a priority to me!” Fluttershy explained with a smile, “I have everything you need and he is small enough to live in your apartment with no issues.”

Meanwhile, Pinkie could only let out a cheerful giggle and smiled cheerfully as she felt Fluttershy fulfill what is perhaps her most prioritized and desired pinkie promise to date.

“Great for you, Fluttershy. I may not know the specifics of it, but I know and can feel it was a really important one and was a long time coming!”

Back at the animal shelter, Fluttershy continued to smile at Sunset and waited patiently for her to respond.

“I don’t know what to say,” Sunset responded with a sheepish smile.

Fluttershy simply opened the habitat and gently lifted the gecko out of it, before handing him to Sunset, who nervously took him. The gecko then climbed up to Sunset’s shoulder and gently licked her face, causing her to giggle.

“Well, aren’t you a little ray of sunshine,” Sunset spoke as she gently rubbed his head.

Fluttershy smiled excitedly as she watched the two quickly form a bond by gently nuzzling each others’ faces.

“Did you take care of everything he needs?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, this is a basic habitat and we can improve on it later. I also took care of getting food for him,” Fluttershy answered.

Sunset simply nodded as she continued to give her new reptile affection.

“I have to say I am a little surprised,” Fluttershy admitted with a giggle, “I expected you to quickly warm up to him, but didn’t think he would do the same. It’s amazing how some animals like certain people at first sight. I guess you two are simply suited to be together as owner and pet.”

“I never did believe in that kind of superstition, but now I guess you can call me a believer,” Sunset responded with a chuckle, “Now, shall we tend to the other animals here?” She asked, getting a nod from Fluttershy and Marcus.

The three carefully carried bags of food into the room, with Fluttershy and Sunset doing it barefoot, in order to prevent themselves from tripping. The gecko was still perched on Sunset’s shoulder and didn’t have any trouble keeping his balance as she walked.

“Sunset, why don’t you show him the ropes while I cover the other half,” Fluttershy suggested, getting a nod from both Marcus and Sunset, "Come on Angel. Stay close to me."

Sunset led Marcus to the other half of the room and carefully opened the first cage without letting the adorable puppy out while he carefully placed the food in the bowl.

“The trick is making sure they don’t have the opportunity to get out. I know Fluttershy will be able to easily get them under control, but it’s still best to avoid it whenever possible,” Sunset told him as she closed the cage and watched the puppy start eating his food.

“How long have you been doing this?” He asked as they moved to the next cage.

“O-Oh, just a few weeks now,” Sunset responded nervously while sheepishly rubbing the back of her head.

Sunset closed her eyes as she felt tears forming and covered her face with her hands. She desperately hopes no one notices her and continues on their way, instead of checking on her and seeing that she is currently sitting in front of the statue bawling her eyes out. Ever since the fall formal, her mind was wrapped with practically endless guilt. She couldn't believe how low and terrible she had gotten. Her old mentor would and must be so disappointed in what she has become. She had let her arrogance and ego grow so large that she was willing to use the element of magic for her twisted purpose of taking over, in her horrible misguided belief that she is entitled to rule Equestria as the ultimate princess. She was also a terrible bully to so many and now that she has fallen off, everyone she has treated so horribly are finally returning it and she deserves it. As much as she wants a second chance, she knows they have every right to be like that to her and she isn't entitled to forgiveness.

“Sunset?”

Sunset instinctively flinched and didn’t know how to respond. The last thing she wanted was for someone to catch her in this state. After a few moments, she found the courage to open her eyes. She blinked in both surprise and shame when she realized in front of her was Fluttershy looking at her with concern.

“Are you ok, Sunset?”

Sunset couldn’t believe it! Fluttershy was the last girl she expected to find her in this state and to show concern for her. She was one of her main victims and the one girl she arguably… No, she was the one girl she treated the worst, due to her timid nature.

“I…. It…..” Sunset couldn’t speak.

“I saw you sitting all alone and wanted to see if you are ok,” Fluttershy clarified with a gentle and assuring smile.

Sunset was speechless. Why would Fluttershy, the one girl she treated worse than everyone else during her reign, be concerned for her. After all the bullying and taunting you would think she would be the first one to kick her while she’s down.

“W-Why?” Sunset managed to ask.

“Why what?” Fluttershy asked, completely confused.

“Why are you being so nice to me after everything I did to you?” She asked as tears started flowing from her eyes and dropped down her cheeks, “I made you give me your lunch money almost everyday. I taunted and helped prevent people from taking part at the animal shelter by taking and shredding your fliers. I split you and your friends apart and even have the nerve to taunt you about it everyday.”

“You just look like you need some help and for someone to show you some kindness,” Fluttershy answered softly with an adorable and assuring smile as she held out a hand.

Sunset hesitated for a brief moment, before deciding to grab her hand and let Fluttershy pull her up. Then to her surprise Fluttershy gently embraced her in a light hug. Sunset sniffed and gently wiped her tears as Fluttershy gently rubbed her back.

“There there. Let it all out,” She told her gently, “Care to tell me what’s wrong, if you want to.”

“Well, I.... Fluttershy, I am so sorry for everything I did. I'm sorry for picking on you almost everyday and taking your lunch money. I am sorry for making fun of you volunteering at the animal shelter and even shredding your fliers to prevent you from getting people to help. Most of all I am sorry for causing you and your close friends to split apart and even have the nerve to gleefully make fun of you for being all alone because of it!"

"There there, Sunset, I already forgave you," Fluttershy assured her gently as she tightened the embrace a little bit.

"Why? Why would you forgive me after everything I did?" Sunset asked, completely stunned.

"You are clearly remorseful and regret your actions," She answered softly, "Like I said you look like you need someone to show you some kindness."

"I don't know what to say."

"Is your guilt the reason you are..."

"Not the only reason. It’s just depressing that no one is willing to give me another chance. Not that I can blame them. I was terrible, wasn’t I?”

Another flood of tears flowed from her eyes and down her cheeks as Fluttershy gently rubbed her back.

“There there. Let it all out,” Fluttershy gently told her.

The two remained silent as Sunset cried her eyes out in Fluttershy’s gentle and welcoming embrace. Finally at the end of it, she gently wiped her eyes and sniffed.

“Feeling better, Sunset?”

“A little I guess.”

“Well, you can help me out at the animal shelter later, if you want I mean,” Fluttershy offered with a gentle smile.

“I… I would like that,” Sunset admitted, “I would like to spend some time with someone friendly and it’s the least I could do to make up for my actions,” She added before a small smile of her own formed on her face.

“Ok. Now, let’s get you cleaned up before school starts, if that’s ok with you.”

Sunset simply nodded in response as the two made their way inside the school.

“Sunset.”

“Huh?” Sunset asked after snapping out of her thoughts.

“Are you ok? You seemed to have been in a daydream while in the middle of feeding and I had to close the cage before this pup got out.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Just had something major on my mind.”

“Are you going to be ok and not get distracted while feeding the rest of the animals?”

“Yes, I should be fine now.”

Marcus simply nodded, after an awkward silence, before the two continued their work.

After about an hour or two of work, both Marcus and Sunset finished their half and quickly returned to the center of the room.

“Fluttershy, we are done and we even had just enough food,” Sunset called out as she gave her new pet a quick scratch, getting another affectionate lick in return.

“Oh, good,” Fluttershy began as she emerged from the other side of the room, “I am almost done on my end and need to go get some more.”

“Ok. With all of us it shouldn’t take long.”

“No, Marcus and I should be able to get enough on our own. You should start giving the bunnies their baths, if that is ok with you.”

“Sure, I will get started on that,” Sunset agreed with a nod, “Come on Ray, let’s get to it.”

“Ray?” Marcus asked.

“Yes, that's what I decided to name him just now. I think it’s fitting since he is my little ray of sunshine, after all.” Sunset answered nervously with a sheepish smile as she gave Ray another gentle head rub, getting an affectionate rub of her own.

Fluttershy giggled cutely with a beaming smile on her face while Marcus found himself smiling a little at their display. Fluttershy was glad to see her idea to help her was working already and that they look adorable and happy together while Marcus was reminded of the bond he and Sissy had.

“Well, I guess we will go get the rest of the food,” Marcus spoke up after a few moments of awkward silence.

Fluttershy and Sunset simply nodded, before the group split up to do their tasks.

Fluttershy and Marcus entered the old storage room with Angel hopping after them. The room was filled with many old and dusty boxes, containing who knows what. The walls were filled with small cracks and extremely dusty. The two walked to a small group of new boxes, containing fresh and new bags of food.

“These rooms are so old and no one cares to clean and fix them up,” Fluttershy began softly in a disappointed tone as she carefully grabbed a bag and hoisted it over her shoulder, “They don’t even care to throw away these old bags of food that more than likely are far past their expiration date.”

“That’s both lazy and terrible.”

“I know,” She began as she glanced sadly at the floor, “As much as I want to clean this area up and make the place more presentable, we are still understaffed and Sunset and I are the only ones who really care,” She added, suddenly sounding more angry than sad and she even squeezed her hands, applying pressure to the bag, “It just annoys me that many don’t want to spend a couple hours of their time at least once a week to help these poor animals and even the help we have from the staff only do the bare minimum!” She growled, sounding completely unlike her usual self, before tossing the bag straight at the door slamming it shut and causing the bag to split open, releasing the food onto the floor.

Marcus raised an eyebrow at this unusual outburst from the usual shy and timid girl. Seems she really loves animals if something like this could cause her to snap. Fluttershy took a relaxing deep breath, before looking at what she did and could only blushed heavily in embarrassment.

“Oh, did I do that?” She could only ask nervously as she sheepishly rubbed her head and even tried to hide behind her long hair.

“Yes, Steve Urkel,” He teased.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to! I just… got so annoyed and it…. Just happened,” She could only stutter both cutely and nervously with an adorable look.

“It’s ok,” He assured her, “Let’s just grab another bag and we can worry about cleaning up later.”

Fluttershy could only nod sheepishly as she managed to shake off her blush, before grabbing another bag. He walked right up to the door and tried to open it, only for it to stubbornly remain shut. He tried with all of his might to force it open to no avail.

“Are… Are we stuck?” Fluttershy asked in a guilty tone.

“I’m afraid so,” Marcus answered with a sigh as he desperately tried again to open the door, before groaning in annoyance.

"Oh, I am so sorry!"

Sunset took a relaxing breath as she finished preparing the bath for all of the rabbits in the room with her. Ray was currently sitting on top of the tub to allow Sunset more freedom to do her job.

“Ok, little guys, I can only handle a small group at a time, so please line up and we do this one step at a time,” Sunset told them with a gentle smile and motherly tone, like how Fluttershy would, only for the all the rabbits to ignore her and wander around the room aimlessly, “Ok, so you only listen to Fluttershy. Fine, I will just grab a few at a time then,” She mumbled to herself.

Tried as she might, anytime she tried to grab one, they managed to hop away from her and ended up having to chase them across the room. After a few minutes of this, Sunset ended up having to stop in order to get her energy back.

“Come on! This isn’t a game! It’s bath time and Fluttershy trusted me to get the job done!” She pleaded in an annoyed tone, before taking relaxing breaths.

Unknown to her, Ray had crawled down from the tub and walked closer to her and the rabbits. The rabbits then quickly got together and made a single file line in front of the bathtub as a few even hopped inside it. Sunset could only watch in awe as she witnessed this miracle before her eyes.

“I… Ray, did you do this?” She finally asked as she picked him up and placed him on her shoulder, before receiving an affectionate lick in response, “Wow, you really helped me out. You really are my little ray of sunshine. Now to clean these rabbits.”

Back in the storage room the two were sitting down, with Angel sitting on her lap, while waiting for Sunset to come rescue them. She didn’t answer the call Fluttershy made, so she ended up having to send her a quick text. Fluttershy still had a guilty look on her face and kept apologizing repeatedly for her actions, much to his annoyance and insistence she doesn't have to keep doing it.

"Marcus, I am really so..."

“Fluttershy, you don’t have to keep apologizing for a simple mistake,” Marcus assured her gently as he rested his head against the wall.

“But…. I really am so sorry. I just lost my temper and caused us to get stuck.”

“It’s not that big of a deal. We just have to wait for Sunset to see your text and help us out.”

“She usually has her phone on vibrate, so it might take a while,” She mumbled guilty, causing him to sigh.

“Well, uh…. How is it working with Sunset?” He asked awkwardly.

“Oh… It’s great to have someone to help me out and she has really grown to love the work. It has really helped her out a lot in cheering her up,” Fluttershy answered with a small smile that gradually grew as she reflected on the memories of Sunset helping her out.

“Alright, everyone, I have someone helping me out today and I expect you to treat her with the same respect you give me,” Fluttershy told all of the animals in a parental tone, getting sounds of agreement, “Are you ready, Sunset?”

“Yes, I don’t know how well I will do, but I am more than willing to try,” She answered sheepishly as she rubbed her head.

“Don’t worry. I will guide you and show you how great it can be,” Fluttershy assured her with a gentle smile.”

Fluttershy then led her to an adorable brown puppy, who looked at the two in excitement as he jumped around his small kennel. Fluttershy gave him a gentle motherly smile while Sunset found a small smile form on her face.

“Aren’t you an adorable excited little one,” Fluttershy gushed as she opened the kennel and gently lifted the puppy out, getting an affectionate lick in the face, “Yes, you are!” She added with a giggle as she moved him closer to Sunset, “Here, Sunset, give him a few pets.”

“Ok,” Sunset responded awkwardly as she did so and found herself enjoying this more than she thought she would, “Good puppy. You are adorable,” She added nervously with a sheepish smile as she moved her face closer, getting an affectionate lick in the face.

Sunset giggled and continued petting the puppy, while Fluttershy giggled and smiled in pure happiness at managing to cheer her up.

"I see by that smile and your behavior earlier that you two are the best of friends and work well with one another" Marcus spoke up.

"Oh? Oh, yes. We weren't always like this, but now we each help keep each other happy."

"That's good to hear."

After Sunset returned all the rabbits in their kennels, she was stunned to find Fluttershy and Marcus hadn't returned.

“Where are they? It shouldn’t have taken that long to keep a couple bags of food,” She mumbled, before checking her phone and was stunned to find a missed call and text from Fluttershy.

Sunset, we are stuck in the storage room due to me losing my temper and throwing a bag at the door. Please get help!

“Oh, this is bad, but how am I going to help? Guess I better call some….”

Sunset was interrupted by loud sounds from all of the animals in the kennels.

As the two waited and waited, there was one thing on Fluttershy's mind that kept nagging at her. Marcus was an interesting boy. He was handsome, nice, talented, and most importantly a wonderful and affectionate owner of his pet. She found herself lightly blushing as she thought about it. He really seemed like the ideal boyfriend. She quickly shook it off, since she did just meet him days ago and should get to know him better before even considering such a thing. She sighed so quietly he couldn't hear her and got back to her original thought. He did tell them his father was wealthy and sent him here alone to make some friends, but she found herself curious about why he did so exactly. While he had no problem talking to them, unlike her to others most of the time, he also showed traits of someone that used to be shy. Could that be the reason?

“So, why did you come here, if I may ask?” Fluttershy asked as she crossed her feet and rested her head against the wall with her long soft hair serving as a decent pillow for her head.

“Like I said before my father wanted me to make some friends,” He answered simply, before sighing.

“Oh, sorry if I am prying. It just seems that there’s a reason for that and I was just wondering, if you don’t mind.”

“I… It’s fine. I used to be timid and shy when I was younger, kind of like you and while I grew out of my shell, I am still kind of an introvert, so….”

“Oh, I see,” She answered softly with a gentle smile, “I’d say you are doing a great job, since you befriended all of us.

“I… Yes, I suppose I have,” He answered sheepishly.

“You know you kind of give me hope,” Fluttershy admitted.

“With what?”

“Well, I suspect you may have been shy and timid in the past. Getting confirmation feels nice and seeing someone like that come a long way out of their shell is inspirational. I haven’t made as much progress, though I have gotten better at it."

“You seem to be doing a lot better now. Look how quickly you warmed up to me after all.”

“Well, your adorable dog helped and you helping us out here today is a plus,” She responded with a giggle, “I still have a long way to go and I would really hope I continue to improve,” She added with a smile.

“I am sure you will.”

Fluttershy only smiled back, before the two heard a loud banging on the door. The two looked at each other in stunned silence as the door burst open and plenty of animals quickly entered the room. Sunset came rushing in a second or two later, panting heavily.

“I got your text. Sorry for keeping you waiting. I was so focused on cleaning the rabbits,” She managed to pant out while taking heavy breaths.

Marcus and Fluttershy could only smile and chuckle, before they got up, more than happy to be free.

After all that was said and done, the three left the animal shelter, more than ready to head home for the day. Fluttershy was happy to have found someone else to help them out, especially when it was someone who seems to be skilled with animals like her and someone she is starting to be attracted to. Sure, she messed up by getting them trapped earlier, but he's so nice that he managed to shrug it off. She lightly blushed as she thought more about it. He really is an inspiration to her. If he could come out of his shell and move out here alone to make friends, managing to even make a group of them in no time at all, then perhaps one day she could be at the level.

“Well, despite that one thing, this was fun, girls, but now I have my own pet to tend to and most likely feed for the night,” Marcus spoke up with a chuckle.

“You're not the only one. I can’t wait to show my little ray of sunshine his new home,” Sunset began with a happy giggle, “Isn’t that right, Ray? Do you want to see your new home?” She asked him in a motherly tone while gently rubbing his head, getting an affectionate lick in response.

Fluttershy shook off her blush as she let out an adorable giggle, more than happy that they both have the evening to look forward to with their own pets, much like she does with her precious Angel.

"Glad to hear it you two! I always enjoy feeding and cuddling with Angel after a long day of school and working here," She added with another adorable giggle as Angel popped his head out from her backpack and gave her an annoyed look, "Don't be embarrassed Angel, you are my adorable bunny after all."

Angel could only continue to look at her, completely annoyed, before accepting defeat and going back into her bag. The group all let out chuckles as they all went their separate ways.

Sunset with a joyful smile on her face, gently placed Ray's habitat onto the table as a temporary spot and planned to find a better one tomorrow. She then took a seat on her couch and kicked off her flip flops, by using her feet, while gently rubbing Ray on the head, receiving an affectionate lick in response. She placed her feet onto the table and laid her head back, before grabbing the remote and turning her television on.

"Well, Ray! Today was an amazing day! Not only did I help out a wonderful friend with something I look forward to every week, but I got a new awesome pet, my adorable and wonderful ray of sunshine!" Sunset spoke, sounding completely happy, "I think things are finally looking up for me and to think it all started with Fluttershy!"

"Did you have fun today, Sunset?" Fluttershy asked sweetly with an adorable smile.

"Yes, Fluttershy," Sunset responded with an adorable smile of her own.

She couldn't recall the last time she smiled genuinely like this in a sweet way. Back when she was the old her, her smiles were all fake to hide her terrible scheming nature and recently she was too depressed to actually give genuine ones, despite how friendly Pinkie was to her and her best efforts to return them, but somehow this time she actually was giving one for the first time since who knows when.

"I can now see why you care about and love animals so much. I am even more sorry I tried to ruin it!"

"It's ok," Fluttershy assured her softly, "Animals are wonderful and affectionate. They help give you unconditional love, which is what you need."

"It really did help."

"What do you say you adopt one as a pet, if you want and think you can handle it of course." Fluttershy suggested in her usual way.

"I... I do live in an apartment and don't want something too disruptive and while they all were nice they weren't anything I really want to keep."

"Oh, I understand. What kind of animals are you into, if I may ask."

"I really like reptiles. Back home I did enjoy reading about Dragons," Sunset answered with a sheepish smile.

"Reptiles? Well, that does give me some options for ideal ones in your living space, though it might require me making some calls and looking around, but I will see what I can do."

"It's ok, Fluttershy. You don't have to."

"No, but I want to, If it would help make you feel better," Fluttershy managed to argue, "I promise I will find the perfect pet for you and in the meantime continue to help you through this."

"I... Thank you, Fluttershy."

Sunset smiled as Ray continued to give her affectionate head rubs. She was more than happy that Fluttershy managed to keep her promise and that she is in a much better place than where she started.