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.