Staring at the Sun(set)

[Lyra Heartstrings]

It was 3:03 pm and school was officially over for the day. Students were going this way and that. The sounds of chatter and clanking of lockers filled the halls. None of that mattered, Lyra was on the prowl. The girl's slim build let her weave through the crowd easily, and her height meant she'd only need a hop to get a glance of the people ahead of her. The mighty huntress looked more like a meerkat with all her hopping, but she couldn't let her quarry get away!

It could only take a few minutes for a student to get to their locker, load up the correct books they needed for homework, and start heading for home. Lyra had rushed to get it done, and now was looking for Sunset Shimmer. Yes she was actively seeking out the girl that had been somewhat responsible for destroying a part of the school and turning a good portion of the student body into mindless zombies. Everyone makes mistakes. The musician had a plan to deal with her.

No, it doesn't involve chloroform. No, its not because the chemistry teacher was still in the lab either.

Lyra and Bon Bon had decided on talking with Sunset Shimmer on getting her to appear on their show. Only problem was in order to talk to her they had to find her. She had spent lunch talking with her friend on how to best go about doing so, and their plan had been simple. Find her after school, get her attention, and get her into the music room to talk. It would be a quiet room to talk in since it'd be somewhat shielded from too much noise getting in or out of it. Finding Sunset in order to get her attention, however, was proving easier said than done.

Lyra had tried finesse, now it was time for the blunt approach. Her chest expanded as she took a deep breath, she pressed her fingers to her lips and let out a sharp attention getting whistle. "Hey Sunset! Need to talk to you!" It wasn't the most subtle or elegant tactic, but it'd do. If anything someone would point her in the right direction.

[Sunset Shimmer]

Another day of class over and done with, and Sunset couldn’t be happier. Everyone seemed to have started moving on from the whole demon ruler of zombie army thing, but she still found the looks and glares of students and teachers frustrating. Still, over all she had to say that things seemed to be getting better for her. The rest of the girls were starting to warm up to her for one thing, and having a group of friends at least made dealing with everyone else a little more tolerable. Still, she kind of preferred getting out of there as soon as possible, just in case.

So with that, then, she was dealing with getting all the appropriate materials out of her locker when all of a sudden there was a sharp whistle blown through the halls. Instinctively, Sunset put a hand up to her ear to try block some of it (and getting nostalgic about once having to only swivel them to do the same thing). The additional thing about “Sunset” got her attention though, causing her to finally locate the source of all the noise.

For a moment she considered slipping away just in case, but if someone was that determined to track her down it was only a matter of time before a confrontation would occur anyway. Might as well just get it over with.

”Hey, you didn’t need to blow everyone’s eardrums out you know,” she said as she walked up to the girl.

”Anyway, you’re, uhm…Lyra something right? What did you need me for?” she replied, arms crossed in front of her. Friendlier or not, Sunset still tried to at least look a little intimidating when talking with the other students, even if it was just out of habit more than anything.

[Bon Bon]

Bon Bon peeked out from the school doors, glancing this way and that for either a familiar head of green, or the really-really-hard-to-miss red and yellow chick. Subtlety, to her knowledge, was not either of their strong suits, so she wanted to get in on this quick. Sadly, she'd been held up for a second asking her last teacher for homework clarification, so she might be a little too late for the Student Exodus...

...And she finally caught sight of Lyra, just as she was puffing her chest up. Oh god. Okay. Change tactics.

She winced a little at the whistle and slipped out, sneaking around the throng of students to come up on the other side of Lyra and the now-approaching Sunset Shimmer. She caught onto the tail end of what Sunset was asking—which was just about the perfect in. The two couldn't have planned that better if they tried.

"Just a little offer, if you're up to it," Bon Bon said, walking past her and over to Lyra's side with a smile. "You ever listen to the school podcast, Sunset?" She glanced up at Lyra, bobbing her eyebrows; this was her idea, so she oughta be the one to take the floor on it.

[Lyra Heartstrings]

Holy crap it worked. Of course it did, she was awesome. "That's right, I'm Lyra Heartstrings aaaannnnd..." she stretched out the word as she saw Bon Bon get near and join her side. "This is Bon Bon." Lyra did her best to smile and look perky and friendly. There was no turning back for either of them now!

"First of all I have something for you Sunset." She reached into her bag and held out a package of Oreos to the other girl. It was bigger than the small pack you'd see in vending machines and lunch boxes, but not as big as the larger packs you normally saw on the shelves of the cookie aisle in the super market. Bon Bon would understand why she had them.

"Secondly we'd like to invite you on our show. There's a bit to talk about for it, so if you want we can go slip into the music room or someplace where there's not as many people." If Sunset wanted to suggest another room that was fine by her. There really was a good amount to talk about with her about the offer. There would be no uninformed decisions made about it.

[Sunset Shimmer]

There was something about the way these two acted that reminded Sunset of a pack of timberwolves…er, wolves, trying to surround prey. And she had fallen right into it, but at least it seems she was getting some cookies out of the whole deal.

”Uhm…thanks?” she said as she grabbed the package, listening as the two of them decided to invite her onto the school podcast.

Her eyes widened a little at the suggestion before she quickly blinked herself back into a kind of serious, skeptical look. Yeah, she had listened to the school podcast before; was a good way to get information about what was going on and you had to have good information if you were going to rule the school. Her skepticism, then, was mostly coming from why exactly they wanted her to come on. Okay, technically she had a pretty good guess; “School Queen Revealed to be Pony From Another Dimension After Zombifying School” was a headline that practically wrote itself.

So the question, then, was how were they going to approach it. Instinctively she was concerned it was going to be a chance to just rub it all in her face again, but the fact that they were in fact asking her was a sign they may not necessarily have negative motivations. After all, you usually didn’t try and smear a person’s reputation when they were right there in front of you.

”Fine, I’ll hear you two out,” she replied, barely restraining herself from adding a threatening addition to that to the effect of But this better not be a plot to throw the zombifying thing in my face even more. Showing a little less hostility was sort of step one of trying to make friends after all…

[Bon Bon]

Bon Bon couldn't blame Sunset for being a little skeptical of the whole thing. They were acting kind of... predatory about it, and she wasn't exactly on the good side of the school. What with the zombie thing. Still, she was willing to hear them out, and that was all they could be hoping for. The cookie bribe, she reflected, was probably a pretty great idea—even though it was 90% a weird joke that only the two of them would get.

"Well, the music room's right this way," Bon said, "If you want a little more privacy for this. We don't want to leave you with any doubt in your mind if you agree to come on, and I think that means we should be able to talk frankly, right?" She didn't add So nobody overhears us if we say the "D" word, but Sunset was clever, so she'd probably figure that bit out.

Bon Bon suddenly got a blank expression, as if remembering something. "Ah! And, I almost forgot." She turned and dug around in her bag for a second, sorting through this and that, before finally pulling out a little pint-size carton of milk. She smiled, wiped the condensation off on her sleeve and presented it to Sunset with a grin. "Kind of sucks to eat them dry, so, you can have this."

It was one of the ones you get with the school lunches, so it wasn't anything special. But it was for a Good Cause™. To be specific, the cause of shameless bribery.

[Lyra Heartstrings]

Sunset Shimmer had every right to be skeptical. Lyra knew that their invitation could be perceived as a way to drag her through the mud. Nothing ventured meant nothing gained though. She had promised Bon Bon she wouldn't bring up the demony stuff, or the Zed word, but pony from another dimension? ...That was for another show. Maybe.

Maybe as in future podcast show, not immediate topic.

Lyra gave Sunset a big grin that could have been set perfectly to a small squee sound effect when she accepted their offer to hear them out. Her excitement was tempered by Bon Bon's presence. If she hadn't been there she probably would have grabbed Sunset by the wrist and dragged her away. The cookie bribe made sense to Lyra. Bon Bon's addition of milk to it was confusing. It wasn't even chocolate milk.

The musician quickly lead the way to one of the best places in the school, the music room. Aside from having a bit of sound proofing so as not to disturb other classes, it had a kind of energy in it that she loved. She had made some of her first friends in Highschool in this room. Once the three of them were in the room Lyra grabbed a chair and dropped her bag on the floor beside it.

"So here's the short pitch. I've noticed you trying to change your ways, making friends, and I wanna help. You can talk about something you're good at like most of our special guests do, or we can find some random topic we can all discus, like dinosaurs. We won't bring up bad history or events that may have transpired. The goal is to show your sunnier side and help change opinion. Everything will be pre-recorded, and you'll get to listen to the final version before uploading. No inflammatory callers, or surprise on the air questions. We can get everything down in writing and submitted to the Principals if you'd like, like an outline of what you'd be agreeing to, and form of consent to say you've listened to the final product and agree to let it air."

She didn't say it, but pre-recording the session instead of doing it live also protected the pair of them should Sunset go back to her old ways. Lyra was being a bit more cautious with Sunset than she had been with other guests. Usually it was a short conversation at a lunch table with everything sealed verbally. She hoped that Sunny would appreciate the extra effort she was taking in making her feel safe about the decision.

Oh, and Lyra had decided to start calling her Sunny now, at least in her head.

[Sunset Shimmer]

”Yeah, meeting in the music rooms fine. Let’s just hurry this up. I’m supposed to meet up with the girls after school for some bonding activity or whatever,” she said. Admittedly she was bluffing a bit just to kind of keep up a bit of a wall between her and them. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust them just that, well…yeah, it was just a bit of a trust issue. But so far they seemed to be turning out alright.
Again, all Sunset could mutter as a rather confused, ”Thank you?” as Bon Bon handed her some of the school milk. She really wondered what was up with the milk and cookies, but things were already getting kind of odd enough so she figured it would best be left unsaid for now. Was probably some weird in joke between the two girls or something.

Having accepted the offer, and agreeing to talk to them in the privacy of the music, she followed the duo and quickly made herself comfortable. Since she had them, Sunset figured she might as well eat them, and proceeded to open up and begin munching on the cookies as Lyra began to explain the situation. It wasn’t surprising that they wanted her on the show, but she did have to admit she felt a little touched that they were going through all that effort to try and assure her that they weren’t trying to use this as a smear campaign or something. Still, she couldn’t help but be a little anxious about the idea, prerecorded or not. Something about doing it just because they wanted to sat with her the wrong way, but a lot of that was probably just from being so used to everything being about what she could get out of a relationship. “Doing something nice for the sake of being” nice was one of those things she was still working on getting used to.

”So basically you’re going to help me get some good PR?” she said as she bit another cookie. After swallowing she closed her eyes for a second and thought her answer,”I guess I can sit down for one show at least.”

[Bon Bon]

A thought occurred to Bon Bon when Sunset mentioned her "bonding activity" after school. And as much as she tried to shake it, she couldn't quite get it out of her head; if she was getting to be good friends with these girls... well, then they had probably better be EXTRA careful with Sunset. One mess-up in this thing and they were going to get five magical freaking horse wizards really mad at them. And she knew at least a couple of the two were overprotective of their friends already...

Anyway. She tagged along, in-step with Lyra, and joined them in the music room. She brushed down her skirt before sitting as well.

...And Sunset was already going at those cookies. Huh. Well, couldn't blame her for getting right to business, they were good. But some part of her wondered if doing that was going to give the place a roach problem. Years of cooking had taught her that the little buggers would come at the slightest trace of crumbs left on the ground. Oh well... it was the music room. Lyra could smash 'em with a tuba or something.

She snapped out of it at Sunset's question, and smiled a bit. The girl still seemed kinda reluctant, Bon Bon figured a little reassurance was all she needed. "Sort of yes, sort of no. PR is something you get for a job. We want to help you have an easier time around here, you know?" She looked to Lyra for a moment, then back to Sunset. "What kind of topic do you think you'd want to talk about, if you did sit down with us? Like, do you have some hobby or interest or something that you especially like chatting on?"

[Lyra Heartstrings]

"What Bonnie said. Its not fun being an outcast, and as long as your putting in the effort to be a better person, then we feel you should get a fair chance. I know from some personal experience that it's easier to turn your back on something, than open up. I also know that it sucks to find someones back turned toward you when you really need someone. She didn't go into any details because she felt they weren't needed, but Lyra was trusting Sunset Shimmer with a small piece of personal information. She looked over at Bon Bon and gave her a knowing smile.

"Usually our guests are on for a specific topic, one they're particularly knowledgeable about. For instance, Rarity is going to be on the show in the near future to talk about accessorizing. For the most part you'd be leading the conversation with Bonnie and I asking questions and commenting. Its a discussion, not a lecture." Lyra was excited. She didn't know what Sunset Shimmer's hobbies were, but she was soon to find out.

She really hoped this good deed would pay off. That Sunny would have an easier time in school after the show and never go back to her old ways. Earning Sunny's friendship might not happen from having her on, but maybe the three of them could be on good terms. If Sunny ever reverted to her old ways though, she'd be dead to Lyra. If she ever bullied Bon Bon, Lyra would make sure to end her. She was fiercely protective of her best friend.

[Sunset Shimmer]

Sunset munched on another cookie as she thought over what it was that they were asking. At this point she felt more relaxed; despite the oddity of the situation, they seemed sincere about wanting to try and help her. And as much as she liked the girls, well, if she was going to do this “friendship” thing that meant getting out of her small group from time to time. Plus, getting some more vocal help would probably go a long ways towards getting things to settle down at school regarding the whole zombie thing. That would be a helpful thing to happen.

”I’m pretty good at gardening,” she said, leaning back a little bit before finishing the last bite of her current cookie,”Back in Equestria I was really good at plant spells. Could turn a seed into a full grown plant in seconds with magic. I kind of missed being able to do that, so I kind of picked up gardening as a hobby here…”

It was probably an odd choice, but hey, they wanted a hobby or something and she was able to give it to them. Sure, she wasn’t anywhere near Applejack’s skills with plants; she had the advantage of living on a farm after all. Still, she had a nice bit of dirt with some flowers, a couple plots, just some nice decorations. For a brief second she wondered if Poison Joke could grow in this world, but figured that probably wouldn’t be the best idea. It was quite a conversation starter though.

”By the way, you should take that as meaning I’m willing to do the show,” she added, realizing she never did give them a direct answer on it.

[Bon Bon]

Bon Bon was a little taken aback at Sunset's hobby. (Even if she had barely any idea about "Equestria"—part of her still felt like that was some weird, elaborate hoax.) But, now that she thought of it, gardening was perfect—it was something neither of them knew that much about, that they could brush up a little on for topics, and other students might find it interesting... or, heck, even tender, considering who it's coming from.

...However, she also remembered what happened any time someone used the E-word or M-word in front of Lyra. So she cut in quickly.

"That works excellently," she said, "We'll be able to get a show out of it! Don't think we've ever done one on gardening, right?" She gave Lyra a nice, pleasant smile that said 'Hold it in, girl.' Then she turned that smile on Sunset, a little more earnestly. "I'm really glad you're willing to come on with us, Sunset. I think it'll be great."

Just... so long as she didn't keep hitting on that M-word. Some of the students were probably still touchy about that, but it sounded like Sunset was as straightforward about the fairy pony wizard stuff as Lyra was. She could see it now; hours sitting in front of the audio editing window, cutting, pasting, shuffling...

[Lyra Heartstrings]

Gardening? Sunset Shimmer was a gardener? Lyra didn't have time to picture Sunny surrounded by flowers or plucking herbs. Sunny had brought up the topic of Equestria, and was talking about magic. She could even insta-grow plants! That was so cool! This was so exciting, and she couldn't comment on it. She had told Bon Bon she wouldn't.

Lyra's lips clamped shut and she made a few tiny little huffs as she struggled to contain herself. The Unicorn girl had brought up the topic of magical pony land, and it was taking a considerable amount of will power not to ask more about it. Thankfully Bon Bon was there for her! She had cut in quickly and shifted the topic back to the show.

Show first, magical ponies later. She wouldn't ask about it now, or on the show, but there would be a time when she'd get her answers.

"Nnnnooope." she was struggling to regain her composure, but was winning that battle faster and faster. "No gardeners on the show. What sort of things to you grow Sunny? Flowers, herbs, vegetables? I honestly would have never pegged you for a gardener, and I don't think anyone else would have. I think our show is going to be really good."

"You said you were supposed to meet up with your friends. I don't want to keep you much longer and possibly make you late. If you're comfortable we can go over the general format of how the show will go, or can go. If you have to run, we understand. If you'd like, maybe we can exchange contact info. I got a few instant messengers I'm on, and my phones always on me. If you just want to do e-mail Bonnie and I both have access to the show's e-mail and will send you info through that. If you just want to go over details and stuff at lunch or after school sometime that's cool too."

[Sunset Shimmer]

Sunset raised an eyebrow at Lyra’s antics at the mention of Equestria. Based on what little she had interacted with these two, she got the feeling that Lyra wanted to ask her a lot of questions but was holding back. She was tempted to see what it would take to break the girl and just see her burst, but Bon Bon interrupted before she could indulge in that.

”Yeah, well, it’s not like I’m an expert or anything. It’s mostly just a few small flowers and bushes in some pots right now,” she replied to Lyra’s inquiries about what she grew.”

The mention of going to meet her friends reminded Sunset about that bluff. She glanced up at the clock real quick, acting as if she was thinking about the time. In all honesty, Sunset would probably just bump into one of them while leaving; she didn’t actually have any plans.

”Eh, I still got a bit of time to spare if you want to talk for a bit. It wasn’t like we had big plans or anything,” and even if they did, they might forgive her if it was in the name of making some new friends or something,”Still,guess we exchange numbers or whatever just in case,” she added as she pulled out her phone.

[Bon Bon]

Bon Bon managed to keep a straight face when Lyra started wimpering. She was doing so well, and she didn't want to make light of it, but... darn it, it was funny. She was like a puppy being taught not to bark in the house. She had no illusions, Lyra'd be asking the questions sooner or later no matter what—but there was a time and place, this not being it.

"Eh, you don't need to be an expert. It's not exactly the Times, you know?" She smiled in spite of herself, swinging her bag around. "Still! Don't wanna hold you up. Lemme just look around in here..."

Let's see, here... Chapstick, pencil bag, makeup bag, notebook, steno book, toiletries, hand sanitizer... oh, there were Lyra's neat little finger cymbals. She took those out and tossed them over without comment. But where the heck was her—aha! A little glimmer of pink, buried at the bottom.

She fished around and pulled out a little pink flower charm, and chained to that, her cell phone. Not one of the fancy smart ones—but it took pictures and it was cute, and that's what mattered. She flicked it on, got it to contacts and presented it to Sunset. Yeah, maybe it was a bit trusting for her to do that with the 'YouTube Queen'... But Bon Bon was in a trusting sort of mood with her. To all appearances, Lyra'd been totally right about this one.