It was a calm, beautiful winter morning—though Sunset Shimmer didn't feel any of it.
She lay tangled in her sheets, stirring restlessly as another familiar discomfort flickered at the edge of her sleep. No monsters. No dramatic visions. Just a jumble of old memories, exaggerated in the way dreams tend to be.
Ugh… not again…
Sunset blinked awake, groaning softly as she pushed herself upright. Her heart wasn't racing—just annoyingly awake earlier than she wanted to be. Another dream about her old self.
Another replay of things she wished she'd said differently, done differently, handled better. Nothing dangerous ,Nothing eerie.
Just stressful and incredibly inconvenient at 6AM.She dragged a hand through her hair.
"Perfect. Just what I needed."
Her eyes drifted to her alarm clock.
6:30 AM.
"So much for extra sleep," she muttered.
She got out of bed and headed into the bathroom. After turning on the shower, she checked the water temperature in mild surprise.
"Huh. Hot already. Guess today might not be all bad."
The warm shower helped her shake off the last bits of the dream. Once finished, she dried off, got dressed, and checked the time again.
6:45 AM.
"Still early… coffee run sounds amazing."
Sunset slipped outside, the cool morning air waking her up even further. When the sun peeked over the rooftops, she rolled her eyes half-smiling.
"Well… Twilight wins the weather bet. I owe her five bucks."
She headed straight for her pride and joy: her red 1994 Acura NSX. The engine purred to life beautifully, and just hearing it improved her mood.
She still remembered the pink-slip race she'd won it in years ago, thanks to Rainbow Dash lending her the R34 Skyline for one glorious night. Celestia had not approved of how she got it, but she'd let Sunset keep the car anyway.
Leaving the NSX to warm up, Sunset stepped back inside. A note on the fridge caught her eye.
"Sunset, I made you some breakfast.
It's in the microwave so it wouldn't get cold.
Had to leave early for a meeting with your aunt.
Love, Mom."
Sunset smiled softly.
"You're the best, Mom."
She ate while flipping through channels. A news report about last night's illegal street race popped up.
"That's right, Ben. Police say the numbers have risen in illegal street racing, will the police put a stop to it before somebody gets hurt or worse? Later today chief spitfire will be addressing the concerns"
Sunset smirked.
"I totally would've won if Pinkie hadn't hit NOS at the last second."
After finishing breakfast, she grabbed her things and headed out. On the drive to the coffee shop, her phone rang.
Oh it's Rarity Sunset said putting it on speaker.
"Morning, Rarity."
"Sunset, darling! If you're able, could you please pick up a coffee for me? I'll reimburse you immediately when we meet in class."
Sunset chuckled.
"Just text me the order. I'm heading there anyway."
"¡Eres un ángel! ¡Gracias!" Rarity said
A few minutes later, Sunset reversed into the drive-through in true right-hand-drive fashion. After placing both orders and collecting the drinks, she eased back onto the road.
As she drove, her mind wandered briefly.
Why am I still dreaming about that stuff? It's not even dramatic… just annoying.
Maybe she'd talk to Mom or Aunt Luna about it later. They were good listeners.
The school buildings appeared ahead.
Arrival at Canterlot High
Sunset parked in her usual spot and turned off the engine. Before she could step out—
Tap. Tap.
"Hey! Earth to Sunset!" Rainbow said while tapping on the window of sunsets car
Rainbow Dash grinned through the window. Sunset stepped out, balancing the drink tray.
"Morning, Dash."
"Oooh, coffee delivery! Nice." Sunset said reach info for the coffee
"These aren't yours," Sunset said flatly pulling the coffees away
Rainbow shrugged. "Fair. So, drift practice later? Pinkie's still bragging about last night."
Sunset groaned.
"She totally jumped NOS early."
"Obviously!" Rainbow laughed. "Which is why we have to practice."
Rainbow paused, studying Sunset's face.
"You look kinda wiped. Early morning?"
Sunset nodded.
"Yeah. Just woke up earlier than I wanted to."
Rainbow looked like she wanted to ask more, but the bell cut her off.
"Come on," Dash said, nudging her. "Before Luna vaporizes us."
Inside the School
The hallways buzzed with chatter. Sunset made her way toward her locker when—
"Sunset! Over here, darling!"
Rarity waved, scarf perfect, posture perfect, everything perfect. Sunset handed over the complicated drink.
"Ohhh, it's divine," Rarity sighed dramatically.
Rainbow snorted.
"High-maintenance."
But then Rarity paused, concern softening her expression. "Sunset… you look a bit tired. Didn't sleep well?"
Sunset exhaled.
"Just a dumb dream. Nothing important."
Rainbow raised a brow.
"About your old days?"
Sunset nodded reluctantly.
"Yeah. Just one of those 'why did I ever do that' montage dreams. Super annoying, not super deep."
Rarity touched her arm gently.
"Well… those kinds of dreams can still throw off your morning. Maybe talk with Celestia or Luna later. They might help you sort it out."
Sunset smiled a little.
"Maybe. Thanks."
The warning bell rang, sending everyone toward class.
"We're here for you," Rarity added softly.
Always," Rainbow echoed.
Sunset walked toward her classroom. Halfway down the hall, she felt a small wave of fatigue wash over her—nothing dramatic, just the normal kind that comes after a restless night.
She steadied herself with a hand on the wall.
You're fine. Just tired. Coffee will fix this.
The moment passed quickly.
She took a breath, lifted her chin, and continued toward first period.
A new day was beginning.
And despite the rough start, it was starting to look like a good one.