>It’s kind of funny, actually.
>You were once on top of the world.
>Personal protege of Princess Celestia, her daughter in all but title, the two of you having grown far closer than you and your original mother ever had.
>You once had Equus in the palm of your hand, just waiting to be seized…
>...And here you are.
>You are Sunset Shimmer, and you’d be laughing at your change of fate if it all weren’t so sad.
>”What, cryin’ already? Haven’t even broke ya’ in yet…”
>The bearded junior gives out a chuckle at his own joke, his hand giving your cheek one last squeeze before ending with a slap.
>The worst part about this situation?
>No, it’s not the fact that you’re being groped by someone probably three years your elder, and it’s not the fact that you’ve long since given up resisting.
>It’s the fact that they’re watching.
>They know. 
>Junior, senior, fellow freshman…
>Doesn’t matter.
>They watch, and, God, do they enjoy.
>The boys especially.
>Sniffing, you try to squeeze your way through the thoroughly amused crowd.
>You try to ignore them, keeping your head low and your mind focused on what’s to come.
>Your time to shine is soon, you’re sure of it.
>The pieces are all set, each set of eyes now looking upon you belonging to a simple pawn, each unaware of their mistakes.
>Comforted by the thought, you continue onwards, trying desperately to imagine what is to come.
>This’ll all be worth it, you’re sure.
>That fleeting thought is all that gets you to fifth hour.
>Physical Education.
>Entering the women's changing room and joining your fellow freshmen, you begin to dress for the work soon to come.
>All the while, though, you try to ignore their sniggers.
>They voices are loud and grating
>’What a slut.’
>’Who dresses like that?’
>’Why’s she wearing guys’ shorts? Is she poor or something?’
>It’s always the same stuff.
>...You really hate this place.
>No, not just CHS.
>You hate this planet.
>Only good thing about it is the technology.
>You miss home.
>You miss coming back every day from studies to a hot meal and a warm bed.
>You miss Celestia.
>...
>...... 
>Sixth hour is least favorite hour.
>...Wait, no.
>Every hour is worst hour.
>You despise school.
>Mrs. Cheerilee continues on with her tangent about the Jåskelan riots up north… something about a rigged referendum concerning their ruling class.
>You can’t really be bothered to care about any of it, though.
>You’re focused on trying to figure out how to best free Equestria.
>Sure, you could plaster yourself in runes, but you’ve studied Blackmane’s history.
>You already know how that’d work out.
>But then how would you get the power necessary to defeat an alicorn?
>You're not so sure how effective firearms would be against a ward spell, and you don't want to find out.
>She may have been in the wrong, but you've heard about what those things do to people.
>Heck, if she were to step up and admit her fault, you'd do the same...
>But only after modernizing Equestr— 
>”...totally smells like shit.”
>”...deodorant?”
>”...meth head.”
>...
>Seems like they’re back at it.
>Rolling your eyes, you click your tongue before beginning to write again in your notebook.
>No more doodles today, however, you've got plans.
>Plans to help Equestria and all her people.
>You can see it now, a small smile growing on your face all the while.
>No longer will ponies be living in houses that are just barely insulated.
>No longer will ponies be reliant upon the false goddess.
>No longer will ponies be the butt of all political jokes along with the zebras.
>It will be great.
>An Equestria where everyone is equal, an Equestria where schooling isn't reserved for unicorns and unicorns alone.
>An Equestria where—
*Thawck.*
>Huh?
>Glancing down, you notice the small and thoroughly chewed on pencil, of which had just smacked into your shoulder.
>...Seems your classmates are growing bolder.
>They’ve thrown smaller objects, sure, erasers and paper footballs were commonplace whenever the teacher wasn’t looking, but to throw a full pencil?
>These humans, you swear.
>Belligerent to the point where they’d make griffons seem downright neighborly, you’re honestly surprised the world isn’t in a constant state of total war.
>Fights are commonplace in this world, leagues above what would be considered acceptable back home.
*Thwack.*
>Oh son of a…
>No, no…
>Cursing is for humans, and you’re far above them.
>Just take a brea— 
*Thwack.*
“What the hell’s wrong with you?”
>Silence is the only reply you get, the class turning a rare tune of silence as all eyes drift over towards you.
>You can care less about what your ‘peers’ thinking, honestly, but the teacher…?
>When you catch her eyes, you can’t help but grin nervously.
>You’re still surprised she doesn’t hear the mumblings just behind you, despite her pointed stare at you.
>”Heh, dumb bitch.”
>”...you money she has a turkey sandwich.”
>”...unna’ be gud.”
>Ugh.
>You hate humans.
>And, oh boy, do they hate you.
>...
>......
>It’s a bit cold, yes…
>It’s also more than a bit boring, but you’re above thinking that boredom is an enemy.
>Boredom is merely time wasted, time that could be spent wondering about what will come and how to better prepare for it.
>With that in mind, you try and ignore the completely bland and lifeless room that you’re currently trapped in.
>Detention, even for a day, is more humiliating than anything else.
>Makes you feel like you’re back in magic kindergarten again.
>Hmmm…
>Magic.
>What you wouldn’t give to have a lick of your old magic right about now.
>That’s the only bad thing about this human form.
>No real place to store or absorb latent magic in the air, and, as such, these monkeys never had the ability to know the joys that ponies had taken for granted since their dawn.
>You wonder if having only mud ponies would’ve accelerated the technological progression of Equestria, much like how the griffons had to develop advanced weaponry and tactics to defeat foes that were easy prey for simple spells.
>Heh, wouldn’t that be quite the timeline?
>Muds doing something worthwhi— 
>”...solid 8.”
>”Dude, are you retarded? Objectively paper bag, anything else is wrong answer.”
>”Shhh, quiet the fuck down, why you gotta’ be so loud?”
>”’Cause I can, bitch…”
>Aaaaand they’re back to mumbling.
>Good.
>Now, where were you?
>Something about mag— 
>*Thwick.*
>You blink at the paper airplane that’s just landed on your desk, shaking yourself from your thoughts as you glance up at the teacher.
>Doodle’s still idly gazing at his computer screen, so you’re in the clear.
>Glancing to the side, trying to find whoever threw the little thing, you’re more than surprised to see someone waiting to catch your eyes.
>What’s even more surprising is his wide smile and slight wave.
>He’s not a freshman, but that’s all you can deduce from a glance.
>White skin and blue hair, with a slightly square looking head…
>You’re more than a bit unfamiliar with such a friendly greeting from a human, so you force out a smile.
>He points at the small plane upon your desk.
>Oh, he must’ve written something on it.
>Shrugging, you open it up…
>’Hey, sorry about those two chumps behind you. I’ll deal with them once we’re out. I’m Flash Sentry btw”
>You reread the message several times, a look of faux-shock and joy on your face all the while.
>You look to this ‘Flash Sentry’ and shoot him the biggest, and hopefully most convincing, smile you can muster.
>These humans aren’t going to fool you.
>...But you’re sure as hell going to fool them.
>You are Sunset Shimmer, and you are determined to help Equestria, even if it means becoming that which you were taught to despise.