Five Nights at Equestria Girls

Night 9: The Truthfully True Trial of Truth

"S-Sunset? What ha-happened to me?" asked Twilight, struggling to speak to her friends.

Sunset Shimmer could hear the tremble in Twilight's voice, which made her glance at her friends, wondering how they were reacting. She could see that they were just as terrified as she was. That made her guilt at her doubts and fear grow even more. It was one thing that they had their doubts about her being their friend, but it was another thing for them to show their friend actively. Seeing their fear, Sunset Shimmer understood exactly why Twilight sounded hurt. Her attention was drawn back to Twilight when she heard her struggling to stand up. Without even hesitating, she ran over to her.

"It's okay, Twi," said Sunset Shimmer as she held out a hand for Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle looked behind Sunset, seeing the rest of the girls back away further from her. Even though Sunset Shimmer was standing next to her, they still seemed afraid...of her. Turning her attention to her Sunset, she tentatively grabbed her hand. As she felt herself getting pulled up, she tried to keep her wings to herself. She didn't want her wings to extend for fear of increasing her friends' fear of her. As soon as Sunset Shimmer let go of her hand, she saw her back away slightly.

"You're all afraid of me. Aren't you?!" screamed Twilight Sparkle as tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

Twilight Sparkle looked at Fluttershy, wondering if the shyest of their friends was also afraid as well. A part of her wanted not to see fear, but kindness, acceptance, or some shred of how her friend usual was. She saw Fluttershy step forward for a moment, albeit tentatively and with hesitation. Trying to ease her fear, she gave her a small smile. But unfortunately, she smiled more than she intended to, revealing her newly acquired fangs in the process. In turn, that made the shy girl squeal and hide behind her hair.

"No, I didn't...I am sorry..." thought Twilight, her gaze shifting frantically between her friends.

"Sugarcube...are you okay?" asked Applejack, taking a few cautious steps closer to Twilight.

Seeing Applejack step closer to her, Twilight Sparkle panicked and stepped back from her. In her panic, she looked at Sunset Shimmer. She wanted her support – she needed it. Yet, she couldn't find it in herself to let her help. Not if it meant she was going to get hurt again. Not if she was right about Sunset Shimmer not trusting her because she still saw her as Midnight Sparkle. Unfurling her wings instinctively, she staggered away from the girls.

Sunset's heart heaved in her chest as she watched Twilight Sparkle fearfully back away from her friends. That was enough to make her force her fear and doubts aside. Without even thinking about what she was doing, she ran up to her, grabbing her shoulders. She didn't care that the others were watching as she slowly moved her hands from Twilight's shoulders, grabbing her hands in a tight grip. Leaning forward, she met her eyes.

"Twilight, we're not afraid of you. Believe me," said Sunset, a calmness in her voice.

Twilight Sparkle looked down, her thumb caressing the back of the redhead's hand. "I-I don't know if I can believe you, Sunset."

But she wanted to. She wanted to believe what Sunset Shimmer said was true that they weren't afraid – that she wasn't scared. Yet, there was something in her eyes that made her unable to believe what her friend had said. A fear that was still present in her eyes contrasting with the calmness of her words. Twilight Sparkle tried to pull her hands away from Sunset's grip, but she couldn't do it.

"You're afraid of me because I look like Midnight Sparkle, aren't you Sunset?" asked Twilight, looking up to meet Sunset's eyes.

The question took her by complete surprise. Sunset Shimmer didn't expect Twilight Sparkle to confront her upright about being afraid. She had tried to hide it, for Twilight's sake. But it seemed that despite her efforts, her fear still showed through. She swallowed, trying to keep herself calm. Biting her lip, she forced herself to speak.