The hum of amplifiers rattled the walls of Canterlot High’s music room, strings buzzing under Sunset Shimmer’s fingers as she adjusted her guitar strap. The Rainbooms had packed up hours ago, but Sunset stayed behind, alone with the fading neon light and the lingering echoes of half-finished riffs. Music usually centered her—but today, every note seemed jagged, restless, like the static in her head wouldn’t stop bleeding into the strings. She heard the chatter outside the music room, as she sighed in frustration.

She leaned against the amp, rubbing at her temple, trying to ignore the faint shimmer of heat in the corner of her vision—the unwanted reminder of the “other” her. Dmon Shimmer lurked like a bad dream, a silhouette waiting to claw its way forward whenever her doubts slipped too deep.

Sunset exhaled sharply, shaking it off, forcing a crooked smirk back onto her face. Sarcasm was easier than honesty. Confidence was easier than letting anyone know she was barely holding it together.

“Great, just great..” Sunset muttered under her breath, eyes flicking toward the doorway “I hope a janitor walks in..or someone who'll actually clap for my one-woman pity concert...sigh"