Marcus was wide awake as he approached the school, now completely used to the routine of getting up this early. He has been busy during the past week, spending time with the girls and he was looking forward to the small respite to just chill a little. There was still the matter of getting a job, but since Applejack and her family seems to like him and Rarity is interested in his artistic skills he should be able to get two and no longer have to worry about that. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted two sets of familiar and unique hair, Sunset's fiery red and yellow and Rainbow's own. He lightly smiled as he approached them, only to frown slightly when he noticed there seemed to be a small argument between them and the rest of the group.

"Like I said, Shimmer, don't think several weeks of supposed good behavior will suddenly make us forget years of your terrible behavior," Rainbow exclaimed with even more venom than Marcus has heard her use towards Zephyr, getting a nod from Applejack.

"Yes, and let's not forget about the ultimate stunt you tried to pull at the fall formal," Applejack added just a bitterly with her arms crossed.

Sunset paled nervously as she defensively held up her hands and tried her hardest not to cry. Fluttershy and Pinkie were giving her concerned and sympathetic looks, while Rarity sighed and looked away, as if doing so would magically make the scene go away.

"But girls, if it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have met Twilight and…"

"Pinkie, that doesn't make up for her actions during those three days," Rarity pointed out simply, "It's up to her to prove she has truly changed since then."

"She has done plenty to prove she has, Rarity," Fluttershy argued, surprisingly confidently, "She hasn't done anything since then and she has been really sweet with helping me at the animal shelter."

Before Marcus could make his presence known and figure out what was going on between the girls, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. After quickly taking it out and turning it on, he saw it was a call from his father. He blinked, before deciding to leave the girls for a more private area. He quickly stumbled upon a nice field of flowers and accepted the call.

"Hello," Marcus greeted as he held the phone up to his ear.

"Hello, son. I decided to call and check up on you and see how things have been going the past few weeks."

"Sure, dad. It's before school starts, but I should have a few minutes."

"Ok, good. How have things been?"

"Pretty good actually. I managed to befriend a nice group of friends and a couple of them are willing to help me find a job."

"That's wonderful. I see I don't have to transfer you more cash. Are any of them girls?"

"Yes, dad. All of them in fact."

"Oh, I see my son is a little chick magnet!"

"Dad!" Marcus snarled while blushing hotly.

"Tell me. Do any of them…."

"A few seems to," Marcus answered reluctantly, only to groan in frustration as his dad cackled in amusement.

"That's my boy. I trust your mother and I are going to be grandparents sooner than later."

"Dad!" He exclaimed angrily as his blush managed to darkened.

"Anyway, nice to hear things are going well for you. Your mother and I will be sure to call every once in a while to check up on things and hopefully the next thing we hear about is your next girlfriend."

Marcus let out another annoyed groan as his father ended the call. He did the same and put his phone back into his pocket as he managed to shake off his blush. Thankfully, no one was here and saw what just happened.

"Wow, I didn't think anyone could blush as darkly as I can," He barely heard a soft voice whisper.

Marcus shook nervously as another embarrassed blush formed on his face and he turned around to find a familiar green skinned girl.

"Wallflower?"

Wallflower froze and the only thing on her mind was this handsome boy in front of her remembering her. A light blush formed on her face and she found herself smiling.

"You remember me?" She asked sheepishly with a hint of hopefulness.

"Yes," Marcus answered as he shook off his blush, "It has only been a little over a week since we last saw each other."
"You remember," She mumbled dreamily.

"Uh, yeah," He answered sheepishly with a concerned look, "Are you feeling ok?"

"Remember me."

"Wallflower?" He questioned as he slowly approached her.

"Say my name again."

"Wallflower!" He exclaimed as he gently shook her, "Please, snap out of it."

"Huh…" She blurted out dreamily, before she shook her head and her blush darkened when she realized what was going on, "I…What?"

"Are you ok? You seemed to have been in quite a daze," Marcus asked with concern.

"Oh, yes, I am fine," She answered nervously as she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, "It's just… No one has remembered me, or my name before and it was quite the shock," She added as she shook off her blush.

"I see. What are you doing here?" He asked, more than happy to move on to another subject.

"I… I planted this field of flowers and I like to relax near them every morning," She answered sheepishly, but with a hint of pride and happiness in her tone.

"Really? That's amazing."

"T-Thanks," She responded back with a sheepish giggle, "I am in charge of the gardening club. Well, the only member at any rate, but I still take pride in what I do."

"That's great."

"Anyway, I was on my way here to do so, only to stumble upon you talking on the phone," She began with another giggle, making him blush hotly, "Sorry, if I interrupted something important."

"No, it's fine," He began nervously while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, "My dad was just checking up on me and being a typical embarrassing parent."

"I see. Well, I am more than happy to share the area with someone who finds it amazing, if you want."

"Sure, I could relax a little before school starts," He agreed with a charming smile, causing Wallflower to blush heavily with her own smile.

The two sat down next to each other and closed their eyes as they began to chill and relax before school. Wallflower was in pure bliss and it wasn't just because she was relaxing near her precious flowers. A handsome boy she met about a week ago had managed to remember her and the best part is he seems nice, charming, and into flowers. She could feel her cheeks heat up as her thoughts drifted towards dating him and maybe even dare she say eventually marrying him!

Sunset sighed bitterly as she washed her face in the restroom sink. Figures, not even a few weeks later would change a thing and most of her "friend" group would still be hesitant, or even outright hostile towards her. She had decided to invite the girls to play some video games at her house and maybe even invite Marcus, once he arrived, but that instead led to a bitter argument between the girls. She could only sigh again as she dried her face and decided to get going before she's late. Once she left the girls' restroom she noticed Marcus slowly approaching her location. She blinked in slight surprise, before a friendly smile formed on her face and she decided to approach him.

"Marcus. Good morning," She greeted.

"Good morning, Sunset," He greeted back, "What's going on?"

"Just wondering where you were. The girls and I were waiting before the bell rang."

"Oh, my father called to check up on me and I decided to go somewhere personal to take it," He answered.

"Oh, ok. Well, I was wondering if you wanted to come over and play more video games together. Pinkie and Fluttershy already agreed to it,"

"Sure, sounds good," He responded with a charming smile, causing her to lightly blush.

"Great," She began nervously as she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, "Well, I better get going to class before I'm late. See you after school."

"Sounds good. See you later!"

Pinkie practically bounced to her classroom seat as she always does, but this time something felt a little off. She couldn't quite place what it is exactly, but her pinkie sense was telling her that something that she should have done didn't happen. She then shrugged it off, despite the feeling lingering and instead focused her thoughts on something much more positive. Ever since Marky has moved, her life has gotten better as she finally found the perfect boy for her. A handsome and kind boy that is capable of understanding her and handling her behavior. The only problem was her friends and even her sisters having a thing for him too. No way is she losing him to them and she vowed to make sure by giving her precious Marky affection everyday. Wait, she didn't see him this morning and therefore didn't. That's what that feeling was! No problem! She will just give him a super duper extra special hug during lunch to make up for it!

Applejack slowly sat down in her seat as she pondered recent events. A light blush formed on her face as her thoughts went to her current crush, Marcus. She has never met such a handsome boy who could challenge her strength, let alone be capable of easily beating her without giving it his all. Oh, she couldn't wait to make things more official, and perhaps if things work out start a family with him. She sighed dreamily as she could feel her cheeks heat up as she day dreamed of it and vowed to make it a reality. The only issue being at least a couple of her friends being into him too. Not to mention Applebloom and perhaps her own mother! Well, regardless of how many girls are after him, she isn't going to let him escape her without a fight.

Rarity quickly brushed her hair, doing last minute grooming to make sure her appearance was as perfect as possible. She then walked to her classroom seat like the proper lady she prides herself on being. As she sat down she ignored the looks from countless males watching her as a piece of meat. Naturally, with how beautiful she is, she has countless guys attracted to her and she usually ignores them, due to that not being gentlemanly behavior, but recently there's another reason. The new reason being that her heart is already taken and by her precious Marky Wikey! Not only was he handsome and charming, but he is a talented artist and his talent for designing outfits completely outclasses her own. She could feel her cheeks heat up as she thought about making things more official, once he is more comfortable and has adjusted more to living here, and dare she say eventually marrying him. She giggled dreamily as she noted she already dreams of the latter. The only problem was a few of her friends and her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, going after him as well, and that isn't even mentioning the countless girls he no doubt has attracted and will in the future. No matter what, she won't be giving up without a fight and may the best lady win!

Fluttershy slowly and nervously walked to her seat and sat down as she sheepishly tried to ignore her fellow peers chatting with one another before class started. She reached into her backpack and gave Angel a few pets, getting a few quiet noises from him that thankfully no one else heard. She found herself thinking about current events. Things have changed quite a lot in the past few weeks. The biggest change being Sunset herself. Not only did she and the girls meet and befriend a pony princess from another world, but helped her stop Sunset, who turned out to be another pony from the same world, from using a magic crown to take over both worlds. Fluttershy remembers how depressed and broken she was when she stumbled upon her that one day. She wanted to do everything she could to show her kindness and cheer her up and she was happy that she managed as best she could. She smiled brightly as she recalled all the fun they both had together at the animal shelter and couldn't wait for their next session. A light blush formed on her face as her thoughts turned to another change. That being Marcus, a handsome and kind boy who seems to be as skilled with animals as her, since Angel seems to have taken a liking to him. Someone she has befriended and taken a liking to as well, more quickly by her standards, and she can't wait to get to know him more.

Rainbow was casually scrolling through the hallway on the way to class. With how quick she is, she always likes to hang out a bit, before rushing for the room at the last minute. Suddenly, she instinctively cringed in disgust when she smelled a foul and familiar odor behind her. Despite the overwhelming feeling of dread, she found the courage to turn around and found her fears and annoyance confirmed as Zephyr was behind her with a creepy smile on his face.

"Rainbows, how wonderful to meet up with you a couple minutes before class!"

"Don't tell me karma is biting me for showing Sunset her place! She deserves it!" Rainbow groaned in annoyance as she rubbed her head.

"Come on, Rainbows. Talking with me is the best thing you can do!" Zephyr responded with a flirty wink, making Rainbow cringe in disgust.

"Zephyr, I have no time for this. I better leave now, since not even I will make it to class on time."

"This shouldn't take long, Rainbows," Zephyr argued with a charming smile, showing his disgusting yellow teeth, "Just say yes to being my girlfriend, so we can finally be the best couple ever!"

"Never! When are you going to get it through your impossibly thick skull that I am not and will never be interested in you?!"

"Fine, still be this way, Rainbows. You are lucky that it's almost time for class, but one day you will go out with me. Who could you possibly want to date more than me, after all?" Zephyr responded with an annoyed groan, before going on his way.

Rainbow let out her own annoyed groan, before she too rushed for her classroom. She managed to make it with about half a minute to spare and rushed for her seat. Figures, Zephyr as usual had to ruin her morning with his usual nonsense. She doesn't know how much longer she can tolerate Zephyr going after her and not taking a hint that she will never like him in that way, or at all for that matter. Tried as she might, she couldn't get him out of her thoughts, more specifically his final words. She scoffed, still dumbfounded that he was still so delusional that he was awesome enough for her and better than anyone else she could possibly go out with. Please, she would rather date a cockroach than him. Though, that begs the question of who could possibly be awesome enough to date her. To her slight shock, she felt her cheeks heat up a little as her thoughts went to Marcus. Well, he seems cool enough and is skilled enough to make her sweat and actually have to give it her all, but could she really find herself dating him? Sure, he's handsome and cool and all, but dating wasn't something she sees herself doing. She shook her head and shrugged off that thought. She never thought she would ever consider this, but she should slow down and not rush into anything until she gets to know him more.

Sunset took a relaxing deep breath as she quietly and sheepishly took her seat as she ignored the glares her fellow peers were giving her.

"Can't believe Shimmer is still here!"

"If I was her, I would have transferred, or even have my parents homeschool me."

"Yeah, she should just realize and accept that we don't want her here!"

She closed her eyes and ignored the insults as she is more or less used to it and is able to live through it without crying or letting it bother her too much, though it will always still hurt her. She managed to calm herself down by reminding her that she is going to spend after school with her friends and the only people willing to give her a chance.

Once the final bell rang, there was a surprise announcement. The girls and Marcus were curious to what it could possibly be about.

"Attention students! I am happy to report that starting next week we will be hosting a battle of the bands to decide who has the best musical talent here at C.H.S. Feel free to spend the whole week preparing and forming your own bands in order to compete to become the best!"

As soon as Rainbow heard this, stars formed in her eyes as a cocky competitive smile formed on her face, and she pictured her and the girls winning the competition. The only thing on her mind was forming the best band and winning something else to prove she's the best as usual! Naturally, the others will be more than happy to join her band and together they all will be winners! She was so excited, she could barely sit still and couldn't wait to get started, but sadly she had to get through the rest of the day… no week and that was going to be torture. She sighed and decided to look forward to how much winning was going to be worth it.

When Marcus entered the cafeteria for lunch, he had the same feeling that something was going to happen to him, but it was stronger than on the day he hung out with Pinkie. He sighed as he prepared for the inevitable hug.

"One. Two. Three," He counted quietly, and sure enough as soon as he got to three, he was immediately embraced in a tight hug by Pinkie.

"Marky! You are here!"

"Of course I am, Pinkie."

"I didn't see you this morning and couldn't give you your morning hug, but now I can fix that by making your lunch hug extra special," She told him with a giggle as she gently nuzzled his face with hers.

"Ok," Was all he could say while lightly blushing.

"Really, Pinkie!"

Marcus and Pinkie turned around to find Rarity glaring at them, more specifically at Pinkie. Pinkie let out an annoyed groan and glared right back as she reluctantly let go of him.

"What, Rarity?!" She snarled bitterly while crossing her arms.

"Oh, nothing, Pinkie," Rarity began simply as she walked right up to Marcus and decided to ignore her, "Good afternoon, Marky Wikey! We didn't see you this morning, but it's nice to see you still showed up today," She told him with a charming smile and wink as she gently kissed his cheek, making his blush darken.

Pinkie could only let out another annoyed groan as she increased the power of her glare to the equivalence of ten thousand suns. Looks like she is going to have to take her affection giving up a notch, or even past level ninety-nine!

"Thank you," He began nervously as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, earning a giggle from Rarity, "I had to take a call from my father, but we still have lunch together."

"Indeed, darling," Rarity responded as she gently grabbed his hand, "Now, shall we get to our table?"

Marcus simply nodded as Rarity led him to their table while Pinkie followed after them with a pout on her face. She was supposed to and really wanted to lead him to it as she has done since he first arrived. When they all took their seats, Rarity kept holding his hand, much to his surprise. Not that he minds and actually enjoys the feeling of how soft it is. It wasn't long until the rest of the girls showed up and took their own seats.

"Oh, good, Marcus is here," Rainbow commented simply with a smile, "I supposed he could be a decent groupie."

"Groupie?" Marcus asked.

"Rainbow, here, thinks we want to drop everything to join a band she just started just now," Applejack explained with a chuckle.

"Of course! My band is going to win the battle of the bands and be another reason I'm awesome!" Rainbow answered with a cocky grin.

"Anyway," Applejack began, playfully rolling her eyes, "How are you today, sugarcube?" She asked Marcus with a friendly smile.

"Great, I was just wondering if the job offer is still open," He responded with his own smile, causing every girl to lightly blush.

"Of course! I know Applebloom and mother will be more than happy…"

"Hang on, Marky Wikey. You can always work for me!" Rarity interrupted sweetly as she gently stroked his cheek, making him lightly blush, "I could use your amazing artistic talent!"

"Hold on, Rarity!" Applejack snapped bitterly with a glare as she crossed her arms, "I was the first one to offer and he asked me just now!"

Rarity let out an annoyed groan as she rolled her eyes, before glaring right back.

"So, that doesn't mean I can't offer him a job myself!"

"Girls, I was thinking of taking you both up on your offers, if you don't mind."

Both girls only looked at each other even more intensely for a brief moment, before they both reluctantly nodded.

"I guess I can live with that," Applejack admitted.

"I suppose I can be a polite and proper lady and do the same," Rarity put in her two cents.

"Anyway, now that's done, can we get back to me starting the best band ever and helping us all win the battle of the bands?!" Rainbow interjected.

"What is it with you and competitions, Rainbow?" Applejack asked with a sigh.

"Come on, Applejack! Don't tell me you aren't interested? Be honest!"

"Fine, I guess I am, but you still need to relax and not go overboard on competition," Applejack conceded while playfully rolling her eyes.

"How else can I keep showing how awesome I am?" Rainbow asked with a cocky smile, "Now, if we are going to do this we all need to find an instrument for all of us and practice. Well, the rest of you, since I am already awesome at it!"

Applejack once again rolled her eyes as the others shared their agreement to Rainbow's proposition.

"I admit it would be nice to explore another type of art. I really enjoy listening to Octavia playing her cello. It would be nice to try playing my own music," Rarity spoke up.

"Yeah, it sounds fun. I never played instruments before and there are so many to try! Oh, I can't wait!" Pinkie added with a cheerful smile and giggle.

"I suppose it would be nice, though I don't know about the crowds, but I guess with you all there with me I can have the courage to do so, since I just have to play and not talk," Fluttershy spoke softly.

Sunset was about to comment, only for Rainbow to speak up before she could, much to her annoyance and sadness.

"Oh, and Marcus, I guess you can be our groupie."

"Really?"

"Yeah, your art skills should come in handy to advertise us. After all, everyone should know about the upcoming best band on the planet!"

"Sure," He began, deciding to go along with it, "I guess that will be a fun project."

"Great! With all six of us, I am sure…"

"Seven!" Pinkie blurted out.

"Seven?" Rainbow asked, confused.

Sunset let out a cough, causing all of us to look at her. Rainbow blinked as she realized what Pinkie meant.

"Yes, Rainbow, seven of us," Fluttershy added softly, but with a hint of sternness, "You aren't leaving her out of it, are you?"

"No, I… We will find a position for all of us here," Rainbow assured her sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head.

Fluttershy nodded with a gentle smile on her face as she gently wrapped an arm around Sunset.

"Thank you," Sunset whispered in her ear, getting a nod back, before wrapping her own arms around Fluttershy in a light embrace.

"Now, after school today we will…"

"Sorry, Rainbow, but Fluttershy and I agreed to spend time with Sunny," Pinkie interrupted.

"Me too. Sunset asked me this morning right before first period," Marcus added.

"Oh, that makes it even better, Marky!" Pinkie responded with a cheerful smile and giggle.

"Yes," Fluttershy agreed kindly with her own gentle smile.

"But…"

"Sorry, Rainbow, but we already made plans, so we are going to have to start planning tomorrow, if that is ok with you," Fluttershy added softly, but with the same hint of sternness.

"Fine," Rainbow conceded with a sigh.

It was after school and Sunset waited anxiously for her friend group to meet up with her. It felt nice to actually have a group of people that care for her when ninety-nine percent of her peers hate her guts, not that she again could blame them. For the first time in several weeks, she could honestly say she's ok. Things have been rough with only two people giving her a chance and she would dwell on her past actions and how she could do anything to make up for it. She did that too much and it wasn't good for her mental health. Now, with someone else she has befriended, someone who didn't have to deal with the old her, and someone who told her to relax and try not to try too hard and instead be natural. She tried to take that to heart and try not to dwell too much on the negative and instead enjoy the positives as much as possible. She has found herself smiling more genuinely when with Pinkie and enjoying her wonderful time with Fluttershy even more. Sure, she still has a long way to go and she still gets sad, or angry at times, especially when Rainbow, or whoever picks on her, but she will keep trying and moving forward!

"Hello, Sunset, have we kept you waiting long?"

Fluttershy's soft and kind tone broke her out of her thoughts as she noticed her, Pinkie, and Marcus standing in front of her and giving her concerned looks.

"No, it's fine. Just thinking a little on recent events," Sunset answered sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Yes, I have been doing the same today," Fluttershy responded, "Shall we get going? I really want to see Ray again, if you don't mind."

"Of course not, Fluttershy," Sunset began with a smile, "I know we are going to have a lot of fun today."

Fluttershy smiled back kindly as she nodded.

"Yippie! I have never been to your place before. Where do you live?" Pinkie asked excitedly with a cheerful giggle.

"I have a nice little apartment, I manage to afford," Sunset answered with her own giggle, "Shall we?"

The rest nodded, more than ready to enjoy the rest of the day in Sunset's company.

"Oh, and Marcus," Sunset spoke up with a grin.

"Yes, Sunset?"

"Just so you know, I have been practicing and this time you are going down!"

"We'll see about that," He responded back simply.

"Oh, it's happening," Sunset insisted with a chuckle, "No matter how many times and how many hours it takes me!"

Sunset could only let out a defeated groan at her one hundredth loss, not that she was keeping track or anything, and gently rubbed her eyes.

"Hey, you were so close that time, so chin up," he told her with a charming smile, making her, Fluttershy and Pinkie lightly blush.

"Yes, playing against you has only made me better and better and it's not long until I finally beat you!" Sunset responded with a smile, "But first I am going to get a drink. Do any of you want anything?"

"I guess I could use another can of soda, if you don't mind," Marcus answered.

"Same here, Sunny!" Pinkie agreed with a cheerful smile.

"Fluttershy?" Sunset asked.

Fluttershy simply nodded as she gently rubbed Ray, who was sitting on her shoulder, on the head, getting a few gentle licks, making her giggle. Sunset quickly rushed into the kitchen, more than happy that she seemed to be getting somewhere in making friends and moving on to a better place in her life!

Author's Note:

Here we are the end of this story's first arc and how we are going to the second one, covering the events of Rainbow Rocks. I will be taking a little break to plan it out and maybe even work on a few chapters for a few other fics. We will see. Until then hoped you enjoyed this introduction arc and stay tuned. This fic is really only getting started!