Chapter 28: The Artist

Sunset was approaching, and a certain student at Canterlot High School knew it. At the same time, a student by the same name was getting ready at that particular time of day. After practicing music rehearsals with the Rainbooms, running from classroom to classroom, and writing essays to the point of coming home with a cramp in her hand, it was time for a different assignment. Instead of zipping her pencil case, she zipped open a bag of spray cans. Instead of putting on a lab coat, she wore a black hoodie. Instead of a sports helmet, she put on a simple cap.

Sunset Shimmer was ready. During the day, she was Sunset Shimmer, a student and guitarist to the Rainbooms and Canterlot High. Tonight, however, she is Flanksy, a renowned trendy secret artist on a mission to surprise those who wake up the next day to find some new artwork on their wall or roadside. While everyone's asleep during the night, she comes out at night and lets her creativity shine bright in the darkness.

Sunset, or Flanksy, looked at her map, choosing her targets carefully and the best backstreets to navigate to avoid being seen. She was a secret artist, after all. She asked her studious friend about late-night bus schedules, city police rounds, everything from her home, and all her targets tonight. Smiling, she doubled checked she got all the colors and artistic tools she needed before entering the night.

Her first target was easy. Fluttershy's animal shelter was in her sight. Her animal-loving friend did say that her shelter was running out of room from taking in all the abandoned animals, and they desperately needed some extra cash to renovate and expand the place. Fluttershy always wanted a therapeutic cat room for visitors or more reptile environment cages. She and the whole shelter had done small charity events, which included baking sales and car wash services, but they only managed to get people's loose change and notes. They needed a big project to help bring in more people and see how much of a difference providing animals with a home is. Luckily, that wish was going to happen tonight.

As a security guard and dog walked past, Sunset hid in the shadows behind a rubbish bin. Luckily, they didn't pick up on her presence. Double-checking her surroundings, Sunset moved quickly towards a blank wall of the shelter. Sizing her canvas with a thumb, tongue hanging out of her mouth in concentration, she began to visualize what she wanted for her artwork.

"Of course, it has to be animal themed. This is an animal shelter after all," Sunset whispered to herself, shaking a spray can in thought, "Maybe some sort of words as well, but nothing too obvious like "Adopt Me" or something too cute like "Hug Me." Something that shows all the hard work that goes into this shelter. Something that will welcome everyone and every animal."

Unzipping her bag and taking out her spray cans, she strapped a facemask and began her work. She took out her required colors, stepped towards the wall, took a deep breath, and let her artistry guide her. Sunset sprayed patches of green and yellows, forming patches of grass and buttercups. Tall trees with birds and squirrels playing in the branches were sprayed and painted next. An array of woodland creatures came out to play, along with domesticated ones. A dog chasing its tail, a cat licking from a crystal clear puddle with sparkles, a rabbit happily munching on the foliage.

Sunset finished it with a bright rainbow spanning from one side of her work to the other, with the words "All Are Welcome" written on it. Taking a step back, she admired her handiwork when the sound of another security guard approaching made her hastily pack her kit away before hiding in the shadows again.

"First mission complete," Sunset smiled happily before running to catch the scheduled night bus to the other side of the neighborhood. "Fluttershy, hope my work will help the shelter get what they need," Sunset looked at her work behind her as she crossed the street and onto a block of high-end boutiques.

Rarity has been in so much distress lately. She would go on and on about the deadline for her next window display. If she couldn't pull it off, her employment at one of the hottest boutiques would be in jeopardy. Sunset wasn't going to let that happen. Not on her watch. She helped her before, and nothing will stop her from helping her friend again.

The bus stopped just outside of Rarity's workplace, and Sunset stepped out and tried to locate where Rarity's effort was. She internally cringed at the sorry sight of it all. Shaking her head, Sunset checked her surroundings again before pulling out her cans.

"Not to worry, Rarity," Sunset smiled, "You're friend's got your back." Holding the spray can closer to the glass to get a drippy effect, Sunset sprayed out swirling clouds and neon lightning bolts. Bold lines for hearts with arrows stuck in them. She used the shape of the mannequins to draw faces on the glass, hearty eyes and broad smiles. One even had a bunch of flowers in its hand. Arrows pointing inwards at the dresses helped to catch customers' attention towards the dresses. Luckily, there were only three window displays to work her magic on before Sunset caught the next bus and approached the city center.

"Good luck, Rarity," Sunset looked out of the window towards her diminishing artwork, "Hope this will help you keep you at your job for a little while longer."

She got off just outside the mall and headed towards Pinkie's place of work. The funky retro café has been getting a lot of five-star ratings lately, and Sunset thought that her work could boost the diner's popularity. After walking around the building to find a suitable workplace spot, she spotted a strange note on the window frame. It also had her mark on the paper along with bold writing. Walking to the paper, she took it and unfolded the message. Her eyes narrowed as she read the words.

DO YOUR WORK ON THE WALL TO YOUR RIGHT. IT'S CLOSE TO THE MALL ENTRANCE AND WILL GET A LOT OF ATTENTION.
- PINKIE PIE

Sunset just stared at the note. After seeing what her hyperactive friend was like, she knew best not to ask how in the world Pinkie knew it was her. Shrugging it off, Sunset carried her kit to where the note directed her. She found, to her surprise, the wall was large enough to let her creative juices flow.

"Pinkie, you are good," Sunset complimented her friend before twisting her cap in determination and walking up to her new blank canvas. This establishment being a musical, funky café, she knew exactly what her artwork would be about. The background was an assortment of speakers blasting musical notes and stars. A tasty selection of ice cream sundaes floated in mid-air, decorated with every sauce flavor a hungry customer could imagine and multi-colored sprinkles. Savory foods like sandwiches, nachos, and fries were also displayed in Sunset's work. It was a literal feast for the eyes.

"Hope this will help keep the five-star ratings going, Pinkie," Sunset smiled as she wiped the spray paint from her face. Looking at her phone's clock, it read that it was coming close to nine. She ran quickly to the bus stop and boarded the bus heading out of the city.

With all her assigned artwork done, it was time to do her so-called surprise art, and she knew where to head next. Rainbow Dash would be in for quite the surprise when she woke up the next morning.

Approaching her house. She decided to surprise her with her signature illusion art. Knowing how RD loves to go fast, she thought of making a gaping hole leading up to her drive.

"She will be going so fast that when she notices my fake hole, it will send her flying!" Sunset giggled as she got to work. She painted cracks on the concrete leading to her bottomless pitch-black hole to keep the illusion. Taking a step back, she couldn't help but smile evilly at her work.

"Consider this payback for waking me up with that so-called awesome guitar solo," Sunset smiled as she walked down a few streets toward Applejack's home. Her ears were left ringing the entire school day.

Applejack's driveway was bare, so Sunset surprised her friend with an apple-themed driveway. Every sweet apple pastry and green, yellow, and red apple decorated the concrete. Fallen autumn leaves blew in an imaginary breeze. Sunset wiped the sweat from her brow and stretched her arms and back after a long time bending over.

A few blocks away was Twilight's place. Sunset knew of her studious ways and surprised her by disguising her garage door as a large bookshelf with rows of books beside each other. She sprayed books of all shapes and thicknesses along the metal garage door.

Packing up her spray cans, she was grateful she planned her route as Twilight's house was closest to her home.

She was looking forward to a nice long sleep.

The Next Day

Sunset and her friends, minus Rarity, chatted in the locker corridor before class started. Rainbow Dash seemed to be in a foul mood, rubbing a sore spot on her back, something that didn't go unnoticed by her friends, especially Sunset. It seemed like this would be a normal day at Canterlot High School when Rarity came bursting, waving her phone, which displayed the latest headline and attracting her friends and everyone's attention in the locker corridor. A look of happiness and surprise was visible on her face.

"Girls! Have you seen this?! Flanksy Strikes Again!" Rarity got out her phone and showed the many works around the town of the secretive artist. "She helped fix my window display again!"

"Funds are increasing at the animal shelter, too," Fluttershy said, "We haven't received donations like this since we expanded the dog kennels."

"And how did that artist know I liked reading so much?" Twilight wondered out loud, "My garage door looks so pretty now!"

"Yeah," Rainbow groaned, rubbing her sorry back, a pained look on her face, "Good for you, Twilight."

"Gee, Rainbow. What happened to you?" Applejack asked, "You sleep on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Very funny," Rainbow groaned as her hand touched a sensitive spot.

"Darling," Rarity looked at her friend, "Would you care to tell us what happened this morning?"

"You all know how I love going all super-fast, right?" Rainbow explained her morning story, earning several nods from her friends, "Well, unfortunately, I overslept-"

"Like usual," Applejack chuckled.

"Har-har. Anyway, I suddenly saw this big hole in front of my house. I couldn't stop myself fast enough and flew towards a street light and fell backward onto the ground."

Her friends winced, imagining the painful picture in their minds. All instead of one, trying to hide a smile on her face.

"So I returned to check this great big hole in my driveway. Maybe it was some monster or something, but guess what? It was a fake hole! I was pranked by Flanksy, of all people!"

Pinkie burst out laughing while Sunset tried her best to hide her own.
"Well, the café I work at has been the talk of the mall," Pinkie said once she got her laughter under control, "Flanksy's artwork has made the place more popular than ever!"

"And my family's driveway has never been as fancier than before!" Applejack added.

"It seemed that whoever this Flanksy is, they really outdid themselves last night," Rarity said, earning a round of nods from her friends. It was then that Fluttershy noticed bags under Sunset's eyes.

"Goodness, Sunset. Did you get any sleep last night?" Fluttershy asked in her usual kind and worrisome tone.

"Yeah, I had difficulty beating that level on my latest video game. I'll be fine once I get some morning tea down me," Sunset said as an excuse. Luckily her friends seem to buy it.

"Coffee is better, sugarcube," Applejack chuckled, "Take it from Granny Smith."

"Nah," Sunset waved a hand.

"Anyway," Rarity looked up at the corridor clock, "Our first class of the day will start soon. Shall we all head off then?"

All her friends nodded, and after locking up all their belongings, they all made their way toward their first class. It was during that walk that Rarity slowed her pace to match Sunset.

"What do you think Flanksy will come up next?" Rarity asked.

Sunset smiled and looked up in thought.

"Whatever comes to her creative mind."

In the Dark Lords' lair, Starlight was scanning the city as she was looking to devise the latest plan to take down their foes. She watched the news when a reporter came onscreen as they were covering the latest in Sunset's drawings.

"It seems that the street artist known as Flanksy strikes again!" said the reporter.

"Street artist?" scoffed Starlight as she eyed the graffiti wall. "I'll give her this. She's got good taste."

"Taste?! That's nothing but hot garbage!"

The general turned as there stood a mutant officer. The officer was made of art supplies as they held a paintbrush.

"If you want true art, watch!" said the monster.

He held his brush out and began to scribble in the air. With a quick flick of the wrist, several strokes later stood three cartoony alligators on a sandbar, looking fierce.

"Behold!" said the officer.

"Congratulations. A three-year-old can do the same," scoffed Starlight, not impressed by the monster's skill.

"Hah! Can a three-year-old do this?!" stated the monster.

He flicked his other hand as his magic made the drawing come to life. The alligators snapped their jaws and let out growls. They soon lunged forward as they were looking to strike at Starlight. The general put her hand out as she used magic to keep the drawings at bay as they soon disappeared. The officer had a smile on his face as Starlight's expression changed from unamused to devious.

"Well, then... I think I have a way for everyone to know about your skills, Splatshot!" stated Starlight.

Ash was in the command center trying to locate the zords they sought. Soon an alarm went off as Rachel pulled up the live feed, and they saw Splatshot walking in a plaza as people were running.

"Never seen him before. Must be new," joked Ash.

"Shall I contact the girls?" asked the A.I.

"Nah, they're at school. Besides, I can handle this on my own," stated the boy as he walked away from the computer and stood. He lifted his arm as his bracelet turned into his Morpher.

"Harmony Gem, power up!"

The boy turned his Morpher as he drew his symbol on the interface. His topaz gem showed as it recognized it. It then had the gem encase the boy as he landed on a platform, as his whole body turned into the suit with bits of his gem on his shoulders. He lifted his head as the vizor covered the last bit of him as he posed with the animal on it, which appeared behind the boy, and let out a howl.

"This will make a perfect canvas!" declared Splatshot.

He took out his paintbrush as he changed it into a pencil. He did some quick flicks of his wrist as soon the buildings he stood in front of were changed into palm trees.

"Masterpiece!" stated Splatshot as he turned to the fountain and began to draw. A second later, it was now statue with uneven eyes and a goofy smile. "Leonardo, eat your heart out!"

"Hold it right there!"

"Huh?"

Splatshot turned in the direction of the voice as shots were fired. The monster was caught off guard as he fell back. He looked up to see Ash riding on his cycle; he stopped and got off his bike to stare down at the monster.

"Who are you? Some philistine!" stated the monster.

"With the courage of the wolf, Harmony Guardian, Yellow Ranger!" said Ash as he ran through his little mantra.

"Ah, so you're the ranger. Starlight told me about you," said Splatshot as he started to get up.

Ash wasted no time as he began to charge at the monster.

"Let's see how you handle this!" said Splatshot as he pulled out a drawing pad and began to scribble on it.

The monster moved his arm faster than the normal eye could keep track of as soon he drew an image. The image then peeled off the page and leaped out. The image of a dragon flew out as it roared and spat fire. Ash saw it as he bent his knees to slide forward while leaning back to avoid the fire from the dragon drawing. The ranger popped up as he turned to see the dragon coming back around. He pulled out his blaster and fired at it before it turned into sheets of paper.

Ash turned as Splatshot made several drawings of sinks on his notepad before he turned it to face the teen. Sinks came out as the ranger rolled out of the way to avoid being hit by the metal stuff. Ash rolled to his knees before he did a great big leap into the air as he flipped over to Splatshot. The teen landed and removed the notepad from Splatshot before pulling out his mini-saber and slashing at his midsection.

"Everybody's a critic!" said the monster as he stood up, still holding his pencil before it changed into a brush.

"Sorry, bud. But your art ain't worth shit!" said Ash as he ran.

The two foes met in the middle as Ash ducked and avoided the paintbrush. The monster swung his brush as the paint flying from it splattered all across the ground. When Ash went for a downward strike, Splatshot fell into the paint as he disappeared. The boy was confused as he looked around; the monster now in some squid form, was moving about the paint splattered about before coming out and striking the ranger.

Splatshot kept the assault a bit longer as Ash couldn't defend himself from all angles. Soon the boy was sent tumbling along the floor. Splatshot came out as he was chuckling at his downed opponent.

"I call that one masterpiece, chaussée éclaboussée!" declared Splatshot as he changed his paintbrush into spray cans. "Now... let me paint you a picture!"

The monster shook his spray cans before aiming them forward. He pushed down on the nozzle, and some paint-colored beams came as they collided with Ash. The boy got to his feet as he was hit with them. Paint splatting all over his suit as he was now in several different colors and flung back. Energy crackled along Ash as the boy felt the pain.

"As much as I'd like to paint your demise. I have other appointments that I need to attend. People are in demand for artists, such as myself. But I'll leave you with a calling card." said Splatshot as he made a piece of paper appear before he scribbled on it and tossed it at Ash, who was on his hands and knees. The monster laughed before disappearing.

The teen's suit powered down as he grunted in pain. He looked at the card in front of him as he grabbed it. The drawing was shown of him in a 1930s style as he had X's in his eyes, and Splatshot stood over him with a foot on his chest. Ash grumbled as he took the calling card and crumpled it.

It was now later as the bell for CHS rang. The students rushed out of the building as a group of girls walked out together.

"I can't believe we had back-to-back tests!" complained Rainbow.

"Well, who do you have to blame for that!" said Applejack as she told her friend that she should have studied last night instead of trying to devise new soccer tricks to show off.

Before Rainbow could respond, the girls' bracelets went off as they looked at it.

"What's the situation, Rachel?" asked Twilight.

"You all are needed in HQ," said the A.I.

"We'll be right there," said Sunset.

"Go on, darlings. We'll see you later," stated Rarity.

"Right, c'mon, y'all!" responded Aj as all four girls touched their bracelets and turned into colored lights as they teleported toward their base.

The four girls landed in their base as they saw Ash seated on the couch. A drone gave him an ice pack, which he applied to his cheek.

"What happened to you?" asked Rainbow, seeing their leader as he was.

"I took an art class," responded Ash.

"Huh?" said the girls in confusion.

Soon alarms went off as the screen pulled up the live feed. This time, minions were shown alongside Splatshot as they were running amok.

"Looks like he's back," stated the boy as he got up.

"Who's he?" asked Aj.

"I'll explain on the way. Let's morph!" said Ash as they all ran out the door to the garage.

"This canvas will suit nicely. But I need some models. Minions!" said Splatshot as he ordered some of them to capture some people.

The group in the park saw the monsters coming as they ran. A few managed to grab hold of a couple and began to drag them back. Shots were fired as the minions fell to the floor.

"Hang on!" said Ash as he and the girls appeared and ran toward the folks.

"Take care of them. An artist needs concentration," said Splatshot.

The teens ran as the minions as they began to engage. Ash was near the swings as he was avoiding punches and kicks. The boy then did a backflip behind the swings; he began to push them back and forth as they hit the monsters. He then ran up the sides of the swings before turning around and coming down with a kick as it made a slash effect on the minion's chest.

Applejack was near the slides as she was throwing foes around. Some looked to leap down on her as the country gal jumped onto the slide. She pushed off of it to punch the minion in the air as he changed his posture and fell onto the slide before going down it and crashing into the others at the bottom.

With Rainbow, she was by the seesaws as she was flipping off them and having the minions being hit by the end that was coming up. One of the minions got ahold of her and grabbed her shoulders. Others jumped on the other end of the seesaw and approached her. The girl managed to slip free from the minion's grip as she grabbed the bottom of the seesaw and lifted it quickly. The minion felt the board hit his lower region as the ones on it were flung off.

Twilight was crossing a small bridge in the playground as she was trapped. She ducked an initial swing before kicking the minion in front of her back. She did a quick back handstand before returning to her original position. She grabbed the minion's hand and flung him over. Twilight then grabbed the bridge and flipped over it to swing under and take out some minions below before grabbing onto a rope and swinging about to kick some more monsters.

"Are you okay?" asked Sunset, who went for the hostages.

The people nodded as she got them to safety. Soon she turned as Splatshot grabbed her and tossed her back. The girl soared through the air; the wings of her suit popped out as she glided down and landed on the basketball court. The girl turned to look at the monster as he walked forward.

"How dare you take my models! Guess I'll have to find a different inspiration!" said Splatshot.

"Please, if anybody knows about art. It's me. And the kind of art you do is a disgrace to anybody who's ever picked up a pencil!" said Sunset.

"Then perhaps you need a first-hand experience in what my art can do. I call this Fireball Fury!" shouted Splatshot as he drew meteors on his notepad and shot out.

Multiple flaming rocks hit Sunset as she tumbled to the floor. Splatshot then drew a room as the entire basketball court was now highlighted as a room appeared that encased the pair before all the walls disappeared. While it was invisible, the pair were stuck inside.

"Let's see how your skills compare to mine," said Splatshot as he drew some alligators, and they crawled toward the girl.

Sunset looked to the side and saw some girls using chalk before the monster attacked. She quickly grabbed it and scribbled it on the ground before her. She drew some cages as they came alive, the image peeling off the ground and appearing before the girl. The cages trapped the reptiles before they all vanished. Splatshot then drew knives as they appeared and flew through the air; Sunset countered as she drew two open holes with knives entering one and coming out the other.

The monster drew a brick wall that had the knives stuck to it. He then drew as he changed the brick wall full of knives into a minotaur with an axe. The creature charged at the girl, who quickly scribbled and made a centaur appear. He charged at the creature, and the two slashed and took each other out. The two artists then began to put their skills to the test as they were scribbling and drawing as fast as their minds could think of something.

Sunset was scribbling the fastest she'd ever done as the images peeled off the ground. The girl trying not to let her foe get the better of her. The ranger was currently drawing a mountain when she went to change it into an erupting volcano; her chalk broke upon impact as she came down. Sunset gasped when she saw that, as her drawing wasn't finished and it disappeared. Splatshot took advantage of that as he scribbled on his notepad, and a huge attack came from it. It hit Sunset dead on as an explosion occurred around the girl. She let out a painful cry before falling face-first to the ground.

The room that surrounded them disappeared as Sunset grunted in pain. Splatshot smiled, knowing he had bested the girl and proven who was the better artist.

"Tough luck, dear. But not all of us can Vincent Van Goh. Come back when you actually learn how to draw." said Splatshot as he took out another calling card and threw it by Sunset's head. The monster laughed as he disappeared.

"Sunset!" called out Ash.

The others appeared as he bent down at the girl's side and helped her.

"You okay?"

"No," said the girl as she freed her arm from Ash's grip.

The red ranger had an angry look under her helmet as she grabbed the calling card. The one Ash received was done in the same art style, but this one had the girl being publically laughed at and having tomatoes thrown at her by a crowd for her poor drawing skills. Sunset growled as her anger boiled from seeing the monster mock her. She stormed off, leaving the others as she crumpled up the card. The others watched their friend leave as they had worried looks.

Night had fallen. The blanket of darkness had fallen over Canterlot City. Most of the town was getting ready to turn in, as one person was out and about. The person put their hoodie up and covered the cap they wore as they had a backpack. The person approached a metal fence in an alleyway as they turned to look behind them. Seeing no one was around, they quickly hopped over it and landed on the other side as they walked deeper into the alley.

The person came to a fire escape as they jumped up and grabbed onto the ladder. They climbed and silently walked up it, making sure not to draw any attention in case someone was near the windows. They reached the rooftops as she was coming to a brick wall; the person pulled their hood down, and it was revealed to be Sunset. The girl was still in a foul mood over what went down as the words of what the monster said to her rang in her mind. The girl lifted her spray cans and was about to get to work.

"So, is this where the famous Flanksy is gonna appear?"

Sunset turned around as she saw a shadow. The shadow stepped into the light as it was revealed to be none other than Ash.

"Ash?" said Sunset, surprised at seeing her leader.

"Hey, Sunset."

"Uh, this isn't what it looks like," said the girl nervously.

"I know your secret, Sunny."

Sunset gasped when she heard her leader say that.

"How long?"

"Ever since the reporting of the many street arts that have been popping up. So I decided to look into this 'Flansky' person for my own curiosity. Plus, I recognize that art style from anywhere."

"You got me," sighed Sunset putting her head down.

"I mean, it's not that hard, Sunset. Nobody draws like you. Plus, I checked the tracker of your Morpher since I wanted to know why you're sneaking about at night." smiled the boy. "So... still trying to get over what happened?"

"Yeah. I just... need to let it all out. And drawing helps with that and video games," said the girl as she turned to the wall and sprayed it.

"I think I got a better canvas for you. Follow me," instructed Ash.

The bacon-haired girl was confused at what her leader was saying. She played along as she put the cans back into her backpack and followed the boy. Ash led them through the streets as they turned the corner and soon found themselves inside a tunnel.

"Where are we?" asked the girl.

"Maintenance tunnel. Found it awhile back," said Ash, hopping over the fence with his hands in his pocket as he turned to look back at the girl from the other side with a smile.

"Showoff," scoffed Sunset with a smile.

She then jumped onto the fence and began pulling herself up. The girl climbed, and she was soon on the other side with her friend. He smiled and then began to lead her deeper into the tunnel. They came to an open space as on the walls were similar graffiti paintings done by other people who managed to sneak down there and find the place.

"Wow! Amazing!" said Sunset, taking in all the different images and evaluating them.

"Knew you like it. And this right here will be your canvas," said Ash, directing the girl's attention to an empty wall. He then reached into her backpack and tossed the girl a spray can as she caught it.

Sunset pulled out her phone and pushed play, and some music began playing.

[The girl nodded along with it as she looked at the wall before her. Ash sat on a nearby bench as he watched the girl. The bacon-haired teen knocked the tops off the spray cans and shook them before she pushed the nozzle and aimed at the wall.]

Ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy (Ooh)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (Ooh)
Ayy, ayy
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

[Sunset letting her creative juices flow as she laid the groundwork for what she imagined in her head. The girl alternating between different colors and blending them together, all while keeping a calm, collective expression.]

Needless to say, I keep in check
She was a bad-bad, nevertheless (Yeah)
Callin' it quits now, baby, I'm a wreck (Wreck)
Crash at my place, baby, you're a wreck (Wreck)
Needless to say, I'm keeping in check
She was a bad-bad, nevertheless
Callin' it quits now, baby, I'm a wreck
Crash at my place, baby, you're a wreck
Thinkin' in a bad way, losin' your grip
Screamin' at my face, baby, don't trip
Someone took a big L, don't know how that felt
Lookin' at you sideways, party on tilt
Ooh-ooh, some things you just can't refuse
She wanna ride me like a cruise and I'm not tryna lose

[Ash watched as Sunset went to town on what she was creating. The boy saw that his plan to get her to cheer up was working, as she was no longer angry about what had happened. Instead, she was doing what she loved the most and, in some ways, reminding her of that fact.]

Then you're left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You're a sunflower, I think your love would be too much
Or you'll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You're the sunflower, you're the sunflower

[Sunset had her tongue sticking out the side of her mouth as she focused. The girl grabbed the latest spray can on the floor and shook it before applying it to the layer of color she already had. A word from Ash told her to slow it down to give that certain section of the drawing more meaning. The girl took her leader's concern and did what he said.]

Every time I'm leavin' on ya (Ooh)
You don't make it easy, no (No, no)
Wish I could be there for ya (Ooh)
Give me a reason to, oh (Oh)
Every time I'm walkin' out (Oh)
I can hear you tellin' me to turn around (Oh, oh)
Fightin' for my trust and you won't back down (No)
Even if we gotta risk it all right now, oh (Now)
I know you're scared of the unknown (Known)
You don't wanna be alone (Alone)
I know I always come and go (And go)
But it's out of my control

[Sunset did one final touch on her masterpiece and stepped back. The girl wiped her forehead as she took it all in. Ash stood beside the girl with his hands in his pocket as they looked. The girl's name was on the wall before them, with flames on the end to symbolize her phoenix zord. A small field of sunflowers was below, as those were the girl's favorite flowers. A sunset above in the background to more orange color to the overall scene.]

And you'll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You're the sunflower, I think your love would be too much
Or you'll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You're the sunflower, you're the sunflower (Yeah)

"Nice," said Ash, looking at the painting.

"Yeah," responded the girl as they sat on the bench.

"So... how do you feel?"

"I feel... better. Much better," said Sunset.

"Glad to hear that. Sunny, don't let today's defeat get to you. You're an amazing artist and a way better drawer than Splatshot. You've proved it time and time again. Every time I watch you draw, it's as if the images themselves come to life. You've got a talent. Now you have to use it to your full potential."

"But... what if it's still not enough?" asked the girl.

"The only limitation you have to worry about when it comes to drawing is yourself. You need not be afraid of letting go of what's in here," said Ash as he pointed to her head. "Remember... there is no right or wrong in art."

Sunset heard her leader's words as they lulled in her mind.

"There is no right or wrong in art," repeated to teen to herself quietly as she looked back up at her painting.

At that moment, the girl had a sense of clarity.

"Ash... thank you. Thanks for helping me get my mojo back. I really needed this."

"No problem," said the boy.

The pair stared back at the graffiti wall and continued to sit silently for a bit longer.

The next day arrived as Splatshot appeared by the docks. Starlight sent the mutant to stop a supply of shipment.

"Now this will be my Mona Lisa!" said the monster as he had his drawing utensil in hand, ready to cause havoc.

An alarm went off as the girls, and Ash heard it. They all watched the computer screen as Rachel pulled up the live feed. The teens saw Splatshot as he was spraying paint ink all over the place.

"He's back!" said Twilight.

"Don't worry, this time, I'm ready," assured Sunset to the rest of the team.

"Then it's Morphin time!" stated Ash.

"Harmony Gem, power up!" said the five teens as they all quickly changed while appearing on the screen simultaneously.

Five streaks of light shot out from the base onto the forest path nearby as the rangers were on their cycles and heading to where their foe was.

"I think a cage will suit you all fine. Hanging above man-eating piranhas!" declared Splatshot as he adjusted the drawing on his notepad to include a fish tank full of piranhas as they saw about. The chain holding the cage began to weaken as the people trapped inside screamed.

"Hey!"

"Huh?"

Splatshot turned as he saw Sunset standing a few meters away.

"Remember me!" stated the girl.

"You again! Come for another lesson?" taunted the monster.

"I'm here for a rematch!" declared Sunset.

"Please!" said Splatshot as he made the invisible room appear around them. "Let's see you handle this!"

Splatshot made a drawing of a tsunami as the water came flooding out. It began to form as a huge wave approached the red ranger. Sunset reached from behind as she pulled out a spray can and shook it. The girl then aimed the can in front of her as she sprayed. She finished as the image she drew was that of a sun. Its bright colors and the ray lines she added allowed it to act like the actual sun.

The tsunami coming at her soon dried up and evaporated. Splatshot was also temporarily blinded by the sun's rays as he couldn't see. Sunset took advantage of that as she continued to spray paint. The girl drew a phoenix as it appeared before her. Sunset then tapped into her gem's power as she made the spirit of her zord appear and infused it with her drawing. She thrust it forward as the added power from her gem allowed the bird to turn life-like and shoot forward in a burst of flame. The phoenix made contact as it collided with Splatshot and destroyed the invisible room.

The bird then turned around and went to the cage as it saved the people. The people were carried off as the bird disappeared, and they ran.

"No!" said Splatshot as he was on his hands and knees.

The monster's drawing tool was destroyed because he couldn't believe Sunset's actions.

"Now that's art!" the girl smirked as she crossed her arms and held the spray can.

"Nice work, Sunset!" said Twilight as she and the others appeared by their friend's side.

"What I'd tell you. There is no right or wrong in art," said Ash.

"Yeah. You were right," said the girl, looking at her leader.

The teens turned their attention to Splatshot as he was getting up.

"Got one final lesson?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, put 'em together!" stated the girl.

"Sapphire Harmony Shield!" shouted Twilight.

"Emerald Harmony Axe!" shouted Applejack.

"Cobalt Harmony Spear!" shouted Rainbow.

"Ruby Harmony Bow!" shouted Sunset.

"Topaz Harmony Sword!" shouted Ash.

"Combine! Harmony Cannon!" said the group, pulling and merging their weapons. "Harmony Cannon, fire!"

The rangers charged up their weapon as Ash pulled the trigger. The cannon shot out a sphere of rainbow color as it headed toward the monster. It collided with Splatshot, and it left a hole through the monster. The teens broke their weapons apart and turned. They all walked away as their foe in the background fell and exploded onto the ground.

Sunset was in her home as she was currently getting ready. The girl was packing several cans of spray paint as she zipped her backpack. The teen grabbed her keys and phone before slipping on her boots and exiting her home's door.

"Took you long enough," said Ash as the boy awaited the girl.

"Just had to grab a few things," responded the bacon-haired teen as she locked the door.

"Come on, I found a good spot," said the boy as he began to lead Sunset away.

The girl smiled as she followed the boy for some nighttime painting. The sun was going down, and soon it would be dark. And tonight... Flanksy was going to debut a new art for all to see.

Author's Notes: A little nod to Sunset's alter ego from the EG short. And showing off how much of an artist she is. One thing that my art teacher in high school always said is that there's no right or wrong in art. And while that doesn't mean much, it's holds so much value for me, not just in the context of art itself, but other things that could be considered art like music, writing, etc. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.