Sunset Shimmer's limbs ached as she pulled herself from her beloved hay pile. It wasn't much of a bed, but then again, neither was the shack she was living in. The wooden boards were dark and cracked with age, and the windows were so stained with decades of grime and dirt that they barely allowed even the tiniest hints of sunlight to creep through. The lock on the door also didn't work, but that was okay; it wasn't like there was anything in here worth damaging or stealing to begin with.
It was the worst home she had ever known, a far cry from the splendid streets of Canterlot. But it was the best she could afford.
The mare yawned and stretched briefly before pushing the door open. The hinges miraculously held together, but the rust that caked every inch of them was a telling sign that they were not long for this world. Still, rotting hardware was not enough to erase the beautiful sight that unfolded before her. The sun peeked over the horizon, just barely signaling the start of another wonderful day in Equestria. Birds began their morning calls, woodland critters emerged from their burrows and hidey-holes to scoure for breakfast, and if one listened hard enough, they would no doubt make out the pounding and rolling of the early-rising merchants in Ponyville below.
Sunset's shack was a good distance from the town itself. She had no idea why anypony would build something this far away from civilization, but that wasn't important. Just something the country ponies do, she told herself whenever she had to hike from her home to town and back. At least she had gotten some good exercise; not since her time dodging spitwads and books at her school in Canterlot had she had such a workout.
The mare sighed. The thoughts were unwelcome, but they came anyway. She could remember the reasons she came here, over a year ago. Her parents were of the New Age variety, to the point where they earnestly believed that the sun wasn't some evil force, but instead something to be celebrated and loved. They were so happy when their daughter proved to love it as much as they did, and named her “Sunset Shimmer” after her golden coat and orange mane. But then came the teasing, the bullying, the years of pushing oneself to excel in order to prove everypony around her wrong...
She gulped. It's going to change. It's going to change today. I have everything in order. The papers are signed, the money's ready...Just need to get them down to the Representative, and I'll be set.
A smile crossed her lips as she trotted back into the cabin. Sitting on the only stool she had were her three prized possessions. The first was an old oil lamp, one she was adept at lighting with her magic whenever the mood struck her. The second was a large folder of papers pertaining to her request for a new identity. And third was a bag of silver bits; it was her life savings, and just barely enough to cover legal costs. If she played her cards right, she could afford to get a train ticket to Manehatten or Trottingham, and from there rebuild her life proper.
Sunset's horn began to glow, as did the bag of bits and papers. The bag slung around her neck and rested inside her mane, while the papers were happy to float on her back. Satisfied, she spun around and began to trot the long way to Ponyville.
Today is going to be a great day.
Ponyville wasn't very active this morning, at least compared to its usual standards. As Sunset crossed the train tracks and entered the town proper, she could just barely make out a pair of burly, older stallions unloaded a stopped train. They paid the mare no heed as she made her way past, their minds too focused on the suitcases, trunks and the occasional meddling foal trying to snatch their hats. Other foals were heading to one of the small hills that dotted Ponyville, no doubt to the red schoolhouse that rested on top. The bell was clearly ringing, its echoes beating against the hazy morning air.
Sunset had to stop and smile as a pair of Earth ponies, one pink and one silver, passed by. She couldn't make out what they were chatting about, but they were obviously such earnest friends that it could bring a flutter to even her heart. Such was...
The fillies closed in from all sides, their towering forms blocking out any source of light. Sunset could barely hold herself upright, much less push back the terror welling up inside of her. “We've been hearing some interesting things about you, Sunny.”
“M-My name's not...”
“It's Sunny if we say it's Sunny! Now what's this about you scoring a 100% on your Magic test?”
Sunset gulped. “I-I studied hard and passed. I didn't mean anything. I...If you studied, then...”
“Oh, we've studied plenty.” The fillies all giggled. “And you don't have to go to school to know how to deal with a little traitor.”
Shimmer's eyes grew. “I'm not a traitor!”
“Hey, do you remember why gold was outlawed? Something about it being the Tyrant Sun's favorite color?”
“And have you seen how good she is with fire? She lit a candle from across the room!”
“She must be working to overthrow Luna from the inside! Is there any way to stop her?!”
Shimmer screamed. “NO! I-I'M NOT...”
"I know! WATER! QUICK, TO THE BATHROOMS!”
A hoof prodded against Shimmer's barrel, snapping her back into the world of the present. A donkey with an incredibly obvious toupee stood next to her, scanning the mare with no small amount of worry. “You okay, ma'am?”
“Er...yes,” Sunset stammered. “I-I was just...lost in thought. Thanks.” And then she was off.
During the time she had just been standing around like an idiot, Ponyville's streets had come to life. Not literally, mind (the Representative had sworn that was a one-time accident), but ponies were trotting about, attending to their own business as best they could. More than a few were wearing saddle bags, either already stuffed or waiting to be stuffed with groceries, knick-knacks, and other assorted goodies. Shimmer herself had to use paper grocer's bags whenever she had the money for shopping, but it helped develop her jaw muscles, so all was good. At least she didn't have to go to Ponyville's market today.
Of all the things Sunset's education had prepared her for, cleaning a pots and pans stand was not one of them. The mare's limbs ached as she scrubbed every inch of the wooden countertop, erasing the cobwebs and dust mites that had taken up residence overnight. She had already unloaded and prepared the display behind her, and the ready-for-purchase pots were under the counter and ready to hop on once it was sanitized. For some ponies, it would have been far too much, and they would have run screaming into the night, or at least applied for another job.
But for Sunset Shimmer, it was just fine. The pay wasn't great, but neither was the rent on her shack, and with the bits she had been saving up, things would be a lot better soon. After weeks of uncomfortable job interviews, she had landed a position at this stand, helping the owner so she could focus more time on building a second pots-and-pans stand down the street. Sales were a bit slow, but such was business.
And besides, Ponyville was home to the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Those brave and honorable ponies had saved Equestria from Corona's madness, not to mention bringing down the decadent Night Court and stopping Zecora the Zebra time and again. Even now, they were away in the Mild West, saving a small town of settlers from a rampaging drake.
Sometimes, when she was alone, Sunset would dream of having one of the Elements herself, perhaps even the Element of Magic. She would be such a hero that...
“Um...Sunset Shimmer?”
The mare looked up from her counter, her eyes locking with her boss on the other side. “Oh...hi. Good morning.”
"Yes...good morning,” she said awkwardly. “Listen, I've been talking to some of the customers, and...well...”
“GOOOOOD MORNING, SUNSET SHIMMER!”
The high-octane voice was like a million seltzer bottles to the face. Sunset didn't break out of her flashback so much as smash through it at the speed of a Sonic Rainboom. Her legs gave out from under her, sending her plummeting onto the grass below. From above, she could hear a foalish giggle, followed by a pink hoof jetting out to held her up. Smiling, the mare took hold and pulled herself back onto her hooves, her eyes locking with Pinkie Pie's along the way. “Sorry about that,” the party pony squeaked. “Didn't know you were sleepwalking there.”
“I-It wasn't that,” Sunset said. She blushed and turned her head away, which was what allowed her to see the pile of fliers lying at their hooves. “Say, what's this? Another party?”
“Yessiree, Bob!” Pinkie began to gallop in place, the papers somehow willing themselves onto her back as she did so. Sunset had questioned this once, but it quickly became apparent that trying to figure this pony out was an exercise in futility. “Cranky Doodle Donkey just proposed to Matilda, and they asked me to help throw them a biiiig surprise party!”
“That sounds...” Sunset's left eye winced. “Wait, how can it be a surprise if they asked you to do it?”
“I dunno, but a party's a party, I always say!” The last of the papers floated onto her back, freeing Ponyville from the terrible scourge that was littering. “So I'm inviting everypony in Ponyville to help celebrate!”
“That sounds wonderful!” Sunset's smile grew. “What time?”
That was when Pinkie stopped bouncing. And when Pinkie stops bouncing, something was terrible wrong. “Oh...Um...I said everypony, but...”
Sunset didn't have to hear the rest. She had heard it a million times. Her presence set ponies on edge, especially in the town where Corona had made landfall. Her entire foalhood, she had been uninvited to birthday parties, and when it came to her own, nopony bothered to show up besides her parents. She had even just been fired because customers were too scared to buy from her shop. The only thing that kept her from breaking down completely was the fact that very, very soon, she would have a new name and coat to call her own.
“L-Look,” Pinkie stammered, her smile becoming more and more precarious by the second. “It's just that nopony else would come if you were there. I-I tried to get them to change their minds, but they're all still pretty scared. I-I'll save you some cake, okay?”
Sunset forced the biggest smile she could and nodded. “That sounds...wonderful. I-If you'll excuse me, though, I have some important business to finish.” And with that, she resumed cantering to the Night Court Representative's residence.
For all of her gusto getting this far, Sunset had to pause as she reached Trixie Lulamoon's door. Beyond this was her direct pipeline to the most powerful pony in all of Equestria, and the only one who could grant her her request. She gulped as thoughts of failure coursed through her mind, just like that one night...
Shimmer stared at the mirror, transfixed at the clarity of her reflection. Not once since sneaking into the castle on a dare had she truly felt proud of her decision. Perhaps that was a bit strong of a word, but this...this was amazing.
Once again, she reached a hoof to the mirror's silvery surface. As it touched where the glass should have been, it instead began to sink through, much like going through water. Even better, she could feel cold air on the other side. It was as if she was interacting with a doorway...
“Wait...that's it!” This mirror...it was a passageway of sorts. Perhaps it could lead to another world, a place where she wasn't hated just because of her name and appearance. A place where she could have friends, and become popular, and have others love her. She didn't know if she could go back, but anywhere would be better than this land.
She reached her hoof back out, crouched to charge...and quickly found herself floating in a field of blue energy. “What do you think you are doing here, little filly?” Sunset could recognize the voice without a second thought; it was Princess Luna. “I don't know how you broke into this place, but I will see that you never have another opportunity.”
Sunset never saw the mirror again after that. From what she had heard, Luna had sent it to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza for safekeeping. If she failed today like she had then, there might not be a second chance. She had to get this right...
Okay...I just walk in, very quietly hand her the stuff, submit my request, and leave. She's an Element of Harmony. She'll understand.
Taking a deep breath, Sunset pushed the door open and stepped inside. There, sitting at the far end of the official office, was Trixie Lulamoon. The mare, despite her reputation for being a tad lazy, was busily looking over a pile of papers, her forehead wet with stress. She had not noticed Sunset even enter, and things probably would have remained that way had a floorboard not creaked just as she was fifteen steps away.
Trixie's head shot up so fast it looked ready to pop off entirely. Her eyes widened as she took in the pony standing before her. “Those colors...Who are you?”
“I-I'm Sunset Shimmer,” the mare stammered. “I-I was coming today to...”
That was all Trixie needed to hear. She jumped from her chair, her hooves trembling for combat. “Wait...are you the one who went to Princess Luna's school? The one who was supposed to be a traitor?”
“Th-That was a bunch of bullies talking.” Already, Shimmer could feel her confidence ebbing. “Look, I was just wanting to submit some...some...”
That was when she realized there was a great load missing from her back. Spinning around, the mare noticed that her paperwork was now gone, no doubt being passed around with Pinkie's party invitations. “N-No...I-It can't be...”
“Do you really expect me to buy the story of some stooge of Corona's?” Trixie's horn began to glow, and a long, sharp letter opener levitated off of her desk. “If you wanted to assassinate me, you need to work on her skills. Now...” The letter opener flung through the air, passing through Shimmer's mane. It missed her neck, but it impaled itself through her money pouch, sending the bag of bits crashing to the ground. “CRAWL BACK TO YOUR MASTER!”
“B-But...You can't...” Sunset couldn't fight it anymore. The tears began to roll down her cheeks like waterfalls, refusing to yield for even a moment. “Y-You're an Element of Harmony! You're supposed to be a hero! You can't...can't...”
Trixie growled a few seconds more, but stopped when a strange thought entered her mind. “Th-Then you're not...”
*CRASH*
The front door came smashing down, revealing the other five Elements of Harmony. Lyra Heartstrings, Carrot Top, Raindrops, Cheerilee, and Ditzy Doo stood at attention, their eyes burning with intense passion. “I told you that pony was coming here!” said Lyra. “Don't worry, Trixie! We'll save you!”
Sunset's jaw began to give out, letting a few yelps of agony escape. Her heart's beating kept growing in intensity, until she was well within the danger zone for a full-on arrest. She looked about for any escape, and found only one: the nearby window. Taking a deep breath, she galloped to the glass pane and smashed through it, not stopping for even a moment until she was well out of town.
“Wait...she wasn't working for Corona?” Ditzy said.
“That's what I think,” Trixie responded. All six looked down at the ground, feeling no more than an inch tall. “We've all been on edge lately. I think we need to...”
Back at the desk, a letter suddenly materialized from the inside of Trixie's hat. It was an ornate scroll bearing Luna's royal seal; no doubt, it was another mission for the six to undertake. Trixie sighed as she turned back to the window, then back to the desk. “I guess she'll have to wait until we get back.”
The minute she got home, Sunset Shimmer slammed the door behind her, jumped onto her hay pile, and continued to weep. She didn't care that the hinges had finally given out, causing the door to tumble back to the grass outside. She didn't care that she was now broke and had no idea where her papers had gone. It didn't matter anymore. She had failed. She was still cursed with the same name, the same colors, the same everything.
Even they hate me. They're supposed to be Equestria's heroes...and they think I work for Corona.
The sobbing ceased, as a cold thought began to take the place of her woe. That's it. They think I already work for her, so why not keep up appearances? I'm sure Corona can use a good unicorn! I'll lead her right back to town and watch as she burns the place to the ground! When those ponies come to me, begging for their lives, I'll laugh as they get charred by dragons! I'll be the biggest...
The tears began to reform. Monster...
There was no way she could do that. She may have looked like a servant to the Tyrant Sun, but she was nowhere near that evil. She wouldn't betray Equestria to a villain like that. But she couldn't live like this, either. Her life had been one misstep after another, undermined by the very cosmos. Perhaps in another life, she could have been Luna's personal student, studying under her and learning all there was to know about magic. It had been her dream ever since she was a filly.
But that's all it ever was; a dream. And it was time to wake up.
The lantern levitated before her. Shimmer rose onto her haunches and wrapped both forelegs around it, much like a newborn baby with a stuffed toy. Her horn's glowing intensified, and the flame in the lantern began to burn...
Pinkie Pie was a natural early riser. It was a trait she had acquired growing up on the rock farm, and it still served her well in party preparation. She was also a natural balance artist, which was how the plate, forks and slice of cake remained perfectly perched on her backside as she trekked to Sunset Shimmer's home. “I hope she still isn't mad about yesterday,” the pony said to the passing air molecules. “I've almost got all those papers back, and I convinced everypony to give her a second chance. Even the Elements seemed happy to help.” Her smile grew. “Of course they were! They're the good...guys...”
Her eyes widened as she beheld the charred wreck. The entire shack had somehow gone up in flames over the night, leaving only smoldering charcoal and a big mound in the center, right next to some burnt glass. Fortunately, nothing else seemed to be ravaged by the fire, as if somepony had...
“Oh no.”
Pinkie slowly approached the center of the ruin, the cake still remaining firmly in place. She couldn't quite make out what the mound was, but there were small bits of white underneath the ash, along with a few bits of red hair. It didn't take a great genius to make an educated guess as to what had happened.
The mare slowly fell back on her haunches. The plate and its contents slid back with her, landing perfectly next to what looked like the remains of a stool. She didn't move again for quite some time, leaving the cake behind. No words were said; there was nothing to say. She would have somepony come up in a while, perhaps even help with the memorial, but that didn't change what had happened.
And as the day passed into the night, there was never such a beautiful sunset.
Author's Note
I'm sorry. I just...needed to expunge some demons.
This is definitely non-canon with the Lunaverse. Should someone eventually include Sunset Shimmer there, it will be on much happier terms.
