11. Sunset Shimmer III

Sunset Shimmer

S-S-So... c-c-c-cold! She had thought to herself.

The wind roared and snow blew violently. Sunset and her seven companions shivered from the cold, as they made their way up a steep slope against a cliff. It seemed to have taken an eternity to reach their destination: beyond the mountain ridge, but they were rather close. Void Wing had trouble flying because of the wind, and had to stay grounded. Sunset wished she had something to keep her and her fellow companions warm.

Sunset had been in the lead, but had Void and Wildstrike stay close to the others. The only pony beside her was the pink filly Paprika, who had never left her side. She too had shivered from the cold. Their breath steamed in the cold air. The only article of clothing she had was a leather sheath. In it, was an orange bladed sword that she took from that attacker.

"Is this what we're doing?!" She heard Ruby shout a complaint, "Climbing high so we can freeze to death?!!

"Will you stop complaining already?!!" Void Wing shouted at Ruby. She then came up to her and Paprika, "Sunset? We have to find shelter. I don't think the old guy can take much more; same with the other filly."

Be strong. She thought, being firm with herself, There must be somewhere we can rest.

She knew she was referring to Limburger. The dark yellow stallion was indeed old, but he survived that attack earlier. As for the other filly (the one with a silver coat and light red mane), she remembered hearing her name since they got to the slope. Sanguine Fire was her name. Another odd name for somepony. Just up ahead through the storm, she viewed an opening along the cliff; big enough to fit them all, hopefully.

"There's a cave up ahead!" Sunset turned to face them, "We'll rest there!"

"Are you sure it's safe?!" Ruby asked worriedly.

"I'm sure it's safe!" She hoped she was right.

They continued to shiver as they trotted quickly up the slope. The mouth of the cave was wide enough for all of them. When they came upon the entrance Sunset and Paprika entered first, Wildstrike and Limburger second, Void Wing and Lemon Lime third, and Ruby Bloodmane and Sanguine Fire entered last. Inside, the cave seemed a little bigger than she thought previously. Stalactites hung over them; the sound of hoofsteps echoed as they stepped in. She led them a little deeper in to truly keep warm, but not so far so as not to get lost. They only needed to let the storm pass. And then she can resume her goal.

"Wow!" Lemon's voice echoed, "It's really warm in here!"

"Well," Ruby commented flatly, "You're not wrong."

Paprika had not strayed from her. "Lemon's right," She said gleefully, "It is warm!"

The pink filly wasn't like this the other day though. She was incredulously devastated when her mother was killed. From her experience she feared the filly would become even more depressed as time went by. It had been a very long while since she saw her smile like this; and it warmed her heart seeing her grin.

"Hey Paprika!" The silver coated filly, Sanguine Fire, called to the pink filly, "Check this out."

"Okay." Paprika had been beside her the entire time, but now ran towards her friend ahead.

Sunset went over to Void Wing, who was talking with Wildstrike. "Hey Void, you have a sec?"

Void heard her and decided to listen. "What is it Sunset?"

"We'll rest until the storm settles down, afterwords we keep moving. We have to reach the mountains."

Void Wing was now concerned. "Sunset, I get that you want to get out here; we all do. I just don't see why going to those mountains would do us any good."

"Maybe there is something in the mountains that could help us get back." She said doubtfully, trying to be hopeful, "Maybe a portal or something. And should one exist, we can finally get back home!"

I hope...

Ruby came up to them with a look of dismissal, "Maybe? Are you listening to yourself?! There's nothing for us on those mountains! If we keep this up we're all gonna die! Think about the others..."

"Ruby!" Void snapped at her.

She turned to the other five ponies, all of whom were lying down on the cave floor. She knows what she's doing, she's trying to play the guilt trip on her. She indeed felt a pang of worry for their safety, but Ruby is just trying to guilt her. She won't let it happen.

"I see your point, but we are still going to those mountains." Sunset tried to stay confidant, "Regardless of what's being thrown at us, we'll still keep going."

"I hope you're right." Void sighed glumly.

As Void was about to leave, Ruby came closer to Sunset. "Just so you know, she's mine." She whispered, "And I won't let you take her from me."

"What?" Sunset whispered, puzzled, "What are you talking about?"

"Void and I have been friends for a long time; but you probably already knew that. I wanted her to ask me, but then you showed up and now she hangs out more with you! Next thing you know she'll ask for you instead of me!"

"What?! I don't think of her like that!" Sunset said exasperated, "I just think of her as a friend; that's it. Wait... is that why you're acting like this?"

Perhaps she was wrong about her. Although she didn't figure she was jealous of all things. She now felt a bit of pity for her. At least it was something petty, and nothing too serious.

Ruby turned away from her and looked at Void who was conversing with Wildstrike again. "Mostly..." She sighed sadly, "I guess I was a little harsh back there. And maybe I shouldn't have said all those things. I just thought you and Void--"

"We're not. Really." She said calmly, "She's been a lot of help lately; with everypony. I appreciate her effort is all."

She saw the light green mare smile a little. "Yeah, she's a pretty hard worker." Ruby admitted, "And caring. That's how we were friends after all ."

Well that's a relief.

Afterwords, she went over towards an unoccupied spot; close to a stalagmite. She watched the other seven ponies, fearful for what may lie ahead of them. She the thought pass however, and curled herself up next to the stalagmite. The last thing she did was close her eyes.

Sunset couldn't tell how long she slept. It was possible she slept longer than needed, but something wasn't right. She got herself up to investigate. Everypony else was asleep; curled up next to one another, snoring, and twitching a little bit.

*Creature trilling*

Sunset jumped a little from the sound. Instantly, her horn glowed its cyan-ish aura as she used a levitation spell. She grasped the sword at her back with her magic; removing it from its sheath. She held the sword in front her. The sword's blade was orange, it's crossguard was an onyx color. The handle was wrapped in leather she realized, the pommel had a stone similar in color to the sword. The stone was held tight by an onyx color ring, akin to the crossguard.

Her horn illuminated a small part of the roomy cave. She stepped to where she heard the sound quietly; to avoid disturbing anypony's sleep. She held the sword upright in front of her, prepared to strike at anything she comes across. She listened for the sound again. Her face showed a determined expression to look fearless.

She heard it again; a sickly sound that sent a chill down her spine. Sunset tried her best to remain calm as she continued in the sound's direction. She pricked her ears up to listen for the sound again. Whatever made that sound must be a creature of some kind. She had faced a large bird-like creature a while back, alongside Void Wing. She couldn't quite tell what creature made the noise, but she knew it had to be something predacious.

Where are you? She thought, prepared for whatever comes to her.

She moved cautiously forward, aware of her surroundings. Even though it got darker the further she went her horn still glowed its aura, lighting her way to wherever her hooves take her. Her aura's glow only lit a few feet in front of her; limiting her vision. All she could see were a few stalagmites here and there and the cave floor beneath her. After some time she stumbled upon something she did not expect...

"Huh? What's-" She broke off when she realized immediately what it was. "Is that... spider silk?"

The silk glowed from her horn's luminessence. Silk covered most of the wall, on stalagmites, and the ceiling. What struck her hardest was the distinctive web in front of her. Its design was of a classic spider web; a spiral orb. She noticed something worse than she imagined.

"Oh no!"

Bodies were strewn on the web encased in cocoons of spider silk. The cocoons were bigger than a regular sized pony; they must have been one of those sabrathanians, or similar looking winged versions. Their bodies were long and lean, others were of varied height.

*Creature trilling*

Just as I thought...

She turned quickly, scanned her surroundings, prepared for this spider essentially. But then the thought came to her to look up. As she rose her head up to view the ceiling she saw what she had come to expect: an enormous spider-like creature. What she didn't come to expect was that this thing was covered in conical spines. Its eight black eyes stared directly at her (or at least she assumed it did). It then skittered across the cave ceiling, only to crawl down the wall next to her. The spider slowed its movement as if to tread carefully; or stalk its prey. The latter seemed most likely.

Wait for it...

The grotesque arachnid made that same sickly sound as before; only softer. It lowered itself as it was about to leap, as she expected. She faced the spiny spider with great intent in killing it. Its soulless black eyes appeared to have a glint of cyan from her horn's aura.

...Wait for it...

The spider leaped in the air. She dodged out of its way. The spiny arachnid was even uglier up close, its fangs were dripping with venom, hairs were replaced with smaller spines. Its eyes seemed more soulless than she thought. Moving its eight legs it circled her; poised to strike. Sunset was just as ready. After a pause, it skittered towards her to strike. She evaded and tried to slash at it. When she did the sword made a loud *clank* sound, proving ineffective. Evidently the spider was better armored than she realized; its hide was spiny and hard, like a crab's carapace.

Dang it! she cursed herself, This is going to be harder than I thought!

While her encounter with that giant bird was frightening, This spider (which was slightly smaller than the bird) will be even more of a challenge; given its tough armor above. Surely it must have a weakness? She knew it had to, otherwise its practically invincible.

Maybe... I should try attacking its underside.

That may work she knew, but how to do that? It would be rather heavy to try and flip it over...

Unless... she pondered as she circled with the spider, I can attack as he's about to strike!

If she were to set her plan into motion, the spider would have to raise its body upwards to strike. She was not sure if that would happen accordingly but she would have to see what it will try next. As she thought, the spider went to strike at her. Sunset tried to slash its underside but she was too slow. It went after her more vigorous than before. She swung the sword more rapidly this time; in multiple directions to see if she can hit it somehow. Her sword at one point, was knocked out of her aura's grasp.

Oh no! Not now!

The spider had the advantage. The creature had now been on top of her, eager to sink its venomous fangs into her. Sunset was somehow not afraid to die this time. Her fear comes from what may happen to the others, praying they won't ever encounter this monster. It may have disarmed her... but she still has one trick up her sleeve.

She let her horn glow profusely for one reason: a magic blast. She could see the spider about to bite, lifting up its head. She does not know if it will work but she knows she has to try.

"Take... THIS!!!"

*Fires blast*

The beam of magic shot the spider through its thorax. The blast toppled the spider, but it was still alive. Free from the spider, she dashed to her sword, levitated it, and sprinted back to the spider. As she sprinted she leaped onto the spider. She held her sword blade pointed down, and stabbed through its vulnerable spot.

*Spider shrieking*

The spider twitched its legs upon piercing it. Its legs twitched a little more before ceasing; the giant spiny arachnid was no more. She lifted her sword from the spider's corpse. The orange blade was coated with the spider's viscous fluids. She hopped down onto the cave floor, no longer worried about anything for the moment. Sunset was now somewhat overwhelmed from the encounter and new found confidence.

Now that the threat was nullified, she could go back to the others to see how they've fared since she was away. She was relieved when she had slain the giant spider, but now she and the others would have to get going soon; they've rested quite enough as it is.

When she emerged out from the dark tunnel, Sunset was greeted by an... unwelcome sight. All of her friends and companions were awake, but they were surrounded by... familiar looking creatures.

"H-Hey Sunset, where'ya been?" Ruby said nervously.

"Oh no!" Sunset pulled out her sword.

They were the same looking creatures as that attacker that took out most of her group. Bronze armored, antlered helms, fur cloaks, and iron tipped spears. And more prominently they all had large wings; currently folded. She had killed the attacker a while back so they should be no different.

"Stop!" A stern voice called out, "Do not harm them."

The voice had come from a... pony? A pale light beige unicorn mare came up behind the armored beings surrounding her companions. Her mane was light teal in color, and her eyes were green. She wore light armor.

"Who are you?" Sunset asked.

"I am Lady Tacita. A servant of her highness Princess Luna." Her voice was calmer and smooth.

"Tacita? I've never heard of you." Ruby said rudely.

Sunset went up to them. "Who are they?" She asked, referring to the winged armored beings.

"They are kaerndallens; allies of Princess Luna." Lady Tacita reassured, "I promise you they mean no harm."

"What about the one who attacked us days ago?" Wildstrike pointed out angrily, "He killed five of our friends!"

Lady Tacita seemed surprised. "You encountered the traitor?"

"Traitor?"

"He betrayed his brother the king; Lord Erinnen was his name." Tacita explained, "He wanted claimant to the throne of Kaerndal, hence was one of his reasons. He was exiled out of Kaerndal, as a deserter, to die out in the savage world. Apparently you may have crossed his path."

"Whoever he is," Void Wing put in, "He's dead now!"

"Oh?" The mare seemed keen about this. "And how did that occur?"

"Sunset Shimmer killed him. She used his sword against him; and won!"

"Sunset Shimmer?" Tacita went over to where she stood. "Hmm... I've heard much about your past sins."

She didn't like to hear that. She has indeed done much wrong in the past, but she is now a different pony. She helped Twilight and her friends defeat Adagio Dazzle and the other sirens. Her reputation has grown better over time. Others who've heard only of her misdeeds, would think otherwise

"However that is all in the past now." The mare reflected, "And Luna has told us of what transpired in the other world. If what the pegasus claims truthful, then I believe you have done a great deal for us all."

"It's true." Sunset showed the mare her sword. "And this is the sword I used to kill him."

Lady Tacita came closer to get a better glimpse at the sword. She saw her gape her mouth open wide, as if she had been in disbelief. Is this sword of great importance? She didn't know. It could be possible given how unusual it was. She has never seen many swords like it, so it must be unique in its own way.

"I know of this sword." Tacita said in awe. She had gazed at the sword once more before trotting up to one of the kaerndallens. "Aggan. round up your men, we head out immediately."

"Yes milady." The kaerndallen then shouted out a command.

Aggan? Strange name.

She went back to her. "It is best advised that you leave with us; this place is far from safe."

Sunset had been reminded of the spider. "Very well," she decided, "we'll go with you."

"Seriously?" Ruby said furiously, "How do you even know we can trust them?!"

"You will be much safer outside than being in this hellhole, I'll tell ya that." Aggan commented. "Large spiders lurk here after all. They'll eat anything that goes into their lair."

"Sp-Sp-Sp-Spiders?!" Paprika shouted fearfully, shaking where she stood. The scared filly ran over to Sunset and clung to her leg tightly.

"In that case," Wildstrike put in earnestly, "I'll take your word for it. Void and I will get everypony ready."

All of them did not waste another moment; they all rushed out of the cave as soon as possible. When all of them came out, the storm seemed to have passed. It was still cold nonetheless.

At least we won't have to worry about being eaten.

The cold air was still and silent. When they had left the cave, Lady Tacita and the kaerndallens turned back the way Sunset and her group originally came. Why were they going that way?

"What? This is where we came!" Ruby complained.

"The way to Kaerndal is not up this cliff," Tacita explained smoothly, "it only takes you further away. Down this slope is the only way."

"You mean we have to go back down?!" Ruby whined, "You've gotta be kidding me!"

Initially she did not intend on turning back, but if that was the only way to get there she need not complain. The time it would take them to climb back down would take up most of the day, hopefully they will arrive at this place before night falls.

The last thing I'd want is more monsters out to kill us, She thought worriedly, I don't want anypony else to die.

She could see the mountains better now. The view was incredible; tundra landscape, the immense mountain ridge, and small plants strewn across the landscape. She also swore she could see animals eating off some of the small plants.

Sunset Shimmer had not expected to have gone down the cliff side at fast pace. It had taken them two hours, surprisingly. Lady Tacita had been leading them since then, nopony had said a word. She still remained curious about the animals. They looked like cows or buffalo; large, bulky and woolly.

"Um... Lady Tacita?"

"Yes?" She replied calmly.

"What are those creatures over there?" Sunset pointed her hoof in the direction of the animals grazing on the plants.

"Those are bleetos. They're rather gentle creatures. Kaerndallens use them the way we use cows back in Equestria: for milk mostly."

"So they farm them." Wildstrike said intrigued.

"Indeed."

Sunset just remembered Wildstrike's wife and unborn foal. His wife must be worried sick, probably wondering whether or not he's even still alive. To think about it made her heart sink. She did her best to push the thought aside. All that matters now is reaching their destination. She's not exactly sure what Kaerndal would bring, but if getting there meant their security then she wouldn't wish otherwise.

"Hold!" She heard Aggan shout. Everypony and kaerndallen stopped dead.

"What is it, Aggan?" Tacita demanded respectively.

"We're not alone."

At first, S unset did not know what he meant. Up until she saw three figures approaching fast in the distance. They looked blurry to her mainly due to them being far away. By the looks of it, two were running while the third flew in midair. Their gait seemed questionable for it seemed they were running on...

Four legs? She pondered what that could mean. But now she practically figured it out. More ponies.

"We have no need to fear them." Lady Tacita smiled slightly as if she knew who they were. "Let us not keep them waiting."

The kaerndallens must have known too; they were already running towards them. Even Lady Tacita was trotting after them. She saw no reason to linger here, so she went after them as well. As expected, the others trotted behind her. The blurry figures became clearer with every hoof step.

They were ponies after all. Leading them was a large russet earth pony stallion, with a brown mane and thick beard. Next to him was a white unicorn stallion with a silver mane with light blue streaks. The one flying was not a type of pony she was familiar with: a pegasus-like mare with bat-like wings, tufts on her ears, and cat-like eyes. The bat-like mare had a grey-ish blue colored coat, dark blue mane with red highlights.

"Blood Hunter, Hoarfrost, River Run. I had not expected your company."

The unicorn stallion stepped forward, "King Brandri's commands, milady."

"Aye," The russet colored stallion said solemnly in a thick accent, "T'was he. He was worried you'd be spider food. Thankfully yer alive!"

"I would never think he would be this worried." Lady Tacita then turned over to Sunset. "This is Sunset Shimmer and her companions, they will be our guests for the time being.

"Eight of them," The unicorn stallion observed. "I can see most of them are young. Is there anypony in this group who can defend themselves?"

"Yep!" Void Wing answered, "And Sunset can too. She and I took down a huge bird together!"

"Hmm..."

"Heh! How long have you been wanderin' out here?" The bat-like mare said amused.

"Honestly," Sunset stepped forward, "several days, maybe over a week. I'm not sure."

The russet colored stallion, Blood Hunter, had an impatient look in his brown eyes. "The king would be expecting us. We can't waste time!"

"You are right," Lady Tacita decided, "We shan't waste time. Come, we will discuss more once we get there.

Sunset felt a slight bit of comfort with more ponies around, even though she knew little about them. Especially considering she knew her companions for a while now; which she still knew some things about them. The fact that Lady Tacita is a servant of Princess Luna baffled her. Not to mention with these kaerndallens as her allies. Sunset just couldn't wrap her head around this. Something is going on, and she wants to know what it is.

"Lady Tacita?"

"Yes, Sunset Shimmer?" Tacita answered politely.

"How did you come into Princess Luna's service? I'm just curious." She wanted answers.

"It is a rather long story. But yes, I shall explain it to you."

The mountain ridge that was once in the distance, was now closer than ever. If this is the way to Kaerndal, it sure is breathtaking. The sun was close to setting. As they got closer she could see that there is an opening into the enormous ridge; surrounded by pony and kaerndallen scouts, she presumed. There were torches lit; illuminating whatever was in its radius. She could also see a huge portcullis within the opening which would be their only way in. She could faintly see a tiny light on the other side of it.

Sunset had pondered on Lady Tacita's story. She told her she was from a kingdom beyond Equestria, and her father arranged her marriage with a prince of another kingdom. She made an escape the day before her marriage; never to be seen by her family again. She also explained that she had been skilled with swords since foalhood. She had also told her she had traveled to Equestria, in search for a new life and work. One day, she had been found by a member of an organization led by Princess Luna. The ponies who allied with the kaerndallens, were also members of this organization.

So, why are they here? What is their purpose here? These were the questions that bothered her most.

When they came closer to the entrance, they were stopped by a kaerndallen guard. "Halt!" he said, "State your business."

"Gromor, it's us." Aggan told him annoyed.

"Oh, I see." He realized there were ponies had not seen before. "And I noticed you've brought more wanderers."

"Wanderers?"

"Survivors who were lucky to escape sabrathanian cult bases." He had then elaborated.

"There are others like us?" Lemon Lime asked, surprised.

"There are a lot who escape," Aggan explained, "We come across them on occasion, but unfortunately we know that not many survive. Not many unarmed ponies live out in the wild; many beasts would devour ponies without fail."

"Not us!" Void said with pride, "Sunset here took out a whole sabrathanian base, then we took down a giant bird, and Sunset killed that no good murdering savage who killed our friends."

"Murdering savage?" The white stallion, Hoarfrost, pondered on that for a moment, "You mean Lord Erinnen?"

"Y'up!"

Paprika had stayed at Sunset's for the longest time. "He killed my mommy!" She cried.

"Oh..." The kaerndallen guard had a pained look in his pupil-less eyes.

Lady Tacita stepped forth, "Will you grant us passage?"

"Of coarse, milady." He then turned around and shouted: "RAISE THE PORTCULLIS!!!"

*Metal creaking/chains rattling*

The portcullis rose upward. On the other side of it revealed a tunnel; a small light on the other end. That light must be the tunnel's exit. Paprika had then clung to her fore leg, tighter than before.

"I'm scared!" She said, afraid.

"Don't worry, Paprika. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"Are you sure?"

"I am positive."

They all went forward into the tunnel. Lady Tacita went first with Blood Hunter, Hoarfrost, and River Run at her side. Aggan and the other kaerndallens went in, and then Sunset and her group with them. The tunnel was dark, with the only light coming from the exit. Tacita lit her horn; a pale golden light, which lit up a small radius of the stony tunnel. As they followed her, Ruby ran up to Sunset.

"I'm not sure I like this." She had whispered into her, "It could be a trap."

"I don't think this a trap. What could they hope to gain by trapping us?" She whispered back. She could thank her for her concern, but it wasn't necessary.

"Why would we trap you?" The sound of Aggan's voice startled both of them. "We're allies with Equestria, and the organization. We harm no ponies."

"Right." Ruby said sarcastically.

I thought we were on good terms! She wondered, Why would she still act this way?

Whatever the meaning, it was not important. They got closer to the exit but there was another portcullis blocking the way. There were other guards posted here; one of them standing next to a winch that opens the latticed metal gate. An armored dark grey earth pony mare went up to them.

"Lady Tacita!" She greeted, "Welcome back! It is great to see you."

"Same to you, Quartz." Tacita greeted back. "Let us pass."

"Yes milady, stand by. Raise the portcullis!" She shouted the command to the pony standing next to the winch.

Without a moment's notice, he was already pulling the winch. The chains lifted gate up slowly. When the gate opened, Lady Tacita continued onward. When they exited out of the tunnel, she witnessed an extraordinary sight. A whole clearing; ponies, kaerndallens, all in one place. There were tents strewn about the landscape, fire pits, tables, and much more.

"It's a camp!" She realized.

"Yep." The bat-like mare, River Run, had said. "The organization's Kaerndal encampment. Amazing, isn't it?"

"Wow!" Paprika had let go of her leg to get a better view.

"King Brandri will want to see you! Aye, I assure ya. " Blood Hunter said excitedly.

"I think not."

The voice came from a kaerndallen, surrounded by other soldiers. His helm had a long gash along the eye slit; an eye was missing where the gash was. His frame was also large, heavily armored with a large sword on his back.

"Thokkan." Aggan greeted. "Is something the matter?"

"Our king wishes to see no one until morn." Thokkan told him irritably.

"Why?"

"Scouts reported seeing nezenites getting closer to the ridge, as close as the meadow. They say that blasted Eldellus and his knights have been spotted near there. Should they get any closer, and we'll have to take up arms!"

"And what does this have to do with the king?" Tacita pointed out.

"He's stressed out because of the issue. He's asked us to prevent anyone--or pony--to see him until morn. I'd suggest you abide."

"Very well." Tacita acquiesced. "It seems we shall wait to speak with Brandri." She turned over to Sunset, "Sunset. There is an empty tent reserved for wanderers, get some rest."

Sunset and her companions did as they were told. Tacita showed them to their tent. They crossed other tents as they went, many ponies and kaerndallens walking; keeping to their selves. The "reserved" tent was rather wide in size which was great, she felt more comfortable among her friends. Paprika needed her company as well.

Inside their were soft mats and pillows, and a lantern lighting the tent. It did not take long for them to settle in. As Sunset was about to settle down, Tacita came up to her.

"You have done well to have saved them. That is to be admired." Tacita told her. After that she left them to themselves.

Sunset picked a spot next to the lantern. As she curled up, Paprika went to cuddle up next to her. Sunset felt tears welling up in her eyes, but it wasn't for sadness.

I could never be more thankful, for what happened. She thought, We're finally safe.