"Princess Celestia, there is a question I’ve been wanting to ask you ever since I got back from the human world." Twilight said standing before the Princess of Equestria.
"Why yes Twilight what is it you wish to ask me?" Celestia said looking down at her old pupil.
"Well... what is the.. whole story of.... Sunset Shimmer?" Twilight asked nervously.
The Princess looked at her for a second then closed her eyes and let out a sad sigh. She looked back at Twilight with sorrow in her eyes, cleared her throat and began to tell the origin of Sunset Shimmer.
It was a cool and silent October night in Canterlot. The residents were all asleep in bed waiting for the next day. However not everyone was asleep that night. There on the doorstep was a wooden basket and inside was a light brilliant amber unicorn filly wrapped in a pink blanket with a note attached. The child was cold, hungry, and crying out for her mother’s warmth. After about five minutes the door opened and there stood an armored pegasus of the Royal Guard. The Stallion looked at the screaming child and without a second thought picked the basket up not leaving her out in the cold to die.
The Royal Guard then took the baby to the throne room and presented her to the Princess. He placed the basket before her and bowed, telling her where he had found the child. The Princess looked at the still screaming child with a saddened expression on her face. She used her magic to levitate the baby into her arms to calm her down. When the baby finally stopped crying, Celestia ordered the Guard to bring warm milk from the kitchen. As Celestia rocked the baby she noticed the note that had dropped on the floor. She levitated the note to herself and began to read.
"Dear Princess Celestia,
This is Sunset Shimmer, the little sunshine of my eye. She was born yesterday. Sadly I am dying and have no family nor friends or anyone to go to. I don’t want her to go to the orphanage so could you please find it in your heart to take care of her."
Celestia looked at the baby in her arms snuggled against her chest. Nopony has ever just left a baby at her castle door and she knew that sending her to the orphanage would be the worst mistake she could ever make. Canterlot Orphanages were a terrible place for a child mostly due to the snobs that would see the children as nothing more than some new fancy chariot. As she looked at the baby in her arms she began to ponder what to do.
As soon as she made her decision the Guard came in with the warm milk to feed the baby. Celestia placed the note beside her throne and levitated the bottle to the child. As soon as the infant smelled the warm milk she started to drink.
"Your highness, umm, may I ask what are your plans for the child?" The Stallion asked.
Celestia looked at the child chugging down the milk. Many thoughts went through her head about what to do. However without another thought she looked up to her subject with a smile.
"Yes I have decided to care for her myself." Celestia said.
The guard was bewildered at what she just said but did not dare to question her rule. He bowed before her then said, "As you wish." Celestia herself was confused by what she said also. She looked back down at the baby who just finished the bottle and was fast asleep. Why is she taking this abandoned child in? Was it because she was tired of being alone? She banished her sister so long ago and her heart still hurt every time she thought of her. Will this child fill some void in her heart?
A year had passed since Celestia took Sunset Shimmer in. Celestia made a room just for her filled with toys and everything else a baby needs. Sadly though Celestia was often times busy doing royal duties. She did however always makes time to spend with Sunset to make sure she didn’t feel abandoned. When she was off doing her duties though she had one of her royal guards take care of the baby. The only problem though is due to the guards being Pegasus and Sunset Shimmer being a baby unicorn, she had random magic bursts and was a great handful. She often teleported all over the castle or she was turning one of the guards a different shade of pink. What ever the case may be they all enjoyed taking care of the little bundle of joy.
But today is a special day for Sunset. It’s her first birthday and Celestia even held all her royal duties until tomorrow. She made a vow to never miss Sunset’s birthday for the world. All the guards are there gathered around Sunset for her birthday. They all sang happy birthday to her as she clapped her hooves and smiled. After the song was over she was about to blow out the candle only to stop and stare at the small little ember. After a second her horn glowed and the little ember started to flicker. Suddenly it became a butterfly. Some of the Royal Guards got nervous due to how dangerous the flame was. However Celestia just stood behind her smiling as she watched Sunset control the little fire butterfly. Suddenly the butterfly became two, then three and kept separating until it became fifty. The guards started to sweat as the butterflies danced in the air. One butterfly started going toward Celestia. The guards started to move until Celestia halted them. The butterfly landed on her, nose not hurting her. The guards were baffled by the sight.
"Haha, do not worry. She is just a baby. She only knows warmth and love so her magic can not project pain." Celestia said chuckling as she saw Sunset giggling.
Even the guards joined in the laughter. That following night when Celestia put Sunset to bed and sang her a lullaby she thought to herself that she would not only raise Sunset as her own but teach her all about magic and to use it for good.
Several years had passed and Sunset was ten years of age. Celestia saw it was time to show her the Canterlot’s magic library so she could learn and study even more. Celestia opened the doors with little Sunset by her side. Sunset gasped in awe at how big the library was and all the books that were in it just for magic. She had been to libraries before, but they weren’t as big as this. Both of them went in and greeted the Librarian then walked down the halls.
"Sunset this is where you can study even more magic than you can imagine." Celestia said while walking her though all the different sections.
Sunset's eyes widened as she saw the many different kinds of books about magic. As they walked further she saw a black curtain with a "No Foals" sign on it. Sunset looked up at Celestia and asked what was in there. Celestia turned and looked to where she was pointing then told her that she is never to go there for that is the section about dark magic. Only when she is of legal age can she go in there.
"But Princess, why is that?" Sunset asked with a confused look.
"You see, Dark Magic is not for one to learn, but to understand. There are evil things in this world that use such magic and we need to understand how it works and what to do to counter it. It is not for fillies because their hearts can not handle the darkness. Shimmer I want you to promise me you will never go in there." Celestia said with a stern look in her eyes.
Sunset looked into Celestia’s eyes and smiled then nodded. Sunset would do anything and everything to make Celestia happy and never once had she disobeyed or disappointed her. The same went for Celestia, she always made sure Sunset was happy and never broke a promise to her.
As they where done looking through the library, Celestia had to leave for her royal duties. Sunset smiled and hugged her goodbye then went on to check out the books. A thought popped into her head as she was looking aimlessly. She new Celestia’s birthday was coming up in a week and she wanted to get her something special. You can only make so much macaroni art for somepony.
"May I help you little miss?" The Librarian asked.
"Umm yeah, I am wanting to make Princess Celestia something for her birthday." Sunset said.
The librarian thought for a few seconds and thought of just the book to give her. She walked Sunset over to the "Ori Gami, the Unicorn of Paper" magic section. The librarian took the book from the shelf and gave it to Sunset. Sunset looked though the book and liked what she saw. So she checked out the book and then headed out the door.
As she was walking back home, she came across a colt and his friend playing ball. She went over there to greet them and see if she could join.
"Umm..hi ..can I play?" She asked nervously due to not really knowing how to make friends.
The two ponies looked at her with a smug look and saw that she didn’t have a cutie mark.
"Umm, yeah sorry kid this is kinda a big foals game. So yeah.." The green unicorn colt said trying not to hurt Sunset’s feelings.
However Sunset just said "ok" and walked off. For you see Sunset still didn’t have her cutie mark. And in Canterlot or at least in schools a cutie mark was considered to be very important. Even the teachers made sure to let the students know that. If a foal didn’t have their cutie mark by a certain age they where considered ‘’unspecial’‘ and were avoided like the plague. Sunset shed a small tear but remembered she was never alone. She had Princess Celestia and as long as she had her she would always be happy.
Sunset Shimmer made it to her room and closed the door. She sat in her chair and began to read the magic book. She scanned through it looking for something perfect for Celestia’s Birthday. She came across the "Songbird", a spell that would turn paper into an origami bird and can sing any tune for anyone’s pleasure. She then began to practice but failed miserably. Sunset didn’t give up though, she was determined to get this spell right regardless if it was an advanced spell.
A week went by and she finally mastered the spell. She was so proud of herself and couldn’t wait to show Celestia. Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne for her "Royal Birthday Celebration" where some of the big wigs in Canterlot would honor her with gifts. Sunset got in line behind a young unicorn by the name of Fancy Pants. As the lined moved ever so slowly, Sunset still was as excited as ever. It was Fancy Pants' turn to give Celestia his gift. He gave Celestia what looked like a gold crested music box. Celestia thanked the stallion and called for the next in line. Sunset came through the door. A smile grew on Celestia’s face as she saw her holding some paper in her mouth.
"Haha Shimmer, you do know you could have given me my present before anypony else right?" Celestia asked smiling.
"I know Princess, but I have something very, very special for you. I practiced all week too." Sunset said, opening the book and getting everything ready.
She then started her magic and made the paper move. The paper soon folded again and again taking the form of a small bird. The paper bird began to flap it’s wings then began to sing a tune. Celestia was very pleased and even the guards couldn’t help but admire her talent. But Sunset wasn’t done yet. She gave it more magic and soon the small paper bird combusted into flames. What seemed like a mistake soon became a baby phoenix. Celestia was in awe with this. This kind of magic can only be done by a highly skilled unicorn. Sunset smiled with sweat on her face as Celestia clapped and thanked her for the lovely gift. The small Phoenix flew over to Celestia and landed on her outreached arm.
"Shimmer, I am so happy for you. You have not only advanced in paper and fire magic, but also in summoning magic. A type that only a very powerful unicorn could master. You not only gave me a wonderful gift but you also appear to have much more magical talent then I have foreseen." Celestia said.
Sunset Shimmer felt something on her flank and then looked at it only to see she had gotten her cutie mark. She was so proud, she began to jump for joy that she finally got it and had made Celestia happy with the greatest gift she ever gave her. However after that day things went downhill for Sunset.
A month had gone by and Sunset was finishing up on her studies in her room. When she was done with her book she went to the throne room. Celestia was sitting on her throne talking to two unicorns about getting their daughter enrolled into Canterlot Magic School for Gifted Unicorns. As Celestia gave them the letter of approval, Sunset was walking down the hall when she saw the two unicorns leave. She overheard them talking about how happy they were and couldn’t wait to tell the news to their little girl.
As Sunset came into the throne room Celestia smiled and greeted her.
"Hi Princess Celestia, I’m done with my studies." Sunset said with glee.
"That is good to hear. Would you like to go eat at your favorite restaurant?" Celestia asked.
Sunset nodded her head and then went off to get ready for their special little tradition they did every Wednesday. So as they went out to their favorite restaurant Sunset looked up at Celestia.
"Princess, may I ask who were those two unicorns today?" Sunset asked then began eating her Hay steak.
"Those where just some parents wanting their child in school. But tomorrow she has to pass a test in order to get in." Celestia said while eating a slice of cake.
Sunset thought nothing of it and then finished eating. Sunset knew that parents everywhere were wanting to get their child accepted in the Royal Canterlot School for gifted unicorns and only the best unicorns could ever enter. As they got done eating, they went back to the castle and Sunset went into her room to write in her diary that Celestia gave her when she was six. Ever since Sunset could remember she could never express herself the way she wanted to. She could only do it with the Princess because she was like a mother to her and so she felt safe around her. The diary was given to her for when she wanted to write something personal or write to Celestia. However to send the message to Celestia she had to put the words, "To Princess Celestia." So Sunset then begin to write in her diary.
"Dear Celestia, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything, you are the mother I never had. I love you." A single tear fell onto the paper. But she didn’t send this though. It was meant for her eyes only. She then closed the book and put it under her pillow and went to sleep.
Sunset woke up late that morning then let out a long yawn. She looked to her side and saw a cupcake with a letter saying happy birthday. She knew what this meant though. Celestia had an urgent duty that had to be dealt with like the peace treaty with the Griffons or a dragon attack. So she happily ate the cupcake and started to do her morning routine. However later that day Sunset received a letter from Celestia stating that she would be back late and was sorry. Sunset was hurt by this because it was the first time she missed her birthday. However she didn’t worry too much due to she understood that Celestia had her royal duties. Sunset then waited for Celestia till ten at night. As soon as Celestia walked into her throne room Sunset ran towards her with glee and hugged her. Celestia was happy to see her to and apologized for missing her birthday. Celestia made it up to her by getting her a birthday cake and eating it together.
Celestia looked at Sunset. "Shimmer, there is something I must say to you. You see as of today I have taken in a new student. She has so much raw magic within her that only somepony as advanced as I can teach her." Celestia said while sipping her tea.
Sunset swallowed the cake in her mouth and looked up at Celestia.
"But what does this mean? Is she more powerful than I am? Also will we still have time together?" Sunset asked with worry in her eyes.
"Well yes, she is more powerful than you. But it means nothing, you both are still equal students. She just needs my help more than you do because she is still learning how to use it. Sadly it does mean we will spend less time together but you can always send me letters. I promise to write back as soon as I can, ok Shimmer? You still are very precious to me." Celestia said looking at Sunset
Sunset was a little shocked by what she said. Celestia has always said she was a unique unicorn and had a lot of promise. Sunset just smiled and nodded her head in agreement. But she felt something in her heart. Something she never felt before. She just ignored it and continued eating her cake with Celestia. Sunset knew Celestia loved her and would not abandon her.
As each day went by, Sunset wrote to Celestia and she wrote back as promised. But every time Sunset got the letter back from Celestia, she would talk about how great the new student was and how much she had improved in her skills. The feelings inside Sunset’s heart grew and grew. One day Celestia was training her new student to teleport. As she was giving instruction, both had their eyes closed to help focus the magic. As they where training a small letter hovered by Celestia in midair. As the letter hovered, a small baby dragon saw it and grinned. The baby dragon then went over to the letter and grabbed it and without thinking ate it. As Celestia was done teaching her new student how to teleport, she took a break and began to wonder why Sunset hadn’t written her yet. Celestia was about to write her a letter when an emergency at some rock farm due to a parasprite swarm came up.
Meanwhile two hours passed since Sunset sent her the letter. Celestia usually replied back within two or three hours. It was now four hours and Sunset was shocked but thought clearly. Apparently Celestia was in a big meeting of some kind. So she just waited and waited till three in the morning but there was still nothing. Celestia wasn’t even back yet. Tears began to fill her eyes as she cried in her bed. As she cried she soon began to think Celestia didn’t care for her anymore and wanted to spend time with this "new filly". The hatred in her heart grew more until she finally realized that Celestia broke her promise, which means she could break hers. Sunset wiped the tears away and then snuck out of the castle to the library.
She teleported in as she saw some guards walking by. She used her sleep spell to knock them out as she went to the black curtain. She went in and looked around searching for the perfect book. She came across one with a black crow on the cover. She then opened it and began to read it. The darkness from the book soon took ahold of her heart and fueled her jealousy.
The following day the Royal Guards were everywhere looking for Sunset while Celestia sat at her throne worrying for her. A guard saw her and flew toward her. Sunset saw him and used her magic to zap him. The guard fell to the ground gasping in pain. He looked up to see Sunset looking down at him.
"W-why did you do that?" The guard asked.
Sunset said nothing and zapped him again. She then headed toward the Castle. Mean while back in the castle Celestia had her eyes closed and head down as she thought of Sunset running away. She knew it had to be her fault because of all the bragging she had done about the new student. She never meant for this to get out of hand. If anything, she wanted Sunset to be friends with the new student.
All of a sudden the doors opened and two pegasus had Sunset with them. They looked a little off. Celestia was relieved but couldn’t help notice Sunset's eyes were different. They weren’t filled with happiness. Suddenly the two guards flew toward her about to attack. However it was in vain as two other guards seized them.
"Shimmer what is the mea..." Celestia was cut off.
"Celestia...how could you? You have abandoned me just like my mother. I..I..I loved you." Sunset said with tears of rage flowing down her cheeks.
Celestia’s heart stopped right there. Never had Sunset said "I love you" to her. The two guards flew toward Sunset only to be blasted by fire that took the form of a snake. Celestia was frozen in her place watching her sweet student burn two of her guards with no remorse. Sunset used her fire to attack all the guards as they tried to seize her. Standing in shock was Celestia. She didn’t see this Sunset using her fire to hurt. No, her eyes could only see baby Sunset turning a candle flame to butterflies. Meanwhile the fire snake attacked and burnt the pegasus guards. Soon the unicorn guards came and used a water spell to put it out. As Sunset looked at them she tried to zap them but they put up a shield. She then teleported behind them and used a dispel attack, getting rid of the shield. Then she zapped them with lightning. They screamed in agony. However Celestia still couldn’t see this, she didn’t want to see it. All she saw was Sunset as a baby using the tickle spell she often did to the guards to get them to smile. While all her guards were being taken out, Sunset just laughed. One of the guards finally got her to snap out of it only to have been shot in the back with lightning. Celestia looked at her wounded guard on the floor before her and then to Sunset.
"Shimmer please stop this..stop now!" Celestia begged.
But Sunset was long gone into darkness, just like Luna long ago. Sunset charged up her magic then shot it. Celestia deflected it then used her own magic to hold Sunset still in place.
"What are you gonna do, banish me to the moon like you did your sister?" Sunset said with an evil grin.
Celestia's heart once again ripped as she heard those words. It’s just like before, when Luna became Nightmare Night. However Celestia didn’t want Sunset to be alone like her sister was. Tears filled her eyes as she had an idea.
"No..Sunset I’m not going to banish you...I do love you...you were like my own child to me. So please no more." Celestia pleaded.
"You never loved me. You only loved that new student." Sunset said laughing at her but still with tears in her eyes.
Celestia tried to bring Sunset back but it was no use. The darkness had taken over her heart just as it did her sister so long ago. Celestia had no choice but to use up a large amount of her magic to banish her to another place. A place where she would hopefully make friends and not have any magic. Celestia began the process as she looked at Sunset one last time. She saw in her eyes baby Sunset looking at her with her arms reaching out for a hug.
"Good..bye, my... sunshine." Celestia said as she banished Sunset to another realm. She fell to her knees crying over what she had just witnessed.
"And that Twilight, is the whole story of Sunset Shimmer. She, like my sister, let jealousy into her heart. I had no other choice but to banish her to the human realm where I had hope she would change." Celestia said with her head down.
Twilight was in shock at the whole story with some tears in her eyes.
"Oh my gosh Princess..I’m so sorry."
"Don’t be Twilight. I am sure Sunset has made good friends. Know that she is redeemed now."
