Searching for the Truth
Ever since she was a little filly, Sunset Shimmer had always wondered why her family would abandon her. This made her resentful and bitter towards other ponies at least until she was adopted by Princess Celestia. Even though she has family and friends now, she wonders why she feels so empty.
But today she'll finally find the truth as she arrives at Canterlot.
Okay, Sunset you can do this, just ask her and I can get answers?
Sunset trotted towards her mothers private study with a grim look.
"Maybe I can ask her later and I'm pretty sure she's busy and...."
"Oh for the love of our mother! Just go in there and ask her already!" Her brother Spike shouted as he began to rub his head in irritation.
"Spike it's not easy for me to do this!" She argued, huffing at the young drake.
"Look I know you want to know the truth, but we've been standing in front of moms office for twenty minutes now! And you haven't moved and inch since we got here! All you have to do is open the door and ask her!" He said, folding his arms.
"It's like you're asking for me to set you on fire," She said with a glare.
"You wouldn't dare? I just bought this suit from Coco and I have a date with Moon Dancer," Spike said as he took a step back.
"Try me," she said with a smug look as a green aura formed around her horn as Spike began to take another step back.
"Well this is an unexpected surprise," both Sunset both turned to see the doors had been opened with Celestia standing at the entrance. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon, Sunset and Spike. What brings you two here?"
"Sunset has something to ask you mom," Spike said aloud with grin, with Sunset mumbling something about throwing Spike out the window.
But Celestia ignored that and simply smiled.
"Sunset if something is troubling you than all you have to do is ask," She said as she wrapped a wing around her daughter. Sunset felt comfort as she nodded in agreement Soon both of them entered Celestia's study, leaving Spike outside alone.
Guess this means I can head out on my date now," Spike said with a cheeky grin as he fixed his red bow tie and headed off to meet with Moon Dancer.
"So what is it you wanted to talk about, Sunset?" Celestia asked.
"Mom I've been meaning to ask you about..." Sunset struggled to get the words out.
"About?"
"I want to know who my parents were?" She said, gasping for air after finally getting those words out. She looked towards her mother who held a sorrowful look.
"Sunset are you sure you want know the truth?" She asked.
"I do...it's not because I'm not happy to have you and Spike, but I just need to know why they left me at the orphanage," Sunset answered, truthfully. "Please I just want to know?"
Celestia could only close her eyes as she turned away from her daughter. If she knew the truth would it hurt their relationship? Would she hate her? All of these questions whirled in Celestia's mind as she looked towards Sunset, who could only wait for her response. "Very well, Sunset I will tell you, but I want you to know that after hearing the truth, that I'll always love you as my daughter."
Sunset could only nod as she hugged her.
"You were born into the Shimmer family, a wealthy family that resided in the mountains far from Canterlot. Your father was one of my holy guards and one the strongest magic users during the third chaos uprising awhile back. He was honorable and well respected among his fellow soldiers, while your mother, a young pegasus, was medic during the time."
"Your parents also had son and named him Crimson Crow. He was born a Pegasus and was your older brother. Things seemed to go there way....until one fateful night a fire was started mysteriously and killed them. I don't know how, but somepony saved you and brought you to the orphanage. That is all I can tell Sunset....That's all I know," Celestia finished explaining. Sunset could only sit there shocked at the tale she was told.
"That can't be it! There's got to be more mom!" Sunset yelled, refusing to believe that was the whole story.
"I know you wish to know more, but that's all I know. You're story might not have a happy being, but see how things turned out for you. You have me, Spike, and your friends. You've accomplished so much and I couldn't be more proud of you," She said, wrapping her wing around her as they hugged each other.
"I know you are mom," Sunset replied as tears began to stream down her face.
"If you want to know more, Sunset than....I won't stop you," Celestia said, feeling tears stain her cheeks. Sunset had her full support and would still love her no matter what.
"Thank you,"
After learning so little of what happened, Sunset had returned to Ponyville a few hours later to prepare for the long journey to the mountains.
"Are we seriously going to the mountains?" Spike muttered under his breath.
"Yes we are Spike," Sunset answered, bluntly.
She didn't know how long it would be to get there and she was willing to prepare for anything that comes their way. The trip could take days, weeks, or even months...
"It's only a days travel if we take an airship or blimp," He replied.
"Fine, we can take an airship, but you'll be carrying our stuff," Spike could only groan response. He didn't know why his sister was acting so strange lately. "And you won't tell anypony about this...not even the girls."
"S-sure sis, I didn't say anything," He replied sheepishly, already upsetting Sunset.
"Spike what aren't you telling me?" She asked, raising a brow.
"Like I said, I didn't say anything because...."
Knock, Knock
Sunset opened the door to find Coco Pommel, Quickfix, and Nurse Redheart, standing outside the door.
"Hi Sunset!" They shouted in union.
"...they already know..hehehe," Spike chuckled as sweat began to form on his forehead.
"Hi...girls! Would you excuse us for just a moment please..." Sunset said, as she closed the door slowly.
"Huh? I wonder what's up with Sunset?" Quickfix asked, when all of a sudden they heard the young drake scream in terror.
"Oh-I hope he's okay..." Coco said.
The doors opened once again with a smile. "Alright girls you can come in now."
The girls were hesitant at first, but as they entered they found Spike encased in ice with a look of terror. The girls knew he pissed off Sunset and only shook their heads in shame as they took a seat on the sofa.
"So what exactly did Spike do to upset you, Sunset dear?" Redheart asked.
"Oh...it's nothing to worry about at the moment," She answered. "But this is actually the first time I used a freezing spell and it actually works pretty well."
"That must have taken a lot out of you," Coco stated, and she wasn't entirely wrong.
"I do admit that conjuring up this spell was a bit difficult, but I'm not disappointed in the results. I would have liked to set that suit of his on fire instead, but this is actually much better. Besides his punishment doesn't end there, he'll be doing extra work while we're on this trip," Sunset explained, tapping the ice with the tip of her hoof.
And he'll be doing a lot more when we get back.
"And speaking about trips. Why are heading to the mountains anyways? The mountains are freezing during the spring and rumors have it that some chaos cultists run those areas. So what's the reason?" Quickfix asked.
"It's none of your concern at the moment. It's just something personal and I want to keep it that way," Sunset said, avoiding eye contact.
"Well...whatever it is, Sunset we'll support you all the way," Coco said, grinning.
"Besides you'll need a nurse on this trip if one of you gets hurt," Redheart added.
"And a mechanic who can help repair any gear you have."
Sunset couldn't help, but smile at them. She was still trying to learn more about this friendship thing, but she doesn't regret it one bit.
You girls somehow always try to make me smile.
"Thanks girls!"
"Um...shouldn't you let Spike out of there now, He might catch a cold?" Coco asked
"I'm sure he's fine," Sunset said. "I'll let him out in a little bit, but you should all gear up. We're taking off in a small airship that I'll schedule to be here in an hour."
"Alright!" They all agreed as they exited the library, but what they failed to notice was that somepony was watching from the distance, near the Everfree Forest.
"It would seem that destiny was correct about you, Sunset. But will you be ready to face the truth?" The stranger said quietly as he disappeared within the trees.
The Journey Begins
"I'm- I'm going to...get you for this," Spike said, shuttering as sat down on a bench.
"Well you shouldn't have said anything, Spike. You knew that this was personal and you still went ahead and told them," Sunset said, still mad.
"Still I don't think freezing your brother is the best option Sunset," Quickfix said carrying an unusually large saddle bag, which caught Sunsets attention.
"You do know that it's only a days trip in an airship and that we're only staying up there for a night right? So why bring a large saddle bag? I know it's kinda chilly up there, but still." Sunset asked.
"Let's just say that this will save our butts if we run into trouble up there," She said with a smirk, as she trotted past Spike.
"Wonder when Redheart and Coco will get here?" Spike asked. "I've been meaning to talk to her about something."
"Don't even think about it Romeo!" Sunset said glaring at him.
"I wasn't thinking about it....much," He said quietly.
"Doesn't matter! But you do make a point. Where are they? The airship is scheduled to be here in five minutes," She said, pacing back and forth.
"Probably still packing, no doubt," Quickfix stated, bluntly.
They soon spotted both Redheart and Coco, running with saddlebags on there backs, while panting.
"Sorry we're late....Coco had to take...care of something," Redheart said.
"I had a few orders to fill in for Rarity," Coco said, panting.
"Well, just be glad that the airship hasn't shown up yet otherwise we would have left without you," Sunset said with a huff, as she watched for the airship to arrived.
After waiting for another five minutes what they saw next was truly astonishing.
"Oh wow!" They all said together as they looked towards a large golden airship fully equipped with landing beside them.
"This is amazing!" Spike said, standing up from the bench.
"No kidding," Sunset for her part was surprised at how large the airship was.
Mother definitely paid no expenses for this.
The doors opened, revealing two Pegasi dressed in cladded armor, awaiting for them to enter the airship. One of the guards walked towards them and removed his helmet, revealing a white Pegasus with a black mane and green eyes. "Princess Sunset, and guests, welcome to The Golden Aurora. I'm Sergeant Swift Wing and I'll be your escort for the trip. We ready to departure on your command Princess."
"We are ready to depart at once," Sunset commanded.
"Very well, Princess we'll have a staff member escort you to your rooms for the duration of the trip," Swift Wing said, as they escorted Sunset and her friends inside.
Once inside they began to look at there surroundings and all that could be said about the interior was that it was astounding the were painted red and decorated with small images of Celestia's banner, painted gold and that was only the walls. This was the first time they've been on an airship, but it was still incredible nonetheless. The halls were painted red and gold, and decorated with Canterlots finest furniture and vases.
"This is remarkable, it must have taken years to build this masterpiece," Sunset stated, as she looked around.
"It actually took me and the crew about two months to make this baby fly. Although that was about five years ago, and pray to Celestia that nothing terrible has happened to it," Swift Wing said, passing the princess.
"So this is five years old? Neat!" Spike said aloud.
"Could you possibly show us the flight deck?" Quickfix asked, with excitement, since she was obsessed with inventions.
"There will be time for that later, but for now I think it would be best if we take you too your quarters now," He said.
Everypony nodded in agreement as they followed Swift Wing to their guest rooms. Sunset was curious about Swift Wing for some odd reason, she couldn't quite put her hoof on it, but he didn't seem like the other guards she met before.
"Mr. Swift Wing how long have you been in the guard?" She asked.
"Please call me Swift, just adding the Mister makes me look like an old geezer hehehe....I've been a Sergeant for about three years now. Nothing impressive really," He answered.
"Hmm...very well let us carry on," Sunset said, causing suspicion among the others.
"As you wish Princess," He replied, leading them to the guest rooms once again.
It wasn't long until they had finally reached the guest rooms, considering that it was massive. "This room is for you Princess and your friends, as for Prince Spike he'll have the room down the hall on the right. Do call me or any of the staff if you need anything."
"Thank you," Coco said.
"Alright, now that's over what do you girls want to do?" Spike asked.
"Spike...if you don't mind. I'd like to speak to the girls alone," Sunset deadpanned, causing spike to slowly back out the room and close the door.
"So what did you want to talk about Sunset?" Redheart asked.
"I've been doing some research about the mountains and I've learned that someone or something is up there. From what I've gathered it was described as a Unicorn, with unusual powers and has been up there for months now," She explained.
"It's probably some chaos worshiper with some idiotic illusion spells. There's nothing to worry about Sunset, we promise," Quickfix said. Even though for once, Sunset was actually hoping she was right, but some part of her mind was nagging at her to cancel the trip or at least that she should go in alone.
"Still we should be cautious, even if it is another Chaos cultist, we should still be on our guard," Sunset stated, as she turned to the window.
It was than the sound of engines began to propel, as it begins to warm up. Swift Wing was on the main deck, with the other crew members as they turned on various switches, powering the ship.
"We are ready to depart at your command sir," A pilot Pegasus said.
Swift Wing nodded in response, giving the order for lift off, and without a second thought the pilot flipped a large switch which allowed the ship to lift off the ground, propelling at full force.
Deep within the mountains, hundreds of Nightmares Forces rallied together at an old ruin of a small castle for a secret meeting that was called by one of the leading Commanders of the Nightmare legions.
"Who do you think called this meeting?" One of them asked.
"No pony knows who, only that it was one of the leading commanders," another said.
Soon everybody ceased their whispers as a cloaked figure approached them, with a malicious grin and red smoke seeping out from his maw. Removing his cloak the figure revealed a blue unicorn with a light purple mane, and multiple scars across his face.
Everybody remained silent, waiting for the newcomer to speak.
"I am Commander Kunzite, one of the leading members of the Nightmare legions. I was sent here by one of our Generals to plan an attack on Princess Sunset Shimmer," Just saying her name caused an uproar of anger and hatred towards the princess and Kunzite smiled, barring his fangs.
"Today she was spotted, boarding an airship by one of my finest scouts," He said.
"Together we shall bring that spoiled brat to her knees and all of Equestria will bow before our queens might. Once the princess is killed, we shall commence with the invasion of Ponyville. We'll set out in three days when the moon full, so prepare yourselves my brothers and sisters, because soon Equestria shall be our for the taking," Kunzite said. Soon everypony began to cheer at his announcement. But they haven't realized that this was all a ploy for what his true intentions are. He left to his private chambers to consult with himself.
Fools! Do they honestly think I'm doing this for their beloved queen? For years I've done nothing, but serve that bloodsucking wench! But soon I'll obtain a power unlike any other, and all of Equestria shall bow before me.
"Commander Kunzite!" A cultist called out to him. "The assassin has returned."
"Excellent, send him in,"
The doors to his Chambers opened, revealing a Pegasus wearing red armor and a red helmet concealing his face. Kunzite could only smirk as the assassin entered the chamber.
"The time is near..."
