Past Sins AU:Primordial Crimes(Project Helia)

by Brony Mithos

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Other, Original Character, Mystery, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Luna, Drama, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 26692

It is a different Equestria, Luna is the reigning princess & Sunset Shimmer her devoted student. Now a year after defeating Daybreaker Sun an ancient order which desires revival has created a humonculus filly named Helia, now sunset's has to play mom

This Equestria, a different Equestria where Luna never became Nightmare Moon. Instead Celestia succumbed to her desire for everlasting peace in a world of light was twisted creating Daybreaker.
After a massive battle Luna emerged victorious thanks to her friends who the elements bestowed immortality to.

Now a millennium later Daybreaker returned and was defeated by Sunset Shimmer, Luna's student and her friends: Spitfire Flare, Strawberry Sunrise, Coco Pommel, Nurse Redheart, and Trixie Lulamoon, Also her dragon assistant Ember.

A year later an ancient order devoted to the worship of Daybreaker seeks her Resurrection and is using Sunset to do it, however the ritual is interrupted and a mysterious and odd young filly named Helia is created. Now its upto Sunset who happened upon the creature in the Everfree Forest to protect her from the cult and from her own past, all in order to see to it the crimes primordial to this innocent, yet somewhat bratty young life are not the catalyst to usher in Daybreaker's Resurrection.

Cover Art by: http://blinkingpink.deviantart.com/

Published 2017-07-23 22:20:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-08-01 07:51:05 UTC

Chapter 0:Dawn of Daybreaker

Primordial Crimes: Project Helia

(Based on Past Sins by Penstroke & Helia created by SaturnStar14)

Chapter 0: Dawn of Daybreaker

"In the beginning, there were monsters one was but a soulless creator, a true figure of the neutrality, only a shapeless chaotic soul it had existed alone in the entire universe. it does not know of the existence that created it. Nor the existence of the soul. Nor even of individual Idea. The world it created was merely a shadow of the true world..."

“Bridging the line between dreams and reality, between ambition and actuality, this creature sought form. It then gravitated towards those it perceived to understand.”

“Alicorns; The Good, Transcendent and ineffable.Those who manipulate gravitation, Nature, and Matter.“

It saw one such being, one such Alicorn. She was powerful and had great ambition. A desire to bring everlasting peaceful days within the light to those who revered her as a goddess, she knew she was more powerful then her nocturnal little sister, she desired to forever stand as a testament of power and everlasting hope.

However the younger sister began to connect with those underneath her, the children of the night, those who lacked families, and all those who were haunted by nightmares. This brave mare learned of the power to enter dreams and stood against the dark and gave them her love, her wisdom, her protection and asked for nothing in return, even though they slept through her beautiful nights.

Soon the elder sister could see that while she held the adoration of the adults, those devoted to politics, those devoted to selfish pursuits, even those devoted to serving others. The children only loved her sister. She saw that despite having so much more power it was not enough, for her younger sister was able to communicate with what would be the future on a much more personal level then she.

Outraged by this she sought a way to ensure she would stand the test of time. Hearing the whispers of the spirits, she knew a way to ensure everlasting peace for her ponies. Observing the many cultures and her own she learned of many rituals, many spells, many artifacts and prophecies. Soon she crafted the culmination of this: The Poninomicon, bound in Gargoyle hide and inked in the blood of an evil dragon sorcerer. The text contained countless spells, incantations, prophecies, summoning and resurrection passages. One spell contained within instantly brought ideas to life. This book and its spells called further to the mare as she lost herself in her quest for power.

Little did she know that she had created a perfect vessel, a vessel for the soulless being. Her ambitions set ablaze she welcomed it, she desired to bring her ideal world to existence. It transformed her, contorted this once kind mare, this once great ruler who only desired ultimate power to ensure ultimate safety into the wicked one who wanted to watch the world burn, DAYBREAKER!

The forest scorched, as the castle burned while the two sisters fought. Seeing little choice the younger sister rallied her friends to her and together then struck her with all the magic of the Elements of Harmony. Daybreaker Sun sealed within her namesake, the evil book prophesying her return in a thousand years time that would lead to a world of utter unending hellfire.

The evil book was sealed away within the destroyed castle, hidden behind a wall of traps and hopefully to lay forgotten for eternity. For if it were to be destroyed the evil within would be set free.

The younger sister grieving over the loss looked to her friends and promised she would save her sister from her wicked ambition and destroy Daybreaker no matter what.

Many centuries passed and the princess lost her friends, yet met many more. Each generation she learned more and more, all for the sake of leading her ponies. However 3 noble ponies stood beside her in eternity to aide in her rule these were: Mars Ariestable the Red Wizard and former bearer of generosity, Fire Shadow the Black Alchemist and former bearer of loyalty, Snowdrop the White Dreamer and former bearer of kindness.

For centuries they all served together with the trio acting as princess's emissaries, The Emissaries of the Night, to handle the day to day tribulations while she handled the movements of the celestial bodies of the Sun & Moon, and guiding the dreams of all of Equestria's ponies at night.

~~~~~~~~

Many years later Luna met the daughter of an elite Arch-Magi under the direct command of Mars, a strong willed and powerful filly named Sunset Shimmer. Within her eyes burned an ambition that pulled at the heartstrings of the monarch of the moon, for within the filly's small body the princess saw her elder sister's visage, a potential to perhaps be the one she sought.

The princess of the night took the filly as her apprentice, her beloved personal student forsaking one on one mentoring with all others of the age group. For she had finally found the one she knew would come. The new sun, the one who could resurrect the elements.

Sunset began her training and bit by bit became reclusive. Pushing away her chances at friendship, only showing affection to her assistant a young dragoness hatchling named Ember. Together the two persisted in testing Sunset's power until the ruler began to fear her apprentice would fall into the power hungry ambition as her sister once did. The princess, or as her apprentice knew her: Luna, began to worry and knew she must send her away, she knew the time had come, but a mere 3 days before the sun would now never set. It seemed she had waited far to long for how could Sunset unleash the magic of friendship if she did not know of it?

Sunset herself had come upon a prophecy in an ancient book, a book bearing the symbol of the Alicorn and thought by many to just be a foals story book. She denounced that and trusted her instinct, she then asked of her princess, her mentor, her older sister of sorts what this all meant only to be sent to a place called Ponyville.

There Sunset met five odd young mares: Trixie Lulamoon a former schoolmate and magic school dropout, Coco Pommel a shy and reserved fashionista apprenticing under a local powerhouse named Suri, Nurse Redheart a mare kind beyond words who was very adamant about health, Spitfire Flare an intense Pegasus who had an ambition of becoming a Shadowbolt, and lastly Strawberry Sunrise, a very vocal young Strawberry Patch farmer coming from a long line of juice makers.

Each of these mares were charged with one thing or another of the Festival of the Winter Moon, in order to make it the greatest ending day to usher in the solstice of winter. However She had come, the Daybreaker and sealed Luna within the moon, her Emissaries of the Night laying defeated.

Only the power of the Elements of Harmony could defeat her. Knowing of their location from ancient scrolls Sunset ventured into the Everfree forest alone, or so she thought as her new associates came as well. Each not wanting their newest and most driven neighbor to meet her final fate. Upon arriving at the burned and scarred castle, after overcoming terrible trials, they all stood with her against Daybreaker.

Together they used the power of the elements to shred the evil from the mare of the solar flares, for in each of them was one of the elements: Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and lastly Friendship. Daybreaker was defeated and from her ash's lay the impressively svelte, and tall mare with rosy pink mane, her name was Celestia and she begged for the forgiveness of the six and of her returned sister.

Luna embraced her elder sister, the two reunited and the past forgiven. Or was it? Yes Sunset and Equestria at large mostly overlooked it all and welcomed back Celestia, the mare retaking her duties of the sun and assisting in the day court mastefully to let her sister finally rest.

Yet a secret group, a sect, an order. They had been awaiting this day and would not forget. Gathering the Ash's of white, the fragments of gold, the sunstone shards. Yes they would be ready for this was only the beginning of the era of the blazing sun.

It has now been a year since the battle with Daybreaker........

~~~

It was a standard noon day for Sunset Shimmer, she had planned to go and see a friend who lived near the edge of the Everfree forest. She waved goodbye to Ember who was staying behind to watch their home, beaming at the word that her friend had gotten some rare herbal tea leaves from their home country. “I can't wait to try them, such exotic spice, I just love faraway adventures even if its just for my taste buds.” She thought to herself, yet suddenly as she approached the abode, her guard down she could not see a set of shadows behind her *Thwack* from behind came a mighty blow the mare falling to the ground limp.

“It is nearly time, the end of the day it shall mark the end of this era. Tyranny of the moon shall finally come to an end.” A white cloaked stallion adorned with a miter said sweetly to himself as he looked down from a cliff, which overlooked a lake. A sinister grin adorning his face as fire lit within his eyes, a fire of orange and black.

Two mares in white cloaks bowed to him as he came to a dais within open ruins, the use and name of this sight forgotten to time. Yet here is but one of the locations where the their world meshed with others, where one could pierce the veil and make their desires a reality.

“We have her here sire, she was no trouble really. Just a quick blow to the head, infact I think she just regained consciousness not to long ago.” One chuckled lightly, her sly smirk visible from her cloak, along with her white furred chin. Now pulled on a chain, pulling their prisoner to the ground at the feet of them all.

Another looking to the other opposite her that had just spoke, her voice more raspy and gruff. “Yeah she is rather weak, and clearly a coward she just awoke and yet no struggle? Honestly how could somepony like her have stood up to our queen?” Now looking at Sunset in chains, her forehooves shackled tightly in restricting chains which cut her circulation.

The stallion they spoke to, their sire, their leader he sighed aggravated at the duo. “You are both clearly not understanding of her, or her skills, or her beautiful mind.” He ripped off the hood adorning Sunset's head, he could see it clear as day: The complete lack of fear, just rage.

“So you are unafraid? Yes everything I heard of you is indeed true, a real firebrand regardless of the situation.” He seemed to be taunting her, it was as if he was gauging her perception of the situation. “I know you did not expect us, yet you seem unfazed? Ever the brave one it seems, are you so sure you will be saved perhaps? After all the ring they put on your horn prevents all your magics.”

Sunset leered at his words, she scoffed spitting in his face. “Like that matters, ring or no ring, rescuers or no rescuers. I don't fear cowards who do sneak attacks like you, you had better just kill me because even if you torture me I won't tell you anything, what are you guys changling spies? No, your to brutish they use more finesse, so that can be the only reason you'd take me after all ransom wise I'm worthless. Luna would mount a rescue before she would pay, and my family well they likely would send a wave of bounty hunters to track me as well. So either kill me or let me go because I am not going to give you the satisfaction of hearing me scream!”

The cult leader's eyes somewhat visible he blinked in utter surprise, honestly how could you have a comeback for such utter ignorance of the situation as well as unwavering fearlessness. He then cleared his throat as more cult members all gathered in a circle.

“Well this anti-detection barrier we have placed would slow down any sort of tracking spells, and preparations are made. Soon Daybreaker Sun shall rise from the ash's for her revenge.” At his feet was what resembled a cauldron, inside was what seemed like a Collier, Sunset of course noting it must be a parabolic mirror.

Sunset gasped losing her confidence and composure. “SERIOUSLY? Daybreaker, you want to bring back Daybreaker? That is impossible me and my friends blew that ash off Celestia, she is just dust in the wind!” She barked at the leader in utter defiance.

“The torches are lit now, all but one.” His horn and that of the other unicorns in attendance each lit a porcelain standing torch. He placed within the cauldron ash's from an urn, and a broken crown of gold and sunstone's.

“Now for the final tribute.” As he said this the two mares raising up Sunset's head, the leader pulling out an ornate flamberg-esqe knife, curved like a fire. Sunset's eyes big as she hyperventilating showing anxiety and fear now. The cult leaders obvious and wide sinister grin showing, the blade swinging at sunset *Ching* a light gash across the top of her neck where it met her head, blood oozing from it onto the pile of ash and gold, coating them crimson.

He sighed With a mighty final light of the sun as it set becoming twilight *Pa-Chu* The mighty flame ignited from the cauldron glittering gold.

At his feet runes tattooed onto the land began to glow gold as well, the entire dais had been reconstructed into a very intricate circle that encompassed aspects of alchemy and summoning magics.

“COME BACK TO US NOW MY QUEEN, WE NOW CAN PIERCE THE VEIL, FROM DEATH AND DIMENSIONS BEYOND WE USHER YOU BACK TO THIS WORLD!” He shouted out, each member kneeling and repeating these words as well. Sunset looking on weakly in horror as she bled still, praying that they had not cut to deeply. Despite every word she uttered, despite her pride and bluster yes she was afraid, especially now for if they succeed she knew not what to do!

The flames swirling from the cauldron as it danced, a form slowly taking shape within, a giant pair of black and orange eyes appearing and seeming to pierce Sunset's very soul as she struggled to remain awake.

Just then darkness enshrouded it all, lightning striking the cauldron as it shattered. All of them looking in utter awe unaware that the darkness had not been their doing, nor had the lightning. A mighty force landing with great power as all the cultists were scattered, long white hooves taking Sunset and holding her tight as a midnight blue form stood before her regally. “We have arrived, no need to fear thine student for thou salvation is here, for we are THE ROYAL SISTER OF EQUESTRIA!” It was Luna she had come, and with her Celestia who was already working on healing Sunset's neck wound.

Many forms appearing now, it seemed as if it was the EUP and leading their charge was Sunset's half-brother Solar Flare Shimmer, her dear older brother figure and Fluer Dis Lee her adopted older sister and BSBFF. The cultists all seeming to vanish in magical fire aware that they were no match for this force. A few being taken in by the soldiers, each trying in vain to put up a fight.

The cauldron falling from the cliff with white odd golden smoke gushing from it, yet nopony cared for the soldiers were to interested in their quarry and the cultists to concerned with escaping. If only somepony had cared for then they would know that despite Luna's actions this was all far from over.

~~~~~~

But a few hours later, a tiny life had crawled from the cauldron. Its first sight a valley of thorns as it tangled and screamed wordless screams, eyes of utter rage and sorrow as it tried in vain to free itself. Bit by bit it moved forward being slashed repeatedly over it body, the creature awaiting salvation. A salvation that was soon to come, yet it had no idea of this.

To be Continued.

Author's Note

Okay this is the first chapter of an ongoing series, it was of course inspired by Past Sins(Not a rip off!), by the episode Royal Problems of Season 7, and some Artwork I saw by Spokenmind(I used the character with her permission)

I hope you will all enjoy this and any questions will be answered about this exciting AU in databook chapters.

Chapter 1:Forgotten Filly in the Forest

Primordial Crimes:Project Helia

(Based on Past Sins by Penstroke & Helia created by SaturnStar14)

Chapter 1: Forgotten Filly in the Forest

Sunset was laying in bed groaning. Following her rescue she had been healed by Celestia and taken back to the Golden Oaks Library by the two sisters who tucked her into bed. Luna peering into her student and surrogate little sister's dreams. She could see the terror, feel her pain. Yet now was not the time to help her through it, neigh the princess of the night knew that she must wait for acting on Sunset's nightmares to soon could damage her.

Ember looked on in worry, Sunset needed her and she was not there. The young dragoness had never felt so useless, she looked at the bandages around Sunset's neck a dark glower appear in her young eyes as she balled her fists tightly, her claws cutting slightly into her scales. Yes Ember was always something of a hothead yet she had never been this angry before, no never like this.

The two princess's stood up from Sunset's bed, the duo looking to Ember as they flew down to her. Luna patting her on the shoulder. “I sense thine anger young dragon warrior, you must not blame thyself. She needs you now, tend to her in our sted for we must return to Canterlot and investigate the attacks.”

Ember felt more relieved now, she sighed now trying to reclaim her center. “Your right Princess Luna, thank you. I promise I won't let anything happen to Sunset.” She grinned now childishly, obviously still masking some of her rage. “She's my mistress after all, so I have to be there for her.”

Luna nodding to her as she and Celestia walked out of the door, though Luna was still very worried about what those cultists were upto and what they had done to her little Sunny. Yes she needed to learn why they had captured her and the purpose of that arcane ritual.

~~~~

The night went on, soon turning into day. Ember snoring as she lay half on Sunset's bed and getting drool on her bedspread. Sunset shot up from her slumber panting as she reached for her throat. She could feel the bandages, gulping now she looked around now content. “Oh good at least I'm home.”She looked down and saw Ember, Sunset deviously grinning as she levitated her up and shook her awake. “Wakey-wakey Gems and Hay-backy.” She was greeted by a leer from her young dragon companion who found that unamusing.

Sunset rolled her eyes setting her down now expecting a lecture or a famous Ember tantrum, however she was rather surprised as the azure dragon glomped onto her in a hug and she was now teary-eyed. “I-I-I-I.........You know I can't talk about my feelings.”

Sunset sighed at this, always her reply when she got emotional. She could tell Ember had really been worried though. She had to atleast try and put her mind a bit at ease. Sunset patting her on the head with a free hoof and rubbing between her horns like when she was a hatchling. “Yeah, yeah I get it. Don't worry no dumb white robe wearing delusional losers will take me out, I took down way stronger badguys before them and I'll keep doing it after.”

Ember was now pouting a bit, looking away to the side. “Yeah well dragon code yoo know? I have to serve you, your my mistress Sunset. You hatched me and I must serve and protect you with my life.” Ember having taken a knee and bowing to her as if she were a knight.

Sunset with a roll of her eyes was clearly stiffing a laugh. Whenever Ember got all serious and knightly she couldn't help but chuckle. A dragon knight, a brave warrioress protecting the bookwormish damsel. That was always how Ember played things off, it was like she never grew up from their pretend games they played with Fluer back in Canterlot. “Seriously Ember give it a rest, I'm not 8 anymore and this isn't a game, your my charge, my assistant, my kinda little sis or daughter or whatever.” Sunset patting her on both her shoulders with her hooves. “You have gotta calm down and not delve into a world of fantasy and stuff.”

Ember blushed at that, she hated not being taken seriously. She was a fierce warrior not some adorable child playing pretend like Sunset always said. “Says the mare who believes in conspiracy theories and ancient fairytales as fact.”

“Okay yeah not gonna justify that, also no gems for dessert tonight for you little dragon.”Sunset walked past Ember whose jaw had dropped and now with a pleading look to her mistress like a children trying to butter up a parent. “Okay maybe just one.” Sunset was looking around now seeming to search for something. “Um Ember did the princess's put my saddlebags somewhere?”

“Well no, I thought it was in the closet or something Sunset, honest I haven't seen it.” She was trying to give an innocent grin.

Sunset shooting a menacing leer at her dragon assistant. Ember folded fall to her knee's. “Okay, okay the princess's never brought it back, I have no clue honest.”

Sunset facehoofed, honestly what more could be said. “Ember I was returning a rare Zebafrican artifact to Zecora's in there, its a rare piece of her family history and is irreplaceable. I was just heading there after speaking with the mayor and Coco about a special cultural festival with native outfits and artifacts of Zebafrica. So that means I must have dropped it when those mares took me, or its in the forest.” Sunset walking to the door, which of course made Ember gasp she knew what Sunset planned to do.

The dragon gal sliding infront of her mistress now. “No way Sunset you are not going there by yourself, let me get my armor!”

Sunset levitated her away and sat her on her bed. “Ember the armors made of cardboard and you bought your so called spear off a royal cadet for your lunch of emerald hoagies a while back. This is serious and I don't need a kid playing pretend getting in the way, just chill here after all we gotta keep the library open from 10 to 8 on most days.”Sunset slamming the door behind her as she left.

Ember pouting as the slam made her secret cabinet of pony princess figures slide out which caused her to look around nervous and jam them back in there with her children's tea set and ballet shoes, covering them with her mantle of toy swords and axes. “Glad nopony saw that.”

~~~~

Sunset of course was going incognito, drapped in a jet black cloak as she headed to the forest. The last thing she needed was for one of her friends to find her and talk her out of going. “I have to find that artifact, it would break Zecora's heart if I lost it.” She could picture it now, telling her friend how she lost what embodied her families history, the tears, the cries, the depression at losing something so dear. As a friend Sunset promised to take care of it, yet she failed.

After a little while she came upon the road she had taken into the forest yesterday and trotted down it looking to and frow, her keen eye for detail had to find it. “Shame Trixie isn't here, she helps locate stuff for the police and catches criminals, I'm sure she could have helped.” She then shook her head at the idea, just imagining Trixie's ego inflating at that and giving such a condescending look of superiority and would of course lord this over Sunset's head. “Yeah probably better I didn't ask her.” A sweatdrop one her forehead as she figured that since it was not on the road the easiest thing to do was to try and use a spell.

Sunset of course had wished she had put a tracking rune on her bag, how could she have been so foalish as to not do that. No the spell she had in mind was to reveal the hoof prints of herself and the cult ponies, she would need to follow the prints back to the dais perhaps then she would find her bag.

As she walked into the forest proper following the prints everything began to get darker, it was only the early afternoon, perhaps around 1 to 1:30, 2 at the latest. It was obviously due to the chaotic nature of the Everfree forest. “Why is it this forest works like this? One of these days I must do a research project on the forests function.” As she wandered through the forest in deep focus of the trails to the dais, following the prints to the best of her ability. Each step led her to look to the sides of the trails to search for her bags.

~~~~~

Eventually Sunset came to a flight of spiraling stairs that led upto a cliff. The alabaster colored stairs clearly leading to the dais, to her right side was a valley of thorns. Lightning crackled and thunder roared. Sunset seemed rather shocked, sure there were some clouds outside the forest yet here they swirled all together into a purplish spiral, the dry rainless lightning and thunder very startling. Sunset backing up a bit and realizing going up the stairs may not be the best idea. Just then as she stepped back the side of the path gave way a bit and she slid down to a small ditch near the valley of thorns.

She banged her head on something, groaning she sat up then gasped seeing her bag, it had her cutiemark on it and everything. She opened the bag to check and see if her books and Zecora's keepsake were inside. “Nothing seems to damaged, infact everything is fine. Well this turned out well and no monsters either score.” she was grinning widely, mission accomplished.

However as she took the bag and placed it on her back, she heard some whining and flustered screams. Screams that sounded like a child. Sunset turned and saw a pair of crimson irises eyes with slitid gold pupils's. Sunset's horn glew bright now thinking it was some monster, yet was she looked into the thorns she saw a small form, a small white filly. The creature struggling against the thorns cutting her deep all over its tiny body.

“How did a kid get here?” Sunset mused to herself, yet it didn't matter as she blasted away the thorns.

The filly fell free, her eyes closed. She fell to Sunset's hooves, her small pale body covered in crimson red cuts and golden blond hair seeming to glow faintly just for a second. Sunset looked at the little fill in utter shock. “An alicorn?” Indeed she was, for atop her head, nearly eclipsed by her messy and natted mane was a white horn. Adorning her back a pair of small white wings. The child opening its eyes and looking right up at Sunset who saw that she had the same eyes she had just seen and thought a monster.

“What are you?” asked the mare of bacon colored hair. “Those eyes, that body, she just couldn't be could she?” Sunset's mind reeled, jumping back a bit her horn lit, a glare in her eyes at the small creature. Based on the events of the previous day, the intention of the cult, this creature it all added up way to much. “I know what you are you creature!”

The little filly seemed in utter surprise at this mare's response, she knew not what she herself was, or what this larger creature was either. She stood up and wanted to roar, to try and intimidate this much larger figure. Squeal That was all she managed was a tiny sound like the screech from a small cat, or a nail on a chalk board. Utterly ineffective as Sunset was unintimidated.

…............... “You done? I know its you so drop the act!” Sunset shouted which cause the filly's face to contort into a scowl, backing up a bit. Just then dry lightning brightly flashed followed by thunder. The filly gasped dashing into a bush. Sunset raising a brow quiziclly. “Seriously? This isn't adding up, why is she afraid of thunder and lightning?” Daybreaker was a manipulator of the weather, tornados, sandstorms, and dry lightning just like what was happening now, now to mention heatwaves, wildfires, and even solar flares.

Sunset trotted to the bush levitating the filly out, who was flailing her hooves and squeling as if in tantrum. “You know thats a thorn bush right?” The creature having gotten a gash on her muzzle from the dive into the bush, this filly utterly covered in her own blood.…..“Geez she is going to stain her coat at this rate, if she is Daybreaker why this behavior its like she is some bratty kid?”

Sunset had to examine this thing, it was just sating her curiosity to much. That and she couldn't leave a child even a weird one like this in the middle of the forest and covered in blood, it would no doubt attract timber wolves and Luna knows what else? “So you wanna come to my place and get some food?” sunset offered holding out her hoof to the floating filly.

The white alicorn filly looked at Sunset's dark yellow hoof, then looked her in the eyes. Reaching out she tapped it doing a hoof bump. The filly's stomach growling a bit which caused Sunset to flatly look at her. “Yeah figured.”

~~~~

Sunset had to roll her eyes at her actions, she had lecture the filly to stay quiet and still,wrapping her up in her cloak and walking out of the forest with the now cloaked filly. “What am I thinking? I mean what if she is Daybreaker and this is some kind of trick? But I can't leave her in the forest even if she is, who knows what she could do, Well guess the only way to know for sure is to properly examine her at my lab.” It took a lot longer then expected, nearly 3 full hours. She would have teleported but the mana flow seemed kind of off preventing that.

As they came back to the library Sunset came in on Ember who was wearing a tutu and practicing her ballet, the dragoness blushing at being seen. Sunset of course just giving a flat look at the display. “You know you have stubby legs right?”She teased trotting upto her bed and Ember leaping into the closet and ripping off her garb.

“So-so um I see you found your bag right? I guess that thing on your back wrapped up is Zecora's thingy right?” She was blushing lightly scratching the side of her head, trying to not let the whole ballet display lead to an awkward silence. Ember hated it when anypony, even Sunset saw her being girly after all she was a proud dragon warrior not some prissy princess.

“Yeah I got it and could you maybe whip up some food? A couple of sandwhich's and and some soup, maybe tomato bisque with Basil, and grilled cheese on wheat?” Sunset was secretly sushing the filly who she unwrapped on her bed. She would get her cleaned up then explain all of this to Ember.

“Fine, fine I'll get cooking, just you know be grateful and don't go off like that again kay?” Ember of course had to leave with a quip, always putting up that tough front of hers.

As Ember left to make the food Sunset plopped the filly onto her back again, then went to the bathroom. It was rather clean, and beautiful, Sunset having the bathroom totally redone when she moved in after all she was used to a certain ascetic. Twilight now locking the door as she didn't want the filly wandering off or Ember sneaking in. “Ember I'm gonna take a shower, I'll be done in a bit so keep cooking.” sunset shouted out to her assistant who shouted back that it was fine.

Sunset of course had lied again and filled the gleaming jaccuzi bathtub up with water, raising the filly off her back and dropping her in the water. “First things, first we have to clean you up and get that blood off your coat, can't put medicine on a dirty wound afterall.”

The Filly squealing, whimpering and whining, all the while fighting Sunset at every scrub. Sunset of course was growing a bit impatient, but she knew she had to keep going and yelling at the kid would not be a good idea right now. “Look it has to be done okay? Your here at my house, I your gonna be safe and your gonna get fed.”

After a bit she now was lathering in some shampoo into that dirty, matted mane, then pulled the filly out and dried her off. “Okay kid there all clean, now lets get you fixed up.” Sunset levitated a first-aid kit out from below the kitchen sink, written on it was: Sunny, always take care of yourself, Redheart. There was even a little drawing of her friends cutiemark next to the name.

Sunset of course did not care to bother thinking about how dotey Redheart could be and just opened the kit. “Okay this is gonna sting a bit.”She put some iodine on a cotton ball and began to dab the filly's wounds rather carefully. The tiny creature winching and scowling, it was obvious she was not enjoying this, even giving some full on whining again.

Eventually Sunset was done with that and bandaged the wounds, putting a band-aide on the one that adorned the filly's muzzle. “Not exactly my finest work, but its not like I can take you to see Redheart right now.” Sunset patting the filly on the head, ruffling her mane a bit. “Okay so I'm really gonna shower now, so how about this:You stay in the bathroom and sit on that rug, then I'll get you some cake after we have soup and sandwich's okay?”

The filly was thinking that over, then nodded solemnly having remembered what cake was. For some reason she knew very little about everything, yet cake. Sweet, sweet, decadent cake she knew that well the taste, the form, the texture, it all made that filly's mouth water.

Sunset scrubbed away all the grim and worry of her day, forgetting for a moment that she had found this odd creature. As she washed out her hair, opening her eyes now she peered at the creature who looked at her with impatience. Clearly she just wanted her cake, “typical” Thought Sunset, this kid was such a little brat, a real entitled sort she could just tell.

Sunset closed her eyes and was trying to relax again, but it just kept coming back to her. The events of yesterday and now finding this thing, this odd filly that defied all logic with her appearance. Sunset now running her hooves through her hair as she put on some conditioner.

“The circles, my blood, the ash's and fragments, the cultists words.........it just can't be, no pony could create something like her like this. The sheer equations and research needed for the level of alchemy is insane.” She had gone over it all and the only way the filly could be Daybreaker would be if somehow the lost art of humonculus creation had somehow been rediscovered by that cult. “But that's insane no pony, not me, not the princess's, nopony could do this.”

Now done in the tub Sunset dried herself off then looked at the filly who was marching in place desperate to get out and to the promised cake. “She's like a cat who wants out, definitely not what I'd expect from some all powerful, evil queen who wants to watch the world burn.”

The bacon haired mare unlocking the door and once more grabbing the filly with her telekinesis. “Sorry kid, first and foremost you have to be quiet.”She scoffingly stated in a hushed tone. As she went to her bed where on a dinner tray were four sandwich's and two bowls of Tomato Bisque, just how sunset liked it, a bit basic with some basil leaves in it. “Okay you get the cake once you finish with this stuff okay?”

The filly was set down onto the bed, she looked up at Sunset, then to the food. “I'm gonna go and talk with my assistant Ember, you sit here and eat. If you can eat all of it I'll give you a big slice of cake alright?”

The filly pouted, yet nodded as she leaned over chomping on a sandwich triangle. Her eyes lit up a bit, as she then began to lap at the soup somewhat reminiscent of a cat. Sunset just chuckled at that as she went downstairs. Honestly she saw this filly as such an interesting kid.

~~~~~

“WHAT!?”Shout Ember jumping up a big and her eyes as big as dinner plates. “Nuh-uh look no matter what you say Sunset I am not going to cover for you with this!” It had been a bit, Sunset having gone down there and told her dragononic companion of how she had encountered the odd white filly with the golden mane. How she appeared similar to Daybreaker yet was not.

Sunset's arguments were mostly hearsay and theories, she had no evidence to prove it wasn't Daybreaker when everything to the contrary pointed differently. “Look I-I am not exactly sure who or what she is, but maybe, just maybe we shouldn't just tell Luna and Celestia.”

“Oh yeah why not Sunset? She is a monster, a creature that wanted to burning everything down, rebuild up a solar empire and reign from on high?!” Ember of course was stubborn, and was a superstitious girl, who often paid to much attention to fairy-tales and old mares stories. “Seriously the princess's need to know and that's that!” She had pulled out a scroll and was about to burn it with her fire.

Sunset pushing Ember back with telekinesis so she would miss, however she had been so emotional that the spell was more powerful then expected, Ember being sent flying into a wall. Sunset taking the scroll and vaporizing it so it could not be sent. “No Ember, look Luna and her council sent Daybreaker to the sun for a thousand years, she only got that because Celestia was still in there. This filly if it is here doesn't deserve the no doubt much harsher punishment. Especially if she isn't even really Daybreaker!”

Ember was on her knees, raising herself back up. Ember shooting a death glare at Sunset, she had never pushed her like that before, it actually hurt. “She is a manipulative monster, look at how she has already gotten you to hurt me!”

“EMBER!”Sunset screamed, her head hung low a bit obscuring her eyes, which were teary. “I-I didn't mean to I'm sorry, but you should know what its like to be judged by your appearance better then anyone. I took you in, I showed you love, we grew up together and I never made you feel bad about the way you looked. Some even called you a monster so how can you say the same to this kid, this kid who hasn't done anything to anypony?”

Ember went silent falling to her knees on her own, looking up at the ceiling at this revelation. “I-I'm the monster, I was persecuting her because of what you said and how she looks. My entire life I've been picked on and shunned for the same reasons, Sunset..............your right.”

Sunset raised her head, a sweet and content smile on her face pulling Ember into a hug with her magic. “Yeah well you were just trying to keep me safe Emby.”

~~~~

After having a touching moment with Ember, Sunset went back up to her bedroom she seemed a bit wary though. She wondered if in the last couple of hours that the filly had grown into a full bodied Daybreaker, if so well a beast of fire inside a tree likely wouldn't bode well. However as she saw her bed, she just sighed, then giggle.

Curled up in a ball on the bed was the filly, she had fallen asleep after eating her food and Sunset's. Sunny sat on the bed watching the filly sleep now. “Hey little glutton, but hey she is cute.” Sunset couldn't explain why she was so focused on the filly, was it Curiosity? Paranoia? Arrogance? She just didn't know, yet looking at her small body it seemed as if she had known this filly for much longer then a few hours.

She then began to gently nudge the filly, she opened one of her black and gold eyes. The look of somepony a bit curious as to why she was awoken.

Sunset shrugged, levitating over a plate that had a big piece of cloud cake on it. “Hey I promised.” winking while patting the filly on the head.

The filly reaching over and nom-noming the cake, getting it smeared on her face. Sunset stifling laughter as an awkward snicker. She figured this would be the perfect chance to do some interrogation. “So do you remember how you got in that valley of thorns?” That started the line of questioning, the filly just looked curiously back at her.

Each question was met with a pondering, a tilt of the head and mostly shaking indicating no's. However the Filly seemed to get a bit agitated, feeling like Sunset was prying. When Sunset asked her her name the filly did that a gasped. She was in deep though, she then seemed to be fighting back tears and turned her back to Sunset. Plopping down in the corner of her bed on her pillow turned away from her, clearly she didn't want to even think about these questions anymore.

Sunset had been taking in every last bit of information she had gotten from the filly, like what she knew of Equestria, what she knew about how she knew what cake was. She indeed did seem to have an understanding of language, yet knew little else. Judging by all of this it must mean she was made by the spell, so she must be a humonculus. Yet what were the cult really trying to do and why did it not work like intended.

~~~~

It seemed like the filly wanted to be alone, like she wanted to think or wanted to cry. Sunset sighed and slid over, putting an arm around the kid and pulling her close. “Hey you okay? Look I'm sorry if I pried. Look if you want to cry or leave you alone just tell me.”

The filly now silently crying with a pouty face, trying to seem tough it seemed. “Drop the act and cry, if you wanna cry just cry, holding it back won't help so let it all out.” Sunset was trying to be reassuring, to make her feel safe. She could just tell that the filly was actually deeply afraid and was merely trying to help. She was used to this sort of behavior dealing with Ember and how her parents interacted with her when she was little.

The filly broke down in full sobbing tears and cries now, burying her face into Sunset's shoulder. This went on for a while now, Sunset sighing while looking up at her ceiling. “Why did I get myself into this?” That just kept hitting her mind, WHY. Why did she care, why take this filly in, why not just call in Luna and Celestia? Why be so adamant with Ember? Maybe it was because she was seeing herself in this kid? “So you feeling better now?”

The filly panting, looking into Sunset's eyes with her own odd colored ones. “Yes, yes I'm fine now......I-I just felt like everything was just crashing down on me.” That voice, it sounded a bit haughty, yet also honey sweet. A humming tone almost like a theremin or a violin. Certainly not a voice that oozed evil, total and complete madness or the vast superiority. Really it was a voice akin though sweeter to a certain tiara wearing filly that Sunset knew.

Sunset rolled her eyes at thinking all that, I mean it was kind of a cute voice. Kinda sweet, kinda sour, but whatever it just meant Sunset likely sang better then her is all.

She looked at the clock and noticed a bit of a yawn in her throat. “So hey kid its getting sorta kinda late, I'm gonna hit the hay. We can pick this up in the morning alright?”

The filly now leered at Sunset. “Well Unicorn lady I am sleeping here.”She glomped Sunset's pillow and Sunny Skies her plush doll. “I wanna sleep here and with this stuff!” She sounded like she was trying to give a demand.

Sunset now just laughing as she took her stuff back. “Yeah okay, okay I get it your embarrassed to ask if you wanna sleep here fine, fine how about this.”She shot her pillow with her magic making a copy of it, then levitated some blankets from a closet. “We both can okay?”

The filly turned her face away pouting at the suggestion. “Very well, fine, fine but only because you said I could, so you asked.”Sunset pulling the filly close and noogying her. The mare laying down and the filly curling up against her like a cat.

“Guess I'll just have to think this more through tomorrow? First things first though..........gotta think of a name.”Sunset closed her eyes while drifting off asleep with the filly.

To be Continued........

Author's Note

Okay so here is the next chapter, I was on a bit of a timeclock with this one so it was a tad rushed. Overall I hope its satisfactory.

I will be working on the other chapters over the weekend along with another chapter for a different story.

If anyone has any notes on this AU feel free to ask questions or critque any choices I made.

I hope those of you who enjoyed Past Sins enjoy this chapter, I tried my best to take inspiration but also make it different. :trixieshiftright:

Chapter 2:Her name is Helia

Primordial Crimes:Project Helia

(Based on Past Sins by Penstroke & Helia created by SaturnStar14)

Chapter 2: Her name is Helia?

It had been a few days since their first meeting, since Sunset found the mysterious little filly. Instead of just calling her kid or that filly, Sunset had decided to call her Helia. The name Helia being picked from a series of stories from an old storybook. Helia as it was told was a magical and righteous mare of white who traveled the world long ago during the time of before Equestria. She would come to hamlets in need and would perform miracles and deeds to better the lives of all ponies she met, leaving behind a golden trail from her shimmering mane as she walked.

It had been a favorite story of Sunset's when she was a kid herself. The white mare of glittering golden mane, who wandered all around just to help others. As a child it had really spoken to Sunset and was one of the reasons she worked so hard to become the princess's personal pupil. She hoped someday to be like that, a pony who would selflessly aide others and enrich their lives. As the element of friendship and somepony who had saved Eqeustria a few times already she had already somewhat achieved that.

The filly of course stuck her tongue out at the name Helia at first, until Sunset explained all of this to her. Which of course got the tiny terror to smile thinking it was a cool name after all. Since then Sunset had been carefully observing the filly, who seemed very curious about certain things. In fact after finding Ember's stash of dolls and princes stuff the two had gotten into an argument, Sunset finding it hilarious at how grabby Helia was. It was like watching a foal argue with an older sibling over who owned what toy, and often trying to sneak desserts as well. She was quit the little troublemaker so she spent time in the corner every now and then over the course of the days.

She also seemed very studious, gazing through several books. A lot of them history, geography, astronomy, art, and of course many story books. She seemed to be something of a speed reader and maintained the information well. She even enjoyed examining Sunset's many baubles she had picked up during her travels and also examined Ray, Sunset's pet Leopard Gecko quit a bit. However this also made her more curious of the outside, more then once Sunset caught her trying to sneak out which meant corner time for little Helia. Helia often whining about why she couldn't go out, how unfair Sunset was being, how mean she was for always putting her in the corner. “She is such a brat” Was often what Sunset would think whenever Helia said such things. “How did my parents ever cope?” After all according to what her parents often said she herself was rather rambunctious and sneaky when she was a foal.

However the breaking point for Sunset soon came, as Helia began to ask so MANY questions such as:why is the sky blue? Why are their four seasons? Why are there three different pony tribes? Why is Equestria the main place where ponies live? Why are griffins half bird and half cat? Why does Ember live with them, is she a slave? Then came the last question that really hit a chord with Sunset. Why can't I go outside, is there something wrong with me?

That last one, Sunset honestly didn't know what to say. How could she look into Helia's eyes and say:"Sorry but your a monster made by alchemy and arcane dark magic?" she just didn't have the heart to tell the kid the truth. So Sunset had been formulating an idea of how to make her enable Helia to go outside without attracting attention.

~~~~

After spending the day mulling it over Sunset had come to the conclusion she needed, so grabbing some papers, then taking Helia and draping her in the black cloak Sunset often wore the two went out telling Ember they would be back soon. Of course now was the endless struggle for almost with every step Helia nearly wandered off constantly enthralled by the numerous kiosks, shops, and all the other ponies she passed by. “Maybe I should have gotten a leash?” Sunset mused as she pulled Helia back over with her telekinesis for the umpteenth time.

“Hey Sunset what are you doing there?”A familiar voice struck a cord with Sunset, she looked to its owner and saw Spitfire, who was talking with some of the town weather team. “Whats the deal with the cloaked thing?”Asked the daredevil pointing to Helia who was at Sunset's side.

Sunset gulped, nervously looking back and forth. She thought up a lie and thought it up quick. “Oh its just Ember she is very sick.” Sunset patting Helia on the head and grinning falsely hoping Spits bought that story.

“Sick huh? Must be a skin thing or she has the chills or something right? Well if its the latter sorry about that the rookies here are making it a bit to drafty today.” Spitfire lowering her shades and glaring at one of the newer weather team ponies.

Sunset rolled her eyes at that, at least it seemed like Spitfire was buying the lie. “Yeah its really bad, Scalespox, it happens when a dragon starts molting sometimes and makes them VERY susceptible to the cold and can't have them exposed to that much sunlight. I was taking her to see Redheart to get some lotion that will help her with that.” Sunset was now chuckling in a rather in-genuine way to go with her big fake grin.

Spitfire shrugged, she figured “yeah it made sense.” So she also patted Helia on the head. “You take care squirt, get better soon and I guess I'll see you soon for another flying lesson.” She then darted off followed by her weather ponies.

“Sunset I'm not Ember?”Helia was rather confused as to why Sunset said she was. She tilted her head, while her golden eyes peered up from the cloak at her caretaker. “I do not understand why you lied to that pony?”

Sunset scratched her head, thinking hard as to what to say. “Well um the thing is..............ponyfeathers what should I tell her? Uh the thing is that-that...........she doesn't know you yet?”She was still giving that nervous fake grin her eyes darting back and forth. “Yeah she doesn't know you yet and I want to surprise her when she does? I mean we're in a hurry so no time for a proper introduction?” She hoped Helia would buy that, as that was the best the bacon haired pony could think up on the spot.

Helia looked still seemed a tad suspicious, but it was sunset the pony who had saved her, she of course had to give her the benefit of the doubt. If she had lied Helia figured there had to be a reason for it. “Well I suppose so Sunset, still she does seem kind of cool so I hope I can meet her later.”

“Oh yeah Spitfire is real cool trust me, she is also the fastest flyer in ponyville too. A real daredevil, Emeber and this one pegasus filly are the presidents of her fan club.” Sunset listing off a few little tidbits about Spits while they walked down the street. “Well look at this seems I got her to stay close by telling her stuff about Spits.” It was of course true, the little filly a bit starstruck now hanging off of Sunset's every word with starry eyes of excitement. And there was so much to tell as Spitfire was indeed guilty of accomplishing quite a few things due to her skill, loyalty, and leadership abilities.

~~~

Soon enough they came upon Sunny's desired destination, Buttonbelle Boutique. It was the flagship store of Suri Polomare a young up and coming fashionista who specialized in inventive ways to use buttons. Suri was often not actually around though due to her intention to set up other shops and going to fashion competitions which left her apprentice the younger and more timid Coco Pommel in charge.

Sunset knocking on the door now, she had a very special commission in mind and needed to get it done ASAP. She knocked a few more times and finally the door opened Coco Pommel standing at the doorway. “Oh um hi Sunset, I-I was just on the second floor doing some stocking. Suri likes it when the store is neatly stocked when she gets back from her out of town stuff.” She bowed a few times hoping to be forgiven for taking so long to open the door.

Sunset groaned at this display walking past her into the shop. “Same old Coco, always such a doormat.” She of course would never actually say that, just think it after all she was so sensitive about nearly everything.

“So-so well what can I do for-for you today Sunset?” she was stammering again, it took a lot longer for Coco to say somethings then most due to her constantly second guessing herself.

“Well in case you didn't notice I brought a guest with me.” Sunset levitating over the tiny cloaked figure. “This isn't Ember.” She pulled off the cloak revealing Helia. Coco's eyes went wide as dinner plates, the mare now fainting. Sunset rolled her eyes and face hoofed. “Not the reaction I expected.” She then took Coco to her room and tossed her on the bed. Looking now to Helia she pushed her out of the room, then patted her on the head. “Helia stay out in the main display area, but don't go near the windows okay? If you do that I'll get you some special cake at Sugar Cube Corners okay?”

Just saying that made the filly's mouth drool, always such a weakness for cake. “Must be something she inherited from the Celestia Blood in her.” Sunset figured, there was still so much about Helia she had yet to deduce, yet she knew the filly was good she just had to be. Now of course she had been waving some smelling salts over Coco's muzzle to awaken her, after a few minutes her eyes fluttered open now.

“Was-was I having a nightmare or something?” Coco sat up from her bed now looking to Sunset, it was obvious she had forgotten why her dear friend was here.

“It wasn't Coco, the filly was real, she is waiting outside your door. Now before you ask me a ton of questions I will tell you outright. I think she might be Daybreaker reborn.” As Sunset said this Coco began to get paler and was shaking. “Hey, hey calm down now.” Sunset putting her hooves on her friends shoulders. “I said might, and even if she is she doesn't remember Applejack squat about anything from last year, or even before that we are talking total amnesia here Coco.” Sunset was doing her best to try and explain this, and also not give Coco a panic attack which was proving rather difficult given Sunset's flimsy evidence.

Coco of course finally relented when Sunset said this. “She is just a kid, she hasn't hurt anypony do you really want to see her get sent to the sun to burn up and scream endlessly for a millennia? I mean you know it would be agony and I don't think you want that?” Coco's heartstrings thoroughly plucked at the very graphic imagery Sunset had used.

“Well I guess not, you know how much I like helping underprivileged foals, I in good conscience can't abandon this poor dear.” Coco had relented sighing relived that no such terrible fate would await the filly. “So um why come to me?”

“Right, right onto the topic at hand. She is an Alicorn and that's kind of a problem so I was wondering if you could help with a bit of a disguise aspect for her just a bit? I mean I called Trixie here with a fire message before we got here so she should be arriving soon and I hope the two of you can come up with something. I already have some ideas right here.” Sunset plucking some papers from her saddlebag, Coco of course looking them over and shaking her head in disapproval.

“Why do you always wanna use black leather? It-its not exactly nice..........I-I mean well you seem to always want to use jackets and black leather. Some-somepony's might get the wrong idea.” Coco was blushing big, how could she say to her friend that her constant gravitation to black leather was seemingly a tad like she was romantically repressed.

Sunset shifting her gaze back and forth at that question. “No reason I-I just like black and I think leather has a great feel is all.” She was nervously smiling once again, everything getting a tad awkward now.

~~~~~

“THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE IS HERE!!!” Just then the doors to the boutique flung open as Trixie Lulamoon, the element of laughter and showboating showmare entered. “SUNSET, Trixie has heard you call and has come!”She of course had a tone that oozed with confidence, arrogance and flash. However Sunset was still talking with Coco in another room and she happened upon only Helia having been sitting and admiring the dressmaker dummies.

Trixie's jaw had dropped, her coat becoming pale as she looked at this demonic looking creature with wings and a horn sitting there. “Trixie...........thinks perhaps she should not be seeing this.” She was weakly laughing trying not to show the utter terror she was feeling. “Trixie has heard demons can smell fear.”

Helia blinked rather curious at this mare, then lightly cantered to her. “Hi, so who are you?”

Trixie was still chuckling nervously, with a bit of panting now. “The creature is right in front of me, what should I do?” Trixie was shaking in her horseshoes now absolutely at a loss for words.

“Your funny, also you dress like Starswirl the bearded does that mean your a powerful sorcerer too?” She tilted her head looking over Trixie and seeing her rather magical looking Cutiemark along with her hat and cape. “So you do like special and amazing magic too?”

“Y-Y-Yes?”Trixie gulped now panting more heavily, though she listened to what the creature was saying, why ask such questions if it was some demon spawn from Tartarus? “Trixie is-is great and powerful, and-and makes children smile.”

“I'm a children, so can you make me smile?” Helia asked, she of course was stifling a snicker at Trixie's odd behavior, yet it was not exactly smile making.

Trixie gasped at the words this thing uttered. She was now looking at her, really looking. “She does look like a filly, her size, her face, that voice. Wings, horn, is she a princess? Neigh that can't be right Trixie would know if there was another princess, then again princess Celestia was kind of a shock.” Trixie was trying her best to decipher this odd creature, what exactly was she? Trixie did enjoy a good puzzle yet this was a stumper, then it hit her. “Yes she looks like Daybreaker, Daybreaker was Celestia sort of so maybe this is her foal? Yes, yes a royal foal!” Trixie was now going over her next move carefully. She then grinned as her horn glowed brightly a bit. “You know you do seem sweet, perhaps it is because of this child?”She reached behind Helia's ear and pulled out a large swirly lollipop, then hovered it in front of Helia.

Helia clapped her hooves then took the treat sticking it in her mouth to taste the rush of many flavors of the sugary confection. “Mmmmmmmmmm, I liked that trick do another.”

Trixie bowed at the praise before she made a flower pop out of a small explosion of confetti in her hoof, offering it to the filly, then tying little flags from all the Equestria city state members to the flower into a circle. “Trixie has got a thousand tricks its her forte.” Trixie had now gotten a bit full of herself thinking, “Yes I have her eating out of my hoof, royal or demon it matters not because, she is now a fan.”

~~~~~

Sunset came down soon after with Coco, the two looking very surprised at the sight. Trixie was doing her dancing teacups trick and Helia was wearing Trixie's hat clapping at the show. Sunset smirking as she nudged Coco in the shoulder. “Yeah she's a real menace to society I mean just look at her eyes full of wonder and her happy laughing while she watches a magic show.” She teased Coco who still had a few doubts about the filly.

“I-I guess I definitely should help, I've been looking over the designs I think I can get together something that will work out well since I am really looking at her now.”Coco going down the steps and grabbing a sketchpad.

Sunset trotting over to Trixie, smirking smugly as she said. “Well you two sure hit it off.”

Trixie shrugged at Sunset's words levitating Helia onto her back, the filly resting her head on Trixie's. “Well yes this child is like all children she loves Trixie's magic shows, I even showed her my puppets and she craves one of her own. To which Trixie has said she shall make and you can pick up at her shop Sunny the royal foalsitter.”Trixie teasingly grinned, then winked to her friend.

“Here I was thinking I'd need to explain it all and you'd get all weird and stuff. Like you couldn't handle my new little charge or something.”Sunset levitating Helia onto her own back now and Trixie's hat back on her head.

“Nonsense Trixie loves all children big or small, she desires to make all colts and filliy's smile. If there is a child not having fun then Trixie must do something.” She proudly declared hitting her chest with a hoof in solidarity.

Sunset gave a flat leering expression. “You got all panicky and nearly passed out didn't you?” She could tell by nervous chuckling that Trixie was now doing that was indeed the case. Sunset sighing as she patted Trixie on the shoulder. “Still glad you two hit it off Trix.” Sunset was inwardly very relived she now had half of her closest friends on board. And she could trust Trixie, sure she was a blabbermouth, sure she was full of herself, but she knew how to keep a secret after all she was a magician.

Helia was now getting her measurements done by Coco, who was having her lift her wings up, then measuring her legs, horn, tail, mane, it was so invasive. Though Sunset said that if she was good Trixie would do more tricks and they would all go out for cake after which got Helia to behave as she was often very fussy and hated standing still. Of course Sunset had to bribe the filly as this was rather important and if it worked then Helia would be free to go outside whenever she wanted.

Coco now going over the coloration and overall design with the others. “How about something a bit base? I-I mean well if its everyday wear we shouldn't do something too extravagant.”She was pondering aloud.

“Look just cover up those wings okay other then that you can do whatever.”Whispered Sunset in a somewhat demanding way.

“But-but well I-I mean sure wings are easier to hide, but-but Pegasus models are-are really in right now. In fact I heard the weather team is-is doing a swimsuit calendar to raise money, and-and Spitfire she-she is getting bugged by Suri all the time to take up modelling even with that scar she is so cool and beautiful.” Coco was trying to justify keeping the wings exposed saying how it was so fashionable.

“Yeah I can't see that and we all know Strawberry Sunrise ain't the model type either, look just hide the wings instead of the horn, last thing we need it her wearing a hat all the time, what happens if it flies off?” Sunset sternly chided in. Of course despite Coco's desire for wing fashion she relented and designed a very interesting polo shirt, its coloration a beautiful sunset orange, with a salmon pink trim at the collar. “You-you said she is part Celestia ri-right? Well now it matches her mane color, orange and pink do look good with white right?”

Trixie looked it over then sighed before messing with the collar design, lengthening it a bit. “A tad bit of mage flare, after all we wizards love a good collar.”She winked to Coco and Sunset. It was indeed a good design, simple, practical, cute, and colorful, with a dash of flare.

Coco already busy cutting away at some fabric and using the measurements she had taken, overall it did seem nice and she had been starting the fitting. One the dress was on however Coco was squinting something not seeming right. “Well the eyes are still an issue, but there is something not right.”

“Its the mane.” Trixie inputted, she had hit the nail on the head with that. The messy mane cut did not mesh well with the elegant yet reserved dress design. “Trixie knows what to do.” Giving a devious smirk she used her magic to tie Helia's hair into a ponytail.

Coco gasped at this getting such inspiration, now moving Helia's bangs to one side elegantly while doing a pseudo bob style with the sides. “Perfect.”Smiled the pale bluenette mare hoof bumping Trixie.

Sunset rolling her eyes at the duo's antics, they had been basically just playing dress up and hair dresser with the poor filly who looked so annoyed and antsy. “Yeah, well almost.” Sunset putting some black glasses on Helia, they were large coke bottle types. As if somepony had glued together a pair of magnifying glasses, this oddly caused Helia's eyes to morph into regular golden pupiled eyes with no slits in them.

Coco face hoofing a bit at this. “Um black glasses? I get the eyes need to be changed but well, black glasses like this and stuff I dunno about this Sunset.” She didn't want to outright say that poor Helia looked like a dork, her glasses taking up most of her face.

“She looks like a dork.” Trixie however had no such tact. Coco and Trixie looking shocked at that. “Seriously if you wanted to have the kid get beat up a lot and worry about them messing with her balance sure go with these, its like you hate her or something.”

Coco glaring at that. “Th-That's enough Trixie, you-your being mean again.”

Helia looking a tad frightened now as she saw Coco and Trixie start arguing, and then there was if Sunset hated her after all from what Trixie said it was like Sunset was making fun of her or playing a joke. “D-do you guys not like me or something?” She stepped back looking a bit teary-eyed while looking at Sunset.

“NO, I LOVE YOU, KID,” Sunset used her magic pulling Helia close and into a hug. “I'm just partial to black and well I'm not exactly an expert on glasses because I don't wear them.”

Coco then thought of something, she rushed to a drawer and pulled out a pair of tiny bifocal glasses. “Here these are from when I was a filly, I wore them when I was reading sometimes. I went and got the magic laser beam thing though so I don't need them anymore.” She plopped them down on Helia's nose now, they were an orange color and seemed to mesh well enough with her outfit.

Sunset sighing while nodding in agreement enchanted them. “There see how about that Coco gave you her old pair say thanks kay?”

Helia blushing a bit then lowering her head. “Thank you, Miss Pommel.”

“Oh, um it-its no trouble, but don't call me Miss Pommel. Suri said its a good marketing strategy, but I-I prefer being called Coco kay?” Coco smiling gently and with a caring tone, now stroking the side of Helia's face.

Trixie pouting as she felt like she was being upstaged. Then it hit her as she went and dug through her bag. “Trixie has this!”She pulled out a sunflower hairclip putting it in Helia's hair to help keep it in place. “It was a gift Trixie got from her little brother for Summer Sun Celebration way back since Trixie does like Sunflowers, though Trixie no longer wears hair clips since they clash with her current mane style.” Trixie puffing up her well kept mane.

Coco surprised at how well it meshed. “Trixie it looks wonderful doesn't it Sunset?”

“Yeah actually it does thanks Trix.” Sunset standing on her hind legs and her forlegs crossed.

“So why did I need to get clothes again” Helia tilted her head, Sunset had not really explained why they came here or why she needed to disguise her eyes and conceal her wings.

“Right um.” Sunset gritting her teeth now as she looked to her friends who both just shrugged. “Oh come on a little help?”

“Oh right Trixie knows, Trixie thinks its because you are special. You are an Alicorn, those ponies with wings and a horn, But your not a princess so you'd get bugged and mistaken for one. Honestly sure its nice to be famous but only if you want to be stared at ALL the time, to go nowhere without being surrounded by ponies you barely know asking for things. You are special yes, yet you are not a princess. Other ponies would be way to envious and you wouldn't want that right?” As usual Trixie was always great at lying honestly if the elements were for reverse virtues she would be the Anti-Honesty with how often she made up stories.

Helia raised a brow and looked a tad confused, though as she thought about it. “Yeah I guess not, I mean if I want to stand out I can be a magician like you.”She smiled having clearly taken a shine to Trixie.

The three mares now all sighing in relief.

~~~~~

A little later Sunset had gotten a fire message from Ember and had to dart off to handle a problem at the border with the Everfree apparently a bunch of Timberwolves had run out of the forest and were terrorizing Apple Inc. Farmland, so A.J Apple Esquire the owner was demanding Sunset deal with them. So while she was off doing that Trixie and Coco had decided to sit down for tea and get some cake from Sugarcube corners for Helia after all Sunset had promised. Though Coco was rather busy and had to do some work off and on.

Helia leaning over and lapping at the tea-cup. Trixie looked rather offput by this. “Don't tell me Sunset lets you eat like that?”

Helia looking over to the blue coated mare. “Yeah why?”

“You have a magical horn, why not use that?” Trixie of course demonstrated as she sipping from her tea cup via levitating it to her mouth. “Even the Earth ponies have better manners, you see if your to be a proper unicorn mare you must present yourself with elegance and tact, you see unicorn mares are all about manners you need to do everything just right, I mean you've seen that glorified blue lizard have her tea parties right? With the pinky out thing? Well for us Unicorns we use our horns give it a try.”

Helia looked down at the teacup now, she had never actually used her magic before now. Trixie raising a brow at her as the filly's horn glowed with a golden aura. The teacup exploding while shards shot all over. “Um yeah I didn't mean to do that.” Helia blinked confused, she wondered if she should apologize or not, after all why should she Trixie told her to try and use magic so she did.

“Well that was unexpected, clearly your a lot more powerful then Trixie thought. Most unicorns can barely move the cups at first yet you, your telekinesis was so powerful, yet unfocused that it caused the cup to break like that.” Trixie seemed to be praising, but in actuality was deeply frightened by this display of power. “Still it was a good try, Trixie is.......well proud Trixie supposes.”

Helia looked flatly at Trixie not really getting this mare at all. “So um should I try again?”

With a roll of the eyes Trixie agreed turning a fork into a teacup, then pouring tea into it with her magic. “Yes do try Trxie will stay here until you get it.” Trixie was warmly smiling trying to win Helia over a bit. “And if she breaks more Trixie can just do this all day/” The mare musing while watching Helia try once more, this time it shot into the ceiling, it now raining tea down on the filly who grumbled.

“Why can't I do this? I should be able to do this!” Helia had crossed her forelegs, she was absolutely annoyed, getting short temped. Trixie trying once more and Helia failing once again, it just seemed that she was putting far to much power into each try.

“Trixie thinks she knows what the problem is, you are to unfocused. You are letting your horn regulate itself instead of you doing it. Emotions, focus, study, all are required to accurately do spells, relying on one above the other though is bad. Why if you just did everything with just emotion you'd have a lot of power but wouldn't be able to properly control.” Trixie went to Helia's side patting her on the shoulder. “Its all about visualization, you need to close your eyes and imagine the teacup just levitating. Then let the magic out just a bit and you'll be levitating small things.”

Helia looked up into Trixie's eyes seeing wonder, and support. “She-she believes in me, I should listen I guess.” Helia's eyes slid shut, doing as Trixie instructed she imagined it all in her head. Seeing the cup floating in her mind and moving to her muzzle. Helia's eyes fluttering open now and rather surprised as she spoke. “I did it! Thanks Trixie.” Helia grinned big, then took some sips.

Trixie winked, now levitating over some cake. “try and do it with the cutlery now.”

Helia's heart skipped a beat, her eyes growing big as she began to shake. “CAKE!” She was now panting, trying to remember the manners Trixie just showed her, but it was a struggle between what she wanted to do and what her instincts told her to do. Whenever she saw cake in front of her it as if a switch was flipped in her mind, and she would devolve into a starving beast and nom on it. Yet Trixie told her such behavior was unbefitting a unicorn.

Helia used every last force of willpower she had to calm, herself down. She let out a sigh then began to focus once more. A fork gently flew infront of her, cutting a bit of the cake then gently putting it into Helia's mouth. She shivered at the taste, the heavenly taste and texture, her face practically melting from it which of course made Trixie snicker at how silly and cute she looked.

~~~~

After a several hours had passed Sunset flew the door of Buttonbelle open, stumbling in looking utterly exhausted. “Okay I'm back, sorry I was gone so long. Coco Trixie how did you get along with Helia?”

“Shhh.” Coco popping up out from the stairs now at Sunset's side. “She did really well, Trixie gave her a magic lesson, we had tea and cake. Then the little cutie was tired so I let her use my little sis's room for when she spends the night, I figured little Dazzle wouldn't mind.” Coco smiling rather contently and with that sweetness only Redheart could top.

“I read her a bedtime story too, she is so inquisitive, yet tries to act so haughty its clear she has a lot of pride, its also clear that she is secretly very sensitive trying to hide it behind a wall of smugness clearly demanding perfect of herself and getting upset at anything she fails at.” Coco as ever was very sharp, especially when it came to kids having a deep understanding of what made certain ones tick by watching them.

Sunset seemed a bit surprised everything had gone so well. She half expected Trixie to blow it and for the shop to be on fire when she had gotten back. “Well good to hear she is getting along with her big sisters.” Sunset said using a very sarcastic and lighthearted tone.

Coco's eyes lit up however at the very idea. “Well maybe someday, you know how I love foalsitting.”

“Yeah” Sunset flatly said. “Still little sister or daughter or whatever she is to me, well I still dunno but I'm glad that you guys are here to help me through it, and to help her too.” Sunset was now walking up the steps alongside Coco. The two coming to a room that had the name: Dazzle on the plaque. Sunset pushing the door open with her magic and seeing Helia snoozing away on a very gaudily designed bed.

Sunset smiling lightly going to the side of said bed and gently nuzzling her charge. “Hey, hey Helia naps over.”

Helia lazily rubbing the sleep from her eyes, peering one of her golden slitted pupils at Sunset then randomly hugging her. “Your back, about time.” She said huffing while still hugging.

Sunset shaking her head, and a roll of her eyes said. “Yeah, yeah I get it. Excuse me princess I just got a little held up fighting timberwolves and other abominations of the darkwood.” She slyly said that last part knowing it would get Helia's goat.

“An adventure and stuff? Well can you tell me about it please, please.” Her eyes full of wonder as she broke the hug looking to Sunset in a pleading manner.

“Alright, alright, but after the story we gotta head home and get dinner with Ember kay?” She winked knowing of course that Helia was always eager to hear a cool story.

Sunset then began to elaborate on her day, how after she went to Sweet Apple Acres, the home office of Apple Inc. She met with the rather sophisticated and demanding A.J Apple Esquire. A.J Explaining to Sunset how the recent attacks by Timberwolves which she assumed to be without provocation had destroyed several of her precious tree's and carried off her workers.

The two joined by Macintosh and Braeburn to search for the cause and see that they would not return. Upon entering the forest they were besieged at nearly every end by the wolves, and Ents as well. It was a well know fact that Ents often worked with Timberwolves due to them being some sort of subspecies of each other. Sunset was pleasantly surprised by how well A.J handled herself for a high society mare of Manehatten nurturing.

Eventually however they were all captured and it became clear why the Timberwolves had attacked, a magical virus had spread that was acting like a magnet to the wolves and imbuing them with their normally rare ability to convert other creature. The large amount of wolves due to them changing many of A.J missing workers into Timberwolves themselves. A.J becoming infected and changing before Sunset's eyes she managed to subdue her, though it was hard-fought as A.J already possessed amazing close range fighting skills so her abilities were amped up severely as a Timberwolf, which Sunset dubbed Timberjack.

Sunset then meeting the Alpha, a gigantic monstrosity half the size of a full grown dragon. The creature chasing her all through the forest and withstanding many of her best spells. Sunset had to think outside the box now and used every trick she could think up, and even a few new ones she had learned from Fluer, Trixie and other unicorns she knew. Sunset trapping the monster in a ravine and extracting its mana energy, aswell as its venom which left the poor mare battered and about to pass out.

Thankfully she managed to carry herself to Zecora's and had the Zebra gal gave her some healing potion and worked up a cure for the Timberponies from the Alpha's venom, as that was the only way to cure a Timberfication, thankfully it was usually rare that such things occurred.

Sunset then fixing all the converted ponies and they then discovered that A.J's sister Appleblossom(Applebloom) had been researching with her cousin Babara “Babs” Seed Orange and their friend Sweetie Bell Gemnificent on ways to make her own little patch of apples into artificial Zap Apple tree's, this inadvertently acting as Timbernip which caused the wolves to appear and the odd pseudo-Zap's making the Timbervenom more potent. A.J greatly angered at her sister had decided to strip her of her allowance for the month and make her flanks as red as an apple.

A.J paying sunset of course for her time with a bag of bits, though a bit less then the agreed upon amount since A.J barely made it out herself and thus Sunset had lost bodyguard points as A.J put it. That was how she always was such a pinchbit.

“And that's what happened.” Sunset tiredly sighed as she told the story.

Helia was utterly amazed at that whole ordeal. “WOW Sunset that was amazing, I hope someday I can do stuff like that.” The filly clearly in awe of her caretaker's sheer skill and bravery.

“Sure kid why not? I mean hey you are living with me and getting tips from me and Trixie. Maybe next time I see Fluer I'll introduce you to her too, she knows a few good combat spells. ”Sunset grinning as she levitated Helia onto her back, now in her new disguise once more and the two waving Coco farewell as they headed back to the library.

as they left Buttonbelle that they were being watched from the shadows, by some pony unseen.

To Be Continued....................

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long to get this done, life has been hard lately and I was without internet for a while. I promise to get the chapters done faster. :scootangel:

Also I did a lot of set up with this chapter, hope it all paid off.

If you'd like to see a side-story chapter about Sunset's adventure let me know as I glossed over it a great deal.

Also Dazzle is Diamond Tiara's name/what she went by before she got her tiara.

Special thanks to Segurity Caurd for additional editing.

Chapter 3: Helia and the Six

Primordial Crimes:Project Helia

(Based on Past Sins by Penstroke & Helia created by SaturnStar14)

Chapter 3: Helia and the Six

“In the beginning all beings were formed of fire. The ones that create, and those that destroy.” Sighed a stallion wearing a white robe. He was standing infornt of a pale white marble throne with a wavey flame design etched into it. “Living in the same realm, but on opposite sides. Ultimately returning to the scorching blaze, from which they originated.” He seemed in somewhat of a daze, as his words echoed through this darkened chamber hall of white. “It would have been so beautiful.”

Two ponies in similar but less regal white robes, their svelt frames showing they were mares. The duo bowed to this stallion, he was their sire, there master, their lord. “We come bearing news our lieg.” The duo said in unison with their differeing voices yet clearly same intention.

The stallion turned to the duo, his black and orange eyes piercing their very spirits. “Yes my dear twins?”

“We have received word from one of your Templar's, we have managed to retrieve another of our captured number.” The one sister with the raspier voice explained, her chin show under her robe revealing a black coat.

“This would mean we need only rescue or silence about another dozen milord.” The more reserved of the two spoke, her chin showing white fur.

The mysterious leader let out a tired sigh as he sat infront of the throne. “I understand, so tell me has the spy we put in place reported back about the subject?”

One of the twins nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes Sunset Shimmer has made no moves, she seems to be foalsitting some inconsequential filly. Other then that we have not seen her make any moves to uncover our identities so we can rest assured she remmebers nothing significant.”

“Excellent so we can attempt our next move without worrying, at least for now. She will likely start to piece things together and when that happens, we may need to forcebly bring her into the fold as she may be the only remaining card we can play.” The cloaked leader cryptically stated to the twins as he looked back up at the throne. “We are not finished yet, the royal sisters shall pay one way or another.”

The mysterious twins bowing to him, while six others entered the hall likewise bowing. It seemed they were indeed ready to make their next move.

~~~~

Sunset had taken Helia home in her new disguise, to which Ember's jaw dropped upon seeing her. “No way I can't believe it, you look like a totally regular little pony!” The tiny dragoness zooming about Helia as she inspected her all over.

Helia was looking a bit annoyed at this. The tiny filly had spent hours being poked and prodded at by Coco, now Embert was remarking how much better she looked. “EMBER CUT IT OUT!” She cried loudly which caused Ember to jump back.

“Fine, fine okay. Heh and they call me a hot head!” She scoffed leering at her new psuedo little sister. Every time she threw a tantrum Ember had noticed that Helia's eyes pulsed just a bit for a split second, she found that rather creepy, though had neglected to tell Sunset about this. It was of course because she knew better, Sunset seemed to have some sort of blind spot when it came to Helia.

Sunset was now brushing Helia's mane a bit, and making sure her glasses were adjusted properly. “Well it doesn't matter if it fools you Ember, what matters is that everypony else buys this.” She now patted Helia on the head and opened the door. “I'm taking her by to meet everypony else, Ember you hold down the fort okay?” Sunset teasingly said with a roll of her eyes as she looked at Ember pouting.

Sunset now levitating Helia over then slipped on a foal harness and leash, she could tell Helia was leering up at her. “Hey I can't have you running off, your still new to Ponyville and stuff okay kid.” Sunset winked and was giving a rather big and condesending smile.

~~~~

Sunset decided to take Helia to see Spitfire first, as the bearer of loyalty and somepony Helia already wanted to meet it was an obvious test they must overcome. Spitfire's place was at the Cloudominum where many Pegasi ponies lived in Ponyville, as some just didn't feel right not living in the sky.

Thankfully Sunset still knew that cloud walking spell, though she didn't need to cast it on Helia due to her being an Alicorn she naturally could walk on clouds.

Soon they came to Spitfire's door, Sunset now knocking. “Spitfire I came for a visit, I have somepony I want you to meet.” Sunset said through the door.

Spitfire slammed the door open leering as her mane was flat, and she had a towel around her barrel. “Yeah hey Sunny-side-up, what do you want?” She flatly asked using her usual taunt to Sunset, Sunny-side up AKA a special variant of Egghead Spitfire made just for her.

“Right yeah, so Spitfire I came here because like I was shouting I have somepony you need to meet.” Sunset pulled on the leash, however Helia was refusing to come over. “Hey, get over here now!”

“No I don't wanna be seen wearing this!” whined Helia still out of Spitfire's sight.

“Oh come on you said you wanted to meet her, and your embaressing me here!” Sunset growled pulling harder on the leash.

“Your embaressed? Your embaressed? I'm embaressed, your making me wear this like I'm a dog!” Helia's voice broke cracking now as she was starting to shout.

Spitfire was now sipping from a bottle of Starwberry soda with a straw, holding it up via her wing and smirking at this display. “So went and got stuck foalsitting?”

Sunset pulled harder, now using her magic as her horn glowed green, the filly falling on Sunset and them both sprawled out in Spitfire's doorway. “More like wardship if you wanna put a label on it.” She just chuckled trying not to show how ashamed and nervous she looked. “This is Helia, Helia.......Shimmer, she is a cousin on my dad's side.” She grinned bigger trying to not look guilty. Everypony knew Sunset's father was somewhat distant and had a complicated family history, most didn't know Sunset had a half brother until everypony met him, so getting out she had a cousin was a believable lie she supposed.

Spitfire thankfully just shrugged at that explanation, the mare now eyeing Helia and squinting. “She looks kind of like a dweeb, though I guess its a family thing maybe?” She was now grinning deviously, this of course showing she was teasing Sunset and the new filly. “I'll bet she just loves maths and all that boring school stuff right?” Spitfire now helping Sunset up and motioning them both inside.

Sunset of course trotted in pulling Helia along. “Actually Helia is homeschooled, has been her whole life.” Sunset retorting, it wasn't a lie as she was getting taught by Sunset this entire week of life she had. “I don't know about mathamatics though, she prefers history judging from how well she is responding to that area.” Sunset plopping down now on Spitfire's couch.

Helia likewise taking a seat on the couch and glaring at them both, talking about her like this while she was in the room, acting like she wasn't was so rude to her. “Whatever I am who I am, I like what I like and you need to not be making fun of me, you don't know me and Sunset is so pushy.” Helia sticking her tongue out at both of them.

Spitfire now laughing heartily and loudly at this. “Okay yeah she is a hoot, way more domineering and loud then you Sunny-side-up, seriously I dig your tude kid. Being all quiet and passive may work for Coco and sometimes Hearty, but I guess your more like me a firebrand huh kid?”

“Actually Spits she is more like me, you know I can get commanding in my own way, mostly tricking problem cases like you into doing what I want via reverse psychology.” Sunset teased back, both of them were firebrands it was why their friendship worked despite Sunset being more of a bookworm and Spitfire a jock.

Helia was pouting, her cheeks all red. “Like I said I'm me, Sunset is so mean sometimes, but others she's great and stuff and you seemed cool until you opened your mouth. I think your kind of a jerk now!”

The yellow pegasus still laughing now, as she tossed Helia a can of Strawberry cola. “Well maybe I am? I'm told I'm not exactly good with kids, must be why I don't have much of a local fanclub but whatever like you said your you, I'm me and if anypony's got a problem with that then they will just have to learn to deal with it.”

The tiny white filly was sill leering at Spifire, though she had opened the cola and was sipping It. She then gave an adorable smile. “Hey this is pretty good, Sunset doesn't have anything like this in the fridge.”

“What seriously? No cola Sunny-side-up? Yeesh, lets hope Strawberry Sunrise doesn't hear about that, you'll hurt her feelings since she makes and bottles the stuff since regular Strawberry juice doesn't sell as well unless she mixes suff in wih it.”

“What I haven't gone to the store much this week sheesh spits.” Sunset shrugging as she scoffed at Spitfire's nagging about buying soda, its not her fault she was busy. After all each day she spent most of the time studying Helia while also tutoring her and Ember didn't really care for the Strawberry soda so she rarely picked it up at the store when she went to grab dinner.

“Anyway back on track, I wanted to introduce you to Helia, she saw you the other day and thought you were pretty cool and was bugging me to take her to see you. She is still pretty new around here and I know your not much for kids, but I just figured hey why not have her get to know you? Your one of the coolest mares around and she could use another strong female role model besides me.” Sunset mischeviousl followed with a wink to Spitfire, she always knew if she stroked the daredevils ego she could trick her.

Spitfire of course grumbled about that, she knew Sunset was trying to butter her up in order to get a yes. But she really disliked foals as she couldn't stand them and often got a bit nervous as to what to talk with them about, she never could deal with foals even when she was one. “O-o-okay, okay, just cut it out sunny, its like your taunting me or something I'll try and get along with this kid. Least she isn't all whiny like most are. Maybe I can stomach her ever now and then?”

Helia was a bit surprised by this, suddenly Spitfire was acting so odd. Sure Helia had only been around her twice now but she was acting all flustered and such, the filly a bit curious now as to how she could be so different at the drop of a hat like that.

Spitfire taking a seat in an easy chair and rubbing her forehead, clearly trying to recompose herself. “Anyway its nice to offically meet you Helia, I'm Spitfire Flare, I'm captain of the ponyville weather team.” Spitfire smiling lightly to Helia.

“She was also a Shadowbolt recruit once.” Sunset adding as she was sipping a soda.

“Whats a shadowbolt?” That word did not seem to ring any bells in Helia's head, to her it barely even sounded like a real word at all.

Now that struck a cord in Spitfire, the flame maned mare's eyes getting as big as dinner plates. “WHAT? How can you not know what the shadowbolt's are? Were you living in a cave near some village of isolationist cultists or something?” She shouted clearly very peeved at Helia's ignorance. “the Shadowbolts are the premier first response and aerial acrobatic performance team of the EUP-P Division!” Spitfire zoomined over to a wall which had a poster of three Pegasus ponies wearing a black and purple body flight suit. “Its a team of 13 top flyers scouted from all over Equestria and date back nearly a thousand years!”

Helia gulped feeling a bit scared now at how manic and upset Spitfire was acting. “So um their really good at flying then?”

Spitifre facehoofed at such an understatement. “They are only the best, every pegasus speedster dreams of someday becoming a Shadowbolt, I even had a chance but I went and blew it.” Spitfire's eyes now showing a fiery determination as she looked at her ceiling with a starry eyed gaze. “But someday I'll get another shot and prove I deserve to be there with the other top flyers like Captain Nightingale, Dark Descent, Crescent Stride, and the rest of the current roster. I could have been the youngest Bolt ever but I let my arrogance get the best of me.” She now looked to Helia with a steely and serious gaze. “let that be a lesson kid, never act like your all that. When you think you can fly to the sun your just gonna crash down to earth.”

“Yes ma'am.” Helia blinking while trying to process all of this new info. “So dreams are important, you strived for one and didn't get it but your gonna keep trying Miss Spitfire?”

Spitfire nodding as she glided back to her seat having recomposed. “Yup thats right, always try to go towards your dreams. If you give up then they are not gonna happen, you need to keep trying even if it seems hard, impossible is just a word ponies use to make themselves feel better when they quit.”

Helia actually felt really fired up about that, nothing is impossible. That phrase made her feel optimistic and warm, she now looked at Sunset who was whistling nonchalantly. She understood now why she brought her to see Spitifre as this was an important lesson she needed to learn amd she was so cool.

~~~~

After having spent a few hours with Spitfire, Sunset figured they should let her get on with the mid-day weather rotation. Sunset now walking along the street with Helia who was being a bit more cooprative now, apparantly being around Spitfire made her a bit more complacent.

The tiny filly looking up at Sunset as they walked. “So um where are we going next Sunset?”

The mare musing a bit on the question. “Well you really liked that soda right? Well all the Strawberry soda and Strawberry juice in ponyville is made by a friend of mine, we are going to go and see her now that is if she is home for once.”

“For once? Does she travel a lot?” Helia tilted her head adorably and curiously.

“Yeah well yes and no, sometimes she does and sometimes she doesn't. Basically when she isn't going to juice, cider, and soda competitions she likes to jaunt about town trying out get rich quick schemes.” Explaining the oddities of the next mare was indeed a challenge. Honestly Sunset had to wonder WHY the elements chose Trixie as laughter when the zanier of their group was the one who got honesty.

As they trotted, they soon came to a three story house, behind it was what looked like a giant backyard which had tons of Straberry bush's and a few other fruit tree's, the front of the house likewise having the same sort of bushes. Sunset now knocking as a pale yellow pegasus with a swirly red/violet mane answered, grinning big at them both.

“Why hello Strawberry Sunrise, hows it hanging today?” Sunset asked to her good friend smiling to her.

“Well~ I was just doing some brainstorming for the patch, you know how I love to come out with new promotional ideas.” The mare pulling out a long banner from behind the door, which read Very Berry Bush's. “Come on in and I'll tell you about it.” She then seemed to notice Helia, poking over Sunset's shoulder she looked down at the little filly smiling in a more devious way. “Oh you brought a kid, I love having kids over it gives me all kinds of ways to do taste testing.“ She winked while she pulled Sunset and by extention via the harness Helia inside her house.

Strawberry zoomed over to the kitchen, getting a tray of tarts and some juice for the guests. She got right infront of Helia putting her on a beanbag chair and jamming a tart in her mouth. “So, so, so how is it? I just made them.” She was giving a wide eyed, pleading look to the filly.

Helia nodded, then gulped the treat down and panted. “It was pretty good, but I can feed myself alright? Your kinda pushy.” Helia huffed drinking some of the juice. “Don't shove things in my face again!”

Sunset gasped, tugging on the leash. “Helia thats not what we say when somepony gives you something young filly.” Sunset shooting a glare to her charge, sure she knew Strawberry was being pushy, but it is not something you just come out and say to someponies face like that. Strawberry Sunrise was very energetic, pushy, stubborn, but was also hard working, salt of the earth sort of pegasus even if she had her head in the clouds sometimes.

Strawberry's grin grew smaller before disappearing and her hanging her head in sorrow and shame. “Well yes I suppose I am, thanks for being honest I guess.”

“What I said it was good, the juice is too. I just don't like being force fed like I'm some foal or something.” She just grumbled not gettting sent on Sunset's guilt trip.

“I get it, I get it.” Strawberry plopping down on anoher bean bag chair. “I know I'm pushy sometimes, I just get excited when I meet a new pony, especially a new kid in town as then I can see if they like my new treats. I take my harvesting and confectionary making very seriously.” She looked over to Helia and gave a more content smile. “I always give 110% of my effort in my livelihood, you see this berry patch has been in my family for generations. We've been premier juice and candy and treat making family in this region nearly as long as the Apple's. My family originally came from farther east and after meeting with a traveling seed seller who told us about a new township with fertile land they came here and helped the Apples, the Pear's and the Rich's in making Ponyville what it is today.”

The tiny white filly was rather facinated at hearing that story, all the tradition, hardship, bravery, and above all dedication really struck a cord in her young heart. “That actually sounds pretty cool, so you do all of this and act kind of pushy because you just want to keep that going?” Tilting her head to the side quizickly and cutely.

Strawberry grinned big once again, grabbing some candy from a drawer and thowing them to Helia, who just stopped them in mid air via magic, clearly on instinct. “Yup you got it kiddo, just like you got the candy I made.” Winked the odd mare rather playfully. “Most don't think a Pegasus can farm, well my foremother Sugar Grape was gifted with a green hoof and used to fly all around Equestria planting grape vineyards to help other ponies, she showed that just because your born one thing doesn't mean you can't do something else, wings, horns, bigger bodies, none of that matters and thats a very berry fact.”

Helia clapped at that story, it was actualy really cool she thought. As somepony that had wings and a horn she was so lost about what she could do, what she should do. But hearing Berry say those things Helia nodded smiling big herself. “Yeah that is great, I guess your not just a silly filly after all Ms.Strawberry.”

“Thanks kid and just call me Strawberry or Sunrise, you don't have to call me Miss.” Strawberry laughing loudly now, she always thought it was so funny when anypony used honorifics with her. She was not some stuck up high class sort like that rival of hers.

Sunset rolled her eyes at all of this. “Well at least you two are getting along, and hey Helia just learned something important, just keeping trying no matter the odds.” Sunset jotting that down on a note pad in her saddlebag. “Always important to keep writing down those friendship lessons.”

“Yeah, yeah I know Sunny, so I take it your this kids friendship mentor or something? I mean is she your cousin because I do see a resembalance.” The strawberry mare was of course trying to figure out in her own way how and why Helia was with Sunset, as she had not told anypony about taking on an apprentice and just out of nowhere like this was typically not how Sunset did things.

Helia looked over to Sunset now, Strawberry's words striking a cord. “Resembalance?” It just made her remember that this appearance was fake and that she had no family, how could she resemble a mare she was not related to? Helia looking a tad sad now.

“Yeah we're blood, I guess you could say cousin's.” Sunset giving a warm smile on her face to match her more sunny disposition at the moment. Sunset activating her horn and levitating Helia over who was squirming something firece and now besides her, putting a hoof over the filly's shoulder. “Yup we're family alright, and out of every pony you know how imporant that is right Strawberry?”

Helia was a bit confused by Sunset's words. The tiny filly feeling warmth from the bacon haired mare's body, the girl not feeling so forlorn now. Despite all their issues so far and there were a few, she felt safe with Sunset and even if she wouldn't admit it loved her and hoped Sunset felt the same about her.

“Course I do, my siblings and my gran-gran are my whole world, I'd do anything I possibly could to make their lives easier. It's part of the reason I work so hard, tradition and family and I'm sure little Helia was it? I am sure little Helia will come to see her own family as amazing, after all Sunset your one of the most amazing mares I know and not just because of your magic either.” The zany yellow pegasus grinned once more, ear to ear as she praised her friend.

Sunset was blushing at this while holding Helia to her body, who was now staring up in awe. Everypony they met always had such great things to say about Sunset, it made her very curious about who she really was.

~~~~

After leaving Strawberry's place the duo were walking about town, Sunset wondering which friend to see next. After all there were others outside the elements she was close to like Gilda or perhaps Zecora or Amythest Star? However while she was thinking she heard some fireworks go off. Helia being the curious sort she was ran towards it dragging Sunset with her. “Great she's using her Earth pony strength now, leave it to an alicorn to get excited and drag a full grown mare around like its nothing.” Sunset begrudgingly though as Helia was scurring.

As they got to the scene the reason for the fireworks was obvious, Trixie was performing at a birthday part. She was riding on a giant ball while juggling many smaller balls and shooting off fireworks from her horn. The mare had her mane in pigtails, pancake make up on her face with her cutiemark replicated via blue paint and a dark blue clown nose over her muzzle. Trixie was a well know performer in many different genere's being trained as an illusionist, puppeteering, firework making, a clow, a mime, an acrobat, an escape artist, a beast tamer (Thanks to assistance from Red Heart), and would sometimes ask Spitfire or Gilda to assist in aerial acrobatics. Trixie was hands down the best entertainer in all of ponyville and possibly the whole region.

Currently she was doing a clowning routine which got countless colts and fillies cheering and clapping. Helia was seated like clapping for Trixie, she seemed to really be into the mare to which Sunset just contently smiled. “I guess we can sit for a few minutes, its always amusing to watch Trixie literally make a fool out of herself.”

This went on for a while, after she was done juggling she went to doing a few jokes, and prop gags. Once she was done with that she pulled out a sword and said she had a new trick to show, the mare thrusting it into her throat followed by screaming and her nearly hacking up blood. Sunset just sighed as she ran over to Trixie and made it seem like the entire thing was part of the act as she made it rain glitter and the blade being teleported away. “See, see she's fine everypony it was all just a gag to make you think she badly hurt her throat well goodnight!” Sunset then vanished in a flash of light along with Trixe and Helia since she was still holding the leash.

“Way to go Trix you are gonna be lucky if you didn't scar anypony for life.” Sunset said with a huff as she had dragged Trixie to Redheart's clinic. Thankfully Redheart always made time for her friends if they hurt themselves. The pale coated mare a bit curious as to who the filly on the leash was but was more concerned with making sure Trixie did not totally shred her throat.

“I have to agree with Sunset, Trixie you are always so~ careless trying out new tricks and experiments during shows. I get you like to mix things up but there is such a thing as common sense you know?” The earth pony nurse wrapping bandages around Trixie's neck and forcing healing potion down her throat. “Now your lucky the antibiotic cream I just coated down your throat and the healing potion were both administered so quickly, your voice should be fine but no loud declarations for about a week and do not try to strain yourself with excessive talking.” She lecture while leering and waving a hoof in front of her face.

“Well on the bright side this should give us all some peace and quite.” Teased Sunset, who then got a glare from both of the other mares.

“Why not just tell Trixie she must die Hearty?” She huffed, then looked at Helia and got a sad look now. “Trixie did not scare you did she royal foal?”

Helia shook her head, then hugged Trixie's barrel. “Naw, I was just hoping you were okay ms.Trixie. It was a great show though from what I saw, so cool and flashy and funny except for the last part.”

Trixie perked right up as she had her hooves on her hips and puffed out her barrel. “Well thank you royal foal, Trixie aims to please at least you understand Trixie.”

“You could have died.” Redheart remarked flatly, the mare hating it when Trixie got praised for her recklessness. “Next time you try that trick be more careful, whatever you did this time do the opposite do you understand? I am not going to just drop everything everytime you or Spitfire feel like showing off Trixie I do have other patients.”

Helia shivered at hearing such a strict and harsh tone, this mare had a glare that could make a ponies blood run cold. A chilling stare that cut deep and made you obey, the filly recalling Sunset telling her that Redheart was the mare of kindness a pony who loved everypony deeply and felt their suffering even deeper. “Y-your being kind of mean.”

"Trixie would have been fine, if she had grabbed the right sword." Trixie was inwardly reeling from this and trying to not seem so freaked out. Sure she knew she could have been seriously hurt and she should not have. "Trixie is sure she picked the right sword, did somepony switch them?" She pondered, it was no secret Trixie was a bit of a mystery buff and sometimes she just got weird feelings about things.

Redheart turned to face Helia, her stare causing the filly to shiver. “Mean? No I am being strict because I care, its tough love and its a must to make sure a pony takes care of themselves. I will treat Trixie any and every time she hurts, but she must not go out of her way to do so and have an excuse to be careless.”

“She's explaining there are different kinds of kindness Helia, she cares a ton about Trixie but she just has her best interest at heart right Red?” Sunset winking to her friend, the mare nodding solmenly in agreement.

“Wait so you can be mean to be nice?” Helia deeply confused now, it honestly made no sense to the young filly. Out of all the strange mares she met today it was clear that Redheart was the strangest, yet somehow Sunset seemed to understand her. “Adults are weird.”

“Maybe we are little one, maybe we are.” Redheart now having a calm tone and a more gentle look. “I just want top help, pony or animal, friend or foe, I treat everything that needs some kindness and aie without discrimination.” She explained further recalling how her and the town vet would often work together when she was swamped and how when the head doctor at the hospital was gone she would step in for surgery. “Its all about opening your heart and doing what is best, not giving ponies what they want to hear sometimes but rather what they need to hear.”

“I think I get that?” Helia still a bit confused, but understanding a bit more. “So your like a mom or something for everypony?”

“Something like that.” Redheart nodding, now looking at Sunset. “Say who is she Sunset?”

Sunset shrugging. “Well she's my cousin, I've made her my ward since she needs to learn about friendship and stuff so she is staying with me.”

“I see I am not the only kind one here then, its a big responsibility being in charge of a growing filly. But you have done well with Ember so I am sure this child shall be fine.”

“Thanks Red, I'm doing my best but she's been sheltered her whole life so its taking a bit, I'm sure you get it since you used to be stuck in your shy shell when you were a kid too if I remember right.” Sunset recalling how Redheart told her she was super shy and bookwormish when she was a kid.

“She was?” Helia rather surprised now, this upfront, curt, and strict mare used to be all shy and sheltered when she was younger? She honestly could not see that at all.

“Ponies can change, they can suprise you and all it takes is a little kindness and being open to the idea.” Redheart saying to accent her point with her personal mantra.

“Yeah so true, anyway me and Helia here have to get going. I'm sure you still have stuff to do and other ponies besides Trixie to treat, see you later Red.” Sunset pulling on the leash as Helia went and walked besides her the two leaving the clinic.

“She was nice after all, so these were all your best pals Sunset?” Helia looking up at her guardian.

“Yup, I know others but the six of use we are the tightest that can be, the six of us are the elements of harmony.” Sunset saying as they trotted.

“Elements of Harmony?” Helia pondered, for some reason that sounded really familiar to her really striking a cord. “There is still a ton I don't know about you Sunset, I mean you look after me all day every day and tell me stories and teach me things and cook. But well there is still so much I wanna know still and a lot is about you.”

“Well how about when we get home I give you a crash course kay squirt.” Sunset putting a hoof to Helia head and tussling her mane a bit. “I totally mean it.” The bacon maned mare saying with a big toothy grin.

“That sounds pretty cool.” Helia grinning back, feeling so giddy and looking forward to tomorrow and every day after with Sunset and her friends.

To be continued.......

Author's Note

Okay so SORRY this took so long. My mom's cancer treatments and other life things have just been getting in the way, hopefully I will be able to move on to a monthly upload schedule soon.

Now on to the chapter, I know it is called Helia and the Six, but only 5 of them show up. That is because honestly there was no reason for Coco to show up and this does happen concurrently with the previous chapter so Coco is just busy with dressmaker things and working with her mentor Suri. Also yes somepony DID switch the swords, the six have enemies everywhere and the children of the sun are indeed seeking to eleminate any if they can before their next big move.

Next episode will have the CMC(My AU version) in it and the bullies.

Appendix 1:Data Cards Set 1 - MANE cast

Behold the first Data Card set, this will help with minor bio information and assist in backstory exploration of recently debuted characters. This Booster set will focus on the Main Six of this story as well as Ember and of course Helia.

~~~~

Sunset Shimmer -

The studious, arrogant, queen of sass and personal student of the amazing, sisterly Princess Luna of Equestria. A very cunning tactician, researcher, and mage. She is the daughter of a very prominent Arch-Magi under the direct command of Mars one of the Emissaries of the Night.

Sunset having gotten Luna's attention and won the Luna Institute of Magic's open mage admittance competition at the amazing record age of 6 3/4. Having been shown to be the most talented young filly she not only passed her audition to get into the school, but also the coveted personal protegee position given only to one pony every generation.

From that day she has bit by bit withdrawn from her peers, thinking herself their better. This isolation helped feed her ambition to be the very best, which worried Luna more and more due to having seen this before with her beloved older sister.

Gifted the Dragon Lord egg by Luna, it was hatched and became the 6 year old Sunset's beloved familiar/assistant/little sister figure.

Eventually nearing the year 1000 since Daybreaker Sun's banishment, Luna realized she was out of time and sent her to meet a quintet of specially placed ponies that she knew could represent the Elements of Harmony. Sunset met them and although they got off to a rocky start, she eventually bonded with each and together defeated the Distaff of Dawn.

Since then she has been continuing her research now living in Ponyville, all the while learning more about these odd new allies of hers.

She is determined, strong willed, intelligent, arrogant, tough, and deeply cares for those in her circle of trust. Many of the things that make her such a good leader.

She is 17 years old, her hobbies are singing, playing guitar, fencing, playing RPG games on her Joyboy, Ogres and Oubliettes, painting, chess, paining, studying and experimenting.

Her special talent is Magic, with a specialty in Pyromancy.

She bears the Element of Friendship.

~~~~

Beatrix "Trixie" Lulamoon -

A former classmate of Sunset's, she was kicked out of the Institute due to accidentally burning down the chemistry lab while experimenting with new Fireworks. After trying her hand at her families corporation and finding it wasn't for her she decided to become a wandering gypsy performer like her mother.

That also didn't pan out, so faced with a choice she begged her older and more successful sister for a break, a permanent venue. She of course thought maybe a residency in Las Pegasus, yet no she is awarded a magic shop in ponyville with a small stage outback, apparently its some sick game to get Trixie to act responsible.

Trixie is now forced to do stocking and running the counter while being stuck as a workhorse half the time. Though she has at last gained some admiration, an admiration from school-ponies. All the children of Ponyville love her magic and puppet shows, which has touched Trixie's heart and she has made it her purpose to ensure the sparkly eyed children never lose their sense of wonder and smile, smile, smile.

She is 17 years old, her hobbies are making kids smile, making puppets, shooting off fireworks, playing with magic kits, learning new ricks, gemstone collecting, and going to the spa.

Her special talent is Magic with a specialty in illusions/stage tricks

She bears the Element of Laughter.

~~~~

Nurse Redheart -

A young nurse who is known to be a bit of a grump and nag, in more ways then one.
she was known as a scholar even from a young age. often hidden behind coke-bottle glasses, braces and a book, she made few friends growing up however this helped her to hone her skills at research.

She was inspired to experiment with the creation of medicines and studies of herbs after experiencing first hand the plight of others. One day she had found a sick and dying bird when she was a child. She began to run to the vet who unfortunately did not have the medicine needed.

She read in a book a part of the medicine, an herb which she knew where to find due to her book, it was the missing ingredient and she knew what she had to do. She got the herb and watched the vet mix the medicine and save the birds life. Today that bird named Hermes is Redheart's beloved pet.

She had seen the power and care you could give with medicine which inspired her to dedicate her life to becoming a nurse.

She dreams to one day become a doctor who can cure any illness, for NOTHING is beyond curing if you just believe and try your hardest. One reason she is seen as a grump is because of her dedication to health which makes her a sort of doting matron to all ponies hurt or sick. She also has a fondness for sick kids above all.

she is 19, Her hobby is herb gardening, chemistry mixing, reading scientific journals, teaching Hermes tricks, and lecturing Spitfire and Trixie.

Her special talent is healing others with medicine.

She bears the Element of Kindness.

~~~~

Spitfire Flare -

A very determined and quick to anger drop out of the Shadowbolt Academy. As a child she always had a need for speed and the drive as well as talent to realize this. She became a well known daredevil who lacked so much discipline when she was younger.

She would fly high in the sky, higher then anypony dared do and even into great storms. Eventually while creating a new trick called the Night Phoenix Flower during a storm in order to pass an exam the next day, her wingpony a cowardly mare who left her hanging ditched having been scared by the storm and Spitfire fell to earth like Icarus flying to close the sun. She crashed to the earth and was labelled MIA.

The storm soon grew worse preventing her from being rescued as everypony else feared for their safety and felt she would not do the same for them. For three days she lay cold, alone, hurt. Her wing totally broken and bleeding badly, it began to get an infection which filled her with fear, fear she would never fly again. Just then when she had given up hope she was found and saved by the kind Nurse Redheart who had been looking for rare herbs nearby.

Thanks to Redheart's disciplined and skillful hooves, in addition to medicine she was saved then taken to ponyville where she was nursed back to health by Redheart. She could never forget this and it gave her the time to rethink her life, as she always would when looking at her wing scar. Because she was a lone wolf, a show off who cared nothing for her team or her partner, so in the end it made sense they forsook her.

Just then a mighty hurricane hit Ponyville with nopony able to lead the rookie weather team to deal with something this bad the town was in danger. Spitfire seeing she was the only pony who knew what to do reached out to the inexperienced flyers and they quickly worked together to save the town. Since then she became the leader of the Ponyville weather team.

She has since decided to renounce her show boaty and arrogant ways, becoming a stern, strict, grim, and fierce flyer who runs the weather team like a drill sergeant. She will never forsake her friends, or her new team. Sure she still wants to someday become a Shadowbolt, yet she will ALWAYS be Captain Spitfire the ponyville Weather Leader.

she is 20, Her hobby is mentoring others, flight training, hoof-to-hoof martial arts training, having some cider with the gals and secretly watching ballet(She used to dance when she was a filly.)

Her special talent is flying high as the sun.

She bears the Element of Loyalty.

~~~~

Strawberry Sunrise -

A wacky fruit loving gal who comes from a long line of juice makers. They were specialists in the art of harvesting Strawberry patches. As a result of this she and her family are at an eternal war with Apple Inc, the mogul farmer corporation run by the haughty Applejack and her family of Apples, Pears, and Oranges.

Strawberry is constantly seen arguing with AJ at the annual Ponyville Vineyard festival where all the farmers of the county and some from other towns all get together waging their reputations on their finest batches of juice and cider.

Strawberry is often seen joyfully planting new berry bush's and hanging with her two sisters Berry Punch and Pina Colada. The trio of sisters often called the Berry Bunch, a trio of fruity fillies who always decree their love of all things juice and its many uses.

She is seen as a VERY eccentric mare with a ton of zany schemes for helping her family. She also is hardly ever seen without her beloved sunhat.

she is 18, Her hobby is planting Strawberry Bush's, eating strawberry's, making smoothies, Strawberry juices, soda, cider, candies, ice cream, yogurt and just doing all things Strawberry's, she also loves coming up with get rich quick schemes.

Her special talent is Strawberry's?

She bears the Element of Honesty

~~~~
Coco Pommel -

A very timid, shy, gentle, helpful and up and coming young mare. She came all the way from Manehatten to apprentice under the skilled, yet critical Suri Polomare who has a line of clothes for Barnyard Bargains and JC Bits's. Sure Suri is cruel, sure she is a slave driver, sure she takes advantage of Coco at every possible occasion. But Coco she see's it as a character building apprenticeship.

Coco hopes to someday be a great designer herself and also be a great designer of costumes for famous singers and stage performers. She herself has some history with theater performing having been a set designer, and even a young actress though she has stage fright which is why she was never cast in anything major.

She is always there to help anypony with anything and donates her time to the local theater as well as being a surrogate big sister to a lonely only child: One Dazzle "Diamond Tiara" Rich, the daughter of Suri's business Partner Mr.Rich.

she is 14, Her hobby is crocheting, needlepoint, acting, stage work, being a big sis, donating her time, generally just helping out others.

Her special talent is designing fancy apparel, such as giant hats.

She bears the Element of Generosity.

~~~~

Ember Torch -
(Actual appearance pictured above, below picture to be replaced.)

An orphaned hatchling dragon who was gifted to Luna by the sickly dragon lord of the Dragons Lair island down south. He was facing a dragon civil war and believed that by doing this Equestria would ensure that someday his daughter would reunite the dragons.

Luna of course has kept this secret and wanted to have Ember live with the pony who hatched her:Sunset Shimmer. Their relationship itself is a test for both of them to learn to care about others and usher in a new era where Equestria and the Dragon land will be allies forever.

Ember has a deep love of fairy-tales, and loves to pretend to be a great warrior, hero, knight and is deeply dedicated to her dragon code. However she also dreams of being a pretty princess and secretly wears frilly girly outfits when she thinks nopony is looking, she also not only practices fencing and spear fighting but also ballet and cotillion.

She is quick to anger, a fiery temper, and hates talking about her feelings. She is also very cunning often blackmailing Sunset into doing things for her when not using her cuteness to get her way. She is deeply proud of her dragon blood and is often seen as very stubborn and quick to judge.

She is 10, her hobbies are: Ballet, LARP, Cotillion, tea parties, fencing(With Sunset and Fluer), reading storybooks, practicing her EPIC moves, gorging on gems, and doing death defying things.

Being a dragon she has no special talent but is highly intelligent, hard working, and strong especially for her size.

She has a major rivalry with Helia due to their similarities and suffering from severe jealousy.

~~~~~

Helia -

Helia a mysterious filly created from the remains of Daybreaker Sun, Sunset's blood and some arcane ritual made by the mixture of alchemy and runeology.

She was found in a valley of thorns overlooking a lake somewhere in the Everfree Forest. She was found by Sunset and taken back to Ponyville. After a few days and some explaining to Ember and a few friends she named the filly Helia and has since been trying to instill in her some semblance of a normal life.

She is incredibly haughty, aloof, and curious, she is also very precocious with a penchant for getting into trouble and mischief making.

Her fate is unknown, her potential immense, it is up to Sunset to see to it she does not succumb to the Primordial Crime of her previous incarnation.

(FYI her costume was made by Coco Pommel.)

Author's Note

AU six main pic by: Blinkingpink

Helia picture and concept by: Saturnstar14

Both are amazing artists and I highly recommend them both, also Blinkingpink is currently taking commissions so give her a shot if you want? :raritystarry:

More Data Card collections will appear when more variation characters are introduced or other OC's. Also all pictures here except the AU six main pic and the Helia pic are just stand in's until I can get actual in universe pics of them.

Appendix 2:Data Card Set 2 - Long Live the Royals

Behold the second Data Card set, this will help with minor bio information and assist in backstory exploration of recently debuted characters. This Booster set will focus on the Royal Family of this story.

~~~

- Princess Luna Sel. Equestria -

The gorgeous, elegant, wise, caring, and nightly princess who guards the dreams of all of Equestria and raises the moon and for a thousand years the sun aswell.

Luna is usually found sleeping and often falls asleep wherever and whenever she desires, this is perhaps a type of narcolepsy or perhaps it is because she can sense with great accuracy when a truly bad nightmare begins? It may also be because for a millenia she was greatly taxed raises both celestial bodies.

She acts as an older sister figure to all ponies under her preferring to just be called Luna as much as possible as she worries little about things like titles.

Luna also loves playing pranks and having a ton of fun which she can indulge in due to the day court being handled by her Emissaries of the Night. Luna relies deeply on her trio of close friends and together they have all supported her as she supports Equestria.

If she had not made such great friends it is possible the isolation would have driven her mad and she would have suffered like her beloved older sister once did.

She is also the mentor to Sunset Shimmer and aunt by adoption of Prince Blue-Pose and the cold hearted Mi Amore Cadenza.

Luna is 1,300 years old and makes herself appear as an adult to sell it as top princess.

Her hobbies are pranks, napping, carnival games, floral arrangement, floriography, night jogging, astronomy, singing and tea ceremony(Learned from a Japonese ambassador)

Her Special Talent is controlling the moon and manipulating dreams.

~~~~
- Celestia Sol. Equestria -

The recently returned princess of the sun. For a thousand years she was trapped, merged with the evil demon Daybreaker Sun and sealed within the sun. It was utter burning agony as Celestia lay as a prisoner in her own body due to her pride, her insecurity, and her ambition.

She sought a beautiful utopia of shining light and hope, one where her subjects would be safe and happy while they basked in the land she led. In her quest she was possessed by the Nameless One as she sought the power to make it happen, to manifest her dreams which the creature used to finally gain form and desires.

Having been gone a thousand years Celestia has much to adjust to and many ponies she must win over to regain her former station. Many still do not trust her thinking she could be a usurper. Despite this all those close to Luna including Sunset Shimmer all adore Celestia and hope she can overcome her guilt and inferiority in order for her to fully regain her awesome powers.

She is already however showing her usefulness having taken over most of the day court duties from the Emissaries of the Night and doing a wonderful job. she is also teaching several classes at the Luna Institute of Magic and helping take care of the many animals in the Canterlot Castle Royal Garden.

Celestia is 1,500 years old, her hobbies are tending to animals(Especially birds), baking, pulling pranks, teaching, studying, art, storytelling, and eating sweets(Mostly cake.)

Her Special Talent is manipulation of the sun and being a shining beacon of leadership.

~~~~
- Prince Blue-Rose(Blueblood Regalia Wind Rose) -

The adopted nephew of Luna and later Celestia. None know where he is from only that while on a journey to Monocolt Luna saw a shipwrecked boat and a tiny colt was clinging to a piece of driftwood having not eaten in days or remember where he had come from. Luna felt utter sorrow at this and decided to adopt the colt to show him he would never be alone again.

He grew as a member of the royal family often at odds with his pseudo sibling Cadenza, the two often arguing and competing with each other, though it was clear Blueblood does care deeply for his more grim and glowering foster sister. He also met and became friends with Sunset Shimmer the both having a love of faraway adventures as told in many storybooks.

However as he was stricken with a terrible wander lust at a young age he ran away many times trying to understand himself. Which culminated in him taking his newly built airship the Ms. Direction and fleeing Canterlot determined to not return until he finally found himself.

As he traveled he found his purpose when he defeated an evil Minotaur king called Minos Princepe(Little Prince). This puzzle loving evil Minotaur ruling an entire island south of Griffolia and its Capital Griffonstone. Growing enraged at the ponies who did not appreciate his talent for the creation of puzzles, quiz's and mazes he trapped the entire city in his evil magic maze and overthrew the previous king, now watching as all the ponies of the island would be forced to play his games and attempt and fail to solve his puzzles.

Blueblood happened upon this island and met the previous king, a wise and sagely earth pony named Seeker. Seeker pleaded with Blueblood to help all the trapped ponies and to enter the village via the maze and find a way to finally break the curse on the island. Through Blueblood's amazing navigation skills he beat the maze and having the faith of all of the city within him he created a great spell, the Golden Compass which sealed away the evil the Minotaur before the box scattered into pieces across the four corners of the world to forever be carried on the wind, Blueblood warped to a mysterious space where Luna found him the stallion now bearing wings in addition to his horn.

Luna so proud she began to cry and dubbing him now: The Prince of Direction(In both movement and life), he returned and eventually started to date the young wannabe knight who he had met through Sunset Shimmer, the daughter of the unicorn guard captain: Fluer Dis Lee. The two soon falling in love and courting for a very long time until they resolved to get married.

The wedding however was interrupted by Blue-Pose being captured by Changeling's and replaced by the rebellious separatist king Thorax. Sunset feeling something was off with Blue-Pose however managed to rescue to real Blue-Pose, break Thorax's brainwashing of Fluer and together the three aided by Cadenza stopped the assault on Canterlot and hurling Thorax in the frozen north where he and his army were instantly frozen and trapped.

Blue-Pose's exact purpose, his Fiefdom and destiny are still a mystery even to himself.

Blue-Pose is 20, his hobbies are:Travelling, map making, astronavigation, compass collecting, sailing, reading adventure books and practicing fencing.

His special talent is Direction, in both movement and life.

~~~~
- Princess Mi Amore Cadenza -

The dark, grim, bitter, and distant mare of cold hearts. She can heal the holes in others hearts and help others find love yet her own heart is cold and lonely. She is very distant to Sunset despite them being around the same age and can't stand children or much of anypony else.

According to rumors she was once a sweet and caring young pony with a shining heart full of love. She was apparently initially raised by wolves then dropped off with an Earth Pony family when she was about 2, they lovingly cared for her as did everypony else in the village except for Prismia a young sorceress obsessed with her own beauty and the fact she was unloved.

Prismia angry at being unloved and her talents being overlooked by this happy Pegasus created a spell, the spell that would force everypony in the village to love her and feed her power which would be stored in a diamond necklace. As everypony lost their love and became the devoted and admiring followers of Prismia she resolved to increase the gemstone's power and rule Equestria having gone power mad.

Cadence stood up to her trying in vain to convince Prismia that what she was doing was not the way to be loved. It ended with a battle and Cadence shattered the crystal thinking it would break the spell however all the energy inside broke out and created a powerful implosion of magic energy leaving nothing but a crater where the village once stood and Cadence all alone.

After being found as the only survivor in a village destroyed by an evil witch named Prismia, Cadenza who once loved being called Cadence no longer does. Luna had taken her in trying to show her she is not alone and welcoming her into her extended family making her the foster sister of Blueblood(Later Blue-Pose).

Luna is deeply worried about Cadenza as the mare has had an ongoing and severe battle with depression caused by her guilt over failing to save her home and the isolation she causes preventing her from moving on. On more then one occasion Cadenza has attempted to harm herself and bears scars on her from hooves that resemble cut marks.

She does have a competitive streak when it comes to Airship customization and racing, which many find odd since she is a Pegasus and can fly.

Cadenza is 20, her hobbies are: reading/writing poetry, gothifying her wardrobe(As she is given so many dress's for events.), collecting crystals, meditating, customizing her airship:Bleeding Heart, racing Blue-Pose in their airships and being alone.

Her special talent is love magic and helping others find happiness.

~~~~
- Princess Consort Fluer Dis Lee -

A foalhood friend of Sunset Shimmer and daughter of the former head of the Unicorn Guard. Being raised by a single parent she was doted on by her father who wanted her to be happy and protected above all which is why he was adamantly against her wanting to follow in his hoofsteps. despite this Fluer had been training to join the guard since she was 6.

She first met Sunset when the filly was only 5, bored and lonely due to her mother constantly being in meetings at the castle with other important Magi and the Royal Wizard she went exploring and met Fluer who was playing soldier and trotting about with her toy sword. The two becoming fast friends and often playing together during other such meetings since her father often brought her to work since he hated leaving her alone.

Since her father hated the idea of her becoming a guard she was made a lady in waiting to Princess Cadenza, who always just brushed Fluer aside and basically made her stand around all day or just do whatever she wanted, which Fluer enjoyed as it gave her more time to play and train.

When she was 13 and Sunset was 11 tragedy struck as her father was killed by a Changling spy, alone fully now Sunset's mother Sundance Scarlet adopted Fluer making her and Sunset stepsisters, which the two loved as they were finally family like they always viewed on another, Sunset dubbing her BSBFF(Big Sister Best Friend Forever). Through Sunset and her duties as a hand maiden she met the dashing Prince Blue-Blood and the two fell in love having gotten married recently after a 5 year courtship.

Fluer is both tough as nails and a refined lady, though she does have some insecurities about how she is seen just as a girl/handmaiden instead of the strong, skilled, and capable warrior who deserves as much respect as anyone in the royal guard, which paints her as someone of contradictions. She is an extremely skilled fighter who has shown off her strength and prowess numerous times defeating many other fighters in local skill tournaments, and even protecting Sunset, Cadenza and Blue-Pose during adventures.

Eventually she was finally welcomed into the guard on recommendations from Blue-Pose, Cadenza, Sunset, the Emissaries of the Night and Princess Luna herself. She quickly rose in rank through the Unicorn Guard due to her skill, dedication, and brilliant mind making her the new captain the same rank her beloved father once was.

During the Royal Wedding she was brainwashed by Thorax into being a source of power for him and so a small group of
his army could sneak into Canterlot while the majority lay in waiting to chip away at the barrier field. During this a rift was caused between her and Sunset until she was rendered a mindless puppet and forced to fight Sunset. Until Blue-Pose's faith and love broke the spell and together Sunset, Blue-Pose, Fluer and Cadenza defeated Thorax banishing him and his separatist changelings to the Frozen North where the Windigo's froze them solid.

Fluer is 19, her hobbies are: Swordfighting, training, parkour, exploring, helping her friends, being a lady of grace and skill, modeling, going to the spa, polishing her armor, competing in contests of skill, reading stories to Sunset(and later Ember), and foalsitting.

Her Special talent is:Grace, elegance and skill in fighting and combat magic.

Author's Note

Some of these pics are just from a VERY generous artist, while the other half are by my main artist.

Luna and Blueblood art by: osipush
Celestia art, Fluer art , Cadenza art by: Blinkingpink

Further Luna and Celestia's middle names are in full: Selena and Solana respectively. Also the Crystal Empire has YET to return, but will soon and will be part of a major sidestory arc about Cadenza and Sunset's relationship with her.

Appendix 3:Data card set 3 - Crusaders

Behold the third Data Card set, this will help with minor bio information and assist in backstory exploration of recently debuted characters. This Booster set will focus on the Cutie-Mark-Crusaders of this story.

(Many pics shown here will likely be replaced when my main artist can do such a massive workload)

~~~~

Dazzle Rich/Diamond Tiara -

(Picture to be replaced)

The daughter of a hard working business pony named Filthy Rich, his name somewhat ironic as their family only just gets by. This has led to much strife as the Rich family has been being bled dry by Apple Inc. who ever year seems to ask for more money in licensing to let Rich sell heir cider and various juice's, as 80% of the juice and jam market in the region is controlled by them.

This has led to Mr.Rich working as hard as he can and sadly spending less time with his lonely daughter, this is due to his wife's passing some years ago from an illness. All of this has led to poor diamond being in the rough, a withdrawn and emotional child she sometimes lash's out at others to hide her pain and frustration.

The most frustrating thing though is her lack of a cutie mark, which has led to her being teased constantly by Apple family heir Apple Blossom and her brutish cousin Babs Orange, who rule the roost at the grade school. Dazzle feeling intimidated and alone decided to make a club for other blank flanks: The Cutie Mark Crusaders. Inviting several other kids whose lack of marks is troubling them, which has led to her meeting three others forming the group.

Due to her mother being dead and her father not being around much she is very lonely, however her fathers garment dealer Suri Polomare often brought along her apprentice: Coco Pommel to several business meetings, the young teen pony meeting little Dazzle and learning how lonely she was. Coco could relate as she lacked a mother and was rather shy growing up too, she explained how a mare named Charity Kindheart was like a mother to her and got her into fashion and acting. Coco then offering to be Dazzle's big sister to which the little filly happily agreed.

In fact it was Coco's gift of a small silver tiara with rhinestones to Dazzle that gave her the nickname Diamond Tiara, ever since the two have been inseparable with Coco foalsitting Diamond constantly and spending much time together. As such Coco is often stuck looking after the entire CMC when they do things as a group.

Diamond is 11, her hobbies are: playing dress up, being read stories, working for the school paper, and going on adventures with her friends.

Her special talent is yet to be achieved.

~~~~

Masquerade Lulamoon

A shy, quiet kid, unlike his older sister he assists with her stage show, but never accepted any credit because of his attitude. He met CMC founder Diamond Tiara when he saw her standing up to Apple Blossom at the bratty heiress's Cutecenera. He kept to himself but was very kind, after Diamond walked off seeking to be alone Masq came to her, putting a blanket on her and saying that she had made the party mean something by standing up to the bullies who made every colt and filly miserable about their marks. The colt saying that she was not alone and he would join her crusade standing by her and whoever else would join them.

Like his sister he is skilled at close up illusions and also a master of disguise, indeed very talented for his age despite his humble attitude. He is oftentimes a crybaby and coward, looking to the other CMC for back up and reassurance. Diamond has stated sometimes he acts like a charming prince, yet others like the most whiny damsel in distress.

Masq is very close to his big sisters who both dote on him, Trixie of course is the one he lives with and as such they are always together. While his eldest sister lives far away they nevertheless get along, in fact she is very protective of him wanting nothing more then to keep him and to a lesser extent Trixie safe.

Masq is 12, his hobbies are: costume design, mask making, playing with magic kits, story writing, reading adventure and fantasy books, as well as acting.

His special talent is unclear, though Trixie expects it to be showpony based.

~~~
Pina Colada Berry

Pina is the youngest of the Berry Bunch sisters, she sadly usually takes on the dual role of younger sister/mother. She may be the most responsible of the group and takes care of all the cooking duties. She has a rarely-seen mischievous streak within her, however, and takes great delight in fooling with her sisters, and is a razor sharp sword of sarcasm to their antics.

She is also often the voice of reason and is known to always be assisting her eldest sister in ongoing battle with depression, which stems from the fact she is an Earth Pony with two Pegasus sisters. Pina however does not let this hamper her sisters job as a sommelier, however when her sisters are out wandering, one for cider another for riches Pina is usually stuck working at the family vineyard alone, or working tirelessly to tend to Sunrise's berry patches.

Pina joined the CMC when Diamond saw the tired and badly worn out filly half asleep at a lunch break at school, she noticed Pina had no Cutie-Mark and that despite her hard working attitude she had no clue what her special talent was. Diamond figured that such a go getter would be a great pal to have and invited her to the CMC swearing that from now on she could help rely on her and Masq.

Pina Colada is 11, her hobbies are collecting scarf's, practicing her flying, goofing off at the bar, puns, doing sarcastic remarks, and jumping rope.

Her special talent is also unknown as of yet.

~~~~

Nursery Rhyme-

A sweet young Candy Striper/apprentice nurse. She is a very sweet little filly with dreams of being just like Redheart her idol, who saved her when she got very sick. She loves to run about getting medical supplies and helping fillies and colts not feel so anxious at the hospital, often telling stories and singing songs to put them at ease.

She dreams of be called a full nurse someday and wonders what her future holds, will she someday even become a doctor? Oh she can sure hope she will after all with enough determination, dedication, and hope anything is possible when you grow up or so she tells herself.

She met the CMC members when Diamond Tiara fell down and broke her crown during one of their crazy cutie mark attempts. As Diamond laid in the bed Nursery began to sing gently to her, which made Diamond remember he dear mother. When she awoke and found herself wrapped up in a ton of bandages she soon learned that Nursery had treated her and sang to her while Nurse Redheart inspected her work. Diamond felt an instant attachment to Nursery and offered the filly membership into her club.

She is 10, making her the youngest CMC. Her hobbies are: volunteering at the hospital, reading stories to others, singing happy songs, practicing her nursing skills on her toys and friends, and following around the other nurses.
~~~
Silver Spoon

(Picture to be replaced)

Diamond Tiara's former best friend. The two grew up together and did almost everything together, that however changed when Spoon got her Cutie-Mark. This started a downward slope in their friendship as Spoon made less and less time for Diamond, then stopped hanging out with her all together as she couldn't be seen being pals with a blank flank. This broke Diamond's heart, and Spoon's as well as she just did it to stop getting picked on by Apple-blossom.

She deeply regrets her words and actions, yet cannot gather the courage to openly apologize to Diamond. Perhaps someday the two shall reconcile and again become good friends?

Silver Spoon is 11, her hobbies are collecting fine cutlery such as decorative spoons, studying foreign etiquette, and organization things(such as her spoon collection.)

Her special talent is refined manners, though one would hardly know that by how she acts.

~~~
Kevin D. Donkey

A terribly shy and grabby young colt, adopted by a pair of Donkey's that live in ponyville. Despite being married for many years Mathilda and Cranky could not have foals of their own, Mathilda's salvation came when she saw this poor lost child ruffling through her garbage. She did not care what he looked like or what his race was, he needed love and she was freely able to give it.

In case none of those reading this figured it out Kevin is actually a Changeling, whose real name is Chitin.

During the Changeling civil war, when Thorax and other like minded bugs sought to secede which led to infighting, many Nymph's ran in terror as the green fire engulfed the black hive. Kevin was one such nymph and heard the Queen's death scream at her supposed defeat. As he cleared the badlands he ran right off a cliff and unable to fly that strongly fell and bashed his head badly. He wandered hurt and feeling strange until he grew VERY hungry and sensed love coming from a trash can, a beloved keepsake vase of Mathilda's was accidentally broken beyond repair and had to be thrown away. Kevin desperate for any sort of love sucked the remains dry before being found by the kindly donkey.

He remembered what he had been taught and hissed at her, then tried to cast his brainwash spell on her, however before he could she smiled and said come in and warm yourself up. Kevin did not know what to do and just walked in from the cold, this jenny radiated love and compassion, she told him to take her love to make himself stronger and he did, yet could not take it all for something inside told him not too.

The next morning he awoke in a warm bed, the Jenny having taken him to a spare room after he slept off his meal. She told him that she wanted a son for her and her husband to love and he needed love to survive and asked if he would now be her son. Kevin touched at such an offer decided to do just that for as a creature of swarm he hated isolation and knew not when he would ever see another changeling.

As he stayed now adopting a Pegasi form he began to get interested in reading, finding adventure books like Daring Do, Artemis Fowl, and the Legends of Equestria as impossible to put down. The young changeling soon desiring to someday be an epic adventurer like them and to a lesser degree his brave adopted father Cranky who has a penchant for travelling all around and bringing Kevin souvenirs.

Young Kevin does not have many friends, due in part to how afraid he is to reveal his true self to others, however he does love to watch the CMC pull their antics most of all and longs to be their friend.

Kevin is 12, his hobbies are shapeshifting, reading adventure books, playing pretend hero, collecting figures of his fav heroes, ponywatching, and collecting exotic trinkets.

Author's Note

Just partial for now, you see I am still hashing this out and am in negotiations with artists and pitching from my fellow writing friends over the remaining roster. :trollestia: