Chapters Hoofsteps echoed the halls of Canterlot Palace. Torches burned lowly as two shadows were cast upon the aged walls. Celestia crown Princess of Equestria, and Sunset Shimmer chosen student of her majesty. Neither spoke, but moved forward slowly and with purpose. Each with hopes and dreams. Neither knowing what hardships each would yet have to bear.
Celestia's mind was one of age and experience while her student, Sunset Shimmer, was one of youth and unyielding ambition. Amidst such thoughts of Sunset Shimmer was a longing of only acceptance and real lasting love. Celestia's thoughts were those of motherly concern for the mare she thought of as a daughter, but to whom she dare not press too far in the direction of family fearing to lose Sunset.
Sunset's ambition was not tempered by kindness, humility, or love. It was a razors edge forged in loneliness, loss, and desire for intense love from the only mare who mattered in the world to her. Countless hours spent in magical theory and practice. Untold sleepless nights to improve just so she could make her place at Celestia's side. A dream of family, but one bound and proven to the aged through strength and force of will.
Celestia's care for her precious student borne out of grief at the loss of her sister, Luna, who ages before had been sealed on the moon for rebellion. When Celestia saw Sunset's eyes she saw the driving force that emptiness had brought about, but little did she understand that it was not power for power's sake. It was the unfettered love of a mother to its child that above all was desired. Formerly given, but as years had gone by seen less and less.
The two together rounded a corner and came to a room filled with a magic mirror which was said to be a portal to an unknown and mysterious world. Celestia would use this mirror to gauge her precious student so as to both teach and save her hoping against hope that something would click for Sunset and help allay her unbridled ambition. Something that would help show her dear Sunset how true power came from friendship and was bound by the deep concern for one another. Little did Celestia know that her very actions would bring about such a change, but not in the manner she expected.
The two stared at the mirror for a time until Celestia began to speak.
" My dear Sunset do you know why I have brought you here?" Celestia asked still looking forward.
" I couldn't really say to be honest." Replied Sunset as she blew a part of her mane out of her eyes.
" I brought you here so that you could use this mirror. This mirror has the ability to help those who look into it discover a bit about themselves. Who they are, and what they really want. It doesn't give straight answers, but rather draws upon the hopes, dreams, and overall desires of the pony looking into it." Said Celestia.
" This is a waste of time. I have assignments to finish and a life to live. I know you mean well Princess, but this doesn't seem all that important to be honest and if it were I think you and I would have come here a long time ago." Stated Sunset suddenly looking at Celestia.
" Sunset I promise you this is important, and for your information your other assignments are postponed for the time being. Consider this the most pressing assignment you currently have. I want you to look into this mirror and see yourself, determine who you are, and what you want to accomplish." Celestia stated calmly.
" I still don't see the point. I already know who I am. I'm Sunset Shimmer one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria. That's all I need to know." Sunset said.
Celestia calmly breathed in and out desperately hoping and thinking of a way to reach her student. Rattling her mind for something that would convince her student that what they were doing really was of import.
"Sunset I also brought you here because I have been concerned as of late concerning your attitude towards other ponies. You look down on them, and instead of showing others kindness you only seem intent on throwing it away and being aloof. Cadance has even tried to befriend you and all you did was belittle her. My dear Sunset these things must stop and if you are ever going to improve and become more than what you now are you must take this seriously.
"Its a teachers job to look out for their students. I'm trying to make you stronger by helping you and showing you where you are weak at. Please listen to me and look in the mirror. Please try to understand I know this is difficult for you. I've been a teenager once to. I know how difficult things must seem." Celestia said, while looking into her students eyes with silent pleading.
" You? What could you possibly know about how I'm feeling. Your basically just telling me I'm weak to my face." Sunset replied.
"Sunset that isn't true I..."Celestia paused.
She thought to herself of the last time she had tried to use only words without force to help another pony. The last time she had it had cost her her sister. Her failure to act upon her words to her dearest Luna had caused a rift which had never healed, and lead to the eventual birth of Nightmare moon.
Celestia steeled herself, and took a deep breath.
" Sunset Shimmer I am tired of this. You will look into the mirror, and you will tell me what you see, and we will then discuss it together. This is not open to debate!" Celestia yelled bringing one hoof down crushing stone beneath.
" You don't get to yell at me! You spend more and more time away from me and I barely see you anymore. If I don't want to do it then I won't! Its as simple as that!" Sunset yelled back.
"SUNSET SHIMMER! You will look into the mirror! Do not challenge me in this!
"If you refuse to do this then your time as my student is done, and you will no longer be welcome within Canterlot palace's halls." Celestia sternly replied.
Sunset Shimmers jaw dropped. Tears threatened to escape her eyes.
"Fine! I'll look into your damn mirror since its obviously so much more important to you than me!" Sunset yelled back.
Internally Celestia jumped a bit. She had started to suspect that her lack of attention to Sunset might have been a driving force in the young mare's behavior in the previous few months, but realized she may have underestimated it. Her real intent was not to truly dismiss Sunset, but only to scare her into action. The somewhat emotional display from the mare was disconcerting to Celestia to say the least.
Sunset looked into the mirror. She saw herself equal to Princess Celestia. She saw the love and adoration from her mentor she always wanted. Adoration and love for her accomplishments, but also for her power and strength. A powerful mother, and daughter, together ruling Equestria side by side.
Sunset continued to gaze and saw herself challenging Celestia for the thrown after many years. Taking her power for her own. Celestia's own Sun would be Sunset's! The very power her mentor wielded would be hers and all ponykind would acknowledge her! Through gaining Celestia's power she would forever have her mentors love. For what was love save strength? Strength that radiated from every pore of the body, and down to every cell. Ponies would bow and Celestia herself would acknowledge her, Sunset, as the better.
Celestia remained quite throughout the time pondering to herself. Hoping what she was doing was right. Desperately clinging to the idea that what she had done she had not done too fast. She began to openly worry as the mirror had taken on a dark glow. Normally the mirror would glow the same hue as the users own magic, but this was new to her.
"Sunset what do you see please tell me?" Celestia asked.
Sunset told the aged ruler the images that were passing before her in every detail. Lands being annexed and more power gained. More than Sunset had ever thought possible to posses.
Celestia was beyond worried at this point, and outright panicking. Her mind went back to ages before to think upon Sombra, but instead of seeing Sombra she saw her little Sunbeam who had become the very thing Celestia had hoped to avoid.
She quickly grabbed her precious student in her hooves and pulled her away from the mirror and the mirrors magic dimmed and waned the color returning to its normal hues. Celestia breathed a sigh of relief, but just only.
Upon her students face were tears and a runny nose. Tears of bounless joy and unbridled happiness brought about by the insanity of the moment.
" Sunset....Sunset...SUNSET!" Celestia screamed in a vain attempt to bring her Sunbeam back to her.
" You were so proud of me." Sunset finally stated.
"Sunset I've always been proud of you, but these images the mirror showed you aren't real. Please tell me you understand that and that they can't ever be real. Please Sunset tell me you know that." Princess Celestia begged.
"They aren't real....But they could be" Sunset answered.
"NO! You will not pursue such a course." Celestia cried with tears of her own beginning to run.
" I can and I will. It was too beautiful not to." Sunset stated evenly a bit of a frown starting to show mixed with confusion at the aged teachers face, in whose hooves she was still being held.
Celestia's heart dropped like a rock.
She looked at her little Sunbeam and remembered their first hide and go seek. Tucking Sunset in at night or sharing her bed with her during a nightmare or storm. Celestia's heart became stone so as to save the one pony she had left in the world.
Celestia calmly looked at Sunset banishing all emotion and began to speak again.
" Sunset Shimmer I am beyond concerned. What you are telling me shows to me an unstable mind in desperate need of help. For the time being your time as my student has ended.
" You will remain in the palace where you can be watched and cared for and we will find appropriate help so that in time you can resume your studies with me. This is not a punishment, but a precaution not only for you but for Equestria. You pose too grave a threat if permitted to pursue a course of action like what you have seen. I fear it would destroy you and in the process bring about the termination of many lives" Celestia declared with somber feeling.
Sunsets eyes filled with tears anew, but tears of despair. In her minds eye she saw all hope of gaining love and acceptance vanish. All her years of effort and work being put to naught. Countless sacrifices, in her mind at least, made for Celestia. Friends she could have had and time that could have been spent in other pursuits. Sleepless and tear filled nights brimming with a loneliness as heavy as a mountain. Her own horn began to glow and Sunset was lost to the power of her angered soul.
" You can't do that! I gave up everything for you! Studied till I could barely walk or sleep!
" You can't take this from me! YOU WON'T TAKE THIS FROM ME!" She cried.
Sunset's angered mind still bore some logic as she knew that powerful as she was she could not hope to accomplish anything against the sun princess. She grabbed the mirror in her magic and crushed it in her magic aura. Glass shattered and energy erupted from the mirror scattering in every direction creating a tornado of glass and magic. Sunset was quickly sucked in and Celestia stayed still too paralyzed by fear to act.
Sunset screamed in rage and pain. Rage at her inability to do anything right. Hate for being so weak as to show her emotions and a fire erupted from the mares body blending in with the serene, but deadly circling whirlwind of glass and magic.
Cuts began to appear over the young mares body with burns as well. Blood began to run crisscrossing the mare's mane the blood blending in and dyeing the remaining portions a black and red hue.
Celestia came to her senses pushing forward with her magic in a desperate appeal to reach her daughter in all but name.
"SUNSET!!! Please don't do this!" The sun princess cried in anguish with cuts starting to form on her own white coat dripping red as she walked forward to reach her student...No daughter from this Tarturus of a situation.
Within the last visages of Sunsets hurt mind she realized what had occurred. A primal fear erupted and she desperately lashed out with her magic in a vain attempt to reach the aged ruler.
"Mother! Please help me!!! Mommy help me!!!" Sunset cried her coat smelling of blood and smoke.
Celestia pushed forward raising a shield. Not since Nightmare moon had she seen such a horrifying display. Her precious Sunbeam was being cooked and cut alive by a torrent of magic, fire, and glass. It was as though all of Sunset's pain and anguish were being made manifest for her to see. Her mind was shaken, but she pressed on.
The whirlwind began to stop as Sunsets, and the broken mirrors, magic began to run out. Metal and glass fell to the stone floor. The young mares body fell to the ground landing on the cold unforgiving stone.
Celestia lowered her shield and lit her horn for a light too afraid to fully look. She approached the unconscious mare who only minutes before had seemed so arrogant, but beautiful. Arrogant because of youth, but beautiful because of her determination and inner spirit. Then she reached the spot her precious stud...Her precious foal had landed.
There for Celestia to see was a barely alive Sunset Shimmer. Her once beautiful coat was dyed black by fire with burn wounds oozing pus. Blood flowed freely from too many wounds to count, and to her utter anguish Celestia beheld her students horn and face. The horn had shattered under the pressure of magic and her once wonderful face was to Celestia's view only charcoal.
Her Sunset...Her little Sunbeam....All that seemed to be left were embers.
Author's Note
Sunset's not dead....Almost, but not quite. She's holding on, but only just
The hallowed hall held no sound. Only the small gasps of a unconscious young mare. Celestia's breath was for the first time in centuries taken away. No thoughts stirred in her mind only shock.
How had things come to this? How had a simple test meant to gauge and spend time together gone so badly? This burned husk of her student. Burnt and lacerated. To Celestia she was the most important thing in the world.
A sudden stirring caught Celestia's ear. As she kept looking she noticed that Sunset still breathed. Celestia's heart skipped. The hour was now. If Sunset were to live to see another day something must be done. There must be a drastic action.
Soaring into the air Celestia's mind went to places where she had never gone. The implications of such choices too heavy for her mind to take. Desperation, not logic, was the motivating factor. Magic must have intent, and with that intent willpower. Love and desperation. Two emotions bound to alter them both forever.
Celestia's horn glowed and her eyes shone. About her light flowed everywhere casting shadows upon the walls. The imagery at once too glorious, but at the same time sober beyond measure. Celestia's hoof was cast. She cast her spell upon her daughter.
With blinding light of the sun at midday Sunset's body was engulfed in an aura of pure light. Magic flooded every cell and sinew. Sunset fell into a deep sleep. Her breathing slowed and her heart damaged nearly beyond repair slowed made peaceful by divine fire and love.
Celestia continued to pump her magic and life essence into her daughter to whom she vowed she would never fail again. Her daughter would live, but the spell would not heal all the damage. For what seemed an age the process continued unabated until finally all that could be done was done.
There lay the mare of Celestia's heart. Her hopes and dreams bound up in the little unicorn mare. Celestia's every fiber desiring to make her life a wonder by learning, service, and development. Celestia sat and wept.
Tears ran like rivers from her eyes. Tears for what had been, and what would now be.
Never again would Sunset be just a unicorn of incredible magic ability. Her horn shattered not even Celestia knew if it could be brought back. Life was in Sunset, but in doing so Celestia had granted her daughter a piece of herself not of her power, but of her own living essence. Forever doomed and bound to live so long as the sun would shine. Celestia and Sunset were inseparably forever intertwined. Death would not grace Sunset for untold time.
The damage was done. Destroyed by fire and magic and made alive by a sacrifice that ought not to have been. The natural order disrupted, but Celestia didn't care. For untold millennia she had given and given. Now she gave once more, but in doing so set forth a course that was never meant for mortals.
Sunset would still have to heal the old fashioned way and for now the mare desperately needed medical attention. She was alive, but damage done was damage done. She was not graced with incredible healing like Celestia and with her magic nearly burnt out external sources of magic, nutrients, and fluid were needed.
Celestia levitated her daughter and laid her on her back casting a spell to ensure she would not move and reducing the vibrations to make the young one more comfortable. She walked with no purpose only a heavy heart, and a still heavier mind.
The smell of decay and smoke made its way to guards on the night watch. They went to bow, but stopped in shock.
Here was the Alicorn of the sun carrying her student. Burnt beyond recognition. Horn shattered to the very base of her skull. Lacerations that covered the young students body and thousands of glass pieces embedded from stem to stern. Not one guard dared to speak as the princess walked, and non dared ask.
Through it all Sunset did not stir. Her frame and mind too shaken to awaken. Though magic was given by the princess herself all its energy had dissipated in the altering of her young student. So great was the trauma wrought that not even the reserves of the princess were sufficient to restore her students normal levels. Yet Celestia sill walked.
Every memory played through her mind as she walked. The play times. Nightmares and safety in each others hoofs. Harsh words formerly said, but all forgotten. How Celestia wished beyond anything she could go back to those times. The times for her and her student were no longer simple, but not so complex either.
Celestia climbed stairs up, and climbed stairs down passing portraits and art. Frescoes of former ages. All went unnoticed. She rounded a far corner and arrived in the medical ward.
Celestia collapsed with her daughter still upon her back.
The Goddess of the Sun too exhausted from the events could not stand. Her energy was spent. Distant shouts were heard from somewhere, but Celestia was unsure where.
Doctors and nurses sprang into action.
"I need Saline solution now. Clear the hall's now!" Shouted one.
"Nurse Blossom get me saline now! Tell Doctor Firestone we need her up here as soon as possible!" Doctor Stethoscope cried trembling from shock.
"Patient's heart rate is steady. Signs appear stable. Princess Celestia appears to be suffering from exhaustion" Nurse Green Clover said in shock.
Gurneys were obtained one wheeling Celestia into a non-critical area while Sunset was rushed to the E.R.
Galloping hooves were heard and Doctor Firestone arrived having been only recently awoken from a nap.
" What's patient's status?" Firestone asked, looking at the mare.
" Patient appears to be stable. Massive third degree and fourth degree burns all across the body.
" We have lacerations all over her body. Horn is shattered, face is burned as well." Said Doctor Stethoscope, beginning to shake violently.
Doctors and nurses began the long process of treatment.
They began to sterilize the wounds as best as they could, and using tweezers began the long process of pulling the embedded glass out of Sunset. Glass was removed from everywhere. Sunsets eyes were the worst. Her eyes having been pierced and the inner lens of the eyes damaged, possibly beyond repair.
Pus and blisters were made manifest for all to see as an extra light was shone upon Sunset. Pain spells were put into place to offer some form of relief.
Doctor Firestone worked tirelessly through the night cleaning each wound. Carefully applying their best ointments and ensuring an I.V was hooked up filled with the best antibiotics they had. She carefully began to finish the process towards what should have been morning, but the stars still shone the aged Celestia still not having awoken.
Bits of horn were removed and the shattered remnant of Sunsets horn was cleaned.
Firestone slowly, but carefully began to wrap Sunset's body in layers of gauze being careful to make sure the I.V's that were pumping medicine, fluid, and nutrients in could be taken in and out as needed.
Doctor Firestone looked on the group of her colleagues.
They began to move applying yet more pain spells to the injured mare and healing spells to try and aid the healing as much as possible. Sunset was wheeled into a room specifically reserved for patients of catastrophic wounds.
Doctor Firestone didn't believe in miracles, but this was one. She doubted if Sunset would ever see, walk, or move on her own...or if she did, not without external devices to aid her. Thankfully by some saving grace the young mare's tongue at least seemed undamaged, for all that was worth. She walked to the sleeping room and collapsed.
Celestia awoke a few hours later wondering where she was.
" How did I get here? What happened?" Celestia wondered to herself.
Thoughts and images began to assault her mind. The words and actions that had been. The hell that was that night coming back to her.
She took look of her surroundings realizing she was in an oversized bed. She arose and came to a window putting forth considerable effort to lower the moon, and raise her sun. What would have been a few moments took nearly ten minutes. Celestia stumbled too weak. She calmly made her way back to the bed and collapsed knowing Sunset would live, but not knowing what type of life it would be.
Sunset had wanted to have Celestia's attention to be recognized by her. Celestia had wanted Sunset to understand compassion, kindness, and love. Both would now have what had been wanted. Sunset would have a long recovery. Possibly never recovering. Celestia? Celestia would live with the knowledge of what she had done. Gifting her daughter with immortality and youth, but in what condition?
The events of the night had threatened to rob them both, and in many ways had. Where once a small fire was dying between the two of them now seemed cold, but in those ashes filled with bitter anguish lay a spark. The flame of love would reignite through the spark that there remained.
Celestia awoke at what would have been noon day. Her tired eyes flickered and she rose up. She moved towards the door and was met by none other than Dr. Firestone.
" Princess Celestia are you well?" Dr. Firestone asked with depressed eyes.
" Physically I am well, but my mind is another matter. Tell me do you know what the prognosis is for Sunset Shimmer?" Celestia asked eyes looking down.
Dr. Firestone viewed Celestia noticing the way her eyes were down cast.
" I should. I'm the one who worked on her." Firestone replied.
" Please tell me. What type of condition is she in?" Asked Celestia fearing the worst.
Dr. Firestone mentally groaned as she was really hoping she wouldn't have to be the one to tell the crown Princess of Equestria about Sunset. She sighed and sat down.
" Do you want the good news, or bad news first?" She asked Celestia.
" Bad first then good, please." Replied Celestia.
" Sunset Shimmer is a mess. She has little to no fur left. Her mane is completely gone, burned. We are going to have to do skin grafts and fur implants. There is muscle tissue damage that may or may not affect the nerves and impact whether or not Sunset will be able to walk or move on her own. Eyes are damaged and will need surgery. The likelihood of her seeing ever again isn't very high.
"There is going to be heavy scarring. Her horn is completely done. There may be a possibility for regrowth, but not for quite some time as the nerve ending appeared to have been burned to nothing. We will be attempting a nerve implant to see if we can get the horn to grow back with a Zebrican potion we have. Physical therapy will take months if not years. We have her on heavy antibiotics, sleep medicine, pain spells/medicines, and are pumping her full of fluid and nutrients" Stated Firestone.
" And the good news?" Asked Celestia a heavy sense of dread having fallen upon her.
Dr. Firestone shook her head and laughed with tears coming out.
" The good news? The good news is she gets to live. Her ears are still working and burns and lacerations there were at a minimum, though how I don't know. Her tongue and teeth appear to be in working order. Internally her organs have been heavily stressed and bruised by magical exhaustion, but should recover without much of a problem provided we can get her to rest. What worries me more than anything is her mind." Firestone stated finishing her summary.
"Are you concerned from the psychological aspect or physical aspect?" Asked Celestia
" Psychological more than anything. Physically her mind seems fine. How I don't know as the shattering of her horn should have caused seizures. We both know ponies that have had less physical injuries, but never recovered in their mind and went insane." Replied Dr. Firestone.
" Indeed. I can't say I'm surprised at the damage. I am glad though that at least something is still working for Sunset. Heavens knows how she is going to get through this. My daughter..." Celestia stopped tears again flooding her eyes.
Celestia began to wail. This was not the wailing of sirens nor those of death, but of life itself seeming to cry out in anguish. Her cry was heard throughout all the palace and city. The Canterlot voice echoing the sound. Suddenly the cry stopped and Celestia collapsed laying on her side tears streaming as rivers.
Dr. Firestone sat stunned. Here the was the embodiment of Ponykind brought to the earth. The revelation that Celestia viewed Sunset as her daughter was nothing new. Everypony in the palace could see it. What was a shock was that the immortal ruler who had reigned for ages could be so vulnerable, and so helpless. Firestone had completed sixteen years of training, schooling, and been a doctor for a further twenty. She simply sat too afraid to say anything, but not too afraid to do something.
She rushed to the Princess and embraced her. Her own mind going back to the events. Sunset had been known around the palace since her foalhood and most of the ponies thought of her as a member of their extended family. Firestone's tears mingled with Celestia's as she nuzzled the ruler and leaned down to whisper to her like she was a small filly.
" I won't say things are going to be ok Princess, but I promise you have me and my staff for anything we can do." Firestone stated.
Celestia arose forcing the mare to relinquish her hold. Celestia viewed the doctor, tears dripping upon her fur. She noticed compassion, but also confusion and surprise.
" Don't be surprised that I can cry Dr. Firestone nor be surprised that I can also be in need of comfort. Eternity weighs heavily on those of us who endure it. We lose ourselves for others, but in the process lose those we love. I am a pony as much as you or anyone else. Just much older and weighed down by more trouble." Celestia stated.
Dr. Firestone stood dumbstruck.
" Princess I...I don't...I didn't think.." She remained silent.
" Few ponies do Doctor. They prefer to raise me and to place me upon a pedestal. They imagine that I can't be harmed, or that I can't be reached emotionally. Neither of which is true. Not all hurt is physical and some of the worst wounds are those that fester in the heart." Celestia replied.
Something in Firestone stirred as she asked a question.
"Princess how did Sunset get those wounds? I've never seen a combination of wounds like that. Not in any textbook, and certainly not in any patient I've ever handled before." Inquired Firestone.
Celestia sat still sighing heavily determining that the doctor had a right to know given the sheer insanity of everything that had occurred.
So Celestia began the tale of her and Sunset's journey to the mirror room. Their argument, and the ensuing explosion of the mirror. As the story was told and finished Firestone was shocked.
" Princess how did that not kill her?! Medically speaking Sunset should not be alive in any form or condition period. Her veins should have been cooked and her blood boiled.....This entire thing makes no sense." Firestone stated.
" That is something I will not reveal at this time. Only know that I ensured that Sunset would live. Though the implications of that are still yet to be seen. Please take me to my daughter and fetch my scribe." Celestia answered and asked.
" Of course at once Princess." Firestone said.
Firestone led the princess to the room sunset was kept in. Celestia's heart threatened to break all over again.
The sounds of beeping machinery keeping track of Sunsets heart. IV's all around the bed. Thankfully though she was at least breathing on her own...A small mercy at least. The smell of burnt skin and flesh was mingled with disinfectant. Celestia viewed the mare she thought of as daughter. Noticing the wrapped gauze stained with a mixture of medicines and magical residue. Celestia approached the foot of the bed and sat.
Doctor Firestone looked on and then remembered the command of the Princess and rushed off.
She walked high into the center of the palace where Celestia's soldiers and scribe waited for her highness. They saw Dr. Firestone and began to bombard her with questions, but Firestone lit her horn.
" I am not in the mood for questions! Back the hay off!" She shouted. The guards frowned, but returned to their posts.
" Now, Firestone began, to help this process be shorter. Sunset shimmer was involved in a magical accident that has left her physically scarred. Princess Celestia does not wish to be bothered by anypony at this time, but does request the aid of her scribe Parchment Quill." Firestone finished.
Parchment stood then nodded.
" Lead the way Doctor. I'm sure the Princess will want to make alterations to her schedule given the nature of what is going on. Goodness knows the kingdom takes most of her time." Parchment said.
" Yes it does I imagine." Firestone said gaining a inkling into Sunset's mind as well as Celestia's.
Firestone made her way back to Princess Celestia with Parchement Quill following behind. As they made their way to the medical ward Doctor Firestone's mind began to stir. She had a brief understanding of what must have been going on between Sunset and the Princess. Sunsets constant bickering and downward trend of behavior made more sense to her and Celestia's unwillingness to compromise also came to her mind having been both a teenager, but also being a mother balancing work and family. Maybe this might be what both of them needed.
Finally they arrived to Sunsets room. As they entered they saw Celestia with her head resting on the bed Sunset lay upon. Seated and with eyes closed. Parchment Quill unused to the new smells assaulting his nose put a cloth up to keep the offensive odor out. Nopony spoke for what seemed a season and Celestia finally rose up greeting the two of them.
" Thank you for bringing Parchment Quill to me Dr. Firestone." Celestia stated.
" It was my pleasure Princess." Dr. Firestone replied.
As Firestone prepared to leave Celestia spoke.
"Please stay Firestone as I would like you to remain." Celestia said.
" Parchment Quill please take note. Until further notice all foreign dignitaries and meetings are postponed for the duration of this month and into the next. Any paperwork which cannot be handled by the council is to be brought to me. Until Sunset Shimmer awakens I will remain in this room. I will take my meals here, sleep here, and live here until such time as she wakes up. If further business needs to be discussed it will be done here." Celestia stated somberly.
Parchment Quill's eyes grew wide.
" But Princess you can't! I know this situation is weighing heavily on you, but..." Parchment Quill stopped, feeling like a pebble next to a mountain as Celestia gazed upon him.
" Parchment Quill you have worked for me for quite some time, but this is not a negotiation. This is a command. It will be obeyed and anypony who questions it may come speak to me. If the nobles raise a fuss I will strip them of their power and replace them with somepony more deserving. I know this seems confusing but I am tired. Kindly do as you are told as I am in no mood to debate."
" Also draw up official papers for adoption. I'm going to do something I should have done a long time ago." Celestia finished saying only to turn toward Firestone.
" Dr. Firestone I would be honored if you would be the witness needed by law for the adoption." Celestia stated.
Dr. Firestone could only nod silently.
Parchment Quill in the meantime felt somewhat akin to an ant against an anteater. Quite certain that the Princess could if she wished make him do as she wished. Shaking himself out of his stupor he came up to Celestia.
" Princess I'm sorry. What you have asked will be done at once. For what its worth I hope Sunset recovers fully." Parchment said.
Celestia nodded staring at the ceiling and sighed.
" Parchment also have Princess Cadance brought here as well. There are things I need to speak with her on." Celestia said before Parchment had left the room.
Parchment gave a silent nod.
Dr. Firestone for her part was still a bit shocked wondering where her life was headed at this point. Celestia walked up to Dr. Firestone and picking her up in her forelegs, and hooves, gave her a hug.
" Dr Firestone thank you. Its truly rare for me to find somepeony who is filled with your level of compassion. I know this hasn't been an easy task for you. I am placing all of Sunset's further medical treatment under your control. I trust you implicitly to oversee her physical recovery." Celestia said letting the doctor down.
" And Sunset's psychological recovery Princess?" Firestone asked.
Celestia sighed wheels turning in her vast mind.
" That is where Candance comes in, but we will also have to see exactly where Sunset is at before going further." Celestia answered.
Dr. Firestone nodded.
" I understand Princess. I'll leave and start setting up the appropriate treatments. Thankfully Sunset's skin based wounds are at least healing well." Firestone said.
" I understand Doctor. Do what seems best. I'm going to remain here with Sunset." Celestia replied.
Dr. Firestone left the room closing the door behind her. Her mind racing over the events. in less than a 24 hour period her world had been turned upside down. Now tasked with the recovery of Celestia's student, soon to be daughter, this assignment would make or break her career....But Firestone couldn't care less. If she could see Sunset smile again and get around on her own it would all be worth it.
Celestia remained alone in the room. Only the beeping to keep her company. There would doubtless be tears from Sunset. Anger, malice and harsh words. Celestia only hoped that a friend like Cadance could help.
Candance was a most unusual pony who had achieved Alicornhood through advancement of love based magic. Not the potion type, but real genuine love. Bringing out ponies feelings and helping others realize their potential for one another in a sincere, but powerful manner...Cadance was most of all though a true friend. She only hoped Cadance would be able to endure.
The Alicorn of love meanwhile was oblivious to most of what had transpired with the exception of the echoing scream she had heard earlier, but felt little authority to go comfort her Aunt. Ponies needed alone time as much as they needed together time and what could she hope to say to her Aunt. She remained in her rooms preparing for the day and taking care of her studies. An Alicorn of love she might be, but she was also still a teenager with school work.
Candance sat pouring over her notes for the upcoming tests her tutors were set to spring on her. She groaned and set her head on her desk where her books and notes lay. She moaned out loud taking her hooves scratching at her out of place hair.
"Who in the world would ever need to know magical theorems of combat magic?! She was Princess of Love! Not a battle master!" Cadance thought to her self.
Suddenly she heard a knocking on he door.
Frowning she opened the door as she wasn't expecting visitors and generally had mornings and early afternoons to her self for study.
There for her to see was a shaken Parchment Quill looking a bit worse for the wear.
" Parchment what brings you here? Does my Aunt want to see me about something?" Cadance asked.
" Yes she requested you come by the medical ward immediately. There has been an accident with Sunset and Princess Celestia needed to speak with you concerning a few things your majesty." Parchment replied.
Cadance's eyes bugged out.
An accident!? What type of accident would involve Sunset? Sunset was one of the smartest ponies Cadance knew. True she could be a jerk, but she knew her magic and studies inside and out. Sunset studied at a rate that made Cadance's head feel like mush.
" I'll come right away. I'll teleport us both and save some time." Candance replied.
Closing her eyes she sought out her Aunt's magical signature. Finding it Cadance and Parchment vanished in a glow and pop of pink.
Appearing outside the door of Sunsets room Cadance took out a hoof mirror and began to fix her hair. While Parchment unused to the mode of travel steadied himself trying to make the room quit spinning. Cadance looking at Parchment's predicament smiled and picking him up in her magical aura sat him on the couch outside the room.
" I think maybe you should wait here for the time being." Cadance said.
Parchment looked ready to object, but a stern look from the young mare silenced him.
" I know Aunt Celestia asked you to do some things for her, but take a break for a bit. You look like you're dizzy and need to rest. Take a short nap and then get back to it. That's an order." Cadance stated.
Parchment nodded unsure of how to take the order. On the one hoof he had a daughter about Cadance's age, but on the other she was an Alicorn princess and to be frank he hadn't had much sleep the past few nights. He set his bags down and let sleep take him. Receiving a bit of help from a mischievous young princess casting a simple sleep spell.
Cadance smiled looking at the sleeping Parchment. It wasn't the first time either her, or her Aunt Celstia, had had to remind Parchment to get some sleep. He took his duties very seriously...Perhaps too seriously. Bringing Cadance's mind back to the present.
The accident! Sunset!
Candance moved towards the door opening it and entering. Greeting the mare's nose was a smell she hadn't ever thought possible, and a sight that she was sure was more nightmare than reality. She saw what she could only presume was Sunset and sure enough by the bed sat her beloved Aunt. Looking silently down.
Celestia seeing Cadance nodded and walked over nuzzling her niece.
" Thank you for coming on such short notice Cadance." Celestia said.
" It's not a problem Auntie. I heard your shout and then heard there had been an accident. What happened?" The young mare asked.
Clelestia told Cadance the entirety of the story leaving nothing out save the part of Sunset's immortality. Which would be better learned of later. She then proceeded to bring the medical clipboards the Doctor's had left hoofing them over to Cadance to let her read them in their entirety.
As Cadance heard the story her hear sank. True she hadn't ever liked Sunset a great deal, but she had never hated her and had even wanted to be friends, but the fiery young mare's studies came first before everything...Plus she was sure her being around Celestia induced some jealousy in the other mare....But this...This was grotesque!
As Celestia handed the boards over Cadance took them in her aura. Her own mother had been a nurse and she had read a few medical things before. Not enough to understand everything, but enough to know the general information. If she thought the situation couldn't get worse it suddenly did.
Cadance read through the documents reading every detail she could. She quickly came to see how dire the situation was, and how unlikely it should have been that Sunset had lived.
She set the clipboards down and blinked then began to cry. Sunset might never have a future as a unicorn. Her entire life's work may have been flushed down the toilet. Cadance knew how single minded Sunset had been, but also knew that Sunset had created and formed her barriers of defense with work and magic. She practically breathed it and ate it every day. Sunsets entire world was about to come crashing down when she woke up.
Cadance looked at her Aunt then at Sunset and back at her Aunt.
" What do you need me to do to help her?" Cadance asked.
Celestia's heart soared for a moment. Her best hopes realized. Cadance was one of a few truly genuine ponies that came around once a lifetime for most. She was sincere to the extreme and willing to bend over backwards to help others, but not at the expense of herself carefully balancing service, duty, and love with her own needs.
" I'm going to be adopting Sunset Cadance. For all we know she may never be able to care for herself. I'm asking you to treat her like a normal mare. Don't patronize her. Comfort her. Be her friend. Be her sister in every way that a pony can be. I'm not asking it of you as an order Cadance, because I know its mostly what you already wanted, but that Sunset turned you away." Celestia said.
Cadance nodded. It was true. She had initially liked Sunset and thought they might have been good friends. It was really only the two of them in the Palace and with duties and homework there wasn't a lot of time for her to have much of a social life. Plus with the difficulty she had with certain parts of magic she needed private tutors who could help her work at her own pace. But any hope of that occurring at the time of first meeting had been pushed far away by the red mare's attitude.
" That's true Auntie, but if she pushed me away once what's to stop her from doing it again? Even with her condition being a factor?" Cadance asked.
Celestia sighed.
" Cadance I'm concerned for Sunet's and your well being. For the time being just be there for her. I'm worried about the state of her mind in terms of what she may think of herself. She's always been confident and able to do whatever she set her mind to, but now most of that ability has been taken away. Put into her place how would you react?" Celestia answered and asked.
Cadance gave it some thought. If she were Sunset she would be beyond devastated...She'd prefer to...She blinked looking back at her Aunt.
" You don't think Sunset would try to..."
A hoof pressed underneath Cadance's chin effectively silencing her.
" I don't know what Sunset will do Cadance. I'm simply taking precautions. Both of you don't get enough time with ponies your own age and that's mostly my fault. I know this isn't fair to her or you, but I know you can do it. You have the ability to help ponies have hope. Latch onto that and help keep my Sunbeam steady." Celestia stated.
Cadance looked at the sleeping Sunset. Her world just got much more interesting.
Cadance felt her heart sink and then rise for the occasion. If Sunset had fallen, then Cadance would help raise her up. She would be a phoenix reborn if only on the inside. She would make sure Sunset made herself a roaring flame that none could deny.
Author's Note
So there you have it. A third chapter since people seemed to like the last
Throughout all the previous events one mare lay fast asleep. Devoid of awareness she slept on. No thoughts circulated and within in her only her heart and breathing were heard. A steady and peaceful rhythm amidst the toil and tribulation known to the outside world. The nearly broken mare's body however was hard at work desperately recovering and healing. Magical healing made things faster, but still progress was slow.
Sunset eventually came to awareness, but unable to awaken. She enjoyed the peace of her own thoughts and mind for what seemed ages. She traveled the path's of her memories the good and ill. Perspective can be a funny thing, and Sunset's world began to change. Slowly her armor of hate began to chip and fail her. She viewed all that had been unaware of what lay before. Fire in ancient cultures she had known would sometimes symbolize purity, but could also represent rebirth. So it was with her.
She unsteadily began to awaken and pain entered. Every inch of her throbbed and burned. As she lay on the bed she attempted to rise only to fall back upon her bed. She tried to rise again a second time, and again a third time before she gave up taking stock of what she knew. She could not see, her eyes still too damaged and head wrapped about with gauze smelling of healing potions so Sunset listened.
She heard a steady beeping. She smelled rot and anesthetic.
She breathed deeply pulling in air and her nose smelled sweet smells of flowers coming from one area. Sunset felt things connected to her and the bandages about her body. One thought entered into her mind " Hospital".
Sunset could vividly recall the events in the mirror room and her tremendous fear and how she had been brought low.
As she kept steadily breathing she emptied her mind to prevent herself from panicking. She realized that until somepony came and realized she was awake there wasn't much she could do.
Sunset kept listening and heard a strange scratching noise on some sort of surface...A quill on paper?
Unknown to Sunset her mentor, and mother, Celestia sat awake late into the night studying and making notations on affairs of the kingdom. Books on parenthood lay about as well. Celestia had thrown herself into understanding where she had gone wrong and how best to help Sunset when she awoke.
Celestia viewed the differing documents. Trade and border disputes. Proposals for new mining and logging operations in the far North. The pile had grown over the days of Sunset's entry to the hospital, but millennia dealing with paperwork permitted Celestia to endure.
The adoption papers had gone through without much of an effort Dr. Firestone standing in as a secondary witness.
Candace came by whenever she could in hopes Sunset might awaken. Visitors and well wishers came from the palace staff. Guards and maids. Cooks and teachers. On the whole few knew the whole story, but they knew enough. Flowers were brought in at intervals.
Sunset had lay for two weeks asleep her body too broken to awaken on its own. Skin grafts and fur implants had been done and slowly fur was growing in places where before there were only burnt patches. Skin cells multiplied and joined together, but even with medicine she was still far from healed.
Dr. Firestone kept researching as often as she could. She visited her own family as much as possible, but kept notes so she could write ideas. She checked the latest literature and old tomes for anything that might prove even moderately useful. There were several operations to take care of still and more skin and fur grafts that needed to be done. Firestone's mind was one of feverish labor.
Celestia's mind never ceased from worry. Worry for her daughter and worry for their future. Sunset would forever have need of help and aid in some aspect. Immortals do not really ever become independent so to speak. They rely upon one another for sanity as well as compassion. The sands of time weigh heavily on them and the feeling is like heavy leaden weights wrapped around them with chains.
Celestia had wondered many times if what she had done was right. Had saving Sunset been the correct choice? Had her own selfish desires and love been weighed as best as they could have been?
The results from Dr. Firestone were at least promising. The healing that was occurring was doing so at a steady, but slow rate. The inevitable scarring was setting in on Sunset's body, but all things considered infection had at the very least been kept far at bay...A small mercy.
Cadance herself was free from classes as she had passed her tests, even battle magic based. She kept up exercising, but found herself coming back to Sunset again and again. It was not a love of romance, but one of family. Sunset was one of the few ponies that in some way could understand Cadance. Like it or not the two young mares had far more in common than she had previously realized.
Cadance realized how her sudden appearing in Sunset's life must have shaken the poor mare. Cadance had approached too quickly. She had come to discover that Sunset needed much more time than others to learn about ponies before really letting them in.
Each pony that knew Sunset had heir minds constantly on the poor mare. All being willing to try to help, but being unable to do much save to wait.
Through these events and occasions Sunset had slept, but now was awake.
The same sounds still came to her as she lay breathing and listening.
Sunset smelled familiar odors of roses and lilac based shampoo. She realized that Celestia was in the room, but heard no movement save for the quill. Should she call out to her? Apologize?
Celestia's own ears pricked as she realized that a steady pattern she had heard night and day had suddenly altered. She put the quill down from her magic aura and walked over to Sunset taking in the hurt pony...Her little pony. Her eyes gazed upon Sunset. There was movement behind Sunset's eyelids that was a sign of conscious thought. The breathing patterns too long and deep for a sleeping pony.
Sunset had tried many times over the years to fool Princess Celestia...Particularly when younger and trying to hide pieces of chocolate cake the then young filly had "liberated" from the oppression of the fridge.
Celestia sat and realized two things. One that Sunset was most likely awake. Two she needed to figure out how best to handle the situation...Her mind drew a blank.
Celestia arose and came closer to Sunset hooves clopping upon the tile of the room.
Sunset's ears heard the noise and was confident of the gait. Based upon the sound Celestia was in the room with her.
Sunset suddenly felt a nuzzle and what felt like rain droplets, but realized they were tears.
Celestia sat simply nuzzling her young and wounded foal.
She lay her head upon Sunsets bed keeping it near Sunset's own and sighed deeply and began to hum an old tune.
A lullaby from long ago.
Sunset still damaged tried to move, but a golden aura wrapped around her keeping her in place. Again a nuzzle with the humming. Slowly her mind drifted, her bodies exhaustion still too great to overcome. The firm golden aura would not let up, but the humming kept her calm.
Neither spoke.
So Sunset Shimmer fell into a deep sleep once more. Calmed for the moment, but without full facts.
Celestia kept humming and listened having heard the slow rhythmic breathing go back to the familiar pattern and feeling Sunset's heart beat almost as if it were her own.
She released her golden aura and walked back over to her work station.
Celestia blew out the candles and darkness descended upon the room the full moon rising in the background of the large window and unknown to Celestia the moon pulsated a soft glow as its light rested upon Sunset and herself. A compassionate feeling overcame Celestia and she looked upon the moon and smiled and cried.
Celestia gazed upon the light of the moon and stars for a short period then took up her sleeping pillow and blanket moving them over to Sunset's bed as a secondary hospital bed had been laid right beside Sunset's for the Sun Princess to use. So Celestia lay down and resumed humming. As sleep came to claim her as well.
Neither mare spoke. No pony entered.
Each breath and heart beat of Sunset and Celestia's matched. The slow rhythmic breathing went on.
Neither had spoken for there was no need. A light casts its shadows in the dark, but is plain to be seen as to both its source and what it is. So to in this situation.
Both mares lay and slept. Each hoping for far better seasons.
Author's Note
Sorry for the wait
As the time for the raising and setting of the sun and moon came Celestia awoke.
Celestia arose walking to the window and raising the sun and setting the moon.
Her mind went again to Sunset Shimmer. Now that she had awakened the time of ignorance for the young mare would be no more. Celestia did not know how to handle this part. The part everypony was dreading. Physical hurt is one thing, but to have one's dreams coming crashing down was something that destroyed the very foundations of many a pony. The base of action being the mind and the ability to act towards one's dreams and goals based upon inner strength.
Celestia stared upon her daughter as the sun's rays came into the room. Celestia drew the curtains in an effort to afford Sunset more rest. When she would awaken not even Celestia could say. Dr. Firestone was out for the day after a 72 hour stint so it would likely only be her and Sunset.
Celestia sat at her desk and began the tedious nature of paperwork and she smiled. No matter how much power, or how long one lived, administrative duties were always a constant foe at times amusing and other times a bonfire of annoyance.
The minutes ticked by one after the other each as steady and as slow as the last. Soft breathing and beeping from machines permeated the room with the occasional scratch from a quill on paper.
As Celestia continued to write she heard a groan and looked up. She saw her little sunbeam attempting to rise. Celestia quickly trotted over to Sunset capturing the mare in her golden aura and gently setting Sunset down.
" No Sunset I need you to lay down. Your wounds are still extremely fragile and could reopen. Please lay down." Celestia said holding the young mare gently, but firmly down.
Sunset opened her mouth to speak, but instead only a heavy coughing came out, her throat unused to the action of speech.
" Sunset I'm going to get you some water. Please stay down. Just nod if you understand me...please." Celestia said and pleaded.
Sunset nodded taking in how physically weak she felt and determining Princess Celestia was probably right.
Celestia released the golden aura around her daughter and made her way to a sink with a glass and filled it with cool water. Neither hot nor cold for fear of causing damage to Sunsets throat.
Celestia slowly walked coming again to the bed and placed a straw into the glass.
" Sunset I need you to take small sips for me. Just a few at a time. Your body isn't used to the water or action yet. I know you have questions and want answers, but please one thing at a time little one." Celestia said.
Sunset simply nodded.
Celestia brought the glass to the edge of the bed and lifted Sunset in her golden aura a bit to help the water to go down.
Sunset sipped feeling her lips crack as she began to suck the water down. She let the fresh coolness pour over her tongue and her body took over as she began to suck deeper and faster. Celestia withdrew the cup and straw and laid Sunset back down.
" Slowly Sunset...Slowly." Celestia firmly said.
Sunset coughed weakly and nodded and began to drink again held in the air by the Princess of the Sun. Unable to move for fear of further damage and unwilling due to pure exhaustion.
When the water was a third of the way finished Sunset ceased to drink nodding her head again.
Celestia laid her back down on the bed.
" I'm sure you have questions correct?" Celestia asked?
Sunset nodded.
" Can you speak at all?" Celestia asked.
Sunset remained quiet for a moment then spoke in a quivering voice " Yes."
Celestia viewed her broken Sunbeam before her and sat down taking a short breath.
" To make this easier for you I'm going to list some options from one to three. Whichever you want to hear the most please nod that many times." Celestia instructed.
Sunset again nodded her voice scratchy and in pain from a single word.
" One, do you want to know where you are? Two, do you wish to know what happened? Three, do you want to know the extent of your injuries?" Celestia said giving the three she thought most likely that were to be wondered.
Sunset thought to herself for a moment breathing slowly and thinking.
It was fairly obvious where she as and she recalled each detail of what occurred in the mirror room with perfect clarity her body shivering at the memory only to become warm with comfort feeling a magical aura around her.
" Shhhh...I'm here." Celestia said nuzzling the young mare ever gently.
Sunset breathed in and out and nodded three times.
" You want to know the extent of your injuries?" Celestia asked.
Sunset again nodded wanting to get the worst news out of the way first.
Celestia drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly the years of her life seeming to come back to her.
" I won't lie to you Sunset Shimmer your injuries are extensive. You are healing slowly and very well all things considered, but please try to remain calm.
" Your body had hundreds of magic, fire, and glass wounds. Your fur is nearly gone although it is being treated and the skin grafts and fur implants are progressing. Your muscles and skin have suffered an incredible amount of damage. Your face is also burned, but again is healing. I'm afraid you won't ever look the same...Also your horn was shattered nearly to the base of the skull. The doctors think they can eventually do a nerve transplant, but aren't sure if it will ever regrow." Celestia said.
Sunset began to speak, but Celestia used her magic to keep the mare quiet.
" There's more Sunset." Celestia said taking another deep breath.
" Because of the extent of the burns and damage from the magic and glass your ability to walk and move around on your own has been heavily compromised. When the skin grows back you will probably find that the flexibility of your legs is limited. Physical therapy is going to take months or years depending on what I've been told. I'm afraid your eyes are also heavily damaged. You may never be able to see again." Celestia said.
Sunset lay on the bed tears starting to form.
Celestia again spoke.
" The good news is you are healing well. You are alive and you have ponies who care about you. I have your doctor, Dr. Firestone, working on your treatments as we speak and your internal organs are fine for the most part.." Celestia said.
Silence reigned in the room. Tears. Tears were pooling on the bed that Sunset lay upon. She drew quick and ragged breaths her body quivering. Her mind refusing to accept the situation. She knew what it meant...Her magic and ability to use it were possibly forever compromised. Her own ability to even do simple tasks now most likely were far beyond her.
She attempted to rise, but Celestia's magic held onto her.
" Sunset no. I know this is horrible and that you're in pain. I don't know what this is like. Please stay on the bed." Celestia said gently nuzzling the mare.
Sunset began to force herself up again only for Celestia to gently, but firmly hold her in place.
They repeated this pattern of rising and restraint. Over and over. Tears flowing from Sunset's eyes and rivers flowing from Celestia's. Sunset continued her struggle for nearly an hour crying and heaving her body shaking in anger, fear, and sadness. Each time Celestia held onto her with her magic sending comforting emotions and feelings into the mare.
Eventually Sunset's struggles ceased and Celestia began to hum.
She thought of fond things and memories. Strolls in the park with wildflowers. Games once played. Each and every good emotion she could muster she sent through her magic.
Sunset's breathing slowed and her rasps slowed. Sleep soon claiming the mare.
Celestia made sure Sunset was indeed asleep and cast a spell on her charge in case the mare awoke again.
Celestia went back to her paperwork. For a few hours peace was had, but again Sunset awoke.
Her eyes brimming with tears she again tried to rise and Celestia restrained the young mare.
The entirety of that day continued in similar form and fashion. Sunset awakening only to recall and remember the conversations and previous struggles. Her sadness bursting into rage. Rage at herself for allowing something like this to happen and rage at not being able to resist the outcomes of what came each time, but each time feeling that same peace and love for the mare. She finally understood how Celestia felt. Through the emotions Sunset could feel states of worry and sadness. She felt the weight of the world as Celestia felt it.
Sunset began to realize why the Princess did the things she did.
So eventually Sunset simply stopped and just cried.
Celestia stopped her work and cried as well. Placing her head upon the bed next to her daughters head. Tears pouring from each mare and for one another.
Not a word was said. Sunset fell again into a deep sleep a nightmare slowly overtaking her...Celestia placing her magic over the mare pouring out love and concern.
Night came and ponies came. Coming in and changing bags of medicine, and applying new bandages and quickly leaving.
Celestia had to continue to hold the mare down from time to time her daughters nightmares threatening to cause movement which might otherwise damage her little sunbeam.
The moon again rose and shined down pulsing upon the mare Celestia noticing it. Sunset's whimpers ceased. Her tears stopped flowing. Her features being pulled into a serene look of comfort. Celestia sighed.
She looked at the moon having seen what had occurred.
" Thank you sister...Thank you." Celestia said. The moon glowing a bright white.
" You will both make it through this sister." A voice that came from nowhere, but penetrated Celestia's heart.
Celestia again put a spell upon Sunset just in case she should awaken.
She lit candles and again started on paperwork that was due in the morning. Her fur matted from sweat and tears. Tears which did not cease. Old memories aroused of a nearly a millennium before. Slowly the moon pulsed yet again.
Celestia's mind was overcome.
Her eyelids closed as she slumped upon the pillow upon which she sat and a gentle wind blew out the candles.
This night the fire of rage and sadness had come to coals. Still warm with heat, but a respite well earned by both the aged ruler and her young charge.
So they slept as stars shone. They slept as the moon shone. As for Celestia she slept in peace for the first time in weeks. Nightmares of her failures no longer coming into the confines of her mind. Something which no pony had known of except a dark blue alicorn with hair like the stars. One who had forgiven her sister long ago, and cleansed her own inner nightmare.
Author's Note
I thought I'd get another chapter out of the way. I hope you find it enjoyable. On the plus side another chapter is done!
Three days passed and Celestia finally had to leave the medical ward. She had explained the situation to Sunset and the young mare understood. Celestia however refused to sleep anywhere else other than the room until her daughter was permitted to at least return to other sections of the palace. In her haste though she asked Cadance to spend time with Sunset. Cadance didn't need to be asked as she had been itching to visit and spend time with Sunset for quite some time.
The pink alicorn made her way from her room to Sunset's medical room. She had packed her saddle bags with books in case Sunset wanted to have somepony read to her. Cadance's mind however on how best to handle the situation was still uncertain. She was the alicorn of love, but the heavy emotional burden Sunset must be feeling was beyond her.
Cadance made her way in to Sunset's room and looked at the young mare. Sunset was still asleep her body having more energy than at first, but still wearing out quite easily.
Cadance found a spot near the bed and sat down levitating a book to read. A sudden idea struck her and she lit her magic up and a soft calming music began to play.
An hour or so passed and Sunset woke up from her dreamless sleep, a certain blue alicorn taking steps to help her new niece, though Sunset was unaware.
Cadance unaware of Sunset's awakening kept reading. She then began to notice a twitching from Sunset's ear.
" Sunset are you awake?" Cadance asked.
" Yeah I'm awake. Just lying here and thinking is all." Sunset replied.
" I see. Well I'm happy to be here. I brought some books I thought you might like since I know you can't read at the moment." Cadance replied biting her bottom lip as she knew there was no soft way to breach the subject.
" I appreciate Cadance I really do, but why are you here? I was pretty sure you hated me after all the problems we've had the past couple of months." Sunset said.
Cadance waited for a few minutes before answering.
" Sunset I'll be truthful Aunt Celestia did ask me to come spend time with you, but I've been trying to get in here to visit you for at least a week and a half. The things you said to me really did hurt me, but I think we both know that those were just petty squabbles that were said because you were worried about losing the most important pony in your life."
"I'm here to help Sunset. I don't want you to think you have to suffer alone. I've always wanted to be friends, but you pushed me away. Can we be friends Sunset? Please? " Cadance finished speaking awaiting an answer from the poor mare before her.
" Cadance I...I'd like that Cadance. I really would." Sunset said truthfully. Her own pride having been burned completely out leaving a broken, but humble mare.
Cadance smiled ear to ear. Feeling giddy despite the situation. Friends were few and far between for her these days with her position having been elevated and her education taking up most of her time.
" Thank you Sunset." Cadance replied.
A sudden thought struck the pink princess.
" Sunset have the doctors said your ok to eat anything solid?" Cadance asked.
" Yeah they said I could have simple food so long as it doesn't have any major spices or anything. Apparently some of my organs were bruised so my body is still a little off." Sunset said.
" Would you like part of an apple?" Cadance asked.
Sunset though about it and her mouth began to water. She hadn't had anything to eat since she woke up and a juicy crisp apple sounded heavenly.
" Cadance that sounds amazing. I'd love a part of one."
Cadance nodded and floated an apple up in her aura and took out a knife and began to cut it and separate the seeds and core. She then took all the slices and began to cut them into cube and triangle based shapes making them smaller and more manageable for Sunset. She knew Sunset might not be able to eat too much at once. Once she finished the task she set the pieces in a bowl she had brough along casting a preservation spell on the apple pieces to make sure they would stay fresh for however long it took for Sunset to finsih the pieces.
The process finished cadance took five pieces and floated them to the young mare.
" I know this must seem a bit embarrassing, but since your horn is out of commission I'll have to feed them to you." Cadance said looking a bit downcast.
" I understand Cadance don't worry about it. I've already had nurses and doctors poking me and changing bandages. I think the embarrassment factor left a long time ago. Having to go to the bathroom with a group of ponies helping you kinda makes this seem normal." Sunset said blushing at the memories and tears threatening to leak out her eyes.
Cadance's eyes widened, but began to float the pieces to Sunset's mouth.
Sunset smelling the apple pieces opened her mouth gingerly the skin that had started to grow still incredibly tender. As the first piece made its way in and she began to chew. She savored the flavor. Wet, moist, crisp, and sweet. It was probably the best apple she had ever had. She slowly chewed and finished the other pieces awaiting more. Cadance decided to speak.
"Sorry Sunset not right now. Lets just wait for a bit to see how you handle that much and if things are ok in half an hour or so we'll try a bit more." Cadance said.
Sunset frowned, but could hardly argue with the logic although she had the distinct impression of feeling like a filly again and being denied her favorite cookie.
" Cadance you said you brought some books. Could you please read one to me and maybe play the music again, Cadance having shut the music off when Sunset awoke, I'd really appreciate it." Sunset said.
" I'd love to Sunset." Cadance said picking up a book that Princess Celestia said was one of Sunset's favorites.
So Cadance began to read and lit her horn starting new music. Sunset lay there listening happy to have some company, and a new friend.
As the time passed and Cadance read chapter by chapter she suddenly heard a light snoring. Cadance looked down and giggled. Seeing Sunset asleep she set the book down and went back to her own reading.
Cadance could see that the situation seemed better than what she had thought, but could tell Sunset was keeping a lot in. Hopefully they would get some good news soon.
Time passed and Cadance's eye's soon fell prey to sleep as well, a certain blue alicorn being primarily responsible.
As night fell Celestia made her way into the room and smiled. Seeing Sunset Shimmer sleeping on the bed and Cadance asleep while sleeping. She rolled her eyes and conjured an additional bed and placed the alicorn of love on it placing a blanket on her.
Celestia looked on the two young mares and her heart felt hopeful. It was moments like these that she loved and lived for. Celestia had come back early to bring good news to Sunset as the Doctor Firestone seemed confident that they could proceed with the eye surgery and felt that Sunset should be able to see again normally. The matter of her physical therapy and abilities was another matter entirely the prognosis still being fairly grim.
She looked at the half moon from the window near her desk and shook her head in amusement.
" Sister your responsible for this aren't you?" Celestia said.
There was no answer, but in her minds eye she suddenly saw a dusty, but beautiful, blue alicorn smiling and winking.
Celestia lit a candle to begin her work, but a slight wind blew it out. She tried again with the same result. Celestia's brow furrowed and tried an additional four times each time the same. The Princess had wanted to finish some documents, but it appeared she would be unable to. She looked again at the moon and the stars and simply shook her head.
" I get the message Luna. I'm getting to bed." Celestia said the moon glowing a bright white if only ever so briefly.
So Celestia lay down to slumber on the other side of Sunset, two young mares softly snoring. Celestia smiled knowing it was still a bumpy road, but that maybe things just might be ok.
Author's Note
Another chapter! Hope you enjoyed it. As to how Luna can do the things she does? I tend to view her and Celestia in this world as basically being goddess's. They move the sun and moon, Celestia moving the moon since Luna is still trapped, and because of that I see them having rather insane abilities with their magic. Since Luna is the Princess, goddess, of the night it makes sense to me that she can influence ponies to fall asleep, have good dreams or no dreams etc. Her banishment is of course weakening and since she no longer is Nightmare moon the magic's restraining her abilities have basically gone out the door with the exception of the banishment...Although that banishment might not last much longer...Hint..Hint